A little suprise for you. Ive' been working on this two parter simultaneously plus I had a surge of motivation. This resulted in this early present. I hope you'll enjoy it.

Next time Comet and Twilight will take it upon themselves to help the Princess of the night to appreciate the holiday of Nightmare Night.

The hedge walls stretched endlessly in every direction. Comet Tail's hooves barely made a sound against the dirt path as he walked, his ears straining for any sign of his friends.

The silence was thick, heavy. Had they even heard him?

When he had called out, proposing they regroup at the center of the maze, it had been a desperate gamble. A plan to restore some order in this chaos. But with no wings, no magic, and Discord's tricks at play, his voice might have been swallowed by the labyrinth.

He clenched his jaw, shaking his head. No. I have to trust them. They'll find a way.

But how long would that take?

Before he could dwell on the thought, the world around him shifted.

With a deep rumble, the hedge walls trembled, their twisted shapes convulsing like living things before suddenly—violently—collapsing. The thick green barriers shrank, crumbling into the ground like sand slipping through an hourglass.

And just like that, the maze was gone.

Comet gasped, staggering as he suddenly found himself standing on a vast, open field. The sky above swirled with unnatural colors, as though reality itself had been smeared with a painter's brush.

And there, lounging on a lavish red sofa in the middle of it all, was Discord. The draconequus reclined with an oversized bucket of popcorn in his claw, lazily tossing kernels into his mouth.

"Well, well, well," Discord drawled, smirking. "That was fun while it lasted. But I'm afraid the game is over."

Comet's ears pinned back. "What do you mean, over?"

Discord gestured skyward. "Oh, I simply mean that somepony broke the rules."

Comet followed his claw—and his stomach dropped.

High above them, soaring effortlessly through the sky, was Soarin.

Comet's mind reeled. That wasn't possible. Discord had taken their wings—how was Soarin flying?

"H-How—?"

"Ah, yes, your loyal little friend," Discord purred, lazily stretching. "I must say, I don't blame him for flying off. Taking care of yourself is the smart move, especially given… well, the sorry state of things." He smirked. "Honestly, after everything I showed him, you should be surprised he stuck around this long."

Comet's heart pounded. "What do you mean?"

He didn't get an answer.

Because suddenly, his friends started speaking.

Time Turner stood with his head high, a smug smirk playing on his lips. "Honestly, I expected better strategic thinking from the rest of you. If you had half my intellect, perhaps we wouldn't be in this mess."

Thunderlane scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Oh great, now he's an insufferable know-it-all. Just what we needed." His voice was sharper than usual, practically dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe you should lecture us all on how to be completely useless, Time Turner."

Braeburn chuckled—except there was something off about it. "Now hold on, y'all. I know exactly where the Elements are. Princess Celestia told me herself." His confident grin faltered for just a second before he continued. "No, wait—Princess Luna told me! Yeah, she said they were… uh… under my hat!" He tipped his hat up and peered underneath. "Nope! Guess I was mistaken." He let out another forced laugh.

Cheese Sandwich didn't react. He just stood there, his eyes dull, his usual bouncy energy completely drained.

Comet's heart clenched.

They were all under Discord's spell.

They were all under Discord's spell.

He turned to the draconequus, eyes burning with anger. "You cheated."

Discord gasped, placing a paw to his chest. "Me? Cheat? Comet, Comet, Comet. That's such an ugly word."

Comet stomped forward. "You said this was a game, but you changed the rules whenever you felt like it! You put them under your spell, you got rid of the maze—"

"Well, duh." Discord rolled his eyes. "I'm the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony, not the Spirit of 'Playing Fair.'" He slithered off his couch, stretching. "And besides—did you really think I was just going to let you wander around and magically fix everything? Where's the fun in that?"

Comet gritted his teeth. "So what, you were never going to let us win?"

"Oh, Comet." Discord grinned. "The game was never about finding the Elements of Harmony in the first place."

Comet's blood ran cold.

Discord leaned in, his mismatched eyes gleaming. "I never said the Elements were in the maze."

Comet's breath caught. Then where—

"But! I suppose I should leave you with some parting words." Discord straightened, giving a theatrical bow. "As fun as this has been, I have much more chaos to spread, so I'll leave you boys to it." He gestured at the bickering group. "Do try not to tear each other apart. Or, well, actually…" He smirked. "Do. That'd be fun to watch."

With a final snap of his fingers, he vanished.

Comet stood frozen as the echoes of Discord's laughter faded into the wind.

Behind him, Thunderlane and Braeburn were shouting, Time Turner was scoffing, and Cheese Sandwich sat motionless, looking at nothing.

And above them, Soarin was still flying away.

Comet clenched his jaw.

took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus.

Discord never said the Elements were in the maze.

His words echoed in Comet's mind:

"To retrieve your missing Elements, just make sense of this change of events. Twists and turns are my master plan. Then find the Elements back where you began."

Where you began.

Comet's eyes widened.

"The Elements are in Ponyville."

The Golden Oak Library came into view as Comet Tail led the group through the streets of Ponyville. He barely had the energy to appreciate the familiarity of the place. The journey back had been exhausting—not physically, but mentally. Discord's spell had twisted his friends into cruel shadows of themselves, and he had spent every step trying to ignore their bickering, snide remarks, and outright venom.

The door swung open before they even reached it.

Twilight Sparkle stood there with a warm, relieved smile. "Comet! You're back!" Her eyes flickered over the rest of the group. "And you brought everypony else! That's great!"

The response she received was anything but warm.

Thunderlane snorted, eyes scanning her with a sneer. "Huh. Guess all that studying didn't help you shed a few pounds, huh?"

Twilight froze. Her ears twitched, and her expression faltered into stunned confusion. That… That wasn't like him.

She remembered their first meeting, when she arrived in Ponyville to become Comet's second assistant. Thunderlane had been the first to direct her to the library, treating her with nothing but kindness and respect. He had even carried some of her books for her.

And now, here he was, throwing an insult like that without a second thought.

Before Twilight could respond, the air around them grew tense.

Comet's tired expression twisted into one of barely restrained fury. He turned sharply to Thunderlane, his eyes flashing with raw anger.

"Take that back," he growled, his horn sparking with golden magic.

Thunderlane barely looked fazed. He scoffed. "Or what?"

Comet stepped closer, his horn igniting with a heat that made the air shimmer. "Or else I'll leave a mark on you that won't wash off," he said, voice low and deadly.

The magic swirling around Comet's horn wasn't his usual golden glow—it burned like fire, flickering with dangerous intensity.

She had never seen him like this before.

Instinctively, she reached out and placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Comet," she said softly, her voice wavering just a bit. "Stop."

Comet stiffened at her touch. The fury in his eyes slowly dimmed as he met her gaze, seeing the concern—the fear—written all over her face.

He swallowed hard and took a step back, his magic flickering out. "...Sorry," he muttered. "It's been a rough day."

Twilight nodded, though the unease lingered. "I can tell."

A small voice piped up from inside. "Uh… Why do they look like they've dumped in a dishwasher?"

