Chapter 25: Shadow Play, Part 2
*Main theme*
Ever since Mane Six and their friends have discovered Star Swirl the Bearded's Journal, they have learned the truth behind the Pillars' and Stygian's conflict and disappearance. Chase has decided to take a risk to cure Stygian and restore him to his true form. They have freed the Pillars from the limbo. The heroes now faced the appearance of the Pony of Shadows.
The dark pony laughed.
"Your pitiful attempt to imprison me has failed, Star Swirl!" The Pony of Shadows said sinisterly.
Star Swirl narrowed his eyes of determination as he was about to use his powerful Unicorn Burst at the Pony of Shadows. However, it only sparked for the moment. This has made him look weak and exhausted.
"You must return us to limbo. It's the only way to stop him." Star Swirl insisted on Twilight and Chase.
"We don't have time for that!" Chase responded back with determination to get Stygian out of the monster's body. "Even if you did put a table of contents in your journal of which you have failed to do it!"
"A book without contents." The Pony of Shadows said with an evil smile. "Well, allow me to assist."
The Pony of Shadows extended shadow spikes from his body piercing the book to one of the rocks, while the other spikes pierced the other five destroying all six formations.
"There! Without the power of Ponhenge, your banishing spell is useless!" The Pony of Shadows said darkly and amusingly.
"That was just a lucky shot." Antonio said with a glare.
"You both have studied my writings. Surely you have some other plan." Star Swirl exclaimed frantically and fury as he turned to Chase and Twilight.
"We do! And it doesn't involve you getting in the way!" Chase said with a glare he sent to Star Swirl.
Twilight looked scared and worried that everything that her friends have prepared to reform Pony of Shadows to his true self has failed.
"Don't fret. When I extinguish the light and hope of this miserable world, you won't remember any of this." Pony of Shadows said amusingly and darkly.
The Pony of Shadows was about to blast them with his magic only for something to whack him in the face. He turned to see it was Jade who used her tessen fans in her aura hands since she lit her horn and stood on her hind legs in a fighting stance.
"Don't count on it." Jade warned him.
Chase, Sunray, Trini, and Antonio followed her as they too dished out their respective weapons with their horns lit, aura hands replacing their front hooves, and they stood on their hind legs.
"Elite Ninja, take him down!" Chase announced and they jumped into battle.
Each of them was striking at the shadow pony with their weapons distorting him. Chase jumped onto the Pony of Shadows' back, ran down his spine, jumped on his shoulder, and kicked the monster in the face. Jade jumped in and whacked the Pony of Shadows in the face with both her Tessen fans. Sunray punched him in the face. Antonio whacked the Pony of Shadows with the handle of one of his tanto blades. And finally, Trini sent a double kick at the monster's chest as he staggered back in pain.
They landed in a fighting stance of their own as the Pony of Shadows glared at the Elite Ninja.
"I don't know who you five are, but you are an even bigger pestilence than those who trapped me!" The Pony of Shadows said angrily.
"Stand down, Stygian. We don't wanna fight you, but we will if we have to!" Chase ordered sternly, causing the Pony of Shadows to freeze in place before he glared at the alicorn stallion.
"How do you know my name?" The Pony of Shadows demanded.
"A wise being told me all about you and the Pillars. But it's not too late to stop this. We can help you! Let us cure you!" Chase pleaded despite his glare he sent to the Pony of Shadows, but the monster chuckled.
"Bravery. Hmph! Very amusing. I admire your courage, boy." The Pony of Shadows with a cruel smile before he glared. "But that name no longer means anything to me!"
He then fires a magic blast at Chase.
"Chase, no!" Twilight shouted as she jumped in front of her husband and fired magic from her horn to counter the Pony of Shadows magic as the evil pony recoiled.
"This one is almost as... strong as you, Star Swirl. But even in my weakened state, she cannot stop the might of shadows!" The Pony of Shadows shouted as he once again blasted Twilight with magic as she tried to hold him back with her own.
Suddenly Starlight jumped in lending Twilight her magic.
"Lucky for her, she's not alone!" Starlight told the villain as Chase jumped in and used his magic with theirs.
"And she never will be!" Chase added with a smirk as the three magic blasts overpowered the Pony of Shadows who backed off.
Chase and his family put their weapons away, powered down their horns, and went back on all fours.
"Stygian, don't let yourself be lost within this form!" Chase pleaded with the Pony of Shadows with determination. "We can cure you!"
"Don't be a fool! Know this, fiend! We will not rest until we find a way to return you to limbo!" Star Swirl snapped in anger as everyone gathered and faced him.
The Pony of Shadows growled.
"Never! Your days of glory are through, Star Swirl. Now my dark power will reign, and you six will bow to me!" The Pony of Shadows declared as he turned to a cloud and went up to the sky taking the clouds with him, making the weather normal again.
"Um... where'd he go?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"That is a riddle we must unravel, and quickly," Somnambula said.
"How long have we been gone?" Mage Meadowbrook asked.
"Over a thousand years," Fluttershy replied.
"It's quite a long time actually." Sokka added.
"Then my spell worked," Star Swirl began before he looked at Twilight and Chase with disappointment. "Before it was meddled with and the realm has been at peace for a millennia!"
Twilight looked guilty and shamed as she has her wing covered her head. Chase remained firm and calm as he glared back at Tao.
"Peace? Hardly." Chase said with a scoff, causing Star Swirl to glare at him.
"You dare mock me?!" Star Swirl demanded.
"Give me and my wife a break, Star Swirl, like any of us would've known this was going to happen after we found your artifacts!" Chase said
"Yeah. You should've had better notes left over for any pony who may find them!" Sunray added.
"Plus Bearded dude, Equestria wasn't always at peace since you left." Antonio put in.
"It wasn't?" Rockhoof asked.
"Weeeeell... we did have to save everypony from Nightmare Moon and Discord and Chrysalis and King Sombra and Lord Tirek and Emperor Zhao, and there was that one time when Starlight traveled through time and almost destroyed life as we know it!" Pinkie spoke up to list the things, bringing Starlight in as she waved at Star Swirl nervously before the pink pony pushed her back. "But that's all in the past."
"If you are truly this accomplished, we will stop the Pony of Shadows twice as fast together." Flash Magnus spoke with confidence.
"Took the words out of my mouth." Antonio agreed.
"We shall see," Star Swirl began skeptically, "It is an easy thing to say you have saved the world. It is quite another to do it."
"Oh, we've saved the world, Beardo. And we can do it again," Rainbow Dash said, lightly pushing Star Swirl's beard up a bit with a smirk, only for Star Swirl to lightly push her down.
"Be that as it may, the problem of locating the Pony of Shadows remains, and this land is vast," Star Swirl replied.
"It sounds like you need a map. Luckily, we have just the thing," Rarity said.
"Why don't you all come over to our castle? We have a map that can pinpoint his location and a library that may have a book for information on what we're dealing with," Twilight suggested.
"Of course. Lead the way," Starswirl replied.
"With pleasure." Chase muttered with a bitter look he sent to Star Swirl, which he didn't notice and the whole group left for Ponyville.
(Scene changes)
At the Hollow Shades, the Pony of Shadows still in his cloud form flew into the Well of Shade as the Quinkan watched him go in with growls.
The giant shadow pony then hovered into the throne room and morphed back into his giant shadowy pony form. There he stood into the center of the throne room as Zhao was sitting on his throne.
"Master Zhao." The Pony of Shadows said as he bowed to the Quinkan leader in respect as Zhao approached him.
"I have been waiting for you, Stygian." Zhao said to the Pony of Shadows with a sinister smile. "I was hoping when you would show up."
"Thanks to those ponies that had found the Pillars' artifacts." The Pony of Shadows said. "Now, I wish to pledge your allegiance to destroy the fools who trapped me in Limbo long ago and I want them to know the pain they inflicted on me!"
"Patience, my friend." Zhao said calmly yet sinisterly. "Your time will come eventually. But for now you will wait. Chase Young will be sure to destroy me, but will let him know where his place is soon enough."
"Yes, master." The Pony of Shadows said in acknowledgement.
"Now is the time to bring this world into darkness once and for all. And very soon, the age of Ragnarok shall begin." Zhao said as he chuckled sinisterly.
