“Your pitiful attempt to imprison me has failed, Starswirl!” The Pony of Shadows said cruelly.

“You must return us to limbo. It's the only way to stop him,” Starswirl said to Twilight.

“We only figured out how to bring you back,” Twilight replied.

“Working on it! Agh! No table of contents!” Sunburst said.

“A journal wouldn’t have a table of contents!” Storm replied.

“Allow me to assist!” The Pony of Shadows said, as he stretched out his tendrils, destroying the runes that trapped him, “There! Without the power of Ponhenge, your banishing spell is useless!“

“You’ve studied my notes! Surely you have a plan, young mare!” Starswirl said.

Twilight then started to panic, “I never read anything about a banishing spell like you once did! I didn’t even think—!” she replied.

“Don't fret. When I extinguish the light and hope of this miserable world, you won't remember any of this,” The Pony of Shadows said, as he blasted a black magic beam at the others.

“NO!” Twilight exclaimed, as she blasted it back at the Pony of Shadows, making him grunt in pain.

“Argh! This one is almost as... strong as you, Starswirl. But even in my weakened state, she cannot stop the might of shadows!” The Pony of Shadows said, as he and Twilight dueled with their magic beams, and while Twilight kept straining with her magic, Starlight and Storm joined in.

“Lucky for her, she’s not alone!” Starlight said, then she and Storm concentrated their magic and blasted it back at the Pony of Shadows. “Arrrrggghhhh!”

“Know this, fiend! We will not rest until we find a way to return you to limbo!” Starswirl said as the others, except the children, came over with angry faces.

The Pony of Shadows growled, “Never! Your days of glory are through, Starswirl. Now my dark power will reign, and you six will bow to me!” he retorted, then disappeared.

“Um... where'd he go?” Rainbow asked.

“That is a riddle we must unravel, and quickly,” Somnambula said.

“How long have we been gone?” Mage Meadowbrook asked.

“Over a thousand years,” Fluttershy replied.

“Then my spell worked until now, and the realm has been at peace for a millennia!” Starswirl said.

“Weeeeell... we did have to save everypony from Nightmare Moon and Discord and Chrysalis and King Sombra and Lord Tirek, and there was that one time when Starlight traveled through time and almost destroyed life as we know it! But that's all in the past,” Pinkie replied.

“Not to mention the return of Prince Glacio from his thousand-year imprisonment in the ice and his two failed attempts of taking over Equestria,” Storm added, “There’s no telling what he has planned now.”

“If you are truly this accomplished, we will stop the Pony of Shadows twice as fast together,” Flash Magnus said.

“We shall see. It is an easy thing to say you have saved the world. It is quite another to do it,” Starswirl remarked, before turning to Storm, “I always knew Glacio was ambitious, but I never thought he would turn evil, even though I refused to teach him to control the sun and moon.”

“Oh, we've saved the world, Beardo. And we can do it again,” Rainbow said.

“Be that as it may, the problem of locating the Pony of Shadows remains, and this land is vast,” Starswirl replied.

“It sounds like you need a map. Luckily, we have just the thing,” Rarity said.

“Why don’t you all come over to our castle? We have a map that can pinpoint his location and a library that may have a book for information on what we’re dealing with,” Twilight suggested.

“Of course. Lead the way,” Starswirl replied.

Just then, Glacio and his minions came up blocking their path.

“Starswirl! It is me, Prince Glacio! We meet again at last,” the ice prince said, “When you left me, I was but the learner. Now I am the master.”

“Only a master of evil, Glacio!” Starswirl replied.

It was then that a duel broke out between former teacher and student. Glacio tried to blast Starswirl several times only for his former teacher to cast some force fields. But it turned out to be futile as Glacio soon stunned him.

“Your powers are weak, old stallion,” Glacio said mockingly.

“We got the amulet, my lord,” Hot Shot said, presenting the Alicorn Amulet.

Just when he was about to give the amulet to Glacio, Eric pointed his wand and said, “Accio amulet!” The boy managed to grab the amulet and put it in his pocket.

