Friendship is Magic: The Seventh Element

by Master Mr B

"When the sixth element is revealed, a special element can appear that is a combination of the other six. It serves as the controller that bounds the power if the six elements together. But nobody, not even the royal sisters, have ever uncovered this...Seventh Element..." Follow my OC as he takes part in the adventures of FiM. And possibly win the heart of Twilight Sparkle...

149. To Where and Back Again Part 2

To Where and Back Again Part 2

Pony's Log Number 626: A pony's true strength comes from pure love...

(As usual, I don't do "Previously On My Little Pony" segments)

(Main theme)

Starlight, Trixie, Diamond Tiara, Shenran, Thorax, and Discord continued to look at the ominous looking tower in the distance. Discord was still trying to make sense of his off-target magic.

"Oh, this is so strange," Discord said out loud, "We're here and that's there, and I clearly meant for us to be there and not here."

"Can't you just admit you're magic is off today?" Shenran remarked impatiently.

"Oh, I-I can probably explain-" Thorax tried to speak up.

"Oh, well," Discord interrupted, "If at first you don't succeed..." Discord went to snap his fingers again.

"Wait!" Diamond Tiara shouted.

"Maybe we should come up with a plan first," Starlight suggested as she held Discord's fingers frozen with his magic.

"A what?" Discord asked as he literally blew off the magic glow from his fingers.

"You know," Trixie remarked annoyingly, "figuring out the best way to do something before you actually do it."

"And actually using your brain," Diamond Tiara added, "since you claim to be so intellectually superior to the rest of us." Diamond Tiara didn't resist adding a snooty tone to the end of her sentence. Discord just laughed.

"Oh, that's adorable," said Discord, "But you see, unlike you, I can do anything."

"And yet my wife and her friends beat you stupid easily," Shenran muttered under his breath.

"Uh, actually-" Thorax tried to protest, but was cut off again.

"That's all very nice, but really a waste of time," Discord replied as he put a finger over Thorax's mouth and patted Trixie's hat so it covered her face, "We have me. And what else could we possibly need?" Trixie just lifted her hat and just glared at him.

"A draconequus with magic and half a brain might help," Trixie remarked in a snarky tone.

"I second that suggestion," Diamond Tiara replied.

"I third it," Shenran added, "now let's make that happen." Discord just scoffed at Shenran as he leaned into Trixie and Diamond Tiara's face.

"Why are you two here again?" said Discord to Trixie, "I mean, it's not you like you're going to stop the changelings by pulling a rabbit out of a hat." Discord then grabbed Trixie's hat and pulled out...another Trixie. The two Trixies just glared at him. He then slithered to Diamond Tiara, "And how on earth is putting little miss self-proclaimed princess at risk going to be useful? What can she do?"

"Alot more than you can," Diamond Tiara replied sternly, "Don't underestimate me, or Trixie, just because she does performance magic doesn't mean she can't do anything useful!" Trixie smiled, grateful for the little filly defending her. Discord rolled his eyes.

"Yes, well, at the end of the day," Discord replied plainly, "At least, my magic can do something." Trixie and Diamond Tiara just rolled their eyes.

"The thing about magic here is-" Thorax tried to explain, but was cut off again.

"Like this!" Discord bragged as he snapped his fingers. This made a Pigasus appear and he was riding it wearing some knight's clothing and holding a javelin.

"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me!" Shenran said, feeling offended by the mocking knight's outfit.

"Discord, will you listen to Thorax?!" Diamond Tiara snapped but Discord wouldn't listen.

"For Fluttershy!" Discord called out, "Yaah!" Discord then whipped the reins to the Pigasus, which oinked as they went to change the tower, but just as they went over the edge of the cliff.

"YAAAAAAAH!" Discord yelped as both his armor and the Pigasus vanished into nothingness. Discord barely caught the edge of the cliff to avoid falling. Discord quickly crawled up and snapped his fingers to make his Pigasus appear again. He then commanded the pig to charge ahead. The Pigasus did, but faded out once it passed the edge of the cliff. Trixie, Starlight, Diamond Tiara, Shenran, and Thorax just watched Discord make a fool of himself with blunt looking faces.

"I've been trying to tell you!" Thorax said firmly, "Nothing other than changeling magic works here. Chrysalis' throne is carved from an ancient dark stone that soaks up outside magic the same way changelings soak up love. It's how she keeps the hive safe." Starlight then lit up her horn and when she reached the edge of the cliff, the glow from her horn faded away.

"But...I will admit though...I've never seen the throne absorb magic from this far away," said Thorax and then gasped, "Could she have...oh no...I think she has! She's finally perfected it!"

"Perfected what, Thorax?" Diamond Tiara asked worriedly.

"It could be that Chrysalis has finally perfect her petrifying spell!" Thorax remarked.

"A petrifying spell?!" said Starlight in horror.

"And, if I might ask, how would a turning things to stone expand her throne's power?" Discord asked bluntly.

"Not turn things to stone, but turning ponies into stone!" Thorax replied, "For years now, Chrysalis has been working on a spell that would turn anypony into the same dark stone as her throne, putting them into a complete state of hibernation, and leave all of their love free for the taking!" The others gasped.

"Wait..." Diamond Tiara trembled, "A-A-A-Are you saying..."

"You couldn't possibly mean..." Shenran added fearfully.

"If my intuition is correct," said Thorax, "Chrysalis might have used that very spell on Mario! It's the only way she could get enough magic to expand the magic of her throne from this far away." All but Discord cringed fearfully.

"So, uh," Trixie stuttered as she looked at Starlight, "What kind of plan were you thinking?"

"Without magic, I have no idea," said Starlight, "But nopony else is coming. So somepony better come up with something because Shenran is the only...wait! Shenran, what about your keyblade?! If Chrysalis's throne absorbs all magic..."

"Hey, you're right," said Shenran, "Let me try something!" Shenran then concentrated so his keyblade emanated some flames, aka fire magic. He then hovered over the edge of the cliff. To their relief, the magic he was using didn't fade out.

"Whoa!" said Shenran as he looked his keyblade and rushed back to the other side of the cliff.

"What's wrong, Shenran?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"There's apparently a meter here that shows how much magic my keyblade has," said Shenran as he pointed to a little circular gauge. The pink coloring showed that the meter was about three-quarters full, but then slowly began to refill.

"Just what I thought," said Shenran, "Once I cross that barrier, the magic I have for use is limited and once it drains. I'll have no more magic to use. Yet if I'm away from the barrier, the magic regenerates over time."

"So you only have so much magic at your disposal and if you're not careful with it..." Trixie said worriedly.

"...I could end up a sitting duck when I confront Chrysalis," Shenran finished, "It's probably best I don't use my keyblade's magic until that time."

"Agreed," said Starlight, "So anypony else have any ideas?" Shenran, Trixie, Thorax, and Discord just gave her blank looks. Diamond Tiara just closed her eyes and pondered.

"Anypony? Anything?" Starlight asked as the group just gave her worriedly looks. Starlight groaned.

"Wait! I think I have an idea," said Diamond Tiara, "The throne is what's keep our magic null, or in Shenran's case, limited correct?"

"Hmm," Starlight pondered, "Yes...it is. This throne - if we get into the hive and destroy it, can we get our magic back?"

"Uh-huh!" said Thorax, "but there is one problem..."

"What might that me?" Starlight asked with another groaned.

"If Chrysalis has petrified Mario and is using his love magic to power her throne further," Thorax explained, "we'll need to find a way to remove him from the throne before destroying it."

"Wouldn't Mario be freed once the throne is destroyed?" Discord asked.

"No, the magic itself if what's keeping Mario in hibernation, and alive, but if the very stone he's contained in gets shattered," Thorax replied fearfully, "Mario could be destroyed!" The others gasped loudly. Diamond Tiara bit her lower lip and trembled.

"You...you mean...we'll have to destroy master?" Diamond Tiara squeaked as tears started falling from her eyes. She covered her eyes and began to cry.

"Oh, please don't cry, Di," said Thorax as he patted her shoulder, "I'm just saying we can't just walk up and smash the throne! If we're quick and careful about it, Mario will be okay."

"Thorax is right, Di," Trixie added, "As long as we have a plan, we will rescue Mario. Nopony wants to see him be destroyed."

"Oooh! Do I sense a bit of an...interest in Mario, hmm?" Discord teased.

"Well, can you blame me?!" Trixie snapped, "Mario is a big sweetheart and he is willing to look past my mistakes to love and accept me! If Twilight hadn't taken him, I'd love to be his wife!" Trixie then bit her lip as she realized what she had blurted out. She then gave the others a fierce glare.

"That does NOT leave this group, understand!" Trixie warned in a low tone.

"Trixie, it's okay," said Diamond Tiara, "I feel the same way. If only he was available and I was a little older. Mario is really likeable because he's so sweet and lovable. But if it will make you feel better, we won't say a word, right guys?" Starlight, Thorax, and Shenran smiled. Discord just smirked deviously and looked away.

"Discord?" Diamond Tiara warned as the others glared at him, Discord huffed.

"Fine, mum's the word," said Discord, but it was debatable if anypony believed him.

"So, let's get to that throne so we can free Mario and destroy its power," Diamond Tiara told the group.

"Sounds like a plan," said Shenran as the others smiled.

"Well, that's a terrible plan," said Discord, "How are we even supposed to get to the hive?"

"We walk," said Trixie bluntly as all but Discord carefully headed down the cliffside to the lower wasteland below.

"I haven't walked that far in a millennia!" Discord complained as he pulled down on his eyelids.

"You can do it, Discord," said Shenran before adding with a smirk, "Unless you're afraid we'll all see just how physically unfit you really are."

"Now don't you go sassing me, Shenran!" Discord retorted indignantly, "Only Fluttershy is allowed to sass me!" Trixie, Diamond Tiara, and Starlight groaned. Thorax and Shenran gave him annoyed looks.

It wasn't long before they were about less than halfway across the wasteland. Discord didn't waste much time whining.

"Oh, I don't know how any of you manage not being able to disappear and reappear whenever you want!" Discord complained.

"Well, I, for one, definitely miss you being able to disappear!" Trixie remarked as Starlight, Thorax, and Shenran gave Discord a skeptical look.

"Yeah," Diamond Tiara added irritably, "are you going to complain the entire way to the hive?"

"Gee, mother," Discord remarked, "I just might consider it!"

"Just shut it and move it, Discord," Shenran said sternly.

"Okay, everypony," said Starlight, trying to keep peace, "Give Discord a break. None of us knew we weren't going to be able to use magic."

"I did," said Thorax.

"We know, Thorax," said Diamond Tiara, "I know I should show Discord empathy, but he was so determined to learn that lesson the hard way and won't listen to reason."

"Okay, I'm sorry I ignored you! Ya happy!" Discord snapped, Diamond Tiara turned around and gave him a toothy smile. Discord just rolled his eyes as Thorax chuckled. Starlight then realized something as she ran up ahead to make Trixie and the others stop walking.

"If we get separated, it might make sense to have a way to make sure we are who we say we are," Starlight suggested.

"Hey, that is a good idea," said Shenran as Diamond Tiara nodded in agreement.

"Oh! Like a secret code!" said Discord, "How about if I say "we are" and you say "doomed"? Or you say "rescued" and I say..." Discord then tripped and fell down on his face.

"How about if we say "klutzy" and you say "draconequus"?" Trixie suggested with a smirk.

""Klutzy draconequus" works for me," said Starlight.

