Power Display

by Futters2468

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Violence, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Grogar, Tirek, Queen Chrysalis, Cozy Glow
Length: 21172

Grogar plans unleashing his darkness, however somepony from his past appearing, complicates things

The grand galloping Gala is coming up just a few days before twilights coronation. Everycreature is naturally going trough a lot, especially the princess herself. When twilight suddenly doesn't return from a Trip. The Student six hatch a plan that might cause a brand new age of disharmony across Equestria.

The friendship between the trio of villains continues to blossom, when their newfound bond gets tested by a certain blue ramp. Is there friendship stronger than their need for revenge?

Grogar found out that his old enemy gusty has returned under a new name and more powerful than before. While he's trying to find a possible solution, long forgotten memories and feelings make a return, not being helped by gustys many attempts to convince him to change. Can grogar contain his anger or is he going to take it out on all of Equestria.

Published 2023-09-16 17:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2023-10-08 15:31:26 UTC

Chapter one: a not so cozy nightmare

Cozy could imagine herself in many situations: sitting on a Throne, people bowing down to her, finally beating and imprisonating her ex- teachers, wachting twilight beg her for mercy, but being chained in the catacommbs of her old school, while watching that previous mentioned princess talking to a Zebra wasn't one.

"Are you sure that grogar is back? Your reasoning does lack"

"I told you already zecora i know what i saw" the closer cozy paid attention to the alicorn the more strange she looked. Twilights body glowed, her expression looked tired and resentful, she watched the Zebra carefully, flinching whenever it moved a little faster like Zecora would pull out a sword and fight her.

"I know, yet are you sure what you're about to do is right, i don't want to risk causing anypony a fright"

"I will do what's best for our World i can't take losing somecreature else to that monster. So will you help me?" The princesses expression softened, as she put a hoof on zecoras shoulder.

"Fine"

"Thank you Zecora now go we can't loose anymore ti-" suddenly twilight flinched her eyes closed and her theeth were pressed together. Cozy was confused for a moment until her surroundings changed to a black void. She was still chained, this time even more.

The silence was soon broken by a loud and manical laughter. A blue goat appeared clearly taking pleasure from the fillys current state.

"Oh golly hello mister grogar! Could you maybe help me?" She put on the sweetest smile she could muster.

"Oh quit the act already you don't need to pretend around me, i know who you really are"

"An incredibly cute, talented, smart,charming, evil villain that almost sucked out all the magic of Equestria?"

"A child" a cold shudder went over her back.

"Yes, you may appear to be a ruthless criminal, but i quickly realized that you were just playing a character to hide you're real identity."

"I-i don't think i follow"

"Face it you're nothing more than an helpless, scared filly with no parents, no family, no place to call home. You had nothing, until i brought you here! I gave you a home! I gave you a family!"

"we're just teammates"

"Still i gave you everything!" With every Word cozy felt the ground she was standing on to shake, while the goat moved closer and closer. "You honestly think that after you defeat me they're going to stick around? They'll grow tired and leave you all alone!"

"No they won't i just know it!" The Pegasus tried to hide her scaredness behind a loud voice.

"And what makes you so sure?"

"I-i" her voice sank as she started to shake, unable to conceal her fear anymore.

"They find you annoying, not worth their precious time. You're a Problem, a little brat making everyones life miserable. You aren't even powerful enough to aid in battle, in fact i don't even know why i kept you instead of sombra. Sure, you're pretty manipulative but so are chrysalis and Tirek. Face it you're fate lies in my hands! Without me you're nothing!"

Cozy covered her ears "Stop! Please!"

"Go ahead deny the truth! You will realize it eventually maybe too late." With that everything went silent again, with only a few sobs being able to be heard.

Meanwhile chrysalis was in a cacoon peacfully sleeping, when a loud knock woke her up. The sudden noise made her jump out attack ready.

"WHO DARES DISTURB THE QUEEN!" She immediatly came down from the wall, when she noticed the red centaur standing at the door. "What in- Tirek?"

"Do you really have to be so loud at three in the morning? You could have woken up that annoying goat!"

"Do you have to come knocking on my door at this time? Ugh this better be important or i'm going to make you take a bath in that swamp water!"

"Of course it's important! I would still be sleeping if it wasn't!" He stopped for a second rubbing his neck before continuing "so cozy had a nightmare, a really bad one she won't tell me what happened or she was crying and i'm not really good at comforting so i decided it would be best to ask the one with experience in having children" an awkward silence broke out, neither knowing how to break the tension.

"Are-are you asking me for parenting advice?" The changeling held back from laughing. "I'd have never expected this from you" eventough she truly tried not to, chrysalis couldn't help cackeling at the idea of Tirek acting as a father towards Cozy.

The centaurs face got even redder than it normally was "I am not!" He tried thinking of a good comeback "Well in that case you would be her mother" his roommate stopped.

"What do you mean by that Lord Tirek?" There was a clearly threatening undertone to her voice. "Don't think i didn't see you helping her up with your cheese legs and if me acting close with her one or two Times warrants giving me the title of father, should that little act warrant you the title of mother!"

"First of all don't you dare call my legs cheese legs!" She flew up to his face dangerously close "second of all i'm not the one knocking on somecreatures door asking for advice how to help comfort a filly after a nigthmare!" Tirek didn't know how to respond to that, however admitting defeat was out of question.

"You would be a terrible mother anyways, proven by your changelings betrayal!"

"Oh you really don't wanna go there"

"What if i do?"

"Only if you wish to suffer a slow and painful death" her horn lit up, so did Tireks horns. They were just about to fire blasts at eachother, when a ridicoulous high pitch scream followed by the sound of glass shattering echoed trough the hideout.

"Cozy?" The two villains ran to the orign of the sounds to find an heavy breathing grogar looking at a whimpering cozy, who curled herself up like a ball, glass shards lying next to her.

"You fool! Do you know how much that Vase cost me? It was ireplacable!"

"I-i'm sorry mister grogar, i'm so sorry- i didn't want to destroy it!"

"What you wanted to do doesn't matter anymore, because you did, now you're going to clean it up! Here use this and don't wake me up again!" Chrysalis felt the intense urge to jump out of her hiding place a look at her teammate showed he shared her feeling, clenching his fist to surpress it.

"Y-yes right away" the goat dissapeared into his own room grumbling about something along the way. After he was gone the two finally build up enough courage to walk towards their co-worker.

The filly only gave them a quick glance, before ressuming to clean up the glass shards with a broom. Without saying another Word chrysalis picked the broom up with her magic and continued to clean for the pony, while Tirek picked up cozy looking for any possible injuries and picking out some glass shards that got caught up in her mane. Then he placed her back onto the floor, deciding to help the changeling get rid of the mess.

"Thanks?" Cozy was confused by the weirdly helpful nature of the two, which she would normally joke about but was currently just thankful for. Together they were done within only minutes, making the filly remember her dream, maybe they really don't need her...

"Are you okay?" The words sounded so wrong coming out of the mouth of a former queen, especially out of chrysalises.

"Why of course i am" Tirek was used seeing cozy put on her cute filly deemeaner, so he could immediately tell she was lying, so could chrysalis.

"Listen child lying about it won't make you feel better, just tell us what happened and we can help you understand?" The centaur was astonished at how calm and collected chrysalis sounded, she may still had her usual aggressiv undertone mixed in there, but tried to hide it as best as she could.

"Golly i would never li-"

"Cozy!"

"Fine i'll tell you if" the filly made a dramatic pause grinning like a little devil.

"If what?" There was the aggressiv undertone again.

"If you both tuck me into bed and read me a bedtime Story"

Tirek finally opened his mouth "are you serious?"

"As serious as can be"

"Not a word to this to anypony else or i will drain you dry" He mangled with himself a lot before saying that sentence.

"I wouldn't dream of it" Cozy flew over to her bed picking out a book awaiting her two older roommates.

"You tuck her in i'll read whatever dumb fairytale she picked up" this time around the changeling was pleasantly surprised by the centaur, he might even almost be as good at taking charge as she was, emphasize on the Word almost.

"Wait a second there don't you want to tell us something first?" The little pink filly flinched at rememembering the Deal.

"Maybe tomorrow? I'm really tired right now" she yawned so realisticly, she should really think of an acting career if the whole super villain Thing doesn't work out.

"Ugh fine but don't you dare try to trick us, you wouldn't believe what kind of excuses my changeling army had if they failed to do something"

"Pinky promise now can you read me my story and tuck me in my hoofs are getting cold!"

"Yeah, Yeah already there" Chrysalis flew over to the filly putting the blanket over her rather clumsly, her many changelings were always able to just go into there cacoons and sleep peacfully. "Goodnight you little demon" she awkwardly patted cozys head, before immediately flying out of the room. Leaving a helpless Tirek behind.

"Thanks for that awesome help by the way really appreciated it! Ugh okay what Story did yo-" He didn't get to finish his sentence, because the book was being shoved into his face "Ok, Ok i know i may not be the youngest but i am still able to see! Hmm the tale of... Gusty the great? Does-does he know you have that? Is that what happened?"

"Not exactly and it's part one anyway he appears first in Band six. I'm trying to find out more about him, so i figured this is the best way to do so. I got them as a present from- that's not important right now, but never had time to actually read them."

"Well i remember the sixth book fondly from my own childhood, especially the battle between gusty and the father of monsters, yet i two never read the other five... this might be interesting let's start" they ended up reading trough the entire book that night, which sounded more excessive than it actually was the Tales of gusty the great were as short as any other fairytale just with one or two more chapters easily done within a half hour, but it worked it's Job of getting cozy to fall asleep.

"Are you finally done?" Chrysalis, who had been listening the entire time peeked into the room.

"There you are i thougt you had left me alone"

"That was the plan, but i heard you talking about gusty and i happen to also be interested in that pony, maybe the books are in pocession of some Tips for defeating grogar"

"Maybe you should ask cozy to give you her books? Having a Hobby besides talking to a log might help your sanity a little bit?" Both of them unitentinally started walking towards their living spaces.

"Maybe if you instead of annoying me spend more time around those weights of yours you could regain your previous size faster"

"Or i could just drain your magic again"

"Then i would just drain you of your love" finally they reached the part where their ways parted

"Anyway goodnight Lord Tirek"

"Goodnight Queen Chrysalis oh and you might not be such a bad mother after all" the last part he almost just said in his head.

"What?"

"Nothing bye" He closed his door

"Your not such a bad father either" she also closed her door and everything got quiet again.

Chapter two: Grogars Bell

"Can you believe that filly? Did she honestly think she could destroy one of my most priceless possesions and not get punished for it! This Generation has no respect for it's elders!" The blue ramp was talking to his Bell in the makeshift living room, thankfully his Idiots of henchmanns were not good at hiding things. It was comedically easy to get his Bell back.

"Don't you think you might have been to harsch on her?" The Bell talked in an ominous voice sounding like an old record Player.

"If i don't punish her she will never know who to follow!"

"She's just a filly Grogar!"

"You were just a filly..." He realized what he was doing talking to an inanimate object with a stolen voice.

"You know i'm not really-"

"I know you just sound so much alike"

"That's hardly my fault you gave me her voice, why?"

"I have no idea i was really sad and nostalgic when i did it"

"Can't you just give me a new one then?"

"No, i like this current voice a lot just forget to separate you two" the ramp avoided eye contact with his Bell at all costs. Being neither sad nor emberrased rather resentful.

"So what's the plan?" The artifact may not have been a living being, but still knew the basics of social interactions and when to change the subject.

"I am so glad you asked you see those three will do the work for us! Separating the different races weakening the harmony of the Lands, causing the windigos to come back, who only i can get rid of! Forcing them to submit to me or else..."

"And what about the elements of harmony, the princesses, discord and your legion of doom?"

"All very good questions deserving answers i can provide. We need to take out all known users of the rainbow Power or we're so good as dead good Thing they care about eachother so much. Take one of the pillars as hostage, do the same with the students doesn't matter who. The mane six however need more care they are going to be taken care of first! And i know exactly how we can do it. First we need to have that yellow Pegasus under control and poof discord is out of the question, for that southern accent earth pony i can probably take her family prisoners, for the white unicorn i would take her sister, that wonderbolt and the flightless Pegasus filly are quite close, we should also use the Baby dragon for the future ruler and the element of laughter won't crack a joke if we got her beloved sisters in control!" Grogar laughed.

