Chapter Twenty: Call to Arms.
Floating in the air the spectral form turned to Sunset and her friends. "Girls though you are of earth you will always be part of Equestria. I take it that you will remain to help Princess Twilight defeat Harbinger". The girls nod their heads. Sunset hesitated for a second then nodded. The spirit seemed to smile then a white coloured beam shot out of Its horn. Rapidly. Its engulfed Sunset, Applejack, Flutter Shy and Pinkie Pie. "You, you've protected their unborn babies. Haven't you"? I asked. And the spirit smiled. "They will be protected from any harm, just like I did for little Daydream". It replied before its hue changed. A second beam was shot out. Engulfing the girls. When the light dissipated, they were in armour. It was similar to that what Sugar Coat and the others wore. And in front of them a crystalline tree. "Pick one of the fruits". Says the spirit. As each one of the girls did, the crystal changed. Transforming into a powerful and unique weapon. Which was an extension of their powers and tuned to each of the girl's unique personality.
"Twilight Starla Shimmer Sparkle, for you a rifle that will follow your imagination, creativity and intellect. Rarity for you a rapier and a shield that will allow you to protect those that can't protect themselves. Pinkie Pie. A short sword that will deflect hate and intolerance and will passivity anger. Starlight, for you. A staff that will fight injustice. Derpy, for you a powerful crossbow that will spread faith and hope in all directions you fire. Rainbow Dash, a cutlass. That will bring out the loyalty of those around you. And start the warm fire of friendship. Trixie a wand that will humble those that wish to hurt others. Flutter Shy a dagger that will be kind and sweet as you. It will heal the sick. Applejack a battle axe that is as strong as you and compels those touched by it to tell the truth. Sunrise for you a pair of batons that will stop fear and will spread peace". The spirit says. Then it Turns to Sunset.
"Sunset for you a longbow. Whose arrows will forgive those that do no harm. Girls these weapons are gifts. And they will help you in your own world". It says then moves closer to Sunset. "Dear loveable Sunset. You have had to suffer some of the worst this war has thrown out. So, I give your wife and you another gift". The spirit says. Sunset felt a puff of air across her wrist. And a gold band appeared. "when the time is right, place this band in the cave you received your geodes". Says the spirit and before Sunset could say anything the spirit turned to Sugar coat and her friends. "And you. You girls were innocent victims of this war. You can choose to go home, or you could fight. It seems that you have received your armour, guardians". The girls looked at each other before Sugar Coat steps forward. "Spirit why us"? She asked.
The spirit smiled and said. "Because you have the magic of friendship within you". The girls looked at each other once more and nod to Sugar Coat. "then we choose to stay with our friends and stand with her Majesty Princess Twilight". And the stand beside me and your aunties. Adagio, Sonata and Aria also move over and stand with them. "Before you ask, we are standing with the princess too. We owe her our lives; they are good ones". Says Sonata. The Spirit then turns to Sandbar and his friends. And you my child are here because you too are guardians. The guardians of harmony". It says. Sandbar was about to speak when the sound of a Changeling drone sounded throughout the cavern. "Come don't be scared they will not harm you. I guarantee it". Says the spirit as a lone drone entered into view. It was battered and filthy. With cuts and bruises over it.
"I come on behalf of her majesty Queen Chrysalis". It says. Before moving over to me. It bows and says. "Your majesty, Queen Chrysalis requests your help. Our hive is under attack by those evil creatures known as the Elements of Disharmony. While fighting in the first engagements we were able to free two little fillies. One we have identified as Discords daughter Screwball. And the second was a new-born alicorn. And since we freed and moved them to the safety of the hive we have been under siege and we cannot hold out for long. I just hope that my fellow changelings make it to the other kingdoms". It says. And they had. But after they had relayed the message they were sent on their way. Without any help. They were still bitter at Chrysalis and therefore didn't offer help. Only my family, Cadence and shining Armour responded by prepping a detachment of the Crystal guards. And Celestia and Luna themselves were going to fight. Celestia more so. Due to the memory stone they have. Now knowing where you where precious, I had stopped crying. Says the queen. "were you scared mommy"? Daydream asked. The queen looks deeply into her daughter's eyes, Daydream could see that something was wrong, and it was upsetting her mother. Daydream thought to herself must be that thingy taking place later today. The queen kisses Daydream's forehead and continues. "Yes, my little daydreamer, I was scared. Scared that the evil ones would beat Queen Chrysalis before I get there, scared I would never see you again. Scared of what the evil ones would do to you. So, I stop crying and say. "I will help your people in the name of friendship". And I light up my horn. And your aunties, Sunset and her friends, and your uncle Discord and the changeling drone disappear. Teleported back to my castle.
