//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Return of Chaos // Story: Rise of the Element Gang, Book 3: Heroes United // by Power of Six //------------------------------// Chapter 1: Return of Chaos In my sanctuary, I was spending my time much like I have done for every morning: meditating and allowing myself to find inner peace. I could especially now find inner peace now that Luna was back with us, now freed from the corruption of which turned her into the tyrannical Nightmare Moon. After our long overdue reunion, I thought of this as a way for us to start over, mend the bond we once had in our past together. Somehow, Dusk had managed to help us take the first step in restoring our friendship at the Grand Galloping Gala and we had been making wonderful progress since then. In a way, Dusk helped us as much as we helped him that very night. Luna had finally ended her long seclusion and the two of us were able to spend more time together. Honestly, I find it amazing that I was able to continue my duties without seeing her warm and beautiful smile. Seeing how far we’ve come in restoring our relationship, I had a thought that maybe—just maybe—we could… be able to finish what we started, the one thing we had been wanting to do for a long time. Hoping for when the time will come, I continued my meditation. Though, suddenly, something had startled me, breaking my concentration as I gasped. I had felt a brief disturbance in the world, a surge in magical energy of which I hadn’t felt for a very long time. I wish it wasn’t really. But it was and I had felt it. I hoped that this day would not come to pass, but—as I feared—it seems that Luna’s own suspicions were correct and the prophecy of Fore Sight the Uncanny was coming to pass: After all these years, Discord was free! Rising to my claws and hooves, I then rushed back towards the castle in order to inform the alicorn sisters. I went to Luna first, as to awaken her so we would both go to see Celestia and tell her of what had happened. Knowing Celestia, she would call on Twilight and her friends to use the Elements of Harmony once more as they are the only thing that stop that wretched draconequus. Though it would not be easy. There would be hardships to come, terrible deeds, and magic unlike any of them have seen before, but the girls would have to make it through this if Equestria is ever going to be safe. And I knew that Dusk and his fellow elemental stallions would be able to help them. But, upon arriving, I was briefly surprised to find both sisters present in Luna’s room. Though she usually rested during the day, I came to see Luna, wide awake, standing along her sister. “I see you felt it too.” I said to them as I walked in. “We did. And you felt it as well?” Celestia said to me. “Yes.” I sighed before I looked towards Luna. “I had hoped that this day wouldn’t come—that the spell would hold him—but it seems you were right, Luna. The magic you and Celestia cast wore off now that the Elements have moved on.” “Clearly.” Luna pointed out before she spoke to her sister. “So what course of action shall we take?” “The same as we did last time. You know as well as I do the Elements are the only things that can stop Discord.” “You think that Twilight Sparkle and her friends are ready to stand against him?” “They will have to be. You know full well we are powerless compared to him.” Celestia reminded us. “What of Dusk?” Luna asked. “He isn’t one of the Elements. The best he can do is stay out of the way and try not to get hurt.” she answered immediately. “Hold on, Tia.” I said to her. “Dusk might not be an Element of Harmony, but two members of his Element Gang are. I’m afraid that both him along with his stallion friends have already been involved in this fight. Those four are also elementals, descended from those who had managed to hold their own against Discord before. If Twilight and her friends are succeed, they will need all the help they can get.” “I suppose you’re right, Dragonis.” She said to me. “They have proven themselves more than once that they are more than capable of taking to such a challenge. Very well, but I will only be summoning Twilight and the other wielders. If what you said is true, then Discord will undoubtedly go after Dusk and the others and strike Ponyville. To assure their victory, we must give them the Elements immediately.” “Of course. And thank you.” I said to her. “Hopefully, both Dusk and Twilight will be able