//------------------------------//
// Dance Magic 
// Story: The Little Pony Legend: Magical Tails 
// by MaggiesHeartLove 
//------------------------------//


*(~)*

1 Corinthians 12:4-7: 

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

*(~)*

Dance Magic


Akari dipped the sponge in the bucket, sucking in the soapy water, all the while Hiro rhythmically motivated the team as they worked.

"To the right! To the right! To the left! To the left! Now up! Now up! Bring it down! Spin it around! Wash that car like you mean it! Come on!"

Motivated by the rhythm, Akari and Mai scrubbed the side of the truck, leaving a trail of suds and bubbles in their wake. They scrubbed hard on all area, even the hard to reach places, covering every bit of dirt they could find.

Once the entire vehicle was covered in soap, Nori used her waterbending to slash the soap off of the car, followed by Gallant Steed using his airbending to blow it dry.

Finally, Hiro came in and shinned the car, smiling in satisfaction upon seeing his reflection on the newly spotless surface. He gave himself a wink and a finger pointing gesture.

"Wow. Nice work, kids." Tahno said, happily admiring his newly shinned car. He pulled out some money from his pocket and handed it to the young wisp, Chi.

"Hah! Thanks, Tahno."

"No problem." The now retired Wolf Bat gave her a salute before driving off.

Chi pounded her fists into the air. "Sweet! More cash to add to the stash!"

"Yet another victory for The Guardians of Harmony!" Hiro announced, dramatically lowering his voice for more effect.

"Bro, you don't need to mention that every single time." Mai said, lightly chuckling in amusement. "You've been saying it all month."

"I know, I just still can't get over it." Hiro then zipped away, striking a bunch of dramatic poses, all the while flashy superhero-styled backgrounds appear behind him.

"We're the Elements of Harmony. Defenders of all that is righteous! Protectors of Friendship and tolerance! Vanquishers of all things wicked and evil! The sole heroes of this beloved city! We alone--!" Hiro was cut short when the soapy sponge was thrown to his face, causing the backgrounds behind him to disappear as suddenly as they had appeared. He dropped his arms and gave his sister an annoyed look while the sponge slowly slid down from his face. The others bursted out into laughter.

Nori sighed, "How about a little break? All of this sunshine and suds are doing a number on my scales." she said, rubbing her scaly purple arm.

The others agreed wholeheartedly and took some cool drinks from the freezer while sitting on the grass near Harmony High's parking lot. Gallant Steed and Hiro sat side by side, drinking the fizzy Apple Cider, while Nori fanned herself from the heat.

"Hey, anybody seen Iris and Chrysi lately?" Chi asked.

"We're here!" Iris called out, flapping her wings and landing in front of them, while carrying a box in her hand.

Right beside her, also landing from the air, was none other than the now reformed Chrysalis.

After having defeated her, the once evil Queen of the changelings had reverted back into the age she originally was before her slow descent to madness. Thanks to Rarity and Nori's generosity, Chrysalis's long hair (a result from so many years of using the Changeling King's magic), was now neatly brushed and partly cut.

It reached all the way down to her waist, and her long bangs that patly covered her face were neatly cut and brushed elegantly to the left side of her face. Her bangs were still long, but now they framed her lovely younger face.

She now wore a dark magenta shirt with a butterfly wings pattern around the neckline that wrapped around her neck, exposing her back, giving enough room for her purple colored shells to open up for her translucent sparkly insect wings to open up whenever she needed them too. The shirt perfectly complimented the stones that naturally grew around her neck, resembling a necklace.

Her skirt was a grayish pink with a pale yellow belt, adorned with a heart shaped broach on the side with dew styled droplets dangling from it. She wore pale purple leggings with holes in them and long platform heeled aquamarine boots.

She had a couple of bracelets around both her wrists, complimenting her pale yellow and aquamarine skin tone, and her pointed ears were perked upward rather than draped. She also wore a pale yellow forehead headband with a purple clip and more dangling dew drops.

Nori had picked the outfit especially for her. Chrysalis still felt very self cautious wearing such a lovely ensemble, yet she felt so touched by the merpony's kindness that she didn't have the heart to turn down the offer. Not to mention, wether she admitted it or not, the outfit made her feel… normally, for once. She was already looking more like the teenager she once was.

Ever since, she had been spending more time with Iris and her companions, yet she was still trying to ease her way into their group. She didn't entirely feel like she was part of it, even though the other made the legitimate effort to include her. As it would seem, Chrysalis still had her own baggage to work on before she could officially say she was part of their group.

"Sorry we're late." Iris apologized. "We were just going over the numbers again."

"Have we raised enough for the class trip to Phoenix Falls?" Akari asked hopefully, clutching the bottle of cider in her hand.

"We've only raised half. I counted the money four times just to be sure." Iris said, opening the box with said money inside.

The rest of the team groaned in disappointment. "What's the big deal?" Chrysalis asked. "There are plenty of waterfalls up on the mountains outside the city. What's so great about one in the Fire Nation?"

"Glad ya asked, Chrysi." Gallant Steed pulled out a pamphlet from his jacket pocket and practically shoved at Chrysalis's face. "After Harmonic Convergence, a family of little phoenix spirits migrated to a long since dried up waterfall. It was in really bad shape. But, when the Phoenixes came, the sparks from their wings rained down and the waters flowed once again! The waterfall shimmered with golden colors it looked like fire and water became one! It's literally the largest waterfall in all of the four nations! But, the phoenixes only come every twelve years, and after they leave the waterfall dries up again. Since then, people come from all around come to see the phoenixes restore the waterfall once again. And this year, our class is gonna see it first hand!"

"Wow." Chrysalis's green eyes widened at the image on the paper. "Funny how something so small can create something so grand." she said, feeling foolish for not seeing just how important this was for the others. A memorable moment such as this just had to be witnessed first hand.

"I can't wait for you to see it." Iris said, placing her hand on Chrysalis's shoulder. "It's going to be amazing!"

"If we ever raise enough money that is." Mai pointed out, only to receive an elbow to the ribcage… which only resulted in Akari herself feeling the pain instead of her.

"Ouch!"

"Supper strength, remember?" Mai said with a smug grin.

"Well, no matter. We'll get the money before you know it. There's gotta be some more cars we missed."

Everyone turned their attention to the parking lot, which was completely devoid of any cars. Unusually enough, a tumbleweed came rolling over.

"I, uh, think we're gonna have to come up with a new plan." Mai said.

"But we're running out of time!" Chi said with worry, "The deadline is next week. And Hiro and Mai have already hosted a bake sale, Iris and Gallant Steed had that doggie day care, and Akari and I planned this car wash."

"Not to worry, Starfish." Nori said, stepping in, flipping her hair in the process. "It's my turn to come up with a plan, and I already have something amazing in mind. It'll be the most fin-tasticly profitable of all out fundraising events! The king barracuda of them all!" Nori said excitedly, spinning around on her axis.

"Yeah! Now we're talking!" Akari cheered, pounding her fist into the air. "What's your idea?"

