Upon arriving at the Golden Oaks Library, Twilight took Spike up to his bed on the second floor. With Spike asleep, Shirou and Twilight got to work searching through the library for any mention of the Elements of Harmony.
"Shirou, get me any books on myths and legends. I'll look through them for any mentions of the Elements of Harmony." Shirou simply nodded his head before searching through the nearest bookshelf to begin. Though Shirou had sensed them, he disregarded the presence of 5 familiar ponies and focused on the task at hand. Thus, when their search was interrupted by their uninvited guests he wasn't as taken aback as Twilight. Maybe I should point out the telepathic link we share as Master and Servant to Twilight. It would help in situations like this where she might get caught off guard. Were his thoughts as he prepared for the rapidly approaching rainbow colored missile.
"So this is where you all ran off to!" Rainbow Dash zoomed towards Twilight only for Shirou to intercept her. "What's the big idea huh? From what I've seen you two know far more than anypony else about what's going on. Are you spies?!"
"Rainbow Dash, if we were spies we wouldn't be here trying to find a way to stop Nightmare Moon," Shirou responded while staring at Rainbow Dash with a deadpan expression.
"Oh, heh. Sorry about that." Rainbow Dash bashfully looked away before regaining her bravado. "In that case let me help! I can't let that evil pony get away after what she did!"
"Count us in as well." It was then that Shirou and Twilight noticed that 4 familiar mares had entered behind Rainbow Dash. Applejack continued, "we ain't letting no pony go around making eternal night. So you best be telling us what's going on so we can help put a stop to this Nightmare Moon."
"As much as your help is appreciated, it would be too dangerous to let any of you accompany us," stated Shirou. Bad enough Twilight has to be exposed to danger, I can't let more ponies put their lives on the line.
"And who're you to stop us?!" Rainbow Dash wasn't about to let somepony tell her what she could and couldn't do to help.
"I'm somepony who doesn't want you risking your lives. I can't guarantee your safety, so it's better if you all stay here."
"Who asked you to protect us?! We can handle ourselves without your help pal!" Rainbow had to be held back by Applejack as she lunged at Shirou.
"Now settle down Rainbow, there's no reason to be getting all worked up when the real fights out there!" It took a bit, but Rainbow Dash finally calmed down enough for Applejack to feel comfortable letting her go. "As for you, I appreciate your concern but it's our business if we decide to help or not. We don't need you worrying over us like a mother hen, much less your permission to help out. Ya got that mister?" Applejack stared Shirou in the eyes to reinforce her point.
"Shirou, as much as I understand your reluctance to let anypony put themselves in danger, I think we can really use any help we can get." Twilight was a bit unsure of allowing more ponies to get involved with such a dangerous situation, but with how messy things had become it was out of their hooves now. "It's well within their rights to stop Nightmare Moon from ruining their way of life."
"Fine. I'll just have to keep an eye out for all of you. I don't care how confident you are, the situation is too great to let you put yourselves in any more danger if possible. Just stay out of the way if fighting breaks out." Shirou was greatly troubled by the potential for more victims of Nightmare Moon. I have to make sure these ponies stay safe. If they won't listen and stay put then I'll just need to keep them behind me. I have to keep them safe.
"Now, if you all want to help, then you can start by finding any books about the Elements of Harmony." Twilight resumed her own efforts only for Pinkie's exclamation to draw her attention.
"Oh! Found it! The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide"
"Huh? But how'd you find it so quickly?!"
"Well it was under 'E' silly!"
Twilight could only stare dumbly as Pinkie pranced away. She certainly wasn't embarrassed that she hadn't considered looking under 'E' first. It was Shirou's job to search for books after all. Yeah, I certainly wouldn't have made such a blunder. Wait, I can't just blame Shirou for that. It'd be rude, especially when he's been so helpful.
Shirou, oblivious of Twilight's turmoil, proceeded to collect the book to take it to Twilight who he noticed was still staring off in surprise. This did bring Twilight back to the situation at hoof.
"Let's see here," began Twilight as she finally opened the book, "there are six elements in total. Yet, only five of them are known with the sixth one being a mystery. The five known elements are: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The last known location of the elements was the ancient castle used by the royal pony sisters."
"Y-you don't mean the castle in t-the E-everfree Forest do you?" Fluttershy couldn't help but ask as she shook with fear at the idea of having to head into the depths of that place.
"I do mean the Everfree Forest, Fluttershy. If anypony is too scared to follow us into the Everfree then they may stay."
Surprising both Shirou and Twilight, the gathered mares unanimously agreed to head into the Everfree. Even the shaking Fluttershy who looked like she might bolt at any second.
"Then it's decided! We're off to the Everfree Forest to find the Elements of Harmony!"
"Yeah!" Yelled all the gathered mares, while Shirou could only sigh in resignation.
As they prepared to head out, Shirou felt a sinister presence observing them. While it was relatively weak compared to Nightmare Moon, he knew it was tied to her due to its smell and magical energy signal. It had him on edge, but it wasn't attacking and quickly vanished. So she's watching us. We have to tread lightly. Why'd Twilight agree to let other ponies get involved and why did I agree with her! She's my Master but this might just be too much.
Finally heading out, Shirou gave up questioning how he'd been convinced to let 5 untrained mares join them on a dangerous trip into the Everfree Forest. Instead he focused on keeping track of any familiars Nightmare Moon might have trailing them. I should tell Twilight of our telepathy while I have time.
Twilight was approaching the entrance to the Everfree, when a familiar voice emanating from her head startled her. 'Twilight, it's me Shirou. Sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but we should be able to speak telepathically. This is due to our contract and can be used if we ever get separated.'
'Geez, you scared me there! I am glad you've finally shared this information nonetheless, Shirou.' While a bit miffed at how long it took to learn this information, Twilight understood that a lot of other stuff had probably taken priority for Shirou. 'Hopefully this way we can also share thoughts without somepony like Nightmare Moon eavesdropping on us.'
'Actually on the subject of Nightmare Moon, I've sensed a familiar of hers following us. I didn't want to scare the others, but I felt you should at least be aware.' Shirou's pace remained steady as he kept track of the trailing familiar. Twilight, on the other hand, nearly stumbled and was on the verge of looking around frantically. 'Calm down Twilight. I know you're worried, but it'll do us no good to let it know we've discovered it yet. I'm not sure why Nightmare Moon has it trailing us, but for now it seems content to observe. So I'd rather not risk provoking it, or worse Nightmare Moon, with the others possibly getting caught in the crossfire.'
