Twilight Sparkle was sitting at her desk in the library in her castle catching up on her studies. Spike and Owlowiscious were cleaning the shelves and looking over some of the books and records that Twilight hadn’t used in a while.

“Twilight, I was wondering. You and the others have been fighting evil and saving Equestria for nearly six years now. And you’ve met some relatively tough evil forces. Looking back, which of the villains do you think were the toughest?” Spike asked.

“Hm, I don’t know It wasn’t easy getting Princess Luna back to her normal state after she returned as Nightmare Moon. Discord was tough, and although he’s reformed he can still be a problem at times. Tirek was one that nearly destroyed Ponyville, and destroyed the Golden Oak Library. But on a personal level I’d have to say Queen Chrysalis and her changeling army. She impersonated Cadance, put Shining Armor under a spell, tried to give me a bad name, and attacked Shining and Cadance’s wedding.” Twilight answered.

“What about King Sombra? He practically enslaved the Crystal Empire and brought fear and destruction wherever he went.” Spike asked.

“I guess I’d have to say that overall, it’s either Chrysalis or Sombra. And I’d HATE to have to choose between those two.” Twilight answered.

“Yeah, just imagine if any one of those villains teamed up with one another.” Spike responded.

This statement made Twilight nervous. She didn’t want to imagine what would happen if any two of the most evil forces wound up allying with each other. The fate of Equestria would be at too big of a risk.

She finally answered looking at the time: “I’d rather not think about that, Spike. Besides, I’m set to meet with Starlight Glimmer for her next friendship lesson really soon so we’ll discuss this later.”

“Well she’s not really evil. She just needs some help understanding friendship.” Twilight concluded before exiting out the door into the hall.

At the other end of the hall, there was a shadow on the wall of a pony that for some strange reason, was not there. Lumious, green eyes watched with keen interest, a disembodied voice hissing, “Oh, Princess Twilight Sparkle. You’re about to find out sooner than you think!”
The voice cackled as the shadow slowly dissipated.

Pinkie Pie was standing in the kitchen of Sugarcube Corner with several cookie sheets and bowls filled with cream, chocolate, many different flavored frosting, cartons of eggs, bags of flour, and other baking ingredients laid out on the counters. She was super excited because, well when is she not super excited…

“Well, there have been times when I wasn’t super-duper excited, like when my hair deflates and I’m sad, or when I feel my friends don’t want to play with me or when Pound and Pumpkin misbehave or when smiles seem wrong or…”

“There’s some new fantastic additions to the menu of SUGARCUBE CORNER!!!!!!!!!! This time, we’ll be including donuts, éclairs and mousse!!!! I recently contacted Donut Joe, Gustave le Grand and Mulia Mild and we all agreed to share some of our recipes with each other. That way everypony in Ponyville can enjoy any fantastic treats here at Sugarcube Corner! And as soon as I perfect the recipes I’m going to throw a Donuts, Éclairs and Mousse Party! A DEM party! WEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way I received a letter in the mail from Cheese Sandwich today. He says that he’s doing fantastic as a party pony in a way that only I could be proud of. I really should write him back. What should I tell him?”

You could ask if he plans on making another trip to Ponyville one of these days. By the way do you and Cheese Sandwich have a “thing” for one another by chance?

Pinkie began to blush: “I’m not entirely sure. But it’s your story after all so do whatever you please.”

Anyway back to the story. While Pinkie was practicing her craft at the new treats, the shadow peered from outside the door of the kitchen.

Rarity was sitting at a sewing machine in one of the back rooms making another fabulous dress for the boutique. Sassy Saddles trotted in from out in the store with a bunch of receipts.

“Everypony loves the dresses and they’re all excited for the new fall line that you’re planning on making soon.”

Rarity smiled in response: “That’s fantastic Sassy, I’m so proud of how well you have handled the Canterlot Carousel.”

“Thanks. Now we have to start planning for the fashion show in which we debut the fall line for next month. We need to schedule the auditions for the models, the dresses need to be made, and everything.” Sassy said.

“Relax, I’m sure everything is going to run smoothly. I’ve already gotten started on most of the dresses. I’ve posted ads for models all over Canterlot. Auditions will begin on Monday.” Rarity said.

