//------------------------------//
// The Elements of Harmony 
// Story: Broken Rainbows 
// by AstonMartinLover 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 3: The Elements of Harmony

The mane six met in Twilights tree house.

"What was that about?" Rarity asked.

"Somepony tried to assassinate the Princess." Rainbow replied. "Didn't you see? One of the Wonderbolts was a changeling."

The others gasped. "Changelings?" Twilight asked. "And they nearly killed Princess Celestia? This is just...this is so wrong. Did she mean what she said? Is there going to be a war?"

Applejack shrugged. "Well remember good ol Chrysalis. We kinda humiliated her at the wedding. She's probably not very happy about that."

There was a knock at the door. Fluttershy trotted over.

"Um...password?"

"It's Thunderspark." A voice replied.

"Uh, I'm sorry, I can't let you in..."

"Seriously? What's going on?"

Fluttershy swallowed. "Well you could be a changeling."

"Alright. I got an impatient kid out here. Could you let us in please?"

"Oh..." Fluttershy looked to the others for guidance. Twilight rolled her eyes, slightly frustrated with her shy friend, before gesturing to the door.

"Okay..." Fluttershy hesitantly pulled the door open. Thunderspark and Scootaloo floated in.

"What's going on?" Scootaloo asked. "What was the Princess talking about?"

"Changelings are coming." Twilight replied. "But why now? After all this time?"

"It's been almost six years." Applejack said. "Six years since the wedding. This is weird."

Thunderspark looked across at them. "Celestia's freaked. She's put a curfew in place across Equestria. Does Chrysalis have a grudge against any of you?"

"She has a grudge against me." Rainbow said. The others looked at her.

"Why?" Rarity asked.

"Because...Because...I don't know. Everypony has a grudge against me."

"Rainbow, she probably doesn't even remember you. I'm the one who foiled her plan." Twilight said. "She's here for me."

Rainbow scowled, unhappy with the idea of a villain not remembering her.

The others were silent. Scootaloo looked unconcerned. "So can we win?"

The others turned to her. "What?" Twilight asked.

"Can we beat them? You know...pony vs. changeling. That sounds like a fair fight."

There was another silence. Rainbow broke it. "Sure. We're ponies. We're not chickens. We can take on a couple changelings, can't we?"

Applejack shrugged. "Sure. It'll be like bucking apples. Spiky, cheese legged, shapeshifting apples."

The others spoke words of agreement. Twilight sighed.

"Such a long time. Such a long time...not having to be afraid. Living in harmony. Enjoying our friendship. And now this..."

"It was gonna happen eventually." Thunderspark said. "Even Equestria can only maintain peace for so long. With so many hostile nations bordering us..."

There was a loud thump on the roof. Fluttershy squealed and ducked down.

"Twilight Sparkle? Are you there?"

Twilight recognized her mentor's voice. "Yes Princess!"

Princess Celestia strode into the house. "Oh good. You're all here. There is much to discuss."

The eight ponies in the room bowed before their leader. 

"Princess! Are you okay?" Twilight asked. "Did that changeling hurt you?"

"No my student. I am fine. But my kingdom is in great danger. You six must come with me."

The six began packing their things.

Scootaloo opened her mouth to protest. "Well...what...what about me?"

Rainbow Dash slapped her on the back. "Official Equestria saving business squirt. Sorry. Gotta jet."

Scootaloo groaned. Her ears flattened. Rainbow sighed.

She was still just a child. And she was very sensitive. She often had trouble feeling unwanted.

"Hey. Come on, don't make that face." Rainbow said, tousling her mane. "You'll get a shot one day. I promise. Alright?"

Scootaloo slowly nodded. Rainbow gave the troubled youngster a hug. "Get some sleep okay?"


The six were quickly transported to Canterlot by train. Rainbow Dash looked up at the sky. It was well past midnight. She saw nothing but stars. And that beautiful moon. She remembered the last time she'd stopped to look at the stars. Years ago. In her fillyhood.