to defeat this wretched villain before he haves a chance to plunge Equestria into chaos again.” “There may be a way that he can help.” Luna said, holding out a scroll. Celestia and I both knew that scroll. It was one from the Archive of Prophecy, more specifically, one from Fore Sight the Uncanny. It was one of which Fore Sight had claimed would predict the very events of this day, but only Luna was the only one of us three who actually believed it. With what has happened, I had expected she would use this as her chance to make us believe it was true. Besides, after what she had done as Nightmare Moon, I also expected that she would see this as her chance to pay something back to Equestria. Though I do support her with much anything, I was afraid that—much like Tia—I did not believe that this specific prophecy from the unicorn prophet held anything that could be useful at this moment. “Luna…” Celestia said warningly, but the Princess of the Night pressed on. “Don’t try to deny it, Tia. You know full well what’s happening here is as detailed in the prophecy and you know what it means. Why do you still deny…?” “Luna!” Luna recoiled from her sister's commanding tone. “We have had this discussion before. The Elements were sufficient last time, they will be this time. I admit you were right on this count, but how can the rest of it possibly be true?” “He was right all of the other times, why not this time?” “Because of his mental state at the time, that is why.” Celestia said, reminding her how Discord had broken Fore Sight’s sanity and sent him into turmoil in which he possibly used to write that prophecy. “You know how Discord tormented Fore Sight into madness, how he became convinced of its existence. But he never found it. Nopony will because it doesn’t exist and it never has.” She then turned to leave. “I must summon Twilight and her friends. While I will allow Dusk and his fellow elementals to help, you will see that we don’t need it…even if it were to exist.” “Ooh! She may be my elder sister,” Luna fumed as Celestia left to write her letter, “but she can be so infuriating at times.” “Calm down, Luna.” I said as Luna began to fume in frustration, Celestia leaving to write her letter. “You know that she is only going with what she knows and has seen. Tia isn’t one to give in such faith to what appears to have no sense.” “You have done the same, Dragonis.” Luna retorted. “Luna, I understand you’re scared. You always knew better, but we can’t placing so much faith in everything. Rest assured, Twilight and all her friends—elementals and wielders alike—will be able to rise to the challenge.” “I know, Dragonis…” Luna said before she then grabbed a blank parchment, some ink, and a quill. “And I’ll assure that they will.” “Luna, what are you doing?” I asked, confused as the princess used the ink and quill to write on the parchment. “I am writing a letter to Dusk.” She answered. “If what Fore Sight said is true, then I am certain that Dusk will be able to find the only thing that can help the wielders. No doubt his fellow elementals will help him in the search.” I was shocked by this. “Luna, are you insane? We don’t even know if something like that even exists! If Celestia finds out that you sent Dusk and the others on some wild goose chase…” “Dragonis, please just trust me.” Luna told me, looking to me with an expression that showed me she was serious. “I know what I am doing. If the prophecy is true, then young Dusk might be the only pony in Equestria who can be able save Equestria from Discord. If we are to prevent chaos from reigning over this land again, we must take the risk.” In that moment, I was absolutely conflicted with myself, my mind and heart in a great struggle with each other. My mind told me that I should tell her that this was nonsense and that I should put an end to this, but my heart told me that I should try to support her and hope that she is right by letting her sent that letter. In the end, my heart won and my decision made. With a sigh of defeat, I then told her. “Once you’re done writing, don’t send the letter until I come back.” “Come back? Where are you going?” “I’m going to see if Celestia has sent her letter yet. If you are going to send a letter to Dusk, it would be safer if you did around some time after Celestia sends hers to Twilight. We don’t want Twilight informing her about what you are doing.” “You’re right. Thank you, Dragonis.” She said with a grateful smile. “You’re