"Meet me at the Sato Estate later this afternoon, and I will explain everything."

Everyone nodded in agreement, patting Nori on the back as they left. The merpony remained, waving her hand in farewell. Chrysalis was the only one who stayed, eying the merpony.

"I know I'm still new to this whole friendship stuff, but I'm pretty sure lying isn't part of the package deal."

Nori's eyes snapped open and she grabbed Chrysalis by the shirt. "How did you know?!" she asked frantically.

"I was literally the queen of deception." Chrysalis said. "You're not hiding anything from me."

Nori released her grip on the changeling, looking completely and utterly discomfit.


(~)


"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" Nori said repeatedly as she banged her head against the wall of Rarity's Four Nations Boutique. "Why did I say that? Why?!"

"Darling, beating yourself up is not getting you anywhere." Rarity said while sowing a new gown in her work place.

"Rarity, I really need help! I need a good last-minute fundraiser idea in the next five hours and I've go nothing! No ideas, no inspiration, zip!" her mouth did a popping sound at the 'p'.

"Nori, we've talked about this, remember? When you swim for too long in the same place the waters become rough and--"

"And it's hard to see, I know. I'm sorry, I'm just worried inspiration won't come to me when I need it most, and right now I really, really need it!"

"Well, when I need to accelerate the inspiration train, I usually just surround myself with things that make me happy. Things that ease my stress and the inspiration just flows out naturally."

Nori pondered for a moment. "Well, the mall makes me happy. Staring at all those adorable fresh water fish at the pet store and being around instruments at the music store."

"There you have it."

"Wow, thanks Rarity. I knew coming to you was a smart choice."

Rarity giggled and hugged the merpony. "Anytime, darling."


(~)


Nori decided to take Rarity's advice to heart and went to the mall. After many years, the structure of building had expanded and evolved. A stunning skylight allowed the sunlight to shine through, rays of light making the spirit plants that grew from the ground up to sparkle like a shimmering star in the night. The interior was designed to resemble an enchanted forest with vine-like designs on the walls, statues of beautiful spirits and mythical creatures, and a large fountain that shoot sparkly waters that reached high up towards the food court on the third floor up high, surrounded by a glade balcony. Heads of lion-turtles spewed water from their mouths on ponds that had koi-fish swimming around in them.

Harmony City Plaza was the ideal place to be for most of the modern generation. Nori happily watched the koi fish swim about in their pond, while basking in the fresh, cool sunlight from above. She walked along, listening to the sound of children laughing, people happily chatting, and a few spirits here and there flying about, resting on the tress and plants.

She entered a music store, currently owned by an older, and still very handsome, Feather Bangs, where Nori would happily listen to young aspiring musicians play their music on the guitars, drums and tambourines, to more classical instruments like flutes, pianos and even harps.

The variety of music flowed through her as she listened. After a while, Nori felt more relaxed, unfortunately, regardless of her being more at ease and less stressful, she still felt her creative mind was as hollow as an empty coconut.

"Oh, bull-shark! Three hours and still no ideas." she took in a deep breath and sat cross legged on the edge of the fountain, where a small little spirit with colorful wings rested on her knee. "Okay, pull yourself together, Nori. Stress doesn't help."  She closed her eyes, allowing herself to be submerged by the sound of the running waters. "Relax and let inspiration flow…."

"You there!"

"GAH!!" Nori was so startled by the sudden booming voice coming from a megaphone that she literally fell back into the fountain. Thankfully, being a sea creature herself, the waters didn't bother her, nor did her cloths getting wet either. She crawled out of the water and followed the voice.

It was coming from a man, the old former Equalist protestor who Avatar Korra had met many years ago, was standing on a small table, speaking to a small crowd of people though his newer and shinier megaphone.

"Are you a musician?" he asked, sparking Nori's interest. "Do you and friends love to dance?"

"Yes." Nori replied, more so to herself since no doubt he didn't hear her.

"Are you unique, cool, stylish?"

"Yes, yes, yes, and, ha, obviously!" the merpony grinned confidently.

"Do you want to win a cash prize?"

Nori gasped, her ears perching forwards in excitement. "Yes!"

'Then enter the Harmony Plaza Chance to Prance Competition! All you need is a music video of your own original song and dance. Then you could be prancing your way to first prize! Sign up now at the booth near the Aunt Orange smoothie kiosk."

Nori didn't waste a second and sprung on towards the smoothie place, only to slide to a sudden halt when she spotted the most stunning red dress on the window display. The diamonds captured the light, and right behind her she heard the sound of drums coming from the music store nearby.

The tingling excitement of inspiration coursed through every inch of her body and the merpony couldn't stop grinning. "Oh, we're so going to win!"

There was a small line at the smoothie place, where a participation booth stood with the Dance to Prance logo sign above it and Nori quickly grabbed her spot. Once it was her turn, she took a piece of paper and wrote down her name and slid it into the slot.

Once she spun around, Nori was startled and nearly fell backwards had not for the booth been there to support her weight.

"Nori Posidonia! What a nice surprise!" the pony muttered the last word with sourness. "… Not."

Four teenagers stood before the merpony. The leading one was a beautiful anthro pegasus pony with blue skin/coat, wings on her back with white tips that made them resemble freshly fallen snow, hazel eyes and her long midnight hair cascading down behind her back, adorned with light aqua streaks. She wore a school uniform, consisting of purples, light blues and a checkered pleaded skirt. A vest was over her shirt, added with a single bow tie. Her purple leggings were pulled upwards to her knees and wore simple flat shoes. Her cutie mark was that of a whirlwind with musical notes on her left cheek

The second pony beside her was a female eat pony, yellow green with emerald eyes, with a four leaf clover cutie mark on her cheek and sporting an orange haired pixie cut. She wore a similar uniform as the pegasus, only hers had the collar pulled upwards and her vest was longer, covering half of her blue shirt underneath. A lizard bird was perched on her shoulder.

Accompanying them was a human teenage boy with very light skin, almost pale, stunning blue eyes and sleek black hair jelled to perfection. He wore a male version of the uniform, with ripped jeans and chains around his belt.

Finally, a male teenage dragon was present, wearing nothing but a vest of the unicorn. His scales where a shimmering gray and his underbelly was purple, had blue eyes and wore glasses, yet he oozed with confidence. He was only a head shorter than the human boy.

"Oh, Bella Breeze! Clover Field, Coal. Hey, Akio."

"Hey, Nori." the human boy waved, "Thanks again for washing my uncle's car. He won't stop raving about it."

"Ah, don't mention it." Nori said, casually flipping her wrist.

Bella Breeze let out a low growl, getting Akio's attention. "Oh, lighten up, Bella."

"Is she okay?" Nori asked.

"She's fine, just sour about your school beating Golden Dragon High at the science decathlon last year."

"And the pro-bending school match." Bella muttered under her breath before composing herself and smiling, "It's fine, it is just one competition…. or two." she muttered again before smiling once more. "So, how are things?"

"Are you signing up for the Dance to Prance competition too?" the green earth pony asked.

