Twilight sees what Equestia would be like if she never went to ponyville
After being hassled by her friends while trying to do some work, Twilight calls out she wished she never came to Ponyville. Then that night Luna uses her dreamwalking powers to show her just how things would have turned out.
In the magical land of Equestia there was a small town called Ponyville. In that small town there lived six very special ponies, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and last but not least Twilight Sparkle.
These ponies were special because there were the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, six powerful jewels that, when they're needed, could protect Equestia and every-pony living in it.
On the day this story starts, Twilight was in her library studying when all of the sudden...... CRASH
"Heh...Heh. Sorry about that Twi," Rainbow Dash called out as she got up after crashing in through the window.
"Its alright Rainbow," Twilight said, sighing, not looking up from her book to see the damage her friend had done.
"Well, if you're sure," Rainbow said rubbing her head looking around at all the books she had just made fall onto the floor.
Just then a pink lightning strike came rushing in. "Oh my goody goodness are you ok Rainbow Dash. I saw the whole thing," Pinkie Pie asked jumping all over the place. "First you were like 'Whoosh' then you were like 'Zoom' and then you were like crashing though Twi's window. Oh hi Twilight"
"Hello Pinkie" Twilight said getting just a little annoyed about the distractions.
"Yeah I'm alright Pinkie" Rainbow answered the question trying to be helpful and starting to pick up books.
Next came a quieter voice this one coming from a butter cream yellow Pegasus "Oh um... Hello Twilight, you don't have any baby bunny stories I can borrow do you?" Fluttershy asked barely louder than a whisper coming in not noticing all the books on the floor. "It's just it's their bed time in a few hours and they're getting bored of hearing the same stories over and over again."
"Top shelf on the left, that is if Rainbow didn't knock them down," Twilight said still not looking up and still getting more annoyed.
While Fluttershy was looking on the shelves where Twilight had pointed out, next to come in was the farm pony Applejack.
"Howdy y'all." then seeing all the books on the floor and seeing Rainbow Dash sheepishly picking them up with Pinkie Pie asked, "'Nother trick go wrong there Dash? I thought you were 'sposed to be the champion of the Best Young Flyers competition?" she said walking over to lend a helping hoof.
"I am!" Rainbow said staring at Applejack. "Its just... You know some tricks are sooo complicated that I forget how to do them."
"And then you go crashing though windows," Pinkie called out still jumping all over the place (but now with books on her head).
"Exactly," Rainbow said then realizing what just happened "Hey."
All the while Twilight was getting even more annoyed.
Last to come into the library was a platinum white Unicorn looking as beautiful as ever, Rarity.
"Oh Twilight darling, you don't suppose I could borrow Spike for a few hours do you?" she asked walking straight up to Twilight not noticing the two Iron Pony founders arguing, with a bouncy smiling Pinkie Pie and a scared looking Fluttershy asking them to calm down. "It's just I just got a huge order from, yet again, Sapphire Shores, and again she wants jewels on the costumes and well you know I don't like getting ugh dirty."
"Sorry Rarity..." Twilight answered on her final line still trying to concentrate. "He's not here. He got called to Canterlot for some reason. If he was here I think he would be helping the others wouldn't you?"
As she finished saying this, in walked a small purple and green dragon with a hobo stick over his shoulder. "Hey everypony."
That was the last straw for Twilight. "That's it. OUT. OUT. EVERYPONY OUT," she called finely looking up from her book her mane and tail bursting into flames. Not wanting to get hit with a spell from an angry Twilight every one in the library, even Spike, ran out the door. "YOU GUYS ARE SO ANNOYING, HONESTLY I WISH I'D NEVER CAME TO PONYVILLE ALL THOSE YEARS AGO!" she shouted out the door before slamming it.
All her friends looked at each other in silence before Applejack said to the door, "Be careful what you wish for Twi," then they all went their separate ways (Spike happily going with Rarity) and let Twilight be to re-shelve all the books that were still on the floor.
Up on the mountain over-shadowing Ponyville was the capital of Equestia, Canterlot. And out on her balcony Celestia, picking up Twilight's cries, sighed, knowing that this day would come eventually, and walked though the castle to the other side to see her sister Luna.
"Oh Sister, what a nice surprise," Luna said a little tired being a nocturnal pony woken up in the middle of the afternoon. "What brings you over to my side of the palace may I ask?"
"It finally happened Luna. Twilight had stated that she wished she never moved to Ponyville. Can you show her just how wrong she can be tonight?"
"Of course Tia," Luna said yawning "Now if you please excuse me. Good day Sister."
Back in Ponyville that night, Twilight had the library to herself. Spike still being a little scared at her reaction earlier that day and seeing how, to his annoyance, Sweetie Belle was staying with Rarity, was over at Sweet Apple Acres with Applejack.
All the books were neatly put back on the shelves in the correct and proper places just like they were before Rainbow Dash knocked them all down, and Twilight was getting into bed.
"Goodnight Spike"
...
"Oh yeah...," Twilight remembered that she kicked him out with the rest of her friends. Then she went over to her trunk and got out her fillyhood bed-time toy Smarty Pants and went back to bed. After saying goodnight to Smarty Pants she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Up in Canterlot, after she had raised the moon, Luna began one of the other powers she had, being the Princess of the Night, and started dream walking until she found the door to Twilight Sparkle.
"Let's see if I still have it in me," she said, eyes turning white as she went though the door.
Twilight was having the best dream ever. She was walking down the aisle in a beautiful white wedding dress up to the alter towards Flash Sentry.
Celestia being the prepony cleared her throat as Twilight stepped up next to Flash. "Mares and Gentle-colts," she began "We are gathered here today to bind Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry in the everlasting line of marriage. If there is anyone here who thinks these two should not be wed let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
"I do," a voice called out but no one seemed to hear it apart from Twilight. In fact everyone was frozen, all apart from...
"Princess Luna?" Twilight asked still looking around "What are you doing here? Are you dream walking? What gives?" Twilight was asking getting annoyed that her best ever dream was being interrupted.
"Nice to see you too Twilight," Luna said smirking just a bit. "But to answer your questions; Yes, I am dream walking, and I'm doing it because my Sister," she said pointing to Twilight's dream Celestia, "heard that you wished that you never came to Ponyville, so I have come to show you what it would be if that reality was this one."
Then the world around them began to ripple as though it were a puddle of water.
They were outside, in the dark, with black crystals all over the place, and everything was upside down.
Ducking to avoid some flying pigs, Twilight asked "Er... Princess what happened here?"
"Well, this is a world where you never went to Ponyville. In doing that you never met your friends, and so never retrieved the Elements of Harmony," Luna began "With the Elements not retrieved, there was no way to defeat Nightmare Moon, or Discord when they returned. And because you had no friends to go with you to the Crystal Empire to keep the fair going while you looked for the heart, even though Spike got it out to them in time, the Crystal Ponies were too scared to bind their will-powers for it to work when Sombra attacked."
"Well, well. What do we have here?" a rough villainous voice rang out behind them. "Another Unicorn I can use to bring even more treasure out of my Crystal mines."
Spinning around Twilight saw none other than King Sombra, horn bubbling black and fangs bared. She did the only thing she could think of. She ran.
"Oh no you don't," he called after her shooting streams of dark magic at her, barely avoiding her until at last he got a direct hit and she was knocked out.
Twilight woke up with a very bad headache not remembering what just happened.
Looking around she saw that she was in some sort of dungeon?
"Where.... where am I?" she asked to no one in particular then rememberd that Luna was there with her "Luna? Luna where are you?"
"It's alright Twilight Sparkle," Luna's voice called out.
Turning around Twilight could hear the rattling of chains at her hooves. Trying to get them off with magic only made her headache worse. Then she felt there was one of those anti-magic rings on her horn blocking her magic from getting out.
Seeing that Luna was (by the look of it) untouched, she asked, "How come you look alright but I'm in chains with this ring on my horn?"
"Because the only one who can hear and see me is you Twilight," Luna said coming over to put one of her blue wings over the purple Unicorn. "Sombra didn't see me so he did not capture me. And although this is a dream, you will not wake up from it until you can see and admit that you going to Ponyville was a good thing. Oh and I'm not allowed to do anything either, I'm just here to make sure you're ok."
Just then a bell rang out though out the place and doors were opening up everywhere.
"All right you New Ponies." A familiar voice rang out. "Everyone out of your cells. The King and Queen want to see just how useful you are."
King and Queen? Twilight thought then, considering what she had learnt and already seen, Well the king must be Sombra.... so the queen.... *gasp* Nightmare Moon
"Didn't you hear me you in that last cell I said 'Out of your cells'. " Twilight looked up to see...
"Rainbow Dash?" except it wasn't Rainbow Dash. This Rainbow was dressed in silver and blue amour shooting bat wings out of her back, with Luna's ... no Nightmare Moon's cuite-mark on her breast plate.
"Just how in Nightmare Moon do you know my name Unicorn?" Non-Rainbow asked walking right up to her staring into her eye. There was still loyalty in there, Twilight saw, but there was no love or friendship in her heart.
Not knowing what to say Twilight stayed quiet and dropped her eye contact with Non-Rainbow, tears forming in her eyes as she walked out the door.
After being chained up with a long line of other ponies they were led through a crystal here, a crystal there dark Canterlot Palace being led to the throne room by Non-Rainbow in silence.
As the doors opened, all around her were statues all with fear on their faces as though they were screaming and trying to get away from something. Looking up Twilight could see the three ponies, (well two ponies and one draconequus) that she really did not want to see at that moment, Nightmare Moon, King Sombra and Discord sitting on one of his infamous cotton candy clouds.
Non-Rainbow stopped everyone then walked forward a bit more before taking off her helmet and and bowing to them. "To the Three Rulers of Equestia, I have come forth bringing new ponies for you to choose their fates," she said without a note of sorrow in her voice.
"Well done Miss Dash, another excellent hoard," King Sombra said eying all the ponies up spotting Twilight at the end smiling a little. "Would you like to pick first Nightie?"
"Yes I think I would..." Nightmare Moon answered also inspecting the ponies before her.
Apart from Twilight there were two Pegasi, a mare and a stallion (Twilight thinking they're siblings), four Earth ponies, a colt, a filly and two mares and one other Unicorn, a stallion.
"Hmm... For my guard I will take, the stallion Pegasus, and the stallion Unicorn," Nightmare Moon said at last, smiling at how the two Pegasi were trying to stay together as some of the guards came forward to take the stallions away.
"For my Crystal mine, I will have the Unicorn mare and the Earth colt and filly," Sombra said, eyes still on Twilight as though trying to remember (apart from when he caught her) where he had seen her before.
"Well as for me I think I'll just take the Earth mares," Discord said while magicking up a giant magnifying glass to inspect the two mares "I mean, really how much fun will that Pegasus be now?" he said motioning to the weeping Pegasus mare for the loss of her brother. "I mean come on."
"Well if no one wants her would you like to do the honors my Lord of Darkness?" Nightmare Moon said walking up to her throne.
Without saying anything King Sombra's horn lit up with black and green bubbles as his eyes went bright green and red with the purple mist seeping out of the corners. Then without warning a beam shot out at the Pegasus. Screams could be heard all around the room although it only seemed to affect the prisoners.
Must all be used to it, Twilight thought looking around briefly counting how many statues there were. At last the screams stopped and Sombra shut off his magic. In the Pegasus's place was a new statue, frozen in the pose it was in when the spell hit it fear in her eyes mouth wide as though still calling out her screams.
