Chapter Text
It had been months since the defeat of Neighsay & Cozy Glow. The Mane 6 have been living their own lives. Although they were still worried about what plan Lord Tirek would have in store for them, he hadn't attacked at all yet.
Twilight was currently spending time with Thorax. They were in the library of Twilight's castle, sitting down as Twilight read the story about Gusty the Great. They were at the point where the Pegasi and Earth Ponies joined in the fight against Grogar.
Twilight: "While the warrior's unity was strong, the chaos, fear, and power Grogar had was far stronger. All hope seemed lost. But then, the flapping of wings from above and the stomping of hooves from below. ''It was the Pegasi and Earth Ponies!'' Gusty yelled out. They were joining in the fight against the Emperor of Darkness. The unicorns, now filled with new determination, once more joined in the fight to save the world. Even with this team-up, Grogar was still far too powerful. He seemed unbeatable, putting up a fierce fight to match their own. Then, Gusty noticed a bell around his neck and realized how they could stop him once and for all. ''Everypony hit him all at once!'' she cried out. ''I only need him down for a few seconds.'' The Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies counted down from three and struck him with all their might! This gave Gusty the chance to take the bell away from Grogar. He started to grow weaker and weaker from this. ''Alright, let's finish him off once and for all!'' she cried out. The Unicorns fired at Grogar, ending his tyranny. To keep the lands safe, Gusty hid the bell away to ensure that no one could use its power again. The End."
Thorax: "Wow. That was quite an intense battle. To think that we wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Gusty."
Twilight: "I know, right?! She is one of my favorite historical ponies to read about alongside Clover the Clever and Star Swirl the Bearded."
Thorax: "By the way, have you heard from your friends yet?"
Twilight: "No. I'm still wondering why Princess Celestia wanted to speak to them."
Thorax: "Maybe she has a surprise for you."
Twilight: "Maybe."
Thorax then got up.
Thorax: "Welp, I gotta go back to my home. See you later, Twily."
Twilight: "See you later, Thorax."
In Canterlot, Celestia and Luna were speaking with the Mane 5 and Spike.
Princess Luna: "Equestria is currently enjoying its longest period of harmony in recent years."
Princess Celestia: "And it's all thanks to you, Twilight. And your friends, of course."
Spike: "Who, us?"
Rarity: "Oh, pshaw. hehehe."
Rainbow Dash: "It's about time you noticed!"
Princess Luna: "Because of your efforts, there's been less and less for us to do."
Princess Celestia: "So, after much consideration, my sister and I have decided it is time for us... to retire!"
The Mane 5 and Spike gasped at this news.
Discord: "Breaking news! The royal princesses are retiring! I have so many questions! Who'll take over? Who will run Equestria? Will it be someone tall, dark, and handsome? Or will it be the Lord of Chaos?"
Princess Celestia: "It's Twilight."
Discord: "Oh, fine. Go with the obvious choice."
Spike: "Princesses can retire?"
Princess Luna: "Of course, we can. I, for one, am looking forward to a little RnR. Maybe a trip to Silver Shoals."
Rainbow Dash: "And you want us to take your place?!"
Princess Luna: "With your help, of course!"
Princess Celestia: "We can't think of anypony more worthy. Over the years, we've watched you grow. You've all faced task after task..."
Princess Luna: "...challenge after challenge..."
Discord: "Countless adversities, yeah, yeah, yeah, we get it..."
Princess Celestia: "And you've always prevailed."
Pinkie Pie: "Thank you, but does that mean we're ready to do what you do? Also, why didn't you tell Twilight about this?"
Princess Celestia: "Oh, of course you are. I feel like surprising Twilight about this news when the time is right. I don't want her to get stressed, even with Tirek still on the loose."
Rainbow Dash: "Okay, I see where you're going with this. Does this also mean we get all your powers?! Ooh, ooh! I call dibs on showing up in everypony's dreams!"
Applejack: "Well, if the princesses think it's time to retire, we're not a bad choice. We always have Equestria's best interests at heart."
Rarity: "Indeed, darling."
Fluttershy: "As long as we all have each other, I'm sure we can do it!"
Applejack: "It'll be a bit of an adjustment, but I imagine the transfer of power will be a lengthy process. Right?"
Princess Celestia: "Of course."
Pinkie Pie: "Is there some sort of training program?"
