The Little Pony legend: The Guardians of Harmony

by MaggiesHeartLove

We got this... together!

"Now I truly am the Storm King!" The beast laughed in triumph, throwing his arms into the air, embracing the wild, deadly winds that were at the mercy of him and him alone. "And the entire world will bow to my ba-ba-ba-boom, baby!"

Tempest squinted her eyes, trying to pierce through the harsh winds as she approached the great beast. She had endured his infuriating behavior long enough, and there was no way she would let all of this go to waste. She needed to have her horn back, her magic back. It was all she had left to thrive for, she couldn't keep going through life another moment without her gift.

"Yes, yes, you are every bit as powerful as I promised, Sire! Now, restore my horn and I swear to use my magic to serve you!"

Tempest bent her foreleg and bowed her head low before the Storm King. She didn't really mean it, but once she had her horn she would find a way to escape and never look back, and then she can start a new life, one free from all of this. Free from her past, free of Tadashi, free of any Queens of Princess of Friendship.

But rather than feel the triumphant joy of regaining what she had lost, her request was met with the Storm King's cackle as lighting flashed behind him.

"Who cares about your dinky little unicorn horn!" The Storm King said, shoving Tempest away like she was worthless. At this point, she did feel that way. Without her horn, without her magic, without her gift, what more did she have? She lost her triad, her friend, this was all she had left.

Tempest shook her head, refusing to believe this. She jumped in his way, "But… we... we had an agreement!"

"Get with the program! I used you! It's kind of what I do!" The Storm King said the last part excitedly proud of himself. "Besides, even if I did give you back your horn, I knew what you were really planning."

Tempest gasped and stepped back in fear. "I--I don't know what--"

"You wanted to get your horn so you can sneak off and get revenge on those weirdoes who took it from you! You think you're so smart, but your biggest mistake was telling me your life's story when I found you wandering around the forest like the pathetic, powerless unicorn you are! It was boring, but hey, at least it gave me a head's up."

Tempest never imagined she could feel even worse than she already did. The Storm King had hired her because he claimed to have seen her potential, and that with her horn restored she could get what she wanted. Tempest saw the opportunity to take advantage of his lust for power to benefit herself, but she hadn't realized it was she who was being deceived this entire time! She clearly underestimated the king's intelligence, and now she was about to pay the price for it.

The Storm King aimed his staff at Tempest. Now that he had his power, she was no longer needed. Tempest stumbled back, avoiding the blasts, but attacked in defense with her own magic. The energy sparked from her broken horn, blasting both the king and Tempest back. The Storm King fell on his stomach, while Tempest was pulled into the tornado. She quickly grabbed onto the balcony railing for her dear life, but the winds proved to be more powerful than she.

Akari saw that the Storm King was down, and the staff was right there. They could grab it and stop him right then and there. But her attention was more on Tempest Shadow, who lost her grip and was about to get sucked into the tornado. Akari leaped forward and grabbed her hoof, but the winds began pulling her in as well. Iris sacrificed the chance to grab the staff to instead reach out and save her friend from getting sucked into the winds.

"Hold on!" Akari shouted over the roar of the storm, with Iris holding her back legs. Tempest breathed heavily as the young princess held onto her hoof like her life depended on it.

"Why are you saving me?" She asked. Tempest couldn't comprehend why Akari and Iris would be willing to save her after everything she had done.

Tempest had turned their family to stone, waged siege over their entire land, and she helped a maniac steal their magic, even threatened lives multiple times all just so she could get her horn back. Why would these princesses do this? Was this some kind of trick? Did they really think that just because Tempest was about to die was she now someone they cared about?

Akari's cyan blue eyes sparkled with something Tempest had only ever seen once in her life. It was a familiar spark she saw in the eyes of Tadashi so long ago. Those eyes haunted Tempest for years, reminding of her what she no longer had, only now that she was gazing into them again did they suddenly signify something entirely different than what she had original thought.

"Because this… is what friends do."

Akari's words rang in Tempest's ears. Akari actually smiled at her, and it wasn't just any generic smile. This smile carried so many words, so many things Tempest felt she couldn't keep up with even if she tried.

Tempest believed that one could only ever be happy so long as they had what they wanted, what they loved and that was it. Tempest had it, but Tadashi chose something different, and by saying 'no' to his offer, she was left alone without her magic and without him. Tempest traveled beyond Equestria to capture these princesses to get back what she believed they took from her… she was just about to loose her life because of that choice, something she had never anticipated.

