open Shifted

[Aureity 3,055]

The scene steadily got less and less haywire the further Crystal Flame flew away from Ponyville. As soon as he had flown over the borders that seperated Ponyville from the land around it, the rain of rock stopped. As he progressed further, the rain of fire, among other things, started disappearing as well. The further away I get from this place, the less likely I'm going to get randomly killed by some flying shrapnel. Nice...Ahead of him, the mountain, and the city it housed, loomed. Eagerly, he dipped his wings in preparation to land, as the soaring towers of Canterlot loomed into the horizon.

 

It was a bit quiet. Actually, no...much too quiet. As he descended, his hooves made empty thuds onto the paved ground that rose to meet him. No one came to greet him. Wouldn't there be guards in such an important place? But there was no one here. The walled fortress was completely devoid of defense. He slowly walked up to the castle gates, a rising sense of uneasiness that grew with every step, until he was shaking, as he stopped a few hoofsteps away from the castle door. A single lock blocked his way. He eyed it. Maybe they don't need defense, this thing might be magical or something. He hoped to himself that it was true, but there was only one way to find out. Without a lockpicking tool to aid him, he lowered his mouth until the blade of the knife was at the lock's keyhole, and gently poked it into the lock.

 

The lock broke instantly, almost as if it was made out of rotten wood rather than the solid steel it seemed to be. He was left looking with dismay at the door, now unlocked and unguarded. Erm...he was sure this wasn't supposed to happen. "Hello?" he called tentatively. There was no answer, so he gently nudged open the door and walked slowly into the castle.

 

It was deserted. Not a single creature stirred within the empty castle. Each hoofstep he made towards the central staircase echoed off of the high ceiling. The worry he had been feeling up to this point threatened to overflow. He took a cautious first step onto the staircase.

 

You're too late. I've already been here...so said the voice that he now knew belonged to Discord. A demonic laugh rose up from every corner of the castle, bouncing off of the empty halls and high ceilings until it seemed to Crystal that the world itself was laughing with Discord.

[Deshi Bashara 6]

Cole watched in awe as the others fought Discord with all their might. People like these are what we're fighting for. he realized, tears of pride on his cheeks. I can't let them down. As he thought this, he remembered all of the good times he had with his family and friends. That one feeling he had felt when his father had died, and he had been lost in a hurricane of his own emotions. That pinprick of light at the end of a dark tunnel.

 

And when Artsy had spoken, he realized what he had to do.

 

A blue aura swirled around him as he levitated a few feet above the ground with his wings. The air crackled, sizzled, and popped with energy as his eyes narrowed in determination. He felt like he was a living battery, a force of nature set loose upon his enemies.

 

For 4 years, Cole Shepard had been nothing but an awkward, shy teenager distant from the world. Now, he had finally found his true identity.

 

"I am the element of hope!" he roared, thrusting his hooves at the bound demigod. A lightning bolt flew at Discord from the sky, striking him directly in the chest. The beast howled in agony as he took the full brunt of the blast.

 

Cole grunted in pain. "This is...harder then it looks!" he noted.

Edited March 28, 2012 by Deshi Bashara

[Wolfe 71]

Brave forced himself to stay up after dropping those few feet after the missed kick. He ran back knowing Discord could potentially retaliate. But upon a quick retreat, he heard an echo cry out to everyone.

 

"The new balance... the new Order... we must create the new Elements of Harmony. To temporarily... stave Discord off. It is not the solution, but a temporary remedy... to the chaos... everypony... you must rise up. Artsy... is the element of Determination. The rest of you... realize the element inside of you! Realize it... and let's defeat this monster once and for all..." .

 

"You must... snap out of this, Peach. Please. I'm sorry I distrusted you earlier... I can see you're trying to fight this... please... please join us... and accept... my friendship..."

Brave assumed it was the princess. She gave that mission to Artsy. And they all had an element that would help defeat Discord, though only temporarily. Brave knew he was going to get through this and make sure no one would get lost along the way. It was his desire to see to it that everyone turned out safe. It was his attitude to put his neck out there for the others, regardless of whatever may happen to him. It was his determination to stand up and defend. It was his WILL to push forward and protect!

 

I am the Element of Will! He know of nothing else to say, but he felt it will suffice. He looked over to Artsy. She seemed tired, but it was almost over he felt. He nodded to himself as he waited for the final strike, if it was it.

[PeachPalette 1,000]

Peach held him there as the others did their worst to him. She could feel the link between Discord and herself growing weaker, and with that, felt herself growing stronger. A new magic seemed to seep into her being. Discord's essence . It tingled from her head to her hooves. For a spit second, it seemed as if the energy itself pleaded with her to use it for the greater good, to untaint it, make it pure again.

 

Shaking, she lifted her head to see the screen. That chaotic display. That images he'd painted of a Ponyville destined for ruin. A memory flashed before her eyes. The inn! She realized that, that is where she'd magically transported it while under Discord's influence. I...don't know how much magic I have but...we cannot do this without everypony here. She could feel a surging pain within her chest. The pure amount of power running through her body was slowly making her body deteriorate. She closed her eyes taking in a tremoring breath and looked straight at Artsy.

 

"I was...ugh...a fool for letting Discord get to me. And...you...were right. I am pathetic," she said, her voice barely being carried to her over the commotion. "But...I said I would help you all get home from the very start. ARGH! And...that...I will not...give up...until I do!" She growled as her eyes shut again then flung open. They were glowing, her yellow irises hidden by their bright glow. Her steadied body began to radiate a pale yellow aura.

 

"I...am humility," her voice echoed of a thousand voices all speaking at once. As the flashes of her recent mistakes and the pure will to make her wrongs right engulfed her being, her magic reached to ponies who were transported away by her own hoof. Instantly they were all back. All of them. Everypony was together again. She prayed to Celestia silently that they all be ready to defeat him for her body was become hot, and her knees weak. Transporting them there and holding Discord to his doom had her magic and even her borrowed magic on reserves. "ARGH!" She cried out in pure adrenaline, blood sputtering from her mouth and nose as she concentrated on keeping Discord in place and not dying while doing it.