"Miss Dash. Please make sure the rest of these wimpy ponies make it to the right destinations," Nightmare Moon said looking at Non-Rainbow with (to Twilight's annoyance) glee in her eye staring at Sombra who, for some reason, was still looking at Twilight.
"Of course my Queen," Non-Rainbow said bowing again "And all very good decisions." Then getting up, and putting her helmet back on, she walked back to Twilight and everyone else questioningly looking at the pony on the other end with a quill and parchment, getting a nod from her to say that she got everypony there noted down on where they had to go. And walked her prisoners out the door again.
After the doors shut.
"Well, I need to be getting back to Discord-ville," Discord said, stretching his back, calling Ponyville by his new name for it. "That pink pony I got last week is an excellent court jester and guess what? She's happy to get paid in chocolate rain," he said smiling. "Oh and Sombra you might want to forget that purple Unicorn if you know what's good for you." Then with a bang and a flash of light he was gone.
"Give it a rest Discord," Sombra said walking up the steps to his throne next to Nightmare Moon's.
"He did have a point Sombra," Nightmare said, eyes on her husband "For all the while I was looking at you, you were looking at that Unicorn. Care to explain?"
Getting a bit nervous Sombra said "I was the one that caught that Unicorn my dear, and for some reason she looked like someone I think I knew but I couldn't put my hoof on it." Well it was the truth wasn't it?
"Well alright," Nightmare Moon said. "I can't think of who, but please remember I'm your only mare," she said rubbing her head up against his chest affectionately.
"Of course my dear," Sombra said a wicked look in his eye. "Till death do us part."
After being led back out the room Twilight saw Luna waiting for her. Knowing to stay quiet until they were alone, she followed Non-Rainbow Dash until she stopped at Canterlot train station.
"All right, you wimps, you heard where you're going," Rainbow called out to the remaining ponies. (The two for the guard were already being set up at the castle.) "Those of you who Discord chose, get your flanks over to the other side of the station. Those of you who King Sombra chose get on the next train to the Crystal Empire."
As she was beginning to walk away Twilight spoke up, "Wait Rainbow Dash. You don't have to follow Sombra and Nightmare Moon, I know how loyal you can be. You just need to come over to the side of friendship and harmony. We just need to find the rest of our friends, and the Elements then we can fix all this we can...." but she was forced to stop as a sword was up against her neck.
"If King Sombra didn't favor you for some reason, I would kill you right here and now, for saying I'm not loyal to those I love," Non-Rainbow said through her teeth. "Do you think I'm the Captain of the Nightmare Guard by choice? No I was forced into it. I had to leave my one and only friend. I had to tell her to run into the Everfree Forest and stay there till I came back for her. But guess what, I never did. Now I'll never see Fluttershy again. I'm staying here so that the king and queen can't find her and turn her into one of those statues because she's so weak and is always scared." She finally dropped the sword, tears starting to sting her eyes. "That's how loyal I am. Now put a lid on it and get on that train when it comes." She turned and started walking away.
Shocked at what she had just heard about Fluttershy, Twilight continued to stare at this Rainbow Dash, going over in her head what she just said, finally turning to Luna to see if it were true. Sadly Luna nodded.
The train ride was a long and quiet one. The two foals that were with Twilight seemed too scared to talk but huddled close to her for protection non-the-less. After they were asleep and checking no one else was there to hear her, Twilight turned to Luna.
"So that's two of my friends I now know the whereabouts of. What about the rest?"
"Well Miss Pinkie Pie is Discord's court jester in... ugh Discord-ville, Miss Rarity is in charge of Sombra's crystal mine, and Miss Applejack, with her whole family surprisingly, those Cutie-Mark-Crusaders and some other ponies, is the leader of the resistance trying to work out how to de-throne Nightmare Moon and Sombra."
Then thinking back to what was said as Luna began this spell "And of my brother and Cadence?" Twilight asked worryingly. "And Spike?"
Shocked that Twilight had asked this question so soon Luna looked away.
The silence was all that was needed for Twilight as she looked down at the foals in front of her, making a promise that until this was over however long it would take, she would protect them.
Thinking that she had learnt enough for that err... night, Twilight settled down and went to sleep.
In the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters.....
"Alright y'all, I just got word that even more ponies were taken to Canterlot this morning. One of them for some reason by Sombra himself. Am I right?"
"Yes Ma'am," a Pegasus stallion said, looking over a map of Equestia with Applejack and Big Mac.
"For a reason we're not sure of, Sombra was out in Discord-ville scouting the edge of the Everfree Forest, as though there was something in here, apart from us."
"Send out the Crusaders to check it out then, Thunder-Lane. But tell them to be careful and stick to the shadows."
"Yes Ma'am." He saluted and ran out the door.
"There may be something else in this forest," Applejack thought out loud, looking at the map.
"Well Sis," Big Mac said in his rough voice, "When I was out the other night patrolling our borders, I thought I could hear singing. Singing and howling."
Confused even more by this news, Applejack turned around. "As long as we keep these so called Elements of Harmony safe."
Just then the doors slammed open and in ran their cousin Braeburn and the girlfriend Lill' Strong-heart (a buffalo princess who was made run away from the danger in Appleloosa by father Chief Thunderhooves ) with worried faces.
"Cuz, we seem to be missing two foals," Braeburn said straight out.
"What do you mean, missing two foals?" Applejack asked spinning on her heels.
"Just that Applejack," Lill' Strong-heart said "They were playing the the courtyard a few hours ago, we went to search for food. When we came back they were gone."
"Do you think... I mean we heard Sombra was about today, Cuz?"
"Yes I do, and yes he was." Applejack said sighing "And because they're foals he'll send them to his mines."
"Do you know who they were?" Big Mac asked.
"No," Braeburn said. "They never said anything. All we know is that they were a colt and filly Earth Pony blank flanks."
"As much as it pains me to say it, we can't do anything for them at the moment," Applejack said bowing her head praying to Celestia they would be alright.
"But..."
"No buts, Braeburn we have other problems," Applejack said returning to the map. "It seems as though there may be something with the Timber Wolves."
In fact there was something with the Timber Wolves. A yellow butter cream something with pink hair and a pair of wings.
Fluttershy, the pony Rainbow told Twilight about, was playing with the newest Timber Wolf cubs and was looking after them when their parents were out hunting.
"Please Auntie Fluttershy," one of the cubs yelped bouncing up and down, "Please tell us another poem of yours."
"Alright," Fluttershy smiled looking around to check that they were all settled before she began.
I am a little conker Just fallen off my tree, Wrapped up in my shell, Wanting to be free
I am a little conker Spotted by a child Who opens me up and Takes me on a journey quite wild
I am a little conker Placed in a pot Fed, watered And loved a whole lot
I am a big conker tree Many years on Hoping when my children fall They'll have a journey like mine when they're gone
The cubs howls of appreciation for such a great poem was cut short when they heard footsteps coming toward them. Footsteps that did not belong to their parents.
"Come on Scootaloo," a high pitched voice called out. "Do you even know where you're going?"
"Of course Apple Bloom," another replied. "And I'm telling you I heard something coming from over here."
Gasping Fluttershy rounded up the cubs and was leading them further into the forest. After telling them to stay there and stay quiet until either a grown up or she came to get them, she went out to see what it was coming toward them.
To her surprise, it was three ponies, a Pegasus, a Unicorn and an Earth pony all wearing scarlet capes around their necks.
"Come on Sweetie Belle," the orange Pegasus called over her shoulder. "Why are you always so far behind us?"
"Well sorry Scootaloo," the Unicorn said "but you try and live literally your whole life without your sister. Always worried of what has become of her, never hearing anything about her, whether she's ok, or anything..." the Unicorn started sniffing. Fluttershy spotting tears in her eyes.
The yellow Earth pony with a big red bow went over to comfort her.
Suddenly a howl was heard and the girls froze, ears twitching, fear on their faces.
Then out of the trees came the grownups of the Timber Wolf pack surrounding the ponies.
The Timber Wolves were closing in making a tighter circle around the Cutie-Mark-Crusaders, who were either trembling or frozen with fear.
Scared of what might come of them Fluttershy jumped out of the bushes and got between them and the Alpha-Male of the pack, shocking everyone.
"Daughter Fluttershy," it growled "What are you doing? These creatures are trespassers. They took our cubs."
"The cubs are safe Father," Fluttershy answered back looking over her shoulder to see if the girls were alright, only to see them trembling and seeing shock in their faces that she was doing this and could understand them. "They're hiding in the bushes. I told them to stay there where it was safe until some-wolf came for them."
"But they're still trespassing on our land Daughter Fluttershy," a smaller wolf to her right was saying.
"What's going on?" the Earth pony with the bow asked out loud her voice shaking.
Fluttershy turned around to face the fillies. "My family thinks you're trespassing on their land. And before I told them they also thought you did something to their cubs," she said pointing to the bushes where the cubs she was looking after were beginning to poke their heads out.
At this all three girls spoke at once.
"We didn't know we were treading in Timber Wolf territory," the Unicorn called out.
"We're sorry. We... We were sent out by my big sis to see what King Sombra was hunting for around the Everfree yesterday," the Earth pony said.
"What do you mean family?" the Pegasus asked, raising an eyebrow.
Thinking it would take a while to answer the question the Pegasus asked, Fluttershy turned to the Alpha-male again. "Father, these ponies mean no harm. Can they come back home with us so I may tell them how I came to be part of this family?"
This got the Timber Wolves to start growling, muttering to each other about the proposal that was just set. After the Alpha-Male finished sniffing the air (sensing there was another pony out there) and made eye contact with two others and sent them off the way the fillies came from, he answered Fluttershy's question.
"Very well. But just these three, tell them to leave anything they have here, and tell them they must not tell anyone where our home is when they go back to theirs." Then getting up he and the rest of the pack along with the cubs went into the bushes.
Before Fluttershy could do anything, noises were being heard of the two the Alpha sent into the woods made every-pony spin around, where out popped the two wolves and....
"Thunder-Lane?" the Crusaders called out.
Then with one wolf guarding the stallion, the other turned to Fluttershy.
"Daughter Fluttershy," it said "You must tell this pony its cubs are in no danger, tell it to go home and say the cubs will be back with him before we go out hunting again."
"Em... Ok..."
Then turning to Thunder-Lane (who was rather cute, in Fluttershy's opinion) she cleared her thought about to relay that message, but before she could do anything, he got up and ran to the girls to protect them.
"Now... Now don't you think you can go and take these girls back to your hideout," he said trying to be brave "It's... It's my job to watch them and and keep them safe."
"Sir..." Fluttershy said not trying to look in Thunder-Lane's eyes "Sir I promise that they will be ok. I'm just going to take them further into the wood to tell them a story. Please go back to where you came from to tell their carers they're safe and... and they'll be back when I'm done."
Stopping to think this over, Thunder-Lane kept shifting his eyes between Fluttershy, the Crusaders and the Wolves, all waiting to see what he would say.
"Alright Miss," he said backing up from the girls a bit, keeping in eye contact with Fluttershy. "But if they're not, or they're hurt, or there's any hair or feather out of place I'll come hunting to set fire to your so called 'family' and burn them all to the ground." This got the wolves to start growling their eyes glowing green.
This scaring Thunder-Lane, he turned around and went back to the Royal Castle.
Fluttershy turned to the Crusaders. "Father said you must leave all your things here. Don't worry I'll bring you back when everything is over so you can get them again. And when you go back home, you must not tell them of ours or where it is. If... If that's ok with you."
Not saying anything, the Crusaders did as they were told and dropped everything they had at the trunk of a tree to get later, and followed Fluttershy deeper into the forest to hear what she had to say about the Wolves.
