Twilight's Kingdom
Night's POV
Both Night and Twilight had been summoned to the Crystal Empire on official royal business and their friends came with them. It seemed that Celestia was remembering that Night was getting the throne, as he was being brought in for the negotiations between Equestria and Maretonia. "Seems like only yesterday Night I were saving this place from being totally destroyed. Hey, you guys remember that?" Spike asked, looking at a statue that showed Night rearing up, wings outstretched, with Spike on his back holding a replica of the Crystal Heart.
"You only mentioned it about fifteen times on the train here," Rainbow said in annoyance.
"Yes, and we never hear a peep out of you about your exploits," Rarity told Rainbow sarcastically.
"Heh, point taken," Rainbow replied.
"I'm glad you all wanted to come, but I don't think it's gonna be that exciting. I pretty much just have to smile and wave as the dignitaries arrive," Twilight told her friends.
"Yes, but you get to smile and wave like a princess," Rarity pointed out.
"How exactly is that different than smilin' and wavin' like not a princess?" Applejack asked.
"It isn't," Twilight admitted sadly, looking down.
"What's wrong, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked.
"Why the looooooooong face?" Pinkie questioned, stretching Twilight's face as she did so.
"I've just been feeling a little unsure about things lately. It doesn't seem that my new role as a princess equates to all that much," Twilight answered.
"Don't worry about it too much. Remember, it took me some time to adjust to me being a prince. These things take time," Night told Twilight.
Twilight's sad look brightened a bit. "Thank's Night," Twilight said, briefly nuzzling his scared side.
"You two better get moving though. You don't want to risk having that important role diminished because you were tardy for your regal meet-and-greet," Rarity told the two alicorns.
After the two met with the other Princesses, Twilight took her place on the balcony where Cadance would normally do announcements while Night stood next to Luna with Celestia and Cadance. A fanfare went off and one of the Royal Guards stepped forward. "The Duke and Duchess of Maretonia!" he announced. The two ponies came forward with an elderly looking pony and another one that looked like a member of the Maretonia military. The four alicorns came forward to greet them and they bowed to each other before going to the room for their meeting.
Twilight's POV
At the same time, Twilight stood on the balcony and waved to the Duke and Duchess before dropping down the Maretonian banner in greeting. "That was it? Princess Celestia had you come all the way to the Crystal Empire just to do that?" Spike asked in surprise. Twilight merely closed her eyes. "I mean, whoa, really regal and important!" Spike added quickly.
Twilight then waited outside the throne room as the other princesses and Night had their talk with the Duke and Duchess. While that was happening, her friends had to head back to Ponyville leaving her with Spike. The doors opened and Twilight did a quick bow. "Your highness. Thank you for understanding our desire to keep the number of those privy to these confidential discussions to a minimum," the Duke of Maretonia thanked Twilight.
"Of course," Twilight replied and the two left. She looked to see the other Alicorns walking towards her. "Is there anything else I can do to assist with their visit?" Twilight asked.
"I'm sorry, Twilight, but their visit is already over," Cadance answered.
"Oh," Twilight said sadly.
"Something wrong?" Luna asked.
"I guess I just don't really understand why I'm here. Couldn't one of the royal guards have unfurled the banner?" Twilight asked.
"Having all five of us in the Empire to greet them lets the dignitaries know that their visit is considered an important one," Celestia told Twilight.
"I still think she could have done something better," Night commented. The look Celestia gave him told Twilight that they had argued on that for a while.
"Still, it gives me an opportunity to see my favorite sister-in-law," Cadance said to Twilight. She felt a little better.
"And I'm happy to see you. All of you," Twilight said to the other Princesses.
"I'm sensing a "but" coming," Night said, not with the sarcasm he normally would have said that.
"But I... well, it's just that Luna raises the moon, Celestia raises the sun, Cadance protects the Crystal Empire, you're set to inherit Equestria, and all I seem to do is... smile and wave," Twilight added. Twilight then saw Luna whisper something to Night and he blushed heavily. She didn't have time to dwell on that though.
"You don't have much to worry about Twilight. Your time will come. You just need to be patient," Celestia said, trying to reassure Twilight. "Now, it's getting late, so we'd better turn in," she added.
As they started to head to their rooms, Luna got Night's attention. "Oh, Night. I've got that thing you asked for on your last visit," she told him.
"Thank's Luna," Night said before turning to Twilight. "I'll be there in a bit," he told her before following Luna.
When Twilight got to her room, she found Spike already asleep in his bed. As she was tucking herself into bed, Night entered though it didn't look like he had anything with him. "So, care to tell me what that thing you got from Luna was?" Twilight asked.
Night smiled. "I'll leave that a surprise," he answered, giving her a kiss on her forehead before tucking himself beside her.