'I'll trust your judgment then Shirou. I just hope we can handle whatever Nightmare Moon is plotting.'
'You and I both, Twilight.'
They had finally reached the entrance of the Everfree Forest. The foliage and dark of the night made it hard for anypony to see beyond the path ahead. Even Shirou's reinforced eyesight could do little to pierce the darkness.
"Well here we are, the Everfree Forest. If anyone wants to turn back now then you are more than welcome to. It still doesn't sit well with me to let any of you join Shirou and I on this dangerous task." Twilight was reluctant to let anypony follow them into such an ominous place.
"Now sugarcube, we said we're coming along and wait ain't no liars. So stop fretting so much about it. Ain't no way we'd let any of our friends walk into such a creepy place alone!" The others nodded in agreement with Applejack's words.
"Twilight wouldn't have been alone, she'd have me by her side. I understand your concerns, but we can handle this on our own." Shirou tried a final time to get the mares to leave for their own safety.
"And we can handle ourselves too, so stop trying to tell us otherwise," responded Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow is right darling, we can take care of ourselves. So let us dispense with the dilly dallying and get on our way. We shall proceed together or not at all, and I for one would like to see daylight sometime today." Though Twilight had decided to accept their help, Rarity saw the look of concern still clung to Shirou's face. "Now darling, don't look so troubled. We know you won't let us come to harm and would it not increase our odds of success if more of us went along?"
"I-I t-think it's better if we stick together too," added Fluttershy. Shirou was surprised at how adamant she seemed even if she sounded nervous. "Like Applejack said, we'd never leave a friend behind."
Why were these ponies so set on helping? They've only known us for a day and yet they insist we're friends they'd never abandon. Is this normal? Shirou's thoughts were interrupted when his silence was taken as acceptance and Pinkie proceeded to joyfully hop into the Everfree.
"Alright everypony let's get going!" Pinkie exclaimed as she saw no reason to keep arguing. "We're all friends and as friends we'll get this done lickity split! Oh! Then we can throw a 'We Defeated Nightmare Moon and Saved Equestria' party!"
Before Shirou could protest, the rest of the ponies accompanied Pinkie into the Everfree. Twilight could only give an apologetic smile at seeing his frustration while she followed suit.
-{/}-
The group had followed the path through the Everfree hoping it would lead them to the Elements of Magic. After all this path has to lead somewhere and what better place than a former seat of power right? Twilight thought to herself as she figured it might be helpful to ask the others what they knew of the Everfree Forest.
"So have any of you actually been here before?" Twilight asked, realizing they had no real clue where they were supposed to be heading to.
"Heaven's no darling, this place is awfully dreadful," replied Rarity as she looked around with mild disdain.
"Doesn't help that this place is downright unnatural. Folks say this place runs differently from Equestria," added Applejack with a wary look at her surroundings.
"What does that even mean?" While Twilight questioned the others, Shirou felt a shift from the familiar that was following them. The path had led them onto a precarious ledge and he had an inkling of what it was plotting.
"Nopony knows," responded Rainbow Dash as she flew further ahead. "You know why? Cause nopony who enters ever comes out!" Just as Rainbow stalked towards the group to spook them she was tackled by Shirou who'd caught up to her. "Hey what's the big deal?!" Before she could be further outraged, the part she'd been standing on began to crumble.
"Run!" Shirou could only shout out a warning as the familiar caused the ledge to collapse under them. Unfortunately, the others weren't as quick to react and got caught by the trap.
"Ahhh!" The non-pegasi ponies screamed as they slid down the steep slope. Shirou threw himself down the slope in hot pursuit. He saw Fluttershy and Rainbow spring into action as well, with Fluttershy grabbing Rarity and Rainbow helping Pinkie. Shirou traced a massive greatsword as he closed in on Applejack and sank it deep into the slope ahead of her.
"Oof! Thanks partner!" Applejack hit the sword a bit harder than comfortable, but she was grateful for the save nonetheless. Her relief was short-lived as she saw a formless shadow approaching Shirou and Twilight.
Shirou finally reached Twilight and caught her before she could fall off the edge. He began to pull her up when he heard Applejack yell towards them.
"Watch out! You have to let Twilight go and dodge Shirou!"
"What?!" Shirou was bewildered that she'd even consider that he'd let Twilight fall off a cliff.
"Trust me! Now!" Applejack put as much sincerity as she could into her words. She knew she had to get through to Shirou if she wanted him to listen and trust her.
Shirou was briefly conflicted as he saw no reason to obey her. Yet staring into her eyes and seeing the honesty in them, he couldn't help but overlap her green eyes with another similar pair. A pair he trusted with his very being, so going against his own instincts he let Twilight go.
"Hey!" Twilight was rightfully angry that Shirou had let her fall, but also incredibly scared as she felt gravity take over. Fortunately, she was quickly caught by Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. As they flew her up she saw what Applejack had been warning Shirou about.
"What?!" Shirou barely dodged a dark blur that swooped in where he'd been holding Twilight. How'd that thing slip past me?! Is it possible, does that thing have some sort of presence concealment?! It must've been letting me detect it to lower my guard during the attack. "Trace on!"
As the shadow came back for a second attack on Shirou, a thin sword appeared in the air before it. Before it could swerve away the sword fired, piercing it with unerring accuracy. A horrid screech could be heard as the purifying effect of the Black Key wiped the shadow from existence.
"This is bad, if those things can use some kind of presence concealment we won't be able to see them before it's too late." Shirou had made his way down following Applejack to meet with the others. "We need to turn back now, it's too dangerous if I can't predict their attacks."
"Shirou, it's too late to go back. If detection is the issue then I think I might have a solution." Twilight began to concentrate on a spell that would grant Shirou increased senses, beyond even his reinforcement. Only for a terrifying roar to break her concentration.
The group prepared for whatever was coming towards them as they saw a large creature approach. In the light of the moon they were able to make out what it was, an angry manticore.
"Stand back! I'll handle this. Trace on." Shirou put himself between the manticore and the ponies. He traced a minor Noble Phantasm with anti-monster properties in preparation.
"Wait!" Before he could fire the Noble Phantasm off, he was interrupted by Fluttershy of all ponies. "Don't hurt him! Can't you see he's injured." Fluttershy quickly flew to the manticore before Shirou could stop her. "Shhhh, it's okay. You poor baby, you must be so scared."
Shirou was floored to see the beast melt like putty in Fluttershy's hooves. Its anger rapidly replaced with a pained look as it whimpered at Fluttershy.