Spike stood in the doorway, looking up at the group with a perplexed frown. His eyes lingered on Cheese Sandwich, who was slouched and empty-eyed, and Braeburn, who was sporting a forced, unnatural grin.

"What happened to them?" Spike asked, stepping closer.

"Discord" Comet sighed. He didn't even have the energy to explain anymore.

Unfortunately, the others weren't in a mood for patience.

"Why does it matter to you, squirt?" Thunderlane snapped.

Spike flinched. "Whoa—what's your problem?"

"Problem? No problem at all," Braeburn cut in, still grinning. "Matter of fact, I was just telling the fellas that we found the Elements an hour ago and decided to take the scenic route back! Ain't that right, boys?"

Spike raised a skeptical brow. "...That's a lie, isn't it?"

Braeburn chuckled, a hollow, humorless sound. "Maybe."

"Okay, what is going on?" Spike muttered, stepping back toward Twilight.

Twilight sighed. "That's actually why I called you here, Comet. I was looking through some books, trying to find more clues, and… I found something."

She turned and led them inside. The library was as it always was—organized, cozy, and filled with the scent of parchment.

Twilight trotted to a nearby table and pulled out an old book: The Guide to the Elements of Harmony.

Comet frowned. "I already read that."

Twilight flipped it open to a very specific page.

Inside the cut-out section of the book, gleaming in the dim light, sat five familiar necklaces and a tiara.

The Elements of Harmony.

Comet's eyes widened. "You're kidding."

Twilight shook her head. "Discord never hid them in the maze. He put them here the whole time."

For a moment, Comet felt a wave of relief. They had them. They could fix everything.

Wow, yeah, real great job," Thunderlane muttered. "Glad we wasted our time for nothing."

Cheese yawned. "Cool, whatever."

Braeburn smirked. "Told y'all I knew where they were."

Time Turner scoffed. "Honestly, if anypony had actually listened to me from the start, we wouldn't have been in this predicament in the first place."

The hope drained out of Comet's face. He turned, his teeth clenched. "You know what?" His voice was sharp, laced with frustration. "I don't care anymore."

He didn't even give them a choice. He simply put the necklaces around their necks.

One by one.

Thunderlane. Cheese. Braeburn. Time Turner.

None of them reacted. None of them cared.

Twilight bit her lip. "Comet…"

She hesitated.

"Where's Soarin?"

Comet stiffened.

The words hit him like a gut punch, bringing back the image of Soarin flying away, leaving them behind.

Leaving him behind.

Comet's agitation boiled over. He turned sharply and shoved the Element of Loyalty onto Spike's neck.

"There," he snapped. "You're the new Element of Loyalty."

Spike startled. "What? Me?" He reached up to touch the necklace.

Comet didn't say anything else. He simply turned and walked toward the door.

The others followed, not because they believed in their cause, but because they had nothing better to do.

They stepped outside—

And standing there, leaning against a cotton candy cloud with a knowing smirk, was Discord.

"Well, well," Discord purred, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Took you long enough."

Comet Tail stepped forward, his expression hardened. "It's finished, Discord. I solved your pretentious riddle." He lifted his chin, defiant. "Now you're done for."

Discord gasped theatrically, snapping his fingers. A large, red-and-white target appeared on his torso. "Oh dear, you got me," he said, placing a paw over his forehead in mock distress. "I suppose this is where I tremble in fear." He snorted, then smirked. "Well? Fire when ready."

The Elements stood motionless. The air was heavy with tension, but none of them reacted.

Discord lazily stretched before turning his mismatched eyes on each of them. "But before we get to the grand finale, let's take a moment to appreciate how… pitiful you all look." He hovered in front of Time Turner. "A genius with a brain so inflated he can't even see his own insignificance. Let's call you Doctor Delusional."

Time Turner scoffed, looking down his nose at him. "Your childish insults are beneath me."

"Oh-ho! Exactly." Discord grinned before turning to Cheese Sandwich. "And you. The life of the party, turned into a walking raincloud. What should we call you? Cheese Stagnant?"

Cheese only shrugged. "Sure. Whatever."

Discord moved on, standing beside Braeburn. "And here we have Braeburn the Bamboozler. I have to say, out of all of you, your change is the most entertaining. I mean, really? A pathological liar? I didn't even need to work that hard on you."

Braeburn chuckled. "That's where you're wrong, partner. I never lie."

Discord guffawed, clapping his hands. "Oh, I love this game!" He turned to Thunderlane next. "And you—our resident Thunderlame. The most loyal friend turned into a venom-spitting snake. I should keep you around, just for the comedy."

Thunderlane narrowed his eyes. "Go buck yourself."

Discord wiped an imaginary tear from his eye. "Such poetry." He then held up his claw, conjuring a silhouette of a flying pegasus. "Oh, and let's not forget Soarin the Spineless! The Element of Loyalty who abandoned his friends at the first sign of trouble. You have to admit, that one's ironic even by my standards."

Comet clenched his teeth. "Enough."

"Oh, but I saved the best for last." Discord snapped his fingers, and in a flash, he appeared beside Spike, wrapping an arm around the young dragon.

"And you," he cooed, snapping his fingers to summon a tiny crown that landed atop Spike's head. "Sir Serves-a-Lot! The little dragon who so desperately wants to be useful, but let's be honest—between fetching books and writing letters, you're basically a glorified pet, aren't you?"

Comet's chest burned with fury. "That's enough!"

But when he turned to his friends, he saw no anger in their eyes. No drive to fight back.

Just dull, grey indifference.

"Let's get this over with," Thunderlane muttered.

The Elements of Harmony glowed. The air grew thick with energy. Comet clenched his teeth, pouring every last bit of his willpower into activating the spell—

Nothing happened.

The light around them faded into nothing.

Discord burst into hearty laughter, falling onto his back and kicking his legs in the air. "Oh-hoho! The looks on your faces! You really thought that would work? Oh, priceless!"

Twilight took a hesitant step forward, concern flashing across her face as she watched Comet's anger boil over.

Discord, still grinning, floated back into the air. "Well, that settles it, doesn't it? Since today, chaos is the ruling magic in Equestria. Say it with me now—" He cleared his throat and spread his arms dramatically.

"Discord rules, Celestia drools!"

He cackled and snapped his fingers. In an instant, he zoomed backward, sliding effortlessly across the ground, which had suddenly turned into a slick road made entirely of soap. With one final, mocking wave, he vanished into the horizon.

The Elements—if they could still be called that—began removing their necklaces.

Thunderlane tossed his aside. "Guess we're done here."

Cheese twirled his lazily before flinging it over his shoulder. "Lame."

Braeburn sighed dramatically. "Welp, that was a waste of time."

Time Turner adjusted his cravat. "I told you all it wouldn't work."

One by one, they left, disappearing into the streets of Ponyville.

Comet stood motionless, watching them go.

Then, he let out a bitter laugh. "With friends like them, who needs enemies?"

Twilight approached him, gentle but firm. "Comet… I know you're upset, but you can't let this break you. They're not themselves, but that doesn't mean they're gone forever. You just need to—"

"Forgive them?" Comet cut her off, his voice sharp. "Reconcile? Act like everything will magically be fine just because we want it to be?"

