Chapter 7: Battle of Brothers! New Flaming Friendship
The next day, the group of ponies left Harmonia in good spirits. Except Hitch who wanted nothing to do with them.
They eventually found their way into an open field where there was one big tree with pink flowers as Sunny looked at the map to see where they were.
Sunny: That's the tree from the map! That means…it's this way
Sunny pointed the way where everypony followed where Hitch was seen distraught.
Hitch: What am I even doing here, hoofing it across Daisy Fields, looking for a magical crystal that doesn't even exist! All because of them.
The royal family was seen getting along and everything seemed to be mended where North and Des are still keeping their distance from each other.
Hitch then trotted up to Sunny.
Sunny: We're almost to the river, everypony!
Hitch: After this whole escapade is over with, you are going to march back home to Maretime Bay with me. Is that clear?
Sunny: Crystal.
Sunny just walks off with a smirk.
Hitch: Great. Because this badge means that I'm the sher…Argh!
Hitch felt around his harness and noticed his badge was missing.
Hitch: No, no, no, no! Where's my badge? Hey! You.
Hitch pointed and called out Izzy who was walking beside North.
Izzy: Hmm?
Hitch: I know unicorns like shiny things.
Izzy: Oh, you know, I think I did see a shiny badgey thing on the ground a few hours ago.
Hitch: What? Hours?!
Izzy: Well, maybe it's for the best. Between you and me, buddy, that badge was creating an unhealthy power dynamic.
Izzy trots off singing leaving Hitch annoyed.
The group reached a stone bridge over a chasm only to discover it was destroyed.
Sunny: What are we going to do?
Haven: Perhaps being able to fly for real would be a good thing.
Zipp: See, that's what I've been saying!
Hitch: Oh, well! That's the end of that. Time to go home. I wish I could say it was nice meeting all of you, but it wasn't. Come on, Sunny.
Hitch was about to walk off where Desna grabbed one of his hind hooves with his tail.
Desna: Nice try.
Sunny: Everypony stop. We're gonna get to the other side, find the crystal, and bring back magic. And once we do, (to Zipp) you'll get to fly, (to Pipp) you'll get your fans back, (to Hitch) and you'll have me in custody. Everypony happy now?
Sunny heard a loud crash behind her where she turned around and saw that Izzy somehow used her horn to cut down a nearby tree and make a new bridge.
Izzy: Ta-da!
North Star: If it weren't for my echolocation noticing that, I would have a hard time believing it.
Zipp: All right.
Hitch: Ah, great.
Sunny: Come on, everypony.
Everypony followed across the tree where North was at the back.
He was doing his best to keep his footing while using his echolocation to find his next step.
Everypony else was already at the end waiting for him.
Izzy: You got this North!
North was doing good so far where a small gentle breeze caught up some dust that North sniffed up.
North Star: Oh no.
North tried his best not to sneeze where the others were worried.
Sunny: Come on, hold it in…
North was able to hold back to sneeze where he did a sigh of relief only to let out a strong sneeze where his frost breath covered the section of the tree in front of him.
The tree was so frozen, it started to crack where it shattered like glass as North fell where everypony was in shock.
Mares and Des: NORTH!
North was falling down with his back first where he flipped himself upright and spread his wings where the air currents pushed him up like a rocket.
North glided out and flew high above the others and safely landed down.
Pipp: I thought you couldn't fly?
North Star: Well, actually, I taught myself how to glide to make up for my lack of flight. Beats not flying at all.
The mares were amazed where Des stepped in.
Desna: You see your majesty, that's why we need magic.
The group turned their attention towards Des.
Desna: Now just imagined if that was one of your royal subjects.
Haven then realized what Des was saying. North was fine because he trained himself for this. But nopony back in Zephyr Heights could do this
Pipp was metally freaking out thinking of the worst case scenario.
North has had it and got up in front of Desna.
North Star: I don't know what your problem is Des but this has got to stop. They have already been through too much. They lost all respect from their subjects, and now they're wanted! They don't need any more of this!
Desna: I'm just being honest with them! They were SO fine of not having magic they didn't even think once about what would happen if something like that just now would happen to another pegasus!
North Star: There's a solid difference between honest and truthful you know! And now because of what you just said, she's freaking out!
Desna: Not my Haven made her family lie! If anything, the way ponies behave today, it's the reason Equestria is like this. Fear, lies, conflict, greed, because of all the ponies letting themselves subject to those elements, they rather stay away from each other and not talk.
North Star: Well maybe you should add aggressive to the list because you are doing just that!