"Now, let me see what's wrong." The manticore proceeded to show her its paw, where a large thorn was digging into its flesh. "Oh my, that's just dreadful. I'll get it out, but it might hurt for just a second." Fluttershy removed the thorn and the manticore roared in pain briefly.
Shirou nearly jumped into action as the manticore grabbed Fluttershy. He stopped himself when he saw it was happily licking her in thanks.
"Aw, you are just the cutest baby kitty aren't you?" Fluttershy laughed in joy at seeing another animal thank her for her kindness. She said her goodbye as the manticore took off into the night sky.
"How'd you know it had a thorn in its paw?" Twilight was curious as to how anypony could've identified the issue so quickly.
"I didn't know. I just decided to show a little bit of kindness to a troubled animal friend." Fluttershy was just happy she'd been able to help an animal in need. She yelped as a dark blur nearly struck her before another Black Key struck it, banishing it from this realm.
"It seems this was another ploy by these shadows." Shirou was really starting to regret letting the others join, even if they'd been proving themselves somewhat. "Twilight if you have a spell to help, I'd really appreciate it."
"Oh! Yeah, let me properly apply it this time." Twilight focused once again and completed the spell. Her horn glowed as a soft light enveloped Shirou and he felt his senses sharpen. "There we go, Keen Senses should let you detect those shadow familiars now."
Shirou was amazed at how powerful the enhancement was, even reinforcement couldn't reach this level. He could see and hear nearly three times as well as before. More importantly his magical sense felt greatly improved as well. It even made sorting through the multiple magical signatures he'd been picking easier. Which let him discover that a familiar malevolent signal was not too far ahead.
"Everypony, watch yourselves. We have more shadow trickery up ahead." The others nodded in acknowledgement and let Shirou take point this time.
The group walked forward with far more wary glances around. They didn't want any more surprises catching them off guard.
"Why must this place be so icky? My eyes are growing tired of all this muck." Rarity's concern for any dangers lying ahead did nothing to make her forget how much she disliked the dirt and mud around her.
"Rarity, it's a forest. It's going to be messy." Applejack gave her a curt response, she knew Rarity could be a bit prissy, but now was not the time for that.
The group fell silent once more as they entered a darker part of the forest. Here the dense foliage blocked out the moonlight. The trees looming ominously over them did little to alleviate their fears.
Shirou motioned for them to stop as he sensed the shadow familiar in this area enact a spell on the area. Its effects became clear when the trees surrounding them gained terrifying appearances. The ponies screamed in terror as they saw the now horrifying trees close in on them. All but one, aside from Shirou, were panicking. Pinkie stood in stark contrast to others as she just laughed.
"Huh?" Everypony else was confused by her laughter.
Their confusion rose when she casually hopped up to a tree and started making faces at it. Shirou was starting to grow numb at the actions these ponies were taking in the face of danger. He still was ready to intercept the shadow causing all this, but he'd let Pinkie handle things for now. I'm really trusting a pink pony with the safety of a bunch of other technicolor ponies. What has my life come to? Maybe this is just a bad prank by Zelretch. Shirou sighed in exasperation at the turn his life had taken.
"Pinkie, what are you doing?" Twilight couldn't help but question Pinkie's antics, even if Shirou's passivity at them baffled her.
"Oh girls, don't you see?" Pinkie had adopted a sing-song voice as she responded which only drew groans from the others.
"Really? A song at a time like this?" Twilight's fear had long since disappeared as she tried to wrap her head around Pinkie's actions.
As Pinkie sang about the way in which laughter can help you face your fears, Shirou stood back and observed.
"Shirou, how is this actually working?!" Twilight grew even more exasperated when the visage on the trees began to revert to that of non-threatening bark.
"I suppose like most ritual magic, her singing allows her to invoke some kind of dispelling effect on ominous illusions. Though I'm honestly all that sure myself, its the best I got. I wouldn't think about it too much, Twilight. Trust me, in cases like this its better to not question the strangeness of the world. That road, only madness lies." The blank expression that appeared on Shirou's face as he spoke only confused Twilight further. She did take his words to heart for the time being as she felt like laughing at the absurdity of it all, just like Pinkie wanted.
With all the ponies, except Shirou, laughing away, the illusion was dispelled and the shadow was put down by Shirou. Pinkie didn't fail to notice how throughout her song the only pony to not laugh was Shirou. Normally that wouldn't do at all and she'd pull out all the stops to get him to laugh. But everypony else decided to continue the journey before she could get started.
"Hey, Shirou, why'd you stay all serious?! Wouldn't it have been more fun to join in on the laughter?" Shirou simply raised an eyebrow at Pinkie before responding.
"While I'm impressed by your singing and ability to dispel that illusion, I saw no reason to laugh along. You all were doing well enough without me."
"But it's no fun to leave a friend out of a good time!"
"Pinkie, it's fine. I don't need to laugh." With those words Shirou brushed past Pinkie and resumed his position at the front of the group. Pinkie made sure to remember this moment.
What kind of pony doesn't need to laugh?! I'll make sure Shirou laughs! Just you wait mister!
-{/}-
The path had gone on for a while with no troubles, which only made Shirou more concerned. Perhaps Nightmare Moon felt it better to call back her familiars to take action herself? I sure hope not.
Approaching a river crossing, they noticed the water was raging far more than it should.
"What's going on here? Why's the river so unruly?" Applejack and the others realized they couldn't cross under these conditions. As they tried to find another way across, they heard crying in the distance.
Seeing no other option, they headed towards the sobbing. Shirou hoped it wasn't something awful they were approaching as the crying was very sorrowful. He certainly hadn't expected to see a large sea serpent to be the origin of the noise.
"What a world. What a world!"
"Excuse us, sir. Why are you crying?" Twilight moved up to stand by Shirou as she noticed the serpent wasn't hostile.
"Well, I don't know. I was simply enjoying my day when this tacky little cloud of dark purple smoke came zipping by. Before I knew it, the darned thing had lopped off half of my perfectly styled mustache! Now I look horrid!"
"That's what this is all about?" Rainbow was the first to make her exasperation known at how superficial the problem seemed.
"Come now, can't you all see how wretched this poor fellow feels?" Rarity chided them for their perceived insensitivity at the crime at hand. She then proceeded to compliment the serpent for his well kept appearance, before coming to the crux of the issue once more.
"Shirou, be a dear and provide me with a knife please?" Shirou wasn't sure what she intended to do, but he felt there was no harm in giving her a regular traced dagger. "Thank you darling."
"Now to fix this crime against fabulosity!" Rarity used the dagger to cut off her tail, before styling it to match the mustache as much as possible. Shirou figured out her plan as he saw her style the lopped off tail.
