Spike's New Adventure

Chapters

First Step Forward
Shocking Discovery
Coming Home
Emissary
Crystal Faire
Aftermath
Training Starts Now
Progress in Equestria
Storm Nation's Travel
Equus' Origins
More Revelations
Spike's Calling
Tea Party
Preparations
Making a Deal
Pitstop
New Visitor
Recruiting Daring Do
Ahuizotl
Another Pick Up
Traveling Part One
Recruiting New Army
Valhalla's Circle

First Step Forward

It's a typical evening at the Castle of Friendship for Spike the Dragon. Having completed the list of chores Twilight assigned him before leaving the castle with her friends for Princess Luna's birthday party in Canterlot, Spike got left behind. Princess Celestia sent a letter earlier in the day, requesting Twilight and her friends' presence in Canterlot to help prepare a surprise party for her sister, Princess Luna, late at night. Earlier in the day, Twilight made a mess in one of the libraries within the castle while studying. Spike spent all day cleaning and reshelving the books, scrubbing the interior windows, mopping and sweeping the floors. The job for one creature would kill anyone or make them quit after realizing how tedious the objective actually is.

Spike is by the balcony of the Castle of Friendship, and not even Starlight Glimmer is around; she's with Twilight and the girls in Canterlot, probably singing the Happy Birthday song to Princess Luna. Spike gazes at the night sky, wishing there's more to life than being a servant. After a few moments of star gazing, Spike turned away and retreated to his bedroom to read the latest issue of his comic book for relief.

Ten minutes into his Power Ponies comic, Spike's character, Hum-Drum, has decided to inform the team about quitting the force after feeling left out of the action and fun. Hum-Drum needed a new change for fulfillment as he was tired of being a doormat, a pushover, a nobody. The comic even explains the revelations behind the mask during social gatherings, get-togethers, and parties, and more about how he missed out on everything life gives to his friends and not him. Spike relates to Hum-Drum with his scenario in Equestria and reads the next page, wondering what Hum-Drum would be doing. At the end of the title card for Hum-Drum fans, it reads: LOOK OUT FOR ISSUE #1 OF HUM-DRUM'S ASCENSION! NEW VISION CITY!

Spike wonders if the new issue of Hum-Drum would have him start his own league of heroes or become a solo superhero. Then, Spike thought about the idea of his new fulfillment in life. He'll pronounce his resignation and leave Ponyville like his favorite Power Ponies Character, Hum-Drum.

Spike thought long and hard about ideal locations to settle since Ponyville and Canterlot are not so favorable; then the idea came to him, one place where he's glorified and praised among his peers, the Crystal Empire!

"YEAH!" Spike excitedly shouts in his bedroom, causing an echo throughout the Castle of Friendship. "The Crystal Empire would be perfect for me! Perhaps I can have a room in the Crystal Castle, have eyes all over the kingdom, and then spring into action whenever a crystal pony calls for help!" Spike imagines many scenarios about saving a family from robbers, defeating a gang of thugs, and solving mysteries the crystal guards couldn't figure out.

"Yeah," Spike releases a satisfying sigh after an hour of imagination running wild, daydreaming the many crystal ponies cheering, applauding, and showing gratitude for his hard work and actions. He falls asleep, dreaming of life at the Crystal Empire like a watchful guardian during the day and night, ensuring life thrives in peace, and any enemy daring to make a move would rue the decision once the Brave and Glorious intervenes and saves the day.

It's the crack of dawn in Ponyville; Spike dreamt wonderfully and woke up, smiling widely for the new day to embrace in his next chapter in life. Routinely, whenever Twilight Sparkle would leave Spike alone in the castle, all Spike could hear were his breaths; however, that didn't matter to him. If Twilight truly cared about Spike, she would have included him in Canterlot, helped prepare Princess Luna's birthday party, and celebrated with his friends and family. Right now, Spike starts packing his belongings, grabbing the essentials, some bits for his pouch, and snacks for the train ride to the Crystal Empire.

After packing, Spike grabs a scroll and quill to start writing his resignation to Princess Twilight Sparkle and confirming his status with Princess Celestia about his decision to leave and begin anew to achieve new goals for fulfillment. Spike started writing to Princess Celestia, addressing the letter for her and Twilight to understand his point of view and feelings.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I'm writing to you today about my resignation from being Twilight's Number One Assistant. I have thought about my decision for quite some time during the days I would spend solitude at the Castle of Friendship whenever Twilight Sparkle would embark on a quest or spend time with her friends.

Princess Celestia, you're probably wondering why I didn't arrive yesterday to partake in the celebration of Princess Luna's birth; well, the truth is, Princess Twilight Sparkle issued me a chore list to complete, especially with the disaster of a mess in her library yesterday. I attempted to ask about my availability once I completed my task; however, she turned a deaf ear and left me in the Castle of Friendship. I wholeheartedly believed Twilight thought I would be too tired to come when I finished and would pass out on the train ride to Canterlot Castle. Honestly, though, I have no ill will against Twilight Sparkle, but this gave me time to reflect on my life, and for many years since moving to Ponyville, my life has been dull, boring, and lonesome. I have my guys' night with Applejack's brother, Big McIntosh, and Discord; however, I don't have many friends to spend time with.

Empress Ember and Thorax are ruling their nations and don't have much time for me. My pool of friends is slim, and since Twilight Sparkle hangs with her friends and excludes me, what's the point of staying when I'm unhappy? That's the other topic of this discussion.

Unhappiness.

Recently, I haven't been much of myself. I feel like Princess Luna imprisoned on the moon, isolated, quiet, and with no one to interact with. Unfortunately, before I decided to achieve something new in life, I had perfected the fake smile to ensure that my demeanor was calm with no worries whatsoever. I would lie about my feelings to Twilight Sparkle since she would ignore me whenever I wanted to talk. It was a defense mechanism to avoid my internal struggles and fight off my demons whenever they poked me and reminded me of my appearance being different. If I had the body of a pony, Twilight would be more attentive to me and more welcome to join the festivities. Maybe not. I don't know anymore.

All I want in my life is to strive for greatness, and being Twilight Sparkle's Number One Assiant would only hold me back; therefore, I will be leaving Ponyville and venturing into the Crystal Empire since I'm known as the Brave and Glorious among the crystal ponies. I want to live up to the name, become an active hero, go on adventures, make new friends, and enjoy life.

Thank you for understanding, Princess Celestia, and if you're reading this to Twilight Sparkle or if Twilight is reading the letter loudly to every pony in the room, throne room, or breakfast hall, don't come and change my mind. There's nothing you can say to divert me to the Castle of Friendship; I have nothing to gain in Ponyville. I'm just wasting away with tedious jobs and cleaning messes.

Sincerely,
Spike the Dragon

P.S. Don't guilt-trip me or make any promises to change and bring me back to Ponyville; Princess Twilight Sparkle has her destiny to someday rule Equestria. I would have nothing, just a spectator to her accomplishments as I have none. Also, send help to clean the freaking castle, it's too much for one creature to endure, and I've done it alone for years! It kills me when I'm too tired and do it again the next day without help!!

Spike takes a breather after slowly writing for an hour, his heart pounding and his mind racing. He stares at the ceiling, weighing his thoughts to send the letter now or wait until he boards the train departing Ponyville.

"I should send it during the train ride; if I do it now, Twilight will teleport here and ask me a flurry of questions, giving me an earache about staying instead."

Spike puts on his backpack, glances at his bedroom, and shuts the door to begin his new path into greatness rather than darkness. He walks down the corridors of the Castle of Friendship and ponders the replacement to uphold the cleaning, cooking, and performing the tasks necessary while Twilight enjoys her life. Spike wonders if Princess Celestia would send new hires to the Castle of Friendship and become Princess Twilight's new maids and butlers to help around after realizing how brutal one creature endured the chore list.

Opening the Castle of Friendship's doors, Spike gets blinded by the bright sunlight hitting his face, like a new chapter is about to begin. The sun rising on a sweet spring's day, the smell of freshly mowed lawns, the sounds of fillies and colts playing, every pony enjoying each other's company and going along with their business; Spike sees everyone enjoying life blissfully and will uphold the same experiences at the Crystal Empire, with some weapons training from Shining Armor and the crystal guards, if permitted by Princess Cadance after hearing his side of the story and reasoning for not appearing at Princess Luna's birthday party last night. Many neighbors greet him and ask how the Princess of Friendship is doing, wondering if Twilight is on a friendship quest or commencing the acclaimed School of Friendship, one in which Spike didn't want to partake, knowing more responsibilities that'll delay his growth on finding his path for succession.

Spike buys his ticket to the Crystal Empire, although when the station pony notices Twilight's dragon, she wants to give him the ticket freely since Spike is somewhat royalty; however, Spike insists on paying, making himself feel better that he did something on his own without Twilight's influence. It made Spike more free from Twilight's shadow than he'll ever know when taking the first step into the new chapter of his life.

The 8:37 train arrives at the station, and many ponies depart and board the train. Spike sighs in relief after having anxiety about meeting Twilight and her friends on the same train. He believes everyone is having breakfast before leaving Canterlot by train to enjoy the scenery and resuming their duties in Ponyville.

Spike boards the train and hands his ticket to the conductor; he goes to the front of the train and sits down, placing his backpack next to him like a friend, staring out the window, waiting for the engines to ignite and move. Staring at the skies while the weather team moves clouds for a supposed rain storm later in the day, Spike holds onto the resignation letter and rereads what he wrote.

"Well, here goes something," Spike wraps the scroll nicely and addresses the title as urgent importance to display the seriousness of his decision-making. He breathes his fire at the scroll, magically teleporting the resignation letter to Princess Celestia in Canterlot, wherever she is with Twilight and her friends.

Shocking Discovery

Princess Celestia is having breakfast with her sister, Princess Luna, and her friends Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Applejack. She had prepared pancakes for everypony in the room rather than having her finest chefs cook; she wanted to make breakfast more wholesome for everyone after last night's party.

Princess Celestia thanked everypony for making Princess Luna's birthday more lively than ever since the past few ones ended up in turmoil over royal affairs and bickering. Princess Luna shows gratitude for having one of the best birthday parties in over a thousand years; she promises to spend more time with her friends and family during the day and be more open-minded with those closest to her.

Princess Twilight Sparkle mentioned the School of Friendship's construction project and asked the Princesses for Canterlot's finest crew to help create her masterpiece since Discord is reluctant to follow her instructions. Princess Celestia accepted Twilight's request after she and her friends succeeded in Princess Luna's best birthday in a millennium.

Applejack reminded Twilight about her efficiency in construction arts with her brother and wouldn't mind lending a hoof for the project in exchange for extra help at the farm. Starlight volunteers to help the Apple family with her best friend, Trixie; however, Twilight Sparkle declines her student from volunteering when she reminds her about the layouts of the school's foundation by reaching out to the kingdoms Equestria is friends and peace with. Twilight proposed to her Number One Assistant, Spike, to uphold the responsibilities at Sweet Apple Acres since he has experience, unlike Starlight Glimmer.

Princess Luna ponders Spike's situation since he didn't appear in last night's festivities and thinks about visiting him either later today or late at night. Princess Celestia shares the eerie feeling of Spike not included in last night's party; however, she believes Spike may have hung out with his friends and had fun with them.

Pinkie Pie shares her excitement for bringing Yak Yakkistan to Ponyville, allowing the Yaks to learn what the School of Friendship offers to different creatures across Equus.

Rainbow Dash preaches about her class becoming twenty times more cooler than any other classes taught by her friends, which spiked up competition between Pinkie Pie and Applejack. Fluttershy doesn't want to become rivals with any of her friends, and Rarity ignores Rainbow's rant about becoming number one; she quietly acclaims to become number one with her methods.

With the girls laughing in joy at the future success of the School of Friendship, they thank Princess Celestia for making pancakes; they say their byes and leave the breakfast hall when a scroll marked with urgent importance appears in front of Princess Celestia. She blinks twice after reading the title.

"Was that from Spike?" Princess Luna asks after noticing the green flares spewing the scroll to suspend in the air. She feels uneasy right after Twilight and her friends leave the breakfast hall.

Princess Celestia unveils the scroll to read aloud. "Dear Princess Celestia, I'm writing to you today about my resignation from being Twilight's Number One Assistant."

Princess Luna's eyes widen in shock before her sister reacts to the rest of the letter; she's about to bellow for Twilight and her friends to return when Princess Celestia's right pegasi wing extends, cutting Princess Luna's speech before proceeding.

"You may want to hear this before addressing Princess Twilight Sparkle," Princess Celestia says after reading a paragraph ahead of the resignation letter. Her tone sounds distraught with a foul taste of sadness.

Princess Celestia continues to read the letter to Princess Luna about Spike's thoughts, feelings, and unhappiness, which perplexes the Princesses until they read about Spike's defense mechanism. They had no clue about Spike's comparison to Nightmare Moon's imprisonment and how severe loneliness and darkness had overwhelmed him. Princess Celestia becomes mortified with Twilight about her treatment of Spike and the possibilities that went unnoticed when she called for Twilight and her friends.

"How did she forget about Spike?" Both Princess of the Sun and Moon say in unison after realizing Spike's absence throughout the years unless it's necessarily written in a letter. "How did we forget about Spike?" Princess Celestia and Luna look at each other in disgust as they don't recall spending time with Spike, only with Twilight Sparkle and her friends.

Princess Celestia and Luna pondered about Spike's cleanup duties in solitude, which is mesmerizing to believe that Twilight would not assist Spike, leaving him to care with no magic! Another issue to address is Twilight's caregiving role since she flipped it upside down, allowing Spike to care for her when she's the one who hatched his dragon egg.

"This is wrong, Celestia," Princess Luna is appalled after reading the letter and wants to address the crime Twilight has committed, even unintentionally.

"No words can describe how I feel about Princess Twilight Sparkle's decision-making with Spike," Princess Celestia wholeheartedly believed the two were close, like a brother-sister relationship kind of friendship. She was wrongfully mistaken and stricken with grief with traumatizing thoughts of a friend in need, and there was no prayer answered.

"Then, the decision is decided?" Princess Luna knows her sister's intention to authorize Spike's resignation, permitting him to strive for life at the Crystal Empire.

"Indeed," Princess Celestia nods and conjures a stamper with the Equestrian Gold Seal of Approval to authorize Spike's resignation letter and will address the situation with Princess Cadance.

Princess Luna imagines herself flinching when her sister stamps the scroll harshly, and even she would never dare to challenge Celestia's feelings. Princess Celestia's horn ignites in a golden aura to use her magic to duplicate the letter and inserts it into a letter marked with utmost importance to Princess Cadance.

"As of now, not only will Spike be alleviated of his duties as Twilight's Number One Assistant, but I will enforce my power to relinquish Twilight's custody of Spike, transferring guardianship to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor," Princess Celestia proclaims since Twilight has already gotten used to Spike being less involved in her life. She writes the official statement to address Twilight's custody and seals it within a second envelope marked utmost important.

Princess Luna concurs with her sister's statement and volunteers to send an emissary to Princess Twilight Sparkle after she writes a follow-up statement about Spike's resignation since Princess Celestia has her schedule to uphold in the following hour. Princess Celestia cannot use her magic to send Twilight the statement since her spell is tethered to Spike for delivery, and he's probably halfway to the Crystal Empire by now.

"Forgive us, Spike, for we have also wronged you."

Coming Home

It's been an hour since Spike sent his resignation letter to Princess Celestia; he saw many Wonderbolts flying in the skies after passing Cloudsdale. It was a sight to behold when they were practicing routines for either an annual show or for tactical purposes in warfare when they were humiliated by the Storm Nation's forces.

"I wonder how Twilight will endure without me in the Castle of Friendship for the first time, especially with no help to clean up. Will Princess Celestia send help or allow Twilight to endure the hardship of solitude cleanup to understand how I tolerated it?" Spike speaks to himself about Twilight's punishment if she received one from Princess Celestia; if not, Spike would not concentrate on Twilight's affairs and focus on his future at the Crystal Empire.

Spike enjoys the train ride with many thoughts of being the Brave and Glorious the Crystal Empire deserves; he imagines the crystal ponies cheering, applauding, asking for autographs, and signing his signatures. The ride was swift since Spike would pretend to save a family of four from an underground syndicate yearning to wreak havoc and make a name for themselves.

Spike departs from the train and gazes at the beauty of the Crystal Empire, surrounded by lush green pastures and the lavish entrance consisting of crystal pillars with three rhombus geode crystals that move up and down. A magnificent white castle with sparkling and shimmering crystals stands tall at the center with houses of various shapes, colors, and shades of gemstones and crystals.

As always, it's breathtaking to stare at the magnificence of the empire and with no pony around to rush him. Spike takes his time to enter his new home as Brave and Glorious. "I'm hoooooome..!" Spike cries in happiness for the first time with a new chapter opening in his book of life; his excitement fills his lungs with fresh air and no toxicity.

Ten minutes of travel and many residents of the Crystal Empire gasp and cheer loudly for their champion. Many crystal ponies stand beside him, taking pictures, asking for autographs, and lifting and catching him in a crowded circle. Spike relishes the feeling and the praises so much that he blushed while explaining the importance of traveling to the crystal castle. The crystal ponies waste no time and escort their hero to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor.

Upon arrival at the crystal castle, Princess Cadance, Flurry Heart, Sunburst, and Shining Armor are near the Crystal Heart, smiling, showing love, and embracing their brother to the kingdom.

Spike is overjoyed with the warm welcome and turns to his peers, announcing his residency and upholding his entitlement as the Brave and Glorious, for which he receives a resounding ovation of cheers and hallelujahs. The crystal ponies are elated that their champion will live in the empire and would do anything to make him feel right at home.

Shining Armor approaches Spike, asking him a simple question. "What would you do now, Brave and Glorious?" He is aware of the situation about Spike's resignation letter and would now be his legal guardian with Princess Cadance.

Spike smirks with the visions he carried from last night's daydreaming. "Train to become the hero the CRYSTAL EMPIRE DESERVES!" Spike shouts boldly and proudly with emphasis. He's excited to become their protector with the possibility of underground syndicates plotting to raid the Crystal Empire or causing mischief.

The crystal ponies shout in a voice of triumph and praise for their champion to become a full-time protector, even though they have Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and the Crystal Heart.

Spike asks Shining Armor to train him diligently with some weapons the crystal guards use at their disposal. Shining Armor sighed deeply and declined Spike's request since he fortifies the crystal guards daily; however, he knows some pony who would coach him privately with more discipline since he's more family to him than the personal trainer and would hold back his remarks. Spike welcomed the challenge of embracing a personal trainer and asked about his training session due date. He'll get his first lesson tomorrow morning.

Princess Cadance approaches Spike with Flurry Heart resting on her front left hoof. "We're so happy that you're here with us, Spike. Also, know that you're not responsible for the cleanliness of the crystal castle. We have workers to ensure you have more time with us, with your new friends and your personal trainer," Princess Cadance tries to withhold her giggles when imagining the shocking face of whom Spike will be learning from!

"Wait, how did you know... -" It struck Spike that Princess Celestia addressed the situation with Princess Cadance about his resignation letter. He believes Princess Celestia would write Princess Cadance a follow-up letter detailing his reasoning for leaving Ponyville and Twilight Sparkle to seek not only a better life and fulfillment. "Did she tell you?"

Princess Cadance and Shining Armor nod; they know what Spike endured: the solitude in the Castle of Friendship, the darkness, cleanup duties in loneliness, and the fake smile. Princess Cadance blames herself whenever she addresses Twilight about inviting her friends to the Crystal Empire, and she's also irate that Twilight would never have thought of bringing Spike along on the journey.

Sunburst is aware of the situation but refuses to hold any grudges until he hears Twilight's side of the story; if there are any confirming validations, he will treat Twilight differently until she fully immerses herself as the Princess of Friendship and atone for her misdeeds by renewing her friendship with Spike.

"So, why were you giggling earlier, Princess Cadance?" Spike recalls Princess Cadance laughing at the surprise he'll embrace tomorrow morning.

"Oh, you'll see," Princess Cadance continues to giggle, causing Flurry Heart to laugh as well.

Spike gulps nervously at the many probabilities of his instructor for tomorrow's training session; he hopes it's not Iron Will, the Minotaur who inspired Fluttershy's assertiveness to the extreme, turning Fluttershy into a monster for a few days. Could it be a legendary crystal guard that Spike never met visiting shortly at the Crystal Empire? Maybe it's Discord for giggles?

Spike takes a deep breath to steady his mind; tomorrow can wait. "So, what is today's agenda, Princess Cadance?" Spike is eager to know if he can be with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor's activities.

"Well, Spike," Princess Cadance knows how Spike will enjoy the day since he missed last night's party. "In honor of your new path as the Brave and Glorious, we will conduct a celebration with -" Princess Cadance gets cut off by the residents of the Crystal Empire when they chant.

"THE CRYSTAL FAIRE!" Every crystal pony wants to initiate the Crystal Faire, an annual event to renew the spirit of love and unity in the empire.

Spike covers his mouth in awe and happiness that the crystal ponies want to welcome their champion with much love and grace by setting up the Crystal Faire. He hasn't been to one in a few years; the last was when King Sombra emerged, and he helped Princess Cadance retrieve the Crystal Heart to ignite the love and unity to send King Sombra into oblivion. Spike wanted to cry in happiness, but no tears came out of his eyes; his smile grew wider in excitement with happy pants.

"Hmm, I don't see why not, and we haven't scheduled one all year long," Sunburst said, turning to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor.

Princess Cadance flaps her wings, ascending to the crowd; she takes a deep breath for her bellowing command. "Everypony, prepare the Crystal Faire! It's time to celebrate!" Flurry Heart giggles and flies out of her mother's grasp to hug his uncle-in-law, Spike.

"Yeah, it's going to be fun!" Spike lifts Flurry Heart and twirls around in pure bliss.

Emissary

Princess Luna is in her quarters, writing an imperative letter addressing Princess Twilight Sparkle about Spike's new beginning, resignation, and thoughts about Spike's reflection during his tenure in Ponyville. The emissary Princess Luna called to arrive, waiting patiently for Princess Luna to hand him the scrolls to deliver to the Castle of Friendship.

Dear Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle,

I'm writing to you today about the confirmation of Spike's resignation as your Number One Assistant, which includes your guardianship of Spike. Spike's statement detailed the many years of loneliness, darkness, and unhappiness. One, which you instilled without noticing; however, that is not justifiable to ignore a friend closest to you daily and not involve him during your activities with your friends. The crime you've committed, even unintentionally, is child negligence and exploitation. That is why my sister, Princess Celestia, will renounce your custody of Spike and transfer control to your brother, Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance. A grown mare asking a youngling to care for not only you and the castle is unheard of; the parent is responsible for the child, and you reversed the logic, which is appalling.

I'm sending you a copy of Spike's resignation letter so you understand his circumstances, darkness, and loneliness. Also, to comprehend the validation of this letter and not a brilliant practical joke from the Lord of Chaos Discord, you'll see the Equestrian Gold Seal of Approval to authorize Spike's resignation letter at the bottom page.

Princess Twilight Sparkle, as of now, you are forbidden to come near Spike within 90 days during his residency at the Crystal Empire unless life-threatening or crucial meetings are necessary. My sister and I understand your relations with your niece and have instructed Princess Cadance to appear in Ponyville during visitations, which includes Shining Armor if he decides to visit you instead of Princess Cadance. Your friends, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash, will endure a 90-day ban from the Crystal Empire for their negligence of a friend cast aside.

Spike's logic has us terrified, and this is something you must discuss with us. If Spike was a pony, would he be treated the same as he was or differently? Don't lie and be honest with us when we visit you soon, Princess of Friendship.

Sincerely,
Princess Luna

Princess Luna wraps the scroll nicely and ties it with a blue ribbon with the seal of her first initial capitalized. The letter is ready for transport with the emissary standing by.

Princess Celestia trots by after a lengthy, decisive meeting with a few scientists on the verge of discovering a cure to a disease that plagued Equestria for decades. She rereads her statement to Princess Twilight Sparkle and wants Princess Luna's opinion.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

Today, after you left, I received a message regarding Spike the Dragon, your former Number One Assistant. Spike has petitioned his resignation, which I authorized after reading his reasonings. I am very disappointed in you, my most faithful student, about the friendship you've shown to the dragon you birthed. I don't recall memories of Spike's involvement when I required the assistance of you and your friends; you've decided to exclude Spike from many ventures, parties, and events. Although the affairs from your friendship quests didn't require Spike's involvement, there are numerous occasions that you could have allowed Spike to join you during your festivities among friends, social outings, and events.

Another jarring notion is how you reversed the role of caregiving to a youngling. You made Spike take care of you and the Castle of Friendship, which is unforgivable to many eyes when you leave Spike all alone in solitary confinement. According to Spike, he has no purpose, and I agree after reading the statement issued in the letter; therefore, he'll reside at the Crystal Empire and uphold his entitlement as the Brave and Glorious. Your brother, Shining Armor, and his wife, Princess Cadance, will now have legal guardianship of Spike since you've committed an atrocity. Unintentionally is not an excuse as the Princess you are with laws and regulations every citizen must follow. You've failed Spike as a friend and caregiver, Princess Twilight Sparkle, and you should be ashamed of yourself for allowing a dark thought to enter Spike's mind: Would he be treated better if he had the body of a pony and would be more attentive and more welcome to join the festivities?

You will answer that question and many more when Princess Luna and I arrive at the Castle of Friendship tomorrow morning; you have much explaining regarding Spike's purposes during his time as your Number One Assistant and as your friend during your tenure in Ponyville.

Sincerely,
Princess Celestia

"Very heartfelt, Celestia. I can feel your emotions about the situation with Twilight and Spike. The seriousness and the sternness between writing to a friend and Princess."

"As Twilight, we must atone for our mistakes for being neglectful of Spike," Princess Celestia is ashamed of herself for not being more involved with Spike when she had a silver-lining connection to send messages to Spike, asking him about his progress and even have a day together as good friends should.

"Not only the Princess of Friendship but also the barriers of the Elements of Harmony, for they failed Spike as their friend. We should have private discussions with them about the importance of friendship with all species," Princess Luna noted after pondering more about Spike's loneliness and why the letter didn't mention Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy.

"Agreed," Princess Celestia concurs with Luna's statement. "Spike's loneliness and darkness would probably not be an issue if they were filling in the gaps in his heart and being more vocal to invite Spike, giving him a sense of purpose as a friend."

"Since we managed to forget about Spike throughout his span in Ponyville, how about we spend the day with Spike at the Crystal Empire, Celestia? He should be there within another hour or so," Princess Luna advises, urging her sister to be better-minded when they speak with Twilight Sparkle tomorrow morning.

"Well," Princess Celestia checks the clock in Luna's quarters; it's 11:41 in the morning. "We'll get going at 1:00; lunch will be ready soon."

"Good, I am famished," Princess Luna says since writing the statement to send to Twilight took her more than an hour to express her thoughts from rereading Spike's resignation letter and how she wanted to address her concerns. "Hope you don't mind about my decrees with the issue stated in my letter to Princess Twilight Sparkle."

Princess Celestia unveils her sister's scroll to read thoroughly and nods with approval. "A 90-day ban to the Crystal Empire is perfect, Luna. It allows Spike recovery time and Twilight to contemplate her friendship with Spike and how to atone for her misdeeds," Princess Celestia wraps her sister's scroll and gives it and hers to the emissary by the doorway. "Deliver to Castle of Friendship in Ponyville."

The emissary is a white pegasus wearing the royal guard's uniform without the helmet; he has a sash on his shoulder for transporting mail throughout the country. After watching the Princesses leave Luna's quarters, the emissary departs by flying out of Luna's balcony. The flight to Ponyville will take twenty minutes.

An hour ago.

Princess Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack departed from the train after it got held back by another train heading to the Crystal Empire. Pinkie Pie hops beside her friends to the Castle of Friendship as she's more excited to build her classroom of parties and laughter to teach when the semester starts.

Neighboring ponies wave at the Princess of Friendship and her friends, welcoming the core back home from their venture, believing they helped save Equestria from another crisis. Lyra and Bon Bon wave from the park's bench, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo trot by, hugging their sisters before helping another filly find their destiny, Big Mac informing Applejack about the money they earned after selling two wagons full of apples to Filthy Rich. Life in Ponyville is going well for every pony, especially with the School of Friendship added to the town and possibly transforming Ponyville into a capital city with newer creatures yearning to reside as citizens.

"So, with the construction crew coming, let's just say, a week from today or tomorrow, depending on how quickly she would lend us support, what do you have in mind, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asks, flying next to the Princess of Friendship rather than trotting with the other mares.

"I have my blueprints drawn to the exact measurements, which we'll construct the school a few yards away from my castle since I'll be the headmare of my school. I envisioned several students far and wide wanting a private session after hours about friendship lessons, and I don't want to complicate things on their end. That is why I prepare ahead of time."

"Hey, Starlight?" Pinkie Pie hops next to Starlight Glimmer, pulling a cupcake from her mane to eat. "What would you be doing when the School of Friendship starts the first day of school?"

"Twilight asked me to become the school's counselor since she would be preoccupied with other affairs in the school, and I'll be a temporary headmare when she's fulfilling a friendship quest."

"Hmm, I wonder what Spike would be doing? Would he teach?" Fluttershy asks Twilight Sparkle about Spike's involvement.

"Spike won't be teaching. Spike will continue his duties as my Number One Assistant at the School of Friendship and will aid our dragon students in interacting with other creatures," Twilight responds since she'll use Spike during her curriculums and other private studies. Also, Spike has his work cut out with cleaning the castle and the school when the day ends.

Twilight and her friends arrive at the Castle of Friendship. She takes a deep breath and uses her magic to unlock the castle's doors wide open, allowing her friends entry.

"Spike! We're back!" Twilight bellows, knowing her echoed voice would reach his ears; however, there's no response. "Spike!" Twilight shouts again after no instant reply.

"Spikey-Wikey! I have gemstones for you!" Rarity shouts, hoping to bait Spike like a fish to reel him in. Her tactic failed when Spike didn't respond to her instantly.

"Maybe Spike's just plum tuckered out and catchin' some shut-eye?" Applejack suggests, explaining his lack of response to Twilight's call.

"Impossible. Spike has never overslept past 8:00. Maybe he's cleaning the castle or having an early lunch?" Twilight feels dreadful with the sudden silence in her home like something horrible has happened to her friend. "Girls, mind helping me locate Spike in the castle?"

"I got the upper floors!" Rainbow Dash zooms upstairs with incredible flight speed, observing every room by the second.

"We'll check the kitchen!" Applejack and Pinkie say in unison, galloping to see if Spike had a mouthful of ice cream of hidden gemstones he hid from Twilight from his secret stash.

"I'll check the map room," Fluttershy trots down the corridor leading to the throne room. Perhaps the map had summoned Spike for a friendship quest.

"I guess you," Starlight refers to Twilight. "Me and Rarity check the libraries and meet by the map room?" Starlight suggests that there are many inside the castle.

"Alright, let's go!" Twilight teleports to the farther library by the backends of the castle.

Rarity trots to the one closest to her, and Starlight travels to the following one three rooms ahead.

Rainbow Dash scours the upper floors in a flash, dashing from room to room, calling Spike's name and noticing the uncleanliness of several rooms, which made her think about Spike leaving to buy needed supplies to clean; however, the uncleanliness was her fault due to her flight speed, causing some papers, inks, and books to scatter in several rooms. She checks the balcony and the rooftops of the castle, seeing no baby dragon in sight.

Applejack and Pinkie Pie arrive in the kitchen, hoping to find their friend snacking. Instead, they see nothing of interest or signs of Spike's presence. Pinkie Pie examines the dust, looking for fresh dragon fingerprints; however, due to Spike's handiwork for cleaning, the kitchen is nothing but spotless.

Fluttershy enters the map room and doesn't see her friend lounging on his throne, reading comics or books. She pouts after finding her friend still missing after searching every corner of the room; Fluttershy had hoped to find Spike cleaning the upper walls of the room if he didn't complete the chore list Twilight gave him yesterday.

Twilight, Starlight, and Rarity search high and low for Spike in every library they've entered; like their friends during their pursuit to locate Spike, they have no results and become worried about his whereabouts and possible situations that could be disastrous. Twilight declares her friends to regroup by the map room for a meeting.

It's 11:55 a.m. Twilight, Starlight, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy arrive in the map room after wasting half an hour locating Spike. Twilight starts having anxiety and panic since she has no clue about Spike's whereabouts.

Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Starlight, Rarity, and Fluttershy feel bad about leaving Spike behind and wonder if Queen Chrysalis has kidnapped him for an evil plot of revenge or ransom since she's the only evil creature roaming Equus when her changelings reformed and transformed. They decided not to give Twilight that thought until another came to fruition.

"Where would Spike go?" Twilight sits on her throne, conjuring a paper bag to inhale and exhale into. "WHERE?!"

"Well, maybe some pony in town might have seen where Spike was going?" Starlight says, hoping her thesis would entice Twilight to ask any pony in Ponyville for clues to where Spike is.

"Brilliant idea, Starlight!" Twilight drops the paper bag and levitates Starlight Glimmer with her magic, hugging her friend dearly.

"Y-You're welcome, Twilight," Starlight sees Twilight's demeanor changing from dreadful to hopeful; now she hopes that anypony in Ponyville knows where Spike is or doing.

"Let's go!" Twilight, with her newfound energy, gallops to the castle's doors. Starlight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack follow their friend to help find Spike.

The emissary arrives at the front of the Castle of Friendship and prepares to announce the letters the Princess of Friendship would receive when the castle's doors fling open, knocking him out from the sudden whiplash. He falls over to the left side of the stairs, lying on the meadows with no one noticing his presence of importance.

Twilight Sparkle and her friends rush to see the first pony in sight, hoping they have seen Spike and his whereabouts. The pony they approach is Thunderlane with his younger brother, Rumble.

"Thunderlane, have you seen Spike this morning?" Rainbow Dash asks her fellow Wonderbolt teammate, praying for good answer for Twilight's sake.

"No, I just arrived in town like half an hour ago. Also, Spitfire wanted me to tell you about heading back to Wonderbolt training since we were humiliated by the Storm King's army and would need better flight sequences to oppose newer offensives of the future."

"Oh boy," Rainbow Dash imagines the newer techniques Spitfire drew up for the Wonderbolts to deploy on the enemy; she is looking forward to become the fastest among the core to perfect the procedures, but she needed validation of Spike's whereabouts for Twilight's sanity.

"I saw Spike this morning before playing with Button Mash, Pipsqueak, and Featherweight," Rumble replies, looking at Rainbow Dash's gaze. He sees her smile widely before Twilight shoves her aside.

"Where?!" Twilight grabs Rumble to read his eyes, ensuring that he's telling the truth and nothing but the truth.

"Hey, cool it!" Thunderlane releases Rumble from Twilight's grasp; he sees the Princess of Friendship acting crazy and hysterical.

"He was walking towards the train station with a backpack," Rumble pointed to the station.

"Thank you!" Twilight hugs Rumble and apologizes for her behavior; she gallops to the train station with her friends, except for Rainbow Dash, who received a letter detailing her next appearance at the Wonderbolts HQ from Thunderlane.

At the train station, Twilight Sparkle and her friends search for a pony who sold a train ticket to Spike or knows his destination; she approaches the station pony by the booth.

"Good afternoon, Princess Twilight Sparkle," The station pony gets prepared to give Twilight and her friends train tickets to her desired destination.

Twilight asked the station pony if they knew where Spike went when he came here earlier. The station pony mentions the Crystal Empire as Spike's destination, which now makes sense for Twilight that Princess Cadance asked for Spike's assistance without her help.

"Spike went to the Crystal Empire without us?" Twilight wondered, baffled by Spike's sudden decision to travel to the Crystal Empire without informing her.

"Do you think Spike decided to handle the task on his accord while we were having breakfast with the Princesses?" Starlight asks Twilight, which is more than enough validation to confirm Spike's decision-making to leave Ponyville and send a letter to Princess Celestia, requesting Twilight and her friends' presence.

"Absolutely, and Spike made a foolish decision of not informing me and giving me heartache. Let's go to the Crystal Empire and help Spike correct the issue Princess Cadance is probably enduring."

Twilight Sparkle purchases seven tickets to the Crystal Empire; however, the station pony offers the tickets freely since Twilight is royalty and Princesses have many perks for traveling the continent. Twilight accepts the kind nature and boards the 12:37 train to the Crystal Empire.

Crystal Faire

Two hours since Spike arrived at the Crystal Empire, every crystal pony worked diligently to set tents and booths for the joyous occasion and celebrate their champion's homecoming now that he'll reside and become their protector. The snack booths provide berry pies, crystal corn, nectar, fritters, and funnel cakes; there's a section for a ring-tossing game, crafting traditional straw hats, playing the flugelhorns, and petting zoos. The crystal guards build a jousting arena since it's the Crystal Empire's favorite sport and activity.

The most magical celebration in all of Equestria is what some crystal ponies would quote after the revival of their kingdom years ago when Spike helped retrieve the Crystal Heart to defeat King Sombra.

For Spike, the Crystal Faire has become his new favorite celebration besides the day of his birth; he feels love and unity within the hour than he would have in Ponyville. Spike has no ill will for the residents of Ponyville but doesn't really consider them his friends because of his connections to the Princesses. Spike does have a few, but they're busy with their lives while he remains in isolation during the days and evenings. He'll have his guy's night and would hope Discord could bring Big Mac over to the Crystal Castle during their annual fun night; Spike would invite Shining Armor to partake in the guys' night if he's interested.

The sounds of fillies and colts laughing, mares and stallions working fluently to bring the most magical celebration made Spike want to participate in helping his new brothers and sisters. Spike helps the crystal ponies by baking berry pies, nectar, fritters, and funnel cakes and cooking crystal corn since he's an excellent chef; with his green flames, Spike warms the food to perfection.

Princess Cadance helped decorate the Crystal Empire with Sunburst and many crystal ponies, setting up balloons and decorative flags while Shining Armor fed Flurry Heart. Princess Cadance flies to inspect the preparations for the Crystal Faire and notices Spike drawing a crowd of his peers with his cooking expertise by the Spike statue; she sees two Alicorns flying in the distance and knows that Princess Celestia and Luna wanted to visit Spike after the supposed resignation letter he sent earlier today.