[Legendary Emerald 622]

All of a sudden, every pony that Serah had met or seen since ending up in Equestria was there, brought out from the inn or wherever they had been in order to join the fight.

 

"Just in time..."

 

Having exhausted the power boost Silver's attack had given her, the erupting flames she'd conjured ceased. She stood panting heavily, smoke rising from her body. She barely managed to catch her breath, panting heavily. She steeled her vocal cords for one last shout.

 

"Hit him with everything you've got!"

[Aureity 3,055]

Crystal Flame hurried up the staircase, ears pricked for danger. A rumbling sound was coming from the interior of the castle-the only other sound he had heard since he had entered the place, besides his own hoofsteps. Discord's laugh reached new levels, and the walls themselves started shaking. Crystal Flame paused, uncertain, as dust begain raining from the ceiling.

Thought I couldn't get to Canterlot, eh? I've just been a bit slow...your companions are putting up quite a struggle, the voice hissed maliciously. Don't worry though...I've kept a special surprise for them.

 

Well, that didn't sound good, not all all. Crystal Flame's mind flickered to the ponies he had last seen outside the inn, before it had vanished. Did they need his help? For crying out loud...just LEAVE them. They don't care. You stayed behind to help out the ponies in the inn, and you can't even find them now. You've been ignored and now abandoned. Crystal Flame felt a familiar tick of irritation seeping through him, and tried his best to stuff it down again. Suddenly there was a cry of pain that echoed across the entire castle. Small cracks started appearing in the foundation, and...rifts...started popping into existence everyhwere, almost like the air itself was being ripped apart. Chaos was taking hold. Those stupid ponies! I'll destroy every last one of them! Discord howled, and Crystal Flame got the sense that Discord wasn't talking to him anymore. This was the best time to escape, while Discord was distracted. Uncertainty got the better of him, and he took a step backwards onto what he thought was a solid stairstep.

 

It wasn't. Crystal Flame stumbled as his hoof, expecting a stairstep, plummeted right through air instead-one of the rifts had materialized right behind him. It wasn't big enough that he could fall through entirely though, and he managed to wriggle himself free. I need to be more careful! Turning towards the door, he saw that it, too, had been replaced, by yet another, larger rift. Movement inside the rift caught his eye-was it one of the...ponies from the inn? Stumbling eagerly across the floor until he was eye-to eye with the swirling purple rip in the air, he peered through. It was! The rifts that were appearing must be linking different places together... Taking in the scene, he realized Discord's source of agony. One of the ponies, the red one-Serah or something...?-had just effectively boiled the ground under Discord, causing him to thrash around. The other pony, Artsy, had said something cryptic, and while he only heard fragments, he knew enough to realize that something major was going on.

 

As he watched, fascinated, two other ponies stepped forward, one shooting a lightning bolt at Discord, the other simply stepping up towards Artsy, but both seeming to glow slightly, the same color that Artsy and...Serah-he was certain by now that was her name-were glowing. They...they can do it. They can actually do it! Go guys, go! he eagerly egged them on as he stepped into the rift, the world suddenly morphing around him as he did until he was back in the familiar location, the landscape surrounding where the inn used to be.

 

The peachish one by now had stopped fighting the other one. That was good...he still had no idea what had happened in the first place, but it seemed that she was helping to restrain Discord's movement. There was a flash of light as she did something, ans suddenly Crystal Flame stumbled in surprise as he was dragged forward about...three feet. Jeez, that was unnecccesary. To his surpirse, the other ponies who had been inside the inn materialized right next to him. Discord's voice was booming threats for all to hear, but no one cared. Each worked as a team to check Discord's power, their eyes all narrowed in determination. Well, dang. Those timber wolves back there really didn't stand a chance. The red one was shouting now, yelling at everyone to attack. He was certain Discord was as good as toast...but as he watched, Discord began laughing.

 

You guys are good. But you really need to learn to check behind you. Crystal Flame's gaze flickered to the ponies still grouped around Discord. And then he blinked in horror. A massive fireball, darker and more demonic than regular fire, and filled with what he could only describe as hate, had been slowly floating towards the ponies, and as it moved, it began gathering speed. He raised his voice to yell. "Guys...g-get out of there!" It was no use though, the fireball had gathered too much speed. It was whizzing across the ground, and only gathering more speed as it traveled. Almost instantaneously, Crystal Flame realized why it was that he stuck by his companions even when he'd be unnoticed. He needed to safeguard them. No matter how great the price to him, he had to do it...to protect his friends.

 

But there's no way to do it now...as his jaw slackened, the knife he had been carrying fell from it, landing with a soft thunk blade-down into the ground. Three inches deep, again. He stared at it for a split second. Love over hate. Don't harbor your negative emotions.

 

~~~

 

They were both wrestling for the knife. Suddenly, a moment of triumph-he snatched it from the shadow.

 

"I got it, dad. What was that about making me pay again?" He held the knife over the shadow. "Thirteen years, dad. For thirteen years you've screwed my life beyond what I thought possible. I think...vengeance is in order."

 

"No, kid! What are you doing?"

 

"Be quiet!" The blade flashed, all of his anger directed in one focus-the tip. The ruins of his life flashed before his eyes as he aimed to destroy the one thing that had made him miserable beyound all belief. It was right to destroy it, it was just. He couldn't possibly just leave him alone...

 

The blade thudded into the ground, burying itself three inches into the dry mud. Both he and the shadow stared at it, surprised.

 

"...Kid...?"

 

"Dad. Just...just go. I'm done."

 