"Oh Rarity, your beautiful tail…" Twilight might not have known her long, but even she could understand how much Rarity valued her image.
"It's fine dear. Short tails are in season, and it'll grow back in time." Rarity did feel some grief at losing her well maintained tail, but she knew her generous aid was well worth it.
"Rarity, would you mind handing that to me for a brief minute?" Feeling he could at least use some alteration to help her out, Shirou extended his hoof to take hold of her tail.
"Certainly darling, here you go. Whatever do you plan to do though?" Rarity's curiosity was peaked when she saw Shirou's horn glow as he began to apply magic to the tail.
"Trace on," Shirou whispered as he changed the tail's color to match that of the sea serpent's mustache. "There we go, it's not much but this way it should at least match."
Handing the altered tail back to Rarity, Shirou stepped back.
"Why this is amazing darling! You simply must show me the spell you used once we return." Rarity was very impressed by the change. Her mind couldn't help but consider the possibilities of such a spell for her dressmaking business. Remembering the task at hand, she used her magic to attach the newly crafted mustache onto the serpent's face.
"Oh my! How wonderful! My mustache is restored!" The sea serpent was over the moon with joy.
"Let's cross now that the river's calmed down." Shirou prepared to cross, only for the serpent to interrupt him.
"Allow me," spoke the sea serpent as he created a path for them across using his own body.
"Thank you darling!" Rarity thanked the sea serpent as the others began crossing the river.
Finally on the other side the group set off again. Shirou once again taking point, with Twilight close behind him.
"Seems that whatever shadow familiar was responsible left after its job was done." Twilight was surprised no shadow had attacked them.
"It sure seems that way. I do find it odd how trivial its role was. Cutting off a mustache seems far tamer than trying to knock us off a cliff." Shirou wasn't sure how to feel about the lack of another shadow attack. Hopefully things keep going smoothly, even though these situations sure are circumstantial. How each pony has had a role to play is beyond me. This world really is starting to wear on me. A sigh escaped him as he continued along.
-{/}-
As they approached a ravine, they noticed an old rickety bridge. Or at least what remained of it. The bridge had collapsed it seemed, although it was largely intact otherwise.
"There it is! Across this ravine, the castle!" Twilight was excited to have finally found the location of the Elements of Harmony. "We made it!"
"The only problem is how are we gonna get across?" Applejack expressed her worry when she saw the state of the bridge.
"It's my time to shine!" Rainbow declared proudly.
"Oh, right." Applejack deadpanned as she saw Rainbow smugly flying over her.
"Just wait here. I'll get that bridge fixed in a second!" Rainbow took off to grab the fallen end of the bridge.
"Rainbow! Catch!" As she was halfway down she heard Shirou and saw a Black Key heading towards. Shirou wasn't too keen on letting Rainbow do this on her own, but there wasn't much he could do about it besides give her some protection.
"Thanks, Shirou!" Rainbow quickly caught the small sword in her hooves and then continued on her way.
The group gathered around the edge seeing Rainbow vanish into the dense fog of the ravine. She then rose with the rest of the bridge on the other side.
"Seems she's got this covered." Twilight was relieved that nothing had happened to Rainbow so far. "Soon we'll be at the ruins."
"Wait, what are those figures near Rainbow?" Shirou grew suspicious as his enhanced senses let him see through the fog a bit as he spotted silhouettes appear near Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow!" Shouted Twilight as she tried to get Rainbow Dash's attention so she'd finish fixing the bridge.
He grew concerned as it looked like Rainbow was arguing with them. It was way too suspicious and he started planning how to get across to help her. He stopped when he heard her shout at them.
"I don't care how much fame flying with you would get me if it meant turning my back on my friends!" She proceeded to use the Black Key to stab the shadow as it dropped the masquerade to attack her.
Rainbow finished tying up the bridge before flying back and dispersing the fog as she went. The mares cheered at seeing her return.
"See I'd never leave my friends behind!" Rainbow beamed, having shown her friends that she'd always stay loyal to them.
-{/}-
Finally making their way into the castle ruins, the group was in awe at the sight of such an ancient yet regal building.
"Wow, it's amazing here." Twilight was enraptured, who knew how many secrets these ancient halls held. There must be so much hidden knowledge in here!
"These are what you were looking for, right Twilight?" Applejack asked while pointing to the massive statue in the center of the entrance hall.
"One, two, three, four, and five!" Pinkie counted in excitement as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash brought each element down from the statue. Each of them were little more than gray stone orbs with a sigil.
"Where's the sixth one?!" Rainbow Dash was sure she remembered Twilight saying there were six.
"The book said that: when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed." Twilight looked around the statue hoping to find a clue as to what the book meant.
"What in the hay is that supposed to mean?" Applejack sure was getting tired of all these vague clues they'd been following.
"I'm not sure, but I have an idea of where to start. Please stand back, I'm not sure what might happen." Twilight began to prepare a spell to cast on the gathered elements, perhaps it would reveal the sixth element.
"Come on everypony, let's give Twilight some space." Applejack led the others outside, but Shirou stuck by Twilight's side. He had an odd feeling, the lingering scent that reminded him of Nightmare Moon reinforced that feeling. It didn't sit well with him, but he couldn't sense Nightmare Moon nearby.
Of course the Moon Goddess would have presence concealment much like her familiars. I just hope she isn't keen on striking down anypony before I can stop her. She's had plenty of chances, but she seems oddly content to inconvenience us far more than truly killing us.
As Shirou kept his guard up, Twilight began casting her spell. The moment Shirou saw a far more prominent purple cloud of smoke approach Twilight he jumped into action.
"Twilight!" He shoved her out of the way as the purple cloud began swirling around her and the elements. In turn, he was the one pulled into the forced teleportation instead of Twilight.
"Oh no, Shirou!"
"What's going on?! Twilight, where's Shirou?!" The others came running back in when they heard Shirou scream out Twilight's name.
"She took him and the Elements!" Twilight was panicking, she needed to rescue Shirou. But where did Nightmare Moon take him?! Why'd he have to sacrifice himself in my place?!
"Over there!" Everypony turned to Rarity as she pointed to a tower nearby where lights poured from the windows.
"Let's go rescue Shirou and get the Elements back!" Applejack shouted as she ran off to the tower with the rest following close behind.
-{/}-
A loud bang could be heard as Shirou appeared in a cloud of smoke. He coughed as the disturbed dust entered his lungs. Dammit, I need to find the elements and get back to the others. Was his first thought as he regained his bearings. His eyes quickly scanned his new surroundings, noting that he was still somewhere in the ruins.
