Chapter 147: The Dark King Cometh Pt. 6
Applejack…Awake…
The farm girl gasped as her eyes snapped open, the sound of her name luring her from the dream-like coma she had been in. The girl would quickly try to gain her bearings, finding nothing but darkness and void around her. Despite the darkness, however, she could clearly see her hands in front of her face.
"Where in tarnation am I?" She questioned aloud, more to herself than anyone in particular, as dread began to build within her chest. "Ah, didn't...I didn't bite the big one...Did I?"
Applejack...
She gasped as she jumped to her feet, looking for the source of the sudden voice. "What the..?! Where are ya?! Show yourself right now, varmint!"
Applejack wasn't greeted with another answer, at least not one she had expected. An illuminated stairway slowly appeared before her, each step a different color than the next. To her, each step looked like that of a stained glass window she would see at the Canterlot Castle. The country gal hesitantly stepped upon the surface of it, finding the surface to be quite sturdy. With renewed determination, the teen ascended the platforms.
It wasn't long before the girl could see something glimmering in the distance. She squinted at the object, tilting her head slightly as she stared at it. It looked as though it was some pillar. Happy to find something other than the darkness of the void, the farm girl picked up her pace to reach the top and at least find some imbalance of where she was.
Just as Applejack reached the very top, her world suddenly grew pink. The farm girl had a little warning when she had rammed into the pink party girl herself, the pair of teens tumbling along the ground before coming to a stop with the Applejack face down against the glass-like pavement and Pinkie Pie sitting pretty in a daze on top of her friend.
Pinkie was the first to recover, gasping loudly before pulling her friend into a crushing hug. "Aj! I was so worried about you! When I found myself in this dark void, I was all scared and alone and frightened, but then I heard this voice, and then some pretty stairs appeared, and I followed them all the way up here, and then I found Storm, and then you came and ran into me and now we're here!"
Applejack just laughed lightly. "It's good ta see you too, Pinkie."
"Yeah," the pink one continued. "And look! We both have our Elements on too! Which is weird because I was sure we left them in Canterlot!"
Applejack looked down to find that she did indeed have her Element on. "Well ah'll be… You're right, sugarcube. Must have been so out of sorts that ah never noticed it was on me." The farm gal tried to gently push the girl off her but was stopped by Pinkie's hand.
"Oh yeah," she said with a sheepish smile. "There's something I forgot to mention. I told you that Storm was here as well."
"Then where is he?" asked Aj as she looked around, but the boy wasn't present.
"That's funny. He was here just a moment ago," said Pinkie as she got off her friend.
The two stood on the glass-like floor as they walked about, looking around the darkness, wondering where their friend was or where they were. Just then, a light shined through the darkness as the girls had to cover their eyes to avoid being blinded. The light moved closer to the girls as it stood before them, the shine dying down as a bracelet was in front of them. But not just any bracelet; on it had the symbol of Storm's Element.
"Hey, isn't that the Jedi's element?" asked Applejack to Pinkie. Her question was answered when their necklaces resonated with it and glowed in red and pink light.
A voice emitted from the bracelet as the girls looked down at their necklaces.
The magic of friendship is strong. It contains Honesty, Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, Loyalty, and Magic. For when the six are brought together, they create a new one. A spark was lit, weak, and frail. Magic ignited the spark. Honesty coaxed the ember. Generosity fanned the flame. Loyalty fueled the fire. Kindness stoked the blaze. Laughter fed the inferno. A sacrifice was made. An Element awakened.
The girls stood there, listening to the same saying that was said back during their incident with Discord. The same saying awoke Storm's Element and brought him back. The girls felt their arms moving on their own as they were looking to put their hands on the bracelet of their male companion as if it was calling out to them.
The six created the seven, but the seven controls the six!
The last line was spoken as both hands were put over the bracelet, and a light immediately enveloped everything.
Sombra shot forth a ball of darkness from his maw, the threatening blast hurling towards the group with reckless abandon, only for the death orb to be cut in half in one fluid motion by a blinding light the monster had never seen before. As the light slowly began to subside, a familiar figure could be seen, which caused Sombra's eyes to glow with heated rage.
