Rise of Ruinous

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic: RISE OF RUINOUS

Chapter 40: The Spirit of Oblivion, Ruinous - Part 4 - The Revival of Harmony

Twilight Sparkle and her group walk in slowly, seeing the rest of the Mane 6 as Ruinous left them.  The purple mare sighs, knowing she's got work to do.

N.Moon: *nod* Go on.

Twilight Sparkle nods, putting on her Element of Harmony and heading to the first of her friends she met - Applejack.  She pulled out the farm pony's hat and got on the bed next to her.

T.Sparkle: Applejack..... Hey, Applejack.  It's me, Twilight.  I brought back your hat. *She puts it on her head*  You remember when we helped you with the harvest?  =SHIFT: Applejack's nightmare= Boy, there were a lot of apples to pick.  I had no idea Sweet Apple Acres was so expansive.  *The nightmare begins to dissolve, Applejack slowly rising to her hooves*  And the Flim Flams?  Sure, they cheated, but all that cider we made.  It was almost as if  *A beam of light breaks through the darkness*  we became closer with each barrel.  All the good times we had together, everytime you helped me out of a jam, the honesty you showed me, *Applejack looks up and sees Twilight Sparkle's face, smiling as the light makes a ramp for her to go up*  I remember it all.

Applejack: Sugar cube.....

Applejack runs up the beam of light, towards Twilight Sparkle.

T.Sparkle: That's it, Applejack.....  Come back to me.

Twilight Sparkle hugs Applejack and cries.  Her Element of Harmony and her magic power swirled together and enchanted her tears as they fell on Applejack's necklace, purifying her Element of Honesty and reviving her!  Applejack groans and slowly wakes up, hugging Twilight Sparkle.

T.Sparkle: APPLEJACK!

Applejack: Heya, sugar cube.....  How are ya?

T.Sparkle: Oh, thank Celestia you're OK!

Applejack: Man, that was horrible!  Everyone was lying and wouldn't stop hating me and.....

T.Sparkle: It's OK, Applejack.  It's all over.

Applejack: Well, how did YOU get outta there?  I thought ya'll were stuck in that maze with us.

T.Sparkle: You won't believe who got me out.

Applejack cocked her head at Twilight Sparkle, then looked at the foot of the bed.  The farm pony gasped as she saw.....

Applejack: Queen Chrysalis?

Q.Chrysalis: Yes, child.  Are you OK?

Applejack: Y-yeah.

Virtuna: She saved us, too.

Trixie: I guess Ruinous didn't feel like we were synchronized enough.

Q.Chrysalis: *nod*  I guess not.  Anyway, you may not find this believable, but that monster at the wedding and the anniversary wasn't the real me - THIS is.  I was how I was because Hatetrol cursed me 2,000 years ago.

Applejack: Discord told us that Ruinous last attacked 2,000 years ago.

Q.Chrysalis: *nod* Yes, child.  He tried to attack Equestria from my kingdom, but the Master Elements stopped him.  He was supposed to be sealed away for longer than 2,000 years, but the lock apparently wasn't strong enough.

Applejack: Maybe 'cuz there were only three of ya'll.  *tries to get up*  Ugh..... C'mon, AJ.

Queen Chrysalis used the same green pulse that healed Twilight Sparkle on Applejack.  Applejack smiled at her former enemy as she got off the bed.

Applejack: Well, guess ya'll CAN change.

Nightmare Moon and Discord clear their throats, making Applejack and Queen Chrysalis laugh.  Twilight Sparkle also laughs, then heads for her next target - Rainbow Dash.  Twilight Sparkle grunts as she gets up on the bed.

T.Sparkle: Rainbow Dash.....  Hey, Rainbow.  *She levitates the book out of her saddlebags*  It's me, *pulls the book over* Twilight.  And I brought your favorite book.  Remember the fun you had reading with me in the library?  Those were some of my best days with you.  *She puts the book by Rainbow Dash*  Remember the Young Fliers' Competition?  I was so in awe of your flying ability.  =SHIFT: Rainbow Dash's nightmare=  Everytime I see you fly, it's breathtaking to me.  And when I think about how *the nightmare begins dissolving* you've been there for everypony, it makes me smile.  Scootaloo is right to idolize you.  *A beam of light comes down on Rainbow Dash, the pegasus looking up and - just like Applejack - seeing a smiling Twilight Sparkle*  You've been there for everypony.  Your loyalty is legendary, Rainbow, and everypony's better for it.