Lightning flashed through the broken windows on the other side of the room as a familiar scent reached Shirou's nose in full force. Before him stood Nightmare Moon, standing upon an elevated platform surrounded by broken windows. Her laugh rang out ominously as she smugly stared down at Shirou.
"I had planned to take my dear sister's star pupil along with the elements, but I suppose any of her precious little ponies will do as well."
"What have you done with the Princess, Nightmare Moon," asked Shirou as he tried to formulate a plan of attack. He doubted he'd be able to escape now that he had her full attention.
"I merely roughed her up a bit, it was only fair I get a little payback for what she did to me after all. Now be a good colt and obey your new Princess. I require a volunteer to help convince my dear sister, and seeing as you took Twilight's place you have volunteered yourself." Nightmare Moon continued to smugly grin at Shirou believing he had no way to resist her demands.
"And if I say no?"
"I must insist. You wouldn't want to anger your new ruler after all. It would end quite poorly for you my dear little pony."
Seeing that Elements of Harmony lay near her hooves, Shirou decided on a plan of action. Only for his senses to pick up the sound of an approaching group. This is bad, they stand no chance against Nightmare Moon. It's all or nothing then!
"I am the bone of my sword." A wave of magic emanated from Shirou, surprising Nightmare Moon. Shirou knew he couldn't hold back any longer, doing away with the transformation and returning to his human form.
"What manner of creature are you? I've never seen something like you before. And that spike in energy is certainly unique. Yet no spell will change your punishment. Pony or not, all will bow to me!" To punctuate her point she sent out a ray of magic energy to knock out Shirou. Her surprise grew when a sword intercepted the attack. "You are just full of tricks, aren't you my dear. Let's see how far those tricks can get you now that you've angered me!"
"Steel is my body and fire is my blood." Shirou could sense the others getting closer, but he also felt strain as the aria resisted him. Not now! I can't stop, just work dammit! I've done it before, so why is it resisting me now?! He tried to invoke the feeling he had when facing Archer, but he could still feel his world fighting him. His struggle didn't mean he wasn't able to trace nameless blades to divert the blasts of magic Nightmare Moon sent his way. He even fired a few at her while tracing Archer's black bow to arm himself.
"You are an incredible annoyance! Fine. If you are so intent on resisting me, I'll just have to discipline you! All I need is for you to stay breathing, and you won't need your limbs for that!" Nightmare Moon focused her magic to unleash a powerful laser up the defiant creature. She ignored the blades aimed at her as they couldn't pierce the dome-shaped barrier that protected her.
"I have created over a thousand blades." Shirou grit his teeth as he felt a splitting headache from forcing the aria further. Mind of steel! This pain is nothing if I can protect the others. He pushed his body to its limits as he evaded the magical laser and traced swords to fire at Nightmare Moon. He knocked a minor Noble Phantasm, intent on breaking it to either pierce her shield or distract her for more time.
"These frail pieces of metal can't harm me, you fool!" The minor Noble Phantasm didn't even reach her barrier as a pillar of light destroyed it mid-flight. Nightmare Moon intensified her attack by unleashing multiple homing magic missiles. The explosions from each near-hit still tore at his reinforced armor and left him with minor wounds. A grim reminder that a single direct hit would cripple him, if not outright kill him.
"Aware of loss." A soft smile, upon the face of what could only be an angel, flashed through Shirou's mind. A memory of what he once held so dear. What I failed to save. "Knowing only one end."
"I see now, you're desperate because your friends have come to save you. How do you think they'll react seeing your broken form?" Nightmare Moon cackled as she unleashed a shockwave to knock Shirou down as he continued to evade her other attacks.
"Withstood pain to create weapons, with hands that will never hold anything." Shirou felt his skin breaking as swords began to rampage through his skin, a sign that his own world was rejecting him. Gritting his teeth, he traced a wall of swords to block the shockwave.
"I'll admit your blades are sturdier than I'd assumed, but that only means I need to get serious." She began to siphon pure magical energy from the moon hanging overheard. This energy was funneled into a magical area that formed above her with the moon at its center. Shirou knew he couldn't avoid a spell so massive and potent, but he wouldn't have to. "Witness the power of magic fueled by Ether and know you never stood a chance!"
"This is my only path," Shirou launched another Broken Phantasm as Nightmare Moon as a final distraction. Diverting her energy to bolter her defenses gave him the precious seconds he needed to deploy his trump card. With a final breath he finished his aria, "Unlimited Blade Works!"
The ruins and night sky vanished as reality was overwritten.
-{/}-
Twilight and the others had just reached the top of the stair in the tower when they were caught by a wave of heatless flames. Opening their eyes, they bore witness to an ashen sky where barely functional gears turned ominously. Twilight noticed that the gears were stained with rust so red it looked like dried blood. Most strange of all was the myriad of blades that covered the land all around them. There was no end to their number.
"This is…" Twilight knew this place, but why was it such a depressing wasteland? What happened to the one I saw in that dream, where the sky was bright and filled with hope? Why is this place so broken, Shirou?
"What in tarnation!" Applejack was having a hard time understanding how they went from castle ruins to this desolate landscape.
"W-where are we?" Fluttershy was shaking in fear as she felt a great sense of sorrow permeating the air here.
"Wherever it is, it's absolutely more dreadful than the Everfree," replied Rarity. She couldn't help but reel at the sights around her. Most of all, the way the blades seemed subdued. Such beautiful craftsmanship yet not a single one shines brilliantly, how tragic!
"Enough gawking everypony! We still need to find Shirou and the elements. They have to be here somewhere." Rainbow Dash flew into the sky to get a better view, but all she saw was an endless horizon full of the same wastes covered in blades. Huffing in frustration she flew back down. "I can't see them anywhere, it's like this place just continues like this forever!"
"I've seen this place before, in one of Shirou's memories." Twilight drew everypony's gaze when she spoke. "It wasn't like this in that memory though, the sky was bright and clear. Yet here it's entirely covered in ash."
"What are you on about, silly? Can't you see the light shining through above our heads?" Even in a place like this Pinkie remained upbeat. This environment reminded her of home, before she discovered the joy of laughter. And if I could bring happiness to a place like that then surely I can do the same here!
"Woah, Pinkie's right. It's almost like the light is trying to stop itself from being snuffed out." Applejack couldn't help but feel a small amount of relief at seeing something resembling daylight.
"But why is it only above us?" Twilight felt enraptured once again by the sad beauty of this strange place, even if it was fleeting.