~~~

 

Crystal Flame closed his eyes, reaching into his soul, and found that node of anger. Knowing that the lives of the ponies in front of him depended on it, he cut it loose. And in doing so, he set himself free. The knife disintegrated into fine dust right before his eyes, and the specks of dust began slowly drifting upwards. And as they drifted, he realized that his hooves-no, wait, his wings-his tail?-ALL of him was beginning to glow a soft gentle radiance, much like that of the ponies already around him. Please. Give me strength to protect them. He opened his eyes, knowing what he had to do.

 

Faster than thought, he launched himself off of the ground, diving straight at the hellfire. His wings were glowing white, and as he drew closer, they shone. I can't believe I'm doing this. They better thank me for this, he thought, although it was more of a joke to himself now than anything. Diving straight into the fire, he cried out in agony as the hellfire consumed him, threatening to turn him into ashes right there and then. You can do it, he thought through his pain. They're all counting on you. Slowly, impossibly, the fire coating his glowing-white wings began to fade away...slowly at first, then faster and faster as it regressed. He gave his wings one powerful flap, and suddenly the fire disappeared entirely from him. I did it. Losing the strength to fly, he fell unceremoniously to the ground. But as he got up, the strength returned, almost instantaneously, to him.

 

Locking eyes with Discord, he snarled, "I am the element of protection. And as long as I still stand, you're not getting my friends."

Edited March 29, 2012 by Auroreita Borealis

[Marcato 2,143]

Everything was black. Silver could hear faint noises, they sounded like people... in pain. His eyes opened but everything around him was still black. He stood up and looked around. "Hello?" He said. There was no answer. Then faintly, very faintly, he heard a voice. "Do not believe what you saw." It said. "Do not let Discords mind games get to you. You are better then that." Silver turned left and right trying to find the source of this voice, but he was the only one near. "Discover your true abilities. Don't try to be some one your are not. Embrace what you are talented at. That arrow on your flank is far more important then you realize." The voice said to him. He looked at his mark and it seemed to glow. He could suddenly feel energy flowing through him. "who... who are you?" Silver said, hoping for an answer. "I am the some one from your past. But details are not important. You must wake up and use your true talent." The voice answered. Silver felt his energy surge, and he awoke.

 

He saw everyone fighting with everything they got. Some were in pain, and he saw Peach as she struggled to hold Discord. She had broken free of his hold, and now they were all ready to finish him. There was one thing certain. He wasn't going to blow it this time. His mistakes had cost him a lot, and this time he was going to reverse that. He began looking around, seeing Discord struggle, he saw that everyone had reappeared. His eyes dashed left and right looking at everyone. He saw that some had wings. Wings... He thought. He looked towards Discord, and then at some of the others. Thats it! "Everyone!!" He called out to the ponies which had just arrived. "We have to help them! Pegasus, fly over to Discords head and keep him distracted! Don't let him break free from Peaches spell!" He said as he ran in front of them.

 

"Unicorns, harness your energy into the horn on your head! After that, some of you focus your energy towards Discord and unleash that energy in his direction! The rest of you focus your energy on Peach! Give her all your energy so she can hold on to him!" He called to them. He then turned towards some of the normal ponies. "Do what you can to help any one else! If we can all cooperate together, we can defeat him!" He explained. He ran over to join the others that were still fighting. He focused his energy on Peach, and sent it to her to give her a fighting chance. He knew now what he was really good at. He was an expert planner. He devised strategies to confuse and defeat his opponents and solve problems. He was the Element of Thought.

 

"Discord! You say we can't stop you? Well what do you say NOW!" At that he sent a string-like green beam at Discord. When it came in contact with Discord the hold on him grew stronger still. In the process of doing so, Silver decided to play Discords way. He forced Discord to see his own painful memories. His first defeat, his second defeat, and reliving his entire imprisonment. Seeing these things himself, Silver was glad this creature was going back where it belonged. "A little ironic mental pain as a parting gift. Let's see how you like it." He said to Discord through his mind. "Let's finish this!" He called to everyone around him, letting out a surge of energy for all those that were tired and beginning to lose control.

Edited March 29, 2012 by Silver Arrow

[Nathan Fink 22]

SiFi stood there, his head spinning. His memory was blurry and his coat was back to its normal shades. Looking around, he got a basic grasp of the situation relatively fast. But i was just...werent they trying to...oh dear sweet Celestia... Realizing in an instant the charade he had fallen into so easily, he felt shame that he had let his drive for knowledge allow Discord to take him in so easily. He was just grateful that they had broken the hold over him, even if the thought of it shamed him.

 

Looking up, seeing Discord incapacitated, he looked around and listened, assessing the situation. Focus my energy on Peach, how the blazes am i supposed to do that!? Thinking back on a story he had read a long time ago, he figured that focusing his mind on her, trying desperatly to lend what strength that he had was all he could do. Stop... The echoing voice in his head was back, though feinter than before. It startled him and broke what little of his concentration he had. He now understood who it was and where it was coming from. Looking up at Discord, he could see the corner of his eye looking at him.

 

Don't you see my curious little pony? I could give you all that you've ever dreamed! All the knowledge of the cosmos would be at your disposal! They took that from you and now they want to use you to keep it away forever! Do you think the dismal little hovels they call libraries in Equestria will ever truly satisfy you, now that you know what i could give you? Stop them, stop them now before its to late, and it could all still be yours!

 

He looked around slowly, nervously, at the others. His mind in the grip of conflict, unsure as to what he would do. He knew what he should do, but Discords words had pierced the deepest core of his being. Tormented, sweat began to form on his brow. "I...I dont know...what should i do..."

Edited March 29, 2012 by Nathan Fink

[Electrobolt 2,069]

Electrobolt looked around at his current surroundings. Rather than being in the cellar of the inn, he found himself in the very area where Peach had vanished. Looking up, he saw Discord as he was being under attack. And when he looked back down towards the ground, he saw... *PEACH!!!* he exclaimed in his mind, seeing the pony struggling to keep Discord in check. Right then, he heard Silver call out to everyone around them as he told them all what to do. Just as soon as he was about to concentrate, a familiar voice rang in his head.