(Scene changes)
Later back at Twilight and Chase's castle, the group was in the throne room looking at the cutie map. The pillars looked around as if they were feeling something familiar.
"Something about this magic seems familiar..." Star Swirl spoke as he used his magic on the map projecting an image of the Tree of Harmony.
"Did you know he can do that?" Rarity asked.
"He's Starswirl! He can do anything!" Twilight replied.
"This map, and indeed this very castle, are grown from the seed we planted over a thousand years ago," Starswirl said.
"Then it did work!" Rockhoof replied.
"What worked?" Sunburst asked.
"Each of us infused a crystal seed and a very special element with our magic in hopes that it would grow into a force for good," Somnambula said.
"Really?" Eric asked, as Somnambula nodded in reply.
"We wanted to leave something to protect the realm in our absence, but we never dreamed our gift would become so powerful," Mistmane said.
"Y'all mean the Elements came from you?" Applejack asked, leaving the pillars confused.
"You know, the sparkly crystal things that grow from the Tree of Harmony and represent each of us? Laughter, Honesty, Generosity, Loyalty, Kindness, Magic, and Bravery!" Pinkie Pie said with a little showcase, and then Twilight smiled warmly.
"They are reflections of our own elements of hope, strength, beauty, bravery, healing, and sorcery." Somnambula explained, while motioning to herself, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Meadowbrook, and Star Swirl.
Each of the pillars, Chase, and girls smiled at each other, while Star Swirl didn't even acknowledge Twilight and Chase as the alicorn stallion glared at him while his wife looked down in sadness.
"We had no idea our small seed would bloom into the living spirit of the land. I am glad our mantles have passed to such capable ponies and other creatures," Mage Meadowbrook said, placing her hoof on Fluttershy's chest.
"Oh and don't forget about us!" Antonio said excitedly, making the Pillars turn to him. "We represent our Elements as well."
"What?" Star Swirl asked confusingly.
"Don't you know? We're the Masters of our own elements since we're the Elite Ninja." Antonio said as he showed his Earth element magic. "Mine is Earth."
"Mine is Fire." Sunray said, showing his Fire element magic.
"My Element is Water." Jade said, showing her Water element magic.
"Mine is Wind." Trini said as she showed her Wind element magic.
"And mine is Lightning." Chase said proudly as he showed his Lightning element magic.
They powered down their respective elements as the Pillars gazed in awe of their powers.
"Incredible." Mistmane said in amazement. "Then this must mean you are the brand new Elite Ninja and hold the power of the five Dragon Guardians."
"I've always wanted to see the powers from the previous Elite Ninja groups long ago and it seems my dream has come true." Star Swirl added in amazement before he cleared his throat to get back to the subject. "More importantly, we no longer need Ponhenge to send our foe back to limbo. We can use the stored magic in this Tree of Harmony."
"But doesn't a banishing spell take a lot of power?" Jade asked in concern, "We'd have to sacrifice the Elements for that."
"Mm-hmm," Star Swirl replied.
"They'd be gone... forever?" Fluttershy asked nervously.
"Say it isn't so!" Antonio cried.
"Yeah, Chase said we can't do that!" Sunray said with a firm look.
"Starswirl, I don't think the Tree can survive without the Elements. If it dies, Equestria will suffer," Twilight said.
"Twilight's right. It's too big of a risk." Trini said in agreement.
"If the Pony of Shadows has his way, your land will not exist. So unless you have a better idea..." Star Swirl said coldly as he used his horn to return the map to normal and everyone saw dark clouds hanging over certain parts of Equestria, "Our foe will seek dark places from which to draw power. I will prepare my spell so that we may strike as soon as you find him."
"Well, what're we waiting for?" Rainbow asked.
"Let's go find us a shadow pony." Sunray added.
"I like your spirits." Flash spoke to the two.
"Indeed." Rockhoof agreed.
As everyone got excited, Twilight left sulking, which didn't go unnoticed by Starlight, Chase, Jade, Sunray, Trini, and Antonio.
(Scene changes)
Later on, Spike helped Twilight do some research on the banishing spell in the library.
"What about this one?" Spike asked, holding a book in his hand.
"Seapony etiquette isn't going to help right now, Spike," Twilight said as Chase, Jade, Sunray, Trini, Antonio, and Starlight entered.
"Honey, are you doing okay?" Chase asked with concern for his wife.
"Not really, honey." Twilight said as she placed her chin on the table. "I mean, I was all excited to meet my idol, I didn't realize you were right, Chase."
Chase sighed as he approached his wife and placed a hoof on her back.
"We all know that my plan failed, but I'm sure there's gonna be another way to do it." Chase said to his wife encouragingly.
"But how are we gonna find a way to cure Stygian?" Twilight asked her husband worriedly. "Because now the Elements of Harmony will be lost to fix our mistake."
"Maybe there's another way," Starlight replied.
"If there is, Twilight will find it," Spike said, holding a book of advanced magical spells, until Twilight brought it over to her.
"Portal gate... Portal keys... Portal spells... Yes! If the Pillars can hold open the gateway to limbo, a powerful pony can do the banishing spell herself! Do you know what this means?" Twilight said excitedly.
"I can stop carrying books?" Spike asked.
"The Pillars don't have to leave Equestria! Even though we'll lose the Elements, we'll have the ponies that created them. And get Stygian out of the Pony of Shadows for good so he won't fall under Zhao's control!" Twilight replied.
"That's great. But I was thinking of another way that maybe doesn't involve banishing at all?" Starlight asked, with a nervous smile.
"Star Swirl knew what he was doing when he cast that spell. If Chase and I can make it even better, maybe he'll see that we take magic as seriously as he does, and get Stygian out of the Pony of Shadows for good." Twilight said, and then they continued to work on the spell.
"I hope you're right, Twilight." Jade said to her sister-in-law with a worried look.
"You and me both, sis." Sunray agreed with his older sister.
(Scene changes)
Meanwhile, Applejack, Clay, Rainbow, Pinkie, Somnambula, Rockhoof, and Flash Magnus were walking down the streets of Manehattan.
"It seems the dark places Star Swirl indicated on the map have changed," Rockhoof said.
"I bet the Pony of Shadows would've loved the Ghastly Caverns before a thousand years of erosion turned it into the Ghastly Gorge," Applejack replied.
Just then, Rarity, Sokka, Fluttershy, Meadowbrook, and Mistmane met up with the others.
"The Appeloosian Wastes sure sounded dark and desolate," Fluttershy said, looking at a map.
"I don't think we're gonna be able to find Stygian in this place." Sokka said with concern.
"I agree with you on that, Sokka." Clay said in agreement.
"Who knew they would become such a popular square dancing destination?" Rarity asked.
"And I get how this part of Equestria used to be cast in eternal night where the Pony of Shadows could draw power and wreak havoc while ponies were powerless to stop him. But…" Pinkie said, before appearing on the Jumbotron, "It's kinda made a comeback! Did I mention it's really bright?!"
(Scene changes)
Later on, the others sat on the map table and had a conference.
"It seems there are fewer dark corners in the realm these days," Starswirl said, while reading the map.
"Isn't that a good thing?" Rainbow Dash asked with a mug of apple cider.
"True. The Pony of Shadows will have a hard time regaining power. When he rears his head, we'll be ready!" Flash Magnus said, until he and Rainbow Dash bumped their mugs together.
"Isn't there some way to banish him without losing all of you?" Fluttershy asked.
"Come on, guys." Sokka said to the Pillars. "There has to be some way you can do it. Chase's plan has to work if we want this world to remain in peace."
"Oh, I wish there were. But to save our home, we are willin' to leave it," Mage Meadowbrook said.
"I don't think you'll have to," Twilight answered, as she came in carrying a scroll with Chase by her side, "My spell isn't finished yet, but my husband and I think we can send the Pony of Shadows to limbo without all of you having to go as well!"
Twilight showed it to Star Swirl, but he just brushed it off.
"While I appreciate your enthusiasm with Chase, Twilight, this is hardly the time to take risks on half-baked spells." Star Swirl said with an air quote.
Chase glared at him angrily, having enough of his attitude while Twilight sighed.
"Beggin' your pardon, Mr. the Bearded! But Twilight and Chase don't do anythin' halfway!" Applejack replied.
