The next day after Sunburst and Starlight made their return to see Twilight, the group started diving into the texts about Starswirl. Brian was obviously reluctant to do so, but was taking notes on things that felt out of place.

“Can any of the three of you assist with some translation? I found some text that might assist in our search.”

“Let's see what you have,” Starlight said "Hearg sylfum se Ponhenge. Toward dol grimlic of Fola Firgenbeorg. User endemest scield.

“The Temple of Ponhenge at the base of Foal Mountain. Our last stand,” Sunburst translated

“How'd you know what to look for,” Twilight asked

“Simple. At home, Latin isn't commonly used and sticks out in texts. You've heard me use one phrase before.”

“Which phrase is that,” Starlight asked

“Resquiate in Pace, in other words; Rest in Peace. It's commonly written on human tombstones.”

“I remember now. You used the translation in Cien’s funeral,” Twilight said

“Who's Cien? I've never met him before,” Starlight asked

“He was a member of my Midnight Guard. Months ago during the Storm King’s attack, he took an attack from a knife that was meant for me and died due to it. His final resting place is Canterlot Cemetery.”

“Sorry for the loss of your guard. At least he is at peace,” Sunburst said

“So we have our destination. Let's pack up and head for Foal Mountain. Grab Starswirl’s diary to bring with,” Twilight said excitedly

“It's late in the day. Even if we ate lunch and jumped on the next train there, what good would it do? We'd still end up camping out until morning just to begin our search.”

“Then let's do it. The sooner we get there, the faster we can release him,” Twilight added

“Anyone in favor of leaving immediately raise a hoof,” Brian said having only Twilight do so

“The rest of us would rather leave tomorrow,” Rarity said as the others nodded

Once that was agreed on, the next day everyone met up for the ride to Foal Mountain. Most decided to sleep while Twilight decided to read Starswirl’s books for the umpteenth time.

“Well, we're here. Now what?”

“I don't know. For once, I didn't have any expectations,” Twilight said

The group looked around and saw a group of six spots surrounding a platform. Just as they turned to leave, the pedestals started to react. What seemed to be a holographic representation of what happened appeared.

“That was enlightening,” Dash said sarcastically

“Starswirl and the others banished this ‘Pony of Shadows’,” Starlight said

“Let's rescue them,” Twilight said

“Sorry for what I'm about to do,” Brian said before slapping her in the back of the head “This is a VERY bad idea. They banished themselves to eliminate the other. Their fates are interconnected. If we try to release Starswirl and the others, the Pony of Shadows leaves as well.”

“We. Have. To. Do. Something,” she said defiantly

“Four words. I'm going to tell you four words after this happens. Bad shit is going to transpire as usual.”

“What are those words,” Sunburst asked curiously

“You'll find out afterwards.”

“There are other talismans we need to collect before we can release them,” Starlight said “Rockhoof's shovel, Flash Magnus' shield, Mistmane's flower and Meadowbrook's mask and Somnambula’s blindfold will need to be found.”

“Applejack, Rarity, Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie will collect the objects. The shovel, flower, shield, mask and blindfold respectively are what you're after,” Twilight directed

“Twi, you have homework to complete. Create a plan to destroy the Pony of Shadows.”

“What about you, Brian? What are you going to do,” Twilight asked

“I already know the second part of the plan. Besides once you release them, becomes the time to enact the plan.”

“Care to share it,” Sunburst asked

“Not really. When I'm ready, you'll know. Just don't be around the vicinity.”

From that point on, everyone temporary went their separate ways to collect their chosen item. They ended up heading to different parts of Equestria to accomplish their task. A few weeks later they met at Twilight’s castle before heading out.

“So, what's the plan,” Dash asked

“We return to the mountain and place the token on their respective pedestal and I'll cast the spell to release Starswirl and the others,” Twilight said

Once again, they boarded the train for the return trip to the mountain. Everyone ended up sleeping, although Twilight was shuddering nervously with what was going to happen.