And yet, the very people she had resented all these years, blamed for her shortcomings, people she despised and believed to be above in a way… were actually sparing her from the cold hands of death, for no other reason than… they had chosen to become her friends. Without asking for anything, without demanding anything.

Was… was this what Tadashi had found? Was this what he wanted her to experience? Was this also what they meant by giving up something in order to gain something better? Was it possible that Tempest was… wrong?

For the first time in years, Tempest felt tears form in her eyes. Her point of view began to shift, breaking apart and making way for new thoughts and new feelings. She didn't care about her horn anymore, all she could focus on was the mercy and forgiveness expressed by these two wonderful young women.

With a grunt, Iris yanked the two ponies back onto the balcony. Akari placed her hoof over Tempest while Iris held them both. The winds somehow softened for a moment. Tempest was still at a loss for words, but she was genuinely thankful, and by the looks of it, the princesses didn't need Tempest to say anything. They didn't save her to get recognition, they only did it because they cared about her, despite everything she had done. Tempest was still a pony. Still an Equestrian, just like them.

"Awwww! Isn't that just so sweet!" The Storm King laughed sarcastically and aimed his staff at the trio's terrified faces. "Yeah. See ya!"

(~)

Hiro used his earthbending to create a jagged circle for everyone to stand on. They all clung onto each other, with Hozu taking the lead. Mai held Nori in her arms while Hiro held Gallant Steed, and Chrysalis was secured with Capper. Chi had her hands on Hozu's shoulders, while Mai and Hiro had their free hands holding onto Chi's arms.

"You sure about this?" Capper asked with uncertainty.

"Just DO IT!" Hiro shouted excitedly, then tapped Hozu's shoulder, "Thanks man!"

Sky Star was literally trembling with excitement as she held onto Mai and Captain Celaeno. "I'm excited! Who's excited? Aaah! I've never been so excited!"

Hozu's eyes were fierce, but still scared. He breathed in and out, trying to focus on the task at hand. He looked up at the palace balcony, where the tornado kept picking up speed, growing stronger by the minute. His heart pounded hard against the walls of his chest, already feeling the electricity dancing underneath his skin, his breathing accelerating.

Closing his eyes, Hozu returned to his childhood home. The happy moment where his mother would create a small little harmless twister in her hand and taught him to do so. A repressed moment manifested, and little Hozu lost control of the twister, in which it disappeared in a puff of air. He sulked in disappointment.

"I can't get the hang of it!"

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Hozu." His mother said. Her voice was clear as a bell, and eyes that sparkled like the stars of a clear night sky. "Don't focus on the fear of getting it wrong. Focus on just trying."

"But what if I try and I still fail?"

"That's why you have me. And one day, you'll have friends who will believe in you too."

"Why do I need friends for? I have you, Mom."

"Son, I may not always be around. But never forget, even if you can't see me…" she gently cupped his cheek, "As long as someone believes in you… you are never truly alone."

The memory shifted to when Hozu returned home and saw his mother's lifeless body. His grief and loneliness and the guilt of not being with her before she died had scarred him deep. But he needed to let those scars heal, and it was because of his friends did he finally realize that they could. He refused to let his fear and insecurities keep him down any longer. Iris and Akari needed them, that's what was important right now.

The thrive and ambition fueled his spiritual energy. His irises glowed a bright blue and his fingertips charged with electrical currents and the slate of rock the others stood one began to tremble and rise. Winds picked up from underneath, spinning faster and faster. A powerful twister, white as a snowy wind in contrast to the Storm King's gray and black twister, formed and rose the team upwards into the sky, shooting them up like a torpedo.

The rest of the team screamed as they were shot from the ground, being lifted up by Hozu's twister. The young half-ling kept his focused eyes straight ahead while everyone else screamed, minus Hiro and Sky Star, who were both laughing at the exhilarating speed. The wind in their faces, smiles bare exposing their teeth.

Hozu's twister carried them to the very top of the balcony right through the intense winds, and the team was catapulted out of the rock slate, which flipped over in mid air. The team screamed even louder, getting the attention of the Storm King.

Before he could step back, the entire gang collided with his massive body, knocking him backwards into the palace. The staff flew out of his grip, flying into a glass window. The Storm King continued to roll, falling into a staircase as the rest of the Guardians, Celaeno, Capper, Sky Star and Hozu rolled and landed on the floor.

