The Little Pony Legend 3: The Great Change

by MaggiesHeartLove

Two Princesses. One Soul.

At long last, both Korra and Twilight's wings grew back. They could fly once more. Korra's body no longer hurt from the bruises, because they were now healed. She herself couldn't believe it, it was almost as if they were never there. But there was still one problem.
Make that two problems.
Even though Korra was now physically supposedly able to walk again…she still couldn't. Her feet hurt whenever she tried to get up on her own, she stumbled and landed on the ground. It was strange, not even Leilani could figure out what was wrong with Korra. Logically speaking, she should be the picture of health by now…but she wasn't. Even Korra didn't know why this was happening. She drank the medicine, she rested her magic so it would heal her insides quicker, her wings grew back, and her muscles were as strong as they use to be.
But she still couldn't stand up by herself for no more than a second. This worried many.
The second problem was Twilight. Her scar was suppose to be healed by now, but it still remained, and the poor alicorn limped when she walked. Once the girls heard about each other's conditions, their guilt only increased.
Korra knew that she would not be able to perform her Avatar and Princess responsibilities like this. This was really strange, how could she not be able to walk? Eventually, she came to only one solution…
Katara.
The woman was the best healer, maybe she could do something to help Korra. The elderly waterbender did have some waters from the Spirit Oasis of the North Pole, maybe its healing properties could help Korra. It was a long shot but since magic didn't help, maybe bending would.
With Asami and five of the Mane Six, as well as Tenzin and Jinora and Spike, wheeled Korra's chair towards the docks. The Avatar was then embraced by her spirit 'children', San, Ali and Mika who chirped happily as they nuzzled their little faces against her cheeks. Mako and Bolin came by, along with Flash Sentry, came to see Korra off before she left to the South Pole with her dad, mom and Kya. Mako kneeled down beside her and handed her one of her favorite flowers; a single white rose.
"Mako, it's beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you." he replied with a loving smile before kissing her forehead.
Bolin smiled at his long time friend, "Now don't take this the wrong way, but I can't wait for you to leave."
Mako's eyes widened and he glared angrily at his brother, who in return received a smack in the head from Rarity. "How else is she suppose to take that but the wrong way, pray tell?"
"I mean just because I've never had a pen pal before. I'm gonna write you so many letters and, just to get the ball rolling, here;" Bolin took a letter from his pocket and handed it to Korra, "spoiler alert: Pabu and I already miss you."
Korra genuinely smiled at Bolin's sweet gesture, "Thanks. That's sweet."
"Are you sure you don't want some company in the south pole?" Fluttershy asked as she placed her hands on her shoulder, "We'd be happy to come with you."
Korra just shook her head, "I appreciate it but I'll only be gone for a couple of weeks. A little time back home would be good for me."
Jinora looked around, realizing that there was one friend missing. "Where's Twilight?"
Asami and the Ponies gestured to Jinora with a 'neck cut' hand gesture, telling her not to talk about it in front of Korra. The Avatar lowered her gaze, sadly. "I already send her a letter saying where I was going."
Tenzin placed a hand on her shoulder, "I don't want you to worry about a thing while you're gone. Your recovery should be your number one concern. I'm sure the Ponies and the airbenders can handle things in the mean time."
Korra nodded her head graciously, "I'll be okay, I'm sure Katara can figure out what's wrong with my legs."
The Ponies then embraced Korra in a loving group hug. "We'll mis ya, Kors" said Rainbow Dash.
"Take care, suguarcube."
"See you soon."
"Go easy on yourself, darling."
Pinkie Pie was the very last to end the hug, before smiling and *squee* before releasing the Avatar. "And I'm going to write you every day! So don't forget to check your mail."
"I promise." Korra said with a smile.
"Pinkie Promise?"
"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Pinkie Pie once again hugged Korra, making her smile like she always did.
"Say bye to mommy, kids." Mako said to the spirit trio, who all chirped a 'goodbye' to Korra as she got onto the ship, sailing away to the south pole. She waved to her friends who waved back.
Asami; "Bye, Korra!"
Mako; "Get well soon, sweetie. Love you."
Bolin; "Don't forget to write."
Fluttershy; "Bye Korra."
Rainbow; "We'll miss you."
Spike; "Take care!"
Flash; "See you soon!"
Korra waved them all goodbye with a smile, but it soon faded as she looked on at the statue of Avatar Aang, spotting a familiar purple figure sitting on his shoulder, looking downcast as the ship left the harbor and off to sea.