And she thought now of Scootaloo. The truth was, they had grown somewhat distant over the past few years. It had not been Scootaloo's fault at all. She still adored her hero.

But Rainbow had been so busy, training, getting in shape for the Wonderbolts, they just couldn't seem to find time anymore.

And Scootaloo was hurting. Anypony could see that. She was 13 now. She was done with filly school. She was in flight school. Cloudsdale Flight School.

And her flank was blank. Still. Apple Bloom had gotten her cutie mark. Sweetie Belle had gotten her cutie mark. And while they were all still friends, Scootaloo had a fire inside of her now.

She needed to become something. Something unique. But no cutie mark had appeared for her.

"Dash?"

Rainbow snapped around. "What?"

"I was asking if you wanted anything. You gave quite a performance. You must be starving." Twilight said.

Rainbow shook her head. "Nah."

"You looked tired Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy said softly. "You should get some sleep."

Rainbow shook her head again. "Nah, I'm not tired." The others all looked at her. A look of concern and borderline horror covered their faces. She frowned. "What? I'm not."

"RD, you're always tired." Applejack said. "You sleep eighteen hours a day. How are you still up?"

Rainbow shrugged. "Not tired."

Celestia entered the train cabin. The others bowed before her.

"As you were." She sat next to Rainbow Dash.

"I must thank you for saving me today Rainbow Dash. Sincerely. Especially after what...the mistakes I made five years ago..."

"Princess, with all due respect, you're holding onto that guilt, not me." Rainbow said. "I forgave you a long time ago. And I swore my loyalty. We're cool princess."

Celestia nodded. "Okay. We're 'cool.'" She paused. "Are you certain? If you ever need help, I owe you greatly..."

"Princess. Just stop. It's okay." Rainbow said. "Really. It's ancient history."

Celestia opened her mouth to say more, then nodded and awkwardly backed off.

Canterlot appeared on the horizon. A beautiful city. It had risen from the ashes of five years ago. Even at night, it was lit up like a christmas tree.

Discord had ravaged it beyond recognition. His beast had destroyed entire blocks, including the royal palace itself. But it had all been rebuilt. And it was as stunning as ever.


Celestia led the ponies deep into the heart of the new royal palace. It was larger, more streamlined than the old one. Truly fit for a princess. Two in fact.

"Where's Princess Luna?" Twilight asked.

"She's around. Sticking to the shadows, knowing her."

Twilight took a deep breath. She had an important question to ask.

"Princess? Did we do anything to...I don't know...provoke all this?"

Celestia shook her head. "We do not know. The Changeling race is one of great...hostility. A warrior race. Anything could have set them off."

At these words, Twilight and Applejack exchanged concerned glances. The failed wedding invasion likely had not sat well with the changeling queen.

"Don't worry my little ponies. We have a contingency."

She led them to a large vault. Various colored crystals adorned it.

Celestia inserted her horn into the lock. The door slid open.

There they were. Hanging on the walls. The elements of harmony.

The six rushed in and grabbed their respective elements. They had been lucky. Celestia had allowed them to keep their elements with them during the time the palace was destroyed. Now this greater, stronger palace was their home.

"Wield these with care my little ponies." Celestia said.

Twilight looked up at her troubled master. "Do you know how much time we have?"

Celestia sadly shook her head. "No. I have tried using my magic to locate them. But Chrysalis is countering it somehow. They are invisible to me. And to my sister."

Rainbow Dash rubbed her chin, trying to think of a solution. "Where's that changeling?"


The interrogation room was fairly large. Like everything else in the palace. A large chamber. Thick, enchanted glass covered the exterior. So outsiders could look in at the prisoner without being seen.

The changeling sat behind a large wooden table, looking quite smug. Chains and torture devices lined the walls of the chamber. They were mostly for show. Mostly.

The six assembled behind the glass.

"Oh look at him. He knows everything doesn't he?" Applejack said. "Don't you got some kinda spell for something like this Twilight?"