"I am!" Nori replied, "Are you guys here to sign up for the competition?"

"We definitely aren't here because we like standing in lines." the dragon, Cole, said rather bluntly.

"I assume you already have a video concept figured out." Bella said, inspecting her nails as she approached Nori. "The competition's going to be pret-ty fierce."

"As a mater of fact, I do!" nor said eagerly, "It came to me as soon as I saw that gorgeous red ruffled dress on the way over here."

Bella's eyes widened for a brief second then smiled with a knowing grin. "Oh. Tell me more."

Nori opened her mouth but never got a word in when Akio quickly covered it. "Actually! Why don't you let it be a surprise? Won't really be the same if you spoiled it for us now."

"Oh, good call." Nori said, gently lowering his hand. Akio arched an eyebrow at Bella, who narrowed her eyes, ears partly lowering, reflecting her mood.

"Yeah, I guess." Bella inspected her nails again, "I'm sure whatever your concept is, it'll be absolutely wonderful."

"Thanks! So, what's your concept?"

"Nothing. We don't have one yet." Cole said, once again, very bluntly, which made Bella flinch and her hands to slowly clench into fists.

"What he means is, like yours, it's a surprise! But it's a-ma-zing. So original."

"Oh, well, I can't wait to see it." Nori said, smiling sweetly and waved farewell. "Good luck!"

Bella waved back, "You, too!"

Once Nori was out of sight, Akio let out a sigh of relief. He then pointed a finger at the pegasus. "Bella, you better not do anything stupid."

"Come on, Akio, why do you defend them anyway?"

"My uncle is close friends with Iris's mom. I've known them for years, they're cool. Look, whatever happens, let's just play this fair, okay?"

Balla sighed. "Fine."

"Good. I'm gonna go get us some smoothies." Akio said, walking towards the stand to buy the cool drinks. Bella, however, had her fingers crossed behind her back and turned to Clover Field and her reptile bird, who screeched in reply to their sly grins.


(~)


"So, each of us is going to dance in a different style—like flamenco, hip-hop, or street ballet—and we'll wear costumes to match each genre. I already called Rarity and she said she'll be more than happy to design us the costumes. We'll write some lyrics for our new song, and we'll choreograph some dance moves. Then our video will win a cash prize, and voilà!"

Nori giggled after she explained her plan to her friends. Just as she had requested, they all met at Mai and Hiro's house.

"You make it sound so easy." Mai said, tipping the brown country hat Applejack had given her, which she has since worn often.

"That's because it is! Akio and his friends at Golden Dragon even agree. They're making a video, too."

"They are?" Iris asked, with a mixture of surprised and concern.

"I-Is that a problem?"

"Oh, no, it's not." Iris scratched the back of her neck, "Just haven't heard much about them since the Science Decathlon last year."

Mai sniffed the air, reminiscing that very day. "I can still smell their salty tears." she said, earning a very disturbed look by Chrysalis, who sat on the floor beside Gallant Steed. She scooted away a bit.

"And I thought I was the psychopath." the changeling muttered. "Who are these Golden Dragon students anyway?"

"They're basically our world's equivalent of Crystal Prep Academy from the mirror world." Akari said.

Chrysalis cocked her head. "Ya lost me already."

"Golden Dragon Academy is the most prestigious private school in the city." Hiro said. "Our mom used to study there when she was a kid."

"But, then Harmony High was made and it pretty much started the chain reaction to having more than just humans students attending school." Chi said. "They're also popular for having pro-bending teams compete in the annual pro-bending junior leagues."

"Which our team, The Fire Ferrets-- named after our dad's old team--We beat them at last year too, on the same year as the science decathlon too." Hiro pointed out, smiling smugly while folding his arms.

"Wow. I take it they didn't take that very well." Chrysalis said, her ears lowering at the thought. It wouldn't shock her if these kids had their own personal vendetta towards these kids. She knew that if she were in their shoes, and if she were still that crazy queen, she most definitely would have.

"Don't worry about it." Nori said, relaxed. "Our friend Akio goes to school there, and he's actually really sweet."

"How much is the grand prize worth again?" Iris asked.

"More than double of what we need for the school trip to Phoenix Falls."

"Well then, looks like we've got ourselves a fundraising idea!" Akari said, cheering while jumping up and down in excitement.

Hiro then popped up from behind his sister and cousin, wrapping his arms around them, taking them by surprise. "And I know just the place where we can start shooting!"


(~)


The doors slid upwards, letting in the light that nearly blinded the others, while Hiro only stood smiling in satisfaction, entering the room first.

Everyone else, save for Mai, dropped their jaws to see none other than the secret underground workshop that Hiroshi Sato had once used to store all of his secret Equalist weaponry. As of now, the entire place had been cleaned up of any equalist tech and posters of the deceased Amon, and instead all materials were replaced with a DJ stage, rows upon rows of musical equipment, microphones, headphones, a sound booth, keyboards, drums, pretty much everything under the sun, and the light from above had been replaced with a disco ball, which was currently shut off and only the wall lamps lit up the place.

Hiro took to the center of the room, extending his arms wide to showcase his work. "Welcome, one and all, to Hiroshi Sato the Second's underground Par-tay Cave!" his voiced echoed.

"A party cave?" Gallant repeated.

"No, no, you're saying it wrong. It's Par-tay Cave."

"I didn't even know this was still down here! I thought Aunt Asami sealed it up years ago." Iris exclaimed, still staring in awe not at the equipment but at the fact that this was the exact same Equalist underground workshop that she believed had been abandoned, sealed away and forgotten years ago.

"Funny story…."


……………


"Hiro, I like that you're taken an interest in electronics. Of the musical variety, but still, you've got to find a better place to store them all."

"What's wrong with my room?"

"For one thing, I can't even see the windows!" Asami spread out her arms, showcasing all of Hiro's new equipment in his king sized bedroom, which blocked even the sunlight coming in from the window. 

"Well where else am I supposed to put em? Mai's already taken grandpa's second workshop and you're still using his first one."

Asami bit her bottom lip and fiddled with the curling strand of hair on the left side of her face. "Actually…"

His mother led him to the workshop, where she revealed the pathway to the secret tunnel, down the small track and into the underground former equalist warehouse her father once owned. It was old and covered in cobwebs, but with some cleaning it could be good as new.

Hiro smiled. "I think I can make this work."


…………………


"And you're okay with this?" Iris asked Mai, who leaned casually against the wall.

The youngest Sato shrugged. "Hey, I get my own private workspace, he gets his underground where I can't be disturbed by any loud noises. Win, win."

Nori walked around, marveling at the equipment. "This is perfect! I think we've got pretty much everything we need to make the video happen!"

"Well then, what are waiting for?" Chi said, "Let's win this!"

(~)

With their costumes and equipment in place, the kids prepared for their first shooting. Iris wore a lovely flamingo inspired outfit, Chi wore a hip-hop look, complete with golden hooped earrings, a backwards hat, bagging pants and jacket. Mai sported a country inspired look and Hiro took over the DJ stand to play the music. He would be in the video, but as the DJ dancing along to the song and the dancers. He wore a more disco inspired look. Akari and Gallant wore clothes equivalent to street ballet.