Princess Celestia and Luna are amazed to see the crystal ponies setting up the Crystal Faire, a joyous celebration of love and unity to solidify their bond with Spike.

"Princess Cadance," Princess Celestia smiles at her friend while flapping her wings to keep herself hovering above the Crystal Faire; she sees Spike leaving a snack booth to take pictures with his beloved fans. "I see Spike adapting to his new home quite comfortably."

"Hello, Princess Celestia and Luna, welcome to the Crystal Faire! Yes, Spike came a while ago, and I had some notion of having a grand banquet inside the castle; however, my subjects declared the Crystal Faire, and rightfully so since we did not initiate one all year long."

Princess Luna reads Spike's body language, determining his face full of bliss, happiness, and relief like his shadow demon suddenly lost grip when close to sacred divinity. Luna believes when Spike got closer to the Crystal Heart by the castle, his demon departed, allowing joy to intercede in his heart. "Sounds delightful that your subjects want to bring love and joy to the Brave and Glorious; my sister and I wanted to visit Spike since we missed him last night during my birthday party and to renew our bond with him for being blatant of his existence."

Princess Cadance deeply sighs since she had forgotten Spike when it came to Twilight Sparkle and her friends; she's riding on the boat with Shining Armor as they want to renew themselves with Spike. "I am relieved that Spike's demons will go away, especially when the Crystal Heart ignites; however, I'm quite concerned about Twilight Sparkle and her erratic behavior. I would anticipate her coming daily to the empire, asking Spike repeatedly to return home, even though she no longer has custody over him."

"Princess Luna and I are authorizing a 90-day ban to the Crystal Empire and explained in full detail not only for Twilight Sparkle but her friends as well," Princess Celestia sincerely states, knowing the rift can produce headaches but allows healing for the two.

"We sent an emissary a while ago to deliver the scrolls since Twilight's motive of receiving mail resides here," Princess Luna confirms that Twilight will know Spike's decision and new purpose in life, hoping she'll understand and let Spike go.

"Perfect, and knowing Twilight, who is very understanding, would make the best decision to let Spike be until the due date arrives," Princess Cadance believes Twilight would accept the decisions and decrees Princess Celestia and Luna authorized after reading Spike's resignation letter.

"Agreed, though we should speak with her and her friends about Spike's decision-making, and when I mean we, that includes you and your husband, Cadance," Princess Celestia says, hoping for a peaceful conversation with as a group before one-on-one sessions with Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends about the significance of caring for those closest and not disregarding them.

"Hey!" Spike waves next to the Spike statue after signing some autographs and taking pictures; he sees Princess Celestia and Luna speaking with Princess Cadance. "Are you coming to celebrate or what?"

Princess Cadance, Celestia, and Luna descend from the skies and land next to Spike and the crystal ponies. Spike is happy to see Princess Celestia and Luna; he can't help but hug them after finally being released from Twilight's position and exploring what life has to offer. Princess Celestia and Luna hug Spike lovingly as friends would.

"Let's go and have fun!" Spike encourages his new brothers and sisters to start celebrating the joy of the Crystal Faire.

The crystal ponies entice Spike to watch the spectacle of the jousting tournament, with this year earning a bragging rights trophy as best jouster of the year award. Anyone, including Spike the Brave and Glorious, can compete except fillies and colts due to protection protocols; however, they allow balloon sword fighting for the younglings. The crystal ponies permit Spike to ride the back of the knight pony, wielding the lance to knock down his opponent. Spike made his point evident about crystal ponies using everything they have; he wants their true potential used during the event when he chooses his partner, and he won't forgive his opponents if they allow him to win on purpose.

Shining Armor reunites with his wife, Princess Cadance, with Flurry Heart; He greets Princess Celestia and Luna with a warm welcome and an invitation to compete in the jousting tournament, which they oblige. Princess Celestia and Luna hope to contend during the first round to see who is better during the sibling rivalry.

Several crystal servants start filling baskets with the treats Spike helped make to pass around to watch the extraordinary event; they even tried a sample and fell in love with the flavor crafted by Spike. Many crystal ponies start playing the flugelhorn in unison, creating harmonious music to welcome the competitors to the tournament.

Spike turns to Shining Armor, smirking at the devilish idea of competing and hopefully dominating the competition, even though in the back of his mind, he won't escape the second or third round; still, he couldn't help but smirk at the idea. "Shining Armor, would you like to be my jousting partner?" Spike offers his claw to propose an agreement.

"It'll be my honor, Brave and Glorious, Bro," Shining Armor high hooves Spike's claw instead of shaking it; he's eager and excited to spend quality time with his brother and show his platoon how to work together in unison.

Princess Cadance decides to enlist herself for the tournament to show Spike picked the wrong pony for a partner and prove to Shining Armor she's more capable than he realizes. Shining Armor gulps nervously about going against his wife during any round and prays to avoid her at all costs.

The list of the competitors gets validated in a number bracket system detailing thirty-two ponies and dragon in total. The first sixteen competitors would be in the Diamond League, while the other sixteen would be in the Gold League.

A unique rule got implemented regarding Spike's participation; if a jouster knocks Spike off Shining Armor, he gets eliminated from the competition, and Shining Armor would not continue the fight. Spike accepted the challenge and hoped that his personal trainer would be competing or watching from the sidelines or the bleachers of the jousting arena.

"Let's go, Spike! Let's go, Spike! Let's go, Spike!" Discord is sitting on the bleachers with Big McIntosh since today is the annual rotation for a guy's night; however, when Discord snaps his fingers to appear at the Castle of Friendship to make preparations with Big Mac, Discord's magic teleports them to the Crystal Empire instead and now starts a rally to the hype of Spike's peers when he enters the competition.

Spike turns to see his guy pals cheering with the crystal ponies; Discord is starting a betting ring, declaring Spike to win the entire competition, in which every crystal pony partakes by offering one gemstone. He couldn't help but laugh at Discord's antics, knowing he was messing with every pony; he walked over and urged Discord not to manipulate his opponent's minds for taking a dive. Discord reads Spike's body language and determines a new dragon blossoming within, so he respects Spike's wish.

The train ride wasn't swift for Twilight Sparkle since she yearns to learn about Spike's purpose at the Crystal Empire and why he forgot to mention his whereabouts earlier. She wonders if something crucial had happened, in which Princess Cadance needed immediate assistance with a meeting or preparations for Yak Yakkistan's possible visitation since the Crystal Empire and Yak Yakkistan are neighboring countries. Twilight continued drawing up theories for a probable solution for Spike's importance at the Crystal Empire.

Starlight Glimmer reassured Twilight that Spike would contact her once the situation gets addressed and send a letter detailing the information to aid Princess Cadance's crisis or circumstance. Pinkie Pie offers her cupcakes to ease Twilight's anxiety, which Twilight accepts, smiling at Pinkie Pie for her kind gesture.

Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash depart from the station, seeing no pony around, which is eerie for them. They are the only ones until they trot to the entrance of the Crystal Empire. After minutes of strolling into the streets of the empire, the girls hear a resounding roar and notice the Crystal Faire.

"WHAT?!" Pinkie Pie shouts louder than any of her friends; she's upset about missing out on the most fantastic party the Crystal Empire throws annually.

"The resounding roars must be coming from the jousting arena!" Rainbow Dash groans bitterly; she believes she's missing out on the best festivity of the Crystal Faire, showing off how awesome she is and dominating the competition.

"Well, least the Crystal Empire ain't dealin' with no crisis or any o' them horrid things," Applejack says, taking an apple fritter the crystal ponies baked, now knowing Spike's involvement was probably setting up the Crystal Faire and celebrating the most magical event in Equestria.

Fluttershy, Rarity, and Starlight Glimmer wonder where every pony could have gone except Rainbow Dash, knowing the spirit of fun is coming directly from the jousting arena. Twilight is calm, which is scaring everyone around her.

Within Twilight's mind, she wholeheartedly believes Spike has forgotten about her with vital information about the Crystal Faire since she has no other means of receiving instant messages from the Princesses. "How dare he forget about us?! Doesn't Spike know it's rude to forget your friends about an important extravaganza such as the annual Crystal Faire, knowing my brother, sister-in-law, and niece are concerned about my whereabouts!?!" Twilight thought to herself rather than reveal her emotions to her friends. She took a deep breath to relieve her sentiments.

"Twilight?" Starlight Glimmer approaches her friend after predicting a mental note to address Spike later.

"I'll lecture Spike about his blatant forgetfulness later; right now, I'm interested in the resounding roar coming from the small arena," Twilight points to the jousting arena.

Spike receives number fourteen from the Diamond League bracket and wonders who he'll battle during the first round. Discord uses his magic to invoke and equip Spike with dragon-size armor, allowing flexibility, mobility, and agility to move while riding on Shining Armor's back.

"I'm number three," Princess Cadance announces, causing Shining Armor to shriek about contending with his wife during the first round; she laughs and corrects the league of her participation. "Of the Gold League."

Shining Armor sighs in relief after knowing his wife is teasing him; then he sees Princess Luna holding the number three card, making him sweat immensely about versing the Princess of the Moon.

"You and me, Captain of the Royal Guard," Princess Luna uses her magic, conjuring a dark night sky blue knight's armor for the jousting tournament; the lance she wields is a lunar-shaped theme for the occasion. "And you as well, Brave and Glorious!"

Spike gulps about confronting Princess Luna during the third or possibly opening round of the jousting tournament; he imagines Princess Luna humiliating him and Shining Armor with years of combat experience. He knows Princess Luna is a juggernaut compared to other crystal guards and ponies competing; however, he must maintain his role and display his Brave and Glorious title to his peers so they don't doubt his capability to become their protector after he announced it hours ago.

After Sunburst wrote the bracket leagues on the chalkboard, determining the rounds by random number selections, he reached into a bowl of number cards to determine the opening match to initiate the tournament. He grabs a mic after choosing the round of knights to start the first matchup. "Alright, every pony and Draqonecuus! The first matchup features #3, the Princess of the Moon, Princess Luna, versus #14, the Brave and Glorious, Spike the Dragon!"

Every pony cheers loudly from the bleachers, with Discord and Big Mac chanting: "LET'S GO SPIKE! LET'S GO SPIKE! LET'S GO SPIKE!" Everyone chants louder, giving their champion respect, honor, glory, and praise as they believe in him.

Shining Armor gears up before Spike rides on his back, wielding the lance to knock Princess Luna out of the first round; he hopes Spike will have fun and win a few matches or the whole thing. "You ready, buddy?" Shining gets on the north side of the jousting run.

"More than I'll ever be!" Spike lowers the helmet's face protection while hoisting the lance in his left claw, preparing to knock Princess Luna down when the moment arises. "Give me signals to dodge and swerve to evade her strikes, Shining."

"Can do, Spike!" Shining Armor salutes to his partner and mentally prepares himself to challenge the Princess of the Moon, knowing the first-round matchup should have featured as one of the main events.

The crystal guards not participating are documenting how teamwork functions with the Brave and Glorious; also, to prep on unison attacks to defeat many foes in the future. One keyword they wrote in bold is communication. Without that, teamwork would be futile.

Princess Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity arrived at the more improved jousting arena filled with all residents of the Crystal Empire, Discord, and Big Mac, which Applejack is confused about her brother's neglectful duties to the farm back in Ponyville. She'll discuss with Big Mac after watching what appears to be the first round of the exciting matchup.

Twilight overhears the resounding joy of the Crystal Ponies chanting Spike's name and notices him riding on a crystal guard's back. Her heartbeat pounds rapidly, fearing her dragon possibly receiving harm from the lances.

An earth crystal pony mare named Sapphire Joy has the flugelhorn, preparing to play the instrument to sound off the opening contest. Sapphire Joy has a light blue coat, bright pink and purple mane and tail, deep blue eyes, and a cutie mark of plant growth.

Shining Armor and Princess Luna gallop to confront each other at the halfway mark; Spike prepares to jab Princess Luna's chest before she reacts, hoping his timing is perfect and not an early strike.

Twilight gallops and uses her magic to levitate Spike off Shining Armor's back before Spike can jab Princess Luna with the lance; instead, Princess Luna delivers the blow on Shining Armor, not noticing Twilight's interference. Twilight holds Spike in her arms, removing his armor and protecting him as a mother would. "What were you thinking, Spike? Putting yourself in harm's way like that!"

"Twilight!?" Spike, Princess Celestia, and Cadance are stunned to see Princess Twilight Sparkle violating Luna's decree about the 90-day ban from the Crystal Empire.

Princess Luna removes her helmet after the confusion, and she's irate that Princess Twilight Sparkle desecrated the spirit of the competition and profaned her and Celestia's decree. Shining Armor gets up after getting knocked down by Luna's attack; he's confused about his sister's presence and interference.

"What are you doing here, Princess Twilight Sparkle?!" Princess Luna tosses her helmet aside in anger after Twilight transgresses her decree and the intrusion during the first match of the jousting tournament.

Princess Twilight Sparkle flinches from Luna's sudden hostility in her tone while holding Spike dearly. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy Starlight Glimmer, and Pinkie Pie join the crew with much confusion written on their faces. Sunburst is happy to see his best friend, Starlight Glimmer, but wishes it was under better circumstances.

Discord and Big Mac are in the dark after noticing the anger written on Princess Luna's face and the weird emotions emitting from Princess Celestia and Cadance; they wonder what happened between them, the girls, and Spike.

Sunburst announces a recess on the mic, allowing every crystal pony to depart the arena and enjoy the other festivities while leaving everypony to discuss privately. Spike attempts to move away from Twilight, but she refuses to release her grasp of him.

"Why are you angry with me?" Twilight is perplexed about the situation; then Princess Celestia uses her magic to teleport Spike onto her back.

"Hey, Spike!" Pinkie hops beside Princess Celestia. "Why didn't you tell us about the Crystal Faire?" Despite the circumstances, Pinkie Pie still asked cheerfully about the Crystal Faire.

"Yeah, and you made Twilight worried-sick when you didn't leave a note for her, for us!" Rainbow Dash comments on Spike's immoral rationales for the reason behind the disappearing act.

"More importantly, why did you forget -"

When Twilight mentions the phrase forget, Spike becomes deaf to the rest of the question; he looks down and feels his darkness returning. Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadance couldn't believe the audacity coming from Twilight's mouth when she mentioned forgetting friends and leaving them behind, that it's unjust to leave a friend abandoned without thought of how they would feel.

"We need to talk, my most faithful student of the life lesson of forgetting friends," Princess Celestia nudges her head to trot to the Crystal Castle for a private discussion; she wanted to have the private session in Ponyville tomorrow and spend quality time with her friend Spike, uninterrupted today.

"Of course," Twilight believes the life lesson would reeducate Spike about the importance of friendship, that you should never leave a friend behind and forget about their existence.

Princess Luna follows her sister, Spike, and Twilight to the Crystal Castle while Princess Cadance refrains Twilight's friends from following to discuss another important matter.

Applejack turns to her brother and Discord as they approach Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. Sunburst trots to greet Starlight Glimmer.

"Howdy, Aj."

"Big Mac, what in tarnation brings ya here 'stead of back home at the farm gettin' some work done?" Applejack wants to know about her big brother's involvement since he never leaves Ponyville unless he's delivering goods.

"Well, it's yer turn to handle the farm's duties durin' mah one day off a month, y'all. Discord and me done set up our fellas' night out. Typically, we get ready during the daytime so when the night rolls 'round, we know what's the plan we got goin' on," Big Mac reminds Applejack about the agreement. One day out of the month, Big Mac enjoys the day to himself or the guys while Applejack maintains the farm's duties with Apple Bloom.

"Oooh, right," Applejack nervously chuckles; she forgot about the arrangement since she spends more time with her friends and saving Equestria from disasters. She does her fair share at Sweet Apple Acres; however, Big Mac pulls more of his weight than Applejack more days than others. She feels ashamed for overlooking her brother's only day off and how he would want to spend the day. Also, she was supposed to handle business with Filthy Rich, not him.

"Initially, I teleported us to Spike, and we arrived at the Crystal Empire for some reason," Discord chimes in, explaining their reasoning for attending the jousting tournament as the crowd. "Honestly. I didn't know the Crystal Empire began the Crystal Faire, so Big Mac and I thought about surprising Spike by moving the guy's night here."

"So, why y'all here?" Big Mac asks Applejack and her friends the question that seems to be on the Princesses' minds a while ago.

"Twilight got worried about Spike when we came home from last night's birthday party earlier today. Spike was busy and didn't show up -" Rainbow Dash continues with the explanation of Spike's busy schedule from yesterday's affairs, which was unsettling to hear for Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and Sunburst, who know the truth about Spike's resignation letter.

"Yeah! And we thought Spike's disappearing act came from an ingenious idea from Queen Chrysalis to kidnap Spike during the day or night as a revenge plot since her changelings and the hive reformed," Pinkie Pie noted with Rainbow's explanation.

"Twilight felt awful when we couldn't find Spike; she was highly concerned about Spike and feared for the worst," Fluttershy commented quietly but loud enough for everyone to hear.

"We searched high and low for Spike's whereabouts in the Castle of Friendship and got lucky that some of our friends saw where Spike was going," Rarity said and hoped Spike was alright after feeling dreadful when Twilight spoke about the importance of informing a friend and not forgetting about them.

"That's why we came, and judging from the Crystal Faire setup, we believed Spike had forgotten to tell Twilight and the rest of us about setting up and celebrating the Crystal Faire when you sent him the letter this morning," Starlight said, and noticed the expression written on Princess Cadance's face when she sighed deeply.

"Girls," Princess Cadance decides to speak to them on behalf of Princess Celestia and Luna. "Princess Celestia and Luna sent an emissary earlier today; did Twilight receive the mail?"

"What emissary?" Starlight Glimmer, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy say in unison; they're shocked at the stunning revelation, which was more indication that the emissary didn't arrive on time to deliver Spike's resignation and status.

Princess Cadance closes her eyes, igniting her horn with a pinkish aura to conjure a copy of Spike's resignation letter; it manifests in front of the girls, bearing the Equestrian Gold Seal of Approval on the bottom page.

"What in the hay is that?" Applejack asks before her friends can respond to Princess Cadance's explanation.

"Spike's resignation letter approved by Princess Celestia with the Equestrian Seal of Authenticity," Princess Cadance reveals the written statement Spike wrote for everyone to read.

One paragraph Spike wrote out of the entire letter struck the girls immensely, especially Starlight Glimmer and Pinkie Pie. Spike's unhappiness paragraph makes the girls feel downright awful, guilty, and ashamed for failing a friend in need; they question themselves and each other about spending quality time with Spike. Also, the sentence regarding Spike being a different creature for more interactions made them feel appalled for their ignorance of a species.

Rarity provided some answers about spending time with Spike; however, they weren't hangouts, but they were work-related errands; she invited Spike over whenever she needed extra help with her latest fashions, but she never said: "Hey Spike, wanna come with me to the spa? Spend time together at the park? Go out for lunch?" Rarity only asked those questions to her friends and nobody else, not even her sister, Sweetie Belle.

Applejack mentions many occasions she needed help, and Spike aided her and the family at Sweet Apple Acres, but she didn't ask him to spend time together as friends would.

Starlight Glimmer spoke with Spike in the castle whenever she's not learning friendship lessons from her teacher, Twilight Sparkle, or spending time with her best friend, Trixie Lulamoon. As for the chore list, she would help, and then Twilight whisks her away for a new lesson or a hangout to uncover the truths and mysteries of friendship.

Pinkie Pie recalls no memory of personally inviting Spike to anything in her schedule as friends, mainly Twilight and Starlight; her mane had already deflated when she read about Spike's defense mechanism of faking a smile to evade his internal struggles and demons. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy concur with Pinkie's statement about forgetting to chill with Spike as good friends would, which makes Rainbow Dash contemplate her loyalty element and personality since she failed Spike as his friend.

Another statement in Spike's letter is his placement in life; the girls never noticed Spike fulfilling any goals in life, only to serve Princess Twilight Sparkle. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity remember the tale of Spike's pride when it came to being Twilight's Number One Assistant and attempting to frame Owlicious for a deceptive scheme years ago; how Twilight and Spike overcame their quarrel and become anew as friends. Reading the passage about Spike yearning to find his purpose in life, create goals to achieve it, and be happy. Who are they to strip that fire and desire away from him?

Shining Armor explains the 90-day ban Princess Luna decreed to Twilight and her friends, allowing Spike much separation to grow into the dragon he wants to be, the Brave and Glorious, striving for greatness with new ponies or creatures he'll encounter. Also, the 90-day ban would allow Spike and Twilight to recover, rethink, and manage the situation rather than immediately when emotions take control.

Princess Cadance informed the girls about Spike coming to the Crystal Empire, and it was the crystal ponies that wanted to celebrate Spike's homecoming with the Crystal Faire; that there was no letter indicating Twilight and her friends' presence to help set up the most magical event. The girls realize they came uninvited to an occasion and spoiled it, adding more guilt.

Discord is eating popcorn while listening carefully to each of his friends's stories regarding their friend Spike. Sure, Discord didn't bother asking Spike to hang out because he solemnly focused on building his friendship with Fluttershy more than any of the girls; however, Discord won't allow any excuses to bypass the situation regarding Spike and promises to spend more time with him after giving Spike two weeks to enjoy himself in his new home.

Big Mac remains silent and will miss his friend; he doesn't have the luxury of taking more days off during the year since the land needs tending whenever apple trees decay. He'll make do with his days off from working at Sweet Apple Acres.

Spike looked down the entire trip to the Crystal Castle; he tried to overcome the feeling of neglectfulness when Twilight mentioned what he did versus the numerous times Twilight had done to him for years. Princess Luna feels Spike's pain and understands him more than any pony else; she wants to reassure him that things will get better after the discussion and life lessons taught.

Princess Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and Spike are in a private meeting hall inside the Crystal Castle. The Princesses command the crystal guards to depart for privacy, which they comply with, and wonder why the Brave and Glorious looked so gloomy.

"Well, Spike," Twilight Sparkle turns to her Number One Assistant. "What do you have to say for yourself, mister? Why didn't you inform me of your whereabouts? Why did you forget about our friends and me about the celebration of the Crystal Faire? It's rude and disrespectful to leave a friend behind during fellowships and give them heartaches."

Princess Celestia and Luna can't believe the words spoken by a hypocrite since Twilight's questions are her actions on Spike for years, according to the resignation letter.

Spike didn't want this; he wanted happiness, and to respond in sadness became too much for Spike to bear. Princess Celestia had enough of the interrogation.

Princess Celestia uses her magic to levitate Spike off of her and onto Luna's back for safekeeping. She approaches Twilight Sparkle, staring into the Princess she thought represented friendship. "Twilight, there was no invitation for you and your friends' presence at the Crystal Empire," Princess Celestia says calmly and formally.

"WHAT?!" Twilight's jaws drop with theories ringing in her mind like many alarm clock bells sounding left and right. She's stunned to hear the report. "What do you mean there's no invitation? There has to be otherwise, Spike wouldn't be here!"

Princess Celestia and Luna read Twilight's body language and determine she didn't get the mail the emissary delivered a while ago, which opposes a glaring issue regarding the situation and the emissary. Now, they'll have to explain the purposes of Spike's new beginning.

"Twilight..," Spike hops off Luna's back to confront the issue, hoping Princess Celestia and Luna would say the right words of wisdom to soothe Twilight's erratic emotions. Honestly, Spike hopes Twilight's sudden rage boost won't cause the foundation of Crystal Castle to uproot into the skies as the time she did with the Golden Oaks Library when Spike mentioned a test when Princess Celestia called her to help Princess Cadance and Shining Armor during King Sombra's return.

"If there was no invitation, Spike, why are you here, and why did you forget -" Spike becomes deaf again with Twilight's persistence of the phrase. Twilight notices the guilt on his face and knows what Spike has done is unacceptable in friendship.

"That's enough pestering!" Princess Luna shields Spike with her right pegasus wing. She'll address the situation after hearing enough from Twilight Sparkle.

"Pestering? I'm only asking -" Twilight gulps nervously after seeing Princess Luna's irises changing, almost like reverting to Nightmare Moon. Luna's glare made her quiver about the life lesson lecture she had in mind for Spike.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle," Princess Celestia addresses her as a responsible Princess, not a friend for this instance.

Twilight fixes her gaze on her mentor, trying to understand the issue regarding Spike and his forgetfulness. Despite no invitation to the Crystal Empire, she yearns to know about Spike's status regarding his visitation since he didn't write a note of importance to her. "Yes, Princess Celestia."

Princess Celestia ignites her horn, and a golden aura arises, enabling her to use magic to summon Spike's resignation letter with the Equestrian Gold Seal of Approval. "Spike wrote a resignation letter to relinquish his obligation as your Number One Assistant."

"NO!" Twilight shouts in shock and horror. "I don't accept Spike's resignation as he's too important to me! I want to decline his petition!" Twilight feels panicked, with butterflies flying in her stomach. "Please, don't take him away from me!"

Princess Celestia shakes her head, denying Twilight's plea to override Spike's resignation. "Princess Twilight Sparkle, after reading the report on this document, I authorized Spike's appeal and allowed him to seek fulfillment. You should read what's written for better understanding, my most faithful student."

Twilight reads the top page after seeing the Equestrian Seal of Approval stamped on the bottom page, validating Princess Celestia's decree and authority. She becomes grief-stricken reading the first two paragraphs. Tears form in her eyes, streaming down her face while she read the letter Spike wrote wholeheartedly. The statement: If I had the body of a pony, Twilight would be more attentive to me and more welcome to join the festivities. Twilight feels horrid of unfairly treating a different species, considering Spike lived with her throughout his life.

Twilight lowers her head in disgrace after realizing the questions she asked Spike had turned out to be her undoing for many years that went unnoticed and how she merely ignored Spike to be with her friends and turned a deaf ear unintentionally, which is no excuse for her blatant decision-making. Twilight understands the gravity and the severity of the situation regarding Spike's new life; however, she wants to atone for her misdeeds immediately.

"Spike, I'm sorry..," Twilight tosses the resignation letter aside after her sadness overwhelms her. "I am so so so sorry for being a horrible friend when I'm the Princess of Friendship! I'm deeply sorry for being a hypocrite and having the audacity of comparing and pestering you as a bad friend when I'm in the wrong!" She groans angrily at herself for years of abandoning Spike to clean up the Golden Oaks Library and the Castle of Friendship to spend time with the girls. Twilight imagines slamming her head on a table for having ideas of Spike cleaning not only the Castle of Friendship but the school as well.

"Now you understand the pains and turmoil Spike endured according to the letter, Princess Twilight Sparkle?" Princess Luna asks Twilight after analyzing her reaction to the letter.

"Yes, and I'm ready to bring Spike home," Twilight knows that Spike wants to reside in the Crystal Empire; however, she hopes that understanding Spike's circumstances and the disturbing fact about his fake smile would assure her of renewing her relationship with Spike as friends back in Ponyville. "I know Spike wants to live here, but he belongs with me in Ponyville, not as my Number One Assistant, but as my friend. Let me bring Spike home to renew our friendship and start anew."

"Denied," Princess Celestia and Luna rejected Twilight's plea since she was unaware of another decree Princess Celestia validated in a different letter.

"WHAT?!" Twilight Sparkle becomes agitated with the friendship issue determined by the Princesses forfeiting her friendship duty. Even though the map didn't alarm Twilight's cutie mark to resolve the crisis, the situation is between her and Spike to make amends. "WHY NOT?!" She retorts at the Princesses, allowing her anger to possess her. "I KNOW SPIKE CLAIMED FOR A NO GUILT-TRIP PLEA, BUT I AM THE PRINCESS OF FRIENDSHIP, AND MENDING FRIENDS TOGETHER AFTER MINOR OR MAJOR DISPUTES IS -" Twilight uses her right hoof to point at herself. MY RESPONSIBILITY!" Twilight points her right hoof at Princess Celestia and Luna. "NOT YOURS!" She huffs and puffs after her rant about her duty as Princess of Friendship.

The rant did provoke the Princess of Sun and Moon; however, they refuse to allow a private meeting to turn into an altercation, especially with Spike feeling sadness and heartache about what he desired and wanted to avoid. He sighs sadly, rethinking his options about sanity.

Princess Celestia watches Spike wiping a tear off his left eye; it motivates her to discipline Twilight strictly. Whenever Twilight was in school, she would raise Spike as a nurturing mother and care profoundly for his well-being, and now that's being tested with her student having a temper tantrum.

Princess Celestia fixes her gaze and glares at Twilight Sparkle, preparing to speak her mind. "First and foremost, Princess Twilight Sparkle, you've enacted child neglect and exploitation, which is a federal offense to any parent for abandoning their child, having their child care for the parent, and allowing the child to have the responsibilities of cleanliness, errands, chores within your home in solitude. Second, I renounced your custody of Spike and transferred authority to your brother and sister-in-law to care for Spike since he's still a child. Consider yourself lucky I'm not charging you with a misdemeanor, which would imprison you, Twilight! Since you're virtue in Equestria and an icon among the populous, I would not tarnish your reputation and cause disruption to run amuck my lands!" Princess Celestia spoke in her royal tone, alarming the gravity of her decree to Twilight Sparkle.

"Prison..?" Twilight trembles in fear while listening to her mentor's bold statements and explanation.

"I issue the declaration of a 90-day ban from the Crystal Empire to you and your friends; now, consider the punishment double for your insolence!" Princess Luna angrily proclaims with her royal tone. She is concerned about Spike's well-being and regrets involving him in this discussion.

"...double..?" Twilight's voice crackled in fear after hearing the strictness and coldness of their voices. She knows she's in deep waters after today's meeting.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle, as of now, you are banned from entering the premises of the Crystal Empire. Gather your friends and vacate immediately!" Princess Celestia commands, stomping her right hoof in authority to make her command evident.

Princess Twilight Sparkle flinches from Princess Celestia's hoof stomp and leaves the room, uttering an apology. "I'm sorry."

Spike remained silent and covered his mouth after watching the display of two Princesses governing the situation. The back-and-forth of the arguing, the immense backtalk, and the heaviness made him more frightful. Spike gets hoisted and hugged by Princess Celestia and Luna, apologizing to Spike for listening and witnessing the altercation. They allow Spike to cry and unleash his emotions after withholding for a long time.

Twilight Sparkle is now remorseful of her words after her anger dissipated when she left the Crystal Castle; her mind is in disarray since she upset the Princess of the Sun and Moon, her mentor and sister. "What have I done?" Twilight thought to herself after the realization of screwing more of her relationships with not only Spike, her teacher, and now Princess Luna. She's worried about probably media coverage in the future regarding Spike's new position and obligation. Also, the glaring topic is discoursing Empress Ember and Thorax whenever they decide to come to Ponyville to visit their friend, Spike, or when they accompany a chosen delegate for the School of Friendship.

Twilight returns to the jousting arena in despair and shame; she turns to her friends, frowning and disgusted about her emotions overriding her thought process after she retorts to the Princesses angrily. "We need to get going. Princess Celestia and Luna are serving us a 180-day ban from the Crystal Empire."

"WHAT?!" Pinkie Pie once again shouts louder than Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Starlight Glimmer, Rarity, and Applejack.

"What in tarnation happened between you, Spike, and the Princesses, Twilight?" Applejack asks her friend about the sudden punishment doubling its' due date.

"Everything..," Twilight lowers her head, sighing sadly with her rude remarks echoing in her ear about her self-proclaim entitlement as Princess of Friendship. She turns to Discord. "Can you deliver us to Equestria, Discord?"

"Sure," Discord snaps his eagle's talon, enabling his chaos magic to teleport Twilight and her friends back to the Castle of Friendship. He and Big Mac want to know if Spike is doing alright and excited for tonight's guy's night.

Spike cried in Princess Celestia and Luna's arms during the embrace for a half hour; he endured so much for years in solitude; he didn't want to let go of the warm, loving hug from Celestia and Luna. He doesn't want to be alone anymore.

Flurry Heart arrives in the room, holding onto him to soothe his heart. She doesn't understand the reason for Spike's sadness but wants him to become happy. Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Sunburst, Discord, and Big Mac enter the room and listen to Spike's cries, understanding differently about the tribulations he bore for years unnoticed. Spike calms down after seeing his friends and family entering; he doesn't notice Flurry Heart hugging and holds her dearly for comfort.

"Are you feeling better, Spike?" Princess Cadance approaches Spike, placing her left hoof under Spike's chin. She wants to gaze into his eyes and read his emotions.

Spike nods. "Yeah.., I think I released years of loneliness into that hug," Spike turns to Princess Celestia and Luna. "Thank you for helping me. I am eternally grateful," Spike bows before the Princesses honorably.

"You're welcome," Princess Celestia and Luna vow to treat Spike as a respective family member from here and out, always keep in close contact, and invite him to Canterlot for special visitations and parties.

"Hey! Brave and Glorious!" A random crystal pony shouts, which causes a resounding roar of crystal ponies chanting Spike's name, yearning to see and continue with the jousting tournament since it got interrupted.

Spike walks to the meeting room's window, seeing his family; yes, family. The crystal ponies rallied and sparked a new fire and desire in Spike's heart now that his first step into his life was starting after the hurdle he endured.

Princess Cadance opens the window to address her subjects with an excited announcement. "Return to the jousting arena, for we must continue our homecoming celebration of the Brave and Glorious, Spike, for he shall combat the Princess of the Night, Luna, in our opening matchup!"

Every crystal pony and guard cheers louder, and Spike feels something awakening within. With every crystal pony channeling their light and love while not knowing what had happened with their champion, the Crystal Heart at the center of the Crystal Empire spins and illuminates sparkling magic, purifying Spike's darkness and turning him into a crystal dragon as everyone else gets crystalline coats. Discord gets a bewitching crystalline coating; his limbs and physique glow in different hues, and he lights up like a disco ball.

"Well, y'all, Discord is fixin' to have itself a good ol' party!" Big Mac compliments Discord's disco ball transformation.

"That's an idea!" Discord flies out the window, dancing and playing music, the cha cha cha to the bleachers at the jousting arena.

Princess Cadance uses her magic to levitate Spike's armor and lance. "You're armor, Knight Spike," Princess Cadance bows gracefully to her friend for fun.

Spike adorns his armor and hops on Shining Armor's back, preparing for his matchup against Princess Luna. "Let's get going; we have a friendly competition to resume!" Spike feels rejuvenated and hopes Twilight will overcome her denial, anger, and stress, fearing she's in the five stages of grief.

Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadance combine their magic to transport everyone to the jousting arena. Discord filled the bleachers with every crystal pony chanting: "LET'S GO SPIKE! LET'S GO SPIKE! LET'S GO SPIKE!"

Princess Luna dorns her dark night sky blue knight's armor and wields her lunar-shaped lance.

Shining Armor gets in position with his captain of the crystal guard armor on, mentally preparing himself to aid Spike and challenge the Princess of the Moon; he's focused on winning the tournament with Spike after what transpired a while ago.

"Hey, Luna!" Spike shouts bold and proud for his statement to show his private trainer that he is courageous against opposing foes. "Don't hold back!" Spike demands, tightening his grip on the lance's handle; he puts the shielding of his helmet down.

"Very well, Spike the Brave and Glorious! I shall answer you by defeating you shamelessly in this contest!" Princess Luna is now motivated, with adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Sapphire Joy plays the flugelhorn, sounding off the opening contest again, and hopes for no interruptions. Spike, Shining Armor, and Princess Luna shout their warcries and charge, preparing to strike by the halfway mark with the roaring crowds cheering lively.

Aftermath

Twilight and her friends appear in the Castle of Friendship after Discord teleported them when he used his magic; Twilight feels dreadful for scolding the Princesses about her entitlement and duties as the Princess of Friendship while understanding the need for the 90-day ban from the Crystal Empire. Well, it's now a 180-day banishment due to her emotions controlling her during the backlash and how she wanted to make amends with Spike after realizing her misdeeds on her beloved dragon she birthed.

The girls are worried about Twilight's well-being, especially Applejack after she asks her what happened during their conversation with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor about the Crystal Faire and Spike's business. Twilight reveals the daunting discussion between her, Spike, and the Princesses, how wrong she was to compare Spike to a bad friend when she was worse, plus her rude behavior after learning the consequences of her actions with Spike.

Twilight's friends couldn't believe the outburst towards the Princesses when they heard about the misdemeanor Twilight should have been charged with since many parents in Equestria who do wrong with their children get their prison sentence; also, hearing the banishment punishment days doubled when Twilight's anger possessed her made the girls groan in frustration since they neglected Spike during his residency in Ponyville.

Twilight feels so devastated; she wishes to be alone to contemplate her following motives, explaining to Empress Ember and Thorax about Spike's status if they decide to visit him in Ponyville, earn the Princesses' forgiveness for allowing her emotions to take control of her and living life without her friend, now knowing Spike is no longer around to help or be with her.

Starlight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy refuse to leave Twilight in solitude, for no one deserves isolation after a heartbreaking moment and realization from Spike's resignation letter. Twilight did smile, but she wanted to understand Spike's point of view while living in seclusion. Twilight decided to undergo a trial for the duration of the 180-day banishment from the Crystal Empire to live in Spike's world when no one was around to accompany him.

The girls think it's foolish for anyone to endure solitary confinement, especially when Twilight is the Princess of Friendship, who would have to solve friendship quarrels whenever she gets summoned by the map room to unravel the mysteries of a friendship crisis. Twilight groans in frustration after realizing her obligation would not allow herself to endure similar trials as Spike experienced.

Twilight slumps over the castle's walls in anger and sadness; she will never understand Spike's pain to have the discussion with him after six months; she's afraid of writing Spike a letter without the Princesses' consent. The girls sit with Twilight by the wall, not talking but letting her know when they're with her.

Twilight Sparkle endured the silence, ignoring her friends' breathing for four hours, refusing to eat and drink, but creating an ideal image within her mind, pretending to be Spike when he endured solitude for many hours of the day.

The girls hear the knock coming from the castle's doors, believing the emissary has finally arrived and possibly got sent to follow Twight and diverted to the Castle of Friendship. Starlight Glimmer offers to answer the door, but Twilight respectfully declines; her mentality is to become Spike within the sanctity of her castle, answer, be responsible, and care for the business.

Twilight opened the door; she noticed the emissary wearing a bandage covering the upper left head and gasped. "What happened to you..?"

