Chapter 36: Grave Decisions
Pinkie Pie raised her hoof, frowned and with a very un-Pinkie like tone spoke seriously, ''Ok everypony on the count of three! One...two...three-''
"WHAT?!'' everyone in the room exclaimed right on cue.
Quentin kind of twitched an eye at the sight of such a cartoony antic that he have yet to get adjusted to, but quickly shook his head back to his senses. "Quen…what did ya say?'' Applejack asked in disbelief.
"I said I know where the Time Gem is,'' Quentin repeated seriously. "Which is why we need to leave NOW and get back to Ponyville!''
Everyone gazed shockingly at the stallion and to each other. "But Quentin, how could you possibly know where it is? And in Ponyville of all places?'' Luna asked with uncertainty.
"Because, I've seen it before,'' he answered.
"Seriously Q? Where?!'' Rainbow Dash asked loudly.
Quentin took a quick glance at the rainbow maned mare before motioning Twilight over to him. "Yeah Quentin, what is it?'' Twilight asked a bit bewildered.
Quentin pointed to the image of the Time Gem, ''Twilight, doesn't that gem look familiar to you?'' he asked, drawing her nearer to the page.
Twilight looked confused as ever as she responded, "Quentin I...hold on,'' Twilight then said, beginning to study the image carefully. The others watched on intently to see what the earth pony and unicorn were getting at. "Now that you mention it, that gem does look-wait!'' Twilight's eyes suddenly widened as she gained a revelation.
"What is it Twi?!'' Spike asked eagerly.
Quentin stared at Twilight, knowing the bright unicorn like her would deduce the realization. Twilight lifted a hoof and placed it over the purple image as she muttered, ''That shape...that color...it looks just like...no it couldn't be!''
Twilight gazed at Quentin with a shocked expression as he nodded firmly. "What, it couldn't be what Twilight?'' Fluttershy asked.
Twilight turned to the others and finally answered. "It looks like my gem I showed you guys a while back!''
The other five gasps and Applejack spoke, ''So what yur sayin' is-''
"That gem, MY gem is the Time Gem!'' Twilight finished.
"Are you kidding me?!'' Rainbow Dahs exclaimed. Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus looked on in bewilderment.
"Twilight, what in Equestria are you talking about?'' Celestia asked.
Twilight turned to her mentor and answered, ''Long story short princess, but I have a gem that's been in my family for years and now I think that same gem is the Time Gem...no I KNOW it is!''
The two Alicorns and unicorn looked at each other, surprised by the news. "How do you know Twilight Sparkle? How can you be for sure?'' Luna asked curiously.
"Because I activated its power by accident,'' Quentin spoke seriously.
Celestia and Luna looked taken aback and Quentin nodded. "Yeah, after a little...inconvenience, I somehow activated its power and was sent back in time and relived an event not once but actually three times.''
The three great equines were speechless as the others agreed. Arcanus stroked his beard and spoke, ''Incredible.''
"I know, I can't believe that my precious gem has a big role in all of this. I can't believe I had the Time Gem after all this time!'' Twilight spoke amazed. Suddenly, Twilight's eyes widened and a fearful expression came to her face.
"What's with the 'GASP' face Twilight?'' Pinkie Pie asked, imitating the same expression as Twilight's.
"Wait, if I had the Time Gem all along...and if it's back at the library...and if Chrysalis is searching for it...then that means...''
That's when everyone knew what Twilight was getting at and sheer horror were on their faces. "She'll go to Ponyville!'' the ten ponies exclaimed in unison.
"Exactly!'' Quentin said impatiently.
Spike whimpered fearfully, ''The Cakes, Cheerilee, our friends...''
"My family...'' Applejack muttered sadly. Quentin put a hoof on her shoulder in hopes to comfort her.
"And my dear sister! Mother…Father… we saw what that foul queen did to Canterlot, just think what will happen if she attacks Ponyville?!'' Rarity spoke desperately and with fear.
Twilight frowned sadly, ''She could destroy it, especially with the Cosmic Gems she has already!''
Rainbow Dash stomped her hooves and took to the air, ''The hay she will. We'll kick her sorry flank and regret to even think of setting hoof in our town!''
Fluttershy gasped, "And the Elements of Harmony, they're also in the library!''
Luna spoke frantically to Celestia, ''Celestia Quentin was right, we must go back to Ponyville this instant!''
Celestia nodded firmly, ''Yes sister I know!'' She turned to her old mentor, ''Arcanus...''
"Of course Celestia!'' Arcanus said at once. "Everypony follow me! We must leave here before I can teleport us!''
Without hesitation, the others followed the powerful unicorn and ran through and out the temple, the Book of Omniscience's page reverting back to original, mysterious appearance of symbols floating idly around and the Book closed by itself, obscuring some of the light it gave off. The eleven ponies ran outside the temple, down the staircase, and across the platform to the portal and went through it, finding themselves once again in the cavern.
"Stay close everypony!'' Arcanus said at once and his horn began glowing a billowing aura and in a flash of light, the group were gone. After they left, in a flash of purple light, the portal had changed back to the form of Ethereal. He stepped forward with a somber expression in his glowing eyes as he hung his head sadly.
"Knowledge for power...'' the guardian muttered as the memory of Chrysalis trying to destroy Biblio Nexus played in his mind. "Knowledge for defeating enemies...''Ethereal muttered again as a memory of Celestia and her subjects using the Book of Omniscience to find out about the Cosmic Gems played in his mind.
Ethereal gazed up with melancholy and said, ''Whatever the reason, be it good or ill...I pray that will be the last time the Book will be used for such desires.''
In a bursting flash of light, Quentin, his friends, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus appeared on the outskirts of Ponyville in a meadow. They all gazed around at their new surroundings, Quentin and his friends a little in awe that they've came from hundreds, and possible thousands of miles from a scorching canyon to a nice, breezy meadow.
"That's the Everfree Forest,'' Fluttershy said, turning around. Indeed the path led to the entrance foreboding forest that was no less than a yard from them.
"Then that means Ponyville is just down the path?'' Quentin asked.
Celestia nodded, ''Yes, and we must hurry and get there before the Queen-'' She was interrupted and they all jumped at the sound of distant screaming and explosions.
"What in tarnation?!'' Applejack exclaimed.
Celestia had a horrified expression as she spoke fearfully, ''Oh no...''
"It sounded like it came from Ponyville!'' Twilight spoke up with the utmost of concern.
Without hesitating, they all ran down the dirt path, the screaming and explosions. "Please, oh please. Fer heaven's sake please...'' Applejack muttered franticly as they continued down the path until they stopped dead in their tracks and gazed at what they were now seeing, completely horrified.
The once quiet, peaceful town was now filled with ponies running around with screams and fright as they were being attacked by Changelings. Countless straw rooftops of cottages, were ablaze with green flames, causing black smoke to rise into the skies. Among the terrified screams, were the hissing and buzzing of the Changelings, as if a swarm of insects was attacking the humble village. While there were scores of ponies running to take cover from the Changelings, there were also others, stallions for the most part were fighting back the horde.
"No...we're too late,'' Fluttershy said somberly, on the verge of tears seeing her home town being attacked.
Rainbow Dash's face fell angrily and gritted her teeth as she seethed, ''But we're just in time to kick some mother bucking Changeling ass!''
The rest of her friends also gritted their teeth with anger as Applejack growled, ''Ya got that right'. If I find that those mudsills had gone and hurt my kin, I'll kill em'. I swear ta Chiron I'll kill em'!''
Normally Quentin would be surprised that such a mature, calm pony like Applejack would openly call out a death threat but he nodded with a deep, outraged frown, ''They won't hurt them AJ cause if they do, that would be the last thing they'd ever do,'' he said darkly.