“Rarity, you are so on top of things. By the way I was wondering if it were at all possible if you were planning on expanding the Carousel Boutique to other cities like Phillydelphia, Baltimare and Los Pegasus? We tend to get a lot of ponies from various different parts of Equestria.” Sassy responded.

“Well, I have just debuted my new Manehatten shop, so I see no reason why we shouldn’t. I’ll see if I can make any trips anyplace.” Rarity answered.

Sassy went back out into the store, but for some reason there was nopony in the boutique that wasn’t in there before she went in the back to talk to Rarity. Everypony who was in there were the same ponies she had helped before. Sassy just shrugged it off and stood by just in case.

Little did she know however there was a new presence in the Canterlot Carousel, it was the pony shadow hiding on a wall behind a rack of dresses.

Fluttershy was in the kitchen of her cottage, making lunch for all of her animal friends. She had just finished making her last dish before she took it out with the rest to the back of the cottage where they were waiting. She laid down the dishes and said sweetly, “Alright everyone, lunch is ready.” All the animals came up and started chowing down on their food. Just then she heard somepony out by her mailbox and went to check to see who it was.

Derpy was out in front of the cottage to place the mail into the mailbox when Fluttershy came out and greeted her.

Derpy stuck her head into the mailbag and pulled out a letter for Fluttershy. She opened the letter.

Fluttershy read the letter and said: “It’s an invite to a garden party held by my friend Treehugger. It says that she was going to be showing off her new garden filled with several cute animals. It also says to bring a date if possible.”

“Big Macintosh. He and I had gotten to be close friends ever since I officially joined the Ponytones. And I guess from that point on we developed feelings for each other. I really like Big Mac for his quiet, easy going, yet hard working persona. and he in turn likes me for my kindness towards others.” Fluttershy answered.

“That’s so great Fluttershy. Oh, how I’d love to play with the animals.” Derpy said.

“I’m taking my friend, Dr. Hooves. He’s always been helpful to me. I also think we might be related.” Derpy answered.

“Oh, Derpy. I’m sure that regardless, he’s a great stallion for you.” Fluttershy laughed.

Derpy smiled and responded before flying off to the next address on her route: “Okay. Thanks, Fluttershy. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I’d better check to see if the animals are done with their lunch.”

Back behind the cottage, the animals were almost finished with their meals, however amongst the animals was the shadow.

Rainbow Dash and the rest of the Wonderbolts had just finished practicing one of their routines and were taking a lunch break. Rainbow Dash met up with her fellow Wonderbolts: Soarin’, Fleetfoot, High Winds, and Misty Fly in the mess hall and sat with them at one of the lunch tables.

“Hey Rainbow Dash, you’ve really gotten better at working with the rest of the team as opposed to being a showoff.” Soarin said.

“Yeah, Dash. We’re so proud of how well you have progressed as a part of the team.” Fleetfoot agreed.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow and said: “I don’t need to be reminded of any of that.”

Soarin’ backed off and said: “Okay, okay. Anyways, after lunch we were planning on visiting the Wonderbolts Hall of Fame and taking a look at some of the all time greatest Wonderbolts.”

“You know. It’s ironic that you say that. Because Scootaloo is coming to visit today and I was planning on taking her there as well.” Rainbow Dash answered.

“Sounds like a great idea. After lunch, I’m going to wait for her in the barracks.” Rainbow Dash agreed.

As Rainbow Dash and her fellow Wonderbolts continued to talk and mingle, at the other end of the mess hall sat the shadow pony glaring at Rainbow Dash’s team.

Applejack was out doing her daily apple-bucking rounds when she came across Big Macintosh who was looking rather glum. At first she didn’t quite acknowledge it, but she could clearly tell that something was troubling him so she went up to him and asked: “Big Mac, is there somethin’ wrong. Ah can tell ‘cause ah know that look on yer face. ”

“Applejack. I was thinking about that conversation we had as soon as you got back from Manehatten.” Big Mac answered.