Twilight hesitated. "I—I didn't mean—"

Comet turned on her, his frustration boiling over.

"You always do this! Ever since we were foals, you've had this naïve—no, childish—way of thinking about relationships! You act like everything can be fixed with a simple apology, a few kind words, and some grand lesson in friendship!"

Twilight's ears flattened.

Comet continued, his voice rising. "But that's not how the real world works! Ponies hurt each other! They fail each other! And sometimes, things break beyond repair!" His eyes were stormy, his tone laced with something raw. "Not everypony gets a storybook ending, Twilight!"

Her eyes glistened, and for a moment, she looked genuinely hurt.

Spike stepped between them, puffing out his chest. "That's enough, Comet!" His voice trembled with anger. "You have no right to talk to her like that! Do you even know how hard Twilight worked while you were gone? She barely slept, she combed through every book, she refused to give up because she believed in you! And this is how you treat her?"

Comet's gaze snapped to Spike, his fury redirected.

"Oh, please," he scoffed. "And what would you know about hard work? When I was studying, you were stuffing your face! When I was pushing myself, you were lazing around, leeching off mom like some freeloading pet!"

Spike's breath caught in his throat. He took a step back, eyes wide. "W-what?"

Comet wasn't done. "You never had to work for anything! You just sat there, basking in everyone else's effort, never contributing, never earning your place! And yet you still expect respect?"

Spike's claws clenched. "Do you mean that?" His voice was small, wounded.

Comet's jaw tightened. "Yes. I do."

Silence.

Twilight swallowed the lump in her throat. "Is there anything we can do?"

Comet turned away. "Yeah." His voice was cold. "Leave me alone."

Twilight's breath hitched.

"…Or go to Tartarus for all I care."

Spike flinched.

Twilight took a deep, shaky breath, blinking back tears. She turned, nudging Spike gently. "Come on, Spike. Let's go."

Spike hesitated, but after one last look at Comet—one filled with betrayal—he followed.

The door to Golden Oak creaked shut behind them.

Comet stood alone.

For a long time, he didn't move.

Then, with a raw, guttural scream, he let everything out.

His voice echoed across the empty town, filled with nothing but rage and despair.

When the last of his breath left him, he lowered his head.

And for the first time in a long time, he cried.

The tears came in abundance, soaking his fur, falling freely to the ground.

Slowly, his golden coat darkened, losing all of its warmth, all of its color.

Until, finally, there was nothing left of Comet Tail but grey.

Ponyville was a warped nightmare of its former self.

The sky swirled with unnatural hues, cotton candy clouds dripped chocolate milk, and gravity itself seemed to twist at random intervals. Buildings floated upside down, roads zigzagged in impossible patterns, and the air was thick with the scent of something sickly sweet yet rancid. But Comet Tail barely noticed any of it.

His hooves dragged against the warped cobblestone streets, his golden coat dulled to the same lifeless grey as everything else Discord had tainted. He wasn't sure where he was going—perhaps nowhere at all. The ache in his chest was heavier than any direction he could take. His mind was an empty void, void of care, void of hope.

Then he stepped forward, and the ground beneath him clicked.

Before he could react, the world erupted around him in an explosion of red. Thick, viscous liquid splattered across his entire body, soaking into his coat and mane. It dripped from his horn and slid into his mouth before he could spit it out.

Tomato sauce.

The taste hit his tongue like a lightning strike.

Suddenly, everything around him faded away. Chaos-infested Ponyville disappeared, and he was no longer standing in the middle of a broken world. Instead, he was sitting at a warm, wooden table, the smell of baked eggplant, cheese, and rich marinara sauce filling the air.

"Eat up, boys," Twilight Velvet's voice rang in his ears, gentle yet firm. "I made extra just for you, Comet."

Comet turned his head. There she was—Twilight Velvet, smiling at him with that motherly warmth she always had. Across from him sat Twilight, her muzzle buried in a thick book as she absently twirled her fork in the pasta. Night Light chuckled at her absentmindedness and nudged her plate closer.

"I know you love studying, sweetheart, but don't let your food get cold."

Comet's breath hitched.

Night Light. His mind whispered the name with reverence, a pang of longing striking deep in his chest. A stallion who had welcomed him into his home, who had treated him like one of his own. Who had been the closest thing to a father Comet ever had.

The memories came like a flood.

Twilight's contagious laughter as they ran through the halls of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, studying late into the night until their eyes burned with exhaustion. The way Twilight Velvet always had an extra plate set for him at dinner, how Night Light ruffled his mane whenever he passed by.

And then, Spike.

His heart clenched as the memory took over.

The day of his entrance exam. The nerves that had turned his stomach into knots. The overwhelming magic surging through him as his spell connected, the blinding flash of light—and then, the tiny, purple dragon looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes.

He remembered cradling the baby dragon in his forelegs, the sheer joy and terror at what he had done.

"Mom, look! I did it! I really did it!"

Falling Star's face blurred into view, her blue eyes shining with pride and something deeper—something he had never fully understood until now.

"Oh, my little star, you've brought something truly special into our family."

And she had. Because from that day on, Spike had been more than just a dragon. He was his brother. His family. Loved not only by him, but by their mother, who had raised both her biological and adopted son with equal care, equal warmth, equal devotion.

Then the memories shifted again.

Ponyville.

Thunderlane, grinning as he helped him haul his bags into his new home, cracking jokes to ease his nerves.

Cheese Sandwich, bouncing into his life like a whirlwind of laughter and joy, filling the air with his infectious energy.

Braeburn, always ready to lend a helping hoof at Sweet Apple Acres, his honest work ethic reminding Comet of everything that made Ponyville feel like home.

Soarin, never wavering, never hesitating in his loyalty, even when his dreams of the Wonderbolts seemed so far away.

Time Turner, offering his inventions and ideas to better the world, his generosity shining in ways few truly appreciated.

And Twilight.

The train ride home after the Gala. The confession he never saw coming. The way her voice had trembled, her eyes filled with vulnerability. The way she kissed him—soft, hesitant, but filled with so much emotion it stole his breath away.

His Twilight. His brother. His friends. His family.

And Discord had taken all of it from him.

The color surged back into his coat in a rush of golden light. His breath came hard and fast, his heart hammering in his chest. His mind, once clouded, was now clear.

He wasn't going to let this stand.

He would repair what was broken. He would fight for his friends, for his brother, for the love he had nearly lost.

And Discord?

Comet Tail's eyes darkened, determination hardening every fiber of his being.

He was going to make him hurt.

Not physically. No, that would be too easy. But Discord loved his freedom above all else.

Comet was going to take that from him.

No more running. No more doubts.

He turned toward the town square, his horn igniting with golden light.

The Golden Oaks Library stood eerily still beneath the chaotic sky, the warm glow from inside contrasting with the storm of madness outside. Comet Tail hesitated at the door, his hoof trembling as he reached for the handle. His chest felt hollow, his legs weak, but he knew he had no choice.

He pushed open the door.

