OBJECTION!!!!!! Spike's Sacrifice Was Completely Unnecessary (The Retrial)

Chapters

(Prologue) Is it justice or injustice
Comeuppance
Discord's Guilt

(Prologue) Is it justice or injustice

CANTERLOT DUNGEON, THREE HOURS AFTER THE BATTLE

Chrysalis' vision was blurry as she felt herself come around. She felt like someone had taken a battle-axe to her head.

"Ugh, what happened?" she groaned.

The room that she was in was made of stone and only had one window with three bars. Then she noticed she was on the bottom bunk of a bunk bed. There was another bed on the other side of the room and its occupant was Cozy Glow, who was still unconscious. Chrysalis wouldn't have paid much attention if she didn't notice that Cozy didn't have her horn and her wings seemed a lot smaller. The reality of the situation slowly sunk in for the former Changeling Queen. She jumped out of bed and looked at the top bunk. There was Tirek, who was also unconscious, and he looked like the fragile, old Centaur when they first met him in "Grogar's" lair. Chrysalis then bolted to a mirror and sure enough, her enchanted powers were gone too. She looked like the same creature that she did after she had been defeated by Starlight Glimmer. The only difference was that now, the ends of her teal mane were singed a moderate shade of grey.

Cozy Glow was next to wake up. She too had a splitting headache and felt a lot weaker. She looked back at her wings and noticed they were a lot smaller. She put a hoof on top of her head and noticed that her horn was no longer there. She tried to wrack her brain to figure out what happened, Chrysalis was doing the same thing. Then, all their memories hit both of them simultaneously like a fully loaded freight train. How Spike had nabbed Grogar's Bell from them, how they fired blast after blast at the drake only to for him block each one by using the bell as a shield, and how the bell blew up when they fired all their blasts at the same time, all the while thinking Spike was the dumb one flying toward the power-hungry trio. Only to now realize that was his plan the whole time and they fell for it.

"I can't believe it," Chrysalis growled. "This is

That repulsive, little reptile defeated all three of us."

"Yeah, thanks to you," Cozy Glow bitterly remarked.

Chrysalis was taken aback, "Oh, really? And how was it my fault that we got defeated?" she snapped.

"Oh, I don't know you were the one who had that idiot in your magic grip. You couldn't have ripped out his wings right then and there?" Cozy Glow replied.

"How was I supposed to know he would go and pull something like that? I thought I pulled on his wings hard enough to break them and render them useless. I just wanted to give him back to those stupid ponies so they could all enjoy a miserable death together," Chrysalis hissed back.

"And that's the second reason why this is all your fault." Cozy bellowed. "You grabbed Spike for the soul purpose of using him as a hostage to get the Mane 6 to stop fighting, unless they want you to rip his wings off and when they did stop fighting back, the next thing you do is literally throw away your leverage just like that...... WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? They could have teleported out of the way because of it."

"But they didn't!" Argued Chrysalis. "They stayed and were ready to accept their demise."

"Clearly not, Spike! Because you gave him the opportunity to screw us by letting him go." Cozy argued back. "If you had just held on to him and just let me and Tirek, take care of things. HE WOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN THE CHANCE TO TAKE THE BELL AND TRICK US INTO MAKING IT EXPLODE!"

Cozy and Chrysalis' argument soon found its way to Tirek's ears. At first, it worked its way into his dreams, but then it slowly drove the Centaur into consciousness. He let out a groan and sat up. Chrysalis and Cozy didn't seem to notice him, they were too busy arguing. The old creature looked around at his surroundings, a medium-sized room made of stone with just one window with bars on it, one bunk bed, and one regular bed. He looked himself over and instantly realized that his hulking, muscular, rejuvenated frame was gone, replaced with his old, brittle, skinny body. Like Cozy and Chrysalis, he too recalled the events of his defeat at the hands of Spike. Unlike Cozy and Chrysalis, however, he didn't jump in and argue with them, but instead rolled back into bed, pulled the covers over him. He figured he was in enough trouble as it was and felt it was best to just keep his mouth shut.

"Which was also, bullshit!" Spat Chrysalis in frustration. "Grogar's bell was literally designed to absorb and take magic. So why the hell would it explode from taking some of ours?"

"Though I hate to say it, but you're right." Cozy said calming herself. "Why would something literally made to take in magic get destroyed by it? Don't tell me we overload it after taking both Discord's and the princesses magic."

"Of course not!" Said Tirek, sitting up in his bed to join the conversation. "That would be ridiculous! Grogar wouldn't make something with such a glaring weakness, like limitation. Remember, I was the one who studied the book we stole in order to learn how the bell works and I can assure you, nothing in that book mentioned anything that the bell can only take on a certain amount of magic. Not only that but during my research, I found out that the bell in its own way is similar to my own magic taking ability, and I to have no real limit to the amount of magic I can take, and I took the magic of Discord, plus all four alicorns at the time, and that was after I drained the magic from over thousands of ponies beforehand and didn't see me explode."

"So, like you, the bell has no limitations," Said Cozy.

"Or you could say that you both never reached your limitations," Chrysalis added. "And that makes more sense for the bell because we only used it to drain the magics of Discord, Celestia, and Luna, nobody else."

"Then why did the bell explode?" Asked Cozy. "It clearly absorbed our magic attacks, storing them up until it couldn't take anymore."

"It's because that drake didn't use it the way it was intended." Tirek answers.

"What do you mean?" Asked Chrysalis.

Tirek looks towards Cozy. "Cozy Glow! You said that you absorbed the sisters magic when they attack you, right?"

Cozy nodded. "Yeah, just as I expected they would. The first move those two made was using their magic to attack me."

FLASHBACK

"And remember how we all used the bell to take Grogar's magic." Said Tirek.

FLASHBACK

"So, what's your point?" Asked Chrysalis.

"My point is that the bell had to be activated first before it can take any magic!" Tirek explained. "When we had the bell, we didn't even know how to use it. Which is why we stoled that book. So, of course that Drake had no idea how to use it, because if he did, he would have drained our magic the same way Cozy drained the sisters." Tirek shook his head. "It was as you said Chrysalis. The bell was literally designed to absorb and take magic, but it was meant to be done the proper way, by activating it, but that drake didn't do that did he? No, he used it as a shield and though it wasn't active it still absorbed our magic, just not in the traditional sense."

Tirek hops off his bunk and began pacing back and forth as he continued his lecture. "From what I read from the book. The bell doesn't simply store the magic inside itself. It opens a portal to its own pocket dimension that only it can access. Keeping any and all magic trapped inside until it is release. HOWEVER! The bell can store magic within itself, but that's clearly not what you're supposed to do, because all your doing is forcing the magic in, like filling a balloon with too much air or water. -

-I don't know if it was because of our magic being too much or the bell was just that fragile when it absorbs magic improperly. What I do know is that damn Drake clearly saw signs that the bell was going to explode and goad us into attacking him. Catching our magic until it finally reached its limits, and our last combined attack was the final push he needed for it to blow up and defeat us."

Tirek stops his pacing, his back turned to his two comrades. "And there's one last thing you two should know."

"And what's that?" Asked Cozy.

Tirek clenches his fists in anger, before turning around, pointing an accused finger at the two. "WHY THE HELL DID'NT EITHER OF YOU JUST FLY UP TO HIM AND RIP THE BELL FROM HIS GRASP? YOU BOTH HAVE WINGS, USE THEM!"

"DON'T TRY AND TURN THIS ON US YOU OLD FART!" Yelled Cozy.

"Especially since you can fly as well." Chrysalis added. "Some of my Changelings saw you do it during your epic fight against Twilight."

Its True

"I WAS ONLY ABLE TO DO THAT BECAUSE I DRAINED THE MAGIC FROM COUNTLESS PEGASI! Which I clearly didn't this time around. The magic I obtained from both Discord and the bell made me young and stronger only. They didn't contain special traits like Pegasi's flight, earth ponies strength, and unicorn's magic."

"Well, you WERE the one who studied the book." Cozy pointed out. "You must've had known about the bell weakness, hell you just explained why it exploded in the first place. If you knew the whole time that hitting it with magic like that was going to blow it up...... THEN WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU TELL US TO STOP SHOOTING YOU OLD FART!"

"I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN." Tirek counterd. "I didn't read the entire book and my explanation was nothing more than a visual observation, that made the most logical sense. It was a guess, a theory. It's not like could see the bell cracking from a far distance, while that little thief was zipping around all over the place."

Cozy scoffs. "Whatever, it still doesn't change the fact that we lost because you and the succubus over there were completely incompetent."

"What did you say you little brat!" Said Chrysalis.

The three continued to argue with one another. They didn't even notice that two ponies had approach and stood before their cell until one of them spoke up in a loud booming voice.

Getting the trio to stop arguing and turned to see the royal sisters standing outside their cell.

Chrysalis glared angrily at the two as she marched up to the bars to confront them. "And what the hell do you two want? Came here to gloat? GET LOST," Chrysalis shouted back. "You've already defeated us with that horrid dragon of yours. Isn't that enough?"

Celestia's expression suddenly darkened, and her tone seemed a little bit angrier.

"I'll have you know that "horrid dragon" is dead.

Silence. The trio were completely taken aback by the news as they just stared at the guard in absolute shock.

"Dead!?" Said Tirek. "What do you mean he's dead? How did he die?"

"It's understandable that you three don't know, since you were all unconscious at the time." Said Luna. "So, allow me to explain and then some. Clearly you all remember that it was young Spike who defeated you by causing the bell to explode?" The trio nodded. "The magic surge killed him in a very brutal and painful way. You should also know that he had a harem of 12 girls, each of them grieving the loss of their lover as we speak, one of which suffers from depression and is having the hardest time out of them all. So, show some respect for him. That's the very least you can do," Luna finished..