Princess Celestia: "Everything you've gone through over the years has been a training program."
Princess Luna: "And the friendship journal you wrote yourselves is a better guide than any we could provide."
Princess Celestia: "We have the utmost confidence in all of you."
Princess Luna: "And we hope you all have the same in yourselves."
Discord: "Oh, I'm absolutely certain they do."
The Mane 5 and Spike gathered into a group hug.
Spike: "Let's hope nothing bad happens while we prepare."
Discord: "As the Lord of Chaos standing right here, I would advise against saying things like that."
Meanwhile, somewhere in a forest, Lord Tirek was putting different ingredients into two separate pots. Beside him was his old armor from his teenage years.
Lord Tirek: "I swear, you'll see! I will crush you, Twilight Sparkle, and your friends too!"
After putting in the final ingredients in both pots, they started glowing.
Lord Tirek: "Today Equestria... then the world... and finally... all of existence!..."
He grabs the first pot, drinks the substance, and he starts to grow. He had fully regained his youth. Then, he puts his armor into the other pot and it starts to morph until it was ready. The armor was a grayish-blue and had shoulder pads with spikes on them.
Lord Tirek: "This armor shall allow me to keep my form even after I somehow lose my magic. And thanks to the pieces of Changeling crystals, I can keep growing in power, and Sombra's old horn, I can use his dark magic."
He puts the armor on.
Lord Tirek: "Now then, let's see where I can test this out. Oh, I know!"
At the School of Friendship, Starlight Glimmer finds Twilight in her office. She was just finishing a few papers.
Starlight: "Hey Twilight, you wanted to see me?"
Twilight: "Yep, I need to talk to you."
She pulls out a sheet of paper.
Twilight: "Starlight, you have blossomed into one of the strongest, smartest, most caring ponies I know, and I can't think of anypony better to leave in charge of the School of Friendship."
She puts the paper down.
Twilight: "So what do you think?"
Starlight: "What? You want me to take care of and run the school?"
Twilight: "Yes? Is there a problem?"
Starlight: "Uh... I can't! I'm not ready! Remember what happened the last time you left me in charge?! And now you want me to do it permanently?! What if I don't do the right things?! (hyperventilates) What if-?!"
Twilight puts a hoof on Starlight's shoulder.
Twilight: "Starlight, get a hold of yourself! You've risen to every challenge you've ever faced. You can do anything you put your mind to. You've got this."
They embrace in a hug.
Meanwhile, Lord Tirek reaches the Crystal Empire.
Lord Tirek: "This is where my now on slot begins."
He begins his assault on the Crystal Empire. As he invades, he starts stealing the magic of the Crystal Ponies.
Lord Tirek: "How sad it is that Sombra failed to wipe all of you out?"
Using his new magic to bring the Crystal Ponies and royal guards under his mind control, expanding his forces. Shining Armor and Sunburst barge through the doors.
Shining Armor: "The guard says Tirek has breached the castle!"
Princess Cadance: "Hurry, Twilight! We need you!"
Cadance sends an urgent S.O.S. to Twilight.
Princess Cadance: "Do you have Flurry Heart?"
Shining Armor: "I thought you had her."
Princess Cadance: "Sunburst, where's Flurry Heart?!"
Sunburst: "She was asleep in her room right before… Oh no!"
When they realize they have forgotten to secure Flurry Heart, they race to her nursery and find Lord Tirek holding her captive. He had a sword made from dark magic held to Flurry's neck.
Lord Tirek: "Not another move! Unless you want a head rolling on the floor! Her head!"
Flurry Heart: "Mama!"
Princess Cadance: "You won't get away with this!"
Lord Tirek: "Oh, I think I already have."
The entire room began to fill with black crystal. His corruption had now breached the interior of the castle, as well.
Lord Tirek: "The Empire is now mine."
He later converted the entire throne room into a jagged, dark version of the throne room. He created two long, spiked shafts of dark crystal aimed in a triangular formation above the throne. The purpose became clear when the Crystal Heart had been inserted between the oversized spears. Black cracks slowly begin to form over the object like a virus.
Lord Tirek: "Now, the Crystal Heart shall give me so much power, not even Discord will stand a chance. The essence of Light now turns to the thralls of Darkness; this entire world will succumb to its true master. No force in all the world will be able to stop me when hatred and fear control all. Thus, I bring about, THE NIGHT THAT NEVER ENDS!"
