The Jedi Prince III: The Spark of Hope

A train whistled in the distance as Harmony Squad, along with Spike, were now back at the Crystal Empire and they were all making their way toward the Crystal Palace.

“Seems like only yesterday I was saving this place from being totally destroyed,” said Spike, “Hey, you guys remember that?” He then stood next to the giant statue of himself. Rainbow and Applejack rolled their eyes as Pinkie looked at the statue and smiled.

“You only mentioned it about fifteen times on the train here,” Rainbow replied.

“Yes, and we never hear a peep out of you about your exploits,” Rarity said to Rainbow sarcastically.

“Heh, point taken,” Rainbow replied sheepishly.

“I’m glad you all wanted to come, but I don’t think it’s gonna be that exciting. My husband and I pretty much just have to smile and wave as the dignitaries arrive,” said Twilight as she, Cody, and Sunset led the group.

“Yeah, so very exciting,” Cody remarked rather bluntly.

“Yes, but you and Cody get to smile and wave like a princess and prince,” said Rarity as she caught up to them.

“How exactly is that different than smilin’ and wavin’ like not a princess and a prince?” Applejack asked as Rarity tried to find an answer.

“It isn’t,” said Twilight sadly.

“The only real difference is that we wear a crown on our heads while doing it,” Cody added in the same tone, “But like Twilight said, it’s not that different at all.” Everypony noticed that both Cody and Twilight looked rather glum.

“What’s wrong, Twilight and Cody?” Fluttershy asked with concern.

“Why the looooooooong face?” Pinkie asked as she stretched Twilight’s face out, which recoiled when the pink pony let go. Twilight rubbed her sore face for a moment. Pinkie then tried to grab Cody’s face, but he quickly stared her down and Pinkie backed off.

“We’ve just been feeling a little unsure about things lately,” said Twilight, “It doesn’t seem that our new role as a princess and prince equates to all that much.”

“We don’t really do much in terms of royal duties,” Cody added, “We don’t exactly feel like we’re all that important, or special for that matter.” Twilight gave her husband a sympathetic look and nodded in agreement.

“That’s just silly,” Applejack replied, “You both have a real important role in Equestria.”

“Princess Celestia and Prince Blaze wouldn’t have asked you to come today if they didn’t think so,” Fluttershy added as Sal and Bucky nodded in agreement.

“I guess you’re right,” said Twilight with sad smile.

“If you say so,” Cody added softly with a sad smile of his own.

“Of course we are,” said Rarity as she ushered the three of them along, “Now hurry along! You don’t want to risk having that important role diminished because you were tardy for your regal meet-and-greet.”

“Okay, okay, we’re going,” Cody retorted with a chuckle as Twilight, Cody, and Sunset continued on their way while the rest of the group followed from behind.

It was a little later that day, some trumpet fanfare was heard as Flash Sentry stood to announce the dignitaries.

“The Duke and Duchess of Maretonia!” Flash Sentry announced as the two upper-class dressed ponies walked importantly down the street between the crowd of ponies.

Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Cadance stood before the two dignitaries with smiles on their faces and their wings opened majestically. Princes Blaze and Dagger stood alongside their wives. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset, with crowns on their heads, stood at the upper balcony with their own wings opened, smiling and waving to the crowds below. Twilight and Cody opened up a large banner that hung from the balcony above. The three princesses below approached the two dignitaries and they exchanged bows with each other before heading inside. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset just continued to smile and wave at the crowds some more.

“That was it?” Spike interjected as it was revealed the rest of Harmony Squad were standing just outside the entrance to the balcony, “Princess Celestia had you both come all the way to the Crystal Empire to do just that?” Applejack then smacked the back of his head while all but Twilight, Sunset, and Fluttershy glared at him. Twilight just had a very sad look on her face.

“I mean, whoa, really regal and important!” Spike said a nervous laugh.

“Oh shut up!” Cody scolded angrily, but softened when he saw how depressed his wife looked and wrapped an arm around her shoulder and held her close. He added sadly, “We don’t need you reminding us just how important we really are.” Cody and Twilight walked sadly inside as the others just shared worried looks with each other.

A little later that day, Twilight, Cody, and Sunset were just pacing back and forth in the hallway. Then the doors opened as the two dignitaries approached Twilight, Cody, and Sunset, who quickly stood side by side and bowed before them. The two dignitaries bowed as well.