North shoved Des back where the unicorn kirin had it himself as he brought out a buff Gashat with a round dial with two different images on it.
Desna: Don't make me hurt you.
North brought out the Tajadol Core Medals and placed them in his Driver.
North Star: You ponies get back. This won't end well.
Des turned the dial and set it to one of the images and activated the Gashat.
Gashat: TADDLE FANTASY!
Desna: HENSHIN!
Des then placed the Gashat into his Driver.
Des' Driver: GACHAN!
Des then activated his Driver.
Des' Driver: DUAL UP! TADORU MEGURU RPG! TADDLE FANTASY~!
Des was in his original form like back in Maretime Bay where a demonic armor with a black cape appeared.
The armor split apart and put itself onto Des.
It formed red and blue shoulder armor as the chest piece had what looked like a face. A black mouth piece and blue face where it had the same eye color as Des' visor did with red outlines where there were black horns on the top of the chest area.
Red armor also covered the helmet with a singular blue dot on the forehead with an arctic blue mouthpiece with black demon horns where he had the black cape flowing behind him.
North took the O Scanner and got ready.
North Star: HENSHIN!
North scanned the medals.
North's Driver: TAKA! KUJAKU! CONDOR! (Eagle Screech) TA~JA~DOL!
North entered his Tajadol form.
North Star: Des, please. This is what divided Equestria in the first place.
Desna: But you rather let the little stuff happen. It's that little stuff that ruined the perfect home our ancestors worked for!
North Star: Nothing is perfect! And even they knew that! But you're blinded by our goal. Ignoring the consequences that follow the actions you take!
Desna: And you're okay about forgiving the ones who tried to arrest us? Which I should point out, even the pegasi succeeded in doing?
North Star: Because they were scared. But you see it as a problem. But now I see, the only problem… is you becoming one…
Desna: If I'm becoming a problem…
Des turned his back to North.
Desna: Then I'll become a bigger problem…
Des did a backflip and landed behind North who turned around when both of them threw punches which countered each other.
Both then threw roundhouse kicks where they both also countered each other.
North then spread the wings on his back and took flight.
Zipp: Alright! Des can't reach him now!
Des' body start to form a demonic aura around his body as he started to levitate.
Sunny: He can fly to?!
Des flew towards North who aimed the Tajaspinner on his left arm and fired flaming orbs of energy towards Des who used telekinesis to grab them and sent them back to sender.
North dodged his redirected attack only for Des to grab him with telekinesis as he gets pulled in where Des gut punched him.
North got sent flying back only to be pulled back in where Des then kicked North in his gut where North grabbed Des' leg and throws him up as he flies up and grabs Des' shoulders and headbutts him.
Des was stunned where North punched him back.
North then flies after Des and grabs him by the leg and throw s him into the ground.
North fires a barrage of projectiles towards Des who forms a massive aura of telekinetic energy around him as he catches the projectiles with telekinesis and other pieces of debris and launches them towards North who flies around to dodge them.
North flew up and dove down as the flying projectiles chased after him where he flew towards Des only to stop and jet himself upwards which ended up making Des hit himself with all the projectiles.
As Des was distracted from getting hit, North summoned his sword and dove towards Des who recovered from his own attack drew his own sword as both clashed blades.
Sunny who was watching was heartbroken seeing the two friends fight.
Sunny: No. No no. They can't be doing this to each other. It's something they're against!
Both North and Des swung their blades around as their slashes were cutting the air around them and ignited the hydrogen causing explosions and forming natural flames.
North and Des locked their blades where they took their free fists and punched each other in the face and struggled against each other.
North then jumped back and kicked Des back as he did a backflip to land back on his feet.
North then fired a barrage of fiery projectiles as Des blocked then with his sword where he launched a flaming sword slash which North blocked and deflected it.
Des activated his sword's ice mode and stabbed the ground forming ice towards North where it froze over him.
Ice then started to crack when North broke free and charged towards Des and slashed him with his sword where the latter slashed North with his own sword.
North punched Des in the face who punched North in the face.
North then grabbed Des and headbutted him.
Des was stunned by the headbutt but recovered as he grabbed North and kneed him in the gut.
North stumbled back as he grabbed his gut where both he and Des planted their feet as both did roundhouse kicks towards each other's heads and knock each other back.
North got up and took his O Scanner and scanned the Core Medals on his Driver.
North's Driver: SCANNING CHARGE!
Des got up as he activated his Driver.
Des' Driver: GACCHAN! TADDLE CRITICAL FINISH!
Des spun around with telekinetic energy as a barrier forms around him as it covers an area around him and North.
