Sombra was seated in the throne room and his minions were present. “So what’s the new plan to destroy those annoying ponies, your majesty?” Flame asked.

“Well we’ve taken an interest in a certain creature in New Tartarus…… Lord Tirek.” Sombra stated.

The minions gasped. Tirek was a centaur who can use his dark magic to steal ponies magic. “Are you sure your majesties?” Breaker asked.

“Of course I’m sure.” Sombra scoffed. “With a special spell Tirek will be under my full control. With him on our side we will bring those measly ponies to their knees!”

The minions liked the sound of that. “So when do we start?” Frost asked. Sombra chuckled, “Right now.” Using his magic, he teleported all of them to New Tartarus.

They appeared in a place with caverns and rocky peaks everywhere. “So this is New Tartarus.” Frost said.

This land was once used by Equestrians to seal their most dangerous criminals, like Tirek, underground. It became obsolete when Starfleet came along and introduced stronger and more efficient prisons. However, all dangerous criminals of Equestria’s past still remained sealed within New Tartarus.

“Indeed and this is where we’ll find Tirek, come.” Sombra led his minions to Tirek’s seal. The seal can only be unlocked with the magic of an equestrian pony, since Sombra was originally Dusk Shine from Equestria of Old, he could unlock it. “Stand back.”

The minions backed away and Sombra used his dark magic to break the seal. The ground began to tremble and quake as the seal pulsated like crazy, and then it broken, and all was suddenly quiet… quiet… quiet still, and then a huge fist pushed through the ground, making the team jump in fear. Then another large fist emerged. The minions gazed on in astonishment as the giant centaur emerged, and thundered “I… am… free!!”

He was at least the size of Twilight’s old home.

“King Sombra? What do you want?” Tirek snarled.

“I want you to help us destroy some meddling ponies and conquer United Equestria.” Sombra offered.

Tirek rolled his eyes, “I don’t have time to help a foolish creature like you.” Sombra knew he would say that. His blasted Tirek in the head with his magic. Tirek screamed in pain as he held his head. Suddenly, he stopped and looked at Sombra and the minions with his green eyes with smoke fluttering from the sides. “I’m ready to serve you, master.”

Sombra grinned widely, “Victory will be ours!” He declared and laughed and his minion laughed as well.

---

Meanwhile, Lightning and friends were at New Canterlot for some training, including Cadence and Shining Armor. Sapphire was sparring with Lightning and was doing really well.

Lightning tripped her but before she hit the ground, she caught herself and came back up and punched Lightning in the chest. “Nice.” he commented.

Sapphire was about to use her magic to paralyze him when...

“Hold.”

The ponies turned and saw Grand Ruler and Queen Celestia standing in the doorway. “Very impressive Sapphire, you’ve grown into a fine fighter.” he commented.

Sapphire felt flattered and blushed. “Hehe, thank you.”

Suddenly, Captain Shania came into the doorway, breathing heavily and she’s turned to their majesties. “Your majesties! Your majesties!” she cried.

“What is it Captain?” Celestia asked.

Shania caught her breath, “I’ve just received word form new Tartarus. Lord Tirek has escaped!” Their majesties exchanged looks of concern and the ponies, except Sapphire, gasped in horror.

“Who’s Lord Tirek?” she asked.

“He’s a big meanie pants who can steal other ponies magic!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Do you how he escaped, Captain?” Celestia asked.

“Yes. One fairy soldier reported seeing King Sombra and his minions releasing Tirek. They they’re on their way here as we speak.” Shania replied. Grand Ruler said. Their majesties immediately held an emergency meeting in the throne room. “We cannot allow Tirek to roam free.” said Luna “If we don’t recapture him at once, all of United Equestria will be in grave danger.”

“But how?” Sapphire asked.

“Yeah, that big brute will just absorb our magic, like he did before.” Applejack stated. “And with Sombra and the minions it’ll be almost impossible to attack Tirek.”

This made the ponies worry even more. “Can he absorb your magic too?” Sapphire asked, referring to Lightning and the space ponies.

“Fortunately, Space ponies like us are immune to absorption magic.” Lightning replied.

“Unfortunately, Equestrian ponies, like the girls, Luna, Cadence, Shining Armor and myself are not.” Celestia stated. “We must stop Tirek as soon as possible.” Celesto stated.

“But if we face him, he’ll just suck the magic out of us.” Applejack objected.