Cozy and Tirek were very surprised to hear this. The two of them didn't know what to think. Chrysalis, however, just sat there silently with her head held down.

"He's dead?" Cozy whispered.

The sisters nodded.

"But how could he be dead?" Asked Tirek. "He's a dragon! He can breathe fire, swim in molten lava, and has scales as tough as steel. I get he was still young but an explosion like that shouldn't been able to kill him."

Celestia shook her head. "Except it wasn't a fiery explosion, it was a magical one." She explained. "Combined that with the fact that multiple shards from the bell impaled his body....... He was lucky enough to still have time to speak his final words to his loved ones before passing on."

There was a moment of silence as the trio took in everything they were just told. Tirek and Cozy both had express looks that clearly showed that they felt bad for Spike. Chrysalis, however.

"Oh, dear," Chrysalis sarcastically began. "I'm so sorry that had to happen to him but look at it this way. After I met Cozy Glow, she told me about how Spike was an orphan. Maybe now that he's dead, he can reunite with his parents in the bowels of Tartarus and they can all enjoy the comforts that it has to offer to them together. As a family."

Chrysalis threw back her head and began to laugh at her own callous comment. Cozy and Tirek couldn't help but seem a little shocked at Chrysalis' harsh words. They hated Spike just as much as she did, but they had enough dignity to respect the dead. The Royal sisters looks changed from angered to disgusted. Celestia shook her head in disbelief at the former Changeling Queen showing no remorse for the death of a kid before speaking.

"You truly are as heartless as they come, aren't you?" Luna asked angrily. " Do, you truly not have any regret for the young life you have taken?"

"Not even a bit." Chrysalis responded. "All I feel is pure absolute joy from all this."

Celestia let out a sigh. "Then we won't waste any more of our time on the matter. But before Luna and I leave, there's one last thing you all need to know. Tomorrow, we along with those closest to Spike will come here to speak with you all about your recent crimes and pass judgement after hearing your pleas."

"Oh, really." Chrysalis said with a grin. "Well, I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait to see the looks on everyone faces." Chrysalis once again started laughing. Celestia and Luna had nothing more to say and simply left the dungeons.

Chrysalis finally finished laughing and looked at her cohorts. She seemed oblivious at their shocked expression as she continued to speak.

"What? Aren't you excited? That miserable lizard is dead, and I can only imagine what torture those ponies are going through, ooohhh, I can't wait to see the miserable looks on their faces." she said, her tone rivaling that of a filly in a candy shop. "Sure, they may have won the war, but they lost so much more. I only wish I was still conscious at the time to witness that beautiful moment for myself."

"Chrysalis, don't you have any respect for him at all?" Cozy Glow asked.

"Not a chance in hell," Chrysalis responded coldly. "Don't tell me you actually feel sorry for them."

"Well, we did have a little respect for them being our rivals and all," Cozy Glow admitted.

"We also shouldn't disrespect the dead," added Tirek. "Sure, Cozy and I hated all of them just as much as you did, but we also should know where to draw the line."

"Oh, please," Chrysalis scoffed. "He was a complete nobody, and I honestly cannot believe either of you speaking out in support in him."

"She's right you know!"

The sudden voice caught the trio completely by surprise. They look towards the cell bars but saw no one there. Yet the voice continued.

"The *Speaking out in support of him.* I wouldn't waste my breath if I were you. Not without all the facts in place that is. As we don't really know how Spike truly died exactly."

"Who are you?" Bark Chrysalis. Looking outside the cell to try and see who it is talking to them. "Where are you? Come on out and show yourself."

"I can't do that I'm afraid. I'm not even actually in the dungeons. I'm speaking directly into each of your minds. With a telepath spell. I don't want to risk the guard seeing me and this spell isn't easy for me to hold for very long. So, this visit will have to be short. Just know that I'm a friend. One who's willing to help you if future events calls for it."

"What do you mean?" Asked Tirek.

"And what do you mean by *We don't know how Spike died*?" Asked Cozy.

"Indeed, everycreature knows we murdered that drake!" Chrysalis exclaims.

"Are you sure about that?"

Chrysalis smiled. "100%!"

"Really, because I don't believe that. I've been thinking a lot about what happened on that battlefield that resulted in Spike's death. I didn't get to see what happened since I arrived along with the army, after everything was said and done. But I suspected foul play. I been gathering as much intel as I could around the castle, but unfortunately, there's not much info to give a full picture on the exact details of what happened, and the Mane 6 aren't in a talkative mood right now, but from what little I was able to piece together. It would seem things are indeed leaning towards a theory that I came up with. Which is why I can't speak out in support of Spike. Because if my theory is correct. Well......"

"And what exactly is this theory of yours?" Asked Tirek.

"It doesn't matter right now, not without knowing everything that happened during that final fight."

"You know we could just tell you!" Cozy suggested. "We were there after all."

"True, but sadly, I don't have time for that. As I said this spell isn't easy for me to hold, and it's not like I don't have somepony else I could talk to about what happened. I just have to be patient; besides I'm only here to let you know that if by chance the worst-case scenario were to come to pass. I will be there to fight for you with all my resolve and make sure true justice is served. So, until we meet again. Only next time it will be face to face."

With that the voice no longer said anything else and it was clear to the trio that whoever it was had cut the spell. Now alone once again the three villains were left confused with nothing but questions.

With no real reason to dwell on it Cozy and Tirek both let out a sigh and crawled back into bed.

Chrysalis however didn't really care about what the voice said. She just walked toward the window, staring out of it. Even though she was miffed at her cohorts feeling sorry for their enemies, it didn't dampen her good mood. Even though she was defeated, the fact that one of her enemies was killed was reward enough for her.

Erin and Aris two Alicorn twin sisters and Goddesses of heaven. flew across their kingdom until they reached a large, white house on a lone cloud. Upon reaching the door, they knocked on it and not long it opened to reveal a small purple drake, with a golden halo above his head, and white feathered wings.

"Erin? Aris? What are you two doing back so soon. You just left not that long ago." Questioned Spike. Confused as to why the twin goddesses of heaven came back after bringing him here to this house and reuniting him with his parents, Tyson (Father) and Kimba (Mother)

Spike's parents are both large dragons who died in a tragic incident when Spike was of course still an egg, and they had been watching over their son for the past 16 years of his life and the three had just been reunited not that long ago.

Tyson had purple scales that matched Spike's perfectly on the majority on his body. The male Dragon also had a muscular build and had an underbelly with scales that were a lighter tone of purple. His head crest looked almost identical to Spike's, only being a little too pointy, as well as being a very dark purple in color, and he had purple eyes. The female Dragon had a slim build, somewhat like Ember, moderate blue scales on the majority of her body with an underbelly that had light green underscales that matched Spike's perfectly. Her head crest was green in color and was rounded on the top, matching the shape and color of Spike's perfectly. She had Emerald eyes that were also the same color of Spike's.

"We know, Spike!" Said Erin.

"We're sorry for interrupting your bonding time with your parents, but we have some important news to share with you." Said Aris.

"What is it?" Spike asked curiously.

Erin spoke. "It would seem that your friends will be speaking to your killers tomorrow."

"If you so choose, you can go back to the land of the living to attend the meeting as well as the trial that will no doubt follow at a later date. As is yours and anycreatures right that had their lives taken from through murder." Aris explains.

"I-I can go back?" Spike asked. Surprised at the news.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean you can interact with anyone or anything in the living world. Nobody will know you're there. You are dead after all and will be nothing but an invisible ghost to them." Erin explained.

"Unless its someone who studies the paranormal and uses that old trick that allows them to see dead creatures. But what are the odds of that happening?" Said Aris.

Spike chuckled. "Yeah, Twilight never believed in ghost."

"Anyway, that's all we came here to tell you. So, we should get going. Farewell Spike." Said Erin. Before both she and her sister flew away.

Spike waved goodbye before closing the door and running back to tell his parents the news. He definitely plans on heading to that meeting tomorrow.

Comeuppance

The spirits of Spike and his parents flew over the city of Canterlot. They had little time to admire the city's beauty because today was the day when Twilight would visit the vile monsters who ended the life of Spike to lie down the case against them. They soon arrived at the entrance of the Canterlot dungeons just as his harem and friends, The CMC, the Young six, the Mane five, Starlight Glimmer, Twilight, Luna, Celestia, Garble, Ember, Pharynx, and Thorax also arrived. Even though Twilight was technically in the lead, the angel spirits of Spike and his parents were actually leading the way to Cozy, Tirek, and Chrysalis' cell. Spike and his parents soon made it there and Spike glared down the three fiends.

His glare softened, however, when he came upon Cozy Glow. He looked her right in the eye and noticed something wasn't right with her. Tirek, although slightly remorseful, still seemed to have no soul. Cozy, on the other hand, seemed like she had a soul, but it seemed like it was screaming out for some kind of help, that it said it didn't have any control over what the body it inhabited did. Chrysalis, however, seemed excited. One look into her eyes told Spike that she was irredeemable without a second thought. Her eyes were empty and soulless, void of any life. Like a desert that was frozen over. He felt every inch his spiritual body run cold. Even though she didn't know Spike was there, Chrysalis' icy, heartless look was enough to make both Spike and his parents feel uncomfortable at best. Her facial expression, however, was what put Spike the most at unease. She seemed excited about this. Like she wanted this to happen. The three angels gazed at her as if she was a lone figure on a deserted island. Was this creature even real? Was she really this heartless and demonic? Spike also couldn't help but have a bad feeling that something really bad was going to happen today. That thought was interrupted when he heard the sound of Twilight's voice cut through the tension that had been brought by the silence like a knife.

"Hello, Chrysalis, Tirek, Cozy Glow," Twilight said bitterly.

"Hello, Twilight," Chrysalis said, her voice oozing with venom. "Say, where's that little pet dragon of yours? Or was he your boyfriend? I honestly can't remember. Either way, I would've assumed he'd want to come along too."

