Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity

The clearing of the forest was silent. The grass whistled a song of sadness as the sky was brought to tears. The sun couldn't look at the clearing and retreated. Wind grew stronger as time ticked, and it carried the scent of hatred. Not but five minutes before the duel was to take place, the two heroes decided to look back on their adventure.

“It's been fun. It really has.” Berry said to her opponent.

“Yep, you really helped me out. Remember when we banished Porky? That very moment?” Ruby asked, smiling.

“Best moment of my life. It's a shame we have to go out this way. Wish it could have worked out.”

“Me too. But it doesn't matter now. What matters now is who is going to take home the victory.”

“Yes it does. Y'know, deep inside, I feel pretty bad. I don't want to kill you, but you leave me no choice.” Berry said with a heavy sigh.

“I don't want to either, but it has boiled down to this. I can't live like this, and neither can you. There's nothing we can do but end it all.”

“In three minutes, it will be decided.”

Ruby looked down. “... Best of luck for the both of us.”

_____________________________________________________________________________

Cannonbolt and Carees stood at the edge of Maneside city, preparing themselves for whatever was going to come.

“... Carees. What be that on the horizon?” Cannon pointed to a blurry large figure heading toward them.

“... I don't know, but it's hot. I can feel the blaze from here. It must be Ignis the Furnace Master. A very good move by our opponent.”

The beast moved closer with an army of flame by his side. He was less than 3 minutes away.

The ground didn't shake, the citizens weren't running, weren't screaming, but praying. Silently praying. The town was physically desolate, all except for two stallions standing their ground against the fiery monster that came toward them.

“I hope Fluttershy be on her way by now.” Cannon said nervously.

“I hope so as well. I trust her.” Carees said, staring into the walking flame.

______________________________________________________________________________

“Cuddles! How do I look?” Fluttershy asked the raptor as she put on her mask.

Cuddles roared quickly.

“I look like a masked superhero, do I? Well, that's what I was going for. It's 3 minutes until two o' clock. Are you prepared to follow through with the plan?”

Cuddles jumped high in the air and roared loudly.

“Then let's rock and roll, Cuddles. It's time to teach those two mares a lesson.”

Fluttershy grabbed her Slayers of the Lifeless and put them on her back. “Remember, so as we don't get our butts handled to us, let them tire each other out first. Taking them on at full energy will be a disaster. This is our moment. I was destined to do this, and you were too, Cuddles. We aren't gonna screw this up are we?”

Cuddles shook his head and stomped. “If we die, we die. As long as we prevent them from bringing each other down, our goal is complete. Are you willing to die for your friends as I did?”

Cuddles nodded.

“Then let's go. Prepare, Ruby and Berry, for the return of Porky's grade A commander, The Masked Mare.”

Fluttershy burst open the door, her black cape flying up in the wind. The expressionless face she had on her was all too familiar. The Masked Mare had returned, but this time, she was willing to fight for friendship. The Masked Mare raced off to the left, towards the forest. It was 1:59 PM.

____________________________________________________________________________

Ruby and Berry kept silent as they stared each other down from across the field. Berry firmly held Shadowmourne, where Ruby had both hooves on Frostmourne. They were emotionless as the gray environment that surrounded them. The sad gusts of fateful winds blew their manes in the air. The teardrops of the mourning sky hit and ran down their face. The trees danced to the song of the wind, as if performing a ritual. Berry and Ruby didn't even blink. They stared into each other's souls as the final 60 seconds passed them.

The ones that were once friends, heroes, partners, were about to clash and stop at no ends to see their opponent fall. Time slowly moved, and the sky cried more and more with every second, and every second felt like an hour. Everything was waiting on this very battle.

Thunder was heard off in the distance. It is as if nature itself was setting the perfect scene.

Then, a sound that would sound as beautiful as anything, made them cringe. Their hearts had sank and turned gray as the unpleasant, ear-wrenching sound of church bells started to ring. They rang slower than a snail's movement. The stared each other down as they closed their eyes. What had happened to the two heroes? They were no longer heroes. What they were now was unknown.

The monster of flame was now upon the two stallions. He and his molten army stopped in front of them, and greeted them in non-hospitality. “Cannonbolt and Carees, yes? I pleasure to finally meet you.”

The molten giant had an abyssal voice. He wasn't intimidating in size, but rather intimidating in how friendly he seemed.

“If you're going to try and kill us, do it. We're ready.” Carees said, clutching his weapon.