"Especially not magic!" Pinkie added dramatically.
"Seriously! They got their wings by finishing one of your spells as well as getting married!" Rainbow Dash said, touching one of Twilight's wings.
"And that calls for something." Sunray agreed.
"I think you'll find her work is worth reading before you dismiss it out of hoof!" Rarity insisted.
"That's right." Trini agreed, as the others stuck by Twilight's side.
"And if you think you're going to dismiss it, you will have to think better than that." Sokka added sternly.
"While it is an unconventional approach, I believe it could work." Mage Meadowbrook said to Star Swirl as she looked at the scroll.
"Hmm. I suppose there is a chance," Star Swirl replied as he looked it over.
"Of course there is," Chase replied, "As long as our hearts still beat and are willing to keep fighting, there's always a chance."
"But we still have no idea where to find the villain." Sunburst reminded them.
"At times like this I wish we had a sign." Antonio sighed.
"Don't doubt yourself, Antonio." Clay suggested.
That's when they heard the Mane fourteen's cutie marks shimmering for a friendship problem.
"Maybe we should try there?" Spike asked, pointing at the cutie marks on the map pointing to a familiar rocky mountain.
"The Hollow Shades. I think a branch of the Apple family used to live there a while ago," Applejack said.
"They'd have to be pretty distant. The Hollow Shades was abandoned eons ago since the Quinkan took over it," Sunburst replied.
That's when it hit Chase and his family.
"Wait! It can't be! That's Zhao's fortress!" Chase said in realization, causing the pillars to look at him in confusion.
"Who?" Flash Magnus asked curiously.
"What are the Quinkan?" Rockhoof asked as well.
"They are evil spirit monsters that came from the Netherworld." Jade answered. "Their leader, Zhao, is among those who are dangerous to this world. Trust me, it's not something to pick a fight with him."
"Hmm, that's odd. The only time the map's called all of us to one place was Starlight's village," Rarity said.
"So it's like a super-villain tracker! No offense," Rainbow Dash added before she realized Starlight was glaring at her and the cerulean pegasus smiled sheepishly.
"Do you think the map could be trying to tell us where the Pony of Shadows is?" Twilight asked to Star Swirl.
"Hmm... The Tree of Harmony acting to protect the light of the realm... Yes. A good thought, Twilight," Star Swirl said, as Twilight made an ecstatic smile on her face.
"I will make my notes on this spell. Ready yourselves for battle," Star Swirl said.
"No." Chase said, stopping everpony. "We can't do that."
"And why not?" Star Swirl asked him in annoyance of not wanting to be interrupted. "If this Zhao being is joining forces with the Pony of Shadows, then we must stop them with everything we have."
"Don't you even remember what happened long ago?" Chase retorted angrily.
"Of course I do. Stygian wanted all of our magic for himself so that he could rule the world and we had to do the right thing of banishing him and all of us to Limbo." Star Swirl answered.
"We know what really happened long ago, Star Swirl." Chase countered back angrily as he glared at Star Swirl. "It wasn't Stygian who became selfish, it was you."
Somnambula, Flash Mangus, Star Swirl, Mage Meadowbrook, Rockhoof, and Mistmane looked at each other with stunned expressions. But it didn't last long as Star Swirl glared at Chase.
"Well, if Stygian tried to tell us, then it would've been a lot easier. We tried to consult with him, but it didn't work. The Pony of Shadows was never interested in reconciliation. Once a villain always a villain." Star Swirl said, shocking everypony and Chase glared at him even more.
Rockhoof, Flash Magnus, Mage Meadowbrook, Somnambula, and Mistmane were the only ones listening to Chase. But Star Swirl wouldn't hear it.
"Oh really, like you?" Chase demanded furiously, making Star Swirl blink in surprise. "Celestia was right about you not understanding about friendship. You never saw what Stygian truly was, Star Swirl. You thought he was a thief, but you were wrong about him. You'd never give ponies a chance."
"What kind of fool do you take me for?!" Star Swirl asked angrily. "If Stygian wanted to be apart of us, why didn't he want to before we banished him?"
"Cause it's not fair!" Chase snapped furiously. "You're gonna end up making the biggest mistake you did long ago and…" Chase sighed as he glared at Star Swirl softly. "I'm not gonna let you do it until I talk with him."
"Well, Stygian wants to destroy what is pure. There is no way to befriend a pony like that." Star Swirl said with a scoff, causing everypony as well as the other Pillars to gasp in shock of what the bearded pony said to the alicorn stallion.
But Chase wouldn't give up yet.
"Yes there is." Chase confirmed as he made his exit out of the throne room. "I can fix him."
Twilight reached out a hoof for her husband before she dropped it as tears formed in her eyes. Then she became angry as she glared at Star Swirl as the others glared at him too.
Star Swirl glared back at them and turned to see his comrades to see if they agreed with him, but to his surprise they didn't as they also glared at him.
"What?" Star Swirl asked them.
(Scene changes)
Chase walked down the hallway toward his dojo angrily. He was mad at Star Swirl for not listening.
"I'm not gonna let Star Swirl make the mistake he did long ago." Chase said as he approached the Sword of The Shadows. "If the others won't help me out, then I'll just have to do what Nandu Gili said back at the cavern. Cure Stygian with healing magic from the Elements."
He takes the Sword of The Shadows with his magic and leaves the dojo.
(Scene changes)
Back in the throne room, the others continued to glare at Star Swirl.
"Why did you say that to him, Star Swirl?" Flash Magnus demanded angrily.
"Isn't it obvious?" Star Swirl asked, not backing down as he looked at the scroll. "If he thinks Stygian can be reformed, then he'll have to do better."
Suddenly he was given the shock of his life when the scroll floated away from him. He turned to see Twilight glaring at him angrily.
"I've always thought of you as a hero and idol. But Chase was right. You'd never give ponies a chance." Twilight said angrily.
"Do you?!" Star Swirl asked demandingly.
"I do. And if you think Chase is a fool, then you are gravely mistaken! Nopony, and I mean, nopony talks to my husband that way!" Twilight said furiously. "Starlight was right. We can't use a banish spell on Stygian. I won't let anyone, even if it is you, judge me and my friends in that manner of yours!"
"Who do you think you are?!" Star Swirl demanded.
"My husband and I are the Princess and Prince of Friendship. And Chase is also the alicorn master of jiu jitsu!" Twilight responded back with a stomp with her hoof. "We believe in ponies and even bad ones can change for better! Princess Celestia was right. You never understood friendship!"
"And you're a bully!" Nyx snapped in anger, "Do you have any idea what it's like to see what happens when your family is taken away?! I lost my family to Zhao long ago for a thousand years. That's when Twilight and Chase adopted me into the family and became my adoptive parents!"
"And what is your point?" Star Swirl demanded, "Celestia has always been a spoiled and naive child."
"Because ponies like you just judge on our appearance and scary abilities, and not who they are from inside!" Nyx said angrily. "And maybe that's how Stygian felt when he wanted to be a part of your team."
"And I don't like ponies getting bullied especially when they did nothing wrong!" Applejack said with a nod of agreement.
"Me neither!" Clay added bitterly towards Star Swirl.
"You should be ashamed of yourself, Star Swirl!" Sokka said to Star Swirl angrily for not listening to Chase. "That was just low, even for you!"
"And we're gonna help Chase cure Stygian and stop Zhao for good! Leave this to us and stay out of our way!" Twilight said sternly as she glared at Star Swirl before she made her leave. "Come on, guys! We're outta here!"
"We'll go find Chase and see where he's at, Twilight." Jade said to her sister-in-law as she and her family left. "We're pretty sure we know where he could be."
"Good, we'll make preparations ready." Twilight said as the Elite Ninja members left to find their leader.
The rest of the group, minus the Pillars, left the throne room without another word as Star Swirl was left speechless of what he heard before he scoffed.
"That is the stupidest reason I ever heard. When I say Stygian is a villain, then he is," Star Swirl snapped firmly, "Am I right?!"
Star Swirl waited for his friends in the throne room to respond and agreed with his answer, but he found no one agreed. He was in shock and concern about it.
"No way, Star Swirl." Flash Magnus said firmly. "What you just said to Chase was wrong."
"I agree. I believe that Chase may be telling the truth." Mage Meadowbrook said calmly.