She took a look around at the group of creatures.

“How lovely,” she laughed. “Everyone’s present. Here to throw us a parade?”

Everyone except Cozy Glow and Tirek winced slightly at Chrysalis' words, feeling disgusted with her unremorseful attitude. Spike and his parents just felt another wave of shock rush over them. They'd never really known Chrysalis, but, already, she was proving her worth as one of Equestria's worst enemies and nightmares.

"I think you know what happened to him," Celestia said simply. “No, we’re not here to throw you a parage either.”

Chrysalis snickered before Twilight spoke up.

"Listen up, you've all been charged with 1st degree murder. Cozy, since you're a child we cannot charge you with treason. How do you plead?" Twilight said curtly.

"Guilty. No contest," Cozy and Tirek said in unison. The Centaur and filly Pegasus knew it was no point in saying innocent. The chips were stacked too tall against them, and a trial would only prolong the ordeal for them.

"Chrysalis, we didn't hear your plea," Luna said.

Everyone turned to face her.

"Guilty. No contest," she answered, a smile etched at the corners of her mouth.

Everyone felt even more disgusted with Chrysalis' attitude. Even though Tirek and Cozy were just as guilty as her, they, at least, looked a tiny bit remorseful at first glance, although they didn't want them to see it. Chrysalis didn't even look like Spike's death affected her in any way. In fact, she seemed happy about it. It was as if she had wanted this to happen all along. Chrysalis looked the perturbed ponies, dragons, griffons, changeling, yak, hippogriff, and Draconequus standing before her. She decided to play dumb.

Spike's parents were starting to go from shocked to angry. The reality of what was going on almost fully sunk in by now and the fact that she was blatantly trying to start something to try and derail this event rather than keeping her mouth shut and getting her punishment over with made them even more angry. Spike just felt sad. He had held out some kind of little hope that Chrysalis and Tirek had some kind of good inside them, but Tirek had silently proved that he didn't, and Chrysalis was proving it right now,

"What?" she asked, pretending as if she didn't know why they were all mad at her to begin with. "Why are you all angry?"

"Oh, I don't know," came a voice. "Maybe it's because you're still showing no remorse after killing someone, a kid for that matter."

"Who said that?" Chrysalis growled. "Show yourself, now!"

Chrysalis looked around to see where that voice came from. She already knew it was Starlight but wanted to play dumb more to really let everyone know just what she thought about them. Eventually, Starlight came up to her.

"That was me," Starlight said through clenched teeth.

Spike felt his gut drop when Starlight revealed herself. The feeling that something really bad was going to happen increased ten-fold. He knew the rivalry between these two was about to boil over now and there was nothing he could do prevent Starlight from being pushed over the edge.

Chrysalis' demeanor changed from angry to excited looking at the angry visage of her archenemy. Although she hated Starlight most of all, she now knew exactly what to say to taunt the already angry Pink Unicorn. An evil grin spread across her face.

"Oh my," Chrysalis mused. "Whatever happened to the Starlight I knew who wanted to reform me? Certainly, out of everyone here, I would've expected you to be the one who extended me a hoof of friendship hoping to lead me down a better path."

"That was before you became a deranged psychopath hellbent on trying to kill us all," Starlight snapped back. "Had I known that you were going to go and pull a stunt like this, I would've just put you out of your misery right then and there."

"But you didn't," Chrysalis said in a sing-song voice before laughing again. "And, boy, did you pay a price for it. Such a shame too. Although he was a complete nuisance, I must admit that stupid boyfriend of yours, was such a promising soul, so full of life, so ready to take on all the challenges the world had to offer to him. He won't be missed. Ever."

Spike wanted to feel angry, but he was too busy silently praying that Starlight didn't do something she'd regret. One look at Starlight as she glared hatefully at her arch-rival only signaled to Spike that Chrysalis' taunts were really starting to make her angry. She wasn't the only one either. Spike also noticed that Thorax, Ember, and Smolder were also looking like they wanted to punch Chrysalis in the face right now. He noticed Smolder was probably the angriest and was already marching up to confront Chrysalis. Starlight saw Smolder coming up and backed up so the orange dragon could say her piece.

"He was just a kid, you fiend!" she shouted.

Chrysalis just shrugged.

"Ehh, kids grow up to be problems in this world. You, my friend, are no exception. The way I see it, I've made not just this hellhole you call your home, but the entire world, a better place by ridding it of one more flaw."

Spike felt anger starting to boil inside him. Even if he felt bad that Chrysalis couldn't be reformed, she had no right to talk to his lovers, friends, and home like that. He barely had time to grasp those new feelings before Smolder spoke up again.

"He was worth an infinite number of you!" Smolder countered. "He was more sweet, more pure, more loving, and, best of all, he was loved by many. Unlike you."

"Please do us both a favor, you insignificant, little insect, and shut the hell up," Chrysalis said, growing annoyed. "Your insults don't hurt me in any way, and they won't bring your boyfriend back."

Spike went from angry to furious.

"How dare you talk to my Smolder like that?" he growled.

He wanted to just go into that cell and grab Chrysalis by the neck and demand she apologize to his girlfriend, as well as his other lovers for the pain and suffering she put them through. Unfortunately, the fact that he was a spirit and couldn't cause anyone pain reared its ugly head again. He could only watch as Smolder's face changed from angry to shocked. No one had ever talked to her like that. Before she could think of a comeback, Starlight spoke up again.

"Well, just remember that we're not the ones in the cell," Starlight snarled. "Before I leave here though, however, I just want ask one thing. Was it worth it? Was not being my friend just to try to take Equestria but failing miserably worth all this?"

This was the shot Chrysalis was waiting for. It was time for her to show her foes just what she really thought about not just the battle, but all of them entirely.

"On the contrary, it is actually us who have defeated you," Chrysalis smirked. "See, you may have stopped us, but at what cost? We may be defeated, but the fact that we got one of you is more than reward enough for me alone, but now it's even better because 12 of you misguided fools actually thought of him as more than a friend. I was already pleased thinking about how much torture you twits were going through, but hearing that fact made that feeling of happiness indescribable. The icing on the cake of this whole ordeal is, if I remember correctly, he was an orphan. I'm willing to bet money that he's probably already reunited with his parents in the bowels of Tartarus. Now, they can all enjoy rotting down there together. So, in a way, I did him a favor. Now, rather than having no other choice but to consider any of you idiots his family, he gets to be with his true family. It's honestly funny how things work out sometimes. Wouldn't you agree? Oh, and here’s the cherry on top of it all. While I was biding my time in here, I began to think the magic of Friendship solved everything and kept everyone okay."

She paused impressively.

”Guess. Not.”

That did it, Spike watched as Starlight became probably the angriest he'd ever seen her. The same could be said for Thorax and Ember. Smolder, on the other hand, looked irate and Spike couldn't blame her. He could only watch as her fists clenched tighter than ever before. Her cheeks turned a darker shade of orange, she bared and gnashed her teeth, letting a somewhat loud growl escape from her throat, and a thin trail of black smoke slowly seeped out of her nostrils. The feeling of something bad happening finally revealed itself to Spike. Even if he hated Chrysalis, the angel Dragon nor his parents wanted to see Spike's lovers and friends hurt or possibly kill her in a fit of blind rage.

"You really think this is FUNNY?!!" Ember shouted.

"Funny, no. Hilarious, yes," Chrysalis corrected.

Chrysalis gave herself a mental pat on the back looking at the seething faces of Starlight Glimmer and Smolder, as well as many other creatures in the hallway. A handful of them just stared at her with pure shock. They had, like Starlight, never come across someone as shameless as her and didn't know what to think or say. It had worked, she had said what she wanted to say just to be a brazen, unapologetic jackass. She turned back to face Starlight, who only looked even angrier.

"Something the matter, Starlight?" Chrysalis said, not bothering to hold back another snicker. "You look a little red. Do you have a fever?"

Spike watched as Chrysalis paused for a brief second and he heard another irate growl from Starlight break through the silence.

"Or was it something I did?"

Starlight turned to the Royal Sisters.

"Celestia, Luna," Starlight said through clenched teeth. "Could you kindly hoof me the keys to this demon's cell and grant me five minutes alone with her?"

"Is this a private event, Starlight?" Smolder said with a louder growl and the smoke from her nostrils was getting thicker. "Or can anyone join?"

"You're more than welcome to join in if you want," Starlight growled.

"Thank you, Starlight," Smolder said in a low, scary tone.

Garble stepped up to hopefully try and calm his boiling sister down. He put a hand on her shoulder before speaking.

"Smolder, come on," he said. "She's not worth-"

Smolder abruptly swatted his hand away, never taking her eyes of Chrysalis, the object of her fury.

"No," she snarled. "This sick, twisted psycho tried to destroy the whole world and our Spike had to pay with his life to save us. Now, she not only has no remorse for what she did, but she has the audacity to make fun of him while he's dead IN FRONT OF US!!!"

Smolder almost screamed out the last four words of her sentence. A few creatures were scared seeing not just Smolder, but Thorax and Ember as well, pushed to the point where they all wanted to fight Chrysalis. Spike felt tears welling up in his eyes looking at the four incensed creatures. Tyson and Kimba also felt scared looking at them. They had never come across anyone as angry as they were. They watched in fear as Smolder continued on.

"Well, I'm sick of it. This satanic beast has made it clear as day that any time in jail isn't going to do her or us any good. It's high time Starlight and I gave this lunatic the punishment she's had coming for a long time," Smolder finished. Her tone had turned from shouting to low and scary. "You want something to laugh and smile about, Chrysalis? I'll give you something to laugh and smile about."

"I want in on this too," growled Ember as she cracked her knuckles.

"Same here," snarled Thorax.