Quentin wasn't the type of guy who would be eager to hurt anybody, but he'd be damned if he let these pony insect hybrid freaks hurt the family that have been so hospitable to him these past few weeks, and Quentin was ready to fight alongside Applejack to protect them.
"And my sister...those horrid things better not hurt one hair on my Sweetie Belle!'' Rarity seethed.
Celestia turned to her six subjects, a look of upmost rage upon her usually calm and compassionate face. ''The Elements of Harmony, you six must get to them and be ready to use their power,'' the princess of the sun commanded.
Twilight nodded sternly, ''The princess is right girls. The Time Gem is in the library, so we must stop Chrysalis from getting to it at all costs!''
The rest of her friends agreed and more screams rang out. "Well what are we waiting for a theme song? Let's move!'' Rainbow Dash declared.
They needn't anymore convincing and the seven friends raced towards Ponyville. Celestia turned to Luna, both having angered, disgusted expressions on their faces. "First they attack Canterlot and now Ponyville? Sister, Chrysalis will not win this day. She will not escape!'' Luna growled.
Celestia nodded, ''She won't Luna. We will end this once and for all!''
Arcanus spoke with a composed but serious tone, ''And I will stand by you. Let us end this nightmare today.''
Celestia and Luna nodded and the two Alicorns took to the air while Arcanus vanished in a flash of bluish white light. Quentin and his six friends ran closer to Ponyville, determined to fight, save for Fluttershy who was more fearful than determined.
"We need to get the Elements, and use them before Chrysalis can get her hooves on that gem!'' Twilight said taking charge.
"That maybe easier said than done Twilight. These nasty Changelings are probably gonna get in our way!'' Pinkie Pie responded.
Quentin spoke firmly, ''Doesn't matter. Quantity means jack with these losers. We beat them before and we can sure as hell do it again!''
"Hay yeah Q's right! This will just be Canterlot all over again!'' Rainbow Dash agreed with a tough grin.
"Either way we don't have time to waste on these galoots. We need ta get our hinds over ta that there library!'' Applejack said with a frown.
Before anyone could reply a scream rang out. They looked ahead to find a group of Changelings advancing on a unicorn mare and her frightened filly. The unicorn help her child closely to her in protection, while the Changelings continued with their advance, their empty, pale, insect eyes eyeing them as there fangs were exposed as they smiled devilishly.
Quentin growled, "But we sure as hell have time to save them from these bastards!''
Quentin dashed full speed towards the group. When he was getting close, the stallion lowered his head and ran faster and before the Changelings could react, Quentin bulldozed right through them, sending them screeching in the air and they fell hard onto the ground.
"Strike!'' Quentin said triumphantly with a smug smirk, skidding and turning to a halt.
"Awesome save Q!'' Rainbow Dash cheered.
Quentin grinned and turned to the saved unicorns with a deeply concerned look. "Are you ok?''
"Yes we are. Thank you!'' the unicorn said relieved, holding her filly close who smiled happily.
Quentin nodded with a relieved smile. "That's good to hear, now go and get to someplace safe.''
The unicorn nodded and took her filly and ran inside to the nearest building. As Quentin smiled at their new found safety, he failed to notice a pair of Changelings coming from behind him, causing his friends to be alarmed.
"Quentin behind ya!'' Applejack shouted.
Quentin whipped his head around in shocked but before he could react, Applejack had ran passed him and effortlessly bucked the two painfully away. Applejack stood tall and gave a victorious nod. The stallion earth pony just stared at her, speechless with his mouth hanging open before a smile crept across his face.
"Wow...thanks AJ.''
The country pony turned to him with a rather lovely smile, ''Don't mention it Quen. I'll always have yer back.''
The two just kind of stared into each other's eyes for a moment, for one, brief, magical moment before Twilight ran up to them and gazed at Quentin with a worrisome look, "Quentin, are you ok?''
Quentin nodded, ''Yeah Twi of course, thanks to AJ.'' he put a hoof on the farm pony's shoulder and she blushed faintly.
Quentin and Applejack smiled fondly at each other for a moment and Rainbow Dash gave the pair a dirty look and flew in between them.
''Yeah, maybe we should be heading to the library now,'' the daredevil Pegasus said with a slight scowl. "Ya know Changings attacking, a crazy, power hungry queen...remember?!''
Applejack shot Rainbow Dash a nasty look as if she ruined a bushel of her apples while Quentin gave the cyan Pegasus a rather annoyed gaze for the sudden drop in, but she was right and they nodded. "Rainbow's right, we need to get to the Time Gem AND the Elements!'' Twilight spoke with a determined glare.
The seven friends proceeded to the Golden Oaks Library through the now chaotic Ponyville. Along the way they fought off some Changelings, whether they attacked them or the group were protecting innocent ponies from their attacks. Luckily, the brave ponies that stood and fought back the Changelings allowed them to venture through the town without much confrontation than they needed and surprisingly, they were quite good at defending than Quentin could ever thought. Earth ponies would use various tools to fight back the invaders while numerous Pegasi would take advantage of their speed in the air to fight the Changelings and unicorns would use magic to either push them back or blast them away.
Despite the fighting, Quentin and the others were able to reach the library, miraculously untouched by the events happening in the town. "Look we're almost there!'' Spike exclaimed as he pointed towards the giant oak tree form atop Twilight's back.
As they came closer to the library, several Changelings came and hovered a short distance from the library, hissing and ready to fight to prevent the group from entering. Twilight furrowed her violet eyes and barked ''Out of our way!''
Her horn glowed and she fired powerful, magenta colored blasts of magical energy at the group, sending them scattering out of our way. "Ha, nice one Twilight!'' Quentin cheered
Twilight glanced back at him with a rather grateful smirk as they all continued to the library and burst through the door. Once they were all in, Applejack slammed the door closed, though they could still hear screaming and occasional explosions from the outside as Rarity breathed out.
''Finally, we're here it was a madhouse out there! But at least it seems that the queen hasn't found the gem yet, the library is still perfectly intact.''
Fluttershy spoke up meekly, ''But we can't rest yet Rarity.''
Quentin nodded firmly, ''Fluttershy's right, this isn't over yet.'' He then turned to Twilight. ''Twilight, you know where the gem is right?''
Twilight nodded seriously, ''Yeah, follow my guys.''
Her friends did as they were told and followed the intelligent unicorn up the stairs. "Ohhhh I can't believe we're gonna use the Elements of Harmony again!'' Pinkie Pie said excitedly as she bounced her way with the other seven.
Twilight rolled her eyes, ''Not when it's to save Equestria from being taken over or worst Pinkie!''
"Oh Twilight I know that, but it's always fun when we're lifted in the air, and we start glowing, and we're lifted in the air...oh wait I've already said that, but it's so much fun!'' Pinkie squealed in delight.
Thought the rest seemed annoyed by Pinkie's outburst, her details about the usage of Equestria's most powerful form of defense intrigued Quentin. "So the Elements of Harmony, this things are like powerful right?'' he asked as they came into Twilight's room.
Rainbow Dash turned to the stallion, ''They're crazy powerful Q! No enemy is able to stand up to their awesomeness!''
Applejack nodded, ''That's right I almost forgot, ya haven't seen the Elements in action have ya?''
Quentin shook his head. Though he know that this was a desperate time to use them, Quentin was still excited to see the Elements in action in personally. "There!'' Twilight pointed to a large blue and gold chest across the room.
They all ran towards the chest and stopped a few distances from it and Twilight walked forward. Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath as the rest of her friends watched as her horn was engulfed in a billowing aura. Twilight lowered her head so that her horn was almost touching the lock on the chest and she inserted her horn, instantly the chest's creases began to glow a magenta light for a brief moment before fading away as a click was heard, like the of something being unlocked.
