Twilight's Kingdom Part 1
Pony's Log Number 425: I've always trusted Mom's judgment, even when her decisions don't initially make sense. But...what happens when it really was a bad decision...
A train whistled in the distance as the Mane eight, along with Spike, were now back at the Crystal Empire and they were all making their way toward the Crystal Palace. Shenran had settled comfortably back in the house Cadance had given to him during his previous "mission" to Ponyville. He had become a regular part of the group and was more than happy to come back to the Crystal Empire with his fiancé.
"Seems like only yesterday I was saving this place from being totally destroyed," said Spike, "Hey, you guys remember that?" He then stood next to the giant statue of himself. Rainbow and Applejack rolled their eyes as Pinkie looked at the statue and smiled.
"You only mentioned it about fifteen times on the train here," said Rainbow.
"Yes, and we never hear a peep out of you about your exploits," Rarity said to Rainbow sarcastically.
"Heh, point taken," said Rainbow sheepishly.
"I'm glad you all wanted to come," said Twilight as she and Mario led the group, "but I don't think it's gonna be that exciting. My husband and I pretty much just have to smile and wave as the dignitaries arrive."
"Yeah, so very exciting," Mario remarked rather bluntly.
"Yes, but you and Mario get to smile and wave like a princess and prince," said Rarity as she caught up to the two alicorns.
"How exactly is that different than smilin' and wavin' like not a princess and a prince?" Applejack asked as Rarity tried to find an answer.
"It isn't," said Twilight sadly.
"The only real difference is that we wear a crown on our heads while doing it," said Mario in the same tone, "but like my wife said. It's not that different at all." Everypony noticed that both Mario and Twilight looked rather glum.
"What's wrong, Twilight and Mario?" Fluttershy asked with concern.
"Why the looooooooong face?" Pinkie asked as she stretched Twilight's face out, which recoiled when the pink pony let go. Twilight rubbed her sore face for a moment. Pinkie then tried to grab Mario's face, but he quickly stared her down and Pinkie backed off.
"We've just been feeling a little unsure about things lately," said Twilight, "It doesn't seem that our new role as a princess and prince equates to all that much."
"We don't really do much despite our royal status," said Mario, "We don't exactly feel like we're all that important, or special for that matter." Twilight gave her husband a sympathetic look and nodded in agreement.
"That's just silly," said Applejack, "You both have a real important role in Equestria."
"Princess Celestia wouldn't have asked you to come today if she didn't think so," Fluttershy added as Shenran nodded in agreement.
"I guess you're right," said Twilight with sad smile.
"If you say so," said Mario softly with a sad smile of his own.
"Of course we are," said Rarity as she ushered the two alicorns along, "Now hurry along! You don't want to risk having that important role diminished because you were tardy for your regal meet-and-greet."
"Okay, okay, we're going," Mario retorted with a chuckle as Twilight and Mario continued on their way while the rest of the group followed from behind.
It was a little later that day, some trumpet fanfare was heard as the newest member of the royal guard, Flash Sentry, stood to announce the dignitaries. He had come to fill in for Shenran's role once the engaged Pegasus had been honorably discharged.
"The Duke and Duchess of Maretonia!" Flash Sentry announced as the two upper-class dressed ponies walked importantly down the street between the crowd of ponies. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Cadance stood before the two dignitaries with smiles on their faces and their wings opened majestically. Twilight and Mario, crowns on their heads, stood at the upper balcony with their own wings opened, smiling and waving to the crowds below. Twilight and Mario used their magic to open up a large banner that hang from the balcony above. The three princesses below approached the two dignitaries and they exchanged bows with each other before heading inside. Twilight and Mario just continued to smile and wave at the crowds some more.
"That was it?" Spike interjected as it was revealed the rest of the Mane Eight were standing just outside the entrance to the balcony, "Princess Celestia had you both come all the way to the Crystal Empire to do just that?" Applejack then used a fore-leg to smack the back of his head while all but Twilight and Fluttershy glared at him. Twilight just had a very sad look on her face.
"I mean, whoa, really regal and important!" Spike said a nervous laugh.
"Oh be quiet!" Mario scolded angrily, but softened when he saw how depressed his wife looked and wrapped a fore-leg around her shoulder and held her close. He added sadly, "We don't need you reminding us just how important we really are." Mario and Twilight walked sadly inside as the others just shared worried looks with each other.
(Main Theme)
A little later that day, Twilight and Mario were just pacing back and forth in the hallway. Then the doors opened as the two dignitaries approached Twilight and Mario, who quickly stood side by side and bowed before them. The two dignitaries bowed as well.
"Your highnesses," said the Duke of Maretonia, "Thank you for understanding our desire to keep the number of those privy to these confidential discussions to a minimum."
In other words, you didn't think we were important enough to be included! But Mario kept that thought to himself.
"Of course," said Twilight with her eyes closed in a professional tone.
"We understand your situation completely," Mario added in the same tone with his eyes closed, but use the opportunity to roll his eyes behind his closed eyelids. The two dignitaries then walked on their way to another set of doors, which were opened and shut immediately. Twilight and Mario stood up, smiling and waving until the doors had been closed. The two alicorns shared sad looks with each other before heading up to the other princesses.
"Is there anything else we can do to assist with their visit?" Twilight asked as Mario stood beside her.
"I'm sorry, Twilight and Mario," said Princess Cadance, "but their visit is already over."
"Oh," said Twilight sadly.
"Okay then," said Mario half-heartedly, "Guess...our job is...complete. Yay..." It didn't take long for the three princesses to notice something was up.
"Something wrong?" Princess Luna asked concerned.