Twilight's eyes widened. "Of course! A truth serum! I'm certain I could conjure one up!"

"Changelings are immune to truth serums." Celestia said flatly, crushing the young unicorn's enthusiasm. "Trust me. We've tried." She sighed. "We've sent in our best interrogators. This creature is a safe. With an impenetrable combination."

Rarity shrugged. "Why don't you do it?"

Celestia frowned. "Do what?"

"The interrogation." Rarity continued. "I'm sure you're much more intimidating than any old pony. You are a goddess after all."

Twilight shook her head. "Don't do that Princess. What if he's armed?"

Celestia got up and headed for the door. "He's not."

"How could you know? He's alone in there!" Twilight insisted.

Celestia smirked. "No. He's not."

The changeling looked up as Celestia strode in.

"Good evening."

The changeling smirked. "There's nothing good about it. For you anyway. Your race faces extinction. How will you spend your final hours Princess? Before my brothers come to slaughter you, and drag your body through the streets?"

From behind the glass, Twilight shuddered.

Celestia seemed unfazed. "Would you like anything to eat? Drink? We have the best apple cider here at the palace. Fresh from Sweet Apple Acres."

Applejack pumped her hoof in the air in pride.

The changeling sat up in the chair. "Actually, I would. I've always wanted to try cider."

"Bring the changeling some cider." Celestia called. A minute later, a servant briskly strode in, placed the cider on the table, smiled, then exited.

The changeling took a drink. He swished it around in his mouth for a moment, then spit it out at the Princess. She blinked her eyes, then looked down at the cider covering her coat.

"How can you drink that? It's so sweet." The changeling hissed.

"Easy AJ." Rainbow warned, putting her hoof down on Applejack's tail for a change. She was fuming herself over the lack of respect shown by the changeling.

"Anything else we can get to make your stay here more comfortable?" Celestia asked, feeling the cider start to stick to her coat.

The changeling thought a moment, then shook his head. "This place is perfect as is."

"Very well. Let's get down to business. Where is your army?"

The changeling chuckled. "Oh Celestia. I was hoping you'd be a bit less direct. Try some misdirection, some ploy to make me spill my guts. Alas, I will tell you nothing."

Celestia sighed. "I assure you changeling, I'm the pony you want to...'spill your guts'...to. You don't want me to summon my sister."

"Heh. Your sister? Well...birds of a feather. I suppose she's some sort of pink whimsical airhead like yourself."

Rainbow Dash had to stop herself from punching the glass.

Celestia allowed herself a moment of laughter. "Oh, if you wish to believe that." She sighed. "Your armies location?"

Twilight arched an eyebrow. The Princess didn't even seem to be trying. She looked almost lethargic, staring aimlessly in the changeling's general direction.

"I respectfully refuse." The changeling replied.

"This really isn't going anywhere is it?" Celestia asked.

The changeling shook his head and mouthed the word "No."

Celestia shrugged. "Very well. I guess I'll take my leave. Leave you in much more...capable hooves."

The changeling snorted. "Are there any hooves more capable than your own, my princess?"

Celestia pushed open the door. "In matters like these, a few names come to mind. Luna?"

She continued, closing the door behind her. From out of the shadows of the dark room, a great, navy blue coated alicorn appeared. Her blue, starry mane danced in the obstructed light of the chamber.

The changeling took another sip of his apple cider. "Theatrical."

"Our name is Princess Luna. We will be your interrogator this evening."

The changeling smiled. "We? Oh boy, another freak."

Luna slapped the mug of apple cider to the floor. The changeling jumped, but quickly regained his composure.

"I was drinking that."

Luna turned away from him for a moment. "Are you aware of the phrase, 'don't kill the messenger'?"

She stretched out her front legs. "We respectfully disagree." She turned and grabbed the table, then with great strength, hurled it across the room, sending it splintering against the wall.

The changeling appeared frightened.

Luna hissed. "Now WHERE ARE YOUR SOLDIERS?"

