Chapter 25

Game Over

In Ponyville, Commander Hurricane had spotted the herd in the distance and hurried over to tell his master what was coming their way.

“Discord!” he shouted. “My king! We got a problem!”

Discord who was busy basking in the sun light on top of his newly formed throne, sat up frowning at his worried puppet.

“Oh, what’s the matter this time?” he said lazily. “I was busy!”

“Yes my king!” said Commander Hurricane with a deep bow. “I have news! Horrible news!”

“Well,” said Discord making lemon juice rise from underneath a goblet he had conjured out of thin air. “Out with it! What is it?”

“It’s the Princesses my king!” said Hurricane clearly on edge. “They’re coming with reinforcements!”

“What?!” said Discord tossing his goblet away and shot up from his throne.

With a snap of his fingers he made a telescope appear. Looking into it, he saw the Princesses with the Captain of the Royal Guard leading the rest of the Guards and citizens of the kingdom down the mountain. Squishing the telescope back to its puny form, he glared out in the distance.

“What do we do?” asked Commander Hurricane.

“Go commander!” Discord said sinking back on his throne. “It’s rude to keep guests waiting! You and the others have your fun! I have business to attend to!”

As Commander Hurricane galloped away, Discord conjured up a small black sack and pulled out a hand full of black seeds.

“Yes,” he said smirking wickedly to himself. “Let them come. I have just what I need, right here!” and he threw the seeds away only to snack on a few for a snack before walking away to continue shifting Ponyville into his image.

When the herd reached the bottom of the mountain they headed straight into town. The field surrounding them was vast. Between them was a small river and bridge leading into Ponyville. The Princesses stopped in their tracks. The small army of ponies behind them wondered what the hold up was. Snap Shot stood breathing in deeply as the light from the sun made his and the rest of the royal guards armor shine. They stood perfectly still waiting not for a signal from their leaders, but on what they had spotted on their way over. On the other side of the river they saw a small fleet of Pegasus guards lead by Commander Hurricane. Their eyes flashed grey as they drew their weapons and spread their wings.

“Remember everypony! Do not fight to kill!” Snap Shot called out to the ponies behind him. “Unicorns get ready to stun! Princesses, you said you have a plan right?”

“That’s right,” said Luna glaring at the ponies across the river.

“Then get a move on! We’ll handle things from here!” he made to draw his sword, but felt no handle in his sheath. “What the?”

“Oooh,” moaned Celestia smacking her forehead with her hoof. “Sorry Snap Shot, You might have dropped it when we fell off the cliff.”

“And you’re telling me this now!” said Snap Shot through gritted teeth.

“You’ll be fine!” reassured Celestia blushing nervously.
“Deadly force isn’t needed remember!”

“Yeah, for us. It’s them I’m not so sure about!”

“Fleet on my command!” Hurricane barked spreading his wings.

“Guards, Citizens, prepare yourselves!” Snap Shot ordered as the armored ponies behind him drew their weapons and the Unicorns and Pegasus made their horns glow and wings open.

Celestia and Luna shot up toward the sky! Below them, so did Commander hurricane and his fleet. Instantly they began targeting them! Some of the fleet broke off to fight those on the ground while others focused on the Princesses. Luna avoided a spear as Celestia disarmed her attacker and shot a flash of yellow light at him. The discorded Pegasus collided into his companion sending both of them crashing to the ground below! Dodging another attack by three other Pegasi, Celestia and Luna ignored them and flew on ahead. This didn’t stop their attackers from chasing after them. They took chase at top speed and prepared stab again. Celestia and Luna were about to cast their own spells at their pursuers when Aurora broke out from the fight on land and took to the sky crashing right into the attacking team, sending them off course.

“Nice one Aurora!” Luna praised her as she caught up with them.

“Look out!” Aurora yelled pushing Luna aside as a beam of red light swooped by missing her.

Looking down, Aurora’s eyes widened in shock as she saw Noble Heart chasing them from the ground; shooting his own stunning spells at them!

“Leave him to me!” she said as another flash of red light missed her by inches! She broke away from her fellow Princesses and dive-bombed her husband who continued to cast red light at his attacker!

