Chapter 4: An Old Wound
An hour ago...
Jade Emperor was having the meeting with his remaining council members (Susano, Courage Tiger, Iron Brave, Frozen Sage, Lightning Wisdom and Mystic Tao) that involved both Grimmore and Dark Curse. Mystic Ponies lately sensed the world has grown more darker and sinister than before. They suspected that Grimmore's power grown more powerful and darker before. But they also had to be alert and aware of Dark Curse as well.
Twilight and her friends returned from Power Master's Universe after retrieving Triforce Elements and defeat the dangerous yet brief resurrected Demon God. They gave Shadow Dragon (PM)'s Message to their allies and comrades to be alert and aware of Dark Curse as he believed and suspected that Dark Lord will be the one to rise and destroy the Light.
As they were discussing about what strategy they have to defeat their enemies, the golden Mystic Elite Guard entered the room. He bowed down at once.
"Report - there's some strange activities on Equestria!" Mystic Elite Guard reported. The Mystic Council turned to him. He continued, "We do not know. But according to our Mystic Sensor, there's multiple catastrophes and chaos across the world, along with the dead creatures risen from their graves! Equestria Realm is in grave danger!"
Everyone gasped as they chatted and muttered in concern about the latest update. They were worried for the Equestria now.
"Any word from our friends?" Iron Brave asked in concern.
Mystic Elite Guard shook his head, "No, sir!"
Courage Tiger turned to the front at once, "Your highness! We must go and assist them at once. They could be in grave danger!"
"I agreed!" Frozen Sage nodded, "Without the mortal land, Mystic Realm will be the next! Should they captured or destroyed the Mystic Crystal, our home will be destroyed."
Lightning Wisdom agreed, "My lord! Equestria Realm has many strategic and tactical location! It is our advantage to defeat our enemies!"
Susano bowed, "My lord. Give the word! We must assist our alliance! Not just one location, all of them."
Mystic Tao remained silent while showing a bit of his anger yet frown face. He didn't want to talk about it.
Jade Emperor turned and looked at Mystic Tao, "Tao... As my trusted advisor, what is your advise of the situation?"
"It is wise that we should Equestria," Tao sighed a bit, "but we will not send our troops to Celestia. She and her army had enough troops to defend her family's kingdom. I have no concern."
Everyone turned and looked at Tao. They were in concern and shocked to hear that. Usually Mystic Tao was willing to help his allies and even his son's in-law family at all cost...
"Strange..." Courage Tiger said in concern, "Are you certain?"
Tao nodded, "Yes... Ponyland does not have any means of strategic advantage to us or enemies. It's nothing but a village of ponies."
Iron Brave sighed, "Still... We should check on them. I can't help that they might be in grave danger."
"However... Other major cities and fort required our assistance. As Tao had said, our main concern is Equestria's strategic advantage location and portals. We cannot let them fall!" Frozen Sage said in concern.
Susano nodded, "My lord! Give the word!"
Jade Emperor sighed, "Very well... I've made my decision..."
At the Ponyland, Twilight and all of her friends were in shock and concern as they found out that Ben, Flash and Carmine haven't return home ever since both biological and true parents revealed the truth to him. They all chatted and muttered in concern about what they should have done in the first place.
"What do we do?! What do we do?! We're so in big trouble now!" Pinkie exclaimed in concern.
Princess Celestia sighed, "This is all my fault! I should have told Ben when he returned home safely! And yet... I couldn't. Why?!"
"Celly... You weren't the only one. I was shamed for not doing it," Jack Silver said in pain, "I guess we both are shamed of what we did to him."
"So, what's next, Twilight? We can't sit around and do nothing!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in concern.
Rarity nodded, "Rainbow Dash's right. We need to deal with getting the Heart of Ponyland back before anything goes wrong!"
"And we need to find Ben Mare too," Fluttershy squealed in concern, "I really don't want to think of what happen next..."
"Nothing..." Everyone turned and looked at her. Twilight sighed in defeat, "I don't know what to do now. I don't think we can do anymore..."
"Twilight, you can't give up now!" Sunset exclaimed in concern, "Equestria is at stake! You have to do something."
"Like what, Sunset? Everything I did... It was all for nothing. I nearly put everyone I cared at risk like never told Ben the truth."
"Even so... You'd never give up and managed to fix the damage like fixing your friendship with your foalhood unicorn friends, helping villagers and saving lives! That's what you should do! And it's what you and your friends did..."
"Sunset..."
