Episode 44:

Battle for the Pride Lands and Equestria and To Where and Back Again Part Four:

The following night after her first dream of the village she was invited back to, she moved to follow through with Princess Luna’s advice. She informed Twilight of the previous night's events at breakfast, and she was quick to abide by her student's request.

When the whole Lion and Pony Guard had gathered in the throne room a short time later, the reformed unicorn wasted no time in explaining to them of the details of her dream and insecurities about going back to said village again, along with why she wished to speak to them on such short notice. "And that's my story on what happened." She informed them. "Princess Luna said I should tell you all how I was feeling. So... there it is. I'm afraid to go back to the village for the celebration."

Rarity was the first to offer feedback. "But why, darling? You went back to apologize. They accepted. Everypony has moved on."

“Yeah! What she said!” Bunga agreed. “It should be Hakuna Matata by now!”

Starlight was anything but convinced. "But have they? Have they really?" She sniffled. "Have I really changed as much as everypony says I have? I've made so many mistakes especially while fighting for Scar. For all they know it’s like whatever time away has done little to change me at all even with the magic of friendship, I’ve been supposed to have learned along the way."

Rainbow Dash immediately shot down the idea! "That’s ridiculous, Starlight! Of course you have changed for the better! You’re no longer that pony anymore. And I mean it when I say it!"

Applejack scolded. "Rainbow, there are nicer ways of saying it that what you just said there!"

The rainbow maned Pegasus asserted back. "But I'm being sincere about it! It’s a compliment even if it comes across as tough love which she needs to hear at this point now one friend to another!”

“This coming from the pony who’s upfront about honesty?” Ono returned with a raised eyebrow. “One who would have to come to terms of when tough love is needed?”

“No argument there.” Fuli noted before taking her turn to speak. “And if you ask me, you have nothing to worry about, Starlight. And you can trust me when I tell you that we’ve been there before. Even if it took a while, you did eventually come forward to apologize and make amends, and it all worked out from what we were told."

Fluttershy smiled as she added. "And if they sent you an invitation then there’s no reason to think they’re just baiting you into a trap for them just to be cruel to you on the spot.”

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie chimed in! "Besides, you can't not go after you got an invitation. At least, not without a good reason. If they went through all the trouble of writing to you and asking you to come, you should go. Not going would just be bad manners like refusing a royal figure’s offer!"

And then Beshte moved to give his own opinion. "I really think you should go, Starlight. And if you're worried, just talk to them. I’m sure they’ll help accommodate you if you’re not feeling comfortable about all of this."

“I understand how hard this is for you and we speak from experience of what that’s like.” Kion then comforted next and then suggested. “And if you still really feel uncomfortable by then, then maybe you could talk and ask someone to come with you there.”

Then Twilight Sparkle spoke up already liking the idea. "That’s a a great idea, Kion! Starlight, maybe if you took a friend along, it might make things easier." She smiled and blinked her eyes as she suggested. "Like say, somepony you trust who would look out for you and be there for you?"

Said pony Starlight Glimmer ended up taking with her per Kion and Twilight's suggestion wasn't who the latter had been expecting. It was Sunburst who ended up receiving the invitation, meeting his old friend at the train station after she'd already packed up her saddle bags in preparation for the trip. "Thank you so much for agreeing to this, Sunburst," She said to her childhood friend. "Twilight said I should bring a friend, and the best pony I thought is you. My one and true friend with the very special bond with."

Sunburst blushed a bit. "Oh well, thank you. I’m glad you think that of me. But may I ask why me, and not Trixie considering you both are close friends."

Starlight explained. "I thought about Trixie, but last I heard she’s still on her whole Equestria wide tour with who knows when she wilI return."

The unicorn stallion with an orange coat moved to accept that reason. "Oh, that makes sense," And then he gestured a hoof towards the train arriving at the station. "Oh, train’s ready and here for pick up."

Starlight smiled. "Sure," Then she turned to her other friends. "Well, I'd best be going. The festival lasts a whole week, but I don't know if we'll stay that long. Oh and if something urgent comes up, you know where to find and get in touch with me." Soon afterward, she boarded the train with Sunburst. And all on the platform stood there, waving and saying goodbye to her until the train was out of sight.

The train ride lasted shorter than Starlight would've liked. Sooner than she was ready, she was departing the train in a junction just a walking bridge away from the outskirts of the village that she ruled over, Cutie Markless.

Sunburst's dark blue eyes soon took in the outline of the village as he and his fellow unicorn drew near to it. "So, that's it, huh? That's the town where you-"

"-Magically stole everypony's cutie marks, replaced them with equal signs and forced them all to hide their natural talents? Yes." Starlight willingly confessed and hung her head in shame.

Sunburst was surprised at her confession and commented. "Not quite how I would've put it, but I guess that’s true," He then noticed his friend starting to shake not unlike jelly or like she seriously needs to use the bathroom. "You sure you are up for this? It's not too late to turn back if you're not up to it. You seem more nervous than you were when we first met each other again for the first time in years."

The mare shook her head. "I can't turn back now, not after I told Twilight word that I'd go! Plus, I don't think my nightmares are gonna stop until I face this thing head on," She took a few steps towards the village while sighing in lament, listening as it seemed to carry on the wind. "I just want to... blend in. Be just another pony in the crowd enjoying the Sunset Festival with my friend. That's not too much to ask for, right?"

The glasses wearing unicorn stallion nodded his head in agreement. "No. I don't think so. Like any other tourists," But the two hadn't gotten far before he stopped and whispered to Starlight Glimmer. "If things get out of control, just let me know. I've got your back."

"What, is that a promise or something?" Starlight asked.

“Yep. The best promise best friends can put forward.” Sunburst assured.

“Okay. Here goes.” And summoning up what courage she could find on short notice, she trotted into the village proper.

Almost as if some unspoken spell had been cast that would command attention, all eyes in the village immediately turned to greet the newcomers in their midst. It took but a moment for them to recognize one of them, and Double Diamond was the first to greet. "Starlight, you came! Welcome!"

"Y-yes, it's me." Starlight nervously smiled and waved in reply and that was all she could muster up the courage to say.

Double Diamond then eyed the stallion standing besides Starlight. "And who is he? A friend of yours?"

Sunburst personally now wished he'd thought to at least trim his goatee so it wasn't so noticeable, and maybe shed that cloak of his that wasn't really needed in this very location. But he still found the courage to speak. "Yes. My name's Sunburst. Starlight and I were childhood friends, a long time ago. We recently reconnected about a year ago or so, and we've stayed in touch through letters since then."

Night Glider couldn't help but chuckle and tease. "Aw! That’s sweet, Starlight"

"Night Glider!" Starlight shouted as a raging blush formed on her cheeks!

"Just kidding!" Night Glider insisted as she backed off. "I was just teasing a little, nothing to get too worked up over."

The reformed unicorn mare's blush only deepened as she realized her rash response. "Sorry." She nervously insisted and said nothing further. Though nothing so far was helping improve her mood in any way.

Party Favor then sought to change the subject. "It's good you came, Starlight. We were hoping you could make it but we weren't sure if you could. Are you gonna stay for the whole week? We have different events planned for each day!"

"Oh, that's... good, I think." Starlight Glimmer commented as she tried to think of what else to say other that her small talk.

"What it's like living in a castle?" Sugar Belle questioned. "It must be quite lucky experience to be able to live with a prince and princess! And quite a sight for green eyes amon us."

At that Starlight stepped back a bit. "It is?"

Double Diamond chuckled. "Hard not since you seem to be doing pretty well for yourself since we saw you last."

The reformed unicorn nervously smiled and waved. "It's good to see all of you, too. Really."

Party Favor then spoke up. "Well, it's a good thing you showed up when you did. Because, we were hoping maybe you could help us with a few things with the festival. We don't really have a leader here, we all more or less live and work together," He then presented some banners as he explained. "We were having some debate about these banners, maybe you could help us? In your honest opinion, which one do you think feels more 'sunsetty' for lack of a better term?"

Starlight bit her lip, stepping back even more. "Oh, y-you don't really need my opinion. Just pick whichever one you think is best, Party Favor."

Double Diamond then proposed. "Well, at least will you help with the routes for the relay race tomorrow? Can you take a look at these spare pair of skis, and give me a second opinion about them."

Again, the mare hesitated as her lips started to quiver. "Really, there's no need. I don’t think I could even if I wanted to."

Sugar Belle then suggested. "But at least you'll help with the baking competition, right? One of our judges had to back out at the last minute and we're having trouble finding another pony in his place."

The unicorn mare with a grayish-purple coat nearly stuttered. "Oh no, I couldn't! Really, I just wanna enjoy the festival like any other pony."

Night Glider simply commented. "At least say yes to leading and assisting with something. Like with the fireworks show the unicorns have planned for tomorrow, Sugar Belle and Party Favor can only do so much. With Sugar Belle's busy running the baking competition and Party Favor unable to use his horn. You're pretty good with magic, especially while taking lessons from the Princess of Friendship and Master of Magic herself."

