Princess Luna screamed as she felt the droplets of acid hit her coat singing her fur and tearing at her skin. She needed to get away. She squirmed underneath the monster’s grip trying desperately to get some leverage to throw the hybrid off her. Twilight’s grotesque face was mere inches from her as she felt more acid drip onto her body. She screamed again as tears began to form in her eyes. As an alicorn, she had a very high pain tolerance. She’d never been hurt like this before. Her attributes offered her no protection from the caustic liquid’s sting as miniscule traces began running down her chest. The pain was unbelievable.

‘Focus, Luna, focus! You have to get her off you!’ her mind screamed as she powered up her horn again.

With a guttural bellow, the princess of the night let out another large blast of magic striking the beast in the face and knocking Twilight away. She scrambled to her hooves, hoping to press her advantage. Her horn lit up again as she fired another blast, hitting Twilight in the chest. She followed up with two more blasts that struck her target, forcing the hybrid to let out bellowing moan.

‘I must get her to the throne room! I must keep pressing her!’ she thought to herself as she let out another beam of magic towards her enemy.

This time Twilight was ready for her. The monster’s eyes glowed as she put up a shield deflecting the bolt. Luna’s eyes widened at the development.

‘But…how?!? How could she be so bestial, and yet still so in control of her magic?!?’ she thought as she ran forward, shoulder blocking the deformed unicorn to the ground.

They rolled across the corridor, slamming into the far wall. Twilight was the first to her hooves as she used one of her deformed legs to strike the alicorn across her muzzle. Luna answered quickly as she turned with the blow and bucked straight outward, her back hooves colliding with the beast’s shoulder. The hybrid cried out again and leapt for the monarch. The princess of the night was quicker, however. Falling purposefully onto her back, Luna kicked up once again with her back hooves, hitting the scholar in the mid-section and sending her overhead to the other side of the hallway. She heard the crack of Twilight’s back against the wall as the alicorn twisted on the ground rising to her hooves quickly. She took in a deep breath as she readied herself for the next assault. She shook her head, trying to focus again. She was finally starting to get Twilight’s rhythm.

‘Her speed threw me off, that’s for sure! But I think I’ve finally seen her measure! It’s time to end this!’ she thought as her eyes began to glow.

“TWILIGHT SPARKLE, THOU ART A WORTHY OPPONENT FOR THE PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT! BUT I SHALL PUT AN END TO THIS! NOW!” she bellowed as a beam shot forth from her horn encapsulating the hybrid in its grasp.

Before the creature could react, Luna heaved the captured beast into the air and slammed it across the hallway, it’s back once again slamming into the ornate walls of the palace. The night princess repeated the process, this time steering her attacks towards the throne room. As she tried for a third assault, however, she found her strength beginning to wane. The amount of magic these attacks were taking was astronomical.

‘I…I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up. I bet if I wasn’t an alicorn, I’d have passed out by now!’ she mused as she attacked again.

The fourth assault got them into the corridor that lead directly to the throne room. They were almost there. Luna’s legs became rubbery, as she pushed forward. Twilight had caused so much pain in her new state. She’d attacked royal guards, and one of them, if not more, were dead. However, the princess of the night didn’t know if she could go on. The last attack drained her badly. As her legs were about to give way, she closed her eyes and thought about Big Mac. His injured form lying helplessly in that hospital bed, clinging to life by a thread. She thought of her sister and everything she’d gone through after losing her prized student, as well as the remaining elements of harmony and their desperate struggles for normalcy. As angry as she was, however, her sister’s love and happiness meant the world to her. Drawing on both the hate and love within her, Luna screamed as she summoned up all of her remaining strength for one final attack.

‘I will stop you, Twilight Sparkle! If not just for your own sake then for the sake of my sister and…and the stallion I love. I will stop you!’ her mind echoed as she released the spell once more, slamming the hybrid directly into the throne room doors.

Silence reigned once the echo of the attack dissipated. After a few moments, Luna let herself breathe again as she took in gulps of air, collapsing onto the floor beneath her tired hooves. She strained to keep her eyes open, fighting the involuntary urge to give way to unconsciousness. She needed to make sure that Twilight was stopped. Every minute that passed felt like hours as she kept her half closed eyes fixated on the spot where the hybrid lay. Twilight’s mutated form hadn’t moved for a full ten minutes.

‘It’s…it’s over. Now I can alert my…no!’ her mind screamed as her eyes widened.

Twilight Sparkle jumped to her hooves, shaking her deformed head. She straightened up to full height, as she turned her neck towards her attacker. Letting out another ethereal moan, she stalked towards Princess Luna, her eyes and horn glowing brightly. The monarch couldn’t believe what she was seeing. After everything they’d gone through, not only was Twilight standing, but she seemed perfectly alright as she pursued Luna with renewed and deliberate vigor. Tears formed in the alicorn’s eyes as she mentally screamed for her body to rise and meet the challenge that walked towards her. However, regardless of her effort, she did not move an inch.

‘How…how is she still conscious?!? That attack was…oh, no! Her increased metabolism! It must have allowed her to regain her strength! Get up! I have to get up!’ she thought as the mutated unicorn approached.

Despite her best efforts, Princess Luna’s vision began to fade. She’d expelled so much energy, and she wasn’t used to such battles. As hard as she fought, her worst nightmare was becoming a reality. She was about to pass out while at the mercy of the hybrid that killed indiscriminately. There was nothing she could do. She’d lost.

‘No…no, please, stay awake! Get up! Help me!’ she thought just as the darkness took her.

-

“His vitals seem to be holding. That’s a very good sign. The test results we are seeing are also encouraging,” the doctor said as he studied the notes on the clip board levitating near his face.

“When do you think he’ll wake up?” Applejack asked as she continued to stare at her brother.