The monster crossed his arms over his molten lava belt. “Now, now. We are getting ahead of ourselves. I haven't even introduced you to who I am!” The beast smiled. “I am Ignis. I have earned the title “Furnace Master” for my molten army and creations. Razorscale was my most proud creation, but alas, he was unable to preform his duty and so his idea has been scrapped.”

The heat of Ignis and his army was almost unbearable. “Wait, so ye are the one who released that dragon!?” Cannonbolt yelled.

“Yes, young dwarf. Razorscale was one of my favorites. Too bad he had to hit the hay. HAH! I made a pony pun! I also recruited a technologically advanced man to our army. He showed me his skills with robotics and I was quite impressed. I gave him orders to destroy you with the XT-002 Destructionator that Lord Mimiron made for me to handle. Even he was defeated by you. You have been a royal pain in my molten tusks, you know that?” Ignis said as he pointed to the stallions.

“Mimiron? He's the one who made that robot? I hate him so much. That robot was so annoying.” Carees muttered.

Ignis took a deep breath. “That it was, unless it was handled correctly. That man, Fassad I believe he called himself, knew how to really work that thing, but now even the robot that was built to destroyed is demolished. But now I'm here, and it's time for a world revolution!”

“We'll just see what kind of revolution takes place, Ignis. You seem like a nice giant, which is why this won't be as satisfying as it may seem.” Carees said to the giant.

“We shall see! I'm not one to boast. From what I've heard and researched about you, this match is even. Molten army, ready yourselves! This is your fight. Show your creator what you're made of!” Ignis roared a battle cry.

“Ready yourself, Cannon! This is gonna be one wild ride!”

_____________________________________________________________________________

“Are you ready?” Ruby asked, staring her opponent down. The both wielded their weapons tightly, except Berry held Shadowmourne flawlessly with one hand. Berry slowly nodded. This was the moment they had been waiting for, the battle of fate.

“Then words shall fight for us no more! En gaurde!” With the weapons in their hand they charged toward each other. The grass shifted in the direction they ran. The first blow was about to be had. Ruby charged with a straight down attack with Frostmourne. Berry flawlessly rolled behind her and caught her by the neck.

“You're going to need to try harder than that.” Berry said as she whacked Ruby on the back of the head with the butt of Shadowmourne. Berry won that struggle with no effort. Ruby got up with no struggle, and charged once again. This time, they found themselves clashed together in a power struggle. Both pushing against their weapons, Ruby kicked Berry square in the stomach and proceeded to slam her head into the ground.

“That better?” Ruby taunted as she attempted to stab Berry's head in with Frostmourne. Berry barrel-rolled out of the way and got back up with a hop and back kicked Ruby in the face. Ruby was the first to start bleeding. Out of her mouth came a small stream off crying redness. She quickly wiped it off with her soot-black hoof. “Hah. Impressive. Keep it up, I love a good challenge.”

_______________________________________________________________________________

“C'mon Cuddles! We can't be late!” The Masked Mare screamed behind her. Cuddles roared not too far behind. They were at the entrance to the forest, dashing as fast as they could to the clearing.

“The forest shouldn't take too long to get thr--” Fluttershy stopped as she looked at what was standing in front of her.

Faceless, blazing, levitating beings of fire stood before her. A lot of them were there, at least one hundred and fifty. They were all staring at her and Cuddles, flaming swords and shields prepared for battle. They all roared as they charged.

“Alright, Cuddles, battle time! Show me what you can do, and I'll show you why I was Porky's head commander!”

Cuddles roared and leaped forward, whipping 2 of the fire elementals with his tail, making them collapse.

The Masked Mare stared blankly into their nonexistent eyes and pointed one of her weapons to the sky.   “Arise, minions, and serve your Death Knight, The Masked Mare!” As the Masked Mare shouted her chant, ghouls slowly arose from the ground. “You are now the Masked Mare's minions!” Shouted the Masked Mare at the 100 or so ghouls she had risen. “Army of the dead, charge! For Mograine, I think his name was!”

The ghouls groaned, moaned and shouted as the Masked Mare shouted and charged with her Slayers of the Lifeless. She whirlwind spun in, slicing up a lot of elementals. Her ghouls kept the elementals busy, as she slashed them up. Cuddles was left of her, whipping, headbutting, and clawing.

“Keep it up Cuddles! All we have to do is beat these fire weaklings and we can get to Ruby and Berry!”

____________________________________________________________________________

“Charge, army! Charge! Show them what I made you for!” Ignis shouted at his army as he pointed to Cannonbolt and Carees. He crossed his arms to see what kind of damage they would do. The molten elementals and golems charged at the two.