“No! The amulet belongs to me!” Glacio shouted, “Get them!”

It wasn’t too long before Starswirl was able to recover, then a brawl broke out between the heroes and Glacio with his minions.

“We need to regroup in Ponyville,” Storm said.

Just then, Twilight, Storm, and Starlight teleported themselves and the others back to the Castle of Friendship. There, everyone was in the throne room after they were all acquainted with the Pillars.

“Something about this magic seems familiar...” Starswirl said. He lit up his horn and shot a magic beam on the table, constructing a projection of the Tree of Harmony, which was a crystal tree that had the Elements of Harmony on each branch that had pearl beads on the branches.

“Did you know he can do that?” Rarity asked.

“He's Starswirl! He can do anything!” Twilight replied.

“This map, and indeed this very castle, are grown from the seed we planted over a thousand years ago,” Starswirl said.

“Then it did work!” Rockhoof replied.

“What worked?” Sunburst asked.

“Each of us infused a crystal seed with our magic in hopes that it would grow into a force for good,” Somnambula said.

“Really?” Eric asked, as Somnambula nodded in reply.

“We wanted to leave something to protect the realm in our absence, but we never dreamed our gift would become so powerful,” Mistmane said.

“Y'all mean the Elements came from you?” Applejack asked, leaving the pillars confused.

“You know, the sparkly crystal things that grow from the Tree of Harmony and represent each of us? Laughter, honesty, generosity, loyalty, kindness, and magic!” Pinkie said with a little showcase, and then Twilight smiled warmly.

“My friends and I represent the Elements of Harmony too. Slapstick’s element is laughter, Marina’s is generosity, Holly’s element is kindness, Zuni’s is honesty, Nightshade’s element is loyalty, and my element is magic,” Eric explained.

“They are reflections of our own elements of hope, strength, beauty, bravery, healing, and sorcery,” Somnambula said.

Twilight looked at Starswirl, until he nodded with a smirk. “We had no idea our small seed would bloom into the living spirit of the land. I am glad our mantles have passed to such capable ponies and other creatures,” Mage Meadowbrook said, placing her hoof on Fluttershy’s chest.

“More importantly, we no longer need Ponhenge to send our foe back to limbo. We can use the stored magic in this Tree of Harmony,” Starswirl added.

“But doesn't a banishing spell take a lot of power?” Twilight asked.

“We'd have to sacrifice the Elements for that,” Storm said.

“Mm-hmm,” Starswirl replied.

“They'd be gone... forever?” Fluttershy asked nervously.

“Starswirl, I don't think the Tree can survive without the Elements. If it dies, Equestria will suffer,” Twilight said.

“If the Pony of Shadows or Glacio has their way, our land as we know it will not exist. So unless you have a better idea...” Starswirl replied, until the projection disappeared and then formed back into the map, and then showed black swirling voids on each section.

“What’s that?” Eric asked.

“Our foe will seek dark places from which to draw power. I will prepare my spell so that we may strike as soon as you find him,” Starswirl said.

“What are we waiting for?” Rainbow asked excitedly.

“I like your spirit!” Flash Magnus said proudly. Everyone else made excited chatter, except for Twilight and Storm, who left for the library.

Later on, Spike helped Twilight, along with Starlight and Storm do some research on the banishing spell.

“What about this one?” Spike asked, holding a book in his hand.

“Seapony etiquette isn't going to help right now, Spike,” Twilight said.

“Uh, Twilight? Storm? Are you feeling okay?” Starlight asked.

“We just unleashed ultimate evil and doomed Equestria, because Storm and I were obsessed about meeting our idol! Why wouldn’t I be okay?!” Twilight said stressfully, and then banged her head on the table.

“You didn't know that was gonna happen,” Starlight replied, scoffing.

“But we should have listened to you and left things alone,” Twilight said.

“Now the Elements of Harmony will be lost to fix my mistake!” Storm added.

“Maybe there's another way,” Starlight replied.

“If there is, Twilight will find it,” Spike said, holding a book of advanced magical spells, until Twilight brought it over to her.