Sunset sighed, "I know it's pain to see Ben run away after learning about his heritage but we'll get him back while fixing the damages. That's what we've always do."
Twilight thought for the moment before smiled, "Yeah... You're right. We shouldn't give up. We'll deal with this problem... together!"
"Yeah!" Her Mane Six cheered happily.
"What about both of you?" Strikespell asked curiously as he glared at both Princess Celestia and Captain Jack Silver. He continued, "Are you willing to abandon him again? Are you willing to forget about him? Are you willing to lose him like we've lost Iris?"
Azure Phoenix nodded his head, "He's right. While the damage is done, there's still time to fix the situation."
Captain Jack Silver and Princess Celestia thought for the moment. They both nodded their heads in agreement. They nearly lose their son once, they will not again.
Just before they could do anything, everyone found Sergeant Fenix and the gold colored Mexican Pegasus with black soldier's mane style, short bearded and tail dressed in armor coming into the group as they had some reports.
"Princesses, we've got some serious situation. And it's not a good news too," Sergeant Fenix said in concern. Everyone looked concern and worry as well. He continued, "We've lost contact with some several recon units."
Shining Armor groaned a bit, "Tell me it's not those Dark Mystic Ponies again!"
"And above all, have you made contact with our allies? We need all the help we can get." Princess Cadance asked.
Dom sighed, "Sorry. That's a bad news. We were unable contact with any of them. Something blocked our communication with them."
"If it was those monsters, that's gonna be problem." Sergeant Fenix added.
Twilight hummed in concern, "We need to deal with this now. We can't afford to wait. The more we wait, the more soldiers we're gonna lose. And not to mention, we won't able to know what and why Dark Mystic Ponies stolen the Heart while not destroying it."
Azure Phoenix nodded, "Indeed. We need to split the units to deal with this." Everyone looked at him. He continued, "We need all the help can get to defeat our enemies. Princess Luna take Dom and Baird, Captain Jack and his pirate crew, Applejack and Rainbow Dash for the recon. Princess Celestia should take One-Eyed Anger, Axen, Twilight , Sunset and Fluttershy to get reinforcement. Princess Cadance should take Fenix, Cole, Shining Armor, Rarity and Pinkie, along with the rest of Imperial Phoenix Warriors and to look after the town."
"What about you, Mr. Lord?" Danny asked curiously.
"My son and I will look for Ben and his friends," Azure Phoenix answered firmly.
"What?! Are you kidding me?! Ben hates your son a lot when he was a kid," Molly reminded, "No offense."
Strikespell huffed, "That's hardly an offense. I can handle him like taking care of my own siblings."
Azure Phoenix nodded, "And there's more. Ben is still recovering from some disturbing news about his origin. It may take a while from not seeing you. I will try get him back to us."
"No disrespect, Azure. But Ben is my son and my responsibility," Princess Celestia protested.
Captain Jack Silver nodded, "And mine too, mister!"
Azure Phoenix sighed, "I know. But we have our priority to deal with! We need to be ahead of the battles and defeat our enemies at all cost. So Listen up!"
Everyone remained silent for the moment as they listened to Azure Phoenix
Azure Phoenix spoke, "With your cunning and trickster ability, you and your pirates can do some recon and stealth without the enemies' spot or distract them. It will be easy for the rest to get in and out from tight spot. And Celestia, you own one pony an apology. He's the responsible of liaison between Mortal and Immortal Ponies. And for Princess Cadance's team is the last defense of Ponyland. Whatever Dark Curse want, we have to defeat him at all cost. We cannot let him conquer the world or freed Grimmore. Whatever Shadow Dragon (PM)'s message was, we have to prevent it at all cost."
Everyone remained silent for the moment as they need time to think about it carefully.
Megan gulped, "I forgot how scary Azure can get whenever he gets angry or annoyed about his order or intellect."
Captain Jack Silver whistled, "Control Freak... I can see why you chose me over him."
Princess Celestia giggled, "And the reason why he was the best commander among the Mystic Military too. But he's right. We need to do it now. And you believe that you can convince my son?"
Azure Phoenix narrowed his firm and determined eyes, "I repeat - I will bring him back. Now go!"
"I will go with Azure. I maybe try and convince Ben to come back," Megan spoke.