“Your highnesses,” said the Duke of Maretonia, “Thank you for understanding our desire to keep the number of those privy to these confidential discussions to a minimum.”

“In other words, you didn’t think we were important enough to be included,” Sunset muttered.

“Of course,” said Twilight with her eyes closed in a professional tone.

“We understand your situation completely,” Cody added in the same tone with his eyes closed, but use the opportunity to roll his eyes behind his closed eyelids. The two dignitaries then walked on their way to another set of doors, which were opened and shut immediately. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset stood up, smiling and waving until the doors had been closed. The two alicorns and their husband shared sad looks with each other before heading up to the other princesses.

“Is there anything else we can do to assist with their visit?” Twilight asked as Cody and Sunset stood beside her.

“I’m sorry, Twilight and Cody, but their visit is already over,” said Princess Cadance.

“Oh,” Twilight replied sadly.

“Okay then,” Cody added half-heartedly, “Guess...our job is...complete. Yay...” It didn’t take long for the three princesses and two princes to notice something was up.

“Something wrong?” Princess Luna asked concerned.

“I guess I...that is my husband and I...just don’t really understand why we’re here,” Twilight explained, “Couldn’t have one of the royal guard unfurled the banner?”

“Having all eight of us in the Empire to greet them lets the dignitaries know that their visit is considered an important one,” Princess Celestia explained.

“Plus, it gives me an opportunity to see my favorite sister-in-law and cousin,” said Cadance, getting a small smile from Twilight and Cody.

“And we’re happy to see you,” said Twilight, “All of you.” Twilight and Cody exchanged looks with each other, unsure of what to say further and turned their heads away.

“But...?” Princess Celestia asked.

“But I...we...well, it’s just that Princess Luna raises the moon, Princess Celestia raises the sun...” Twilight said then looked at Cadance, “…you protect the Crystal Empire, and all the three of us seem to do is...smile and wave.”

“At least I already know my destiny is to rule Equestria one day since I’m heir to the throne,” Cody pointed out sadly.

“You told us that ascending to become alicorn princesses was our destiny,” Sunset added, “If that’s true, then...why do we feel like were nothing but just...figure heads? You all are doing important things for Equestria. But...what are we supposed to do?”

“Think positive, Twilight and Sunset. One part of your destinies is to rule at my sides,” Cody replied.

The two alicorns walked sadly away and headed toward the balcony, with Cody behind them. They leaned against the railing together before they started to sing.

Twilight (sings):
It isn’t that I’m ungrateful
For all the things that I’ve earned,

Sunset (sings):
For all the journeys we have taken,

Twilight and Sunset mirrored each other as they waved an arm in the air.

Twilight, Sunset, and Cody (sing):
All the lessons that we have learned

Twilight (sings):
But I wonder where I’m going now,
What my role is meant to be

Twilight, Sunset, and Cody started into the distance from the balcony.

Twilight, Sunset, and Cody (sing):
I don’t know how to travel
To a future that I can’t see

It was then Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Cadance arrived. She and Sunset approached them. They showed them their wings and pointed at their crowns.

Twilight and Sunset (sing):
We have our wings, we wear these crowns
I’m a princess

Cody (sings):
I’m a prince

Twilight, Sunset, and Cody walked away from the three princesses.

Twilight (sings):
This is true
But it’s still unclear to us
Just what we’re meant to do

Twilight walked up to Cadance.

Twilight (sings):
I wanna have a purpose

Twilight and Sunset walked up to Princess Luna.

Twilight and Sunset (sing):
Wanna do all that I can

Twilight, Cody, and Sunset look at Princess Celestia before walking away and waving a hand in the air.

Twilight, Cody, and Sunset (sing):
We wanna make a contribution
We want to be a part of the plan

Princess Celestia walked up to Twilight, Cody, and Sunset as they approached the balcony and gazed at the northern lights.

Princess Celestia (sings):
Your destiny’s uncertain
And that’s sometimes hard to take
But it will become much clearer
With every new choice you make

Princess Luna approached form the other side of the royal trio. As she sang, she stood before them before spreading her wings and hovering in the air.

Princess Luna (sings):
Patience is never easy
I understand wanting more
I know how hard it is to wait
To spread out your wings and soar

Cadance came up to Twilight, Sunset, and Cody from behind, her words making them smile and blush. She then headed to the balcony.

