Celestia’s Castle: Canterlot
The crowd and those watching from all over Equestria were in shock upon hearing Princess Celestia’s revelation regarding the Elements of Harmony. Several were muttering amongst themselves while others were eager to be picked but before Celestia interrupted them.
“Not so fast, everypony. We cannot choose which ponies get to represent which elements. The elements themselves have to choose which ponies get to represent them. The elements chose Twilight and her friends because they each were the true embodiment of their respective elements such as Honesty…”
Big Macintosh, Double Diamond and Coloratura looked up.
“…Loyalty…”
Lightning Dust, Party Favor, Soarin and Spitfire looked up.
“…Laughter…”
Cheese Sandwich and Vinyl Scratch looked up.
“…Kindness…”
Derpy, Cheerilee and Zephyr looked up.
“…Generosity…”
Sassy Saddles, Fancy Pants, Minuette and Coco Pommel looked up.
“…and most importantly of all, Magic.”
Shining Armor, Trixie, Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer slowly looked up.
“Granted, there are perhaps thousands of ponies who embody each of those elements. But only the ponies who are most worthy of it can wield the Elements and use them to save Twilight and the others and protect Equestria. Even I don’t know which six other ponies are worthy. But there will be a process for how they get chosen and that process is top secret. For the time being, I suggest that everypony all over Equestria remain calm and continue to go about your everyday lives. I assure you that everything will be just fine. Thank You.”
With that, Princess Celestia bowed and slowly backed into the castle while everypony in attendance began to slowly disperse.
Meanwhile inside the castle everypony went to one of the private rooms of the castle.
“But Celestia,” Cadence spoke first,breaking the heavy silence, “if I recall, you and Luna have been able to wield the Elements of Harmony themselves before, like when you first turned Discord to stone. Why can’t you do that now?”
“True. But there are major complications to that. From what we know, Sombra and Chrysalis’ location is within another dimension. If the two of us were to travel to that world, we would leave the rest of Equestria defenseless against anypony else who could attack in our absence. That could be what Sombra and Chrysalis are counting on. So, we have to send six substitutes to rescue the originals while we continue to watch over the rest of Equestria. Now, what do we need to do?”
“Thy Elements of Harmony must be retrieved if we are ever to win!” Luna boasted..
“I already have them locked in a box in my study. However, because the Tree of Harmony lost its power due to Discord’s plunderseeds, Twilight and the others had to give up the jewels that were embedded in the necklaces and crown.” Celestia responded.
Cadance turned the others: “Zecora, Starlight, Trixie, Sunburst, Sunset and Spike. You need to retrieve the elements from the Tree of Harmony near the ruins of the old castle.”
“We’ll get them back out of Everfree before dark. For the Timberwolves bite is worse than it’s bark.” Zecora said.
“We have our magic to protect us princess.” Sunset agreed.
“Wait. We have to make sure nopony else has any knowledge of this.” Sunburst said.
“You’re right. If they do, they might try to persuade us to give them an element.” Trixie agreed.
“How about we use an invisibility spell on ourselves until we get to the Everfree Forest.” Starlight suggested.
“Absolutely.” Spike agreed.
Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadance wished the six of them luck as they exited the castle.
Somewhere:
Within a dark gothic dungeon like room, King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis were watching the scene of the Princesses discussing the situation via a holographic image.
“Ha! I should have known that Celestia would have fought back.” Queen Chrysalis hissed..
“Relax. There is something they don’t know about is going to help us win.” King Sombra.
Sombra and Chrysalis turned around and looked at six vertical slabs of concrete with Twilight and her friends strapped up against them. When they each began to come to, they saw and felt the situations they were in, and they began to panic.
“OOOOOOOH! This is so superly duperly spooky!” Pinkie Pie squealed.
“PLEASE D-DON’T HURT ME ANYMORE!!!” Fluttershy sobbed.
Sombra and Chrysalis approached Twilight and her friends.
“King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis?!?!” Twilight gasped.
“Relax, my little ponies. You are in my personal kingdom now.” Sombra responded.
“We have a special plan that involves all of you.” Chrysalis added.
“WELL IF YA’LL THINK WE’RE GONNA LET YA SUCCEED, YA’LL ARE WRONG!” Applejack yelled.