 

Hold on a second, little one. Do you really think they care for you? I mean, really, think about it. That pony you were about to help, do you really think she wanted to help you? For all you know, she could have been using you! But I know better than that... If you stop them from doing whatever they are doing, I will give you anything you want. Maybe even, hmm... A new video game console, perhaps? Along with all of the video games you could ever ask for! What do you say? Electrobolt shook his head when that voice gave him the offer. He could play any game, on any gaming system. And he would get it in exchange for...

 

No... He wasn't about to betray his new friends. He wasn't going to betray Artsy. And he most certainly wasn't going to betray the one pony who had trusted in him from the beginning: Peach. Looking up at Discord, he shouted, "Do you think you can sway me just by offering something in exchange for me betraying my friends? Well I have news for you: that is NOT going to happen! Peach had put her trust in me, and I put my trust in her! And not just her, but all of these ponies around me! You can't break my trust in them so easily!!!"

 

As soon as he shouted that last sentence, a single phrase echoed in Electrobolt's mind... Element of Trust... As soon as he heard that phrase, Electrobolt spoke out, "I am the Element of Trust. No matter what may happen, my trust will remain strong and unwavering!" He then looked over to Peach and began to focus on sharing his strength with her. *Come on, Peach... Hang in there...!* he thought, hoping that he was able to keep her going strong.

[Flow 1,624]

Arty, still lying on the ground, was pinned on the ground after suffering a direct hit from the haywire fireballs, he couldn't move an inch, he knew he was dead, "I guess it's all over, if I really did wrote that, I really do deserve to die," he thought, then slowly closed his eyes as he succumbs to the clutches of death.

 

But it isn't the end.

 

He woke up and found himself in a white realm, the pain was gone, enabling his movement again, as he stood up, he saw his cutie mark: A pencil drawing, floating in mid-air, then a solemn voice filled the room as he stood up listening to it, it spoke:

 

"The new balance... the new Order... we must create the new Elements of Harmony. To temporarily... stave Discord off. It is not the solution, but a temporary remedy... to the chaos... everypony... you must rise up."

 

Another voice spoke out,"Arty, you must find the element within you, it holds the power to defeat him, what he told you where all lies, so there is no reason to give up in shame, you must never fall back, you must keep moving, you must never give up in order to defeat him."

 

"They where all lies, I was fooled, he wanted to separate me from the others, no, I wont' fall back, I will keep moving forward, I will not give up, I am, I am, I am the element of perseverance. I, WILL, NOT GIVE UUUUUUPPPPPP!!!!"

 

He then had a sudden discharge of power, and with that, caused the white walls to collapse and a flash brought him back to the ruined Ponyville on that exact spot where he suffered unbearable pain. With his strength regained, he stood there with nothing but anger, now more than ever wanting to defeat Discord.

 

"I am the element of perseverance, and you have done your share of making others suffer, now it's our turn!" And with that, he let out a surge of power, with his horn glowing a bright orange, he galloped to the place where the demigod, already being beaten by the others, is

 

"UUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" He roared with great anger as he galloped his way there, with the beam on his horn charging up with every step, and then he released it with great force, nearly hitting Discord "I've had it with you, you are nothing but chaos and despair, you shall face the ultimate punishment!!!" He shouted, "What?!?, Arty?!?" Surprised at his appearance.

 

"I've made some friends here, and your not going to get away with hurting them!!" Bellowed Arty, soon he joined forces with the other ponies, who have found their elements as well.

Edited March 29, 2012 by Narutardedscum

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

Artsy felt herself fading. She had defied her limits already once. Could she again?

 

Yes, yes she could.

 

It was with her determination and firmness of purpose that she had managed to reunite this entire group, and get them to work towards a common goal. She was strong enough! She felt her power increasing as each of her friends realized their element, strengthening her resolve. Peach's apologies had gotten to her and made her feel a bit guilty for kicking her and being so distrustful. But it was now that she realized the pony's intentions were pure, in spite of her odd moods.

 

"None of us are pathetic!" She replied to Peach. "You were strong enough to fall out of his trick... you just needed help. And that's what... we all... need. H-help..."Silver had sent her a little more power as well, and this was enough for her. The unicorn pony nodded in his direction, signifying her approval of the plan. Already, Discord appeared to have been getting knocked about fairly frequently by the others' powerful blows. She directed her eyes towards Brave, who had been standing there looking at him, and nodded once more.

 

"You heard the man! Everyone... let's do it. Once..."

 

Her eyes flashed even more brightly as her horn erupted into shimmering brilliance.

 

"And for all."

 

She unleashed the most massive burst of magic she could from her horn, willing every bit of power within her body into it. Determination... determination! This can, and it will happen. Give me the final strength I need, element inside of me! It came swirling out towards Discord as a crimson light, which converged together into the shape of a glimmering canine creature. Artsy's energy creature opened up its mouth, bearing fearsome fangs, and sank them straight into DIscord's shoulder as it collided head-on with the beast.

 

It was too much for her though. Her fragile body had finally had enough of her determined antics. With that massive burst, the glow around Artsy dissipated as her body fell from mid-air. She had a final thought within her mind before she felt the last of her energy leave her...

 

It's up to them now.

 

With that, she shut her eyes and let the embrace of sleep capture her gently, not caring how rough her fall would be or even if she had died at the moment. Everything went to black, and there were no more thoughts in her unconscious mind.

[Aureity 3,055]

Crystal Flame flexed his wings calmly, the energy he felt still coursing through his veins. Fly over Discord's head? Sounds suicidal. Oh well, why not? A few other ponies were starting to glow now, too, and his confidence grew with each and every one that realized their potential. Discord was thrashing about now, either in anger or in pain. Crystal Flame launched himself back into the air, eager to take advantage as soon as possible-the peachish pony's immobilization effect wasn't going to last forever.

