White Tail Woods, once a beautiful place visited by ponies and representatives of others, especially after defeating three tyrants six months ago, today this place was nothing but a blackened crater from which rose the first twenty meters scarlet pillar of pure steel, emanating powers of wind , fire, ice, lightning, even the earth that raced around the scarlet monolith, most of the land that was near the monolith up to a hundred meters from the scarlet pedestal was completely barren, the landscape more like the surface of the moon, a strange landscape deprived of time.

As time went on, the strange pedestal seemed to emanate more and more power, but not to summon endless legions of scarlet soldiers, on the contrary, the strange pedestal was waiting for something, at least that was the impression of those who gathered under the pedestal, waiting for the arrival of the army of the united beings of the whole world, ponies, dragons, griffins, hippogriffs, buffaloes, changelings, every creature to whom the fate of their home was not indifferent, just like the fate of their friends, families and relatives, and even distant relatives. It was a time of waiting for the exchange of short words and observation of the horizon where the edges of the forest still kept their clean, undamaged condition.

The first to appear closer to the monolith was the angry red centaur Tirek.

- so what are we doing, master, tell us why you are silent, do you really want to wait for our enemies who will hit us with all their might. Tirek asked.

- you have heard our master yourself, this is part of his plan, Akeron is waiting specially for our enemies. Said the black unicorn King Sombra with a raised and confident voice.

- this is part of his plan, we keep waiting, let him strike first, and they will find out how little they are and their miserable friendship, let them come, let their will be broken!. Sombra shouted with satisfaction at the scarlet monolith.

- so how long will we wait. Cozy Glow asked, rubbing the front hooves.

- surely we won't be waiting long, I know they will come soon, they have it in their blood, heroes, ha!. Chrysalis laughed out loud, staring at the horizon.

- they will surely come here soon, but I do feel a bit like a lure on a large fishing rod. She said Cozy Glow so softly that only her allies could hear her.

A sudden scream shook little Alicorn, his reading jumped in place, this time looking fearfully at the scarlet monolith and how the rock fragments spinning in a circle begin to slowly form something like the face of a six-eyed monster with seven horns, Akeron, his face formed of steel looked at Cozy Glow which immediately hid behind a larger centaur. It must be admitted that no one had the courage to face the angry face of the terrible lord of the elements, so far chained in the eternal fetters of the bodies and souls of his brothers and sisters, even Tirek looked to the left avoiding the face of their ruler giving them freedom and all privileges, including a chance to command his legions and pursue their own goals, and seek vengeance on their adversaries.

- m, ma, ma, ma, Master Akeron, we wanted. Tirek said nervously, but he never had a chance to finish when loud laughter rumbled in everyone's ears.

- they are already here today the sun will go down for them for the last time. Be ready. The elemental lord's voice sounded contentedly, and his image of his face vanished with the spinning stones.

Less than fifteen minutes later, from the horizon and dense forest, Princess Twilight Sparkle emerged, leading all the peoples of the world behind her, ponies, changelings, griffins, hippogriffs, buffaloes, dragons, each marched in a dense line, and the image that greeted the four tyrants reminded them of the time before ten years when they were all defeated by the past union that gave the power of friendship and harmony that overcame them that day, but on that day they too had a great ace up their sleeve. The one behind them and his manifestations of power, it seemed that everything was going according to plan, for both groups, it was also supposed to be like this, but even the fate itself was no longer sure of what had just been set in motion by the elemental lord, and himself Akeron looking from the mirror of the scarlet monolith, if he could, he would certainly rub his dirty hands, looking forward to what was started just a few days ago.

At the very beginning of the free peoples, Twilight Sparkle walked in the company of the bravest heroines who formed the so-called Mane Six, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, ponies that proved their strength, courage and friendship to each of them and today with great determination go to meet the four tyrants wanted to repeat what they had done once, on their right were the princesses of the sun and the moon, princess Celestia and princess Luna accompanied by the royal couple from the crystal empire Cadance and Shining Armor, always there where their friends would be needed and wherever they would be needed.