“YEAH, WE’LL KICK YOUR FLANKS SO HARD, YOUR NEW CUTIE MARKS WILL BE OUR HOOF PRINTS!!!” Rainbow Dash added.
“LET US GO! YOU MONSTERS!!!” Rarity shouted.
Twilight and the others struggled to free themselves, but each screamed in pain as a result of their injuries while Sombra and Chrysalis just laughed.
“Since you six are in no position for resistance, thanks to my babies, we have a special request for you.” Chrysalis bragged.
“Don’t think for an instance that I haven’t forgotten about how each of you brought an end to my reign over the Crystal Empire!” Sombra roared.
“And don’t think that I haven’t forgotten how you ruined my attempted takeover of Canterlot through your brother’s wedding?” Chrysalis hissed at Twilight.
“Now with the bearers of the Elements of Harmony in our captivity…” Sombra added.
“ALL of Equestria will be at the mercy of Sombra and Chrysalis!!!!” Chrysalis concluded.
All six ponies quivered in fear at that thought. Not to mention what would happen to innocent ponies.
Chrysalis turned to the Twilight and said: “Now here is our offer for you. We will heal your injuries under one condition.”
“FORGET IT! Whatever it is you two are offering us, we want ABSOLUTELY NONE OF IT!!!” Twilight shouted.
Chrysalis responded calmly: “Suit yourself. Babies. It’s suppertime.”
Suddenly a whole army of changelings swooped down on the six captives.
Twilight panicked and screamed: “ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! WHAT’S THE OFFER?!?!?!”
The changeling army stopped and levitated back from the ponies as Chrysalis stepped forward.
“Just as the six of you have been the key element to our defeats in the past. You six will be just as much the key…to our victory!” Chrysalis answered.
Chrysalis’ horn and eyes glowed an evil green.
Ponyville:
Once Zecora, Spike and the four unicorns had left the castle, Sunset Shimmer had cast an invisibility spell on all six of them and boarded a train back to Ponyville. They made it through town and to the edge of the Everfree forest before deactivating the spell. The sun had almost set.
Spike spoke: “The Castle of the Two Sisters is at the far end of the Everfree Forest. We’re going to have to hustle.”
The six galloped along the path through the forest for nearly ten minutes before finally arriving at the Tree of Harmony. The six stood in awe at its beauty and mystique. It glowed so brightly that they failed to see that the sun had officially set. Right behind them there was a sudden howl. They turned around to see a pack of timber wolves waiting to attack.
The wolves sprinted towards the unicorns who each fired sparks to keep them back. Zecora trotted towards the tree along with Spike on her back.
“Zecora. Don’t we need unicorn magic to get these out?” Spike asked.
“The timber wolves are distracting them. So climb up the tree and grab each gem.” Zecora answered.
Spike jumped off and climbed onto the far left branch and grabbed the pink gem and stuffed it in a small bag. He jumped up onto the next branch and grabbed the blue gem. Spike jumped onto the top branch and grabbed the red gem.
The Unicorns were beginning to get tired fending off the wolves.
“Spike. Get the last three elements fast, I don’t know how long the unicorns will last.” Zecora called.
Spike nodded and jumped down to the next branch on the right and grabbed the purple jewel. Finally, he jumped down onto the far right branch and grabbed the orange jewel. Spike jumped down and tried to help the others but was stopped by Zecora.
“I’m afraid not yet can we leave. We have one last element to retrieve.” Zecora said.
Spike turned around and saw the last one shaped like a silver star. Spike climbed up and tried to remove it but for some reason it was stuck. Spike tried pulling as hard as he could but the element still wouldn’t budge. The four unicorns were getting really tired, but the timber wolves still kept coming.
Starlight thought of something: “Ponies, Lets make a fire wall. That’ll save us the energy and drive off the timber wolves!”
The other three nodded and each fired a shot towards the ground in front of them. Suddenly a wall of fire arose and the timber wolves scurried away. The unicorns turned around and used their magic to remove the final gem from the tree and put it in the bag with the others.
“We’ve retrieved the elements for which we fought. Now let’s catch the next train back to Canterlot.” Zecora said.
Canterlot: Three hours later
Back at the castle, the bag was laid on the table alongside a green case. The six retrievers of the elements stood in front of the table, while the princesses stood behind it. Celestia opened the bag and the six jewels were laid out upon the table.