A few miles out from the Everfree Forest, there was a town. Well actually a village, where there were floating houses, the clouds were cotton-candy, where the rain from those clouds was chocolate milk, where the rabbits had long hoof-ending legs and they stampeded around everywhere. This place, once known as Ponyville, was Discord-ville. The god of Chaos and Dis-Harmony's home, along with all those he paw-picked to live there for his enjoyment.
"Any one living there who wore a frown, life for them would be turned upside down." would be a few words the Zebra Zecora would say, if she was still there. A few days after the Summer Sun Celebration when Nightmare Moon came back, sensing the danger that would come, Zecora repacked her hut and went back home to Zebrawe. The ponies living there always had to have a smile on their faces in fear that Discord would do something to them or their families.
Discord was on his throne in the town hall, feeling bored. Discord didn't like being bored, it reminded him of how he felt when he was turned to stone. That was why he did all this to Ponyville, and changed the roads and the main chaos every day, So he wouldn't be bored. But he was.
Snapping his eagle's talon, sighing on the inside, a pink pony with poofy hair popped up out of nowhere, in an ancient times court jesters outfit and a baton with ringing bells on the top.
"What would you like today sir?" she asked bouncing up and down the with joy that she would be getting another dose of her town leaders chocolate rain when she was done.
"Anything that will make me less bored Pinkie Pie," Discord said getting comfy in his throne. "But no singing, and no confetti or cake."
"Yes sir," she said saluting before thinking and coming up with an idea.
"Two ponies walk into a bar," she began her first joke "After sitting down at the table and ordering their drinks the prince walked in with a frown on his face. One pony turned to the other and said "I know why he's like that," "Do you? Why then?" the other asked, "Because that's Prince Blue-blood."" she finished with a clapping of her hooves and the ringing of the bells.
Nothing.
Pinkie went on to her next joke. "What's a Changeling's favorite cheese? ...... Swiss cheese!"
Still nothing.
Getting worried that she would not be getting any chocolate milk today, Pinkie went to something new. "King Sombra was spotted around the edge of the Everfree Forest a few days ago. Ponies are saying he was looking for the Elements of Harmony."
"What was that?" Discord said raising his head from his paw.
Not sure whether to be scared or not Pinkie went on. "Sombra was looking around the forest, said there's something in there. But then a purple Unicorn who came out of nowhere got his attention so he went after her instead." Seeing Discord was thinking hard, Pinkie stayed quiet.
"Hum.... Yes of course, Celestia would put them somewhere safe where no-pony would think of looking for them for fears of what else lives in there," Discord said to himself. "The only thing is... Why would he want them?"
"Someone said it was to use them on Queen Nightmare Moon, so he would have Equestia all to himself. They also said he took a shine to that new pony," Pinkie said in hopes of getting more chocolate.
Hearing this Discord poofed himself up a detective's outfit, and started puffing on the essential pipe that came with it. "He did seem to like her this morning," he said. "Good job Pinkie, I'm no longer bored." He snapped his talon and a jumbo glass of chocolate milk stood in front of Pinkie who squealed, grabbed it and ran off. "I think it's time I went to have a small talk with Nightmare Moon."
Getting back to Twilight and the foals on the train.
Twilight just woke up to feel the train slowing down. She was worried about what she would see when she got outside. Worried about what the Crystal Empire would look like. Wondering if... If she would see anything about Shining Armour, or Candace, or Spike.
The train stopped, and the doors began to open, to let the ponies out. As they stepped out, Nightmare Crystal Pony Guards surrounded them, chained them up, checked the ring on Twilight's horn was still working, and began to march them to the Crystal mines.
It was a long and silent walk to the mines. Everywhere was covered in black crystals. And every-pony looked like how they did in the flashback Celestia showed Twilight when she was being taught about Sombra. And when she and her friends came to the Empire to help save it when he returned. Dull, grey and miserable, all chained together, some were pulling carts, while others were using pick axes to pick at the walls to look for more crystals.
Finally stopping, one of the guards called out. "Miss Rarity, there are three new ponies who have just come from Canterlot..."
"Yes, yes I know the drill," came a voice above their heads. Looking up Twilight saw Rarity, except this pony didn't look like the Rarity she knew. (But then again Rainbow wasn't either Twilight thought). This Rarity was in a full black outfit with a badge on her chest of what had to be Sombra's cutie-mark (three red crystals) and was holding in her aura what looked like a whip. Thinking she didn't want a repeat of what happened at the station, Twilight choose to stay quiet. "But then again so should you Captain. Names, Cutie-Marks - if they have them, Gender, what they are, and where they were found." she said coming down the steps and coming to inspect them.
She was sizing up the foals first, thinking on how strong they could be. Then she turned to Twilight. "Humm... I got word from Captain Rainbow Dash that for some reason Sombra likes you, Unicorn," she said looking Twilight up and down.
Turning back to the captain, her horn began to glow, "I'm picking up some crystals in the ninth camp, send the foals there. As for the Unicorn get her fixed to pulling carts..."
"No!" Twilight called out, shocking every-pony including herself.
"E... Excuse me?" Rarity asked blinking mouth hanging open "What was that? I didn't hear you..." she said readying her whip.
"I. Said. No." Twilight said each word in turn slowly and quietly, "Where ever the kids are going, I'm going too. There's no-pony here to look after them, not even... A sister..." Twilight said eying Rarity seeing that she'd hit a nerve.
Rarity, not wanting to look weak took in a deep breath and hit Twilight on the cheek getting close to her. "I don't know how you know, but don't ever tell any-pony about Sweetie." she whispered. Then stepping back said "But, if you really want to stay with them then fine. Send them all to the ninth camp. And make sure they work themselves to the bone for talking back." Without saying anything else Rarity turned and went back to her lookout post above all the prisoners.
As Twilight and the foals were led away, the captain got close to Twilight's ear. "You know you shouldn't have done that," he said "Miss Rarity can be very generous, when and if she stays happy. But when some-pony or something upsets her she can get a bit harsh."
And with out another word he led them to the ninth camp of the Crystal Mines.
After a long and quiet walk to the ninth camp, Twilight spots Luna waiting for her, by the side of the camp leader's table. At the table was the last pony Twilight wanted to see in this world at a place like this.
"Flash..." Twilight whispered tears coming to her eyes, looking away.
The orange Pegasus stallion looked up from his work at the thought of hearing his name. Only to see the Captain and some new workers.
"Mr. Sentry, Miss Rarity said to send these new ponies here, and to work them to the bone for talking back."
"Alright Captain," Flash said getting up to inspect the new ponies himself. "Have you got the information from them to identify them yet?" he asked halfway through inspecting the colt.
"No," the Captain said. "The Unicorn made us miss the chance to do it with Miss Rarity. Although she did say that she got word from Captain Rainbow Dash that King Sombra likes her for some reason."
"Well tough stuff for him," Twilight blurted out. "I've already got a special-some-pony... But I don't think he knows it..." she said her eyes on Flash.
Shocking everyone into silence again, Flash went back to his table. "Even if you do, or even if the King does like you, the rules still stand. Talking back, will get you extra work for you and for all who came with you," he said pointing a quill to the foals. "You will only speak when spoken to, there will be no singing, laughing, talking, dancing - if you could do it in you chains - magic - other than to work the pick axe, trying to run away, or fun or rebellion of any kind," Flash Sentry said as though he were reading them off of a list or something. "Do you understand?"
Wanting to say something to him, Twilight felt Luna's wing on her shoulder. As she looked, Luna pointed to the foals who were scared and who were already getting two lots of extra work because of her. Sighing and looking back to Flash she nodded.
"Good," he said smiling a smile that didn't suit him at all. "Now, to the business of registering you," he said shifting around on his desk for the ninth camp slave list. Getting his quill ready he began.
The registering of Twilight and Jewel and Saturn (the filly and colt), took less time than Twilight thought it would. But I suppose when every-pony's er... working together, things get done very quickly.
After everything was done the Captain remembered that Twilight said where the foals go she will follow. Saying this to Flash who raised an eyebrow, Flash put them into the same cabin.
"You will be given a few hours to get used to this cabin before you will be called out to start work picking the walls of the mines," he said showing them the small wooden cabin with no beds, or light other than a single candle lantern, and a list on the wall showing that three other ponies lived here as well. After they were all in, and Flash wrote their names up on the list, Flash shut the door and walked away.
Waiting a few moments to make sure it was ok, Saturn turned to Twilight, fear in his eyes. "Miss Twilight," he began, "We don't want to live here. We want to go back home to the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters in the Everfee Forest, with every-pony else."
Shocked to hear that that was where these foals were from Twilight looked at Luna who nodded as if to say 'Yes they are from there'.
"Yeah we want to see, Thunder-Lane, and Braeburn, Lill' Strong-heart, the Cakes, the Cutie-Mark-Crusaders, Big Mac, and Captain Applejack again." Jewel said naming off just a few ponies in the rebellion.
Waiting a few seconds to get all the names into her head, Twilight just stared at the two hearing that Applejack was, not only the leader of this so called rebellion, but where the Elements could be found too.
"If you don't mind me asking children," Twilight said getting down on her knees to look the foals in the eyes, "How did you get caught if you were in a safe place like that with so many grown ups there to protect you?"
Not sure what to do, or say, Saturn and Jewel went quiet, and looked away from Twilight shame written on their faces. Not wanting to nag them Twilight stayed silent.
Finally... "We were out playing..." Saturn began.
In the middle of the Everfree Forest, there stood an ancient castle named the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. In the courtyard of this castle two young, brother and sister, Earth ponies were playing under the watching eyes of Braeburn and Lill' Strong-heart.
"Tag you it," Jewel said laughing happily, turning to run away from her brother.
"Oh yeah?" Saturn asked a sly smile on his face only waiting a few seconds to run after her.
***
Up on the balcony over looking the yard Caramel stepped up to Braeburn and Strong-heart. "Hey guys. I'm running low on things in the kitchen and need some-pony to go looking for something to eat."
"Well what is it you need Caramel?" Strong-heart asked turning away from the foals to look at Caramel properly.
"Fruit, nuts, and eating berries," Caramel said off the top of his head.
"Ok we'll go out to look for all that for ya Caramel," Braeburn said also turning around and walking to get his cow-pony hat.
"But what about the kids?" Strong-heart asked following her colt-friend.
"Oh it's fine dear," Braeburn said reaching the stairs. "It's not like they could suddenly escape from the courtyard. Besides, this place is perfectly safe, and they know to run and hide if any danger comes . I'm sure they'll still be out there when we come back."
***
But what the grownups didn't know was that Saturn and Jewel were an adventurous pair, - almost as bad as the Crusaders in Twilight's world, - and had been sneaking off into the forest every now and then whenever they heard the singing on the wind to try and find out what it is.
'Hush now, quiet now, It's time to rest you sleepy head, Hush now, quiet now, It's time to go to bed...'
Saturn and Jewel froze in their tracks. "There's that singing again Saturn," Jewel said smiling with glee that they could go on another adventure.
"Well what are we waiting for?" Saturn said running over to the brick in the wall they made to come out whenever they wanted to go out. After pulling it out, squeezing though and sliding the brick back into place, the twins ran off into the forest, little knowing it would be the last time they would do it in a while.
*** After about five minutes, or so running though the forest ears twitching to try and pick up on the singing again, the singing stopped, bringing the foals to a stop as well. They waited for a voice, a sign, anything that would send them off into the right direction. But nothing came. Except....
