Sunset Shimmer's magical adventures Volume 3: The Conclusion, Part 1

Chapters

Chapter 2: Desperately seeking strenght
Chapter 3: The Beach Episode.
Chapter 4: In the finale
Chapter 5: Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash's Trials.
Chapter 6: Applejack and Rarity's Trials
Chapter 7: Pinkie Pie and Twilight's trials
Chapter 8: Sunset's Trials.
Chapter 9: Sunny and Moonlight's backstory.
Chapter 10: Battle preparations
Chapter 1: The last moments of peace.

Chapter 2: Desperately seeking strenght

Sunset Shimmer had summoned everyone to her appartment, Including Stygian and the Sirens. She was obviously stressed and turning in circles. When the last one finally arrived, she sighed.

“You seem really, but really stressed, Shimmy” said Adagio. “What’s the bad news?”

“An anonymous source told me that our enemies are going to attack in 3 days” answered Sunset. “And that they will be infinitely stronger this time. To hope to win this battle, we’ll need to get stronger too and the only way is to awaken our geodes. Adagio, Aria and Sonata, see if you can upgrade your pendants’ power. We’ll need all the help we can get!!”

“Do you trust that anonymous source?” asked Twilight.

“I do” answered Sunset. “I met that source before and i know i can trust it.”

“If you trust it, then i believe you” said Twilight.

“So do i!” said Rainbow Dash. “And i’m sure it’s the same for all of us!”

“Damn right!” said Applejack. “Does that source also knows how to break our Geodes’ limits?”

“No” answered Sunset.

“It’s out of nowhere” said Pinkie Pie. “But would it be possible, somehow, to get inside our own geodes?”

Everyone looked at her with a surprised expression, except Sunset, who suddenly had a revelation. She took her journal and wrote in it. A few minutes later, she received a reply from Twilight.

“According to Princess Twilight, it is possible” said Sunset. “We just have to return to the place we found the Elements of Harmony on the day of a Total Solar Eclipse and cast the spell she wrote down.”

“There will be one happening in 3 days” said Twilight. “Sunset, didn’t you said that our enemy would attack us in 3 days?”

“I did” answered Sunset. “That mean while we’re at the Rock Carrier, someone will have to defend Canterlot.”

“If they’ll be as powerful as your source claim” said Stygian. “I doubt me and the Dazzlings could hold them for long.”

“They literally have two draconequus on their sides that can do anything with their magic” said Aria. “They could just teleport everyone at the carrier in an instant!”

“Cosmos and Discord won’t take part to that battle” said Sunset. “Tell them, you two!”

Discord and Cosmos appeared from a portal.

“It’s to make things fair” said Discord. “You’re already going to have a run for your money dealing with Tirek, Chrysalis and Sombra, who all got an insane power boost. And if it isn’t enough, Moonlight and Sunny also got way stronger since last time. And Nightmare might be up to something, so you might wanna keep an eye on your more... Emotionally vulnerable friends”

Cosmos snapped her fingers. Stygian and the Dazzlings recovered their memories.

“The one behind all this is Grogar” said Stygian. “The Father of Magic himself...”

“What does he want from us?” asked Applejack.

“Our Elements of Harmony” answered Sunset. “He’s going to use them to conquier Equestria.”

“How?” asked Twilight, with a smirk. “I doubt he can use them even if he got his hands on them.”

“He probably can’t use their magic himself” said Rainbow Dash “But Moonlight certainly can. He was able to use my geode’s magic when he got his hands on it.”

“Indeed...” said Cosmos. “This is why Grogar kept him to his side since the day he found him. That is his sole purpose in Grogar’s plan”

“What about Sunny?” asked Stygian. “What’s her purpose in his plan? She seem to be a nuisance to Grogar more than anything. So why does he keep her around?”

“Sunny is the only reason why Moonlight even bother working for Grogar in the first place” answered Discord. “If Sunny decide to betray him, Moonlight will follow her. And without Moonlight, Grogar lose his only way to use the Elements of Harmony. He can’t allow that to happen and this is why he’s being so nice and patient with Sunny. Keeping her around also keep Moonlight around.”

“Well, that’s all we had to tell you” said Cosmos. “Good luck to you all!!”

She disappeared in the portal.

“Oh, one last thing before i leave” said Discord.

He made appear in front of the girls 7 different objects. Sunset recognized the Pillars’ relics at first sight: Rockhoof’s Shovel, Mistmane’s Rose, Somnambula’s Headband, Starswirl’s Hat, Flash Magnus’ Helmet, Meadowbrook’s Mask and Stygian’s Book. She looked at Discord with emotion, while her friends were looking at him with confusion.

“Don’t make that face” said Discord. “You’re more than worthy of possessing them.”

Sunset grabbed the book, but nothing happened.

“Oh right” said Discord. “They’re of no use to you right now...Because you have to awaken your Elements of Harmony’s true power first. Okay, bye!!”

Discord closed the portal and disappeared, as Sunset put the book in her bagpack. She gave the shovel to Applejack, the helmet to Rainbow Dash, the rose to Rarity, the mask to Fluttershy, the Hat to Twilight Sparkle and the headband to Pinkie Pie.

“Keep them with you” said Sunset.

“Those revelations, though” said Twilight. “Grogar? Never heard of him before...”

“He created us, the Sirens” said Adagio. “Along many, many other monsters”

“Manticores, Chimeras, Umbrums, Windigos, Yetis, Cockatrices, The Pony of Shadow, Timberwolves, basically every evil-spirited monsters, are his creations” said Stygian. “That’s why he’s called the Father of all monsters.”

“And if he’s called the Father of Magic, this is because he came up with the very first magic spell” said Adagio. “That served as a base for the thousands of new spells generations of unicorns would develop. That mean theorically, there is no spell Grogar can’t undo or use himself. At the exception of one...”

“The Elements of Harmony” said Sunset. “Their magic is the only one Grogar can’t wield and use, since the whole formula used to create them was a Starswirl original.”

“He’s relying on Moonlight to use their magic” said Rainbow Dash. “So, if we got rid of him, Grogar wouldn’t have any mean to use them!!”

“It’s Grogar we’re talking about” said Stygian. “I’m certain he have a plan B if Moonlight become unavailable.”

“Of course he would have a backup plan” said Sunset. “Grogar planned this for thousands of years and i doubt he will solely relies on Moonlight to realize his dream. Well, that’s all i had to say...Thank you all for coming. Reunion dismissed!!”

Everyone quickly left her room, while Sunset went to the bathroom. Meanwhile, at Grogar’s castle, Sunny, Moonlight, Tirek, Chrysalis and Sombra were training in a magic virtual room. There, they would fight magical copies of the girls over and over again, learning more from each of their failure. Tirek priorised on improving his martial skills in view of a rematch against Applejack. Sombra was perfecting a new fighting style, who would combine unstoppable offense and impenetrable defense, and surpass Rarity’s. Chrysalis, her, was using her shapeshifting magic to find out which creature would be the best fit to counter each one of her opponents. Sunny was working hard to master the abilities and powers of each species she assimilated. After that, she’d had to figure out which ones mix together the best, and finally, she would apply that in a battle simulation. Moonlight, him, was learning space magic. A couple weeks ago, he started learning time magic, but quickly realized how magic consuming it was to use defensively. Being the genius he is, he came up with the idea of concentrating his time magic on a single individual. It required a lot more precision and skill, but way less energy to cast. After mastering the time freeze, he worked on learning how to rewind and fast-forward someone or something frozen in time. This is by rewinding time on a dying bird that he saved it and continuing in the same vein, also used a fast-forward spell to accelerate the eclosion of an egg. He even once used a rewind spell on a rabbit’s corpse to see if it could revive it. To it’s surprise, it worked and the rabbit looked at his savior, as if he was grateful. But the rabbit’s joy was short-lived, because he ended up in a stew that very night. Back to the present, everyone had their motivations up.

“I have to be strong enough to protect her” said Moonlight to himself. “With time and space magic, i will be able to protect you from anything, even death...Sunny...”

“I have to get stronger, way stronger” said Sunny to herself. “I will become the Apex Predator...and submit any opponent who dare face me!!”

“Once i’m done with those girls, you’re next” said Tirek, looking at a picture of his brother. “The weak don’t deserve to rule...even less the traitors”

“Agreed” said Chrysalis, to his side. “I shall get my revenge on this traitor of Thorax, and take back the kingdom that is rigthfully MINE!!”

“And i shall take over the Crystal Empire, once and for all...” said Sombra.

“If you do take over that kingdom, could you hand me their princess?” asked Chrysalis. “I shall repay you very kindly if you do so. But are you just going to limit yourself to just the Crystal Empire?”

“I have no use for Cadence, if you want her, she’s all your” answered Sombra. “What are you going to do with her, anyway?”

“I’ll make both her and Thorax my breeding slaves” said Chrysalis. “With their DNA, and mine, i’ll make a new breed of Changelings that won’t need to feed on love, can use Love magic and possess a magic power able to rival an Alicorn. With such powerful subjects, my conquest of the world will only be a matter of time!!”

“And to answer you last question” said Sombra. “No...After i’m done conquering the Crystal Empire, i will force every leader in Equestria to submit to me. Griffins, Hippogryffs, Dragons, Yaks, Zebras, Abyssinians, Diamond Dogs and Storm Beasts, they’ll all join my Army of Darkness. And with such a large and powerful army, Equestria will be mine for the taking...”

“But didn’t Grogar told us Equestria would be his to conquer?” asked Tirek. “Every Kingdom you want to conquer, including the Crystal Empire, are part of Equestria.”

“We’re villains, may i remind you” answered Sombra. “Since when villains respect their engagement?”

“Good point” said Tirek.

“I definitively like what you’re saying, Sombra” said Chrysalis. “Equestria will not be his to conquer, it will be mine!!”

“You’re both wrong” said Tirek. “Equestria shall be MINE!”

“But we first have to take down Grogar” said Sombra “Let’s unite our forces to bring him down, then we’ll see which one of us 3 will rise out on top...”

“Agreed” said Chrysalis. “Against the 3 of us, that old man won’t stand a chance...”

“This is the most logical thing to do” said Tirek. “And if Grogar could take both of you out before being beaten, it would be great, since Equestria will be all mine!!”

“That’s supposing we beat those girls first” said Sombra. “Even if we are leagues above them in power, they could still pull out a deus ex machina on us”

“I only see 3 things happening to us if we lose” said Chrysalis. “Either we will get sent to the Limbos, be reformed like Stygian and the Sirens or be depowered and delivered to Princess Twilight, who will lock us up in Tartarus for sure.”

“I definitively don’t want to return inside Tartarus.” said Tirek. “That place suck”

“And i definitively don’t want to be sent to the Limbos, again” said Sombra. “It’s the worst place to be sent”

“And I definitively don’t want to be reformed” said Chrysalis, shivering of disgust.

“Then let’s win, at all cost” said Sombra.

Chapter 3: The Beach Episode.

2 days had passed, 2 stressful days that were spent training. Today was the last day they had before their final battle, and Sunset decided that everyone should use it to get some rest. It was the same things for the villains, since Grogar wanted everyone to be well-rested for the big battle coming tommorow. What was their ideas?: A day at the beach, of course. If the girls went to Canterlot’s beach, the villains, them, went on a luxurious deserted island. Even Grogar went along with the group, along with Nightmare, who, the previous night, had successfully taken possession of Cozy Glow in her sleep.

“It’s so nice to feel the sun on my face, and the sand on my toes again” said this one.

Sunny jumped into the ocean and partially transformed into a sea serpent.

“The water is great!!” she shouted.

Tirek jumped high in the air, toward the ocean.

“Tactical Nuke, Incoming!!” he said, falling down.

Upon landing in the water, he created a massive wave that splashed everyone on the beach. Sunny and him were laughing at them. Chrysalis transformed into a bird, flew in the sky, above Tirek and then turned into a blue whale.

“Wait!!” he said, trying to get away.

Chrysalis landed in the water with more force than Tirek, and the tidal wave she created sent him and Sunny back on the beach, splashing everyone again. Chrysalis took back her original form and was mockingly laughing at them.

“If you’re looking for me” said Sombra. “I’m going to make myself a hammock and relax. Splish splash and sand castles are not for me.”

Moonlight looked for Sunny on the beach, but she had vanished. He felt a small vibration coming from the ground and knew what was causing it. Sunny had assimilated the DNA of a Wyrm, those worm-shaped dragons that could effortlessly dig tunnels in the earth. Wyrms could stock rocks inside their bodies. Those stones would be melted and turned into explosive lava projectiles called Lava Bombs. The species Sunny had assimilated was a Sand Wyrm, who could manipulate sand as well as generate it from their bodies. They were also exclusively living in the deserts. The second after, Sunny emerged from the ground, behind Moonlight, transformed into a Sand Wyrm. She was at least 30 meters long from head to tail, had majestuous wings and was looking at him with an happy expression. She turned back into her human form and vomited out a lot of sand on the ground, to Moonlight’s disgust.

“Can’t have sand in my body after turning back to normal” said Sunny. “So i need to evacuate it one way or another... Sorry if it looks disgusting.”

“It is” said Moonlight. “Anyway, want to play beach volleyball?”

“Heck yeah!!” answered Sunny.

“Count me in!!” said Tirek.

“I’m joining too!!” said Chrysalis. “Boys vs Girls!!”

“Are you sure?” asked Tirek. “It would be unfair”

“For you maybe” answered Chrysalis, with a smile. “Want to team up, Sunny?”

“You really need to ask?” said Sunny, also smiling. “Let’s teach those guys a lesson!!”

And so, the match opposed Sunny and Chrysalis, aka Team Cutie, to Moonlight and Tirek, aka Team Chad. Nightmare was volunteer to be the commentator and Grogar, to be the referee. Meanwhile, back to Canterlot, the girls were all occupied doing different activities. Fluttershy was doing marine exploration, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were having a sand castle contest, Rarity and Aria were getting a tan, Pinkie Pie was splashing Sonata in the water, Twilight was with Timber Spruce, Stygian was reading a book and Sunset and Adagio were eating ice cream at a table.

“Look at this, Applejack!!” said Rainbow Dash. “That’s how you make a sand castle!!”

Rainbow Dash’s castle was very beautiful, but upon seeing Applejack’s one, she dropped her shovel. It was twice as big as her sand castle, and twice as beautiful.

“I’m sorry, where you saying something?” said Applejack, with a smug smile.

Rainbow Dash destroyed her own sand castle and walked away, mad.

