This story is based on Justice League Unlimited Season 1 Episode 26: Epilogue. In honor of the best writer for most of cartoons and DC Animated Series and Films: Dwayne McDuffie.

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An Unravel Secrets

At the modernized Mystic Ambassador's Building, more of black suited Mystic Securities armed with their blasters, swords, pikes and spears. They were on high alert in defending the important pony from both infiltration and assassination.

On the garden area, the shadowy portal opened form the walls. Three shadowy figures came out and headed straight to the building. The first figure opened the window as his allies entered before he went in.

Within the building, more of Mystic Securities were scouring across the corridors and even around the area. On the upper level, three securities were moving and heading straight to the end before turned to the left. The last one was about to move but he was grabbed by another hoof and dragged into the room.

Three shadowy figures emerged and headed off to their next destination. They had arrived on the room where four securities were guarding it. As the securities were guarding the area, first two got shot by the small darts on their necks. The next two were trapped without ropes or whip. The shadowy punches emerged from their backs. The punches knocked Mystic Securities out.

As the five shadowy figures opened the door, they entered the room. They looked around in search of someone for them to finish the job. The light went on. They armed with their weapons. They turned to their backs. They revealed to be Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor and Starlight Sparkle.

"I've been waiting for you three, Sparkling Siblings," The calm voice spoke. Twilight and her siblings were looking at Firmtact and another Unicorn with short grayish gentle mane and tail dressed in his grayish uniform with Silver Star with Bluish Wings. She smiled, "Welcome to my home..."

Starlight approached while glaring at her, "I want answers! I want them now!"

The unicorn aimed his gun at Starlight, "I watch your tongue if I were you, Assassin."

"Easy, Captain Tarkin," Firmtact spoke calmly. giggled in amusement, "My, my, my... Even you returned as your former self, you still had the bad attitude from Equestrian Eliminator."

Twilight groaned, "Stop wasting time and tell us. Tell us the truth! You knew about Starlight's alive from the beginning, didn't you?!"

Firmtact gave Twilight and her brothers a serious and firm looks, "So you found out about the truth, didn't you? How did you came by it?"

Starlight stood up and spoke, "Let's say... I've met the Demon Knight Twins named Shahar and Shalim. They told me about how I became Equestrian Eliminator."

"Not to mention... I've found the truth from Rodrigo's diary saying that you guys had hidden the truth about him!" Twilight exclaimed in anger.

Shining Armor nodded, "And because of that, all of us nearly blame and kill Lorcan for that..."

Firmtact sat down as she took a drink and sip of it, "And how it goes?"

Twilight, Shining Armor and Starlight remained standing while glaring and looking at Firmtact.

---

Starlight narrated, "Something I'm not happy or proud of it, and especially being what I am today..."

At Cyprus, the light brownish stallion with gentle mane and tail named Shalim while another was darker brownish stallion with messy mane and tail named Shahar and they both had same Cutie Mark: Happy and Sadly Masks were celebrating their celebration. They watched and witnessed female courtesans were dancing their moves while the orchestral played their instruments for the celebration.

As the white Pegasus dressed in her Ma Courtesan Dress was dancing happily and lovely, she turned and gave both Shahar and Shalim a lovely wink. They both smiled in amusement and interesting. They wanted her so much.

Within their bed chamber, Shahar and Shalim were having their times and enjoyment with most of courtesans. As they continued having their affairs with the girls, the White Pegasus slowly moved her right hoof as it slowly revealed Hidden Blade. She struck on Shahar's neck first.

Shalim screamed in fear as he got off from the bed and escaped the door. Instead of escaping, he was struck by... a purple hooded figure. The latter removed his hood and revealed to be Starlight himself.

Most of Courtesans screamed in fear and panicked while escaping and leaving the bed chamber. Both Starlight and Pegasus Courtesan remained while glaring at both Shahar and Shalim. Starlight turned to her and gave her a smile.

"Nice going, sweetie." Starlight groaned in annoyance, "I still don't like the idea of letting you to get an affair with stallions, June."

June giggled happily as she approached and gave Starlight a kiss, "Really? Without me, you won't able to kill lustful and prideful Knights. And trust me, it works well. Plus, you and I have a great private affair."

Starlight sighed, "I guess you're right about that. Well, now the job is done. We can go and have our fun together."

June smiled and nodded her head. Both her and Starlight heard the evil laughter as they turned and glared at the dying yet laughing Shahar and Shalim. Why would their enemies do that when they're dying...