"Me too," said Diamond Tiara with a smile.

"I'll definitely remember it," said Thorax.

"I was gonna suggest, you say "Discord" and I say "stupid"," Shenran remarked, "But I like Trixie's idea. Let's stick with that." Neither of the ponies noticed that Discord was giving them all death glares. The group soon continued on their way when Starlight slowed down a bit so she and Diamond Tiara were walking side by side.

"Are you holding up okay?" Starlight asked, "I don't mean to sound overprotective, but you are still a filly and..."

"I'm fine, Starlight," said Diamond Tiara, "but if you want some proof. I see some area up ahead where I can show you what I can do."

"Di, I'd rather not see you do anything reckless," Starlight warned.

"This isn't recklessness," said Diamond Tiara as she put on a gold bracelet on her wrist, "This gold ring increased my top running speed. And now this is me showing you that I can handle myself in this place. Just watch!" Diamond Tiara then rushed up ahead.

"Di wait!" said Starlight called out, but Diamond Tiara was determined to show what she could do.

(Cue "At Dawn" from Sonic Adventure)

Diamond Tiara quickly began to accelerate down the path. Within a couple of seconds, she was moving very quickly, Starlight and the others were shocked so see that her four hooves were now making a pinwheel motion as she dashed about the uneven path. She then curled into a ball as she approached a bridge where some changelings were jump up into the air and back down into the gap. Diamond Tiara then zoomed across the bridge, knocking out all the changelings as they were on the bridge. She then hit a curve on the ground which uncurled her body, but her hooves were still moving in a pinwheel as she made a soft landing on the ground. Diamond Tiara then amazed everypony by spin jumping up some rocky platforms that were moving about on their own in the air. A few changelings hovered over to try and attack her, but Diamond Tiara just use a spin jump to knock them way. Once she reached the top of a higher platform, she began to moved forward again. She then ran across the end of the ledge and jumped to some more floating platforms. Starlight and the others, who were following behind as best as they could on the lower paths, cringed when the ground at the edge of the platform crumbled and then the platforms Diamond Tiara hopped cross fell just seconds after she landed on them. Then she and the others came to a point where there were not one, but two loop-de-loops ahead.

"Di...!" Starlight said worriedly. Diamond Tiara just smirked as she used another spin dash to increased her speed a bit and then ran through both loop-de-loops without missing a beat. All but Trixie's jaw dropped in shock.

"I knew she's make it through," Discord remarked in a bored tone as the others shot him a glare. Diamond Tiara then jumped into a red spring, which sent her up to a very high platform and making her a twirl before she land on her hooves. There to greet her were a few more changelings, but Diamond Tiara did a spin jump into one changeling, and then bounced over to the other three in succession. She then landed on the ground as she made her way across some rising and falling platforms. Once she reached some more solid ground, she was soon moving downward, through another loop-de-loop and then shot upward from another curved slope into the air. Some more yellow springs bounced her about to make her look like she was flipping and wall jumping until she landed on a swinging platform. Diamond Tiara rode each platform until she reached another swinging platform and jumped onto that one. Along the way, changelings tried to attack her again, but she spin jumped to knock them away easily. Then she went for another sprint and raced past a sign post that had Chrysalis's face on it. The post spun around until it showed her face instead.

(Cue "Act clear" fanfare)

Diamond Tiara then came to a stop and breathed deeply to regain her breath. It was a few seconds later the rest of the group caught up by using alternative ways to get to the goal.

"Diamond Dazzle Tiara!" said Starlight in a motherly tone and since the filly told the lilac unicorn her middle name. Diamond Tiara looked worried since Starlight had a stern look on her face. But then the lilac unicorn smiled.

"That was the coolest thing I've ever seen!" Starlight said excitedly, "I knew Mario was teaching you parkour, but...wow!"

"I had no idea you were so agile, Di!" said Thorax, "You're really awesome!" Diamond Tiara blushed.

"Yes, yes, this was the perfect place for the little filly to show off!" Discord retorted.

"Hey! I wasn't showing off!" Diamond Tiara protested in a defensive tone, "I just wanted to show that I can handle myself. That's all! I didn't make all that stuff appear you know!"

"Well, you certainly did prove yourself," said Starlight, "I do feel a little better knowing you'll be able to take care of yourself in there. But...where did that little parkour course lead us to exactly?" Diamond Tiara smiled.

"The back door," Diamond Tiara replied. The group then looked around and saw that they were at the backside of the tower. An area that wasn't heavily guarded like the front side. This put a smile on everypony's faces.

At the main entrance, two changeling guards were standing post at the front opening. But thanks to Diamond Tiara's special route, they were able to peek out from some spiked rocks just near the entrance hole and behind the guards. Thorax then gestured for the group to head inside of a nearby hole and flew inside. Discord stood low so Trixie, Diamond Tiara, and Starlight could climb his back to get inside. Shenran simply hovered inside since he was Pegasus. Discord then climbed inside as well. All but Thorax were shocked to see that the area was a very big and confusing labyrinth.

"Okay, I'm definitely glad you came," Trixie remarked to Thorax, cowering fearfully, "I don't think we'd be able to find our way without you."

"You definitely wouldn't," said Thorax when he felt a fore-leg wrap around his own.

"You...umm...mind if I hold your fore-leg please?" Diamond Tiara asked timidly since she was feeling very scared. Thorax smiled.

"Not at all," Thorax replied, Diamond Tiara smiled and felt better. But then the entrance suddenly sealed up.

"Uh, where's the way out?" Trixie squeaked.

"It's a changeling hive," Thorax answered, "It shifts and changes like we do, and we're the only ones who can navigate it. It's total chaos to non-changelings."

"Well, it's decent chaos," Discord remarked, "I don't know if I'd call it "total"."

"Well, your chaos and this chaos do share one thing in common," Shenran remarked, "They're both totally annoying." Discord huffed as Trixie giggled.

"Good one, Shenran!" Trixie replied.

"As master would say, "Momma-mia!"," said Diamond Tiara and looked at Shenran, "How in Equestria did you get out of here?"

"Remember that I burrowed my way underground?" Shenran replied rather hastily.

"Oh right sorry," said Diamond Tiara and sighed, "Well, if there's one thing master and I cannot stand, it's RNG."

"RNG?" Starlight remarked.

"Random Number Generator," Diamond Tiara explained, "because you can't exactly plan your path or destination in this place. We probably won't find the throne by nothing other than dumb luck!" The group then headed through another hole with Discord being at the back of the line. he then quickly pulled his tail though since the hole started closing up and would have cut his tail off.

A short while later, the group made their way down some stairs and were soon finding themselves walking upward instead of down.

"Are we sure that I'll get my magic back when we destroy this throne thingy?" Discord asked.

"If Thorax is right, then yes," said Starlight, "and if Thorax is right about Mario, we'll need to think of a way to free him from the throne first."

"Well, that reassuring," Discord remarked sarcastically and then snorted.

"Oh are you sure Mario is really that vulnerable being petrified?" Discord asked the group, "That pony is the more durable than some of the largest dragons in Equestria! Like he would shatter if we simply just smashed the throne right on the spot!"

"Normally I would agree," said Thorax, "But remember that Mario's body is made out of dark stone. That stuff is magically strong, but also very breakable."

"Oh..." said Discord, "And I suppose we couldn't..."

"We're not taking that chance!" Shenran said sternly, "If you think seeing Fluttershy cry was a horrible sight, do you really want to see Twilight in the same condition if you accidentally smash Mario to smithereens?" Discord then cringed.

"Good point," said Discord wearily, "And this isn't even assuming Twilight's gonna try to kill me before or after she falls apart." It was then the group stopped moving.

"That does bring up a good question though," Trixie pointed out, "How are we supposed to destroy the throne when we find it? And...let me finish! How are we supposed to remove Mario from the throne, if he's even there, before we destroy it?" She and Discord gave Starlight hopeful smiles.

"I...don't know," said Starlight, "Shenran...do you think you could use your keyblade to free him?" Shenran pondered to himself.

"I could," said Shenran, "But who knows just how much of my keyblade's magic it would take to do so. I mean, if it comes down to it, freeing Mario comes first over getting our magic back."

"Say who-oooooo..." Discord then bit his tongue when he saw everypony giving him fierce glared, "I mean...you're right. Freeing Mario comes first." Discord then muttered bitterly, "I guess..."

"So...any other ideas on what we can do?" Diamond Tiara asked, "I really think Shenran should conserve his magic for Chrysalis when we finally face her, unless we have no other choice in saving master." There was a long silence.

"That's reassuring," Trixie muttered sarcastically afterward as Discord had a bored look on his face.

"Well I don't hear you giving any ideas," Shenran remarked.

"and what's your excuse, other than hoarding the only source of magic we have?" Trixie snapped but then found Discord was searching through her saddle bags.

"I don't suppose you brought any throne-destroying tools along with these useless sideshow props," Discord asked as he continued to shuffle through the cerulean unicorn's things.

"Asks the Lord of Chaos who can't go for a walk without whining nonstop," Trixie remarked as Shenran nodded in agreement.

"Yes, but when the throne is destroyed, and Mario is rescued beforehand," Discord pointed out, "I'll be able to rip the very fabric of reality to save our friends, while you'll still be a self-absorbed, below-average illusionist!" Discord then pulled Trixie's hat over her eyes.

"Self-absorbed?!" Trixie spluttered in rage.

"That's low Discord!" Shenran retorted in Trixie's defense, "Trixie may have an ego issues, but she works harder than anypony trying to improve her magical talents!"

"Yeah!" Trixie snapped, grateful for the support.

"And this is coming from a washed out-Royal Guard who spends his days being Fluttershy's maid and slave," said Discord, "Some marriage if you ask me! You're in no better condition than Miss sad-excuse-for-a-magician here!"

"Why, you...!" Trixie and Shenran said together in rage, snarling at Discord as they got into his face. Starlight then pushed the two ponies and draconequus apart.

"Cut. It. Out!" Starlight scolded angrily, "I'm just barely keeping it together, and it would be wonderful if you two could actually try to help instead of bickering like foals! Diamond Tiara seems to be the only pony around here acting like an adult!" Starlight then stomped off. The three others glared at Diamond Tiara, who said nothing.

"I'm surprised you're not rubbing what Starlight said in our faces," Trixie called out. Diamond Tiara sighed.

"Because I know better," Diamond Tiara replied, "Seriously, can you three at least try to be helpful? Starlight isn't the only one trying to avoid a panic attack right now and despite not coming up with any ideas! I'm actually trying to come up with something!" Diamond Tiara huffed and went to follow Starlight. The others just slumped over in defeat.

"Okay," said Discord.

"Sorry," said Shenran, feeling rather embarassed that he, once again, let Discord get under his skin.

"How can we help?" Trixie asked.

"Don't ask me!" Starlight retorted, "I couldn't even handle giving advice at the Sunset Festival, and I had magic then! And with Shenran's keyblade magic in reserve, the four of us are as good as useless! At least Thorax knows where we are going!"

"Um, guys?" Thorax told the group slowly, "I think we're lost." The group then arrived in an area what was more random and twisted that the first area.

"Oh, great," said Trixie as she dumped her gear into the ground, "We might as well just sit here and wait for the changelings to soak up our love or whatever gross thing it is they do." Diamond Tiara groaned loudly.