"And he should show us what we have done wrong." Somnambula said with a nod.
The rest nodded in agreement as Star Swirl was shocked before he scoffed indignantly.
"Fine. But I will say to Chase that I was right from the beginning." Star Swirl said as he made his exit with the others following him to find the group.
While the others were getting ready for the battle, Jade, Sunray, Trini, and Antonio walked into the dojo to find their leader.
"Chase?" Jade asked as the four ponies entered the dojo. "Are you in here?"
"Where are you, bro?" Sunray called out to find no answer.
Then Antonio saw something that made him gasp in wide eyed shock.
"Oh no! Guys, look!" Antonio said, pointing at the spot where the Sword of The Shadows was at to find it missing.
"Oh no! The Sword of The Shadows!" Trini said in worry. "It's gone!"
"You guys don't think-" Jade said with worry.
The four ponies realized of who took the most dangerous weapon.
"Chase." Sunray said as he turned to the others with a determined look. "We gotta go after him!"
"Do you think he's at the Tree of Harmony too?" Trini asked with concern as they had the same horrified realization on their faces.
"Come on!" Jade said as she, Sunray, Trini, and Antonio ran out the dojo to find their leader.
(Scene changes)
In the Everfree Forest, Chase made his way up to the Tree of Harmony with a determined look.
He was carrying the Sword of The Shadows with him as well as his saddle bags he brought with him.
"Only by using healing magic can cure one's heart of anger and hate." Nandu Gili's voice echoed in Chase's head as the alicorn stallion was ready to cure Stygian one way or another.
Chase then uses his magic to take the Elements of Harmony and place them in his saddlebags. Of course he was still mad that the others wouldn't listen to him, especially Star Swirl and will prove that he was right.
"If Star Swirl thinks I can prove that I was right, then I'll give it to him one way or another." Chase said with a determined look.
He then grabs some rocks and conjures up some paint. Chase uses a brush to paint the rocks to make them look like the Elements.
Once he was done, he was about to make his exit when he heard a familiar voice.
"Going somewhere?" Jade's voice asked as Chase turned to see her, Sunray, Trini, and Antonio staring at him with looks of answers.
"Guys, this has to work. It's the only way we can cure Stygian." Chase said, not wanting to make things difficult.
"Lucky for you, we're with you every step of the way." Antonio said, shocking Chase in the process.
"What?" Chase asked in surprise.
"We've heard enough of what Star Swirl said and it's time to stop Zhao once and for all." Sunray answered with a determined look.
"We're with you, Chase." Trini added with a determined smirk.
"There's no way we'll let him control Stygian." Antonio added as well.
Chase was shocked by what he heard before he smiled at his family.
"Alright, guys. Let's do this." Chase said as he ran up the stairs to head for the Hollow Shades as his family followed him.
(Scene changes)
Unknown to them, they were being watched from the orb by Zhao as he smirked evilly. Standing beside him were Kai, Tai Lung, and The Pony of Shadows. They too have witnessed everything.
"Perfect." Zhao said sinisterly. "It is time to put those puny ponies out of their misery for good." He turns to Tai Lung and Kai. "Take the Quinkan, Tai Lung and Kai. We will show them what happens when they interfere with us."
"Yes, master." Kai and Tai Lung said as they bowed to Zhao in respect before they made their exit out of the throne room.
"Master, this world will soon know the misery I felt long ago after those fools kicked me out." The Pony of Shadows said sinisterly. "And they will know where their place is at soon enough."
"Yes they will." Zhao said as he smirked deviously. "And soon this world will fall to its knees for I will take Grogar's title to become the ruler of both worlds."
Zhao chuckled sinisterly.
(Scene changes)
Later on, the rest of the group along with the Pillars went to the Everfree Forest and found the cave where the Tree of Harmony lies. But they were still plenty mad at Star Swirl as he still wouldn't listen to them or Chase. They were also unaware of the Elements of Harmony missing since Chase took them.
"I am glad we have the chance to see what has grown from our efforts so long ago," Somnambula said.
"It seems a shame to harm it," Mistmane added.
"A necessary sacrifice," Star Swirl began, "With the Elements' power, we will bind the Pony of Shadows in limbo. And thanks to Twilight, we will remain to watch over the realm ourselves."
He used his magic on the fake elements as they became necklaces for the five girls, and Twilight's former crown.
"The Elements are attuned to you. We must use their magic in pairs," Starswirl said. "No problem. We're used to banishing evil before breakfast," Rainbow Dash said, hoof-bumping Flash Magnus.
"And it'll be an honor to save Equestria with y'all," Applejack added.
But then the fake elements fell off and hit the ground as they shattered, shocking everypony in the process as they gasped.
"What?!" Star Swirl asked in shock.
"The Elements are gone!" Fluttershy said in horror.
"But who would do this? And why?" Clay asked concerned and confused.
Nyx turned to Twilight with concern and worry.
"Mommy, do you think somepony-?" Nyx didn't get the chance to finish it as she was worried.
It was then Twilight gasped in realization.
"Chase." Twilight said, realizing her husband has the real Elements of Harmony.
"Well, it seems like Stygian isn't the only villain we have to deal-" Star Swirl was about to finish when he was cut off.
"Okay, I've heard enough out of you!" Twilight said angrily. "From now on, leave this to us!"
Star Swirl was speechless before he glared at her.
"Fine." Star Swirl said reluctantly.
"Come on, everpony." Twilight said as she guided everypony out to find the Elite Ninja. "We have to find Chase and the others before Zhao gets to them."
Starlight joined her.
"I hope he knows what he's doing, Twilight." Starlight said with concern.
"You and me both." Twilight replied back in agreement.
(Scene changes)
Later on, Chase, Jade, Sunray, Trini, and Antonio ventured into the mountains to find the Hollow Shades. They had just reached the top as they scanned the area.
"Okay, now where's Zhao's lair?" Sunray asked Chase, who scanned the area for a bit.
"Well, let's see. Where…" Chase said before he spotted the Well of Shade. "There it is! It's gotta be the Well of Shade." He puts a determined look on his face. "Let's go. And be careful, guys."
"Right." Jade, Sunray, Trini, and Antonio replied back as the five walked to the deserted village.
Once they were passed the mountains, they carefully made their way into the village while keeping an eye out for the Quinkan.
"Okay, so far so good." Trini said while keeping an eye out.
"Do you think the Quinkan are here?" Jade asked Chase as he glared around the area.
"Yeah, they might be." Chase said when they heard a growl.
They turned to the Well of Shade as coming out were the Quinkan soldiers armed with weapons. They growled and snarled at the Elite Ninja.
"Now that's a lot of Quinkan soldiers." Antonio commented.
Suddenly, jumping out were Kai and Tai Lung as they landed in front of the army and smirked at the five ponies.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Kai asked mockingly.
"I see we have an uninvited guest. Make that five." Tai Lung said mockingly to the five ponies as they glared at them.
The five ponies lit their horns, stood on their hind legs as aura hands replaced their front hooves.
Sunray gritted his teeth as he then began to spin his Bo around in from the side, and then in front of him. He then whipped it in front of him, before jumping up and then spun around, scraping it along the ground.
Trini spun her Kunais around as she held them, then back flipped while she still held them as she landed, holding her right up above her head, and her left in front of her.
Antonio spun his Tanto blades around and grinned, before holding his right hand out and his left hand behind him while gripping his weapons.
Jade spun her Tessen fans around while spinning around in a circle, and then held the one in her right hand over her face, directly through the eyes.
Chase did two slice moves with his Katana while spinning around - bringing the other out as he did - then did a few more slices. He then waved them both around, then jumped while spinning around, and then crossed them over like a X in front of him.
"So, we doing this with banter or without?" Antonio asked jokingly.
The Quinkan all growled at them, answering his question.
"Definitely without." Antonio said.
"Yahhh!" The five all shouted, charging at the Quinkan.
Chase ducked and rolled forward as one tried to slice him, then it turned around to hit him, but he blocked its sword with one of his own. He then pushed the Protoquin back slightly as he got up, while another charged at him from in front. He then blocked an attack from the second, then blocked another from the first, and then blocked an attack from both at the same time, while he stood in between them. He then blocked another strike from them both, then pushed their swords away slightly, then flipped forward and landed on his hands, before split kicking them away.