By now, everyone, except the four seething creatures and Fluttershy, were frozen in fear. Smolder's close friends all stared at her in shock. They had never seen Smolder, or anyone on that matter, this angry before. Neither had Garble. Gallus' knees quivered. He did enjoy pulling a prank or two on Smolder from time to time, as well as Smolder chasing him down and warning him of dire consequences if he ever tried it again, but now, it seemed Smolder was at least twenty times angrier than all the times she was with him from all the pranks he pulled on her combined.

Pharynx looked at his brother with the same shock. He had never seen his brother even slightly angry in his whole life. Ocellus wanted to say something, anything, to calm down the king of her species, but she couldn't think of anything and seeing Thorax so livid scared her half to death. Tears of fear brimmed in her eyes as she looked back and forth between Thorax's furious expression and Chrysalis' smug one. She didn't want to see someone who she basically considered her father to hurt someone else out of pure rage, even if they deserved it.

Spike and his parents were also shocked into silence. Spike was hovering, but his parents were standing. Spike looked back at his parents and noticed both of their knees were quivering in fear. They didn't know what to do or say here because they had never been in a situation like this before in their lives.

Chrysalis, on the other hand, wasn't fazed at all. All three angels felt themselves becoming more fearful as they watched as the bitter and shameless creature took one look at each of her four would-be attackers before breaking down in a fit of hysterical laughter. This lasted about 30 seconds before she got back up and looked at them again. Spike also stepped in front of them to look at what Chrysalis' laughing had done to them and noticed that all four were now trembling with pure rage. The little angel could've sworn the insides of Ember and Smolder's nostrils were now glowing orange. He looked at Thorax and noticed his horn and antlers were now glowing a slight shade of Turquoise. No Doubt in his mind the Changeling King's rage had likely manifested itself into magic. Starlight's horn was also the same way except it was glowing much, much brighter. One look at Chrysalis also told Spike that she felt very pleased with herself.

"Oh, what? What are you going to do?" she asked trying not to break down in another fit of laughter. "Friendship me to death? Kill me with kindness? Now, that's something I'd like to see you try."

It was at this moment that Spike and his parents knew that Chrysalis couldn't be saved from her own big mouth. Even so, Spike's fear didn't go away. His parents, however, seemed to have lost all fear knowing there was nothing to stop Chrysalis from getting a possibly fatal beating. One look at Smolder, Starlight, Thorax, and Ember signaled to Spike and his parents that maybe they did need this. Maybe they just needed to take out all that pent up rage inside them with a good fight and then, they'd be back to normal. One look at everyone else in the dungeon hallway told Spike and his parents that they were thinking the exact same thing. That was until Fluttershy stepped in-between them. She whispered something in Starlight's ear for a few seconds, which seemed to calm the Pink Unicorn down, before doing the same with Smolder, Ember, and Thorax. Spike felt a huge rush of relief wash over him seeing Fluttershy once again being the unofficial peacekeeper and uniter of the harem.

"Good work, Fluttershy," Spike whispered, his tears of fear turning into those of pride. "I'm very proud of you."

Spike watched as the four, formerly irate, creatures stepped away from Chrysalis' cell. Smolder, however, wasn't finished with her boyfriend's killer just quite yet.

"I want to make something very, very clear right now," Smolder said with another loud growl. "You're fucking lucky that Fluttershy was here to calm us down or Starlight, Thorax, Ember, and I would've personally made sure that you would not live to see your sentencing. Part of me still does want nothing more than to tear you limb from limb to show you personally what kind of pain we're going through right now, as well as the kind of pain you put our Spike through in his last moments of life. Just remember that."

Once Smolder was finished, the cream-colored Pegasus turned to face the arrogant, barefaced, disgraced Changeling Queen. Her turquoise eyes vibrating with determination for the third time in less than two weeks. Chrysalis just looked right back at her with the same smirk, but she wasn't aware of what this usually shy pony had to say to her. Spike and his parents also watched with interest.

"What's she going to say?" Tyson asked.

"Just sit back, watch, and prepare to be amazed," Spike smirked.

"You may have taken Spike's body from us, but there are two things you will never, ever take away from us. The first is his spirit. We all hold a little bit of him inside us. His kindness, generosity, laughter, loyalty, and honesty all live on inside our hearts. The other thing is all the happy memories that we have made with him. We will always have things that will remind us of all the fun things we all did together with him. His love for us, as well as the love we felt for him, is something you would never be able to suck out of us because even one percent of it would overload the system that resides inside your soulless body. My pride as being one of his twelve marefriends increases ten-fold with each passing day. We've seen thousands of creatures of all kinds support us and praise Spike. Those who barely even knew him were writing poems and sending letters praising him on a daily basis. I've never seen a single person in the time I've known you ever come out in support of you. I think I'll leave you to think about that as you sit here until your sentencing," Fluttershy said, her tone had shifted to Bold Fluttershy.

"Wow," Tyson said, stammering for a second. "I did not expect her to do that."

"Same," Kimba added. "When you said Fluttershy was truly an inspiration for all of Equestria, you weren't kidding."

"That's just Fluttershy for you," Spike smiled. "Sweeter than sugar to the core and always willing to put someone who's acting out of line in their place. I was really, really lucky to have her as one of my girlfriends."

Chrysalis' smirk slowly faded. By the time Fluttershy finished her speech, Chrysalis looked at her in shock. At the back of the room, Cozy and Tirek's shock changed to dumbfounded amazement, both their mouths hung slightly open. They had never expected such strong words to come from such a meek, quiet Pegasus. Spike's parents were also amazed. Spike, on the other hand, just grinned. The second he saw Fluttershy walk up to confront Chrysalis, the angel Dragon knew that she had the perfect thing in mind to put the evil creature in her place. Everyone else seemed a little shocked by Fluttershy's change in demeanor as well. Fluttershy looked back at Twilight who began to step forward to say when the villains would be sentenced.

But before Twilight could say anything a chuckle was heard. It started out small but quickly grew to a full blown laughter. Spike’s grin drop, everyone else could only stare in shock as the Chrysalis began laughing, as if someone had just told her the worlds most funniest joke.

All since of pride and inspiration that Fluttershy brought from her speech was evaporated in an instant by the ex-queen mocking laugher. Clearly, the yellow Pegasus had no clue who she was talking to.

"What?" Chrysalis asked, locking eyes with Fluttershy's. "You think I care that you still have memories of that stupid lizard? I don't. If anything, it's probably depressing for you all to relive memories with him knowing you can't make any more of them with him. You may think you hold a part of him in you, but that statement is not only wrong, it's stupid as well. That is unless you all did some rather unspeakable things with him during your relationship. If that is the case, I'm glad I was never your ally to begin with. Also, never underestimate a changeling's power to suck love from another being. One Changeling can suck love from 50 creatures in one sitting, no matter how large it may be, and still be able to transport it back to me. Also, "pride as being one of his 12 marefriends". Give me a break. The only reason you probably got with him was out of pure pity. That's right, I heard about that whole admirer fiasco. I just can't buy the fact that you loved him genuinely because this whole confession came out of nowhere. He probably only made up those "reasons" he loved you out of the blue. If anything he only did it for an ego boost, because he's a Dragon among ponies and he needed some, sad reason to validate himself in pony society, even though that whole harem thing changed nothing. Also, I could honestly care less how many poems and letters get sent to you that praise your worthless, little pet. Like I said before, this whole place is a hellhole. What makes you think I'd think of the residents any differently?"

Fluttershy's determined expression turned into a completely shocked one. The cream-colored Pegasus didn't know what to say or do. This was the first time that her speech seemed to have zero effect whatsoever. For a full five seconds, she just stared at Chrysalis' sadistic, grinning visage as if she were a lone piece of a puzzle in a box and the rest of the puzzle was missing, but it felt like a solid half hour to her. Then, her usually vibrant, turquoise eyes drooped to the ground and her vision blurred with salty water. For the first time since seeing her Spike lying on the ground at the scene of that awful battle, she felt powerless and didn't know what to say or do. Neither did anyone else.

Watching Chrysalis mock Fluttershy like that only added fuel to the rage building inside the young Drake. Every word she said just made him angrier and angrier, and it only made him feel worse that he can't do or say anything. Like Fluttershy he to was powerless and couldn't do anything to show how wrong Chrysalis was about his feelings for his herd.

Fortunately for everyone there, however, three loud voices that belonged to Rainbow Dash, Starlight, and Smolder seemed to do the talking for them. The words that exited the mouths of all three girls seemed to cut through the thick silence like a hunting knife.

"HE DID LOVE US AND WE LOVED HIM!!! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK ABOUT HIM LIKE THAT!!!!"

Everyone turned to the source of the voices and found Starlight, Rainbow, and Smolder once again stepping up to face Chrysalis, Thorax and Ember following half a step behind. One look at all five of them told everyone there that any sliver of hope calming them down was now gone. Their faces looked even more irate than before when Fluttershy first intervened. Fluttershy would've wanted to do something to calm them down, but it seemed, even to her, that Chrysalis had blatantly ignored the warning signs. Now, the irredeemable, cold-blooded killer had crossed the point of no return and there was no nothing to stop Chrysalis from receiving a beating like no other. Fluttershy gave a dirty look up at the evil, soulless, former ruler of the Changelings. Chrysalis' smirk turned into a full-blown, evil grin as she returns Fluttershy's look.

"I'm sorry, Chrysalis," Fluttershy said, almost growling as she spoke. "I tried to save you from this, but you left me with no choice but to leave you at the mercy of these five. Have fun."

"Psh," Chrysalis scoffed. "I'll live."

"No, you won't," Starlight said in a low and scary tone as she walked up to the bar of the cell and looked up to her most hated rival. "I am throughly sick of you."

Chrysalis pretended to be surprised.

"Sick of me?" she asked innocently, before turning to the crowd. "Does anyone here have any pills on hoof for this patient? She could be coming down with something very serious."