“Let's do it, Cannon! For the Alliance!” Carees yelled as he slammed a charging golem into four fire elementals behind it with Sulfuras.

“Wee, hoo! I will see to it that I be drinkin' beer tonight! Ye ain't stoppin' us 'ere, Ignis!” Cannonbolt yelled as he drew his bow string back. Five arrows appeared in the bow as he shot. They all landed in the fiery heart of the attackers and exploded, sending fiery debris across the army.

A giant golem came rushing toward Cannon. It was too big for Cannon to merely shoot. He took out Thunderfury and held it up to the sky quickly. A lightning bolt struck Thunderfury seemingly out of nowhere and the sword became charged up with electric energy. Cannon pointed Thunderfury at the attacking golem and a lightning bolt bolted out of the blade and fried the golem even more than it already was.

The army continued to charge, and it seemed as if it would never end. “Hmm! I see why Yogg-Saron said to be careful! You're a very formidable opponent for my army. Let's see if you can keep it up! I wish I had a snack to watch.” Ignis started to ponder what kind of snack he would want at this time.

___________________________________________________________________________

SLAM!

Ruby flew across the forest clearings field. Berry was chuckling, wiping the blood from the cut on her cheek. “Heh. Come on, Ruby. You're the ultimate power and you're being beat by a girl that runs a bar! Get up!”

Ruby groaned and hopped up, she was now bruised badly by her right eye. “You think I'm letting up? No way in hell is that happening!” Ruby put both hooves on her weapon and charged.

“Charging again? Please. Try harder.” Berry effortlessly put up Shadowmourne for a parry.

As Ruby was about to swing, she quickly rolled around Berry and caught her off guard. As she rolled, she tripped Berry and she fell over on her back. Ruby got up to slash her straight down the middle of her body while she was down. Berry quickly held up Shadowmourne and parried. They found themselves in another power struggle. Ruby pounded on her stomach with her 2 back hooves to try and weaken her, but Berry made a move nobody could think of. Berry quickly spit in Ruby's eyes.

“Ahh! Eww!” Ruby squealed. She accidentally let up and was pushed off and into the ground. As the was wiping the saliva from her eyes , Berry came up and kicked her face twice and turned around. She bucked Ruby's face hard and sent her rolling a few feet. Berry proceeded to taunt as she knew her foe was helpless.

“Ahahaha! I'm more clever than you think, Rubes! Still not giving up so I can slash you in half?”

“That was disgusting, Berr! What kind of animal are you?” Ruby asked as she got up. She looked over and spit out half of a tooth.

“The animal that's beating your ass to the moon!” Berry said as she pointed Shadowmourne to Ruby. “I am a warrior! I see where my combat skill lies! I have fury! So much impatient fury, and only one thing to spend it on satisfyingly! That thing would be you!”

“You're a furious warrior, huh? Well, those kind of people have always had rage problems.”

________________________________________________________________________

“There! That should be the last of them!” The Masked Mare shouted as she slashed a fire elemental in half. She laid on the ground with a “hoo” next to Cuddles. They were both exhausted from the battle. They had no choice but to catch their breath. Cuddles looked over at the Masked Mare with a tired face.

“I know, Cuddles. I know. We can't tire ourselves up and then go rushing in though.”

Cuddles nodded quietly, looking down.

“I'm sorry we have to do this, but if you want these two to live, it's gotta be done.”

Cuddles looked down as he shed a tear. I know... I know... he thought.

“We can't just dawdle around here anymore, it's time to break these two of their insanity. Let's go, Cuddles! It's time for big action.”

Cuddles looked up with a determined face and nodded slowly.

They dashed off at the speed of a sonic boom towards the insane clearing. There was a scent of sadness and hatred in the air, but the Masked Mare only brings love. They speeded through the forest, hoping it wasn't too late. The Masked Mare prayed from the bottom of her heart that they hadn't killed each other yet.

Sunlight was reaching through the forest trees. They were almost there! It was time to stop this madness!

_________________________________________________________________________

“Hmmpth! You are strong! So strong that my army could not handle you!” Ignis said. Cannonbolt and Carees were swimming in a pool of molten debris everywhere. Ignis started to clap.

“I applaud you for your perseverance, Cannonbolt and Carees, but you are at the end of the road! You are so tired out from battling my minions, that you are now attempting to catch your breath! I had hoped it would turn out like this, because now the molten giant gets to play with his enemies without a single harm. Your friends have gone insane, your other friends are trying to stop them! Let us hope they didn't get caught up in their battle against my army squad I sent there...”