Applejack sighed and said: “Truth is, Big Mac, ah never wanted nor asked to be the hero of the family. Ah never asked for any of the glory and attention that came with that status. Ah didn’t CHOOSE to represent the Element of Honesty. The only reason ah became the hero of the Apple Family is because the element chose ME to represent it during the return of Nightmare Moon. Same goes for Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie and their respective elements. The 6 of us go out there and defend Equestria because it’s our duty to do so. It ain’t only that, but ALL of the heroic acts ah do are to benefit you, Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, the rest of the Apple Family, Ponyville, and all of Equestria. Besides, ah for one ain’t one to flaunt mah success or brag about it at anypony. None of us are.”

Applejack chuckled and said: “You’re right about that, Sugarcube. But we always keep her in line. But the point is the reason the 6 of us are the heroes of Equestria ain’t because we want to be, but because we have to be.”

Big Mac nodded and said: “I guess that make sense now. But don’t the pressures of the responsibilities of protecting all of Equestria get to you at times and make you wish that somepony else could carry the banner for honesty?”

Applejack thought and said: “Yep, It’s tough bein’ the heroes, but the safety and wellbein’ of everypony makes it all the more rewarding. However, that don’t mean there are times that ah wish we didn’t have the burden of havin’ the weight of Equestria on our backs. Chances are there are there are ponies who are just as honest, if not more so than mahself. But ah wouldn’t keep mah hooves crossed for the moment when that opportunity does arrive. Ya just never know, Big Mac. Besides ya got plenty of good qualities. I mean you are very skilled at Mathematics. Some of the darn best test scores in all Ponyville.”

“Also, yer Turkey Gala contest title, which ya regained this year after ya lost it in a rather controversial fashion.” Applejack continued.

Big Mac smiled proudly and said: “Eeyup! How well did Pinkie Pie take her losing the title?”

Applejack chuckled again and said: “Well, she certainly didn’t like it. Ah saw her make a pouty face when ya were awarded back the metal. But after a few days she was just as cheerful as before. Plus ever since the Sisterhooves Social, even though ya didn’t walk away with the blue ribbon, ya got something more valuable. You and Apple Bloom have been closer than before.”

“Eeyup. I guess she also learned to give just as much time for me as she does for you and not to show favoritism towards one or the other.” Big Mac said.

“That’s exactly what mama and papa wanted for us to do. But anyway you’re also a member of the Ponytones along with Rarity and Fluttershy.” Applejack said.

Applejack’s face turned smug as she continued: “By the way. How’s the relationship between you and Fluttershy goin’?”

“Great. I received a brochure in the mail regarding some garden party held by one of Fluttershy’s friends. I’m fixing to go with her to it. She’s such a great mare.” Big Mac answered.

“Ah know, she is mah friend after all as well as the Element of Kindness so ah ain’t gonna debate yer taste in mares. Fluttershy’s a keeper if ya ask me.” Applejack agreed.

“She sure is. Oh and just to let you know, Apple Bloom said that she’s planning on going out for ice cream later tonight with that dancing colt she became friends with. I think his name is Tender Taps or something.” Big Mac said.

“Alright, but she ain’t stayin’ out past nine. She’s got school tomorrow. We’ll tell ‘er that once we get finished apple-buckin’ for the day. I’ll see ya back at the barn. OK?” Applejack concluded.

As Applejack and Big Macintosh went in separate directions watching from the wall of the barn was the pony shadow.

Two silhouetted figures are looking into a cauldron showing the 6 shadows from before. One of them was a large bulky male unicorn wearing what appeared to be a crown, robe and knights armor. His eyes also glowed an evil green. The other was what appeared to be a female alicorn with tattered wings, holes in her tail, legs and horn and a small crown on her head. Her eyes also glowed an evil green. They were none other than King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis.

“Having seen those six bring an end to my reign in the Crystal Empire was a disgrace!” Sombra roared.

“Yes, King Sombra. I know that feeling far too well. I had tried to take over Canterlot using Shining Armor and Cadance's wedding and would have succeeded if it hadn't been for Twilight and her friends. Our deal is that together, we take over all of Equestria and we both get what we want. You enslave all the ponies to do your bidding, while me and my changelings get to feast off of the traitors and the weak and useless ponies.” Chrysalis hissed.

“But first, we have to remove the only ponies who have been able to stop us. Are the six changelings in their assigned positions?” Sombra agreed.