While Korra was at the south pole, Twilight did what she could to go on with her life. After a week, Princess Celestia called on Twilight to the Crystal Empire to welcome the duke and duchess of Maretonia. Bolin had decided to accompany them, however Mako and Asami could not due to work. Despite being the only human with them, he took this opportunity to take in the breathtaking sight before him, which he never got tired of seeing.
As Bolin, the Mane Six, Spike and Flash Sentry, wearing his royal guard uniform, strolled across the Crystal Empire towards the crystal palace. Spike walked ahead, smiling proudly.
"Seems like only yesterday I was saving this place from being totally destroyed. Hey, you guys remember that?" the dragon asked as he leaned against his gigantic crystal statue of himself holding the Crystal Heart with his right claw. Bolin's eyes widened in wonder as the statue shimmered in the sunlight. It never got old.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as she flew along with her friends, "You only mentioned it about fifteen times on the train here."
Rarity arched an eyebrow, "Yes, and we never hear a peep out of you about your exploits." she said sarcastically, making the pegasus give her an embarrassed smile.
"Heh, point taken."
Twilight's leg was still bandaged as she walked ahead of her friends. Her boyfriend, wearing his armor, looked at her with concern. "You sure you're up for this? Celestia did say you didn't have to come if you didn't feel well."
The princess smiled sweetly, "I'll be fine. I'm glad you all wanted to come," she said to her friends as she came to a halt and the rest followed. "but I don't think it's gonna be that exciting. I pretty much just have to smile and wave as the dignitaries arrive….like I always do."
Bolin looked at his friend with concern, and then tried to lift up her spirits, "Hey, chin up, I bet it'll be loads of fun!"
"Boly is right, darling." said Rarity, "At least you get to smile and wave like a princess."
Applejack arced an eyebrow, "How exactly is that different than smilin' and wavin' like not a princess?"
"It isn't." Twilight looked downcast as her pony ears lowered in sadness.
"What's wrong, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked with concern.
Pinkie Pie came up to her face, comically stretching it, "Why the looooooooong face?"
Twilight rubbed her chin from Pinkie's pull, "I've just been feeling a little restless lately."
"Having the nightmares again?" Flash asked with concern.
"Yeah. I thought maybe coming here would help take my mind off of things. But still, it doesn't seem that my role as a princess equates to all that much. I feel like I've hit a wall."
"That's just silly." said Bolin, "You've got a real important role in Equestria." he squatted down and lifted up her chin to look at him, "Princess Celestia wouldn't have asked you to come today if she didn't think so."
Twilight smiled at his reassuring words, "I guess you're right."
"Of course I'm right." he said proudly.
"Now hurry along!" said Rarity, "You don't want to risk having that important role diminished because you were tardy for your regal meet-and-greet."

Flash stood before the guards as the trumpets fanfare. The pegasus spoke in a loud enough voice for all to hear as he announced the visiting dignitaries.
"The Duke and Duchess of Maretonia!"
The Crystal Pony residents cleared the path for the duke and duchess. The duke was an orange earth pony with an egyptian-styled wardrobe and headset decorated in gold and colored royal purple. His long robe was strong aquamarine added with a purple robe, lined with gold edges and patterns in similar color to his main robe. The duchess was a white unicorn wearing a rather large silver headdress symbolizing the sun with various amethyst gems around it, a long purple dress with a magenta cape bellowing behind her. The four alicorns, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Queen Leilani stepped forward and bowed before the two ponies, who bowed in return. From the crystal palace balcony, Princess Twilight used her magic to untie the rope around a large banner, revealing it to all. Everypony clapped once they saw it and Twilight waved with a smile from high above as the dignitaries and alicorns walked inside the palace.
"That was it?" Spike asked in disbelief, "Princess Celestia had you come all the way to the Crystal Empire just to do that?" seeing the princess once again loosing her uplifted spirits, Spike tried to soften the blow, "I mean, whoa, really regal and important!" he laughed nervously before receiving a whack on the head by Applejack.
But Twilight knew where he was getting at. Maybe coming here was a bad idea after all.