Twilight and Spike were inside. They both looked up from where they sat—Twilight with a book open but untouched, Spike holding a quill that had long since stopped writing. Their faces were unreadable, but their posture said enough. Twilight's ears flicked slightly, her expression carefully controlled. Spike, arms crossed, let out a short huff, his tail flicking with restrained irritation.

Neither of them spoke first.

Comet swallowed, his throat dry. "I... I don't know where to begin."

Twilight's eyes narrowed just a fraction. "Try the beginning," she said, voice smooth but laced with something sharp beneath it.

Spike didn't add anything, but his stare bore into Comet like a judge awaiting a verdict.

Comet took a shaky breath. "I was horrible to both of you. No—worse than horrible. I let my anger, my frustration, my failure consume me, and I lashed out at the two pon-... creatures I care about most in this world. There is no excuse for what I said, no justification for how I treated you." His voice cracked, and he forced himself to continue. "But I need you. Not just for Equestria's sake, but because... I don't know who I am without you two."

Spike's brows furrowed, but his arms loosened slightly. Twilight remained silent, her face unreadable.

Comet turned to Spike first. "Spike… You're my brother." He stepped forward, desperation creeping into his voice. "Maybe not by blood, but that never mattered to me. I just let my own pain blind me to the truth. You have always been by my side, helping me in ways I never truly appreciated. You were never just a 'helper' or some assistant. You are one of the bravest, kindest souls I have ever known."

Spike's lips pressed together, and he looked away, blinking rapidly.

Comet continued, his voice shaking. "When I said those things to you, I didn't just hurt you—I shattered something between us. And I hate myself for it. I don't expect you to forgive me, but please… I can't do this without my little brother."

Spike's shoulders trembled slightly, but he didn't speak yet.

Comet turned to Twilight, his heart hammering. "And you," he whispered. "Twilight, I have admired you since the moment we met. I have spent years convincing myself that I was somehow 'better' than you, that I deserved my position as Celestia's prodigy." He let out a bitter laugh. "But I was never even close. You should have been the one chosen, not me. You are the smartest, most determined pony I have ever met, and every success I've had has only been possible because I learned from you."

Twilight inhaled sharply but still remained motionless.

"I let my pride and my pain twist everything," he admitted. "I was angry—not at you, but at myself. Because deep down, I knew the truth. I was never worthy of that title, of Celestia's trust. But you were. And when I lost everything today, I thought… maybe it was because I was never meant to have it in the first place."

His voice cracked, and his legs nearly buckled under the weight of his emotions. "I won't ask for your forgiveness. I don't deserve it. But Equestria is still in danger. And even if you hate me, even if I have to fight this battle alone… I need to try to fix what I've broken. I need to stop Discord." He met their eyes, pain and raw desperation shining in his golden gaze. "Please… Will you help me?"

Twilight stared at him for a long, agonizing moment. Then, without a word, she stepped forward.

Comet barely had time to process before Twilight's lips met his.

The world blurred around him. His breath hitched, his heart freezing in his chest before pounding with a force that shook him to his core. The warmth of her lips, the delicate way she pressed against him, the quiet exhale that escaped her—it was as if something shattered inside him, only to be reforged in that instant.

And then, he felt it.

A whisper of something in the depths of his soul.

Her feelings—buried, restrained, but there. Returning to him, piece by piece.

When she pulled away, she rested her forehead against his, nuzzling him softly. "It's good to have you back."

Comet's breath shuddered. He wanted to speak, to say something, anything, but he could only close his eyes, basking in the feeling of being whole again, even if only for a moment.

A second later, he was nearly knocked over as Spike barreled into him, wrapping his arms around his chest.

"You're an idiot," Spike muttered, voice thick with emotion. "But you're our idiot."

Comet let out a breathless laugh, his forelegs moving on instinct to pull them both closer. They stayed like that for a while—silent, yet saying everything that mattered.

Finally, Twilight pulled back, a small smirk forming on her lips. "So… what do we do now?"

Comet exhaled, gathering himself. "We need to remind the others who they really are. They're still under Discord's influence, and I refuse to let him win."

Twilight's smirk widened. "Well, I might just have an idea where to begin."

Comet's lips curled into a small, hopeful smile. "Then let's get to work."

The chaotic landscape of Ponyville stretched around them, warped and twisted by Discord's magic. The skies swirled with unnatural colors, and checkerboard-patterned ground replaced the familiar earth. As Comet Tail, Twilight, and Spike navigated through the madness, their eyes locked onto their target.

Thunderlane stood in the middle of the road, squaring up against one of the absurdly tall, giraffe-legged bunnies that now roamed the town. His teeth were bared, his wings flared, and his stance rigid with aggression. His coat was still dulled to an almost lifeless gray, his eyes filled with hostility.

Twilight took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Thunderlane—"

"Get lost!" he snapped, not even turning to look at them. "I don't have time for this!"

"We're not leaving without you," Comet said, his tone firm but not confrontational.

Thunderlane finally turned to face them, his expression a storm of irritation and contempt. "I don't care what you want! Why don't you go solve your own problems and let me live my life?"

Before Comet or Twilight could respond, a small voice piped up from behind them.

"Thunderlane?"

Thunderlane froze. His eyes flickered, his ears twitched. Slowly, his gaze moved past Comet and Twilight, landing on the small gray colt standing behind them.

Rumble.

His little brother took a hesitant step forward, his big lavender eyes filled with hope and sadness. "Do you remember what you told me when I was six? When you were teaching me how to fly?"

Thunderlane's breath hitched. The world around him seemed to blur, and a memory clawed its way to the surface of his mind.

It was a warm afternoon, the kind of day perfect for flying. A teenage Thunderlane stood in a grassy field outside their home, his younger brother fluttering uncertainly a few hooves above the ground. Rumble was small, his wings still too weak to carry him far.

"Higher, Rumble! Just a little bit more!" Thunderlane called, his voice full of encouragement.

Rumble gritted his teeth, flapping as hard as he could, determination written all over his face. He managed to rise just above ten hooves off the ground before his wingbeats faltered. He gasped as he lost control, plummeting down.

But Thunderlane was already moving. He shot forward, catching Rumble in his forelegs before he hit the ground. The impact pushed them both onto the grass, but Thunderlane didn't let go.

For a moment, there was only the sound of their heavy breathing. Then, Thunderlane pulled back just enough to look his little brother in the eyes.

"You okay, squirt?"

Rumble nodded, though his lips wobbled. "I— I tried…"

Thunderlane smiled, ruffling his mane. "You did great. And you'll do even better next time."

Rumble sniffled. "What if I fall again?"

Thunderlane's expression softened. He placed a hoof on his little brother's chest, right over his heart. "Then I'll be there to catch you. Always." His voice grew even more gentle. "Even if it's just us against the world, I'll always be here for you, Rumble. I'd gladly give my life away if it meant keeping you safe."

Rumble's eyes shone with trust, and he threw his small hooves around Thunderlane in a tight hug. Thunderlane hugged him back just as fiercely, promising himself that he would never let anything happen to his little brother.

Back in the present, Thunderlane gasped as if surfacing from deep water. His entire body trembled, and the dull gray of Discord's spell cracked and peeled away, revealing his natural dark gray coat beneath it. His golden eyes, once cold and distant, now filled with emotion.