"No way in Equestria am I gonna just sit here to get fed on," said Diamond Tiara angrily, "I came here to save master and our friends! And I'm not gonna let some stupid, randomly generated labyrinth stop me from rescuing the only family who's ever loved and accepted me!" Diamond Tiara then sat down and held her head.

"Come on, Di, think of something, girl!" Diamond Tiara told herself, "You used to come up with nefarious schemes all the time when you were bad. Why can't you come up with a plan on the fly now that you're a good girl? Being good shouldn't make a difference! I can do this! I can do this! I can do this!" Diamond Tiara growled inwardly as she clutched her head harder and her body trembled.

"I GOT NOTHING!" Diamond Tiara cried out and buried her face into the ground, whimpering.

"Di, calm down," said Starlight, "Pressuring yourself isn't gonna make help you come up with any ideas. Plus you need to keep it down or you'll alert the other changelings about us."

"Sorry..." Diamond Tiara whimpered, "I just don't want to sit here and let them take my love away, especially if I've got alot of love magic inside of me like that other changeling said."

"How often do you all get hungry?" Trixie asked Thorax.

"Actually, I haven't been since I met Spike and Di," said Thorax, "and changelings are always hungry. We can never get enough love."

"Well, that's just super-" Trixie tried to retort.

"Wait just a second there!" said Diamond Tiara as Starlight covered Trixie's mouth, "Thorax isn't hungry for love anymore?!"

"But you aren't hungry at all now?" Starlight asked as Discord just didn't some stretches on behind them.

"Huh," said Thorax, "Once I made a few friends, I guess I just sort of forgot about the whole feeding thing."

"Very interesting," said Shenran as he rubbed his chin with a fore-hoof.

"Is that about the same time your wings changed?" Starlight asked the changeling.

"I guess so," said Thorax as he flapped his glittery wings. Diamond Tiara pondered.

"I get the feeling that information might be useful later on, better make a mental note of it," Diamond Tiara muttered to herself. Her train of thought was interrupted when Discord yawned.

"While I would love to sit around chitchatting about feeding and not feeding!" Discord said before shouting boldy, "I have a Fluttershy to save!" His voice echoed throughout the area.

"Discord, what are you doing?!" Diamond Tiara scolded in a loud whisper.

"Can you please lower your voice?!" Trixie remarked in a hush tone, "You're gonna get us all captured!"

"And need I remind you that Fluttershy is expecting me to save her!" Shenran added angrily in a hushed tone as well.

"Oh, you keep saying that," Discord replied dismissively, "but I haven't seen an actual changeling since we got into the hive."

"And we would love to keep it that way, stupid!" Shenran snapped through gritted teeth. Suddenly, the group heard the sound of some rather menacing buzzing as they all looked upwards.

"Uh oh..." Diamond Tiara whimpered.

"W-what's that?" Trixie.

"Trouble if you ask me," said Shenran worriedly.

"A changeling patrol!" Thorax exclaimed. A swarm of five changelings came buzzing down a tunnel in their direction. Discord, Trixie, and Shenran looked worried as Starlight and Diamond Tiara were comforting Thorax since the poor changeling was hyperventilating.

"This seems like one of those moments where we need a plan," Discord remarked.

"Oh, now you want to come up with a plan?" Shenran retorted irritably.

"What kind of plan?!" Trixie said frantically, "We have no magic, and it's not like my illusions are gonna save us!"

"Illusions...illusions..." Diamond Tiara pondered and then smiled, "Wait that's it! Starlight, remember that little trick Trixie used to save you at the Sunset Festival?"

"Why would...wait, I get it!" said Starlight, "Trixie, do you have any of those smoke bombs Shenran let you borrow?"

"Are you kidding?" Trixie answered, smirking since she had caught on with what Diamond Tiara had in mind.

It wasn't long before the changelings appeared and found that there was nopony to be seen.

"Looking for somepony?" Trixie taunted as she smirked at the five changelings. She then threw down a smoke bomb and disappeared. The five changelings were stunned when they past right through Trixie's smoke and found that she was gone.

"Is that the best you've got?" Trixie taunted again and laughed. The five changelings snarled and charged at her, but Trixie kept using her smoke bombs to disappear several times. She then made a run for it as the five changelings chased after her. Meanwhile, Starlight, Discord, Diamond Tiara, and Shenran just watched the ruckus from above with another hole. They took note that two changelings then took another turn into another tunnel as it closed up behind them.

"Not exactly great and powerful, but effective," Discord remarked.

"Hm, I'll take it," Trixie said smugly as she appeared with a second Trixie behind her. Starlight, Shenran, Diamond Tiara, and Discord winced.

""Klutzy"...," Starlight, Shenran, and Diamond Tiara said.

"..."draconequus"!" said Trixie and Thorax. The latter revealed that he had changed his appearance to look like Trixie as part of the plan. Starlight and Diamond Tiara sighed with relief.

"Ugh, I really think we need a new code word!" Discord suggested.

"Okay, we were also good with this," said Shenran, "I say Discord..."

"..We say "stupid"!," Starlight, Trixie, Thorax, and Diamond Tiara said together. Discord groaned.

"Nevermind, our current code word is fine," Discord remarked begrudgingly.

"Getting back on track," said Thorax, "That was a pretty good plan."

"But we still don't know where we're going," said Trixie.

"Good point," said Diamond Tiara, "We can't keep just wondering around hoping we'll get lucky. We need to find the throne room now!"

"Actually, we might," said Starlight, "Two of the changelings didn't go with the rest."

"Oh!" said Thorax, "With an intruder in the hive, they went to protect the queen! Good thinking, Starlight!" The rest of the group gave the lilac unicorn smiles as Starlight just gave a embarassed but cute little laugh.

Soon the group reached what appeared to be a tall tower and a spiral staircase. Several other changelings were also flying about on patrol. The group cautiously peeked out from another hole at the bottom of the tower. Then they quickly headed up the stairs as quickly and quietly as they could. Once they were near the top of the staircase, they quietly peeked up from the top stairs to see six changeling guards standing before a large thick green curtain.

"I'm guessing the throne room is behind that curtain," said Diamond Tiara.

"About time!" said Shenran, "I'm itching to give my keyblade a good workout and save my wife and the rest of our friends."

"Now what?" Trixie asked.

"We...go in," said Starlight slowly. Thorax then cowered back fearfully.

"Even if I wanted to," said Thorax, "there's no way past the guards. We'll be spotted for sure!"

"We need some kind of...distraction," Starlight suggested.

"I'm fresh out of smoke bombs," said Trixie.

"And I'm guessing you want me to keep my keyblade out of sight until we reach Chrysalis," Shenran pointed out.

"I could initiate a Ponymon battle against them!" said Diamond Tiara, "I am fully charged and ready to go."

"Di, you promised me you wouldn't do anything reckless!" Starlight remarked.

"Well, the others could sneak in until I tire them out," Diamond Tiara pointed out, "plus you know I've gotten really strong fighting Ponymon battles."

"It's still too dangerous," said Starlight.

"Normally, I'm the most distracting thing I can think of," Discord interjected, "but without magic..." Starlight, Diamond tiara, and Shenran then smirked.

"You shouldn't underestimate yourself," said Starlight. Discord then gave the lilac unicorn a skeptical look. A few minutes later, another changeling entered through the curtain. Discord then appeared before them holding a mic in his claw.

"Hello, changelings and changelettes!" Discord announced as he tapped his mic, "Believe me, I was just as surprised as you are that I'm here! When I heard that I'd be playing for a bunch of changelings, I was beside myself! Then I realized, it was just one of you."

BA-DUM-TISH!

The six changeling guards just snarled at him. Discord laughed nervously.

"But, seriously," Discord continued, "this isn't the toughest crowd I've ever been in front of. But it's definitely the easiest to bug!"

BA-DUM-TISH!

The six guards just gave the draconequus some funny looks.

""To bug"?" Discord repeated and tapped his microphone, "Is this thing on?" The guard just slowly and menacingly approached him. Discord cowered back at bit nervously. In the background, Starlight, Trixie, Diamond Tiara, Shenran, and Thorax all rushed past the curtain as quickly and quietly as they could.

"Well, if you think that you can do any better, be my guest!" said Discord as he tossed the mike away and ran for his life. The rest of the group watched as Discord lead the guards away.

"It is absolutely ridiculous that that worked," Trixie remarked to the others.

"I agree," said Diamond Tiara, "But since he did lure the guards away, I'm not complaining." Starlight just chuckled.

Back with Discord, The guards wasted no time chasing after him. Discord then found a tall column to hide behind as the guards rushed past his location. Once the coast was clear, Discord came out of his hiding place.

"It is certainly a pleasure to have such dedicated fans," Discord remarked, "I'll have to come back with some new material after I rescue Fluttershy." Discord then turned to leave and go rejoin the others when he heard a familiar whimpering.

"Please, help!" the voice whimpered. Discord turned to see a familiar yellow Pegasus.

"Fluttershy!" Discord exclaimed as he saw the Pegasus crying and her long pink tail was trapped under a rock.

"Discord! I'm stuck!" Fluttershy called out.

"You certainly are," Discord replied, "And I should probably help you get free." Discord then leaned down to free the yellow Pegasus's tail, but then stopped himself.

"But...oh-ho-ho-ho-ho..." Discord chortled knowingly.

"But what?" asked Fluttershy.

"But you are obviously not Fluttershy!" Discord pointed out and waved a finger back and forth.

"Oh," said Fluttershy sadly.

"I mean," Discord continued, "I'm separated from the group and just happen to come across the one pony I care most about? I can smell this set up a mile away." Fluttershy began to cry.

"No, you're right," she sobbed, "There's no way you should trust me. Just go find the others. I understand!" Fluttershy stared wailing, but Discord wasn't going to be convinced.

"Oh, come on!" Discord exclaimed. It was then he heard the same crying. He turned around and there before him was Fluttershy! Dozens of Fluttershys! And they were all pleading, crying, and weeping too. Discord was left in a state of shock.

"We're probably all changelings!" said one Fluttershy that was trapped, "You shouldn't rescue any of us. Unless, you think, maybe one of us might be the real Fluttershy. Oh, that certainly would be a nasty changeling trick, wouldn't it?" The fact this Fluttershy had a devious tone and sinister smile was an obvious clue that this was a trap, but Discord seemed to have fallen for it. While he knew there was no way they could all be Fluttershy, he couldn't help but wonder...what if the real one was amongst the crowd of fakes?

"I'm the real one," said a second Fluttershy.

"I'm the real one," said a third Fluttershy.

"I'm the real Fluttershy," said a fourth. Poor Discord was too stunned to move.

Back with the others, they had hidden themselves behind a crack in the tunnel to avoid being seen. Thorax was keeping watch for Discord's return, but was worried since the draconequus was taking a long time to return.

"We can't wait for Discord," Thorax told the others, "Between seeing him and Trixie, the castle will be crawling with guards soon."

"As much as I hate to say this," said Shenran, "but we can't just leave him behind."

"But if we do manage to remove Mario from the throne and destroy Chrysalis's throne," Starlight pointed out, "We'll need him. He could take on the entire changeling army by sneezing if he wanted to."

"If that's true, then why am I here?" Shenran retorted jealously.

"Uh, you're supposed to confront Chrysalis one on one," Starlight pointed out.

"Oh...right," said Shenran sheepishly.

"He's probably already been captured!" Trixie said and shuddered.

"You might be right," said Diamond Tiara worriedly. It was then somepony entered the curtain. It was a familiar draconequus!