The physician frowned as he put the chart back into its slit at the foot of the bed. He put a hoof on the mare’s shoulders as she turned to meet his gaze. His eyes scared her.

“Listen, Ms. Applejack. I know you want to think positively, we all do. But as good as these test results are, his ordeal is by no means over. We will continue to monitor him, but at this point anything can happen,” he said.

She felt the tears well up in her eyes again. She used her left hoof to wipe them away from her face. She’d cried so much, it was getting harder and harder to see. She’d been through the shock already, but now came the more agonizing stage of waiting. Waiting for fate to decide what was to become of her big brother. It was maddening. What was worse was the fact that she was drained. Her mind screamed at her to kick and wail, to do something to express outwardly what she felt so deep within herself. But, she couldn’t. Her body wouldn’t let her. All she could do was wait, and hope for the best. Putting on the best smile she could, she patted the medical professional’s hoof with her own.

“Thanks, Doc. An Ah mean that. You…you’ve been great, takin’ care o’ my big brother like this. Ah’m grateful,” she stated.

“That’s what we’re here for, Ms. Applejack. Anything you need, and I mean anything, just ask one of the guards stationed outside the door,” he encouraged softly as he made his way out of the room.

The farm mare sighed as she sat down, eyeing her companions. Fluttershy had left a little while ago. She still couldn’t believe what the timid pegasus said. She never thought that the animal lover was capable of holding such a sentiment, but it seemed as though she was pushed to the edge. As bad as Applejack felt about Fluttershy’s declaration, one look at Big Mac wiped away any guilt she may have had over it. She looked back and for the between Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. They were each in separate corners of the room, sitting quietly, not even looking at each other. The sight made her sad. She thought back to her last heart to heart with her brother, when she questioned him about going to a funeral, and how even though you went, were you dishonoring the deceased by going when you really didn’t want to be there. As she took in the state of her fellow elements, she knew that none of them wanted to be here. Yet, they were, out of sense of obligation, no doubt.

‘How the hay could we have come to this? It’s all just...’ she thought to herself as another loud crash shook the walls.

They each gasped as they looked towards the door. That was the third or fourth one now. There was a battle raging between Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna. However, no one knew the status of the engagement. From what they were able to ascertain from the guards, Princess Luna wanted to go it alone against the former element of magic. As wary as they were about the idea, it seemed the most feasible. The deformed unicorn was clearly too strong for the royal guards to take on by themselves. But could Princess Luna handle this all by herself? It was risky. Applejack shook her head as she continued her contemplation.

‘Ya know, Ah gotta wonder how…’ she thought before Pinkie Pie’s voice snapped her back to reality.

“SPIKE!” she shouted as she tackled the young dragon to the floor pinning him in a hug.

“GAH! Oh, Hi, Pinkie Pie. Could you, uh…let me in the room, please?” he asked politely.

She slid off him, standing up, as the others came to greet the youngling. They each hugged him as he returned their embrace.

“Spikey! Oh, we were so worried! I’m glad you’re alright!” Rarity said.

“Well, I…I’m not alright. Tw…Twilight, she…” he stammered.

“We know Spike, she’s turned into that creature again. Ah’m so sorry, sugarcube,” Applejack apologized.

“You mean…I guess you wouldn’t. I just got here, right?” he said wiping a few tears from his eyes.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

“W...well…a squad of the Royal Guard came to take me to the rendezvous point, and…and Twilight, she…she attacked them. It was horrible. She…she even…” he stuttered.

“Spike, what are you trying to say?” the pegasus pressed softly.

“She…she…she killed them, Rainbow! She…she used her acid and…and her magic!” he shouted, pulling the mare into another hug.

“Is…is that…true?” Pinkie Pie whispered.

“We believe so,” a voice rang out from the doorway.

Everyone looked up to see a pair of royal guards. They walked in slowly wearing solemn looks.

“What happened?!?” Rarity asked.

“We found Spike running down one of the corridors. He said that he was told by the one of the other guards to go to the rendezvous point. Before we took him there, he told us what happened, and we dispatched some more guards to verify his story. Sure enough, all but one guard were dead, and even the one who survived was greatly injured. He’s being tended to by a few of the doctors and nurses,” one of the guards explained.

“I…I’m so sorry,” the unicorn offered as she cast her gaze towards the floor.

“How many?” a voice whispered.

They all looked up at the source of the inquiry, finding Pinkie Pie with her right hoof over her chest. Tears formed in her eyes as she bit her lip nervously.

“We…we aren’t sure. About nine or ten so far,” the other guard said.

“Wait, but…if you were supposed to be at the rendezvous point then what are you doing here?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well, when we were on our way there, these guys mentioned that there was someone who was injured. They said it was a stallion, and that he had a sister. I…I thought that it might be…” Spike stated nervously.

They all turned, staring back at the bed containing the unconscious form of Big Mac. The dragon walked slowly to his bedside, taking in everything his eyes and emotions would allow. He couldn’t believe that this could happen to him of all ponies. Big Mac was strong. A powerhouse. But now, he was weaker than a filly. Spike turned to Applejack with a hopeful look.

“He…he’s gonna be okay, right Applejack?” he asked.

The farm mare forced a smile. Spike may have matured since Twilight’s passing, but he was still a baby dragon, and as much as she wanted to be truthful, this was a time for prudence. Even though honesty was her bedrock, she did her best to put up a façade.

“O’course he will, sugarcube. He…he’s still Big Mac, ain’t he?” she said, as she rubbed her eyes again.

Rarity stepped forward to address the dragon again. She could sense that focusing on Big Mac might push Applejack over the edge. She cleared her throat, attempting to change the subject.

“Spike, How in Equestria did you escape unharmed?” she asked.