Morning
Twilight awoke when the doors burst open. "Princess Twilight, Prince Night, Princess Celestia need you in the castle library!" a guard told the two.
"What's going on?" Spike asked as he woke up.
"You stay here Spike. We'll be back soon," Twilight told him. The two headed towards the room where the other royals were waiting.
"What's this all about?" Night asked.
"I had a vision. Tirek has returned," Celestia answered.
"Tirek? Where have I heard that before?" Twilight asked, the name sounded familiar.
"Tirek and his brother Scorpan came here from a distant land, intent on stealing Equestrian magic. But Scorpan soon came to appreciate the ways of Equestria, even befriending a young unicorn wizard and our father," Celestia started to explain.
"Scorpan urged his brother to abandon their plans. When Tirek refused, Scorpan alerted Midnight Eclipse to Tirek's intentions. With Scorpan and severely other ponies, father managed to stop Tirek," Luna continued.
"While Scorpan returned to his own land, Tirek was sent to Tartarus for his crimes. But it appears he has found a way to escape," Celestia finished her explanation on Tirek.
"We believe it happened when Cerberus left his post at the gates," Luna added.
"But that was a long time ago. Why is he just now starting to steal magic?" Twilight asked.
"His time in Tartarus left him very weak. He has just now gained enough strength to use his dark powers," Celestia answered.
"But with each passing moment, he grows stronger still," Luna added.
"Well, I know just the ponies to stop him," Cadance said confidently, looking at Night and Twilight.
"Yes. We'll find him and–" Twilight started.
"No, Twilight. I'm afraid I must call in another to stop Tirek. Discord," Celestia told them, surprising everypony else.
"Discord? I understand he's powerful but isn't it a little too risky to send him. If Tirek is able to turn him then it could be disastrous," Night questioned.
"I understand your concerns, but with Tirek as weak as he is it's safe to assume that he won't be easy to find. Discord can sense magical imbalances, so he'll be able to track him down easily," Celestia replied.
Night seemed to consider that, then got the look that Twilight knew meant that he had an idea. "Alright. We'll give Discord some leash," Night said.
When the three returned to Ponyville and explained the news, they were surprised. "As in Discord Discord?" Applejack asked.
"Yes!" Twilight answered.
"I don't think it's that big of a surprise. He can be very helpful," Fluttershy said, getting awkward looks from everypony.
"He can sense when there's a magical imbalance. The next time Tirek steals magic, Discord will be able to track him down!" Twilight explained.
"So what are you supposed to do in the meantime?" Rainbow asked.
"Nothing. Unless of course one of you needs me to smile and wave," Twilight said as she started to leave.
"Castle of the Two Sisters?" Night asked and Twilight nodded.
"You want some company?" Rainbow asked.
"It has been a while since we visited the castle. Might be fun!" Applejack added.
"Maybe I could use a little company right now," Twilight admitted as they all headed towards the old castle.
"I still can't believe we had to give back the Elements," Rainbow remarked as they neared the castle.
"It had to be done or the Tree of Harmony wouldn't have survived," Rarity reminded everypony.
"But Twilight was right. Even without the Elements, our friendship is as strong as ever," Fluttershy stated.
"I just hope another 'friend' of ours never makes us sorry we had to give them up," Applejack remarked.
"Oh, you're talking about me, I presume?" Discord asked as he came down looking like Mary Poppins.
"How'd you guess?" Applejack asked sarcastically.
"My ears were burning," Discord answered, putting out his flaming ears.
"What are you even doing here, Discord?" Rainbow asked.
"Oh, just a bit of light reading before I head off on my extremely important mission," Discord answered, pulling out the journal that the group had been writing in. "I suppose you all know that I've been tasked to capture a certain escapee."
"Big deal," Spike stated.
"You're right, Spike. 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 said, putting on fake pony wings and horn with an over the top crown before waving to something Night couldn't see.
"In your dreams!" Rainbow said, knocking off Discord's crown.
"Oh, I never dream of such things. Ask Princess Luna," Discord replied.
"Don't you have a creepy magic-stealin' villain to track down?" Applejack asked.
"Yes, yes, yes, of course," Discord said before teleporting everypony in front of the Tree of Harmony. "It's just that I couldn't help but notice that Twilight hasn't yet opened this little chest of hers. I-I-It got me thinking, what if what's locked inside is something that could help her prove her royal worth? I only bring it up because she said that she's been feeling like her role as a princess doesn't equate to much," Discord said, pointing to the unopened chest, still sitting in the flower it bloomed from.
"Wait a minute! How do you know how she was feeling?!" Pinkie demanded.
"Oh, my. Is eavesdropping not the way you're supposed to find out what your best pals are up to? Woe is me. Will I ever learn the intricate nuances of being a good friend?" Discord asked in mock sadness. Everypony just looked at him. "Well, in any case, I suppose now is as good a time as any for me to make my exit," Discord said, hopping onto a scooter before teleporting away.