It wasn't long before all the villagers were crowding around the poor unicorn, who felt her eyes start to shrink as all the voices began to drowned out and be replaced by a loud buzzing noise. Everything started to blur! And her horn developed a mind of its own as she all but shrieked! "NO!" She pushed the crowd back and started trembling and shaking all over, her head felt light and her breaths began to become heavy and her vision started to become dark. It got bad to the point she couldn’t answer as she just continued to breath heavily to showcase just how distressed she was!

Fortunately, Sunburst (who had been nearby but just outside of the range of the spell) quickly spotted Starlight's symptoms of distress and was at her side in a flash. He threw his cloak around her and pulled her close as he helped her to slowly stand. "It's okay, Starlight!" He told her as he locked eyes with her. "You're gonna be okay!" Then he apologized to the villagers. "I'm so sorry. I think she might be coming down with something. We should probably get going before any of you catch it." And without waiting for a reply, he ushered his severely frightened friend away.

All the villagers could do was stand there and exchange mutual glances of confusion as well as concern.

It wasn't until the two unicorns had retreated across the bridge and returned to the train station that Starlight managed to recover from her abrupt panic attack. And as the shock wore off it was replaced by a new emotion, and that is something she has been well accustomed too, shame. "Ugh, I can't believe that happened!" She groaned anew in annoyance. "Why is this so hard for me?! I should’ve been able to do this by now!"

"Sorry, but I had to do something, Starlight," Sunburst apologized. "You looked like you were having a breakdown or something. Whatever it was, it wasn't good."

But the reformed unicorn could only look at the ground in sorrow and sadness. "I thought I had moved on, but I was wrong, My past still haunts me even though it shouldn't," She let out a deep breath rather slowly. "And even when I think back, I now see why. I was horrible when I led that village! I couldn’t step up to being a leader without feeling like a complete monster!"

Sunburst didn't seem to think so with a firm shake of his head. "That's not true, Starlight."

"Yes it is!" Starlight snapped, before realizing how harsh that sounded. "Sorry, sorry. I didn’t for that to slip. I know you're just trying to cheer me up and make me feel better. But neither you or Trixie could truly understand what I used to be like," Thousands of memories long forgotten started flashing before her very eyes as she whimpered. "Twilight, Kion, and their friends are the only ones who know besides those villagers. I ruled with an iron hoof, I tolerated no dissent of any kind. And when my lies finally caught up with me, I lashed out at anyone and anything in my path. That's what drove me to seek revenge, to travel back in time."

The stallion adjusted his glasses. All he could bring himself to say was. "I didn't know it was that bad. I'm sorry."

Starlight looked up slowly. "That's why it was so hard to come back to that village. I was ready for them to still be distant, to not trust me fully. I wouldn’t blame them if that still were the case." She shuddered. "But for them to want to put me in charge again, even just for the festival? That's the worst thing that could have happened, even worse than if they never invited me or wanted to see me again," And she declared. "With what had happened, I never wanted be in charge of anything ever again! Because whenever I've had to make big decisions, they always backfire and end up being the wrong one."

"Why? You didn't back out of seeing me, and we ultimately opened up to each other about our pasts." Sunburst commented.

"Only because Twilight and Spike did most of the heavy lifting for me," Starlight confessed. "If it had been up to me, I would've backed out of it faster than the hyenas, jackals, crocs, and vultures fleeing on their high tails. That's how bad I a decision maker I was and still am."

Sunburst then commented as he pulled his friend close. "Don’t forget that you’re not the only pony who knows what it's like to actually fail. After all, I flunked out of magic school. I was the one living a lie when we met even though I had no reason to do so. You helped me to learn that we can't run away from our problems or our failures. What we can do is learn from them."

“Right something that Rafiki would say if he were here and so would Twilight if I were to tell her right now.” Starlight returned still hanging her head in shame. “I just hope she won’t be too upset with me for running away from my problems again."

Later on, come the night of the kidnapping and ponynapping by the changelings while the fire at Pride Rock was ongoing, The Pride Landers and Equestrian’s all came across a surprising sight upon waking up at the sound of footsteps. And it was a sight of relief and delight. It was their friend Sunset Shimmer who has managed to retrieve the Lion and Pony Guard (sans Twilight) with Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart, Janja, Jasiri, Kyoga, Karabi, and Lite following behind them.

“Is that…?” Kifaru began while squinting like always.

“Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart?!” Mbeya stated.

“Along with the Lion and Pony Guard! They’re okay!” Ma Tembo finished.

"Yep! We're all okay!" Pinkie cheerfully replied as she bounced her way out of changeling territory.

"Thankfully." Fuli replied still shaking off the weary effects from being in a cocoon for hours. "Ugh. That was so gross."

"You're telling me." Rarity returned feeling the same way. "I am going to really need a bath when all of this is over."

"Me too."

“But wait…?” Moon Dancer realized. “...where’s Twilight?” She then realized. “Oh, right. She’s still in there, isn’t she?”

“I’m afraid so.” Sunset regretfully returned. “Scar and Chrysalis busted her while sticking around long enough for them to catch her in the act. But at the same time, she saved everyone else…” She directed her eyes at those being freed from their cocoons. "...including me."

Upon seeing their leader, Cheezi and Chungu were quick to hug Janja.

“Janja, you came back!”

“We knew you would.”

“Furbrains!” Janja groaned in annoyance even though he still allowed it. After all, kindness and compassion is still not his greatest strengths just hours after defecting from Scar’s army.

Luna was able to help Celestia to her hooves after the long run and walk they did to get to safety. At the same time, Cadance and Shining Armor managed to hug their little filly in delight that they’re all together and all okay.

Upon spotting her former pupil, the sun monarch was quick to approach her. “Sunset. So good to see you again.”

“Good to see you too, Celestia.” Sunset returned though not feeling exactly warm as she would normally would due to the ongoing circumstances inside the hive.

“What happened? How did you get out the way out there and back still unharmed?”

“It’s a long story.” Sunset returned while apologetic that things are playing out this way. “I don’t know if we have time for it.”

“It’s okay.” She assured the distraught unicorn when she attempted to avert her gaze. “You can tell us. We got the time.”

Luna further added. “Especially if it means fully knowing how to navigate the enemy terrain and whatever Scar and Chrysalis have in store for us up ahead.”

Sunset sighed before obliging to their request with the rest of the Guard and the Royal Family all ears for her story. “It all began right around the whole changeling invasion to abduct everyone capable of defeating Scar’s army went down.” She then thought back to when she was doing homework at her desk in her room. “I was keeping up with my studies when I got an urgent house call.”

At the time a loud knock is heard on her door. “Huh?” She then sighed. “Who could be knocking on my front door at this hour? Is if I didn’t already know.” She stood up from her desk and then moved to put on her purple robe to match her pajamas as she irritably returned. “Rainbow Dash! I’ve already told you! You’re going to be just fi...Twilight!” Her eyes widen in surprise upon seeing the urgent girl at her doorstep and not the one with glasses.

“Hey! Sorry to interrupt at this hour but I need your help!”

“With what?”

“Scar along with Queen Chrysalis of the changelings.”

It didn’t take a second thought for Sunset to rush over to get dressed and then fetch themselves their backpacks filled with spy gadgets and weapons before taking lead on towards the gateway back to the other world.

Once they were back in the magical world, Twilight quickly teleported herself and Sunset out of the castle and as far away from the castle as possible to avoid the changelings inside to catch them in the act. Once they reappeared, they found themselves on the border leading into the changeling kingdom.

“She was lucky to avoid capture when the changelings tried to come after her but by then it was too late for everyone else. Without options limited at the time it was up to us to try to get in there undetected.”

She then recalled them making their way to the hive on foot with Twilight only flying when she could without being spotted by the changelings up until they got inside the hive. From there they made their way around through stealth, occasional use of spray and combat here and there when stealth isn’t an option, and use of smoke bombs to help decide which tunnels to take up until they got to the throne room.

“It is was remarkable of how tricky the terrain was once we got inside the hive. The holes and paths are constantly changing so we had to think up on our hooves to navigate it. If it weren’t for our weapons, we would have stood no chance against the changelings when they were together in massive numbers. Otherwise we wouldn't be here by now. And thanks to some extra help Twilight was able to call upon, we are able to get in and out of the throne room. Unfortunately, we didn’t time our sneak in and rescue operation right to the point that Scar wouldn’t catch us in the act.”

Said lion/alicorn appeared right in front of them just when they were making their leave.

“Going somewhere?”

“Yes. Home to my family and friends.” Twilight calmly replied.

“And what makes you think you’re going to pull this off even against all odds this time?” He asked while displaying his sharp claws.

“Simple. This.” She quickly threw down another smoke bomb and then rushed ahead of him with the half lion/alicorn in quick and hot pursuit of her.

While this was going on it left Sunset with the cocoons before doing the only thing she could do and that was using one of her weapons to tear a hole in the hive and make a great leap of faith from up high. Thanks to having prior practice, she was able to use the near rocks and ledges of the hive to her advantage in being able to slow down her descent. But not without having her weight forcibly pulled along the way due to the weight of cocoons dragging her down faster than she wanted to go.