"Hello? Fellow rescuers?" Discord called out. The group came out of hiding as Thorax rushed up to him.

"We can't stay here," Thorax told Discord, "We gotta find the throne."

"Ooh!" said Discord giddily, "I heard some of the changelings who were chasing me say that they know where it is?"

"Really?" said Diamond Tiara skeptically as Trixie and Starlight shared similar looks with each other.

""Klutzy"?" Trixie said to him.

"Hmm?" Discord said and laughed, "Oh. Yeah, I-I can be klutzy. Now, follow me." The group did, but with cautious looking faces.

"You know that's not Discord, right?" Starlight whispered to the others.

"Obviously," said Trixie.

"No duh," Diamond Tiara added, "He's way too nice to be the real deal."

"And he's doesn't look as dumb either," Shenran remarked. Thorax just looked worried and said nothing. It wasn't long before the path there were on split into two.

"This way!" said what was now known as a fake Discord, "We're almost there!" Thorax grew even more worried.

"I know this trick," said Thorax, "If he says to go left, we should definitely go right. He's leading us to a swarm of changelings waiting to attack!" Trixie then gave a definitely sigh.

"Okay, I'll handle it," said Trixie, "You four get ready to run into the other tunnel."

"Wait, what?!" Starlight exclaimed in shock, "Trixie, you can't! I won't know what to do! We've already lost Discord, I can't lose you too! Without magic, I-"

"Starlight," said Trixie, "You got us this far with just my illusions, Discord's annoying personality, and Diamond Tiara's quick thinking. You don't need magic to figure what to do next. I know you're afraid to be in charge, but you are really good at it! Listen, to your best friend." Starlight then smiled as the two ponies shared a hug.

"Trixie..." said Diamond Tiara, fighting back tears. She didn't want Trixie to risk herself either.

"You'll be okay," said Trixie, "You're alot smarter than you realize. Just like Starlight, you don't need magic to figure out how to help the group. Trust in your heart and go with what you feel is right. Don't second guess yourself. You promise?" Diamond Tiara smiled as some tears left her eyes.

"I promise," Diamond Tiara croaked bravely. Trixie then gave Diamond Tiara a hug as well before turning to Discord.

"Hey, Discord!" Trixie said confidently, "Want to see the new trick I've been working on?" Trixie then grabbed his claw and placed a cloth over it, "I call it "Changeling Catcher"!" Trixie then removed the cloth to show that they were now tied to together by her multi-colored handkerchiefs.

"RUN!" Trixie yelled as the rest of the group took as fast as they could. The fake Discord seethed with rage as he revealed his true form. The changeling tried to fly away, but found himself tied to Trixie as she tried to hold it back. But then Trixie heard some hissing and found that a huge swarm had been hiding directly above her.

"Ta-da..." Trixie said nervously before...

HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Poor Trixie was buried alive and captured.

The rest of the group was busily running for their lives until they came to a stop to catch their breath. Then behind them, they noticed the shadows of several changelings heading in their direction.

"Split up!" Diamond Tiara called out. This time, nopony questioned her as they all ran through different tunnel surround a spare tunnel in the center. The swarm flew through the center hole as the other holes closed to ensure the others had made their escape.

Now Starlight found herself all alone. She cringed when she saw something ominous in the distance and continued to venture on. Then some green goo went splat on her head. She quickly went to wipe it off and gasped in utter horror. There above her was Discord, Cadance, the six girls, and all the rest high above her contained in green pods upside down. Yet Starlight noticed that somepony was missing.

"Where's...GASP?!"

Starlight then gasped loudly. There underneath all the pods was Chrysalis's throne. Directly underneath the throne was a rectangular square placed securely in the middle of the main support. Inside the rectangular square was...Mario, completely encased in the greenish-black stone and frozen stiff.

"Thorax was right," Starlight said in utter horror, "Chrysalis has petrified Mario in dark stone! And she's using him to power her throne!"

"Indeed I have," said a sinister voice, "You don't know how satisfying it is to have the Element of Love as your own personal buffet of love. Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!" Starlight tried to approach the throne but was stopped by the voice's familiar laughter. It was then revealed that the voice belong to Queen Chrysalis herself! She had been hiding and crawling about the pods containing Celestia and Luna.

"One little pony all by herself, "Chrysalis taunted deviously, "Oh, how will I prevent this daring rescue?" She then made her joints creak as she rotated her head from being upside down to right side up. Starlight cringed as several changelings came out of hiding, screeching and hissing at her. It only took less than a second before Starlight was completely outnumbered and surrounded.

It was only seconds later, that Starlight found herself bound to the ground by her fore-hooves via some changeling goop. Starlight tried to break away, but it was no use.

"Well, well, well," Chrysalis said sinisterly as she hovered off her throne to the lilac unicorn, "The Princess of Friendship's sole pupil. Honestly, I didn't think you were worth replacing with one of my drones."

"You won't get away with this!" Starlight yelled.

"I already have," Chrysalis replied as she held a fore-leg up to the pods above her, "Nopony is coming to save you. Your little squad was it. And now, there's just you." Despite Chrysalis's words, Starlight's demeanor didn't falter.

"Thorax is still out there," Starlight pointed out.

"Don't mention that traitor's name in my kingdom!" Chrysalis snapped angrily as she got into Starlight's face, "He was a fool to leave and a fool to return! When I find him, he'll learn just what happens to those who betray the hive!" Starlight whimpered. And it was a big mistake. The fear in her eyes made something glow past her eyes and Chrysalis noticed it.

"And it seems I don't have to look, do I..." Chrysalis added as she fired a green magic blast at Starlight, revealing that it was actually Thorax in disguise! Thorax whimpered as the other changelings hissed menacingly at him.

"Thorax?" Chrysalis said as she glared at him.

"You leave him alone!" shouted a voice from close by. It was then a changeling was taken by surprise when a pink spinning ball smashed into the back if it. It then smacked into another and another until the ball uncurled itself and landed between Thorax and Chrysalis.

"Di!" Thorax shouted.

"Heard you needed a friend!" said Diamond Tiara.

"You!" Chrysalis snarled, "You're the filly one of drones reported about. (Ugh, how I hate when things come back to bite me.) And its true, there's almost as much love in you as that so called Prince Mario! Guards! Seize her!"

"Thorax, here!" Diamond Tiara shouted as placed the love stone into Thorax's ear. The filly quickly activated her own heart clip to initiate the battle.

(Cue favorite Pokemon "Gym leader" battle theme)

It was then a linear zoetrope appeared as Chrysalis slid in from left to right in the background and Thorax slid in from right to left in the foreground.

Thorax challenged Queen Chrysalis.

Queen Chrysalis sent out a standard elite guard.

Thorax sent out Diamond Tiara.

"YEAH!" Diamond Tiara shouted as she super jumped off of Thorax's back and into battle.

"Di...a-a-are you sure about this?!" Thorax asked. He had a right to be worried. While all changelings that knew the fighting arts of Ponymon and had two different fight types, they all had were trained in bug type abilities. And since Diamond was a fire and ground pony, she actually had the advantage, but some changelings had secondary typings that could make her advantage disappear, or leave her at a disadvantage.

"I'll be fine!" Diamond Tiara replied, "You know what my moves are. Just give me the commands and I'll execute them."

"O-o-okay," said Thorax nervously when he noticed that this changeling guard wore grey armor. Their color armor gave away their secondary type, which n this case was normal.

"Di! Use Slizzy Slide!" Thorax shouted.

"Wouldn't Brick Break work?!" Diamond Tiara asked.

"No, his bug type makes it only effective," said Thorax, "Now go!"

"Doing it!" Diamond Tiara shouted as she made her body erupt in flames.

"GAH!" Diamond Tiara shouted as she lunged herself at the changeling.

POW!

It was super effective!

The guard even flinched, which meant that the guard had lost his turn to attack.

"Di! Another Sizzly Slide!" Thorax called out more confidently. Diamond Tiara smirked as she did the same move once again. It was not only super effective, but a critical hit!

Normal Changeling guard fainted. Chrysalis was furious.

"He was just a warm up," Chrysalis snapped, "Let's see how you'll do against this guard."

Chrysalis sent out a changeling guard wearing yellow armor, which meant its secondary was Electric type.

"Now to see if this is your second fight skill type is," Chrysalis muttered to herself, "this guard is pretty disposable."

"Wuh?" said the guard, now realizing Chrysalis used him as fodder.

"Di, this attack is really gonna bring on the pain!" Thorax called out, "Use Earthquake!" Chrysalis smirked, the changeling guard whimpered. Diamond Tiara made her body coat itself in electricity.

"HI-YA!" Diamond Tiara shouted as she slammed the ground hard with her fore-hooves. The ground surrounding the changeling began to rock and quiver.

POW!

The attack was super effective! Dealing heavy damage since Earthquake was a high-level skill. Chrysalis chuckled.

"Thanks for revealing your fighting types for me," Chrysalis boasted, "And now you've revealed your true weakness. Guard, use Muddy Water!" Diamond Tiara went into shock.

"Uh-oh..." Diamond Tiara squeaked when...

SLOOSH!

The guard created a huge wave of muddy water appear and then it crash landed..

...beside Diamond Tiara!

The attack missed!

"Phew!" Diamond Tiara said with relief, "Good thing that attack isn't very accurate." Chrysalis was furious.

"You told me you never miss with that move!" Chrsalis yelled. The guard only chuckled and sweated nervously in reply.

"Alright, Thorax," said Diamond Tiara firmly, "What do you want me to do?" Thorax quickly recovered.

"Another Earthquake!" Thorax called out. Diamond Tiara then slammed the ground, letting the rumbling damage the guard changeling once again. It was not only super effective, but it was also a critical hit! The guard fainted right after.

"Hmph, no biggie," said Chrysalis confidently, not letting what happen waiver her confidence, "As long as my guards don't faint after the first attack, we'll have no problem taking you down." The other guards cowered back fearfully.

"I'm not gonna go down so easily, Chrysalis!" Diamond Tiara said with determined. Thorax just whimpered. The next two guards turned out to be bit more bulkier than the others. Yet the third guard had orange armor, which meant it was also a fire-type.

"This should limit the damage you can do!" said Chrysalis, feeling very confident. Diamond Tiara and Thorax smirked.

"You do realize that Di here took the time to learn Technical Machines," Thorax said confidently, "She knows a few moves outside her battle types!" Chrysalis was stunned. While she was able to figure out Diamond Tiara's weakness was, she couldn't believe such a young filly could learn moves outside her fight types.

"WHAT?!" was all Chrysalis could say to hearing that.

"Di, use Floaty Fall!" Thorax called out. Diamond Tiara then tied herself to a bunch of balloons, which had rise into the air.

"Going up!" said Diamond Tiara, then the balloons all popped and Diamond Tiara thrust her hind legs downward, "COMING DOWN!" Diamond Tiara came diving hard at the changeling from a sharp angle!

STOMP!

It was Super Effective!

Chrysalis just groaned loudly.

"Don't just stand there! Attack!" said Chrysalis, "Use Sleep powder!" The guard then sprayed some green powder over Diamond Tiara, which immediately put her to sleep.

"Uh-oh, this isn't good," said Thorax, but then was given the shock his life when Diamond Tiara woke up and a heart appeared.

"You call THAT sleeping powder?!" Chrysalis shouted in rage.