"Well that should be enough don't ya think Strong-heart?" That was Braeburn and sounded as though Strong-heart was with him! Oh no. They couldn't see Saturn and Jewel out of the Castle. What were they going to do?
"Sure looks like it to me Braeburn," Strong-hearts voice replied "Sure hope those two kids are still alright."
"I'm sure they're fine," Braeburn said showing he had high hopes for the two who were panicking searching for a place to hide.
Jewel finally spotted it. A beaten down old cottage, with a river running though the garden, the bridge was broken, and it had bird houses all around high in the trees. "Quick." And they ran for it just making it as Braeburn and Strong-heart came into sight and going back the way the foals came so they couldn't go back that way.
Sighing with relief that they didn't get caught, Jewel turned to her brother. "Now what Starswirl?"
"What did I do?" Saturn said, a bit too loudly.
"You wanted to go out and find the singing. You pulled the brick out!" Jewel said equally as loud.
"You were the one who heard it first!"
"I didn't say we should go after it!"
"Well you didn't stop me pulling the brick out did you!"
"Now, now. What's this?"
A voice rang out, a voice as mad and crazy as the beast it came from."I thought I heard unhappy voices in here..."
With a flash of light, Discord stood in front of the two foals, who were frozen stiff with fear.
"Hello, I'm Discord," he said bowing "Spirit of Chaos and Dis-harmony, one of the Three Rulers of Equestia, and leader of Discord-ville. And who might you be?" Discord said popping a microphone and a game show presenter's suit up out of nowhere, and pointing it at the twins.
Nothing.
"Well good to meet you." he said "Now as your our one hundred contestants on this show.... You have just won an all expense trip to, wait for it.... Canterlot!"
Gasping, just getting what was happening, the two ran for the door. But Discord was too quick for them, and with a snap of his fingers they were gone.
"And you were with us for the rest..." Jewel said tears in her eyes and running down her cheeks.
Not knowing what to say to the story she just heard, whether she should be worried or say something to the kids about her friends - such as knowing it was Fluttershy who was the one singing - or to cry. Twilight just stretched out her arms and wrapped them around the foals, who were crying for their stupidity.
"You can trust in me you two," Twilight said caring in her voice "Apart from when it is by accident, I will never, ever hurt you or let anyone else. You might not believe me or know it, but I've just lost everyone I love because of a few stupid words I said because I was angry," she said looking up to Luna.
"We know," the twins said.
Shocked Twilight pulled back from them. "What?"
"We know what happened to you," Saturn said smiling, "How you wished you never went to Ponyville. How Princess Luna," here he pointed over to Luna "is trying to teach you it was a good thing by showing you this world."
"And that every-pony we've seen so far used to be your friends, how you lost your brother, sister and Spike in this world. And that guy in charge of this camp is your colt-friend in the other world."
Even more shocked and confused than before, Twilight looked at Princess Luna. "You said no one could see you! You said the only one who could see you is me!"
"That doesn't mean I can't make more see me, and give them the run down of what's happening to make you less lonely." Luna said smiling happily.
"But..."
Twilight didn't get to finish, because at that moment the door to the cabin sung open to reveal Flash and two guards.
Rainbow Dash was doing her patrol around the castle, thinking what that Unicorn had said to her the other day.
"You don't have to follow Sombra and Nightmare Moon, I know how loyal you can be. You just need to come over to the side of friendship and harmony."
"But I am loyal," Rainbow said under her breath, thinking how she was keeping Fluttershy safe.... By never being with her.
Rainbow and Fluttershy had been best friends ever since Rainbow went down to see if she was alright, after the race she had against the bullies who were picking on Fluttershy at flight camp, where she did her first Sonic-Rainboom.
Rainbow Dash had just finished her race. The race that showed every-pony, "You mess with Fluttershy, you mess with me." The race that also showed every-pony, the legend about the Sonic-Rainboom was real.
Gathering up the praises, Rainbow looked around for her classmate she had been defending, only to find she wasn't there. Remembering the splash of yellow she passed and the screams of terror that came when the race started Rainbow shook off the other ponies and dived down to the ground.
*** On the ground, Rainbow began looking around for Fluttershy, scared of what she would find.
After looking for five minutes getting more and more worried when...
Hush now, quiet now It's time to rest your sleepy head, Hush now, quiet now It's time to go to bed...
Only one pony could be singing that lullaby in such a lovely voice.
"Fluttershy!" Rainbow called out zooming over to where the singing was coming from.
As she got nearer, Rainbow did see Fluttershy. She was surrounded by animals, bears, rabbits, otters, ducks, squirrels, butterflies, and... Timber Wolf cubs!
Flying as fast as she could, Rainbow jumped in front of the cubs and Fluttershy, preparing herself for a fight. "Go Fluttershy. Get out of here, I'll take care of these wolves," she said glaring at the lumps of wood that were the wolf cubs.
Just then, howls could be heard from the Everfree Forest, howls from the cubs' not-too-happy parents. All the other animals were as scared as they were when that big explosion happened just a while earlier. They all ran away back to their hiding places. As three big Timber Wolves walked out of the forest growling, eyes glowing green.
"Cubs, get away from those ponies!" one of them called.
Gasping Fluttershy got down on all fours trembling.
"What is it Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked looking at the yellow Pegasus. "What's wrong?"
"Did... Didn't you just hear them call to their cubs Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked as scared as ever.
Hearing this, the biggest of the wolves turned his head to the two ponies. "What was that?"
"She can understand us Papa," one of the three cubs said bouncing around the grown-ups feet.
"Yeah," the second one said. "There was this huge noise, that scared us, so we ran out of the forest."
"And we saw this pony going around comforting all the other animals who were scared too." the last one said "So we went to her, telling her how scared we were and she began singing, and we weren't scared anymore"
"That was until that blue one came and started yelling!" the first one said staring at Rainbow Dash.
"Er... Why are they staring at me like that?" Rainbow asked Fluttershy who had become a little braver again.
"Erm..." Fluttershy said not knowing where to begin. "The cubs are telling their parents that they were scared, ran out of the forest, found me with the other animals, came to me, I started sing 'Hush now, quiet now', which made them feel better... Then you came up shouting and scared them again."
"And you know this how?" Rainbow asked keeping an eye on the wolves.
"Because I can understand animals. It's my special talent," Fluttershy said showing Rainbow her new Cutie-Mark (three pink butterflies).
Suddenly, the biggest wolf stepped forward, bowing to Fluttershy as a sign of respect for her looking after their cubs. "Thank you. Oh young yellow pony," it said. "Thank you for comforting and looking after our cubs. I am Lupin, Alpha-Male of this pack, who might I ask, may you be?"
Somehow knowing what to do, Fluttershy bowed as well. "I'm Fluttershy sir," she said getting lower than Lupin as a sign of respect. "And this is my... Friend Rainbow Dash. She's really sorry for scaring your cubs like that. She thought I was in danger."
Lupin got up and stared at Rainbow, almost waiting for something. Rainbow getting more and more nervous.
"What does it want me to do Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked.
"Lupin wants you to bow and say sorry for scaring the cubs," Fluttershy said back.
"But..." Rainbow began.
But with a growl from all three adults Rainbow got down on all fours, nose digging against the ground, trembling. "I'm sorry," she said.
The Timber Wolf on the right stepped closer, sniffing to inspect her. Rainbow stayed as still as she could while still shaking with fear.
"Lupin, I do not trust this one," he said stepping back. "It scared our cubs, it's far too noisy. It's... It's..."
"She's also my friend sir," came a silky voice with a bit of sternness in it, shocking the wolf.
"The only reason I was down here, to comfort your cubs and the other animals, was because she was racing some ponies who were picking on me," Fluttershy began, eyeing all three adults. "I was pushed off the cloud I was sat on and fell to the ground, only to be saved by loads of butterflies. After I introduced myself to them, there was a big explosion scaring everyone. I went around making sure they were all alright when your cubs found me, just as scared as the others," Fluttershy said taking in a deep breath. "But if Rainbow hadn't been racing to stick up for me, I wouldn't of been down here to keep your cubs safe when that explosion happened. They may have got themselves into danger, or trouble. So you should really be thanking her as well for the safety of your cubs. She was only coming to protect me, like I did to them."
Thinking this over, the other two adults looked at Lupin for answers on what to do. Then Lupin, surprising the other wolves, also bowed to Rainbow Dash as a sign of gratitude.
"Thank you Miss Dash. Fluttershy is right, we do owe our thanks to you as well," he said getting up again.
"Er..." Rainbow Dash asked looking over to Fluttershy.
"He says thank you for making sure I was here to protect their cubs, by flying against the bullies," Fluttershy told her.
"Oh," Rainbow said turning to the wolves again bowing. "You're welcome."
"If either of you need our help in any way, in the future, we are here to help," Lupin told Fluttershy, getting up and walking over to his pack members and the cubs, taking them back into the forest.
"What was that last bit of news?" Rainbow asked her new friend wrapping a wing around her.
"He said if ever we need help, they will be there to give it to us."
After going though her patrols, Rainbow Dash went back to the guards sleeping quarters and in to her room, being the Captain she got one to herself. After shutting the door and getting out of uniform, she sat on her bed and began to remember again how she lost her best friend.
It was the one thousandth Summer Sun Celebration.
This year it was being held in Ponyville, and every-pony was very excited, and doing their jobs to make sure everything ran according to plan and went smoothly. Rainbow Dash was in charge of the weather patrol, to make sure the sky was clear for tomorrow's events, while Fluttershy was teaching the birds the song they would need to sing when the Princess arrived.
Every-pony was so caught up in their work none of them remembered the prophecy about Nightmare Moon coming back.
That night, everyone stayed up so they could see Celestia raise the sun to begin the longest day of the year.
"Hey Fluttershy!" Rainbow called out over the crowded town hall. "Your birds all ready to sing for the Princess then?"
"Erm... Yes they are Rainbow," Fluttershy said timidly not getting into eye contact with her loud and colorful friend. "I'm just worried, that's all. All day all the animals had been acting very strange, saying that a danger is coming."
"Danger?" Rainbow asked.
"Mares and Gentle-colts," Mayor Mare's voice called out, "Please help me to welcome the one who brings us the sun and the moon each and everyday, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestia... Princess Celestia."
Every-pony began to cheer, the birds started singing, the curtain opened up and.....
"Where is she?" an orange Earth pony in a stetson asked.
"Oh. Oh I love guessing games. Is she hiding?" a pink Earth pony, who in Rainbow's opinion was a little over excited asked.
"She's gone!" a white pampered Unicorn said walking out to face the crowds.
"Wow... She's good," the pink one said to no one in mind.
Then screams could be heard as blue fog started to surround the balcony where the Princess should have been. Suddenly a black Alicorn in silver blue body armour, appeared looking down on the ponies around her.
"Oh my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sunlight faces," she said.
"What did you do to our Princess!" Rainbow called out, trying to fly up to look at her in the eye, only to be held back by the orange Earth pony.
"Why, am I not royal enough for you?" the Alicorn said laughing a little "Don't you know who I am?"
"Oh. Oh more guessing games," the pink one said. "Erm... Pokie Smokes, er, how about Queen Meanie. No Blast Duty, Blast Duty..." she was cut off as a cupcake was shoved into her mouth.
"Does my crown no longer count now I've been imprisoned for a thousand years?" she said flying over to Fluttershy, scaring her to Rainbows annoyance 'How dare this pony scare my friend like that!' she thought.
"Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?" Now zooming over to the Unicorn. "Well I'll tell you..." she said getting back up onto the balcony. "Remember this day little ponies, for it was your last. For this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Lightning struck as she cackled, her starry mane swirling around her head.