North charged towards Des as his feet turned into condor claws as Des charged towards North powered by telekinetic energy.
Sunny: Please stop…please….STOP!
North felt sadness and pain where he turned his head and noticed Sunny.
North Star: Sunny…?
North realized what they were doing was wrong and dropped his guard where he faced Des who landed his finisher on him as North was blown away as he hit the ground as dirt flew.
North was in pain as Des landed down and walked towards him only for Sunny to get in between them.
Desna: Out of my way, Sunny.
Sunny: Just stop! This is something you two are working against. And now here you are now just making it worse.
Des was about to walk forward only….
Zipp's Driver: LAUNCHER ON!
Zipp turned into Fourze where her right leg turned into a four barreled launcher as she fired a barrage of launchers at Des.
Des was about to approach Zipp only for Hitch to actually step in as Accel and slashed Des in his midsection with his own sword.
After receiving so much damage, Des fell down and turned back to normal as North and the others did the same.
Sunny and Izzy helped North up as he dusted himself off.
Izzy: You okay?
North Star: I'm alright. Just bruised, that's all.
North walked over to Des who was just getting up.
North Star: Go home Des.
Desna: What?
North Star: You heard me. Go home. If bringing down others for your own success is how you want to save Equestria, then it's best you don't save it at all. We're here to bring ponies together, not ruin them and make their lives miserable. Because that's what you have been doing to the royal family. You exposed them, made their subjects turn against them, made them wanted criminals, and now you just recently gave them mental freakouts!
Desna: It's not my fault they decided to lie!
North Star: Doesn't matter! I wanted to make up for what happened by giving Pipp a second chance to perform for an audience because you ruined it for her!
Des was silent as he saw the royal family. Zipp was in front of her mother as Haven was comforting Pipp.
North Star: I'll say it again. Go. Home.
Desna just scoffed.
Desna: Fine. Have it your way.
Des ran off as he went to find a way around the ravine.
North felt his knees give in as he fell to the ground where he broke out in tears where Sunny, Izzy, Zipp, and Pipp walked over and hugged North to comfort him as Haven just felt heartbroken by seeing somepony as innocent as North in pain.
Later, it got dark as the group found some shelter where only Hitch excluded himself out.
North Star: We were best friends. He was there and stood up for me when I was little. We planned to work together to bring back Equestria to its former glory. But now look at what happened. Our friendship…. our bond… broken.
Zipp used her hooves to create a spark where she got the fire up with her wings.
Hitch just looked at him as he tried to create a fire by spinning a stick on a log.
Izzy: Well, Des was in the wrong the entire way. You have nothing to feel bad about. You did nothing wrong.
Pipp: Yeah, don't let any of Desna's bad vibes mess with your good vibes.
Zipp: You are a purehearted and honest pony North. Everything that happened between you two wasn't your fault.
Sunny: Never lose hope North. Because it's that hope that keeps us going.
Haven: Indeed. When my family was exposed and our careers were over. I thought we were done. But then you came and restored our hope. I'm glad I can call you…a friend.
North had a gentle smile on his face.
North Star: Thanks everypony…
Hitch saw this conversation happen as he continued to try and make a fire.
Hitch: Come on, stupid stick.
Zipp: You need some backup, Sheriff?
Hitch: No, thank you. I've got it.
Hitch continued spinning the stick.
Hitch: Come on. If only I had a match.
Hitch was then able to start a small fire where he rejoiced only for it to be short-lived after it went out the next second.
Zipp: Oh, well, that was sad to watch. Come on, don't be a hero, dude. That's North's thing.
North: Hey.
That small joke was able to lift North's spirit as he had a small smile where Sunny walked over to her foalhood friend.
Hitch: Are you sure about all this? Because if we just go back to Maretime Bay…
Sunny: What have we got to lose?
Hitch: By giving magic back to our enemies? Uh, let me think. I know - a lot! And it's even more if that monster gets his magic back!
Sunny then formed a scowl on her face where she kicked Hitch's firewood away.
Hitch: What the…Sunny!
Sunny: You know, I'm getting tired of you and everypony else calling North a monster. He is not a monster! He's probably one of the most gentle and innocent creatures in Equestria. And you're not even giving him a chance. He did nothing to you. What do you have against him?
Hitch: Let me see. Oh, that's right. Public property damage and assaulting an officer!
Sunny: That's because you trapped Izzy and Des. Not to mention you and Sprout attacked him first. All he did was defend himself!
Hitch: If I knew any better, it seems developed feelings for him.
Sunny blushed at this. Sure he was cute, plus he was nice, but they only knew each other for a few days.
