Hey guys! Sorry for the delay massive delay again, I advise you grab a drink and some food! Might be a long one! 15k words! Hope you enjoy!

I want to thank Remi *at steamofed * for doing a paid commission for me! Used with her permission! Check her tumblr out! :D

The End Times

Chapter 26: Battle Commences!

Equestria, Unknown

Discord exhales a long sigh of satisfaction, then breathing the fresh air that will only last for a few more moments until the fog is lifted. A fog that has shielded the little ponies of Equestria for far too long, from the reality of true danger and terror. Discord will finally show what fear and terror is like! Not even their beloved princesses of Equestria can protect them forever, all will hail Discord as supreme ruler...whether they like it or not.
The Man slowly walks next to his leader, looking up to see a face filled with excitement and ambition "I can tell you're already making plans for this land."

Discord looks down with a chuckle "oho! But of course M! How all the lives will obey to me and holding them in the palms of my hands. They all fear me, but after I am done with Equestria...I am going to see what this...planet has to offer!"

M crosses his arms while looking out in the distance "Lord Discord, if I may? Please don't get too over ambitious. Unless you forgot, there is still more to this world that even you don't know about. Focus..." he says.

"Hmph! I haven't forgotten...a leader has to have plans for the future though" said Discord, looking briefly serious.

They then turn towards an overview of Equestria from the top of the tallest mountain top, able to see their armies in position at the selected locations they're meant to be in. They aren't the biggest armies combined...but more than enough to handle weak little ponies. Discord however wonders if they'll actually be able to pull of this risky plan M had shown previously "will this plan of yours work? What if those fools mess it up?" Discord asks.

The Man wipes his own shoulder off, feeling confident "not to worry, they all have been brief in the ways of how to operate the machines. They better remember how it all works, I spent 8 hours whole to explain..."

Discord laughs loudly "It would be amusing to see you losing your mind after all the hard work you put into your plan and devices!"

"Oh yes...that would be extremely painful for them if that ever happens..." M whispers darkly, even making Discord pause for a brief moment.

Just before the two of them enhance their sight, M asks a question out of curiosity "Lord Discord? What the 6 ponies in Ponyville and The Elements of Harmony? What if they become a nuisance for you?"

Suddenly Discord's smile faded away, he had almost forgotten about the Elements of Harmony. He may be slowly regaining his power but it's not strong enough to completely stop those pesky ponies he been keeping an ear out for. Folding his arms, Discord growls "I can fend them off, but if they get that "those" from Celestia...I will have major issues to deal with. After we inspect my armies we'll come back to this!"

And with that, Discord concentrates for a few minutes and touches M's left shoulder, giving both enhanced vision to see all over Equestria. They all look towards Appleloosa, seeing the Diamond Dog army marching around the fields away from the city while a few guard some others carrying a cloaked object.
Eitrig stomps towards the object and swiftly pulls off the cloak, revealing a device that's silver and shaped like a closed rose. There is glass through the large hole that seems to help cool off the system and below what seems to be a drill. The Diamond Dogs ensure that they placed the device in the correct spot and wait for Eitrig to give out the order!
"Hnggh...this better be worth it! I want Kirk's head tonight! Alright boys, seems we're gonna be raiding that place over there! So get that thing into the ground so we can be moving!" Eitrig yells madly.

One of the smaller Diamond Dogs walks up to the device, seeming the most knowledgeable of the lot, switches a switch and makes the drill spin. She jumps back a bit and snarls "okay! Let em' have it!"

They all gradually let go as it stays in place drilling into the ground, and then stops, then some big Diamond Dogs position it towards the sky which is all Eitrig waited for "finally! Half of you lot stay put and guard! The rest of you will follow me and start breaking things! Charge!" he roars with his followers towards Appleloosa.

The Man smiles under his mask, nodding to Discord that it's working correctly and they look towards Manehatten for their 2nd Dark Walker Army are setting up their own machine as they call it the Extractor.
As it's been planted on the outskirts of Manehattan, they waited after the drilling stopped. Suddenly, it starts making strange whirring noises. They notice it's taking the energy from the land itself, a unicorn mare takes her hood off her head and smirks "finally...I can make up to Lord Discord for my failures against the Element of Generosity and the Gem Dragon from last time! I won't allow an oversized dragon ruin everything again!" she shouts,

"Madam Glazer? I think I see a mob staring at us from the city gates!" a Dark Walker pony shouts, pointing.

Glazer laughs loudly and grins "let them come if they dare! We're going on the defence for this one, let them be destroyed by our dark magic!"

The Dark Walkers cheer for victory as they prepare whatever spells they'll need if the Manehattenites attack.
Discord grins even wider seeing the machine sucking the energy from the land, noticing very slowly that leaves fall gradually and some colour leaves the landscape "oh this is so delightful! How Lady Tara is?" he says, looking at Cloudsdale.

Lady Tara and her griffon army are steadily watching the Extractor starting make louder whirring noises. Some of the griffons back away from the object being so loud and bright. Except for Tara, she had seen something like this before during the battles as a soldier for the Noble Empire and the Civil War during her times of battle. It's taking away the life energy that's so rich in the land of Equestria. But being so rich of magical elements, it's taking a slight toll on the land, seeing grass gradually losing colour. Lady Tara looks up in the sky seeing Cloudsdale "my fellow griffons! Fight by my side and we shall finally reclaim our honour and glory! This to you all I shall swear once more! Let us take to the skies! 5 of you guard the Extractor!" she yells with pride, flying towards Cloudsdale.

The Man and Discord then quickly look onto the last location with the Extractor in White Tail Woods. Trixie and the 1st Dark Walkers covers their eyes as a loud boom is heard and the others across the land, shooting incredible rays of burning light into the sky! They soon clash with each others, very slowly creating a ball of light that glows over Equestria. Trixie and the Dark Walkers stare in awe at this amazing achievement, The Man's plan worked! All of this is too drain the life force of Equestria and form it as a ball of energy. When complete...Discord will fly into the light and gain more power than Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!
Trixie continues staring with astonishment 'I-I can't believe this! It's actually happening! These Extractors are going to make Discord more powerful than anything! Am I...doing the right thing? For revenge? Y...Yes! Of course I am! Twilight Sparkle will acknowledge me as her superior and all shall bow before me!' she thinks.

"We must maintain the Extractor while we prevent any rebellions against us! Follow me towards their village in the forest!" Trixie yells, leading some of her Dark Walkers into the forests.

Discord after watching all of this happens, literally fly into the air and screams with joy "YES! THE PLAN IS WORKING! SOON I WILL HAVE POWER!" he yells loudly as possible.

The Man chuckles at this and puts his hands in his pockets "thank you my lord, however...may we return to the Elements of Harmony?" he asks.

Discord lands in front of M and snorts "absolutely! With all this commotion we don't have to worry about them now! They will HAVE to split up! That leaves us enough time to prevent Celestia and Luna from simply using their abilities to stop the Extractors from giving me power!"

M nods in agreement of his superiors plan and holds out a small dark crystal "then let us pay a small visit to the princesses before they leave, shall we?" he says, Darkness envelopes all around them and they both disappear into thin air.

---

Equestria, Ponyville

Spirit is galloping so fast than Joseph Brooklyn and Spike Sparkle has never seen before! Either this or extra use of magic or the sheer strength that shows with this unicorn's size. Not even breaking a sweat and focused on their destination Ponyville.
"You two! We're almost near Ponyville! I hope you're all up to date with the information I just gave you about the uses of Extractors?" Spirit yells.

Spike and Joe nods nervously and they really do remember, all they can think about when arriving at Ponyvile. What will the ponies say to them? What will the girls say? Especially for Joseph who feels like death with every stomp Spirit makes, looking pale and almost about to pass out from nervousness. He fully expects them to shout, rant and curse him for everything...but it would be fair due to what they heard and him lying towards them. Joe just feels like a kite lost in a hurricane, trying to find the right course of flight.
Spike notices Joe being pale again "Joe! C'mon! Snap out of-" he is cut off with Spirit stopping dead in his tracks.

The large unicorn looks up towards the sky with the human and gem dragon following their general's gaze. All of them see beams of light shooting together which is forming a ball that grows bigger slightly "they're already starting! This was earlier than I expected...they must've made improvements that my scouts didn't find!" Spirit growls.

But then, the large white unicorn feels another source of energy, but more...distant. Spirit looks all around his surroundings with a sparkle in his eyes "can...it be?" he whispers.

Spike waves his hand in front of Spirit's eyes "hello!~ Earth to the General? We got a world to save!"

Spirit simply shoves the hand away using his horn and goes back galloping to Ponyville which is coming into the trio's sights "we're almost there lads!"

As they get closer to the entrance of Ponyvvile, Spirit steadily lowers his pace until walking towards a now largely barricaded entrance "fascinating..." said Spirit.

Joseph looks around and sighs sadly, this place looking gloom and doom, barricaded for battle. Losing all of the beauty and openness of his...home "looks like they heard about the events happening too" said Joe, getting off Spirit alongside Spike.

Then they hear voices coming from the top of a barricade on the entrance, two head with pans for helmets; Lyra and BonBon looks down towards them and shout together "who goes there!?"

Spike slowly walks up to the barricade holding his hands up "whoa! Lyra! BonBon! It's me Spike Sparkle! I'm back!"

BonBon gasps, her eyes popping out "Spike!? Y...You're back! Lyra! Open the doors!"

Lyra shakes her head in response and glares down at the little gem dragon "Oh yeah? Tell us something to prove that you're the REAL Spike!" she asks.

"I saw you two making out behind he counter in BonBon's shop..." Spike says with a small blush.

The two mares blush madly and jaws drop, Lyra gulps shyly and uses her horn to open the door for him "y-y-yup! That's Spike!"

Spirit sighs loudly and storms off before Spike into Ponyville, clearly having enough with the waiting around where serious issues needing to be resolved, and fast. As the gem dragon is about to step into his home...he notices Joseph Brooklyn looking down shamefully while his body tenses up "Joe...come on, we have to go inside."