R.Dash: Twilight, I..... You're my favorite egghead, you know that?  I NEVER said this, but..... I love you.

Rainbow Dash runs up the beam of light towards Twilight Sparkle.

T.Sparkle: Oh, Rainbow, I love you, too!  *hugs Rainbow Dash*  Please come back!  RAINBOW!!!

Just as before, the Element of Magic and Twilight's own magic power combined with her tears to purify Rainbow Dash's element.  This time, when Rainbow Dash woke up, she began shrieking in pain!

R.Dash: AW!  My wing!!

Q.Chrysalis: !!!  *flies over*  Here, Rainbow!

Queen Chrysalis uses her heal pulse to fix Rainbow Dash's wing and restore the pegasus' energy.  Rainbow Dash tests her wings and lifts off, flying around a bit and landing on the bed next to Twilight Sparkle.

R.Dash: *hug*  That is some heal spell, Twilight.

T.Sparkle: I can't take credit for it, Rainbow.

R.Dash: Oh?

The pegasus looks around, locking eyes on Trixie.

Trixie: The Great and Powerful Trixie..... doesn't know that spell... yet.

Rainbow Dash nods, then smiles at Applejack before looking at Nightmare Moon.

N.Moon: Close!

R.Dash: HOW close?

Nightmare Moon points behind Rainbow Dash.  The pegasus turns and blinks.

R.Dash: You?

Q.Chrysalis: That's right, child.  It was me.

R.Dash: You sure didn't act THIS way at the wedding.

Applejack: Hatetrol cursed her.

R.Dash: *bangs a hoof on the bed* Gilda!

Q.Chrysalis: Who?

R.Dash: A griffon friend of mine who acted obnoxiously every time she flew to Ponyville.  I just thought she was rude!  Then, when we beat Hatetrol, she acted so nice.  I didn't think he'd be able to overpower YOU, of all ponies.  You even beat Princess Celestia in a beam fight!

Q.Chrysalis: I wasn't that strong when Ruinous attacked Transforma 2,000 years ago.

T.Sparkle: You should've seen the southern area.  Homes destroyed, changelings all over laying like *points to Fluttershy's bed* that, it was heart-breaking.

Rainbow Dash sniffled, then hugged Queen Chrysalis.  The changeling sighs, hugging back.

Q.Chrysalis: Thanks, child.

R.Dash: I cannot imagine what you went through.

Q.Chrysalis: It hurt me worse to hurt Celestia - if such a thing makes sense.  I SO wanted her to help me.....

R.Dash: She will.  *Queen Chrysalis perks up at her*  I know it.

Q.Chrysalis: *nod* Thanks, you.

The two hug up one more time, then Rainbow Dash practically tackles Applejack to the ground hugging her!  Twilight Sparkle chuckles, then heads over to Rarity.

T.Sparkle: *gets on the bed* Man..... I thought what Ruinous did to RAINBOW was bad..... Hey, Rarity.  It's me, *pulls out the picture* Twilight.  Remember when you made this dress for me?  It was so beautiful, just like its creator.  *She sets the picture by the white unicorn*  Gosh, you were an amazing dressmaker.  All those dresses you made for the gala.  And all that I learned from you about strength from within. =SHIFT: Rarity's nightmare= The way you handled the Diamond Dogs, the way you handled Prince Blueblood, everything you did, you handled yourself with *The nightmare begins dissolving* poise and character.  And your generosity!  I have never seen a pony *Rarity sees a beam of light leading up to Twilight Sparkle* give everything they have like you before, and I don't think I ever will see anypony who approaches it.

Rarity: Twilight.....  YOU have also taught me things I can't put a price on.

Rarity rushes up the beam of light towards Twilight Sparkle.

T.Sparkle: That's it!  Come back to me, Rarity, *hug* COME BACK TO ME!

Again, Twilight's Element of Harmony and her magic combined with her tears to purify Rarity's Element, reviving the fashionista.  She groans out as she re-awakens, half because she was weakened by Ruinous' attack, and half because she was disgusted at how dirty he got her!

Rarity: AGH!  What did Ruinous do, use ME to clean that maze?!

T.Sparkle: RARITY!!!

The two unicorns hug and chuckle, Queen Chrysalis' heal pulse restoring Rarity's energy.  Rarity looks at Queen Chrysalis and gasped.

