Episode 21:

The Siege of the Crystal Empire Part Four:

“Go! Go! Go!” Twilight commanded of everything as they all quickly made a charge towards the portal she and Kion just conjured up with their magic.

One by one everyone managed to make their escape…

...up until Twilight and Kion, the last ones that have yet to escape from harm’s way, were suddenly ensnared by dark magic courtesy of both Scar and King Sombra firmly and tightly grasping their bodies and wings together.

“Dad!”

“Kion!”

Both father and son cried out as they barely managed to grab onto each other’s paws. The two tried so desperately to maintain their grasp on each which lasted for several seconds until Scar managed to firmly yank the younger lion away from his father. From there the two can only look on helplessly at one another as they are separated where the former is now in the paws of someone who has no qualms of killing him on the spot.

“Dad!”

“Kion!”

“Twilight!” The others screamed especially Spike once more even more horrified than before as he is now on the verge of tears just like Simba upon seeing his son at his evil uncle’s mercy.

“It’ll be okay! We’ll be fine! Just go get help! We believe in you all!” She called out after them while showing no fear as the portal closes just as Scar yanks her back towards him leaving her along with Kion both face to face imprisoned in a dark bubble of magic with both Shining Armor and Cadance both at the two powerful ruler's mercy. While Sombra looks on furiously especially at Kion by glaring daggers at him, Scar himself looks on at Twilight with a delighted and satisfied evil smile knowing that things keep on coming more and more together with every passing second.

As soon as the Umbrum are released, they wasted no time in conquering the Crystal Empire in Sombra’s stead. And they wasted no time in capturing and arresting the Royal Family for their ‘crimes’ against them. To the Umbrum along with Scar, they all find it necessary in order to prevent them from utilizing whatever power they have to stop and defeat them. To Sombra himself, he felt it was fitting for all he suffered because of them (mainly Kion for hurting Hope).

The good news, is that the Lion and Pony Guard along with Simba all managed to escape the Umbrum’s grasp thanks to Twilight using her magic in teleporting them all to safety. The bad news, is that their leaders Twilight, Kion, Cadance, Shining Armor, all have been captured as Scar was quick to ensnare them with his magic before they could make their escape. And now the four were left to answer to the Umbrum, along with both Sombra and Scar themselves as they prepare to see to it that they are executed for their ‘crimes’ against them. With one left to wonder of how it is going to play out now.

“Bring forward the prisoners!” King Sombra commanded as inside the castle throne room with dark purple mist encircling the area outside and inside the castle.

On his command, Twilight, Cadance, and Kion were brought forward chained limb to limb and by the neck much like the former before. Only this time there were dark crystals on their horns to prevent any attempt and use of magic on their end. In addition for Kion’s chain he has dark crystals fused inside on the one around his neck in order to keep him from being able to use the Roar against them at any point on his enemies. Regardless, the three all look forward with defiant glares and adamant refusal to kneel over to them, along with knowing full well that help is coming their way.

“Bow to your ruler!” Ira commanded.

“No!”

“Forget it!”

“I will never bow to him or him!”

“Fools!” Rabia angrily roared in the face of their prolonged defiance. “You will learn…”

“At ease, Rabia!”

“Save your magic!”

Both Scar and Sombra commanded.

“They’re all in chains unable to use any sort of advantage to escape this very room and they are no threat to us to warrant this kind of aggression...yet.”

“Scar is right!” Sombra then stated as he took his turn in talking. “After all, this is a sentencing hearing, not a trial. It’s not if they can save themselves even if they wanted to.”

With Rabia standing down on their orders, her daughter then stated. “All hail Emperor Sombra!”

“Emperor Sombra?” Twilight responded looking on in disbelief. “What happened to King Sombra?”

“Objection!” Rabia angrily stated only to be stopped when Scar raised a paw to get her stand down once more.

“It was decided it was a more fitting title for him, Twilight. Given his newly acquired status here in the Crystal Empire that helps feel more empowered.” Scar answered.

Twilight however scoffed in response. “Of course it would.”

“Well, hopefully that answers your question.” He then gestured Rabia to continue. “Proceed, Rabia.”

The mother then went on to serve as the executioner as she moved to address the defendants. “Twilight Sparkle, Mi Amore Cadenza, and Prince Kion the so called princesses of Equestria and Prince of the Pride Lands. You are all charged with treason.”

“Like you’re to talk all high and mighty in that regard!”

“And you’ll never get away with this!”

Both Kion and Cadance growled in response.

Rabia ignored them as she moved to direct her attention towards the purple alicorn. “Twilight Sparkle, you are charged with attempted attack of Emperor Sombra, attempted escape from prison, aiding your accomplices and enemies of the Empire to escape with the destruction of the railways to cover their escape, and opening defying Emperor Hope.”

“Objection!” Twilight herself defended just looking on more annoyed than threatened. “For starters, that last charge is not even real and you have got to be kidding us to think if that’s going to stick.”

“Sustained.” Scar accepted as he and Sombra shared a nod together before allowing Twilight to continue having her say.

“And second and most importantly, Empress Hope? Really?! She doesn’t want to be a part of this anymore than we do.”

“Then it is a shame she has not spoken since your friend…” She gestured to the younger lion and alicorn hybird himself. “...used his magic on her.”

“Well maybe that wouldn’t have happened if Scar…” Said lion angrily gestured to his grand uncle simply standing stoically beside Sombra. “...hadn’t moved out of the way. He did that on purpose and he knows it!”

“Objection! Said defendant being addressed was Twilight not you Kion!”

“Sustained!” Scar agreed much to the growling fury of his grand nephew. “You will not speak unless spoken to, Kion. But since you have something to say in the matter, then you will get your turn to speak after we discuss the charges against you.” He turned to the lead Umbrum. “Proceed again, Rabia.”

“Thank you, Scar.” Rabia then focused her attention on the unicorn’s attacker herself. “Prince Kion, you are accused of attempted attack of the Emperor, and injury to Princess Hope. How do you plead?”

“120% not guilty!” He fiercely declared. “Because like I said Scar’s the one who purposely moved out of the way knowing that Hope would get injured because of that. He’s the one who should be standing here, not me!”

“But regardless of how it happened, the charge still stands as called since your magic still injured Hope and it was aimed directly at Sombra with the aim to harm and or kill.” Rabia stated with no sympathy nor showing any fairness towards him before turning to the last defendant in attendance. “Mi Amore Cadenza, you are accused of assault on the emperor, and attempt to brainwash the empress into attacking her subjects.”

“Hope thought she was helping the good honest creatures you tricked her into believing you were.” Cadance herself defended. “Not the monsters you are!”

“As I said brainwashing.”

With the charges addressed, Rabia has turned towards Scar who took his turn in speaking once more. “The wise emperor himself has agreed to make your sentencing easier if you give us the locations of the eleven rebels you aided in escaping.”

“I’m not telling you where my friends are! I don’t care what you do to me!”

“Neither am I. Turn me into stone if you like.”

“Same here. So go ahead, do your worst, and we’ll see if your so called sense of justice stands.”

“Very well…” Scar accepted that response as it is nothing he won’t expect from them. “...if that is your decision.” He then nodded towards Rabia, allowing her to speak again.

“Bring out the prisoner!”

Said prisoner that her daughter pulled forwards by the leash and chains around his neck just so happens to be Shining Armor himself. Much to three’s horror.

“Cadance! Twily! Kion! You’re all right!” The unicorn expressed in relief even when their enemies are preparing pass judgment on him.

“Quiet you!” Rabia ordered. “He’s a cute one, isn’t he? He’ll make a wonderful statue.”