The changeling backed off. Luna kicked the chair out from underneath him. He fell to the ground.

"I'm not telling you anything." He said halfheartedly.

"Oh?" The Princess extended her wings and unleashed a demon from her body. A shade of that demon that had corrupted her all those thousands of years ago. That pure, untamed rage. Adding the royal canterlot voice to all that made her quite intimidating.
"WE WILL ASK ONE MORE TIME! WHERE ARE YOUR SOLDIERS?"

The changeling refused to answer. Rainbow Dash clapped her hooves. That daring smirk appeared on her face. "I got an idea. Enough good cop bad cop."

She slammed the door open and zoomed into the room.

"Geeze, cut it out Nightmare!" She shouted.

Luna released the changeling and turned to her. "What did you call me?"

"I called you Nightmare, you sick freak." Rainbow said, winking. "You sound like you'll turn any second. I'm taking over this interrogation before you go all psycho."

Luna grimaced at the nerve of the pegasus. She was enraged. A vein popped in her head.

"You little welp. Thou shalt be banished to thy moon for this!"

"Thou shalt be banished to thy moon for this." Rainbow mimicked snottily. "Do you ever listen to yourself. NOPONY TALKS LIKE THAT ANYMORE!"

Luna stared at the changeling. "We are in the middle of an interrogation. And you are trying to pick a fight? Because we promise, we could annihilate you rather easily."

Rainbow responded with a shove. "Come on Nightmare Moon. Take me."

The changeling was looking from one to the other, his fear level starting to rise. The ferocity at which they argued had him suddenly fearing for his life.

"You dare challenge me, you pathetic underachiever?" Luna snapped. She had dropped the royal 'we' in her anger.

"Undera...what? Don't call me things I don't know the meaning of!" Rainbow shouted, playing dumb.

"It means you're a...a bum." Luna said coldly. "A useless bum."

Rainbow Dash jabbed her hoof in Luna's chest. "You take that back. Or it's gonna get REAL ugly in here."

That, along with her earlier shove, seemed to infuriate Luna even more.

"Alright you talentless rainbow colored fool, let's have it out!" Luna shoved Rainbow back. Luna's strength nearly knocked Rainbow over. She had to use all her muscle to stay on four hooves. She was ready to retaliate.

She threw a punch this time. It was turning into an all out brawl.

Luna had the upper hoof, of course. Avoiding her blows, she pinned Rainbow to the ground in one swift motion. "It's straight to the moon with you!"

"Oh yeah, I'M going to the moon, right. Not the psycho who wants to bring about eternal night." Rainbow snarled.

"I will not be insulted in such a way by a mere peasant!" Luna shouted.

"Who you callin peasant..."

The changeling managed a nervous laugh. The two suddenly froze. They slowly turned to look at him, almost perfectly synchronized.

"What?" Luna demanded.

"You got something to say?" Rainbow added.

Suddenly the changeling realized he was trapped. He had just witnessed a ruse. An act. A double team. The alicorn and the pegasus got up off the floor.

Luna grabbed him and pinned him up against the wall. Rainbow Dash hovered up to him.

"Where's your army?" Rainbow Dash demanded. "Hurry up, I'm just a teensy bit pissed right now." Her face was a model of intimidation.

"I will not tell you." The changeling snarled.

"Alright. New question. Which of us would you rather be left alone in a room with? Me or Nightmare over here?" There was a mad glint in Rainbow's eyes, adding to the terrifying look of the pegasus.

Luna growled. Her eyes began to glow again. That demonic rage began bubbling to the surface again.

The changeling was shaking from fear. "Um...uh..."

"Wrong answer!" Luna shouted. Her horn began to glow with a terrible power. She pointed it at the changeling's head.

"OKAY! THEY'RE IN THE EVERFREE FOREST! LAST I HEARD THEY WERE IN FORMATION OUTSIDE OF BALTIMARE!"

Luna's horn stopped glowing. She gently put down the changeling. She turned and stormed out of the room. Rainbow stomped off after her.