Rarity: WELL!  THIS is sure a turn of events.  *She grunts, shaking off as much dirt as she could*  First Nightmare Moon, then Discord and now YOU?

Q.Chrysalis: *nod* Indeed, child.  I hope my earlier interactions didn't spoil any chance of a friendship.

Rarity: Now HOW can you say that?!  Just the fact that you healed me should be enough.

Virtuna: She also saved Twilight.

Rarity: YOU are on a roll, Your Highness.

Q.Chrysalis: Oh, now.  I wouldn't go THAT far.

Rarity: Trust me, you are.  I dunno what happened at the wedding and anniversary, but.....

R.Dash: Uh, HATE to interrupt.  Remember Gilda?

Rarity: *blink* The griffon?

Rarity jumps down and hugs both Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

Applejack: Yeah, and how she became a sweetie after we beat Hatetrol?

Rarity: *nod* .....Puh-LEASE don't tell me.....

Rainbow Dash and Applejack nod, the farm pony pointing at Queen Chrysalis.  Rarity looks at the changeling with a blink.

Rarity: Well then, I guess I have ONE thing to say to YOU, Your Majesty.

Rarity walks up to Queen Chrysalis.

Rarity: *blinks and cocks her head*  I do NOT know how you are washing yourself, but your skin or carapace or whatever this is is so DULL!  And your WINGS!  I should be seeing rainbows criss-crossing in them, they have no prismic effect whatsoever!  And HOW are you treating your HAIR!  I have NEV-VER seen so many split ends and it's so oily!  And your crown!  You are a queen and you should be in a more regal ensemble.  May I suggest a version of what Princess Celestia wears?

The changeling queen was stunned, looking at Twilight Sparkle.

Q.Chrysalis: Does she do that a lot?

T.Sparkle: Nope.  She does it every time.

Q.Chrysalis: You think you can do it?

Rarity: I KNOW I can.

The two hug up, smiling.  Rarity then hugs Rainbow Dash, then Applejack as Twilight Sparkle heads for Fluttershy.  She leaps up on the bed, holding the copy of the "Foal Free Press".

T.Sparkle: Fluttershy..... Hey, Fluttershy.....  It's me, Twilight.  I brought over the "Foal Free Press" with your victory over Toxion.  I was so happy for you on that day.  *She lays the newspaper down on the bed*  You're so vigilant when it comes to caring for animals.  It's one of the things I like most about you. =SHIFT: Fluttershy's nightmare= Your kindness knows absolutely no bounds.  And you've been there with such sweetness and caring, oh, Fluttershy, you got *The nightmare begins dissolving* me through so much.  *A beam of light shines down on Fluttershy, the pegasus looking up to see Twilight Sparkle*  You've seen nothing but good in everyone, and I will always take that with me.

Fluttershy: Twilight.....

With a gasp, Fluttershy dashes up the beam of light.

T.Sparkle: That's it, Fluttershy.  Come back to me, to US!

Just as before, Twilight Sparkle's magic and her Element of harmony swirled in her tears and helped purify Fluttershy's element, reviving the yellow pegasus.  Fluttershy hugged Twilight Sparkle and softly cried.

T.Sparkle: Fluttershy!

Queen Chrysalis purred, healing Fluttershy and restoring her energy.

Fluttershy: *blink* changeling?

Q.Chrysalis: "Changed"-ling, technically.

R.Dash: yeah, fluttershy.  remember gilda?

Fluttershy: *nods, then hugs Rainbow Dash* yeah.....

Applejack: Apparently it's the same principle.

Rarity: Once we banished Hatetrol, not only did GILDA turn nice, but also, *points to Queen Chrysalis* her.

Q.Chrysalis: you ok?

Fluttershy: *smiles* Yes, Your Highness.

Trixie: She is incredible, one she got rid of that curse.

Q.Chrysalis: *giggle* Aw, no.  YOU did.  I just decided to DO something about what Ruinous did, and what he tried to do.

Fluttershy: What happened?

Discord: Remember when I told you about Ruinous' last attack, 2,000 years ago?

Fluttershy: Yes.

Discord: Apparently he struck Equestria from South Transforma.

Trixie: It looked like a meteor flattened the place.  Trixie has never seen such destruction before, and hopefully she never shall again.

Fluttershy: How bad?

Queen Chrysalis sighs.

Q.Chrysalis: Bad.  *points at Pinkie Pie* See her?  Imagine her state times all of Equestria.