Starlight's horn began to glow as bright as it did when Chrysalis first laughed at Smolder, Ember, Thorax, and her.

"I have tried to help you to get onto the right path," Starlight growled. "I held out hope for you being alright after you ran away from us, and I was praying that you'd see the light and come join us for a better life, but this is the last straw. You're nothing but a big, sad, ruthless, psychotic waste of oxygen."

Chrysalis was unfazed. She knelt down so she was nose to nose with Starlight. For a solid three seconds, no one moved or said a word. Then, Chrysalis spoke her sentence and it only seemed to anger Starlight, Rainbow Dash, Smolder, Ember, and Thorax further.

"So, revoke my good conduct medal and cancel the parade you were going to throw in my honor, you revolting, little rat."

Celestia and Luna walked up to speak to Chrysalis next. The wore glares almost as bad as Chrysalis' soon-to-be assailants. Chrysalis jumped back up and looked the Royal sisters over with a menacing grin.

"You two again?" she sneered. "There's something different about you, but I just can't put my hoof on it. Wait, don't tell me. You've changed your mane styles."

The Princesses didn't respond. While Luna held her harsh glare to Chrysalis, Celestia levitated a ring of keys, stuck one of them into the key slot of the locked door, jiggled it around for a second, before the door was unlocked and swung inward. The Royal Sisters beckoned for Tirek and Cozy to come with them and they did just that with a word or resistance. They did not want to stick around for what was to come next for their unremorseful cohort. As Cozy passed by the Princesses, both Celestia and Luna noticed there was something off about her, like she was trying to tell them that she wasn't competent when she did all her evil deeds. It seemed her soul was almost broken and crying out for help. The crowd also noticed that and couldn't help but feel like they'd be seeing her again soon. even Starlight, Smolder, Ember, and Thorax had that same feeling in the back of their minds. They pushed that aside for now, they were somewhat eager, and somewhat afraid at the same time, of what the two Dragons, two Ponies, and Changeling were going to do to Chrysalis. It was five to one, but Chrysalis was still taller than all of them and had more experience in fighting. They watched as the five seething creatures entered Chrysalis' cell, followed by Celestia. They moved up to see what was happening, but Luna stopped them.

"No, I'm sorry, but you can't go up there. This is something they need to resolve on their own" she said.

"WHAT!?!" yelled Garble. "Are you crazy?! I don't want my sister fighting that lunatic alone. She's bigger than her and we've already found out she's more dangerous than her."

"The same could be said for my brother," added Pharynx.

Smolder and Thorax overheard their sibling's concern and took a few steps back to look at them. Their expressions softened considerably.

"Don't worry about me, Gar-Gar," Smolder called. "I'll be fine."

"Same with me, Pharynx," called Thorax.

Before either sibling could say another word, Smolder and Thorax went back into the cell. A large glow could be seen from the bars to the crowd.

"What-What happened?" Garble asked.

"Celestia has transported everyone to an ancient battlefield that my sister and I have fought many a foe on," Luna explained. "She had a feeling that something would go down with the heated rivalry between Starlight and Chrysalis and told me that if Chrysalis acted like this, she'd teleport them to that battlefield rather than have them battling in a small cell."

"I swear, if my sister gets really hurt during this, you will not hear the end of it from me," Garble warned. "She means the whole world to me."

"Same with Thorax," Pharynx added again.

Luna remained calm.

"I understand Your concerns for your loved ones, but rest assured, should they get hurt, we will make sure that they receive top of the line care."

MEANWHILE

*POOF!*

In a flash of magic, Celestia had transported herself, five angry justice seekers, and Chrysalis to a flat, grassy field with nothing around for miles. Not even a tree. They landed on a circular platform made out of white marble and had about five feet of elevation off the ground. Although still eager for the impending fight, Chrysalis was very confused about why the others and she were here and not in the dungeon. She glared hatefully at the Sun Princess.

"Why are we here?" she demanded.

Celestia responded by first putting a magical forcefield around the abandoned arena. Then verbally answered Chrysalis' question.

"This is an ancient arena where my sister and I have fought many a foe that threatened Equestria," Celestia explained, her glare harshening as she looked Chrysalis right in the eye. "We recently retired this method of dealing with threats as the last few my sister and I had were easily squashed. You, however, are a special case of evil that has led me to briefly unretire this method so that these five can deal with you themselves."

Hearing this made Chrysalis smile sadistically again.

"Oh my," she began. "Unretiring a form of how you dealt with threats just for me? I am deeply honored. Thank you soooooo much. In fact, I feel so honored that I won’t use any magic to fight you."

The venom oozing from Chrysalis' voice as she taunted Celestia only made everyone there even more angry.

"Oh," growled Starlight. "Let's see if you still feel "honored" after we KICK YOUR ASS!"

"Bring it bitch," laughed Chrysalis. "I'll make sure you all will reunite with your little salamander pet in Tartarus."

"THAT'S IT!!!" screamed Smolder.

She jumped up and began flying toward Chrysalis at full speed. As smug and sadistic as she was, Chrysalis didn't have the time to react as Smolder landed a direct punch to the face, knocking her off her hooves and a tooth went flying out of her mouth. The other four creatures followed close behind, not wanting to miss out on giving Chrysalis her well-deserved karma.

Chrysalis, however, reacted fast and began to fight Smolder back. She landed a blow on Smolder's cheek and knocked the orange Dragon off of her with a buck to the stomach just as the other four irate creatures caught up where the two were scuffling. Chrysalis jumped back up only to be knocked back down again by another punch from Starlight. That only lit Chrysalis' fire as she kicked Ember, Thorax, Rainbow, and Smolder away and lunged at the pink unicorn. Unfortunately, she was right on target and successfully managed to sink her razor-sharp teeth into Starlight's side, making her scream out in pain. On instinct, she bucked Chrysalis off of her. It knocked her back no more than a foot before she lunged again at Starlight. She was met with another punch, this time from Rainbow Dash. It didn't affect her at all this time, though, and she returned the blow to her face, catching the cyan Pegasus off guard for just enough time for her boyfriend's killer to land another two blows to Rainbow's face, knocking out a tooth. She would've gotten a third blow if it weren't for Thorax and Ember slugging her in the cheeks from opposite sides. The combined force of the blows dazed Chrysalis enough for both Dragon and Changeling to land another blow on Chrysalis' face. Chrysalis immediately snapped out of her daze after that one, however, and punched both Ember and Thorax as hard as she could. The blow intended for Ember hit her dead center of the chest, knocking the wind out of her. The punch for Thorax hit him square in the nose. Both were left stunned for just enough time for Chrysalis to make another lunge for Starlight and make another attempt to hit her. This time, however, Starlight was ready for her and bucked the evil former ruler of the Changelings with all her might. That one really hurt for Chrysalis. Up until now, the other blows delivered to her hurt just a bit, but any pain would disappear after a second because of the adrenaline rushing through her body at lighting speeds. Now, it seemed that the adrenaline was starting to fail her in terms of numbing her pain. She also seemed to feel a liquid filling inside and leaking out of her mouth. It tasted like iron. Starlight also seemed to realize Chrysalis was in a weakened state and prepared to strike her again. This time, with a blast of magic. It hit her square in the chest. For the first time since Smolder jumped to kick the fight off, Chrysalis was knocked off her hooves and she went for a tumble across the arena. It was now taking every ounce of her strength to try and stand back up. She was successful in doing just that, but she didn't have much time to celebrate that achievement before Rainbow Dash decked her square on the nose.

"That was for invading Canterlot," snarled the Rainbow-maned Pegasus.

Starlight ran up and bucked the sadistic and badly injured killer in the face next.

"That was for capturing all my friends to try and suck the love out of them," Starlight growled.

Thorax came up and slugged his former ruler right in the face.

"That was for brainwashing all the Changelings into believing they had to feed off love and not share it."

Ember came up next to give her final punch to the face for incorrigible villain next.

"That was for endangering all the students, particularly Smolder, at the School of Friendship."

Lastly, it was Smolder's turn. Rather than delivering a final punch, however, she bared her claws hidden within her fingers and slashed them across Chrysalis' cheek, drawing more blood.

"That was for trying to kill my fellow harem members!" she yelled before she took a deep inhale. "And this..."

She opened her mouth to reveal an orange flame, very bright, very beautiful, very hot, and very deadly. It made Chrysalis feel a whole new level of pain as the flames licked at her scratches, cuts, and bruises, but she absolutely refused to scream out. She didn't want to give anyone that satisfaction of seeing her reduced to a screaming mess begging for mercy.

"...is for MAKING OUR SPIKE PAY WITH HIS LIFE TO MAKE SURE WE WERE ALL SAFE!!!!!" Smolder finished, screaming.

Starlight charged up her horn one last time. She gave the harshest glare she could to the barely standing villain.

"And this is for making fun of our Spike while he was dead," she growled and released her magic blast.

At this point, however, Chrysalis didn't even bother fighting anymore. She just closed her eyes and waited for the final hit. It hurt for a few seconds before everything went black.

******

Starlight released her magic and sent Chrysalis flying through the air. She hit the forcefield and landed hard on the arena once more. This time, though, she didn't get back up. The five battered heroes and Princess approached her cautiously, making sure she wasn't playing dead. One look at her beaten up, swollen, bruised, and bloodied face told everyone she wasn't playing. Although they hated her more than anything, the five heroes decided against giving more blows to their now unconscious enemy. Celestia's horn lit up and she closed her eyes for a brief second before her horn stopped glowing and she reopened her eyes.

"She's alive, but unconscious," Celestia said.

"Let's head back," Starlight said. "I know Pharynx and Garble are worried sick about their siblings."

With that said, the six creatures, with Chrysalis in tow, teleported away. The white marble arena once again stood solitary in the field. Everything sat eerily quiet, and no animals made a sound. No happy singing of the birds and no happy chittering of the squirrels.

