The Cursed Prodigy and The Three Special-Grades

Chapters

Saviour
Inner Thoughts
The Party
Substitute Teacher
Grass Cutter
Game to Gauntlet
Four for a Fortune
The Pact
Stormy Weather: Part 1
Stormy Weather: Part 2
Stormy Weather: Part 3
Break
Fortitude
Emergence of Whispers and Malice
The Winter Winds Marches
Fight for The Crystal: Part 2
Fight for The Crystal: Part 3
Fight for The Crystal: Part 4
Fight for The Crystal: Part 5
Fight for The Crystal: Part 6
Fight for The Crystal: Part 7
Fight for The Crystal: Part 8
Fight for The Crystal: Part 9
Destroy the Celestial Bodies: Part 1
Destroy the Celestial Bodies: Part 2
Destroy the Celestial Bodies: Part 3
Destroy the Celestial Bodies: Part 4
The Interlude: Not All Worlds Die The Same
The Chase across Space and Time: Part 1
The Chase across Space and Time: Part 3
Weakness should be punished
Binding Vow
"We'll see each other again, won't we?"
Stormy Weather: Part 4
Fight for The Crystal: Part 1
The Chase across Space and Time: Part 2
Curses
Privacy

Saviour

The sounds of screams and explosions could be heard in Manehatten. As a monstrous creature resembling a sludge rampaged through the streets, towering several stories tall, multiple eyes were scattered across its body. Its appendages acted as arms, tipped with talons large enough to capture creatures of all sizes. Its body was a mix of fur and feathers, creating an abomination similar to a deformed combination of a Griffon, Yak, Hippogriff, and Pony. As it bellowed out, it crushed a sizable chunk of a building's corner under its weight.

"Do-o-o y-y-you want a r-r-receipt??" The creature continues smashing its surroundings, causing a building to collapse.

The local police department, along with a few members of the Royal Guards, were doing their best to evacuate civilians while trying to keep the grotesque slime at bay. In doing so, their forces were spread thin to cover the extensive area the monster was attacking. Furthermore, those who could perform magic were busy tending to the wounded.

'Where's the Wonderbolts when you need them?' The guard thought,

The deafening sound of a chain of massive explosions reverberates through the area, shaking the ground and sending shockwaves through the air. Creatures freeze in fear, unsure of what to do as chaos ensues. Screams ring out in every direction as the full scope of the destruction becomes apparent. Smoke rises into the sky, obscuring the sun and casting a dark pall over the scene.

"Every creature, this way! Hurry!" Waved another guard. Trying to ensure escort to is smooth and efficient, but it is anything but. "No shoving, please!"

Another deafening boom went off. This time, closer to the guard's evacuation site, shaking the earth. Every creature close by felt their heart sink; now desperate to escape, they started doing everything they could to escape the fast-approaching monster. Shoving, pushing, and yelling to get away.

"My baby!" yelled a pegasus mare. The guard who had previously been escorting the escapees turned to the street. Only to be met with the horrifying sight of a young filly that had her hind legs crushed under a large section of a presumably thick section of wall that was once a part of one of the buildings nearby but broke off due to the level of havoc caused by the crazed slime. Blood was slowly seeping under the cracks of stone, and she looked to be knocked unconscious, tears flowing from her closed eyes.

What's worse. Was the monster now creeping itself over the crushed filly, towering over her, its eyes focused on the defenceless pegasus. The mare flared her wings, dead set on saving her child. Only to be intervened by the guard previously escorting the civilians out of harm's way. Tackling and holding her back from getting closer to the monster and her daughter.

"What are you doing!? Let me go!!"

"I'm sorry, miss! But I can't risk you going close to that thing! It's too dangerous!" He yelled back,

"But my child!" The pegasus cried, tears streaming down her face.

The monster reached down with a talon; the thick, sludging substance's vile sound sounded even louder to the mare as its talons were only mere inches off the filly.

"No!!"

In a flash, a blur of orange and blue smashed into the top of the slug, knocking it off balance and forcing it onto its back. The monster used the talon previously meant for the filly to grab onto a nearby building to catch itself from tumbling over completely. Still, it crumbled, trying to support its weight. Soon, a Yak, Earth Pony, Changeling, and Hippogriff joined the fray.

"Ambassadors?!" The guard spoke,

"Smolder and Gallus bought us some time! We should hurry!" Sandbar yelled.

"Don't worry! Yona the strongest! Yona will save hurt pony!" Yona said with pride, dashing over to the knocked-out filly.

"We should support Yona! C'mon, guys, let's go!!" Lead Silverstream, as Ocellus and Sandbar followed close behind.

Up in the sky, Smolder and Gallus levitate above the fallen beast. Confidence apparent from their features, their arms folded in an act to mock the thing.

"What's up, big guy? Two creatures too much for you to handle?" Smolder mocked,

"For all that yelling, you sure can't prove anything, huh? All bark, no bite." Gallus added, shrugging.

A burst of slimy tentacles shot out in the general direction of where the two flyers were; both dodged with a smirk on their face.

"C'mon, it's like you're not even trying!" The dragon laughed. In a moment of classic universal irony, the appendages that had previously missed Smolder suddenly changed their trajectory and flew back down with increased force, slamming the dragon into a nearby tower. The impact was so intense that it shook the ground beneath them. Gallus's expression instantly changed for the worse as he realised the gravity of the situation. He and Smoulder had clearly greatly underestimated the power and speed of the monster they were facing. Now, they were paying a grave price for their mistake.

"Smolder!!" Gallus cried, diving to the crash site. Even though a giant wall of slime that previously was used to smack his friend from the air now acted as a barrier that denied him entry nor Smolder an exit, he clawed at the substance, hoping to open some sort of hole large enough to free his reptilian friend under the toxic weight. Amid Griffon's attempt to free Smolder, an unexpected and massive tentacle suddenly swung down from above, catching him off guard. The Griffon was forced to abandon his efforts momentarily and step back into the air, letting out a grunt of frustration. The tentacle was so massive that it caused a strong gust of wind as it passed, blowing him back even further than he had anticipated.

Earlier that day, a sudden burst of radiant light illuminated the sky, emanating from the rooftop of a towering structure. The light twisted and turned, taking on the shape of a ring before gracefully descending toward the building's surface. As it reached the rooftop, a human figure materialised along with some tables, chairs, and benches, creating an unexpected scene amidst the urban landscape.

"Oof!" Yuta landed on the concrete with an audible thud, soon followed by heavy metal, wood, and plastic clatters singing in a discordant, twisted melody. Almost laughing at how Yuta had fallen into this new, vibrant world.

"Yuta, Yuta. I'm sorry I couldn't get that finger in time." Rika cried apologetically.

Yuta spoke in a reassuring tone as Rika looked at him with a mix of concern and relief. "No, no. Don't worry, Rika. It's my fault for not stopping it sooner. But don't worry, I promise I'll find us a way back." Rika gave a timid yet happy nod, her eyes still scanning her surroundings as if unsure what to expect next. "Be careful, Yuta," she cautioned him before disappearing into the recesses of his shadow.

Yuta took a deep breath and picked up his sword and the case for his blade from the ground. As he stashed them away, he quickly looked around and realised he was in the middle of a cityscape. The sky was a bright blue, with fluffy white clouds hanging overhead, and the sun was shining down on him, making the surroundings feel warm and inviting.

Surprisingly, the atmosphere didn't reek of smoky gasoline, as he had expected. Instead, he could smell the scent of freshly bloomed flowers and the faint aroma of baked goods coming from a nearby bakery. As he took in his surroundings, Yuta made a mental note to be careful and keep his guard up, even though everything seemed peaceful and idyllic.

'Strange, where did that curse send me?' Pulling out his phone, he tried opening Google Maps, only to discover that he had no signal.

"No connection?" Yuta tried waving his hand higher in all directions in a measly attempt to strengthen any possibility of receiving a signal. To his dismay, it didn't work. Rolling his eyes, he tucked his phone back into his pocket while walking over to the rooftop's edge, hoping to see if he could make out any landmark that would give him an inkling of an idea of where he could be. Nope, just buildings, towers, everywhere. Except for a distinct skyscraper with a giant sculpture of a horse's head on top.

"New York? No, there wasn't a sculpture of a horse's head there, was it? No, it can't be. The air is too clean." His train of thought was cut short when the door connecting the rooftops to the rest of the building rattled and opened. Revealing to be a Griffon in editorial clothing walking out, the Griffon looked around and over to the collapsed chairs, benches, and tables. Giving a sigh. He turned his head back, yelling down the stairwell, calling out to somebody.

"Ay, Chief! Why didn't you tell me the new set of chairs would be delivered today!? And why did the movers decide to haul it all onto the rooftop?!... What do you mean? It's not supposed to show up until next week?! No, no, no! I'm not carrying all of this myself . Get your butt..." With that, the Griffon returned to the building.

Above him was Yuta, who had his head poking out the edge of the concrete box where the mythical creature once stood below; he was sitting cross-legged, trying to process the revelation of a talking mythical creature wearing editorial attire and speaking in perfect English.

"...A Griffon?... What? A curse, maybe? No, it can't be.." Standing up with his case, he jumped back onto the rooftop. Looking around, he decides he must learn more about this place. Standing at the rooftop's edge, he took a deep breath and crouched down, ready to take off. With a burst of energy, he launched himself forward, sprinting towards the edge with all his might. He leapt off the rooftop in one swift motion, soaring through the air.

As he landed gracefully on the next rooftop, he could feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. A much better warm-up than his previous altercation with the curse back at the school. With each jump, he felt more invigorated, more alive. He hopped from one rooftop to another, each time covering a greater distance, until he finally spotted his destination - the tallest building in the city, with a magnificent horse sculpture perched atop it.

Undaunted, he continued his path, manoeuvring through rooftops and balconies with ease. The wind whipped past him, and the sun beat down on his back, but he remained focused on his goal. With each leap, he felt himself getting closer and closer to his destination.

Yuta's heart was pounding as he drew closer to the Crystaller Building, the tallest and most imposing structure in the entire city. With each step, he could feel his pulse quickening.

With a deep breath, Yuta directed cursed energy into his legs, feeling it surge through his body. He crouched down and leapt towards the glass, his feet making contact with the smooth surface. With just enough force, he began to run up the side of the building, his cursed energy articulately controlled as he scaled it without breaking a single pane.

"And you have a good day, sir." Said a Hippogriff, placing the phone back onto the holder. She slouched onto the chair she was sitting on while vigorously rubbing her eyes. Sighing, she turned over to stare at the window pane, allowing her thoughts to de-clutter and daydream a bit. Just to catch a blur of white and black human boy zooming past where she was looking. She sat there, stunned, in disbelief, and questioning reality.

Blinking once, twice, and thrice before she rubbed her eyes again to check if they were functioning correctly, her manager walked over.

"Something the matter?" The Changeling inquired. To which she scratched her mane in confusion.

"I think I'm gonna take the next few days off."

Reaching the top of the Crystaller Building, Yuta hopped onto the top of the sculpture's head and took in the view. The skyline was magnificent, with tall buildings jutting up into the sky like spears. In the far distance, he could make out what looked to be the Statue of Liberty, but to his surprise, it was in the form of a pony. As he continued surveying his surroundings, Yuta noticed the city had a familiar layout. It strongly resembled New York, with its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and even a central park.

"I'm actually in New York? No... An... Another world? Oh man, I'm so done for!" Yuta yelled, ruffling his head in idiocy for allowing himself to fall into that wormhole that cursed spirit made. Just as he was about to condemn himself more, however. An explosion nearby and a surge of curse energy caught his attention.

"Even in other Worlds, there's curses?" Clutching his sling case, he took off from the sculpture. Sliding down the side of the Crystaller Building. He jumped onto a rooftop nearby, pacing himself and making his way over to the location of the cursed spirit.

Getting closer and closer, he could see even from such a distance that the cursed spirit was going on an onslaught. Checking the streets under him, the curse had already done a significant amount of damage to the roads and stores. Some creatures he didn't even know existed were gunning for safety, while some were trapped under rubble and debris.

'A Grade 2? Judging by the Griffon earlier, they seemed to speak perfect English. If I want to find a way back, it'll be best if I work together with the sorcerers of this world. I should start by helping the civilians, showing that I'm not a threat, and then taking down that curse. That should be good enough in solidifying my innocence.'

"Yup!" Yuta said aloud in affirmation as he jumped to the streets, landing with a crash. He jogged past some burning shops and large rubble and over to a trapped and unconscious changeling; using his left hand, he easily flipped over the large debris, thanks to his immense reserves of cursed energy flowing throughout his body. Picking up the Changeling with his left arm, he was about to move to a safer location until the Changeling started to squirm in agony.

Yuta was taken aback by the response, 'Is it because I'm carrying this creature too tight? No, it can't be.' After putting in some thought, Yuta dampened his cursed energy. As he did so, the squirming from the Changeling slowly but surely subsided. Sighing a sigh of relief, the cursed prodigy quickly left the splash zone and headed towards safer grounds. Gently placing the injured Changeling down. Yuta shared positive energy around the wound, healing her enough to stop whatever internal or external bleeding it might have.

Satisfied, he was ready to move on to the next victim that needed his aid. A heavy rumble and another explosion made him reconsider; looking back toward the giant apparition, Yuta could make out two beings, one orange and one blue, trying to take down the massive beast. That soon became one when orange got swatted out of the sky. Unsheathing his blade, he allowed his cursed energy to flow freely into the weapon.

"Change of plans."

"Let me go, you freak!" Yelled Gallus, slamming his talons onto the tentacles holding him and the injured Smolder hostages.

"Dang it! If I wasn't so careless, you'd be toasted a long time ago, you disgusting slime!" exclaimed Smolder through a bleeding forehead. Soon enough, beams of magic were fired at the being. Puncturing holes into what seemed to be the torso of the curse, but it was quickly mended when said holes were being filled with more of itself. Basically, nullifying the damage done. Agitated, it tightened its hold on its captives with a roar. A few snaps could be heard even from where the rest of the Young Six were standing, making Smolder and Gallus cough up blood and forcing their veins to show on their foreheads.

This display of strength made all the Guards in the present area seize fire, not wanting to cause any more indirect harm to the two.

"How is it this strong!?" Yelled Sandbar.

"Quick, we need to notify The Professors!" Silverstream suggested with haste.

"I heard one of the Pillars is already coming here!" Piped a Guard.

"We don't have time! Our friends are going to die!!" cried Ocellus.

"Stop hurting Yona's friends!" Yona screamed with anger as she charged head-first into the scene.

"Don't, Yona!" Sandbar warned, racing behind her. The curse swung one of its arms at Yona, pushing her back easily. She flew back with tremendous force, so much so that Sandbar couldn't move out of the way fast enough, allowing her body to smash into Sandbar. At the same time, the poor Earth Pony acted as a cushion to soften her fall. Sandbar could physically feel the impact of the Yak's weight on his body as he bore the brunt of the fall. His internal organs shifted slightly, and he felt the wind being knocked out of him as he acted as a cushion to soften her landing.

'How did it come to this? We were just studying friendship in class not too long ago.' Sandbar thought it wasn't long before his mind scrunched, processing a sudden, sharp pain in his body.

Crack.

Something definitely broke. Sandbar doesn't know if it was the force, Yona, or a combination of the two that led to him fracturing his ribs, but it sure as hell hurts all the same. Crashing into a street lamp was what finally stopped the fall.

'N-now we have to deal with that thing?' The Earth Pony didn't even think it was possible to stutter when thinking to yourself. Yet, here he is now. Nevertheless, as the dust settles, Yona is able to collect herself enough to utter a few words.

"S-sorry Sandbar..." She murmured through pained teeth.

"I-it's alright, Yona. *Hrghh* " Sandbar falsely reassures, doubling over with the Yak still on top of him.

As the curse gained momentum, a twisted and malevolent grin contorted its form. It seemed to revel in the anticipation of impending victory. Like a child drunk on excitement, the curse began to wreak havoc on everything in its vicinity, unable to contain the sadistic pleasure it felt. The sounds of destruction echoed through the air as the curse continued to revel in its sadistic nature.

"How are these things s-so strong?" The injured pony coughed.

In an instant, an unknown figure slammed itself relentlessly into the cursed spirit with such force that it collapsed and buckled under the weight of the blow. Forming a small crater in the street, the earth beneath needing to bend to accommodate.

In that fleeting moment, every creature within sight held their breath in anticipation. Every creature had thought that either The Pillars or The Elements had arrived to finally vanquish this evil being back to whatever hell spawn it came from. That moment of hope didn't last long. As the wicked presence of the curse diminishes, a newfound evil can be felt filling the immediate area, and silence quickly follows. It was as if the void left by the departing curse had been quickly filled by something even more sinister.

The atmosphere was suffocating, as if a heavy blanket had been draped over the world, smothering all life beneath it. Breathing became a laborious task, even for those not physically exerting themselves. The air was so thin that it felt as if one had to climb a mountain just to draw a single breath. Yet, despite the thinness of the air, it was thick with an unnameable, almost tangible dread. The kind of fear could make one's hair stand on end and turn the blood to ice in one's veins. Every creature felt its grip, and the instinctual terror was absolute, irrevocable, and all-encompassing.

Silverstream had never felt such fear aside from Stormterror, but this feeling pales compared to him. Ocellus was in a similar situation; sure, she was scared for a time when she was under the rule of Chrysalis. However, she'd instead attempt stealing love from the Crystal Empire than be forced to face whatever stood behind that wall of smoke. Even Sandbar and Yona, who are losing consciousness, could feel the raw negativity emanating from the human. "It's worse than Tirek..." The pony noted.

As the dust clouds finally subside, it reveals to the crowd who had just exorcised the curse. A young human teen crouches down, his blade deeply impaling the curse. The ghostly sludge slowly disintegrates from Yuta's raw cursed energy flowing throughout its body. Overwhelming the curse with his own.

It felt as though the sky had turned red when the young man slowly stood up, a smile plastered on his face with a few stains of purple blood adorning his cheeks. On his left were Gallus and Smolder, his left arm clamping the two secure to his body.

They seemed to have it the worst of everybody there. Pupils shrunk to pinpricks while their beak and snout are slightly agape. Sweat beaded down their foreheads and necks; all the while, they were shivering uncontrollably, and their face was as pale as the moon. They hadn't dared to move nor stare at the boy, afraid of what the human might do. And honestly? They looked to be one spook away from soiling themselves. Of course, Yuta doesn't see any of this. Giving a quick huff, he spoke his first words to the residents of Equestria.

"Sorry! Did I startle you guys?"

Inner Thoughts

"Sorry! Did I startle you guys?"

Yuta was perched high on a raised platform, looking down at the crowd below. His sword gleamed in the light, and he flicked it with ease, sending a spray of purple blood across the ground. His expression remained serene, his heavenly gaze piercing through the souls of those who stared back at him. But despite his calm demeanour, an awkward silence hung in the air, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for something to happen.

However, everybody else could beg to differ. Assumptions and ideas stringing and guiding their minds, all leading them to the same conclusion: that Yuta was a force to be feared. They could sense the malice and cursed energy that surrounded him, and it sent shivers down their spines. Even his smile seemed ominous as if he was enjoying the fear and confusion he was causing. Like a hive mind, everybody can only come to one single collective thought as to The Sorcerer's appearance.

'He's the one behind all of this!'

"L-let them go!"Silverstream's voice trembled as she spoke up, surprising Yuta with her sudden brashness. He turned to face the pink hippogriff, raising an eyebrow at her attempted hostility. Despite this, Yuta's smile remained calm and neutral as he tried to understand what was going on.

Silverstream hesitated but steeled herself with a stomp, her gaze fierce. Not allowing herself to succumb to fear when the lives of her friends are seemingly on the line. "I-I won't say it again!"

"Ok." Much to everyone's surprise, Yuta suddenly released Smolder and Gallus from his hold and raised his left arm in a way that made it look like someone had just pointed a banana at him.

"You're... Not threatening us?" Silverstream inquired.

"....No? What makes you think that?" The human replied.

Ocellus took a step back and nervously looked Yuta up and down. "You look um... Intimidating...and pretty evil," she piped up, her voice shaking slightly. Yuta's heart sank at the comment. This was the last thing he wanted them to think of him.

"Ah! Sorry, sorry! I don't mean any harm, I promise you!" Dialling back his cursed energy, the tension in the air seemed to have dissipated, and the invisible weight weighing on everybody's shoulder had vanished. Finally, The Young Six, The royal guards, and the local civilians get to have a good look at Yuta's face. His smile appeared to look genuine now.

Silverstream let out a sigh of relief as she wiped the beads of sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand. "Phew! That was scary!" she exclaimed, her voice still trembling with fear. However, before she could take another breath, Ocellus darted past her with a sense of urgency, heading straight for Smolder and Gallus, who were lying motionless on the ground.

"Smolder! Gallus! Are you two alright?"

"Barely..." Gallus chimed, holding his torso with tears in his eyes.

"Was that thing poisonous? I feel sick..." Smolder asked, her scales stained with small flecks of blood, indicating that some form of internal bleeding occurred and it was coughed up. Ocellus bowed her head slightly, allowing her horn to make contact with Smolder's scales. She concentrated, spreading her healing magic across the orange dragon's body, doing what she could to minimise and close the internal bleeding.

This alleviated some of the pain she was feeling as she repeated what she did for Gallus, tending to his wounds.

"This should help soothe the pain to some extent. Sorry, but that's as far as I can manage. You two still need medical attention. So please don't push yourself."

"Yeah, appreciate it," Gallus thanked.

"Thanks a bunch," Smolder added.

The two got up, stretching slightly before feeling a sharp pain in their ribs. What Ocellus said was true; they weren't fully treated. Gallus buckled somewhat due to the sudden sensation, his face looking to be on the verge of screaming. Smolder, on the other hand, was trying to stifle tears from streaming down her face.

As all of this was happening, the Special Grade Sorcerer stood by impartial emotions, his mind busy with other matters. In spite of that, the voice of Ocellus broke through his gearing mind and caught his attention.

"So, um, what are you mister?"

"Me?" Yuta replied.

"Yeah, you! I hadn't seen a creature like you before!" Silverstream interjected with excitement, now understanding the human in front of her is of no harm.

“My name is Okkotsu Yuta. But my friends just call me Yuta."

"Guys... A-a little help?" Chimed Sandbar, squashed between a bent lamppost and an unconscious Yona. Silverstream was about to make her way over, though a white blur reached Sandbar first, his sword sheathed to his waist.

"Here, allow me," With impressive strength and a gentle touch, Yuta gracefully lifted the sleeping Yak off of Sandbar's back. He didn't seem to break a sweat, "Thanks, dude." The Earth Pony stood, just like his dragon and griffon companions. He also suspected he had broken something, but his sturdy Earth Pony physiology helped dampen the pain. Though not as bad, he isn't in a better situation either.

"How are you feeling? Is everything Alright?" Yuta asked,

"I'll manage," Sandbar responded with a light stroke of his side.

The Young Six, Yuta, along with a few of the royals, now stood outside the Maneway Station. Currently discussing the situation at hand.

"Wait, so you're an alien?!" The six yelled in unison, causing some of the nearby pedestrians to turn heads.

"How are you so laid back about this?" Gallus asked. Yuta could only smile and give a shrug. As he takes in his surroundings, he can't help but notice how strangely serene he feels despite the circumstances. It's as though the environment around him is enveloping him in a warm and welcoming embrace, providing a sense of comfort that he hasn't felt in a long time. Even though the recent events that brought him here were far from pleasant, he still can't help but feel as though he's been whisked away on a vacation. However, he knows that this trip is going to be far longer and more indefinite than any vacation he's ever taken before.

'Is this what Gojo-sensei meant by Sorcerers gotta have a few screws loose?' The boy thought.

"In your perspective, you can consider me an alien. The thing is, I'm looking for a way to get back to my own world. You see, I was caught up in a battle with a monster that had supernatural abilities, and during our fight, it somehow managed to transport me here. "

"So, like, some sort of magic that transported you over to Equestria? If so, maybe the Princess can help you. She's practically a magic goddess!" Smolder asked, her hand caressing her ribs.

'Wait, magic? Goddess?'

"Tell us how you managed to beat that monster!" The happy-go-lucky hippogriff, now up in Yuta's face, almost demanded an answer. Adding. "You were so cool! Though admittedly a bit scary. But still cool nonetheless!"

"Even Yona impressed with Yuta's strength! But Yaks still strongest."

"I just exorcised it with force. Didn't you guys try to do the same thing?"

"...Excorise? Uhh, yeah, we did." Gallus scruffed, "And look how that turned out. You don't look like the power type, Yuta. Yet you're still really strong. Is there a trick, some sort of magic?"

"I get that a lot. Well, it just boils down to training, I guess? Hahaha." Yuta answered, rubbing the back of his head in modesty before continuing. "Anyway, I'd like to have a chance to meet with The Princess you speak of. Maybe she'd have a way back for me."

"Sure. In fact, Silverstream and Ocellus, you two can accompany Yuta to see the Princess. The rest of us are gonna go check in at the local hospital."

"Um, is it really ok to trust him Sandbar?" Ocellus asked.

"Well, he did save our lives. It's the least we could do. Besides, I don't think he has any intention of harming us. If he did, he would have already done so. Plus, It would also be strange if an alien monkey suddenly appeared in Canterlot alone. No offence, Yuta."

"None taken." That said, Yuta can't help but think back to that Sorcerer with the weird bangs.

"Ooh, alright. Well then, we can first board the next train that's coming. Just follow Silverstream and me, Yuta." Ocellus stated, leading the way up the stairs.

"Take care, guys!" Silverstream waved before flying to catch up with the two in the front.

"Yona gets a scary feeling from the monkey; Yona hopes Ocellus and Silverstream stay safe." A hoof patted Yona's back soothingly. Turning, she could see it was Sandbar.

"It's alright, Yuta seems pretty chill. I mean, if things go South. Princess Twilight and her friends can handle it."

"I'm still surprised he could speak Equis." The orange dragon commented.

As the two groups went their separate ways, a child with no face stood on top of a towering high-rise building, towering over them like an ominous figure. Small embers chipped away at the edge of her ear. Her facial muscles were visible as she looked down at them with animosity and spite, While her sets of teeth snapped and crooked into a creepy smile.

Her hand still holding the Pony doll. With a squeeze, With a sudden squeeze, she crushed it with ease, not giving it a second glance.

The child's eyes were empty and devoid of any emotion, and yet, she too began to speak, her voice sounding eerily calm and detached.

"I will see it for myself."

The train ride to Canterlot has remained rather quiet ever since they left Manehatten. The rhythmic chugging of the train provided a calming, white noise that helped to drown out any noise from the surroundings. The gentle swaying of the carriage and the occasional hum of the engine made the journey feel almost meditative. Initially, fellow passengers would glance their way, curious about the group travelling together.

However, upon spotting Yuta with two of the Ambassadors, their worries dissipated, and their inquisitive gazes soon turned into friendly nods and smiles.

The two friends sat across from Yuta while he had his katana resting on the seat next to him. Silverstream had already dozed off from the long day's journey to and from as she unintentionally laid her head on Ocellus from fatigue. While Ocellus still looked to be rather reserved, keeping to herself.

This hadn't bothered Yuta at all. Resting his chin on his arm, he lazily looked out the window. Taking in the scenery of the quickly changing landscape, thinking back to the events today had to offer. He summed up what happened in his mind.

'From my conversation with the six of them, they seem to haven't had the slightest clue about cursed energy. Otherwise, the dragon...Smolder? And her blue friend, Gallus, wouldn't be so brazen as to charge that cursed spirit. So there are two possibilities.

A Jujutsu society exist
A jujutsu society doesn't exist

Assuming that a Jujutsu society does exist, they could be more effective and efficient in clearing cursed spirits if they had garnered to such an extent. Also, the least they could do was draw a veil. Yet, there wasn't any when I arrived. Sooner or later, Jujutsu would've been outed as a means to exorcise the curses, which would eliminate the incident earlier.

Now, the second option. A jujutsu society doesn't exist in Equestria. That would either mean these curses are a recent occurrence, thus explaining why and how the citizens are so unprepared. Or there are no readily available means to adapt cursed energy as a whole. That would explain why I hadn't come across any creatures that were leaking cursed energy.

And based on their usage of "magic", it looks to be their primary source of utility. Hence, the only possibility could be number two. Furthermore, the fact that large curses are spawning into a world without any form of Jujutsu to protect themselves is an open invitation asking for global extinction.

Additionally, they seemed to be rather uncomfortable and even in pain just because of the emission of my cursed energy. That's something I'd like to look into regarding this phenomenon.

Moving on, the fact that these people are unfamiliar with Jujutsu is a significant advantage for me. Being in this foreign world, I understand their caution towards me. Therefore, I need to establish a positive relationship with them. My ultimate goal is to leave this world on good terms with these people. However, in the worst-case scenario, I may have to resort to violence to find my way back to Earth. Otherwise, I risk being stranded here Permanently.

Still, that curse that sent me here, the faceless one. I wonder if it's in this world like I am. I'll figure it out later.

With a deep sigh, he folded his arms and slouched into his seat. Feeling the need to rest, he closed his eyes and quickly drifted off to sleep, his head bobbing slightly with the movement of the vehicle.

The loud sounds of activated speakers shook Yuta from his slumber. Fluttering his eyes open, he could hear some form of static coming over in the intercoms before the voice of the conductor came on.

"Attention every creature! The final destination, Canterlot, is fast approaching! Please gather your valuables and luggage as you prepare to alight the Friendship Express. Thank you for travelling with us! I Repeat."

Grabbing his weapon, Yuta quickly slings it onto his shoulder. Ocellus and Silverstream looked to have just woken up as well.

"*Yawn* We should get going, c'mon!" Silverstream suggested, giving her wings a good stretch.

Alighting the train, the three stepped onto The Canterlot Train Station. A group of royal guards was already standing there at attention, patiently waiting for them.

"It seems that Gallus and the others have already informed Princess Twilight about our arrival," Ocellus remarked. As they approached, the guards quickly rushed over to them. Ocellus and Silverstream received nods of affirmation, but Yuta only received side glares. The guards then acted with near-perfect synchronisation, surrounding the trio like bodyguards protecting a celebrity. Yuta was taken aback by this gesture, as he had never been treated like this before. However, he realised that it was necessary when guiding a foreign life form through a busy city like Canterlot. Speaking of Canterlot, walking through with a literal ring of guards does draw quite a bit of unwanted attention.

Not to mention, Yuta wasn't particularly tall in any regard. But these ponies, griffons, hippogriffs, changelings, yaks, and dragons are so small it makes him look gigantic.

That said, it was quite amusing to watch the guards, who didn't seem to care at all, shouting at every creature that crossed their path, demanding them to make way, or else they would be pushed aside. It may sound harsh, but it was quite effective.

This showcase lasted all the way to Canterlot Castle, where the guards finally gave Yuta some breathing room. Strolling through the halls, the walls were shined a pristine white and decorated with just enough floral so that it didn't feel as empty as it should be.

"Woah. So, this is a castle? The carpet smells expensive." The two giggled at Yuta's remark.

"It is the Canterlot Castle, after all, the one in which the Princess resides. So, of course, everything gotta be top-notch!" Silverstream said.

"Speaking of the Princess, we've arrived."

The Party

Sugarcube Corner, The day of Yuta's arrival to Equestria

The chill beat of the music and the dancing ponies put a smile on Yuta's face as he took a sip of fruit punch from his hands, his katana case slung across his shoulder. Yuta wouldn't say it, but large, intense parties weren't really his thing, yet somehow, Pinkie knew that and had organised a much more relaxing party for him. Sighing, Yuta sat by a rather large table at the side of Sugarcube Corner and shuffled closer to the wall, leaning his katana case against the wall as he peered out the window.

"What'cha doing all alone, Yuta?"

Turning to the voice, Yuta's eyes met Pinkie's. Hers radiated an energy he couldn't quite grasp. She scooted over the seat across from him and sat down.

"Oh! Nothing, Miss Pinkie Pie!" Yuta waved off, causing Pinkie to giggle. "Well, I'm just wondering how my juniors are doing..."

"I think they're doing fine!" Pinkie replied, reaching far off to the side that Yuta's peripherals couldn't quite see. With a strong pull, Pinkie's hoof had hauled three new faces to the seats beside her's. Yuta's eyes widened upon seeing his juniors in the flesh.

"O-Okkotsu?" Fushiguro stammered, a hand grabbing his head.

"Fushiguro!?" Yuta points, creasing his brow.

"Hey, Fushiguro. You know this guy?" Yuji points back with a thumb.

"Enough of the introductions, where are we!?" Nobara interjected, slamming a hand onto the table.

Yuta rubbed the back of his head. "It's a long story..."

...

After thoroughly explaining the detail of what happened to Yuta to the three juniors because the author is way too lazy to type allat shit out, Fushiguro sat in mock contemplation, his thumb and finger on his cheek as the other arm hugged his body.

"...That's quite the experience..." Fushiguro mumbled.

"I know!" Yuta laughed, "But since you're here. What are you going to do?"

"Well, we were going to play Uno!" Yuji cuts in, turning to Yuta. "You wanna join, Mr Senpai!?"

Yuta smiles, "I would love to! But I think we have to explain the rules to Miss Pinkie Pie first if we're all going to play together."

Pinkie blew a raspberry, "I already know how to play Uno, silly!"

"Oh? Does Equestria have Uno, too?"

"Nope! However, the chapter requires me to know the rules for Uno, so the author doesn't need to type or transition this entire segue into us playing Uno. But seeing as he spent more time on my dialogue with you, it kinda backfired on 'em." Pinkie finished with a cute blink of her eyes. Fushiguro deadpanned her, while Nobara and Yuji aww at the pretty little pony.

Yuta chuckled, "Ooookay." He dragged, trying to change the topic. "Since Pinkie knows the rules, let's play!"

Taking the deck of cards from Fushiguro, Yuta sufficiently shuffled it before evenly distributing the deck into seven cards for each player.

"Are we playing by house rules?" Nobara asked, taking the seven cards before her and organising them in her hand.

"Yeah, stackable power-ups are all game," Yuji replied, throwing a card Red 3 down to start the game. "Let the games begin!!"

Yuta sat on the far left of the seat, Yuji took the middle, and Fushiguro took the far right. On the opposite side, Nobara sat directly across from Fushiguro, and Pinkie took the seat across from Yuta. Playing in an anti-clockwise formation, Fushiguro threw down a Yellow 3.

Nobara quickly tossed a Yellow Plus 2, "Sorry, Pinkie," Shee sneered. "Gotta start chipping away at the competition, you know?"

"I'm sorry too," Pinkie said, throwing down a Green Plus 2. "That it'll never hit me!"

While the two stared daggers at one another, Yuta drew four cards from the deck. Through the multiple pieces of cards, one in particular caught his eye. A colour-changing Plus 4. That'll come in handy. With a happy gesture from Yuta, Yuji took it as the green light to make his move, putting down three 5 cards starting from green to blue, and finally red. Dropping his hand down to three cards. He smirked and looked at the Zenin, "Good luck beating that!"

Fushiguro didn't make an expression; instead, he chose to let his cards speak for him as he placed down a Red Reversal.

Yuji stared at the card and looked back at his hand. "Damn it." Sighing, he reluctantly draws cards to his hand.

Nobara broke out laughing at this, "BWAHAHAHAH!!! WHY DID YOU END ON A COLOUR YOU DON'T HAVE!?!?"

"HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW FUSHIGURO HAD A REVERSAL!? I THOUGHT IT'D MAKE A LOOP AROUND AND CHANGE COLOURS BY THEN!!"

Yuta ignored the bickering and placed down four Zeros, starting from red and ending with blue. Which gave way for Pinkie to intercept the two arguing humans with a card from her hoof.

"Now settle down, little fillies and colts!!" Pinkie declared, "Watch in awe at my most awesome play yet!!" Throwing down three skips, Pinkie had managed to damn near skip the entire roster and back onto herself. Huffing at a job well done, she pats herself on the back.

Yuta stared at her hand... or hoof, and saw three cards left. Looking down on his fan of cards, he plucked one out and tossed it on the increasing pile of cards.

"Plus two Yellow."

Everyone at the table could hear the distant sound of a shattered window as Pinkie wilts in her seat and draws the necessary cards.

The game carried on like this, with whirlwinds of ups and downs, card-slamming showdowns, and the occasional loop-de-loop round that turned the entire game upside down. Hands flew across the table, growing large and cartoony with every card gained, then shrinking back down in defeat as precious cards were lost. The laughter that had filled the room earlier had morphed into a tense silence, broken only by the dramatic thumps of cards being thrown down. Eventually, they all came to a stalemate. Yuta, Fushiguro, and Nobara had three cards left on hand, Yuji had four, and Pinkie was dead last at five.

Somewhere along the game, the cycle had reversed back and forth until it returned to its original anti-clockwise rotation. All the shouting and yelling caught everybody in the shop's attention as they crowded around the humans with playful interest. With a smirk. Fushiguro calmly placed his card down, a Red Nine. Two more, and he wins the game.

Nobara tossed a Plus 2 and smirked at Pinkie again.

"Kicking a mare while she's down, eh?" Pinkie slammed another Plus 2. "I don't think so~!"

Yuta, desperate to avoid the growing stack of cards in the centre, bit his lip and hesitantly threw down a Plus 2 of his own. Beside him, Yuji followed suit with a sheepish grin.

"Sorry about that, Fushiguro," Yuji mumbled, his voice laced with a mock apology. With a playful nudge, he sent the deck of cards sliding across the table towards Fushiguro.

Fushiguro's smirk widened into a full-blown grin. "Shouldn't you be apologizing to Nobara instead, Itadori?" he countered, placing down another Plus 2 of his own. Letting him run free of the Plus 8 combo. "Uno."

A collective gasp echoed around them, but Fushiguro's gloating was short-lived as Nobara slammed a Plus Four Wild card onto the table, shifting the tide of battle. "I don't need your apology!!" she declared, "Eat shit, Fushiguro!"

Pinkie placed a hoof on Nobara's shoulder, "Hey," The party pony said softly. "That's not nice to say to your friends."

Nobara looked over at Pinkie, her eyes sparkling. Sighing in defeat of cuteness, she looked back at the human across from her and huffed her arms. "Yeah, sorry, Fushiguro--"

"IS WHAT A LOSER WOULD SAY!!" Pinkie shrieked, her voice bouncing off the walls like a hyperactive echo. In a blur of pink, she slammed a Draw Four card onto the table, the force nearly knocking the entire deck over. A hoof landed right before Yuta, its owner practically vibrating with barely contained glee. "EAT IT, YUTA!" she declared, her voice laced with playful malice. However, Yuta placed his Plus Four to complement Pinkie's. "WHAT!?"

"I had this for a while now!" Yuta points at the draw four. "I just didn't know when I should use it."

All eyes were on Itadori now, and his face was unreadable. Suddenly, his hand grabs Fushiguro's shoulder, causing sweat to bead down Zenin's face as the card in his hands trembles.

"I'm sorry, my brother," Yuji said with the most shit-eating grin. "RAHHH!! DRAW FOUR!!!" Yuji slammed his own Plus Four onto the table so hard that the impact caused it to splinter slightly. Reeling his head back, Yuji tried to give his best Sukuna impression as he laughed his ass off... evil-y.

The room erupted in pandemonium. Nobara doubled over in laughter, tears welling up in her eyes. Even Pinkie, momentarily stunned by the sheer audacity of Yuji's move, found herself snorting with amusement. But Fushiguro's reaction was the most dramatic. He sat there, stunned, the weight of a potential draw 18 hanging heavy in the air like a cursed object, and he cowered under the pressure. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his hand instinctively tightened around the card he held. The corner of his vision darkens as he sees the stack of Uno cards waiting for him, calling for him. Fushiguro's grip on his last card tightened even further. His knuckles turned white, and a faint tremor ran through his hand.

"Fushiguro? Are you going to draw your cards?" Yuta inquired politely, a hint of concern cutting through his usual goofy grin. Suddenly, Fushiguro released his grip on the card, letting it cascade dramatically onto the table with a soft thud. "You dropped your last card," Yuta reached over the table, across the celebrating Yuji, and picked it up the best he could without looking at it.

"Here you go!" Yuta said, looking up with Fushiguro's card in hand. But the pose he was in caused Yuta to stumble back, a look of pure bewilderment replacing his face.

Fushiguro's arms were outstretched before him, balled up into fists with a slight upward angle. His normally stoic expression had contorted into a frightening grimace, his eyes glowing a faint purple. The lights on the ceiling of Sugarcube Corner, previously humming innocuously, began to flicker erratically.

A low, ominous humming filled the air, sending shivers down everyone's spines. Toads circled the table from the shadows, and a chorus of wolves howled at the unseen moon.

"Umm... Fushiguro...?" Yuta asked his voice barely a squeak.

"With this treasure... I summon..." Fuhiguro recites,

Finally broken out of his little dance, Yuji glances over at his friend. "What are you-"

"『Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General』..."

"Oh sh-"

"『MAHORAGA』!!!"

Author's Note

Happy April's Fools, everyone!

Wrote this in about 2 hours. LOL.

Substitute Teacher

The School of Friendship was filled with the sound of ringing bells that echoed through the corridors, announcing the start of a new day. As the students made their way into their classrooms, the air was filled with excited chatter about the usual topics that occupy the minds of teenagers: fashion, crushes, and the latest gossip about the exploits of the school's superheroes, The Ambassadors. Everyone was abuzz with news about how a dangerous sludge monster had bested the team.

Slight uncertainty was now ever present in the class, even while the young six were sitting amongst the discussing crowd. It has only served to rub salt into the wound.

"Dang, do you think The Ambassadors were that close to winning?" Whispered a voice.

"No way! Look at their casts! I heard some alien saved them."

"Do you think The Council might be overpowered one day?"

"Are you crazy!? They are the protectors of Equestria, the ones who defeated Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow! They'd never lose to the likes of those monsters!"

"You guys know we're still here, right?" Smolder stated aloud, annoyance clear in her voice. Causing the rest of the class to quiet down. Aside from the two that didn't participate in the confrontation, she and her other friends were covered in bandages or casts. Each had their head hung low from the news of their defeat, and tension soon filled the room.

The tension in the room was palpable, as the insensitive comments had hit a nerve; their worries were not unfounded. What would be next if the rising surge of curses were slowly overpowering some of the greater powerhouses Equestria had to offer? The Pillars? The Council?

The Princess?

They soon had to place their concerns aside when the door handle shuffled and turned, and with a creak, the door opened, revealing a noticeable, non-equestrian creature dressed in white attire walking in on two feet. None had spoken nor had the cognitive thought to utter a word upon seeing this strange alien monkey walk into class.

Yuta set his sword beside the teacher's desk, taking extra care not to cause any loud clattering noises. He then turned to face the class, his hand holding a couple of pages of paper that had been neatly stapled together. The pages contained detailed information on the rules and regulations governing a teacher's conduct, including their behaviour, dress code, and student responsibilities. Despite the seriousness of the topic, Yuta's face bore a gentle smile as he addressed the class, his eyes scanning the room to ensure that everyone was paying attention.

"Good morning, class, my name is Okkotsu Yuta. You can just address me as Yuta. I will be acting as your substitute teacher for the next few days on behalf of the five professors as they prepare for the annual Friendship Sports Festival in the upcoming days. Nice to meet you all." He finished with a quick bow. In response, the class also returned the gesture, greeting him seated.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Yuta."

"Oh my goodness! You're our substitute teacher that Professor Rarity was talking about!?" Silverstream said with laced excitement.

"Silverstream, you know him?" Questioned a classmate.

"He's the one that saved our skins," Gallus added.

As soon as these words escaped their lips, the class erupted into a cacophony of voices, each member of the Young Six being bombarded with a flurry of similar questions yet different in their specifics. The air was thick with curiosity and excitement, as though a dam had burst and the floodgates of inquiry had been opened.

"Wait, so he's the alien?! He's so tall!"

"He does look like a monkey. You think he likes bananas?"

"He looks so scrawny for something that defeated that monster unassisted."

"I like turtles."

"He looks so dead inside."

'Well, I guess the first order of business is to explain the dangers of cursed spirits, as said in the task fulfilment sheet.' Yuta thought, looking at the checklist listed on the sheets of paper Rarity gave him.

"Uh-hem." Yuta coughed into his fist, catching the attention of everybody in the classroom, his face showing that he was faking, clearing his throat. "Now, I understand all of you are very curious about the monster I was facing and how I managed to slay it on my own." Grabbing the chalk on the holder, he wrote in tandem as he spoke. "Jot this down if you wish to. Simply put, what I killed, or rather, exorcised, was a cursed spirit."

"A cursed... spirit?" Smolder asks with a tilt of her head.

"As you may already know, all living beings experience negative emotions. However, most of them are unable to control or contain these negative emotions, which leads to the release of negative energy or cursed energy. When an excessive amount of cursed energy accumulates in one specific area, it can trigger the birth of a cursed spirit. That's why heavily populated places are more likely to have strong cursed spirits, like the one you and your friends faced in Manehatten.

Cursed spirits can only be exorcised by using cursed energy. Any other method would be ineffective, except for one that is too complex to explain here. As a Sorcerer, my job is to exorcise these cursed spirits using Jujutsu, which encompasses all forms of sorcery and skills that sorcerers and cursed spirits can access by manipulating their own cursed energy. Think of cursed energy as a type of poison; the more potent it is, the more effective it will be.

In my world, Sorcerers and cursed spirits are ranked from Grade 1 to Grade 4 based on their level of skill. Students joining the Sorcerer Society usually start at Grade 4, but this can vary depending on the case.

Sorcerers are expected to take on missions that involve curses of the same level. For example, a Grade 2 sorcerer should be able to defeat a Grade 2 curse because their skill level is closer to the strength of a Grade 1 curse. The ranks are listed as

Grade 4
Grade 3
Grade 2
Grade 1
Special-Grade

To give a brief description of the ranks:

Grade 4 is a rank meant for weak and inexperienced sorcerers.

Grade 3 is an average rank for jujutsu sorcerers, especially students.

Grade 2 is an above-average level for a sorcerer. Most great sorcerers are between Grades 1 and 2, so they are not by any means weak. It is exceptional for a student to be in Grade 2, a status that allows them to work on solo assignments.

Grade 1 sorcerers are the ones who uphold the standards of what a sorcerer should strive to be and are the ones fit to lead society. It is the highest status a sorcerer can hope to achieve through the natural progression of ranks. The level of danger on missions, the amount of confidentiality entrusted to them, and the compensation are far more significant than any of the previously discussed ranks. Think of them as the super strong and reliable seniors in Socerery combat!

Regarding cursed spirit rankings, they are evaluated on a similar scale but not exactly the same as each other. The upper ranks can be pretty particular when it comes to grading cursed spirits. They are similar to your version of "The Council of Friendship," except for some differences. The primary difference between a grade 2 cursed spirit and a semi-grade 1 cursed spirit is the ability to use cursed techniques.

So the one you six were facing was probably a Grade 2 cursed spirit." Finishing with a chalk point at the six, Yuta looked back at them. An orchestra of 'Ooo' echoed in the classroom, engrossed by the info dump.

Smolder smacked the table in disbelief. "Just a Grade 2!? That curse almost killed us!"

"Calm down, Smolder." Sandbar tries to reason with his friend, but the reality of almost dying to a mediocre curse makes her livid. Still, she heeds his advice, sitting back down with a fuming head and crossed arms.

"I won't go into the details of the cursed technique, as it is quite complex. However, I must mention that the cursed spirit we encountered is a Grade 2. If it had been a Grade 1, it would have been even more dangerous, and you all would have been killed. Those who are not proficient in controlling their cursed energy are expected to die when facing a Grade 2 or higher cursed spirit. So it's actually quite impressive that you all survived!" With a smile, the teacher's carefree attitude towards life and death made the class go silent. "In addition, since none of you have any knowledge of how to control your cursed energy, I strongly advise against engaging with cursed spirits."

"Um... Professor Yuta. What about Special-Grade?" Yona inquired. Yuta tensed slightly, knowing where the flow of conversation would inevitably end up.

The rank of "Special-Grade" in the Jujutsu community is a highly exclusive title reserved for only the most exceptional and powerful sorcerers. These individuals possess such immense strength that their destructive power is capable of overtaking an entire country. This makes them unique and rare cases, hence the title "special". Yuta answered the question with a slight cringe, feeling as though he was indirectly boasting about his own extraordinary abilities as a sorcerer.

"They're essentially the best of the best?" Gallus asks.

"Yeah, pretty much." The human replied.

"Then, Professor Yuta. What's your rank?" asked Ocellus.

He stood there, lost in thought, pondering over his options and the consequences of his actions. He contemplated whether it was worth it to keep his secret hidden or reveal it to the world. Twilight had already witnessed Maki reading his grade out loud in the school corridors several months back. Additionally, he was almost sure the princess had already informed her friends about what she had discovered when she replayed his memories. Therefore, he knew it would be futile to conceal his rank, as it would only raise more suspicion and draw unwanted attention towards him.

"I'm a Special-Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer." Another round of 'Ooo's and 'Aaa's waved at the statement. On cue, the bell rang, commencing the start of the next period. "Right. To those who have not handed in the consent forms to Professor Fluttershy for attendance at the annual Friendship Sports Festival already. Please remember to hand them in on your way out. Thank you, class. You may leave."

As the class emptied itself, some students placed a small stack of papers on the teachers' desks while they made their way out of the class. Yuta gently hits the side of the stack of to organise them quickly quickly organise them. He was just about to leave the classroom when he noticed six still-seated students who appeared unmoving in thought.

"Mr. Yuta?" Sandbar piped.

"We decided to stay out of the Friendship Festival this year," Gallus added.

"It's because of your injuries, correct?"

The six nodded, walking over; Yuta stepped forward, raising his hands over Gallus and Smolder. A gentle light surrounds them; a soft, warm glow envelops the two, emanating from Yuta's Reverse Curse Technique. The light was gentle yet powerful, quickly spreading across their bodies, mending their wounds and soothing their pain. To their surprise, their wounds were fully healed. He quickly moved on to the next two, Sandbar and Yona. Healing their injuries as well.

As Yuta stepped back, his work complete, the four friends looked at each other in amazement.

"W-what? Our injuries?" Sandbar starts,

"They're gone!" finished Smolder.

"Yona feels like new!" The cute Yak cheered.

The six stood in awe. Just as they were about to thank the human, they turned around only to see that he was no longer there. Outside the classroom, Yuta made his way down the flight of stairs that led to the teacher's lounge. His face was adorned with a broad smile as he muttered under his breath, "Gojo-sensei would've done the same."

Author's Note

Chainsaw Man.

Grass Cutter

The verdant heart of the Everfree Forest convulsed, its silent symphony drowned out by the jarring boom of a portal tearing reality apart. Like a festering wound on the fabric of existence, it spat forth a figure wreathed in an unsettling aura of wrongness. A child, yet not a child, with featureless skin that seemed to drink in the surrounding light, leaving only swirling shadows where a face should be.

She spoke with a voice that echoed not with sound but with a cold, chilling emptiness, "This will do." Her hand, skeletal and devoid of warmth, rose, each long fingertip glowing with a malevolent green energy. As she spread her hand wide, the air crackled with power, and two portals ripped open on either side of her. They weren't portals of light but swirling voids, hungry and dark, pulsating with a sickly green luminescence.

"Curse Technique Amplification: Egress."

From these gaping wounds in reality, came a torrent of tortured souls. Grotesque figures, some wispy and translucent, others twisted and monstrous spilt out with ear-splitting shudders and tormented moans. Some, bound by spectral chains, bemoaned and writhed in agony as they took to the skies, their ethereal screams swallowed by the dense canopy. Others, silent and numb, stumbled forth from the portals, their forms flickering and insubstantial, like living shadows. Trudging on through lush trees and roots.

Yet, despite their diversity, one singular purpose bound them. Drawn by an unseen leash, a vicious hunger, they were compelled to move. Forward, always forward, through the tangled undergrowth, following an irresistible lure towards the light, towards life... towards the unsuspecting hearts of Ponyville. The forest seemed to groan under their silent passage, the shadows deepening, the air heavy with the anticipation of coming doom.

Pushing open the teacher lounge door with a sigh, Yuta found himself bathed in the slightly stale aroma of old coffee and forgotten lunches. Stepping inside, he bypassed the worn-out couches and mismatched armchairs, his gaze already fixed on the prize: the mini coffee maker tucked away in the corner kitchen.

With practised ease, he pulled open the cabinet labelled "Filter," his fingers brushing against a chipped mug someone had promised to replace "someday." Selecting a fresh filter, he slotted it into the machine's holder, the white paper contrasting starkly with the chrome exterior. Next came the water, filling the reservoir until it gleamed under the fluorescent lights. Two tablespoons of coffee grounds followed, measured with meticulous precision despite the bag's faded "Best Before" date. With a satisfying click, the lid snapped shut, and Yuta pressed the start button, the red light illuminating the machine's belly like a tiny, expectant heart.
Leaning against the counter, he folded his arms, the granite cool against his skin. The wait felt longer than usual, perhaps due to the awkward height difference. On the taller side, Yuta found himself hunching slightly to rest his forearms comfortably, a small price to pay for his morning caffeine fix. His gaze drifted around the lounge, taking in the abandoned lesson plans scattered on a table, the half-eaten apple core someone had left on a plate, and alone, wilting peace lily on the windowsill. The silence was broken only by the rhythmic gurgling of the coffee maker, each sound promising a delicious end to his wait.

"Enjoy coffee, Mr. Okkotsu?"

Yuta nearly jumped at the voice; the gentle hum of the brewing coffee abruptly interrupted. Turning, he was met with the sight of Headmare Glimmer, her lilac coat shimmering under the lounge's fluorescent lights. Her mane, a cascade of purple and teal, seemed to sway with a hidden rhythm, and her tail, the same vibrant hues, flicked softly against the floor. She was a vision of elegance, her tailored velvet attire contrasting the worn-out furniture surrounding them. A light blue button-up peeked out from under the jacket, adorned with gold cuffs that gleamed like miniature suns.

"Good morning, Headmare Glimmer." Yuta greeted with a nod.

"Good morning to you too, Special-Grade Sorcerer." Her smile widened, the twinkle in her eyes betraying a playful glint. He winced internally at the title. "Word spreads fast, you know," she continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "This was actually one of the rare times the students were this engaged in a lesson. Especially by a substitute."

Yuta felt a blush creep up his neck. "It wasn't that difficult," he mumbled, hoping to deflect the attention. "They're a good bunch, just… energetic."

"Energetic, perhaps," Glimmer chuckled, her gaze lingering on him longer than necessary. "But rarely captivated by the intricacies of cursed energy theory, especially not delivered by a fresh face." Her smile turned, knowing. "Tell me, Mr. Okkotsu, are you enjoying your temporary stay at Ponyville High?"

He humbly scratched his neck. "Yes, the lodging your acquaintances and the princess has provided is more than enough. by the way, here are the rest of the forms from the students." Unhooking his arms. He passed the small stack of papers over to Starlight, her magical grip taking hold midair. He relaxed his right arm to the top of the surface, supporting his weight and drumming his fingers. "How are the preparations coming up?"

"It should be done by tomorrow, and be ready at the end of the week. So in two days' time. Either way, I'm glad you're adjusting well to such a new environment. Hearing from how you had so abruptly ended up in Equestria."

"Is that so? I guess it is kinda sudden with a cursed spirit being able to open wormholes. I thought I was a goner. But never mind that there's something I'd like to ask you about."

Starlight Glimmer's brow furrowed as Yuta spoke, his casual dismissal of his near-death experience sending a shiver down her spine. "Is that so?" she finally replied, her voice laced with concern.

"It certainly would be startling... a cursed spirit opening wormholes? I had almost resigned myself to becoming another unfortunate statistic. But that's not important now," he continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "There's something I need to ask."

Starlight sat nearby and leaned back in her chair, mirroring his sombre demeanour. "What is it, Mr. Okkotsu?" she inquired, her ears twitching slightly as she awaited his question.

"Have there been any strange happenings lately?" he pressed, his gaze intense. "Unusual objects appearing, perhaps? Or maybe any... extreme anomalies in the past couple of decades?"

Starlight closed her eyes, tapping her chin with a hoof as she searched her memory. "Hmm, no, not that I can recall," she finally admitted, a thoughtful hum escaping her lips. "There was the Tree of Harmony, of course, and the Elements... but they've been safeguarding Equestria for centuries. King Sombra? No, he was vaporised. The Pillars of Equestria? Not a chance... Hm, no, nothing comes to mind. Why do you ask?"

"Who's King Sombra?" Yuta inquired, a hint of confusion playing on his lips. "He sounds evil."

"Violent tyrant, actually," Starlight clarified, a hoof waving dismissively. "Nothing to concern yourself with anymore."

He nodded in understanding. "I appreciate the clarification," he replied, leaning forward slightly. "Now, back to my question. Objects with concentrated cursed energy tend to attract curses like moths to a flame. Sometimes, they even act as conduits, amplifying and manifesting these spirits. It's a possibility that explains the recent surge in curse activity here."

Starlight's ears perked up at his explanation. "I understand," she said, her eyes widening. "If I stumble upon anything unusual, Mr. Okkotsu, I'll let you know immediately."

"Great!" Yuta exclaimed, a genuine smile finally breaking through his stoic facade. He held it for a moment, the rhythmic ticking of the clock and his nervous drumming providing the only soundtrack to the room. However, the lighthearted atmosphere quickly evaporated, replaced by an unsettling tension. With a sigh, he dropped his smile and met Starlight's gaze directly. "This has something to do with the Princess, doesn't it?" he asked, his voice laced with a quiet knowing.

Starlight sighed in defeat, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Twilight wanted me to convey her sincerest apologies. She deeply regrets not being able to face you herself, but her duties as a ruler are quite demanding."

The air hung heavy with unspoken words, the weight of the situation settling between them like a physical presence.

Yuta's tense drumming ceased as Starlight's words sank in. He understood the pressure Princess Twilight Sparkle must be under, having just dealt with an extraterrestrial crash landing in his own world. A rueful smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Believe me, Headmare, I get it," he said, his voice softening. "If some strange being materialised in Tokyo suddenly, I'd probably be buried under the workload myself."

A beat of silence followed the only sound of the rhythmic ticking of the clock and the faint echo of Yuta's sigh. Then, with a determined glint in his eye, he spoke again. "Let's do this together, Headmare. Tell the princess I apologise too, for getting a little rough with one of her friends." Starlight gulped audibly,

He picked up the now-steaming coffee pot, its ceramic surface warm against his fingers. He poured a cup with practised ease, the rich aroma swirling upwards. Setting the pot back on the warming plate, he offered it to Starlight with a nod. "Help yourself, please."

Walking towards the door, he stopped beside her, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the lingering tension in the air. "On my way here, I picked up a disturbing amount of cursed energy emanating from the nearby forest. I plan to investigate tomorrow tonight. Should those curse spirits breach the barrier, be prepared to evacuate the villagers."

Starlight whipped around, eyes wide with alarm. "What do you mean by that?!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.

But Yuta had already turned and stepped towards the door, taking a fortifying sip of his coffee. With each swallow, his resolve seemed to solidify. As he exited the office, nearly stumbling into a surprised Rainbow Dash,

"Oh, hello Rainbow Dash! Sorry, didn't see you there." Rainbow laughed.

"Just "Dash" Is fine, Yuta! Anyway, I was looking for you!" Okkotsu tilted his head at the reply.

"What do you mean?" Rainbow shuffled her wings a bit before pulling out a card.

"Here you go! Gallus and his friends wanted me to pass this to you. They also told me to tell you to watch them at the Sports Festival, that they're gonna show you what "they can really do." " Rainbow finished with air quotes and folding her forehooves, a smirk crossing her face. "Looks like they wanna impress you. Mr. Special-Grade."

" *Sigh* Not you too," Yuta said with a sad look, taking the card from her and reading it. After a brief moment, he chuckled at the contents. Looking back up, he nodded. "Tell them I'll be there!"

One and a half moons later, Yuta stands at the edge of the Everfree forest, unsheathed blade already in hand. Walking in, he could feel the heightened amount of cursed energy flowing from deeper within. Now that he's alone, he sees no reason to withdraw his cursed energy and unleash a wave of cursed energy that mirrors the forest's hostile hum. His feet barely touched the damp earth as he darted through the dense jungle, a blur of black and green. Fluttershy's words echoed in his mind, each sway of a branch, each rustle of leaves a potential warning. The forest held its secrets close, but Yuta was attuned to its whispers tonight.

He wasn't far when a flicker of movement caught his eye. A grotesque figure emerged from behind a moss-covered oak, its form shifting and swirling like smoke. A curse. Adrenaline surged through him. Clenching his jaw, he drew his katana, the blade singing a deadly song as he unleashed a mighty swing. The cursed spirit was caught off guard and was bisected cleanly, dissolving into wisps of dark energy that dissipated into the twilight.

He skidded to a halt, his momentum carrying him forward. Two more curses materialised before him, their eyes burning with malevolent hunger. Without hesitation, he hurled his katana, infused with cursed energy, at the one farther away. The blade flew true, a silver streak in the gloom, cleaving the spirit in two. Simultaneously, he lunged at the remaining curse, his fist imbued with raw power. The impact echoed through the clearing, the creature dissolving in a shriek of agony.

Two down, countless more to go. Yuta stood poised, his senses alert, facing the encroaching darkness of the Everfree.

Kicking off the fading spirit he had one-punched to death, he grabbed his lodged blade from the ground and continued his sprint. Swaying his body leftward, he spun to his right twice to slash one last cursed spirit before coming to a halt. Looking past the greens, he saw even more vengeful spirits running toward him.

A deep groan rumbled through the forest floor as Yuta tilted his head back, cracking his neck and shoulders. The air thrummed with the malignant undercurrent of cursed energy, its source undoubtedly linked to the entity that had flung him into this strange world. A scowl creased his brow. Summoning Rika at full manifestation for these low-level threats seemed unnecessary, and his Reverse Cursed Technique cost was far too high. He had to stop them before they breached the forest's barrier and threatened Ponyville.

His senses snapped to attention as a guttural growl pierced the stillness. A monstrous, wormy creature with a timberwolf-like head lunged from the shadows, attempting to clamp its jaws onto him.

The sorcerer grabbed onto its mandible with swift accuracy, stopping its assault. Pulling down with explosive force, Yuta ripped its jaw off. Purple blood spewed onto the ground as it reeled and whimpered in pain. Channeling cursed energy into his katana, he jabbed it into its cranium. Violently bursting the beast from within as it collapsed onto the ground lifelessly.

A chilling sight met his eyes as he turned his gaze back to the clearing. A swarm of the same grotesque beings hovered menacingly above him, their forms twisting and shifting in the dim moonlight. Behind them, more poured forth from the forest's depths, their hunger palpable even at this distance.

"Sorry, but I have students waiting for me back home," he muttered, gripping his katana tighter. The moonlight danced off the polished metal, reflecting the steely resolve in his eyes.

"Let's get this over with."

Dawn dripped onto the Everfree Forest, cloaking it in a damp, grey haze. The wind held its breath, leaving the stillness humming with an unsettling quiet. Zecora, the forest's sole resident and self-proclaimed navigator, ventured out early, her basket slung over one shoulder, eyes scanning the undergrowth for the morning's bounty of herbs. But unlike other mornings, her destination this day wasn't just the whispering leaves and hidden blooms.

The previous night, the rhythmic booms of monstrous wails had shaken her hut, disrupting the forest's usual nocturnal symphony. Curiosity, seasoned with a dash of concern, propelled her deeper into the heart of the woods, following the lingering tremors of that unseen battle. Though heavy with dew, the air carried a faint echo of cursed energy, its taint a foreign element in the forest's natural magic.

Stumbling through thick roots, she walks across some familiar tiny critters. "Are these Fluttershy's friends I see?" She said in a melodic tone, "So deep into the jungle, what is it that you seek?" The family of squirrels signalled some gestures in a comedic fashion, pointing to one another, then to themselves.

It took a while for her to fully grasp what message they were trying to convey, though it didn't take too long for the zebra to catch on.

"Ah, trying to find a friend? Come with me. another set of eyes will do you well, then." Agreeing, the squirrels climbed onto Zecora's back. Carrying on deeper into the forest. Traversing through heavier, it was a matter of time before they came across a light breaking through the thick wall of trunks. The branches nearby writhed in agony, yet they dared not approach whatever was the cause of it. Almost like they know their fate if they do so.

Passing the barrier, Zecora and friends were greeted with an unnaturally large clearing. Lopped trees riddled the scene, along with piles upon piles of dead curses' bodies scattered everywhere, all of them ashing away slowly. However, that wasn't the scary part.

A tall figure is located at the centre of the massacre; pools of violet blood lay beneath his feet, and his white jacket and his blade were now drenched in a sickly purple, dripping fluid from the tip of the weapon he held by those that weren't his. Yuta took a breath in before giving a long and steady exhale. It didn't matter to him how stained his clothes were since they would disappear anyway. Throughout the night, he had battled wave after wave of curses, none particularly strong, yet their incessant numbers had tested his stamina to the limit. He kept replenishing his cursed energy, yet a hint of exhaustion flickered in his eyes.

"I think the festival should have started already. Gotta quickly head back." Turning around, Yuta finally noticed the figure behind him. "A zebra? What are you doing here."

Zecora instinctively recoiled, a tremor of fear rippling through her. Before she could reply, the ground beneath them convulsed with a violent shudder. A surge of cursed energy, palpable like a physical blow, pulsed through the clearing. Before their shocked eyes, the earth cracked open, a jagged crater devouring the space where Yuta had stood a moment before. From the depths, monstrous roots erupted like gnarled serpents, their obsidian tips aimed with deadly precision at the unsuspecting zebra.

In the blink of an eye, Yuta materialised beside Zecora, his presence a shield against the incoming attack. With a snarl that echoed through the clearing, he parried the root's strike, his cursed blade clashing against the ebony wood with a deafening clang. Sparks flew, the impact sending shockwaves through his body. He gritted his teeth, sweat mingling with the grime and gore staining his face.

"Run! Now!" His own words barely registered in his mind as he pushed past the shock and adrenaline coursing through him. Heeding his desperate order, Zecora vanished into the tangled depths of the forest, her hooves barely touching the ground.

Alone, he turned his weary gaze to the source of the renewed threat. Three monstrous figures materialised from the pulsating crater, their grotesque forms fueled by malevolent energy. One, perched atop a swirling tsunami of twisted branches, resembled a macabre parody of a rose, its thorny stem and petals dripping with viscous purple sap. Another, a grotesque mockery of a unicorn, stood on the ground, its once noble head replaced by a blazing skull that crackled with unholy hunger. The third, a winged horror, swooped down from the sky, its body devoid of limbs except for many insectoid wings sprouting from its back and head, obscuring its face in a writhing mass of feathers.

Yuta gritted his teeth, the exhaustion threatening to pull him under. He gripped his katana tighter, the metal cool against his sweat-slick palm.

"Let's get this over with." A distant boom in the direction of Ponyville caught his attention. Turning his gaze, a large cloud of smoke had begun to emit from that general area. His eyes widen at the realisation. "A forest fire!?"

The faceless curse stood fuming at the edge of the Everfree, veins throbbing on their forehead. Every cursed spirit they'd meticulously gathered from across Equestria, driven towards Ponyville like hungry wolves, had been thwarted by Yuta. Frustration gnawed at them, a bitter taste in their non-existent mouth.

"No..." they hissed, frustration bubbling over. This wasn't the plan. Yuta shouldn't have been able to withstand such overwhelming numbers. "Not yet."

Their gaze fell on a nearby tree, its branches thick and sturdy. With a growl, they placed a hand on its bark, channelling cursed energy. The branches thrashed and writhed, twisting and turning as if possessed. Their tips sharpened, morphing into wicked barbs aimed at the faceless curse intent on binding them in place.

"Curse Technique:—"

The air crackled with anticipation. The curse hissed again, a sound like wind through dry leaves. They raised their other hand, summoning two swirling oval portals above their palm. As the barbs lunged, the portals spun, converging like the jaws of a predatory flower. When they met, a flash of blinding light erupted, forcing the barbs to recoil.

Then came the heat. The air trapped between the portals became a churning inferno, superheated molecules colliding with a fury that rivalled the sun's heart. Where the portals had been now burned a raging ball of fire, fueled not by sunlight but by raw cursed energy.

"Friction."

Blasting the tree they were previously touching, they set it ablaze. Allowing the engulfing flame to spread to the trees close by. With a malicious cackle that echoed through the forest, the curse snapped their fingers. The fire, propelled by their will, spread like wildfire, quickly engulfing the surrounding trees.

"Not yet..." the curse hissed, their voice dripping with venom. "Not until I've seen it with my own eyes."

The inferno's heat intensified, casting an eerie glow on the faceless figure. The distraction was set, the flames dancing to their dark tune.

Author's Note

1% Writing story, 99% Thinking of Zecora dialogue. Also, chapters won't be as frequent. Exams stuff.

Game to Gauntlet

All days are different; some can be boring, while some can leave an indelible impression on your mind; this was one of those days which isn't easily forgotten. The sun, a benevolent giant, draped the open field in a warm, amber cloak. Laughter and excited chatter vibrated in the air, as vibrant as the confetti scattered like a playful rainbow across the ground. The Academy of Friendship bustled with energy, its students streaming towards the unsheltered stadium like rich rivers converging. Some huddled in animated groups, voices weaving a tapestry of anticipation, while others sought cool respite under the shade-dappled tents perched at the field's edges.

But the revelry's true heart thrummed in the arena's centre. An array of games stood poised like eager contestants, each promising laughter and friendly competition. A sudden cacophony of trumpets erupted their brassy calls echoing from unseen corners. Then, silence. A pregnant pause before a static hiss crackled through the speakers, jolting everyone to attention.

Suddenly, a burst of pink exploded onto the stage. It was Pinkie Pie, her mane bouncing like cotton candy in a hurricane, a giant grin plastered across her face. The crowd erupted in cheers, the dull roar morphing into a wave of infectious excitement.

"Goooood Morning, every creature! Are you readdddy for the greatest, most fun-est day you'll ever have?!?! That's cuz the Annual Friendship Sports Festival is finally here!!! I'm your host, Pinkie Pie, along with a familiar speeding, loud barrier blasting, blue blur that-travels-so-fast-wigs-fly-off-from-the-wind-speed-generated breaking. Herself. The one and only. Inhale Rainbow " The one and only. *Inhale* Rainbow...wait! Where is she?"

Pinkie's eyes darted around frantically, searching for her co-host. A streak of blue zipped across the stage, followed by a sonic boom that ruffled every mane and tail in the vicinity. Rainbow Dash, a blur of azure confidence, landed with a flourish beside Pinkie.

"You're the host every year, Pinkie." She said with a smile, "But that's beside the point. Hello one, hello all! I am your co-host, Rainbow Dash, the coolest, most awesome flyer in Equestria!!" A soft and quiet voice from the crowd opposed the blue mare's factual statement.

"No, you're not."

"Who said that!?"

Gallus snickered.

Pinkie was quick to take over. "Anywayyy... What we're doing today are team-based challenges! Every creature would be divided into six groups. Red for loyalty, orange for honesty, green for generosity, blue for laughter, pink for kindness, and purple for magic!"

A pony in the crowd raised a hoof. "So what's the difference between a challenge and a sport? You don't need to be athletic for this right?"

Pinkie smiled. " No one needs to be athletic for anything at the friendship sports festival, but if it's a competition then yes, there is a requirement! For this year's festival, the teams are made up of students that match their respective elements from members of different classes, together, you'll work with one another to play into your strengths and weaknesses."

A small group of creatures approached the bleachers, and parents sat by on the stadium seats, watching on as the show began; Sandbar wore a pink bandana around his forehead, the excess clothes draped down the back of his neck. Behind him was a large group of students wearing the same colour-coded bandana, though his five friends were outside his group.

"Yona's team gonna win! Yona can't wait!" Turning to his side, Sandbar looked at the excited Yak; the orange band acted as a hair band to tie her braided hair together. Brimming with energy, her eyes sparkled at the events soon to come. He smirked at her enthusiasm.

"You really are pumped, Yona," he teased, nudging her playfully with his muzzle. The Yak jolted, her normally stoic expression replaced by a flustered blush that spread like wildfire across her face. She hid behind her mane, but her fiery eyes still held a playful glint.

"D-don't think you can charm Yona like this, Sandbar!" she stammered, her voice betraying her flustered facade. "Yona won't hold back!"

Sandbar chuckled, enjoying her feigned bravado. "I'm counting on it," he replied, a playful challenge in his voice.

His playful exchange with Yona didn't escape the watchful eyes of their friends. With an exaggerated sigh, Gallus, sporting a purple headband, rolled his eyes and muttered, "Argh, the lovebirds are at it again." His comment earned him a light smack on the back from Silverstream, whose blue bands adorned her chest. With a mock frown and playful furrow of her brows, she teased, "Stop teasing them, Gallus! They are so cute together!"

Despite his feigned annoyance, Gallus felt a slight blush creep up his neck, visible beneath his blue feathers. Smolder, ever the observer, noted his reaction with a deadpan expression. Her eyebrows arched, eyes half-lidded, and arms crossed, she remarked, "Ironic," drawing out the word for maximum effect. A nudge from Ocellus forced her to break character, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Well, today's definitely buzzing with excitement," Ocellus chimed in, her mood bright despite the missing member of their group. "Though, I don't see Yuta anywhere. Is he still napping?"

Smolder shrugged, her red bandana contrasting the fiery scales framing her eyes. "Beats me. Probably lost in some dusty book, talking to professors about ancient curses or something. Don't worry about it. Professor Rainbow said he promised to show up, remember?"

This reassurance was what Ocellus needed to brighten up again. A horn blared, and the students picked up their pace. Each team was assigned a certain number of points per completed challenge.

Rainbow Dash's voice boomed across the stadium, announcing the first match with her signature enthusiasm, "Alright! The games have just begun! Let the battle of strength commence! We have the Orange Team facing off against the Purple Team in a classic tug-of-war!"

Cheers erupted from the stands, the excitement tangible. After briefly sizing each other up, the two teams squared off, taking their positions on either end of the thick rope. Sweat already glistened on brows, a testament to the nervous energy crackling in the air.

"Ready, Set, PULL!" Rainbow's voice sliced through the tension, and the rope became a battleground. Muscles strained, faces grimaced in determination, the rope vibrating with the combined effort of both teams.

The crowd roared, their cheers urging their favoured competitors forward.
"Come On, Orange Team! Pull harder!" the cheers surged from the stands, punctuated by Sandbar's enthusiastic encouragement, "We can do this! Pull! Pull!"

Silverstream's voice joined the fray, echoing from the bleachers, "Woo! Let's go, Yona! Let's go, Gallus!" Her words fueled the fire, and the Orange team's collective roar of exertion arose.

"Pull!!" A member of the orange team screamed.

"Yes! Yes, I can do it!" The rope came loose. "Pull, pull."

"Pull!!" a desperate cry split the air as the Purple team fought to hold their ground. The scale remained precariously balanced, both teams locked in a fierce stalemate. However, Gallus's competitive spirit, a double-edged sword, got the better of him. He yanked with a burst of strength, momentarily throwing the balance off kilter.

The unexpected surge caused several members of his team to stumble, their grip momentarily broken. Yona, a seasoned competitor, seized the opportunity like a seasoned predator. With a mighty heave, her muscles pulling taut, she sent the entire Purple team reeling forward. The red marker on the rope, the symbol of victory, flew through the air, landing firmly in Orange territory.

The stadium erupted with thunderous applause. Sandbar, ecstatic, launched himself out of his seat, joining the wave of orange-clad fans swarming the stage. His friends followed close behind, their cheers mingling with the joyous chaos.

"Yayy! Yona won! Yona won!" Ocellus congratulated.

Gallus sprawled on the ground, his chest heaving and his body drenched in sweat. He heaved breaths of air, trying to steady his beating heart. "Dang it!" He shouted, "So close!"

Talons rested on his shoulder, looking up; it was Silverstream. "You did amazing out there!"

He nodded to her words and placed his hand over hers. "Thanks..."

"And Orange Team stands victorious!! " Pinkie yelled into the mic. The crowd roared once more.

This Tug of War lasted a couple of rounds, interchanging between teams. At the end of the bouts, the team's scores are as follows. Orange took the lead with 6 points, Red and Purple tagged in close for second with 5 points, and Green, Pink, and Blue tied at 3 points each.

Suddenly, Pinkie's voice filled the air once more, her announcement charged with excitement. "Attention parents, guardians, and students of the Academy of Friendship! Thanks to the success of the first event, and to bring the excitement up a notch, the next game is an all-out Calvary Battle Royale!" A hush fell over the crowd as she elaborated on the rules. "Each team would divide into groups of four, with three acting as carriers for the fourth member who held their team's points. The team with the most points secured by the end would claim a whopping 5 points!"

"Doesn't sound very friendship-like." A student commented.

"Did you hear what Professor Pinkie said?! 5 whole points!!" Yelled her teammate.

Rainbow, leaning back in her seat with a mischievous grin, added to the chaos. "And remember," she warned with mock sternness, "if the point carrier touches the ground at any point, they're out! Along with the three poor teammates carrying them!" A playful glint flickered in her eyes. "Remember, teamwork makes the dream work!" she winked, turning off the microphone.

Despite the lighthearted nature of her announcement, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy watching her students' faces illuminate with pure, unadulterated joy. The muffled grumbles of "What?!" that followed her joke only served to confirm her amusement. The Friendship Sports Festival was in full swing, and the best was yet to come.

On the other hand, Fluttershy was like a ray of sunshine and a spring breeze on a hot summer's day. Sitting by on the bleachers with Discord next to her and chatting happily with the parents who came to watch their kids perform. Occasionally, Discord would whip something up from thin air or do something a being of chaos would do, which caused the parents present to laugh and giggle.

However, it took a little while for the teams to already be standing by in their earlier assigned groups. Drawing the attention of their respective guardians away from Fluttershy and Discord.

"How are you enjoying the festival, Discord?" Fluttershy asked, looking towards the students fighting it out on each other's backs.

Discord blinked, "Well, they sure are lively."

Fluttershy smiled, "I never expected my students to be so into these games."

"I can see how you might think that. Though, I believe they enjoy the festival for entirely different reasons than you do." Discord explained.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Well, I know some of them are here to enjoy the games because they like to compete against other creatures. Others enjoy it because they get to make new friends, and others still just enjoy the thrill of it. Perhaps your kindness lessons lack that sort of vigour."

Fluttershy fell silent for a moment. "That's quite possible."

"As for myself, I find it rather enjoyable."

"Why is that Discord?"

He shrugged. "Because it's fun, duh! And... Because you're there."

Fluttershy laughed at that. "Oh Discord, you're so silly sometimes."

Discord chuckled lightly. "No no, you're not wrong. I suppose I am." He leaned towards Fluttershy, snuggling himself against her. Causing Fluttershy to lean in close in response. "But isn't that what made you draw yourself to me? My charming qualities and dashing good looks?"

Fluttershy pecked the Draconequus on his cheek, whispering quietly. "Maybe it is."

Discord smirked. "Mmhm." They sat together in silence for a bit longer. Both smile and giggle softly to each other until Discord breaks the silence. "Looks like they're about to start."

The trumpeting blast and Pinkie's exuberant "Start!" marked the eruption of chaos. The field transformed into a whirlwind of movement, teams entangled in a frantic struggle for points. Creatures clashed, hooves and wings flashing as they wrestled for control. Some point carriers employed magic, conjuring shimmering shields to deflect attacks and propel themselves skyward. Other winged players followed suit, creating a multi-layered battlefield in the air.

Amidst the maelstrom, Gallus soared high, four stolen points glinting in his talons. But his triumph was short-lived as six furious pegasi encircled him, their voices tinged with bitterness.

"Give us our points back!"

He smirked, "In your dreams!"

"I'll tell you what! If you don't return those points, I'm going to personally take you out of the games!"

It was one of those aristocratic ponies from Canterlot, parents blessed with wealth and spoiling their children rotten until they thought they were entitled to the world. Or something along the lines of that, Gallus thought. He paused for a moment, "Fine. You want the points back?" He asked, "Here you go." He tossed the points into the air.

The pegasus quickly caught them. "Thank you!"

But Gallus wasn't done. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he swooped down, descending rapidly right before the pegasus touched the ground. He snatched the points back with deft talons, the surprised stallion staring after him as he plummeted earthward. Flapping his wings just before impact, Gallus slowed his descent, watching the stallion scramble desperately, his attempts to break his fall proving futile.

"Way to go, Gallus!" His teammates cheered him on.

Rainbow's voice boomed through the speakers, the pronouncement swift and final. "Speeding Nimbus, along with your friends from the Blue Team, are disqualified for the rest of the games."

Gallus watched silently as the remaining teams clashed, the air buzzing with the competitive spirit.

"Huh!?"

An orange blur whizzed past him, Smolder snatching two of his stolen points with a triumphant smirk. He couldn't help but grin back, irritation laced with admiration.

"Pay attention, Gallus," she teased, waving the points around like playful trophies, causing Gallus to pop a vein on his forehead.

"Oh, yea? Let's see about that. Orange Princess."

Gallus picked up speed, aiming for Smolder. Before he could get close, he saw a large group of ponies surround him and his teammates. They looked to be the same type as the pony Gallus had just hit earlier. He turned to look at them.

"Outta my way!" He shouted at them.

One of the ponies stopped, raising a wing to shield herself. "Woah! Slow down, buddy! We're here for Speeding Nimbus-."

She was cut off mid-sentence as Smolder barreled into them from behind, sending them spiralling towards the ground.

"GAH!!" the pony cried out, landing with a thud.

"Sorry, I was just being friendly," Smolder quipped, offering a mock-innocent shrug.

The pony blinked, bewildered. "Friendly?!" They shook their heads, clearing their confusion. "Wait, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be flying solo."

"Same reason as you," Smolder replied, her voice nonchalant. "Competition is competition, after all. But ganging up on my friend? That's not cool. So, what'll it be? Face Gallus and me, or scramming back to whatever cloud you came from?"

The pony rolled their eyes, clearly annoyed. "Fine," they grumbled. "But consider this a warning. You'll regret messing with us."

Smolder scoffed, unfazed. "Sure."

Smolder watched them go, turning to Gallus with a smirk. In a split second, Gallus dived towards Smolder, stealing back the points that were rightfully his.

"Ha! Gotcha!" Gallus exclaimed in victory, his friends celebrating around them. Smolder, however, grinned at the challenge.

"Alright, Griffon," she challenged, her voice laced with playful confidence. "Let's see if you can keep up."

Sandbar sat precariously atop his three classmates, scanning the chaos for danger. Silverstream was locked in aerial combat with Yona, the Yak's formidable strength meeting its match in the Hippogriff's agility. He clutched four stolen bandanas, unsure whether to hold onto them or pass them off. His team needed the points, but staying as a target wasn't ideal.

In his grip, clutched tightly against his chest, were four precious bandanas. He saw no point in further opening himself as a target. His strategy was to collect points and play hot potato by transferring them to his teammates of the same colour. It would slowly accumulate over time by constantly rotating shifts and hiding points gathered along the way.

Truth be told, he needed to catch up for his other team to come by and transfer his points. The fact that he carries so many bandanas does nothing to soothe his panicking mind.

"Sandbar!" Turning back, he could see his teammates finally arriving.

"Take these!" he yelled, thrusting the bandanas into their outstretched hooves. "Find a safe spot, I'll create a diversion!"

"Thanks!" They all replied.

Just as he was about to ask his carriers to move to where Yona and Silverstream were brawling it out, the same four hippogriffs he had given points came up to him from another direction.

"Sandbar! Where's the points?"

"Huh?" He said, dumbfounded. "I Just passed them to you." That's when it hit him; he quickly turned to face the team he had given the points to, just in time for him to see them shimmering and shifting, revealing familiar green scales and mischievous grins.

In their place stood the Changelings, their leader, Ocellus, perched atop one of them, a smug expression on her face. The stolen bandanas gleamed menacingly in her outstretched hooves.

"Gotcha!" Ocellus taunted, her voice laced with playful malice.

"Crap!!" Sandbar yelled. "We've been tricked!!"

"What do we do now!?" The other three asked.

Sandbar breathed heavily, trying desperately to think. There must have been a way out of this. His eyes went wide, and a plan began forming in his head.

"Quick! We gotta get them back!!" Sandbar commanded. "Charge!"

All four carriers rushed forward to give chase. However, they immediately found themselves surrounded by members of Team Green. Before they even knew what happened, they were covered.

"Dammit!" One of the carriers cursed. "Where are they?!"

Another carrier looked up at the skies. "They're up there!" They shouted.

Using magic from their horns, the unicorns form a magic barrier where Ocellus's team is flying off to trap them from creating a further distance between the two teams. Another unicorn erected a force field around Sandbar's team to prevent the Green Team from ganging up on them.

"You're not going anyway, Green team!!" A unicorn carrier shouted.

Silverstream and Yona were in a deadlock on the other side of the playing field. The two players currently have the highest amount of points gathered. If either player lost, the gap would be too wide to close.

Yona broke off from her teammates, acting as a makeshift walking tank for her point holder for the entirety of the game. Her unyielding determination to win this game single-handedly crushed many players out of the game. Whenever Yona began charging, players would be disqualified from the games.

In the heart of the chaotic battlefield, Yona and Silverstream are locked in a dance of hooves and feathers. The Yak, a whirlwind of brute force, charged with the relentless momentum of a runaway boulder. Silverstream, a shimmering blue and pink blur, expertly weaved and dodged, her nimble form leaving Yona's attacks grasping at empty air.

Frustration flickered in Yona's eyes. She reared up on her hind legs, forehooves outstretched, attempting to snatch the agile Hippogriff mid-flight. But Silverstream, anticipating the move, executed a graceful front flip, soaring over Yona's head and flushing behind her.

"That was awesome!" Silverstream exclaimed, catching her breath. "But not awesome enough to catch me!"

Yona, undeterred, simply grunted, "Silverstream fast, can move very quickly. But eventually, Yona will catch you!"

The Yak snorted and charged again, aiming to knock Silverstream off balance. The ever-swift Hippogriff sidestepped the attack, retaliating with a swift roundhouse kick aimed at Yona's flank. With lightning reflexes, the Yak pivoted, her hind legs lashing out like whips, sending Silverstream soaring through the air.

Their airborne tussle continued, a flurry of fur and feathers twisting and turning amidst the cheers and roars of the crowd. Yet, in their heated duel, neither gained the upper hand. They were too focused on each other to think about snatching more points.

Suddenly, amidst their mid-air battle, Yona's body, slick with sweat from the exertion, caused Silverstream, who clung precariously to the Yak's back, to lose her grip and tumble backwards. Yona, attempting to regain control, slammed her body against Silverstream in a desperate manoeuvre. The impact was forceful, causing both competitors to lose their grip on their precious points.

But Yona's woes didn't end there. The relentless clashing throughout the games had taken its toll. The sweat covering her body loosened the knots holding her points in place. The final, crushing impact against Silverstream sent them flying like confetti, joining the airborne bounty.

Below, chaos erupted as others saw the opportunity. Gallus and Smolder, locked in their own fiery rivalry, collided mid-air, their points scattering like fallen leaves.

Sandbar and Ocellus's magical stalemate shattered on the other side of the field, sending their points hurtling into the fray.

Now, five distinct clusters of points converged in the centre of the arena, a glittering prize within reach for any pony bold enough to seize it.

Recognising their shared goal, the six competitors surged towards the centre of the arena, a silent war cry forming in their hearts, if not their throats. Yona charged alongside Silverstream, whose wings beat a powerful rhythm against the wind.

Sandbar, surprisingly swift, led his Hippogriff teammates in a coordinated sprint, their eyes fixed on the prize. Ocellus, perched on one of her Changeling teammates, grinned with predatory glee, their movements precise and synchronised. Even Gallus and Smolder, their rivalry momentarily forgotten, flew in tandem, their eyes narrowed in fierce focus.

As they neared the converging clusters of points, a collective roar erupted from their throats. "Those points are mine!" The cry echoed through the stadium, fueled by both desperation and ambition. The crowd, on the edge of their seats, roared back, their cheers transforming into a clamour of encouragement and tension. Even those who had lost, their faces painted with disappointment, couldn't tear their eyes away from the unfolding drama. Every heartbeat pounded like a drum, every breath held in anticipation.

Just as the six were about to reach the prize, a tremor of unease rippled through the air. A sense of wrongness, cold and sharp, prickled at the edges of their awareness. Then, like a dam bursting, it exploded.

Above the stadium, a swirling vortex of negativity materialised, fueled by the bitter anger and jealousy radiating from a small group of disgruntled students. Their negativity, nurtured in the very heart of the School of Friendship, had twisted and mutated, birthing a monstrous entity cloaked in shadows.

With a deafening roar, the curse tore itself free from the vortex, shattering a large section of the school building with its emergence. Towering over the terrified crowd, its obsidian form pulsed with vicious energy, its arms outstretched in a grotesque parody of freedom.

"SCHOOL!!"

"A curse!?" Sandbar yelled, catching himself on the ground. He scrambled to his hooves, ears ringing, only to witness another tremor erupt from the forest's edge. With earth-shattering groans, an unimaginable wave roared upwards. Not of water but of wood, roots, and gnarled branches, their knotted forms blotting out the sun and casting an eerie shadow over the battlefield.

Amidst the chaotic tide, figures danced - figures that shouldn't be there. Their substitute teacher, Yuta, stood astride the wooden wave, his familiar human form contrasting with the monstrous flora beneath him. He navigated the gnarled peaks with practised ease, sword flashing as he deflected blasts of fire erupting from a unicorn adorned with a flaming skull. A winged pegasus, a nightmarish amalgamation of feathers and fury, swooped towards him, its multiple wings blurring in a hypnotic dance.

Yuta drew his sword forward, forcing the winged curse to gnash its teeth on the glowing metal. With swift motion, he used the creature's bite as leverage, launching himself skyward with a powerful kick to its skull. His shoe connected with a sickening crunch, momentarily stunning the monstrous pegasus. He didn't waste the opportunity. Using the momentum, he propelled himself further, leaping from the crest of a gnarled branch.

"Yuta!" the six voices rang out in unison, a cry of surprise and concern echoing across the battlefield. Hearing his name pierce the chaos, Yuta instinctively looked down, spotting the kids in his class with worried faces staring up at him from below. Their terrified expressions sent a jolt through him, instantly snapping him out of his battle frenzy. He glanced around, taking in the surreal scene around him.

Noticing he was forced back to the teetering edge of the school campus. He clenched his jaw, frustrated, before yelling an order.

"Everybody! RUN!!"

Four for a Fortune

"Everybody! RUN!!!" Yuta yelled from atop the enormous wave of roots and bark. The young six heeded his advice, and so did everybody else on the scene as they made a break for it to the school entrance. But the wave's shadow loomed closer, casting a cold fear over the fleeing crowd. Debris rained down like twisted giants hurling boulders in rage. A sickening crunch sounded as some students stumbled, swallowed by the wreckage.

"Ah!!!" The six turned back to see it was Speeding Nimbus, trapped under a heavy stone. Sweat bead down their foreheads; they knew they didn't have the time to return to the fallen pegasus; with Yuta busy fighting the tree elemental curses and the sizeable newborn spirit wailing around on the school building, they were stuck in between two colossal giants. Yet it isn't in their nature to abandon a helpless victim.

Just as the six were about to run back, Applejack intervened with a swift backkick. Smashing the large stone, trapping him. Grabbing him by the neck, she heaved him onto her back. "You lot make a dash for the exit, yer hear?! We got this covered." Looking up, a familiar sight beholds the seven of them.

A rainbow streak flew past from above, ramming straight into the cursed spirit currently breaking down the school. It released its grip upon the roof and fell back to earth. The connected hit shattered the glass plains facing the stadium. She hovered above the curse, turning back to the students to give a confident smile.

"Hurry every creature! This way!!" Shouted Rarity, guiding everybody with an oversized knitted sign to point to where the exit was.

Meanwhile, Rainbow wasn't one to rest on her laurels. She zipped around the fray, harassing the disoriented curse with supersonic taunts and well-placed sonic booms. But it was Pinkie Pie who stole the show, skipping merrily towards the colossal being with a mischievous glint in her eyes. From behind her back, with a flourish worthy of a seasoned conjurer, she materialised a GIGANTIC hammer, dwarfing her diminutive form by at least tenfold.

The subsequent WHAM! as she slammed the weapon into the spirit's leg was both comical and impressive. The curse roared in pain and fury, but Pinkie's attack, while valiant, wasn't nearly enough. Just as it reared back for a devastating counter-attack, a snap of sun-tinted fingers echoed through the air. Discord floated on his side; a sly smile on his face transformed the remaining legs of the spirit into giant candy canes, brittle and delicious.

A deafening crack resounded as the spirit's form, brittle as rock candy, crumbled inwards, creating a temporary escape route. Students poured out like shaken soda pops, relief and gratitude etched on their faces.

"Thanks, Discord!" Pinkie said.

A plume of fire erupted from within the school's battered gates, spewing smoke and debris into the twilight sky. The playful smirk vanished from Discord's face, replaced by a flicker of concern. He disappeared with a snap of his fingers, reappearing beside Fluttershy in a swirl of emerald mist. He scooped her up in a flash, teleporting them both to safety outside the school's shattered perimeter.