Everyone nodded as they headed out at once. Princess Luna took Captain Jack Silver and his Pirate Sphere, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Caramel, Soarin, Danny, Dom and Baird and some troops in finding both the recon units and finding out of their enemies' base and plan. Princess Celestia took Twilight, Sunset, Sunset, Fluttershy, One-Eyed Anger in finding Tao to get the reinforcement. Princess Cadance and her team (Shining Armor, Molly, Rarity, Pinkie, Schemetrick, Musa, Clawdestroyer, Fenix and Cole) remained behind in leading the main army to protect their home. Azure Phoenix, Strikespell and Megan in search for the trio. Time is running out.
Fluttercruel and Psychopath Joke saw what has had happened. They both smirked darkly and evilly.
"Everything goes according to our plan..." Psychopath Joke said darkly, "Now it's time for phase two."
Fluttercruel nodded, "Spiritshadow better do his work well. Or else, miasma is the least of his worries. Twilight Sparkle belonged to us..."
"Indeed she is..." Psychopath Joke nodded in agreement, "But for now... Let's greet our guests to our base. And boy they're gonna like it..."
The mission is clear, no doubt about it. The ponies must find Ben Mare and bring him back...at least, they hope to bring him back. Ben needed time to think about this but he hasn't come back yet.
Azure Phoenix was chatting with Strikespell. The Lord of Ma is concerned that Shadow Dragon or anyone else from the Dark Mystic ponies has gotten to Ben and is corrupting him right now. They must get to Ben and stop it by any means necessary.
"And you think this will work?" Strikespell ask his father skeptically.
Azure Phoenix nodded as he said, "It will, son..." The pony now approach both Celestia and Jack Silver. "Celestia... Silver... We need to talk..."
Princess Celestia sighed as she spoke, "We have to go, Azure. Time is of the essence. We need all the help we can get to pull this through." The slower that this is delayed, the more chances she will lose her true son.
Captain Jack Silver nodded in agreement, adding, "She's right. We don't have much time."
Azure Phoenix nodded as he said, "It won't be long. I just need the moment to talk with want you to tell me how much you care for him..."
The trio leaves the others. Megan, Molly and Danny are concerned. The revelation of Ben's true birth has hit him hard. They couldn't hear what the conversation is, but on the look from Celestia's face, she doesn't like what her ex Azure is saying, but she sighs and nods with Jack.
A moment had passed after the talk with Princess Celestia and Captain Jack Silver. He regrouped with both Strikespell and Megan as Azure said, "We're all set. It's time to go."
"I don't understand. What was it you, Celestia and Jack were talking about?" Megan ask Azure in concern.
"That would be telling. I'll explain when the time is right. But for now, we must find Ben and his friends. Pray that they won't side with their enemies because of the truth."
"If he did, I would be honored to give him a piece of my mind." Strikespell said, giving out a devilish look. That doesn't look good.
"Molly's right. I don't think its good idea to have your son ever to talk with Ben." Megan said seriously. "I heard that both of them not getting along well."
"That make things interesting..."
Megan sighed in irritation, "Sorry, I asked."
"Look, if we hurry, we can find him soon enough. We can hope this won't be like Sombra's evil self trying to take over the Crystal Empire all over again." Danny said, recalling when Radiant Hope brought Sombra's evil self back and it took time for th heroes, as well as Sombra and Autumn Gem herself, to stop him.
Princess Luna took her team in search of their missing allies and comrades from their recon. As they looked and searched through the crystallized land-like, they looked around in finding them. There were none so far. No sign of their allies or troops. Even Lorcan is worried.
"Well, this is like finding a needle in my back." Han remarked in annoyance.
"No need for the attitude, Han." Luna sighs, kissing Han on the face. "We will find them.
During their searching and traveling, some Royal Guards were chatting and muttering in concern about Captain Jadk Silver and Princess Celestia. An older Royal Guard remarks, "This is bucking ridiculous. We should've gotten that jewel by bucking back by now!"
"Oh, enough with the swearing, Mac." A Royal Guard grunts a bit. "The princess and her second colt-friend are worried."
"Yeah." Colonel Kenny nodded in agreement. "It's not every day that the princess has to reveal her connection to her son."
A cyan Unicorn with yellow gentle mane and short tail worn in military armor - Baird huffed in concern, "Yeah... I can't believe that Princess Celetia got pregnant by this chump."
"Hey, you got a problem with the captain, jerk?!" Arde the Giant growls angrily as he waves his club at Baird.
"You dare challenged our captain's honor?!" Zero snaps as he got his swords out, raising them. Even Headless Will wanted to go after Baird, for someone who's head is gone.
"Let me at pony!" Shorty growls angrily.