Even the Bell could feel the slightest hint of fear whenever he did that. "The princesses are pretty easy from what you told me before and the three villains?"

"Those fools haven't realized what has befallen them friendship! The Thing they so despise will be their doom, how fitting. I just got to get one under my control, forcing the others to coupperate or see their companion die!"

"I think you lost me back there"

"The grand galloping Gala is coming up three days before the big Day the perfect time to cause Chaos don't you think?" The Bell knew what was going to happen, it started to panick innerly.

"Please don't do this! It's too risky!"

"it will be worth it you will see now i must go i'm tired and need my beauty sleep, Goodnight!" Before the artifact could say another Word he deactivated it and went up the stairs trying his best to sleep, thinking with pure excitment what was going to happen the next day wanting Luna too finish her shift quicker. In the end he managed to sleep for a few hours, waking up just in time to write a letter and start spreading mischief.

Chapter three: a chaotic trip to the market

The day started like any other tuesday at fluttershys cottage she and discord were enjoying their tea parties to the fullest,laughing at the draconequs Gags and listening patiently to fluttershys storys.

"You know that reminds me i need to buy some more food for my animals, maybe you could join me and Angel?" The White bunny agressively shook his tiny head.

"Of course my dear i'm sure we're going to have a wonderful time together just us three, right Angel?" All of a sudden the three were wearing Shirts with the picture of an happy fluttershy and discord and an angry looking Angel on the side of the T-shirt. The bunny sticked out his tongue, while marching off into his bed.

"Oh dear..." the Pegasus sounded concerned like so often.

"Please we don't need that little br-bunny to have fun" with a snap of his talons the Shirts were gone and he had a basquet in his claw. "Now chop, chop we don't want to keep those adorable critters waiting any longer!"

"Coming!" She put on her cutie mark bag and flew to discords side.

A few minutes later the two reached the Marketing place looking... empty? With the exception of a few unicorns and earth ponies going around there was nopony here, even weirder fluttershy seemed to be the only Pegasus around, making her stick out like a sore thumb.

"W-why i-is everypony staring at us" the draconequs was used getting a few weird looks from Ponys clearly jealous of his magnificent looks, however he was very aware of his friends dislike for attention.

"Hey don't worry if anyone gets too weird i'll take care of them."

"Thank you discord, altough i don't think this will be necessery i only have to visit one Store a few weird looks will not deter me from that goal" she spoke sure but calm, he was so proud of how much she matured.

Sadly, it didn't stay by just a few stares. Pony started to make comments about her, fluttershy tried her Best to ignore them, yet a few broke trough to her.

"What is an Pegasus doing here?" The earth Pony sounded scared.

"Ugh do they always have to rub their ability to fly in our faces?" A unicorn whispered to her friend.

"What in tartarus is wrong with her i thougt Pegasus were supposed to be... intimintading? This one's just pathetic, no wonder she's here probably gotten herself kicked out of cloudsdale" discord paid very close attention to that unicorns Details, so he could remember who exactly he needed to visit tonight.

When she finally got to the stand, she was greeted by an angry looking earth Pony.

"Hello could i please get two bags of corn and three carrots?"

"Oh Look who decided to Show up! A Pegasus decided to come down to humble us with her presents! You probably want me to give you this for free, right?"

"No here i even have the money i hope it's enough" the saler took one look at it, before throwing all the money into a nearby well, causing himself and everyone around him to laugh.

"I hope it's enough" He mimicked, in this moment discord thougt of all the pockets dimensions he knows including a very Hot one filled with all sorts of monsters. "How do i even know that Was real money? All you Pegasus are only good at two things! Stealing and being scary!"

"Give me back my money" fluttershys face turned cold the air shifting around them.

"What?"

"You just threw my hard earned money down that well that could easily Land you a one month prison sentence" her voice remained calm, yet it sounded warning.

"Psst you don't scare me in fact how about i rip those pretty wings right off and make a nice feather Coat!" The draconequs was ten seconds away from doing something drastic, but realized his friend could handle it impressevialy well.

"So you would be adding onto your sentence even more i might not be a lawyer, but even i know that something like that would give you two years prison. So you can either give me my needed things without a fuse, or i'll be forced to inform the princesses of what happened here, got it?"

"Just take them" the earth Pony was taking a seat back horribly emberrased. Soon the two were back on their way home, Nopony dariying to even look at her. Discord couldn't stop to tell fluttershy how awesome that was, turning her redder ecery second.

When they reached the cottage door the draconequs was surprised with a hug.

"Thank you" fluttershy mumbled

"For what?"

"For just being here with me i greatly appreciate it. So thank you for everything"

He slowly returned the hug also being grateful. For just a few minutes time froze giving the two enough time to truly appreciate eachothers exicstence.

Chapter four: our little secret

The Student six did what they always did when a major Event was coming up hang out in their clubhouse.

Yono and sandbar were practicing a few dance moves for the grand galloping Gala. Or painting twilight in differing gowns

Smoulder and Qcellus were talking about the many expectations Ponys had for their respective species. Sharing their respective anxietys, laughing over the many ridicoulus Statements about dragons or changelings written in a few textbooks and helping Qcellus over her fears left by chrysalis.

Gallus was trying to answer all the questions Silverstream had about the Gala. Maybe he overstated a few answers, but he was still truthfull like Professor Applejack wanted.

Nocreature realized that they were being watched by non other than the tree of harmony herself, seeing the children find comfort in her roots filled her heart with Joy. She needed this after last nights news of grogars return seeing his face suddenly Pop up almost gave her a heart attack and she almost had a second after realizing what her dream foretold.

Watching those little ones having fun just playing around, reminded her of her childhood. The spirit used to be just an poor orphaned earth Pony with nothing to call her own, until she meet... him, he called himself the first emperor of Equestria. She never knew why he had taken her to his castle to teach her the Art of potions and magical artifacts. She should've had a beautiful life, but grogar always was cruel to her only complaining, never rewarding her if she did something good, no wonder she took the first chance she got to go out, finding New friends on the way wanting to find a peacful solution for grogars rain of terror.

She really tried helping everycreature including him to be able to live happy. After his Bell was hidden she extended him her hoof full of hope ready to forgive. And what did he do? He used the last of his magic to get rid of her and her friends turning them into the elements of harmony, while she got the role of the spirit of harmony.

If the spirit could she would kill him right now, but her adoptive father had created his own legion of doom. Three creatures that He surely would be willing to sacrifice if it meant saving himself. Harmony would never let anycreature get hurt just because of a centuries old fight, especially if one of those creatures is still in her formative years. No she had to work smarter.

"Hello old friend!" A Zebra approached her.

"Hello to you to zecora i was just watching the children play"

"This seems to have become a trend"

"Yes i've just been stressed a lot lately" zecora sat down next to her, being one of the few creatures to see her and the only one to be able to see her without needing permission.

"Do not worry dear i made some cookies here"

"You know i can't eat, right?"

"Excuse me gusty i'm getting a little rusty"

"Please just call me harmony, anyway did you Set up the shield to keep grogar out?"

"He will look like a fool, against our tool"

"Great! And don't forget not a word of this to anypony else this is our little secret" zecora nodded. They both watched the Kids, on the horizon a yellow shield rose up protecting the forest and everything that came after. It really was ironic that a spell designed by grogar, ended up being able to keep him out. The spirit just wished that she could laugh about that more.

Chapter five: dear Grogar

Chrysalis woke up surprisingly early, a weirdly familiar scent filled the air the scent of love. Just the slightest hint of her primary food source made her drool. She followed it to it's origin their makeshift living room, where she found a few open Letters. A changelings sense of smell never lies, no question these Letters were strongly inflicted with love. For a short while she examined this scent carefully, to make sure there was no love potion on those letters. No, the love smelled to good to be artificial. Her curisoty finally got the better of her, because who else but her would be awoken by smelling love? So she sat down and read the first letter

Dear Grogar,
I hope my letter finds you in good health. I know our last interaction didn't end the best, but i still hope you had time to think about my arguments. Now i simply want to know what you're planning to do with the filly?
Yours truly, harmony

"Who is harmony? Well by that terrible name clearly a pony still. What is that blue goat not telling us?" Chrysalis thougt out loud, as she picked up the second letter.

Dear Grogar,
I am saying this as your friend and adoptive daughter: what you're trying to do is wrong! Manipulative! Dangerous! You can't just experiement on living beings like they were dolls! Please, rethink this!
Yours truly, harmony

"Talk about daddy issues" for the one answer she got, another question popped up. what is he doing? Maybe the third letter will help shed some light.

Dear Grogar,
I've met up with cozy glows parents today. I know, i know you forbid me from trying to contact them, but they need to know, they have the right to know. It was a very pleasant conversation we ate cookies, drank tea they seemed really nice, maybe you could let them pay her a visit? I'm sure we could clear up any misunderstandings.
Yours truly, harmony

The changeling felt angry at how grogar wouldn't tell her about this potential meeting. She lived here so she deserved to know who was coming to pay a visit. There was only one letter left, this time it was grogar who wrote.

Dear harmony,
How often do i need to tell you, what my henchmanns do is my Business alone! Aslong as they live under my roof they will follow my rules! You do not have the authority, so stay in your lane and stop bothering me!
Yours truly, grogar

A appaled gasp escaped her mouth at hearing herself be described as a henchmann, she was a queen for celestias sake! That gasp may have been louder than orignally expected, because it woke cozy up.

"Chrysalis?" The filly came into the room rubbing her eyes and blinking continously. "Golly what are you doing up this early?" The changeling quickly hid the letters away.

"I don't need to justify my behaviour! If i want to wake up early i will do that!"

"Calm down, geez i was just asking a question, anyway what do you think about pancakes for breakfeast?"

"Only if there will be Bugs on them" cozys face changed in disgust.

"You're so gross!" She faked throwing up.

"I will only eat if there are bugs"

"Fine i'm going to make you your disgusting pancake, there's gotta be a few worms somewhere" Knowing how to cook was an unusal skill for a filly to posses, so was knowing how to manipulate ponies to your will and stealing all the magic in the Lands. Still chrysalis questioned how she knew to singlehandley stop her roommates from starving, was there a reason concerning her parents, a reason grogar was aware of?

"Good morning you two, what are we having for breakfeast?" The third trio member seemed to be very awake.

"What has got you in such a good mood?"

"It seems like we won't have to await the coronation i've finally figured out how to use the bell, now i only need to find the right spell and victory is ours!"

"I need to say i am impressed, never thougt an Idiot like you were up for the task" Chrysalis gave him a mischiveious grin.

"You're wrong about a lot of things" He returned the smile.

"Is that so?" She moved closer to his face.

"Of course how else could you have overlooked discord and starlight? From all of us your Intuition is the worst" He also moved closer.

"Says the one who couldn't defeat twilight, eventough having the magic of everypony plus discords" Chrysalis would be lying, if she said picking Fights with Tirek about anything wasn't enjoyable. They could have continued their Argument well into the afternoon, hadn't it been for grogar.

"CHRYSALIS MY ROOM NOW!" The earth underneath was shaking.

"I'm truly sorry to cut this short, but you heard him" the changeling flew annoyed the stairs up into grogars room, of course he got the comfy big bedroom, while they had to look for usable furniture in the swamp water.

"Alright i am here what do you want?"

"Please take a seat" He didn't even look at her

"So why did you summon me so early, when i'm barely awake?"

"You seemed awake enough to read my Private letters" He continued to stare holes in the wall.

"How did you-"

"Thanks to my orb i could see you reading a few Private letters between me and... an old friend" Chrysalis was a little nervous, what else did he see? Does he know of their betrayal? He would've done something if that was the case, right? Why was he so hesistant when talking of harmony? Still she kept her brave face, some old goat wasn't going to scare the Queen of the changelings!

"I admit i was a little curious, so?" Grogar stood up and walked towards the wall he had been staring at, looking angry? upset? resentful?

"In some of those letters harmony mentioned the parents of the little filly cozy glow, who i just so happen too know a little about"

"Yes, i recall harmony wanted to plan a reunion for the family" grogar clenched his teeth.