“Stay strong, girls, Kion!” Shining Armor told them. “Whatever they do to…” And that was all he could say before being…

ZAP!

...and turned into stone himself much to three’s horror.

“NO!”

Deep down and internally, they were crying that they had to see that. But they were not going to even though they really wanted to. Twilight, had her nerves steeled to the point she didn’t show anything other than that scream of shock. Cadance came the closest to cracking. And Kion himself, had a spark of dread and worrying of that being the worst case scenario for his father to the point a seed of paranoia and anxiety felt planted inside his body.

“Yeah, I know. A pity he couldn’t completely get his last words in. But you know the Umbrum as well as I do that they really don’t waste time in getting down with the execution.” Scar said with false pity towards them. “But don’t worry, as for someone who understands your grief from having a lost a loved one, your pain will soon be over. For now it is your turn to share his fate alongside him because now it is your turn.”

Rabia then spoke to Sombra himself. “When you’re ready, Emperor.”

Sombra prepared to work his magic so he can do the same to all three standing before him in chains. “Say good…”

“Wait!” Twilight spoke up which got him to stop and got his along with Scar’s attention.

“Yes, Twilight?” Scar inquired of her with a hopeful smirk that she is finally seeing things his way again.

“We’re the last princesses of Equestria and he’s the last prince of the Pride Lands!” She explained. “If you do this here, no one will believe the statues are really us. You’ll never be able to stop the rebellion.”

“Hmm.” Rabia gave it some thought before turning to both Scar and Sombra. “She has a point.” Scar looked on thinking otherwise, knowing full well of what she is trying to do.

“Go on.” Scar gestured for the pony to continue talking.

“Trust me! I’ve read about dozens of revolutions. The only way to end all of this is to do it in public. Somewhere where everyone can see.” She then thought of an idea. “I’ve got it! Turn us into stone on the Crystal Square! Right where the Crystal Heart used to be! The same place they used their weapon to lock you up is where you crush their spirits!”

“And the very place where your rescue party will try to want to find you both.” Scar then said while seeing this as something he can work to his advantage while smiling in approval of the idea itself.

Rabia herself also liked the idea while feeling impressed herself with what Twilight had just said. “I like your style! You should really consider becoming a villain.”

“Oh, believe me. She is really good at it. And she still can become one again if she can start coming to agree to my terms once more. In fact I might even consider sparing her from this very fate.”

“I honestly can’t imagine an even worse fate than death.” Twilight returned sarcastically to which Scar chuckled in response to it.

“Not to mention has a quite a sense of humor I might add.” Scar then cleared his throat before turning to the other Umbrum. “Very well. We will move the execution for the public to see and given that your rescue party wherever they are planning on coming, they are all invited to attend. Oh…” He then raised a finger to add on something. “...and in order to ensure none of your friends try to interfere, I do plan on taking more secure measures to make sure they can’t just show up and free you all from your bonds.” He then turned to the Umbrum. “Now let’s get going.” While taking lead the Umbrum proceeded to follow after him while escorting the prisoners on over there. But then he noticed that Sombra is still deep in thought. “Emperor Sombra? You coming?”

“Of course.”

“Still worried about Hope?”

“Yes.”

“Understandable.” Seeing that look in his eyes had Scar give him some time to mentally prepare for what he’s about to do. “Go ahead and check up on her and make sure she is okay. Then join us where the Crystal Heart is when you’re ready, okay?”

“Will do.”

Elsewhere, the rebels and escapades have all managed to find themselves relocated back in Ponyville where they all took the time to process the relief of barely escaping with their lives along with the worry and need to take action to save their friends who weren’t so lucky to avoid being captured.

“Is everybody okay?” Simba asked as everyone all replied and nodded to confirm they are.

“Yep.”

“We’re good.”

Both Applejack and Fuli replied on behalf of the team.

“But not Twilight, Kion, Cadance, and Shining Armor!” Spike urgently pointed out. “They’re all still in trouble!”

“I know.” Starlight acknowledged.

“Not to mention Sombra has managed to release whatever those dreadful and horrific demons from Tartarus or wherever they came from.” Rarity then shuddered as the very look into their eyes screamed death inside of them.

“But at least we managed to get away when we did, otherwise we’d all be sweet, sweet, cupcakes for them to munch on!” Pinkie nervously giggled before seriously added. “And I don’t mean actual cupcakes.”

“Bummer.” Bunga pouted before speaking up on what needs to be done. “But aside from that, how are we going save them before Scar and Sombra do anything to them?”

Simba taking charge spoke up of the situation. “We are going to call upon our allies to help us take the fight to them!”

“Really?” Beshte asked in astonishment as Fuli, Fluttershy, Ono, Rainbow Dash, and Bunga all voice their surprise at the call.

“Seriously?”

“Oh, my.”

“No kidding.”

“All right! That definitely sounds like something I would say if I were in charge!”

“Me too! About time some thought to think that’s a good idea!”

“Yes it is.” Simba nodded much to Bunga’s delight. “Because I am not about to let Scar take my son away from me like he did to my father. And he’d want us to do the same if the roles were reversed.”

“He along with Twilight did save all of us…” Fluttershy pointed out.

“...and who are we to not to go back in the thick of danger to help them out in return?”

“Not us!” Rainbow firmly declared before deciding on who he can go to and request their immediate assistance. “I’ll go and see if the griffons will be able to help us. Come on, Ono!”

“Okay, let’s goooooo….!” Ono uttered before being whisked away at top speed.

“I’ll go and try to find Discord.” Fluttershy then said next as she along with Fuli flew/ran off together.

“Count me in!”

“I’ll be back after I rally the lioness.” The king himself stated before leaving himself too by running towards the portal. “I’m sure Nala would be more than willing to want to join the fight against both Scar and Sombra.”

“I’m quite sure she will be.” Rarity said to confirm that’ll be the case. “ Especially after hearing her son has been captured by the paws and hooves of her worst enemies.”

“I guess in the meantime the rest of us will fetch and see if anyone in Ponyville’s willing to help us out.” Applejack then proposed next before realizing something. “Oh, shoot. I just forgot. Howare we supposed to defend ourselves against those creeps holding our friends hostage along both Scar and Sombra themselves? Especially when we don’t have a lot of magical assistance on our side?”

“Not to worry, Applejack.” Kyoga quickly assured. “Where there’s a will there’s a way.” She then worked her magic in conjuring a portal to allow her to summon both Karabi and Lite along with the stone statues of both Celestia and Luna. It took a lot of energy and strength on her end along with her siblings but it was doable with little to no strain on her body. “And with additional assistance on our side. We should have a fighting chance this time around.”

“All right! That’ll work!”

“Now we’re talking!”

Both Ono and Bunga commented already liking what they are seeing so far.

“Think we can free them, without the Elements?” Starlight asked and brought feeling unsure if it’s possible without their fearless leaders to help them out there.

“It might be difficult, but shouldn’t be a problem.” Kyoga replied feeling like it’s possible. “It’s not like Sombra used it’s very magic to seal them inside here when he did.”

“He didn’t. And point taken.” Starlight said having being stood corrected. “I just hope I have what it takes to help out now.”

“I think you do, Starlight. More so than you think.” Kyoga replied with a confident and complimentary smile.

“Really?”

“Really. In fact, we need you to take lead on this along with me. Start off this spell by giving that spark of magic like Twilight would as we both work on combining your magic to make the spell work.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a second! You mean you want me to help take lead on this?! I mean understand why but really why?!”

“Because deep down you have potential for it.” Kyoga explained. “And someday it’ll come in handy when it is needed the most.”

