Part 9: The Return

“Are you all seeing… what I’m seeing?” Spike finally managed to speak in total disbelief.

Everypony responded with a unanimous “Uh-huh…” as they stared at the figure that emerged from the beam of light.

“Umm… Nice to see you guys, too…?” The figure said while smiling sheepishly, feeling a bit awkward about the stares being directed at it. The figure emerged as a familiar, yet transparent purple unicorn mare with a halo over her head.

“T-t-t—!” Applejack could only stutter in complete shock.

“TWILIGHT!!!” Pinkie Pie ecstatically shouted as she sprung to life, her mane and tail returning to their usually-puffy form. Twilight Sparkle had managed to miraculously return to the world of the living, albeit as an apparition rather than in a full corporeal form. Nonetheless, the group excitedly circled the ghostly lavender unicorn with a slew of questions to ask.

“HOW??” Rarity asked.

“I’d love to explain, but judging by what I’ve seen happening today from the world above, I’d say it’ll have to wait,” Twilight responded matter-of-factly. “Right now, we have to stop Discord!”

“Hold on… You already know about the whole situation??” Rainbow Dash asked in surprise.

“From the first punch Rainbow Dash threw…?” Fluttershy added.

“…to the current fight going on outside?” Shining Armor finished.

“Every single detail,” Twilight answered. “And I must say you all did pretty well without me!” Twilight warmly smiled at everyone.

“Humph! Define ‘well…’” Spike sarcastically replied.

“Spike!” Twilight yelled while glaring at the purple dragon. He cringed and froze in place while smiling shyly at her as if to realize his mistake. Her glare soon turned into a comforting smile as she realized that he was joking for the first time since her death. “Anyway,” Twilight said, regaining her focus. “We don’t have much time. I don’t know how long Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are going to last before Discord overpowers them, so let’s devise a plan, and quickly…”

“Quick question before we begin,” Pinkie Pie began. “Since you’re here again, but as a ghost, will the Elements of Harmony work like they used to?”

“That’s a good question, Pinkie…” Twilight replied. “Let’s see if we can summon them.” The protectors of Equestria, now reunited with their de facto leader, lined up next to one another and began to focus their thoughts. Within moments, each pony’s necklace appeared around her neck. Following soon afterwards, Twilight Sparkle’s tiara appeared, fitting her ghostly head as if she were fully tangible. The Elements’ glow was much brighter than they had been when they were used before.

“The Elements… seem… stronger…!” Twilight said in delight. “I’m not sure why or how as of yet, but this is perfect! This should work into our plan nicely… But, I suggest we hide the Elements when we go out there.”

“What for, Twi?” Applejack asked, confused by Twilight’s request.

“For another ‘Element’… called ‘Surprise…’” Twilight answered with a wink, grinning in excitement. Everyone's eyes widended in in realization that Twilight seemed to have already been one step ahead of the situation.

“You’re a genius, Twiley!” Shining Armor praised his younger sister, rubbing her head. He then realized his gesture and got confused. “Wait… Did I just…?”

“All part of the explanation I owe everypony once we’re done,” Twilight sternly stated. “Now, let’s get planning!”

“Right,” everyone else responded in unison. The group of ponies and Spike then huddled together and began to discuss their new method of attack…

Next Chapter: The Battle (II) Estimated time remaining: 29 Minutes