Princess Cadance (sings):
But you stand here for a reason
You’re gifted and you are strong
That crown is upon your heads because
You belong

As Celestia, Luna, and Cadance sang together, above them Princess Celestia’s cutie marked appeared in the sky with Princess Luna’s appeared to the right. Then Cadance’s cutie mark appeared in front of the two cutie marks. Then they surrounded Twilight, Sunset, and Cody.

Celestia, Luna, and Cadance (sing):
Know that your time is coming soon
As the sun rises, so does the moon
As love finds a place in every heart
You’re princesses.
You’re a prince.
You’ll play your part

As Princess Luna sang her solo, Princess Celestia and Cadance took to the skies, Princess Luna soon followed.

Princess Luna (sings):
We understand you both wanting more
A chance to shine, a chance to soar

The three Princesses hover in the sky in clockwise motion as Cody, Sunset, and Twilight watch them.

Princess Cadance (sings):
Soon will come the day it turns around

The three princesses landed, showing Princess Celestia’s cutie mark appear in the sky with Princess Luna’s appearing to the right. Then Cadance’s cutie mark appeared in front of theirs. Then Twilight and Sunset’s cutie marks appeared in front of Cadance’s. The reflection of their cutie marks could be seen from Twilight and Sunset’s eyes respectively. Twilight, Sunset, and Cody then looked sadly at the ground.

Celestia, Luna, and Cadance (sing):
Know that your time is coming soon
As the sun rises, so does the moon
As love finds a place in every heart

You’re princesses
You’re a prince
You’ll play your part

Princess Celestia lifted Twilight’s chin and she did the same for Cody and Sunset. She then hugged them both, which Twilight, Sunset, and Cody accepted with a small smile on their faces.

Princess Celestia (sings):
You’re a princess
You’re a prince
You’ll play your part

It wasn’t long before Twilight, Sunset, and Cody broke away from Princess Celestia.

“Your time will come,” said Princess Celestia as she and the three princesses left the married trio alone. Twilight, Sunset, and Cody walked up to the balcony and looked up at the stars and northern lights.

Elsewhere, in a dark foggy alleyway, a brown unicorn stallion, whose name was Rare Find, was nervously walking down the path carrying a basket of oranges when he heard a suspicious noise. Rare Fine looked back and saw that it was only an empty can clanking about. Just as Rare Find breathed a sigh of relief, a cloaked figure appeared, who was breathing heavily.

“Very sorry,” Rare Fine said with a chuckle, “You came out of nowhere.”

“”Is he friend or is he foe”? the pony wonders,” the cloaked figure said darkly as he revealed his face to show that he was elderly looking centaur, “I can assure you...I am no friend. I’m Lord Tirek, and I will take what should have been mine long ago.” The centaur opened his mouth and literally inhaled Rare Find’s magic, causing the stallion to lose his cutie mark and plop to the ground looking drained, even the color in his eyes were grayed out. The magic Tirek has collected made his body glow, causing him to become bigger and taller. Rare Find cowered fearfully and Tirek chuckled deviously.

Back in the Crystal Empire, Princess Celestia and Prince Blaze had been sleeping when they suddenly woke up with a start.

“Sister, are you and Blaze alright?!” Princess Luna asked as she entered the room.

“I’ve just had the most terrible dream,” said Princess Celestia.

“Why do you think I’m here?” Princess Luna retorted as a matter of fact, “You know as well as I that this was not a dream, but a vision.”

“I felt a disturbance in the Force,” Blaze said.

“Then we haven’t much time,” Princess Celestia replied as she got out of bed quickly and the two sisters headed to a window, “The stronger he becomes, the more we are all in danger.”

The former Fortress Inquisitorius

Blueblood and his master, Darth Claw were meditating until the former opened his eyes upon sensing something.

“What is it, my apprentice?” Claw asked.

“I couldn’t help it, master. I felt a disturbance in the Force,” Blueblood replied, “Someone from my world known as Tirek has returned. Did you feel it too?”

“Yes. But, he’s of no concern to me,” Claw said.

“I don’t want to take any chances with Tirek. He could be a threat to the Empire, should he be able to find a starship,” Blueblood replied, “I’m going home to destroy him to make sure he doesn’t hinder our plans.”

“Do not fail,” Claw said.

It was then that Blueblood left the fortress in his TIE Reaper and jumped to hyperspace. Once at Equestria, he cast a cloaking spell on his fighter and landed behind Mt. Canter.

The next morning, Cody and the five alicorns were sitting before a table with an old book in the center. Princess Celestia used her magic to open the book. The first page showed a picture of a centaur and a gargoyle.