"She was always so naive-" the groundbeaneath his hooves started to shake. Eyery Single survival instincts inside of chrysalis screamed at her to get out, but her mind kept her calm. This pony seemed to be the only one able to get the ramps blood to boil, maybe she finally uncovered a weak point? Grogar took a lot of deep breaths, before ressuming in his usual calm and cold voice.

"Tell me what is your honest opinion about cozy?"

"She's annoying beyond compare, yet she is very good at controlling ponies to do her biding and her knowlege about modern Equestria has proven to be useful"

"So you see her as a tool to reach your ultimate goal?"

"Basically, yes" He finally looked at chrysalis, his eyes closely watching her mannerisms, was he trying to see if she was lying?

"And lord Tirek?"

"Pah that moron only cares for his muscles and reaching his former size, altough i must admit he is able to be pretty intelectual if he wants to"

"Hmm i see" grogar now faced chrysalis directly. "I called you here, because of this visit harmony wants to happen. Chrysalis i want you to stop cozys parents from ever seeing their daughter again by any means necessary. Kill them if you must. Oh and be disscret cozy can't know about the letters or our plan."

"What? Why should i do that? Like i already said i couldn't care less what happens to cozy, so why should i get involved with her family? if she wants to see her parents then let her, aslong as they go somewhere else she can do as she pleases!"

"Either you take care of her parents or i will!" Chrysalis was evil, but killing a fillys parents was below her, however she could tell that grogar would gladly steep to that Level. Maybe she could just suck out their love and lock them into a cacoon, no killing required.

"Fine i will do it can i go eat now my pancake must be cold already!"

"Yes you are dissmissed, just do it before tomorrow morning or i will" without another exchange the changeling flew out of the room almost into cozy, who was busy decorating a few pancakes with bugs.

"Oh golly there you are just in time!"

"How long did it take for you to make some pancakes?"

"Well it would've been sooner, but somecreature wanted to eat bugs, so i had to find a few first"

"Ugh just let me eat i don't have the energy right now!" Exhausted chrysalis plumped into her chair drawing Tireks attention.

"You look awful. Didn't have a great conversation? Did he finally adress your spitting Problems?"

"Just leave me alone" the centaur raised his eyebrow.

"You look more terrible than usual. Are you hiding something from us?"

"Are you accusing me of lying?"

"If you won't tell me what happened i have to think of my own explanations" Technically he was right she was hiding something, but could she really trust him with the information of her needing to get rid of cozys parents? Tirek was certantly more collected than her, yet he and the filly were very close.

"I know what will cheer you up chrysalis, pancakes!" The up building tension dissapeared the Moment cozy flew in wearing an adorable cook hat.

"Where in Equestria did you get that from?"

"Found it in the swamp water, anyway here your food"

Tirek rubbed his belly "took you long eno- what is this?" On his pancake there was laid out with chocolate a picture of him absorbing twilights magic, at least it looked like that if you like close one eye and squint really hard with the other.

"You finally sucking up twilights magic! As a thank you for reading me a goodnight Story! Do you not like it?" Eventough the end product looked terrible, Tirek could feel the effort that went into it and was, dare i say, touched by the gesture.

"thank you" these words managed to Sound both forced and genuine at the same time.

"I knew you would, i also made one for chrysalis! How d- chrysalis?" The changeling stared blankly at her pancake, on which the filly laid out her sitting on a Throne with starlight bowing down to her. Sure, it looked absolutely horrendous, but there was clearly a lot of effort put into it. Finding all those different bugs must have taken hours and all for one Single pancake. She constantly reminded herself of her Mission, she needed to find cozys parents to keep them from seeing their daughter, before grogar did something despicable and she couldn't even tell her what was going on.

Chrysalis did many bad things in her life ponynapping, decieving, lying, trying to take over, trying to kill Ponys, trying to get rid of the tree of harmony never during any point did she feel remorse for what she did. However right in this very moment chrysalis experienced guilt for the very first time and she didn't like it one bit.

"It is lovely..." in her mind she searched how to bring up cozys old home, the faster it was done the better. "Cozy you remember our Deal, right?"

"Yep, i guess you wanna know what happened finallly so-"

"How about you tell me about your life before the school of friendship with your parents instead" Tirek, who was struggling to eat without completely ruining the fillys hard work, turned towards his teammates gaining a sudden interest in the conversation.

"Now that you bring it up i also don't know much about your personal life cozy. In our letters we only discussed the school and your plans" the filly silently stared down, than she started to slowly talk almost mumbeling, her Tone indicating emberrasment.

"My parents are... royal guards. They worked a lot, especially dad often gladly took on nightshifts. I learned to care for myself pretty early on because of that. I could have weeks pass without seeing them, at some point the only reminder that they were alive were a few Letters they would write me. These Letters evolved from a detailed description of their week to just saying that they miss me. It's also not hard to see why they were away so much, they absolutely hated our house in saddleburg. Mom constantly complained about the Walls and tables not looking right, dad never liked the small bedrooms, but i always felt like what they hated most was... me.

They might have never said anything and they were never cruel to me. Both my parents taught me what parents should teach their children how to cook, fly, clean, manners, what's right and what's wrong, mom read me bedtime storys, dad admitted me into the friendship school, however i could always feel that they weren't doing those things because they loved me, they were doing all this because it was their duty. I was a burden for them, a unsolvable Problem. My suspicions were proven correct when they didn't send a letter one monday, concerned i asked another royal guard that was when i found out they had retired yesterday, without telling me anything. Just a few days later i was send to tartarus. Since then i didn't hear of my parents again"

Chrysalis held herself back from openely sighing in relief, her guilt was completely gone when cozys parents were so terrible anyway, hurting them wasn't going to hurt cozy. Tirek however was awkwatdly sitting there, he knew how the little girl felt, it reminded him how his own father, who made him feel like a Problem. "I understand know why you haven't mentioned them before... how about we just continue to eat"

"That would be for the best right now" the rest of breakfeast was spend in utter silence. Cozy was pressing down a few feelings, Tirek was trying to concentrate and chrysalis hatched a plan to succesfully capture two former royal guards.

Chapter six: panic at the castle

Twilight was pacing around the throne room anxiously awaiting Spike her adopted dragon brother. He promised to bring by some important Papers. Her friends where decorating for the Gala the next night, this year being the last one before twilight takes the Throne.

"Don't worry sugarcube i'm sure he'll be here soon enough" Applejack and Rarity were decorating some tables, combining fashionable with practical.

"I know, but there have been multiple complaints reasently. Earth Ponys that blame unicorns for destroying their crobs, unicorns saying Pegasus have tried to steal their magic, Pegasus thinking the other two races are trying to destroy their wings. I was often forced to rid guards of their weapons because they were attacking other ponies just for their race!" The princess massaged her temples.

"I actually had a very weird experience on the market yesterday afternoon. Everypony looked at me weird for being a Pegasus, i overheard them saying a few very rude things, the owner of the Shop even threw my money down a well" Rainbow stopped immediatly

"And you didn't think of telling me? I would have kicked him to the moon"

"Don't worry i can handle it"

"Ugh you're right" the Pegasusses were flying around hanging up garnets.

"I also had to throw some cupcakes at a few meany pants, that were calling Mauds Rock collection 'a dumb Hobby, fitting for an earth pony' thankfully i had my Party canon at the ready!" Pinkie made six balloon animals in the span of a few seconds.

"Pinkie i swear to celestia if i have to pay another fine" Spike came in flying, before plumping on the ground completely exhausted.

"Chimeras... princess Luna... Note... important... riots"

Applejack put her hoove on his shoulder "wow calm down there Spike what happened"

"Princess Luna saw two chimeras! In the forest! She tried to keep it a secret, but a few ponies found out and now there are riots everywhere!" The mane six collectively let out an horrified gasp.

"T-two c-chimeras?" Fluttershy squeaked

"In the forest?" Rainbow asked

"Are you sure Luna wasn't actually just asleep and dreamt all that" Rarity was trying to keep the mood up.

"Maybe the chimera cloned itself and they both went to find a cure by zecora?" Pinkie did a better Job at lightning the mood.

"Everypony calm down! Spike can you tell me where it happened?"

"Sure right here very close to the edge of the forest" He pulled out a map.

"Good i will take care of this at once"

"And well help y-"

"No Rainbow you six need to finish decorating and somepony needs to calm the riots. It's just two chimeras i can simply cage them with my magic"

"But what if you get kidnapped by a bunch of Aliens?"

"I am pretty certain that won't happen pinkie"

"Haven't you learned how dangerous the everfree forest is yet? Princess or not you shouldn't go alone"

"I can do this Aj, trust me"

"Ugh fine"

"I hope i can trust you to take good care of the castle while i'm absent, during my reign i'll probably have to go to a lot of important meetings, knowing that i can count on my friends will help me a lot that includes you too spike"

Spike saluted, proud of his older sister "Do not worry twilight with an assistant as great as me we can easily conquer any riot"

"I wold have expected nothing less from my Nummer one royal advisor!"

Fluttershy flew towards twilight, giving her an hug "you can also count on us, just please be safe"

"I will, i promise"

The mane six said their goodbyes, if only they knew that they wouldn't see the real twilight for a long time to come.

Twilight was easily able to catch the two chimeras by surprise and with her magic she sealed them into a purple cage. Now all that was left to do was to bring them into tartarus, but first she wanted to now why there were suddenly two chimeras, maybe starswirl can help. Twilight squeaked at the idea to see her Idol again. Just as she was about to take off, she felt something grabbing her tail and pulling her down.

"Just where Do you think your going Twilight Sparkle?"

Chapter seven: tireks lament

Finding cozys parents was an easy task, she just had to tell one pony how she was going to be a royal guard soon and wanted to seek advice from two veterans, of course disguised as a pegasus wearing the royal guard uniform. Very much to chrysalises shock the two verterans were revealed to be two unicorns the only Thing assuring chrysalis that she was at the right house was the mane and fur color of the two, which looked almost identical to cozys.

"Good morning!" The mare sounded happy, eventough she was aware that her only daughter was in tartarus.

"Good morning my name is sunflowertree i'm going to be a royal guard soon and was looking for advice. You used to work at canterlot right?" Chrysalis was a little put of by how happy the pony, that introduced herself as magenta glow, was. The same could be said for her husband barry glow that almost skipped around the house.

"You came to the right unicorns. Come in we'll Show you our house, while we talk" Chrysalis followed them into the house, finding the inside looking more colorful, lively and disgustingly than outside. Everything was full of rainbows, flowers and cutesy animals bleugh, thankfully Chrysalis was very talented in disguising her true feelings. During her Tour the two ponies kept rambling on and on about the honorful role of a royal guard. She could feel the love they had for eachother radiating of them, it was tempting, but something distracted her from the delicious scent. Over the house were pictures of cozy, who seemed a lot younger in most.

"Here is our bedroom and then there's...." magentas voice started to shake, as her eyes noticed another door on which cozy glow was written in pink. "You know what how about i make us some tea? I'll be right back make yourself at home." Now was chrysalises chance she slowly followed magenta to the kitchen and when she wasn't looking chrysalis drained her love leaving her completely helpless. After that chrysalis did the same with barry and cacooned them both.

Just as she was sbout to return on her way home with her prey, she felt a sudden curiosity overcoming her. There was nopony there, so she could use this opportunity to look at cozys old room, a fast look wouldn't hurt. Slowly chrysalis opened the big brown door, finding the room completely destroyed. The bed was turned over and all the pictures, that were clearly painted by a filly, were ripped into pieces.

"What hapened here!" Chrysalis was so shocked she didn't realized she said that out loud, not like anypony could hear her anyway. She was just about to leave, when she found one still intact picture. It was a self made portrait from cozy. Chrysalis noted how terrible it looked, the filly was so clearly bad at drawing even for her age, still for some reason she took it with her.

Meanwhile Tirek stared down at the book in front of him, originally he wanted to study it for a spell to activate the bell, but he found his mind drifting of to the weird behaviour chrysalis had at breakfeast. Her mannerisms reminded him of his brother scorpian, whenever he would think up an excuse to see that weak magician starswirl the bearded. Tirek shook his head, there was no way that changeling would betray him. Was she known for lying, yes. Was she emotionally unstable, yes. Is she powerful.... maybe. However he knew that she needed their assistance to succed, betrayal is simply no option for her, but what if?