That night, Twilight kept in tossing and turning in her sleep. Her scarred leg was wrapped in bandages, and as she turned her blanket fell from her bed and onto the floor. The alicorn was sweating, her eyebrows twitched as the images replayed in her head.
Zaheer attacking Korra, her being poisoned, Korra's burning her arm, her best friend fainting in her father's arms, and Zaheer's wicked laughter.
"AH!"
Twilight jolted up, taking in deep breaths, her irises slightly shrunk due to her terror and her heart was beating fast. Spike also jolted up, screaming just like Twilight.
"AH! Twilight! What's wrong?"
The alicorn couldn't find her voice, her deep inhales prevented her from speaking and the sweat dripped from her brows, her heart beating like a drum. Spike looked on at her with concern before getting off of his own bed and placing a supportive claw on her shoulder.
"Easy, take it easy. I'll go get you some water." as Spike walked down to get Twilight's a drink, the alicorn looked up at the moon.
Her mind quickly drifted to her Avatar friend.

Just like Twilight, Korra's heart was pounding, she too had the same nightmare. This was already becoming so infuriating for her. Her health was fine, her overpowering the poison only proved that Zaheer was not strong enough to defeat her and after all she had done, she became known as a wonderful princess and Avatar to everyone.
So why was she still having nightmares? Why was she still so scared about what happened. The answer came to her rather quickly as she looked down at her legs.
They could not stand. Perhaps her magic was not strong enough after all. Maybe Zaheer did do much more damage than they realized. If Korra couldn't move and fight like she used to…what was it?
What if she would never walk again, or at least for a really, really long time. Sure she could fly, but that still wasn't enough. She felt so helpless. But that wasn't the only thing bugging her. Not only was she suffering…but her best friend was too…
And all because of her.
The truth was undeniable; Korra may be a hero to the airbenders, but to her friend….she was a failure.
The Avatar looked at the moon from the wide open window of her room.

(No way Out, by Phil Collins)

Everywhere I turn I hurt someone
But there's nothing I can say to change the things I've done
I'd do anything within my power
I'd give everything I've got
But the path I seek is hidden from me now
(music)

My Little Pony
I let you down
You trusted me, believed in me and I let you down
No matter how many times I've tried
I cannot hide the shame
And I pray someone
Something will come
To take away the pain

Back in Ponyville, Twilight walked out to her balcony, singing to the moon, unknowingly, alongside Korra.

Twilight;
There's no way out of this dark place
No hope
No future

(music)
I know I can't be free
But I can't see another way

Korra;
And I can't face another day
(music)

Korra and Twilight;
No matter how many times I've tried
I cannot hide the shame
And I pray someone
Something will come
To take away the pain!
There's no way out of this dark place
No hope.
No future.

Twilight;
Oh, oh, oh, oh

Korra and Twilight;
I know I can't be free
But I can't see another way...
And I can't face another day

For the next few days, Korra spent her nights looking up at the Northern Lights, she couldn't bare to go back to sleep, knowing the images of her experience would continue to haunt her. She remained in her robes, silently watching the southern lights dancing across the sky. She sensed another presence, but she did not turn around. Her mother kneeled beside her. Like her daughter, she too was in robes and had her hair down.
"Can't sleep again?" she asked softly. Korra simply dropped her head to her chest in response. Senna kneeled beside her daughter. "Honey, your father and I have tried to give you as much space as you've needed, but we're worried. You're not sleeping, you're barely eating. We don't want to push you, but it's been three weeks. Will you please go see Katara?"
Korra was hesitant for a moment, but then she closed her eyes and answered, "Okay…I'll go."
Senna sighed as she hugged her daughter, "You're gonna get through this. I love you so much." Unseen by Senna, Korra closed her eyes, and a tear rolled down her face.