“Wait until each of them are alone and then they fall into the trap. I have fed each of them a potion that enhances all of their abilities so that this phase of the plan will not fail.” Sombra answered.

“Yes. But just to be extra sure that they don’t suspect anything, they’ll use their specialty. It’s what we do best after all.” Chrysalis agreed.

Twilight peered around the corner of the hallway and was frightened by the sudden appearance of Starlight Glimmer. Twilight staggered back for a bit before regaining her composure.

Starlight asked equally as frightened: “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I startle you?”

“That’s okay, Starlight. I was looking for you anyway. Let’s head downstairs for our friendship lesson.” Twilight answered.

Pinkie Pie was still baking her new treats when she heard the little bell to the door indicating a customer. She looked and it was none other than her favorite stoic sister Maud.

Pinkie squealed with delight and hugged Maud and said “Maud. It’s so great to see you! But you didn’t write me saying you were coming to Ponyville!”

“Nope. Carrot and Cup Cake took Pound and Pumpkin for a stroll in the park. What do you say we go into the living room and have a wonderful time catching up!” Pinkie answered.

Rarity was just leaving the Canterlot Carousel when she opened the door and was shocked to find Coco Pummel waiting there for her.

“Okay. Well I was on my way to lunch. Would you like to join me?” Rarity said.

“Absolutely. Let’s head to someplace a little out of sight from the public, It’s more peaceful and quiet.” Coco answered quietly.

“Sure, there’s a restaurant hidden behind the street of where the other restaurants are located. I know the owners there and it’s relatively quiet there around this time.” Rarity responded.

Fluttershy had just collected the plates from the animals after they finished their lunch when she turned around and suddenly saw her grizzly bear friend standing in the living room.

“Why don’t you come in to the living room for some tea.” Fluttershy invited.

Fluttershy and the bear walked into the living room. The bear had to duck his head as he entered.

Rainbow Dash was heading back to the barracks to relax for an hour before getting back to the routines when she opened the door to all of a sudden find Soarin’ standing behind the door.

Soarin’ said rather worriedly: “Oh, I’m sorry, did I startle you. I was looking for something and can’t seem to find it anywhere. Could you please help me find it? I think it may have rolled under one of the beds.”

Applejack was bucking the apple trees near the barn when she turned around the corner and suddenly her cousin Braeburn appeared right in front of her and caught Applejack off guard.

Applejack excitedly responded: “Braeburn! Ya didn’t tell me you were comin’!”

“Ah wanted to surprise you. What do ya say we head into the barn to catch up on things?” Braeburn answered.

Twilight had was opening the door to her private study, Pinkie was bouncing towards the two chairs in the living room, Rarity and Coco had turned the corner of Restaurant Row heading to the Tasty Treat, Fluttershy was going back into the kitchen to make the tea, Rainbow Dash looked under one of the bunks and Applejack opened the barn door.

Suddenly each of the respective companions delivered a powerful strike to each of the Mane 6 in the back of their necks. The forces of the blows caused each of them to fall flat on their faces. Starlight and Coco each grabbed Twilight and Rarity and rammed their heads into a bookcase and lamppost respectively. Twilight and Rarity had been rammed horn first when they were thrown and as a result, their horns bent back and they fell on their backs, holding their foreheads and screaming in pain.

Starlight used her magic and turned Twilight on her back and held Twilight’s wings, while the bear and Soarin each grabbed a hold of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash’s wings respectively Starlight, the bear and Soarin each pulled backwards and snapped both the wings of Twilight, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash respectively who each screamed in pain as they lay on their fronts.

Soarin grabbed Rainbow Dash’s hind legs and flipped over her to the front. Applejack gave Braeburn a few applebucks but he was able to catch her hind legs in mid-buck. Soarin and Braeburn each pulled on both of Rainbow Dash’s and Applejacks legs as they landed in front. Rainbow and AJ screamed in pain as they held their hind legs. Braeburn then rolled Applejack on her front and jumped up and stomped all four legs right on Applejack’s back. Applejack just screamed in pain as she lay there like a sitting duck.

Meanwhile Maud had stood over Pinkie from behind and turned around and stomped on Pinkie’s back hooves with her hind legs. Pinkie screamed in pain with tears in her eyes as Maud walked up in front of her, turned her back and did the same to Pinkie’s front hooves. Pinkie screamed again and cried waterfalls out of her eyes.