Not long after that, the lid of the chest opened and levitated out, engulfed in the aura of Twilight's magic were five gold necklaces and a gold tiara with different shaped and colored, cut and polished gemstones that were the Elements of Harmony. Despite seeing them before, Quentin still couldn't help but mutter in awe, ''Whoa...''
The Elements glided over to Twilight as she turned around with a serious frown. Almost like on instant, Quentin's other six friends stood tall in a single filed line with firm glances, even the silly Pinkie Pie and the timid Fluttershy as Spike and Quentin backed away so they can do their thing.
"Applejack, the Element of Honesty,'' Twilight spoke seriously and the necklace with the orange, apple shaped gemstone floated towards the hard working farm pony and clicked around her neck.
Quentin smiled warmly as Applejack attained her element, feeling that is suited his friend just perfectly. Since he's been here, Applejack never once told a lie, sure save for the time when she was trying to prevent Quentin from finding out about the special celebration in his honor, but that's because it was a surprise and aside from that, she was the shining example of integrity, just another thing that the human greatly admired about her.
"Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter,'' Twilight continued as the necklace with the light blue, balloon shaped gem floated and clicked around their cheerful friend.
Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness,'' Twilight went on and the necklace with the pink, butterfly shaped gemstone went and attached itself around the neck of the timid Pegasus.
"Rarity, the Element of Generosity,'' Twilight said as the necklace with the purple, diamond shaped gemstone floated around the beautiful pony's neck. At Rarity's mention, Spike looked at her with a love struck gaze and sighed.
''She always looks so good when she has that on.'' Quentin rolled his eyes playfully and chuckled, patting the hopeless romantic on the head.
"Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty,'' continued Twilight and the necklace with the red, lightning bolt shaped gemstone went over and around the brave mare's neck. Rainbow Dash seemed to wear it proudly since she was puffing out her chest, something Quentin couldn't help but smirk to himself.
"And lastly, the Element of Magic goes to me,'' Twilight finished as the golden tiara with the magenta colored, star shaped gemstone was placed gently on top of her head.
Quentin gazed at his friends, each wearing their elements and he tapped a hoof to his chin. "Honesty, Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, Loyalty, and Magic. It definitely suits you all well.''
Pinkie Pie beamed at Quentin. "That's why we all have the Elements that are meant for us!''
Twilight intervened impatiently, ''We don't have much time to talk. Next and most importantly...the Time Gem.''
Quentin nodded seriously, ''Right. It's in the same place when you showed it to us right Twilight?''
"Yeah it is,'' Twilight nodded as she walked towards the dresser on the other side of the room.
With her magic, she opened the drawer and not long after that, a familiar, small, black box floated out and landed on the flat surface. The rest gathered around as Twilight opened the box and looked down at its contents. There it was purple, oval, smooth, and glistening in the light was the Time Gem, the reason why the Changelings were attacking Ponyville. The gem levitated in the air as Twilight spoke softly.
''I can't believe it, all this time this gem that's been in my family for years was actually a piece of a plan that could devastate Equestria.''
"Thank goodness Chrysalis hasn't found it yet,'' Fluttershy said with a sort of sigh.
"And it's gonna stay like that 'Shy!'' Applejack spoke firmly. "If she wants that gem, then she'll have ta get through us first!''
Right at that moment, the library began to shake violently. "Wha-what's going on?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed, hovering in the air as books started to fall from the shelves and onto the floor.
"T-Twilight?'' Spike whimpered fearfully, clinging to the unicorn's leg.
"What is it, an earthquake?!'' Quentin asked loudly, trying to keep his balance from the strong tremor.
"I don't know!'' Twilight exclaimed, she too trying to keep herself from toppling over.
Suddenly, there was a loud, unusual sound coming from above, like the sound of a tree being torn down from a powerful storm and they all looked up to see the ceiling of the library being ripped open, leaves and twigs raining inside to which they covered their faces from the debris.
"What the hell?!'' Quentin began but was interrupted by a familiar wicked laughter as the leaves and twigs stopped falling and the ceiling was completely ripped open to reveal Chrysalis, staring down with those cold, cat slit eyes with a malevolent grin, her five precious gems floating around her.
"Chrysalis!'' Twilight barked as the rest all frowned angrily at the queen.
"Well I must thank you Twilight Sparkle to you and your friends for getting the Time Gem for me. And your reward for helping me get the final piece of my goal...a quick and painless death.''
At this the friends all gritted their teeth as their glares grew darker. "You wish you piece of shit. But you're gonna pay for stepping your freakish hooves in our town!'' Rainbow Dash shouted boldly, puffing out her chest as she proudly displayed her Element of Loyalty.
Chrysalis leered disgustingly at all of Quentin's friends and Elements of Harmony and spoke coldly, ''And I see that you've armed yourselves with your precious Elements of Harmony.''
"That's right Chrysalis, no matter what you do or what you plan, you can never defeat their power!'' Twilight retorted to which the other bearers agreed.
Chrysalis stared at them darkly before laughing. "Oh that's where you're wrong my dears. For when I get the Time Gem, I will be on a plane that nopony could exceed. I'll be beyond the Elements and I will- once again be able to continue my slaughter upon you insignificant mortals!''
As Chrysalis finished her last line, her eyes briefly became black and with red, glowing pupils and her voice, otherworldly and demonic before turning back to normal. They all were ready to fight, but Twilight was rather disturbed by her comment.
"There she go again calling us mortals, and that voice...''
"Teh, well see about that!'' Rainbow Dash growled, cracking her neck.
"How dare you, you wicked creature!'' Rarity said with disgust.
"The only thing yer gonna do is rot in whatever place the princesses send ya after we beat yur sorry hind!'' Applejack growled through gritted teeth, ready as if to pounce.
"Yeah Ponyville is a happy place. No pony's getting hurt while we're here!'' Pinkie Pie declared and Fluttershy nodded with a frown.
"I may not have an Element, but I'll be right by you girls' side,'' Quentin spoke with determination, standing beside Applejack.
His friends smiled at him and Quentin winked at Applejack with a smirk to which she blushed and giggled lightly. Chrysalis leered down at the friends and spoke, ''Again with this disgusting talk of friendship. Such a nauseating and ridiculous sentiment.''
The seven all glared at the wicked queen as she smiled evilly. ''Which is why my victory will be that much sweeter when I destroy you fools!''
Chrysalis' horn began to glow a billowing, sickly green as she was about to fire a blast of magic, only for what looks like a golden, lighting bolt fired at her. "What?!'' Chrysalis exclaimed, dodging the lightning as Quentin and the bearers of the Elements all looked in shock and bewilderment.
It wasn't long that they found out that the attack came from Celestia, hovering in the air with Luna beside her...both having a look of anger and hatred that their subjects have never seen before.
"You will not harm our subjects anymore!'' Celestia growled.
Chrysalis's look of shock became one of smugness and mocked, ''On the contrary Celestia, once I get the Time Gem and achieve ultimate power, I'll make it my personal business to kill everypony in Canterlot and this dirt hobble town.''
Quentin and the rest all glared at the queen in anger and disgust. "No you won't you cur!'' Luna shouted. "First you attacked Canterlot and now you have the audacity to attack the villagers of this humble town?! Not only will you fail Chrysalis, but you will face the maximum punishment!''
Chrysalis only laughed at this remark. "Please, I seriously doubt that. Once I have the last of the Cosmic Gems, I'll go and commence the final phase of my plan. Then next time we will end things once and for all.''
Celestia gritted her teeth and scowled darkly, ''No, there won't be a next time for you Chrysalis. Because we will settle this now, and you WILL meet your end here after everything you've done in your selfish quest for power!''
Luna nodded and looked at her sister out the corner of her eye, ''Let's finish this sister!''