But I do not. "Twilight you must know by now that you are not the Element of Magic". The spirit says. "I do. I knew I felt different. But if I am not the Element of magic then, what element am I? and who is now the Element of Magic"? I reply. "Screwball is now the Element of Magic. She alone will wield the element. And as for you. I am afraid you will have to discover it on your own". I was about to speak when suddenly. The Libro Prophetiae ET Legatum appeared. It beamed out images of its pages. Showing each element awaking in the ponies that wield them. "Twilight read and learn the spells contained within the Libro Prophetiae ET Legatum they will help to awaken the last element in you". Says the spirit. "Then there is a chance we will win"? I ask. "Yes, Twilight you will begiven a chance, but to begiven one, one must give something up". The spirit says cryptically. "Now go and gather your allies and prepare for battle Princess". It adds. And I teleport back to my castle. After I disappear a pony moved f rom out the shadows. "Yes, Twilight you will win, but you will have to sacrifice something most precious to your family and friends when the time is right. Sacrifice yourself". Says the spirit. Turning to the shadowy figure it says. "And speaking of time. It is nearly time for you to fulfil your destiny. But before you go, are you sure that you want this my little pony"?
"Yes, oh great spirit I am. I have had a good and fulfilling life. I remain loyal to her Majesty. Just promise me that you will give her time with her daughters before the end". Says the pony. The spirit smiles and says. "It will happen as before my dear little pony. Now go". And with that the pony turns into a shadow and zooms off. The spirit disappears. Now I was just teleporting back into the castle as the air clears, I could hear Ocellus and two of the maids crying. Aunties, Trixie, Starlight and Rainbow Dash comforting them. Your Auntie Rarity and Flutter Shy, along with Autumn and the Crystal Prep girls were comforting several more mares and Stallions. Adagio, Aria, Sonata and Sunset were in what could only be described as a daze, they had clearly been upset by something. Axium had a mournful look on his face as he spoke. "Your Majesty we have taken an account of the injured, the missing and the dead. 49% of the towns and castles population have been injured, with three ponies seriously wounded. There have been 29 fatalities. Five friendship guards, three castle servants and one human visitor. Nineteen". He stops for a second unsure he should continue, then he spoke once more. "Nineteen children including Adorra, Ocellus' teen sister. And two missing, the Princess and Screwball". I was mortified. How could I have let it happen. Those innocent children butchered just to get to you my baby. I was about to speak when suddenly we hear angry shouts coming from outside the castle. Angry because the changeling drone was free to roam and not in a cell. But I couldn't put him in a cell. He was innocent. And from the time he arrived he had not done anything other than talk. An hour passes and Tempest and Axium had prepared the whole of the friendship guard for war. Even Friendship One was ready to go. Problem was the ponies of Ponyville were angry that I was sending the guards to the Changeling hive but not to wipe them out. The ponies were my friends and I cared about them. But I cared about you more. So how was I going to convince them this was for the greater good.
"Hey girls remember what you did for Princess Twilight the first time she came to earth". Says Sunset talking to A J, Flutter Shy, Pinkie, Rarity and Rainbow. Getting Derpy, Starlight, Twilight, the crystal Prep girls, the Dazzlings and Trixie to huddle up too. Sunset explained her plan. A minute later Rainbow ran fast through the mirror. Returning with the Canter-Lot High Marching band. And with Albert's brother Edward. And several other bagpipers and drummers dressed in a uniform similar to the Friendship guards. They lined up in front of the guards that were going to march through town. Sunset had written a simple speech for me. And Tempest will tell me when to read it. The marching band were in front of Edwards group with Sunset and the girls on either side of the band. So, they begin to march. The town's ponies booing and jeering them as they pass. Suddenly the band starts to play, and the girls start to sing.