Upon landing on the ground, Sunset had to shake off the impact of a small fall while the cocoons around her broke apart thus freeing most of the former captives who began feel free movements while regaining consciousness as a result. Just when most of the Guard began to recover and wonder what happened. They all turned their heads towards the sound of changelings all hovering around the top of the hive, no doubt all ganging up on someone who has angered them. Upon turning to the very conflicted unicorn who knows what this means, she then felt she had to make a hard decision now.

“I had to make a decision there. Try to go back and fight a battle I could not win. Or get everyone else to safety so we could fight another day. And that’s what I did.”

“Run.” She uttered to the others while motioning the others to help with the heavy lifting in regards to helping the others to their hooves before leading the retreat on out of there before the changelings could back and get them. While retreating, Sunset can only briefly look back with regret that Twilight couldn’t be saved at the time before pressing forward. But deep down she had to trust that she’ll be fine for the time being that carried forward to the moment she just finished recalling her catch up story to the others.

“Yes, I know.” She then told the others feeling guilty already and not being able to save Twilight. “But at the same time I couldn’t.”

“But you did what you had to do in order to save us.” Princess Cadance comforted with a hoof on her shoulder. “And so did Twilight so that she could ensure that we still have a fighting chance.”

“Which means we now have more firepower on our side in order to proceed with the attack on the changeling hive.” Her husband then stated firmly much like Simba would if he were here. “Now it’s a matter of leading the charge into the heart of the hive to get her back.”

“I just hope she’s okay.” Sunset returned still feeling deathly worried for her. “Along with anyone else that has actually tried to make it that far.”

“Question is who else went in there and managed to avoid capture if possible?” Kion then asked wondering the same thing.

"My guess is it depends on who else has managed to be very good at being stealthy up to this point." Fuli brought up.

"But who?"

Back in the present finally, Starlight Glimmer rounded a bend and found herself in a dimly lit room within the hive. Towards the back rested a throne that appeared to have been carved out of a black stone. The very room and throne Thorax had described. Then she looked up towards the ceiling, spotting numerous green cocoons that housed the likes of Discord, Sunburst, Kinyonga, and Bon-Bon. None of them could move or even speak. At the same time, numerous cocoons that were there were removed which sparked a sign for the unicorn. That meant someone else was there and helped them rescue them.

“But how and who?” She thought as she steadied herself, preparing to approach the throne in hopes of figuring out the best way to dismantle it.

But the mare had taken only a few steps when she heard an echoy voice cackle with glee, breaking the silence of the throne room. "One little pony all by herself," Nervously, Starlight looked up again and her eyes beheld a most frightening sight! Perched between two cocoons was none other than Queen Chrysalis herself, her head dangling upside down! "Oh dear, how will I ever prevent this daring rescue?" She declared with fake concern, right before several changelings descending and swarmed over Starlight as they bound her hooves to the floor with that sickly green goop.

Chrysalis made her way down to the ground a moment later after her head turned right side up. She smirked as she approached her latest captive. "Well, well, well. The Princess of Friendship's sole pupil herself. Isn’t this a delightful turn of events. I will say, I do compliment you for getting this far, too bad the same can’t be said it terms of being able to stop me. Nor did the princess didn't teach you how clever Scar and I can be, disappointing if you ask me."

"You won't get away with this!" Starlight squirmed as she tried futilely to break free of that which kept her hooves bound to the floor.

Queen Chrysalis could only laugh and taunt. "Oh no? You think you someone else is coming to rescue you now? Like whatever Pride Landers and ponies you got waiting at the border to make a charge on over here or even the princes or princesses themselves? Well don’t bother! Your little rescue group that accompanied you was all you had. And now, there's just you. You will share your mentor's fate." She then smirked as she then evilly said to the unicorn. “Though funny I say it because it just so happens you do have company right on the other side of this very room and wearing body armor as we speak!” She then motioned for the wall behind her to collapse to reveal another group of changelings holding Twilight hostage as Scar looks on at her face to face who is moving to pull and confiscate her belongings before tossing them backwards into the fire behind him while pulling aside a gun for himself. The changelings then released their grip and backed away, upon seeing the alicorn still not showing intimidation and prove that the body armor works Scar fired a shot at her causing her to stumble in pain briefly before managing to pick herself up.

Even still Starlight boldly replied. "Maybe I may have failed, but there's still someone out there waiting to take you down! His name is Thorax!"

At that the evil queen coldly hissed. "Don't you even think about mentioning that traitor's name in my presence, in my kingdom! He was a fool to leave and an even bigger fool to come back! If he was smart he would've stayed away, laid low, and never even bothered to come here! But since he’s actually bothered to return here, it's only a matter of time until I capture him! And when I do he'll learn just what happens to those who betray the hive!"

Starlight whimpered in fright at the comment.

Chrysalis smirked as she saw something be reflected in her eyes with that whimper from the captive unicorn. Her horn began to light up with that sickly green glow as she taunted. "And it seems I already have done so and that I don’t need to look far do I..." She quickly fired off a spell on Starlight, prompting a flash of magic that revealed that it was actually Thorax that was standing before the queen! "Thorax?!"

Thorax gulped even as he tried to bravely state. "Yes, it’s me!"

"I see!" The queen hissed anew. "And I also see that you have returned.” She then glared at the changeling. “That was a mistake. I warned you of what would happen if you returned. And Scar had done the same like he did with Sombra. And I will make good on that very warning!" However, she then became aware of a loud banging sound coming from behind her. She turned around and happened to see the real Starlight Glimmer frantically pounding away at the throne with a small rock.

Poor Starlight had no time to react before she was pulled away from the throne and brought before the changeling queen. "How very clever of you. I see Thorax tipped you off about my throne," She smirked as she threw the unicorn to the ground. "I very well can't have powerful ponies or creatures using their magic against me. You must think you're clever to have gotten this far, other would-be invaders have been lucky to even get inside."

"Your majesty," A changeling spoke up just as Scar floated over to approach them. "I just received word from the others: We subdued the magician and the dragon along with the crystaller and the lion king. The entire rebellion has been thwarted."

And to further gloat and rub her victory in the unicorn's face she proceeded to sing a song about how much the changelings look up to her without relying on the magic of friendship.

Don't Fall in Love

"Excellent!" Scar returned feeling delighted to hear it. “And now all that is left is for the remaining rescue party to try to come save you. And knowing Kion, he’ll no doubt be the one along his friends from the Lion and Pony Guard will be on their way here too.” Turning to the still defiant yet surprised alicorn he then said to her. “That’s right, Twilight. I still see what’s going on around here without magic and thanks to the skinks I know right now that your friends are now getting ready to mount an attack on this hive right this instant. And since you know just as well I do of the surprise I have in store for your dear friend Kion.” He then mockingly placed a finger over his lips. “Shh! Don’t tell! It ruins and makes it less fun for me.”

Back outside the border, Kion along with Sunset look on with what must be done as they look on at the rising sun along with Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadance standing behind them. Upon seeing the rising sun after hearing what they have been told. From everything that had happened during the Pride Lands distraction to the whole capture and rescue, to where and back again.

“It is time.” Rafiki declared as he Makini, Nala, and Kiara watch on as the others get ready to mount that will decide the very fate of the two worlds with the leader of the Lion Guard looking on at the very hide where their enemies are waiting up ahead.

“Till the Pride Lands and Equestria end…” Kion began.

“With all your friends…” Bunga added as they look back at the many Pride Landers and Equestrians including Karabi and Lite all standing behind them ready for that fight.

“...from both worlds.” Sunset finished with the leader of the Lion Guard ready to lead everyone over there.

“Ready when you are, Kion.” Shining Armor assured while getting ready to charge.

“Make the call.” Princess Cadance also encouraged.

Hearing that sparked the confidence he needs to make the call. “We'll fight for what's right…”

“Pride Landers and Equestrians, unite!”

With that Kion along with Sunset led the charge alongside the rest of the Royal Family as the whole army made their charge inside the changeling kingdom. Even without powers, those who aren’t used to magic still are ready to throw down when it matters.

In the opposing side nearing the hive up on higher ground, Mzingo managed to spot out the incoming opponents headed their way. “Here they come.”

“And it looks like Janja's turned against us.” Kiburi deduced upon seeing that he is among those joining the charge against them.

“Everything's just like Scar said.” Reirei said as if everything has been laid out for them.

“He's smart. And that's why we're gonna win.”

“I hope you're right.” Mzingo returned with uncertainty. “There certainly are a lot of them…”

Lightning Dust was quick to dismiss that concern with her arrogance rearing it’s head against her rival. “So? We can take 'em. Scar said so. Let’s go.” She then ordered of the others.

“Right behind you.” Wind Rider returned while following after her.

“Crocodiles, with me!” Kiburi then commanded while following suit.

“You got it Kiburi!” Tamaka laughed before following after him leaving Reirei and the jackals to do the same.

“Jackals! You know what to do.”

“Oh. Time to assemble the committee.” Mzingo then declared before moving to fetch his group.

While leading the charge Kion told the others. “Everyone knows the plan. Keep the Outlanders off us so we can get to the top of the hive.”

“That's what we'll do.” Ma Tembo declared on board with said plan.

“You got it, Kion.”

“Right.”

Both Jasiri and Janja stated ready to do their part to help them.

Turning to Bupu, Fuli asked with a smirk. “Do we have to say "please"?”