Carees, breathing heavily, flinched in shock. “Wait, what!? You sent your minions to stop Fluttershy?”

Ignis shrugged. “Well, of course! Giants aren't as dumb as you think, little one. You are nothing but insulate whelps to me! You have tempered with the weapons used to create this world. Your bones will serve as kindling for me! Let the inferno consume you!”

Ignis rushed forward and stomped, roaring and creating a small tremor which which threw Cannonbolt and Carees off balance. Ignis came up and punted Carees into a wall. He then looked at Cannon, who had a nervous, tired face on him and smiled. He slammed the ground with his fist, creating a shockwave that through Cannon back into a street sign.

“Hahaha! There's nothing you can do to stop me! I am Ignis! I strive to see all who appose Yogg-Saron burn!... What do you think? Too drematic?”

Cannonbolt got up with a groan. “First line be a tad unoriginal, lad... but it be a work in progress.”

Ignis roared a laugh. “Good line, Cannonbolt! I'll take it to account after I kill you both!”

_______________________________________________________________________

“Huagh!” yelled Berry as she was thrown against a tree. Ruby rushed toward her with all force in Frostmourne. Berry held up Shadowmourne, getting ready for a power struggle, but she rolled under Ruby as she jumped and again, she hit her in the head with the butt of the axe.  Berry ran to the other side of the clearance as Ruby got up.

“It's even matched, wouldn't ya say, Rubes?” Berry yelled from across the field.

“Yeah! I'll say!” Ruby said as she wiped the blood from her face.

“How do you think you're gonna put an end to all of this?” Berry asked.

“Wait a sec! You want me to put an end to this story? I don't think so!” Ruby yelled.

“Hey, you're the main character. I'm just a cute, drinking pony, who happens to be your most hated enemy now. Hate to say it, but it's your job.” Berry taunted.

“Don't you forget it's a battle to the death! One of us has to end it!” Ruby reminded her.

“Oh, yes I know that! I'm saying I'm not putting an end to this story if I win.”

“I see. Well in that case...”

They both clutched their weapons the same way and shouted. “Let's go!”

The both charged at each other. They really meant this blow. They jumped as time slowed. They were in for their kills. It's one or the other! Who will win!?

…Neither.

As soon as they were about to strike, lightning struck from not the sky, but the east of the clearance. It knocked their weapons out of their hooves and were slammed against trees. They looked at each other to see both of them still alive.

“I thought you said no magic!” Berry shouted.

“I didn't do it! I thought you did it!” Ruby shouted.

“If I didn't and you didn't, then what...?”

“Oh my... what the hell!?” Ruby gasped as she looked directly at “her”.

“Impossible! No! Not again!!!” Berry gasped.

There she was, black cape flowing in the wind. The Masked Mare was there, in front of them.

“But Porky's banished! He could he have ever possibly—”

They stopped as Cuddles came to the Masked Mare's side.

Ruby started to tear up. “... Are... Are you kidding me!?”

“Fluttershy, stop this. You're scaring us. Just... quit it.” Berry said. She walked toward the Masked Mare, who proceeded to, with a blank face, fire lightning out of one of her Slayer of the Lifelesses. It hit Berry and knocked her back. Berry received major damage.

“Berry! Fluttershy! Not again! Stop! No! Nooo-ho-hooo! Stooop! PLEEASE!” Ruby begged.

The words failed to reach the Masked Mare.

The Masked Mare fired an intense bolt of lightning at Ruby. Ruby soared in the air against a tree.

Berry started to tear up as well. They paid no attention to their weapons. “Why? Why, Fluttershy? What caused this to happen to you?”

Emotionless, the Masked Mare pointed to their blood-edged weapons. “The cause of this...” she started “...is your own stupidity.” The Masked Mare fired an intense bolt of lightning at Berry. Berry suffered major damage.

“No... stop! Stop it! You're our friend! Friends don't hurt other friends!” Ruby pleaded.

The Masked Mare kept her emotionless mouth and and visible eye, but the tone of her voice changed significantly. “If friends don't hurt other friends... take a quick glance at Berry, and then at me. DO IT!”

Ruby looked at Berry, laying on the ground, bleeding, suffering. Then she glanced at the Masked Mare. She repeated the same action several times, tearing up and sniffling more and more with every repeat. Her eyes shrunk. Ruby was sweating as all the memories came flooding back to her.