The emissary doesn't speak but glares at the Princess of Friendship and delivers the mail Princess Celestia and Luna had written; he's livid with the Princess for giving him a concussion and would prefer not to say anything regretful later.

The emissary flew past Princess Celestia and Luna, informing the duo about taking a three-week vacation to recover from the concussion and spend time with his family during the last month of summer. Princess Celestia and Luna granted the emissary vacation time since they were concerned about the injury their emissary sustained earlier today.

Twilight closes the castle's doors with her magic and unveils the scroll that has Princess Celestia's first initial seal when she hears another knock on her door; she returns to answer the pony that may need her assistance for a quick session to calm a quarrel in Ponyville; with her being the Princess of Friendship, at times, loving couples and closest friends get involved with unfortunate affairs that would spur and test their friendship. To Twilight's dismay, after opening the door, her heartbeat pounds rapidly in fear at the presence of Princess Celestia and Luna.

"No need to be alarmed or afraid, Twilight Sparkle," Princess Celestia reassured her student, feeling shameful since her and Luna's emotions got the better of them a while ago during their discussion.

"May we come in?" Princess Luna attempts to smile warmly at Twilight Sparkle, but it's shown that she is missing a tooth from her smile; during her clash with Spike, she underestimated Spike's competitive spirit with his entitlement as Brave and Glorious.

Twilight feels unnerved by Princess Luna's smile and wonders who was the pony that knocked her tooth out during the jousting tournament since she's a slow eater and wouldn't bite into anything hard recklessly; she stands aside, allowing entrance for Princess Celestia and Luna.

Starlight and the others see the Princesses entering the castle, and they approach them with concerns about Twilight and their punishment for wrongfully mistreating Spike as their friend.

Twilight escorts her friends to the living room to discuss what needs to be addressed rather than go to the throne room and get reminded of the empty chair next to hers; she doesn't want her sadness to overtake her when anger has done it hours ago.

Princess Celestia thought about her statements and issues to address after the long flight from the Crystal Empire to Ponyville; the way she handled the situation made her awful for allowing her emotions to possess her, even when making a statement about how parents should manage the responsibility of caring their younglings. Princess Luna shares the guilt after the festivities concluded at the Crystal Empire; she didn't feel happiness about what had transpired and desired to renew her bonds with Twilight and her friends.

After everyone is seated, Princess Celestia takes a deep breath and then gazes at Twilight. "Forgive me for how my sister and I reacted during our conversation; we've allowed our emotions to override our calm demeanors to discuss specific ground rules after informing you of Spike's resignation letter. Untamed anger would divert goodness astray and only leads to sadness and remorse."

"We were quite concerned about Spike's well-being, considering stress can kill anyone, and after reading and rereading Spike's resignation letter, we were also at fault for not maintaining our friendship with Spike; I should have spoken up last night during my birthday party."

"There is no one here who is innocent during Spike's residency in Ponyville since some of you only have Spike around for errands or chores, and we must atone for our misdeeds upon a good friend," Princess Celestia states, watching every pony around nodding in unison, concurring with her statement to renew their friendship with Spike.

"Twilight, I will allow you to send an emissary to the Crystal Empire whenever you desire to write to Spike after serving 90 days, allowing separation and healing to run its' course since Spike will find his purpose in life to achieve."

Twilight exhales in relief since she is about to ask permission to write to Spike, apologize, and earn his forgiveness by helping herself in the Castle of Friendship daily. "Thank you..," She smiles with gratitude as her heartache eases; she remembers the sadness from Spike when she scolded him for being a terrible friend.

"Starlight Glimmer," Princess Luna fixed her gaze on Twilight's pupil; she saw the nervousness and uneasiness written on her face about her residency in the Castle of Friendship and how she failed Spike. "Sunburst petition your case as a warning rather than a coalition with Twilight and her friends' punishment, allowing you entrance to visit him and Spike whenever you wished."

Starlight's jaw dropped in astonishment after hearing her best friend's plea to permit her to subside the banishment decreed by the Princesses; she starts preplanning possible journeys to visit Sunburst and Spike more often, which would allow her to inform her teacher about Spike's progress and purpose.

"Everyone else would make preparations to revive their friendship with Spike and ensure history doesn't repeat itself when he visits or decides to move back to Ponyville," Princess Celestia joyfully expressed to rejuvenate the girls' spirits rather than deflate them.

Twilight and the girls didn't consider the possibility of Spike returning to Ponyville with probable homesickness since he was with Twilight when he was born. With their newfound energy, Pinkie Pie bolts out the living room's window to organize her schedule after six months to reignite her bond with Spike by baking the perfect gemstone cake the Cake family has never done since his last birthday party.

Starlight starts planning her visitations at the Crystal Empire while maintaining her schedule for friendship studies with Twilight and helping construct the School of Friendship with her friends.

Applejack is considering inviting Spike to the following Apple Family Reunion as a token of friendship to rekindle their bonds and then build up momentum to hang out more as friends.

Rainbow Dash does have a spare ticket to the next comic convention center, with A.K.Yearling making an appearance with a new issue of a comic book series based on Daring Doo, her favorite icon. If there is anything Spike desires, especially with the Power Ponies series, she'll pay no matter how many bits the item costs.

Fluttershy will invite Spike to more of her tea parties whenever Discord is around since the duo has a brotherly bond ever since the guy's night party; she remembers how much attention she gave Spike until it swerved to Discord.

Rarity vows to have Spike more involved with her social life than her work life, especially with the instant reminder to treat her sister better after the false promises whenever she puts her latest fashion design and friends over her flesh and blood. Starting tomorrow, Rarity will do anything Sweetie Belle desires as sisters would, then plan ahead of time to hang out with Spike and perhaps date him; Rarity imagines herself blushing after failed attempts to hook up with the wealthiest elite stallions of Equestria.

Twilight decides to decline any help within her castle as payment for Spike's devotion before his darkness grows; she intends to clean the castle in solitude, learn how to cook, help herself, and not rely on any of her friends whenever they come by; Also, she's preparing to write Spike weekly after the three-month period subsides and would hope he responds with a letter and mails it to her.

Twilight thanks Princess Celestia and Luna for their visitation and for igniting their spirits with newfound energy for revitalizing their friendship with Spike soon. She accepts the Princesses' apology and understands how powerful an emotion can be throughout any situation; never again would she allow anger to possess her and make her say.

Princess Celestia and Luna leave the Castle of Friendship knowing everything will settle in due time; however, they are more intrigued with Spike's new future during his residency at the Crystal Empire. Princess Celestia senses something divine will latch onto Spike and turn him into a new creature with his new purpose lined up in front of him.

After the Princesses left, Twilight turned to her friends. "Starting tomorrow, we will undergo preparations when we teach our experiences and wisdom with the Students of Friendship; that way, no one will recreate our horrible mess," Twilight commands to ensure no other friend or family member would have to suffer loneliness and darkness.

"Agreed," The girls say in unison, knowing how vital friends and family should get treated rather than something different, no matter how they look.

Training Starts Now

It's a new day at the Crystal Empire for Spike the Brave and Glorious; the sunlight beams on his face, waking him to embrace the new day with excitement to become like his favorite character, Hum-Drum, and undergo training to become the hero he imagines for the Crystal Empire. Spike walks by the balcony, taking in the scenery of the empire he swore to protect from underground syndicates, uncover mysteries, and help any crystal pony that cries for an answered prayer.

Spike inhales the fresh air of the Crystal Empire, relishing the new purpose without Twilight's interference due to her outburst yesterday, which caused her suspension from the Crystal Empire to double. One thing he'll get used to is not cleaning or cooking the castle daily since those responsibilities will fall onto Twilight's hooves, and Spike believes Twilight would enforce those responsibilities on Starlight as an escape to elude her duties to hang with her friends.

Spike walks into his private bathroom to start the day, taking a nice, relaxing, hot shower to match the heat of volcanic lava; he is curious about his private instructor training him to use weaponry and probably have cardio exercises to make him more agile until he sprouts wings. After his shower, Spike departs from his room; two crystal guards stand by to escort him to the breakfast hall where his family is eating.

Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and Sunburst welcome Spike to the breakfast hall and show him the buffet on the table.

"Oooooooooo" Spike gazes at the delicious food presented: omelets with green peppers, mushrooms, diced onions, and shredded cheese, a fruit bar station featuring watermelon, strawberries, oranges, bananas, and apples, gemstone-coated cereal, which was an idea from the crystal chefs since Spike the Brave and Glorious loves devouring gemstones, regular cereals, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, waffles, pancakes, french toast, cinnamon rolls, orange juice, apple juice, grape juice, water, and milk. The sight of the food made Spike's mouth water.

"Have a seat, Spike, and help yourself! There's plenty for you and -" Princess Cadance gets cut off with every crystal guard, butler, and maiden trotting inside. "Right on time."

Spike never thought of having breakfast with everyone inside the castle; however, he still hasn't seen his instructor and wondered if he or she had a private breakfast. The crystal chefs arrive in the room, hoping Spike loves their craft of combining gemstones with cereal.

"This is awesome!" Spike admits the new change for daily breakfast since he's used to eating in solitude or with Twilight and Starlight on particular days whenever a friendship study or hanging with friends are not involved. He sits with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor; he wonders if Twilight made a breakfast explosion in the kitchen, knowing she's a lousy cook.

Spike tried the gemstone-coated cereal and devoured three servings after discovering a new blended taste since the Cake Family tried and baked a sapphire gemstone cupcake to perfection for his birthday. The crystal chefs eating their fill are pleased to know how much Spike the Brave and Glorious enjoyed their creation and will create newer gemstone-coated recipes for their champion; also, they receive praises from Spike after informing them about the delectable flavor of gemstones merging with ordinary cereal.

After a burping symphony, there were plenty of giggles from everyone in the breakfast hall. Flurry Heart claps her hooves in delight. The loudest was her mother after having a light breakfast, she blushed in embarrassment in front of her subjects and declared breakfast over. Everyone pat their bellies in satisfaction to relish the fellowship in breakfast and silence.

Spike's instinct is to clean up after breakfast since it was his duty throughout the years in Ponyville when he remembered another important task greater than his old routine. Princess Cadance reminds Spike that he no longer has cleanup chores since there are plenty of workers who tend to the Crystal Castle's needs; with Shining Armor having his schedule lined up, Princess Cadance carries Flurry Heart in her hooves and escorts Spike to the crystal guard training facility, which is smaller than the arena that hosted the Equestrian Games.

Throughout the journey, Spike waves at every crystal pony he sees and briefly states about his training course, which would take up most of the day, and he'll see everyone later. Spike is excited about meeting his private trainer and imagines a similar field for his favorite comic book character, Hum-Drum, embracing the new change to become better than ever.

Princess Cadance's smirk grew wider when they got closer to the training facility, making Spike a bit worried about greeting his new teacher and undergoing formidable training methods. Stepping onto the turf grass and the track, Spike turns around and sees Princess Cadance sitting by the bleachers, stroking Flurry Heart's head with a twisted smile. Spike gulped at the sight and saw a unicorn with a purple coat and a magenta mane; seeing the broken horn on the mare's head made Spike gasp after realizing who his instructor would be!

"Hahahahahahahahaha!" Princess Cadance laughs at Spike's horrid face after realizing Tempest Shadow, aka Fizzlepop Berrytwist, would be his new instructor.

Tempest Shadow kept the signature attire consisting of black armor over her body and armor shoes over her hooves. She also wears a body suit all over her, covering her flank; the only difference is the symbol. Before then, it held the Storm Nation's; now, it features the Crystal Empire's Crystal Heart logo.

"Ahahahahahahahaha!" Grubber arrives while eating a sponge cake coated with crystal sprinkles. "Dude, you should have seen your face!"

Spike remains frozen with his eyes widened and jaw hanging loosely; a drool drop extends by the passing second with many thoughts erupting in his mind about the whats and whys of Tempest Shadow's residency in the Crystal Empire.

"I heard and witnessed the fallout of your friends' decision-making when they intruded during the jousting tournament; how concerned they were with you over a misunderstanding and false accusations of your forgetfulness of them. Before you ask about my residency in the Crystal Empire, I'll explain. After the celebration at Canterlot, Princess Cadance approached me and Grubber about a clean slate to live happily since the Storm Nation would undergo a new sovereign through democracy. Empress Storm, the Storm King's brother, was voted fairly and initiated the forgiveness campaign. The citizens and soldiers were to embark to neighboring countries and apologize on behalf of their fallen ruler, ensuring harmony and peace will follow and no more hostility and wrath."

Spike blinks twice and shakes his head, waking him from his trance; he takes the info spoken by Tempest and exhales, now knowing the direction of the Storm Nation's righteousness.

Tempest smirks at Spike's body language and mentally prepares herself to answer any other questions regarding the Storm Nation or the training session.

"So, what training method would I endure on my first day?" Spike asks Tempest since he has no questions concerning the status of the Storm Nation since they're heading in the right direction for becoming anew in peace and prosperity.

"Cardio and muscle mass since your undersized physique would have difficulties wielding weaponry designed for any militant."

"Crud!" Spike imagines himself wincing with an exercise focusing on his speed; also, since he ate a heavy breakfast, Spike fears it would cause stomach cramps if he overexerts his energy poorly.

"Good luck, hero!" Grubber laughs and taunts Spike after watching him sweat nervously, which is his undoing when Tempest glares at him.

"You've been getting fat lately," Tempest notices her friend's round belly getting bloated with each sugary treat the hedgehog had consumed since their residency in the Crystal Empire.

"No.., nononononononono -" Grubber waves his arms with no expression of participating in Spike's exercise routines.

"Consider yourself as Spike's training partner, Grubber!" Tempest commands, striking fear into Grubber's heart, knowing he must comply and get on his friend's good side again.

Grubber pouts and angrily groans due to his blunder of taunting Spike since he thought about avoiding any exercising methods during his new life in the Crystal Empire; he knew about Tempest's persuasion for him to lose weight; however, the desserts and delicacies in the Crystal Empire proved to be more demanding to resist.

Spike watches Grubber walk to the running track and gets in position to endure the many laps Tempest would command Spike to run; Spike decides to follow pursuit with a command from Tempest.

"Have you done this before?" Spike positions himself next to Grubber on the track's starting line, with his mind racing about the many laps he'll circle.

"No....," Grubber sighs and remembers the days of watching the soldiers training immensely to build their muscle mass and achieve agility for the Storm King while he ate nothing but sweets; he regrets not participating in the exercises he'll endure now.

"One hundred laps!" Tempest shouts and watches Spike sprint after hearing the number while Grubber remains motionless until Tempest shouts - "GO GRUBBER!" She ignites her horn to send a spark shock on Grubber's behind, provoking him to start running.

"I'M GOING!!!! I'M GOING!!!!!" Grubber moves swiftly after feeling and hearing the loud pop of sparks behind him; he notices Spike passing him and has concluded his first lap around the track.

"There's not much happening within the Crystal Empire for Spike to fulfill his duties as the savior to the empire. I'll continue to train him into a noble warrior for upcoming threats to protect his crystal ponies." Tempest thought to herself while watching Spike and Grubber sprint on the track. She walks over to the next exercise course for weightlifting. "Keep count of your laps, boys!" Tempest prepares the weight limit for Spike to lift, considering the dragons' body strength differs from everypony else.

Spike imagines his hero, Hum-Drum, sprinting next to him, not getting tired or having second thoughts but pushing aside doubts and focusing on becoming a better self, pushing himself to newer lengths and heights to achieve success. "Become the new hero!"

Grubber is ready to pass out after running ten laps, as Spike has run twenty; he huffs and puffs while slowing down to gasp for air and energy.

Tempest urges Grubber to keep running if he wants a cake coated in vanilla frosting and sprinkles, which motivates him to run faster than before; she uses his hunger as an advantage to encourage Grubber to sweat for his sweets.

With Spike and Grubber finding their motivation to train and become better, the duo started building a brotherhood; during the run, Spike explains his desire to become the hero for the Crystal Empire as Grubber explains finding boredom since nothing is interesting to do besides eating and lazing around. Spike offers Grubber a position to become an ally for a team he'll be building to defend and oppose threats that seek to desolate the Crystal Empire, knowing the vast knowledge of sorcery dating a millennium can uphold newfound power to any wicked creature demented enough to run amuck and cause calamity upon the populous. Grubber does enjoy the idea of fighting crime and different surging organizations that went unnoticed, though he'll need to gain muscle mass to become a champion like Spike the Brave and Glorious; he accepts the proposition and turns to his friend, Tempest, urging her to train him and Spike more often. Tempest smirked at her friend and couldn't believe Spike's prep talk encouraged him to lose fat and become a hero.

Days turn into weeks for Spike during his training sessions. For a few days now, Spike has sprouted his wings after undergoing the molt, a transformation that appears to be a sickness but was a metamorphosis in disguise. Since he sprouted his wings, his sessions had altered with flight lessons with the pegasi platoon of the Crystal Guards because Tempest doesn't obtain flight magic.

Spike endured hardship at first with Tempest during the first week of training since she's not the sort to emphasize emotions on newbies or anyone in particular except those closest to her. She would yell at Spike, demanding him harshly during specific exercises that overwhelmed him, making him pass out on the spot when she wanted Spike to give everything he had and build momentum. Princess Cadance did speak to Tempest about easing the strictness; however, Spike intervened; he wants to embrace Tempest's methods to improve and become better than ever. Spike did ask Tempest to spend some days as friends to build a friendship, which she obliges, thus opening more onto Spike and strengthening their bond during the training sessions.

During Spike's span in the Crystal Empire, he's developed to take care of Flurry Heart like a big brother whenever Princess Cadance and Shining Armor's duties become overwhelming, which is a surprising twist of fate for Spike since he's used to caring for Twilight; however, he enjoys Flurry Heart's presence and has not abandoned her. Spike has spent time with Shining Armor, developing a brotherhood; the two would go camping, fishing, playing games, talking, and exercising. Whenever Spike is with Princess Cadance, he accompanies her to visit several schools, enjoy relaxation, open new stores and buildings, smile with many crystal ponies, and help plan fun festive days for the crystal ponies.

Grubber remains the same size, and his physique hasn't altered, but during his trials with Spike to become heroes, Grubber did obtain strength, better mobility, and agility. He can move swifter, lift two hundred pounds, and hasn't focused on eating junk food.

Whenever Tempest doesn't train the dynamic duo, she monitors the activities within the Crystal Empire for any signs of crime; however, she knows the Crystal Empire is the perfect haven where no corruption and crisis has spurred. She knows Spike's dream would cause devastation to the young dragon with the harsh reality of living in a protected kingdom.

Today is Wednesday. Spike and Grubber meet at the training facility and notice Tempest's demeanor changing while speaking with Shining Armor about Spike's involvement as a protector.

"Uh oh, that doesn't look good," Grubber feels Tempest's energy just by looking at her. He knows what his friend will say after weeks of training.

Spike inhales deeply and approaches Tempest and Shining Armor about his profession as the Crystal Empire's hero, knowing the outcome was all for nothing in the empire and that his fantasy wouldn't become a reality.

"Spike, come over here," Shining Armor turns to Spike, hoping his and Tempest's decision would enlighten Spike's mood.

Spike sighs and looks down while walking closer to his brother. "I'm guessing with how peaceful the nation truly is, there is no need for me to be the Crystal Empire's hero?"

"In due time, you'll get your chance," Shining Armor says while rubbing Spike's head. "Right now, you're needed elsewhere."

"Really?" Spike looks up at Shining Armor. "Who needs my help?" He sees Shining Armor nudging his head, directing Spike to turn to Tempest. "What do you need me to do, Tempest?"

"Come with me to the Storm Nation's Island. I know something that would inspire you to never quit," Tempest smiles at Spike; she believes Spike can find inspiration to dedicate his life to becoming the hero Equus truly desires, not just the Crystal Empire.

"Of course! My homeland is filled with rebellious creatures that want to destroy us!" Grubber said, exciting Spike with the possibility of fighting the syndicates he dreamt about. However, he's hiding another truth about the trip to the Storm Nation's island.

"Let's get going! I'm ready to embrace all challenges!" Spike shouts happily and flaps his wings, preparing to fly when the Storm Nation's war blimp soars and lands on the turf.

Progress in Equestria

Twilight Sparkle begins the new day in solitude since Trixie Lulamoon came by last night, asking Starlight to celebrate her birthday by spending the week together as friends, which Twilight permits. It allows her to discover the world Spike endured in isolation, even after suggesting to her friends to devise preparations for the School of Friendship.

It becomes eerie for Twilight to hear her hoofsteps in the Castle of Friendship as the only sound, making her feel sad when she envisions herself as Spike going with his daily routine; her belly growls, yearning for filling, making Twilight feel more relaxed about the new sound within her castle than listening to her hoofsteps echoing in the corridors.

When she arrives in the kitchen, Twilight has a reminiscion about Spike cooking her favorite morning dish by the stove; he smiles at her, saying - "Good Morning, Twilight!"

"Mo -" Twilight sheds a tear, stretching down on her right eye. She realizes how ungrateful she took advantage of Spike's kindness. Twilight approaches Spike and swears she can feel the scales on his face cheek; she blinks three times, and Spike is no longer in the kitchen. She's all alone again. "Morning, Spike."

Instead of attempting to cook a delicious meal for breakfast, Twilight settles with a bowl of cornflakes. Before taking a bite, she hears Pinkie calling for her, inviting Twilight to eat breakfast with the rest of the girls at Sugarcube Corner by the kitchen window.

"No, Pinkie, I want to understand what Spike endured in solitude. I need to feel the quietness, the abandonment, the loneliness he suffered throughout the years. I want to embrace this lifestyle until the School of Friendship construction is complete."

"So, you won't accompany us during a friendship quest or any parties I throw? No hangouts or get-togethers with any of your friends?" Pinkie Pie wants to know where Twilight stands on her commitment to living similarly to Spike when he underwent his darkness in seclusion.

"I will from time to time. I still need to instill my entitlement as the Princess of Friendship. I want to remain distant in my castle until my family comes to visit me or whenever I teach Starlight a friendship lesson. I can't have any excuses for delaying my tribulation to enter Spike's domain in sequestration. Later, Pinkie," Twilight leaves the kitchen with her bowl of cereal and an unpeeled orange.

Throughout the days in the Castle of Friendship, Twilight motivates herself to clean the entire castle without help, flying, or magic, which is problematic with her stumbling and no stability on ladders. She made more messes, causing her to groan frustratedly and kick the bucket of water. She angrily bellows because she managed to clean only one room in a few hours while the rest of the castle remains filthy. Twilight declined Starlight's assistance since Spike got ignored whenever he asked for help.

Twilight understood Spike's personal statement about the chores in the castle becoming tedious for one creature to uphold daily, considering the list she would give him after making the messes herself. She facehoof herself for initiating a tiresome job on one creature, the dragon she hatched and raised, with many youthful years left before adulthood. There are days when Twilight openly expresses to herself how she hates herself for creating Spike's darkness and feels it lurking in her shadows.

Twilight feels relief with her friends during her social gatherings and constructing the School of Friendship near her castle; she feels peaceful but dreads the day of explaining to Empress Ember and Thorax about Spike's residency and the fallout between the two a few weeks ago. Twilight knows she'll receive an earache from Empress Ember and Thorax about respecting every species as equals as Equestria does with their kin. Twilight hopes it doesn't disrupt the peace between Equestria, the Dragon Lands, and the Hive, considering Spike's friendship solidify their friendship as nations.

In Ponyvile, besides Twilight's quest to correlate to Spike's darkness, the remaining bearers of the elements took time to appreciate their friends and family even more.

Pinkie Pie visits Yak Yakkistan weekly to visit Prince Rutherford and every yak for fun and to learn more about their culture. That was when Prince Rutherford introduced Pinkie to Yona, a high-spirit and proud yak. An idea struck Pinkie; she asked permission to allow Yona to participate as a student at the School of Friendship. Prince Rutherford accepts Pinkie's proposal and hopes Yona would love the experience of meeting new friends and new species for Yak Yakkistan to love besides ponies.

Whenever Rarity is not working in her boutique or checking progress in Manehattan, she spends more time with Sweetie Belle, singing, playing, laughing, relaxing, cooking, and making costumes for their homemade roleplay skit. Sweetie Belle was confused about the sudden change of pace with her sister. After learning about Spike's decision to leave Ponyville to seek a better opportunity in life, Sweetie Belle believes Rarity doesn't want to experience anything similar to Twilight and takes note of being mindful of those closest to her.

Applejack continues her duties at Sweet Apple Acres, upholding her prideful manner of tending to every apple tree in the orchard, gathering apples, making time to spend with Apple Bloom with their daily chores, and spending time with Big Mac. Applejack agreed with Big Mac to allow him more days out of the month to relax and frolic while she and Apple Bloom handle his chores, considering Big Mac's friend is a nation away by train unless Discord swoops by and escorts him via teleportation during a guy's night. It also allows Applejack to gain any info about Spike and report it to Twilight for her sake.

Whenever Rainbow Dash is not training with the Wonderbolts, she's spending time with either her friends or Scootaloo. With the promise of treating Scootaloo as an older sister, she notices something peculiar about Scootaloo's flight, how she's unable to soar in the skies as any young filly would. Rainbow hopes Scootaloo doesn't have the rare condition that some pegasi fear and believes Scootaloo will soar high in the skies as a late bloomer. Another friend Rainbow has seen recently is Gilda, who she was surprised to see Rainbow Dash out of the blue. Rainbow wants to reignite her friendship with Gilda rather than leave her behind after witnessing the fallout between Spike and Twilight a few weeks ago.

Fluttershy remains subtle in her home, caring for the animals, spending time with Discord, and continuing their growth as friends; she does write to her younger brother, Zephyr Breeze, making sure he follows procedure and his calling in life rather than quitting every job he gets. She wishes the best for her younger brother but hopes Zephyr Breeze does fantastic.

Princess Celestia and Luna maintain their line of duties throughout the weeks and make time to visit Spike since it's their mission to elevate their friendship with him after missing out on many events during their reign. As of late, Princess Celestia has trouble sleeping; she tosses and turns about sudden events happening in the future. For reasons unknown, Princess Luna couldn't penetrate Celestia's dreams to calm the quarrels of her mind and believed something omnipotent was responsible for the interference.

For weeks, Princess Celestia has regressed due to the endless nightmares about the future, which connects to one event that would change Equus forever. Princess Celestia has proclaimed all royal sessions for the week will be postponed until further notice.

Storm Nation's Travel

The journey from the Crystal Empire to the Storm Nation's island took three hours, considering traveling down south would have taken two days. Spike enjoyed the scenery the world has to offer, the beauty of the landscape, the blue skies with clouds not altered by pegasi weather control, and Spike even caught a glimpse of the parrot's pirate ship traveling in the wild blue yonder. Spike envisioned many possibilities about the inspiration Tempest had mentioned a while ago. Tempest is keeping the inspiration a surprise as Grubber speaks vaguely about it.

On the war blimp, Spike recognizes several Storm Nation soldiers who attended the party and kept him company when everyone left; he thanked them for spending time with him after his friends departed when he finally got to dance on the dance floor, especially during cleanup duty. The soldiers heard about Spike's ascension to become the hero of the Crystal Empire, and Tempest inquired about their assistance in escorting Spike to the Storm Nation's Square District.

Propaganda posters of the Storm King are gone from the buildings, towers, blimps, and walls of the dark and magnificent Storm Island. The citizens live happily without the tyranny of their former sovereign ruler, Storm King. Empress Storm controls the weather of her nation, ruling the kingdom with love, peace, and kindness, unlike her brother, who met his demise over power and dominion.

Empress Storm is a tall, bipedal, fierce-looking creature with a muscular physique and snow-white fur that covers all of her body except for her hoofed feet, her three-fingered hands, and her ape-like face, which are snow-white. Her eyes and tongue are blue and covered in lustrous white armor that covers her torso, bosoms, shoulders, wrists, and shins. She also has large, curving blue horns, an extensive, stuck-out chin, sharp fangs, and a long, white tail with fluffy hair at the end. Empress Storm is close to being a twin to the Storm King, but she was born two years before her elder sibling.

Empress Storm waves from the balcony of her tower after seeing the war blimp returning from the Crystal Empire; she can't wait to greet her friend and the supposed champion of the Crystal Empire. The war blimp descends in front of Empress Storm's tower, allowing everyone to depart and wait for the Empress' arrival.

Spike looks around and notices the dark clouds in the skies snowing, and thanks to his intense training with Tempest when they embarked on the snowy regions near Yak Yakkistan, Spike can tolerate the cold weather.

"Welcome to our island, Spike the Brave and Glorious!" Empress Storm is aware of the folklore spoken by her guards when they discovered the Spike statue by the Crystal Empire when they visited Tempest Shadow. She gasps at Tempest's presence. "Tempy!" Empress Storm calls Tempest by her cute nickname. It's shorter for temperature due to Tempest's rage burst.

Tempest Shadow blushed in embarrassment when Spike and Grubber gigged at the nickname. "Stormy, don't call me that..," It's not often for Tempest to get flustered and caught off guard with a nickname.

Empress Storm laughs; she remembers the days spent with Tempest whenever her brother didn't send her away after failing to understand the wisdom he gained at the town's square. "Sorry, I've forgotten about addressing my friends differently around crowds."

"It's an honor to meet the older responsible sibling of the sovereign Storm family," Spike bows before Empress Storm, demonstrating honor before her.

Empress Storm admires the young dragon for respecting her presence. "No need to bow before me, Spike the Brave and Glorious. I banned the declaration of bowing before a ruler within the island since my brother ran amuck and tainted the family name. Also, I'm the younger one. Did Tempy -" Empress Storm hears the growl from her friend and corrects herself. "Did Tempest explain the reason for your travel today?"

"She told me about finding inspiration here, something to motivate me to achieve my goals of becoming the hero the Crystal Empire deserves and perhaps all of Equus at some point," Spike explains his reason for coming to the Storm Nation's Island, which makes sense for Empress Storm, considering the birthplace of inspiration with many creatures traveling far and wide to obtain the one relic, but failed.

"Follow me," Empress Storm doesn't give Spike the grand tour of her island but escorts him to the birthplace of inspiration, which no other country can claim.

The supposed birthplace of inspiration, the Square District is the only place untouched by technology. The Square District's ground has lavish green pastures and four trees with crystalizing, sparkling, shimmering, and radiancy leaves; the temperature is warm, unlike the rest of the chilling island, and the grass is smooth like a forest for camping. At the center of the Square District is an enormous stone with an ornamented staff in the middle of the rock as white heavenly light shines upon the sacred relic of inspiration. Next to it, a few feet away, is a dentist's chair and some equipment.

"Uuuuh," Spike gets nervous about the dentist's chair. "What's with the dental equipment, Empress Storm?" Spike is confused after feeling he stepped on sacred ground.

"For those to attempt to use their teeth as strength to uphold the weapon from the stone. Ripper loves his job as a dentist," Empress Storm points to Snow Yeti, wearing a black lab coat, goggles, and medical mask.

"I'm ready for my next victim - I mean guest," Ripper hides his chuckles, but it becomes laughter.

"As horrifying as he sounds with his demented tone, Ripper is a nice fellow who is proficient as the best dentist the Storm Nation has to offer," Empress Storm explains her subject's demeanor despite dressing as a mad scientist hellbent on destroying cavities.

"So," Spike wants to direct the focus to the scepter standing still on the rock. "What's with the weapon? How is this the inspiration?"

Empress Storm joyfully laughs, for she enjoys retelling the tale of Equus' birth. "Have a seat, Brave and Glorious," Using her prowess, Empress Storm conjures a white snow cloud for her to sit above the ground.

Spike sits on the ground, feeling immense energy as shimmering lights illuminate him; the sensation makes it feel like he's chosen for greatness by the gods above.

"The scepter resting on the gravel -" Empress Storm points to the sacred relic. "is known as the Legacy of the Peacekeeper. Designed and forged by the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony."

"The what?!" Spike's eyes widened in shock; he knew nothing about the Valkyries and their involvement with Harmony. "How is this possible, and what are the Valkyries? I thought Harmony was more on Equestria's influence."

"Not everything about ponies is true, Spike. There's much more about Valkyries, Equilibrium, Harmony, and Disharmony. I'll tell you the origins of Equus."

Equus' Origins

Author's Note

After much thought and consideration with the ideas I have in mind, I'm changing the rating from E to T just to be safe. Thanks for waiting patiently for this chapter.

Equus' Origins

Before the world of Equus came to creation, a tribe of Valkyries had departed from a dying planet and sought to recreate life through harmony after witnessing death and destruction from the world they used to occupy and attempting to bring goodness. In the world they left, most of the gods and goddesses that used to command the inhabitants forsook the mortals after their ignorance became intolerable, which resulted in the demise of life for everyone. The gods and goddesses believed mortals would never learn, and they decided to return to the high heavens, forgetting their creations and calling them bad dreams.

The Valkyries refuse to give up on life after witnessing some good amid the chaos and hold their friends' memories. In honor of the fallen, the Valkyries vowed to find a new planet, bring life, and use their experience to prevent history from repeating itself.

After eons of searching through the cosmos, the Valkyrie Sisters located the perfect planet, untouched by the gods and goddesses; however, the world they've entered is desolate, bland, cold, and rock. There are no green pastures, open waters, wind, skies, nothing beautiful. The Valkyries knew there'd be hard labor to fulfill their promise to honor their friends but wondered how long the process would take.

Before the Valkyries prepared the foundation of their world, two goddesses watched their pathway to restore life into the empty void; they were fond of their determination, honor, and deliverance to bring life in memorial of the friends they made during humanity's final hour. The first goddess is Gaia, bound by nature's beauty with the potency to create what the Valkyries desired. The second goddess is Eurynome; she can produce life according to the desires of the Valkyrie Sisters.

The Valkyries agreed not to create life based on humanity but chose sentient animals. They remembered how deadly humanity can become under bad influence and how quickly they turned away from the gods and goddesses after the warnings they gave, which humanity chose bloodlust, destruction, and greed over peace, love, and unity. Various trials using the human race proved futile, and in honor of the Valkyrie Sisters' friends, they chose their favorite animal as the inhabitants to form societies across the globe.

Gaia wastes no time creating green pastures, fields, forests, woods, jungles, plains, open waters, streams, snowy landscapes, savannahs, deserts with oases, mountains, blue skies, clouds, plants, islands, beaches, lakes, waterfalls, swamps, volcanic landscapes, and islands. Gaia used her might for nine days without rest to ensure the world was similar to the one humans occupied and destroyed with their vast technology and pollution. Everything is beautiful, plentiful, full of peace and happiness, and the Valkyrie Sisters roamed and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery; it's no longer cold except for the regions that have snow, but everything else feels warm and cozy. They flew through the blue skies, swam the ocean waters, rolled on the green pastures while feeling the soft, fresh grass, drank the fresh water from the lake and streams, ate fruit and vegetables from the bushes, trees, and crops, leaned on the trees, watched the stars at night, and slept peacefully on the fields.

Although Gaia is already a goddess among the high heavens, the Valkyrie Sisters decided to document a legend for the inhabitants to be grateful for creating the new world. They decreed Gaia as Gaea Everfree and dedicated a forest known as the Everfree Forest, filled with mysterious life, plants, and herbs to create medicine and potions necessary or enjoy something new.

Eurynome decided to inspect the world after watching the Valkyrie Sisters blissfully frolic after Gaia finished her work. The walk took two years to fully relish, take notes, drink, swim, eat fruits produced by various bushes and trees, rest in different regions, slowly becoming in love with the world the Valkyries want to establish rather than living in the high heavens with egotistical gods and goddesses after abandoning all life, not just one world, but everything. For Eurynome, simple life has more pleasure, and after her exploration, she knew where to place many sentient animals for societies once she heard from the Valkyrie Sisters.

Brynhildr, the leader of the Valkyries, was the first to tell Eurynome about her friend Ember's animal selection from the human world before it imploded. Ember's animal was the dragon. Although they are non-existent, the lore of dragons was fascinating for Ember from many shows, movies, comics, video games, and books, and her wish was to fly with them. Eurynome uses her potency to create the first ten dragon eggs for Brynhildr to nurture and raise near the volcanic island and landscape. Brynhildr did what Eurynome decreed and left her sisters; she flew towards the volcanic region.

Eir, the Valkyrie of Medicine, told Eurynome about her friend, Zene's favorite animal. Zene loved zebras, and his native land was Africa before war broke out and decimated life because of nuclear warfare. Zene would tend to every zebra in sickness and helped bring birth, which is why Eurynome conjured a herd of zebras for Eir and told her to take them by the deserts with oases and grasslands. Eir accepts the advice and dedicates Zene's honor by teaching the zebras about medicine, different herbs, and potions.

Geirahöð, the Valkyrie of Spears, told Eurynome about her friend, John's favorite animal. John loved horses. He was a farmer living on the ranch, tending to the needs of every horse, leading a herd of ponies or sheep while riding on his mare, Mercedes. Eurynome remembers the magnificence and beauty of horses and ponies, so she used her prowess to create two herds of horses and ponies to co-exist in harmony. Eurynome instructed Geirahöð to be mindful of the herd and have them explore the lands until they find a region worth resting and expanding. Geirahöð uses her spear as a shepherd's staff to guide the herd safely; after waving to her sisters, she hopes John is watching from above as she'll continue his legacy until the herds dictate on their accord to live. Her sisters, Geirdriful, Geiravör, Geirönul, and Geirskögul, asked to come along, considering their friends loved unicorns and pegasi; Geirahöð accepts their welcome, considering two herds may be challenging to nurture and raise in solitude. Geirdriful, Geiravör, Geirönul, and Geirskögul's friends were Abigail, Clay, Teresa, and Maverick, who used to be part of a fan club that featured an anime. Eurynome decided that unicorns and pegasi should co-exist with the horses and ponies as a family, so she conjured two more herds, one for the pegasi and the other for the unicorns. Abigail, Clay, Teresa, and Maverick were once brothers, sisters, and cousins when Geirdriful, Geiravör, Geirönul, and Geirskögul met them during an evacuation before a bombing run decimated their homes.

Göll, the Valkyrie of Tumult, remembers Gabby's favorite animal since her wings reminded him of the creature. Gabby loved griffins. Mythical to her, she loved the idea of a fusion-type animal soaring the skies, hunting for prey, and protecting shrines or anything of value. Griffins are common for Valkyries, so Eurynome conjures a nest containing eggs for griffins. She tells Göll to take the nest of the tallest tree on the west side where they can stretch their wings and teach them to fly, drink, and hunt since the tallest tree is at the center of a forest.