“Go fuck yourself” she said to Applejack.

In the water, Pinkie Pie and Sonata were still splashing each other and talking. Suddenly, and without any warning, Twilight used her magic to untie Sonata’s bikini top, which she then threw far away in the water. Sonata didn’t realized right away that she was topless, and only did realize it when she saw two nerd guys looking at her with bleeding noses. She covered her breast and looked for her bikini top, but didn’t saw it anywhere. Pinkie Pie shoved her hands in her hairs and pulled out a bikini top, that she gave to Sonata.

“I always carry spare bikini parts” said Pinkie. “Don’t thank me, that’s what friends are for”

“Now, i need to find out who pulled that trick on me!” said Sonata, furious. “You two, do you know who did that?”

The two nerds pointed at Twilight.

“Let me guess” said Sonata. “You paid her, didn’t you?”

They both moved their heads to say yes.

“I swear i’m gonna get her back for that”

An idea came to her mind. She walked toward the two guys, then put her hand inside their trunks. They both got hard instantly.

“My my” said Sonata. “You’re both well-hunged. I have a proposition for you. I’ll ley you have your ways with me if you do something for me first...”

“Ask us anything, my queen!!” said the nerds.

Sonata smiled devilishly. During this time, Fluttershy was having a nice talk with a sea turtle.

“And then i told him don’t be so Shell-Fish!!!” said the sea turtle.

Fluttershy laughed a little, even if his joke wasn’t funny.

“Shell-Fish...Sell-Fish...Selfish!!” she said. “Nice play on words!”

“I’ve got plenty of sea-related puns” he said.

“I think she heard enough of your stories for today” said his wife.

That one looked at Fluttershy with compassion. She knew she was laughing at her husband’s jokes out of kindness. The husband also knew it as well...They both saw that something was bothering their guest and how she was trying to hide it. Out of respect, they didn’t ask her about that and changed subject. Meanwhile, Twilight was having a nerdy talk with her boyfriend, Timber Spruce.

“Did you know that we only explored about 5% of the oceans?” asked Timber Spruce.

“Yes!!” answered Twilight. “Did you know that each second, the universe keep expanding more and more?”

“Of course!!” said Timber. “Until it stop expanding and start retracting, causing what will be called the Big Crunch.”

“Nonsense” said Twilight. “The Heat Death is what await us.”

“Actually, what if the Heat Death happened before the Big Crunch?” asked Timber. “Once the universe run out of energy and die, it will retract on itself...”

“Eventually leading to a new Big Bang” said Twilight. “It’s fun to be able to talk of those things with someone who actually understand them. None of my friends can keep up with my intelligence and knowledge and it’s so embarrassing to me sometimes. Then again, they are well versed in other domains that i don’t know shit about. Domains such as Sports, Finances, Fashion, Animals, Cooking and Music are so hard for me to understand.”

“And you should be glad to have them as your friends” said Timber. “If they were all like you, things would get dull for you very fast. But i understand what you mean...It is good to be able to have at least one friend who is on the same wavelenght as you are...”

Meanwhile, Sunset and Adagio, who were drunk at the bar, were teasing Flash Sentry. This one was more embarassed than aroused and wished he could get out of this situation.

“Please stop, you two!” said Flash. “This is not the place nor the time for that!!”

“We can go somewhere where no one could see us...” said Adagio.

“I do know one or two spots where we could hide” said Sunset.

“You two are clearly drunk...” said Flash. “A friend would never take advantage of another friend, especially if that friend is drunk, and a girl.”

“Us...Drunk?” said Adagio. “We’re not drunk!! I’ll show you!!”

Adagio got up and started walking, only to fall on the ground after 2 steps. She immediately fell asleep.

“Like i said, drunk...” said Flash, holding a laugh.

Sunset, her, despite being as drunk as Adagio, was still able to keep a clear mind and walk normally.

“Let’s bring her back in her van” said Sunset.

Flash and her grabbed Adagio and carried her all the way to her van. Sunset opened the door and they both installed Adagio on her bed. Almost immediately upon sitting on the bed, Sunset felt asleep. Flash covered the two of them up and left the van, making sure to lock the door. It was late in the afternoon when Sunset woke up. She saw Adagio next to her, still asleep. She left the van and returned to the beach. Back to the other beach, the beach volleyball match opposing the girls to the guys ended with the Cuties winning it all. Now,they were relax ing on their chairs, admiring the sunset.

“What a day...” said Chrysalis. “I’ve never had so much fun humiliating those two”

“You cheated” said Moonlight.

“Of course we cheated!!” said Chrysalis. “We’re villains, duh!”

“I really hope we can live to see another sunset” said Tirek.

“Of course we’ll live to see another one!!” said Sombra. “Those girls stand no chance against us!!”

“Let’s not shout victory too soon” said Moonlight. “You need to keep in mind that anything can happen”

“They could very well pull off a deus ex machina on you” said Sunny. “Or me...Or Moonlight...”

Back to Canterlot, Sunset was wandering on the beach, looking for her friends. Fluttershy had returned to the beach and was actually talking with a flock of seagull. Rarity was at the bar with Applejack. Rainbow Dash was napping as usual, while Pinkie Pie was busy trying all flavors of ice cream. Stygian was talking with Aria and judging by both of their expressions, their conversation seemed passionate. Sonata was comfortably installed in her chair, looking a Twilight. As for that one, she was playing with Spike. Little did she know what was awaiting her...Sunset then found Flash Sentry, having fun with his friends. This one waved at Sunset when he saw her. She smiled and waved him back. When Spike saw her, he immediately ran in her arms.

“Where were you, Sunset?” he asked. “You missed a lot of stuff, in fact, you missed the whole afternoon!!”

“I was sleeping” she answered. “Got a few too much drinks”

This was at this moment Sonata chose to strike. While the two nerds were distracting her, she walked toward her, holding a bucket of seaweed. When she was behind Twilight, she put the bucket on her head and pulled down her swimsuit, exposing her naked body to everyone that were looking at her. Fortunately for Twilight, only the two nerds, Sunset and Timber Spruce saw her naked. She removed the bucket from her head and put back on her swimsuit, red like a tomato. She turned around to see who did that and saw Sonata, laughing. The two nerds got away while Timber walked in her direction, nosebleeding.

“What the heck, Sonata?!!” shouted Twilight.

“You started it first” said Sonata. “I know it’s you who removed my top earlier today”

“I mean, yes, i did” said Twilight. “But you were in a spot where only those two idiots could see your exposed breast. You pulled my swimsuit down in a spot full of people. How many people have seen me naked!?”

“Just those two geeks, your boyfriend and me” said Sunset. “No one else was paying attention, because they were busy watching Snips and Snail humiliate themselves.”

Twilight looked at the two idiots. Snips was trying to get a crab off Snail’s butt, but the crab wouldn’t let it go. Sonata took her phone and filmed them, a smile on her face. Then the beach closed half an hour later and the girls reunited at the entrance. Only Sonata and Adagio were missing, The latter still sleeping in her van. Sonata, in the meantime, held her part of the deal and gave the two geeks a moment they would never forget. She pratically drained their balls dry and got the time of her life. She even left her phone number to them in case she would need their services again. She arrived, after washing up and putting her normal clothes on.

“Sorry to be late girls!!” she said. “I lost count of the time...Who else but Sonata, right?”

Sunset, who could read minds, knew she just had sex with those two nerds. She looked at Sonata with a disgusted and disappointed face. Sonata grabbed Sunset’s shoulder and forced her to read her memories of having sex with the two guys.

“Next time, it could be HIS turn” whispered Sonata to her ear.

She knew Sonata was talking about Flash Sentry.

“You do this, and i’ll turn you into a vegetable for the rest of your life” said Sunset.

“A vegetable?” asked Sonata. “What sort? A carrot? A cucumber? A brocoli?”

“The mental kind of vegetable” answered Sunset. “But that would probably make no difference, since you’re already one”

“Oooooohhhhhh!!!” shouted Aria and Pinkie Pie, who heard them.

But her insult had no effect on Sonata, who was completely oblivious to them. She just walked along with the others, humming the Equestria Girls’ theme.

“That was a nice jab” said Aria. “Too bad she’s just oblivious to any kind of insults.”

They all got aboard the Siren’s van and returned home. Meanwhile, all the villains returned to their rooms, except Moonlight and Sunny, who were still at the beach. Grogar didn’t mind them staying here.

“Tomorrow’s the big day...” said Moonlight. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yes” she answered. “We’re doing this!”

Moonlight smiled.

“We can’t go back after doing that” he said. “You know that, right?”

“I’m fully aware of that” said Sunny. “And i’m not backing up”

“Then, i guess that settles it!!” said Moonlight. “For now, let’s keep enjoying the end of the day...”

Chapter 4: In the finale

It was a beautiful morning in Canterlot. For everyone, this day would be a nice one, well, except for a couple girls. Indeed, it was the day of the heroes final confrontation with Grogar and his allies. Sunset and her friends were on their way to Camp Everfree, since they didn’t know when the solar eclipse would happen. Stygian and the Dazzlings were setting up traps to slow their opponents down, eventually knowing they would have to jump into battle. At Grogar’s castle, Tirek was doing push-ups, Chrysalis was sleeping on a shelf, transformed into a cat and Sombra was reading a romance novel. Nightmare, him, was at Celestia’s house, on Grogar’s request, pretending to be Cozy Glow. As for Sunny and Moonlight, they were out, but left a note to Grogar saying they’ll show up in time for battle. When the big man himself woke up and saw the note on his door, he let out a loud sight and went to the bathroom. After taking a shower, he went to grab something to eat in the kitchen. An hour later, when he was ready to start the day, he called everyone present in the castle for a meeting. Nightmare got the message and opened a communication device allowing him to see, hear and talk to the others from anywhere. Grogar waited a few more minutes, waiting for Sunny and Moonlight to respond to his call.

“Those two, i swear...” said Grogar. “Anyway, let’s move on...After today, Equestria, will be mine to rule. I’ve been planning this for centuries, and i won’t let a group of magical girls ruin my plans of conquest and domination!!”

“When you say Equestria would be yours, do you mean all of it?” asked Sombra.

“When i’m done conquering it, Equestria will become a veritable Hell on Earth” answered Grogar. “A place where all monsters will be free to terrorize their victims. Hence why i recommended you to conquer undiscovered territories far beyond Equestria. Of course, as a reward of your loyalty, i will offer you your worst enemies on a silver platter. Tirek, i’ll give you Scorpan, your brother, as well as Queen Hayden, your mother”

“Neat” he said.

“Sombra” said Grogar. “You’ll get princess Luna and princess Celestia all for yourself”

“Seem fair” said Sombra. “The two royal sisters will make perfect soldiers during my conquest.”

“Chrysalis” said Grogar. “You shall get princess Twilight and princess Cadence”

“That would be perfect to me” she said.

“Nightmare” said Grogar. “Once i rebuilt Equestria my way, you shall be free to do as you wish in it.”

“All the despair, all the terror...” said Nightmare. “A neverending nightmare...That is my dream”

“What about Moonlight?” asked Sombra. “And Sunny? What will they get?”

“Those two?” answered Grogar. “Nothing...”

“Wait, what?” asked Chrysalis. “They have been on your side since forever!”

“Moonlight won’t survive using the magic Elements of Harmony to the scale i want him to use them” answered Grogar. “This is a magic even more powerful than Chaos magic. To use it without consequences, he have to be chosen by the Spirit of Harmony, and the only way is if he possess all 6 virtues at the same time. He doesn’t possess any of them, so, even if he is able to wield them, the Elements will destroy him eventually at the end”

“What about Sunny?” asked Tirek.

“I kept her around because she’s the only thing that kept Moonlight on my side” answered Grogar. “Losing her brother will drive her mad and she’ll direct that rage toward me. I’ll have no choice but to stop her. But i won’t kill her...Instead, i will rewrite her memories, shape her to my will and make her my faithful, evil bride. Her and i shall rule on Equestria together!!”

The trio exchanged a worried stare.

“That is my plan for you and them” said Grogar. “If everything go as planned, of course. So, i suggest you to give everything you have, because i won’t tolerate failure, or betrayal...”

On those last words, he dismissed the reunion and left the room.

“What an inspiring motivational speech!” said Sombra, being ironic. “We’re going to crush them, but we’re not doing it for you...we’re doing it for US!”

Meanwhile, at the other side of the globe, Sunny was experiencing a hangover. Last night, She partied like a beast, and were now paying the price. Moonlight was to her side to help her get through it.

“My head...It hurt so much...” said Sunny, her head above the toilet.

“You wanted to party like there was no tomorrow” said Moonlight. “Now, endure the consequences of your decision”

“Couldn’t you use your time magic on me?” asked Sunny.

“No, no chance at all” answered Moonlight, smiling. “Going through a hangover like this one will teach you a valuable lesson about moderation...”

“My mind is so fuzzy” said Sunny. “How did that night went?”

“Let’s say i almost died of embarrassement” he answered.

“That bad, uh?” said Sunny, smiling. “Did i tried to have sex with you?”

“Do i really need to answer this question?” said Moonlight. “You were quite literally begging me to breed you like a little slut. You also said things like please rearrange my guts, make me your bitch, stuff my turkey and other awful sexual innuandos...”

“Poor you...” said Sunny. “All that teasing must really have put you on the edge...”

“You don’t say” said Moonlight. “Anyway, be ready as soon as possible...We must reach Canterlot in time for the battle.”

Meanwhile, the heroes were still almost arrived to Camp Everfree.

“I’m worried” said Applejack. “About Stygian and the Dazzlings back to Canterlot.”

“They are not reckless” said Sunset. “Their goal is to buy us time by holding them off.”

“We’ll be lucky if they bought us half an hour” said Applejack.

“Discord told me i would get the help of two unexpected allies when the situation would become dire” said Sunset.

“And about that vision?” asked Twilight. “The one where you are dying?”

“That vision changed” answered Sunset. “I’m not gonna take the blow...someone else will. That person will die protecting me”

“Did you see who’s gonna sacrifice himself, or herself, to protect you?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“No” said Sunset. “I have no idea who will die for me, but it must be one of you...”

“That’s logical” said Twilight. “Only someone who deeply care about you would sacrifice his life. All of us care enough about you to throw away our life saving you”

“Well, if one of us have to die, it should be me!!” said Rainbow Dash. “Sacrifice is the greatest proof of loyalty!! I’m the Element of Loyalty!!”