***
It all went down hill from there, Rainbow recalled.
A few months later, due to all the chaos the eternal night had bought, Discord broke free from his statue in the Canterlot Royal gardens. A little bit later, the Crystal Empire came back, bringing with it King Sombra.
The three of them, King Sombra - now married to Nightmare Moon, took over Equestia, capturing any-pony who got in their way, to have what they want.
A few days after the Three Rulers of Equestia were founded, Rainbow went over to see Fluttershy.
Her friend's house was a complete wreck. The usual sounds of birds singing, scampering or animal calls, could not be heard.
"Fluttershy!" Rainbow called poking her head though the door to see her friend under the sofa, hooves over her head trembling. "Fluttershy!" Rainbow ran over to her to bring her out so they could talk.
"R...Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked. "I'm... I'm scared Rainbow." she said "I... I just want everything back to how it was...," tears coming to her eyes.
Knowing it would break Fluttershy's heart, Rainbow gave her the reason why she came over. "'Shy, there are Nightmare Guards all over town, hunting down every-pony to take to Canterlot." She began hugging her friend. "You need to run into the Forest and find Lupin and his pack, and tell him what's going on, ask him to take care of you until I come to find you and say it's ok."
"But..." Fluttershy spoke up.
"I don't want you to get hurt Fluttershy," Rainbow said trying to hold back tears. "You were my first ever and only friend. Please do it to be safe."
"Ok Rainbow," Fluttershy said.
They got up and walked to the edge of the Forest together. They had one last hug, then Fluttershy ran into the trees, for Rainbow never to see her again.
"And that's how I came to live with the Timber Wolves," Fluttershy was finishing telling her story to the Cutie-Mark-Crusaders.
They were in the Timber Wolves' home, listening to Fluttershy tell her story.
"I remember that Summer Sun Celebration," Sweetie Belle said. "After we got home, I asked Rarity what Nightmare Moon meant by the legend." All eyes, even some cub eyes turned to her. "She said, that a thousand years ago, Princess Luna got jealous of her sister, because the ponies who played in Celestia's day, slept though her night," Sweetie began.
"Yeah, I asked Applejack and Granny-Smith too," Apple-Bloom said. "One night, Luna refused to lower the moon to make way for the sun, saying she'd shroud the world in eternal night. The jealousy finally took over, turning her into a mare of darkness, Nightmare Moon. The only way to stop her was for Celestia to use the Elements of Harmony on her and imprison her in the moon."
"But it said that on the longest day of the thousandth year of her imprisonment, the stars would aid in her escape, and she would once again bring eternal night to Equestia," Sweetie Belle finished.
"I got told those stories when my parents were still around," Scootaloo said tears forming in her eyes remembering her parents. "I always thought it was an old mare's tail. A bedtime story."
"We all did," Fluttershy said going over to hug the crying filly. "That was why we were so unprepared. I wish I'd listened to my animals better that day. But I was so happy that the celebration came to Ponyville, and Rainbow had just been given the job as head weather pony of Ponyville the day before." Now tears were forming in Fluttershy's eyes.
"Did the yellow one say Elements of Harmony?" Aself - the new Lupin - voice called out to Fluttershy who turned to see him eyebrows raised.
"You know about them Father?" she said facing him.
"Yes. They were found many years ago, by your two princesses, Celestia and Luna, at the Tree of Harmony," he began. "They used them to stop Discord by turning him to stone which stopped his chaos as well. Then later they used them on Sombra, sending him, and the Crystal Empire, to the Frozen North," Lupin said looking at Fluttershy as she heard the stories. "Then as the white and yellow ones said, Princess Luna that day didn't take down the moon, and Nightmare Moon was born. Celestia had to use the Elements on her own sister to bring peace and harmony back to Equestia. Though it was said that now Luna was gone Celestia couldn't work all six elements anymore, and they turned to stone, waiting for the new bearers of Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty, and Magic to come and find them. But no one knows where Celestia put them."
"I never knew that," Fluttershy said shock on her face.
"What?" the Crusaders all said together.
"Father said that the Elements may still be around." Fluttershy said. "Waiting for the new bearers to find them. Wherever they are."
"Well... I may have an idea where they are..." All eyes were on Apple-Bloom. "I once heard my big sister Applejack, talking to my brother about 'em, but they were just standing over boulders, in the throne room of the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters."
"How many were there?" Fluttershy asked getting excited that they may have a chance to stand up to the Three Rulers of Equestia.
"Five."
"Oh." Fluttershy said looking upset.
"One of them will only appear once all the other are with it, and a spark of some kind ignites it." Lupin said
"But they are already all together Father," Fluttershy said tears beginning to sting her eyes.
Sensing this was the time to go the Crusaders got up, thanked the wolves, promising to keep the secret of where their home is, and went back to their things, and left for home at the castle.
Applejack was pacing around the throne room, muttering to herself, worried for her little sister and her friends.
"Oh where could they be?" she kept saying to herself.
"Applejack," Thunder-Lane called out. "The Crusaders are back!"
Hearing this, Applejack stopped pacing and ran out to the courtyard. As said Apple-Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were walking though the gates, talking over what they had just seen and heard.
"You really think the Elements are here Apple-Bloom?" Scootaloo asked looking up at the rundown old castle as if for he first time.
"I don't know Scoots," Apple-Bloom said also eying the castle. "But if they are they may be our only chance against those three."
"What might be your only chance against who, Sis?" Applejack asked sternness in her voice. Although Applejack and Apple-Bloom were only sisters, sometimes they treated each other as mother and daughter. This was one of those times, Applejack being so worried for her sister.
"We were told that if we find the new bearers of the Elements of Harmony, that might save everything," Sweetie Belle said with high hopes that she might see her sister again after all.
Not knowing what to say, Applejack went with the first question that came into her head. "And who told you that? And...and where have you been? Thunder-Lane said something about Timber Wolves and a yellow and pink Pegasus."
"Well in reverse order..." Apple-Bloom said not knowing what to say for the second question due to the promise, "Thunder-Lane was right about the wolves and the Pegasus."
"Her name's Fluttershy and she can talk to animals. The wolves sort of adopted her as a daughter after she ran into the forest after the Nightmare Guards started taking ponies," Scootaloo said.
"And we've been with her all this time listening to her story. And were told of the Elements of Harmony, by Lupin, the pack leader, and that they're waiting for the new bearers to come looking for them," Sweetie Belle said.
"But we said we wouldn't tell you where their home is, so the cubs will stay safe," Apple-Bloom said looking up at her sister.
"Oh. Come on!" Thunder-Lane said who had heard all this as well. "Do you really believe them Applejack?"
"Yes. Yes I do Thunder-Lane," Applejack said turning to him. "I didn't become the leader of this rebellion without knowing where to see truth and lies," looking back at the Crusaders who were shocked that Applejack believed them. "I know you can't take me to the wolves' home," she began, "But I would like to meet this Fluttershy please." Then turning to Thunder-Lane, confusion on his face said, "Tell every-pony Big Mac's in charge till I get back."
And with that all four girls went back out into the Forest.
Up in Canterlot castle Nightmare Moon was brushing her ethereal mane, humming to herself. Then she felt a that someone else was with her. Knowing it couldn't be Sombra, as he went to the Crystal Empire to see how his mines were doing, she put down the brush, lit her horn, and aimed for the place where the presence could be felt.
"Ow," Discord yelled popping into existence, jumping up and rubbing his back where Nightmare Moon's blast had just hit him. "Now what ever was that for my dear?" he asked.
"What are you doing here Discord?" Nightmare Moon asked. "Your home is that corrupted Ponyville."
"Well, I was coming to give you some very interesting news about Sombra and those long forgotten Elements of Harmony," Discord said in his almost sing-song voice. "But if you don't want to hear it..." He made to snap his fingers when...
"Wait," Nightmare Moon said holding up her hoof. "What's this about my husband and the Elements?" she asked.
Smiling a little Discord began, "Well, that pink jester of mine, told me that Sombra was only able to get that purple Unicorn the other day, because he was hunting around the Everfree Forest, supposedly looking for those little trinkets." He said suddenly somehow on a therapist couch. "Then Pinkie said, 'he wants them to kill you, so he could rule Equestia all by himself with that Unicorn by his side.'"
"WHAT!" Nightmare Moon called out in the ancient Royal Canterlot Voice, shaking all the windows panes in the room.
"She said that Sombra...." Discord began speaking very slowly.
"I HEARD YOU DISCORD!" Nightmare Moon yelled beginning to pace around wondering what to do. Then... "Guard!"
In ran the mare that was stationed outside the King and Queen's room, Artemis. "Yes my Queen?" she asked bowing not noticing Discord was there.
"Go get your Captain, Guard, and tell her to see me in the throne room," Nightmare Moon said spreading out her wings and stomping her hoof to make the order complete.
"Yes, my Queen," Artemis said getting up, rushing out the door and going to find Rainbow Dash.
"Going to send your little ponies on a scavenger hunt then are we?" Discord asked, now in a jungle tour guide outfit.
"Only Rainbow Dash," Nightmare Moon said going back to her mirrors to check she was presentable to be seen by ponies other than Discord. "I know she's loyal to me, there's no way she would betray me if she heard there may be a way to destroy me. Unlike that so-called husband of mine," she hissed, putting on her helmet.
"Well my dear," Discord said in his happy voice, "I'd like to send someone out too then. And lets say... Finder's keepers, and they can do what they want with them."
Thinking that any-pony who Discord would send wouldn't last an hour in the Everfree Forest Nightmare Moon said. "Fine, fine, fine. Deal Discord," she said holding out her hoof to receive a shake of his lions paw.
After accepting it, smiling yet again, Discord snapped his talons and up popped a pink Earth pony in a court jester's outfit.
"What would you like today sir?" she asked bouncing up and down hoping to get some chocolate rain when she was done.
"Nightie, Pinkie, Pinkie, Nightie," Discord said introducing the two mares.
"So this is the pony who likes your chocolate rain so much?" Nightmare Moon said walking around inspecting a very bouncy Pinkie Pie. "And the one... HOLD STILL WILL YOU!" Nightmare Moon said in the Canterlot Voice at Pinkie who was jumping around the room. Coughing after Pinkie sat down, said "And the one who told you about Sombra?"
"Yep," Discord said patting Pinkie's head "And she's the one I'll be sending."
"Sending where sir?" Pinkie piped up. "Oh. Oh. Are you sending me to the Crystal Empire to get those Unicorns who are two of the bearers of the Elements so we can use them on..." But she was cut off as her mouth disappeared from her face.
Nightmare Moon giving Pinkie a judging look, looked up to Discord who was twiddling his thumbs and whistling.
After a while he said, "No Pinkie. I'm going to send you into the Everfree Forest to hunt for the Elements of Harmony, against Nightie's Captain Rainbow Dash. Understand?" he asked giving Pinkie her mouth back.
"Okie-Dokie-Lokie!" she sang saluting him, zipping off somewhere to come back in a jungle tour guide uniform as well.
"Right then," Discord said turning to Nightmare Moon who was suddenly regretting her deal with Discord. "Shall we go tell your candidate her role Nightie?" he said snapping his fingers consuming all three of them in his magic glow, transporting them to the throne room.
*** In the throne room Rainbow Dash was looking around trying to get an idea of why she was called there. Then out of nowhere Nightmare Moon, Discord, and some pink and green something, flashed into the room at the top of the stairs to the thrones.
Bowing straight away, Rainbow Dash said, "Rulers of Equestia," trying to ignore the pink puff ball maned thing that was jumping around laughing at all the statues.