Just moments later, Cadence, Shining Armor, and Sunburst were brought before Lord Tirek, who still held Flurry Heart next to him and his sword, bound in iron chains, and completely muzzled.
Lord Tirek: "KNEEL before your master!"
Two Shadow Guards threatened them with compliance when they had their spears aimed at them. Realizing how hopeless their situation was right now, they had no choice but to obey. Their heads lowered to the ground to display their submission.
Lord Tirek: "Now to wait for them to show up."
Princess Cadance: "Do whatever you want to us, but you'll never win!"
Shining Armor: "We aren't afraid of you!"
Lord Tirek: "Oh, but you should be!"
He lifts the two ponies with his magic.
Lord Tirek: "I think I should test this magic spell out."
He waves his hands together, and he turns them into stone right in front of Sunburst and Flurry Heart. They were shocked at this. Tirek was laughing evilly.
Twilight was pacing while waiting for his friends after receiving the urgent message from Cadence. Thankfully, they arrived in the throne room while almost knocking the doors down as they came rushing in.
Twilight: "I'm glad you all made it."
Discord popped up in between the group, and with little concern.
Discord: "Yeah, I'm sure. But you might want to work on your penmanship."
He then summoned the letter and yellow-tinted glasses as missized as his eyes were mismatched.
Discord: "This looks like it says, ''Cadence sent an emergency message! Tirek's back, and he's taking over the crystal empire!''"
Twilight: "That's exactly what it said!"
Rarity: "But-but...but how did he do this and why?"
Twilight: "I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised with how he comes up with a way. He was a brilliant strategist and planner who prepared for almost everything. But if he really DID manage to do this without stealing magic, why did it take so long for him to come back?"
Pinkie Pie: "Either way, it's up to us to figure out a way to stop him. Right?"
Fluttershy: "Should we ask the princesses about this?"
Discord: "Oh! Good idea! Call in the real rulers of Equestria to handle things!"
Twilight: "What is he going on about?"
Rainbow Dash: "Don't ask."
Twilight: "Well, anyway, we've still beaten him once before."
Twilight then looked to Discord.
Twilight: "Unless YOU might be willing to take care of this for us? Not like last time when you were tasked to deal with him."
Discord: "Oh, nononononono no! No, thank you! You're absolutely right. You need to learn to handle these kinds of things on your own! Send me a post when you save the empire, and I'll see ya later! Bye!"
He then grabbed the very air and draped it over him like a curtain.
Rainbow Dash: "Well, there goes our big gun. So what else should we do, Twilight?"
The alicorn reconsidered this and even turned to look at the map to think of something. The castle of the two sisters caught his eye, and an idea came to mind. One she wasn't fully proud of, but knew there was little choice.
Twilight: "The elements of harmony - with those, we can defeat Sombra before things get worse than they already are."
Suddenly, Discord reappeared from out of the ground. Only now, he was in the bath, with the background covering half of him up.
Discord: "Are you sure about that? You didn't need the elements to defeat Sombra, and I highly doubt using them counts as "handling things on your own"."
Twilight: "We didn't have them that time! And it's my family, Discord. I refuse to take any chances and endanger them any further just so YOU can get a kick out of things."
At that, Discord actually seemed a little offended, but more in the way of his feelings getting hurt.
Discord: "Alright, I understand. You do whatever you think is right. I'll just be out of your hair, for now."
He then disappeared back into the floor.
Starlight: "That was a little bit harsh, Twilight, don't you think?"
Twilight: "I-I don't know. I'm just very worried for my family, and he wasn't making things any easier on my emotional state."
Fluttershy: "I'm sure he didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, Twilight. He just has his own methods of encouragement."
Rainbow Dash: "Well, maybe being less of an inconsiderate jerk could be one of them."
Twilight: "No more wasting time, please! Let's just get to the tree and hope we get to the empire in time."
The Mane 6 retrieve the Elements from the Tree of Harmony while Starlight looks after the school. They travel to the Crystal Empire. Once they arrive, they see a horrifying sight. Every crystal building was darken and all the Crystal Ponies were colorless with completely green eyes.
Rainbow Dash: "This looks like Sombra's doing, not Tirek's."
The Crystal Ponies noticed the Mane 6, and they charged at them. They tried to defend themselves and get through. They didn't want to hurt the innocent civilians. They manage to make it to the castle.