“Alright, grab the items. Brian, I'm going to need your help with the spell,” Twilight said

“Three of you is enough. I'm basically here to try to be the voice of reason. This is complete madness to do this.”

Once the items were placed out, Twilight, Starlight and Sunburst used their magic and a portal opened up with six distinct shapes emerging.

“What happened,” Starswirl asked

“I released you,” Twilight said

“You can't do that! By releasing us, you've doomed everyone,” Starswirl said

“Four words. Remember what I said?”

“What are they,” asked an exasperated Twilight

“I. Told. You. So.”

“Thanks for releasing me! Say goodbye to everything,” the Pony of Shadows said

“Somebody better answer that phone, because I fucking called it!”

(*picks up ringing phone* Hello? Pinkie Pie speaking)

[Pinkie, what the hell are you doing?]

(Answering your phone call, silly)

[Please hang up. This is a joke]

(Okie-dokie-lokie *hangs up phone*)

“What was that about,” Dash asked

“Don't worry about it. Wrong number,” Pinkie replied

“You are a strange pony. I've never heard of a male becoming alicorn before. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Starswirl the Bearded,” Starswirl said

“Prince Brian Dragnov. It would be a pleasure, if this meeting was under better circumstances.”

“I agree. How long have we been gone,” Starswirl asked

“Over a thousand years. Much has changed since you've been gone,” Twilight said

“There are now a total of six ascended to alicorn, and two that were born. Luna and Celestia, you probably knew about. Twilight Sparkle, Mi Amore Cadenza, Sunset Shimmer and myself are the final four to ascend. Flurry Heart and Eclipse Shimmer have been born as alicorns.”

“Impressive. Things really have changed. I am Mistmane,” she said

“Well, now that shit happened, we need a plan. Twi, did you complete your part?”

“I did, Twilight said

“Whatever you think you can do, won't be here! See what happens without your precious Ponhenge now,” the Pony of Shadows taunted

“Our current plan of action is this; retreat. We'll figure out something at home.”

Reluctantly; the group, having gained six more members, headed back to Ponyville via train. Once there, Starswirl and the others were amazed by the sights.

“All this has come about in the time we were gone? It's amazing to see two castles here,” Starswirl said

“The crystal castle is mine, while the other is Brian's,” Twilight answered

“Before we start, I believe we deserve an explanation. What exactly happened that you banished that creature.”

“I suppose you do deserve something. The Pony of Shadows was once knows as Stygian. He was the unsung member of the group that goes unnoticed in the tales. In the end, Stygian grew jealous and stole objects from us,” Starswirl said

“So, Stygian apparently grew tired of playing second fiddle and turned to the dark side to spite the six of you? Something seems screwy about that.”

“Are you calling us liars,” Rockhoof demanded

“You just said he was unknown. Perhaps, he thought that he could a hero like you? You honestly don't know his mental state, nor do I. All I see is assumptions without evidence.”

“And what makes you the expert,” Rockhoof asked

“As a human, I try to see things from another perspective. Even if Stygian fucked up, he deserves a second chance. Besides, Starlight here, screwed up and received one. My wife Sunset Shimmer made mistakes here, that caused her to run through the mirror portal to the other side. I played the biggest role in her getting a second chance. Hell, I'm probably worse then they are. Their mistakes can be fixed; mine can't.”

“What could you have done that cannot be fixed,” Flash Magnus asked

“Let's see; caused the deaths of approximately 328 people? Only one was under different circumstances. Otherwise, the rest were scum with deeds that were heinous.”

“If you're human, how did you get here,” Starswirl asked

“Discord sent me. Although my home, is similar to the other side of the portal, it's entirely different.”

“Perhaps we were too quick to judge Stygian on something we didn't understand. If he had a problem, he should have just told us,” Somnambula said

“Hopefully it's not too late. It might be worth trying,” Starlight suggested

“Next question is this; where is he at?”

“There. The Hollow Shades is his current location,” Starlight said pointing to a spot on the Cutie Map

“Let's go. I'm hoping the area is completely abandoned. If not, get the residents out.”