Storm stood before the transformed warlock, hair, and jacket fluttering in the wind as the dust subsided. But something had changed about it. Instead of his usual black attire, the young Jedi was donned in a jacket as red as the purest of roses, a fleur-de-lis on each sleeve glowing warm light. In fact, every bit of his outfit seemed to radiate with a power unseen before, sparks emanating from them as if overflowing with strength.
His new appearance was the least of the monster's concerns, however. As the Jedi stood, his hands bore two terrifying objects. One held his lightsaber in one hand while the other held another magical sword, which could be seen releasing a power of light all its own. The boy looked at his new weapon, admiring its detailed work. The sword's blade was colored golden and brown, while the hilt and handle were pink colored. However, the two marks on the sword itself looked very familiar.
"S-Storm," she said quietly, raising a hand to touch his arm. The boy looked back at her, his face shifting from a concerned gaze to a kind smile.
"Sorry, Shy, gonna be busy for a while," he said softly. "But for now, just trust me when I say I'll protect you… all of you." He turned back to face the monster that had nearly destroyed them. He held both weapons tightly with his hands and began to spin them within his grasp expertly. When he was done, he positioned himself in a fighting-like stance before addressing the girl behind him.
"Think you can get away?" asked the boy.
She nodded but remembered that he was not looking her way. "Um… I-I… I think."
"Good. Then get the Crusaders to safety. I'll finish this quickly." With his command ringing in her ears, she began making her way as quickly as possible toward the trio. When he did not sense her behind himself anymore, the Jedi addressed the monster formerly known as Sombra.
"Okay, Sombra, I hope you're prepared." He smiled brightly. "Cause I can honestly say... I'M READY TO PARTY!"
Dangnabbit Storm…
Yay!
Those voices belonged to Applejack and Pinkie, but Fluttershy didn't see the pair when the light died down, just Storm. Unbeknownst to the girl, the pair weren't gone, but moreso inside of the Jedi as the color of his new clothes seemed to indicate he... bonded with them.
Fluttershy was beset by all three Crusaders as the girl landed on took a considerable amount of time before she could calm all three down and actually get a word in edgewise between their chatter.
"Please, girls, I know you are worried, but we must leave." She tried to explain, trying her best to sound brave for them. "We will only cause trouble for Storm and the others if we stay here." Much to their worried annoyance, she ushered them away from the battle behind her.
"Wait!" Applebloom was the first to protest. "What about mah sister? Where's Applejack!?"
"And Pinkie Pie!" Sweetie Belle added. "Aren't they with you too?"
"Don't forget, Storm! Why was he all glowy?!" Scootaloo exclaimed.
Fluttershy shook her head, not quite knowing herself. "I… I don't know where Applejack and Pinkie Pie are, but Storm is out there, so I'm sure the rest are fine. I'm sure he'll save them just like he's done every time. I...Believe in Storm."
The shy one's words flowed through the trio of girls, each slowly coming to the same conclusion as her. They all nodded, Scootaloo being the first to step up. As best she could with her sprained ankle.
"Yeah...Your right, Fluttershy. Storm won't lose to some two-bit bad guy from a bad comic book!" Scootaloo said, pumping a fist in the air. "He's Rainbow's friend, so he's too cool to lose!"
"Yeah!" Sweetie squeaked. "He'll save the day!"
"You're right, Fluttershy!" Applebloom agreed and looked towards where the Jedi was, her hand clutching her chest in worry. "He'll save us. I just know it. He just has to."
Thoroughly convinced by the girl's words, the Crusaders would quickly make their way to safety behind some oversized crystals, Applebloom and Sweetie both helping their hurt friend along the way.
Fluttershy would linger back for only a moment, her gaze shifting towards where Storm was. Please...Please be alright, Storm. You have to win...I want you to...come back to us.
Storm quickly closed the distance between himself and the being he had dubbed Shadow Sombra. The monster had once again opened its maw, energy gathering within it. Storm knew it was charging another ball of darkness; he could not let that happen. Not with Fluttershy and the others behind him.