The young dragon looked away, his expression becoming somber. He was still upset about what he had to do to Twilight. It tore him apart inside to know that even though he saved a royal guard’s life, it took attacking his surrogate big sister to do it. Now he once again had to revisit that scene in his head.

“W…well, I…look, she was going to kill him! I didn’t have a choice, ok?!?” he snapped, turning away.

“Didn’t have a choice? What do you mean by that?” Rarity pressed.

“Twilight, she…she had a guard encased in her magic, and…I begged her, Rarity. I pleaded with her to let him go, but…but she wouldn’t listen, and…and I guess I just reacted. I…I blew fire at her. I didn’t hit her, just the floor beneath her, but it was still enough to singe her legs. Rarity, the look she gave me…I…I betrayed her. She…she must hate me!” he cried as he lowered his head into his claws.

Everyone’s eyes widened at the statement. Even the royal guards who escorted the youngling didn’t know what exactly transpired. His friends couldn’t believe what they’d just heard. They never thought that Spike could hurt Twilight. Yet, they couldn’t be upset at him, and he needed to know that.

“Look, Spike, Twilight’s not…you did what you had to do. Don’t blame yourself. You saved someone’s life, you should be proud,” Rainbow Dash said, putting a hoof on his shoulder.

“I know I did the right thing, it’s just…yeah, she’s a monster, but…but that’s still Twilight. Underneath all that gross flesh and those terrible eyes…It’s Twilight. And…and I hurt her,” he sobbed softly, as he leaned into the pegasus.

Pinkie Pie watched the scene carefully absorbing what the dragon said. She brought her hoof to her chin in contemplation. If it was just her legs that got a little singed, then why not attack him? She cursed herself for even thinking about Spike being taken away from them, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something didn’t add up. She walked forward slowly, determined to get more information.

“Wait, Spike. What happened after you attacked her? You said she gave you a look of betrayal. What do you mean? And what happened after?” she pressed.

“Pinkie?” Applejack questioned, raising one of her eyebrows.

“Spike, please, this is important,” Pinkie said, ignoring the farm mare, taking the dragon’s claws in her hooves for a moment before standing back up straight.

“W…well, it’s just like I said. I begged her to stop hurting the guard, and then I hit her with some of my fire,” he said.

“But what about that look? Can you describe it in more detail?” she inquired.

“Well, she looked like…she looked…I dunno, disappointed in me? She just looked at me like she expected something out of me, and didn’t get it. Like she hoped I would do something else, and then she ran away,” he explained.

Spike grunted as Pinkie Pie brought him into a hug. The others looked on curiously as the party mare’s demeanor changed dramatically. She was smiling. They hadn’t seen her actually smile for months.

“That’s it! Spike, do you realize what this means?!?” she chirped excitedly.

“What are you talkin’ about Pinkie?” Applejack asked.

“She may be a monster on the outside, but I think somewhere, deep down, Twilight is still in there somewhere!” she said.

“Huh? Pinkie, we’ve been over this…” Rainbow Dash started before the pink earth pony cut her off.

“No, no, just listen! Twilight has attacked everyone she’s come into contact with. Royal Guards, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack....but not Spike. She…she was angry at us before she transformed, but she could never be mad at Spike. I…I think that maybe…just maybe…she recognized him! If that’s true then maybe we can still help her!” Pinkie Pie explained.

The group drank in her words, contemplating their meaning. Pinkie Pie did have a point, but they were still skeptical.

“Ah dunno, sugarcube. Ah get what you’re sayin’ but maybe she just came across someone who wasn’t as easy of a target as before. Ah mean, no offense, but she’s like ten times stronger than everyone in this room. Magic don’t seem to work, and she’s faster than a dang Wonderbolt. But Spike’s got somethin’ we don’t. He’s got the ability to breathe fire,” Applejack stated.

“But…Applejack…” Pinkie Pie stammered as she felt her eyes become misty.

“Just hear me out, okay? One of things that’s makin’ her so dangerous is that she’s pretty calculatin’. Ah mean, you should’ve seen the way she snuck in here, crawlin’ through the ceiling like that. Don’t ya think that maybe she just decided it wasn’t worth the risk? What if she was just surprised by the fire, and Spike misinterpreted the look he got? Ah…Ah just don’t know, Pinkie,” the farmer retorted.

“But…but isn’t that just like Twilight? She’s so smart, so…maybe that’s still a part of her too?” Pinkie countered.

Another thunderous crack shook the castle as the doctor, accompanied by a few more guards walked in.

“I’m sorry to do this, but we have to evacuate,” the physician said urgently.

“What?!? What about mah brother?!?” Applejack shouted.

“We will have to get him out of here too. Whatever is happening, the structural integrity of the castle could become compromised. Big Mac is in no condition to endure this, and he cannot be exposed to it. Whatever battle is raging could come back this way, and if it does, no one will be able to contain it,” he said.

“But…mah…” Applejack stuttered, before the doctor cut her off putting his hoof on her shoulder.

“He will be safe, I can promise you that. There is an exit not far from here, and I already have another medical team waiting. His vitals are good, so a transport to another center should be fine for him. Just, please, take care of yourselves. I doubt Big Mac would want you to compromise your own safety,” he explained.

“Well, Ah’m coming with ya! Ain’t no way Ah’m leavin’ my brother’s side!” Applejack protested.

“I’m sorry Applejack, but there isn’t enough room, nor is there time. The nurses and I need to break down his monitoring system for the transport. I can protect the area with my magic, but only for a short period, and the less ponies I need to shield the better chance I have keeping my barrier up for as long it takes us to evacuate. You can’t stay here with what’s happening. Please, follow the royal guards to a safe place outside the castle, and I will have someone meet you with the transport details,” he replied.

“No, we can’t leave! Twilight is still in there, I know it!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she ran passed the guards.

