Equestrian Heroes

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Naruto x Rarity x Twilight x Fluttershy x Applejack x Pinkie Pie x Rainbow Dash x Ditzy x Luna x ? x ?

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Story Start

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The creature of the chamber was a massive blonde serpent that was mountainous in size. Its irises were redder than even the hottest flames and its movements chilling.

"I AM THE GUARDIAN OF MALICE CREATED BY THE SPIRIT OF EMPATHY," it spoke. "IT IS MY DUTY TO ELIMINATE THOSE WHO LACK THE ABILITY TO CONNECT TO OTHERS! CHILD OF MAGIC DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO UNDERTAKE THIS TRIAL?”

“I…I am!” Twilight loudly answered after taking a moment to gather her wits and suppress her awe.

“BE FOREWARNED, THIS TRIAL IS A TEST OF YOUR EMPATHY AND ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND OTHERS! AS EMPATH IS THE EMBODIMENT OF THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS. OFTEN CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT OF ALL VIRTUES ONE MUST BE ABLE TO RESONATE THEIR HEART WITH OTHERS INSTEAD OF SPREADING FALSE PITTY. ONLY BY UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE POWER OF THE HEART CAN ONE INVOKE TRUE EMPATHY.”

To acknowledge another’s feelings and to walk in their shoes.

“NOW THERE ARE TWO CHOICES! THE SIMPLE CHOICE OF ME READING THE CONTENTS OF YOUR HEART AND MIND TO DECIDE HOW EMPATHIC YOU TRULY ARE. BE FOREWARNED BY DOING THE LATTER THIS MEANS THE POWER YOU COULD OBTAIN WILL BE SHARED WITH ANY OTHERS CONNECTED, BUT IT WILL PROVE FAR MORE ARADOROUS!” The spirit didn’t need to read Twilight’s mind to know what would be chosen. Every time they came it was always the same.

“I Choose the latter! I would have never come this far on my own and I could never forgive myself if I took something that rightfully belonged to one of my friends for myself.” Yet again she repeated the words that escaped her lips every single time she came against the guardians.

“I ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR WORTHINESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE! I SHALL NOW ADMINISTER THE TRIAL OF EMPATHY.”

The Guardian of Malice’s emblem raised from its head and shot down at Twilight who knew nothing but a blinding flash before fading out.

---

It was something she couldn’t leave alone.

Especially after weeks of no change or progress. After all, choosing the path of forgiveness was the much more difficult role.

Each time they had met she would tackle an aspect of what led the filly down her dark road.

“Do you still feel anger Midnight or has the meditation helped?”

The most prevalent and easy to tackle emotion was anger. The one that reverberated the most on the surface. The anger she felt towards others ranging from childhood bullying to the callousness of others. What had bubbled inside deeply within her heart until it spilled over.

“I try not to get angry, but I can’t help it when I think about the past.”

The light of the moon washed over them as they gazed up at the stars from Luna’s balcony. The caretaker of the celestial body and stars had granted them access so they could go through these sessions undisturbed.

“Anger is powerful and dangerous. Its like a fire and can be fueled resulted in it growing. Payback might make a pony feel good short term, but not too long after what would you have? An unending cycle where one would seek vengeance on one another. To make sure that anger and hate doesn’t carry on its better to douse it before it begins infecting others around you. After all, you didn’t feel any happiness when you were Eclipse right?”

Midnight shifted and shook her head. "No. I felt alone. More than I ever had before.”

"Exactly. To continue feeling negative emotions like that so strongly you must feed them and the only way to dissipate them is with their opposite. It’s one of the things I learned through my studies of friendship and harmony.

"What do I do? What do I do to make the anger go away?" the filly asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"Focus on what makes you happy. Find things that bring you joy and spread that joy to others.”

“I…I don’t know if I can.”

Twilight placed a hand on the shoulder. “You can. I have faith in you and if you ever need anypony to talk to my door is always open.

Midnight's frown softened, and soon formed a thin line. "Okay... I'll try."

---

And true to her word whenever Midnight needed somepony to talk to she contacted Twilight. One of the things that kept plaguing her was another feeling that brewed in her heart. The one at the strongest was what she felt after the fated conversation with Celestia.

Rejection.

And it was a likely result that after everything that happened that the filly would have a fear of rejection.

This was only something that would be fixed with time. So, with that Twilight continued her sessions with Midnight, focusing on different emotions and experiences. They talked about sadness and loss, fear and anxiety, hope and love. Through it all, Twilight listened and empathized with Midnight, helping her understand her own emotions and those of others.

As the weeks passed, Twilight noticed a change in Midnight. The filly no longer seemed weighed down by anger and bitterness. She smiled more and laughed more easily. She even began to make friends with some of the other ponies in Canterlot, something that had seemed impossible just a short while ago.

One day, as they sat together on Luna's balcony, Twilight turned to Midnight and asked, "How do you feel now?"

Midnight looked up at the stars, her eyes shining with wonder. "I feel...different. Better. Like there's a light inside of me that wasn't there before."

Twilight smiled. "That's the power of empathy, Midnight. When we understand and share the feelings of others, we can create a connection that brings us closer together. And that connection can change everything."