"And good riddance!" Applejack shouted after him.
"Oopsie-doopsie, I almost left with the little journal you've all been keeping. What a fascinating read. Haven't you all just learned so much? I've bookmarked a few of the more interesting passages. You really should take a look!" Discord said and Twilight noticed the color-coded tabs in the journal. He then said something to Fluttershy and she responded before he teleported away again.
"Sometimes I think the 'reformed' Discord is more obnoxious than the 'before-he-was-reformed' Discord," Applejack stated.
"Indeed," Rarity agreed.
"But he could be right, couldn't he? What if there is something important in that chest?" Fluttershy questioned.
"We don't know. From what I've learned of Discord is that he plays his own game. What that is we don't know," Night stated.
"I still wish that this whole thing wasn't all up to Discord," Rainbow commented.
"I wouldn't worry about that too much. I sent for somepony to keep an eye on him," Night replied.
"You sent someone to spy on him?" Fluttershy asked, sounding a bit hurt.
"I'm giving Discord a bit of a leash. Shade is only supposed to keep an eye on him," Night answered. That made sense to Twilight. The Shadow Elemental was the sneakiest of them and could keep an eye on Discord without him knowing.
"Well, let's see if we can find anything on the chest," Twilight said. They headed towards the library in the old castle and started looking through it. "Find anything?" Twilight asked after a while, getting variations of "no" for her response. "There must be something in this library that can help me figure out how to open it. The answer's in one of these books. I just know it," she said to herself. Her eyes then found the journal and Twilight remembered what Discord said. She brought it over with her magic and started reading.
Shade's POV
After getting his task from Prince Night, Shade went throughout Equestria looking for Discord, and found him in a city not too far from the entrance to Tartarus. Shade then also spotted Tirek absorbing another Unicorn's magic. Tirek then turned to Discord, who was disguising himself as another pony. "Tirek, I presume?" Discord asked, revealing himself to the weakened Centaur.
"Discord? You're free?" Tirek asked.
"As a bird," Discord answered, making his body more bird-like.
"I commend you on your escape," Tirek told Discord.
"I'm afraid the feeling isn't mutual," Discord replied before snapping his fingers, putting chains on Tirek. The centaur responded with a weak magic attack which Discord dodged lazily.
"Oh, I should have known you would want to have Equestria all to yourself," Tirek said plainly.
"Oh, I'm not doing this for me. I'm doing it for my friends," Discord said in a police uniform. He then whispered something to Tirek that Shade didn't hear.
"Fluttershy? You're not saying you're friends with ponies?" Tirek asked in genuine shock.
"Surprise!" Discord shouted, popping out of a cake.
"I am surprised that someone with your intellect does not see this 'friendship' is but a new form of imprisonment. Clearly you've had to abandon your true nature to stay in their good graces," Tirek said to Discord.
Discord was playing a harp with a halo ring above him. "I have done nothing of the sort!" he protested, throwing away the harp and telling the ring to fly away.
"Oh, please, I've seen this before. But he was always weak-minded. You are Discord, you are 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. Who better to do so than 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 play in this world," Tirek told Discord. Shade watched in anticipation for Discord's decision.
Twilight's POV
As Twilight read through the journal, she noticed a pattern with the passages Discord marked. "I think I found something!" Twilight called out and her friends gathered around. "I've been reading our journal, and there's something interesting about the sections that Discord bookmarked. Applejack, do you remember when you had to tell everypony that the tonic Granny bought from the Flim Flam brothers didn't really work?" Twilight asked her.
"How could I forget? It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. But in that moment, I knew I had to be honest. I just knew it. But what's that got to do with openin' the chest?" Applejack asked.
"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. Fluttershy, it was when you realized that the way to show kindness to the Breezies was by forcing them to leave your home," Twilight reminded her.
"Oh, the looks on their poor little faces! But I knew that, as difficult as it was, pushing them away was the kindest thing I could do," Fluttershy said.
"Rarity, even after Suri took advantage of your generosity at Fashion Week in 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.
"Night, you had to choose whether or not to interfere in something was beyond your control."
"It wasn't an easy decision," Night recalled.
"Rainbow Dash, you had the chance to fly with the Wonderbolts at the Equestria Games, but instead you chose to compete with your friends."
"Sure! But being loyal to my friends was way–" Rainbow started.
"Ooh, my turn! My turn!" Pinkie interrupted.
"Pinkie Pie, 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," Rainbow told Pinkie.
"It's clear we've all had our moments to shine, Twilight, but I'm with Applejack. What does any of this have to do with the opening of the chest?" Rarity asked.