The stage was set with Chrysalis behind the camera. "Chrysi, you sure you don't want to be in the video?" Nori asked, "I had Rarity make this super cute disco look for you." she said, pulling out said costume.

Chrysalis had to admit, it did look nice, but she sadly, and politely declined. "I apreciate it, really. But, I don't think folks are quite ready to see the former Queen of the Changelings performing in a music video. Besides, I'm not much of a dancer like you guys. I'll just slow you down."

Nori dejectedly placed Chrysalis's outfit to the side. "Well, whatever makes you feel comfortable, Starfish." she said. Taking in a deep breath she clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.

"Let's take it from the top one more time. Chi, don't forget your cue. It's when Akari does her triple pirouette, okay?"

Chrysalis gave her the thumbs up as did Hiro, putting on his sunglasses and placed the record in place.

"And… action!"

The instrumental version of their song played and Iris made her way into the stage. Walking in these stiletto heels was rather difficult for her, especially since she had never danced in these types of heels before. Never the less, she took her position and Gallant and Akari made their way into the stage.

Gallant was a natural at the dance, but Akari struggled a bit. When she attempted her pirouette she accidentally kicked Iris from behind. The Avatar nearly tripped but managed to regain her balance, awkwardly stopping her dance while Akari struggled to perform the move.

Chi then appeared, ready to do her dance routine, only for everyone to stop when Nori shouted.

"Cut!"

The record scratched and Chi stopped her dancing."Hey! What happened to the music?"

Nori took in a deep breath, trying not to let her frustrations show and made her way onto the stage. "Akari, sweetie, it's supposed to be a triple pirouette."

"Hey, I only took one year of ballet classes, excuse me if I'm a bit rusty!" Akari exclaimed, folding her arms in frustration.

Iris adjusted the faux flower in her hair, which had been styled into a bun, strands of her long hair falling gracefully over her exposed shoulders. "Yeah, and I've never danced flamingo before. Not as easy as street dancing, really."

"Oh, I know. But if we want to win, we have to bring our A-game!" Nori said.

"Golden Dragon certainly will." Mai said, her tone oozing with disgust, "They're excellent dancers, and you know how they love to compete."

"I think that's just you, sis." Hiro said, earning a glare from his younger sister.

Chi patted Nori on the back to try and cheer her up. "How about we forget about the other teams and get back to dancing?"

"Right. Let's take it from Chi's entrance." Nori made her way back to her director's chair, which had been decorated to be aquatic themed. Chrysalis adjusted the camera again and Hiro readied the music.

The merpony sighed before she shouted, once again, "And… action!"

The music placed once again and the team continued their performance. It didn't take very long for Iris's heel to accidentally get caught in Chi's jacket, ripping it. The music came to an abrupt halt and Nori gasped in horror, zipping to the stage to inspect the now ruined jacket.

"Oh! This is a disaster!"

Dun, dun, duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun! Everyone turned to look at Hiro, who switched the sound effect off. "Seemed fitting." he said.

"Whoops. Sorry, Nori." Iris apologized before angrily removing the shoes from her feet.

"No, it's fine, I can fix it." Nori said as she removed Chi's jacket, "I'll have to run to the boutique to get some fabric before Rarity closes. Keep practicing while I'm gone!"

The merpony made a break for the door… only to come back a few seconds later. "Um, could one of you Satos help me out? I don't know how to work the up and down metal thingy."

(~)

"Thanks again, Rarity!" Nori waved farewell to the unicorn as she ran down the street with a ball full of new fabric in hand. "Oh, thank goodness I got there in time. Now to--What the barnacle!?"

A familiar song from famous singer Sapphire Shores played and she saw two ponies, a dragon, and a human performing in front of a camera, while the music played. Several bystanders stopped to watch, taking pictures with their geo-phones.

Nori was frozen in place, feeling as if her entire world was crumbling all around her. Her ears dropped and her face felt hotter than the time she accidentally ate Pinkie Pie's spicy salsa dip during last year's Heart's Warming Eve party.

Bella Breeze, Clover Field, Akio and Cole were performing their dance routine for the music video contest. Only now she realized that when Bella Breeze said their concept was original, she was undoubtedly lying through her teeth.

"Is that a disco-inspired look? And a street ballet tutu?!" Nori exclaimed in horror, clutching the bags with her fists. "I don't believe it. They stole my video idea!"

Once the song ended, the people around them cheered. Not only did they love Nori's original concept, but they were even better dancers than her friends. Their presentation was on professionalism levels of good.

All of the cheering from the crowd made her heart break in two and she dashed away, her vision blurry due to the tears.


(~)


"Thank goodness you're here. She's been like this all afternoon." San, the winged lizard spirit said as he led Iris and her friends to the pro-bending gym.

"Don't worry, bro. We've got this." Iris said, patting his shoulder in reassurance. He nodded and left the kids to speak with their distressed friend.

"Nori, are you… oh." Iris and the others stood in place, a save distance away, as Nori, in a fit of rage, sent ice daggers at each of the pro-bending dummies present, slicing their heads and arms off. Even more disturbing when several of those shards went piercing right through their chests.

One of the heads rolled onto the floor, stopping at Gallant's feet. He gulped in terror. He out of everybody knew better than to confront a woman when she was angry. Years of having Starlight Glimmer as a mother taught him that much.

Seeing her friend, Nori stopped her violent venting on the dummies. She panted, her hair in a dangled mess, strands standing on end and on her face.

"We got your text." Akari said, waving her phone while taking a tentative step forward. "You said it was an emergency?"

"Everything all right?" Chi asked with concern.

Nori inhaled and exhaled, fixing her hair to look more presentable. "Well, since you asked…" she then proceeded to take each of her friend's hands and place them over their ears. None of them questioned and simply stayed in that position while Nori took a few steps back. Her fists trembling and her jaw clenching.

"The answer is NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Her powerful merpony shriek caused the gym to tremble and a few of the windows to crack. Once she was done, Iris quickly used her magic to fix the windows before her brother found out.

"What happened?" Mai asked.

Nori started pacing back and forth, telling them everything in her rant. "Bella Breeze and her friends stole our video concept! I saw them filming earlier. They copied my design ideas and everything!" she briefly stopped her rant to congratulate herself, "So of course they looked absolutely fabulous." she said before quickly returning to her rant, "But the worst part is that they're all incredible dancers!"

Hiro gasped "Major bummer in the summer! Tissue for your issue?" he asked, handing her said tissue box.

Only, rather than take one, Nori took the entire box, threw it into the air and pierced it with an ice dagger, leaving only a puddle with wet tissue and cardboard. Hiro blinked and slowly slipped away from the angry merpony.

"I don't even know how they were able to copy it to the letter!"

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Nori." Gallant Steed said. "There's no way you could have known. Besides, we all know how competitive those guys can be."

"I can't believe Akio would do this." Iris said, feeling personally betrayed.