Fluttershy stumbled, blinking away the disorientation. Her gentle heart ached at the sight before her. The once pristine school grounds were a tableau of devastation.

The scorched earth mingled with shattered glass. Remnants of the explosion littered the landscape like macabre confetti. Fear gnawed at her. "Oh my goodness..." she whispered, voice trembling. "I never thought curses were so destructive."

"They are quite the specimen, dear," replied Discord. Pointing at the cursed spirits rampaging the school grounds. "It's in their nature." He continued.

"Is Yuta going to be okay?" Asked Ocellus from the back.

A chuckle, rougher this time, rumbled from Discord's chest. "Fear not, little one. Yuta is no stranger to adversity. He can handle himself."

"What should we do now? I mean, the cursed spirits might get away... Should we lock down the escape route?" Asked Silverstream, hovering nearby, trying to watch over the chaos.

"It's alright. I believe in Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and the rest of my friends." Fluttershy said. Turning to face the school. "They can defeat those curses no problem! Since we're here, we should tend to the wounded."

Across the shattered courtyard, the battle between the enchanted creatures raged like a tempestuous storm. Yuta, his form cloaked in magenta light, danced a deadly ballet with the blazing curse. Heat waves rippled off the creature's body, warping the air and scorching the earth. It was heavy and hot, pulsing around it like a quickened heartbeat. Yuta couldn't quite reach it with his blade from where he was, and the exhaustion gnawed at his limbs; the relentless onslaught of curses throughout the night was taking its toll. But the sudden addition of a forest fire near the school, which he had Rika extinguish, caused him to indirectly lead the curses to the school.

Leaping back just as a whip of fire lashed out, he narrowly avoided its searing embrace. The ground writhed in response, thorny roots erupting like monstrous claws, attempting to ensnare him. With a snarl and a flash of his blade, Yuta cleaved through the verdant onslaught, landing precariously on a crumbling stone pillar.

"Hey, Yuta!" Pinkie Pie bounced into view, her mane jiggled with a chaotic fluff of defiance. "Need a helping hoof?"

Yuta's lips stretched into a weary smile. "That would be greatly appreciated, Pinkie."

Without needing another word, the pony launched herself forward, a pink hurricane zipping towards the towering plant curse. It lumbered, attempting to raise a wall of writhing branches, but was too slow. Pinkie smashed through the barricade with a giggle, leaving splinters and leaves raining in her wake.

"I knew it," Yuta began, a spark of hope warming his chest, "she's a-"

His words were cut short by a fiery eruption beneath him. The young sorcerer flipped backwards, narrowly avoiding the inferno. A familiar voice pierced the din.

"Yuta! Grab on!" Rainbow Dash swooped down with an outstretched hoof.

He didn't hesitate. Grasping Rainbow's hoof, he was whisked back towards the flaming spirit. The world became a blur of rainbow feathers and roaring flames as Rainbow propelled him at breakneck speed. With a deafening crack, they shattered through the fiery barrier, plunging into the heart of the curse.

Landing hard on his feet, Yuta crouched low, adrenaline coursing through his veins. Sliding down, he pressed his palms, shoulders, and upper back flat against the scorched ground, channelling his curse energy. A magenta light pulsed from his core, resonating with the earth beneath him as he lifted his feet to face the curse. Rewinding his legs, he unleashed a powerful kick; he launched the curse with a spray of blood.

Recovering with a strong kip-up, the world shifted as Yuta spun through the air, his katana glinting, almost calling for its master. He caught hold of the winged spirit in mid-flight, its surprise bellow echoing through the chaos. He planted his feet on the side of the curse to steady himself before he brought the full force of his curse strike down, the blade plunging deep into the heart of the winged behemoth.

Yuta wrenched his blade free with a grunt, leaving a sizzling gash in the winged spirit's side. Then, with a swiftness that defied his fatigue, he the cursed spirit downward, cleaving its side and its wings clean off its body. Unleashed a spinning kick, the impact shearing off a portion of its head wing and sending it careening into the school with a bone-jarring thud.

Turning his attention back to the fire curse, now towering implacably above, he didn't waste a moment. He landed atop the creature's flaming skull, his boots connecting with a sickening crunch. The inferno flickered momentarily, embers scattering like fireflies in distress.

Unrelenting, Yuta stomped again, and again, and again, and again, and again; with each blow came a grunt fueled by the growing crater beneath his feet and the desperate writhing of the curse. The once vibrant flames subsided, reduced to a pathetic flicker in the face of his relentless assault. The creature clawed at his shins, its desperation palpable, but Yuta remained impervious. His face was streaked with grime and sweat.

He blows a candle out to one of his foes with a final stomp. "One down, three to go."

The ground shuddered with a guttural groan, echoing from within the shattered school. From the dust and debris, the two vanquished curses rose once more, a grotesque testament to their unholy resilience. The winged monster flapped its newly regenerated wings, casting an ominous shadow, while the titan of the school stomped, its limbs reforming with unnatural speed.

Yuta picked up his sword, intent on first taking down the big one.

Yuta, blade already singing in his hand, intent on first taking down the big one. But before he could, a blur of pink fur and manic laughter collided with him. "Oh, hi Yuta!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, bouncing back with the effervescent cheer she could only possess.

"Ms. Pie! Are you hurt?" Yuta gasped, momentarily thrown off guard.

"Not a bit!" she chirped, rummaging through her mane with surprising dexterity. "But you might be after this!" A freshly baked pie emerged, its aroma incongruous amidst the battlefield. "A homemade treat's just what you need to-"

"Look out!" Tilting his body while hugging Pinkie close, he used his right arm as a meat shield to block the cursed branches from reaching her. Pain lanced through his already battered arm as he took the full force of the blow, blood gushing down his shaking forearm and along the roots, piercing through his trembling flesh. Clenching his jaw, he dropped Pinkie along with his sword, his wounded limb reaching out to grasp the branch in a vice-like grip.

Pulling with a strength fueled by desperation, he yanked the towering spirit forward, its grotesque rose head mere inches from his face. Without hesitation, he unleashed a series of skull-numbing headbutts to the curse imbued with a steady output of positive energy. Each echoed with a sickening crunch that reverberated through the air. Blood sprayed and splattered across his eyes, his vision blurring around the edges. Yet, through the haze, he saw Pinkie's mane drooping with every bone-jarring collision, her laughter silenced by the horrific spectacle.

The rose head contorted, petals flying with each brutal strike, its vibrant colours dulling to a sickly grey. The groans emanating from the spirit turned into pained shrieks, the creature recoiling with each assault. Pinkie could see the flower petals caving into its skull, bits of flesh and bones revealing themselves to her.

With a final swing, the curse disintegrates from the heavy positive energy output. Yuta slouched slightly, the steam coming off his arm subsiding from his use of reverse curse technique to heal his arm, his head covered in purple blood, "Phew... two down." Wiping the blood off his face, he turned over to Pinkie.

"I-I'm so sorry! You got hurt because of me..." Said Pinkie, picking up his sword for him in a frenzy; her mane slightly deflated, she looked up with a muffled voice. "Here, let me help."

"Thanks," he rasped, reaching for the katana. Glancing at the blade, a glint of obsidian wings sliced through the smoke.

"Get away!" He yelled, reaching out his hand to push her out of the strike zone, but to no avail.

The impact resonated like a macabre symphony. Pinkie's body contorted in an unnatural arc, her eyes widening in silent terror. Crimson erupted from her nose, painting his lips with a metallic tang. Her head jolted as if caught in a whirlwind, the force of the collision slamming her against the cracked earth.

She lay still, a limp doll against the scorched ground. Her shallow breath was a fragile thread, each cough a strangled gasp.

A primal scream ripped from Yuta's throat. "Pinkie?! Damnit!" Surging his fist with immense cursed energy, he gave the flying curse a mean left hook. Connecting with its body with a sickening crunch and sending it tumbling back onto the ground while blowing off a portion of its torso in the process.

Dashing over to the pink mare, he slid to a halt beside her. He had hoped the damage wasn't too severe, his calloused fingers brushing against her cheek, searching for a pulse, only to find that she was barely breathing through husked breaths with a pool of blood on the ground from her head.

"Pinkie?!" her voice cracked, fear ripping through her composure. Ignoring the tremor in her legs, she bolted towards the fallen form, her heart hammering against her ribs like a frantic bird.

Reaching Pinkie's side, Rarity's breath hitched. The usually vibrant mane lay dusted with the grime of battle, matted with crimson that contrasted harshly with her pale coat. Tears welled in Rarity's eyes, blurring the sight of the wound on Pinkie's head, but the frantic rise and fall of her chest, shallow and uneven, snapped her gaze back into focus.

"Oh my goodness! No! Pinkie!" Rarity cried, her voice choked with emotion. But even in her panic, her horn glowed, scanning the pony's injuries. A broken rib, internal bleeding, a concussion… the list was daunting.

"Stay with us, Pinkie!" she pleaded, her voice firming despite the tremble. With a muttered spell, she conjured a shimmering bubble of magic around the injured pony, shielding her from further harm. Gently, ever so carefully, Rarity lifted Pinkie's limp form.

Yuta shook his head. "She took a direct hit from a cursed spirit. She needs medical attention. Now."

Rarity held her breath. "I'll bring her to the safe zone, please be careful."
Without waiting for a reply, Rarity launched herself forward, hooves pounding the scorched earth. The safe zone, a makeshift haven shielded by Discord's magic, seemed miles away, yet she raced towards it with the desperation of a mother protecting her foal. Each bump and twist in the terrain threatened to jostle Pinkie's fragile form, but Rarity held on, her every fibre focused on reaching their sanctuary.

In the meantime, the winged spirit had recovered its strength and was now standing back up. This doesn't stop Rainbow Dash from spearheading herself into the wicked curse.

"You dare hurt Pinkie?!" Rainbow Dash screeched, her voice a battle cry that echoed through the shattered grounds.

A mighty flap of obsidian wings unleashed a tempestuous gust, the force of it knocking Rainbow back several feet. Her mane whipped around her head like a sapphire flame, but her spirit remained undimmed. "You'll pay!!" she roared,

Rainbow Dash shouted as she charged back at the cursed spirit. But not even a second later, the winged spirit blasted a giant blast of wind towards Rainbow Dash, sending her flying through the air.

Yuta decided that while Rainbow was dealing with the one that could fly, he'd handle the giant one terrorising the school. Bursting forth, he bent down slightly to grab the katana lying on the floor before accelerating towards the mangled facility. The thing had one of its tendrils around Applejack and another around Starlight. The former looked to be still conscious while the latter was knocked out.

"Let me go you big-"

Tired of the earth mare's complaints, the cursed spirit dragged her body through several stories of the compound. Decimating a section of the school. Lifting Applejack up into the sky and smashing her back into the earth. A joyous glee plastered all across its disgusting face.

Yuta hopped onto the roof of the building, wasting no time to lunge into the air and severing the arm with a single cut, catching the unconscious Farmer and Headmare in his grasp. They looked worst for wear. Applejack's eyes were white, and her right forehoof and hind leg looked broken. As for Starlight, Glimmer's ribs, back legs, and back were bruised by a horrific dark blue purple that was even darker than her coat. Yuta theorised the curse must have spawned onto her; otherwise, her injuries wouldn't have been to this extent.

"Put them away, Rika." The sorcerer spoke.

"Okay!" Acting with the command. Rika emerged from the darkness, storing the two ponies in her body. For a second, the beast hesitated from the presence of Rika as it jumped back, sweating slightly.

Landing on what was left of the rooftop, Yuta wiped off Pinkie's blood from his lips as he walked over to the enormous curse; ever since Rarity had taken Pinkie out of the arena, he had been charging up his cursed energy into his katana at a steady pace. Brimming with cursed energy, it was ready to attack. All he needed now was a target.

Far away, Swoosh was the sound the evacuated students heard from far away. The cleaved upper body of the gigantic cursed spirit flying upward was what the students saw. Blood was sprayed across the entire west side of the building. Its top half landed unceremoniously onto the ground with its arms going limp. One foot still kicking up dirt and stone fragments. The other foot bending downwards. Crushing fountains beneath it. The audience had their mouths agape while Discord took a pair of binoculars into his hands and whistled simultaneously.

Sighing, he looked at the exorcised cursed. "One left." Turning his attention to the last one, he let his mind wander. "This should be the doing of the cursed spirit that sent me here. Where is she?"

That doesn't matter now; right now, there's an immediate threat he has to deal with. Clearing his thoughts, he focused on the remaining spirit that was currently trying its best to kill Rainbow.

Speaking of, the rainbow pegasus was now currently floating in the air. Blood flowed down her forehead, staining her beautiful mane with a crimson red. She licked the blood from the corner of her lips with a grimace. With a quick glance behind her, she could see Yuta was staring at them.

Noticing Rainbow's guard was down, with a guttural screech, it raised its obsidian wings, summoning a swirling vortex of wind. The air itself seemed to writhe and contort, condensing into razor-sharp pellets that launched towards the rainbow pegasus. Some found their mark, digging into her hide, but Rainbow gritted her teeth, refusing to falter.

Rainbow followed up by landing a tackle, sending the cursed spirit flying back onto the school's roof. Seizing the opening, Yuta made a mad dash towards the curse, a whirlwind of energy crackling around him.

Using a combination of his katana and his own strength, he managed to slice the spirit's wings off for a second time. As soon as he did so, Rainbow gave a hard shove to the cursed spirit, sending it flying off the roof's edge. However, the curse retaliated with a condensed gale straight into Rainbow's head.

She tried to twist her head away from the blast but was slightly off. Tearing into her right eye and forcing blood to spray out of the socket. Rainbow yelled in pain as she used her hooves to minimise the bleeding.

Yuta doesn't allow this to stop his assault; going after it, he delivers a reversed roundhouse kick to the side of its head, knocking it off course. It soared through the air, reeling into the school wall and sending rubble everywhere.

Yuta, boosted with renewed energy by Rika's assistance, slammed into the cursed spirit with the force of a meteor, their combined weight sending them careening down the side of the building as they slid down the exterior. His sword sank deep into the cursed spirit, causing it to shake violently in his grip.

Ripping the blade free from the curse, he surged it with concentrated curse energy, decapitating the cursed spirit in one fell swoop and finally ending the mayhem. He kicked off its dead body, letting it fall to the ground below as he leapt back onto the rooftop. Rolling on his shoulder, he made his way over to Rainbow.

"Are you okay?" he rasped, his voice choked with concern. Rainbow's once vibrant mane was matted with crimson, and a tremor ran through her body.

Rainbow looked up, tears welling in her remaining eye. "Me?! What about you!?" she forced a smile, but it wavered at the edges. "You're covered in… well, everything."

"I can patch myself up later," he insisted, kneeling beside her. The weight of her pain pressed down on him, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm in his chest. "But you…"

"Well, at least I'd get a wicked cool scar!" she joked, attempting to lighten the mood. But her voice, thick with tears and pain, broke through the bravado.

Yuta held warm and strong hands on her head despite the trembling that racked him. "Hold still, please." He said, amplifying his output of positive cursed energy into his hands and onto Dash's wounds. The gash on her forehead knitted shut, leaving only a faint pink line. The phantom pain of her missing eye subsided, replaced by a tingling sensation. Slowly, cautiously, she opened her eyelids. Her vision swam at first, blurry and distorted, but then cleared. A new eye, as blue and vibrant as the other, stared back at her.

Rainbow let out a sigh of relief, looking up at Yuta. "Ow! That hurt." She said in pain.

"Moving while you're still being healed is similar to reopening a wound, told you you shouldn't move." He commented. "That should be the last of it."

"I didn't know you know healing magic! And to this extent!" Yuta doesn't respond. Instead, summoning a ghostly pale hand that bulged a black sack. Upon its breaking, it released Applejack and Starlight from Rika. "AJ!? Starlight!?"

"Please don't yell; I need to concentrate." he does the same treatment for them, but he can't fully heal them due to the heavy exertion of cursed energy he outputted throughout the fight and the previous night.

Dropping onto the floor, he rested his head against the wall. Exhausted. He looked up at Rainbow Dash.

"You did great, Rainbow." He said, a hint of respect in his tone.

"... I didn't" Rainbow's sorrowful expression was clear; she wiped away some blood from her eyes, trying to keep it together. "Some student... didn't make it."

Yuta looked down momentarily. Even his reassurance couldn't erase the sorrow in Rainbow's eyes. Tears escaped, mixing with the dried blood, making him ache for her pain. The mention of the fallen student hit him hard.

Before he could respond, a familiar voice sliced through the heavy silence. "Okkotsu Yuta, we need to talk." a purple alicorn princess stood before him.

"Good morning, Princess."

Down below the school's library, the Special Grade curse apparition stood in the history aisle. An opened book in its hands, reading through the contents. They tossed it aside in frustration; right when they were about to leave, a book with a golden spine came into their vision. Picking it off the shelf, they gave it a thorough read. Smiling, they closed the book.

"Pony of Shadows... Huh?"

The Pact

"Good morning, Princess."

"Twilight? How did you get here so fast?" Asked Rainbow, her primaries shaking from the fatigue of exchanging blows with the winged curse.

"Discord sent me, though it seemed I was too late," Twilight replied, her eyes wavered slightly as she looked at the carnage below. Her voice trembling slightly, "Yuta, lives were lost today. I'm sorry, but I can't allow you to carry on your operations like this if it endangers my subjects. "

Yuta tilted his head slightly at the comment before nodding in agreement.

"I'm sorry too, princess, but I can't abide by your request. I've been doing my best to exorcise these curses."

"Two innocent lives were lost because of your altercation!!"

"I'm a Jujutsu Sorcerer. I can't guarantee I'll save everyone, but I can guarantee I'll exorcise the curse, and the only way for me to do that is to continue fighting." Yuta replied, his voice firm and unwavering. He turned his back towards Twilight. "I will not actively forsake lives in battle, Princess. But there's even so many lives I can protect."

The last remark caught her stunned. He stood up from where he sat; his reversed cursed technique doing enough that he could move with no issue. Walking past Twilight, he left her staring at the spot where he'd just laid. She could feel her body shudder slightly as he moved past him.

In a flash, three magic walls surround the human, trapping him in the middle. A Ceiling materialised over him. The last side, facing Twilight, was rows of bars wide enough for his hand to pass through, but not his body. Now, he was on guard, drawing his sword.

Twilight turns around, her horn blazing a beautiful violet.

"You're right, Yuta. You can't guarantee you'll save my subjects, but how can I guarantee you're not an enemy? Your memory clearly shows even Sorcerers can turn selfish; that person with black robes and weird bangs is evidence of that." So, tell me, how can I, the ruler of Equestria, put my trust in you?"

Rainbow took a step back, her wings trembling. She hasn't seen Twilight this fierce in a long time. The magic of an Alicorn and the aura of a Special Grade Shaman is clashing right in front of her. She gulped down a stuck phlegm in her throat. For the first time in a while, Dash doesn't want front-row seats in the show.

Yuta grabbed his chin, causing his lips to purse slightly. Closing his eyes, it took him a couple of seconds of thinking before a lightbulb lit up, snapping his finger to his problem with a solution as he finger gunned the princess.

"How about making a binding vow, Princess?" This piqued her interest. "A contract created through cursed energy, you read my memories, didn't you? Surely you know what I'm getting at."

"What are the conditions?" Twilight asks with no hesitation nor wariness in her voice.

"Woah, Woah, Woah! Wait a second, Twi. You just said he can't be trusted, now you're gonna make a deal with him? A guy you just said can't. Be. Trusted?? Even if he did save my eye..." Rainbow finished with a rub of the recently recovered organ. Twilight smiled at her friend's cautiousness.

"Well, it's a long story, Dash, just know that he can't break this vow. Otherwise, there be uncanny repercussions for the one who broke it in the first place. Am I correct to say that?" Yuta nods at her statement. With no further objections from Rainbow, Twilight continues, "Getting back on track...what are these conditions you propose?"

"...I will exterminate the root cause for the curse's appearance in your world, and I promise I won't betray you or your friends. In exchange, bring me the cursed spirit that brought me here alive. Alternatively, if I happen across the curse that brought me here before you are able to, then my original offer is still in effect. Once either side has fulfil the requirement of the binding vow, we cannot back out and must complete it. This ensures that there is no way for either of us to gain something for free, and this also ensures that I won't betray you, your friends, or your subjects here in Equestria. Does that sound good?" Yuta stated, sheathing his sword.

Twilight gave it a thought. The promise sounds foul-proof: Yuta wouldn't cause harm to them, and all Twilight and her friends have to do is bring the curse to him, not even kill it. Even better if Yuta finds the curse himself, all she has to do is send him home. Snapping out of her mini-trance, Twilight moved closer to the caged Sorcerer.

"This does sound good, I am also right to assume you cannot change the vow once made correct?"

"That's right unless both parties agreed to break off the vow before either one has fulfilled their end of the vow, as I had stated. It is irreversible thereafter once made."

Twilight visibly hesitated for a moment before reaching out a hoof for a handshake.

"It's a mutual agreement then." She said, eyes steel with resolve. Yuta, in response, grabbed her hoof, giving it a firm handshake. Twilight could feel ethereal chains tightening themselves onto their limbs. Solidifying proof that the deal was made.

"Correct, from here on out, may the vow guide us."

Dash sighed in relief while Twilight shook herself, releasing Yuta from his enclosure, and continued, "Now that we've got that settled, let's return to the matter at hand. With the curses in the area taken care of, you should return with the rest of the students. I'll help with whatever I can in the meantime. Dash you too, and bring Aj and Starlight with you."

With a flick of her wings, Twilight began to fly higher into the sky, gaining altitude to see the entire school below. Yuta grabbed the two unconscious ponies lying next to Rainbow and secured them with his arm. Walking to the edge, he looked back at the cyan pegasus.

"Ms. Rainbow Dash, are you coming?"

Rainbow shook her face to clear her head before facing Yuta. "Y-yeah! Coming!"

Yuta hopped off the edge, landing with a loud crash. Rainbow, on the other hand, zipped through the skies and had already landed where Fluttershy and the others were located. The human was quick to follow, reaching just seconds after Dash.

Upon his arrival, everybody in the vicinity except for Discord took a step back. Some out of fear and others out of acknowledgement of his strength. Pinkie, along with some of the other students, lay comatose while others were in a stupor-like state. He turned over to the Young Six, their eyes and breaths baited from what Yuta was about to do next.

"I'm so glad you guys are safe!" Okkotsu exclaimed, his smile showing his genuine expression at their safety.

Waltzing over, he gently sets AJ and Starlight next to Pinkie, and he quickly makes his way over to the six. Checking their wellbeing.

"How are you guy? Sorry I couldn't make it to see all of you perform. You know, with the incident just now..." giving a quick glance at the three sleeping ponies under Fluttershy's watchful eye, he adds, "Looks like they got hit pretty hard, I think they can fully recover, but it might take a bit."

The six slacked at his somewhat goofy attitude to the situation, clearly having a history of dealing with such incidents.

"Um, Yuta? Was that what you mean by you're a Special Grade Sorcerer?" Sandbar asked, pointing a hoof at the now crumbling School of Friendship. Okkotsu chuckles at the statement.

"That wasn't exactly what I meant, but I guess you could say...it was an impromptu demonstration of my abilities."

"So... you're saying you can destroy Equestria if you wanted to?" Chimed Gallus.

"Gallus!" Silverstream gasped.

"What? I'm just curious is all." Gallus replied. This caused Yuta to stare at the Griffon, pointing a finger at himself.

"Do I really look like a rampaging gorilla?"

"I mean, you kinda are, seeing what—" Talons were quick to wrap themselves across Gallus's beak. Muffled cries could be heard soon after as Silverstream restrained him. Beads of sweat now rolled down the sorcerer's forehead.

"Ah, so I really am a rampaging gorilla." The Gorilla said in defeat, his posture slouching slightly and head hung low.

"No, no, no! You're not a brute!" Ocellus commented.

"Okkotsu dear? I'm not interrupting, am I?" Rarity interjected, joining the conversation. "The hospital has been contacted, though it might take awhile for paramedics to arrive, however, some of the survivors are still heavily wounded, there's medical equipment in the doctor's office on the first floor of the school. Perhaps you could go and retrieve some?"

"Okay!" Yuta replied, giving a thumbs up. Turning to the six, he gives them a nod. Telling them to keep safe without actually uttering a word as he got up and dashed back into the collapsed school, making sure to dodge any possible falling debris onto his way in.

Entering through the gates, he was about to scour a little for the nurse's office. Until the trail of cursed residuals was sensed by the sorcerer, the cursed energy left on the ground was similar to that that sent him to Equestria. Yuta snapped his neck towards the direction of the residuals, his eyes sharpening as he gave chase to the trial.

Footsteps rang through the desolate halls as Yuta slid from the corner turn, gracefully kicking off the wall and continuing his dash. With the library doors drawing close, he leapt into the air and dropkicked the doors down with a hefty smash. Dust clouds envelop his person, settling slowly onto the dirty carpets from the confrontation above the school grounds earlier that day.

Okkotsu brisked through the aisle of the walls of books, carefully observing the residuals and his environment, all the while keeping his dominant hand close to the handle of his katana, ready to draw at a moment's notice.

Reaching the end of the trail, books littered the floor. He reached down to pick one up, reading the title.

"History of Equestria and the rise of Friendship."

The book had pages creased and folded in an uncaring manner, probably from the impact done when the curse had dropped it onto the floor when it was no longer useful to her. Opening the crumpled pages, he began reading the contents.

Twilight had just finished clearing the last of the waste debris around the stadium, the magic on her horn dying down in the process.

"What a disaster." She noted bloodstains still decorated the arena. "How do I even begin to break the horrible news to the parents of those poor students?!" Her hoof rubbed her temple, her eyebrows scrunching up in both sadness and annoyance, hatred and self-loathing. Annoyance that she couldn't reach the scene in time to help. Hatred to the curses that dare cause harm to her people, and self-loathing for not being able to protect her citizens. "Lives were lost, Twilight! How are you this incompetent!?" Her eyes started to shimmer as she dipped her head. "Celestia, what would you do?"

"Princess!" Turning around, Twilight watched as Yuta dashed to her side, a book in his hand. "Who's this?!" He asked, pointing to a picture of a pony shrouded in black fog. The purple Alicorn was quick to hide her emotions away. Clearing her thoughts, she gave Yuta his answer.

"The pony of shadows? He was banished to limbo. Why? What's wrong?"

"Banished? Like, teleported? Not killed?"

"Yes... What are you getting at?"

A sudden flash of rainbow light from the skies blinded the two for a second, using their arms and wings to shield themselves from the light. The nearby inhabitants did the same until the glow died down. Everybody could now clearly see what was going on up in the skies, with the object in question draining the colours from its surroundings as it fell, leaving a trail of discolouration in its path. Giving the young six, main seven, and Yuta a clear indicator that the object in question was pretty damn far away.

To be fair, what they were witnessing was not an object but rather a place.

"H-hey," Gallus asked, his voice shaky. Pointing his talons in the direction of where the trail of greyscale was falling. "I-is Cloudsdale supposed to be falling from the sky?"

Author's Note

Chainsaw man is mad fire. :moustache:

Stormy Weather: Part 1

Screams permeated around the city as the platform clouds swayed and shook on Cloudsdale, The faceless curse stood idly by, watching the chaos ensue with little interest. Some of the pegasi residents tried to fly to safer land down below, but a veil only sent them back to where they first started. Halting any progress the ponies may have tried to achieve.

A sudden boom quaked the city, the Pony of Shadows emerging from the destroyed infrastructure, a crooked smile plastered on his face.

"So this was your plan? Letting that thing destroy Cloudsdale?" A voice commented from behind the curse.

"I've already told you, Sombra. Freeing the Pony of Shadows is but another step to achieving my goal. Plus, our real target isn't to cause mindless destruction. It's that." She said, pointing at the Rainbow Factory.

"I don't get what's so good about it."

The curse sighed, her eyelids drooping in annoyance. "Colours, Sombra."

"We came all the way here, just for colours?"

"Don't you get it? Colours are a fundamental aspect of this world. It can easily change the mood and set the atmosphere for any situation. Think about it, ponies are so easily swayed by emotions if we can reverse engineer the machine responsible for colour production around the Equestria and imbue it with some cursed energy. We can set the stage for pure negativity to spread across the lands nationwide."

Sombra smirked, "Such an ambitious project. Aren't you worried I'll change the course of your plan? I'm a villain after all."

"I foresee the possibility. But you wouldn't, my plan aids your goal of attaining the Crystal Empire and killing the Elements. it serves you no purpose other than ensuring the erasure of your existence again. Remember, I brought you back into the world, Sombra. Along with the Pony of Shadows from limbo. I can easily kill you should I so desire."

Sombra scoffed, "Fine, I'll follow your lead for now. Usowamoto."

On land, a flash of purple magic teleported Twilight, Rainbow, Okkotsu, and the young six close to where Cloudsdale was set the crash. Flaring her magic, Twilight spawned purple pillars underneath the falling city while expanding her telekinesis to slow the descent of the city so it doesn't just come to a sudden halt against the pillars.

Even with all that, the city of the skies came crashing down onto the magic constructs. Caving and crashing the pillars with great might.

The untold strain caused the princess of magic to begin bleeding from her nose as her eyes pulsated with veins creeping into the whites of said organs. Panting, Twilight began to sweat and her vision wavering.

"Princess Twilight!" The six called in worry.

"Don't worry about me! Go and figure out what's the situation in Cloudsdale! Once I have everything settled here, I'll join you!"

"Understood, C'mon!" Yuta replied, signaling to the young six. Surging his legs with cursed energy, he leaped into the air and onto the cloudy platforms with the young six and Rainbow following close behind.

Landing on the edge, Yuta noticed the giant curtain surrounding the city, wasting no time and touching the veil, he had expected his hand to come to a stop. But it passed through without interference.

"What is this thing?" Smolder asked.

"A curtain. Used to trap curses in and keep the general public out. Looks like it's designed with the intent of keeping Pegasi in. But in exchange, it lets other species in."

On the other side, Pegasi banged at the barrier, the expressions of fear and blood clear on their faces. Yelling to be let out.

"Wait, so I'm stuck outside?" Inquired Rainbow.

"Correct."

"Dang it!"

"Don't worry, for specific curtains to take effect, a catalyst is usually used in conjunction with it. The point of origin is generally at the center point, although it varies from barrier to barrier, if we destroy it, we can take down the curtain and evacuate all the civilians trapped inside. Rainbow Dash, ensure there isn't anybody trying to escape. As for the six of you, split up into groups, one guides those who are injured to safety, and another to find those trapped under rubble."

A round of affirmation sounded by the six, as Rainbow took a step back. "Don't hold out on me for too long!"

"Yea, We'll head in first."

"Let us out!" Cried a pegasus.

"Please! My kid's hurt!! Please release us!!" Yelled another.

Answering their calls for help, a hand reached through the veil.

"Sorry, we're coming through." The voice of the strongest said, his insurmountable amount of cursed energy causing the pegasi to scatter in panic as he along with the young six entered the city. Taking a step forward, Yuta's foot sunk through the clouds, but was quickly caught by Silverstream and Gallus each holding onto an arm. "That was close!"

"Not just any creature can walk on clouds you know," Gallus remarked.

"Please be careful!" Silverstream added.

Ocellus lighted her horn, casting a cloud walker spell onto Yuta. "I just cast a spell that allows you to walk on clouds, you should be able to now!"

Nodding, Yuta took a wary step forward, prepared to experience the falling sensation again. However, the feeling of stepping on the hard surface ground touched his feet. With that, he turned to the six.

"I'll go on ahead!!"

"Okay!" replied Sandbar.

"Got it." Smolder agreed.

"Wait for us!" Rainbow informed.

"Alright then!" Smolder replied, pulling up the invisible sleeve on her bicep up to her shoulder. "Let's go!" Spreading her wings, she blasts off in search of survivors. As the rest of the group began searching for those trapped beneath the rubble.

Meanwhile, Yuta hopped through clouds and onto a building, surveying the area, he noticed a hospital sprayed across several blocks in pieces.

'So it targeted the vulnerable first?' Okkotsu thought.

Racing through the streets at great speeds, he could hear he was reaching closer and closer to the sound of explosions. 'It must be near.'

Suddenly, he spotted smoke rising from the ground, continuing his speed, he sped towards the source. Upon arriving at where the smoke was originating from, he saw a large pony clouded in shadows laughing at the mayhem.

Bodies of pegasi guards littered the ground, assumedly from fighting the shadow pony. Spears of black fog pierced the dead bodies and a low-lying smoke hovered the ground.

"Finally free from that wretched space!!" He yelled, raising his hoof above another guard trying to crawl away from the space. Right as his hoof connected with the ground, a torrent of shadows blasts from his hoof, furthering the spread of darkness across the battlefield.

But there wasn't any sickening crunch the darkness pony was accustomed to when killing ponies. Checking where he had stomped, the pony guard was gone.

"Are you the Pony of Shadows?" The young sorcerer asked, the guard pony now in his hold, setting him aside as he himself approached the shadowed figure.

The pony turned around, looking at the little human approaching him. "Why yes, I am."

'He's emitting cursed energy while taking a shadowy form, his cursed technique should have something to do with shadows. Just like Fushiguro-san.' Yuta thought. "Are you allied with a little girl cursed spirit with no face?"

"And if I say I am?"

"Where is she?"

"And pray tell, why would I ever divulge that information to you?"

"It's been a long day for me, so my patience is running thin," Yuta said. Now standing in front of the cursed pony. "So speak. Before I take away your ability to."

"Cocky little bastard, aren't you!?" The pony of shadow manifested a flurry of shadow polearms to his side while summoning spears to spike from the ground to attack Yuta from where he stood.

Yuta didn't flinch, instead, he flipped backward. Dodging a good chunk of the attack from the ground spikes while landing on his feet. Immediately, he lashed out with both hooves, unleashing a barrage of the kept spears by his side towards Okkotsu.

A pale hand slapped the wave of spears away with ease, as Rika's form emerged from darkness not of the Pony's but of Yuta's.

The shadow's eyes widen in surprise as he looks into the face of the special-grade cursed spirit beside Yuta before looking back at the human. Now inches away from his face. Swinging his arm with ferocious accuracy, he had nearly missed the Pony of Shadow. Grazing his cheek with the tip of his blade.

'What speed!' The etherial pony thought.

Falling backwards, the Pony of Shadow tried to regain his footing, only to feel a cold blade pressed against his neck.

"You will answer my question, now." Surging his katana with cursed energy, the Pony of Shadow showed signs of being in visible pain. "So you are a curse, huh?"

The cursed pony smirked, shifting his form from that of solid to vapour. Yuta flipped his sword's handle and jabbed it into the ground in an effort to catch the Phantom Pony but to no avail.

He shifted back to his normal form once he was a good distance away from Okkotsu, face scrunched up in irritation. Materialising a large number of bows equipped with shadow arrows, the pony of shadows took aim. Firing a hail of arrows directed at Yuta.

Turning his heel, the sorcerer bolted to his right in an attempt to move out of the way of the splash zone. But the arrows corrected their course, like homing missiles, they already had their target locked on him. Hundreds of arrows constitute a wave of arrows.

Sliding to dodge the first wave, the arrows missed and lodged themselves in the ground.

Knowing he couldn't stay close to the ground for too long, he took a few steps backwards, and then leapt into the air. However, the second wave of arrows was already there to greet him.

Turning around, he swung with his cursed imbued blade and easily erased a majority of the second wave of homing arrows with minimal difficulty. That said, some arrows did land their mark, as Yuta's body was pelted with arrows from the clouds of smoke which obstructed his vision. Grunting at the situation, Yuta kept a cool mind. Assuming the worst has already come to pass. Although he hadn't anticipated a third wave coming for him so soon.

Realising he needs to make a break of it the moment his foot connects with the ground, Yuta steadies himself. In the corner of his eye, he could see the original first wave of arrows lodged into the ground oddly bulging. Almost as though it was filled with gas.

Okkotsu' s eyes widen.

Turning back to the third wave, he observed similar a event occurring above him as well as the arrows embedding into his body.

"Explode." The shadow pony commanded.

Yuta could only remove the arrows on his body and tossed them to the side before the shadow constructs did as the name suggests. The arrows above, below, and beside Yuta exploded with great force, which seemed to be the reason why so many explosions were going off near the cursed pony.

"Pest." The Pony of Shadows said.

Despite being showered with explosives in all directions, Yuta came out unscathed with a ring in his hand, looking as if he was just about to wear it. The reason why the sorcerer hadn't put it on was that he was shielded by a bubble flowing with a purple aura.

"It took me quite a while to stabilise the support beams, but it's done." The princess of friendship said. Her benevolence and presence finally graced the battlefield.

"We meet again, Princess." The cursed pony stated.

"Unfortunately," Twilight replied. "How did you escape from Limbo?"

"It must be the cursed spirit that sent me here. If it can open portals through universes, dimensions don't seem to be out of reach." Yuta adds.

Twilight hummed in acknowledgment. Her curiosity was piqued at the thought but she knows now isn't the time for questions. "Rainbow told me about the curtain, go, Okkotsu. I'll handle The Pony of Shadows."

With a nod, Twilight released Yuta from her magic. Allowing him to make a dash, but a wall of shadow was quick to block his exit. This doesn't hinder his progress, however, as Twilight casts a teleportation spell to transport Yuta through the wall.

"You know, on my way here. I've counted 204 of my little ponies dead. Not to mention the 40 more in this area. I am to assume you caused this?"

The pony of shadows gave a hearty laugh, he was laughing so hard he nearly lost his balance, wiping a tear from his eyes, he looked at Twilight. "With pride."

"That's all I needed to hear."

Lighting her horn, Twilight teleported beside the ethereal pony, firing two magical blasts at point-blank range. The curse tried to dodge, but Twilight was quick to stomp her hoof onto his own to prevent him from running. Forcing him to take the full brunt of the attack head-on.

The pony of shadows was quick to take a more ghost-like form, flying away from the princess to create some form of distance. This was quickly put to a halt when Twilight activated her telekinesis and forced all the particles that were the curse to compress together into one spot to such an extent that he regained his physical form.

'Such magical strength and prowess!!' He thought.

The pony of shadows wasn't wrong with that statement, if anything, it was an understatement of Twilight's abilities. Along with the responsibilities of ruling an entire nation. She hasn't given up on furthering her pursuit of discovering and understanding magic to its fundamental core, hoping that by doing so, it serves to be useful in furthering the development of Equestria.

Of course, with the physiology of a mature Alicorn coupled with her natural talent and affinity for magic, and her refined magical talents and vast knowledge. The Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle, currently sits atop the pyramid of strength in Equestria, including the other Princesses.

Going back into the battle, Twilight strengthen her grip on the pony of shadows, making him cough up some blood.

With a slight wave of his hoof, blocks of shadow held Twilight in a tight position as a guillotine formed around the princess. As soon as the blade was formed, it came slamming down, severing Twilight in half by the torso.

"Gotcha!!" The pony of shadows yelled victoriously.

Although Twilight's body was indeed severed in half, there was no blood, and neither was her telekinetic grip loosened. Instead, the two halves took a cloudy shape, floating and swirling around the trapped pony. Before materialising into two Twilight Sparkles, showering the poor thing in a clobber of buckings.

His head jolted back and forth from the intense pummeling he was receiving, his head spun like crazy and it felt nauseating. Bellowing out a yell, a surge of darkness shoved the two Twilights back as they merged into one.

"How!? How are you this strong!?"

"My goal isn't to banish you, I'm here to kill you."

A manifestation of another Phantom Pony grew behind the princess, wielding a scythe in a magical grasp. Aiming for her head, the manifestation swung with ruthless intent.

...

"Huh?" Was all the shadow pony could muster before his head was severed with his own strike with Twilight standing a couple of meters away, clear from the attack.

"It's illusionary magic," Twilight stated, walking over to the beheaded curse. "I casted a spell over the general area before entering to confront you. Your sense of sight, touch, hearing, smell, and even taste has been altered to fit my whim."

Crouching down, she stared into his eyes, her own looking uncharacteristically cold for the one titled and crowned princess of friendship. "With all the innocent lives you took, how does it feel to be struck down by your own blade? Of course, I don't expect a vengeful spirit like you to show empathy. That said, normal rules don't apply to curses like yourself as compared to any other creature. Hence, special considerations will be put into place."

Leaning in closer, Twilight was only a few inches away from the face of the pony of shadow. Her beautiful dark purple eyes showed the reflection of the sorry state he was in. "For the lives of the innocent young foals, folks, and elderly killed by your needless destruction in Cloudsdale. I will make you suffer a thousandfold."

"I've heard enough!" The curse yelled, amplifying the spread of shadows from where his head rested to cover a wide area, reforming his body in the process.

'He neutralised my illusionary magic?' Twilight thought, flying in the sky.

As the shadow pony stands up, the ground beneath him explodes with a blast of black smoke. The pony of shadow commanded spikes to shoot up to Twilight. Which she blocked effortlessly with her own magic protection spell, continuing to pile on the pressure, the hardened spikes take a snake-like appearance, wrapping around the shield Twilight cast and being to compress with great force.

"Die." The pony of shadows stated as the black orb squeezed her tighter than a proverbial sardine tin. "that should have done it."

"Oh? Are you sure? How about running the test again? Seems to be the results are woefully lacking." Twilight asked, standing behind the compressed The Pony of Shadow. "It's still a millennium too early for you to kill me. Whatever you can do, I can mimic and perform it better. My special talent is magic, after all."

The cursed pony smirked, "Look around you." Doing as she was told, Twilight looked around. Realising that the lingering shadows on the battlefield had formed into tentacles and picked up large debris of broken-down houses and buildings nearby to surround both himself and Twilight. "I was buying time for this!"

"Is this another one of your sorry excuses for a trap-" Clasping his hooves together, he focused all of his cursed energy to surge and materialise. Bringing forth his ultimate art.

"Domain Expansion:-"

Shadows hovering on the ground where the two of them stood burst forth and shot upward, and along the broken walls of clouds and concrete. Utilising them as a makeshift construct to act as the foundation to form the realisation of an innate domain.

"-Everlasting peril of The Abyss."

The tendrils wrapped themselves around Twilight and the cursed pony, as he chuckled with amusement, "You still have a lot left to learn, Princess."

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait :moustache:

Stormy Weather: Part 2

"You still have a lot left to learn, Princess."

Twilight scowled and looked at the cursed pony. Finding herself now in the inner world of shadows. It was pitch black, however, through the darkness, she could see silhouettes of tendrils slithering up from the ground and up to a focus point in the air. Facing up, The Princess clicked her tongue, as she observes a giant skull of an alicorn pony hovering over the top of the domain with the same tendrils wriggling about through its sockets. The skull overlooking the two ponies from the heavens. silently judging, yet never acting.

"Crap."

The Pony of Shadows laughs at the simple yet accurate response. " "Craps." Right!! This battle's been decided!!" rearing his head back, he cuts through the air to point the tip of his horn towards the lavender mare.

With a shine of his horn, tentacles born of darkness shot up and towards Twilight, and with the domain's guaranteed hit effect. No amount of spells could Twilight deploy to try to stop the assault, least slow it down.

That didn't stop her from trying though, erecting six of her strongest barrier spells, she stood her ground in an attempt to hold out as long as possible. To no use, as the sure-hit effect phased through all of her spells at such breakneck speeds that Twilight herself hadn't realised that they had stabbed through her legs, torso, wings, and stomach. Piercing her regalia with ease similar to that of a pen tearing through paper. Snaps and cracks could be heard in her limbs, as the princess cried in pain.

The barriers Twilight deployed vanished as quickly as they were put up, the tentacles weren't done, however. Instead, lifting the poor Alicorn up in an act of showing dominance. Causing Twilight to cough up gouts of blood which quickly translate into vomiting the crimson liquid. Air wheezes through her trachea, and a disgusting combination of blood and stomach acid leaked from the corners of her mouth, eyes, and nostrils.

Twilight tries to cast a teleportation spell as a last resort in order to get herself out of this mess she got herself into. Her horn shined, then died down with no effect. 'My spell isn't working? Is it because of the Domain's effects?'

Due to many factors such as his inexperience with barrier techniques, inadequate training, unrefined domain, and the reliance on a structure to construct his own Domain which was shaky. Thus as a result, his domain could only last for 4.1 seconds before its inevitable collapse. The darkness of the domain crumbled around the two, releasing Twilight and The Pony of Shadows from the technique. Daylight reinviting the cursed pony back into the real world.

Through shallow, hoarse breaths. Twilight managed to look up and faced the shadow pony. Who now stood in front of her. Beaming with a smirk.

"Still alive? I was sure I punctured your heart."

"H-how do you... know to cast... a-a Domain...?" As far as Twilight knew from Okkotsu's memories, Domains are the pinnacle of Jujutsu sorcery. Yet, this curse that didn't have the slightest clue about cursed energy now is using a Domain just one day after being freed.

He chuckles, "Looks like I could only maintain it for a few seconds. Since you're on your deathbed, I'll amuse you." Walking with a skip he circles around the bloodied princess. A joyous skip in his step.

"I hadn't actually known that I was a cursed spirit. Not until she came to free me from Limbo. Even then, she told me she sense a great amount of strength from deep within me. Explaining what I was, and what my potential could be. Apparently, using a host as weak and puny as Stygian." Tilting his body so just his head pokes from above Twilight's point of view, he looked at her through an upside-down gaze, a stupid child-like smile plastered on his face. "Can you believe it!? He was holding ME back!"

Pulling his head back, he continues with a cough to the hoof. "To further my development, she had me go on a rampage destroying Cloudsdale. I had no issue with it, being a curse and all. This was what I wanted, to realise my own innate domain via a near-death experience! And for that, I have to thank you, Princess. Only you could push me to greater heights."

Twilight spat a spit of blood on the curse but misses completely. "I-it isn't... over... my friends... the elements... they..."

The pony of shadow wasn't pleased, not in the slightest. Summoning another tendril from below, He shot it up at Twilight through her jaw and up her skull. Twilight's eyes rolled back, and her mandible hung in place as the tendril lodged itself through her bones, preventing it from moving. Blood seeped down the black limb piercing her brain, and her crown clanked unceremoniously onto the ground.

Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship, has passed.

The pony of shadows gave a crooked smile, satisfied with the outcome. Flinging the corpse of the princess to the side, he sets his sights back on the running Yuta.

"Now to chase the weird monkey, and after that, her "friends" ." Right as the Pony of Shadows was about to take a step, his body froze. "Huh?" Now he was really trying to strain his body, a futile effort to be blunt. "W-what is the meaning of this!?"

Then, a sudden familiar voice thought to be dead echoed through his mind. "Impressive, no wonder Starlight and the other pillars had a difficult time sealing you away." It was Twilight's.

The pony of shadow scrunched up his face, clearly pissed at the fact that Twilight's still alive. "How are you still alive!? And how are you speaking in my head!? Explain you witch!!"

"...Witch? That's rather... lame." Cracks in the air manifested in a purple glow as tiny chips of them fell like broken glass, it caused a cascade of shattering surfaces in reality.

The pony of shadows turned to face the corpse of Twilight, but it too had faded just like everything else. Shattering into dust. The Phantom Pony tried to change forms, to do anything. However, he found himself helplessly laying on the floor, his body missing, with the tendrils he used in his domain to stab Twilight like a pin doll, now stabbing through his own head.

"WH-WHAT *Hhrgk!!* DID YOU *Cough* DO!?" The Pony of Shadows demanded at the now approaching Twilight, seemingly cleared from her fatal injuries, with heavy sweat beading down her forehead and glistening her purple coat.

"Before you embarrassingly beheaded yourself, I casted a secondary illusionary spell above my original one in case of unforeseen circumstances. We never carried on our battle past your decapitation, you were high on a dream I conjured for you, that Domain Expansion and my "death" were all fabricated. From the very beginning."

The edges of his head begin to burn away like ambers, and his rage-filled eyes do nothing to stop his own self-exorcism.

"This was my intended outcome for you, to perish by your own power. A humiliating death, befitting for a curse." As the last of the curse's head disintegrates, he cried out his last curse.

"I'LL MURDER YOU!! I'LL-!!"

Twilight sighs, closing her eyes. "...Why couldn't we just... get along?... be friends?"

Finally letting out a held gasp of air and buckling faintly, a sharp pain zapped at the side of her body, turning her gaze, she lifted her left wing to look underneath it. Sure enough, a large gash was present on her torso. Though it wasn't bleeding as much as expected thanks to a combination of a small recovery spell Twilight casted earlier on and her Alicorn body already slowing down the bleeding considerably.

'Although he was under the influence of my spell, he still managed to cast his Domain on instinct, just for a split second, even as just a head, he caught me. I had to intensify my spell in order to trick him into attacking himself.'

Twilight heaved herself back up, steadying her breath. 'That really hurt, had his domain lasted any longer, it might've neutralised my second spell, and by then, I'd really be a goner. The simulation that he experienced wasn't built on a foundation of complete lies, it incorporates aspects of reality to further enhance the realistic experience. But why is magic so easily disrupted by cursed energy? Even concentrated magic of my caliber had problems dealing with a domain.' Twilight thought. lighting her horn, the previous wound closes up with relative ease. 'I need to find Okkotsu.'

Dashing through the streets, Yuta hacked away at some lingering curses all the while rescuing as many ponies as he possibly could. He knew he was reaching close to the cursed object amplifying the curtain placed over Cloudsdale, but his mind wandered and his head was starting to split. As of right now, Yuta has been awake for 17 hours, and the fatigue is slowly catching up.

'Exorcising all those curses in the middle of the night and not getting ample rest really did a number on my cursed energy reserves.' He thought.

Marching on, he could see it, a book with cursed marking all over it, from the cover to its pages. Raising his arm, Yuta gave a thorough swing, only to be interrupted by Usowamoto summoning a portal in front of Yuta that, if he had swung his sword, would have slashed the back of Yona. Rather than forcing himself to halt mid-motion, Yuta instead aimed for the ground beside the cursed object and swung his blade there.

Cracking the asphalt and nearly splitting the clouds, both Usowamoto and Yuta jumped back, glaring at one another. Wasting not another second longer, Yuta sprinted towards the curse. Swinging his katana with overflowing cursed energy, he sent a wave of destruction towards the cursed child.

Which was easily deflected with an opening of a portal back to Yuta, however, Yuta was already behind Usowamoto, delivering a swift left kick to her sides, he sent her flying in the opposite direction. Capturing this opportunity, Yuta reached for the book, but a sudden flying kick to his face sent him tumbling backwards.

'Did she open a portal behind her to use the momentum from my kick to distribute a counterattack!?... Not yet! The timing isn't right! But...' Sliding to a stop, Yuta held his blade in front of him in a defensive position. Gasping for air. 'I finally understand her cursed technique.'

Yuta javelins his sword imbued with cursed energy into the nearby building, transferring the cursed energy from his sword to the concrete, exploding off the walls and straight to Usowamoto.

'You must be tired from fighting so many curses for an extended period of time. Now it's time for me to go on the offensive." The faceless child took note of this, opening a portal where the rocks would've made contact with her and redirecting it to where Yuta was standing.

However, Yuta was already bolting for her a third time. This caught the curse off-guard. "How!?" was what she thought, not anticipating for the sorcerer to still have stamina left to charge at her. As he closed the gap, he charged his fist with cursed energy, before delivering a nasty right hook straight to where her liver would be. Sending her crashing into the nearby building.

"You use yourself as a beacon for establishing connections with portals, or else you've had been on the assault. In short, you can't focus on attacking and defending at the same time. That little window where you have to switch strategies is my golden window of opportunity."

Not wasting another second, Yuta sprinted towards Usowamoto, picking his blade up, and punching the nearby concrete wall imbued with cursed energy in the process. Dashing up, Yuta was prepared to give the killing blow. Until the curse of no-face raised her hand, commanding a portal to open where Yuta was headed. Teleporting him high up into the middle of the sky above Cloudsdale whilst still remaining in the curtain.

"I was waiting for this. Rika!!"

Shocked, Usowamoto was on high alert. Only to see from the corner of her peripherals that a partially manifested Rika had just crushed the book she was so desperately trying to protect.

"Done!!" Rika called out excitedly.

With that, the curtain shattered, reinviting the blue skies into Cloudsdale once again. Along with the blue skies, came a thunderous boom. A Sonic Rainboom, aiming straight at where Yuta was.

"How did Rainbow know when the curtain was going down!?" Usowamoto yelled. That's when it hit her, Rika hadn't been joining in on the fight. She deduced that Rika split from Yuta in order to communicate with Rainbow when Rika was going to take down the veil and to prepare a Sonic Rainboom in advance. "Shit!!"

...They say, being a jujutsu sorcerer is a demanding occupation that requires one to constantly face fear-inducing curses and risk their life. Naturally, there are several drawbacks to working as a professional exorcist. As it happens, Gojo Satoru himself says being a little crazy is a requirement to being a jujutsu sorcerer.

And crazy's an understatement to what Yuta had planned for the world-hopping curse.

Zooming through the air faster than the speed of sound, Dash aimed her trajectory at the human. "I hope you know what you're doing!!"

Still falling from the skies, Yuta muttered calmly. "Now or never," Reaching for his ring, he fits it on his ring finger. Summoning the complete manifestation of the Queen of Curses to his side. "Emerge, Rika. All of you."

On the other side of Cloudsdale, the young six were busy freeing some of the trapped ponies under the destroyed houses and buildings.

"Ready? 1,2,3. *Hump!!*" grunted Smolder, along with Sandbar and Yona, lifting another chunk of debris off two ponies. One pegasus mare with a pale, light-grayish cornflower blue coat with an orange mane with light scarlet streaks, and her husband, another pegasus stallion with a pale light grayish-blue coat and a striking rainbow mane.

"W-wha!?" Yelled the stallion, pushing his wife behind him in a protective manner. "G-get away! Back!!" He said, closing his eyes shut while fanning his wings like a hand trying to swat away a fly.

"Say, doesn't he look like Professor. Rainbow?" Yona asked curiously.

Smolder nodded, "Yea, He's got that same mane and everything."

"What's "and everything"?" Yona questioned, earning a side-eye from Smolder.

"Y' know. Over supportive parents vibes that caused the brat of a kid to not be properly listened to and in turn cause more damage than good?"

"Hmm, yea, I can kinda see it." Sandbar replied.

This laid-back conversation between the three mysterious figures registered in the two pegasus's minds that maybe the voices that were talking weren't here to do nasty things to them. Slowly opening their eyes, they were greeted by the sight of three of the young six.

"Y-you guys are... you're our Dash's students!" Bow uttered with hope in his voice.

"Bullseye." Smolder flexed.

"Mr. and Ms. Dash we're here to get you out of here." Sandbar reached to pull the two out, finally freeing them from their collapsed house.

"Wait, do Dash's parents share the same last name as her-" Smolder was promptly cut off as a surge of bottomless cursed energy rendered the air unbreathable. The five began to sweat, their flight or fight instincts kicking in.

"Guys!?" Yona shouted in panic, struggling to move her legs.

"O-oi, keep it together, Yona. We've got a-a-a-a p-p-p-plan- Dang it!!" Smolder yelled, punching her trembling thigh and taking a deep breath. But even her throat was shaky.

"W-we gotta hope Y-Yuta can handle w-whatever that w-was..." Sandbar added. "C'mon! The sooner we get outta here, t-the better!"

Yuta continues falling down to Cloudsdale, cold wind rustling through his hair and clothes in a frenzy. Slitting his wrist, he allowed his blood to flow freely out of his body, before giving Rika the katana for her to store. Right as he passed a certain range, he activated a cursed technique he had copied not too long ago from his battle with the Kyoto Goodwill Event.

He clapped his hands.

In an instant, he was now next to Usowamoto. Stunned the curse tried to raise a portal to prevent Yuta from attacking her from the side, all the while thinking to herself how he managed to teleport next to her.

and punching the nearby concrete wall imbued with cursed energy in the process.

It was thanks to imbuing the wall he had previously punched with cursed energy that he had used it as a target for "Boogie Woogie". However, that was another mistake that Usowamoto made was expecting Yuta to instantaneously use the same move on her.

"Don't move!" Switching cursed techniques, Yuta's voice echoed with static noise. His mouth and cheeks now bore the Serpent Eyes and Fangs of the Inumaki clan. As the command says, it strips her of the will to control her body, changing back to Boogie Woogie, Yuta clapped his hands again.

Now switching the places of Rika and Usowamoto. Forcing her to fall helplessly high up from the sky, spinning in all directions, mixing up her sense of vertigo. This was exactly what Yuta wanted. Clasping his hands together, he manipulated blood to flow from a cut on his wrist he inflicted on himself earlier whilst he was falling into his enclosed palms as he focused on his hopelessly falling target.

Enhancing the blood flowing from within his own body, he activated Flowing Red Scales, along with amplified reinforcement of his boundless cursed energy to better improve his ciliary muscles and the way his suspensory ligament pulls and relaxes on his lens, automating his visual acuity manually to have better vision looking at far away objects. Similar to that of a manual lens of a high-spec camera. Locking target, Yuta Jets out a Piercing Blood attack towards her with such strength that the building glass around him shattered and caved from the recoil.

Usowamoto tried to readjust her sense of balance, but there's only so much she could do with restricted movements. Then, she realised, a stream of blood racing to her face from her right, along with Rainbow Dash closing in from the other side at mock speeds. A trail of sparkling rainbows followed close behind.

Stormy Weather: Part 3

An arrow of crimson blood along with a blitzing Rainbow Dash torpedoed themself against the falling curse mid-air. Rainbow was the first to make contact with the immobilised cursed first, diving hoof-first into her abdomen with an explosive boom, driving her through the Piercing Blood. The red liquid penetrated her right shoulder.

Yelling out in pain, Usowamoto tried to shove the blue mare off of her. This only further encouraged Rainbow to drive her in faster, flapping her wings and generating more energy, she spearheaded the curse towards Yuta.

On the other side of the blood, Yuta had already released the technique, reaching into Rika to grab a weapon, he pulled out a short sword with a black blade.

"Get ready, Rika."

"Yup."

As the curse and Rainbow were fast approaching, Yuta readies a stance, pulling back his sword, he aims for the curse, as Rika too, readies herself. Right as Rainbow was about to enter the building that Yuta and Rika were occupying, he shouts the timing.

"Now!"

Lunging forward, he gave a diagonal slash while Rika attacks alongside Yuta. Usowamoto wasn't having any of it, flexing her fingers in the air, she turned her hands inversely against one another. Focusing on her technique, she conjured two portals behind the sorcerer and the pegasus.

"Portal Technique: Rotating Mirror."

The two portals suddenly dashed to each other, catching Yuta, Rainbow, and Usowamoto in it right when the two attacks were about to connect. Sending all three of them spinning and tumbling into a lush grassy field a good distance away from the fallen city of Cloudsdale.

Usowamoto was the first to land, plopping onto the greenery with a painful thud. Getting up, she was about to scratch her head when an ominous surge of cursed energy from her right instinctively told her to jump up. She was glad she did, as Yuta only grazed her clothing with his black blade.

Not letting her rest, the sudden change in wind pressure from her left forced her to spin leftward in order to dodge the speeding Rainbow Dash who was quick to follow up on the assault.

The two allies moved in near-perfect synchronisation, their pacing and speed closely complemented one another. Halting their movements, the two jumped back at the curse, which she only had to open a small portal to get herself a good distance away from them.

Now, Rainbow and Yuta stood on one side of the field, while Usowamoto stands on the other. Rainbow was perched onto Yuta's shoulder, her eyes deep in focus, Yuta's eyes too told a different story than the normally cheerful first-year the Jujutsu Tokyo School usually knows. The bloodlust seeping from him and the concentration drooling from Rainbow forced the cursed child to take a step back in hesitation.

"Constantly apply pressure, keep putting her on the back foot. She needs a longer time to open a portal to travel far-off distances. Once we close the gap, I'll be able to finish her." Yuta explained with a deadly chill in his voice.

Unbothered, Dash replied with a simple, "Gotcha."

There was only a single thought running through Rainbow's mind, it was how she was going to pay dearly for attacking the school Twilight painstakingly went through to get it to open up. Not to mention, the students that died in the attack on said School. And lastly, her friends who were gravely injured from trying to fend off the curses to buy time for the other students to escape.

Rainbow and Yuta exchanged glances, both knew what the other was thinking. They both shared the same thoughts in their minds, neither needing to speak for communication to take place.

Dash was the first to make a move, bursting forth, she angled herself hindlegs forward to give a dive kick. Usowamoto raised an arm, prepared to conjure another portal to redirect Rainbow and her attack.

"Don't move!" Yuta commanded,

Usowamoto froze, through grunts and grumbles, her body refusing to move an inch.

'A cursed technique that imparts commands through voices? It is sound?'

That was all Usowamoto could think before Rainbow's hooves connected with her chest, dragging her for a mile through the dirt and stone on the grassy hills. Rainbow took a step back into the air, preparing herself for another divebomb. Usowamoto wasn't having it, summoning a portal behind her to move Rainbow to another location.

However, a flash of light and the sound of hands clapping interrupted her plans. As Yuta is now in place of the blue pegasus, raising his arm faster than the curse could raise another, he brought the black blade down unto Usowamoto, severing her left arm like a hot knife to butter.

The cursed child jumped back, dumbfounded at how easily Yuta severed her arm even though she reinforced it with cursed energy. Unbeknownst to her, Yuta had activated the Ratio Technique, her body now susceptible to being severed at any and all places.

Thinking she was safe, Usowamoto tried to open a portal back to Cloudsdale, only for Rika to deliver a skull-crushing punch to the back of her head. Purple blood and saliva splattered across the green scenery, as she stumbled from the slight concussion.

Yuta was quick to follow up, switching the blade to his left, he swung mercilessly at the downed curse. Thinking quickly, she opened a small portal diagonally in front of Yuta and her. As well as another towards the ground beneath them. The Sorcerer hit the floor with the blade through the porta with a thud, but that didn't stop him though, as he slipped through the portal and focused his cursed energy into his heel.

Slipping through, Yuta now laid head first into the grassy fields, his legs facing up into the sky. Folding his legs slightly, the natural angle at which his knees bend allowed his heel to make contact with Usowamoto.

The force sent her head downward, which Rika followed up with an uppercut.

Sliding out of the portal before it closed, Rainbow had already made her way back into the scene. It was a 3-on-1 now.

'Crap, my head's spinning, but I need to watch for that Sorcerer... that speech technique...' Usowamoto thought, her eyes blurred.

Rainbow and Rika continued the onslaught, as Rika delivered a right hook to Usowamoto, Rainbow jumped back, dishing a left kick. The resultant forces caused her to float mid-air for a moment before Rika grabbed her by the head and slammed her into the ground.

Pulling her back up, Rika pummeled her on the ground some more before tossing her to Rainbow, as she came in with a flurry of kicks. Locking her hindlegs around her neck, she flipped backwards and flung her towards Yuta.

Though dizzy, Usowamoto could faintly observe that Yuta had a hand over his mouth.

'Is he about to use it!?' She yelled in her mind.

Raising her now regenerated hands, she tried to muffle the oncoming cursed speech by covering her ears. Yuta responded in kind, raising the hand that was previously covering his face and pointing his index and middle finger up in the air. Blood spewed out from underneath Usowamoto, wrapping around her in a net-like construct, her arms that were used to cover her ears now were strung in an awkward position next to her face.

"Crimson Binding."

Yuta dashed forward at blinding speed, amplified by the marking of Flowing Red Scales, he socked Usowamoto in the face with his blade. The vengeful curse stumbled back into Rika, and she too knocked Usowamoto back forward. Rainbow and Yuta closed in on her. The two punched and slashed away at the helpless curse.

Rika soon jumped into the action too, attacking from behind to ensure she doesn't get sent flying away by Yuta and Rainbow.

By this point, Usowamoto was getting attacked on all three sides. Her head jolted back and forth from the punches, kicks, and swings, while her body was bound by the blood Yuta had deployed earlier on.

Tripping over herself, Usowamoto tumbles onto the ground. In doing so, her own blood spilled out into the grassy plains. With nowhere else to go, she was forced to roll with the fall, rolling over several times before coming to a halt.

This didn't stop Rainbow, Yuta, or Rika, as their kicks and punches ruthlessly shoveled themselves in the poor thing. Her head, shoulders, and legs bashed themselves along the ground, bruises running along her body.

Struggling for breath, the cursed youth thought about her options through the cries of the pegasus yelling something about paying for Applejack. What should she do? How can she get out of this mess alive? She couldn't just run away, if she did that, she would be asking for the death sentence. She didn't want that. Not when she worked hard to get herself here. All her preparations have led her up to this moment.

Filled with despair, Usowamoto thought about how she could get out of this predicament, her eyes glazed over, as she looked at the trio. Yuta bent down over her, his hand outstretched and reaching out to touch her.

Three portals opened above her, redirecting the kicks and punches back to the attackers. Stumbling back, Yuta prepared another swing of his blade, only for a miniature hole to puncture the shoulder which held his weapon.

A portal of similar size appeared in front of him, bending his knee, the Sorcerer barely dodged the stream of water, as it grazed his cheek. Running down his cheek and into his mouth, it was a unique taste he could distinguish easily.

"Salt water?" Yuta mumbled.

That's when it hit him, Usowamoto had opened a portal in the ocean, and the pressure from it sent streams of seawater out like a pressure washer. Not to mention it was strengthened by cursed energy as it passed the portal ring.

This little opening allowed Usowamoto to another portal, allowing a centipede-like curse to crawl out and attack Rainbow. While opening another to summon a bear and a lion-like curse to attack Rika.

"Outta my way!!" Rika and Rainbow yelled.

Finally able to breathe from the gang up, she quickly opened a portal beneath her to escape. But the tightening of the Crimson Binding messed with her concentration.

All of a sudden, a deafening boom sounded from over the horizon. Turning his attention over to the sound, Yuta could see a grey mushroom cloud rises, and a sonic wave of greyscale sweeps past the lands, desaturating all the colour it touches.

"A nuclear explosion!?" He questions. Using the distraction, Usowamoto managed to slip through a portal beneath her. Yuta tried to hold her using Blood Manipulation but was too late. Not having time to curse under his breath, he gritted his teeth, turning over to Rika, shouting "Rika! Grab her!!"

Doing as she was told, Rika grabbed Rainbow from her fight despite her protest and shoved her into the void contained within her body. Flying back to Yuta, she huddles behind him for protection.

As the dust clouds quickly approached The Special-Grade Sorcerer, the markings of Flowing Red Scales disappears, and he stares at the wave of dust, awaiting its arrival. Allowing it to envelop him in a sea of haze and smoke.

And by then, 3 minutes have elapsed for the duration of sustained connection between Rika and Yuta.

Break

"...mom?"

Rainbow's voice wavered, as did her soul. Taking a hoof step forward and two steps back, her mind begins to cloud with scenarios of how this played out. Her special talent for speed did nothing to pace her panicking mind and put her heart at ease as her blood pressure rises and her breathing intensifies. Pumping blood so hard that she could hear her own heartbeat through the veins on the back of her ears.

"MOM!!!"

Galloping to the corpse of her mother, she grinds her hooves to a halt. Scooping up her remains into her tuff in a vague attempt of trying to fix what cannot be repaired,

"Nononono NO!!!" Her voice cracked and the tears began to stream down her face, "Yuta! YUTA!!!"

From the sidelines, Yuta had already assessed the situation, and as how much it saddens his heart, even he knows there was nothing he could do for the poor mare. Walking over, Rika took the opportunity to gently placed Sandbar down from her hand beside his two friends before quickly returning to Yuta's side.

"Yuta, please!!" She begged, crawling pathetically to Yuta's feet. "L-like how you healed my eye back at the school!! Please, my mom. S-she *Hic* She's... Please, do something Anything!! I'll accept any vow you want of me! I'll pay any price!! PLEASE!!!"

Never had Yona, Smolder, or Sandbar seen the ever prideful, ever self-assured Rainbow Dash acting like this. Yuta looked down to meet her gaze, the small glimmers of light dancing around in the eyes of Rainbow clung to hope that maybe, just maybe, Yuta could reverse her injuries. Bring back her mother from the dead.

"I'm sorry, Rainbow." Yuta responded with a heavy but somber tone, something Rainbow was quite sure was coming but still wasn't prepared for it. "There's only so much my Reversed Cursed Technique can do, much less bring your mother back."

Rainbow's face contorts in denial, rejecting the notion that this is the end.

"Twilight!! Where are you!?! Please! Anypony!! ANYCREATURE!!! Please save her!!!"

Yuta crouched down unto one knee, matching Dash at eye level. Yuta could see that her eyes were really red and puffy, tears and saliva were streaming down her eyes and nostrils, stretching out a hand to comfort her, Yuta softens his tone.

Although being desensitised to such trauma, it didn't strip away Yuta of his empathy.

"Rainbow, I-"

Rainbow smacks it away with a hoof.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!!" Dash yelled out through hoarse chokes and heavy sniffles.

Yuta lets his hand hang in the air for a moment, before letting it droop to his side. Standing back up, he decides it's best to let Rainbow grieve for a bit. Just as he was about to walk away, Rainbow scrubbed her hoof against the dirt, her tear ridden face shook for a moment, all while still hanging her head in sorrow.

"where's my dad?" Dash shuffles to her hooves, "Where's my DAD!?"

She quickly turns her gaze to meet the others, none dare to meet her intensity. All but one, Sandbar. His guilt-ridden look was all the confirmation Dash needed to crumble, her knees buckled, and her legs gave out. Her breaths were quick, uneven, and panicked. Lips quivering, face paler than the desaturated blue sky. Light sources suddenly felt as they were brighter than usual, Dash's head begun to sway. And before long, she blacked out.

On the outside, Rainbow's body gave out, Smolder scrunched her face and took a small leap towards her professor. "Rainbow Dash!!" spreading her wings on instinct, they were quick to retract thanks to the sharp pain coursing through them. Yuta took it upon himself to step up and catch Rainbow before she collapsed onto the hard ground, wasting no time to press his fingers lightly on her neck to check her pulse and breathing.

"She passed out." Yuta explained, "Most likely from shock." Picking her up, he cradles her in his arms, ensuring her body is in a comfortable position. "Let's regroup with the princess."

As they made their way towards the princess, Yuta couldn't help but notice the heaviness of the air between himself and the little creatures he has come to partner up with, it's tough, even for someone like him. Those who chose to do this profession as a sorcerer, those that survive and exorcise curses by a hair, and the upper echelon that excel in the art of shamanism. For most, only half of the battle is over when defeating a curse. The other is the sad reality and backlash of the results after. Nevertheless. It's important to follow the right procedures and be compassionate.

"... So that's what happened?"

Yuta nods, "That's the rundown from what I've gathered from the students." Taking a seat, he slung his carrier next to the table. "Things are going to get harder from here on out."

Twilight was raised a brow. "What do you mean by this?"

"I don't know if you can feel it, but the general cursed energy levels in Cloudsdale- No, the entire continent, has risen higher than ever since I've been here. Maybe even more as compared to back home. It must be related to the explosion that happened earlier today, even now, it looked to have caused some physical changes with the colours around us. Perhaps you know something about this discoloration?"

Twilight agreed with Yuta, the gray-ness of everything is hard to ignore. Putting a hoof to her chin, she rummaged through her mind on any topic related to the subject. Then, one came to mind.

"Hope Hollow..."

"...Sorry?" Yuta seemed perplexed by the mention of the town.

"There's a festival in this town called Hope Hollow, where the colours were literally drained from the town. The result was the city taking on a mostly gray hue. That said, in the end. My friends and I, with the aid of the ponies in the town, helped inspire and bring back the colour into the Hope Hollow. Albeit minimal, the connection via emotions and colour seemed prominent enough that it is worth mentioning."

"Hmm..." Yuta scrunched his face in deep concentration. "Princess, do you feel negative as of late?"

"I can't say I do. Although, I can't say the same for the rest of my little ponies. They don't speak it, but ever since we came back, I can feel a hint of... how should I put this... resentment? No, no. Annoyance...?"

"They managed to spread their influence... like what you said about Hope Hollow. I suspect they somehow reverse engineered some mechanism in Cloudsdale to spread and amplify the negativity of emotions."

"The Rainbow Factory." Twilight cuts.

"It doesn't matter now, since the Rainbow Factory you mentioned was wiped off the face of the map along with a nearly the entirety of Cloudsdale. Our priority should be focusing on eliminating the threat before the second phase of rebuilding what was lost. But I think we should leave it at that for now. A lot has happened today, and I believe we all need some rest. Especially Rainbow. You should too, princess." Yuta got up with his weapon in hand. "I'll take my leave. Rest well, Princess."

Walking over to the door, Yuta opened it gently, and closed it behind him. Twilight quickly slumped into her chair, her exhaustion finally catching up to her from the entire day. Nothing came from her mouth, but a single tear rolled down her furry cheek.

Fortitude

A couple days has past since the fall of Cloudsdale, and the casualties numbers are at a record high. Inside one of the larger emergency tents set up to house the gravely injured was nurses and doctors drawn from the Canterlot to provide immediate medical aid for the refugee. Among those in white attire was Twilight herself, tending to the gaping wounds of a pony with a shine of her horn.

"Princess you should get some rest."

Twilight turns to the voice, causing the sweat to drip from her chin from the swing, her eyebags and slightly dishevelled mane and fur was evident enough that she wasn't getting enough sleep. The head doctor stood before her, surgical mask covering the lower half of her face and speckles of fresh red blood riddling the cyan surgical gown.

"All of the patients here are no longer in critical condition. You have helped us nonstop for the past few days, its best you get some rest too."

"Ah. I see, thank you. Please continue to look after them."

With that, Twilight got up from her seat and walked out of the tent, stretching her back and swings as she did so. Several audible pop could be heard coming from her spine, and a few more from her swings. Taking a sigh, her stature slumped a little.

'The exhaustion is finally settling in.' She thought. Twilight forced her neck up, seeing a range of mountainous white. 'The atmosphere too.'

"Princess Twilight!"

Off in the distance, a royal guard came galloping at full speed. In his magical grasp was a rolled up scroll. Digging his hooves into the ground, he came skirting to a halt, leaving a small trail of dirt behind him. A bead of sweat rolled down his face along with a slight pant. Correcting his posture before royalty, he puffed his chest with trained confidence.

"I come to deliver the updated data regarding Cloudsdale, Your Highness!"

Passing the scroll over to Twilight, she unrolled the piece of paper and began reading. All the while, the royal guard narrates some of the key highlights of the report.

"As per your request, we have surveyed the vast majority of the remains of Cloudsdale. According to our findings and the calculations of the research and science department, the explosion that engulfed the Rainbow Factory took the lives of an estimated 30% of the residents of Cloudsdale. Of the 70%, roughly 54% are in critical condition while the remaining suffered non life threatening injuries. However, there was a strange phenomena plaguing the hypocenter."

Twilight's brows furrowed upon reading the written report, leaning to reread it once more. Her eyes scanning the inked sentences,

"The closer we got to the hypocenter, the more sickly the reconnaissance team felt. Some even fainted and incurred illnesses and poisoning due to the prolonged exposure. The only one immune to it was Sir Yuta Okkotsu. Not only that, according to his statement, the area was exhibiting a abnormally high concentrations of a substance called "Cursed Energy". "

"These are the last of the creatures we are able to find." said a recon militant, handing over a stretcher with a unconscious griffon.

"Okay, thank you!" replied a team of nurse carrying them over to a nearby tent.

Yuta sat on a rock nearby, witnessing the exchange silently. It was tiresome work to be the only one able to survey near grounds zero, yet there was things that still puzzled him.

'Why would the cursed spirit expose themselves to me back then? Was it trying to buy time to set off that nuclear explosion? That seemed to be the most plausible answer. But if that was the case, why not have the talisman be closer to the factory? The distance the curse placed it was too far to have dealt any real damage to me... Or was it meant to kill the princess? No, else they wouldn't have needed to draw my attention, given their portal ability. Putting those into consideration. Maybe the point of that explosion was meant to kill someone, but what other purpose does it serve?'

"Yuta!!" A sudden shout from a familiar pink pony behind him snapped him out of his concentration.

"Ahh! Pinkie Pie! Oh goodness, you scared me!"

"Nice to see you too!"

"Haha, how're you? It's been a couple of days since I last saw you." Pinkie's mane deflated a little from the question. "Ahh.. Sorry to have brought up bad-"

"No no! it's okay! it's just been tough these past few days y'know? Everycreature has been down in the dumps and I've been doing my best to lift their mood. I've hardly had any time to visit Rainbow..."

"I see..."

"Fights between everybody has been breaking out recently, innocent children crying from losing their parents, the unrest, the conflicts, the... losses... i-i I tried my best y'know? I tried to help them, confettis, balloons, parties!! Anything to get their minds away from all the pain and suffering."

Yuta patted her head, stroking it ever so gently. Her eyebags looks heavier than a few seconds ago,

"The endless infighting.. the rifts between everybody... I don't want to see them sad anymore... I-I tried my best... but I can't even find the time to console my best friend... Applejack's supplying food for the patients, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight are busy helping the medics. While I've been having fun throwing parties... I don't think I.. it hurts... I-I-"

Yuta guides Pinkie's head into his shoulder, tears beginning to soak into his clothing though he didn't mind. Her muffled cries soft enough only for Yuta to hear.

"You've done wonderfully, Pinkie."

Pinkie coughed in between sniffs, her mane fully deflated now while she lifted her head up to reply.

"B-but who did I help..."

"Me. you helped me, Pinkie."

Pinkie tilts her head in confusion.

"I smiled didn't I? You have a comforting presence Pinkie. No matter how heavy the atmosphere, I always find myself smiling when you're around. It may not seem much, but eventually your efforts in cheering the refugees will pull through. Due to the current situation, it is all the more important people should stick together."

Yuta pats her head again.

"You're talent for cheering people up will be a light that shine brightly in times like these, so don't lose hope. Alright?"

Grabbing his sleeves, he gently wipes the tears of Pinkie. The kind act coupled with the words of encouragement soothed her heart and eased her mind. Reenergized, Pinkie's mane filled with zest as she got back on her hooves . Giving an "Mhm!" with a head nod and eyes that convey the meaning of "I'll do my best!"

Revitalized, Pinkie skipped away, thinking of the next party she could throw.

"Yuta..."

Yuta recognises this puppy tone, its a tone a poor soul would give to get the attention of a lover. Yuta glanced over and a partially manifested Rika pouting.

"Haha, you did wonderfully as well, Rika."

Raising his arm, he patted Rika on the head. Stroking her with familiar love. Yuta could've sworn heart shaped residual cursed energy was leaking from the sides of her.

A couple of hours later, Discord, Applejack, a platoon of guards, and along with a couple of critters, loaded the last batches of food crates towards an available holding area. With that settled, the platoon lined up in formation.

"We appreciate you lending a helping hoof, Ms Applejack, Mr Discord, and critters of Mrs Fluttershy." The head of the platoon thanked.

"Don't mention it." said Applejack, waving it off. Taking off her hat, Applejack wiped the sweat off her forehead. Looking over to the critters, she gave a smile, "Y'all are free to go too, thank you for your service."

As the bunch of critters scatter back into the wild, Applejack turns to face Discord.

"I thought you've wanted to help Fluttershy."

"Well, I do. Buttt I'm here on behalf of her's and Twilight's request. That's for the best, the last time Fluttershy and I tried cooking together we had to cut down that giant beanstalk. Remember?"

Applejack's face quickly turned sour as her head lowered a bit.

'Ahh, right... That."

"Good work, you two!" Discord and Applejack turned to see Fluttershy in a gown and mask similar to those worn by doctors and nurses in the nearby tents. The only difference is that instead of being covered in blood, she was covered in splatters of beans and speckled greens.

Removing her mask, the sweat on her fur coat shined a brilliant hue in the setting sun. A cooling breeze tickles her mane, and a tired smile crosses her lips.

"You seem worse for wear." Applejack comments.

"Same to you, Applejack. I hope Discord hasn't cause too much of a trouble."

"Heyyy, That's what you say to your husband after he breaks his back to help a friend move food crates?" Discord then proceeds to bend his spine at weird and unnatural angles to add to the comedic effect. This caused both ponies to remark in unison.

"The same husband that grew a giant beanstalk-"

"Okay! Okay!" The Draconequus interjects.

"That said, since you're here, I'm guessing you're done with preparations?" Applejack asks Fluttershy.

"The volunteers and I have been preparing easy to digest meals for the recovering refugees, whilst cooking meals for the royal guards and the volunteers contributing in other areas. We've only just managed to finish up and store the remaining unused ingredients. Thank you for your generous donations of apples again, Applejack."

Applejack waved off her thanks. "Nah, It's the least I could do."

"I'm glad everyone managed to finish their task before nightfall." Twilight adds, sauntering over to the group. Behind her was the Young 6, all with a troubled look on their faces. "I'm planning on visiting Rainbow in awhile, want to join me?"

"Did you really had to ask? Of course we would." Applejack placed her hat at her chest, showing her sincerity. "Y'all alright? What's with the grim look on your faces?" The cowgirl asks the pack behind Twilight, Silverstream stepped forward.

"After we were done with our tasks we went to check on Rainbow Dash, but she was cooped up and refused to talk to us."

"No matter what we said, she didn't budge." Smolder added.

"...The only thing she did say was in a whisper after I apologized to her... "It wasn't your fault." " Sandbar uttered in a culpable tone. "After trying everything to console her, we leaved her be and tried thinking of other ways to cheer her up. That's when we ran into Princess Twilight. And now we're here."

"Great timing then, I guess we'll head to see her now. What about Pinkie and Rarity?" Applejack questions.

"Rarity is busy mending clothing for the soldiers in the frontlines, and Pinkie has her hooves full mediating parties between creatures. Normally, I would be the one doing so but Pinkie insisted that she could handle it. I've already invited the both of them to join in but they said they'll visit when they're done and told us to first go on ahead."

"Well if that's the case, shall we go then?" Fluttershy suggested.

"Alright, you six should go and have dinner and rest up, it's been a long day. The five of us will go and see Rainbow Dash." Twilight directs the youths.

Outside of a tent large enough to hold multiple occupants, Twilight glanced over to the bunch before giving a nod and entering through the curtain-style entrance. Inside, she could see a few rows of beds lined up. With injured creatures sleeping and bandaged up, some still somewhat drowsy from the exhaustion while others jumped in their casts slightly from seeing royalty.

Twilight gave a reassuring smile and waved off any attempts to a bow as she along of Fluttershy, Applejack, and Discord walked over to the very corner of the interior sidewall. The smell of iron was heavy, not to mention salt as well, the combination of the two elements relentlessly assaulted the newcomer's noses. However, they were used to it by now. A couple steps later, they see a familiar sky blue pegasus with a bandaged head and wings cooped up in a foetal position with a messy and sullied blanket draped over body.

Tear stains and mucus plopped and decorated the pillows and bedsheets, and the occasional sniffle could be heard from Rainbow. The arrival of the five guests casts a shadow above the motionless Rainbow, while another casts itself onto Twilight's heart.

Empathy struck, the pain she see her dear friend in caused her face to scrunch up a little, as her wings shivered a for a moment. Taking the time to brace herself, Twilight opens her mouth.

"Rainbow, let's talk."

Author's Note

Happy New Years 🎉

Emergence of Whispers and Malice

Twilight's question was met with silence and the sudden absence of chatter aside from the buzzing of incandescent light and the occasional beep of a monitor, indicating that the other occupants were listening in. Twilight hated the fact that others were eavesdropping; however, pushing Rainbow to have a conversation elsewhere while in the state she was in was less than ideal.

Still, silence, the only evidence to show that Rainbow wasn't a corpse was the small adjustment from her to get into a more tucked fetal position, with her hindlegs pressing deeper into her chest, her back hunched even more than before, and the grip on the sheets tightening.

"Rainbow Dash, I know how hard it is to lose family. As your friends, we want to help you. But you have to talk to us. Please." Twilight sits down beside Rainbow's bed.

"... I'm fine."

"You're not fine, Rainbow." Fluttershy stepped forward, "Crumpled up into a ball into a crying mess, is this what you call ok? Did you know how much I missed you Rainbow?" Tears began to well up in her eyes, but Fluttershy refused to let them fall. "The old you."

"...Leave me alone."

"We're not gonna leave ya, Sugarcube."

Rainbow shuffled to get a more comfortable position. As much as the rainbow pegasus would've liked to wallow some more in her sadness, Applejack's reassurance and Fluttershy's sincerity touched her aching heart.

"...they're gone." Rainbow flinched. "...they're gone...mom...dad...I..I didn't get to say goodbye..."

"Rainbow, I'm sorry that-" Twilight spoke up but was quickly cut off by Rainbow,

"Don't be. I should be the one who's sorry. I was too slow, had I been faster... Yuta didn't have to save me. Had I been faster.. had I been faster... maybe I could've reached them in time... but... . But I-I just want to die right now."

Rainbow curled up even more, clutching onto the pillow and sheets, warm tears and blood-puffed eyes staining them once more.

"What's good about joining the Wonderbolts, what's good with all this speed, when I couldn't even save my parents?"

Twilight wavered at her friend's lack of resolve. She's in a pit right now, trying to think and string together words that carry enough weight and message to get it across to her friend but not too heavy to burden her heart further.

"...are there things you'd wished to do right now, Rainbow? Or perhaps wished to do with your parents had you had the time. Or even precious memories of them?"

"...Their birthdays..."

Twilight leaned in closer.

"I want to celebrate their birthdays one more time... We'd always had amazing parties whenever it was our birthdays..."

"You know, we have the same desires. I also spent time with my parents whenever it was their birthdays, no big parties though. Just a quiet but fun time between us, including Shining Armor. But as you know, I'm an alicorn. Times like these won't last for me. Some may think if that's the case, it would be pointlessly harming your future self if you continue to do things like these. And there is no point living a long-lived life like that."

Twilight leans back,

"But there was something I realise before taking up the seat of being a princess, which is that, if I decided to listen to those voices, to crumble and give in to their advice and take my life, the memories I used to have would all vanish from this world. All those birthdays, all the times we all hung out. Our adventures, and all of your faces. They would all disappear. Well, that and including the commitments and responsibilities I have being a Princess."

She closes her eyes,

"A few years ago, when I had enough time to visit patients at various hospitals, I met a young terminally ill filly. Every day she was in agony, and one day, she decided that when I was unavailable to visit her due to court reasons, she took the opportunity to.. y'know. I know you're at your lowest, Rainbow. But if, you believe that, there won't be a single day from this day onward that you're happy. Then I'll stay here with you until you're ready. However, if you believe that there might be a chance, no matter how small, you'll live to see those happy days again. Those precious memories that you cherish so deeply inside you. Then grab my hoof." As promised, she extends one. "I have all the time in the world."

Rainbow lay stagnant, and so were her thoughts.

'What are the things that I wished that I wanted to do with my parents?' that question ranged in her mind. Regret stung her ever since that incident, and sorrow followed right after, hitting her like a truck. despair really was another beast of its own, a mental battle where the only thing standing between you and death is yourself. That said, time was merciless.

'It won't wait for me.' Rainbow thought, "But... she would, they would.'

"I have all the time in the world."

Rainbow shrugged the blanket off her shoulders, her hooves shuffling underneath her body.

She shakes.

'They're waiting for me.'

"I... I haven't said goodbye to them."

Rainbow hadn't eaten in days, her strength sapped, but she still struggled. Just as she finally got her front hooves to somewhat support her front body,

She buckles.

Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack jumped to help Rainbow but stopped when Rainbow caught herself mid-fall. Discord watched carefully with a glad smile. Rainbow turns to face Twilight, along with her companions, ponies she's been through thick and thin with, the ones that helped and pushed her to achieve her aspirations and goals, ponies that celebrated with her at her highest, and the same ones that stayed with her while she was at her lowest, her friends, and they are all waiting for her.

She reached towards Twilight, grabbing her hoof.

"I want to give them a proper funeral..." Tears backed with resolve flowed through her eyes. "I want to let them know I am okay, and that I'll bring back the peace we once had."

'Those curses, I'll kill them all. I won't let anybody else experience what I had to go through.' Rainbow promised herself.

"Our blue still lives," Twilight remarked reassuringly.

Applejack and Fluttershy bolt to hug their friend, her spirit burning once again.

"Ah was worried, partner."

"I'm so glad you're ok, Rainbow," Fluttershy whispered before jolting her head up. "I almost forgot!" Digging through her mane, she pulled out a familiar tortoise shell and passed it over to her friend."He missed you too."

Rainbow gently carried the animal into her arms. When it touched her chest, a head protruded from the tortoise shell.

"...Tank?"

"A guard alerted me about Tank. Apparently, Yuta found him when he was out scavenging for survivors. He was about to let Tank wander off before a guard stopped him."

Rainbow hugged Tank tighter. In return, Tank nuzzled into her chest, her family united.

"All of you...T-thank you, *sniff* thank you so much."

Right after the ordeal, Twilight watched from outside the tent as Applejack and Fluttershy supported Rainbow to a nearby cafeteria upon her request.

"Sorry Rainbow, I have other things that I need to attend to." Rainbow sighs,

"It's fine Twi. You don't have to worry about me. I have these two to help me."

"Careful, ma hoof might slip." Applejack joked. Right on time, the sound of thunderous engines cruised above them. They all looked up, seeing multiple clouds of contrails decorate the skies. The sight of more familiar comrades brought a joyous smile to Rainbow's face before they continued their trudge to the cafeteria.

"It seems the Wonderbolts are back." Twilight mused.

"Princess!" Twilight turned to see Yuta approaching her. "There's something I'd like to discuss."

"as do I. Shall we walk and talk?" Yuta followed her lead.

"I take it you've read the report?"

"The unusually high concentration of Cursed Energy at the site of the explosion? I couldn't wrap my head around it, there were no machinery nor facilities in the Rainbow Factory that even entertained the idea of supporting a foreign energy source such as Cursed Energy."

"I've pondered about that, but a more concerning matter would be the general populace's reaction to Cursed Energy. It seems to prob a strong reaction within their bodies, causing them to faint or pass out. I've run tests on multiple guard ponies that were unfortunate enough to get caught in the vicinity, their breathing and pulse were irregularly weak. Similar to a bodily response to poison, I fear that had there been prolonged exposure, they would've died."

"I've seen your memories, Yuta. Don't humans on your Earth also fall ill to the exposure?"

"They do, but not to this extent of effectiveness. On the other hand, the populace responds very well to Positive Energy. Abnormally so. To put it into perspective, using Positive Energy on others isn't even half as efficient as using it on one's self. That said, Creatures here don't get that perceived drawback when receiving treatment from me, of course, assuming all other factors are constant." The gears in Twilight's mind started to spin, piecing together the information presented to her.

"...Creatures here are sensitive to changes of Cursed Energy?"

"Plausible theory, though there still are things I would like to confirm before we solidify that. We still don't know what that curse is after in this world."

"Perhaps that explosion was designed to take you out?"

"I've already ruled that out, I was way too far from the epicenter that have done any lasting damage. The curse also has the technique of opening portals. If it really wanted to, it would've spawned me next to the explosion, but it would've opened the risk of it being next to the explosion as well."

"Then at least their primary goal wasn't to target you. But then what was their goal?"

"We're still in the dark about that, anywho, I've also come to report the morale in the areas is down. Though it isn't dropping any further thanks to the help of Pinkie, it isn't rising either. I suggest not deploying them for the time being and allowing them to recuperate."

"Our forces are already stretched thin, I've dispatched more than half of our armed contingent towards The Dragon Lands, Changeling Kingdom, Griffonstone, and many more. But curses are still popping up all over Equestria. Now, curses are popping up around the Crystal Empire."

"Should I go check it out?" Yuta replied as Twilight entered into her temporary personal chamber before entering himself.

"Thank you but there's no need. I had already appealed to some old friends of mine to guard the Crystal Empire."

"The northern lands sure are freezing!" Rockhoof laughed.

"We have Starswirl to thank, his mass teleportation spell teleported us to the safe point in the Crystal Empire." Mage Meadowbrook said.

"Look alive, everypony. An old friend 12'o clock." Flash pointed at dear Mistmane, smiling at the reunion.

"It's been long, hasn't it? Welcome to the Crystal Empire."

"Yes, it has, you're looking well. Mistmane." Somnambula added.

"We're here on behalf of Princess Twilight's request to up the security of the empire. Could you lead us to Princess Cadance?" Starswirl got to the point. The tip of his beard already formed mini icicles from the temperature difference, causing his forehead to crease, exemplifying his annoyance idling around. Mistmane giggled.

"Of course, follow me."

The six pillars strolled through the cleared capital streets, a small sum of guards acting as both protection and a beacon for them to follow. While onlookers were awed at the sight of prehistoric legends. Cheers and whistles echoed out onto the streets to celebrate their arrival; the six waved and smiled at the crowd. However, two figures stood atop one of the buildings: a pony and a curse.

"Looks like they've arrived, I was hoping for that group of students Twilight and her friends were fostering. But these six also will do." Sombra smirked. "I'm guessing you'll provide support, Usowamoto?"

Usowamoto slumped, stretching from side to side. "Yea, yea."

Sombra grinned. "Hey, c'mon now. You have to help me either way. It's a binding vow, remember? Just enjoy the process."