“Excellent Job. Now we have to wait until it’s midnight.” Celestia spoke.
“Why’s that?” Sunset asked.
“Once the moon is at its peak in the sky, we must perform a ritual in which each of the Elements of Harmony selects its representative.” Luna answered.
“How long until midnight?” Spike asked.
“Only a few minutes.” Cadance answered.
“We’ll need just the four unicorns, Luna and myself for this.” Celestia said.
“So, what are we supposed to do?” Trixie asked.
Suddenly, the bells began toll twelve times out over Canterlot. It was midnight. Time for the ritual to begin.
Celestia levitated the six gems above the table. Luna opened the green case and levitated each of the necklaces and crown out of the case and above the table. One by one, each of the gems transformed. The orange gem transformed into the shape of an apple and landed in its slot for the Element of Honesty. The red gem transformed into the shape of a lightning bolt and landed in it’s place for the Element of Loyalty. The blue gem transformed into the shape of a balloon and landed in it’s necklace for the Element of Laughter. The purple gem transformed into the shape of a diamond and landed in place for the Element of Generosity. The pink gem transformed into the shape of a butterfly and landed in its necklace for the Element of Kindness. Finally, the silver star shrunk and turned magenta before landing in it’s slot on top of the golden tiara as the Element of Magic. All six elements continued to hover above the table.
Celestia then spoke: “Now we each fire a beam into one of the elements and hold.”
First. Sunset Shimmer fired a beam. Starlight followed, then Trixie, then Sunburst, then Luna, then finally Celestia.
As they continued firing the beams Celestia and Luna recited: “Six new ponies, we summon thee. To wield the Elements of Harmony!”
Suddenly the elements shot up six flares up into the sky and out in different directions.
“What just happened?” Sunburst asked.
“The sparks were sent out to the six chosen ponies who will bear the Elements of Harmony.” Celestia answered.
“They will each receive a dream sequence once the flares reach them. I will guide the candidates.” Luna continued:
“How soon before we know who they are?” Spike asked.
“Tomorrow morning.” Celestia answered.
“And with all of that said. Let us all go to bed.” Zecora replied.
Six Unrevealed Locations:
Each of the six sparks flew through the air and off to different locations. Once they reached their destinations, they hovered over the beds of six sleeping unidentified ponies and landed upon their heads before dissipating. Suddenly, the ponies each sat up, and got out of bed. As they did so, their surroundings were turned pitch black for a few seconds. When the small bit of light returned, the six ponies were all draped in a cloak that concealed their identities completely. The ponies each began to walk at a slow and steady pace, though the rate of the travel was rather accelerated.
Inside the Ponies’ Dreams: First Pony Perspective
The pony was standing in a black starry space realm, looking around when Princess Luna suddenly appeared before it.
Princess Luna boasted: “Greetings and congratulations! Thou hast been chosen to represent one of the Elements of Harmony along with five other ponies. As we speak, each of thee are currently in a dream state in order to conceal the secret of your selection until we reveal you to everypony in Equestria tomorrow morning. And to further conceal the secret, you are now wearing a black cloak. Now, step forth at a slow pace until thou hast reached a large door.”
Luna disappeared as the pony began walking at a slow pace. As it walked various images began to emerge from all over the place. Apples were falling from apple trees and rolling on the ground. Rainbow lightning strikes were flashing from clouds from all around. Party balloons were shooting up from below with confetti falling from above. Lovely diamonds of all sizes shined all over the place. Swarms of butterflies flew all in beautiful formations. Stars were twinkling in the night skies. As the sequences repeated in a loop, the pony walked by many screens depicting several scenes from past episodes. Just up ahead of the pony was a staircase with a large golden door. Soon the pony reached the foot of the steps.
Suddenly the doors swung open and a voice stated: “You may now enter.”
The pony walked up the steps and entered the door into a blinding white light.
Canterlot Castle: Morning, First Pony Perspective.
The six ponies stood in the throne room and looked around while still wearing their cloaks. Suddenly the doors to the throne room opened. Walking down the red carpet were two guards along with Princesses Celestia and Luna. They stopped in front of the unidentified ponies who bowed to them. The Princesses bowed in return. The ponies made way on the red carpet for Celestia and Luna to pass through. Once Celestia reached the throne she addressed the cloaked ones.