"All of you had tough choices to make. But when you made the right one and embraced your element, it helped somepony else make the right choice too. Each of you received something from the pony whose life you helped change. I know it sounds crazy, but maybe there's something special about those objects that could lead us to the location of the keys. The chest is connected to the Tree of Harmony, the Tree is connected to the Elements, and the Elements are connected to all of us. There must be a connection!" Twilight explained. "I hate to admit it, but maybe Discord was trying to be a good friend after all."
They gathered the objects they had received and placed them in front of the chest. "Is something supposed to happen?" Night questioned.
"I don't see anything on them that would give us a clue as to where the keys might be. They're just... ordinary, everyday objects," Twilight answered.
"Come on, Boneless! Give us that key!" Pinkie shouted, shaking the rubber chicken.
"I don't think that's going to work," Twilight told Pinkie when she threw Boneless at the chest. When he made contact, Boneless was surrounded by magic and turned into a key with Pinkie's balloons on it. It then inserted itself into one of the locks.
"Did not expect that," Night noted. The others touched their objects on the chest, each key forming the ponies Cutie Mark and entering a lock.
"There's still one key missing. The key that represents the element of magic. My element," Twilight noticed.
"Oh, but I'm sure that if we've gotten our keys, you have too, Twilight," Fluttershy said reassuringly.
"Think, Twilight. When have you completed a difficult magical task, and in doing so encouraged another pony to do the same?" Rarity asked.
"I haven't. If I had, I would have written about it in the journal," Twilight answered.
"Don't worry, Twilight. I'm sure you'll get your key eventually," Spike said confidently. He then hurled and breathed out a letter. Twilight grabbed it in her magic and read it. "What does it say?" Spike asked.
"Night, we're needed in Canterlot at once," Twilight told him with alarm. The two immediately flew towards the capital and the guards let them into the throne room.
"We came as soon as we got the news. What's happening?" Night asked Celestia.
"I'm afraid I put too much trust in Discord and the effect that friendship would have upon him," Celestia answered sadly, showing the two a scroll. Discord has betrayed you. Twilight realized that this must have come from Shade.
"How could he do this?! I thought our friendship meant something to him! I thought he had changed," Twilight questioned, not wanting to believe it, but Shade wouldn't lie about something this big from what Twilight knew of him.
"Tirek has stolen enough magic that he now has the strength to steal flight as well. There is word he has gone after Earth ponies as well," Celestia said.
"Ponies will no longer be in control of their world. That power will belong solely to Tirek," Luna added grimly.
"There is no doubt that Tirek will soon come for Alicorn magic. With Discord by his side, we will not be able to stop him from taking it," Celestia stated.
"So what's the plan? We have to have something," Night asked.
"There is one solution. It is only by making this sacrifice that Equestria and the lands beyond it might be saved. We must rid ourselves of our magic before Tirek has the chance to steal it from us," Celestia told the two. Twilight and Night looked at each other in shock.
"What?!" Night shouted.
"When he comes for our magic, we cannot have what he is looking for. But our magic can't disappear into thin air. Somepony has to keep it safe," Luna explained.
"We've decided that you are that pony, Twilight," Cadance told her.
"Why me?" Twilight asked.
"We do not believe Tirek is aware of a fifth Alicorn. If we all transfer our magic to you, then Tirek won't know where it's gone," Celestia explained.
"Hold on. I didn't agree to this. Why do I have to transfer my magic? Tirek might not know about me," Night protested.
"Actually there is a strong possibility. You've had four years for ponies to know your name, and what you've done in the Crystal Empire wouldn't have gone unnoticed," Luna told Night.
"Then we should separate the magic," Night said. Celestia and Luna looked confused. "If we split up the Alicorn Magic, Tirek will believe that all the power is with me, but he won't know that Twilight has the rest of it," Night explained.
"That might work. But are you sure you want to make yourself a target?" Cadance asked.
"It's better than risking all the magic at once," Night answered.
"I agree," Luna said. She then looked at Celestia. "The two of us can transfer our energy to Night while Cadance gives her magic to Twilight," she stated.
Cadance then turned to Twilight. "Twilight, do you understand what we're asking of you?" she asked.
"Yes. It's just... I'm only now learning how to control my own Alicorn magic. To take on even more–" Twilight started, but Cadance interrupted her.
"Twilight, you represent the element of magic. If there is anypony who can do this, it's you," Cadance told her.
"Taking on this task will be one of the most difficult things I'll ever do, but with the help of my friends–" Twilight started, but Celestia interrupted this time.
"I'm sorry, Twilight, but you two must keep your new abilities a secret. I fear that your friends being aware of your new powers could put them at great risk. Do you still think you two can take on this responsibility?" Celestia asked both of them. Night nodded immediately.
"I am," Twilight answered.