Once again, came the train ride and everyone was visibly anxious. Before they left, Brian made sure to strap on his armor and swords for additional protection.

“That is unusual. Your armor allows you to become a pegasus? Who created that,” Starswirl asked

“The dragon blacksmith Coalheart Blackflame. He enchanted this for me.”

While everyone was sleeping, Brian started going over a plan in his head. Once in Hollow Shades, a visibly huge well was positioned in the center of town. Spotting a huge stone near the well, he withdrew some climbing equipment that consisted of a single spike that would be driven into the stone and a pair of ropes.

“What's that for,” Applejack asked

“Getting down the well. See you at the bottom. Grab the rope and climb down.”

They watched as he held both ropes in his hoof and fell backwards into the hole. Dash grabbed the other rope and followed suit, with AJ next to her. Once everyone was at the bottom, Brian removed a small block of clay with wires sticking out and mounted it at the bottom before handing Twilight a box with a single red button with a clear cover on it.

“Twi, this is for you. Once everyone is out, get far enough away and push the button. There's a reason you don’t want to be close by. Humpty Dumpty won’t be able to be put back together again. Don't ask, I'm not explaining the reference.”

“Why aren't you holding it,” Twilight asked

“I have a feeling I won't be coming back, and I trust you with the detonator.”

“Pinkie, please hold this for me,” Twilight said handing it to her

Looking around, the well opened into a massive tunnel. Before reaching the next room, Brian placed a second block of clay on the ground, before handing four to Dash.

“Dash, could you place these around the perimeter of the next room?”

“Sure. Do you really need all these,” Dash asked

“For what comes next, it's worth having more.”

As they stepped into the connecting chamber, Brian called out “Olly, Olly oxen bitch!”

“So you've arrived to meet your doom,” the Pony of Shadows taunted

“Stygian, why did you turn your back on everyone,” Starlight asked

“I didn't, they did. I was the brains behind the Pillars. But because I didn't have magic or strength, I sought another way. It was then, I came across the Well of Shadows we're standing in now! And it looks like I'm not the only one here with power. Let's see who it is,” Stygian taunted

All of a sudden, Brian slumped to the ground. Everyone backed away as a purple mist started to envelope him. As his body rose into the air, it took a similar shape to Ignis, but was completely made of black ooze and had blood red eyes.

“Brian? This isn't good, he hasn't taken that form in years,” Twilight said

“If he's a creature of evil, then he must be banished as well as Stygian,” Starswirl said

“No. We aren't going to banish anyone. Brian can gain control of Ignis (I hope),” Twilight said defiantly

● MINDSCAPE ●

“What the fuck just happened? Let me out, goddammit!”

Looking around, Brian knew this was his own mind he was in, and was currently locked inside a cage with Ignis standing guard in front. A television screen was showing what was happening outside.

● WELL of SHADOWS ●

“Keep away from Brian! In this state, he may not know friend from foe,” Twilight yelled to the others

They watched as Ignis was fighting against Stygian before he flicked a claw and summoned balls of red lightning and started shooting them at Stygian. The interior of the cave was getting pelted with missed shots while the others ducked to avoid getting hit by falling debris.

“Stygian, stop! This is all a misunderstanding! You wanted to be known as a member of the Pillars so you resorted to using dark magic. If you told the others, they might have helped you,” Starlight said

“How do you know,” Stygian demanded

“I wanted power and used dark magic to get my way. Twilight and the others showed me friendship,” Starlight replied

“Fight against the darkness, Stygian! You need friendship, not revenge,” Twilight added

Using the power of the Elements of Harmony, the six were able to return Stygian to normal, while Ignis still remained.

“What about your friend? I caused that to happen,” Stygian asked

● MINDSCAPE ●

“Ig, I'm sorry about this.”

Brian reached through the bars of the cage and punched Ignis is the face. With the distraction, the cage disappeared and Brian felt his eyes revert back to blue.

● WELL of SHADOWS ●

“Huginn, Muninn! Everyone get out of here! Finish the plan,” Brian/Ignis ordered

The group watched as a pair of black ravens showed up out of nowhere and reverted back to thestrals the same size as Celestia. Each put a hoof to the ground and opened a portal to Hell as Brian casually stepped inside and disappeared.