“Portal gate... Portal keys... Portal spells... Yes! If the Pillars can hold open the gateway to limbo, a powerful pony can do the banishing spell herself! Do you know what this means?” Twilight said excitedly.

“I can stop carrying books?” Spike asked.

“The Pillars don't have to leave Equestria! Even though we'll lose the Elements, we'll have the ponies that created them. And the Pony of Shadows will be banished for good!” Twilight replied.

“That's great. But I was thinking of another way that maybe doesn't involve banishing at all?” Starlight asked, with a nervous smile.

“Starswirl knew what he was doing when he cast that spell. If Storm and I can make it even better, maybe he'll see that we take magic as seriously as he does,” Twilight said, and then they continued to work on the spell.

Meanwhile, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie, Somnambula, Rockhoof, and Flash Magnus walked down the streets of Manehattan.

“It seems the dark places Star Swirl indicated on the map have changed,” Rockhoof said.

“I bet the Pony of Shadows would've loved the Ghastly Caverns before a thousand years of erosion turned it into the Ghastly Gorge,” Applejack replied.

Just then, Rarity, Fluttershy, Meadowbrook, and Mistmane met up with the others.

“The Appeloosian Wastes sure sounded dark and desolate,” Fluttershy said, looking at a map.

“Who knew they would become such a popular square dancing destination?” Rarity asked.

“And I get how this part of Equestria used to be cast in eternal night where the Pony of Shadows could draw power and wreak havoc while ponies were powerless to stop him. But…” Pinkie said, before appearing on the Jumbotron, “It's kinda made a comeback! Did I mention it's really bright?!”

Castle of Friendship

Later on, the others sat on the map table and had a meeting.

“It seems there are fewer dark corners in the realm these days,” Starswirl said, while reading the map.

“Isn't that a good thing?” Rainbow asked with a mug of apple cider.

“True. The Pony of Shadows will have a hard time regaining power. When he rears his head, we'll be ready!” Flash Magnus said, until he and Rainbow Dash bumped their mugs together.

“Isn't there some way to banish him without losing all of you?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oh, I wish there were. But to save our home, we are willin' to leave it,” Mage Meadowbrook said.

“I don't think you'll have to!” Twilight said.

“Our spell isn't finished yet, but I think we can send the Pony of Shadows to limbo without all of you having to go as well!” Storm added.

She then showed Starswirl her unfinished spell. “Hmm... While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Twilight and Storm, this is hardly the time to take risks on half-baked spells,” Starswirl said, until Twilight sighed sadly.

“Beggin' your pardon, Mr. the Bearded! But Twilight doesn't do anythin' halfway!” Applejack replied.

“Especially not magic!” Pinkie added said dramatically.

“Seriously! She got her wings by finishing one of your spells!” Rainbow said, opening one of Twilight’s wings.

“I think you'll find her work is worth reading before you dismiss it out of hoof!” Rarity added.

“Mm-hmm!” Fluttershy agreed.

“While it is an unconventional approach, I believe it could work,” Mage Meadowbrook said.

“Hmm. I suppose there is a chance,” Starswirl replied.

“But we still have no idea where to find the villain,” Sunburst said, until they all heard the Mane 6’s cutie marks glowing and shimmering for a friendship problem.

“Maybe we should try there?” Spike asked, pointing at the cutie marks on the map pointing to a rocky mountain.

“The Hollow Shades. I think a branch of the Apple family lives there,” Applejack said.

“They'd have to be pretty distant. The Hollow Shades was abandoned eons ago,” Sunburst replied.

“Hmm, that's odd. The only time the map's called all of us to one place was Starlight's village,” Rarity said.

“So it's like a super-villain tracker! No offense,” Rainbow added.

“Do you think the map could be trying to tell us where the Pony of Shadows is?” Twilight asked to Starswirl.

“Hmm... The Tree of Harmony acting to protect the light of the realm... Yes. A good thought, Twilight,” he said, as Twilight made an ecstatic smile on her face.

“I will make my notes on this spell. Ready yourselves for battle,” Starswirl said, then Twilight, Storm, and Sunburst followed him.