“Or me” said Applejack. “Sunset is like a sister to me...She’s family...And i would not hesitate to die protecting my family!”

“Girls...” said Sunset.

“Each one of us is ready protect you at the cost of our life” said Rarity.

“But you 5 must stay alive” said Twilight to the others. “Without your Elements, me and Sunset can’t channel the Magic of Harmony. But my Element, the Element of Magic, is not necessary, since Sunset wield it as well. If i die, i’m certain she would be able to wield my Element, since, like i said, we both wield it. In short, i’m the only one you can afford to lose without consequences...!”

“Nothing confirm it is one of you” said Sunset. “Anyway, when is that solar eclipse supposed to happen exactly?”

“In 2 hours, i think” answered Twilight. “So, we’re not in a hurry...”

Back in Canterlot, Adagio, Sonata, Aria and Stygian were sitting at a restaurant. Stygian had ordered the most expensive item on the menu and was now writting something in his notebook.

“Since it might be our last meal” said Stygian. “I wanted to make it count...”

“You’re so negative, Stygian!” said Aria. “None of us is going to die today!”

“If you want to make it count” said Sonata “I might have an idea...”

She disappeared under the battle.

“That girl...What a slut.” said Aria.

Stygian felt Sonata’s hands on his dick, then her mouth. Yeah, that’s right...She was giving him a blowjob under the table. A few minutes later, Stygian felt something thight and warm on his dick. He deduced that Sonata was fucking him right now. A few minutes later, as he was close to cum, he felt Sonata’s mouth on his cock. Stygian blew out his load in it, a satisfied smile on his face. Sonata reappeared a couple moments later at her place, with no visible trace of cum on her. Adagio deduced she swallowed his load, until Sonata opened her mouth. She still had cum in her mouth and before Adagio could react shared it with her. Sonata pulled out, putting her finger on Adagio’s mouth.

“Swallow” she said. “If you spit it out, people are going to look at you weird...”

Adagio swallowed the cum and gave Sonata a killer stare.

“Good girl...” said Sonata.

Adagio threw her soda on Sonata.

“Oops, my bad” said Adagio with a smirk.

“You did it on purpose!!!” said Sonata, peeved.

“And you put his sperm in my mouth on purpose...” said Adagio.

They started fighting each other and the restaurant owner had to call security to separate them.

“I’ll pay the addition” said Stygian.

Once the meal paid, the group left the restaurant. The soda Adagio spilled on Sonata had made her shirt see-through, making Stygian notice she wasn’t wearing a bra. He looked somewhere else, but Sonata already caught on and smiled.

“Do you have a boner because you can see my tits through my shirt?” she asked. “It doesn’t take a lot to get you aroused...Well, let’s get to our van and wash all that sticky soda off.”

They returned to the van and immediately, Sonata grabbed Stygian. She carried him to the bathroom, followed by Aria and Adagio. One hour later, Stygian left the bathroom, looking satisfied.

“Those girls are such thirsty vixens...” said Stygian. “Oh gosh, did we spend one hour fucking in the shower?! Damnit!!”

Stygian quickly dressed up and left the van. 10 minutes later, the Sirens joined him.

“Good news, Stygian!!” said Sonata. “We’re all going to be mothers!!”

He stopped breathing for a second.

She’s just kidding...” said Adagio. “Grogar made all his creations unable to procreate...”

“Which suck” said Aria. “We’ll never know the joy of being a mother...”

“There’s adoption, you know” said Stygian. “Anyway, let’s not waste time and prepare ourselves for our final fight...”

“Where are our opponents going to appear?” asked Adagio.

“My guess would be Downtown...” answered Stygian. “But they could show up at C.H.S too...”

Meanwhile, Sunset and the girls were inside the cave where they found the Elements of Harmony. They were sitting in circle, waiting for the Solar Eclipse to happen. Grogar had reunited Chrysalis, Sombra and Tirek in front of him for a last meeting.

“The Eclipse...” said Twilight. “It’s about to happen!!”

“Then, let’s not waste time!!” said Sunset. “Remember, everyone!! We will all be tested, pushed to our limits...And i won’t be there to save you...So you have to pass the test at all cost. Never forget what you’re fighting for!!!”

“Got it!” said Applejack.

“See you on the other side!” said Pinkie Pie.

“Let’s-a-go!!” said Rainbow Dash.

“I can do this!!” said Fluttershy.

“Who knew saving the world would be so stressful?” asked Rarity. “Anyway, we can’t fail, our friends depend on us to win!!”

I wonder what this test will look like...” said Twilight. “Only one way to know...”

At Grogar’s castle...

“It’s finally time, everyone” said Grogar to his Generals. “Today, we will conquer Equestria!!”

“Let’s do this!!!” shouted Tirek. “I’ve waited so long for a rematch!!”

“I can’t wait to crush those bugs under my heel” said Chrysalis. “They won’t get in the way of my revenge!!”

“I guess we’re doing this...” said Sombra. “Might fate be with us...”

In Cozy’s room...

“Finally...” said Nightmare “I waited too long for this...My dreams will finally come true!!”

Over the ocean...

“We’ll be right over Canterlot in about thirty minutes...” said Moonlight. “I hope we won’t arrive too late!!”

“We’re doing it!!” said Sunny, excited. “It’s time to see how far we progressed!!”

“They won’t see us coming...” said Moonlight.

Chapter 5: Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash's Trials.

Less than half an hour passed when the Eclipse finally started. At Canterlot, Stygian and Adagio knew it would be only a matter of minutes before the villains attack them. At his castle, Grogar opened a portal leading to Canterlot. At Camp Everfree, our heroes immediately tried to resonate with their Element of Harmony. Onboard a plane, Moonlight and Sunny were about to jump off and make a badass entrance. Finally, the girls figured out how to enter their realm of Harmony. The first one to do it was Fluttershy, and she found herself in C.H.S , or what seemed to look like it. She was in the middle of the classroom and Cranky Doodle was teaching.

”What am i doing in class?” she thought. “I graduated years ago...”

Angel Bunny appeared on her desk in front of her.

“Angel?!” what are you doing here?!” she asked.

“I’m not who you think i am” answered the animal. “I’m the spirit of Kindness.”

“What am i doing there?” she asked.

“In your memories” answered the spirit. “Don’t you remember that day?”

She noticed that everyone were looking younger than usual.

“My very first day of school at C.H.S...” said Fluttershy. “It was the first time i set foot into a high school and i was terrified...”

“Do you remember what happened to you this day?” asked the bunny.

“I got bullied by a group of older girls for loving animals...” answered Fluttershy. “They would have hurt me if Rainbow Dash didn’t stop them.”

“And this isn’t the first time it would happen...” said the spirit of Kindness. “Each time those bullies were harrassing you, Rainbow Dash, like a shining knight, always jumped in to protect you...”

“She always protected me from bullies since kindergaten...” said Fluttershy. “But where are you going with this?”

“You never stood up for yourself...” said the magic bunny. “You never had to because your friend always rescued you from those bullies. How many time did she took out a beating for you?”

“Too many times” answered Fluttershy.

“She got hurt all those times because you were too weak to affirm yourself.” said the spirit of Kindness. “Even today, you’re unable to defend yourself in the face of danger. You still don’t believe in yourself, you see yourself as weak, useless and a deadweight to everyone.”

“Are you trying to tell me being kind make me weak?” asked Fluttershy

“No” answered the bunny. “Far from it...Your kindess make you strong...it’s literally the source of your power. But you lack so much self-confidence, assurance and a backbone and it wear you down. If you learned to stand up for yourself, to affirm yourself against those who belittle you, your life would have been so much easier...and better...”

“Is it the key to awaken my true potential?” asked Fluttershy.

“You’re a smart one” answered the spirit. “Yes...If you want to awaken your true power, you have to get rid of what hold you back. In short, everything i mentionned earlier.”

“How can i do that?” asked Fluttershy

“I’m going to test you, of course!!” answered the spirit. “And you can call me Angel if you want...”

“Got it” said Fluttershy. “What’s the test about?”

Angel brought Fluttershy further in the past, when she a student at Cloudsdale. She looked at herself and saw that she was 7 years old and talking to a squirrel.

“I remember that day too well...” thought Fluttershy. “It was the first time those meanie directly confronted me. They were mocking me all year for being weird because i spent my time with animals.”

She saw the 3 young girls walking in her direction. They were her bullies...Those 3 were sisters and their parents were super rich, owning a multimillion company specializing in security systems and equipments. The oldest one, who was the leader of the trio, was Golden Locks, because of her beautiful blonde hairs and pearly white skin. The tallest one, standing to Golden’s right, was Silver Lock, because of her silver hairs and white skin. The younger, and smallest one, was Copper Lock, due to her shiny orange hairs.

“No...It is because i ran away that my friend Dashie ot humiliated by those girls.” she said to herself. “Tell me, little guy, what would you do if you were bullied?”

The squirrel looked at her.

“Stand up for yourself” answered the critter. “Show them you are not afraid of those meanies...I learned this lesson the hard way when a bigger, tougher rival was harassing me. The moment i stopped giving my nuts to that brute and stood up for myself and my family, he left, never to come back...A friend of mine told me that a dog got him...If you want my opinion, that’s well deserved karma.”

“Thank you” said Fluttershy.

She waited for the girls to arrive in front of her.

“Well well!!” said Golden Locks. “If it ain’t the Critter Freak!!”

Fluttershy laughed all of a sudden, listening to her squirrel friend.

“What’s funny, Critter Freak?” asked Silver Locks.

“That’s not nice to say, mister” said Fluttershy to the squirrel. “That’s an insult to birds...”

“What did he say?” asked Golden Locks.

“If you could understand animals like i do, then you would know what he just said...” answered Fluttershy. “Too bad you can’t. You’re only special because your parents are rich and famous...If you were a normal girl, with normal parents, you would be like the rest of us, who you look down upon so much...I’m special because i can understand animals and communicate with them...So, before you bully someone because he’s poor, lonely or disabled, tell yourself that without your parent’s fame, you would be nothing...”

Everyone was looking at them with surprised expressions. Only using words, Fluttershy just straight up put the 3 bullies to their places. Golden Locks, seeing that she was loosing the face in front of everyone, walked away with her sisters without saying anything. The words Fluttershy said had the effect of a knife to the chest and would have for effect to get her to do some soul-searching.

“Wow, Fluttershy!!” said Rainbow Dash. “You didn’t need to roast her that bad...”

“I just told her a fact, that’s all!” said Fluttershy. “She needed a good dose of reality to get her, i hope, on the right way.”

“Did you realize what you’ve done?” asked Rainbow Dash. “You just stood up for yourself!!”

“You’re right...I did...” said Fluttershy. “Then again, i was being very nice to her...”

“Ah, Fluttershy, always so kind, even toward scumbags.” she said.

Rainbow looked at the people looking at them.

“You should all take example on her next time those girls try to boss you around!!” she said.

Suddenly, everything around her disappeared, and she reappeared in her room. Angel was sitting in front of her, looking proud.

“How did it feel to put those girls to their place?” asked Angel.

“It felt...honestly great on my self-esteem” answered Fluttershy. “If only i had the courage to stand up for myself back then, to say those words...My life would have been so much better...Too bad this was all fake.”

“Actually, i lied to you” said Angel. “I didn’t bring you in your past memories, but rather back in time!”

“Really?” said Fluttershy. “So...that like, totally happened?”

“Yes...” answered Angel. “The paradox you created should hit any time soon...”

A few seconds later, Fluttershy got new memories of her life after the day she learned to stand up for herself. She was still the same kind and caring girl that loved animals all those years, but being confident made her life much easier and helped her reach her goals much quicker.

“You passed the test with success, Fluttershy.” said Angel. “Enjoy that newfound confidence of yours!! It will bring you far in life!! Also, yes, your true power is awaken, now, so get out and kick some butts!!”

Everything around Fluttershy faded to black. Now, it was Rainbow’s turn...This one opened her eyes and saw she was in a soccer field, along with her teammates. In front of her, a turtle was looking at her.

“Tank?” asked Rainbow Dash. “What are you doing on this field?! It’s dangerous, someone could kick you by accident!!”

“I’m not your pet turtle, Rainbow Dash” said the turtle. “I’m the Spirit of Loyalty...I’ve taken that form because you’re very familiar with that creature you call Tank. Do you recognize that day?”

“It was my first day in C.H.S Soccer team...” she said. “I ended up impressing them so much they made me their team captain...Why did you brought me to that day?”

“It was the first time in a couple months that you touched to Sports again” answered the spirit. “You must remember that humiliating defeat you brought to your team during the Finale of the National Junior Soccer League.”

“Don’t remind me of that day...” said Rainbow Dash. “I messed up big time...Near the end of the match, i felt a searing pain in my right leg. After the match, i learned from the doctor that i put too much strain on my leg muscles, which ended up tearing them just as i was about to hit the ball. I missed my shot and our enemies took possession of the ball, and they scored a goal 3 seconds before the end of the match...Lightning Dust was so mad at me for costing them the victory, since she had an opening...But, as always, i wanted to play solo and get the credit of the winning goal.”

“If you had the opportunity to go back to that day and change things, what would you do?” asked the spirit.

“I would have trusted my teammates more...” she answered.

The spirit of Loyalty brought Rainbow back in time, on the day of the League Finale. She was sitting in a room with all her teammates.

“Listen, everyone!!” said the coach. “We made it all the way to the Finale, mostly thank to our two Star players, Rainbow Dash and Lighting Dust!!”

He finished his cheering speech and shared the match plan with the team. The announcer called in the two teams who made it to the finale.

“Hey, Dustie!” said Rainbow Dash. “Can i talk to you for a moment?”

“Of course!” answered Lightning Dust.

“I’m sorry for being such a jerk to you” said Rainbow. “For hogging the spotlight for myself, when i should trust and support my teammates instead...”

“Rainbow Dash, apologizing?” said Ligthning Dust, smiling. “Well, i’m glad my words put some sense into you...I wouldn’t want our team to lose the match because of your misplaced pride...”

She hugged Rainbow Dash.

”Yeah...That would be awful...” said Dashie for herself. ”I got a second chance and i won’t miss it...”