Celestia sighed deeply “It pains me to say this, but we cannot risk it. We have decided…” she paused a moment “…to give up our own magic and hide it away where Tirek will not get to it.”

Everyone gasped in the deepest of shock and concern. “Give up your magic!” cried Artie.

“But if you do that, and the Tirek does attack,
You’ll be defenseless; you won’t be able to fight back.” added Rhymey.

“This is something we are quite aware of…” said Luna “But as my sister said, we cannot take such a risk, but know this…” she said as she eyed the girls, Cadence and Shining Armor. “Fear not, your powers will be well cared for. We have chosen the safest place for them.”

“Where?” asked Pinkie.

“Not where, but whom…” Grand Ruler said. “Sapphire will absorb your magic; Transfer and keep them within herself. Doing this will also increase her power dramatically.”

The team gasped in even more shock and concern while Sapphire had no words.

“M-Me! Why me?” she asked.

“We do not believe Tirek is aware of your presence or the powerful magic that you hold inside. If we transfer our magic to you, Tirek will not know where it has gone.” Celestia explained. “But what if Tirek comes after me?” Sapphire squeaked in fear.

That’s when they all heard three roars and whinny behind them. Looking back, they saw Smoke and Fire, Skystorm, Snowflake and Kyara. “They said they won’t let him anywhere near you, Sapphire.” Fluttershy translated.

Though the ponies weren’t all too keen with this idea, it was their only shot.

Lightning sighed. “Okay, do it.”

Celestia, Luna, and Shining Armor and the mane five all surrounded Sapphire in a circle. Sapphire nodded her head saying she was ready. Then all the ponies concentrated hard, sending their magical forces from their bodies and into Sapphire.

When the transfer was finished, she was floating in the air, glowing brightly. The light diminished and she landed on the ground. The girls, and the royal ponies checked their flanks and no cutie mark was present. They’ve all lost their cutie marks.

Queen Celestia sighed, “It is done.”

“Sapphire, you now possess our powers. Hopefully we will reclaimed them.” Luna added.

Suddenly, the alarms went off and Goldwin burst into the throne room. “Guys! It’s horrible— come quick!”

“Calm down Goldwin— what’s wrong?” Grand Ruler asked.

“It’s Tirek! He’s in the village stealing magic!”

Everybody gasped. “Let’s go!” Lightning called. The two teams transformed…

“STARFLEET MAGIC!”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!”

They flew out of the palace, heading straight towards the villages. Meanwhile, Tirek was enjoying absorbing the magic from the Equestrian ponies.

An army of space ponies and the pegasi, including the Wonderbolts charged Tirek, however, he just deflected the space ponies off like common flies and he zapped the pegasi, causing them to lose their ability to fly, “Going down.” he sneered. All the ponies fell like rocks.

Sombra and his minions were blasting everything in sight and having fun.

“Tirek! Sombra!” a voice yelled. Tirek looked and saw the ponies. “Ahh. More pathetic ponies trying to stop me.” he sneered.

“You pests might as well give up now.” Sombra added.

Suddenly, Tirek sensed a strong magic coming from Sapphire. “I sense one of you has great power. I must have it!”

Sapphire didn’t like the look Tirek was giving her and she gulped nervously, “Don’t worry Sapphire, we won’t let them get you.” Pinkie promised.

“Just to be safe, you should go and hide somewhere.” Lightning suggested. Sapphire nodded and called, “Snowflake!”

Snowflake, the dragons and Kyara came to her side and Sapphire mounted Snowflake. They all flew off just barely escaping Tirek’s attempt to grab them. “Let them go Tirek! Once we deal with these ponies we’ll go after her.”

“Yes master.”

The ponies got into the fighting stances. “Let’s go!” Lightning snapped.

Lightning and the ponies transformed.

“STARFLEET MAGIC!”

Then the girls,

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!”

Finally, little Spike,

“DRAGON POWER!”

“Warrior-mode, go!” Luna and Celestia changes into their warrior garments.

Sombra and the minions stood before Tirek. “Attack!” Sombra cried. The two sides rushed forward and brawled. The minions used their magic to easily power up themselves and blast, kick and booted the Space and Friendship ponies. They all were sent flying and crashed hard.

Their suits were already flashing red and were at forty percent power. “Woah, their stronger than before.” Rainbow said.

“I feel woozy already.” Spike added. That’s when Sombra stepped forth. “Time to end this.” He powered up his magic and fire a large dark beam at the ponies. “Lookout!”