Bupu smirked back at her in response. “You just did.”

Bunga laughed upon seeing what’s now in front of them. “And here come the baddies.”

“Let’s do this!”

“Bring it on!”

Both Rainbow and Applejack stated ready to throw down with them and they wasted no time along with the hyenas in taking down the jackals and crocs that came after them. Among the fight, Reirei found herself in for a surprise when Ma Tembo whacked her with her trunk, causing her to tumble into Goigoi and couple other crocs who were likewise knocked away by both Rafiki and Makini swinging their staffs around.

Mzingo then joined on the fight alongside Lightning Dust with the latter eyes targeting Rainbow.

“Rainbow Dash!”

“Lightning Dust!”

The two briefly exchanged bitter towards each other as always before moving to get into a aerial hoof fight with one another. At the same time, looks was all that was needed to greet each other in regards to Wind Rider and Rarity once more before fighting.

At the same time, Anga and Hadithi led the birds into action against Mzingo and his flock once more.

“Anga lenga!” The former shouted before taking Mzingo head on with Hadithi following suit along with a few more birds against his flock.

Some of the vultures managed to get an opening before moving in on towards the Lion and Pony Guard down below. But Fluttershy herself quick to spot it out used her Stare to freeze in their tracks which allowed Ono along with Gilda, and some of the birds accompanying them time for the other birds to attack them before they could close in on them.

“The sweet pony’s off limits you scavengers!” Fluttershy smiled sweetly herself upon hearing that.

Upon recovering, Mzingo only had time see Anga before him before getting his tail feathers handed to him by both her and Hadithi to strike him down to the ground.

“Well done, Anga!”

“Thanks, Hadithi.”

The two birds exchanged with one another with no awkwardness on the latter’s end but still grinning and pleased like a lovebird in a sky.

Back down on the ground, both crocodile leaders find themselves face to face once more.

“Kiburi!”

“Bring it, Makuu!”

The two moved to tussle like there is no tomorrow while standing on their hind legs in the process with the dragons moving to punch away the crocodiles that tried to intervene on Kiburi's behalf.

"Left! Right! Up! Down! Punch!" Ember barked as she went down swinging. "Come on! Buck them up!"

Upon charging at Goigoi, Laini while riding on Bupu’s head moved to leap on the jackal’s face. At the same time Hodari moved to leap onto Tamaka’s snout.

“Hi! It’s me again.” Hodari greeted with winking with his eyebrows before moving around in a way so he can’t catch him.

“Gurgh!” Tamka screamed while desperately and futilely moving himself around to get him off. “Gecko!”

“Come on, kiddies.” Reirei then encouraged. “You know what to do.”

Said children of the pack were all pushing rocks down towards their enemies leading to the antelopes and galagos no time to prepare for what’s coming their way.

“Antelopes, look out. Whoa!”

Luckily for them, the unicorns had their magic at the ready to help steady their footing to keep them from falling face first on the ground and into the rubble.

Also, the young ones on the other side came to their aid with their special go-cart driven by Scootaloo. While she was riding the cart, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle launched rotten apples right back at them, followed by Gabby swiftly confiscating their rock ammo.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders! Go!”

In regards to the big rocks that have already fallen, Shujaa quickly rushed in head on to take them on. “Shujaa ponda!” He moved to punch several rocks that came at them before catching the very large rock and throwing it right back at them forcing the little ones to retreat.

And when one jackal pup tried to attack the gorillas blind spot, he is suddenly forced to retreat himself when the yak prince along with his fellow yaks made the charge against them. "Yaks defend Pride Landers! Yaks smash!"

Upon seeing the avalanche attempt averted, both the yak prince and gorilla both shared a victorious body slam with one another to celebrate this moment before getting serious and charging up ahead against the upcoming Outlanders attempting to hurt their friends and allies.

As the rhinos moved to charge they found themselves intercepted by both Cheezi and Chungu before being knocked aside by Janja for their stupidity. “Furbrains, we're good guys now!”

Immediately the two realized their mistake.

“Oh, right!”

“Sorry, rhinos. We forgot.”

“Keep charging, fellas. Won't happen again.”

With that they all carried on like nothing had happened.

The Outlanders continued their attacks as Pinkie herself got in on the action with her party cannon by charging ahead, she then shouted towards them for trying to come at her and her friends is, “Party time!” With a powerful blast of confetti the Outlanders were blasted away at the same time Jasiri pinned down another crocodile.

“You're all clear, Kion!” Jasiri returned.

“Right. Lion and Pony Guard, with me.”

Accompanying them is the other princesses who followed suit in flight along with Shining Armor, Kyoga, Karabi, and Lite so they can back them up for the fight that lies ahead at the top of the hive.

Upon seeing them sparked Shupavu into warning Scar about it. “Scar, the Pride Landers and Equestrians are winning. The Lion and Pony Guard along with the Royal Family is headed this way.”

“Then it's up to you and your skinks to stop them, Shupavu!” Scar then commanded.

“Which means it’s also your cue to do the same!” Chrysalis then shouted and commanded of most of the changelings in contrast to the cool-headed lion/alicorn. “Now go!”

Shupavu then smiled and realized why. “Yes, Scar. Chrysalis. Of course. Skinks, with me!”

“You heard the skink, let’s go!” Phyrnax then ordered of most of the changelings, leaving Scar, Chrysalis, and Ushari with Twilight, Starlight, and Thorax and only a handful of changelings guarding the nearby exits.

“You really think they'll be able to stop the Lion and Pony Guard and the Royal Family?” Ushari skeptically asked his boss.

Scar scoffed in response. “Of course not. But they all must believe that we don't want them to get here.”

“Not only that, my changelings have the ability to keep on their hooves and are ready for that fight. They have been preparing for this ever since that whole celebration day at Pride Rock.”

“Yes.” Ushari now understood how this works out to their advantage.

Turning back to the cobra, Scar then ordered. “Now Ushari, get in position. You know what to do when they arrive. More specifically when Kion arrives.”

“Yes. Yes, I do.” Ushari said ready to do that sinister deed of his.

“You know…” Twilight then spoke up to the three to get their attention. “...even if you do succeed in stopping them and poisoning Kion into using the Roar here you still can’t kill me or Starlight.”

“And why not?” Scar asked as if it is a futile statement to make.

“Because no matter what good always triumphs over evil no matter how long it takes. Not only that I haven’t really told you and your followers what I really think of you.”

“Oh! Perfect! You have one minute to make your case for them.” Scar returned willing to entertain it to further fuel a changeling swarm attacking her from all angles.

“Scar. For a excellent and intelligent mastermind capable of leading an army to victory, all you are is someone lacking potential in what it takes to be a true king.” As she spoke she moved around where she stands even with a gun pointed right at her. “As for your followers, they’re blind to follow your cause to the point they had been exiled from both kingdoms for very good reasons. To think if everyone else could have respected the Circle of Life instead of threatening to destroy it you’d all be getting along fine by now. Jasiri knows it and yet you all have refused to see it that way. From Kiburi and his crocs getting exiled, Reirei and her jackals fighting for scraps along with Zira and her pride, Mzingo and his flock burning grazing grounds here and there, and recruiting antagonistic Pegasus ponies, they all have no idea of what they could be doing with their lives instead of devoting to your cause like the hyenas you once led into the Pride Lands once before. And as for you Ushari, I find what you are doing very disappointing for we have tried to be very considerate towards you for accidentally stumbling across you at times. Now here you’re going along with his plan to burn the kingdoms down in a massive volcano eruption and injecting venom into Kion’s mind to achieve it? For shame.” Ushari angrily hissed in response and had to restrain using his venom against her in response. “And you Chrysalis, to think there are more ways for you and your changelings to satisfy your hunger rather than forcibly taking what you want, you and the others would also be living life much more differently now. My only mistake with you is not confronting you alone when we first met while you were impersonating my sister-in-law.” She as she stopped herself right in the very spot she wants to stand with her hidden gun and dagger within reach.

While Chrysalis hissed angrily, Scar simply shook his amused and briefly chuckled in response. “Big talk. You done?”

“No, not yet.” To prove her point she quickly scooped and flung dirt, rocks, and ambers in his eyes to temporarily blind him long enough for her to tackle him to the ground.

From there she wasted no time in engaging in a one on one fight with him. To make sure it stays that way she knocked the gun out of his paws and moved to fire rounds towards the others to force them to back off when they got trapped in the created pile of rubble that landed on top of them. By then, Scar was able to slap and force the alicorn off of her before moving to swing his claws at her who likewise had a dagger to be fend off his attempted attacks with her gun now tucked away on her belt.

Back in the parts of the hive leading up the throne room and caldera, the Guard and the Royal Family have managed to power their way through. From swift use of martial arts and using the environment to their advantage, Rainbow, Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack along with Shining Armor and the Lion Guard were able to punch and kick aside the changelings that came at them. At the same time the princesses were able to swat aside the skinks that appeared to try to do the same.

Back in the throne room and caldera, Chrysalis cackled with fiendish glee and turned her attention to the unicorn before her. "Now, what do you with you, Starlight? One small and helpless little unicorn like her teacher Twilight before her. No magic, no backup, and no friends around to help you out here. Not even Twilight who is currently facing certain death at the claws of Scar himself.” Then she had an idea spark in her mind. “I know! By finishing you off myself!"