Joseph shakes his head and turns away "I-I can't Spike! Not after the event! I don't deserve to go inside or even LOOK at Ponyville anymore..."

Spike growls loudly and runs up towards Joe, jumping onto his older brother's chest chest and gripping tightly "this is your HOME! And you're gonna come back into your home with me! If they do banish you...I'll be banished with you!"

The human boy sniffs at Spike with a bear hug "o-okay Spike...I...have to face my fears..."

The two of them slowly walks towards the gate and into Ponyville, Joseph Brooklyn feels out of place and disconnected. Lyra and BonBon looks down and gasp seeing the human again...they didn't know what else to do besides letting them walk by.
Spike Sparkle sees Spirit talking to the mayor of Ponyville with the other ponies gathered around them, whatever the general is talking is making everypony confident and hopeful. And then, he notices some familiar manes poking out from the crowd, seemingly talking to Spirit who's giving full attention with nodding and an angry face. Shouting at somepony for talking about his greasy mane which made Spike snort in amusement. But once he walks up closer and closer, ponies start to notice that Spike has returned and turned towards him, asking where he ad been all this time. Just as he tries to answer their questions, familiar voices shout his name and there they are...the Mane 6 all looking down at him with shock yet happiness.
"Spike! You're back!" Twilight Sparkle yells and brings him into a loving hug, kissing his head.

Spike blushes red and feels Rarity next to him who kisses his cheek almost 7 times "Spikey Wikey! Oh how we missed you so!"

Rainbow Dash smiles in relief alongside Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack and Shadow Breeze "you took your sweet time! In case you didn't notice there's a battle going on and...A light in the sky" said Rainbow Dash.

The gem dragon blushes and manages to stop Rarity and Twilight's kisses "g-g-guys...t-thank you b-but w-we got serious issues b-before we can band together again."

"Oh...yeah, you're right. Sorry about that Spike...the general said that you been staying over at his place. Doing some training and learning!" Twilight says while putting him down gently.

Applejack looks around "and ya went after...Joe...did he...was he..."

Spike looks around for Joseph but realises he is hiding behind something and calls out "come out! We...gotta sort everything here and now!"

After a few minutes of silence and wind gusting, the little gem dragon was almost going to find and drag the human out himself until they see a figure slowly and nervously walk out from behind a house. He looks like the lowest thing in the world and would break down any second. The Elements of Harmony gasps loudly at seeing a face they thought was gone..."Joseph Brooklyn" they all whisper.

Joseph stops and stands in place for everypony to see him in his new set of armour but...they never noticed what he is wearing, only his face seem more important than anything right now. For the Mane 6...the world almost stops when seeing Joe again, the boy who screamed at the mysterious figure for telling his past. They all slowly walk towards the human, keeping eye contact at all times. This made the human even more nervous than before, seeing the pain in their eyes and sorrow...he didn't know what to say anymore. Feeling more frozen than the chilly breeze passing by Ponyville shook Joe more as the mares of his life stop only inches away, looking up to his face.
And they all just stare at other, hoping one of them will say something...it's Applejack who asks first "J...Joe?" she whispers, her voice shaking.

Joe gasps at hearing her voice, shaking all over and managing to stammer out "A-A-Applejack...Twilight, F-Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, R-R-Rarity and R-Rainbow Dash..."

Twilight Sparkle breathes nervously but speaks out "J-Joseph...a-a-after what happened here...was...it all true? P-Please tell us honestly, only the truth!"

The boy slowly closes his eyes and looks down shamefully "...yes...I killed him...with a weapon that shoots to kill...I did it because of the pain suffering that was brought onto me...and he was one of the people who inflected pain and sorrow towards me, and threatened to end my life. I lost my mind and...e-enjoyed getting my revenge...I kept shooting...and shooting...screaming out against everything that hurt me and never loved me. B...but after it all happened...I saw what I had done, and the feeling of revenge, anger and personal satisfaction all disappeared...it was only then I realised that someone was killed, I murdered the bully. I-I could've done something else than turning towards murder...I always dreamt of that day, wishing he killed me so the world could've been a better place" he says, his face trying to hold emotions of sadness, tears falling down Joe's face.

"I-I swear! I would happily die to restore his life! I tried to see if I could redeem myself by taking all the bullying, names, beating, my mother and sister treating me like I don't exist...trying to help others have better lives to redeem myself! But...redemption is not for me..." Joe says sobbing, falling to knees.

Joseph Brooklyn cries loud and looks at the girls trying to hold their emotions in "B-but whatever I meant for you all, W-what I did and spent with you...it was never a lie! I so much enjoyed all the time and hardships we spent together. I started to love every single one of you!"

The girls now starting to shed a few tears, lips trembling and sobbing as they continue to listen to the human "y-you all gave me a purpose to live, something to fight for! I vowed to protect you all, no matter what! And I s-still wish to keep that oath! Girls...I am so...so...sorry!" he wails loudly, falling on his hands.

Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy all see the amount of suffering going on in Joe, holding everything in until now...admitting to what he had done is all true...but...they know from the bottom of their hearts, including Applejack's element of honesty that what Joe said taking place to die instead of the bully or to die to make things better...and apologising for what he had done and keeping it all a secret. But he is trying, and knowing him for a few months they truly believe Joe is trying to change for better. And the human's confession towards them is all true...they can't hold on any longer! They quickly embrace their human friend into a warm loving embrace, crying and kissing his head.
"Oh Joseph! We're sorry too!" said Twilight.

"Y-yeah! We should of never left you and think otherwise!" Pinkie Pie wails, crying her massive amount of tears.

Rainbow Dash sniffs but looks stern with tears still flowing down her face "you were trying so hard by doing things you normally would not do...you put up with us and my training and also Giving us advice and support!"

Rarity nuzzles into Joe's head "i-if you didn't d-defend yourself darling...you wouldn't be here with us...w-what you did...wasn't right but neither allowing yourself to be killed!"

"Sugercube...ah believe every word ya just said! And yer comin' back ere' takes a lot of courage! Ya lyin' on things and keepin' secrets ain't good to us! But...seeing y'all come here and confessin' takes more than courage...t-to me ya part of mah family and ah known yer gonna redeem yerself" said Applejack, hugging her close.

Fluttershy gently strokes his hair "J-Joseph...w-w-we don't fully understand w-what went on in your past...a-and we can't act like we do...I-I hate death...a-and when others try to kill each other...b-but never EVER want to see you die as redemption! It won't make the world a better place...it'll just break the world we all have together...y-you can redeem yourself like you have been doing" she says, kissing his forehead.

Joseph cannot contain it any longer and manages to embrace the ones he loves so much to his heart and and cries, feeling relief and sadness "t...t...thank you all...I-I am so...sorry..."

Spike smiles widely and wipes a tear away from his eye 'Finally...they're all back together again like a big family. The events won't go away...and it cant be ignored of what Joe done but...we are all willing to help prove to everypony that he wants nothing more than to redeem himself no matter what. I'm behind him all the way!'

Shadow Breeze appears next to Spike with a sad smile "I'm really sorry for not trusting your judgement of Joe..."

Spike Sparkle shakes his head and gently slaps Shadow Breeze's foreleg "you can make it up by telling Fluttershy you can't dance!" he grins.

As Spirit also watches the whole event unfold with Joseph and the Elements of Harmony, he can't grunt or groan at this...an important event in all their lives must be respected. The general knew this all too well in his past life...but time couldn't be wasted "forgive me for interrupting you all, but there are more important matters to attend to!" he shouts.

Joseph and the mares look at Spirit but then quickly at each other, nuzzling Joe's face and slowly helping him stand tall. Rainbow Dash now notices him wearing some sort of armour "whoa, check out the guy wearing armour!"

Twilight Sparkle now realises this with her friends, looking at it closely "amazing! How did you get that armour!?"

The human sniffs, wiping away left over tears and slowly regains himself "t-this? It's from Spirit's home...I-it belonged to the first human to ever step foot in Equestria...Kirk."

All of them turns to Spirit for answers especially about the human before Joe but the general simply scoffs and motions up "we can talk about that OR we can actually try and SAVE Equestria!" he says.

The purple unicorn almost forgot there is a battle going on, and the light in the sky. Reuniting with Joseph and hearing him confess and apologise made her forget about currents events, just wanting their normal lives back together "sorry General Spirit...what's the plan?"

"At last! Listen up Elements of Harmony, Spike and Joseph; I will give you a summary of what is going on. As you all can tell we're being invaded by 4 armies that are around 100 to 125 each, there are 3 different races that are in different locations. There are the Diamond Dogs in Appleloosa, the Dark Walkers who are unicorns wielding dark magic in Manehattan and White Tail Woods! And last but least are the griffons invading Cloudsdale. All 4 of them are protecting some called Extractors that are sucking our the energy that Equestria holds magic and natural life force. All shooting towards the sky, creating the ball of energy that's growing as we speak!"

Applejack's jaw lowers with horror hearing Diamond Dogs are invading Appleloosa "Those lil' doggies ain't invadin' when ah'm around! Let me at em'!"

Rainbow Dash and Shadow Breeze shakes their head with hurt looks "griffons attack Cloudsdale?! Not in my lifetime!" shouts the rainbow coloured pegasi.

"Since we all can't waste time going to each and single one of the cities, we have no choice but to split up into small groups! Let me think...Twilight and Spike, you two will be going to White Tail Woods and stopping the Extractor by whatever means necessary" Spirit commands

Spike and Twilight Sparkle looks at each with worried expressions but nods "yes sir!"

Spirit continues "Pinkie Pie, Rarity...you're coming with me to Manehatten. Get in and getting rid of the Extractor"

Pinkie Pie jumps around making spring noises "Yipeee! We get to go to Manehatten after all! We'll show those Ponies walking in the dark a GREAT party!"

The General and Rarity sweat drop, Spirit rolling his eyes "have mercy on my sanity..."

"Rainbow Dash, Shadow Breeze and Fluttershy! You're all going to Cloudsdale!" said Spirit.