The Jedi Knight jumped towards Sombra as he reached the giant creature-turned-figure, crossing his arms as he readied to strike. With one swift motion, Storm lashed out with both swords, striking the creature under its chin, causing it to force its mouth close, dispelling the dark magic as it reared back from the pain. Storm quickly flipped upwards after landing the blow, the sword slashing downwards, catching Sombra across its muzzle before following it up with a strike from his lightsaber. He ended his assault by flipping back towards the ground, landing upon his feet with ease before brandishing his weapons on either side of him, ready to strike again. The Jedi wielded at his handy work before a look of annoyance crossed his face. Despite his clear-cut blows, Sombra didn't take too much damage from his attack.
Whoa, nelly! That's some fancy footwork you can do there, Storm, but how do you plan on taking that beast down? Applejack's voice rang in Storm's mind, voicing his own concerns. He has ta be twice the size of a king timber wolf and three times as nasty!
The boy blinked as the country gal appeared in a spirit-like form next to him. There's a king timber wolf?
Before the confused boy could get an answer, Pinkie Pie made herself know, giggling like a schoolgirl as she also appeared in a spirit form on Storm's other side. Silly Applejack, we aim for any clearly visible weak spots, of course, duh. She said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Darn it, Pinkie! I'm serious! We're-Oh Horseapples! Look out, sugarcube!
Storm had little time to react as Sombra's came thrashing towards him. He quickly jumped away just as a massive hand came crashing down where he was standing, kicking up dust and debris as it did so. Storm underestimated Sombra's speed for the second time today and was rewarded with their other clawed hand swatting him out of the sky like a bug, causing the Jedi Knight to rocket towards the ground below.
NO! Storm! Look out! Pinkie's voice cried out from within him.
The boy's other sword he held seemed to move on its own accord, forcing him to turn and point the blade toward the ground. As he did, light began forming at the very tip before shooting out towards the ground, a massive bubble forming just as Storm landed, cushioning his fall before he could be seriously hurt. The bubble buckled slightly under his weight before popping away in confetti. The Jedi landed on his back as it did so, only slightly dazed.
"That was…Was that... a balloon?"
He heard a sigh of relief escape from Pinkie inside his mind before she said, That was super-duper close! You're not hurt, are you, Storm?
"No... I'm fine. But how did...I mean, did you just...How did you-"
Do that? she finished for him. Hmm...I think I did, but...Hmmm... There was a long pause before she finally said, Nope! Don't have a clue. Oh, but hey! Why question when you can just go with the flow, right? Or should I say balloon? She giggled at her joke, causing the stallion to do the same.
"Yeah...Okay. No need to think about it, right?" he said before getting to his feet. "I'm not done yet, Sombra!" Storm pointed his other weapon before himself and shot off another balloon from the tip. He jumped on top of it without hesitation before launching himself upwards, helped by the bubble's momentum. Sombra lashed out at the Jedi Knight once, catching wind of the pray, but Storm was ready this time. He lashed out with his other sword, saying the only word that could come to mind as he did.
"Balloon!"
He and Pinkie Pie were more than happy they were greeted with the desired effect, a large balloon appearing as the blade slashed the air before them. It landed in Sombra's hands just as Storm landed on the balloon. The monster grasped the object before giving the magical ball a hard squeeze, popping it in one go. This, however, caused the boy to use the inertia of the pop to jet himself upwards at high speeds. The Jedi once again created a magical balloon, using its bounce properties to ricochet at a fast, downward angle.
Sombra barely had time to register what had happened before Storm came crashing down upon its head, the Jedi causing two deep gashes of its head before landing cleanly on top. However, the boy didn't stay long as he flipped off his perch before landing a double downward strike from both blades, forcing the monster down to his knees.
Storm followed up by using the momentum of his strike to flip himself behind Sombra and, being careful of the burning darkness that had enveloped the turned person's hair, flew down their back before lashing out with both blades once again; the blow actually causing the monster to topple over. Storm bounced away from Sombra using his new balloon magic, landing in the dirt path below with practiced ease.
Land sakes! he heard Applejack's pleased tone within his mind. I said it before, and I'll say it again! That's some fancy footwork Storm, despite how you worried me for a second. Didn't think we would have been able to, but he could be down for the count this time!
Don't count your apples before they become trees, AJ! Pinkie warned. One universal thing in this world is that villains never play fair! It's like villain rule number one hundred and fifty-seven.