Celestia nodded and Luna's horn began to glow a billowing aura as did Celestia and together they both fired a powerful lightning magic at the changeling queen, Celestia's a golden color and Luna's a cobalt blue. Chrysalis let out a short chuckled before her horn glowed a green aura and was gone in a flash of green light. Celestia and Luna gave off faint grunts of irritation at the failure of their attacks and Chrysalis appeared in a flash of light behind them.
"C'mon guys let's get out there and help them!'' Twilight commanded to which the others all voiced their agreement and followed the unicorn out the room and down the stairs.
Chrysalis hovered across from the two regal sisters, a smug, evil grin on her face. ''How many times do you want to feel the wrath of my Cosmic Gems?''
The gems rotated around her until the yellow Reality Gem was in front of her and rose to the tip of her gnarled horn. The next instant, both the gem and Chrysalis' eyes began to glow a bright yellow as she used the Reality Gem to conjure a black, crooked scythe with a sharp, green glowing blade.
"We know all about the Cosmic Gems Chrysalis!'' Celestia barked, her horn glowing a brilliant, golden aura. "And we will not let you get your hoofs on the last gem!''
"Agreed,'' Luna growled as her horn began glowing a powerful cobalt blue aura. "Prepare to meet your end Changeling!''
By this time Twilight and her friends made it out of the library, ponies still running screaming as others continued their battle with the Changelings. Chrysalis laughed, ''So I guess it you've been to Biblio Templum and read from the Book of Omniscience. How's the fool Ethereal?''
"He'll be better when we tell him that we tell him that the one who disrespected the Templum was at last served justice!'' Luna retorted.
"I highly doubt that,'' Chrysalis chuckled darkly. "And just exactly how will you do that?''
Celestia and Luna both gritted their teeth and Celestia retorted, ''Like this. NOW ARCANUS!''
Before anyone could react, a suddenly flash of bluish white light appeared before them and Arcanus appeared, surprising them all. "Arcanus?!'' Twilight said in shock.
"Stay back,'' Arcanus commanded, not looking at the group.
The friends all looked at each other quizzically as Arcanus lifted his head into the skies where the royal sisters hovered. "Celestia, Luna...now's the time!'' the great unicorn replied.
Chrysalis was caught off guard by the sudden entry and spoke alarmed, ''What?! Where did you-'' before Chrysalis could finish, his horn became engulfed in a brilliant, bluish white aura and fired a stream of bluish white energy at Chrysalis.
The wicked queen tried to evade, but the attack proved too quick and was struck, almost immediately glowing blue, net patterned light stretched throughout her body, ensnaring her fore hooves tightly against her chest and back legs tightly together as if she had just been entangled by a net.
"What did you do to me?!'' Chrysalis cried out, trying to escape but to no avail.
Quentin and his friends watched in awe and shock at the display. "Twilight, what in thunderation-'' Applejack asked in disbelief.
"It's a binding spell,'' Twilight answered, a small smile forming on her face. Arcanus was able to prevent Chrysalis from moving.
"Awesome,'' Rainbow Dash said in awe.
Chrysalis seethed as she continued to struggle, ''You fools, you honestly believe this will stop me?! You're magic is foal like compared to the power of the Cosmic Gems!''
Chrysalis tried to use the power of the Reality Gem, but before she could Celestia spoke, ''Not this time.''
Celestia then fired a golden stream of energy from her horn and hit Chrysalis, causing her to scream in terror as a small gold explosion caused the Cosmic Gems to fall and scatter around the ground. Upon hearing her shrieks, the Changelings stopped terrorizing the residents of Ponyville and shifted their attention to the battle by the library, confused looks on their faces. The rest of the friends cheered as they saw Chrysalis lose the gems she caused so much destruction to obtain.
"My-my precious gems!'' Chrysalis shrieked, trying to get out of her binding.
"You no longer have the gems in your possession wretch,'' Luna growled. "And you will never use their powers to cause harm to others ever again! Let's end this sister!''
Celestia nodded and the two closed their eyes as their horns began to glow the brightest aura we've seen. "What are they going to do?'' Fluttershy asked.
"They are going to use a new spell I have recently created,'' Arcanus replied.
This news surprised the seven, but not as much as Twilight who exclaimed, ''A new spell?! You actually created a new spell?!''
Arcanus nodded, ''That correct Twilight Sparkle. Now behold.''
They all watched the skies as the two princesses continued to channel their energies, their horns glowing brighter and brighter. Suddenly, a massive blue and gold colored glowing arcane circular symbol whose description was of the upmost stylized and almost impossible to describe. As the symbol appeared, the skies darkened a bit as the winds began to pick up and became stronger. Quentin and the others all flinched against the powerful winds as Celestia and Luna continued their spell. Nearby ponies screamed in terror while the Changelings hissed and watched terrified, when suddenly, Chrysalis began to be drawn towards the symbol as if being sucked in by a giant vacuum.
"What's going on?!'' Rainbow Dash shouted over the winds, trying to keep balanced in the air.
"Ugh, what kind of spell is this?!'' Twilight grunted through gritted teeth.
Arcanus looked over his shoulder and replied loudly, ''Don't worry! You will not be pulled into the sigil!''
"Wha-what are you doing?! What's happening?!'' Chrysalis shrieked as she continued to be sucked in towards the sigil.
Celestia peered at the trapped queen and said seriously, ''You never harming anypony ever again.''
She closed her eyes again and her and Luna's horn grew brighter, more hissing Changelings being sucked in and disappearing into the glowing, mystical sigil. Halfway to the symbol, Chrysalis spoke fearfully.
''N-NO…this can't be! I control the most powerful force in the world! This can't be happening!''
"You don't know what true power is Chrysalis. Now by our will, you and your minions shall be damned into oblivion!'' Celestia remarked darkly.
"No...no...Nooooo!'' Chrysalis screamed as she was sucked in full force closer and closer until finally disappearing into the sigil just after a great mass of her subjects.
With most of the Changelings and their queen sucked in, the symbol glowed brighter until it produced a mighty flash of light, causing all below to shield their eyes. The flash shone briefly and when it subsided, Quentin and his friends uncovered their eyes to see the sky no longer darkened, the winds no longer gusting, and Chrysalis were nowhere to be seen. The remaining Changelings minions looked around in bewilderment, hissing distraughtly to themselves at the apparent death of their queen. In the air, Celestia and Luna's horns ceased to glow as they breathed heavily. Apparently a spell of that magnitude took a great deal of energy, even for the powerful rulers of Equestria, but they looked at each other and sighed relieved.
There was a brief silence until murmurs from the townsfolk filed the air. "What, jus' happened?'' Applejack asked looking around.
"Yeah, and what happened to that mean and nasty queen?'' Pinkie Pie asked confused.
"She's gone,'' Quentin replied scanning the area." I don't see her.''
Celestia and Luna flew down and landed in front of us, still panting. "Princess Celestia, what was that spell you and Princess Luna just did?'' Twilight asked astounded as ponies began to gather to the site, some with minor injuries.
Celestia took a deep breath as a few trickles of sweat rolled down her face. "It...was a powerful spell that we learned from Arcanus.''
Luna nodded, she too having sweat trickling down her face. "Indeed. The only ones that can perform it is my sister and I, and Arcanus because...''
"Because that was the spell I have recently created,'' Arcanus finished in that deep, reassuring voice.
The others all listened with great interest as the Princesses continued to catch their breath. "That spell...it was completely new?'' Twilight asked flabbergasted.
Arcanus nodded, ''Yes. It took some time to perfect, but once it was completed, its results and power were so great that it almost killed me.''
There was short gasps from the seven friends as Fluttershy spoke surprised, ''Oh my,'' as Arcanus continued.
"And because of its power, it is a spell that I deemed forbidden unless it was absolutely dire to use it.''