"I know, it's not like him." Akari said.

Mai pounded her fists together. "I say we head on over there and knock some sense into them." she said with a menacing grin, complete with a wicked laugh that made even Chrysalis whimper and hide behind Iris.

"You just want an excuse to make them cry again." Iris bluntly pointy pointed out.

"Don't pretend you don't want that too!"

"Mai, we're not solving this through violence. If anything, it'll make maters worse."

Mai grunted, folding her arms and pouting in frustration. "And people call me the killjoy."

"Eh, maybe this was all for the best." Gallant Steed said with regret, rubbing his arm.

"Gallant!" Akari exclaimed, narrowing her eyes at him, and Nori looked at him with a sadly startled face.

"No, it's not that her idea was bad, it's great, it's… us, really. Our dancing… leaves a lot to be desired. Especially since we're not all too familiar with these different dance styles."

Hiro scratched the back of his neck, "Yyyyeah, I kind of have to agree with Gallant here. I mean, you guys can barely do a two-step without tripping over each other. I mean, I'm without question the best dancer out of all of you, but even I can't work miracles."

"No way!" Nori exclaimed, her voice booming to the point it made even Mai's hat jump up from her head for a spill second. "You all looked great! Okay, maybe not great, but, but... but it was getting there! And the point is we don't have to let them win! That is our video concept! And I am going straight to Golden Dragon Academy to let them know that they have messed with the wrong merpony! Who's with me?!"

Mai rose her hand, a gleeful smile on her face, only to be forcibly lowered by Iris, who gave her younger cousin the stink eye. Mai slouched and pouted, sitting back on the couch.

Nori cleared her throat, using an even tone. "No, n-no, seriously, who is with me? I have no idea how to get to Golden Dragon."

"I'll go." Iris rose her hand, "Maybe I can try to reason with Akio. His uncle is good friends with my mom after all."

"That's the spirit! Come on!" Nori wasted no time in grabbing Iris by the arm and dragging her out of the gym, leaving the others behind.

Chrysalis spoke up again, "So, do we just stay here or, or what?"


(~)


Golden Dragon Academy was as beautiful as it was expensive. Ever since the unification of the three worlds, much like Harmony High, the school had students from Equestria and the spirit world present. Young teenage spirit who were sentient and could speak like humans, much like Iris's older adopted siblings, happily chatted with their human and pony friends. Each one wore a uniform of the same color patterns, but designed in their own unique flair.

Wearing a hood and sunglasses to cover herself, which Iris didn't even bother doing herself, Nori opened one of the doors from the entrance behind the school and made their way through, carefully to to alarm anyone else.

Nori pressed her back against a locker, spotting something from the corner of her eye. "The sparrow has spotted the chipmunk." she whispered, "I repeat; The sparrow has spotted the chipmunk."

"Why is there a sparrow in here?" Iris asked, poking her head from behind her friend.

"No! I found the dance studio!"

"Why didn't you just say so?"

Nori groaned. Bumi was right, nobody liked using code words anymore. Never the less, they made their way to the dance room, where the same music from before played and ended, just when the Golden Dragon students ended their routine.

Bella Breeze spotted the two and grinned. "Hey, girls! So what did you think of our routine? Scared yet?"

"Don't change the subject, Bella Breeze!" Nori shouted, pointing her finger accusingly at Bella.

"But you didn't bring up a subject." Coal said.

"You, either!"

Bella rolled her eyes, "Ooookay…"

"Iris, is everything okay?" Akio asked, genuinely surprised to find the two at the school.

"You know why we're here!" Nori exclaimed, fuming with anger, her eyes still on Bella, "You stole my—" she quickly corrected herself, "Our music video idea!"

"Wait, what?" Akio turned to the blue pegasus in surprise.

Bella, on the other hand, didn't even bother hiding this fact. "Guess living underwater hasn't turned you into a bubble brain after all."

"How did you manage to do it?" Nori asked, "I never told you my idea!"

Clover Field placed her fingers into her mouth, letting out a whistle and her beloved reptile bird landed on her shoulder, with her phone in his claw. "My family trains respite birds." she said, scratching under her bird's chin affectionally. "Little Olive here followed you and recorded everything with my phone."

Iris turned to her human friend, "Akio, why?"

"I- I didn't know, I swear!" he insisted.

"It's true, he didn't." Bella confessed. "I knew he'd try and stop me."

"Well, I'm not going to let you get away with this." Nori said defensively, "Change your concept, or else!"

"Sorry, heh, but we can't." Belle replied smugly with a flip of her hair.

"And why is that?" Iris asked, hands on her hips in disapproval.

"Because we care about winning. Duh!" Clover Field said, her reptile bird hissing at the princess.

"And we will, because we're just about to submit our video." Bella said smugly.

You're what?" Nori stammered, feeling tempted to let out yet another ear piercing shriek, but she composed herself. If she did do that, she would be charged by destroying school property. "It doesn't matter! Because we are still doing our video the way we planned!"

"Go ahead. But there's just one flaw in your little plan."

By the time you submit yours, it'll just look like you copied us." Clover Field said, mirroring Bella's pomposity.

"Except the worse version." Coal said, once again, very bluntly without much care on wether or not it hurt anyone's feelings. He may be a more modern dragon in comparison to his ancestors back in Princess Twilight's or even Celestia's day, but he still carried the old characteristics that made up much of his race.

Nori's jaw had dropped, feeling completely and utterly defeated. Bella casually closed it. "Now, if you don't mind, we've got some more rehousing to do. Also, I'm pretty sure that if you're not a student here, you're trespassing."

Nori clenched her fists once again, only to be stopped when Iris held her shoulders. "Come on, Nori, let's get out of here." with the star on her forehead glowing, Iris teleported them out of the music room, ignoring Akio's apologetic cries.

"Nori! Iris, wait!" the poor young man felt not only betrayed by his own friends, but also guilty about what he had done to the ones he already had. Without hesitation he marched his way towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Bella asked.

"You lied to me." Akio said, turning around to face her. "You lied about your idea."

"So what? You know we need the money more than they do!"

"Even if that's the case, I'd rather win fair and square than by cheating. As my friend you should have known that!"

For the first time all day, Bella's arrogant demeanor completely washed away. Her ears lowered and her eyes shimmered, her mouth opened agape and her posture slightly recoiled in shock.

"Find yourself some other backup dancer. I'm out." Akio opened the doors and walked out, slamming it behind him.

Even Cloverfield and Cole showed genuine concern and regret when Akio left. The earth pony rose a tentative hand which hovered over the pegasus's shoulder.

"Bella?"

Her shoulders trembled for a moment before she turned around to face them. "Let's get back to practice."


(~)


Back at the Sato Estate, poor Nori swam sadly in the pool, her tail whooshing back and forth in an endless pattern, resting her chin on her arms, crossed over the side.

Iris sat beside her, cross legged. "I'm really sorry about this, Nori."

"It's not your fault, it's mine. I should never have convinced you all that we could pull this off in so little time!"