Starlight did the only thing she could think to do given her current situation. She ran despite knowing that there was nowhere to really run to. She still opted to hide, taking shelter in the rotted out stump of an old tree. "Why?" She could only say in the face of the queen herself.

The changeling queen blinked in surprise. "'Why' what?"

"Why do this?" The unicorn asked. "To get revenge on Twilight thwarting your plans to take over Canterlot years ago? Or because you actually believe what Scar is telling you now."

Queen Chrysalis coldly hissed and pulled Starlight Glimmer close before explaining. "Why else? So I could feed, of course! Everypony will do as I command, and my subjects and I will feed on their love for generations! I have everything I need to make Equestria mine with Scar by side!" Then she laughed to herself, confident of her victory.

At the same time adjacent to the ongoing confrontation is said fight between both Scar and Twilight still fighting it out with blades, punches, and kicks in efforts to catch each other off guard as they continue flying around the pool of lava and fire down below them.

With use of the nearby rocks and ambers, Twilight aimed to fire them against Scar in her attempts to knock him off of his flight. But Scar himself was prepared for that before moving to swift dodge and redirect them right back at her. Twilight then had to use her dagger and hooves to block them off and redirect them to the side before leaping up high when Scar tried to lunge and tackle her.

Quick to use the momentum against him, she moved to quickly fly down, then twirled around to give him a good karate style kick to the face which knocked back down to the ground. Scar then had to maneuver his downfall so that he ended up the rocky terrain rather than fall to what could have been his fiery demise.

After shaking off the kick along with wiping the blood from his jaws he moved to fly straight her and managed to tackle her once more. After gaining his grasp over her, he moved to throw her against the wall of the hive causing her to feel that hard slam on her back. She then found herself having to drop herself to the ground to avoid Scar going for the kill causing him to plow his body right through the wall. Said impact created his imprint on the wall.

Scar then growled as he flew back through the hole while twisting his body around so that he could squeeze through the imprint he created before searching for his opponent once more.

At the same time Twilight is trying her hardest to hold up due to the gunshot wound starting to have some effect on her breathing. Fortunately she hasn’t taken in too many hits towards her weak spot but if Scar starts to exploit that very weakness it might be game over for her. Now she just has to quickly take him down before he takes her down first after enduring that last hit she took.

Nearby, her closet friends and family were nearing close to the throne room and caldera where Ushari has managed to squeeze his way out of the rubble and found a nice hiding spot so that those who arrived don’t spot him out right away. But the whole group are still having a tough time muscling their way through the changelings and later lions from Zira’s pride, especially since they still don’t have magic on their side. Although Kion himself managed to find himself an opening to squeeze through the ongoing fight in order to reach where Twilight and Starlight are. Upon seeing him the cobra then moved to stay close him through the shadows and rocks behind him.

At the same time for Starlight, while she ran and hid again from Chrysalis (even knowing she would still close in on her), Starlight's eyes became drawn to Thorax. More specifically to his sparkling changeling's wings. Something seemed to click in her mind when she saw them again, remembering what Thorax had told her about when they'd first took on their current appearance. "But what if you didn't have to?"

The mere suggestion enraged the evil queen, causing her to yank Starlight out of her hiding spot! "Ridiculous! The hunger of the changelings can never be satisfied! You don’t know have the right to say anything about the changelings or what it takes to be their leader," She proceeded to fling the unicorn hard into a wall as two changeling drones pinned her down. "I am the queen, I alone decide what is best for my subjects and not some mewling little grub like you! Besides you don’t have the power to destroy me, Starlight."

"What if you're wrong?" The unicorn inquired as she tried (and failed) to to reason with her. Deep down she is trying to channel the inspiration of her mentor calling out every one of her enemies on the spot to heart. "When Thorax escaped the hive and made it to Equestria, your actions made everypony fear him even when he didn’t do anything to them! If other changelings do the same thing he did, what happens to them?! If the Crystal Empire could be hostile, what do you think the rest of Equestria will be like? If anything you’re making things worse for your subjects than they are before. Thorax on the other hoof, is living a better life now because he made friends."

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "Spare me your nonsense! Thorax was too weak and too scared to even do what was needed, much like Janja he was dead weight that was just asking to be disposed of when faith decided it was time for him to meet his end!"

"And that justifies how you treat your subjects?!" Starlight protested with the inner fire still burning inside much like Twilight. "How do you know Thorax is the only one who's ever actually sought to seek a better life instead?" And to the changelings all around her she pleaded. "You don't have to listen to her or Scar. Thorax found a way to share love without having to feed on it. Now he's no longer hungry. Wouldn't it be nice if you could the lifestyle that Thorax is now pursing?"

The changeling queen stomped her hooves down. "Since when and what do you know about being a leader?!"

Starlight shook her head. "Because from one leader to another who has actually been down that dark path you are on now, Chrysalis," And she explained. "I thought I knew better than anypony, and that I was capable of ruling. Only afterwards I realized I was wrong. A good leader doesn't rule over their subjects with fear nor force their subjects to deny who they are. A good leader thinks about what is best for everyone else instead of himself or herself. Something that makes both Twilight and Kion better leaders than Scar could ever hope to better! They celebrate what makes their followers unique and listens when one of them finds a better way!"

"T-that's true!" Thorax bravely stuttered! "Just because you can't feel love doesn't mean you should force the rest of us into living that way of life. It’s not too late to make that change if you just find it in your black heart to allow that love to flow freely inside!"

"Silence!" Chrysalis bellowed as she targeted her angry eyes towards Thorax. "The only thing you've accomplished is setting an example for those who dare to betray the hive!"

"No! Stop!" Starlight Glimmer pleaded! "You don’t know what you are doing!"

Chrysalis only replied by lighting up her horn and pulling Thorax close with that sickly green aura, all the while she began to open her mouth. "On the contrary, it’s you and your little friend who don’t know what they are doing. Only by now it’s already too late for you, it's too late for anyone! else" She coldly told her. "Don't worry, Starlight. I'm sure Scar would be more than happy to dispose of you, just as soon as I drain every ounce of love he has and show my subjects what a real leader is!"

At the same time, Scar has managed to press forward on the offense upon spotting Twilight lurking in the shadows. He moved to follow up a series of attacks to force the alicorn on the defense. He moved to slash the rocks she was hiding behind, reducing them into rubble before moving to violently knock the dagger out of her hooves and into the fire and lava down below with in her belt having the fortunate luck of not meeting the same fate.

From there it was just a multiple series of hoof to paw combat where the half lion/alicorn found herself barely fending herself against his aggressive attacks before finding herself enduring a few punches and bruises to the face. Followed by a wind blowing punch to the gut that sent her crashing down into the ground. All she could do at the moment was barely pick herself up as she finds herself at Scar’s mercy once more as he managed to obtain the gun that was knocked away during the skirmish.

A sight that was spotted nearby from the others fighting to get there but so far are unable to plow themselves on by the changelings and lionesses all keeping them at bay.

"Twilight! Starlight!" Kion screamed in worry upon arriving before trying to make a charge to stop him only to be quickly surrounded and blocked off by some of the changelings appearing right in front of him. With no other choice, Kion moved to bare his claws before tackling them all at once. But at the same time in no position to be able to channel and control the Roar without hurting his family and friends too even with his growing worry for the two ponies and anger at his enemies. All while Ushari manages to slither up to a nice spot where he can lunge and bite at the young lion from the sides.

Sure enough, even as Thorax whimpered, groaned and struggled valiantly against Chrysalis, he wasn't able to stop a bright glow from seeping out of his body. "I... I can feel the love slipping away! I'm so close to Flurry Heart's gift of love, more so than I've ever felt before! But I can't hold onto it!"

It was there that Starlight got an idea. "Then stop holding back! Sharing is love what made you different to begin with, Thorax. If Chrysalis wants that love so badly, then let her have it all! Share it!"

So Thorax did just that, the light escaping from him glowing brighter by the second. A sight that had Scar quickly don a pair of sunglasses while still keeping his eyes and sight on Twilight as he prepares to finish her off.

Chrysalis suddenly found herself overwhelmed before finding herself flung backwards, crashing into her throne as it began to crack. She weakly groaned as she tried to flap her wings, only to find that they had been robbed of lift.

Suddenly, Thorax was enveloped in a cocoon of bright light. There was a sudden flash and when it had faded, Thorax descended to the ground looking quite different. His body consisted mostly of a light lime green color, except for hints of orange around his chest (which is now and also the color of the two big antlers on his head). On his back was a dark purple shell like object with traces of dark green underneath it, and on each side are extended butterfly like wings a moderate blue and purple in color. Around his neck hung a series of white, crystal like objects.

Starlight took advantage of the opportunity (and of her captors' momentary befuddlement) to rise to her hooves. She trotted up to the transformed changeling as she nervously questioned him. "Thorax, are you all right? How do you feel?"

Thorax stared at himself, his now rose colored eyes taking in every inch of his new form in all its multi-color glory from his body, head, and antlers. "Yes… It is..." Then he commented. "This is so new to me yet strangely I actually like it. I actually feel so alive!"