“N-no! Th-this isn't happening! My friend... what... death... ngh! Nnngh!! AAAGH!”

The Masked Mare stood there, blankly as Ruby squirmed on the ground, screaming in pain. Berry watched in horror, as tears were running down her face. Ruby was kicking,  pounding and screaming on the ground. All of a sudden, she sighed and stopped. She started to cry. The Masked Mare shut her eyes.

Berry couldn't take it anymore.

“RUBY!” Berry shouted as she ran over to Ruby, laying on the ground, weeping. She completely ignored the Masked Mare and hugged her broken friend. “I'm sorry for everything I did!! Please!! I'm so sorry!” Berry had never been so emotional.

“I'm... I'm so sorry, Berry... I don't know what came over me back there... I... I just--”

“Shh. We're free from his grasp now. We've escaped him. Come up.” Berry said gently.

Ruby sat up and looked at Berry. She remembered Berry's looks... Berry's smell... Berry's touch. They both smiled and hugged each other in the most lovable way possible. The Masked Mare shed a tear opened her eyes. The Masked Mare started to sniff and cry.

They forgot about the Masked Mare in their struggle and looked over to her.

The Masked Mare... removed her mask. As she did, the long pink, lovable hair came out, as happy as could be. The sky's tears were beginning to dry up, and the sun came back to welcome the heroes back. The clouds started to disperse happily. The Masked Mare was Fluttershy. Fluttershy had become even a greater hero than she already was, and Cuddles was as happy as ever to see it all. Fluttershy smiled as she cried and dropped her weapons and mask. Cuddles couldn't take the silent happiness anymore and roared as he cuddled up with the two mares. The two mares quickly joined in, as did Fluttershy. They couldn't speak they were so happy. The two mares would live on, happy as ever. Eventually, somepony had to speak up, and Ruby was the one to do it.

“P... PS...” She had trouble saying it she was so happy. “P... PSI L... PS--”

Berry smiled at her. “Let me help. On three, okay?”

Ruby wiped her tears. “O... Okay.”

“One... Two... Three!”

At one time, they both shouted “PSI Life-Up Omega!” and all of their wounds had been almost completely healed and they had been restored with all of their energy.

Ruby looked over to her weapon. “Frostmourne and Shadowmourne, two blades that contradict each other. I see what Algalon said now is true. The only way for us to become one once again is to see what we were doing and stop. I see it now. Thanks, Algalon, for visiting me in my dreams and driving that beast out. However, I don't feel comfortable using the blade.”

Berry was still smiling. “Why ever not? You were very much skilled with it in our battle.”

Ruby made her point. “Exactly. I don't want to contradict you. I don't want to steal your prideful weapon, which is why I'm giving it to you, Berry.”

Berry gasped. “What? Why!?”

Ruby shut her eyes. “Silly, you were meant to wield these weapons, we all have our own weapons, and Frostmourne isn't mine. Mine is magic. Take it, wield it along side Shadowmourne. You deserve it. Your power lies in weapons. You outsmarted me in every melee tactic I used. With two weapons, your power will be even greater, and that's what you wanted, no? Take it.” Ruby grabbed Frostmourne and put it in Berry's hooves.

Berry was crying once more. “Ruby, I love you so much, don't you ever forget that. You're my best friend, even if we say it's all over. After all of this, you still grant me more power. That's the best thing a friend can ask for. It's time we work together once more. It's time to defeat Yogg-Saron with the weapons he personally gave us! He's failed his first mission, and let us send that message to him!”

Ruby screamed enthusiastically. “Hell yeah! Hoof-five!”

They slammed their hooves together.

Fluttershy stepped in. “Sorry to break the tension, but there's a big... umm... fire monster guy trying to get Carees and Cannonbolt in the city... and winning...” The Masked Mare had completely disappeared.

Ruby gasped. “Silly! Why didn't you tell us earlier? You got a serious bi-polar issue with yourself, Missy!”

Berry patted Ruby on the back. “They may not be our boyfriends anymore, but we still love them and we can't just let them die! Let's rock and roll! C'mon, Cuddles, Fluttershy! My blood is boilin' and we got a fire monster ass to kick!”

Ruby chuckled. “I'm so glad you're back.”

___________________________________________________________________________

“Uahahaha! It's so funny! I told you! There's no way you can win!” Ignis yelled.

Cannonbolt and Carees were seriously screwed up. Blood running down their bodies, burn marks all over them, and a lot of broken bones.