A guard then burst into the room. "Your highnesses, Tirek and Discord have arrived!" he shouted.
"Alright. Assemble the guard and buy us as much time as you can," Celestia told him. The guard looked confused but didn't question his orders as he saluted and left the room, closing the door behind him. "We must begin at once," Celestia said once he left. She and Luna stood by Night while Cadance stood in front of Twilight. The three princesses concentrated and released their magic above Night and Twilight into a golden/dark blue ball, and a light blue ball respectively. All the magic was then absorbed by Night and Twilight.
Night's POV
When he absorbed Celestia and Luna's power, Night felt a surge of energy and felt stronger than before. When his body adjusted, he saw Celestia, Luna, and Cadance sitting weakly on the ground, their cutie marks gone and their eyes dull. "It is done," Celestia declared tiredly.
"Be safe," Night told his sisters.
"Just protect our magic and defeat Tirek. We'll be fine," Luna told Night. The two share one last hug before Night and Twilight headed back to Ponyville, being able to slip away while Tirek was distracted.
The two entered the library where Spike was relaxing. "You're back early. So everything's fine in Canterlot?" Spike asked.
"Everything's fine," Twilight lied as she and Night's magic spiked causing books to go flying.
"Alright then," Spike said, sounding like he didn't care much. As time went on, it became clear that the two Alicorns were having problems controlling their new power.
"We need to get better control, but we can't practice here," Twilight said and Night nodded.
Spike ran after them. "Twilight, Night, where are we going?" he asked.
"Oh, uh, hi, Spike. Uh, gotta go... somewhere... else," Twilight answered and the two took off with explosive force. Night was flying faster than he ever flew before. When he tried to land, he crashed into the ground.
"Oh, my goodness, are you two alright?" Fluttershy asked. Night lifted his head to see Twilight a bit unnerved.
"Jumpin' junebugs! When did you two learn to fly that fast?" Applejack asked.
"We must have caught a particularly strong breeze... or something," Twilight answered as Night's magic made him teleport.
"Must have been "or something", because there wasn't any breeze up there," Rainbow reported.
"I don't know what happened, but I don't really have time to figure it out right now," Twilight lied.
"Another visit to the Castle of the Two Sisters, I presume? We'd be more than happy to accompany you!" Rarity said happily.
"Not today. Tirek may still be a threat. I need you all to stay here and encourage everypony to remain inside," Twilight told them.
"Oh, and Applejack, can you have Shining at your place for the time being?" Night asked her.
"Sure," Applejack answered, sounding a bit confused, but didn't press Night. The two then walked into the Everfree Forest, their friends watching behind them.
Discord's POV
When Tirek entered the throne room and found that Celestia, Luna, and Cadance didn't have their magic, he was understandably furious. Discord listened in as he altered the stain-glass windows. "Getting rid of your magic so that I cannot take it from you? That was your plan?" Tirek asked the princesses, who remained silent. "Clever. You likely transferred it to Night Storm, so I guess I'll have to find him now, but something tells me it won't be too hard. How does it feel, knowing that soon, every Pegasus, unicorn, and Earth pony will bow to my will, and that there is nothing you can do to stop it?" Tirek asked the princesses.
"You will not prevail Tirek," Celestia said defiantly.
"Give my regards to Cerberus," Tirek said, sending the magicless princesses to Tartarus.
"You meant our will, didn't you?" Discord questioned as he fiddled with a window.
"Of course. Here, I want you to have something. This was given to me by someone very close to me. I give it to you as a sign of my gratitude and loyalty," Tirek said, giving Discord a medallion.
"Oh, my! I do love a good accessory," Discord said. "I suppose that's Rarity's influence," he muttered to himself.
Tirek then laughed, looking at an image that showed Discord riding on top of Tirek holding a baguette while Tirek wielded a sword, the two items crossing. "Amusing. But we have no time for such things. With the princesses out of the way, we can now–" Tirek started when he saw the window of Twilight. "Is this meant to be humorous?!" he shouted.
"Oh, no, I haven't touched that one yet," Discord replied.
"There's a fifth? And you did not tell me this?!" Tirek questioned.
"I just needed some assurance that you truly considered this a team effort. And now I have it," Discord answered, looking at his new accessory.
"Prince Night is likely hiding with her. Where is this fourth princess? Where is her castle?" Tirek asked, pulling Discord close.
"Castle?" Discord asked, laughing. "No, Princess Twilight lives above a library in Ponyville. Castle?" Discord answered before laughing some more.
"Not for much longer," Tirek said, using his magic to melt the window.
Spike's POV
After telling everypony to stay inside, Spike and the Mane 5 met up. "All right, y'all. I think we've warned everypony to stay inside," Applejack said.
"I'm sure Discord will catch Tirek and this will all be over soon," Fluttershy said confidently.