They joined the others on the field and placed themselves in the front line. The referee gave the start signal and the match began. Immediately, the ball was in Rainbow Dash’ possession. The match plan was simple; Rainbow Dash would use her speed and agility to confuse the enemy team, while Lightning Dust, with her amazing technique and accuracy, would be scoring the goals. Originally, Rainbow Dash hated that plan, having to play the bait while her rival got all the credit. But this time, things were different, because she had learned from her mistake and wouldn’t do the same one again. With that strategy, her team got the lead early on with a score of 3 to 0. But when their opponents figured their strategy, they found a way around it and set the score 3 to 3. Now, there was only 1 minutes left to the match and the pressure was immense for both team. Rainbow Dash felt a searing pain in her right leg as she was juggling with the ball. Despite it, she swiftly dodged her opponents’ charge and 20 seconds before the end, she passed it to Lightning Dust. Her leg’s muscles tore up and she felt on the ground.

”Dashie...” thought Lightning Dust. ”You can count on me!!!”

She was galvanized by Rainbow’s trust in her and she scored a goal for her team 5 seconds before the end. Her team cheered her and threw her in the air. Seeing her friend so happy made Rainbow Dash feel good...Lightning Dust looked for her friend and saw Dashie doing a thumbs up to her, a smile on her face. Lightning told her teammates to put her down so she can join her friend. She helped her get up, and Rainbow Dash made a grimace due to the pain.

“Nice job, Dustie...Ouch...” said Rainbow Dash. “That was the best feint i’ve seen in my life...”

“You idiot!!” said Lightning Dust. “I can’t believe you got hurt to the leg and told nobody about it!!”

“I didn’t want to let our opponents know about it...Might have ended up costing us the victory...” said Dash. “If i tried to score a goal, i would have probably cost us the victory, so i prefered leaving the winning goal to you.”

“Selfless as always...” said Lightning Dust. “You hid your pain to avoid demoralizing our team and when you couldn’t take it anymore, you passed down the torch to me. Hey, you two!! My friend is injured!! So move your asses here and carry her, got it?!!”

They obeyed and helped Rainbow Dash stand up. They were given the National Junior Soccer League Cup and assisted to the closing ceremony. After it, Lightning Dust was approached by a renown coach from one of the best Major Soccer League team that offered her scholarship to their sport academy. She hesitated to accept and looked for Rainbow Dash. She found her at the infirmary, being examinated.

“Go for it, champ” she said to Ligthing Dust. “Don’t worry about our friendship, i’m not mad nor jealous. One day, our paths will cross again and we’ll still be best friends. I gave it my all to help you reach your goal, so you better not back down right now.”

Lightning Dust kissed Rainbow Dash on the mouth and left the room. That kiss left Rainbow Dash slightly confused and red. The spirit of Loyalty appeared in front of her.

“Let me guess” said Rainbow Dash. “I passed the test?”

“No...” answered the spirit. “You aced it!! What you did was the greatest proof of your loyalty to your best friend!! I couldn’t be more proud of you. You are indeed worthy of the Element of Loyalty and you have awakened your full potential...Goodbye!”

Everything around her faded away and she fell into darkness.

Chapter 6: Applejack and Rarity's Trials

Applejack woke up in the middle of Sweet Apple Acres. She looked around and saw herself, dressed up for school, as well as Big MacIntosh, young Applebloom and Granny Smith, who were behind her. In front of her was standing Winnona, her dog, who was looking at her.

“Hey...i remember that day!!” said Applejack. “It was my first day at C.H.S!!! I was so excited...”

“You are quick-witted, Applejack, Element of Honesty.” said Winnona.

“Winnona?! Since when can you talk!?” she asked to her dog.

“I’m not Winnona, but the Spirit of Honesty.” answered the dog. “I took this form because you are very close to your pet.”

“You are here to test me, aren’t you?” asked Applejack. “What is that test about?”

The spirit brought Applejack in the past, on a day that Applejack wanted from all her heart to never happen.

“It’s the day my parents died...” said Applejack. “A day i never forgot and changed me and my family’s life forever. So many time i wished i could go back in time and prevent this.”

“Do you know what led them to their death?” asked Winnona.

“Yes...” answered Applejack. “I, by accident, while playing with a lighter i took from my uncle, Orange Dusk, set on fire an apple tree, which then set another one ablaze, and so on. I ended up burning a quarter of the orchard, but luckily, No one was injured. Also, no one was around me when the accident happened, so nobody knew i caused the fire. They found out what caused the fire, my uncle’s lighter and of course, they accused him of setting fire to the orchard. After all, Uncle Orange and his family had tense relations with ours, so him commiting arson wasn’t surprising to them. I didn’t said anything and let him get accused of arson. He was forced to pay hundred of thousands of dollars to our family and it ruined him. Eventually, he came to hate our family and one day, while our parents and i were walking in the orchard, HE showed up with a gun and tried to kill me for ruining his life. My parents protected me from him and died. The gunshot got Big Mac’s attention and he knocked down our uncle with a shovel. Medias were all over the place and a lot of people wanted to support us. But Granny told everyone they didn’t need our compassion and pity and that they needed time to grief. As for me, i never told anyone the truth about that event, even to this day and on my deathbed. In fact, i swore to never lie again after this.”

“Well, you’re in luck, darling” said the spirit of Honesty. “I offer you the chance to do things right and told them the truth.”

“Wait. What?” said Applejack.

Everything went black and when she opened her eyes, she saw the orchard on fire.

“Aw, come on...” said Applejack. “Why didn’t she send me back one hour ealier?!”

She looked around her to assess the situation.

“I better get back to the farm and call the firefighters...” she said.

She ran to the house and bumped into Big Mac, who saw the smoke.

“Call the firefighters!!” shouted Applejack. “Our orchard is on fire!!”

He took his phone and called. Ten minutes later, the authorities and firefighters arrived and put an end to the inferno. Granny Smith assessed the damages done to their orchard and judged they lost a quarter of their trees.

“We found what might have caused the inferno, Ma’am” said a police officer.

He showed the lighter.

“That’s my lighter!!!” said Orange Dusk.

“So, you’re the one who set fire to their orchard?” asked the officer.

“No!! I would never do that!!” answered Orange Dusk. “My lighter must have fell from my pocket somehow and some kid, probably Applejack, found it and inadvertedly set fire to the trees playing with it!!”

“Leave Applejack out of this!!” said Granny Smith. “She would never do something like this!!”

“No, he’s right...” said Applejack. “I am the one who did it.”

They looked at her.

“I found his lighter on the ground and started playing with it.” she explained. “I burned the tip of my thumb and the pain made me drop the lighter on the ground, near a pile of fermented apples. As i was trying to numb the pain, i felt a intense heat on my back and i turned around to see where the heat came from. The source of the heat came from a tree that was on fire. I immediately knew it was the lighter who started it but, afraid, ran way. So, if you have to blame someone for this, blame me.”

Her parents were impressed by her honesty, while Orange Dusk was reassured.

“Since it was my lighter that caused the fire, i think it’s only fair for me to pay for the damages caused to your orchard.” said Uncle Orange.

“No need for that!!” said Granny Smith. “We’re assured for that kind of thing!!”

“Alright, then!” said Uncle Orange.

“So, what’s my punition?” asked Applejack.

“Since it was an accident” said her mother. “And since you admitted to have caused it...Nothing.”

“In our family, Honesty is always rewarded, after all” said Granny Smith.

Uncle Orange gave Applejack his lighter.

“There’s no gas in it, don’t worry!” he said. “It’s to thank you for your honesty, Applejack.”

“I’ll keep it as a reminder of this day” said Applejack. “The day i learned an important lesson on the value of honesty. From this day and until i die, i swear to never tell a lie!!! Might you all be witnesses of that oath!!”

Everything around Applejack disappeared and she reappeared in her room. The spirit of Honesty was looking at her with a smile. Immediately, new memories arrived in Applejack’s mind. She was glad to see that her parents were still alive.

“Honesty is always rewarded, Applejack!” said the spirit. “Your true potential is now awakened!!”

“Are they really alive?” asked Applejack, in tears.

“Those memories are the proof...” answered Winnona.

Everything faded to black around Applejack as she fell into darkness. Jumping to Rarity, this one opened her eyes and saw she was at an auditorium in front of an audience.

”I remember that day” she thought. ”It was my first time participating in a beauty pageant contest! I won the first prize!!”

“Sharp mind, i see” said a voice near her.

Rarity looked around her and saw Opalescence looking at her with her eyes.

“Yes, i’m the one who talked!” said the cat. “I’m the Spirit of Generosity. Welcome!!”

“The spirit of...Oh...” said Rarity. “Why did you took the form of my cat?”

“Opalescence was a gift from your parents for your performance at this pageant contest” answered the spirit.

“I immediately fell in love with her when i saw her” said Rarity. “But...”

“It’s also a terrible remember that you took all the credit for your victory from someone else” said the spirit. “You stole the design of your dress from your best friend, Coco Pommel. You broke her heart, that day and you also lost your best friend.”

“I felt so bad for what i did to her...” said Rarity. “I should never have listened to the advice that bitch gave me.”

“You talk about Suri Polomare?” asked the spirit.

“Yes” answered Rarity. “That piece of shit got into my mind, used me like a puppet. I wanted to win so badly that i let her convince me to betray my best friend. All she wanted was to have Coco for herself and she succeeded. I wished ever since to correct my mistake...”

“And i’m letting you the opportunity to do so” said the spirit of Generosity. “You learned a lot since that day, you got far in life. You are now putting your friends before your carreer and you can be proud of yourself. Now, it’s time to take everything you learned and do the right thing...”

The spirit brought Rarity to that day, an hour before the contest started. She was in the Pageant’s room, along with Suri, Coco and the rest of the contestants. Suri went to her with a fake smile.

“What’s wrong, Rarity?” she asked. “You look worried...”

“Well, the dress i planned to wear at the contest disappeared mysteriously, so of course, i’m worried.” answered Rarity.

“That’s bad indeed...” said Suri. “And you don’t have the material to make another one before the contest. Unless...”

“Unless what?” asked Rarity. “I can’t come with a new design in less than an hour...”

“You can always steal the design from another contenstant” answered Suri.

“No” said Rarity. “I’m not like you, Suri. I won’t cheat my way to victory like you do, so, get lost...”

Suri got mad and red.

“Have fun being a loser, then...” said Suri, walking away.

Coco Pommel arrived next to Rarity.

“What are you going to do?” asked Coco. “Without a dress, you’re going to get disqualified.”

“Then, you have to win the contest for me” said Rarity.

“What?!” said Coco.

“I’ve seen some of your designs and they far surpasses mines.” said Rarity. “Suri stole my dress, knowing full well that i couldn’t make another one before the contest and that i’d have to resort to stealing from another contestant. But i’m better than that...And you’re better than both of us.”

Coco was blushing.

“Then, give me a hand, Rare!!” said Coco. “You have no equal when it comes to crafting. My dress is incomplete right now, but with you, i can finish it in time...”

“Then, let’s get to it!!” said Rarity.

Rarity and her went to her studio and locked the door. A few minutes later, Coco left Rarity’s studio, looking confused. Suri immediately walked to Coco and smiled.

“Is something wrong?” asked Suri.

“Rarity has been acting weird with me” answered Coco. “I’m thinking she’s hiding something from me...But she wouldn’t, right? She’s my friend, she would never do something behind my back...”

“She’s using you” said Suri. “She know you’re better than her...I wouldn’t be surprised if she picked one of your designs for herself...”

“That’s ridiculous!!” said Coco. “Rarity would never...”

“Are you sure about this?” asked Suri. “She’s no different than me...She want the victory and she will betray her best friend to obtain it. If you want to know, yes, i stole her dress...and tore it to shreds. This is how you survive in the business, Coco...there is no place for friends in the world of fashion.”

Suri left Coco alone and went to her studio, proud of herself. Coco also returned to her studio, who was next to Rarity’s. She took out her cellphone from her pocket, which she used to record what Suri said earlier. 45 minutes later, Rarity came out of her studio and told Coco that the dress was completed. Coco entered and saw the beautiful dress made for her.

“You did it...” said Coco. “The perfect dress...”

“Put it on!!” said Rarity.

“You made it” said Coco. “You should be the one wearing it.”

Coco told Rarity her plan and she was on board with it. She put on the dress and left her studio to head to the main room with the other contestants.

“I knew you would listen to my advice” said Suri. “That said, victory will be mine.”

The contestant started walking on the podium, showing their dresses to the crowd. When it was Suri’s turn, she was wearing a dress similar to Rarity’s one, with Suri’s design. The judges were blown away and gave her a perfect score. This is the moment were Coco played the recording live, at Suri’s surprise. The judges were shocked by her words and disqualified her on the spot. Rarity entered in scene and impressed the judges with her dress. The judges gave her a perfect score and gave her the first price. At everyone’s surprise, she gave it to Coco.

“The prize should be hers” said Rarity. “Suri said there are no friendships in the domain of fashion, but she’s wrong...”

“Rarity is right...” said Coco. “Even if her dress was stolen by Suri, she didn’t gave up and wanted me to take her place in the contest. I designed the dress she is wearing, but she sew it from her own hands, in less than an hour. Yes, she could have done like Suri and stole my design for herself and take all the credit, but she didn’t...”

“As much as i value fashion, i value friendship even more...” said Rarity. “You can’t survive in the world of fashion alone, you need to have a friend to your sides. And Coco, you’re the best friend i could have ever asked for. It would be unfair to accept the prize if she doesn’t get one too.”

The judges consulted each other and after a few minutes, came to a decision. They handed to each of the them a trophy and a certificate signed by them.

“This certificate will open you so many doors” said Sapphire Shore. “The domain of Fashion need more icons like you two...”

They headed outside and saw Suri, crying, and being mocked by the other contestants. Rarity and Coco came to her defense.

“She made a mistake” said Rarity. “But how could she know better?”

She held Suri against her. This one looked at Rarity with emotion and gratitude.

“I understand what she did and why she did it.” said Rarity. “Her parents are total assholes who only care for her if she’s successful in life. But a friend care for another, whatever happen. I care for you, Suri and i want you to succeed in life...But you can’t succeed without a loyal friend to help you carry the pressure”

“Rarity...” said Suri, in tears. “I waited so long for someone to say those words to me.”

“Dry those tears, Darling” she said. “Because you are not going home empty handed.”

Rarity gave Suri her certificate and the first place trophy. Suri refused them, which surprised Rarity.

“No thanks” she said. “I appreciate the intention... But what i really need is a friend...Someone who believe in me...”

“Then, accept this as a gift of my friendship” said Rarity.

She gave Suri a heart-shaped pendant with a sapphire in the middle. Suri immediately recognized in it a Sapphire Shore’s limited creation and was overwhelmed by gratitude.