welcome… Lunes.” I said as I returned the smile, using the nickname I gave her and one I hadn’t used in a long, long time. “‘Lunes’?” She was surprised by this, her cheeks aglow with a tint of crimson. But she instantly turned back and continued writing. “Has been a while since you called me by that.” “Yeah, it has.” I said to her. “I just hope you’re right.” “As do I, Dragonis. As do I.” After she finished, she then rolled up her letter and placed the seal upon it, gazing upon it as she spoke again. “Your time has come, Dusk Noir. It is time for the Elements… to unite.” Shield’s view As me and Dash flew through the sky, we took a moment to enjoy the clear skies on the awesome day we were having. “Great job, Shield!” Dash said me, smiling proud by the awesome way we did our job. “Another clear sky for another awesome day in Ponyville.” “You got that right, Dash.” I said to her, taking it all in and remember how much I love my job in helping with the weather. “Doesn’t get better than—Aah!” Just when I was gonna say “it didn’t get better that this”, something pink flew past Dash and rammed right into me. Recovering from that, I looked down to find myself floating in the air. But how was I…? That’s when I looked in front of me and saw what exactly hit me. It was this weird, pink cloud and I was actually underneath it. I tried to get myself on top, but I couldn’t move. It was like this cloud was made of glue. “Ugh! What is this?” “Hey! Come back here, you!” Dash yelled out as I saw her flying right over. “Dash, wait!” I tried to tell her, but it was too late as she got to the cloud and got stuck on it too. “Eww! What is this?” Dash asked, confused just as much as me. “Let’s see.” I said before managing to stretch one of my forehooves off, stretching some of the cloud too. I tasted it, thinking I would taste water or whatever, but instead got… “Cotton candy? This cloud’s made of cotton candy!” “Wait, a cloud made of cotton candy?” Dash asked me, just as surprised. “How is there a cloud like that?” “I don’t know.” I said before I looked around and saw more pink clouds like this one flying around. “And it looks like it’s not alone.” Just then, we heard a rumble and saw one of those clouds right above us, looking about ready to rain on us as it let out a single drop on Dash’s head. “Wait a second!” Dash said, glaring at the cloud. “It’s not supposed to rain until tomorrow! You can’t just…” Before she finished, the cloud then started raining on us. “And it did.” I said as we got soaked in rain. On the bright side, the rain was washing off the cotton candy. On the other hoof, I was now going to fall. Before I got too far though, Dash managed to grab me by the back hoof and save me. “Thanks, Dash.” I said as she got me onto her back. “No problem.” She said, her smile soon fading away as we remembered the cloud was still raining on us. “Hang on.” I then realized there was something weird about this rain. “Rain water isn’t brown.” Dash then tasted some of it and we were even more confused by when she said “Chocolate milk?” “Cotton candy clouds with chocolate rain?” I said before remembering that Dusk told us something like this. “Hey, didn’t Dusk talked about something like this?” “Hey, you’re right!” Dash said before she then got me to the ground, where I then hopped off her back. “I’ll try and take care of these clouds, you go find Dusk and see if he knows anything about this!” “You got it! Good luck!” I said before I then ran off to Dusk’s house. I really hoped he could tell us what was going on. Dusk’s view Enjoying my day-off from working in the library, I was lying on my couch, reading through one of my favorite Daring Do books. It was Sunday and I always had Sundays off. My mane was in its usual neat style, my hat resting on a hat stand near the door, and my good-luck charm around my neck with the different color stones glinting in the light. My Hoothoot Ophelia was out hunting, so I was alone in the house. I was perfectly content to remain there, though this didn’t last long. I had just turned the next page when my pet returned, flying above my head and hooting frantically. I watched her flapping above me, knowing full well that something was wrong and she was trying to tell me something. “Ophelia, calm down!” I ordered, gently but firmly. She did so and came to a rest on the arm of my couch. “Now, is there something wrong?” She nodded rapidly. “Okay, what exactly?” She shrugged, unable to tell