"I guess I...that is my husband and I...just don't really understand why we're here," Twilight explained, "Couldn't have one of the royal guard unfurled the banner?"
"Having all five of us in the Empire to greet them lets the dignitaries know that their visit is considered an important one," Princess Celestia explained.
"Plus, it gives me an opportunity to see my favorite sister-in-law and little brother," said Cadance, getting a small smile from Twilight and Mario.
"And we're happy to see you," said Twilight, "All of you." Twilight and Mario exchanged looks with each other, unsure of what to say further and turned their heads away.
"But...?" Princess Celestia pushed.
"But I...we...well," Twilight said slowly as she found her words, "it's just that Princess Luna raises the moon, Princess Celestia raises the sun..." Twilight looked at Cadance, "you protect the Crystal Empire, and all we seem to do is...smile and wave."
"You told me that ascending to become an alicorn prince and princess was our destiny," said Mario, "if that's true, then...why do we feel like were nothing but just...figure heads? You all are doing important things for Equestria. But...what are we supposed to do?" The alicorn couple walked sadly away and headed toward the balcony. They leaned against the railing together before they started to sing.
[Twilight]
It isn't that I'm ungrateful
For all the things that I've earned,
[Mario]
For all the journeys I have taken,
[Twilight and Mario - they mirrored each other as they waved a fore-leg in the air.
All the lessons that I have learned
[Twilight]
But I wonder where I'm going now,
[Mario]
What my role is meant to be
[Twilight and Mario - the both started into the distance from the balcony.]
I don't know how to travel
To a future that I can't see
[Twilight - It was then Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Cadance arrived. She and Mario approached them. They showed them their wings and pointed at their crowns.]
We have our wings, we wear these crowns
[Twilight]
I'm a princess
[Mario]
I'm a prince
[Twilight and Mario - they walked away from the three princesses.]
This is true
But it's still unclear to us
Just what we're meant to do
[Twilight - She walked up to Cadance.]
I wanna have a purpose
[Mario - He walked up to Princess Luna.]
Wanna do all that I can
[Twilight and Mario - they both look at Princess Celestia before walking away and waving a fore-hoof in the air.]
We wanna make a contribution
We want to be a part of the plan
[Princess Celestia - She walked up to Twilight and Mario as they approached the balcony and gazed at the northern lights.]
Your destiny's uncertain
And that's sometimes hard to take
But it will become much clearer
With every new choice you make
[Princess Luna - She approached form the other side of the royal couple. As she sang, she stood before them before spreading her wings and hovering in the air.]
Patience is never easy
I understand wanting more
I know how hard it is to wait
To spread out your wings and soar
[Cadance - She came up to Twilight and Mario from behind, her words making both alicorns smile and blush. She then headed to the balcony.]
But you both stand here for a reason
You're gifted and you are strong
That crown is upon your heads because
You both belong
[Celestia, Luna, and Cadance - As they sang together, above them Princess Celestia's cutie marked appeared in the sky with Princess Luna's appeared to the right. Then Cadance's cutie mark appeared in front of the two cutie marks. Then they surrounded Twilight and Mario.]
Know that your time is coming soon
As the sun rises, so does the moon
As love finds a place in every heart
You're a princess.
You're a prince.
You'll play your part
[Princess Luna - As she sang her solo, Princess Celestia and Cadance took to the skies, Princess Luna soon followed.]
We understand you both wanting more
A chance to shine, a chance to soar
[Princess Cadance - The three Princesses hover in the sky in clockwise motion as Mario and Twilight watch them.]
Soon will come the day it turns around
[Celestia, Luna, and Cadance - The three princesses landed, showing Princess Celestia's cutie mark appear in the sky with Princess Luna's appearing to the right. Then Cadance's cutie mark appeared in front of theirs. Then Twilight and Mario's cutie marks appeared in front of Cadance's. The reflection of their cutie marks could be seen from Twilight and Mario's eyes respectively. Twilight and Mario then looked sadly at the ground.]
Know that your time is coming soon
As the sun rises, so does the moon
As love finds a place in every heart
You're a princess
You're a prince
You'll play your part
[Princess Celestia - she used a fore-hoof to lift Twilight's chin and she did the same for Mario's. She then hugged them both, which Twilight and Mario accepted with a small smile on their faces.]
You're a princess
You're a prince
You'll play your part
It wasn't long before Twilight and Mario broke away from Princess Celestia.
"Your time will come," said Princess Celestia as she and the three princesses left the alicorn couple alone. Twilight and Mario walked up to the balcony and looked up at the stars and northern lights.
Elsewhere, in a dark foggy alleyway, a brown unicorn stallion, whose name was Rare Find, was nervously walking down the path carrying a basket of oranges when he heard a suspicious noise. Rare Fine looked back and saw that it was only an empty can clanking about. Just as Rare Find breathed a sigh of relief, a cloaked figure appeared, who was breathing heavily.
"Very sorry," Rare Fine said with a chuckle, "You came out of nowhere."
""Is he friend or is he foe"? the pony wonders," the cloaked figure said darkly as he revealed his face to show that he was elderly looking centaur, "I can assure you...I am no friend. I'm Lord Tirek, and I will take what should have been mine long ago." The centaur opened his mouth and literally inhaled Rare Find's magic, causing the stallion to lose his cutie mark and plop to the ground looking drained, even the color in his eyes were grayed out. The magic Tirek has collected made his body glow, causing him to become bigger and taller. Rare Find cowered fearfully and Tirek chuckled deviously.
Back in the Crystal Empire, Princess Celestia had been sleeping when she suddenly woke up with a start.