Hey, hey, everybody. We've got something to say. We may seem as different as the night is from day
But you look a little deeper and you will see
That I'm just like you and you're just like me
Yeah!
Hey, hey, everybody We're here to shout That the magic of friendship Is what it's all about Yeah, we thought we were different as the night is from the day Until Princess Twilight Helped us see another way.
Hey, hey, hands up now We're sending a message to the crowd Hands wave up, then come down We party together all aroundGenerous, honesty Laughter, kindness, loyalty Twilight helped us each to see All that we can be!
So get up, get down If you're gonna come around
We can work together Helping Twilight beat them now So get up, get down 'Cause it's gonna make a sound
If we work together Helping princess Twilight to win the war!
With forgiveness and friendship in her heart she helped me free myself from the dark to be the pony I want to be.If you follow Princess Twilight we'll put our differences aside We'll stick together and show them that the light of friendship never dies!
Jump up, make a sound (Hey!)Stomp your hooves, turn aroundStart now, make a change Gonna come around Jump up, make a sound (Hey!)Stomp your hooves, turn around Ponyville Wondercolts
Help her win the war!
Jump up, make a sound (Hey!)Stomp your hooves, turn aroundStart now, make a change Gonna come around Jump up, make a sound (Hey!)Stomp your hooves, turn around Ponyville Wondercolts
Help her win the war!
Jump up, make a sound (Hey!) Stomp your hooves, turn aroundStart now, make a change Gonna come around Jump up, make a sound (Hey!) Stomp your hooves, turn around Ponyville Wondercolts
Help her win the war!
Jump up, make a sound (Hey!) Stomp your hooves, turn aroundStart now, make a change Gonna come around Jump up, make a sound (Hey!) Stomp your hooves, turn around Ponyville Wondercolts
Help her win the war! (Yeah!)
After the song finished Edward and the others prepared to play. I could see that the majority of the ponies in the crowds were still singing the chorus. "Your Majesty now". Says tempest as she pushed a button on the console. An image of me was projected out and I spoke. Reading the speech Sunset wrote. "My friends and fellow residents of Ponyville. I see that you are upset. And that you think that the Changeling was a part of the attack here in Ponyville. But you are mistaken in that belief. The drone that was seen in the grounds of the Rainbow castle of Friendship, was a messenger. Sent by Queen Chrysalis. With a message of peace. They have engaged the Obsidian army of the Elements of Disharmony. In a pre-emptive strike when they heard that they were attacking our beloved town. This strike caught our enemy off guard and so resulted in their retreat from the battle in town and at the castle. I wish to thank Queen Chrysalis for her quick thinking. In doing so she has helped many of my loyal people to survive. I know several of our number have been slain. That includes little foals as well. And for this I am truly heartbroken. But since the changeling strike on the Obsidians, the Elements of Disharmony have attacked their hive and the changelings are under-siege". I stop I could see that the residents were looking at each other. The human Rainbow Dash shouts. "Lets' help them in the name of friendship". "Because it's the right thing to do". Shouts the Human Flutter Shy softly.
The crowd started to chant. "Help them help them". In the projection I lifted my left hoof to silence the crowd. "Please. Please my little ponies. Yes, I have agreed to help them. In the name of friendship. And as the princess of friendship I would be re-missed if I did not offer my help. We know now that the enemy have kidnapped two foals from our little town one is the daughter of Discord and Flutter Shy. The other is my daughter. Princess Daydream. So, I asked for volunteers to help and I was overwhelmed by the whole of the friendship guard stepping forward. Along with our new friends from earth. And many of the survivors of Tartarus are also in our service. So, I will say goodbye to you my people and ask that you wish us luck". I say and the image disappears. The drummers and pipers start to play a song used by the humans during their last devastating war called Scotland the Brave and off we march to war. Several hours later. We had arrived in force at the hive. We all battle with intensity. But the last Obsidian was destroyed. Believing we had won Chrysalis and Screwball, who was carrying you come from within the hive.