"Cozy?" The filly dissapeared in her room After breakfeast and hadn't come out since. Tirek thougt about all the things she said, the way she described her parents, reminded him of his father King vorak. "Cozy! Say something if you're not dead!" No response. "Cozy don't ignore me!" Again no answer "Oh for the love of- wait a second i'm coming" He walked over to cozys room. Tirek debated for a second if he should knock before barching in anyway.

"Golly Tirek i thougt somecreature as old as you would know how to knock" the filly was sitting on her bed reading a book called gusty the great Band four.

"And i was under the impression Ponys are supposed to hear pretty well" He snarled.

"Oops! sorry i must have been to invested reading"

"Lucky you i wasn't able to read a single word!" A moment of silence erupted.

"Is it about chrysalises weird behaviour?"

"So you noticed it too"

"I mean it was pretty obvious.... d-do you think she is planning to betray us?"

"Well i wouldn't be surprised if she was planning some sort of betrayal, we should keep an eye out for her" the silence returned

"Tirek?"

"What"

"What is your plan after all of this is over?"

"What do you mean after all this?"

"Well after we succeded in our plan and twilight is powerless, what happens then?" The question made Tirek pause for a moment, he was always thinking how to win but never what would happen after that.

"I guess we would part Equestria into three kingdoms we take what we want and rule our kingdoms on our own"

"Do you mean we're going to part ways"

"Yes that's the plan" the centaur realised to late how hurt cozy sounded.

"Y-you're not planning to betray me right?"

"Betray you? What gave you that idea?"

"Well you two are powerful beings able to drain the energy of everycreature you want to. When i'm no longer of use to you, what's stopping you from draining my energy and leaving me to rot somewhere" Actually cozy made a good point Tirek was not only stronger, but also more experienced in manipulating creatures, so was chrysalis. Now that He thougt about it, there was really no reason to keep her around, he could easily take her magic, yet the Image of a complete weakened cozy made him feel.... weird. And when He thougt about chrysalis sucking up her love, it made him angry. What in tartarus was wrong with him?

"How about i read to you my favorite part of the gusty the great books, maybe that will help me concentrate?" For some reason that was the first Thing that came to mind.

"Ok" Cozy knew he was deflecting her eyes said it all. They almost looked like his brother scorpans eyes, whenever they were talking about their plan to take over. From the big book staple he took the largest book. Book six the last book ever written. Tirek sat on the ground cozy flying on his lap. Normally anypony who dared to get so close to him, would be drained within seconds, but cozy was an exception. Eventough he knew that personal space was just an imaginary construct for that filly, it was still surprising that she sat on his lap after they're last conversation. Maybe she was trying to surpress what happened?

"Where was it again? There, behold cozy the most rememberale fight in equesterian history" he started reading the chapter. Every Word brought back fond memories of his childhood. How his mother used to tuck him into bed, how his gram-gram sounded reading the chapter over and over again, how he would replay the whole fight with scorpan, which he often used as an excuse to Show off his magic strength. Sometimes when Tirek glanced towards cozy and saw how excited she got hearing grogar explain his Plan, while casually beating up gusty and her Team, he couldn't help but notice how similar she was to him. However then when tensions were at an all time high the remaining sites were ripped out leaving the Story at an Cliffhanger.

"Wait weren't there supposed to be sites here?"

"Cozy what did you do to the sites?" Tirek sounded like a parent reprimanding their child.

"Why Do you immediatly assume i did something?" She fluttered from his lap onto the floor

"I just- you know what, i think i'm finally concentrated enough to learn that spell" he got up moving towards the door "Don't disturb me"

"Yeah, Yeah i won't, maybe i could ask chrysalis about her behaviour"

"You do that just be quiet, oh and cozy"

"Yes?"

"I don't steal the magic of Pegasus fillies" with that he left the room. Obviously he did steal magic from any Pegasus he could find there ages didn't matter to him, but if he stayed silent cozy could think he was planning a betrayal. That would destroy the tiny inclines of trust they both build up. Tirek took the stolen book and read it again. Yet his mind still managed to drift of with thougts about his two allies. A simple question blocked his mind what did he truly think about them? They were just temporary allies, but the thougt of something happening to them or one of them betraying him was more than unpleasant for Tirek.

Chrysalis was a former queen, that is not quite right up there, yet her ability to shapeshift was impressive and very useful. If she wanted to she could easily suck up the love of grogar, cozy and Tirek and take the mane six on alone, she just had to find one weak point to use against them. However the more he thougt about it the more unlikely it became she would betray them, i mean she could be really cut throat, no doubt would she have wanted to betray them she would've done so already, still she was so possesed by the idea of revenge, if betraying them meant reaching her goal would she do it?

Cozy was more of a planner, than a fighter she was manipulative, ruthless and... weak. The only Thing that protected her from getting hurt were her adorable face and her two teammates. Would there ever be a circumstance of her needing to fight of creatures like timberwolves, would she survive? Tirek immediatly stopped his mind before he could invision that scenario, just the pure image of cozy surrounded by timberwolves was too much for him to bear, because it would mean they could need to think of a brand new plan, of course.

Something like that was never going to happen. Cozy is way to scared to ever dare go out into the everfree forest alone, there was simply no way in tartarus anycreature could hurt her, she was simply to smart to let that happen.... why did he feel like he just jinxed it?

Chapter eight: the spell

Grogar looked at the princess he had imprisoned in a magic bubble. She was serverly weakened after having her magic taken away by his specially designed shackles. Twilight barely managed to look up.

"Well, well if it isn't the element of magic herself. I was pretty surprised to see you come flying to solve the problem, to be completely honest i was expecting miss kindness, considering her long standing history of taming the most dangerous of creatures, but i won't complain." Seeing the alicorn despertarly try to break free, made him giggle "my plan might just have took a turn for the better"

"Who- are- you?"

"Oh how rude of me i forgot to introduce myself. I am grogar father of monsters and first emperor of Equestria, soon the last emperor of Equestria" He laughed.

"You- won't- get- away- with- this!"

"I've always been a admirer of your kinds blind trust in faith, makes sewing disstrust among your ranks easier" the princess looked ready to kill him, but he knew very well that behind her brave expression lies fear about loved ones and her future subject. "I also admire how passionate you are about protecting your people, you would've made a great ruler, too bad you will never get that chance" grogar left the room.

Trough the stony halls he could hear two flattering insect wing. "There you are Chrysalis, you took care of the issue, correct?"

"Yes the two ponies won't bother you anymore"

"Excellent, and i thougt things were about to get messy"

"There will be no need for that, now where should i put them?" This question confused grogar.

"I hope you aren't planning to bring them into the hideout" then he saw two cacoons chrysalis carried with her magic. "No! You will throw them into the swamp water immediately"

"But i can't keep living of those pony foods i need love!"

"Immediately!" Begrudingly she threw them into the swamp water outside.

"There can i go now, unless you have any other grudges that i need to take care of ?"

"No you earned a break for once"

Chrysalis leaned on a rock exhausted, her purple log Was sitting just a few miles away on a seat shaped Rock. "Something is wrong with me" the fact she was currently having therapy with a log proved that fact to be correct. "Since me and those other two retrieved grogars Bell and decided to build an alliance, things have changed i mean just last night i tucked that little demon into bed, then that same demon ruined my pancakes with those horrible drawings, which was just- just-" Chrysalis was clearly struggling to say the Word "sweet..." she wanted to say annoying, but realized fairly quickly that the gesture actually managed to somehow dig his way trough the thousands of Walls she built up and touch her heart just slightly.

"What kind of magic did that filly cast upon me, why do i feel the need to protect her so much. And don't even get me started on that Red centaur he always finds a way to make my blood boil, yet he has proven that i can trust him, he did give me back my magic, eventough he's so obssesed with being all powerful..." she stared at the log hoping for some sort of answer, however the log didn't answer, probably because it is still an inanimate object.

Could it speak would it probably say "maybe you should hire an actual therapist, when you take over Equestria, that should probably be your number one priority" or in short "please get help"

"Chrysalis! Are you talking to your log again?" Cozy came up behind chrysalis.

"I sincerely hope you two coming into my room without knocking isn't going to become a trend"

"How are we supposed to knock? only mine and Tireks room has a door"

"Then ask if you can come in, did nopony teach you any manners?" Chrysalises Tone was snarky.

"Ok i will try to remember it, but that was not the reason i came here"

"So what made you want to talk to me"

"Chrysalis i want you to be completely honest with me, are you planning to betray us?" Cozys serious Tone mixed in with that question made chrysalis break out in laughter.

"I? Betray you two? Oh no, no i just had an unpleasant conversation with the goat that's all" Cozy didn't laugh, instead she looked skeptical.

"Are you lying?"

"Are you questioning my loyalty to the group?" Eventough she tried her best to hide it, she felt a little bit hurt that her two teammates would honestly accuse her of betrayal.

"It's just, after i'm no longer useful to you, there's nothing standing in your way to drain my love, ponies are known for being basically living love banks. So why shouldn't you?" Chrysalis often threatened her allies with draing them dry, but those were mostly empty threats. No matter how angry she was, she just couldn't do it! Any other creatures love was always tempting, yet Tirek and Cozy never appealed to her, no matter how much love they had.

"Just because we are going to sepperate doesn't mean we need to betray eachother"

"So you really aren't plannning anything?"

"Yes, should you however not leave in the next 30 seconds i might change my mind"

"Ok doki! You will still be there for game night, right?"

"Not like i've got anything better to do, now scram!" Cozy did as she was told. "Did you hear what she said! Me being a betrayer! Such complete nonsense!" if the log had eyebrows one would be raised right now. "Yeah i am known for lying and tricking, but i never lied to any of my allies! How dare they question the Queen! You know what how about i have a Chat with that centaur before he has any ideas!" She didn't wait for an answer, she just flew right into the living room.

"Ah chrysalis do you mind? I'm currently in the middle of finding the right spell"

"Don't worry i'll make myself short. That annoying Pest told me you thougt i was planning a betrayal of some sort, well rest assured i just had a bad chat with grogar that's it" Chrysalis wanted to leave, when Tirek started to speak.

"Why?"

"Would it kill you to be more specific?"

"What did you talk about with grogar?" An awkward silence came into excistence. Was it really right to tell him? What if grogar was watching?

"That is non of your Business"

"If you don't tell me i've no reason to believe you"

"Ugh fine, just promise when the blue ramp comes that you were guilty. So i got the Mission to get rid of cozys Parents" a sudden realization crept upon Tireks face.

"Was that the reason for your interest in her family?"

"Maybe"

"But why would he want that?"

"As it turns out our grogar got a adopted daughter, who writes him since a while, i happen to read some of there letters and in many harmony the daughter wanted to organize a reunion between the family. Grogar wasn't so fond of that and next Thing i know i'm carrying two cacoons filled with two unicorns"

"Where are they now?"

"Well he wouldn't let me keep them as love reserves, so i had to throw them into the swamp water"

"You could've given them to me, any free magic is good magic" Chrysalis was more than just surprised at his reaction

"Interesting, i expected more of an outburst from you, considering how much you care about cozys well being the news of me trying to hurt her parents might- anger you"

"First of all i don't care about her, it's just that she won't be a good helper dead or unhappy"

"Makes perfect sense" there was clear sarcasm in her voice.

"Shut up, anyway secondly even if i did care about her, why should it disturb me if her parents got her from her story they didn't seem to be exactly good parents" he did make a good point, was she perhaps being overdramatic? No Queen chrysalis was never overdramatic, she was always reasonable!

"Good now that we have that clear, how ist that spell going?"

"Not great, i wasn't able to concentrate, because i was too busy thinking about your possible Betrayal"

"Aw so you were thinking about me, how sweet"

"Your teasing doesn't help, at least try to be useful"

"Fine let me see this" she ripped the book out of his hands, staring at it for a second, before her eyes widened in shock, she let the book fall to the floor.

"What in- Chrysalis what has gotten into you!" Tirek carefully picked the book back up cleaning it with his hands.