Göndul, the Valkyrie of Magic, tells Eurynome about Christina's favorite animal, the caterpillar that enters a chrysalis to become something magnificent. Since caterpillars are bugs, Eurynome remembered how pegasi and unicorns would be cousins for the horse and pony herds; Eurynome decided to create something unique for Göndul in honor of Christina. She combined the traits of the chrysalis with the stages of ponies, unicorns, and pegasi, thus bringing forth the first-ever changeling. Göndul stared at the colorful four-legged bug and smiled at him; Eurynome generated nine more changelings for Göndul to care for where there were tons of vegetation. Göndul accepts the slight change and hopes Christina will love the new breed to honor her legacy as a bug lover. Göndul departs and heads east, where there is plenty of water and green pastures for the changelings to roam and eat plentifully.

Gunnr, the Valkyrie of War, was there during World War Three when she stumbled upon a small hut with one villager living in the fields of Tibet away from civilization. Aden, the villager, notices the Valkyrie gathering her breath from striking many missiles that would have burned the crops of an entire continent. Gunnr told Eurynome about Aden's animal of loving yaks ever since he moved away from his native land in Pakistan. Aden wished he could have been bold and proud like his family, but he didn't want the influence of bloodlust and violence corrupting his mind. Eurynome could only imagine Aden's demise, so she created the yaks as bold and proud and then decided to name their country Yak Yakistan in honor of Pakistan. Gunnr believes the yaks would be sustainable in snowy regions, so she took the flock there.

Herfjötur, the Fetter Valkyrie, remembers her friend David from New York mentioning much about the buffalos rampaging on the fields, which was football for humanity. She didn't quite understand the game's charm but understood the animal and what it represented. Instead of creating a vigorous mindset for the buffalo, Eurynome went with the calmer sense, one with a spiritual taste of understanding the land and having an annual tradition of running on their chosen sacred ground to change the term of rampaging on the fields. Eurynome advised Herfjötur to bring the tribe of buffalos toward the desert near a riverine, allowing them to express their thoughts and find their spiritual connections with the earth and environment.

Herja, the Valkyrie of Devastation, remembers a sickly young girl who would draw paintings of mythical creatures with the dreams of becoming a talented artist someday. Her favorite are the hippogriffs, considering she had a pet eagle named Glider. Like griffins, hippogriffs are common for gods and goddesses, so allowing a breed of hippogriffs to exist sounds fantastic. Eurynome decided to give the hippogriffs an added ability, unlike any other creature she conjured except the changelings. Eurynome granted the hippogriffs the capability to transform from their earth form into aquatic, which amazed Herja. She hoped Olivia, the sickly young girl, would love the idea from the heavens as she peacefully roamed without any sickness.

Hlaðguðr Svanhvít remembered a young woman named Aria, singing daily to work on her performance for a play before the war began. Hlaðguðr Svanhvít asked Aria if she was going to be the mermaid during the musical, but Aria told Hlaðguðr Svanhvít her role as a siren and how she would attract luring victims through hypnotic melodies. Aria even thought about wearing a jeweled collar to portray the activation of using magic during the performance, which gives Hlaðguðr Svanhvít the idea of having some sirens use their melodies as remedies instead. Eurynome loves music, and having sirens sing peacefully rather than deceptively sounds delightful. After creating ten sirens, she tells Hlaðguðr Svanhvít to go to one of the beaches and raise the sirens, to which she complies.

Hildr, the Valkyrie of Battle, told Eurynome about Antonio's animal, though it's mythological, as the previous mythical creatures stated. Antonio loved the minotaur and always wanted to go to a Chicago Bulls game wearing a minotaur costume to represent. He wants to combine the team's name with his love for Greek Mythology since he read every story and several movies. Eurynome finds it adorable that the man tried new things and proceeds with creating the minotaurs. They have different color physiques to make them unique, and Hildr took them where she saw fit.

Hjalmþrimul, the Valkyrie of Clatter, mentions a beloved movie featuring a lion, a witch, and a wardrobe with many creatures within that lived in either harmony or in fear because of their rulers. Hjalmþrimul remembers the children loving centaurs and how mighty they were during the battle. Eurynome allows the centaurs to uphold magic properties by ingesting or taking what was around them for spiritual connections and creating spectacles after she created a herd of them. Hjalmþrimul hopes the children from the orphanage can enter new lives as these centaurs and perhaps prepare for battle against any harmful threat not of this world.

Hervör Alvitr, the Valkyrie of the All-Wise, tells Eurynome about a show dedicated to gargoyles that many loved and had a cult following; her friend, Jamal, drew sketches of his version of a gargoyle, thus becoming an artist before his demise as a soldier, during World War Three. His younger brother, Tyreek, drew centaurs becoming brothers with gargoyles. Hearing the story, Eurynome created the first ten gargoyles and told Hervör Alvitr to follow her sister, Hjalmþrimul, so the two species could live in harmony and embrace each other as families in honor of the children.

Hlökk, the Valkyrie of Noise, reveals her tale about meeting a dog owner named Derek; he loves dogs and would foster puppies whenever he finds a stray near his home or trying to survive in the cruel city of Cleveland. Dogs are known as man's best friend, and Hlökk saw it firsthand but also experienced the dark side of man and dogs. Derek also had a profession in jewelry and would give every dog and puppy a collar with some bling and once jokingly call them diamond dogs. Eurynome creates a unique breed called the diamond dog that searches for gemstones or anything shining in honor of Derek's love for dogs and passion for his profession. Hlökk took the canines and flew toward a mountain with jewels diamond dogs could dig and preserve for eons.

Hrist, the Valkyrie of Legendary Quaking, remembers sitting in Greenland, watching a beautiful spectacle in the skies known as the aurora borealis. She saw a group of college kids stargazing and didn't bother noticing her a few feet away. When Hrist approached them, they weren't afraid, welcomed her company, and spoke about the joys of life outside the corruption of tyrants, government officials, and political nonsense that wasn't helping the people. The college kids had an art project of pondering new species to exist in the winter wonderland. Each said snow yeti, a combo of a yeti-ape, yeti-dog, and a hedgehog. Eurynome already sees a nation in the making and tells Hrist to take Hrund, Kára, Mist, Ölrún, Róta, Randgrid, and Ráðgríðr to raise a storm nation down south from what would be Yak Yakistan. The sisters comply after mentioning some animals that won't be building societies since there has to be some countermeasure for livestock.

Þrima, the Valkyrie of Silence, tells Eurynome about Jasmine's favorite mythological animal, the kirin. During her youth, Jasmine believed the kirin were distant cousins of unicorns. Eurynome is aware that the kirin are creatures that possess menacing abilities to incinerate people of sin and wickedness, which would be hard for them to burn creatures of harmony, so Eurynome removed that factor, gave the kirin magic properties but made one with nature and enjoy the bliss of mother nature. Þrima took the kirin to one of the eastern forests to raise and live quietly.

The rest of the Valkyrie Sisters, Sanngriðr, Sigrdrífa, Sigrún, Skalmöld, Skeggöld, Skögul, Skuld, Sveið, Svipul, Þögn, Þrúðr, mention animals such as cows, deers, cats, different breeds of dogs, eagles, parrots, avians, and other filler animals that would now become wildlife creatures to live away from societies. Eurynome replicated many forms and altered some appearances to live in isolation or unity across the lands. The process after Eurynome heard and listened to the many backstories took two months.

When Eurynome returned to the high heavens, the Valkyrie Sisters anointed Eurynome as a Celestial for bringing birth to various creatures to start anew in life.

At first, after a hundred years, the creatures living in harmony with the Valkyrie Sisters were prospering until the cycle of life deteriorated. Since the world began as a one-sidedness, there were many complexities in the way of life and balance. First of all, with every creature living in unity, there was no death, and no death increases the population; second, crops didn't regrow after bearing fruit and vegetables, making food scarce for many creatures; third, emotions became null void with every creature smiling widely, which was disturbing for every Valkyrie Sister, even when they inflicted pain, they don't acknowledge or react in agony; fourth, the Valkyrie Sisters understood why there was an equilibrium with the humans and their world.

Even with the idea of an eternity of ever-longing peace, there are complications in creating the perfect world, and the Valkyrie Sisters knew what must happen despite not feeling welcome to bring devastation after promising their friends that their legacies would continue. After days of nonstop conversations with Gaia and Eurynome involved, they agreed to create the countermeasure to fix the problems their world is enduring. Eurynome and Gaia combined their energies with the Valkyrie Sisters to produce the first-ever Demon of Disharmony.

The first Demon of Disharmony took an image of a blue ram with wicked dark magic, thus becoming Grogar, the Father of Monsters. With his newfound power, Grogar created hydras, chimeras, timberwolves, cockatrices, windigos, manticores, and bearbees. He unleashed his creatures and sparked the first sin, which was murder, and after that, the world lost grip of becoming one-sided. Grogar created hatred, evil, death, violence, fear, pain, sadness, and many more negative emotions and actions for every creature as the Valkyrie Sisters, Gaia, and Eurynome watched and wondered if the gods and goddesses who created humanity had done the same sequence or different.

Grogar ran amuck for a decade before tribes of every creature started to transform and become fighters, warriors, wizards, and defenders with newfound purpose in their lives. Many of those creatures took homage to the Valkyrie Sisters to work diligently as a unit to stop the evil from winning every battle.

Unfortunately, the Valkyrie Sisters, Gaia, and Eurynome, declared to produce more Demons of Disharmony since one would not be enough to sustain their world of equilibrium for eons to come; however, there was a spectator amid the chaos, which caught his attention from the high heavens after every god and goddess notice the new beauty the Valkyrie Sisters, Gaia, and Eurynome forged. Loki, the God of Trickster, saw the new world run by creatures instead of humanity and decided to include his trickery to cause chaos and mischief.

The second Demon of Disharmony is known as the Shadow Stalkers, which are similar to changelings with their adaptability of altering their shape and physique by luring their victims into another shadowed space for consumption or infesting their minds with hypnotism by making false promises of granting unrivaled power to dominate the wills of many creatures by possessing their bodies.

The third Demon of Disharmony is called Pandemonium, with the aptitude to produce anything with a simple, creative thought. Pandemonium is an enormous red snake; he infected the changeling's nation and transformed them from colorful, peaceful bug-horses into darkened, vile, demented creatures with the starvation of draining love from every living animal; they are carapace-like, furless exteriors, webbed manes, and tails, blue non-reflective eyes, fangs, bent horns, jagged ears, insect-like wings, and holes in their legs. Pandemonium started the first rumor about the changelings sucking the love out of everyone's bodies which struck fear among the world.

The fourth Demon of Disharmony would be a Queen of the new menacing changeling nation since they're sporadic without leadership; some Valkyries implanted their knowledge and wisdom of magic and warfare into the Queen, thus making her a formidable foe to many kingdoms. The Queen's name is Juniper, for she has dark orange eyes with elongated oval pupils, an orange mane and tail, orange-gray chitinous plating over her midsection, a twisted unicorn horn, a pair of tattered insectoid wings, and a sharp pair of fangs. Since Pandemonium started a rumor about the changeling nation, Juniper unleashed her wrath upon a floating city the pegasi produced and drained their love, which sparked a first-ever war between ponies and changelings.

Some of the Valkyrie Sisters watching the war enveloped wanted to partake and protect the ponies from the changelings; however, Brynhildr forbade her sisters from interfering when they required creating the balance beam since there's more harmony than anything, to begin with. Due to pegasi and unicorns improving on their craft as ponies gathered strength, they worked together to fight the invading changelings from devouring their love and energy. Queen Juniper, with her vast understanding of war, dominated the pony nations until two powerful unicorns rose to power and thwarted the Queen momentarily with their combined efforts.

The fifth Demon of Disharmony is the Dragon of Greed, Fafnir. When dragons were born, Brynhildr raised them to become noble and honorable; however, with Fafnir around, he altered the code of dragons and corrupted their minds. He started a revolution with the world changing that dragons can become mightier through greed and demonstrated the altercation of his size by becoming a hoarder. Greed allows any dragon to become enormous with their strength to crush mountains at ease, breathe immense fires that would melt any rock, and break the sound barrier with their flight speed. Fafnir also introduced a gemstone of various colors and devoured them, claiming the treasure as delicious as any vegetation. Some dragons were unsure about the change since their mother, Brynhildr, taught them many life lessons; however, with war, chaos, enslavement, and destruction looming, the rest of the dragons didn't want to face oblivion or become slaves. They decided to go against their teachings and become vicious and brute dragons to dominate any kingdom daring to step into their volcanic lands.

At this point, the Valkyrie Sisters, watching the progress of their Demons of Disharmony, made them mourn, knowing that they didn't have much of a choice after witnessing the disturbing nature of a world doomed to one-sidedness. The Valkyrie Sisters would have a new level of respect for some gods and goddesses who stood by and watched the events unfold on humanity to create the perfect balance beam. They are doing the same thing, but when they see that disharmony has become one-sided within their world, they'll swoop in and cease the madness before it spreads even more.

The Valkryie Sisters decided to create one last Demon of Disharmony in case one of their creations gets vanquished during battle or endured a setback that causes a chain of events to unfold and obliterate them. With that decision, Loki, the Trickster God, made his move after spying on the Valkyrie Sisters, Gaia and Eurynome.

The sixth Demon of Disharmony is Ahuizotl; he uses charms and relics to deceive the masses and turn them evil by granting them dignifying cursed magic. He once gave three sirens amulets to match their beauty and transformed them into maddening beasts hellbent on enslaving species. He traveled to a nation run by ponies, unicorns, and pegasi in an attempt to grant them an amulet worth more power than the Valkyrie Sisters, which all declined except for two towering unicorns driven by greed after witnessing the abandonment of their supposed goddesses when sin gave birth and during the war with changelings. They possess limited magic, and the duo needed more and thought of using the sun and moon as their equalizer to defeat any evil while becoming goddesses themselves.

Now, Ahuizotl was confused about the two unicorns' desire to become goddesses since his relics and charms didn't uphold that capacity and his instruction after creation to spread disharmony for the goddesses and Valkyries; however, that's when Loki made himself known, giving the influence for the two unicorns to take what's rightfully theirs and control their nation along with increasing Ahuizotl's limited power into tripling it, allowing the relics to have more power than any of the Valkyries for kicks. The relics Ahuizotl gave allowed one unicorn to have some control of the sun and the other the moon. The duo would then curse their goddesses and the Valkyries without Loki's mind trickery, claiming them useless when evil ran amuck and no longer desired their assistance.

The Valkyrie Sisters were furious when they saw Loki's involvement and how quickly the two sisters turned on them while not knowing the full story of why they needed a counterweight. Loki, the Trickster God, implanted humanity's logic and sense into ponies, unicorns, and pegasi to bring calamity again. The Valkyrie Sisters, Gaia, and Eurynome called for all Demons of Disharmony to meet at the Green Mountains to have a conference so they could elude Loki's advances; however, Loki got to every Demon first and convinced them to turn on their creators and dispose of them before they get erased. They came to the Green Mountains, waiting to ambush the Valkyrie Sisters, Gaia, and Eurynome, then dominate the wills of every creature on the planet.

Loki's divine power as a god allowed him to transform the six Demons of Disharmony into the Demon Overlords, making him the seventh to declare war and kill the goddesses since there's nothing to do in the high heavens except eat and drink. He altered the shapes of the Demon Overlords, gave them insight into every battle experience, and unlocked their full potential since Gaia and Eurynome made them well-balanced instead of overpowering.

The Valkyries arrived, well-armed with Gaia and Eurynome, and spoke about the warnings of Loki, the Trickster God's influence to corrupt and overkill the balance beam they worked so hard to achieve. They came late, and it was too late to compromise since Loki had control over the Demons of Harmony. Loki declared war as the planet turned into a hostile takeover; Juniper and her changelings were ready for battle with Fafnir and the dragon army, hoping they'll be more than enough against the thirty-nine Valkyrie Sisters and the two goddesses that brought them birth.

The First World War was immensely personal, bloody, and heartbreaking, with many Valkyries' mental states challenged after the decision to honor their friends' legacies by creating the creatures. They've allowed the corruption and regrettably rue some decisions of not overviewing possible outcomes. Gaia and Eurynome were not fighters but used their powers for defense since the changelings and dragons were proven mightier than the human race for combat.

The Demon Overlords and the creators were evenly matched, with brute firepower, skill, magic, and combat experience. After what seemed to be an eternity of nonstop combat from both sides, the war lasted four days without rest. Countries, nations, and inhabitants were obliterated by the sheer force when many dragons and changelings crash-landed on the ground, weapon debris dropped, creating massive craters, misfire collateral damage in many cities, fields of crop, and the populous, and death upon destruction which wiped out species that were in hiding.

Many Valkyries died fighting while attempting to save the creatures of their friends' legacies. Changelings and dragons met their demise by an angry Brynhildr because Loki influenced betrayal. Queen Juniper got stabbed in the back by Geirahöð's spear; it was a callback to when she declared war on ponies. Ahuizotl's charms and relics got drained of their power after overusing it relentlessly during his battle against the Valkyrie Sisters; he got decapitated by Hlaðguðr Svanhvít after taking Hjörþrimul's sword. Grogar and Pandemonium fled before their lives were taken by the Valkyrie Sisters when they started slaying Grogar's monsters with ease. Shadow Stalkers camouflaged themselves with the environment rather than fight the Valkyries after noticing a pivotal weakness of impact during the war; they cannot inflict any damage unless they possess a body.

Loki was one of the few to survive the war. He was injured badly when Brunhildr, Eir, Geirahöð,Gunnr, Hervör Alvitr,Hlaðguðr Svanhvít, Hlökk, Hjörþrimul, Ráðgríðr, Skuld, Þögn, andÞrúðr approached him, preparing to end Loki's reign for tarnishing their world and creating a pathway to destroying the balance beam for their world to survive. Loki brought an apocalypse because of his interference, and he would pay the consequences with his life. Loki scoffed at the Valkyries since they don't uphold divine power since they are demigoddesses; however, Gaia and Eurynome survived the war and granted the Valkyries the necessary power to slay the God of Trickery. They ended Loki's life, and the war came to an end.

The skies were black with fire and smoke filtering the air, making their world desolate. No creature survived the onslaught of warfare due to the carelessness on both sides, and the Valkyrie Sisters blamed themselves for bringing calamity when they tried to honor the legacies of their friends.

Gaia and Eurynome saw their friends in mourning and took notice of every creature that died now that the world had become one-sided again, but it fell on disharmony. It didn't take long for them to agree on the backup plan they'd secretly spoken about in case a similar event when humanity went extinct happened. Gaia and Eurynome spoke with the Valkyrie Sisters about restoring the world through the second rebirth initiative. The Valkyrie Sisters were confused about their plan and listened attentively to the restoration of their planet.

Eurynome told every Valkyrie that their memories are vital to recreating life; however, it comes at a cost. The Valkyries openly stated the cost would be enough to restore the land and every creature that fell. The price of rebirth is through the sacrifice of life, meaning the Valkyries would offer themselves to bring the second coming of creatures to life living in the world. Gaia would offer herself to restore the planet and become one with it as Mother Nature intended.

Eurynome also told the Valkyries a god or goddess must maintain order in the new world to keep equilibrium established to avoid future disasters that would lead to another apocalypse due to one-sidedness. With every weapon held by the Valkyries, using their energy with Gaia and Eurynome, they combined their power to forge a weapon of unspeakable power, knowledge, and wisdom. They named the weapon Legacy of the Peacekeeper. The one worthy of understanding both worlds will obtain the authority to use the consecrated relic and become a god or goddess of the world reborn. Within the sacred relic is a fragment of every Valkyrie's spirit to teach the one who is worthy of everything to know about keeping the peace and order within the world, whether many would agree or reject their ideals. Those who attempt and fail to seize control of the relic may find wisdom and knowledge to better themselves as an award or find inspiration to do what many will say is impossible.

Gaia, Eurynome, and the Valkyrie Sisters decided that the remaining members of the Demons of Harmony would remain but transformed to correlate with the rebirth. They travel across the lands, laying their lives to every kingdom, country, and nation with the memories of the creatures they hold dearly. Eurynome uses her power to release the memories of every Valkyrie and scatter their lifelines across the world to reawaken every creature. Gaia sacrificed her life to restore the planet's beauty and separate every nation to allow growth, for there'll be a time when every creature will come, whether for harmony or disharmony. It'll be their choice to decide rather than dictate the events.

Some Valkyrie Sisters were livid at the betrayal of two unicorns who wanted to use the sun and moon as equalizers to establish their power and cursed at them, so they asked Eurynome to have their descendants tethered to the sun and moon's importance for rotation. Brynhildr was against the idea, but Eurynome thought it would be a fitting punishment when they rejected their pleas to understand the whole picture before the war began. She'd allowed it only if the two would have an eternal lifespan to never again curse at the goddesses that brought them life and rebirth.

Eurynome aged many creatures during the resurrection process to tell the tales of the Valkyries, Gaia, and herself to uphold their legacy of creation; however, most have rejected the lore except a few. They didn't believe that deities from another realm came to establish the world. They called it superstition and thought, through science, it was evolution. Eurynome sacrificed her life to allow the High Heavens to accept the new creatures to inherit peace in the afterlife, which many gods and goddesses approved. They saw something extraordinary after the rebirth, which they'll keep an eye on for entertainment purposes.

When the Valkyries, Eurynome, and Gaia departed to spread to the ends of the world and lay their lives for the resurrection of every creature, Pandemonium returned to Loki's grave and pondered about drinking his blood. He had a theory about drinking the blood of a Trickster God to amplify his power to newer lengths and heights. Biting with his fang to create a new wound revealed his blood still alive despite being deceased. Pandemonium drank the blood of Loki, and his body transformed immediately.

Pandemonium's entire body shook and quivered violently, with flashes from his eyes blinding him. From having a snake's head, it transformed into a horse-like facial feature, a deer antler on the right and a blue goat horn on the left sprouted on his head; his fangs turned into a singular tooth, his eyes received different-sized pupils, he also grows a goat beard and white bushy eyebrows. His limbless snake's body generates two arms; he now has a lion's on the right and an eagle's on the left, then he receives a lizard's right leg and the left leg of a goat. On his back, he has a bat's right wing, a pegasus' left wing, a horse's mane, and a dragon-like snake's tail with a white tail tuft. The shape of his body maintains the snake-like as an homage to his original form.

Using his power, Pandemonium conjures a mirror to see the new image he has become. After an examination, he officially announces the death of Pandemonium, the Demon of Disharmony, with a new name, title, and purpose for the new world. He is now and will always be Discord, the Lord of Chaos and Disharmony.

More Revelations

Princess Celestia gets plagued by endless nightmares of her kingdom in shambles because of a Peacekeeper who is actually a demonic beast in disguise, tearing the lands and becoming more disharmonic than any villain in Equestria's history. The Peacekeeper claims his duties are more pivotal than harmony's, which results in sadness, fear, anger, destruction, disruption, and death. In these nightmares, Princess Celestia witnesses the Peacekeeper holding a weapon she failed to obtain many millenniums ago; she sees her subjects in turmoil and disarray, ending their friendships, killing each other, and hating the Princesses for allowing so much negativity to run amuck in the lands of Equestria, which is usually known for peace, harmony, love, and friendship.

With all her divine nightly power, Princess Luna cannot penetrate her sister's dream; she only hears the despair and terrifying wails of the unknown; she wonders if a reoccurring villain has returned and sought vengeance as the Peacekeeper before unleashing the wrath on all of Equus.

The clouds covering the skies on a new day, bringing a thunderous rain, is a fitting mood for Princess Celestia's perspective since she endured torment and felt unrested. Her sister enters the room with much concern, and Luna informs Celestia about her failure to enter the dream bubble to subdue the horrific nightmares due to the divine authorities, which are unknown to Luna. Only Princess Luna can enter the realm of dreams and interject herself into the dreams of her subjects whenever they endure gruesome, terrifying, horrific, and post-traumatic demons, monsters, and memories.

As before, when Lord Tirek freed himself from Tartarus, she had a nightmare of what was yet to come; however, that was a vision, and she feared that this vision would ruin Equestria for good. Princess Celestia has decided to address the situation with Twilight and her friends, especially Discord, who can help prevent the Peacekeeper's birth if her vision continues to divulge her with more outcomes before it becomes a reality.

Twenty minutes later. Twilight Sparkle inspects her friends' classes, ensuring that every student is interacting nicely with each other and checking to see if some are struggling to make new friends or refusing because of some disputes. She wishes Spike would be beside her, not as an assistant but as her friend, taking notes and planning private tutors and sessions to overcome any obstacle and show teamwork can overpower any negativity. Twilight sees how Smolder is engaging with Yona, Silverstream, Gallus, Ocellus, and Sandbar nicely, considering the backlash she received after the explanation of treating dragons differently than ponies. Twilight received her due earache from Empress Ember and Thorax for appreciating different creatures and treating them equally as equestrian ponies do for their neighbors; however, Empress Ember and Thorax are relieved to hear about Spike's new goals in life and wish him luck for his future.

Starlight Glimmer gallops the hallways with an important letter from Princess Celestia with Rarity after she finishes decorating the school with bowls of waxed fruit. She read the letter the Emissary had delivered and the importance of the conference at Canterlot regarding Princess Celestia's vision to prevent an apocalypse from transpiring. Rarity wonders what kind of drastic nefarious villain would resurface to unleash a calamity unlike any other since there's minimum left in Equus.

Twilight found a group of ponies being disrespectful to some griffins after a heated argument outside of Fluttershy's class; she approached them to take the two parties for a private session on how vital friendship could function compared to malice and hatred. When she sees Starlight and Rarity galloping frantically, her heartbeat pounds rapidly with the fear of something horrific Princess Celestia must have endured in Canterlot. Starlight gives the letter of importance to Twilight, allowing her to read swiftly; Twilight sighs, turns to her students, and apologizes for the inconvenience as she and her friends must travel to Canterlot for an important meeting. Ponies and griffins didn't care much and departed since there would be no private study lesson about the importance of friendship and how living among friends is crucial for all of Equus.

Twilight enters her office to announce the School of Friendship's recess until next week; she calls for Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack's attendance in her office. Many students are relieved to hear the end of school to frolic and enjoy the day with their friends. Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Pinkie enter Twilight's office and glance at Twilight's body language, knowing something horrible has happened and that it's time to save Equestria again. Nothing new to them until Twilight read the letter, addressing a possible end-of-the-world scenario due to a villain on the horizon.

With that said, Twilight and her friends swiftly travel to Canterlot Castle's throne room to discuss with Princess Celestia and Luna the dangers approaching Equestria. The travel took an hour with many thoughts of reoccurring villains returning after a long hiatus, which the girls narrowed down to two possibilities since their friendship defeated many, including their recent one when they sealed the Pony of Shadows into the void forever. One would be Lord Tirek from Tartarus escaping his imprisonment a second time; the second would be Queen Chrysalis possibly using dark, forbidden magic to unleash on Equestria as payment for reforming the changeling hive.

Princess Celestia sits on her throne with Princess Luna, waiting for Twilight and her friends to arrive; Discord sheds his disguise as a royal guard after taking note of Celestia's demeanor and restless nature.

"Hmm, what have you spooked, Celestia? Surely you're not sensing a maddening sorcerer or perhaps the return of Queen Chrysalis or Lord Tirek, so what have you over the edge?" Discord conjures a bowl of nails without any milk for breakfast. His body craves iron and the minerals needed for the month.

Twilight, Starlight, Pinkie, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack gallop inside the throne room after getting a swift escort from the royal guards.

"Good, you're all here," Princess Celestia tiredly yawns and shakes her head, awakening herself from the lack of sleep during the past few weeks. "Now, listen closely for what I'm about to tell you, everypony," She takes a deep breath to revisit the nightmare to explain the situation to everyone.

Rarity notices the bags under Celestia's eyes despite some concealing magic to distract the view from other creatures. "What is happening with you, Princess Celestia?"

Twilight wonders if any of her time-traveling experiences from visiting different dimensions is now a probable warning Princess Celestia conceivably endured in her nightmares. "Who is starting the apocalypse, and how can we prevent it from happening?"

"An apocalypse?" Discord is intrigued by the stunning topic since he wasn't aware of the dire situation from the letter the Emissary sent an hour ago; he's aware of two probable sources who would start an apocalypse but would ultimately fail because of the power/magic gap compared to friendship.

"Precisely, Discord; I called you up here to disclose a temperamental subject that correlates to my ongoing nightmares, which turn into visions, each worse than the last, resulting in the demise of Equestria and Beyond."

"Is it Lord Tirek, Queen Chrysalis, or some baddie we have already defeated returning by some miraculous miracle or some idiot pulling strings to unite a faction of villains?" Rainbow asks, considering she wants retribution on Queen Chrysalis for encasing her during the changeling invasion a few months before the changelings reformed.

Princess Celestia and Luna shake their heads, considering Queen Chrysalis is alone while Lord Tirek remains imprisoned in Tartarus.

"I'm afraid the demented creature's identity is unknown from my visions; however, I know his entitlement when he unleashed a wrath unlike anything documented in Equestria's history books. In my vision, the demented creature addresses himself as the Peacekeeper -" Princess Celestia gets interrupted when Discord choked on his breakfast; he conjures a clone to whack his chest with a steel chair to get the nails out of his systems.

"Discord.., are you okay..?" Fluttershy hovers next to Discord after the clone makes him spit the nails he ingested; she's worried why Discord reacted to the title Peacekeeper like he knew some vital info about the demented creature.

"I..," Discord hesitates with his response since he knows the truth about the Legacy of the Peacekeeper's purpose and how vital the transition would be for the Peacekeeper to become the new God of Equus. He wants to lie, lie to everyone, but with Fluttershy beside him, he couldn't. His friendship lessons with Fluttershy throughout the years taught him to never lie in front of Fluttershy and since she's with her friends and the Princesses, Discord couldn't delay the inevitable and tell the tale about his involvement eons ago and his fear of the Peacekeeper. "I know who and what Princess Celestia is referring to."

"You do?" Princess Luna didn't expect Discord to have the answers; she was curious about the details Discord would disclose, and perhaps the solution to help her sister rest easier would come afterward.

"Well, don't leave us hanging! Tell us so we can go and kick his butt!" Rainbow Dash wants to pound the Peacekeeper for making Princess Celestia unrested and on edge for weeks.

"Please, tell us, Discord," Twilight urges Discord to explain all he knows so she and the others can prevent the Peacekeeper from succeeding in his goals.

"I don't know who is worthy to wield the sacred relic of the Legacy of the Peacekeeper, forged by every weapon the Valkyries Sisters of Harmony held with divine power and magic from the goddess Gaia and Eurynome."

"THE WHAT?!" Princess Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Starlight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy shout in unison, shocked by Discord's divulgence of mentioning another clan of harmonic creatures they never heard of.

"Who are the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony? I have never heard of them before; there's nothing about them in my history books!" Twilight is surprised and infuriated by Discord's claim; she read many books on the foundation of Equestria and Beyond, but there was no mention of any Valkyries or goddesses.

"Even Celestia and I are not aware of these so-called Valkyries of Harmony," Princess Luna wonders how old Discord is since he has all the answers.

"Well, you can thank your ancestors for not believing the truth and cast aside every ounce of evidence, even after your family tree cursed at the Valkyries for not granting them power during their first war."

"Discord, how do you know so much about the Valkyries of Harmony? Also, what happens when someone becomes worthy to wield the Legacy of the Peacekeeper?" Starlight asks since the topic remains with Princess Celestia's vision of the apocalypse and trying to prevent the end of days.

"From what I know, the creature who obtains the sacred relic will become a god. The Peacekeeper will achieve immortality while having unspeakable power, knowledge, and wisdom. The god will dictate how Equus would thrive."

Everyone gasps in the room as Pinkie Pie begins to panic with several outcomes of laws that prevent parties from being thrown, even on someone's birthday. Everyone imagines likely scenarios of a god becoming a dictator and ruining the lives of every creature.

"We have to stop whoever becomes worthy!" Rainbow shouts and imagines Ahuizotl becoming worthy and enslaving Daring Do for eternity for taking the artifacts from him away and dominating the world. That would also mean no more books of her amazing adventures.

"Where's that holy relic at?" Applejack asks Discord since he would know where it would be.

"It's nowhere near Equestria's borders. We'll have to travel south to the birthplace of inspiration -" Discord conjures a map and overhears Celestia and Luna's gasp. "Ah, you've been there, haven't you?"

Princess Celestia nodded and hoped the sacred relic the Peacekeeper had in her vision came someplace else. Princess Luna remembers the horrible dentist by the gravel.

"According to your map, Discord -" Princess Celestia uses her magic to levitate a pen to circle the black clouds surrounding a tower on an island on the map. "the birthplace of inspiration is now occupied by the Storm Nation."

"Do you reckon we could ask to round up and lock down the holy weapon to keep the apocalypse at bay?" Applejack asks Princess Celestia since that's the better option.

"I don't think we'll have access. Our best chance is perhaps teleporting the entire ground elsewhere where the Peacekeeper will never come," Twilight suggests since the Peacekeeper from Celestia's vision is a he and she and her friends would not be worthy to wield the weapon.

"Hate to burst your bubble, Twilight, but what you're advising is impossible. The birthplace of inspiration is open to every creature; you can't simply take it away for any reason," Discord shuts down Twilight's operation to prevent the apocalypse.

"Then what do we do, wait and say goodbye to everything we build upon?" Twilight gets more frustrated than Princess Celestia and Luna.

"Obtain the relic yourselves or build an army to thwart the Peacekeeper into surrendering his position of power. And, before you ask no, I cannot teleport the weapon nor make any altercations whether to drain the power or dispose of it. The Legacy of the Peacekeeper will kill me."

"Like literal?" Pinkie asks Discord; she's making sure Discord is genuine and not making puns to express the divinity of the weapon's prowess.

Discord takes a deep breath. "I'm the last remnant of the Demon of Disharmony the Valkyrie Sisters and goddesses have created. Everyone else is either gone or defeated."

"D-D-D-D-Demon of Disharmony!?" Twilight exclaims louder than her friends about Discord's statement when he exposes himself as a demonic entity.

"If you were a demon, how did you become a god?" Rainbow confronts Discord, flying in front of his face, demanding an explanation.

"Time for a history lesson, Rainbow Crash," Discord reminds Rainbow of a horrible nickname she hates. "After the six Demons of Disharmony came forth, Loki, the Trickster God, started rallying us to battle against our creators to seize the world they created. I fought with Loki; he renamed us into become his Seven Overlords. If it weren't for the creation of Queen Juniper for the changeling hive, Loki would have renamed our group the Seven Demon Kings in honor of the Seven Deadly Sins. We fought the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony and the two goddesses for four days straight, and we lost. Loki died by the Valkyries and decided to rebirth the world since the war wiped out Equus' lifelines. I survived and noticed Loki's blood was still alive, so I drank it, which turned me into the Draqonecuus you see today. As for what I remember, there are fragments I don't remember, and it's for the best to leave it behind me."

"Loki, the Trickster God..?" Twilight is in awe as her friends about hearing the origins of Discord's birth, the war, and the influence of the Valkyrie Sisters to create Demons of Disharmony.

"He input his influence throughout the world long ago, and only one nation maintained his persuasion of the human race's ideals into their minds as a joke; One, in which the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony are against and attempt to purge the concepts of humanity's logic but fail due to resentment and backlash before the rebirth."

"So, which nation did Loki infect with human ideologies?" Princess Celestia is curious about the nation the Valkyries were against because of Loki's involvement.

"Equestria," Discord replies without hesitation since he remembers watching Loki whispering facts about the Valkyrie Sisters' disappearance to allow sin to prosper when he was Pandemonium.

"NOT POSSIBLE!" Everyone shouts in horror and believes Discord is being chaotic to raise suspension due to his chaotic nature as the Lord of Chaos.

"Believe it or not, the Equestrian society functions as humanity's government of power, class ranking, and your so-called cutie marks are prime examples of having a unique talent as many people would on earth. Employment, homelessness, orphanages, electricity, housing, taxes, stores, clothing, zoos, shoes, schools, and everything else Equestria has reflected humanity on earth," Discord turns to Twilight while maintaining composure. "You've traveled into a different dimension where Sunset Shimmer resides; please explain to everyone here how the world correlates to Equestria's society."

Twilight looks down after reminiscing about the terrorizing verities that Sunset Shimmer's world is an exact reflection of Equestria. "When I first saw myself, I had two hands, arms, legs, and feet and stood tall, saw everyone clothed in different attires, having phones, playing music, the internet, video games, sports, and other things Equestria has except for internet, phones, and television networks. During my stay, while learning the concepts of that world and helping my friends when the Sirens ran amuck, I discovered how close the world mirrored Equestria, which I found fascinating."

"That has to be a coincidence, Discord!" Rainbow Dash believes Discord is referring to the different dimensions as an excuse rather than revealing more evidence about human logic in Equestria.

A wise creature once told me there are no mistakes," Discord replies to Rainbow's statement about the mirror reflection usage as a hoax rather than an accurate image of Loki's influence. "Loki's influence is in every pony here with the feelings, reactions, and concepts," He turns to Princess Celestia and Luna. "Care to explain how you obtain the potency of raising the sun and moon?"

"It's not much of a long story; My sister and I can raise the sun and moon daily since there was a disruption of the natural flow during our younger years, Draqonecuus. Celestia and I possessed the ability to utilize our magic when we were teenagers," Princess Luna summarizes the events.

Discord chuckles. "Hate to tell you, but you weren't naturally gifted; you got cursed due to your ancestors' distaste of the Valkyries of Harmony after they condemned them for believing they got abandoned during the first war against the changelings."

"WHAT?!" The girls shout in unison once more after hearing revelation after revelation their friend Discord spoke, and now they're hoping everything he said is false.

"We're not cursed! We're blessed!" Princess Celestia and Luna wholeheartedly believe what Discord is saying is fraudulent, wishing his testimonies are a cruel, sick joke due to the severity of the situation.