“Tirek and his brother Scorpan came here from a distant land, intent on stealing Equestrian magic. But Scorpan soon came to appreciate the ways of Equestria, even befriending a young unicorn wizard.” Princess Celestia explained, showing another page of Scorpan seeing all the ponies and then another page showed Scorpan befriending Star Swirl the Bearded.

“Scorpan urged his brother to abandon their plans,” said Princess Luna as the pages showed Scorpan talking to Tirek, “When Tirek refused, Scorpan alerted us to Tirek’s intentions.” A another page showed Scorpan speaking to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, warning them of Tirek’s refusal to back down.

“Scorpan returned to his own land, and Tirek was sent to Tartarus for his crimes. But it appears he has found a way to escape,” Princess Celestia continued, showing Scorpan on his way and Tirek reaching out as he descended into a underground prison. She then closed the book.

“We believe it happened when Cerberus left his post at the gates,” said Princess Luna.

“But that was a long time ago. Why is he just now starting to steal magic?” Twilight asked.

“His time in Tartarus left him very weak,” Princess Celestia replied as she walked behind Twilight, Cody, and Sunset, “He has just now gained enough strength to use his dark powers.”

“But with each passing moment, he grows stronger still,” Princess Luna said.

“Then he must be stopped as quickly as possible before he becomes too powerful,” Cody added firmly.

“And I know just the princess and prince who can stop him,” said Cadance, smirking at Twilight and Cody.

“Yes,” said Twilight, “Cody, Sunset, and I will go find him and-”

“No, Twilight,” said Princess Celestia, “I’m afraid I must call in another to stop Tirek.” Then Princess Celestia announced who it was, “Discord.”

Twilight, Cody, Sunset, Cadance, and Princess Luna gasped in utter shock.

Back in Ponyville, the others were just as stunned at Princess Celestia’s decision.

“Seriously?” Sal spluttered.

“...As in Discord Discord?” Applejack asked.

“Yes!” Twilight answered.

“I don’t think it’s that big of a surprise,” said Fluttershy as she stepped forward, “He can be very helpful.” All Fluttershy got was glares from Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, Pinkie, Sal, and even Bucky. Fluttershy just smiled sheepishly until she noticed Bucky was also glaring.

“Excuse me?” Fluttershy asked her boyfriend indignantly, “You’re supposed to support me!”

“I’m sorry, Flutters,” Bucky replied “I love you and I do support you, but I just don’t know if Discord can stop the evil centaur,” Fluttershy just huffed indignantly.

“He can sense when there’s a magical imbalance,” said Twilight in Fluttershy’s defense, “The next time Tirek steals magic, Discord will be able to track him down!”

“That is true,” Cody pondered, “He’s got a better tracking ability than Pinkie Pie.” Then added irritably, “And he’s got a funny way of showing up when you least want him around.” The others, minus Fluttershy, nodded in agreement to that.

“So what are you three supposed to do in the meantime?” Rainbow asked.

“I don’t know,” Cody replied, “Stay on standby and trust in the Force? It’s all we can do...” Twilight sighed.

“In other words, nothing, unless of course one of you needs one or both of us to smile and wave.” Twilight added. She smiled and waved an arm, but soon replaced her smile with a long frown as she and Cody just shared knowing looks with each other before walking sadly away.

“Where are you guys going?” Spike asked.

“To the Castle of the Two Sisters, we’re not really needed anywhere else. Might as well catch up on some of our reading,” Twilight replied, before she, Cody, and Sunset headed off toward the Everfree Forest. The group shared sad looks with each other when Rainbow got an idea.

“You want some company?” Rainbow asked.

“It has been a while since we visited the castle,” Applejack said as the rest of the group stood around them.

“Maybe we could use a little company right now,” Twilight replied as she and Cody smiled.

It wasn’t long before they reached the canyon where the Tree of Harmony was located as they made their way toward the castle.

“I still can’t believe we had to give back the Elements,” said Rainbow with a sigh.

“It had to be done or the Tree of Harmony wouldn’t have survived,” Rarity reminded the blue Pegasus.

“Plus it was the only source of magic strong enough to deal with Discord’s little vines of doom,” Cody added with irritation in his tone.

“But you and Twilight were right,” said Fluttershy, “Even without the Elements, our friendship is as strong as ever.” Sal and Bucky nodded in agreement.