On the left were the former heroes who had returned from the abyss of darkness, led by a bearded sage and a baby unicorn, known as Pillars of Equestria, Rockhoof, Mage Meadowbrook, Flash Magnus, Somnambula, Mistmane and their leader Star Swirl, and their friend the once wrongly accused Stygian. Former heroes and jewel makers of harmony who have returned to defend their home again from another return of their opponents.

Just behind the old heroes were Sunburst, Starlight Glimmer, Discord and Tempest Shadow, present, former and new members of the friendship school, who at the moment, closing their eyes to the past, mistakes, went towards the future, wanting to stop the new and old evil that threatened everyone, Starlight Glimmer and Discord had their own personal action in it, the spirit of chaos, knowing his mistakes as well as the constant rush to create chaos, wanted to help those he valued so much and all that he is no longer such a bad guy as he once was, realizing his chaotic powers in the small parts of everyday life. And the Tempest Shadow marching next to him, still remembering her mistakes, was ready to do anything to show everyone her commitment and dedication to her friends which she had gained, found and was ready to fight to the last strength.

In the second row, successive rulers of various peoples walked, Thorax cows, he and his brother Pharynx walked at the head of their peoples, leading them as they did half a year ago, for the greater idea and belief that together they can defeat anyone. Beside the misfits, dragons also walked, marched and flew, their leader, Garble, sped in the sky over her bronze-armored queen Ember, Ember led her people so that no one could defeat them together, because only together they could stop the greatest cataclysm.

On the right flank of the great army, buffalo, gryphon, hippogriffs, led by commanders and chiefs, walked together. Gryf Gilda, Chief Thunderhooves and his daughter Little Strongheart and her husband Gah Handston's bison brown and green mane, on the other side were walking and flying hippogriffs led by Queen Novo accompanied by his daughter and son-in-law, Princess Skystar, blue eyes of the yellow princess they scanned the area with the same intensity as the golden-mane red hippogriff, Justice Dusk, marching alongside her, who was looking forward to the fight.

At the head of the pegasi flying with dragons, the squadron Wonderbold Spitfire, Soarin, Misty Ely and Fleetfoot rushed, forming four main combat squadrons to fight the scarlet vultures if necessary, and of course, uniting against the four tyrants, the air was shaken by the noise of flying pegasi with the dragons flying together with the dragons. towards the area ravaged by the scarlet monolith.

In the third row and eager to fight were the members and part of the teaching collective of the friendship school, the so-called New Six, Silverstream, a pink hippogriff with a blue mane and tail. Yona young yak with brown hair, Ocellus young changeling with turquoise color, pink tail and mane, Smolder orange dragon, Gallus blue neck and greenish sandbar. All six against the wishes of their director Starlight Glimmer joined the great army of united peoples to fight for their home and all they love, and that was their greatest strength and an argument against which Starlight Glimmer was unable to compete.

Nobody noticed at the back of the assembled peoples the three ponies that their elder sisters advised to stay in Ponyville, finally stepping out of the shadows when they were all focused on the four tyrants, the three ponies could stand in full light in the back row, they were Appe Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, who walked seeing the great scarlet monolith, feared its power and what they had seen once and what might come out of the monolith, refused to leave their sisters fighting with endless evil again, and so Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were ready for great battle.

All the gathered, free peoples, heroes, gathered on the shores of the ruined land, looking at the sight of the terrifying scarlet monolith, a harbinger of destruction and the end of all they love, the sight of the emanating scarlet form destroying everything it touches was truly breaking the spirit of everyone who saw how scarlet veins spread across the earth they destroyed everything except the four tyrants wearing scarlet amulets around their necks, but the sight of their friends, relatives, family and the assembled free peoples did not allow this fear to overcome them, anyone, be it a dragon or a pony, griffin, changeling, hippogriff, everyone he stood firmly on the edge of the barren land waiting for the battle to begin which seemed simple, their enemies were alone, and the scarlet monolith did not even create one of the scarlet legionaries, it looked as if it had lost most of its strength, but it could also be appearances, and everything it could be possible.