“Don’t forget we also need to stop Glacio as well, whatever he is planning now,” Storm replied.

“They’re looking for us right now because I have the Alicorn Amulet and they want it,” Eric added.

“Uh, I know I'm not as experienced as all of you, but is this type of banishment really going to work? I mean, it's been a long time. Maybe the Pony of Shadows is ready to talk?” Starlight asked.

“I doubt we can save our homeland with a conversation,” Starswirl said.

“But we could try,” Starlight suggested.

“Starlight, I'm sure Starswirl and the others did try,” Twilight replied.

“The Pony of Shadows was not interested in reconciliation. Once a villain, always a villain. Twilight, Storm, Sunburst, would you accompany me? I wish to refine this spell for our use,” Starswirl replied.

“Come. We must prepare for the struggle ahead,” Rockhoof said, as the others went to prepare themselves for battle.

“I know Starswirl is a great wizard, but this whole plan seems... wrong. The map's only ever sent us to solve friendship problems,” Starlight said.

“Maybe so, but the Pony of Shadows doesn't really seem like the "friendship" type,” Spike replied.

“Honestly? We don't know anything about him,” Starlight said.

“Well, nopony does,” Spike replied.

“That's not entirely true,” Starlight pointed out, then she and Spike walked to wherever the Pillars were preparing themselves for battle.

“You all knew the Pony of Shadows before he became what he is now. You must’ve been friends. So, what happened?” Starlight asked.

“The tale of our rift is a sad one,” Rockhoof said.

A flashback appeared, revealing an old depressive village with a windmill, until the three Sirens appeared slithering in midair and then made a chaotic operatic singing noise, causing ponies to magically argue and fight with each other, and destroy everything while the Sirens consumed a green aura of the ponies’ negative feelings.

A unicorn colt named Stygian saw what was happening, and went to go get the Pillars to help. He was medium gray with a combed and cut moderate cerulean and arctic blue streaked mane and tail, brilliant azure eyes, and he wore a light brown cloak.

”Stygian was a pony like the rest of us, though more scholar than hero. He recognized our emerging world would need champions to defend it.”

The Pillars then charged into action to fight against the Sirens. Flash Magnus flew around Aria, until she hissed and roared by blasting a red magic beam from her mouth, but Flash Magnus blocked it with his shield.

Rockhoof threw some big rocks with his shovel at the Sirens, until Aria blasted them with her magic beam again. The Sirens roared and slithered while Somnambula surrounded them in a circle to lead them somewhere far enough to allow Starswirl to banish them to another realm and then close the portal after the three Sirens went through. When it was over, the ponies cheered for the pillars, except Stygian.

“He may have gathered us together, but he himself was just an ordinary unicorn who soon grew jealous of our abilities.”

Stygian went over to Ponehenge later in the night with the Pillars’ sacred relics.

“He stole objects from each of us. Artifacts to use in a spell.”

The Pillars came over with disappointingly angry looks.

“And we cast him out for it.” The Pillars sent him away, breaking his spirit and forgiveness for an apology.

“We always thought he'd return and seek forgiveness. But when we saw him again, something affected his heart, something that was bent on revenge and hatred. It dashed even our hopes of saving him.”

After Stygian came back, he uncontrollably became the Pony of Shadows and then he and the Pillars had a duel, until a white bang ended the flashback.

“But why did he steal the artifacts from you?” Starlight asked.

“No doubt it was an enchantment to take our powers for himself,” Mage Meadowbrook said.

The door opened and they all saw Starswirl looking over Twilight’s spell while Twilight and Sunburst looked for books to add to the spell.

“That looks like a lot of work,” Starlight remarked.

“It is what must be done, and it would be best if we were not disturbed,” Starswirl said.

I'm sorry, Starlight, but we can't stop to talk. The stakes are too high, and we have to-,” Twilight tried to say.

“Banish Stygian to limbo. I get it,” Starlight interrupted.

“Uh, who?” Sunburst asked.