Fluttershy gasps loudly and shakes her head in disagreement "W-w-what? B-but I-I don't wanna hurt anyone-"

Spirit stands tall and stares the yellow pegasi down "you are stronger than you think, and they need you...unless you want all life to DIE with all the ANIMALS?"

Suddenly the fear in Fluttershy's eyes went away when thinking about the life all around Equestria descending into chaos and lives of animals "No! I won't let that happen to all those innocent creatures!" she says with fierce determination.

Rainbow Dash smirks at Shadow who looks surprised and admiring the determination "getting any ideas there Shadow?" which made him blush.

Spirit looks at Joe and then Applejack "and finally Joseph and Applejack are heading down to Appleloosa to stop the Diamond Dogs but most importantly, get the Extractor before the light grows too big!"

Applejack and Joseph looks at each with curious expressions but slowly smiled, both of them can't wait to see what one can do with all the work and training "yes general" they both said.

Spike Sparkle raises his hand "Spirit, this sounds like a great plan and all, but how can we get to these locations fast enough?" he asks.

The General simply gestures with his head to look up, everyone sees what appears to be Celestia's guards flying while pulling carriages. And they are very fast! From being like ants in a distance sky in a matter of seconds, landing inside Ponyville Square in full armour.
Rainbow Dash's jaws drop seeing their incredible amount of speed, not as fast as she or the Wonderbolts...but these guys could give Rainbow Dash a flight for her money! Spirit salutes them which they quickly return back, then he looks towards the 'heroes' "in these, they are by far the fastest pegasi that the royal guard has to offer. It'll take a few minutes due to the extra weig-...I mean...more passengers will make it less quick."

The Mares stare at Spirit, from Joseph, Shadow and Spike's perspectives, more of death stares if they ever seen one. The gem dragon whistles to break the low atmosphere "soooo...throwing away the fact Spirit almost insulted the mares, this seems like it'll give us a better fighting chance."

Joe nods in agreement "yeah, we better get a move on because that energy above is getting bigger slowly but surely..."

Everyone agrees to all of this and all of them hugging each other, hoping they stay well and come back home. The whole of Ponyville cheering the and also giving small hugs and hopeful wellbeing. Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Rarity all stare at Joe one more time, seeing him in armour was difficult to actually see...but it makes Joseph look older and confident, their stares making the boy slightly uncomfortable "w-what is it?"

Twilight Sparkle snorts and waves it off "just come back without a scratch."

Spirit stomps his hoof to cause a slight rumble in the ground "COME ON! TODAY!" he screams impatiently, pointing towards the carriages.

Spike groans "alright, alright...we're coming."

They all go into their designated carriages for their groups, Spike and Twilight Sparkle quickly sit together, giving nervous looks as the little gem dragon hugs her.

Spirit, Rarity and even Pinkie sit in their own carriage much to the large unicorn's dismay, the pink earth pony giggles and bounces around "MR SPIRIT! WANT SOME CUPCA-"

"Stop it..." Spirit moans painfully, shivering at the mention of a certain treat, now Rarity dreads the whole ride if it's like this.

The rainbow coloured mane and tail pegasi reluctantly steps into the cartridge with Shadow Breeze and Fluttershy "ugh...we can just fly to Canterlot! We're fast enough!" Rainbow Dash says.

Fluttershy surprisingly speaks in a very calm manner but direct "we aren't nearly as fast as you Rainbow Dash, this is a better way to conserve our strength...it's not about showing off, it's about saving our land and people."

Rainbow Dash couldn't bring words in response to that, rarely would her close friend say something so direct but truly meaningful in a dire time. The blue pegasi quietly nods, looking down in thought.
Joseph Brooklyn and Applejack sat together in the carries, the mares gives a nervous smile "ah guess this it, we're goin' to fight...and it's fightin' for our lives."

The human sighs sadly, indeed it is, the more he thinks about it the more thoughts that some ponies...won't make it back because of this battle "we won't be able to save everypony, but...we have to try save many as possible. I brought this all upon you all, I'm sorry."

Applejack wraps an arm around Joe and gently bops his nose "quiet! Ain't nothin' you can do now sugercube. Like yer said, save as many as we can and we will! You on the other hoof better come back or else we'll do more than raspberries-"

Joseph blushes and hugs her face into his chest, muffling her speech "A-Applejack, s-so silly sometimes, making stuff up!"

Now that everypony is set up in their carriges, Spirit barks out a command for the guard to set off. They flap their wings and start galloping to pick up speed, once they have enough, all of them jump into the air and run like Santa's reindeer. This is an official signal that things have become serious, they all are at war against Discord and his armies. They have never felt so nervous before in their lives.
Spike is still hugging Twilight Sparkle, showing how much she means to him which Twilight returns in full, giving a kiss to his head while stroking it gently. The gem dragon notices Rarity's carriage next to his, both able to each other 'Rarity...please come back safe to me' he thought.

Rarity stares in sorrow and love, touching the glass with her hoof 'Spikey Wikey, try not to do anything crazy while I'm away...I know you.'

Spike smiles weakly, also touching his window glass with a clawed hand and whispers very quietly, hoping the unicorn can read lips. And as he finished whispering, their carriages pulls apart and shoots off into the distance, heading for the designated locations.

The white mare looks away slowly, touching her chest gently, thinking about what Spike just said to her "I love you too Spike" Rarity whispers.

---

Equestria, Canterlot

Princess Celestia and Princesss Luna are standing on their balcony, watching the massive swarms of their guard galloping, flying and teleporting away for the locations that the sources of energy beamns are shooting. It is time...Celestia can only hope things will turn out right "Luna, we have to go to each of the sources of light."

Luna looks up in a worried expression "are you certain of this? Lorewalker told us to stay here and allow our guards to aid Spirit's guards standing by in the locations. And there ill be traps just waiting for us!"

The taller princess nods confidently "yes Luna, but with out help due to our strong magic, it should speed things up and find out exactly what to do. And of course I'm prepared for those, but we cannot stand idly while our little ponies are in danger" Celestia explained, doing her best for a clam tone as normal.

Princess Luna looks out once more, watching her royal subjects go into battle and the ponies looking fearful for the event. She couldn't blame them, it's as if her being Nightmare Moon returns to bring desolation across Equestria. Luna feels depressed just thinking about past events, instead it'll be Discord's doing. Whatever he has planned, Luna and Celestia knows it will be the end until somehow, somewhere, a new generation could rise.
Celestia lowers her head to rub Luna's face "sister, please don't think such thoughts. I can't bear to see you suffering from them."

Luna rubs back, she knew Celestia could feel the emotions pouring out like fire burning a scented candle "I am sorry Tia...I've delayed us for too long, we should properly get going?"

Princess Celestia smiles slightly "yes, we have a lot of ground to cover, but with you help we can instantly teleport to Manehattan and stop the invaders with our magic."

The princess of the Moon nods, her horn starts glowing a bright blue and Celestia follows likewise, building enough magical energy and their horns touch. However, nothing happens! Celestia and Luna gasp loudly in utter shock "w-what happened!? We're suppose to be in Manehattan by now!"

Suddenly, they hear mad laughter coming from all around, it sounds too familiar...Discord! Celestia grits her teeth and snarls "Discord! You dare do this to Equestria!? Show yourself!" she yells, a rare trait from Celestia, surprising even Luna.

Discord appears in front of them a few metres away out of nowhere, still holding the evil grin he had from their re-encounter "why hello ladies! I see you're sending most of your littl guards to do some dirty work, but so were you! I Quote...'were' "

Celestia suddenly feels another presence enter the room, this time a ball of darkness appears out of nowhere and out comes a figure dressed in a silver suit and hair touching shoulder. The mask is still on, almost taunting Celestia and Luna "we meet again, Princesses. And today, this will be your last."

Luna's eyes flare with anger and her horn glows, firing a powerful spell that shoots towards Discord and M "we shall see!"

Discord loses his cocky grin and turns serious, although regaining some of his power, it's still not enough to defeat a lone princess. Relaying on his cunning and The Man, Discord disappears and reappears behind Luna, now wielding a ball of energy and goes to slam it down on the princess "take this-OOOFF!"

Luna smirks, she hind kicked Discord's stomach that sends him crashing towards the wall but he manages to recompose himself and coughs "Argh! Why you...learned a few tricks!"

The Man dashes towards Luna, jumping high into the air and prepares a heel drop kick against an unaware Luna. Suddenly Celestia appears in front of him and blasts a strong magical light that slams M into the ground and then fires a beam of energy upon the Man!

Loud groans are heard and Discord suddenly feels fear 'this isn't how it was suppose to happen! When did they learn new tricks!? Darn...I been away for so long that they were able to practise...Luna!? In such a short amount of time, she's a fast learner!' he thought furiously.

The ground starts to rumble, making all three look back at the hole Celestia made, M smashes through and soars into the air once more, landing next to Discord "that was surprising, I never thought you two would prove a challenge" M growls.

Princess Celestia stands tall and proud "Oh trust me you two, you haven't even seen what we can REALLY do. Especially since you angered both of us."

M chuckles loudly, reaching for something in his pocket and looks at it, dark crystals "Hmm...not many left Lord Discord, and I can't make more unless I'm in my realm. Looks like we'll be using more than I expect!" he says, taking two of them and crushes them.

Discord now feels a warmth that slowly envelopes all around him, entering his body "Yes, YES! Time to get serious!" he yells, feeling an incredible sensation of having twisted dark power.

Luna and Celestia quietly observe what M was doing, learning their tactics. Those crystals are nothing like the duo had seen before, wherever they're from...those small things are giving enough power to make both even stronger than before! But the two princesses didn't flinch nor step back, standing vigilant and true "you may be stronger than before, but we are the daughters of Princess Faust! We will NOT be defeated by the likes of evil!" Celestia and Luna shouts, flaring up their magic with the horns and charging towards Discord and The Man.

---

Equestria, White Tail Woods

Twilight and Spike stares out of the windows, thinking deeply. How should they feel? Fear of course! But about what could actually happen to them, their friends and everypony around, can they be saved?