Quentin nodded understandingly, ''Like today.''
"Exactly Quentin,'' Arcanus spoke. ''When Celestia and Luna came to me for my assistance, I proposed the spell to use as a last resort if it should ever come to that. It was difficult, but your princesses were able to master it in just four short weeks. Impressive to say the least, ''Arcanus smiled.
Celestia and Luna smiled kindly at their old friend and mentor. "But that spell, what exactly does it do?'' Rarity asked, puzzled.
Arcanus answered, ''Did you all see that sigil in the sky just a while ago?''
They all nodded as the centuries old unicorn explained as his horn was engulfed in an aura as he gathered the five Cosmic Gems and floated to him in a grouped clutter.
"That sigil was a portal, a gateway to a subspace if you will. I designed it to draw in those whose hearts were filed with dark emotions and ONLY those with dark emotions; in this case Chrysalis. Her subjects should have been trapped too, but apparently her evil was so great that it satisfied the spell. Once completely thrown through the gateway, the sigil vanishes, fating all caught within it to oblivion. In other words-''
"Chrysalis won't be showing her ugly face around here ever again!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed happily, doing a triple backflip in the air as the rest of her friends cheered.
The Changelings hissed and growled darkly as the residents began to back them into a group to await judgment for attacking the town.
"Yee-haw! That no good queen should've thought twice bout messin' with our town!'' Applejack cheered as she threw her hat in the air and caught it.
"Victory party!'' Pinkie Pie cheered, suddenly popping out wearing a party hat and blowing noise maker as confetti and balloons rained down from out of nowhere. Normally such an unexplained Pinkie Pie antic would surprise the rest of her friends, Quentin indefinitely but the news was just too great to care.
Applejack and Quentin looked at each other and smiled. Both were happy that everyone was now safe, including her family it, but was something else that caused Quentin's insides just melted as he stared into her beautiful, emerald green, country eyes. The only thing the stallion could do at that moment was to embrace his farm friend who gladly returned it. She smiled warmly, dreamily with half shut eyes as a rosy blush came across her face as she rested her head contently on Quentin's shoulder.
As their friends talked happily amongst themselves, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus gave out a sigh of relief. "At last, it's finally over my sister,'' Luna said relieved, smiling warmly at her elder sister.
Celestia nodded, returning the smile, ''Yes Luna. This nightmare has finally ended.''
"So you think!'' a female, distorted voice rang out, silencing everyone.
Before anyone could react, they were suddenly all engulfed in a greenish red colored aura as they were all lifted into the air, their arms spread and locked, grunting as they struggled to get free, even the powerful Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus were caught by surprise and was fighting to get free. The ponies that had gathered went from cheers to fear and confusion as the royals, their six subjects, Quentin, and Arcanus were lifted in the air into a circle.
"What's...ugh...happening? Fluttershy struggled, trying to move her forelegs but to no avail.
Twilight spoke with her eyes pinched shut and gritted teeth, ''It's...a spell...but...ugh...who's casting it?''
As if to answer her question, a black, slender, pony like creature with a long, dark cerulean mane, transparent insect like wings, fangs, a black gnarled horn, and green eyes with cat like pupils started to come out of the ground in an eerie green light and finally exposed her full form to them all. It was Chrysalis, somehow someway the Changeling queen was hovering before their eyes, chuckling darkly, and strangely enough the five Cosmic Gems she had before were also floating around her, all while the ones Arcanus had gathered were still clumped together and floater where he once was standing. They all stared in terror at the supposed to be destroyed queen, even her minions seemed surprised by their ruler's survival.
"I-it's h-her!'' Spike whimpered, trying to get to Twilight. "It's the queen!''
"It...It can't be!'' Celesita said horrified.
"Inconceivable, no pony could've been able to escape from that spell!'' Aracnus spoke in disbelief. "It's impossible!''
Chrysalis chuckled, ''Yes it would have been...if it was actually me.''
"What art thou talking about?!'' Luna demanded.
Chrysalis looked at the princess of the night and answered smugly, ''What I mean is before coming to Ponyville, I expected a interference from you all, so I used a duplication spell to make an image of me and the Cosmic Gems and stayed silently in the shadows just in case the Elements of Harmony was to be used against me, or in this case you and Celestia come together in an attempt to bring about my end.''
The ten captured equines were all shocked and horrified at what heard as ponies began to scream in terror and flee, save for the ones who was ready to fight. The Changelings snickered malevolently as they took to the skies to be with their queen, filling the air with a loud buzzing sound.
"Of course, a duplication spell,'' Celestia growled.
"Yes and it worked deliciously!'' Chrysalis answered with wicked glee.
Luna gritted her teeth and scowled, ''We'd should've suspected such a cowardly move.''
"I'll teach you to keep your mouth shut Luna,'' Chrysalis replied darkly, leering at the princess of the night.
"Try as you must Chrysalis, but you've haven't won yet. And you will leave this place for good!'' Luna spat back, causing Chrysalis to chuckle.
"Oh you're right princess I'll leave, but...'' she suddenly shocked them by disappearing in a flash of green light and reappeared behind Quentin." Not before taking a little souvenir if you will,'' she finished with a dark chuckle.
Her being so close to the earth pony sent a chill throughout Quentin's body. "What the hell are you-'' before he could finish, Chrysalis put a forearm around him and laid her head on his shoulder with an evil, seductive look, the feeling absolutely creeping him out.
"Meet us in the Everfree Forest and bring the Time Gem if you want to see your dear Quentin again.''
With that Chrysalis and the Changelings vanished in green, fiery flash of light, taking Quentin along with them.
"Quentin!'' Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity cried in unison as the aura around all of them faded and they fell to the ground.
Instantly Applejack sprang up and turned to the others and shouted. "What in tarnation are y'all waitin' fer? We need ta get ta the forest!''
"Of course Applejack, did you honestly believe that we would just stay here while dear Quentin is with that horrid queen?!'' Rarity retorted, losing her grace for a moment.
The rest of their friends frantically voiced their agreement, but Rainbow Dash took off and began to fly at top speed towards the Everfree Forest before Twilight stopped her, "Rainbow Dash wait!''
Dash halted in the air, whipped around, and shouted, ''What the bucking hay do you mean wait?! The piece of cud of a queen just pony napped Quentin!''
Dash was fuming, her eyes burning with anger. Quentin's kidnapping hit her hard as much as it did Applejack. Twilight's face fell in a mixture of anger and worry as she spoke, ''I know, but you can't just go there charging in by yourself.''
"Can we quit yappin' and jus' go?! Applejack shouted impatiently and with that she whipped around and bolted towards the Everfree Forest.
Rainbow Dash snorted a small gust of air and she flew after the farm pony. Twilight looked at the rest of her friends and spoke, ''Well what are we waiting for, let's go!''
Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie agreed with determination. "Yes, onward!'' Rarity said.
"Of course!'' Fluttershy responded with a surprisingly determined tone and look.
"Let's go save Quennie!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed, raking the ground with her head lowered like a bull, snorting out a gust of air.
"Spike stay here!'' Twilight commanded and Spike nodded uneasily.
Twilight used her magic to levitate the Time Gem in front of her at eye level. She sighed deeply and frowned. "Let's go girls!'' With that, the two unicorns and earth pony ran in the direction of Applejack and Rainbow Dash.
Luna whipped her head at her sister with a furious look on her face, ''We too will go Celestia!''
Celestia nodded angrily and turned to Arcanus, ''Arcanus, can you-''
"Of course Celestia! I'll stay in Ponyville and protected it just in case it should be attack again!'' Arcanus finished firmly.
"Thank you my friend,'' Celestia nodded and suddenly Luna took off at full speed, shocking Celestia and she flew off towards her sister.