On seeing you I run and snatch you up. "Oh, my child, my little daydreamer, mommies here. I have you now. I have you now". Tears were running down my cheek. Friendship one loomed overhead. We were joined by Celestia, Luna, your Aunties and your Uncles, your father and brother, Sunset and her friends, the Dazzlings, and the Guardians. We were congratulating each other. When suddenly Friendship one was rocked by several explosions. We look up. There on the hillside stood Tyrannirum with millions of Obsidians. Friendship one is rocked by more explosions, and the ship crashes into the ground. Elsewhere Axium and the Friendship guard were engaged in battle with at least two full legions of Obsidians. It was dire. And we saw the ship being torn apart by internal explosions before crashing into the ground. Suddenly Tirek and the other elements showed up. All except Cinch she had been captured after the battle in Ponyville.
Several groups of Obsidians begin to attack. And we're separated from each other. It was now really dire. We were losing. The sky goes dark and menacing clouds appear. There is a flash. And several beams shoot out. They hit all but me and you my sweet. And they are frozen. Only thing they can do is speak and move their heads. Discord was trapped by Celestia, your brother near your father. Sunset was trapped by the human Trixie, and her wife was trapped by Sonata. And so, on and so on. Luna was trapped by Chrysalis. And this is what Harbinger wanted. A dark orb descended from the sky then exploded. Revealing the dark Alicorn figure of Harbinger. He levitates the box they took from Ahuizotl. "Let's see what secret this contains". He bellows. As he opens the box. Inside was a memory stone. A magical relic that can steal memories. And if it is not destroyed before the sun set on the third day they would be lost forever.
"Please don't". Cried Celestia. More scared than I have ever seen her. As he holds the stone up. I try to teleport the stone away. But Harbinger wasn't going to let it go that easy. He tries to stop me by blasting me with a beam. But you cry out. And a forcefield surrounds us. Just as the beam hit. This causes me to miss catching the stone. Has it hit the ground it shatters and releases the memories within. They zoom straight to Cadence, Luna and Chrysalis. Engulfing them. They collapse overwhelmed by the returning memories. All were shocked. All except Celestia. She was mortified. They were going to find out what she did all those years ago. "Oh no please no". She cried. Slowly chrysalis regains consciousness. The first pony she sees is Cadence. "Cousin Cadence what, where. Where am I"? She asked. "Antumbra, but". Replied Cadence. "Auntie Celestia". Says Chrysalis, whose real name was Antumbra, before adding. "Where's mommy". She continued panicking. She hears a pony stirring behind her.
When she sees Luna. "Mommy you found me. I knew you would". The sound of genuine relief in her voice when she said it. Luna looks up and sees Chrysalis. "Antumbra Crystal but how, you went missing when you were but a foal". "ASK AUNTIE CELESTIA". Replied Chrysalis. Luna looked and we all look at Celestia for an answer. Celestia started to sob with a sad expression of remorse on her face before she said. "I…I…so…so sor…sor…sorry…sorry…Luna…Luna but…but you…were…were getting angry…And distant…And…and…and". Luna stared at her sister and asks. "What did you do sister". Celestia stuttered. "You…you…were…were growing co…cold and were fading…and…and getting weak…and". Luna starts to look angry. "CELESTIA. WHAT DID YOU DO". "I Banished her from the Kingdom. Just before you became Nightmare Moon". Cries Celestia. "WHY CELESTIA? WHY? YOU KNEW HOW MUCH ANTUMBRA MEANT TO ME". "I was afraid I was losing you". Celestia says then turns to Chrysalis and bellows. "SHE WAS DRAINING YOUR LIFE. SHE WAS KILLING YOU". Tyrannirum began to laugh.
"So, you're that little speck". He cackles and zaps Chrysalis with a beam of Magic. Chrysalis screams in pain. "Antumbra no". Cried Luna. Tyrannirum laughed. "You think that little bug was changing your sister. No, I whispered in her ear. For years, after you two put me back in, she was young and jealous of you so was easier to manipulate". With all her strength Celestia managed to move closer to Luna and Antumbra. "I am sorry I didn't know. I hope in time you can try to forgive me". She says. Tyrannirum laughed and so did Harbinger. He then shot a beam out. Aimed at Chrysalis. Celestia managed to jump in front of the beam. Shielding Chrysalis. I felt a small spark of magic and I cast a shielding spell. This angered Harbinger. And he sends a beam at me. And as the beam was closer a final ally showed themselves.