"I'd like to know the same thing." The ponies were startled when they heard Shirou speak, and were even further surprised by his appearance. He was no longer a unicorn, instead he was some strange bipedal creature none of them, except Twilight, had seen before. As they shook off their surprise they also spotted the Elements were now right in front of them.
"Darling! What happened to you?!" Rarity was aghast at seeing what seemed to be Shirou, donning such a tacky outfit. The fact it was damaged with blood trickling from the various wounds on Shirou made it worse. "You need medical attention at once darling, and a change of clothes."
"What?" Shirou was baffled by Rarity's comment. "Nevermind that, I've moved Nightmare Moon farther out, but she'll find us soon. You need to get the elements to work. I'll buy some time, here I can at least put up a proper fight against her." Before he could set off, Twilight bit down on his coat to hold him back. "Twilight I need to go now. I can't let Nightmare Moon harm any of you. I may have full control of this world, but Nightmare Moon's divinity and power allows her to resist the influence of this world."
"Shirou, there are so many questions I want to ask you right now! But more importantly we aren't letting you face her alone again! Look at you! You are covered in wounds, how can you expect us to let you go and possibly get yourself hurt even more?!" Twilight stared at Shirou defiantly, she wasn't about to let up and have Shirou disappear on them again.
"I'll give you all the answers you want once Nightmare Moon has been defeated." Shirou sighed, and looked into Twilight's eyes. "Right now you are the only one who can get the Elements to work. I know you can find the 6th Element, Twilight. It's my job as your servant to protect you. So please don't worry about me, you just need to focus on the Elements."
"Shirou, I won't let you do this alone! If you fight then we'll fight by your side! We're not just Servant and Master, we're friends!" Twilight's eyes shone with determination so strong that Shirou couldn't look away.
"Twilight…" Shirou wanted to tell her to leave it all to him, how she didn't stand a chance against Nightmare Moon. So why do her eyes look like that? Where is she getting this resolve from? Seeing those eyes, he could recall a time that felt like a lifetime ago. When he too had refused to let his Saber fight alone. I swore to fight by her side too… Is this how I looked then? Can I really trust her?
Stunned as he was, Shirou's lapse in concentration had given Nightmare Moon a golden opportunity. She had been stuck far from everyone else thanks to Shirou's manipulation of the space within his Reality Marble. But now, she was able to locate the source of all her current troubles.
"I don't know what manner of sorcery this is, but it will do little to stop me!" Nightmare Moon had tried to call for her Moon's power, but the connection seemed severed. She still generated massive amounts of energy, but without her Moon she was limited to her weaker spells. "If my moon cannot reach me here then I will just need to crush this place!"
With a final look at Twilight, Shirou made up his mind. Though his instincts yelled at him to send her and others away, he knew what he had to do. She was willing to give me a chance, no matter how foolish I was.
"Twilight, I don't understand why you keep trying to stand by my side. Yet, I once felt the same and at that time I was given a chance to prove myself. I'll hold down Nightmare Moon, but I'll trust you to take her down with the Elements. You ponies are far too kind, so I can only ask you to forgive me. I never intended to make friends knowing how my own story ends."
"Shirou, we'll never regret being your friend. Right girls?" Twilight stood confidently as the others moved to join her at her sides.
"Yeah!" They all agreed, no matter how much it shocked Shirou. They truly meant to stand and fight against such daunting odds, just for a friend.
"You just got here Shirou and I refuse to let you drown yourself any further. I know you held hope once and the light above us means you still have it no matter how small! We'll stand by you and beat Nightmare Moon. Once we do then we'll show you what it means to live with friends by your side!" A light began to emanate from the Elements. The once unassuming forms of simple gray orbs slowly gave way.
Shirou couldn't help but let out a small wry smile. Did I sound like that to you, Saber? So full of hope, not knowing what hell I was walking into? Yet, why does it feel nice? Is this what you meant when I shouldn't stand alone, Illya? Your big brother has been lost for so long. Standing here, with them by my side, it almost feels like you are still with me.
"Enough of this drivel! You will all kneel before me and stop this treason against your rightful ruler!" Nightmare Moon had used the time they wasted speaking to charge a potent spell to crush the source of this wretched world. "I will wipe this place away and return to the endless night I have waited a millenia for!"
"No, Nightmare Moon, you will fall here. Within this world my will is law! And I doubt you have what it takes to face off against my arsenal." Shirou could feel the mana radiating off of Nightmare Moon and the spell circle floating behind her. He knew it could do nothing against this world of steel.
All around them, from the dry and cracked land, blades rose once again. For so long they'd only been used in hunts that could not ever satisfy the longing of their master. They had grown hollow from such use as the grief of his own loss bled into this world. Now, for the first time in a long time, they felt a light emanating from the core of his soul. These blades would rise, not to strike down another monster. Instead they would protect those who were gradually entering the heart of their master.
To think I forgot why I made this world. I buried myself in work to find any sense of justification for my own existence. I may have failed to save Illya, but now I will save Twilight and the others!
Nightmare Moon deployed her spell, a massive beam of energy directed at Shirou. She was sure this would break the land apart and free her. But instead a rain of steel descended upon her. These were not the simple blades she'd batted away so easily. Each was a peerless masterpiece with equally extensive legends. Cursed blades made to drown the user in blood lust flew alongside holy swords radiating with an aura of blessed piety. All around Nightmare Moon a plethora of blades shot at her.
The ponies' worry at the oncoming attack was replaced by awe at the number of swords intercepting the attack. Though many broke at first trying to stem the beam, more rose to take their place. Eventually the beam lost strength and was overtake by a tide of steel.
"You may have stopped one attack, but all I need is to strike you down!" Nightmare Moon summoned shadow copies of herself all around her, much like when fought Celestia. Each was capable of casting spells and together they could form even more complicated and powerful magic circles. "My sister was not enough to oppose me and you can't even reach her level."
A barrage of magical attacks descended upon Shirou, who's only reaction was to summon his bow with an altered blade. His swords were already taking care of the new attacks, even if Nightmare Moon was now gaining ground. He knew even this attack could not bring her down, but it sure as hell would hurt.
"My core is twisted in madness." The altered blade cracked as he pushed it to its limits, turning it into a Broken Phantasm. "Caladbolg II."
The released blade sped through the space between it and its target with such speed it was near instantaneous. Nightmare Moon's defenses had never stood a chance against a missile that could rend space.
The explosion that followed was incredible and it knocked the ponies out of their stupor.