"Hey, back off! I'm just saying that if your captain had told his kid the truth, then none of this could have happen. He makes a terrible dad. No wonder he was sent to Princess Celestia." Baird snaps at the pirates. Needless to say, what he said anger them more.
Billy punched Baird while shouting, "Shut the hell up, jerk! No one talks about the captain like that! He's the best we ever had! You watch your mouth!"
Adewala nodded, saying, "He's right! Who the hell give you the right talk about him!"
Luffy nodded while adding, "Yeah, isn't she the one who abandoned him?!"
Zero nodded in agreement, remarking, "I guess the princess isn't really the nice one!"
"Son of the-! I'm gonna kill you, you pirate bastards!" Baird exclaims in fury. Looks like a fight is about to break out...in fact, it just did!
Baird punched Zero's face hard making him punched the stallion back hard. Both Royal Guards and Pirates are punching, kicking and shouting angrily at each other. This is turning into one big melee where both sides may not live to tell about!
"Come on, stop it!" Cheerilee exclaims in shock as she calls for the fighters to put a stop to this.
"Eeyup, stop!" Big Macintosh exclaims in agreement.
"Please, oh wow!" Bon-Bon exclaims frantically.
The crowds is shouting, trying to get the fighters to stop, but they continued fighting amongst themselves. Needless to say, Luna, Jack and Han noticed and decided to put a stop to this foolishness.
"Enough! This is not the time to argue or fight amongst ourselves. We need to work together and focus on the mission. We're heavily outnumbered and outmatched against of who knows how many of them. We have to be alert!" Luna exclaims furiously to the fighters, acting like foals when Equestria is in danger!
Jack nodded in agreement as he adds, "She's right. We don't have time to fight. We need to find the recon team. And we need to know who and what are we dealing with."
Han nodded, "I know we've all got differences but we need to work together now! Our home needs us now! So, let's move it now!"
Royal Guards and Pirates looked at each other. They all sighed in defeat as they nodded in agreement.
Princess Luna nodded as she comment, "Alright... Let us go. Time is wasting..."
Everyone headed off at once before it is too late for them to stop their enemies. The heroes of Equestria watch on in concern and worry. With Ben out of the scene and him ticked off at anyone whose lied to him, it may be harder to look for him!
Rainbow sighed, "It's getting worse than we thought."
Applejack nodded in agreement as she said, "Tell me about it. Ah can't believe we're going through Spike's Anger Problem again..."
"Deja Vu... You'd think we get to see Ben? Lord Azure and Megan, yeah, they can. But Strikespell - not a good idea..."
Applejack sighed, knowing that her friend is right but still she adds, "We need all the help we can git. An' we definitely not gonna make it out alive."
"Don't worry, guys. We will. We always do..." Danny said to the ponies in determination and assuration. The heroes of Ponyland/Equestria had deal with great odds before and they will do so again!
"I hope so... We're facing the most suicide and dangerous battle we ever face with. This involved end of the world." Anne said seriously. Unless the Heart of Ponyland is brought back, all is lost and who knows what their enemies will be planning on doing with it.
Loudmouth squawked in fear, "Hottingham Again! Bad Hottingham again!"
"Speaking of that, what did you do at Hottingham? Brave Heart told me that there was a massive earthquake at his hometown. It almost kill everyone." Rainbow said puzzled. She'd heard that the pirates has done something that almost destroyed everyone in Hottingham and got a bad rap for it.
The pirates hesitate as this subject isn't a good one to brought up. But eventually, Anne sighed as she explains, "On a Wind Assassins' mission, we were supposed to bring the most powerful Demon Knights' weapon back to them so that we will be turning the tide against them."
Adewala nodded while adding, "When we came across it, we met Andrew. He warned us not to interfere with it."
Griff sighed as he added grimly, "And the worst of all... We touched it. We've destroyed Hottingham."
Billy nodded while saying in regret, "There were survivors. We were lucky to see them alive. We're still ashamed of it. With such dangerous weapon, we could have destroyed the Equestria."
The heroes of Equestria look stunned. Well, that explained the bad rep. They've almost destroyed a town by ignoring a warning. Wow.
"Shay Cormac betrayed us. He thought siding with Demon Knights would change the world for the better." Anne said, recalling the name of the traitor who once tried to kill Lorcan years ago.
"A good mate turned into a villain. We respect him so much but now he's a monster. He killed anyone that threatened the safety of the world." Billy remarks, spitting in disgust that someone he thought was a friend would do just a thing.