"It's not the powder," said Thorax, "Di's love magic allowed her to shake off the sleeping effects!" Chrysalis groaned and cried out loudly as Diamond Tiara used another Floaty Fall to take out the changeling. Then came the fourth changeling, which was a poison type. Even with using Slizzly Slide to deal damage, the changeling was able to use a poison jab to not only deal damage, but it poisoned Diamond Tiara, turning her coat purple. Diamond Tiara shivered painfully as the poison deal additional damage to her.

"Di?" Thorax asked nervously as Chrysalis smirked.

"Just give me the next attack," Diamond Tiara said in a strained tone, "I won't let this poison take me down!" Chrysalis laughed.

"Oh, how cute," said Chrysalis, "You know as well as I do that poison slowly drains your health with every attack." Diamond Tiara bravely glared at her, but deep down inside she was very worried. One fact Chrysalis didn't mention was that the damage poison dealt with increased over time! It also took two additional turns before Diamond Tiara defeated the fourth changeling. But had also take quite a bit of damage from another bug type attack. Diamond Tiara was panting as she finally managed to purge the poison from her body.

"Finally..." said Diamond Tiara in an exhausted tone. Thorax just looked at her worriedly.

"It seems things are turning around in my favor," said Chrysalis, "I think I'll finish you off with this changeling." Chrysalis immediately sent out the fifth guard. This guard wore blue armor. Diamond Tiara gulped.

"Okay...I am in deep trouble!" Diamond Tiara remarked.

"We'll just have to wear the guard down as quickly as we can," said Thorax, "use Zippy Zap!" Diamond Tiara then made her body get covered in electricity.

"Alright," said Diamond Tiara as she charged full speed at the Changeling, "TAKE THAT!"

POW! BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT!

The attack was super effective and a critical hit. But the attack looked like it hardly did any damage at all. Diamond Tiara was shocked.

"That is one bulky changeling!" said Diamond Tiara. Thorax whimpered in reply. Chrysalis laughed.

"Pathetic," Chrysalis remarked, "Guard, use Hydro Pump!" Diamond Tiara gulped.

"Please miss! Please miss!" Diamond Tiara pleaded inwardly since she knew this type of water attack wasn't very accurate. The guard then opened his mouth, causing a beam of water to fire and slam head on into Diamond Tiara! The attack was super effective and Diamond Tiara fainted.

"Di! NO!" Thorax cried out as Diamond Tiara lay motionless. But about two seconds later, her hooves twitched and her eyes opened. Fillies and gentlecolts, Diamond Tiara had survived on only 1 HP! Diamond Tiara slowly but painfully rose up to her hooves and glared sternly at her opponent. Chrysalis was in deep shock.

"WHAT?!" Chrysalis screamed in rage, "That move was supposed to defeat you! It's the most powerful water move in Ponymon and your fourth times as weak against it!" The guard trembled nervously, unable to explain what had happened.

"Guess my will to fight is stronger than you think!" Diamond Tiara said in strained tone despite feeling very tired and battered. Thorax shivered nervously.

This isn't good Thorax thought Strong will isn't gonna keep Di alive for battle much longer. What are we gonna... Thorax then remembered something. He was wearing the love stone that Diamond Tiara placed behind his left ear. Thorax then smiled but then remembered that his fore-hooves were restrained.

Oh great...how can I...wait! Thorax then lifted a hind leg and went to touch the love stone with his hind leg.

"It's showtime!" said Thorax confidently as the love stone began to glow brightly.

Diamond Tiara reacted to the love stone!

Several bands of colors wrapped around Diamond Tiara's body, making her body glow brightly. When the glowing was about to disappear, she grew a large pair of majestic wings and now had a unicorn horn on her forehead. Thorax, Chrysalis, and the rest of the changelings couldn't believe their eyes!

Diamond Tiara evolved into ALICORN Diamond Tiara!

The transformation had also fully restored her health.

"What? What! WHAAAAAAAAAT?!" Chrysalis screamed in rage, "How is this even possible?"

"That's the true power of friendship Chrysalis!" said Thorax, "and she's even has some different moves too! Di! Use Alicorn volley!" Diamond Tiara smiled as she curled up into a ball and began to ricochet about the battlefield, dealing heavy damage to the guard. While the attack wasn't super effective, it didn't need to be. The fifth changeling guard fainted from all the damage.

"Alright! You wanna play dirty!" Chrysalis screamed as she sent out her last guard. This guard had black armor, meaning it was fighting type. He was also about as muscular as Bulk Biceps.

"There's no way you have anything effective against this guard," said Chrysalis, "This guard can take anything you dish out. even a fire attack." Thorax blinked since one of the move that had been replaced was Floaty Fall, which would have been double super effective, but Thorax remembered something. As an alicorn, Diamond Tiara's special moves were three times stronger than her physical moves. He chuckled confidently.

"Guess you weren't listening when I said this, but I'll repeat it," said Thorax smugly, "Di has some new moves as an alicorn! And one of them is super effective against fighters!"

"Wuh?!" Chrysalis squeaked as her jaw dropped.

"Di! Use Glitzy Glow!" Thorax shouted. Diamond Tiara then closed her eyes. Her body started to glow bright pink and the glowing got brighter and brighter.

"YAY!" Diamond Tiara shouted as a huge burst of pink love magic shot out form her body. The guard changeling screamed in terror as the waves of pure magic struck him.

And the attack was super effective!

Most importantly, the guard fainted! While he had a super high physical defense, he actually had a very poor special defense so he didn't stand any chance against Diamond Tiara's magic move. And the most importantly...

And that was the last of Chrysalis's elite guards!

(Cue favorite Pokémon "gym leader victory" song)

"Ugh...idiots..." Chrysalis scoffed as she looked away bitterly, gritting her teeth.

A few seconds later, the area returned to normal, her elite guards were all knocked out and drained. The other changelings were shocked. Diamond Tiara had already powered down and was now hugging Thorax happily.

"We did it, Thorax! We did it!" said Diamond Tiara happily.

"We do make a great team!" said Thorax in reply.

"And it will be the last thing either of you will do together," said Chrysalis in a sinister tone as she approached the changeling and the young filly. It was then they all heard something clinking in the background. Chrysalis turned around. There was Starlight, trying to pry out Mario's stone block...with a small chunk of rock?!

I just gave it my all and nearly got myself defeated and THAT'S all Starlight could think of?! Diamond Tiara thought as Starlight noticed that Chrysalis had spotted her. She whimpered before barley jumping out of the way as Chrysalis fired a magic blast at her.

"Very clever," Chrysalis remarked smugly as she approached her throne to try and find the lilac unicorn, "And clearly Thorax revealed to you the secret of my throne. Also adding a small little filly to fight me to buy yourself time. I can't have the most powerful ponies using their abilities against me. Even with your embarassing little rescue attempt, everything has gone according to my plan."

"What plan?" Starlight asked as she tried to remain hidden inside of the throne, "Why did you do all this?!"

"So I could feed, of course!" said Chrysalis as she stuck her head into Starlight's face, making her fall back, "By replacing the most beloved figures in Equestria, and finally making use of the Element of Love so I can have all the love I need to make me the most powerful being in Equestria, my drones will be able to store all the love meant for them and return it here to me."

"Just...you?" Diamond Tiara asked skeptically as two lesser changeling guards stayed by her side to keep her away from the queen. They, however, didn't bind her.

"Of course!" Chrysalis answered, "Everypony will do as I command and my subjects and I will feed on their love for generations!" She then laughed maniacally as the other changelings hissed supportively. Thorax and Diamond Tiara shared frightened looks on their faces. Neither were certain on what they could do next. Even if Diamond Tiara tried another Ponymon battle, the love stone was drained and would need time to recharge. She wasn't even sure if it could recharge since the throne nulled and absorbed any magic. Starlight then tried to quietly crawl away from the throne, but then she saw Diamond Tiara and Thorax. Starlight then took special notice of Thorax's glittery wings.

"Di! Di!" Starlight called out in a long whisper. Diamond Tiara heard and looked in the lilac unicorn's direction. Starlight then gestured to her and then pointed a fore-leg at Thorax. Diamond Tiara looked a little confused as she looked at Thorax and then his wings. Diamond Tiara then blinked and smiled in realization. She then gave Starlight a wink that she understood. Starlight then nodded and plucked up courage.

"What if you didn't have to?" Starlight asked.

"What if there was a better way to feed that could make a changeling feel satisfied?" Diamond Tiara added, "How nice would that be?" The other changelings listened curiously, but Chrysalis felt threatened by the idea.

"Ridiculous!" said Chrysalis as she landed hard on the floor before Starlight, "The hunger of changelings can never be satisfied!" She then grabbed Starlight by her tail and threw her away. She then picked up Diamond Tiara with her magic, making her squeal, before Chrysalis tossed her into Starlight so they both collided with each other and landed together in a heap. Two changeling guards stood beside them to keep them from escaping.

"Exactly," said Starlight as the guards held her back, "Thorax left the hive and made two friends. He shared love, and now he doesn't need to feed. You don't have to live your lives starving all the time!"

"She's telling the truth, everypony!" Diamond Tiara added as the guards held her back as well, "I happen to be one Thorax's best friends. Even if he did feel hungry for love, he doesn't need to steal it from me. By being my friend, I give it to him freely. Now he's never hungry. Wouldn't you want to feel the same?" The guards then eased off as the other changelings shared curious looks with each other.

"SILENCE!" Chrysalis screamed as Diamond Tiara, making the little filly flinch, as she grabbed both Starlight and Diamond Tiara with her magic, "You or that unicorn know nothing of the changelings of what it takes to be their queen!" Chrysalis then tossed them both towards a wall, Starlight hit the wall back first, but Diamond Tiara collided into Starlight stomach before they both fell to the floor.

"This has nothing with taking over your right as queen," said Diamond Tiara as she tried to stand up, "We're actually trying to help you and your subjects by telling that there is a better way to satisfy their hunger as well as yours!"

"I decide what's best for my subjects, not a pair of some mewling grub!" Chrysalis yelled angrily and defensively.

"I know what it's like to lead by fear and intimidation," said Starlight as she stood up as well, "And I know what it's like to want everypony to do what you say! I was wrong. A real leader doesn't force her subjects to deny who they really are! She celebrates what makes them unique and listens when one of them finds a better way!"

"Starlight's right," Diamond Tiara added as she walked up the changeling queen, "I used to think I had to use fear, intimidation, and outright bullying others was the only way to feel respected and get exactly what I wanted. I didn't care who I had to hurt to get what I wanted, even going so far as to hurt my own family and anypony who thought they could associate with them. I, too, was wrong. If you think using fear and threatening others is going to get you respect! The only thing you're going to find is that nopony respects you at all. They only listen because they haven't found their inner strength to stand up to you, like Thorax has."

"Strength in what?!" Chrysalis demanded as Diamond Tiara gave her a stern glare.

"The strength to say they've had enough," said Diamond Tiara firmly, "Enough of being told what to do, enough of not being considered valuable or important to you! Your whole plan says just that. This is all about you! You won't care about any of these changelings, who risk and dedicate their lives to carrying out your bidding! You just think of them as your minions, underlings, or in more direct words, a disposable means to an end!" Chrysalis seethed with fury but then froze when she heard the other changelings chattering and murmuring with each other.

"The one thing I love the most about Thorax is that he is proof that every changeling here can be strong in their own individual way," said Diamond Tiara, "and you do your best to snub those thoughts because if they ever figured that out, you're ability to control them would disappear." Chrysalis snarled at her viciously.