 

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Artsy's glow fade as she used the last dregs of her power to shoot a powerful spell of some sort at Discord. It looked like she was out cold, and she fell to the ground. Her attack had enraged Discord, his own anger and hatred giving him strength, and it was now taking the peachish pony all she had to keep him at bay.

 

Crystal Flame soared through the air, landing neatly right on Discord's head. "Giddyup, horsey!" he called, kicking Discord behind the ears as Discord roared angrily, trying to buck him off. He could tell it wasn't helping. Discord was just getting angrier and angrier, which was making his struggles more and more violent. "Hey, anyone have a plan B???" yelled Crystal as Discord gave another enraged thrash.

[PeachPalette 1,000]

"ARTSY!" She cried out. She could only watch as the tan unicorn fell to the ground, exhausted, and drained of power. Peach close her eyes tightly fighting the urge to run to her aid. No! I have to hold him! One slip and...it would be over for all of us!

 

Peach heard every desperate attempt at getting the few ponies to fall for his trap as she continued to him him there, still linked with him and his power. But, this was the power of a god and was not meant for a fragile and mortal pony's body. If it was not for the small amount of energy that was being focused on her by her friends, she was sure her heart would have burst by now.

 

 

Discord reared and roared, angered by the ponys' attempts at ending him. "ARGH! We need the other elements to attack him! We are...all involved here for a reason! And that is to...argh...bring him down!" She called out to the pegasus that infuriated the trapped Discord. Peach's hooves began to drag deep into the powdered sand. It was as if she had him on the end of a rope and began to pull away from her. She was losing this tug-o-war battle with him. Beads of salt seeped out of her pores. Her body felt dry and dehydrated. Her muscles felt aged and torn. Her blood felt as if it was reaching it's boiling point.

 

She opened one eye spotting SiFi. She knew his expression all too well for it happened to her too. She pulled more of Discord's twisted energy into herself. If he can do it, she thought to herself, then I should be able to. She focused.

 

"SiFi...please listen to me," She sent him an exhausted, half smile once she knew her voice had caught his attention. Her voice continued to ring within his mind. "Discord will give you none of that. He is chaos and disharmony, remember? Listen for what I will tell you is the truth. With your help we will defeat him. And when we do that, your name will BE in books...in novels. Fillies will be taught of your bravery in the time of need. All of Equestria will owe their lives to you. These innocent pawns that Discord sent here...will owe their lives to you. SiFi...become a part of history. Realize your element! Use it! Help us!"

[Dexterity 3]

Dexterity's vision blurred and swirled. Stumbling to a halt, she shook her head. What just happened?

 

Upon opening her eyes she realized that she was no longer in the cellar of the inn; she was outside, where Peach had disappeared. How....? Dex turned around and saw the other ponies in an epic battle with Discord. Upon seeing him, she remembered all of her fillyhood teachings. She remembered who Discord was and what he had once done to Equestria. She remembered the elements of harmony.

 

The ponies were calling out for help. I want to help, but how? I'm just a silly crafty pony. I'm nothing special.

 

That's right. You're just a regular ole Ponyville citizen. There's nothing special about you at all. They don't need you. You should just leave.

 

Sadness creeped into Dexterity's mind, But I want to help.

 

No!

 

It was then that she realized that the voice in her head was not her own. It MUST be Discord. She stomped her hoof and put a determined look on her face. A smile slithered up when she realized that she WAS special. She always wanted to help other ponies. This was her chance.

 

She heard the others calling out their elements and she then knew her element, sincerity.

 

"I'm coming guys!!" Dex galloped towards Peach and the others as fast as her cloven hooves would take her. She skidded to a stop and focused all of her magic on Peach, unleashing a mighty blue beam. "Peach, I'm here for you. I won't let you down." Her sincerity could be felt by all who heard her. She was going to help them win this war.

 

She willingly gave Peach all the power she had, knowing that soon the battle would be over. When she was nearly drained, Dex turned her focus on Discord. Running at full steam, she aimed her curved horn at him and hoped it would hit home.

Edited March 29, 2012 by Dexterity

[Trixies Apprentice L 493]

(OOC: Everything is () is a thought. I find this to be the easiet way to post though )

Lionheart was thinking now faster than ever. (I have to find the truth. Everyone is already doing everything they can. they give everything thy got and yet I still remain clueless on what my element even remotly is. May I have none ? But not that not possible either or else I would have heard that voice that talked about it.)

 

He cleared his thoughts and looked at what was going on. A plan was formed by silver. Most ponies already found their element and were gathering. Discord was in a bad place. Artsy had given her best and was now on the floor unconsiounss. "Well that seems bad don't we need her too." He mumbled seeing that but shrugged it and continued his thoughts pace.

 

Suddenly a voice was heard in his head."You know I can help you discover the thing you seek. I can show you the truths you seek. Just help me now and I can help you live the extrordinary life you seek."

 

"What the....well that sounds interesting but Now where is the fun in that ?" Lionheart finally got it. He wasn't an element of harmony. Not exactly that is and Discord's words helped him see just that. He walked in the middle. He craved for faschinated thing and he was curious to learn things. He was kind but cruel when he truly thought that about someone, He always wanted to discover things, lies, secrets, everything hidden.

 

Lionheart's head turns and look at his cutie mark. I sun with Dark lines. "Now I get what this symbol means." He said to himself with a faint smile appearing on his face. "No listen to me I can show you the truth in every secret." Discord shouted in his head. "No you listen. Where is the fun in that. Where is the fun in just knowing ? No that's boring. The thing that is exciting is the discovery, the exploration and all that. I have to admit Chaos is exciting and I am truly not sure what is still going on but...I cannot simple let them all be from such an poor attempt of persuation now can I ? Discovery that what I am good at Discovering things. That what my elements got's to be. I am the Element of Discovery and I NEED NO ONE TO GUIDE ME TO THE TRUTH I SEEK." With those words Lionheart's eyes lit up, magic overflowing from him. He gathered all the magic he felt in his horn and unleashed it toward Discord.