"Ah can't believe it. He would betrayed his own kin because o' a mistake." Applejack said, stunned and outraged. And she thought the Dark Mystic Ponies were monsters!
Rainbow nodded while remarking, "He's such an asshole for betraying his own kin and almost killing Lorcan. He and his gang nearly kill us, your crew and Oleg..."
"He's just upset and confused." Adewala said with a sigh. "After all, he was just a novice. He didn't know what he can do for the world. But it looks like he knows it. And he's not gonna down without a fight."
"Meaning he wants all of us get killed for destroying Hottingham." Billy said with a cringe, knowing that their former ally won't stopped until the pirates are dead for what happened at Hottingham.
"Unbelievable..." Rainbow said, shaking her head. What a way of not letting go of a grudge!
Jack was looking at the sun and moon in the sky. The princesses' hold over them is slipping due to what's happening. It won't be long before Equestria comes to an end.
Dom came in at this point, looking at his friend, asking, "How are you holding up, cap? Must be rough about the whole truth thing..."
Jack sighed as he shakes his head in regret, "I should have told him the truth when I met him. I'd never complete the promise."
"Even so, you did. I know why you didn't want it. Even without the truth, you want him to have a better life than yours or the Princess's."
"How would you know?"
"I have kids too. And they loved me. They felt bad about me lying to them. But I didn't mean it because I want to surprise them something important. I want them to be happy." Dom said in sadness to Jack. The stallion has foals who are upset for lying to them but eventually, they forgive him. Hopefully, Ben will forgive his own parents for their lies and what they try to do to give him a better life.
"Me too... You'd think Ben will be alright?" Jack ask Dom hopefully.
"He'll be. Don't worry. He's in good hands. Carmine will look after him. I heard Ben said that Carmine's version saved his ass. I'm impressed. You should be proud of him."
"If I can..."
Dom pats Jack on the back as he spoke calmly to the pirate, "Don't worry. You will. I promised. You will."
Princess Luna nodded as she came in, saying, "Corporal Dom is right. Ben will get over it. It's a promise."
Jack sighed, "Thanks..."
Jack hopes that somewhere in his son, is something of Celestia who is wise enough to forgive his parents...but there is Jack's stubborn nature that will make it hard to do so.
Jack is more worried as to what would happened if HE were to come after Ben...
A Mystic Portal opens in front of the princesses, the Mane Six, Spike, Nyx, Phobos, the Stallion Five, Golden Heart, Pinkamena and their group. There's one pony who can help even if he didn't want to before: Tao.
"We're lucky that Mystic Portal is functioning. Is everyone ready?" Twilight ask the others, seeing if they're ready to go.
Fluttershy nodded, "I'm ready."
"We need Tao for this mission." Sunset agreed, "If he's willing to talk..."
"We got to. Tao has always been there for us." Nyx said in concern. If Tao won't help, there is less likely a chance that Ben will come back...or worst, the Heart of Ponyland being brought back!
Sunset notes a sad look on the princess's face. She spoke up, "Your highness? Are you alright?"
"I wonder how would he reacted to me. He won't forgive me for everything I did to him." Celestia said, with her mane droopy a bit. It isn't waving much like it used to be.
"I'm sure he will. He treats you and Luna like daughters when you have no fathers. He's an understanding pony." Andrew said to Celestia in assuration. His brother did forgive him for his past mistakes so he should with Celestia, right?
"I hope so. Let's go. I prayed he wouldn't throw his tantrum and temper at me..."
"Let's get this over with." One-Eyed Anger said firmly.
Princess Celestia hugged Princess Cadance, "Take care, Cadance."
With Princess Cadance's nodded, Princess Celestia's team marched into the portal as they need all the help they required to deal with their enemies.
Shadow Dragon has been trailing Ben and his group for a while. He smirks as the villain found Ben. Flash and Carmine are trying to speak with him but right now, Ben needs time to think.
The mission is almost done. Shadow Dragon is going to save Ben from the mistakes from the Equestrians, and not let what happened with her happened again...
At the Mystic Realm, Princess Celestia's team (One-Eyed Anger, Axen, Twilight , Sunset and Fluttershy) had arrived at the area. They found over thousands of Mystic Soldiers formed up as they quickly marched into the portal as they were heading straight to the Equestria. They were all in shock and surprise to see it.
Princess Twilight called Mystic Elite Guard, "Lieutenant! What is going on?! Where are they going?!"
"The Emperor sent all the units to different locations to protect the portals, cities and fortress," Mystic Elita Guard answered, "And at the same time, we must save them at once. Time is of the essence! Double time! Equestria is in grave danger!"