“I just hope another “friend” of ours never makes us sorry we had to give them up,” said Applejack, making air quotes. Suddenly, Harmony Squad heard some familiar laughter.

“Oh, you’re talking about me, I presume?” Discord spoke up as he floated down the group using an umbrella and wearing a nanny’s outfit.

“How’d you guess?” Applejack asked the draconequus annoyingly.

“My ears were burning,” Discord replied as his horns literally set themselves in fire.

Discord blinked as he doused his horns with a glass of water.

“What are you even doing here, Discord?” Rainbow demanded as the draconequus calmed down.

“Oh, just a bit of light reading before I head off on my extremely important mission,” Discord replied as he put on some glasses and started scanning through the pages of a very familiar book, “I suppose you all know that I’ve been tasked to capture a certain escapee,” He wore a military outfit and bubble pipe in his mouth. He also pulled down a flag of Equestria as well to complete the moment.

“Big deal,” said Spike.

“You’re right, Spike,” Discord replied as he stuck his face into Spike’s before encasing the little dragon in a bubble that floated away. Spike rose quite a few feet into the air before the bubble popped. Rainbow caught Spike before he hit the ground, “It is a big deal. Seems I possess a magic that gives me quite an important role in Equestria. Maybe they should make me an Alicorn princess.” Discord then made a pair of pink wings and a horn appear on himself as well as a giant crown on his head. Some random cheering could also be heard.

“Mmwah! Mmwah!” Discord said as he blew kisses at a non-existent crowd. Twilight and Cody glared at him.

“In your dreams,” said Rainbow in disgust as she smacked the crown off Discord’s head.

“Oh, I never dream of such things,” Discord replied as he made his unicorn horn disappear and it returned to his regular antler horns, “Ask Princess Luna.”

“Don’t you have a creepy magic-stealin’ villain to track down?” Applejack asked, having quite enough of the Draconequus.

“Oh, yes, yes, yes, of course,” said Discord as he pulled all eight ponies and Spike into a group hug before teleporting everypony into the chamber of the Tree of Harmony, “It’s just that I couldn’t help but notice that Twilight, Cody, and Sunset haven’t yet opened this little chest of theirs.” Discord then walked up to the said chest as the everypony looked at the married trio.

“I-I-It got me thinking, what if what’s locked inside is something that could help them prove their royal worth?” Discord pondered, “I only bring it up because they said that they’ve been feeling like their role as princesses and a prince doesn’t equate to much.” Twilight and Cody just glared when Discord pulled their bottom lips to make them look like they were pouting.

“Wait a minute!” said Pinkie, “How do you know how they were feeling?!”

“The same way he found out that Twilight and Cadance wanted a quiet day to hang out together, before nearly spoiling it and sending poor Twilight into a meltdown!” Sunset remarked.

“Oh, my,” said Discord in mocking sadness, “Is eavesdropping not the way you’re supposed to find out what your best pals are up to?”

“No, it’s not Discord,” said Mario firmly, “Friendship is built in trust, compassion, and empathy. If you actually asked what was bothering us instead of just budding into our problems, maybe the majority of us wouldn’t feel so irritated whenever you showed up. It would also help that you didn’t rub our problems in our faces either!” All but Fluttershy nodded in agreement.

“Woe is me,” said Discord dramatically, “Will I ever learn the intricate nuances of being a good friend?” All but Fluttershy glared and said nothing.

“Well in any case,” Discord remarked as he cleared his throat, “I suppose now is as good a time as any for me to make my exit.” Discord then hopped into a polka-dot motor scooter and teleported away.

“And good riddance!” Applejack shouted once he was gone. Only for the draconequus to reappear again from behind the group.

“Oopsie-doopsie,” said Discord as he leaned into Applejack’s face before walking in front of the group holding a book in his claws, “I almost left with the little journal you’ve all been keeping. What a fascinating read. Haven’t you all learned so much?” Discord then walked up to Twilight.

“I’ve bookmarked a few of the more interesting passages,” said Discord as he set the book on top of Twilight’s horn, making it balance on the tip perfectly. Cody and Sunset couldn’t help but stare. He was impressed at the trick, but would never admit to it. Discord then pushed Bucky aside as he leaned over to Fluttershy.

“We’re still on for tea later, aren’t we, Fluttershy?” Discord asked in a hush tone.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” said Fluttershy sweetly.