“Stygian was the name the Pony of Shadows gave up when he turned to darkness,” Starswirl replied.

“And I’m just trying to figure out why,” Starlight said.

“Envy. He wanted more power than he had, and that desire led him down a path from which there is no return!” Starswirl said, “That’s also why Glacio went down the dark path.”

“I know from experience that's not always true. When the map called you six to my village, it was for a friendship problem. Are you sure this is different?“ Starlight asked.

“I…” Twilight tried to say before being cut off.

“Stygian and Glacio want to destroy all that is good in this world. There's no way to befriend a pony like that.” Starswirl replied.

“I guess I'm lucky your idol wasn't around when you decided to be my friend. I might've been banished to limbo, too,” Starlight said to Twilight angrily, with tears in her eyes.

Twilight was feeling down as Starlight left the library and slammed the door behind her.

Later on, they walked over to the Everfree Forest and found the cave where the Tree of Harmony lies, as Eric rode on Twilight’s back.

“Is this really the Tree of Harmony, Mommy?” Eric asked.

“That’s right, sweetheart,” Twilight replied.

“I am glad we have the chance to see what has grown from our efforts so long ago,” Somnambula said.

“It seems a shame to harm it,” Mistmane added.

“A necessary sacrifice. With the Elements' power, we will bind the Pony of Shadows in limbo, and thanks to Twilight efforts to save us, we will remain to watch over the realm ourselves,” Starswirl said, until he carefully extracted the Elements of Harmony from the tree and then they formed amulet necklaces that had the Mane 6’s cutie marks, but Twilight’s was a crown.

“Um... how do we use them?” Rockhoof asked.

“Well, you... Oh. I'm not sure. They simply work for us,” Rarity replied.

“The Elements are attuned to you. We must use their magic in pairs,” Starswirl said. “No problem. We're used to banishing evil before breakfast,” Rainbow said, hoof-bumping Flash Magnus.

“And it'll be an honor to save Equestria with y'all,” Applejack added.

The group then started to make their journey to the Hollow Shades.

“Starswirl, why does Glacio want the Alicorn Amulet so badly?” Eric asked.

“He forged the amulet as a means of controlling the sun and moon since I refused to teach him when he asked me to and he came to hate me as a result,” Starswirl replied.

Later on, when they passed the mountainside, Eric rode on his mother’s back when he saw an abandoned village up ahead.

“Hey! There it is! I see it! The Hollow Shades!” he pointed at it up ahead.

“I don't remember reading anything that said the Hollow Shades was like this,” Sunburst said.

They all went over to the town for a closer look. “Ohhh. The Pony of Shadows must have twisted it to his purposes,” Mistmane said.

They heard the Pony of Shadows’s evil chuckle echoing, “Prepare yourselves. He is here,” Starswirl said, as they walked over to the big hole molded with big bricks. “Stygian! Show yourself and face us!”

“It’s not just him, we’re here too,” Glacio spoke up, revealing himself and his minions.

“We figured you might stop by,” Thundercracker added.

The Pony of Shadows replied by laughing evilly, and then the surface around the hole started rumbling and cracking, and they all fell into the pit screaming. Glacio and his minions watched, hoping the Pony of Shadows would finish them off.

When they landed, Eric and the other children fell on top of Rockhoof.

“Sorry, Rockhoof,” Eric said.

“No worries, young lad. Just be glad you’re alright,” Rockhoof replied, as he helped the children climb off and then Eric went to his parents for a hug.

Sunburst groaned, “I definitely would've remembered reading about this.”

The Pony of Shadows laughed maniacally as he appeared and sprouted out his wings. “Welcome to the Well of Shade! When you turned your backs on me, I discovered this place. The darkness spoke to me of a power beyond any I could imagine, and I listened. The shadow and I became one. Soon, all of the realm will be the same and also become one with Glacio’s ice. Then all ponies will feel the despair I did when you cast me out!”

“We did what we had to do. You tried to steal our powers for yourself,” Starswirl said.

“No! It was you who were selfish! And now you will pay!” The Pony of Shadows said angrily, until he blasted his magic laser from his horn at the group, until Starswirl formed a force field around them, before it started cracking.