Fluttershy: oh..... my.....

Fluttershy hugs Queen Chrysalis, weeping.  This touching moment even got to Nightmare Moon and Discord.  After a while, Fluttershy looked into the changeling's eyes.

Fluttershy: You have my word, Your Highness.  We WILL help you stop him.

Q.Chrysalis: *nod* You are an amazing pillar of strength, Fluttershy.  *Fluttershy blushes*  You really are your Element of Kindness.

Fluttershy hugs Queen Chrysalis, then reunites with Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Applejack.  Twilight Sparkle smiled and eyed her last target, Pinkie Pie.  She heads over to the party pony's bed, carrying the party hat.

T.Sparkle: Pinkie Pie.....  Heya, Pinkie.....  *She puts the party hat on Pinkie Pie's head, even though it had stars and not balloons on it*  Remember your surprise party?  I do.  That was so fun.  *chuckle*  Just thinking about you makes me laugh.  Your jokes, your zaniness, your Pinkie Sense.  You're so good at spreading laughter all over Equestria. =SHIFT: Pinkie Pie's nightmare=  You made my day so many times just being around.  You and the others made my day just being around.  *The nightmare dissolves*  That's why all of you *A beam of light appears around Pinkie Pie, leading to Twilight Sparkle* are my best friends.

P.Pie: Twi.....

In her typical fashion, Pinkie Pie bounces up the beam of light towards Twilight Sparkle.

T.Sparkle: That's right, Pinkie Pie.  Come back to me!

Twilight Sparkle's Element of Harmony and her own magic power swirled in her tears, purifying Pinkie Pie's Element and reviving her!  Everypony cheers as the Bearers of Harmony hug up, reunited at last!

P.Pie: So, Twi, *sniff* how'd'ya get out? *SHUDDER!*

R.Dash: Doozy, eh?

P.Pie: I dunno.  I thought losing to Ruinous was the doozy.

Pinkie Pie shudders again as Queen Chrysalis hits her with the heal pulse.

Q.Chrysalis: Is she OK?

Pinkie Pie shudders big-time, ending up looking right at the chuckling changeling.

P.Pie: YOU?

Q.Chrysalis: *nod* Yes, child.  I was cursed by Hatetrol.

P.Pie: *nod* Mr. Meanie-Pants with the e-e-e-evil stare.  But-hold-on.  You're stronger than even Princess Celestia.  How.....  Oh, man.....

Q.Chrysalis: He used Prince Shiftshape and Princess Morphina as pawns in his game, a game he'd've won if not for the Master Elements.

P.Pie: Ruinous IS a mean meany-pants for using your children like that!  Of COURSE you were worried about them, I mean, I worry about the Cake Twins and I didn't give birth to them!

Q.Chrysalis: I'm glad to know of your devotion, child.  You and your friends are amazing.

R.Dash: HAH!  It's what we do, Your Highness.

The changeling smiles, then.....

P.Pie: Well, another thing: Happy Birthday!

Queen Chrysalis gives Pinkie Pie a curious look.

P.Pie: .....In (however many days to Oct. 10) days!

The changeling queen laughs, hugging the laughing party pony to her.

N.Moon: *laugh*  Boy, you work FAST on that friend-making thing, eh, Pink?

P.Pie: Oh, yeah!

Everypony laughs as Twilight Sparkle smiles, seeing her friends accept Queen Chrysalis despite all that's happened.  In fact, she was so fixated on seeing this touching scene, she failed to see Ruinous behind her, readying a bomb made of the black fog that defeated the ponies she revived in the first place!  Nightmare Moon gasps as Ruinous fires!

N.Moon: Look out, Twilight Sparkle!

T.Sparkle: ?!?!

Nightmare Moon knocked Twilight Sparkle way aside, taking the shot!  She puts up a shield around herself, ensuring she was the only one affected.  After the shield dissipated, Nightmare Moon, similar to the ponies before her, slid to the floor in a heap, eliciting gasps from everyone else!

Mane 6: NO!!!!!

T.Sparkle: Nightmare Moon!

Virtuna: Oh, MAN!!!

T.Sparkle: She..... She took that for me.....  Why did..... Who..... Where..... Nightmare-Moon?  Nightmare-Moon!  Wake up!  You GOTTA wake up!  Nightmare Moon!  NIGHTMARE MOON!!!!!

TO BE CONTINUED