In Ponyville, Spike was making breakfast with the assistance of Owliwisious. "Twilight! Your grass pancakes are ready!" but to his surprise, Twilight did not answer. "Twilight?" Spike knew that she could not still be asleep at this hour. Curious and concerned, the dragon walked up the stairs and once he reached Twilight's bedroom, his eyes widened in complete shock.
"Twilight!"
The poor alicorn had collapsed on the floor, the scar on her leg had grown a bit in size, and it looked like a dark magenta, almost like a terrible bruise. Spike was terrified, for this had never happened before. He tried his hardest to help her up. The Princess needed medical care, and fast.

The next day, Korra was in Katara's hut, undergoing a healing session. She was in a two piece swim suite, a dark blue shirt with mini beach shorts, submerged from the neck down in a pool of water. She relaxed as Katara moved her arms, the glowing water moving rhythmically back and forth. Korra noticed that the elderly woman was very silent.
"You haven't said anything."
"I'm sorry, it's just that…" Katara lowered her arms and the water ceased its glowing, "I can't really find anything wrong with you physically. Then again, I never needed to heal a wounded half alicorn before."
"Then what's wrong with me? Why can't I walk?"
"I'm not sure. I can help guide your healing process, but whether you get better or not is up to you."
Korra sat up in the water, not looking at Katara. This was not what she wanted to hear. None of this made any sense to her. Katara empathized with Korra's pain, "I know what it's like to go through a traumatic experience. And I promise you, if you dedicate yourself to getting better, you'll recover, stronger than ever."
Korra looked up at her former waterbending master, her once bright eyes were now dull, almost lifeless, just as Zecora had once depicted.
"That's what I want. More than anything!"
"Then try something for me. Concentrate on your big toe." Korra looked down at her foot submerged in the water. "Visualize it moving. Breathe."
With a look of determination, Korra focused all of her concentration on moving her toe. After a few seconds, the big toe of her right foot twitched slightly, then moved more noticeably. Korra's depression instantly changed to exhilaration. Her brown hair swaying as she turned her head towards Katara, who noticed a spark in the young woman's eyes as she smiled softly.
"Did you see that? It worked!"

Zecora inspected Twilight's scar carefully while Spike remained a safe distance as the zebra once again bandaged the alicorn's leg. Twilight herself looked downcast. Emotionless, not even paying attention. The zebra had an ice packed attached to her leg and wrapped the wound in a sash around her neck.
"Is she going to be okay?" Spike asked with concern.
"This ice should stop the swelling, but the wound itself, I do not see it healing."
"I don't get it. She was able to walk fine before. Sure she limped a little but--"
"Forget it, Spike." Twilight simply walked towards the door, "Let's just go."
The zebra and dragon were all equally taken aback by Twilight's cold response. This was not the Twilight they knew and loved. Lately, she had been so distant with everyone, but now she barely even left her home. It truly frightened everyone.
"Wait Twilight, I'm sure Zecora can come up with something that can help with---"
"We're going home. Now."
Spike was silent as Twilight walked ahead of him. Zecora placed a comforting hoof on the little dragon's shoulder. "I understand your despair. And I agree her attitude is not fair."
"She's been like this ever since Korra went back to the south pole. Every night she's been having these nightmares and wakes up in the middle of the night screaming."
"Korra is not the only one who came close to dying. Fate had mercy, but it is the truth for which she is denying."
"What do you mean?" Spike asked curiously, "What is she denying?"
"Her connection to Korra's spirit is strong, no joke. The pain she felt was what caused her spirit's broke. If she is to come out of this flunk she is in, both she and Korra must find the peace from within."
"How?"
"That is an answer I can not give. Only they can be the ones to forgive."