'Never in my entire life was I expecting a battle in my homeland, seeing everypomy, my friends and letters from my family in such fear! What am going to do?' the mare thinks.

Spike is also having trouble coming to terms again 'Dude, this isn't fighting off Diamond Dogs to save somepony I love. But I'm trying to save the lives of many people! I-I don't think I can do this at all!'

Mother and Son share a look at each other, knowing they're thinking the same thoughts "Mom...no...Twilight, How're you holding up?" he asks.

Twilight Sparkle simply shrugs, shaking her head slightly "scared, depressed, thinking for the worst...I seriously don't expect much to happen, even if we somehow win this...Equestria won't be the same again."

Spike frowns hearing this, a part of him agrees with Twilight, Equestria won't be the same after this in both sides. The current generation will live through this or end up as something for Discord's amusement "that last part is true Twilight, but the best thing we all are meant to do is uphold the peace, protect the innocent and deflect evil. Even at the cost of our lives. Yeah...I'm scared, I don't wanna die and I can't seriously think I can do this...but Master Chardonnay once said to pupils 'Do, or do not.' So let's just...just...do it!"

The unicorn embraces Spike lovingly "Spike, you're still a baby dragon-"

"Oh, I am? Well thanks?" he groans.

Twilight Sparkle gently bops his nose "not finished yet little guy, I was going to say you sure have changed a lot ever since you came back from Xenthur. Grown up in a way."

The Gem dragon shyly scratches his head "hehe, thanks Twi!' Life isn't something that should be wasted, so I'm just happy to be part of it and enjoy the adventure."

Suddenly they feel slightly bumps; it must mean they've arrived at White Tail. Spike and Twilight steps out of the carriage and sees the entrance for White Tail Woods, then towards armoured pegasi "you guys coming with us?" Spike asks curiously.

"No, we're too tired from doing all this travel, we need a while to rest and although we're trained to fight, we were built for speed" one of the guards said in their usual monotone voice.

Spike goes up close to their faces "So? Get some rest and use speed to your advantaaaAAAGH!" he feels purple magic gripping his tail and carrying Spike away with Twilight.

Twilight tuts in response "do you HAVE to scold the guards who BROUGHT us here?"

"Well either that or people might start questioning if the guy who thought of this whole idea is smart or just an idiot!" Spike pouts, folding arms looking cross.

Twilight looks back worryingly "please don't tell me you're calling General Spirit an idiot?"

Spike grins cheekily "oh no, the other guy!"

The purple unicorn growls frustratingly "Ugh! We don't need another Pinkie Pie Spike! Let's PLEASE save the world already!?" Twilight yells.

---

Trixie and the group of Dark Walkers are surrounding a group of native Ponies looking fearful, but the blue unicorn smiles and flaunts her mane "if you all remain quiet and serve the great and powerful Trixie, your lives will be spared! I vow you this so do not say I didn't do anything for you."

A Dark Walker Pony quickly trots up to Trixie and bows it's head "Great and Powerful Trixie! The Extractor is still running as predicted! Further orders?"

Trixie smiles "Good work! Ensure the others don't interfere with our plans."

She starts motioning towards Ponies staring down at them in the trees "they wouldn't dare jump on us due to our magical abilities and the lives in our hooves. Just...don't do anything to them prisoners unless they rebel!"

The Dark Walker bows again and skulks away, leaving Trixie sitting down with pride and relaxes "soon, Twilight Sparkle will beg at my hooves and say I am the greatest! Ohohoho! OW!" a tree sapling drops onto her nose and rubs "curse you nature!"

Some Dark Walkers surrounding them prisoners sweat drop and whisper "that's our leader..."

Deep into the woods, the native ponies can only one thing and that is stare in hope something will turn out in their favour, but hopes are at an all time low. The Dark Walkers suddenly appeared in their home and started to destroy their tree huts, taking family members prisoners which caught everypony off guard...one mistake and somepony could get seriously hurt.
A native climbs over quietly to the elder and whispers "We can't just do anything elder!"

"What else do you suggest without getting them hurt?" The Elder asks in a weak but firm voice.

"I got an idea" Spike chimes in with a sly smile, almost causing them natives to fell and yell out in shock.

The Elder grabs hold of the branch and scolds "w-w-what are you doing!?"

Spike simply makes a thumbs up "no worries! I have a few surprises for those losers!"

Like a flash, the little gem dragon jumps down onto the ground dashes off faster than most ponies could run. The natives could only tense in horror, fearing the dragon will do something rash to endanger their family members.
Spike Sparkle stands tall in front of the Dark Walkers who all seem to look at him thoughtfully "huh? What's the little pipsqueak doing? Get lost or else we'll roast these ponies!" a cloaked mare shouts.

The gem dragon picks up a big rock and small rock, holding them up to show "I have a question for you all, which will hit the ground first? The Big one, small one or...you all?"

The Dark Walkers pause for a brief moment, almost feeling fear from that threat but laugh loudly once realising it's just a baby dragon "Ha! Would like to see you try!"

Spike smiles, closing his eyes and breathes steady...listening and feeling the environment around him, concentrating energy deep within. He lets go of the rocks and they fall, suddenly Spike shoots off like a flash! He uses his extendible pole to hit the all Dark Walker's heads with incredible speed! The Gem dragon comes to a sudden stop, making skid marks. He adjust his pole back to normal, in synchronisation with the rocks and also the Dark Walkers falling "Both rocks despite size, hit the ground at the same time, including you lot" he says, grinning like a child.

The cloaked ponies fall onto the ground with loud thuds and groaning in pain, all holding their heads but some who accidentally hit their heads too hard on the ground become knocked out. The Native ponies' jaws drop in awe, never have they seen something so fast, just blinking only made most miss the event! "W-what in Equestria!? How did he do that!?"

However, some of the Dark Walkers managed to stand back up, albeit making effort to stand straight "y...you little runt! We're going to break you!" they scream, charging towards Spike.

Twilight Sparkle runs in front of Spike looking rather cross and determined "oh no you don't! No one harms my boy!" she yells, her horn glowing brighter than ever before.

Trixie's eyes open slowly, finally breaking her daydreaming "Ugh! Whoever is distracting the great and powerful Trixie will face my wr-" she said, stopping when seeing somepony familiar.

Dark Walkers are all in mid air, held by Twilight's powerful magic and beg for Trixie to help them break free. But Trixie is too shocked to do anything, resulting them being thrown across into the sky, far as the eye can see. The remaining Dark Walkers lose all hope when seeing two stronger beings and run off into the woods, only to meet the angry natives of White Tail, yelling loudly.

"You...Twilight Sparkle!" Trixie says venomously.

Twilight Sparkle's eyes meets with the blue mare's, looking equally as shocked "wait...Trixie? What are you doing...why...wait...y-you're with Discord and M!? How could you!?"

Trixie laughs loudly, walking slowly around her rival "Why do you think? For revenge! Ever since that day you humiliated me! Made me like some sort of helpless and pathetic filly! You thought by showing off...it would make me simply forgot it ever happened? No Twilight Sparkle, you only set a rivalry I will ensure to see myself superior to you! Look around! I hold all the cards and have prisoners-"

Spike giggles, wagging his finger "Nuh uh! They're safe behind me!"

The blue unicorn sees her prisoners freed and running off into the woods, she looks back seeing nothing there and stares back at Spike and Twilight, obviously not expecting this to happen "What!? You...You...WILL PAY!"

Twilight Sparkle stands firm, looking more determined than ever "please Trixie, don't make me do this...I beat you once and I will do it again to save the lives of innocent ponies. Don't you see? You're helping to cause great harm to others that aren't involved with us!"

Trixie for a brief moment realises what she truly had done, but it's too late, the damage has been done and there is no way she will be walking away freely "...I done this, only so I can have my revenge on you, and I won't let this go to waste!" she yells, dissapearing.

Twilight looks around, trying to search for her rival "Trixie, I can sense that you grown more powerful by training."

Trixie suddenly appears behind Twilight and shoots a beam of energy "take this!"

But the purple mare makes a shield and deflects the energy spell, spinning around to cast her own spell but Trixie manages to shield herself as well "I've been training too, maybe not intensely as anypony...but if you think I'm going to let you do this...because of revenge? I will use every amount of magic I have! I will ask one more time, stop this" says Twilight, almost having a threatening tone.

"W-Will you now? Interesting Twilight Sparkle! The great and powerful Trixie shall use all of her magic to beat you like a worm!" Trixie yells, concentrating hard.

Twilight suddenly feels her hooves behind sucked into the ground, unable to pull them out. But she didn't gasp and look shocked, just staring at Trixie "Trixie..."

Trixie's whole body starts glow a blue aura, slowly lifting herself off the ground and smirks "w-witness what the Dark Walkers have taught me! AHHH!"

The blue mare begins to focus all of her energy into her horn, chuckling loudly as she glares down "any last words!?"

Spike watches intensely, wanting to jump in and help his mother but remembers from training that one must discover their own inner coming 'come on Twilight...stop scaring me like this'

"SO BE IT! GOODBYE TWILIGHT SPARKLE!" Trixie yells loudly, firing an incredible massive beam of magic towards her rival.

The beam blasts into the ground; not stopping until the blue unicorn is certain Twilight is nothing more than the earth itself 'Yes! YES! I DID IT! I WON!' thought Trixie, loweing herself down.

When Spike watches the massive beam fire at Twilight, he tried to stop but realises it was too late! He should of moved and reacted faster, now...Twilight is gone! The little gem dragon's lips quiver when seeing the dust "n-no...mom..."

They both hear hoof steps coming towards them slowly as the smoke clears, Twilight Sparkle appears to Spike and Trixie still holding that determination look. Spike quickly becomes happy and cheers loudly "You're okay! Yeah!"

But for Trixie who feels week and exhausted, scrunches her face up "no! That's not fair! How!?"

Twilight slowly walks into a cowering Trixie, every step sends shudders towards the blue mare "I may not have trained like crazy, but I tried, and when there are lives at stake because you just seek revenge to be superior? I won't others get hurt because of us! You had your chance Trixie, let me show you what I can do just as I did for the baby manticore!" And with that, Twilight clenches her teeth together and bursts our extensively strong magic.