me. It was just then that there was a sudden knock at the door. I opened it to find my fast-running friend Shield on the other side, looking like he just came out of a lake and having patches of some odd pink substance stuck on him. “Shield, what happened to you?” I then caught a whiff of something and found it coming from him. “And why do you smell like chocolate?” “Dusk, we got a big problem!” Shield told me, being just as frantic as Ophelia. “Something weird is going on with the weather! Me and Dash just got chocolate milk rained on us by a cloud made of cotton candy!” I was shocked by what he just said and dreaded the answer he would give to this question: “Did you just say… a cloud of cotton candy… with chocolate milk rain?” “Yeah! Haven’t ya seen what’s going on out here?” I then looked past him and saw a bunch of pink clouds raining droplets of a brown liquid over Ponyville. “Sweet mother of flames!” I said, shocked to find the town experiencing such chaotic weather before looking to Ophelia as she flew over to me. “That’s what you were trying to tell me, wasn’t it?” The Hoothoot nodded in confirmation. “Dusk, do you know what’s going on?” Shield asked me. “I do and, if this is happening here, then I’m afraid we’re in big trouble.” I said, levitating my hat onto my head, “Come on! Let’s go get Fluttershy and Leon before they run into some trouble!” With that, we let Ophelia fly ahead of us before we all then went off towards Fluttershy’s cottage before this disturbance got to them. Dog’s view It was a nice day today with me and AJ harvesting corn from the fields and putting them in our carts. All seems mighty peaceful until… “Hey, I didn’t tell you to go anywhere!” We looked up and saw Rainbow chasing some weird, pink cloud before more of them came around behind her, the whole lot raining down on Sweet Apple Acres. “Rainbow Dash, what’s goin’ on with this rain?” AJ said, getting the pegasus to come down. “Yeah!” I said before I got a taste of the rain. “And why does it taste like chocolate milk?” “That’s what I’m trying to figure out!” Rainbow said to us. “There’s crazy weather all over Equestria!” “Crazier than this?” I asked as I didn’t think anything could top this. “Oh, yeah.” She told me. “Cloudsdale’s getting hit by a major cola storm right now. Don’t worry. Me and Shield aren’t leaving you ‘till we get control of Ponyville.” “Where is Shield?” I asked. “Out to find Dusk. We think he might know what’s going on.” “I’ll go find him too. We got to stop this rain before Ponyville’s flooded with chocolate milk!” I said before a corn stalk shot tons of popcorn at AJ, knocking her down before I looked around to find all the corn was popping and piling the farm with popcorn. “And before Sweet Apple Acres gets buried in popcorn!” With that, I then hoofed it to find Dusk as soon as possible. Dusk’s view When we got to the cottage, we ended up searching the place after Leon and Fluttershy didn’t answer the door. Ophelia and I searched inside while Shield checked out the backyard. “Did you find them?” I asked Shield as we met up out front. “No. I didn’t see any of their animals back there either.” He told me. “Yeah, I didn’t find any animals in the cottage either.” I said as Ophelia sat on my head, feeling worried for our two caretakers. “Oh, where could they be?” “Dusk!” Looking forward, we watched as Dog ran off to us, looking out of breath. “Dog, what’s wrong?” I asked the cowpony. “Dusk, we got a problem!” Dog said to us, giving me a sense of déjà vu from when Shield came to my door. “Yeah, I already know.” I told him. “Shield already told me about the weather.” “That ain’t the worst of it!” He said. “Sweet Apple Acres is gettin’ burried in popcorn!” “Then let's get over there, fast!” I said, letting Ophelia fly ahead of all three of us as we then ran off to Sweet Apple Acres. When we reached Sweet Apple Acres with my Hoothoot coming to land on a nearby tree and along with seeing all the girls there, we were all shocked to find the whole place in chaos! Corn was turning into popcorn and popping out of their stalks, the sky above was full of pink clouds raining chocolate milk, and apples swelled to a large size that caused the trees they were on to bend forward. “Sweet Celestia! This is worse than I thought.” I said before we heard somepony shout… “Dusk!” We all then watched as Leon then ran right over to us, stopping to catch his breath for a moment. “Leon?” I asked him, concerned and confused