"Luna wait, calm down!'' Celestia called flying beside Luna and Luna whipped her head to her right and scowled.
''She abducted Quentin! She'll meet her end by my hooves if she harms him!'' The answer shocked Celestia.
"Luna...''
Luna didn't answer and faced forward and increased her speed. "I've never seen Luna so worked up to save somepony. Quentin really must be dear to her,'' Celestia thought with shock and somber before forming a serious face and she too increased her speed.
Applejack was almost out of the town limits when Dash, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Celestia, and Luna had caught up to her and together they made way out of the city, the Everfree Forest coming into sight.
"Hang on Quen, I'm comin'!'' Applejack thought to herself through gritted teeth.
They entered the forest and immediately the most of the light faded due to the tightly close canopy of the dark forest. Fearlessly they eight ponies ran and flew through the wood, determined to find their friend and his captors. They ventured into the woods for ten minutes before finally they came to a circular clearing, the trees standing by like silent sentinels.
Once in the clearing, they halted to an abrupt stop as they came face to face with Chrysalis and her subjects of Changelings some standing while others hovered in the air. The Cosmic Gems glowed dimly with their respective colors around the wicked queen as she smiled darky at the incoming ponies. Instantly, the six friends and the princesses went into defensive position, and growled as if prepared to go into the fight of their lives.
"Well, well so you've decided to come here after all?'' Chrysalis chuckled in that horrible distorted voice.
"Where is he?'' Applejack growled, ready to lung at Chrysalis.
"And I see that you've also brought the Time Gem, smart move.'' Chrysalis continued.
"I said where is he?!'' Applejack shouted at Chrysalis.
Chrysalis acted as if she didn't know what was happening an answered in an innocent tone, ''Why, whatever are you talking about? Where is who?''
"Wretch! Don't you dare toy with us! Where is Quentin?!'' Luna shouted in a loud volume that was her royal Canterlot voice which echoed throughout the clearing.
"I'm afraid I still don't know who you speak of,'' Chrysalis answered, still faking innocence.
Rainbow Dash seethed, ''You ugly, bucking witch. Tell us where Quentin is or as Chiron as my witness I'll pummel your bucking face in!''
Rainbow Dash readied to fly to the Changeling Queen when all of a sudden she raised a hoof, ''Stop right there!''
Dash halted with a raised eyebrow.
"Make any more advancements-'' Chrysalis pointed to the right where a group of Changelings moved aside and the friends gasped in horror as they saw Quentin, hanging from a tree with green vines wrapped around his legs, a little around his torso, around his forelegs and neck.
On both sides of the stallion, a Changeling held an end of vine in their mouths and pulled, causing the vine around Quentin neck to tighten and bring his forelegs to his neck, causing him to gag for breath with one eye close.
"Oh my god Quentin!'' Rarity gasped horrified, both hooves over her mouth.
"Dear, Chiron...'' Celestia uttered in disbelief as Luna just stared horrified.
Twilight looked as if she was trying to grasp what she was looking at. Fluttershy was on the verge of tears, a hoof close to her mouth and her body quivering. Pinkie Pie had a look of grief and terror, her puffy pink mane deflating to a long, straight style draped over the left side of her face and losing a bit of color. Rainbow Dash looked with her jaw hanging open with a rare terrified look on her face. Applejack, she was probably hit the hardest. She just stared up at Quentin, looking almost catatonic at the horrible sight.
"Quentin,'' Applejack finally spoke softly, her voice quivering as she took a step towards her friend, but was stopped by a yell from Chrysalis.
''I said not another step! Or my minions with choke the life out of him!''
On cue, the two Changelings with the vine in their mouths pulled, tightening the vines around Quentin's neck and causing him to choke some more. This was the worst feeling he's ever experience. He could barely breathe as the bondages tightened around the stallion's windpipe. Quentin tried to breath, only for it to be difficult as he let out gags and gasps.
Applejack glared at Chrysalis and seethed, ''I swear if you hurt him...''
"I'd watch what you say if I was you hayseed,'' Chrysalis retorted wickedly as the Changelings pulled the vines, tightening them.
"Stop it! Stop it you're killing him!'' Twilight screamed, tears forming in her intelligent eyes.
Chrysalis chuckled, ''My dear that's the whole point of it. Isn't it divine?''
The strangling human's friends glowed in distraught and anger as Fluttershy muttered, tears streaming down her face, ''Horrible...that evil, horrible...''
Rainbow Dash gave Chrysalis the deadliest glare one could give, gritting her teeth as she let out a low, threatening growl. She was about to lose it when out of nowhere a gust a wind blew strongly, startling the friends, and the Changelings while Chrysalis just grinned maliciously. The winds were coming from Luna and it was a scary sight. Luna's eyes were glowing a white light as she bore a fierce, outraged look on her face, baring her teeth. She spoke, and when she did, he voice was loud, terrifying and accompanied by another, deeper voice along with her regular voice.
"Thou, murdering, wretched cur! If thou so much harm a hair on him, then this forest shall be thy resting place for you and thy abomination of subjects!''
The gust blew stronger, shaking the trees. Quentin's friends struggled against the blowing winds as did Celestia. Quentin peered at the sight through one eye as he muttered breathlessly, ''Luna.''
The Changelings seemed truly afraid of the princess of the night's threat, Quentin even felt the grasp over his throat loosen a little.
"Princess Luna… I've never seen her act like this before,'' Twilight said in shock, tears still in her eyes.
Chrysalis leered around at her frightened subjects and shouted, ''Stop cowering you fools. Or have you forgotten that they wouldn't dare harm us as long as we have or little leverage.''
She then fly over to Quentin's side with an evil, smug smile. Applejack and Rainbow Dash growled and glared at the queen.
"Get yer ugly, face away from him!'' Applejack growled, ready to fight.
"Wretch!'' Luna shouted but was stopped by Celestia. Luna looked into her sister's eyes and calmed down, the winds dying down but her eyes still glowing.
Celestia glared at Chrysalis with anger and disgust, not a hint of kindness or compassion like they usually bore.
"I assure you Chrysalis you will not harm that boy as long as I'm here!'' Celestia scowled.
Chrysalis just laughed as she pressed her face next to Quentin's cheek and wrapped her forelegs around him rather seductively. "I wouldn't even dream about harming such an adorable stallion like him,'' Chrysalis said rather softly and did the unthinkable and licked him amorously on his cheek, causing Quentin to shudder with disgust.
The action caused Quentin's friends to glare at the queen, but none so more than Applejack and Rainbow Dash as Dash seethed, ''Get you stinking tongue off him!''
Applejack just gave her a death glare, gritting her teeth as she literally shook with anger.
"But if you don't abide by my demands, I'll gladly watch as dear Quentin slowly dies in these trees.'' Chrysalis chuckled, moving a hole-filled hoof around Quentin's exposed chest.
Quentin grunted and glared at her and he choked out, "Go...to hell...bitch!''
The stallion's friends continued to glare the evil queen down when Twilight came to a realization and barked, ''It's the Time Gem, that's what you really want isn't it?!''
"You are a smart one are you Twilight Sparkle.'' Chrysalis mocked and continued darkly with wicked joy. "And for that I'll make this nice and simple: give me the Time Gem, or I'll kill Quentin.''
The proposal shocked everyone as Quentin hung there by the vines. Every word that Chrysalis said made Applejack angrier and angrier as did Rainbow Dash, but no matter how angry they got or the powerful urge to lunge and pummel the queen, they wouldn't dare try anything at the risk of their captured friend's life. Celestia and Luna gritted their teeth angrily, as they were faced with the quandary: save Quentin's life in exchange for the last piece of a plan for Chrysalis to gain ultimate power and possible takeover Equestria, or refuse and let the earth pony die. The rest of the human turned stallion's friends stood frozen, shaking in fear and anger as they saw Quentin slowly dying as the life was being choked from him.