“While I still don’t know exactly how and what that means entirely for me, okay, I’ll still give it a shot.” Starlight truthfully wanted to voice her disagreement over the idea of leading once more given the last time she took the mantle. But considering her friends lives are at stake, she didn’t have time to argue over it. And if this is what it takes to save her friends then she’ll do it.

“Then let’s get to work.”

Starlight then took a deep breath as she stood alongside Kyoga and her siblings as they circled around the statue mentally preparing to work her magic on the Two Sisters. At the same time the others got to work in fetching allies who are willing to make the journey to fight to save their friends and the Crystal Empire.

Back at the Crystal Empire with King Sombra...

Making his way to his room where his childhood friend has been placed inside to recuperate in, he moved to knock on the door first, as any polite gentleman would do whether it’s a hero or villain. “Hope, are you awake?” He asked before moving to make his way inside where he finds that the unicorn is indeed awake and okay much to his relief. “There you are. I was worried that I would wake you or come across you still in a coma. Should I have someone bring you dinner?” Hope didn’t respond as her mind and face was more directed at the very horizon of the Crystal Empire. All while looking on unhappy, unsatisfied, and most of all with regret and disappointment written all over her face. “Why do you look out there. Hope?” He asked out of confusion and slight concern. “It only seems to upset you. Why don’t you come with me and watch as the ones responsible for what nearly happened to you pay for their crimes against you.” Hope still didn’t say anything in response. “We’ve just turned the prince of the Crystal Empire to stone and we’re about to do the same to the other prince along with the remaining princesses out in the center of the Crystal Empire.”

At last Hope finally spoke. “In the very heart of the Empire where the Crystal Heart was held?”

“Yes. We put an end to them where everybody can see them. And with this victory out for the public to see, nobody and nopony will ever dare question my power, not even the great and powerful rulers out there that have yet to be defeated.”

Even still, Hope didn’t take sadistic pleasure like both him and Scar with her current expression not changing in response. “That will be good. Then you’ll have won, right? Both you and Scar. Then we can live here happy together?”

Hearing this sparked shock and surprise inside of him, like a very rare stroke of empathy sparked inside of him. “Well, not quite yet.” He admitted. “We will of course have to aid Scar as he proceeds to conquer both kingdoms he desires in return for his aid in helping us conquer our’s.”

“Oh, so then you’ll be done, then?”

Now, Sombra himself was taken aback by this new attitude Hope was giving him. “Hope! This is only the beginning! Then there’s the griffons and the yaks who are both allies of the Pride Lands and Equestria!”

Hope then moved to turn around to finally face him, only for the first time in years it was a face of anger and guilt looking right into his eyes as opposed to the optimistic and namesake nature she’s shown up to this point. “And I am to be your empress in this? I’ll stand by your side and watch…” She groaned in anger similar to what Twilight would have done if she were in her hooves.

“Hope!” He tried to place a hoof on her to calm her down only for her to angrily rebuff it much to his growing shock.

“Get back!” She warned. “I’ll do it myself! If I’m going to be an Empress of monsters, I ought to at least be able to stand up on my own.”

“Hope, I’m sorry. I really am.”

“Are you? Are you really, Somra?” Hope returned still not buying it. “They told me that this was who you would become, but I didn’t believe it. I knew there was something better in you.

“But, Hope I…”

“No! I was a fool! You told me yourself that you were a monster. A monster that was more than willing to help another monster conquer kingdoms and declare war on other kingdoms. A monster that I ended trusting too because I thought he really was trying to help me achieve what I wanted. Yet he was only doing it just so to help himself in the end. I was a fool. I should have listened but I had...hope. Foolish...foolish hope that influenced me into doing a lot of things that I now regret ever doing.”

Sombra could only sigh in response as he tries to explain and justify his reasons. “You don’t understand! When we looked into the Crystal Heart that day I saw this! I saw what I am now! I saw my destiny! Rabia, confirmed it. She told me I was a weapon. They made me the way I am so I could release the other monsters! I was born to be a monster.”

Hope however was not having it. “Look at me.”

“What?”

“When we looked into that heart, you hid what you saw. I told you what I saw. What did I see Sombra?”

Sombra looked aside in response. “You saw yourself as a princess?”

“And am I princess?”

“Aren’t you?”

“No! After what happened with you, I left my training. I went out to try and find you to try to help you.”

Hearing more and more of this confession sparked further surprise and shock inside Sombra. “So, you never became a princess because of me?”

"That’s right.”

“Hope, I’m so sorry. I wanted to hurt you for turning on me.” He desperately tried to apologize as she sat down on the floor. “I never dreamed I’d rob you of your destiny.”

“Sombra you’re a fool!” Hope angrily returned in response to his attempted apology while placing her hoofs on the temples of her forehead.

“What?”

“You didn’t rob me of anything, I chose. I had a choice between my destiny and you I chose you. All while disappearing from the face of the Earth for a thousand years in an attempt to do so which I now see as futile. Not only that I ended listening and believing the lion you’re friends with to the point I ended up helping him and made a lot of unforgivable choices I now can’t take back all because I wasted my time in trying to believe in you, Sombra.”

“But…”

“No more talk about destiny, Sombra. I’ve never believed in it. You were the only one I’ve ever believed in up until now. And it seems I’ll never be able to make up for any of it at all thanks to you.” She then stood up and stormed off ahead.

Sombra could only look on speechless with what he was just told and what had just happened, all while Scar watches on from behind unnoticed as he looks on at the stung unicorn who is now feeling very conflicted with the choices he’s made up until this point in his life.

Sensing that this may influence things against his favor, Scar moved to reappear at another part of the castle close to the main doorway as he called out to him. “Sombra! You ready?”

“Yes, Scar. I’m ready.” He called back as he followed after Hope and made his way to where Scar was waiting for them, acting like he heard and saw nothing.

Together they went on towards the center of the Crystal Empire where the three prisoners have now been gathered all while the Umbrum are all surrounding them so they can be ready should any of them try anything even while in chains.

“So, before we begin…” Scar then spoke as he approaches them alongside Sombra. “...does the condemned have anything to say before your sentence is carried out? Any or all three of you?”

“I do.” Twilight spoke up once more with a raised hoof. “I just you are all prepared for what’s about to happen next.”

“Prepared for what…?” Rabia asked before narrowly dodging a blast of magic herself. “Whoa! What the buck?!”

“Preparing for your last fight here before we send you back to where you came from.” Princess Celestia’s voice firmly stated as she and Luna floated over everyone. Both looking on sternly and furiously at every single one of their enemies holding the younger princesses and prince hostage.

“What?! But?! How?!” Hope stammered as she recalled seeing those two get turned to stone just hours ago.

At the same time while surprised themselves (mainly both Celestia and Luna here in the flesh), both Scar and Sombra look on at the huge army standing before them. They both mentally dismissed it as another easy fight for the most part. Said army itself contained, Ponyville residents that the rest of the Lion and Pony Guard have assembled, including Simba, Nala, Kiara,Timon, Pumbaa, the royal pony guards, and the other lionesses all looking on ready for another fight.

“We have you all surrounded, so release Twilight Sparkle, Cadance, and Kion all at once!” Princess Luna then commanded.

Scar simply shook his head in response. “Oh, Celestia, Luna, and Simba, why do you keep doing this? Even knowing that this is your fight to lose, you still keep coming and coming back to try to challenge me. It’s getting really quite boring, if you ask me.”

“Does that mean what I think you’re saying?” Simba inquired as he is ready to fight again.

“That depends, Simba. You here and ready for another rematch?” Scar asked as the Outsiders present here moved to appear by his side ready for another fight.

“Ready when you are.”