"Sure." Usowamoto raised an arm and outstretched her hand, her fingertips fueled with Cursed Energy. "Cursed Technique Amplification: Egress."

On command, a giant portal opens above the pillars. For a moment, everybody in the area was stunned. However, a mere second after the portal was summoned. A giant centipede curse with two pony heads rushed out of the centre of the portal, the side of its head adorning two giant mandibles and multiple sets of hooves sticking out of its body. Right after it was introduced to the capital, multiple series of smaller curses exited from the leftover space of the portal hole.

The Centipede curse slammed itself into the six pillars with a deafening boom, and clouds of dust and smoke enveloped the streets, with the smaller curses running rampant on the nearby civilians. Blood and guts begin to decorate the crystal floors; three of the curse flies grab a mare from her head and lower body and pull with great force; cries echo, but no one answers. Bones snapped, and muscles ripped. Soon enough, the mare was ripped into two.

A curse equipped with multiple horns started to glow an evil purple, telekinetically snatching a stallion from his running family and holding it up into the sky. While multiple vulture curses swooped in to begin feasting on him, gouging out his eyes and playing with his intestines. His little colt crying at the horrific sight.

While that was happening, a large blob curse crushed, stumbled and fell, causing him to fall through multiple buildings and setting off an explosion. Sending rubble and debris all over the road, squashing and flattening multiple running ponies, cries of horror rung loud, and so did metal shields and magic weapons clashing with cursed flesh.

"Help!!!" Some yelled.

"Save me!!" Some begged.

"STOP PLEASE!!!!" Others bellowed.

Regardless of how much they pleaded, alone, cold voice only responded.

"Cursed Technique Amplification, Maximum Output."

A large discharge of Cursed Energy could be felt across the empire, creating multiple massive circular points to flash brightly in the skies like a sick form of fireworks, inviting more unwanted guests into the kingdom.

The Winter Winds Marches

A symphony of coughs erupts from the smoke as it clears. A magic barrier cast by Starswirl shields the pillars from getting snacked on by the two giant mandibles. The Centipede curse clamps down harder to reach its prey, but when it realizes its efforts are futile, its gaze wanders onto the civilians escaping from the frenzy on the streets.

Releasing its grip, the curse charges to the nearest pony available with its mouth open and inviting. However, Rockhoof stopped its advance with a backbreaking touchdown. It squealed, shimmering in an attempt to escape.

"Down, foul creature!" Rockhoof yelled while clinging onto its flailing back.

Flash Magnus and Mistmane wasted no time supporting their friend, jumping into the fray. But a furious blast of purple and greenish magic cratering the road stopped them in their tracks. Down descends, a unicorn was supposedly only seen in the history books. The cloak he adored fluttered in elegance. His horn still crackled with red sparks, and his eyes fumed an evil purple: King Sombra, the tyrannical ruler, the fallen, The Blackheart.

"Good day. Everypony. How about becoming my slaves?"

"King Sombra, I heard about you," Mistmane replied.

"Do you seriously think we're gonna accept the offer?" Flash stepped up, his eyes and gears ready for a brawl.

Black gigantic crystals burst from the earth at rapid speeds, hitting Mistmane in the jugular and shoving her back, but it was shy of hitting Flash.

"It wasn't a request."

A sudden shovel swing forced Sombra to duck; The King gave a swift backkick to return the favour. Sending The mighty earth pony hurdling back. While Sombra's attention was averted, Starswirl shot several magical shots from above as it came crashing down onto him. Sombra changed into his shadow form, allowing the magic to pass through his body.

Sombra took to the skies as he flew upward, resolidifying in the air. Somnambula and Flash Magnus give him no time to breathe as they lay on pressure by diving straight toward him from either side of his body. Sombra suddenly manifests a black crystal in front of Flash Magnus's direction, causing him to crash into the hardened shield while using his telekinesis to swing Somnambula around him and smash her into Flash Magnus like a baseball bat. This act knocked the air out of Flash's lungs, sending him to the ground.

Rockhoof charged at Sombra from below, accumulating strength; he leaped with enough power to crack the earth like thunder. Brandishing his shovel for a nasty down spike. On the other hand, Mistmane recomposed herself with healing magic as she shot binding crystals toward the flying umbrum. Unfortunately for both of them, Sombra deactivated his levitation and dropped down. Dodging the magic fired from Mistmane to bind Rockhoof.

Sombra taunts with a faked yawn, waving his hoof in front of his opened mouth with his eyes shut, pushing Rockhoof to grit his teeth with an angered scowl.

Right as Sombra's hooves touched the ground, a potion bottle filled with mysterious shimmering liquid was thrown underneath where Sombra was standing; the bottle shattered, and the liquid contents seeped into the asphalt road before sprouting a sapling; said sapling's growth quickly accelerated into a giant tree—catching Flash and Rockhoof in its branches right before impact as its trunk ensnarled Sombra from the waist down.

"Quick! While he's restricted!" Meadowbrook yelled with a couple more bottled potions in her hoof.

Using this window, the pillars jumped him from all angles. For the six friends, this is a perfect setup. Yet the uneasy grin coming from Sombra didn't go unnoticed by them. Especially the swelling of an unnerving energy coming from him sensed by all of them. In the heat of the moment, Sombra crossed his hooves together, chanting the phrase.

"Domain Expansion:"

Black crystals materialize in a radius around Sombra, large enough to encapsulate all of them in one swoop. The hardened mineral jutted up higher and higher at increasing speeds. Seeing as there's no way out, Starswirl repurposed his charged-up magic initially intended for the umbrum, and channeled it towards a teleportation spell, using it on Mistmane.

His thought process is that he doesn't know what Sombra's planning is, but they can't risk having a pony with extensive knowledge of the empire's layout being in potential danger or, knowing Sombra, under mind control.

As the domain's exterior finally shuts close at the summit, the interior forms a majestic throne room decorated with purple crystal, acting as both the throne itself and pillars on the sides supporting the high ceiling. A chandelier hung in the middle of the room, and a long stretch of a red velvet carpet spawned from the foot of the throne to the seemingly endless backroom where doors to the throneroom should be. The only thing allowing them to see in the dim enclosure was Green flames lit above metallic torches attached to the supporting pillars on the far sides of the chamber. Which also seemed to span back infinitely as far as the five ponies could see; regardless, the further the torches were, the less light they provided. Creating a shadow gradient effect the further they went.

"Court of the Obsidian King," Sombra uttered with a smirk, pleased with the result. "I had planned to use this move on Twilight and her friend. But you lot will do just fine."

The sure hit effect granted to the domain activated, forcing all its occupants onto their knees. Even the strongest of the bunch, Rockhoof, cannot resist its effects. Black smoke pooled and hovered on the floor of the domain as it began to enter their bodies through the external orifices on their heads. This reaction caused them to have involuntary seizures, as blood pooled from the corners of their eyes and drooling and salivation from their mouths uncontrollably.

"Arghh!!" Flash grunts, trying to force his body back into his control. He could feel his blood boiling and his vision fading.

"Gaaahhhhh!!" Somnambula and Meadowbrook cried in unison, and heart palpitations after heart palpitations resulted in shortness of breath. Their heads were pounding so loud they could hear the flowing of blood arteries from the back of their necks.

Starswirl shuffled through his mental library to find a solution to counteract the effects, but a ferocious nosebleed caused him to get light-headed. Staining his beard a crimson red, his knees buckled. Before all of them had liquid metal start to manifest around their heads.

"M-mind controlling Helmets!?" Starswirl pieced together.

"That's right! Though, this isn't any ordinary mind controlling helmet, I've perfected it. With this configuration and my domain's sure hit, the helmet will fuse to the inside of your skull. Ensuring a permanent enslavement to me. You have approximately one minute to remove that before it attaches itself to you, but of course, such a refined spell requires it to be close throughout the implantation process."

Revealing his hand, or rather, hoof, met the conditions of a self-binding vow, speeding up the effectiveness of the enslavement process. The five of them powered through the pain, trying to move under the intense weakening smoke. But it was futile, the last thing they could see aside from the red tint from their blood washing their sclera was the helmet's fumes infiltrating their peripheral vision and a satisfied Sombra laughing maniacally.

"Y-you won't get away w-with this - Arghhhh!!" Flash Magnus attempted to retort, cut off by a new wave of pain surging through his cranium, blood leaking from his ears.

"The elements will come, t-they will stop -*Hrrk!*" Meadowbrook's speech was cut short by a crystal punching her from the ground up.

"Oh, please. Still defiant til the very end are we? Heh, losers truly don't know when to give up. Pathetic." The liquid metal starts to flow into the folds of their sockets, as the five let out screams of agony. "Heh, I just love Cursed Energy."

Sunlight streamed through the high stained-glass windows of the Crystal Castle, painting kaleidoscopic squares on the polished marble floor. A gentle chiming filled the air, echoing off the cavernous walls, but Princess Cadance barely registered it. She sat slumped on her crystal throne, its facets catching the light and throwing diamonds of brilliance around the room, yet failing to ignite even a flicker of sparkle in her own eyes.

Boredom, that insidious foe, had once again wrapped its numbing tendrils around her. The Crystal Empire hummed with its usual quiet efficiency, its crystal ponies flitting about their tasks with clockwork precision. Every cog fit perfectly, every gear turned smoothly, leaving Cadance, the supposed heart of it all, feeling strangely superfluous.

She twirled a lock of her lavender mane around her hoof, its pearlescent sheen seeming to mock her own dull mood. The once-thrilling routine of royal pronouncements and ceremonial ribbon cuttings had become a monotonous dirge. Even the crystal ponies, usually so eager to please their beloved princess, seemed to operate on autopilot, their smiles practiced, their bows perfunctory.

A sigh escaped her lips, misting the air in front of her. In this sparkling, sterile castle, she felt more like a jewel on display than a ruler with a purpose. Well to be fair, it isn't all true with the recent emergence of curses all around Equestria and the sudden spike in visitors for court hearings, worried ponies asking for reassurances against the unknown foe. Their worries weren't unfounded, however, as the sightings of curses in the local region outside of the crystal barrier had increased in recent weeks. Exponentially more in recent days. To ease their minds, she had sent a message over to Twilight requesting to amp up security on her end. Never had she thought she sent over the Pillars of old over to defend the Crystal Empire.

Suddenly, the chamber doors creaked open, a soft melody trailing in like forgotten sunshine. A young Flurry Heart entered, her mane now cascading past her shoulders in shades of light cerise and violet, her mane naturally curled with a shimmer.

"Momma!!" Flurry Heart skipped across the marble floor, her hooves barely tapping a rhythm against the smooth surface, a paper in her magical grasp. "Look!" She said shoving the paper into Cadance's face, a glint of pride shone in Flurry Heart's big blue eyes as she held up the drawing, careful not to smudge the vibrant crayons.

The paper showed Cadance, Shining Armor dawned in his signature golden armor, and Flurry Heart in between them, all holding hooves with bright big smiles on their faces.

"Flurry Heart, this is beautiful! But why's daddy got his armor on?"

Flurry Heart beamed, her hooves fidgeting with excitement. "Because we're going on an adventure! I spent a lot of time on it! I still remember when Auntie Twilight used to tell me stories of her adventures along with her friends. Soon, I wanna go on adventures too!"

Cadance chuckled, brushing a stray curl from her daughter's forehead. "You have such a wonderful imagination, my little princess. But soon, you'll have adventures of your own, even if they're not quite as magical."

Her tone turned gentle, yet laced with a bittersweetness Flurry Heart couldn't quite grasp. "You're growing up, my dear. Soon, it will be time for you to go to school,"

School. The dreaded word of any 8-year-old. As much as Cadance's would've liked to have home-schooled Flurry, she thought it would be best for her to experience friendships and interactions with ponies other than those in the crystal castle.

"But mommmm."

"No buts Flurry-"

Then, it came. A thunderous boom, the crystal windows vibrated, and a tremor ran through the castle floor. Flurry Heart, startled, scrambled back, her fear instantly eclipsing her worries about school.

Cadance rose with a swiftness that belied her usual grace, sweat beading down her forehead, "Flurry Heart," she commanded, her voice hard with urgency, "stay here. Don't leave this room, do you understand?"

She didn't wait for a response. In a blur, she was out of the door, signaling to the guards guarding the entrance with a look anybody in the military could understand, all the while casting a protective barrier magic around the throneroom, her hooves beating a staccato rhythm on the polished marble; like fingers drumming a table. Flurry Heart, left alone in the suddenly vast throne room.

The aftershocks continued, each boom echoing her mounting fear. Reaching the main balcony, Shining Armor was already standing on high alert. Dawning his armor and helmet hooked around his side. Outside, panic clawed at the Crystal Empire's pristine streets, pillars of inky smoke, like malformed inkblots on the once-clear sky, choked the horizon. From their depths, grotesque figures materialized, their forms shifting and writhing like nightmares given flesh.

Some curses were large enough to tower houses, others were soaring through the skies. Screams, both high-pitched and guttural, tore through the air, a cacophony of terror. Crystal ponies fled in panicked herds, their polished coats marred by soot and scratches. The once-gleaming spires of the castle were shrouded in shadow, ominous whispers swirling around their crystalline peaks.

"How did those things infiltrate the empire!?" Cadance shouted.

"I don't know, but we need to act! I've already deployed multiple squadrons down below. I'll be joining them soon, I won't allow any of those monsters to come close to the palace." Shining Armor promised. "What about the pillars? They should've arrived already."

"They're probably helping below, I'll try to get in contact with them. In the meantime, I'll erect a barrier around and stay in the castle to protect Flurry Heart. And bring any refugees in, we'll shelter them."

Shining Armor nodded in response. As they were conversing, Cadance was multitasking by scribbling in a scroll a message for Twilight alerting her about the current situation before setting it aflame in pink flames.

Down below, the guards were preoccupied with fending off the curses from coming close to the castle. Usowamoto took the chance to appear through a portal close to the Crystal Heart, each step feeling oddly heavy to them for some reason, a weird burning sensation running throughout their body, triggering some nasty memories they had when they were human.

Usowamoto shook away the thought, stepping closer to the Crystal Heart. Yet, each step they took worsened their condition even more.

"What is this..?"

Deciding not to waste anymore time, Usowamoto decieded to just command a portal to open below the Crystal Heart from where they stood, dropping the scared jewel through it into some unknown abyss.

From the skies, the barrier that once withheld the freezing winters from touching the empire drops. Giving the greenlight for the dark clouds and freezing winds of the north to begin creeping in, their march to reclaim the warm teritory of the Crystal Empire growing near. Now, the second act has begun.

Author's Note

Apologies for the slow updates, my school work finally caught up to me. More frequent updates by the end of feb tho. (that's when i'll finally be free from finals.)
🗿

Fight for The Crystal: Part 2

Discord evaded the intense barrage of pressurised beams unleashed by Usowamoto with remarkable agility. The beams came at him relentlessly, but he managed to twist and dodge each one with stunning precision, moving through the air with grace and fluidity.

"Y'know you can never hit me with those, right?"

With a mischievous grin on his face, Discord lightly tapped his fingers on the table that popped out of nowhere, taunting the curse. He lifted the tiny teacup, relishing in the warmth of the liquid as he savoured each sip. Parting his lips, he let out a relaxed sigh instead of Usowamoto's feverish attitude.

Usowamoto's expression grew more intense as he continued to unleash his barrage of beams, but Discord remained unfazed. He knew it was only a matter of time before Usowamoto would tire themself out. Discord suddenly disappeared as the beams continued to rain down on him. Usowamoto paused momentarily, scanning the area for any sign of his opponent, but there was no trace of him. Suddenly, Discord reappeared behind Usowamoto, his hand poised with a finger flick. With a quick flick of his claw, he sent Usowamoto flying across the stage.

Usowamoto crashed into the wall with a loud thud, his body crumpling to the ground in a heap. Discord sauntered over to him as he struggled to get back to his feet, a smug look on his face.

In a sudden move, Usowamoto sprang up from their seat, their body taut with tension. With a swift motion of their hands, they opened a portal that shot towards Discord. Another one opened beside Usowamoto, ready to catch the Draconequus by the throat. The portal made contact with Discord's skin, and the curse was released with a hiss. Just as the curse hit Discord's throat, Usowamoto began to fall forward, their body weight pulling them down. But they didn't panic. They opened another portal at the last second, and the world around them shifted. In an instant, they were transported to the skies above the castle. The sudden change in momentum caused Usowamoto to spin and tumble wildly, their heart pounding. Gusts of wind blasted past their face, and for a moment, everything was a blur of motion and sound.

Usowamoto opened two more portals beneath them to catch the two falling, sending them back into the area where the Crystal Heart was held. Discord landed on the marbled floor with a resounding crack and a cough of spit; above him was the portal Usowamoto opened for themself to land feet first on the draconequus. Forcing him deeper into the ground. Small chunks of debris flew into the air as Usowamoto made contact. Gritting his teeth, Discord raised his hands and clasped them together.

Outside of his peripheral vision, his hands disobeyed the laws of perspective as they wrapped around the curse, fully enveloping it within his hands.

"Ha! Gotcha!" Discord said with a smirk.

With bated breath, he slowly opened his hands, peeking with one eye to see if the curse was still in the ball of his hands. Only to see a filly with her horn broken off and her flank bloodied in the palm of his hands.

"Huh?" Discord questions.

"Um, can you let me out please? I surrender.." The filly pleaded. Discord couldn't sense any cursed energy oozing out of the filly, so he lowered his hands onto the floor to allow her to walk out on her own. Leaning in to apologise,

"I'm sorry dear, I-"

Right as her hoof touched the floor, a sudden glow behind her body caught Discord by surprise; his face cringed as a pressurised stream of water bisected the poor filly from the stomach up to her back, slicing her clean in half along with taking a good portion of Discord's face. The blood from the filly's opened wound sprayed maniacally over Discord, causing him to reel back from the pain and blood; his right cheek was gone, exposing his teeth, bloody gums, and fangs. Her blood also seeped into the corners of his right eye, clouding his vision with a thick sea of red.

Usowamoto opened a portal between the filly's separated bodies, jumping at him with full force. Opening another portal beside them and connecting it behind Discord's head, the curse pushed their hand through, forcibly shoving Discord's face forward towards Usowamoto, allowing her to knee Discord in the face.

Spinning in the air, Usowamoto generated momentum to kick Discord to the side, sending him flying to the floor. Discord, the ever-unpredictable mischievous spirit, snapped his fingers with a sly grin. The world lurched, reality twisting like taffy, swapping the position of the two. Usowamoto was propelled onto a colossal, billowing cloud of cotton candy. The sugary impact sent him sprawling, a whirlwind of white and pink fluff exploding around him. Discord flew forward as it struck them with chocolate thunder, snapping his finger yet again to summon more clouds to his side.

Discord, now airborne by the swapped momentum, soared forward. He snapped his fingers once more, a mischievous glint in his eyes. In response, the air shimmered, conjuring a storm of swirling chocolate thunderclouds. They crackled with electric energy, aiming straight for Usowamoto, trapped beneath the sugary avalanche.

Usowamoto grunts under the heavy weight of the cotton candy clouds, literally forcing them onto one knee, trying to rip the poofy confectionary away from their body, but it was futile, as the pink treats gripped onto the curse with killing intent, wrapping its soft to the touch swirls around their body.

As if having a mind of their own, the seemingly innocent cotton candy beneath Usowamoto writhed and convulsed. Strands of pink spun and twisted, coalescing into thick, sentient cotton candy tendrils. With a collective grunt that vibrated through the air, these sugary monstrosities slammed down around the already present curse, which glowed an ominous pink. They squeezed, pushing and compressing it deeper and deeper into a grotesque ball of sweets and confectionery. Usowamoto strained against the pressure, emitting muffled cries, grunts, and frustrated puffs into the sugary air.

Discord raised his hand; his fingers curled into tight fists, not with the intent to fight but to command. They pulsed with an unseen force, and the cotton candy began to shrink as if obeying an unspoken order. It squeezed and compacted, the vibrant colours dulling under pressure. The once grotesque confectionery ball morphed into a glistening candy sphere, roughly the size of a jawbreaker.

Discord gave one last squeeze for good measure. Reaching out, the condensed mass levitated towards him. He grabbed it gingerly, inspecting it with a narrowed eye. The pink sheen of the curse flickered faintly beneath the sugary surface, trapped like a fly in amber.

"Oh well."

Tossing it into his mouth. Chewing like it was bubblegum. The initial sweetness exploded on his tongue, quickly dissolving into a sickening cloyingness that made his stomach churn.

"I can't tell if its the candy or you." Discord hummed between chews, "But you have a woody taste. Nah, who am I kidding. It's probably you."

A strange warmth radiated from within as the candy dissolved, spreading and attaching through his mangled cheek. The flesh twitched, the broken bone fragments grinding together. Discord stopped chewing, his clawed hand instinctively reaching up to touch his face. Where there was once a gaping wound, raw and jagged, smooth, pale skin was slowly reforming.

A couch, propelled by unseen forces, hurtled through the air like a runaway chariot. It connected with Discord's face in a bone-jarring collision, the impact echoing through the chamber and sending him reeling backwards. Snapping his fingers, his head dissolved into a ball of squirming serpents. With a hiss and a slither, the snakes effortlessly navigated around the unsuspecting sofa before seamlessly reassembling into his usual face.

"A couch!?!?" Discord yelled in anger.

From the periphery, a blur of black materialised: Usowamoto, teleporting in with their fist fueled by cursed energy and the jump's momentum, smashed into Discord's face with a nasty crunch that momentarily drowned out the hiss, forming another portal. Through the gateway, the curse used the speed from the leap to disappear from his sight.

The punch stunned Discord long enough for Usowamoto to reappear behind him as powerful hands surfaced from the portal, grabbing him by the wings and yanking him backwards. Dragging him through the shimmering vortex, he spat into a nearby wall like a battering ram.

The impact stole the breath from his lungs as he wheezed and sputtered, regaining his senses. Usowamoto charged up more of its portals to fire off more pressurised beams of water. Discord, in retaliation, snapped his fingers, conjuring a shimmering mirror the size of a doorway. It materialised between them, its surface as still and perfect as a frozen lake. As the first jet of water shot forth, propelled by physics and Usowamoto's Cursed Technique, it struck the mirror head-on. The impact unleashed a sonic boom that rattled the room. Instead of harmlessly dispersing, the water recoiled, reflecting fiercely back at its source.

The return volley caught Usowamoto with the cruel precision. The pressurised jet, meant to pulverise, slammed into their outstretched arm. A sickening crack echoed through the air, followed by a scream that curdled blood in Discord's veins. The arm becoming a crimson fountain spraying against the mirrored barrier.

Even with his mangled face, a grotesque mask of melted flesh and exposed bone, Discord could sense the raw panic radiating from Usowamoto. Their remaining arm flailed, scrambling to tear open another portal, a desperate bid for escape. A choked, terrified cry ripped from their throat as they stumbled through the shimmering gateway, leaving a trail of crimson tears on the cracked and dusty floor.

Discord, spurred by a surge of adrenaline, laughed at the curse. "Running away now?" Discord gave an amused smile, but where he expected to see Usowamoto's terrified visage, further out, a different image filled the shimmering surface of the portal. On the other side, bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun, stood Fluttershy. His Fluttershy. His wife, lover, the very anchor of his chaotic soul. Her attention is elsewhere as she remains unaware of the portal opening.

For a single, heart-stopping beat, Discord's assault faltered. Panic clawing at his throat, squeezing the air from his lungs.

'Is this one of Usowamoto's tricks? A cruel illusion conjured to lure him into a trap? No, his technique is meant to open portals, that means...!!' The doubt was short-lived.

With a guttural roar that echoed through the chamber, Discord launched himself toward the portal.

"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING!?!"

Discord quickly gained on Usowamoto, and the distance between them dwindled. Discord could almost breathe down their neck. Right as the draconequus was about to snap his fingers and grab Usowamoto from behind, a blur erupted from Usowamoto's outstretched hand.

"Cursed Technique Amplification, Maximum Output: Egress."

A portal, a gaping maw of sparkling cursed energy, materialised behind them. Before Discord could react, the world warped, twisted by unseen forces. Sucking him through the shimmering gateway, a yell ripped from his throat as he tumbled into the unknown.

The portal snapped shut, leaving behind a wisp of lingering curse energy and the echoing cry of a disoriented draconequus. Where he had landed, what awaited him – it was anyone's guess. One thing was sure: the game had taken a sharp turn, and Discord, now separated from his quarry, found himself plunged into endless darkness, mercy to where the portal would take him.

A self-held laugh blew itself from Usowamoto before the cruel cackle erupted a series of taunting laughs, "So ridiculously predictable, Discord! So utterly STUPID!" they roared, their voice echoing off the walls of the cavernous chamber. With each word, the remaining arm grew quicker, pulsed with a sickly emerald light, until the wound knitted itself shut, leaving behind not even a scar, healing the arm with a pulse of cursed energy.

"ALL IT TOOK WAS TO SHOW YOU POOR LITTLE FLUTTERSHY, AND YOU FELL FOR IT!! THAT'S YOUR DOWNFALL!! HAHAHA!!" The laughter abruptly subsided, replaced by a single, chilling giggle. Looking down at the fizzle of smoke left behind by the portal, they continued, "I almost couldn't believe it had I not watched the show. Now my plan can proceed smoothly." The laughter returned, louder, wilder, echoing a victory that felt hollow and cruel, even in the absence of witnesses. A final flourish and another portal opened, swallowing the Crystal Heart whole.

A smirk of cruel anticipation stretched across their burnt. Charcoal face. Their voice was chilling caress dripping with honeyed malice when it spoke.

"So, you've arrived."

Strayed on the other side of the portal, Discord watched the light fade, leaving behind only a wisp of smoke and the echo of his frustrated roar. The fury that had driven him forward settled into a cold, calculating anger. He had been played, a fool manipulated by the image of his greatest vulnerability. And he's not going to let that slide.

Standing up and brushing his shoulder with a flick of his wrist, his gaze swept across the alien landscape, taking in the oppressive hum of unseen energy, the acrid tang of sulfur and burnt sugar that clung to the air. The air crackled with a strange power, and an unsettling, constant sound of burning bark emanated everywhere. The shadows cast by skeletal black trees danced macabrely, their twisted branches clawing at the sky like bony fingers. In the distance, flames licked hungrily at the horizon, casting an eerie glow on the scene.

Above him, several eye-bats with glowing red pupils flitted through the inky blackness, their leathery wings whispering secrets on the wind. Below, the ground pulsed with the frantic energy of gnomes wreaking havoc, their manic laughter drowned out by the echoing boom of collapsing structures. It was a grotesquely surreal scene, a nightmare playground brought to horrifying life.

And above it all, a single, massive eye, wreathed in malevolent flames, blinked open in the inky expanse. Crimson skies complement the organ as its cold and uncaring gaze held Discord captive for a heart-stopping moment. This wasn't Equestria, not by a long shot.

Discord snarled at the foreign land; he thought that had he not been reformed, he would've taken Equestria to shape it in a manner similar to what had been shown before him. Snapping his fingers, he conjured a swirling portal, a gateway back to Equestria. But before he could step through, a monstrous hand, impossibly large and adorned with the telltale yellow triangles, slammed through the opening, blocking his escape. Discord stumbled back, thrown off balance by the sheer force of it.

"Now, now, Discord," Bill's disembodied voice echoed from around, laced with amusement and a hint of sadistic glee. "Where are you going so soon? The party's just getting started!"

Discord snarled, baring his fangs and raising his hand at the talking triangle. "I don't have time for this, Cipher. I have a family to get back to."

A blinding flash of light erupted, momentarily replacing the collapsing skies of the Crystal Empire. Panic flooded their senses, cold and raw. They were falling, weightless and adrift, the wind a deafening roar in their ears. Violent winds whipped their manes, tails, and hair into a frenzy as screams came from Rarity and Fluttershy. They were falling from the height of the Crystal Empire. Below, the shattered cityscape receded like a miniature toy collection, the once majestic towers shrinking into tiny shards, and the horizon seemed to curve impossibly.

Twilight Sparkle, the embodiment of control, spread her wings into desperate paddles against gravity's relentless pull. One frantic glance revealed Pinkie’s face, screaming a happy "WEEE" and plummeting helplessly. Ignoring the roaring wind and her own terror, Twilight dove.

Wings straining, she sliced through the air, slowly closing the distance. Pinkie’s eyes, wide with surprise, seemed to widen further as Twilight reached her. In a clumsy, desperate manoeuvre, Twilight managed to wrap a wing around Pinkie's body, creating a fragile shield against the winds. Pinkie clung to her friend, giggling, her chirpy laughs muffled by Twilight's soft feathers.

Meanwhile, a blur of blue and rainbow zipped past them. Rainbow Dash, the daredevil, had reacted with trained precision. With hooves locked around Applejack's sturdy form, she acted as a living shield, her descent slowed by the additional weight. Applejack, ever practical, held onto Rainbow’s neck with grim determination, her face set in a mask of worry but her voice steady. "Don't you worry!" she shouted over the wind. "We'll be alright!"

Applejack found it weirdly ironic that she was the one comforting Rainbow Dash not so long ago. Now, she was on the receiving end of reassuring words. She couldn't help but laugh at the fact.

Above them, Fluttershy, overwhelmed by the sudden absolute terror, froze. Tears threatened to stream down her face, her eyes wide and unseeing. Seeing her friend's distress, Rarity, usually concerned with appearances, cast aside her own fear. She drew Fluttershy close with a whispered spell and a surge of magic, pulling them both into a tight embrace.

"F-Fluttershy, darling," Rarity gasped, her voice barely audible over the roar of the wind. "Look at me, please."

Fluttershy forced her eyes open, meeting Rarity's gaze. In them, she saw not fear but a pacifying look, a warmth that cut through the chill of her terror.

"We're going to be okay," Rarity said, her voice firm yet tinged with concern. "I won't let you fall." Rarity squeezed her hoof gently. "We have each other, remember?"

She gestured with her head towards the others. Twilight and Pinkie were a blur of lilac and pink against the sky, Pinkie clinging to Twilight with wide, frightened eyes. Below them, Rainbow Dash and Applejack descended in a synchronised dance of blue and brown, a silent promise of support.

"See them?" Rarity continued, her voice filled with quiet strength. "We're a team, Fluttershy. And teams don't abandon each other, no matter how scary things get."

Fluttershy gave a meek nod, steeled her resolve and composed herself, clinging to Rarity. She spread her wings, battered but strong. They wouldn't slow their descent significantly, but every bit helped. "I won't let you fall, Rarity," she said, her voice surprisingly steady despite the wind whipping past her ears.

Yuta, unlike the ponies, felt the freefall differently. It wasn't fear gripped him but a surge of cursed energy, a chaotic cocktail of emotions amplified by the fall itself. It prickled his skin and danced around his fingertips, urging him to panic, yet he stayed calm.

Suddenly, four different portals opened just below them. Rainbow braced herself, trying to move out of the portal's way, but it had a mind of its own, flying straight towards Rainbow and Applejack.

Twilight and Pinkie's eyes widened in surprise and trepidation; their heads turned to the side to see the portal swallowing the pair whole. A burst of speed, barely audible over the wind, came from another portal as Pinkie Pie and Twilight were swept away, their panicked screams morphing into excited shrieks.

Then, another portal swooped down, its edges crackling with an ominous energy. Instinctively, Rarity shifted, shielding Fluttershy with her own body. But it was too late. The portal engulfed them both. The last thing Fluttershy felt was Rarity's desperate squeeze and the chilling sensation of being pulled apart by unseen forces.

The final portal hung before Yuta, a shimmering maw threatening to swallow him whole. Unlike the panicked dives of the pony pairs, Yuta approached it with a studied gaze, an almost clinical curiosity flickering in his eyes.

He didn't fear it, not exactly. This uncertainty, this plunge into the unknown, that was his domain, he was used to it. Adjusting his balance, he crouched low, diving headfirst into the portal.

Rainbow and Applejack landed in the familiar streets of the Empire with acrobatic manoeuvres, cobblestones, and cheerful storefronts, which were replaced by scenes of utter devastation. Crumbling towers of crystal cast jagged shadows against a blood-red sky, and the air thrummed with an oppressive silence punctuated only by the distant screams of terrified ponies.

"Whoa, Sugarcube," Applejack mumbled, her voice tight with disbelief. "Where… where are we?"

Rainbow Dash scanned the wreckage, her gaze sharp. "We're back in the Empire, alright," she said, her voice grim. "But… not the Empire we remember."

Suddenly, a deafening boom echoed through the ruined streets, shattering the unsettling calm. They whirled around to see a sight that filled them with confusion and dread. Towering atop a pile of broken crystal debris stood Rockhoof; his usually calm look seemed artificial.

"Rockhoof! Am ah glad to see you!" Applejack chimed, a recognised smile crossing her face as she trotted to Rockhoof.

However, a fling of a giant boulder sent by the stallion forced Applejack back with a jump.

"What in tarnation!? What was that for!?"

Rockhoof didn't respond. This wasn't the friend they knew. His usually warm brown eyes now glowed with an eerie purple light devoid of warmth or recognition. He gripped his mighty shovel even tighter, the corners of his eyes oozing the same purple evil. A chill ran down Rainbow Dash's spine. She zoomed in with her super speed, her eyes trained on the unsettling glow. It was unmistakable – the same dark magic emanating from the shattered Crystal Heart, the same magic used by...

"Sombra!" she shouted, the realisation hitting her like a punch to the gut.

Applejack followed Rainbow's gaze and gasped. "Sombra's magic? But how? He's gone!"

Rockhoof remained silent, his expression eerily blank. He raised his shovel high, ready to strike. The air crackled with dark energy.

Twilight and Pinkie hurried through the wreckage on the other side of the fractured Empire. Twilight's horn glowed faintly as she used her magic to locate survivors and clear debris. The devastation weighed heavily on them, but seeing ponies working together – even amidst the chaos – kindled a spark of hope within them.

Suddenly, a surge of unfamiliar magic pulsed through the air, sending shivers down Twilight's spine and triggering a jolt of Pinkie Sense. Whipping their heads around, they were met with a sight that defied comprehension. There, amidst the shattered remnants of what was once a glorious plaza, stood Flash Magnus and Starswirl the Bearded. Starswirl using his magic to disrupt Twilight's concentration.

As Twilight and Pinkie stepped forward, Starswirl's horn erupted in a torrent of magical energy, shattering the nearby windows. His eyes, no longer pools of wisdom, glowed with an emerald fire. He points his horn forward with a snarl ripped through the silence, crackling with power.

Flash mirrored Starswirl's transformation. His spear, usually held with controlled strength, trembled in his grip, pulsating with the same eerie green magic. His noble features were contorted in a grimace, his voice replaced by a guttural growl as he lunged towards Pinkie.

"Flash? Starswirl?!" Pinkie cried, her voice laced with desperation. "Don't you recognise us?"

Rarity and Fluttershy tumbled through the swirling portal, the world dissolving into a kaleidoscope of colours and nausea. Then, with a bone-jarring impact, they landed sprawled on the ground, limbs tangled and senses reeling. Despite the pain radiating from her rump, Rarity cracked open one eye and managed a brave smile.

"Ow, ow, ow… Deary, are you alright?" she whispered, concern lacing her voice.

Fluttershy, trembling like a leaf in a storm, lifted her head. "I… I think so, Rarity," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

Taking a shaky breath, Rarity pushed herself up, offering a hoof to her friend. As Fluttershy took it, their eyes met, and a silent understanding passed between them. A certain unease gripped their hearts.

The sudden sound of crystal cracking caught their attention, turning to face the source of the nouse, their hooves rooted to the spot. Standing amidst the twisted ruins of what looked like a once-majestic garden stood two figures cloaked in darkness. A swirling mist obscured their features, but a pulsating purple energy emanating from their eyes painted a chilling picture.

As their eyes adjusted, panic clawed at their throats. Mage Meadowbrook stood at the corner of the growing plantation, a soft gaze staring at them. Next to Meadowbrook was Somnambula, her posture confident yet relaxed.

"M-Meadowbrook? Somnambula?" Fluttershy stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "What… what's wrong with them?"

In response, Meadowbrook tossed a potion to the ground. Unleashing a violent eruption of flora gone haywire. Thick and gnarled vines shot out like emerald vipers, their tendrils lashing towards them with a murderous intent. Patches of ground erupted, spitting out dense blades of grass that surged upwards, threatening to engulf them whole. The air itself seemed to crackle with the magic, oppressive and suffocating.

Yuta landed through the portal with a boom, surveying the scene with practised calmness. His hand instinctively went to the cursed blade strapped to his back, fingers brushing the hilt reassuringly.

We got separated,' he thought, the realisation cold and heavy. This wasn't the plan. The plan was for them to arrive at the Crystal Castle, huddle, and discuss the next course of action.

Moving with wary grace, he approached a cluster of shattered houses, his sharp eyes scanning for any sign of his companions or whatever force had pulled them through the portal. A glint of cursed energy, faint but unmistakable, caught his attention. It clung to the cracked pavement and the splintered timbers like cobwebs, a chilling whisper of darkness in the fading light.

His lips tightened into a grim line. The cursed blade hummed softly against his touch, eager to sing its dark song. With a practised movement, he untied the carrier slung across his shoulder, revealing the worn scabbard of his weapon. He let it hang openly, a challenge issued to any lurking shadows.

And as if summoned by his defiance, the silence cracked. Several dark portals shimmered into existence around him, spitting forth twisted creatures of pure malice. Curses materialised with snarls and growls, a grotesque tapestry of claws, fangs, and malice.

"Deal with them quickly, Rika," Yuta muttered, his voice low and laced with dark anticipation.

Author's Note

side note: I will revisit some of the earlier chapters and rewrite/revise them with my current skills.

Also side, side note: I want to thank all of you that had stayed and continue to read and support this fic, please enjoy this art of yuta and twi while i continue to write following chapters.

Fight for The Crystal: Part 3

Yuta, with a determined look on his face, took a calculated step back. He gripped his sword tightly, and with a swift motion, he sliced through the swarm of curses that lay ahead of him. Each curse seemed to be lashing out at him, but Yuta was too quick and agile to let them get the better of him. He moved with confidence and precision, his sword cutting through the air and the curses like a hot knife through butter.

He exhaled calmly. A breath of hot, warm air left his lips. Clouding the space in front of him slightly.

'It's freezing.' Yuta thought.

Suddenly, dozens of curses slugged forth from his rear, making the air around them heavy with malice. But before they could even react, without missing a beat, a ghostly hand cleaved through the horde with lightning speed. Swatting away bodies like weightless, pointless flies, the hand left a trail of shimmering energy in its wake. Rika, taking Yuta's side, snarled at their foes.

With a shimmering light, a tiny portal no larger than a dime opened to Yuta's side. His eyes widened, sliding back while Rika covered its trajectory with her opened palm.

Cursed infused water jet with killing intent, slicing Rika's palm and fingers clean off while the stream continued its trajectory, nicking Yuta's cheek in a bloody furrow.

He stumbled back, clutching his face, the metallic tang of blood coating his tongue before his cheek steamed with Positive Energy.

"I knew these pieces of shit wouldn't be enough to hold you."

The words dripped from their lips like venom, each syllable laced with mocking contempt. Stepping through a more prominent portal, Usowamoto revealed themselves. Their gaze flicked to Rika, lingering on her pain with a predator's cold curiosity. A toothy smirk drew upon its face.

"Nice hand."

This jab caused Rika to pop a bulging vein, her anger teetering to the edge—a cursed spirit of all things embarrassing her in front of her lover.

"SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!"

Rika's cursed energy surged within her almost uncontrollably. Her hand pulsed and beat before repairing its mangled state like it was brand new. She felt the power of her energy coursing through her veins, and she involuntarily unleashed it. With a mighty scream, Rika raised her hand high above her head and brought it down with a force that shook the ground beneath her feet. The earth shattered, sending a shockwave through the air as if a bomb had gone off and flinging Usowamoto upward into the sky.

With adrenaline pumping through his veins, Yuta quickly dashed forward and grabbed a nearby light pole. With all his might, he ripped the pole out of the concrete and crystal flooring and hurled it towards Usowamoto, lamp first. The metal pole whistled through the air, its sharp edges glinting in the sunlight as it hurtled toward its target.

Reacting quickly, the curse apparition summoned a portal as a makeshift shield. The portal opened up just in time to swallow the lamp and its entirety, leaving no trace of the metal pole behind. As another portal opened up to the side of Rika, Usowamoto seized the opportunity to strike. The portal pinned Rika to the building wall, leaving her helpless and vulnerable as it burst into flames.

While Usowamoto smirked at the downed Rika, Yuta lunged at the curse with an earth-shattering leap. Grabbing them by the ankle with a death grip and hurling them downward onto the streets with maximum strength.
The speed tore a hole through the winds, but Usowamoto tore another portal through space to counter that right before they hit the ground. Popping out to Yuta's side and sucker punching him in the jaw using the momentum he hurled them down with. As they glide past the bleeding boy, Usowamoto reaches its arm back, grabbing him by his slightly bloodied white jacket and flinging him forward.

With a flourish, Usowamoto's hands snapped open, their fingers splayed wide. Ten sigils, each a swirling vortex of light, pulsed to life behind the unsuspecting sorcerer, hungry to carve him apart. But before they could unleash their jets of salt water, a sickening crunch echoed through the air. Rika's fist, imbued with raw power, connected with Usowamoto's side, sending them spinning through the air like a ragdoll. They slammed onto the pavement with a pained grunt, a gout of purple blood erupting from his mouth like a macabre fountain.

Not letting up, Yuta sprints forward towards Usowamoto. His hand instinctively dove into his jacket, retrieving the promise ring he'd clutched close to his heart. As he neared Usowamoto, he raised his right hand, the katana glinting in the orange light of the setting sun, the ring held aloft beside it, poised to claim its rightful place on his left ring finger. But just as he was about to complete the gesture, the world around him shimmered and warped. A gaping maw tore open in the air, a swirling vortex of colours promising escape or perhaps oblivion. Without hesitation or choice, Yuta plunged forward, swallowed whole by the portal.

Usowamoto, still sputtering blood, cackled with a high-pitched glee that grated on the ears. They conjured another portal, a shimmering tear in the fabric of reality beside him. Bowing low like a performer playing out their finishing act before their hand sprung up, flipping the bird to Rika in a mocking manner before letting gravity do its trick and pulling them down to the portal—their egotistical smirk dancing across their face.

Coming out the other side, Yuta came to a grinding halt. The portal snapping shut behind him like a hungry maw denied. He stumbled, disoriented. Then, silence. An unnatural silence, broken only by the soft whinnies and panicked snorts.

Yuta blinked, his gaze adjusting to the sudden white light, and his breath hitched. Ponies. Hundreds of them, their coats shimmering in every imaginable colour, their eyes wide with fear.

It was the aura, the palpable miasma of terror, that clung to Yuta like a shroud. His killing intent, the residue of the battle he'd just left behind, hung heavy in the air, amplifying their fear tenfold.

Their bodies instinctively started to shiver, tremble, and shake. Only just recently had they escaped from the terrifying curses rampaging outside. Now, another being stood before them, Yuta's cursed energy reserves making the curses outside look like cute babies in comparison.

Without warning, a fist accompanying a portal boomed open to the side of his face, punching him clean in the jaw. Another portal shimmered and opened beside his arm, holding his katana and ring and threatening to swallow it whole.

Acting quickly, he shifted the ring to his thumb. Using it as a fulcrum, he flicked the ring with a flick of his wrist and caught it with his other hand as the portal closed. Severing the limb and warping the space around it.

Blood flowed freely from the wound, and his muscle fibres twitched sporadically, being exposed to the freezing winds. The bony edge of his radius and ulnawere dripping with blood as the searing pain shot up his arm. Some trickles of blood landed on his cheek, a small crimson puddle forming underneath him and fuming the area with the raw smell of iron.

The stump starts to steam as he surveyed his surroundings for the curse. Ponies around him began panicking while the guards, clad in armour that clattered with their brand of fear and hesitation, spears drew but trembling in their hooves and surged forward. But before they could reach him, portals materialised beneath their feet, swallowing them whole with muffled yelps. They reappeared above Yuta in a shower of startled yells, only to have the sorcerer himself leap nimbly out of the way of their fall.

A searing pain lanced through his back as a blade materialised out of thin air, pinning him for a horrifying moment before vanishing. A guttural grunt escaped his lips as he ripped the kitchen blade free, leaving a gash that bloomed scarlet on his white clothes—warmth, slick and metallic, spread across his skin, rolling down his back.

A swarm of light fixed on him from his side, executing a backflip; he narrowly avoided a volley of razor-sharp water jets that erupted from miniature portals beside him. He landed hard, the world tilting around him for a moment, bloodied and bruised, missing a limb and without Rika nor his weapon.

The jets, missing their target, sliced through the air, leaving terrified whinnies and panicked shrieks in their wake and decapitating two unlucky ponies that stood in their way. Their heads rolled onto the floor, staining the beautiful marbled flooring a deep red with their dead blood. Screams erupted from mothers and friends in the holding hall, panic setting in for the crowd.

Yuta furrowed his brows, 'I see. It's got me in a populated area to force me to limit my cursed energy output. This means I can't summon Rika, or else bystanders will get involved due to their sensitivity to my cursed energy output—All the while, it's trying to force me into unfavourable positions. Which mean...' he got up, wiping the blood from his cheeks with his sleeve.

'I have to exorcise it alone.'

Rainbow flew forward, slamming her body weight into Rockhoof and wrapping her front legs around his thick neck, hooves interlocking.

"Wake up Rockhoof!"

Rockhoof snarled, tossing his shovel in the air with a spin. He grabbed it with his teeth. Using the blunt side and angled it to the back of his neck before jabbing it backwards at scary speeds. The blunt edge dug deep into Rainbow's stomach, compressing her diaphragm and forcing the air out of her lungs.

Rainbow released her grip and stumbled back on her back legs, her wings and front legs clutching her stomach—the feeling of wanting to vomit grew more and more.

Rockhoof snapped back, directing the edge of his shovel towards Rainbow's cranium; he drove it down, intending to sever her head clean off her shoulders.

Galloping, Applejack dived between the two. Catching the metal tool with her teeth, her grip just enough to stop him in his tracks. Craning her head back, they got into a deadlock, trying to rip the tool from the pillar.

Rockhoof jolted the weapon to the side, causing Applejack's grip to falter a little as she felt the cold metal dig into the side of her cheek, cutting into her. A pint of blood filled her mouth, accompanied by the taste of salty iron, dripping out and down her lips.

"Mmph—! He's ain't here, Dash!" Applejack grunted through gritted teeth, "We gotta knock 'em out!!"

Rainbow hoisted herself back onto her hooves and quickly made her way over the best she could through stumbles and groans. Using her wings, she ran the tips of her feathers along the ground, collecting dust and launching the gritty projectile towards Rockhoof's face. The sudden onslaught stung his eyes, forcing him to shut them tight and roar in a fury. Blinded and disoriented, his powerful grip on the shovel faltered, reeling back with a bellow and leaving himself wide open.

Seizing the opportunity, Rainbow whipped her leg with velocity, hooves blurring in a crescent arc. She had learned to perform a roundhouse kick from watching Yuta fight. The kick connected with a resounding thud, sending Rockhoof flying through the air like a ragdoll. He landed with a groan, dust billowing around him.

Taking advantage of the situation, Applejack pointed the shovel at Rockhoof, throwing it with all the force she could muster. The shovel whistled through the air, and its tip sank into Rockhoof's leather vest, pinning him to the ground with his underside facing up and an unceremonious thump.

Rainbow launched herself skyward, wings catching the air like sails. She flipped mid-air, a blur of blue against the dusty twilight, before twisting her body with a somersault and aiming her hindquarters like a battering ram. Rockhoof, momentarily blinded by the dust she'd thrown, saw only a streak of azure descending with terrifying speed.

The impact was earth-shattering. Rainbow collided with the stallion with a thunderous crack, the force enough to knock the wind out of both of them. The sudden halt of motion made Rainbow literally sick to her stomach, the blow to her abdomen from earlier still humming a painful aura inside her. She buckled slightly, sweat dripping down her chin.

Rockhoof grunted, his body driven into the ground like a stake. Coughing up a spray of dirt and spittle, he writhed beneath the impromptu landing cushion, his face scrunched up, eyes burning with purple fury, clearly pissed off. Reaching over for his shovel at his side, he swung it at the blue mare, which she dodged with a flap of her wings.

From nowhere, a chilling shadow stretched across the combatants, momentarily swallowing both Rainbow and Rockhoof in its black embrace. Rainbow snapped her neck back only to be greeted by a giant ass colossal boulder – easily the size of Rockhoof himself – hurtled towards Rainbow and Rockhoof.

Her eyes shrunk to pinpricks, and with lightning reflexes, Rainbow whipped her body aside, wings blurring in a frantic beat. The boulder grazed her flank, the wind of its passage nearly ripping her off her hooves before burying itself deep into the earth with a shuddering groan.

Landing, not gracefully but safely, a few strides away, Rainbow spun around, tail bristling with indignation. "What in Celestia's—no, Twilight's name, Applejack?!" she shrieked, hoof pawing the ground. "Are you TRYING to turn me into a pancake?!"

Applejack, unfazed by the near miss, blew a raspberry as she trotted nonchalantly towards Rainbow. "Now why would Ah do that, Sugarcube?" she drawled, "Ah just knew you'd be quick enough to dodge that bad boy."

Rainbow's scoff was laced with disbelief, about to launch into a retort, but was silenced by a sudden crack. The boulder, lying motionless a few feet away, split open with a sound like a disgruntled giant cracking its knuckles. A zig-zagging fissure ran down its length, culminating in a gaping maw in the centre.

From the rubble, Rockhoof emerged with a bewildered grunt, dust coating his fur like a disgruntled earth pony.

He thrust his shovel into the ground and picked up half of a split boulder. With a powerful throw, he launched it back at an even greater speed.

Applejack and Rainbow barely had time to register the danger as they sidestepped out of the way before it whooshed past, the deafening crash from behind shaking the ground beneath their hooves. Dust and debris kicked up, momentarily obscuring the sight of their attacker.

But Rockhoof wasn't done. He charged forward into the air; the other half of the boulder rested precariously atop his shovel, held secure by his teeth. Sending it hurling downward like a meteor.

Thinking fast, Applejack spun around, her eyes widening at the boulder hurtling towards them. This wasn't the first time she'd faced brute force, and it wouldn't be the last. With a powerful kick, she connected with the descending boulder, the force of her blow shattering it into a shower of fragments; pieces of stone rained down harmlessly around them.

Rockhoof landed beside Applejack, swinging his shovel at her head.
Applejack crouched down swiftly, dropping low and unleashing a powerful sweeping kick. Rockhoof, however, wasn't caught off guard. He contorted his body with surprising agility, performing a cartwheel over her leg, leaving her momentarily exposed.

He wasted no time. As Applejack struggled to regain her footing, Rockhoof launched an uppercut with the strength of a battering ram. Her head snapped back with a sickening crack, the world momentarily tilting on its axis. Stars danced in her vision, replaced by a thick cloud of dizziness.

Taking advantage of her daze, Rockhoof roared and brought his shovel down with earth-shattering force. The metal head connects with her skull, violently bringing Applejack down to eat the dust-riddled crystal ground.

The impact on her face caused her nose to bleed, flowing down her nostrils. She struggled and squirmed under the crushing pressure of Rockhoof's strength. His weight felt like a mountain pinning her down, pressing the shattered world around her even further into the abyss. She clawed at the ground, desperate for any purchase, any leverage to escape the crushing pressure.

Her vision swam the familiar browns and greens of the orchard, replaced by swirling colours of agony.

But then, amidst the haze, a flash of blue streaked past. A thunderous crack echoed, followed by Rockhoof's enraged bellow. The pressure on her back abruptly lessened, and she gasped, sucking in a lungful of dust and pain.

Blearily, she looked up to see Rainbow hovering above, blood oozing down her forehead and past her eyebrows, splitting into two streams at the bridge of her snout. Sainting her Rainbow bangs with a single colour, her eyes spoke with murderous bloodlust. AJ turned her attention to the mind-controlled stallion; a large gash was now present above his eyebrow. His blood mixed into his cyan fur to form a purple crimson.

"You alright, AJ?" Rainbow inquired, her eyes not leaving the pillar.

Applejack spat out a spray of dust-flecked blood escaping her lips to her side to clear her mouth. Taking a breath in, she forcefully exhaled through her nostril, sneezing out congested blood. The metallic tang stung her tongue, a harsh reminder of the blow. Slowly, she rotated her shoulders and hindquarters, a wince escaping her gritted teeth. Each movement sent fresh waves of pain coursing through her body.

"Never bett'a," she rasped, the words laced with defiance. It wasn't a lie, not entirely. "Maybe a tad worse for wear, but ah ain't down for the count."

The two mares charged forward, and Rockhoof met their aggression in kind. He galloped forward, his massive form shaking the ground, his shovel trailing behind him like a deadly pendulum.

As they closed the distance, the setting sun cast the scene in long, dramatic shadows. Rainbow, wings buzzing like hummingbird wings, swooped low, aiming to flank Rockhoof's side. Applejack, eyes narrowed, focused on the stallion's centre, ready to meet his charge head-on.

Just as they neared a collision, Rockhoof reached top speed. With a guttural roar, he reared back on his hind legs, bringing his shovel up in a wide arc from the ground up. The sun glinted off the metal head, momentarily blinding Rainbow. In that split second, Rockhoof sent an uplift wave of earth and shattered rock hurtling towards the mares.

Rainbow swooped to the side with a spin. However, Applejack had the platform she was running on blasted upward.

"Applejack!" Rainbow called out behind her, only to have her call cut short by a shovel swing at her front.

Blocking with both her front legs and a wing, Rockhoof sent her smashing downward with a crack. Rainbow landed with a thud, shockwaves reverberating from her back. That said, she managed to cushion the blow enough that nothing was broken.

Gripping onto wooden length with both her hooves. Rainbow pulled, forcing her body upward and twisting her hips. Her hindleg swung a 180, propelling it with high centrifugal force and connecting with Rockhoof's lower jaw with a sickening crunch.

The impact resonated through the dusty clearing. Rockhoof's head snapped back, a guttural moan escaping his lips. His eyes glazed over for a moment, the world tilting drunkenly around him. Vertigo spun him in place, his massive form teetering on the edge of collapse.

From above, Applejack, having navigated the treacherous rock platforms, took her leap of faith. She plummeted towards Rockhoof, but just before impact, she shifted mid-air, leaning to her right side and tapping her elbow in a swift, practised manoeuvre. Her right front leg extended outwards, forming a perfect L-shape as she yelled,

"GERONIMO!"

She landed a devastating People's Elbow directly onto Rockhoof's broad back. Another sickening crunch reverberated through the earth, bending the stallion's back in an unnatural arch. A groan of agony ripped from his throat, his legs buckling beneath him. He crumpled to the ground, dust billowing around him like a defeated flag. His grip on his shovel weakened to the point he unintentionally forgoes the weapon as blood pooled in his mouth.

Not missing a beat, they lunged for the finisher. Rainbow positioned herself on the left while Applejack took the right.

Rockhoof roared in pain, but their assault wasn't over. Rainbow continued the combo and transitioned seamlessly into a left uppercut, barely giving him time to breathe before Applejack's jumping axe kick struck his frontal cortex. At this point, blood was streaming down his nose and chin, but RD and AJ knew Rockhoof wouldn't go down so quickly.

Undeterred, Rainbow's left hoof shot out like a bullet. It dug deep into Rockhoof's right cheek, twisting his head towards Applejack's waiting hoof. Her roundhouse kick landed with a sickening crunch, sending him reeling leftward, directly into Rainbow's waiting grasp.

With surprising strength, the pegasus seized his head, using it as a pivoting point to fling him back towards Applejack. He came at her like a bucking bronco, and she met him with her own headbutt, the clash echoing through the clearing.

But they weren't done with Rockhoof. As he swung past again, Rainbow slid down his flank, her leg whipping around in a devastating Manji Kick that connected squarely with his jaw. The impact rattled his skull, momentarily stunning him yet again.

Applejack sent a punch to his knee, then to the side of his body. While Rainbow sent a flurry of hooves his way. The succession of blows sent Rockhoof ping-ponging between the two mares for several moments, his head flinging side-to-side and up and down.

AJ's punch slammed into Rockhoof's side, followed by Rainbow's hoof connecting with his flank. He stumbled, momentarily off-balance, but even in that disoriented state, his eyes landed on his discarded shovel. With a bellow that shook the very ground, he lunged, scraping past Rainbow's outstretched hoof and seizing the weapon in a single, powerful motion.

The air screamed as Rockhoof brought the shovel down in a vicious arc. Applejack, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his focus, couldn't react in time. The heavy metal head connected with a loud tang, her cry swallowed by the impact. Blood, a macabre mix of hers and Rockhoof's painted the air crimson.

Her body was ragdolled, propelled with horrifying force. Houses crumbled under the fury of the blow and became splintered testaments to her flight. She crashed through rooftops, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake, before finally coming to rest in a heap of dust and debris within one of the shattered buildings.

Silence descended, heavy and suffocating. Rainbow, wings catching her mid-strike, hovered motionless, the echo of the sickening sound ringing in her ears. Her gaze followed the arc of Applejack's flight, horror twisting her features.

Then came anger.

With a single, earth-shattering flap of her mighty wings, she launched herself skyward, a blur of sapphire against the bruised twilight. Higher and higher, she ascended, vanishing into the thinning light until Rockhoof couldn't discern her form against the darkening canvas.

A bloody chuckle escaped his lips as he turned, relishing the silence that had descended with Applejack's fall. His gaze landed in the direction of the fallen farm mare, a cruel glint flickering in his eyes. This victory would be savoured, then finished.

But before he could take a single step, a thunderous BOOM echoed from above, splitting the darkening sky. Rockhoof's head snapped upwards, his jaw slackening in disbelief. There, suspended in the fading light, bloomed a magnificent spectacle – a Sonic Rainboom of unparalleled brilliance.

Colours of every spectrum danced across the clouds, painting them in vibrant hues. In the heart of this breathtaking display, a single arc of rainbow light arced across the sky, drawing Rockhoof's gaze like a shooting star streaking across the skies. It grew closer, more comprehensive, and faster until the air itself sang with anticipation.

Rockhoof squints his eyes, trying to get a better look in the distance. The rainbow streak touched the distant buildings, brushing rooftops and avenues with its luminous touch. Then, in the blink of an eye, it was gone.

Blinking once, he opened his eyes to see Rainbow Dash in his face, her skin stretched from the sheer speed she was travelling. Her front hooves were outstretched and connecting with his chest. Shoving him backwards onto the ground.

Before he could even react, her front hooves connected with his chest with the force of a fighter jet. The impact stole the air from his lungs, breaking his ribs on impact and sending him sprawling onto the dusty ground.

A choked cry escaped his lips as Rainbow dragged him across the cobbled streets without breaking stride. Houses blurred past, their windows flashing like startled eyes. He tasted gravel and blood, the world dizzying around him in pain and fear.

The metallic taste of blood mingled with dust in Rainbow's mouth as she skidded to a halt, Rockhoof's unconscious form a crumpled heap at the intersection.

Her chest heaved against her ribs, each breath a painful reminder of the fight. Her body thrummed with exhaustion, every muscle screaming at her to stop. She really pushed herself way too hard. Even with Twilight and Yuta's warning, she went past what her body was capable of and performed a Sonic Rainboom. Damn, near past the breaking point.

Staring at the motionless, bloodied pillar before her, the blood from her forehead staining her white eyes sadistically.

Looking around, a wave of despair washed over her. The once serene orchard resembled a warzone. Houses stood gutted, their windows vacant, stares reflecting the dying embers of the sunset. Debris littered the streets. As if sensing her vulnerability, the shadows at the edges of the crowd writhed. Curses and jeers, venomous and hungry, slithered from the darkness, a chilling chorus sung by the town's underbelly and sprung up like maggots to greet the pegasus. Crawling to her with a hungry fever.

Pain ripped through Rainbow's wings as she tried to lift them, the seizure-like cramp leaving her grounded. With a warrior's stance, hooves planted firmly on the cobblestones, she met the rising tide head-on. Her voice, though hoarse and strained, challenged the crowd.

"Bring it on."

Author's Note

Yur, I'm nearly free from exams.

Enjoy this sketch while I write more chapters.

Fight for The Crystal: Part 4

Rarity propelled herself forward and took a defensive stance before Fluttershy, her horn radiating a bright light as she summoned a stunning shield of sparkling, multi-coloured gems, the set of hues complimenting the orange beam of the setting sun, shining brilliantly as it surrounded Rarity's front.

The unicorn stood valiantly, and her shield raised high against the onslaught of the gnarled bark and wooden tendrils that came hurtling toward her. As the tendrils collided with her shield, they produced an ear-piercing screech, like a fork forcefully scratching a plate, pushing the shield and Rarity back a few steps. Sparks flew left and right. However, the tendrils were no match for the strength of the unicorn's shield, as they were swiftly repelled and sent flying sideways.

The shield Rarity had manifested disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. She lifted her gaze and widened her eyes in surprise. They landed on Somnambula, taking a diving stance, gracefully extending her hind hoof downward towards the ground.

The unicorn was saved by a sudden strong and urgent yank on her tail that sent her off balance. Twisting her neck around, she saw Fluttershy, wings spread wide against her back, pulling with all her might, dragging Rarity out of Somnambula's impending attack.

"Sorry about your tail, Rarity!" Fluttershy shouted, her voice muffled by the exertion.

Rarity opened her mouth to express gratitude, but the words died on her tongue. The ground erupted in a violent spasm. Thick, gnarled roots, several meters tall and spiked like monstrous spears, shot upwards with lightning speed.

"Never mind that, deary! LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU!!" Rarity screamed with a point of a hoof, her eyes widening in terror as she whipped her head around. The urgency in her voice sliced through Fluttershy's daze, prompting her to react instantly.

Fluttershy flung herself sideways and dragged Rarity along for the ride, narrowly avoiding the impaling spikes that surged where she had stood a moment before. The ground trembled with the force of their emergence, showering them with dust and debris.

The earth barely trembled under Somnambula's silent descent. As graceful as a dancer, she landed with nary a rustle of leaves. Then, with a push powerful enough to send gusts of wind in the opposite direction, she relaunched herself using the ground she landed on as leverage, a dark blur hurtling towards the fleeing ponies.

Moving her hoof around her back, Somnambula pulled out a vial of green substance. Rewinding her arm, she lobbed it over Rarity and Fluttershy. The vial shattered upon making contact with the floor, and new life sprung forth.

From the wreckage of glass, a tide of green pulsed outward. A sickly, unnatural shade covered the area, seeming to writhe and pulsate like a heartbeat. As it spread, the earth beneath their bodies seemed to corrupt, twisting into gnarled, thorny vines and a tree trunk erupting upward. At the last moment, Rarity conjured a shield below them to protect against the wild foliage. Even with defences up, the impact was too overwhelming, as the force sent the two upward, the pair screaming between the branches and twigs.

Just as the monstrous tree trunk slammed towards them, Rarity conjured a shield in a desperate gamble. The impact was unlike anything Rarity had ever experienced. Even with the shield, the force of it seemed to squeeze the air from their lungs. The young sapling, imbued with unnatural power, sent them hurtling skyward in a chaotic whirlwind of leaves, twigs, and panicked screams. Sending them higher and higher, past the building's horizon and into the open air.

Pinned to the shield by the sheer force of the collision, Rarity and Fluttershy were at the mercy of the wind. It whipped past them, tearing at their fur and carrying the stared gazes of Somnambula and Meadowbrook from below. The forest canopy seemed a blur of green and brown as they shot upwards, branches snapping and leaves shredding, carving deep gashes against the shield's shimmering surface.

Their screams turned into gasps as they broke through the leaves, the branches slithering outward away from the pegasus and unicorn duo. Encompassing the open space in a web-like structure, the leaves bloomed, abundant and many flourishing naked stalks. Decorating the branches and surrounding them in every direction with a familiar green that only allows some golden light to pass through the gaps between leaves.

The chaotic dance of branches and leaves subsided, and so did the rumbles and vibrations coming to a halt, replaced by an eerie stillness. Sitting on their rumps, the two looked at one another. Able to finally take a breather while brushing leaves stuck onto their faces. But their respite was short-lived.

A deafening screech shattered the silence, ripping through the air with the force of a hurricane. Rarity whirled around, shielding her eyes against the sun, and saw a creature unlike anything she had ever encountered. A bird curse sporting a dozen pairs of wings, some feathered, some leathery, sprouted from its spine. But it was its eyes that genuinely sent shivers down Rarity's spine.

Each a swirling vortex, multiple eyes trailed from its underbelly, tracking them across the open sky. Its face, a grotesque mask of bone and exposed muscle, stretched into a horrifying grin, its beak revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth dripping with drool hungrily at its next meal.

A gasp escaped Rarity's lips as the monstrous bird swooped down, its talons glinting in the sunlight like deadly daggers. Her fear threatened to paralyse her, but a flash of pink sliced through the air. A beam of pure light, seemingly conjured from nowhere, pierced the bird's abdomen.

The creature screeched, an unearthly sound that tore through the silence before arching its back in agony. Its wings faltered, and its terrifying momentum swayed. Losing all semblance of life, it tumbled lifelessly towards the two friends.

As the bird neared, it disintegrated into a cloud of dusty grey specks, scattering harmlessly around Rarity and Fluttershy. The two got into a coughing fit, waving the dust clouds out of their faces.

"Who... who did that?" Rarity whispered, her voice barely a tremor in the stillness.

Fluttershy's fear melted away, replaced by wonder as her eyes followed the source of the pink light. "Princess Cadance!" she exclaimed, pointing towards the distant Crystal Castle.

Rarity turned, eyes widening at the sight. There, on the balcony overlooking the vast empire, stood the ever-graceful Princess Cadance. But even from afar, the wear and tear was evident. Cadance's posture was slumped, her legs trembling, her head hanging low, and each breath required effort. Clearly, the princess had pushed herself to her absolute limit to intervene.

A pang of worry stabbed Rarity but was quickly overshadowed by their current predicament.

A knot of anxiety tightened in Rarity's chest. She knew, as clear as she knew the Pantone colour chart, that combat wasn't her forte. Fluttershy, with her gentle spirit and calming voice, wouldn't fare much better. Unlike Twilight, whose magical prowess and intellect made up for her lack of physicality, Rarity's magic and affinity leaned towards gem finding do nothing for combat, and her expansion with the art could only bring her so far.

Rainbow and Applejack's speed and strength far surpass the norms of the average pony; their physical gifts and overlapping fields give them great battle awareness. This wasn't a surprise to the fashionista; she knew that with those two together, Rarity need not worry about their safety. Though, she couldn't say the same for her circumstances.

As for Pinkie, well, she was Pinkie, so there's that.

Could she, with her delicate hooves and aversion to conflict, come out of this alive? Cold and unwelcome, Doubt began to gnaw at her as a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead. Million thoughts and scenarios ran through her mind, her eyes locking onto nothing.

"Rarity, are you alright?" Fluttershy asked, her voice laced with concern. "If you're worried about me, you don't have to be. I'll be fine, I promise not to drag you down."

A weary frown drew itself on Rarity's face. "Don't even think of saying such a thing, Fluttershy. And don't ever imply that you are "dragging me down". We're friends, is it not natural that we help one another in times of need?"

Their conversation was abruptly sliced short as Somnambula popped upward from the very edge of the woody platform. Her eyes, burning with an unnatural emerald light, locked onto the two friends with a predatory glint. Rushing them with a chilling flourish.

Rarity channelled her magic and focused it on the fast-approaching pegasus; Somnambula's head glowed a sparkling blue before her headpiece was shoved down past her eyes, metal gold obstructing her vision.

Momentarily blinded and disoriented, Somnambula stumbled mid-flight. Her wings flapped erratically, sending her careening off course in a chaotic wobble. She slammed into the trunk of a nearby tree with a sickening thud, the impact echoing through the clearing.

While Fluttershy winced at the impact, a flicker of concern crossing her gentle features, Rarity took a few cautious steps forward. Her expression held a hint of unease as she addressed the stunned Somnambula.

"C'mon now, Somnambula, dear," she said, her voice surprisingly calm despite the tension crackling in the air. "Fight it! You're stronger than this, stronger than some... simple mind control!"

A groan escaped Somnambula's throat as she stirred. With a sluggish movement, she pushed herself back onto her hooves, her form trembling slightly. Her head swayed from side to side, scanning the clearing with a newfound ferocity. When her eyes locked onto Rarity, they burned with an even brighter emerald light, devoid of the momentary vulnerability Rarity had glimpsed. Baring her teeth in a snarl, she pounced at her, continuing her assault.

Somnambula reached for another vial behind her back, But Rarity acted first. With a flick of her horn, she unleashed a wave of telekinetic energy, clamping down on the pegasus's stiff arm like an invisible vice.

"You honestly think I would let you repeat that trick?" Rarity retorted, a cocky smile playing on her lips,

Somnambula's response was a chilling, maniacal smile that stretched unnaturally across her face. She halted mid-air, her mighty wings beating against the still air as she hung suspended before Rarity. In a lightning-fast movement, she reached over her transparent veil with her free hoof and ripped it forward, shrouding her entire head in a blinding white fabric.

Simultaneously, a sickening ripping sound tore through the air. Gold cuffs and securing clamps, previously hidden beneath the veil, snapped open with a metallic clang. Rarity's vision was briefly obscured by a flurry of white fabric as Somnambula completed her unexpected manoeuvre.

Rarity instinctively flung herself backwards, narrowly avoiding the sudden explosion of action. But the damage was already done. Previously held securely on Somnambula's attire, the glass vials shattered against the rough bark of the nearby tree where the pegasus had collided moments ago.

A symphony of hissing and sizzling filled the air as the mysterious liquids within the vials seeped between the cracks in the bark. The tree branches contorted and twisted, morphing into autonomous spiked projectiles that whipped through the air with deadly intent.

Their target: the fashionista.

Despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins, Rarity could only muster a meagre defence. Her movement was sluggish and strained because of work earlier that morning. Hastily conjuring a gem shield, barely more than enough to cover her body, offered little protection as the spiked branch lashed out, managing to tear a bloody furrow across Rarity's cheek before coming to a crawl in fixed positions.

A sharp gasp escaped Rarity's lips. Her hoof flew to her cheek, brushing against the burning blossoming wound, a crimson stain blooming on the once pristine white of her coat.

"My face!" Rarity hissed, her picture-perfect figure mawed ugly by a bloody wound.

Somnambula cracked a laugh from the result, but a pair of yellow hooves interlocking around her torso quickly shut her up. Snapping her head around, her eyes met Fluttershy's, fear no longer controlling her upon seeing her friend sustain an injury. She wouldn't allow it.

With a mighty heave, she lifted the surprised pegasus above her shoulders. Her body instinctively arched back, mirroring the movements she uses for Harry's back massages, providing the proper leverage for the manoeuvre.

Somnambula caught off guard and off balance, felt the wind whipping through her feathers as her wings struggled futilely against this unexpected turn. Their frantic beating filled the air with a desperate hum, starkly contrasting Fluttershy's determined silence.

"Forgive me Somnambula..." Fluttershy apologised with a huff as she brought Somnambula over her head and closed her eyes, slamming her shoulder and back into the branches below.

The impact reverberated through the clearing like a thunderclap. The targeted branches, unable to withstand the combined weight of the two pegasuses, snapped with a sickening crack. Causing Fluttershy to jolt a face from hearing the crunch. Bark splintered, and leaves rained down as Somnambula laid in the bowl of fractured foliage.

A jolt of pain shot through Fluttershy's body as she braced herself for the recoil. She winced, instinctively pulling her face away from the sharp snap of splintering wood that echoed in her ears. Disoriented, she opened her eyes, staring at a tangled mess of broken branches and leaves.

Somnambula lay sprawled amongst the shattered wood, her form eerily still. Not a single tremor, not the slightest flutter of a wing, suggested any consciousness remaining within her shell. Fluttershy, her heart heavy with a weight far greater than her small frame could bear, sank to her haunches beside the fallen mare. Though the action had been necessary, the act of violence left a bitter taste in her gentle soul.

"Fluttershy," Rarity's voice, laced with a hint of awe, broke through the silence. "I never knew you practiced martial arts."

Fluttershy, still struggling with the turmoil within, offered a weak smile. "Um, I don't," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "It's just... one of the ways I... massage Harry."

A faint, fluttering beat echoed against her eardrum. A heartbeat. It was soft but undeniable. Relief washed over Fluttershy; she had just knocked Somnambula unconscious, But that wasn't the only sound she picked up. A low tremor, almost imperceptible at first, grew in intensity. The trunk drummed beneath her hooves, and a low moan echoed through the clearing. Before she could react, an explosion of bark and splintering wood erupted from the other side of the giant tree.

Shrouded in a tangled mess of twigs and leaves. Meadowbrook, encased in a pulsating cage of branches, had used her potions to aid her in travelling up to the verdant canopy above where the battle had been fought.

"FLUTTERSHY! LOOK OUT!!" Rarity warned.

Hurling a beaker straight towards the fallen pegasus, it shattered against Somnambula's form, coating her in a viscous green liquid.

A cry of pain escaped Somnambula's lips as the shards of glass tore at her skin, but the effect was fleeting. The green liquid pulsed, bathing the injured areas in a weird glow. Within moments, the wounds began to knit themselves back together, the flesh visibly healing beneath the light.

With renewed energy, Somnambula snapped her eyes open and jumped up, wrapping her hooves around Fluttershy's neck. Somnambula pulled Fluttershy off her hooves with a ferocious yank, dragging her towards the platform's edge, each step heavy and shaky. The air rushed past Fluttershy's ears as she dangled precariously. With one last tilt backwards, Somnambula pulled the screaming pegasus down, plummeting towards the earth below and into the rubbled streets and destroyed buildings below.

Rarity turned her focus to Meadowbrook, the new threat taking centre stage. Meadowbrook, however, didn't appear fazed by Rarity's death glare. Instead, a chilling smile twisted her features as she held up a vial of the same green liquid that had empowered Somnambula, wiggling in her hoof as if saying, "Look what I got.".

Except it had bits of purple chunks swirled into it, glittering in the sunset.

Rarity knew what she planned to do, rushing towards Meadowbrook to stop her. But Meadowbrook, seemingly anticipating the attack, released the vial from her grasp. Meadowbrook released the vial from her grip, allowing gravity to drag the vial down to the trunk platform below.

With quick thinking, the vial, trapped within the telekinetic hold of Rarity's magic, wobbled dangerously close to the trunk floor, the green liquid swirling excitedly. Sweat beat down her jaw as her hooves got sweaty. With that dealt with, Rarity continued her rush towards Meadowbrook, intending to finish this as soon as possible.

However, the mage remained eerily still, her earlier menacing grin replaced by a stoic expression. She didn't flinch as Rarity reached her, nor did she reach for another vial.

This unexpected calmness, this lack of resistance, sent a shiver down Rarity's spine. It felt wrong, unnerving in a way that the outward aggression had not.

As the unicorn faced Meadowbrook, centimetres apart, the mage lifted her hoof, stepping on the vial held in Rarity's grasp and forcing it down, shattering against the wood.

BOOM.

Spiked branches and splintered bark erupted in a violent explosion, showering the clearing with a deadly rain of debris. The force of the blast propelled both Rarity and Meadowbrook over the edge, sending them plummeting along with the two pegasus earlier.

The first sensation Rarity felt was the explosion, and the second was the wind blowing past them as they fell. Followed by branches snapping as she fell through them, each sharp edge and hardened mineral wood slashing her pristine white coat. Dirtying and opening wounds all over her body, some even getting caught in her mane and tail.

Rarity glanced down and saw a clearing, no more visible branches blocking her descent. Switching focus, she frantically looked around for any she could land safely, but a colourful ball in her peripheral caught her eye. Down below her, Fluttershy and Somnambula were struggling in each other's grasp. She would always pull her back into it whenever Fluttershy managed to break free from her grip.

Rarity ducks her head, pointing her horn to the two and channelling her magic again. Her focus was abruptly broken by Meadowbrook, propelled by the explosion, plummeted from above, landing squarely on Rarity's back. The sudden, unexpected weight sent a searing pain through Rarity's shoulder, forcing her horn to falter and her fixation to break. The magic flickered and died, leaving them both vulnerable and rearing her closer to the trunk.

The sudden imbalance caused Meadowbrook to slip down and past Rarity, which she took advantage of;

"Y'know, using a lady as a landing pad is ill manners!" Rarity yelled through the gushing winds.

With a burst of remaining magical energy, she conjured a volley of sharp, prismatic gemstones. They whizzed through the air, humming with contained energy, and intercepted the vials Meadowbrook had tossed in mid-flight. Each gem collided with a vial, shattering the glass with a satisfying crackle near the mage. The green liquid sprayed into the air, evaporating before it could touch anything except the brewer's eyes.

Meadowbrook clenched her eyelids shut. An irritating, burning sensation clawed at them. She tried wiping the concoction out, but it only worsened the irritation.

"Sorry, Meadowbrook, this is going to hurt."

Catching Meadowbrook in her magic, Rarity dragged the healer to her side. Using her as an unconventional shield. Pushing Somnambula with her hoof and aiming their descent towards the rough bark of the giant oak, Rarity gritted her teeth as they scraped against the unforgiving surface.

The impact was brutal. The combined force of their descent and the roughness of the bark sent a jolt through Meadowbrook's entire body. It tore at her cloak and left raw burns on Rarity's hooves. Wincing, she felt the heat of friction sear them as they scraped against the coarse surface. Meadowbrook, restricted in magic, cried, her struggles echoing faintly in the wind.

The descent slowed, the bark acting like a giant sandpaper, gradually lessening their speed. Though the unorthodox landing method came at a cost, leaving both Rarity and Meadowbrook battered and bruised, it ultimately served its purpose, saving them from a potentially catastrophic plummet to the city streets below.

The blowback came soon after, the force pushing Meadowbrook off along with Rarity. They collided with the roof of an abandoned building, the impact shattering the tiles and sending them tumbling off the edge. Dust and debris rained around them, the air thick with the smell of stone and dusty crystal.

Finally, with a bone-jarring thud, they landed amidst the overgrown crystal rose bushes of the Crystal Castle's garden. Rarity, momentarily stunned, lay sprawled amidst the thorns and flowers, each cutting into her fur and grazing her flesh, her breath ragged in her chest.

Coughing violently, she pushed herself up, spitting out dust and grit.

Across from her, Meadowbrook lay spread eagle, her face contorted in pain. Rarity's gaze fell upon the green pony. An extensive, gruesome abrasion ran across Meadowbrook's torso, a sickening expose of muscle and bone. Rarity shut her eyes and looked away, unable to stomach the gore.

Soon after their landing, two figures, their forms obscured by dust and debris, fell from the rooftop of a nearby building, inviting themselves to land with a collective groan in a bed of lavender flowers. Once bursting with fragrance, the vibrant purple blooms seemed to wilt under the weight of the unexpected visitors.

Rarity squinted through the dust, her eyes adjusting to the sudden influx of movement. As the dust settled, two pony silhouettes emerged from the lavender patch, or rather, one dragging another by the tail. Somnambula trudges through the cloud, an unconscious Fluttershy being pulled by the tail in tow.

In her light scarlet wing, another vial. Popping the cork, she doused herself in the liquid with a squelch. The liquid oozed over a deep gash on her leg, and in a matter of seconds, the wound vanished, leaving behind only a faint scar.

Rarity stumbled back, her hooves scrabbling against the loose crystal leaves.

"I've already taken Meadowbrook here out of commission. Surely you wouldn't want to brawl—"

Another unmistakable pop goes off behind her, turning around. Rarity caught sight of Meadowbrook dousing herself from head to hoof. The gashes across her body sealed shut with a sickening hiss, leaving only smooth, unblemished skin. Her fur grew back at a steady rate to cover the exposed area.

"Oh... Fantastic..."

Somnambula flung Fluttershy to the side with a brutal swing of her head. The gentle pegasus landed with a thud against a crystal floor, a yell escaping her lips as her limp form shrouded in unsettling silence.

Across from Rarity, Meadowbrook rose to her hooves, a grin plastered across her face. The two pillars form a menacing pincer, effectively cornering Rarity in the heart of the corrupted garden.

The two pillars charged at her, Rarity mustering what remaining magic she had left, few as it may be. Suddenly, the flora around them shot up, not by Rarity's command, like they had a mind. Circling and restricting the pillar's movement.

Somnambula and Meadowbrook struggled in the crystal-floral binding; one thrashed wildly, desperately trying to free her wings from the thorny vines, while the other scrabbled at her pouch, searching for another vial of the green liquid. Soon enough, two colossal crystal roses, their petals shimmering with formless light, materialised before the struggling ponies.

As if possessing a force for life, they turned their glowing centres towards Somnambula and Meadowbrook, spewing a dense cloud of purple mist.

The purple mist proved remarkably efficient. Within seconds, both Somnambula and Meadowbrook succumbed to its effects. Their struggles ceased, their bodies growing limp as unnatural drowsiness washed over them. Their eyelids fluttered shut, followed by heavy, gentle exhales and silence.

Suddenly, a voice broke the silence, sending a jolt through the tired mare. "Are you alright, Rarity?"

Rarity turned to the pony that called her name, seeing a familiar old unicorn dressed in royal attire, her turquoise mane flowing gently behind her, a gentle smile adorned her wrinkled features, radiating warmth and reassurance.

Like a soothing balm, relief eased the tension from Rarity's battered body.

"...Mistmane?"

Author's Note

Somnambula's and Meadowbrook's names are tied for the longest, finger-twisting names to type. The amount of times I had to edit and correct their names is crazy.

and omg guys I'M FINALLY FREE FROM FINALS :pinkiehappy:

also thank you, guys, for 40 likes LOL. here's battle-damaged Rarity from the chapter.

(I've also recently switched over to using Clip Studio Paint, really good software. But I ran into some issues when drawing for long periods, but that's for me to solve :facehoof: )

as promised, more consistent uploads from here on out 🙏(hopefully)

Fight for The Crystal: Part 5

The dying sun bled crimson across the fractured landscape, casting long, jagged shadows as Twilight skated along the rough terrain. Her gold hoof cuff regalias generated sparks as they dragged along the crystal ground, her wings slicing through the air, giving her enough lift to glide but staying close enough to the ground where her control of her movement against the torrent of sluggish magic missiles sent her way was smooth. Next to her was Pinkie, who was literally skating on all fours through the rough and cracked crystal ground, giggling all the while.

Twilight retaliated with a volley of her magic missiles. Some met their mark, erupting in brilliant starbursts of light. Others, however, swerved erratically, falling short of their intended target – Starswirl.

Skidding to a halt, Twilight channelled her magic, focusing it into a searing beam that erupted from the tip of her horn. She aimed it directly at the ancient unicorn and blasted it towards him.

Starswirl opened a magic circle before him; as the beam connected with the circle, it dissipated into nothing. Twilight furrows her brow, levitating several boulders nearby and chucking them at Starswirl. As the boulders were about to make contact, the same number of magical circles manifested around him. Circle after circle materialised, each one perfectly positioned to intercept a boulder. Upon contact, the enchanted circles drained the momentum from the projectiles, sending them crashing harmlessly onto the crystal floor.

Conjuring a magical line, Twilight whips her head forward, the lavender whip following the flow. But as with her previous attempts, a shimmering circle flared into existence, swallowing the magical line whole, dissolving it into nothingness.

Flash lunged forward, his body crouched low, and his spear pointed at Pinkie from below. Swiping up with deadly intent, Pinkie swerved out of the arch with a Pirouette, landing on her hindlegs with an elegant bow directed at Flash. In the distance, three crystal ponies peeked their heads from behind a piece of debris. In perfect unison, they raised three large whiteboards. Bold red numbers, a giant "10" displayed on each with matching, toothy smiles, were scrawled across the boards.

Another barrage of magic from Starswirl flew towards the three officials. Still, they never found their target as Twilight teleported them into the Crystal Castle before the attack hit any of the three ponies.

The missiles corrected their course, bending and curving to target the alicorn princess. With a shine of her horn, her figure morphs into a swirling kaleidoscope of butterflies. The missiles, bereft of a target, slammed into the ground where Twilight stood moments before, leaving behind smoking craters.

Emerging from the flurry of wings, Twilight reformed back into her alicorn form. Landing gracefully atop Flash Magnus, she planted her hooves firmly on his back, causing the stallion to grunt in surprise as she pinned him to the ground. A surge of magic coursed through her, pointing the tip of her horn at the back of Flash's head. It glowed with a quick knock-out spell.

Just as she prepared to fire, a shimmering circle materialised between Flash and her attack, effortlessly swallowing the spell and dissipating it into harmless sparks. Frustration begins to etch itself onto Twilight's face.

Flash heaved Twilight off his back with a shoulder shrug to his left, causing her to fall rightward. Taking his spear, Flash jabbed in the same direction where Twilight fell. However, his spearhead was intercepted by a giant cupcake slammed by Pinkie. Pinning the weapon to the ground and rewinding her leg, the party pony kicked the cupcake into Flash, propelling him back in an explosion of sweets and sugar.

The impact sent Flash reeling backwards, tumbling unceremoniously onto the ground with a few bounces before he unfurled his wings and caught himself beside Starswirl. The Sorcerer lifted a hoof towards Flash as his lips moved soundlessly, his horn glowing a milky white.

Twilight begins to light magic of her own, her horn flaring in a lavender glow, forging a mental bridge with Pinkie Pie. Words flowed silently through the newly established telepathic connection,

"Pinkie," Twilight's voice echoed directly within Pinkie's mind, bypassing the limitations of spoken language. "Focus on Flash Magnus. I'll divert Starswirl's attention and join you later on."

"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie replied out loud.

Dashing behind Twilight, Pinkie reappeared behind Flash, along with a giant, cartoonishly oversized whack-a-mole hammer. With a playful shout, Pinkie brought the hammer down with surprising force on Flash's side. The blow resonated across the battlefield, sending a shockwave through the air; thanks to the various enhancement spells Starswirl placed on Flash, he took minimal damage.

Twilight, meanwhile, turned her full attention towards Starswirl. Flaring her magic once more, she channelled it into a powerful spell. The air crackled with energy as a deep chasm ripped open in the ground before Starswirl, a fissure of pure magic splitting the crystalline landscape. The earth rumbled again, and another magical white disc formed protectively before him. Shielding him from the brunt of the blast.

Taking flight, Twilight unleashed a potent smoke spell, a swirling cloud of lavender mist billowing outwards and flooding the battlefield in a sea of cloud and haze.

Starswirl instinctively stepped back, narrowly avoiding a blast of magic that erupted from the swirling haze. Another magical beam, swift and silent, materialised from the opposite direction, slamming into his side with a jolt of raw power.

Confusion momentarily clouded Starswirl's face before he reacted with lightning speed. With a silent incantation and a wave of his hoof, a powerful gale force burst forth, ripping the smoke screen apart. The battlefield reappeared, revealing a sight that startled even the seasoned unicorn.

Two Twilights stood before him, their horns glowing with concentrated magic. One to the left, the other to the right, they had woven shimmering light ropes, effectively entangling Starswirl's hooves and torso.

The two Twilights split into four, their forms shimmering momentarily before solidifying. Starswirl's eyes widened as the process repeated, the Twilights doubling with each iteration. Eight, then sixteen, then thirty-two. The battlefield became a swirling sea of lavender princesses and glowing horns.

Each used an identical light rope spell, weaving themselves around Starswirl with practised efficiency. With his movements restricted by the ever-tightening bonds, he could only watch in frustration as his magical defences failed him.

High above the swirling mass of Twilights, another one stood poised, her horn crackling with a concentrated power. She pointed her horn down at Starswirl, ready to fire.

A blinding white light erupted from beneath Starswirl, momentarily stopping the final Twilight's attack. It was like a miniature sun emitting at his hooves, the sudden brilliance forcing all the Twilights to shield their eyes with raised hooves. The light rapidly expanded, forming a shimmering dome encompassing the battlefield, including all sixty-four illusory Twilights.

A chilling crack resonated through the air, followed by a series of splintering sounds like shattered glass. The illusions flickered, and their forms shattered against the made-up skies and the fake battlefield.

The over-numbering crowd of Twilights was gone, leaving only the original Twilight standing amidst a swirling haze of dissipating magic.

The remnants of Twilight's shattered illusion shimmered like heavy rain, each shard of light reflecting the faint glow of the dying sun, hitting the ground and shattering into powdered glitter.

Twilight stood among the raining stardust. Admittedly, she was impressed by Starswirl's display of magical aptitude.

'As I thought, Starswirl's ability far exceeds that of the highly trained mage as one of the progenitors where magic is derived from and studied. He understands the foundation of close to every spell traversed to the modern-day. Given enough time, he can...'

A searing heat forced her to cut her thoughts short. With a nimble side-step, she dodged a blazing fireball that erupted behind her, leaving a smouldering crater in the crystalline ground. The smell of burnt earth filled the air.

'Disrupt any magical spell with a single cast!'

Taking a hoof forward, Twilight planted it firmly on the ground. As her hoof made contact, a pulse of vibrant purple energy erupted, rippling outward in concentric waves like the echoes of a bell in still water. The energy crackled across the fractured crystal, emanating from Twilight with a force that seemed to resonate with the landscape.

With each deliberate step she took, another wave pulsed outward. The ground quaked, and soon, water geysers erupted from the fissures, spewing forth in unpredictable jets. The arena was instantly transformed as the ground was slick with water and the air thick with the spray.

Flying forward, Twilight channelled her magic into the ground beneath her, her horn glowing with an icy blue light.

Below, the water, churned by the unexpected geysers, began to react. Where Twilight's magic touched, a rippling wave of icy blue spread outward, freezing the water in its path. The once-fluid liquid solidified into a growing ice sheet, rapidly expanding across the ground like a glacier.

Starswirl reacted swiftly and created another disc to protect himself, with mixed results. The disc deflected most of the freezing waters, impacting the surrounding area and creating a small bubble of unfrozen water around the unicorn as the water splashed off the disc. All except for the ground beneath them, untouched by the disruption spell, the waters succumbed to Twilight's magic.

The ice hardens around Starswirl's hooves as they drop in temperature, sending a cold chill up his legs. He redirected the disruption circle down to his hooves to reform the ice back into water, but to no avail. Stumbling slightly from the immobility. His expression momentarily flickered with surprise.

True to the name, Starswirls' disruption magic disrupts magic or spells that he can correctly identify the foundation and inner workings of. That applies even to changing water to ice; however, it doesn't have the property to restore a naturally changing state to the form it once was.

Since the water Twilight erupts is from the Crystal Empire's water pipes and is not magically generated from her magic, aside from using magic that converts water to ice. The ice is considered to be naturally formed without the aid of magic, even if magic is used to harden the water into ice.

Therefore, in this instance. Starswirl's disruption magic only works to cancel out the process of turning water into ice, not changing it back into its liquid state.

Starswirl's momentary lapse in composure and acknowledgement of his magic's limitations provided an opening. Capitalising on this opportunity, she aimed a concentrated blast of icy magic directly at Starswirl's head, hoping to end the conflict swiftly.

But the world seemed to shudder beneath her hooves, the ground trembling with an unnatural force.

Then, with a series of deafening explosions, the ground erupted. Pillars of rock and crystal, jagged and menacing, shot skyward from the shattered ice. The newly formed pillars trudged circles around the old Sorcerer, breaking the fragile platform beneath Starswirl's hooves as it came to a grinding halt.

Twilight, losing her footing, fanned her wings in a struggle. Resorting to just teleport herself several feet in the air instead.

Once inert, the towering pillars began to tremble, then vibrating violently. They tore themselves free from the ground with a series of deafening cracks, launching themselves towards Twilight like monstrous projectiles.

Without wasting a moment, the alicorn poured magic into the tip of her horn. Unleashing a blinding light towards the flying rock construction, intersecting them and metamorphosing them into flocks of colourful birds.

The speed they travelled slowed as the birds coalesced into a graceful V-formation. A chorus of gentle chirps and melodic songs filled the air, replacing the tense destruction that had gripped the battlefield moments before. The birds circled above the two ponies, observing with silent stares.

Landing gracefully on the uneven ground, the exertion of the battle left a bead of sweat clinging to Twilight's chin. It's been long since she had to apply herself this hard. Regardless, a gripping feeling deep inside simmered, saying that defeat was a tangible possibility if things continued on this path.

"He's too intelligent, too skilled. He wouldn't fall for the same trick twice." She thought,bringing a hoof to wipe away the sweat.

"Picture it," Twilight murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "how he used it back then."

Just as Twilight closed her eyes, wings outstretched, preparing to dive deep into her memories, a streak of pink lightning crashed into her, sending both ponies tumbling across the uneven ground. The sudden impact knocked the breath out of Twilight, forcing her to open her eyes and scramble to regain her footing.

"Pinkie?!" she cried out, her voice a mix of surprise and relief as she recognised the other pony sprawled beside her while she used her wings to help Pinkie off the floor.

"Hiya, Twilight!" Pinkie chirped, her usual bubbly enthusiasm slightly subdued. "Sorry I barged in like that, but I really need some help! Flash Magnus is unusually super-duper strong and really really fast!!"

"That's it!" she exclaimed, a grin lighting up her face. She re-established the telepathic connection, sharing her plan with Pinkie in a flurry of mental images and whispered words.