As each of the Mane 6 looked up from the ground at their attackers, they each gave a menacing grin as they looked down at the battered Mane 6.

Pinkie Pie was the first to catch on before the others however and shouted: “HEY! YOU’RE NOT MAUD!!!”

The other Mane 5’s attackers suddenly had their eyes glowing an evil green, revealing them not to be who they thought.

All 6 attackers transformed back into Changelings before whole teams of Changelings appeared and surrounded each of the Mane 6. Twilight tried to light her horn, but was unable to due to her injuries. Rainbow snarled and tried to fight back, but her wings hung useless at her sides. Applejack tried to stand, but fell back down.

Suddenly the 6 Changelings who posed as the Mane 6’s friends walked up to the ponies and stated: “You’re coming with us by orders of our Queen Chrysalis and King Sombra.”

The 6 Changelings then gave a major blow to the back of the heads of each of the Mane 6 who each fell to the ground unconscious. The Changelings then lifted and carried each of the fallen Mane 6 members into the sky before the last ones each created scrolls with their horns and stuck them to the door of Twilight’s personal study, the door to Fluttershy’s cottage, the door to the kitchen of Sugarcube Corner, the wall outside the barn of Sweet Apple Acres, on Rainbow Dash’s bunk in the barracks, and the door to Canterlot Carousel.

Following the attacks however, a number of ponies had seen the Changeling armies take off into the skies and rushed to the scenes of the attacks. Starlight Glimmer and Spike had arrived at Twilight’s personal study; Spitfire and the rest of the Wonderbolt team checked out the barracks; Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom went to check out the barn; Sassy Saddles, Minuette and several Canterlot Carousel patrons searched out in front of the store and the street with the restaurants; Cheerilee, Derpy, and the animals looked around the cottage; and Carrot and Cup cake along with their foals Pound and Pumpkin rushed to Sugarcube corner.

Once they got to the locations with the scrolls, they were horrified by what they had read and knew that Princess Celestia had to be informed of this immediately.

Meanwhile, Queen Chrysalis and King Sombra gave out a satisfactory sigh and looked at each other.

“Now with Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends in our captivity…” Queen Chrysalis stated.

Each of the witnesses along with several other ponies from Ponyville and Canterlot had arrived in the throne room at the palace in Canterlot one hour ago for a meeting with Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadance. Several of the Mane 6’s family members were also present for this meeting for they had been informed by Spike’s letters regarding the news. Night Light, Twilight Velvet, and Shining Armor were there since they lived in Canterlot. The two parents each hugged each other with tears in their eyes while Shining just stood there with Cadance for moral support hoping that Twilight would be okay. After all she had come through many times. Why couldn’t she figure out something now?

Rainbow Dash’s parents had flown in from Cloudsdale when they heard the news. Rainbow Blaze and Rainbow Shine were there along with Scootaloo. The mood was more disbelief than sorrowful but nonetheless there was plenty of worry as well. They seemed the most hopeful that things would be alright, considering how tough Rainbow Dash is. Yet at the same time they feared for her safety.

In addition to Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith, several other members of the Apple Family had made the trip to Canterlot, including the real Braeburn (Who was still in Appleoosa at the time of the attack and had made no plans to visit Sweet Apple Acres that week) and Babs Seed (Who was visiting Appleoosa at the time). They spoke with each other and offered moral support to ease the tension. Amongst Applejack’s 3 closest relatives, Granny Smith remained composed but was very much afraid of losing her granddaughter. Big Mac was also relatively strong and composed. He had to be for the Apple Family and for Applejack as he placed a comforting hoof around a tear-filled Apple Bloom. Like Rainbow Dash, Applejack is a fighter and was strong enough to handle threats such as this one. They could only hope that she would be able to escape and come home.

Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles along with Sweetie Belle were there for they were back in Ponyville from their trips around Equestria. Hondo and Cookie leaned on each other sorrowfully and hugged Sweetie Belle who was crying, scared of what was going to happen to Rarity.