"Read the page again!" She sounded horrified. He did as he was told.

"Fine. So to activate the bell a special spell must be cast on a... pony, the race doesn't matter. The pony in question must be hit with the incantation right in the heart, this will then cause the ponys heart to slowly turn to stone, whenever they use their specific talent (pegasuses Flight, earth ponies strength and unicorns magic), should they're heart be fully turned to stone the pony will die in that circumstance the bell remains unusable, however if the pony dies under different circumstances the bell will be activated. The pony surviving for a whole day will also kill it, but the bell will remain locked." Under the text a spell was written. Tireks hands trembled, if it was because of anger or horror not even he could tell. The two shared a look of realization. Now they knew for what Cozy was needed

Chapter nine: the artifacts

It was an usual day for the students of the school of friendship, except it wasn't normal at all, because today is the grand Galloping Gala. No wonder noone was able to concentrate on the very important essay they had to write for professor Twilights classs the next day. The student six were in the libary, trying to get some peace and quiet.

"I still don't understand why everyones so obsessed with this dumb Gala" Smoulder attempted to not picture herself in a dress to no avail.

"The grand Galloping Gala seems to be very important for ponies i can't wait to see why" Ocellus looked outside, the garden was filled with different ponies hoping around, talking to eachother and giving eachother letters sealed with hearts.

"Please they act like this at every festival." Gallus, who didn't get any sleep last night, deeply sunk into a cusion.

"Yeah, but this will be the last Gala before twilights coronation and considering the summer sun celebration we can expect something very special" Sandbar fixed his mane.

"I hope! I've spent the whole night researching the grand Galloping Gala! Did you know that our professors once ruined a Gala!"

"Thank you Silverstream, it's not like you told us that fifteen times already last night" if sarcasm was a subject in school gallus would've aced every test.

"Actually i told you it twenty times"

Yona was sitting like a dog tapping her hooves in excitment "Yona can't wait to dance for ponies!"

"i'm sure they will love it" Ocellus looked back at her friends. To lighten her friends moods Yona got up and gave them a preview of her dance skill.

"Wow if you continue to dance like this we will never loose you" the dragon smiled a little.

"Just remember that we wanted to dance, when all the others colts ask you. We still want to dance with me right?"

"Yona could never forget Sandbar dance"

"Oh my Celestia! Just kiss already!" Smoulders face was meeted wit a big pillow

"That's it! if anycreature needs me i will be up in my room!" Just as gallus was about to leave the library something yanked him back inside "Ocellus!"

"That wasn't me" She nervously backed away.

"Well if it wasn't you then who was it your the only one with magic and i would've known if somecreature grabbed me!" Suddenly Gallus wasn't tired anymore. "Wow where did that energy burst come from? Did i accidentaly drink coffee?" He could hear a laughter, that sounded mysterious and welcoming at the same time.

"Oh aren't you six just the most adorable creatures i've ever seen" The lights started to flicker and the shelves started to shake, some books even fell out.

"What in Tartarus! Who are you? Show yourself you coward!" Smoulder did the classic dragon tactic of being very aggresive to things that made her uneasy, her and Gallus were standing in front of their friends. Yona soon joined them, preparing herself to smash. The other three rather stayed behind, which didn't mean they weren't ready to fight to.

"Do not worry my dears it's me" The spirit of Harmony appeared in front of them, however she looked tired? There were big grey bags under her eyes and her glow was dimmed, even her voice sounded exhausted. The students relaxed.

"Sorry Tree of harmony! We are just a little jumpy"

"Please just call me Harmony Ocellus"

"Ok Harmony did you perhaps give me that energy outburst and if you did why? I mean Thanks for that, but still"

"Well i wanted to give you something very special and i need you all to pay close attention" Harmony smiled weakly.

"And what would that be?" Smoulder crossed her arms.

"Patience, what i am about to give you are highly magical artifacts that, if used wrong, could partentialy carry major consequences for our world"

"So you wanted to give them to us, children... i mean we were able to stop cozy with the power of friendship and all, but are you sure we can handle that?" Gallus was again using his signature sass.

"The cozy incident is indeed one reason for my decision, you see i want to keep this school safe and you want that too, correct?"

"i mean yeah that would be pretty cool" the dragon was still crossing her arms

"So under much consideration i have decided that you six will overtake the protection of this school, of course i will help you for the first few years"

"Not to be rude but can't the royal guards handle it?"

"Please sandbar don't be ridicoulousc since when do the royal guards do anything"

"Fair point"

"Anyway for this job you will need special weapons" six artifacts manifested in front of each student. "Smoulder you have proven yourself to be a brave friend, that would go to any length if it means protecting those close to you, so i've given you The spear of warriors it will allow you to cut trough even the hardest of materials, but be careful as the spear mimicks the emotions of it's wielder, depending on your rage you might do more damage than intended" In awe smoulder stared at the short spear.

"Oh i love it already!"

"Gallus your friends are always able to depend on your leadership qualities, so i've given you the Armor of Leaders, this artifact will show you the best way to reach your goal, however you should know that the best way is not ultimately the one with the fewest casualties" The armor was firmely streaming out authority.

"Thank you"

"Sandbar you're a level headed individual, that always knows what's best for your friends, therefore i will gift you the book of Truth, whenever you stand infront of something or somecreature this book will reveal the truth about this creature or Thing, but beware that the Truth isn't always easy to swallow."

"Wow"

"Ocellus you carry sympathy in every corner of your being, your personal experiences have taught you to never give up on somecreature, for that reason i'll give you the Flower of Healing. With it you can heal almost every injurie, yet even an artifact this powerful can't bring back the dead."

"i won't dissapoint you"

"Silverstream you are one of the most curious beings i know you're always ready to learn new things and want to find out what the world has to offer, that is why i think it is only right for you to get the bow and arrow of discoverer, if you shoot the weapon in the air it will show you where you need to go to accomplish whatever you set out to door where you need to be to survive, but be warned because this artifact can be quite selfish, it will always show the best way for it's carrier, should however it see that to be able to reach that best way is going trough a part that might prove dangerous to others it will do it without hesistation"

"I understand"

"And finally Yona you are a loyal friend, no matter what you will always be there for your friends, because of that you get the Helmet of Help. It can tell you where your friends are and teleport you to there location, it also allows you to teeport your friends to your Location, however the use of this drains a lot of will power use it wisely"

"Headmare Twilight clone can count on Yona!"

"That's great. I hope i'm not making a huge mistake with trusting you."

Gallus stepped forward "You won't i promise!"

"Then Goodbye my dears. Have a lot of fun at the Gala. May Celestia protect you" With that Harmony was gone.

Chapter ten: the Gala

Chrysalis soon broke their long standing eye contact "We have to warn her!" Tirek never agreed with her more.

"Let's not waste any time we have no idea when that blue goat will strike"

"I am a ram for your information" Grogar appeared by the doorway. Quickly Tirek hid the book under the Table.

"Is there even a difference between the two?" Chrysalis said that for two reasons the first was because she genuinly didn't see much of a distinction and the second was so she would take the attention away from her teammate it worked.

"Maybe a creature with your sanity status just wouldn't understand it and you won't need to, you only need to do it"

"Yes, Grogar" She bared her fangs, her voice was deeper than normal.

"Good now i would like to know what you two were talking about?" they exchanged a few quick glances, each hoping the other would find a good enough excuse.

Grogar tried to suppress a satisfied grin. Hearing the pure horror in theyre voices was enjoyable enough, but seeing them now desperatly searching for some sort of explanation was ten times better. However he should probably think about a way to stop them from warning that filly, his plan was going to good just to be ruined by them of all creatures. Wait, wasn't there this weird pony festival The Brand Falloping Nala or something like that? From what he remembered it would take place tonight, perfect!

"Well it doesn't matter anyway, because i have an assignment for you" chrysalis ears perked up, seeming alarmed. Tirek also straigthened himself, probably to evoke fear, which would work if Grogar wasn't the Father of Monsters. "Tonight there's a special event in canterlot"

"Do you mean The Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Yes, i want you two to mess a little with the Festival destroy some stands, cause fights among the guests, just try to ruin the evening as much as possible"His two minions looked at him like he was mad, which he probably was by equestrian standards.

"By all due respect, how would this help our goal to destroy the Elements of harmony!" Tirek raised his voice at him, something that would normally end in a one way Ticket to the after Life.

"It's simple really somecreatures are planning to announce something that could endanger our plan, so by ruining the event you will stop the announcment from happening" Grogar techhnically already ruined the whole Gala thing by ponynapping the princess, but the two didn't now that.

Chrysalis didn't believe him, every cell in her body screamed this was a Trap. From how tense Tirek looked he felt the exact same way. All of a sudden Tirek relaxed.

"Fine we will do it, if we can take Cozy with us" She was surprised by his smarts, so was Grogar.

"I thougt you hated having her along for the ride?"

"Well it's like you said, we work better as a unit" Chrysalis jumped in grinning like a devil at Tirek.

Grogar was considering using a mind control spell, but he knew that they're minds were incredibly resistant, it would take too long to break trough and killing them wasn't an option, yet. He wasn't even planning on using the spell right now, first he needed to get rid of the mane six, but if he forbid it they would warn Cozy of his plans, eventough grogar knew that he could still win the fight even if the filly fought back, fighting against Cozy and the other two would be a waste of needed energy. And saying yes would also lead to them warning her. After spending a few minutes a plan formed in his head.

"You do make a good point, so you might take her with you if you so wish" Both of them seemed as confused as they were relieved.

"Well then we will go to canterlot when the sun goes down"

"No need i will teleport you there now do whatever you want to i need to attend to some important business, goodbye" with that Grogar left the room, he actually needed to do something very, very important.

"HE DID WHAT!" Zecora expected this kind of reaction from the spirit of harmony, after all she just told her that Grogar managed to break trough the magical barrier and captured the Element of Magic herself. Still it was hard to stand up straight, when the entire underground is shaking. After Harmony calmed down enough to internalize the situation, Zecora noticed how sick her friend looked. Her light purple coat was slowly turning grey, her mane had some strong white accents mixed within, her eyes gave the impression of somepony who hadn't slept in a week, she was clearly using all her power to keep the barrier up, maybe that was why Grogar got in so easily.

"It's like i said without sleep you're weak"

"Zecora it's not just a lack of rest, i lost so much of my power the Elements were destroyed alongside my old form, the rest of my elemental power currently resides within six ponies, those copies from chrysalis almost managed to corrupt me, i needed to give my magic artifacts to a bunch of children so they would at least stand a chance against grogar" Harmonys voice got lower "i do not think i will be able to sustain my physical form much longer" Zecora froze her own voice began to tremble

"I understand dear, however i don't wish for them to live in fear"

"They won't, the moment i regained enough of my power i will return to normal, now you should head to canterlot the others will need your help preparing that Big dance thing, i will try to find a solution for Twilights dissapearance, Faerwell"

"Good luck"

Cozy paced around. Grogar said he had a special surprise for her, what it was he didn't say, which only meant good things of course. Besides that there was something else that was strange, her two allies seemed to want to tell her something, before they were cut off by Grogar calling for her and when she followed him to his room, she could swear Tirek looked concerened, just imagining his fearful eyes made her skin crawl. Normally Cozy was the scared one hiding behind Tireks legs.

"Cozy come in"

"Coming!" She gulped down all her anxiety and fears and went inside. This was the first time Cozy ever saw the inside of Grogars chamber. It looked like the room of an alchemist in the old tales Twilight would sometimes read to them before a big holiday. There were potions everywhere, glasses filled with eyes or dead rats were spread out before a big round cauldron and in the middle of the room Grogar sat by a table, taking a few steps closer she soon realized what he was doing, he was trying to fix the broken vase, the shards lied infront of him. He barely noticed her going in.

"You wanted to see me?" Cozy couldn't stop her eyes from looking at what was left of the vase. Grogar always complained at how ugly that vase was, yet he snapped at her for breaking it and now he was actually using his magic to fix it. This made her remember back when she was still living with her parents she would spend her freetime on drawings, none of them were any good, her parents reminded Cozy of that fact whenever she showed them her work, so in a fit of Frustration she often tore her drawings into pieces. Then one night she caught her mother in the act of glueing one of her many art works back together. It should have probably made her feel better, but it just angered her even more, if her mother found the drawing good enough to stay in one piece, then why didn't she say so?