Mystic Elite Guard headed out at once as he leading the army to the portal in helping their allies.
"I guess they thought of ahead..." Sunset said in surprise.
"But why didn't they sent reinforcement to Ponyland," Fluttershy asked in concern and worry, "Do you think Tao's mad at us?"
Princess Celestia sighed, "Tao..."
"We don't have much time. Let's go!" Twilight ordered firmly.
Princess Celestia's team headed off to the Mystic Palace as they needed all the help they can get to fight with their enemies but at the same time, the Princess of the Sun prayed Tao to forgive her for her mistakes and ignorance.
Princess Celestia's team had arrived at the Mystic Palace. They had made it. They were about to climbed the stairs.
"Mommy! Look out!" Nyx's voice screamed in fear.
Twilight and her friends turned as they found Nyx, Phobos and Spike were running towards them.
Before any of them could react, the blast hit the ground hard. Twilight and her friends dodged at once in time. They looked up as they found the floating ghosts - Guildenstren and Spiritshadow. They both were laughing evilly and darkly.
Guildenstern held his staff in pointing at his enemies, "You have come in time, my friends. We were worried for you."
"Soul... Beautiful soul..." Spiritshadow muttered happily yet insanely. He laughed evilly, "Her soul! Her soul! Her soul is mine!"
"Guildenstern!" Twilight snapped angrily.
Guildenstern chuckled evilly, "I knew you would return here to seek old wise hermit's help. You're getting desperate, Celestia. Has the past eaten you up? So much pain... So much guilt... So much despair..."
Princess Celestia looked down in shame and despair of what he had said. She was ashamed of ignoring Mystic Tao's warning.
"Enough! You have no right to insult Princess Celestia! I will not let you do as you pleased!" Twilight exclaimed in anger.
Guildenstern smirked darkly, "We shall see... Spiritshadow, a gift if you please."
Spiritshadow chuckled evilly as he floated down toward Twilight Sparkler. Before she could react, his spiritual hoof magically transformed into glowing claw. He slammed it straight through her chest. Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what they just saw. She screamed in pain as she could feel the demonic reaper's claw digging deep within her chest while hers glowing dark.
For the moment had passed, Spiritshadow departed his claw from Twilight Sparkle's chest. She fell to the ground as she moaned and groaned painfully. Everyone gathered and surrounded her as they checked on her if she was okay or not.
Sunset turned and glared at Guildenstern and Spiritshadow, "What the hell did you to Twilight Sparkle?!"
"How dare you hurt her?!" Fluttershy exclaimed in anger.
Guildenstern smirked darkly, "A gift for our beloved princess. When time comes, your hope will be destroyed. But here is our beloved departed gift - Brainstern!"
Brainstern - the armored and mechanical demon dragon with Diamond Machine Blasters and Explosive Rocket Launchers on his back. He growled in anger as he glared at his enemies. Everyone was in shock and scared.
"Erase these pests!" Guildenstern ordered darkly.
Spiritshadow chuckled evilly and darkly, "I've got hers! I've got her souls!"
Guildenstern and Spiritshadow laughed and chuckled evilly and sinisterly as they magically disappeared from everyone's sights. Brainstern armed his Diamond Machine Blasters at Twilight and her friends.
"Everyone, take cover!" One-Eyed Anger ordered firmly.
Princess Celestia and Sunset summoned the Force Field in protecting their allies from the blasts. One-Eyed Anger jumped as he slammed his sword on the ground in summoning his Earthquake Strike in hitting the power straight at Brainstern. But the armor was too thick. Brainstern launched his Rocket Missiles out. They were flying straight to Princess Celestia and their allies.
Axen jumped up high as he spun himself around like a helicopter - Copter Blades in deflecting the missiles off at once. Fluttershy charged in as she launched her Optic Crystal Blast at Brainstern hard. But got deflect, he then fired his Diamond Machine Blaster at them off again.
Princess Celestia continued used her Force Field in deflecting the blasts. Sunset Shimmer jumped as she fired her Crimson Blasts at both sides of Brainstern's. Both One-Eyed Anger and Axen charged in as they both swung their blades at him for few times but got blocked and deflected by his strong armored claws for few times. Brainstern swung and rotated his spinning claw strikes at them but blocked by the Phoenix Generals.