"Sister, are you alright?!" Princess Luna asked as she entered the room.
"I've just had the most terrible dream," said Princess Celestia.
"Why do you think I'm here?" Princess Luna retorted as a matter of fact, "You know as well as I that this was not a dream, but a vision."
"Then we haven't much time," said Princess Celestia as she got out of bed quickly and the two sisters headed to a window, "the stronger he becomes, the more we are all in danger."
The next morning, the five alicorns were sitting before a table with an old book in the center. Princess Celestia used her magic to open the book. The first page showed a picture of two centaurs.
"Tirek and his brother Scorpan came from a distant land," Princess Celestia explained, "intent on stealing Equestrian magic. But Scorpan soon came to appreciate the ways of Equestria, even befriending a young unicorn wizard." Princess Celestia showed another page of Scorpan seeing all the ponies and then another page showed Scorpan befriending Star Swirl the Bearded.
"Scorpan urged his brother to abandon their plans," said Princess Luna as the pages showed Scorpan talking to Tirek, "When Tirek refused, Scorpan alerted us to Tirek's intentions." A another page showed Scorpan speaking to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, warning them of Tirek's refusal to back down.
"Scorpan returned to his own land," Princess Celestia continued, showing Scorpan on his way and Tirek reaching out as he descended into a underground prison, "and Tirek was sent to Tartarus for his crimes. But it appears he has found a way to escape." Princess Celestia closed the book.
"We believe it happened when Cerberus left his post at the gates," said Princess Luna.
"But that was a long time ago," said Twilight, "Why is he just now starting to steal magic?"
"His time in Tartarus left him very weak," said Princess Celestia as she walked behind Twilight and Mario, "He has just now gained enough strength to use his dark powers."
"But with each passing moment," said Princess Luna, "he grows stronger still."
"Then he must be stopped as quickly as possible before he becomes too powerful," said Mario firmly.
"And I know just the princess and prince who can stop him," said Cadance, smirking at Twilight and Mario.
"Let's a go!" said Mario confidently with a hoof-pump and a pose.
"Yes," said Twilight in agreement, "Mario and I will go find him and-"
"No, Twilight," said Princess Celestia, "I'm afraid I must call in another to stop Tirek." Then Princess Celestia announced who it was.
"Discord"
"GASP!" said Twilight, Mario, Cadance, and Princess Luna in utter shock.
Back in Ponyville, the rest of the Mane Eight were just as stunned at Princess Celestia's decision.
"Seriously?" Shenran spluttered.
"...As in Discord Discord?" Applejack asked.
"Yes!" Twilight answered.
"And how did you take the news, Mario?" Rainbow asked. Mario just gave her a blank look.
Back at the Crystal Empire
"Are you CRAZY!?" Mario bellowed, "This will never work! Mom, you seriously have been talking to yourself far too much again because your brain is in the clouds!" Twilight just rolled her eyes. Princess Luna was stunned. Cadance put a fore-hoof over her mouth to avoid laughing. Princess Celestia just gave him a blank look.
"Anything else?" she asked bluntly. Mario snorted.
"Yes, one more thing," Mario said plainly, "You've done alot of things that I don't fully understand or agree with in the past, but this?! I think you're nuts!"
"Mario!" Princess Luna exclaimed.
"I'd like it if you didn't get yourself banished thank you!" Twilight scolded at her husband.
"It's alright, everypony," said Princess Celestia, "I've always encouraged Mario that it is okay to agree to disagree. Either way, I've already made my decision." Mario snorted through his nose in a huff as he crossed his fore-legs.
Back in Ponyville
"All I can say is that I'm just on standby for when I have to go clean up her mess," said Mario annoyingly. Twilight glared at him, but the alicorn prince didn't take notice.
"I don't think it's that big of a surprise," said Fluttershy as she stepped forward, "He can be very helpful." All Fluttershy got was glares from Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, Pinkie, and even Shenran. Fluttershy just smiled sheepishly until she noticed Shenran was also glaring.
"Excuse me?" Fluttershy asked her fiancé indignantly, "You're supposed to support me!"
"I'm sorry, Flutters," said Shenran, "I love you and I do support you, but I just don't trust that draconequus. I still say he's out to destroy me!" Fluttershy just huffed indignantly.
"He can sense when there's a magical imbalance," said Twilight in Fluttershy's defense and changing the subject before the couple could argue, "The next time Tirek steals magic, Discord will be able to track him down!"
"That is true," Mario pondered, "He's got a better tracking ability than Pinkie Pie." Then added irritably, "And he's got a funny way of showing up when you least want him around." The others, minus Fluttershy, nodded in agreement to that.
"So what are you two supposed to do in the meantime?" Rainbow asked.
"I don't know," Mario replied, "Stay on standby? Pray for a miracle? It's all we can do..." Twilight sighed.
"In other words, nothing," Twilight added, "unless of course one of you needs one or both of us to smile and wave." Twilight smiled and waved a fore-leg, but soon replaced her smile with a long frown as she and Mario just shared knowing looks with each other before walking sadly away.
"Where are you guys going?" Spike asked.
"To the Castle of the Two Sisters," Twilight replied, "we're not really needed anywhere else. Might as well catch up on some of my reading and Mario said he wanted to work on the next volume of his talking train stories. Volume Four just got released a few weeks ago.
"I thought you said you were going to stop with Volume Four?" Applejack asked.
"I was, but..." said Mario, "I've still got a few more ideas for stories so might as well see what I can come up with." Twilight smiled in agreement before they headed off toward the Everfree Forest. The group shared sad looks with each other when Rainbow got an idea.