Trixie suddenly feels purple aura surrounding her, gripping and binding onto her. The earth beneath them starts to gather around and a make shift prison cell is built, with Trixie as it's occupant. With the final touch of a purple ring around Trixie's horn, making her unable to use magic at all "no….no! Please! Let me go!"

Twilight Sparkle slumps due to using large amounts of magic, but Spike appears in front of her and holds her lovingly, nuzzling her neck.
"You did it mom! But...you haven't done anything like that since Trixie came to Ponyville?"

The tired mare smiles weakly and rests into Spike "when lives are at stake...especially something silly as grudges and revenge being part of this, I did not want to waste time and lives. Having that just...realise even further, the Elements of Harmony is more important than we actually thought."

Spike sees the extractor firing energy into the sky and gently carries Twilight over, hearing the cries and whaling of Trixie and seeing natives of White Tail Woods come forth "thought you'd never forget?"

"We never forget WHY we are the Elements of Harmony Spike, we...just forgot what it's supposed to be like. Look at Equestria now...this is what it truly means, to protect not only Ponyville or Canterlot, but all the ponies and living things in Equestria. Whenever it may be" says Twilight.

The baby dragon snorts, gently putting Twilight down near the Extractor "you sound like a princess! How about you ask Luna and Celestia to become Princess Twilight and be an alicorn?"

Twilight chuckles, shaking her head "thanks but, there is no way I could ever be a princess."

Natives of White Tail Wood gather around them, thanking them for saving them and helped cpature some Dark Walkers, the elder appears in front of Spike "so...this thing? What should we do to it?"

Spike smiles and extends his pole once more "alright everypony! Stand way back! I'm gonna destroy it!"

---

Equestria, Manehattan

As General Spirit, Rarity and Pinkie Pie's carriage lands on the ground the fields near Manehattan, not too far from the Extractor. The trio are sitting together, Rarity is rubbing her head and Spirit has a blank expression while Pinkie Pie is next to Spirit's head making the most annoying sound in Equestria. Doing it for nearly 2 minutes, sounding like an alarm unable to be turned off, Spirit suddenly bursts into rage "PINKIE! PINKIE PIE! STOP!"

Pinkie Pie giggles "What's up!?"

Spirit manages to retain his calm and sanity, staring at Rarity and the hyper active pony "listen, we're here and I need to make sure you two are ready!"

The pink pony smiles and shadow boxes "Oh yeah! Bring em' on! I brought my super duper air cannon that will cover them in icky stuff! ALL OF EM!'"

Rarity looks at Spirit questioningly "General, why am I here? What can I possibly do to help?"

Spirit walks with them two and starts explaining "when in comes to my magical abilities, I have...some, however like Twilight you do have good magical abilities, not as developed but still have the basics. If you put your all into them, you can be powerful too."

"Powerful? I don't really want to be stronger, just to continue enjoying what I do for a living and...Seeing Spike" said Rarity.

The large unicorn grunts "if you want to protect those you love, you better start learning because this isn't one island, it's a world. And this world is part of the universe."

Pinkie Pie bounces around them as usual, making spring noises whilst humming a tune "Oh! Oh! Spirit! When we find these ponies over that hill there, who's making the first move?"

"For once in your life Pinkie Pie, you make a great point. I have just the pony to start things off, Rarity!" exclaims Spirit, much to Rarity's shock.

"No! I can't!" the white mare says.

Spirit makes a quick stop, kneeling down to Rarity's level "poor Spikey Wikey, helpless, alone, hurt...crying for your help."

Rarity's eyes widen in horror "Spirit...don't you DARE."

"But you can't help him! You can't do anything useful; you're going to fail him including your friends! Because you're too spineless!" the General shouts, thinking it'll cause some reaction.

The purple mane mare flares up her eyes, giving Spirit a strong and painful smack to his face "how are you talking rubbish to me like that! You don't know me, my friends and especially Spike! If you want to see what I can do, watch and learn old pony!"

Spirit rubs his face with a grin 'there we go, a bit of anger can push even the spineless! Wait...where the hell did Pinkie Pie go?' he thought.

The 2nd Dark Walkers are bunkered down in around the Extractor, some having a chat, eating, patrolling and sleeping. While others are also patrolling the bridge to Manehattan, Glazer looks at some papers "those pesky Reserve Guards are causing us from wrecking havoc upon the city even thought we sent over half our force to the front. But if we manage keeping up with the magic bombardment, they'll have nothing left!"

"But ma'am, what if reinforcements from outside come?" a cloak asks.

Glazer waves it off carelessly "who cares? By the time we get there's enough energy to give for Discord! Even if they came earlier, we have the defensive advantage!"

"Miss Glazer! Look on the hill! There's a white mare glaring down on us!" a youngish cloak yelps.

The fiery mane pony Glazer stares closely, remembering from the Dragon event "Oh, why if it isn't Rarity! Remember me? We tried to kidnap you for Lord Discord!"

Rarity stares back, showing anger and horror "you caused...Spike to become that adult dragon! And why did you capture me?"

Glazer chuckles, walking closer to the hill "Lord Discord wanted to use you as bait and of course, to see how the lizard was doing power wise! While he turned into a dragon and beated us up wasn't part of the plan, we got good results."

The Dark Walker ponies glow their horns brightly, ready to fire on command "however the lizard isn't here to save you now. Any last words before we send you to your grave? You are outnumbered 45 to 1!" asks Glazer

"CHOCOLATE RAIN!" a voice shouts out.

Glazer blinks utterly confused, wondering where that sudden voice came from, nopony else in her group could find them "what the heck-" she is cut off by thick chocolate landing a few Dark Walkers.

In a blink of an eye, thick chocolate rains down upon the cloaked ponies, seeing their friends getting stuck in thick goo and run for cover. The chocolate quickly dries up, making the stuck ponies helpless.
Rarity smiles widely, looking above seeing Pinkie Pie however the skies using balloons whilst using a canon from nowhere that fires chocolate "Chocolate rain!~ The School books say it can't- OH! What am I doing?! Teehee! Don't wanna get into trouble do I?! CHOCS' AWAY!" shouts Pinkie Pie.

Rarity starts using her magic so that the chocolate blobs are guided towards Dark Walkers in cover. When managing to earn a few strikes, the purple mane unicorn feels a sense of victory "t-take that! F-for everything you're doing to everypony, my friends, family and for Spikey Wikey!" she bellows.

Out of, nowhere, water is surrounding the fields, touching the soles of Dark Walker hooves. In their mind water should not be able to be in this area, but Glazer gasps loudly "Quickly! Use your shield spells before-" she yells.

However, the water quickly turns into a strong stream, able to wash most Dark Walkers away and even some cling on to whatever they could hold. But Rarity sends the ones in the waves into the ocean by flicking them high up, hearing helpless screams and distance splashes "sorry darlings, I'll make swimsuits for you all next time" Rarity says confidently.

Glazer furiously grits her teeth together, this was not how it was suppose to happen! How could a mere weak fashion designer cause such damage to her unit!? When thinking more seriously about the white unicorn, she IS the element of generosity that helped defeat Nightmare Moon. There must be more power within Rarity, possibly in all of the Elements of Harmony!
"Y-You will pay for that worm! You lot still walking! Get your flanks up and start using your magic with me"Glazer screams, making the 9 remaining unicorns who used magic to save themselves.

Rarity steps back a bit, surprised to see a few left standing and shocked they're making a massive attack as a well "oh my..."

Glazer and the 9 ponies start to charge a dark energy blast towards the worried pony "heh, not so cocky now are you? All I ever want is to be more than I was before, by following orders, promises of having more magic to improve my life and become above those snobs! No matter how hard you work, being underprivileged against privileged ponies have a 100% chance of having a better life than of nothing!"

Rarity couldn't believe what she is hearing, the reason Glazer is with Discord because of a false promise of having a new and better life. Because some reason the wild mane pony is underprivileged and worked hard for something better.

The white mare has never heard this happening before, but there are some places in Equestria that have some harder lives to maintain "Glazer, what Discord told you were lies! You know he is playing with you! Please stop this and together we can help you..." she said.

Glazer looks at Rarity with a slight bit of hope, maybe, just maybe she was right? But she quickly returns back to her previous thoughts "n...nice try, but Discord and this M has shown me new abilities and so far showing me and the others something better. Discord can show something while your princesses hide in their castle!" she yells, about to fire the dark energy beam to Rarity.

All of a sudden, General Spirit appears in front of her! Her remaining Dark Walkers are on the floor unconscious, Glazer shivers in fear and steps back nervously "n...no..."

Spirit holding a Dark Walker's hood using his teeth speaks out "Hi, seems you all had fun? Chocolate and Rarity's magic. Impressive."

Pinkie Pie gently plops back onto the ground and smiles widely, trying not to look proud "Tehehe! Wow! ThatwassototallyawesomeandfunanddidyouseeRaritywashingthosemeaniesawa-"

Spirit shoves a carrot in her mouth "please be quiet, we just won and we don't need to die from your blabbering" he moans, feeling relieved when Rarity gallops over.

Glazer is sneaking away quiet until she feels something surround her and reeled back, soon facing Rarity who is holding her, General Spirit and a Pinkie Pie "w-wait! Please! I-I surrender! Please don't hurt me! I'll tell you anything!"

The large unicorn nods at Rarity, motioning something "well, your surrender is accepted. However, you rather enjoyed telling the ponies invading Manehattan to cause pain...to which I showed them what pain truly meant."

Glazer gulps nervously, hoping she wouldn't have to be dealt with General Spirit "p-please, Rarity, y-you heard my side of the story!"

Rarity nods slightly "yes darling, you did and to which I am truly sorry for. But I gave you a chance to join us, and you refused."

Spirit starts whispering something into Rarity's ear, making her eyes widen but slowly nodding. This time Rarity closes her eyes and her horn glows a dark shade of blue, causing Glazer to moan "w-what are you...you...doing to...me?" she asks drowsily, closing her eyes and starts snoring.