Tears welled up as he stared at Rumble, his breath shaky. "I… I remember."

Rumble's eyes overflowed with tears. With a choked sob, he launched himself at his brother, wrapping his small hooves around Thunderlane's neck. "I missed you, Thunderlane!"

Thunderlane returned the embrace just as tightly, his own tears falling freely. "I missed you too, little bro."

They held each other for a long moment, the warmth between them cutting through the cold grip of Discord's magic.

When they finally pulled apart, Thunderlane wiped his eyes and turned to the others, shame flickering across his face. "I… I'm sorry. For everything." His gaze landed on Twilight, and his ears flattened. "Especially to you. No stallion should ever talk to a mare like that."

Twilight smiled warmly. "Apology accepted."

The rest of the group nodded, offering their own reassurances.

Comet stepped forward, determination in his eyes. "We've got work to do. The next stop is Sweet Apple Acres."

Thunderlane gave a firm nod, standing tall once more. "Then let's go get our friends back."

With renewed purpose, the group turned toward their next destination, hope burning in their hearts.

Comet Tail, Twilight, Spike, and Thunderlane arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, only to find the once orderly and hardworking Apple family in a state of utter chaos. Apple trees had been uprooted and replanted upside down. Pies floated in mid-air, spinning like tops. Granny Smith tap-danced on the porch, singing nonsensical rhymes, while Apple Bloom and Big Mac played leapfrog over barrels of cider. It was a bizarre sight, but none of them had time to focus on it. They needed to find Braeburn.

"This ain't right," Thunderlane murmured, narrowing his eyes as they walked past the barn.

Then, they saw him, standing by a pile of hay bales, pretending to inspect them. He glanced at them briefly before turning away, feigning disinterest.

"Braeburn!" Comet called.

The stallion turned and blinked at them as if they were complete strangers. "Sorry, partners, y'all must have me confused with somepony else. Name's… uh… Golden Spur! Yep, that's me!" he said, a wide, insincere grin plastered on his face.

Thunderlane let out an exasperated sigh. "Oh, for crying out loud—" he lunged forward, grabbing Braeburn in a tight hold

"Hold him tight!" Exclaimed Comet.

The stallion's horn glowed as he pressed it against Braeburn's forehead, channeling his magic into his friend's mind. At first, Braeburn resisted, squirming and shaking his head. But then, images—long-buried memories—began to resurface.

Braeburn saw himself as a colt, running freely across the plains of Appleloosa. His small legs carried him over the golden fields as he raced alongside Little Strongheart. She was swift, her hooves barely touching the earth, her laughter ringing in his ears. They raced the wind, challenging each other, neither wanting to lose. He remembered how his heart had pounded—not just from exertion but from something deeper. Even as foals, he had admired her spirit, her kindness, and the fire in her eyes. Over time, admiration grew into something more, something warm and steady.

The image shifted, and suddenly, he was standing in Sweet Apple Acres, greeted by Granny Smith's ever-welcoming embrace. She was more than just an elder; she was the heart of the family, always ready with a story or a knowing smile. He saw Applejack, his cousin, always challenging him to contests, their competitive streak making every family gathering an exciting event. Big Mac, with his calm and quiet nature, was his rock—someone he could rely on without a second thought. Apple Bloom, bright-eyed and full of energy, looked up to him like an older brother. And then there was Uncle Bright Mac and Aunt Butter Cup, who had always been there with warm hugs and words of encouragement. Their love for each other had been something Braeburn always admired and hoped to find for himself one day.

The next memory was sharper, more vivid. He was sixteen, standing in the orchard when his aunt's old friend, Tippy Tappy, arrived with her son. She had placed a massive order of apple jam and needed extra hooves to carry it back to Cloudsdale. Soarin, young and eager, had stepped up to help, his eyes gleaming with excitement at the challenge.

That was the first time he methim. Braeburn had been skeptical at first—a pegasus in an apple orchard? But Soarin had surprised him, showing a strong work ethic and a love for competition that matched his own. They had ended up racing, testing their speed and endurance, laughing as they pushed each other to their limits. Their bond grew over the years, strengthened by shared interests and friendly rivalries.

He remembered how that friendship had expanded—how Soarin had introduced him to his childhood friend Thunderlane, and how that had led him to meet Time Turner, a quirky but brilliant stallion from the Griffish Isles. And finally, he remembered the day he met Cheese Sandwich and Comet Tail, two very different ponies arriving in Ponyville at the same time for entirely different reasons, but both becoming part of his life in an irreplaceable way.

Braeburn gasped as color surged back into his coat. His eyes welled up with tears, and he turned to Thunderlane, Comet, Twilight, and Spike, a mix of emotions playing across his face. "I—I remember," he whispered. Then, looking past them, he saw his family, still trapped under Discord's influence. His gaze hardened with determination.

"I'm so sorry for all the lies," he said, voice trembling. "I ain't ever gonna let that happen again. I swear I'll do whatever it takes to bring my family back."

Comet Tail gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Because we're going to need you at your best for what's next."

Braeburn raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly is next?"

Comet smirked. "I hope you remember your best jokes. Because we're about to cheer up the saddest party planner in Ponyville."

Twilight, Spike, Comet, Thunderlane, and Braeburn walked through the distorted streets of Ponyville, their goal clear: restore Cheese Sandwich to his former, joyful self. When they finally found him, their hearts sank. The once vibrant and boisterous party planner sat in the middle of the now desaturated Sugarcube Corner, staring blankly at the floor. Even Pinkie Pie, the one pony who could always bring a smile to any face, sat beside him, looking utterly defeated.

"It's no use," Pinkie said glumly, her ears drooping. "I've tried every joke in my book, every gag I could think of… but nothing works. He just sits there, like a balloon that's lost all its air."

Cheese Sandwich barely acknowledged their arrival, merely sighing as he traced idle patterns on the wooden floor.

Comet frowned. "This might be harder than we thought."

They each took turns trying to cheer him up. Twilight recited some of the funniest limericks from books she had read. Spike attempted his best impression of a fancy Canterlot noble tripping over a banana peel. Thunderlane even tried poking fun at himself, making exaggerated poses and boasting about his obviously exaggerated athletic prowess. But nothing. Cheese remained as unmoved as a statue, his eyes dull, his mane limp.

Braeburn sighed, running a hoof through his mane. "There's gotta be somethin'. Cheese, don't ya remember all the fun times we had? The parties, the laughs?"

Still nothing.

Then, like a candle flickering in a dark room, an idea sparked in Comet's mind. He turned to Braeburn. "Didn't Cheese once mention a joke that his Uncle Roquefort loved? The one he always said was his favorite?"

Braeburn's ears perked up. "Yeah, he did. Cheese said his uncle used to tell it all the time."

Comet turned back to Cheese and, in as confident a voice as he could muster, said, "Alright, listen up. Why don't skeletons fight each other?"

For a moment, there was silence. Then, like the first drops of rain before a storm, memories started to surface in Cheese Sandwich's mind.