With that both Scar and Sombra gave the command.

“Attack!”

“And don’t let them get anywhere near the prince and princesses!”

To prove their point a large dark magic powered dome was placed over them to ensure that they are untouchable.

On their command, the Army of Scar charged forward as they had their eyes set on the Lion and Pony Guard who likewise were prepared for their attack this time around.

“All right, ponies. This is the final line between light and darkness.” Pinkie stated to her sister Marble, along with the Cakes.

“We are the night light that keeps the world safe from monsters. We are the defenders of that line.” Bunga then said next as he stood by her side. “Now, we are going to do exactly that. So that said…” Bunga pointed his fingers towards his friend so she can say the command.

“Fire!”

On her command, they all fired their cannons right at the incoming Outsiders who just happened to be Janja and his pack of hyenas who did not see them coming up until the very last second.

“Oh, no!”

“Not again!”

“Oh, party favors!”

The three hyenas all uttered and cringed before getting blasted aside by the hard hitting confetti that came speeding right towards them and as for the remaining hyenas, Bunga was quick to perform a drop kick and fists against them without warning.

“Zuka Zama!”

Rarity along with Fuli and Ono all stood their ground alongside a few of her brave employees willing to put their lives on their along as Reirei and her pack of jackals all moved to charge at them. All while wearing bright orange sparkling and dazzling capes around their necks.

“Jackals at 12:00!”

“All, right ponies! That’s our cue!”

“Let’s hit them with the fabulousness!” Rarity then said as she led them all in flashing the hot and blinding light their capes produced. “Eat fashion, you jackals!”

“Ahh! My eyes! I can’t see!”

“Too bright! Too fabulous!”

“You’re darn right they are!” Fuli confidently stated before making her move against them. “Huwezi!”

Both Reirei and Goigoi screamed as they ended up skidding to a halt causing the rest of their pack to crash into them. And once their eyesight became partially recovered to the point they could see again, they found themselves kicked and knocked aside by Rarity, Fuli, and Ono all together. And to add insult to injury, the guards came plowing right through them like they are out at a night in the bowling alley.

Applejack along with Beshte had managed to rally the rest of the Apple Family in fighting by her side as they prepare to go up against Kiburi and his float who are all going all out in their direction.

"All right Apples, let’s tie up these crocs up and tie them down!”

“We’ll just see about that because this time I’m going to put you and the rest of your family to sleep for good!” Kiburi growled as he closed in on them.

“I don’t think so, Kiburi!” Beshte fiercely stated before going in for the charge himself. “Twende Kibiko!”

And with both combined teamwork from both Applejack and Big Mac, they were able to plow the crocs that tried to come directly at them down with the latter himself taking down Kiburi himself thus allowing them to tie him up right on the spot.

“Soon as we’re done, everybody get to Fluttershy! She’s gonna need our help!”

“Yup!”

“Applejack, duck!” Her sister called out as she and her friends moved to pelt the crocodile that tried to pull a sneak attack on her sister with rotten apples while riding a cart.

“And don’t even think of trying that on Beshte, you big green and mean crocodile!” Mtoto yelled out to the other croc that tried to do the same on Beshte with another cart with his friends also along for the ride.

“Poa!”

“Nice work, little ones!”

Both Applejack and Beshte complimented with both their little leaders both saluting before resuming their jobs to help fend off the Outsiders.

Fluttershy herself now face to face with Mzingo and his flock has patiently bidded her time as they all circled around her as she kept her guard.

“Okay, we’re ready now!”

“Ready for what?”

“Ready for us to finally give in and allow us to have our dinner tonight.” Mzingo eyed the critters beside her who all looked on with crossed arms at the very idea.

Fluttershy’s frown intensified as Discord himself appeared before their eyes. “On the contrary my good birds, it is you who will be leaving, you and your fellow flock members. For if there is one thing I don’t tolerate is anyone daring to try to inflict and even threaten harm on my friend.” With a snap of his fingers a giant hawk appeared over them. Upon seeing the vultures, it shrieked ready to attack them.

“Um, sir…”

“Permission to take a vote to fly for our lives…”

“Permission granted!”

With that the vultures all screamed as they all flew away with the hawk itself flying close behind them.

Back towards the magic shield imprisoning Twilight and Cadance, Scar himself along with Sombra met with Princess Celestia, Luna, along with King Simba once more. In addition, they have the Ubrum army by their side as stood behind their leaders just as Kyoga and her siblings appeared to back their leaders up.

With sheathed claws the two fully grown lions roared and charged at each other to initiate the serious side of the ongoing battle around them. The two proceeded to exchange swipes as the two tried to maul each other down to the ground. Along the way Nala along with all of the other fully grown lioness’s all engaged in the same brawl against Zira and her pride and they all did so quite viciously with one another.

At the same time Celestia and Luna both squared off with King Sombra once more and even with two against one. Sombra himself wasn’t intimidated in the slightest as he was able to unleash his magic efficiently and quickly keeping on his toes. Sombra growled as the two sisters managed to get some hits in before moving to twirl around like a misty tornado before proceeding to suck them inside of them to toss them around and then slam them into the nearby dome. But even with the stronger showing since a thousand years ago, both alicorn sisters weren’t about to give up and let this guy have his way. The fate of the Empire depends on them to make their win count this time.

As for Kyoga and her siblings, they went up toe to toe with the Umbrum who proved to be quite powerful and fast as they were told. And the same can be said for the lions with magic who proved to be exceptionally talented at magic and combat to the point they could keep pace with them. With the moves from paw swipes to counter the attempt of teeth bites and misty and ghostly coil ups were all countered with quick evasiveness, counter blasts of magic, and multiple attempts of offensive magic and attacks. It was literally a deadlock between them all.

All while this is going on Starlight along Spike and Rainbow snuck around the battlefield to avoid being spotted as they made their way towards their target. Which just so happens to be the prisoners stuck in chains as they watch the battle unfold. Twilight herself is being calm and patient about the whole thing even when kept on a tight leash. Cadance herself is following her sister-in-law’s example since the former knows what she is doing here. Kion himself is unsure of how they are getting out of this but still has the same faith in Twilight that Cadance is giving her, all while hoping it works.

“There they are.” Rainbow noted as they managed to get close to the alicorns before standing by at the nearest hiding spot where the Umbrum can’t see them.

“So far so good.” Starlight commented as she got herself in a ready position waiting to act on her next move with the keys hidden and tucked inside her mane.

“Now we just wait for the signal.” Spike added with a raised claw while trying to keep his composure at seeing his adoptive mother still being held captive.

All while this is going on, Hope looked on seeing that this is what it’s all come down too. All while looking dismayed and guilt ridden for ever believing the summoned and released creatures here in this world in the first place. And after seeing and deciding enough is enough she moved to slink away from the battle with a determined resolve to take matters in her own hooves to try to fix all of this. But not without catching the eye of the lion king’s daughter, Kiara who proceeded to follow after her. In addition Rabia's daughter managed to catch sight of them before following after them herself.

As she made her way down the hallway, Kiara took a determined and serious expression as she moved to keep up with her. “Hold it right there!” She demanded as she managed to close in the unicorn.

Hope moved to ignore her as she kept trying to outrun her which didn’t last long when the young lioness proceeded to sprint after her and proceeded to tackle her to the ground. “What are you doing?!”

“Stopping you from causing anymore damage then you already have!” She firmly stated not letting go of her grip against the unicorn.

Normally she would use her magic to escape from her current position, but because of her current view and outlook in life has changed she instead moved to keep trying to reason with her without fighting back. “No! You got it wrong this time. I’m actually trying to do the exact opposite this time around! Really!”