“This pendant was a gift from Sapphire Shore herself” said Rarity. “Apparently, my mom convinced her to make one for me, and Sapphire Shore only accepted because of the great friendship they had. My mom wanted to show me how much i meant to her, and today, i’m giving it to you to show how much you mean to me...”

Suri smiled and gave Rarity the scarf she was wearing.

“If you knew how much this gift mean to me...” said Suri. “I hope my gift will mean as much to your...Well, looking at your face, it does mean a lot to you”

“It is one of 10 examplaries made by Prime Hemmeline to celebrate the 1st anniversary of her company” said Rarity. “She only made 10 of those, and you’re giving it to me?”

“Yes...that show how much respect i have for you” said Suri. “You see, that scarf mean a lot to me, not because it was made by Prime Hemmiline herself, but because it was the only gift i ever got from my parents. It helped me get through the darkest times. But today, i don’t need it anymore, because i got something even more precious: A friend...”

Rarity smiled. Coco hugged them both, and accidentally made them kiss each other. They blushed and got away from each other, embarrassed. A few seconds later, the background faded away and she reappeared in her room. Opalescence was looking at her with pride. Rarity felt a bunch of new memories flowing in her mind. She looked down and saw she was wearing Suri’s scarf.

“So, i really went in the past” said Rarity. “I imagine i also awakened my true power, right?”

“Yes” said the spirit of Generosity. “See you soon, Darling...”

Everything faded to black and Rarity felt into darkness

Chapter 7: Pinkie Pie and Twilight's trials

Pinkie Pie opened her eyes to see was with all her family for christmas.

“My very first Christmas” she said. “It was the first time they included me in their celebrations and oh boy, it changed my life. The joy, the laughs, the sweets, it was so awesome...”

Pinkie wandered through her own memories, going through all her birthdays.

“Having such a control over your own psyche is impressive” said a voice near her. “Then again, you break the very notion of logic...”

Pinkie Pie turned around and saw Gummy on the floor. This one was looking at her with cheerful eyes.

“You must be my consciousness” said Pinkie Pie.

“Close” said Gummy. “I’m the Spirit of Laugher and i’m here to test you...Let’s get to the point Pinkie Pie.”

Gummy brought Pinkie Pie to a day that she would have prefered forgotten forever.

“Not that day...” said Pinkie Pie. “I’ll never forgive myself for what i’ve done...I ended up hurting the young girl i was supposed to cheer up, physically and emotionally. The ones who requested the party, her parents, wanted to put all the chances on their side and called in another expert at party planning: Cheese Sandwhich. Seeing him doing my job better than me hurt my pride. I didn’t want him to steal the spotlight and tried to one-up him at every occasion, while also sabotaging him. The preparations were miraculously finished in time and when the party started, i challenged him at a goof-off. We both spent minutes one-upping each other, trying to make our guest happy. Then, during my final performance, in which i was standing on a big balloon, juggling with flaming sticks. I lost my balance when the balloon got pierced by a loose piece of rock. The flaming sticks set fire to the decorations and scared everyone. One of them hit the young girl and burned her arm pretty badly. Cheese was able to extinguish the fire before it got out of control and bandaged the girl. Let’s just say him, herself and her parents were disappointed at me. After that day, it took my years before i started planning parties again, most of them for my friends and family. I wished to be able to go back in time to change everything i did...”

“And i’m giving you the opportunity to do so” said Gummy. “I’ll send you back in time, to that very da....and she’s gone...”

Pinkie Pie had already jumped back in time, to that fateful day. She arrived an hour before she would get called by the little girl’s family to throw out a party. Since she already knew what tricks Cheese Sandwhich would perform and how popular they were with people in general. So, she decided to modify a couple of her tricks so they would perfectly combine with Cheese’s. She also decided to let him handle the decorations while she’d make the food. Then, an hour later, she got a call and answered immediately.

“You called the right person for this job, Ma’am!!” said Pinkie. “Your daughter is never going to forget that party!!”

She hanged up and headed to their house. She was welcomed by the family as they showed her their plan for their daughter’s party.

“We called another party planner to assist you” said the mother. “He should arrive anytime soon...I know you’re good at throwing parties, Pinkie Pie, but i want this day to be perfect for our little girl. You don’t mind it, do you?”

“Not at all!!” said Pinkie Pie. “I anticipated this possibility and prepared a plan in consequence.”

A few minutes later, Cheese Sandwhich showed up and was surprised to see Pinkie Pie.

“Cheese!!” said Pinkie Pie. “My partner in crime!! My amigo!! My party buddy!! I’m so glad to see you again!!”

Cheese smiled and played the game.

“Pinkie!!” he said. “The jelly to my peanut butter sandwhich!! The Bonnie to my Clyde!! How are you, darling!?”

“You know each other?” asked the father.

“Of course!!” answered Pinkie Pie. “We are friends since kindergaten!!”

“We basically have no secret between us” said Cheese. “We know each other by heart!! You did the right decision calling the two of us to organize that party!!”

When the parents left to go buy gifts, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwhich looked at each other.

“Good job reassuring them, Pinkie” said Cheese. “But are you sure you can collaborate with me? I know you take a lot of pride being Canterlot’s only party expert. I mean, last time we collaborated for a party, you hurt yourself trying to impress the guests. Fortunately, your crazy antics ended up pleasing the guests and the birthday boy.”

“I acted that way out of jealousy and pride” said Pinkie Pie. “I saw you as a rival, a threat to my reputation of best party planner in Canterlot. But i evolved since then and realized that the client’s hapiness and satisfaction passes first...”

“Well, i don’t mind our rivalry” said Cheese. “It would be too boring if i was the only expert party planner in Canterlot.”

“I love you, Cheese” said Pinkie. “I don’t want us to be rivals, i want us to be friends and eventually lovers...”

Cheese was stumped by this declaration.

“I was thinking the same thing!!” said Cheese Sandwhich. “I knew we had a special connection!!”

She kissed him on the lips. Cheese was surprised at first, but quickly calmed down.

“Anyway!!” said Pinkie Pie, being her happy, cheerful self again. “We have a party to plan!!”

So, the two party planners got to work and started by setting the decorations. By combining both their expertise, they were able to do a quick and clean job.

“Next are the activities!!” said Pinkie Pie. “Kids will want to play!!”

“I already got this covered!!” shouted Cheese. “Bouncing castles, a slide, a swimming pool, a cotton candy stand, a couple arcades would also please the kids. I know it’s a lot of expenses, but it ain’t about the money!”

“It’s about making people smile!!!” said Pinkie, finishing his sentence. “But we still need to respect our budget...”

Pinkie Pie and Cheese went to work after deciding which games to settle on. Among the different playground toys and attractions, there were water guns, a cotton candy stand, two or three arcades, slides, a couple swimming pools and art supply in bulk.

“Now, we just have to prepare the food!!” said Pinkie. “Let’s do this!!”

“Yeah!!” shouted Cheese Sandwich.

So, during two hours straight, the pair made tons of pies and cupcakes. Then, Pinkie received a message from Mr and Mrs Cake that the girl’s birthday cake was finished and on it’s way. They finished everything with half an hour to spare. Cheese Sandwich used that free time to take Pinkie Pie on a little walk. They came back 25 minutes later, looking exhausted and satisfied

“For a first time, that was something...” said Cheese.

“Yeah!!” said Pinkie Pie. “I was hesitant at first, but turns out it was pretty good!!”

“We should do it again sometime soon!!” said Cheese.

“And bring more people!!” said Pinkie.

She looked at the Fourth Wall.

“Just to be clear, we’re not talking about sex here...” she said. “Cheese made me try a cheese pie and turns out it was pretty tasty.”

“That’s right...” said Cheese Sandwich. “But, did we? He he he”

“Oh Cheese...” said Pinkie. “Well, that’s their choice to believe us or not...”

A few minutes later, the parents arrived with their daughter. When she saw the food, the decoration, the games and everything Pinkie and Cheese prepared for her, she smiled with excitation. The parents, them, were as amazed as their daughter. An hour later, everyone was here and having fun. Then, later, Cheese Sandwich and Pinkie Pie did for the audience a performance they would never forget. When the party ended, the girl went to hug Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich.

“Thank you!!” she said, a huge smile on her face. “I’ll never forget that day!!”

The parents waited for her to go to bed and paid the two party planners.

“Wait, it’s way more than what we...” said Pinkie Pie.

“But you did more than what we expected from you” said the mother. “You went the extra mile to make sure her party was the best she had. You deserve it...”

Suddenly, around Pinkie Pie, the background disappeared. A few seconds later, she was in her room, with Gummy looking at her. She received shortly after a wave of new memories she made with Cheese.

“Now, can i go back to the real world?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“Yes, you may” answered Gummy. “You truly deserve your Element, Pinkie Pie.”

Then, she fell into darkness...In another place, Twilight opened her eyes and saw she was sitting in her classroom. She looked around and saw that everyone looked quite young.

“Could it be...my first day at Crystal PREP?” thought Twilight. “I remember being so excited that day...I was going to walk in my brother’s steps.”

“But it quickly turned into a nightmare...” said a familiar voice.

Twilight turned around and saw Spike sitting on her desk.

“Spike?” she asked.

“No” answered the dog. “I barely took the form of someone you’re very attached to. I am the Spirit of Magic...”

“And you’re here to test me...” said Twilight. “What is it going to be about?”

“Do you have a day in your life you wish you could change?” asked Spike. “Did you do something you regretted later on?”

“Yes” answered Twilight. “I always wanted to know what my life would have been if i integrated C.H.S instead of Crystal PREP that very day.”

“I’m afraid i can’t do that” said the Spirit of Magic. “Because it would affect the destiny of another wielder of the Element of Magic.”

“The other Twilight Sparkle” said Twilight.

“Exactly” said Spike. “If you went to C.H.S at the same time than your other friends, with the knowledge on friendship you now have, you could probably get them on your side. I have no doubt you would be able to change Sunset’s heart in the span of 3 years, before Twilight Sparkle of Equestria do it.”

“What if i didn’t change anything?” asked Twilight.

“Would you be able to?” answered Spike. “Is there something more personal, that only affected your life?”

“That day...” said Twilight. “When i turned into Midnight Sparkle and almost destroyed this universe. If i hadn’t been so obsessed by magic, if i didn’t let Abacus Cinch blackmailing me, if i had been more confident...Would that have major changes on the fate of others?”

“Yes” said Spike the spirit. “Without you turning into Midnight Sparkle, Sunset would have never turned into her Daydream form, which ended up being vital to win some of your future battles against powerful enemies...”

“So, i can’t change that too” said Twilight.

She suddenly remembered a day where she messed up and lost her first friend.

“Moon Dancer...” said Twilight, a bit sad. “I wish i never broke her heart...”

“There we are...” said Spike. “What did you do to lose her friendship that day?”

“I used her for my own benefit, then threw her away” answered Twilight. “I swapped our names on our sheet, because she got a passing grade, when i didn’t. I didn’t expect it to work, since my handwritting didn’t perfectly match Moondancer’s one. And it worked, since i got admitted to Crystal PREP. Way later, though, Miss Cinch revealed me that she knew what i’d done and loved it. She also told Moondancer what i’ve done to her to make sure i would have no friends so she could keep me in line.

“What would you have done differently?” asked the spirit of Magic.

“With the notions i have about friendship today, i would keep her as a friend” answered Twilight. “Since i know the answers of that damn entrance exam, i could score a perfect note, like Moondancer did. That way, both of us would be admitted to Crystal PREP and i would have a friend to survive those awful years to come.”

“Then, go for it!!” said Spike. “See you later!”

Twilight was sent to the day of the entrance exam. She was sit behind her desk and Moondancer was right next to her.

“Good luck, Twily” she said. “I hope both of us get to go to Crystal PREP.”

“Is that really what you want?” asked Twilight. “My brother went to that school and told me how bad it affect their students on a mental and emotional level. Your too good for such a place, Moondancer. I’m afraid our friendship won’t survive if we both end up at Crystal PREP. I should have told you earlier, but you’re important to me as a friend.”

Moondancer blushed. She looked in Twilight’s eyes and saw that she was meaning those words.

“I will be honest with you” said Moondancer. “I know how badly you want to go to Crystal PREP and that’s why i’m taking this entrance exam. I really don’t want you to face such an awful place on your own, Twily.”

“I won’t face it alone” said Twilight. “Because i’ll still have you as a friend, even if we frequent two different schools.”

“That’s true...” said Moondancer, with a smile.

“You should apply to C.H.S” said Twilight. “That school and Crystal PREP have an history of rivalry. It’s less strict than the latter and people are way more friendly. Plus, both schools are in the same town, meaning we can spend time together during weekends. And if things get tough for us, we have each other for support.”

“Right...” said Moondancer.

“One last thing!” said Twilight. “One day, you might meet someone looking similar to me at C.H.S. I need you not to interact with her...The fate of the world depends on it. Also, we might have to face off during the Friendship Games at some point. If that happen, i want you to not participate in them and not interact with me at all until the end of the games. It’s very important you do so.”

“I trust your judgement, Twily, so sure, i will do what you told me.” she said. “But you still have to pass the exam first, will you be okay?”

“I will” answered Twilight.

Suddenly, everything around her disappeared. She reappeared a few seconds later in her room, Spike sat on her bed. More time later, a flow of new memories appeared in her mind, memories of her and Moondancer. She felt a huge feeling of satisfaction and hapiness.

“So, have i passed?” asked Twilight. “Have i access to my full potential?”

“Yes” answered Spike. “Until next time, Twilight...”

She disappeared into darkness...

Chapter 8: Sunset's Trials.

Sunset appeared in a place that looked like her room. A few moments later, princess Twilight Sparkle appeared in the middle of the room, in her human form.

“You’re not Twilight Sparkle, are you?” asked Sunset.

“You’re right, i’m not Twilight Sparkle” answered the clone. “I’m an entity that took the form of a person of great importance to you. I’m the spirit of Forgiveness, an Element you created yourself.”

“So you know why i’m here...” said Sunset.

“To unlock your geode’s full potential” said Pseudo-Twilight. “Tell me, do you have any regret about past actions or decisions you’ve done and taken?”

“I made a lot of bad decisions in the past that led me on a dark path” said Sunset. “But i don’t regret them, since it led me to what i am today. Why are you asking me that, anyway?”

“I have the power to bring you in the past” answered the spirit. “The only condition is that you can’t change a moment that will impact your friends’ life.”

“Such as me never stealing Twilight’s Element” said Sunset.