“Welcome, ponies. You may be wondering exactly how you wound up here and why. If you recall your dreams, Luna led you across a plain with changing imagery until you reached a large golden door. In the real world however, you sleepwalked your way safely across a magical bridge straight to the doors of Canterlot Castle. If you may also recall from what Luna told you, the Elements of Harmony have chosen you to represent them in order to defeat joined forces of King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis, and rescue our beloved Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity. You may now remove the cloaks.”
The six successors removed their cloaks and revealed themselves to Celestia and Luna.
Princess Celestia walked down from her throne and approached the ponies. She looked at each one individually and smiled as she continued.
“I have heard a great deal of each and every one of you. Some of which we happen to already know. Please don’t speak, time is not on our side at this point. It is important that each of you accept the element you are about to be given.”
Celestia levitated six closed cases in front of each of the successors and faced the first pony.
“You are hard working, strong, honest, and provide great things for many ponies. You come from a family that shares those very qualities. You aren’t afraid to let other ponies know how you feel about things. For which you deserve the honor of receiving the Element of Honesty!”
The case opened to reveal the necklace with the apple jewel. Celestia faced the next pony.
“Ever since you were a filly, you had desires to join an elite group. You trained hard, and long. There were many times that there was something or somepony who tried to lead you astray. Yet you pressed on and now you reached your goal and are now an elite member of the group. For that I present you with the Element of Loyalty!”
The case opened to reveal the necklace with the bolt jewel. Celestia faced the next pony.
“You grew up with desires to be like your idol. You followed your dream and became just as good, if not better than your idol. You’ve brought joy and happiness to everypony in Equestria that you’ve ever encountered in a way that your idol can only be proud of. For that you shall bear the Element of Laughter!”
The case opened to reveal the necklace with the balloon jewel. Celestia faced the next pony.
“You have a big heart. You are compassionate, caring, and kind towards other ponies. You continue to remain optimistic despite the challenges that you face. For that the Element of Kindness is yours!”
The case opened to reveal the necklace with the butterfly jewel. Celestia faced the next pony.
“You have always wanted to run a business in which you can share your talents with everypony. Although there were times that you ran into problems, you still wanted to give so much to ponies all over. And now you’ve been able to do that successfully. For that you have earned the Element of Generosity!”
The case opened to reveal the necklace with the diamond jewel. Celestia faced the final pony.
“Finally, you have trained so hard and done so much in your service to defend me, Canterlot, and Equestria. You have shown leadership with your fellow ponies and have done Equestria well. Your bravery in using your magic to protect the innocents has proven your worthiness. For that you shall lead the others in this mission to save Twilight and the others while wielding the Element of Magic!”
The case opened to reveal the tiara with the star jewel at the top.
Princess Luna finally spoke: “Now remember. Your representing each of the elements is not permanent. Should you succeed in your mission, the elements will be returned to Twilight and her friends. But for now the fate of Equestria lies in the hooves of the six of you. Do you all understand that?”
The six ponies nodded.
“Good. Luna, send the signals.” Celestia responded.
Luna nodded and left.
Celestia turned to the six and said: “Now, come with me.”
Outside Canterlot Castle:
Fireworks shot up over the Canterlot Castle, while bells all over Canterlot began to ring out. A huge crowd of ponies flocked to the castle in front of the balcony overlooking the courtyard. Including the families, the Wonderbolts, several Canterlot residents, Ponyville residents who were there from the night before. Cloudsdale pegasi, and many more. The crowd had erupted in cheers when they saw the fireworks and heard the bells. They could guess that this meant good news and were eager to find out what it was.
Inside Canterlot Castle Hallway: First Pony Perspective
The six new representatives for the Elements of Harmony stood at the end of the hallway leading up to the balcony. In front of them stood Princess Luna and Princess Cadance who bore the elements themselves with Princess Celestia at the front. The nine of them began the procession down the hall towards the balcony. As they looked to the sides of the hallway, one by one, the new heroes saw Sunburst, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Zecora, and Spike each give an affirmative nod or a smile as they made their way to the balcony. Once they reached the drawn curtains, Celestia turned to the six and said: “Wait here. The three of us will go out first, then all six of you will come out once I announce you. Okay?”