“Let's go. Brian gave us an order,” Twilight said

Reluctantly, they left the room and headed to the entrance of the well. Starswirl led the Pillars out first before using his magic to levitate Stygian out of the cave.

“Dash, check the other room. I don't want to do anything unless I know it's empty,” Twilight directed

Rainbow Dash flew inside the other room and around checking to make sure the clay blocks were still there. One final block was sitting in the middle of the room where Brian was standing.

“Twi, it's empty. He's gone,” Dash said reporting her findings

Dash flew out of the well with Twilight on her back before meeting with the others. Twilight led everyone out towards the edge of the village before pushing the button. A series of explosions were heard before the entire area collapsed burying the Well of Shadows permanently.

“Let's go. There's two stop to make. First, to Ponyville to pick up the Midnight Guard and the second is Canterlot to tell them the news,” Twilight said through tears

“Brian sacrificed himself for us. No one can find the Well of Shadows now,” Starlight said

● HELL ●

Brian stood up after landing on the ground and realized he was currently in Lucifer’s throne room. Surrounding him were the thestrals that escorted him and Ignis.

“Welcome back, Brian. I trust you know why you're here,” Lucifer said

“I went crazy and have to leave,” Ignis answered

“You either die a hero, or live long enough to become the villain. Sadly, that's what happened here.”

“Very astute of you. I'll give you some time to say goodbye before you head home,” Lucifer said

“Brian, thank you for everything all these years. Somehow fighting against Stygian, the Pony of Shadows drew out my dark side. I hope no one was hurt in the attack,” Ignis said

“There's no injuries that I'm aware of. Thank you for always being there for me. Goodbye old friend. Lucifer, could you get a picture of us, one last time?”

“Of course. Hand me your phone,” Lucifer replied

Brian withdrew his phone and handed it over. After taking a couple photos, Brian threw it back in his bag.

“Brian, you'll be heading back home, any time you want. Want anything specific before you go,” Lucifer said

“Two books if don't mind. History of Equus and my own Earth history.”

“You're going to let Starswirl see how bad humans are,” Lucifer asked curiously “By the way, keep the books. They're already been replaced. Same thing with the book I gave Celestia.”

“I thought it was best for him to understand where I came from, along with everything that transpired over the time he was banished.”

● EQUESTRIA ●

The trip to Ponyville was excruciatingly quiet as no one knew what to say. The conductor was asked to remain at the station while Twilight and Dash flew to his castle.

“Princess Twilight, Captain Rainbow Dash, what do we owe the visit,” Harmony asked

“Gather the rest of the guard, please. Your presence is requested in Canterlot with us,” Twilight said, trying to remain composed

The eight of them returned to the train as the conductor patiently waited. Once all were on board, the train continued to Canterlot. Celestia had a trio of chariots waiting for them. Twilight and the others took one, while Tempest and the Midnight Guard sat in the second. Celestia had to convince Starswirl and the others to climb inside as she joined them for the trip. Celestia directed everyone to the throne room where Octavia, Vinyl, Sunset and their kids were waiting.

“By the look on your faces, girls, something happened. Where's our husband,” Sunset asked directly

“Brian turned into the evil version of Ignis and started attacking anything in sight. He called for the two ravens and went to Tartarus,” Twilight said fighting back tears

“He's dead,” Octavia asked

“I can't say if he died or not, but he asked Twilight to push a button on a device he gave her. The result was a series of explosions that led to the area caving in,” Dash added

Brian quietly arrived from a portal and put a hoof to his lips while looking at Celestia and Luna. The two gave a slight nod in acknowledgement. He stood their listening to what happened before finally speaking.

“The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.”

“You're alive!? How is that possible,” Twilight demanded

“I never died. Huginn and Muninn were instructed to take me to Hell if Ignis became uncontrollable. I didn't die, but he did. Ignis is no longer a part of me.”