Next, Katara had Korra to try and begin taking small steps. She used a set of parallel bars to support herself while Katara stood next to her, the wheelchair siting on the far side of the room next to a sleeping Naga.
"The mind can be a powerful ally, or your greatest enemy. Now, I want you to try taking a step."
With a struggling look on her face, Korra beaded with sweat from the exertion of holding herself up, looking down at her unresponsive feet. As she tried to move her left leg, her expression suddenly changed to terror as another vision overtook her: the metallic poison forcing itself into her arms, searing furiously as she screamed in pain, then she witnessed Twilight Sparkle, a scream equal to hers, mainly due to Korra burning her arm, wounding her even more than she already was. As the vision ended, Korra's hands relinquished their grip on the bars, and she fell on her face, covering her head in shame. Katara kneeled beside her, speaking softly,
"It's okay. Your body thinks it is still in danger, but you're safe here." Naga walked up behind the two. "Use your mind to overcome the pain. Try again."
But Korra refused to go through that again. "I'm done for today."

"Dear Korra, it's Rainbow Dash.
Just wanted to see how you were doing. I'm pretty sure you're already swamped with all kinds of letters from the others. We all miss you like crazy, me especially. You have to promise, when you get back we'll have an arm wrestle match, just like the old days! Though, no pressure or anything.
Guess what, I've been thinking about joining the Republic City Police force. Yeah, I know it's a shock but I guess you really inspired me. I'll send you more details on it latter.
I can't wait to see you again.
Love R.D"
…………………………….
"Dear Korra,
I miss you. It's not the same in Republic City without you. How are you feeling? Things are going well here. I just got a big contract to help redesign the city's infrastructure, so I'll be keeping pretty busy for a while. You're probably wondering if me and Bolin are…well, no we're not. I'm sorry but, I'm afraid it didn't work out. He's been going out with Opal now and, he seems happy. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be. But what I really care about is how you're doing. I hope you can come back soon.
Your friend, Asami."
……………………………….
"Hey, Honey.
Sooo, I'm not very good at writing letters. It's 2:15 in the afternoon, weather is fair, chance of snow showers later today. But enough joking around. I hope you're dong well. Me, I'm back on the beat. Beifong has me staking out the Red Monsoon hideout, you won't believe what's going down. Did Rainbow Dash tell you she was joining the police force? Got me by surprise too.
Ali, San and Mika really miss you too. I never stop thinking about you. I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true. Even though we're far apart, the thought of you always keeps me going. Every time I think about your laugh, your eyes, your kisses, just makes any gloomy day seem brighter. I promise, when you get back, I'll treat you to a romanic picnic under the stars beside our tree in the park, just like we did on our first date.
Get well soon my princess. Love, Mako."
……………………………….
"Dear, Korra.
I'm not good at writing letters, so I'll give it my best shot. Things are going pretty well on our end. Mako and Bolin finally managed to move into a new apartment, free of vines…well, mostly, but hey the kids need a good place to play, right? And guess what? They asked me to move in with them! Can you believe it? I'm actually going to see what it's like to live with brothers of my own.
But in all honesty, I have you to thank for all of this. You've always inspired me to follow my gut and go for it. I can't thank you enough for your influence on me.
I am forever grateful.
Sincerely, Flash Sentry."
……………………………….
"Dear, Korra.
I really don't know what else to say other than I miss you. Pinkie Pie and I are doing great with the airbenders, and I'm actually getting a lot faster and more agile. Yay.
I've been having a wonderful time caring for the animals here on the island, and I always tell them great stories about you. They really seem to love them.
I hope we can see each other again soon.
Sincerely, Fluttershy."
……………………………….
"Korra, darling.
Words can not begin to express how empty life around here is without you, and that's saying a lot coming from me.
I've been busy working on a new fashion line, inspired by you. I call it, "Korra Koture". I send you some samples on the new line which is becoming a bit hit here in Ponyville. I'm actually thinking about expanding my business into your world. I promise to send you the official new outfit for each line before anyone else sees them. But, no matter how much I try, these cloths fall pale in comparison to you.