Dodging each spell with ease Aurora landed on the ground and continued her charge! When she reached Noble Heart his red horn hit the invisible shield she had conjured up sending a shock wave that made the flowers and grown out grass around them drop never to rise again!

“Ah, what’s the matter dear?” said Noble Heart nastily. “Afraid to fight back?”

“You should really be careful what you wish for sweetheart!” Aurora shot back as she broke contact with Nobles horn and with a burst of magic, sent him flying backwards!

Celestia and Luna flew onward. Their thoughts focused on one thing. They had to reach Discord! As the two tore through the sky, they heard the familiar howl of wolves. Acting as guard dogs, they emerged from the forest. Their new wooden forms snarled at the approaching sisters. The leader of the pack took off with the rest following shortly after. With their horns glowing, Celestia and Luna shot their magic at the charging timber canines. One by one the wooden bodies broke apart leaving the way clear. Before the two could swoop past them another obstacle launched itself out of the Everfree. Luna avoided the collision, but Celestia was swatted to the ground by a long branch. Some of the trees had sprung to life and didn’t care who they were targeting! Suddenly everyone became a target. Screams from the fighters behind the sisters rang out as the battling ponies turned their attention to the new threats. A willow tree had wrapped one of its long branched around Celestia’s leg and hoisted her up. Opening her eyes she saw to her horror the tree bark had formed a face! Right where eyes would be they opened up to show two black holes. The black sockets glared at her as it trapped her in its branches. Luna sprung to action, avoiding the other branches as they tried to swat her out of the sky as well! The Timber wolves from before had begun putting themselves back together. Luna cast her magic at the willow making it turn its attention toward her. With the tree now distracted by the Moon Princess, it hadn’t seen the four ponies coming in to assist.

“Celestia! Hang on!”

Moving as fast as her wings could carry her, Wind Chime flew past the tree making its branches swing out at her! Below Celestia, Black Wood and Tock were preventing the Timber Wolves from reforming.

“Don’t worry Princess!” Tock yelled up to Celestia. “We’ll get you down!”

“What are you doing?!” Celestia shouted back as Tock grabbed onto a swinging branch with his mouth.

The Willow swung its caught limb franticly trying to get rid of the daring Unicorn. Tocks muffled yells passed by Celestia as she saw nothing but a blur of brown and red swoop passed her.

“Tock, are you crazy?!” she called out in worry. “You’ll going to get yourself killed!”

As the branch passed by her for a sixth time, Tock swung himself loose and landed on top of the next branch where he galloped up to the trunk and took cover from the trees sight. Spotting Celestia, he teleported himself next to her. Bellow them, Black Wood was avoiding the willows blows while Wind Chime continued to circle around confusing the towering tree further. Tock made his horn glow and with a flash of red light, the branch holding Celestia hostage released her. She caught herself and hovered in front of the red Unicorn.

“I don’t understand!” Celestia said in disbelief. “Why aren’t you three hiding?”

Tock snorted at her and rolled his eyes. “Come on Princess! Haven’t we already told you? You two need us! It will take all of us to stop Discord!”

Words failed her. Celestia didn’t know what to say. It would be up to her and Luna from now on to defend Equestria against monsters like Discord, but why were their friends so willing to aid them? Unlike them, they had a choice to walk away from such a heavy burden. But in the midst of all the chaos unfolding, they were ready to fight side by side with them. Could the other rulers of Equestria have been wrong about handling every danger alone? Her thoughts were interrupted when at that moment, a terrible scream made her look up to the sky. Luna had been swatted to the ground and hoisted up in the air batting her wings helplessly.

“Luna!” Celestia yelled and took off to save her!

With a beam of yellow light Celstia’s magic had cut through the trees long branch! Luna fell with a thud and attempted to free herself again. This time, she too used her magic to destroy the part of the tree that was still holding onto her.

“Are you alright?” Celestia said landing beside her.

“Look out!” Luna yelled and stepped in front of the falling branch!

The trees whip like arm hit an invisible shield and continued to plow away at it, trying to reach its two targets!