“Look deep into your memories” said Pseudo-Twilight. “You must have some regrets about something that affected your life, and only yours.”

“Flash...” said Sunset. “I dated him to improve my image and gain in popularity. I wish i never used him like i did so that i could have a chance to date him in the future. Would that change my and my friends’ future drastically?”

“No” answered the spirit. “But i can tell there is more than just that you regret...”

“Yes, i do also wish i left Celestia in better terms” said Sunset. “It was painful for both her and me...I’ve told myself many, many time that i should have left without telling her about my reasons. No, i should have wrote on paper what my pride didn’t let me say to her directly, a heartfelt letter that would give her hope to see me again, then left Equestria without being seen. Is it possible to do without changing history?”

“It is...” answered the spirit. “It depends on what you write, though...”

“I’ll just tell her that my place is not here, in Equestria.” said Sunset. “Tell her that for her sake and the sake of Equestria, i had to leave. I want to tell her to not wait for my return and go on, as i may never come back to Equestria again...”

“She would be devastated at first” said Pseudo-Twilight. “But she would understand your decision and respect it. Anyway, which day you want me to bring you first?”

“The day i was exiled to this world.” answered Sunset.

Pseudo-Twilight snapped her fingers and the next moment, Sunset was her pony self, reading a book in her room. Immediately, she grabbed a plume and a scroll and started writting. When she was done, she left it on her desk and read some book to pass time, Celestia went to see her a couple times, until she went to sleep. In the middle of the night, she got up, grabbed the scroll and teleported outside of her room. She immediately casted an invisibility spell on herself before she walked to the room where the mirror was. She put the scroll in front of it and jumped right through the portal. The next instant, she found herself on the day she started dating Flash Sentry.

“I see” said Sunset. “Then, no time to waste...”

She went to find Flash Sentry, who was standing right next to her case.

“I thought a lot about your proposition” asked Flash. “I would like to date you, Sunset Shimmer...”

“Yeah...about that...” answered Sunset. “I don’t want to date you anymore, Flash”

“Oh...Uh...Why?” asked Flash.

“Because i’m a devil” answered Sunset, with an evil smile. “You’ll be nothing to me except a tool to get popular if we date...Is that what you want? To date a nasty, evil girl like me? Certainly not...”

“Yeah, now that you mention it, you’re kinda awful” said Flash.

“Just awful?” asked Sunset, with the same smile. “Just this month, i deliberately leaked a girl’s nudes, set another one’s hairs on fire, broke another girl’s legs, put cat urine in Mrs Cherilee’s coffee, put a bag of crack on another girl’s locker to get her expelled, and that’s only the beggining, Flash...Do you still want to date that?”

“No” answered Flash. “I would lose my time trying to change you. However, if you do change and become a really nice person, my door is always open.”

On those words, he left. Trixie appeared next to Sunset, looking smug.

“If you want someone to help you get popular, then look no further than i, the Great and Fabulous Trixie!!” said Trixie. “I’m pretty popular in this school for being a bad girl.”

Sunset looked at Trixie.

“Why not?” said Sunset. “Let’s rule this school with an iron fist!!”

The background faded away and was replaced by her room’s one. Pseudo-Twilight was standing right in front of her. A couple moments later, new memories came to Sunset’s head. Many of them being with Flash Sentry, who she had been dating over the last 5 years. Another one was her reunion with Celestia, who was at first unhappy with her actions, ended up being proud that her choice led her to what she was today. Finally, her and Trixie were still best friends, both of them having changed for the best.

“That’s two down, only one to go” said Sunset. “There is one last thing i want to change in my life...a decision i made a couple months ago”

“You can’t be serious...” said the Pseudo-Twilight. “Are we really talking about that day?”

“Yes!!” said Sunset. “I wanted that game so much, but i woke up too late and when i arrived to the shop, they were out of stock!! It was a limited, one-time platinium edition of my favorite video game!! Had i woke up earlier, i could have gotten the game!!”

“Fine...” said the spirit of Forgiveness.

Sunset later woke up in her room. She looked at her phone and saw it was 8 A.M. The mall opened in 1 hour, so she quickly dressed up, ate a cereal bar and brushed her hairs. When she arrived at the mall, she saw dozen of people waiting in front of the door. She went in line and waited for the mall to open, immediately after it opened, Sunset rushed to the video game shop and saw that there was no one in line.

“I’m first!!” she said. “Now, i just have to wait 4 more hours...But it’s worth it for that game. Wait, did i brought my money?”

She looked in her handbag and found her wallet, full of money.

“Of course, i did” she said to herself.

She waited for a while and as time passed, the line got longer. Then, 2 hours later, Sunset saw Rainbow Dash arriving. This one was discouraged at the quantity of people in front of her.

“I’ll never get that game!!” said Rainbow Dash. “Wait...Sunset’s right here, and she’s first in line!!”

Rainbow Dash joined Sunset.

“I’m so glad you’re here!!” said Dash. “Mind buying a copy of the game for me, since you’re first in line?”

“Of course” said Sunset.

Rainbow Dash gave her money.

“You know what game i’m talking about, right?”

“The Limited, One-time-only, Platinium edition of The Legends of Equestria?” said Sunset. “I can’t buy two copies of the same game, who would do that?”

“What?! No!” said Rainbow Dash. “I want you to buy me the limited edition of Daring Do and the 9 Dungeons of Tartarus. I couldn’t care less about Legends of Equestria”

“Oh right, i forgot you’re the biggest Daring-Do fan out here...” said Sunset. “Fine, i’ll buy it for you...”

“Thank you!!” said Rainbow Dash, running away.

The store finally opened after a painfully long wait. Sunset immediately headed for her game, then for Rainbow Dash’s one. She paid and got out of the store. She notified Rainbow Dash that she bought her game and come get it. Ten seconds later, this one showed up and grabbed the game from Sunset’s hands.

“Thank you, Sunset!!” she said.

The next moment, she was back to her room, with Twilight looking at her.

“Would you look at that...” said the spirit. “I guess that game was really that important to you...”

“Get me back to the real world, now” said Sunset. “I’m done here...Right?”

“It pains me to admit, but yes, you’re done here...” said Pseudo-Twilight. “Ciao!!”

Sunset got out of her transe and looked around to see if she was in the real world.

“Yes, you are in the real world, Shimmy” said Rainbow Dash. “Did you also travelled back in time to change a moment in your life you regretted?”

“3 times, actually” answered Sunset. “What did you change?”

“You can read minds, see it for yourself” said Pinkie Pie. “But in my case, i’m dating Cheese Sandwich, a fellow party expert and childhood friend.”

“I saved my parents!” said Applejack.

“I got my friend Coco Pommel back and made a new one: Suri Polomare” said Rarity.

“Me too!!” said Rainbow Dash. “I’m still friend with Lightning Dust!”

“I’m confident now!!” said Fluttershy

“I also reunited with an old friend” said Twilight. “Moondancer...What about you, Sunset?”

“I went back in time to get that limited edition of Legends of Equestria.” she answered.

They looked at her with amused stares.

“Worth it if you ask me” said Rainbow Dash. “I was able to get a copy of the Platinium edition of Daring Do and the 9 Gates of Tartarus thanks to her.”

“I’m also in couple with Flash Sentry” said Sunset. “I didn’t date him when i arrived at C.H.S and waited until i became a better person and Twilight got out of the picture to ask him out.”

“You and Trixie were the worst” said Pinkie Pie. “I’m glad your friendship survived even after your change of heart, though...”

“That’s great and all” said Fluttershy. “But we have a group of villains to stop, you know!”

“Right...” said Sunset. “Let’s go, girls!!”

They headed for the city. When they arrived, they were surprised to see Sunny and Stygian fighting Tirek, and further, Moonlight and the Sirens fighting Chrysalis, Nightmare and Sombra. The villains were clearly dominating the fight while their opponent were struggling to stay alive. Sunny noticed them.

“Finally!!” she said. “Hey, everyone!! The cavalry has arrived!!”

“About time!!” said Moonlight. “What took you so long?!”

“What did we miss?” asked Rainbow. “You two were our enemies not long ago and now, you’re fighting on our side...”

“I’d love to tell you why” said Sunny. “But that brute won’t let me catch a break!!”

“Hey, Eris!!” said Sunset. “Can you get us in a safe place? We need to talk to those 2!”

Around them, time stopped.

“Good enough” said Sunset. “Okay, let’s hear what you have to say, you two...”

“But where to start...” said Sunny.

“Why not tell them about our little trip to Equestria?” proposed Moonlight.

“Good idea!!” said Sunny.

“Great, filler...” said Pinkie Pie.

“Not filler, exposition” said Sunny. “A filler would be what the previous 4 chapters of this volume were about.”

“What are you two talking about?” asked Rainbow Dash. “We’re not in a story, we’re in real life!!”

“You wouldn’t understand” answered Pinkie Pie.

Chapter 9: Sunny and Moonlight's backstory.

“I guess we should start at the very beginning” said Moonlight. “Sit down, because it’s going to be a very long story”

Moonlight asked Sunset Shimmer to use her magic to connect their mind.

“Narrator, you’re up!!” said Moonlight.

Moonlight and Sunny were born in a small village, hidden in the moutains. They were born to the same mother, but had different fathers, since she loved both of them. They were born with a special power that, once mastered, could reveal to be the key to defeat Grogar. Unfortunately, a spy working for Grogar, living in the village, caught wind of that information and revealed it to his master. This one was amused and didn’t believe the spy...No one could stand up to him, not even a draconequus or an Alicorn, so why should he be afraid of two babies? Was what he believed. But then, an evil plan germinated in his demented mind: He was going to kidnap those two babies and raise them himself. So, Grogar headed to the village, accompanied by a small legion of his most vicious monsters. He sent them attack the village and it’s inhabitants and in the space of an hour, there was no survivor left, Except Sunny, Moonlight and their mother, Astral Radiance, who escaped by an underground tunnel leading to a forest. She had been seriously injured by one of the monsters and she was losing blood at an alarming rate. Aware that she wouldn’t survive the day, she locked all of her memories inside Moonlight’s brain. Once he would reach adulthood, those memories would by unlocked.

“You must avenge me, my son” said Radiance. “But above all else, protect your little sister”

The mare sat against a tree, holding her two kids. She kissed them one last time before Grogar showed up, then used the last bits of magic and concentration she had to teleport away, leaving her two babies behind. A couple minutes later, Grogar found the two babies thanks to their cries. He grabbed the basket in which they were placed and carried them back to his castle. For the next 18 years, Sunny and Moonlight were raised to become Grogar’s Twin Shadows. In the meantime, he did magic experiments on Sunny and Moonlight. Their training was different as well, with Moonlight’s one being focused on his intellectual abilities and Sunny’s, on her physical abilities. One would be a master tactician and the other, a killing machine. Unpenetrable defense and Unstoppable offense. And sure enough, they proved to be the forces of darkness’ greatest warriors. But all changed the day Moonlight turned 18. That day, the memories his mother implanted in his subconscious were unlocked and he learned the terrible truth. He chose to deny it at first, but those memories persisted until he would admit they were real.

“She want me to avenge her” thought Moonlight, laying in his bed. “But i can’t put Sunny in danger doing so. Plus, i doubt i have the power to hurt him, even less kill. The best thing to do is to wait for an opportunity to present itself, if it ever present itself...”

And so, a couple more years passed, during which Moonlight and Sunny accumulated experience and reputation among the forces of darkness. Their reputation became such that it reached to the ears of the King of Equestria and was bringing fear in the hearts of his subjects. Grogar was so impressed by their success on the battlefield that he made them Supreme Generals of his army. He also proposed them to have unique battle names. So, Moonlight decided to call himself the Untouchable Shadow and Sunny, the Undying Flame. Then, one day, Grogar decided to attack Canterlot, last bastion of defense of Equestria. He would make the royal castle his own and make the city his new capitale. Meanwhile, The King of Equestria already anticipated an eventual attack from Grogar. He came up with a magic device that would eradicate the Darkness from Equestria and kill Grogar. But for it to work, he needed to strike at the heart of Grogar’s empire: His castle. The king was certain that Grogar would send Moonlight and Sunny, his greatest fighters, attack Canterlot, while he would remain at his base. He needed a volunteer to infiltrate Grogar’s castle, but couldn’t find one brave enough to do so. That was until a mare unicorn by the name of Gusty accepted to do it.

“Today will mark a new starting point for Equestria!” said the king. “Today will mark the end of Grogar’s reign!!”

Meanwhile....

“Today, we will bring that stupid king to his grave!!” shouted Grogar to his troops. “Then Equestria will be truly mine to rule, and yours to enjoy!!”

He looked at Moonlight and Sunny.

“Failure is not an option...” he said. “Do whatever you have to do to conquer Canterlot...Even destroy it if needed.”

Moonlight smiled, not because of what Grogar just said, but because he already knew the king’s plan to take down Grogar. Of course, he didn’t told it to his master...Since it might just be the opportunity Moonlight was waiting for. Sunny was also smiling, from the excitation of laying waste to Canterlot and fight the King head-on. Later, Grogar finally sent them and a big part of his army on their way to Canterlot. On his side, the king already sent Gusty on her way, and was currently posting troops to defend the capitale. 3 hours later, Grogar’s army showed up from the sky, they were thousands and ready to die for their master. Leading them was Sunny and Moonlight.

“Catapult squad, fire at will” shouted the king.

The catapults started firing flaming bombs at the enemy.

“Ballista Squad, fire at will!!” shouted the king

The ballistas unleashed a barrage of deadly projectiles.

“Engineers!! Activate the magic orbs!! Reduce those creatures to ashes!!” he shouted.

Moonlight was looking at the spectacle, impressed.

“Gotta say, that’s some impressive firepower they got there!!” he said “That’s going to be an exciting battle!!”

Sunny landed in the center of the city and started making her way to the castle. She turned into a dragon as many soldiers were rushing toward her. She sent them packing in an instant and continued advancing.

“My lord!!” shouted one of his generals. “Their projectiles are decimating our troops! What do we do?!”

“We counter attack!!” he answered. “Infiltration squad, you’re up...Destroy those weapons!!”

A small squad of shadow creatures appeared near the catapults, ballistas and magic orbs.

“Demolition squad!!” shouted Moonlight. “Smash that barrier into oblivion!!”

He suddenly noticed that there was no civilians in the city and sighed.

“Well, i guess we can forget using the populace as hostages.” he said. “They’re all probably inside the castle...speaking of the castle, we need to bring down that barrier protecting it...”