"Why...why are you doing this?! And to Quentin?!'' Rarity finally spoke aggressively, tears forming at the edge of her azure eyes.
"Yeah! He's done nothing but tried to help save everypony from the likes of you!'' Pinkie Pie added angrily, tearing up herself.
Chrysalis said nothing, just motioned her Changelings to pull the vines and they hiss gleefully, tightening the vines around Quentin's neck. He let out a gagging noise as he gritted his teeth harder, his fore hooves around the vines as Quentin tried to loosen them but to no avail. He was losing his strength, his vision starting to become blurry as his eyes started to become red from asphyxiation.
"No...Quen...'' Applejack spoke, her voice cracked with an expression of pure terror on her face as tears began to well up in her eyes.
Dash growled loudly, shaking with anger as she glared at Chrysalis. To one's shock, tears were streaming down her face, Rainbow Dash the incredibly tough, thrill loving daredevil was crying but it was widely understandable for she was seeing one of her friends getting the life choked out of him in front of her. Twilight winced at Quentin as he struggled to breathe and cried softly tears rolling down her face.
''Quentin...''
She then took the Time Gem into her hooves and looked at it as if she was having a great conflict within herself. To give it to her, or not to give it to her? Suddenly, Quentin spoke out weakly, choking in the process, ''Don't...give it...to her...''
This shocked his friends greatly. "But Quentin, if we don't then Chrysalis will...'' Fluttershy cried, tears flowing down her face.
Quentin shook his head and continued, ''You...can't give it to her...ugh. If you don't...she'll have...ugh...all the...Cosmic Gems!''
"But if we don't then she'll kill you!'' Twilight cried out
Quentin closed his eyes as he shook his head weakly. "She...can't win...ugh. I would...rather die...then to see...her harm...any of you.''
The response surprised his friends and Applejack responded sadly, ''Quentin...''
"C'mon Q, don't say that!'' Rainbow Dash said tearfully. "You're our friend, and friends don't let friends die!''
Celestia looked on distraughtly and Celestia spoke regretfully, ''How could I've ever let it come to this?''
Luna stared at Quentin, though her eyes were still glowing, they had a sad look to them. Before anyone could say anything further, the two Changelings gripped the vines harder, choking Quentin further. Quentin gagged loudly as the others gasped.
"I guess you didn't hear me, so I'll say it one last time,'' Chrysalis said as she flew away from her prisoner. "Give me the Time Gem or Quentin dies. You have until the count of five and if I don't have the gem, the last, choking breath of your friend will haunt you for the rest of your lives!''
His friends and the princesses glared at the evil queen, my friends giving her a tearful glare as she began to count. "One...two...''
Applejack gritted her teeth as tears flowed down her face as she shook with anger, fear and sadness.
"Three...'' Chrysalis continued.
The Changelings tightened the grasp and never let up, causing the vines around Quentin's neck to constrict it continually, chocking him further. Fluttershy buried her face in her hooves and cried. Rarity bit her bottom lip as she cried quietly, looking at the ruby around her foreleg and dreading the thought of the one who gave it to her would possibly die any moment. Pinkie Pie wasn't any better. She breathed heavily as tears dripped down her face. Twilight winced and gritted her teeth as tears cascaded down her face. If they gave the gem to the queen, she'll have power enough to do some major damage. If they don't, Quentin will die. Even though they knew each other for a fairly short time, Quentin became dearly close to them, as they did to him.
As the vines continued to tightened, darkness began to cover Quentin's vision and his forelegs started to become limp and fall from the vines around his neck.
"Don't...give it...to her...'' Quentin choked out with the last breath he could and his eyes rolled back as he saw nothing but darkness and hung there, the vines around his neck and body the only things keeping him lifted.
Luna watched on, her teeth bared and glaring sadly at the unconscious Quentin, glowing white tears streaming down her face. She couldn't live with the fact of losing really her first real friend, someone who personally gave her the appreciation her night rightly deserved and it was tearing her apart inside. Chrysalis chuckled darkly to herself, clearly enjoying the torment she was ushering on them as did her Changeling subjects.
"Four...''
"Give it to her Twilight!'' Celestia suddenly called, surprising Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Luna as they all whipped their faces towards her.
Celestia gritted her teeth with an angered, reluctant look. "What...did she jus' say?'' Applejack asked in shock with tear filled eyes.
"Twilight, I said give the gem to her NOW!'' Celestia called again, not taking her gaze off the Changeling queen.
It didn't need a third time to tell Twilight and she nodded quickly, wiping some tears away, "Y-yes princess of course!''
With her magic, Twilight levitated the Time Gem and everyone watched as the precious, purple stone levitated across the clearing and finally stopping in front of Chrysalis. They all glared at her as she smiled victoriously, placing the gem in her hoof.
''Finally...the Time Gem, it's mine...it's finally mine!''
The gem suddenly had a green aura around it as Chrysalis used her own magic to levitate the gem and it joined the other five gems and floated around her, all of them giving off a glow of their colors.
"At last the six Cosmic Gems, are mine. Power, Soul, Mind, Space, Time, and Reality, I am now the master of all six powers! I can practically feel their powers flowing through my veins again!''
At that last statement, Chrysalis' eyes briefly glowed an unholy red and her voice became more distorted, darker, and spoke with that demonic accompaniment, but the others didn't notice or care.
"You have yer fancy gem, now tell yer goons ta let Quentin go!'' Applejack barked.
Chrysalis seemed like she didn't hear the farm pony and continued, this time in her normal voice. "Finally, I shall take my rightful place as ruler of all Equestria!''
"You heard her freak! Let him go now!'' Rainbow Dash snapped aggressively.
This time Chrysalis heard and grinned devilishly. "Oh, I'll let him go...to the afterlife. Kill him!''
"NO!'' Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie screamed in unison.
The Changeling swarm hissed gleefully as the two Changelings prepared to suffocate and kill Quentin. Suddenly, before the two could even perform their task given to them, a pair of golden and cobalt blue blasts hit them, sending them blasting and disappearing into the trees with painful hisses. The two were likely dead but most importantly, the vines fell from their mouths, causing the vines to loosen around Quentin and he fell to the ground, coughing heavily on his side as life came back to him.
"What?!'' Chrysalis shrieked in confusion.
"Quentin!'' Applejack cried and instantly she ran towards her fallen friend, only to be stopped by a group of Changelings.
Applejack growled, preparing to fight, but once again, the gold and blue blasts of energy struck the group, sending them flying in all directions and falling on the forest floor. The six , surprised ponies turned their attentions to the source of the blasts to see Celestia's and Luna's horns glowing brightly, the most furious looks upon their regal faces. Chrysalis growled as Celestia and Luna suddenly flew at her and her swarm at full speed.
"You, murderous, lying psychopath! Prepare to meet your end!'' Celestia seethed.
She fired another blast of golden magic at her, but Chrysalis teleported, causing the blast to hit the trees behind her, destroying them and started a fire. The Changelings hissed loudly as Chrysalis reappeared above Quentin. She glared down at him and her horn glowed a brilliant green as she prepared to finish him off but she was suddenly struck hard in the face by a strong kick by a scowling Applejack. Chrysalis cried in pain as she was sent a few feet back and Applejack stood in front of Quentin, breathing heavily as she was prepared to guard the stallion with her life.
"Come near 'em again and I swear the next kick will take yer head clean off!'' Applejack seethed, tears trailing down her face. "You ain't ever gonna hurt Quentin again.''
"Because she will die this day!'' Luna called out as she sent a blast of energy towards the queen.