"Cursed!" Discord repeats his comment after the Princesses refuse to acknowledge the truth revealed to them and the girls. "Your ancestors condemned the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony when they didn't aid them during the war against the changelings and attempted to use the sun and moon as equalizers to establish their power as goddesses, which resulted in a humorous gag for a fitting punishment since they negated the truth about their involvement in the world they created for every creature and betrayed them. In the rebirth, the unicorns who attempted to utilize the sun and moon would have two daughters with the sworn duties of raising the sun and moon daily as an eternal penalty; however, the two decided to turn the curse into a blessing, which resulted in a cult following."

Silence reigns in the throne room after Discord explains further in detail about the gifts Princess Celestia and Luna uphold daily with the rising and setting of the sun and moon.

"What the Princesses do is beautiful and should be praised for upholding the laws of day and night! Not ridiculed with an endless torment, which I don't believe what you're saying is true, Discord!" Twilight refuses to accept the truths spoken by a Chaos Lord since Discord has lied previously; however, when Discord explains, he sounds sincere and honest about what he comprehends.

"Yeah! Princess Celestia's sun allows us to grow food, live life, and enjoy the pleasures of friends and family outside! Princess Luna's moon does permit us to sleep, continue any festivities and hangouts, and enjoy watching the stars at night! They are prime examples of bringing balance daily and have not disappointed any pony in Equestria and Beyond! Princess Luna can enter dreams and help anyone relieve a nightmare in their sleep due to her nightly magic, and you are calling it a curse! There is no way in Tartarus that their magic is cursed; they are blessings for each of us here!" Rainbow Dash defends the honor of the Princesses after hearing Discord referring to their magic as an eternal punishment.

"Discord," Fluttershy tugs on Discord's tail to grab his attention. "What else do you know?" Unlike some of her friends refusing to accept Discord's illustration of the truth, she wants to understand her friend's knowledge about the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony, their involvement, and more about his previous life before becoming the Lord of Chaos.

"Well, I started the first war after spreading a rumor about changelings draining the love and energy of many creatures, which Queen Jupiter made a reality and initiated war on Equestria. Also, I made the changelings turned dark since their so-called reformation was frankly their proper forms."

"That's a lie, and we witnessed how Thorax obtained the transformation through love and unity," Starlight remembers Thorax slowly reverting months ago into a beautiful creature. "Thorax mentioned he and his species have never seen or heard about a modification to turn into what they are now."

"You can thank the rebirth process, Starlight," Discord replies while remembering how the world of Equus used to be before his days as Pandemonium, altering the minds of several creatures and becoming a nuisance to many nations globally. "Before I came to life, the changelings were already beautiful and were considered distant cousins of ponies, unicorns, horses, and pegasi."

"Hey! We're getting off-topic!" Pinkie Pie shouts to gain her friends' attention since they continue to discuss Equus' past; she's at a crossroads between facts and folklore. Pinkie wants everyone to focus on the Peacekeeper and devise a plan to stop the mad creature from initiating a law to end birthday parties.

"So.., is there nothing else we can do to stop the Peacekeeper from wreaking havoc on Equestria? Can't we use the Elements of Harmony against the Peacekeeper?" Fluttershy asks Discord to understand the potency of the Peacekeeper compared to the Elements of Harmony.

"I'm afraid the Elements of Harmony is not an equalizer unless the mindset of the Peacekeeper is weak-minded. Becoming a Peacekeeper is to uphold many responsibilities, but perhaps manipulating the Peacekeeper's mind into believing he'll decimate his friends and family could persuade him into surrendering his entitlement and losing the worthiness."

"So, our best alternative is to become manipulative when the Peacekeeper ascends, adding guilt into his conscience to ensure Equestria and Beyond thrives? Is that our best option?" Twilight Sparkle is against the idea, considering she's the Princess of Friendship, and she and her friends would become the opposite of themselves to save Equestria from an apocalypse.

"Unfortunately, yes. You'll have to become disharmonic to thwart the Peacekeeper into suffering guilt to lose his worthiness. The Legacy of the Peacekeeper would have to wait until another becomes worthy, then you'll have to repeat for eternity," Discord replies; he hopes this pleases the Princesses and his friends to prevent the apocalypse and wonders if any of his friends would take his testimony to heart or call it blasphemy while refusing to acknowledge the truth until it becomes apparent.

"Then, that's what we will do," Princess Celestia will undergo mental training to use guilt as a weapon to oppose the Peacekeeper for future generations. "Everyone, start using guilt as your weapon against the Peacekeeper only; we cannot allow the Peacekeeper to become mindfully resistant to our advances if we want to live and not face oblivion."

"Discord," Princess Luna turns to him. "Can the weapon kill us since it can harm you?" She's wondering if the Legacy of the Peacekeeper can terminate an immortal lifeline.

"Yes," Discord painfully replies, causing the Princesses to gasp horridly. "The divine treasure would kill any immortal creature regardless of stature and potency."

"HE CAN'T!" Twilight, her friends, and the Princesses shout horrifically with fear, dreading their minds with many outcomes that would lead to Equestria's demise.

"The Peacekeeper can and will unless he's broken and surrendering his position as a God and loses worthiness," Discord reaches from a zipper to open the fabric of space in the throne room leading to his home. "I'm going home. Fluttershy, you're welcome to join me for tea and cakes."

"Sure, Discord," Fluttershy is still intrigued to learn more about Discord's past and understand wholeheartedly the importance of the Peacekeeper's role since there has to be another side to the story.

The duo leaves the throne room to spend quality time together while Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, Starlight, Rainbow, Princess Celestia, and Luna ponder different methods to utilize guilt as a weapon to defeat the Peacekeeper to ensure Equestria thrives for future generations. Twilight advises her mentor to inform Princess Cadance and Shining Armor about the Peacekeeper and everything Discord had mentioned despite refusing to believe in some truths spoken. Princess Celestia obliges and commences the written statement about the Peacekeeper's arrival and preventing an apocalypse from happening.

Spike's Calling

After the tale spoken by Empress Storm, Spike remains motionless after hearing the birth and rebirth of Equus, knowing the testament of the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony, the sacred relic in the gravel's true intent, and the realization of his friend being a Demon of Disharmony. Spike couldn't believe how similar equestrian ponies are and compared to humanity, which he found it mesmerizing after his trips to the human world where Sunset Shimmer resides. The story about harmony and disharmony and their importance for balance made it more clear as to what's happening now.

"There's.., more harmony than disharmony..," Spike realizes that every foe who emerges gets defeated by friendship, which is good to some but horrible for the rest. Then he takes into account during his residency at the Crystal Empire, where there are no crimes, chaos, mischief, and calamities, nothing of the sort that highlights disharmony.

"I'm afraid so," Empress Storm responds to Spike's statement, knowing he's aware of the situation the world is enduring. "I fear a nation that would expunge disharmony while believing harmony should be everyone's true intent and the way of living; that way, everything bad can come to an end."

"She fears Equestria! Twilight Sparkle is the Princess of Friendship, and she would, with the help of her friends, terminate everything relating to disharmony. Creating a utopia would be our doom!" Spike thought to himself, knowing Twilight wanted to open the School of Friendship to spread her ideals globally to end fights and disputes.

Empress Storm turns to the Legacy of the Peacekeeper. "My hope and prayer is to someday live during the life with the Peacekeeper to ensure my nation's future for generations rather than watch everything getting taken away from us because they believe disharmony would not function for a better tomorrow."

"So, with equestrian ponies behaving like humanity, why is the Storm Nation advanced with technology as equestrian ponies are?" Spike asks Empress Storm since Loki implanted the logic and conception into ponies, unicorns, and pegasi.

"That was my brother's foolish decision-making after sending spies and hearing from Tempy's testimony about life in Equestria; he heard about their way of life and demanded to implement that structure for us, which was horrible. It was good for disharmony but horrible for his subjects. His demands cost us our crops, vegetation, and pastures for something concrete and advanced technology. That is why food is scarce here, and we trade with other nations willing to help," Empress Storm sighs and stares at the cloudy skies. "Not everyone wants to oblige, but that's okay. Not every kingdom was as forgiving as others when I initiated the forgiveness campaign. Those are signs that equilibrium is still active, unlike a certain nation who would ask the why and cause a rift into forced forgiveness."

"Are you afraid after hearing Twilight's School of Friendship becoming our apocalypse?" Spike asks, getting straight to the point rather than delaying the inevitable question.

"Yes," Empress Storm doesn't hesitate with her answer; she believes Twilight's school would cause the demise of disharmony and the return of one-sidedness that created a living nightmare. "I fear Equestria is our doom and how human-like they behave. Near totalitarianism is how they would operate through friendship, for it is a weapon against disharmony."

"So, what did the sacred relic tell you? I'm sure you tried to uplift the divine treasure from the gravel," Spike asks since Empress Storm is sharing her wisdom with him without anger or any negative emotion that would express hate and blatancy.

Empress Storm chuckles as she remembers her futile attempts to become the Goddess of Equus and the thought of her older brother kneeling before her and accepting her commands as a goddess. "It taught me to accept no without question since I've accepted the truth about our origins and understood the vision of the balance beam; the term no showed me how powerful the statement can be while understanding different circumstances for the reasoning without question."

Spike smiles briefly at Empress Storm's wisdom, then frowns with a heavy heart about the origins and his position for where he or should be standing. Initially, Spike came to become inspired since his dream of becoming a hero for the Crystal Empire and possibly Equestria and Beyond has become a hoax due to the limited crime rates and no indication of an underground society.

Spike stares at the Legacy of the Peacekeeper with many thoughts running amuck. He's seen the worlds of what disharmony can do during the journey of the alternate timelines, witnessed the success of harmony during his span with Twilight, and knows something crucial.., important.., pivotal that deterred disharmony's direction! "OH MY GOODNESS!" Spike loudly shrieks at the revelation while holding his head in disbelief.

"Spike, what's wrong?!" Empress Storm, Tempest, Grubber, and Ripper shout to grab Spike's attention after his sudden outburst of a possible realization; they are wondering if Spike figured out something paramount about the story he heard and have connected some pieces like a rubix cube.

"According to the story, the Demons of Disharmony survived and were reborn again, but the tale of the Shadow Stalkers reminded me of the Pony of Shadows, who got trapped in a realm of no return twice. The first was because of the Pillars of Equestria sealing Stygian away when he was mad with power a millennium ago; the second was my friends and the Pillars saving Stygian to seal the Pony of Shadows permanently. Queen Juniper's reincarnation should be Queen Chrysalis as the rightful ruler before the changelings' reformation, which now resulted in their native transformation; she's alone, and it will be a matter of time before she accepts the reformation. No one has seen Grogar, for many believe he met his demise long ago! Finally, through friendship, Discord reformed and is considered an ally of harmony..." Spike finishes his explanation and how it connects with the dilemma of Equus' existence. "Has anyone believed in using the Legacy of the Peacekeeper for harmonic purposes only?" Spike asks Empress Storm.

"Daily, Spike. Ponies across the lands for eons attempted to use the Legacy of the Peacekeeper for one-sided purposes; that includes every other creature longing to use the relic for their desires, regardless of being heavily reliant on doing either right or wrong. Only one is worthy of understanding the worlds of harmony and disharmony to ensure the perfect balance of life even though many will oppose the worthy one."

Spike remembers a quote Hum-Drum once said during the first issue of Hum-Drum's solo comic: "WORTHINESS COMES FROM WITHIN YOUR BELIEF IN YOURSELF AND HOW YOU CAN IMPACT EVERYBODY, DON'T ALLOW ANYONE TO SAY YOU CAN'T, YOU CAN AND WILL!"

Spike turns away to see the Legacy of the Peacekeeper scepter, still standing on the gravel, waiting to be uplifted and used by the chosen worthy one. He walks and feels the light shining brighter as he gets closer. Empress Storm, Tempest, Grubber, and Ripper have seen those lights illuminating numerous times; however, the energy around Spike feels divine, unlike any other.

Spike grasps the middle of the sacred relic, closing his eyes as he imagines talking with the Valkyries of Harmony. "I believe there's enough harmony, and you would teach more about disharmony and the importance of balancing to ensure life thrives for eternity; I'm ready and willing to learn, even if or when it costs me my relationships with my friends and family for the world's benefit!"

Despite Empress Storm, Tempest, and Grubber watching the display of Spike's possible feeble attempt, Ripper prepares the dentist chair and hopes to give Spike a root canal for desperately using his teeth to edge and nudge the rod of the weapon's position. He gets sterilized and prepares his many tools of dental torture for his victim.

Spike squats and stands, lifting the Legacy of the Peacekeeper's weapon from the gravel while expecting the sacred relic's heaviness due to his unworthiness; however, the gravel cracks, all eyes on Spike for the unbelievable achievement he's about to obtain. Spike slowly feels the weapon loosening with the lightest tug to raise his prize. Spike pulls the Legacy of the Peacekeeper from the gravel at ease and feels his body shining radiantly; he extends his arms, allowing divine power to enter his body.

After a few moments, Spike hears the voices of the Valkyries of Harmony congratulating him and waiting for their worthy champion to take the first step into becoming Equus' God of Balance. His spirit detaches itself from his body and enters a realm where he can communicate with the Valkyries of Harmony.

The area features an angelic white room with thirty-nine pillars of clouds, battle scars, and weapons that every Valkyrie used during the many wars they fought. Each pillar represents the knowledge and wisdom of every Valkyrie. The lights are heavenly, with flashes of brilliance shining on Spike's spirit.

"Welcome, Spike," Brynhildr, leader of the Valkyries, welcomes their god in training since there's much to learn for the young dragon.

Tea Party

Discord allows Fluttershy to enter his home after disclosing much information about Equus' past and the Legacy of the Peacekeeper; he hopes the birth will take place years in advance when his friends are more prepared rather than hurrying, rushing, and falling short of quick-fixes. Fluttershy sits on the couch, stationed on the wall sideways in the living room, helping herself to the floating stove with the pot of tea resting on the burner while teacakes and cupcakes soar swiftly like rush hour near the ceiling, waiting for plucking or fishing.

"Why didn't you bring up your past life during our tea parties, Discord; they are quite fascinating, and I'm learning more about your days with the Valkyries of Harmony and the reason behind your creation?" Fluttershy asks, using a fishing rod to catch a plate of chocolate cupcakes with cotton candy icing; she's more curious than anything else regarding Discord's lifespan.

"Truth be told, Fluttershy, not everyone is willing to accept the truth about our origins and how every nation and pet are fragments of every Valkyrie Sister's dedication to the friendships they had to honor their legacies from the third earth's humanity billions of light years away from our world. Only a few maintain the evidence of their existence as the true source of creation; Most believe it's through evolution from previous generations before the birth of the sun and moon Princesses. Your friends and other ponies in Equestria and Beyond would claim my story as superstition, folklore, and myths without a second thought because nothing got documented about the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony's involvement," Discord replied while pouring a tub of gravy on his body, warming himself from the chilling winds in his home with the freezers opening widely to drown the floors with ice cream.

"Well, I'm willing to accept the truth since you're my friend, and your demeanor changed when Princess Celestia mentioned the Peacekeeper a while ago. I know you wouldn't lie to us about the info you shared with everyone, including the gruesome fact about the weapon killing you if the Peacekeeper decided to end your life."

Discord sighs when Fluttershy mentions his honest self speaking when he wanted to lie about his emotions after choking on nails. "I tried lying about my reaction to the Peacekeeper comment, but seeing you beside me, I couldn't muster anything to prevent myself from speaking the one fear I dread since my reincarnation from Pandemonium to Discord, the Lord of Chaos and Disharmony."

Fluttershy thought something horridly and wanted to ask Discord about the decision to reform evolved the trigger key to bringing forth the Peacekeeper sooner rather than later in life. "Discord, are we the cause of the Peacekeeper's soon ascension since we defeated many villainous foes through the magic of friendship throughout the years and our recent victory when my friends and I disposed the Pony of Shadows into the void for eternity?"

Discord grabs his teacake smeared on the ceiling after hearing Fluttershy's question, which makes him feel eerie about the circumstance that correlates to Princess Celestia's vision. "It's more than likely since evil is slowly decaying with friendship's elevation, considering the Storm King's demise when he wanted to seize control of the weather, the Pony of Shadows reincarnation of the Shadow Stalkers lost in void means he can no longer terrify the masses. Then again, we don't know what's lurking in every shadow and who may rise to strike fear and panic in Equestria and Beyond. They should start with lesser nations than Equestria because of the magic in friendship's power to overcome any treachery regardless of magic and power gap."

"So, our best option to repel and save Equestria is to give the Peacekeeper a guilty conscience to rethink his decisions? Is there any other way to prevent the Peacekeeper from succeeding in his goals from the visions the Princess endured? I can't use guilt as a weapon because I'm kind to every creature and animal; also, I'm the embodiment of the Element of Kindness."

"I knew you wouldn't, but I believe your friends and the Princesses would encourage everyone in Equestria to subdue the Peacekeeper since he wouldn't reason under every circumstance; whatever his goals are, he'll oblige and see to the end unless his heart and mind gets weakened."

Fluttershy sighs heavily at the thought of her friends becoming the opposite to thwart a possible tyrant if the Peacekeeper declares war on Equestria or something in magnitude that would spell doom and despair for everyone. "I honestly don't believe my friends would subjugate the Peacekeeper with guilt but use our friendship to show the Peacekeeper -" Discord shuts Fluttershy's mouth with his lion's index finger.

"When the Peacekeeper holds his divine treasure, nothing would overwhelm him in stature and potency. Using your words would be your and everyone else's weapon."

"Any ideas who can be the Peacekeeper, Discord? Perhaps my friends and I could -" Discord inserts a cupcake inside Fluttershy's mouth as a sign to decline the hidden identity of the Peacekeeper when he shakes his head; she accepts the delectable and enjoys the flavor.

"The identity of the Peacekeeper is unknown even after the sacred relic gets uplifted from the birthplace of inspiration, and before you ask, I would -" Discord lifts his cup of jasmine cinnamon tea. "detect a disturbance when the scepter is -" The teacakes and cupcakes fall flat from the ceiling, the ice cream flooding the floors gets drained, the furniture from the walls and stairs fall on the floor; Fluttershy lands harshly on her sides when she sees Discord's body quaking like an earthquake shuddering the grounds rapidly, causing things to sway and swing horrendously.

"Discord?" Fluttershy flies to her friend, hovering motionlessly with his eyes popping out of their sockets in fear and shock like in the cartoons or whenever Pinkie Pie sees something fun and innovative. "Discord!" She starts shaking his body to snap Discord from the trance he's enduring and starts acknowledging the rise of the Peacekeeper now rather than later. "DISCORD!?!" Fluttershy withholds her urge to smack Discord's face to wake him from his trance-like state, so she kisses his left face cheek to see if that'll wake him up.

A swirling vortex opens from the floor, dragging Discord and Fluttershy to the hospital room in his home. Fluttershy is wearing a nurse's attire while Discord is on the bed with his eagle's talon covering his heart from what seems to be a heartache or a heart attack, or both at the same time with the unfortunate news he had sensed moments ago.

"Discord?" Fluttershy worriedly removes Discord's eagle's talon from his chest and notices a door handle. Curiosity gets the better of Fluttershy as she opens the door, revealing Discord's heart pounding rapidly, which would cause a heart attack ten times over with it leaping out of his chest. She catches Discord's heart, puts on two bandaids on his heart, kisses it, and places it back inside Discord's chest. Fluttershy watches it beat naturally and closes the door, watching Discord turn to her. "Discord?"

Silence reigns for the longest minute that seems like an eternity for Fluttershy; she places her left hoof under Discord's chin, softly caressing him.

Discord would smile, but it faded because of what he sensed. The disturbance is unlike any other, even when Princess Celestia, Cadance, and Luna transferred their magic to Princess Twilight Sparkle years ago. "There's no sugarcoating this, Fluttershy," Discord places his lion's paw on Fluttershy's left face cheek. "The Peacekeeper is born, and I sensed the Legacy of the Peacekeeper's weapon hoisted by the new wielder."

Fluttershy gasps and steps back from the horrible news while understanding the severity of the situation. She sees how fearful Discord is behaving and promises to be by his side; she senses the dread of dying alone since the Peacekeeper can do so. Fluttershy conjures an idea Discord would like since no one is around to notice her feelings for Discord. She undresses the nurse's uniform and hovers over to Discord, allowing him to hold her in the medical bed for comfort without saying a word. Discord smiles at her gesture and writes a note to Princess Celestia, warning her about the Peacekeeper's birth already happening and preparing for the future.

Preparations

After Discord and Fluttershy departed the throne room, Princess Celestia and Luna brought the girls to the royal guard war room to discuss with the generals about using guilt as a weapon to bring down the Peacekeeper due to other forms of weaponry would be obsolete unless Discord says was false despite showing his demeanor. The generals, lieutenants, and soldiers present to hear what Princess Celestia and Luna wanted to address made them feel eerie and they don't use guilt but their heart and soul to get the job done whenever the Princess calls for them.

Twilight and her friends still want to use their friendship and the magic of friendship to defeat the Peacekeeper since it's proven time and time again against every foe Equestria has endured throughout the years. Twilight has her list of villains the magic of friendship has conquered and believes it'll do so again despite the divinity of the Peacekeeper's authorities and the sacred relic he wields. The generals, lieutenants, and soldiers want Twilight and her friends, and they do mean all of them, to work together on thwarting the Peacekeeper to save Equestria; however, they'll work diligently to use common expressions with fake facial sadness to sell the story when they eventually attempt to use guilt as a weapon.

Since Discord doesn't know when the birth is coming, Princess Luna advises everyone to begin training now with no delays due to her sister's constant visions of an apocalypse coming nearer and nearer. Starlight decides to reach out to every kingdom to see if they'll aid them when the Peacekeeper arrives and tell them their nations could get destroyed by the Peacekeeper without cause.

Princess Celestia wants Starlight to bring some friends along the journey, which Starlight has some in mind, including one of her closest friends, Trixie Lulamoon. Starlight leaves the war room to find Trixie, then asks the Young Six to accompany her on a field trip of friendship while explaining the Peacekeeper's potential objectives of ridding friendship for a sick, demented gain.

Fifteen minutes after Starlight left the war room, a letter marked urgent importance materialized in front of Princess Celestia; she unveiled the letter and knew it was from Discord since the lettering from each sentence was from a can of alphabetical soup.

Dear Princess Celesita,

I felt a disturbance unlike any other moments ago that shook me to the very core of my existence. What you fear from your visions has already started; the Legacy of the Peacekeeper got pulled from the gravel at the birthplace of inspiration. The identity is unknown, and I won't seek the creature who transcends into divinity, even for espionage missions. Whoever is the Peacekeeper would kill me, and you cannot lose a valuable asset for your cause. I wish you luck now cause the war for survival starts now!

Sincerely,
Discord, the Lord of Chaos

"Ooooooooh noooooooooo!" Princess Celestia groaned frustratedly after reading Discord's letter; she couldn't believe how soon the Peacekeeper's birth would come. Now, everyone starts working on their acting job while Twilight and her friends devise other means to subdue the Peacekeeper.

"Should we attack the -" Princess Luna shakes her head, silencing Pinkie's question before another thought comes to mind from everyone.

"We're not ready, none of us are, and we need time to elevate as the Peacekeeper would take the time to understand the new roles of his position, which would build a mindset of uncertainty for us to take advantage of," Princess Luna made her point evident since everyone's motive is to act now without an executed plan.

"If he has one, per se," Twilight interjects Luna's statement with a probable theory of the ascension to a higher power.

"The pressures of clambering from peasant to kingship for any mortal takes time and years before it becomes a norm, for time is on our side to prepare quicker before the Peacekeeper starts maintaining stability. I'll send an espionage team to locate our Peacekeeper to document the identity and methods he may devise. Once we know who he is, we'll gather his friends and family to attack him mentally into surrendering his position, for the weight of the obligation would be unbearable to tolerate and allow him to become unworthy of upholding the sworn duties as the Peacekeeper," Princess Celestia declares and hopes the Peacekeeper's identity would be someone she knows rather than a rising new creature seeking to dominate the wills of everyone in Equestria and Beyond.

With that said, everyone vacates the war room with a heavy burden on their minds to become the opposite of themselves to prevent a god from seizing their homelands; Twilight and her friends never imagined enacting harshly to stop a Peacekeeper that threatens their likelihood. The old saying goes: Fight fire with fire!

"Can we do it? Become monsters to stop a monster?" Rainbow asks her friends while hovering next to them, leaving Canterlot Castle.

"If the Elements of Harmony, our friendship, and the magic of friendship becomes futile, we may have no choice but to resort to heinous acts," Twilight is still not in favor of using guilt as a weapon against the Peacekeeper; however, she doesn't want to disappoint Princess Celestia and witness the Peacekeeper succeeding when the answer of precluding him was in front of her.

"I don't think we can become what the Princesses require, Twilight. It goes against our nature when we restore friendships and demonstrate the magic of friendship. Using guilt to make someone surrender is not how we function," Rarity states about her and her friends' positions since they represent the Elements of Harmony.

"I reckon we just stick with who we are to keep the Peacekeeper's apocalypse at bay, Twilight. We've defeated many through our friendship and haven't lost," Applejack prefers her honest self when confronting the rising villain than pretending to be somepony else for success.

"It's not fun bringing sadness when we bring happiness!" Pinkie hops next to her friends, still being her cheerful self despite the heavy burdens she and her friends carry for the new villain with omnipotent power.

Twilight and her friends continue their trot to the Canterlot Train Station to discuss who they are and how they should confront the Peacekeeper.

An hour after Starlight left the war room, she arrived in Ponyville and noticed Trixie's wagon stationed by Sugarcube Corner to buy a delectable treat for herself. Trixie becomes ecstatic to see her best friend and hugs her immediately, hoping to spend the day with her friend due to the two-week tour in Chicolto for her magic show.

"Trixie! Equestria and Beyond now face certain oblivion with a new god rising to power earlier today, and we need your help; I need your help to gather our friends from different kingdoms to end a short reign of the Peacekeeper," Starlight says and explains the situation, which made Trixie gasp horridly. Her reaction is similar to reading a horror story and having her mind traumatized with images that would give Princess Luna a run for her money when dealing with her nightly duties in the dream realms.

"The Legacy of the Peacekeeper, now coming to fruition.., I heard tales of the god that would reign over Equus with an iron fist and a cold heart.., the Peacekeeper..," Trixie imagines the world governed by the Peacekeeper while her friends get executed for his pleasure. She has heard no story about the goodness of having a Peacekeeper since the world of Equus thrives happily except for some countries. The majority thrive well and have discovered Twilight and her friends' friendship journal of overcoming many obstacles. "My schedule -" Trixie uses her magic to levitate her magic tour calendar and tosses it in the trash; she wants to prevent evil from robbing her happiness by taking her best friend away. "has become cleared from any activity. I'm ready to help you, my friend!" She sounded solemn when Trixie saluted her best friend.

"Okay, one down, and now I need six delegates from the School of Friendship to accompany us during the voyage," Starlight stands aside to see if any student from the School of Friendship is around Sugarcube Corner; she tells Trixie to buy enough rations for two months while she grabs the Young Six and a map detailing every nation around Equestria's borders.

Starlight gallops to the Castle of Friendship first to pack her belongings; passing by Spike's room makes her sad cause she misses the young dragon and hopes he's doing well after not receiving any word on his training progress to become the hero he wants to be. She hopes to see him during her travels to every kingdom to help overcome the Peacekeeper's dominion before it begins. Starlight packs the essentials, then grabs the maps of every kingdom affiliated with Equestria. She places her duffle saddle bag on her back and gallops out of the castle in search of the Young Six.

Starlight enters the park to find the Young Six having a picnic while studying for their friendship exams for Princess Twilight's class; she sighs in relief that Yona, Smolder, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, and Silverstream didn't return home after the week's recess Headmare Twilight commenced three hours ago.

"Counselor Starlight!" Yona shouts louder to greet Starlight than any of her friends present; unfortunately for Gallus and Sandbar, Yona gives them an earache with the sudden shouting. "Yona wants to know if you want to join our picnic since we have recess until next week?"

"Thank you for the nice gesture, Yona, and how is everyone doing today?" Starlight enforces her counselor duties on Twilight's students to have a slow-paced conversation before asking them to fulfill a requirement that would elevate any grades as credit for falling behind; she hopes Twilight wouldn't mind the suggestion since the journey would take time.

"Terrific, cause my friends and I are having a wonderful time having this awesome picnic with yummy sandwiches, cupcakes, and milkshakes!" Silverstream excitedly exclaims while stuffing her mouth with a chocolate vanilla swirl cupcake.

"So -" Sandbar interjects the conversation with a question on everyone's mind regarding the issue that closed the school for the week. "what has Twilight over the edge, and why was the school closed?"

"Yeah, and why did Headmare Twilight sound distraught when she made the announcement?" Smolder asks Starlight since she would know the circumstances regarding Equestria's predicament.

Starlight sighs heavily, alerting the students about the severity Equestria and Beyond would come against soon. "Has any of you heard about the Legacy of the Peacekeeper?"

"The what?" Sandbar, Smolder, Ocellus, and Silverstream wonder who and what the Legacy of the Peacekeeper is about; however, Yona knows wholeheartedly about the Peacekeeper's stories but is unsure about the truths behind the creation at the birthplace of inspiration.

"I heard tales about the Legacy of the Peacekeeper, but Yona doesn't like them, especially when someone demented can become a tyrannical god," Yona looks at the ground.

"What about you, Gallus?" Starlight notices his demeanor when he turns away from Starlight after mentioning the Legacy of the Peacekeeper; it's a touchy subject since many oppose the truth about Equus' creation.

"I -" Gallus hesitates, and his friends notice him acting strangely toward a question when they know he's straightforward with many things in life.

Starlight believes Gallus knows more about the Legacy of the Peacekeeper and may have valid information as Discord when he disclosed his past and answered many questions regardless about the Legacy of the Peacekeeper and the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony. "You don't have to say anything now, and why I ask relates to the suspension of the School of Friendship; someone has become worthy, and Princess Celestia had visions of his tyranny seizing and dominating the wills of every creature in Equestria and Beyond for weeks. Now, we must band together to stop an apocalypse from happening, and we need our friends' help to thwart the Peacekeeper and make him surrender and lose his worthiness to wield the sacred weapon. I'm here to ask you six to accompany Trixie and me for a friendship field trip, allowing you to score additional credits to succeed in any class each of you is failing."

Sandbar, Yona, Smolder, Ocellus, and Silverstream become ecstatic to go on a thrilling friendship field trip as Gallus remains silent about the situation Starlight explained moments ago; he knows the importance of the sacred duty the Peacekeeper upholds but didn't know he would bring an apocalypse. Gallus believes the Peacekeeper would ensure all life continues to thrive, not end it; he wants to help his friends and avoid homework from Twilight's advanced teachings. Gallus reluctantly accepts the offer so he's not alone in the School of Friendship, and the journey to see everyone's homeland would be fun to explore and search for evidence the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony left for those who accept the truth about Equus' creation.

With everyone willing to partake in the voyage to every kingdom, Starlight uses her magic power to teleport everyone to Trixie's wagon; they saw her wagon overloaded with provisions, tents, and essentials every creature would need during the journey.

"Trixie believes she has acquired everything for the expedition for Starlight, and the six delegates accompany us!" She smiles and prepares to move her wagon; however, Trixie realizes how heavy the wagon has gotten. "I need help."

"Yona will help Trixie! Yak shows how strong Yak is!" Yona attaches herself to Trixie's wagon and moves swiftly, impressing Trixie with sheer strength.

"Trixie appreciates Yona's help; please be careful with her home," Trixie trots next to Yona to protect her home from every possibility.

"Should we jot notes or have audio logs to document what we see and endure during our friendship field trip?" Smolder asks Starlight for a second-parter with the extra credit assignment.

"Yes," Starlight nods and likes the idea of the Young Six creating friendship documentaries to impress Headmare Twilight into allowing more field trips with every creature in the school after defeating the Peacekeeper.

With everyone excited for the new chapter in their lives while scheming ways to defeat the Peacekeeper, Gallus refuses to share what he knows and his beliefs about the importance of the Peacekeeper to anyone, considering he knows about the truth and others would disregard him by calling his story bogus, folklore, and make-believe. He'll do what would be necessary to ensure the Peacekeeper maintains his role, even if it costs him his friends.

Making a Deal

What felt like an eternity since raising the Legacy of the Peacekeeper from the gravel, Spike exhaled with much on his mind; he turned to see Empress Storm, Grubber, Tempest, Ripper, and many Storm Nation soldiers and citizens bowing before their new god. The color of the weapon changes, and the rod becomes amethyst like his dragon scales while Spike imagines the scepter having different openings for the blades to come out on all different angles; he twists the middle where two emerald-green edge-like scythes emerge from the north, and south positions on the rod.

Spike chuckles and twirls his sacred relic; he twists the middle rod to return the scythe blades to the weapon and uses it as a gavel to alert everyone to cease their bowing motion. Empress Storm, Tempest, Grubber, Ripper, and everyone rise to accept any command their new god would declare, for they know war would be imminent for those refusing his dominion.

Spike tells everyone about the Valkyrie Sisters being human-like entities with angelic wingspans, not animals or creatures relating to Equus' kingdoms, and how some are nice, as others didn't believe he would become the god Equus needs.

"Whatever you need, we will provide, Peacekeeper Spike," Empress Storm shows respect to the young dragon god in training, considering he's on the verge of receiving tons of attention when those omnipotent can sense a divine power ascending.

Spike takes a deep breath and believes Discord would sense a disturbance while unable to detect the actual wielder; if Discord were to discover Spike's new identity, he'd chat with him privately about keeping silent or facing severe punishment. Spike understands the world of harmony and needs more experience to endure the world of disharmony, which he knows one creature who'll establish his reign swifter than any other creature. With Empress Storm offering anything to help his cause, Spike accepts the proposal with a wicked smile.

"I need another blimp to deliver me to the borders of the Crystal Empire -" Spike concentrates on the one creature not ultimately obliterated by the magic of friendship and creates a trail using the lights for navigation. "to gather a component to become my new rival."

"Tempy, take my carrier and follow the light trail with Peacekeeper Spike!" Empress Storm wants to earn Spike's trust by following his commands to demonstrate her support for the god's wishes.

Although Tempest still hates the nickname in front of the masses, she understands the task at hand, grabs Spike, and gallops to the airport of the Storm Nation's military base. Grubber and several soldiers follow in pursuit of their god to accompany him during the travel.

The cruiser is faster than the blimps Spike, Tempest, Grubber, and the soldiers rode on; it's lighter, with two twin thrusters for acceleration. Tempest knows how to drive it but needs the navigational systems active to follow the light trail; however, it's inactive until Spike uses the staff to tap the system, reenergizing it.

"How did you -" Tempest's question gets interrupted by Spike waving his weapon as the primary answer.

"My weapon is alive, and I have the power of restoration, resurrection, creation, purification, healing, and much more. I think it and the ability would be active without any side effects. Being the God of Balance means everything will be available to me, even in thought. Three Valkyries grant me the basics of using the power, and I'm learning more as I progress," Spike chuckles in delight with more uses to help anyone on both sides for equilibrium. "With that said -" Spike places his left claw on Tempest's broken horn scar, concentrating on the restoration and healing aspect of his divine powers. "you got robbed when the Storm King lied of restoring your horn, so I shall!" A bright, shimmering, sparkling, radiant, purple light emerges from Spike's claw, blinding everyone momentarily. Tempest feels something celestial happening within her body, and she hears small clicking sounds; when the light fades, she opens her eyes and smiles widely. "For being an extraordinary teacher, training me hard and diligently for the hero I will become, you deserve happiness, and as your friend, I welcome you to become my first Enforcer. A Peacekeeper will need an army, so my army will be known as the Enforcers!" Spike uses his weapon as a gavel to make his declaration a commandment.

Tempest touches and feels her newly established horn while feeling immensely powerful due to Spike's divinity; she thought she'd spend the rest of her days with a broken horn. With the new title of an Enforcer, Tempest will not fail Peacekeeper Spike and oblige to his commands without question unless Spike allows Enforcers to speak their minds to help devise new strategies.

"He did what the Storm King wouldn't do..," Grubber and the soldiers got paralyzed with astonishment after witnessing the divine power Spike used to restore Tempest's horn.

Spike turns to Grubber and the Storm Nation's soldiers and thinks of adding nations and anyone who believes in the truth about Equus' origins to become his Enforcers. "Grubber, friends -" Spike smiles at them. "since Tempest became the first, you and the Storm Nation shall become my Enforcers. The duties of the Enforcers will help maintain balance since I can't be everywhere at once, so it'll be your responsibility to stir some trouble, scour to harmonic places, and cause disruption. Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends would seek to end the conflicts to restore harmony; however, your other task is to someday fight with me to prevent one-sidedness from looming and dominating Equus. You will use anything I instruct to bring balance to your disposal, and if you decide something else is worth using, I want to know so I can meditate to declare either yes or no."

"We will, Peacekeeper Spike," Grubber and the Enforcers bow in honor of Spike's declaration and can't believe Spike is the God of Balance, and they're living the dream of working with him.

"You may stand now -" Spike sees Grubber and the Storm Nation's soldiers rising on his command. "our journey begins now!" Spike turns to Tempest. "Fly, Tempest, for I cannot allow anyone to interfere with my plans, especially Discord, in case he knows I'm the God of Balance and Princess Celestia ordering him to prevent me from succeeding to ensure harmony continues to thrive with equestrian ponies believing I may bring calamities upon them!" Spike sounds menacing momentarily before calming down for fun; he chuckles at everyone's shocked faces and apologies, claiming he's joking and wouldn't allow his divinity corrupt his mind.

Tempest departs from the Storm Nation's military base with everyone waving goodbye to their new God of Balance; Spike concentrates on sending a telepathic message to every Storm Nation soldier and citizen, especially Empress Storm, about becoming an Enforcer for the Peacekeeper, which they happily accept.

Five hours have passed since departing the Storm Nation's island as Spike meditates to hone his potency and speak with the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony. The cruiser is above Galloping Gorge; Tempest trots to Spike to inform him about reaching their destination.

"Peacekeeper Spike -" Tempest stands back after Spike reaches to grab her hoof.

Spike wakes up from his meditation and thanks Tempest. "Keep the cruiser hovering while I dive into the waters. I need to go underground for a revival," Spike runs and jumps off the cruiser, diving into the waters from a thousand-story drop.