But there was no time to reflect as the four tyrants took the first three steps forward, directing their words, screams and wayward smiles to the united peoples.

- so the cowards came, we had to wait a long time for this day. Chrysalis said, turning her gaze on her people and the two leading changelings, Thorax and Pharynx, snarled at their former queen's mere statement, causing her to laugh out loud, interrupted by another louder little Alicorn.

- how pathetic, even those kids from the school of friendship came here to see their failure, now you have given me this chance to watch your doom! How I love it when my evil plans come true while I am awake and not just in my dreams. Cozy Glow said, bouncing around and spitting towards the united peoples.

- you made a mistake. Sandbar spat like all his friends and girlfriends.

- oh yes, how brave and naive of you. She added Cozy Glow rubbing the front hooves.

- always so naive and easy to submit, isn't it Twilight!. Tirek shouted, laughing at the navy blue princess.

- you have always been weak in this respect, just like on the day you gave your power to me in exchange for friends, now you do the same, give everything you have!.

- shut up Tirek, you know how it ended for you, always the same!, You thought you won but you always made the same mistake, your pride and self-confidence led you to your loss many times, so it will be today, you will lose again. Twilight said angrily as she stepped out in front of everyone on the barren ground.

- oh my princess, naive princess, understand one thing. Sombra said, standing sideways to look at Twilight and the scarlet monolith.

- we are not alone, today we have the support of someone who with his power older than the world known to us is able to defeat all of you! Today you are alone and your power of friendship will not help you in anything, you lost, Twilight, you lost and the whole world! . And when we're done with you. The black king said contentedly, directing his foul gaze to the royal couple of the crystal empire. which made both Cadance and Shining Armor feared, come not afraid of the evil king, they were afraid of what he planned on the side and what he could do in the meantime with their daughters, Flurry Heart and Star Lara.

- so I will take care of your daughters, especially the smallest one, and you, unable to do anything about it, will look at their pain.

- you stinker, we will not let you look at our daughters. Shining Armor said standing firmly in front of his wife.

- You'll never have a chance, you bastard. Princess Cadance cried out from behind her husband's back.

- as if you had something to say about it. King Sombra laughed, raising his head high and a magical rug in a gesture of victory.

- so what are you waiting for, if you are so sure of yourself show what you can do. Tirek added, standing nonchalantly wanting to provoke everyone to the first attack.

- unless you are cowards who give up at the very beginning, if you want to serve us as slaves, suffice to say, just get down on your knees before us. Cozy Glow said with satisfaction, ending her proposal with a loud laugh, provoking a brave and reckless hippogriff to fight.

- I will not wait for this as this pink snip is threatening and insulting us!. Shouted a red hippogriff with a golden mane, wanting to attack the provocative Cozy Glow as quickly as possible, but Justice Dusk was quickly stopped by Princess Skystar's strong embrace and the loud sound advice of a brown buffalo with a green mane

- Justice Dusk, you can't get out of line, it's not wise and it's not good for anyone. Gah Handston said.

- you can't take any chances, please. Princess Skystar said, and her words and blue-eyed gaze worked just as effectively as the reasonable buffalo advice to Justice Dusk who stepped back into the ranks and waited calmly for the command.

Justice Dusk, was not alone in his willingness to deal quickly with the wayward young Alicorn, they all wanted to shut their mouths to the four evil tyrants but all waited for the command of the leader of the army, an order that had just been given, and near the fringes of the united peoples there were three watching ponies, Scootaloo , Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom watched with bated breath Lucy all united and how the union was set in motion by the words of Twilight Sparkle, and it just happened.

Twilight Sparkle rose high above everyone and her eyes suddenly reflected the rainbow itself, and afterwards she shot out a long trail of rainbow power of friendship, the power of harmony being the greatest power that the ponies and free peoples of the world knew, it was supposed to be until then, because when the rainbow was racing towards the four tyrants, the image of their confidence began to break the certainty of the crowd, it looked as if they were all waiting for it, but it was too late to stop what had been set in motion.