“Try me!” Kiara stated expecting more to go than a simple plea for mercy like the cowardly Outsiders would resort to.

“I’m telling the truth!” She asserted and insisted. “It wasn’t only recently did I realize I was wrong to seek out the Umbrum in the first place to the point I didn’t look into myself whether they were telling the truth or not from the beginning.” As she continued Kiara’s hardened expression softened a little as she feels she is indeed being honest with her. “Back when we were young I had such a connection with Sombra I’ve always tried to be hopeful of him even after he succumbed to his biggest and darkest fears.” She recalled flashbacks of her young self as she looks on in concern over Sombra’s mental and physical well-being. “But as every passing day since looking inside that mirror, I’ve found it all coming together in the worst way possible to the point I alerted both Princesses Celestia and Luna of what has become of him.” She managed to witness said battle that shook the Earth for several minutes until the dark-magic fueled tyrant was magically vanquished away. “If only I had took more action in trying to help him back then, none of this would have happened and I wouldn’t have become so desperate and willing to make deals with others I should never have dealt with in the first place in my attempts to remain hopeful of saving Sombra. But now I see it was all for nothing and there is really no hope for him now.” She then pleaded of the lion princess. “All I want now is to be able to help put an end to this and move on from all of this, even if it means having to accept whatever punishment I’ll have to take for what I did.”

While still a tad suspicious given that she hardly knew her until now, Kiara still moved to consider follow listening to her heart that was telling her that deep down she does want to be to repent for all she’s done and that if she wasn’t she would have blasted her away already.

“Very well.” She spoke while releasing her grip on her. “Now, what exactly are you thinking of doing and why and where are you running off in here?”

“Because I’m trying to find Shining Armor along with his daughter Flurry Heart so I can free them so they can save the princesses along with the prince who happens to be your brother, right?” She explained as she stood up while looking around the place to find them. “If I can channel my magic hard enough much like Sombra did then maybe I can cancel out the magic used to immobilize them.”

"Are you sure about that?" Kiara asked not completely sure she can do all by herself. "Even though I don't have magical powers like you I know from research that's a really advanced and difficult spell to try on even a single powerful unicorn. How do you plan on tackling it without straining yourself?"

"Simple." Ira spoke up to which suddenly spooked them. "You don't," With a roaring charge she made her way right towards them at full speed ready to mow them down to the ground literally.

"I'm sure I'll figure something out when we get there. But for now...RUN!" Hope screamed before bolting ahead down the hallway.

“Sounds like a plan.” Kiara said in agreement and feeling genuinely terrified before following after Hope herself. “Lead the way!”

"Get back here!"

The two quickly made their way down the hallway at top speed as fast as their legs can carry them with Ira still hot on their tails, literally. Dark clouds in the shape of tidal waves formed right behind her as she pursed them. She then fired clouds in the shape of whips at them forcing the two to maneuver and dodge with each and every blast. But even still to her name sake she still didn't lose hope as she kept running and dodging before catching a cloud to use as a smoke screen to throw the Umbrum off of their trail.

She was able to quickly recover and dissipate the cloud cover before just barely managing to pick up on the lion and unicorn's trail as they just managed to reach the room they are looking for. At full throttle she made her charged up her most powerful blast of magic right at the two who just narrowly missed but knocked off their paws and hoofs. At that point she had just managed to ensnare the two in her grasp who both still only unfazed even while captured.

"I finally got you both now! And to think you actually thought you could outrun and take on an Umbrum." She said as she prepared to finish them off.

"Not really. But that wasn't what I was aiming for." Hope confidentially replied.

"Is that so?"

"Yes! Very much so!" Shining Armor now free from his stone prison thanks to Ira firmly stated before using his magic to blast the completely caught off guard Umbrum into dust with a super charged spell. After blowing the smoke off of his horn he turned to the two. "You both okay?"

"Yeah."

"Much better now."

"Good." Turning to the unicorn while grateful, he still had to stern for the pony for what she has done. "Because I'm sure the princesses will be more than happy to decide what faith comes your way after all this is done."

"I understand. Just at least work with us so we can save your baby and foal-sitter along with everypony else that's about to buried alive under a huge blanket of snow?" Hope pleaded of the pony to put aside emotion in favor of reason.

Thankfully, the stallion is that kind of guy willing to do just that. "Only because you kindly asked." He firmly replied though his expression soften a bit upon seeing that Kiara trusts her judgement this time to which the lionness smiled in response for.

With that the three then made their way to rescue Flurry Heart along with Sunburst before joining in on the battle going on outside.

Back outside the castle where the battle is still ongoing, Spike, Starlight, and Rainbow all watch on the battle as they see the alicorns, Simba, and the lioness’s all fiercely duking it out. As they all watch they couldn’t help but witness as their allies were struggling quite a bit as their enemies managed to lay down some vicious blows that would have knocked them out of the fight if it weren’t for their strong endurability. Deep down they feel they should go out there and help them but had to remind themselves that they need to stand by where they stand because Twilight, Kion, and Cadance’s freedom is counting on them.

“How much longer?” Rainbow whispered to the others in order to ensure their enemies don’t see them.

“Can’t say.” Starlight replied in whisper. “They said to wait for the right moment which involves this magical barrier keeping them inside.”

“And if our hunch is right then that moment should come…” At that moment Celestia and Luna both managed to land a square hit to Sombra’s chest which slammed him backwards into the barrier thus shattering it along with it’s magic that kept it up and running. “Now!”

Wasting no time, Rainbow Dash quickly sprinted at Sonic Rainboom speed as she swooped in and swiftly whisked the three away from where they were forced to stand. Though at the same time, Rabia was quick to spot this herself during her fight with the lionesses.

“Not so fast!” She roared before shooting beams from her eyes to blast her mid-flight causing her to come to a crash landing with the captives quick to use their hooves and paws to catch her before she could hit the ground and literally eat dirt.

But before Rabia could do anything else about it, Starlight was quick to use her magic to teleport all four of them out of there in addition that paved way for her to be blasted aside by Kyoga with her magic to keep her from doing anymore harm to her friends.

Immediately, Starlight appeared along with the other royals on the opposite side of the castle just as Spike managed to find and catch up with them. Once there were all together and safe, Spike and Starlight moved to work the keys and magic needed to remove the chains and dark crystals around their bodies.

“Once again, you three really helped bail us out of trouble.” Twilight proudly complimented to the three as Spike moved to give the pony a great big hug he would give to a beloved parent.

“We’re just so glad it really worked this time. We really thought you were a goner this time.” Spike cried tears of happiness, relief, and joy.

“Not this time.” She happily returned before returning the hug.

After that brief heartfelt reunion all eyes were focused on the sounds of roaring magic and screams of pain on the other side of the castle.

“Now that we have the whole party together, what do you see we crash it together?” Rainbow eagerly asked the others ready to start fighting once more.

“Let’s.” Twilight said in agreement ready to bring it herself.

“For the Crystal Empire.” Cadance fiercely stated equally ready for that fight.

“And for the whole world!” Kion also equally fierce and determined stated as they proceeded to rush on over to the other side of the castle to join in on the fight now that they are no longer bond to magic restricting chains anymore.

Upon recovering from the alicorn sisters latest attack, Sombra turned his attention the furiously growling leader of the Umbrum. “Rabia! What’s happening?!”

“Those pathetic ponies along with their friends distracted us to help the princesses and prince escape!”

Sombra looked on furiously as he is quick to blast aside both Celestia and Luna before they could try to attack and pounce on his moment of distraction along with knocking aside Kyoga and her siblings in quick succession. “Keep fighting the others while I bring them back myself!” He angrily demanded.