Sunny shook her head to regain her focus.
Sunny: Well he's been more supportive towards me in the past few days then you have for the last several years. And does he along with anypony else look like our enemies?
Sunny and Hitch look back at the group.
Pipp: My sparkle is aquamarine? That's like my sixth-favorite color!
North reached into his bag where he brought out some marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate, as he had some good roasting sticks which got the mares excited.
Hitch: *Sigh* I don't know. Maybe I should just go back to Maretime Bay, where I'm needed.
Sunny: If that's what you want. But you should know I'm actually glad you're here, Hitch. We all are. Even North is glad you're here.
Sunny starts to walk back to the group.
Hitch: Wait, HE is glad I'm here?
Sunny: Yes. He thinks that if somepony like you could support what we're doing, we can have a better influence.
Sunny sits by down the fire where North gave her a roasting stick with a marshmallow already stuck to it where she took it and started roasting.
North Star: Got more than enough to go around you know.
Hitch just snorted as he walked over towards the group and sat next to the fire where North passed him a roasting stick with a marshmallow where Hitch was hesitant but took it anyway.
Hitch: North, was it?
North Star: Well my whole name is North Star but every creature calls me North.
Hitch: So where did you come from? I'm sure you won't be living at any place in Equestria because of your appearance.
North sighed and decided it was time for an explanation.
North Star: Me and Des came from a hidden village isolated from all Equestria. It's the only place where all pony kind and other creatures of Equestria live together in harmony that even hybrids like me and Des exist.
Hitch: Hybrids?
North Star: Desna is part unicorn and part kirin. Kirin are magical creatures which, according to legend, spread good luck. And can do magic that of a unicorn. But if angered, they become a Nirik. Their bodies blacken and their hooves, mane, and tail on fire.
The ponies were amazed by this.
Zipp: And what kind of hybrid are you?
North Star: Part Alicorn, part Ice-Dragon.
Sunny: I knew you were an Alicorn! But your dragon wings made it hard to tell.
Hitch: What's an alicorn?
North Star: A pony of royalty where they have the magic of all ponies in one. Horn of a Unicorn, Wings of a Pegasus, and the strength of an Earth Pony.
The group were amazed by just how special North was.
North Star: Now then, Sunny, what's the plan?
Sunny: So, I think we should set off at first light. Last stop, Bridlewood.
Sunny then saw Izzy was sad where North's emotion reading was picking up on it and felt heartache.
Sunny: What's wrong, Izzy?
Izzy: It's just that being with you ponies has been the best thing that's ever happened to me. I guess I just don't want our adventure to end.
Sunny: But, Izzy, you'll get your magic.
Izzy had a soft smile where North sensed some small joy which made him better knowing she was better.
Hitch: Can I ask you a question? Why did you and North come to Maretime Bay?
Izzy: I always wanted to visit. When I was a filly, I found this pretty lantern. It had a message inside.
Izzy reached into her mane and pulled out the same folded image she showed North and Des when they first met.
Izzy: It said I had friends in Maretime Bay.
Izzy showed everypony the picture where Sunny recognized it as she smiled.
Izzy: It…It was you!
Izzy and Hitch passed the picture to Sunny.
Sunny: I made it with my dad. We always promised each other that someday we would prove that all ponies were meant to be friends. We'll do our part. Hoof to heart.
Sunny held the picture close to her chest as she smiled.
North Star: Me and Des were actually heading to Maretime Bay to meet Argyle. But, we met you.
Sunny: Sorry if that disappoints you.
North Star: It doesn't. I'm glad we met. Makes me happy.
Sunny felt touched by North's words.
North Star: And Izzy, no matter how far apart we'll all be, we'll always be friends. As long as you hold on to that friendship through your memories, and your heart. My own family passed that saying down for generations.
Haven: And very wise words they are.
Hitch then made up his mind.
Hitch: Hey, um…
Everypony looked at Hitch.
Hitch: I want to do my part.
Sunny was happy to know her foalhood friend was going to be with them now.
Hitch: What have we got to lose, right?
The group cheered glad he was tagging along.
Hitch: I have to admit, a unicorn forest does sound kind of magical.
The next day, the group were standing right outside the border to Bridlewood where it was NOT so magical at all with DO NOT ENTER signs to the pegasi and earth ponies as a fearful aura was emitting from the forest.
Hitch: Or not.
The only one smiling was Izzy where everypony else was shaken from what they were witnessing.
Izzy: Come on! My house isn't far from here!
Izzy sings to herself as everypony else follows her into Bridlewood only to be stopped by a unicorn stallion with a Driver.