“Very good, Stygian. Finish them!” Glacio said.

“Are you still sure this isn't a friendship problem?“ Starlight asked.

“We’ll handle this. Stay here,” Storm said. Eric and his friends nodded, and he went back to the group.

Starswirl continued to hold the portal open, “Ready? Open the portal...” His force field cracked open. “...Now!”

The Pillars and Mane 5 united their magic together with the Elements of Harmony and their magical artifacts to open the portal to limbo, and the Pony of Shadows started getting drawn into the vortex as they all used their magic to push him through.

“No! You will not trap me again!” The Pony of Shadows shouted.

“Twilight! Storm! Push him in! Hurry!” Starswirl said.

Before they would push him in, they saw a pony popping out of the chest of the Pony of Shadows and screaming in pain for help. “Huh? There's... a pony in there!” Twilight said, and she flew into the villain’s chest.

“Mommy!” Eric said.

Twilight lit her horn, and then saw a huge black abyss everywhere. She walked over to the pony, “Are you... Stygian?” she asked.

“I was, once. Until my friends betrayed me,” he replied.

“But the other Pillars said you betrayed them. You wanted their magic...” Twilight said, until Stygian cut her off.

“No! I wanted their respect. I brought them together. I planned strategy, and I read all I could about the beasts we faced. But I didn't have magic or strength, so nopony ever noticed me. I went to Ponhenge to make my own copies of the artifacts.” he replied.

”With them, I thought I could be a Pillar, too, and stand by their side in battle.” The other Pillars heard what he said and felt guilty about how he felt.

”I never wanted to steal their power.” Starswirl was shocked about what he heard as well.

“But instead of sharing and letting me help, my friends threw me out.” Stygian finished as his voice changed into a growling and deepening tone, “So I became stronger than any of them! The darkness welcomed me when no pony would, and I will do what I must to protect it!”

“This is all a misunderstanding! If the Pillars knew how you felt, I'm sure they wouldn't have turned their backs on you. The shadow isn't who you really are. Let me help you be Stygian again,” Twilight said.

“Even if my friends did still care, what makes you think you have the power to help me?” Stygian asked.

“Because it's what she does,” Starlight said, “I wasn’t so different from you, and Twilight helped me change. If there's one pony in Equestria that can save a friendship, it's her.”

“I... I want to believe you...” Stygian replied, until the darkness from the Pony of Shadows took control of him painfully, “But the darkness will not be stopped!”

Twilight and Starlight were pushed back. Twilight then used a laser rope from her horn around Stygian, and then held onto it.

“Argh!” The Pony of Shadows groaned in pain.

“Fight the darkness, Stygian! You don't need it anymore! Revenge isn't what you want! Friendship is!” Twilight said.

The shadows tried to push Stygian back inside, and then growled while Twilight tried to pull as hard as she could.

“Twilight!” Starlight and Storm shouted in unison, and they formed laser ropes with their horns and helped them out.

“You can do it, Mommy!” Eric said.

Twilight kept straining while pulling, until the Pony of Shadows made a roar.

“Ugh! The shadow won't let go of him. He wants to stop, but he can't do it alone,” Twilight said.

“Then we must help him!” Starswirl replied, as he and Sunburst made laser ropes with their horns.

The others did as well after The Pillars touched the Mane 6’s element necklaces and they formed laser ropes and then they heaved with force. After Stygian was pulled out, the Pony of Shadows screamed was sucked into limbo, then the portal closed, releasing a rainbow beam out of the well. Afterwards, everyone immediately exited the well.

“Yeah! Oh, it felt sooooo good to do that again!” Rainbow said.

“Friendship power rush! Whoo!” Pinkie exclaimed, zipping excitedly.

“The Elements! They didn't disappear!” Rarity said, looking down at her Element of Generosity necklace.

“Maybe because we used them for healing magic instead of banishing?” Fluttershy said.

“MOMMY!” Eric said, as he was running over to Twilight, who hugged him.