 

With the energy now pressing Discord he said to everypony else that could hear him around there sarcasticaly. "Well I guess it took me long enough to discover it hehe."

Edited March 29, 2012 by Trixie's Apprentice Leona

[Legendary Emerald 622]

Serah was exhausted but she knew her job wasn't done yet. The pegasi were buzzing Discord from the Sky, Artsy had just summoned another of her translucent guardians, and other ponies were sending their powers into Peach so that she could continue to hold Discord still.

 

"Since I'm the element of power... I should be able to give Peach quite a boost."

 

Serah closed her eyes and focused. But rather than focusing on herself or heat, she focused on Peach. A slow stream of red energy crossed the space between the two, growing like the roots of a tree. The magical aura around Peach pulsed and was ever so slightly tinged with red.

Edited March 29, 2012 by Legendary Emerald

[Deshi Bashara 6]

Cole continued to attack Discord, bucking him in the face and slamming into him at random locations. Just as the god would strike him, he would dodge out of the way. "Keep giving him all you've got!" he shouted to the other pegasi.

 

Discord snarled, his eyes narrowing to an angry glare. He reached out a claw and swatted Cole to the ground. "Ugh!" the pegasus grunted, before rolling to the side to avoid a stab from said claw. It plunged into the ground and stuck there. Good, he's all riled up. Misery said. Now keep him busy for a few more minutes and give your friend time to charge up.

 

Cole nodded, looking in time to see Serah transfer some of her power to Peach. I'll do what I can. he answered, going back into the air. "Hey! Over here!" he called out to Discord, trying to attract his attention.

[PeachPalette 1,000]

Just when Peach felt her heart beat to it's breaking point, just when she was going to fall to the ground, she felt an a sensation wash over her. It was both cool and warm at the same time, mighty yet soft, terrifying yet relaxing. Her eyes began to pulsate with every aura of the elements. All of her friends, lending their magic, their energy to her. A smile spread along her face from cheek to cheek knowing exactly what needed to be done.

 

Discord, obviously feeling her new burst of power slowly turned to face her, his anger numbed by a weighing shadow. It was a shadow he now feared. He felt his body stiffen. "P-peach, heh," Discord stammered with a nervous smile. "Y-you...you don't want to do this. The...uh...world needs chaos at one time or another!"

 

Peach's glowing eyes narrowed. "No Discord," she said. Her words no longer strained.

 

Discord looked down and let out a desperate roar, "NOOO!" His tail was still and cold. Stone. His chest heaved as his eyes frantically shifted from side to side, landing on Peach again. He dropped to his knees, his paw and talon clasping together. He was groveling. Begging not to be closed off into his stone prison again. "Please! PeachPalette, d-don't do this. I...I can stop! I can learn to keep the balance of things!"

 

Peach was silent as she focused on the climbing stone, it now slowly crawling up to his midsection.

 

Discord pulled reading glasses from behind him and placed them on his face. "You wouldn't turn a guy in glasses into stone would you?" She smiled another nervous smile. The stone was climbing and he was losing time. He lifted a brow noticing she was ignoring every plea. "ARGH!" He ripped the glasses from his face in frustration, and tossed them just for them to disappear into the air. He growled and glared down at her. "You will rue the day! I was stronger this time. I will be stronger when I get free again!"

 

Peach gasped suddenly. Something was not right. Her power was suddenly...depleting. Her eyes lost their glow as she starred wide eyed at what she was seeing. The stone as...reversing. It was disappearing, moving back down is body again. No! Discord smiled at her, crossing his arms leisurely, now feeling as if he had all the time in the world. What was happening? Why was this reversing itself? Her worried eyes scanned the area. They fell on SiFi as he still looked very unsure of what to do.

 

"SiFi!" She yelled out. "Help me!"

[Nathan Fink 22]

SiFi simply could not bring himself to move. His mind was pulled in so many different directions. What was she asking of me? To help her defeat a GOD? Im...im just one simple earth pony. What could i possibly do to bring down a force like chaos incarnate? Going down in history was tempting, he would give her that. But doubt struck at him throughout his mind. It was only a silly dream he had and silly dreams never come true. He could never truly belong in the books with so many great and powerful ponies that had come before him. It could simply never happen. Besides, he thought even if he had an element, which one could i possibly possess? He chuckled at himself. Self doubt. Yes, that one seemed to fit him just right at the moment. He had always kept to himself, lost in his ever continuing reading and studying. He hardly even knew how to be social.

 

He took a few steps back. "I'm...im sorry. I just...don't know what to do." He stepped back as his eyes shifted from Peach, then to Discord as he watched the stone fade back and finally disappear off of the tip of his tail. Flight set in. All he wanted to do was run....go back home where it was quiet and normal. He flinched as Discord stretched and then eyed him with a wink as a 'thank you' even though saving him was never SiFi's intention.

[Marcato 2,143]

"NO!" Silver called out as he saw Peaches spell failing. He summed up his magic, since SiFi wasn't going to help, and sent her energy as much as he could without taking his focus off of Discord. "Hold firm! Keep at it everyone! We can't give up now!" He called to everyone around him. My plan is failing... What went wrong? Silver thought. He looked back towards SiFi who wasn't doing anything. "SIFI! We need you to help! We can only defeat him if all of us join together, and that means ALL OF US!" This was not the calm Silver that was headstrong from earlier. Silver was beginning to panic.