by his presence. “What are you doing here?” “Me and Flutters were just on a stroll when Angel ran off in here!” Leon said before we heard a rumble and saw a stamped of rabbits coming right at us, only these rabbits had suddenly gotten the legs of camels. “Look out!” Dog yelled as the four of us jumped out of the way, avoiding getting trampled. “That was close.” Shield said, giving a sigh of relief. “Oh, no! No, no-no-no!” I said, my worst fears now realized. “This is bad! Really, really bad!” “Dusk, what in Equestria is happening?” Leon asked me as they looked at me with worry. “The worst thing that could ever happen.” I then sighed in despair of what was happening. “The day was so perfect. Why did it have to change like this?” “Dusk, ya okay?” I whipped around to see Dog coming over to me with concern. “Ya look as white as a sheet sugarcube.” I stared at him for a few moments. “No, I’m not okay. I’m very much not okay. In fact, to be quite frank… I’m absolutely terrified.” Suddenly, catching me by surprise, a huge wave of magic rushed over us. Though it didn’t do much anything to change what was happening, it did show me who had just arrived. Rushing over, standing next to Spike, I saw who I suspected. “Twilight?” “Oh, there you are, Dusk!” She said as we walked over to her. “Twilight, what are you doing here?” I asked her. “I saw what was happening in Ponyville, so I thought I could try and fix it.” Twilight said, holding a book with her magic. “I found a failsafe spell that could fix everything, but—for some reason—it… failed.” “Well, I’m afraid it doesn’t matter what spell is used.” I told her, speaking forlorn. “Your magic isn’t strong enough to undo something like this.” “What do you mean?” “What I’m saying is that what we’re dealing with here is much bigger than you think.” I said to her. “As such, we’re going to need a whole lot more than a failsafe spell to stop this.” “Why would you want to stop it?” Pinkie said, enjoying herself as she swam through and ate some of the popcorn piles and drank some of the rain. “Pinkie, this is no time for playing around!” I said as I used my metalbending to pull her out of the popcorn and got her over to me, using an expression that showed I was serious. “This is serious!” I then called out to everypony. “Everypony, gather around! Element Gang, code red! I repeat, code red! This is not a drill!” “Oh, come on! It’s just cotton candy and popcorn and chocolate milk!” Pinkie said. “I mean, I’m a little scared that all the animals will eat before I can, but I’m not that scared. I’ll share some with you if you like.” “Pinkie, knock it off with the eating and drinking!” I snapped at her. “We’re in the middle of a crisis here!” “Darling, what has gotten into you?” Rarity asked, making me realized how I hurt Pinkie’s feelings, the pink pony looking down in embarrassment. Taking a soothing breath, I then spoke again. “I’m sorry.” I apologized. “I’m just a little spooked from all this.” “Dusk, what is going on?” Dog asked. “Dog, remember what I said back during Magical Talent of Equestria?” I said to them as I explained. “You mean how you told us you were nervous to get on stage?” Leon asked, taking a guess. “No, not that.” I told him. “I mean, what I said at the sculpture garden.” “The sculpture garden?” Shield spoke up, confused by this. “The only thing you talked about there was…” Shield then paused for a moment as his eyes widen in realization. “Wait… don’t tell me…” “I’m afraid so, Shield.” I said as I went on to tell them about the cause of all this. “All these strange phenomena that are happening right now can only mean one thing… he’s back!” Dog, Shield, and Leon all gasped in shock and fear as they already realized what I meant. “He?” Twilight asked. “Who?” “The only being powerful enough to create such madness,” I told her, “Discord, the Lord of Chaos.” This news shocked the girls as they all spoke to each other in worry. “You mean that overgrown collage of animal parts is causing all of this?” Shield asked me in disbelief. “How in Equestria is he back?” Leon said to me. “I thought Princess Luna and Princess Celestia turned him to stone!” “So did I, Leon.” I said to him. “Maybe the magic that contains him has worn off after all of these years, maybe somepony set him free for some reason. Right now, I don't know how to explain how such a thing could happen. What I do know is that only he has the power to do anything like this and that this is only the