Pinkie hesitated, leaning her head back slightly and furrowing her brows. "Are ya sure, Twilight? That sounds pretty dangerous..."

Twilight squeezed her hoof reassuringly. "Trust me, Pinkie. It's our best bet."

Pinkie nodded, scrambling to her hooves. Without hesitation, she made a daring dash straight towards the two pillars. Twilight covered her movement with a torrent of magic projectiles flying alongside Pinkie. Leaping into the air, Pinkie pulled out her larger-than-life hammer and swung it downward at Starswirl.

Flash quickly intercepted, brandishing his shield to defend Starswirl from the giant weapon, and braced himself against the blow. The resulting impact sent shockwaves through the ground, causing fissures to spread outward from the point of contact. The deafening clang of metal meeting metal reverberated throughout the arena, momentarily drowning out the chirping of the birds.

Twilight's magic projectiles followed up with the attack, twisting and aiming to hit Flash at his exposed sides. Of course, Starswirl covered him in disruption circles. Effectively dissolving most of the homing projectiles before they could reach their mark. The few who managed to evade the discs exploded harmlessly against the ground, leaving small craters that smoked faintly.

The rock and debris that flew out from the impact were promptly caught by Twilight's telekinetic touch without the notice of Starswirl or Flash as she moved them away from the fighting trio.

Unfazed by this, Starswirl charged another spell but was stopped by Pinkie grabbing him by the shoulder and pulling him close to her. His spell fizzled harmlessly, the magical energy dissipating into the air, and his stoic expression faltered.

"Heya!" Pinkie chirped, "I couldn't help but see you charging your spell over here. That's really dangerous! What if you hit some creature with that thing?!"

Flash snapped his head back from the commotion, and his eyes widened. Peeking his head over the shield, his eyes widened even wider in disbelief as they met one of the buttons - a life-sized stuffed toy of Pinkie Pie, curiously hanging on the opposite side of the shield, gripping Pinkie's actual hammer.

The moment his gaze landed on the plush doppelganger, the tension seemed to vanish from its cotton limbs. The toy, which had been pressing down on him with surprising force moments ago, suddenly went limp, its grip slackening.

Grunting in annoyance, Flash heaved his massive shoulders and pushed the shield upwards. Sending the stuffed Pinkie and her hammer flying through the air.

"Hey! How dare you treat Pinkie Toy like that!" Pinkie playfully reprimanded while she smashed a cream pie into the dumbfounded wizard.

It landed squarely on Starswirl's face, the sugary white gloop splattering across his beard and eyes in a sweet explosion.

The excess cream splattered everywhere, getting onto Pinkie and Flash's faces. The warrior couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise. Starswirl, initially stunned and silent by the unorthodox assault, sputtered and blinked as he tried to clear the mess from his vision.

"Oh yum!!" Pinkie exclaimed with childlike delight, her tongue extending an unnatural length to lick the cream off her face.

Outstretching her hoof, the hammer sent flying moments earlier landed perfectly in Pinkie's grip. Giving a maniac swing, she battered Flash into a nearby building at the edge of the plaza.

Jumping back, Pinkie stuck her tongue out at Starswirl and pulled her eyes down in a playful manner.

"C'mon, old timer! Hit me if you cannnn~~!!" Pinkie teased.

Pissed, Starswirl levitated the cream off his face and flung it on the ground at the same time, sending a blast of magic at where Pinkie stood. A simple side step caused the magic to miss her completely.

"Miss me!" Pinkie taunted,

Starswirl launched another blast of magic, only for her to repeat the action.

"Miss me again!!"

A third blast followed, this time aimed with a calculated precision. Pinkie contorted her body in a near-impossible backwards bend, giving way for the magic to streak past just a hair's breadth from her body.

"Ohh, so close!"

A dazzling interruption sliced through the sky, stopping their tango. The glowing light emanating from a high point above the battle reaches the height of the apex. Arching down, it falls onto the earth like shooting stars, streaking downwards with incredible speed, converging upon Starswirl's position.

Seeing Starswirl's attention steered elsewhere, Pinkie took the chance to jump back, creating a clear path for the incoming projectile.

As the light drew closer, it materialised, revealing itself as a concentrated volley of magic, twinking with vibrant hues fired by Twilight and slammed into the spot where Starswirl stood.

The air crackled with the aftershock. The spot where Starswirl stood moments before erupted in a dazzling display of energy. Shards of cobblestone and pebbles rained down upon them, kicked loose by the sheer force of the impact. A thick cloud of dust billowed upwards, momentarily obscuring the scene from view.

Twilight scrunched her nose as the dust slowly settled and gave an audible "tch." In the centre of the cratered ground stood Starswirl, seemingly unharmed. Above him, the shimmering white disc of his disruption circle pulsed faintly, protecting him from the onslaught.

Suddenly, a flicker of movement at the edge of Twilight's vision caught her attention. It was a faint blur, almost imperceptible in the fading light. Her gaze darted sideways, her eyes widening in a flash of recognition. A gasp escaped her lips as she jolted her head back in a desperate attempt to dodge the incoming attack.

A glinting spearhead screamed through the air, aimed at Twilight's neck. The tip grazed the intricate metalwork of her chest regalia, sending a shower of sparks flying as it deflected harmlessly away.

Twilight's heart hammered against her ribs, and a cold wave of terror washed over her. Flash Magnus juttered to a stop before the princess and swung his spear towards her.

Just as the spear's tip seemed poised to pierce her fur, a wave of distortion rippled around Flash. His eyes widened in surprise as the flat surfaces around him seemed to warp around him, his movements becoming sluggish.

His entire body slammed onto the ground with a sickening boom, the spear digging itself an inch deep into the ground. A ragged gasp escaped his lips as a force unseen, a hundred times heavier than normal, pressed him down. His muscles screamed in protest as gravity, seemingly amplified by an invisible hand, threatened to crush him into the very ground.

Through the haze of pain and confusion, Flash forced his eyes open. Across from him, Twilight Sparkle stood tall, her horn glowing faintly with a soft, menacing light.

Flash coughed up air from his lungs, a metallic tang of blood filling his mouth. Twilight's magic wasn't just holding him down but actively pushing him further into the unforgiving earth. Agony lanced through his body, his vision blurring at the edges.

But before he could succumb to the overwhelming pressure, a stone shaped like a hoof pulsating with a vibrant pink light erupted from the ground beneath him. The unexpected blow sent him flying upwards in a surprised yelp, the agonising pressure momentarily released.

Flash could only muster a flap to regain his bearings when a dense gust of wind materialised around him. A swirling vortex of lavender slammed into him with incredible force, propelling him backwards in a graceless tumble. The winds dissipated as quickly as they appeared, leaving Flash sprawled on the cold stone, his armour dented and his chest heaving.

"The enhancements on Flash seemed to be wearing off." Twilight clasped her hooves together, her metal cuffs clinking together upon contact. "I'll do it now."

Flash and Starswirl looked around them; Twilight's magic had gathered a colossal dome of rock and debris, effectively imprisoning them within a precarious sphere. The air grew thick with dust and the smell of freshly fractured stone.

Flash instinctively spread his wings in a desperate attempt to escape the crumbling cage. Starswirl, on the other hand, reacted with a surge of magic, his horn crackling with the raw energy of a teleportation spell.

But their efforts were futile. A blur of pink fur rocketed through the debris before it either broke free or vanished in a puff of displaced air. Pinkie Pie launched herself at them with a resounding "oof!" as she wrapped her impossibly strong forelimbs around Flash's and Starswirl's necks, squeezing them in a suffocatingly tight bear hug.

Twilight's horn, still glowing faintly as she maintained the magical dome, watched in disbelief. "Pinkie! Get away from them! You'll get hit by it!!"

Pinkie, however, remained undeterred. Her face, flushed with exertion, held a defiant grin as she snapped her head back to look at Twilight.

"Don't worry, Twilight! I've got this!" she yelled back, her voice muffled by the combined bulk of Flash and Starswirl. "DO IT!!"

Gritting her teeth, Twilight unleashed her reserves. Flooding the space with her potent magic.

"Picture it." She thought, her mindscape conjuring an image of her own innate territory. "Like how he performed it back then, constructing it from an enclosed space and pushing it out, ALL OF IT!!"

"Domain Expansion!!" Twilight yelled, the words echoing in the chamber around the four ponies.

The dome of rock and debris is blurring and warping at the edges. The reality within the confined space began to bend to Twilight's will, mirroring the techniques she had previously witnessed The Pony of Shadow use.

The apex of Jujutsu Sorcery, domain expansion, requires the user to bring their innate domain into reality using cursed energy. In this case, Twilight copied The Pony of Shadow's use of an enclosed space by using her magic to hold up debris from across the battlefield to act as her barrier.

Furthermore, her magic, though potent, was a substitute for cursed energy. This fundamental difference, coupled with Twilight's limited understanding of Domain Expansions, the immense strain of manifesting one, and her multi-casting spells to hold up the barrier's exterior foundation and imbuing it with her technique, created a volatile situation. The fragile domain could only hold for a fleeting fraction of a second, a mere 0.1 seconds.

Yet, Twilight wasn't aiming for a prolonged fight within the domain. This desperate gamble was for a sure-hit effect. Every ounce of her will focus on perfecting that single, decisive moment within the fleeting existence of her makeshift domain. This feat was only made possible with her talent and aptitude for magic.

The fragile reality crumbled. Once held aloft by Twilight's desperate magic, the cobblestones and rock shards rained down in a chaotic shower as the makeshift domain dissolved. A gasp escaped her lips, blood trickling down her nose, a crimson stain blossoming around a burst vessel in her right eye.

In the aftermath, an unsettling silence descended. Starswirl and Pinkie lay sprawled on the ground, unconscious. The sure-hit effect of Twilight's gamble had struck true, her channelled magic targeting their entire body, potent thundershocks shaking from head to hoof, rendering them immobile.

Across from them, Flash stirred. His pegasus physiology, naturally resistant to thunder magic, had shielded him from the full brunt of Twilight's attack. With a groan, he pushed himself onto his hooves, shaking his head to clear the cobwebs.

Twilight rocketed towards him and launched a haymaker of a right hook towards Flash's jaw. The blow connected with a sickening crunch, the sound echoing through the dust-filled chamber.

Flash was already reeling from the residual effects of Twilight's sure hit; getting caught entirely off guard was the icing on the cake. His head snapped back with the force of the impact, his eyes rolling back into his skull.

A strangled gasp escaped his lips as the world blurred around him, his pegasus strength offering no defence against the raw power of Twilight's desperation. With a heavy thud, Flash crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Twilight shoulders went slack, as she begins to huff and puff from the exertion. Stumbling a few steps, she shuffles over to the unconscious Pinkie and peeks her head above the party pony, who, although got hit by Twilight’s sure-hit effect, seemed to come out relatively unscathed. Her sleeping smile and drooling saliva were indicators that she was enjoying her nap.

Satisfied that her friend was all right, Twilight sighed, her entire body trembling with exhaustion as the excess blood from her right eye trickled down her cheek. Casting a quick healing spell, she stopped the internal bleeding caused from her using her domain. Though not really making an effort to use another spell to cleanup the leftover blood.

Just as Twilight allowed herself a sliver of respite, the ground began to tremble with a low, ominous rumble. Instinct jolted her upright. Her horn glowed faintly while she scanned the battlefield, her gaze darting across the debris-strewn landscape, searching for the source of the threat.

In the distance, a tremor ripped through the earth, the ground splitting open with a booming crack. Dust erupted in a swirling cloud, momentarily obscuring the sight.

But as it settled, Twilight's heart lurched in her chest. Like claws gripping the earth, a colossal tree's roots sprouted from among the constructions. It dwarfed the surrounding buildings, the only structure that rivalled its height being the distant Crystal Castle.

Squinting her eyes, worry etched itself onto Twilight's face. She could've sworn she saw the faint figures of Fluttershy and Rarity being sent upward from the tree's growth.

She glanced at Flash and Starswirl, both still unconscious. With a flick of her horn, a pink bubble emanated from her horn, enveloping the two fallen figures. Twilight places multiple seals to protect and keep their vulnerable bodies in one place.

Next, her horn glowed brighter, and a softer, pink magic bubble formed around Pinkie Pie. Gently, the bubble lifted the slumbering pony into the air, carrying her towards Twilight's side.

Just as she was about to cast a teleportation spell, a beam of concentrated magic sliced through the sundown sky, its origin pointing to the Crystal Castle itself. Twilight's jaw clenched while the spell fizzled out, replaced by a surge of alarm.

Her gaze snapped upwards, following the beam's trajectory until it landed on a monstrous bird curse circling high above the colossal tree, its underbelly full of pulsating eyes, one of them even finding themself staring at the alicorn and her unconscious friend.

Shooting down the hulking beast, the magic projectile sent it careening down to the tree, it's body dissolving into ashes as it puffed harmlessly against the tree’s emerald leaves.

Seeing no other choice, the purple alicorn focused her remaining magic. The world dissolved into a swirling vortex of colours as the teleportation spell took hold, engulfing her and Pinkie in it and sending them over to the base of the giant tree in a flash of light.

Fight for The Crystal: Part 6

Twilight reappears at the tree's base in a flash of a purple bubble with a stumble, along with Pinkie in tow, hovering limply beside her. On and on, the two were surrounded by massive green foliage covering the city street, vines crawling up the sides of houses, thick, gigantic roots digging themselves around, ripping through pavements and forging an uneven terrain.

"Where are they?" Twilight thought to herself.

All around the princess, green reigned supreme. Towering vines, some as thick as ponies themselves, strangled lampposts and buildings. In comparison, the behemoth of a tree was towering behind the two.

A crash from atop a distant building shattered the uneasy silence. Twilight flinched, her eyes darting towards the sound. Through the building's moss-riddled side and falling debris, a portion of the roof caved in. A plume of dust billowed upwards, momentarily obscuring a flash of movement just beyond the crumbling edge. Dust clouds rose from several rooftops further down the lonely street, their swirling forms bouncing and skittering from one building top to another.

Suddenly, the silhouettes detached themselves from the skyline, plummeting from the edge of a building with a shriek and landing with a sickening thud in the royal gardens.

Fortifying Pinkie's bubble, Twilight galloped towards the fallen figures, her coat glistening with sweat under the flickering illumination of the street lamp. As she grew closer to the garden, biting winds tickled her fur, sending a chill down her spine as she exhaled a foggy breath.

"Was The Crystal Empire always this cold?" She shudders.

Crossing the junction, Twilight vaulted over a particularly aggressive vine, its thick, green tendrils lashing out at her. With a huff, she shoved through the ornately wrought-iron gates of the royal gardens, the wrought-iron twisted and choked by a curtain of thick vines. Scanning the flowery surroundings, Twilight saw nothing but beds and rows of crystal flowers, well, except for two giant roses sticking out of the ground, binding the sleeping Somnambula and Meadowbrook in a knot of thorny stems.

Beside them stood Rarity, her usually pristine coat lined top to bottom with multiple scratches, lacerations, and branches and twigs entangled in her mane. A few paces away stood Mistmane, her horn cracking in residual magic.

"Rarity!"

Rarity turns to face Twilight, relief washing over her face.

"Twilight! Oh how glad am I to see you! Mistmane here just came in the nick of time. Can you believe I was almost forced to fend off Somnambula and Meadowbrook by myself?"

Twilight giggled, "I guess you do have Mistmane to thank for that."

Rarity gasped. "What happened to Pinkie!?"

Twilight winced, the throbbing pain behind her eye intensifying momentarily. "She... she got caught in the attack I had to use to subdue Starswirl and Flash Magnus. They were... under some sort of mind control. Since Mistmane's here, I'm guessing Applejack and Rainbow Dash are busy with Rockhoof…?" Her voice trailed off, a question lingering in her eyes. "Speaking of, do you know what happened to them, Mistmane?"

Mistmane nodded grimly. "Sombra ambushed us on our way to see Princess Cadance. Before I could get caught in his spell, Starswirl teleported me away from them."

"I see. I had a vague feeling it was him. This just confirms it..." Twilight muttered, clenching her jaw. "Wait, where's Fluttershy?"

Mistmane gestured with her hoof towards a vibrant bed of crystal flowers nestled amongst the encroaching wilderness. Ther laid an unconscious Fluttershy, her chest rising and lowering slowly from the breaths she took. "She's over there," Mistmane explained. As she did, the flowers grew more protective, entangling the defenceless pegasus in glowing thorns. "I'm using my magic to protect there as of the moment."

Twilight turns to Mistmane. "Right, we need to get Pinkie and Fluttershy to safety. Mistmane, is it alright if I leave them under your care?"

"Of course, Princess," Mistmane replied with a brisk nod. "I'll gather Starswirl and Flash Magnus as well."

"Thank you. Rarity, can you move?"

Rarity grimaced, rotating a hoof gingerly.

"As fine as I can be, considering the day I've had."

"Great," Twilight said, placing the sleeping Pinkie beside Mistmane. "Then let's get Applejack and Rainbow Dash before—"

Boom!

Looking up, Twilight sees a Sonic Rainboom not too far from her. Its rainbow streaks across the sky, painting the dull black in vibrant hues. The alicorn snaps her head back at Rarity, eyes sharp and a frown creasing her lips.

"Let's get going."

"Argh!!" Gallus bellowed. His frustrated cry echoed through the clearing, the air thick with the scent of dirt and disappointment. Slamming his fist onto the grass floor with a silent thump, he snorts. "Why won't Princess Twilight let us come with?! We can take care of ourselves perfectly fine!"

Smolder landed beside him, calming him with a claw. "Punching the ground won't get us anywhere," she said with a sympathetic sigh. "We gotta look for another way there if these ruins are a no-go."

"Smolder's right," Sandbar added, joining the two of them, his brow furrowed in thought. "There has to be another way for us to get to The Crystal Empire."

A flurry of suggestions filled the air.

"Maybe by train?"

"No, Yona," Gallus dismissed with a shake of his head. "That'd take too long. The empire would be in ruins by the time we get there!"

"What about flying over?" Silverstream chimed in, her wings twitching.

Smolder rolled her eyes. "That'd take even longer than the train, Silver! We wouldn't get there any faster than Twilight did."

The Young Six devolved into a flurry of debate, each creature advocating for their preferred method of reaching the Crystal Empire. Just as the bickering reached a fever pitch, Ocellus sneaked over to the stone ruins and padded over to the consumed circle in the centre of the chamber. The inscription etched around its perimeter held her gaze as she analysed its meaning.

Tilting her head in concentration, she extended her horn and focused her magic on the faded markings. The tip of her horn flickered, pulsing with a soft, internal light as it seemingly scanned the magical residue left by Twilight's teleportation spell.

"U-um guys?" Ocellus's voice was barely a squeak over the din of arguments. She strained, trying to get their attention, but the debate raged on, oblivious to the subtle shift in the ruined circle. As their frustration mounted, a strange thing happened. The ancient inscription etched around the perimeter began to glow with an ever-brightening inner light, pulsing in rhythm with the growing intensity of the Young Six's voices.

Ocellus watched with wide eyes as the magical residue left by Twilight's spell seemed to resonate with the inscription. It was as if the circle was reacting, awakening from its slumber.

"G-guys???"

Desperate to be heard, Ocellus opened her mouth to call out again, but it was too late. In a burst of blinding light that erupted from the circle, Ocellus got swallowed up. The air crackled with raw magic, momentarily deafening the ponies and leaving them blinking away spots.

A gust of wind shook the five from their stupor, shaking them where they stood. Sandbar was the first to recover, taking a cautious step back but two brave steps forward upon seeing his friend gone.

"Ocellus!" he cried. Silverstream, wings flaring, reacted next.

"What happened?!" she shrieked, her eyes darting around the circle, also seeing no signs of Ocellus anywhere.

"Everyone! Run into the light!" Sandbar shouted. Without waiting for the others to react, he bolted towards the swirling light.

Silverstream quickly followed suit, diving headfirst into it.

Gallus, however, remained rooted to the spot. "So we're just gonna dive into some rays of light that ate our friend?" he squawked.

But before he could finish his protest, Yona surged past him and disappeared into the vortex with a loud "Yona follow Sandbar!"

Smolder hesitated for a fraction of a second longer. She glanced at the swirling portal, then at Gallus, who stood frozen with indecision. With a sigh and a flick of her tail, she, too, plunged into the swirling mass of light, leaving Gallus all alone in the rapidly fading glow of the inscription.

"Okay then." Gallus rolled his eyes, swooping in after them.

The six ponies tumbled out of the swirling vortex in a cacophony of shouts, yelps, and the unmistakable thwack of creature-on-creature action. Sandbar, the first to regain his bearings, groaned as he disentangled himself from the heap of limbs that was his friends. Dust motes danced in the frigid air, swirling around them like miniature snow devils.

He winced, the throbbing pain in his head competing with the unfamiliar chill that had instantly sunk its icy claws into his skin.

"Ugh," he muttered, shaking the dust from his mane. "Where… where are we?"

Sandbar looked around, taking in their surroundings. The first thing he felt stepping or dropping into The Crystal Empire other than the ball of mess he and his friends got tangled in was the biting cold. Each breath they took always came accompanied by a foggy exhale.

Aside from the dry coldness, the acrid stench of smoke and iron hung heavy in the air and crystal buildings were now fractured and chipped, their surfaces marred by soot and ash.

But what truly sent a jolt of terror through Sandbar was the sight that littered the streets. Bodies of ponies lay scattered across the cobblestones, blood pooling underneath their limp bodies, some looking like with fear-stricken expressions in their final moments.

A metallic tang hit Sandbar's tongue as he noticed something even more gruesome. Several bodies bore the unmistakable marks of a monstrous predator. Deep gouges raked across flanks, and limbs ripped away with savage force – the specific residuals of curses. In contrast, others were crushed under boulders and the like, a much more merciful fate.

Fires raged out of control, consuming buildings and spewing thick, choking smoke into the already tainted air. The ground itself seemed scarred by explosions, craters filled with debris with scorched earth.

The air in Sandbar's throat dropped down, his throat expanded, and his lips parted as his eyes widened and trembled. Words are unable to escape him, but thoughts flood into him. Death, after death after death. Every direction he turned, his gaze met with more and more carnage, more and more death.

A wave of nausea washed over him, a sickening echo of his failures back in Cloudsdale. He blinked, and flashes of blurry memories swarmed him, Bow Hothoof.

He blinked again, and now Windy Whistles. Their eyes seemed so sad in their last moments—

Just then, a worried hoof nudged him gently out of his daze. Turning to see Yona's concerned face, Sandbar stared at the yak, the bags under his eyes doing nothing to ease her concerns.

"Is Sandbar okay?"

Sandbar forced a tired smile, the taste of ash acrid on his tongue. "Y-yeah," he stammered, his voice barely a whisper. "We... we need to help any pony we can. Everyone, let's start looking for the injured."

The five young creatures exchanged worried glances, a silent agreement passing between them. They were scared, yes, but the idea of ponies perishing before them without them doing anything was much worse.

Silverstream, wings twitching nervously, scanned the area. "Let's stick together," she said, her voice high-pitched with barely controlled panic. "We can cover more ground that way."

Smolder was quick to snort a plume of smoke upon hearing her suggestion. "Great plan, Silverstream. Let's just become a giant target for whatever nightmarish curse left this mess."

Just then, a distant scream ripped through the fast-approaching night, shutting the six of them up. It came from further down the block, a cry howling with insurmountable terror and pain. A guttural screech followed it. Whipping his head towards the sound, Sandbar caught a breath.

A flock of monstrous curses, their forms vaguely reminiscent of griffins but with their intestines exposed and dangling free in the open air, its purple blood dripping from the open wound, soared towards the source of the scream. Their enormous wings beat the air with a thunderous boom, and their razor-sharp talons glinted in the moonlight.

"Let's get moving!" Sandbar yelled.

The Young Six plunged into a desperate sprint, their hooves and wings pounding a frantic rhythm against the blood-stained crystalline marble floor. The griffin-like curses circled overhead like hideous vultures. Their obsidian feathers shimmered with an unnatural sheen, and their bloodcurdling screeches resonated throughout the entire block.

They weaved through the debris-strewn streets, tailing behind the flock. Buildings loomed around them like skeletal giants, their fractured facades threatening to topple at any moment. The air grew thick with the stench of smoke and burnt flesh, a suffocating shroud that made each breath a struggle.

Their frantic dash took them past harrowing sights. A fallen pony lay sprawled across the street. Its horn shattered at an unnatural angle. A once-renowned candy shop lay in ruins, its shattered window plain glittering, and piles of candy spread amidst the rubble. Every corner they rounded, every pile of rubble they navigated, held the flickering hope of finding a survivor. But as the seconds stretched into minutes, that hope began to dwindle, replaced by a gnawing dread. However, among the destruction, a slight movement, along with fresh, bloodied hoofprints leading to overturned carriages and broken stalls, caught Silverstream's gaze.

"There!" Silverstream cried out suddenly. She pointed towards The wrecked stalls. A tiny hoof wiggled desperately under the weight.

With a mighty heave of her broad shoulders, she slammed into the heavy wooden beam off the pinned pony, or rather, two pinned ponies. The splintered wood creaked in protest, then finally gave way with a sickening snap.

The mare, her coat dusty and matted with blood, lay sprawled on her side and above the colt. It seemed to them the mare had used her body to shield the colt from the fallen rubble. Her eyes stared blankly into the distance, seemingly oblivious to their arrival. The colt, however, was a different story. Relief flooded his features as he peeked out from under his protector.

"Don't worry, Yona here to help!" Yona boomed,

"Help is here, Mom! You don't have to nap anymore!" the colt whinnied excitedly.

Sandbar and Ocellus, a wave of relief washing over them, rushed forward. Ocellus, her horn glowing softly, cast a quick diagnostic spell on the little pony as Sandbar began checking the colt for any immediate injuries.

Meanwhile, Yona and Gallus worked together to clear the remaining debris from the mare. Gallus, surprisingly gentle despite his initial nervousness, nudged away smaller pieces of rubble with his talons. Yona, grunting with effort, carefully lifted another heavy plank.

A gasp escaped both their lips. The mare's neck bore the brunt of the fallen wood. A large, ugly black and blue bruise marred her flank and neck, and a shard of bone protruded from each of the nasty gashes, threatening to tear through the already taut skin. The sight sent a shiver down Sandbar's spine.

The colt, blissfully unaware of the gravity of the situation, trotted over to his mother's side. His eyes not registering the sight of the fatal injuries beneath the debris.

"Mommy! Wake up! We're saved!" he chirped, nuzzling the mare's cheek with his nose. "Help is here! You don't have to nap anymore!" His words hung heavy in the air.

She didn't respond.

A flicker of hope died in the colt's eyes as he tried again. "Mommy? P-please wake up! You don't have to nap anymore. Y-you're scaring me..." His voice trembled, his whinny morphing into a choked sob. He nuzzled her once more, desperate to elicit a response, any response.

She did not move.

Sandbar watched, a cold dread pooling in his stomach. Ocellus, tears welling in her eyes, stifled a sob by pressing a hoof to her mouth. A suffocating silence descended upon the group, broken only by the whimpers of her grieving son.

"Again." Sandbar thought, "I won't allow it to happen again, I won't let it. I'll make myself useful."

Walking over to the colt, Sandbar knelt beside him, offering a comforting presence.

"Hey there, little one," he said softly, his voice gentling. "What's your name?"

The colt, startled by the sudden voice, looked up at Sandbar with tear-filled eyes. "I-I'm Night... Night Dancer" he stammered, his voice barely a whisper.

"Night Dancer," Sandbar repeated, offering a comforting smile. "Your mom is… she's very brave. She protected you from that falling wood."

Night let out a fresh wave of sobs, nuzzling closer to his mother's side.

Sensing the colt's need for comfort, Sandbar nudged him gently. "Listen, Night," he said, his voice low and soothing. "We can't stay here for long. Those big bird things might come back. But we can find you somewhere safe. Do you have any other family in the Crystal Empire?"

"Dad's busy helping other ponies over there," Night sniffled, gesturing vaguely with his trembling hoof. "Mom and I were supposed to meet them there, but we got trapped by these stalls when the monsters chased us here."

A flicker of hope sparked in Sandbar's eyes.

"Your dad's helping other ponies?" That meant there might still be survivors. "Can you tell me where your dad is?" he asked gently. Night pointed with a trembling hoof in the direction he had indicated earlier – the same direction the source of the screaming came from and the same direction the curses were flying towards.

"Okay, let's get you to your dad," Sandbar said, picking up the colt. "Is that alright?"

Night Dancer gave a teary nod.

A horde of curses encroaches onto the countless families of surviving ponies, and Several guards lay scattered around the group, their lifeless forms decorating the brutality of the battle. A violent azure blaze ripped through the opening, forcing the curses back a step. The caster, Prince Shining Armor, took a steadfast breath.

Multiple dents and scratches embellished His violet armour, and the plume on his helmet was sliced and cut at different angles. At the same time, splashes of purple and red blood that were not of his own painted his white fur all across his body. A deep gash ran along his flank, the wound sending a rhythmic pulse of pain with every breath. The only ones left standing were him and one other cadet.

"Star Dancer!" Shining yelled through the magic. "We can't hold out any longer! We have to get the remaining ponies to safety! The Crystal Castle is just a couple of blocks down. You guide the survivors there, understand?"

"No! You go on ahead, Prince! I'll stay behind!"

"That's suicide, cadet!" Shining Armor roared back,

"I'm not abandoning my family, sir!" Star Dancer defied.

"That's an order!"

"I'm sorry, sir! I'm not budging!"

With a defeated sigh, Shining slumped slightly, the weight of the battle and Star Dancer's defiance pressing down on him. As a father, he understood firsthand the pull of protecting your own, the fear that made a simple soldier like Star Dancer defy his order.

Just as Shining opened his mouth, a cry pierced the air.

"Daddy!"

Star Dancer's head snapped towards the sound, his heart leaping into his throat. There, breaking through the destroyed houses and fallen lamps, was Sandbar. But it wasn't Sandbar alone that stole Star Dancer's breath. Nestled securely in his arms, a tear-streaked face etched with a mixture of joy and exhaustion, was Night Dancer.

Star Dancer's rigid posture faltered. Relief washed over him, so intense it almost knocked him off his hooves.

"Night Dancer?" Star Dancer stammered,

Upon stopping before the two militants, the little colt jumped out of Sandbar's hooves and into Star Dancer's. as the father embraced his son.

Taking a deep breath, Sandbar forced himself to speak. "Star Dancer," he said, his voice low, "we found your son, but…" his voice trailed off, unable to meet the guard's gaze.

"W-what about my wife?"

"She… she didn't make it. She protected Night Dancer from the falling debris."

A wolf-like curse interrupts their reunion as it lands near them with a cratering bend of the earth and launches itself towards them, only for Shining to intercept its path, piercing its head with a magically conjured spear from the ground, shish kabob-ing it in place. The inertia sending its legs forward slightly before coming to a stop.

The resounding impact sent a jolt through the battlefield and ripped Star Dancer from his grief. He looked at Shining Armor, then back at Night Dancer, his face hardening with resolve.

"Get your family to safety, Star Dancer!" Shining Armor bellowed, his voice filled with urgency. "Now! Guide them to the Castle!"

Star Dancer gave a proud salute to the Ambassadors.

"Thank you," he rasped before gunning to the crowd, ushering them in the direction of the Crystal Castle.

"You go too, Prince Shining! We got this covered!" Smolder says,

"Yeah, We'll buy you time!" Gallus added.

Shining's jaw clenched tight. "No!" he roared, eyes narrowing at Gallus. "There's no way I'm leaving kids alone to fend for themselves while I make a run for it!"

The exchange was cut short by a sudden, terrifying clamour. A series of metallic screeches ripped through the air, followed by thunderous slams that echoed from deep within the Crystal Castle. Shining Armor whipped his head towards the shimmering dome protecting the refugees.

The sound of slicing metal and thunderous slamming ripped from the castle. Shining turns to the castle. Through the giant forcefield, he sees multiple explosions coming from the base interior of the castle.

His heart skipped a beat. Through the distorting effects of the force field, he saw flashes of light and what appeared to be explosions erupting within the base of the castle – the exact location where the refugees were huddled together.

The sudden spikes in cursed energy coming from the castle caused the forcefield to flicker and Shining to bite his lip as trepidation surged through him, momentarily eclipsing the battlefield before him. He darted his gaze across the remaining curses, their grotesque forms shifting and churning against the blue fire.

There weren't many left. With a heavy sigh, Shining finally spoke, his voice hoarse but resolute.

"Alright, everyone, listen up! I know this is unconventional, but I have to prioritize the safety of the Crystal Ponies. I'll put my trust in that you can hold these remaining curses at bay for a short while."

He swept his gaze over their faces and stopped at Sandbar, his young features grim, and gave a curt nod.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," Shining promised. "If, at any point, it becomes too much to handle, fall back!"

The six young heroes exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between them. They understood the weight of his words. Protecting the refugees was paramount, even if it meant retreating from this battlefield.

With a final, resolute nod, Shining raised his hoof in a hasty salute. Then, in a flash of blinding light, he vanished.

A tense silence followed Shining Armor's departure. The remaining curses, emboldened by the apparent shift in power, surged forward with renewed ferocity, baring their fangs at the youths.

"Alright then," Gallus cracked his talons, eyeing the crowd of curses as the flames began to die down. "I call dips on ugly!"

Yona thumped her chest with a hoof competitively. "Yona wants the big one!"

Smolder snorted, a plume of smoke curling from her nostrils. "Then I'll take the griffin wannabes. Looks like they could use a good scorching."

"Me too! Let's turn up the heat on these creeps!" Silverstream joins, pumping a fist.

Ocellus, however, remained rooted to the spot, her voice barely a whimper.

"I'll just stay here."

Sensing her fear, Sandbar stepped forward. "Ocellus," he said gently, "we need you out there. Your healing magic is vital. Besides, we'll protect you."

He turned to the rest of the group, his voice firm. "We can't stay here and wait for them to attack. We need to create a diversion. I'll bring their focus to me, on my signal—"

Just as Sandbar was about to formulate a plan for his diversion, the ground trembled beneath their legs. The remaining curses, impatient, charged at them with a deafening roar. Growls and snarls, their stampeding hooves kicked up dust and debris, snuffing out the already-smoldering embers left behind by the prince. Some curses even tumbled and fell over in their pursuit, causing the other curses to stomp over them in a wave of bodies. The winged creatures among the curses screeched, diving towards them with razor-sharp talons outstretched. Sandbar's carefully laid plan evaporated in the face of the immediate threat.

"Forget the plan!" he roared, his voice barely audible over the din of the approaching chaos. "Everycreature charge!"

Fight for The Crystal: Part 7

Sandbar weaved a snapping jaw aimed at him, running to a dead guard he spotted nearby with a discarded spear and shield.

With a desperate lunge, Sandbar snatched the weapon in his teeth, the salty taste of sweat filling his mouth as he sunk his teeth into the cloth handle. He pivoted, aiming the spear tip at an insectoid creature diving towards him. It screeched in mid-flight, oblivious to the weapon. In a sickening crunch, it impaled itself on the spear. Its twitching body skewered before it could reach him as it decayed into dust.

Taking the fallen shield, he brandished it on his other arm and smashed it together with the spear he held in his mouth, generating a series of loud clangs and bangs. His actions were rewarded with the attention of a group of curses running towards him, their screeches turning into a chorus of enraged roars. Perfect. Sandbar backed away, leading the curses on a merry chase, using the shield to deflect any stray attacks.

The further he ran, the more curses gathered to give chase. With each pounding hoofbeat, a fresh wave of curses surged after him, their guttural roars fueling his desire not to get munched on. Sweat beaded on Sandbar's brow, stinging his eyes as he darted between shattered crystal structures. He glanced back, heart hammering against his ribs.

"Um, guys, a little help!?" he bellowed, his voice hoarse.

A blur of blue and orange streaked past him. Smolder, eyes narrowed in concentration, slashed a bird curse out of the sky with a fiery claw.

"I thought you said forget about the plan?" she shouted back,

"I meant, forget about creating a more detailed plan!!"

Slipping past a crystal house, he swerved sharply, leading the pursuing curses into the narrow space between the house and another building before he darted back onto the main street, hoping that it provided some use to slow down the wave of curses. Turning back, Sandbar skittered to a halt, trying to catch his breath. Only to see the house erupting from the raging curses chasing him.

His "Oh crap!" was mixed with a more feminine "Yeah!" as Yona rocketed past him, charging headfirst into the curses, bowling through them like pins and sending them flying in numerous directions. Smolder and Silverstream didn't miss a beat, diving from above to slash and claw at the helpless beasts, rendering them asunder.

Another loud screech pierced the air, this time nearer to the hippogriff. Silverstream, her mane bristling, whipped her head towards the source of the sound. Several griffon curses came barreling down from the side, their razor-sharp talons glinting in the fading light.

Just as Silverstream was about to be tackled by a flock of those things, a triumphant cry and an ambush from Gallus forced most of the flying curses off course as he sliced through the air at incredible speeds. That proved less than brilliant, as he was soon overwhelmed by said curses mounting him from above, dragging him down into the ground below with their combined weight and strength. Foreign nails dug into his fur coat, drawing slivers of blood.

"Get your stinking talons off me!" Gallus protested, his voice strained as he fought to dislodge the creature.

Just then, a flurry of activity exploded around him. A stray magic beam, fired by Ocellus in a desperate attempt to help, lanced past Gallus's feathers and struck the curse's side. The curses screeched in pain, momentarily loosening its grip. Simultaneously, Smolder singed many of the curses' underside with a well-aimed burst of flame, forcing it to recoil further.

This brief window of opportunity was all Silverstream needed. With a burst of speed, she dove towards the struggling Gallus, expertly manoeuvring beneath him and catching him securely on her back just as the freed curse tumbled away with a frustrated roar.

He landed with a hitch in his breath, surprising Silverstream as she turned her neck to check on him. "Are you alright, Gallus?"

Gallus offered her a weak attempt at a grin, but it quickly contorted into a grimace. He gingerly reached back with one wing, brushing against a particularly nasty gash on his back. A crimson stain bloomed on his feathers, spreading outwards like a macabre flower.

"Just peachy," he muttered, his voice strained as she nodded.

"We need to get you to Ocellus," she said decisively. "She can heal that."

Gallus shook his head, his defiance flickering back to life. "No way. We can't afford to lose another fighter. Besides, these scratches are nothing compared to what some of those… things…" he trailed off.

"They're bad," Silverstream finished for him. "But you're hurt, Gallus. We need you at your best if we're going to win this."

Silverstream's head snapped as a screech drew close. Folding her wings over the resting Gallus, she performed a barrel roll over a curse plummeting for her, narrowly dodging it by a feather.

"Smolder! I need you to cover me for a sec! Gallus is hurt, and we need to get him to Ocellus!"

Smolder glanced over her shoulder, taking in Gallus's pained expression with a single, sharp look.

"Understood!" she roared back. "You two get yourselves patched up. We'll hold the line!"

Silverstream knew they couldn't waste any time. With a powerful beat of her wings, she carefully descended towards Ocellus's position. As she touched down, she spotted Ocellus huddled behind a half-collapsed crystal pillar, her horn glowing faintly from her fired shots earlier.

"Ocellus!" Silverstream called out. "we need your help!"

The changeling's head snapped up, her ears swivelling towards the sound. Her eyes widened in alarm when she saw Silverstream dismount and gently lower a wounded Gallus to the ground beside her.

"What happened?" Ocellus gasped, rushing to Gallus's side and kneeling beside him. She carefully examined the gash on his back, her brow furrowing in concern. "This looks nasty. The curses got you?"

Gallus winced as Ocellus's horn hovered over the wound, a soft blue light emanating from it. "Y-yeah, my guard was down," he grumbled, his voice tight with pain. "Managed to snag me good before Smolder fried it."

Silverstream dipped her head in acknowledgement. "He needs healing, Ocellus. And fast."

The changeling nodded. "I'll do what I can,"

That was all the confirmation Silverstream needed before taking to the skies, the urgency of a blistering wind against her face. She surged upwards, powerful wingbeats carving a path through the smoke-choked air and finding herself next to Smolder. Each strong flap of her wings propelled Smolder forward as she unleashed another torrent of flame, temporarily halting an approaching wave of curses and burning some to cinders. The heat radiated outwards, even reaching the two from high above, causing a bead of sweat to roll down Silverstream's brow.

"They just *huff* keep coming," Smolder said flaggingly.

"Where's Sandbar and Yona?" Silverstream questioned.

"Shes... Oh crap! Over there!" Smolder points to the earth-bound duo.

Sandbar and Yona were standing back to back, fighting with the desperation of cornered animals, Sandbar's makeshift weapons flashing in the fading light. Valiant as it were, they were vastly outnumbered, a small island slowly being swallowed by a dark, surging sea of curses.

Sandbar tried jabbing his spear outward, but it did little as the monster encroached closer and closer. Silverstream and Smolder dived down, their wings folded against their bodies. As they drew closer, a loud "Oof!" forced Smolder's eyes up. Silverstream, caught in a flock of curses, was sent hurdling off course into the grassy fields nearby.

"Silverstream!" Smolder called out.

"Nevermind me! Help Yona! Help Sandbar!"

Smolder relents, shaking her head as she continues her dive into the fight, huffing another breath of fire around them, a searing wave that temporarily clears the frontal horde of curses, forcing the rest to jump back with startled screeches.

Landing with a heavy thud beside Sandbar and Yona, Smolder coughed up a plume of smoke and ash, a claw to her throat. Regardless of her pain, she powered through, forcing in an inhale and releasing the largest cloud of fire she had ever done in her life. The heat radiated outwards with an almost tangible force, scorching the earth itself and leaving a crater in its wake. The intensity was great as she turned her head in a circular direction, the deep orange and crimson momentarily turning a brilliant blue before dying down, wiping out the remaining curses in front of the trio in one shoot of fire.

The wave of heat that washed over Yona and Sandbar wasn't just scorching; it felt like a physical blow. Each breath they took felt like inhaling molten air, searing their lungs. Sweat beaded on their foreheads, instantly evaporating in the intense heat. The only reason they weren't burnt along with the curses was due to a magical shield conjured by Ocellus shielding them from the brunt of the high temperatures. A barren wasteland had replaced the once densely packed horde of curses. The earth seemed to have melted under the inferno, leaving behind a smouldering crater and gooey crystal stretching outwards like a grotesque scar.

Smolder collapsed onto one knee, her chest heaving with ragged gasps that turned into choked coughs. Tears filled her eyes as blood sputtered out with each breath. Sandbar rushed over to the fallen dragon, followed by Yona.

"Smolder!" They cried in unison.

"Smolder did it! We won!" Yona declared,

"... I'm not so sure..." Smolder said through coughs, pointing at another horde approaching.

Sandbar's heart sank as he followed Smolder's trembling claw to the horizon, where another swarm of curses approached through the massive throng. Some resembled towering dragons, their scales glowing with an unnatural purple light and wings leathery and tattered. Others scuttled on multiple insectoid legs, their mandibles dripping with a viscous green ooze that sizzled where it touched the ground. Either way, their eerie screeches cut through the air like knives, adding to the increasing piles of things they had to deal with.

Just then, a blur of blue and green slammed into them with the force of a battering ram. Yona, Sandbar, and the still form of Smolder went tumbling in a heap of entangled bodies. Sandbar, momentarily stunned, coughed as dust and debris rained down on them.

Yona disentangled herself with a snort, her eyes widening as she recognized the newcomers. It was Ocellus, her horn glowing faintly despite the exertion. Silverstream, with several claw marks running across her body and a few deep puncture wounds near her shoulders, with a very dusty Gallus. Though his back wound wasn't healed, it looked to have stopped bleeding, giving him some respite. However, mirroring Silverstream, he had multiple claw marks running through his body, some dangerously close to his eyes.

Sandbar, still cradling Smolder, looked over to the five. "Another wave is coming." He gestured towards the horizon with a trembling hoof, "We have to use it."

"You mean that friendship beam Princess Twilight uses?" Silverstream questioned.

"Duh," Gallus added.

"But how? We don't really use it on command or have the Elements of Harmony..." Ocellus asked.

"No, but we have something else," Sandbar said, standing up. "We have each other. And that's enough."

Huddling together, a rising warmth soothed their pain. This warmth, this feeling of unity, wasn't new. They had felt it countless times before – on adventures, during celebrations, and in the quiet moments of shared understanding.

As they drew closer, their magic, fueled by their bond and the gravity of the situation, began to hum in sync. It pulsed through their veins, a familiar energy that sent shivers down their spines.

Their forms began to glow, not with the harsh brilliance of individual spells but with a soft, ethereal luminescence that emanated from within. It started as a gentle pulse, a flicker in their chests, then blossomed outwards, bathing them in a soft, welcoming light. Even their eyes now shined with this newfound radiance.

The glow grew brighter, pushing back the oppressive darkness that had choked the battlefield. The approaching wave of curses faltered, their grotesque forms recoiling from the unexpected brilliance. The curses at the forefront released a startled screech, their evil eyes flickering in confusion.

Floating in a circle, the six friends combined their magic, swirling the force around them like a miniature nebula. Unleashing a sea of rainbow across the entire battleground, they flooded the curses with the power of unity. It was a wave of pure harmony, a cleansing force. Wherever the light touched, shrieks would soon be followed. From the skies to the ground, no curse was safe. Their hideous forms dissolve into wisps of dark smoke, some vaporising into cinders, leaving behind nothing.

The blinding rainbow beam pulsed for a heart-stopping moment then began to recede. The air crackled with the fading magic, and the six friends, all drained, slowly descended back to the ground. Their ethereal glow dimmed, revealing weary faces and trembling bodies, the toll of the attack etched on their features.

Slowly, yet hesitantly, Yona lowered her hoof to the ground. It was warm, the faint embers radiating a dying magic.

One by one, the others followed suit, landing with tired sighs. Silverstream surveyed the scene, her gaze lingering on the smouldering crater where Smolder had unleashed her inferno. "Is... is it over?" she whispered.

"I think so..." Ocellus offered a hesitant reply.

The six sank onto their rumps, hanging their heads from exhaustion while Sandbar, with heavy hooves, discarded the spear and shield. The eerie silence that accompanied them vanished as the ground rumbled beneath them.

Two monstrous pony heads, fused side-by-side in a permanent scream, glared at them. Razor-sharp mandibles, the size of ponies themselves, snapped shut with a deafening clang. Before Yona could even react, they clamped down on her front legs, eliciting a bloodcurdling scream from the yak.

"Yona!" Sandbar roared,

The ground continued to crumble, revealing the segmented body of the centipede stretching out far beyond their sight. It coiled and uncoiled with a sickening rhythm, the earth shuddering with each movement. With a sickening crunch, the centipede slammed Yona's body against them, sending the remaining five friends flying backwards.

Ocellus, caught off guard, smashed into a house window. The back of her head connected with the top edge of the crystal wall where it fused with the window with a sickening crack as it jolted her head forward. Glass rained down on her as she slumped unconscious amidst the debris, hanging on the crystal wall where the window used to occupy.

Gallus wasn't as fortunate as he slammed into a nearby lamppost with a thud. The impact reopened his back wound with a horrifying spray of blood. A scream tore from his throat, and his wings spasm from the wave of pain travelling up his spine.

Silverstream and Smolder instinctively snapped their wings open, slowing their travelling velocity and taking to the air.

Smolder immediately retaliated with another breath of fire. Only managing a sputter of flame before being replaced by a violent coughing fit. Blood, a crimson tide, erupted from her throat, staining her chest, belly, and scales in her own disgusting red. Her claws shot up to cover her mouth, but it did nothing for her as she doubled over, crumpling to the ground, her wings too tired to continuously keep her afloat.

Smolder would've landed hard if not for Silverstream's intervention, but even she looked to be wincing in pain from her deep shoulder wounds. The exertion had ripped open the gashes, the metallic tang of blood staining her fur and feathers, painting her arms.

Slowly, Silverstream brought the dragon to the ground, Smolder's claws clinging to her stinging throat as tears slid down her cheeks. But the large yak's barreling form snapped them from their concerns. The strength of the impact sent all three of them sprawling across the ground in a heap of fur, feathers, and scales.

Disoriented and struggling to breathe, Silverstream blinked through the haze of pain. Yona lay sprawled on top of them both, her belly facing the sky. Her legs twitched uselessly beneath her. Rolling to her side with a grunt, Yona attempted to stand, but her front legs crumpled beneath her weight, sending a fresh jolt of pain shooting up her punctured leg. Her jaw slammed against the ground with a thud, a pained moan escaping her lips.

Sandbar was the last one launched by the centipede's brutal swing. While the others collided with solid objects, the force of the blow sent him tumbling in a more forgiving arc. Unlike his friends, his flight path wasn't broken by a window, a lamppost, or the crushing weight of Yona.

He skidded across the rough earth, the friction tearing at his fur. His hooves dug desperately for purchase, muscles screaming in protest as he tried to slow his descent. Sandbar gritted his teeth, the impact rattling his already bruised body.

The world spun for a moment before he finally came to a rest, sprawled on the outskirts of the carnage. He lay there, gasping for breath, the air stinging his lungs. The world seemed to tilt and sway, his vision blurry at the edges. A choked cough racked his body, and he coughed up a spray of dirt. Panic clawed at his throat.

Being sent the furthest from the group, he had a clear visual of the curse. Upon laying eyes on the creature, his heart began to hammer a frantic rhythm against his ribs. Cold sweat erupted on his forehead, a clammy sheen that traced a sheet down his face as he watched the creature writhe in the distance. His breaths hitched in his throat, each gasp desperate for more air.

The curse's body was segmented and impossibly long, swayed in a hypnotic tempo, each pair of sickly green hooves clicking against the ravaged earth. Its two pony heads dangled in the sky, its body hunched over and staring at them with predatory eyes.

Its green saliva dripped down its chin and onto the pavement floor, the stench of iron heavy. Interestingly, even at this far of a distance, Sandbar could see flecks of blue across its teeth, focusing intently. The horrifying realisation that it held blue feathers between its teeth is no coincidence. Memories of that day brought the taste of bile to his mouth, his lips quivering helplessly as he was.

"It's the same curse from back then." Sandbar's hooves began to tremble at the thought, and a cold dread snaked its way through him, tightening his throat. Sandbar snapped his head to his friends. Maybe, just maybe, they could use the Friendship Beam again. But the thought died stillborn as his gaze swept across their forms.

Ocellus lay slumped unconscious amidst the debris from the shattered window, her horn dim and lifeless. Smolder, who was cradled in Silverstream's trembling grip, coughed weakly. The teal hippogriff herself didn't fare much better. Her plumage hung limp, stained crimson from fresh wounds. And Yona, along with Gallus, lay sprawled on the ground. Simply put, none of them had the energy to utilise the attack. Despair threatened to consume Sandbar, a dark tide threatening to drown him in its icy grip.

"Is this the end?" Sandbar slumped down, tears welling up in his eyes, blurring his vision. The world seemed to shrink around him, "Am I really helpless?" he choked out,

Suddenly, a sound shattered the oppressive silence, startling the saddened Sandbar. A distorted booming reverberated through the ground, accompanied by a faint glowing light, and an ominous energy gripped him from behind. Twisting around, he managed to hold back a sniffle as a katana greeted him, the hilt still being held by a severed human hand. Sandbar easily recognised it as Yuta's, but seeing no sight of the sorcerer nearby, he deduced he was in the midst of fighting someone important.

Well, that wasn't important right now. What's more intriguing was how much the katana emanated cursed energy. Even being in such close proximity sent an unnerving feeling through Sandbar. The sudden arrival of the disembodied hand, radiating a potent aura of cursed energy, jolted a memory loose from the recesses of his mind.

Cursed spirits can only be exorcised by using cursed energy.

Sandbar's eyes fell back onto the katana, his lips creasing from his clenched jaw. He knew what he had to do.

He found the answer.

Fight for The Crystal: Part 8

The day after the fall of Cloudsdale

The gentle breeze rustled through the makeshift camp, swaying the grass that stretched lazily toward the horizon. The tent's entrance housing Rainbow Dash and the other wounded ponies fluttered open, revealing the glum faces of the young six. Smolder kicked a pebble as she exited the tent, followed by the rest of her friends.

"Professor Rainbow's really down in the dumps, huh."

"Her reaction is justified, Smolder. Losing..." Ocellus paused awkwardly, taking a moment to catch herself before continuing. "Her... family..."

Silverstream quickly noticed the heavy atmosphere settling over her friends, Ocellus, Gallus, and Smolder, looking down onto the ground as if it were the most exciting thing happening all day. None of them were able to continue the flow of conversation. The hippogriff looked over to the distance, seeing guards and some recovered refugees leaving the cafeteria with neither a happy nor sad expression. An idea hit her as she broke the silence.

"Hey, how about some lunch? Maybe some food will help cheer Rainbow up after our fill? I'm sure she could use a hot meal and some good company."

"Sounds great," Gallus replied, stretching a wing. "I'm starving."

"Yona hopes she's feeling better..."

As the five began their trek towards the bustling cafeteria tents, Sandbar stood rooted in place, his gaze fixed on a distant point. His brow furrowed in deep thought, further accentuating the heavy bags under his eyes and the network of red veins webbing out from the corners. The fur on his face was dull, matted, and sticking out at irregular intervals as well, further adding to his already dishevelled look and making it more pathetic.

"Sandbar not following?"

Sandbar barely registered Yona's question. "Uh, yeah, just… gotta use the restroom! Be right there!" He forced a smile.

"Okay, meet ya there!" Silverstream replied while the others nodded.

With a sluggish gait, he turned and walked in the opposite direction, his hooves kicking up small puffs of dust as he hurried away. Yona raised a hoof, silently calling for him to wait before she could. But by the time Yona had opened her mouth, Sandbar was gone.

"Yona, you coming?" Smolder inquired,

"...Yeah."

Sandbar stumbles to the blue portable toilet lined up on the furthest edge of the perimeter safe zone. His shoulder grazed an occupied stall, eliciting a startled "Hey!" from within.

"Sorry..." Sandbar mumbled, his voice barely a whisper. He shuffled on, the apology hanging heavy in the air. Reaching the next stall, he flung open the door with a slam that echoed through the flimsy structure. A quick glance confirmed it was empty. He stumbled inside, kicking the door shut with a resounding clang and collapsing onto the cold plastic seat.

Using the restroom wasn't even a consideration. He slumps down, bringing his trembling hooves into view. Flashes of yesterday's nightmare, horrors of it all, replayed with violent intricacy in his dreams. He woke up today in a cold sweat, getting less than an hour's worth of sleep.

A choked sob escaped his lips. "W-why didn't I notice it sooner?" he rasped, the question echoing around the tiny confines of the stall. Using his hooves, Sandbar gripped the sides of his head, ruffling his mane in the process. Whether he was trying to comfort himself or something else, not even he knew what he wanted to do. Sandbar squeezed his eyes shut, but it did nothing to block out the scene.

The vision, the image of Bow Hothoof getting atomised before him, permanently burned into his retinas. He could see it all with terrifying clarity: the muscles, the torn flesh, the bones, all because he was slow to react. The stinging pain from his eyes caused him to blink reflexively, and hot tears began to stream down his face.

A ragged breath escapes him, hunching over at the mental picture. Sandbar's trembling got more violent as another memory terrorised him. Windy Whistle and her untimely demise to the centipede curse. Her body ripped in two from the waist up, leaving her entrails sprawled all in front of him.

A ragged breath escaped him, a harsh rasp that scraped against his raw throat. He hunched over at the mental picture, the confined space of the stall offering no escape from the horrors that haunted him. His trembling intensified, becoming a violent shudder that racked his entire body.

Another memory, just as vivid and soul-crushing, slammed into him. This time, it was Windy Whistle.

Then, the sickening crunch of bones thundered through him as the centipede's curse ripped through her. Her body was torn in two from the waist up. Entrails spilt forth in a grotesque cascade, staining the ground a sickening crimson.

A sudden eruption of bile shot up from his stomach, an acidic tang filling his mouth. Sandbar's eyes flew open wide with terror. He clamped his hooves over his mouth in a desperate attempt to contain the rising tide of nausea. It was a futile effort.

With a choked gasp, he lurched to his side, whipping around and off the seat just in time. A torrent of bile erupted from his throat, splashing against the cold interior of the toilet bowl with a distasteful squelch. Heaving dry sobs wracked his body as his stomach convulsed, expelling the contents of his already empty gut.

Tears streamed down his face, mixing with the cold sweat and the splatter of his own vomit.

"W-why didn't I move...?" Flopping to the ground, Sandbar slumped into a fetal position, his tremors subsiding into a dull ache that resonated through his entire body. He didn't even register the dampness seeping through his fur from the floor, the stench of his despair a far more potent assault on his senses.

Another choked sob escaped his lips, a question echoing in the hollowness of his heart. "...Why was I saved...?" The words tasted like ash in his mouth, a bitter truth he couldn't swallow.

"...Why did Rainbow say it wasn't my fault...?"

What do you mean? It is your fault.

Sandbar stifles a hitch, his body shivering. "I-I..."

What? Isn't that what you wanted to hear? Do you think you'd be forgiven if you admit guilty and beg forgiveness? They died because of you. Two loving parents of a mare died saving YOU, an ambassador of friendship. You knew the risk of going into the war front, yet you did. A Naive, ignorant, and arrogant kid. Do you think you deserve pity?

"...no."

Do you think you deserve forgiveness?

"But I couldn't..." tears flow down the side of his cheek.

Do you think by playing hero, everything would be alright? That, at the end of the day, everything would magically fix itself if you preserve hard enough?

"...I-I just wanted to save ponies."

And how did that turn out? It's ironic how two innocents had to forfeit their lives for you. And what was their reward? Dying in the most gruesome ways imaginable! Don't you see what I'm pointing at? This isn't anything new. YOU'RE THE PROBLEM, YOU'RE A MURDERER.

"...Die."

Hmm? What's that?

"Die... now..."

I can't hear you over your wallowing in self-pity, you pathetic excuse for an ambassador.

A primal scream ripped from Sandbar, raw and desperate. He clawed at his face, managing to draw a bit of blood as his vision swished with tears. "JUST ME!! DIE NOW! WHY COULDN'T BE JUST ME WHO DIED!?"

His sobbing and insanity fill the suffocating enclosure, the walls seemingly closing in on him. Lying in a puddle of his own tears and bile, a broken and pathetic whimper escaped his throat. It was barely audible over the wet rasps of his ragged breaths. His vision, blurred by a film of tears and sweat, focused on a single point – the grime-caked window high up on the stall wall. A sliver of weak and sickly sunlight managed to pierce through the grime, illuminating the scene before him in an unforgiving light.

It landed on the puddle surrounding him, highlighting the flecks of bile that bobbed sickeningly on the surface. His own reflection stared back, eyes half-lidded.

With another low whimper, he attempted to rise. His limbs protested weakly. Eventually, he managed to semble a standing position. The effort left him swaying, and the bile and tear mixture dripped from his chin. He languorously made his way over to the sink with the small mirror propped against the wall.

Taking a good look at it rather than the disgusting liquid solution he had concocted earlier, he looked no less miserable than he was just now. This wasn't him. This couldn't be him.

Opening the facet, fresh water poured out in a constant stream. Cupping his hooves, Sandbar let the water build up in them before splashing it on his face. He repeated this a couple of times until he felt it was adequate enough that the smell of vomit was somewhat washed from his face. He moved to the toilet next, taking a roll of toilet paper, and cleaned up his mess.

After all, he was already such a burden. He wouldn't want to worry anybody else about his lack of self-care.

Tossing the crumpled paper ball into the toilet, he flushed it down the bowl. Watching the swirling vortex suck the paper ball into its depths, the reflection of the water contorts his visage into its whirling darkness, hypnotising him to stay longer than needed to ensure whatever had appropriately sunk into the abyss.

Exiting the portable toilet, Sandbar made his way over to the cafeteria, eyes bloodshot.

Present Time

Sandbar gripped the hilt of Yuta's katana, removing Yuta's severed arm as it fell limp to the side. Shaking the memory away from his mind, he could feel the rough cord wrap against his lips and tongue. Cursed energy ripped through his cheeks like a shock wave, immense pain coursing through his entire body. He managed a shaky hoof, pushing himself upright against a surge of nausea. His head spun, and his vision swam from the foreign power within him. Pure, unfiltered, cursed energy struck every nerve in his body as Sandbar began to burst into cold sweats.

Sandbar barreled towards the centipede curse, the curse inches away from swallowing the unconscious Ocellus, the katana in his mouth glinting in the setting sun. Darting to its side, Sandbar jabs the curved edge of the blade into the curse's side, causing the curse to hurl back in an agonised scream. Its writhing body slammed into Sandba, the force of the impact throwing him back, the hilt of the katana digging painfully into his teeth. He tasted a metallic tang – blood, his own or the creature's. He didn't care.

He scrambled to his hooves just in time to sidestep the head of the diving curse; the impact bellowed through the neighbourhood as it rumbled, lodging itself into the ground. Without wasting a second, Sandbar ran to the softer exposed neck.

In a single, fluid motion, he swung the katana upwards, the curved blade slashing a sickeningly wet gash into the side of the atrocity. The curse erupted in a horrifying shriek, its immense body bucking and thrashing. Its hooves dug into the ground in a frantic bid to regain control, but the dust covering the field acted against its wishes.

Sandbar braced himself for the onslaught as he felt himself yanked and tossed while the creature writhed in an agonising dance. He gritted his teeth, his grip on the katana unwavering.

With a surge of adrenaline, he thrust the blade back into the already gaping wound. A muffled, choked scream ripped from the curse's pulsating mass. Its backside, a writhing mass of pulsating segments, slammed and bounced against the ground in a desperate attempt to dislodge him. Sandbar held on for dear life, his body getting flung in every direction possible.

The hectic movements from the curse ended abruptly with a bone-jarring crunch. Still clinging to the thrashing creature, Sandbar flinched at the new sound. Above him, a rectangular shadow fell. Looking up, he saw Ocellus, her horn glowing faintly but erratically. Her face was streaked with grime and sweat and contorted in a grimace of exertion. A deep gash marred the top of her forehead, leaking a viscous green ichor that stained her eyelashes.

"Sand...bar..." she gasped, her voice weak and raspy. Despite her evident exhaustion, her grip on the makeshift weapon – a repurposed hay cart – was surprisingly firm. Its wheels, askew and its contents scattered across the dusty field, had slammed into the back of the curse with a force that momentarily stunned the monstrous centipede. "Ru-"

Her sentence was cut short by the two pony heads shooting up to meet her; finally freed from its temporary prison, it swung its head against Ocellus, connecting with a splat and sending her careening to the roof of a house. She hit the roof's edge, bouncing off with an arch before landing on the rooftop.

As the monstrous centipede lurched its attention back towards Sandbar, a desperate shadow overcast before his eyes. Smolder and Gallus smashed into each of the curse's pony heads, clamping the thing's jaw shut while Silverstream, unable to use her punctured arms, focused her hindleg into the crease of its neck. With the combined power of all three, they forced it back down onto the earth.

"Sandbar, go for it!!" Gallus yelled, his voice hoarse and choked, barely audible over the muffled thumps and hisses emanating from the struggling curse. Blood dribbled from his beak. Despite the pain that etched lines across his face, his grip on the creature's head never faltered.

"We'll hold it down for you!" Silverstream echoed back. Ignoring the searing agony that flared with every movement, she dug her hooves into the pulsating flesh, anchoring herself against the creature's thrashing.

Smolder could only muster a nod towards the pony before her coughing fit ensued.

Sandbar drew the blade from the lumps of flesh. Pivoting, he sliced it back into the meat as he ran along the long insectoid body away from the body, the blade still sunk muscle deep. The curse bucked and writhed with renewed fervour. The ground shuddered beneath them from the violent spasm as Sandbar continued his run. The longer he held onto the blade, the more he felt the cursed energy from within seeping into his body. Damaging the curse, along with that, the strength to persist being sapped away from him.

An odd liquid warmth ran down his muzzle and upper lip. It seeped through the blade's hilt and onto his tongue. Metallic flavour assaulted his taste buds, blood. A nosebleed. He deduced it was from the cursed energy's doing, but he couldn't care less as he galloped forward. Then it hit him like a tonne of bricks hammering at his skull: a throbbing headache. Every action, every course of movement he took felt like it weighed a hundred pounds.

"No!" Sandbar shouted in his head. "I can't falter now! Ignore all the pain in your body!!" Smolder dug his hooves into the ground, pusher off even harder. "More ponies will die!" The thought hammered in his head, "Because of you! All because you can't run one more mile!!"

Sandbar clenched onto the handle even tighter, so much so his teeth threatened to shatter from the pressure. He's in a full gallop. Every vein on his face mirrored the beat of his heart, the corners of his eyes and vision painted a deep purple, as did the flesh surrounding his mouth.

A high-pitched whine filled his ears, an unnatural echo that seemed to vibrate through his very bones. It drowned out the ragged gasps escaping his throat, the pleas for air his burning lungs desperately made. His hooves pounded on, the once familiar sensation now a dull throb at the very tips. Every cell in his body screamed at him to stop, to release the blade and collapse. The only thing keeping him upright was the adrenaline washing through him.

"Silverstream, Smolder, Ocellus, and Gallus gave you this opportunity! Use it!! Don't let them down!!"

The world dissolved into a fractured dreamscape, the clear image of the centipede's body mixing together into strokes and swirls of greens and purples. The edges of his vision bled into an inky blackness, a suffocating shroud threatening to consume him whole. Warped by the exertion and the cursed energy coursing through him, everything was blurry, the seams of lines in between hazing together. Sandbar couldn't tell what was in front of him anymore; his vision offered only blurry glimpses of the writhing mass next to him.

Seconds stretched into an eternity, each tick of the mental clock echoing like a death knell. The numbness that had started in his hooves had crept up his legs with the chilling relentlessness of a rising tide, now engulfing his entire back half.

"What exactly was I running for?... Ah, that's right. I needed to exorcise this curse..."

Sandbar tilts his bobbing head just enough that his eyes are staring at the slow-approaching night sky. His mind swirled with a thousand thoughts, though one did pierce through the rest. A new thought emerged through the haze of pain and exhaustion, as unexpected as poignant in spite of the bellowing curse. It was quiet, to Sandbar at least, peaceful even.

"...I wonder what Mom and Dad are doing..." The image of his parents, warm and safe in their home, a world away from this nightmare, washed over him. Another pang of longing tore through him. The image of his little sister playing with her friends filled his mind. "I hope she's alright too..."

A single tear escaped Sandbar's clenched eyelid, tracing a glistening track through the grime and cursed blood marring his face.

"...I'm sorry, Mom... I'm so sorry..." Sandbar apologised, the burning pain in his eyes intensifying. "I don't think I can keep that promise of coming home safe anymore..." Another tear trickled down his cheek. "I'm sorry, Dad... I-I won't grow up to be the stallion you want me to be..." Sandbar allowed his tears to flow freely now, not having the strength to save face anymore.

A wet cough wracked Sandbar's entire body, a violent spasm that sent tremors through his numb legs. The metallic tang that coated his tongue was familiar – blood,? He couldn't tell. Everything was a foggy white.

High above, Ocellus crawled to the roof's edge, barely catching a glimpse of Sandbar's blood-ridden face as he ran past with Yuta's blade in his mouth.

"S-Sandbar!" She yelled, "You have to stop!"

Down below, Sandbar's ears didn't perk at the sound, even when he fainty registered it.

"Is someone calling for me...?"He tried to twitch an ear to acknowledge the call, but his body felt like lead, every muscle stabbing him in agony.

Sandbar was adrift in a sea of pain. It pulsed in his every breath, a relentless thrumming that vibrated through his bones. It was a dull ache in his hooves, a searing fire in his chest, a white-hot inferno behind his eyes. Finally, he tripped, a lone pebble freeing him from the weight of everything collapsing onto him. He dislodges the blade from the curse, allowing another spray of blood to shoot out.

The speed he was going caused him to drag his face along the dirt a few inches before coming to a stop. Yet, somehow, he didn't feel the pain that was supposed to go with it, even though he felt the bumps from the impact. Shakily, he released the katana from his teeth, his breaths hoarse and struggling for air.

"Sandbar!!" Yona screamed as her crumpled form lay on the ground, struggling to pull herself upright, her powerful legs the only limbs that seemed to obey her.

Smolder coughed violently, a crimson spray erupting from her muzzle with each hacking spasm. This act loosened her hold on the curse, giving it enough freedom to heave slightly, causing Smolder to lose balance. With this, the curse used the space to generate enough strength to toss the three off its head and neck. Finally free from being pinned down, it reared its head upward, seeking out the pest that had been cutting open its body this whole time.

Sandbar struggled upwards, a monumental effort that left him trembling. Every inhale was a searing stab in his chest, and blinking sent fresh jolts of pain through his skull. He slumped, vision blurring into a watercolour mess of browns and reds. Blood dripped steadily from his chin, staining the dirt crimson.

"...Why am I... fighting so hard..." Sandbar wanted to quit, to just give in. Suddenly, a gentle nudge against his chin jolted him. Looking up, the unmistakable translucent visage of Windy Whistle came into view, and beside her, Bow Hothoof. Sandbar's eyes widen as he reaches a hoof out, trying to mumble an apology.

Windy and Bow shook their heads as if saying, "Don't apologise." Instead, they moved to the side, allowing Sandbar to see his friends. He had thought he lost his vision to the blade, but to his surprise, he managed to catch a clear view of them, not fogged nor clouded from the poisoning the external cursed energy had induced him. It was brief, but his vision was returned to him before fading back into obscurity.

"That's right..."

Tears began to stream down his face once more, managing to stifle a cry before he collected himself. A shadow cast above him. He figured his time was running up. He tried to speak, thank them, and tell them… everything. But a rasp was all that escaped his cracked lips. His vision began to dim again, the edges fraying. Doing his best, Sandbar mouthed out his messages, unable to actually voice them.

"Thank you... Everyone." Sandbar turns to Yona, unable to read her expression. Strange, this was the first time he had truly felt calm in a long while. Sighing, his smile grew wider, sincerity shining through the blood-stained teeth and fur. "Yona... I love you."

The only thing that reciprocated his feelings were two giant mandibles closing in on either side of him, the warm breath of the curse hugging him in an embrace.

Chomp.

Fight for The Crystal: Part 9

A Gaping hole tore itself open in the hearts of the remaining Ambassadors; the crunch and snap of bones, along with drips of stray blood coming from the curse's long rows of inner teeth, confirmed a reality they did not want to accept. The evening moonlight drew close, but the prevailing dread of it all drew closer.

Smolder clawed her way forward, her weakened chest beating harder than ever before. Each time she pulled and each time she grunted, a gargle of blood escaped from her lips. She furrowed her brows and bared her fangs, seemingly all she could muster. She would've gotten further had it not been for Ocellus's fear-induced interference. Smolder swiped at the pastel hooves holding her back, her enfeebled state only amounting to a strained shove that could be considered a gentle placement of the claws.

"L-let me go, Ocellus!" Smolder gargled, her eyes piercing Ocellus's own. "I'll KILL it!"

This reaction only drives Ocellus to pull the dragon back further. "No! We need to retreat! We-"

A guttural scream tore through the stagnant air as Yona's tears flowed freely, her shoulders collapsing as she gave in to gravity, her head digging into the ground. Silverstream tried to pull Yona up, but her weight proved to be much more than she only could handle.

"Yona!" Silverstream called through her tear-filled eyes, her breath shaky. "W-we have to go! We need to run!"

All the commotion drew the monster's attention. Its head shot up from its recently finished meal, red painting its maws as its stomach still had room for five more. Lunging forward, the curse trucked straight for them, its thousand hooves trudging along its side like wheels on a train, its mass shaking the ground.

Gallus dived forward in front of Silverstream and Yona, a mock attempt to protect them. The centipede opened its maws as the five stared into its cavernous void, a welcomed escape from all the torment they'd experienced so far. They knew better than this, of course. Sandbar's sacrifice will not be in vain.

But it isn't like any of them could dodge it in time; their injuries acted as invisible shackles binding them down. Right as its warm breath and razor-sharp teeth threatened to encapsulate the bunch, a brilliant light turquoise ray zoomed pierced the monster at its side, the same side where the open wound was still fresh. The magic beam penetrated the flesh, deep past its organs, and erupted on the other side of its insectoid body, causing the beast to bellow a sound of pure, unadulterated agony that sent shivers down their spines even as their ears threatened to burst.

As if fueled by the monster's pain, the turquoise beam intensified, its properties blossoming like a magical flower. Its force grew exponentially, lifting the writhing creature off the ground. Then, with a sickening crack that echoed across the desolate landscape, the monstrous centipede-stag split in two. Both halves of its body disintegrate into embers as its ashes flow into the wind.

The five, their gazes locked on the disintegrating horror, slowly turned towards the source of the salvation. Starlight Glimmer stood atop a jagged chunk of what might have been a building. Her mane and the bandage around her neck and head flowed gently in the wind while her horn crackled with magic.

"Headmare Starlight!" Silverstream called, relief washed over her.

Starlight teleported to their side in a blink of magic, worry plastered across her face. Her horn lit up once more, enveloping the lot in a warm glow. To their surprise, the pain racking their bodies subsided.

"Is everyone alright!?" Starlight questioned, examining the wounds on each student. "What were you lot thinking!? Had it not been for the guards telling me that you six disappeared, you guys would've gotten eaten!" The glow atop her head grew brighter, stopping any bleeding they might have incurred. "Wait, shouldn't there be six of you?... Where's Sandbar?"

All of them, except for the grieving Yona, froze at the mention of the name. One by one, fresh tears begin to flow down. Silverstream hugged Yona so she wouldn't be alone as she wept. Ocellus broke down into whimpers in Smolder's arms, and Gallus sat by himself, tears dripping onto the dry dust below him. None could answer her question, but judging by their reaction, it had already been answered. The raw emotion on their faces spoke volumes.

"No... This can't..." She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, turning away from the group as if to collect herself. When she opened them again, her voice, though shaky, was firm. "This place isn't safe, and the cold is growing close." she declared. "I'll get all of you to safety. Come on, follow me."

Under the Crystal Castle, the once grand, open arches welcomed to the public were now filled with an imposing barricade. Massive crystals had been strategically fused together, forming an impenetrable wall. This stoic barrier served as the last line of defence, shielding the bustling heart of the Crystal Empire from the turmoil brewing from outside and Protecting the populace from the foreign threat, but that very protection is being challenged as two Special Grades continue their duel within the safe confines of the castle, the crystal ponies squeezed together like sardines all around, not one daring to go near either of them.

Yuta threw a volley of punches towards Usowamoto, his fist only managing to graze their cheek before two portals opened before him. A blast of frigid air would hurl him back from one portal while another unleashed a torrent of flames, forcing him on the defensive. The combined heat and gale sent him hurling back with several burns on his arms as he brought them up to shield his face. Skittering to a halt, Yuta was just about to barrel towards the curse. But several miniature portals forced him to reconsider. Swivelling, he ran to a fallen guard nearby and snatched up the shield by their side. Yuta raised it before himself, braced for the onslaught. Heavy jets of saltwater erupted from the portals, crashing against the shield with a loud hiss.

It did quite a good job, deflecting the jets for a few seconds before the jets of water sliced through the metal. Rewinding back, Yuta hurled what remains of the shield he had at Usowamoto, which was quickly dealt with with a portal summoning in front of them. Sending the piece of metal elsewhere.

An almost bored expression settled on Usowamoto's face as they flicked their wrist dismissively. "Seriously?" they drawled, their voice a mocking lilt. "Why not use your cursed technique? The blood manipulating one? Or the voice commands...? Actually, now that I think about it, what is your technique? How come you can have more than one?"

Yuta didn't respond. Instead, he lunged for another shield lying abandoned on the ground. But the instant his hand grasped the cool metal, another jet of saltwater erupted from a nearby portal. Reacting on pure instinct, he slammed the shield up, the familiar hiss of deflected water filling the chamber. However, something felt different this time. As he braced himself against the onslaught, a subtle shift in the air caught his attention.

Usowamoto dragged the portal's angle off to the side, and the water laser shifted in direction and off the shield. Yuta was confused, but when he turned around, he realised what they were aiming for: the crystal ponies standing behind him. Flaring the curse energy in his arms, he flowed it through the shield and shifted it upward. The odd angle caused the pressure of the saltwater to spread awkwardly along the groves of the shield. Spraying it harmlessly upward and raining down behind him and onto the crystal ponies.

Yuta peaked his eyes above the shield, the vapour coming off the shield slightly clouding his furrowed brows. "Leave them out of it." He scowled, standing up straight. "This is between you and me."

"Finally talking, huh?" Usowamoto raised both arms in the air, their hands balled into fists and their exposed teeth forming a crooked smile. "Well, that's too bad!!" Slamming them into the ground. The impact resonated through the chamber, and multiple portals ripped open around them in response. A swarm of grotesque lesser curses materialised from the swirling vortexes, drawn to the battlefield by Usowamoto's call.

Yuta's eyes grew wide as the curses began to attack the bystanders. Gritting his teeth, he charged at the nearest curse and slammed the shield into its side, the cursed energy coursing through his arms amplifying the impact. The creature screeched in fury, momentarily stunned. Yuta didn't hesitate - severing the creature's head in a clean spray of inky black ichor. Turning on his heel, Yuta spotted a tiger-like curse, its maw dripping with saliva, lunging towards a terrified colt huddled behind its mother. Yuta flung the shield like a deadly discus in a blur of motion. It spun through the air before connecting with a resounding clang on the curse's head. The creature yelped in pain, disoriented.

Without waiting to see the shield land, Yuta launched himself forward, catching it mid-air and slamming it back down onto the tiger with enough force to crater the ground where he landed.

Dashing forward, he slid under a curse and scooped a young stallion, trembling with fear, between two gnashing jaws. Pulling up the shield, he had the piece of metal wedge between two giant canines before giving a swift right kick to the side of the curse's face. Sending it flying to a nearby wall.

Resuming sprinting, he spotted a hawk curse with a mare in its beak. He propelled himself towards the wall with a burst of speed, using it as a springboard to launch himself skyward and onto the flying curse. With a grunt, Yuta slammed the shield down onto the creature's head. The beak holding the mare suddenly forced upward as the curse disintegrated into ash. Simultaneously, he hooked his arm holding the shield underneath the mare's belly.

Landing back amongst the terrified ponies, Yuta deposited the stallion and the mare with an exhale, barely taking a moment to catch his breath. But before he could even formulate his next move, a swirling portal materialised right beside him, and a fist greeted him by punching him square in the face.

"You're the kind that would want to minimise casualty, aren't you, sorcerer!?" Usowamoto asked rhetorically. "Then watch them die as you're stuck dealing with me!"

Usowamoto didn't wait for a response as they went for another punch. Yuta held up his shield defensively, readying for another attack. But the portal opening beside him says otherwise, as the fist erupts from the swirling vortex, punching him in the jaw. The world tilted on its axis as searing pain ripped through his face. Yuta stumbled back, the shield clattering to the floor with a metallic clang and a dribble of blood flowed freely from his lips.

The curse sent another fist flying forward. Its arm was enveloped in the portal as it reappeared to gut-punch Yuta at his side. The human doubled over, clutching his side, his breath hitching in his throat. Before he could even consider rising, several miniature portals materialised behind his head, and a pungent smell, unmistakably saltwater, flooded his senses.

Yuta launched himself backwards in a desperate dodge. The ground erupted in a spray of dust and crystal shards as jets of water slammed into the spot where he had been standing just a fraction of a second ago.

A chorus of panicked screams shattered the tense standoff. High-pitched cries of terror screeched in the air – the terrified pleas of the Crystal Ponies were the most prominent noise in the room. Yuta wiped the blood from his mouth; he didn't need to see it to know what was happening. With his attention forced on Usowamoto, there was no one to protect them and exorcise the curses.

Usowamoto cupped both their ears, drinking in the sight and humming to themself. "The smell of fear is high, isn't it lovely?" Turning to Yuta, they cracked a smile. "So, what are you going to do now? The more you engage in a fight with me, the more ponies are gonna die. On the other hand, if you choose to save them, then I'll just keep getting in your way." Usowamoto tapped their temple with a pointed finger, "Think hard, sorcerer."

Yuta stood still, his eyes unreadable. But then, a shift. The air grew heavy, the very atmosphere thickening with a palpable pressure. The malignant energy that had crackled around Yuta intensified, a dark tide rising to meet the cresting wave of his emotions. Even the curses turned their attention to the sorcerer, sensing the momentous change. All eyes were on him now, and what he did next would decide the battle's outcome.

Then, his cursed energy recedes, leaving only the cool air to fill the space.

"Huh...?" Was all Usowamoto got out before Yuta interrupted him with raised arms. Pulling his hands up, Yuta presented an open palm accompanied by a fist, and the mudra of Dakini was displayed.

"『Domain Expansion』"

"SHIT!!" Usowamoto yelled, staggering back, desperately booming a portal open. Yuta used this to his advantage as he rushed forward. He'd closed the distance in a heartbeat, his fist already connecting with the curse's face. The force of the blow sent the cursed spirit flying backwards, a spray of crimson mist erupting from their mouth.

"Rika!!" Yuta commanded, summoning the spectral black and white cursed apparition behind Usowamoto, binding them in her strong hands.

"Why hasn't the domain formed yet?" The curse thought as Yuta closed the distance again, delivering a wave of punches and kicks. "Ah, I get it." A punch socked their face to the left, knocking out a tooth. "A fake out."

Rika finished by slamming them down and flinging them across the room. Yuta used this opportunity to reach into the abyss of Rika's shadow to retrieve another katana. Brandishing the blade, he pointed forward and sprinted to the flying curse.

"Rika! Protect the ponies from the curses and exorcise all of them!!" Yuta commanded.

"Okay~!"

As Rika worked on dispatching nearby curses, Yuta flung his sword at the curse. The sword sang through the air and pierced Usowamoto in the abdomen, pinning them against the crystal wall. Usowamoto tried to pull themself free of the blade, but it didn't budge. However, that was the least of their worries as Yuta leapt at them, his fist surging with overwhelming amounts of cursed energy.

A tremor ran through the structure that resonated to the top of the castle, shaking the terrified ponies huddled together under Rika's protection. The crystal wall where Usowamoto had been pinned shattered with a deafening explosion, exposing an opening to the outside for the remaining survivors huddled under the Crystal Castle's protection.

The tremor soon subsided, leaving behind an unsettling silence broken only by the ragged gasps of the crystal ponies huddled together. Yuta fell back onto the ground, his fist still throbbing from the bone-shattering impact. He reached for his discarded katana, the weapon's weight a grounding presence in the sudden stillness.

"That gave me quite a scare," Usowamoto huffed, stepping out from a swirling portal that had materialised behind the sorcerer. Though pinned by the debris of the shattered crystal wall, they seemed almost unharmed. Their left arm was a mangled mess, a gaping wound where flesh and bone should be, and a jagged tear marred their torso, but they moved fine. With a pulse of cursed energy from the spirit, their arm was as good as new. "Honestly, I should've seen that one coming. I knew you wouldn't put those innocent ponies in your domain. And yet, I still fell for it." They chuckled, staring at Yuta, who only stared at them back, his eyes apathetically cold.

Usowamoto took a step forward, the tap of the soles of their feet echoing all around them. Strange, as usually there'd be screaming to drown out the noise of their footstep. With each step forward, Yuta didn’t seem to budge, he didn’t even seem worried at all. “What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue- Hrk!?” Suddenly, a blade pierced their chest from behind. Unlike the katana that Yuta was holding, this was thick and broad. Befitting of a prince.

Turning their head around, Usowamoto met the intense, furious gaze of Shining Armor, his protective gear dusted and dirtied from battle damage, the blade handle in his mouth wrinkled under the pressure of Shining's teeth as he snarled at the curse.

"Y-you're Twilight's brother, correct?" Usowamoto rasped.

"Do NOT speak of my family so lightly, you filthy vermin!!"

Pulling the blade in a downward motion, Shining dislodged and severed the blade from Usowamoto's body, leaving a gaping gash running along the back of their body. Pointing his horn at the curse, Shining prepares to cast a spell. Usowamoto tried to boom a portal in front of themselves to escape, but a human hand grabbing their face stopped their plans as Yuta drove the curse closer to Shining.

Blue flames erupted from Shining's horn, a torrent of magical power aimed directly at the gaping wound inflicted by his blade. Usowamoto let out a blood-curdling scream, the sound echoing through the chamber as the flames seared their insides. Yuta gritted his teeth, the stench of burning flesh filling his nostrils, but he held his ground. The heat radiating from Shining's magical fire was tangible, scorching the air and licking at Yuta's exposed skin even though he held Usowamoto at arm's length. A sizzling sound filled the air as the edges of his fingers, caught in the periphery of the flames, began to smoke faintly through the grime of battle.

The heat intensified for a few agonising seconds before Shining, with a grunt of exertion, relented his attack. The magical fire sputtered and died, leaving behind a thick cloud of smoke that hung in the air. Yuta, his lungs burning, stumbled back, releasing Usowamoto from his iron grip.

Usowamoto barely had a moment to catch their breath before the chamber shuddered. A colossal fist from above slammed itself onto them, the impact causing their body to bounce off the ground, their eyes going white from the blow. Rika slammed into the curse repeatedly before grabbing them mid-air, dragging them across the floor, and tossing Usowamoto back to Yuta.

With a powerful kick aimed at Usowamoto's chest, he sent them flying across the room. Shining Armor was already in motion. His horn glowed with magical energy as he caught the airborne curse in a telekinetic grip, slamming them back down onto the ground with a bone-jarring thud.

Usowamoto, finally overwhelmed by the relentless assault, let out a shriek of frustration. They scrambled back, eyes darting around the room in search of his three assailants. Yet another detail caught their eye. The curses they had summoned were all gone, only leaving behind small billows of smoke spread all across the safe zone, Rika having dealt with them in minutes.

Seizing this momentary lapse in their defence, the three charged from all angles. With the deck stacked against the curse, Usowamoto smashed their fist into the ground, their face twisted in fury as a flash of swirling darkness surfaced directly beneath them. Before anyone could react, the portal expanded far beyond just themselves. The portal swallowed the radius of all four combatants as they pulled them down into the inky void.

In the opulent throne room of the Crystal Castle's upper floors, Princess Cadance was at a loss. Soot stained her once pristine coat, the intricate embroidery of her gown singed and torn. Dust clung to her once magnificent mane, now askew and frizzled from the heat of battle. Her breath was unsteady, and so was her stance with her horn pointed at the pony across the room. Sombra.

"You've gotten stronger since our last meeting, Princess," he mused, his voice dripping with a honeyed malice. "How's the empire in my absence?" Sombra turned to the balcony, his eyes lingering on the destruction everywhere. "Not doing too good, I presume?"

"How are you alive!?" Cadance spat, "Twilight and her friends should've erased you all those years ago!"

Sombra chuckles, "You know, Princess. Negativity is a very strong emotion, what you think was once vanquished can still haunt the minds of the modern pony til this day." He took a few steps forward, eyes glowing in imminent danger. "Fear, despair, discord - these emotions create a potent fuel and a wellspring of power. And when the right catalyst arrives…" He trailed off, a cruel smile twisting his muzzle. "Reincarnation of cursed flesh is all so possible, it's such a fascinating process, really."

Cadance flared her wings defiantly, and her horn cackled a pink lightening over the sooted black. "Then I'll vanquish you again!"

"Oh," Sombra countered, his laughter echoing with sadistic glee. "I'd like to see you try!" His words were cut short by a sudden tear in the fabric of reality above them. A swirling vortex of black ripped open the very air, spewing forth four figures who landed with resounding thuds on the polished marble floor and depositing four new faces into the mix: a stallion clad in gold armour, a boy in white and black, and two cursed spirits. Sombra scowled at this, annoyance clear on his features. "You're way too early, Usowamoto."

Destroy the Celestial Bodies: Part 1

Breathe.

"Shining!" Cadance called out to her beloved as she dashed over to his side.

Shining landed somewhat hard on the marble floor, his armour clanking unceremoniously from the impact. Even his helmet got knocked off. Regardless of the pain, he rose with a groan as he turned to his wife, not wanting her to worry. Relief flickered across Cadance's face as she took in his form, searching for any sign of serious injury.

"I'm alright dear, just a little banged up from the rough landing, is all." Shining reassured with a smile.

Across the vast chamber, Yuta found himself clashing blade on hand with Usowamoto, the force sending both flying backwards as he skidded to a halt just before the royal couple, his hand instinctively flying to the hilt of his katana. The boundless aura of cursed energy that Yuta had wielded with such control moments ago pulsed erratically, sending waves to envelop his body. This marked the third time he had been suddenly transported elsewhere using Usowamoto's cursed technique. Although he's still shaken up, he's starting to understand and adjust to the sudden environmental changes.

"Breathe, Cadance." The princess thought, fear itching at her throat. The aura surrounding Yuta matched the one Rika was emanating from her body. Across from them was Usowamoto standing next to Sombra, and theirs was no laughing matter either. Swallowing the phlegm in her throat, she glanced at the sorcerer beside her. "Twilight wrote to me about you, Mr Okkotsu. Can I safely say we're on the same side?"

Yuta met her gaze with a resolute nod. "Of course, Your Highness," he replied, his voice gruff but sincere. He drew his katana, the moonlight filtering through the shattered window and catching the gleam of the polished blade. Raising his free hand, he channelled a surge of cursed energy into the sharpened metal, causing the weapon to hum with a faint, ominous glow. "Rika and I will deal with the cursed spirit," he declared, his voice cutting through the tension-filled silence. "Can I let you handle the pony beside them?"

"Leave it to us." Shining replied, taking his sword from the ground.

Yuta dashed forward, Rika circling them for a two-on-one pincer attack. They weren't the only ones to go on the offensive. As Shining clashed his sword with a black crystal structure, Sombra sprouted from the ground to protect him from the prince's attack. Shining glared at the King, not believing the sight he was seeing.

"You really are alive, King Sombra." Shining scowled,

"In the flesh." Sombra returned, "You looked tired, prince. Saving a failing empire too much to handle?" A pink blur zipped past the corner of his eye. Glancing over, Cadance had taken to the sky, her horn charging up a spell. "Oh?"

Before Shining could retort, a blur of pink streaked past the corner of his eye. Cadance had rocketed into the air; her horn glowed with an intense pink light, crackling with pent-up magic that she focused into a concentrated beam. With a bow, she unleashed the spell from her horn tip, a blinding bolt of pure energy aimed squarely at where Sombra stood.

Reacting with lightning speed, he dissolved his form into a swirling black mist just as Cadance's beam ripped through the spot where he had stood a moment before, allowing it to pass through him harmlessly. The energy bolt dissipated, leaving behind a trail of scorched air and the acrid tang of burnt magic.

"Where did he go?... Don't panic, just find where he is..." she thought desperately, scanning the room with wide, terrified eyes.

Suddenly, a shout from Shining Armor pierced through the suffocating silence. "Cadance, behind you!"

His warning triggered a primal survival instinct. Without fully registering the meaning of his words, Cadance threw herself to the side just as a searing pain erupted in her back. A strangled cry escaped her lips as she arched her spine, twisting in mid-air to face her attacker.

Sombra materialised behind her, a cruel smirk playing on his obsidian lips. He held a shard of purple crystal in his hand, fashioned into a wickedly sharp dagger now gleaming with the crimson of her blood.

Breathe.

Cadance kicked off Sombra, blasting another shot at him with a grunt. Sombra tilts his head sideways, letting her magic wisp past his cheek with a smirk. The alicorn tried to keep herself afloat, but the cut was deep. Each time she flapped her wings, a new surge of pain shot up her back. Relenting with a resigned sigh, Cadance lowered herself, a tremor running through her legs as she touched down beside a worried Shining Armor. He rushed to her side, his face etched with a mixture of concern and rage as he scanned the extent of her injury.

"Candace!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with a raw fear she rarely heard. His eyes widened in horror as they reached the wound, his nostrils flaring in a silent snarl. "Cadance... your back..."

Fear, cold and suffocating, replaced the adrenaline that had fueled her earlier actions. Following Shining's gaze, Cadance forced herself to look down at the mangled flesh. Her breath hitched in her throat.

"W-what's wrong?" Cadance asked,

From the deep gash that cut the base of her wings down to her lower back, black, jagged crystals erupted from the wound, their obsidian points pushing outwards like a flower blooming in her flesh. The surrounding flesh turned an ominous black, the corruption spreading like a plague with each passing second.

"Undo your magic, Sombra!!" Shining demanded, "NOW!!"

"Are you seriously asking your enemy for a favour in the heat of battle?" Sombra scoffs, diving headfirst into the two. "Hilarious!!"

Shining pulled Cadance into a hug and pushed his legs back, narrowly dodging Sombra as he landed on the marble floor with a crack. The impact caused the ground to shudder, and jagged black crystals erupted from the point of contact, spreading like a spiderweb across the polished surface. Waving his horn in a small, circular manner, Sombra commanded the crystals to converge above him into an obsidian drill. The drill already spinning fast enough to generate small gusts of wind above the King, his cape fluttering because of that.