With the light shining brighter, instead of splashing into the waters, a vortex opens, allowing Spike to enter and land safely in what appears to be an underground chasm with a riverine. Using the staff after locating the source of his component, Spike presses it to the ground, channeling the restoration and resurrection powers to revive his new rival. He stands back, watching a dark, shadowed crystal erupting from the ground; a red horn with a shadowed physique and green eyes highlighted by a purple aura emerges with the laughter of malice.

"I liiiiiiiiiiiiiiive!" King Sombra laughs in the triumph of his return from obliteration thanks to the Crystal Heart and the inhabitants of the Crystal Empire for igniting the power to defeat and repel the darkness. He pauses with his laughter after seeing Spike smiling like a proud father. "YOU!" King Sombra irately points at Spike after remembering the dragon who helped the Crystal Empire regain control with the Love Alicorn, Princess Cadance, the same dragon that defeated and ruined his schemes of seizing the Crystal Empire after the thousand-year banishment.

"King Sombra," Spike remembers how terrifying his appearance was years ago, but now, he's not afraid, for he has a proposition for the King of Shadows.

King Sombra growls at the young dragon; he notices the - "So, you're the Peacekeeper; I knew you were special when I first saw you, never would I imagine you become the God of Balance; then again, the Legacy of the Peacekeeper would have never fallen into the grasp of ponies!"

"You tried to become the Peacekeeper?" Spike didn't think King Sombra would know more about the God of Balance, the Peacekeeper's role, and Equus' origins.

"Before I allowed a Shadow Stalker to merge with me, granting me the powers of shadows and fear, I was a rising protégé who would someday become a Prince in the Crystal Empire and ensure my kingdom's absolute reign. What I hoped for with my knowledge and understanding of magic and prosperity, I needed a little inspiration to motivate me even more with my dedication to my homeland; I traveled to the birthplace of inspiration to uplift the Legacy of the Peacekeeper's staff from the gravel. Obviously, I failed, but I got granted new insight into magic that would elevate my stature and potency. I was inspired to gather the love and support of my brothers and sisters at the Crystal Empire to rule in unity, heart, peace, and harmony -" King Sombra's demeanor turned hostile while explaining more of his origins when the memory of selecting a rightful ruler got overlooked.

Spike feels the dark wave of negative emotions with the whiplash of shadowed winds and eerie sounds; he remains silent until King Sombra finishes his explanation.

"When I returned to the Crystal Empire, I was overlooked to become a respectful ruler by a mere mare because Princess Celestia and Luna chose her, Amore, a unicorn, a nobody!" King Sombra venomously speaks when he recalls the memory of his kingship taken away from him after working day and night to earn everyone's trust, studying the manner of politeness and respectfulness to not only the crystal ponies but to neighboring countries that would want to visit the empire. "After years of hard work and dedication to my HOMELAND for my ASCENSION to become the rightful ruler, the Princesses chose a mare over a stallion to lead, EVERY.... SINGLE.... TIME! Originally, the Crystal Empire was going to debate their rightful ruler, and I gained everyone's love and trust, which would secure me as my victor over the mere, useless, worthless mare! The Princesses' involvement deterred my destiny, destroying a sacred law of selecting a new family tree to become the Prince, Princess, King, and Queen for generations every millennium; I witnessed the forgetfulness of my brothers' and sisters' love when it was transferred to Princess Amore, leaving me in the dark abyss of loneliness. They've forgotten me, and Princess Amore didn't bat an eye to give me some official proposition to work beside her, knowing how much I love my KINGDOM! PRINCESS CELESTIA AND LUNA REPELLED MY DREAMS OF BECOMING A KING!"

Spike didn't know about King Sombra's origins, how he rose to power, and why he was persistent in becoming the Crystal Empire's ruler. He got robbed, and Spike always wondered why more mares governed Equestria than the stallions.

"I wanted to rule, and that desire turned into envy, which motivated me to seize control no matter what it cost me until a Shadow Stalker presented itself to me, giving me more power to dominate Princess Amore and capture the Crystal Empire; however, instead by heart, unity, peace, and harmony, I would lead through fear and allow hatred to fuel me so when I rise, I would declare war on Equestria then spread my tyranny around the world!"

"Then you were sealed for a thousand years after slaying Princess Amore because your power wasn't mighty enough to defeat Princess Celestia and Luna, and when you returned, you failed again."

"Graaaaaah!" King Sombra roars in anger at the freshly reminder.

"However, I didn't revive you to taunt you and remind you of your failures," Spike smiles wickedly at King Sombra, which is new to him but understandable. "I brought you to life for an imperative cause since I'm starting to become the God of Balance, and knowing you visited the birthplace of inspiration, that would mean you're aware of the true origins of Equus, correct?"

"Correct, Peacekeeper dragon; even during my visit to the Storm Nation's island, I procured valid information from the tales of the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony, the hieroglyphs within the caves documented by the snow yetis and the twisted dentist known as Crackerjack Ripper," King Sombra shudders with the horrible memory of the demented dentist drilling in his teeth. "The Shadow Stalker that merged with me concluded all doubts about the roots of Equus, and he gave me his memories of the world I'd always envisioned for my kingdom when I wanted to become the Prince of the Crystal Empire. You can say I accepted the truth and became one of the few who believe in the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony, the Demons of Disharmony, and how every creature is a dedication to a friend the Valkyries continue to honor."

Spike smirks after hearing King Sombra's conviction of the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony and Equus' birth. "I have a proposition for you, King Sombra."

"What proposition would benefit me, Peacekeeper; in case you've forgotten, your friends would exterminate me with either the Crystal Heart or their magic. What can you offer me?" King Sombra knows Spike's offer would be a misguided gamble that'll become his inevitable demise.

"Half of the Crystal Empire, the Crystal Heart, and many victories for our war at the Crystal Empire -" Spike saw King Sombra's anger turning into delightful. "the reason for your resurrection is for my benefit cause I need to live in disharmony to understand my visions for creating an equilibrium society for all of Equus. Also, you'll become the first-ever Demon Enforcer for my army against one-sidedness."

King Sombra chuckles in bliss for the first time; he loves having control of the Crystal Empire and the inhabitants to become his slaves once more. "I accept your proposal to become your Demon Enforcer; however, what would you do to keep the Princesses occupied since they would interfere regardless of your strategy?"

"Princess Cadance and Shining Armor have their daughter, Flurry Heart, and she would be vital for the decision to have Princess Cadance and Shining vacate the Crystal Empire. Then, we'll combine our energies to create a divine shadowed perimeter to repel any pony and Draqonecuus from entering the premises. After that, the war will begin, and hopefully, Twilight and her friends will abandon the Crystal Empire, leaving the responsibilities on my shoulders to defeat you, though, in hindsight, we're elevation disharmony, for it has lost too many battles and wars against friendship."

"Your friends would not approve and may disown you for betraying them and harmony to fulfill the destiny as the Peacekeeper; can you live with that?" King Sombra challenges Spike's mental durability since becoming the God of Balance means making complex decisions and sacrifices to the world.

"My friends and family will never understand my obligations, for they are harmonic creatures, especially Twilight, the Princess of Friendship, who utilizes friendship with her friends to defeat every evil they encounter. It's proof, and I've written the letters to verify. Princess Twilight Sparkle would never stand aside to allow betrayal, evil, death, disruption, and anything regarding disharmony to exist. She will efface it to bring a utopia through friendship, and my duties as the Peacekeeper will not allow it to happen. Those who accepted the truth about the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony and what the world needs to live without fail are my new brothers and sisters; they'll become my friends and family, and whoever opposes me is my enemy!"Spike slams his staff like a gavel, making his decree evident and holy.

"Hmm," King Sombra is impressed by Spike's demeanor and calculated the disownment of his current friends and family when he obtained the Legacy of the Peacekeeper. "Well, brother, shall we begin our new chapter, or is there another surprise for our soon-to-be ongoing war?"

"We have one last pitstop to make for which you'll need an army; a new army since crystal ponies wouldn't be much use to you. They'll be your slaves and amusement to spread fear and panic," Within Spike's mind, he knows this decision would betray the trust of the Crystal Empire since they dubbed him Spike the Brave and Glorious. They will not understand unless they wholeheartedly forgive Spike and seek to learn the truth of their existence to become his Enforcers. "Have you heard about a nation called the Kirin?"

"Þrima, the Valkyrie of Silence, dedicated her friend's honor through the life of the Kirin, which they're supposed to be distant cousins to unicorns, so yes, I've heard about them. Now, what about them?"

"With those mind-control helmets you once used on the crystal ponies, you'll be using them on the Kirin since the changelings are no longer presentable as disharmonic creatures. So, we need a substitute fitting for your new army."

King Sombra relishes having a new army at his beck and call to fight the crystal ponies and guards; he's impressed with Spike's thought process to become an overachiever. "From a valor dragon, you've become insidious, and it's becoming contagious -" King Sombra chuckles and steps closer to the young dragon god. "Brother, let's get going. I want to seize my prize."

Spike concentrates on the Kirin's location and creates a new pathway using shadowed purplish light. "I have a carrier above us that'll transport us to the Kirin's location, and I'm sending a telepathic message to my Enforcers about your presence. Let's go!"

King Sombra uses his shadows to engulf Spike and spiral upward from the underground chasm to the cruiser, allowing Tempest to follow the new pathway to Kirin's territory. The Enforcers onboard welcome their new brother and know Spike's game plan to elevate disharmony.

Pitstop

"You are quite the adventurer through disharmony and have not shown an ounce of your harmonic self to me when we discussed down below, Peacekeeper dragon," King Sombra wonders how Spike maintained this crude side of him when he remembered the goodness when he delivered the Crystal Heart to expunge the darkness and him within the Crystal Empire.

"I'm trying to develop a new shade to represent disharmony since my good nature already symbolizes harmony throughout the years; I need the practice to have an equal mindset for judgments to weigh on good and bad," Spike calmly replies while smiling at his new brother during the trip to the Kirin's village.

"So, when we return to the Crystal Empire, what shall we do, Peacekeeper Spike?" Grubber is curious about Spike's long-term goals after the trip to the Kirin's territory and how to allure Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and their daughter away from the madness since they would contact Twilight Sparkle in a heartbeat in desiring assistance to thwart King Sombra once more.

"Also, how would you prevent the Princess of Friendship and her friends from entering the Crystal Empire since they would not relent until they have defeated our Demon Enforcer?" Tempest wonders what Spike would do regarding King Sombra's safety and what protection procedures Spike has in mind while not exposing himself to his former friends, knowing they would reject Spike as the God of Balance when his objective is to allow disharmony to spread as a virus across Equus.

"Using my weapon, I'll combine my divine powers with King Sombra's shadows to forge a barrier around the Crystal Empire as Princess Cadance once did to prevent King Sombra from entering when he and the Crystal Empire returned a few years ago," Spike replies while staring into the night sky Princess Luna has conjured by raising the moon after Princess Celestia lowered the sun. "The only difference is Princess Cadance's spell prevented darkness from entering while mine and King Sombra's would avert everything from penetrating the shadowed barrier from the outside. Inside, I plan on making notes to toss outside the barrier about my progress against King Sombra's siege; although it'll draw much attention, I don't want them to discover my godship yet; otherwise, I'll receive lectures, earaches, headaches, pleas, commands, demands, and a guilt-trip or transfer my authority to some pony worthier than me."

"Which is impossible, for the Legacy of the Peacekeeper staff wasn't meant to be held by any pony, regardless of stature, potency, wisdom, and experience," King Sombra made his statement evident to Tempest, Grubber, and the Storm Nation soldiers about the true intent of the weapon not falling into the hooves of ponies. "I should know, and I tried all forms to wield the staff Spike is grasping," King Sombra shuddered from the trip to the dentist when he broke several teeth after he attempted to bite and yank it from the gravel.

"So, with the war imminent, Spike, where would we reside during the conflicts?" Grubber asks since he has enjoyed living in the Crystal Castle with Tempest since the Storm King's defeat months ago.

"The Crystal Castle, where we will plot our schemes to elude the crystal ponies from discovering the dark truths about our operations; I need to ignite them with the hope of defeating King Sombra once he procures the Crystal Heart and hides it where no pony would search."

King Sombra chuckles with the envision of hiding the Crystal Heart elsewhere in the castle, where you'll need pure darkness in your heart to trigger the door. "My mistake when I hid the heart was needing a spell of pure hatred to unlock the door leading to the upper floors; now, it's no longer sorcery to use darkness but pure darkness in heart, no light whatsoever into triggering for shutting down the defense mechanism."

"Which Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends won't accomplish since they will never obtain pure darkness, for they are creatures of harmony, not disharmony," Spike reminds his brethren and sistren.

"What about Discord, the Lord of Chaos; he is a remnant of the Demons of Disharmony and would be a Demon Enforcer, considering he could betray his friends and Fluttershy to resume his demented, chaotic lifestyle?" Tempest asks Spike since Discord is the reincarnation of Pandemonium.

"Unfortunately for Discord, Princess Celestia issued Twilight and her friends to reform him to use his chaos magic and reality-warping prowess for harmony, which took time for Discord to convey once he obtained his first friend, Fluttershy, which she manipulated Discord's game after suckering her into never using her element into petrifying him by disowning him as a friend, which would mean Discord loses, and he hates losing. Then, over time, including me when I was a peasant, we took the time to build a bond with Discord; however, his friendship with Fluttershy was the strongest among any of us, which would mean his narrative would never be disharmonic ever again, for he has more feelings and heart to Fluttershy and would be defensive to use harmony over disharmony. Since it was Princess Celestia's initiative to convert Discord from disharmony to harmony, she played a pivotal role that would disqualify Discord from becoming my Demon Enforcer; he would align himself with the Princesses to protect those he cherishes rather than betray Fluttershy a second time when he worked with Lord Tirek and helped him gain power and strength."

"So -" Tempest and the others didn't believe in that likely outcome that would disqualify Discord from ever becoming a Demon Enforcer, which begs to differ, who would replace Discord as a Demon Enforcer for Spike's army. "Would Lord Tirek become a viable alternate for Discord's position?"

"I'll have to ask him during or before the siege at the Crystal Empire; I'm sure he's rotting in his cell in Tartarus, with no visitors coming -" It struck Spike to speak to him now while he's moving onward with his goals. "Turn the ship towards the Gates of Tartarus! I need to speak with Lord Tirek!"

"Yes, Peacekeeper Spike!" Tempest diverts the cruiser's direction to the Gates of Tartarus; she knows where the location is and doesn't need to use the navigational device on Empress Storm's cruiser after passing by during her youth when she fled away from her homeland after her friends deserted her for having a broken horn, the mountains are the same during the voyage, and she notices the landmarks by Rambling Rock Ridge.

An hour into the flight, Tempest lowers the cruiser into Thunderhoof Canyon; everyone notices the stairs leading to the bowels of darkness, in other words, the Gates of Tartarus. Spike commands everyone to remain on the cruiser, for he'll discuss with Lord Tirek privately as he did with King Sombra; if they notice someone spying on them, Spike authorizes them to neutralize the target by any means, he cannot get exposed yet during his first day as the God of Balance.

Spike walks down the stairs and sees a grotesque door with pink highlight patterns and a magic seal used as the lock; judging from the craft, those who use magic have access to the door; however, Spike uses his staff as a skeleton key, which works perfectly as the Gates of Tartarus open for him; Spike notices Cerberus charging at him to prevent Spike from entering and possibly freeing the prisoners.

"Stand down!" Spike uses his staff as a gavel to issue a command for Cerberus to cease his attack, which the three-headed dog whimpers and stops himself from colliding with Spike. Cerberus tries to retreat after sensing Spike's omnipotent power and becomes afraid of his divine authority. "Stand still, and don't make a sound!"

The creatures within Tartarus locked in cages started to mock Cerberus for being reduced to a helpless puppy after Spike commanded authority with what they believed was a stick with no magic; they were unaware of Spike's divine powers as they saw him walking down the pathway leading to Lord Tirek's cage.

"A visitor," Lord Tirek sees Spike walking up the stairs; he remembers him being friends with Princess Twilight Sparkle, Discord, and the remaining representatives of the Elements of Harmony. Lord Tirek is weaker and frail and has distorted colors with a raspy voice. "Wait a minute -" His eyes widen at the sight of the Legacy of the Peacekeeper staff in Spike's clutches. "THEY ALLOWED A DRAGON TO BECOME A GOD?! THAT'S PROFOUND AND I DESERVE THAT POWER AND AUTHORITY!" Lord Tirek clenches his fists in rage.

"So, that brings us to my next question; have you accepted the Valkyrie -" Lord Tirek interrupts Spike's question.

"Listen, dragon pony," Lord Tirek still wanted to insult Spike for aligning his life with the Princess of Friendship and her friends for foiling his plans of conquest and domination. "I've known the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony and my kin's origins. They made a sacred staff to anoint whoever becomes worthy of wielding unspeakable power to become a god, and I've tried for eons before I was locked up! So, why did they allow you to become our God of Balance?"

"I understand both worlds and what Equus needs; disharmony is dying because of Twilight and her friends' obligations to subdue any evil through the magic of friendship. Our world won't survive through harmony only, for I saw what happens when one-sidedness thrives, everything becomes unbalanced, and I must maintain disharmony by any means."

Lord Tirek chuckles at his fault for disregarding harmony when he tried to uplift the weapon from the gravel years ago; he focused on one aspect, not the other. "I'm sure others have tried but failed because of their feelings amid their decision-making; what makes you different than those failures?"

"I accepted the reality of Princess Twilight Sparkle, her friends, family, and every pony in Equestria will no longer be my friend, for they will never understand why I'm the God of Balance, and I'm aware of possible tactics to make me feel guilty or relinquish my godship, which won't work. They'll try, but I won't listen, for my commitments to have Equus sustainable for harmony and disharmony overrules any of their excuses, laws, and facts. I see the whole picture, and they won't!"

"Hmmm, color me impressed, Peacekeeper Spike," Lord Tirek starts addressing Spike as the God of Balance after knowing Spike's feelings regarding those closest to him before his sovereignty. "I didn't think you would disown Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends from your life. Who would you consider your friends, families, and allies?"

"My Enforcers, Lord Tirek; they are my brothers and sisters within the new age of my reign as the God of Balance. They've accepted the genuine origins of Equus, and I offered one villain to become my Demon Enforcer, for he has the last remnant of the Shadow Stalkers. I want to offer the same proposition to you, Lord Tirek, which results in your freedom from Tartarus with your potency restored as my second Demon Enforcer."

"Freedom -" Lord Tirek still has his pen pal's plan to eradicate magic within the world; knowing Princess Twilight Sparkle's unpredictable timing for saving Equestria and Beyond by hindering every evil plan, he may suffer an eternity with the pen pal in Tartarus when the scheme falls short; however, accepting Spike's position would mean he's protected, powerful, and no one would stop him from spreading disharmony. "Explain what happens when I accept your proposal, Peacekeeper Spike."

"You would have authority to spread and cause calamity in your beck and call across other nations besides Equestria; you will have your stature and potency restored since I need a Demon Enforcer to elevate disharmony whenever harmony tips over the balance beam of Equus; you'll have your freedom, obey my commands, and possibly fight in a second-coming world war."

Lord Tirek chuckles in delight after hearing Spike's explanation; honestly, he wants freedom from boredom, and Tartarus has rotten Lord Tirek for far too long. "What do the Enforcers do since Demon Enforcers have a different responsibility?"

"Anything I command regardless of disharmony and harmony's jobs. My Enforcers would document what they see and what is needed to ensure balance; then, it'll be up to me to decide whether to handle the harmonic situation myself or send the Demon Enforcers to finish the disharmonic job for me."

"Well, I'm convinced and accepted your proposal, Peacekeeper Spike; now break this prison so I can assist your cause," Regardless of whether Cozy Glow's plans succeed or not, Lord Tirek decides to forsake her for Spike's proposal, resulting in his freedom; he closes his eyes and stands back, waiting for Spike to shatter the cage with his brute strength.

"Good," Spike uses his staff as a skeleton key to unlock the door containing Lord Tirek.

Cerberus hears Lord Tirek's cage opening and chooses to infringe on Spike's authority; he, howls and sprints to subdue Spike so he doesn't get fired for allowing an escapee to flee from Tartarus.

"Allow me," Before Spike would retaliate on Cerberus for violating his command, Lord Tirek walks out of his imprisonment to drain Cerberus' power and life force. He gains a more muscular physique, brighter colors, and a pair of curved horns after turning Cerberus into puppies from his three-headed form. "Yes!" Lord Tirek kisses his muscles after years of being frail.

Spike chuckles after watching Lord Tirek become satisfied with his power returning. "We can't have witnesses, so, would you like the honors of squishing your former prison guard?"

The three puppies representing Cerberus quiver and whimper in fear because he made the fatal mistake of disobeying a divinity's command; they turned to Lord Tirek and prayed for mercy after all these years of protecting him.

Lord Tirek sinisterly laughs while flexing his strengths. "Gladly," He devilishly responds as he approaches the three puppies; after years of torment and boredom, he'll get to deliver his justice to Cerberus. "I always wonder if dogs do go to heaven!" Lord Tirek chases and subdues the three puppies by snapping their necks and flattening their bodies beyond recognition.

When Spike allowed Lord Tirek to terminate the three puppies representing Cerberus, he flinched since he gave his first murderous command. He mentally prepares his mind for future occurrences, especially when his former friends are involved. Spike allows Lord Tirek to drain every magic and life force within Tartarus and subdue every creature to prevent them from informing anyone, especially Fluttershy, about what they saw. Lord Tirek grows stronger and feels his stature and potency growing; he takes delight in snuffing every contained creature, leaving his mark while leaving Tartarus with Spike.

Spike escorts Lord Tirek to the cruiser, and King Sombra laughs sinisterly at his new brother within the Demon Enforcers platoon.

"King Sombra," Lord Tirek sits beside him since his size would draw much attention to any pegasi flying during the night. "So, what's next under Peacekeeper Spike's initiative?"

"Gathering a new army for our siege at the Crystal Empire to build disharmony and help Peacekeeper Spike understand the two worlds for his training. He claims disharmony will win many battles first since there's too much harmony."

"What about the Pony Princesses and friends' possible interference?" Lord Tirek believes the siege would be a downfall before it begins.

"We have our methods of alluring Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and their baby from the premises of the Crystal Empire; then Spike and I would combine our power to generate an impenetrable divine shadowed barrier where no one would enter or leave. Peacekeeper Spike would send notes through the barricade to show whoever reads that the Crystal Empire will endure and survive through hope. Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends would tire themselves before relenting about the divine protection of the barrier. Spike thought everything through," King Sombra laughs in triumph.

"I'm impressed with his schemes of freeing me, allowing me to gain power from everything within Tartarus, including Cerberus, then granting me the authority to decimate everyone, leaving no witness to tell what happened."

"His first murderous command, and I wasn't there to witness it?! Damn it!" King Sombra wished Spike to commence the command to him instead of Lord Tirek.

Lord Tirek chuckles. "You'll get yours soon enough, Demon Enforcer," Lord Tirek does like the sound of his title. "I wonder who else may join our ranks as Demon Enforcers."

"Only time will tell, Lord Tirek," King Sombra responds to Lord Tirek's statement. He and Lord Tirek watch Peacekeeper Spike commanding Tempest to resume flight to the Kirin's territory.

New Visitor

Twilight and her friends return from Canterlot after a heated discussion to confront the Peacekeeper and prevent the tyranny's destruction over Equestria and Beyond with the divine misuse of power when friendship would dispose of every evil threat looming in Equestria. Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow, Applejack, and Pinkie decided to use guilt as the last resort if their Elements of Harmony and their friendship became null-void against a divine power of a god that's supposedly in training since the upheaval of the Legacy of the Peacekeeper happened two hours ago according to the urgent message written by Discord when he sensed the disturbance at his home with Fluttershy.

Since the School of Friendship suspended until next week, Twilight devises tactics if the Peacekeeper assembles an army, wholeheartedly knowing that many would oppose his advances and decrees if it meant misery, death, and disbanding friendships across Equus. Rainbow Dash decides to inform the Wonderbolts about the possible world war that could save Equestria and Beyond from an apocalypse or doom life eternally; she promises Twilight to return once after speaking with Spitfire and every Wonderbolt training.

Twilight and her friends notice Starlight Glimmer, Trixie Lulamoon, and the Young Six departing Ponyville, which makes the girls elated about the decision to travel across their homelands, learn more about each other, gain allies to stop the threat, and discover any tales about the Peacekeeper and the supposed Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony. Twilight still doubts the existence of the Valkyrie Sisters despite Discord's testimony and his demeanor when he explains the origins, his past self, and the involvements of another God, a Trickster God who implemented humanity into equestrian ponies for she knows Discord's artistry in deceit and would want to make something severe for giggles. Despite Discord mentioning the ponies of Equestria's refusal to document anything about the Valkyrie Sisters since they felt betrayed and hurt by them during the war against the changelings, Twilight believes the Valkyrie Sisters are folklore since there isn't any scientific proof of their existence.

Rarity, Pinkie, and Applejack wonder if there are books from the Castle of the Two Sisters with some documented proof of the creator's existence, some evidence to determine if it correlates to the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony, and some other information regarding the Demons of Disharmony Discord spoke about. Rarity wonders if Fluttershy is discussing more about the Valkyrie Sisters and would shed some light after hearing everything Discord says during their tea party.

When Twilight and her friends enter the Castle of Friendship, they are greeted by Star Swirl the Bearded with unfortunate news about Equestria and Beyond's future after he senses a disturbance.

Twilight gulps at Star Swirl the Bearded's concerned face as it speaks a thousand words without an explanation. "Star Swirl, did you feel the disturbance coming from the birthplace of inspiration as well?"

"Yes -" Star Swirl nodded sadly, for he knows the severity of the situation regarding the Legacy of the Peacekeeper. "someone has become the new Peacekeeper, and in due time, he'll transition into the new God of Equus."

"Do you believe in the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony?" Rarity asks the old sorcerer of magic since he lived a thousand years ago before sacrificing himself to prevent the Pony of Shadows from running amuck and ruling Equestria.

"Believe is an understatement -" Star Swirl looks down briefly before staring at his friends. "during my youth, I was figuring out what I'd do with my life; I heard tales about the birthplace of inspiration from my great-granddad, a brilliant novel artist who wrote fairy tales after finding motivation through a divine treasure resting on the gravel. When I went there after receiving the map of the location where everyone was finding their careers, paths, and callings in life from one sacred place, I saw the inspiration that made my great-granddad an iconic writer whose stories continue after a millennium." Star Swirl pauses to catch his breath and mentally prepare to answer any question Twilight and her friends may ask. "Who has read the fairy tale The Sword in the Stone?"

Pinkie answered before her friends thought about the story. "I have read it many times to the Cake's babies and during my trips to the children's hospitals when celebrating a birthday. The Sword in the Stone is a classic for many children who feel they can become a hero after getting cured and healed from whatever ailment, broken bones, and sickness they endured."

"A classic indeed, for which my great-granddad took the spectacle and turned it into his finest work, and from there, he created countless classics still read to this day," Star Swirl responds to Pinkie's statement.

"Did he try to uplift the weapon from the gravel?" Twilight wonders if Star Swirl's great-granddad attempted to become the Peacekeeper.

"Yes -" Star Swirl nods to Twilight's question. "He saw someone divine that made him quiet and lost the ability to speak; He talked through his literature since voice boxes didn't get invented and unicorns didn't fathom the ability to translate silent voice from another creature."

"That is amazing," Rarity is in awe and wonders if visiting the birthplace of inspiration would grant her mind endless possibilities for fashion, thus becoming the most fabulous fashionista in Equestria.

"So, any ideas on stopping the Peacekeeper from terrorizing Equestria and Beyond, Star Swirl; anything you know the Princesses or Discord is unaware of that you discovered?" Twilight is eager to hear hopeful news rather than becoming the opposite of herself to prevent the Peacekeeper from succeeding.

"I theorized a conjoin talisman of every artifact could pose some omnipotent threat to the Legacy of the Peacekeeper's staff and perhaps grant up to twelve creatures power to oppose the God's advances. We'll need to collect and ask a Demon of Disharmony to aid us."

"You mean Discord, right?" Applejack asks Star Swirl the Bearded since most evils are defeated and obliterated by their friendship, including the recent events with the Pony of Shadows.

"I'm afraid the Lord of Chaos has disqualified himself as a Demon of Disharmony, considering my student, Princess Celestia, has informed me about Discord's reformation phase, which would now make him an ally of harmony. There is one Demon of Disharmony left that continues to roam the planet, and even I haven't found him nor his descendants."

Twilight wonders if she and her friends' friendship had limited the allies necessary to thwart the Peacekeeper, who used to be Demons of Disharmony. "Who is the last demon, Star Swirl? I'm sure my friends and I had encountered him during our previous adventures to prevent a disaster from happening."

"The one called Ahuizotl, the creator of the talisman, relics, and artifacts," Star Swirl replies, causing the girls to horridly gasp since they remember Ahuizotl and embark on an adventure to help Daring Do prevent him from eight hundred years of unrelenting sweltering heat. "Even I could not find him during my travels before Stygian brought us together."

"I can't believe that wretched beast is a Demon of Disharmony!" Rarity remembers how ugly Ahizotl looked, especially his tail with a third fist.

"Uh, how is he the creator of the talisman, relics, and artifacts, 'cause last time I remember, he tried using one of those doohickeys to bring unrelenting heat towards a village?" Applejack asks Star Swirl since he knows more, which leads to his explanation.

"Perhaps he attempted to restore the prestigious power to a relic he obtained to magnify the temple's foundation from being disintegrated from the deterioration which lacked heat, and by neutralizing the temple itself would mean an artifact's potency lost into the void and the power within rendered useless -" Star Swirl theorizes the probability of Ahuizotl's objective before the temple collapsed with the relic dispersed from an adventurer or the ponies he's talking to, then he takes a deep breath to follow-up Applejack's question with one of his own. "now, where is Ahuizotl since you and the others know him from a previous venture?"

"We know someone who would know his whereabouts since my friends and I were occupied with other friendship affairs, saving Equestria, and other obligations each of us endures either at the School of Friendship or home," Twilight answered Star Swirl's question on behalf of Applejack and her friends with time on the essence since no one knows where the Peacekeeper's location and his objectives are.

"Daring Do is -" Rarity gets startled by Star Swirl's furious face; his cheeks are boiling red as he grits his teeth.

"You mean to tell me that a fictional character from a book series is actual live events, and this Daring Do has been stealing so many artifacts while provoking a Demon of Disharmony, including Doctor Caballeron!" Star Swirl knows it's unwise to mess with a Demon of Disharmony after experiencing it firsthoof and the rage they carry towards their enemies.

"No, protecting it since Ahuizotl only uses those artifacts to bring calamities and attempts to murder Daring Do every time! She's protecting the relics from Ahuizotl's tyranny!" Twilight defends Daring Do's motives to thwart the evil Ahuizotl from bringing destruction and wrath on anypony and everyone.

Rainbow Dash zooms into the Castle of Friendship after hearing Star Swirl mention Daring Do, her idol, and her awesomeness of writing book after book of her adventures for many years. "YEAH! Daring Do protects those relics she'd acquired from many temples and places to keep Ahuizotl from achieving his goals to reenergize those artifacts to dominate us with brute authorities! Daring Do is a hero! She doesn't get a thank you for her good deeds!" Rainbow snorts at Star Swirl.

"Well, where does she live? She's the only pony to provoke Ahuizotl and foil his plans, so she would also keep tabs on his whereabouts," Star Swirl calms himself before retaliating at Rainbow's claim. He's upset that Daring Do is factual from the book series some youngling showed him months ago in the park while having lunch. "Ahuizotl is our best hope to defeat the Peacekeeper."

"WHAT?!" Rainbow Dash flops onto the floor after hearing Ahuizotl's name as a possible ally to help defeat the Peacekeeper with different charms, relics, artifacts, and other weaponry to oppose divinity.

"We have much to explain, Rainbow," Twilight helps Rainbow stand on her hooves; she's aware of her friend's continual experience with Daring Do at a convention with another fan and how close the duo has become as friends.

"We must get going and find Daring Do to ask Ahuizotl's assistance for the upcoming war that would soon affect Equus and entice him about his lifeline ending by the clutches of the Peacekeeper, which would motivate Ahuizotl to become our ally for a temporary truce," Star Swirl says, staring at the girls and the Daring Do fanatics.

"Yeah, encouraging Ahuizotl like that would cause him to fear the Peacekeeper since Discord is afraid of him," Applejack reminds Star Swirl about Discord's fear of the Peacekeeper with his life in jeopardy.

"The Lord of Chaos is afraid," Star Swirl didn't believe the draqonecuus would be fearful of the Peacekeeper. "Then again, he would know more about the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony and the Peacekeeper since he was Pandemonium, the Demon of Confusion."

"I believe he's lying about the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony since there is no scientific proof of their existence and Discord is known for creating stories and spreading chaos; he's done it before and perhaps pretending to be frightful to have Fluttershy and reveal his love for her," Twilight says, knowing Discord is still an artist of deceit and would say he's joking due to his chaotic nature.

Star Swirl gets in Twilight's face, growling viciously, causing Twilight to quiver at her idol and lower herself to the floor; her pupils shrink, and she doesn't want to upset or anger Star Swirl.

"You listen well, Twilight. The evidence of the Valkyrie Sisters' existence is the weapon the Peacekeeper clutches in his grasp; within the staff, the wielder would travel into a different realm where they exist. Before you ask, I saw one of them when I tried lifting the Legacy of the Peacekeeper scepter over a thousand years ago, and when I described it to my great-granddad, he confirmed my explanation. The seriousness of the Peacekeeper, which my student is terrified of from the visions she endured, validates their existence. I'm sure other species have maintained the history of the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony as the true source of our origins!" Star Swirl stomps the floor, causing a crack with smoke emitting underneath to demonstrate the severity of the situation.

Twilight had forgotten Star Swirl's testimony about his trip to the birthplace of inspiration since the discussion of Ahuizotl being the last remaining Demon of Disharmony, and searching for him has her in a loop to work with evil. She shudders in fear due to Star Swirl's outburst. She trusts his illustration about other nations maintaining evidence about the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony since she remembers how Equestria refused to document anything of them due to feeling betrayed and abandoned. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow hug Twilight, comforting her to calm her from Star Swirl's blazing statement.

"Now, gather your belongings, and we'll begin our hunt for Ahuizotl," Star Swirl leaves the Castle of Friendship and hopes what he said during his outburst would penetrate Twilight's thick skull for disbelieving the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony, for no creature can fake fear and dread when divinity is involved.

"Rainbow, do you know where Daring Do could be?" Applejack asks her friend, knowing she follows the story and has a calendar marked with significant meet-and-greet dates or new issues, anything highlighted for importance.

"Well, I know where she is after gaining her trust. I'll be back!" Rainbow zooms out of the Castle of Friendship and promises Star Swirl she'll return with her belongings and a supposed map to A.K. Yearling's new home after Doctor Caballeron's recent ambush and break-and-entering sequences.

Recruiting Daring Do

After Rainbow Dash returns from her home with a saddlebag packed for the journey to visit A.K. Yearling's new home, aka Daring Do, she sees her friends packed, including Pinkie Pie riding her party cannon next to Star Swirl the Bearded, with the expectation of arranging a meeting with Ahuizotl about a partnership to oppose the Peacekeeper before he settles and becomes the new God of Equus. Star Swirl hopes that Daring Do doesn't provoke the creator of the talisman, a Demon of Disharmony, Ahuizotl, over an artifact she might have stolen from him; according to the novel series, she and several other characters detailed from the books have procured many relics and treasures from sacred temples, ruins, and castles, foiling Ahuizotl's priorities every time, which she and the others may not know Ahuizotl's true intent.

Rainbow gives Star Swirl the Bearded the map to navigate everyone to Daring Do's new home or temporary hideout; his eyes are focused on the circle drawn on the map, revealing the location of an old mansion several meters away from the disintegrated Temple of Tehuti and Forest of Leota. Since there is a railway system to the town of Caracrows, Star Swirl advises everyone to purchase their ticket there rather than walk and waste time due to the unknown schemes of the Peacekeeper in motion.

Twilight remains silent during the trip to Caracrows after hearing Star Swirl's rant replaying in her mind about the severity of the situation, the Valkyrie Sister of Harmony's involvement, and their existence when Star Swirl confirmed it twice. Rainbow Dash couldn't contain her excitement of visiting Daring Do and going on another adventure with her hero; however, the idea of partnering with Ahuizotl to save all life from an apocalypse is wholesome but terrifying, with probable cause of getting rejected or attacked by the menacing creature. Rarity minds her business on the train while Pinkie and Applejack attempt to comfort Twilight about Star Swirl's statement; however, Twilight remains quiet. Star Swirl is reading the latest Daring Do novel to understand her current predicament, hoping to use the newest relic she looted from the Demon of Disharmony, which doesn't have much detail about the potency and usage other than the description of its appearance; it's a clock hand on an eye, representing time.

The train ride from Ponyville to Caracrows took three hours, which allowed Star Swirl to calm himself and rethink his expressions toward Twilight, causing him to regrettably sigh when he should have had more patience with the young Princess of Friendship and her beliefs about the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony.

"I should have explained further about the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony than belittle Twilight of her ignorance about their existence when we should work together on stopping the foe before he becomes too overpowering for us to handle." Star Swirl thought to himself; he was sitting across from Twilight's booth in the middle of the third-car train during the ride.

When everypony departed from the train, Star Swirl apologized for his rant and explained how he should have been more patient with Twilight due to the severity of life and death hindering in their hooves. After Twilight accepts the apology, they continue onward to the old mansion. At the same time, Rainbow Dash's excitement overwhelms her stability, causing her to soar ahead of her friends to Daring Do's hideout, miles from the submerged Temple of Tehuti.

Star Swirl groans bitterly at Rainbow's foolish decision to allow her excitement to control her emotions and soar ahead when he has her map detailing Daring Do's hideout. Twilight provides a simple solution after knowing Rainbow's antics with Daring Do and anything relating to the subject for many years; she advises everyone to huddle together to teleport them and herself to Rainbow's position, which should be by the old mansion.