The Umbrum while terrified were quick to carry out these orders while picking up where Sombra had left off the fight in regards to the remaining princesses along with Kyoga and her siblings.

King Sombra now fueled with insane rage transforms into a cloud of purple mist as he speeds over the castle as he tries to spot out the three that just escaped with their friends. He locked eyes all around the perimeter of the castle searching inch for inch as he tries to spot the alicorns from above. After scouting the perimeter he then transforms back to his pony form as he begins to wonder where they went to exactly…

POW!

...courtesy of Kion blasting magic in his face before tackling the pony off of the dark crystal platform he had just created causing him to crash down on another crystal platform nearby.

The two wrestled with one another as they used their magic to reinforce and assert their grasp and strength over one another until Sombra used a beam of magic from his eyes to return the favor. In addition he backed it up with giving the young lion a solid magically powered punch to the arm which had him scream in pain as the pin was reversed so that he is now pinned down.

Fortunately before Sombra could do anything else to him as he moved to choke him to death along with fire off another beam to finish him off, Princess Twilight herself used her magic to deliver a super hard magically powered punch herself to force Kion off of him. The unicorn king himself ended up knocked away so hard he ended up crashing into the nearby statue before crashing through the glass ceiling from a nearby building. Kion who found himself tossed mid-air was quickly caught by his friend, bridal style, who was quick to get him up and flying once more.

The two then turned their attention back to Sombra as he furiously drove himself into trying to plow right at the purple alicorn into the wall of a nearby building. Twilight was quick to use her magic to teleport out of his grasp before returning another blast right at him where it hurts. Sombra then engaged in a magic battle between one another as the two traded beams with one another while taking their flight to the skies with the former using crystal platforms to help him keep pace with Twilight. Just when it seemed Sombra himself was finally able to catch Twilight when she was taking flight away from him. She quickly turned and flew to the side which left her confused opponent no time to react when…

POW!

...From Princess Cadance herself this time around with a blast of magic so hot and powerful that Sombra was knocked off of his balance and he ended up crashing hard into the ground when he fell from the high platform he just lost his footing on.

Just as Sombra grunted and recovered from the attack he finds himself surrounded by the very three opponents who he had just on a literal leash all forcing him on the defense with literally no breathing room in between. From Kion’s quick charging and use of his claws, to Cadance’s reliance on magic, to Twilight’s mixed balance in between, Sombra was now finding himself on the losing end of this fight. At this point forward, he is now in trouble with no one around to help him out of this corner.

“Give it up, Sombra!”

“You have no chance to win this now!”

"It’s over!”

Sombra growled as he looked on defiantly even while grunting and breathing heavily from the hardest hits he’s ever endured in his life. “As long as I am breathing and I still have a few more tricks to pull, it’s not over!” He then roared out to the skies summoning all of the Umbrum to his command. Upon hearing that, they all acted accordingly.

With the power of the Crystal Heart at his command, he surged his dark magic inside of it which greatly enhanced the demonic power inside of the Umbrum who grew to new heights of darkness and monstrosity never been seen.

“Uh-oh.”

“Hapana!”

Both Rarity and Ono fearfully gulped upon seeing the group of Umbrum before them transform into a giant hulking creature similar to the one at the swamp in Ponyville, only more powerful and dangerous.

At the same time, the Apple Family found themselves face to face with the Umbrum as another group form of a giant cobra with multiple large snake companions side by side with the giant one.

“By golly, they’re huge!”

“And very scary looking!”

Both Applejack and Beshte fearfully shared as they found themselves forced to back away from the defeated crocs at the same time, Rarity, Fuli, and Ono were forced to back away from the defeated jackals.

“Shall we run for our lives, darling?” Rarity asked Applejack while trying to mask her sudden horror to her friend with a pleasant yet forced smile.

“That’s actually a very good idea let’s, Rarity. Let’s...” Applejack returned with the same expression. “Run for your lives, everybody!”

“Yup!”

The two instantly both screamed while dropping their smiles before taking lead in getting the two groups to retreat to safety.

Upon returning after forcing Mzingo and his flock to retreat away from the Crystal Empire, Discord sicced the giant hawk right towards the giant Umbrum while Fluttershy hides behind him for safety. Only upon meeting face to face with an equally giant and menacing red coyote did the giant bird itself despite it’s size squawked and flee away in fear before dissipating into nothing. And with that, all Discord himself could do was arm himself along with preparing a perimeter to keep his dear friend out of harm’s way as he prepares for what they try to do next.

With one fellow swoop, both Celestia and Luna were knocked aside and could only get back up along with Simba who had just been knocked aside by Scar as he takes great pleasure at seeing his most powerful allies reach their true potential as they ensure that they have their opposers right where they want them.

“Um girls, what is that?” Mtoto asked now scared upon seeing the Umbrum produce a giant cannon in front of them.

“They created some sort of tube it looks like.” Apple Bloom replied and reported seriously.

“A cannon, to be more precise.” Shakku chimed in equally serious.

“Doesn’t matter! Take them down!” Sweetle Belle then said next ready to give it her all.

“With pleasure!”

“Roger that!”

Both Shakku and Gumba replied before firing the cannons alongside the Crusaders.

But even with the kids best and brave efforts in actually trying to assault the Umbrum with rotten apples and vegetables they could gather before traveling here, they were easily repelled right back at them and left with said produce splattered right in their faces.

“Well this stinks.” Apple Bloom remarked in disappointment and disgust that happened.

“No kidding.” Gumba agreed. “This is worse than the time we helped and tried to put together that talent show for you girls in your bid for your cutie marks.”

“Which show?” Scootaloo asked before realizing. “Unless you mean the one where we attempted to perform with juggling and balancing while dressing up.”

“That’s the one!” Shakku confirmed. “Though I still can’t help but wonder why they kept booing at the giant cat. We loved that guy’s character.”

“Maybe that’s because of how he was portrayed in that live action remake and not the animated version.” Kwato voiced speaking her thoughts on the matter.

“Not to mention not exactly some role model you would expect like Daring Do.” Kambuni added. “I wonder what led to that movie happening?”

“Good question.” Scootaloo replied unsure herself.

“I’m sure we’ll find out...that is assuming we find a way out of this one.” Sweetie Belle then said next now scared as they find themselves surrounded by the Umbrum.

“Me too!”

“Me three!”

Both Kambuni and Kwato fearfully returned with the former trying hard to look like she is going to lay eggs with their lives flashing before their eyes.

With the remaining fighting party down with only Twilight, Kion, Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Kyoga, Karabi, and Lite able to have the power to challenge them as the others stand behind them for safety, Scar moved by Sombra’s side as he remains confident and sure that their victory here is cemented.

“Good!” Rabia commented feeling very pleased with this sudden turn of events. “With the resistance at bay, the tanks are down, and the cannons soon to be wiped out, now is the time to ensure our freedom here!”

"Wanna bet on that?!" Discord spoke up while snapping his talons ready to counter with chaotic creatures at his disposal.

"Are you serious?" Rabia chuckled at the very idea upon seeing the Lord of Chaos himself actually wanting to get serious himself. "Okay." Turning to the other Umbrum. "Attack!"

The Umbrum all charged at him at full force but much to their surprise they have found that the Lord of Chaos was not someone to be trifled with as he had just managed to send multiple flying razor sharp discs right at them that actually cut off their cloudy bodies in half.

The shocked group of creatures had to take a quick second to literally pull themselves together before moving to try getting him at every possible angle. But even he still had his bases covered by managing to produce a shield that repelled each of them with pepper spray for those who tried to literally backstab him. Which was literally half of the entire force of the Umbrum.