"Tell me... Traitor..." Shalim spoke weakly, "Have you ever wonder... how you survived your first death?"

Shahar chuckled, "It's quite amusement of it..."

"What's that supposed to be mean?!" Starlight demanded angrily.

Shahar chuckled, "Your true and first death... was actually killed... by Chrysalis..."

"Indeed... You were saved and rescued by your so-called friend," Shalim said slyly.

Starlight narrowed his eyes anger and suspiciously, "I have no friends before Grimmore took me in as his first Assassin Hunter. And trust me. That wasn't pleasant."

"True... But did you wonder... who saved you?" Shahar asked in amusement.

Shalim chuckled evilly, "Indeed... Shadow Dragon may have saved you but those Mystic Ponies did not... A pity... Truly pity..."

Starlight was in shock and concern of what Shahar and Shalim had said. His first death never happened. He was rescued by... his former master and friend: Shadow Dragon?! And why didn't the Mystic Ponies alerted his family about it!? And above of all, why didn't save him?!

Before Starlight could questioned and interrogated the twins, he found them died with their eyes wide-opened. He closed their eyes. He groaned in anger while clenching his hooves on the ground hard.

"Starlight?" June asked in concern.

Starlight put his hood up, "I've gotta go. I'm heading to Canterlot. I'm gonna find the answer..."

June looked concern and worry of what Starlight had said. All she saw was her boyfriend opened his Shadow Portal and left her. What had happen?

---

At Royal Sister's Throne Chamber, Princess Celestia was discussing with her sister, Lorcan, Azure Phoenix and Tao about dealing with infiltrators and spies. The door was opened very hard. They turned and found angry Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor and Starlight marching in. They were also approaching to their friends.

"Twilight," Princess Celestia asked in concern, "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?! What's wrong?! You lied to me! All of you did! And I fell for it!" Twilight said angrily.

Shining Armor nodded his head, "Yeah! Everything we've been through! Everything we've done?! It was a lie! And all of you involved in it!"

"What is your point," Azure Phoenix demanded calmly.

"What is my point?! My point is that I never thought that everything me and my brothers have been through is nothing but part of your scheme and plan since the beginning!" Twilight exclaimed in anger, "You've set this up!"

"Not only that... You knew Starlight was alive before he got captured and used by Grimmore," Shining Armor said angrily.

Starlight nodded his head, "Shadow Dragon may have treated me. But you did nothing to save me or stop Grimmore from using me! And the worst about it... you put three of us in grave danger!"

"WHAT?!" Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Lorcan exclaimed in shock. They turned and glared at Azure Phoenix and Tao.

"You knew and you didn't bother telling me?! We could have avoided a full damn invasion and 50 years of yours truly planning to destroy ponies! Why the #*^& didn't you tell us?!" Lorcan demanded angrily.

Twilight nodded her head in agreement, "Yeah... Why didn't you?!"

Azure's eyes narrowed in firm and calm, "What do you want from me?"

"I want to know the whole truth!"

"Sounds like you already do..."

Twilight groaned in anger, "I didn't want to believe that you're so incredibly selfish and cruel that the world couldn't go on without the Chosen Ones of Elements of Harmony!"

"It's not selfish or cruel. It's facts," Azure Phoenix said calmly.

Shining Armor glared at Azure, "You set the whole thing up!"

"How?! The Mystic Ponies were banned and forbidden from helping or assisting the mortals since the Coup D'etat Rebellion. Because of Shadow Dragon's arrogance and hunger for powers, the Immortal Ponies are forbidden from helping or assisting Mortal Ponies," Azure Phoenix explained firmly.

Tao nodded his head, "Even if Starlight did died, we are forbidden from using our powers to revive the dead. To do that means we're destroying the Balance of Life and Death. Without that, the world will be overrun or even meets it destruction. You have to understand that law."

Princess Luna sighed, "I'm afraid it's true, Twilight. They have their laws of balancing the world and order."

Twilight sighed, "Even so... You could have told me. If you had, I wouldn't have hated on Lorcan in the first place! All of my family would have!"

Lorcan nodded his head, "Twi has the point."

Celestia sighed, "I'm sorry, Twilight. I truly am. But it is not my call to do it. I... I must do what I can to protect our home."

"Even if we did," Azure Phoenix said calmly, "it wouldn't change anything from you stopping and defeating Lorcan, or even save the world. Fate or not, it's a good thing that you and your friends are destined to be Chosen Ones to defeat Grimmore and the Army of Darkness. The world needs the Elements, and it always will..."