Before either Storm or Applejack could decipher whatever logic train their pink friend was on, a powerful gust blasted against the Jedi, nearly knocking him to the floor. When the wind finally subsided, Storm's gaze would fall back to where Sombra had had, only to find a plume of smoke rising from where the dark king-turned-creature had been. His eyes followed the dust cloud upwards, a gasp escaping him as he saw the creature flying high within the sky, its yellow eyes burning brightly with rage and fury.
"NO!" Sombra bellowed, his voice having an otherworldly edge. "I WILL NOT BE BEATEN! I REFUSE TO BE BEATEN BY A BOY! IF I CAN'T WIN, THEN I'LL DESTROY IT. I'LL DESTROY IT ALL!" Sombra's maw opened unnaturally, and energy again began to build within it at an alarming rate.
"What did you say?" Storm whispered, not being able to take his eyes off Sombra. "He'll destroy the world if he can't win?!"
That's...He done plum lost his mind, AJ lamented as panic began to form within her link with Storm.
Told ya! Pinkie exclaimed. Wait! Destroy the world?! But I have parties here!
Storm had little time to lose before it was too late. Working on pure instinct and nothing else, the Jedi Knight jumped as high as he could into the air before turning his other sword toward the ground. Releasing his balloon magic once again, he allowed himself to bounce from the puffy ball of energy and towards the sky above, using the inertia from the bouncy substance to rocket himself upwards, flying straight towards Shadow Sombra without hesitation.
Sombra would respond in kind; however, his wings slowly carrying him higher and higher, just out of Storm's reach, leaving the frustrated Jedi to repeat his actions every time, using his magic to once again try and reach the heartless before it was too late, each time ending in failure.
"Darn it! He keeps flying away!" Storm complained as he landed upon another balloon he had created, bouncing from it again. "I can't reach him at this rate."
There has ta be a better way! He heard the farm girl call out in desperation within him. We can't just give up.
"I'm not giving up! Not until the end. But what else can I do?"
He could feel Pinkie's own thoughts edging him on in the back of his mind. We can do it, Storm! I know we can. Saving the world is a piece of cake for someone like us. If only we could use his own attack against him.
Storm blinked.
"Pinkie...AJ...I got an idea."
He felt the girl's eyes on him, despite them being nowhere around him. Applejack was the first to speak.
Ah...Trust ya, Storm. Take that jerk down a peg or two.
Yeah. Show 'em what it means to use the power of friendship.
"Yeah..." Storm smirked before jumping as high into the sky as he could before using the balloon under him.
Turning his back from Sombra, he pointed his other sword toward the ground. Using every ounce of his magic within him, the boy released spell after spell, one magical balloon after another, lining up in a row in front of him. Doing such, he could already feel the magic draining him each time he did, nearly leaving him empty. Despite this, however, he would continue until he was satisfied with his work.
Storm turned back to face Sombra just in time for him to block the beam of darkness that shot forth from the creature's maw, his weapons blocking the brunt of the attack as he found himself rocketing towards the first balloon within the line of them. One after another, Storm could feel the force of each beam forcing him through each magical ball he had made prior. Each time he did so, he could feel himself slowing until, at the very end, the last balloon held in place, the beam of darkness slowly dissipating as it pushed the Jedi Knight against the elasticity of the magical balloon. Storm had made extra sure to pour all of his magic into the first balloon he had made, an action that had caused said ball to buckle and bend under the force of both Storm's weight and the beam of darkness combined.
As the last dreads of magical darkness evaporated, Storm would open his, a devious smirk appearing upon his normally happy-go-lucky mouth.
Despite her fear for the boy's safety, Fluttershy could barely tear her eyes away from the battle before her. Never had she witnessed something so horrifyingly mesmerizing in her own dreams. She cried out of fear when Storm was hurt and cheered just as loud when the boy had the upper hand. It wasn't until the end, when she heard Sombra's declaration, that true fear began to build up within the shy girl once again. And it wasn't until the beam of darkness struck the Jedi Knight that Fluttershy looked away from the battle, not wanting to see her hero lose, not like that. Despite that, she would clutch her chest, hoping beyond hope that he would win. He had to. He promised her.
"No. Way."
Scootaloo's voice caused the girl to open her tear-stained eyes slowly. Those same eyes widened by degrees as she beheld a most peculiar sight. Not only was one of the last balloons Storm had created still intact, but something was causing it to buckle into itself.