 

"Hahahahaha! Look at this! How entertaining! I'm afraid its too late for that Silver." Silver heard Discord laughing at his desperation and panic. "You're in my home land! This is where my power is strongest. I simply cannot be defeated here." Silver was plain annoyed now, but he realised Discord made another strategic blunder. "Thanks for the tip Discord!" Silver said to the creature. "What? What tip?" Discord said, obviously noticing that Silver was not being sarcastic. "You just told me how to defeat you. If we can't beat you here, there is one place we can beat you!" Silver said triumphantly. Discord, suddenly realizing his mistake, immediately struck Silver with another flurry of memories. However Silver was still connected to Discord by his magic, and Discord took his own magic strait back in a loop around.

 

"Listen everyone! Discord cannot be defeated here in his own realm! We need to get out of here and back to where Ponyville is!" Silver called to everyone. "SiFi! You have got to join us or we still won't be able to beat him! I am begging you to help us!" Silver cried in desperation. He took Peaches place while she attempted to regain her hold and held Discord himself with what he could. His eyes dashed in different directions trying to find some way to make SiFi help.

Edited March 30, 2012 by Silver Arrow

[Wolfe 71]

She unleashed the most massive burst of magic she could from her horn, willing every bit of power within her body into it. Determination... determination! This can, and it will happen. Give me the final strength I need, element inside of me! It came swirling out towards Discord as a crimson light, which converged together into the shape of a glimmering canine creature. Artsy's energy creature opened up its mouth, bearing fearsome fangs, and sank them straight into DIscord's shoulder as it collided head-on with the beast.

 

It was too much for her though. Her fragile body had finally had enough of her determined antics. With that massive burst, the glow around Artsy dissipated as her body fell from mid-air. She had a final thought within her mind before she felt the last of her energy leave her...

 

With that, she shut her eyes and let the embrace of sleep capture her gently, not caring how rough her fall would be or even if she had died at the moment. Everything went to black, and there were no more thoughts in her unconscious mind.

Brave looked onto the insane power that Artsy and Peach were pulling through to stop Discord. Same with everyone else pulling in their weight to lend their power. He wondered if he was able to do this sort of thing as well. Everyone else was either a unicorn or a pegasus. Can an regular, ol' pony without wings or a tail do anything like it? As soon as it seemed as if things were going their way, Artsy dropped from the air after doing that powerful magical attack. What!? What happened?! He ran toward Artsy's falling body with such a pace, still straining from the wounded burn he has. Now would be a good time to have hands. He quickly thought to jump and tilt his body so his underside would catch Artsy, but leaving his back to break their fall. He went for it regardless. As soon as he was close, he jumped and threw his back legs forward to act as a net for Artsy. The weight caught onto Brave, and they flew down faster. *WHAM* Artsy looked relatively safe. Brave, though, became winded.

 

"ARTSY!" She cried out. She could only watch as the tan unicorn fell to the ground, exhausted, and drained of power. Peach close her eyes tightly fighting the urge to run to her aid. No! I have to hold him! One slip and...it would be over for all of us!

 

She opened one eye spotting SiFi. She knew his expression all too well for it happened to her too. She pulled more of Discord's twisted energy into herself. If he can do it, she thought to herself, then I should be able to. She focused.

 

"SiFi...please listen to me," She sent him an exhausted, half smile once she knew her voice had caught his attention. Her voice continued to ring within his mind. "Discord will give you none of that. He is chaos and disharmony, remember? Listen for what I will tell you is the truth. With your help we will defeat him. And when we do that, your name will BE in books...in novels. Fillies will be taught of your bravery in the time of need. All of Equestria will owe their lives to you. These innocent pawns that Discord sent here...will owe their lives to you. SiFi...become a part of history. Realize your element! Use it! Help us!"

Getupgetupgetup... Slowly, Brave rose from the ground with his hurt back, burned side, and winded lungs. Both of them need all of our help... unngh... He laid a hoof on Artsy her and looked at Peach as well. Somehow, he was transferring energy to both of them. They needed it more than he did. At that time, his eyes gave a deeper blue glow now, but again, Brave did not notice, or rather couldn't. He was giving up 100% for em. Discord had to go down now. He felt like dropping, but his will told him to keep going.

 

Just when Peach felt her heart beat to it's breaking point, just when she was going to fall to the ground, she felt an a sensation wash over her. It was both cool and warm at the same time, mighty yet soft, terrifying yet relaxing. Her eyes began to pulsate with every aura of the elements. All of her friends, lending their magic, their energy to her. A smile spread along her face from cheek to cheek knowing exactly what needed to be done.

 

Peach gasped suddenly. Something was not right. Her power was suddenly...depleting. Her eyes lost their glow as she starred wide eyed at what she was seeing. The stone as...reversing. It was disappearing, moving back down is body again. No! Discord smiled at her, crossing his arms leisurely, now feeling as if he had all the time in the world. What was happening? Why was this reversing itself? Her worried eyes scanned the area. They fell on SiFi as he still looked very unsure of what to do.

 

"SiFi!" She yelled out. "Help me!"

Brave was giving his all in transferring energy to both ponies. Artsy to reach consciousness, and Peach to maintain the hold on Discord. He felt his vision fading, but he kept pushing. Farther and farther than he could do so as a human. Or maybe what he wished or hoped he could. Once he heard Peach needing SiFi's power to help out, he also called out to him with what he could do at his current state.

 

SiFi... lend your power... Peach needs you...

 

Brave could only mutter that out at an audible distance to SiFi. He didn't turn around to look at him either. Brave tried to gasp for breath, but couldn't catch it. At that point, his energy transfer to both ponies stopped. Brave just stood there on the edge of unconsciousness. He deals with a severe burn, a hurt back, and is in a winded state, yet Brave stands firm. He keeps standing to stave off the unconsciousness trying to overpower him. For Artsy and Peach. For Silver and SiFi. For everyone. His eyes glow even brighter, for whatever reason they may be.