Spike and Phobos jumped as they launched Mega Nova Flames at Brainstern's armor but instead got knocked to aside. Nyx as in her Battle Form fired her multiple Lunar Shots at Brainstern's armor but still hardened and impenetrable. Fluttershy flew straight at him as she used her Elephant's Strength in knocking him to the stairs. She punched and hit on the mechanical dragon's face for few times.
Brainstern fired his Omega Beam at her off. He then fired his at Princess Celestia's Force Field while swinging his rotating claws at his enemies from coming and charging at him. Sunset helped in strengthening the Force Field while firing her Shining Flames at the Omega Beam. Princess Celestia joined in of firing her Celestial Beam. But their powers weren't strong enough to deflect the blast.
Fluttershy and Nyx joined the band as they launched their Optic Crystal Blast and Night Beam increasing Princess Celestia's and Sunset's power to push back. One-Eyed Anger, Axen, Phobos and Spike joined in as well as they fired their Blackish Storm, Hammer Strike and Megaflame in powering the blasts, pushing their enemies' power back. And again, it was not enough as Brainstern continued firing his Omega Beam in pushing the firepower back.
Twilight slowly awaken from the sudden attack from her chest. She stood up while gasped in concern as her friends struggled in firing their powers back. Twilight Sparkle joined in as she launched her powerful Rainbow Power Beam in powering her friends' power straight back at Brainstern's Omega Beam.
The combination of firepower destroyed and defeated Brainstern as he was defeated! He was blown into pieces. Everyone sighed in relief that they survived the attacks.
"Mommy! Are you alright? Did those monsters hurt you?!" Nyx asked in worry.
Twilight nodded firmly. Sunset wasn't convinced, "Are you sure? The attack that Spiritshadow gave was very nasty."
Fluttershy nodded, "She's right. That wasn't very nice."
"And not to mention... Spiritshadow was behaving oddly like he was obsessed..." Spike said in concern.
"I'm fine. Really... But right now, we've got more important mission to do. We need Tao's help. And then we will seek Hoboken Joe as well." Twilight said confidently.
Princess Celestia nodded, "Twilight's right. Come on. Let us go..."
As everyone quickly climbed the stairs, Twilight was behaving strangely as her chest glowed bluishly yet darkly. What did Spiritshadow do to her?!
Within the War Council Chamber, Jade Emperor was talking with Mystic Tao as they were discussing of what they can do in dealing with their enemies. Iron Brave was checking on holographic map in checking on the situation if there was any changes on the map while others have left to assist the Equestria.
Twilight and her friends ram through the door since the Mystic Guards refused to let them, without Mystic Tao's permission. Everyone turned their back as they found Twilight and her friends were panting heavily.
Instead of happy and relief faces, Tao gave them an anger and frown face as he turned his back from them.
Princess Celestia sighed in shame, "Tao! We need-!"
Tao interrupted, "You were supposed to enjoy your party, not come here to visit me! The nerve of you to show your faces around here! Now get out! We've got some duty to deal with! Equestria is in grave danger now! You just relax and do as you please!"
Everyone remained silent for the moment as they had never seen how angry and furious Tao had. Princess Celestia looked down in shame as she knew he was still furious and upset of what she had done to him and especially about his son.
"Tao... We really need your help. Right now." Sunset pleaded in concern.
Twilight spoke up, "Tao! This is serious! Celestia told Ben about his origin!"
"Oh, now he learns about it?! And what does his reaction said?!" Tao demanded angrily as he slowly turned and glared at Princess Celestia. He continued, "Did it said I'm happy to find out that my adopted mother is actually my real mother of whole time?! How dare she didn't tell me about it?! Why?! Why?!"
Spike whistled in concern, "Wow... I'd never seen him so angry before..."
"No kidding... Remind me not to get on his bad side..." Phobos said in concern.
"Mr. Tao... Why are you so angry at Princess Celestia? She didn't mean to ignore the warning because... She loved her son." Fluttershy said in concern.
Nyx nodded, "Please... Don't be mad at Granny Celly about the mess."
"This is not the first time that she bloody ignored the warning!" Tao exclaimed in anger. Everyone was in shock and concern. He continued, "I warned Princess Celestia about Princess Luna. I warned her to give her sister a comfort when Han was killed or ponies were there for her and the night! I warned you about going to that world will put everyone in grave danger as well as being blamed by Azure Phoenix! I warned her to give Iris Crystal more freedom than following the rules and tradition! And finally, I warned her about telling Ben the truth before, not during the crisis!"