Hiro rolled to a stop, his back to the floor and his legs outstretched against a wall. "Bull's-eye!" he said weakly.

Gallant Steed shook his head and inspected his body. "We're alive? We're alive! Oh, thank Celesti-AAAHHH!!" Gallant scurried away at the stone statue of Celestia, standing alongside her mother and younger sister. "Okay, poor choice of words."

Iris and Akari hurried inside, both beaming in relief to see their friends again. "Gallant! You all came back!" Akari galloped and she and her boyfriend embraced, followed shortly by Chrysalis and Nori. Iris hugged her cousins and Chi, who then ruffled her hair.

Akari's ears dropped, "I am so sorry! I was such an idiot! I never should have--"

"It's okay." Nori said sweetly. "We forgive you. We always will. We're not the Guardians of Harmony without you. "

Iris walked up to Hozu, who's hair had messed up during the speedy ride up there. "You came back." Iris said, not so much as surprised, more so as in a way she had somewhat expected it.

Hozu shyly scratched the back of his neck, "Yeah, well. I thought it over and--" Hozu was cut short when Chi manifested in between them.

"Uh, kiss and make up later! This isn't over!" The wisp pointed in panic at the staff, still lodged inside the stained glass window.

Without anyone to wield it, the staff was out of control. Magic spewed from its jewel, blasting at the ceiling which crumbled all around. The sickly green and black storm swirled above their heads, the winds rising their hairs, feathers and cloths in all directions. Tempest ran, ducking for cover, narrowly missing the falling chunks of stone.

Akari pushed Hozu out of the way before another piece of rock would fall on him. The staff was going crazier than ever. At this rate, the entire castle would fall, with all of them with it, leaving only this deadly storm to eliminate everyone else. The entire scene was Akari's own nightmare come to life!

Iris helped Hozu back up and she and Akari looked up at the staff. They recognized the sparks of magic that was their own, and that of their mothers. They could feel the energy calling to them, as if reaching out for them.

"We have to get control of it!" Iris exclaimed to the rest of the Guardians, the winds picking up, making her hair and the ends of her cloths flap in the wind.

"Go!" Celaneo called out over the strong winds. "You've got this, you kids!"

Akari's eyes widened. She and her friends were the Guardians of Harmony, it was their job to save the world. But, their mission wasn't all about beating up evil monsters and uncovering ancient magical artifacts. It was about spreading the most important magic of all to those who needed it most. Celaeno, Sky Star, Capper, Hozu, they all came to their rescue, even if they didn't have super powers, they still came to help.

People like them were the reason they were the Guardians in the first place. In them was where their true power. If they were going to save the world, then Akari swore she would do it the way an Element of Harmony was supposed to do it. The way her mother would have.

The events may mirror what occurred in her nightmare, but unlike her dream, right now… she wasn't alone.

"No. We've got this. All of us. Together."

Iris smiled proudly. "Now and forever."

Celaeno, Capper, Hozu and Sky Star looked at one another, and then back at the Guardians, all of which nodded in agreement, their chests puffed up, ready to fight and with smiles of determination. Starting today, these four friends were Guardians too!

Pulling out a sturdy piece of rope, Celaeno tied it around her waist, and the other end around a fallen piece of the ceiling. With their wings spread open, Iris and Akari took the lead. Iris held Akari's body, while Sky Star gripped Iris's waist tightly. Nori held onto Sky Star's tail, followed by Chrysalis, and Gallant, then Hiro, Mai, Chi, Hozu, Capper and finally Celaeno. Together, they formed a durable chain and with a gust of wind, curtesy of Hozu, the team rose up into the air, with the three princess (alicorn, Avatar and hippogriff) using their wings as momentum to keep them steady and reach towards the staff.

The Storm King scrambled over the fallen stones, his razor sharp teeth bare and his pupils now slits as he made his way over the fallen debris and used his massive hands to climb up to reach the magical object.

"The staff belongs to me!" he said, his voice a far, far cry away from his happy-go-lucky evil bad-guy persona.

Now, it was as if his true ferocious animalistic nature had surfaced. He starved for the powers, almost at the same level Tempest did for her horn. The beast used a tower of broken stones to climb up towards the staff. Iris outstretched her hands, still holding Akari who's hooves reached out to grab the staff. Celaeno moved forward and the group held onto one another as tightly as they could while also stretching enough for the girls to grab the magical artifact. As the winds picked up, the sides of Iris's shirt began to rip apart the harder Sky Star held on.