Look!” Applejack said, as they saw Starswirl helping Stygian out of the well, and then he looked down at him.

“Long ago, you needed our help, Stygian. But instead of listening, we turned our backs on you. Pride clouded my judgment. I owe you an apology,” Starswirl said, then turned to Twilight, “Thank you for helping us see the errors of our ways, Twilight. It seems I never accounted for the Magic of Friendship.”

“Thank you, Starswirl!” Twilight replied. Their cutie marks started shimmering, meaning their mission was complete.

“Soooo... apparently a conversation can save Equestria?” Starlight asked.

“Something tells me I will be making a lot of apologies today,” Starswirl replied, chuckling.

“We still need to stop Glacio and destroy the Alicorn Amulet,” Eric said as he told the amulet out of his pocket.

“What are we waiting for? Let’s do it,” Storm replied.

“You may have brought Stygian back from the darkness, but we’re going to destroy you!” Glacio spoke up.

“Stop them!” Frostbite ordered.

Just then, a skirmish broke out between the heroes and Glacio’s minions. Glacio tried to pull the amulet to him and put it on, but Eric held onto it tightly and dug his feet into the ground, while groaning.

“Give…me…the amulet!” Glacio said.

“Never!” Eric retorted.

Twilight and Storm noticed Glacio pulling Eric towards him and rushed to help their son. They fired magic bursts at Glacio, hoping to get his attention. Glacio was forced to let go of Eric and then dueled Twilight and Storm.

“Eric, destroy the amulet!” Twilight said.

Eric set the amulet on the ground, then took a basilisk fang out of his pocket, which he collected a while back, and stabbed it. This caused the power within it to disperse and the amulet shattered.

Starlight and Sunburst joined in the duel and the four blasted Glacio’s beam back at him, stunning him.

“No! You haven’t seen the last of me, I’ll be back!” Glacio said as he soon recovered, retreating with his minions.

Canterlot Castle

Princesses Celestia and Luna, along with Lord Emerald were pleased to see Starswirl and the Pillars again.

“I simply cannot believe how tall you've gotten!” Starswirl said.

“Well, it has been over a thousand years. Will you stay here and teach magic once again? My sister, husband, and I have such fond memories of your lessons,” Princess Celestia replied.

“As long as you don't ask for those essays we owed you before you disappeared,” Princess Luna added, until Princess Celestia giggled.

“Welcome home, old friend,” Lord Emerald said.

“It’s good to be back, Emerald, but I'm not certain Canterlot is where I belong. The realm has grown, and I believe I'll have a look around before I settle in any one place,” Starswirl replied.

“And I long to see what has become of my home,” Mage Meadowbrook said.

“I believe we all do,” Mistmane added.

“Then I hope you will return to Canterlot on occasion and share the wisdom of your great experience with the next generation of ponies,” Princess Celestia said.

“We would be honored. But if it is wisdom you seek, look no further than your own pupils and their son. They showed me that the power of friendship is a magical force indeed, and that in turning away from others, you hurt yourself as well,” Starswirl replied, as they all formed a group hug for Stygian.

“It's funny. We thought meeting our idol would give us all the answers we ever wanted. But instead, we forgot what we already knew. Good thing I had a student of my own to remind me,” Twilight said, until she and Storm looked at Eric.

“Along with our son,” Storm added.

She then held him against her chest and then they formed a hug with Starlight.

“Come on, sport. Let’s go pick up your brother and go home,” Storm said.

Eric went up to see off Starswirl, the other Pillars, and Stygian.

“Starswirl, it was good to meet you and the other Pillars,” Eric said.

“It was an honor to meet you and your friends as well, Eric Sparkle,” Starswirl replied, “Your parents told me of all the things you did. You are true heroes of Equestria.”

“The Elements of Harmony chose their next bearers wisely,” Mistmane added.

“Thanks, Starswirl. You too, Mistmane,” Eric said.

Eric, his family, and all their friends left the castle and went to pick up Midnight and head for their homes.

THE END

Eric Sparkle will return. Stay tuned for more of his adventures!