“Laddie, might this be it? I didn't want it to end like this...” Cannon said as he looked over to his beaten partner.

“I can't do anymore... I can't fight... We can't win.” Carees said negatively.

A voice came from behind them. “Maybe you can't win, but we sure as hell can! We can't lose! Especially me, I got a bar to run!”

The couldn't turn around to see who it was. “Who be there!? I can't hear or see ya well!” Cannon said.

“Your ex-girlfriends, that's who.” Ruby said. “Berry, go left, I'm going on his right side!”

“I have rage unspent and I know who to spend it on! TASTE MY FURY, FIRE-BOY!” Berry shouted as the two mares zigzagged in between each other, passing their boyfriends.

“What in the name of ale!?” Cannonbolt yelled.

“You two! You're suppose to be dead! Gah! I'll make you dead!” Ignis shouted as the zigzagging ponies headed straight toward him. Ignis slammed the ground in front of him with his fist, but they both avoided it. Ruby stayed at his feet, whereas Berry ran up his arm while it was down. She got behind his head and started slashing at his neck.

“Gyaaaaaah! Ouch! Grrr! Quit it!” Ignis yelled as he struggled to get Berry off his back. “This... I don't believe it!”

“Oh, believe it alright!” Ruby said from the bottom. “PK Freeze Omega!”

The molten lava furnace he had for a belt cracked and spilled open hot lava onto his foot.

“AAAAAGH! NO! I... I...!” Ignis tripped and fell over as Berry hopped off and shouted.

“Ruby, give me a boost! Up there, hurry!” Berry pointed up to a not so high roof.

“I'm on it!” Ruby came over and grabbed Berry. “Get ready! One, two, THREE!” Ruby threw Berry up into the air. Berry landed on two hooves on the roof and pointed her weapons at the sky. A blue and purple mist flew out of them. Berry looked down at Ignis, who was in disbelief.

“Any last words, hot-head?”

Ignis closed his eyes. “Yes... Thank you... for releasing me from his insane grasp.”

Berry smiled. “... Your welcome. You're not a bad guy. We'll get him for you, dude. Don't you worry.” Berry pointed the blades at Ignis as they started to surround him.

“Thank you... I'll remember you... friends.”  Ignis said as the mist completely surrounded him. With a flash of light, Ignis vanished into thin air. Berry stopped to catch her breath for a few seconds and then hopped down. She looked at Ruby and laughed.

“YEA-HA-HAAA! That's what I'm talking 'bout, baby! WOO!”

“I'll say! You kicked ass, partner! Loved the flashy ending. That giant though... he didn't seem all that bad.” Ruby said.

“I know what happened to him. He succumbed to Yogg-Saron's madness and was never freed. That guy could have been a friend. Let's fulfill our promise. We kill Yogg-Saron for him and all that have succumbed to him!” Berry yelled, smacking her hooves together.

“YEAH! Bring it! We're ready!”

Berry thought for a moment. “... Oh shit! Cannon and Carees!”

Ruby and Berry looked over to see two very astonished, damaged stallions staring in awe.

“Gyah!” Ruby squealed. They dashed over to the stallions, who were at a loss of words. Berry ran and hugged Cannonbolt as Ruby went to hug Carees. At the same time, they both shouted “PSI Life-up Omega!”

Carees and Cannonbolt's wounds instantly healed. They couldn't believe it. They were back together, smiling, and working together!

“I... but... you... her... it... WHAT!?” Carees couldn't even speak he was so stunned.

Cannonbolt asked the question for him. “What he be tryin' ta say is... YOU TWO ARE WORKING TOGETHER!?”

Ruby and Berry giggled at each other.

“Hehe, of course!”  Ruby began. “We're back together! It's all thanks to Fluttershy! Speaking of which, where is she?”

A voice came from behind them. “Umm... I'm here... good job, you two! You really did it! That poor big guy didn't deserve that. He was good inside...”

Berry nodded. “Yeah. He didn't deserve that at all. But you know what we're gonna do? Avenge him! I'munna kill that stupid Yogg-Saron if it's the last thing I do!”

“Yay! Woohoo! Let's get him!” Fluttershy “cheered”.

“... Work on that cheer, would ya? Scream it.” Ruby noted.

“Everyone tells me that...” Fluttershy said quietly.

“Think about why really hard. I'm sure you'll find the answer. Anyways, are you two feeling okay again?” Ruby snickered.

Carees blinked a couple times. “Ruby... I...” Carees paused.

Ruby gave him the puppy dog eyes. “Yessss?” She said, putting on a cute face.