DIscord then proceeded to have his magic form multiple warriors who proceeded to effortlessly punch, kick, and blast each and every Umbrum that comes at him before taking charge himself by using a paralyzing use of magic to stun the remaining group that tried to face him head on. He then proceeded to perform a spinning maneuver that allowed him to finish off the remaining creatures that were still picking themselves up of the ground and left them as nothing more than clouds that can barely form for the time being.

While impressed, Scar himself still felt this was still a waste of time before displaying the Crystal Heart while locking eyes with Discord who was ready to go all out on him with a glare of his own. "Game set and match!” He declared as Sombra prepares to cement it with the Crystal Heart in his magic. “Go ahead, Sombra!” He then said continuing to give him the go ahead to do what needs to be done with Discord still not backing off even if it were to happen. “Put an end to this along with your pain and suffering once and for all! Yes!” He encouraged as Sombra has his mind set on going through with it. “Do it! Smash it!”

With those remaining in the fight uncertain of how to approach this without risking the very important thing that keeps the Umbrum contained and the everlasting winter storms from brewing over the area, it seemed there wasn’t much anybody could do at the time…

“STOP!” Hope’s voice called out just as she appeared at the front doorway with Kiara and the now free from stone Shining Armor by her side just before Sombra could carry through with it. In addition Sunburst is also standing at the door while making sure Flurry Heart is around to see and witness the terror and craziness outside. “Please, Sombra. If you do this then you destroy all hope that is left in this world. Without the lock keeping the Umbrum locked away then they’ll be free to wreak havoc on everyone outside of this very Empire. Not to mention of what kind of weather related chaos would be unleashed here without the Heart together in one piece.” She then moved to approach the one holding the ancient relic hostage before moving to implore of him not to go through with it. “Please just this once, look inside of it and see if this is what you really want in life?”

Scar then was quick to whisk her away from him with his magic to get her to stop before speaking up. “I’m pretty sure he’s already made up his mind on the matter. Now, let’s get this over with, Sombra.” But to his surprise he finds he is now not as quick to do so upon command. “Sombra? Sombra?!”

“What are you doing?!” Rabia also demanded as Sombra is instead looking at his own reflection inside the Crystal Heart.

“Just remembering the first time I looked into this thing. I saw myself as a monster.”

“What do you see now?” Rabia inquired.

“Just me. Just my reflection.”

“Maybe it doesn’t work if it’s not fully powered up.” Rabia attempted reason with him. “All the more reason to destroy it.”

“Exactly.” Scar said in agreement. “You’re not seriously telling us that you actually now care for everyone here now, do you? Sombra?!”

“No.” Sombra instead shook his head. “I think it is working fine. And as what I am telling you both now, after the first time around compared to now, to put it like this while did see myself as something I became…” He then sighed. “...now I don’t see that in myself anymore.” He then turned to the pony who encouraged him to take another look at himself. “Hope?”

“Yes, Sombra?”

“Thank you.”

Scar widen his eyes in shock and horror as Sombra makes the Crystal Heart glow it’s normal crystal blue color knowing exactly what’s going to happen as he puts it back in it’s place.

“NO! SOMBRA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Rabia demanded in a panic.

“Making my own destiny.”

With the Crystal Heart back in it’s proper place, the Umbrum were all forcibly yanked and dragged back inside the castle and back towards the very room, the very portal and prison that allowed them to cross into this world before being all sealed inside. Where none of them will ever be able to return to threat or wreck havoc on anyone ever again.

“ARGH! NOOOOOO! SOMBRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” Rabia screamed before being the last of her kind to be locked away forever.

But just as Sombra had looked on at what he just did, he was then suddenly struck and impaled by Scar himself when he bared and slammed his dangerously razor sharp claws into the unicorn's heart and forcibly ripped it rip out of him. Sombra then gasped breathlessly before collapsing down on the ground. And say everyone else was shocked and horrified by that very sighting would be an understatement for it is one of the rare times they have actually seen Scar himself commit such an act this vicious and terrifying to the point it'll give everyone nightmares after witnessing it. Especially when he is greatly enraged by what just happened.

"NOOOOOO!" Hope screamed with tears streaming down her face before rushing to his side and still looking on devastated between the fatally wounded pony and his killer.

"You foolish pony!" He berated without raising his voice. "You had total victory right in front of you and instead you decide have a conscious at the very last second! I hope you enjoy your afterlife because by choosing your own destiny you have also chosen your own demise." With the heart in the palm his paw, he proceeded to teleport away from the scene before the shock from everyone else could wear off while leaving the fallen king to bleed to death in a pool of his own blood.

After the danger had passed, said injured pony who made sure of their fate then turned to Hope once more even while dying inside. “Thank you for believing in me, Hope. I never believed in myself but I trusted you even after all has been said and done. And if you…”

“Oh, Sombra! Stop it!” Hope spoke now astonished by this change of heart that was finally happening even while still crying. “You see I was right! You’re not a monster at all! You saved everyone! You’re a hero!”

Even so, Sombra rightfully shook his head as he asserts it’s nothing to be proud of. “I’m also the reason they were in danger.” As he spoke his body started of fade and dissipate. “While it may be too late for me, it’s not too late for you. For you can do so much good in this world.”

Hope was left stunned as the reality sinks in for her as his body continues to fade away. “No...Sombra. Don’t say that.”

“Hope, I need you to promise me something. And that is that you won’t run away again.”

Hope as she found herself holding onto Sombra’s body could only solemnly tear up. “I will.”

“At least…” Sombra then said now speaking at peace with himself. “…I know got to see what happens with the Crystal Faire. Even if it only took a thousand years for that to finally come true for one time.

“What do you think?” Hope asked as she smiled while looking at him in the eyes as his spirit turned crystal blue.

“It’s more beautiful than anything I could have imagined.” He spoke just before his dissipated away into thin air. All while Hope could only look on as tears streamed from her face as she can only watch as heartbreak and devastation surfaces up upon seeing him go for one last time.

“Those watching could only look on with sympathy even when there’s not much that can be done now. He made his choice and by the time he finally came around he had already left enough of a black mark to be deserving to be allowed to walk free. But after both Cadance and Twilight shared a look with each other as they both come to quickly find a reasonable solution to the matter.

With a strong burst of magic from both alicorns horns the two were able to use it to summon the very magic containing Sombra’s spirit back to them and managed to keep it from vanishing into thin air for good. Upon seeing this act, both Celestia and Luna were quick to join in to assist them so they can salvage his spirit. With the combined magic working together they were all able to resurrect his spirit into something that even surprised him himself.

Sombra himself is now a unicorn. A normal unicorn with the red razor sharp Umbrum horn and vicious, jaggered teeth. His eyes now glowing a normal green eyes in contrast to the bright neon of Scar’s and his mane and tail is now short and black in contrast to the flowing fiery flame he once had.

Upon seeing and feeling what has happened to him, he could not help but feel astonished with what was just granted to him. To him, it’s like he is now a new pony.

“Am...Am I really here…?” Sombra gasped as he processes his new transformation with a newly mended body and new heart inside.

“Sombra!” Hope cried tears of joy as she rushed over to hug him.

Still stunned, Sombra turned to the ones responsible for making this possible. “...you saved me?”

“Of course we did.” Princess Cadance positively answered on behalf of the Royal Family. “It’s the least we can do after you helped save the Crystal Empire. You’ve earned it.”

Hearing why he has been gifted with this token of appreciation has left him stunned that he was even given it in the first place. “Wow I…I really don’t know what to say. I don’t even know how to thank you or apologize.”