"Ah yes, Cozy i wanted to talk with you about last night" her heart started to beat faster than it probably should.

"R-Really what about it?"

"Well it's about what i did and said, you remember it right" How could she forget. Cozy was threatened a lot growing up ponies at school, Tirek, Chrysalis, her parents did it sometimes after long shifts, but never had any of them ever made their threats become reality. Then comes Grogar she still saw the way he stood there the pure hatred in his eyes, as he started to pull on her wing harder and harder with every passing second, a few feathers even fell out, there was no doubt in her mind that if he hadn't stopped he would've pulled out her wing.

"I do remember"

"Good, well i wanted to... explain my sudden outburst to you. Come i'll show you something" Grogar led her to a very dark hallway, this was the moment cozy looked for a possible way to get out without getting caught. They continued walking, until they reached a big glass window, that closely resembled the once in canterlot castle. The window depicted a earth mare with a light yellow coat and a green mane, holding up Grogars Bell.

"What is this?"

"Hm i thought you were the Expert on gusty the great"

"W-what?"

"You can't fool me, i know you have been reading up on those silly books. I even stole a few pages out of it" He held up the missing pages from the sixth book, for a short moment Cozy could see a bitter expression on his face, at reading a few lines from one of the pages. "As if i really transformed into a giant blue dragon, oh and naturally Gusty just immediatly knew how to use the magic of friendship, not like she had to practice weeks because of her earth pony heritage." His face relaxed "But i don't want to argue about the accuracy of fairytales with a filly, instead i wanted to tell you a little secret of mine, you see that pony ist Gusty, the real Gusty! Most creatures know her as my defeater and enemy, however that is not the whole truth, as you see she was also my adopted daughter"

"What!" Cozy couldn' tell if she found the news shocking, hilarious or both, it probably was both.

"Yes" The intensity in his voice silenced her instantly. "She was a lot like you as a child loud, annoying, constantly trying to be artsy, eventough she definetly wasn't, she also broke many things, which must have been the reason i snapped at you, it reminded me of her too much. In the end she found herself a few new 'friends' and overthrowed me" Why did it feel like Grogar also meant the last part as a comparison, but for that he needed to know about her and her teammates plans and he didn't knew that, right? "Cozy you know what happened at the end of Gustys story"

"No" She surpressed the urge to say "How was i supposed to? you ripped out the final chapter"

"Well Gusty was celebrating her victory, without making sure that i was dealt with, how foolish. That was when i realized how much magic i had, so i used all of my remaining powers to disintregate Gusty and her allies, sadly this action cost me my physicall form, forcing me to wait thousands of mooons, but now i have enough power for four Disintergration" Suddenly Cozy realized the purpose of the comparisons, it was a Threat.

"I haven't heard anything in a long time"

"For the last Time Tirek she will be alright"

"Maybe i should just check for a quick second"

"Tirek sit back down!" With a loud grunt he flopped back into the chair. "Do you still want to claim that you don't care for the filly"

"You're not any better. Just look what i happened to find in your room" He waved with the drawing, chrysalis had stolen from Cozys childhood home earlier. She took it back with a hiss.

"HOW DARE YOU INVADE MY PRIVACY!" The third roommate entered the living room, in which they had resigned in, followed by grogar himself.

grogar began speaking "After much concideration i had the brilliant idea to give you something, so i can watch over you during your mission" He summoned a small necklace "Here one of you put this on how about you Tirek?" Without saying anything Tirek obeyed, something he fought he would never do. "Good now i better summon that portal the sun is already going down"

"But it was just-" Chrysalis stared in disbelief at the setting sun.

"Well i guess Twilight just couldn't wait" With a malicious grin the ramp looked back at his room, he really was lucky to have caught her first.

Meanwhile at Canterlot:

"What in tarnation!"

"Why is the sun going down!"

"Discord!"

"I'm not doing this"

"Celestia! Luna!"

"We do not have our powers anymore remember?" six ponies, two alicorns, a dragon and a draconequs collectively watched the sun slowly sink over the everfree forest, only Zecora continued to decorate the castle, she was already aware that grogar wasn't a patient creature.

"And what are we going to do now? Twilight hasn't returned yet and the guests could come any minute now!" Rainbow dash never thougth she was ever going to experience twilighting first of hoof, she also never thougth that this situation was ever going to happen, but here they were.

"Maybe we could tell them to leave?" Fluttershy tried to keep calm and flutter on "we could move it to a later date"

"Aren't you all forgetting something? Twilight is missing! And considering the sun is moving, somepony must have stolen her powers!" Applejack justified her being the Element of Honesty.

"Do you think she needs help the chimeras?" Princess Celestia, Twilights proud teacher and former ruler of Equestria never felt so stressed. Not just because her best student was missing, but she also decided to invite all the other leaders from the other parts of the land even the Pillars were coming.

"Do not worry my dear sister, the guards just informed me that the chimeras have been taken care of, however they did say that the two monsters seemed scared of something, they didn't even put up a fight"

"What if she's hurt? What if she got lost somewhere?" Spike was pacing around constantly imagining the worst case scenario.

"There's no need to worry darling i'm sure Twilights doing fine, maybe she just accidentaly let the sun go down sooner she is still getting used to it after all"

"i hope you're right rarity" Spike really tried to believe her, but he just couldn't help this feling that something was very wrong. Two creatures stayed surprisingly quiet. Discord and Zecora didn't need to exchange any words, both knew very well what was happening. They slowly seperated themselves from the rest of the group. It was after they were out of hearing range, that discord started to speak.

"So is he-"

"Yes he's back, keep track"

"Well that explains the weird feeling i had yesterday night, so when exactly did you plan on telling me this"

"When the Time was right"

"Do you always have to be so ominous?" Discord was growing more and more annoyed "Besides don't you think as the only one of his monsters who was able to rebell against Grogars magic, should be aware of him coming back"

"I was afraid you could tell"

"Do you really think i don't know how risky that would be? I've been a reformed villain since season three! And i know i betrayed you for tirek, but that was five seasons ago! Okay, i might have acted a little bit villainous with Starlight, but i had good reason too!"

"You are right i'm sorry for causing you fright"

"Thank you! By celestia most ponies act like i freed four criminals to test Twilights ability to rule or something, anyway what is the plan"

"We will let the gala go on, she won't let us wait for too long"

"Great now say that same sentence in english please" Instead of explaining herself zecora walked right up to the rest of the group.

"Do not worry my dears i have an answer for your fears"

"You do?" Everycreatures attention was directed to Zecora

"Continue with the Gala as planned, i swear i have a Plan" If their former experiences, have taught the Element bearers anything, then it was that Zecora can be trusted, no matter how absurd it sounds.

"Alright if you say so Zecora, let's finish the decorations before the guests turn up" With that Applejack started to work, soon the others joined in, even the princesses and Discord helped out. All hoping that Zecora was right once again, however ironically the one must uncertain about the Zebras promise was she herself.

When the three villains arrived at Canterlot the gala had already begun. Ponies, Yaks, griffons, reformed changelings, Kirins, seaponies and so many more were filling Canterlot castle and it's surrounding eras. The moon started to rise at an amazing speed, over none of the guests seemed disturbed by this, everycreature was laughing and just having a great time overall, eventough it was quite curious that earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns were avoiding each other. The trio seemingly talked about their plans, but they're eyes said something completely different. All i will say is that Grogar, who was observing there every move, thougt that they were having a stroke.

"So i'm going to cause chaos between the guests" Chrysalsis pupils fixated on the necklace, trying to find a way to get rid of it, without alerting a certain ram.

"And i will try to destroy their food" Tirek blinked rapidly, signaling that he had no idea.

"I guess i can't really help much, but maybe i could try to get a few banners to fall onto the guests" Cozy also shared Grogars believe that her two older teammates are having a stroke.

"Okay just don't get caught" Now the two were having an intense staring contest, bouncing off ideas, just to come to the realization that they need to wait the night out, so they all broke off into different directions.

From then on the night went exactly as planned... for the villains. Cozy managed to blind a few yaks, causing them to run into tables, chrysalis managed to cause many fights between the races and Tirek robbed everycreature of cake. The mane six spend most of theyre time trying to keep the peace, of course with the help of Discord, the princesses, the young six, (who were constantly whispering to each other about some artifacts which is nothing to worry about i'm sure) the pillars, spike and even the other rulers, but for every solved problem a new one popped up. And Zecora? She was just watching this all unfold, waiting for her friends 'Plan' to arrive. Meanwhile Grogar was having the most fun he had in years, verything was going exactly as planned soon the Time for Twilights speech would come and pass, without thefuture ruler appearing the Harmony of the Land would be weakened even more, then he will finally be able to enter the lands.

However just two minutes before the planned speech, something happened that wasn't supposed to happen. It began with the ochestra stopping.

"Oh by Celestia what is wrong now!" Discord felt something he never felt Tiredness. In a snap he was beside the conducter, who wasn't moving. "Ah hello, would you so kindly continue doing what you do" The conductor just stared of into the distance his eyes were white as a sheet, he also wasn't breathing. "Hello? Don't you know it's rude to ignore somepony?Hello!" A seperate Talon appeared in front of the pony waving aggresively. "Are you dead?" Discord summoned himself a stethoscope and felt for a pulse, thankfully there was one. He then noticed that not just the conducter was stuck in a comatose state the whole ochestra were staring into the distance with white eyes. Discord shoved them, moved their bodies around, even when he held a cupcake under they're noses they didn't even blink. He was just about to get the mane six to help, when suddenly the ochestra started again, but instead of the light melody from before the music sounded threatening, like something was coming.

The next Thing that happened was it started to rain a lot, also the banners caught fire. Everycreature that was outside ran as fast as they could inside. Cozy almost exposed herself, by screaming as the banner she was about to throw on a pair of unicorns started to burn. What terrified her even more was this sudden voice telling her to go inside, why did it sound so familiar? So she did what she always did, find Tirek and dart behind his forelegs.

"Cozy, what did you do?"

"Me! I know i am a manipulative genius but i'm not good enough to cause this!" Chrysalis flew to her comrades

"What did you two do! We did not plan this!"

"We didn't do any of this!"

"Then who else?" Suddenly Tirek felt something tucking on his leg.

"Uh Tirek?"

"What?"

"Somepony is behind us" The two immortals turned there heads around, just in Time to observe the Princess of Friendship herself emerge from the shadows, however something was off about her. Chrysalis immediatly readied herself to fight, she hissed aggresively and charged her horn. Twilight only stared at her before releasing an annoyed sigh and pinning the three villains to the ground.

"HOW DARE YOU ATTACK THE QUEEN OF THE CHANGELINGS!"

"Go Home" Twilights tone was a mix of resentment and pity.

"What do you mean by that?" Tirek would be lying if he said that seeing his most hated foe act in such a unfamiliar way didn't make him feel unnerved.

"I mean that if you truly believe that you could beat Grogar, the father of monsters himself, and make it out victourious, then i deeply overestimated your inteligence. Even if you do manage to beat Grogar, somecreature will eventually best you, so just give up. I know that you three will never reedem , but that doesn't mean you could not have your happy ending. In fact i am under the impression you already have found a possible better way to be bad in each other"

"And i am under the impression you should mind your own business"

"Your defensivness is really testing my nerves Queen Chrysalis. So i will give you two options either you go back to the swamp you originated from or i will send you right back into Tartarus" It wasn't particullary hard for the villains to decide what was the better option. Just as they were about to answer a yellow portal appearednext to them. "Seems like Grogar already decided for you now go! I have some really important business to attend to" Without any other option the trio stepped trough the portal, while Twilight spread her wings and flew of towards the castle.

The insides of canterlot where filled to the brim. While the mane six and the leaders tried to keep everycreature calm, the young six heard the voice of Harmony talk to them. "Hello again children i hope you were able to have a little fun. I'm deeply sorry for the disaster that was this night so far, but don't worry i know how we can still fix this night and make it memerable. All you have to do is go on stage and announce that Twilight Sparkle has returned"

"But Twilight hasn't returned yet?" Silverstream was taught since a very young age to always ask for further information if something seemed sketchy.