Everyone was in shock as they turned and looked at Princess Celestia. She looked down in shame and upset as she realized that everything Tao had said was true. She ignored his warning of the consequences, and now it happens again.
Tao continued in anger, "That's not the worst part. You've insulted my son when I tried to warn you!"
Flashback:
Three days ago,
Tao was chatting with both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of telling Ben about his origin. The Princess of the Sun again ignored as she shook her head in denial.
"Princess Celestia! Listen to me for once! Tell Ben now! If you keep on delaying it, your son will abandon and left you!" Tao begged.
Princess Celestia denied, "There's no need for that. My son doesn't need the truth. He is happy now. As long he's happy, I'm happy too. That's the important!"
"Celestia! My Mystic Beard! Stop ignoring of my warning! This is serious! What happen if danger has come?!"
"It won't!"
"Celestia! This is very serious! What happens if he found out about it! He will blame you! He will not forgive you! He will disown and forgotten of what important to his life! You are going to repeat the mistakes! You're going to lose him like what you did to Iris Crystal!"
Princess Celestia exclaimed in anger, "SHUT UP!" Tao gasped in shock. She continued, "You're not his father! I am his mother! I will decide what is best for him! How dare you said that?! Iris Crystal died not because of me! It's because of you for not helping and raising him! You don't even care about him like I do! I did what I have to for my children! I don't need your help!"
Tao was stunned and shocked of what he just heard, and even Princess Luna.
Princess Celestia gasped, "Tao... I didn't mean to-!"
"FINE!" Tao exclaimed in anger, "If this is how you wanted, I will not bother to help you anymore! Your arrogance and ignorance knows no bounds! You will regret the decision you had made! Good luck, princess!"
Tao magically disappeared from sights. Princess Luna glared at her older sister. Princess Celestia looked in shock yet shamed. What has she done?!
Flashback Ends
Everyone was in shock as they turned and looked at Princess Celestia who looked down in shame and upset. She regretted of what she had said to her old mentor and father-figure.
"Princess... How could you said that to him?" Twilight asked in shock, "How could you ignore his warning?!"
Princess Celestia sniffed, "I just want to make my children happy."
"That's good for you! You already did make them happy!" Tao exclaimed in anger, "Shame on you!"
"Mystic Tao!" Jade Emperor exclaimed in anger. Tao turned to him. Jade Emperor continued, "I have entrusted you to look after the Royal Sisters and their family, not to ignore them! Yes, there were mistakes, but it is your duty to help and guide them on the right path..."
Tao huffed, "Not anymore. I am done with this!"
Princess Celestia hissed in upset, "Look, I know what I did was wrong! I'm really sorry! But if you don't help me get my son back, he will be turned into a monster like your son. And this is something that we both can't afford to lose! And you know that you don't want to see that happens again!"
Tao stopped for the moment as he had some thoughts. He hissed in anger as he realized that Celestia was right. He failed to save his son. He can't afford to let that happen again. He sighed in defeat as he turned to Princess Celestia.
"Celestia..." Tao said firmly, "I will help you. We'll get your son back by means of necessary. I promised you of that..."
Princess Celestia gasped, "You... You forgive me?!"
"Yes..." Tao nodded. Princess Celestia smiled in relief. He continued, "But in the future, please listen to my warning next time."
Princess Celestia nodded, "I promised."
"That's one down," Twilight Sparkle smiled, "And one more to go. Let's find Hobo Joe. Ben always listen to him. He's the most reliable and helpful to Ben."
Everyone nodded his head in agreement. Tao turned to Jade Emperor who smiled and nodded in approval. Everyone was about to move but Twilight Sparkle fell to the ground hard. Everyone helped her up as they questioned if she was okay or not.
Twilight smiled, "Yes, I'm okay. Come on. Let's go. No time to lose..."
As Twilight headed off at once, but everyone looked worry and concern for her. They wondered if she is going to be okay or not. They were definitely worried for her now. They had to keep an eye on her now. They headed off and followed her now...
Ben continued walking while having some thoughts alone, Flash and Carmine continued following him. Their friend was still heartbroken and pain to think about the truth and origin he didn't realize from the start...
"I don't even know if I could trust her now..." Ben thought in concern, "All this time... She lied to me. Parents shouldn't lied to their own children. How could she hid the truth from me? How could she? I loved her so much, and is this how she repaid to me..."
As Ben and his friends continued walking, they stopped at once as they found someone familiar as they hoped that they never wanted to see him again...
"Hello, brother..." Shadow Dragon said darkly.
What's going to happen next?
To Be Continued...
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