“Well, I’ll bring the cucumber sandwiches...!” Discord sing sang as he used his magic to make a doorknob appear in thin air. Discord grabbed it to make a doorway appear and closed it behind him, making the “door” disappear.

“Sometimes I think the ‘reformed’ Discord is more obnoxious than the ‘before he was reformed’ Discord,” said Applejack.

“I hear ya, babe,” Sal replied to his farmer girlfriend.

“Indeed,” Rarity added in agreement.

“But he could be right, couldn’t he?” said Fluttershy to the others, “What if there is something important in that chest?” Twilight rubbed her chin for a moment and then smiled.

“There’s only one way to find out,” Twilight replied as Cody had a determined smile on his face.

Inside Castle of Two Sisters, Harmony Squad was now inside the library and were busy reading various books to try and uncover any information.

“Anything?” Twilight asked after a few hours of quiet research. The rest of Harmony Squad just said no in reply.

“There must be something in this library that can help us figure out how to open it. The answer’s in one of these books. I just know it,” said Twilight as she looked through another book. Cody then looked about the books laying around and then noticed the friendship journal.

“What about this one?” Cody asked at he suggested the friendship journal, figuring they might as well see what exactly Discord did and bookmarked. As much as Twilight didn’t want to, even rolling her eyes to the idea, she conceded and started searching through the friendship journal.

Meanwhile, in the dark alleys of an unknown city, Tirek had just finished draining the magic from another unicorn stallion, causing the pony to plop to the ground. Tirek once again glowed yellow and his body became stronger and larger in size. The centaur then noticed another unicorn nearby closing up a box. Tirek approached him as quietly as he could. But then the centaur was given the shock of his life when the unicorn turned around and revealed himself with Discord’s face.

“Tirek, I presume?” Discord said in a cocky manner.

“Discord,” Tirek said surprised, “You’re free?” Discord then changed himself into a dodo bird sitting on a perch.

“As a bird,” Discord replied.

“I commend you on your escape,” said Tirek.

“I’m afraid the feeling isn’t mutual,” Discord replied as he snapped his fingers, causing Tirek’s arms to be bound and chained. Tirek retaliated by firing a yellow magic beam from between his horns. But Discord, split his upper body in half so the beam past by harmlessly.

“Oh, I should have known you would want to have Equestria all to yourself,” Tirek retorted. Discord just stood nearby wearing a policemen’s outfit and swinging a wooden stick about.

“Oh, I’m not doing this for me,” Discord replied, “I’m doing it for my friends.” He then leaned forward toward Tirek, “Just between the two of us, it’s mostly for Fluttershy.” Discord then gave a happy squee. Tirek was shocked.

“Fluttershy? You’re not saying you’re friends with ponies?” Tirek asked.

“Surprise!” said Discord as he popped out of a cake, getting frosting all over Tirek.

“I am surprised that someone with your intellect does not see this “friendship” is but a new form of imprisonment,” Tirek remarked, “Clearly you’ve had to abandon your true nature to stay in good graces.” Discord at the moment was just wearing a halo over his head and playing a harp, but Tirek’s comment hit a nerve with the draconequus.

“I have done nothing of the sort!” said Discord, waving off his halo and tossing his harp away.

“Oh, please, I’ve seen this before. But he was always weak-minded,” Tirek replied, “You are Discord, you are a legend, you cannot fall into the same trap that claimed my brother! Help me to grow strong, and be rewarded with something far greater than friendship. Freedom. Once I’ve stripped these ponies of their magic, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see their world turned upside down.” Tirek then leaned toward Discord, “Who better to do so then the master of chaos himself? Join me, Discord, and reclaim your greatness. Unless of course, “pony errand boy” is the role you’ve always wanted to in this world.” Apparently Tirek’s words had gotten to the draconequus’s head because Discord began to consider his offer. He then turned to see his own dresser drawer with a picture of Fluttershy sitting on top of it.

It appeared Discord had been presented with what could be considered his “crossroad of destiny”.

Back in the Castle of Two Sisters library, Twilight was busy reading the friendship journal. Then she smiled.

“I think I’ve found something,” said Twilight excitedly.

“What is it, Twily?” Cody asked curiously.

I’ve been reading our journal, and there’s something interesting about the sections that Discord bookmarked,” Twilight replied, flipping through some pages, “Applejack, do you remember when you and Sal had to tell everypony that the tonic Granny bought from the Flim Flam brothers didn’t really work?”

“How could I forget?” Applejack answered, “It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. Poor Mario was so worried that he would lose Granny because of a dangerous stunt she tried to do.”