"Trust me" Considering that they really didn't have anything to loose they decided to trust a tree who gave a bunch of students magical super weapons.

"Ok and who's going to go on stage in front of all these creatures?"

"Sandbar" They all said in unison

"Thanks guys"

"Come on you know you are the best at public speaking"

"Alright, wish me luck" He anxisouly walked onto the big stage "Uh Everycreature listen up!" Thousands of eyes including the ones of his teachers stared at him "uh The future ruler of Equestria has returned" The moment the words left his mouth. The lights started to flicker and little stars appeared on stage. They danced around for a few minutes, before transforming into Twilight or at least somepony who looked very similar to her, however the students knew almost immediatly that this was Harmony. The Audience started to cheer and clap, Celestia looked relieved so did the mane six.

"Thank you Sandbar. Please excuse my lateness, i ran into some problems on my way back. But that is all in the past now. It seems to me that the Gala has been a little bit of a disaster, that's okay i am here now and the night is still young." With one hoof gesture the raining outside stopped, all the broken furniture was fixed, the cake stood on a round table, the burning banners returned to normal and the room was filled with beautiful music "Great now that that's settled i also have a few special announcments to make"

Chapter eleven: special announcments

"FIrst of all Sandbar, Yona, Smoulder, Silverstream, Gallus and Ocellus would you please come here" Harmony waved the students towards her, who all were collectively confused why the spirit was posing as their principal. Still they stepped towards her. "You six almost caused a whole war just because you wanted to stay friends, you saved your school from falling apart two whole times, you stopped cozy eventough the whole student body was against you. All of you helped rebuild the Tree of Harmony when even i gave up hope, because of that i think you deserve to be celebrated. Everycreature! Please bow down to the new generation of Heroes" They watched as thousands of heads reached for the ground, even the heads of their very own rulers.

"But they aren't the only ones who deserve recognition. The Pillars for example planted the Tree with their bare hands, defeated the decieful sirens and sacrificed themself in their fight with the pony of shadows, eventough knowing now that it was all a misunderstanding does make the whole thing seem dumb, it's the principle that counts. So all of you come on stage, let's pay respect to our elders" The pillars came on stage. Altough Starswirl did look a bit emberassed at remembering the whole pony of shadows situation, the feeling of beinghonoered dominated the group, as the guest bowed down a second time. "I aso mean you Stygian come here" Stygian looked around anxious, but the reassuring expressions of his old friends made him decide to join them.

"Next i would like to thank my Teacher Celestia and her sister Luna. Both of them ruled over Equestria since centuries. They defeated Discord, Sombra and stayed strong even if one of them had to banish the other. Celestia taught me so much and helped trough my many nervous breakdowns over the years and luna you were able to conquer you're guilt from you're previous terrible actions and i respect you for that so much. Equestria please give your previous kind rulers one final bow" Celestias eyes started to tear up, so did Lunas.

"Now Discord" The draquencus was clearly caught off guard by his name being called. He pointed his talon to his chest.

"Me?"

"Yes you, i know we never really looked eye to eye, but i truly appreciate you, even if i don't say it has much as i should, you are still a loyal, kind, chaotic and hilarious friend that i'm glad to have met. I hope you will continue to delight us with you're chaos for years to come. This bow is for you my friend" Discord summoned himself a box of tissues just to be safe.

"Starlight, my faithful protege and future headmare. Our friendship didn't really have a great start, yet i truly am happy to have met you. You saved us from Queen Chrysalis hands, saved my nieces chrystalling and helped me so much with the school, i've never been so proud in my life. Once upon a time ponies bowed down to you because they didn't have a choice, now they will bow down to you because they want it" Starlight felt herself be filled with unmeasurable amounts of happiness.

"And spike. If you really thougt i wouldn't thank the best assistant in Equestria, you thougt wrong. You were with me from the start, sended important letters between me and my friends, taught me how important it is to relax sometimes and you were the one who i could always count on. You really earnt yourself the Title of Spike the brave and glorious" In a second Spike was hugging Harmonys body, mistaking it for his older sisters. "Okay, okay you can let go now. We wouldn't want me suffacating before i get a chance to rule"

"Oh sorry twilight" Those words hurt.

"Next i could not express my true greatfullness if i didn't mention my five best friends. Applejack, Rainbowdash, Rarity, Pinkie pie, Fluttershy join me" the five mares stood next to the Tree who gave them there powers.

"Applejack you are the most hardworking pony i know. You were always ready to get your hooves dirty and whenever one of us was being a little bit dramatic you were the one ready to give us the harsh truth. No matter what you always remained level headed" Applejack pressed her hat to her chest.

"Rainbow Dash you are probably faster than lightning. Your always a reliable allie and even at your lowest points you always manage to pull trough and show us all that you are indeed the Element of Loyalty" Rainbow ried her hardest to keep up her tough girl act, but the Tears just kept coming.

"Rarity you're fashion Talent has been shown to me so many times. And i can tell how passionate you are about your fashion business and i hope you will continue to grow succesfull" Rarity gracefully wiped away her tears.

"Pinkie pie when i first came to Ponyviell, you made quite an... impression, but i came to like you a lot, no matter how crazy you seem, you still are one valuable friend, that i would hate to lose. I look forward to a wonderful coronation after party" The only reason Pinkie didn't let go of all her tears that build up in her eyes, was that she would probably be able to flood the whole room.

"And last but defiently not least Fluttershy. You might seem like just a timid pony, but i've learned over the years that you're much braver than you think you are.You tamed a dragon, a draquonecus, a manticore, you had a staring contest with a hecatree and you managed to conquer you're fear if you're friends depended on it" Fluttershy smiled.

"Creatures of Equestria listen to me. I your future ruler want to now make a promise. I swear by everything i own i will do my best to protect you from any danger that might arise and even if i should die in the process" Loud cheering erupted from the crowd. Harmony could hear the sounds of clapping from twilights friends. She really wished Twilight could have said those things instead of her.

Chapter twelve: a rams anger

When the three villains returned the first Thing they noticed was Grogar, who looked about ready to snap. His hooves were trembling, his eyes twitched and his horns were glowing with powerful magic. The only Thing he said as the three entered was.

"Shit" Cozy and Chrysalis have already seen the more unstable version of Grogar, even if it was for just a split second. Tirek however immediatly took a few steps back.

"Oh Golly you don't look so well Mister Grogar, i guess it would be for the best if we left you alone for the re-" Cozy suddenly felt a mysterious yellow light form around her body.

"SHUT UP; SHUT UP; SHUT UP!" Grogar pressed his hooves to his ears, he looked like he wanted to surpress something like an unwanted memory. Cozy did something unbelievable she didn't say anything.

"Could you maybe stop making Cozy glow like that it's blinding me" Chrysalis was still bitter about being send home like a child by twilight sparkle of all creatures.

"I SAID SHUT UP" The three were thrown against a wall full force. Tirek felt a sharp pain in his back and Chrysalis rubbed her aching forelegs. Theyre attention was however drawn to Grogar again, as he started to mumble an incantation of some sort and his horns lit up, literally fire was forming around his horns. in front of him a black orb started to form the shape of a heart. Cozy did not know what he was going to do but she knew it couldn't be good, Why? First of all because something that looked like that couldn't be good and second of all her two teammates jumped in front of her for some reason. The heart shaped hurt started to be big enough to fit in her chest, but then Grogar stopped his incantation, the black orb dissapeared and his horns stopped glowing entirely, so did the glow surrounding Cozys body.

"Just go- i need some time alone" That was the only thing he said, before returning to his originale position. The villains didn't say anything they just walked down the way towards their living spaces. Only when she was absolutely sure grogar couldn't hear her Cozy asked for a little clarifacation.

"So what was that all about?" Her two teammates exchanged a look. With nothing but their eyes both of them carried out a whole argument of who needed to tell Cozy about the spell.

You will tell her! Chrysalises eyes switched between Cozy and tirek.

Why? Are you afraid of telling her? Tirek raised his eyebrows.

I fear Nothing! But as the fillys mentor and father figure you're the one who should tell her She put her nose up, but kept her eyes on Tirek.

For the last time i am not her Father figure! He rolled his eyes.

"Would one of you please answer me!" Cozys annoyed voice brought her colleuges back to reality.

"Don't you dare talk to me in that voice!"

"Sorry Chrysalis i just have no idea what is going on and you two are acting very weird" The filly crossed her arms, clearly stressed

"Fine we can't dance around the issue much longer. Cozy me and Chrysalis found out how to activate the bell"

"But that's great!"

"Technically yes, but the spell is... special. To activate the bell we need to hit a pony in the heart with an incantation, that will cause the ponies heart to slowly turn into stone, whenever it uses it's special talent you know like pegasis flight or unicorns magic. if the heart fully turns to stone it will... die, but the bell won't give us it's power unless the inflicted pony dies because of another reason"

"O-oh... i understand now" A look of heartbroken realization took over Cozys face

"What do you understand now" Chrysalis didn't get an answer, instead Cozy turned around and started flying to her chamber.

"Don't you dare turn your back on me young Lady! i know that expression, do you really still think we would betray you? In fact it would be way more satysfying to see twilight realize she would lose one of her friends" a wicked smile formed across chrysalises face "That will teach her how to talk to the Queen of the changelings!" But to her suprise Cozy didn't smile, she just continued to fly to her room murmering one last Thing to her teammates.

"Goodnight" Then she entered her room and closed the door behind her.

"Well great job tirek now she's depressed"

"Like you were such a big help"

"Well i am going to go to sleep now, she's probably going to be back to normal tomorrow"

"Are you sure that after we just told her that Grogars planning to get rid of her?"

"Do you want to try comforting her again?"

"Ugh After a long rest is probably a better time to discuss a topic like this, but you saw how unstable he was tonight"

"Yes, we should find a good replacement soon, but that can wait"

"Fine goodnight then Queen Chrysalis"

"Night Lord Tirek"

Grogars Lair was completely silent, however that didn't mean that the inhabitants were all asleep, in fact all of them were wide awake. Grogar was desperatly trying to calm himself down again, he was able to tell that 'Twilight' was his long lost adopted daughter her magic aura was way too strong to belong to the Element of magic, also he still had the real Twilight locked in a magic ball. Cozy constantly thought about the fact that she was basically a sacrificial lamb, of course she knew that her comrades wouldn't do it, she wasn't stupid after all, still it hurt to think that the reason she was here wasn't because of her charming, smart, beautiful, talented nature, no the only reason she was currently sleeping in this bed was because Grogar needed her for his bell. Chrysalis personally had no idea why she was still awake, maybe it was because of that disgusting smell coming from Grogars room, it smelled like one of Tireks meal after he had let it out for a week just ten times worse. Tirek was rereading and rereading and rereading the spell, in hopes that his eyes might've decieved him eight whole times.

The silence was soon interupted by a knock on a rock near chrysalises room. "What!" Cozy stepped forward rubbing her eyes.

"Hello"

"Cozy? It's the middle of the night, well at least you had the decency to knock unlike a certain centaur"

"i know sorry, i just can't sleep"

"And you're here why? If you want me to tuck you into bed again you are surely mistaken that was a one time Thing"

"Well i just wanted to ask you if i could potentially sleep with you today?"

"No"

"Pretty please" Cozy did her famous puppy dog eyes

"You know those don't work on me"

"Ugh okay, it's just after everything Tirek told me i'm a little... scared to sleep in my own room for tonight it's located pretty close to Grogars."

"I am aware of the layout of this... skull thing, anyway i guess i could let you stay for the night, but just this once!" The filly immmediatly jumped towards her body, hugging chrysalis tight.

"Thank you so much Chrysal-"

"GET OFF ME YOU HEATHEN!" Cozy released her roommate.

"Sorry!"

"Just get to bed before i change my mind and should i catch you snoring i swear i will throw you out of my room!"

"Uh what bed?" Chrysalis remembered that she, unlike those peky ponies, didn't need the comfort of a bed to get her needed rest, one of the many reaons why changelings where the best species.

