It was late afternoon in the cities of Ponyville, and Twilight Sparkle, marching at the head of the Mane Six towards the crystal tree, was constantly reflecting on the present day, the conference in the crystal city, and the matter of the three ponies currently trying to throw various accusations at her lover, the three suspects, Luster Dawn, Deros and Flash Sentry, these names kept replaying in the mind of the princess as she pondered the reason and cause of their actions, but the more important question was asked by her companion dragon Spike.
- who helped them, who commissioned them because they didn't come up with such an idea on their own, besides, someone helped them. Spike said as he marched without Rarity absent.
- I'm betting on our paranoid. Discord said.
- you really believe that, why would Star Swirl do such things. Creamy Fluttershy asked with a new hairstyle on her head.
- maybe out of fear. Said Rainbow Dash fluttering her blue wings and raising her rainbow mane.
- you can't really be sure of anything here, besides we'll keep an eye on three of them. Said Applejack's golden mane, looking at the dark blue princess of friendship.
- Twilight, you say that the guard has orders to find three conspirators.
- Yes Applejack, orders have already been issued but they are to do it quietly. Twilight said as her eyes suddenly focused on a slightly trembling Pinkie Pie.
- I don't think I know what's going to happen next. Spike said grabbing his head and green spikes.
- it's gonna start soon. Said Pinkie Pie when suddenly her condition went quiet and there was a strange explosion in her mother.
Smoke enveloped the whole city in mist until terrified newcomers began to emerge from the smoke, including many guilty ones, the first one who came out of the smoke and flash was a golden pony and black mane accompanied by the princess of the moon. Deros and Luna stood on the brink of a strange cloud of smoke.
- Deros!. Twilight said angrily as the golden pony bowed her head.
- Twilight, wait, Deros came here with me of his own free will, he wants to correct his mistakes. said Luna, standing between the guilty pony and the princess.
- he's not the only one who wants to fix his mistakes. Said a maroon mare in a black outfit.
- Tempest Shadow, wait, Luster Dawn, you!, maybe you can finally explain to me why. Twilight said as she saw another guilty one lower her head in front of her.
Another flash lit up the area through which Princess Celestia came out first, followed by the royal couple from the crystal city, Cadance and Shining Armor in their silver armor, accompanied by their two daughters, bright pink Flurry Heart and silver Star Lara, and accompanying members of the Pillars of Equestria.
- what!, what's going on here, Pillars, you?. Discord asked suspiciously as Somnambula, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus and Meadowbrook bowed their heads in guilt and duty to stop the inevitable.
- what's going on here. Starlight Glimmer, suddenly running out of the friendship school, asked, accompanied by a golden unicorn in a star robe.
It's probably a happening or something. Said Sunburst leading all members of the New Six, Silverstream, Yona, Ocellus, Smolder, Gallus and Sandbar staring at the Pillars with wide eyes.
- we are guilty of everything but you have to act fast, you have to stop two madmen, Star Swirl and Flash Sentry want to steal the man's clothes to take part of his power. Somnambula said.
- What!. They all shouted simultaneously knowing the great truth.
- oh no Rarity, that outburst must have come from her lab quickly. Said Spike trying to run but as it turned out he didn't have to because three ponies and one Minotaur emerged from the smoke, Swift Max, Diper, Zax and Katrina leading Rarity's slightly confused and upright navy mane.
- Rarity, you're fine. Spike asked as he helped Rarity stand on her even hooves.
- I guess so, it's good, someone attacked me, used some strange magic and took clothes, shirts and a green sweatshirt, what Alex gave me to fix. Rarity said.
- so it's true, they want to gain the power of man in this way, but for what!. Silverstream's pink hippogriff screamed shrilly.
- you were in it up to your ears, maybe someone will explain to us why, why you need all this. The greenish Sandbard asked angrily, glaring at the Pillars and the two suspects, Deros and Luster Dawn.
- we got paranoid, we thought that Alex wanted to rule us in a manipulative way, now we see how Star Swirl and Flash Sentry went crazy. Flash Magnus said, bowing his steel helmet head.
- but why. Why and you, why Flash Sentry. Sunburst asked, hearing his question Tempest Shadow pushed Luster Dawn ahead of everyone.
- I was jealous that he became a hero not me, I always thought I was following Twilight's path and here a man appeared and ruined everything for me, but I understood that you can be a hero for everyone, in the simplest things. Luster Dawn said.
- it's your turn. Luna said in a soft voice to Deros.
- I was jealous of the man, I was angry that Princess Luna could only see him and I was too shy to do anything to say a word, now that I realized that Alex was talking about me and wanted to help me, how stupid I was. Said Deros and the words of the golden pony drew all the attention of the sun princess.