“Sister, do you still have the Elements?” Luna said as the tree continued to hit the shield with increasing brutality.

“Yes, I… wait, where did they go?!”

Celestia looked at her now free waist. Thinking back, she remembered having her saddlebag with her right before the willow tree attacked them and…

“Oh, no!” Celestia moaned. And looked up at the tree where Tock was still hiding within the trees canopy.

“Tock, my saddlebag! Do you see it?”

From the crown of the tree they saw leaves moving aside followed by the tail of a red unicorn moving in and out of sight. Wind Chime dove closer to the canopy shouting what Celestia had just voiced. The willow took this moment to strike and with a quick swipe, it had Wind Chime wrapped tight in its branches.

“Oh no you don’t!” shouted Black Wood as he jumped on top of a swinging branch and galloped up to the crown; a pair of sheers held firmly in his mouth.

He too disappeared inside the willows canopy. Luna’s shield broke at last allowing the tree to send another branch down on the two sisters. Celestia and Luna took the sky again as the trees angry swipes swooped passed them. The tree was about to send another wave of long limbs after them when from inside its crown, Black Wood had found Wind Chime and Tock. With his sheers snipping away, he saved Wind Chime who flew out of the canopy with Tock holding on to her tail. The two saw someone else heading their way. It was Tick who had broken away from the fight behind them. His coat was dirtied from battle and small cuts had formed on his left cheek and shoulder. Wind Chime lowered herself just enough for Tock to land safely close to his little brother. The Willow began shacking as if to rid itself from the last pony inside its canopy.

“Alright,” Black Wood said as he spotted the saddlebag trapped between several twigs. “I’ve had just about enough of you!”

It was as if Black Wood had gained the speed of cheetah. With his sheers working overtime, he began snipping away at the twigs that began enclosing around him. The tree shook harder than ever as the Earth Pony carved his way to the saddlebag, taking it in his mouth as he began snapping his way out of the canopy. On his way up he clipped a part of the crown exposing the trees left eye. Tick and Tock focused their magic and fired directly at the blackened socket. The willow began to tip over. Black Wood galloped up the trees branch and jumped off as the willow came crashing to the ground and didn’t get back up. Black Wood, covered in leaves, twigs and other debris, ran over to Celestia and Luna as they lowered themselves back to earth.

“I think this belongs to you your highness,” muttered Black Wood panting as he handed over the saddlebag.

“Thank you Black Wood,” said Celestia levitating it with her magic.

“What’s in that bag anyway?” asked Black Wood.

“No, time to explain!” said Wind Chime as she and the rest came up to them. “Get going you two! We can handle things back here!”

“But,” began Luna, but she was cut off as a scream came from behind them.

A flock of discorded guards broke through the fight and were heading right for them. Before anyone could say anything else, Wind Chime took off to meet the approaching guards. The ponies on the ground watched as their friend collided with the flock sending one of them crashing to the ground as the others began to chase her. Tock galloped off in their direction with Tick and Black Wood. Celestia and Luna were about help out too when a streak of orange and yellow light crashed into the struggle in the air. Celestia’s Phoenix had entered the battle screeching loudly as it helped pry a guard off Wind Chime. Tick and Tock fired their spells, being carful as to not hit either one of them. Celestia looked up to where she knew the Phoenix was in amazement. That bird truly was something else. Even Luna was torn between helping her friends and finding Discord. Their answer came in the form of Princess Aurora. She too had fought her way through the battle to aid Wind Chime.

“Celestia, Luna! Leave this fight to us! You must get to Discord!”

The two sisters watched as their elder sister and friend took out several more guards with ease before they had a chance to refocus on their main targets.

“What are you waiting for?!” Wind Chime said as she dodged another attack. “Go!”