The six ponies nodded. The guards opened the curtains, then Celestia, Luna and Cadance walked out slowly to the thunderous cheers of the crowds below. Celestia raised her front right hoof and the crowd quieted down.
“Ponies of Equestria! It is with great joy to announce that the elements have chosen the new heroes to help stop Sombra and Chrysalis, rescue Twilight and her friends and save all of Equestria!!!!” Celestia announced.
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers. Luna and Cadance levitated the elements levitated above the balcony floor as the necklaces began circling the crown.
Celestia continued: “Now. It is my honor to officially present to you the six new ponies who will bear the Elements of Harmony!!!!”
The six new heroes walked out onto the balcony as the rest of Canterlot and Equestria got a first glance at the new heroes.
The elements stopped rotating and lined up above the heads of each of their respective pony.
“Your Element of Honesty….BIG MACINTOSH!”
The Element of Honesty landed around Big Mac’s neck as the crowd began to cheer.
“Your Element of Loyalty….SPITFIRE!”
The Element of Loyalty landed around Spitfire’s neck as the crowd once again cheered.
“Your Element of Laughter….CHEESE SANDWICH!”
The Element of Laughter landed around Cheese Sandwich’s neck as the crowd cheered even louder.
“Your Element of Kindness….DERPY HOOVES!”
The Element of Kindness landed around Derpy’s neck as various ponies in the crowd were a little hesitant but cheered anyway.
“Your Element of Generosity….SASSY SADDLES!”
The Element of Generosity landed around Sassy’s neck as the crowd got especially loud again.
Suddenly the Element of Magic appeared to change it’s shape from a tiara to that of a pointed hoop crown with the star gem in the front point.
“And Finally. The leader and Element of Magic, the Captain of the Royal Canterlot Guards…SHINING ARMOR!”
The modified Element of Magic crown landed on top of Shining Armor’s head as the crowd cheered as loud as they could. All six Elements of Harmony began to glow and shoot sparks out as the ponies bearing them stood proudly.
Celestia continued: “Mares and Gentlecolts. We must now put all of our faith and trust in these six here as it’s going to be a long difficult journey for them. The fate of Equestria now lies in their hooves. To King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis. Do you two monsters think we’re STILL going to just bow down to your will? Well you are badly mistaken! We will FIGHT you and DEFEAT you! To my faithful student and your Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle and her friends, wherever they are. Don’t despair. Help is on the way. We will bring you home, safe and sound! Thank you!”
The crowds erupted in enormous cheers as the Princesses and the new heroes went back inside. Celestia turned to them and said: “Now, the six of you already know that this task is not in the slightest bit going to be easy. Having dealt with King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis in the past, there is no doubt that they will use every source they have to defeat you. However, I am confident that as long you are able to work together, There is absolutely nothing that you can’t overcome.”
The six each nodded.
“I’ll show them what happens to those who’d DARE harm the Apple Family!” Big Mac said as he slammed his two front hooves together.
“Rainbow Dash is a Wonderbolt. And a good Wonderbolt never leaves a fellow team member behind!” Spitfire added.
“Pinkie Pie helped me become the party pony that I am today. Now it’s time to show those villains what a party pony is truly capable of.” Cheese Sandwich added.
Derpy spoke up: “Fluttershy may be more experienced than I am, but I want to help her.”
“Rarity has been nothing short of remarkable in helping me at the Canterlot Carousel. She helped me understand generosity more than anypony else. This is the only way I can repay her.” Sassy said.
“After Twilight helped save me from Chrysalis’ spell, for which I will forever owe it to her. Now that Chrysalis has returned and captured Twiley, it’s time for us to help save her. Twilight came through for us all many times before. Now it’s up to the six of us to come through for Twilight!” Shining Armor concluded.
Celestia smiled and said: “With determination like that, I KNOW you can do it.”
“Wait!” Spike shouted.
“What is it, Spike?” Shining asked.
“Let me go with you ponies. As Twilight’s faithful assistant, I want to help the six of you on this adventure.” Spike answered.
Shining turned to Celestia.
“Well, Spike does have the experience assisting Twilight in the past. So It’s only fair that he joins you on your quest.” Celestia answered.
Shining turned to his team and said: “Alright everypony. The fate of Equestria is at stake. Let’s do it!”
The six new bearers for the Elements of Harmony stood with determined looks on their face.
To Be Continued…