Celestia had not yet reached the limits of her power. At the same time as she kept her magical will clamped firmly on the ground, doing everything she could to neutralize the earthquake, she struck out with bolts of light at the encroaching Nightmares, while Hero dashed around to slam himself into them with the single-minded purpose of his namesake.

Celestia had no connection to the Elements any more, but she still had a purpose -- to inspire, to rally. The solar princess hovered in the center of battle, giving her all, with radiant light and warmth beaming from her as she fought against the darkness, and challenged the bearers of the Elements to do the same.