Suddenly,

“No!” The royal family got in front of the beam and took the blast head on. Without their magic the attack caused massive damage. When the beam ended, the royal family fell to the ground from exhaustion. “Your majesties!” Lightning cried.

The ponies rushed to their side. Sombra laughed. “Now, Tirek!” Tirek snapped his fingers and the team was surrounded in individual bubbles.

The bubble also powered down the team’s suits because they blocked their powers. “Hey! Let us go!” Buddy snapped.

“Why would I do that. Now I can get that human and her magic!” Sombra sneered.

“You’ll never get her magic!” Lightning yelled.

“Oh, on the contrary, once she’s sees I have you all in my possession, she’ll have have no choice.”

The ponies didn’t like the sound of that. Sombra and Tirek were going to use them to force Sapphire to hand over her magic. They just hoped she was okay.

---

Meanwhile, Sapphire and her friends were in the Everfree Forest near the Castle of the Two Sisters; where Queen Celestia, Princess Luna and Grand Ruler Celesto used to live. Now it was really torn up and looked like it was falling apart. Snowflake landed in the front of the castle and Sapphire dismounted her.

“Looks like we’ll be hiding here for a while.” she said.

Her dragons roared with worry, “Don’t worry, I’m sure the others will beat Tirek and we can go back. Right now, we have to hide so Tirek doesn’t get the magic that I have.” Sapphire explained. The creatures nodded and they began walking around the castle. Just then, they were Kyara neighing. “Kyara!”

They traced the sound to the top of a raven with a staircase that led to what looked to be cave. The cave had a glow to it. “Wonder what that is.” Suddenly, her chest began glowing as well.

“That’s new.”

Sapphire walked down the staircase while the dragons and Kyara slowly descended to the floor.

Entering the cave, they all gasped in awe. Inside was a crystallized tree with the center of it being a star, like Twilight Sparkle's cutie mark and Queen Celestia and Princess Luna's cutie marks on the trunk as well.

“Woah.” she gasped in awe. “What is this?”

“This is the Tree of Harmony.” a voice replied. Sapphire, the dragons and Kyara turned around and saw Twilight Sparkle’s spirit floating to the ground.

“Twilight?”

“Hello Sapphire.”

“You said this was the Tree of Harmony? What is it?”

“It is a powerful and magical tree that control all that grows in the New Everfree Forest and it is where Queen Celestia and Princess Luna first discovered the Elements of Harmony.”

Sapphire walked towards the tree and as she got closer the more the tree and her chest glowed. Finally, she stood a few feet from the tree and touched the base. In a instant the tree glowed brightly and released six multi-colored beams at Sapphire’s chest.

The light on her chest began to morph into what looked at be necklace with a gemstone in the middle.

With a final flash, the glow diminished and Sapphire felt a bit woozy. “Woah, that was intense.” She looked down at her chest and was shocked “What the-?” On her chest was a golden necklace with a silver star symbol in the center.

“Wha-What happened?” she asked. Twilight's spirit came up to her. “The Tree of Harmony gave you a hidden element of harmony.”

“Hidden?”

“This element is a combination of all of the other Element of Harmony. You’ve shown all six of them during your time with Lightning and his friends. Together, they make the Element of Hope.

This Element is twice as powerful as the Element of Magic as it doesn’t require the other six elements to unlock its true power.”Sapphire and her creatures were all amazed, but Sapphire was confused. “But why me?”

“You expressed the full power of your friendship that you end up creating a brand new element like I said before. Your element is not only a new form of the Element of Magic, but it also represent your own element. The Element of Hope.

You should all that hope over everything you faced, and it also helped bring friendship to the dome unlikely creatures. In doing so, you showed them the magic of friendship. The elements sensed it, helped you create your own element.”

“So I can use Valkyrie magic like my friends?”

“Yes, however, your Valkyrie magic is different from the girls.” Sapphire was surprised. “How much different?” Twilight smirked. “You’ll find out in battle.”

Sapphire sighed. Suddenly, the dragons began growling. “Skystorm, Smoke and Fire, Snowflake, what’s wrong?”

She got her answer when she heard, “SAPPHIRE SHIMMER!!!”

She gasped in horror. “Tirek!”

“You have something that I want.” Tirek stated. Sapphire was in complete panic. “Wha- What do I do?”

“You have to fight him.” Twilight said.

Sapphire gulped at the sound of that, “Fight him?!”