"Wait a minute" She flew into her teammates room stealing a mattress, a sunflower pillow and a pink flower blanket and carried over to her own room. "What is it with your kinds flower obsession!"

"Well flowers are pretty and smell good"

"Your taste is questionable"

"I could say the same for you, what creature likes bugs for breakfeast?"

"Watch your mouth, i could still change my mind"

"Fine i'll go to sle-" Cozy stopped dead in her tracks staring at something in the corner of the room.

"What!" the filly had noticed the drawing stolen from her childhood home. Cozy started to tear up.

"You, you kept one of my drawings?" the how, didn't seem to bother her.

"Clearly" Chrysalis said with a scowl "Now go to bed"

"Yes of course" She quickly wished away her tears and cuddled herself into her pillow. It only took a few moments before Cozy fell asleep, she didn't even layed her blanket over her. Chrysalis asked herself the same question she asked constantly, during her time in Canterlot how did ponies manage to survive for so long? Cozy could catch a cold. How could she beat up the mane six when she was sneezing all over the place? Normally Chrysalis would let her suffer the consequences of her carelessness, but for some reason she touched that disgusting piece of fabric and put it over Cozys small body. She was just about to go to sleep herself (or try to at least), however Chrysalis couldn't stop watching the pony. No wonder she could fool all those ponies so easily, she was truly one adorable filly, even Chrysalis had to admit that she was a little bit cute, all cuddled up and relaxed. Without realizing it she layed down besides Cozy examining her more up close. Then something unexpected happened Cozy nuzzled closer to her and even more surprisingly chrysalis let her, even when the filly buried her head deeper into chrysalises side she didn't move a muscle, instead she layed her wing over cozy and fell asleep.

"Chrysalis! Sorry for coming in without knocking! Please don't tear my head of-" Tirek was completely caught off guard by what he witnessed. His two teammates were peacfully sleeping, while cuddled close together, neither of them missing any limbs and cozy wasn't snoring for once! He wasn't sure if he should be worried or not impacted, either way he was feeling neither. Actually he found himself stepping closer to the two. Originally he came here to ask Chrysalis for something, but that could wait. Right now his interest was focused on the unconventionell situation in front of him. What in Tartarus did Cozy do to get so close to Chrysalis of all creatures, without losing her wings and how tired was Chrysalis to fall asleep in such a position? Now they did look kinda... sweet and cozy (no pun intended), maybe it was because of that mattress ponies are known for being masters in making things comftarble, perhaps if he laid down there as well he could finally get some sleep. Surely they wouldn't mind. So he carefully sat down besides them, they were so close together, even for his admirable size was enough room. It only took two minutes before he too fell asleep.

Chapter thirteen: The lie

Harmony just said goodbye to the last few guests. Finally the gala was wrapping up, she forgot how long those festivities would take. Thankfully she had some experience from needing to represent Grogar in political meetings, because he always had something more 'important' to do.

"Were those all the guests Spike"

"Yes we are finished!"

"Oh Thank Celestia!" Now when all the guests were gone and the decorations were cleaned up, spike realized just how sickly Twiight look. Her wings were hanging down limply, her eyes were only barely open, her fur looked devoid of any colour and there were some white stripes in her mane.

"Are you doing alright twilight?"

"Yes, yes of course i am fine just a little tir-"

"Twilight!" Pinkie pie jumped onto her friends back, but to pinkie's suprise she soon was hurled against a throne. "Ouch what was that for?"

"Ups my apologies Pinkie. Are you alright?"

"Please how often did i break my body for slapstick?"

"to be quite honest with you i'm still wondering how you do that"

"That's my secret" Pinkie laughed like a villain with thunder suddenly striking in the back

"I will not dig any further than"

"Can i ask you something twilight"

"sure what is it"

"Why do you suddenly talk like that, you know all old fashioned?" Harmony forgot that language has progressed a lot since her life, back in her time old ponish was the way creatures would communicate with each other, but now there were all these new words, a few confused the spirit to this day, even after a short lesson with Zecora, who looking back now probably wasn't the best person to ask about such a topic, she still didn't have a full grasp on the new ponish.

"I do not know maybe it comes with becoming a princess?" the young six interrupted their teachers. Gallus stepped forward first.

"Professor Twilight can we talk to you"

"Of course Gallus, excuse me for a minute pinkie" Harmony led them into the dining room. She closed the dooor behind them. "Before any of you speak i would like to inform you of a few things. First of all your headmare will take a little longer, i'm just going to play her role for a little bit"

"Why?"

"Because i don't want anycreature to worry, you're all very smart childrenyou surely picked up on the tentsion between the races of ponies"

"How could we not? Just Yesterday an earth pony and a pegasus where fighting each other in the middle of the Hallway!" Smoulder stopped herself from commenting on the lack of physicall talent the two ponies displayed.

"Well this gala should help lift their spirits, but those three idiots messed everything up! I had to step in"

"Wait, somcreatures were manipulating the Gala?" Silverstream should have known all those incidents couldn't have been just coincidences.

"Yes some pathetic wannabe villains tried to cause some mischief, it's really nothing to worry about. Anymore questions?"

Gallus looked trough his friends "No i don't think so"

"Then i'll better get going and you should to it is pretty late at night, we wouldn't want you missing an important friendship class, because you didn't get enough sleep" As soon as the Spirit vanished into the halls of the castle, sndbar revealed the book of truth that he was reading during the entire conservation. he looked pale like a ghost with shivering hoofs he slowly flippd trough the now written pages, that explained what truly happened at the Gala.

"What is it Sandbar" the griffin really took his new leader role seriously.

"S-she lied to us. tirek Cozy and Chrysalis are back! and they formed an alliance!" Ocellus flinched at hearing Chrysalises name her whole body froze and her hard started beating faster than ever before.

"No... it can't be.... please tell me you are joking!" Smoulder tried her best at comforting her friend by slowly patting her head, which surprisingly worked.

"that's not all they are working for Grogar"

"Grogar? Like the father of monsters Grogar? The Enemy of Gusty Grogar?"

"Yes that Grogar!"

"Wait i'm a little lost isn't grogar supposed to be dead?"

"Well the last Gusty the great did end pretty abruptly with Gusty and her friends sacrificing themself to banish grogar, but as far as i remember him being dead was never mentioned"

"Why would Tree of harmony lie to Yona and her friends?"

"I don't now Yona, but we're going to find out"

Chapter fourteen: three bottles of beer

Grogar couldn't believe what he was doing right now. He was sitting at a table, writing a letter, while watching different families trough his eye. The family of the element of honesty were all sleeping peacfully after a good night spend together at the Gala, that annoying fashion pony read her sister a bedtime story, the flightless pegasus layed cuddled next to two mares, who were also pretty close and even his henchmanns were more of a loving family then him and harmony were. What did he ever do to deserve this? Well except for the conquering, execussions, public humiliations and many wars, but every ruler is a little power hungry. So he was venting all his anger on a piece of paper.

Dear Harmony,
I can't believe you! After all i did for you, you betray me like this? I stayed up all night comforting you when you were nothing but a little foal, i walked you to school, hung up some of your hideous art pieces on our castle walls, gave you magical artifacts do you know how much time and energy i wasted on those?, i defended you from school bullies, made you royal guard, i allowed you to stay up past normal ponies sleep Time! All i ever wanted in return was you to follow me blindly and help me eliminate everycreature that i considered a danger to my rule and appearently that was too much for you, wasn't it? You betrayed me for some useless! treachourous! ugly! peasants!
Your Grogar

Now that all the anger was out of his system all that was left was emptiness. He defienetly wasn't sad, neither angry anymore, he just felt betrayed and what do you do when you want to run away from your Emotions? That's right you go to the nearest bar and drink, a lot. Grogar looked after his idiot of henchmanns one more time. Tirek layed around his two roommates, Chrysalis was leaned against him and Cozy against her, nocreature would guess that these three were dangerous villains. Then he broke off into the night. It didn't take him long to find a bar, that was mostly alone. Only a unicorn bartender and two drunken pegasi were inside.

The bartender had no idea wether he had worked too much today or a talking blue ram really just came in and asked for three bottles of beer. "What are you staring at? Bring me my bottles!"

"Yes o-of course! give me a second" He soon returned with the three bottles of beer and carefully observed his strange guest drink every single one.

Bottle one:
"Tell me boy, do you have children?"

"...No" the bartenders mouth wanted to flop open, at seeing the goat drink the whole bottle in one sitting.

"Then you surely have parents"

"Yes?"

"If your dad would hypothetically want you to take part in his dream of complete world dormination would you help him?"

"i guess?"

"That makes you a better child than that daughter of mine!" Great the goat was a terrible dad, this night shift is only getting worse!

Bottle two:
The bartender awkwardly patted the goats horn, he had buried his face in the counter and started crying hysterically. With a pained expression the stallion thougt about how much time he had to spent on cleaning that massive big stench forming right now and there was still one more bottle to go. At this point the bartender wanted to cry too.

Bottle three:
The goat started to destroy everything in it's path tables, seats, filled and unfilled glasses. All the guests ran outside the bar and the bartender hid behind the counter, he was busy writing a letter to his boss. While the goat was destroying everything in it's path, he was saying something in a language that the pony couldn't recgonize and honestly he couldn't care less what his guest was saying, right now he tried to find out if his boss would believe this story. Finally the goat left, however before he did walk out the door he said something that the bartender was able to understand fully.

"You did a good job i might let you alive" Then he was gone.

Chapter fifteen: it begins (rewritten)

Grogar often described himself to be a patient creatur, but Grogar was a villain and villains lie. His original plan has pretty much gone down the drain and harmony seemed to be quite powerful, eventough she sacrificed so much of her power. So he had to act smart and fast.

After taking out his frustrations on the Bar, he was now able to face the Situation with a clean head. He made his way back to his lair and got out his Bell, that was still only able to talk with him, but that was going to change very soon.

"Your plan didn't work out so well i pressume?"

"Yes... it seems like the enemy is smarter than i tought"

"Maybe you should use another pony for me?"

"No, that part isn't going to change i am talking about dealing with the protectors of Equestria. Gusty seems to have taken quite a liking to the three groups, especially those children, getting past her will be quite a difficult mission, yet she's clearly very busy keeping me out. Perhaps if i manage to get just the ponies i need at the edge of the forest i can catch them, like with the princess"

"And how exactly are you planning to do that?"

"I may not have wanted to do this, but it seems like my hooves are tight"

The bell felt a cold shiver go down it's non existant back. "Y-you don't mean you will cast that spell now?"

"That is precisely what i mean" Grogar looked at his Bell pure determination in his eyes "I will curse that demon disguised as a pegasus filly now, then i will begin with my plan"

"At this point all i can do is warn you, if you course that filly you will make yourself two powerful enemies, that wouldn't hesitate killing you, should the need ever arise" the bell was turned off again.

Carefully as to not make a sound, Grogar slowy tip toed into the chamber of the dennounced queen, where all three of his henchmann slept together side by side, it was a disgusting display. As he closed in at the trio he made out what looked like the locks of a certain Pegasus filly. Indeed there was cozy laing under chrysalises wing, which is going to be quite an issue. That changeling had killer reflexes and her shapeshifting abilities wasn't something to laugh at.

This would have been an impossible task for most creatures, but thankfully grogar wasn't most creatures, he was the father of monsters for celestias sake! It took a lot of time and care, yet he was succesful. As soon as he held her in his arms, he wanted to puke. Still he kept his compulsure and teleportated them to his room, where nocreature would be able to hear him.

After making sure it was truly safe, he started to cast the spell again. His horns caught fire, between his hooves a black Orb formed that slowly took on the shape of a hear. Now he concentreted everything he had to finish it the orb began to stire for cozys chest and the Moment it made contact, she started to kick with her hooves and groan in pain. Dark grey Cracks formed around her chest area and a grey spot appeared where her heart is supposedly at. She returned to sleeping and Grogar brought her back under chrysalises wing.

Somewhere in the everfree forest inside a strange hut Zecora woke up screaming. With sweat dripping down her face she regathered her thoughts. It happened, the spell was cast, the countdown has started, all their hard work to prevent this was useless for the final battle is coming. As she rushed out of bed only one single thought occupied her mind.

"I need to warn harmony!"