start of it.” “You got that right.” Shield told me. “He’s already sent a cola storm to Cloudsdale!” “His magic is spreading, everypony.” I said. “And things are only gonna get worse if it keeps spreading. If we don’t stop him, he’ll plunge Equestria into chaos!” Everypony was struck silent by that. All except for Pinkie, who was giggling and edging her way to where the animals were feasting. Suddenly, Spike belched up a green flame and a letter materialized before them. Twilight unfolded it and read it quickly. “Come on, girls! Princess Celestia wants to see us all in Canterlot immediately!” she ordered. “Awesome! Looks like the Princess wants to take action! Come on!” Shield was about to Dash off until I stopped him by pulling on his tail. “Hold it right there, Shield! You’re staying here.” I told him before looking to our fellow stallions. “So are you, Dog. You too, Leon.” “What, why?” the three said to me in shock. “Because somepony has to stay here and guard Ponyville.” I told them. “Discord can plan ahead of things, remember? He obviously knows that the Element Gang is here. That’s why he attacked Ponyville first, as part of his ploy to lure us out!” “He’s got a point.” Dog said, backing me up. “That still doesn’t mean we can’t go!” Shield retorted, still wanting to accompany the girls. “What? You gonna say the Princess said ‘no boys allowed’ to Twilight?” “Well, that’s one way to put it.” Shield was surprised by before he raised a brow at me. “Say what now?” “Shield, Princess Celestia is only asking for the girls to come to Canterlot.” I then looked to Twilight to confirm my suspicion. “Right, Twilight?” “Um… yes. That’s exactly what she said.” She told us, no wondered surprised by how I was taking charge like that. “Seriously?” Shield said in disbelief, making turn back to him. “Shield, she obviously called them because she wants them to use the Elements of Harmony against Discord.” I told him. “Just like she and Luna used the Elements to defeat him the first time.” “But… but…” “No buts.” I told him before he could argue, speaking as his friend and not as a leader. “Shield, I know you don’t want the girls to go alone, especially with someone like Discord on the loose. We all do. But they have to prepare to face Discord. They’re the only ones who can use the Elements. The least we can do is try and keep all this chaos under control as much as we can until they come back. You understand?” It took a moment as Shield looked like he was about to argue, but he then gave a sigh of defeat. “Okay. I’ll stay here with you guys.” Shield didn’t really look much too happy when he said that. “Good.” I said, smiling proudly at him. “You can start by getting back in the sky and corralling all those clouds into a single corner.” “You got it, cap!” Now returning to his normal self, Shield then dashed off to do so. “Dog, you think you can lasso those sugar-filled storm clouds down to Equis?” I asked the cowpony. “I sure can!” Dog said, getting a lasso out. “What can I do?” Leon asked as I looked to him. “Leon, I need you to use your magic to take some of the apples off the trees and lure all the animals you can over here.” I told him. “Okay!” Leon said as he then ran off to do so, quickly picking apples and using them to bring some animals behind me. “Dusk, what are you…” Twilight said before I stopped her. “Just watch and see, Miss Sparkle.” I told her. “I know what I’m doing.” “Get over there, you floating balls of candy!” Looking to the sky, we watched as Shield rode in on a normal cloud, tossing a cotton candy cloud over to some others into one spot. “Okay, Dog, get ready!” I said as Dog then got ready to lasso the clouds as Shield was getting the last of them together. “Wait for it…” Shield then began to rapidly circle them, forcing the clouds to come closer to each other. “Wait for it…” Shield finally managed to do the job as they were now a giant clump of pink. “Now!” Dog then tossed his lasso and managed to catch all the clouds, causing the rain they were making to stop before he began dragging them down to the ground. “Hey, what happened?” Pinkie said in annoyance, her cheeks full of chocolate milk. “Now to get rid of these clouds.” I said as Dog then tied the clouds to the fence. “Leon!” Leon then came over and I began whispering what I wanted him to do. After I was done, Leon then went on to do the final part of the plan. “Oh, no!” Leon said, pretending to sound worried. “I sure hope that no animals