Sunray hit a Pyroquin with the end of his Bo as it came up behind him, knocking it down. He then poked it in the chest with his Bo, knocking it down, before he spin kicks three to five Protoquin soldiers.
Jade ducked as one Electroquin tried to her with his sword, then she whacked him in the chest with one of her Tessen fans, and then she spun around and roundhouse kicked it, knocking it away. She then turned as a Protoquin came at her with a Bo, then he tried to strike her, but she blocked it with both her Tessen fans, and then she axe kicked it in the face, causing him to collapse from dizziness.
Trini blocked one slice from a Pyroquin with her Kunai, but the might of him forced her to bend down slightly, until she fell on her back. She then grabbed him by the chest, and kicked him with both legs, sending him flying right over her, and into another one, knocking them out cold.
Antonio spun his Tanto blades around as he stared at three Protoquin soldiers that each had a Kusarigama. One then threw the chain end at him, but he blocked it, and then the other two threw their chain ends at him, but he turned and blocked them both. He then backed away to a large rock as he waved his Tanto blades around, and then jumped onto the rock as two of the Protoquin soldiers tried to hit him with the chain end of their Kusarigamas.
"Ooga, booga, booga!" Antonio mocked teasingly, putting his hands on either side of his face, and flapped one of his fingers on each hand.
One of the Protoquins then wrapped his Kusarigama chain around his leg.
"Uh-oh." Antonio muttered.
The Protoquin soldier then pulled the chain back, causing Antonio to lose his balance and fall behind the rock. The three Protoquin soldiers then jumped over the rock, but then Antonio kicked one away, then knocked the second over the rock, and then sent the third flying over it onto his chest.
"Ha, ha, ha, ha." Antonio laughed, getting up from behind it.
Then the five ponies used their element magic on the rest of the army before they were sent flying behind the Well of Shade. Now the only ones standing were Kai and Tai Lung.
"Just as I thought. You five have been mastering your element powers wisely and have underestimated the Dragon Mojo." Kai said sinisterly as he dished out his two kyoketsu-shoge while Tai Lung took out his katana swords. "But now they will belong to us soon enough."
"Just try and take it from us, you two!" Chase dared the two villains as he and his family got into fighting stances.
Tai Lung let out a fearsome roar before he and Kai charged at the five ponies, who charged at the two.
Kai then jumped and punched Jade right in the chest, which sent her slamming onto the roof of a house near its edge. Sunray then tried to jab him by the legs, but missed as he jumped, then dodged as Sunray sent a kick at him, but then spun around and tripped him up. Trini then jumped and tried to slice him with both her Kunai, but missed as he punched her right in the chest as he tried to knock her over towards Jade.
Antonio tried to hit Tai Lung in the chest with his Tanto blades, but missed as he dodged, and then he kicked the unicorn in the back, knocking him away from the snow leopard. Chase then sent a kick at him, but he grabbed his foot and flung him away from him. Antonio then tried to whack him with one of the handles with his Tanto blades, but missed as he dodged, and then he grabbed Antonio and picked him up, and then threw him over to Jade and Trini, landing on both of them. Then they fell on the ground with grunts of pain.
Jade then jumped and managed to kick Tai Lung in the back, making him loose his balance slightly, but then when she tried to kick him again, Tai Lung got around her, and then punched her hard on the back, sending her towards the others. Sunray then jumped and wrapped one arm around his neck while hitting him on the head with the other, but then Kai grabbed Sunray's arm and slammed him face-first onto the roof. Tai Lung then slammed him again - this time on his back- and then again - only on his chest.
Chase got up and looked horrified as Tai Lung and Kai were about to punch Sunray right in the chest while holding him up. He then growled angrily and jumped up and kicked Kai in the back, sending him right in into Tai Lung, knocking them away and forcing them to let Sunray go.
Tai Lung and Kai growled as they turned back to Leo, took out their respective swords, and then charged back at Chase.
They tried to slice Chase over the head with it, but the alicorn master blocked them with one of his swords, then tried to slice him with both of theirs, but he blocked their swords. Kai then tried to slice him by the legs, but missed as he jumped, then dodged a kick from Tai Lung, and then dodged another slice from Kai. Chase then blocked another slice with both his swords, then ducked under another slice, and then jumped to avoid another, getting behind Tai Lung as he did and then kicked him in the back.
Tai Lung stumbled towards the ground, but then quickly charged back at Chase, and managed to knock both his swords out of his hands. Kai then kicked him in the chest, sending him to the ground as Chase grunted in pain. Kai and Tai Lung then aimed their swords right at Chase's face as his family watched in horror behind him.
"No! Chase!" Sunray cried loudly.
"Get outta there!" Trini cried.
Chase backed away from Kai and Tai Lung.
"Get back!" Jade cried.
"Move!" Trini cried.
Tai Lung raised the sword over his head, ready to strike.
"Look out!" Antonio shouted.
"This is the end for you, Chase Young! Goodbye!" Tai Lung declared with an evil smirk.
But just before he could finish him off, Twilight suddenly flew in and then sent a series of kicks into Tai Lung's stomach, which then knocked him right through an old house as wood shattered outside and out.
Kai then turned to face her, only for him to get kicked in the face by Sokka and Clay. Kai was sent flying into another old house as wood flew to the ground.
"Guys!" Chase shouted as he turned to see the others and the Pillars helping his family up.
"Daddy!" Nyx said as she hugged her father with all her might.
"Oh, Chase!" Twilight said, hugging her husband with relief. "Please stop scaring me like that. You promised me that there won't be any more solo missions. I need somepony to help look after our only daughter."
"Please just listen to us instead of being mad all the time." Nyx added with concern.
"I would be if somepony had just listened in the first place." Chase said, glaring at Star Swirl as the bearded pony glared at him in return.
"Well, never mind that now. Where are the Quinkan? I'm dying to get into the action!" Rainbow said with a determined smile.
"Same here!" Flash Magnus added as well.
"We already did it." Sunray said, causing the two pegasi to groan in disappointment.
"You know, guys. I don't remember reading anything that said the Hollow Shades was like this after Zhao took control over it," Sunburst said.
"Ohhh. Zhao must have twisted it to his purposes," Mistmane said.
They heard the Pony of Shadows's evil chuckle echoing.
"That must be Stygian." Jade said as they all walked over to the Well of Shade.
"Prepare yourselves. He is here," Starswirl said, as they walked over to the big hole molded with big bricks. "Stygian! Show yourself and face us!"
"I don't think he has to be the only one that we should be facing." Sokka said.
Then they heard Zhao's evil cackle, causing them all to go on full alert.
"Quite true, Sokka." Zhao's sinister voice said. "Now, Stygian. You may do the honors."
The Pony of Shadows replied by laughing evilly, and then the surface around the hole started rumbling and cracking, and they all fell into the pit screaming. They landed in a pile before picking themselves up.
"Wipe out." Antonio groaned.
"Where are we?" Trini asked, as they looked around seeing they were in a hidden chamber that was dedicated to the Quinkan.
"Freaky." Sunray said.
"I definitely would've remembered reading about this." Sunburst said while adjusting his glasses.
"Stay on your guard, guys. Be prepared." Chase said with caution.
The Pony of Shadows laugh continued to echo, as Star Swirl provided a protection spell around them as Chase an his family stood at attention outside of the barrier. The dark pony appeared.
"Welcome to the Well of Shade! When you turned your backs on me, I discovered this place. The Quinkan spoke to me of a power beyond any I could imagine, and I listened. The shadow, the Quinkan, and I became one. Soon, all of the realm will be the same. Then all ponies will feel the despair I did when you cast me out!" He called the pillars out.
"We did what we had to do. You tried to steal our powers for yourself." Star Swirl accused him.
"No! It was you who were selfish!" The Pony of Shadows argued and concentrated his dark magic. "And now, you will pay!"
"Enough!" Zhao's voice said from behind the giant, making the Pony of Shadows stop as the others, minus Chase as he glared, gasped to see Zhao on his throne looking down at them.
"Master Zhao." The Pony of Shadows greeted deviously with a bow of respect.
Zhao approached the Pony of Shadows with a firm look on his face.
"Stand aside and I will be the one to deal with the talking." Zhao ordered sternly.