Fluttershy hobbled over to join the three Crusaders, the four looking up toward the sky. Scootaloo's eyes widened with excitement as the little girl finally caught on to what the boy was about to do.
"No way… He's going to! He's gonna do it!" She exclaimed, her excitement rising as her eyes shimmered with unrestrained hope. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom looked up in amazement, the two girls finally catching on to Storm's plan.
"Storm! You can do it! I know you can!"
"Yeah! Show that villain what fer! You can do it!"
Fluttershy placed a hand upon her mouth as she looked upwards, the girl's eyes again tearing up, but not at all for sadness this time. "Storm, you're…."
Storm barely had time to brace himself as he felt launched forward at blinding speeds, the magical bubble retaining the shape of a ball as before, popping in a blast of confetti and sparkles. The speed at which Storm was going looked like the sky was being cut in two, the boy quickly closing three-fourths of the distance between Sombra and himself. As Storm neared his quarry, the Jedi reared his magical sword back as he reached Sombra, the weapon wrapping itself within an energy of its own, the shape of which formed into that of a blade light.
Sombra noticed too late, however, and only had time to back peddle away, yelling as he tried to swipe the hero out of the sky, "NO! NO! I AM KING! I AM DARKNESS!"
Storm dodged the blow before he slammed the light blade hard into Sombra's chest. The dark king-turned creature doubled over as the light pierced the darkness of his hide. His eyes glanced to Storm, the yellow hue slowly becoming that of his original green. "N-No…I…I…"
"It's over!" Storm yelled as he pushed with all his might into Sombra's body, the blade slashing across the monster's chest in a completely clean cut across his body, darkness pouring out of the wound he had inflicted.
As Sombra fell back, Storm used the last of his strength to strike again, the blade of light piercing straight through with little resistance. Sombra could only glare at the boy before him, his mouth speaking the only words it musters as his body slowly disappeared.
As the last of Sombra vanished, Storm could see a pure white heart glowing with a light. It hovered in the air briefly before veering off toward the Crystal Castle. An action that caused Storm to smile.
"Heh... Guess that means...We won."
The boy was starting to feel his eyes slowly start to close as he seemed to be drained. He heard the calling of one's voice as Rainbow ran toward him. Just then...
BOOM!
A giant shadow hand appeared from the ground and came down on the boy. The hand lifted up as in its grip was Storm, but Aj and Pinkie were shown back on the ground as they lay unconscious. Storm struggled to break free as he had no strength left; soon, a void of darkness appeared as Sombra was again revealed, the dark king having more lives than a cat as he was still kicking. The Jedi understood what Night Light meant when he said Sombra was someone who discovered immortality and lived on for so long due to the rage and fear he fed on.
"Hold on, Jedi!" shouted Rainbow as Sombra swatted the girl into some rocks; she hit hard and fell to the ground.
Storm was thrown to the ground and found himself surrounded and trapped in crystals; Sombra appeared before the Jedi as Storm glared at him.
"This won't hold me!" growled Storm.
"I know," responded Sombra. "But don't worry, I will release you in due time. You know, something, Jedi? I was curious why the King of Equis would have a Jedi in his employ... but I now see why. And not just because of his daughter. Because he fears you. He keeps you close to keep a close eye on you." stated the dark king in his cold, malicious, soothing evil voice. "It seems he was right to do so."
"You're wrong," responded Storm defiantly.
Sombra got close to his face and chuckled, "You shall see before long. That is... if you live to see the day."
"What are you talking about?"
"Young Jedi... there's a high price to pay for wielding such power so foolish." the dark king pointed at the bracelet on his wrist that was his Element.
"So, what? You're worried about me now?" growled Storm.
"Oh, no. There's no saving you now. Or... your kind." said Sombra as he turned. "Let me ask you this, boy? Do you honestly believe Night Light understands you? Let alone your Master?"
"Like you know," scoffed Storm.
"Oh, I understand perfectly," snickered Sombra with a chuckle, "You find me a tyrant, yet the best kind of slave is one who is willing."
"SHUT UP!" shouted Storm as his Force powers resonated with his feelings and shook the prison, but it held.
Sombra smiled, seeing that his words were affecting the teen.
"You can deny my warnings all you wish. It won't change your fate."
"Save your breath..." growled Storm.