Flicking his head forward, the drill launched itself at the Shining. Giving up his grip on his wife, he jumped in front of them and pushed his magic to the maximum, conjuring a shield to bear the brunt of the drill. The two magics connected with an ear-piercing screech that echoed throughout the castle. Sweat beat down the prince, trying with all his might to focus on the magical construct so it doesn't break from the continuous drilling.

Shining was fighting a losing battle as with each passing moment, and the drill drilled deeper into his shield, the blue magic only delaying the inevitable. Through the pain in her face, Cadance attempted to rise, her entire body trembling from overexertion and wincing as a fresh wave of agony ripped through her wounded back. The constant upkeep of the barrier, along with the concentrated magic beams used to exorcise giant curses rampaging the empire, caught up with her. However, that doesn't mean she will simply give in to the exhaustion.

Breathe.

Taking a second to collect herself, she draws upon more of her magic to aid Shining in bolstering his shield against the crystal weapon. The blue translucent shield gets enveloped in a pink light, sealing back the cracks in its defence. The duo forced the shield forward with a united yell, shattering the crystal drill into bits and pieces.

However, this didn't disturb Sombra. As he reappeared beside Cadance, his horn was already glowing purple. Cadance responded with a cast of her own, but another flare of pain from her back caused her focus to falter, the black crystals glowing in tandem with Sombra's magic, interrupting the magical flow within her horn. Using this opening, he socked the princess in the face, sending her to the ground.

"Cadance!" Shining yelled, running to her. But he could not entirely do so as the King was already on him. He pivoted on the spot, teeth clenching the blade as it collided with Sombra's horn, sending sparks flying as a screech filled their ears.

"Focus, prince..." Sombra taunted, levitating the sword by the blade into the air, pulling Shining along with it upwards. Sombra cracked a smile and delivered two cross-body hooks to either side of Shining's torso, the immense pain in his abdomen weakening his grip on the weapon as he doubled over and cradled his sides.

Taking Shining's face into his hooves, Sombra bulleted his forehead into Shining's with a disgusting crack of a headbutt, cutting up his forehead in the process as Shining reeled back from the hit. Upon contact, however, Sombra drowned Shining's horn in his magic, black shards sprouting on the prince's horn and sapping away his magic before Sombra tossed him aside.

A contemptuous sneer contorted Sombra's muzzle. "Pathetic," he spat, his voice dripping with cruel amusement. "Utterly disgusting. To think you see yourselves fit to rule the Crystal Empire instead of me, the rightful ruler!"Sombra laughed. Shining forced his head up, trying to gather magic to his horn, but the crystals stuck on it rendered it a fruitless effort. "Usowamoto, are you done?"

On the opposite side of the room, Usowamoto kept Yuta and Rika as far away from them as possible with portals that shot saltwater, fire, winds, and anything to buy more time for themselves. Swatting away Yuta's katana with a hand, they opened another portal that blast cold winds strong enough to send Yuta tumbling backwards."A little help here!? I still haven't recovered--ARGK-!" His plea for help was interrupted as Rika sent the curse crashing into a wall with the nastiest slap Sombra's seen in a hot minute.

"Alright, alright," he muttered, waving his dismissive hoof. "I'll deal with them after I'm done here. Get the portals ready, Usowamoto. Once I finish up with these pathetic fools, I'll prepare the spell."

Shining got back up with his sword in his mouth. The blood trickling down his forehead seeped into his right eye and blossomed through the organ, clouding his vision in a sea of red. "We're not done, Sombra." Shining spat through his gritted teeth, huffing as stray strands from his mane drooped between his eyes.

The sudden explosive push of magic stunned Shining, crashing into the wall behind him with such force he could feel the wind being knocked out of him as his chest collapsed inward. His primaries were spayed out, and he was sure his back was bruised, the armour shielding his behind only making it worse as rounded metal corners dug deeper into his tissues.

Stars exploded behind his clouded vision, and the world spun in a nauseating dance. His sword clattered to the floor, rattling uselessly below him. As his vision flickered back into a blurry focus, he saw it. Black crystals, jagged and menacing, sprouted from the wall, wrapping tightly around his hooves, pinning him like a grotesque insect, making the situation all the worse.

"What should I do with you?" Sombra asked rhetorically as Shining strained against the bindings. As he faked contemplating the question with a hoof to his chin, Cadance rose from the ground, charging up magic behind the scenes. With a flash, she sent a beam directed at Sombra. "Predictable." Before the attack could connect, his form dissolved into a swirling black mist, allowing the magic to fly through him and into Shining's chest plate, forming a dent while he bellowed in pain.

Cadance's desperate attack had backfired spectacularly. Through the dissipating smoke, she saw Shining writhe in agony, the betrayal in his eyes a fresh wound on her already battered spirit. A guttural cry tore from her throat as a wave of Sombra's magic slammed into her. The force sent her flying across the room, her body crashing into a fallen pillar with a sickening thud.

Pain erupted in a symphony across her body, each breath a struggle. But even as darkness threatened to claim her, Cadance refused to give up. She forced her eyes open, spotting Sombra standing over a groaning Shining.

"I'm...sorry!" she rasped, her voice barely a whisper choked with smoke and pain.

"Ah! I just know what to do with you!" Sombra smirked, walking over to the prince and raising a hoof to his chin, pushing it up ever so slightly such that their eyes met. "I'll have you slaughter your own wife!" Leaning closer, he pressed the tip of his horn against Shining's forehead. A metallic liquid, shimmering with an unholy light, pulsed within Sombra's horn and then flowed, injecting itself into the corners of Shining's eyes.

A jolt of searing pain ripped through Shining, tearing him from the hazy edges of unconsciousness. The metallic liquid seeping into his eyes burned with an otherworldly fire, a chilling sensation that spread like venom through his very being. Shining let out a yell that shook Cadance awake from her stupor; even Yuta, from across the room, had snapped his attention over for a brief moment.

"Where do you think you're looking!?" Yelled Usowamoto, backhanding Yuta into a geyser of water pulled from a portal.

Behind the cracked doors leading to the hallway, Flurry watched with prying eyes, her heart beating out of her chest as she spectated the duels going on. The continual tremours made her uncertain of the situations in the outside world. Flurry had never been one for following all the rules. But blatantly forgoing her mother's wishes? That was a whole new level of rule-breaking. Still, the tremors, the screams, and the sheer urgency of the situation had all gnawed at her curiosity, propelling her toward the forbidden doors that her mother had explicitly told her not to open. Eventually, her escapades lead her outside the room where the six are facing off. Biting her non-existent nails, Flurry scanned the room.

The weird-looking monkey alien dressed in white was busy fighting another weird-looking monkey alien dressed in black, except that one had a big white ghost fighting alongside him. And he had a sword. They seemed to be in a stalemate, not good. But, she could only hope they keep it that way. Turning back to her parents, Flurry came just in time to see Shining clash blades with Sombra, where the rest of the events played out before her.

"C'mon, Daddy." Flurry prayed with bated breath, eyes glued on the two. However, whatever hope left in her heart fizzled out when blood started pooling out of Shining's orifices, which were soon followed by a gut-wrenching scream.

"Shining!!" Cadance called,

"AHHHHH!!" He cried.

Sombra cackled, "That's right! Succumb to my will and serve-- Oof!"

In the spur of the moment, Flurry teleported beside the King, launching herself in a magic bubble and connecting at Sombra's side, ramming him off Shining and onto the ground. Sombra scoffs, his eyes boring holes into the young alicorn.

"Get off my Daddy!" Flurry yelled,

Cadance leveraged the distraction to push herself up with a pained groan and sputtered a reprimand. "Flurry Heart! Cough" Blood trickled down her throat, staining her coat. "What are you doing here!? I told you to stay in the Throne Room, didn't I?!"

Flurry looks over at her mother with an apologetic look, "I'm sorry, Mommy. Daddy's hurt bad, and I--"A sudden purple ring circling Flurry's neck strangled her last words right out of her.

"Flurry!" Cadance called before turning her sights on Sombra. "RELEASE HER SOMBRA!!"

Sombra got up, dusting away at his coat, "Again with the 'asking your enemies to do your requests'? Do you ponies not learn from your battles at all?" Glancing over to the young, suffocating alicorn, a new lightbulb went off atop his crown. "I've got an even better idea..." Flurry, the poor thing, was shedding tears at this point, her wings desperately flapping against the wind and kicking at the air in ways to give her some leverage. Saliva drooled down her chin, and her face was already flushed red, teetering on the edge of blue.

Sombra tightened his hold on Flurry and bowed his head, his sharp horn aimed at her stomach. Shining fought tooth and nail to keep his consciousness while trying to gather magic to break free of his hold, struggling to the point veins threatened to pop through his skin and fur.

"Watch," Sombra pulled back, his hindlegs kicking at the ground. "As I kill your child in front of you." With a strong gallop, Sombra bulldozed his way into Flurry. Missing her by a hair, Sombra glanced at Flurry as she got sent flying toward Cadance, her horn glowing its signature blue. The mother pressed herself against her child in a tight hug, tumbling back a few steps.

Sombra blinked, turning over to the pair. He had had enough of this as he stomped the ground, cracking it under pressure with a flare of his nostrils. "You two want to die together!?" he puffed, horn charging copious amounts of magic. "Fine! Have it your way!" He released it all in one go, so much so that the beam tore away at the marble floor as it barrelled to the two alicorns.

Cadance braced herself as she approached Flurry, manifesting a shimmering bubble of magic surrounding them. The initial blow was intense. The beam carried immense heat that radiated past the shield and boiled the air within. The force propelled the two so far back that their backs were against the wall as it cracked from the pressure.

Cadance's ears were ringing, the torrential, monumental force that bore down on her, requiring her to strain herself to maintain this deadlock. Her entire body trembled under the weight as she braced her body; her regalia felt like it was steaming with heat, even her wings unfurrowed in response to the sharp rise in temperature.

Breathe.

Blood ran down her nose as she continued to hold the frontline, fighting desperately not just for her life but Flurry as well. Ignoring that spiking pain from her back that fed off her magic, she poured all she had into maintaining the bubble. Soon, steam sizzled into the air, and thick white vapours clouded her peripheral vision. Still, Cadance didn't see it, nor the rising levels of seawater filling the room around her as she focused a hundred and ten percent of her being into her magic, veins popping through the side of her temples.

"Enough of this." A cursed voice came from beside her. Cadance turned her gaze over, and her eyes met Usowamoto's through a portal, a hand outstretched to her. That's strange. Usowamoto should've been busy with Yuta-- Her question was soon answered as she peered past the curse. Their other hand stretched out, and their fingers splayed. A giant-sized portal swirled open at her palm, releasing mass amounts of water with such high pressures that it practically travelled in a horizontal line, pinning a recognisable human and their cursed spirit to the wall, the pressure sending fissures across the entire section of the crystal wall.

Usowamoto's hand gripped firmly on Cadance's burning horn, her magic swirling with the cursed energy emanating from their hand. A sickening crack echoed through the chamber, followed by Cadance's guttural scream. With a brutal twist, Usowamoto severed the horn from her head, leaving a raw, bloody wound where it once stood.

With her magic severed, Usowamoto pulled their hand back and closed the portal. Time was running out for her as the bubble protecting them dropped, no longer fueled by her magic. Cadance jumped to Flurry Heart, wrapping her wings, hooves, and entire body to cover her child.

Breathe.

Sombra's blast, no longer impeded by the weakened bubble, slammed into Cadance with a deafening roar. The raw magic seared her flesh, burning through her coat and igniting her feathers in a halo of fire. A sickeningly sweet smell of burnt flesh filled the air as the unrelenting energy boiled her blood from within.

Breathe.

Through the searing agony, Cadance clung to Flurry, her body a desperate barricade against the onslaught. A whimper escaped Flurry's lips, muffled by the protective embrace of her mother's wing. Despite the excruciating pain, Cadance held on, her love for her daughter fueling a primal determination to shield her from the magic. Cadance looked down at her whimpering daughter, tears flowing down her cheeks. She smiled, blood trickling down her lips as the cracked base of her horn lit up, trying to conjure healing spells onto Flurry.

"Breathe." Cadance told herself, "Just breathe, keep your body strong, don't let Sombra's attack touch Flurry." Glancing down at the trembling Flurry, Cadance wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "Don't cry," Cadance whispered, "It's okay, Mommy's here..."

The beam sputtered to a halt, leaving an oppressive silence in its wake. The cool night air, heavy with the metallic tang of blood and burnt magic, sent a fresh wave of pain lancing through Cadance's ravaged body. With a ragged gasp, she slumped forward, her remaining wing failing to hold her weight.

Breathe.

She managed to brush her cheek against Flurry's trembling form, a silent apology escaping her lips in a strangled whisper. Then, darkness threatened to claim her. Her vision blurred, the edges of the world dissolving into swirling colours.

Breathe.

A tremor racked Cadance's body, a final, involuntary spasm before she went limp. Tears streamed down Flurry's face, hot against her mother's already cooling cheek.

Breathe.

"Mommy! J- Just hang on! I'll get help! Please, Mommy!"

Breathe...

"I'm sorry, Mommy! I should've listened to you! I-I-"

Breathe...

Cadance's eyes flickered to her daughter. It's good that she's well.

...

"Mommy...?"

A long, chilling shadow stretched across Cadance's mangled form. Sombra stood above them, his laughter echoing through the ruined room, a cruel music that sent shivers down Flurry's spine.

"Now," he declared, his voice dripping with sinister satisfaction, "this world is ours." Lowering his head down slightly, he turns to face Usowamoto. "You got that?"

"Yeah, all of it," Usowamoto replied with a wave of their hand. A portal that acted like a mirror hovered beside Sombra, the shimmering light capturing the whole ordeal from start to finish.

"Then, our vow is complete. Now leave me to rule my empire." Sombra snarled.

"Stop." A command rang, and the rushing water binding Yuta lurched to a halt as if caught in an invisible net. A gasp escaped him as the pressure eased, allowing him to breathe again. On his finger, he bore the promise ring once more, and his cursed energy surged, filling the entire room with its terrifying presence. "Don't move." came another command from him; his cheek and mouth tattooed the seal markings of the Snake Eyes and Fangs of the Inumaki Clan. His cursed energy rippled through the air, taking away Usowamoto's and Sombra's ability to move.

With a powerful kick that sent debris flying, Yuta propelled himself towards Sombra. The unicorn villain slammed against the nearby wall with a sickening thud, the force of the blow knocking the wind out of him. Rika moved atop Usowamoto, interlacing her fingers into one giant fist and slammed down onto the portal curse.

Yuta landed beside the fallen Cadance as Rika continued to hammer down, his sodden clothes clinging uncomfortably to his skin. He knelt, his gaze flickering between the unconscious princess and Flurry's tear-streaked face. With hands hovering over the princess, he kicked his Reverse Cursed Technique output to its maximum and pooled positive energy into the princess.

The gruesome sight of her sizzling wounds began to recede. The exposed bone and muscle started to knit themselves back together, the raw flesh sealing shut at an accelerated rate. Even the base of her broken horn began to show signs of regeneration. A bony tip emerged from the raw flesh, growing at an astonishing pace. The pain in Cadance's face didn't vanish entirely, but it dulled to a throbbing ache under Yuta's ministrations.

Amidst the intense commotion and overflowing seawater, the throne room doors exploded inwards, ripped from their hinges by an unseen force. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity charged in. Their arrival brought a gasp of relief from Flurry as their eyes scanned the scene.

Sombra coughed and spat out a glob of blood, leaning off the crater from the wall. "Seems like you finally decided to join us, Princess Twilight."

Twilight's gaze swept across the room, taking in the devastation. Her eyes narrowed as they landed on Cadance's prone form. While the worst of the burns seemed to be healing under Yuta's care, the princess was far from well. Blood stained her coat, a gruesome aftermath of the attack. A trail led from her head wound, painting a horrifying picture on the already cracked marble floor. Flurry, huddled beside her mother, her red-rimmed and tear-streaked eyes only confirmed Twilight's worst fears.

She turned over to the other side of the room where Shining had been bound by the black crystals that pinned him to the wall. He hung limply, his coat dull and his breathing shallow and laboured.

Fury welled up inside the Princess of Friendship, a tide threatening to drown the carefully cultivated calm she usually maintained. Twilight's horn pulsed with a soft yet vibrant glow before erupting in an explosion outward, encompassing everyone in the room.

Yuta huddled beside Cadance and Flurry, using his body to shield the oncoming magic as it came to a crawl in front of the sorcerer, never reaching him. The same can't be said for Sombra or Usowamoto. The magic chained their limbs and fixed them to the floor with a boom. Twilight was instantly on Sombra, her eyes illuminating a magenta light. The King tried to dissolve his form into smoke. However, Twilight forcefully held the clouds of smoke and condensed tightly, which physically kept his form together in her telekinetic grip as she snarled at him from above.

"You will pay for this..." Twilight huffed, lighting her horn. Her heartbeat and breathing were irregular, and coupled with the things she had seen today and the suffering of the crystal ponies, she pushed past her breaking point. The corners of her eyes bulged with veins as she channelled all her might into a spell. That said, the stark contrast of negative energy to her usual magic brimmed and swirled around her horn didn't escape Yuta's senses. "SOMBRA!!"

Releasing all she had, Twilight burned her magic into Sombra's face, the overpowering light tearing away at his fur as the corners of her eyes glowed an evil purple.

"Cursed energy!?" Yuta exclaimed as Rarity and Rainbow turned to him. "Princess Twilight! Stop!"

Rarity, sensing Yuta's worry, also yelled through the hum of Twilight's magic. "Twilight, dear! You have to stop whatever you're doing!"

Twilight didn't listen, deciding Sombra's punishment wasn't finished while she continued to blast a hole in his face. The beam tore relentlessly into Sombra, burning away his fur and muscle with horrifying ease. The stench of singed flesh filled the air as bone became exposed.

"Stop." Yuta commanded,

Twilight's attack halted as her body froze, held down by cursed energy. This allowed her to glance down at the King's skull, decorated with black soot on the floor behind him, before embers ate away at his form, disintegrating Sombra into ashes. She heaved and coughed, the cursed energy running rampant throughout her body, receding to normal levels.

Twilight brought her hooves up to her face, pressing at every corner to ensure she was still in one piece.

"W-what was that?" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "What did I...?"

"Twilight!" Rarity and Dash galloped over to her, eyes scanning for any injuries on her body. "You alright!?" Dash asked worriedly.

"I-I think so...?"

A slow clap echoed through the ruined throne room, drawing everyone's attention. Usowamoto, no longer pinned to the ground, sauntered forward, a cruel smirk twisting their face.

"It's very impressive, Twilight," they drawled, their voice dripping with amusement. "You can use cursed energy. That's cool."

Twilight and Yuta glanced at the curse, one drawing his katana while the other blazed her horn.

"You're surrounded, curse," Twilight declared, her voice regaining strength. "Surrender and come peacefully, and you won't suffer a fate similar to Sombra."

Usowamoto chuckled a humourless sound that sent shivers down Twilight's spine. "Oh, I don't think so," they replied, their eyes gleaming with a dangerous glint. "Things are just getting interesting." walking over to the still-opened portal nearby, the curse gestured towards it with a hand. "Do you know where this portal leads to?"

Twilight and Yuta stayed silent, giving Usowamoto the green light to continue.

"It leads to many places," they explained, their voice taking on an almost educational tone. "Manehatten, The Dragonlands, Canterlot, Yakyakistan, The Changeling Kingdom, Hippogriffia...even Ponyville. You name it, a portal's on the otherside." They paused, letting their words sink in.

"Portals are a very interesting phenomenon," they continued, gesturing towards the swirling vortex. "Not only can one use it to transport something through space and time, but one can also peer into the portal and see things happening through it in real-time." Usowamoto turns over to the four, "Furthermore, Sombra's magic has been infused into the portal. So whoever watches on the other side has their perception of the pony they are looking at altered."

"What does this whole portal spiel have to do with anything!?" Dash challenged. "We're still gonna kick your flank regardless!"

Usowamoto, unfazed by her outburst, turned towards the pegasus with a raised eyebrow. "You seriously don't get it?" they drawled. "I knew you were dense, but not this dense. Here, let me ask you a question. How long has this portal been open for?"

Rainbow opened her mouth to answer but faltered, unsure. Yuta, sensing her hesitation, stepped forward. "Since King Sombra fired that magic attack at Princess Cadance," he answered, his voice steady.

Usowamoto snapped their fingers at the young sorcerer. "Correct! Now, here's another question. How are curses born?"

"How are any of these events correlated?" Rarity perks,

Once again, Yuta provided the answer. "They are incarnated from the cursed energy that primarily leaks out of humans over time due to their negative emotions. Eventually culminating into cursed spirits or curses."

"That's right!"

Twilight, however, remained unconvinced. "I still don't get what you're trying to say, curse," she interjected, echoing Rarity's earlier concern. "Like Rarity said, how are any of these events related?"

Usowamoto's smugness dimmed a touch. Maybe they'd overestimated these ponies' deduction skills. "Do you think my attack on Cloudsdale was a randomly chosen location?" they questioned a hint of condescension in their voice. "Hadn't you felt the tremendous amounts of lingering cursed energy from the explosion?"

Twilight hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "We have," she admitted.

"Then the sorcerer should've known by now how susceptible ponies, or in fact, any creatures, are to curse energy." Usowamoto points to the lavender alicorn across from them, eyes focused. "That's because living beings in Equestria have magic infused into their bodies. Magic in this world acts similarly to positive energy, elevating the body's constitution closer to that of a being made of positive energy. Think of it like the inverse of a cursed spirit, where our bodies are made entirely of cursed energy, and only a small portion of your body's structure is made of positive energy."

"If it helps you visualise better," Their hand emerged, grasping a small vial filled with a shimmering liquid. Holding it aloft, they shook it gently, swirling the contents. "Think of the pH levels of water. The common neutrality of pH 7 being the state the human body is comprised of, while acidic water is where cursed energy lays, and the opposite, the higher levels of alkali water being what your equestrian body stays." The liquid, initially a separation of vibrant blues and red, began to morph and change, blending into the azure hue.

"And when an alkali and acid mix, what happens?" They rattled the vial again, the once distinct colours merging into a sickly purple concoction.

Twilight shudders, realising where they're getting at. "They neutralise."

"Bingo! And when that happens, whichever is more concentrated will dominate the vial. Overpowering the other until none is left. What I've done in Cloudsdale was spread the influence of cursed energy into the clouds supply and spread them across Equestria using that giant explosion, covering the entire land in a negative blanket. Increasing discordance and disharmony amongst the people here."

They leaned back slightly, gesturing towards the portal with a flourish. "Since the body of a pony exists on a higher state of neutrality than humans, the cursed energy they produce must compensate and be much more concentrated than normal to make up for the unusually high amounts of positive energy in your bodies for it to be able to leak out. Mix some friction and hostility and sprinkle some destruction here and there over Equestria, and boom! Overflowing amounts of cursed energy from all over to use at your disposal!"

"So, all this was to give birth to a new cursed spirit?" Yuta furrowed his brows in dawning comprehension and cut in. "All this cursed energy still needs to be concentrated into an idea for that to be possible,"

Usowamoto's smirk widened. "Don't you see?" they purred, "That's where this portal and Sombra's magic comes in..."

Twilight's eyes snapped open wide with realisation. The pieces clicked into place, forming a horrifying picture. Her voice trembled as she gasped out the question, "Who did you have projected on the mirror!?"

Night time, Canterlot

The news spread through Canterlot like wildfire. Tired ponies surged towards the central square from their homes, a tide of fear and confusion washing over the once-peaceful city. Towering portals, and shimmering gateways ripped from the fabric of reality, all hung ominously above various districts. Each one broadcasted the same horrific scene: In the room of the Crystal Empire lay an unconscious Cadance, ravaged and stained with blood, her back bloodied and her bones exposed in a sizzling mess.

"T-that can't be..."

"This has to be some kind of joke!"

"What in Equestria is this?! Why would they betray Princess Cadance like this!?"

A nameless stallion stumbled backwards, his legs weak from seeing the live broadcast in The Crystal Empire and bumped into something, or rather, somepony, behind him.

Turning around for a quick apology, his gaze only met an Alabaster fur adorned with the recognisable regalia worn by royalty. Craning his head up, his eyes met a pair of light magenta pupils, her regal mane flowing in the absence of wind. Beside the alicorn princess was a darker, smaller sapphire blue mare with a horn and pair of wings, her flank plastered with the symbol of the moon.

"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna!" This drew the attention of the nearby crowd as, in perfect unison, they all turned to face the two ex-princesses.

"What's wrong, my little ponies?" Celestia asked, leaning closer to the panicking stallion.

"D-d-d-did did did..." The stallion swallowed the massive lump in his throat, his anxiousness eating him alive. "Did you two kill Princess Cadance...?"

Celestia and Luna looked at one another before bursting out in a fit of laughter.

"Of course not, my little ponies..." Celestia said, wiping a tear from her eye. This seemed to calm the remaining populace as they sighed in relief. "But it would've been a delight to do so!"

The last part caught them off. Surely their ears were messing with them.

"C-come again, princess?"

With a flick of her head, Celestia unleashed a beam of concentrated magic. It lanced out from her horn, a violet spear aimed directly at the stallion who had dared to question her. The magic struck, passing through the stallion's skull with horrifying ease. One moment he was stammering in confusion. The next, he was a lifeless husk, a gaping hole replacing his head.

The crowd erupted in screams. Ponies stampede in terror, desperately trying to escape the sudden madness. Celestia and Luna broke out in maniacal laughter, their sets of teeth sharpening into fangs as their horn lit up.

"I KNEW IT SISTER!" Celestia bellowed, "EXISTENCE IN CURSED FLESH IS SO INVIGORATING!!"

Luna replied with a laugh of her own, "THE SMELL OF FEAR IS HIGH, SISTER!! LET'S SET THIS WORLD ASUNDER!!"

The two alicorns combust into a whirlwind of magic, laying waste to the square with their combined might. The swirling magic settled, and Celestia's once-flowing mane erupted in flames, its white coat morphing into a fiery orange. Luna's mane grew longer, her blue coat darkening to a menacing midnight black. Their bodies grew taller and more muscular, their snouts lengthening into predatory maws lined with razor-sharp teeth, revealing images of:

Special Grade Curse Spirit: Daybreaker.

And;

Special Grade Cursed Spirit: Nightmare Moon.

With a pulse of magic, Daybreaker dragged the unawakened sun towards the moon, causing the shadow of the celestial bodies to cover the entirety of Canterlot and, subsequently, Equestria.

Back in the room inside The Crystal Empire

Usowamoto watched from the portal as Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon's chaotic rampage through Canterlot filled the air with the sounds of destruction and screams. A twisted sense of satisfaction flickered across Usowamoto's face as they patted themself on the back – their plan, it seemed, was working perfectly.

"Well, Twilight," Usowamoto chuckled, "Looks like you gotta go save Canterlot with your friends, don't you?"

"Don't move." The command rang, stopping Usowamoto in their place. "Princess!" Yuta called, turning over to Twilight. "I'll exorcise those two at Canterlot, can I leave them in your hands?"

Twilight's hooves dug into the stone floor as she surveyed the scene. Despair threatened to engulf her. Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon tore through Canterlot like a whirlwind, radiating raw power. Every instinct screamed at her to join the fight, but a single, horrifying realisation held her back.

Usowamoto.

Leaving Usowamoto unchecked meant giving them free rein to manipulate the situation further. A cold dread filled her.

Twilight glanced at Yuta, "Go!" she commanded, her voice laced with urgency. "I'll make sure this curse doesn't go anywhere!" She knew it was a gamble, a desperate attempt to buy time and contain the true threat. Facing Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon alone and without her friends was a fool's errand, but Twilight had no other choice. It was a much more favourable scenario than had she been the one to go over to Canterlot while Yuta stayed to keep Usowamoto busy. She had to trust Yuta to handle Canterlot, and she had to find a way to neutralise Usowamoto before it was too late.

With a determined nod, Yuta rushed over to Rika.

"Rika!!"

Reaching into her shadowy form, he pulled out a giant piece of fabric, large enough to cover the two of them. As Yuta swirled the fabric around their forms, it seemed to shrink in on itself, folding and compressing until they were both enveloped in a swirling vortex of darkness. A moment later, they vanished into thin air.

Twilight squared her shoulders, her horn flaring to life. Rainbow Dash and Rarity, who had been watching the exchange with apprehension, stood beside her, their expressions resolute.

"This isn't how it's supposed to play out..." Usowamoto muttered, curling their fingers into fists, a hint of unease creeping into their voice.

Daybreaker cackled as another building ignited with a touch of her burning horn. All the while, Nightmare Moon revelled in the screams of ponies trapped in terrifying nightmares brought to life in the waking world. Stray beams from their horn sliced through buildings, streets, and everything in between like hot knives passing through butter. Right as their fun reached an all-time high, high above the Canterlot Castle drops a newcomer, a whirling cloak revealed a human with black hair holding a katana and their deceased lover. The sight of crying ponies and fearmongering curses running rampant crushed his heart. He knew what he must do. With the blade in his hand, he steeled his eyes towards the two curses.

He is called by many things, by many people. Miguel calls him a cursed brat, Maki, Panda, and Inumaki all call him a dear friend, and Gojo calls him crazy strong. All of those are true. He is an exorcist, an exterminator, but most importantly of all, he is a:

A Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer.

And he would be damned if he let the two curses continue their rampage on his watch. Still falling down the side of the royal castle, the air beat around him as it began to crackle with a tension that dwarfed even the inferno raging below them as he raised the hand that wore the ring to his face.

"Rika..." Yuta called out, his voice a low growl.

"Yes, Yuta?" Rika's spectral voice whispered beside him,

"Give me everything," Yuta commanded, his grip tightening on the katana.

Down below, Daybreaker scoffed, turning to her monstrous sister with an excited tone in her voice. "Sister~!" she boomed, "Looks like we've got company~!!"

Author's Note

Hello! I want to thank all of you guys for passing 50 likes!! I've never thought people would be so interested in my yappings of a JJK and Mlp crossover. Side note: With the number of ponies I've been killing, I think it's safe to say I will change this story to an M-rated one. LOL. I still hope everyone enjoys the read of the story.
😃

Destroy the Celestial Bodies: Part 2

Yuta plummeted alongside the fortified tower, the wind whipping at his face and whistling in his ears as he stared down at the two alicorn curses from high above. Sensing a spark, Yuta drew closer to the bricked pillar behind him, pulling his shoes onto the tower. He dragged them along the rough edges of the concrete, slowing his descent down while his eyes were still trained on them.

"They're coming, Rika." Yuta warned.

In an instant, two beams, a hot yellow and an evening blue, shot to their location. The yellow beam missed Yuta by an inch, but it was still wide enough to sever the tower in two directly below him. Yuta was right to slow his fall, and as for the evening blue beam, it went over his head and wisped past Rika.

"Haha!! Bullseye!" Daybreaker crowed, pumping a hoof in the air before strutting over to Nightmare, who was still recovering from the near miss. "You've got to aim better, Nighty." she taunted.

Nightmare hissed, "I've already told you there's something else accompanying that thing! That's why my blast was so off-target!" Nightmare's eyes widened as she snapped over to her sister when she finally registered that last part. "And stop calling me ridiculous nicknames!"

"Of course, of course..."Daybreaker snorts, rolling her flaming eyes with a smirk, "Whatever you say, Nighty~."

Ignoring Nightmare's sputtering outrage, Daybreaker trotted forward, her posture radiating predatory confidence. A fiery red glow emanated from her horn as she closed her eyes, focusing her immense magical power. "The star," she chanted, her voice low and powerful. As she spoke, the light intensified at the tip of her horn, swirling and crackling with raw energy. "Fleeing darkness." The light coalesced, condensing into a blazing orb that mirrored the setting sun in its intensity. "Ignition!"

With a flick of her head, Daybreaker unleashed her devastating attack channelled directly towards Yuta and Rika, "Let's give them a loving welcome to Canterlot, shall we~?" she purred, "Maximum Output: Crepuscular Ray."

Back with the falling human, Rika, defying all logic, had wrapped her enormous, clawed hands around the entire severed section of the tower. With a mighty heave that caused veins to bulge on her forehead and her body to tremble, she hurled the monstrous projectile like a spear, pointed roof first, at the source where the beams of magic were shot from.

Yuta jumped back to the apparition, landing atop Rika's extended arms and allowing her to launch him, volleyball style, at full speed towards Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon. Propelled by her immense strength, Yuta became a human missile and zipped through the air, flying side by side with the tower as he closed in on their location.

Unsurprisingly, the display of power didn't go unnoticed. Below, Daybreaker reacted with characteristic fury. A yellow beam erupted from her horn, tracing a scorching path through the sky. It slammed into the tower with a loud boom, sending a cascade of bricks and debris raining down. The force of the impact shuddered through Yuta, momentarily throwing him off course. But he gritted his teeth, determined not to falter. The tower, however, wasn't as lucky. It wobbled, then, with a sickening crack, split in two. The larger portion continued its trajectory towards the alicorns, while the smaller half careened wildly, threatening to collide with Yuta in mid-air.

A sparkle of blue in the distance made Yuta furrow his brows. With a fast twist of his body and a flip of his legs, a blue beam narrowly grazed past him. The odd coolness from the magic, a stark contrast to the heat of Daybreaker's attack, momentarily sent a shiver down his spine. It threw him off course slightly, but adrenaline propelled him forward. He couldn't afford to be deterred.

As another glitter in the distance ominously shone at him, Yuta reached for a stray brick nearby that flew beside him in the air and flung it forward. Fueled by cursed energy, he sent it a good acre in front of him. Right then, another yellow beam shot at him, this one getting dangerously close to his stomach.

Clap!

In an instant, Yuta found himself a good acre away from the blast, the brick he'd thrown now a smouldering wisp of dust, vaporized in a silent column of light behind him. Yuta whipped his head around, taking in the rapidly approaching cityscape. He was nearing the central district of Canterlot now, the familiar sprawl of houses closing in. Raising his katana above his head, Yuta made sure to time it perfectly. As he closed in on Daybreaker, he swung the blade down with all his might.
The air crackled with a surge of energy and a loud BOOM! that echoed across the city as the force of the impact sent Yuta plummeting towards the ground.

Daybreaker wasn't one to be easily felled. A flash of white light surrounded her as she teleported back a safe distance, the clang of Yuta's blade against thin air echoing through the eclipse. She landed with a heavy thud, a furrow etched across her brow, and a fresh, angry scrape marring her otherwise flawless cheek.

Before she could unleash another torrent of magi, Daybreaker found herself robbed of her next snide remark. Yuta stood a few paces away, his figure something that Daybreaker had never seen before. His katana was held high and dripping with a faint, ethereal glow.

"Hey, now!" Daybreaker finally roared, her voice laced with a dangerous edge, "That's no way to greet a Princess-"

The world seemed to stutter for a moment, the unfinished sentence hanging in the air. Then, with a blur of motion, Yuta vanished again. He reappeared directly below, and his katana, ready, pulled back for an upright strike. Right as he swung, however, Daybreaker launched herself skyward just as Yuta's blade reached her. The katana sliced through the empty air with a sharp hiss, the displaced wind whipping at Yuta's face.

Daybreaker hovered in the air, and her horn crackled with energy as she sneered down at the human. "Why, you little-"

"Plummet!!" Yuta ordered. The markings of the Snake Eyes and Fangs of the Inumaki Clan tattooed on his cheeks. As if her body heeded his call, Daybreaker began to fall by an unseen force, dragging her body helplessly as Yuta leapt up to meet Daybreaker halfway, aiming his katana at her neck. Seeing this, Daybreaker twisted her body ever so slightly so that instead of taking her head off, Yuta only sliced away her left wing and foreleg, spraying crimson blood across the sky.

Daybreaker's shriek was cut short by a strangled gasp as Yuta capitalized on her contorted position. With a swift, brutal movement, he lunged forward and grabbed her by the scruff of her remaining, healthy neck. Ignoring the searing pain in his hand from the magical heat radiating off her fur, he used his momentum and the advantage of her fall to hurl her down towards the unforgiving cobblestones below.

The world seemed to warp around Yuta as he reacted on pure instinct. He was about to launch himself into a divebomb on Daybreaker, aiming to tackle her head-on before she impacted the ground. But the air itself seemed to sing with the approaching danger – a streak of evening blue, a harbinger of Nightmare Moon's destructive magic, hurtling towards his back.

Oblivion stared him in the face.

Then, salvation arrived in the form of a ghastly pale hand. It materialised out of thin air, seemingly detached from anybody, right in the path of the deadly beam. Skeletal fingers outstretched, palm facing the oncoming magic, it met the blue beam with a sickening thud. The hand shimmered and cracked along its ghostly form, taking the brunt of the attack. Yet, despite the visible strain, it held firm, deflecting the beam harmlessly away.

Rika floated midair, allowing Yuta to stand in the middle of her palm as she reached for her chest and dug into her own flesh, ripping it open, revealing an arsenal of weapons at his disposal.

"Yuta," she rasped, "which do you want?"

"Thank you," He pointed towards a specific spot within the gaping wound in her chest. "I'll take... that," his eyes landed on a pair of long, imposing gauntlets. "And those."

With a nod of understanding, Rika reached deeper within. She pulled out the pair of gauntlets and another weapon, one the two sisters couldn't quite make out and swapped it with his katana.

"Careful, Nighty," Daybreaker warns, regrowing her leg and wing. "That monkey has a cursed technique regarding his speech."

With trembling hands, she secured the locks and mechanisms into place. Yuta felt a surge of power as the gauntlets settled onto his arms, the metal seemingly melding with his skin.

The gauntlet wasn't just a simple set of hand protection; it wrapped around his arm, metal encasing him from his shoulders down to his wrists. This continuous metallic sheen was only broken by the palm of his hand and his fingers, which were jet black. A surge of energy crackled around his arm, culminating in his fist. Yuta brandishing the Special Grade Cursed Tool: Coiling Ouroboros; it's effect? The more hits in quick succession the user manages to land, multiplies the cursed energy flowing through the gauntlet.

"Rika."

Rika nodded once more, "Yup."

Rewinding her arm, Rika threw Yuta like a softball toward Nightmare Moon. The force behind her throw split the air as Yuta was up close and personal with the mare. The world exploded in a cacophony of sound as Yuta's fist, clad in the Coiling Ouroboros, collided with a shimmering barrier conjured by Nightmare Moon in a last-ditch attempt at defence. The force of the impact reverberated through the barrier, sending ripples of blue energy outwards like shockwaves. Soon enough, crack lines splinter off from Yuta's fist. The blow caught Nightmare off guard, and a surprised yelp escaped her lips. She stumbled back, and the shield protecting her shattered, her balance thrown off.

"Unblockable Drumming Beat!" Yuta yelled.

"What!?" Nightmare yelped in surprise, but Yuta's fist didn't stop there as it continued straight to her face. Connecting with a crack, his power reverberated throughout her body, sending Nightmare careening off her hooves.

Clap!

A sharp, decisive sound echoed through the air as Yuta vanished from his spot in front of the reeling Nightmare Moon in a flash of blue light. Nightmare turned her head all over but couldn't find the sorcerer. Only when she had turned around did she see Yuta standing with his fist pulled back, ready to receive her.

A sickening thud echoed through the night as Yuta's fist slammed into Nightmare Moon's gut. The blow landed with brutal efficiency, the Coiling Ouroboros amplifying the force and driving the air from the alicorn's lungs. A guttural sound, somewhere between a gasp and a yelp, escaped her lips as she doubled over, a wave of nausea rolling through her.

"Don't move!" His words were punctuated by a flurry of attacks, a devastating combo unleashed with inhuman speed. Three cross-body hooks, empowered by cursed energy, ripped into the sides of her torso, leaving deep welts and sending fresh shrieks of pain echoing through the night.

"Don't move!" But Yuta wasn't finished. With a swift movement, he lashed out with his open palm, delivering a stinging slap across Nightmare Moon's face that sent her head snapping back. The mare stumbled, momentarily disoriented, before Yuta followed up with a brutal back fist to the other cheek, the Coiling Ouroboros resonating with a dull thud. Another punch, this time with his free hand, landed square on Nightmare Moon's jaw, adding to the symphony of pain he was inflicting. Even worse was the devastating high kick that followed soon after, his leg connecting with the alicorn's face in a bone-crunching blow.

"Don't move!" Picking Nightmare off the ground with both hands on her shoulder, Yuta put her standing upright. Then, the onslaught resumed. Yuta's fists blurred into a whirlwind of violence. Punches rained down upon Nightmare Moon's body at an inhuman speed, and a sonic boom echoed with each strike. Nightmare Moon's cries turn into choked gasps, and she struggles a pathetic dance against Yuta's overwhelming power. Seizing an opportunity, Yuta slammed his fist into her chest, sending a tremor through her entire body.

Grabbing her by the horn, Yuta used it to keep Nightmare still with his free hand and sent another flurry of punches to her body. The pressure from all the shaking and wobbling fractured her horn. In due time, it snapped. Pain, raw and unadulterated, ripped through Nightmare Moon. A guttural shriek tore from her throat as she writhed in his grasp. But before she could crumple to the ground, Yuta backspin kicked her into multiple buildings and tossed away the horn in his hand.

Boom, boom, boom, boom. The sound echoed through the air as Nightmare crashed through the multiple buildings. Yuta gave chase, parkouring through the debris, passing through a restaurant and crossing into an open plaza. Nightmare stood in the middle, the hole in her helmet already growing in a new horn. Yet, the offputting thing about this ordeal was that hundreds of ponies of all kinds surrounded the two. However, a much more apt description would be that these hundreds of ponies surrounded Yuta, as their eyes glowed an evil blue.

"Charge my dreaming ponies!" Nightmare commanded, "Fight on behalf of your Princess!"

"Dreaming?" Yuta thought, "So they're asleep?"The once peaceful creatures surged forward, a wave of corrupted magic and blind obedience. Yuta stood alone, echoing a single command that rang against a tide of darkness. "Wake up!"

His amplified voice resounded through the plaza, a sonic shockwave rippling outwards. Despite being clearly heard throughout the crowd, none of the ponies heeded his call. Rather, they continued their charge. Shooked, Yuta jumped back, but a pair of pegasus slammed into him from behind. The impact sent him sprawling, the air whooshing from his lungs.

Before he could even blink, a wave of earth ponies crashed down on him. The harsh weight of their bodies pinned him to the cold cobblestones. Magic of all kinds – the searing touch of heat, the biting cold of unicorn's freeze spells, the raw concussive force of hooves – burned, scraped, and tore at his flesh.

Right as the hooves reached for him for another blow, their frantic charge slowed to a crawl, hooves pawing at the air mere inches from his face. It was not until they got stuck in the space between them that Yuta slowly got up, his body steaming from the heavy Reversed Cursed Technique Output. Lifting a pointer finger, the air swirled around him, crimson streaks of light diverging on a void just above the extended appendage.

"Cursed Technique Reversal: Red."

The effect was instantaneous.

A blinding red light envelops him and every pony else in a wide vicinity; the blowback from the detonation exploded the ponies stuck in Yuta's void into pieces, hooves and other body parts sent everywhere, while the ponies further away from him were sent flying from the imaginary force.

Blood rained down, splattering against the cold, hard floor as organs began to litter the ground. Yuta stared at the dismembered bodies for a while before the limbs and organs began to disappear into a blue smoke. Looking up at the alicorn across from him, a smirk, more a grimace than a genuine expression of amusement, appeared on Nightmare's face.

"How?" Nightmare inquired, tilting her head in a predatory manner. "How did you know they weren't real?"

"...Cursed Speech didn't affect them," Yuta rasped. "When a command is given, my cursed energy overrides and compels the listener to act based on the words. Since my command had no effect, they weren't susceptible, not real ponies in the first place."

A flicker of surprise crossed Nightmare Moon's face, quickly replaced by a chilling laugh. "Have it not occurred to you that it could've been my cursed technique holds much more power than yours? That could've been an outcome as well."

Yuta fan a hand in front of him. "That couldn't be it!"

"...Why's that?" Nightmare Moon challenged,

"You're not that strong!" Yuta gives a goofy smile,

Nightmare Moon's eyes narrowed. "...What did you say!?" she shrieked, her voice cracking with fury. "You're calling me weak!?" Lightning erupted around her horn as she channelled a surge of cursed energy. "I'll show you how weak I am!" she roared.

"Satellite." Nightmare chanted, "The tides." her voice echoing with power, pointing her horn at Yuta. "Engulfing darkness!"

Yuta lifts his fingers and begins to utter. "Phase." Taking advantage of this opening, the remaining ponies around him charged at Yuta, clawing, pounding, and jabbing at the infinite space between themselves and the human, but try as they might, they stopped before ever reaching him. "Pāramitā," Yuta whispered, raising his hand into a finger gun and pointing it at the curse charging her attack. "Pillar of Light."

"Maximum Output: Lunar Ray!"

"Cursed Technique Reversal:" In less than a second, Yuta closed the distance between them. Time seemed to slow down, chunks of stone flying in the air as Yuta's eyes locked onto Nightmare's, fingers dangerously close to her horn, ready to spill the attack at any moment. But he held firm, "Red."

The resulting explosion ripped through the plaza, throwing them both backwards. Yuta slammed into a nearby roof, bouncing off the building as he continued his arch.

Yuta roared in pain as he was still flung skyward, "Gojo-sensei's Limitless really is taxing! I can use it as much as he can, but those reds ate up a good chunk of my cursed energy reserves. " he thought, his mind already racing for a new strategy.

A searing pain lanced through his back. Yuta grunted, glancing down to see Nightmare Moon digging her forelegs into his back, using him as a makeshift rocket to propel them both higher into the night sky.

"Tell me!" Nightmare Moon shrieked, her voice distorted by the howling wind. "Am I still weak now!?"

Yuta rolled off the mare, taking hold of her side and using her momentum to fling her forward.

Clap!

Switching places, Yuta forced Nightmare to careen into him from his previous throw. Clapping his hands together, Yuta's arms extended forward, held together with palms flat against each other. A jet of blood soon shot out from between his fingers, piercing through her shoulder entirely.

Clap!

Reappearing directly in front of Nightmare Moon, Yuta reared a punch made for the mare, intending to send her back to the ground. However, a scream pierced through the din of battle.

"Yuta!" Rika warned.

Trusting the call, Yuta twisted his body at the last moment, throwing his arms up in a mock defence. It wasn't a second too soon. A blinding flash of white and gold erupted as Daybreaker streaked down from the sky, wreathed in celestial fire. With a thunderous crash, she slammed into Yuta, sending them both hurtling back down towards the Canterlot's housing district.

"Let's switch, sis!!" Daybreaker announced, head deep into Yuta's arms.

Crashing into a house, Daybreaker had Yuta pinned against the wall, the force she applied enough to crack the support behind him. Groaning in exertion, Yuta freed one hand and launched a punch at the curse, creating enough space to lunge towards a toppled chair beside her. Grabbing it, he swung it over his head and onto Daybreaker's helmet Before she could react. Yuta followed through with a brutal spartan kick, aiming for her midsection and sending her staggering back.

Capitalizing on the momentary advantage, he slammed his palms together, planning to let out another Piercing Blood, but the alicorn was faster than he anticipated. With a powerful hoof strike, Daybreaker slammed him headfirst into the wooden floor. Not letting him breathe, she lit her horn and cast an explosion spell directly above him.

The blast rocked the house, sending debris flying and collapsing the ceiling. Yuta and Daybreaker were propelled downwards, crashing through the floor and landing in a heap in the bathroom below. Yuta pulled on the hoof, pinning him down. With a tug and twist of his body, he was back on his feet. This time, strangling Daybreaker by the neck and smashing her face into the hanged mirror on the wall.

Yuta pulled back a little, letting Daybreaker groan momentarily before smashing her face into it again, this time with enough force to send her flying across the street and into another house.

From the skies, as Nightmare began her brawl with Rika, she could see the destruction of various houses from the corners of her vision as Yuta and Daybreaker barreled through them as if they were nothing. Occasionally, explosions and stray beams would be fired in new, setting off billows of smoke at random locations that weren't close to the previous detonations.

Back onto the streets, Yuta skidded backwards, his shoes and fingers scraping against the rough cobblestones for purchase. Dust swirled around him, momentarily obscuring Daybreaker's feral form. A choked cough escaped his lips, the taste of blood metallic on his tongue. It seems the earlier fights had taken their toll.

"SHOW ME MORE, MONKEY!!" Daybreaker yelled excitedly, charging at Yuta, "BLOOD CONTROL, INSTANTANEOUS TELEPORTATION, BODY-RESONATING ATTACKS, COMMAND-INDUCING SPEECH!!! YOU'RE FULL OF SURPRISES, AREN'T YOU !?! I WANT TO SEE IT ALL!!!"

Yuta quickly got back on his feet, staring at the oncoming alicorn. Raising his palm, Yuta performs a slicing motion through the air in front of him with his fingers outstretched. Suddenly, the air around Daybreaker, seemingly understanding his command, tore her flesh open, slicing her wings clean off.

Now, without the limbs that allowed her free reign of the skies, Daybreaker tumbled and rolled uncontrollably across the rough floor. This allowed Yuta to pull his fist back, his other hand palming over it.

"I can't drag this any longer." Yuta thought, a sweat beading down his brow as his eyes dilated. Time seemed to slow, the world around him fading away except for the tumbling alicorn curse now directly in front of him. Yet, he didn't move an inch, his focus drowning out the noise of burning wood and collapsing buildings. "If I don't end this here, many more families will die." He flared the cursed energy in his fist. "I'll protect them..." His mind wandered to Rainbow Dash... Then, to Flurry Heart before washing away the thoughts. Yuta was focused, so focused that he hadn't realised his fist had already left his side. It came naturally to him. As naturally as breathing. "Because I'm blessed."

Once his fist connected, an immense surge of cursed energy flowed through him, and everything felt so... right. The air crackled, and the sparks of black rippled through the entirety of Daybreaker's body.

"『黒閃』: Kokusen."

Author's Note

2 minutes and 30 seconds are left for the sustained connection between Yuta and Rika

Destroy the Celestial Bodies: Part 3

"『黒閃』: Kokusen."

The air crackled with the backlash, sparks of black dancing around them. Daybreaker's pained scream ended abruptly, replaced by rumbling and the deafening sound of thunder. She vomited blood as Yuta's fist dug deeper into her body. The ground beneath them trembled violently as a surge of cursed energy, amplified by the Black Flash, ripped through Daybreaker.

Yuta recoiled as her body convulsed in an explosion of gore. A crimson mist erupted from a gaping wound in her side, the torn flesh revealing glimpses of bone beneath. The force of the attack propelled her backwards with a sickening crack. The blow sent her spinning, her mangled shoulder slamming into a nearby building with a sickening thud that echoed through the devastated street.

With a sickening squelch and a flurry of movement, Daybreaker heaved herself out of the wreckage. Her mangled shoulder was already knitting itself back together, the grotesque process bubbling and warping the flesh in a display of unnatural regeneration.

Blood dripped from her muzzle, staining her coat as the light from her mane flickered from the intensity of the wound. Her eyes, however, were the more terrifying sight. Wide and unhinged, the pupils had shrunk to mere pinpricks, replaced by a burning yellow that glowed with a feral rage. A twisted smile split her face, revealing bloodied fangs. Her voice was a husky growl devoid of its former nobility when she spoke.

"Y-you brat..." Daybreaker rasped, each word a struggle. One hoof, the other presumably lost in the attack, scraped against the broken remains of a wall as she steadied herself. "You'll make a worthy kill..." She flared her horn, charging a condensed ball of cursed energy to the tip.

With a flick of his wrist, two orbs of condensed blood gathered in front of Yuta, one hovering slightly behind the other. Daybreaker's eyes narrowed, recognising the manoeuvre. She'd seen this attack before, and a smirk played on her mangled lips. "You think your pathetic blood can stop this?"

Under his breath, he muttered, "Blood Manipulation..."His arms snapped out, palms meeting with a loud...

Clap!

The effect was instantaneous and disorientating. Daybreaker vanished from where she stood, replaced by the crimson sphere of condensed blood. Simultaneously, she reappeared directly in front of Yuta, her eyes wide with surprise and confusion as she was inches away from his fingertips.

This swap wasn't flawless. The sudden release of Blood Manipulation to activate Boogie Woogie caused the Convergence both in Yuta's hand and the one taking place where Daybreaker once stood to expand prematurely, weakening its overall effectiveness. However, fueled by the lingering power of the Black Flash, Yuta had managed to pull off this complex manoeuvre with astonishing fluidity. Now, Daybreaker stood mere inches from him, her horn crackling with built-up energy aimed at… well, not him anymore.

"Piercing Blood!"

A deadly blood beam jets out from the charged-up Convergence in Yuta's hands, shooting at Daybreaker's face at blistering speeds. The arrowhead pierced her lower lip, but Daybreaker managed to tilt her head sideways just fast enough to avoid the blood from crushing her cranium. Instead of finding its mark on her skull, the blood continued its trajectory, carving a gruesome path through her flesh and muscle and forcing her to reel her head back as her entire lower jaw was sheared clean off.

She let out an inaudible gargle and lashed out her hoof towards Yuta's face. But before it could connect, another volley of blood arrows erupted from the Convergence that had taken her place behind her. The crimson projectiles ripped through her sides, the impact causing her to stagger and momentarily lose focus.

"Slicing Exorcism."

The blinding white light at the tip of her horn flickered erratically, the celestial energy attack on the verge of collapsing. Her pupil faded to white as she fell back, but then, a sudden crushing force on his left arm caused Yuta to wince. Daybreaker brought her head forward, headbutting Yuta. The dying light above her glowed brighter than ever, and so did her mane, causing her to release everything she had at point blank in a massive explosion.

The impact sent Yuta ragdolling back through the air. The Coiling Ouroboros on his left arm shattered into pieces from taking the brunt of the blast and exposing the engagement ring on his hand. He crashed against a half-collapsed building, bouncing off it before plummeting to the streets below. The sound of crumbling bricks was drowned out by the roar of Daybreaker, sadistically charging towards him.

A cloak of blood trailed behind Yuta like a macabre banner, using it to soften his landing considerably. Through the haze, Yuta saw the visage of the alicorn. The monstrous curse swallowed in a ball of fire, and a guttural laugh escaped her mangled jaw. The grotesque sounds more like the rasping of a dying beast.

But even in that state, the horrifying speed of her regeneration was already taking place. Her mouth beginning to knit itself back together, a pink, fleshy mess that pulsed with each heartbeat. Furthermore, the wounds inflicted by Slicing Exorcism were already closing at an alarming rate.

With a shaky hand, Yuta pulled out a gun from his jacket and aimed at the blitzing flier. He had hoped to use this much more favourable scenario, but there's a change of plans. It wouldn't be enough to stop her entirely, but they might slow her down and disrupt her momentum. He squeezed the trigger. Shot after shot, bang after bang, the cursed energy-imbued bullets soared through the sky. But never reached Daybreaker. The bubble of flames surrounding her, acting offensively and defensively, melted the metal mid-air before they reached her.

Like a shooting star, Daybreaker slammed into Yuta with hot fires that threatened to engulf him. Using the cloak of blood, Yuta creates a makeshift shield in front of him with both hands outstretched while Daybreaker drags him out of the sky and straight down to the streets, smearing him against the cobblestone and gravel as his feet try to hold him steady from the constantly moving ground.

But even empowered by cursed energy, the blood offered scant protection against the inferno surrounding Daybreaker. The further she dragged the human down the walkway, the stronger her flames got. Eventually, it reached temperatures where Yuta's blood in the shield began to boil and crust. The heat was blistering, searing Yuta's flesh and turning the protection into a crusty barrier, the edges bubbling and smoking under the relentless assault.

With a snarl, he abruptly deactivated the blood shield, letting it crumble onto the floor and jabbed a hand into the blistering fire. The heat was unimaginable. It felt like his very flesh was being incinerated, layers of skin peeling away in an instant. But Yuta ignored the pain, his focus locked on a single point – Daybreaker's body.

His fingertips, charred and blackened, brushed against the alicorn's neck. With a tap on her body, the torrent of flames around her vanished instantly, and her entire body transformed and replaced into a two-dimensional thin glass plain. Giving Yuta ample time to punish her with a strong punch.

The air crackled with backlash, sparks of black dancing around him like fireflies. Daybreaker, trapped within the shattered projection and unable to react, could only watch in horror as Yuta's fist slammed into her face. His knuckles connect with the glass, and the frame shatters into pieces as black and red streaks of light jutted from the origin point at his fist, sending her reeling off and returning her to her original form.

"『黒閃』: Kokusen."

Daybreaker falls back with a slam to the ground. Scrambling to her hooves, blood spewed from her mouth, trying to regain her posture. She was still flying back quite a distance from the momentum carried by Yuta's Black Flash. So, sliding and twisting around, she began to make a break for it. All the while, Yuta gave chase from the side.

The cityscape blurred around them as they tore through the devastated streets. Buildings whipped past, mere blurs of brick and steel. In the distance, the clash between Rika and the celestial threat raged on, a flicker of light and a firework-like display.

A stifling heat descended upon them as they neared the battle in the heavens. The humidity clung to them like a suffocating cloak, the air growing thick and heavy. The temperature soared, and an oppressive wave radiated outwards from the mare across from him. Wooden structures that had miraculously survived the initial devastation of the twin sisters began to ignite spontaneously. Flames adding to the chaotic inferno that engulfed them.

Jumping and weaving the stray magical shots fired from the curse opposite him, Yuta took it upon himself to reinitiate combat, pulling Daybreaker in close with Blue. However, it backfired when the alicorn threw a volley of fireballs at him, forcing his hand into putting his arms up to block them.

The Blue still had done its job, pulling her in and allowing her to get the jump on Yuta, shoving him back-first into the ground as she cast a binding spell of light around his limbs to secure them to the ground; she further pinned his arms under her hooves for extra measures, effectively immobilising him.

"Maximum Technique," she rasped. The alabaster fur that once adorned her magnificent body exploded with power, spontaneously erupting into flames. The heat intensified further, a wave of searing pain radiating outwards and reaching an all-time high. "Immolation Vortex."

"Dispel." On command, the light binding Yuta's limbs down dissipated. Reacting with lightning speed, Yuta lunged upwards with a powerful knee strike that connected solidly with Daybreaker's gut. The force of the impact lifted her clean off the ground for a moment before she slammed back down. Seizing the opportunity, Yuta followed through with a spinning kick that sent her sprawling to the side.

This didn't stop the flames on Daybreaker's body from spreading outward and circling her body. Gales swirled around her, quickly expanding into a gigantic tornado of fire. The ground around the flames begins to liquefy, and the numerous glasses in the windows of buildings surrounding them melt from the excessive heat.

Yuta scrambled to his feet, the heat scorching his skin. He knew he had no time to waste as he made a mad dash away from the eye of the storm, using Projection Sorcery to help boost his speed even further. Just then, he spots a shadow diving straight at him from above, probably to stop him from escaping the engulfing flames closing in from behind.

Nightmare Moon dove at increasing speeds towards the sorcerer, Rika tailing close behind her. Seeing no other way out, Yuta leapt up to a building top and towards the mare, arms already swinging into a clapping motion.

"I knew you'd use it!" Nightmare thought to herself, igniting her horn.

Clap!

Right as the sound hit her ears, Nightmare Moon activated her magic, and a blinding light of evening blue enveloped Yuta and herself, switching them back to their original location. However, she wasn't facing Yuta anymore.

Instead, she found herself standing at the precipice of the inferno. The churning maelstrom of celestial fire roared mere meters away, its heat washing over her like a furnace blast. Turning around, Nightmare locked eyes with Yuta, who was perched safely atop Rika's hand as he spoke.

"Clapping doesn't necessarily mean I'll activate my technique."

With a snarl, she shouts. "YOU-ARGAHHHHHHH!!!"

Her scream was cut short. With a deafening roar, the flames surged outwards, a ravenous beast consuming everything in its path. Nightmare Moon, positioned a hair's breadth too close, was engulfed in an instant. Yuta and Rika watched in silence as the inferno claimed its latest victim while they retreated further away from the spinning fires.

Everything in a one-hundred-meter radius got swallowed up by Daybreaker's flames. The spiralling vortex reached up high into the polluted clouds as the column of light illuminated the entirety of Canterlot as though it was the day, casting an eerie orange glow across the entire city. Stone buildings that weren't instantly melted were sent flying like mere pebbles by the inferno's ferocious winds. The roar of the flames drowned out all other sounds, creating a terrifying symphony of destruction.

The tornado twists and bends, a monstrous serpent of fire seemingly defying the laws of physics. But even the most destructive forces eventually falter. Perhaps drained by the sheer power of the technique, or maybe simply unable to sustain it any longer, Daybreker lost control. The vortex began to sputter.

The once smooth, swirling flames grew erratic, the inferno twisting and contorting like a dying engine as the fire sputtered and choked. The ground around them glowed from the singed embers in a spiralling pattern, heat waves radiating and distorting the air above. It looked like a warped, morbid sundial marking the minutes of Canterlot's devastation.

In the centre of destruction stood Daybreaker, and across a few meters from her was her sister. Nightmare Moon, caught in the inferno's maw, looked worse for wear. Half her body was burnt almost entirely to the bone, revealing the raw musculature beneath. Her saving grace was the bubble of protection surrounding her, born of her own energy. But even in that state, a faint, sickly blue glow emanated from the wounds, her rapid regeneration already beginning to knit her charred form back together.

Rika let Yuta drop from her palm and onto the two alicorns. As he descends upon them, the roaring sound of fighter jets sings above him. Looking up, he was greeted with the view of the Wonderbolts circling the general area. He thinks to himself, "Since the Wonderbolts are here, that giant display should have lead the evacuating ponies away from here. In that case, I don't have to hold back anymore."

Across the wasteland, Daybreaker huffed, the celestial flames around her hooves flickering like dying embers. Lifting her head to meet Yuta's gaze. A calculating, cold stiffened her expression as she clasped her hooves together. "If a Maximum Technique doesn't work... then..."

"I'LL KILL HIM!!!" Nightmare Moon screamed internally, her rage a palpable force in the devastated city. She crossed her forelegs in front of herself. The pain from her burns was a dull throb compared to the fiery hatred she felt for Yuta. "I'LL BUCKING KILL HIM!!!"

Yuta returned the favour. His hands rose, one open palm reaching towards the sky and the other a clenched fist. The hand signs of Dakini. With the peak of warfare at a record high, marking a turning point of the battle, they all yelled in unison, unleashing the pinnacle of Jujutsu Sorcery.

"『Domain Expansion』!!"

"『DOMAIN EXPANSION』!!"

"『領域展開』: Ryōiki Tenkai."

Author's Note

1 minute and 26 seconds are left for the sustained connection between Yuta and Rika

Destroy the Celestial Bodies: Part 4

The world around Yuta, Daybreaker, and Nightmare Moon caved, forming a dome-shaped prison in a radius around them. A surge of potent cursed energies washed away the oppressive heat. The space around them fractured, and the unknown light flashed around them. In the overlapping domains, the sure-hit attacks between the three domains cancel each other out. Thus, this comes down to a clash of where the more refined domain will conquer.

Unsurprisingly, Yuta's domain comes out on top when comparing his refinement against the domain of two Special Grade curses. That, coupled with the cursed technique Yuta placed as his barrier's sure-hit and the preconceived notion of all three combatants popping their domains, had Yuta's domain activated much quicker than the pair of sisters opposite from him, occupying the largest portion of the enclosed space among all of them.

However, Daybreaker's and Nightmare Moon's ingrained cursed techniques complement one another. As such, they are focusing their efforts on dismantling Yuta's barriers from their respective sides of the battle, all the while ensuring that whenever Yuta's had crumbled due to either side's prevailing domain, the other sister would instantly drop hers. In essence, this isn't a battle royale; instead, Yuta is fighting two domains simultaneously for control.

Yuta was glad he had implemented that cursed technique, as it sure-hit. Otherwise, his domain would likely have already lost the tug-of-war by now.

This standstill is comparable to a three-legged stool, with each fighter doing their best to topple the other leg and the odds stacked against him. A battle of three domains is much more complex than just two, and seeing how the two sisters gradually pushed Yuta's barriers back. The domains will either soon crumble, or Yuta will succumb to the combined might of the Sun and Moon.

Of course, that would be assuming that everything went smoothly.

Nightmare Moon dashed forward, determined to have Yuta's head on a platter. Just then, Yuta's domain shot forward, encompassing a good portion of Daybreaker's domain.

"Daybreaker!" Nightmare Moon yelled as she stopped her charge. "What are you doing!?" Snapping around, Nightmare saw her sisters on her knees. Sweat, an almost alien sight on her fiery coat, beaded on her forehead. Even her ordinarily vibrant, fiery mane burned dimly. Her eyes were wide, too wide for her comfort.

"Poison!" Daybreaker admits through a cough, "When, and more importantly, how did that rascal...!?"

With Nightmare's focus momentarily diverted by Daybreaker's sudden distress, Rika seized the opportunity and hammered her into the ground with a fist before dragging her through the floor and throwing her in the direction of Daybreaker. With monumental effort, the sun curse erects a shield so her sister doesn't come crashing into her. Nightmare bounced off with an audible "Oof!" and using her body as a blind spot, Yuta came in from the side with The Coiling Ouroboros.

"the blood of blood manipulation users are poisonous to curses." Yuta states.

Shit.

"Unblockable Drumming Beat!" Smashing the shield into bits, Yuta connects with her jaw with a nasty crunch, sending her flying back. As she was still soaring, he echoes, "Twist!"

The command rung. Obeying, one of Daybreaker's forelegs, defied logic, and her physical limitations begin to twist an impossible amount. With the damage she had taken so far, including the poison running rampant in her body, she broke her concentration and hold of her domain.

With that, the first pillars that held the stool had fallen, leaving just Yuta to focus on Nightmare Moon's domain. Yet, she held on. To Yuta's surprise, her body was straining with all her strength to keep it from crumbling, muscles bulging, and veins popping.

Yuta and Rika moved in quickly, each landing a barrage of punches and ping-ponging Nightmare between each other before Yuta clenched down on her forelegs and sent an unbridled amount of positive energy into them, imploding the limbs. With her hoof seals shattered, the dam holding back the tide broke.

Cracks snaked across the interior of Nightmare Moon's domain, spanning wider with each passing heartbeat. The once imposing barrier began to crumble, the darkness receding like a tide. Now, the second of the pillars that held the stool had also fallen: Daybreaker's and Nightmare Moon's domain had shattered in the clash for dominance, and Yuta's domain took over.

The land was littered with wreckage – countless cross-shaped structures, some whole, some shattered, all embedded with katanas across their surfaces. The sheer number of these strange monuments stretched as far as the eye could see, a chilling testament to the domain's power.

High above, an intricate and beautiful web of ropes circled the battlefield. Each intersection was tied in a complex lover's knot, an unsettling contrast to the brutal scene below.

"『真贋相愛』Shingan Sōai: 『Autenthic Mutual Love』."

The sure-hit landed, and a surge of information flooded the minds of Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon at once. A puzzled look draws upon their faces as they try to comprehend the complex mechanics of the rules imposed by the domain.

Yuta propelled himself forward, picking up two stray katanas with each hand while running and pointing one over at Nightmare. Tree roots shot up, constricting around her with a sickening snap and binding her hooves and legs in an inescapable grip. Raising the remaining katana, he channelled his cursed energy, engulfing the blade in a swirling inferno. With a savage snarl, he lunged at Nightmare Moon, the burning blade aimed at her face.

The resulting explosion of fire and earth sent Nightmare Moon flying backwards with a pained shriek. Capitalising on the momentary window, Yuta surged forward, his eyes blazing with a feverish determination. He needed to finish this before the sisters could regroup or when their technique replenishes!

But just as he was about to deliver another devastating blow, a blur of white and gold slammed into the ground beside him with a thunderous boom. Daybreaker engulfed in an inferno of her own celestial flames, had emerged from the wreckage, a horrifying phoenix rising from the ashes.

Yuta stumbled back, throwing up a hand to shield himself from the searing heat radiating from the alicorn. As the flames subsided, revealing a charred and battered Daybreaker, a wave of disbelief washed over him.

"She already healed the blood poisoning!?" Yuta screamed to himself. "...No, she burned herself to the limit to extinguish my blood in her body!"

A wave of his hand conjured two green train shutter doors, slamming shut between him and the searing heat of Daybreaker's sacrifice, shielding him just in time for Daybreaker to unleash a massive breath of fire. A swift kick sent the metal barriers crashing into the weakened alicorn, buying him a precious moment of reprieve. Spinning around, Yuta materialised a red reserve ball between his thumb and with a flick of his wrist, he hurled the cursed object towards Nightmare Moon, still struggling against the tree root binds.

"Red and green, if that's the case..." Yuta grabs a katana from his side and points at the two alicorns. "Reach!"

High above the domain, two pictures of a mature-looking woman in her twenties with a beer can in her hand rolled to a stop before the three fighters. Saitou Aya is plastered on the bottom with a border and the number 1 beside her profile photo. Between the two pictures, there was ample space for one more photocard to be slotted.

1 ,☐, 1.

The world tilts as the three get pulled from Yuta's domain into a new territory.

When the chaos subsided, they stood in a narrow alleyway. Gleaming white tiles lined the walls, illuminated by harsh overhead lights. A metal barrier separated them, a row of automated ticket gates marking the entrance to a bustling train platform beyond.

"The stage changed!" Nightmare stumbled to her hooves, groaning as the pain from her earlier injuries flared anew. Glancing at her singed sister, a snarl contorted her face. Time seemed to move in slow motion as a man in a crisp suit, oblivious to the unbelievable scene unfolding around him, sprinted past them, briefcase clutched tightly, towards a gleaming metal barrier.

"We're in a low-reach scenario!" Daybreaker roared, her voice echoing in the confined space. The concept of "reach" within Yuta's bizarre domain was still a mystery, but instinct screamed at her that this sudden shift was no accident.

Before Yuta could react, Nightmare lunged forward, "Don't take any chances! Stop that character!"

She charged towards Yuta; her hooves clattered against the smooth tiles as she closed the distance, eyes narrowed in a predatory glare. Her hooves clattered against the blade in Yuta's hand. While he's busy with her sister, Daybreaker barrelled into the businessman nearing the ticket gate with ferocious speeds.

Suddenly, her nose scrunched up, not from a vile smell or anything of the sort. But a ghostly palm of a hand barged into her face with all the force of an oncoming train. Blood seeped into the hand of Rika, the palm shoving her back with a resounding crack on the wall of the metro.

"Oops!!"

A voice, high-pitched and strangely comical, echoed from the ticket gate. All eyes swivelled towards the source of the sound. There, wedged helplessly between the metal barriers, stood Yuuki with a look of utter panic. His briefcase lay forgotten on the floor, his dreams of reaching work on time seemingly shattered.

Above, between the two, Saitou Aya slots a familiar face of Yuuki, holding onto his tie with a smile. Beside his photo, a large number 7 was prominent.

1, 7, 1.

The sterile confines of the train station dissolved, replaced by the familiar wreckage of Yuta's domain, now bathed in a sickly green glow.

"What a pathetic sure-hit technique!! Risking it all on luck!? Don't make me laugh!!" A punch greets Yuta from the side, Nightmare cracking a hoof across his face with a sinister smile. Pulling him back with her telekinetic grip, Nightmare delivered another punch. Repeating this cycle as she monologues. "The odds are 1/239 right!? Do you seriously think either my sister or I will let you keep on rolling forever!?"

A wave of pain erupted from Yuta's face as Nightmare's hoof connected, the taste of blood metallic on his tongue. The world swam for a moment, the manic glint in his eyes flickering with anger. But it was a momentary lapse. Yuta reacted with lightning speed, fuelled by a desperate need to regain control.

A powerful kick shot out as his torso dipped near horizontal, aiming for Nightmare's jaw. With a grunt of exertion, he used the katana, plunged into the ground for support, to leverage himself back upright. Twisting like a coiled viper, he launched towards the princess, his back brushing against her cool underbelly fur in a calculated manoeuvre.

In a swift reversal, Yuta flipped the katana around, the sharp tip flashing past his body in a blur. Nightmare, momentarily distracted by Yuta's unorthodox movement, found the blade plunging deep into her side with a sickening thud, Yuta pushing the blade towards himself and deeper into her flesh.

With the blade properly lodged into her body, Yuta released his grip on the katana and clasped his hands together to form a dog's head, the shadow below him opening its eyes as though it were sentient.

"Divine Dogs."

From the writhing darkness beneath the alicorn, two spectral canines rose from the shadows – a stark contrast of black and white. They lunged at Nightmare with a ferocious growl, their jaws snapping viciously at her exposed sides. The pain, both physical and from the cursed energy coursing through her, tore a scream from the mare's throat, cutting her furious retort short.

Capitalising on her momentary vulnerability, Yuta landed another brutal punch to her face. Blood stained his knuckles, leading him to do two swift karate clops to the side of her neck, followed by two green train doors shutting close on her from both sides. The two divine dogs let go of their capture, giving Yuta enough space to kick her off with a grunt.

Yuta grabbed two nearby katanas as he ran forward, the divine dogs running alongside him. Lunging forward, he and the divine dogs dove headfirst into the flying mare.

Just as they were about to collide with Nightmare, a blinding flash of celestial light erupted above them. A devastating volley of crescent-shaped projectiles was unleashed upon them. Left, right, front and back. No matter where he turned, a projectile would be there to corner him. A sickening crunch echoed through the air as one of the projectiles slammed into Divine Dog Black, severing the spectral canine in two.

"Slicing Sun!!" Daybreaker's voice echoed, causing Yuta to snap up to meet her gaze. Had her cursed technique already been restored? Wait, if Daybreaker's technique has been restored already that means...!!

Several crescent-shaped projectiles bombard Yuta from the front, forcing him to materialise another pair of green doors to shield him from the attack.

"Slicing Moon!!"

Yuta was confused. Shouldn't Rika be handling Daybreaker? Why is she... But there she was, plummeting from the sky, her form riddled with burn wounds.

Yuta points a katana above him, eyes staring coldly at Nightmare through the glass window of the subway door.

"Red."

A ball of divergence swirled around the sword's tip, pressure heavy from the build-up. Releasing it at blinding speeds, the ball connected with the alabaster mare in a devastating explosion. Releasing his grip on the fading katana, Yuta kicked off the doors in front of him, and the metal walls flew straight at Nightmare. But a beam of evening blue tore through it with ease.

"Another green indicator!? HA!" Nightmare Moon laughed, charging at Yuta. "That means it's another low-hype scenario, am I right!? Reach for it! I dare you!! I'LL KILL YOU BEFORE YOU HIT JACKPOT!!!"

Busting through the door, Yuta was nowhere to be seen. Only the charging Divine Dog White met her sight. As she charged her horn to kill the thing in one shot, a green reserve ball jabbed her in the eye. She screamed, blood streaming down the mare's face, her vision momentarily obscured by the searing pain. It was the opening Yuta needed while Divine Dog White chomped on her horn.

Launching himself into a flying kick, Yuta connects with Nightmare Moon's side, sending her sprawling to the ground with a pained grunt. As she stumbled, Divine Dog White, with a final ferocious snap, tore its jaws from the alicorn's bloodied horn.

Yuta didn't waste a moment. He landed beside the fallen alicorn, twin katanas glinting menacingly in his hands—one blade pulsed with a vibrant yellow light, the other with a cool, evening blue.

Fear, raw and primal, flickered in Nightmare Moon's eyes as she looked up at Yuta. Her vision blurred, but her instincts screamed danger. Just before the blades descended, Yuta uttered a chilling command, his voice laced with a twisted sense of control.

"Slicing Sun." he growled, the words heavy with the promise of celestial fire.

"Slicing Moon." he continued, the second blade humming with the power of reflected moonlight.

The idea that Yuta had used their techniques against herself didn't fully register as the two blades connected with a resounding BOOM! The explosion separated by the colours of the respective techniques.

A wave of disbelief washed over Daybreaker as the dust settled. The booming explosion had carved a crater into the already ravaged battlefield, the stench of singed earth heavy in the air. Yuta stood alone, the headless body of Nightmare Moon ashing away beneath his feet as he turned around just enough that the corner of his eye could catch Daybreaker hovering in the air, wiping away the blood flowing down his lips with a thumb. He stared coldly at the remaining alicorn. Expecting her to make a move.

Daybreaker's grief and rage exploded in a torrent of flames, brighter and fiercer than anything Yuta had witnessed before. Even the very air was warping with the intensity of her fury.

"You..." her voice cracked, raw with emotion, "YOU-!!"

Before Yuta could react, Daybreaker vanished in a blur of white-hot light. He whirled around, his senses on high alert, searching for the alicorn princess. A prickling sensation on the back of his neck sent a jolt of fear through him.

Teleporting behind Yuta, Daybreaker unleashed a devastating blast of crepuscular energy directly at his back. The force of the attack was unimaginable. A concentrated beam of golden aimed to obliterate him. In that desperate moment, Yuta's only instinct was to react.

With a surge of cursed energy, a pair of green subway doors materialised just in time, slamming shut between him and the oncoming blast. The impact was deafening. A thunderous roar echoed through the ravaged landscape. The doors groaned under pressure, warping and buckling from the raw power of Daybreaker's attack, before caving in and exploding outward, sending Yuta flying.

Careening through the sky, Yuta's sense of vertigo was challenged as he spun helplessly through the open space. Not giving him a chance to breathe, Daybreaker reappeared above him with another blast of concentrated crepuscular ray onto him. Blasting him straight down onto the ground in a cloud of dust.

Yuta got up from the rubble, using the hilt of a katana as support as he rose. Daybreaker was diving straight for him. However, pulling the katana from the ground he previously used as support, Yuta bellows. "Reach!!"

Between the two fighters, two pictures of an older, mature-looking woman folding her hair back rolled to a stop before the three of them. Her white shirt under her office vest did little to hide her cleavage, as Amanogawa Sayuri is highlighted on a border directly below her profile. The number 2 was plastered boldly beside her.

2, 2 ,☐.

A wave of light washed over Yuta and Dayberaker as the world dissolved into a swirling warp around them, forcibly transporting them to another location. The deafening roar of Daybreaker's attack faded, replaced by the sterile hum of fluorescent lights. Yuta found himself back in the cramped alleyway of the train station, the white tiles and metal barriers greeting him.

"What's the use of reaching now!?" she roared, continuing her flight towards him, her voice echoing in the confined space. "The scenario is a low-hype scene! Trying to buy time!?"

The confined space of the alleyway offered him little room to manoeuvre, and the impact sent him crashing into the wall. Bricks crumbled beneath the force of the blow, the acrid tang of dust stinging his nostrils. Pain, a searing wave of it, pulsed through his body. Her hooves, imbued with the heat of her cursed technique, rained down on him like a relentless hammer. The jerking to and from his head caused Yuta to involuntarily drop his katana as he stood defenceless to the ruthless onslaught.

"Now that you're here, there's no katana lying around to save your flank!!" Daybreaker laughs, dishing out another flurry of hooves to his head and torso, blood staining her fur and a speckle decorating her cheek. "YOU'RE DEAD BEFORE THIS SCENE PLAYS OUT!!!

With a fiery snarl, Daybreaker ignited her horn. A wave of fire erupted, engulfing Yuta in an inferno. He bore the pain, holding in a yell that scraped at his throat as the heat licked at his skin, the flesh on his arms beginning to char and peel. The pain was excruciating, a symphony of agony that threatened to overwhelm him. Daybreaker was dealing more damage than Yuta could heal them. All those times Yuta had used Reverse Cursed Technique on himself finally piled on him, and his overall output was at an all-time low.

He coughed, a bloody spray erupting from his lips. Daybreaker took this as an invitation to dog-pile more blows on the human. She rained down more blows, her hooves connecting with a sickening thud. His body trembled under the onslaught, the world blurring at the edges of his vision.

A cruel smile stretched across Daybreaker's face as she finally relented, taking a step back to admire her handiwork. Yuta slumped against the cratered wall, his head hung low. His ragged breaths rasped through the sterile silence of the alleyway, his body a canvas of raw, bleeding wounds.

"Goodbye, monkey," Daybreaker scoffed, blowing an exhale. Raising her horn once more. The air crackled with celestial energy, a potent golden light swirling at the tip. "And good riddance."

"It's over," Yuta murmured.

"Phew!!" Came a male voice not of Yuta.

"Huh?"

Turning back to the voice, Daybreaker saw Yuuki on the opposite side of the ticket gate, jogging at a reasonable pace as he made his way to the stairs leading to the subway with a big, goofy smile on his face. Looking up at the slot rolls, a third Amanogawa Sayuri slots at the end of the three-image sequence.

2, 2, 2.

Jackpot.

The beat pulsed through the air, a foreign rhythm that seemed to vibrate within Yuta's very core. With each pulsating note, a surge of cursed energy coursed through him, revitalizing his battered form.

Lunging forward, Yuta grabbed Daybreaker by her face and pulled her close. Planting a fat one on her lips, Yuta flowed his boundless positive energy into her. The flesh on her face begins to bubble as she scraps at Yuta's face to try and get him off her, but each flesh torn is quickly replenished by renewed skin. All the damage and harm Daybreaker had done so far was seemingly being rewound as Yuta's injuries stitched themselves back together.

Pulling her into a hug with his other hand, Yuta traced his hand down her back and pulsed positive energy to the rest of her body. The eyes in her skull popped in a spray of blood, and the rest of her imploded in an explosion of gore.

Yuta's domain soon shatters in fragmented lights of warped reality, reintroducing him to the outside world as his hand still hung in the air from evaporating the dictator of the sun. Yuta dangles his arms to his sides, the blood of the curse ashing away from his skin and clothes while he spits out the remains of her in his mouth.

Within less than five minutes after their incarnation, the curse embodiment of the Sun and Moon has been exorcised at the hands of the second-strongest sorcerer of the modern era.

.
..
...

A heavy silence descended upon the ruined Canterlot streets, or what's left of it. The only sound was the erratic thump of Yuta's heart and the distant howling of shivering winds. Then, a voice, soft and laced with concern, broke the silence.

"Yuta..." Rika materialised beside him, her spectral form shimmering faintly under the eclipse. Relief and worry warred in her eyes as she surveyed the devastation around them.

Yuta turned his head slowly, his eyes vacant and devoid of their earlier manic glint. He offered a weak smile, a crimson stain blooming across his lips. "Hey, Rika. You're back. Good to see you're well."

Before Rika could respond, a portal boom opened not so far away from the pair, and expectantly, Usowamoto stepped out; their body had seen better days. Yuta pulls his fist back, readying himself.

"No... NO!!!" They bellowed, staring daggers at Yuta. "Do... you HAVE ANY IDEA HOW HARD I WORKED!? HOW MUCH I SACRIFICED TO GET TO THIS POINT!?!"

Yuta stayed quiet, though it didn't matter. Usowamoto rambled on.

"I WANTED TO SEE THEM IN ACTION!!! TWILIGHT! RAINBOW DASH!!! ALL OF THE GIRLS WORKING TOGETHER TO EXORCISE THEM, NOT YOU!!!"

"What does it matter to you if I exorcised them or not?" Yuta questioned, genuinely curious.

"MY LIFE AS A HUMAN ENDED BEFORE I COULD FINISH THE SHOW!!! I WANTED THEM TO EXORCISE DAYBREAKER AND NIGHTMARE MOON AS A TEAM!!! I WANTED FIRST-CLASS SEATS TO THE PERFORMANCE, I WANTED TO SEE MY HEROES IN ACTION!!! THEN YOU," Usowamoto points an accusatory finger at Yuta."CAME IN AND RUINED EVERYTHING!!!"

Yuta stares blankly at the portal curse. There was no way they went through all this to see Twilight and her friends exorcise curses, could it?

"Tsk..." Usowamoto growled, flipping a palm open beside itself. "If I can't see them in action in this world." Plunging a hand into the portal, they pulled out a severed finger oozing with cursed energy. "Then I'll just watch other realities crumble."

Tossing the finger into their mouth quicker than Yuta could stop them, a surge of vitality pulsed through their body as the cursed object empowered their body. Who is now housing two fingers. The air around them snapped and cackled, a light warping around their body as they hatched from it.

Stepping out of the cacoon, Usowamoto revealed their matured form, no longer a cursed womb. Not much different as Yuta could tell, only managing a height difference probably of that of an adult woman and multiple glowing tattoos around their arms that circle the limb. Yuta tackled the matured Usowamoto to the ground, pulling a fist back, and he launched it at the curse. But the sudden feeling of falling caught Yuta off guard.

Usowamoto boomed a portal below them, allowing gravity to push Usowamoto, Yuta, and Rika down into the sizzling ground of Canterlot and away from Equestria as a whole.

In the bustling heart of Canterlot City, Sunset Shimmer walked along with her friends on the cobblestone pavement. Pinkie doing tricks on the railing right of them, and a vast lake that spans quite far out to the cityscape takes up that space. The light dancing off the folds of water on the lake enamoured Sunset, her gaze lingering longer than it should be.

Rainbow, taking the lead of the pack, turns around.

"C'mon, girls! We're gonna miss the show at this rate!"

Applejack tips her hat with a thumb just enough to stare eye-to-eye with Rainbow. "And what movie are we gonna watch again!"

"Jujutsu Kaisen 0!" Rainbow puts out an O shape by cupping her fingers and thumb together. "It's the prequel to Jujutsu Kaisen."

"You're really excited, aren't you?" Twilight stated, earning a happy eep from Rainbow. Adding a hop to her step.

"Duh! I watched the original JJK anime and held myself off from reading JJK 0 all cause the movie was announced all those months back!" Rainbow chops at the air, "The action!" she kicks, "The story!" and throws the punch. "The powers! They're all so insanely AWESOME!!!"

Sunset turns over to Fluttershy, who seems to be happy that Rainbow's happy. "Are you sure you're okay with watching this Fluttershy?" Sunset asked, a hint of comfort in her voice. "Rainbow can be a bit much sometimes from wanting to do things she's passionate about..."

Fluttershy smiles, "Oh yes, I'm alright. In fact, I'm actually quite excited for it!"

Sunset raises a brow at this. "...Why's that?"

Fluttershy whips out her phone, tapping her fingers on the screen a bit before showing Sunset the poster for the movie and pointing at a familiar furry friend. "There's a talking panda in this movie!"

Sunset turns to deadpan Rainbow, silently looking at her like she's saying. Seriously?

Rainbow threw her hands up. "Hey, when Fluttershy sees just how awesome this series is. Panda would be the reason why she got into it in the first place! Then, I'll have a friend I can geek out to about JJK! It's practically a win-win scenario!"

Rarity sighs, "And unfortunately for me, I'm getting dragged into this..."

Twilight turns to her sighing friend with a tilt of her head. "How did Rainbow manage to convince you to watch with her?"

Rarity folds her arms, "In exchange for watching this movie with her, Rainbow will convince the soccer team to pick me as lead designer for the development of Canterlot High's jerseys."

A sudden quake sent a small ripple of water from the city to the cobblestone path the seven friends took; Pinkie was the only one who noticed this, her eyes glued to the crisp blue of the waters. Its surface acted like a reflective mirror, allowing her to see the upside-down image of the cityscape rather clearly. That's when the image of a portal booming into existence directly above Canterlot City caught her gaze, causing her to snap her head up and catch the sight of a boy in white, a ragged lady with long hair, and a giant ghostly figure falling from the clouds.

"Erm, gals? Are my eyes playing tricks on me or..." Pinkie called, pointing at the three falling bodies. "Are those people falling from the sky?"

Author's Note

At the time when Yuta and Rika fall into the portal, 20 seconds are left for the sustained connection between Yuta and Rika. Furthermore, Yuta will have infinite cursed energy flowing through him. In other words, for the next 4 minutes and 11 seconds, or until their connection runs out. Yuta Okkotsu is effectively immortal.

Did I wait 2 years for Yuta's domain to be revealed so I could finish this chapter? Maybe.

Also, Hakari's domain rules are difficult to understand, so here's a visual to help you all grasp them better.

This chapter also marks the 100k words I've written in this fic, so 🎊

The Interlude: Not All Worlds Die The Same

In the room where Sombra had perished, the sound of drumming and banging reverberated around the tightly enclosed space of Twilight's magic as sweat beads down her forehead. Violet sparks trickle down her horn, glowing faintly against the increasing darkness around them. Rainbow, Shining, and Cadance lay motionless at her hooves, and Rarity and Flurry did everything they could with the materials around them to close the wounds on their bodies. A layer of magic surrounds them, separating the group from the pounding curses outside. Clawing and scraping away at Twilight's protection, their teeth dripping with hunger and saliva.

"Urgh..." Rainbow groaned, muzzle deep into the floor.

"Rainbow? Darling?" Rarity asked, peeking over her face from above. "Can you get up?"

"I-I'll manage..." Rainbow said, getting up. But a sharp pain to her side, when she was rising, caused her to wince and arched her back. "-Ack!"

"Don't push yourself!" Rarity warns, putting her hooves under Rainbow's body for support. "If it's too much, you should rest."

"I can't..." Rainbow murmured under her breath, "We still gotta distract that curse," Rainbow got up with Rarity's help. "We must buy more time for Yuta."

"I'm afraid that doesn't matter anymore." Twilight replied with a strained face, "The curse is gone. Most likely teleporting to Yuta's current location." She gives a hasty, tired exhale, a thin layer of glistening sweat coating her fur. "I can't keep holding onto this barrier. Rarity, Dash, get down."

Heeding Twilight's instruction, Rarity and Rainbow lowered themselves, allowing Twilight to expand the barrier with a burst of magical energy. The force of the expansion sent shockwaves through the room, instantly disintegrating the remaining curses into wisps of smoke and ash and leaving only the faint static of Twilight's shining horn and a new dripping sound reverberating across the room.

"Huff-!" Twilight gasped a ragged breath that tore from her throat.

Looking down at the source, a crimson puddle greeted the princess. It looks like she pushed it this time. Wiping her bloody nose, the alicorn turns around.

The exertion alone caused a blossoming red to bloom in her eye, a bloody tear tracing a path down her cheek. "Is everypony alright? -Ngrpmh!" She collapsed onto her knees and clasped her head with a trembling hoof, a strangled groan escaping her lips.

"Twilight!" Rarity rushes over to her side, immediately pulling out a bandage roll as she begins to wrap it around her eye. "Are you hurt!?" She inquired, worry evident in her voice. Each layer of bandage, applied with desperate haste, was saturated with crimson faster than she could warp it. That fear and concern for her friend wasn't calming down anytime soon.

"I'm fine, Rarity." Twilight replies, thinking to herself. "That impromptu Domain Expansion drained my magic reserves. I still haven't recovered from that blowback."

Pushing through the discomfort, Twilight rose to her hooves, swaying slightly before finding her balance. "How are the rest of you holding up?" she asked, her voice strained but resolute.

"Not good," Rarity shakes her head. "Princess Cadance and Shining Armor are both down for the count, but we're lucky Yuta healed the princess with his magic- oh... erm, cursed energy? Or else I fear she might not be here with us right now."

A stray sniffle and a tug at her mane caught Rarity's attention. Turning down to the source, a teary-eyed Flurry Heart looked at Rarity with the most heart-wrenching look a filly her age could muster.

"I-is Mommy going to be o-okay?"

Rarity tried her best to give an encouraging smile through her deep eyebags, squatting down to meet her at eye level.

"Your mother is a strong mare, Flurry Dear." Rarity cooed, gently running a hoof through her mane. "If any pony can survive this, it's her."

"It's my fault," Flurry admits, dipping her head down as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I should've listened to Mommy. I shouldn't have left the Throne Room!" Flurry grasps her shivering hooves onto her cheeks in the form of self-comfort, unable to stop the shaking.

However, the reassurance and warmth of a violet wing soothe her restlessness just a bit. Looking up, Twilight looked at her with a pacifying gaze.

A wave of tenderness washed over Twilight. Scooting closer to Flurry, she brushed away a stray tear on the uninjured side of her face, careful not to disturb the bandage. "Auntie?" Flurry looked up, her eyes red-rimmed but searching for comfort.

"We all make mistakes, Flurry Heart," Twilight said softly. "Even I did a lot of silly things when I was young. What matters most is how we learn from them. Luckily, most injuries can be healed with magic. For you, Flurry," Twilight leaned in, her voice a warm whisper, "I'm just glad you're safe."

Getting up, Twilight staggers over to the balcony. It should have been nighttime since she last lowered the sun, yet the unmistakable overpowering light of the star illuminated dimly behind the moon high up in the peak. What's worse was the encroaching blizzard of the north swallowing nearly half of the city in a thick layer of white. With a strained effort, she focused her remaining magic. A ball of violet light erupted from her horn, soaring skyward. It reached its apex and then, with a burst of magical energy, expanded into a shimmering dome, encasing the entire Crystal Empire.

"Hah!" Twilight gasped, the exertion taking its toll. That should buy some time to figure things out. Pushing through the haze of pain, Twilight turned around. As she did, a rolled-up letter materialised above her head, suspended amidst the flickering embers of green magical fires. A spark of curiosity flickered in her tired eyes as she reached up and unfurled the parchment.

Following the lines of text with her single undamaged eye, Twilight's brow furrowed in concentration. Her expression shifted between confusion, realisation, and, finally, a flicker of relief. "Thank goodness..." she breathed under her breath, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. With a wave of her horn, the scroll vanished, transported to a secure location for safekeeping.