The powerful beam of harmony power was about to hit the four tyrants, but when the rainbow power was a few meters away from them, the scarlet pillar began to glow with the strange power of all the elements, which caused a sudden suck in of the power of the rainbow, the power of harmony hit the scarlet monolith, absorbing its power like a black hole, until the last glow of power faded and the shocked Twilight looked at the four tyrants, the scarlet pole suddenly began to radiate pure power, Twilight understood what she had just done, Twilight landed in front of her friends staring helplessly at what was activated, once a twenty-meter monolith began to expand and grow on fifty meters high, and the ground near the monolith began to crack more and more with growing scarlet veins that had grown to a distance of one hundred square meters.

- what we did. Twilight Sparkle said, looking at what was instilled in motion.

- was it always planned. Rarity asked, terrified.

- it's not possible!, but how!. Rainbow Dash screamed, unable to believe what had been triggered.

When the blue pegasus with the rainbow-mane watched as the cracked earth began to tremble, she looked back at all who showed only fear, uncertainty and broken hope with their eyes and faces, at the same moment two more scarlet monoliths emerged from the ground, forming a series of three monoliths with the previous one . As their power grew steadily, giving birth to the first scarlet centaurs, snakes and vultures, the earth began to tremble again even more.

- what is happening in dreams or is it even worse. Applejack asked, terrified.

- I don't know, if it's not fireworks then I don't know what. Pinkie Pie said, staring wide-eyed at the ground cracking in the distance.

- oh not only not that. Fluttershy shouted as she tried to hide behind Rainbow Dash.

Each of the gathered people moved back three steps, even Twilight, Celestia and Luna, seeing the formation of the fourth hundred-meter monolith, retreated a few steps, and the monolith itself immediately released from its guts ten-meter colossi, resembling rock giants with a huge six-meter cannon in the squares, colossi quickly they joined the ranks of begotten legions of the ready scarlet army which after a few minutes outnumbered the armies of the united peoples, and worse still new hosts rose up incessantly as if there was no end to them.

- you see today our Lord will give us victory, even your meager power of friendship and harmony does not mean anything!. Tirek said happily extending his right hand to the crowd and to Twilight Sparkle in particular.

The first four steps shook the whole earth and united peoples, the scarlet centaurs stretched their electro clubs ahead, the snakes loaded their bows with ice arrows, the vultures fired their talons, and the colossi struck the ground with their front paws loading their cannons.

- attack!. Chrysalis shouted, wanting to achieve success as soon as possible, but everything still happened.

- what's going on. Chrysalis asked, looking back at the same moment, everyone was shaken by the dark voice of the elemental lord.

The terrible face Akeron appeared to everyone, his manifestation of pure power appeared above the monoliths, six eyes, seven horns, the terrible head stared at the terrified united peoples backing back, even the greatest and bravest were unable to look at this face with courage except for one brave or rather curious soul, Twilight Sparkle was the only one who took a step forward and the terrible eyes of the elemental lord looked at her.

- oh, ha ha ha, I knew, brave curious little soul, how predictable it is like you, little princess. Akeron said mocking Twilight Sparkle, laughing louder than his four chosen ones.

- tell me what's pushing you now, what determines you so much that you do not show fear in front of me, go ahead, don't be shy.

- I want to know what you are and what you do it for. Twilight Sparkle asked, looking only into the golden eyes of the Elemental Lord.

- I am the first of the living in this world, animated by the element of electricity and thunder. Akeron said looking at the sky for a moment.

- are you the first of the living creatures of this world?

- exactly princess, I was the first but not the only masses of six.

- six elements, lightning, ice, water, earth, fire and wind. Twilight said, anticipating her preface, mentioning an old hieroglyph discovered on the Hayseed Swamp.

- exactly, there were six of us, we gave the breath of life from the great storms of magic and power, we created the first primitive peoples and one perfect super continent and we had power over everything, we ruled wisely until my brothers and sisters grew the stupidest idea in history. Akeron paused, looking with pure anger at the gathered army of free peoples, but it was not anger directed at them directly, but at the memories and betrayal that Akeron himself experienced.