"Still don't want me to throw them across the room and into a cement wall?" Mai asked, blinking innocently at Iris. The Avatar growled in responce, making Mai slouch and walk away in disappointment. "Fine!" she growled. "I gets super strength and I can't even use it to get back at a bunch of liars and cheats. What a waste!"

"Got a bit of a dark side, doesn't she?" Chrysalis whispered to Hiro, her ears lowering in fear as horrible memories of her past self came flooding back.

"She gets it from mom's side of the family."

"Really? But your mom is so sweet."

Hiro looked at her with a surprised expression. "Have you ever seen my mom at a party with Apple Cider?"

"No." Chrysalis innocently shook her head.

"Ever gotten into a steal cage with a wolverine?"

Chrysalis blinked and turned away awkwardly. "Okay then."

Nori sighed, feeling defeated. "We'll never raise the money we need at this point."

"Are you crazy? We're great at doing stuff super-fast." Akari said, sitting on a chair near the pool right next to Gallant. "I mean, look at Chi. She just built that castle made entirely out of chocolate bars while we were talking."

In the other side of the room, Chi had just finished placing a large star shaped chocolate bar at the very top of said chocolate castle, compete with sugary lollipops, gumdrops, cookies and frosting, which was used as cement to keep the bars in place.

Chi took one bar and started eating it. "Want some?"

"What I want is a new video concept!" Nori said, hoisting herself up and sitting on the side of the pool.

"So let's create one!" Chi said, right before taking another bite out of the chocolate bar.

Nori's face lit up, "Really?"

The rest of the team nodded in agreement. "I'm sure if we all put our heads together, we'll come up with something even better than before." Akari said eagerly.

Nori willed her tail to turn back into legs and walked out of the pool, dripping wet, including her cloths, but dried off almost instantaneously. "Okay. I suppose it's worth a try. Any ideas?"

Everyone 'hummed' at once, each one trying to come up with a new concept for the video. Chi was the first to snap her fingers.

"Ha! I think I've got something."

"Let's hear it!" Nori said, holding her hands close to her heart and whispered hopefully, "Please be a good one, please be a good one."

"So… we're in a deserted alleyway in the dead of night." as Chi began to narrate, she started imagining herself and her friends in said alley, surrounded by darkness, the city lights high above as their only source of illumination along with the crescent moon above.

"Then, out of the shadows appears a masked man, holding a cave, surrounded my a million moths swarming all around him and attack us. Then, out of nowhere, another shadowy emerges, standing on top of a building, her long braids billowing in the nighttime winds. A masked heroine wearing a full body suit or red and black. From her wrist, she--"

"Wait a second!" Iris interrupts, crossing her arms."Isn't this a scene from the latest Marvelous Adventures of Ladymare and Stal-Noir comic book?"

Chi's entire body started to glow pink, a sign of her blushing. "Oh, yeah. That's why it seemed so cool. Never mind."

"Well, it's… creative, I'll admit." Nori said, "But maybe we should go for something a little less…. superhero-ie?"

Akari rose her hand, "Okay, I've got it! Picture a jungle setting, near a waterfall, the sun just over the horizon, and a field of beautiful flowers. Swarms of butterflies flutter all around."

Nori awed at the image in her mind, picturing the little butterfly land delicately on the tip of her finger… only for it to fly away when the ground started to shack.

"But then, a horrifying Ursa Minor shows up! We all pull out our swords and we battle the vicious beast with all of our might! We're slicing, and dicing, the beast roars in anger when one of his claws get sliced off and--"

"Akari!" Gallant exclaimed.

"What?"

"It's a music video, not an action novel."

The alicorn princess blushed. "Sorry, I guess Chi's idea kind of got me all pumped up."

Nori sighed, her patience already wavering. "Any other ideas?"

Hiro waved his hand like an excitable little kid trying to answer a question from the teacher. "Me, me, me! Pick me!"

"Yes, Hiro?"

"Why don't we just have a dance party?"

Nori blinked. "That's it?"

"Yeah! The eight of us dancing to some sick beats, having fun and I'll even use my powers to make fireworks."

"Sounds promising." Chrysalis said.

Gallant nodded in agrement: "Simple, and it involves dancing."

"But that's all?" Nori asked, already feeling anxious. "Just dancing randomly to music?"

"It is called a music video, right?" Hiro asked.

Mai slammed her forehead. "Yes, but a music video also needs to have a concept. No offense Hiro, but your idea is way too generic and devoid of direction. It's not going to work in a competition, especially now that we're against Golden Dragon."

"Well I don't see you coming up with anything!"

"STOP!" Nori shouted, almost as loudly as she did back at the pro-bending arena. "It doesn't matter anymore! The contest deadline is tomorrow, and there is no possible way we'll win now that Golden Dragon's already submitted their video! All we're doing is wasting time!"

Everyone recoiled at her outburst. Nori immediately regretted her decision. Her stress was making her blow up to her own best friends. She felt like the waters around her were constantly hitting against the shoreline, huge waves smashing against her head with crushing force.

"I'm sorry, I just… I need to be alone right now."

The other watched sadly as Nori left the estate, salty tears rolling down her eyes.


(~)


Another thing Nori and Rarity had in common was that they would normally turn to sweets to cope with their pain. For Nori, she ordered a mint chocolate seaweed milkshake from Pinkie Pie's cafe. The pink pony took the now empty cup and gave the depressed merpony another one from her tray.

"Nori, don't you think you've had enough?"

"No, Pinkie." the merpony replied, her voice and her eyes completely drained of any emotion. "No I do not."

"But, you've had six of these already. Whats gotten you so glum, chum?"

Nori sat upright, her ears sadly lowered. "I let my classmates down. Because of me, now we won't have the money to go to Phoenix Falls. Not to mention, Bella Breeze stole my music video idea and there's nothing I can do about it."

Pinkie's blue eyes shimmered and a smile formed across her face. "Chin up, bucko! I have a feeling the sun's about to shine down on your rainy parade!" she ruffled Nori's hair and walked off to continue working.

"It's no use, Bella Breeze. Akio already bailed on us, why are we even still trying?"

Nori's ears perked upwards when she heard the voice of the dragon Cole from behind her. She turned her head around and saw that the Golden Dragon kids were in the booth several seats away from her.

"Because the deadline hasn't passed." Bella said. Nori noticed that she didn't look like the same self assured pony she saw before. Rather, this pony looked worried and even unsure of herself.

"We can still come up with an original song to replace the Sapphire Shores one we've been practicing our choreography with."

"That's highly unlikely." Cole said bluntly and took a sip of his milkshake.

"Why did we tell Nori that we already submitted our video?" Cloverfield asked, even her reptile bird squawked in responce.

"So that we can still use her concept. Nori is creative, and she's part of Guardians of Harmony. She'll come up with something else."

Nori was startled by her words. This definitely wasn't the same pony as before. Well, she was still Bella Breeze, but this was a different side of her. A vulnerable side.

"But if we don't, we have nothing. And imagine what our classmates would say."