Luna or you, really. Princess Celestia asked and her sister first smiled then nodded and all momentary joy was interrupted by Twilight suddenly screaming.
- wait!, we talk here, talk, and there two madmen take over the powers of a man.
- what's going on here, hey, what are you doing here, just not that. She said, falling out of Trixie's falling dust just as the crossbow dropped completely.
Everyone was suddenly shocked by the sound of two figures gliding, they all looked up into the sky to see two ponies flying straight into the middle of a large field among the gathered, the first to land was Flash Sentry clad in all black and red armor with a poison visor with a thunder hammer in his right hoof, the other pony was Star Swirl hovering above the ground with the power of a crimson cloak of levitation with a gleaming golden point at the end of the horn wielding a great ax of thunder in both hooves, both raised their weapons high, lighting up the golden point at the end of the horn and the white point of the chest laser .
Everyone around seeing the two crazy ponies stepped back until the first one not afraid of the two crazy ponies came to the center to speak to them. It was Twilight Sparkle hitting the ground hard with her hooves, followed by another hit shaking everyone.
- Star Swirl, Flash Sentry, why you, why, what do you need all this for, or are you completely out of your mind!. Twilight said angrily, yet neither her words nor the reaction of the crowd stopped the two lunatics.
- understand this princess we do it for the world, finally we will show you all who a man really is, today his hegemony will end!, today Alex will fall from the throne of the strongest, where are you human!. Star Swirl shouted loudly, and most of those listening to him started twirling their hooves and paws in a gesture of abnormality.
- but he went crazy, and I thought that I was bringing chaos into the world, and here you are, you beat me up and over the whole head. Discord said waving his hand in a circle.
I thought nothing in this world could surprise me. Starlight Glimmer said.
- and yet there is something that surprised us today and rooted in the ground. Tempest Shadow said shaking her head.
- but you, Flash, what are you for. asked Twilight Sparkle, looking at the Flash Sentry in black and red armor.
- I'm doing it for you, you've always been close to me, closer, I guess. Said Flash Sentry when Trixie appeared in front of Twilight.
- today you do not believe in what you say, is it really what you say tell me to my face. Trixie said walking closer and standing in front of the surprised pegasus surprising everyone around.
- she loves him. Said Cadance recognizing true love.
- What?, is that a little abnormal. Flurry Heart asked in surprise.
- no, it's not abnormal, it's a normal thing and wonderful, but their infatuation is abnormal here. Shining Armor said.
- Trixie, you?, me!. Flash Sentry said lowering the thunder hammer and forgetting everything for a while as his heart finally saw the truth, but it all ended when Alex appeared in front of everyone wearing a green shirt, white pants and blue jacket, currently finishing his last chocolate cupcake.
All anger, rage, jealousy, paranoia, everything came back in the hearts of the two ponies, both Flash Sentry and Star Swirl pulled out their hammer and axe, challenging the man to a duel.
- stop, you hear me Alex, today the world will know your true face, your face, today the world will stop being afraid of you, today you will know a force more powerful than you. said Star Swirl angrily.
- they must have gone crazy. Alex said, brushing off the crumbs from his hands, directing his words to a small gray unicorn coming out from behind his back.
- and they've been crazy for a long time, as if I'm not going to stop you. Stygian said, calmly sitting down between the man and the two madmen, eating a chocolate cupcake himself.
- we are not crazy, we know what we do best from the beginning, today your hegemony of your power will come to an end. Star Swirl said.
- today you will stop manipulating the whole world, you hear!, you turned everyone's heads but not us, you wrapped up everyone, Twilight, princesses, little children, everyone but not us, we know what the truth is. Flash Sentry said.
- I know what you mean, you're afraid of my power, you think I haven't tried to get rid of it, I know you don't like me for it, believe me, I've tried to get rid of it but I can't, even the power of time doesn't work, I can't get rid of my powers and abilities, even Asgardian longevity, that's who I am and I can't get rid of it, I can't. Alex said this time sounding more emotional which was perceived by everyone as what the man wanted to give to everyone.
- Alex, is that what you wanted to give us, you wanted to take powers from a person. Celestia asked, shocked.
- I wanted to take away my powers so that you would not be afraid of me, but I can't, of course that's not all, but it was supposed to be one of the important gifts to deserve your gifts, friendship, everything. Alex said looking at the ground.
- he's cheating on you again, can't you see it's the master of manipulation, yes, I can see it now, you willingly wanted to get rid of your powers, you think I fell from the moon. Star Swirl said.