Carees sighed. “Dammit I still love you.” Carees said as he brought Ruby in for a kiss Ruby thought she would never get.

“Awww... Hey, Cannoooooon.” Berry said, seductively.

“Alright, c'mere.” Cannonbolt said with a giggle.

“YAY!” Berry squealed as she tackled him, dropping her weapons that were stationary on her back.

After a minute or two, they finally let go of each other, and smiled.

Fluttershy was almost crying. “I'm... I'm so happy it really did work out!  YAY! WOOOOHOOOO!”

Ruby laughed. “That's the way! Hah!”

Carees pointed over to where Ignis stood at one point. “Hey, what are those lights over there?”

Star-like lights started to shift together. Ruby knew this all too well. She smiled as she greeted her friend, finally in person. The being was strange, never had even Cannonbolt and Carees seen anything like it.

“Hi, Algalon! I finally meet you in person!” Ruby said, running forward.

“Ruby Black, my little hero, how are you?” The being said calmly, it's stars not even connected quite yet.

“So this is the Algalon you talked about earlier? 'Sup? I'm Berry!” Berry introduced herself very proudly.

“Indeed, I know you all. Berry Punch, Cannonbolt, Carees, Fluttershy, and even Cuddles. It is quite an experience meeting you all in the flesh, a being such as myself doesn't do this quite often.”

“What ye be?” Cannonbolt asked, staring at awe at the being.

“I'm a being created by the cosmos to keep every planet, every galaxy, every universe in absolute perfection. This planet has struck my attention. I sensed an old enemy in this planet, and I came and found the ones worthy of being the heroes. It has all played out according to my cosmic calculations perfectly so far. You must keep up your valiant efforts. Ruby and Berry, you have accomplished what is said to be impossible. You have conquered Yogg-Saron's madness. For imperfect creatures such as yourselves, this is quite possibly the greatest feat of strength you will accomplish in your short lifetimes.”

“You were right about everything, Al. I'm sorry I doubted you in any way, for you are the perfect creature.”

“Do not worry, my little pony. You were under the madness of Yogg-Saron at the time and you couldn't think correctly. I have come here to say that I am counting on you to beat Yogg-Saron. You have my full support, however I shall not take action within your little adventure.”

“Why? You are the ultimate being, no? How then can you not help us with defeating Yogg-Saron?”

“A fine question, Carees. I am here to observe you. I am called The Observer by many. Your kind's actions are illogical to my understanding and I seek to watch you and learn why. It is my mission.”

“I see. Well, Algalon, it had been a pleasure meeting with you. Any friend of Ruby's is a friend of mine.”

“Friend. My cosmic heart does not accept those, nor emotion. If you consider me “friend”, then it is your call. My heart does not accept anything as a friend. My body rejects it.”

“That's a down way to live, Algo. Friends are important, but I can't change your mind, I know.” Berry said. Algalon started to disperse into the stars.

“Maybe you can, Berry. It will all be decided eventually, but for now, it is time for me to leave. Good luck, heroes. May the lights of bright destiny shine down upon you.” Algalon said as he disappeared into the stars. It was a beautiful sight to see the being disperse it's body into the sky.

“What an interesting being you've befriended, Ruby.” Carees said.

“I like him! He supports us. He be a good fellow.” Cannonbolt said lightly.

“Yeah, he's sweet lookin'!” Berry exclaimed. There was an odd silence for about ten seconds.

“... Hey, I thought Ruby handled Frostmourne.” Carees noticed.

“Oh, I gave it to her.” Ruby said.

“Just... straight up just... gave it to her?” Carees gave her a weird look.

“Yep. She can put more use into than I can. She's got more physical power than I and she really knows how to use it.”

Berry blushed. “Oh, stop it. Hehe.”

“On this high note, what do you say we all go home?” Carees asked.

“Hells yes.”

“Sure.”

“I be followin' that idea.”

“Raaawr!”

“Umm...”

They all stared at Fluttershy.

“I... I've had a loooong day, I think I'm just gonna head back to my cottage. I'll... umm... catch you all later?” Fluttershy said, smiling.

“Sure, Flutty. I don't think you're gonna like what we're gonna do tonight anyway... heheh...” Berry chuckled.

___________________________________________________________________________

“What a day! Welps, I am so ready to hit the bed. You two sleepin' down here as usual?” Berry asked.

“Yep! Have a good night, you two!” Ruby called to Cannon and Berry.