Spike along with his parents just sat there in dungeon along with everyone else, as they waited for Celestia and the combatants return. Like Garble and Pharyrnx, Spike was also worried for his three lovers and two friend. He wish he could go and watch the fight, but of course he nor his parents knew where the old battlefield even is. So, their only option was to just sit and wait.

Spike just sat there on the floor in silence, thinking to himself about everything Chrysalis said. He knew she was evil but not THAT evil. She really didn't have a conscience, let alone a heart. She truly did not care at all that she has murdered a 15-year-old drake, she even went as far to speak ill about his death with a proud smile on her face, as well as mock everything about his relationship with his herd, and spit on Fluttershy’s words as if they were nothing.

Spike didn't want to give in to his anger, but that was easier said than done. When Chrysalis wouldn't shut up. The things she said still infuriated the young drake to no end. Just like Starlight, Smolder, Rainbow, Ember, and Thorax. Although Spike haves no intention to beat up Chrysalis like those five, he does wish he was able to talk to her. If only he could, for he does have a few choice words for her.

Sometime later the group teleported back to the cell where Chrysalis and her cohorts were originally being held in. They stepped out into the hallway and Smolder and Thorax were each glomped by their respective brothers.

“Oh, thank the Gods and Goddesses you’re safe,” Garble exclaimed.

“I missed you too, Gar-Gar,” Smolder smiled. Even though her abdomen was still a little sore from when Chrysalis had kicked her, but she didn’t mind.

“Same with you, Pharynx,” Thorax added.

For a moment, no one said anything as the siblings reunited. Then, Rainbow piped up.

“I feel better now that I got that out of my system,” she said.

Everyone else agreed. Although, despite that, Starlight still felt a tinge of sadness for Chrysalis not seeing the magic of friendship. Sure, she was a psychotic, irredeemable demon, but she felt that maybe, just maybe, there was a sliver of good inside her. Sadly, that wasn’t the case.

Twilight turned to face Tirek and Cozy Glow.

"Since you have all plead guilty no contest, you will not have a trial. Your sentencing date will be scheduled in two weeks' time," Twilight said, looking both of them right in the eye. "Make sure to tell Chrysalis that when she wakes up.” Tirek and Cozy nodded. “This meeting is concluded. I will see you then."

With nothing left to say, Twilight looked back at her friends and other Princesses. They all looked back at her, nodded to each other, and trotted out of the dungeon hallway. Now that they were finish with thing here, they can now put all their focus on the next big project, planning Spike's funeral.

When the group left, a couple of guards place Tirek and Cozy back in their cell, as two others took an unconscious Chrysalis to the dungeons medical room to get her patch up. The three spirits, however, stayed behind. Tyson spoke.

“Dang! I wish we could have seen the fight.”

“See it!? I rather be in it.” Said Kimba. “I wish I could have the chance to tear that bitch limb from limb, for the things she said about our son, after she herself aided in his murder.”

Tyson sighed. “I know dear, but there's literally nothing we can do. Just be glad those five gave her the beating she deserved.”

“I know, but still.”

Spike spoke up. “How about we get on out of here, I want to be able to clear my head after all this.”

“Of course, Spike, after all, this whole mess affected you more than us.” Said Kimba.

“Yeah, let's go.” Said Tyson.

With that said, the three spirits left the castle and flew into the sky and going back to heaven.

Little did anyone know that they weren't the only ones who came to this meeting, as a mysterious unknown figure had been watching the conversation between the prisoners and the group from when it started, to when Celestia and Co. returned from the battle arena.

The group left they walked right passed the figure as they hid out of site. Nobody noticed the figure and they soon came out of hiding and saw two guards carry the unconscious Chrysalis to the medical room.

Later, after the doctors left after patching up their patient. The figure from before snuck into the room and was met with a horrible sight. Laying on the hospital bed, covered in bandages, was an unconscious Chrysalis.

The figure carefully walked up to the sleeping changeling and shed a tear for her.

“Oh, you poor thing!” The figure said. “What did those monsters do to you in that arena? There was no reason to go this far, just because of a few words. I mean seriously, you’ve lost, you were defeated, and no longer a threat. You were just using what you had left to hurt them, which could easily be ignored. I sure did.

Sure, you said a lot of bad things about purple bear, but I didn't take any of it seriously. As I said you were just playing your final card, a last-ditch effort to hurt everyone and those idiots actually took you seriously.” The figure shook their head disappointedly. “What a bunch of morons, I understand that they didn't want you saying all those horrible things about purple bear, but what does it all mean in the long run of things? Bucking idiots."

"I really feel sorry for you Chrysalis in more ways than one. One of those ways involves how you, Tirek, and Cozy Glow will be severally punished for something that isn't any of your faults. Here you three are locked away, to await your sentencing, while the true villain gets away scott free."

"Well, I'm not going to let that happen. You three deserve Justice and I plan to give it to you. I still need time to build my case, but I swear to you, I will be ready before the princesses can sentence you three.” The figure adjusts their glasses. “So, know this Chrysalis I am on your side, and I plan to defend you and the other two and prove your innocence and make sure Discord pay for his crimes.” The figure turns to leave and begin walking towards the door. “Until we meet again Chrysalis and I hope you will accept me as your defense attorney.” The figure smiled as they open the door and step outside, leaving a still sleeping Chrysalis alone.

Discord's Guilt

The thunderous sounds of a stampede of multiple different hooves could be heard. As hundreds upon hundreds of different creatures. Far and wide, ran side by side towards the same destination. The stampede was also being followed by hundreds of creatures who were flying above them as one giant flock.

The army of different creatures were being led by six friends. Who work to help bring everybody together to help stop the evil threatening their world.

Ponies, Changelings, Dragons, Yaks, Griffons, Hipogriffs, Kirins, and Buffalos. Now stand together as one mighty army. All charging with great purpose and determination. To save their friends.

Everyone's goal was the same. Help The Mane Six in defending Equestria against the evil trio known as, The Legion of Doom or L.O.D. For short. And put a stop to their evil plans for world domination.

Even all those that were imprisoned in the cave's underneath, Canterlot were found and set free, and they too joined the mighty army. Although the royal sisters, the pillars, and Discord didn't have their magic still. That didn't stop them from joining the fight.

As the army drew closer to the battlefield, climbing to the top of the giant hill. It was in that moment that a large explosion could be heard, and before anyone could question what it was. All of the sudden the royal sisters, the pillars, and Discord got their magic back. Not wanting to linger on that right now. With a single *SNAP* Discord teleported the army to the top the hill, where everyone saw the Mane 6 group together down below. Without hesitation, the unicorns created a forcefield around the Mane 6 just in case, especially after hearing that loud explosion from earlier.

But after getting a good look at the battlefield, it would seem that the fight was already over.

Thorax and Ember were at the front of the pack. Behind them were Gabby, Smolder, the CMC, and Starlight. They saw the villain's lying unconscious, and the ponies sitting and hunched over someone or something. They flew down and inform the rest of the group.

“Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow are knocked out. They don’t seem to have their enchanted powers anymore either, and Twilight and the girls seem fine, but they’re hunched over someone or something,” Thorax relayed.

“Can we head down there to see what the fuss is about?” Ember asked.

Yes, we can go with you,” Princess Celestia said. “My Sister and I will have our guards subdue these creatures before they can do anymore harm.”

"We're coming too," Smolder announced. "The Crusaders, Starlight, Gabby, and I have been away from our Spike for far too long."

With the company of the Princesses, Ember and Thorax flew down to the Element Bearers. Smolder scooped up the Crusaders and Gabby scooped up Starlight and they made their way down to the other harem members. As they got closer, they heard what sounded like crying coming from the ponies.

“Thorax, it sounds like they’re crying,” Ember said.

“Yeah,” Thorax replied. “I wonder what’s got them so upset.”

"Ehh," Smolder shrugged. "They're probably crying out of happiness. Probably because Spike saves the day yet again."

Celestia and Luna broke off with their guards to restrain the villains, while Ember and Thorax landed behind the ponies, followed be Smolder and Gabby. The dragon and Griffon set down the three other fillies and Unicorn before they turned their attention toward the still sobbing Element Bearers.

The ponies didn’t acknowledge the arrival of the Dragon Lord, Changeling King, and the other half of the harem. They just continued to sob hysterically. At first, they were confused by their conduct. Then, they noticed the ground beneath where the ponies were sitting bearing a rather odd, reddish color. They felt uneasy at the odd sight and gave each other worried looks. Immediately, they walked at a brisk pace around the force field to get a better look at what got them in such a hysterical state. As they made their way around, they could hear the agonizing wails of the Element Bearers grow more vivid. They were halfway around when they glanced at the ground and now had a better look at the large pool of red on the ground. Then, through the crowd of ponies, Gabby noticed a small patch of purple with some green with streaks of dark red peppering it. They others took notice of when she was looking at and instantly, the worst-case scenario started running through all their heads.

"You don't think-" Gabby started to say before a lump formed in her throat, making her unable to finish her sentence.

The eight creatures went from a brisk walk to sprinting. The millisecond they got to where they were facing the ponies, their eyes widened, and all, but one, let out a horrified gasp. The one who didn’t gasp was Smolder, who let out a loud, blood-curdling scream. The ponies stopped crying and looked up at the new arrivals. By this point, Twilight had scooped up Spike's body and was now softly cradling him.

On instinct, Starlight stuck her hoof out in front of the view of the Crusaders, trying to prevent them from observing the grisly sight before them, but her efforts were too little too late. The three fillies knocked her hoof away and raced to the force field, banging on it frantically. Everyone else just stood and stared at the scene before them as the reality of the situation quickly began to sink in.

“N-No, i-it can’t be,” Thorax sputtered.