- hey Star Swirl don't insult me you hear!. Luna screamed so loudly that everyone grabbed their ears for a second.
- it doesn't matter anyway today we have your powers, wait what!. Star Swirl squealed as suddenly all the power he had was taken from him
The crimson cloak disappeared as did the thunderaxe and the golden point on the tip of the horn, the same process was repeated taking the Flash Sentry's armor and thunderhammer, suddenly the two lunatics saw that they were completely stripped of their powers, clad only in human clothes, clad in S green hoodie Star Swirl wearing a white shirt The Flash Sentry shuddered before the man knowing that their second plan had been thwarted and worse, they found themselves at the fork and will of man.
- you really thought that my clothes would give you some of my power, my power comes from me and my imagination, but if you want to fight me so be it. Alex said as he gave his power to the shocked stallions.
The crimson cloak, golden point, and thunderaxe were again granted to the bearded sage, and the Flash Sentry was again armed with steel cybernetic armor and thunderhammer, and the two stallions, seeing the man glistening with fire and ethereal power, began to slowly back away, Alex himself created a portal under his slowly began to disappear.
- If you want to fight, fight with me! Alex screamed then disappeared through the portal only to reappear from the second portal in the sky a second later in his titanic form with a fiery sword in his hands aimed at the shocked stallions.
- it doesn't look good for at least two lunatics. Said turquoise Ocellus as she backed away with everyone from the New six.
- I'm not going to defend these two lunatics anyway. Said the blue griffin Gallus.
- Me too, let our friend spank them. Said Yona scaring her brown fur.
- me too. Silverstream's pink hippogriff said, her blue mane fluttering.
- and if Alex decides to make more, like two pancakes. asked the yellow-green Sandbard earth pony.
- so what are you planning. Smolder asked, trembling with yellow horns as well as the whole orange spine.
Seeing their doom, Star Swirl and Flash Sentry are frozen to the point of being unable to move and the others gathered except for Stygian, all shouted aloud knowing that Alex is very angry with the two lunatics and they probably deserve punishment but not this one.
- you can't!. Trixie screamed, standing in the way of the speeding blade, and with her first reaction, everyone else did exactly the same.
Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Spike Discord, Celestia, Luna, Deros, Luster Dawn, Cadance, Shining Armor, Tempest Shadow, Flurry Heart, Star Lara, Swift Max, Diper, Zax, Katrina, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Silverstream, Yona, Ocellus, Smolder, Gallus, Sandbar, and members of the Pillars, Somnambula, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, and Meadowbrook all stood in the way of a human helping Trixie, and Alex suddenly disappeared into a portal to nowhere.
- and where did he get it?. Swift Max asked, looking around before everyone was shaken by the screams, laughter and squeals of the Flash Sentry throwing himself to the ground.
- what's going on, what's it going to be. Katrina screamed, backing up with everyone in front of the pegasus in black and red armor lying on its side, watching the Flash Sentry now laugh and now squeak as it is stripped of fur.
- cha cha cha cha, what's going on, aaaa graaaaa, he's under the armor, please help!. Screamed Flash Sentry first dropping the hammer then squealing and laughing while rubbing against his back.
- Twilight needs to stop him somehow, please help him. Trixie pleaded in horror.
- but how, I can't, I guess. said Twilight, looking at him squealing from laughter to tearing out the pegasus' fur.
- maybe we'll let Alex do his thing, so far he's doing well, besides, it's not dangerous after all. Said Rainbow Dash looking at the rolling pegasus in cybernetic armor with real envy.
- he will tickle him and torture him to death, you have to do something. Trixie told herself as she set to work.
Trixie started to hit the steel cybernetic armor but its effect was practically negligible, instead of helping the squeaking pegasus she caused herself pain in her front hooves, but she kept hitting until Flash Sentry suddenly stopped squeaking and looked at the man with the thunderhammer, Trixie, standing above him seeing a man with a gun in his hand, she immediately stood in his way, but Alex quickly walked through the portal, passing the blue unicorn mare, putting his hammer on the terrified pegasus.
- hold. Alex said stepping away from the pegasus pinned to the ground.
- Your turn. Alex said, pointing with his left hand to the retreating bearded sage while hiding his right hand behind his back.
Alex like a thunderbolt threw an old rotten and smelly chocolate cupcake hitting the head of the bearded sage who was unable to remove the sticky stinky mixture, Alex smirked maliciously taking his index fingers to his lips, Alex walked over to the paralyzed sage and put his wet fingers in his ears for what Star Swirl screwed up.
- oh my, a wet finger in my ear, that must hurt. Said Starlight Glimmer having heard and known such a punishment technique from the human world.