"Spirit? W-what did I just do?" asks Rarity with a hint of worry.

The General waves it off "it's a sleeping spell, strong but draining. Sorry I didn't tell you that too, but you learnt something new! That was from Chariot..."

Pinkie Pie gives a sad smile at Spirit, remembering him mentioning her name "Chariot, I bet she's really happy for you and Kirk huh? Yeah, she will be!"

Spirit stares at her, actually feeling positive about her choice of words "thank you Pinkie Pie, that was very thoughtful of you. But enough of that, I defeated the Dark Walkers who were trying to fight their way into Manehattan. My boys and the guards are taking care of them. It's that Extractor that needs to be dealt with now. Get away from this area, I will destroy it."

Pinkie Pie salutes "sir yes sir! Come on Rarity and lazy Glazy! Time to move!~" she giggles, bouncing off.

Rarity smiles slightly and shakes her head, putting Glazer on her back and galloping away over a hill.
General Spirit stares at the Extractor and smirks "time to see if I die from this or not!" he shouts, going to hind kick it.

---

Equestria, Cloudsdale

Lady Tara is sitting on a chair that overlooks the beautiful cloud city in flames, seeing her loyal soldiers flying around to search for runner ponies and destroy landmark locations. Her cool and composed expression hides the sense of achievement 'At last, they are proving themselves to be strong soldiers as predicted. Even the guards from that useless General Spirit is failing to stop us. But...I do not wish to waste my time and soldiers abilities over trivial matters. These ponies are not even worth the acknowledgement of being a punching bag' she thought deeply.

A griffon in armour lands in front of her, bowing respectively "Lady Tara, we are winning the battle, the pegasi are fleeing but we caught many and...giving an example to the rebellious."

Tara nods "very good soldier, carry on-"

But the griffon looks up with pleading eyes "Lady Tara, please tell us...are we going to escape the clutches of Discord and fight the real fight? I'm already tired of these weaklings!"

Lady Tara's wings spread out, making her overwhelm the lower rank soldier who is now fearing punishment but she gently pats his head "we will young one, it's just a matter of time and opportunity. With that disgusting M at his side, it's impossible...he is far too powerful for me to handle. We shall leave once these ponies understand we are the true griffons to rule our land!"

Other soldiers float over to he, bow their heads down gracefully "we are here at your side as always our lady" they say in union.

A female armoured griffon rushes towards them "my Lady Tara! Our observers have noticed a carriage coming to Cloudsdale fast! Just to your left!"

Lady Tara quickly sits up and strides over to the left side balcony with her body guards hidden away in shadows. She calmly stares out into the distance, analysing any possible threats "Hmm...I see something in the distance, appears to be stopping. Hmph, send some soldiers over and sort that out."

A handful of standing griffons fly up into the air and dash towards their designated location, assured their victory is swift.

But with the carriage, Shadow Breeze, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are flying away from it in hope they can build a strategy. They wave off the carriage so that it can retreat to a safe location, Shadow Breeze flies towards a cloud with his friends "okay, let's sit here and think of something."

Rainbow Dash frowns, annoyed they must wait and form a plan "really? Look at Cloudsdale! Most buildings are destroyed and I can see places on fire! Spirit's guards didn't do much at all for our home!"

Fluttershy gently places a hoof on her friend's soldier "please Rainbow Dash, that is the reason we have to think of a plan. If Spirit's guards and local guards couldn't fend off most of the griffons, we're dealing with something more...more...advanced" she says calmly as she can, seeing her former home in flames.

"Then, it has to be really well trained griffons...we...gotta try and give it our all against them, seeing if distractions and traps can work" Shadow says.

Rainbow Dash smiles widely "jeez, since when did you become a thinker?"

Shadow Breeze blushes faintly "h-hey! My granddad taught me things when I was younger even fighting...but I forgot some of it" he says shamefully, knowing his grandfather would yell at him for forgetting.

Fluttershy looks back at Cloudsdale another time but squints her eyes, seeing some things coming to them "guys? I think somethings coming."

As they focus sights where Fluttershy is pointing, black dots slowly grow bigger as they get closer. They all appear to have wings flapping against the air, shining armour...these were no standard griffons as Spirit said, these are highly trained and ready for combat!
Rainbow Dash grits her teeth furiously "so they're invading our old home? I swear it's payback time!"

"There's a lot of them, which means I'm going to have to use my...abilities against them, it'll take a massive toll on me" Shadow says, closing his eyes in concentration.

Fluttershy hugs her close friend, kissing his cheek "Shadow, please be thoughtful about this."

Rainbow Dash scoffs at this "c'mon Fluttershy, he knows what he's doing, most of the time. We gotta get ready and beat those invaders!"

Shadow Breeze suddenly opens his eyes, snapping his head to the right "wait...reinforcements!"

Out of nowhere from behind massive clouds in the distance, Royal Guard pegasi fly out as if they're swarms of bees. They appear to have an equal amount of ponies to go against the griffons, from what they are seeing so far "w-wait...t-they're the reinforcements Spirit was talking about" Fluttershy speaks out.

A commanding officer floats in front of them "sorry for the delay, we're one of the reinforcements sent to assist in certain locations. We were the fastest to arrive for you all."

Shadow Breeze smiles with relief, happy they have extra pair of hooves to help "thank you sir, we need to stop those guys from causing destruction in Cloudsdale and the extractor in the city!"

"I guessed, we can handle it from here kids, sit back and-"

Rainbow Dash shakes her head, glaring at the commanding Pegasus "no! We're part of this too, it's our old home, we're tougher than you think!"

The Commanding Officer sighs frustratingly "fine, don't say I didn't advise you all, we're all charging now so get to it!" he yells, charging to the flying group of Griffons.

Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Shadow Breeze gives looks to see if they still should join the effort "let's do this!" they say together.

The trio starts flapping their wings and dashing across, feelings of fear and anger return...no going back now! It's either surrender or die trying!
Rainbow Dash goes as fast as she can, getting a few hits while speeding through armoured griffons, some falling down and hurt from the velocity of her kicks. Suddenly a few griffons notices the rainbow mane pony and flies after Rainbow Dash "uh oh, they're pretty fast...but not as fast as me!"

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth and closing eyes tightly, feeling something inside swelling up...and she releases! Creating a massive bang, sending dark clouds away from Cloudsdale that is greet by Celestia's sun "y-yes! I-I did it again! Now to kick some flank!" the pegasi cheers.

Fluttershy is surrounded by 15 griffons who are floating, holding evil grins and laughing at her "look at the poor thing! Hasn't seen real combat! I think she's afraid of her own shadow! HA!" a female griffon mocks, earning more laughs.

But the yellow pony stares blankly, wanting to know something ever since Spirit told her "pleas tell, what are you doing to these poor ponies? Nature? And the animals?"

The armoured griffons look at each other and laugh some more "all suffering! You all deserve this...helping the government from beating us rebels and banishing-...hey...what's up with her?" one says, seeing Fluttershy shiver.

"y...you...did it for...the old days? Hurting others and things that have nothing to do with anything at all!?" Fluttershy snaps, her mane covering her eyes.

Now looking to his left, he sees the armoured ponies winning against the griffons and even the reinforcements from Cloudsdale. Shadow Breeze closes his eyes once more, trying to open up his- "ARGH!" he shouts.

Lady Tara scratches Shadow Breeze's back, smiling wickedly "never let your guard down in the middle of a battle, pony" said Tara, rather smugly.

Shadow dashes away, turning to his attacker and stares in awe "wait, you're Lady Tara! Once part of the Noble Army and Rebel Force!"

Tara smiles curiously, happy her reputation is known to some "And I thought was all but forgotten!"

"Why are you attacking? Why Discord of all things!?" Shadow Breeze demands.

The female griffon chuckles softly, looking around at her soldiers fending off the royal guards "Because I want revenge on your own little ponies and beloved Princess Celestia, she aupported the government and gave them resources. A secret meeting, the only time she contacted someone else outside of Equestria. We were helpless, the government beat us Rebels. Defeated, Humiliated, Disgraced ans banished from our own homeland."

Shadow Breeze feels Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash floating next to him, staying at this side "if it was secret meeting, we didn't know about it!"

Lady Tara glares menacingly "silence! You all stand United, correct? Then everything she does is because her thoughts are within you all, meaning you all take the blame."

Rainbow Dash shares a glare at Tara "you're...so stupid, thinking of an excuse...and it's not even good enough!"

"Please miss, give up and everything can be better for all of us" Fluttershy pleas for a good ending.

Lady Tara smiles widely, turning her back on them. Her wings quickly expand out and flies up high, causing the trio to be blinded by the sun. Tara flies downward at incredible speed, charging into Shadow Breeze! Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy shrieks seeing this "Shadow!"

Shadow gaps with pain, feeling Tara digging her claws in "s... stop this!" he screams.

Tara grins devilish but changes for confusion, she feels something off about this one. She then hears wings flapping rapidly besides her and sees the blue and yellow ponies, looking angry.

"Claws off!" They shout, slamming their hooves into Tara's head.

"AAAAARGH!" Tara screamed in agony, falling into a cloud.

Shadow Breeze is being supported by his two friends "thanks guys...I need to end this…"

Rainbow Dash gives a worrying look "Shadow, no…"

"No Rainbow Dash, I'm fine...besides, this is a battle we gotta win and I'd rather go all out then letting Tara going Scot free!" Shadow yells, eyes glowing faint white and his body is surrounded by black aura of some kind.

Lady Tara regains her senses, still feeling the intensive pain "you...caught me off guard! Get over here!" She flies into the air but stops midway.

Shadow Breeze see the shock on Tara's face, he concentrates bringing out two tendrils out from his aura. They start hitting Lady Tara with lightning fast speed, making her yell painfully, then he wraps them around her tightly. Hesitating for a moment, Shadow Breeze decides to throw her towards the ground... accidentally making Tara falling towards the Extractor.

Fluttershy covers her mouth "oh no! Shadow!"