Rainbow Dash is excited to see a makeshift bonfire by the left side of the mansion with a hole in the wall serving as an entrance to the basement; she hears a poof behind her and notices Star Swirl's glare for being careless during a crisis. Rainbow nervously chuckles and hovers aside, allowing Star Swirl to enter Daring Do's temporary base of operations.

"Rainbow?" Daring Do returns to the old mansion while wearing the relic like a necklace, which catches Star Swirl's attention and causes his jaw to drop in horror, not in awe or bewilderment. "I thought I told you not to bring your friends here," Daring Do is upset until she sees Star Swirl the Bearded for the first time; it's new to her seeing an old fossil living in Equestria after reading some tales about the disappearance of the Pillars.

Star Swirl analyzes the relic, the clock hands representing the hour, minute, and second on an eye-shaped medallion, and knows what the relic Daring Do has procured. "Where did you find the Time Gem Amulet?"

Daring Do double blinks in amazement after hearing Star Swirl guessing accurately the relic's name she took from Ahuizotl days ago by the Temple of Perpetuity; she wonders why Star Swirl would be here of all places, especially with Rainbow Dash. She recognizes Rainbow's friends and believes something else is amiss regarding the amulet's involvement.

"Tell him, Daring Do, of all the times you foiled Ahuizotl and your recent victory over the time medallion you took from him!" Rainbow wants to hear Daring Do's narration leading to today's meetup; she wishes she had popcorn to enjoy the splendor when Pinkie Pie offers her a bucket to listen to Daring Do's tale.

"Well, Star Swirl, I obtained the Time Gem Amulet from Ahuizotl to prevent him from freezing time to undo any damages or capture me, and I can't allow Ahuizotl's tyranny to bring doom and destruction over any of the temples to utilize ultimate power to overthrow us! I secured the relic when I ventured to the Temple of Perpetuity and read the hieroglyphics about the usage of the Time Gem Amulet; freezing time for three minutes may seem like nothing, but knowing how to utilize time wisely would be the difference-maker regarding combat, stealth, or infiltrations."

"Three minutes of doing whatever you want, and when being a tyrant, you could obliterate anyone before they stand a chance to oppose or repel any attack to save yourself or others during the heat of battle. That sounds terrifying under the clutches of evil!" Rainbow exclaims and imagines Ahuizotl using the charm to dispose of Daring Do, terminating her novel series forever, and exacting vengeance on her and her friends for interfering during the ring ceremony to unleash eight hundred years of unrelenting sweltering heat to the Temple of Tehuti.

"Super-duper scary!" Pinkie Pie shares the dreadful feeling of Ahuizotl, or some other creature demented enough to create havoc and dominate the wills of everyone.

"And just what we need!" Applejack imagines using the relic to prevent the Peacekeeper from issuing any commands or declaring war on Equestria and Beyond.

Rarity becomes astounded by the beauty of the amulet as it reminded her of gemstones when they sparkle on any reflective surface.

Twilight smiles at the idea of freezing time. "That's good!" She's elated to have a powerful relic to oppose the Peacekeeper and thwart his plans before he steps foot in Equestria; she'll use the Time Gem Amulet, then have her friends use the Elements of Harmony repeatedly to subdue the Peacekeeper or weaken him and his army.

Rainbow knows what Twilight was thinking after connecting the pieces to utilize against the Peacekeeper and hoping she and they don't team with Ahuizotl. "We can use -" Rainbow gets interrupted by Star Swirl's impending speech.

"Don't even try to elude our quest, girls," Star Swirl approaches Daring Do and holds the amulet in his left hoof, sensing the potency of the relic's time-freezing capabilities. "Daring Do, we need Ahuizotl; do you know where he is?"

"He should be at the remnants of Temple Tehuti. I noticed him praying in solitude with blue flames encircling him," Daring Do responds, then asks - "Why do you need Ahuizotl, and why is every pony else here? What is going on?" Curiosity got the better of Daring Do after Star Swirl mentioned his name, and judging from his tone, Star Swirl was solemn on the matter.

"Daring Do, as adventurous and awesome as you, have you heard anything about the Peacekeeper or the Legacy of the Peacekeeper?" Rainbow asks her idol before Star Swirl and Twilight would have questioned her.

"That hunk of junk wouldn't bulge at the supposed birthplace of inspiration -" Daring Do does the quotation mark with her two front hooves by mentioning the birthplace of inspiration. "I believe the supposed weapon is a scam to allure tourists or anyone dumb enough to become a victim of the demented dentist. The Storm Nation knows how to draw income for many years, claiming that creatures with wings, depicted as angels or valkyries, came with two goddesses to forge the world we live in now, which is folklore, for there is no evidence of their existence, just tales of how they live, why we're here, and how fallen the world became and is, which I find it laughable," Daring Do is a nonbeliever about the importance of the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony, goddess Gaia and Eurynome.

Star Swirl calms himself before the rage takes over; he takes a deep breath before speaking. "Did you know that Ahuizotl is a Demon of Disharmony?"

"A what?" Daring Do is confused about Ahuizotl's acclaimed title of being a Demon of Disharmony, which she has heard from some tales depicting different demons that existed before some supposed grand war that killed life before the rebirth.

"Ahuizotl is a Demon of Disharmony, the creator of the talisman, artifacts, relics, and charms. The amulet that you plundered from Ahuizotl belonged to him, and he would know how to operate the Time Gem Amulet to the fullest, unlike any of us; perhaps he knows how to extend the limiter with other rituals, incantations, and sacrifices. You have something he requires, and now, we have something to offer for our truce to defeat the Peacekeeper."

"The Peacekeeper is not -" Daring Do watches Star Swirl's facial expression go from calm to rigorous; magic auro engulfs his body to demonstrate the realness of his statements and the situation Equestria and Beyond. She gulps and nervously sweats, knowing Star Swirl is somepony who never jokes or makes bluffs.

"I sensed the Legacy of the Peacekeeper's staff uplifted from the sacred gravel hours ago, meaning the new God in training is born and actively devising schemes to disrupt the peace Equestria and Beyond has, and if he succeeds, he may kill us without any reason or worse!" Star Swirl stomps his front left hoof onto the ground, causing smoke to erupt from the cracks of the dirt rising.

Daring Do, Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Applejack flinch at the sudden magic power Star Swirl emits with one stomp onto the ground, making his statement bold and prominent.

"That is why we're here, Daring Do," Twilight sighed and had hoped the tensions wouldn't be of this magnitude when she and the others wanted a calmer debriefing about Ahiuzotl's whereabouts for the upcoming war that'll soon take effect. "We need the last remnant of the Demon of Disharmony to aid us during a war that'll hinder all life. Ahuizotl may have a relic that can compete with the Legacy of the Peacekeeper's staff. Will you help us?"

Daring Do takes a moment to stare at the group of ponies, then stares at the artifact she took from the Temple of Perpetuity while wondering what other artifacts and relics she took from Ahuizotl could or would help the cause to defeat the Peacekeeper. She takes a deep breath after making her decision. "Alright, I'll take you to Ahuizotl. The Temple of Tehuti is an hour's walk from here, so let's get going."

Ahuizotl

"Tahtli, nimitstlatlauki, okse chance nik prove nimo uikpa no birthright. Nimakamo tlaneki nik ka se failure iuan lose nonemilis due nik thieving iuan grave-robbing ponies tlakuitika mo creations iuan kinnamakatok uikpa profit. Neh've tried no hardest nik tlamanaui, iuan amo nikpia mo omnipotent uelilistli nik create countermeasures." Ahuizotl pleas with his native tongue to speak to his father, Ahuizotl, the Demon of Disharmony from the great heavens above. ("Father, please, one more chance to prove myself for my birthright. I don't want to be a failure and lose my life due to thieving and grave-robbing ponies taking your creations and selling them for profit. I've tried my hardest to protect, and I don't have your omnipotent power to create countermeasures.")

The blue flames surrounding Ahuizotl represent his father's essence as the Demon of Disharmony, for he doesn't die but continues to live and produce descendants whenever his sons fail him during guardianship over his creations, once Ahuizotl, the original, finishes testing his sons, he'll grant them the power to create new talismans, relics, artifacts, and charms, determining the rules of usage and prowess each item would uphold. The blue flames arose in anger after hearing his son's pitiful pleas over mere nuisance when they stole under his watch; he's disappointed with his son for allowing minor headaches to become devastation over the lands and several temples in shambles because of an adventurer's greed to steal what doesn't belong to them.

"Ompaisaniyo se relic remaining tlanik mo tlachi, nokoneuh, in nelli italisman tonatiuh. Inin tsaki relic represents mo lifeline nik demonstrate mo guardianship pan no creations. Intla tinenti iuan inin thieving ponies obtain in nelli italisman tonatiuh, niuil mitsdisown as mitsnokoneuh,'ll lose mo birthright, mitsiuan miki!s" Ahuizotl, Demon of Disharmony responds with his native tongue. ("There's only one relic remaining under your watch, my son, the Truth Talisman of Tonatiuh. This last relic represents your lifeline to demonstrate your guardianship over my creations. If you fail and these thieving ponies obtain the Truth Talisman of Tonatiuh, I will disown you as my son, you'll lose your birthright, and you will die!")

Ahuizotl sheds a tear, knowing his inevitable is upon him after Daring Do stole the Time Gem Amulet, and she will come to snatch another relic from him; he slams his fists harshly on the rubble of Tehuti in sadness.

"Xitlachiua amo nechnenti!" It is the last message spoken by Ahuizotl, the Demon of Disharmony before the flames vanish. ("Do not fail me!")

Ahuizotl remains silent after watching his father depart in anger; he sits on the remaining stairs of the Temple of Tehuti and notices a group of ponies arriving a hundred yards away, believing they are Doctor Caballeron and his goons. Ahuizotl bellows in anger and decides to end their lives before they end his life by taking the Truth of Tonatiuh at the Temple of Tonatiuh.

Daring Do navigates Twilight and her friends throughout the hour and is puzzled by Ahuizotl's sudden roar; she prepares for an intense combat situation that will come shortly. Twilight, Star Swirl, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow see an enraging Ahuizotl sprinting with a vengeance and bloodlust written on his face.

"Not so fast!" Rainbow Dash flies to tackle Ahuizotl from causing calamity upon her friends and idol when Star Swirl the Bearded uses his magic to catch and suspend the duo through a paralysis levitating spell; his white aura illuminates around Rainbow and Ahuizotl. "What was that for?" She glares at Star Swirl for intervening in a possible awesome brawl.

"We didn't come to attack Ahuizotl, Rainbow! We're here for -" Ahuizotl interrupts Star Swirl's speech.

"I have no interest in working and associating with vermin like yourselves; now put me down or prepare for a merciless beating!" Ahuizotl wants to bring misery to Daring Do and her friends for returning with the Time Gem Amulet to steal his last remaining relic and possibly end his life.

"Ahuizotl, as much I despise returning to a fallen temple while wearing this treasure around my neck," Daring Do added flair to her rude remark since she doesn't like Ahuizotl from the times he attempted to subdue her from protecting the relics and keeping them away from Ahuizotl's tyranny, she swallows her pride with the utmost importance on all life in Equestria and Beyond due to the Peacekeeper's ascension. "We need your help to slay the Peacekeeper with your relics since you are a Demon of Disharmony."

"GRRRRAAAAH!" Ahuizotl gets agitated about the reminder of his birthright and how impossible it has become to achieve whenever Daring Do, Doctor Caballeron, and his goons plunder many temples, shrines, castles, places where treasuries are meant to be left alone and away from looters due to their callous actions of property.

Star Swirl took note of Ahuizotl's reaction, which puzzles him about the title Daring Do referred to him as. Daring Do, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow want Ahuizotl to settle down before discussing any further partnership with probable arrangements to agree.

Star Swirl levitates Rainbow and Ahuizotl downward to make his command for the two parties to negotiate. "Ahuizotl, we didn't come here to fight you; we require your assistance for a greater cause; the Peacekeeper is born and could end our lives and yours unless we work together to oppose the greater threat. We need the Demon of Disharmony, the creator of the talisman, relics, and items of great power, to thwart or challenge the Legacy of the Peacekeeper's staff. Will you help us? We've brought the Time Gem Amulet as an offering."

Daring Do sighs deeply; she removes the Time Gem Amulet, grasping it momentarily before willingly surrendering the hard-fought artifact she took from his clutches. Twilight and the others wait patiently to see if Ahuizotl will accept the offering and possibly welcome a partnership.

Ahuizotl takes the Time Gem Amulet and puts it around his neck. "I'm no Demon of Disharmony, and I cannot help you."

"Why not? Aren't you Ahuizotl, the Demon of Disharmony?" Star Swirl could have sworn from the vision and tales he heard and saw about every Demon of Disharmony roaming the planet.

"My father, Ahuizotl, is the Demon of Disharmony, for I am his son, Ahuizotl, the guardian of his creations," Ahuizotl responds sadly to Star Swirl's question since he had his discussion with his father a while ago about his lifeline with the last relic remaining on his watch.

"So, you're worthless to us for the cause?" Rainbow rudely talks about Ahuizotl's position in opposing the Peacekeeper.

Ahuizotl growls and confronts Rainbow's rude remark, head-butting her to make eye contact as everyone watches and prepares to separate the duo from fighting each other. "You listen well, you runt! I haven't forgotten you and these selfish ponies from ruining the Temple of Tehuti's ritual to unleash eight hundred years of unrelenting sweltering heat and remove the rings, thus destroying the temple like humans destroying territory for their greed!"

The girls gasp horridly except Daring Do and remember Discord's testimony about Loki's influence penetrating the minds of equestrian ponies to behave more humanely than any other species living in Equus.

"How did you know about ponies acting humanly, Ahuizotl?" Daring Do asks him since she's unaware of the whole picture.

"My father told me everything about life, our origins, and the tales discussed when some Demons of Disharmony survived the onslaught and the battle that scarred the planet. He warned me about ponies like you, looting, plundering, pillaging anything worth valuable in the markets, and making a profit for themselves. YOU -" Ahuizotl pokes Daring Do to make a bold statement. "have taken so much from me, not once bat an eye to the destruction you created to achieve your prize. Now, you've come here, seeking my help? Well, guess what?"

"What?" Pinkie responds to Ahuizotl's rhetorical statement, interrupting Ahuizotl's rant about ponies ransacking his father's creations. Ahuizotl growls due to Pinkie's unprecedented timing to interrupt the importance of making a rant to prove a clear-cut evidential claim. "Sorry."

"I have nothing to help your cause because the relics you seek, you need, are no longer under my protection. I have one -" Ahuizotl sidetracks due to the relic Daring Do gave him after looting from a sacred temple he tried to protect. "no, two relics, not strong or capable enough to oppose the new God of Equus."

"How many doohickies did you take, Ms. Do?" Applejack wonders how many she took, even from other experiences not documented in her novel series.

"It doesn't matter how much she took; it was to protect them from this monster!" Rainbow defends Daring Do's motive to retrieve the artifacts away from a villainous monster.

"Look, you want my help; you'll have to bring back what you stole from me to restore the integrity and honor to activate the proper usage. Just as you've taken from me, you'll have to do the same wherever you planted them."

"Stealing is wrong in Equestria," Twilight justifiably says as she and the girls are uncomfortable about a robbery, causing Ahuizotl to snarl at them distastefully. She and her friends sweat nervously about the hypocritical claim.

"To summarize what you said, stealing is wrong in your lands, but outside, anything goes without repercussions, and it's okay to pillage from other sacred places to make a profit as long as it's not within your -" Ahuizotl points at Twilight's face, making his statement evident about his feelings. "country! Is that correct? Hmmm?"

"We didn't steal from you; we prevented the ritual Rainbow told us about and read about the rings' importance to unleash and doomed the valley with eight centuries of brutalizing heat!" Twilight defends her and her friends' actions to help Daring Do defeat Ahuizotl, which causes the collapse of the Temple of Tehuti.

"Oh -" Ahuizotl pauses and takes an unsettling sigh to tell the tale about the importance of the ring ceremony. "you stole more than you led on to believe."

"Which is?" Rarity is curious about Ahuizotl's sudden demeanor changing when he sighed sadly, making her, Applejack, and Pinkie nervous about Ahuizotl's side of the story as Twilight, Daring Do, and Rainbow remain resolute to justify their ends to prevent Ahuizotl from bringing calamity upon the valley and Temple of Tehuti.

"This temple was my home, and you've wrecked it because of your greed and self-ambitions, especially you, Daring Do. You understood the rings' potency to establish the eight hundred years of unrelenting sweltering heat; however, you didn't understand its importance."

"Which was exactly?" Pinkie Pie asks while eating a bucket of popcorn, hearing the story Ahuizotl is revealing to every pony.

"Why was this temple important to you, Ahuizotl?" Star Swirl breaks his silence after listening to how the girls respond to Ahuizotl's conversation; he's eager to know why the Temple of Tehuti was his home.

"When my kin is born into the living world, we don't have a mother, just a father living within the flames as his essence roams across the lands due to his physical form giving out from old age. When I was young, this temple meant a lot to me, especially to the inhabitants who saw me and accepted me into their family; the clan of chameleons raised and helped me understand my father's creations. They taught me how to meditate and pray to my father, asking for guidance and comprehending my role in life. I dedicated my life to serving my father and protecting my family, the chameleons, from any foe daring to rob their homelands from invading creatures seeking to loot and destroy."

The story made Daring Do, Twilight, and Rainbow uncomfortable about the chameleons, knowing they're a cold-blooded race that cannot survive cold weather as Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie intently listen and add the pieces together from the book they've read and Ahuizotl's testimony, leading to an unfortunate fate for interfering with a ceremony that led to the chameleon's home-loss situation. Star Swirl theorizes Ahuizotl's resentment of ponies regarding the destruction of his and the failure to uphold his promise, thus making Ahuizotl look like a liar.

"You see, the chameleons had two powers. One is known as adaptability, meaning they can transform into any creature or blend with the environment or society; the second, they have foresight, meaning they can see into the future, accurately guess whoever wants to know someone to go after or longing to love, understand their strengths and weaknesses," The girls gasp in excitement and believe they can use the chameleons' future vision to devise strategies to thwart the Peacekeeper after obtaining knowledge of his identification and his schemes to govern the world through a dictatorship despite acting god-like; however, Star Swirl paid close attention to when Ahuizotl mentioned had, meaning something has happened to the chameleons.

"Girls, we have found the perfect ally to oppose the Peacekeeper and end his reign before it begins!" Twilight becomes energetic with many hypotheses for asking the chameleons everything they know about the Peacekeeper, how to save Equestria from future threats, and maybe find her special somepony.

"YEAH!" Rainbow gets pumped up with adrenaline about the awesomeness of future vision the chameleons have and wonders if they can see into her future about becoming a commander for the Wonderbolts. "They can even help us with other issues to prevent badness and stop evil before it begins!"

"Latest fashion trends before it happens," Rarity gets sidetracked by many outcomes of producing the first-ever continuously, thus becoming the Princess of Fashion, an iconic fashionista creating new waves for years to come and no one to compete with.

"Oh, they would help, and the chameleons are a peaceful tribe with the utmost respect and honor to help anyone in need -" The girls cheered loudly like celebrating a party after hearing more about the chameleons' helpful nature. "Too bad you killed them."

That statement silenced the cheers of victory, and Star Swirl knew Ahuizotl was hiding a dark truth since he hadn't finished explaining his family's origin. Daring Do is feeling horrendous about the killing comment while feeling confused, for she never met or seen any chameleon during her adventure with Rainbow Dash and her friends; she doesn't recall Ahuizotl interacting with chameleons, only ponies.., unless..?

"WE ARE NOT MURDERERS!" Rainbow boldly claims, defending her friends and idol for the destruction of the Temple of Tehuti's demise while still believing her acts are justified. "Don't the chameleons eat and drink and adapt to anything?!"

"We never harm anypony out of spite!" Pinkie Pie knows she and her friends are not killers but defenders and will fight anyone who threatens the livelihood of anyone and save their friendships along the way.

"Accusing us as killers is uncouth for a barbarian such as yourself to acclaim us when we represent friendship in its entirety!" Rarity feels conflicted about Ahuizotl's murderous claim on her and her friends.

"My friends and I are -" Ahiuzotl interrupts Twilight before she makes an ear-aching speech about friends working together to save rather than destroy.

"Killers to the core for what you've done, especially you, DARING DO!" Ahuizotl snorts in anger, making his point evident with his feelings, for he will explain the demise of the chameleons. "You see, while each of you here needs food and drinks to sustain yourself, the chameleons don't need to digest anything within their bodies; the chameleons only need the sun's heat to ingest, keeping them sustainable daily, and the rings would exert the right amount of heat for consumption without affecting the rest of the world. Years during my teenage years, thieving ponies came and robbed the Temple of Tehuti, shifting the exertion of the sun's heat into becoming less hot and humid, which was a problem for the chameleons. The rings are extensively heavy to carry without causing a collapse of the temple, and I tried valiantly to defend my home and the chameleons as guardian of the sacred relics. I lost during my first confrontation, and the chameleons knew that if the rings were not brought back to the temple, they'd begin to wither, shiver, and freeze. Desert heat won't cut it because it's not the sun's heat but the sand's; we needed to retrieve the rings. Time and time again, it became a rinse and repeat since someone placed a bounty on the rings with riches that would allow anyone to enter retirement peacefully and stress-free, so I needed a team to help me combat the looters, which worked fine for years until a certain adventurer came and started taking other relics I swore to protect!" Ahuizotl refers to Daring Do when she stole the Sapphire Stone, thus solidifying her quest to obtain more relics to protect them from him and others with evil intent to bring misery and calamities upon the world.

Daring Do, Rainbow, and Twilight start second-guessing themselves about who's right and which morals are correct when they continue to listen to Ahuizotl's testimony as Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, and Star Swirl feel Ahuizotl's pain as he continues to tell his tale about his home, himself and the chameleons while hoping by some miracle, some survivors adapted to using the sun's heat elsewhere to produce offsprings.

"After she came along, insert Doctor Caballeron and his goons since they've taken more and fought with Daring Do over possession of it, and when I come to intervene, I lost the battle and relic, every.., single.., time..!" Ahuizotl sighs heavily about the next portion of his tale. "Due to the lack of heat from the sun using the rings, the chameleons decided to help me procure the rings by transforming into ponies, which was another problem. When the chameleons start to wither, they can't channel their powers and choose which method to utilize. I tried convincing them to use foresight; however, I didn't understand that using their future vision increased their lifeline and accelerated their demise, so using their transformation, the chameleons could slow their extinction and spread around to reclaim the rings, which they'd succeeded. All I needed to do was pay Doctor Caballeron the final piece after gathering the rings, which you spread out!" Ahuizotl reminded Daring Do of her deed to prolong Ahuizotl's usage of the temple. "Then you!" Ahuizotl turns his attention to Rainbow, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity. "Plus the yellow one!" He remembers Fluttershy's involvement. "You distracted us, allowing Rainbow and Daring Do to lift the rings from the pedestal... and... and... and....-" Ahuizotl falls on his backside, holding himself in sadness from revisiting the past in his mind, watching Rainbow and Daring Do lift the final ring that caused the Temple of Tehuti to collapse. "causing my home..., the chameleons' to collapse. In anger, I swore my revenge on you, Daring Do, and with the Temple of Tehuti destroyed, my family was doomed. While you celebrated with your friends, I searched for the last ring since all the others were still intact; however, the final ring you stole from me got shattered, and there was no chance of saving the chameleons. The power of the rings evaporated and turned to ash, like using a magnifying glass to scorch ants and kill them instantly. I watched the chameleons wither, shiver, and freeze quicker, like someone sitting on a block of ice on a snowy mountaintop. What scarred me for life was after their frozen state, when one of the chameleons who saw that I was going to be great still says she saw it started to melt; the chameleons froze and melted to death, and there was nothing I could do but watch the extinction of my family because of what ponies like yourselves would do and cause destruction as humanity greedily would without any knowledge and repercussions."

Silence reigns even for Daring Do after hearing the dreadful tale about Ahuizotl's family and how she, Rainbow, and her friends robbed them of their lives and home over what is now a misunderstanding, which would classify them as killers for causing a tribe to go extinct.

Daring Do trots closer to Ahuizotl with a heavy heart, now understanding the consequences of that fateful day when he lost his family. "I'm sorry."

"An apology from you all won't mend fences, and considering your dire situation, I call it retribution as an answered prayer to beget your karma for doing the unthinkable, for which I want nothing more except pony blood for every family member melted away!" Ahuizotl remembers how peaceful the chameleons were during his youth, and they wouldn't want to seek blood even after their family members died; they are not as wrathful as some species are. He turns his back away to prevent the others from seeing him tear up with the memories of his family in his mind; he sits on the ground to contemplate his motives before his emotions possess him, causing Ahuizotl to make reckless decisions without thought. "Leave. You know my requirements, and I don't care about your moral codes in Equestria; return the relics you stole by stealing them in Equestria, and then I'll decide whether to help your cause or not..," Ahuizotl refrains himself from attacking Daring Do and her mischievous friends from plundering the last item under his watch. He activates the Time Gem Amulet to freeze time for ten minutes, allowing himself to walk away from their presence, and when time resumes, it'll be like he used magic to teleport away from them.

After ten minutes, everyone saw Ahuizotl no longer visible and believed he used the Time Gem Amulet to separate himself after revealing an unfortunate tale about his home and family, for which they ended without complete clarity regarding Ahuizotl's position and his reasons for fulfilling the ritual with the rings. Star Swirl turns to Daring Do and the girls about their new objective to secure an ally before the Peacekeeper decides to pay a visit for recruitment.

"After listening to Ahuizotl's testimony about you lot, you will steal the relics you'd pillaged from him as I continue to acquire other allies for the second world war. Don't even try to elude Ahuizotl's decree by asking whoever has possession of these relics to protect them, for which their power will be useless without honor. I suggest you take this experience to develop a new mindset when confronting the Peacekeeper since he'll have the mindset of two worlds, not one. Do I make myself clear?" Star Swirl calmly says while imagining whacking the girls for unintentionally creating a tragedy for Ahuizotl to suffer immensely with the loss of his friends, family, and home; he does wonder if Ahuizotl held a darker truth about his status as a guardian.

"Yes, sir," The girls nodded in response while feeling uncomfortable about stealing relics and artifacts in museums across the lands of Equestria to procure a powerful ally to fight against the Peacekeeper. For Daring Do, it becomes a full circle to steal back the items within her native land and wonder how much damage she will cause to reclaim the treasure for Ahuizotl.

Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow, and Pinkie start having butterflies in their bellies, soaring higher with the uneasiness of becoming somewhat villainous for stealing in Equestria while wholeheartedly knowing that theft is wrong and is considered a crime in their homelands. As the chameleons were desperate to save their homes, the girls are in their position and hoped their efforts are not in vain as the chameleons were.

Star Swirl departs to a train station near Pinto Creek as the girls travel north to Caracrows and begin their venture of looting treasures from museums and other locations that are protecting what Daring Do had stolen over the years. It will be an unpleasant experience for the girls to achieve to save their homes.

Another Pick Up

After recruiting Lord Tirek for Spike's Demon Enforcers' unit, Tempest steers the cruiser towards the Kirin's territory to enslave the species to become King Sombra's new army to invade and take siege of the Crystal Empire. Spike believes having Lord Tirek aiding King Sombra would become more threatening to the Crystal Empire, allowing disharmony to overtake half of the crystal ponies to establish a slow rhythm of fear, anguish, and death. Spike's title as the Brave and Glorious would be tainted once the truth gets exposed; however, Spike would use his acclaimed title to his advantage to encourage the other half of the Crystal Empire to remain hopeful during the darkest hour while undergoing his training to fully immerse himself with the two worlds of harmony and disharmony. One thing Spike hopes with his planning is to keep the Princesses, their friends, and Discord away from the hostile takeover and discover his role as the God of Balance.

Lord Tirek and King Sombra spoke about the possibilities of enslaving the crystal ponies while allowing some drainage of magic, strength, and flight taken away to make Lord Tirek grow stronger. King Sombra is excited about his new army to relish the misery when Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and their supposed child abandon the Crystal Empire and learn it was a fatal mistake to leave the inhabitants under his and Lord Tirek's care. They are intrigued about the many victories Spike had promised to establish disharmony since it's slowly decaying thanks to the magic of friendship, the Princess of Friendship, and her school to spread the message like a disease.

Tempest, Grubber, and several Storm Nation Soldiers believe their role would help the crystal ponies not enslaved by Lord Tirek and King Sombra and obey Peacekeeper Spike's facade as the Brave and Glorious. Spike approaches them and instructs a job ahead of time; they are to survey the Crystal Empire and report for any signs of Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends' invasion since he acknowledges Twilight's persistence to achieve her goals for Princess Celestia and any of her friends. They understand the task and will follow through once Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and Flurry Heart vacate the premises.

Spike continues his meditation to connect with the Valkyrie Sisters and sense any other potential demon to recruit for his cause; the voyage from Tartarus to Kirin's territory would take a day of nonstop travel. He senses someone within the forests and commands Tempest to lower the cruiser near the Brumpy Woods.

"Hmm, this is not our destination," Lord Tirek notices the light still guiding the pathway to Kirin's territory; he believes a new member of the Demon Enforcers would join their ranks to further disharmony, making it more robust than before whenever evil spread by itself rather than acting like a faction.

"Peacekeeper Spike is recruiting as to who it is; I cannot wait to see the look on Twilight and her friends' faces when we run amuck!" King Sombra laughs triumphantly, watching Spike depart the cruiser to discuss with his new potential ally.

Spike flies towards the lighter emerald-green pathway light deep in the woods to find his third demon to add when he sees a deranged creature molding what appears to be makeshift subjects out of wood, several trees covered in green goo, and several animals containing semi-transparent emerald-green pods.

"Wow, I didn't think I'd find you in these parts of the woods, Queen Chrysalis," Spike addresses the former ruler with her title, considering his friend is King over the changelings back in the hive.

Queen Chrysalis has a twisted unicorn horn and tattered insectoid wings and stands as tall as Princess Celestia. In addition, she has a sharp pair of fangs and dark green eyes with elongated oval pupils. She has a teal mane and tail, blue-green chitinous plating over her midsection, and she wears a small, black crown tipped with blue orbs. "YOU!" Queen Chrysalis shoots an energy beam from her horn, trying to harm Spike when he deflects the attack with his weapon. "No! You have the -" She recognizes the staff within Spike's grasp and becomes disappointed knowing her lifeline would end by his claws.

"The Legacy of the Peacekeeper, as the Valkyrie Sisters believe I'm worthy to become the God of Equus," Spike finishes Queen Chrysalis' statement.

Queen Chrysalis releases a frustrating sigh after she hears confirmation of Spike's status holding the divine treasure. "So, with the Princess of Friendship and her lackey having omnipotent power, I'm guessing you've come to exterminate my existence after refusing to accept Starlight's friendship proposal or offer me a second chance to redeem myself, right?" She believes her vengeance will be gone before she can commence her new strategy since she failed to create disharmonic copies of Twilight and her friends weeks ago.

"Wrong -" Spike smirks devilishly, causing Queen Chrysalis to read his body language and detect malice within the young dragon god's heart. "you see, I am the God of Balance, and since harmony has spread throughout the lands of Equus as a virus, rendering disharmony from succeeding thus eradicating many foes and creating problems that would hinder life in Equus, I'm here to reestablish disharmony and creating equilibrium."

Queen Chrysalis didn't think and wouldn't have imagined Twilight's pet dragon would enter a darker path for balance despite capturing him months ago; she's aware of the origins of Equus' establishment when she was born as the reincarnation of Queen Jupiter, her mother, and wholeheartedly knowing the changelings weren't supposed to return to their original state. "So, why are you here?" She's curious about what the God of Balance has in mind, considering he's out here, all alone in these woods, and could capture him to keep him as a hostage for Princess Twilight and her friends.

"I'm recruiting, Queen Chrysalis, and you are perfect to become my Demon Enforcer," Spike smiles and twirls his staff around, striking the ground to send a telepathic message to King Sombra and Lord Tirek to stand beside him and inform Queen Chrysalis about the many advantages to become the third member of the Demon Enforcer.

"Demon Enforcer?" Queen Chrysalis hadn't heard the term before and wondered what a Demon Enforcer's purposes were for Spike's campaign.

"Hmm?" Lord Tirek sees the emerald-green lights below the cruiser after hearing Spike's telepathic message to meet him.

"I heard him too; let's go!" King Sombra hops off the cruiser to follow the trail to Peacekeeper Spike.

Queen Chrysalis ponders accepting Spike's proposal while imagining Twilight's horrid expression if she is against Spike. "Who else is a Demon Enforcer, and why would they work with the Princess of Friendship's pet?"

"Well, Queen Chrysalis -" Lord Tirek chuckles after noticing how short the travel to Spike was and surveys the area from the green goo covering several trees. "Peacekeeper Spike has disowned the Princess of Friendship and her friends, knowing they wouldn't understand and more likely play mind games to make him surrender."

Queen Chrysalis gasps after seeing Lord Tirek more potent than he absorbed everyone's equestrian magic.

"Also -" King Sombra stands beside Spike. "Peacekeeper Spike promised disharmony many victories while he undergoes his training to become the God of Balance; he's already giving us a new army when we invade the Crystal Empire and siege half of it."

"What army?" Queen Chrysalis becomes astonished by Lord Tirek and King Sombra standing next to Spike as the god he is.

"The Kirin, which are ancient cousins to unicorns," Spike explains and knows Queen Chrysalis misses having an army at her beck and call since the changelings got restored, believing it's a reformation transformation.

"What would a Demon Enforcer do?" Queen Chrysalis asks King Sombra and Lord Tirek to understand why they would accept the offer Spike made; she wants to know her role before denying the opportunity to keep plotting to annihilate Starlight Glimmer, Princess Twilight Sparkle, and the rest of Equestria on her accord.

"You would have authority to spread and cause calamity in your beck and call across other nations besides Equestria, Queen Chrysalis," Lord Tirek uses Spike's arrangement when he explained back in Tartarus.

"We elevate disharmony and have immunity whenever Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends were to overpower us with their Elements of Harmony and their Magic of Friendship. Also, we'll topple their friendships, thus allowing disharmony to overrun everyone when the balance is off the scale," King Sombra chimes in with his explanation after Lord Tirek finishes his.

"I know you'll want the changelings to return; however, I need to see if Thorax would be by my side or forsaken me to join Princess Twilight Sparkle when the Second World War approaches."

"Second World War..?" Queen Chrysalis didn't think the possibility of a second world war from Peacekeeper Spike would happen and understands why he's recruiting foes that fell before Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Sure, she could attack Equestria from behind, but knowing neighboring countries allied with Equestria would overwhelm her and more likely get her killed before anything goes awry with Spike's involvement.

"We have the freedom to do what we please, follow simple instruction from the God of Balance, report any suspicion of harmony rising, and it'll be up to us or Peacekeeper Spike to handle the crisis," Lord Tirek says, approaching Queen Chrysalis to show Spike is doing more good for disharmony than any of them combined during their stand-alone to overtake Equestria and failed.

"How did you escape Tartarus, Lord Tirek?" Queen Chrysalis wonders how the centaur fled from prison when he was defeated years ago.

"Him -" Lord Tirek points to Spike and his staff. "Spike uses the Legacy of the Peacekeeper to put Cerberus in his place, free me from my containment, and allow me to consume everything in confinement and kill everyone, leaving no witnesses to alarm anyone, including the pony who speaks with animals."

"Peacekeeper Dragon resurrected me and offered my kingdom after hearing my unfortunate tale, an explanation of my attempt to become the future prince when Princess Celestia and Luna forbade democracy by instilling a mere unicorn to become Princess of the Crystal Empire. I sense much confidence in Spike and his campaign to establish disharmony, thus becoming the God of Balance. He explained why we weren't worthy to use the divine treasure forged by the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony."

"Then what was the reason why any of us weren't worthy of using a divine weapon such as the Legacy of the Peacekeeper?" Queen Chrysalis is eager to understand why she and others like her had fallen to upheave the staff from the birthplace of inspiration.

"One-sidedness was all we thought through selfish desires or simple morals heavily reliant on our goals while not focusing on the betterment of the world; what each of us would want wasn't beneficial to the Valkyrie Sisters' calling," King Sombra responds to Queen Chrysalis' question before Lord Tirek would have answer.

"Evidently, the dragon understood both worlds after living within harmony for years and noticing the downside after hearing the tales the Storm Nation's inhabitants had spoken of. He believed disharmony was dying after hearing testimonies from the Princess of Friendship and observing how peaceful the world had become," Lord Tirek further explains why Spike is worthy of using the divine treasure to ensure balance throughout Equus.

"I spoke with the Valkyrie Sisters and demonstrated my devotion to becoming the new God of Balance after hearing how others tried and failed because they lacked a strong-willed mindset since they've undergone and doubted themselves. I accepted the reality that my friends would disown me when they discovered I'm the God of Balance that would ruin their peace to ensure Equus gets saved from a world where one-sidedness disrupts the natural flow and creates an endless nightmare. I know what happens in a world only governed by harmony, which is disturbing enough, and knowing the lifecycle would never end without death would lead to famine and no acknowledgment of pain, misery, and anything relating to disharmony."

"That sounds awful and dreadful to experience a world like that," Queen Chrysalis never imagined what harmony would do if it expunged disharmony from the face of the planet, and being a Demon Enforcing would allow her to prevent that world from happening.

"That's why I'm recruiting, to ensure all life can strive without one-sidedness; however, you must decide, Queen Chrysalis, either join us or continue with your crusade, only leading to defeat and possible obliteration by the Magic of Friendship," Spike extends his left claw for Queen Chrysalis to shake and become his third Demon Enforcer, which would mean Queen Chrysalis will have immunity from enduring the wrath of Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends if they decide to use the Elements of Harmony on her and end her reign.

"Before I accept, will I have an opportunity to exact vengeance on Starlight Glimmer and her friends in Equestria?" Queen Chrysalis is dead set on torturing Starlight the most, considering she offered friendship after helping the others revert the changelings to normalcy.