Flashback

It was then Granny Smith held a bottle of the tonic, which shinned a bright light into Applejack’s eyes. When she looked at the bottle again, a rainbow flashed over her eyes before she narrowed them in determination.

Applejack and Sal walked up to the crowd and pointed at an empty bottle, “I hate to disappoint everypony, but there’s no way Granny could have made that dive, because this tonic is a fake!” she said. Several ponies gasped in shock.

End Flashback

“And in that moment,” said Applejack, “I knew I had to be honest. I just knew it. But what’s that got to do with openin’ the chest?”

“I’ve found that each of you has had to face a situation where living up to the Element of Harmony you represent wasn’t easy,” Twilight explained, “Fluttershy, it was when you and Bucky realized that the way to show kindness to the Breezies was by forcing them to leave your home.”

“Oh, the looks on their poor little faces!” said Fluttershy sadly as Bucky put a hand on her shoulder.

Flashback

The Breezies looked at Bucky with sad eyes, but he looked away with his eyes shut, quietly agreeing with his girlfriend. They gave their sad eyes to Fluttershy as well, but they refused to back down.

Fluttershy sternly pointed out the door for them to leave. The Breezies all made their way out of Fluttershy’s cottage. Seabreeze then turned around and gave both her and Bucky a thankful nod before taking his leave. Fluttershy had barely closed the door when she sniffled and began to cry.

End Flashback

“But I knew that, as difficult as it was, pushing them away was the kindest thing I could do,” Fluttershy said.

“Rarity, even after Suri took advantage of your generosity at Fashion Week and Manehattan, you didn’t let it cause you to abandon your generous spirit,” said Twilight to the white unicorn, who was now standing next to the purple alicorn.

“I simply couldn’t have lived with myself if I didn’t do something special for the friends who have always been so generous to me!” Rarity replied as everypony else smiled.

“Luckily, Suri is rethinking her life after I used a mind trick on her,” Cody pointed out.

“Rainbow Dash, you had the chance to fly with the Wonderbolts at the Equestria Games, but instead you chose to compete with your friends,” said Twilight as she turned the pages again.

“Sure!” Rainbow replied, “But being loyal to my friends was why-”

“Ooh, my turn, my turn!” Pinkie interrupted as she stood in front of Rainbow.

“Pinkie Pie, you realized that seeing your friend laugh was more important than proving you were a better party planner than Cheese Sandwich,” said Twilight as she flipped through some more pages.

“Best party I’ve ever had,” Rainbow remarked as she wrapped an arm around Pinkie’s shoulder.

“It’s clear we’ve all had our moments to shine, Twilight, but I’m with Applejack. What does any of this have to do with the opening of the chest?” Rarity asked as she walked up to Rainbow and Pinkie.

“All of you had tough choices to make,” said Twilight, “But when you made the right one and embraced your element, it helped somepony else make the right choice too.” It was then views were seen of a cherry blossom barrette clip, a bit, a blue flower, a spool of rainbow colored thread, a gold Wonderbolt pin, and a rubber chicken. A rainbow flashed across each object.

“Each of you received something from the pony whose life you helped change,” Twilight continued as she closed the friendship journal, “I know it sounds crazy, but maybe there’s something special about those objects that could lead us to the location of the keys.” Twilight then walked away from the desk.

“The chest is connected to the Tree of Harmony,” Twilight pondered aloud, “the Tree is connected to the Elements, and the Elements are connected to all of us. There must be a connection! I hate to admit, but it maybe Discord was trying to be a good friend after all.”

Soon enough, Harmony Squad headed back to chamber of the Tree of Harmony where the chest was still residing quietly near the tree itself. Everypony had placed their five items on the ground and just stared at them.

“I don’t see anything on them that would give us a clue as to where the keys might be,” said Twilight, “They’re just ordinary, everyday objects.”

“Come on, Boneless!” said Pinkie as she shook the rubber chicken senseless, “Give us that key!” Cody and Sal watched Pinkie with bored looks on their faces.

“I don’t think that’s going to work,” said Twilight when suddenly Boneless came flying at the purple alicorn. Twilight ducked as Boneless headed toward and was suddenly captured inside a glow of magic from the chest. The rubber chicken then transformed into a golden key. Everyone gasped as the key floated into one of the keyholes.