Smiling, the unicorn turned to the other changelings while she gestured to Thorax and said. "Do you see now? This is what happens when you give love freely instead of taking it! Show Chrysalis what the changelings are really capable of!"

And so the changelings did, unleashing a massive wave of bright glowing magic as they transformed into varying shades of green, bluish-green and orange all the while their surrounding environment began to transform as well. It became much brighter and full of color, as well as filling up with fresh vegetation and plants.

Chrysalis had no time to react as the unleashing of love created an explosion that rocked the entire hive, shattering her throne completely while Ushari who had just tried to make his move found himself forced backwards when he got caught up in the growing mess flying right at him. At the same time, Twilight used the blinding light to her advantage to knock Scar backwards before making a quick flight and dash to her gun as her opponent moved to fire multiple rounds off in the direction she flew off too. In return, Twilight fired off each and every round her gun had right back at him from where she stood.

With the changelings having more or less "changed" it wasn't long before all their previously cocooned "victims" were set free. Every member of Starlight's rescue group, including Sunburst (who she was greatly relieved to see again). Upon arriving, the rest of the Guard upon arriving along with the Royal Family are all looking on in awe with the now beautiful landscape and transformation of the land around them. Discord himself was quick to reunite and embrace his best and dearest friends. “Flutteshy! Beshte! You’re both okay!”

“Thanks!”

“Um, good to see you too!”

Both kindly returned.

"Simba! Thank goodness you're okay!"

"We were so worried about you, Daddy!"

Both mother and daughter greeted the lion king with relief and happy tears flowing down from their eyes.

"I know. I missed you both too." Simba returned with a warm smile towards them.

And more importantly, the main group’s primary concern is wondering what happened to Twilight and if she is okay or not along with what has also happened to Scar himself.

“Twilight?”

“Mom?!”

“Where are you?!”

Kion, Spike, and Sunset all called out for her.

It didn’t take long for them to spot her out as she found herself looking on cautiously while taking slow and steady steps forward. She moved to toss the emptied out gun into the pit after pulling the trigger a few times to make sure she used up every bullet in it. With each and every step she made her way towards the sound of weak breathing up ahead at the edge of the cliff leading to the lava pit…

...Scar himself as Twilight manages to reach him before using one of her front hooves to pry the gun out of his paws and firmly on the ground. Twilight moved to look down where Scar lies now choking, bleeding, and grasping his own neck due to a bullet hole fired right through it. The two locked eyes with one another. While the princess looks on firmly and devoid of emotion, the former tyrant looks on surprised that actually happened before moving to chuckle in amusement at the sudden turn of events. He did so with his last breath before the remaining life leaked out of him. And with that and simple push over the edge, the now deceased body plopped into the lava down below to be burned and never be seen again.

Once that was done, Twilight could find herself sigh a breath of relief before walking backwards away from the ledge as it crumbled seconds later all with her back turned from it. It wasn’t easy like before but she did it. She defeated Scar even without magic. She managed to deliver the decapitating blow to finally end this very war again.

Upon turning back she found herself being embraced by the whole Guard and her family, all looking delighted and relieved to see she did it all.

“Twilight!”

“Mom!”

“Oh! Thank goodness you’re okay!”

“We were so worried about you!”

Kion, Spike, Shining Armor, and Cadance all expressed with relief and tears in their eyes as Twilight returned the embrace with the same relief and heartfelt tears coming out of her eyes.

“So was I.” Twilight returned. “I’m so glad to see you all again!” She said with a smile. She then turned to see Starlight who is looking equally relieved as everyone else. “So much as I am to see the pony who helped make this possible.” Once they broke apart from the hug with Flurry still clinging on and riding the back of her neck, Twilight moved to approach her student. "You've come a long way, Starlight. And it’s a good thing you managed to avoid capture when most others didn’t have the same luck you did."

Starlight Glimmer smiled somewhat nervously. "Y-yeah, me too. Thanks to me it looks like the changelings aren't going to be a threat anymore. Another ally for both Equestria and the Pride Lands in addition they have a new leader. That is assuming you are up for it, Thorax?" She then asked the changeling.

Thorax looked on confused in response. "Oh! I-I guess I am their new leader now..." He looked to the other changelings. "That is of course if you're all okay with that, right? Me being your new king or something similar, right?" The changelings nodded back to him in agreement.

“There they are!” Jasiri happily called out as she Janja and the rest of the Pride Landers appeared equally pleased to see everyone is all right.

“Twilight! Starlight! They’re both okay!” Ma Tembo happily stated as the two hyenas were quick to approach them.

Upon getting a good look at Twilight, Jasiri gasped at the bullet wounds on her chest and the left side of her stomach. “Twilight. You’re shot!”

“I know.” Twilight acknowledged even with the surrounding gasps of her closet friends and family. “I’ll be fine.”

“Well done, Starlight Glimmer. You too, Twilight.” Princess Luna then commented with a smile with what she is seeing. “Thanks to you both, Scar is finally gone. We’ve won.”

But at the same time, Spike brought up. "What about Chrysalis and Zira?" And he looked to Twilight with a nervous glance. "Think they’re still around? That was a pretty big explosion they were caught up in."

The young alicorn could only shake her head and sigh. "If my guess is right, they’ll have survived, unfortunately. I doubt that’s the last we’ve seen of them unlike the skinks along with Ushari if the cobra himself is blessed with enough luck on his side."

As if to prove Twilight's point, some rubble at the edge of a cliff began to stir. And from it emerged Chrysalis, slightly battered but otherwise unharmed along with Zira and Ushari. "You are all going to pay for this!" She angrily hissed, but her defiant attitude didn't last long when she saw all the changelings along with everyone from the Royal Family, Lion and Pony Guard, along with all of their allies who had all just arrived on the scene, with fists, charged horns, wings, at the ready with angry eyes. And that didn't even begin to account for the powerful unicorns or the presence of Discord, the lord of chaos now looking to get some payback on the remaining fallen leaders without Scar to back them up this time around.

"It's over, Chrysalis," Twilight declared to the defeated, now ex-queen with her eyes turning to the lioness who is now arriving looking on as if something is now right here. "You too, Zira and Ushari. Now the question is, how hard are you gonna make this for yourselves? Both of you. But either way you’re both are the one’s going to pay for your crimes against our kingdoms!"

"Never!" Chrysalis defiantly hissed. "I'm never going back to prison!"

“Me neither!” Zira angrily returned as she looked around hoping that Scar is still around to back them up like he always does. “Wait! Where’s Scar?! Scar? Scar?! SCAR!” She then realized upon seeing the burning body down below on a slab of rocks waiting to melt and fall into the lava. “NO!” Desperate to see him still alive, she moved down towards the lava as close as she can so she can help see too it that he really is okay. “Stay with me! Scar! Scar!” Zira screamed in tears when it was clear his body is now reduced to smoke and ash.

Ushari who emerged from the rumble and moved to see what has happened looked on equally horrified and devastated as the rock crumbled allowing Scar’s body to completely burn in the pool. “In answer to your question, princess. I choose to do this the hard way for you are going to pay for destroying Scar.”

Twilight simply sighed. "Of course you all would. Always defiant to the end." She began to approach the former queen along with the lioness leader and cobra.

Discord began to rub his paws together. "Oh, this is going to be fun!"

But Starlight shouted! "Wait!" And desperately lit up her horn! She then turned to Twilight and pleaded with her mentor before she and the others could decide to do anything to the defeated trio. "Please, can I talk with them. I've been where she's been, and I think I know how to reach them."

"Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Twilight asked.

“Because that sounds like a risk we don’t need to take.” Kion added also wary of them.

Starlight insisted to both alicorns. "Please, just this once. If I'm wrong, they’re all yours to take back to jail never to be seen again." Then she added. "Considering you gave me a chance, I think it’s the least you can do for me to give Chrysalis that same chance."

Twilight took one look at her student's eyes and could see the determination reflected in them. “Very well.” So she turned back to Chrysalis, Zira, and Ushari and told them. "Consider this your lucky day for the three of you. My student has something she would like to say. So if I were you listen very carefully or you all are going to regret doing so.”

“And by that we mean all of us!” Kion added with his claws bared ready to make good on the princess’s promise.

“Yeah! What he said! Especially you, Ushari!” Bunga added while ready to pounce on the cobra if any of them try anything on them.

Satisfied that her request had been granted, the reformed unicorn approached Chrysalis and somberly stated. "When Twilight and her friends defeated me, I chose to run away and seek revenge! But you don't have to, it's not too late for you to escape my fate!" She pleaded before offering her hoof. "Please, take my hoof. Let me show you a better way. And this way, you can become the leader you were meant to be. The leader your subjects deserve rather than the one they may need right now."

Chrysalis looked back to Starlight Glimmer and then down at the ground and so did Zira and Ushari. They briefly seemed to consider the unicorn's offer as the former she brought her hoof close. But as she did so she could see what had become of the changelings, and seeing their brightly colored state of appearance caused a frown on to form on her face. She then swatted Starlight's hoof away. "As if I'd let myself be consumed by the poison you injected into all of them?! You are sadly mistaken to think I’d give up what I once had until you came along and helped Twilight destroy it along with Scar who helped make this all possible."