"Will...you...BE QUIET!" Chrysalis yelled as she fired a full power blast at Diamond Tiara. The filly winced and embraced for impact when...

TWANG!

Shenran then made his presence known, using his keyblade to destroy the magic blast in one strong swing. Chrysalis was in complete shock for countless time that day. She then hissed menacingly when she saw that Shenran was holding.

"A keyblade?!" Chrysalis snapped viciously, "Which one of you fools let in a pony in with a keyblade?! What kind of protection is this? I outta destroy all of you for this!" All the changelings cowered fearfully, but seeing them being yelled at made Shenran angry.

"You leave them alone, Chrysalis!" Shenran remarked.

"Why should I?!" Chrysalis snapped, "It is because of you and you fellow keyblade warriors that our tribe lost the Changeling War! Why else you do think my ancestor made it her mission to wipe your kind off the face of the earth!"

"Because that Queen was a fool," Shenran replied slowly.

"What did you say?!" Chrysalis snarled in a low tone, feeling enraged.

"You heard me," Shenran replied sternly, "You not only rule by fear, but also by lies! The changelings never lost the war. They made peace with Equestria!"

"LIAR!" Chrysalis shouted, "You keyblade warriors destroyed our kind!"

"Not destroy," said Shenran, "We rescued them." Everypony was stunned.

"Rescued?" Starlight asked.

"What do you mean, Shenran?" Diamond Tiara asked. Shenran then held out his keyblade toward Thorax. Chrysalis smirked, thinking the Pegasus stallion would destroy Thorax once the keyblade got close enough. Instead the changelings were amazed to see that the keyblade glowed pink, creating a huge flux of love magic. Chrysalis's jaw dropped.

"You see, Chrysalis," said Shenran firmly, "When Starswirl the Bearded and Clover the Cleaver originally created the keyblade, they sought to redeem the changelings, giving them a better and more love-fulfilling lives. But your queen, your-so-called ancestor, was afraid of her losing her power. She cared nothing about her subjects, but only her selfish gain. She lied to the changelings, telling them that the keyblade warriors were going to bring harm rather than prosperity. That was why the keyblade warriors were all but wiped out. Those changelings who caused those losses lived in regret once they discovered the real truth. And once your leader realized that the changelings had learned the truth, she fled for her life, fearing they her own tribe would seek revenge on her, but they never did. The queen started a new tribe and used that tribe to wipe out all the changelings that had been reformed. All because of her selfish desire for power." Shenran then stomped the ground firmly.

"These changeling deserve better than living under your selfish rule!" said Shenran, "And Thorax has now discovered the true meaning of what it means to be a real changeling!" Chrysalis rolled her eyes and scoffed at Shenran.

"The only thing Thorax has found is what happens to those who turn their back on the hive!" Chrysalis remarked as she walked up to Thorax and used her magic to lift him into the air.

"No..." Shenran snarled as he pointed his keyblade at her, "You're going to show what happens when a changeling decides to turn their back on a Queen who cares only about herself!" Chrysalis wasn't listening, she has already opened her mouth.

"No! Stop!" Starlight cried out.

"Leave him alone!" Diamond Tiara pleaded. Both ponies tried to rush up to Thorax, but the guards held them back. Shenran snarled. As much as he wanted to use his keyblade's magic. he didn't want to put Thorax in harm's way.

"Just as soon as I drain every last ounce of love from him and show my subjects what a real leader is!" Chrysalis proclaimed proudly.

"That you're nothing but a big bully!" Shenran yelled. Chrysalis laughed, didn't refute Shenran's claims, and started to drain Thorax's magic from his body.

"I can feel the love inside of me slipping away...!" Thorax said in a strained tone, "I can't hold onto it much longer...!" Diamond Tiara then blinked.

"Wait a minute!" said Diamond Tiara, "Since when are you supposed to hold on to love?" Starlight caught on to what the filly was trying to say.

"Then don't!" Starlight told Thorax, "Sharing love is what made you different to begin with. You should share your with Chrysalis!"

"Yeah, show them that Chrysalis doesn't have to steal it from you," said Diamond Tiara, "True love gives unconditionally, no matter who it is or what they have done. Give her your love Thorax. In fact..." Both Starlight and Diamond Tiara put on some determined smiles on their faces.

"Give her all of it!" Starlight and Diamond Tiara said boldly. Thorax did just that. The moment he shared all his love to Chrysalis, a massive collection of sonic waves in shades of pink and purple shot out of his body, literally blowing Chrysalis away and making her crash into her throne. Shenran just watched the scene in amazement, but then felt a magical pulse from his keyblade. He then saw that the meter containing its magic was glowing.

"Wait a minute," said Shenran. He then created a protection bubble around himself. He then looked at his keyblade and saw that the meter had drained as expected, but then it stared glowing and the magic meter was fully restored in seconds.

"Of course!" said Shenran, "The magic in my keyblade isn't powered by normal Equestrian magic." He then turned to Chrysalis, who was recovering from the knock back, "The keyblade is powered by love! Pure love magic that is shared and given to others unconditionally! And it is that kind of magic, magic that you refuse to believe in, that will get the better of you!" Chrysalis growled ferociously.

"I'm going to do to you what my ancestors should've done a long time ago," said Chrysalis furiously, "Destroy you permanently!" Shenran gritted his teeth as he held his keyblade tight in his fore-hoof. The other changelings rushed to the outer edges of the throne room, including Starlight and Diamond Tiara. Thorax remained where he was, allowing his shared love to give Shenran and his keyblade all the magic he needed. Chrysalis gave a loud blood-curling shriek at Shenran.

For it was time...for the Final Battle!

(Cue favorite Kingdom Hearts Final Battle music, phase 1)

"Attack my changelings! Attack!" Chrysalis shouted. Several changelings then flew over toward Shenran. Shenran snarled as the changelings charged toward him.

SWISH! SWASH! SWISH!

With just a few swipes of his keyblade, Shenran knocked back a huge swarm of over a dozen changelings and knocked them out. Chrysalis growled.

"If you wanna join Prince Mario, all you had to do was ask!" Chrysalis called out as she fired a powerful green beam at Shenran. Starlight and Diamond Tiara gasped.

BLOCK!

Shenran held his keyblade diagonally in front of himself at just the right moment. This not only blocked Chrysalis's attack, and pushed him back a few feet, but it also made the magic reflect back at Chrysalis. The magic hit Chrysalis head on. Sadly, she didn't become petrified, but she did take damage from her own attack. Chrysalis groaned and then tried again, and again, and again. But Shenran was ready for the attacks, blocking every attack, and sending them right back at Chrysalis. The changeling queen even tried to dodge the attacks, but the reflected magic blasts also had homing abilities, so the magic blasts curved and followed her until they hit her. Each time Chrysalis was struck, she groaned loudly and took damage. She then snarled at Shenran. Shenran smirked until he felt his body glow pink. Starlight and Diamond Tiara took notice.

"Shenran, what happening?" Diamond Tiara asked. Shenran gave them a smile.

"I've managed to deal enough damage to Chrysalis and the other changelings to charge up a special summoning move," Shenran explained as some more changelings came to attack him, but he easily smacked them away with his keyblade, "I can do a powerful attack for a short time by summoning a powerful creature. And trust me, I've learned quite a few summons too!"

"Well, go for it!" Starlight replied, curious to see what Shenran would do.

"Let's try this for starters!" said Shenran as he held his keyblade into the air, "Summoning...Earth Yak!" His keyblade flashed brightly for a few seconds before a pink silhouette appeared in the same of a very large yak. Shenran hopped aboard as the yak raised his forelegs into the air and gave a loud cry. It then began to charge about the battle area. Starlight and Diamond Tiara hid behind the throne in case the yak charged in their direction. The yak did physical damage to Chrysalis and the changelings by charging and ramming into them. But the yak also did Earth damage to any changeling within range because its stomping shook the ground as it charged about. The latter attack wasn't too effective since the changelings, including Chrysalis could fly above the air. The rampage lasted a few seconds before the yak disappeared into thin air and Shenran back-flipped off the yak and into fighting position.

"Wow! That was so cool!" said Diamond Tiara as Starlight smiled in agreement.

"Too bad we changelings can fly!" Chrysalis bragged, "You can't reach me, Shenran! You remember the last time you tried to take down my changelings. And you had Mario at the time." Shenran was quiet for a moment, but then smiled.

"I know, and I learn from my mistakes," said Shenran as he knocked back a few more changelings that came at him, "This time, I have the keyblade and the shared love of my friends at my side. That means your numbers no longer give you the advantage! Or did you forget that I've also got magic on my side now!"

"Not true!" Chrysalis barked, "My throne absorbs all forms of magic!"

"But not magic powered by pure love!" said a voice. Everypony froze and looked up. There above them were the Flower Sprites. All SEVENTY of them that had been collected so far from friendship missions! Chrysalis fired a magic blast at them, but her magic was blocked with no effort from the Flower Sprites what so ever. The Flower Sprites quickly surrounded Thorax.

"Shenran, only you can defeat Chrysalis," said one Flower Sprite, "our magic will keep Thorax's love strong and protected! Remember everypony you love and everypony who loves you and you will be victorious!" Shenran blinked and then smiled as tears pricked his eyes.

"This is for you, my Fluttershy," said Shenran, "GrrrrrrrrrAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Shenran gave a loud battle cry and charged his way through the changelings until he was in range of Chrysalis. Chrysalis didn't seem to be afraid of him.

"You wouldn't hit a lady now, would you?" Chrysalis asked in a sickeningly sweet tone. Shenran chuckled.

"Of course not," said Shenran.

"What?!" Starlight and Diamond Tiara said in shock, but then Shenran chuckled.

"At least not with a physical attack!" said Shenran as he held his keyblade back, "Wind blast!" Shenran slashed through the air and created a streak of hard wind at Chrysalis. The wind streak hit Chrysalis dead on.

"GAH!" Chrysalis cried out before growing and resorted to using some weaker, but faster magic blast at Shenran. As Shenran tried to dodge the changeling queen's attacks, he was also constantly trying to fire more wind blasts at her! Even if the attacks didn't hit Chrysalis, they did hit some of the oncoming changelings that were trying to attack him. This allowed Shenran to charge up for another special summon.

"Come on out my friend!" Shenran called out, "Summoning...Wind Griffon!" another pink outline appeared that was shaped into a giant majestic griffon. Starlight and Diamond Tiara oohed at the sight. Shenran climbed aboard as the griffon flew high into the air and then went for a massive air dive right at Chrysalis. This dealt damage to the queen and additional splash damage to any changeling near her. Shenran then back-flipped into the battle field and the fight continued. But this time, Shenran started using water bombs. His key blade then fired giant bubbles of water that bounced twice around the area before exploding, damaging and soaking any changeling that was nearby. Starlight and Diamond Tiara couldn't help but snicker at how squeamish Chrysalis was to water.

"I don't need to be washed," Chrysalis cried out as the water bombs exploded at her, "I'm always royally presentable!" Chrysalis then raised her fore-legs into the air as two green mists came out of her leg pits.

(Cue "fog horn" fanfare)

Sadly some changelings were nearby and caught whiff of the foul smell...and were instantly knocked out. Before Shenran could give a chuckle, he had charged up for another summon.

"It's surfs up, my Water Tortoise!" Shenran called out as a pink outline of a giant tortoise appeared and Shenran climbed aboard. Unlike the other summoned creatures, Shenran stood on the shell on his hind legs as water magically appeared underneath them and materialized into a very huge tsunami wave. And it was coming right at Chrysalis.