"Ah... Rainbow Dash," Nightmare Moon said also trying to ignore Pinkie. "Do you know what the Elements of Harmony are?"
Confused at the question Rainbow got up to look at Nightmare Moon in the eye. "No my Queen, I'm afraid I do not."
"They are the trinkets my so-called sister used on me to place me in the moon!" Nightmare Moon said getting more angry with each word.
"Now, now Nightie. It's not her fault no-pony taught her anything," Discord said in his joking voice, smiling that Rainbow couldn't do anything to express her anger at him.
"Yes, well that's what they are," Nightmare Moon continued. "And that pink, thing," she said pointing to Pinkie (still bouncing around), "tells Discord that they're in the Everfree Forest." Here Rainbow stiffened a bit hearing that name. "So I'm sending you to race against that... court jester, to go into the forest the hunt them down and bring them back to me. Understand?"
Worried for Fluttershy's safety, but also knowing refusing her Queen would make her into one of the statues around her Rainbow said, "Yes, my Queen."
"Excellent!" Discord rang out jumping up to fetch Pinkie Pie. "Now I'll send you to that dumb little old cottage, by the side of the Forest to get you started. There you can go whatever way you want to hunt the Elements down. Fine by you?" He turned to Nightmare Moon.
"Yes. Yes. Just make sure you get them back to me before Sombra gets back from the Crystal Empire Rainbow Dash. I'd like to give him a bite of his own medicine when he gets home," she said growling, surprising Rainbow that Nightmare had lost all her feeling for Sombra.
"Yes Ma'am."
Then with a flash and a bang, Rainbow and Pinkie were outside Fluttershy's run down old cottage.
At the Crystal Empire crystal mines, Twilight, Saturn and Jewel, after a hard 'days' work - and the two extra shifts for Twilight speaking her mind earlier - were walking up to their cabin, for their first sleep.
"Hey, you. Sparkle," a voice called out. "Come here, the King wants to see you."
Spinning around, Twilight saw it was Rarity, arguing with Flash, who called out.
"But what would the King want with her Miss?" Flash asked flaring his wings in anger.
"Are you questioning King Sombra, Sentry?" Rarity asked eyeballing him. "I do not know. But he wants to see her."
Twilight was about to say 'Well you can forget it' when she remembered the rule about no talking. Looking around Twilight saw Princess Luna, wings over Saturn and Jewel as if saying they would be safe, so's not to worry.
"Hey Sparkle, didn't you hear me?" Rarity called "King Sombra wants to see you at the palace. Come on."
Taking one last look at Saturn and Jewel before they closed the door, Twilight began to follow Rarity in silence all the way to the palace, wondering what she would find.
"You know," Rarity spoke up from nowhere, "If you hadn't talked back like that this morning, the kids would have had a better first day here."
That guard was right then, Twilight thought, Rarity can be generous when no-pony annoys her.
The rest of the walk was in silence.
After ten minutes of tracking though the camps, the two ponies made it to Sombra's palace. Twilight once again noticing the Crystal Heart was missing. Looking up, she wondered if it was in the same place as before.
"In you go then," Rarity said "No point staring at it."
Going though the door, they walked up to the base of the thrones dais where a dining table for two had been set.
"His Royal Highness, the Lord of Darkness, Sorcerer of Dark Magic and Crystals..." a voice rang out from a pony on the other end of the room, "King Sombra." No applause was given as King Sombra walked into the room in his usual full silver body armor and red cape.
At the sight of him Rarity bowed, telling Twilight to do the same.
"Now, now my dear, there's no need to be so formal," he spoke to Twilight as though she was the only pony in the room. "I simply want to talk. Make sure your first night here for the rest of your life is a good one."
"No thanks," Twilight said getting up and turning away.
"Just hear me out my dear," Sombra said using his magic to pull out one of the chairs at the table. "I have a feeling you don't want you, or those kids to stay here forever. What if I tell you, I can get you out of here."
"After you put us in?" Twilight asked her back to him.
"So I can have a better chance to talk to you," Sombra said trying to stay calm. "Wouldn't you like to talk. Twilight Sparkle. I remember where I saw you now, you came here, when I returned, with that stupid little purple dragon, on a quest to try and save the empire from my dark powers," he recalled "Nice try with the fair by the way. I'm sure if you had some help you would have succeeded." This tore at Twilight who looked at Rarity who was still bowing.
"What do you want Sombra?" she asked turning to face him for the first time.
"Let's have dinner first then we'll talk," he said trying to be romantic.
"No. Tell me now or I'm going right back to my cabin," Twilight said stomping her hoof.
"I want you, and those kids," he said in an annoyed voice "safe back in Canterlot my dear." he said. "Under Miss Rarity's careful eye of course, you and those kids would be safe back home, away from the danger of those mines."
'If I can get to Ponyville from Canterlot, maybe I can get to the Everfree to find the Elements to fix everything.' Twilight thought 'Except I would need to get the others there as well. And Jewel and Saturn would be home.'
"Do we have a deal, my dear?" Sombra said over her shoulder.
Putting on her best fake smile, Twilight said fluttering her eyelashes, "Of course my King."
"Excellent!" Sombra stomped his hooves as a sign of how joyful he was. "Miss Rarity. Go and get the kids that came with Miss Sparkle and then take them all to the train station." he said to Rarity who nodded while still bowing, then got up and ran out the door. "I'll be waiting for you back in Canterlot then my dear," he said to Twilight making her shiver. Then he walked out of the room through the door he came in by, leaving Twilight alone for a while with her thoughts.
As Sombra had promised, Saturn and Jewel, with an invisible Princess Luna, were bought back to the train station by Rarity. There they met Twilight and got on the train that would take them back to Canterlot.
In their cabin, a few hours in Saturn spoke up. "Twilight? Where are we going."
"Yeah," Jewel asked. "And what happened with you and Sombra?"
Hearing voices in the cabin next to her, Rarity went closer to the door to see why the Unicorn went with the King's deal.
Twilight looked around at every-pony thinking what to say first. Then... "We're going to get you two home. There, if I can find my friends, who will hopefully work with me, we can get the Elements to destroy these monsters." Then flicking her eyes to the door added "And then get families back together."
Shocked Rarity opened the door, and walked in. "And how are we going to get to the forest then Sparkle?"
Not sure if Rarity was still under orders, or acting tough for the lost of her sister, Twilight let that slide.
"Just before we get to the mountain, there is a track switch, one set goes to Canterlot, the other goes to Ponyville." Twilight explained. "If we change them to get to Ponyville, and you take this ring off my horn, I can teleport us to the Forest to get to the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters and get the Elements, hoping they're still there." Taking in a breath she continued, "Then we just need to get everyone and destroy those three."
Seeing Rarity was thinking over this very hard everyone stayed quiet, waiting for her answer.
"Alright," she said going over to take the ring off Twilight's horn. "If there's any way to get rid of those three monsters so I can be with my sister again, I'll take it." Twilight was about to say something when... "But don't think that this makes us friends, you're still my prisoner." And she went back to her own room, leaving Twilight not knowing what to say.
Then, "Why are you working for Sombra, Miss Rarity?" Jewel's voice called out stopping Rarity in her tracks.
Without turning around, she said. "He learnt how I have the power to find hidden gems," Then she left.
After some rest Twilight heard someone calling her.
"Hey Sparkle. The track switch is coming up, better do your stuff if you want your plan to work."
This woke Twilight up. Running over to the window, she could see the switch was coming up. Closing her eyes to concentrate, knowing with each second, time was running out, Twilight shot a beam of energy at the switch flicking it and with a 'CLICK' knew the tracks changed. Panting, smiling with glee, Twilight pulled herself back into the cabin to see Saturn, Jewel, and Rarity standing there.
"What now Twilight?" Saturn asked hope in his eyes.
"Now we wait 'till the train gets us to Ponyville," she said "After that, like I said I can teleport us to the Everfree Forest, where we can head off to the Castle to look for the Elements."
But that plan was easier said than done. For, for today's 'main chaos' in Discord-ville, Discord made a roller-coaster ride of the train tracks, with five giant loop-the-loops and an almost vertical drop at the end.
After going though that torture - well torture to the mares, a life time for the foals - they all got out rather dizzy.
"Wow! That was the best thing ever!" Saturn said with joy.
"Yeah," Jewel agreed "Can we go again?"
"NO!" both mares said holding their stomachs hooves over their mouths trying not to be sick.
Then... "Hey you!" two of the guards at the train station had seen the unscheduled train come in and called for back up. They were surrounded.
"You might want to do that trick of yours Sparkle..." Rarity said under her breath.
"I'm not sure where we'll land," Twilight said back, "I'm still a bit dizzy."
"As long as we don't get caught..."
A purple light surrounded them all and with a flash and a bang, they were gone.
In the middle of the Everfree Forest, Applejack was still following her sister and her friends, staying quiet so as not to draw anything to them.
Suddenly a bright light appeared and Applejack pulled the Crusaders behind a tree to keep them safe.
"Wow that was even better than the roller-coaster," a young colt's voice called out.
"Yeah" said a filly's. "Let's go again. Let's go again."
"Maybe later," a new voice answered. "First we need to get you back to the Castle to keep you safe." Hearing this, Applejack stepped out.
"And just how do ya'll know about that Castle?"
Getting all four ponies attention they spun around.
"Miss Applejack!" the two Earth pony foals cried running up to to her tears in their eyes. "We so sorry," they wailed together. "We won't ever sneak out of the courtyard again!"
Understanding that these foals were the ones Braeburn and Strong-heart told her about, she looked at Twilight and Rarity very annoyed.
"I may not know who you both are," she said "But foal-napping is a big crime in these here parts. And as leader of the Rebellion against the Three Rulers... Ya'll are going to come with me so I can get the answers I need."
"Wait, Applejack!" Twilight called. Stopping Applejack in mid turn.
"Just how do you know my name Purple?" she asked.
"It doesn't matter. What I have to say is that you've got it all wrong," Twilight began. "It was Discord that took them. It wasn't me, or Rarity..."
"Rarity?" a small voice called out from behind a tree. A small white Unicorn in a red cape walked out to see if she heard right. Then seeing her sister, ran straight to her tears in her eyes, "Oh Rarity, I missed you sooo much," she said sniffing.
"Oh Sweetie Belle," was all Rarity said tears forming in her eyes too.
"Sweetie Belle," two more voices sounded. Apple-Bloom and Scootaloo popped out from around the tree, shocked to see Sweetie Belle hugging some-pony.
Then howls came from the trees around them.
Suddenly, something pink and something blue came racing in to the clearing. it was... it was...
"Rainbow and Pinkie?" Twilight asked.
Pinkie looked over to who said her name. "Oh boy!" she said hoping around full of joy. "Twilight and Rarity are here. Now all we need is to find Fluttershy, and the Elements and we can buck those three meanies off of their thrones and save Equestia!"
Rainbow looked over to Twilight too. "I thought I sent you to the Crystal Empire." she said flaring her bat-pony wings.
"You did Captain," Rarity said stepping in front of Sweetie "But then King Sombra sent her back."
More howls, then three Timber Wolves jumped out, eyes glowing green. The Crusaders ran forward protecting the older mares.
"Please, they mean no harm, we swear," Apple-Bloom said looking at each of them not seeing Lupin. "My sister just wanted to speak with Lupin to see if he knew anything else about the Elements of Harmony."
Here the wolves looked at the older mares seeing one step forward.
Then one of the wolves recognize Rainbow Dash, even though her bat-pony Nightmare Guard look, and stared at her. After a while it howled.