“Yep! G'night. Don't stay up too long... if ya know what I mean... nudge nudge wink wink...” Berry suggestively said.

“Shuddup. Go upstairs. Heh.” Ruby chuckled.

“Hah. Alright, see ya in the mornin'!” Berry called as she trotted up the stairs with Cannon.

A toilet flush was heard as Carees came out of the bathroom. “Oh, did Cannon and Berry head up to bed?” he asked.

“Yep. I'm ready to... ehem... go to bed, if you catch my drift.” Ruby winked at him.

“I caught your drift like a draft. And by draft I mean hurricane. And by hurricane I mean death.” Carees put somewhat simply.

“Oh, come now, honey... come over here.” Ruby said as she suggestively rubbed her leg under the covers on the couch.

“Oh, boy. Heeeere we go.” Carees rolled his eyes.

“Oh, come on! I'm a girl! You gotta go with the romance stuff. It's a girl's thing!” Ruby complained. “Now get over here and get on me... never thought I would ever say that.”

“Never thought I'd have to do it, but okay. Whatever you want, sweetheart.”

Carees got on the couch, a little nervously though.

Ruby rolled her eyes in laughter. “Tsk... come on, under the covers...”

Carees cheeks turned red, but for his girlfriend, he did. He came up on Ruby's face, both submerged under the covers. Ruby turned the lights off.

Ruby tsked once again. “Tsssk... down, on me. Lay on me.”

Carees tried to say no... kind of. “Y'know, this is really kinda--”

Before he could finish, Ruby pulled him down to her.

There  was an awkward silence until Carees broke it into something even more awkward.

“... Am I laying on your...?”

“Yep.”

“This is going to be a loooooooooong night.”

“You bet your butt it is.”

“I don't want to bet my butt.”

“Too bad.”

_______________________________________________________________________

Upstairs, Berry was talking to Cannon about the earlier day.

“Say, who was the molten giant dude?” Berry asked, as she looked over to her boyfriend.

“Ignis the Furnace Master. He was Yogg-Saron's ultimate smith. He was darn good at smithin'.” Cannonbolt replied.

“I really feel bad for killing him. That poor guy broke free at the very end. He thanked me... I feel bad... really bad.”

“Don't be too hard on yerself. He's free now, smithin' up somethin' up there with Algalon. It be a shame we couldn't recruit 'im though.”

“Yeah... there's prolly more than him we have to beat up to free them from his insane hold on them.” Berry noted.

“Probably. Our team be more than ready for that possibility, though.”

“Speaking of our team...”

“Yeh?”

“Ten bits they're gettin' it on down there.” Berry joked.

“Twenty bits yer gonna force me to do it if I answer that question.”

“Dammit, you caught me.”

“I'll play along with ye, though.”

“YES! Well, tomorrow is another day. A new dawn.”

“It will be. I be lookin' forward to it.”

“But for now... sexual pleasure time!” Berry shouted, jokingly.

“I can see why Cuddles stays with Fluttershy now. Upstairs and downstairs are both occupied.”

“Shuddup. Let's do it. Now. No more words. See you in the morning!” Berry said.

Cannon laughed. “Alrighty then...”

________________________________________________________________________

“Well, Cuddles, are you ready for a good night's sleep?” Fluttershy asked Cuddles, who was sleeping in a comfy little pull-it-out couch bed.

Cuddles roared in an anxious manner.

“What's with the anxious attitude?” Fluttershy asked, putting her Masked Mare armor under her bed.

Cuddles roared a series of roars, the last one sounding more like a suggestive moan.

“Eek! I can see why you want to stay here for the nights now! Well, my door is always open to you, my friend. I love animals so much, and you're no exception. I love you like you were my own, Cuddy!” Fluttershy blushed.

Cuddles whimpered in shyness.

“Hehehe! Tomorrow will be a new day with less troubles. We have a lot of stuff to catch up on tomorrow!” Fluttershy said as she put on her sleeping robe and hat.

Cuddles roared in agreement.

Fluttershy climbed into bed. “Well, good night, Cuddy. If you need anything, let me know.”

Cuddles roared a good night, and Fluttershy turned off the lights.

______________________________________________________________________

The hardest part of their adventure was over. They had passed the Trial of Yogg-Saron. Now all they had to do was defeat Yogg-Saron's physical form. Berry had discovered her fighting style to fit along with the team, the couples have gotten back together, and the team was closer to each other than ever before. It was time to stop letting Yogg-Saron's minions come to them. It was time to brave up and bring the party to Yogg-Saron.