Tao sighed, "I'm afraid Azure's right. The mantle of Wielders of Elements of Harmony is an honored, Twilight. You and your friends should be proud of it, not against it."

Unhappy and angered by her former friends' words, Twilight narrowed her eyes in anger. She turned and looked at Tao.

"I forgive Tao because you helped me and earned my trust as my Mystic Guardian." Twilight turned and glared at Azure Phoenix, "But not you, Azure. You're nothing but selfish and cruel and even insane warlord. No wonder Celestia chose Sombra or Ben's father over you. Being Wielder... is nothing but a curse. Because of that, I draw more of my old and new enemies to harm everyone I know of. I wish that never happens."

"What are you saying, Twilight," Tao asked in concern and feared.

Twilight sighed as she turned and walked away, "The Wielder of Element of Magic and Princess of Friendship... is dead..."

"And so as Captain of Royal Guard, Prince of Crystal Empire and Wielder of Steel is gone too," Shining Armor nodded his head.

Starlight narrowed his angry eyes, "Master Assassin of Shadow and Wielder of Shadow... is just an illusion..."

Shining Armor and Starlight followed Twilight Sparkle in exiting the entrance. Princess Celestia was about to move, but Azure Phoenix stopped her from going. She turned and looked at him. He shook his head.

Lorcan groaned in annoyance, "Wait to go. You just ruined their lives. And this time, it's yours."

Azure Phoenix remained firm and calm as he spoke, "Let them be... They will always be what they were meant to be. Nothing can change that..."

"Azure..." Princess Celestia said in concern

---

Firmtact smiled, "And so... You came here instead of learning the truth from me?"

Twilight nodded, "Yes... Azure Phoenix can't be trusted. After everything he has done for me, it was a lie. And I fell for it..." She sighed, "Azure Phoenix wanted the successors for Elements of Harmony, so he can get rid of Grimmore. That's his Master Plan since the beginning. And in the end, he got what he needed."

Shining Armor narrowed his angry eyes, "Not only you, Twily. All of us were involved."

Starlight nodded his head, "Yeah... We got robbed of our normal lives. He ruined us..."

Firmtact sighed, "Honey... Lord Azure didn't set the Master Plan. I did..."

Three Sparkling Siblings gasped in shock and concern. Firmtact was the Mastermind of the Master Plan?!

"How? Why?" Twilight asked in shock.

Firmtact sighed as she explained, "Because the Equestria and Heaven need the Elements of Harmony. Ever since the Royal Sisters broke up from their unity, I began have some thoughts of the future. Without them, we will not able to protect the worlds from danger or even Demon God himself. And if that happens... our doom will come..."

"So you began research on Elements of Harmony's possible research?" Shining Armor asked curiously.

Tarkin nodded his head, "Yes... Under Emperor's permission, Firmtact created her Project Supreme including me as the Grand Secretary. And we did numerous and possible successors for all of Elements of Harmony. Nearly 100% is in Equestria while some remained with us."

"However, because of Shadow Dragon's betrayal..." Firmtact took over, "We were forced to send all of Elements of Harmony to the safety area at once until the rightful heir come and claim it."

"As for the original and first Elements of Harmony, we mapped the possible successors for them. Both Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry would have been chosen... But they have different paths to take: Sunset as the Wielder of Element of Purity while Flash as the Wielder of Element of Wind."

"Yes... Finding the heirs for the original is challenging. But if it weren't for the Oracles of Fates and Blackwitch's future sights, we wouldn't able to learn of your existence."

Tarkin spoke firmly, "In order to be sure that our future is secured, we made some preparation for it and even it means... the sacrifice to make. And so comes the conclusion of our Master Plan."

Firmtact nodded, "It happens when six of you received your own Cutie Marks at the very same time since Rainbow's Sonic Rainboom. Because of that, the Tree and Elements of Harmony sensed it. They told us that you and your friends were the one."

"Does Iron Brave knew about it?" Shining Armor asked.

"And what about me? Turned as Grimmore's Assassin?" Starlight asked in concern, "It looks like your plan was a bit sideways. The Element of Shadow would have been captured by Grimmore."

Tarkin cleared his throat, "True... But because of your heart, you were able to overcome Grimmore's powers. And you became what you are today."

"Iron Brave doesn't know about it," Firmtact explained, "But I told him that he will meet you and it will surprise him of how much greater you truly have. As you can see, my friends; it wasn't Azure's fault."

Twilight sighed, "I guess so. That doesn't give excuse from telling me the truth I never knew. Because of that, all I did was for nothing. I learn... nothing..."