“Darn it, Pinkie, not again!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she ran after her.

“Where is she…Doctor, thank you, but…we have to go!” Rarity shouted running out of the room.

“Go after them, Applejack. I’ll take care of Big Mac,” the physician said.

The farm mare sighed deeply, taking one more look at her brother. She wanted nothing more than to be with him, but the doctor was right. If she stayed here, she’d endanger herself, and him. It was better for them to get her sibling out of harm’s way and into a proper care facility. She ran towards the door, stopping for a moment looking back.

“If Ah hear that somthin’ happened to him, so help me Doc’ Ah’ll buck ya straight into yer grave!” she shouted as she ran into the hall.

“You guys comin’? We gotta get the rest and head outta the castle!” she yelled to the guards and Spike.

They nodded and followed the mare as they all raced down the hallway together.

-

“Fluttershy, we have to move, now!” the guard bellowed as she stood in front of the stubborn pegasus.

“I have no problem leaving, but I’m not leaving with them! We can go separately!” she shouted back, crossing her hooves over her chest.

“Look, we don’t have time for games! The battle between Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna could very well destroy parts of the castle! If they come this way, we won’t be able to protect you!” he argued.

“Oh, you mean just like before, right?!? Where were you?!? Where were any of you when Twilight was attacking me?!?” she countered.

“For your information, we were doing our best to save you! And we lost some good stallions in the process!” he shouted.

Fluttershy looked away huffing. While the guard did have a point, she was already too angry to take his words to heart. Caring about what everyone else was going though is what got her here in the first place. She was weak because of it, and she refused to be weak again. She took a deep breath as she thought about what he said, her expression softening. They did fight a monster for her, and it would be rude to not at least acknowledge that, but she couldn’t help be frustrated at the results. She needed to calm down. This wasn’t like her at all. She knew she should be stronger, but should she sacrifice the best part of herself in the process?

‘That part of me might already be gone,’ she mused as she stood up and walked over to the guard.

“Look, I…I’m just frustrated. You and your friends fought for me, and I really do appreciate it. It’s just…Imagine if you couldn’t be who you are anymore because someone else couldn’t do what they were supposed to do. Wouldn’t that hurt?” she asked.

“Ms. Fluttershy, with all due respect, you’re alive. You may not have come out unscathed, but you are safe. You’re safe, but my comrades aren’t,” he said.

The pegasus looked down at the ground. She was ashamed at what she’d just said. She’d let her anger take control of her, and by doing so, she insulted the very ponies that were trying their hardest to protect her. She put a hoof on his shoulder as she whispered.

“I’m sorry. You’re right. I…I was insensitive, and…that was very rude of me. I guess…I guess I’ve felt so alone here that I’m acting defensively. It…it’s like I’m blaming everyone for everything, and that’s not the right thing to do. I…I guess I just can’t help it right now. I am sorry,” she said softly.

“Apology accepted. Now, can we please get out of here? We’re supposed to meet everyone else back at the rendezvous point so we can evacuate the castle,” he explained.

They both looked towards the hallway as they heard hoofsteps clacking across the marble flooring. They each looked out the door, as Pinkie Pie and the rest of the element bearers ran by them with a few guards and Spike following close behind. The stallion turned back towards Fluttershy before speaking.

“Alright, let’s move,” he stated, as he and Fluttershy ran after the group.

-

The hybrid stepped closer towards her downed opponent, taking her time. She stalked cautiously, remembering the battle just minutes ago. Her attacker seemed to be unconscious, but she was still guarded. She could be feigning in order to draw her in. With each step the creature only felt one thing: hatred. This other being had power that much was certain. But if it attacked her once, it could attack her again, and she refused to take a chance and not finish it off in its weakened state. She’d run from the others, but that was only once she’d known that they’d already been dispatched, or if they’d startled her. But this thing was too strong. It needed to be put down. Once next to the dark-coated creature, Twilight used her front leg to kick the thing over onto its back eliciting a strained groan. Perhaps it was truly comatose. No more time could be wasted on trying to figure that out, however. It was time to destroy this beast once and for all. The deformed unicorn slowly opened her mandibles, allowing the acid to form within her, readying her final strike. Just as she was about to attack, however, a voice rang out startling her as she jumped away, taking up a defensive stance.

“STOP!” Pinkie Pie screamed as she skid to a halt in front of Princess Luna with her front legs stretched out shielding the moon princess.

“Pinkie Pie, what are you…” Rainbow Dash gasped as she stumbled, gazing at Twilight’s new form.

The pegasus stopped short, almost tripping over her own legs. She could feel her knees shake at the sight. It was her. The thing that she was more frightened of than anything she could ever imagine was right in front of her, and it looked like it was ready to attack. She slowed her breathing as Luna’s words came back to her.

‘Okay, Rainbow, this is it. I’ve admitted my fear. I’ve embraced it. Now…now I gotta face it,’ she thought to herself as she made her way around to the moon princess slowly.

Soon, the whole group joined them, each one of them gasping as they took in Twilight’s new form. The guards immediately got in front of Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy as they took up defensive positions.

“Stay behind us, and don’t move unless we tell you!” one of the guards barked sternly.

‘Pinkie, Ah sure hope you know what yer doin’!’ Applejack thought as she gulped, watching the scene unfold.

“Twilight, it’s me, Pinkie Pie. You…you remember right? Look, I…I’m sorry. I’m sorry that everyone was mean to you when you came back, but…but I was always in your corner! And I will be no matter what! I…I know you’re still in there, I just know it! You are Twilight Sparkle! You…you like books, and studying, and reading, and…and you love your friends! You…you always liked my parties, right? You always smiled and danced and…and ate cake. And…and…you know what else? Twilight Sparkle doesn’t hurt other ponies! She…she protects them! You’ve saved Equestria! More than once! But more importantly than that, you…you brought us together,” the pink earth mare said with tears streaming down her face.