"Yes, master." The Pony of Shadows as he stepped aside.
"Zhao the Quinkan leader, I presume?" Star Swirl acknowledged with a glare as Zhao stood in front of the barrier.
"You have it right." Zhao said deviously. "I guess I should thank you for bringing Stygian to me long ago."
"What do you mean 'bringing him to you' ?" Star Swirl asked skeptically and doubtly. "Stygian only wanted our powers for himself to rule the world so we had to do what was best from the past. In fact, I highly doubt that you have anything to do with it."
This made Zhao chuckled evilly, making Star Swirl and the pillars confused at this.
"What is so funny?" Star Swirl demanded with a glare.
"Star Swirl! You blind, ignorant, self-important fool!" Zhao said to Star Swirl as he got into the bearded pony's face by the barrier, making him drop his glare and the others flinch. "Stygian never wanted to steal your magic, it was I who wanted them!"
"What?!" Star Swirl asked in surprise while the pillars, minus Chase and the others, were shocked by this.
"Have you not recalled what really happened a thousand years ago?" Zhao said deviously to the six pillars, who were at full attention with stunned expressions, and explained. "When you fools were getting all of the glory from those ponies in the past, I spoke to Stygian through a telepathic connection. I gave him a choice to either live with all that pathetic loneliness he had with him or become one of you. And he did it for a price! He went to Ponhenge to make his own copies of the artifacts for me and for him. With them, he thought he could be a pillar too and stand by your side in battle while I had the magic I needed for my plan of bringing the age of Ragnarok long ago to reshape Equestria until you fools ruined that effort." The pillars were shocked as they realized Chase was right all along and they realized they made a mistake in judging Stygian. "He never wanted to steal your power, I did. But instead of listening, you brought him to me on the other side of the Netherworld and I infused Stygian with my power that turned him into this form you see before you. A truly superior work of genius! But all good things must come to an end. There is no point in rescuing him now. As you can see, he belongs to me. Now and forever."
"Now do you believe me?!" Chase asked Star Swirl furiously as the bearded pony looked away ashamedly without another word.
"With him in my possession, he will stop you pathetic ponies once and for all." Zhao said as the Pony of Shadows used his magic to fire a beam and it struck the barrier.
"Are you still sure this isn't a friendship problem?" Starlight asked Twilight with a concerned look.
Then the Pony of Shadows fired another beam, but this time Chase interfered by shooting a magic blast at his own and the beams connected with one another. Chase gained the upper hoof by blasting his magic at the monster's face, making him shout in pain.
"Grrr." The Pony of Shadows growled in anger. "You will pay for that!"
"Not as long as I have this baby with me!" Chase said as he stood on his hind legs while he lit his horn as aura hands appeared around his front hooves and took out the Sword of The Shadows, shocking everyone, as it hums with magical orange aura surrounding the weapon. "Give Stygian back to us, Zhao!"
"The Sword of The Shadows!" Zhao said, looking at his prized weapon.
Chase then used the sword's power to unleash a beam of energy at the two monsters forcing them back. Then he turned his attention back to the others just as Star Swirl used his magic to make the barrier disappear.
"Stay here!" Chase ordered before he turned his attention back to the Pony of Shadows getting back on hooves as he charged at him at full speed.
"No! Chase!" Twilight shouted in fear and worry for her husband.
With a battle cry, Chase leapt into the air and unleashed another beam of energy at the Pony of Shadows, forcing the pony monster back at a wall.
Then he landed back on his hind legs with the sword in his hands before he used his magic to combine the elements powers and fired a powerful magic spell in creating a large portal, which began dragging and sucking the Pony of Shadows into it. And at the same time, he fired another blast to push him back into it.
"No! You will not trap me again!" Pony of Shadows roared in anger.
"I'm not trapping you, I'm waiting for an opportunity." Chase said with a look of determination.
Chase looked carefully at the Pony of Shadow's chest. He found a familiar pony struggling to get out of it.
"There you are!" Chase called out as Twilight gasped in shock.
"There's a pony in there!" Twilight said to Starlight in surprise.
Chase then flew into the Pony of Shadows. Not too long Twilight followed after him as well as she flew into the monster.
Twilight and Chase entered within the Pony of Shadows' body. They looked around their surroundings to find Stygian. They then found him sitting down.
"Stygian?" Twilight asked, "Is that you?"
"I was, once. Until my friends betrayed me." Stygian said sadly.
"I know. Zhao told us everything about your plan for using the Pillars' artifacts and you wanted to be part of the team. But it's not their fault. Zhao told them that he wanted their powers to bring Equestria to its knees long ago. I'm sorry, Stygian. They didn't mean this." Twilight sincerely said.
"They did! Instead of sharing and letting me help, my friends threw me out." Stygian said darkly and angrily. As the shadowy formed on him, his voice deepened and growled as it scared Twilight as Chase shielded his wife to protect her, "So I became stronger than any of them! The Quinkan welcomed me when no pony would, and I will do what I must to protect them along with the darkness!"
"This is all a misunderstanding! If the Pillars knew how you felt, I'm sure they wouldn't have turned their backs on you. The shadow isn't who you really are and the Quinkan aren't who you think they are. Let us help you be Stygian again." Chase tried to reason.
"Even if my friends did still care, what makes you think you two have the power to help me?" Stygian asked them with skepticism.
"Because it's what they do." Starlight said as she entered inside the Pony of Shadows' body before standing next to Twilight and Chase. "I wasn't so different from you, and Twilight and Chase helped me change. If there's two ponies in Equestria that can save a friendship, it's them."
Stygian felt touched by her words, but strained,
"I... I want to believe you... But the darkness will not be stopped!" He repelled the three, as the shadows started surrounding him.
"We have to get him out of here!" Chase said to his wife.
Twilight and Chase used their magic to wrap a lasso around Stygian's hoof. The three ponies jumped out of the shadow and tried pulling him out.
"Fight the darkness, Stygian! You don't need it anymore! Revenge isn't what you want! Friendship is!" Twilight started losing her grip on Stygian.
"Don't let Zhao keep you locked up in there!" Chase shouted as he started to lose his grip as well.
"Twilight! Chase!" Starlight called, as she used her magic to help pull Stygian out. The shadow roared as it struggled.
"The shadow won't let go of him. He wants to stop, but he can't do it alone." Chase told the pillars.
"Then we must help him!" Star Swirl declared as he, Sunburst, Jade, Trini, Antonio, Nyx, and Sunray used their magic to help them.
The girls grabbed their necklaces before they used the power of the elements to provide additional help to Stygian, with their combined efforts, they tugged Stygian out of the shadow that was sent through the portal.
"NO!" The shadow cried.
Zhao got up before he noticed Stygian out of the shadow.
"Enough of this!" Zhao roared before he grabbed Chase in his hands as the alicorn stallion struggled to break free and the evil leader used his power to fire an orange beam at the portal, changing from Limbo to the Netherworld. "Foolish little one. You are coming with me!"
The Quinkan monster then held him as he jumped through the portal with Chase screaming in horror.
"CHASE!" Twilight shouted in despair as the others, including Stygian, watched in shock.
(Scene changes)
In the Netherworld, the portal spat Chase and Zhao out as they rolled onto the ground. Chase got up as he looked at his surroundings in the evil dimension.
"Oh no! We're in the Netherworld again?" Chase asked as Zhao got back on his feet.
"You have it right, Chase. I would have told you that this is where I ruled thousands of years ago, destroying any creature who would get in my way and taking their powers to absorb. But most would either be to waste or join a side. These worlds are divided into two. Everyone must choose a side." Zhao answered.
"All I want to know, Zhao, is this. What has my grandfather ever done to you? I mean I understand from what he and my parents told me, but for what?" Chase asked with a glare.
Zhao glared at him with a bitter smirk.
"Centuries ago, when your grandfather came to the White Lotus clan, he destroyed everything that would gain me the ability to take over Equestria so long since then, thus giving me my scar in our last battle in the south part of the world." Zhao explained while pointing at his scar on the left side of his face. "He was always Pakku Shisho's favorite when he came to his aid and ruined everything in my goal so I could make my dream a reality. And ever since you came into the world with your family, I knew you had the same spirit the great Darius Hisomi had long ago after he perished in the south part of Equestria I conquered back then. He always knew you would be the next generation to carry on your legacy… for the future!"