Chrysalis sent a stream of green energy from her horn and it collided with Luna's attack, causing a brilliant explosion that set small fires ablaze around the clearing. The Changelings and Chrysalis were prepared for war, but Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy ran and flew forward and joined Applejack in protecting Quentin, bearing their Elements with tearful glares at the Changelings as Celestia and Luna hovered behind them, ready to end it once and for all. Chrysalis growled darkly as she gazed around the ponies and Alicorns ready to fight when her gaze fell upon her floating six, Cosmic Gems and she smiled malevolently.
"It doesn't matter...I have what we've came here for. And so, the six Cosmic Gems are mine, MINE! Now I have power that outclasses the even Elements of Harmony. All that's left is to complete the last, minor phase of my plan and I will be all powerful!''
Twilight and her friends lowered their heads and growled as Celestia barked, ''Cur, you have no other plans but death!''
With that, the two sisters sent powerful blasts of magic at the queen and her horde and exploded in a bright, golden blue light. The others grunted and stood against the force and the light faded, only smoke hazing the area.
"Did, they get her?'' Fluttershy asked meekly.
"I hope to Chiron they did,'' Rarity answered coldly.
The smoke finally faded, only to reveal destroyed trees and scorched earth; Chrysalis and her Changelings were nowhere to be found. "What? Where the hay did they go?! Did they get blown to bits?!'' Dash exclaimed looking around.
"So you wish,'' Chrysalis' voice suddenly rang out with a chuckled.
"Show yourself coward!'' Dash shouted as the rest readied themselves.
"All in due time ponies. Quentin may have lived this time, but the next time we meet, he won't be so fortunate and you all will soon follow!'' Chrysalis ended with an evil cackle as it faded away, leaving the friends looking around hatefully at her last words.
"Man what a hag!'' Dash growled, tears still filling her eyes. "When I see her again-'' she was interrupted as Quentin suddenly coughed violent and dry heaved.
"Quentin!'' Twilight cried and immediately they all gathered around their friend with sad, concerned eyes.
Quentin coughed again, laying on his back and his head resting on something soft, still trying to catch his breath. Quentin peered open his eyes and slowly but surely, the darkness began to fade into blurriness, and blurriness becoming clear. He coughed a few more times and weakly opened his eyes halfway, and met the eyes of his six friends and the princesses, all gazing at him with those sad, concerning eyes. Luna's eyes had since returned to normal, no longer glower as were her tears which were now a normal clear color.
"What...happened?'' Quentin said weakly, coughing in between breathes.
Quentin, thank goodness yer alright!'' Applejack replied relieved, wiping away some tears though more replaced them.
"Q it's ok. You're gonna be alright now,'' Rainbow Dash said, smiling tearfully at Quentin.
Quentin coughed some more and tried to get up, but Fluttershy stopped him and pressed her hooves down on him to prevent him from lifting himself up. "Stay down Quentin. Just breathe deeply, we don't want the risk of you damaging something,'' Fluttershy spoke, she too whipping away a few tears.
Having briefly passed out from lack of oxygen, Quentin had forgotten what happened for a moment, but suddenly remembered what had transpired just a few moments as he felt his throat and felt the vine marks. He asked suddenly.
''Chrysalis! The Time Gem, what happened?!'' he coughed.
The eight ponies looked at each other sadly before looking at their friend. "I've...told Twilight to give the gem to Chrysalis Quentin,'' Celestia finally answered with a sigh.
"What?!'' Quentin said loudly, springing up causing him to cough heavily as he leaned forward.
"Quentin, please don't strain yourself,'' Rarity tried to reason but the stallion didn't care and he shook his head.
Why did you give...cough...it to her?!''
"Because the risks were to high Quentin,'' Luna answered, tears still visible on her face as she tenderly nuzzled Quentin's face with a one hoof embrace.
"Exactly, we wouldn't risk you for that stupid gem, we couldn't," Twilight added tearfully.
"But… now she has all six of the Cosmic Gems! Don't you know what that means?'' Quentin argued, breaking his embrace with Luna and coughing some more, still trying to catch his breath.
"It means that we were able to spare your life,'' Celestia answered, smiling sadly.
"No matter how dire the situation, in the end, nothing comes before the safety of our subjects.''
The answer surprised Quentin and he argued, ''What are you talking about? I'm a human from Earth, I'm not your subject!''
"Yes that may be!'' Celestia challenged firmly, causing the human turned pony to stare at her in bewilderment. "I care for all creatures in my kingdom, great and small. Human or not as long as you are in Equestria, your well-being is precious to me and as Princess I will not trade your life for something like a gem.''
Celestia ending by smiling sadly, yet kindly at Quentin as Luna nodded with a tearful smile. Quentin's friends smiled somberly at the kind princess' words, but he was taken aback by the answer. He couldn't believe it, Princess Celestia, the princess of the sun, the wise, kind, co ruler of Equestria. The regal elder sister Quentin just met no more than two days ago considered his life and safety far more important than a key to a diabolical plan. In truth Quentin was flattered, touch by the words of the princess and he lowered his head, feeling somewhat guilty and muttered.
''I'm...I'm grateful that you would say that Celestia, but you shouldn't risk Equestria just for one measly soul.''
"But you ain't a measly soul, yer our friend!'' Applejack said adamantly, surprising Quentin.
"Yeah, and as long as you're our friend, we'll always have your back!'' Rainbow Dash added confidently, allowing a tear to escape from her eye.
The rest agreed. "They're right Quentin. Honestly, I was about to give Chrysalis the Time Gem even without the princess' order. I've learned that friendship is the most wonderful thing so there's no way I would give up losing my friendship with you,'' Twilight smiled faintly, wiping away a tear.
Pinkie Pie nodded with a sad smile, her mane becoming its regular puffy self as she spoke, sniffing in between her words, ''I'm glad...that meanie queen took the gem if it meant to save you. You're…our friend Quentin, and friends stick together no matter what!''
"And I would gladly trade all the gems in my boutique if it would meant to see your safe Quentin,'' Rarity spoke, tearfully smiling at the ruby Quentin gave her that's around her left foreleg.
Fluttershy nodded with a sniff, ''You've been nothing but a good thing to us Quentin. We'll always protect you no matter what.''
Hearing such tender words all of them, even the shy, soft spoken Fluttershy would go in harm's way and make an impossible decisions for his sake touched Quentin like no other. He gazed around at his six, wonderful friends, each giving him a tearful smile. Quentin felt his own vision becoming blurry and squeezed his eyes shut and turned away.
"I...I...'' Quentin spoke, trying his best to keep his voice from cracking.
Applejack suddenly embraced him, her head resting on his shoulder and she whispered, ''Ya don't have ta say anythin' Quentin. Yer safe an' that's all that matters. We'll never let anythin' happen to ya.''
And with that Quentin's head went limp on Applejack's shoulder and let the tears flow from his eyes. Quentin was even more grateful that she was here with him and he gave her a one foreleg embrace. Then Rainbow Dash joined in the hug, then Twilight, and finally the rest and the seven friends were all in a group hug, a trail of tears streaming down their faces. They were really the best friends Quentin ever had. No friend back on Earth could compare to these six, amazing ponies.
Celestia and Luna looked on at the group, sad, touched smiles on their beautiful faces. "These wonderful ponies, truly have something special,'' Celestia finally commented softly.
"Yes, they do sister," Luna agreed, wiping away her tears, knowing that Quentin would be ok. "And though I don't feel regret for thy choice, we failed at stopping Chrysalis from possessing the Cosmic Gems.'' Luna continued, giving Celestia a worried look.
Celestia sighed deeply and nodded, '" Believe me sister I know.''
"What shall we do Celestia? How will we to combat Chrysalis now?'' Luna asked, almost pleading.
Celestia hung her head and shook it solemnly and muttered, ''I don't know Luna…I just don't know.''
It has been done.
With the unison of the accursed six,
the fate of all has been realized…