Akari grunted as she reached out her hoof, but the staff's power was fueling the storm, making it even stronger, and the Storm King was getting closer. They were running out of time.

"No! That's my staff!!" The Storm King grunted and climbed faster like a hungry animal. "Miiiiiine!! Mine!!!"

They were almost there, but they needed to get closer. Acting fast, Iris pushed herself further to allow Akari to grab the staff, at the exact same time a piece of clothing tore off of Iris, and the glass shattered. The staff sparked more magical energy and the Storm King, Akari and Iris were all sucked in. Sky Star frantically reached out her claws to grab onto Iris again, but she slipped right through.

The rope kept the others anchored, but the alicorn princesses and the Storm King were thrown into the vortex.

"Iris! Akari! Nooooooooooo!!!" Sky Star cried out in anguish. Her big blue tears teared up, her empty claw still reaching outwards in a desperate attempt to grab them again. It was just like when her mother had forced them out of their palace, but at least then she knew they would still be alive. Now?…

The chain of friends kept flapping in mid air as the storm continued on. Everyone tried desperately to catch a glimpse of their friends, but they couldn't see a trace through the thick moving clouds.

Tempest managed to climb out of the rock pile, her chest feeling heavy as she stared at the storm. She couldn't see the princesses either. She thought she'd be happy for something like this, but after what they did for her... she felt like she had let someone down again.

(~)

Akari held onto the staff for her dear life as she spun around and around within the storm. Pieces of the glass window flew all around, one of which cut her left cheek. The princess cried out in pain, feeling the blood already spilling out.

She had lost Iris. Her friend's grip having been lost when they were sucked into the tornado. Akari found one flying piece of rock and landed on it, frantically looking around for any signs of Iris.

Finally she spotted her. The Avatar was gripping onto another flying piece of rock, her nails digging onto the side, her wings spread out, trying to somehow, someway use the winds to stabilize herself.

"Iris!"

Iris looked over her shoulder and gasped happily to see her friend. Her smile quickly faded. "Look out!"

Akari ducked in cover when the Storm King came charging at her, cleverly moving his weight along with the wind. When he missed Akari, he jumped towards Iris. She leaped out of the way and was being carried away by the winds again. Akari extend the staff to her and Iris grabbed on it. The pony pulled her friend towards her, but the Storm King was not finished with them yet.

Seeing more of the broken pieces of the castle and window, the girls jumped from one to the other in a desperate attempt to get away from him. Akari and Iris held onto one another as tightly as they could, trying to multitask with controlling the staff and avoiding the Storm King. Using the magic that was still contained within the staff, they sent electrical blasts at the beast, breaking apart the pieces of rock he had been standing on. The girls needed to concentrate in order to get the storm to stop. This constant fighting was making maters worse.

The rock they were ridding on collided with another and the girls were thrown off. Akari held the staff, landing on another stone, but Iris was not so lucky.

She landed fine, but unfortunately, she was now held hostage by the Storm King. He gripped Iris with his massive, hairy white arm, his claws gripping her neck, attempting to chock her. The beast laughed maniacally as Iris wrestled against his grip.

"Hand me the staff, or she dies!"

"Akari!" Iris cried out, "Don't--Arch!" The Avatar could feel the circulation in her throat tightening. Akari looked at her, then at the staff's glowing crystal. Her clever mind quickly calculated a fast plan. She positioned herself just right, feeling the winds and picking up the sounds with her ears.

"You want the staff so badly? Here it comes!"

With all of her might, Akari thrusted herself forward, spiraling towards the Storm King like a missal. The sparkling jewel was aimed directly at the Storm King's free arm. Upon impact, the end of the sharp jewel pierced his arm, sending electrical currents coursing through his body.

The beast let out an ear piercing scream, his grip on Iris's neck loosening. He flung his arm around, slapping Akari right in the face, knocking her unconscious as she was carried off by the harsh winds.

"Akari!" Thinking fast, Iris removed the staff from the Storm King's arm and used its magic to push her towards her friend. The Storm King continued to scream, his arm sparking with magic that left him powerless and weak. That attack wouldn't kill him, but it wounded him long enough to keep him out of their hair.

Iris spread her wings open, using the staff's power to her advantage and reached out her hand to try and grab her unconscious friend. She was so close. Almost there…

(~)