Then out of the trees came...
"Fluttershy," all who knew her called out.
"Eep..." she said hiding behind her mane. Then she looked up and saw who had called her. The three Cutie-Mark-Crusaders from before, a purple Unicorn who she didn't know and... "Rainbow Dash...?" she asked the bat-pony in the blue and silver uniform with Nightmare Moon's cutie-mark on the breast plate. All this becoming too much for her, Fluttershy fainted.
Sitting on her throne in Canterlot, thinking of the best way to kill Sombra, Nightmare Moon sensed something she hadn't felt in a thousand years. The feeling of the six Elements of Harmony being together.
"Ah." she said "Good. I knew Rainbow Dash would not let me down. Now she just needs to bring them back."
"Who would need to bring what back, my beautiful night?" Sombra's voice asked from the door.
Staring at him Nightmare Moon flared up her horn. Then aiming carefully, shot out a beam of light just missing Sombra over the top of his head.
"Now what was that for my demon?" Sombra said smiling.
"YOU'RE THE DEMON SOMBRA!" Nightmare Moon shrieked in the Voice shooting another beam at her husband. "WHY DO YOU WANT ME GONE?"
Here Sombra started shooting beams of dark magic towards Nightmare Moon. "Because you're weak!" he said bearing his fangs, "Even with the forces of darkness, you'll always be a second rate Princess!" One last shot and a cry later, and there was a new statue for all to see who came in to the throne room.
Deep in the Everfree Forest, five mares, one bat-pony (unaware her Queen had just been turned to stone), five foals, and a pack of Timber Wolves, were talking about the Elements of Harmony.
Twilight, remembering that the spell she was trying to concentrate on when this all started was a 'Talk to Animals' spell, cast it on every-pony so they didn't need to keep asking Fluttershy to translate.
Then Lupin came up, looked around the group, and recognized Rainbow Dash. Hearing what the purple one had done, he spoke straight to her. "Nice to see you again Rainbow Dash, I'm still not sure how I liked you scaring me and my brothers all those years ago."
Laughing nervously rubbing the back of her neck, not shocked that she could suddenly understand him, Rainbow said. "Yeah. Sorry about that," she said bowing as a sign of respect.
Twitching his tail Lupin then turned to the Cutie-Mark-Crusaders. "I thought our deal for letting Daughter Fluttershy bring you here was that you didn't tell any-wolf where our home is, young ones."
"Mr. Lupin," Applejack stepped forward also bowing, "They didn't tell me anything about your home except of how Fluttershy told them her story, and how you got to talking about the Elements. I asked them to bring me back out so I can ask you if you know how to work them. They may be our only chance to get everything back to how it was."
Turning his eyes to the pony in the stetson, Lupin looked over the ponies all around him, seeing a flare of an Element in each of the mares. Then barking at his pack to do the same, he bowed to the six of them, "It is very much alright, Element of Honesty."
"Huh?" the ponies asked.
"Erm... Father, what are you talking about?" Fluttershy asked surrounded by bouncing cubs happy to be with her and her kindness.
"I am saying Daughter Fluttershy," Lupin said getting up "That you and these other grown ponies, are the new bearers of the Elements of Harmony."
"Wait just a minute," Pinkie called out, she rushed out of view for a few seconds returning with a glass of water, only to drink and spit it out again. "Your saying the Elements of Harmony are real?" she asked.
"Yes Element of Laughter," Lupin said over the yips coming from the cubs. "It seems Discord didn't tell you they really exist."
"Nopey-Lopie, he only told me who every-pony is."
"Then would you like to finish off the introductions?"
"Ok." she cried jumping forward. Then pointing a hoof at the others in turn she said...
"Rainbow Dash is the Element of Loyalty, she was loyal to Fluttershy by staying in Canterlot so no meanie knew where Fluttershy was. Fluttershy is the Element of Kindness, being kind to all animals and your cubs - as well as you and your brothers way back then. Applejack, using her Honesty to run the Resistance against the Three Rulers. Rarity is the Element of Generosity, giving the foals at Sombra's crystal mines the best life they can have at a place like that. And finally Twilight Sparkle, the Element of Magic."
She finished very much out of breath and phlumped on the floor. All around her, the ponies were staring at her, then to each other, then to her again.
"Well done, Pinkie," Lupin said bowing to her. Then turning to Twilight said, "But I assume you already know all this Twilight."
"Er..." Twilight said not knowing what to say.
"We wolves have far better senses than ponies. We knew Princess Luna was standing behind that tree the whole time."
Then out of the darkness, stepped Luna, and by the reactions of very pony other than Jewel and Saturn, let herself be seen by everyone.
"Indeed she does good Lupin," she said bowing to the pack leader. "She's from another world where her dissensions led to a better life for every-pony..."
"Wow...Wow...Wow," Rainbow said "Back up." then turning to Twilight said, "If everything in that world was so much better, why did you wish to come here."
"I didn't do it on purpose ok," Twilight said tears forming "All I said was 'I wish I never came to Ponyville.' I didn't know what would happen." Then after a little thought said, "Besides, it's Luna's magic creating this place."
"Granny-Smith always said 'be careful what you wish for,' there Sugercube," Applejack said, going over to comfort Twilight.
"What do you mean Luna's magic is doing this?" Rarity asked looking Luna up and down.
"There's no time for to answer that." Lupin said getting up. "You need to get to the Castle and get those Elements.
"Right." they all said, running out into the forest.
Lupin held back Twilight - Luna had gone to show everyone where the castle was.
"You may be worried. But I promise you this will work," he said "After you use the Elements on the Rulers, everything will go back to normal, for this world and for you too," he said walking her to the edge of the Wolves home.
"Thank you Lupin," Twilight said bowing, tears in her eyes. Then ran after her friends.
In Discord-ville, Discord was on one of his days off, away from town hall, floating around making every-pony's life miserable.
With a 'SNAP of his fingers, he turned the dirt roads into soap trails. With another, a whole street of houses lost all sense of gravity, turning upside down. All the while the ponies of Discord-ville had to laugh and go with it, in fear of being sent to Canterlot.
"Sir," someone said in a shaky voice. Spinning around, Discord now lay down on a floating cotton candy cloud.
"Yes you little jack-in the-boxes?" With a flash the two messengers turned into giant jack-in-the-boxes complete with the same court jester look Pinkie had.
Swaying one said nervously, "There was an unscheduled train that came to Discord-ville this morning Sir."
"And?" Discord said zapping up a glass of chocolate milk, drinking the cup and throwing it over his shoulder making it explode, not caring that it blew up the school house.
"Well, we don't know if it was important," the second one said "But there were two Unicorn mares, and an Earth filly and colt on it."
"One Unicorn was white, wearing one of King Sombra's badges, and the other was purple. We didn't get to see the foals."
"Oh, how boring," Discord groaned, over-exceedingly. "Pinkie Pie's way better fun than you two." Getting ready to snap his fingers again, one messenger called.
"We also have news from Canterlot, Sir."
"And what might the be?" Discord said, halting himself.
"We got news, that King Sombra, turned Queen Nightmare Moon to stone," the other said scrunching up his eyes for what would come.
Quiet. Then great howls of laughter were heard as Discord was lying on his back rolling around on the floor. Not knowing what to do, the two ponies (now ponies again) laughed as well.
"Well it seems I should go and congratulate the new King and Queen." Discord said appearing in a 'Sunday's best' outfit.
"Sir?" the two asked.
"Why that Unicorn he's got an eye for, of course." Then with a bang he was gone, leaving a very confused pair of ponies.
Sombra was pacing around his new single room, wondering where Twilight could possibly be. Then sensing someone was in there with him, he stopped and shot a beam of dark magic to the chair.
"Hey watch it Sombra," came Discord's voice as he materialized in the very chair Sombra just shot at.
"What do you want Discord?" Sombra asked, returning to his pacing, "I'm waiting for some-pony."
"Nightmare Moon?" Discord asked looking around, already seeing the blue and silver had changed to purple and pink.
"No..." Sombra said looking around to face Discord.
"Well, are you going to tell me?" Discord asked conjuring up a polka-dotted rose out of nowhere. "I'd really like to get to know this new Queen of yours."
"Get lost Discord," Sombra said. "Return to that messed up town of yours," he said turning around.
Here Discord's rose caught on fire, as anger showed in his face. "What did you say about my Discord-ville, Sombra?"
"I said it was a 'messed up town'."
"Alright. You asked for it." Suddenly the floor was covered in ice, there were cotton candy clouds pouring chocolate rain, and lightning was shooting at everything.
Sighing, not turning around, Sombra used the same spell he had used on Nightmare Moon that morning. After a few seconds everything turned back to normal. All except now there was a statue of a draconequus in the middle of the room.
"GUARDS!" Sombra called in a voice, a not as loud a call as Nightmare Moon's. Two Nightmare... no, two newly-named Sombra guards came running into their King's room to see what was wrong, bowing.
"Yes Sir," they both said.
"See to it that heap of junk gets to the throne room," Sombra said pointing a hoof at Discord's statue. "And send a squad out to the train station to bring my new queen to me when the train arrives."
"Yes Sir," they both said bowing, one going to inform the others of the Kings demands, the other using his Unicorn powers to teleport the statue to the throne room, on the other side of Nightmare Moon.
When everything was quiet again, Sombra returned to pacing.
In the Everfree Forest....
"How much farther Applejack..." Rarity whined "My hooves are killing me. How long have we been walking for?"
"About five minutes 'your highness'." Applejack said sarcastically, looking around for the rope bridge that would lead to the castle. Then spotting it ran over to it, only to see... it was down?
"Now, what the hay happened here?" Applejack said seeing the rope had been cut! at the other end.
"Something's not right," Luna said looking towards the castle's tower holding the Elements.
"Quick Rainbow, fly over and retie the bridge so we can get across!" Twilight said.
"Why? Can't you just teleport us all over there?" Rainbow shot back.
"What happened to being loyal to you friends?" Twilight said "And 'never leave your friends hanging'" she quoted the line her Rainbow had used when they went hunting of the Elements in her world, when it came to the same task.
Every-pony looking at her, Rainbow just sighed and did what had to be done.
Tying it up and flying back to let the others across, Rainbow was held back by Fluttershy who let the others go ahead so they could talk.
"I'm so glad you're back Rainbow," Fluttershy said hugging her childhood friend.
"Yeah..." Rainbow said hugging her back.
"I really think we should get to know them," Fluttershy said playing with her mane. "You know, seeing as we're all Element bearers and everything."
"We'll see." Rainbow said. And with that the two Pegasi of the group flew over the bridge. Only to get ambushed on the other side and knocked out.
***
As Rainbow Dash was coming to, she felt that there was someone tied against her back. Keeping her eyes shut, but still listening (a trick she got off her father Spectrum Dash who used to be in the Couldsdale police force) she could hear Applejack yelling at someone.
"Just how long have you been working against us then boy!" she called.
"Ever since I joined you," a cruel but slightly familiar voice answered "Not as good at seeing liars as you thought, are you?"
"Let every-pony go Lane. They came here to get away from the Three Rulers."
"Oh I know. It's such a shame they were missing out on so much fun."
"What are you going to do to us?" Twilight's voice butted in.
"Why take you to Canterlot of course," he answered. "There King Sombra will make me his right hoof pony for all I've done for him, bringing him the Elements and the bearers. Not to mention his new Queen."