"You want some company?" Rainbow asked.
"It has been a while since we visited the castle," Applejack said as the rest of the group stood around the Alicorn couple.
"Maybe we could use a little company right now," said Twilight as she and Mario smiled.
It wasn't long before they reached the canyon where the tree of harmony was located as they made their way toward the castle.
"I still can't believe we had to give back the Elements," said Rainbow with a sigh.
"It had to be done or the Tree of Harmony wouldn't have survived," Rarity reminded the blue Pegasus.
"Plus it was the only source of magic strong enough to deal with Discord's little vines of doom," Mario added with irritation in his tone.
"But you and Twilight were right," said Fluttershy, "Even without the Elements, our friendship is as strong as ever." Shenran nodded in agreement.
"I just hope another "friend" of ours never makes us sorry we had to give them up," said Applejack, making air quotes with her fore-hooves. Suddenly the Mane Eight heard some familiar laughter.
"Oh, you're talking about me, I presume?" said Discord as he floated down the group using an umbrella and wearing a nanny's outfit. Mario looked at him in disgust.
"Great, Discord ruined Mary Poppins for me," Mario muttered to himself, "That was one of my favorite books."
"How'd you guess?" Applejack asked the draconequus annoyingly.
"My ears were burning," Discord replied as his horns literally set themselves in fire.
"Think you can do that to the rest of your body?" Shenran asked sarcastically. Discord blinked as he doused his horns with a glass of water.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the le fiancé," said Discord, "Finally got yourself kicked out of the royal guard to live the rest of your life as Fluttershy's personal housekeeper?" Shenran growled and shook a fore-hoof at the draconequus. Fluttershy raised a fore-leg in front of her fiancé to get him to calm down.
"Be nice Discord," Fluttershy warned as Discord just smiled and waved off Shenran's death glare.
"Oh and by the way, congratulations on your gold medal at the Equestria Games," said Discord to Mario, "though I must admit that the song your rival came up with is quite catchy." Discord began to sing the song as Mario snarled at him.
"Oh, put a sock on it!" said Mario irritably as Discord just kept singing and then laughed afterward.
"What are you even doing here, Discord?" Rainbow demanded as the draconequus calmed down.
"Oh, just a bit of light reading before I head off on my extremely important mission," Discord replied as he put on some glasses and started scanning through the pages of a very familiar book.
"Oh great," Mario remarked to his wife, "of course Discord would rub that in our faces." His wife said nothing but glared to show she was thinking the same thing.
"I suppose you all know that I've been tasked to capture a certain escapee," said Discord, now wearing a military outfit and bubble pipe in his mouth. He then pulled down a flag of Equestria as well to complete the moment.
"Big deal," said Spike.
"You're right, Spike," Discord replied as he stuck his face into Spike's before encasing the little dragon in a bubble that floated away. Spike rose quite a few feet into the air before the bubble popped. Rainbow caught Spike before he hit the ground, "It is a big deal. Seems I possess a magic that gives me quite an important role in Equestria. Maybe they should make me an Alicorn princess." Discord then made a pair of pink wings and a horn appear on himself as well as a giant crown on his head. Some random cheering could also be heard.
"Mmwah! Mmwah!" Discord said as he blew kisses at a non-existent crowd. Twilight and Mario glared at him.
"Honey?" Mario asked his wife.
"Yes dear?" Twilight asked bluntly.
"I'd like you to cast a spell to erase the horrible image that just got stuck in my head," said Mario. Twilight just rolled her eyes.
"In your dreams," said Rainbow in disgust as she smacked the crown off Discord's head.
"Oh, I never dream of such things," said Discord as he made his unicorn horn disappear and it returned to his regular antler horns, "Ask Princess Luna."
"Don't you have a creepy magic-stealin' villain to track down?" Applejack asked, having quite enough of the Draconequus.
"Oh, yes, yes, yes, of course," said Discord as he pulled all eight ponies and Spike into a group hug before teleporting everypony into the chamber of the Tree of Harmony, "It's just that I couldn't help but notice that Twilight and Mario haven't yet opened this little chest." Discord then walked up to the said chest as the everypony looked at both Twilight and Mario.
"I-I-It got me thinking," said Discord, "what if what's locked inside is something that could help them prove their royal worth? I only bring it up because they said that they've been feeling like their role as a princess and a prince doesn't equate to much." Twilight and Mario just glared when Discord pulled their bottom lips to make them look like they were pouting.
"Wait a minute!" said Pinkie, "How do you know how they were feeling?!"
"The same way he found out that Twilight and Cadance wanted a quiet day to hang out together," Shenran remarked, "before nearly spoiling it and sending poor Twilight into a meltdown!"
"Oh, my," said Discord in mocking sadness, "Is eavesdropping not the way you're supposed to find out what your best pals are up to?"
"No, it's not Discord," said Mario firmly, "Friendship is built in trust, compassion, and empathy. If you actually asked what was bothering us instead of just budding into our problems, maybe the majority of us wouldn't feel so irritated whenever you showed up. It would also help that you didn't rub our problems in our faces either!" All but Fluttershy nodded in agreement.
"Woe is me," said Discord dramatically, "Will I ever learn the intricate nuances of being a good friend?" All but Fluttershy glared and said nothing.
"Well in any case," Discord remarked as he cleared his throat, "I suppose now is as good a time as any for me to make my exit." Discord then hopped into a polka-dot motor scooter and teleported away.
"And good riddance!" Applejack shouted once he was gone. Only for the draconequus to reappear again from behind the group.