"I'll bet he takes his sweet time," Rainbow said.
"Or perhaps these things just take time," Discord said, appearing near them.
"You're back!" Fluttershy shouted, hugging Discord. "Did you bring the cucumber sandwiches?" she asked.
"I did," Discord answered, holding out the plate. "I imagine they'll be your last decent meal for quite some time," he added. Before anypony could figure out what he meant, a cage appeared, trapping them. "Ta-da!" Discord shouted as a large Centaur walked up that could only be Tirek.
"You've gathered up all of them?" Tirek asked.
"Even Twilight's little dragon," Discord answered. Spike tried to bite him.
"Why are you doing this? I thought we were friends!" Fluttershy asked with tears in her eyes.
"Oh, we were. But Tirek offered me so much more than just tea parties. Surely you saw this coming," Discord said.
"I didn't. I really didn't," Fluttershy wept. The cage then lifted into the air and Spike felt all the magic drain from him.
Before Tirek had the chance to appreciate his victory, two blades came out of nowhere and stabbed into Tirek's front knee. The centaur shouted in pain. "Who did that?!" he shouted. A shadow figure then emerged as started shooting magic at Tirek, who blocked the attacks lazily. Tirek fired on the pony but he faded into the ground. "The Shadow Elemental," Tirek said in realization. Spike then realized who it was.
"Shade! Get out of here!" he shouted.
"Fat chance," Shade said, appearing in a physical form with two blades that flew towards Tirek, both embedding into his arm. Shade then disappeared back into the ground. Tirek responded by shooting into the air, making the sky's clear for miles. On the ground was a pony-shaped shadow. Tirek fired on it, forcing Shade into his physical form.
"And here I thought you Elementals were gone. It seems like I was wrong," Tirek said as he picked up Shade. "I might not be able to take your Elemental power, but I can make sure you don't have the strength to use it," Tirek added. He then absorbed Shade's magic, dropping the grey Unicorn on the ground.
"Now then," Tirek said, turning to Discord. "You really think they'd do anything for them?" he asked.
"If Twilight and Night have magic, it will be yours. Soon there won't be a Pegasus, Earth pony or unicorn who will be able to stand up against us," Discord answered.
"Us? Who said anything about us?" Tirek asked.
"You did," Discord answered. Tirek then picked him up with his magic.
"You've helped me grow strong, you've provided the means by which I can obtain Princess Twilight and Prince Night's magic, and now you are no longer of any use to me," Tirek said before taking Discord's magic.
"But you said this was a sign of your gratitude and loyalty. A gift from someone close to you," Discord said weakly, holding up a medallion that Spike didn't notice before.
"My brother who betrayed me. It is as worthless as he is," Tirek said. He then left.
"Surely you saw this comin'," Applejack said.
"I didn't. I truly didn't," Discord said, looking at the medallion.
Night's POV
Night and Twilight sat outside the Palace of the Two Sisters. While Twilight was trying to work her magic, Night was focused on the surrounding area. He knew it wouldn't be long before Tirek tracked him down. Twilight then teleported to a nearby rock. "See! Ha! Perfectly controlled teleportation–" Twilight started before she teleported again. A few moments later, Night heard Twilight groan and he saw her squished between two rocks.
"You were saying?" Night asked.
"Very funny," Twilight complained.
"Prince Night!" a voice shouted. "You have something that belongs to me!" Night looked up and saw Tirek for the first time. Twilight used her magic to blow apart the rocks she was trapped in and the two landed in front of the centaur. "You're going to give me what I want," Tirek demanded.
"Here's my counter offer. You give up all the magic you stole, and you can leave Equestria peacefully," Night said.
"No deal," Tirek replied. He then tried to take Night and Twilight's magic, but the two teleported back to the Golden Oak Library.
Twilight looked threw the telescope on the balcony. "What's Tirek up too?" Night asked.
"Incoming!" Twilight shouted. Night now saw the magic heading towards the library. Acting quickly, the two teleported inside, grabbed Owlowiscious and Zera, then teleported outside as the magic caused an explosion. Twilight then gasped, and Night saw that Tirek's attack had destroyed the Golden Oak Library, leaving nothing a piece of the trunk. Night looked at the destruction in shock. The place he had called home for over four years gone in an instant. Night and Twilight both exchanged looks as Zera and Owlowiscious flew off.
The two spread their wings and teleported back to Tirek and fired a combined magical attack, causing a massive explosion. Tirek didn't look like it hurt him though. "Now I see what the princesses did," Tirek commented as Night and Twilight glared at him.