At this Rainbow opened her eyes in shock of hearing something had happened to Nightmare Moon. Looking around she saw that she and the other bearers were tied up in pairs - she with Fluttershy, Twilight with Rarity both with rings on their horns, and Applejack with Pinkie - (three were still knocked out), and the foals were all knocked out as well. Searching for who did this, she saw...
"Thunder-Lane," she said getting annoyed.
"Ah Captain Dash," Thunder-Lane said giving her a mock bow. "I was wondering when you would wake up."
"You know this jerk?" Applejack asked.
"He's one of Sombra's spies," Rainbow answered "Nightmare Moon always knew he had them, but thought her King was better than that." Then turning to Thunder-Lane, "Now whats this on Sombra having a new Queen?"
"Why Miss Sparkle here of course," Thunder-Lane said showing every-pony.
"And what, Lane, happened to his old one?" Rainbow said, getting protective over Nightmare Moon.
"Like all the worthless ponies... He turned her to stone." Laughing at the reactions he was getting, Thunder-Lane didn't hear the howls of a Timber Wolf coming from outside.
"Papa," Fluttershy whispered loud enough for only Rainbow to hear.
Suddenly, all the grown Timber Wolves of the pack came running into the tower, with Luna leading them.
This stopped Thunder-Lane from laughing. He was surrounded by Wolves, all growling, every eye glowing green. Then Lupin stepped forward, looked at the ponies and said, "Daughter Fluttershy, I suggest you and your friends look away." Then looking at Thunder-Lane, "You were the one from before, who threatened my pack, and now you're threatening my daughter, and for that... You must pay." After making sure everyone was looking away, Lupin attacked a frozen-in-fear Thunder-Lane, killing him with a bite though his head.
***
After the screams had stopped ringing around the hall, every-pony was untied, Twilight and Rarity had the rings taking off, and Applejack went to check on her Resistance to find them all ok. Everyone else was showing their respects to Lupin for saving them.
"Come on, let's go get those Elements," Rainbow said and zoomed off in the direction of the stairs, the others running behind her.
As it was like when Twilight found the Elements before, on a pedestal, stood five of the six Elements, Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, and Loyalty still turned to stone. Remembering how she and her friends got them before...
"We need to break them."
"What?" five cries came.
"When we smash them, the shards will go to the right pony, and we'll get the sixth Element as well as bringing the others into the new era of time," she explained running to get the boulders that were the Elements.
Sensing to just go with it, Rainbow helped bring them down. "Ok, Now what?"
"Rarity," Twilight said "Can you use you powers to break them up into tiny shards. Think of it as that rock you broke open when you got your Cutie-Mark.
Rarity was about to ask how Twilight knew how she got her Mark, when she thought now wasn't the time. Lighting her horn with blue aura, Rarity gripped the stones and after a few seconds, broke them up.
As Twilight had said, and hoped, the shard went to the right ponies, while a new one appeared above her head. Bright light filled the room. After a final flash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash had golden necklaces, each with a gem of their Cutie-Marks, while Twilight had a golden tiara with her Cutie-Mark on the highest point.
"Ok." Rainbow said looking at Twilight, "We got the Elements, now what?"
"Now, we go after Sombra, and make everything right."
Twilight used her magic, to teleport herself and her friends, back to the train station.
"Hey," Rarity said more to herself then anyone else. "The tracks are fixed."
"Yeah and there aren't any cotton candy clouds any more," Rainbow commented.
"Sombra must have done something to Discord as well then," Twilight said looking around seeing everything was back to normal.
They all got on the train that would take them to Canterlot, not expecting a 'welcome party' of guards when they got there.
***
A few hours later, the whistle blew signaling the ponies to get ready to depart. Pinkie getting excited, stuck her head out the window.
"Hey look," she said "Every-pony's come out to fight Sombra with us, look they're all in their armour and everything."
"What?" Rainbow said rushing to the next window and seeing almost all the guards, in Sombra's black and red instead of Nightmare Moon's silver and blue, on the stations platform.
Coming back in she said "Err Twilight... How exactly were you planning on getting to the palace?"
Twilight and Rarity stood in the throne room, after being lead there by the new Captain of the Guard, Dark Knight, and were told to wait for Sombra.
"Sombra's probably expecting me," Twilight said thinking. "So Rarity and I will go out of the train first and be taking to the palace. Here," she said handing Rainbow her tiara, "Sombra can't know we found them. Let us get in there first. Do you know any secret passages into the palace throne room, Rainbow?"
Thinking Rainbow said "There are the old forgotten caves underneath the castle. But no-pony's been down there in years, I don't know the way though them."
Remembering the caves from her brother's wedding Twilight told Rainbow the way.
"Announcing... His Royal Highness, the Lord of Darkness, Sorcerer of Dark Magic and Crystals and King of Canterlot..." a voice rang out from a pony on the other end of the room, "King Sombra." No applause was given as King Sombra walked into the room in his silver body armour, red cape, and now golden crown.
"Ah... Twilight Sparkle, I was wondering where you were," Sombra said walking up to his new mare. Rarity bowed.
"Well, as they say honey, 'Good things come to those who wait,'" Twilight said trying to stay her act while thinking of how the others were doing.
***
"Ok," Rainbow said leading the others to the entrance to the caves. "This way in is rather small, we'll have to go in one at a time. It's also a very long passage. Just remember, 'keep moving forward'. After a while it will open up. Wait there 'till we are all together again." After nods from everyone, Applejack was the first one in, followed by Pinkie, then after some encouraging words from Rainbow, Fluttershy, then Rainbow herself.
***
Back in the throne room, Sombra was showing off the new pair of statues to Twilight.
"Do you like them my dear?" he asked showing his fangs. "At last, I can rule Equestria by myself with you at my side as my new Queen."
"Well it won't really be by yourself then would it?" Twilight said to herself.
"No, I suppose it won't." Sombra said eyes turning red. "But as they say 'It gets very lonely at the top.'"
***
In the caves, the ponies were looking for the mine-cart track Twilight told them about.
"Hey guys, I think I found it," Applejack called.
Everyone ran over to see the tracks that went farther into the caves.
"Ok. Let's go!" Rainbow said running off down the track, hearing the others behind her.
"Didn't Twilight say she had to ride on Cadence to get to the next part of the way out of here Rainbow?" Applejack asked still running.
"Yes, yes she did," Pinkie sang jumping to the others running. "She definitely said that. Whoa...." she was forced to stop as they ran out of tracks.
"What... What now?" Fluttershy panted. She wasn't used to so much running.
"Up there." Rainbow pointed out, a beam of light showing them the way. "Ok, who wants to go first?"
***
Sombra had told Dark Knight to take Twilight and Rarity to Nightmare Moon's old room, so Twilight could be fitted for her wedding dress, and Rarity into a best mare's one.
"After all, a new Queen needs a royal wedding to introduce her to her kingdom, does she not?" Sombra had said waving Twilight out of the throne room.
"I hope this plan of yours works Twilight," Rarity said getting into her best mare's dress, a crown of flowers on her head.
"I do too Rarity," Twilight answered. "I don't really want to have Sombra as a husband." Or to stay asleep for ever.
***
Rainbow had just flown the others up to the top of the caves, and was now looking for the way out.
"Hey Rainbow," Pinkie called "Is this it?" she said standing in front of four tunnels all looking exactly the same except there were pictographs above each one showing where they led to. The kitchens, the entrance hall, the gardens, and...
"The throne room." Applejack said pointing to the last one. "Come on. Still got those last two Elements Fluttershy?" she asked looking around to see Fluttershy nod.
And they continued on their way.
***
Trumpets were being sounded, announcing the wedding was starting, Sombra looking rather smug at the altar with Rarity at his side.
Twilight was walking up the aisle getting more and more nervous with each step wondering where the others were. Then she noticed one of the tiles on the floor start to move and then something pink zoom out and replace the Queen's crown with Twilight Element of Harmony and zip over to Rarity. Sighing with relief, Twilight looked up and nodded at Rarity saying everything was going to plan.
Rainbow, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie - after switching the crowns and giving Rarity her Element, made for the back of the hall ready for the line.
"Mares and Gentle-colts," the pre-pony started "We are gathered here today to bind His Royal Highness King Sombra, and Twilight Sparkle in the everlasting line of marriage." "If there is anyone here who thinks these two should not be wed let them speak now or forever hold their peace," he said placing the crowns on to the pairs heads, not noticing Twilight's was different.
"I do," Twilight said backing off from Sombra, to gasps from the crowd.
"I second that," Rainbow cried stepping forward.
"As do I," Applejack said.
"Me too." Pinkie hopped up next to her friends.
"Erm... I do too." Fluttershy said stepping up.
"As do I 'Your Highness'" Rarity said sarcastically - to even more gasps - stepping away from her king to stand by the other ponies.
"And what makes you think you can do this, my dear...?" Sombra hissed getting annoyed that everything that had been going so well, had just blown in his face.
"Because, you are not the rightful ruler of this land," Twilight said going over to the others. "You're just a bully, who turns every-pony who annoys you, or disappoints you, to stone. You even enslaved thousands of your own Crystal Ponies to work in dark, cold mines, pulling heavy carts all day, not caring how they felt." Twilight was lecturing him. "Well now we, the Elements of Harmony, are here to stop you."
Suddenly Sombra shot a beam of his dark magic at Twilight, protected by a force field the Elements had conjured up. Every-pony was running for the doors panicking, trying to get away from their king.
Then, the Elements on the five necklaces, started glowing, each one giving off a different color of the rainbow. Wind started to blow around the six mares as the lights made for Twilight's crown where they came together and made a shot at Sombra, easily shooting through his magic, destroying him.
The Elements magic then went around to all the statues, bringing them all (except Discord) back to life, and turning Nightmare Moon back into Princess Luna. After the magic was cut off, and the light had faded away, someone pointed out the window.
"Look every-pony." The sun, for the first time in years, was coming out over the horizon.
"Well done my little ponies," a motherly voice called out. A white Alicorn, with an ever flowing multicolored ethereal mane.
"Princess Celestia!" every-pony cried bowing.
"Please my little ponies. It is not me you should be bowing to," Celestia said looking around the hall. "But these six brave mares. The Elements of Harmony." Cheers followed this.
Then when the ponies were cheering for Twilight and her friends Celestia went over to Luna.
"I'm so sorry," Twilight heard Luna cry. "I've missed you so much big sister."
Yes moving to Ponyville was the best thing that ever happened to me. Twilight thought. She then began to notice that the world was rippling all around her, the color disappearing, sound being muted.
She was back in her old dream exactly where she was before Luna had done her magic. Standing in her wedding dress, next to Flash Sentry.
"If there is anyone here who thinks these two should not be wed let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Celestia said pausing for an answer, this time no one spoke up.
"I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride."
Twilight was getting so excited, Flash was getting closer and closer. Twilight closed her eyes, readied her lips, to receive his kiss....
'KNOCK...KNOCK...KNOCK'
Twilight rolled out of bed angry that someone had the nerve to wake her up in the middle of a perfect dream. Who ever it was....
"Hey Twi," Rainbows voice sounded. "You in there?"
Rainbow Dash... Honestly I wish you... Twilight stopped her self in midthought, wondering what it would be like if Rainbow was gone.
"Twi?"
"Yes Yes I'm coming." Twilight said opening her door and stepping outside.
"Wow!" was Rainbow's first expression at the look of Twilight's messed up mane and baggy eyes. "Rough night?"
"You could say that," Twilight said yawning twitching her ears. Then on the breeze... Twilight thought she could hear howling coming from the Everfree Forest. Howling and... Singing!
"Er... Rainbow you know that time when told the Crusaders how we got our Cutie-Marks?"