"They'll say it's our fault we won't be able to see the Phoenix Falls come back this year like we promised." Cloverfield said sadly, resting her chin on her palm, elbow on the table.

"Exactly."

Nori covered her mouth, muffling a gasp. "Oh. They… want the same thing we do." she whispered with an empathic smile.

"But the Guardians already have a truck load of musical skills." Cole pointed out. "They'll surely have a killer original song, and we don't."

"Face it, Bella. We're doomed." Cloverfield buried her face into her arms on the table. The slam caused the silverware to tremble.

"Excuse me."

Bella jerked her head back in alarm to see their unexpected guest. A bit too far in that she wounded up hitting her head against the seat behind her.

"Ow!" she said, rubbing her head and turning her attention back to the pony. "N-Nori! Uh, how long have you been over there?"

"Long enough to hear that you have no original song."

"Like I said. Doomed." Cole said, taking a sip of his drink.

"Actually, maybe you're not." Nori said, scooting over to sit right next to Bella, who willingly allowed her to do so. "Look, I know our schools haven't been getting along too well lately. But I think I have a solution."

Bella's ears dropped and she sighed. "It doesn't matter. I'm not sure if I even want to make this project anymore, knowing my best friend probably hates me now."

Nori placed a compassionate hand on her former rival's shoulder. "I know that's not true. If you just apologize, I'm sure he'll be more than happy to come back. If you're willing to listen to what I have in mind."

Bella, Cole and Cloverfield all looked at one another for a few seconds, then turned to Nori again.

"We're all ears."


(~)


Akio stood in front of the cafe and waved when he saw Iris and her friends arrive. "Hey, guys."

"Akio?" Iris asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Nori sent me a text and said to meet you guys here."

"Wait, Nori send up the same text." Akari said, showing her phone to prove her claim.

"Actually, you're both right." Nori said, opening the doors of Pinkie's cafe, with the rest of the Golden Dragon students behind her. Akio's eyes narrowed the moment he saw Bella Breeze, who hung her head in regret.

"Nori, what's going on?" Iris asked.

Rather than give the alicorn a direct answer, she stepped back and allowed Bella Breeze to approach the young human male. "I'm so sorry I lied to you about the video concept."

"We all are." said Clover Field, both she and Cole hanging their heads.

"I really did want to win the contest so we could go to Phoenix Falls, but I knew we wouldn't stand a chance against these guys." Bella motioned to the rest of the Element of Harmony, all of which looked at one another in surprise at her comment.

Of course, Mai smiled smugly. "Ya got that right. Ouch!" she felt Akari harshly yank on her hair. The Sato girl rubbed her scalp which stung from the alicorn's strong grip. Her body may be strong now, but not her hair, apparently.

"We wanted to win so badly, we didn't even care if we had to steal to accomplish it… and lie to my best friend." Bella's ears dropped, averting Akio's gaze.

"Think you can forgive us, Man?" Cole asked hopefully, putting his clawed hand on Clover Field's shoulder.

Nori and the others waited anxiously. Judging by the look on Akio's face, they feared the worst. Their concerned were thrown out the window when Akio surprised Bella with a hug.

"Of course I can." he said, patting her on the back. Chrysalis watched the scene in awe. This was the second time she had witnessed an example of forgiveness. It still astonished her every single time.

Bella sighed in relief, happy to have her best friend back. Her modest demeanor returned when she turned towards the Avatar. "So, we're cool?"

Iris nodded and smiled. "Totally."

Mai crossed her arms "I guess." she muttered, and then jumped away when Akari threatened to tug her hair again. "I mean, yes! Totally! Heh, heh, heh, Friendship is Magic and all that stuff!" she chuckled nervously and Akari smiled in approval.

"But, what about the video idea?" Gallant asked.

"Oh, we're still using our idea." Nori said, then motioned to Bella and the others. "And so are they."

"What do you mean?" Chrysalis asked.

"Both out schools want the same thing, right? So, maybe instead of working against one another, we should be working together to win that money for both our schools. They've offered to help with the dance moves if we'll help them with an original song."

"Combining our talents is the most logical thing to do." Cole said.

"We'll make one epic music video together." said Clover Field excitedly, while also sprinkled with hopefulness.

Nori coupled her hands close to her mouth, giving her friends the big hopeful puppy dog eyes. "So, what do you guys think? Are you in?"

Iris and the others glanced at one another, either bitting their lips, scratching their necks and or arms, while muttering dubious mumbles amongst one another.

After a few more second of silence, Hiro hollered out his enthusiasm. "Best! Music! Video! Idea ever!"


(~)


Hiro led the Golden Dragon kids to his Part-tay Cave, everyone already dressed up and rehearsing before they shot the video. Iris approached Akio, handing him a paper sheet.

"We can start by teaching you the words to our song."

Akio looked at the sheets, "But this is just about the Elements. There's nothing about us in the lyrics."

"Yet. Wanna help me make some changes?" Iris asked, already with her pen in hand. She and Akio fist pumped in agreement.

Nori ironed her sparkly blue skirt, "Anybody else care to work on some music?"

"We'll get to it after I teach you some dance moves." Bella suggested, twirling around her axis once.

"Music first." Nori suggested politely.

"Dance first." Bella suggested, also politely.

"Music first!" Nori repeated, this time less politely.

"Dance first!" Bella also repeated, just like Nori, far less politely, until the two were just downright screaming at each other.

"Music first!"

"Dance first!"

"The order is irrelevant." both Cole and Mai said, narrowing their eyes impatiently at the two. A sentiment that was shared with the rest of the group. Both Bella and Nori blushed and laughed in embarrassment before smiling agreeably with one another.

Chrysalis adjusted the camera, only to gasp in surprise when she felt a faux flower clip get placed in her hair, curtesy of Akari herself… and holding the outfit Nori had commissioned for her.

The changeling's ears lowered shyly and she looked away, fiddling with her fingers. "I… I can't. Who'll work the camera?"

Much to her surprise, Clover Field's respite bird flew down and adjusted the camera with its claws. This creature was indeed well trained. Not only that, but even Pabu, wearing a cute little director's hat, assisted as well, climbing onto the top, raising his paw as his own form of a 'thumbs up'.

Akari took Chrysalis's hands into her own. "Wether you feel it or not, you are a part of this team, Chrysi. It won't be the same without you."

It did sound like fun. Everyone looked amazing, and the outfit Rarity made for her was just too beautiful not to try on. The butterfly aesthetics were truly a work of art. But, what if people didn't like seeing the former Queen of the Changelings in a music video? What if she wrecked their chances of winning.

"Okay, fine. But, on one condition." Chrysalis's body became engulfed with her signature green aura and once it cleared she looked physically the same, right down to the hairstyle, but rather than a changeling, she was a human girl with light skin, brown eyes and long raven hair streaked with blue, still wearing the same outfit she was wearing before.

Akari simply nodded in agreement. Whatever made her feel the most comfortable. "Now hurry and get changed."

Chrysalis couldn't contain the excitement she had as she hurried to put on the beautiful outfit.


(~)


Hiro:

Lights! Camera! Action!