Once all the catapults, ballistas and magic orbs had been destroyed, Moonlight ordered his troops to concentrate their attack on the magic barrier. In the city, Sunny had made quick work of the soldiers blocking her way.

“She’s a monster!!” shouted one of them, terrified. “Run for your life, everyone!!”

Eventually, Sunny had to stop her advance due to the magic barrier blocking her path. Suddenly, a magic circle appeared under her and immobilized her in place. A squad of elite guards, specialized in magic, showed up and started blasting her with magic beams.

“That hurt!! You bastards!!” said Sunny, mad.

Moonlight saw Sunny being pinned down by the enemy and jumped in to rescue her. But as he was doing so, hidden ballista started firing at him. He turned his body into a shadow mist and all of the projectiles went through him. He immediately destroyed all of the weapons before continuing his way. Using a spell Grogar taught him, Moonlight disabled the magic circle under Sunny. The magicians stopped firing beams and retreated.

“Oh no!” said Moonlight, enraged. “You won’t escape me!!”

Above each of the magicians, a shadow cloud appeared. Lightning came out of it that stroke them down mercilessly. Meanwhile, the barrier was starting to break down.

“I guess i have no choice...” said the pony king. “I’ll handle them myself!!”

He appeared in front of Sunny and Moonlight a couple moment later.

“Playtime’s over, kids!!” he shouted. “This city shall be your burial ground!!”

“Nah, it will be yours...” said Moonlight.

He used his magic to summon shadow crystals out of the ground.

“Those magic crystals nullify magic on direct contact” said Moonlight. “It will also prevent a certain someone to hear us. Now, let’s have a talk...”

Meanwhile, Gusty arrived to Grogar’s castle and was presently making her way to him. She was carrying the weapon on her back. The plan was simple: One, make her way to Grogar, two, use the magic artifact to depower him and eliminate any monster within a 30 miles radius, and three, steal his bewitching bell and bring it back to the king. She made her way inside his throne room a couple minutes later, where there was nobody.

“Now, to get his attention.” said Gusty.

She sat on his throne. A couple minutes later, a monster entered the room. When this one saw the unicorn sitting on the Emperor’s throne, he immediately gave the alert.

“Intruder!!” shouted the monster. “Get her!!”

A large group of monsters entered the room and attacked Gusty. This one took out one monster after another, with her powerful magic. The monster who gave the alert was the only one sparred, and he was terrified.

“I came here to take down Grogar” said Gusty. “Do you think i wouldn’t come prepared? Go get him...”

“It won’t be necessary.” said someone.

It was Grogar who entered the room. As she hoped, he had his magic bell with him.

“There you are...” she said. “I’ve come to take you down, in the name of the king!!!”

Grogar noticed she was carrying something on her back. He also felt a lot of magic power emanating from Gusty.

“What’s your name, darling?” he asked.

“Gusty” answered “Gusty the Great after i defeat you...”

Grogar laughed.

“Then, come at me!!” he said.

Gusty smiled and unwrapped the magic weapon from the bag it was in. It was a staff, that she planted into the ground, creating a magic circle. The next instant, a beam of light came out from the magic circle, reaching to the sky. Thousand of small magic circles soon covered all of Equestria one of them bigger than the others.

“Darkness, begone!!!!” shouted Gusty.

The next instant, the magic circles unleashed powerful magic lightning, who rained down on every evil monsters and creatures in Equestria, Grogar included. Only Sunny and Moonlight were not targeted by the magic attacks. After a couple minutes, the magic circles disappeared and the magic rain stopped. By the time Moonlight and Sunny arrived to the castle, Gusty was already far away, with Grogar’s bell in her possession. They found Grogar lying on the floor, extremely weakened, but conscious.

“Father!!” yelled Sunny.

Moonlight looked toward Grogar and looked him straight into the eyes with a mocking smile.

“Need help?” said Moonlight. “I’d love to help you, but i believe you casted on me and Sunny a curse that prevents us to use our magic against you, didn’t you?”

“Only magic meant to hurt or kill me” said Grogar. “Healing magic is the only kind of magic that you can use on me, So patch me up already...”

Sunny casted an healing spell on Grogar and he got back enough strength to stand up.

“Did you at least accomplish your mission?” he asked.

“Yes and no...” answered Moonlight. “We couldn’t take over Canterlot...On the other hand, the king is dead...Sunny ate him...”

Grogar looked at her with disgusted eyes.

“I’m a monster, i know!!” she said, ashamed. “That horn is what’s left of him...”

Moonlight showed the horn to Grogar.

“What’s the casualties?” asked Grogar, to change the subject.

“Everyone was wiped out, except me and Sunny.” answered Moonlight. “I realized to late what the king’s secret plan was...”

“The king was after my magic bell...” said Grogar. “That retched unicorn stole it without me being able to do anything...I’ll get it back eventually, one day.”

“Anyway, staying in Equestria is no longer an option.” said Moonlight. “We just commited regicide, the enemy have your magic bell, you have almost no magic left and finally, your entire army is dead. Remember that world you sent me to multiple times? Well, we should go there...”

Grogar sighed.

“I guess we have no other choice” he said. “Did you found a suitable place for my castle?”

“Yes” said Moonlight. “Those are the coordinates.”

“Then proceed to the teleportation.” said Grogar.

Moonlight activated the castle teleportation system and entered the coordinates of their destination. Their destination was the Human Dimension, a world without magic.

Chapter 10: Battle preparations

“And that pretty much summarize our story...” said Moonlight. “Once we arrived in this world, we took our time understanding and learning about their inhabitants’ culture and i learned one thing: Power is the wheel of their society.”

“So, we pretty much served and worked for many, many influent rulers across History” said Sunny. “Any famous ruler you can think of, we served them.”

“We’re also at the origin of many important events” said Moonlight. “For example, The Trojan Horse was my idea. I would need days to tell you in details everything we’ve been through and what we’ve done and i don’t really want to do so.”

He and Sunny gave Sunset their journal.

“Hence why we all summarized it in this journal...” he said.

“We thought you could use two points of views” said Sunny.

“Your journal mostly talk about your sexual conquests” said Moonlight.

“Are you really my mother?” asked Sunset.

“She is...” answered Moonlight. “Which came as a surprise to me. Grogar made her unable to bear children using a powerful curse. It happened 23 years ago, during a year long mission in Equestria given to us by Grogar. Sunny here obviously had to get promiscuous with stallions. One of them, however, was able to get her pregnant.”

“His name was Cum Buckets” said Sunny. “And his cutie mark was three spermatozoides”

“Apparently, that stallion had the ability to impregnate any mare he had sex with” said Moonlight. “I met him a week ago and apparently, he opened a clinic to help unfertile mares to get pregnant. Good for him i guess...The matter is, Sunny was pregnant. So, i waited 11 months for her to give birth to her baby. Knowing what Grogar would do if he learned she had a baby, i took the decision of giving it away in adoption. I gave it to Celestia with the request of finding a suitable family for it.”

He looked at Sunny.

“After giving the baby in adoption” said Moonlight. “I then used magic to alter Sunny’s memories of that day. I had her...I had you believe that the baby died at birth.”

Sunny was shocked, so was Sunset and the others.

“I had to do it...” said Moonlight. “I couldn’t have you put your baby in danger by trying to see her again. I knew the only way to make sure Grogar wouldn’t look after your baby was if said baby was dead, and that worked. I’m sorry for making you go through this, sis...”

“That’s okay...” she said. “I know everything you do, you do it for my own good. But hey, your dubious plan paid off, since she’s right in front of me today...And she’s gonna bring down Grogar for good.”

“About that...” said Moonlight. “That was not part of my plan. I just wanted to protect an innocent baby from a cruel individual. I can think far ahead, but not that far ahead.”

“Oh...” said Sunny.

“But that make me even more glad i took that decision...” said Moonlight. “Your lust ended up giving me the opportunity i waited so long for to show up: Someone other than us with magic strong enough to oppose Grogar’s. Ever since the Elements of Harmony became a thing, i knew they would be the key to take him down...But Grogar saw them as the opportunity to make his power truly unrivaled. So, i beg you, Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle, please destroy him and avenge our parents and all the lives this monster took...Only you can do it...Only then will they...will she find peace...After that...”

Moonlight paused.

“After that, i want to be judged and punished for all the crimes me and Sunny commited in Grogar’s name.” he finally said.

Sunny was shocked to hear that. Sunset and her friends were also shocked.

“Sunny is not immortal anymore” he added. “Me, i still am, meaning i can expurge for both our crimes. Then, after my sentence is over, and only then, will i allow myself to die...That’s how determined i am to see that piece of shit get what he deserve.”

“I promise we’ll do whatever we can to defeat Grogar...” said Sunset. “But to get him out, we’ll have to defeat Tirek, Chrysalis and Sombra.”

“Not only them...” said Moonlight. “Watch out for Nightmare too...”

“You sure my daughter and her friends are strong enough to face all of them?” asked Sunny.

“I understand your worries” answered Moonlight. “On their own, each of them is a force of nature. The 3 of them together are a formidable force that can rival our duo.”

“We are way stronger than last time we fought” said Sunset Shimmer.

“So are we” said Moonlight. “And so are they...”

“Then, i guess we shall show you that we got what it takes!” said Fluttershy. “We will beat the both of you!!”

Moonlight had a little laugh.

“That’s something i’d expect her to say” he said, pointing at Rainbow Dash. “But hey, it’s not a bad idea...If you can actually beat us, that would mean you’ll actually stand a chance against Grogar...”

Moonlight and Sunny adopted a battle stance.

“Come at us with all your might...” said Sunny.

The girls all took a battle position, except Sunset, who doubted if this was actually necessary.

“Don’t worry” said Eris. “If someone dies, i’ll bring him back.”

Applejack made the first move and rushed at Sunny, hitting her with a powerful punch to the face. This one was caught off-guard and was sent flying a dozen meters backward. However, this one quickly recovered and lauched a counter attack. She flew like a rocket and grabbed her by the waist, bringing her in the air. Rainbow Dash immediately took off to help her friend, to then hit her head against an invisible surface and fell back to the ground. Up there, Sunny turned around herself vertically and threw Applejack toward the ground. Twilight used her magic to immobilize her middair and stop her fall.

“Thanks, Twilight!” said Applejack. “And you, did you tried to kill me?! What the heck?!”

She partially turned into a wyvern and conjured a powerful gust of wind. The wind was so strong the group was sent flying backward a few meters.

“You know what, sis?” asked Moonlight. “I think i’ll step back and let you fight them.”

“Fine to me!!” she answered. “Wind Burst Attack!!”

Another gust of wind hit the group.

“Well, that’s new” said Applejack. “Anyway, we need to counter that wind pinning us down.”

“Let me handle this” said Rainbow Dash. “I’m the fastest of them all...”

She took off and flew toward Sunny, fighting her way against the wind. Sunny saw that she was getting close and completely turned into a wyvern, increasing the wind’s power. Rainbow Dash was sent crashing to the ground. She didn’t gave up and took off again, putting more energy this time. Thinking about her friends gave her the power she needed to fend right through Sunny’s hurricane. She got above her, forcing Sunny to change the direction of her attack toward Rainbow Dash. This one made her way on Sunny’s back to force her to turn back to a human form, which she did.

“Well played” she said to Rainbow Dash. “But i’m barely starting!!”

She turned partially into a wyrm and dove into the ground, sinking right in it.

“What now?!” asked Applejack.

Sunny suddenly emerged from the ground right in front of Sunset and booped her nose.

“Boop!!” she said before vanishing underground again.

Sunset blushed of embarrassement.

Applejack was suddenly propulsed in the air by a geyser of mud and fell to the ground loudly.

“Oink Oink!!” said Sunny, who reappeared in front of her. “How’s the mud bath, little piggy?”

Applejack got red of rage. Fluttershy barely contained her amusement at the situation, but not Moonlight. Even Sunset smiled a little.

“Why you little...” she said. “I’ll make you eat those words!!”

She punched the ground with such force that she made caused water to come out of the ground from the fissures. Sunny was ejected from the ground by a geyser of muddy water. Applejack jumped off the ground and right above Sunny, charging a devastating punch. Sunny partially turned into an hydra, electrocuting Applejack with magic lightning when this touched her. She was knocked back and almost lost consciousness. Sunny landed on the ground a fully turned into an hydra. Immediately, lightning rained down from the sky, forcing Rarity to create a barrier to protect everyone.

“I hope your barrier can whistand the power of a triple plasma breath!!” shouted Sunny with a demonic voice.

She fired from each of her heads a huge ligthning beam. Rarity’s barrier took it without problem...the first five seconds. The barrier started breaking down and Rarity was trying her best to stay focused. She was about to give up and tell the others to get out when the scarf she was always wearing, a gift from Suri Polomare, reminded her that she couldn’t let Grogar, nor anyone working with him, destroy their future. More fired up than ever, she doubled the size of the dome. After a couple minutes, Sunny saw she was wasting her energy and turned back into girl.

“Turning into a sea serpent here would be useless since there is no water” thought Sunny. “Same for turning into a Quetzacoalt, since there’s no vegetation. And even if there was, Fluttershy or Twilight could deal with it. I could turn into a Salamander might be the last option i have. But then, Rarity could also deal with fire as she did with lightning...”

Sunny landed on the ground.

“I give up” she said. “You girls got me outmatched and outskilled”

“This is the first time i see you admit defeat.” said Moonlight. “Now, stand back and let me jump in.”

This one walked toward the girls.

“I’m coming at you with the intent to kill” he said to them. “So fight like your lives depend on it...”

“You’re joking, right?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“He’s not” answered Applejack. “He’s really going at us with no barrels held.”

“I think you girls should sit that one out” said Sunset. “Let me and Twilight handle him.”

“No way!” said Rarity. “We’re in this together!”

Applejack rushed at Moonlight, who didn’t bother to move. Because before Applejack could hit him, she bumped into something. She stepped back and saw there was nothing in front of her.

“Try again!” said Moonlight.

Applejack punched right in front of her and her fist hit something in front of Moonlight.

“I’m bending the very fabric of space to protect myself right now” said Moonlight. “If you want to hit me, you’ll need to punch through the fabric of space itself. And i doubt you can do that...”

“Watch me” she said.

She gathered a lot of power in her fist and punched the barrier in front of her. She punched the barrier a second time, with more power, then a third time. That third hit went straight through the barrier, forcing Moonlight to step back and dodge the hit.