- they betrayed you, but how. Twilight asked.

- they got stupid in their heads that they would no longer rule the aspects of their powers, they wanted to give the elements freedom and, what is worse, give them to the mortal, on that day when the vote took place I stood aside, I abstained from voting, because I wanted to give each side a chance, but that was my mistake as well, for when I looked at mortal peoples how they magically wield the elements, I realized what a great mistake my brothers and sisters had made, I had to do something about it. Akeron said as he recalled those bygone times with disgust at Twilight and the free peoples.

- why, why you were so angry at the vision of the elements in the hands of mortal races, why.

- you will not understand this little pony when you rule the aspect and then hand it over to the weak mortal unworthy and see them begin to rise above the others, you just have no choice but to take back what is yours and only yours, your view and everyone gathered here it insults me, you rule what you should never have, you took away from me more than my own family, I had to do something.

- so you attacked the innocent world out of fear, jealousy and let me guess from the lust for power that sprouted in your head like caramels on steroids what!. Twilight Sparkle said, casting a sharp glance at the Elemental Lord.

- amazing, my little pony is very anticipatory here as well as predictable, you came across it because I wanted it.

- I can see that I am dealing here with a game master what!. She spat Twilight.

- with more than a game master. Akeron replied, laughing again cruelly shaking even the ground.

- to the point, say what happened next. Twilight asked.

- first my family talked to me, then they attacked me for the first time, none of us was able to win this equal duel, I did not want to fight them and tried to convince them that only undivided power over mortal peoples is the only chance for this world to a perfect future, power under my command because I am the first but they did not understand me anyway, I decided to act on my own so my three chosen ones stole aspects of their elemental powers and brought them to me, so I became the ruler of all the elements to finally take what was mine from mortals my relatives gave in their recklessness, so there was another war and my brothers and my sisters could not defeat me, they put me into a trap, so from their bodies and souls they created a prison in the underground world, that I would remain there for eternity in oblivion and sleep, and the power that was released that day divided my continent into many, thus everything, even my work, fell apart. Akeron said, speaking this time with pain and regret.

- you are more wrong than you think.

- what did you say. Akeron looked at Twilight Sparkle.

- I said you were wrong, your failure gave the greatest freedom.

- and what a freedom it is to destroy each other, with me you would be a perfect single mass.

- and no one would be special, no one would stand out, no one would have the right to choose, and your despotic rule would lead to suffering on a massive scale.

- you say just like my relatives, my brothers, my sisters, Twilight, how much you remind me of them today, but it does not matter and you know I will give you a chance today. Akeron said, which was quickly met with the look of surprise from his subordinates.

Tirek, Sombra, Chrysalis and Cozy Glow looked at their Lord in shock and rage because they did not expect that, they wanted to destroy the hated adversaries, use the legions of the elemental lord to pursue their vengeance and now, when they were so close, they could do it as much Akeron wanted or negotiate, or get along, or even convince Twilight Sparkle to the unknown.

- what a chance it is. She asked Twilight. Come on alone, knowing bad guys like Akeron, she expected his offer.

- get down on your knees and stand with us, you and everyone who does this will not feel my anger, serve me loyally and each of you will be properly rewarded. Akeron said.

The words of the ruler of the elements caused a temporary shock in the black hearts of the four tyrants and at the same time a quick relief, because apart from revenge, they also expected the submission and enslavement of others, at the same time they knew very well that none of their opponents would ever agree to such a proposal, Tirek, Chrysalis, Sombra and Cozy Glow did not have to wait long for a response from the crowd.

- never you smelly bastard, we will not be slaves, no one!. Rarity shouted.

- you'd better get the straw out of the stinky shoes!. Applejack shouted.

- just stuff yourself with such an offer!. Rainbow Dash screamed.

- You can't play, so get out of here. Pinkie Pie said in a boxing stance.

- you are bad, scary and ugly, none of us will humble ourselves in front of you, ever!. Fluttershy cried out with a twinkle of courage.

- We will never serve anyone like you!. Discord shouted.