---

Equestria, Appleloosa

Joseph Brooklyn and Applejack are about to hit for landing, they take glances at each other to see emotions of fear, determination or even anger. Just like their friends, they're nervous and worrying about everypony's safety. For Applejack it's not that she hasn't been in tough situatations before, since Nightmare Moon. But today is much different and may changer her life forever 'Gosh...Ah really must fight in order to save mah family and friends. But this ain't no game, worse than Nightmare Moon! Ah just hope nothin' bad will happen to anypony. Wait...Joe's shakin'!' she thought, seeing Joe shivering.

Joe gulps nervously, if confessing his sins in front of his friends and Ponyville wasn't bad enough, try jumping into a massive battle where it means life or death for everypony on this island and soon planet. He ponders what The Man might so 'h-he may try to do what he did to me, again, it's my fault and I have to fix this. Everypony is suffering because I'm here, I swear I'll-'

Applejack gently places her hoof on top of his hand, causing the human to look at her smiling face "ah know that face sugercube, don't think whatever yer thinkin', We all forgive ya and will help yer all the way. Besides, ah kinda wanna see what good the work did for ya!" she says, gently touching his arms.

"Thank you Applejack, I swear once this is all over...I'm buying dinner for you all" says Joe.

The earth laughs and feels their carriage landed "Ah thought ya wanted me to show yer mah rope tricks!" she chuckles, stepping.

Joe blushes pink and blinks "w-what? I-I did?" he says, stepping out with her.

Both of them see Appleloosa, some of the land and trees destroyed and looking further ahead, the town's building are damaged and a few burning. Applejack's lips quiver, a tear dropping down "n-no..."

Joseph kneels to her and hugs her "Applejack, we're here now...we'll find ponies and must destroy the extractor."

Suddenly they see Diamond Dogs in armour facing off against what Joe thinks of the law enforcers in cover, throwing pies and rocks "they're putting up a fight! Wait...Look! Reinforcements!" he shouts, pointing to galloping guards heading towards Appleloosa.

Applejack's nostrils flare, stomping her hoof "Joe! Get on mah back! We're charging through!"

The boy quickly although reluctantly lays on her back "H-Hold on! AHHHHH!" Joe screams, feeling the mare running at an incredible speed!

Some of the Diamond Dogs wearing their full armour are taking cover behind hills, stocks, wagons and trees, trying to see if an opening is available. While most were able to cause massive damage, the resistance was fierce...they were putting up a fight which surprises even their leader Eitrig. One of the Diamond Dog soldiers looks towards Eitrig on a small hill outside, giving orders on where to attack or infiltrate. However, he did not notice the incoming swarm of Royal Guard reinforcements "Eitrig! Behind us!"

Eitrig hears the soldier's warning and growls, spinning around "HA! I was starting to think we wouldn't get a REAL challenge!" he yells.

Some of the soldiers look at each other, rubbing their faces with embarrassment 'But we were pushed back...' they all thought.

"FIGHT!" Their leader screams, roaring like a king rallying his men.

The Royal Guard yells loudly and start colliding with the Diamond Dogs, all exchanging blow after blow. Eitrig growls loudly, stomping through the fighting and effortless swatting away any unicorn, pegasi and earth pony standing in his way "where is your leader!?" he demands, voice booming across.

Applejack charges into the fray, battle crying and using her rope. She jumps high into the air and Joseph Brooklyn jumps off her back, the orange mare sees two Diamonds Dogs yelling at a pony charging down towards them. Applejack smirks and lands on them, making a strong slamming noise that makes a lot turn around to see the mare "so...y'all lil' doggies invadin' mah family's heritage? Ya got another thing comin'!"

Joe lands on the ground besides her and runs up to unsuspecting Diamond Dogs and swiftly kicks their heads, colliding them with others. A few get angry and go to punch the human, but Joe swiftly blocks their attacks with ease and accurately punches them away like a river flow in motion. Applejack, Royal Guards and the Diamond Dogs eyes widen, never before have they seen someone fight so differently yet effectively.
The human looks at his hands in awe, for the first time in his entire life...Joe has truly found meaning within himself. Determination, his friends, his father and all the ponies who helped him living in Equestria. Today he swears as a new Guardian of Equestria, Joseph Brooklyn will correct his wrongs for good and stop Discord and M. The human starts motioning his arms, legs and hands almost dancing gracefully...and stops, bowing slowly "there is no need to fight anymore, but if you must then I too must do so...uh...quote from Grand Master Chardonnay."

Applejack smiles widely at him, impressed with his fighting skills and humoured by quoting a friend "hope yer got more moves under there sugercube! They seem to be gatherin'!"

"Trust me Applejack, that was just a honourable fighting bow" says Joe, running to the Diamond Dogs with Applejack and the Guards.

Eitrig is watching all this carefully, seeing the human fight...it's all coming back to him now! That armour, just like the day they fought, the style but not arrogant 'You...Kirk! Ever since you shown your face in my mines, you had a death wish coming back to you! After what you've done to me, you will pay!' he thought furiously.

Jospeh and Applejack with the Guards are still fighting, having the clear edge thanks to Joe's fighting skills and his friend's skills using rope and powerful kicks. But Eitrig is slowly stomping towards the heroic group, pointing a finger and the human, bellowing out "YOU!"

Everypony stops fighting, staring silently at Eitrig who is still pointing at Joe "You...finally decided to show your face again! How I longed this moment, a chance to fight you once again, Kirk!"

They all look to Joe, wondering what is going on, especially Applejack giving a questioning look "Kirk? Wait, ah remember again, y'all were blabberin' on about how he was the first human many years ago? Hey mister! Yer got the wrong guy!"

"Silence pony! I remember a face when I see one! And it's the once I hate more than my own mother!" Eitrig yells, cracking his knuckles in preparation.

Joseph Brooklyn calmly steps forward and looks up at Eitrig "tell me, why do you hate Kirk so much? Because he defeated in you battle?"

Eitrig slams a fist next to Joe, not phasing the human one bit "DON'T PLAY GAMES WITH ME KIRK! When we were fighting in the caves near Ponyville, you humiliated me in front of my people and took away my pride! When you punched me off a cliff, you saved my life from death!"

Joe blinks at the larger Diamond Dog and looks down, thinking long and hard about Eitrig's reasons "you...hate Kirk because he saved your life?"

"YOU! YOU LET ME LIVE IN SHAME! SUFFER! HEIL EITRIG!" Eitrig roars, bringing a punch to Joe's face.

The human quickly grabs hold of Eitrig's giant hand and punches his face, then letting go and spin kicking the Diamond Dog. This makes him more and more angry, Eitrig this time focuses on landing punches on Joe but are being blocked. However Joseph is almost struggling to keep up blocking and maintaining Eitrig's strength, giving the Diamond Dog an opening.
"Take this!" the Diamond Dogs roars, upper cutting Joe's chin and punches his stomach.

Applejack quickly catches Joe, panicking for his condition "J-Joe! Are you alright!?"

Joe looks at his friend, nodding "yes, I'm okay...his strength is actually more than I expected and he had been training after all this time I suppose. But...Chardonnay once demonstrated a fighting style just for this type of style from Eitrig."

The Diamond Dog soldiers are about to intervene until Eitrig commands they must back away, fight the Royal Guards "no...this is between Kirk and Me!"

Joseph Brooklyn exhales slowly, then performs stylish moves using his arms and legs...smoothly coming a stop with his hands, arms and legs pointing stiffly with a leg slightly raised "Way of the Spider!"

Eitrig grunts in confusion 'What!? This looks familiar but it's different! What did he use...Show...lin...Tiger? ARGH! STUPID NAMES!'

When the giant leader goes in for another another, Joseph suddenly moves with lightning fast agility, dabbing his punches away and dabs strongly into certain areas of Eitrig's body "ARGH! Why you little!"

The human boy jumps up and does a straight kick to Eitrig's face, then swiftly dabs his entire body then elbows the face.
Eitrig howls in pain, touching his nose seeing small amount of blood "y-you...YOU!...w-what? My arms...I can't move them!?"

Joe stares at them calmly "it...took more than I expected, then again this is my first time doing this to you so, I had to strike all over you to see if your vital points could black your nervous system. This is temporary if I think back..."

Applejack appears out of nowhere and lassos around Eitrig, pulling with her teeth to tie him in place. This makes the leader yelp surprised at this, forgetting all about the pony "release me pony!"

"No...ah had enough seeing you try an' hurt mah friend Joe and causin' so much pain to others! Look around yer fool! Yer lost the battle! You may of burnt a few buildings and even ponies here, you never destroyed our will...and friendship" Applejack says lowly.

Joseph steps in front Eitrig's face, both staring deeply into their eyes "I am not Kirk...My name is Joseph Brooklyn, I am...not perfect and never will be, but know this. If anyone ever attempts to hurt the ones I care about and others around me, I will stop at NOTHING to save them!" he shouts, punching Eitrig in the face full force.

"AHHHH!" Eitrig screams painly, crashing towards Applejack who is still holding the rope/

The mare grins and turns around quickly, rubbing her hind legs on the earth "this is for invadin' lands that don't belong to ya!"

Eitrig suddenly feels a powerful force kicking his stomach! Gasping out all the air, thinking back to the days when he ruled with an Iron Fist "curse...you...ugh..." he gasps out, fainting on the ground.

Applejack looks down at the fallen Diamond Dog and moves him with a foreleg, seeing if Eitrig is still awake. But those two major attacks finally made the beast unconscious, the orange earth pony proceeds hog tying Eitrig up "gosh...d-did we actually do all that Joe?"

Joseph slowly walk next to Applejack and places a hand on her back "we...did...look around now, the soldiers have lost their courage to fight. I guess in a way Eitrig was keeping their moral up, but the ponies here are...stubborn enough to force the Diamond Dogs out long enough for us to arrive."

The mare chuckles at Joe "see, we country ponies ain't half bad...thought ah taught yer properly ya big armoured lug!" she says playfully nudging his armoured leg.