"Oopsie-doopsie," said Discord as he leaned into Applejack's face before walking in front of the group holding a book in his claws, "I almost left with the little journal you've all been keeping. What a fascinating read. Haven't you all learned so much?" Discord then walked up to Twilight.
"I've bookmarked a few of the more interesting passages," said Discord as he set the book on top of Twilight's horn, making it balance on the tip perfectly. Mario couldn't help but stare. He was impressed at the trick, but would never admit to it. Discord then pushed Shenran aside as he leaned over to Fluttershy.
"We're still on for tea later, aren't we, Fluttershy?" Discord asked in a hush tone.
"I wouldn't miss it," said Fluttershy sweetly. Shenran growled at the draconequus since he could hear their conversation.
"Well, I'll bring the cucumber sandwiches...!" Discord sing sang as he used his magic to make a doorknob appear in thin air. Discord grabbed it to make a doorway appear and closed it behind him, making the "door" disappear. Mario wasn't completely sure, but he thought inside the doorway was the tune to
"Sub-space" from Super Mario Brothers 2 USA was playing.
"Sometimes I think the "reformed" Discord is more obnoxious than the "before he was reformed" Discord," said Applejack.
"I hear ya, Sister," said Mario as he used his magic to remove the friendship journal from his wife's horn.
"Indeed," said Rarity in agreement.
"And he certainly enjoys getting all sweet with my fiancé," Shenran muttered bitterly.
"Oh stop it, Shenran!" said Fluttershy, "You know that I love you. Plus he knows I won't tolerate him misbehaving. You know I scolded him for trying to ruin Twilight and Cadance's day." Fluttershy gave Shenran a kiss, which helped him feel better.
"But he could be right, couldn't he?" said Fluttershy to the others, "What if there is something important in that chest?" Twilight rubbed her chin for a moment and then smiled.
"There's only one way to find out," Twilight replied as Mario had a determined smile on his face.
Inside Castle of Two Sisters, the Mane eight were now inside the library and were busy reading various books to try and uncover any information. Mario had re-grabbed the book he had found about the Power Hearts to see if there was anything else he could learn about them.
"Anything?" Twilight asked after a few hours of quiet research. The rest of the Mane eight just said no in reply.
"Still searching Twilight," said Shenran as he tried to pull out another book, "Just...for some reason this book is jammed in here real good..." Shenran then gave a hard tug, which made the book come out so quickly that Shenran was knocked off balance and sent falling to the floor behind Fluttershy.
"WAH!" Shenran yelped as he landed with a thud. Fluttershy gasped when she saw her fiancé groaning behind her.
"Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy exclaimed as she helped Shenran sit up so he could sit next to her and read the book he freed from the shelves. Twilight then finished looking through one book and grabbed another to start scanning through the pages of it.
"Anything, honey?" Twilight asked as Mario looked deep in concentration in the book about the Power Hearts.
"Nothing I haven't learned or read about already," said Mario, "The Power Hearts seem to be very resistant to dark magic and other evil forces, but I knew that already. Funny thing is that ponies who have accessed their magic power can never explain how they were able to tap into their power. All they could say was that they just knew, like it was something within their own subconscious."
"Interesting," said Twilight as she looked through another book, "But still, it doesn't really tell us if the Power Hearts will help us open that chest. There must be something in this library that can help us figure out how to open it. The answer's in one of these books. I just know it." Mario then looked about the books laying around and then noticed the friendship journal.
"What about this one?" Mario asked at he suggested the friendship journal, figuring they might as well see what exactly Discord did and bookmarked. As much as Twilight didn't want to, even rolling her eyes to the idea, she conceded and started searching through the friendship journal. Mario went back to searching through the Power Heart book.
Meanwhile, in the dark alleys of an unknown city, Tirek had just finished draining the magic from another unicorn stallion, causing the pony to plop to the ground. Tirek once again glowed yellow and his body became stronger and larger in size. The centaur then noticed another unicorn nearby closing up a box. Tirek approached him as quietly as he could. But then the centaur was given the shock of his life when the unicorn turned around and revealed himself with Discord's face.
"Tirek, I presume?" Discord said in a cocky manner.
"Discord," Tirek said surprised, "You're free?" Discord then changed himself into a dodo bird sitting on a perch.
"As a bird," Discord replied.
"I commend you on your escape," said Tirek.
"I'm afraid the feeling isn't mutual," said Discord as he snapped his fingers, causing Tirek's arms to be bound and chained. Tirek retaliated by firing a yellow magic beam from between his horns. But Discord, split his upper body in half so the beam past by harmlessly.
"Oh, I should have known you would want to have Equestria all to yourself," Tirek retorted. Discord just stood nearby wearing a policemen's outfit and swinging a wooden stick about.
"Oh, I'm not doing this for me," Discord replied, "I'm doing it for my friends." He then leaned forward toward Tirek, "Just between the two of us, it's mostly for Fluttershy." Discord then gave a happy squee. Tirek was shocked.
"Fluttershy?" Tirek remarked, "You're not saying you're friends with ponies?"
"Surprise!" said Discord as he popped out of a cake, getting frosting all over Tirek.
"I am surprised that someone with your intellect does not see this "friendship" is but a new form of imprisonment," said Tirek, "Clearly you've had to abandon your true nature to stay in good graces." Discord at the moment was just wearing a halo over his head and playing a harp, but Tirek's comment hit a nerve with the draconequus.
"I have done nothing of the sort!" said Discord, waving off his halo and tossing his harp away.