Midnight nodded, a small smile on her lips. "I see what you mean. It's like...the opposite of anger and hate."

Twilight nodded. "Exactly. And that's why empathy is so important. It allows us to see the world through someone else's eyes, and to feel what they feel. And when we do that, we can create a world that's kinder and more understanding."

Midnight nodded, taking in Twilight's words. "Thank you, Twilight. I really appreciate you helping me through all of this."

"It's my pleasure," Twilight replied. "I'm always here for you."

Midnight shifted uncomfortably. "Twilight, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"What about you? Do you ever feel angry?"

Twilight paused for a moment, considering her answer. "Of course I do. Everypony feels angry at times. But I've learned to channel my anger into productive outlets, like my studies and helping others."

"I don't think I could ever do that," Midnight said with a frown.

"It takes time and practice," Twilight said reassuringly. "But I have faith in you. And I know that you have the potential to be a kind and caring pony."

Midnight smiled at Twilight, feeling a sense of comfort from her words. "Thank you. I'll keep trying."

Twilight nodded, feeling proud of Midnight's progress. "I have no doubt that you will."

As they continued their conversation, Twilight couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and understanding towards Midnight. She saw a younger version of herself in the filly, and she couldn't help but empathize with her struggles.

As they sat together in the moonlight, Twilight felt a warmth in her chest that she couldn't quite explain. It was like a sense of fulfillment and purpose that came from helping others. And as she looked at Midnight, she knew that she had passed the trial of empathy. She had embodied the Element of Empathy.

---

Twilight had just completed the Trial of Empathy, feeling emotionally drained but proud of herself for passing. As she stepped out of the trial chamber, she saw Naruto waiting for her with a gentle smile.

"Congratulations, Twilight," Naruto greeted her with a warm comforting smile. “That’s another trial down.”

"Thank you, Naruto," Twilight replied, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her. "It was a difficult trial, but I learned a lot about myself and the importance of understanding others' perspectives. Out of all the trials this was the one I was worried about the most. I’m glad I decided to finish it instead of saving it for last. "

Naruto nodded. "Empathy is a crucial skill, especially when dealing with conflicts. I went through a lifetime of pain and conflict in the short span of a few years to learn those crucial lessons. How did they test you in this trial?”

“A scenario with Midnight. One that I plan on enacting when we get back.” Twilight's heart sank as she thought back to her interactions with the surly unicorn. "Midnight was so closed off and defensive, it was hard to get through to her. I imagine when I go see her it might even be tougher than the trial."

"That may be true Twi," Naruto said, his expression turning thoughtful. "But empathy isn't just about understanding others' emotions. It's also about understanding their experiences and the reasons behind their actions. We know Midnight’s history so it’ll be a lot easier having that bit of knowledge.”

“Yes, every interaction we have as living individuals shape each of our individual stories. I realize now with each tenant of harmony I better understand it becomes easier to understand others.” Twilight let out a tired sigh she was holding in. “I think, I think I’ll wait until tomorrow and finish up the trials of Laughter and Honesty.” That last trial had been the most emotional and mentally draining by far and gave her much to think about it.

With that the two of them returned to the camp site. Twilight leaned back against Naruto's chest, enjoying the warmth of his embrace. They were enjoying the peacefulness of the moment. The sun was starting to set, casting a beautiful golden light across the landscape.

"So, what do you think the future holds for us?" Twilight asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them. “Not our immediate future, but the far future where we no longer have the cloud of any dark futures holding over us?”

Naruto hummed thoughtfully. "Well, I think we'll continue to face challenges together, but we'll also have plenty of happy moments. After many long and well fought battles I like to think we’ll finally earn our rest and raise a healthy, happy, and knowing you my task mistresses, scholarly next generation.”

Twilight smiled at the thought. "I'd like that. I can't wait to live in a more peaceful world."

Naruto shifted his position slightly so that he was facing her. "What about you? What do you see in our future?"

Twilight took a moment to think. "I see us growing together, both as individuals and as a couple. With all the others in the herd I imagine we'll face hardships, but we'll always come out stronger on the other side. And a family, knowing some of the other girl enough to fill out an entire guard unit."

Naruto's eyes softened. "I'd like that too."

They fell into a comfortable silence, watching the sun dip below the horizon. After a few moments, Twilight spoke up again. "You know, I still can't believe how far we've come. When I first met you, I never would have guessed we'd end up here."

Naruto chuckled. "Yeah, it's been quite the journey. But I wouldn't have it any other way."

Twilight turned to look at him, her eyes filled with love. "Neither would I."

Naruto leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. It was a soft, sweet kiss, filled with tenderness and love. Twilight responded eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck as she deepened the kiss.

When they finally broke apart, they were both a little breathless. Naruto rested his forehead against hers, their noses touching. "I love you, Twilight."

Twilight smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I love you too, Naruto."

They sat there for a while longer, content to simply be in each other's presence. As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, they finally packed up the blanket and started the walk back to Twilight's castle, their hearts full of hope and love for the future.

Next Chapter: Trials of Harmony! Part 6! Laughter! Estimated time remaining: 29 Minutes