He saw his Uncle Roquefort's warm smile as he comforted a young Cheese at his father's funeral, holding him close and whispering the same joke in his ear. He remembered how his uncle had bought him his very first joke book, teaching him the magic of humor and the joy it could bring to others. He saw himself, a colt, watching his uncle perform Harlequinade acts, mesmerized by the art of making ponies laugh.

The memories surged forth like a tidal wave. He saw his mother's weary face light up when he cracked his first joke after his father's passing. He remembered the day he told her that he wanted to be a comedian and an entertainer, and though hesitant, she had given him her blessing, because what mother wouldn't want her child to follow their dreams?

He saw himself traveling across Equestria, bringing laughter to every town, every city, every creature he met. He remembered the day he arrived in Ponyville, planning a surprise party for Comet Tail. Comet had been reluctant at first, but by the end of the party, he had been smiling just like the rest of them. He saw the friends he had made—the bonds he had forged. And just like that, the grayness melted away, his coat returning to its bright yellow hue, his mane poofing back into its usual fluffy mess.

With a dramatic gasp, Cheese Sandwich stood up. "Because they don't have the guts!" he exclaimed, finishing the joke with a wide grin.

Pinkie let out a high-pitched squeal and tackled him in a tight hug. "You're back! Oh, Cheesy, I missed you so much!" She beamed before planting a playful peck on his cheek, causing Cheese to turn a shade darker.

Comet and the others exchanged relieved smiles. "Welcome back, Cheese," Comet said, nodding approvingly.

Cheese rubbed the back of his head. "Yeesh. That was like being trapped in a joke shop with no punchlines." He turned to Pinkie. "Thanks for not giving up on me."

"Duh!" Pinkie giggled. "That's what friends do!"

Comet cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, everypony. We've got another friend to bring back." He glanced toward the distance, where the once orderly lab of Time Turner now stood in a state of chaotic disarray. "Time to remind a certain clockmaker who he really is."

he group made their way through the chaotic streets of Ponyville, their numbers now bolstered by the return of Cheese Sandwich. They moved with renewed purpose, led by Twilight, Comet Tail, and Spike, with Thunderlane, Braeburn, and Cheese Sandwich flanking them. However, they had one more companion for this task—Ditzy Doo.

As they approached Time Turner's workshop, the air grew heavy with tension. The once-inventive and vibrant space was now cluttered with broken contraptions, scattered blueprints, and an overwhelming sense of neglect. The stallion himself sat behind his workbench, absentmindedly scribbling nonsense on a parchment, his colors muted and his expression cold. When he looked up at them, his once-bright blue eyes were laced with disdain.

"Well, well," Time Turner drawled, resting his chin on his hoof. "If it isn't the heroic band of misfits, come to try and save me from myself. How noble." His gaze flickered to Ditzy, and his lips curled into a cruel smirk. "And you even brought your favorite klutz along. Tell me, Ditzy, did you trip over yourself trying to get here? Or perhaps you baked another batch of your... uniquely textured muffins?"

Ditzy flinched, the insult cutting deeper than she wanted to admit. But instead of snapping back, she steadied herself and took a deep breath. With a soft smile, she stepped forward and presented him with a plate of freshly baked blueberry muffins. "Why don't you try one?" she asked, her voice gentle despite the hurt lingering in her golden eyes.

"I made these for you," she said softly. "Your favorite. Blueberry."

Time Turner sneered but reluctantly picked up a muffin. "Fine. If it'll get you to stop looking at me like that." He took a bite.

The moment the soft, sweet pastry hit his tongue, something inside him shifted. The taste, so familiar yet so distant, pulled at something deep within him. His mind fogged, and then—

A memory surfaced.

He had just arrived in Ponyville, a foreigner from the Griffish Isles with no real connections, just his love for science and an insatiable curiosity. He had been walking down the street, his muzzle buried in a notebook, when something collided with him at full force. Papers flew, ink spilled, and he tumbled onto the cobblestone road.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry!"

A gray pegasus with blonde hair was sprawled on the ground beside him, her golden eyes frantically darting in different directions. He had heard of her before. Most ponies called her clumsy. Some called her a nuisance.

But Time Turner didn't feel that way.

Instead, he picked up his fallen notebook, glanced at her, and smiled. "Now that was a spectacular crash landing. Do you always make such grand entrances?"

She blinked at him, startled, before laughing awkwardly. "Uh… sometimes?

He helped her up and, as he studied her face, he found himself saying, "You know, your eyes are quite remarkable."

Ditzy tilted her head. "You… don't think they're weird?"

"Weird? No. Unique? Absolutely. You have a perspective that nopony else does. Quite literally, in fact."

She beamed at him, and from that moment on, something shifted.

Ditzy introduced him to her little sister, Dinky, a filly full of energy and warmth. And through Dinky, he met Pipsqueak, a colt from the Griffish Isles like himself. For the first time, he wasn't just some foreign oddball with a strange fascination for clocks and science. He was part of something. He had friends.

The memories flowed faster now.

Late nights spent in his workshop, tinkering with new inventions while Ditzy watched with fascination, offering ideas that were often unconventional but surprisingly insightful.

The warm scent of fresh blueberry muffins greeting him every Sunday morning when Ditzy would bring a batch over, Dinky bouncing at her side with a beaming smile.

Long conversations about everything and nothing—dreams, fears, hopes. He had never spoken so freely with any pony before her.

He found himself looking forward to Sundays. Not for the muffins, not even for the conversations, but for her. The way she smiled when she saw him, the way she listened intently to his theories, the way she never treated him like he was strange.

Now, as his colors returned, as warmth flooded back into his soul, he realized just how much he had taken her for granted. How much he had hurt her just moments ago.

Time Turner's eyes welled up as he stared at her. "Ditzy, I…" His voice wavered, thick with emotion. "I'm so sorry. For everything I said. For how I treated you. You've always been there for me, and I—"

Ditzy didn't let him finish. She threw her hooves around him, holding him close. "It's okay," she whispered. "I know that wasn't really you."

He clung to her, burying his face in her mane as the guilt and sorrow gave way to relief. When they finally pulled apart, he turned to the rest of the group. "I owe all of you an apology. I wasn't myself, but that doesn't excuse how I acted."

Thunderlane stepped forward and playfully ruffled his mane. "Hey, we've all been there. What matters is you're back."

The others nodded in agreement, offering smiles of reassurance.

Comet Tail smirked. "Good to have you back, Turner. But we're not done yet. There's still one more Element we need to restore."

Time Turner wiped his eyes and straightened up, his usual confident spark returning. "Then let's not waste any more time. We have a weather pony to save.

Thunderlane, Rainbow Dash and Comet (thanks to the special spell) hovered over a patch of soft clouds, their gazes fixed on the stallion sprawled out below. Soarin lay on his back, eyes half-lidded, expression vacant yet tinged with irritation, as if they had already disrupted some deeply cherished solitude. His usual carefree aura had been twisted by Discord's influence into something callous and detached.

Rainbow flared her wings. "I'll handle this. I'll be able to catch and tie him up before he knows what's happening."

Thunderlane shook his head. "No. Let me talk to him first."