- the place of tyrants like you is in the dumpster of history, so get lost with your ridiculous offers!. Starlight Glimmer shouted.

- you will not find anyone here who would agree with you, none of us will give up our freedom. Princess Luna said walking out in front of her older sister, which surprised her sister and at the same time made her proud.

- we will never give up our freedom. Princess Celestia added.

- we will not be your slaves, ever!. Screamed Queen Novo, raising her wings and fluffing her pale pink hair in a warlike gesture.

- you hear, we are free and it is always worth fighting for freedom, even at the cost of your life!. Thorax shouted.

- we will not let ourselves be suppressed, not to you and anyone like you, we will fight for us and our loved ones!. Chief Thunderhooves shouted.

- we will never humble ourselves in front of a coward and tyrant like you!. Ember screamed.

- I'm a coward!. Akeron screamed.

- yes you are a coward. Twilight said standing with full determination.

- it is your fear, your cowardice and lust for power that has led you to fall, your own blindness and none of the gathered here will follow you. Twilight said as she lifted her right hoof high.

- nobody!, nobody!. The crowd of free peoples shouted.

- we are free!, free!. The crowd of free peoples rang out again.

- so you reject the only chance, well, your defeat is not mine, so today you will all be defeated, destroy them!. Akeron shouted.

At the same time, hundreds of scarlet centaurs charged, waving their maces of thunder, squadrons of vultures raced across the sky, releasing the first volley of flaming missiles, and hundreds of snake archers fired the first volleys of ice arrows, all reinforced for the first time by the fire of large stone cannons carried on the backs of the colossi.

Four tyrants, Tirek, king of Sombra, Chrysalis and Cozy Glow also, in accordance with the signal, fired streams of their powers, lightning fires and pure magic, none of the gathered was ready for such a sudden, massive and harmonious attack, Twilight leading the free peoples could by just watch as the enormous enormity of enemy fire rushes at her and everyone she loves.

- shields of power!. Twilight Sparkle cried out, urging all those who wield magic to turn on the defensive barrier, come not to deny that the barrier created by all those who wield magic might not be enough, yet everyone tried because there was something to fight for.

Twilight, Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, Rarity, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Pillars of Equestria, Discord, Thorax, Pharynx, Queen Novo, Ember with the power of the staff, And all those wielding magic and magical artifacts created a magical barrier to hold the powerful the massive fire was at the beginning because the first shot was actually stopped, the ice, fire, electric, stone and magic projectiles were actually stopped but at the moment of the impact the whole barrier broke, throwing all those who wield magic out of balance, no one had the strength to create another barrier for a moment , suddenly Twiight Sparkle fell to her knees looking at the inevitable, not wanting to believe what she was seeing. Doom was approaching, successive volleys of hostile shots raced across the sky like impending defeat.

- why, our friendship, I have let everyone down. Twilight Sparkle said with a sense of failure.

At the same time, the enemy fire and the lands separating the two armies were cut off by the power flowing from the sky in the form of a beam of four powers, a white laser, a golden beam of knowledge, yellow over flames and an electric beam of thunder. Everything exploded suddenly, destroying the enemy's fire and sending from the hooves and legs of each of the free peoples as well as the scarlet army, a great cloud of dust rose high, at that moment another shock was felt, and when the fog began to descend quickly, showing the stopped army of scarlet he.

- it's a man!. She shouted enthusiastically Twilight Sparkle in the depths of her heart, believing that a man came to their aid, which of course did not share most of her friends.

A mysterious man in a green sweatshirt and brown pants, standing in the middle of the battlefield, looked out of the eye at the two armies, then his body radiated a golden aura over the flames and his clothes turned into red and black armor, and in his hands a thunder ax and a sword of flames materialized.

- the time of enlightenment has come, the end of destiny has come.

L

Finally it's time for a very big entrance, finally Akeron has revealed himself to everyone as a true master of the game, the one who predicts and provokes everything, is there a being able to surprise him, but not only he, man also came out of the shadows, the question is what will he do then, who he will be and what side he will be on, because it was unknown to me.

Ps. 31.12.2021 happy New Year!