"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!" Chrysalis cried out as the tortoise and the wave crashed right down on her, dealing alot of damage. Any changeling that hadn't gotten out of the way in time was instantly knocked out when the waves crashed down. By now, Chrysalis was drenched and feeling a tad woozy. Shenran then charged his keyblade to launch a full powered water bomb at the queen. Before Chrysalis could react..."

CRITICAL STRIKE!

The water bomb exploded in her face and knocked her down. The scene of the impact occurred in slow motion until a bright light made the scene no longer visible.

(end phase 1)

Chrysalis lay still on the ground as some more changelings remained silent.

"Did...he do it?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Afraid not," said Starlight sternly as Chrysalis stood slowly back up. The tension on her face and the way she was gritting her teeth showed that her patience had hit its limit.

"Enough is enough," said Chrysalis as the other changelings stayed back in guard, "I'M GONNA DESTROY YOU IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO! AND NO AMOUNT OF LOVE IS GONNA SAVE YOU NOW!" Chrysalis's body then glowed red from her rage as she gave an even louder blood-curling shriek.

(Cue favorite Kingdom Hearts "Final Battle phase 2" music)

Chrysalis created a giant green barrier that crackled and sparked. Shenran figured it was meant to keep the other changelings out and to prevent him from fleeing the battle. Before he could react, he found himself being picked up by Chrysalis's magic and tossed right into the outer field.

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT!

Starlight and Diamond Tiara cringed as Shenran was electrocuted and landed hard back on the ground, slightly singed. Shenran had barely recovered his senses when Chrysalis picked up him again. But before she could throw Shenran back into the field. Shenran made his keyblade glow and he broke free of Chrysalis's magic grip.

"WILL YOU STOP GETTING AWAY YOU PARASITE!" Chrysalis screamed maniacally. Shenran said nothing but glared as he charged up his keyblade and then pointed it upward. This made streams of lightning strike around him, which acted as both an offensive and defensive attack. This attack proved to be useful since Chrysalis wasn't messing around this time around. She was rushing up to Shenran to go for some more physical, and sometimes magic, attacks. Shenran did his best to break free whenever Chrysalis grabbed a hold of him, but there were a few occasions where Chrysalis was able to nail an attack or two on him. It wasn't long before Shenran looked battered.

"Shenran's not gonna survive long with Chrysalis being this aggressive," Starlight said worriedly as Diamond Tiara trembled nervously.

"Do not fear, Starlight," said the Flower Sprite, "Shenran's keyblade has a passive technique that will help him survive." It was at that very second Shenran's passive technique activated.

"HEAL!" Shenran called out, making his body glow pink and healing all the damage Chrysalis had dealt on him. Chrysalis just screamed in rage and continued her attacks. Then Shenran charged up a stronger lightning attack and nailed Chrysalis head on with a lightning bolt and now he had enough energy for another summon.

"Summoning...Lightning Pegasus!" Shenran called out. At first nothing happened, but then some pink magic outlined Shenran's body. Then his entire body was completely electrified. Shenran hadn't summon a Pegasus that could make lightening. He had turned himself into the very lightning Pegasus.

(Cue Super Mario Galaxy's "Flying Mario" theme)

With his body covered in electricity, Chrysalis could no longer pick him up with her magic. She even tried to attack him directly, but was given the literal shock of her life when she came in contact with him. Shenran then made the lightning charge up from his keyblade before firing a massive ball of lightning right at Chrysalis, shocking and damaging her. He was able to fire about two more charged up lightning blasts before he powered down and the fight continued.

"There's gotta be a way to tire Chrysalis out!" Shenran called out, "Even with all the damage she's taken, her rage is making her energy boundless!"

"It's can't be boundless!" said Starlight, "She's gotta tire out eventually!"

"But she has Mario to give her extra power!" said Diamond Tiara, "she's practically immortal with all of his love magic!"

"Not exactly, Diamond Tiara," said the Flower Sprite, "Using Mario's Power has given Chrysalis a great amount of energy, but she is not immortal. Remember your own training Diamond Tiara and you will uncover her true weakness." Diamond Tiara pondered about her own battle and then it clicked.

"I got it!" said Diamond Tiara excitedly, "And in fact, I found two weaknesses! Shenran, use some fire magic!"

"Of course!" said Starlight, smiling as well, "Bugs are generally weak to fire!"

"HEAL!" Shenran called out when he heard Diamond Tiara's suggestion. It was then Chrysalis grabbed him with her magic once again. He carefully waited until he was looking eye to eye.

"FLAME ON!" Shenran yelled as he broke free of her magic and tossed a fireball at her face.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Chrysalis screamed since the fire attack was super effective! Shenran then continued firing blast after blast of fire at the changeling queen. Then he tried to charge up before launching another fire ball and found that by doing so, the fire ball homed in on her. Chrysalis was grunting and snarling in complete rage since the fire attacks were doing even more damage than any of Shenran's previous attacks. Then her worst nightmare was realized when Shenran did another summon.

"Summoning...Fire Phoenix!" Shenran yelled as an outline of a phoenix bird appeared and Shenran hopped aboard. The phoenix gave a loud cry as it hovered high above Chrysalis. The changeling queen tried to hover up to it, but it was no good. The phoenix bird then made a huge shower of large balls of blue fire rain down on the entire battle field. Chrysalis took extensive damage from the attack. She was also left charred and dazed as Shenran landed back on the battle grounds.

"Shenran!" the Flower Sprites called out, "Chrysalis is nearly defeated! It's time for your final move!" Shenran then smirked. He knew exactly what that move was.

"Final move?!" said Starlight and Diamond Tiara together as they shared puzzled look with each other. Chrysalis was struggling to get back on her hooves when Shenran raised his keyblade into the air.

"MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP!" Shenran cried out, which made his entire body glow in the colors of the rainbow.

(Cue "Rainbow Mario" theme)

This special ability not only increased Shenran's speed and offensive strength, and made him invincible, but it also gave Shenran unlimited magic! So he could go all out and fire as much and as many magic attacks as he could until the ability wore off. Shenran then ran up against the electric wall at a speed to fast that his body created after images of himself in several different colors. He then remembered the other element that bugs were weak too: Ice. He then charged up his keyblade. With this special ability, he was able to charge up his attack three times. Once the third charge was finished. He fired a huge snowball the size of the changeling queen directly for Chrysalis's face. Chrysalis's has just recovered her senses when...

CRITICAL STRIKE!

Maximum HP increased! (not that it matters...)

The scene showed in slow motion chrysalis being knocked back by the massive snowball as it broke apart and the scene disappeared into a white light.

Once the light had faded, Chrysalis crashed back into the backrest of her throne and landed on the seat with a loud thud.

"I...hate...you..." Chrysalis groaned before she fainted for real this time. The battle was over and as Shenran panted heavily from what had turned out to be a long fight. He, as well as Starlight and Diamond Tiara, noticed that the other changelings were not trying to attack of avenge their fallen queen. They were trembling fearfully.

"Do not be afraid," said Shenran, "As I said before, I don't..."

"Wait...what's happening to Thorax?!" Diamond Tiara interrupted. Everypony looked to see that Thorax's body was glowing brighter than ever. The Flower Sprites floated away from him, merged together so they were now one bigger Flower Sprite that hovered beside Diamond Tiara.

"What's going on?" Diamond Tiara asked. The large Flower Sprite chuckled.

"Just watch," said the Flower Sprite. The group did as a pink ribbon enveloped Thorax, placing him inside of a glowing cocoon. Starlight, Shenran, and Diamond Tiara rushed up to the cocoon when there was a great flash of light. When the light disappeared, there stood Thorax...in his true form! He was now bigger, taller, and in various shades of green, orange, and purple. Thorax gave them all a smile.

"Oh-la-la!" said Diamond Tiara, "Like he wasn't handsome enough!" Thorax just blushed in reply. The other changelings were speechless.

"This is what happens when you give love freely instead of trying to take it!" said Starlight.

"Do not let Chrysalis make you think they stealing love and doing her bidding is the only way you will survive," said Diamond Tiara, "There is a better way and all you have to do is share your love with each other. Don't hold back and give it freely! You'll never go hungry again! You'll never have to live a life in fear and intimidation! You can be your own pony! You can have the magic of friendship! All you gotta do...is share your love." It didn't take long at all before one changeling did just that. Then another and another and soon every changeling in the throne room was sharing its love. The pure love produced from all the unselfish sharing was so great that it was making the walls and even the throne crack. Chrysalis was actually starting to recover when she saw all the pure love magic and the fact her throne was covered in cracks.

"Momma..." Chrysalis whimpered before...

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

The entire room exploded!

And the throne was destroyed in the process!

Starlight had used a magic shield to protect herself, Diamond Tiara, and Thorax from the explosion and lowered it once the smoke had cleared. Shenran had been able to use his keyblade to create his own shield to protect himself. The group then looked around to see that all the changelings had transformed by sharing their love. While none of them were any bigger in size, they were now in various colors as they looked at one another. They then smiled. Diamond Tiara, Starlight and Shenran smiled as well until the filly noticed something.

"Guys look!" Diamond Tiara pointed out. The explosion had freed Twilight and their friends from their pods. They were still looking rather groggy and covered in green goo. Trixie, who had also been encased and now freed, was recovering when Starlight and Diamond Tiara rushed up to her and gave her a warm hug. Nearby, Luna was helping Celestia to her hooves since the sun princess was having a hard time recovering. Shining Armor and Cadance were recovering as well, when some changelings helped them stand up and another changeling brought Flurry Heart, who was completely unharmed, to them. The couple hugged their daughter lovingly. Diamond Tiara shed a tear at the sight, but also felt a tad jealous. Discord had just recovered when he saw a familiar yellow Pegasus nearby.

"Fluttershy?" he called out. The yellow Pegasus had barely turned around when Discord scooped her up into his arms and hugged her tightly.

"It's, um, good to see you, too," said Fluttershy, blushing slightly from the affection.

"Ah-hem," said Shenran jealously as he tapped Discord's back with the tip of his keyblade. Discord just rolled his eyes and sighed loudly.

"Alright, go have your "the princess greets her prince" moment and all that mush," Discord said in a bored tone. Fluttershy just smiled excitedly as she charged right into Shenran's fore-legs. They twirled about in the air three times before they stopped and Shenran hugged her tightly. Fluttershy gave him a smile as tears poured from her eyes.

"I knew you'd rescue us! I just knew it!" Fluttershy sobbed gratefully as Shenran held her close and shed his own tears as Fluttershy cried into his shoulder.

"It's okay, my princess," said Shenran tenderly, "It's all over." As much as Discord wanted to make a face of disgust, he lost his nerve once he saw Fluttershy crying.

"I just can't bare to see Fluttershy cry," Discord said quietly to himself. Just a short distance away, Twilight was still recovering when Starlight and Diamond Tiara walked up and both offered her a fore-hoof for assistance. Twilight accepted both as the two ponies helped her stand up.

"Starlight? What happened?" Twilight asked.

"We defeated the changelings with no magic at all, except for Shenran's keyblade which used love magic," Starlight explained quickly, "and thanks to Diamond Tiara, they found a new leader, and they're all kinda...good now." Starlight and Diamond Tiara just smiled nervously. Thorax then gave a assuring nod to emphasize that Starlight was telling the truth. Twilight was speechless.