"Hmm... Nothing you said? Well... My dear, that's where you're wrong." Firmtact said calmly. Twilight and her brothers looked at her. She continued, "You learn something. You learn... Friendship is Magic and Real. Because of five friends you have met and made, together you and them overcome the impossible obstacles. With powers and lessons you've been through, you have changed and inspired many more to do what is right and good just like Trixie, Discord, Nyx, Sombra, Sunset Shimmer, the Dazzlings, Lorcan and even some former villains. You have change the world, Twilight. And Shining Armor and Starlight became the Wielders as well."

"And if we didn't plan it, you and your friends wouldn't have met and learned the meaning of 'Friendship'. And Shining Armor wouldn't be freed from Chrysalis's control or Starlight would be Grimmore's slave forever." Tarkin said proudly, "After all... Our Master Plan has come true. And Three Lords were too proud and arrogant to think that we're nothing. In truth... We've always prepared for the worst and the better."

Twilight, Shining Armor and Starlight were in shock and surprise of what they just heard. They looked at each other. Despite what Firmtact and Tarkin had done, they were right. It wouldn't had happen if they didn't plan it with the help of Blackwicth and Tree of Harmony.

Firmtact approached and patted on Twilight's shoulder gently, "You want to have a better life? Take care of the ponies who loved you. Or don't. It's your choice to make..."

Firmtact exited her room. Tarkin followed her to the outside of the room leaving the Sparkling Siblings to think of the future...

---

On the late evening of Canterlot's Hallway, the Sparkling Siblings were discussing about their future.

"I guess this is not what we wanted," Shining Armor said calmly before sighed, "but it does worth everything we did."

Starlight nodded his head, "Yeah... Like we've got lovers, got Elements, got duty and responsibilities and got our own lives. But most important of all, we have each other."

Twilight smiled, "You're right about it, Starlight and Shining Armor. We have everything in our lives." She turned and looked at her brothers, "We may not see each other as often as we can but we'll find a way to spend together."

"Definitely," Shining Armor and Starlight smiled and agreed.

The Sparkling Siblings turned to the front. They found Royal Sisters, Tao, Azure Phoenix, Lorcan and June were coming out from the throne chamber.

June galloped and jumped on Starlight. They both hugged happily and passionately. She exclaimed, "You're okay! Where were you?!"

Starlight chuckled, "Long story, June. Long Story.

Azure Phoenix approached to Twilight Sparkle. Before he could speak, she hugged him. Twilight sobbed, "I'm sorry. I'm very sorry for accusing you!"

Azure Phoenix sighed, "After some thinking... I'm sorry too..." Twilight looked up at him. He continued, "I have no right to keep secrets about Starlight. I did it because... I want you to be prepared for everything. I'm so sorry."

"It's alright. I understand now. No matter what happens, I have to face and deal with the trials and obstacles. If I ignored it, I learn nothing. Everything I've gone through, I learned a lot of friendship." Twilight sobbed in happiness than despair, "And best of all... I'm glad to have you as my mentor. You were like a father to me... Thank you so much, my lord..."

Azure sighed happily as he hugged her, "As do you to me... And thank you for accepting me..."

As Azure and Twilight Sparkle have their mentor and student moments while Starlight and June had theirs, Royal Sisters and Tao smiled in relief and happiness to see it.

"It looks like Twilight is calm from her anger," Princess Luna said calmly.

Princess Celestia nodded, "Indeed... I'm so relief to see both are together. It reminds me of my old time when Twilight was my student."

"Yes, it does. Only one truth remains..." Tao said seriously.

Lorcan looked confuse and concern, "Did I miss something?"

Shining Armor chuckled in amusement, "It's a long story..."

Lorcan groaned, "I don't get it..."

The End...

Main Cast:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Andrew Francis: Shining Armor
Yuri Lowenthal: Starlight
C.C.H Pounder: Firmtact
Stephen Stanton: Captain Tarkin, Shahar and Shalim

Minor Casts:
Vyvan Pham: Xiao June
Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix
Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia
Tabitha St. Germain: Princess Luna
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao
Vic Mignogna: Lorcan

Preview - A Strike on Warstrike!: The Demon General Kishin Akuma sends out one of his minions, Warstrike, to battle against the Mane Six. Can the Mane Six be able to defeat this powerful, heartless warrior? They will need all the help they can get!

Review and Suggest

References:
1. Captain Tarkin is based on Grand Moff Tarkin (Star Wars)

2. Shahar and Shalim are based on their Shahar and Shalim (Assassin's Creed)