The monster didn’t make any aggressive movements, instead choosing to eye the new arrival curiously. Pinkie Pie let her front hooves fall to the ground as she walked slowly towards the hybrid. Everyone stood with bated breath as they watched her approach. Twilight still hadn’t made an aggressive move towards her. If anything, to the rest of the group, she looked confused. Once Pinkie Pie was in front of the beast, she lifted her front hoof slowly. The monster stiffened, but the party planner forced a smile, doing her best to reassure her that she was not an enemy. She stroked Twilight’s deformed cheek lightly, as she whispered.

“You’re my best friend, Twilight! I…I love you, so…so please, as long as you have my friendship, you don’t have to hurt anyone else! Please…please understand!” she pleaded.

The hybrid let out an ethereal moan as she let Pinkie Pie pet her gently. Everyone looked on in awe as the earth mare seemingly tamed the wild beast that killed numerous royal guards and terrorized the entire castle. Applejack stepped forward ever so slightly, trying to get a better vantage point. She wanted to make sure of what she was seeing still holding her breath.

“Ah…Ah can’t believe she…PINKIE, LOOK OUT!” she screamed.

Everyone else followed suit as they all realized what was happening. Twilight’s mandibles had been opening slowly ever since Pinkie began stroking her cheek. She was feigning, and with her deadliest weapon now ready, she was about to release.

“No…” Pinkie whispered before a ball of light burst in between them, forcing them apart.

The group turned towards the source. Rainbow Dash was supporting a weary looking Princess Luna, her magic dissipating from her horn as she breathed heavily. She narrowed her eyes as she took to the air. Everyone braced themselves as they felt the corridor fill up with wind. The princess of the night screamed as her eyes began to glow intensely.

“PRINCESS, PLEASE STOP!” Pinkie Pie shouted with tears streaming down her face.

“NAY! THIS ENDS NOW!” the alicorn bellowed in her royal Canterlot voice as she flew forward, taking up Twilight in her magical aura and slamming her through the double doors of the throne room.

Everyone screamed again as the energy from the blast hitting the door threw the group back. Once the dust settled, Rainbow Dash shook her head as she stood up, her legs rubbery.

“Is…is everybody okay?!?” she yelled.

“Ah…Ah think so. What in the hay just happened?!?” Applejack replied.

“Princess Luna got serious, that’s what,” one of the guards said as they all walked towards the now destroyed doors.

They could still her the faint ticks of small stones falling over what was once a royal treasure. The wall was completely caved in blocking any sort of path into the throne room.

“Good luck, Princess,” Rainbow Dash muttered as she stared at the ground beneath her.

-

Princess Celestia finished checking over the devise once more as she sighed, sitting on her haunches. This was the third diagnostic check she’d preformed on the device. She’d checked everything three times over. Everything was perfect based off of her calculations. But were her calculations correct? That remained to be seen, and that notion frightened the sun princess down to her core. She stood sighing to herself as she levitated another checklist to her face. Walking towards the computer, she couldn’t help her thoughts turning towards the welfare of her sister and Twilight.

‘Please, please be alright, my sister! Don’t hurt her too badly,’ she thought as she paced back and forth in front of the machine.

She stopped for a moment, looking up at the telepods. Their dark metal sheen and patterned construction made them look quite intimidating, even if someone didn’t know their history. She couldn’t believe how much had happened in such a short time. The range of emotions she felt over the past few months left her spent. Her spirit felt drained, but as tired as she was, she knew that she couldn’t give up. Not with Twilight and her sister needing her. Every once in a while she’d hear a low booming coming from the hallway. It took every instinct she had not to rush through the doors to find out what was going on. She closed her eyes as she brought a hoof to her chest.

‘That’s not the plan. I…I have to move forward with the preparations we’ve made. I can’t afford to be distracted, no matter what!’ she thought to herself as she went back to looking over her checklist.

After a few minutes passed, a thunderous bang, much louder than the previous ones, startled the white alicorn as she dropped her clipboard and turned around to face the throne room doors. Whatever was happening, it was occurring right outside of the room. Just on the other side of the chamber. The princess took a few deep breaths, doing her best to remain calm. Using her magic, she picked up the clipboard studying it for a moment. This was it. Every task was completed, checked and re-checked. Now it was time to see if it was going to work. Princess Celestia levitated the clipboard by the computer, setting it down lightly as she turned her full attention to the door. She steadied herself taking up a defensive posture.

‘Alright. Twilight, I will save you,’ she thought as she lowered her head, her eyes narrowing as she waited.

And waited. For almost fifteen agonizing minutes, there was nothing. No sound, no quake from the doors, nothing. Just as the princess was about to straighten up, however, the doors burst open as her sister and Twilight came barreling towards her in a brilliant flash of light. The elder monarch reacted quickly putting up a shield as debris flew towards her, bouncing harmlessly off of her new barrier. Once the smoke cleared, Celestia stalked forward trying to get a better vantage point. Her eyes widened at the destruction before her. Both of the doors were destroyed, with rubble from the ceiling and walls caving in, blocking the entrance completely. As she scanned the room, she found her sister walking towards her slowly, her legs trembling.

“SISTER!” she screamed as she quickly ran over to her, using her own body to prop herself up.

“Celestia…she’s…she’s strong. It’s…I think it’s her…metabolism…she…she heals so quickly…” Luna stammered as her legs finally gave out, her belly smacking the floor in front of her.

“It’s alright, Luna. I’m here. You’ve done wonderfully. Thank you. I’ll…I’ll take it from here. Just please, rest,” she said softly.