Turning back towards the group, Twilight addressed them with a strained voice. "There's a solar eclipse," she rasps. "The curses resembling Celestia and Luna must have mimicked their magic as well. We need to get back to the master clock in Canterlot if we want to fix the day-night cycle back to its original rotation." But even bigger problems gnawed at the edges of her consciousness. "Also, The Crystal Heart..." she began, her voice dropping to a worried whisper.

A sudden flash of light and a sizzling pop cut through the sombre mood. Starlight Glimmer materialised in the centre of the room, her mane a wild mess and her eyes wide with alarm.

"The Crystal Heart's gone!" she blurted, her voice trembling.

A collective gasp rippled through the room. Flurry Heart's eyes widened in terror, and Rarity let out a sharp cry. Rainbow Dash, wincing at the movement, echoed Starlight's distress with a gruff, "What?!"

Twilight, however, remained surprisingly calm. "I know," she admitted, her voice raspy but firm.

Starlight blinked, momentarily thrown by Twilight's seeming acceptance. "Wait, you know, Twilight?" she stammered.

"I just received a letter from Spike over in the Dragonlands. He and some armed forces were sent over on behalf of Equestria's military aid to combat to rising number of curses in their region. " Twilight explained. "Apparently, he and Dragon Lord Ember stumbled upon a group of dragons fighting a horde of curses for territory… over the Crystal Heart." A wry smile flickered across her face, a hint of amusement mixed with exhaustion. "They're doing their best to bring it back to the Empire as we speak."

"It's that UwU-so-whatever-the-freak their name was!" Rainbow stomps, "There's no other way The Crystal Heart could've teleported from the Arctic North to the South of Equestria that fast!"

"That's beside the point, Rainbow." Rarity chimes in, "What will we do about the blizzard?"

"I'll handle-"

"No, Twilight." Rarity interjects.

"But I'm the only one who can maintain the-"

"Ah, ba-ba-ba-ba-ba! No buts! You're one more magical push away from never seeing us again!"

"Rarity's right, Twilight," Starlight added, walking over. "I'll handle the barrier's formation, and I'm confident I could at least hold out til Spike comes around. You should rest."

"A-are you sure? The load is going to be heavy..." Twilight tries to convince, though to Starlight or to herself, she doesn't know. "Wait, how are you here, Starlight? Aren't you supposed to be resting?"

"Well, I would be had it not been the students gunning after your stone relics right after you used them." Starlight crossed over to Twilight's shoulder and paused just shy of her ears. Eyes facing the balcony. "Plus, I think there's an issue that you, as Princess of Friendship, should tend to down at the tower's base." With a breath, Starlight turned and walked towards the balcony "Or don't, I'm... not adept at handling situations like these. But I do think they need some form of support. You should see for yourself."

Twilight blinks before ducking her head slightly and nodding at the gesture. "...Alright, I'll take a look." Twilight gave an awkward smile, switching her attention to Rarity and Rainbow. "Sorry, girls, I must leave them in your care."

"Nonsense, Twilight!" Rarity waves off, "Honestly, this is much more therapeutic for me than brawling like some savages in the outdoors. I already have enough twigs in my mane, so Dashie and I will keep a watchful eye over them, won't we?"

Rainbow Dash, still nursing her own injuries, grumbled a begrudging agreement. "Yeah, sure. I need to rest my wings anyway. Ow," she added with a grimace, "I think I pulled a muscle."

Twilight descended the flight of stairs, her steps heavy with exhaustion and a growing sense of dread. Pushing open the double doors, she wasn't met with the expected chatter or even the quiet murmur of recovery. Instead, the first sounds to hit her ears were a heart-wrenching mix of quiet whimpers and the clatter of her hoof regalia against the dusty crystal floor.

Stepping down, the cries didn't subside. Nor did any pony notice her presence, not that it mattered. Scanning the room, a gaping hole in the wall at the side exposed the refugees to the raging blizzard outside. The ground, walls, and even ceilings bore deep slash marks of various sizes, and the air hung heavily from moist and cursed energy residuals.

Did Yuta do all of this?

Even more unsettling were the bodies scattered across the ravaged space. Most were guards, their once shiny uniforms torn and stained crimson, and there would occasionally be one or two cilivan ponies among them.

In the middle, Mistmane stood on guard, her horn lit and her eyes lasered trained. A bubble of protection surrounded several ponies behind her. Housing the unconscious pillars, along with Pinkie, Applejack, and Fluttershy.

"Mistmane," Twilight called, walking over to the unicorn.

"Princess..." Mistmane bowed,

"No need for that." Twilight dismissed, "I've come down to deliver some bittersweet news... Okay, maybe a little more on the sweeter side. For starters, Sombra's been dealt with. Nopony died. And we discovered why the curses have been targeting specified areas across Equestria."

"Ah, I see. That's indeed great news!" Mistmane smiled, clopping her hooves together. "We saw the events being projected live above us from the other side of the portal. Good to know Sombra's no longer a concern. What's the bad news?"
"Shining Armor is unconscious," Twilight began, her voice dropping slightly. "Cadance still suffered horrific injuries but is alive. Almost all our forces are gone. Their attack, in a way, succeeded. And that portal curse Usowamoto is still on the loose."

Mistmane winced at the grim details. "Oh, that's… not ideal."

"No, it's not," Twilight agreed. "But we did have a plan. We entrusted Yuta to disrupt their main objective."

"Yuta… the human?" Mistmane questioned, a hint of concern creeping into her voice. "Um, Princess, is it wise to have placed such faith in an outsider?"

"Yes, it is," Twilight asserted, her voice firm despite the doubt flickering in Mistmane's eyes. "We have a pact."

"…A pact?" Mistmane echoed, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Uh…" Twilight faltered, realising she might have revealed more than intended. She shook her head, forcing a smile. "Never mind that for now. Starlight mentioned an issue that needs my attention. Do you have any idea what she might have meant?"

Mistmane leaned in close, her voice barely a whisper above the whimpers of the wounded. "Take a look to your right."

Following the unicorn's direction, Twilight's gaze shifted toward the edge of the shimmering barrier, her heart sinking with each step. Huddled together, seeking solace in their shared misery, were Smolder, Gallus, Silverstream, Ocellus, and Yona. Their bodies were battle-worn, and their spirits lost to the hurdling winds. They looked like living-yet-not-living gargoyles, eyes completely devoid of life with no energies in their movements, and they all sat together in a circle facing one another.

"What are they doing here-?!" Twilight's voice cracked,

"Sandbar passed, Princess."

"...I'm sorry?" The world seemed to tilt on its axis. Twilight craned her neck to face Mistmane. Her pupil shrunk to pinpricks.

"Sandbar perished, fighting to buy time for the refugees to make it to the safe zone unharmed," Mistmane said, looking down at the floor, unable to face Twilight's gaze.

"...I..." she stammered, a strangled sob catching in her throat. The metallic tang of bile rose in her throat, a physical retaliation of the grief tearing her from the inside. "I have to go talk to them," Twilight finally managed. Making her way over to the bunch, guilt gnawed at the back of her self-consciousness.

How could she have so carelessly left the relics unattended?

Why couldn't she have just kept the teleportation a low profile?

Why did she have to add fuel to the fire!?

All these interlocking thoughts clouded her sight, so much that she didn't notice a tear in reality, shimmering like a mirage in the hot desert, had ripped open in front of her. Before she could even register the anomaly, a familiar draconequus came barreling through the opening. The air whooshed out of Twilight's lungs in a strangled gasp. Dazed and coughing, she struggled to regain her bearings. Through blurry vision, she saw her friend sprawled on the ground a few hooves away, its monstrous form twitching erratically.

"Gak!" Twilight rasped, clutching her side where the impact had landed. "D-Discord!?" Her voice croaked in disbelief.

"W-where am I!?" Discord screeched with a cracked fang and a bloody nose, blue fires burning on the tips of his ash beard and his body littered with scuff and lacerations. "A-are you my Twilight!?!" He asked, lunging his hands towards Twilight's sides as he began to shake violently. "TELL ME!!!"

"S-stop shak-ing m-me!" Twilight rasped, the words tumbling out between ragged breaths. Discord, his frantic energy momentarily subdued, stared at her with wide, flickering eyes. A heavy sigh escaped him, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of worlds.

"*Sigh* Discord," Twilight pressed, her voice laced with a hint of her former authority despite the tremor in her hoof as she pointed an accusatory feather at his snout. "Where have you been!? If Yuta hadn't been here to help, things could have gone much worse.".

Discord's ears perked up at the mention of the human's name. "Did you say Yuta?"

Twilight tilts her head at this. "Um, yes?"

"Phew!" Discord wiped the imaginary sweat from his brow, indirectly freshening up his entire body in one sweep. The dust and scratches clinging onto his coat, flinging off in one swift motion. "I'm back home."

"What were you so afraid of? And you were off somewhere?" Twilight questions before pushing a hoof into him. "And can you please get off me?"

Popping off and reappearing beside Twilight, the princess caught up from the floor and tried to regain her regal posture.

"I got sent off to an alternate universe," Discord explained, un-straightening his scales.

"Usowamoto, I presume?"

He nods with a point, "Spot on! I was afraid I'd never find a way back. More so, I was too far along the future,"

Twilight furrows her brows at this. "Why would you be afraid of something like that?"

Discord's rubbery features contorted as he mimicked the worried expression on Twilight's face. He stretched his jaw ridiculously low, creating a fleshy valley between his snout and chin, before snapping it shut with a loud clap.

"Time doesn't flow the same for all universes, Twilight," he explained, his voice stretched and distorted by the contortion. Releasing his jaw, it snapped back with a wet smacking sound. "Think of it like streams of water, my little princess. When an occupant from one universe travels to another, the differing flows of time will clash like turbulent and unpredictable streams. But fear not," he continued, his voice returning to its usual playful lilt, "like good things, it will eventually smooth out. The poor, misplaced soul will eventually adjust to the rate of time in the new world. Though," he added with a wink, "it might take a few hours to a few days of temporal whiplash!"

Discord swept a dramatic hoof across his chest, indicating himself. "That's what I was so afraid of, Twilight! Imagine the horror! Stepping back through that dimensional tear only to find a desolate Equestria, a wasteland ruled by some monstrous conqueror… or worse, ruled by Pinkie Pie with unlimited access to sugar!" He shuddered dramatically, sending a ripple through his mismatched coat.

Leaning close to Twilight, his remaining eye gleaming with amusement, he lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "But I guess those worries were for nought, eh Princess?" Discord rambles, beginning to walk, his eyes still resting on Twilight. "But enough of that, where's Fluttershy?"

"Discord!" She warns, "Watch where you're stepping!"

Mid-sentence, the draconequus continued his carefree stroll, oblivious to the danger. A sickening squelch echoed in the air, followed by a surprised yelp from Discord as his hoof sank into something soft.

The momentum from his unbalanced step sent him sprawling forward in a graceless tumble. He landed with a resounding thud, his backside making a sickening squelch against a furry body. A cold, metallic liquid splashed against his legs, staining his mismatched coat, and sending a tremor through his entire being.

"Ow!" He yelps, taking a soiled hand to his bum; he rubs it to soothe the pain. "What did..." He looks down, seeing the body of a pony. "...I just..." Their lifeless eyes stared back at him, colour fading from their pupils. Bringing a hand up, Discord stares into his palm, blood soaking the creases of his folds, dripping around and down the side of it. "slip..."

Discord spun around, his single eye taking in the full scope of the devastation. Bodies of fallen guards lay crumpled and still on the cold floor. Further back, he noticed the huddle of surviving ponies, their forms trembling under the protective bubble of shimmering energy. But even from a distance, he could see the shift in their eyes – a flicker of recognition morphing into raw, unadulterated terror.

He could smell it. Fear hung heavy.

A deep, guttural growl rose from Discord's throat, a sound that seemed to come from a place far deeper than his usual theatrics. He covered his mouth with a clawed hand, muffling the sound as he squeezed his eyes shut. A manic grin stretched across his face.

"Discord," Twilight asks, walking over to him. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yes, I'll manage." Discord's brows fluttered sporadically, trying to rid the smile off his face. Getting up, his eyes landed on the shimmering shield in the middle of the sanctuary where the Crystal Heart was supposed to be held. Fluttershy lay unconscious, sprawled on the floor next to a heavily bandaged Applejack and a snoring Pinkie Pie. "Fluttershy!"

Popping next to the barrier, Discord reached out but stopped mid-air. The hand that so desperately wanted to caress Fluttershy was still soaked in crimson blood. Discord curled his digits inward before drawing his hand back into his chest with a gulp.

"I can't, not now. What if it affects her?" Discord thought before shaking his head and spinning to Twilight, hand still clutched to his chest. "Is there anything I can help with in the meantime?"

"No, not really." Twilight admits, "I would say find the Crystal Heart, though Spike's already on his way delivering it-"

"Consider it done." With a snap of his fingers, Spike and the Crystal Heart in his claws popped into existence beside him, his swings spread out and his body horizontal, presumably from flying.

"W-wha-!?" Spike blurted out, his voice a squeak as he landed with a resounding "Oof!" on the cold crystal floor. The Crystal Heart clattered harmlessly beside him. The clattering of an ancient prized artefact of a nation would naturally draw curious eyes over to the source, even more so when it's in the claw of its national hero. A collective gasp rippled through the huddled groups. Confused murmurs erupted, quickly escalating into a clamour of questions and exclamations.

"Is that... Spike!?" A crystal pony, trembling with disbelief, pointed a shaky hoof towards the bewildered dragon.

"And he has the Crystal Heart!" Another shrieked, her voice filled with a desperate hope that had been absent moments ago.

"Spike!" A third crystal pony yelled, his voice tinged with awe. "Our hero is here! He's come to save us!"

The tide of despair that had threatened to engulf the refugees seemed to recede for a moment, replaced by a wave of ecstatic hope.

"U-um hello everypony!" Spike began, holding the Crystal Heart close to him. "If you guys could just let me through so I can safely deliver this, it'd be great!" His last pleads fell on deaf ears as the ponies crowd around him, drowning out his explanation with their excitement.

"And that's my cue to leave!" Discord declared with a flourish, bowing dramatically despite the complete lack of an audience. Sweat, a rare occurrence on his mismatched form, beaded on his brow and trickled down his temple. Before he could execute a flamboyant exit worthy of the self-proclaimed Lord of Chaos, Twilight's horn flickered with magic, and her tail lashed out, wrapping around his twitching appendage.

"Discord," Twilight called out, her voice cutting through the rising tide of excited chatter. "Are you alright? I haven't seen you sweat that hard in a long time."

Discord squirmed uncomfortably under her scrutiny. He waved a dismissive hand, the appendage not currently held captive. "I'm fine, Twilight. Honestly, it's just this… fanfare's getting to me, that's all! All this hero worship, it's enough to make a draconequus crave a little… quiet chaos." He explained, his voice a touch higher pitched than usual, his eyes avoiding hers. The blatant lie did little to ease the suspicion furrowing Twilight's brow.

"It's been a long day for me as well, Twilight," he continued, attempting to deflect further questioning. "Just… want a change of pace, you know? Breathe some fresh, apocalyptic air."

Twilight studied him for a long moment, the silence stretching between them as taut as a harp string. "If you say so, Discord," she finally said, her voice laced with a hint of doubt. Turning around, Twilight looks over her shoulder at him one last time. "If there's anything on your mind, I'm always here." Finished, she walked off towards the crowd of ponies to save her dragon from the evergrowing crowd.

He shot out of the shattered opening in the wall, the chaotic blizzard whipping at his face a welcome change from the suffocating atmosphere within. As soon as he was out of sight, the act crumbled. The playful grin vanished, replaced by a grimace of discomfort. His hand throbbed with a dull ache.

He couldn't tell her. He couldn't confess that the artefact meant to save The Crystal Empire felt like a searing ember against his skin.

Discord grabbed his trembling hand with a paw, trying to steady himself with a chuckle. "...My time is up, isn't it?"

~Heart of Canterlot City~

Shattering glass rang through the entire office space, some of the debris breaking in as Yuta dragged Usowamoto's face down the side of the Skyscraper in the early afternoon sun. The excess cursed residual musical notes that flowed out of his body and the beat of the music accompanying him slowed down to a drag the longer he fell.

"YOU'RE EVEN GOING TO FOLLOW ME HERE!?" Usowamoto bellowed through the glass."YOU GODDAMN SORCERER!?!"

Author's Note

Apologies for the long wait. I fell ill the previous week. 🙇

The Chase across Space and Time: Part 1

"YOU'RE EVEN GOING TO FOLLOW ME HERE!?" Usowamoto bellowed through the glass."YOU GODDAMN SORCERER!?!"

Yuta gripped down their face, the wind whipping his hair upward. Spinning around, Yuta flung Usowamoto and himself into an office level. Shattered glass rained around them as they landed in a heap on the floor, surrounded by terrified office workers who huddled in corners, their screams swallowed by the chaos. Usowamoto grasped onto their crushed jaw, confusion evident on their face. "How did my face implode like that?" Usowamoto thought, "Another one of his cursed techniques?"

Panicked screams erupted from the office workers, though none of the new faces paid them any mind. Rika floats down beside Yuta, tearing her chest open and giving space for Yuta to reach into Rika's open chest cavity, a horrifying sight to any ordinary observer, and retrieves a gleaming katana. With a feral snarl, he lunged at Usowamoto, kicking them off the ground and sending them sprawling into a desk. Smashing into a monitor as Yuta gave chase, he vaulted over the table with his offhand and slid with a knee to the curse on the floor with a swing of his sword.

Usowamoto arched their back, allowing the blade to graze their chin. Extending a palm, they boomed a portal before Yuta, and a sudden gust of wind tossed him and stacks of papers backward. Rika quickly followed up, however, catching her from above and smashing her down a story.

The impact sent shockwaves through the building, causing the flickering fluorescent lights to sputter and die. Dust and debris billowed through the air, creating a thick cloud that obscured the scene. Panic erupted among the remaining building employees, their screams swallowed by the chaos. They scrambled for cover, their eyes wide with terror as they witnessed the monstrous form of Rika wreaking havoc.

Underneath the heap of rubble, Usowamoto heaved the covers off them, eyes creased from annoyance. From behind, Yuta tried an ambush, but the presence of Usowamoto's fist greeted him faster than he could react. It connected with his cheek before sending him crashing through several stories down diagonally from them; the spaces between their forearm stretched via the opening of several portals throughout, artificially increasing the length of their arm without actually stretching it.

Impact after impact, Yuta got sent further and further down the levels of the building before mustering enough clarity to grip onto the fist, flowing positive energy into it and causing an implosion from within. Freeing himself from the trucking force right on time as his head crashed through the glass window plane that spanned from the floor to the ceiling, dragging to a stop on the ledge, and the wind from the outside kissed his ears and upper body once more. He lay there for a moment, staring up at the white fluffy clouds floating lazily above, even catching the sight of small silhouetted birds passing by and allowing the automatic RCT to heal the lacerations across his body.

He had already noticed it but couldn't pinpoint what was happening. "The music that companies Hakari-senpai's Jackpot slowed dramatically." Yuta thought, "It's like listening to a song on x0.5 speed. Maybe even slower." Taking a hand to ruffle the glass shards out of his hair, he couldn't help but wander to a more important matter. "Shouldn't my connection with Rika be over by now? I can still feel the aftereffects of Jackpot."

Right as he was about to get up, Yuta tilted his head up, and Usowamoto appeared upside down next to him in the open air with a portal in their hand. His eyes widen upon contact. Gripping the ledge, he forced his body out and away from the slash zone as Usowamoto dragged the sphere across the air, leaving a trail of pure energy in its wake. The beam of light, blindingly bright and crackling with destructive power, sliced through the building like a hot knife through butter. The impact was instantaneous and catastrophic.

The entire top half of the skyscraper groaned in protest, a massive fissure appearing where the energy beam had carved its path. With a sickening lurch, the upper section of the building began to tilt, teetering precariously on the brink of collapse. Debris rained down like a deadly hailstorm, the remaining windows shattering under the immense pressure.

Yuta turned around just in time to see the devastation occurring before his eyes, the handle of the blade in his mouth and his left arm severed clean from his body. Taking the katana out of his mouth with his gauntlet-protected hand, Yuta turned back around just in time to eat a knuckle sandwich from Usowamoto. Sending him careening back into the falling upper section of the building.

Crashing through a window, the room around him is entirely flipped on its axis; the ceiling is now the floor, a treacherous landscape of dangling wires, flickering fluorescent lights, and twisted metal, and the floor is the ceiling. Yuta used his newly regenerated arm to claw at the ceiling platform, dragging himself to a stop as tables, chairs, computers, printers, and machines of all kinds fell around him. Worse of all, people, actual people, were tumbling about as well. Sweat rolled down his chin and brow while Yuta cleared the way for himself to reach some of the employees screaming at the top of their lungs, slashing away at the office workspace, clattering and cascading around them as he reached out a hand.

Of course, saving lives is much easier said than done. With the sorcerer's mind wandering off elsewhere, Usowamoto emerges from behind a wide table, a coffee cup spilling over as they took a low stance, their fist drawn back. This smell of fear in the air was euphoric to them. The innocence screaming their lungs out was the cherry on top. Their eyes were razor-focused on the human before them, drool seeping down their chin as they approached. There was simply no way for Yuta to delegate any priority to save civilians; they knew he had to make a choice, and Usowamoto relishes that fact.

Usowamoto slid closer, their movements slow and deliberate yet imbued with a deadly grace. The air around them shimmered with dark energy, a malevolent aura that sent shivers down Yuta's spine. He clenched his remaining hand around the hilt of his katana, the only weapon left to him.

Suddenly, time seemed to slow down. Usowamoto rocketed their fist forward, a blur of dark energy coalescing around it. Their voice, a guttural growl, echoed through the ruined office space.

"『黒閃』: Kokusen."

With a thunderous boom, the fist slammed into Yuta's side. Black sparks erupted from the point of impact, a monstrous web of dark energy crawling across his body. A geyser of blood erupted from his mouth, the raw force of the blow sending him flying. He bounced off the makeshift ceiling, his body a ragdoll flung through the air, before crashing back down onto the debris-strewn ground.

Reaching a hand into a portal, Usowamoto grabbed Yuta by the jacket and pulled him back below them as they drew their arm back. Shooting it down onto his abdomen in another shower of black sparks.

"『黒閃』: Kokusen."

The sudden downward force propelled Yuta down several stories, his left arm being blown away in the process. The blow had him spinning backwards down in a heap, blasting through several ceilings before landing on his feet at the fifth. Regrowing his arm in a blink, Yuta was about to launch himself back into the fray when a sudden grip clamped down on his right wrist.

The force was surprising, holding him firmly in place despite the urgency coursing through him. He spun around, his gaze landing on two unexpected figures. One was a cowgirl, brandishing a familiar hat, with her orange mane of hair starkly contrasted with the dust-filled air. Her grip, surprisingly strong, held his wrist in a vice-like clam. The other figure, clad in a strangely formal purple dress, emanated a soft violet aura that shimmered ominously around his newly regenerated left arm.

"Please let me go," Yuta asked through the rumbling office space.

"And let you wreck the place!?" Applejack rebuked, gripping tighter "Ah, don't think so!"

"What kind of magic do you possess to do such large-scale damage?" Twilight inquired, hands balled up into fists while she pulled them back, in turn, pulling Yuta's arm along with it. "Instant regeneration?"

"We don't have time for this. Please listen to me." Yuta begged, "All of you, and many more innocent people, will die if you don't let me go."

Applejack furrowed her brows at this, turning back to talk to another figure. "He's telling the truth, girls."

"Girls?" Yuta thought, "There's more of them?"

From behind, Yuta felt a hand pressed against his back, fingers gently digging slightly into his flesh.

"I'll just read his memories," Sunset explained, closing her eyes. "It'll be faster this way."

"Wait!" Yuta yelled, throwing his head back. "Don't-!"

Both their eyes began to glow, magic from Sunset's hand coursing through Yuta's body and mind. Giving her access to a week's worth of information in the span of seconds. Simultaneously, the magic that seeped into Yuta's body began to change him. The excruciatingly slow beat of Private Pure Love Train zipped forward, speeding up the beat for a second. Like a DJ spinning the table, the music sped up and slowed down erratically at involuntary moments. This went on for a few more seconds, Sunset begging to groan in the process. And then, it snapped. Yuta could feel it, his cursed technique replenishing.

Manifesting cursed marks on his cheeks, Yuta turned to them with a command, "Blast away!!"

In an explosion of magic and cursed energy, the resulting forces sent Twilight, AJ, and Sunset flying back into the wall. Freeing Yuta from his bind, he leapt into the ceiling and jumped back into the fight. Sunset hoisted herself against a metal pillar, vomiting up the breakfast she had that morning. Not from the sudden force slamming into her back but from her visions of a bygone Equestria and the time Yuta spent over there.

"Sunset!" Applejack and Twilight called, rushing over to her. "Are you alright!?"

Sunset raised a hand to Twilight's shoulder, looking at her with strained eyes. "We have to help that guy exorcise that curse!"

"Exorcise?" Twilight asked, puzzled.

"Curse?" Applejack joined in.

"We can't let whoever he's fighting loose into the city!" Sunset yells through the destruction. "If we do, everyone's lives are in danger!"

High above the ravaged office building, Usowamoto stood triumphant, their fist still steaming from the devastating blow that had sent Yuta plummeting floors below. The sight of a teenager bouncing off the ceiling like a ragdoll had unsurprisingly sent the remaining office workers into a screaming frenzy.

Usowamoto, however, found their reaction tiresome. With a dismissive flick of their wrist, they summoned a swirling portal in their palm. Superheated air crackled around their fist as they focused their cursed energy.

"Shut up," Usowamoto commanded, firing a beam of fire at the source of the noise. That seemed to work, and the silence immediately followed, which gave them the cue that their attack did the trick Suddenly, a blur zipped past the corner of their eye, a rainbow blur, to be precise. Whipping their head around, the civilians weren't there anymore. The only thing left was the molten crater of their attack.

A blue fist slammed itself into Usowamoto's cheek, sending their head reeling from the impact.

"What do you think you're firing that thing!?" Rainbow mocked a sneer across her face, and her fist still hung in the air where she struck them across the face. "And why's your face like that?"

"You must be Rainbow Dash," Usowamoto replied.

"...How do you know my-" A fist crashing into her face cut her short of what she was going to say. Sending her flying back and crashing through a window. This didn't go unnoticed by the Queen; leering off from the top, Rika slammed both her fists to either side of Usowamoto. Which was promptly dodged by slipping through a portal beneath them and reappearing directly in front of her, socking her across the face.

Taking advantage of the momentary opening, Usowamoto ripped a new portal into existence directly across Rika's face. With a snarl, they unleashed a torrent of concentrated energy through the portal, the opening aimed at Rika's exposed side.

That blast never came because Rainbow came back flying and dropping, kicking the life out of Usowamoto. The curse grunted, thrown off balance by the unexpected attack. Simultaneously, Rika lunged forward, her massive fist aimed at Usowamoto's vulnerable back. The monstrous curse user twisted mid-air, a portal opening beneath them as they narrowly avoided Rika's earth-shattering blow.

They reappeared a hair's breadth away from Rainbow, their arm raised in a defensive block. The combined force of Rainbow's kick and Rika's punch slammed into their forearm guard, the impact sending shockwaves rippling through the air.

"You wanna tussle, ugly!?" Rainbow Dash taunted, her voice laced with reckless bravado. Her knuckles dug deeper into Usowamoto's arm, trying to overpower their defence. "Let's rumble!!" she roared, channelling her element in a desperate attempt to gain the upper hand. But before the battle cry could fully leave her lips, a deafening shout erupted from below.

"OUT OF THE WAY!!"

Dash's eyes widened, her body moving on command; with a powerful burst of her wings, she propelled herself and Rika backwards just as a blur of white and black rocketed past them. Giving just enough space for Yuta to come barrelling in at top speeds with an erratic surge of cursed energy, slamming into Usowamoto with the force of a runaway train. His fist connected with Usowamoto's jaw with a sickening crunch. The portal curse was sent flying through the air, a ragdoll flung across the ravaged office space as Yuta gave chase after them.

Usowamoto tumbled and rolled several feet back, trying to get up, but a kick to their stomach made them soar further in the air and slam into a pillar with a sickening crack. Yuta jumped into Usowamoto, pulling his arm back and delivering a cursed energy-condensed punch at them.

"Ratio Technique:" A concentrated blast of cursed energy erupted from his fist, slamming into Usowamoto with a sickening crunch. "Collapse!"

The impact was catastrophic. The cursed energy, imbued with Yuta's erratic control, defied usual limitations. It pulsed outward from the point of impact, a monstrous wave that devoured everything in its path.

The already weakened ceiling, barely holding itself together, succumbed to the onslaught. Concrete and metal rained down in a deadly shower, shattering windows and exploding outward in a grotesque ballet of destruction. Chunks of debris soared through the air like projectiles. Blasting a hole through the window plains.

Caught in the epicentre of the blast, Usowamoto was instantly flung outside. They screamed, a sound both raw and primal, as they hurtled through the open air, shattered remains of the office flying side-by-side with them.

Leaping from the edge of the torn ceiling, Yuta exploded forward, zipping past flying debris imbued with his cursed energy, and flew straight at Usowamoto, intercepting them in the air. Gripping onto his katana with both hands so hard that the handle of the sword got crushed under pressure, he swung the weapon down with all his might. Upon contact, the blade shattered into pieces from the overflowing energies within. Forcing the curse down onto a building's rooftop.

Bouncing off the rooftop with a disgusting arc and a spray of blood, Usowamoto swung both their arms outward as they dragged to a halt. Summoning volleys of portals next to them, a cacophony of screeches and growls filled the air as flying curses of all sizes launched themselves toward Yuta, a swarm of ravenous predators seeking their prey.

"DIE!!"

The echos of Yuta's infinite cursed energy radiated through the air and were accompanied by artificial feedback. The curses halted mid-air for a second before the aftereffects of Cursed Speech immediately stole the lives of the flocks of curses in front of him in multiple heaps of explosions.

The blowback was intense, as winds of dust and debris clouded Usowamoto's vision. "IT'S YOU, ISN'T IT!?" The curse bellowed in fury, swinging an enraged arm in an attempt to clear the smoke. "IT'S ALWAYS BEEN YOU MEDDLING IN MY PLANS!! WELL!? ARE YOU HAPPY!?! YOU RUINED MY DREAMS!!!"

The weight of a crushing fist came crashing into their face, sending Usowamoto flying down onto the city streets below and cratering the road.

"A curse's dream? Killing innocent ponies!? Killing innocent people!? For your selfish entertainment!?!" Yuta yelled back, speeding down after them. "This isn't a fairy tale!!" Usowamoto managed to hop back just in time to dodge Yuta's landing and fade into a portal. Reappearing atop a speeding car, they landed with a huff, staring at the sorcerer. The entire street quaked from the severed building's top, smashing into the street a couple of blocks down from them.

"AREN'T YOU BEING PRESUMPTUOUS NOW, SORCERER!?"

Yuta pushed off the ground, folding the earth beneath his feet and charging straight toward the racing car housing the curse on its car's roof. Seeing this, Usowamoto opened several portals beside them, and cars with passengers zoomed out of them at great speeds. The first car to reach Yuta was empty, so he smashed the hood with his fist without a second thought. Causing a great explosion as he dashed through the thing, coming out completely unscathed.

Not even three steps forward, and a second car neared him. Through the mangled windshield, Yuta locked eyes with a wide-eyed mother, her children huddled together in the backseat. A pang of despair lanced through him. He couldn't stop. He wouldn't. But he couldn't let them get hurt either. Gritting his teeth, Yuta threw his hands forward in the seal of a rabbit. The shadow below him lurked forth in a rushing sea of white.

"Rabbit Escape!"

An overwhelming herd of rabbits rushed forth, towering over buildings and filling the road, cushioning the fall of the car in front of him. Eventually, the rabbits even got to the point of acting as cover for Yuta. Shielding him out of sight of the curse. Cold sweat began to break on Usowamoto's forehead, gripping a portal; they swung madly at the herds of rabbits before them, the energy beam slicing through the rabbit horde like a scythe through wheat. Still, Yuta was nowhere to be seen.

Suddenly, the car Usowamoto was standing on flipped forward. Turning back, a ghastly fist had nailed itself onto the hood of the car. Momentum was the force sending them flying straight into Rika. With her free hand, the apparition punched Usowamoto to the side. Alley-ooping them into a rushing Rainbow, snatching them by the throat. With a roar, she dragged them across the asphalt through several blocks at breakneck speeds. They bounced off curbs, scraped against buildings, ran through several red lights, and left a trail of destruction in their wake. Before grinding to a halt and tossing them in the air.

Usowamoto, disoriented and battered, managed to right themselves just in time for a strange sight to greet them. A shower of colourful sprinkles rained down from above, sugary confetti raining down on the ravaged cityscape. Usowamoto, momentarily stunned by the absurdity of it all, managed a single confused word: "Sprinkles-?"

Boom!

Black smoke billows from the explosion point as the portal curse falls back onto the streets, trials of smoke tailing their body. Not giving them an ounce of rest, Rainbow came flying in, punching them across the face, which did just the trick of flipping them upright. Raising an arm to summon another portal, the joints in their limb get restricted in a violet hue as they grunt in agony. Turning to their side, Twilight held both fists outward, a determined look on her face.

"You-!"

More explosions from the sprinkles rained down on them, the relentless onslaught not stopping for even a second.

"Eat this!" Pinkie yelled, throwing, you guessed it, more sprinkles at the poor curse. But a sudden twitch of her tail sent her into a backflip, barely dodging a pillar of cursed energy that erupted from Usowamoto's outstretched hand.

"Woah!" Pinkie exclaimed, her near miss momentarily breaking the frenetic rhythm of the battle.

Usowamoto, seizing the opportunity, attempted to unleash another blast of energy. But a blur of blue and orange slammed into them before they could complete the gesture. Stumbling back, Applejack stepped in closer, gut-punching Usowamoto as Rainbow Roundhouse kicked them in the side. Each punch from AJ earns a shockwave, rocking the streets from the portal deity. Usowamoto tried to retaliate with a punch of their own, but AJ was quicker, grabbing them by the wrist and elbowing their forearm. AJ rocketed her backhand to their face once more.

Reeling back from the pain, Rainbow, with a fistful of Pinkie's sprinkles, punched Usowamoto squarely in the back. The resulting explosion was spectacular. A blinding flash of light engulfed Usowamoto, the force of the detonation sending them flying through the air.

Usowamoto slammed into the unforgiving asphalt with a sickening thud. The air was knocked clean out of their lungs. Their vision swam, filled with a mixing of colours courtesy of Pinkie Pie's relentless barrage. Trying to push themselves upright, to retaliate, proved an impossible feat.

A sudden flurry of movement caught their attention. A swarm of buzzing insects descended upon them. Spiders, ants, beetles, and a writhing mass of tiny creatures crawled over Usowamoto's body, further disorienting them and making it impossible to regain their footing.

With a frustrated roar, Usowamoto lost their balance, their attempt to rise into a comical slide face-first across the debris-strewn street. Slipping up, they fall right into a fist, rising from the shadows as Yuta uppercuts them from below. Usowamoto was sent tumbling back in a spray of blood and saliva.

Raising both their arms up in mock defence, the massive hands of Rika clamped down on Usowamoto's torso, restraining them in an iron grip and rendering their defence useless as her jaw chomped onto their shoulder. Giving Yuta enough time to rush in and materialise a sword into his hands.

"Creation Technique: katana."

One slice, and blood was spilled. Yuta brought the katana down in a vicious arc. The blade tore through Usowamoto's arm just above the elbow. A spray of crimson erupted, mingling with the smoke and dust that choked the air.

Usowamoto, trapped in Rika's vice-like grip, writhed in agony. Rika lunged forward, her monstrous maw engulfing Usowamoto's severed arm in a single, bone-crushing bite.

A sudden, violent gust of wind erupted from the swirling portal, a gale that sent everyone reeling. Rainbow struggled to maintain her position, forced to beat her wings furiously against the invisible current.

Fluttershy was flung from the top of the shattered building where she had been aiding the injured. And Sunset desperately reached out with telekinesis, trying vainly to catch her falling friends.

"THAT'S IT!!" Usowamoto bellowed, the sound distorted by the howling wind. "ALL OF YOU ARE DEAD!!!" Their missing arm, torn from them by Yuta's blade just moments before, began to writhe and pulsate. The severed limb knits itself back together in a grotesque display of regeneration.

Usowamoto spread their arms wide, the swirling portal at their palm expanding with a horrifying speed. It grew and grew, consuming the shattered cityscape, swallowing buildings whole until it resembled a gaping maw of pure, unadulterated darkness.

"CURSED TECHNIQUE AMPLIFICATION: EGRESS!!!" Usowamoto roared, their voice a mere echo amidst the howling wind. A blinding white light erupted from within the portal, a celestial inferno unleashed upon the devastated city.

The heat was instantaneous and all-encompassing. Buildings crumbled before the scorching wave like sandcastles under a tidal wave. Metal warped and twisted, asphalt bubbled and boiled, turning into a viscous black tar.

The once-proud skyscrapers became grotesque pyres. Bending in an impossible arch, glass facades are shattered and raining in a deadly shower. Inside, trapped office workers and fleeing civilians were reduced to smouldering cinders in the blink of an eye.

Vehicles ignited in spontaneous infernos. Their tyres' rubber melted, dripping like black tears onto the searing asphalt. Engines fused into molten slag, leaving behind twisted, unrecognizable hulks.

The heat didn't discriminate. Once a vibrant part of the cityscape, trees became skeletal silhouettes, their leaves curling and charring before exploding into ash puffs. Park benches, swings, and slides – the remnants of happier times – melted into unrecognizable blobs of warped metal.

The streetlights bent and twisted. Their glass globes shattered, raining down molten shards of superheated glass. The very air itself shimmered and wavered, distorted by the intense heat.

The beam of light continued its rampage down the ruined street, its path marked by smoke, ash, and the agonizing screams of those caught. Everything it touched and engulfed was reduced to a smouldering wasteland.

Finally caving from the exertion, Usowamoto relented their attack; the monstrous maw of the portal sputtered and shrank, and the blinding light extinguished as abruptly as it had begun. Panting and shaking, they surveyed the scene before them with a twisted sense of satisfaction. The once-proud cityscape was replaced by a desolate wasteland of smouldering ash and twisted metal.

But their smug expression faltered as their gaze landed on Yuta. He stood there, a solitary figure amidst the ruins, completely unharmed. Not a single hair on his head seemed out of place, his clothes untouched by the inferno that had consumed everything around him, with Rika huddled behind him.

"...I just shot the surface of the sun at you..."Usowamoto mumbled, "How..." Stammering. For the first time in battle, fear was evident in their demeanour. "How are you still standing?"

Rika extended her palm, releasing Sunset, Twilight, and the rest of the group from the sack of darkness nestled within her and plopped them behind Yuta. Fluttershy raised her hands to her mouth in disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes from the thought of her critter friends being swallowed by the blazing fires.

Rainbow Dash and the rest stood there stunned as they surveyed their surroundings, residual heat bending the air, distorting the world around them into a shimmering mirage as cinders radiated an evil red glow below them.

Pinkie's hair deflated, AJ took a step back, and Rarity's tears threatened to ruin her mascara.

"Our home..." Twilight whimpered, a hand held to her chest.

The clang of Yuta's katana hitting the scorched ground echoed in the eerie silence. The blade, untouched by the inferno, gleamed defiantly against the ashen backdrop. Ignoring the weapon, Yuta focused on Usowamoto, his eyes burning with an intensity that rivalled the dying embers.

Fear etched into their every movement, mirrored Yuta's action. Their hand, trembling ever so slightly, reached for a familiar gesture. A portal ripped open behind them, offering an escape route.

"I have to run!" screamed a disembodied voice in Usowamoto's mind. It was their own voice, a primal scream of fear echoing through the ruined landscape. But before they could step through the portal, the world shifted.

Clap!

Usowamoto reappeared beside Yuta, the portal shifting its location in a gambit. In its place, the discarded katana lay on the smoking ground.

Desperation fueled Usowamoto's next move. They lunged at Yuta, a hand outstretched, a portal shimmering into existence right in front of Yuta's face. But Yuta was ready. His own power surged forth from his outstretched hands. With a movement so fast it blurred, Yuta clasped the portal shut with overflowing positive energy, his hands meeting in a resounding fold.

The air crackled with suppressed energy as the portal dissolved back into nothingness. Usowamoto stumbled backwards, collapsing onto the scorched earth.

They kicked off the ground, dragging themselves back in a pathetic attempt to get away. Shimmering a portal onto the floor, Yuta pulled them off the ground before they could fall in and socked them across the jaw.

Usowamoto, trapped, helpless, could only watch in horror as they crawled away. But just as Yuta raised his hand for the final strike, the air above them shimmered. A new portal, larger than any before, flung down from the scorched air. Before anyone could react, Rainbow was the first to catch sight of it.

"Watch out!" Dash yelled, jumping into Yuta.

A blinding light engulfed them, sucking them all – Yuta, Rika, Dash, and the defeated Usowamoto – into its swirling vortex.

The portal vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving behind only the desolate wasteland and the lingering echoes of the battle.

Deep beneath the surface in an alternate universe, the earth groaned with an unseen burden. Miles down, carved from the living rock, lay the Judgement Hall of The Underground. Once, perhaps, a place of order and bureaucracy, it was now a desolate wasteland. Scattered remains of bones lay strewn across the checkered black and white floor, littering the base of towering, crumbling pillars. The very air hung heavy with the weight of forgotten souls and untold injustices.

In this desolate chamber, two figures stood guard. A lone skeleton stood slumped against a pillar. He wore a tattered blue hoodie, far too large for his skeletal frame, black basketball shorts that hung loosely from his hip sockets, and a pair of incongruously pink, fuzzy slippers. A red scarf, its fabric faded and threadbare, was wrapped haphazardly around his neck.

And a charging human brandishing a knife.

With a snarl, the human lunged, aiming the knife straight for the skeleton's chest. The blade glinted faintly in the dim golden light. But the skeleton, despite his apparent slumber, seemed to possess an unnatural awareness. With surprising agility for a creature devoid of muscle, he twisted to the side mere inches before the blade connected. The knife sliced harmlessly through the empty air, its intended target replaced by a crumbling pillar.

"Heh!" The skeleton laughed, sliding out of the way with a shrug. "Did' ja really think you would be able-"

A dusty knife quickly cuts him off as it nears the skeleton's chest, the cold metal grazing his white undershirt. Suddenly, a portal opened up above them, dropping Rainbow, who was now a pony, directly onto the human holding the knife with a thud. Inadvertently saving the skeleton of his fate.

The Chase across Space and Time: Part 3

The metallic tang of blood was a constant companion now, a coppery invader on her tongue. Rainbow Dash huffed, her lungs burning like they were filled with embers. Her legs felt like lead weights, the world tilted slightly, her vision swimming at the edges. Specks of her blood flicked off her body with each ragged breath.

But despite the pain, exhaustion, and overwhelming odds, Rainbow dove in with more confidence than her body could carry. With a guttural cry, she spun her back hoof and connected with Usowamoto's side in a soft thud. The impact is accompanied by weird feedback that feels... offputting.

Usowamoto flicked their head back, twisting to face the speeding pegasus with a sneer.

"That's weaker than before," Usowamoto remarked, jabbing a reinforced fist into her gut.

Savilva spilt from her lips as she reeled back. Clenching her jaw, Rainbow spun back for a back hoof to their face, but her effort was fizzled out by a pair of arms parrying her advances. Taking a step forward, Usowamoto spun on their heels around Rainbow to target her back.

But Rainbow was just as fast, reacting with explosive speed and whipping around to face the curse. Using her bloodied wing, she smeared it across their face, leaving a trail of blood and loose, fallen feathers to blind their features and giving Rainbow a colossal opening to swing in with the same momentum and dig her leg into the side of their neck, and sending Usowamoto stumbling back, groaning.

However, victory, if it could be called that, was a pyrrhic one. The excessive movement of her wounded wing ripped open the shallow gash further, sending a fresh wave of pain lancing through her. Her breath hitched, her body faltering. "Three times!" Rainbow thought, "I would've been dead three times over if they had used that damned technique back there!"

But they hadn't.

It looks like all those world-hopping did a number on them. "They probably think that they could beat me without using it!" With her newfound resolve, she zips forward with reckless abandon, tackling the curse with her forelegs in a tumble of limbs. "Then I'll burn you out!" Rainbow yelled, bracing herself for impact. "Down to the bone!!"

Stabilising herself on Usowamoto, the pegasus swung her hindleg in a deadly arc directed at their chin, but a quick step back from the curse narrowly avoided a concussion. With her hindleg in the air, Usowamoto shot his hands to Rainbow's throat, tightening his fingers around her neck.

"Ghargk-!" Rainbow gargled a desperate breath.

Her instincts kicked in. Her hooves darted up to her throat and clawed at the hands, obstructing the precious air in her lungs. It did little, of course. Hooves aren't sharp. Instead, Rainbow rewound her hind legs and released a relentless assault onto her enemy's chest. Back to back to back, the moment her hooves made contact, she'd pulled it back as quickly as she sent it out and shot it back down again.

This barraging tidal wave got Usowamoto to release their hold on Rainbow. Crumbling to the dust-ridden carpet floor, she took a quick, shallow breath before leaping back up and ramming herself into the curse. Taking this moment to pull herself upright, Dash dishes out a deadly right hook to the face.

Bam!

Usowamoto's jaw snaps to the side, reeling backwards.

Bam!

Dash sends another hook, this time from the left.

Bam! Right. Bam! Left.

Right as Rainbow pulled her hoof back for another hit to the face, Usowamoto retaliated with a snarl. The curse grabbed onto Rainbow's weaker wing and yanked the wing off her back with a crunch. A spray of blood and a scream tore from Rainbow's throat.

"GAAHH!!!"

White-hot agony exploded through Rainbow's shoulder, radiating down her wing and chest. Her vision blurred, spots dancing in front of her eyes. She felt herself stumbling, her legs giving out beneath her as tears streamed down her cheeks. Crumbling to the floor, the poor pegasus trembled as she lay on the ground, her wing being tossed aside by a cursed spirit banning ten thousand worlds.

"A-aaagh-ha!" Dash whimpered, doing everything she could to ignore and flush out the pain. But Usowamoto got to her first before she could collect herself.

Picking her up by her mane, Rainbow was forced to face the portal curse head-on. Despite the overwhelming agony, pain, and spasm all across her body, more notably her back. She couldn't help but crack a smile through the tears. From her perspective, Usowamoto was rocking a bloodied, purple nose, bruised cheeks, a swollen eye, and a single stray blood trailing down their exposed teeth.

"W-what's wrong?" Rainbow struggled, "Like the new face so much that y-you're not healing? Haha-" Usowamoto grits their teeth, shoving a fist deep into Dash's gut to silence her. "-Gah!"

Going down on a knee, Usowamoto brings Rainbow's head crashing into the ground. The crevice and space between Rainbow's cheek and the floor shimmered with light before a portal opened, and Rainbow's head pushed through. Instantly, her ability to breathe was taken away as the familiar sensation of water threatened to enter her nose and ears, the cool liquid enveloping her face like a soothing embrace. Opening her eyes, she was greeted by a breathtaking sight.

The seafloor sloped gently away, a vast, soft, golden sand expanse. It shimmered and glowed in the sunlight that filtered down from above, casting dappled shadows across the ocean floor. Tiny ripples danced across the sand, creating intricate patterns that shifted and changed with each passing moment. Her eyes widened when the realisation hit her.

She was drowning, submerged in a deep, oceanic pool, the world a distorted soundscape of flowing water, gargled gasps and the pounding of her own heart.

A bubble of air escapes her nostrils, moving to the side of her face and tickling her cheeks as it goes opposite where Rainbow is facing. She pushed off the castle grounds on the other side of the portal, trying to gain any leverage she could. But her attempts were thwarted when Usowamoto brought another hand down upon the back of her neck, pinning her throat against the floor as they laid a knee on her spine.

"You were trying to get me to use my technique, right?" The spirit asked rhetorically amidst the savage thrashing Rainbow was dishing. "Well, here it is!"

"B-lgah!" Another bubble escaped as the crushing weight of a body rested on her back, doing nothing to help the predicament she found herself in.

Water crept steadily into her nostrils, and the taste of salt now danced in her mouth with a taste of impending doom. The lifeblood that had coursed through her veins moments ago was replaced by the chilling emptiness of the sea, a cold dread that settled deep within her bones.

Each desperate inhalation yielded nothing but a burning sensation, a searing reminder of the air she so desperately craved. Her face was beginning to turn a deeper shade of blue, the light around her dissolved into a murky haze of blue, the edges of her vision darkening with an alarming speed as water slowly seeped into her nostrils, and the flavour of salt danced on her tongue. Even death, a concept that had always seemed distant, loomed over her shadow. No... that's not right...

"I'm going to die." Fear coiled around her heart, squeezing with a ruthless grip. It didn't matter that her head was technically above where her stomach used to be; the dread itself felt like a lead weight, dragging her entire being down towards the inky abyss.

"I don't..." Tiny flickering lights danced at the edges of her vision, pinpricks of white that seemed to mock her struggle. Were they stars? Or perhaps just the cruel reflection of her fading life force? "I don't want to die..."

A choking sob, silent and desperate, welled up from somewhere deep within her. The sob turned into a cough, a convulsive spasm that sent fresh waves of agony lancing through her already battered body. Without control, she inhaled a large gulp of saltwater, flooding her mouth. She choked, sputtering and gasping, the water burning its way down her throat as her anxiety worked against her.

This is it. She was going to die.

That is, until a faint shimmering light illuminated from behind Usowamoto. Lighting their silhouette atop the struggling mare.

"Huh?" Usowamoto spoke, dumbfounded.

Turning to face the source of the light, they were greeted with a set of fingers tearing a rift in the fabric of reality. The fingers pulled diagonally downwards, and from within that rift, familiar, tired eyes locked their gaze on the curse. A fist shot out the opening, digging its knuckles into Usowamoto's side and launching the curse off the pegasus. Sending them crashing into the mossy-brick wall opposite the room with a bang. Loose brick and excess dust cascaded down around Usowamoto's slumped body.

With the weight finally torn off her back, Rainbow pulled her head out with a gargled cough. Hacking and coughing out saltwater trapped in her throat and lungs with a heavy strain, her warm tears flowed down her cheeks as she shook off excess water clinging to her fur.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to find you." The voice apologises, their shoes stepping into view.

Straining her neck, Rainbow propped herself upward with her forelegs to face her saviour. Her eyes widened when she finally drank in who saved her, and she couldn't help a smile tugging at her cheeks as relief replaced the overwhelming hopelessness that had filled her heart moments prior.

"Yuta!"

Standing atop her, Yuta replied with a smile, his war-torn white jacket clinging to his body by fabric scraps. His black under-shirt is already in tatters as well. Though remarkably, not a single scratch was on his body. Kneeling down, Yuta hovered a hand atop Dash's body, and a liquid warmth began to flow all across her body. Washing away the pain and soothing her injuries.

"I knew," Yuta began, "from Rika's release that both of you were in this world. What caused me to hesitate was whether that curse had already gone to another neighbouring world or if it was just hiding." Releasing his hold on her body, Rainbow got up with such ease that it even took her aback. Her missing wing was replaced with a fresh one as the cuts and lacerations across her body stitched up nicely.

"But then," Yuta continued, his voice taking on a more determined tone, "there was that sudden spike in cursed energy that couldn't be ignored." He patted her head with a gentle touch, a silent promise of safety. "You did great, Rainbow."

Rainbow gave a soft whicker, a sound that was both a grateful reply and a reminder of the unfinished business at hand. "Don't thank me just yet," she rasped, wiping water from her chin. "We still have a curse to exorcise."

Across from them, Usowamoto rose from the ashes. Stumbling out of the rubble with a moan, the portal curse glared at the sorcerer, their purple blood oozing from the forehead and painting an eye violet.

Rainbow locked eyes with the monstrosity, her gaze unwavering. The fear that had threatened to consume her moments ago was replaced by a steely resolve. With Yuta by her side, she wouldn't back down.

She cast a sidelong glance at the sorcerer, a silent question hanging in the air. Stepping closer to Yuta, she leaned in, her voice a low whisper. "So, what's the plan?" she asked.

Yuta, still kneeling, placed a reassuring hand on her back. He lifted his free hand, pointing a finger directly at Usowamoto, drawing Rainbow's attention back to the enraged creature. A focused glint flickered in his eyes as he began to speak, a plan already forming in his mind.

"Here's what I had in mind..." he began, his voice low but filled with a quiet confidence. Just as he was about to outline his strategy and Rainbow's focus was elsewhere, a mysterious light shone below her peripherals as the support below gave way. On instinct, Rainbow flared her wings, but Yuta's hand atop her back stole any aerial freedom she had as he pushed her deeper down in the portal.

"Yuta!?" Rainbow called out, betrayal and confusion evident across her face. "Why!?"

"Don't worry," Yuta reassures, "This portal will bring you back to your home world, I made sure to burn that image in my head." Dash continues to struggle against the sorcerer, but with each amount of effort she throws in, Yuta will respond with strength tenfold. The rift in reality shimmered and pulsed, its edges beginning to shrink, threatening to close completely. "I don't think its right for you to die on a stranger's world. Thank you Rainbow," Yuta paused to give Dash another smile. Dash received the message he was trying to convey well. Not that she wants to acknowledge it. "And goodbye."

"No!" Dash protested, "I can still-!" then the portal sealed shut.

The silence that befell upon the chamber was heavy and oppressive. Yuta's gaze lingered on the shimmering afterglow of the portal before slowly turning to face Usowamoto like a hungry predator finally cornering its prey.

A bead of sweat rolled down Usowamoto's forehead as their eyes met, a cold recognition passed between them. No words were needed.

This was the end of the line for the curse.

A crooked, toothy smirk stretched across Usowamoto's face, much to Yuta's confusion.

"What's so funny?" Yuta inquired, taking a step closer to them. Hands already balling up into fists.

"So, you're not going to let me go?" Usowamoto rasped, its voice a gravelly croak that echoed through the chamber. "Who knows, I might even be able to redeem myself." Yuta didn't bother with a reply, uninterested in entertaining a curse's spiel. "Figures." Usowamoto continued, its smirk morphing into a grimace. "Every part of my being, even my soul, knows this is where I perish. But..." Its voice trailed off, a hint of something akin to defiance flickering in its single, grotesque eye.

Shooting both hands up to their throat, Usowamoto begins to... strangle themselves? Yuta was taken aback. Never before has he seen a curse actively trying to exorcise itself. Their fingers dug deep into their neck before an explosive wave of cursed energy boomed forth from deep within the curse. A shockwave splits the air, sending dust and debris flying everywhere. That said, not a particle touches Yuta. The air around him seemingly bends and slows before ever reaching him. The young sorcerer waited for an attack to come, any of the sort, but nothing ever came.

A blinding light tore from where Usowamoto stood and stretched up to the sky, thinning out before several branches-like fissures of light shot out in every direction all across the sky.

"Although my story ends here, many more stories will come after mine!!"

"What did you do!?" Yuta roared, his voice barely audible over the celestial spectacle. Reacting with lightning speed, he surged forward, his body a blur as he tackled the weakened form of Usowamoto to the ground. Pinning the curse with his knee, slamming his hand to restrain it. "Tell me what you did!" he demanded, his voice desperate with urgency. The air crackled with his raw power, warning what awaited Usowamoto if it refused to answer.

A malevolent cackle burst out of Usowamoto, tears of joy in their eyes. "Isn't it obvious!?" They screamed with pure ecstasy. "I've fractured the boundaries! I've opened up portals from all across the multiverse and linked them up to countless versions of Equestria! And to think you had my cursed technique!"

Yuta's breath hitched. He understood now the horrifying implications of unleashing chaos on a cosmic scale. Each of those shimmering fissures in the sky, a doorway to a different Equestria, a different reality? The very fabric of existence was now a tangled web, and countless innocent lives hung in the balance.

"From here on out," Usowamoto continued, its voice laced with a chilling glee, "stories untold, fantasies, dreams, all will come true! Won't you be entertained, sorcerer?" They taunted, grabbing at Yuta's knee and shaking him. "To witness the infinite possibilities unleashed? The multiverse will get to experience the fun and joy I did! But most important of all, I will be the architect of all those that come after me!!! Don't you get it!?! I WIN!!!"

Yuta gritted his teeth, a surge of anger battling with a cold dread. He couldn't let this stand. Shifting a free hand over Usowamoto's face, the air began to shift and bend in an unnatural force. The centre of Usowamoto's face begins to cave inward, the bones on the side of their face snapping and bending to give way. One might think of the unimaginable pain that comes with distorting a head, but all the while, Usowamoto was laughing. Even when his mouth was crushed inward, muffled laughter still could be heard. In the next instance, Usowamoto's head was fully crushed into a ball focused into a singularity by Yuta's Blue. The main body is dragged slightly by the attractive force before Yuta dispels it.

The laughter ceased. A heavy silence descended upon the chamber, broken only by the constant, reverberated humming of residual power coming from the tree of light spanning across the open sky. The monstrous form that was Usowamoto lay crumpled on the ground, headless and ashing away. Leaving behind two red, decaying fingers with long black fingernails where the curse's neck once was.

Special Grade Curse: Usowamoto was exorcised.

Picking up the fingers, he pocketed them away on his person. Thinking the worst was finally over, a cold dread settled in his stomach as Yuta looked up at the fractured sky. Why hasn't their technique been released yet? Shit, there isn't time. Each second he wastes dallying around is possibly another world opening a floodgate to a variant of Equestria.

Standing up and getting closer to the base of the light tree, Yuta grabbed the edges of the rifts with Portal Manipulation, his hands immediately burning up upon contact.

"GRAAAHH!" The primal scream ripped from his throat, a sound born not just of pain but of the sheer herculean effort he was exerting. Sweat beaded on his forehead, trickling down his face to mingle with the tears of frustration stinging his eyes. The rift, seemingly defiant, pulsed with otherworldly energy, resisting his every attempt to mend it. Winds that weren't from that world blast through the gateway, almost as if to get Yuta to stop closing it.

Yuta pushed regardless, channelling every ounce of his cursed energy reserves into his hands, his vision blurring at the edges. The portal seemed to taunt him with its endless expanse, a glimpse of a distorted, nightmarish Equestria beyond. What's worse was the fact that the music that had accompanied him throughout this entire ordeal was finally dying out. Seeing that he was out of time, Yuta poured the overflowing cursed energy from his body into his arms, the portal inching closer and closer together.

Even the branches of light in the skies shrink further and further back to the base of the pillar of light. This was it, the final push. With a roar, Yuta closed the giant rift with an unintentional, explosive flourish. The air crackled with raw power as the portal snapped shut, unleashing a shockwave that ripped through the entire castle.

The shockwave sent Yuta careening back and blasted him through the brick wall with reckless abandon. Delivering him out into the open and landing in the humid greenery of the Everfree Forest. Any clothing on his torso being blown off by the explosion of cursed energy.

He bounced off the soft earth with a pained grunt. The air knocked from his lungs. Mud caked his exposed skin, and a throbbing ache pulsed through every muscle in his body. His head swam, a relentless migraine drilling into his skull.

"Urgh..." The sorcerer moaned, pushing himself onto his hands and knees, his sight swimming. His entire body ached, his muscles were soar, and to compliment all that, he was rocking a pulsing headache. He brushed off the dirt and grime off his chest and abs. But finally, it was over.

Reaching out a hand, he focused the last vestiges of his cursed energy. A familiar shimmer opened in the air, a portal back to the world he knew. The Equestria he was familiar with.

With a shaky breath, he lurched towards the portal, his legs threatening to give way beneath him. Just as he was about to step through, his body rebelled. His knees buckled, the world tilting on its axis. His eyelids grew heavy without his permission, an overwhelming fatigue pulling him towards oblivion.

"Uuggggghhhhhh..." A weak groan escaped his lips, swallowed by the swirling energy of the portal. He reached out a hand, fingers brushing the shimmering edge before his body finally gave in. Yuta collapsed forward, tumbling through the portal and disappearing into the familiar light of Equestria. The portal flickered for a moment before snapping shut, leaving only the oppressive stillness of the Everfree behind.

From the corners of a tree, the figure of a pony emerged from the shadows, a relaxed grin plastered across his face as he soaked in what had happened.

"This was the most entertaining thing I've witnessed since 500 years ago. I'd never thought I'd see your face again." The voice, strung with amusement and a hint of something deeper, complimented the show with applause. His coat was a vibrant crimson, and his mane was a flowing storm of black and gold. A familiar grin stretched across its face.

"Yuta Okkotsu~" the pony drawled, its voice carrying a playful lilt. The wind whipped through the clearing, momentarily revealing the stitching across its forehead.

Canterlot, Day Time

The once vibrant heart of Canterlot was cloaked in a pall of dust and despair. The brilliant midday sun only served to highlight the devastation wrought by the recent calamity. Multiple districts, once bustling hubs of activity, now resembled warzones. Grand buildings lay in heaps of broken masonry, their facades marred by soot and scorch marks.

Everywhere you looked, citizens of Canterlot toiled amidst the wreckage. Rescue workers laboured tirelessly, hauling away debris with a desperate urgency. The air hung heavy with the smell of burnt wood and damp earth, punctuated by the agonised cries of trapped ponies struggling to be freed. Fires sputtered stubbornly in pockets across the city, spewing plumes of black smoke that drifted lazily toward the hazy sun.

Amidst the pandemonium, a single voice rose above the rest, "Over here!" A young earth pony with a dusty yellow coat yelled, his voice hoarse from exertion. He beckoned towards a collapsed section of a wall, turning to face his squad. Beside him, a team of unicorns focused their magic, levitating chunks of fallen stone with practised ease, freeing the stallion trapped underneath.

"I need a stretcher over here!" He called back once more.

Suddenly, a flash of shimmering light from the corner of his eye made him turn. A portal, a swirling vortex of energy, materialised out of thin air a few paces away. His eyes widened in surprise, momentarily forgetting the trapped pony he was watching over as a figure tumbled out of the shimmering gateway. The lengthy figure landed with an unforgiving thud, crumpling to the ground in a heap of unconscious black and covered in grime.

"Whoa!" He exclaimed, trotting cautiously towards the dissipating portal, his hooves whispering softly against the dusty ground. As he drew closer, he realised it was a human who had fallen, a boy clad in what looked like the tattered remains of black pants and dirtied white shoes. The pony's chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, his face slack and pale from the aura he was giving off.

"Actually, make that two!" The pony yelled, "Get the biggest stretcher available, and get the princess!"

Weakness should be punished

The distant sound of insistent beeps pulls Yuta out of his abyss of unconsciousness; he shifts slightly and is rewarded by an aching pain pulsating through each micro-movement he makes. On another note, he is surprised by the softness of where he lies. Cracking his eyes open, a flood of light assaulted his vision. He winced, shutting them shut before slowly allowing his eyes to adjust.

Taking in his surroundings, he found himself nestled in a pristine hospital bed, the cool sheets and bandages wrapped around his body a welcome relief against his sweat-soaked clothes. The room itself was a curious blend of functionality and extravagance. The walls were painted a crisp white, but the monotony was broken by a thin band of gold trim along the edges. Very fancy.

Modern medical equipment hummed softly in the background, its sterile efficiency a surprise, though not an unwelcome change from the humidity of the forest Yuta had passed out in. Getting up, Yuta began to flow small amounts of Positive Energy all across his body to lessen his aching.

"Phew..." Yuta sighed, the tension leaving his shoulders.

"I see you're awake." A soft voice startled him. Turning his head, he saw a nurse standing by his bedside, her horn glowing faintly as a magical clipboard hovered in her grasp. Her gaze swept over him, her brow furrowed in concern. "You shouldn't be moving too much, you were out for quite awhile." she cautioned. "The injuries you sustained aren't fatal, but you've clearly overworked your muscles."

Yuta flashed a weak smile. "It's okay," he rasped, his voice rough from disuse. "I can heal my body."

The nurse raised an eyebrow sceptically. "...If you insist," she replied, her tone neutral. "We aren't equipped nor have the experience in treating your species, so if you believe healing yourself is the best course of action, we won't stop you." She paused, her gaze holding his for a moment. "However," she continued, turning to walk towards the door, "the Princess would like an audience with you once you've regained consciousness. I'll bring her immediately. Do you need anything before I go?"

Yuta shook his head, his voice still too weak for much conversation. "No, thank you," he managed.

The nurse nodded curtly and exited the room, the soft click of the door shutting behind her, leaving an air of anticipation in its wake. Yuta leaned back against the pillows, sighing all the while.

"Yuta..." Another voice came to the side of the bed, though this time, he already knew who it was. Turning to his side, he gave a warm smile.

"Hey Rika."

Rika hovered calmly beside Yuta's bed. Her head and hands were the only things with material substance, while the rest of her body was clouded in a spectral cloud. She plunged her hand into her shadows, pulling out an item she had covered with her hands with extreme care. Slowly unfurling her fingers, he was presented with the sight of two fingers wrapped in cursed seals.

"I've wrapped them up while you were asleep, Yuta..." Rika spoke, and she was promptly rewarded with a pat on the head from Yuta.

"Thank you, Rika," Yuta replied as Rika's face was flushed red from the compliment. "Can you store them away for me for the time being? I'm going to meet the Princess, and it would be appreciated if we could have some privacy."

"Okay~!" Doing as told, Rika stores the cursed items back into her body with a happy hum before turning away and disappearing into the shadows.

A solemn silence filled the room after Rika's spectral form faded away. Yuta stared at the empty space she occupied moments ago, his mind replaying the past few days' events on a loop. World after world, dancing between space and time, fighting on lands Yuta never thought he would see in his entire life. Images of fractured realities, worlds teetering on the brink of chaos, and the desperate struggle to mend the damage Usowamoto had unleashed all flooded back. The adrenaline that fueled him during the fight had long since ebbed away, leaving a bone-deep weariness and a gnawing sense of unease.

If he would admit it, it feels eerily wrong for him to be this stationary. Probably because of all those world-hopping he did.

But even though the worst of the worst is over, the feeling of an unfinished task at the back of his mind continues to etch away at his subconscious. Was there something he was forgetting? Nevertheless, he should be able to breathe easy, right? So why...

What's with this sudden weight of unease coming from?

Just as he reached that conclusion, a soft knock on the door shattered the silence. Yuta turned his head towards the sound, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. The door creaked open a moment later, revealing the tired features of an overworked princess, Twilight. Relief and a hint of concern softened her usual regal demeanour.

"I'm glad to see you're okay," she said, her voice warm and sincere. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling better," Yuta began, forcing a smile as his gaze met Twilight's. "If anything, I should be asking you that, Princess." Twilight's facade slips, surprised, before she collects herself. Something was definitely bugging her. "...Princess?"

"Ah!" She jumped slightly, a blush creeping up her muzzle. "Sorry! I was spacing out for a second." Taking a deep breath, she composed herself. "Either way, I'm glad you're recovering well. But there are a few questions I would like to ask if you don't mind."

"Sure, go ahead," Yuta replied, gesturing for her to continue.

"Where did you go after exorcising Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker? A rescue worker reported seeing you emerge from a portal, unconscious. However, I'd like to hear from your perspective."

"Oh, so those are the names of those curses?" Yuta chuckled, "Befitting. Well, after exorcising the curses. I was confronted..."

.
..
...

"...I see," Twilight spoke, nodding as she digested everything Yuta had explained. "So you chased them throughout worlds, exorcised the curse, and sealed a tear in a hole among several interconnected universes. That does line up with what the Wonderbolts had reported. About a spherical object suddenly manifesting in the middle of a giant firey tornado."

Yuta nodded, a weight settling in his chest. "That's about right," he admitted, his voice laced with a hint of shame. "But the tear was immense. As I was sealing it, I was actively trying to open portals from the differing worlds to allow as many people, or ponies, a chance to return to their homeworld." He lowered his head, the guilt gnawing at him. "But... I don't think I managed to help as many individuals as that curse had doomed once I had closed the tear."

Twilight reached out and placed a comforting wing gently on his shoulder. "It's not your fault, Yuta," she reassured him, her voice firm but kind. "You've done the best you could in an impossible situation. Saving one life is a victory; you've undoubtedly saved countless more. Don't let the weight of what you couldn't do overshadow the good you've accomplished."

Twilight squeezed his shoulder gently, her touch imbued with a quiet strength. "Thank you for answering my questions, Yuta. It's... a lot to take in, but your actions have undoubtedly saved countless lives. Equestria is in your debt."

She rose from her chair, a hint of regret in her eyes. "However, as much as I'd like to stay and chat further, the rescue efforts still require my immediate attention. Canterlot is in pieces, and every hoof is needed to rebuild." Twilight offered him a warm smile. "Please, rest up in the meantime. You've earned it. And if you require anything at all, don't hesitate to call for the nurse."

Yuta returned her smile, a flicker of gratitude shining in his eyes. "Sure thing, Princess Twilight. See you soon."

As Twilight turned to leave, she paused for an awkward moment at the doorway, tilting her head slightly to the side. Almost as if there was one last time she wanted to ask him. But before Yuta could ask what was wrong, she resumed her pace and exited the room, leaving Yuta alone in the hospital ward.

The day after the meeting.

The blues of the sky divide the watercolour scene in two; hot summer hues burn the stone roads, and horizons stretch out through the cold dew. Fluttershy hovered atop a fallen house, blocking the main path connecting the city streets to the Canterlot Park.

"Over here, Discord!"

Discord stumbled over the debris and made his way to Fluttershy's location. Going through the motions of snapping his fingers, he paused just before completing the gesture; his arm trembled slightly.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself, before finally completing the snap. A soft pop echoed in the air, and with a shimmer of displaced energy, the fallen house vanished from the road. A moment later, it reappeared in its original location, seemingly untouched by the chaos.

"Discord, is everything alright?" Fluttershy asks, hovering near the draconequus. "I hadn't seen you walk since Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Chrysalis attacked."

Discord ruffles the back of his neck, "It's nothing dear, I just..." He peers to his side, "Don't want my chaos magic to mess up the cleanup."

"Ah, okay..." Fluttershy responded, the answer leaving the pegasus unsatisfied.

Disquiet settled over the scene as the pegasus' reassurance followed tense silence. Fluttershy hovered anxiously near the displaced house, her wings beating frantically against the heavy air. Discord shuffled his hooves and mumbled excuses, casting furtive glances at the debris-strewn street.

The cause of his unease became clear a moment later. A tall figure emerged past the fallen splintered woods and shattered brickwork. The newcomer, clad in a fresh white uniform and sporting a sling, was Yuta himself, his head still wrapped in bandages. Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise, quickly replaced by concern as she watched the injured Yuta approach.

"Oh, Yuta!" Fluttershy exclaimed, her voice laced with relief as she swooped down to meet him. "I didn't know you were discharged so early! Is it really okay for you to walk around on your own right now?"

The injured Yuta chuckled, waving her concerns away dismissively. "Oh, no," he rasped, his voice rough. "I just sneaked out, but my body is recovering quickly, and I'd thought I'd help out here and there. Is there anything I can be of service to?"

Fluttershy fluttered her wings in agitation. "Oh no, it's quite alright. Really! Discord and I got it sorted. You really should take the time to rest your body."

Ignoring the disquiet churning in his gut, Yuta decided to take action. With a surprising display of strength for someone supposedly recovering from an injury, he lifted a large chunk of debris and effortlessly hoisted it onto his shoulder. "It's fine, and I'm already nearly fully recovered," he declared, his voice stronger than his raspy greeting earlier suggested. He strode over to a pile of rubble that wasn't blocking the main road and deposited his burden with a dull thud.

"You need to clear the paths, right?" he continued, turning his gaze between Fluttershy and Discord. "Then I'll gather them into one spot so that Discord will have an easier time shifting them away."

Without waiting for a response, Yuta marched off towards another street congested with rubble. "Let's handle the rubble over here, Discord," he called out over his shoulder. "There's something I wish to talk to you about in private as well. Fluttershy, could you survey that area over there in the meantime while Discord and I clear that path?"

Fluttershy, momentarily stunned by Yuta's sudden assertiveness, could only manage a bewildered "Um, sure!" before taking flight. As she ascended, a part of her mind was indeed thankful that Yuta wasn't seriously wounded. But another part, a more unsettling one, couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled upon her. It was as if a sense of security she'd held dear had been… stolen away. Was that the right word? Surely not. The only thing that had changed after that unsettling feeling arose was Yuta joining the conversation. Did that mean she subconsciously saw him as a threat?

"No!" Fluttershy mentally scolded herself, shaking the thought out of her head. "There's no way Yuta would ever do anything to us."

Despite her self-reassurance, a sliver of doubt lingered. Turning her gaze back towards Yuta and Discord, she noticed them seemingly conversing. At first, it appeared normal, their mouths moving in turn. Then, they paused before a pile of rubble, their postures shifting to face each other head-on. Their movements became agitated, their voices rising and falling in what appeared to be… an argument? The distance hampered her hearing the specifics, but the body language spoke volumes. It certainly wasn't a smooth exchange.

Right as the tension seemed ready to snap, Discord's shoulders slumped. His bravado evaporated, replaced by a defeated sigh. He mumbled something inaudible and went about clearing the rubble alongside Yuta. Though the argument appeared settled, a fragile truce at best, Fluttershy couldn't shake the feeling something was amiss. Before Discord's admitted defeat, her gaze snagged on Yuta's hand, and Fluttershy could've sworn she saw a white-knuckled grip tightening the straps of his sling.

The remaining hours of the day crawled by tediously and repetitively. Yuta and Discord worked side-by-side, clearing debris and aiding in the reconstruction efforts. Discord, his earlier reluctance seemingly forgotten, used his magic to levitate large chunks of rubble and shift them to designated disposal areas. Yuta, despite his supposed injury, displayed surprising strength as he hauled smaller debris and helped residents salvage belongings from their damaged homes.

Fluttershy, unable to shake the unease that gnawed at her, flitted between tasks. While she assisted with rebuilding and ensuring the safety of displaced animals, her gaze kept straying back to Yuta. His every movement seemed tinged with a hidden urgency, his focus intense. The way his look constantly stared into the abyss only solidified her suspicion that something wasn't right.

As the afternoon sun dipped towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the ravaged city, a heavy stillness settled over the scene. Exhaustion etched itself onto the faces of the ponies and creatures working tirelessly to rebuild Canterlot.

"Thank you for your hard work," Yuta said, placing the last pieces of debris off to the side. He straightened up, stretching his arms with a groan, and turned to Fluttershy and Discord. "Shall we call it a day?"

"Yes!" Fluttershy replied, relief coloring her voice. "Thank you for your hard work as well! As much as you said it was alright, you really should take the rest of the day to rest, Yuta."

"Will do," Yuta said, offering a tired smile. He started to walk past Fluttershy and Discord, then paused next to the draconequus, lowering his voice to a barely audible murmur. "Remember, your choice." With that cryptic message, Yuta turned and headed back towards the hospital, his hand clung tight to the sling across his shoulder. "Goodbye, Fluttershy. See you later."

Fluttershy watched him go, a frown creasing her brow. "S-see you!" she called after him, then turned to Discord with a questioning look. "Discord? What was that about?"

Discord avoided her gaze, his usual playful demeanour replaced by a forced nonchalance. "Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head over, darling," he said, brushing his claws through her mane in a dismissive gesture. "Say, how about tomorrow we have some time off from this whole thing? All this work really isn't good on the nails, don't you think?"

Fluttershy's hooves froze mid-step, her brow furrowing in concern. "Discord..." she began, her voice tinged with a gentle reprimand, "You know that we can't afford to do that so soon. There's still so much to be done."

Discord flinched at her words, the mask of amusement he usually wore slipping for a moment, revealing a shade of vulnerability beneath the surface. A sheepish smile, more of a grimace, really, contorted his features. "But-" he started, his voice trailing off.

"No buts," Fluttershy cut him off firmly, her usual gentle conduct hardening with a touch of tiredness and seriousness. She began to walk away, shaking her head all the while. "And within a few days, there's still the funeral we need to attend for..." her voice softened as she spoke the last part, a pang of grief flashing in her eyes.

"Fluttershy..." Discord called after her, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. He took a hesitant step forward, only to stop again. "Wait, Fluttershy!" he pleaded, his voice cracking slightly. He watched her retreating figure, his hooves scuffling nervously against the rubble-strewn ground. Finally, he took a deep breath and blurted out, "If I said I needed to leave for a long time... would you be okay with it?"

Fluttershy's abrupt halt sent a jolt through Discord. He hadn't expected his question to have such an immediate effect. She pivoted on her hoof, her large blue eyes filled with a mixture of concern and confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice soft but firm. "Where are you heading to?"

Discord shifted uncomfortably, his hooves scuffing against the debris. "...There's some... important matters that require my attention. Even I don't know for how long I'll be gone," he mumbled, his voice devoid of its usual theatrics.

"But you'll be back, right?" she finally asked, a tremor of uncertainty strung along with each word. There was something about the way she phrased the question, a desperate hope clinging to the edge of her words, that left a hollow ache in Discord's nonexistent heart. He knew the answer he should give, the answer that wouldn't burden her with worry. But the truth, the gnawing truth that twisted in his gut, was far too heavy to voice.

"...Well, speaking of important matters," he announced, his voice adopting a theatrical lilt as he circled around his wife. "have you noticed the state of Canterlot's butterfly population? Absolutely disastrous! All this destruction must have thrown their migration patterns into complete disarray. Perhaps tomorrow, when you're not so busy scolding the ever-responsible me," he punctuated this with a wink, spawning a butterfly into the palm of his paw. "we could dedicate some time to ensuring these delicate creatures find their way back on course? A little chaos magic for a good cause, wouldn't you say?"

The mention of butterflies tore Fluttershy away from her awaited answer. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "... That's right." she sighed, a hint of exasperation debased with affection, "All this smoke and damage did push the local butterflies out of Canterlot. I suppose we can spare time to lend a helping hoof. Alright, tomorrow it is. But only because I can't bear the thought of those little butterflies lost and alone." Turning to face her husband, Fluttershy gave a pout. "And you'll be by my side?"

Discord, albeit hesitantly, leaned in to brush his cheeks against hers. "Of course, my dear. I wouldn't miss it."

Yuta continued his trek back to the hospital, the weight of the day pressing down on him. He rounded a corner, the air thick with the smell of dust and decay. Suddenly, a sickly green glow pulsed from the debris of a destroyed house. Squinting, Yuta spotted a wisp of malicious energy seeping from the cracks, its form coalescing into a low, guttural moan.

"K-k-k-k-k-kiss..." the curse sputtered, its voice a chorus of rasping whispers.

Without breaking stride, Yuta whipped his arm around and slammed a fist into the spectral form. A shockwave of cursed energy rippled outwards, shattering the curse into an ashing mist that dissipated harmlessly into the air.

"That's the sixth," he muttered under his breath, barely registering the feat. Resuming his pace back to his ward.

"Yuta?" Twilight inquired, descending from the skies and stopping in front of him. Her brow furrowed with concern. "What are you doing out of your ward? And did Rarity sow a new jacket for you?"

Caught off guard, Yuta stammered for an instant. "Eheh, you caught me," he admitted, raising a hand to ruffle the back of his head in sheepishness. "No, I usually carry around more than one jacket with me. How did you find me?"

"I sensed fluctuations in cursed energy within this area," Twilight explained. "I'm guessing that was your doing."

"That's impressive." Yuta compliments, "Yeah, I was exorcising a curse. In fact, that's the sixth one I've exorcised today." he confirms.

"There's still curses present?" Twilight's voice held a hint of disbelief. "I thought sightings of curses reduced significantly when you exorcised that portal curse a while back."

Yuta shook his head, a grim expression settling on his face. "Curses will still spawn, regardless of whether there was a power imbalance or not. But the number of curses popping up now is unprecedented."

"I agree," Twilight said, bringing a wing to her chin. "At first, my friends over in the Changeling Kingdom reported an upsurge of curses. I thought the curses were simply acting up because you exorcised their leader. But once I've received similar reports from the Dragon Lands, Griffonstone, and the North. I knew something was amiss."

Yuta didn't reply. Instead, he opts to stare into the dirt, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

"Yuta?" Twilight's voice broke through his reverie, laced with concern. "Something on your mind?"

Yuta shook his head.

He hesitated momentarily, then shook his head, the lie bitter on his tongue. "N-nothing," he stammered, "There's something else I'd like to tell you," he continued, forcing himself to meet her gaze. "I'll be leaving Equestria soon, in a few days' time."

Twilight stares back at the human, taking a while to digest what Yuta has told her. "...O-oh! Right! Of course, of course. It completely slipped my mind that you had to return to your homeworld." Twilight took a step back, her hoof unconsciously brushing against her cheek in a gesture that betrayed her attempt to appear composed. "W-well, apologies for forgetting. Shall that be the case, I'll have Pinkie arrange a farewell party for you." Twilight said, unfurling her wings, "I'll be off, then. So please actually take the time to rest."

With that, she took flight, leaving Yuta alone in the fading light. He watched her go, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Twilight's flustered side was a welcome change from the usual seriousness that cloaked her.

"A farewell party..." he murmured to himself. The thought was… unexpected yet strangely heartwarming. "I'll be most grateful, Princess Twilight," he called after her retreating form, a genuine smile gracing his features before sorrows overtake his lips.

Several days later - Ponyville - The Funeral.

The air hung heavy with a suffocating mix of grief and despair as Ponyville held a funeral for Sandbar. Twilight had attended far too many war memorials and funerals in the past few days, but none had come close to piercing her heart quite like this one.

Sandbar's family stood at the forefront of the assembled ponies, a raw, unbridled grief tableau. His mother wept uncontrollably, tears leaving glistening tracks through the dust on her cheeks. Beside her, his little sister clutched a worn teddy bear, and her small body racked with silent sobs.

Sandbar's father, a sturdy stallion with a braided mane now streaked with grey, tried valiantly to hold himself together for his family. But judging from the red-rimmed anguish in his eyes, he was barely keeping it together.

Behind the family stood Sandbar's closest friends. Silverstream stared blankly at the portrait of her departed friend, which captured his infectious grin and the twinkle in his eyes, the same smile he wore in his last moments. Gallus's gaze flits between the grieving family and the sky, almost denying the reality of the situation.

Ocellus clutched tightly to her chest as a tear broke through. Turning away from the scene, she stifled a sniffle as Smolder comforted her changeling friend. She clenched her jaw, keeping a tight rein on her emotions, her tail lashing restlessly against the ground.

Yona, however, stood silent and stoic, her large brown eyes downcast. She couldn't bear to look at the casket being lowered into the earth, the finality of the act too much to bear.

At the back of the assembled crowd, a group of familiar faces stood together, offering their silent condolences. Applejack, her hat tilted low in respect, stood beside Rainbow Dash, whose vibrant mane seemed muted in the face of such sorrow. Pinkie Pie gripped Rarity's hoof tightly, their coats brushing in silent comfort. Fluttershy leaned against Discord for comfort and security.

Standing behind them, a heavily bandaged Princess Cadance with a wing cast, Shining Armor, and a tearful Flurry Heart, their presence a show of solidarity with Ponyville. Sandbar and his friends had been instrumental in keeping the curses away from the Crystal Empire, and their loss was felt deeply by the royal family.

Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst offered silent comfort to each other. Around them were unfamiliar creatures – likely friends from other lands who had treasured memories with Sandbar.

Yuta stood isolated at the very corner of the cemetery; in his hands held a bouquet of white Chrysanthemums. He leaned against the rough bark of an ancient oak, its gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal arms towards the mourning sky. His eyes were fixed on the scene unfolding before him. Yet, amidst the collective heartache, a separate current of turmoil churned within him. He was a stranger in this land, an outsider to their traditions and the depths of their grief. Though physically present, he felt a million miles away, a silent observer.

The sorcerer continued to watch at the fringes of the gathering. As the ceremony progressed, various members of Sandbar's family and friends stepped forward, their voices thick with emotion as they shared stories and memories of the departed stallion. Some spoke of his kindness, his adventurous spirit, his infectious laughter. Others recounted tales of bravery and his unwavering determination to protect his loved ones and home. Like a brushstroke, each story painted a vibrant portrait of the young pony who had touched so many lives. Yuta listened intently, understanding what his student was like.

Finally, the last speaker finished, their voice trailing into a choked sob. A hush fell over the crowd, a heavy silence broken only by the occasional sniffle or choked sob from a grieving familiar. The moment stretched thick with unspoken emotions. Then, with a gentle nod from Twilight, the official ceremony came to an end.

The crowd began to disperse, some ponies offering words of comfort to Sandbar's family, others simply departing with tear-streaked faces. Yuta remained by the oak tree, his eyes lingering upon the freshly turned earth where Sandbar's casket lay. Once the throng thinned considerably, only a handful lingering near the grave, Yuta knew it was his time.

With a deep breath, he stepped away from the tree and ascended the gentle slope. He moved with a quiet purpose, his steps light on the soft earth. Reaching the graveside, he paused for a moment, letting the weight of the ceremony settle. Then, he gently placed the bouquet of Chrysanthemums he'd brought along next to the freshly placed gravestone. The vibrant blooms offered a silent tribute to Sandbar's life.

Yuta bowed his head in a gesture of respect, a silent goodbye to a friend he never truly knew. As he straightened, he saw a lone figure standing a few paces back.

"Those are beautiful," Twilight whispered.

"He deserved them," Yuta replied softly.

"...You were welcomed in the ceremony," she added, staring at the gravestone.

"...I didn't think it was proper to remind his family about the reason why their son died."

"..."

"In three days, at night, I'll be leaving," Yuta said, turning around and walking away. "Thank you for taking care of me. I'll go and say my goodbyes to the others, too."

As Yuta walked away, his eyes flickered over to Discord, which prompted the draconequus to turn his gaze to Yuta in return. They held the stare briefly before breaking them. Yuta was the first to walk back to Ponyville, and Discord continued to stare at the human's back.

"Discord?" Fluttershy asks, "Something wrong?"

"None at all, sweetie," Discord replied.

Fluttershy wasn't convinced. Her gaze held a knowing glint as if she sensed the turmoil simmering beneath the surface. But for now, she chose not to press the issue.

"Well," she said gently, "if you're feeling strange, perhaps we can walk back to Ponyville together? There's still much to be done, and I could use your help with the preparations for Pinkie's farewell party for Yuta."

Discord nodded slowly. Walking alongside Fluttershy, the weight of his secret seemed a little less crushing. Perhaps, he thought, there was still time to mend things.

Binding Vow

Love is the most twisted curse of all.

The door to Fluttershy's cottage clicks, swinging open; Fluttershy steps in. In her arms, she cradled an overflowing bag of groceries, ribbons, and balloons peeking out from the top. Behind her, Discord followed, lumbering slightly to avoid scraping the low doorframe. His arms were laden with similar bulging bags, the contents rustling and crinkling with each step.

Despite the festive decorations, a shadow of sadness lingered in Fluttershy's eyes. The recent events had taken a toll, and Yuta's impending departure only added to the weight on her heart. Discord shuffled in quietly, his usual chaotic energy muted while he stared at the wedding photos of him and Fluttershy decorating the living room.

This... mudaneness, or lack thereof, from Discord was starting to worry Fluttershy. Usually, whenever Discord was tagging along with her to go grocery shopping, he'd had the bags walk along with out-grown feet as they chatted about everyday life. Perhaps it was the atmosphere after the funeral, or did Discord's opening himself to others have him acting this way?

Fluttershy wasn't sure, setting the bags she held aside as she turned around and closed the door. But,

Perhaps it was from all the fighting these past few days, the stress of it all. If she could, even she wouldn't want to leave the cottage for the next few days to recharge. Wanting to spend time with her husband in quiet bliss. Thankfully, Starlight has mandated a two-month break from the School of Friendship. Both so that the school could have time to rebuild and to give respite to the students who had first-class seats to the horror show that is curses.

Discord set the bag aside. Opening it with a flourish that seemed strangely subdued, he began to sort them out by hand—organising the items in an organised chaos fitting for Fluttershy. A bag of vegetables went next to a vibrant bouquet of lilies, separated only by a jar of honey. It was a practical approach with a distinctly Discordant touch.

When she turned around to fetch the bags, she noticed the bags she placed to the side had gone missing. Turning to the kitchen, Discord had already taken them with him and organised them along with the ones he had.

"Thank you for helping." Fluttershy said as she couldn't help but notice how his tail swished nervously behind him. Despite the lingering unease, a trace of warmth bloomed in her chest. "Now, I should prepare the sandwich fillings for the party. Would you like to join me?"

Discord smiled, an act that was bursting with its usual hearty shine. "Oh! Are you preparing the sandwiches with the mild hint of honey and mixed salad combination?" He asked, "You never prepare those unless the occassion is really special. Sounds like a plan! Though, knowing Pinkie, there might already be ten different desserts on their way."

Fluttershy chuckles, "I don't doubt that. Could you fetch the honey for me?" Discord, his movements still a touch awkward, reached over and gingerly grabbed the honey jar, bringing it gently to Fluttershy's side.

"Thank you very much," Fluttershy said, her voice warm. "You're a big help, Discord."

As Fluttershy grabbed a salad bowl from a cabinet and tossed the vegetables in with practised ease, Discord stood staring at his wife. A stray strand of her light rose mane draped to the side of her cheek, catching the soft sunlight filtering through the window and illuminating its delicate sheen. The Draconequus instinctively reached a claw forward to brush the mane back.

Fluttershy turns to her husband with a slight tilt of her head. "Something wrong?"

Discord smiled, "Nothing dear," Reaching a claw and brushing the stray strands of her mane back, he pulled his arm back. "Just capitivated by your beauty."

Fluttershy raised an eyebrow, an amused glint in her eyes. "...Are you trying to get on my good side so you could steal a bite of the salad?"

Discord chuckled, a sound that still lacked its usual boisterousness. "Hmm," he said, scratching his chin with a claw in a show of theatrics that seemed forced. "What if I said yes?"

"If I gave you any," Fluttershy countered, a smile tugging at her lips, "Angel would want a piece too. Then Harry, and the rest of the critters. You know how it goes."

"Ohhh, poo," Discord said, his voice feigning disappointment. Yet, he enjoyed the lightened mood, a nice and welcomed contrast to the heavy atmosphere that had clung to them recently.

Though, unbeknownst to Fluttershy, behind his back, Discord subtly twirled his fingers in the air, a magical gesture so slight it was almost invisible. Back in the living room, a pen on the table suddenly levitated, hovering above a sheet of paper with a drunken focus. As if guided by an unseen hand, the pen scribbled something on the paper while Discord and Fluttershy laughed in the kitchen.

The next day, two days before Yuta's departure, he emerged from the Everfree Forest, his katana held loosely at his side. The dissipating curse energy swirled around the blade before dissolving into harmless motes of light. He had spent the morning placing wards around the forest's perimeter, ensuring a reprieve from the encroaching curses.

In the clearing, Applejack waited with a bandaged head, a testament to a recent skirmish. Relief washed over her features as she spotted Yuta.

"The Everfree is clear, Applejack," Yuta announced, sheathing his katana. "I've placed several wards around the perimeter. Curses shouldn't be a problem for a while."

"Thank you, Yuta," Applejack replied, her voice warm. "You really didn't have to do all that. We could've handled it."

Yuta smiled, "It is my last time staying in Ponyville and getting to know all of you, I'd like to help out here and there." Walking past AJ, "I'll head over to the School of Friendship to clear the remaining cursed residues left over from the curses. Take care, Applejack."

"See ya at the party later!" Applejack called after him as Yuta set off towards Ponyville.

The summer sun beat down mercilessly, but lazy clouds like spun cotton candy drifted across the cerulean canvas of the sky, offering dappled shade that danced across Yuta's path. The air hung heavy with the sweet scent of honeysuckle and freshly cut grass, a familiar summer perfume that usually filled him with carefree joy. Today, however, an unsettling undercurrent ran beneath the pleasant facade. The normally bustling streets of Ponyville seemed strangely subdued.

Shop windows that were usually overflowing with colourful merchandise seemed oddly bare. Here and there, a boarded-up window or a hastily repaired door hinted at recent damage, and Yuta couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in the townsfolk's demeanour. Ponies eyed him with gratitude and wary curiosity, their voices hushed as they spoke amongst themselves.

Then, a loud whistle pierced the air, drawing Yuta's attention. Turning to the source, he neared the front of the Ponyville Train Station. As he was about to turn outside the intersection, he spotted the unmistakable silhouette of a departing train at the station. A jolt of surprise shot through him as he saw Discord and Fluttershy seated in one of the carriages, seemingly lost in conversation.

Yuta's eyes widened at this as he broke into a sprint to the train station, hopping onto the platform. But it was too late, and the train was already moving. Thinking if he should give chase and simultaneously drawing his katana, he was stopped when a high-pitched yelp came from next to him.

"Ah! Yuta!" Rarity yelped, "You startled me!"

Yuta skidded to a halt, his heart hammering in his chest. He smiled, trying to regain his composure while sneakily sheathing his blade. "Sorry, Rarity. I didn't see you there." Turning back to face the moving train, Yuta stares at the back door of a carriage chugging over the horizon. "Do you happen to know why Fluttershy and Discord are leaving Ponyville?"