No matter what anyone else says, to me you are always beautiful.
Your friend, Rarity."
……………………………….
"Howdy, Korra!
Pretty sure you heard this from the rest of the team, but we miss ya like vampire fruit bat misses apples. Things are pretty normal around here in the farm. You know me, I'm a traditional kind of gal.
Did you hear Rainbow is joining the police? Boy did that catch us off guard. Rarity's been working really hard on a new fashion line. Inspired by you no less. Though I can't say I'm that surprised.
Apple Bloom and the Crusaders miss ya too, and even send ya some drawings. Also, Granny Smith made your favorite: home made fresh apple pie! Hang in there, hon.
Sincerely, Applejack."
……………………………….
"Hey, Korra!
It's me, Pinkie Pie! This is really great that you're getting this letter, you have no idea how much I LOVE writing letters to my friends, and writing to you is tons of fun!
Things are okay here, but a lot of folks get sad that you're not around, so I always do what I do best…
THROW A PARTY!!!
When you get back, I promise to throw you the most amazing, most supper, duper awesomest welcome back home party you've ever had!
Would you like pink or blue frosting on your cake? You know what, we'll have both! In the mean time, the Cakes and I made you some delicious sugary cupcakes to make you feel better! They're your favorites; blueberry!
Hope to see you soon.
Love, Pinkie Pie.
P.S. Did you hear about Rainbow Dash?"
……………………………….
"My dearest Avatar Korra,
Though several fortnights have passed since your departure to convalesce in the homeland of your tribesmen, I feel our friendship knows neither time ... nor distance. You will be most pleased to know that I have found happiness with the fair Opal and also, your one true love, my brother, misses you dearly. I hope we will be reunited again soon."
Sincerely, with lots of love, your friend Bolin.
By the way, did you hear about Rainbow Dash? Talk about a shock."
……………………………….
"Hey, Korra!
It's your favorite dragon, Spike. Nothing much has been happening around here. Everybody else seems to be doing just fine, the airbenders are doing such great deeds like you wouldn't believe and the Earth Queen has really improved Ba Sing Se. You're probably wishing you were here to help out, but you don't have to feel down. I may not know much about medicine and stuff, but I do know that not all suffering lasts forever. So just hang in there.
Did you get a letter from Twilight recently? I haven't seen her in a while. She said she was going to visit Princess Cadance at the Crystal Empire, but I haven't heard from her since. I hope you're doing better, I know a tough cookie like you can't be kept down for long.
I really miss you.
Lots of love, Spike."
……………………………….
With each letter she read she could already envision her friends' voices. Smiling, laughing, saying how much they love and miss her. But there was one letter from a friend from which she did not receive…
She should have known Twilight would not write back. The poor alicorn was just as effected by the experience as she was. Twilight had never gone through something as horrible as getting beaten up so brutally, having her wings clipped and feeling the very pain Korra felt when she was being poisoned. Twilight's scar remained, and the poor pony could not shake away the memories of the experience. Every night, she was haunted by memories of Ghazan and Ming-Hua beating her up so badly and without mercy, and the mercury poison that nearly took her best friend away, and the very friend who burned her, by accident sure, but the searing pain was undeniably unbarring. She couldn't fight her way out, she was helpless. She wanted to help her friend, but she failed. Twilight always felt she meant something whenever she was with Korra, helping her fight evil, how to be a good friend and how to intelligently come out of any situation. But now, she was once again in the same place as she was before;
A princess without a purpose.
She couldn't keep doing this. She silently approached a sleeping Spike, leaving a letter beside his bed, near another letter he was planning on sending to Korra along with other letters from their friends.
"Dear, Spike.
I'm sorry I had to leave like this, but I think I need some time away to clear my head. I just don't understand what's wrong with me. Why I keep having these nightmares and why my scar is suddenly preventing me from walking normally. Besides, I'm not really needed here, and I doubt I'll be of much help. I'm going to visit my brother and Cadance at the Crystal Empire. Maybe some time there will help. I'll send you letters about how I'm doing.
Love, Twilight."
The young alicorn flapped her wings and soared through the skies. Both she and Korra shared another thing in common.
At the moment…they both felt worthless.