"Oh, please," said Tirek, "I've seen this before. But he was always weak-minded. You are Discord, you are a legend, you cannot fall into the same trap that claimed my brother! Help me to grow strong, and be rewarded with something far greater than friendship. Freedom. Once I've stripped these ponies of their magic, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see their world turned upside down." Tirek then leaned toward Discord, "Who better to do so then the master of chaos himself? Join me, Discord, and reclaim your greatness. Unless of course, "pony errand boy" is the role you've always wanted to in this world." Apparently Tirek's words had gotten to the draconequus's head because Discord began to consider his offer. He then turned to see his own dresser drawer with a picture of Fluttershy sitting on top of it.
It appeared Discord had been presented with what could be considered his "crossroad of destiny".
Back in the Castle of Two Sisters library, Twilight was busy reading the friendship journal. Then she smiled.
"I think I've found something," said Twilight excitedly.
"What is it honey?" Mario asked curiously as the others gathered around her.
"I've been reading our journal," Twilight explained, "and there's something interesting about the sections that Discord bookmarked. Mario, remember when you were getting heckled during our honeymoon?"
"Sadly...yes..." said Mario, not wanting to remember that moment.
"But when the radio studio building was on fire," said Twilight, "You put aside your own hurt feelings to rescue those radio hosts."
"Indeed," said Mario, "It's easy to show compassion and love to ponies who appreciate it, but it is harder to do so when all they do is insult you."
Flashback
Mario just looked at the burning building. It was then a glimmer of rainbow flashed across his eyes. Then he felt something inside. Something telling him not to turn away and take action. Before anypony could react, Mario narrowed his eyes and headed directly for the building.
"Your highness!" Twinsy shouted as Mario flew through an open window on the ground floor and headed inside.
Later the entire building came tumbling down!
Twilight quickly used a magic shield to protect anypony from the huge dust cloud before releasing it so it could spread away from the crowd and not at towards them. Twilight felt her heart sink as the dust cloud surrounded the building.
"MARIO!" Twilight cried out in anguish before covering her face with her fore-hooves.
"Your highness! Look!" Twinsy shouted as a shadow came out of the smoke cloud. There coming out of the smoke was Mario, his coat and tail charred from all the fire and smoke, using a smaller barrier to keep the dust away... Mario had just barely allowed the last of the radio hosts to climb off his back when he looked up to see all the ponies applauding him. Mario was rather stunned as the applause turned into cheers. Mario soon gave them a smile as Twilight threw her fore-legs around his neck and gave him a kiss despite how dirty he looked.
End Flashback
"Even though they were very ungrateful and continued to insult me," said Mario, "I didn't care because I knew that I did what was right. Sometimes you gotta show a little love to those who insult you and don't appreciate your efforts." The others nodded in agreement.
"Applejack," said Twilight as she flipped through some pages, "do you remember when you and Mario had to tell everypony that the tonic Granny Smith bought from the Flim Flam brothers didn't really work?"
"How could I forget?" Applejack answered, "It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. Poor Mario was so worried that he would lose Granny because of a dangerous stunt she tried to do."
Flashback
It was then Granny Smith held a bottle of the tonic, which shinned a bright light into Applejack's eyes. When she looked at the bottle again, a rainbow flashed over her eyes before she narrowed them in determination. Then everypony, including Applejack, was caught off guard when they heard sobbing. Granny Smith's firm expression softened when she saw that Mario had started crying.
"Oh my..." said Granny Smith quietly as she walked up the sobbing alicorn, "I...I knew what I was doin'! I didn't mean to scare you, sonny..." Mario said nothing and just kept crying. Granny Smith then took his fore-leg and saw that he was shaking a little.
"Oh, it's alright, Mario," Granny Smith gently as she gave him a hug, "I'm just fine. No need to get all shakin' up."
"It's not just that," Mario hiccupped, "I...Granny...I..."
"Calm down, big brother, I'll tell 'em," said Applejack before she walked up to the crowd and pointed at an empty bottle, "I hate to disappoint everypony, but there's no way Granny could have made that dive, because this tonic is a fake!" Several ponies gasped in shock.
End Flashback
"And in that moment," said Applejack, "I knew I had to be honest. I just knew it. But what's that got to do with openin' the chest?"
"I've found that each of you has had to face a situation where living up to the Element of Harmony you represent wasn't easy," Twilight explained, "Fluttershy, it was when you realized that the way to show kindness to the Breezies was by forcing them to leave your home."
"Oh, the looks on their poor little faces!" said Fluttershy sadly as Shenran put a fore-hoof on her shoulder.
Flashback
The Breezies looked at Shenran with sad eyes, but the Pegasus stallion looked away with his eyes shut, quietly agreeing with his fiancé and best friend. They gave their sad eyes to Mario and Fluttershy as well, but the two ponies refused to back down.
"You must go, now!" said Fluttershy sternly as she opened the door and pointed her fore-hoof for them to leave. Mario then turned his head away with a stern look on his face. The Breezies all made their way out of Fluttershy's cottage. Seabreeze then turned around and gave both ponies a thankful nod before taking his leave. Fluttershy had barely closed the door when she sniffled and began to cry.
End Flashback
"But I knew that, as difficult as it was," said Fluttershy, "pushing them away was the kindest thing I could do."
"Rarity," said Twilight to the marshmallow pony, who was now standing next to the purple alicorn, "even after Suri took advantage of your generosity at Fashion Week and Manehattan, you didn't let it cause you to abandon your generous spirit."
"I simply couldn't have lived with myself if I didn't do something special for the friends who have always been so generous to me!" Rarity replied as everypony else smiled.
"Rainbow Dash," said Twilight as she turned the pages again, "you had the chance to fly with the Wonderbolts at the Equestria Games, but instead you chose to compete with your friends."