Alex pulled his fingers out of his ears and stuffed them into the nose of the shocked and squealing unicorn.
- this is probably even worse, a dirty finger from the ear stuck in the nose. Pinkie Pie said, looking away from the funny sight for a moment.
Star Swirl squeaked again to finally land on the ground dragged by a man tugging at his scarlet cloak, Alex turned his prey over and bound his front and hind hooves with a scarlet cloak that looked like a tied chicken, but the chicken was Star Swirl after all, everyone was more amused for a moment this view until Alex picked up the ax of thunder from the ground, then everyone screamed, but the man himself, instead of using his power, extinguished everything, took away the two conspirators' powers and sat down on the ground debating something in depth.
- Flash, you're fine. Trixie asked, helping the confused pegasus to his feet.
- probably not, but my back. Said the Flash Sentry as he took off his white shirt revealing a couple of hair gaps.
- you'll be fine, the fur grows back. Luna said chuckling under her breath.
- Well, actually Alex treated you a little too harshly, boy you have nothing there. Subnurst said, playing with the pegasus.
Don't tell me, I really do. Flash Sentry asked.
- and how, you have nothing there, you are bald, bald boy. Gallus said laughing at everyone.
- completely bald. Swift Max said.
- no, no!, why!. Flash Sentry shouted.
- give him a break already, Flash, the gaps in your hair are negligible, they're just teasing. Trixie said, giving the orange pegasus a deep sense of relief.
- Well, Star Swirl could be worse, couldn't it. Said Stygian himself, unable to fight the laughter and how funny his friend looked and how funny he was being punished by the man.
- I, I, I, what have I done. Star Swirl said.
- not me, what I did, you are still afraid of me, afraid, and I am not even able to deprive myself of my powers, but I did wrong to stay here, I provoked all of you. Alex said and everyone who heard him just looked at him, the most Twilight and currently guilty, the members of the Pillars, and the leader of Star Swirl stand together with Deros, Luster Dawn and Flash Sentry accompanied by the New Six and The Next Six, Flurry Heart, Star Lara, Swift Max, Diper, Zax and Katrina.
- Alex, are you crazy, it wasn't your fault what I did. Star Swirl said realizing his mistake.
All the fears Star Swirl felt at the end of the duel in a funny way and the man's present words revealed the only truth Star Swirl had not seen until now, the truth revealed to Deros, Luster Dawn and today Flash Sentry, they realized what they did wrong, how they misjudged the man, how he wanted to help them many times, now everything was too late.
- it doesn't change the fact, it was me who provoked you, and something, I don't know, something from the past was coming back, a memory from my world. Alex said as he suddenly got up looking at the sky, looking for answers in the past when he met an enlightened man on his way, a mysterious man from the past told him about forces older than destiny and nothingness, forces that Alex himself talked about with Cadance, today it all reached his mind and heart.
- Alex what's going on. Star Lara asked terrified, seeing in the human blue eyes certain regret and madness beyond everything.
- Alex, do you, no, you don't want to leave, I won't let you. Twilight said as she approached the man.
- Alex, remember what I told you, if you run away today, we'll find you anyway. Shining Armor said.
- We'll all be looking for you. Yona said.
- You can't hide from us anywhere. Ocellus said standing together with Yona and Smolder in one row.
- not here, not with dragons, nowhere, we will find you everywhere. said Smolder.
- no uncle please! cried Star Lara, throwing herself into a hurried flight and landing in the grip of a man.
- don't be afraid, I won't, but you must know something. Alex said as he laid down Star Lara who suddenly noticed how almost everything stopped in time, apart from her sister Flurry Heart, Swift Max, Diper, Zax, Katrina, Deros, Luster Dawn, Flash Sentry and Star Swirl were the only ones not stopped in time .
- what is it supposed to be, everything stands, but how, for what. Deros asked, looking at everyone in a stop of time.
- it's the power of time, we're in between time, for what, Alex tell us for what. Star Swirl asked.
- Is this some kind of punishment, if so, why did you take the children here. Flash Sentry asked.
It's a bigger plan, I can see it. Dipper said.
- this is the call, we have been called. Zax said.
- but for what. Flurry Heart asked.
- why us?. said Katrina.
- We'll find out soon enough, be patient. Swift Max said looking at the man standing in front of them.
- Alex, tell us if you have any task for us. Luster asked Dawn ready to face any task to correct her own mistakes.
- I do not know what's going on. Alex said, scratching his chin and his eyes scanning the whole world as if he couldn't focus on anything in particular except memories from the human world.