Night absorbed lightning and charged towards Tirek, firing multiple magic blasts, now having gold and dark blue lased into his normal blue, at him. Tirek blocked all the attacks, but some damage had to be getting through. Night brought out his sword and stabbed Tirek in the chest with it while firing a magic blast at his face. Tirek cried out in pain but punched Night into some nearby rocks, his sword still in Tirek's chest. Tirek then jumped onto the rocks he sent Night into and started punching him repeatedly as Night put up a shield to prevent some of the damage. Tirek reared up for one final hit and Night's shield shattered. Night then used the pieces of the shattered shield and focused it into a beam and fired, sending Tirek flying. Night flew towards him while summoning his shield and attempted to bash Tirek with his shield, but the Centaur punched it, stopping the attack cold. The two split apart and Twilight flew behind Tirek and fired a blast at him as Night did so. Tirek put up a shield then grabbed Twilight with his magic and sent her into the ground. Tirek then turned back to Night and the two clashed magic, Tirek slowly overwhelming Night. The alicorn teleported right next to Tirek, pulled the sword out of his chest while bringing lightning towards it, and sliced at Tirek's right eye. Tirek cried out in pain, but his magic stopped bleeding quickly, leaving pure white in Tirek's right eye with a scar that ran from the side of his face and up to the center of his forehead. Tirek let the attack phase him though as he swung a punch at Night that he barely stopped with his shield. Before Night could react, Tirek fired his magic at Night, sending him flying and crashing into the ground.
As Night struggled to get up, he saw Tirek fire another magic beam at his location. Night teleported near Twilight, who was starting to stand up herself. "Twilight, if this keeps up, we won't be able to stop Tirek from getting the Alicorn magic. He's just going to keep separating us till he gets one of us, then he'll be unstoppable," Night told her.
"What's your plan then?" Twilight asked.
"We concentrate all the Alicorn magic into one pony. Celestia's original plan," Night answered. Twilight knew what that meant.
"But you'll be defenseless," Twilight protested.
"It's the only way I can see us winning," Night told her. Before Twilight could protest further, Night kissed her, using the distraction to transfer all the magic to her. When they broke apart, Night fell to the ground.
Twilight's POV
When she and Night pulled apart, Twilight felt a huge surge of energy. She quickly realized what Night just did. When Twilight's body calmed down, Night was laying on the ground. "How foolish of him," Tirek said. He then snapped his fingers and Night disappeared.
"No!" Twilight shouted, trying to grab Night before he disappeared but it was too late, as her hooves hit the dirt.
Twilight felt her anger rising. She had to end this, for every creature. She turned to face Tirek, charged her magic, and took off at incredible speed. Tirek fired his magic at him and Twilight blocked it with a shield. She teleported beneath Tirek and fired her magic at him. The centaur pushed it away and picked up Twilight with his magic before throwing her into a mountain. Before she could hit it, Twilight put up another shield to protect herself. Tirek then flew into her sending both threw the mountain. Twilight let her shield drop before teleporting above Tirek and blasting him to the ground with her magic. Twilight then flew down and sent a beam at Tirek, further sending him into the ground. Twilight landed but Tirek's magic carved the area around her before he stood up and threw it with Twilight on it. She jumped off and flew toward Tirek, who slammed his arms into the ground causing stone pillars to rise in her path. Twilight blasted threw them easily before she and Tirek fired powerful magic beams at each other, causing a huge explosion.
The two emerged from the rubble of their attack, glaring at each other. "It appears we are at an impasse. How about a trade, Princess Twilight?" Tirek asked, summoning bubbles that held her friends, Night, Spike, and Discord. "Their release for all the Alicorn magic in Equestria," Tirek offered. "What's it going to be, Princess?" Tirek asked.
"Don't do it, Twilight!" Rainbow shouted.
"We aren't worth it!" Fluttershy called out.
"Twilight, please. We'll be fine. Just focus on protecting Equestria's magic," Night told her.
"Enough! I want an answer, and I want it now!" Tirek shouted.
Looking at her friends, she thought of all the things they did together, and her gaze met Night's. At that moment, she knew that she couldn't let them go. "I will give you my magic, in exchange for my friends," Twilight told Tirek.
Gasps were heard from everyone but Discord. "Twilight! What are you doing?!" Night asked in shock.
"As you wish," Tirek said. He snapped his fingers and all the bubbles but Discord's fell to the ground and popped.
"All of my friends," Twilight told Tirek.
"After the way he has betrayed you, you still call him a 'friend'?" Tirek asked in a bit of surprise.
"Release him!" Twilight ordered.
"If that is what you wish," Tirek said. He then snapped again and Discord was freed.
"Thank you Twilight," he said sadly then said something to Fluttershy.
"Your turn," Tirek said. Twilight then felt all the combined energy being pulled out of her. When the feeling cleared, she fell to the ground.