Rarity's eyes widened in surprise. "I'm not sure where they're headed. They just popped by the boutique earlier to borrow a picnic blanket. They said theirs got… well, let's just say a little worse for wear during the whole school incident. And so I tagged along," Her voice softened with concern. "Is something wrong, Yuta? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Yuta blinked, the tension draining from his shoulders. "A picnic blanket, huh?" he repeated, a sheepish grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Discord can be... unpredictable sometimes."

Rarity chuckled, the sound tinkling like wind chimes. "Discord unpredictable? My dear, that's putting it mildly. But a romantic at heart, nonetheless. I wouldn't be surprised if he were whisking Fluttershy away for a little farewell soiree."

Yuta's smile faltered slightly. A farewell soiree? In times like this? He really is a chaos spirit. He quickly pushed those thoughts aside. Fluttershy deserved a moment of peace after everything they'd been through.

"They did leave a message for you, Yuta," Rarity continued, her brow furrowing slightly. "They said they'd vowed to be back in plenty of time for the party. Did you have something important to discuss?"

Yuta hesitated. Did he? He wasn't entirely sure what he wanted to say to Discord or even if the draconequus was receptive to conversation at this point. Or what he assumed Discord might've done... But his heart was put at ease once Rarity mentioned the promise they'd... or he made.

"...No, nothing urgent," he finally mumbled. "Just... farewell wishes, I suppose."

Rarity's gaze softened. "Well, in that case," she said, her voice gentle, "I won't pry. But do remember to drop by Carousel Boutique later, alright? I wouldn't want you to leave for your world without a proper send-off outfit!"

"Sure, I'll do that," Yuta replied, a genuine smile returning to his face. The encounter with Rarity had calmed him down considerably. Perhaps it was best not to dwell on Discord and Fluttershy's sudden train ride. He had a school to clean and a farewell party to prepare for.

"I'll head over once I'm finished cleaning up the school," he added.

Rarity beamed. "Excellent! Now, don't dawdle too long, dear. I have a feeling Pinkie has a grand send-off planned, and you wouldn't want to miss all the fun, would you?"

Yuta chuckled. "There's bound to be enough fun for everyone if Pinkie's in-charge." With a final wave goodbye, he turned and headed towards the School of Friendship, ready to tackle the lingering traces of the curses and put the school back in order – one of two final acts of service before his departure.

With due time, Yuta makes it to the bordered-off School of Friendship, where the distant sounds of hammering and sawing indicate the state the school is in. Lined just at the pond's edge, black and yellow caution tape covers the entries so no regular individuals without proper authorisation can pass. But the norm doesn't apply to Yuta. Stepping across the tape and crossing the bridge to the school's entry, Yuta entered the giant double doors and figures he'd walked around until he found someone he recognised.

Finally, after a series of inquiries, he arrived at the scene of the most significant damage – the blown-off rooftop. To his surprise, Starlight, Twilight, and Sunburst were at the scene.

"Princess," Yuta greeted, bowing respectfully to Twilight. He then turned to Starlight. "Principal Starlight." Finally, his gaze fell on Sunburst. "Vice Principal Sunburst. I'm here to remove the curse residuals."

"Ah Yuta!" Sunburst replied, "Glad you could make it! Shall we start over here?"

Walking over to the cratering hole, Yuta could already feel the tense air radiating from the site. The construction ponies nearby gave the area a wide berth, their movements noticeably more hesitant whenever they glanced in Yuta's direction. Crouching down, he extended a hand, his palm hovering just above the debris-sewn rooftop.

A faint tendril of darkness pulsed weakly beneath his touch, a ghostly echo of the malevolent force they'd recently faced. Focusing his energy, Yuta channelled his own curse against the residual curse. It was a delicate task, purging the darkness without causing further damage to the already fragile structure.

With a whispered incantation, a soft pink light bloomed from Yuta's hand, engulfing the tendril of darkness. The air crackled with a faint hiss as the two energies clashed. The dark tendril writhed, resisting Yuta's cleansing touch, but his light held firm. Inch by agonising inch, he pushed back the shades, slowly purifying the tainted area until the last vestiges of residuals faded away.

"That's one down, many more to go," Yuta announced, rising to his feet.

Starlight approached him, her expression etched with worry. "Are you sure you can handle this all by yourself, Yuta? It's a lot of ground to cover."

"Well, it can't be helped since any of you possess cursed energy, but if you'd like, you can observe how I clear the residuals."

Yuta repeated this gesture all across the school, no matter how small the area was. Interestingly, after observing Yuta's cleansing technique a few more times, Twilight and Starlight seemed to grasp the concept. They began hovering their horns over extensive patches of corrupted debris, their focused magic mimicking Yuta's light and slowly pushing back the shadows.

Sunburst, ever the eager learner, was a little slower on the uptake. He furrowed his brow in concentration, muttering incantations as he attempted to replicate Yuta's actions. His attempts initially sputtered and fizzled, but with a few helpful pointers from Starlight, he finally managed to generate a steady stream of cleansing light.

With the combined efforts of the four, the work progressed at an impressive pace. Large sections of the school were cleansed in mere minutes, the air growing lighter and freer with each passing moment. In less than an hour, they had cleared the entire school, leaving behind a space that felt whole and ready for the rebuilding process to begin.

"We really appreciate your help, Yuta," Starlight said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I'm so sorry I had to pull you away from your farewell preparations, especially during your last days in Ponyville."

Yuta flashed a reassuring smile. "Think nothing of it, Principal Starlight. Helping to rebuild the School of Friendship is a farewell gift in itself. Besides," he added with a wink, "it wouldn't be right for me to leave knowing there's still darkness lurking in the halls."

Starlight chuckled, the sound laced with relief. "True enough. You've made incredible progress today. With the curse residue cleared, the construction can proceed much faster."

A thoughtful frown creased her forehead. "If you'd excuse me, Yuta, I need to brief the workers on the reconstruction plan. We have a lot of ground to cover before the farewell party."

"Of course," Yuta replied politely. "Good luck with the workers, Principal Starlight."

As Starlight turned to head towards the waiting construction ponies, Yuta lingered for a moment, gazing around the cleansed school grounds. A sense of bittersweet satisfaction settled over him.

"Yuta?" Turning to the voice, Twilight walked up to him, her horn glowing faintly with residual cleansing magic. "How are you feeling?"

Yuta stretched, his shoulders popping with a satisfying crack. "Much better, Princess. Thanks for asking. Just a few aches and pains from the last battle, but nothing that won't heal." He brushed a hand across his chest, fingers tracing the white jacket.

"Speaking of battles," Yuta continued, "Have you seen Rainbow Dash around? I've managed to catch up with most of your friends, but she seems to be missing in action."

Twilight's expression softened. "She went to visit her parents' grave earlier today," she explained gently. "It's been a difficult time for her, losing them during the fall of Cloudsdale. But she should be back by tomorrow, getting ready for the farewell party."

Yuta nodded understandingly. He knew the pain of losing loved ones all too well. "Ah, okay. That makes sense," he murmured, a pang of sympathy for Rainbow shooting through him. Shifting gears, he queried, "What about the students? How are the ambassadors handling everything?"

Twilight sighed, a flicker of worry crossing her features. "The ambassadors… well, it's a bit complicated. When I approached them yesterday after the funeral, they asked for some space. I figured it best to respect their wishes."

Yuta raised an eyebrow. It wasn't unusual for ponies to need time to grieve, but something about Twilight's tone made him suspect there was more to the story. "Is everything alright, Princess? They don't seem particularly enthusiastic about the farewell party either."

Twilight hesitated, then let out a defeated breath. "To be honest, Yuta," she confessed, "they seem… apprehensive. Almost afraid. They haven't spoken much about their experiences during the whole curse ordeal, and they seem hesitant to interact with the ponies of Ponyville. After we've reconstructed the destruction, I'm arranging professional help for the young ones."

"That sounds like the right call," he said softly, his voice tinged with empathy. "Trauma can linger long after the danger has passed. Professional help will give them the tools they need to heal."

A heavy silence descended between them, thick with the unspoken weight of their shared experiences. Both Yuta and Twilight had faced their fair share of darkness and loss. They understood, perhaps better than most, the invisible scars left by such battles.

"I…" Twilight began, then faltered. Her gaze drifted towards the bustling activity of the construction ponies, a flicker of worry clouding her features.

"Is there something else troubling you, Princess?" Yuta prompted gently.

Twilight hesitated for a moment, then met his gaze directly. "I feel like there's something I have left unattended," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "Like there's a loose thread in this tight-knitted situation. I can almost sense it, this… unfinished business, but I can't quite grasp what it is."

"..." Yuta doesn't need a sixth sense to tell that Twilight's unease was palpable. "Perhaps it's one of your many royal duties?" he offered tentatively. "Maybe a diplomatic issue or a creature petition that slipped through the cracks?"

Twilight shook her head, a hint of certainty breaking through the fog of her worry. "No, that isn't it. I have a feeling this is something… different."

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken questions. Yuta knew pushing wouldn't provide answers. Twilight needed time to sort through her intuition.

"Then, perhaps it's nothing," he offered with a gentle smile, hoping to ease her worry. "The recent events have been taxing. It's natural to feel a bit unsettled." He knew his words weren't entirely convincing, but they were all he could offer now.

"Anyhow," he continued, changing the subject slightly, "I should probably get going. I promised Rarity I'd stop by the Carousel Boutique so she could work her magic on my farewell outfit."

A smile touched Twilight's lips. "Right, the farewell party." She paused, then seemed to hesitate. "...I-I," she began, wanting to push the discussion further, then stopped herself mid-sentence. Yuta raised an eyebrow, a silent question hanging in the air. "No, go ahead," Twilight finally said, forcing a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow for your send-off. And Yuta," she added, her voice softening, "thank you. For everything."

Yuta returned the smile, warmth blooming in his chest. "Anytime, Princess. Until tomorrow then."

With a final nod, Yuta turned and headed towards the bustling centre of Ponyville. The weight of Twilight's unease lingered with him, a shadow amidst the preparations for his departure. She couldn't shake the feeling that his farewell wasn't quite as simple as it seemed.

The Day: Yuta's departure.

"Surprise!!!"

The sound of a grand fanfare filled the air as Yuta stepped into Sugarcube Corner, blinking slightly in the sudden brightness. A banner stretched across the entrance, emblazoned with a heartfelt message in glittering letters: "Yuta, You'll Always Be Ponyville's Hero!"

Before him, Pinkie had transformed the interior of the confectionary store into a scene of vibrant chaos. Balloons bobbed in the gentle breeze, colourful streamers crisscrossed overhead, and a massive cake frosted in Yuta's colour scheme and a hint of pink sat proudly in the centre.

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection, Yuta could only manage a surprised "Ah!" His surprise quickly melted into a warm smile as he scanned the small, jubilant crowd. There were all the familiar faces he'd come to know and care for: Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, Starlight, Sunburst, Twilight, flanked by Spike and Fluttershy, her usual shyness replaced by a radiant warmth as she stood beside… Discord.

"How'd you like the party!?" Pinkie exclaimed, rushing over to Yuta. "You aren't a fan of big parties, right? So I only made sure the party was large enough for our close friends to celebrate!"

"It's lovely, Pinkie." Yuta complimented.

Yuta's gaze then landed on the unexpected guests – Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, their royal bearing softened by genuine affection. Flurry Heart, perched on her father's shoulders, waved excitedly at Yuta. Even the ambassadors, Gallus, Ocellus, Silverstream, Smolder, and Yona, were present to welcome him to the party.

"Prince Shining? Princess Cadance? What are you doing here?" Yuta stammered, genuinely surprised by the presence of royalty.

"We're here to say our goodbyes as well," Princess Cadence replied, her voice warm.

"What rulers would we be if we didn't send our hero back to their home world?" Shining added,

"Seconded," Spike added, walking up next to Shining. "It would be a shame if I couldn't meet the famous Special-Grade Sorcerer everycreature is talking about."

"Spoken like a true fanboy." Smolder mocked, earning a huff of smoke in her general direction as she joined in with the rest.

"You can say that again." Dash points out, floating overhead.

"Well, he can be seen as a superhero!" Silversteam chimed.

"That said, thank you for lending a hoof-... uh hand in saving our empire," Shining says, nudging Yuta playfully.

"The citizens of the Crystal Empire are eternally grateful for your selfless service," Cadance adds her thanks.

"Don't mention it," Yuta said, "Let's enjoy ourselves while the night is still young."

The night flowed with the carefree ease of a gentle summer breeze. The farewell party buzzed with an undeniable warmth. Fairy lights twinkled from every corner, casting a soft, whimsical glow over the room. Laughter filled the air like the tinkling of bells as ponies shared stories and reminisced about Yuta's first and only days teaching at the school.

For Yuta, it was a sensory smorgasbord of delight. The music kept everyone's legs tapping. Even the usually reserved individuals loosened up from the festive atmosphere and found themselves swaying and twirling to the music, their inhibitions replaced by pure joy.

The air itself thrummed with a current of bittersweet affection. Every shared joke, every heartfelt interaction, only added to making the night more memorable for the sorcerer. He revelled in the camaraderie, savouring these precious moments that he knew would soon be relegated to cherished memories.

The cake was a masterpiece of sugary artistry, courtesy of Pinkie, of course. Its layers boast a rainbow of flavours that promise an explosion of taste with every bite. Too bad very few got a taste of it before Yuta crashed into it face-first when trying to smash a pinata, igniting an explosion of laughter and giggles from the crowd. Yuta himself sported a generous frosting beard and a dusting of sprinkles in his hair and could only grin sheepishly.

"Oh goodness!" Rarity exclaimed, rushing towards the scene of the carnage. "Careful, darling! You're going to ruin the gifts everyone prepared for you!"

Her worried gaze landed on the pile of presents – some unscathed, others adorned with regrettable frosting camouflage. "Is yours alright, Fluttershy?" she inquired, concern softening her voice.

Fluttershy, who had been perched on a nearby stool, jumped slightly at Rarity's question. Fumbling slightly, she reached for the picnic basket nestled beside her. "It is," she murmured, a hint of worry flickering in her eyes.

Curiosity piqued, Rarity leaned closer. "May I?" she asked politely.

Fluttershy nodded and, with a trembling hoof, lifted the lid. A collective gasp escaped their lips. Nestled within the basket, instead of the sandwiches Fluttershy had planned, lay a collection of photo collages. But dominating the basket was a series of photos – snapshots of Fluttershy and Discord, seemingly taken just yesterday, their faces etched with joy as they explored a sun-drenched meadow.

Fluttershy's cheeks burned crimson. "Oh no!" she exclaimed, her voice barely a whisper. "I brought the wrong basket! I'm so sorry, Yuta. I must have grabbed the wrong one during the chaos this morning. I'll be right back; I just need to run home and get the correct basket with your sandwiches."

Before Yuta could protest, Fluttershy was already out the door, her hooves drumming a frantic staccato against the wooden floorboards. Yuta stared after her, wiping globs of frosting from his face.

"Excuse me, everyone," he announced, his voice cutting through the lingering laughter. "I appreciate the cake… well, what's left of it…" he added with a sheepish grin. "But I think I need to wash up before the frosting sets. Please, carry on without me."

Fluttershy's heart pounded a frantic tattoo against her ribs as she jogged through the quiet streets of Ponyville, her hooves leaving a soft thud against the cobblestones. Reaching her quaint cottage, she flung open the door and rushed straight for the kitchen. Relief flooded her as she spotted the familiar woven basket nestled on the counter, the one filled with the sandwiches she'd lovingly prepared for Yuta. Right as Fluttershy was about to leave, Angel tugged at her tail.

"Angel?" Fluttershy turned, facing the bunny. "Is there something you need?"

Angel pointed at the far end of the table, drawing her eyes over to a single sheet of paper lying flat on it, stark against the cheery tablecloth. Curiosity tinged with a sliver of apprehension as she turned over to the bunny, then back at the folded letter. Leaning down, she picked it up and unfolded the paper with trembling hooves. Her eyes scanned the message scrawled across it in familiar, loopy handwriting.

"My Dearest Fluttershy," the note began, the words seeming to dance before her eyes. "There are some loose ends I need to tie up," the message continued. "Unfinished business that requires my attention. I don't know how long I'll be away nor when I will be back. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you this face-to-face; please forgive me. Live on without me in your mind, and let these memories be a reminder of the love we share."

The note was signed simply, "Discord."

Fluttershy's heart plummeted to her hooves. The playful, flippant tone of the note's beginning was overshadowed by the chilling weight of the final sentence, "Live on without me in your mind" The words echoed in the quiet kitchen, each syllable a hammer blow in the forefront of Fluttershy's mind.

It couldn't be.

The playful merriment of the farewell party had evaporated as quickly as Fluttershy's composure. Bursting from her cottage door, she tore down the familiar path, hooves pounding a frantic rhythm against the packed dirt. The once peaceful night felt threatening. Moonlight pierced the clouds and painted the streets a navy blue. The wind sang past her mane like a pitiful whine for the pegasus.

"Discord!" she shrieked, her voice cracking with raw desperation. The name echoed through the silent night, swallowed by the vast emptiness that stretched before her. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the already indistinct shapes of the landscape. She pushed further, her wings finally unfurling in a desperate bid for speed.

Fluttershy's frantic flight led her straight back to Sugarcube Corner, the warm glow of its windows practically calling out to her. Ignoring the fact that it was well past nighttime, she launched herself through the open doorway with a desperate cry. In the process, her wings knocked against a table of delicate sweets and fruit punch, sending a cascade of sugars all across the floor and garnering everyone's attention.

"Fluttershy! What's wrong?" Pinkie squealed, abandoning a half-eaten tray of cupcakes in her haste.

"Discord… he's gone!" she shrieked, her voice cracking with barely controlled panic.

The wind howled across the grassy fields on the outskirts of Ponyville, whipping Yuta's hair into a frenzy and sending shivers down his spine despite the warm summer night. The grass swayed around them in an almost hypnotic fashion. Discord stood beside him, an uncharacteristic seriousness etched on his face. The carefree draconequus of yesterday seemed to have vanished.

Yuta studied him for a moment, the silence stretching between them heavy with unspoken words. Finally, he broke the tension. "I honestly thought for a moment you might try and escape yesterday," he admitted, his voice low.

"Rarity told you, didn't she? I vowed to come back, and there's no way Fluttershy would have forgiven me had I toyed with the life of her dear friend." Discord said, walking over to Yuta.

"Have you done what you wanted?" he finally asked, his voice neutral.

Discord's expression remained unreadable. "...Somewhat," he mumbled, his gaze flickering towards the horizon. "I just hope Fluttershy can forgive me."

"Then let's get this over with," Yuta said, his voice hardening with resolve. "The others might suspect something if I'm missing for too long." He drew his katana, the moonlight glinting off the polished steel as he walked closer to the chaos god until he stood directly before him. Discord didn't flinch. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply as if bracing himself for what would come. "I'll make this as quick as possible," Yuta said calmly, almost in a show of mercy.

Almost.

Grabbing Discord's neck with a free hand, Yuta brought the katana over his head. With a flare of cursed energy and a burst of speed, Yuta brought down the executioner's blade and sliced Discord's head clean off.

Well... That was the intended plan, anyway.

A sudden telekinetic pull halted Yuta's arm in motion in mid-air. Surprised, Yuta whipped his head around, only to see Twilight on the far end of the field with her horn lit and pulsing with magic.

"No!" Yuta grunts, forcing an abundance of cursed energy to flow freely into his arm. This allowed him to break free of the chains binding him as he swung at the draconequus's head. But another interference in the form of a rainbow blur shoving Discord just enough to the side messed with Yuta once more. The katana met its mark, not with a sickening thud of flesh and bone, but with a sickening crack – a chunk of Discord's horn sheared clean off.

Yuta stumbled back, feet trying to navigate the bumpy terrain. Disbelief painted his face as he spun around, taking in the scene. Twilight stood rigid, her expression a mixture of fury and betrayal. Discord stared at the severed piece with a mix of shock and confusion. Nestled against his side, Fluttershy clung to him like a vine, her face contorted in a mix of terror and relief.

"Discord!" she cried, her voice cracking with emotion. The familiar warmth in her embrace seemed to ground Discord.

"What were you trying to do!?" Twilight screamed, her voice laced with raw anger. Her ordinarily gentle eyes now burned with a cold fire. Beside her, Rainbow stared at Yuta with caution, joined by the rest of the members of the party. Rarity and Spike had worried looks plastered across their faces, and AJ was already in a stance. Pinkie, Starlight, Sunburst, Shining, Cadance, and Flurry were next to Fluttershy. All were trying to calm her down.

"Answer me, Yuta!!" Twilight demanded.

Ocellus, Gallus, Silverstream, Yona and Smolder stood slightly further away from the princesses, though still visible to Yuta. Their expressions were a mix of betrayal, disbelief, and denial.

"This is... the worst possible outcome," he finally managed his voice barely a whisper above the whooshing wind.

Rainbow wasn't interested in hushed tones. "So is this what it's all about!?" she roared, her voice laced with a venom Yuta had never heard. "A betrayal? Why, Yuta? Why would you do this?"

His gaze darted around the circle, finally settling on Fluttershy's tear-streaked face. The pony he had grown fond of now looked at him with a mixture of fear and betrayal that twisted his insides.

Taking a deep breath, he turned back to Discord. "Discord, you didn't tell them, right?" he began, his voice gaining strength. "You can't take this secret to the grave anymore. They... all ought to know the truth."

Discord, his back still turned, remained silent. A shudder wracked his massive form, and a single, choked sob escaped his lips. He couldn't face them, not with this truth hanging heavy in the air.

Sensing his turmoil, she reached out a trembling hoof. "Discord, what is all this about?" she pleaded. "Please, you mentioned something about not being able to tell me something face-to-face in your letter. Don't I deserve to know?"

"..."

"Discord!" Fluttershy yelled. "Say something!!"

"If he won't," Yuta raised, "I will." Stopping just shy of talking distance, Yuta pierced his katana to the ground next to him, the winds still howling persistently. "Discord... is a curse."

.
..
...

"What are you talking about!?" Dash began, "There's no way that's true!"

"Except it is," Yuta interjects, "Twilight, you saw it yourself the other day, hadn't you? The number of curses was still largely present in Canterlot and other regions of Equestria."

"He ain't lying," AJ adds, her tone indicating that even she found it hard to believe the words coming out her mouth as sweat rolled down her cheeks.

"How is that related to Discord being a curse? If he truly is a curse, should I be able to tell from the cursed energy he was releasing whenever he used his powers?" Twilight inquired.

"What I'm saying is that he is the reason why curses are still present in Equestria. The power imbalance from the birth of a strong being. As for his cursed energy, it most likely has to do with his cursed energy trait, being a chaotic being in nature; his cursed energy does not interact in a normal sense with ponies or any creature, for that matter. Am I right to say that, Discord?"

Silence...

"...Discord, tell me that he's lying," Fluttershy demanded, shaking her husband. "Please!"

"No, even so. Discord is an exception among curses. Not once after the years he was reformed had he attacked anyone." Twilight argued, sweat beginning to pool on her forehead. "There is absolutely nothing you gain from "exorcising" him!"

"This isn't for me to gain, Twilight." Yuta cuts, his voice growing deeper with regret. "It's for you."

"... for me?" Twilight said, "What are you talking about!?"

"Do you remember our pact we made back when the school was first attacked? Do you remember our agreement?"

"...I will exterminate the root cause for the curse's appearance in your world, and I promise I won't betray you or your friends. In exchange, bring me the cursed spirit that brought me here alive. Alternatively, if I happen across the curse that brought me here before you are able to, then my original offer is still in effect. Once either side has fulfil the requirement of the binding vow, we cannot back out and must complete it.

The weight of those words pressed down on her, choking the air from her lungs. "No..." she breathed, a tremor in her voice. "Are you saying... Is there no other way to back out of this agreement...?"

Yuta met her gaze, his own filled with a deep sadness. "I'm sorry, princess. There isn't. We agreed to it. The repercussions of a binding vow with others are considered to be far greater than that of a self-imposed binding vow. That isn't a risk I'm willing to bear."

"But wouldn't attacking us constitute you betraying my friends? Or me, for that matter?"

"Princess," Yuta countered, his voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation, "with all due respect, you are preventing me from carrying out the vow. In a sense, it's you who is betraying me."

A heavy sigh escaped Yuta's lips as he deliberately stepped forward, forcing the others to flinch back in fear and defiance. His hand reached up, fingers tracing a cryptic symbol in the air that only he could see as he whispered the incantation, a low, guttural energy pulsed from him.

"Emerge from the darkness, blacker than darkness. Purify that which is impure," he chanted, his voice gaining a hollow, echoing quality. As he did so, Yuta brought up the severed horn of Discord lying on the ground moments earlier as it dissipated into shadows.

The world seemed to hold its breath. The wind died down completely, replaced by an oppressive stillness. A thick, inky darkness began to ooze from the ground where the horn was, spreading outwards like a sentient stain. It crawled over the grass, blotting out the moonlight and stars, swallowing the ponies whole until they were isolated silhouettes.

"Princess. Choose your hell."

Twilight's hooves dug into the damp earth, her horn trembling with the effort of holding back a torrent of emotions. For a heartbeat, she remained frozen in place, the weight of the situation crushing her. Staying aside and allowing Yuta to proceed would be to forfeit Discord, her friend, to this horrifying ritual. Yet, the thought of opposing him, of wielding magic against someone who had nothing but done good and had saved Equestria, coupled with her downfall with the binding vow she imposed on Yuta simply because of her mistrust in the sorcerer, now sent a wave of nausea through her.

Suddenly, a gentle touch on her flank pulled her out of her paralysis. It was Fluttershy, her eyes wide with fright, but her voice surprisingly firm. "Twilight," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, "Don't let him do this. There has to be another way."

Twilight stepped forward, taking a long, steady breath in, her gaze meeting Yuta's glowing eyes—his cold, calculating stare felt like Twilight was pushing against an impossible wall. Yet, she soldiered on.

"Yuta," she said, her voice surprisingly steady, "The vow we made... it only stipulated you couldn't betray my friends, and it didn't state I couldn't protect them if they were the source of the curses." Unfurling a wing, she drapes it like a protective shield over Discord and Fluttershy, her legs firmly rooted to the ground. "Please, there could be another way. We don't have to fight."

Inspired by Twilight's courage, the rest of her friends rallied behind her. The Mane Six and Spike stood shoulder-to-shoulder, a united front against the Special-Grade Sorcerer.

"That's my Twily," Shining spoke, proud brother energy radiating from him.

The heavy silence that descended upon the field afterwards was deafening. Each of them waited with bated breath while Yuta remained motionless for a long beat, obscuring his face in the shadows. The outside winds picked up on the atmosphere, whirling and whistling louder and louder.

"...I bear no hatred towards any of you," he finally spoke, his voice deeper than usual, tinged with a hint of regret. "In fact, I cherish the time I spent with you very much. The kindness you've shown me, the friends I've made... they mean more to me than I can express. That's why... " His voice trailed off, a deep sigh escaping his lips. The darkness around him seemed to intensify, pulsing with an energy that crackled with raw power. "I'll be the monster all of you can hate."

Suddenly, Yuta raised both hands. His right hand, an open palm. His left hand, clenched into a spellcasting fist, held a single, gleaming object – the ring adorned with the symbol of his vow, his promise he made with his lover.

Forming the Mudra of Dakini.

"『Ryōiki Tenkai.』: 『Shingan Sōai』"

"We'll see each other again, won't we?"

Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School – Training Dojo – The past

“Oof!” Yuta choked out, slamming into the polished dojo floor with a pained grunt. His vision swam, blinded by the white-hot explosion of cursed energy rippling through him moments before.

“Your cursed energy control is atrocious.” Scolded a tall man adorning pitch-black shades with a loose tee and baggy cargo pants. “At this rate, you’ll leak it all out before you can exorcise curses!”

Yuta moaned, a fresh wave of nausea radiating from the stomach. Dragging his forehead across the squeaky-clean wooden floor, he tried his best to swallow back the bile built up in the back of his throat, but his efforts were in vain as the acidic mixture flowed freely out his mouth.

Taking a shaky breath, Yuta pushed himself back up to a kneeling position. Clearing his vision and wiping the excess bile off his chin, he looked up to the other Special-Grade Sorcerer in the room; his assailant tilted his head.

“You getting up or what?” Gojo mocked.

Yuta clutched his side, holding up a hand. “I need a timeout…”

Gojo raised an eyebrow, “What for? I know you still got more in the tank than you’re leading on.”

“…”

“…Yuta.” Gojo crouched down, causing the poor boy to flinch under the intensity of the Six Eyes, even through the sunglasses. “Are you afraid?” He asked, his voice surprisingly gentle.

Yuta recoiled, sputtering a denial. “What!? Afraid? No way! After releasing Rika, I can control her power better!” He stammered.
“I’m not talking about your technique,” Gojo said, lips curling. “I’m talking about your choices.”

Yuta’s breath hitched, his words resonating in the quiet dojo.

“Are you afraid of losing yourself?” Gojo continued, “That if you keep on prioritising choices that disregard your humanity, you can’t come back?”

Gojo’s hand rested on Yuta’s shoulder, a light gesture that was heavy with unspoken weight.

“Do you know what the easiest way to be the strongest is?” He said, voice dropping to a low murmur. “There’s a clear path for that. Forsaken everything. Let your attachments, your sentimental feelings, and all else that isn’t you.”

Gojo squeezed Yuta’s shoulder briefly before retracting his hand. “But,” he said, his voice tuning up a pitch. “Strength isn’t just about raw power. It’s about making the hardest decisions, even when they rip your heart out. To attain that level of strength yet able to cling to your humanity. To me, it is the greatest form of strength. Of course, to each their own. Some people are defined by their power, but others define their strength by clinging onto their humanity.”

“Tell me, which one are you?” Gojo got up, spinning his sunglasses in his hands.

『Ryōiki Tenkai.』:『Shingan Sōai』

The world around them dissolves into a blackened abyss, the land and terrain shifting into a vast rocky expanse littered with thousands of katanas as far as the eyes can see. Among them, several cross-shaped pillars are laid haphazardly, with a binding knot of love encircling the entirety of Yuta's domain as a sea of viscous black originating from where Yuta stood floods the area.

Cursed energy spiked in the arena, causing everyone caught in it to break out in cold sweats. The worst was Twilight, as she frantically looked around at the transforming landscape. To think Yuta would go this far to ensure the vow they made together was completed showed that it was something not to be taken lightly.

Yet she was so quick to accept the pact without revising it with Yuta, and now her friend's about to die because of this misstep.

But there's no use crying over spilt milk. Right now, her biggest concern is...

"Everyone! Get down!!" Twilight commanded, erupting into a shower of magic and erecting shields that surrounded and protected everyone on site. "What is it!?" Twilight thought, scrambling her mind for an answer. "His technique!?" Before that, Twilight turned back to face the draconequus, "Discord! Teleport out away from here while we buy you time!"

Discord lowered his head, his form trembling. Shame and despair clouded his mismatched eyes. "Why are you going through so much trouble to save me? You heard what he said," he mumbled, defeated. "I'm a curse."

A sudden tightening around his torso caused him to glance down at Fluttershy, seemingly revolted from the utterance and correlation of his name and curse labelled together.

"No, you're not!" Fluttershy scolded.

"I am—"

"No, you're not!"

Discord jumped slightly from the outburst. Instinctively, he brought a trembling claw to calm the furiously sobbing mare, wiping away her tears. His voice, though shaky, held a steady strength as he addressed Twilight. "I can't, Twilight, even if I wanted to," he confessed. "He erected a curtain over his domain to prevent only me from leaving the space. If I had to guess, that's probably what my horn was used for. Take Fluttershy and run."

The response was immediate and unified. "We're not leaving you!" both Twilight and Fluttershy yelled, their voices ringing in his ears.

Before Discord could get his response in, a sudden unseen force rammed into him from behind, shoving him forward onto his hands.

"Discord!" Fluttershy called out. Turning to the perpetrator, Yona stood in a ram-ready stance, the life in her eyes seemingly muted.

"Discord not going anywhere," Yona said coldly.

"What in tarnation are you doing!" AJ scolded, surprised. "Yona!?"

Opposing the entire group, Yuta released the hand seals he bore, striking two fingers in a downward motion at Twilight and her friends. "Nue."

A distorted shriek pierced through the air as a shadow from above fell on them. In an instant, the temperature soared. The air crackled with terrifying energy, electrified particles snapping and sparking around them. Even with the protective shields absorbing the brunt of the attack, a jolt of raw power surged through everyone within the barrier as the winged shikigami divebombed them with its electrifying wings.

All except Yona.

Muscles clenched, fur stood on end, and a collective gasp of pain echoed through the group. Despite the searing pain, Twilight gritted her teeth and focused her magic. She had to act fast.

With swift movements, Yuta took a lone katana next to him, ripping it from its place in a hand's breadth deep in the soft earth, and swung it forward.

"Slicing Moon." The blade hums a navy hue.

On command, a crescent moon projectile was launched forward at incredible speeds. Upon contact with the barriers erected by Twilight, the shields protecting them shatter into smithereens. Bits and pieces flew everywhere, accompanied by the intense shockwave that followed soon after. Sending everyone flying back a few meters.

"Is everyone okay!?" Rainbow projected through the dust clouds, and coughs could be heard while others tried to regain their composure.

Twilight was the first to get up, her eyes staring in the direction where Yuta was as her legs began to tremble. "That felt like..." she muttered, fear and dread beginning to consume her. "Luna's magic-!"

Twilight urgently turned to her friend and called out, "Pinkie! Can you hold Yuta off for us!?"

With a look of uncertainty on her face, Pinkie decided to place her trust in Twilight and replied, "Ookie dokie!" She chirped, rushing off towards Yuta. "I'll try my best!"

Bolting forth, Yuta took a katana from the ground and ran straight into Pinkie, swinging it horizontally at the mare. Pinkie’s tail twitched, which she quickly followed up with a slide under the attack, dodging it but giving way for Yuta to continue his dash at the group.

"Hey there, grumpy pants!" Came Pinkie's voice from above. "It's rude leaving a friend hanging!"

Tilting his head up, Yuta spots Pinkie clinging atop his head with a cheeky grin and a pie in hoof. Bringing the baked dish back slightly, the party pony smashed the pastry into Yuta's face. Yuta stumbled back, temporarily blinded by the sugary mess, a low growl rumbling in his throat.

"C'mon, Yuta..." Pinkie's voice, muffled by the pie, reached his ears. "Let's talk this out..."

He reached up, a hand smeared with blue filling, and ripped the pie away. Revealing the Snake Eyes and Fang tattooed on his cheeks.

"Don't Move."

Pinkie froze. A wave of unseen energy washed over her, and her limbs stiffened, turning to lead in her panicked struggle. Stuck there, helpless on Yuta's head, she watched with wide eyes as he lunged for a nearby katana.

The blade flashed in the green light, and then a gust of wind ripped through the arena. Pinkie felt herself catapulted through the air, a scream escaping her lips. She soared upwards, the ground falling away from her as giant ghostly hands clasped the pony in its grasp.

Up in the sky, in a mist of inky black, two white hands and the face of a deceased lover caged Pinkie in tightly. Bringing her hands skyward, Rika brought them down with astonishing force. Cratering the artificial ground below with a rumble and a spiderwebbed around the point of impact, dust swirling into the air.

Just as Yuta turned back towards his original target, a blur of pink streaked across the field. Somehow free of the spectral hands, Pinkie was charging toward him, brandishing a colossal hammer that seemed to defy her small size. The hammer connected with Yuta's chest with a resounding clang, sending him reeling backwards into Rika's spectral form, the impact sending both of them sprawling.

As Pinkie landed a few feet away, panting and covered in dust, she declared with a somewhat serious yet goofy expression on her face. "Looks like we're doing this the hard way!"

Back with Twilight and the others, a commotion erupted. Yona charged forward with the force of a battering ram. Silverstream barely darted before her friend, but Yona's momentum was too strong. Silverstream was dragged along for the ride, her claws digging along the ground with a pained cry. Gallus and Smolder reacted instinctively, tackling Yona from either side. The three used all the might their bodies had to offer to subdue the yak's simmering rage.

"Yona!" Rarity shrieked, fear and concern written all over her face. "What's the meaning of this!?"

Yona remained silent, a storm brewing in her usually calm eyes. She strained against the combined grip of her friends, muscles bulging with suppressed rage as she did her best to shake them off with heavy grunts and huffs.

"Why are you doing this?" Gallus shouted, wrestling to hold her back. His voice strained, desperation creeping into his tone.

Silverstream crawled back upright, clutching her side. Tears trickled down her face as she pleaded, "Yona, answer us! We're your friends!"

"Yona help Yuta exorcise curse." With a rough, mighty shove from her shoulder. Yona shook Gallus and Silverstream off in one swift motion. Smolder was the only one who still clung on. "That's all."

Finally, Yona found her voice. It was a low rumble—unadulterated fierce determination. "Yona help Yuta exorcise curse," she declared, pushing against her friends with a powerful shove. Gallus and Silverstream were sent sprawling onto the ground. Only Smolder managed to hold on.

"That's all," Yona added gruffly, finally shaking Smolder loose. The young dragon stumbled back, bewildered by Yona's sudden outburst. With a persistent snort, Yona charged towards the Discord, surrounded by Twilight and her friends. Yet, her steps were cut short when Gallus, Silverstream, Smolder, and, this time, Ocellus all collectively jumped in to stop her pursuit—using their bodies to absorb the brunt of the blow and slow Yona down.

"Princess!" Ocellus yelled from Yona's front. "Get Discord out of here! We'll buy you some time!"

"Thank you, Ocellus—Argh!!" Twilight's gratitude was abruptly cut short when another bolt of electricity was sent throughout her system. Struggling, Twilight turns to where Yuta is. She saw Pinkie being caught up with Rika, but that's strange. Yuta was right there below them.

So why was there another Yuta right in front of the group?

"Nue." The second Yuta commanded several of the shikigamis circled overhead, diving back down at the crowd. At the same time, the base of their legs felt heavier, and the liquid shadow they were stepping in clung onto them like sentient creatures. Anchoring them to the oppressive domain.

"No!" she thought fiercely, her alicorn magic surging through her veins as she released the shields she erected. "I can't think about that now! I'll have to dispel his domain's sure-hit effect first!"

Clasping her hooves together, a well of magic concentrated at the tip of her horn. With a determined cry, she channelled her power and unleashed it. "Domain Expansion!" Twilight shouted.

A vibrant violet light erupted from the base of her hooves, spreading outward like a ripple in a still pond. It met the rough terrain of Yuta's domain head-on, pushing back against its oppressive force. The two energies clashed, sending shivers through the very ground beneath them. The air crackled with raw magic; the light was so intense it forced everyone to shield their eyes.

“Starlight!” Twilight yelled back over the din. “Barriers! Now!”

Starlight understood immediately. Jumping forth, her horn ignited with a brilliant lilac light as she focused her magic. Developing a shimmering barrier that enveloped the entirety of Twilight and her companions. Rising just in time to meet the onslaught of the electrified shikigamis.

The monstrous birds slammed into the barriers, sparks flew, and the air crackled as the protective shields pulsed with the force of the impact. Starlight remained resolute, maintaining her unwavering focus to keep the shields intact. Electricity arched across the barriers, harmlessly dancing along the surface as a wave of relief washed over the survivors.

“My guaranteed hit effect, she cancelled it with her incomplete domain!” the second Yuta thought, gaze lingering at the Twilight’s hooves. “I knew this wouldn’t be easy. In that case…” He raised his hand, curling his index and pinky fingers while slightly extending his middle and ring fingers. “Great Serpent.”

Suddenly, from where the liquid shadow beneath Twilight laid dormant gave way as several colossal serpentine shikigami burst forth. Their gaping maws threatened to consume Twilight whole. Saliva spilling everywhere.

And that would have been the case had Applejack not shoved Twilight out of the way with her shoulder. The farmgirl took the brunt of the blow, Great Serpent shoving her against the top of the dome of Starlight’s barrier and smashing through it, slithering skyward.

“Applejack!” Twilight shrieked out to her vanishing friend.

It didn’t take long for Cadance to begin firing off volleys of condensed magical projectile at the Great Serpent holding Applejack prisoner in the sky. The enormous snake writhing slightly from the heavy impacts. Shining Armor followed his wife’s lead, dashing to the serpent, and a wave of superheated flames erupted from his horn torches the base of the shadows.

But even as the others rallied, a new threat emerged. From the swirling shadows beneath Starlight, a third Yuta materialised. Without a word, he lunged for Starlight and sucker-punched her in the face, breaking her hold on the barriers. She gasped as the force of the impact connected, the shimmering domes sputtering and dissolving into the air and leaving Twilight and the rest vulnerable once more.

“Gah!” Starlight spat out, stumbling back.

Right as this version of Yuta reared back for another swing to her noggin, a flash of magic intervened. His fist slammed into not Starlight’s face but a gem-like shield spawned from Rarity’s magic. Protecting Starlight as Sunburst blasted a beam directed into Yuta’s side. Striking with a resounding boom and sending him sprawling away.

“Toad.” Came Yuta’s voice from behind them.

Rarity whipped back at the sound, but it was far too late. A long, thick, slimy tongue shot out from the shadows and wrapped around her midsection with a disgusting squelch. Its textured, muscular organ tightened mercilessly, constricting her breath as it began to pull with a mighty yank.

“Let go of me, you hooligan-Ahhh!” Rarity screamed, her voice cut off as she was snatched off the ground and dragged through the air with alarming speed and flung into the cross-shaped pillars several paces away.

“Rarity!” Spike called out, trying to dash over to her. But was stopped by several Toads latching their tongues onto him. “Let me go, you slimy freak!”

“Swarm and overwhelm them. Nue, Toad, Great Serpent.” Another Yuta said, clasping his hands together and causing a giant shadow to rise behind him. Its bipedal werewolf form with black claws and a white fur base towered over him with a snarl. “Divine Dog: Totality.”

Back with Pinkie, she dodges another slash of Yuta’s blade, ducking beneath the attack while flipping through the cracks of Rika’s fingers, swinging her giant hammer, and smashing Rika in the side of her face.

Back with Pinkie, the chaos reigned supreme. Yuta swung his katana with a ferocity that belied his human form. Pinkie, however, dodged another slash of the blade, its edge whistling past her ear. In a move defying gravity, she ducked beneath the attack, flipping through the incorporeal fingers of Rika, who shrieked at the unexpected manoeuvre.

Capitalising on the momentary gap, Pinkie swung her oversized hammer with surprising strength. Connecting the weapon solidly with Rika's translucent form. A surprised gasp escaped the ghostly entity as she was sent reeling back, clutching at the side of her face.

Yuta also stepped back, assessing the situation and slowly circling her, mirroring Rika’s waltz around the party pony.

“Oh!” Pinkie chirped, playfulness peeking through the tension. “Is this a standoff!?”

Something was off, though. From the moment Pinkie’s hammer landed its surprising blow on Rika, Yuta could feel it, too. Yuta opened his mouth, stating. “Cursed energy.”

This caught Pinkie off guard. “What?”

Yuta continued, “And cursed energy manipulation as well as reinforcement. To top it off,” he said, brandishing his katana, edge pointed at Pinkie. “You’re negating my technique. Pinkie, I’ve been wondering this for a while ever since you showed your aptitude for handling curses back when the school was attacked. You’re a sorcerer, aren’t you?”

“I am?” Pinkie raised, her tail twitching erratically as unease shivered down her spine. “Oooh-! The shimmies!”

Yuta raised an eyebrow at this, “If my evaluation is correct,” he began, “her cursed technique is powerful. But it’s likely linked to an emotion judging from our encounter with the school. Before my forearm was badly wounded, her reaction and cursed energy output were relatively high, yet it took a nosedive the moment she laid eyes on my injuries… So, it should be,”

Outstretching a hand, the blade in his hand began to fade into smoke as a shimmering portal boomed open before Pinkie. Acting as a window to show a horrifying still image of a decapitated Rainbow sprawled on the ground. Her azure coat and rainbow tail were unmistakable. Pinkie’s eyes widened when her gaze finally registered what was shown to her, her mane drooping slightly as she inched forward.

“Dashie…?” Pinkie breathed—a universe of emotion held behind a single name.

This lapse in attention proved costly and allowed Rika to sneak up behind Pinkie, backhanding her with a violent swing of her hand. Sending the mare careening back into a cross-shaped pillar with a maniac spin and slamming with an echoing thud.

“Emanation of the phenomena through one’s self-confidence and security. In Pinkie’s case, her friends.” Yuta thought, reaching for another katana just behind his leg to replace the one he had used.

The dust settles, Pinkie’s face a mask of pain etched with a streak of blood laid amidst the rubble. It looks like Yuta’s assessment was correct.

Standing over Pinkie, Yuta stared the party mare down, casting a menacing shadow over her.

“Can you really afford to goof around while Twilight and the rest are fighting for their lives?” Yuta mentioned. Before landing a rapid swing of the blunt edge of the katana to Pinkie’s side. “Unblockable Drumming Beat.”

Pinkie’s eyes widened as the blunt katana connected with her side, saliva spilling from her lips. The force of the blow sent her rag-dolling through the air like a broken toy and slamming into a large interlocking cross-shaped structure further back. An eruption of dust clouds followed a distant boom.

“Keep her busy, Rika,” Yuta said, earning a nod from the lover shikigami as he dove into the swirling shadows of the domain.

Across the battlefield, Starlight has just crushed another Toad under her hoof. She huffed, sweat pooling on her forehead. But she didn’t have time to rest. She dodged another diving Nue with a jump to the side and blasted it to oblivion.

“Why,” Starlight pants, trying to steady herself. “Are there so many of them!? And where are the pillars!?”

“The pillars are still recovering at The Crystal Empire’s General Hospital!” Cadance yelled through the storm.

“Are you serious!?” Starlight screamed, but not before another swarm of toads swarm her legs. “Get off me!”

“Flurry, get behind me,” Cadance said in a protective tone, urging her daughter to move with a gentle push of her leg.

“Why, Mommy? Why are we protecting a curse?” Flurry asks.

This shook Cadance, turning to meet her child’s eyes filled with profound sadness. “…That’s because he’s different, Flurry, and a dear friend of your auntie.”

“But you almost died because of a curse… “ Flurry murmured, “Because of me…”

Cadance knelt beside Flurry, cradling the alicorn filly's face in her hooves. Tears streamed down Flurry's cheeks, blurring the vibrant colours of her eyes. "No, Flurry Heart," Cadance said gently, her voice laced with a love that transcended the din of battle. "It wasn't your fault."

"But it is!" Flurry wailed back, her voice trembling. Tears welled up in her large, innocent eyes, spilling over like raindrops. "If only I had just listened to you, you wouldn't have gotten hurt!"

Cadance opened her mouth to respond, to offer comfort and reassurance, but the words died on her tongue with a chilling whisper that slithered through the air from behind them.

“Sleep.”

Flurry’s head began to droop forward, her eyelids fluttering close with unnatural speed as her body succumbed to the command. Cadance gasped, reaching out to catch Flurry right before she could collide with the rippling shadow below, but even her body felt heavy and fatigued.

A wave of exhaustion washed over her. The constant battling, her injuries, and the cursed speech all conspired to steal her strength away. Yet, she clung on even as her vision swam and the ground threatened to claim her. Not allowing herself to succumb while Flurry was still in danger.

Igniting her horn, Cadance casts a flame spell on herself, sizzling her flesh and singeing her fur to keep herself awake.

“Gah!” She cried, and though painful, it did do the trick.

Yuta walked up behind them, cradling Flurry into his arms as gently as possible.

“Let her go!” Cadance bellowed, crawling on hooves and kicking against the liquid shadow to his legs, her body teetering on the edge of losing consciousness. “Why are you doing this!?”

Yuta remained silent, his expression unreadable. He simply turned, his movements fluid despite the sleeping filly cradled in his arms. With a single purposeful stride, he dipped down into the swirling shadows, leaving Cadance alone with her questions and fading strength.

“Wait! Come back! Please!” Cadance begged, her legs giving out. “Shining!! Flurry’s taken by Yuta!”

This warning pulled Shining away from the army of Toads bearing down on him. He whipped around, his eyes scanning for sights of his daughter. This lapse proved detrimental, as it distracted him long enough for Yuta to sneak up behind him in a swirling mass of shadows and backhand him in the face.

Shining stumbled back and spat off the blood that built up in his mouth. “Where’s Flurry!?”

Yuta swung a katana at him, choosing to ignore his question entirely. Upon contact, a burst of flora and tree roots entangled the stallion. The wooden barks twisting around his torso in a death grip.

As Shining prepares to ignite the tip of his horn in a burst of flames, Yuta cuts him off.

“I’ve seen it before, your magic,” Yuta said, bringing both his hands forward atop one another. “Max Elephant.”

As Shining Armor unleashed a torrent of fire, the world around him seemed to distort. The ground beneath his hooves cracked and rumbled, and from the swirling shadows emerged a colossal creature unlike anything he had ever witnessed. It was a giant elephant, its form sculpted from vibrant pink. Its massive trunk dwarfed Shining’s size, swaying like a deadly pendulum.

Then, with a terrifying roar that shook the very foundations of the domain, the elephant inflated its cheeks. A moment later, a torrent of high-pressurised water erupted from its trunk, a geyser aimed directly at the ball of tree and roots that now encased Shining. Sending the ball of bark, along with Shining, flying back in a tidal assault.

Yuta shot up two fingers to his front. “Divine Dog”

Spawning another Divine Dog, the werewolf shikigami intercepted the flying ball of green and destroyed it in a fell swoop. Its paws acted like a club, separating the tree entangling around Shining and knocking him down onto the ground.

Yuta wasn’t finished yet, as the two fingers he had up were quickly brought down in a decisive motion.

“Nue.”

A dark form descended from the inky blackness from above; Nue, charged with electric energy, divebombed the stallion drenched in water. Its feathery body cackled with power as it released a loud screech.

Drenched from the water attack, Shining convulsed on the ground as the electricity surged through him. His muscles spasmed, a strangled cry escaping his lips. The pain was unlike anything he had ever experienced, a searing agony that threatened to consume him whole. He tried to fight back, to summon his magic once more, but the overwhelming power of the Nue rendered him helpless.

Releasing the shikigami off the stallion, Shining lay motionless on the floor, a pungent odour fuming from his fur.

From Yuta’s blind spot, a beam of brilliant, concentrated azure magic tore through the air at blinding speeds aimed directly at Yuta’s side. Piercing Yuta through the stomach and leaving a gaping hole in his abdomen.

However, the injury wouldn’t last as his body morphs into liquid shadow and splashes into the lake of shadows that served as the domain’s floor.

Starlight clicked her tongue in frustration. "Tsk,"

Suddenly, Starlight felt a chilling sensation wrap around her legs, a cold grip that threatened to pull her under. To which she countered quickly with a quick teleportation spell, reappearing airborne several feet in the air.

However, a familiar screech from because ripped away any sort of relief she had going for her. Immediately, she cast her teleportation once more. Narrowly escaping the electrifying wings of Nue. This time, she found herself back on the surface of the churning shadows, her heart hammering against her ribs.

“Don’t move,” Yuta commanded. In the split second that Starlight was paralysed, he tip pointed a katana's tip directly at her. He spoke again, each word carrying the weight of a death sentence. "Crepuscular Ray.”

Starlight's heart plummeted into her stomach. From the katana's tip, a blinding beam of golden light erupted, aimed directly at her.

Seeing no other way out, Starlight retaliated in kind with a concentrated blast of her own within milliseconds of Yuta firing off his shot.

A beam of concentrated azure energy erupted from her horn. The two beams collided in a spectacular explosion, a loud roar that shook the very foundations of the domain. The force of the impact sent both Starlight and Yuta flying backwards. Yuta, with a pained grunt, was snatched mid-air by the Nue's massive claws, the creature cradling him protectively while its electrifying wings shielded him from further attacks. Starlight, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky.

She skidded across the rippling shadows with a sickening scrape, the dark liquid stinging her wounds. Her vision swam momentarily, the taste of metallic blood filling her mouth. Just as she started to push herself up, a horrifying sight met her eyes.

A monstrous tidal wave of inky shadows, taller than any building in Ponyville, loomed over her. Its churning mass pulsed with unnatural energy. Shadows weaved together in lumps to generate a large, dwarfing mass. Starlight's breath hitched in her throat.

Within the torrent of swirling darkness, grotesque shapes writhed – shikigamis of the Ten Shadows, their eyes unanimously locked onto Starlight. Some Toads even extended their long, grotesque tongues from the wave, their intent clear.

"Oh no..." Starlight muttered before the black tsunami came crashing down on her.

“Let her go!!” Yelled Spike, finally freed from the Toads binding him, diving at Yuta from behind.

Yuta didn’t bother looking at the young dragon. Instead, a Great Serpent came blitzing in from the side to carry Spike off elsewhere. The speed from the shikigami sent gushing winds to blow past Yuta, his hair swaying in the wind.

Yuta sighed, picking up another katana nearby, and walked over to Sunburst, who was busy with two of his clones.

Despair coiled around Twilight Sparkle's throat like a venomous snake. Constricting it and leaving her breathless. She watched, helpless, as the horrifying scene unfolded before her. This was the horrific reality unfolding before her, yet she was powerless to stop it. She’d known the moment she broke the hoof seals that Yuta would strike even harder.

How can this one person manage to fight all of them alone and still be winning? It was the thought running through Twilight’s head.

“He’s a monster,” Twilight murmured.

That said, a wave of self-recrimination washed over her. Every fallen friend, every horrifying shikigami unleashed – it was all piling onto her like the consequence of her actions. Her vision blurred with a well of unshed tears, threatening to spill over.

Her gaze darted towards the remainder of the ones left standing, searching for a glimmer of hope. That's when she spotted Rainbow, an unsettling sight amidst the chaos. Unlike the others, Dash stood beside Twilight, seemingly unfazed by the carnage unfolding around them. But upon closer inspection, Twilight's heart plummeted.

Rainbow's eyes were glazed over, a film of stupor clouding them. Her movements were sluggish, and the vibrant blues and yellows of her coat seemed dulled.

Was she zoned out?

Panic surged through Twilight. Rainbow, one of, if not the fastest, flier in Equestria, stood on the sidelines, seemingly oblivious to the desperate struggle playing out around her.

“Rainbow!!” Twilight's voice cracked, the desperation raw and undeniable. “What are you doing!?”

The pegasus flinched at the sound of her name, her head turning with an unnatural slowness. But even the action seemed to take an immense effort. Rainbow's lips parted, but instead of an answer, a slurred mumble escaped her.

“Help them!” Twilight urged. “We need you!”

But is this what she really wanted? Dash bit her lip, the vestiges of her parents standing beside her.

“Mom, Dad. What do I do?” Rainbow thought, the question whispered in the recesses of her clouded mind. Her wings shivering from the thought. “I want to help Fluttershy, and I-I know I promised to exorcise all the curses in Equestria. But now that Discord’s a curse… I don’t know who to choose.”

Even Twilight’s pleas for help were beginning to get drowned out in the static her mind was producing. Dash clutched the sides of her temple, shutting her eyes and taking a breath. Despite all her worries, troubles, and convictions. It all crumbles before her. Undeciding if she should stand up and fly.

“Yo, Fluttershy!” Dash called out, zipping down to meet with the residential animal caretaker. “It’s been awhile.”
Fluttershy chuckled. “Hey, Rainbow. It has, hasn’t it?” The prismatic Pegasus lands beside her friend, walking in pace with her as a gentle breeze dances around them. “How are you? I hadn’t seen you much around Ponyville after taking over the Wonderbolts.”

Rainbow groans at this, rolling her eyes. “Loads. Of. Paperwork.”

“I’ll take it as it's not as fun as it sounds,” Fluttershy commented.

“Yeah, it’s the worst,” Rainbow adds, staring off into the grassy fields they were passing by. “There’s a wave of new recruits coming in this year, much more talent we have seen in the past few years.”

“Is it now? That’s great news!”

“Yeah, but some of them were… disappointed?”

“Who would be disappointed with joining the Wonderbolts?” Fluttershy asks with a tilt of her head.

"Not that," Rainbow sighed, a pang of disappointment shooting through her. "They were disappointed that they hadn't gotten a chance to see me in action, you know, flying up close and personal. Like the Rainbow Dash, they heard stories about, not some leader buried in paperwork."

Fluttershy's brow furrowed with concern. "Rainbow Dash, you're so much more than what they see in stories or flashy flying manoeuvres.” She paused for a moment, her gaze fixed on a distant cloud formation. “And even if you’d retire as you are now. Many creatures will still remember you as the Greatest Flyer: Rainbow Dash.”

The shy mare took up a jogging pace, taking several strides forward and overtaking Rainbow before spinning around to face her. “As for me,” Fluttershy said with a serene smile, the wind playfully swaying her loose, flamingo mane. “You’re still be remembered as my greatest friend,”

Dash smirked back. “And why are you talking like I’d kick the bucket?”

“I see not even Wonderbolt’s fastest flyer knows when to take it slow.” Fluttershy sighed, smiling.

“Did you pick that up from Discord?” Rainbow inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Fluttershy dare not look at Rainbow in the eyes, instead choosing to avert her gaze elsewhere with a sheepish smile.

“I knew it!” Rainbow declared, galloping up to her.

Rainbow was eerily still, not a single feather or fur on her body moving an inch, her eyes blocked by her colourful mane. Suddenly, her wings began to unfurl, spanning out to fully showcase her large wingspan.

With one mighty flap, Rainbow took to the skies, leaving a trail of rainbow tailing her as her body was a blur of blue against the darkness of Yuta’s domain. She soared higher and higher, the wind whistling through her mane, the ground shrinking into a patchwork quilt of shadows and light.

At the peak of her ascent, she pulled back on the reins, allowing gravity to take hold. Her body plummeted towards the battlefield back first. The wind howled past her ears, time seeming to slow down as she accelerated her speed to the maximum. With a final, explosive burst of speed, the air around her contorts, bending out of the way for a…

Boom!

An explosion of a myriad of colours painted the sky, illuminating the domain with a symphony of light outward in every direction.

Rainbow rocketed through several Nues, disintegrating them in an instant, and zipped through a Great Serpent holding Applejack captive. Piercing through its jaws and carrying AJ down the disappearing body of shikigami. Dropping the saliva-covered earth pony down beside Twilight as she continued her flight, ploughing through several more shikigamis in her path.

Somewhere along the domain, Spike found himself in a losing power struggle. He clawed and bit at the Divine Dog, his body being dwarfed against the monstrous size of the Shikigami. Undeterred, Divine Dog lunged forward, its jaws getting dangerously close to his face.

“Get off me!” Spike yelled.

As though answering his plea, Rainbow collided with Divine Dog. Ramming through the shikigami and freeing Spike from under its claws. Divine Dog’s body splatters into a harmless shadow all over him.

Curling up to the sky and diving down straight into the shadowy waters below, Rainbow emerged moments later with Starlight clutched in her hooves. The saved unicorn coughing up water from her mouth as she gasped for air.

Setting Starlight aside, Rainbow proceeds to tear through most Yuta’s clones surrounding Sunburst with her lingering speed before drifting to a stop beside Spike, Starlight, and Sunburst in a battle-ready stance.

“I’m sorry, Mom, Dad.” Rainbow thought, the clouds in her mind finally dispersing. “I was about to remember you from curses that strike you down. Not the awesome parents that you were. If you were still here with me, you’d both probably grilled me alive on why I’m not helping my friends.” She exhaled, eyes focusing on the remaining Yuta with a katana in hand. “I’m sorry. I won’t ever stain your memory ever again.”

Yuta began to march towards the four, his eyes unreadable. Then, from the heel of his right shoe connecting with the shadowy depths beneath him, a wave rippled outward across the entirety of his domain. The semi-solid ground below everyone in his domain gave way to a liquid mass.

Instantly, those trapped in his domain began to sink below the ground, thrashing within the endless depths of Yuta’s shadow.

Sunburst and Starlight began to drop below ground level, but the quick thinking of Spike and Rainbow catching them before they sank fully saved them from their fate.

“Slicing Sun,” Yuta muttered, swinging the katana forward.

In the next second, a wave of solar magical energy was right in the faces of Spike and Rainbow. Right before contact, Sunburst and Starlight managed to erect protective shields in the nick of time. However, the blowback was still intense, sending the four spiraling backward.

Spike landed on top of Starlight with a hard thud, the impact jarring him to his core. The shadowy liquid beneath them engulfed them both, the cold, viscous substance seeping into their scales, fur, and skin. Already weakened from the previous attacks, Starlight struggled to break free from the suffocating grip of the darkness.

Meanwhile, Sunburst skittered across the shadow’s surface, smoke fuming from his coat while he used magic to encase himself and keep him afloat. To his genuine surprise, his gamble worked somewhat. The shadow beneath his hooves felt much more solid than earlier as his magic kept him upright and above water. He glanced back at his friends, hoping to see them clung on, but their silhouettes faded into the inky blackness causing panic to quickly set in.

“Everyone!” Sunburst announced, “Those that can use magic, focus them to your footing! It’ll keep you afloat!!”

His eagerness was met with immediate action. With swiftness that betrayed the stillness of water, Sunburst felt several hands on his midsection gripping with an intensity to kill. Looking down, multiple Yuta’s peeked through the liquid shadows, some holding onto katanas while other shikigamis were behind them.

The Vice Principal couldn’t even get a scream in as he was dragged below the depths against his will. The only thing remaining were the bubbles floating to the top of where he once stood.

Rainbow came barrelling in, her back leg extended into a sharp focus, and pointed aim squarely at the lone Yuta standing amidst the carnage.

Clap!

The sound of a distinguished clap echoed through the air, and in the next instance, Rainbow found herself right above the ground. The speed that she was traveling betrayed her as she impacted the ground hard. Her body skipped across the shadowy surface like a stone skimming through a lake.

Rainbow expanded her wings, trying to leverage off the waters and the air to better stabilise herself. But the sudden sound of a booming portal from behind her caught her off guard.

Whipping back, Rainbow’s eyes could only register the cold-hard steel directly in front of her face before said steel combusts into a torrent of flames. The fires singed her fur and blacked her mane and coat, the intense heat even blistering her skin as she was sent careening back once more.

Yuta picked up another katana next to him, but he stopped himself. Looking at the blade, he stretched out his hand and dropped it into the inky abyss below him, tip first. As the blade sank below the waters, Yuta summoned Nues, Divine Dogs, Great Serpents, and more clones of himself to surround the beaten-down Rainbow.

A second later, the blade that Yuta previously dropped shot up next to Twilight, its tip pointing skyward. Twilight’s eyes followed the raising katana, stunned at the sudden appearance of the weapon. Her confusion was quickly answered when Yuta rose out of the shadows, grabbed the handle from the air, and swung at ferociously Twilight, the cold steel radiating an evil heat.

The attack would have connected had Applejack not dropkicked Yuta in the side, causing him to misfire a flaming slash at Twilight’s side, the heat singing her cheek and melting the ground, igniting embers glowing in the crevice of the slash.

“AJ!” Twilight worriedly called out to her.

“Don’t mind me!” Applejack huffed, covered in bruises and cuts. Despite that, she gave a reassuring smirk, spitting out the blood accumulated in her mouth. “Just focus on yer magic!”

The brawl had only just begun, but Fluttershy couldn’t bring herself to watch her friends fighting amongst one another. Or rather, she wouldn’t. Instead, her entire focus was on…

“Discord…” Fluttershy whimpered, “Why didn’t you tell me you were a curse? Was all of this a lie?”

“…No.” Discord coldly replied, slow and deliberate.

“Then what is real?!” Fluttershy demanded, her voice raising a pitch. “Was all the time we shared meaningless!? Were the promises you made to me all fake!? Was all this just so you could cause more chaos!? Why won’t you confide in me!?! Am I —” Fluttershy choked a sob, tears streaking down her face and staining her cheeks. “Am I just some other plaything to you?”

“No, Fluttershy!” Discord scolded, “You’re not!”
“Then what am I to you!?” Fluttershy yelled back, her anger reaching a boiling point. “Why won’t you trust me?! Answer me!!”

“I—” Discord stumbled, trying to find the words to properly convey what he wants to say. What he wished to say. But it’s all for nought, as the words died in his throat. He sighed, deciding to lead with his emotions. The bottled-up feelings of nearly 1000 years finally spilling out. “I was afraid. Fluttershy.” He admitted.

“When I was first born a cursed womb, I first gained consciousness. I was by my lonesome. I was afraid. It was in my nature to cause mass amounts of chaos wherever I went, but repeating the same actions infinitely also gets to the psyche. I tried to find peace, to understand why I existed, but the answers were elusive. That’s when a creeping realisation dawned on me.”

“I realised I was truly alone,” Discord said, his voice empty. “I tried to mask this feeling by causing more chaos across Equestria. It worked, for a time. And I thought that would be the case ‘til the end of my days.” Discord turned his gaze to match Fluttershy’s, their eyes interlocking. “That’s when I met you.”

“I was adamant about the change you showed me, but with your patience, the walls around my soul began to crack. I fell for you. And I fell hard.”

“You showed me love. You showed me that despite being a curse, somepony still could love something like me. ” Discord smiled, “You saved me, Fluttershy.”

“Then… why?” Fluttershy asked. “You could’ve opened up to me.”

“I was afraid,” Discord answered. “I was afraid of cursing you, Fluttershy. I knew that my origins as a curse would catch up to me eventually ever since the appearances of curses around Equestria in recent months.” Discord turns to face the sorcerer battling the princess, his body slumped in defeat. “Then came Yuta.”

“I thought if I could disappear quietly,” Discord continued, the back of his throat carrying a lead weight. “you could have lived the rest of your life in peace. Undisturbed. Because I knew, had I cursed you back then, I wouldn’t be able to love you anymore.”

Discord turns away, closing his eyes as a tear streaks down his face. “I’m sorry for hiding this away from you. I’m a coward.”

“…Discord,” Fluttershy spoke, a gentle tone Discord was all too familiar with. With a hoof, she brought Discord’s face to look at her. Slowly, Discord opened his eyes, meeting the gentle gaze of the mare he loved. “I can’t love you any more… than I do now. So, curse me. Curse me as much as you’d like.”

The draconequus hitched a breath, his warm tears flowing freely as he gripped onto Fluttershy tightly.
“I-I love you, Fluttershy!” Discord admitted, his form trembling as his words ties a curse to cull her. “I don’t want to disappear! I-I want to stay with you ‘til the end of your days! I don’t want to leave you! I want to spend every Tuesday drinking tea like we have always been! I want to bring you to various places, forge memories, and laugh together! I want to share my life with you! ”

“Me too,” Fluttershy smiled, feeling a weight lifting from her heart. “I want to grow old with you, spend my time with you, and love you. Let’s go home, Discord.”

Their intimate moment would soon end, as Yona came charging in from the side. Fluttershy’s eyes widen, Discord pulling her in close and preparing to snap his fingers at Yona. But a brilliant blue crystal shield manifested in front of the two, protecting them from Yona’s charging body.

From her peripheral vision, Fluttershy caught glimpses of Smolder, Ocellus, Gallus, and Sliverstream busy with a swarm of shikigamis all around them, some even dragging Silverstream and Ocellus underwater.

“That’s quite enough, Yona.” Came a voice from behind.

Whipping her head back, Rarity stood with a limp, her body littered with bruises. Despite that, her horn shined brightly, conjuring the shield that had protected the two from Yona.

“Get away, Rarity,” Yona growled, her voice seething.

“No, can’t do, darling.” Rarity replied with a brighter shine of her horn.

The shield reacted to the fluctuation, the protective wall pushing the yak back slightly. Yona dug her hooves deeper into the ground, leaning her entire weight on the shield and forcing herself to advance.

“Yona!” Fluttershy’s voice pierced the tension as she leaned forward through Discord’s embrace. “Stop this! We can talk this out!”

“Shut up!” The yak roared, pushing against the shield. “Curse! Exorcise!”

“Is this because of Sandbar?”
The mention of Sandbar’s name seemed to have strike a cord within Yona, the force she was outputting suddenly spiking. She managed three steps forward, her eyes turning white.

“Don’t say his name!”

“I sympathise with you, but you can’t exorcise Discord for this! It isn’t his fault!”
“It is!!” Yona bellowed, taking a step forward. The shield cracks under the pressure. Discord brought his claws up, but Fluttershy held onto his arm.

“I understand how you feel, Discord is my everything. Losing him—”

“Sandbar was my everything!! Until curses like him took Sandbar away from me! Why can ponies like Sandbar die but curses like Discord live!?”

That seemed to shut Fluttershy up, unable to give a proper answer to Yona. Luckily for her, she didn’t have to, as in that moment of vulnerability, a wave of thunder surged through the domain. Flowing through every one of them. All except Yona.

This break in concentration caused Rarity’s shield to weaken to the point where Yona pierced through the shield with relative ease. Continuing her charge at Discord. With a saddened look in his eyes, Discord snapped his fingers through the surge of electricity coursing through his body, teleporting Yona out of Yuta’s domain.

Through the intense pain, Fluttershy looked over to where Yuta was. To her horror, Twilight was grovelled on the floor, purple electric currents running through her and frying her alive as she had broken her hoof seals. A trickle of blood ran down her nostrils, her eyes drooping slightly.

She was well past her limit.

"No, no, no, no, no, no!" Twilight gritted her teeth, pressing her face agonizingly close to the nebulous shadow, her inner scream tearing through her mindscape. "I can’t let it end like this!"

With desperation pounding in her chest, Twilight scanned her surroundings with fervour, every fibre of her being straining to latch onto any fragment of information, any sliver of hope. Her mind whirled chaotically, a relentless storm of thoughts until... a spark. A daring, razor-edge plan crystallised before her. "This is it," she realised with a surge of adrenaline. "It's do or die!"

Surging what remaining magic she had left, Twilight channelled it into a massive explosion. The blinding white light engulfed the entire domain, pushing back Yuta’s shadows for a second while blasting Yuta and sending him flying back.

Slamming against a cross pillar, Yuta steadied himself, reaching for a nearby katana, but an explosion of confetti and party streamers through the pillar sent him barrelling forward.

“You meanie!” Pinkie shouted at Yuta; a hoof wrapped around her party canon. “Why would you try to trick me like that!?”

Twisting mid-air, Yuta scanned his surroundings, trying his best to find Rika. But a blur of blue ramming straight into his side caused him to reconsider his priorities. Landing with a hard thud on the floor, the sorcerer tried to reposition himself by fading into the shadows. But a hard, bright light shining from above dissipated the flowing darkness swirling below.

“This cursed energy…” Yuta thought, turning to the perpetrator. Discord looked at him with a serious gaze, his eyes still red with tears as sweat dripped down his chin. “You.”

Yuta didn’t have time to think as AJ came in with a left roundhouse kick to his side. Yuta checked it with his knee, as he swiftly ducked under to dodge Rainbow’s own roundhouse kick from above.

Kicking AJ and Dash off himself, Yuta lunged for a nearby katana.

“Nu-uh!!” Pinkie cuts, smashing a cake into Yuta from above and shutting down his efforts. “I don’t think so!”

Right as Rainbow and AJ dashed in to deliver their own blows, Rika intervened with two slams of her mighty fists. Cratering the ground and sending fissures all around them. Pulling her arm back, she tried to throw a fist at Rainbow, but a torrent of blue flames pushed her back.

Shining took a step forward, his horn glowing in tandem with Sunburst as they worked together to restrain the hulking shikigami. Smolder and Spike flew through the fire, landing cheeky blows at Rika’s head before disappearing back into the flames. As that was happening, Gallus back-kicked, and Silverstream drove her leg into Rika’s rear. Not giving her a second to breathe, Sunburst flared his magic to bind Rika to the ground. Giving access to the others to jump in and land their attacks, combining their efforts to distract Rika while Rainbow, Pinkie, and AJ take care of Yuta.

“How are they suddenly this coordinated?” Yuta thought, wiping the cream off his face.

From below, a Great Serpent shot up and chomped down hard on the sorcerer. The serpent slithered skyward, its body twisting in the air before spinning back to the ground and plummeting at full speed.

“What?” This caught Yuta off guard for a second, before he realised who it was. “Ocellus!”

But it was too late, as they impacted the ground, Ocellus’s death grip on Yuta never wavering.

“Now!” Twilight yelled the signal.

In the next instance, Cadance flared her magic, teleporting AJ, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Rarity towards Twilight.

Fluttershy stepped forward, standing tall enough to cast a shadow over Discord. She turned over to Discord, remembering that he mentioned how she had saved him from his loneliness.

“Don’t worry, Discord.” Fluttershy reassured, “I’ll do it again, again and again. As many times as it takes.” She said as Cadance’s magic wisped her away.

Popping up next to Twilight, they exchanged looks and nods. Focusing on their magic, they began to float into the air, their hearts, emotions, and souls intertwining. This buildup of intense magic didn’t escape Yuta's attention.

Turning to the group, their bodies began to glow brighter and brighter and so did their magic. Yuta didn’t know what was going on, but he wasn’t willing to wait around and find out. Lifting up his hands into a seal, he commanded the sure hit of his domain to activate on the group.

But it never came.

That’s when he felt it, through the intense magic buildup in front of him, there was the feeling of another spike of magic to the side of his domain. Turning to the source, Yuta’s eyes widened in shock as Starlight grinned at him, the base of her hooves emitting a brilliant azure glow as her horn crackled with power.

“I’m still not quite good at this. But this is how you did it, right Twilight?” Starlight smirk grew wider at Yuta’s dismay. Clasping her forehooves together, Starlight’s nose began to bleed. “Domain Expansion!”

Yuta grits his teeth in frustration. “Was that explosion of magic both an attack and a means of transmitting information to the rest of the group telepathically!?”

His domain’s effects were basically rendered useless by Discord’s intervention, Rika was still held up by Shining and the rest of the group, his domain’s sure hit was being preoccupied by Starlight, and there were no katanas near him that he could grab in time before Twilight and her friends fired off this concentrated magic beam at him.

He never thought he’d get backed into a corner like this.

Yuta tried to dash over to Starlight, but it was too late.

The buildup of magic between Twilight and the rest was at an all-time high, their eyes glowing with power. With a final push, they released their combined magic at Yuta, the power erupting from their bodies. A rainbow light tore through where he stood, the ground evaporating from the power as the temperature in the air skyrocketed.

The attack shook the entirety of the domain, rumbling the earth and tearing a small hole in the outside world with it. It was devastating; every shikigami of the Ten Shadows got obliterated by the blinding light in an instant, and even the liquid shadows that had imprisoned them evaporated, leaving behind a barren wasteland and blowing Shining, Gallus, Silverstream, and the rest of the group away, sending all of them flying.

…

After releasing all they had left, they were exhausted but triumphant. They descended to the ground, their bodies trembling with exertion.

“Did we get him?” Rainbow asked, unable to lift her head.

“Ah… t-think so,” AJ replied.

“My legs, ow!" Pinkie chirped, the pain shooting through her body. "Hurts…”

“My entire body hurts!!” Rarity added body slumped across the floor.

“Twilight, you okay?” Fluttershy asked, turning over to the princess. Twilight didn’t reply, rather, she stared wide-eyed at the smoking clouds in the distance. “Twilight?”

Her lips began to tremble, this wasn’t good. Fluttershy turned to the same direction Twilight was looking, trying to discern what she was so terrified of. Deep down, she knew in the crevices of her mind what she was looking at, but Fluttershy dared not entertain that thought.

Establishing that, it’s still impossible to deny what was in front of her. A silhouette of a man began to solidify among the dust clouds, walking calmly out of the debris-filled smoke and into the open, in his hand, a dissipating katana.

Twilight couldn't believe Yuta walked out unscathed, not even a single scratch on his somewhat pristine jacket. Upon closer inspection, the smoke around him seemed to move out of the path he was taking. Almost outlining an invisible dome around him that made him untouchable. Or rather, unreachable.

“You’re kidding me…” Rainbow said, forcing herself up, only to collapse back onto the ground jaw first. "Ack-!"

“H-how?” Twilight asked, “I made sure to corner you to an area of your domain where there were few swords lying around.”

“…Back then, when I attacked you.” Yuta continued his walk over to the group, pulling a stray katana lying near him free from the ground. “I swapped out the katana I dropped earlier with another and stored it within my shadow. Just in case there was a situation I couldn’t get myself out of.”

Twilight, AJ, and Fluttershy tried to push themselves off the ground, but their legs trembled before giving out underneath their weight.

"I can't move!" Rarity cried, her body too fatigued to carry out any further action.

“It’s over,” Yuta sighed, “Starlight and the rest are at their limit.” Right as Yuta mentioned them, Rika floated over to him from behind, a content smile plastered on her face as her behemoth size cast a menacing shadow over the six. “There’s no one left to stand up against me.”

There were no lies in Yuta’s words; Starlight lay crumpled on the ground, her nose bleeding excessively. Seemingly blacked out. Shining, Cadance, the students, Spike, and Sunburst lay scattered across Yuta’s domain in cratered earth, all battered with bruises and blood stains.

“Please... Y-Yuta,” Fluttershy begged, her voice cracking as she crawled to Yuta’s shoes; it was brutally slow, her body dragging against the dirt as tears swelled up once again in her eyes. Through the trudging motion, Fluttershy's pitiful form seemed to shrink the more she dragged herself over to Yuta.

"Fluttershy-!" AJ called out, craning her neck over to her. "Get back!"

"Don't go!" Pinkie joined in.

Fluttershy ignored the cries of her friends, eventually making it to Yuta's shoes, hugging her forelegs around his ankles. “E-enter a pact with me..." She proposed, "Cancelled the pact you had with Twilight...In exchange for my body…" Fluttershy tightens her grip. "Please.”

…

Fluttershy’s sobs were silenced the moment she felt a paw patting her head. Familiar, was what ran through her mind. Looking up, Discord smiled at her like it was any other day; she could have sworn it felt like the sun's warmth was kissing her.

“It’s alright,” Discord reassures calmly, petting her head. “This time, my dear. I’ll save you.”

“D-Discord?” Fluttershy perked, but before she could question what he meant by that, she saw the shadow of his hand hovering over her, its index and thumb pressed together in a tight squeeze. "W-wait!"

Snap!

In a blink, the entire group that was trapped in Yuta’s domain was teleported out into Ponyville. The lively feel, though negative, was abruptly shut off. There was no one occupying the space, except for Yuta and Discord. The draconequus got back onto his feet, dusting himself off, a content smile on his face in spite of the tears swelling in his eyes. The vastness of Yuta's domain began to sink in, cursed energy surging as the shadows beneath his feet flooded outward.

“So, you did fight back in the end,” Yuta noted, standing peacefully next to Discord. “Did they manage to convince you that you had a chance against me?”

“Nah,” Discord denied, waving him off with a hand. “I just wanted to spend more time with Fluttershy before I leave.”

“That’s quite selfish of you,” Yuta added, gazing off into the distance. Switching to meet Rika's sight. "Not that I could judge."

“Well, I am a curse, after all,” Discord remarked.

…

“I’ll make this quick," Yuta rolled his shoulder, walked up to him, and rested a hand on the bridge of his snout. "Any last words?”

Discord won’t deny it, after all the fighting, this final, gentle act of kindness for a curse feels foreign to him. Not that he isn’t okay with it. He smiles, closing his eyes. Imagining the fondness of his wife's touch on his cheek.

“Nope,” He chirped. “I said my fair deal of curses.”

Yuta nodded, pumping Positive Energy into Discord’s face. His head began to disintegrate, his upper half imploding within seconds of Yuta delivering it to his noggin as his body collapsed lifelessly onto the ground, his limbs beginning to ash away. And yet, in the midst of his demise, he felt a sense of tranquillity and peace wash over him.

Yuta pulled back his hand and placed it on his chest. He stood there for a moment, staring at Discord’s fading body and ensuring that it was fully gone before reaching a hand into his jacket, fishing out a scale similar to that on Discord’s body and placing it on the ground.

“I’m sorry,” Yuta murmured.

Turning around, he reached out a hand a boomed a portal open, walking through it with an unreadable look on his face as Rika followed close behind. With a final look back at the scale, Yuta and Rika disappeared into the portal. His domain's barrier collapsed and interior crumbled, allowing a daunting beacon of moonlight from the real world to shine down on Discord’s scale through the holes in the cloud and against the sweeping fields of grass. The winds crying out into the night, the curse of love and chaos vanishing from this world.

Several weeks after – Kenya – Earth.

“No way!” Gojo laughed, “So what happened to the kid princess pony you kidnapped?”

“I think Discord teleported her away from my shadows along with everyone else. I couldn’t feel her weight anymore after his snap.” Yuta replied, the both of them walking through a shady street.

“And what about the scale you left on the ground?” Gojo asked.

“It was a replica I made using Zenin-san’s construction cursed technique. As much as they probably hate me, I wanted to give them something to remember him by, since he was well-loved by all of them… Gojo-sensei, was what I did right?”

“Well,” Gojo placed his arms into his pockets. “They messed up by not being able to distinguish curses from normal creatures in their world. And to answer your question, there isn’t right or wrong in our line of work, Yuta.” Gojo explained, “If I was in your position, I would’ve done the same.”

Gojo crossed his arms, pulling his lips back in annoyance. “Honestly, you should’ve copied Discord’s and the pink pony’s cursed technique. What a waste!”

“Her name is Pinkie Pie.” Yuta corrected.

“Yeah, yeah. The flamingo one.” Gojo pointed with a finger gun, “Speaking of this pony-talk, did I mention several years back, I had to go over to America to exorcise a similar Pony Curse from this world you mentioned? Can you believe it was a Special Grade!? I was busting my ass laughing at the Higher-ups when they came to me about this!”

“… You’re not even trying, are you, Gojo-sensei?” Choosing to steer this conversation somewhere else, Yuta dug out the two Sukuna fingers and presented them to white hair sorcerer. “By the way, here are the Sukuna fingers.”

“Ah, thank you, Yuta.” Gojo thanked, taking just one of the two fingers.

“Why did you only take one?”

“I think you should keep one, just in case.”

“Just in case?” Yuta inquired, tucking the finger back into his jacket.

“I’ve got a bad feeling.” Gojo’s expression suddenly turned cold. “If anything happens to me, I need you to take care of the current first- and second-year students, Yuta… Hakari should be fine.”

“If anything happens?” Yuta repeated, “Like you getting a girlfriend?”

“You’re a comedian now, huh?” Yuta couldn’t see it, but Gojo was side-eyeing him through his blindfold.

“Well, I can’t imagine what would happen to you.”

“I’m especially concerned about the first-year Itadori Yuji. Just like you, he was up for secret execution. If you could keep an eye out, I’d appreciate it. Oh, and where’s Miguel?”

Yuta clutched the strap of his sling-on, smiling. “He doesn’t want to see you.”

“…Well, whatever.” Gojo shrugged. “How about bringing me around for some sightseeing?” He suggested, leading the way. “I gotta bring back some souvenirs for the Tokyo and Kyoto first-years for this year’s Kyoto Goodwill Event!”

“Um… sure,” Yuta said, looking up to the skies, finding himself lost in thought.

“Yuta?” Gojo called back, snapping him out of his stupor. “You coming?”

“Y-yes!” Yuta hurried along, walking next to Gojo at a steady pace.

~END~

Author's Note

Thank you for reading and sticking through all the way! I hope you enjoyed Yuta wandering around in Equestria. I'm eternally grateful for all the love and support you've given me!! :heart:

If you have any questions you wanna ask me regarding this story or anything else please feel free to ask, I’ll do my best to reply!

Stormy Weather: Part 4

Dust and debris fall onto the grassy lands, as the grainy clouds subside, Yuta stood among the wasteland unscathed, not even a speck of dirt had graced his shoulders. Looking around at the decimation, the once lush green hills and earth were now stained a dirty brown.

Right now that was the least of his worries, pulling out Rainbow from the depths of Rika, Yuta checked on her condition, he sighed a sigh of relief when he saw that the still ever-feisty mare hadn't suffered any major injuries other than the ones from the altercation with Usowamoto earlier on.

"What was that for!?" Rainbow screamed at the human. "I had... it..." The words were cut short in her throat when she had finally taken in the wasteland surroundings.

"A huge explosion went off in the distance," Yuta said pointing over the horizon.

Flapping her wings, Rainbow shot up into the skies and focused her sight over to the direction of the explosion, her expression quickly turned soured and horrified when she realised where the source came from.

"It came from Cloudsdale!!" Rainbow yelled below her.

Wasting no time, Yuta tossed his black blade to his side, cladding the weapon in cursed energy, it begin to float autonomously beside him. Hopping onto the weapon, the blade carried Yuta to Rainbow's side in the air with Rika behind him.

"We need to get back with Twilight and the rest!"

Prior to the fight between the four combatants, above the city of clouds, Twilight made her way through the air with great haste. Sweat still glistened on her fur from her own conflict moments ago. Peeling her eyes open, she tried to survey the areas close by for Yuta and his whereabouts while simultaneously killing any cursed spirits that she had happened to pass by.

Landing on a rooftop of a house, Twilight took a breather, but the mixed screams of masculine and feminine voices forced her to peer over the edge the check for the cause of the sound.

From what Twilight could see, it looks to be two pegasi ponies, a stallion and a mare, dressed in white coats, backpedaling from a lizard-shaped cursed spirit. Both looked to be bloodied and bruised, spreading her wings, she glided down towards the two. Her horn ignited in sparks of violet, as she casted the demon away with a wave of her head. A purple beam of magic vanquishing the curse from existence.

"P-princess?" The stallion inquired.

Twilight held up a hoof.

"No need to speak, my little ponies. Everything will be alright." Shining her horn, Twilight casted a light healing spell on the two, healing the broken wings and closing up some of their minor wounds. "It's a temporary healing spell, my students are on the edge of Cloudsdale over in that direction. Please make your way there as soon as possible, aid will be provided to you upon your arrival."

"B-but princess, this is urgent!" The mare cried. "King Sombra is back! He's running rampant in the Rainbow Factory!!"

Right as Twilight was about to open her mouth for a response, a strong sensation overtook her body. The sudden spike in the concentration of magic and cursed energy filled the air, and a heavy tremor shook the earth. Twilight deduced that it was an explosion judging by how unrefined the control of magic it was, and it was coming in the direction of the Rainbow Factory.

Linking the string of coincidence from recent news, she surmise that this should be the doing of King Sombra as the perpetrator who was behind it. But what the outcome was for she did not know, nor did she have the time to dwell on it.

"Get behind me!!" Twilight shouted to the two, as they raced to huddle behind the Alicorn.

Casting a spell, Twilight scanned the entirety of Cloudsdale for signs of life. Prioritising the lives of creatures first, then lowering lifeforms after. After confirming the locations of all civilians in the city, she casted two layers of shield spells back-to-back to all the citizens of Cloudsdale. Doing all of this in under a second, however, due to the amount of time given for her to sense, react, and cast the spell, she had to give up the accuracy of her spell in exchange for speed of casting.

This shouldn't be a problem though Twilight thought since, in the event of a crisis, creatures would seek others in an attempt to get help. Right now, ponies all over Cloudsdale should be in groups. Standing strong, Twilight braced herself, as a flash of light enveloped them.

The pressure was intense, and so was the heat. Veins grew larger around the sides of Twiligh's temples, and blood pooled from her eyes. As she focused all of her willpower and being on ensuring the spell she casted city-wide would not break formation, structure, or integrity.

"Watch out!!" Was all Sandbar could hear, it was so quick, there was no time to react...

There was no time to react.

A sudden jolt forced Sandbar and Windy Whistle forward, crashing into Yona and Smolder. The purple shields had erected among the four creatures, protecting all of them from the outside, all but one.

The wave of gray clouds shoved Bow Hothoof onto the shields, his eyes combusted into flames and his mouth breathed fire, his flesh almost instantly burning off his body. While his bones lasted just for a couple of seconds before being incinerated to dust.

Windy and Sandbar could only watch in horror, the former wife already shedding tears, crying and begging for her husband's name, nobody could hear it though, the deafening rumble from the outside muted any cries she might have given off, while the young stallion had a thousand-yard stare plastered on his face. He wasn't sure if he was facing reality, but a bitter coldness was spreading across his body starting from his hooves which reminded him so. It felt scary.

It felt empty.

A crack formed in the outermost barrier protecting them, before shattering into a million pieces, the heavy rumble and heat from the blast welcomed the four with unbiased intent even with the second layer of shielding protecting them from coming into direct contact with the wave, sweat beginning to run down their foreheads and dripping from their chins. The whole ordeal lasted for about 30 seconds before dying down and the shield was dispelled.

Slumping to the floor and sitting on his rump, Sandbar tilts his head up towards the open sky. Contemplating how the string of events led up to this moment. His eyelids went slack, his shoulder relaxed, and the corners of his mouth creased into a frown.

"W-why...?"

"Bow.. Bow... please..."

Sandbar turned to his side, facing the widow. Never had Sandbar ever seen somepony cry this hard before, granted, for a good reason. Though, that was to be expected, seeing as he thought all this mess came from him screwing up.

'I was too far from the rest, I was too careless as an Element.'

Sandbar wanted to say something, anything to comfort Windy, but nothing came out of his lips. The guilt of having the reason why her husband is dead and expressing words of sympathy did not sit right with him. All he could think to do right now was... sit in silence.

His vision begins to blur.

'H-huh?' he thought.

A warm, familiar liquid flowed down the sides of his cheek, Sandbar didn't bother to wipe it away. Rather, he just let his tears run free. A part of him didn't want to admit it, but it felt good letting these unearned fake tears leave his system. Almost feeling like it's a form of atonement for him.

Muffled shouting soon came from behind him, Sandbar didn't know what Smolder and Yona were so desperately yelling at him about. So he turned over to the two, his vision still slightly blurred from his unwiped tears. Only to see them pointing to something behind him.

Tired. He was feeling tired.

Perhaps it was the sports festival earlier that day that his senses were fatiguing. Perhaps it's the exposure to the bloodied bodies of ponies all across Cloudsdale that finally got to his head. Regardless, he hadn't bothered to crank his head to check the danger. Instead, turning to check on Windy again. It seems to him that his vision has finally gotten slightly better, enough to see the urgency on Windy's teary face yelling at him to move.

A shadow casts itself over the two, forcing Sandbar to finally turn his head around to see what the commotion was about.

20 hooves, Sandbar counted, coloured in sickly green. Its body was comparable to the vilest of centipedes, its wavy, hypnotising movements swayed his mind. Using the underbelly of its body, Sandbar followed it upward using it as a guide to see its face. Counting more hooves as he goes up the ladder.

Its face was a horrifying mess of two ponies meshed and contorted together, gruesome to say the least. Drooling of hunger, the curse looked upon the frightened earth pony, stupefied to move on his own. The antenna on its head warped inward to its mouth, gaping open a large oral cavity big enough to fit a pony whole.

'How could anything have survived that explosion?' That was what he thought.

It lunged downwards in a crazed manner determined to eat Sandbar, but a blue blur sent Sandbar flying away. Catching a glimpse at his saviour, Windy had shoved Sandbar out of biting range, her face seemed damn near-emotionless other than the slight opening of her mouth.

However, two mandibles were already there to greet her.

SNAP.

The curse quickly closed its jaws shut with a swift chomp. The only remains left over were the lower parts of her body left unscathed from the bite, bits of intestines flung out as it hit the floor with a thump, and the blood splattered onto the face of Sandbar.

His horrified look grew a million times worse and the colour almost looked to be drained from his body, shaking and shivering. Sandbar shuffled backwards in a hurry, in a vague attempt of getting out of there. The demon shallowed the pegasus mare with a gulp, before setting its sights on its original meal.

An orange slash temporarily diverted its attention away from the stallion, gazing up, the curse looked at Smolder with a predatorial gaze. The dragon breathed a large bloom of fire but was quickly slashed by the curse diving through her flames. Her guts spilled open, coughing up blood, and crashing head-first into Yona.

The centipede-pony curse hybrid turns its sights back on Sandbar, charging straight at his with open mouth. Right as the pony was about to enter its jaws, the sound of a pair of hands clapping could be heard.

In a flash, Yuta had swapped places with Sandbar. Using his left arm, he slapped the curse's jaw to his left. Swinging forth with his right imbued with the Ratio Technique, he aimed for the joint where to jaw connected with the top of its skull. Severing the two with just his fist, forcing the curse to spin around and retreat. Leaving its sides exposed to the Special-Grade Sorcerer.

Going back in with his left hand, he shoves it forward into the curse. Allowing the curse to do the job for him as his hand ran through the left side of its body with the Ratio Technique.

Yuta was about to give chase to it, but a shout from Yona forced him to stop.

"Mr. Yuta!! Smolder is in bad shape!!"

Snapping his head, he could see the poor dragon desperately clinging onto her belly through fits of bloodied coughs, her insides threatening to splutter onto her outsides. Dashing over, Yuta immediately administers Reversed Cursed Energy. Closing her wound, and healing her internal injuries. Allowing Smolder to fall unconscious.

Rika floats down while holding Sandbar and his black blade in her arms to Yuta's relief.

"Looks like I made it in time."

Looking back, Yuta thought that maybe Rainbow had pinned the curse down so he could finish it, but to his surprise, she didn't. Instead, she stood above a torn lower half of a pegasus with a cutie mark that she was all too familiar with. Rainbow's magenta eyes looked almost devoid of life as her wings stayed stiff. Her breath, shaky and uncertain kept her mouth agape for a few, long, seconds before it finally uttered the words Rainbow hoped to have never dared to associate her with.