- listen to me because it's very important when the mirrors are erected, when the greatest fog rises, when everything fails, trust, faith, certainty, everything will be bathed in a fog full of mirrors, only madness, my madness and the truth of the whole world, the truth of individuals will prevail over all, the tiniest spark will ignite the greatest ray, when words and images fail, simple gestures will reveal the truth to you, and faith, the unwavering faith of your hearts will ignite the necessary fire to overcome the mist. Alex said, making two unfamiliar gestures, known only to them, the ten chosen ones.
Everything suddenly started flowing back to normal time, Star Lara, Flurry Heart, Swift Max, Diper, Zax, Katrina, Deros, Luster Dawn, Flash Sentry and Star Swirl all frozen in time at the time looked around at the staring ponies, dragon and ghost chaos into a man and he himself smiled at everyone.
- don't be afraid, I'll be back in two days I need to check something, besides I want to surprise you Twilight because there's something I want to do for you and all of you, I'll be back in two days you have my word. Alex said walking away into the open portal on the border between day and night.
Twilight and everyone else looked for a long time at the empty place where Alex was standing and now it was empty only the word of the man gave everyone hope that Alex would come back, because so far he had always been good, but Itak a certain anger boiled up in everyone looking at the culprits now, Star Swirl, Deros, Luster Dawn, Flash Sentry, Somnambula, Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus and Meadowbrook, and the guilty looked to the ground with guilt.
- and what you did, now Alex thinks he's to blame, because of you he may never come back. Said an angry Rainbow Dash.
- It's all your fault!. Yona screamed as she jumped up.
- why did you do it, why, Alex never wanted to rule us, he always said that, and he wanted to throw away his own powers!. Smolder screamed almost spitting dragon fire.
- he did so much and wanted to do even more and you what!, dummy!. Ocellus screamed, flapping her red-pink wings nervously.
- and if he doesn't come back. Asked uncertain Discord, his uncertainty was dictated by the quick reaction of Twilight who, if she could, would erase him with just a sharp look.
- no!, he'll be back, for sure, in two days, he'll be back, he hasn't broken his word yet, he's never done it before. Said Shining Armor stomping loudly.
- but if he doesn't come back, I'll find him at the end of the world! Shining added and then turned to those responsible for all the commotion.
- and you will help me with this.
- you have our word, we will do our best. Said Flash Magnus leading the remaining Pillars, Somnambula, Rockhoof, Mistmane and Meadowbrook.
Many were sure, others were not quite sure and were afraid that today they saw a man for the last time, but among all those gathered there were those who knew the words of truth, the gesture of truth, they knew how important the task was assigned to them, Alex said, he did, he showed, appointed, Star Lara, Flurry Heart, Swift Max, Diper, Zax, Katrina, Deros, Luster Dawn, Flash Sentry and Star Swirl silently looked at each other and made a gesture of oath, silence until everything is shaken, until their time, trust, immortal truth and the aspect of truth revealed to their eyes.
Meanwhile, Manehattan, one of the skyscrapers and a vantage point, a heavy-breathing light brown earth pony with a dark brown mane appeared on the top.
- Spitfire, how many times do I have to tell you, you are not to fly in your condition, it's too taxing. said Dr. Whooves, facing a golden fluffy pegasus with a fiery mane and rounded belly.
- Whooves come on, I just wanted to look out to sea and think. Spitfire said, making buttery eyes which disarmed the doctor.
- Spitfire, you really know how to convince me, but to think?, I didn't know you from this side. Said the doctor himself, looking at the sea and his wife.
- well, a podium on how the past months have changed everything, only three months ago the legion war ended and today I heard that Fleetfoot is in an unusual condition just like me and with some changeling, and Soarin proposed to Misty Fly because as it turned out something showed them truth. Spitfire said chuckling under her breath.
- it's all possible, hey Whooves are you listening to me. Sitfire asked as the doctor suddenly froze and began to tremble.
- Whooves what happened.
- this, this, this, look there, I see camels and moose there!. Dr. Whooves shouted as he looked through his binoculars at the twenty galleys approaching.
- what camels and moose?!, creatures from the Far East, but how, for what. Spitfire said, staring wide-eyed at the oncoming galleys.
- Are they herbivores?. the Doctor asked.
- I don't know, they probably eat what we eat, I think so, they eat vegetables, fruits, I think. Spitfire said.
- Anyway, you're not going down there, I'll talk to them. Dr. Whooves said confidently, deep down in his heart he felt a strong fear, but the fear, the real fear was yet to come.
L
there is probably no greater pain in the face of one's own guilt, but it is unknown why they were chosen and those who made a mistake, what Alex came up with remains to be seen.