"That depends, 'cause I have other Enforcers with different responsibilities, and to become part of my army has simple requirements. One is accepting the truth about Equus' origins, which acknowledges the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony and the two goddesses Gaia and Eurynome as the creators of our world. Two believe I can uphold the responsibilities necessary to ensure balance continues. Three never doubt me. If Starlight believes that I'm nothing more than a demonic tyrant, then you can do as you please, but if she decides to accept the truth, I'll authorize a different punishment where you'll release all your anger and wrath on her. Also, before you ask where I stand with my friends, I believe Starlight would stand beside me than against me. As for Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie, they'll stand united to guilt-trip me into submission or call for a coalition to defeat me rather than stand aside and take over their lands and allow disharmony to thrive."

Queen Chrysalis didn't like the possibility of Starlight being an Enforcer, but hearing Spike would authorize a punishment fitting is good if Starlight accepts the truth; however, she wonders about Spike's position of trusting those he knew throughout the year. "What if your friends decide to become Enforcers, only to take you down within your ranks?"

"Huh, I never thought of asking that," Lord Tirek sees the potential of Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends becoming Enforcers to speak with Spike thoroughly and making him feel unworthy of his cause, which would end his reign and force the Legacy of the Peacekeeper's staff to wait for another worthy champion.

"Neither did I," King Sombra concurs with Lord Tirek's statement and wonders if Spike has a countermeasure for that possible outcome.

"Well, since my Demon Enforcers have different obligations to uphold, I'll be granting them the foresight to detect deceit among my ranks with the authorization to neutralize the deceiver by making an example among the masses," Spike devilishly chuckles and imagines some unfortunate soul pleading not to end their life after attempting to end the God of Balance's purposes.

Lord Tirek, King Sombra, and Queen Chrysalis gasp in shock and excitement about receiving a gift from Spike to ensure disharmony would prosper without fail.

Queen Chrysalis didn't believe Spike had an answer to an ingenious tactic if his former friends tried to subdue him by using his strengths and exposing his weaknesses to their advantage. She's impressed with Spike's demeanor and notices his body language changing to becoming more hardened for the world of disharmony since he'd obtained everything there is to know about harmony.

"So, do you accept -" Before Spike can finish his statement, Queen Chrysalis shakes his claw, accepting the offer to become his Demon Enforcer, and imagines every grueling torture method to utilize on Twilight and her friends specifically, especially Starlight Glimmer if she decides to stand with Twilight over Spike.

"So, where to, Peacekeeper Spike?" Queen Chrysalis finally addresses Spike by his title; she's excited about the immunity status to dominate and perhaps regain her changeling nation and rule it with an iron hoof while torturing Thorax unless he decides to stand beside Spike, which would complicate her objectives even more. She hoped Spike would allow half of the hive to transform into her subjects at the least to maintain her sovereignty as opposed to being a Queen of nothing.

"The Peaks of Peril, where our army to siege the Crystal Empire resides. Since the Changelings reverted to their original transformation, we'll be converting the Kirin on the side of disharmony to maintain the stability of Equus," Spike leads the Demon Enforcers back to the cruiser. After boarding the ship, he commands Tempest to take flight and continue the pathway to the Kirin's territory.

Traveling Part One

Starlight Glimmer, Trixie Lulamoon, and the Young Six decided to travel to the Changeling Hive first since it's closet to the School of Friendship and continue to venture towards neighboring countries each of the students lives; however, Gallus is unsure about his friends' reaction to Griffinstone's belief and how they worship the God of Equus more than any demi-god filled with immortality and omnipotent powers. With his friends discussing the horrors of his God, not once speaking about the goodness he'll accomplish with his establishment over Equus after years of disharmony and badness decaying, especially when two ponies come and bring friendship into Griffinstone, which spreads like wildfire, a disease which some griffins departed to find what else friendship can offer and become blind to the God of Equus when he claims the planet as his kingdom.

Starlight Glimmer attempted to make Gallus speak about his feelings and why the Peacekeeper topic disturbs him, making him silent and less of himself, which his friends are not fond of. Sandbar, Smolder, Ocellus, Silverstream, and Yona try talking with Gallus and explaining each of their homelands' awesomeness and what makes it intriguing among all others, which makes Gallus smile momentarily but fades because of the harsh truth about his beliefs of the importance of his God ruling Equus and ensuring life thrives and doesn't fall into one-sidedness, for he believes friendship will become a weapon that'll bring something more horrible than death.

It's late at night, around 11:30 before midnight, with everyone exhausted after traveling miles on foot to the Changeling Hive and unsure about the actual time on a clock; they use the stars in the night sky and the moon to determine the hour. According to the map, after traveling through the Everfree Forest, zapping Timberwolves from attacking them, and teleporting other creatures away, no one but Gallus admired the beauty of the forest and the true history of the Everfree Forest's origin; the gang arrived in Thunderhoof Canyon near the New Mexicolt Forest. The Young Six collapse onto the ground, catching their breath after a ten-hour hike; Trixie appreciates Yona's services and decides to cook dinner for everyone before they slumber, while Starlight uses her magic to set up four tents swiftly and alerts everyone to choose a partner to sleep in the tents for tonight.

After hearing the announcement, Gallus had hoped to sleep alone so no one would listen to his silent prayer to the God of Equus; he hoped to choose his friend, Sandbar, so that he wouldn't disturb him about his feelings regarding the Peacekeeper, unlike Silverstream, Smolder, and Yona. He hears Silverstream asking Ocellus to be her tent buddy for the night; Yona asks Trixie since they can relate in speech; Sandbar asks Smolder, which leads to Starlight bunking in with him by technicality.

Gallus groans in frustration, which alarms everyone by his sudden demeanor, which they believe relates to the Peacekeeper. After hearing Discord's testimony hours ago at Canterlot Castle, Starlight knows Gallus is a believer of the Peacekeeper.

Starlight asserts herself and sits with Gallus on the rock, leaning against a boulder. "Alright, it's evident you know more about the Peacekeeper than most of us; don't try to hide it. Discord couldn't muster to lie to his friends, and I expect you to admit the information. Withholding your feelings from your friends is not healthy and would disrupt the trust you put in."

Gallus sighed in defeat; he waved his right griffin talon to persuade his friends to listen to his tale and beliefs about the Peacekeeper while hoping his friends don't leave him because of where he stands. Trixie sets aside the cooking utensils to hear Gallus' testimony about the Peacekeeper and why he was defensive during the travel.

Gallus gets up and walks back and forth in front of his friends, counselor, and Trixie to further explain his feelings about the Peacekeeper. "You may believe the Peacekeeper is supposed to be a cruel, hardened, maddening creature hellbent on bringing ruin and misery across the lands of Equus, not Equestria, but the entire planet. Well, you'd be half right about his motives, and I know that the Peacekeeper will transition into the rightful God to rule over us."

"HALF RIGHT?!" The rest of the Young Six, Trixie, and Starlight horridly shout in unison, horrified about the Peacekeeper being half right, but they are eager to learn more from Gallus' point of view and the hidden facts he knows that Discord is not aware of.

"Yes -" Gallus nods before resuming his speech. "half right, for the Peacekeeper will become someone more renowned than all four Alicorns, Empress Ember, Thorax, Prince Rutherford, Queen Novo, Lord Tirek, King Sombra -" Gallus gets interrupted by Silverstream.

"Lord Tirek is not powerful and is suffering in Tartarus, and King Sombra doesn't exist anymore; Twilight and her friends took care of that."

"At their peak, those two were considered very powerful and almighty cause Lord Tirek would drain magic, strength, flight, and anything that increased his potency as King Sombra uses shadows and fear to fuel his. As I mentioned, many royal powerhouses rose to the occasion on either side and presented a surmountable amount of power while upholding their beliefs for one side instead of maintaining the two sides of our world: Harmony and Disharmony. I know the truth about the Peacekeeper's motive, similar to your crusade, Starlight, when you were a tyrant in an equalist village cause you maintained your cutie mark when others had theirs locked in a vault."

Starlight groans frustratedly as her past sin always returns whenever someone mentions her vengeful, wrathful self and nearly destroys all of Equestria and the world by altering the timelines. "Don't remind me."

"Well, in this instance, the Peacekeeper would maintain order and disorder through equilibrium, the balance beam to ensure everyone lives accordingly and makes sure nothing becomes one-sided."

"Disharmony is not the life worth living as it ruins friendships, lands, countries, and creates nothing but devastation in its' wakening, Gallus!" Yona states her beliefs about living in a world where disharmony is a factor that would lead to misery and grief.

"There is no way any God would permit such atrocities, even when death is involved!" Silverstream doesn't want to believe the methods of the God of Balance to allow disharmony to share the same tier as harmony when she endured years underwater due to a maniacal maniac attempting to seize every fragment of power for his selfish schemes to dominate the weather.

"The Princesses wouldn't allow anyone to disrupt Equestria's peace, so why would they allow the supposed God of Balance to control their lives?!" Sandbar refuses to acknowledge the Peacekeeper as the supreme ruler of life when his duties would become murderous if he decides genocide or something worse to happen for disharmony's sake.

"The Peacekeeper is above the Princesses and every ruler combined, even if they were to forge an army to decimate him; his power is absolute, and I trust in my God to do what is right, even if it seems horrible for the rest of us!" Gallus refuses to allow anyone to deter him from what he knows is the truth rather than live in a beautiful lie.

"Gallus, are you serious or messing with us 'cause this is a good prank, and you wouldn't leave us behind for the sake of this fake god who claims to do what's right for Equus?" Smolder doesn't want to accept Gallus' commitment to the God of Equus if what he says is true; she needs more clarity and validation to convince her to abide by the truth.

"I don't lie, and you should know that friends wouldn't lie to each other; that was one of our classes we took and why lying would create a separation in friendships," Gallus firmly states and reminds his friends about the lessons they've learned together throughout the school year.

"But, your God will cause many rifts and disruptions within our and everyone's friendships, including the decimation of land if he chooses; is that what you want to live, endure, and love!?" Smolder gets in front of Gallus angrily after hearing his truth and wants to know whether or not her friends should exile Gallus for his beliefs in a better world with a God that could ruin everything they hold dearly.

Gallus stands his ground, staring into Smolder's eyes to respond calmly rather than irately for retaliation. "If the God of Balance decides to make certain sacrifices to obtain equilibrium, I would gladly stand beside him without hesitation!"

"EVEN IF IT MEANS WE DIE?!" Smolder stands aside to point at their friends, listening intently with a heavy heart and concern about Gallus' point of view; she huffs and puffs in anger about Gallus's willingness to uphold his principles and beliefs.

Gallus doesn't take a deep breath to reply to Smolder's question; he doesn't feel guilty since his beliefs would have a hefty price for continuing his ongoing tribulation. "Those who forsake the God of Balance would endure his wrath, and I want to save you from enduring it. Accept the truth, and you will be saved and embrace the new world or reject it and suffer the consequences of your arrogance."

Smolder didn't anticipate Gallus' firm statement, which is also quite comforting to know Gallus does care even if he were to lose his friends if they decide to say no to the God of Balance. Sandbar, Yona, Ocellus, and Silverstream remain silent after the heated argument turns into heartening.

Starlight Glimmer approaches Gallus, reading his body language, and smiles at him for standing up for his beliefs when others speak negatively. "Does Griffinstone have any information regarding the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony?"

"You should check out the church in Griffinstone; we probably have more information about the existence of the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony and the two goddesses, Gaia and Eurynome, since other countries have either disregarded the truth, destroyed it, or forsaken it. We don't know who else believes wholeheartedly as Griffins or Storm Nation's populous," Gallus responds to Starlight's question now that he's eager to show everyone their existence.

"Church..? CHURCH?! What is a church, Gallus?" Everyone says in unison after hearing the word church for the first time; they had never heard the term, even in dictionaries.

Gallus smiles and hopes the visitation to the Griffinstone Church could awaken the nonbelievers into opening their eyes and embracing the truth that other kingdoms rejected due to their arrogance or straight-up forgotten the tales of Equus' existence. He stares at the night skies, feeling the cool breeze flowing through his fur and feathers while imagining the goddess, Gaia, instructing him to save his friends from the possible changes many creatures would oppose rather than accept.

"A place to worship our God and pray through faith that things are alright for us and everybody. There are several reasons we don't invite neighboring countries or others to our church in fear of those who want to hide the truth or destroy the last remaining evidence about the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony's existence. We have a book of records we read every month to bring us closer, and since Starlight has confirmed to all that he's born, I feel obligated to inform my kin and prepare for the new change," Gallus smile fades. "Then again, are you with me, or will you go against me because of my beliefs? Each of you has a decision to make 'cause I'm not going to force any of you to pick my side; my duties are to share the info to save everyone when the new age arrives."

A dark thought comes to Ocellus about Starlight's explanation of Discord's past self converting the changelings into evil creatures and the desire to know if Gallus' beliefs can validate the truth spoken. "Gallus, according to Starlight, did Discord's other personality turn the changelings into vile beasts?"

Gallus nods without saying a word at first, making her shed a tear. "Discord used to be Pandemonium, a Demon of Disharmony to help the Valkyries establish disharmony when Equus was unstable; however, the changelings were untamed when he spread a rumor about them devouring love from every creature. So a new demon was brought forth, Queen Jupiter, the mother of Queen Chrysalis, who established herself as the rightful ruler and took Pandemonium's tale as an influence to initiate a war against Equestria."

Ocellus is stunned and wonders how Gallus knows more about the changelings than she or any of her kin at the hive, especially King Thorax and the elders in the forum circle. The others are silent; however, they question Gallus' truthful claims, causing the remaining Young Six to draw up questions to ask Gallus.

"Who wrote the records you griffins read monthly?" Trixie asks Gallus after pondering the possible text written long ago before the Princesses raised the sun and moon.

"The elders kept in touch with Eurynome during her final days, so they have evidence of their existence to share for generations. Gaia continues to live as every plant, grass, water, and everything in nature throughout the world, even though she sacrificed her life. The Valkyrie Sisters gave her a nickname and dedicated a forest on her behalf. The nickname is Gaea Everfree, and the Everfree Forest is the testament filled with mysterious life, plants, and herbs to create medicine and potions necessary or enjoy something new," Gallus explains what he knows about the book the church has and what he remembers from reading the book; he laughs at his friends, Trixie, and Starlight's shocked faces with their jaws hanging in awestruck; they remain still for a few minutes.

"Yona believes you're making up stories!" Yona heard the tales about an evil god, but hearing his friend's sincere testimony made her think otherwise.

"As I mentioned, I don't tell lies 'cause lying is wrong among friends. Our instructor, Applejack, always tells us to be truthful. The truth is the right way to go!" Gallus reminds Yona about Applejack's class when the truth is the utmost responsibility to speak during every conversation.

"Gallus -" Starlight has one more question to ask before having the others ask later in the morning or afternoon since she starts yawning. "do you know something that Discord, a former Demon of Disharmony, wouldn't know?"

"Loki implanted humanity's customs in equestrian ponies, disqualifying the earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi to wield the Legacy of the Peacekeeper, including the Princesses. They're the only species the Valkyries did not want to become a God after they rebelled and attempted to use the sun and moon to become omnipotent during the war between changelings and ponies."

"What?!" Starlight panics at first when she remembers Discord's explanation about Loki implementing human ideologies in Equestria and how it correlates to Gallus' knowledge. "Twilight and the others would be -" Gallus interrupts Starlight's speech.

"Useless to lift the divine weapon, even when they would work together, sharing the same concepts to become goddesses themselves."

"Starlight -" Sandbar speaks on behalf of his friends. "can we visit Griffinstone first? I want to see their church and know more about the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony."

"I'm curious about the truth and why dragons don't have any information regarding the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony, the two goddesses, and the reason behind Equus' birth," Smolder admits after hearing Gallus' testimony and why having balance is more important than living in harmony and watching disharmony die. "And Gallus, sorry for getting angry with you about your beliefs. You know far more, and who am I to judge?"

"I accept your apology, Smolder, and truth be told. I expected the outburst due to other creatures more likely to deny the truth than embrace it," Gallus hugs Smolder, letting her know there are no hard feelings.

Trixie returns to her wagon to finish making vegetable soup for everyone while they speak with Gallus about the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony and the goddesses; she wonders what the objective would be after departing Griffinstone. Will they continue to inform every nation affiliated with Equestria to take a stand or accept the truth and become a follower of the God of Balance? She hopes Starlight could answer that once everyone else uncovers the truth at the Griffinstone Church.

Recruiting New Army

Author's Note

Thank you for waiting for the next chapter. I had to do soo much math when it comes to time to get it right. I'll show you the format. Warning minor gore. You've been warned.

1 minute in Equestria = 1 hour in Valhalla's Circle

24 minutes = 24 hours / 1 day
48 minutes = 48 hours / 2 days
60 minutes = 60 hours / 2.5 days

{1 hour in Equestria results in 2.5 days in Valhalla's Circle}

____________________________________________________
2 hours = 120 minutes = 120 hours / 5 days
4 hours = 240 minutes = 240 hours / 10 days
6 hours = 360 minutes = 360 hours / 15 days
8 hours = 480 minutes = 480 hours / 30 days
10 hours = 600 minutes = 600 hours / 35 days

{Every 10 hours in Equestria results in 35 days in Valhalla's Circle}

___________________________________________________
20 hours = 1200 minutes = 1200 hours / 50 days
40 hours = 2400 minutes = 2400 hours / 100 days
60 hours = 3600 minutes = 3600 hours / 150 days
80 hours = 4800 minutes = 48hours / 200 days
100 hours = 6000 minutes = 6000 hours / 250 days

{Every 20 hours in Equestria results in 50 days in Valhalla's Circle}

_____________________________________________________________
1 week in Equestria = 168 hours

168 hours = 10080 minutes = 10080 hours / 420 days
1 week in Equestria = 10080 hours / 420 days = 1 year & 55 days
2 weeks in Equestria = 20160 hours / 840 days = 2 years & 110 days
3 weeks in Equestria = 30240 hours / 1260 days = 3 years & 165 days
4 weeks in Equestria = 40320 hours / 1680 days = 4 years & 220 days
5 weeks in Equestria = 50400 hours / 2100 days = 5 years & 275 days
________________________________________________________________________

{1 calendar year in Equestria = 525600 hours / 8760 days = 24 years in Vahalla's Circle}

__________________________________________________________________
1 year in Equestria = 24 years in Valhalla's Circle
2 years in Equestria = 48 years in Valhalla's Circle
3 years in Equestria = 72 years in Valhalla's Circle
4 years in Equestria = 96 years in Valhalla's Circle
5 years in Equestria = 120 years in Valhalla's Circle

{Every 5 years in Equestria = 120 years in Valhalla's Circle}

______________________________________________________________________

Recruiting New Army

The cruiser arrives at the Peaks of Peril, but the light trail to the Kirin's territory still illuminates; Tempest lowers the cruiser to the ground near the mountainside and green pastures. Tempest, Grubber, and several Storm Nation Soldiers prepare themselves to fight the Kirin if the species becomes too numerous for the Demon Enforcers, considering they have never fought the Kirin. Spike wakes up from meditation, becoming more robust with his potency after spending 360 minutes. Within a minute, being an hour in Valhalla's Circle translates to fifteen days of learning and practicing more about his power with the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony.

"You sense it?" King Sombra asks Lord Tirek and Queen Chrysalis after sensing Spike's power increase tenfold after his meditation while feeling immense divinity from the dragon.

"Amazing that the half-pint is slowly becoming a deity as others would crumble, especially the Alicorn Princesses and their combined effort if they were to ignite their power in unison with the Elements of Harmony and their so-called friendship magic," Lord Tirek says after shuddering the nerves from being close to his new God after being freed for two days.

"To think he went from nothingness into this incredible, all-mighty God with plans of allowing disharmony to run amuck for equality to thrive! I'm all in as long I get vengeance on those who wronged me!" Queen Chrysalis cannot wait to obtain her revenge by destroying Starlight, Twilight, and the rest of her friends after shamefully humiliating her through friendship and ruining her hive, thus leaving her alone throughout the months she spent in solitude.

Spike walks closer to his Enforcers, arranging a brief conference to discuss how to infiltrate the Kirin's territory. "Alright, before making our way to the Kirin's territory, there's a shortcut the light is navigating us to follow, and when we get there, we will observe the Kirin and see how they operate. From there, we'll capture and enslave all using Sombra's helmet."

"Hah," King Sombra reveals his hypnosis helmet, pony-shaped, but with Spike's prowess, he could modify the headpiece to fit Kirins' heads.

"Kirin are considered distant cousins of unicorns, so with that said, don't be surprised when you see them use magic to defend themselves from us," Spike turns to King Sombra and Lord Tirek. "I need you two to combine your efforts into gathering every Kirin; we're going to create a feast for Queen Chrysalis to harness their love, thus transforming them into creatures of darkness for our army."

Queen Chrysalis' mouth starts watering after fantasizing about the taste of the Kirin's love for the first time while pondering how to compare equestrian ponies' love to the Kirin once she tastes a sample. "Finally, a proper meal, considering I've been feeding off scraps from whatever animal in the forest!"

"What would we do, Peacekeeper Spike?" Tempest asks on behalf of Grubber and the Storm Nation's soldiers standing by since they heard Spike's plans with the Demon Enforcers.

"Your task that Empress Storm gave to her nation -" Spike smirks at the idea of using a noble cause for his twisted agenda. "to speak with the leader and convey a peace treaty, thus allowing them to lower their guards when the Demon Enforcers strike!"

"Bro, that's wrong, and yet, perfect for an ambush," Grubber understands the assignment for the benefit of the God of Balance; however, doing good first to allow madness to spread sounds similar to the invasion when the Storm Nation arrived at Canterlot Castle months ago.

"Exactly. After hearing what Empress Storm commended for her subjects to serve, the tactic was immaculate for this invasion," Spike replies and flies out of the cruiser, landing on the ground with the light trail still illuminating towards the shortcut; his followers appear behind him.

They traveled towards a mountainside where a boulder and moss rested on an entrance, covering the pathway to Kirin's territory deep within the forest. The journey went smoothly rather than traveling around the Peaks of Peril and wasting time. Lord Tirek used his might to heave the boulder aside, allowing everyone to enter and stroll to Kirin's territory. When they got there, the village consisted of literal treehouses with wooden bridges connecting to other trees, a fountain, a small riverine, gardens, and wooden booths with food and supplies.

Spike uses the Legacy of the Peacekeeper Staff to cast an illusion spell to make him and the Demon Enforcers invisible to the naked eye. "Can you see us?"

"We don't see you," Tempest and Grubber confirm about seeing no silhouettes of Spike, Lord Tirek, King Sombra, and Queen Chrysalis' presence in the village, making the transition smoother than they hoped.

"Now, speak with the inhabitants and see how they respond and react to your sudden arrival," Spike commands to observe the Kirins with his Demon Enforcers.

Tempest, Grubber, and several Storm Nation Soldiers walk down a pathway towards what appears to be the center of the village, right near the fountain, when a group of Kirin and their leader, who has the same height and length as Princess Celestia. There's a total of ten Kirin greeting the visitors.

"Greetings, Kirin, I am Grubber, representing the Storm Nation, to issue an apology on behalf of our Kingdom since the Storm King's tyranny ran supreme and terrorized many nations with an iron fist!" He sounds genuine with his formal speech and notices the behavior of the Kirin with their head tilting while showing no emotions like their soulless. "Do you understand our language?" Grubber nervously asks, hoping the Kirin doesn't have a language barrier, which would be problematic for communications if the Kirin were confused about their speech; he's disturbed by their silence.

"Do you accept our apology?" Tempest stares at the Kirin's leader when she gives a straightforward nod rather than a vocal response, which is peculiar. Tempest feels differently about the silent treatment approach since it's uncommon for many creatures throughout Equus; she steps back at the awkward quietness.

"Do you speak?" Grubber asks what appears to be a redundant question but notices the leader of the Kirin shaking her head, answering a pivotal question. Spike and the Demon Enforcers chuckle in unison, now understanding that the Kirin won't talk back when they seize them in the next few moments.

The leader of the Kirin nudged her head as a sign to follow her toward a hieroglyphic detailing the events that took their sound away. It allowed Spike, King Sombra, Lord Tirek, and Queen Chrysalis to follow silently as Tempest, Grubber, and the Storm Nation soldiers strolled toward the wall. According to the diagram illustrated, the Kirin are a peaceful race until their anger arises, thus turning them into creatures of fire and vengeance called the Nirik.

"How many are you?" Grubber wants to know the entire Kirin population, and judging from the leader's reaction, she determines the Kirin present are the total number except for one living deep in the woods, exiled from the village.

"TEN?!" King Sombra bellows furiously when his initial thought for an army would be more than hundreds of thousands; he uses his magic with Lord Tirek to hoist the supposed Kirin army, preventing them from using their magic with the help of Queen Chrysalis spitting a greenish glob at their horns before the Kirin could retaliate.

Spike sighs and dissipates the invisibility to confront the Kirin's leader and the squirming Kirin wanting release. "Well, this is a disappointment, but nonetheless, we're still accomplishing our goal," He remains calm about the population despite the numbers game against the crystal ponies at the Crystal Empire.

"Care to explain how an army of ten would help us, Peacekeeper Dragon?!" King Sombra roars angrily at Spike about the circumstance and how it reflects on disharmony's conquest to apprehend half of the Crystal Empire.

"Certainly -" Spike turns to Queen Chrysalis. "she will consume their love, turning the Kirin into our wrath soldiers with the sworn duty of following our command -" Spike walks towards a small riverine and uses the Legacy of the Peacekeeper Staff to jab the water, turning it into a mirror stream as a reflection of the mirror pool's properties. "then we dip them into the mirror stream for cloning more than enough to create our army."

King Sombra, Lord Tirek, Queen Chrysalis, Tempest, Grubber, and the Storm Nation Soldiers were astonished by Spike's explanation of expanding the army. Given their thin numbers, they wondered what experiences led him to develop such a clever tactic.

Spike chuckles at their faces and resumes his explanation. "Judging from your reactions, you're wondering how I procured the idea of cloning. Well, long story short, Ponyville endured the Pinkie-mania crisis. Hundreds of Pinkies roam Ponyville, creating an endless nightmare for everyone to endure her craziness and the annoying tone, and hearing them say fun repeatedly was maddening. Pinkie only made the clone to have fun with her friends when she discovered the location of the mirror pool; however, with my idea, going to the mirror pool would expose us, considering the mirror pool is in Equestrian soil and closer to the Castle of Friendship. So, after writing the letter detailing the events to Princess Celestia, learning more about my prowess with the weapon I wield, creating the effects of the mirror pool with stream felt easy, and we won't need an incantation to initiate the process; we'll make them walk into the stream and emerge. Let's say two go in; instead of four materializing, two thousand appear. We need an army, and with King Sombra at our beck and call, I assure you he'll have the power to use his shadows to open a pocket dimension to store the rest of our army when the cruiser can't carry a certain amount of weight."

"You do now," Spike uses his staff as a gavel, executing the decree for Sombra's magic to use shadows for opening pocket dimensions.

King Sombra feels a resurgence of immense shadows casting an aura on his body, and he conjures his magic to create shadows underneath two Storm Nation soldiers to swallow, which works how he imagines it. Then he closes his eyes, picturing the pocket dimension to see two Storm Nation Soldiers floating in a vast empty space. "Amazing. This is amazing! My realm can expand at my will! Storing the army will be child's play!" King Sombra chortles in delight and opens his eyes when he releases the Storm Nation soldiers from his new pocket dimension. "Peacekeeper Dragon, your power meets no bounds for my appreciation for bestowing a new ability to your advantage. Forgive me of my anger and exposing our position," He bows in respect to his God for not understanding the lengths of Spike's vision for success.

"All is forgiven, my friend," Spike assures King Sombra about his mistake; however, learning about the lack of inhabitants made him irate when he imagined thousands of Kirin to command.

"Hey!" Grubber needs some clarity about the Kirin's silence since they don't speak when a question comes to his mind. "If they're silent in speech, does that include feeling pain? Not emotional but physical?"

"Hmm, that is a good question," Spike would presume some shrills and wails could boycott their silence as a forewarning of danger or distress. "Lord Tirek!"

"Yes, Peacekeeper Dragon?" Lord Tirek knows Spike will command him to harm the Kirin to test the theory of any sound through pain.

"Take the staff and puncture a Kirin's leg or body. Don't worry about accidentally murdering them. I'll restore their health and life. We need results," Spike tosses his staff for him to catch.

Lord Tirek chuckles at using the weapon for the first time. "Sure thing -" Lord Tirek catches the staff at ease with his right hand, but - "woah!" The importance of worthiness doesn't compute to Lord Tirek, causing him to fall by the weight of the staff, pinning his palm to the ground, thus creating a crater from the impact. "Dammit!" Forgetting about the stipulations for using the Legacy of the Peacekeeper and when his adrenaline rush kicks in, he attempts to lift the weapon; however, his unworthiness weighs him down, and the ligaments in his palm start breaking. "OW! OOOOOOOW! SPIKE! GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF OF ME!" He wails in agony when he fails to lift Spike's staff.

"Sorry!" Spike now understands the importance of worthiness and the difference between those who can handle responsibilities and those who cannot, despite giving authority to use the staff temporarily. He uses his divine power to restore Lord Tirek's health after retrieving his weapon. "I realize that this will have consequences for anyone else who is unworthy."

"Well, I thought through your permission, the usage of the Legacy of the Peacekeeper would subside, but now, we know it doesn't. It's good for your sake, in case the pony princess tried using it for her benefit!" Lord Tirek refers to Twilight Sparkle since her element is magic.

"Agreed, just rip a limb from one of their bodies," Spike commands Lord Tirek to have fun harming a creature similar to equestrian ponies.

"With pleasure -" Lord Tirek grabs the leader's left hind leg and yanks hard. In an instant, when the bone tethered to the body got detached, her hide gushed blood as her leg dripped droplets of it. She wailed, but no sound emitted from her voice, not even a murmur or whimper; she had her eyes closed, tears streamed down her cheeks, her mouth opened wide with her tongue sticking out from the excruciating experience, but no sound came forth. Judging the suffering the leader is enduring, if she would utter the cries of misery, it would cause the ground to form a crater, causing puff to smoke, and the dead would be awake, but there was nothing. She flailed from the sensation of enduring a ripped ligament torn off her hide, tenderloin oozing blood, extreme huffing, and puffing.

Spike cringed a bit from watching Lord Tirek tear a leg effortlessly from the leader's body when her subjects cried silently; it was too much for Grubber and some Storm Nation Soldiers to watch. Tempest, King Sombra, and Queen Chrysalis didn't flinch or budge from watching a victim suffer, for they had unleashed different punishments of their own; however, it was quite the spectacle, to say the least, considering the leader still didn't utter any sounds of anguish.

"Hmm, quite the quandary from these creatures to silence themselves completely without alarming events leading to their demise, Peacekeeper Dragon," Lord Tirek lowers the leader down for Spike to use his divinity to restore her leg and health.

"Their silence is necessary now, my friend," Spike uses his staff to mend the leader's torn leg ligaments, renewing her body momentarily since they'll abide by Queen Chrysalis' feast, then the transformation according to the illustration of fire and vengeance.

Lord Tirek and King Sombra use magic power to hold the Kirin in place, paving the way for Queen Chrysalis to have her meal.

"May I take my time with this?" Queen Chrysalis licks her lips, trotting closer to her prey.

"By all means, I see plenty of fruit and veggies for us to eat while you have your fill," Spike gets up and walks towards the booths stationed across the fountain. "I'll prepare dinner for everyone, my treat," He smiles at his Enforcers. "Everyone else, relax and enjoy the show. Alarm me when Queen Chrysalis finishes her meal for the cloning process to commence."

Valhalla's Circle

Brynhildr, the leader of the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony, presents herself to Spike while her sisters watch her descend to meet the gaze of their god in training; she is wearing a white breastplate with gold and pale blue accents and matching, finger-less gauntlets, boots, hip guards, and wing-shaped hair clips.

Spike stepped back, allowing Brynhildr to stretch her angelic feathery wings when she landed; he fixed his gaze on every other Valkyrie, waving and smiling at him as some were waiting to discuss the details of Spike's new path.

"Valhalla's Circle," Brynhildr answers and stomps on the floor, changing the environment from the white room with angelic pillars into green pastures where the butterflies and fireflies flow freely with the bliss of summer's cool winds, flowers blossoming which consists of roses, daisies, cosmos, and petunias, clear blue skies as cardinals, blue jays, and orioles fly peacefully, and every Valkyrie Sister resting on white fluffy clouds which substitute for pillars.

"Woooooow," Spike smiles widely at the sudden change of scenery; he feels the soft green grass on his feet and the fresh aroma of nature. He kneels to touch and pluck a daisy to smell the authenticity, which blows his mind tremendously by the power of the Valkyries within Valhalla's Circle. "This is amazing; the nature, the peace, it's similar to my home in Equestria, but without the structures, the pavement, and other things ponies rely on for daily life."

"Beautiful, right?" Þrima, the Valkyrie of Silence, approaches Spike while holding onto a kirin; she lets her roam blissfully into the green pastures. Þrima's attire is like her sister's, but she has black hair and emerald-green eyes. Byrnhildr has blond hair and blue eyes.

"Yes," Spike sits down and watches the kirin explore the life around her. "Was Equus supposed to be like this sanctuary before Loki intervened and decimated the first world before the rebirth?"

"Yes," Every Valkyrie Sister responds; however, some sound distasteful due to the events that happened millenniums ago.

Hearing the unpleasant responses from some of the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony, Spike believes they are still angry about the war and rebirth since the goddesses sacrificed their lives to restore life on Equus.

Göll, the Valkyrie of Tumult, lands next to Spike after sensing a loving relationship with a griffin named Gabby. "Do you understand your plight as a God of Balance, Spike?"

"I'm aware of the obligations a God of Balance would uphold since I figured out that Equus is slowly dying since my friends have conquered many evils, including reverting a Demon of Disharmony to harmony through the magic of friendship."

Göndul, the Valkyrie of Magic, hovers on her cloud next to the right side of Spike. "Their usage of friendship is a weapon against disharmony, resulting in the demise of the last remnants of our demons. Grogar is nowhere to be found, the Shadow Stalkers trapped in a void except for one who remains trapped inside of a shadowed pony's unicorn, the changeling nation reverting to their original state, and any other ounces of disharmony that got created gets obliterated by ponies and their power of friendship."

"Victories of disharmony are ceasing with little hope from a fiend named Lord Tirek and his accomplish to end the world of sorcery and turning their friendship into a weapon," Brynhildr reveals disharmony's futile efforts since the magic of friendship has become stronger during every trial throughout the years.

"So, you heard what I was saying when I lifted the Legacy of the Peacekeeper, right?" Spike wonders if the sisters have heard his claim and hope they don't think of some excuse to obtain unlimited power.

"We know you were honest when you uplifted the weapon from the gravel; we hear and test the hearts of many. Most have failed since they sought to become gods and goddesses through selfish actions and domination. You are not the first we've spoken to about selfless actions and obligations to achieve what's necessary for the world; however, when you claimed about losing your friends and family, not many would permit themselves because of their worth," Brynhildr finishes her comment and conjures a glass of white wine to drink.

Göndul grabs Spike's attention after a gentle poke on his shoulder. "Are you prepared to permit new authorities in Equus, knowing many would oppose you or may guilt-trip you into submission? Your role as the God of Balance means you have authority over what can and will not happen."

"I am," Spike stands up and imagines holding the Legacy of the Peacekeeper; it materializes in his left claw. "I wanted to become a hero and make sacrifices as one would; however, not all heroes wear capes to make good decisions. I am fulfilling my dreams to become a savior, even if many would believe me as a monstrous demon hellbent on dominating the world. My friends and family will never understand my position of power, and that's okay. I can endure the trauma and hardship for the world's benefit."

Gunnr, the Valkyrie of War, confronts Spike about enduring hardship and trauma. "There's a difference between what you've endured as an assistant and godship, young dragon! Many plea their oath to trauma and hardship and quit when the going gets rough! What makes you different from the rest?" She places her sword by Spike's throat, intending to puncture him as the many failures they thought were worthy.

Spike grabs the sword's tip, gripping it tightly as he glares at the Valkyrie Sister of War. "I have never given up on duties and tasks, even when the objective seems overwhelming. I will become different than any other who tried and failed because I refuse to fail and watch everything crumble when I have the power to end Princess Twilight's friendship regime to dispel disharmony!" Spike shoves Gunnr's sword aside, making his statement and determination bold to impress the Valkyrie Sister of War.

"You have my respect for now; however, I demand evidence of your resilience to prove me wrong," Gunnr departs from Valhalla's Circle.

"Don't mind her, Spike," Eir, the Valkyrie of Medicine, replies after watching her sister leave. "She wants stability in Equus and desires the God of Balance to maintain his position to ensure life continues for eternity. She hates quitters, and I know you are not one of them."

"Thanks for the confidence," Spike sighs in relief and hopes every Valkyrie Sister would believe in him as he believes in himself to ensure equilibrium gets established. "Hey, how long have I been here since I lifted the Legacy of the Peacekeeper relic?"

"Your body is still at the birthplace of inspiration for a minute. You've been with us for an hour," Göndul replies.

"An hour!?" Spike couldn't believe the time game between Valhalla's Circle and the Storm Nation's island. "How would I return to my body and Valhalla's Circle?"

"Meditation to focus on Valhalla's Circle. Blink three times to return to your body," Göndul pats Spike's head.

"One more thing before I get to work. What does the sacred relic do?" Spike asks the Valkyrie Sisters of Harmony.

"Anything your heart desires to ensure balance for Equus, which includes creation, restoration, and death," Brynhildr replies and places her hand on Spike's head. "I'm going to grant you some insight into using the basics of the scepter; however, you'll learn on your accord to the fullest abilities."

Göndul and Eir do the same procedure on Spike's head before he departs Valhalla's Circle, granting him the basics of magic and medicine to utilize.

"Thank you," Spike smiles as knowledge and wisdom of using the sacred relic becomes more leisurely, with some plans of creating a rival to help establish equilibrium during his training sessions. "I hope you enjoy the show since I have an idea of creating a rival."

"Be careful about what you wish for," Gunnr warns Spike about the dangers of creating an equal rivalry.

"Don't worry," Spike smirks wickedly. "I will!" He blinks three times while laughing sadistically for fun since his entitlement must be for harmony and disharmony; he returns to his friends at the birthplace of inspiration.

"This should be good," Göll says after sensing the thoughts of Spike's mindset to establish himself as the God of Balance.