"Sure!" Rainbow replied, "But being loyal to my friends was why-"
"Ooh, my turn, my turn!" Pinkie interrupted as she stood in front of Rainbow.
"Pinkie Pie," said Twilight as she flipped through some more pages, "you realized that seeing your friend laugh was more important than proving you were a better party planner than Cheese Sandwich."
"Best party I've ever had," said Rainbow as she wrapped a fore-hoof around Pinkie's shoulder.
"It's clear we've all had our moments to shine, Twilight," said Rarity as she walked up to Rainbow and Pinkie, "but I'm with Applejack. What does any of this have to do with the opening of the chest?"
"All of you had tough choices to make," said Twilight, "But when you made the right one and embraced your element, it helped somepony else make the right choice too." It was then views were seen of a cherry blossom barrette clip, a bit, a blue flower, a spool of rainbow colored thread, a gold Wonderbolt pin, and a rubber chicken. A rainbow flashed across each object.
"Each of you received something from the pony whose life you helped change," Twilight continued as she closed the friendship journal, "I know it sounds crazy, but maybe there's something special about those objects that could lead us to the location of the keys." Twilight then walked away from the desk.
"The chest is connected to the Tree of Harmony," Twilight pondered aloud, "the Tree is connected to the Elements, and the Elements are connected to all of us. There might be a connection!"
"A connection..." Mario pondered and then blinked, "A connection! Honey, I just realized something!"
"What is it, dear?" Twilight asked eagerly as the others looked at him curiously.
"The Powers Hearts were once connected to the Crystal Empire, but when Sombra corrupted it, the Power Hearts fled," said Mario.
"We know that," said Twilight, "what does that have to do with a connection?"
"Hear me out, honey," said Mario, "Think carefully about all those entries Discord bookmarked. They have one more thing in common with each other aside from what Twilight came up with. Anypony wanna guess what that is?" The rest of the Mane eight pondered to each other. Pinkie gasped.
"I know! I know! I know!" Pinkie bounced about excitedly, "In each of these moments, you got a Power Heart!"
"Exactly," said Mario as he pulled the book about the Power Heart's history, "As Twilight was talking, I was scanning some more pages and I found this: Before the Crystal Heart was ever corrupted, the original ruler was worried about what might happen to the Power Hearts if the Crystal Empire's love magic was ever stolen or corrupted. So she assigned a mysterious wizard to infuse a special seed with magic from the Crystal Heart. Whatever sprouted would act as a place of refuge for the Power Hearts should such a dire circumstance ever occur."
"And that would mean?" Rainbow asked puzzled.
"That special seed blossomed into the Tree of Harmony," said Mario excitedly, "It's infused with love magic from the Crystal Heart! In other words..."
"...the Power Hearts are also connected to the Tree of Harmony," Twilight said in realization.
"And the Power Hearts are connected to the Elements and all of us!" said Mario.
"Really?" said Fluttershy in amazement.
"Yes," said Mario, "Just see for yourself." Mario then made the six Power Hearts appear around him. The rest of the Mane eight gasped in realization.
"I can't believe we never noticed it before!" said Shenran.
"I'm assuming the yellow Power Heart is the color of my Element," said Mario, "But all the other Power Hearts share the same colors as the Elements of Harmony!"
"That makes so much sense!" said Rarity, "You got my color Power Heart when you helped me with my moment of generosity."
"And you got my color Power Heart when you helped me stay loyal to my friends," said Rainbow.
"I was reading the additional comments you guys had Mario add to each of your entry," said Twilight, "Not only does Mario learn something, but he relates every lesson to your element as well as his own! I hate to admit, but it maybe Discord was trying to be a good friend after all."
"Mind blowing isn't it?" said Shenran, "But it's good to know that underneath all the obnoxious personality Discord does want to be helpful."
"I told you so," Fluttershy sing sang.
"Oh, don't get cocky, Flutterbrat," Mario retorted. Fluttershy glared and gave Mario a loud raspberry. Mario just rolled his eyes while everypony else laughed.
Soon, the Mane eight and Spike headed back to chamber of the Tree of Harmony where the chest was still residing quietly near the Tree itself. Everypony had placed their six items on the ground and just stared at them.
"I don't see anything on them that would give us a clue as to where the keys might be," said Twilight, "They're just ordinary, everyday objects."
"Come on, Boneless!" said Pinkie as she shook the rubber chicken senseless, "Give us that key!" Mario and Shenran watched Pinkie with bored looks on their faces.
"That girl could have had a career as a prisoner interrogator," said Shenran.
"Eeyup," Mario agreed. Twilight just glared at the two stallions.
"I don't think that's going to work," said Twilight when suddenly Boneless came flying at the purple alicorn. Twilight ducked as Boneless headed toward and was suddenly captured inside a glow of magic from the chest. The rubber chicken then transformed into a golden key! Everypony and Spike gasped as the key floated into one of the keyholes.
Soon, everypony else that had put their items on top of the chest. The objects then floated into the air and transformed into a uniquely designed golden keys, which floated right into one of the key holes. Twilight looked at them all and noticed that one keyhole was missing.
"There's still one key missing," said Twilight, "The key that represents the Element of Magic. My element."
"Oh, but I'm sure that if we've gotten our keys," said Fluttershy, "you have too, Twilight."
"Think Twilight," said Rarity as she walked up to the purple alicorn and used a fore-hoof to rub the top of Spike's head, "When have you completed a difficult magical task, and in doing so encouraged another pony to do the same?"
"I haven't," said Twilight sadly, "If I had, I would have written about it in the journal."