Rainbow raised an eyebrow but backed off. Thunderlane took a deep breath, then descended, landing softly on the cloud beside Soarin. "Soarin," he started, his voice measured. "You need to come back to us. We need you."

Soarin barely turned his head. "Yeah? Well, I don't need any of you." His voice was devoid of warmth. "I look after myself now."

"That's not you talking," Thunderlane pressed. "You've never been the type to abandon your friends."

Soarin smirked. "Maybe you never really knew me."

Thunderlane's jaw clenched. His wings flexed, but he forced himself to stay calm. "I know you better than you think. We've been friends since primary school. We grew up together. You've had my back more times than I can count, and I've had yours."

Soarin simply turned away, disinterested.

Thunderlane's patience cracked. He lunged forward, attempting to grab Soarin, but the light blue pegasus smirked and dodged with ease.

Thunderlane flapped hard to keep up, but his muscles screamed in protest from all the flying he had already done that day. Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself harder, but Soarin stayed maddeningly out of reach. His breaths came out ragged, and finally, he grunted in frustration and dropped back onto the cloud. He looked at Rainbow Dash, holding out the rope. "Fine. You do it."

Rainbow's cocky grin returned as she snatched the rope. "Watch and learn."

Without hesitation, she shot forward, wings slicing through the air with precise, practiced movements. In mere moments, she outmaneuvered Soarin, expertly wrapping the rope around him before he even realized what was happening. He struggled, but the bindings held firm.

Comet landed next to them, his horn glowing. He tried forcing memories into Soarin's mind, but the magic merely fizzled against him. "It's not working," he admitted. "Discord's hold is too strong."

Rainbow huffed, crossing her hooves. "Then what's it gonna take?"

Comet exhaled. "If I can't force memories in, we need a strong, positive emotional trigger. Something powerful enough to snap him out of it."

Rainbow smirked. "Leave it to me."

She strode up to Soarin, her magenta eyes locking onto his. "Do you remember what you asked me that day when we went to get ice cream with Scootaloo?"

Soarin scoffed. "I don't remember and I don't care."

Rainbow ignored the remark. "You asked me if I'd ever date a non-Wonderbolt. If I'd feel embarrassed."

Soarin's brow furrowed slightly, but he remained silent.

Rainbow took a deep breath, then, without hesitation, leaned forward and kissed him much to Comet's and Thunderlane's surprise.

Soarin's mind reeled. Memories slammed into him like a tidal wave.

He was a colt again, bounding around the living room, declaring he would be a baker, then a royal guard, then an artist. Each time, his mother, Tippy Tappy, smiled and said, "Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart."

Years passed in an instant. He was in primary school, meeting Thunderlane for the first time. The dark gray pegasus had an air of maturity that drew Soarin in immediately. They bonded over comics, video games and pranks. They stuck together through everything—bad tests, first crushes, fights in the schoolyard. When they got their first weather patrol jobs, they celebrated together.

Memories continued flooding in.

Soarin stood beside Thunderlane on his first day of weather patrol, nervous but excited. Thunderlane patted his back. "Stick with me, and you'll do fine."

Years later, Soarin found himself under Thunderlane's command, but their friendship never wavered. Thunderlane was the only one who truly understood him, always knowing what to say to push him forward.

And then came Rainbow Dash. She was always there—this bright, relentless force of nature. He had admired her since they were foals, but by high school, admiration turned to something more. He never said anything, never acted on it. Then, she got the letter. She had been accepted into the Wonderbolts. Thunderlane congratulated her first, throwing a goodbye party in his office. Soarin smiled and cheered with the others, but deep inside, he hated himself for never telling her how he felt.

Now, here she was, kissing him.

The warmth spread further, melting the cold grip Discord had placed on his heart. Colors returned to his coat, his mane regaining its sky-blue vibrancy. When Rainbow pulled back, she smirked. "I hope that answers your question."

Soarin blinked. Then he laughed—a genuine, relieved, almost giddy laugh.

Thunderlane chuckled, shaking his head. "Took you long enough."

Comet smiled knowingly. "Welcome back, Soarin."

Soarin exhaled deeply before turning to them with a bow of his head. "I'm sorry. For everything. I let Discord mess with my head, and I abandoned all of you. Some element of loyalty I am."

Comet nodded. "Yeah, but we're not done yet. All the elements are back. It's high time to bring a certain chaos spirit to his knees, wouldn't you say?"

Soarin flexed his wings, a determined grin spreading across his face. "Let's do it."

The six stallions walked side by side through the twisted landscape of what was once Equestria. The sky swirled with unnatural colors, the ground shifted unpredictably beneath their hooves, and distorted laughter echoed in the distance. Floating islands of land drifted above them, some upside down, others spinning lazily like teacups. Rivers of chocolate milk snaked through the warped reality, their surfaces rippling against gravity. Everything about this world was wrong, but the six walked forward with determination, their Elements gleaming around their necks—or, in Comet Tail's case, atop his head in the form of a crown.

The road leading to Discord's throne was lined with twisted caricatures of familiar places. Buildings hovered at odd angles, some turned inside out, while others pulsed like living creatures. The remnants of Ponyville, Canterlot, and Cloudsdale blended together in a chaotic mishmash of nonsense. The closer they got to their destination, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. Discord's magic weighed on them, an unseen force that sought to bend them like it had everything else.

At the end of the path, Discord lounged lazily on his throne, a towering, mismatched seat of jagged stone floating above the ground. He twirled a cup of tea in his eagle claw, while his lion paw idly spun an umbrella that rained upwards instead of down. His eyes flickered with amusement as he spotted them.

"Well, well, well," Discord drawled, setting his tea down onto the air, where it hovered obediently. "If it isn't my favorite group of rebels. Have you all finally come to grovel at my feet? Oh, do tell me you've reconsidered! You six would make wonderful agents of chaos."

Comet Tail stepped forward, his golden crown glinting under the chaotic sky. "Playtime's over, Discord."

Discord smirked, resting his chin on his claw. "Oh my, such a dramatic declaration. But forgive me if I don't quake in my throne." He straightened, his grin widening. "I hope you don't think your little trinkets make you invincible. You do remember what happened last time?"

Braeburn stomped a hoof. "We ain't scared of you anymore!"

Discord smirked. "Aren't you, though?" With a snap of his fingers, Braeburn was suddenly yanked from the ground, floating helplessly toward Discord's throne. The chaos spirit's grin widened as he held Braeburn in his magic. "You can't fool me, dear Braeburn. After all, I taught you how to lie, didn't I?"

Braeburn struggled against the invisible force, his hooves flailing as he glared at the draconequus. "That ain't true!"

Discord clicked his tongue, his yellow eyes glowing with mischief. "Oh, but it is. You lied to yourself, to your friends, to your family. You pretended you didn't care when I took everything away. You convinced yourself you could handle it alone. And now you're just trying to fool yourself again."

A flicker of doubt passed over Braeburn's face, and Discord's grin widened. He saw it spread to the others, creeping into their minds like a venomous whisper. What if he's right? What if we're not strong enough?