"Everypony! Shirou is counting on us, and I think I now understand what we were missing." Twilight brought their attention to her as she channeled energy into her horn. Taking each Element, she placed them in front of each pony. "The true source of power within the elements stems from us!"
"Applejack, who convinced Shirou, stubborn as he is, to trust in her judgment, represents the spirit of Honesty!" Before her, the orb broke and reformed into a necklace embedded with a gem shaped like her Cutie Mark before placing itself on her neck.
"Fluttershy, whose kind heart allowed her to calm and help a manticore in need, represents the spirit of Kindness!" Similar to Applejack, Fluttershy's element transformed into a necklace bearing her Cutie Mark as a gem.
"Pinkie Pie, who giggled at the face of danger and banished the darkness with her joy, represents the spirit of Laughter!" Pinkie jumped in excitement as her element morphed much like the ones before.
"Rarity, who helped a serpent in need with a precious gift, represents the spirit of Generosity!" Rarity couldn't help but admire the beauty of her element as it was placed around her neck.
"Rainbow Dash, who refused to abandon her friends when offered her greatest desire, represents the spirit of Loyalty!" Rainbow Dash beamed with pride as she gained her element, knowing that she would always stand with her friends.
As each element settled on their new wielders, from the light shining above a sixth one appeared. The final element that brought them all together. Even in a place like this it could find its true wielder. For the soul of her Servant was connected to her as well.
"The sixth element, the one that could only appear with a spark. It took me a while to realize what that meant. I was too engrossed with finding the elements that I never understood what they represented. When I saw you all resolutely standing by my side and refusing to let a friend fight alone, I discovered what truly matters. Our friendship got us this far, and it is that friendship that becomes the spark! When our hearts are aligned it creates the sixth element: the Element of Magic!" The sixth orb broke apart and its fragments reformed into a stunning golden Tiara with a star-shaped gem representing her Cutie Mark sitting atop. Once the Tiara found its place upon Twilight's head, all the elements began to shine with magic.
As all this was happening, Nightmare Moon had recovered from Shirou's attack. Though heavily wounded she forced the remaining Ether flowing through her to heal her wounds. Her recovery would be interrupted by strange metal chains. These chains wrapped around her and brought her down to the ground where she was unable to escape.
"Impossible! How could mere chains hold me!" No matter how much she thrashed the chains would not let go, even as she finished healing herself. They began to crack as her struggling continued, but it wouldn't be fast enough.
"These are the chains that once bound the Titan Prometheus. They are more than able to bind a divine being like you! They may be hollow imitations of true article, but these chains won't break before a final attack!" Shirou couldn't help but smile ruefully as he stared Nightmare Moon down. Tracing these chains was only thanks to Illya's insistence that he find a way to one up that Golden Bastard, and what better way than with an object from Heracles' legend. He knew he could've brought out swords with the ability to slay a God while she lay incapacitated, even if it would've taken everything in his power to strike a fatal blow. Yet he felt a calling in his heart to let the Elements do their work. It was as if a greater Spirit were advising him to abstain from staining his hands in further bloodshed.
"Nightmare Moon, you shall haunt Equestria no more! Behold the Magic of Friendship!" With that exclamation, Twilight's eyes closed as she focused all their power. With each of the element bearers floating behind her, the glow surrounding them reached an apex. From their cluster, dual rainbows sprouted, intertwining and forming a wondrous helix. The spiraling rays came crashing down upon the Nightmare Moon.
"Let go of the envy and bitterness that holds you Nightmare Moon, and return to the pony you once were, Princess Luna!" Twilight punctuated her decree by opening her eyes, now shining beacons of light. The light grew in intensity filling the land of steel and ash, sparking change within.
"Noooo!" Nightmare Moon screamed as she felt the purifying power of the Elements take hold. The effect was immediate as her corrupted form gave way, and from beneath it the original Princess Luna emerged.
Shirou couldn't believe how pure the light was. How?! How can something so alien match the light of Excalibur?! Before him an impossibility, in the light of those rainbows he saw her. The small form of a girl who believed in him and his dream. She smiled at him as she had when she promised to stand with him even if the world itself turned on him. It was such a precious smile, one he had lost, yet here he saw her in her beaming at him once more. Illya, what am I supposed to do? To his surprise she answered.
"What you've always done onii-chan. Save them, but don't forget that you can't save everyone if you don't save yourself." Her smile grew melancholic as the light began to fade. "Cherish them Shirou, they wish to be your friends. Please open your heart to them like you did for me. My final wish is for you to never be alone again. So make as many friends as you can and make your big sister proud!"
Shirou tried to reach out to her as she gave him a final wave and hopeful smile. But the light dissipated and she vanished with it. Could it really have been her? It had to be. Illya, if that's your wish, then I won't hesitate anymore. I have walked this path alone since you left, but Fate has given me another chance and I will not squander it any longer!
The world around them began to crumble as Shirou could no longer sustain Unlimited Blade Works. Before it could fully disappear, Shirou noticed that the skies were clearer and the rusted gears shone brighter, much like the once dull swords which now held a newfound luster.
Princess Luna looked around her, she was once again in the ruins of her former castle. Where she once ruled alongside her dear sister. Standing before her were the 6 ponies who saved her and the strange bipedal creature that helped them. To be myself once again, it feels so strange.
"Princess Luna, my dear sister." From behind Princess Luna came a voice she had longed to hear. "I'm so glad you're back."
"Sister?" Luna tentatively called out as she tried to face Celestia. Her burning shame and regret prevented her from looking at her sister in the eyes. "I'm so sorry! I never meant to go this far!"
A river of tears flowed from her eyes. She felt she deserved a heavy punishment for what she'd done. Her guilt only worsened as she recalled more and more of what she had done as Nightmare Moon. When she felt a familiar warmth hugging her she couldn't help but cling on.
"It's alright Luna. You're home now and that's all that matters. I missed you so much, my precious sister." Celestia cradled Luna close to her chest, softly rubbing her back with a hoof. To hold her again after so long brought immense relief to Celestia. "We were always meant to rule together, and I must apologize for not understanding your feelings better all those years ago."
As she comforted her sister, Celestia looked towards the ones responsible for saving Luna. She saw Twilight and her new friends getting up as the blast had taken a lot out of them. When she looked over to Shirou, she saw a deep sorrow in his eyes. He was looking at her and her sister, with a stare Celestia had seen countless times in her mirrors. One of great loss.