"Don't worry Twilight," said Spike, "I'm sure you'll get your key eventually."
"At least she has a key," said Mario sadly as he sat before the chest with a very glum look on his face.
"What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked as Mario pointed to the chest. The rest of the group noticed that the cherry blossom barrette clip didn't transform into a key.
"I know I got it before we found the chest," said Mario, "but I still learned the same lesson as the rest of the you! And just like when you all received your items, I also got a Power Heart! I had hoped the Tree of Harmony hadn't forsaken me and that I had a key to the chest as well, but I guess not..." Mario just lowered his head sadly.
"Oh, don't give up hope, darling," said Rarity gently as she and Applejack walked up to him, "I'm sure the Tree of Harmony hasn't forsaken you."
"Yeah, big brother," said Applejack, "You played a big role in helping us get our keys. I'm sure you have a key to this here chest!"
"Maybe you need to find all seven Power Hearts first," said Pinkie as she appeared beside Applejack, "Since Twilight still needs to get her key, helping her will probably get you the last Power Heart too! Then you'll get your key and we'll get to see you get some super duper ultimate power!" Mario smiled hopefully in reply, but then Spike made some grunting noises and rushed away from the group before...
BURP!
...He made a scroll appear.
"It's been a while since we've seen Spike do that," said Mario as Twilight used her magic to grab the scroll and read it quickly.
"What's it say?" Spike asked.
"That Mario and I are needed in Canterlot at once!" said Twilight with worry.
"Then what are waiting for!?" Mario said quickly as he and his wife flew out of the cave and took off as the rest of the group watched the alicorn couple take to the skies. It didn't take the alicorn couple long to reach Canterlot. Mario and Twilight headed straight for the main castle and rushed into the throne room. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Cadance were already there waiting for them.
"We came as quickly as we could!" said Twilight as Mario stood beside her, "Is something wrong? Is it Tirek?"
"I'm afraid I put too much trust in Discord and the effect that friendship would have upon him," said Princess Celestia.
"Knew it all along, had to be a mistake," Mario remarked plainly.
BONK!
"Ow!" Mario yelped as Twilight smacked his head and he gave her a glare.
"Discord has betrayed the ponies of Equestria," Princess Luna continued, ignoring Mario's remark, "and joined forces with Tirek." As Princess Luna was speaking, several unicorns were gathered inside of a theater waiting for the show to start. Discord then made his appearance wearing a magician's outfit. The ponies just gave him funny looks as Discord set his hat on the stage. Out of the hat appeared Tirek, who removed his cloak. The ponies gasped and stood on guard when Tirek drained all their magic at once. Discord just applauded from a box seat above as Tirek got bigger, stronger, and was now getting younger. Tirek grinned triumphantly.
"How could he do this?!" Twilight exclaimed, "I thought our friendship meant something to him. I thought he had changed."
"He did change," Mario replied, making everypony look at him, "But the problem was that Discord is at a very dangerous stage of his reformation. He was at a point where he was most vulnerable to temptation. Clearly Tirek was able to manipulate Discord into thinking he could offer the draconequus something more valuable then friendship."
"I'm afraid my son is correct," said Princess Celestia, "But nevertheless, Discord's betrayal has allowed Tirek to steal enough magic that he now has the strength to steal flight as well." As Princess Celestia spoke, the Wonderbolts and several other Pegasi swoop down for an aerial attack against Discord and Tirek. But the centaur was able to drain their magic away, leaving them flightless and grounded.
"Without Pegasi to control the weather," Princess Celestia continued, "there will be no rain in Equestria. There is word that he has gone after Earth ponies as well." It was then several Earth ponies were trying to run for their lives in Appleloosa when Discord tied them up and reeled them in with a fishing rod. Tirek then appeared from a nearby saloon and glared evilly at them.
"Without their strength," said Princess Celestia, "they will not be able to tend the land."
"Ponies will no longer be in control of their world," said Princess Luna, "that power will solely belong to Tirek."
"There is no doubt that Tirek is after Alicorn magic," Princess Celestia added, "with Discord at his side, we will not be to stop him from taking it."
"Once it is in his possession," finished Princess Luna, "his power will know no bounds, and all hope will be lost."
"Oh boy," Mario groaned, "Mom, as much as I want to do everything I can to help you recover from this mess, I just don't think my wife and I can." Twilight had a sad look on her face as she nodded in agreement. It was then the three Princesses landed before Twilight and Mario, making them take a step back.
"Don't give up hope my son," said Princess Celestia, "While trusting Discord wasn't the best decision, I can admit to that..."
"Glad somepony can," Mario remarked, glaring at his wife, who just stuck her tongue out at him.
"...there is one solution," said Princess Celestia firmly, getting the couple's attention, "It is only by making this sacrifice that Equestria and the lands beyond it might be saved."
"Sacrifice?" Mario asked as he and Twilight had worried looks on their faces.
"We must rid ourselves of our magic before Tirek has a chance to steal it from us!" Princess Celestia announced.
"GASP!" said Twilight in utter shock.
"Momma say whaaaaaaaaaaaat?!" Mario exclaimed with a falsetto, just as shocked.
To be continued...
The stage is set, the stakes are higher than ever, and Mario is beginning to think Princess Celestia has gone mad...
Plus why didn't Mario's item turn into a key? Could it be because Twilight doesn't have her key? Or could getting the last Power Heart have something to do with it?
As I said before, this chapter was meant to build things up, next time...THINGS GET EPIC.
If you thought Mario was amazing during the Canterlot Wedding...
You ain't seen nothing yet!
Peace Pony Fans!