Soon, everypony else that had put their items on top of the chest. The objects then floated into the air and transformed into a uniquely designed golden keys, which floated right into one of the key holes. Twilight looked at them all and noticed that one keyhole was missing.

“There’s still one key missing,” said Twilight, “The key that represents the Element of Magic. My element.”

“Oh, but I’m sure that if we’ve gotten our keys, you have too, Twilight,” Fluttershy replied.

“Think Twilight,” said Rarity as she walked up to the purple alicorn and rubbed the top of Spike’s head, “When have you completed a difficult magical task, and in doing so encouraged another pony to do the same?”

“I haven’t,” Twilight replied sadly, “If I had, I would have written about it in the journal.”

“Don’t worry Twilight,” said Spike, “I’m sure you’ll get your key eventually.”

Suddenly, he made some grunting noises and rushed away from the group before...BURP!...He made a scroll appear.

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen Spike do that,” Cody remarked as Twilight used her magic to grab the scroll and read it quickly.

“What’s it say?” Spike asked.

“That Cody and I are needed in Canterlot at once!” said Twilight with worry.

“Then what are waiting for!?” Cody replied quickly as he and his wife flew out of the cave and took off as the rest of the group watched the alicorns take to the skies, while Twilght teleported Cody.

It didn’t take the three of them long to reach Canterlot. Cody and Twilight headed straight for the main castle and rushed into the throne room. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Prince Blaze, Prince Dagger, and Cadance were already there waiting for them.

“We came as quickly as we could!” said Twilight as Cody and Sunset stood beside her, “Is something wrong? Is it Tirek?”

“I’m afraid we put too much trust in Discord and the effect that friendship would have upon him,” Princess Celestia replied.

“Discord has betrayed the ponies of Equestria, and joined forces with Tirek,” Princess Luna continued.

As the night princess was speaking, several unicorns were gathered inside of a theater waiting for the show to start. Discord then made his appearance wearing a magician’s outfit. The ponies just gave him funny looks as Discord set his hat on the stage. Out of the hat appeared Tirek, who removed his cloak. The ponies gasped and stood on guard when Tirek drained all their magic at once. Discord just applauded from a box seat above as Tirek got bigger, stronger, and was now getting younger. Tirek grinned triumphantly.

“How could he do this?!” Twilight exclaimed, “I thought our friendship meant something to him. I thought he had changed.”

“He did change, but the problem was that Discord is at a very dangerous stage of his reformation,” Cody replied, “He was at a point where he was most vulnerable to temptation. Clearly Tirek was able to manipulate Discord into thinking he could offer the draconequus something more valuable then friendship.”

“I’m afraid my son is correct,” said Princess Celestia, “But nevertheless, Discord’s betrayal has allowed Tirek to steal enough magic that he now has the strength to steal flight as well.” As Princess Celestia spoke, the Wonderbolts and several other Pegasi swoop down for an aerial attack against Discord and Tirek. But the centaur was able to drain their magic away, leaving them flightless and grounded.

“Without Pegasi to control the weather, there will be no rain in Equestria. There is word that he has gone after Earth ponies as well,” Princess Celestia continued. It was then that several Earth ponies were trying to run for their lives in Appleloosa when Discord tied them up and reeled them in with a fishing rod. Tirek then appeared from a nearby saloon and glared evilly at them.

“Without their strength, they will not be able to tend the land,” Princess Celestia finished.

“Ponies will no longer be in control of their world, that power will solely belong to Tirek,” Princess Luna said.

“There is no doubt that Tirek is after Alicorn magic. With Discord at his side, we will not be to stop him from taking it,” Princess Celestia added.

“Once it is in his possession, his power will know no bounds, and all hope will be lost,” Princess Luna finished.

“Oh boy. Mom, as much as I want to do everything I can to help you recover from this mess, I just don’t think my wife and I can,” Cody said.

Twilight had a sad look on her face as she nodded in agreement. It was then the three Princesses landed before Twilight and Cody, making them take a step back.

“Don’t give up hope my son. Trust in the Force,” Blaze replied.

“While trusting Discord wasn’t the best decision, I can admit to that there is one solution,” Princess Celestia added firmly, getting the couple’s attention, “It is only by making this sacrifice that Equestria and the lands beyond it might be saved.”

“Sacrifice?” Cody asked as he and Twilight had worried looks on their faces.

“We must rid ourselves of our magic before Tirek has a chance to steal it from us!” Princess Celestia announced.

Twilight, Cody, and Sunset gasped in utter shock.