Comet's voice rang out, sharp and clear. "He's trying to break us again! Don't listen to him! We are stronger than this." His horn glowed, and his Element surged with power. A beam of golden magic shot toward Braeburn, surrounding him in a protective aura. Discord grunted as he felt resistance, his mismatched hands tightening their grip.

"Oh, how precious," Discord sneered, though strain crept into his tone. "You think you can just yank him away from me?"

The other Elements flared to life. A brilliant spectrum of light erupted from their necklaces, pouring into Comet's spell. Discord's claws trembled, his smugness faltering as Braeburn was pulled from his grasp. The moment Braeburn touched the ground, the stallions regrouped, their stance stronger than before.

Discord blinked. His fingers twitched. "What?"

Comet looked to the others. "Are you ready?"

One by one, they nodded, their confidence rekindled.

"Let's end this."

The Elements pulsed with radiant energy, weaving together into a spiraling force field of harmony. It spread outward, golden light dispelling the chaotic fog, setting the sky right, restoring the ground beneath their hooves.

Discord growled. He raised his claws, pouring his magic into a counterattack, but the force field repelled it instantly. His eyes darted to his hands, then to the growing sphere of purification. He tried again, snapping his fingers, summoning waves of distorted magic—yet they fizzled out the moment they touched the expanding field. Panic flickered in his crimson eyes.

"No," he murmured, disbelief creeping into his voice. "No, no, no, this is impossible." He clenched his teeth, pouring more power into a final attempt. "I am Discord! Chaos incarnate! You six insignificant stallions—how dare you compare to the alicorns who imprisoned me?!"

The field surged. Discord stumbled back, clawing at the ground as the reality he had twisted unraveled before him. He bared his teeth, desperation twisting his face. "You can't do this to me!" he roared. "It's not fair!"

But fairness had nothing to do with it.

The final surge of magic struck him like a tidal wave. His body seized, a flash of stone creeping up his legs, across his torso, freezing his outstretched hands. The last thing to solidify was his face—his expression caught between outrage and terror.

And then, silence.

The stone statue of Discord collapsed onto the throne. The eerie red glow of his world faded, replaced by the soft hues of a bright and peaceful Equestria. The ground settled. The sky turned blue. The Elements dimmed as their work was done.

Comet exhaled, then smirked at the motionless draconequus. "Stay down."

A beat of stillness—then an eruption of cheers. The Element Bearers whooped, stomped their hooves, and shouted in triumph. They had won. Equestria was saved.

The battle was over.

The grand halls of Canterlot Castle were bathed in golden light, shimmering from elegant chandeliers as the finest musicians played a lively yet dignified tune. The celebration was in full swing—ponies from across Equestria had gathered to honor the Element Bearers and their triumph over Discord.

Princess Celestia stood at the top of the grand staircase, her regal presence commanding the attention of everypony in the hall. The music softened, and the murmuring of the crowd died down as she stepped forward to address them all.

"My little ponies," she began, her voice carrying warmth and pride, "tonight, we celebrate the bravery and resilience of six stallions who stood against the spirit of chaos himself. Against all odds, they reclaimed their true selves and stood united, proving that harmony will always prevail."

A wave of cheers erupted, stomping hooves filling the hall with thunderous applause. The Element Bearers stood at the base of the staircase, basking in the well-deserved praise. Comet Tail stood in the center, his golden crown gleaming in the candlelight. Thunderlane and Soarin shared a grin, the latter standing particularly close to Rainbow Dash, who nudged him playfully. Cheese Sandwich, ever the life of the party, couldn't resist throwing a burst of confetti into the air, making Pinkie Pie giggle beside him. Doctor Whooves adjusted his bowtie, smiling knowingly at Ditzy Doo, who beamed back at him. Braeburn, ever humble, simply tipped his hat, offering a modest nod to the princess.

"But let us not forget," Celestia continued, her gaze sweeping the crowd, "that these six were not alone in their fight. Their journey would not have been possible without the guidance and perseverance of two others."

All eyes turned to Twilight Sparkle and Spike, who stood among the Element Bearers. Twilight leaned slightly toward Comet, her violet eyes shining with pride. Spike, standing beside her, puffed his chest out, his green spines standing a little taller.

"Twilight Sparkle," Celestia said fondly, "your tireless dedication, wisdom, and faith in your friends helped guide them on their path. And Spike, your unwavering loyalty and courage have made you just as essential to this victory as any Element of Harmony."

In the audience, Night Light and Twilight Velvet stood among the crowd, their cheers unmistakable as they called out for their daughter and her coltfriend. Night Light's expression was one of deep pride, but as he shifted his gaze toward Comet Tail, something softened in his eyes. Beside him, Shining Armor watched quietly. Comet met his gaze, half-expecting the usual stern, appraising look that Twilight's older brother often wore in his presence. But this time… it was different.

Respect.

It wasn't spoken aloud, but the silent nod Shining gave him spoke volumes. Surprised yet honored, Comet returned the gesture, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Perhaps, for the first time, Shining Armor truly saw him not as an outsider vying for his sister's affections, but as a stallion worthy of standing by her side.

As the applause faded, the crowd dispersed into smaller conversations, laughter, and celebrations. Rainbow Dash had wasted no time finding Soarin, who was now caught in a rare moment of tenderness as she nuzzled him in plain view. If anypony had doubts about their relationship before, they certainly wouldn't now.

Standing at the edge of the platform, Comet let his gaze drift across the grand hall, watching his friends bask in the well-earned celebration. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to wonder: what now? Their journey had been treacherous, their trials harrowing. But the world kept moving forward. What would the future hold for them?

He was pulled from his thoughts as Twilight Velvet and Night Light approached. Twilight Velvet's eyes shone with pride as she placed a hoof on her daughter's shoulder. "Twilight, we could not be prouder of you." She then turned her gaze to Spike and Comet. "Of all of you."

Night Light nodded, his voice carrying the weight of sentimentality. "Bright Shine would be smiling from above today, Comet. You went above and beyond."

The words struck deep, and Comet found himself swallowing the lump in his throat. He had spent so long forging his own path, trying to live up to expectations both spoken and unspoken. To hear this now, to know that his father's oldest friend believed in him, was something he hadn't known he needed to hear.

Shining Armor stepped up beside his parents, his expression unreadable. "You're proving yourself, Comet." He paused, then added, "So far."

Twilight rolled her eyes, groaning. "Shining, seriously? Knock it off with the overprotective older brother schtick."

Comet chuckled, shaking his head. "No, it's fine. Honestly, I'd be worried if he wasn't at least a little skeptical. But for what it's worth, your family's words mean more to me than those of any other ponies."

Twilight Velvet beamed at that. "Well, I for one couldn't imagine a better future son-in-law."

Comet coughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Uh, maybe let's not get too carried away, shall we?"

Velvet and Night Light laughed heartily at their flustered expressions, and even Shining Armor let out a small chuckle. Twilight groaned, covering her face, while Comet simply sighed in good-natured resignation.

The night carried on, filled with music, laughter, and the warmth of friendship. No pony knew exactly what the future would bring, but one thing was certain—no matter what lay ahead, they would face it together.