Akari and Gallant used their magic to make the lights turn on and the reptiles bird and Pabu worked the camera (surprisingly well to boot).

Nori:

Oh, oh, uh-yeah

The stage was decorated to look like a crystal cave with a rainbow background, shimmering crystal encrusted lanterns hanging up from the ceiling, and sparkles spread across the floor and Hiro, the entire time, was playing the music in his own booth, bobbing his head to the beat.

Bella:

Uh-uh

Let's go

Iris came out in her stunning, sparkly fire themed flamingo outfit, with her father's scarf wrapped elegantly around her shoulders like a shawl. Thanks to Bella Breeze's talent for dancing, and teaching it, she managed to pick up the dance move very quickly and performed with such grace and fire that would make her mother beam with pride.

(Better Together from Disney's Descendants and Dance Magic from Equestria Girls)

Iris:

Don't have to win the gold all on your own

We're a team, now we're stronger

Akari managed to twirl in, gracefully and with more confidence and timing than last time, with Gallant serving as her partner. The two performed in perfect sync, as if they had been dancing together their entire lives.

Akari:

Don't gotta face the whole world all alone

'Cause we can go further

Iris and Akari:

The road could be hard and the night could be dark

Like a jewel, we'll shine brightly wherever we are

Gallant:

If we stick to the dream 

We'll never fall apart

A spotlight shined upon each of the kids, with Chi, Cole and Clover Field in hip hop clothing, Nori, Chrysalis and Bella Breeze in Disco inspired looks, Akio dressed in rocker cloths, Iris in her flamingo attire, Mai in her country/steampunk look, and Akari and Gallant in their street ballet get ups. Nori and Bella smiled at one another, happy to place the rivalry behind him and when Hiro hit the chorus portion of the video, he danced alongside them. Iris using her magic to make it portable for him to move alongside them while the table floated in front of him, giving him the chance to be in the video as much as everyone else.

All:

Because we're better together

Stronger side-by-side

This is the moment 

It's our time

So we're different, whatever

Everyone can shine

This is the moment of our lives 

'Cause we're better together

Chrysalis, despite taking on a different form for the video, couldn't even begin to describe the happiness she felt when she danced alongside Nori and Bella. She didn't have the courage to sing solo just yet, but she was happy to be performing alongside them. Nori was smart to make this a team project rather than a competition between one another. Everyone brought their own skills, talents and energy into this, it made her apreciate more that the changelings had transformed when she was dethroned. She now saw the true beauty in variety and colors than a single drone army.

Bella: 

Everyone of us is more than strong enough

But when we work together 

Nori:

We work together

We're a power that nothing else can touch

Every piece makes us better

Bella and Nori:

The road could be hard and the night could be dark

Like a jewel, we'll shine brightly wherever we are

Akio:

If we stick to the dream

We'll never fall apart 

Iris:

Fall apart

All:

Because we're better together

Stronger side-by-side

This is the moment 

It's our time

So we're different, whatever

Everyone can shine

This is the moment of our lives 

'Cause we're better together

Hiro took center stage, while Chi and Clover Field break dance beside him and he starts rapping and the music sped up a but.

Hiro:

Yeah!

It don't' matter what style you got

Just keep dancin' on that spot

Friends like you for you who are

Dance queen, on the scene, superstar!

Golden Dragon, you've got the moves!

Guardians bringing all the groves

Put it together and make it fit

Harmony Dragons

Dance Magic!

The music reverted back to its original speed, with everyone dancing in sync.

All:

We are stronger

All of us together

Only makes us better 

Nori:

Yeah

All:

We can do whatever

We are stronger 

Bella:

We're stronger

All:

All of us together 

Nori:

Together

All:

Only makes us better

We can do whatever

YEAH!

Because we're better together 

Stronger side-by-side

This is the moment 

It's our time

So we're different, whatever

Everyone can shine

This is the moment of our lives 

'Cause we're better together

We are stronger 

(Oh, oh)

All of us together 

(Oh, oh)

Only makes us better 

(Oh, oh)

We can do whatever 

(Oh, oh)

We are stronger 

(Oh, oh)

All of us together 

(Oh, oh)

Only makes us better 

(Oh, oh)

We can do whatever 

We're better together!


(~)


Bella and Nori couldn't stop grinning as they watched the music video on Nori's geo-phone. "I never get tired of watching it."

"Thanks to you guys, both our classes got to go to Phoenix Falls." Bella hugged Nori, taking her by surprise. "Thank you."

"Hey, it's what I do. I am the Element of Generosity, after all." Nori said, earning a laugh from both of them.

"Hey guys!" Akio called out to the two, "Hurry up, they're coming!"

The entire class, both of Harmony High and Golden Dragon hurried towards the metal railing of the mountain, seeing the dried up waterfall, so high and large it could be seen for miles and miles.

Everyone took out their phones and pointed upwards to the sky, seeing a flock of the most beautiful, shimmering birds they had ever seen. They looked like a mix between an eagle and a peacock, with long feathers that billowed elegantly in the wind like the light helms of Rarity's ball gowns when she twirls, or the elegant manes of Celestia and Luna, to the point they looked as if they defied gravity itself.

They came in array of colors, wings of blue, aquamarine, or orange and yellow yet they gave off very visible pecks of fire that danced upon their bodies, creating a heavenly, other worldly aura, and the feathers above their heads resembled crowns, giving them a regal appearance. They flew with the grace of a swan and in perfect form. They were as intelligent as they were mesmerizing.

The girls were left in awe at the sight, many were already envious of their feathers, wishing they had them for their own cloths and accessories, while at the same time couldn't even bare the idea of plucking even one feather from their bodies. Each one seemed to serve a greater purpose to their beauty.

As they descended, the sparkles of fire fell all around, even close to the students. While they weren't burning hot, they were warm. Like if snow came during the summer or spring time rather than during the winter. The creatures flapped their wings, making their watt towards the rocks.

When their leader, the largest and most majestic of them all landed at the very top, alongside his family and fellow birds, their bodies shimmered and sparkled like never before. Flowers blossomed around the area, forming nests for them to lay their eggs, and the sparkles converged to ignite the flaming waters that now cascaded down from the mountain, all the way down to form the lake. Ray os light shoot upwards from the waters in an otherworldly display.

Tears were shed at witnessing one of the marvelous miracles that came from the three worlds merging as one. Several students even patted Iris on the back, asking her to let Korra know how grateful they were. If she hadn't kept the portals open, they never would have seen such a sight. And now, the fresh water from the waterfall could serve as medicine for the people of this town, which would be stored and saved for emergencies.

The Elements of Harmony gathered together in one group hug, alongside the Golden Dragon kids. However, Nori noticed that Chrysalis was still a tad hesitant. This poor girl still had a long ways to go.

Her happily dragging the timid changeling to be in the picture was her way of saying that no matter what she thought, no matter what she did in the past, Chrysalis was always going to be included in their circle of friends.

Which was growing more and more.


*(~)*

1 Corinthians 12:4-7: 

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

*(~)*