[PeachPalette 1,000]

Discord stretched out his arms and arched his back. His arms curled as if to flex his tensed muscles. He let out a mighty roar as Peach's magical barrier around him exploded back in her direction, knocking her off her weakened hooves and back several feet. Her limp body, flung like a rag doll into the strange fine sand. Dust picked up around her, and covered her peach coat.

 

The mighty god seemed to have gained back just enough power to dismiss her hold on him. With a swift flap of his miss matched wings, he lifted himself into the air far above the rest of the ponies. "Well, well, ponies...it seems your group IS broken!" Discord called down to them. He took a moment to clap his paw and talon together. "Oh but an A for effort is in order. You REALLY got me. I thought I was a goner for a second there."

 

He threw his head back and laughed as a wind picked up around the ponies, the dust from the ground riding with the wind until a mighty tornado of sorts was formed. No matter how hard the ponies fought the force of the winds, their small bodies were no match for it. One by one they were sucked into the giant dust devil. "You better prepare, ponies. You may have weakened me now. But, I am not done with you, and also PLEASE do remember," He paused as he watched them helplessly be imprisoned by the wind. "The longer you stay...the stronger I will become!" His voice faded off as if they were leaving a dream, then everything was black.

 

Birds were chirping and the sun was shining brightly in the middle of Ponyville. It was as if there was no cold. No snow. No terrible earthquakes or looming vortexes breaking from the ground. Resident ponies gathered around the group who all lay on the ground, getting up one by one bewildered and very confused as to what just happened.

 

She was still for a moment. Her ears rang at a terrible frequency. Slowly the sounds of her friend's voices morphed into audible words. Her eyes groggily opened to find that Discord had vanished from their sights...and...they were in...Ponyville again? An untouched Ponyville at that. "NO!" She tried to get up only for her knees to buckle under her, collapsing to the ground again. Tears began to form in her eyes as she covered them with her hooves. "I had him...WE had him..."

Edited March 30, 2012 by PeachPalette

[Marcato 2,143]

Silver slowly pulled himself up. "I... i cant believe it..." he began. "We were so close... how did he break free?" He was having a difficult time wrapping his head around the whole thing. What went wrong? Discord wouldn't send the back to this world if we would be able to beat him here... was Discord misleading Silver from the start?

 

Silver cursed at the fact he had underestimated Discords own strategy. How could he not have seen it? Discord wasn't dumb. He refused to tell them his plan at the first meeting while any other villain would have pounced on the idea. (How could i have not seen through it?) Silver thought...

 

He looked around. The weather appeared to be normal, of course Silver had a hard time believing anything now. He walked over to Peach. "I think i may know what went wrong." He said to her. "We weren't all ready for it. Not all of us had discovered our talents in time, and not all of us were able to join together when we finally needed to." He said to Peach. "At least, i believe that's the problem. I may be wrong. I just hope we can learn to work together." With that, Silver suddenly remembered Artsy, who had collapsed unconscious.

 

He ran over to her immediately to see if she was okay. He looked for any injuries and tried to heal them as best he could with his magic. (I hope she's alright.) Silver thought. If it wasn't for her they would likely all be dead. (Yet another person i owe my life to.) Silver grumbled to himself in his mind. But then again, Silver wasn't the hero, and he knew that. He was the strategist. The one behind the scenes. The only thing he was good at after that was bow and arrow, and he couldn't use that here...

 

Or could he? Now that he had mastered some of his magic, perhaps he could use that? He put the thought aside for the moment and began walking around checking in on everyone, seeing if they were injured and healing them if he could. Then he saw Brave. (Oh shoot!) He thought. "Brave are you okay?" He said running over to Brave. "Oh my gosh... you must have been hit by one of my fireballs! I'm sorry, once i was unconscious i couldn't control them..." he explained. He focused his magic on Brave and began trying to heal his burns. "Wait..." he said. "Better idea... this may be a little cold." Focusing his energy into a new form, he made some water appear and poured it on the burn. "That should make it feel better." Silver said. Silver felt awful for using that fireball attack and causing so much trouble with it.

[Electrobolt 2,069]

"Mmm..." Electrobolt mumbled as he slowly opened his eyes. Once his eyes were open, he looked around at his surroundings. *Wait...* he thought. *How did we get back here...? Wasn't it snowing here before, as well...? And what about Discord...?* He tried to get back on his hooves, but wound up hitting the ground again. *Ugh... Why am I...* He then recalled that he transferred a fair amount of his strength over to Peach when she was trying to hold Discord back. *Oh, right... And to think... We were so close, too...*

[Aureity 3,055]

Crystal Flame blinked in confusion. His head was pounding, and he could barely remember much. A second ago he had been flying over Discord's head....then there was an explosion, and he had been knocked backwards. And now he was...back in Ponyville. He glanced around blearily. "Everyone all right...?" He jumped to his feet. Being knocked back had been pretty painful, but he was still at nearly full strength. He sighed as he realized this. If only I had a horn like those unicorns. I could have helped give some of my energy to those who needed it. Maybe he should have tried harder. Yes, he really should have...

 

He wrestled with his guilty conscience for a bit, then decided better of it-there was no point wasting his energy arguing with himself. A few shiny coins caught his eye as he mulled over his actions, and he curiously trotted forward to pick them up. These were the currency of Ponyville, he was sure. He still didn't know what they were called, but that didn't matter. Money bought food. "If no one needs anything, I'll go fly around a bit. Erm...I'll try to get you guys something to eat." Taking a few steps back, he threw himself into the air again-it was faster than walking, after all-and headed to the nearest food stand.

 

He returned a few miutes later with a few apple pies and a container of apple juice. He carefully set them down next to the group, half of which seemed to be still lying on the ground unconscious. "Sorry," he muttered to the ones who were awake. "I just got the first thing I saw, and this blond cowpony with a southern accent was selling apple-themed food, so..."