Luna simply groaned in response as she shut her eyes, once again losing consciousness. An ethereal moan echoing from across the chamber quickly grabbed the elder sibling’s attention as she gasped, walking slowly towards its origin. As the smoke cleared on the other side of the room, Twilight’s new form came into view. Celestia’s eyes filled with tears at the sight. Her deformed student before her, now a monster that killed her own soldiers and threatened the lives of her own friends. She steeled herself as she took up a stance, readying herself for an attack. She never thought that she’d have to battle her own student. The very thought of it made her stomach turn. Yet here she was, about to engage in mortal combat against the mare she helped raise. It changed nothing for her, however. Twilight Sparkle was more than her student. She loved her like a daughter, and she would do everything she could for her, no matter what.

“I will save you, Twilight Sparkle! I will save you!” she announced as the hybrid leapt at her growling.
-

“We’ve got to get in there!” Pinkie Pie shouted desperately as she began using her hooves to move away pieces of rubble.
The group had finally come together after making sure that everyone was alright. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt from the explosion. Before they could turn around to flee towards the exit, however, Pinkie Pie shouted and started trying to get through the wall. The others, especially the guards, were flabbergasted. They couldn’t believe that even though the beast was confirmed to be playing possum the whole time in order to kill her that the pink party mare didn’t even think twice about wanting to be a part of saving her. Applejack approached her, putting a hoof on her shoulder.

“Look, sugarcube, Ah know you want to help, but there ain’t nothin’ we can do here, Pinkie! If Twilight could fight Princess Luna to a standstill, what luck do ya think we’d have in there?!?” she inquired.

“I don’t care! I know that you think she betrayed me, but I’m telling you, for a moment, that was the real Twilight Sparkle! We have to help her!” she countered, continuing her dig.

“You’re coming with us, Ms. Pie! Right now!” one of the guards shouted.

“No! You’ll have to drag me away, do you understand?!? I will fight you with everything I have! I’m staying, and I’m helping Twilight!” she screamed with tears in her eyes.

“So? What are we gonna do? You aren’t just going to let her stay here, are you?” Rainbow Dash asked another of the soldiers.

“What else can we do? She’s already said that she’d make trouble if we try and force her to come with us. The princess’ standing order when it came to you and the rest of the elements was to make sure that no harm came to you. If Ms. Pie is adamant about staying there isn’t much we can do unless we hurt her, and that’s not an option. Too many have been hurt already, and I won’t send someone else to the infirmary,” he said shaking his head.

Rarity bit her lip nervously. She felt her guilt rising to new levels within her after seeing Pinkie Pie’s desperate attempts to help Twilight. She’d never reconciled anything that’s happened thus far. She was very well the reason for all of this. She could have left with Moonbow, but she chose to stay. She couldn’t let Applejack stay with her brother alone, no matter how scared she was. Now here she was, with her worst nightmare on the other side of the wall. What was she to do? What were any of them to do? After thinking it over for a few moments, she walked slowly over to Pinkie Pie, tossing her mane as she passed the guards, doing her best to look confident.

“Pinkie Pie, all we’re saying is that you should be more prudent. You haven’t felt Twilight’s strength. We have. Even if you get inside, what are you going to do? You can’t stop her from hurting anyone. At…at least, not alone,” she said.

“What the hay are you gettin’ at, Rarity?!?” Applejack growled.

“I’m just saying that we should at least have a plan. Right now, we are the only ones who know that both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are doing battle with Twilight in her new body. Even if we leave, who’s to say that we’ll be safe? Think about it. If Twilight somehow manages to win, and defeat the royal sisters, who would be able to inform everyone else? Canterlot is a bustling metropolis, Applejack, and it’s right outside those windows. Could you imagine what would happen if no one knew that Twilight escaped the castle and made her way into Canterlot proper? There’d be pandemonium! We need to at least find out what’s happening behind that wall, Applejack!” she explained.

“Ah…wow, Rarity, Ah never even thought of it that way, but. Ah guess that kinda makes sense. So, then, what’s the plan?” Applejack asked.

“Well, we could probably make a hole, just to check things out. The best vantage point would probably be from above, but with all this rubble, it’d be pretty hard to make an opening safely. That’s the problem. Maybe on the sides here?” Rainbow Dash pointed.

“Alright then. But just a peek! Nothin’ more, ya got that Pinkie?!? Ah don’t want ya runnin’ in there while the princesses are throwin’ magic around like it’s candy on Nightmare Night!” the farm mare scolded.

Pinkie Pie’s eyes narrowed. There was nothing more she wanted right now than to bust through that door and help Princess Celestia fix Twilight. However, she’d come this far. She’d have to compromise. Perhaps, if she did get a chance to squeeze through she’d take it. As much as she hated it, she’d have to lie. Turning around, the earth pony flashed her best smile and nodded.

“Okay then! Let’s start clearing some of this away!” she chirped jubilantly.
-

Princess Celestia screamed as she felt another deformed leg slam into her. Moving with the momentum of the blow, she rolled away, using her wings to steady her as she let out another magical barrage. The hybrid dodged each blast, hopping from Pillar to window. The sun princess let out a cry of frustration as Twilight landed in front of her. The monarch could not believe how fast she was. She moved and weaved through each of her attacks as though she were dancing. Each time she got close, however, she’d land a blow, knocking the monarch back a few steps. The process had been repeating itself for a while now. She needed a new tactic. Unfurling her wings, she took to the air, somersaulting and diving at her former protégé. The beast dodged, but Celestia followed up with a kick from her hind quarters that sent the monster flying back towards the windows. Twilight landed, getting to her hooves almost immediately, springing to attack again. Celestia dodged, as she began breathing heavy.

‘There has to be some way to get her over to the pods. The magic is already stored. If I can wear her down enough to encase her in my magic, then I can get her into one of them,’ she thought to herself as her horn lit up again.