“I-Is he d-dead?” Ember asked, hesitant to say the last word of her question.

"Y-Yes,” Rarity managed to choke out between sobs. “S-Spike’s d-dead!”

Ember and Thorax felt tears welling up in their eyes as they saw the dragon that had helped them get into the position they were in now. The tears on the faces of Smolder, Gabby, Starlight, and the Crusaders had already welled up in their eyes and were now seeping down their cheeks and falling like sorrow rain onto the ground at the sight of the magical, little Dragon who had successfully won their love, now reduced to nothing more than a bloody mess.

“Celestia! Luna!” screamed Thorax, trying his best not to break down and start sobbing right then and there.

“What? What's wrong?” Luna asked as she and Celestia ran over to them.

“Spike’s gone! He’s dead!” Thorax cried as he finally broke down.

Celestia and Luna ran over to where the sobbing Element Bearers were, saw Spike’s limp body, and quickly flew up to the hill crest where all of Equestria was waiting.

“Deactivate the forcefield, now,” Celestia ordered, starting to feel nauseous from the gruesome sight of Spike's corpse.

“What’s the matter, Princesses?” Chancellor Neighsay asked.

“Spike is dead, we need to get a better look at the damage to him,” Luna said trying her best not cry.

Without another word every Unicorn’s horn stopped glowing. The forcefield vanished instantly. The second it did, Ember, Thorax, and the other half of Spike's harem bolted to the huddle of ponies and joined them. Once they got a good look at their fallen friend and lover, they almost passed out. They immediately noticed how Spike's little torso, arms, and legs were impaled by so many shards of Groger’s bell, how his body was drenched in about 70 percent of his blood volume from all his deep cuts and scratches, how his entire torso was burnt almost to a crisp, the only thing on his wings that remained were two bloody, fleshy, stumps on his back, how there were burned pieces and bone fragments of him that peppered the grassy field under and around him, and how the ground beneath him was soaked in red from the the other 30 percent of his lost blood. His eyes were peacefully closed. If it weren't for all his horrible injuries, they would've thought he was sleeping.

“Spike, no,” Ember choked out as she felt tears starting to ooze down her cheeks. "P-Please, no."

She put a finger on Spike left wrist, which was surprisingly undamaged, to somehow hold out hope that he was still alive. She didn’t feel a pulse. It was at this moment that Ember and Thorax knew that Spike, the dragon that had helped clear Thorax’s name for him to be accepted into Pony kind, the dragon who had melted Ember’s walls and had helped her reach the Bloodstone Sceptor in order to become the new Dragon Lord, and the dragon who had captured the hearts of a dozen girls, was no more.

The Princesses, after what seemed like forever, flew down to join the other 14 lamenting creatures. Garble also followed them down there. He knew that his sister needed him more than ever to get through this event. All 17 creatures were all overcome with grief looking down at Spike's destroyed body. The villains were defeated and Equestria was safe from the Legion of Doom, but at what cost? Spike, a kid, had given up his life for his friends, his marefriends, his family, and his home.

“Twilight,” whispered Celestia, her eyes starting to fill with fresh tears. “What happened?”

After hearing this, Twilight stopped crying and got the composure to speak. Celestia felt heartbroken staring down at her pupil’s sad, red-rimmed, puffy eyes.

The lavender Alicorn tearfully explained how Spike had grabbed the bell, had taunted the Legion of Doom into chasing him, and how he tricked them into destroying the object that was responsible for all their powers. She found it harder to speak as she went into detail about finding him in the rubble, how he had already accepted his fate, and in his final words to them saying that as long as his friends and Equestria were safe, that was all that mattered. She then told the other half of Spike's harem about how he told Element Bearers to let them know that he loved them.

The thought of reciting the awful scene to the Princesses, Ember, Thorax, and the other six harem members made the Twilight and her friends cry even harder. Thorax, Starlight, the Princesses all silently cried. Smolder, Gabby, and the Crusaders began to bawl hysterically. None of them said a word. Ember, however, was a different story.

“No! No! No! This isn’t fair! THIS ISN'T FAIR!!!” Ember screamed as she fell to her knees, repeatedly punched the ground, and finally began crying hysterically looking at the destroyed body that was once her best friend. “Spike didn’t deserve this!”

From the hillcrest above, Dragons, Ponies, Changelings, Griffons, Hippogriffs, Yaks, Buffalos, and Kirins all began to cry silently. No creature had peeled their eyes away from where the Princesses, Element Bearers, Dragon Lord, and Changeling King were all huddled around their fallen comrade.

Equestria hadn't lost an ordinary hero that day, it had lost its savior that day.

There was one creature, however, that felt the saddest and guiltiest out of them all. Discord. He had long since teleported down to the group after hearing the terrible news. He stood close by, staring down at the now decease drake as he was held in Twilight's forelegs.

“Oh, Spike,” he whispered to no one in particular, tears stinging his eyes. “I did this. I’m so sorry.”

Though she couldn't hear what he said, Twilight was still able to recognize Discord's voice, which caught her immediate attention.

"YOU!!!!" Twilight shriek unfamiliar hatred on her face. "You stay away from us!"

Discord back away as if he was struck.

"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!!!"

Twilight yelled with absolute rage, while pointing an accusive hoof at the chaos god. "You're the one who started this, everything would have been fine if it wasn't for WHAT YOU DID!" Twilight drops her hoof to hug Spike as more tears fell from her eyes. "Spike would still be alive if it wasn't for you!" She said somberly her rage instantly replace by great sadness.

Thorax, Ember, the crusaders, Gabby, and Smolder were all very confused by, Twilight's accusation. How was this all Discord's fault. Wasn't it the L.O.D. that killed Spike? Before either of them could even ask, they saw, Rarity steps in between Discord and her friends. Using her magic, she grabs the Draconequus, by his beard, pulled him straight down to her eye level before stomping a hoof down on his beard to hold him in place, as she leans into Discord's face, her own a mask of rage, grief, and regret.

"She's absolutely right, this is all your fault you stupid, ghastly, BEAST! There's no one else to blame for this mess, but you and you alone. After all this was your ASSININE PLAN that made this tragic outcome possible in the first place." Rarity then points her free hoof at the still unconscious evil trio. "Those three may have caused his death," She points at Discord. "but it was you who decided to bring them together and make them a greater threat than they ever were before. You never once thought even for a second how HORRIBLE your plan was, or how things could go terribly wrong, well," Using her magic once more she grabs, Discord by the beard again and force him to get a closer look at Spike's corpse. "HAVE A GOOD LOOK AT WHAT YOUR ACTIONS LED TO. LOOK AT THE CONSEQUENCES THAT YOUR PLAN BROUGHT UPON POOR SPIKY WIKEY." Discord tried to turn away from the grizzly sight, but Rarity wouldn't give him the mercy to do so. "NO!" the fashion designer screamed as she then incase Discord's entire head in her magic. Once again forcing him to stare at the consequence of his actions. "YOU DON'T GET TO JUST TURN AWAY FROM THIS!" she growled as she held the chaos god in place. Making sure he gets a good look at what he caused. "HE'S DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU!!! HE HAD TO SACRIFICE HIMSELF TO SAVE US ALL BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOUR FUCKING TEST!!!!!!"

"Test!?" Said Ember.

"What test?" Asked Thorax.

They along with Smolder, Gabby, and The Crusaders have been paying close attention to everything that Twilight and Rarity had said, the same goes for the large army of multiple different creatures, who had come down from the hill and surrounded the group. Everyone who didn't know exactly what was going on were confused about why Discord was being blamed for Spike's death when it was the evil trio who killed him.

To Discord's absolute shock it was Fluttershy who stood up to address everyone. "Of course! You all have the right to know, after all." Fluttershy said. Wiping the tears from her eyes, then turning her attention to the surrounding crowd. "This was actually supposed to be a test that Discord set up himself. He purposely freed both Tirek and Cozy glow from their cells in Tartarus, he brought Sombra back from the nether, and pluck Chrysalis from herself exile. All while pretending to be some ancient villain named Grogar, and recruited the four of them, so they can work together to defeat us and take over Equestria. But all that was actually a part of his real plan to help Princess Twilight gain confidence in ruling Equestria."

Everyone gasps in horror at the news, causing Discord to flinch in fear. He could feel his heart shatter into pieces as the pony he considers to be his best friend had now turned against him and why wouldn't she after what he did.

The crowd was flabbergasted. They didn't know what to think, with this info.

Tears once again started to form in Fluttershy's eyes. "Unfortunately, his plan went off the rails when the evil trio found him out and stripped him of his chaos powers and the Princesses of their magic. Luckily, however, the Legion of Doom didn't get to overthrow all of Equestria, but that was because," The tears in her eyes started to fall. "Spike sacrifice himself to save us all." She said before falling onto her haunches and started crying again. The pain of losing Spike once again hit her full force. Rarity release Discord, so she can comfort her friend despite being just as broken up as she was.

Now that they got a full explanation the crowd was shocked at everything they just heard. The sadness they all felt just moments ago turned to outright anger as they all glared at the one responsible for all of this.

After Rarity had release him, Discord slowly stood back up. Once he got his bearings, he quickly notices everyone staring at him angrily, as he was now surrounded by the crowd, all alone as he stood in the center. The large army of multiple different creatures who stood as one against the L.O.D. now stand against him the mastermind behind it all.

Discord didn't know what to do. Despite having his powers back, he never felt so helpless. Now that everyone knows what he had done. He could only guess what will happen to him now.

"A TEST!!!" Smolder yelled her sadness completely replaced with pure fiery anger.

"THE LOVE OF MY LIFE DIED A SLOW PAINFUL AGONIZING DEATH BECAUSE OF A FUCKING TEST!!!!!!!"

Smolder clench her fists and grit her teeth the rage inside her hits its boiling point and then explode.