“Alright, guess i was wrong” said Moonlight. “You CAN indeed punch through the fabric of space”

“Yeah, but my fist hurt like hell...” she said. “It might be broken...”

“I can also bend the fabric of space in other ways.” said Moonlight. “Here’s an example...”

He did a finger motion and the next moment, Applejack was standing to his place, while he was standing to her place.

“Did he just swapped places with me?” she asked.

“Yes” answered Moonlight. “It’s a neat trick...But i can do more with it. Like this for example...”

He was wearing Applejack’s clothes and she was wearing his.

“They’re quite comfy, not gonna lie.” he said. “They smell nice too...”

“What the...” she said. “Stop playing with me and fight seriously!!”

Moonlight swapped their clothes back and then appeared behind Applejack. He casted on her a spell that slowed her movement down until she stopped moving. He then made an ice dagger with the clear intent to kill her while she was vulnerable. He placed his blade against her neck that undid his spell. Applejack immediately felt something cold on her neck and saw the situation she was in.

“Like this?” he said.

“How did that happened?” she said. “One second ago, you were behind me...”

“I just stopped you in time, darling” he answered.

He released her and stepped back.

“Let’s keep it at that.” he said. “I gauged all of you while you were fighting Sunny and you’re more than capable of kicking my ass. Defeating Grogar won’t be easy for you, though. He’s going to do everything to get his dream achieved, even taking a civilian hostage, or the whole town you’re living in. But don’t worry, i’ll make sure he can’t use such stratagems against you.”

Sunny looked at Sunset.

“I swear that i won’t let anything bad happen to you...” she said. “I’ll protect you at the cost of my life...”

“She’ll be fine...” said Moonlight. “Beside, i’m prepared to every eventuality, even if the worst was to happen. Now, let’s not waste any more time...a fierce battle awaits us...Eris, send us back to Canterlot.”

“Good luck” said Eris.

After which she sent them off.

Chapter 1: The last moments of peace.

A whole month passed, during which both sides, heroes like villains, could enjoy a well deserved moment of peace and freedom. Some have been growing a lot stronger while others, not very much. Sunny passed 3 weeks hunting for 8 of the most dangerous creatures living in Equestria. She almost died at multiple occasions fighting them, but fortunately, Moonlight’s time-freezing spell saved her butt every single time. Tirek, who was missing living in the Wild, returned to Australia for his vacations. Chrysalis and Cosmos, them, went wild, partying almost every day in all sorts of establishments. Sombra and Discord spent their vacations going from Casinos to Casinos, while Nightmare spent his looking for the perfect host to possess. Grogar, him, spent the month on an island he bought and where he was doing all kinds of experiments. As for the girls, they pretty much enjoyed a regular life with their families, while training from time to time. Stygian had been busy writting a new book and the Sirens, new songs. At the moment, our protagonist was playing video games with Rainbow Dash and this one wasn’t feeling quite well. After winning one more game, she shut the console.

“What’s on your mind, Rainbow Dash?” asked Sunset. “You don’t suck so much at video games, habitually.”

“A lot of things” answered Dashie. “It’s stupid, but i feel like myself and the others are deadweight for you and Twilight.”

“Why would you say that?” asked Sunset.

“Queen Chrysalis, the Pony of Shadows, Cosmos, the Sirens, Sunny and Moonlight” answered Rainbow Dash. “You and Twilight literally carried us to victory each time.”

“Thanks to all of you” said Sunset. “If it wasn’t for the magic of all the Elements of Harmony, i could never had accessed to my Daydream form to defeat them.”

“That was true before” said Dash. “But now, you don’t even need us to power-up anymore! You two are all-powerful while we barely improved...And i know why...”

“Please, don’t” said Sunset.

“When Cosmos trapped us in the Limbos” said Rainbow. “You and Twilight got out on your own!! And wow, what a coincidence: You gained a new transformation!! I’m sure WE would also have grown way stronger if we escaped our prison by ourselves!!”

“I don’t think so” said Sunset. “Me and Twilight faced our fears, which was assuming our evil nature. Thus why we gained the ability to transform into demons, which is what me and her turned into. What’s your fear, Rainbow Dash?”

“Losing you guys” answered Rainbow Dash. “Being all alone...”

“And what power do you think you would have gained if you accepted your fear of losing us?” asked Sunset.

“I see what you mean” answered Rainbow Dash.

“None of us have unlocked the true power of our geodes yet” said Sunset. “Also, yes, i might tap into my Daydream form by myself now. But that’s at the cost of my own life force...So i’d prefer counting on you and the others to power me up!!”

“How do you think we can unlock our geodes’ true potential?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about it” answered Sunset. “Our geodes are this world equivalent of the Elements of Harmony from Equestria. Your geode is the Element of Loyalty. Applejack’s one is the Element of Honesty, Fluttershy’s one is the Element of Kindness, Twilight’s one is the Element of Magic, Rarity’s one is the Element of Generosity, Pinkie’s one is the Element of Laugher and my element is the Element of Forgiveness.”

“I know embracing our values have a direct influence on our geode’s magic power” said Rainbow Dash. “But simply believing in them is not enough to awaken our true power.”

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while” said Sunset. “My theory is that to awaken our true power, we have to reach the limits of our Elements of Harmony and surpass them.”

“And how would we do that?” asked Rainbow Dash. “I don’t see anything that could test my Loyalty to it’s limits...”

“I don’t know how either” answered Sunset. “But i’ll continue thinking about a solution”

“Anyway, let’s continue!!” said Rainbow Dash, starting the console. “Your winning streak is ending right now!!”

“Bring it on!!” said Sunset.

Meanwhile, At the Animal Shelter, Fluttershy, Sandalwood, Flash Sentry, Bulk Biceps and Wallflower Blush taking care of the animals. They were all having fun and were doing well, except Fluttershy. Like Rainbow Dash, something was on her mind and she could barely focus on the work to do. Flash Sentry was the first to take notice of it, but it was, surprisingly, Wallflower Blush who broke the ice and confronted her about it.

“Got something on your mind, Fluttershy?” she asked. “Because your clearly not doing great...”

“No...I’m fine” answered Fluttershy.

“You sure?” asked Flash Sentry. “Cause you’ve been washing the same dog for the third time!!”

Fluttershy looked down and realized Flash was right. Embarrassed, she put down her cleaning tools.

“Okay, i admit, i’m not myself today” said Fluttershy. “It’s about my place in the group...”

“Considering yourself useless?” asked Wallflower. “I’ve been there a lot, in fact, almost everyday...”

“Yes” answered Fluttershy. “I barely contributed to the team since the Villain Gauntlet started their offensive. It’s my friends who did all the job, while i did almost nothing. And in the last battles we had, Applejack, Sunset and Twilight single-handedly defeated the opponent. Rainbow Dash as her superspeed, Applejack, her Superstrenght, Pinkie Pie have her Explosive projectiles, Rarity, her Crystal magic, Twilight, Her Midnight form and Sunset, her Devil and Daydreaam form. All i can do is talk to animals and command them, but what can critters do against an opponent that can destroy a city easily? I’m indeed the weakest link of the group, a deadweight...”

“At least you have magic powers” said Flash.

“Each team has a weak link, it’s inevitable” said Wallflower Blush. “But even if you’re the weakest link of the team, you still contribute to hold the group together. Your more important than you think, Fluttershy.”

“If only there was an efficient way to awaken this thing” thought Fluttershy, looking at her geode. “Maybe i would be able to do more than just being useless.”

“Fluttershy?” asked Wallflower.

She turned and smiled at Wallflower.

“I feel better now, thanks to you” she said. “I’m weak, but i still have my role to play in the group.”

On those words, Fluttershy continued working, without being distracted this time. At the Apple family farm, Applejack was working harder than she needed to and Big Macintosh and Applebloom knew something was bothering her. Since Mac was a man of very few words, it was Applebloom who went to talk to her instead.

“Take a break, big sister, and tell my what’s botherin’ you!” said Applebloom. “When you’re working like that, it’s because you’re troubled...”

“Well, i’ll go straight to the point” said Applejack. “I’m worried about not being strong enough to protect my friends. We rely too much on Sunset and Twilight’s godlike powers to save our asses. They might be powerful, but not invincible, and if they fall, who’s gonna protect them? No one...”

“I see” said Applebloom. “You want to be stronger, strong enough to protect them if they were to be defeated.”

“Exactly, lil’ sis.” said Applejack. “But i’ve been training all month and barely improved my strenght. Sunset told us that she had a vision of her dying during a battle, which might be coming soon. I know that’s because we weren’t strong enough to protect her, i wasn’t strong enough to protect her. She might have accepted what will come for her, but i don’t...and i won’t let her die...”

“The Future is not set in stone, Sis” said Big Mac. “If you believe you can change the future, then do everything you can to change it!”

“You don’t talk often, big brother” said Applejack. “But when you do, it’s darn inspiring!!”

“Yep!” said Big Mac.

Rarity, meanwhile, was in her room, working on a collection of super-hero costumes for her and her friends. She had done 6 so far, but had difficulty finishing the last one: Hers.

“No, no, no!! That’s not good enough!!” she shouted, throwing the unfinished costume in the trash. “Come on, Rare, you can do better than this!!”

Sweetie Belle, who couldn’t stand her sister being like this, entered her room to talk to her. Her room was perfectly clean and organized, which was not normal. Sweetie Belle hugged her sister, who calmed down a little.

“I know, Sweetie Belle, i’m not quite myself those days” said Rarity.

“Want to tell me about it?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“I’m not good enough” she answered. “And i’m refering to my performance in battle. I’m the shield of the team and when i fail to protect them, my friends end up getting injured. During our fight against Sunny, i had control of the situation, i had HER under control. But it wasn’t enough, because she just ate my damn crystal and took me out.”

She was crying.

“I have one job, and i can’t even do it properly!!” she yelled. “I’m a failure!! I’m not worthy of those powers if i can’t protect my friends with them!!”

“Nobody’s flawless, Rarity, not me, not Sunset, not Twilight, not even you” said Sweetie Belle. “I heard your exploits from Applebloom and Scootaloo, and i’ve got to say, i’m proud of you. There’s always room for growth, Rarity, i hope you can understand that...”

On those words, Sweetie Belle left the room, leaving Rarity alone. Her sister’s words were harsh, but right. It’s only through criticisism that one could get better and Sweetie did just that.

“There’s always room for growth” she said to herself. “Sound like something Applejack would said...Hi hi hi”

Pinkie Pie had been in her room since morning, staring at the ceiling with an empty stare. Knowing this wasn’t normal Pinkie behavior, Maud went in her room and looked at the ceiling with Pinkie Pie.

“What’s bothering you?” asked Maud.

“Where to begin?” answered Pinkie Pie.

“That’s you to decide” said Maud.

“I’m scared, Maud” said Pinkie.

“What could you be scared about, if it ain’t a failed party?” asked Maud.

“One of my friends is going to die soon” answered Pinkie. “And that make me sad...”

“In that case, make the last moments you have left with her the bests” said Maud. “Who’s going to die anyway?”

“Sunset” answered Pinkie. “She had a vision of her dying during a battle.”

“Did she actually died, though?” asked Maud. “Dying and be dead are two different things, Pinkie.”

“You got a point, Maud” answered Pinkie. “She clearly said she was dying in that vision, not that she was dead. Plus, she’s the protagonist, she can’t die...Unless it’s one of those tragic stories.”

Pinkie Pie’s hairs turned back to normal and got up. Maud’s words was all she needed to get her bright mood back. For the villains’ side, everyone was feeling uneasy. Grogar had summoned everyone back to the castle and now, they were sitting around the meeting table.

“I hope that this month of vacation was beneficial for you all” said Grogar. “Because things are going to get serious for now on. I’m getting my hands on the Elements of Harmony before the end of the week.”

“So, we can’t retreat, this time” said Chrysalis. “You’re not going to save us if we’re defeated.”

“Exactly” said Grogar. “So you better give everything you have in that final battle.”

“Is it too late to go back?” asked Sombra.

“You could have chosen to not come back when i summoned you to the castle” answered Grogar. “I didn’t force you, after all. You all came back on your own volition, because you are all evil to the core and want to see the world burn, just like me.”

“Good point” said Tirek. “We knew what we signed for when we joined you...”

Grogar handed to each of them a magic artifact.

“I made those artifacts myself” he said. “They will allow you to fight at full power, with no restrictions or backdraws. Tirek, you’ll be able to increase your power without needing to grow in size.”

“Awesome” said Tirek

“As for you two, Sombra and Chrysalis, your artifacts will make you on par with Alicorns in term of magic power.” said Grogar.

“I found the perfect host to corrupt, Master Grogar” said Nightmare.

“About time” said Grogar. “Who is it?”

“Cozy Glow” answered Nightmare. “She got so, so much insecurities in her...More than Rarity and Luna ever had. She’s an all-you-can-eat buffet of negative emotions.”

“You indeed found quite the catch with her” said Grogar. “Sunny, Moonlight, how was your trip to Equestria?”

“I found which kind of magic i wanted to specialize into” said Moonlight. “Time Magic. I’m already well advanced in it...”

“And i assimilated the DNA of 8 different species of dragon” said Sunny. “A Salamander from the Lands of Ashes, A Celestial Wyvern from the Cloudy Mountains, An Hydra from the Storm Swamps, a Sand Wyrm from the Black-Crystal Desert, A Quetzacolt from the Mystic Jungle, a Sea Serpent from the Lake of Death, A Cold Drake from the Frozen Caves and Finally, A Cockatrice from the Everfree Forest. If you didn’t notice, they all represent a different Element.”

“Salamanders represent Fire” said Chrysalis. “Wyverns represent Air, Hydras represent Thunder, Wyrms represent Earth, Quetzacolts represent Nature, Sea Serpents, or Guivres, represent Water, Cold Drakes represent Ice and Cockatrice represent...What exactly?”

“I just assimilated one for their powers of petrification” answered Sunny. “And also their paralyzing screams.”

“Anyway, you’ll see what we can do really soon” said Moonlight. “When are you planning to lauch the Final Assault?

“3 days from now” answered Grogar. “These 3 need to learn how to master their new artifacts and Nightmare have to get used to the new body he’s going to possess.”

“What about us?” asked Sunny.

“You can test your new powers against those 3” answered Grogar.

Sunny cracked her knuckles and looked to the trio with a grin.

“Where are Cosmos and Discord, by the way?” asked Sombra

“They told me they're not going to intervene in that battle, at all” answered Grogar.

He left the room and slammed the door behind him.