"But how would I be the one you also had to choose?" Chase asked. "Why me?"
"Your grandfather had to keep you safe with your family in Canterlot on the hope that you would gain the skills to face me today, but Darius was wrong!" Zhao replied back deviously. "Now that you have become the new alicorn jiu jitsu master, altered one of the powers of the previous Elite Ninja from the five Dragon Guardians, and represent the seventh Element of Harmony, your skills still won't be enough to help you. For I have grown much stronger than ever before since our last encounters we both had! Destroying you and your family is what has kept me going. From then on, I knew you had the power to stop me, but it's no use to end this threat. All these years ago, Darius was clever. He covered his tracks well through time, hiding his family from me! And building his new clan in order for them to defend themselves from my soldiers! It has been a long generation, but today, I will finally steal Grogar's throne to my rightful place as ruler of both our worlds and rebuild the ultimate Quinkan army again!"
Chase glared at him even more.
"You either have two choices, Chase. You will be here for the rest of your life powerless or consider serving me well as one of my soldiers." Zhao said, sternly.
"No way, Zhao!" Chase said angrily and furiously. "I'd rather fall in battle with honor than serve a monster like you in shame!"
This made Zhao cross, but soon he deviously grinned.
"So be it! If you will not join me, then you shall join your grandfather to the very end! Soon, all who opposed me long ago will be destroyed by my prized weapon's power! And I will finally be the new ruler of both the Netherworld and Equestria!" Zhao said, smirking evilly before he extended two long blades from his gauntlets and rushed at Chase, who did the same as they clashed blades with each other for a bit.
Suddenly Zhao gained the upper hand and knocked the Sword of The Shadows away from Chase before he kicked the alicorn stallion to the ground as he grunted in pain. It wasn't long before he delivered a powerful punch to Chase's face and sent him sliding to the ground, making him cry out in pain.
Zhao went to the Sword of The Shadows and took it in his right hand as it glowed orange with a humming sound as sparks flowed around it. Then they flowed around him as he smirked evilly.
"Ah, the power! I had almost forgotten. The Sword of The Shadows! The sword from which I laid villages to waist! Brought castles to ground! Vanquished armies! The sword that I used to conquer the southern part of Equestria long ago and give power to the Basilisk Ninja Clan!" Zhao said as he held the sword in his hand as Chase looked on horrified along with the others as they were watching everything from the portal. "IT IS MINE ONCE MORE!"
Zhao fired up the sword and unleashed a powerful blast at Chase, knocking him back as he grunted in pain before he landed on his stomach. Then a shadow loomed over him.
"Oh no. Chase! Lookout!" Twilight shouted in horror while the others watched in terror and fear of what they were now seeing.
Chase groaned before he looked up, only to gasp in shock to see Zhao standing over him with the Sword of The Shadows blade pointing at him while smirking evilly with his teeth clenched.
"You will never leave here alive." Zhao declared as the sword's blade sparks up a bit.
"No!" Chase shouted as he took out one of his katana swords and blocked the Sword of The Shadows away as it sent a beam of energy at some wood, making an explosion as fire appeared around the two in a big circle.
Chase ducked as Zhao tried to slice him, and then hit him in the back with the handle of his katana sword before he jumped out of the fire over to the bottom of an old water tower. Chase turned briefly around to the water tower, and then an idea came into his head, before he dared Zhao to attack him.
Zhao jumped out of the fire ring as he charged directly at Chase, who backed away behind some of the supports. Zhao then tried to stab Chase with his gauntlet, but missed as he dodged, then sent a kick at him, but missed as he dodged. Chase then blocked another stab with his katana sword, followed by another kick with his arm, and then dodged a swipe from the Sword of The Shadows as he backed away from him, and then dodged a punch. He then jumped as Zhao tried to kick him in the leg, before ducking as he tried to slice him with his sword, which nearly went through one of the support beams.
Chase then ducked as Zhao tried again, this time the sword going straight through the beam. He then jumped to another support beam, which Zhao then sliced open as he tried to slice him. As Chase kept dodging the sword, Zhao unknowingly cut loose all the support beams, until he noticed it started to wobble.
"This is for you, Grandpa!" Chase shouted.
He jumped up and then kicked one of the loose support beams. Zhao gasped as he turned to him, and then the water tower began to fall towards him. Then in an instant, it collapsed on Zhao as dust flew everywhere.
"Yeah!" Trini cheered Chase on.
"Way to go, Chase!" Jade cheered her older brother loudly.
"Sweet tail kicking action!" Antonio shouted as the others cheered for Chase while the Pillars and Stygian smiled in praise for the alicorn master.
Chase smiled at their direction when suddenly Zhao burst through the water tower and charged at the alicorn master with a loud roar, making Chase turn to him as the evil Quinkan leader grabbed him by the throat as he yelped in surprise, making the others drop the cheering and gasped in horror at the sight of Zhao strangling Chase.
Zhao lifts Chase up as the alicorn master struggles to break free from the Quinkan leader's grip, but to no avail.
"You fool!" Zhao sneered with a smirk. "All those who oppose me are fated to perish! You should know that better than anyone!"
He tossed Chase back into the circle of fire, making Chase hit the ground as he grunted in pain as he was now covered in bruises and his left eye was black.
"Chase!" Twilight shouted in fear and worry for her husband. "No!"
"Daddy! Get out of there!" Nyx shouted in fear and worry for her father.
Zhao then walked through the fire unharmed, shocking everypony in the process, as approached Chase with an evil smirk.
"I have tolerated you and the rest of your family long enough!" Zhao said evilly while smirking as Chase got up while glaring at Zhao angrily. "You are completely out matched and alone! Yet you persist. For what? Honor? Redemption? All meaningless."
"We'll see about that." Chase said angrily as he and Zhao charged at each other and clashed blades a bit.
Chase dodged and ducked every one of Zhao's attacks from the Sword of The Shadows before he jumped into mid air, delivering a solid kick at Zhao's chest. The Quinkan leader stumbles in pain away from the alicorn master, who landed back on his hind legs.
"You can't win, Zhao!" Chase said, angrily. "It's over!"
That made Zhao cackle deviously.
"You are a fool, Chase Young!" Zhao said with a wicked smile. "The Equestrian world is my fortress! MY STRONGHOLD! DID YOU BELIEVE YOU COULD DEFEAT ME?!"
Zhao fires another blast at Chase from the tip of the sword. Chase back flipped away from Zhao and the blast. He landed a few feet away from the Quinkan leader as he took his other katana sword and held them both in his hands in a fighting stance.
"I'm gonna have to get in close to get the sword out of his grip!" Chase said with a determined look. "It's the only way!"
With a battle cry, Chase charged at Zhao with his katanas ready as the Quinkan leader tried to slice the alicorn stallion, only for Chase to jump over it and landed a solid kick to Zhao's face. The Quinkan king staggered back before he clashed blades with Chase a bit.
Then Chase used his katanas to knock the Sword of The Shadows into the air out of Zhao's hands before he landed a spinning kick to the Quinkan's chest, forcing him to the ground on his back. He puts his katana swords in his sheaths before he flew into the air and grabbed the Sword of The Shadows in his hands. He flew at Zhao with the sword at hand.
But Zhao dodged the incoming attack by jumping out of the way as Chase stabbed the sword into the ground before he glared Zhao with the sword out of the ground in his grasp.
Zhao extended his blades from both his gauntlets and they stared each other down with glares in a standoff not moving a budge. Chase tightened his grip on the Sword of The Shadows with ferocity in a KO GASUMI stance and Zhao cracked both of his fists together with a firm grip.
Suddenly, Zhao charged at him full speed with Chase doing the same as they each let a battle cry. The Quinkan leader was about ready to stab Chase, but the alicorn stallion sliced the blades from his left gauntlet, jumped high in the air to avoid the the remaining blades from Zhao's right gauntlet… and stabbed the Sword of The Shadows in Zhao's chest armor.
The Quinkan leader let a roar of pain combined with a scream as he felt the sword's power surged through him dangerously before Chase used his lighting element to fire a beam of lightning at the monster, sending him to the damaged water tower in the process. A white light eliminated the scene from the sword's power.