"What?! No! That's not true!" Starlight protested. "What I’m really saying is that what's on the inside and not the outside that counts most! A better lifestyle to pursue than pursing hatred and vengeance!"

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "I don’t even know the meaning of those horrible words!" Then she vowed. "Mark my words: There is no revenge you could ever conceive of that will come close to what I will exact upon you one day, Starlight Glimmer! Both you and Princess Twilight are someday going to pay for this and you’ll all regret it when that day comes!"

“Nor will I ever let it go!” Zira also angrily stated as she kept her claws bared and eyes targeted on the enemy she want’s dead the most.

“Same here!” Ushari firmly stated as he too locked eyes on the mare who killed his master. “This is for you, Scar!” With that he made a furious lung at the princess who was quick to dodge the attempted bite.

“Oh no you don’t!” Bunga quickly returned while running after him.

“Keep your claws off of her and back off, Zira!” Simba commanded while pursing the lioness himself.

Ushari then slithered his way up to Twilight again who is ready to fend off against him once more. But as he lunged, Bunga was quick to tackle him down causing them both to tumble into the lava pit both screaming as they fell down.

Thankfully, Kion was quick to use his magic to levitate the honey badger out and away from what would have been his fiery demise while Ushari found himself plopping into the lava himself just like his master just moments ago. At the same time, Zira found herself pinned down on the ledge beside them by the furious lion king himself with no means of being able to escape and free herself from it.

“Like Twilight said Zira, it’s over.” Simba then coolly and coldly stated to the pinned down and defeated lioness. “And now you’re coming with us.”

“That’s what you think.” Just then Chrysalis made a lunge at Simba in an effort to catch him off guard along with Twilight and Kion…

But at that moment, both Shining Armor and Princess Cadance were quick to body slam the ex-queen away and spiraling out of control in flight.

“If that’s what you thought you were going to do...!”

“Then think again!”

The two fiercely stated having none of her attempts to bring harm to Twilight who they very and deeply love dearly.

Because of the hit she took in, Chrysalis unfortunately had no means to steering herself properly before finding herself falling, screaming, and plopping down into the lava much like both Scar and Ushari before her. And as of now, the battle is finally over with them defeated as well.

But even still Starlight felt sad and disappointed that her attempt to reach out to them still wasn’t enough to get them to listen. Much like Scar himself they couldn't let go of their hate, and in the end it destroyed them. “So much for attempted redemption.” She glumly said to her teacher with the thought of them dying and rejecting redemption and friendship rather than accepting and living with it still fresh in her head.

Twilight however comforted her in response with a hoof on her shoulder and warm smile. “You did give it a try. Much like I tried to do with Scar once before. But what’s important now is that they’re gone while Zira’s going away for a long time. But more importantly…” She then flew up high towards the other defeated Outlanders along with their allies who came all the way up here to join their allies. “Everyone! Scar, Zira, and Chrysalis have been defeated! The Battle and by extension and war for the Pride Lands and Equestria is over!” Everyone all cheered in response to their ultimate victory over the Outlanders.

At that moment Cheezi had a sudden thought occur with this in light. “But if Scar’s gone along with Zira, who's in charge of the Outlands now?

“Ooh! Good question.” Chungu agreed.

“Yeah! What about us?” Reirei also quickly acknowledged. “If the changelings now have a new leader, who do we answer to now?!”

Janja himself moved to step forward to answer that question with a smirk plastered on his face. “If you ask me, there's only one animal that can keep the peace between the Pride Lands and the Outlands.”

“And who's that? You?” Kiburi asked as if he is crazy for thinking they’ll all listen to him with the mirroring expressions of the other Outsiders all set to agree with him there.

Janja however shook his head. “Nope, I ain't that dumb.” He then turned to someone else in mind. “From now on, Jasiri should be in charge of the Outlands.”

Jasiri looked on in surprise at the proposal. “Me?”

“Makes sense to me.”

“Me too. Can't think of anyone else better myself."

Both Kion and Twilight both liked the idea already with approving nods from the others in the Royal Family to assert that it is indeed a great idea she should step and take up.

Upon seeing this strong faith in her, Jasiri moved to step forward ready to take charge of things. “Outlanders, I know we can all get along here in the Outlands. Just so long as we respect the Circle of Life.”

“And if you don't…” Janja added to back her up. “...then you'll have to answer to Jasiri's new clan, which includes us.”

Reirei however was quick to assure that won’t be a problem. “Don't worry about us. If Jasiri's keeping you in line, the Outlands might actually be livable.”

Mzingo however felt the need to disagree. “Actually, we vultures would prefer a run-off election. The top seven candidates would be narrowed to three. And the eventual winner requiring a majority of no less than 72%…” Both Cheezi and Chungu were quick to growl him to shut up and accept this change. “Or we follow the Circle of Life, like Jasiri says. To the victor belong the spoils!”

Kiburi however remained indifferent to the change of leadership. “Don't matter who's in charge. My crocodiles can fend for ourselves. It's the crocodile way.”

"Same here!" Lightning Dust angrily returned but not without one more hateful venomous look towards her rival along with Wind Rider towards Rarity. "Mark my words, Rainbow Crash! We will meet again and by then you will pay for this insolence!"

"That's right. Because when that day comes I am going to enjoy making you pay for it by then, Rarity. And good day." Wind Rider stated before they both flew before anyone else could have a say in the matter.

As the Outlanders, they all make their leave too willingly knowing full well they have overstayed their welcome (with the sole exception of Zira and her pride who are all magically whisked up and teleported back to Tartarus in a flash by Princess Luna herself), Bunga waved them off with their backs turned. “There they go!”

"You said it!" Cheezi happily returned before turning to his leader. "I like the Pride Landers and Equestrians, Janja."

"Me too!" Chungu agreed. "Everyone's so happy."

"Yeah. I think we're on the right side now." Janja himself couldn't even deny it.

Jasiri returned a playful nudge to make sure he never forgets it. "You sure are." She laughed.

"You know, I think I could get used to that laugh."

And with one more thing left to do before all is said and done, Twilight floated over the lava pit and then worked her magic and making it rain a brief shower in where the former throne room once stood over the lava pit so the fires down there can harden into rock with nothing but vog and smoke left behind. And by doing so by extension it had the same effect to the Outlands Volcano to ensure Scar is not coming back in a fiery blaze of glory like before.

“Well I guess that settles that.” Simba then stated as the former animals of Scar’s army moved to leave in peace before turning to Thorax. “And with Scar finally gone once more, I look forward to discussing to how we can improve our relationship in the future.”

“Me too!” Celestia agreed. “However, for the moment, perhaps it is best that we leave the Changeling Kingdom to the changelings.”

Thorax then spoke up to agree but not without blushing. "Probably for the best, if you all would please? It’ll definitely take us quite some time for us to get adjusted to what has just recently happened here."

Discord smiled. "A splendid idea if you ask me!" And then he eagerly proclaimed! "Now, who’s ready to head back to Ponyville?! Because I could really go for some celebratory tea at Fluttershy's!"

Hearing that sparked surprise at the idea of a huge gathering at her place. “Oh! Uh, everypony and everybody!”

However, Starlight eyed the chaos maker and told him. "Actually, now that you've got your powers back and can send us wherever you like with a snap of your claws, could you maybe make two trips? One to the hospital to fetch some ponies to tend to Twilight…” She turned as everyone eyed the alicorn immediately nodding in agreement to that suggestion as she had stumbled down to the ground with her brother and sister-in-law quick to catch her due to the bullet wounds taking it’s effect on her.

"Of course! And what about the other one?" Discord then asked.

The reformed unicorn smiled. "That is something I feel is a better idea to go relax and celebrate, if you're up for it.” Everyone all looked on all eyes and ears for that proposal…

Things were going quite well in Cutie Markless. Despite Starlight and Sunburst's abrupt exit the day before, everypony in the village was enjoying themselves enormously.

Suddenly, however, all were surprised to see not just Starlight Glimmer but many of the Pride Landers and Equestrians that took part in the final battle against the Outlanders.

Upon seeing Starlight, Party Favor was the first to find the words and the courage to speak up. "Oh uh, hey, Starlight," He blinked in surprise. "What are you doing back here?"

Double Diamond spoke up. "You left in such a hurry before, we kinda thought you didn't wanna come. Does this mean you changed your mind?"

"You could say that," Starlight nodded before she explained. "I'm sorry about the way I acted yesterday. I know it must've seemed rude and concerning. But what got into me was that, I wasn't ready to be a leader again. Especially not for you ponies."

Night Glider blushed. "Right, that. Sorry about that. We didn’t mean to bring that up on you like that. We were just so happy to see you again."

"We hadn't heard nor seen you in ages," Sugar Belle explained to her fellow unicorn. "We'd only heard occasional stories abut you along with stories of how you’ve been helping out in fighting the war against the Outlanders. We wanted to show you how far we've come as a village since you left. And we really did need some extra hooves for some of our festival's activities."