"Even if you were to defeat me by some miracle, you'd only soon fall to your own ideals as a Jedi. Even your own Republic." stated Sombra. "Why be forced to choose?"
Storm gave a huff of breath through his nose as his answer to Sombra's question.
"Equis will see many a foe in its future. Would it not make sense for us to stand against them together? It's clear your Element can control the others. Why rely on others when you can take power all for yourself?"
"I'd rather die taking my life than ever to submit to you of all people!" said Storm.
"Submit? Just like you are to your Republic? To your Master? To your Senate? To your fellow Jedi brethren? To your... Princess?" snickered Sombra as Storm growled even more, his hands on the bars as the Force within grew. "I admire your resolve. You are strong, especially for one so young. Far fitter to wield an Element than any of the past bearers, including these girls. You have an opportunity in front of you. Together, we can show everyone what it means to fear."
Storm stood there as he took in Sombra's words. The boy put his head down as he closed his eyes. Nothing was spoken for a few moments. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Soon...
"You are a fool..." responded Storm.
The boy swiftly slammed his hand on the ground as the Force heard his call. He tapped into his feelings as he shattered the crystal prison holding him, his bracelet glowing as he looked at Sombra and growled.
"So be it," snickered Sombra, turning into a shadow as his eyes glowed yellow.
Storm rushed forward as he turned his lightsaber on. Sombra became a shadow of himself as the two were about to meet. A flash of light later, Storm was shown tumbling along the ground as he came to a stop. The Jedi Knight struggled to get up as a gash was left on his side to show where Sombra struck him critically as he clutched it. Sombra reappeared behind the boy, turning his head to look at the boy about to meet his end.
"Such a shame..." muttered Sombra as Storm got to his knees before taking one last breath and falling forward as his lightsaber rolled from his hands.
"Have to... keep... fighting..."
The Jedi's fingers twitched, indicating the final signs of his life slowly leaving him. Storm felt his eyes close as everything was dark.
NO! Perish with you. The cycle of this world... I will not allow it to perish with you.
A burst of light shot into the air as Sombra, who had his back turned and was walking to where the three girls were unconscious to finish them off, felt it. The dark king turned, and there was the back of Storm as it seemed the boy was standing up. His side healed from the critical wound he inflicted on him as he stuck his hand out and made his lightsaber reappear.
Chuckling was heard, was the boy's voice was a bit... different. Sound a mix of both his and someone feminine. Soon Storm turned as his face was shown and spoke.
"You think you've found an ally? Do you comprehend the powers you were gifted with? What you possess is a mere fraction of their might? Such vexing arrogance for one so small. In any case... you labor to destroy my vessel, do you not?" said Storm as he crept closer to Sombra. "That is a deed most foul!"
The Jedi then disappeared in front of Sombra. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared behind the dark king as he barely turned in time to block his attack.
"One you shall pay for with your life!"
"Stay back!" warned Sombra as he prepped his magic and fired.
Storm put his hand out as he used the Force to keep the magic blast at bay before swinging his hand to the side, making the beam disappear.
"You are NOTHING compared to them... You are NOTHING compared to ME!"
The Jedi lunged as he tackled Sombra to a crystal, holding his lightsaber to the evil warlock's throat. The dark king stared into the possessed boy in front of him, the look in his eyes as if he knew what true fear was.
"You claim to know fear? I shall show you the true terror!"
"What... are you..?" said Sombra.
"Me... I... am the Element of Sacrifice."
The Jedi was shown bringing his lightsaber back before bringing it down as a slash sound was heard, and everything went black.
Rainbow's eyes slowly open light entered her field of vision. The girl groaned as she lifted her head off the ground and sat up. Rubbing her head when she heard a voice.
"You okay?"
The chromatic-haired girl turned to see Storm standing over her. The boy was clutching his side as he seemed hurt from the beating.
"What happened?" asked Rainbow as she grabbed Storm's hand and let him pull her to her feet.
"We... won," said Storm. "We did it. Sombra is no more."
Some more grunting was heard as the two turned to their side and saw Aj and Pinkie coming.
"Ow, my head," groaned Pinkie as if she had just woken up from a hangover.
"Can... someone... keep the noise down?" asked Aj as her head pounded.