Unlike the others who had been occupied by the light show, Celestia had seen what had transpired with Shirou. She had been pulled into that world, though her weakened state had prevented her from helping. Observing the battle, she saw the specter that had spoken to Shirou and heard her words. Though she knew she was missing much context, she could understand that the specter speaking to Shirou was his sister. It didn't take long for her to connect the dots.
So when she saw him viewing them with such longing in his eyes, she couldn't help but move towards him. She made sure to hold Luna steady as she led them towards Shirou. He was too caught up in his thoughts and memories to realize what was happening. He was brought out of his funk when he felt soft feathers wrap themselves around him.
"Huh?" He looked at the ponies standing close to him. Celestia still held Luna to her left side, but she was also using her right wing to hug Shirou.
"I understand your pain, Shirou. I was once engulfed in grief upon banishing my sister." She looked into his eyes and smiled in empathy. "Though she has been returned to me now, I can still vividly recall the sadness that gripped me. I want you to know that we are here for you. Twilight, myself, and all your new friends will do what we can to help you Shirou."
"Thank you." Shirou returned the hug as he felt moisture escape his eyes. He'd gone too long without properly processing his loss. Here he had found hope and friends. Here he could finally let it all out. So he cried as he held onto an Alicorn Goddess… no, she was a friend. A friend? To think I'd forgotten what it felt like to have friends. I'm sorry Illya, Rin, Sakura, Luvia, Issei, and all those I ignored in my grief. I wish I could make it up to you all. If anything I'll do my best here. I won't give up on my dream, I will save everyone! But I won't become like Archer anymore. I let myself drown in my ideals. No more, I made a promise once to find a new path and this time I intend to keep it.
The others finally got their bearings together when they noticed the scene before them. Princess Celestia was holding onto both Shirou and Princess Luna as they cried.
"Did I hit my head or is everypony else seeing what I'm seeing?" asked Rainbow.
"I can confirm that we're all seeing the same thing, Rainbow." Applejack decided to be frank with Rainbow, even if she had to do a double take at first.
"Oh my! Rarity, your tail!" Fluttershy, who wanted to make sure the others were okay, noticed a change in Rarity.
"Oh goodness, how lovely! I'll never part with it again!" Rarity was full of joy now that her tail had regrown to its former beauty. "These necklaces are also quite lovely. Yours absolutely suits you Fluttershy, darling!"
"Thanks," responded Fluttershy with a shy but grateful smile.
"Wow! These are super duper!" Pinkie Pie couldn't help to exclaim as she bounced around in excitement. "Look at mine!"
"It seems the Elements have taken the shape of your Cutie Marks." Twilight decided to address her friends first to let Shirou, Celestia, and Luna continue their moment a little longer.
"Twilight, you sure were right about these Elements. They really do represent friendship." Applejack was glad that their adventure had ended in a resounding success even if it went off the rails near the end. "Though I'd sure love an explanation on what that strange place was."
"I'm sure Shirou will tell us, but I don't think we should interrupt him right now." Twilight was happy to see that Shirou was finally opening up to them. Shown by his willingness to let Celestia comfort him as he cried. I want to know you better Shirou. To know why you cry. To know what makes you happy. To know how I can be the best friend you've ever had. It did pain her heart to see him cry like this, the sorrow he carried must've been heavy. But now she knew her friends would be there to help her and Shirou so he wouldn't have to suffer alone anymore.
"You know what this calls for! A party!" Pinkie's exuberance exploded once she realized that celebrations were in order. At this, the others cheered and Celestia smiled at their antics.
"I do believe Pinkie is correct, but I wish to invite you all to Canterlot first. There is much we still need to discuss." Celestia knew she had a lot to iron out still, especially with Luna's return and Shirou's presence as a foreign being. Pinkie deflated at hearing the party would be postponed, but she needn't have worried because Celestia had already considered that. "Of course, this just means the celebrations will take place in Canterlot after our meeting."
With Pinkie's joy restored, they all cheered again and shared a group hug. Celestia's smile grew when seeing their display of friendship. She hugged Shirou and Luna tighter as well, even if she felt both of their sobs lessening. She wanted to hold them close to remind them they would always have somepony to watch over them.
-{/}-
The castle ruins rang out with the sounds of laughter and were filled with harmony once again. In the skies above though, something stirred. It sensed a part of itself being erased. A portion it had once given to another when they had succumbed to their darkest desires. It had fulfilled its purpose, for one thousand years the being had gained power through the suffering of the Sun Princess. The fear the ponies held for Nightmare Moon had also been a massive boost.
Now, with enough of its power restored it began to awaken once again. The defeat that had left it in such a sorry state took place so long ago that none living could recall it.
Hahahaha, cherish these moments you pathetic lifeforms. For soon I will rise again to complete my purpose. My fragments may be sealed in the stars scattered throughout the sky, but it won't take long to retrieve them all. Even now I can begin to deploy the first of my children once more. Our duty will be completed, in the name of our master and creator, the Ų̸̢̨̢̛̺͖̩̥̭̠̹͐̈́̿̂͘͜ͅm̶̢̨̛̰̲̹͓̹̦̬͇͈̥̖̫̆͛͑͛̍̔̒̏͂̇͘̚͝-̸̣̻͚̂̈́̉͊-̷̙̞͕̮̍́̈͗̚ā̴̬͖̻̺̮̬͖̮͖̰͇̺̀̑͑͋̉͌̚͝-̴͍̭̘̦͖͖̳͔̩̮̳̭͔̳̞̀̀̀͑̚ ̸̧̠̫͈̰͕̼͙̰͉̙͕̩͒̽̆͌̄́̒̕S̴͇͈̈-̵̮̻̞͇̹͖͍̼̬͔̩̟̫̖̠̆̒̀̊̃̅̏͋̉͋̋-̶̨̥̖̝͉̹̮̻͋̆̑r̷̡̝̩̞̩̫̜̬͓̻̥̮͇̞̆͑̑͒̄̇͠͝,̴̢̡̗̱̰̙͍͔̻̘͓̱̫͐̏̂̒̋͘̕ ̷̪̩͎̮̬͈͑͐̌̀̏̔͌̈̾͊̚̕͝V̷̼̻͍̤̪͓̳̫̤̩̣̔̀̓̂̀͋͋́̆͛̈͑̌͝-̵̨̨̢̢̝̜̘͙̖͔̰̪̻͎̉͆̇̂̔̄̚͘l̷̬͛̆͊̾̔-̷͚̮̘͓̱͈̦̄͌̈́̌̔̅-̵̧̠͓͕̗̺̰͙̻̏͒́̀̔͊̌͘͘̕͝͠ŗ̶̢̖̩̩̭͉̠̿͜͝.