“What was the point of those blocks,” Starswirl asked

“Those were explosives. Even if someone manages to remove the rubble, everything is destroyed in the well. Oh, I almost forgot! Starswirl, you and Twilight might like these books,” Brian said
removing two huge books “The history of Equus and my home, Earth. Just don't be too surprised by what's there. Humans aren't the best of species. We've eliminated entire species of creatures for no reason. We're fond of war; in fact most of human history is just that. Humans went from hunting with sticks, to using much deadlier weapons to kill one another.”

“Where did these books come from,” Twilight asked curiously

“Lucifer gave them to me. Thought they might be interesting.”

“I actually want to read about your home. It might be worth looking into,” Sunset added

“We need to have a party to celebrate. Both the return of the Pillars of Equestria and the loss of Ignis,” Pinkie said

“Thank you for that, Pinkie.”

Once again, Pinkie was able to create the party with very little effort. As the night went on, Brian decided to make time for privacy.

“Sorry, but I'm going to step away for a short time.”

“Go ahead,” Octavia said

Brian headed outside to his usual spot on the roof. While he told Vinyl and Octavia about that, Luna and Sunset were already waiting for him.

“Luna told me you come here to clear your head. I have a feeling I know what this is about,” Sunset said

“Yeah, Ignis. It's just hard to adjust to. Having a Nightmare form removed isn't easy.”

“Having Nightmare Moon removed wasn't easy. It took a while to readjust to society. Nightmare Night may only be a holiday based on me, but it's a reminder of what I became. My sister knows what happened back then and has to reassure me every year that I won't revert back to her,” Luna explained

“I know what you mean. Brian, you helped me after I turned into that demon. It was probably due to the frustration I had before I left that it was created. You were the first to assist me afterwards. I never told the others about how I felt,” Sunset said

“What do you mean? What didn't you tell the others?”

“After that day when they defeated me, it wasn't without incident. I noticed three scars where the wings and tail were located. My demon side gave me nightmares for a while. If you wouldn't have been there to help me, I probably would have ended it,” Sunset replied

“Sorry to hear that. As we can all attest, it's not an easy adjustment to not have a Nightmare form anymore. Brian, you used Ignis many times that he became an assistant to you. Just remember of the time you spent together,” Luna started

“And he never truly dies. I always thought of him as a brother. It's funny that I created him when I was human.”

“How did you do that,” Sunset asked

“I lost myself in my thoughts after my parents died. In fact, Ignis was initially created as a second persona deal with the aftermath. After being sent here, Celestia put me through a ritual that had me taking a few drops of Spike’s blood to temporarily gain the abilities of a dragon. That blood actually gave Ignis his form.”

“Impressive. How'd you know about that ritual, Princess Luna,” Sunset asked

“A book I borrowed from my sister before my thousand year banishment. It was full of dark rituals. I used one to rid me of my vampiric nature while away. My eldest child was tasked with their elimination,” Luna explained

“I have two questions about that. One, how did you become a vampire. And two, what happened to your eldest,” Sunset asked

“The first question I can't answer as I honestly don’t know. As for the second, her name was Dusk,” Luna said

“That's the same one I told you about. I'm not going to repeat that again as it hurts to think about.”

“If you need any assistance during your dreams, I'll try to help. We all know nothing will make things better, but it can help sooth things,” Luna suggested

“Perhaps we should head back inside.”

As the three flew back inside, Vinyl and Octavia were patiently waiting for his arrival.

“First, nothing sexual happened out there. Luna, and Sunset have experience with the removal of Nightmare forms, and wanted to comfort me.”

“Did it help,” Octavia asked

“I can't say at the very moment. It'll probably take some time to get to not having Ignis.”

“It's getting late. We need to turn in,” Luna said

A few days later, the trio of Starswirl, Twilight and Sunset finished the books on history.

“Prince Dragnov, after reading the history of your world, I'd like to see some of these weapons humans have created,” Starswirl said

“Alright. Everyone follow me. I'll take you to the Research and Development room in the castle.”