"YOU MURDERED HIM!"

Smolder screamed.

She jumped up and began flying toward Discord at full speed. Discord didn't have the time to react as Smolder landed a direct punch to the face, knocking him off his hooves and his one fang tooth went flying out of his mouth. But Smolder wasn't the only one who wanted a piece of the Draconequus, as four other creatures followed close behind, not wanting to miss out on giving Discord his well-deserved karma.

Before he knew it Discord was jumped by five creatures at once. Smolder, Ember, Thorax, Rainbow Dash, and Starlight Glimmer. All teaming up to give Discord one hell of a beating.

Discord couldn't fight back; the group wasn't giving him no quarter to. Though he wouldn't even if he wanted to. He knew he deserved this, he deserved to be punished for what he did and if getting the ever-living shit beaten out of him, then so be it.

The giant crowd of creatures watch on in satisfaction as they enjoyed Discord's Beating. Some even began shout at him, voicing their hatred for the monster who got Spike killed.

"They're right this is all your fault!" Said a creature from the crowd. Soon many others followed.

"You did this!"

"That poor dragon is dead because of you."

"You have nobody to blame but yourself."

Hauntedly the entire crowd of multiple creatures spoke as one as they pointed accusingly at Discord. Saying.

"You are the blame. It's all your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault!"

Everyone continued their chant with no signs of ever stopping. The voices of thousands echoed in Discord's ears. Despite that, he could still hear specific voices speaking to him.

"I should have never given you a chance to be reformed." Said Celestia. "Clearly you have learned nothing about friendship."

Luna spoke. "We should have turned you to stone after your first betrayal. Once your beating is done, we will do so again only this time it will be permanent."

"I should have never become your friend." Fluttershy said.

That was the final straw that broke Discord. Knowing full well that there was no coming back from this.

For the first time since Smolder jumped to kick the fight off, Discord was knocked off his hooves and he went for a tumble across the ground. Broken, bleeding, and bruised. It was now taking every ounce of his strength to try and stand back up. He was successful in doing just that, but he didn't have much time to celebrate that achievement before Rainbow Dash decked him square on the nose.

"That was for giving your L.O.D. the chance to invade Canterlot," snarled the Rainbow-maned Pegasus.

Starlight ran up and bucked the stupid and badly injured killer in the face next.

"That was for giving them the chance to capture all my friends to try and suck the love out of them," Starlight growled.

Thorax came up and slugged his former ruler right in the face.

"That was for giving Chrysalis the chance to take back the hive and force us back to the way we were."

Ember came up next to give her final punch to the face for incorrigible villain next.

"That was for giving them a chance to endanger all the students, particularly Smolder, at the School of Friendship."

Lastly, it was Smolder's turn. Rather than delivering a final punch, however, she bared her claws hidden within her fingers and slashed them across Discord's cheek, drawing more blood.

"That was for giving them the chance to kill my fellow harem members!" she yelled before she took a deep inhale. "And this..."

She opened her mouth to reveal an orange flame, very bright, very beautiful, very hot, and very deadly. It made Discord feel a whole new level of pain as the flames licked at his scratches, cuts, and bruises. He screamed as he was burned.

"...is for MAKING OUR SPIKE PAY WITH HIS LIFE TO MAKE SURE WE WERE ALL SAFE!!!!!" Smolder finished, screaming.

Starlight charged up her horn one last time. She gave the harshest glare she could to the barely standing villain.

"And this is for going through with your stupid plan," she growled and released her magic blast.

Discord couldn’t even brace for the impact. In the blinding light, he saw Spike staring at him sadly as the young drake said. "I will never forgive you.". Then it struck… and he knew no more.

Discord shot up from his bed, waking up in a cold sweat, in the middle of the night. After a few moments he realized that it was all just a dream. He let out a sigh of relief. He was still in his guest in Canterlot castle.

It had been four days since the death of his friend and yet the sight of Spike's lifeless corpse was still fresh in his mind.

He made a promise to himself to stay far from Twilight and the others. Knowing full well that they hate him now after what he did.

Discord sighed and wiped away a tear. The guilt he felt was unimaginable. He had tried to boost Twilight's confidence by banding the Cozy Glow, Chrysalis, and Tirek together under the guise of an ancient, Cornflower blue Ram named Grogar so the lavender Alicorn and her friends could get a confidence boost and, in the process, reform three of Equestria’s most feared foes. Unfortunately, his plan went off the rails when the vicious trio found him out and stripped him of his chaos powers and the Princesses of their magic. Lucky for Discord, however, the Legion of Doom didn't get to overthrow all of Equestria, but that was because one of his closest friends had lost his life saving all of them.

When Discord eventually went back to sleep, he had another nightmare. In his dreams, a vision of Spike appeared in his mind, covered in blood and cuts, he had a charred abdomen, and he wore a blank expression. Worst of all, five seconds after his vision of Spike appeared, the injured dragon would open his mouth and just let out a blood-curdling scream for a full minute then collapse on the ground and before being enveloped in a cloud of smoke. When the cloud of smoke cleared, Spike was gone, the only thing that reminded Discord of what he just witnessed was a small pool of blood on the ground. Discord would once again wake up but in a cold sweat and it would take an hour, sometimes two, to fall back asleep. Discord experienced the same nightmare at least twice each night during those four, grueling days since one of his close friends died. The first night was the worst, when Discord had the same nightmare seven times and had only gotten two hours of sleep. He had put a spell up that prevented Princess Luna from seeing his horrifying nightmares believing that this was part of what he deserved. The last was new and more tamed than the ones he's been usually getting but it only made him realize just how much everyone hates him now. The Draconequus was known for being a bit of a troublemaker even after his reform, but the one time he tried to do something for his best friends it went horribly wrong. He knew that the second that Twilight and her friends found him, they'd turn him back into stone. Of course, he believed it was what he deserved, but every time he got the courage to get up and go to the Casle of Friendship, it died at the last minute. Every time this happened, Discord felt ten times worse than he did before.

Rather he did or didn't go and talk to Twilight and the gang, it didn't matter. He knows that sooner or later they'll come for him. When that will happen, he didn't know all he knows is that he is prepared for when the time comes.

(Four days ago, 2 hours after the meeting with the evil trio)

Celestia and Luna were sitting on their thrones. They had just settled down after coming back from the dungeons after speaking to the ones responsible for the death of the person who Celestia considered her son when the downtrodden Draconequus walked in the door.

Discord," Celestia said, surprised to see him.

"Hi, Celestia. Is Twilight here?"

Celestia shook her head. "No! Twilight and the others left for Ponyville immediately after our talk with the evil trio. She said that there was something they all wanted to do to honor Spike in their own way before the funeral, which will start in a couple weeks. Luna and I will be in charge of preparations. As we want Twilight and her friends to take this time to heal as much as they can."

Discord nodded in understanding. He was relieved that Twilight and the others had left. For he didn't want to face them anytime soon if ever. Not after what he had done. The only reason the royal sisters hadn't turned him into stone for what he did was because they pardon him. Thus, he wasn't held accountable for Spike's death. Even so, it doesn't make him feel any less guilty. Not only that, but Twilight can still punish him is she so chooses. She's still the soon to be new ruler of Equestria after all. Which means that the royal sister's pardon is only temporary, as Twilight has the right to revoke it and have him immediately punish on the spot.

Discord knows he would have to confront Twilight and the others eventually. It is inevitable. But he wanted to avoid that meeting for as long as possible. So, he wants to stay as far away from her as possible.

"May I ask a question. Is there an available guest room in here?" Discord asked somberly.

"Yes, there is," Luna answered. "Why do you want to know?"

"I'd like to have it please," Discord said. "I need some time alone to cope with..."

Discord couldn't bring himself to say the last two words, Spike's death. Celestia and Luna immediately understood Discord's situation. They lead him to the guest bedroom and left him alone to settle down.

(Day Two)

It had been three days since Spike's death. Everyone was still sad, but they were trying their best to move on with what happened, just like Spike would've wanted them to do. Though knowing that his funeral draws ever closer is making that very difficult.

Discord had found himself unable to even try and move on with Spike's death. His sadness was just as bad, if not worse, than it was three days earlier. The Draconequus had no doubt in his mind that Twilight and her friends hated him unconditionally. Discord believed he was fully responsible for what happened and knew it was best not to make any contact with them again.

Day Three

True to his promise to himself, Discord stayed as far away as he could from Twilight and her friends as well as the other Princesses. He had never felt so alone.

Celestia and Luna thought the ancient Draconequus would eventually snap out of it, but as time went on, the two Princesses noticed Discord seemed even more downtrodden with each day that passed. Finally on the third day, the royal sisters decided they had enough of seeing Discord moping around and blaming himself for something he couldn't have prevented. They decided that tomorrow, they'd pay a visit to The Friendship Castle.

Day Four

Celestia raised her sun to start yet another new day, as ponies all over Equestria began waking up to start their morning.

In a house within Canterlot a unicorn mare, with a white coat, a dark brown mane, and black glasses was in her kitchen making coffee. She stood at the counter with a mug in hoof, waiting for the coffeemaker to finish brewing her much needed morning beverage.

As she stood there waiting patiently, an earth pony mare with a light-dull purple colored coat, blonde mane, and wearing dark purple glasses. Walk up to happily greet the dead looking unicorn.

"Good morning, Raven! Did you manage to get a good night's rest, because you know that today we go back to work, right?"

"Grace Manewitz!?"

"Yes, Raven Inkwell?"

"First off, good morning."

"Good morning."

"Second, we have known each other for a number of years, now."

"Indeed, since the day we were born."

"And in that time, I feel we have formed an unbreakable bond. I would dare even say that we become great friends."

"I would like to believe that we are. We are sisters after all."

"So, I hope you will bear that in mind when I tell you... To shut the fuck up!"

"Of course, Raven."