Twilight: "Alright, girls. Let's do this!"
In the throne, Tirek just sat there collecting magic. All the while, he held infant Flurry Heart at his side at blade-point to keep any ponies not under his control deterred from making any moves against him. Yet he didn't stop Sunburst from firing a beam at the crystal cage he trapped him in to try to escape. The attempt only made him laugh in amusement.
Lord Tirek: "It's cute that you think that will do anything."
Sunburst: "And it's disgusting how you take delight in hurting others and anything else worse than that!"
Again, he merely chuckled.
Lord Tirek: "Oh, no, my dear. If you actually think that, then you are honestly more naive than I imagined. I don't simply just take pleasure in harming; it is in the act of such things that I take delight in."
His grin widened.
Lord Tirek: "The cold sweat that runs down their brow. The terror in their eyes as their lives flash in front of them. The fear of not knowing what tormentous fate awaits them."
He then turned over to Flurry Heart.
Lord Tirek: "That is why I prefer to either use a bladed weapon or steal magic. Simply obliterating them with a magic spell is not fun enough. You can never savor all of the little scared emotions."
He turned back to Sunburst in his cage.
Lord Tirek: "In their final moments, a person will show you their true colors. And you can see precisely what they truly are. So, in a sense, every life I've ever slain, including my own parents, means nothing to me."
His eyes narrowed with sociopathic delight.
Sunburst: "You- despicable- heartless-…"
Before any more words could be said, the doors to the throne room were thrown open. The Mane 6 ran in.
Pinkie Pie: "Don't worry, the cavalry's… here?!"
The Mane 6 gasped as they saw Lord Tirek before them, young, wearing new armor, and Flurry Heart being held at sword point.
Lord Tirek: "Perfect. You're all here."
Twilight: "Tirek? So you're the one behind this?"
Lord Tirek: "Indeed. Did you not read the warning Cadance sent to you?"
Rainbow Dash: "You're really stealing King Sombra's stick of taking over the Crystal Empire. As if you couldn't be any more of a thief. And what's with the armor?"
Tirek huffed.
Lord Tirek: "Oh, please, I was able to succeed unlike Sombra. This armor is all part of my plan of revenge. Besides, did Sombra ever do this?"
He points his side. Twilight could see the sight before her. Cadance and Shining Armor as statues. Anger grew in her heart.
Twilight: "What have you done?!"
Lord Tirek: "What needed to be done for my great victory. Ruling this kingdom is only temporary. I will destroy it along with all inhabitants once I have enough power."
Twilight stepped forward before being stopped.
Lord Tirek: "Not another move! Unless you want your niece's head rolling on the floor!"
Twilight: "You wouldn't dare!"
Lord Tirek: "Try me!"
The Mane 6 didn't move another step.
Lord Tirek: "Just as I thought. Love and family make you weak. Even heroes succumb to their greatest fears!"
Tirek casts the same spell he cast on the crystal ponies, projecting the light and smoke of his eyes at the group, and ensnaring them in a mind spell that raised them high above and trapped them in their own minds.
Twilight's world turned to Darkness as he stood alone in an endless void. He looked around, wondering where she was, and crying out for anypony to hear her. Then he was met with a horrific sight. All of his friends and family had purple, smoking eyes of pure, toxic green and evil red light that symbolized Lord Tirek's hold on them. To make things worse, Darkhelms lowered over their heads, further cementing how far under the Power Hungry Centaur's control they had fallen.
Twilight: "Girls!"
She saw Cadence and Shining and ran up to them.
Twilight: "Guys, it's me! You have to wake up!"
But the nightmare grew worse as soon as she touched his older brother's chest. The moment he laid a hoof on him, the whole group turned into completely solid, dark crystal before cracking and shattering into pieces. Her ears fell back as his eyes widened in horror with a gasp upon seeing those he cared for most die in front of him. To make matters worse, the eyes of dark magic appeared in front of him, dwarfing him in size. But then, it divided into two pairs of eyes, to the alicorn's confusion.
Princess Celestia: "Oh, Twilight Sparkle, such a disappointment you've been to us all!"
Princess Luna: "Equestria was under your protection, and YOU let it fall!"
Twilight: "N-no! No, I didn't…It wasn't my…!"