“A simple thanks and sorry is a good place to start.” Princess Celestia replied as she thought nothing of it.

“And as for beyond that, that will all be decided when we hear your case when you stand trial here.” Princess Luna then added as she adopted a firm but fair expression and approach in the matter as she carefully moved to break the bad news to the two. “You realize of course that we still have to take you in for your past actions. Both you and Hope, right?”

Twilight then spoke next agreeing and siding with Luna on this. “Believe me when I tell you I don’t exactly like it either and I’ve been then before. But a long list of crimes from both a thousand years ago and the present day is just something that even we can’t overlook and they are something you’re going to have answer for one way or another and that extends to unintentional assistance and associates of the masterminds behind it all. You both understand what I mean, right?”

Both Hope and Sombra looked at each other before giving their answer as they are both accepting of what will be coming their way.

“Yes, your majesties.”

“So I take it this means we’re going to jail…” Hope then spoke up with what is now expected of them. “...since we are going to have to take full responsibility for our actions in this whole mess?”

“I’m afraid so, Hope.” Princess Celestia solemnly and firmly answered. “Even with your past as a former student of mine this is how the way things have to be.” She then spoke a little more softly to allow them the time to fully take it all in before. “But as part of our thanks for saving not just the Crystal Empire but the fate of the two worlds we’ll allow you both to enjoy and marvel in the Crystal Faire under both Princess Twilight’s and Prince Kion’s supervision before we take back to Canterlot into our custody.”

She along with her sister proceeded to step to the side while both Twilight and Kion stepped forward while both nodding at their respective leaders of what is expected of them while this. During which both leaders of the Lion and Pony Guard got the time to exchange some words with them.

“You know…” Kion first spoke up. “...for someone who’s just enslaved the Crystal Empire, I never thought you actually have the heart to actually do what you just did to save the day on a universe level scale of things.”

“Well it was the right thing to do.” Sombra returned like it’s merely a humble gesture. “And it was the least I could do after everything I’ve done.”

“Well regardless of what you think of it, we are very proud of you. Not only did you do everyone a huge favor, you also managed to help ensure that Scar didn’t secure total victory over us. Which is quite surprising considering how much you two seemed to get along well with one another.”

“That is assuming that you two saw each other that way.” Kion added unsure considering of how friendship varys between one bad guy to another.

“We do.” Sombra admitted. “Or at least until I started questioning my recent choices in life along with the fact Scar was convincing me to unleash the Umbrum on everyone while knowing full well of what they are capable of.”

“That along with him intentionally stepping aside so that Hope got injured in order to provoke you into releasing them?” Twilight asked to which had Kion look aside very nervous and awkward with said moment brought up.

“Yes.” Sombra responded with a deep sigh as he recalled that very moment yet was blinded by anger at her attacker rather than the instigator. “It would seem my long lost love for Hope really got me into thinking twice about my recent decisions and just how lost I was in my own inner darkness.”

“So does this mean you accept my apology?” Kion hopefully asked of the pony as they see eye to eye for the moment.

“Yes, I do.” He answered much to the young prince’s surprise and relief.

“And so do I.” Hope chimed in. “Especially considering it was an accident and you were trying to get the guy who really caused it to happen.”

“Thank you, both.” Then he had another question in mind. “By the way, Hope. What really inspired you in doing what you did to help ensure that this would all happen?”

“Oh, that. Well actually, the answer is not a what but who. And this is your sister.”

“Wait! You spoke with my sister, Kiara?”

“Yes. While she does have that side of her that has me understand what and why I did was wrong and I needed to take full responsibility for my actions she did encourage me to still do the right thing not give up on doing so. Even when it all seems like a lost cause.”

“Wow.” Kion spoke now amazed of how much he now owes her and how it actually paid off well for everyone here. “I’ll have to make sure to thank her first chance I get.”

“But in the meantime before you have to go away for some time…” Twilight spoke next. “...are we ready to enjoy the Crystal Faire together. There’s still a lot of planning that needs to happen in order to ensure the event goes on to be a sparkling success.” She giggled while Kion friendly jabbed her in the elbow for that joke. “That is of course if you both are interested?”

“I would love that.”

“Me too.”

Both Sombra and Hope happily returned ready to embark and bask in the Crystal Empire’s glory one last time before fate decides of how they spent the aftermath of this whole mess together. But on the bright side, they’ll at least be able to spend time together even in a jail cell.

"Interesting..." Discord then commented with a bag of popcorn in his talons. "...not quite what I was expecting and this special still could use some work but in any case." He couldn't help but take heartwarming joy at the sight itself. "Still so sweet!" He said while using a free talon wipe any tears off with a tissue from his eyes.

“Once upon a time, there was a young pony who wasn’t like the other ponies. All he wanted was a friend. And then, he found one, she was the first and most amazing friend that any pony could have asked for. He loved her, and she loved him. But he didn’t love himself. He was worried he was a monster. And how could anyone ever care about a monster? That’s the thing about friendship though. Your friends are friends because they can see the great things you have inside. They can see past looks and family and even you own monsters. And they can see the goodness inside of you, even if you don’t see it yourself.”

“Race ya!”

“You’re on!”

Throughout the following day, the two spent time helping the Lion and Pony Guard putting together the preparations for the Crystal Faire before happily enjoys the various activites it had to offer. At each area, each and every one from the Lion and Pony Guard got to chat and bond with them. And while they did have to leave in Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s custody en route back to Canterlot they all left in good terms with them. With the small hope that someday that they’ll come off to live their newly earned freedom to the fullest come the day they have finally paid their debts to society, the two still carried on with optimism that it won't be too long until that happens and for them, every day going forward is worth it. Worth to keep striving and hoping for the best.

At the same time…

Scar himself is looking on at the very sight with his surveillance magic having retreated back to the Outlands Volcano just barely keeping himself together before making the volcano erupt himself again with his erupting anger. The anger of one of his best allies and support to the point he actually considered him a friend at one point actually turning his back on him and choosing to save the Crystal Empire and both Equestria and the Pride Lands all in one fellow swoop unexpectedly. All while his remaining followers remain out of harm’s way until he got it all out of his system. When that happened he was quick to summon them inside.

“In light of what has back at the Crystal Empire, it is now time we continue moving forward.” Scar informed of them as everyone while fearing him still obeyed his orders and command without question. “For we will not let this one loss change everything even our winning drive to success. The war is still not over...”

Author's Note

Here in this milestone episode, we get the epic conclusion of this mid-season finale as the battle with the Umbrum along with the Army of Scar squares off in the Battle for the Crystal Empire. And it was a very valiant effort on the heroes part in an effort to combat them, but unfortunately the opposing army was just too powerful in regards to their leaders. In fact, it took an unexpected turn of events to turn the tide in the heroes favor...

...just not the way they expected it to turn out.

And before any of you start, I personally thought about it and felt it works out when I was writing down the script for this special. In addition, there is the extra much needed characterization for Radiant Hope considering how she was portrayed in the comic itself. Extra emotion, remorse, and more than willingness to own up when called upon it.)

Anyways, regardless it really got under Scar's skin in displaying another and even more terrifying feat of nightmarish villainy never seen before with what he just did to Sombra who is only spared from death through an act of kindness and mercy on the Royal Family's part.

Though I will say even with the new appearance, it doesn't mean that Sombra nor Hope are both off the hook for their actions, not that they care as long as it means they get to spend time together rekindling their long lost love.

Since it took me over a month to get this all put together to near perfection, I will be taking a brief break so I can get started on the next batch of 10 episodes for this season. When they will come it is yet TBD, but hopefully by the time the new season comes around so until then stay tuned...