The entire group; now consisting of three smaller subgroups of the mane-six, the Pillars and remaining family headed deep into the castle and filed into the training room.

“Firearms consist of three categories, pistols, shotguns and rifles. I'll demonstrate each one."

Brian had summoned a table with the weapons as well as numerous dummies to shoot at. A ballistics gel torso and a lone dummy were pulled aside as he loaded a pistol. The gel torso was shot from 10 meters, right in the heart. Walking over to the other, he put the barrel to the temple and fired.

“That's the damage from a pistol. It was also the exact same thing my parents suffered. This is as close to seeing the real thing. Next is the shotgun.”

This time, four dummies were grouped together as Brian grabbed the gun and fired. One blast was aimed low, and a second blast managed to remove a portion of one's face.

“I can already see the difference between the first two weapons. The pistol, as you called it, fires a single projectile at the target, while the shotgun consists of multiple pieces that fire out,” Starswirl analyzed

“Exactly. The rifle is the same as the pistol, firing single shots, but from longer distances. That big one is a sniper rifle. Same thing as the smaller, but much longer distances can be hit.”

Setting one dummy out at 50 meters, he was able to put a bullet dead center between the eyes. Switching to the sniper, a second dummy found its head completely removed from over 800 meters.

“How does this room work and who created it,” Starswirl asked

“The room is linked to the one in my castle. This training room functions by need. Damage can't be felt and it can summon whatever the user needs. As to who created it; that would be Discord’s doing.”

“I read about your world using explosives. Was that clay block one of them,” Twilight asked

“Yes. That is C-4 explosive and the reason I didn't want any of you near the blast radius. The blast wave could damage internal organs or completely kill you.”

“On a different note; Twilight, an old friend is returning,” Celestia said

“Spike’s returning? Did he say why,” Twilight asked

“Unfortunately not. He and Ember will be arriving soon,” Celestia replied

A week later, Spike and Ember entered the castle with him having a visibly heavy object in his saddlebag.

“Spike, welcome back! It's been so long,” Twilight said hugging him

“It's good to see you, too Twilight. Where's Brian? I need to speak with him,” Spike said

“Speak of the Devil and he shall appear. Dragon Lord Ember, Spike; it's been a while.”

“We have something that might interest you. I recently laid eggs and found this waiting for me. I have tried to hatch it, but it won't respond,” Ember explained

Spike removed a black dragon egg and handed it to Brian. After turning it around, he noticed his cutie mark was on the shell.

“’A small spark will reside inside you but will only be accessible at the right time’. I finally understand what that means,” he said quietly

Brian concentrated for a moment and was able to summon Hellfire in his front hooves. He placed both hooves on the egg as everyone watched it start to glow for a moment before finally hatching. Once he removed his hooves, the flame flickered out for the last time.

“I've never seen a black flame before in a dragon, let alone a pony. How did you do that,” Ember asked

“Perhaps I can help explain things,” a voice said as its owner entered the throne room

“Lord Blackflame. My father told me stories about you, but I never believed them,” Ember said bowing as Spike followed

“Rise, Lord Ember. Brian was in possession of Hellfire. I'm guessing it fizzled out after hatching that egg, Brian,” Coal said

“Yes. That was the last spark. My Hellfire is officially gone.”

“Take a close look at the contents of that egg,” Coal directed

Brian moved the shell off and revealed a solid black dragon. As the newborn dragon opened its eyes, he noticed the eyes were a hybrid red and blue. As the baby started to yawn, it released a small burst of Hellfire which received a series of ‘Awwws’ from the girls.

“Welcome back. Ignis.”

“How is that possible? You said that he was taken from you,” Twilight asked

“Dad asked me about having another Ignis created after you left Hell. The egg was to wait for the right time and it would appear,” Coal explained

“Thank you for this. It's great to see him reborn as an actual dragon, from his original Nightmare form."

“Lucifer knew you were going to be depressed about it. Ignis was more of an assistant to you,” Coal said

“So we now have two kids to raise. Eclipse and his dragon brother, Ignis,” Sunset said

“We'll figure it out. Somehow.”