Chapter 36:
Time To Shine
After the training with Inferno and Cliffbore was a complete success, Twilight, Spike, Cliffbore, and Inferno returned to the Pool Of Vision where they and the others are right now trying to figure out how they could succeed in rescuing Celestia and Luna, along with how to stop Slash from succeeding to create two more crystals from their magic.
"You did well, Twilight," Cliffbore said as Twilight smiled.
"You have finally mastered all six elements, young Alicorn. Which means you're ready," Inferno said with the sound of hope in his voice.
"Yes, yes, a good pat on the back, dearies. All that other rubbish, but we need to get moving here!" Marina said urgently.
"Oooh, Classic Marina always being terribly obnoxious of things," Voltwing groaned in annoyance.
"But in this case, she happens to be correct you know," Storm Heart said.
"Indeed, Celestia and Luna are the final pieces to Slash's puzzle," Gaia explained.
"What?! But I thought Slash has already harnessed the Guardian's powers," Pinkie Pie said.
"I'm afraid it's more complicated than that, Pinkie Pie. You see, the only way for the portal to open is to harness the powers of the Guardians Of Magic. And since Celestia and Luna are the masters of that magic…," Voltwing said.
"Then Slash can create two more crystals he needs to succeed," Fluttershy gasped, catching on to what Voltwing is saying.
"So that means...that when those last crystals are powered by Celestia and Luna's magic…," Rarity said.
"...The Portal will be open and all of Equestria will be done for," Rainbow finished.
"We gotta go save them and fast. Who knows what is happening to those two," Sunset declared.
"Uh, Sunset? Did ya by any chance forget that we have no idea where Slash took 'em?" Applejack asked, reminding her fiery Alicorn friend that they don't know where the royal sisters are or have been taken.
"That's right. Dang it!" Sunset said, swatting her hoof on the floor.
"Do not worry Sunset, I think Inferno and I can help with that," Cliffbore spoke up, "When we were held captive in the Dragon Lands, we overheard the Conductor say that Slash's final preparation would take place at his lair. Where he lives in seclusion amongst the clouds and the towers,".
"We are certain that's where he's taken the royal sisters," Inferno assured.
"Then let's bounce on over there now!" Pinkie declared.
"Alright, let's get flying!" Rainbow Dash said flying above her friends.
"Inferno, aren't you and Cliffbore coming with us?" Twilight asked Inferno and Cliffbore.
"We'd give anything to go with you and your friends, young Warrior," Cliffbore replied.
"Yes, we would. But those crystals drained every last of our strength. I fear our role in this battle might be over," Inferno said sadly.
"Every Generation passed the torch to the next, brothers," Voltwing assured them.
"He's right, our time for heroics is done," Storm Heart said in agreement.
"Yes, indeed. It is now Twilight and her friends' time to shine! Now go to it, Young Alicorns!" Marina declared with a smile.
"And be careful. This is the final step Slash must take to open the portal. He won't go down without a fight," Gaia warned.
"We'll try our best. Come on girls," Twilight said as she and her friends raced for the door.
"I just hope we're not too late," Fluttershy said in concern.
"Wow, you guys even make me want to face Slash…Wait did I just say that out loud?" Spike questioned.
"Pretty much Spike," Pinkie replied, making Spike regret his words.