Luna left first, never looking back. Celestia staid where she was for another few seconds then closed her eyes and followed after her sister. The sounds of the battle slowly died out as they flew farther away. Every part of Celestia wanted to turn back and help her friends, but she knew the only to stop the fighting was to find Discord! He was the key to everything! He was the reason why the Everfree Forest had gone from bad to worse. All the terrible things that had happened were all because of him! The forest, their parents, and now the ponies of their kingdom were locked in battle! Yes, it was because of Discord that their parents are gone. Celestia felt a fresh new wave of hatred towards the creature that had caused them so much pain. She now fully understood why Luna wanted to use the Elements of Harmony to rid them and the land of the mad being. For a split second she wanted to call off her plan and go with Luna’s.

“Ah, but remember,” a small voice in her head began. “All the things that have happened are your fault as well. You and Luna are guilty too. Discord only did what he had too because you two allowed him. If you had seen through his lies, none of this would have happened.”

It was true. As much as Celestia hated to admit it, she and her sister are both responsible for everything that has happened. They allowed themselves to be tricked and because of that, the Everfree has changed for the worst. Because of them, their parents are no longer with them. Celestia continued fly behind her sister, but tears had began to form in her eyes, her vision becoming blurry. How can they possibly be suited to rule over the kingdom when they have already made this many damaging mistakes? How could anyone trust them to rule over Equestria after this? Celestia felt like her heart might break on the spot, but then something her mother had once told them came to light. She and Luna were questioning her about Nimph and how she felt the need to show her compassion when others wouldn’t.

“I believe, Nimph was a pony who had lost her way. And making a terrible mistake only deepened her sadness. I think in sacrificing herself to save Equestria, she was trying to redeem herself.”

When Luna asked if she thought Nimph had, their mother smiled.

“Yes, I think she did. You see my little Princesses, there can be times of great sadness, times when you feel like the world around you is falling apart. But, even the smallest speck of light can be seen in the darkness.”

At the time the two sisters didn’t know what their mother meant, but now Celestia was starting to see. Even though she and Luna had messed up, they were on their way to stop the monster they had created. Their friends were fighting to save the kingdom with them and despite their parent’s deaths, Celestia refused to let Luna and herself use the Elements of Harmony to destroy Discord. But was that really what their parents would have done if they were with them now? She was brought out of her thoughts when Luna’s voice called out to her.

“Celestia! I said, do you see him?!”

“N-no!” replied Celestia blinking her tears away. “But he must be around here somewhere! Wait, I think I see him! Yes, that’s him!”

“Let’s end this!” roared Luna as she quickened her speed.

Celestia caught up with her little sister, using her magic to unbutton the saddlebag. Discord approached his throne scratching his beard thoughtfully. The already checkered blue ground wasn’t quite cutting it anymore for him. With a snap of his fingers he made the ground rise and as an extra bonus he changed the raised part of the ground pink. Shrugging, he walked up the steep incline without any problems and sat comfortably on his red throne. He snapped his fingers again, making an empty glass appear in the hand that wasn’t carrying a small sack of black seeds. Crossing his legs, he sat admiring his handy work on the small town. The houses that used to be rooted to the ground now drifted haphazardly in mid air. Once and a while, the odd animal would float by with the most peculiar forms. Sitting on top of his new hill, he was able to see small flashes in the distance caused by the battle for the kingdom. Discord reached into his little sack, pulling out a handful of seeds and began eating. He filled the empty glass with lemon juice and began drinking away. The class itself had replaced the lemon juice in liquid form. The Shapeshifter drank happily as another small flash of light went off. He looked around but stopped when he spotted the outline of the Princesses. With a smug look he turned his chair around and waited for them. When the two landed they looked around expecting there to be one last trick up Discord’s sleeve. When nothing of the sort happened however, Celestia’s voice rang out making the Shapeshifter raise his eyebrows.

“Discord! Playtime is over! As The Princesses of Equestria we order you stop this madness!”

Discord didn’t reply. His throne’s back still faced the two Alicorns. Celestia went on, this time making her voice more demanding.

“No more games! This time you will pay for your crimes!”

“Crimes?” came Discords voice from behind the red throne. “I thought I was doing you a service! I brought back the Everfree Forest did I not? I did what you and the rest of your kind couldn’t!”

“You tricked us!” said Luna angrily. “We thought you were helping us! But you were doing it for your own personal gain!”