Mr. and Mrs. Shy along with Zephyr Breeze had arrived along with the Rainbows from Cloudsdale. All 3 hugged each other with tears in their eyes, sobbing quietly as they just hoped that Fluttershy would come home safely. Even Zephyr felt worried for his sister and felt forever in her debt for helping him get on the right path to a career.

Both the Cake and Pie families were present. Carrot and Cup who were cradling Pound and Pumpkin with sad looks on their faces. The foals just cooed quietly as they were too young to understand the magnitude of the threat surrounding the abduction of their babysitter and playmate. Mr. and Mrs. Pie, the real Maud (who was on the Rock farm at the time her sister was attacked) Limestone and Marble just bowed their heads. Even though they aren’t as open about it as she is, each of the Pies truly loved Pinkie as much as she loved them. If one was to look closely at Maud’s face, one would notice there was a very tiny tear trickling down her cheek.
Starlight Glimmer was visibly shaken up by the experience. Before she and Spike took the train to Canterlot, Trixie offered to go along with her to offer moral support. When they got off the train, Sunburst greeted them as Starlight gave a tearful hug to her childhood friend. Both of them stood by Starlight’s side as they made their way to the castle.

Sunset Shimmer was also present at the meeting. She had received word of what had happened while she was having lunch with the other 6 human counterparts to the Mane 6. She had a look of worry on her face and told the others the news and rushed back through the portal at the Canterlot High statue. When she arrived in Equestria, Sunset was nervous about facing Princess Celestia again, but once she came face to face with her former mentor, Celestia had said that she had learned of Sunset’s reformation in the human realm and that all was forgiven. The former student and teacher then embraced tearfully for a full minute before heading to the throne room where the witnesses and family members were waiting.
Celestia had read the scrolls and what they said:

PONIES OF EQUESTRIA
WE HAVE CAPTURED YOUR PRINCESS OF FRIENDSHIP
PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND THE OTHER FIVE
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY!
WITHOUT THEM, YOU WILL BE AT OUR MERCY!
WE WILL GIVE YOU AN ULTIMATUM HOWEVER.
IF CELESTIA AND HER SUBJECTS SURRENDER AND ACCEPT US AS YOUR RULERS,
EVERYPONY IN EQUESTRIA WILL BE SPARED.
SIGNED:
KING SOMBRA AND QUEEN CHRYSALIS

Needless to say, Princess Celestia’s heart just sank into her chest when she read this. Ever since she sent Twilight Sparkle to Ponyville to learn about friendship, whenever things looked bleak for the ponies of Equestria, she could always count on Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends: Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie to come through for everypony and save the day in the end. Now, with the Mane 6 being made prisoners of 2 of the most powerful evil forces in all of Equestria, it appears as though the lives of millions of innocents are officially at stake.

Princess Celestia finally spoke: “This is just horrible. Ever since Twilight and her friends had successfully returned you to normal, Luna, I hadn’t had too much fear for the safety of my subjects, until now.”

“Please, don’t say that we must surrender to Sombra and Chrysalis.” Luna asked in a frightened tone.

“Sister, you know me better than that. For so many years, Equestria has faced many threats, many dangers, many disasters, and so many times the ponies that we’ve watched over have had their very lives at stake. And we will NEVER surrender to the forces of evil under any circumstances!!! However I’m not sure of what to do now as Sombra and Chrysalis have taken our bearers for the Elements of Harmony.” Celestia answered defiantly.

However a cloaked figure amongst the crowd spoke up: “The odds are against you, but no need to yelp, I certainly hope I can be of help. I may be different, but do not fear, Zecora has arrived to help you here.”

The figure removed her cloak to reveal Zecora, the zebra from the Everfree Forest. Some of the ponies were shocked when she revealed herself. However, several others simply greeted her, for they had met her before.

Princess Celestia spoke: “Zecora, I have heard so much about you from Twilight’s letters. Is there a way to protect Equestria, defeat Sombra and Chrysalis and save Twilight and the others?”

Zecora bowed and answered: “Princess, I can only hope, that Equestria’s not at the end of its rope. But if everypony gives me a chance, Equestria’s safety might enhance. I’ll do some magic of a certain kind, to get the answers you want to find. I’ll need a cauldron to use, to find what will make evil lose. Now for this to work I must insist, on 4 unicorns and a dragon to assist. I need Sunburst and Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Spike and Sunset Shimmer. If we want to find victory’s key, we must return to my hut in Everfree.”