"Yeah, I realize that now," Starlight acknowledged as she looked to her friends that had come with her. "I was afraid I might go back to being the pony I used to be if I was put in charge of anything again. I didn't realize I was still haunted by my past. But a recent experience has helped me to realize that I have changed. And sometimes, we have no choice but to step up and be a leader," She then offered. "So, I can still help out a little... if you are all still up for it."

Double Diamond smiled, pulling Starlight close. "Of course we do, Starlight. After all, if it wasn't for you we all would've ever met each other in the first place. So even at your worst, you did do something good."

The reformed unicorn smiled right back. "Yeah, I guess so. Life works in mysterious ways sometimes," And she chuckled. "By the way, I know it's sudden but I brought a lot of friends along. You already know Sunburst and Princess Twilight along with Prince Kion and their friends, but there's also Spike," She pointed to the baby dragon, and then to the hat and cape wearing unicorn beside her. "Trixie," She then pointed to the rest of the Royal Family along with the Pride Landers including Jasiri, Janja, and their clan. “Princesses Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Flurry Heart. Prince Shining Armor. Along with the Pride Landers who helped ensured the war is now over…” And then she gestured to the mismatched creature standing taller than everyone else. "And Discord. I hope you'll get to know them like I've known them. Discord especially."

"Well, we might have to make some adjustments to handle the larger crowd." Party Favor spoke up.

Night Glider added. "But with you helping us out, Starlight, we can do it!"

"Good," Starlight happily sighed before asking. "Now where's the baking contest? This pony needs a cupcake right now!"

And as Starlight Glimmer trotted off, most others spread out to enjoy what the village had to offer.

“So I'm able to rip the very fabric of reality again.” Discord commented to the others who joined Starlight in part of the rescue mission earlier.

“Yeah, yeah. And I'm still a self-absorbed, below-average illusionist, right?” Trixie scoffed like before.

“And even still I am the cowardly hyena who still has yet to learn how to be braver and more compassionate in the face of battle.” Janja remarked equally annoyed with Discord too.

“Actually, I was going to say a couple of those illusions were above average. And the same can be said for you too Janja, in regards to your bravery in dealing with the battle against those Outlanders.

“I suppose that is true.” Janja admitted.

Turning his attention back to Trixie. “If you ever need a little chaos in your act, let me know.”

Trixie once more laughed at the idea. “Ha! When pigs fly!”

“Your wish is my command!” With a snap of his talons he had a pig with wings appeared with Trixie finding herself on top of it.

“Oh!” Janja eagerly smiled. “I want in on this!” With another snap of his talons he found himself riding a flying pig too. “Aw yeah! Let’s ride!”

With a squeal as Discord slapped the bottoms of the flying pigs they all took off as fast their wings can carry them.

“Whoa! Whoooooaaaa!”

“I’m having fun already!”

Upon racing by most of the Lion and Pony Guard enjoying drinks and desserts who are all looking on like it is the most surprising thing they have seen all day, Rainbow moved to speak the question on everyone’s mind now. “Somebody and somepony is really gonna have to catch us up on what we missed.”

“Oh, yeah!” Fuli nodded. “Especially the part where Janja is now a good guy now. I mean who would have thought that would happen?”

“Not me.”

“Nor would I have guessed it.”

“Nor predicted it.”

Both Applejack, Rarity, Ono all voiced equally surprised.

“However it happened it sure must have took him long enough.” Beshte commented feeling pleased to see it himself.

“No kidding.” Fluttershy agreed feeling that day would have come sooner or later if not today.

“Hard to believe…” Jasiri spoke as she joined them with a pie in her paws. “...But it is true and is part of a story that was coming for quite a while.”

“And it’s a very relatable feeling too.” Sunset chimed in as she too is enjoying herself a pie and cake from the festivities.

“Really?” Pinkie returned feeling pleased to hear it. “Do tell.”

“Sure thing, Pinkie.” Jasiri giggled .

“Be happy to.” Sunset also giggled before they both helped themselves to their cake and pie before moving to explain to them how it all happened.

At a table right next to the others, Spike and Kion both looked to Twilight (now hooked to an IV and all patched up and treated for her injuries) who had tears in her eyes.

"Are you okay, Twilight?"

“Are those happy or sad tears?”

Twilight Sparkle nodded with a smile. "Yes, Spike. Kion. These are happy tears. Starlight has truly come a long way from the pony she once was. From a bad leader, to follower of Scar, to a good leader in her own right. I don't think she's a student of friendship anymore. After all she's done especially today, she has learned just as much about it as I have."

"So, what does that mean for her studies?"

“Like some kind of graduation ceremony?” Spike and Kion also asked with concern.

"That's a discussion for another time and place, Spike, Kion." Twilight replied. "For now, let's just let her enjoy herself. She's earned this victory as much as I have."

Deep down in said unicorn's mind before partaking in said events she sang herself the same somber tune she once sang to herself before it grew it a more hopeful and peaceful tune towards the end after seeing herself of what she has become since meeting the Lion and Pony Guard from Day One.

I'll Try! (Reprise)

Not only that another moment not too long along occurred in her head. The moment she found herself explaining to Twilight of what happened that day with Sunburst by her side.

"I'm sorry, Twilight. I really tried. The anxiety and panic I felt at that moment was too much." Starlight shamefully explained with her head and ears lowered to mirror her current expression. "I just couldn't do it. I have failed you, Twilight."

Twilight however shook her head, having none of that self-enforced notion she implementing on herself. "You have not failed me. And it's okay. Really." She then moved to place a gentle hoof on her chin to get her to look directly into her purple eyes of wisdom even while tearing up. "And do you know why?"

"Why?"

"Because I know what's it like to go through that." She then recalled. "Back after my return to Equestria I have found myself dealing with the scorn and contempt of the Pride Landers and rightfully so. Even defeating Scar wasn't enough for them to ease off that anger they had for me. At least until they can to their senses at the same time I grew more of a spine to stand up for myself more. From there we are able to make peace where our trust in one another was rebuilt and we all saw each other eye to eye better than before."

"Really? Wow." Starlight returned really seeing herself in a mirror now and someone she can strive to be if she makes the progressing steps to do so. "Do you really think I can do it if I tried again?"

"Absolutely. But only when you are truly really." Twilight returned with a warm smile.

Even while still feeling uncertain inside, she now is feeling more self assured than before to get herself smiling and ready to make the first steps into getting herself to cross the bridge once more. A day that would come the day she owned up to leadership and played a vital role in defeating Scar, Zira, and Chrysalis with the latter being someone she could have turned out to be had remained on the dark path she was on a year ago. A smile that happened to be on her face in the present day as she felt herself becoming a new pony now.

All while the ongoing celebrations at the village are going on, Zira and most of her pride (expect Kovu and Vitani) can only look on and growl at the sight of what has just happened. They have all suffered a big time loss unlike before and now they are with only what they have outside of the Pride Lands, Outlands, and Equestria. So with the only thing they can they all turned their backs away from the border with hopes and plans to be able to fight another day and hoping they can avenge Scar along with finishing off what he had started before disappearing in a flash of dark magic courtesy of Zira herself.

At the same time strong surges of magic are felt in the ongoing campfires near the beaches leading to Mount Aris. One that has the sound of a certain laughing enemy still lurking around even with the death of his physical body...

Author's Note

Okay, now that all is said and read here, now is the part of getting into on what quite a finale that was and what happened. Janja and his clan have performed a Heel Face Turn with the former making a solid start to redemption with what he did in this finale, The changelings (barring the Irredeemable Exception of course) all do the same with a new strive for pursing love. And oh yes, Scar is finally defeated, Ushari and Chrysalis are Killed off for Real, the Pride Landers Outlanders War is now over with the Legion of Doom disbanded, and Jasiri is the new Big Good of the Outlands.

As for what led up to this moment, I thought it would be nice to try to incorporate the primary and secondary characters together to give both sides a fair share to shine without being sided to a few lines here and there like minor characters do. And thanks to the addition of Sunset (Back for the Finale to boot), I was able to find a way for the Lion and Pony Guard to be able lead the invading attack on the Outlands (Changeling Kingdom in this case) like in cannon, without making it all about Starlight along with the rescue party, and of course giving Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, and Simba the time to shine they didn't also get in canon too.

Also for the record the Battle for the Pride Lands in my opinion the best episode of the Lion Guard, and for those disappointed by excluding what happens to Kion and Ono, I haven't forgotten about that. Why it hasn't happened now was because it wasn't in my interest for that occur at this time.

As for Scar himself, he is defeated or if the ending is any indication (for now) but that said he is not coming back against the heroes for Season 7 (barring some scenes here and there, which you will find out when it happens and only when it does.). And something for those questioning why he was still around for Seasons 5 and 6 for the sake of a forced plot understand this, his canon arc in the show was the spice that sparked many interested viewers to the show in the first place, so there's no doing away with it and respect it.

And although the war that has lasted for four seasons, four years both in the canon and real timeline, with Zira and her pride now exiled outside of both the Pride Lands and Equestria, there will be another war coming up with them leading the charge coming the Pride Lands and Equestria's way.

Speaking of Season 7 to how I am going to tackle that, you'll have that answer on my next blog but it will be a while until that happens. But for now stay tuned...