//------------------------------// // CH18: Prologue // Story: Magical Harmony Spec Ops Friendship // by totallynotabrony //------------------------------// The Ponyville Hayburger was proving to be one of Twilight’s favorite restaurants.  It was probably a good thing the franchise wasn’t as popular in Canterlot.  She sat around the table with her new friends. She didn’t know where Rainbow kept finding new ponies, but that wasn’t a pressing issue. They all knew what they were facing.  Princess Cadenza - Cadance to her friends - had been picked to lead the Element group and had pinpointed Nightmare Moon’s forces in the Everfree Forest.  The shadow enemies hadn’t succeeded in overthrowing Equestria in one fell swoop, but that didn’t mean they were content to concede defeat. When night fell, the Elements were going after them. “I don’t know how I feel about changin’ up the diurnal cycle,” said Applejack.  “Sure, I get that the forces of darkness are more powerful in the darkness, but it’s bad for the trees.” “You worry too much,” said Rainbow Dash. “Although, evening lasting extra long is nice,” said Firefly. “So what does everypony want to do after the war?” asked Pinkie. “Um, maybe that’s a little too far ahead to be thinking right now,” said Fluttershy.  “The town has some buildings destroyed from the last attack. I’m still surprised this restaurant is even open.” “Probably because nopony can sleep because the sun is still up,” Applejack said. “Well,” said Rarity, “to answer your question, I’m going to open another gallery, but bigger and grander.  Perhaps in Canterlot, or Manehattan.” “I’m going to still be here on the farm,” said Applejack. “Dream a little bigger,” Rainbow chided. “There’s nothing wrong with liking what you have,” said Night Glider.  “I still want to be a weatherpony.” “What about you, Twilight?” said Surprise.  “You’ve been quiet.” “I don’t really know,” Twilight replied.  “Maybe go back to school. I still feel like I have a lot to learn.” “Didn’t you come from a fancy school in Canterlot?” said Rainbow.  “What do you have left to learn?” “Well, I haven’t graduated yet,” said Twilight. “Did you have friends there?” said Rarity. “Well...not really.  Too busy. Maybe I’ll have time after the war.  Mom and dad-” Twilight paused, swallowed, and continued in a quieter voice.  “-they said I should try to make friends wherever I happened to be. I should try harder.  For them.” “I think we all might have somepony we’re workin’ for here,” said Applejack, matching her tone.  “I guess all we’ve really got is family and friends, or at least memories.” “This is depressing,” said Pinkie.  “I’m going to go pay the bill.” She winked and clicked her tongue.  “It’s all on me.” There was a general chorus of thank-yous from around the table.  Twilight smiled. As innocent as the moment was, it stuck with Twilight.  It had been the last time she smiled for a long while after. Twelve hours later, some of their number were dead and Twilight was stumbling out of the castle in the Everfree Forest covered in blood, only some of it hers. The war was over.  Her life felt like it was over, shattered.  From the bottom looking up, there wasn’t much of a view.  Despite what had just happened, climbing out might be the hardest thing she would ever do.  She just wanted out. Twilight entered the classroom before the bell.  She smiled briefly at Fluttershy as she walked past, heading for her desk near the window at the other side of the room. She took a seat and started pulling books out of her school bag, placing Quantum Physics for Geniuses and Tuba for Teens on top her desk.   Moon Dancer leaned over.  “Are you busy this weekend?” “Another rocket launch?” Twilight guessed. “We got a bigger one,” said Lyra, grinning. Twilight smiled with her.  “Sure, I’ll be there if I can.”  She scribbled a reminder note and put her pen back behind her ear. “It’s good to get out with you girls. Applejack always says ’all work and no play makes you dull’ which is ironic considering all she does is work, so I think there’s a lesson to be taken there.” “Speaking of fun, are we going for ice cream after school?” Lyra asked in a lower voice. “It is good ice cream,” said Moon Dancer, “but do you think you might be getting a little bit too much of it?” “I’ll just run a few more laps.” Lyra shrugged. “If you ever run as many laps as me, then maybe it’ll compensate for the ice cream you eat,” Twilight chuckled. “I’ll just stick to the calisthenics and once-a-week aikido,” said Moon Dancer.  “I don’t think either of us are really ready to work out like the Elements do.” “That’s nothing compared to band,” said Twilight.  “Whose idea was a tuba?” “Hey, I run, you play,” said Lyra.  “That was the deal.” “Well, I’m sure these new hobbies we agreed on will be good for all of us,” Moon Dancer said. Twilight nodded and smiled.  “Sure. What are friends for?”