As soon as the door was closed, they began giggling.

"That was quite exhilarating Rainbow Dash." Luna said happily. "I've never really felt so...so..."

"Awesome?" Rainbow finished, grinning.

"Yes. Awesome."

Rainbow frowned. "Talentless Rainbow colored fool? That hurt a bit Princess."

"Ah yes. But your accusation that I was Nightmare Moon was of course, just horseplay."

They glared at each other for a moment. The six, plus Celestia stared, wondering if a real fight was about to break out.

Rainbow reached out and poked Luna on the noggin playfully. Luna giggled. Crisis averted.

"Great job Princess!" Twilight said. "Now we can stop the invasion can't we um...other princess?"

Celestia nodded. "I certainly hope so. We must pray the information is up to date. Return to your homes my little ponies. But stay vigilant. The changelings may still reach your town before the appropriate measures can be taken."

She turned to her sister. "I thought we were doing good cop, bad cop?"

Luna shrugged. "Rainbow Dash suggested bad cop, worse cop as a preferable alternative."

Celestia looked back at the terrified changeling. She patted her sister on the back, still chuckling.

"Nice work you two."


The train ride back was uneventful. Rainbow Dash sat around, fidgeting with her powerful necklace. The others had finally fallen asleep.

But she could not. For the first time in her life, the pegasus could NOT sleep.

And the cause was unknown to her. Perhaps it was the fear of an oncoming invasion. No. Not fear.

Excitement. A chance to kick flank. Rainbow was in the best shape of her life. Training with the Wonderbolts had made that possible. She was in her prime.

But even this did not fully ring true. Now she knew. It was uncertainty.

The future could hold many things. Nopony could know. And this would keep Rainbow Dash awake.

But for the moment, she took solace in the image of her friends sleeping. They had been so supportive of her since the Discord incident. They deserved rest. Perhaps she did not.

She also thought of Luna. She had developed a special relationship with Luna of late. The alicorn had taken the emotionally erratic Rainbow Dash under her wing, in similar fashion to what Celestia had done with Twilight Sparkle.

Rainbow Dash remembered the old days. All those years ago. The day they were first united with the elements.

They used it to 'free' Luna from Nightmare Moon. But freeing her did not bring her solace. If anything, it simply forced her to be exposed to the hatred and fear common ponies had for her. She was healed. Rainbow Dash was certain of it. 

But even today, years later, Equestria as a whole had trouble accepting that. And she could see it eating at Luna. Luna was like Scootaloo in that regard. All she wanted was to be loved.

"Great." Rainbow said aloud. "More things to keep me awake."


By the time she got home, it was four in the morning. Only a few hours before Princess Celestia raised the sun. Rainbow Dash sheepishly approached her Cloud home.

It had been a long day. Followed by a long night. And sleep was now necessary.

She opened the door, yawning. She floated down the hallway. As she did, her ears perked up.

A sound. Weak. Distant. Snoring?

She put her ear up to her bedroom door. Nothing. She looked instead at the guest room door.

Scootaloo's room.

She slowly opened the door. There she was, resting comfortably on her old bed.

Rainbow Dash felt a warm feeling in her heart. It had been so long. Their last sleepover had been over a year ago. But with the curfew in place, Scootaloo had to get indoors. And she had chosen this home, above any other, to stay in.

Rainbow slowly trotted up to her and rubbed her mane. "Love you squirt. Don't ever forget that."

Scootaloo remained asleep. Rainbow Dash sighed. "Time to try and catch some z's."

She stumbled off towards her room.


Queen Chrysalis drew herself up to full height. She was perched on a hill overlooking the quiet town of Ponyville.

"So peaceful. So much love to consume, and so little time. Contact the river brigade."

"Already done my queen." The soldier said.

"Well done Shadow. You have once again proven your loyalty. In one hour, we will destroy this town. And I will take my revenge on that purple unicorn that disgraced me so."

"As you wish, my queen." Shadow replied.