But the words died in his mouth as he watched the princesses flash into their evil counterparts: one, she knew all too well as the dreaded Nightmare Moon, and the other he only ever heard of from Starlight after the fiasco of switching the Princesses' cutie marks, and facing Celestia's corrupt self in the dreamscape, which was named Daybreaker. She felt her fears grow at the sight of the alicorns she held so close to his heart given in to the dark side. Suddenly, the two of them blew up and curled into an all-too familiar pair of bull horns that soon revealed the head of an all-too familiar centaur, hovering over what was now a fiery realm of horror that made Twilight filled with terror and hatred.
Lord Tirek: "Of course it was! After all, the Princess of Friendship always makes mistakes! You never did tell them that you'll outlive them all. You, Twilight Sparkle, are weak, dumb, and meaningless! A tiny, single light swimming in an ocean of my Darkness. Alone and undesired."
Twilight was so taken by her darkest feelings and her insecurities that she was beginning to give in to the demon's words. How could she not when he spoke the truth? All that had recently happened only further proved she was unworthy of his status as an Alicorn Princess and Bearer of the Element of Magic. She was unworthy of it all, and it would be better if she did disappear forever. But she wouldn't disappear on this day, as the nightmare was suddenly engulfed by pure light. The devilish head, roaring in anguish as it vanished, and returned Twilight to the void of darkness. Now she was alone again, but now, with a very welcome company, with a sparkling version of herself.
Twilight: "What the! Who are you and why do you look like me?"
Gusty: "Gusty."
Twilight had so many questions, but she didn't get to ask anything as she was interrupted. She vanished into light. Twilight's vision began to brighten.
Lord Tirek: "Victory is mine! Even those who wield the power of Harmony submit to the Darkness! None can stand against their own fears!"
But then, he noticed too late that Twilight was starting to overcome his dark magic. One by one, the 6 ponies awakened from his cursed spell, with eyes illuminated by the light of their elements.
Lord Tirek: "Impossible! How are you doing this!"
Twilight gave a smug smile at the surprised Tirek.
Twilight: "Bad news for you, because we didn't have to face and defeat our fears!"
Spike then grabbed Flurry and the sword out of his hands while he wasn't paying attention.
Twilight: "We just needed to face them long enough to keep you distracted!"
Rage filled Tirek's expression.
Lord Tirek: "YOU!"
Realizing he had been discovered, Spike yelped and then used his wings to build up momentum in a high jump, high enough that when he hit the crystal wall with the blade, it cracked and broke apart, giving Sunburst just what she needed to break through and race right for the Crystal Heart.
Lord Tirek: "NO!"
He opened his mouth and stole all of Sunburst's magic before he could reach the Heart. A blast from behind knocked him down. Flurry was blasting him back with an angry look.
Sunburst: "It's cute- that you think- that'll do anything."
The Mane 6 use the Elements to vaporize Tirek into smoke. This undoes all the damage he has caused, even turning Cadance and Shining Armor into stone and giving Sunburst his magic back. Twilight ran and hugged them tightly. They successfully returned the Heart to its original station and purged it of what little dark essence infected it.
Some time later, the gang had returned to Ponyville. Spike was given leave to go home and share their experience with Starlight while Twilight and her friends returned to the Castle of the Two Sisters. Now, after their lengthy trek through the forest, the elements were re-inserted into the Tree.
Twilight: "Once again, Equestria is safe."
Fluttershy: "What should we do to celebrate?"
Pinkie Pie: "I vote for a cakewalk!"
Twilight, in the back of her mind, wanted to tell her friends that they won't be together forever, but she couldn't bring herself to say it. Suddenly, black smoke filled the tree's cave.
Applejack: "What's goin' on?"
Twilight: "I don't know!"
Dark crystals began erupting from every corner of the walls surrounding the tree. Either stabbing into the tree's trunk or even nearly breaking off the branches, holding honesty and generosity. Everypony's expression widened. The shadow cloud sank into the ground and made an even mightier tremor. In the blink of an eye, a dark crystal spike the size of a boulder shot towards the center of the tree with the intent of completely shattering it. Lord Tirek appears before the Mane 6, his earlier defeat having been a trick to lead him right to the Elements. With the ponies' greatest weapon destroyed, Tirek walks toward the Mane 6 while cackling victoriously.
Lord Tirek: "YES! My new powers have worked! I knew finding that detached horn would allow me to survive. I'm all-powerful! And you are all done for."