"Twilight!" Night shouted. Her eyes opened just enough to see him running towards her as fast as he could. "Why did you do that?" he asked as Tirek grew a ginormous size, leaving the group alone.
"I had to. I couldn't lose you," Twilight told him. "Any of you," she added to the others, including Discord.
"Tirek tricked me into believing that he could offer me something more valuable than friendship. But there is nothing worth more. I see that now. He lied when he said that this medallion was given as a sign of gratitude and loyalty. But when I say that it is a sign of our true friendship, I am telling the truth," Discord said, taking the medallion and putting it around Twilight's neck.
Twilight then realized what this meant. "You think that might be the last one we need?" Applejack asked.
"We have to get to the chest," Twilight said, and they moved as fast as they could to it.
When they arrived at the Tree of Harmony, everypony stood in front of their key as Twilight brought the medallion to it. I then transformed into her key. "We did it," Night said in awe. A crash was then heard outside.
"Together! I think we have to do this together!" Twilight told her friends. The seven grabbed their keys and turned them at the same time.
Night's POV
When they turned there keys, the top of the chest opened and a rainbow flew out of the chest, except it didn't have the normal colors. It went pink, orange, yellow, white, light blue, purple, then black. The different colored rainbow hit the combined Bravery and Magic elements before the colors that represented the other five elements went to theirs. Night was then surrounded by a black light and saw the girls were being surrounded by light's matching their coats. Night's mane grew longer and had lighter blue shades by his own blue stripe, his wings also got shades of blue on them. Similar things were happening to the girls and they flew up to where Tirek was destroying things. He spotted the large ball of magic that surrounded the Mane 7 and fired at it, but the attack bounced off like it was nothing.
"How is this possible?! You have no magic!" Tirek shouted.
"You're wrong, Tirek! I may have given you my Alicorn magic, but I carry within me the most powerful magic of all!" Twilight shouted back. The ponies then combined their powers and fired on Tirek, taking all the magic from him and absorbing it into themselves and sending Tirek back to Tartarus in his weakened form. They then sent all the magic throughout Equestria, sending it back to the ponies it came from.
When they returned to the Tree of Harmony, the combined power was put back into the chest, though they still had their new forms. Night and Twilight looked at each other and before Night could say what he wanted to say, the Tree then glowed and sent the chest outside the cave. They were then teleported to a new castle in Ponyville and their forms returned to normal.
"Sweet Celestia! Are you all seeing what I'm seeing?" Rarity asked in awe.
"But... whose is it?" Twilight asked.
"I believe it is yours, Princess Twilight," Celestia's voice said. Night turned to see her, Luna, Cadance, Spike, and Discord behind them.
"You're alright!" Night shouted as he ran up to his sisters.
"We are," Luna said happily.
They all walked into the new castle and explored Twilight's new home. "You've been wondering what you are meant to do as a princess. Do you know now?" Celestia asked Twilight.
"As princess, I believe I have the power to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria. That is the role I am meant to have in our world! The role I choose to have! But I didn't defeat Tirek on my own – it took all of us to unlock the chest!" Twilight said, teleporting beside Night and the rest of their friends.
"Then it is unlikely you are meant to take on this task alone," Celestia said, opening another door that revealed seven chairs with one of the cutie marks of the Mane 7 on them with a smaller chair next to Twilight's. Night noticed that his throne was next to Twilight's as well.
"You are now Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship," Celestia announced as the others sat down on their thrones. "But what is the princess of friendship without her friends?" Celestia asked and Pinkie pulled them all into a group hug.
Twilight then brought Discord into it. "Wait a minute, where's my throne?!" he asked.
"After what you just did?" Night asked sarcastically.
"I don't think you're quite there yet," Fluttershy added.
Discord chuckled. "Yes, well, I suppose not," he admitted.
Night then realized now was as good as a time as any for what he wanted to do. "Uh, Twilight, can I talk to you alone?" Night asked her. Luna's eyes widened in realization.
"We'll give you two some time alone then," Luna said quickly, pushing the others outside the room and closing the doors behind her.
"What's going on Night?" Twilight asked.
"Well… We've been together for a long time now and…" Night started, feeling his heart pounding in his chest.
"Yes?" Twilight asked.
"Well… I've been thinking we take it a bit further," Night answered, pulling out the box Luna had given him in the Crystal Empire. He opened the box and a ring sat inside it. The same ring that Midnight Eclipse had given to Bright Star. "Twilight… will you marry me?" Night asked.
Twilight's eyes widened in shock and she smiled, tears coming out of her eyes. "Yes. Of course I will," Twilight answered, hugging Night and the two shared a deep kiss.
My goodness, this was a long one. But it was definitely worth it. Just so you all know, college just started for me this week so my updating process will be slower. I'll update when I can but no promises on a schedule. Epilogue will be out tomorrow though, so look forward to that.