Just before the hybrid tackled the alicorn, she was hit in the chest with a bolt of magic that sent her flying backwards. Her back slammed against the wall with a sickening thud. Princess Celestia’s eyes widened at what she’d done. She quickly quelled the fire that she felt burning in her stomach. As much as she wanted to run over and help her, she needed to remember that right now, Twilight Sparkle was a monster. One bent on death and destruction, and she needed to be stopped. She approached the hybrid cautiously, charging her horn again. As she got closer to Twilight, she could see that the deformed unicorn was moving slightly, moaning as she lay on her side. Celestia couldn’t take any chances. She created a magical bubble around the hybrid, as she sat on her haunches, breathing heavily. She’d never been in a battle this ferocious since she’d fought her sister all those centuries ago. Luna was right about her pupil’s new power. Her speed and strength were unlike anything she’d ever seen, and she healed quickly in battle. Now was the time to take the next step, however. She needed to get Twilight into the pod. She didn’t have any more time to waste. Just as she was about to lift her student, a noise from across the room startled her as her head whipped around.

“Cel…Celestia! You…you have to get her into the pod! Don’t…don’t let your guard down!” the moon princess stammered, lying on the ground.

“Luna, it’s alright now. I believe she’s unconscious, and I can get her over to the pods safely. Thank you for everything you’ve done, sister,” she answered.

“N…no! Twilight, she…she feigns her weakness! TIA, LOOK OUT!” the younger alicorn screamed.

Just as Princess Celestia turned back around, the monster let out a huge magical surge, filling the room with light, and knocking her teacher back. Celestia slid across the floor, tumbling into the wall. The creature let out another moan as she slowly stalked forward towards the princess. Luna’s eyes widened as she fought to stand, only to slide back onto her belly.

“NO! TIA! TIA, SHE’S COMING! YOU’VE GOT TO GET UP! TIA!” she cried as tears streamed down her face.

It was no use, however. The last blow left the sun princess completely dazed. She rolled onto her side, groaning, her eyes shut tight. Luna tried activating her magic, but her horn, but its glow fizzled out almost immediately.

‘No! My…my magic is still…Tia, I can’t help you!’ her mind screamed as she used her front hooves to slide herself towards her sibling.

Once Twilight was in front of her mentor she let out another moan as she reared up her head, stomping at the ground, as though she were about to charge. The moon princess looked on bewildered.

“What is she…no…NO, TWILIGHT, PLEASE! DON’T!” she screamed as she reached for her sister.

Celestia willed herself to open her eyes. As she did, Twilight’s deformed body finally came into focus above her, looking down scornfully. She mouthed her pupil’s name as she tried to get up.

“Twilight…don’t,” she whispered as she felt the hybrid’s horn enter her belly.

“NO!” Luna wailed, her tears matting the fur on her face.

Celestia’s eyes widened at the sensation. She’d never felt such pain in all her years. She tried to say something, anything, but the immense pain she felt choked her from forming any words. Finally, she screamed as she felt Twilight’s horn slip out her mid-section, her blood spilling onto her own throne room floor. Her vision became blurry again. She began to slip away, until she felt another stabbing sensation in her midriff. Looking down, she saw Twilight’s second blow, piercing her just above her first wound. She reached out to her sister. She needed help. She was slowly losing consciousness.

“Lu…Lu…na,” she muttered as she convulsed, blood pouring from her mouth.

The sun princess coughed as she felt the metallic taste fill her mouth. Twilight just stared down at her teacher. She let out another moan as she turned her attention towards the pods. She tilted her head curiously as she eyed the metal objects.

“What is she…oh no!” Luna gasped as she struggled to her hooves.

Before she could react, Twilight fired a bolt of magic towards the computer. The moon princess shielded her eyes as she cried out. All was lost. Twilight had destroyed the computer which controlled the telepods.

“No…no it can’t be…what?” she whispered as she opened her eyes.

Rather than finding a destroyed piece of machinery, she saw the computer come to life. The sound of the telepods activating filled the room with their low hum. The hybrid once again looked down at the defeated princess, and then back at the telepods. The doors on both pods opened, as an automated countdown echoed throughout the chamber. Twilight once again tilted her head at the opening of the telepod doors. She looked down at her former teacher as she used one of her deformed legs to grab the princess by her flesh, dragging her towards the telepods.

“What is she…no…NO!” Luna shouted as she got to her hooves, unfurling her wings.

Twilight’s new form moved quickly. She was almost at the pods when she noticed a flapping sound from above her. She arched her neck quickly, firing a bolt of magic, hitting Princess Luna in the chest, making the younger alicorn scream. Twilight continued her journey unabated. Once reaching the lip of the first telepod, she deposited the princess’ bleeding form into it. She looked up again, as she heard more flapping. Luna once again charged her. The moon princess refused to give up. They’d already lost so much. She was not about to lose her sister as well.

“GET AWAY FROM HER, BEAST!” she screamed as she charged her magic, firing a bolt of ethereal energy.

Suddenly, a burst of light slammed into her attack causing a brilliant explosion. Luna wailed as she fell to the ground. Once she’d gotten her bearings, she began asking questions. Where had that magic come from? Was that Twilight? Looking over towards the telepod she gasped. The doors closed as she heard the locking mechanism click shut. She looked around frantically for the hybrid, but she was nowhere to be found. Her eyes widened at the implication. She ran forward as fast as her tired legs could carry her. Once she was close enough to get a glimpse of the telepod, she saw Twilight’s deformed head through the window. They were both in the pod. Together.

“No, no, no, I…” she shouted as the countdown reached zero.