“It’s the only way he’ll be defeated. Remember you have Valkyrie magic and the aid of your dragons and alicorn. You can do this.” Twilight encouraged as she disappeared.

Sapphire was still unsure about facing Tirek. Snowflake came up and rubbed against her. Snowflake roared softly. “You really think I can do this?”

The drgaons and Kyara nodded. Taking a deep breath, Sapphire declared, “Alright, let’s do this.” She mounted Snowflake and they all flew out of the cave and cavern where Tirek spotted them.

Sapphire could see Sombra and the minions in Tirek’s head. “Finally, you have something I want. Now give it to me!” Tirek stated.

“Never!” Sapphire and her dragons blasted Tirek, making him scream in pain. Tirek tried to punched Snowflake into the ground but she easily dodged the attack. Smoke and Fire blasted Tirek with their combustion attack.

Skystorm launched her spikes to Tirek. Sapphire blasted another burst of magic at Tirek, he shielded himself with his own magic, but Sapphire’s power consumed him in a large explosion.

When the dust cleared, Tirek smirked, “Now I see what your friends have done.” he sneered.Sapphire and Snowflake blasted Tirek again. That’s when Tirek levitated the two up to his face! They struggled to get free but Tirek threw her into a mountain, “YYYAAAHHHHH!”

BOOM! They both collided with the mountain side. Skystorm, Smoke and Fire roared with concern. Luckily, when the smoke cleared, it was shown the two were unharmed thanks to Sapphire using a shield to protect them. Tirek came flying in, “Brace yourself, girl!” and rammed them right through the mountain!

Recovering from being winded by the massive impact. Snowflake got on top of Tirek and blasted him hard. He crashed into the ground leaving an small crater in the ground.

Tirek stood up and the group landed in front of him. “It seems we’ve reached a disagreement Lieutenant. How about a trade?”

He snapped his fingers and behind him, floating in the sky were nineteen bubbles, each containing her friends, including Mykan! That’s when Sombra and his minions appeared.

“Their release for all of the magic you have in your possession.” Tirek offered. Sapphire gasped in horror while her dragons and Kyara looked at them, horrified.

All of her friends cried out telling her not give him the magic. “So what’s it gonna be, Lieutenant?” Sombra asked.

---

“Don’t do it, Sapphire!” Lightning called.

“We’re not worth it!” Starla added.

“Don’t give him your magic!” Mykan added. Tirek grew very impatient. “ENOUGH! I WANT AN ANSWER AND I WANT IT NOW!” he thundered.

Sapphire looked at the mane five and the Queen. A rainbow stripe went across their bubbles as they were all looking at her with pleading eyes. The same rainbow colors reflected in her eyes.

She knew what she had to do.

She dismounted Snowflake and said “... I will give you my magic... in exchange for my friends.” she said. Everybody gasped in horror while Tirek smilies victoriously. “As you wish.” He snapped his fingers and all the bubbles came to ground, popped and freed her friends.

“Now for your end.” Tirek said. He levitated Sapphire up to his face and used his magic to steal her magic.

But nothing happened!

“What?” Tirek tried again, but the magic didn’t enter Tirek’s mouth.

Even the teams were confused. “What have you done?” Tirek asked.

“Nothing.” Sapphire squeaked.

“Well, if her can’t absord your magic, he’ll just have to destroy you.” Sombra declared.

“ NOOOO...!” the ponies cried.

Just then, the element on Sapphire’s chest glowed and blasted Tirek in the face. “Auughhh!” Sapphire was released and Element glowed brighter and brighter. “Alright then…VALKYRIA!”

In a bright flash, Sapphire changed into her Valkyrie form. Her armor was silver with a white skirt and a headband with white wings on the end: she wielded a sword in her left hand and shield that had the elements’ symbol in her right. Her hair flowed and gained rainbow streaks along with her wings.

This totally shocked her friends.

“Sapphire’s a Valkyrie now?!” Rainbow cried.

“How?” Applejack asked.

Sombra, the minions and Tirek simply smirked at her. “You think that little trick will save you?” Frost sneered.

“Yes I do.” Sapphire replied.

“Well you are sorely mistaken BLAZE OF DESTRUCTION!”

The blast heard right for Sapphire but she blocked it with her shield. Sapphire dashed up to Tirek and slashed him in the chest multiple times, causing much damage to him.