(Scene changes)
"CHASE!" Twilight shouted in horror and despair as she and the others looked shocked from the battle before they shielded themselves from the light.
Soon the light faded. They began to lose hope thinking Chase Young didn't make it in time.
"I can't believe it!" Flash Magnus said in shock.
"Chase!" Jade shouted with worry.
"Daddy! NO!" Nyx shouted as she felt her tears fall down her cheeks.
"He's gone?" Sunray said worried for his brother.
"No! No, he can't be!" Antonio tried to deny not wanting to believe it.
"I won't believe it!" Sokka said, not wanting to believe Chase was gone.
Then all of a sudden, Chase flew out of the portal, much to their joy as he hovered above them. He was even holding something in his left aura hand as his horn was still lit for his aura hands were replacing his front hooves. In his left aura hand was Zhao's left gauntlet.
"Chase!" Twilight shouted with a smile as tears fell from her face, seeing her husband alive.
"Father!" Nyx shouted in relief.
"Brother!" Jade and Sunray said with joy while the others cheered for him.
"Zhao… is finished." Chase declared boldly before he used magic to close the portal.
Kai, Tai Lung, and the Quinkan army woke up when they saw the Rainbow magic sprouting into the sky.
"No!" Kai shouted in shock before he glared at the ponies in the well, who didn't notice. He then saw Zhao's gauntlet as he realized his master was dead. He was shocked and horrified, but then became angry. "This isn't over, Chase Young. We will return to destroy you. Quinkan, fall back!"
Tai Lung, Kai, and the Quinkan immediately left the Hollow Shades for good.
Without the Pony of Shadows and with Zhao defeated, the dark magic was extinguished allowing the sun to shine down on the Hollow Shades.
Every pony climbed or flew out of the hole. Chase then used his magic to heal himself and returned back to normal.
"Yeah! Oh, it felt sooooo good to do that again!" Rainbow cheered just as Chase stopped using his magic and went back on all four hooves.
"Friendship power rush! WHOO!" Pinkie bounced, tackling Rainbow Dash for a hug.
Rarity noticed they still had the elements.
"The Elements! They didn't disappear!" Rarity said with joy and relief
"Maybe because we used them for healing magic instead of banishing just like Chase said it would be the answer?" Fluttershy asked.
"That's correct, Fluttershy." Jade agreed.
"Look!" Applejack motioned to Star Swirl who helped Stygian out of the pit.
The old pony had something to say to the young one.
"Long ago, you needed our help, Stygian. But instead of listening, we turned our backs on you, especially when Zhao came to you and turned you into a monster. Pride clouded my judgment. I owe you an apology," Star Swirl said, deeply apologizing to Stygian. He turned to Twilight and Chase, "Thank you for helping us see the errors of our ways, Twilight and Chase. It seems I never accounted for the Magic of Friendship."
"Thank you, Swirlstar! Uh, Star Swirl!" Twilight smiled.
The girls and boys noticed their cutie marks glow, meaning their friendship mission was a success.
Chase and Twilight shared a loving nuzzle with each other.
Starlight cleared her throat, gaining Starswirl's attention.
"Soooo... apparently a conversation can save Equestria?" Starlight teased.
Hearing that, Star Swirl could only chuckle knowing he was proved wrong.
"Something tells me I will be making a lot of apologies today." Star Swirl said sheepishly.
"You can start with somepony who was right about Zhao using Stygian." Jade proposed as she gestured to Chase.
Star Swirl approached Chase with a guilty expression.
"I am deeply sorry for everything I said, Chase." Starswirl said regrettably. "You were right and all the time I thought Stygian was a thief was wrong. I let my pride and judgment cloud me from seeing the consequences that happened."
Chase nodded at Starswirl with a smile.
"As long as you learned a valuable lesson, I'm sure you'll understand now that some ponies can change their hearts." Chase said as Starswirl smiled in reply.
It was then Twilight turned her attention to Chase with a proud smile.
"You did it, honey." Twilight said as she hugged her husband affectionately. "You saved the world from Zhao's evil."
"I couldn't have done it without all of my family by my side." Chase said as he returned the favor by wrapping his left foreleg around his wife as they shared a loving nose nuzzle as Nyx hugged her parents, making Twilight and Chase return the favor.
(Scene changes)
After the others finished the mission, they returned to Canterlot, where Star Swirl was overjoyed to see his two oldest pupils from so long ago as Jewel, Santos, Pakku, Bumi, and Iroh were with them as well. They were even told that Zhao was finally gone for good thanks to Chase and his family.
"I simply cannot believe how tall you've gotten!" Star Swirl spoke to Celestia as he looked up at her.
Celestia smiled in amusement.
"Well, it has been over a thousand years. Will you stay here and teach magic once again? My sister and I have such fond memories of your lessons." Celestia requested with a smile.
"As long as you don't ask for those essays we owed you before you disappeared." Luna said sheepishly, as the two sisters smiled as Star Swirl chuckled.
"I'm not certain Canterlot is where I belong. The realm has grown, and I believe I'll have a look around before I settle in any one place." Star Swirl said gently declining the offer with a smile.
"And I long to see what has become of my home." Meadowbrook added.
"I believe we all do." Mistmane agreed.
"Then I hope you will return to Canterlot on occasion and share the wisdom of your great experience with the next generation of ponies," Princess Celestia said.
"We would be honored. But if it is wisdom you seek, look no further than your own pupils," Star Swirl motioned to Twilight and Chase, who smiled. "They showed me that the power of friendship is a magical force indeed. And that in turning away from others, you hurt yourself as well."
The whole group gathered around Stygian for a group hug.
"You know, guys." Chase said to Starlight and Twilight with a smile. "I think this world is gonna go back to normal now that there's no more Quinkan problems we have to deal with."
"You're right, honey." Twilight agreed with her husband as she wiped some of the tears in her eyes she had after Star Swirl spoke to her and Chase about showing the old pony the magic of friendship. "It's funny. I thought meeting our idol would give us all the answers we ever wanted. But instead, I forgot what we already knew. Good thing we had a student of our own to remind me."
The alicorn couple hugged Starlight humbly as she hugged them in return with a smile. Pakku, Bumi, and Iroh approached them with smiles on their faces.
"We couldn't agree more." Pakku said proudly to the alicorn couple before he turned his attention to Chase as his family joined him. "You have all done well. We are very proud of you for you have done great things."
Jewel walked over to Chase as she hugged her son.
"You have done it, Chase." Jewel said to her eldest son proudly. "You have brought peace to the world now that Zhao has vanished."
"We are very proud of you and your team, Chase." Santos said in agreement as he smiled towards his children, niece, and nephew.
"Indeed." Pakku said as he directed his attention to Chase. "We all owe you and your family a debt of gratitude, Master Chase Young. Zhao has finally been brought to justice."
"I agree. You have done well, Master Chase." Star Swirl said as the whole group and the two Royal Sisters approached them.
"When you became the next alicorn jiu jitsu master, I knew you would carry on in your grandfather's place, my most faithful student." Celestia said as Chase smiled in reply. "You have proven to be a great leader to your team and that nothing would stop you."
"So is it really over, Chase?" Trini asked Chase with a hopeful smile.
"No more Zhao?" Sunray asked with a hopeful smile of his own.
Jade and Antonio shared the same look on their faces with everypony else.
"Yes, guys." Chase said as he addressed everypony in the throne room. "Grandpa's spirit can finally rest in peace. Zhao is finished."
(Scene changes)
In the Netherworld, the debris of the water tower was still lying on the ground after Zhao was defeated. Strangely though, it was quiet despite the flames of the fire.
Then all of a sudden… something sprouted out of the debris. It was Zhao's right fist!
His silhouette jumped out of the pile and cackled deviously as he walked through the fire.
Chase may have defeated him… but didn't realize the damage he had just inflicted on him.
Author's note: Hey guys,
I'm back! And here's the final part 1 and 2 of these chapters of the story with a few twists on both of them. This concludes the end of Season 7. Chase may have defeated Zhao, but not completely. He'll be out until Season 9 to make his appearance to finally take Equestria for good. When we get there, you'll be in for a real surprise for what I have in store for it. For now, I'll be back by the beginning of April to write My Little Pony: The Movie, The Forgotten Swordspony.
Peace Out!