Sunburst, Starlight, Sunset, Trixie and Spike followed Zecora out of the throne room.

Spike turned around and said: “Princess. We’ll let you know when we come up with a solution. I’ll send a letter.”

Celestia nodded before the six exited the castle and headed to the Everfree Forest.

Once Zecora, Spike and the 4 unicorns returned to Zecora’s hut in the Everfree Forest, they began to get the ingredients that Zecora requested for her spell

“Laughter was represented by Pinkie Pie, so bring me 3 balloons so that I can apply. Kindness was represented by Fluttershy, so bring me the wing of a butterfly. Applejack represented Honesty, bring me an apple from a Sweet Apple Acres tree. Rainbow Dash shows us how to be loyal, so bring me the lightning bolt in a jar of soil. Last. Generosity suited Rarity, so bring me a diamond of pure clarity.” Zecora commanded.

Starlight got the 3 deflated balloons from a drawer. Sunset got the butterfly wing from the top shelf. Spike got the apple from a fruit bowl. Trixie got the jar of lightning from the cabinet, and Sunburst got the diamond from the counter. They dumped the 5 ingredients into the pot and surrounded it.

“Spike, breathe some fire right into the pot, The rest fire above a unicorn magic shot.” Zecora commanded.

Spike blew some fire into the cauldron while Starlight, Sunset, Sunburst, and Trixie each fired a spark from each of their horns at the same time colliding and making a much larger spark levitating above the cauldron. All of a sudden the large spark struck down a large bolt of lightning right into the cauldron which began to glow each of the colors of the rainbow one at a time.

“Twilight and her friends are now prisoners of evil, how can we bring about their safe retrieval?” Zecora asked.

Suddenly the cauldron puffed up a cloud which levitated above the 6 of them and then dissipated.

“Now, within the cauldron let us peek, for the answers that we seek.” Zecora spoke.

All 6 of them looked into the cauldron and saw several images. It showed each of the Mane 6 wearing the Elements of Harmony, then one by one, each of them fainted and disappeared in a poof of smoke while each of the elements continued to levitate above the ground. The Elements each began to circle before landing around the necks and on the head of 6 unidentified ponies. Spike and the unicorns each gasped at the vision.

“Spike, send a letter that’s Canterlot bound. Say that an answer has been found. The Elements of Harmony must be assigned, to six new ponies we must find.” Zecora answered.

Spike wrote out the letter and blew fire into it, sending it to Princess Celestia.

Princess Celestia stood at her balcony to address the ponies of Canterlot and all of Equestria through an illusion that stood over every major city in Equestria. Princesses Luna and Cadance each stood next to Celestia as she delivered the news.

Princess Celestia spoke with a rather calm look on her face: “Ponies of Equestria. It is with great distress to announce that my beloved student and your Princess of Friendship: Princess Twilight Sparkle, along with her friends and fellow representatives of the Elements of Harmony: Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, have been viciously attacked and made prisoners of the joined forces of former ruler of the Crystal Empire , King Sombra, and the Queen of the Changelings: Chrysalis.”

But Celestia continued: “However. Thanks to the help of some friends of Princess Twilight’s, there is a way we can fight Sombra and Chrysalis, and rescue Twilight and her friends. Throughout the years that she has learned and taught about the magic of friendship and its various attributes such as honesty, loyalty, laughter, generosity and kindness, it seems as though the six of them aren’t the only ponies who can personify those attributes. I have met and have heard of many ponies who personify the elements just as much, if not more so than Twilight and her friends. When I learned of this information myself, I was a little hesitant to go through with it. I’m quite doubtful about certain other ponies being given the daunting and dangerous task of battling the forces of evil and protecting Equestria. Twilight and her friends have the experience and capability of performing this task. But, it’s either that or surrendering to Sombra and Chrysalis, and since we shall NEVER surrender to the forces of evil, I am willing to take this chance.”

The ponies watching were now eager as to what the Princess’s answer to the threat was.

“We must find 6 new ponies to represent each of the Elements of Harmony!” Princess Celestia concluded.

Harmony's New Heroes

by BrawnyCharger

Fall of the Mane 6