Sapphire charged and repeatedly struck Tirek with her magic. Her dragons got in on the action, blasting Tirek with their fire attacks. Kyara kept ramming Tirek and slashing with her sharp hooves. Sapphire finally bashed into Tirek sending him flying! The others were shocked amazed by her new power.

“Look at her go!” Mykan said.

“Back and forth,
To and fro.” Rhyemy added.

Tirek snarled and Sapphire’s horn begin to glow in a mystical light. Suddenly the friendship ponies and the Queen changed into their Valkyrie forms and their shields went up to Sapphire and circled her.

“What’s going on?” Starla asked.

All of the seven shields glowed brightly as well as Sapphire and they circled her. They each shot out a beam of color at Sapphire’s element.”HARMONIC BLAST!”

Launching the combined magic of the elements, she consumed Tirek, Sombra and the minions in the blast He screamed in pain as he felt all the magic he’d stolen being taken away and when it was done, he was back in New Tartarus.

The magic from the attack sent out a large wave of magic across the kingdom, giving the equestrian ponies their magic back including the Mane five, and the royal ponies and restoring all the damage done during the battle.

Sombra and the minions were left lying on the ground. “Grr… retreat.” Sombra grunted. Together, the four of them teleported away. “Ah! They got away again!” Spike cried.

“We’ll worry about them later, look!” Applejack said pointing at Sapphire.

Sapphire floated down to the floor and the six shields went back to their owners. She changed back into her normal uniform. Breathing heavily, she looked at her friends right before she collapsed.

---

Beep Beep Beep

Sapphire opened her eyes and saw many blobs in front of her.

“Is she gonna be okay?” asked the orange blob.

“Ooh, I’m so worried.” whimpered the yellow blob. Her vision cleared and she clearly saw all of her friends.

“Hey Sapphire.” Starla said softly. She rubbed her head and saw she was in a hospital room “Wh-What happened? Where am I?”

“You’re in New Canterlot in the sickbay. You collapsed after you used your Valkyrie power.” Mykan explained.

“How’s the kingdom?”

“The kingdom is safe once again thanks to you, your dragons and Kyara.” Grand Ruler replied. Hearing about her creatures friends she became a bit worried. “Are they okay?”

“They’re just fine. They’re more worried about you.” Mykan replied.

“Now about your Valkyrie powers... they... are... awesome!” Rainbow cried. “Totally epic!”

Everybody chuckled, but when Sapphire chuckled she felt a sharp pain in her stomach. “Ugh!” Fluttershy came to her side immediately, “Easy Sapphire. You’ll need lots of rest.”

Sapphire looked around the room and noticed Lightning and their majesties were absent. “Where’s Lightning and their majesties?” she asked. As soon as she said that, the appeared in the doorway. “Did somebody call for us?” Lightning teased.

Sapphire smiled at the sight of her friends. Lightning came to her bedside. “How are you feeling?” Lightning asked.

“Sore.”

“Well, you’ll be fully recovered in a few days.” Queen Celestia said.

“But right now we’d like to ask you something Sapphire.” Grand Ruler added.

“Yes, your majesty?”

“How did you manage to acquire Valkyrie magic?” Grand Ruler asked.

“Well.” Sapphire went on about everything from the Tree of Harmony to Twilight. When she was done, everybody was shocked.

“So let me get this straight.” Starla said “You created a new, hidden and powerful Element of Harmony that is another form of the Element of Magic, the Element of Hope, due to you giving hope and friendship to those who really needed?” Starla summarized.

“That’s correct.” Sapphire replied.

Everybody was amazed by this. To create a new Element of Harmony is very special. Now there are seven Elements of Harmony now.

“Cool.” Lightning said.

“Wowie!” Pinkie cried.

“Simply Incredible.” Grand Ruler stated.

That’s when doctor came in an ordered everyone out of the room, saying that Sapphire needed all the rest she could get. Everybody did what they were told and left the room.

”You’re growing into a fine fighter and friend, my brave pony” Lightning thought as he exited the hospital.

“This is great! We have another Valkyrie of Harmony now!” Pinkie cheered.

“While that is true, we still do not know, if she can fully control it when she uses it again.” Celestia said. This reminded everyone of how Lightning had trouble controlling his Enticorn form after the first time he used it. He went out of control during battle and almost ended up hurting his friends.

“Indeed. For now, we must continue to study Sapphire’s new form and aid her in controlling this new power, if needed.” Grand Ruler said.

Next Chapter: Episode 8: Repercussions Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 6 Minutes