"...mom?"

Author's Note

LETS GO JAPAN 🇯🇵

Fight for The Crystal: Part 1

Rainbow Dash stared glumly at the untouched tray of applesauce and carrot sticks in front of her, which Discord had so generously gathered for her. The bags under her eyes were vindictive of the long days spent, cloaked in the suffocating silence of her room, mourning the loss of her parents. Applejack sat across from her, a concerned frown etched on her honest face. Fluttershy, perched on the edge of the chair beside Rainbow Dash, her gentle touch a soothing balm on the pegasus's tense shoulder, and Tank, resting on the other side of Rainbow.

"Sugarcube, "Applejack began, her voice low and warm," you don't have'ta force it down if ya don't wanna."

Rainbow swallowed the lump in her throat, the metallic tang of grief heavy and still yet lingers on her tongue. "...Nah, it's fine. I was just about to eat them."

Her voice was clearly hoarse from disuse, clicking a fork down on the veggie and inserting it in her mouth. Slow and steady crunches follow after. At the same time, Fluttershy squeezed her shoulder gently.

Rainbow looked down at her hooves as she chewed, the vibrant blue marred by dried tear tracks. Grief, anger, and loneliness swirled within her. Is this the feeling of loss? Had Twilight and the rest not given her the push she needed, Rainbow feared how much deeper she would have fallen.

"Either way, I'm glad you're doing better now, Rainbow." Fluttershy's eyes soften with understanding.

Suddenly, a burst of confetti exploded in the air, showering Rainbow in a kaleidoscope of colours. She blinked, startled, as Pinkie zoomed over in a blur, getting up close and personal to Rainbow's face.

"Surprise!" Pinkie squealed, her grin wider than ever. "I just had to whip up a little something to brighten up the most fastest flyer, and the most awesome-est friend in all of Equestria!"

Pulling her hooves to the back, Pinkie somehow managed to pull out a comically large muffin the size of a pony adored in a Rainbow theme of colours and icing. Rainbow couldn't help but crack a small smile at Pinkie's infectious enthusiasm. The gesture, though unexpected, was not unwelcomed.

"Pinkie Pie," Rainbow said, her voice thick with emotion, "that's... sweet of you."

Rarity sighed as she bustled into the cafeteria, her mane slightly dishevelled and her horn dusted with glitter. She'd spent the better part of the morning attending to and mending torn clothes, armour and attire, leaving her both touched and exhausted. A handkerchief floats in the air from her magical grasp, wiping the sweat off her forehead.

Ever the observant, her eyes immediately landed on Rainbow Dash. Her heart clenched in her chest. The vibrant pony, usually a whirlwind of colour and confidence, seemed drained, her once bright eyes dimmed with sadness. But then, Rarity saw it - a flicker of a smile playing on Rainbow Dash's lips as she took a bite of Pinkie Pie's cake.

"...Rainbow Dash?"

Seeing Rainbow's small smile amidst the usual glumness was like witnessing a wilting flower slowly blooming anew. Rarity hurried over, her hooves clicking rhythmically on the tile floor.

"Rainbow Dash, darling!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with relief. "I heard the news about your return, and I simply had to see you! How are you holding up?"

Rainbow gave a genuine smile, albeit a little weak. "It's... it's been tough, Rarity," she admitted, her voice husky. "But I'm hanging in there."

Rarity's eyes softened. She knelt beside Rainbow, her touch gentle. "I know, darling. Losing your parents… it's unimaginable. But please know that you're not alone. We're all here for you, every step of the way."

Pinkie, who had been bouncing excitedly by Rarity's side, suddenly shoved a slice of Rainbow's favourite cake into her mouth. "And Pinkie Pie's gonna make sure you smile every single day!" she declared in third person, her voice muffled by a piece of muffin.

Rainbow chuckled, surprised but touched by Pinkie's gesture. The sweetness of the muffin mingled with the warmth of their concern, and she felt a tear welling up in her eye.

"You guys…" she mumbled, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Fluttershy wrapped her wing around Rainbow in a comforting hug, Pinkie joining in with a squeal of delight. So did Rarity, Applejack, and lastly, Tank. Her loneliness soon subsided in that embrace, and warmth, safety, and hope soon filled her body.

"Well, isn't this a lovely sight?" Discord materialized in a swirl of shimmering chaos and landed with a dramatic flourish next to the huddled ponies. "I was gone for what, a few minutes? How it wounds me not to be invited to the group hug." Pulling a fish out of nowhere to wipe his non-existent tears.

"You can join if you want," Fluttershy giggled.

Discord raised a hand at this. "It's fine; I have something I got to tend to. Oh, and Rainbow Dash. A gift for you." Snapping his fingers, he poofed a small present for the pegasus. Plopping it on the table.

Rainbow opened the gift, revealing a little top hat too small for her. "A hat?"

"It's for Tank's shell. Sorry, I'm not too accustomed to these sorts of things", Discord admits with a hint of genuine shame. Rainbow smiled at the thoughtfulness.

"No, it's great. Thanks, Discord."

"Welp, I'm off. I see you lot in a few." With that, the Draconequus disappeared once more in clouds of cotton candy.

Right as he left, two more figures showed up. Twilight and Yuta both had grim looks on their faces.

"The Crystal Empire's under attack. We have to help them. Rainbow, you stay here and rest up. The rest of us will-" Rainbow cuts her off,

"I'm going."

"No, it's too dangerous, especially with your condition-"

"I'm going."

Twilight's face scrunched up; she knew Rainbow was stubborn, even with her state. Once she sets her mind on something, almost nothing can deter the mare from getting what she wants. Complicating matters, Princess Cadance's recent letter painted a grim picture of the situation. Worse, Twilight had just deployed the Wonderbolts across major cities. Unable to rely on them, Twilight grimaced under the circumstances. Looking down for a moment, she casts a rejuvenation spell on Rainbow.

"This should help rejuvenate your body to an extent. But don't push it. Your body will likely shut down if you go beyond your limits." Twilight knew; she knew deep down this was the worst possible scenario she was setting up for. She had only a couple of hours ago brightened her friend's spirits. Now, she is dragging her back in a war against disgusting monsters ravaging a kingdom. She turned away from her friend, biting her lower lip with furrowed brows.

Yuta stepped forward, placing his hand on her rainbow mane. Positive Energy began to flood her body, and the muscles ached from stagnant days were overtaken by a warm, sensational relief. Moments later, she felt brand new except for her empty stomach and low Energy.

"That should have restored your bodily functions. But it won't fuel you, so please eat up and fill your stomach."

Twilight, Yuta, and the rest of the Mane Six walked out of the cafeteria, a piece of muffin still stuck in Rainbow's mouth as she chewed with determined vigour, Pinkie bouncing behind her.

"How're we gonna get there?" Applejack asked, catching up to Twilight.

"We're using ruins for mass teleportation. I could use my own magic, but I wouldn't want to dwindle my reserves any more than I should. Normally, we'd fly over by carriage. But in such cases, Princesses would prepare Ruins supplied with my magic earlier for use. Thankfully, I've prepared a bunch ever since I took over Princ- *ahem* Celestia's throne." She ruffled her wings, getting a good stretch. "Of course, such potent magic should be used outside. The heat generated from these kinds of spells is enough to set nearby objects on fire."

"Princess!" A cry of unison made Twilight turn to the call, seeing the Young Six running towards her. "Bring us too!"

The six came to a grinding halt before her highness, some panting from the run. "We heard from some guards that you were looking for more creatures to accompany you to fight at the Crystal Empire. Please, bring us!" Sandbar pleaded.

"No." The sudden bluntness of Twilight's denial shook Youngins.

"Why no bring us?" Yona spoke up.

"Yeah, we can be helpful!" Silverstream propped up with her chest out.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot allow you guys to tag along. It's too dangerous for teenagers to come." Twilight turns to the four stone ruins on the floor, lighting her horn; the ruins glow with the beat of her magic. "Had I known the degree of severity and threat these curses posed. I would have never asked any of you to do what you've done so far. I kindly ask you guys to wait here, and leave the rest to us."

The four ruins shook and crackled, and a magic circle connected the four stones. Ancient inscriptions lined the circumference of the glowing circle as heavy winds burst past everyone there. The magic circle glowed brighter, causing the whistling of heavy gusts kissing their ears to up its intensity.

Twilight and Yuta were the first to step inside. Their hair and clothes rustled heavily. Rainbow Dash was next to step up, followed by Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, and Fluttershy.

Dismay painted the faces of the Young Six as Twilight's final word echoed in the growing wind.

Undeterred, Gallus tried to dive into the circle before Twilight could activate the ruins. Ocellus, sensing something was off, yelled for Gallus to stop, "Wait!" As he closed in, he smashed face-first into a purple barrier set up by the princess, sliding down the wall.

In a blinding flash of light, the occupants in the circle were gone. The only signs of them being there were the burnt marks on the grass near the activated ruins.

The once shimmering streets of Canterlot were now slick with a thick ichor, the vibrant hues of the crystal ponies' shattered dreams staining the cobblestones a sickly crimson. Grotesque monstrosities, their forms a hideous amalgamation of nightmare and flesh, lumbered down the streets, their every step echoing with the sickening squelch of gore. Cursed residue leaked from their pores as the air thrummed with the ponies' high-pitched shrieks.

Crystal ponies, their coats dulled and their eyes wide with abject horror, stampeded through the debris-strewn streets, their hooves pounding a frantic rhythm against the bloodstained ground. Flames erupt from once clean houses, and rubble littered the avenue.

The screams of the ponies reached a fever pitch as a monstrous maw, lined with serrated teeth the size of scimitars, descended from the heavens. A blinding flash of light erupted from the combined might of multiple unicorn citizens, momentarily pushing back the tide of darkness, but it was a fleeting reprieve. The curses writhed and pulsed, and the monstrosities surged forward, their hunger an insatiable void threatening to consume everything in its path.

Crunch after crunch, meal after meal. The curses fed on the innocent, their blood refreshing and their screams sickeningly sweet. The guttural roars of the monsters slowly drowned out the cries of the ponies, the sounds of rending flesh and shattering bone painting a gruesome picture of carnage.

One young filly, her horn snapped and flank gushing with iridescent blood, stumbled and fell, the gnashing maw of a monstrosity looming impossibly close. A stallion, his once magnificent coat matted with gore, reared in defiance, his horn flashing with a desperate burst of magic that did little more than singe the hide of the creature before him.

"Hey! Over here, you disgusting monster!" The brave stallion tried drawing attention to the curse away from the filly, and he was successful in more ways than one. A flock of fly heads dived down to where he stood. Each tearing a piece of flesh for themselves, his gargled screams soon went silent from one of them ripping his throat out. His previous screams attracted a giant goopy hoof from above to crush everything nearby.

The filly looked up to see a slimy curse that towered and loomed over multiple buildings. Matching eye contact with the little filly, its slimy hooves reared back, its next target to be the filly. Her heart sank, and so did her hope.

The curse still before her opened its maw, inviting her to sweet release. Blood from where her horn once was trickled down the filly's forehead, closing her eyes in defeated acceptance.

Suddenly, a streak of pink light from the Crystal Castle beamed down onto the curses. Piercing a hole through the slime curse and the curse that was about to swallow her. Disintegrating the two in one fell swoop. The filly opened her eyes, looking to and from to see the curses ashing away.

Looking towards the Crystal Castle, she saw her ruler standing atop one of the porches—her horn smoking from the release of potent magic. The smile returned to her face; getting up onto her hooves, she continued her trek towards the castle.

Cadance turned an angle, seeing more giant curses running rampant in her cities. Cadance stood resolute, her horn held high, channelling the very essence of her magic. Her eyes blazing with white fury. With each pounding of her heart, she drew upon more of her magic reserves. It's magic coursing through her veins like a celestial current. The air crackled with anticipation. Sparks of violet and pink tickled the tip of her horn, along with a yellow current.

With a bow of her head and a silent incantation, a bolt of pure energy erupted from her horn, streaking across the sky. It found its mark true, piercing the side of the Chimera curse, sending shockwaves rippling through its monstrous form. The beast bellowed in pain and fury, stumbling back on a house or two and falling over.

Cadance buckled under the stress, sweat dripping from her chin. Soot was beginning to accumulate on her horn, staining it a nasty black.

"Not yet.." She muttered. Getting back on her hooves, she charged another shot. "Not while my crystal ponies need me."

Unexpectedly, glass-like fragments started to rain down like glittering tears. Its fragments reflect rainbow hues across her face. Puzzled, Cadance looked up. A gasp escaped her lips as the shield protecting the empire shattered. The frigid winds of the north, long held at bay by the barrier's warmth, begin to sweep through the city, swirling snow and ice in their wake.

"What's going on!?"

Down below, Usowamoto opened a portal for themself to escape. To their surprise, the burning sensation returned.

"Huh?" Turning around, there it was the Crystal Heart back on the podium. "What's the meaning of this?"

"It was getting kind of cold, so I thought I'd warm up the place a bit," Discord said, sitting on a beach chair. His sunglasses sat neatly on his snout as he enjoyed some tea. Sipping on some, he let out a relaxed ahh. "Y'know, it's rude to take something that doesn't belong to you."

A beam of pressurized water streamed through Discord, cutting him in half. He dropped onto the floor in an oddly stiff manner. Usowamoto walked over to him, only to realize it was a cardboard layout of Discord sipping tea.

"It's even more rude to attack somebody while they're talking to you," Discord whispered into their ear. Usowamoto threw an elbow back but was easily dodged by the Draconequus.

"Get lost, I don't like you."

"Feeling's mutual. Normally I wouldn't care for some chaos here and there caused by an outsider. But a very special somepony is coming here, and I won't let you lay your dirty cursed hands on her."

The Chase across Space and Time: Part 2

The human's surprised cry, "Oof!" was cut short as the knife clattered harmlessly on the tile floor. They writhed in pain, releasing the grip on the weapon and dissolving into a whimper of defeat. Their initial murderous rage was replaced by a pathetic plea for mercy that echoed hollowly in the vast chamber.

Dash, meanwhile, landed with a pained groan, bringing a hand– or was it a hoof? – up to her snout and rubbing it gently. The disorientation was overwhelming. One moment, they were soaring through the sky; the next, they were sprawled on a cold, hard floor.

"Wha...?" Dash mumbled, confusion evident in her voice. She brought their other appendage – hoof? Hand? – up to examine it, and a gasp escaped her lips. Blue fur covered her limbs, and a long tail swished nervously behind her. "Oh, c'mon!" She bemoaned, her voice laced with disbelief. "Again!?"

"Get. Off." The human beneath Dash grunts, pushing off the ground with both arms.

A strange sound pierced the air – a high-pitched "Ping!"

A blue light emanating from somewhere unseen illuminated the area beneath them. Swirling with energy, it materialised inches from their chest before abruptly falling downwards. The human, caught in the invisible current, was dragged along with the spectral heart. Their grunt was cut short as they slammed into the hard floor with a crack.

"I don't think so, buddy." The skeleton said, their left eye glowing a similar blue. Thanks for the assist, Blue-y." Turning to Dash, he shot her a thumbs up, a smile plastered on his skull. "I got it from here."

"My name's not Blue-y." Dash deadpans, to which the skeleton shrugs.

From the chaos above, Yuta tumbled down, landing with a bone-jarring thud beside a scowling Usowamoto. Dust motes swirled around them as Yuta scrambled to his feet, Rika looming protectively behind him. Before he could react, Usowamoto lashed out, a vicious kick aimed at Yuta's face.

The force of the blow had sent the sorcerer reeling back, winds whipping past him with a harsh whistle. Usowamoto, propelled by the momentum of their attack, backpedalled several steps across the checkered floor. But Yuta lunged forward, undeterred. Grabbing hold of the very foot that had just assaulted him.

A surge of blinding positive energy erupted from Yuta's hand. It channelled with an unnatural intensity into Usowamoto's limb, the flesh and bone warping and contorting under the unnatural pressure. A sickening "splat!" echoed through the chamber as the curse's leg imploded in a gruesome display of violence.

Usowamoto stumbled back, falling flat on their ass. The loss of a limb barely fazed them for a moment. With a desperate snarl, they slammed a hand onto the floor, attempting to tear open a portal large enough to escape.

But the attraction of Blue forces them back into the sorcerer. The nascent portal flickered and died. Usowamoto yanked back towards the sorcerer like a puppet on invisible strings. Spinning on their heel, Usowamoto used the momentum to launch themself forward. Their remaining forearm slammed into Yuta's throat with a crunch. The air whooshed from Yuta's lungs, a strangled gasp escaping his lips as he crumpled back, his vision swimming with black spots.

Perhaps it was the sheer force of the blow or Yuta's fading consciousness, but he couldn't stop the momentum. He slammed back into Rika, the colossal apparition stumbling under the unexpected shove. The domino effect was immediate – all three of them, a tangled mass of limbs and desperate flailing, careened backwards into the sulking skeleton, a prismatic pegasus, and the human she was sitting on.

The impact sent all six of them tumbling in a heap of limbs and confusion. In the pandemonium, Usowamoto reacted first. Another swirling portal manifested in front of them, a desperate escape route. With a final, triumphant roar. Usowamoto steered the rolling ball of bodies into the portal, dragging the chaotic mess along with them. The portal snapped shut behind them, leaving only the echoing silence and the lingering stench of burnt flesh and despair.

The world dissolved into a dizzying mixture of colours as the portal ripped them through space and time. Yuta felt himself tumbling through a chaotic vortex, the air itself a swirling mass of blues and purples. Rika spun madly beside him, her monstrous form dwarfing the churning chaos around them.

Suddenly, a bony hand clamped onto her shoulder. It was the skeleton, his empty eye sockets fixed on some unseen point within the swirling vortex. He clung to Rika with surprising tenacity, his legs flailing haphazardly behind him.

From the other side, a figure hurtled towards them. Somehow freed from the aftermath of the battle, the human charged recklessly, a dusty knife glinting menacingly in their hand. However, their rage was no match for the monster's quick reflexes. With a jump back and a swing of their hand, a bone erupted from the air, a sharpened point aimed with deadly accuracy.

The bone sunk deep into the human's stomach with a sickening thud. A choked gasp escaped their lips as they were launched backwards with unnatural force, the vortex rejecting their presence. They slammed into the swirling barrier of the wormhole, their body phasing erratically before dissolving into nothingness with a final, desperate scream.

Seemingly content with his handiwork, he allowed himself to fall back into the vortex, a wide grin plastered across his skull. He turned his head for a fleeting moment, his empty eye sockets relaxed as they landed on Rainbow in a gesture that could be interpreted as either "I'm glad that's over." or a "Take care.".

In her despair, a new wave of light washes over everyone, emerging to a new world with a loud screech.

Earth - 2xxxxx - New York City.

The world snapped back into focus with a bone-jarring jolt. Yuta groaned, his head pounding as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. He lay sprawled on a bed of rough gravel, the metallic tang of blood filling his nostrils evaporating away with RCT. The smell of polluted air filled their lungs. Disoriented, he looked around the splintered wooden tracks. Rika got up, dazed a few feet away, her enormous body taking up both sets of tracks they were currently on, and the ridges on her face taking in the scene with a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

A deafening screech shattered the air, sending a jolt of adrenaline through Yuta. He scrambled to his knees, his gaze falling on a sight that made his blood run cold—towering above them, a sleek, metallic behemoth of a train barreled down the tracks, its horn blaring a continuous, ear-splitting warning.

Panic surged through Yuta. He whipped his head around, searching for Usowamoto and Rainbow Dash. The blue pegasus lay sprawled a few yards away, her wings tangled beneath her. Usowamoto slumped beside her, their face bleeding loose, and their eyes glazed over to meet Yuta's, their leg still missing.

The bustling city of New York stretched out before them. Towering glass and steel skyscrapers scraped the sky, their windows reflecting the harsh sunlight in a dizzying display of light and shadow. Streets teemed with yellow taxis weaving through a sea of speeding cars, their horns adding to the cacophony of sound. People hurried along the sidewalks, oblivious to the drama unfolding on the railway tracks below.

Time seemed to slow down for Yuta. The screech of the approaching train was a constant, a terrifying death knell. He scrambled towards Rainbow, his heart hammering against his ribs. He had to move, had to get them all off the tracks. In his thought, Rika instinctively jumped in front of them, outstretched a palm to shield them from the oncoming hunk of steel.

"Don't! Rika!" Yuta screamed, the word ripping from his throat and causing Rika to shrink back.

"Rika?" Rainbow questioned. However, no one cared to give her an answer.

A split second later, Yuta and Rika leapt above the rushing train. Rolling and tumbling on the steel roof. Following suit, Rainbow flared her wings and soared just in the nick of time. Toppling over on the edge. Leaving Usowamoto alone on the tracks.

The train slammed into Usowamoto, pinning them to the front of the car. With a herculean effort, Usowamoto managed to raise a hand. A swirling vortex, a portal not unlike the one they had emerged from, materialised on the tracks beneath the train. But instead of pulling Usowamoto in, the portal seemed to latch onto the entire train. With a screech of tortured metal, the locomotive ripped free of the tracks and surged upwards.

Yuta, Rainbow Dash, and Rika, still sprawled on the steel roof of the train carriage, were flung backwards by the sudden shift. They scrambled to their hooves and hands, desperately clinging to the cold metal as the world tilted on its axis. Below them, the bustling streets of New York City shrunk into a dizzying blur. Rocketing skyward, the monstrous locomotive acted as their unwilling chariot.

The train roared between the towering skyscrapers, and screams of the passengers could be faintly heard over the whistles of the wind. The wind whipped past Yuta's face, stinging his eyes and threatening to tear him from his perch. He glanced at Rainbow Dash, her wings shaking and usually bright red eyes wide with terror. Across from them, Rika mirrored their fear, her form flickering with unease.

The train roared between the skyscrapers as it began arching backwards. It was a matter of time before the locomotive did an entire loop and came crashing into the tracks below. Yuta gritted his teeth, launching himself forward and sprinting across the slick metal roof of the looping train.

Peering over the edge, Usowamoto stared at Yuta with frightful eyes, their trembling hand already summoning a swirling portal in their palm, aimed directly below them and at the fast-approaching human.

"STAY BACK!!" They warned, panic itching at their throat.

The portal pulsed with an otherworldly light aimed directly at the tracks far below. Firing it off at blistering speeds, Yuta raised his left arm to block the shot. He stumbled back, a searing pain lancing through his arm. It didn't take long for the beam of energy to vaporise his entire arm from his fingertips to the ends of his shoulder. Still retaining the power, the beam Flew past him and straight into a carriage of the train behind him, exploding the front of the car and severing the link between it and the front of the train, revealing the passengers inside.

This reckless act caused the civilians inside to get sucked out from the pressure difference, screaming as they plunged from the safety of their seats.

A primal scream tore from his throat. "RIKA!! RAINBOW DASH!!"

"I've got it!!" Rika and Rainbow yelled back in unison.

Rika, the larger and stronger of the two, reached for the entire carriage. Her fingers coiled around the undersection of the train, digging into wires and rigid metal sheets and lifting it, stabilising the half-end of the train in her two hands. At the same time, Rainbow raced down around the entire subway.

Barrell rolling down so fast her mane was slicked back, Rainbow dove towards the falling figure. Her wings beat furiously as she positioned herself, extending her forelegs with lightning speed. With a desperate grunt, she managed to snag the woman, her wings billowing as she slowed their descent.

"I got you!" Rainbow reassured.

However, another scream, this time a deeper voice, came from further down the side of the train. Flashing a glance downward, Dash catches a glimpse of a younger boy, his limbs flailing as he plummeted towards the unforgiving streets below. Her heart lurched, with her already being weighed down by the woman. Could she handle carrying another person? However, that's not all, as three more passengers were falling above him, while two more fell on the opposite side of the train and would soon crash into the tracks below. Their faces were etched with terror.

Not wasting another second, Dash races down to the teenager, stretching her other foreleg to the boy's hand. Adding another body drastically slows Rainbow Dash down, her wings flapping at maximum output to try and keep her and her passengers afloat. The weight was pulling down her front body, and her forelegs were shivering, reaching their limit.

"H-heavy-!" Rainbow grunt. At this rate, there was no way she'd be able to catch the rest of the falling passengers on time.

Suddenly, a flash of movement caught his eye. A blur of blue streaked across the bottom of the train car, leaving behind a shimmering web of what looked like thin threads with a "Thwip!". The structure was strong and resilient, catching several falling passengers with an almost imperceptible bounce. More flashes of red and blue and threads woven into a makeshift net, and before Dash's eyes, the remaining passengers were snatched from the jaws of death.

From behind, a hand clad in red gloves with webbing that spread throughout the entire outerwear snags Dash and the two civilians in her grasp in one fell swoop and swings them onto a nearby building rooftop. Landing safely, the man in a red and blue suit, with a mask that covers his entire head and a black spider logo on his chest, releases them.

"Sorry about the detour!" The masked man said, his large white goggles reflecting with a shine. "This train's about to make an unscheduled stop at 'Nope-ville.' Don't worry. It's much safer on the platform!" He gestures over to a door leading into the building. "By the way, exit's that way."

"Who are you?" Dash asks, earning the attention of the mystery saviour.

"What the? A pegasus" He scratched his head through the mask, intrigued by Rainbow's appearance. "Are you from Asgard? Did Thor leave his ride here?"

Rainbow Dash blinked, completely lost. "...Thor?"

"Oh right, introductions. I'm Spider-" A sudden, unanticipated explosion from the train halted their conversation. The man immediately turned around, leaping off the rooftop and swinging straight to the falling train. "Sorry! We'll continue this later!"

The Spider swung through the air, firing web-lines with pinpoint accuracy. He secured several falling train cars to the nearby buildings, his webs acting as massive safety nets. He darted from side to side, his movements a blur of red and blue. Across the train, he repeated the process, layering several webs to strengthen the support for the locomotive. Within seconds, the entire train suspended precariously in mid-air, hung immobile.

Landing with a practised crouch on the underside of the now vertically-facing train car, the hero scanned the scene. He spotted Yuta, locked in a desperate struggle against... the air? Yuta's face was contorted in a snarl, his remaining arm lashing out with energy.

"Hey, kid! Relax!" The superhero yelled, trying to get Yuta's attention. "I know you're freaking out, but I need you to control your powers!" The hero slowly crawls over to the duel, taking calculated steps over the eerie presence Yuta is giving off. "...Are you a mutant?"

The masked man didn't get an answer. Instead, he was utterly ignored as Yuta threw a punch at Usowamoto. The hero only registered as Yuta throwing a punch at nothing.

"Um, I'm going to take your silence as consent to web you up, alright? I can't have you punching me while I'm trying to get closer to talk to you!"

Firing off a line of web-line onto Yuta's arm, he tugged at it, forcing Yuta's fist to halt in the air. Usowamoto, seizing the opportunity, unleashed a blast of cursed energy from their remaining hand. His eyes widen. The beam tore through Yuta's stomach, a sickening sound echoing as it ripped through flesh and bone. He flew backwards at breakneck speeds. His screams were lost in the wind as he crashed into a nearby building with a bone-jarring thud. Bricks and stones cascaded around the sorcerer as a gargled vomit of blood escaped his lips.

"Whoa!" The Spider Hero exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine concern. "Sorry! Are you alright!?"

At that moment, a familiar tingle sent a jolt through the hero. Performing an aerial cartwheel, he flips over a beam of energy. Landing close to the ground, he scans the surrounding area, trying to figure out who shot that attack.

"He can't see me?" Usowamoto thought, their voice hoarse and laced with surprise. The surprise quickly turned into a malicious grin. If their attack missed, and this strange new foe couldn't see them… well, that meant an easy escape. With a twisted chuckle, they began to channel more cursed energy, ready to open another portal and slip away."Ack-!"

Rocketing in from the rooftop, Rainbow dives into Usowamoto's liver with her back legs together. Folding the curse like a lawn chair and sending them spiralling to the opposite building.

A streak of blue fury erupted from the rooftop. With her wings tucked tight against her body, Dash rocketed towards Usowamoto like a living missile. With a thunderous cry that echoed through the steel and glass canyons, she slammed into the curse with the combined force of a hurricane and a runaway freight train. Her powerful back legs connected with Usowamoto's midsection, releasing a struggling wheeze and a harrowing crunch. The impact folded the monstrous figure like a lawn chair, a spray of dark liquid erupting from their contorted face.

"You're not going anywhere!" Dash bellows.

Usowamoto pinwheeled through the air in tattered clothing. Before they crashed into the opposite building, Dash circles between them and the structure, intercepting them with a rainbow blur trailing behind her.

"I'm not as strong as I was when I was human, but with this body..." With a deafening shuck-shuck, she began to rapidly rewind her hind legs, building up a terrifying amount of kinetic energy. Suddenly, with a mighty buck that sent a shockwave through the air, she launched Usowamoto back towards the train. "I more than make up for it in speed!"

"Hey, Spider-Guy!" Rainbow bellows, turning to address the red and blue clad figure clinging to the underside of the train. "CATCH!!"

From his perspective, watching the pegasus kicking off the air in his direction wasn't helping him in the slightest. Yet she did help save people while he wasn't here. So, putting faith in this new... ally? Sure, he'll bite. With a practised flick of his wrists, he sprayed a concentrated stream of webbing, the silken threads forming a vast, shimmering net. The web caught Usowamoto mid-flight, the cursed figure flailing in a futile attempt to break free. Now illuminated by the web's luminescence, Usowamoto's figure appeared clearly before him – their mangled form writhing beneath the folds.

"I see 'em!" Spider-Guy yelled, swinging his arms and changing the web's trajectory. The entangled mass of cursed energy and shimmering web hurtled towards the underside of the train, slamming into it with a resounding thud. He reversed the swing with a grunt and a heave, sending them hurtling back towards the building rooftops.

The impact was brutal. Usowamoto crashed into the ornate stonework of the building, the sound echoing through the concrete canyons. Their mangled form bounced off the edge, skidding across the rooftop garden before finally coming to a rest.

Dazed and disoriented, they reached for the webbing binding them, their eyes burning with rage and frustration. "What's this stuff made of!?" Usowamoto roared, their voice cracking with anger.

A playful voice cut through their tirade. "Do you ask Gordon Ramsay to spill his secret ingredients?" The Web-head landed gracefully a few feet away, his mask crinkling with amusement. Before Usowamoto could react, Spider-Man unleashed a swift punch, a direct blow aimed at their solar plexus. The impact stole the air from Usowamoto's lungs, a strangled gasp escaping their lips as their entire body lurched backwards.

"Precisely!" he quipped, following it up with a right hook that sent Usowamoto's head snapping back. "So, what's the deal? Oscorp tech? Or are you one of Scorpion's lackeys?"

Still reeling from the hero's brutal combo, they let out a guttural roar of pain. Before Usowamoto could react further, in a flash of azure blue and prismatic light. Rainbow Dash landed a devastating spinning back kick right between their shoulder blades. The impact sent a shockwave through Usowamoto's mangled body, a hollow thud echoing through the air.

The curse stumbled forward, momentarily stunned. Seizing the opportunity, Dash followed up with a flurry of attacks. Raining down her powerful hooves on Usowamoto's side like pistons in a furious engine. Two lightning-fast punches connected with meaty thuds, the force of the blows threatening to break Usowamoto's ribs. With a practised agility that belied her size, Rainbow ducked under a wild swing from Usowamoto's clawed hand—returning the favour with a held breath and a side hook to the liver. Those boxing classes really do come in handy on the most absurd occasions.

"They're slowing down!" Rainbow Dash yelled in her mind. She knew their humanoid body wasn't designed for the kind of punishment they were dishing out, and it was starting to show. Usowamoto's movements were becoming sluggish, their breathing ragged. From the corner of her eye, she saw a flash of red and blue. Spider-Guy unleashed a series of rapid punches into Usowamoto's midsection. Each blow landed with a satisfying thud, echoing through the rooftop garden. Overwhelmed by the relentless assault, Usowamoto crumpled to their knees, their head hanging low. "With this Weirdo-Spider piling on the blows—we will win!"

The victory cry died in Rainbow Dash's throat, replaced by a suffocating wave of dread. The air grew thick with the stench of death, a metallic tang that clawed at her senses. Below, the previously tranquil rooftop garden erupted in a chaotic display of light. Hundreds of miniature portals materialised each one a swirling vortex of blinding energy. From these portals, lasers erupted like a deranged Gatling gun, firing upwards in a relentless volley of red-hot beams.

The masked hero launched himself into a desperate series of flips and dodges. Narrowly avoiding the searing beams, their heat scorching his mask and leaving trails of smoke on his suit. But, caught by surprise, Rainbow found herself trapped in a deadly dance. She twisted and turned, her wings beating furiously as she tried to weave through the pillars of light threatening to consume her.

Then, a searing pain ripped through her right wing. A jolt of agony shot up her spine, stealing her breath away. An attack had gotten through her defences. Spinning wildly, she slammed into a column of light, the searing heat momentarily blinding her. As her vision cleared, she saw Usowamoto, a triumphant sneer etched on their face. Freed from the webbing prison by the sudden chaos, they had launched a vicious counterattack.

A fist slammed into Rainbow Dash's stomach with the force of a wrecking ball. The impact stole the air from her lungs and sent a wave of nausea crashing over her. A burning pain engulfed her entire midsection. She tried to stifle a groan, to fight back, but the world swam before her eyes in a haze of agony.

Taking full advantage of her weakened state, Usowamoto lunged forward. Their hand clamped onto Dash's mane, yanking her roughly towards another pillar of light. A scream tore from her throat as the searing beam bathed her wing, the flesh and fur burning away in a sickening sizzle. The unbearable heat felt like it was vaporising her very limbs.

Seemingly content with their handiwork, the cursed spirit stopped to admire the damage. A gruesome smile stretched across their face. Missing a significant portion of her left foreleg and wing, Dash hung limply in their grasp, her defeated eyes eye-lidded and staring at the ground. The victory seemed assured.

Delegating more portals to distract that Aracnid Dude, Usowamoto held her to the pulsating portal in their palm. With a ferocious snarl, Dash lunged forward, her remaining strength channelled into her jaw. Her teeth sank deep into Usowamoto's hand, biting down with all the ferocity she could muster. Twisting her body so that her chest was facing upwards, Dash yanked the hand she was biting on and bent backwards. Dragging them down with her.

"Nice one, Rainbow Dash." A voice boomed behind her. A large hand gently pressed down on her head in the blink of an eye, radiating with a comforting warmth. As the hand made contact, a wave of restorative energy coursed through her, easing the searing pain in her wing and leg. The regeneration wasn't complete, but it was enough to allow her to move with a semblance of normalcy.

Yuta was already beside her a split second later, and his injuries completely healed. A ragged hole marred the abdomen of his jacket, a reminder of the piercing blow dealt by Usowamoto. Ignoring his wounds, his gaze fixed upon Usowamoto with steely determination. A single, outstretched palm faced the cursed user, and a swirling portal materialised within it.

"Is that my tech-?" Usowamoto sputtered, their voice laced with a mixture of shock and disbelief. Their surprise was short-lived. A jet of saltwater propelled with an unnatural force erupted from the portal, slamming into their face. The cursed energy Yuta had imbued in the water only intensified the attack, the pressurised stream slicing a bloody gash across Usowamoto's forehead. The unexpected assault sent them staggering back, momentarily thrown off balance.

"Ah, I get it now," Usowamoto rasped, clutching their injured head. "That's how he has so many techniques." The realisation dawned on them with a horrid clarity.

Before they could formulate a counterattack, Rainbow Dash launched herself into action. She surged forward with a powerful beat of her newly regenerated wing, her remaining leg driving her with surprising speed. Yuta, a blur of green energy, wasn't far behind, leaping effortlessly into a low crouch beside her.

The entire rooftop shuddered as Rika erupted from the debris below, a colossal figure dwarfed only by the massive portal tearing open above the city. Two colossal hands wrapped themselves around Usowamoto with earth-shattering force. The curse let out a shriek of rage and pain, their body flailing like a ragdoll as they were lifted skyward.

Dash's determination, burning bright despite the lingering pain, soared alongside Rika's colossal form. Yuta, propelled by a surge of energy, launched himself upwards, effortlessly keeping pace with them.

Just as Usowamoto disappeared into the swirling vortex of the portal, it abruptly shut a clean slice through the fabric of reality. Below them, Spider-Man, entangled in piles upon piles of wreckage, watched with frustration.

"We're going back," Yuta called out, his voice barely audible over the roaring wind. With a powerful kick, he propelled himself towards Rika, landing effortlessly on one of her outstretched hands. Yuta focused his gaze on Usowamoto and mustered his reserves of cursed energy. Pointing his fingers at the cursed spirit, a series of divergence concentrates on a singular point on his fingertips, a dim red light glowing on them.

Dash, following suit, landed gracefully beside him with a crouch. Preparing herself for the worst.

"Hey!" Spider-dude yelled from below, flipping through hunks of debris to get a better angle. "Wait up! I'll help you!" Shooting a web-line to Yuta, he pulled himself upward and closer to the portal. His valiant attempt was cut short. The portal slammed shut just before his web-line made contact, severing the connection. Dropping him back onto the wrecked building.

Catching himself on the side of the building, the hero begins to lament. Putting a hand to the back of his head. "... Man." Glancing around at the carnage, Spider-Man slumps a little. "Why am I trying so hard? It's a Monday." he thought, facing the still-hanging train. Sighing to himself, he leapt off the side of the building, swinging down to the locomotive." Why must the Avengers choose the worst possible time to leave Earth? And worse, Jonas's gonna chew me out for this!"

Apocalyptic Equestria - Ponyville

Laced with the metallic tang of decay, a harsh wind whipped across the desolate plains. Crumbling houses, their paint peeled and windows gaping like empty sockets, huddled together in shared mutual destruction. The once vibrant green fields were now a sickly yellow, dotted with the skeletal remains of what were once apple trees. The mournful cry of carrion had replaced the cheerful soundtrack of chirping birds and crows circling overhead.

In the distance, the unmistakable silhouette of Sugarcube Corner loomed; its candy-cane-striped roof collapsed and half-buried in the dust. A lone, skeletal unicorn with a single, chipped horn stood guard in front of the ruined shop, its vacant eyes staring into another pony's as they munched on their spilt intestines. Its once vibrant purple coat was matted and dull, its flank displaying a gaping bite wound swarming with flies. It groaned, an insatiable hunger to devour in the forefront of what remains in its mind.

Suddenly, a blinding flash tore through the oppressive grey sky, followed by a booming roar that shook the very ground. The zombified pony turned its decaying head towards the sound. A massive portal, swirling with otherworldly energy, ripped open next to the shattered shell of Sugarcube Corner. Spitting out Yuta, Rika, Rainbow Dash, and Usowamoto in an explosive flash of red light.

Boom!

Tumbling through to the main room, the interior of Sugarcube Corner mirrored the desolate world outside. Once filled with colourful cupcakes and tempting treats, display stands now showcased a horrifying tableau of rotten pastries and confectionary waste, slowly dissolving into a sticky, gooey mess.

A nauseating stench filled the air, a sickly sweet cloyingness laced with the unmistakable metallic tang of decay. Streaks of dried blood marred the pastel-painted walls, and foreign pieces of rotten meat, gnawed clean to the bone, littered the once-sparkling floor.

It seemed time had not been kind to this once happy place.

Usowamoto was the first to move despite their injury, ducking close to Yuta, pressing their back against his chest. Pivoting on the spot, Usowamoto delivered a nasty uppercut. Further pushed by portals running along his forearm to extend his reach, sending the boy crashing into the second story of the building.

He crashed through the flimsy wooden ceiling of the second floor, splinters raining down on him like confetti as Yuta bounced off a wall before stopping right in front of a supporting pillar. Using his forearms to prop himself up, Yuta was about to dive back into the action, but the guttural groan piercing through the ringing in his ears stopped him in his tracks, dragging his attention upwards.

Through a haze of pain, Yuta saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake sitting chained to a support beam mere inches from his face. Their lifeless and colourless eyes stared blankly down at him, their once-kind faces now contorted in a grotesque rictus—bloodied saliva drooled from their jaws, their lips torn off to reveal rows of decaying teeth.

"Aaaaahhhhhhhhh...." Mrs. Cake groans, her entire body straining against the chains trying to inch ever so closer to Yuta to take a bite out of him.

This clearly isn't the Ponyville they came from.

A sharp pain jolted through Yuta, snapping him out of his horrified stupor. He looked down to see Usowamoto's hand, twisted and gnarled, fingers digging into his leg. With a feral snarl, they yanked him backwards before spinning him around with inhuman strength. Yuta's scream died in his throat as Usowamoto used his body as a battering ram, slamming him into Mr. and Mrs. Cake. An explosion of gore accompanied by the impact sent splinters flying from the wooden pillar.

Shards of wood rained down on them as the support beam gave way, collapsing under with a deafening roar. Yuta and Usowamoto went tumbling through the shattered remnants of the second floor, landing in a heap amidst the rubble of the open plaza below. Yuta dug his hands into the lesser-than-life soil and dirt, slowing him down as he turned back to face the cursed spirit, Rainbow and Rika tailing close behind.

"Don't move!" He commanded, yet Usowamoto's body didn't obey.

"So that's how you counter it," Usowamoto replied, cursed energy spiking in their ears.

Usowamoto landed a heavy punch on Yuta, moving with inhuman agility. They sidestepped the monstrous punch Rika threw, which was meant for their own head. Instead, the blow connected with Yuta's back with the force of a wrecking ball. The impact sent Yuta flying through the air in an ungainly flip. He landed with a sickening thud several meters away, the arm he used to shield himself from the blow straightening back out from its folded position with several cracks.

"I'm sorry, Yuta!" Rika apologies.

"Don't mind me!" Yuta replied, spitting out blood from his mouth. "Keep them busy!"

Usowamoto stepped back, evading an oncoming kick from Rainbow and elbowing her face down onto the ground. Using the distraction, Usowamoto slammed their palms together, and several portals boomed open near Yuta. Giving way to hordes of the living dead to come rushing out, all their rotten eyes trained on him. Ponies left and right swarmed the sorcerer, enveloping him in a wave of corpses.

Performing a sweeping kick, Rainbow manages to get Usowamoto off their feet. Jumping up with a series of flips, her body a blur of blue and rainbow mane. Her aim was clear – a powerful axe kick aimed squarely at Usowamoto's head. But Usowamoto anticipated her move. Just as Rainbow's hoof was about to connect, a hand shot up to catch her by the throat as a sickening tear ripped through the air behind them. A new portal materialised right behind Rainbow.

Rika's colossal fist emerged from within the portal, imbued with enough power to send Rainbow careening to a nearby building. But with heavy restraint, Rika managed to halt her fist inches from Rainbow's face, her arm hanging in the portal. Seeing this, the curse quickly shuts the portal close, severing Rika's hand from her arm.

"You're starting to get predictable." The curse sneered. Swirling back, Usowamoto lasers off Rika's other hand with another portal and leaps into the apparition with the prismatic pegasus in hand. Smashing Rainbow against Rika's big forehead with a choked gasp, Usowamoto powers another portal that emerges behind them. Pushing them in with a shove. "Get lost."

Coughing and sputtering, Rainbow managed to right herself. Spitting a mouthful of dust and saliva into Usowamoto's eyes, she met their face with a resounding headbutt.

"Screw... you," Rainbow rasped,

A red light erupted amidst the ever-growing mountain of rotten flesh and decaying bodies. Yuta used a surge of cursed energy to propel himself skyward. He blasted through the undead horde, flinging rotten bodies in all directions before landing behind Usowamoto. However, the curse twisted their body at the last second, their hands grasping Yuta's forearms in a vice grip. Their eyes locked, a battle of wills raging within their gazes.

With a snarl, Usowamoto activated their cursed technique. Two portals, shimmering with an unholy light, materialised on either side of Yuta's shoulders. But Yuta was prepared. Anticipating the move, he had begun channelling positive energy the moment he landed on them. As Usowamoto released their cursed energy, Yuta unleashed a wave of positive energy in a desperate counterattack.

Releasing their energies simultaneously, Usowamoto's arms ended abruptly just below the elbows. The wounds cauterised by the positive energy. Blood, both cursed and human, streamed down their torso. Yuta fared no better. His arms were missing entirely, severed clean by the cursed energy portals.

"Rika!" Yuta shouts, moving through the pain; he kicks out, aiming for the severed arm with the gauntlet still clutched in its hand. The kick connected with a sickening thud, sending the limb flying through the air in a gruesome arc. Rika ripped a jagged tear in her own chest cavity, snatching the airborne gauntlet, and shoved it deep into the newly created recess.

Facing the curse once more, Yuta knees them in the gut, pushing them into Rainbow. The pegasus used this advantage to get a chokehold in, her hindlegs wrapping around their torso as she secured her hooves around the curse's neck. A wheeze escaped Usowamoto's lips as Dash squeezed with all her might, restricting their airway. It was an unorthodox hold, but it was working.

Usowamoto's face contorted in a mask of fury and pain, their nubs scrabbling uselessly at Rainbow's forelegs. With a final heave, Rainbow, assisted by Yuta's knee, propelled them backwards towards the swirling portal behind them.

The portal seemed to widen and beckon. With a final, ear-splitting shriek, Usowamoto was pulled through the portal, disappearing into the swirling vortex. Blocked in a precarious embrace, Rainbow, Yuta, and Rika tumbled headfirst after them.

The world dissolved into a chaotic kaleidoscope of colours and swirling energy. Screams turned to muffled roars, then faded into oblivion. The broken world of Ponyville, consumed by darkness and decay, was left behind as they were sucked deeper into the unknown.

Canterlot - Equestria.

Moonlight streamed through the arched windows of Canterlot Castle, bathing Princess Luna's horn in an ethereal glow. She paced restlessly before the vast moon mural that dominated the room, her sapphire coat shimmering in the celestial light. Tonight, the moon hung full and heavy in the sky.

A thousand years. For a thousand years, she had guarded the moon, keeping the embodiment of unchecked daylight, Daybreaker, at bay. A thousand years of solitude, punctuated only by the soft glow of the lunar surface and the distant twinkle of Canterlot below. Tonight, the weight of her responsibility felt heavier than ever.

"Just a few days left..." Luna murmured, her voice echoing softly in the vast chamber. "One thousand years... ten centuries trapped in the unforgiving embrace of the moon. Tia... how much longer can you endure it?"

A distant knock from the end of the room stole Luna from her trance.

"Come in," she commanded.

The massive ornately carved doors of her chambers creaked open, revealing a familiar figure silhouetted against the soft glow of the hallway. Moondancer shuffled in, her yellow coat standing out to the moonbeams filtering through the doorway. Burdened by a stack of scrolls and research papers balanced on her back. A warm smile, genuine and comforting, cracked across her face as she saw her mentor. "My faithful student, Luna greeted, "What brings you in at this unusual hour?

"I'm sorry to barge in like this, Princess Luna." Moondancer apologises, floating several pages to her view with her magic. "I believe it's imperative this news must be brought to your attention."

"Oh?" Luna raised, her interest piqued.

"There's a myth from olden pony times. Predating a millennium. The fabled Sun in the Moon is, in fact. Daybreaker, and she's about to return to Equestria and bring with her eternal day. Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true!"

"Oh." Luna lowered, her interest nulled. Turning over to her student, she chuckles, sauntering with a regal step. "You see, Moondancer. Daybreaker is actually-"

Atop the red carpet spanning across the middle of the room, a swirling mass folds the bounds of reality atop the thick woven fabric. It twists the air in a circular fashion, before tearing open.

Rika slammed against the carpet with a bang that rattled the very foundations of the castle. The impact cracked the marble floor beneath, cushioning the impact for the pegasus clinging to her front– Dash, her vibrant coat streaked with dust and blood. Still locked in an airtight chokehold on Usowamoto, Rainbow tumbled off Rika's form and rolled across the polished surface.

But their reprieve was short-lived. To their dismay, a secondary portal, shimmering with an unnatural green light, winked into existence precisely where Rainbow was rolling towards. With a startled gasp, the mare and the figure in her hold vanished into the gateway in a tumbling mess.

To their dismay, a secondary portal opens where Rainbow was rolling towards. The mare and the curse vanish into the gateway in a tumbling mess.

Yuta sprinted forward but was just shy of a few centimetres before the portal closed. Regenerating his arms in a blink, he pointed a now-whole hand forward, his eyes blazing with decisiveness. Responding to his will, a portal of his own, a swirling vortex of shimmering pink energy, tore open several meters away from him.

"Through there!" Yuta shouted, his voice raw but filled with urgency. Rika, wasting no time, hoisted herself onto her massive form with surprising agility and followed close behind him. "We'll intercept them!"

Together, the two hurtled through the portal Yuta had created, vanishing as quickly as they had come. The gateway behind them shimmered briefly before winking out of existence, leaving behind an unsettling silence and the lingering eerieness of cursed energy.

"... Princess?" Moondancer called, her voice barely over a whisper. Eyes still staring at the empty spot Yuta and Rika ran through.

"...Yes, Moondancer?" Luna replied.

"What was that?"

"...I honestly have no idea."

A maelstrom of colours assaulted Rainbow Dash's vision as she tumbled through the swirling green portal. Disoriented and gasping for breath, she felt a crushing weight slam on top of her, pinning her to the cold, hard ground. Coughing and sputtering, her grip loosened, giving space for Usowamoto to push off her.

Sunlight glinted off the polished crystal buildings of the Crystal Empire, casting dancing rainbows all across the bustling marketplace. The annual Crystal Fair was in full swing, and the air vibrated with the excited chatter of ponies and the rhythmic clanging of crystal forges.

Bouncing off, Usowamoto summoned several portals to their side, but only a single arm was regenerated. Blasting Dash's general location with beams of light. Though none of them hit their mark, destroying carts and stalls left in her shadow. The pegasus reappeared directly below Usowamoto with one flap of her wings, her red eyes glinting from the crystal's reflection.

"Faster...!" Dash chanted with her inner voice. "Their regeneration wasn't as fast as before! Go even faster! Don't give 'em a single second to rest!"

Sending an uppercut flying to the curse's chin, Rainbow's hoof sent their head snapping backwards with a crack. Angling herself, Rainbow rammed her body, hooves first, and dragged Usowamoto flying into a fruit stall. The senseless destruction quickly spread like wildfire among the ponies; screaming and panic ensued.

Releasing her hold, a fist came slamming into her snout, blood dripping down her nostrils as Rainbow stumbled back. Coughing from the blow, Rainbow blocked the next punch with two of her forelegs. But the impact was heavier than she expected.

"Hrgk-!" Rainbow grunted.

Suddenly, a magical aura surrounds the two combatants, seizing them in motion.

"I will not tolerate any more of this." Spoke a motherly voice from behind. Rainbow turned around and saw a rather tall unicorn. She radiated the aura of a princess and carried herself with elegance. Her regal bearings coloured a blue that contrasted nicely with her pale vermillion coat, with yellow hearts adoring her chest and cannon. Even her long and flowing mane sparkled with grace Rainbow had never seen before. "Cease this mindless fighting."

"Princess Amore!" A guard yelled from the side, tackling the princess. "Look out!"

From behind, a beam of light pierced through the air and melted a hole through the guard's entire body. With the dead guard's body slamming into the princess, her magical hold wavered. Returning their autonomy back to them.

Whipping around, Rianbow catches a glimpse of bubbling flesh on the numb of a forearm on Usowamoto.

"Crap!" Rainbow scolded herself, "They're healing!"

Zipping forward, Dash rewound her legs for a dive bomb, but a hand grabbing her by the neck halted her dead in her tracks. Pulling her body up, Usowamoto slams Rainbow into the rubble floor as a portal boomed open beneath her. Sucking in the two as they left the Crystal Fair in a state of disrepair.

11:10pm - October 31st - Shibuya.

The once bustling district had been reduced to a wasteland, with bodies strewn across the streets and buildings reduced to rubble. The air was thick with the stench of blood and death. The Dogenzaka district had been transformed into a scene straight out of a nightmare as cursed residue left an indelible mark on the city, shattering the lives of countless innocent people.

Cars stuck out through buildings, people dangled from rooftops, and molten lava ate up a majority of streets, melting concrete and flowing into malls and shops.

It was hell on earth.

Usowamoto lands with a massive crash into the side of a building; Dash kicks at Usowamoto with both her hind legs, flipping to a safe distance away from them. Rocketing forward without a second hesitation, Usowamoto sidesteps out of the way and opens a portal where they once stood.

The unsuspecting pegasus involuntarily entered the portal as another opened directly above the floor and pointed downwards. Forcing Rainbow to crash into the office ground with an echoing thump.

Silence. Disorientation. Stars swam in Rainbow's vision as she groaned, tasting blood in her mouth. She tried to push herself up, but a searing pain lanced through her back, sending another wave of nausea crashing over her. Through a haze of pain, she became aware of a pressure on the back of her head.

A rough foot.

"Why is it that in both worlds, you prove to be the biggest annoyance to me?" a raspy voice grated down at her. Rainbow flinched as the weight on her head increased, grinding the heel of the foot into her mane. "You used to be my favourite, you know?" The weight lifted momentarily, only to come crashing down again with a sickening thud. Another pained cry escaped Rainbow's lips, tears welling in her eyes. "Guess that doesn't matter now," Usowamoto sneered.

The threat hung heavy in the air, punctuated by Rainbow's ragged breaths. Just as another sickening tear opened beneath her, revealing an abyss of pulsating light, a deep rumble echoed through the decaying office walls. No, not just one rumble. A cacophony of sounds rose around them, a symphony of destruction. The sudden shaking threw even Usowamoto off balance, flailing their arms to steady themselves upright.

Rainbow caught a glimpse of the carnage unfolding outside through the office windows. The neon-drenched skyscrapers across the street were being sliced and diced like overcooked vegetables. Immense sections of buildings, defying gravity, were lifted skyward by unseen forces. Even their own precarious perch trembled as cracks snaked across the walls.

But the tremors, the collapsing cityscape, were all but forgotten when a wave of pure, unadulterated evil washed over them. Compared to this overwhelming aura of darkness, Yuta's negative energy felt like a flickering candle next to a raging inferno. Fear gripped Rainbow's heart.

Across the district and floating in the centre of destruction, a figure sharpened into view. A young boy, no older than sixteen, radiated this overwhelming evil. His bright pink hair spiked defiantly upwards. A black long-sleeved shirt peeked out over a red hoodie, and black pants and red shoes completed his ensemble.

But the boy's eyes, gleaming with a cold, calculating cruelty, held Rainbow's terrified gaze. He rested in the palm of a monstrous white shikigami. Its single, gigantic hand dwarfed the boy, who placed his hands together in a gesture of power. As he did, an ominous dark energy crackled in the air, forming the sinister symbols of the Enma Ten-In, a malevolent technique.

"Yu-Yuj...?" Rainbow struggled beneath the foot.

A light from behind both of them erupted at the height of tension, splitting the gloom like a sunrise. Yuta and Rika raced out of the portal doorway, a whirlwind of energy pressing forth. Rika lumbered forward with The Chain of a Thousand Miles snaking from the gaping wound in her chest cavity, her lover holding onto the interlocking loops with mastered confidence.

Usowamoto whirled around, a snarl twisting their face. Yuta whipped his arm to his front, his limb blurring as he ensnarled the chains around the curse, its cursed links wrapping around Usowamoto's torso in a vice grip.

Seizing the window of opportunity, Yuta scooped Rainbow into his arms and flung her forward. Playing into the throw, Dash used Yuta's strength to rocket herself into Usowamoto. With Rika hot on his heels, they charged towards the broken window, heedless of the chaos outside, as they shoved the curse through the glass plain and out into the brawl.

The world outside the office was a scene of apocalyptic destruction. Skyscrapers now lay in mangled heaps, victims of unseen blades. Ignoring the falling debris and the howling wind, Yuta pulled himself to the bound curse, Rika following close behind. Their combined weight pushed Usowamoto farther than they intended as Yuta reached a hand for their head.

"『領域展開』: Ryōiki Tenkai."

The echoed words cut through Yuta's focus, his eyes drawn to a sadistic smile etched onto the brazen calamity behind the havoc. Changing objectives, Yuta raised the hand meant for Usowamoto slightly, a swirling portal tinged with an unnatural pink tore open beside Sukuna, stealing the king's attention from his enchantment. Simultaneously, he flared a surge of cursed energy from his person, pulling his gaze back onto him.

Whipping his head around, Sukuna's blood-red eyes narrowed. He was quick to assess the situation, his two pairs of eyes scanning each of their faces one by one. Until it lands on himself.

"Oh," Sukuna spoke with a hint of surprise. They collided hard, the four bodies smashing into one another with folded limbs. "Oh wow."

All the while, Rika dealt with the towering shikigami opposing him, a hand pushing onto its feathery face whilst the excess chain wrapped around its body and pulled it in. Further and further, the four continue to push them deeper and deeper. Until two new faces joined them in their escapade through the portal.

In the blitzing light of the wormhole, the six bodies get thrown left and right. In the midst of the mayhem, a hand with tattoos circling its wrist gripped Yuta's forearm. Turning to the sudden pressure, Yuta locked eyes with The King.

"Interesting!" Sukuna expressed, slicing Yuta's arm clean off with a burst of cursed energy. "Show me what you've got!"

Pointing the wounded limb at Sukuna, a wave of blood erupted out at unnatural speeds. Fully encompassing him in a crimson bind. Pushing stronger, the flow of blood turned into a tidal wave. Supplied by the infinite cursed energy, Yuta pushed out several litres of blood and splashed them onto the king. Sukuna began to slice and cleave through the sudden surge of blood, but try as he might, Yuta produced more than he anticipated.

Even so, the demon managed to cleave through the blood wall, and the invisible slash flew straight at Yuta's forehead. A giant gash formed right above his eyes. Despite the fatal attack, with one final push from Yuta, the king of curses vanished from his sight, the crimson tsunami pushing him into the swirling light of the wormhole where no traces were left behind.

At the same time, Rika and Rainbow had their own battles to deal with. The shinigami shoved the other back, and Rainbow busied herself with restraining the portal curse, a hoof holding their head still while the other was raining down ruthless punches onto them. But it was putting up a much more brutal fight than either had expected.

The stalemate between Rika and the Divine General was broken when Yuta jumped in with a newly regenerated arm and fired off a blitzing piercing blood, the bolt of red ricocheting off the shikigami's head and shoving its entire body off balance. With her arms now freed, Rika punches the lumbering giant straight in the stomach, and its form gets reeled into the moving light below, its silhouette scrapping away in the rushing glow as it disappears entirely.

However, in the heat of battle, Yuta had not thought twice about the repercussions of switching out techniques whilst it was still in use. This meant that the current wormhole they were travelling in "ceased to exist" when he swapped techniques to blood manipulation. The tunnelling mass rumbles, and the fissuring light around cracks as the world around them shatters, the wormhole spitting them out into desolate worlds.

"Do you think anything less than killing you with my bare hands," Spoke a man dressed in fancy-suited attire, his brain rose through the skin on his scalp, even extending past down his ears and neck to the back of his spine. The ridges of skin pulsed with each word, almost as if confirming the hate strewn in each word of the sentence the man spat out at the broken and battered teenager beneath him. His obsidian hands grasped firmly around the boy's neck, the pressure between his fingers increasing. "Would satisfy me?"

The boy beneath him struggled to breathe, his ragged gasps for air through the blood flowing from his nose acting against him at the most crucial time. As he stared at the man above him through the swollen right eye, he couldn't help but think of his mom and adoptive half-baby brother. And the anguish he had caused from being forced to travel so many dimensions to wither him down.

Reaching a hand to the man's face, he burst up in less than a second.

"Stop!" The boy yelled, feeling the dusty air particles and loose bits of sand clinging to his sweaty, exposed body. With the man still in his grip, he flung the guy across the sandy expanses and rusted metal beams sticking up around them.

In that same direction, Yuta flew out of the portal by his lonesome, crashing into the careening man in the suit.

Dropping onto the ochre sand, Yuta picked himself back up in a blink, launching himself into the shattered reality from which he came flying. But the sky reformed and shut the opening in his face before his hand could reach back into the hole.

"Damn it!" Yuta cursed, dropping back to the ground. "We separated!!"

Unfurling a hand with haste, a gateway pulsed into life right before the sorcerer, kicking up sand and dust around him.

"RGGRAAAAAAHH!!" That's when a furious, enraged bellow tore from Mark's throat. Flying in, his arms tackled the modified humanoid man that previously had him in a choke. The bloodied suit of the deformed stranger smashed into Yuta's back first, smearing blood all across his white jacket and forcing him through the portal.

The Grand Canyon, a colossus carved by the relentless chisel of time, sprawled beneath a canvas of bruised twilight. The sun's last gasp bled fiery hues across the ragged cliffs, painting them in a palette of ochre, crimson, and bruised violet. Long and inky shadows stretched across the abyss, swallowing entire mesas into their hungry embrace.

Layer upon layer of rock, each a record of a bygone era, rose in a dizzying kaleidoscope of colour. Buff-colored sandstone, sculpted into fantastical buttes and mesas, gave way to the fiery reds of the Permian Kaibab Formation above.

The only oddity that disturbs nature's peace is three figures falling from the torn skies, aliens to a much more alien landscape.

Usowamoto was sandwiched between Rika and Dash, the duo throwing a punch each at the entangled curse between them. Uswaomoto swivels, arching backwards and dodging Rainbow's attack while sashaying an arm free from the chains, using the freed limb and commanding a portal open. With terrifying speed, Rika's fist flew through the gateway and landed on Rainbow's head from above. Sending the pegasus careening into the midnight canyon walls.

Pressing a hand on Rika's arm for support, Usowamoto kicked Rika in the face. Though admittedly with an increased strain of difficulty. The chains are doing nothing in their favour but weighing them down.

But now that they had created enough space, Usowamoto created an entrance to another world for a quick escape, and that would've worked had Rainbow latched onto the curse like a parasite.

"You're not going anywhere!"

The excess chains flying around them suddenly went taunt, on the other end of the metal shackles, Rika pulled onto the fetters with a burst of strength. Causing the two to fly into her in a frenzy. That's went a portal from above shot down to encapsulate the trio before any of them could react, whisking them off to another space and time.

A hush fell over the ruined cityscape, broken only by the mournful sigh of the wind whistling through the skeletal remains of buildings. High above the devastation, two figures stood locked in a silent confrontation on a precipice overlooking the shattered expanse. One, a unicorn pony dressed in the saffron robes of a Buddhist monk, his once pristine mane now a mess of knots and tangles, wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. Despite the cool night air, a sheen of perspiration glistened on the stitches on his forehead, betraying the turmoil within.

"I had placed the Prison Realm at the subduction zone," Geto began, his voice calm, "eight thousand meters below the surface, in the very heart of the Japan Trench. And of course," he added, "I placed cursed spirits to act as sensors beneath the multiple layers of seals I had layered on top. Tengen told me all about the back after being absorbed," he continued his voice beginning to waver. "Supposedly, even if the seals were somehow broken, you would perish alongside it."

Sweat begins to pool on his forehead, "So tell me, how in the world did you do it?"

He said, staring at a unicorn stallion standing atop a ruined building. His piercing blue eyes and short white mane flowed in the wind as his blindfold and black jacket tore around him. The white stallion, however, remained silent, choosing to prolong Geto's agony with an eerie stillness.

"It's been a long time since you were truly able to relax," Geto finally ventured, desperate to break the oppressive silence and buy himself some time. "How was it?"

"Hey..." Gojo's voice finally cut through the tension, sending a chill down Geto's spine. "You should choose your words more carefully," he admonished, his tone flat and emotionless. "After all, they will be your last."

The world seemed to hold its breath in anticipation. Then, in a blink, reality shattered. A swirling vortex materialised beside Geto, the air around it crackling with raw energy. His eyes widened in shock as three figures tumbled out of the portal, crashing onto the cracked pavement with a sickening thud. He scrambled back in surprise, his precarious situation momentarily forgotten as he instinctively rushed a swarm of curses from his hooves.

But before any of the curses could lay onto them, another portal arose beneath the fallen trio, taking them whole with the swarm.

World after world, Usowamoto tried to leave Rainbow and Rika stranded. Yet, they persisted on their tail relentlessly. Their bout seemingly went on forever until they stumbled upon the ruined castle.

The Castle of the Two Sisters.

Moonlight filtered through gothic arches, casting long, skeletal shadows that danced across the crumbling facade. The once vibrant murals were faded and chipped, the playful magic they once held replaced by a chilling aura of neglect.

The fragments of the chain that had once restrained them lay scattered across the cobblestone floor, glittering like gems in the moonlight. Relief warred with a simmering fury within the cursed entity. Freedom was close, but the escape had come at a price.

Their cursed energy was bottoming out.

Thankfully, it seems all those worlds travel wasn't for nothing. Opposite them, Rainbow huffed, deep lacerations flowed across her sleek body, and crimson blossomed from below her azure fur. A particularly vicious attack had even sliced into her wing, and one of her eyes was gone. Good, her ability to fly was out of the picture.

As for Rika, her regeneration speed was slowing down. The wounds inflicted in the previous world clung to her like phantoms, refusing to mend fully. It seems all of them were nearing their limit.

Taking the initiative, they opened several miniature warp gates that spewed jets of pressurised salt water at Rainbow. Meanwhile, Usowamoto made a mad dash to Rika and engaged her up close. Throwing a volley of punches at Rika, she blocked them with her remaining arm. Reaching out and grabbing the limb, Usowamoto forces it down and exposes her body. The combined stress of her sluggish movements and lowered output made this a cakewalk for the curse.

"There," Usowamoto spoke, a portal beaming a jet of seawater straight into Rika's chest. The water tore through her flesh like a scalpel, carving a deep gash that severed her body from stomach to shoulder. With her body now cleaved in two and spewing spectral blood, Usowamoto opened one more portal. A gust of wind threw the shikigami back into the castle walls. Her body, lying in a heap of debris, begins to fade away back into the abyss, her trembling hands reaching out to the sky.

"Yuta..." she whimpered, her last words soothing out to the cold, crisp air.

"No!" Dash bellows, landing a sneaky kick on the curse. Spinning around, she swings another backkick to the front of their head. But adrenaline could only mask the limitations of her battered body. A fresh wave of dizziness washed over her, and a spurt of crimson welled up from the gash across her wing, staining the cobblestone beneath her a sickly red.

A muffled groan escapes her lips. The groan quickly turns to a gasp when a leg kicks her straight in the stomach. Her body ragdolling back into the dusty carpet. Getting up, Dash could feel the odd tingle of stray dust and fur cling to the opened wound on her wing. A gradual stinging sensation shoots up the back of her spine as her legs tremble.

Great. She's alone. Fantastic. Now, she's stranded in a world that wasn't her own and facing off against a curse that she'd probably lose to, with no hope of seeing her friends again.

Why. Why did she jump in with Yuta when they were already leaving their world? She could've just watched on the sidelines, not giving a damn about the whole situation.

But... Maybe, just maybe...

"You're alone." Usowamoto began, stating the obvious. "No one will be here to save you... You don't have to fight me... There are other options, you know?" bringing a hand up, a portal sang into life beside the curse, humming from the light. "I can send you back, and you can go on living with your friends like this whole thing never happened. Wouldn't that be better than dying here? To me?"

Rainbow scoffs, raising an eyebrow. "You never struck me as the type to make deals. What's wrong? On your last legs already?"

A twitch, almost imperceptible, ran through Usowamoto's form. "The offer still stands," it rasped, the portal shimmering expectantly beside it.

"Nah, thanks. But no thanks." Dash smiles, blood from a cut on her forehead leaking into the white of her eye. "There's no way I can just stand by while you go on wrecking worlds just for shits and giggles." With a jolt of her head, she flicks the blood clinging to her fur off her face before turning to face her adversary. "It's just like you said; I got other options. And one of them includes beating you to a pulp!!"

They shrug, stepping forward. Waving away the portal to her homeland, the edge of the gateway dissipated, the last chances of her trip home minced to bits as Usowamoto stared a predatory gaze at Rainbow's. "Your funeral."

Curses

"*Siggghhh.*" A deep exhale came from Sandbar. Friendship school has been as dull as ever. Or rather, when you and your friends helped aid in stopping the three incarnations of evil not too long ago, as well as receiving praise from the Mane Six as the new Ambassadors of Friendship. Everything after that pales in comparison. Especially friendship classes. It isn't like Sandbar was wishing for another war to be broken out or anything like that. Professor Fluttershy was in the front of the class, highlighting the importance of whatever it was; he wasn't paying attention. Leaning back into his chair, he balanced a pencil on his snout as a form of mini-entertainment to help pass the time.

Looking around, he could see his friends weren't really coping any better. Smolder, Gallus, and Yona had their heads on their desk, snoring away. The only ones who were listening attentively were Ocellus and Silverstream.

Sandbar cracked his hooves back, breaking out into a yawn.

"Perhaps Sandbar would like to try and answer." Fluttershy prompted,

Halting mid-yawn, Sandbar was wide-eyed. The class was now diverting all of their attention onto him. Realising that not listening in class does, in fact, not help in answering questions provided by Fluttershy. He turns to his friends, hoping that either Ocellus or Silverstream are listening enough to give him an answer. Quickly glancing over to Silverstream, his eyes showed a telepathic look that anybody could distinguish as the universal sign saying 'help me.'.

Silverstream looked at Sandbar, looked over to their sleeping friends, and then turned to face him again. Giving him the most shit-eating grin Sandbar had seen in a while whilst tuning a quick "hehe.". As Silverstream nestled herself onto her desk. Snoring her worries away.

"You. Can't. Be. Serious. You feathery winged piece of—" The class gasped in unison,

"AHEM! Language Sandbar!" Fluttershy exclaimed. Her expression showed a mix of surprise and agitation in response to his comment, along with a tinge of disappointment that was hard to miss.

"Oh no, no, no, Professor Fluttershy! It isn't directed at you! It's uh," Sandbar glances at Silverstream, her torso giggling from withdrawn laughter. Sandbar narrow-eyed her. "-just complicated."

"Oh? The answer isn't really that complicated that it warrants swearing now. You should pay closer attention next time." Fluttershy retorts.

"I know; I'm sorry, Professor. I will." The Pegasus gave an approving nod before carrying on with her lecture. As Fluttershy explained, Sandbar did his best to concentrate on her words. However, his mind soon began to wander, and he found himself again lost in thought. The first few words of her explanation were all he managed to comprehend before his attention faltered. Despite his efforts to remain engaged, Sandbar couldn't help but feel frustrated with himself for zoning out yet again.

"S-c-c-c-h-h-h-o-o-o-o-o-o-l."

"Huh?" Sandbar questioned, turning around. "What was that?" murmuring; he could've sworn he heard someone speaking or whispering with the tone they were talking in. It was so low that Sandbar almost missed it. Almost. Nevertheless, he was quick to turn back to the front. Not wanting to potentially upset The Professor anymore than needed.

Yup, it definitely was boring. Despite that, a new phenomenon had recently emerged from seemingly nowhere. Monsters had recently started appearing. It was a new species, but most Ponykind had unanimously agreed to call it that. Since it tends to have no behavioural patterns other than to destroy whatever it's closest to.

"So far, no creature has found a reason why they are suddenly popping out of nowhere. However, we do know that magic greatly harms them. Conversely, they are extremely toxic to any creature that comes into contact with them, so it's best to keep your distance from them or run away. On another note, they generally appear in densely populated areas."

Ocellus raised her hoof. "Um, Professor Fluttershy? Why haven't you tried to talk to them? Ask them why they are attacking us. Or try to capture one and study them?"

"Good question. The thing is, I did. But those monsters don't have a particularly high level of intelligence. Frankly, I don't even think they have any form of consciousness. They're more like robots than creatures. The only thing they could speak was a bunch of nonsense. They also seemingly don't need to feed on food and can phase through solid objects. So, every time we managed to haul one of those creatures back and put them into any form of confinement. They either phase through it and cause more havoc or dissipate from the magic that flows in the confine. I hope that satisfied your question."

"Y-yes, it did! Thank you!" Ocellus responded,

"You are very welcome." Fluttershy gave a smile.

Suddenly, a Blair of a siren sounded from inside the classroom. This shook Smolder, Gallus, and Yona out of their sleep.

"H-huh?" Gallus slurred. "W-woah!" Smolder panicked as she tipped her chair over in surprise. "What wakes Yona!?" The Yak questioned.

"Oh no, not again. it's the eleventh one this month!" Fluttershy worried.

"Um, teach? Do they really have to go?" Voiced a concerned classmate.

" *Sigh* Yes, they do, whenever the alarm sounds. It's a matter whereby it requires the help of the Ambassadors of Harmony." The Professor turns to the Young Six, "All of you should hurry."

"Alright! Another monster to kickass and add to my resume!" Gallus stated. "Yona wants to show the monster who is strongest!" Yoga flexed, "I wonder what it'll look like? A sludge? A worm? A tree? All of the above?" Silver stream added. "Doesn't matter, I'll pummel it no sweat!" The Dragon boasted. "Um, guys, I think we should be going. We don't have time to waste." Sandbar collected. Excitement filled the air as the group worked together. They moved quickly, eager to face the unknown challenge that awaited them. Some were driven by the thrill of conquering a new obstacle, while others were simply happy to escape their boredom. Fluttershy stood quietly, taking a deep breath and letting out a contented sigh at seeing her friends working together.

"Please return safely, everybody. Oh, and before I forget class. Remember to sign the consent forms for the upcoming Sports festival as soon as possible!"

As all this was happening, in the darkest, most minor recess corner of the classroom, a voice still resisted, insisting that it was trying to prove it was alive, almost like a newborn. But not screaming. Rather, softly, yet straining. It shivered out a word.

"S-s-s-s-s-c-c-c-h-h-h-h-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-l-l."

Nairobi, the sprawling capital city of Kenya, is a unique and fascinating place where urban life and wildlife coexist in remarkable harmony. Despite the city's reputation for being constantly alive and buzzing with activity, the current scene on the streets is a stark contrast. As the night wears on, an eerie silence descends upon the cityscape, only punctuated by the occasional hum of the streetlights and the sound of a steady, rhythmic tapping echoing through the deserted streets. This hushed stillness is not unexpected, given the lateness of the hour. Still, it contrasts the usual hustle and bustle of Nairobi's vibrant daytime scene.

As they walk down the dimly lit street, two sorcerers stride together, each with their unique style. The first sorcerer is dressed in a zipped short-sleeved jacket, dark pants, armless sunglasses, and a large puffy beret-style hat. On the other hand, the second sorcerer is wearing a loose white uniform jacket and slender blue jeans, with a katana case slung over his shoulder. A few flickering street lamps illuminate the pavement ahead of them, casting ominous shadows on the ground.

"Miguel, why are we out in the street at 3 in the morning again?" Asked Yuta.

"Haven't you heard? There's a powerful Special Grade curse in Kenya." Miguel answered.

"Really? Any info on it?"

"On The first of September, 2017. The Moi Girls School Burning incident was a tragic event whereby a troubled 14-year-old girl burned down the school to ashes due to her hatred for it. In her selfish act, 10 perished in the fire. The accumulation of negative emotions by those who held loathing for the girl and the lives lost surged. Like a beacon, it resonated throughout Kenya. Many wished to have found a way to pull them out of the fire. Meanwhile, the girls who have passed also probably wished for a way to escape. That's why this cursed spirit has a cursed technique unique and distinct from others. Although it is a newborn, it's still classified as " Special-Grade."

Miguel and Yuta turned left upon reaching an intersection. A blast of ominous cursed energy filled the street like a heavy torrent crashing into walls of stone. On cue, the light on the street lamp beginning at the end of the street burst from pressure, and the rest of the lamppost leading up to Yuta and Miguel followed suit. Bursting in rhythm. This was enough for Yuta to take out his katana from his case. As Miguel continued.

"Its technique is to open portals." Yuta looked back, confusion evident on his face.

"Can't Gojo-sensei do that, too?" The boy questioned. Miguel's mood soured, and his brows furrowed at the mention of the Strongest.

"Yes, but it's due to the extension of his Limitless Technique. This Cursed Spirit's Technique is more akin to that of opening wormholes. So be careful." Reaching their destination, Miguel raised his right hand, holding his index and middle finger upward while folding the rest in a fist. Releasing a technique, he spoke out,

"Emerge from darkness, blacker than darkness. Purify that which is impure."

Although it was in the dark of night, high up in the sky, liquid darkness could be seen swirling, flowing down in a dome shape before solidifying into a veil.

"It's alright, Miguel. I'll be on guard. "Yuta said, giving Miguel a reassuring smile. "Alright, I'm off." Miguel smiled back, giving Yuta a thumbs up.

"Be back quick."

Walking through the empty hallway of the school's dormitory, Yuta surveyed his surroundings. Since entering the school, the air felt heavy, though it didn't sway him much. His blade gleamed softly under the dimly lit moonlight. Turning the corner, he sees a little girl standing in the middle of the corridor, back turned to him. She looked homeless, as far as Yuta could tell.

"Little girl? What are you doing in a place like this?" Yuta asked, trying to sound as pleasant as possible so he doesn't scare her away. The little girl didn't answer, though. Opting to act as if she hadn't heard him.

"Are you alright?" Yuta tried again as he approached, reaching out a hand to get her attention. But in an instant, Yuta quickly switched and swung his katana into where the girl once stood, and a thunderous boom reverberated throughout the school.

As the clouds of dust spread out and cleared, the girl under attack from Yuta disappeared. Now, standing on the ceiling upside down behind him.

"You.." said the boy in white as he stood up, slowly turning around to face the enigma child. "...are the Special-Grade curse apparition, aren't you?" The answer was clear on her face. As it revealed the muscles on her face, her skin burnt off with ambers lit at the edges of her features. Her yellow set of teeth was fully exposed, along with her lidless eyes. Almost seemingly staring directly into Yuta's soul.

She opened her mouth.

"H-h-h-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-t-t-t"

Within a blink of an eye, Yuta dashed towards the faceless child. Swinging his sword with swift, murderous intent. However, Yuta had to halt his assault as what looked like his katana suddenly appeared before him. Attacking him with the same ferocity he had for the cursed spirit. Twisting his body, he managed to dodge the slice. While avoiding the attack, he could see his right arm was not where it was supposed to be, as it was detached from his person.

Jumping back, he glanced to check on his arm again, now seeing it was back in place. Waving his arm up and down to check for possible damages, he saw it was perfectly fine.

'There are no harmful effects on my arm. So, it has to be opening portals to reflect on-coming attacks.' Yuta thought.

"S-s-e-a-r-i-n-n-n-g-g-g-g." The cursed spirit echoed, "B-u-r-r-n-i-i-i-n-n-g-g-g-g." Looking at the Special Grade apparition, Yuta could see it was holding something. Something colourful. Pink in colour.

"A horse toy?" He asked out loud, but he hadn't expected the curse to actually correct him.

"P-p-p-o-o-n-n-n-i-i-e-s!" The cursed stomped furiously. "Huh?" Yuta questioned with an innocent look.

"PONIES." On command, tables imbued with cursed energy flew at mock speeds at Yuta. With quick thinking and his inhuman agility, he easily avoided the large projectiles. Throwing his katana towards the curse, Yuta slid to dodge more of the flying tables and chairs. Only to be greeted by the same weapon he had thrown moments earlier, striking the side of his face with the Special Grade now up close and personal.

Thankfully, an entity emerged from the darkness; a pair of large, ghostly, pale hands grabbed the spirit. Immobilising her. Of course, the cursed spirit struggled, but it was futile.

"Who's this, Yuta?" Grabbing the sword lodged into the ground, Yuta walked towards the two curses.

"Don't worry, Rika. It's just a curse. Hold her still for me."

With imminent death approaching, the unregistered Special-Grade curse pooled out all her curse energy. Wanting more time, wanting more power. The faceless child opened a portal that spanned distances on Earth to reach the insurmountable well of cursed energy she needed. A cursed object had answered her call. A decaying, wrinkled finger.

Realising what the curse had pulled out, Yuta rushed to her in an attempt to stop it. "Stop her! Rika!" On command, Rika tried to grab the cursed object. But it was too late, as the curse swallowed the finger whole.

Bursting with newfound strength, it sent Rika and Yuta flying back. A hole appeared in the curse's throat where the finger now resides. With a wave of her hands, light glowed from her eyes, distorting the fabric of space below them as the floor started to bend in unnatural ways, swirling into a vortex before opening up a wormhole.

'A Domain Expansion? No, a Maximum Technique!' Yuta thought, jabbing his katana into the nearby wall to use as leverage to keep him from falling into the wormhole. Although he doesn't know where the portal led, it could never be good if it was opened by a curse. However, even more sets of tables, chairs, and benches dropped down from above Yuta, clearly by the curse, intending to get him to lose his grip and fall.

"Rika!"

As per his instructions, the partially summoned Rika, tried her best to deflect the falling furniture pieces. But her limited power made it difficult for her to control the situation, and she ended up slapping away only a couple of pieces before her powers caved in. This slip-up proved costly, as a series of tables and chairs fell on Yuta with a loud thud. The impact caused him to lose his grip and fall hopelessly into the portal, disappearing from sight.

Author's Note

Thank you for reading

Privacy

"Speaking of the Princess, we've arrived." Said Ocellus. The three now standing in front of two gigantic golden gates. Sparkling a gentle blue, the doors opened, and the sound of melodic trumpets played like background music to accompany the regal atmosphere of the castle.

From the inside, Yuta could see the ones opening the doors for them, two unicorn guards clad in gold. Standing at attention with strict discipline. In the centre of the large room sat a purple pony; her mane waved and sparkled like, well, sparkles. Her size looked to be just slightly, slightly taller than the average male pony, from what Yuta could tell, and her hooves, chest, and crown were adorned with similar gold armour, identical to the ones the guards that invited the three were wearing.

"Hi, Princess Twilight!" Silverstream called with delight, flying over to hug The Princess, which she accepted gracefully. "It's great to see you!" Twilight chuckled at her enthusiasm.

"Hello, Silverstream. It's great to see you." Twilight peaked past Silvestream's shoulder, "And you too, Ocellus." Ocellus gave a happy wave of her hoof.

"Here's the creature that saved us from the monster back in Manehatten. His name is Okkotsu Yuta. We brought him here because—"

"Oh, yes. I was informed by the letter Yona wrote about a tall monkey dressed in black and white that defeated the monster in one fell swoop." Twilight interjected. Getting up to her hooves, she walked down the short flight of stairs to ground level. Staring at the human with curious eyes. "However, I hadn't expected a human to be the one behind this."

"You know what I am?" Yuta asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, sorta." Twilight now stood a comfortable distance from the Shaman, "I am Princess Twilight Sparkle, ruler of Equestria. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Mr. Okkotsu." Yuta was quick to return the gesture, giving a slight bow.

"Pleased to your acquaintance as well. Princess."

Ocellus, Silverstream. You two can roam the castle. Mr. Okkotsu and I have some business to discuss regarding his sudden appearance. And for his way back home. Guards dismissed."

The four gave a curt nod before exiting the Throne Room. As the doors closed shut, Yuta turned to face Twilight.

"It doesn't seem like you're from the other side."

Yuta gave a puzzled expression. "The 'other side'? What do you mean by that?"

"On your way to Canterlot, I had written to a friend from the other side. She confirmed that there were no opened gateways to Equestria. And what I'm referring to is the human world that mirrors this one. Our worlds are connected in a sense. But it seems you're from neither. Yet, you took down those monsters with a single strike! Very impressive, Mr. Okkotsu! Now, with that out of the way—" Twilight teleported a notepad and a pencil to her side, holding the two, preparing to jot down whatever Yuta was going to say. "Can you tell me how you defeated the monster without effort?"

"Um... Yuta is just fine. Princess Twilight. But, is it possible to find a way for me to return home first?" Twilight gave a sheepish look.

"Right, right, right, right! How can I forget such an important thing!" Twilight teleports the notepad and pencil out of sight. "How about this, Yuta. While I search for a way to return you home for the period you'll be here in Equestria. Help us eradicate these monsters since you're quite adept at handling them."

"Sure, I'll help you exorcise them." Suddenly, the god of chaos himself poofed into the vicinity. On reflex, Yuta grabbed the hilt of his kept sword. Standing in between the Alicorn Princess and The Chaos God. "Get behind me, Princess."

"Discord?" Asks Twilight, her tone indicating that the appearance of The Draconequus was a familiar face.

"You know him, Princess?" Questions Yuta.

"Yes, he's a friend of mine."

"What's his problem?" Said Discord, pointing a detached arm at the boy. With a snap of his fingers, he reappeared beside him, slinging an arm casually over his shoulder in a friendly manner. "Anyway... I'd like to extend my thanks to you for protecting my wife's students. Had you not shown up and slain that foul beast, who knows what would've happened in Manehatten."

Yuta stayed silent.

Discord shrugged as he stroked his beard. "Not the chatty type, huh? Well, that doesn't matter; it looks like things are going to be a lot more amusing with your appearance here in Equestria. Let's get along. Mr. Okkotsu." Leaning closer and closer to Yuta's face, he was almost eye-to-eye with the sorcerer. But a floating clock shook Yuta and Discord out of the deadlock, ringing with ten thousand bells. Slapping it out of existence, the Draconequus sighed. "Looks like it's picnic time with Butterfly. Time to take my leave. Oh, and it's great to see you're in good health, Princess Twilight." Opening a portal, Discord stepped through with classy style, waving to Twilight and Yuta. "Toddles."

Yuta stares at the portal as it closes. Hand still on the hilt.

"Yuta? Are you alright?"

"Sorry, lost in thought. Back to your proposal, where should I stay for my time here?"

"I know just the place!"

The sky was painted a golden hue, and Yuta sat in a carriage drawn by her Highness's guards. All things considered, it's pretty exciting. Being treated like royalty to a certain extent really tickles that imaginary bone that Yuta had been thinking up back when he was younger. Now, his mini dream was fulfilled. He looked forward to what other things this world had in store for him.

However, had he known he'd end up in Ponyville, it would've saved him a lot of time. It would have meant getting more rest time if he had just taken the train straight to the village. After all, he woke up pretty early to try and exorcise a curse, only to be teleported into a world of talking animals and creatures he hadn't seen before. Regardless, he still takes in the breathtaking view of a land unpolluted by machinery and mankind's interference. That all comes to an abrupt halt when the carriage dives downwards, fast approaching a small village by a river, with a giant crystal castle just outside the village perimeter.

"Sir, we've arrived in Ponyville."

Getting up from his seat, Yuta made his way out of the carriage. "Thank you, guards."

The guards saluted before flying back to Canterlot. Stretching, the boy could see five colourful ponies waiting for his arrival, two pegasuses, two earth ponies, and one unicorn.

"You five must be the Council of Friendship," he stated.

"And you must be Mr Yuta Okkotsu; nice to have finally met you. I'm Rarity." The pale unicorn said, waving a hoof to the rest of the cast. "These are my friends."

"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie!! But my friends just call me Pinkie. You can call me that if you want. You know, I've never seen a creature like you before! Say, you don't look like you have fur on your body, do you--" The earth pony talked at breakneck speeds; Okkotsu gave a meek smile as most of what the pink mare had said just blew over his head. That's until a blue hoof shoved itself into her mouth, but that didn't stop Pinkie from muffling her speech.

"Sorry about that; she gets very excited about newcomers. I'm Rainbow Dash, the fastest flyer in all of Equestria!" Rainbow boasted. A 'psssh' came from the orange mare on the ground, catching their attention.

"And I'm the princess of the underworld." Applejack remarked, "I'm Applejack nice t' meet 'cha."

"Ah, nice to meet you too, Princess Applejack," Yuta said with a slight bow.

"Don't take her literally." Rarity and Rainbow deadpanned.

This earned a surprised 'eh' from the human boy, causing the five of them to giggle. Lastly, the yellow pegasus stood forward.

"I'm Fluttershy. Mr. Okkotsu, I would like to thank you for protecting my student back in Manehatten. It was my carelessness and oversight that I had allowed them to leave to take care of that monster. Who knows what would have happened to those kids had you not shown up? Please accept my sincerest gratitude." Bowing her head, Fluttershy placed a hoof on her chest to further her sign of genuine sincerity.

"No need to bow, Ms. Fluttershy. I've already received thanks from your husband." This news surprised Fluttershy.

"You've met Discord?"

"Yea! He teleported into the Throne Room to thank me personally. That aside, it's my duty to exorcise these beasts back in my homeworld. Saving them is part and parcel of the job." Giving a smile, Yuta leaned down to place a hand on Fluttershy's shoulder. The yellow mare shook her in acknowledgement.

"By the way, Princess Sparkle said I can live here for now. Where would I be staying?" The five snickered at the formality of putting the titles of 'princess' and 'sparkle' in one sentence. "Uh, did I say something bad?"

"No, no. Dear, far from it." Rarity said through a hoof.

"Drop the formalities! We're friends. No need to be so stiff around us! Also, you can crash in the Castle of Friendship. There are tons of rooms to pick from, but I personally choose the highest floor. The view's amazing!" Rainbow suggested with a small hoof bump to Yuta's shoulder as he chuckled at the enthusiasm.

"Besides that, The Princess said I'll be working with the five of you to educate in a school facility, so I'll be in your care from now on. Thank you for taking me in."

The five mares chuckled again. As all of them thought. 'So formal.'

After Pinkie's welcome party, Yuta headed to the Castle of Friendship, overwhelmed by the warm reception he was given by the folks in Ponyville. It was already dark out. Only the fading, booming music continued as he walked further and further from Sugarcube Corner. Admittedly, it was much for the young Shaman. Pinkie was breakdancing on the dance floor, something Yuta thought he wouldn't see in his life, Rainbow and Applejack having a contest picking apples out of a tub filled with water, Rarity showing off her latest dress in the crowd, and Fluttershy brought in animals to party with.

Strolling through the corridors, walking up the steps, and finally coming across a room designated as a guest room, he knocked as a sign of courtesy before opening it and checking for occupants. None. Great. Entering the room, he placed his katana next to the bed and hung his white jacket onto the chair's backrest. Crashing into the bed, it didn't take long before he dozed off for the second time that day.

Yuta stood at the precipice of an unfathomable abyss, his heart pounding with uncertainty as he gazed into the yawning void. Was he dreaming, or was this reality? Suddenly, he was enveloped by a series of vivid memories - his life after joining the Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School. He saw himself forging bonds with his friends and the night parade of a hundred demons. As he watched a projected image of himself getting ready to battle the Shaman with the weird bangs, Yuta felt a surge of cursed energy welling up within him. Without hesitation, he unleashed a powerful punch into the ground beneath him, shattering the very earth with a resounding crack.

The projection of his memory flickered, and two alicorn mares were sent flying backwards in his mindscape. One was Twilight, and the other was coated in dark blue. Her mane reflected that of the starry night.

Yuta approached the two, cursed energy leaking out. His eyes were furious yet curious. 'Illusions? No, I distinctly remember falling asleep. So, it should have something to do with dreams.'

"What did you do."

"W-we were trying to make sure what you said was true!" Twilight exclaimed, raising her hooves in an attempt to calm the approaching human down. The alicorn beside her sighed. "But... I got too invested in looking into your time at Jujutsu High! Unintentionally, of course! My deepest apologies!"

"Indeed, what she has informed you of is true, Mr. Okkotsu. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Luna. Although we hadn't had the pleasure of meeting before, she asked me to do a favour for her. She has requested that I delve into your memories and ensure you hold no ill will."

"I mean, now we know what we're facing! Cursed spirits made of cursed energy! Very insightful! I'm also sorry about intruding on your memory without permission. Especially the news regarding Rika." Twilight stated matter of factly. Yuta stared at the princess as a frown creased the corners of his mouth.

"Sorry, but there's confidential and classified information I cannot share with outsiders. If you attempt this again, I'm forced to play my hand." A blue glow surrounded his hand. It was Luna and her attempt at pushing Yuta back.

Yuta felt a surge of anger at the intrusion of his memories without consent, but he managed to control himself and lower his hand. "I understand your concern, but I cannot allow anyone to invade my privacy like this. Please respect my boundaries."

Yuta unleashed a torrent of cursed energy, the destructive power tearing apart the very fabric of the dream world. The ground beneath them trembled and cracked while the air seemed to shatter like glass. Luna and Twilight were swallowed up in the chaos, disappearing from sight as Yuta's vision began to dim.

Yuta woke up with a start, his eyes snapping open as he jolted up in bed. The sun shone brightly through the window, and birds chirped in a sing-song voice filled the air. Although he knew he had been asleep, his heart was pounding as if he had just been in a fight. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself down before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and standing up.

He stretched his arms and cracked his neck, feeling the tension in his muscles slowly fading away. Then he made his way to the bathroom, where he brushed his teeth and splashed some cold water on his face. He stared at his reflection for a moment, his mind still foggy from sleep, before shaking his head and heading back to his room.

There, he put on his signature white jacket and grabbed his katana resting against the chair. The memory of the two princesses invading his dreams made him scowl, but he pushed the thought aside and focused on the task ahead. Yuta was a second-year student at the School of Friendship and had been assigned to substitute teacher a class that morning. He had never done it before but didn't think it would be too difficult. He had always been good with kids and was confident that he could handle whatever came his way. With a deep breath, he slung the katana across his back and headed out the door, ready to face the day.