Joe laughs a bit, blushing faintly and then hears many hoof steps, turning around he sees the many villagers smiling and cheering for Joe, Applejack and the Royal Guard for helping "YEEHAWW! Butter mah biscuits! Applejack came back with that ol' human boy and some fancy shining ponies!" a sheriff cheers.

A stallion gallops out and hugs Applejack "Cousin! Well Ah'll be! Ya came to visit, or rather save us during an invasion!"

Applejack gasps loudly, pulling back to see her cousin "Braeburn!? Whoa...ya got a bandage around yer head!"

Braeburn grins widely as possible, his big green eyes sparkling in joy. It is true, a bandage is covering his gamboge colour mane and having a few scratches and dirt on his light gold coat "ain't nothin' ah can't handle cousin! So happy you're here under...unfortunate conditions. So...this yer human friend? Ah heard his name's Joseph Brooklyn from a dot called Earth! Nice to meet ya!" he says, offering hoof to shake.

"u-uh...thank you Mr Braeburn, you're Applejack's cousin if I heard right?" asks Joe, shaking his hoof.

Braeburn nods in excitement, never seeing anything like Joe before and from the moves he pulled on Eitrig. This human is a member and friend of Appleloosa "so, are ya and mah cousin...datin'?" he asks genuinely.

Joe and Applejack's faces go bright red as an apple, shaking their heads "No! We're just good friends!"

The town laughs whole heartedly but turn their attention towards the extractor that's making apples fall off their trees and the land turning greyish. Braeburn guides everyone over to the Extractor "this is the thing they been guardin' until the big guy wanted all doggies to take back the town. What should we do to it?" asks Braeburn.

"General Spirit's orders are to destroy it at any costs, everypony please stay here behind me...I'm going to, grab this rock and throw it at the machine" says Joe, picking up a decently sized rock and throws it with full force.

---

Equestria, Canterlot

M and Discord are breathing heavily, staring down at Princess Celestia and Princess Luna who look badly injured, bad bruises all over their body.
Princess Celestia's eye is swallown from all the beating that The Man was able to do with those crystals, it powered him and Discord up like never before! Their brawl has caused the entire room to have many cracks and destroyed walls, Luna stumbles on the ground and moans "C-Celestia...argh..."

The Man gasps heavily and falls onto a knee, holding his chest and arm "damn it...you two managed to break a lot of things in me and Lord Discord..."

Discord is struggling to maintain himself and lays on the floor "w-we haven't thought like this in a very, very long time...you two...argh! Sure know...how to deal damage!"

Princess Celestia struggles to stay on her hooves, the healing isn't working fast enough thanks to M's crystals powering them down slightly. But she and her sister are still protectors of their land, it'll take more than unknown crystals and powerful beings to bring the Princesses down "g-give it up Discord and M...w-we can go on a long as you!"

Suddenly explosions are head all across Equestria, white energy blasts from the Extractors, blasting away anything in it's path. They all look out of a broken wall, Discord looks like the biggest loser in the land "n-no...M-M...o-our plan! R-Ruined! M-My power!" he wails.

Luna and Celestia smile with relief, the Elements of Harmony, Joseph, Spike and Spirit were able to destroy the Extractors in time! Princess Celestia laughs sweetly and stares down at the land "oh my little ponies, human and dragon...you did it! We are so proud of you."

The Man quietly looks out, seemingly out of the world around himself "No..."

Discord, Celestia and Luna snap their heads towards the masked man "what do you mean, no?" demands Luna.

M slowly but painfully stands up and chuckles loudly "don't you fools realise? The energy is up in the sky, waiting for whoever takes it to become the strongest anyone will ever witness! Yes, maybe not the most powerful being in the entire universe but more powerful is easily obtainable. Lord Discord, now is your chance to fly up and claim your power!" M shouts, using a dark crystal to heal himself and punches Luna and Celestia in their faces.

Discord slowly smiles wickedly and flies up as fast as he can, ignoring the pain "y-yes! Finally! FINALLY! POWER IS MINE!"

---

General Spirit bashes himself out of the earth, that explosion blasting him into a hill "great, I have to get all this-" he is cut off seeing Discord flying towards the ball of energy still in the air "NO! That can't be!"

Pinkie Pie lands next to Spirit, seeing how serious he is makes her act accordingly "G-General? Whats wrong?"

"The Extractors have all been destroyed! Yet the energy in the sky is STILL there! I never expected this to happen and now Discord is going to obtain all the power to enslave this entire world and possibly beyond! I...don't know what to do!"

Rarity stares up and looks sorrowful, if Spirit the fearless leader lost hope...then what did she or any of the others have a chance in? She sat down with Pinkie Pie and awaits their final moment "Spike..."

---

Discord is floating in front of the ball of energy, feeling a burning sensation...it is incredible, true power! "Oh my! T-This ALL belongs to ME! Now...I will end the princesses and her little ponies lives to be my eternal servants! Come to me! Make me a GOD!" he yells, spreading his arms out and floats towards the light.

Suddenly, a sharp pain goes through his chest! Discord's eyes go wide in utter shock "w-w-what?"

The Man appears in front of Discord, hands behind his back "did you seriously think that all this power was going to you? You pathetic creature..."

Discord cannot believe what he is seeing, M is actually betraying him! And now he thinks back to the conversation of trust issues, Discord said himself to The Man's face he did not trust him! And yet...when seeing the opportunities of gaining power and making an actual difference, he started to trust M as a worthy follower. And now...it has all backfired "b-but..."

"you see, Discord, when I freed you from your statue...you were only to serve as a distraction" M said.

Discord touches his own chest, still feeling the awful pain but doesn't see anything that gone through "w-wait...y-you were the one who arranged everything, the armies, the plan, the machines, locations...why did you use me!? There wasn't any worth for a distraction!"

The Man touches his mask's chin "Hmm, well, I too wasn't as strong without my dark crystals and needed you to help me soften the Princesses up. But for the most part, I found it amusing just watching you...thinking you were going to be so powerful with big ideas."

Deep down Discord is feeling regret he never felt in years, his greed for power has got the best of him and is at the mercy of his 'loyal follower' "p-please! I-I can still help you M!"

"Oh, I'm afraid that won't be necessary 'Lord Discord'...I have all that I will need! Now, I hope you like suffering because you're about to witness the price of me freeing you. I have total control over you..." M says evilly, holding his hand out.

As The Man slowly starts clenching his fingers into a fist, making Discord screams louder in pain, violently twisting, twitching and turning. As M keeps making a balled fist, cracks throughout Discord's body appear, darkness starts to seem out of Discord "AHHHH! NOOO!" he screams.

Suddenly, Discord becomes like a big balloon and explodes, what would seem like fire is dark energy bursting out. There is nothing left of the Lord of Discord, pieces of him are like shattered marble which disintegrates to black dust.
The Man slowly chuckles, soon becoming faster and louder laughs that become more evil. His plan is finally arrived, the ball of light will give him unlimited powers of a god, M will finally be able to achieve his goals "everything you all built, all of humanity and creatures beyond your worlds will fall! No power will oppose me!" his voice booms out.

Joseph Brooklyn who is watching from a far distance, thought the machine would end everything...but now The Man has betrayed Discord and brutally destroyed him. Everypony is in fear, and now Joe doesn't know what to do anymore...he closes his eyes "Applejack...I'm sorry this is happening."

Applejack lowers her hat and nuzzles his hand sadly, sitting down with no hope in the world anymore "no...it's alright Joseph, a-at least...we died trying."

---

Equestria, Ponyville

Gregory Brooklyn has seen the barrier that Ponyville has put up, but when walking around he found a gap in their defence and walked through. He heard and saw all the events happening, his face is blank "after all these years, still..." he said to himself.

The adult male walks past some building, they changed after all these years. Less colourful and complex in design than the past, maybe they decided to alter to keep up in times "even still, I never been inside before...it's beautiful."

Then sounds of grunts and movement are heard on his left, Gregory turns and sees an old face from his adventures. Smiling widely he decides to walk over and gently touches her hoof "I see you're still kicking, Miss Smith?"

Granny Smith stops and pauses for a moment, she looks up to who is talking to her and focuses her sights "who the heck are...are...oh mah stars, it's you! Aha! Welcome back sonny!" she says happily.

Greg kneels down and hugs her "it's been a long time Miss Smith, how have you been? And I'm sorry to reunite under these circumstances."

"Oh don't yea worry Greg! These young'uns have been runnin' around buildin' things, anyway, where have ya been? And yer beard is back and ya looked nice without it ever since you came back!"

Gregory touches his beard in confusion "what? I...only just got here!"

Granny Smith makes groans and starts to think deeply on the past "ah, maybe yer right...t-that boy was too young to be you."

The man's heart skips a beat and blood going cold, wondering if she was talking about who he thought "M-Miss Smith? W-who is the boy?"

"Ah! It's Joey! He actually looks like you back in the day!" she cackles.

Gregory's mouth hangs wide open, hugging Granny Smith out of relief and cries into her "Miss Smith, t-that's my son! H...He is alive!"

To Be Continued

Thanks for reading guys! And breathes and faces slams into keyboard* I am sorry! I was really lazy and got easily distracted by Overwatch! By god I love that game!

And again I wish to give my biggest thanks to Remi! steamofed for creating the front cover of my story! A brilliant artist and very friendly! Highly recommend looking at her art work on her tumblr! You can even send her a tweet and praise her art! Also, she lives in Skyrim! Nice place she has.

Anyway, I hope the chapter was worth the wait. To be quite honest, it was suppose to be longer espcially the battle scenes and planned to extend them but thought I am not that good with fighting scene descriptions and just thrown that out for now and give you, story.

And I will say this time and time again, I swear to all of my fans I will NEVER EVER discontinue the story! It ain't over til it's over!

I want to try and finish this story before the end of this year but no promises are being made for that.

Thank you for reading my story! Please Read and Review! It really helps, seriously, your words of motivation mean a lot!

But please when you want to message me, don't use reviews as a way to swear and get my attention, please create an account and Private Message me. Or you can tweet me which you can find the link on my page, or type my current username, Thank you.

See you all next time!

And remember...FOR THE BRONIES!