"Nice to see you two," Storm smiled as he and Rainbow helped their friends.
"So... did we win?" asked Pinkie.
"Yeah... we did... together," said the Jedi with a smile.
"Hooray!" said Pinkie as she somehow had some strength remaining, pulling all four into a tight hug.
"Great... but, Pinkie. Can you let go!" shouted Rainbow, feeling a bit crushed by the girl's strength.
"Let's go home, y'all," stated Applejack.
The four teens soon made it back to the castle. The boy saw Twilight as the princess immediately tackled him to the ground.
"You're okay!" said Twilight as she nuzzled her cheek against her partner's before she pelted his cheek with kisses.
"I made a promise, didn't I, princess," said Storm as he sat up with the girl in his lap.
"Get a room," groaned Rainbow, as she didn't like seeing Twilight constantly kiss Storm's cheek.
"Where's Cadance?" asked Storm as Twilight stopped her kisses and allowed him to sit up.
"She's resting. But that's not all; my brother is safe," said Twilight.
"Then that means... Sombra is finally defeated," stated Storm.
"Hey, Storm? Why are you wearing your Element?" asked the princess as she saw the boy's bracelet.
The bracelet then glowed as it disappeared, along with Aj and Pinkie's necklace, as they vanished in a trace of light. In Canterlot, Night Light and Velvet felt a power surge as they looked at each other. They approached the vault where the Elements were held; they opened the box and, surprisedly, were back.
It was now later as Twilight had informed her father that Sombra was defeated. And this time for good. After Cadance had gotten some rest, she made a public announcement to thank Storm, the girls, and Spike for all they did in helping to take down the evil king and save the Crystal Empire from danger. A small celebration was held in their honor and dubbed them honorary citizens.
The festival was lively as the girls, Spike, and Crusaders enjoyed themselves. Storm watched the festival from a balcony of the castle, and the Jedi enjoyed some peace and quiet. Soon, he heard a door opening and turned to see Cadance and Shining Armor.
"Figured you'd be resting."
"Should you be enjoying the party?" fired back Cadance with a smug smile.
"I've had enough lively excitement for today. Some peace and quiet will be fine," responded Storm.
Cadance giggled as Shining Armor approached the Jedi.
"I want to thank you, Jedi. You followed my orders and got my sister and everyone to safety."
"Thanks, but... I'm sorry I couldn't go back and save you fast enough."
"Don't be. Sometimes sacrifices are made for the greater good. Because you followed my orders, you saved many lives. Lives that would have been in danger had you decided to stick with me. I should expect someone on the battlefield before to know that it's better to save multiple lives than risk them all to save one person."
Storm looked at the prince as he couldn't argue with that fact.
"You protected my sister and my wife. You've more than earned my respect."
"Thanks, your highness," said Storm.
"We'll let you enjoy your peace and quiet," said Cadance as she and Shining Armor began to leave.
Storm smiled as he turned to look back out to the festival. Fireworks went off as they lit up the night sky with vibrant colors. The boy kept his gaze forward; soon, he felt a pair of arms wrapped around from behind. The teen turned as he saw it was Twilight. The princess found her partner as she had been looking for him.
"Hey."
"Hey."
The two Jedi smiled as Twilight stood beside her partner and leaned into his chest back first as she grabbed his arms and threw them over her.
"We did it," said Twilight.
"We make a good team, Sparky," stated Storm.
"That's why I'm glad to have you as my partner," expressed the princess as she leaned her head up and kissed his cheek. "Thanks for keeping me safe, my Jedi Knight."
Twilight sighed as she closed her eyes and leaned into her partner, with the fireworks still going off.
"Just doing my duty, princess," stated Storm as he wrapped his arms tighter around the girl. He leaned down to kiss her cheek before placing his head on top of her head.
As the two Jedi enjoyed the light show, a voice played over as it panned to the sky.
Someone must put a stop to the cycle of the strong trampling the weak.
Author's Note: And so we've reached the end of this long arc. Sombra has been defeated, but... not in the way you would expect. It seems the mystery surrounding the Elements, specifically Storm's keeps on going. As the saying mentioned and it showed as it was able to control Aj's and Pinkie's elements for something even grander. And it seems Storm might be unaware of the voice that's been stuck in his head for the past few chapters. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.