The computer and the pods lit up, flashing, the light encompassing the entire room. Luna ducked, covering her head with her hooves as she felt the surge of magical energy explode from the device. She crawled towards the computer. Each passing second felt like hours until she finally made it to the board. She read the readout just as her sister had taught her. As the light finally dimmed on all of the pods, Luna looked on with bated breath. As the first pod opened, she felt a twinge of fear creep up her spine. She gulped as she stepped forward. Finally the door opened on the first pod as a white fog drifted into the room. Luna used her wings to make the smoke dissipate as quickly as she could.

‘I…I have to see what’s in there!’ her mind shouted.

A shape finally tumbled out. It was her. Twilight Sparkle. Not the monster, but the unicorn. Before her was her elder sister’s student, once more a pony. She heard a noise from behind her, startling the princess. She turned to see Pinkie Pie running towards her, followed by the rest of the elements of harmony with Spike and few guards. Pinkie Pie stopped in front of the princess as she brought a hoof to her chest. Her heart stopped at the sight. Lying on the ground was her best friend. Twilight Sparkle was back, but unmoving.

“Is…is that…is she…” Pinkie Pie stammered through tears.

“Y…yes, Pinkie Pie. It’s her,” she answered, lifting a hoof to the unconscious unicorn’s muzzle.

“She’s…she’s breathing!” Luna whispered with a smile.

Pinkie rushed over to the pair, falling to the ground, taking Twilight into her hooves, hugging her tight. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she was back. She was safe. She could feel the heartbeat of the unicorn in her chest. She felt the rest of the group shadow her as she spoke.

“Twilight…Twilight, you’re back! It’s going to be ok now! I’ll…I’ll have a party for you, and balloons, and…” she said through the tears.

Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked on their mouths agape. It was really her. They couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Before they could say anything, they were pushed aside as Spike dove towards Pinkie Pie and his surrogate big sister, joining in on the hug. He pulled them together as he cried, tears of joy streaming down his face. They stayed like that for a while, as Rainbow Dash spoke up.

“Um, Princess Luna, where is Princess Celestia?” she asked.

Luna looked down as she closed her eyes, remembering the events of a few minutes ago. Fresh tears found their way into her eyes as she straightened back up.

“My…my sister was thrown into the pod by…Twilight. There was an explosion, and Twilight was knocked into the pod with her. The computer activated, and…and I’m not sure what happened. Twilight’s come out, but I’m not sure about…” she explained before a low hum cut her off.

The moon princess turned around as she saw the other telepod light up. Moving quickly, she ushered everyone down the steps onto the throne room floor.

“Everyone, take cover!” she shouted as the pod unlocked, the door sliding open.

The familiar white smoke once again permeated the room. Luna walked forward cautiously. She prayed with all of her might that her sibling would be like Twilight. She held her breath as she waited to see if her prayers were answered. As she called out to her sister, a shape leaped from the pod, slamming to the ground beside her. Luna gasped at the sight. It wasn’t her sister, but instead it was a gross hybrid of her kin’s DNA and the fly’s. She’d taken it into herself, the pod transferring the monstrous genes into her body. Her wings were intact, but veiny, as her mouth began to pull apart. Her skin was shredding itself as new limbs tried to force their way out of her torso. The hall filled with screams as everyone gazed upon the sick transformation. Suddenly, the beast halted its motion, eyeing the pod with the pattern buffer.

“Sister?!?” Luna whispered.

“One…chance…” the creature muttered as she activated her magic, ripping the pod from its home in the first telepod and taking to the sky.

Celestia burst through the ceiling of the palace, taking to the sky as fast as her wings could take her. She felt her control slipping with each passing second. She’d only have a few more moments before the fly essence took control of her completely. It was now or never. She activated her horn, taking the remaining magic in from the pattern buffer and casting the transformation spell. She stared at the sun, begging for some of its power as she felt the magical aura wash over her. She heard a faint scream from behind her. The explosion lit up the whole sky above Canterlot, as she felt the fly genes being ripped from her through the ethereal aura. Once the spell was over, her world went black as her newly cleansed body careened back towards the capital.
-

Luna had to act fast, and she knew it. She took to the sky with every ounce of strength she had left. The explosion almost threw her back, but she was determined to help her sibling. She screamed as she saw her sister’s form falling from the sky. She was unconscious.

“TIA!” she shouted as she used her magic to encase the elder alicorn in a bubble.
The two floated back down to the palace. They landed in the throne room as she let her sister’s sleeping form rest gently onto the stairs. The royal guards were at their sides immediately.
-

Twilight’s groaned as she shook her head back and forth. She could hear voices, but she couldn’t make them out. Concentrating, she focused on opening one of her eyes. She could see the other element bearers around her, yet she felt constricted.

“Huh…wha?” she mumbled.

“Twilight! You’re back, you’re really back!” Spike shouted.

The unicorn looked up, seeing Pinkie Pie and Spike on top of her. For the first time in a long time, she smiled. She was back. She wasn’t in Tartarus, or dead. She was alive. She was herself again.

“Please, let me up, Pinkie?” she asked, making the party mare giggle and slide off of her.

She stood up, taking in everything around her. They were all there. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy. Her smile faded as she saw the looks on their faces. They didn’t seem very happy to see her.

“Girls, I…what happened? One moment I was talking to Pinkie, the next…I…I just felt pain, and then…then I woke up here,” she explained.

“Well, uh…where do we go from here?” Rainbow Dash inquired, turning to Applejack while scratching the back of her head.

“Where do we go indeed,” a voice from the entrance rang out startling the crowd.

As they all turned, their hearts dropped into their stomachs. They gasped, as Luna stepped forward, her throat dry from the shock.

“Impossible!” she muttered under her breath as her eyes narrowed.

“HI PONIES! I’M HOOO-OOOME!” Discord sang his arms outstretched.
-

And that’s it for this installment! Sorry for the late chapter! This one took me a while to write, and I wanted to move things along a little bit. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys it!