“Who cares why I did it!” said Discord stubbornly. “The forest is back! Better than ever! And how do you thank the savior of the Everfree? By banishing me?!”

“Only after you tried to take over the kingdom in one night!” retorted Luna. “You kidnapped our mom and dad! Then you turned them against us!”

“Did I?” questioned Discord. “All I did was let their true nature show.”

Luna opened her mouth to speak, but no words escaped. Celestia shook her head in disbelief.

“It’s funny,” said Discord darkly. “Everyone I have encountered wear the same mask. They pretend that everything is fine, even when it’s not! They put on brave faces, but its nothing but a mask to hide their shame and fear. And I…”

Discord snickered wickedly making the Princesses stay on high alert.

“I see the opposite. I see the truth, and what I do is help them see themselves for what they really are.”

“Enough!” shouted Celestia bringing Discords speech to a complete stop. “I said no more games Discord! Your reign over this kingdom ends now! Return everything back to normal!”

Discord stayed silent. Celestia and Luna were about to make their move when from behind the throne Discord began to laugh; an awful laugh that made their very core feel wary. The red throne spun around revealing the Shapeshifter rocking back in forth.

“Haha, Oh! I forgot how much fun you Alicorns can be! You are always good for a laugh! The last Princess of Equestria was a riot! Is the game over so soon? Why, I thought we were getting along swimmingly didn’t you?”

Celestia felt a sharp tug and looked behind her to see that her tail was missing. Gasping she and Luna looked back at the creature fluffing up his new long pink wig. Celestia and Luna glared up at him as he began to laugh out loud again. Pulling himself together, he snapped his fingers returning Celestia tail to her. The un-amused Alicorns continued to stare the Shapeshifter down.

“Now, now Princesses,” said Discord smugly. “Don’t be spoil sports. Ah, where are my manners?”

He opened the small bag, pulled out a large amount of the black seeds and began stuffing his face.

“Hungry?” he asked tossing a few seeds their way.

All the two Princesses did was let the seeds bounce off their heads.

“Suit yourselves.” Discord shrugged and continued to sloppily eat.

Celestia and Luna knew that there was only one option left, Celestia made her horn glow and out of her saddlebag came the six gems. Discord threw the bag aside and eyed the new treasures with interest.

“Oooh! What do you got there?”

“The Elements of Harmony!” said Celestia proudly.

“With them we shall defeat you once and for all!” Luna added.

Discord watched as the Elements of Harmony began to circle the two Princesses covering them in what appeared to be a magical barrier. Blown away by the sure absurdity that the two Alicorns really believed that the six gems would be enough to stop him was too much for him to take. He began laughing again harder than ever.

“Oh, stop it! You’re too much! Oh, you should see yourselves right now! The expressions on your faces! So intense! So sure of yourselves!”

Glaring at Discord, Luna also made her horn glow too and together she and Celestia crossed their horns combining their magic with the elements. There was a flash of white light and a rainbow shot out of the sphere surrounding them and headed straight for the oblivious Shapeshifter. His mad laughter never stopped as the rainbow drew closer.

“Stop me?! Now that’s funny! Hilarious even!”

With one last burst of laughter the rainbow hit him! His entire body froze, the ghost of his last laugh forever stuck in time. The magic of the Elements of Harmony turned the deranged creature to stone. The elements stopped rotating and the magic barrier disappeared leaving the Princesses to look up at the now frozen tyrant.

“Did you mean to do that?” asked Luna flying up to Discord.

“I was trying to prevent him from escaping again,” said Celestia poking his outstretched hand with her hoof. “I guess this is the Elements idea of capturing.”

“Is he, well, alive?” asked Luna unsure.

“Yes, I think he still is,” said Celestia. “Just frozen in time is all.”

“Well, good riddance!” Said Luna darkly. “Do you think he’ll stay this way forever?”

“I don’t know, but we’ll worry about that later. For now we have to set things right!”

“And how do we do that?”

“Are you up for another test with the Elements of Harmony?” asked Celestia making three of the gems hover over to her little sister.

“You tell me,” said Luna smiling as she made her three gems spin around her.