"Well done, Starlight Glimmer and the same to you Diamond Tiara," said Luna with Celestia standing beside her, "It seems as though you're both learned a great deal since we last spoke."

"Indeed they have," said the Flower Sprite as it made its presence known, "These two ponies have learned just how powerful love magic can be." The Flower Sprites than hovered over Diamond Tiara, "and this little filly was able to show the changelings that it is better to share love and then to steal it. Mario might not be the only pony with a strong connection to our magic." Diamond Tiara blushed as the others smiled at her, but then the filly gasped.

"Wait! Master!" Diamond Tiara interjected, "Where's Mario?!" The others were stunned, but then remembered that they hadn't seen any sight of the alicorn prince anyway. Starlight's eyes then shrunk.

"Oh no!" Starlight gasped, "I just remembered that the love magic was able to destroy Chrysalis's throne...and Mario was still inside of it!" Diamond Tiara and Thorax gasped.

"What?" Twilight asked in shock.

"Chrysalis used a petrifying spell on Mario so she could use his love magic to power her throne, which was used to absorb any magic that came within the kingdom, but it was destroyed when we all were sharing our love and...well...changing!"

"Mario..." Twilight croaked, fearing the worst as she her eyes water. Even Celestia was fighting back tears.

"No need to worry," said a voice as four changelings appeared with the block of dark stone that Mario was petrified in, "he came flying out when the throne exploded."

"Lucky for us that we caught him," said another changeling as they gently stood the block upright. While the others were relieved to see that Mario was alright, he was still petrified.

"How are gonna get him out?" Twilight asked worriedly.

"I think I know what to do," said Shenran as he made his keyblade appear, shocking all the alicorn princesses except for Cadance.

"You're the last keyblade warrior?!" they exclaimed. Shenran didn't answer as he gazed at the block of stone and closed his eyes. His keyblade then glowed bright pink as he held it at the stone. Then a couple of seconds later, a pink beam fired from it, making the entire block of stone glow pink. The others were surprised and then smiled as the block of stone dissolved and Mario was returned to normal. Shenran then pulled his keyblade away when Mario fell stomach first to the ground.

"UGH!" Mario groaned loudly from the impact. He then regained his senses as his eyes opened. Diamond Tiara rushed up to him, along with Twilight, as they helped Mario to his hooves.

"Ugh...that was certainly unpleasant..." Mario said weakly and then looked around and saw the reformed changelings. Before Mario could say anything further, there was a rumble nearby. Chrysalis then sprouted out of a pile of rocks and hissed angrily. But then she blinked when she saw all the most powerful ponies were now free. All the ponies, including even the reformed changelings, were glaring at her as well. Everypony except for Starlight and Diamond Tiara were glaring at her. Mario then went to take a step forward, but groaned and knelt down on one knee since he was still feeling very weak.

"It's okay, Master," said Diamond Tiara as she helped Mario stand up again, "I've got this." Diamond Tiara then bravely approached Chrysalis with Starlight walking beside her.

"Di, wait!" Twilight called out, but Mario raised a fore-leg and shook his head. Twilight just watched worriedly as their two students walked right up the now former changeling queen.

"When Twilight and her friends defeated me," Starlight explained to Chrysalis, "I chose to run away and seek revenge! You don't have to! You can be the leader your subjects deserve!"

"You don't have to live in hate, Chrysalis," Diamond Tiara added, "There is a better way. And that means embracing the magic of friendship. The choice is yours. But I promise you, if you chose friendship, you'll have two friends who will help you become the changeling you were always meant to be." Chrysalis listened attentively as Starlight and Diamond Tiara held out their fore-hooves to her. Chrysalis extended her own to accept it.

But then she glared at them and slapped both of their fore-hooves down.

"Friends?! Be a better changeling?! Puh-lease!" Chrysalis snarled as she hovered before them, "There is no revenge you could ever conceive of that will come close to what I will exact upon you one day, Starlight Glimmer! The same for you Diamond Tiara as well that the last keyblade warrior!" With that, Chrysalis did a back-flip and freefell, twisted around, and flew off into the distance. Starlight and Diamond Tiara sadly watched her disappear.

"She's getting away!" Mario called out as he and Twilight walked up to them.

"Let her go, master," said Diamond Tiara, "Without her swarm, she is no longer a threat. And hopefully in time, she'll learn that a life filled with hatred and revenge isn't worthwhile."

"We can only hope, Di," Starlight said sadly, "we can only hope..." Twilight gave her a supportive side hug with her fore-leg. Mario then pulled Diamond Tiara in for a hug.

"I can't tell you how proud I am of you, Di," said Mario, "You helped Starlight show the changelings a better life, a life filled with love and friendship. You showed love, instead of anger to even Chrysalis. While she may not have accepted it, you showed everypony today that you, too, can be a great and inspiring leader." Diamond Tiara just smiled as tears pricked her eyes.

"Thank you...my master," said Diamond Tiara softly, her voice cracking a bit from feeling overwhelmed.

"In addition," said Mario, "I have noticed that you do have love magic like I do."

"Too bad I can't use it like you can," said Diamond Tiara sadly.

"Di, just because you can't do special love spells like me doesn't mean you're not using you love magic at all," Mario explained, "Your love magic has granted you something even greater than casting spells."

"What's that?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Wisdom and understanding," said Mario, "and it was that wisdom that won over the changelings wasn't it?" Diamond Tiara then looked up to see several of the changelings, including Thorax, smiling at her. Diamond Tiara smiled.

"And with more training," said Mario, "I'm sure you'll be able to do even more." Diamond Tiara dived into Mario's chest and held him lovingly. Mario just held her close.

"I love you, my faithful student," said Mario tenderly.

"I love you too, master," Diamond Tiara replied back. Thorax just smiled at the tender moment when Celestia approached him.

"Thorax," said Celestia, "as the new leader of the changelings, I look forward to discussing how we can improve our relationship in the future. However, for the moment, perhaps it is best to leave the Changeling Kingdom to the changelings." Starlight and Twilight exchanged smiles with each other. Mario and Diamond Tiara did the same. Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity were about the do the same when Discord stuck his big head between them.

"Splendid idea!" Discord interjected, "Now who's ready for celebratory tea at Fluttershy's?" Everypony's eyes were on both Fluttershy and Shenran, who were holding each other. All the stares made the couple feel very uncomfortable.

"Oh! Uh, everypony?" Fluttershy said timidly.

"Discord!" Shenran said in a fatherly tone, "Didn't I warn you NOT to go hosting tea parties at our house without asking us first?!"

"Actually," said Starlight as she walked up in front of Discord, "now that you can snap your claws and send us absolutely anywhere again, I think I have a better option." The others smiled, especially Diamond Tiara, who had a good idea where Starlight was thinking of going.

Meanwhile, back in Starlight's old village, Double Diamond and Party Favor had finally decided on a banner. Starlight came up to them once again.

"Uh, hey, Starlight," said Party Favor in surprise, "What are you doing here?"

"You left in such a rush before," Double Diamond added, "we kinda thought you didn't wanna come."

"Yeah...I guess after the way I used my magic on all of you," Starlight explained, "I wasn't sure I was somepony who should even be in charge of a baking contest. I was afraid I might go back to being the pony I used to be. But I realize that sometimes you don't have a choice. You have to step up. And I have changed! I can handle it. Whether is means saving Equestria or helping our friends with the Sunset Festival." As she was speaking, Sugar Belle and Night Glider had arrived behind the lilac unicorn and were listening attentively. Starlight then gestured for Diamond Tiara, who had been purposely hiding behind her, came out in view.

"It's also helps that I had such an amazing little sister," Starlight added, "Who's not only gone through her own mistakes in being a leader, but has proven that she can inspire others to embrace the magic of friendship by showing them unconditional love." Diamond Tiara blushed modestly. The other four ponies just smiled.

"Speaking of which," Starlight continued, "I know the Festival's almost over, but I kinda invited a few of our friends to join." Starlight and Diamond Tiara looked back. There behind them was Mario, Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Shenran, Applejack, Rarity, Cadance, Shining Armor, Trixie, Celestia, Luna, Discord, Spike, and even little Flurry Heart. Double Diamond laughed excitedly.

"Are you kidding? Of course!" said Double Diamond.

"Great! Now where's the baking contest?" said Starlight, "This pony and her little sister need a cupcake!" Diamond Tiara gave a happy squee as they followed the four ponies off to the contest. Discord then gave Trixie a smirk, while the cerulean unicorn just gave him a glare return.

"So I'm able to rip the very fabric of reality again," Discord boasted.

"Yeah, yeah," Trixie replied dismissively, "And I'm still a self-absorbed, below-average illusionist, right? And Shenran's just a housekeeper pony?"

"Actually, Starlight filled me in on what Shenran can do with that keyblade of his," said Discord, "I was almost impressed." Trixie rolled her eyes, "As for you, I was going to say a couple of those illusions were slightly above average. If you ever need a little chaos in your act, let me know."

"Ha! When pigs fly!" Trixie remarked sarcastically.

"Your wish in my command!" said Discord. He then snapped his fingers to make two Pigasus appear for them to ride. The pigs gave a squeal as they flew past a table the Mane eight and Spike were about to get something to eat.

"Whoa! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAA!" Trixie screamed as she and Discord rode away into the sky.

"Somepony is really gonna have to catch us up on what we missed," said Rainbow. Mario sighed.

"Do you really think we should know?" Mario asked in a warning tone.

"I'll fill you in later," said Shenran, "Just know that those two act alot like a grumpy married couple." Shenran then put a fore-hoof to the side of his mouth, "HEY DISCORD! LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU TWO GET MARRIED!"

"BE QUIET SHENRAN!" Trixie screamed at the top of her lungs. Shenran just laughed as Fluttershy rolled her eyes. Mario rolled his eyes too, but just smiled.

If he had to ask about what happened...he didn't wanna know...

And with that, Fillies and Gentlecolts, that completes season six! This season was a little tougher to write because of personal circumstances, but thanks to all your support. I can now say I've officially written two-thirds of the show. YAY!

I hope you all enjoyed this finales set of parodies, featuring content from Sonic Adventure, Pokemon Let's Go, Kingdom Hearts, and even a touch of Super Mario Galaxy! If you wonder why I had Diamond Tiara do that little Sonic level montage, I wanted to show that Mario has been teaching more than just friendship and that she becoming a little like him as well as Twilight.

I'll be honest. I've never played a single Kingdom Hearts game and have only seen a few random playthroughs to get a general idea of what a keyblade can do. (Keep in mind Shenran can already fly being a Pegasus.) But I hope what I came up with didn't disappoint. Plus I had to keep it more appropriate for younger audiences as well, which is why his invincibility was an electric body while his "dark/fury" mode was the rainbow invincibility.

Many of you might be speculating just what I might do now that Diamond Tiara had love magic within her. I'm still brainstorming about it, but...if nopony is objecting to the idea of her becoming like a love or friendship jedi like character (can't promise laser swords at this time). But it's just an idea...she's still growing and I hope you enjoyed seeing her grow a little and really put her special talent to proper use. (since the show didn't bother doing that...)

As usual, there will be an intermission chapter before we head into season seven. I don't know if I'll ever top what I did for the last intermission chapter. But I'll do my best, especially since this is actually my third milestone chapter. Chapter 150!

Next Time: One particular pony isn't too pleased that Diamond Tiara risked her life to save Equestria from the changelings. I think you can guess who that might be...

Peace Pony Fans!