around see these chocolate-filled, cotton candy clouds over here! I hate to share them!” “Oh! You and me both, brother!” Pinkie said, eating a chunk of the clouds before being shoved away by the approaching animals who began eating the clouds. “Hey!” “And when y’all are done with that, feel free to have some popcorn for dessert!” Applejack said to the animals as she, the girls (except for Pinkie who glared at the animals while trying to squeeze past them to get to the clouds), and the guys gather around me, the girls looking impressed by our work while my fellow stallions and I had proud smiles by a job well done. “Great job, boys!” I said to my fellow stallions. “That should keep everything dry for a while.” “Yeah! High-hoof!” Leon said as the four of us did a group high-hoof. “That’s was pretty impressive there, Dusk.” Twilight said to me, commenting on my coordination in the plan me and the guys just executed. “You are certainly full of surprises.” “Oh, that?” I said, blushing at the compliment while scratching the back of my head with my claw. “It’s nothing. Just comes from years of cooperation and teamwork. Just reminds me how much I appreciate having ponies who’ll always have my back.” “I see that, but still…” “Oh, get a room!” Shield said in complaint, everypony else around us giving us smug smiles with some looking like they’re about to snicker. “Seriously, guys, come on!” We both looked at each other for a moment before then looking away with nervous laughs, now Twilight having a blush of her own. We both recomposed ourselves, losing the crimson in our cheeks, before Twilight spoke again. “Well, yes…” Twilight cleared her throat before speaking again. “I see what you mean. You should never give up. There is nothing we can’t overcome as long as we all work together.” She then lost her smile as she then looked at me, looking a little sad. “Are you sure you’re okay with this? You can still come with us if you want.” “Princess Celestia asked you to see her, not me.” I said to her, trying to reassure. “You go on ahead. I’ll hold down the fort with Spike until you come back.” “Dusk…” “Twilight, please. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Besides, I got the guys here with me.” Hearing a hoot, it was then that Ophelia flew down and landed atop my hat. “Oh, and Ophelia. See? Nothing to worry about.” For a moment there, Twilight was about to argue, but then sighed and gave me her best smile before she then said “Okay. If you’re okay with it.” “Thanks, Twi.” I then returned the smile. “And don’t worry. Once you get back with the Elements, we’ll be there to help you with Discord. He’s not one to underestimate. Discord’s far more powerful than anything you’ve ever encountered before. He’s cunning and deceitful. You’ll need all the help you can get to defeat him. Our job is to protect Equestria, so this involves us as much as it does you.” I then gave a slight chuckle. “I mean, for crying out loud, you got two members of my team with you.” “Yeah, so save some butt-kicking to Discord for us!” Shield added with a confident smile. “Don’t worry, we will!” Rainbow said, speaking for them. “Just make sure Ponyville’s in one peace when we get back!” “Don’t worry. Ponyville’s in safe hooves.” I said to the girls. “Just make sure you send Discord back to stone.” “Have no fear, Dusk.” Rarity assured. “We shall trounce this fiend with the Elements and all be back home in time for tea.” “Right you are.” I stood back. “Now go, quickly! The longer we wait, the more powerful he becomes.” “Right! Come on, girls!” Twilight said before they all galloped away, my fellow librarian stopping to give me one last smile before running to the head of the group to the train station. Once they were out of sight, I lost the smile I was holding and sighed, looking down at the ground while feeling completely awful to watch them go. “Ya okay?” Dog asked me in concern. “Yeah… I’ll be fine.” I said, trying my best to give him a smile. “Come on, let’s go and make sure Discord’s chaos doesn’t wreck Ponyville.” We all then back walked back into town, Spike following behind. “And to think, today’s supposed to be my day off.” “Well, that’s the life of the Element Gang.” Leon said to me as we walked. “You never catch a break.” Twilight’s view Even as we approached the castle, I still felt twinges of regret for not letting Dusk come with us. He might not have shown it, but he was obviously disappointed at not being able to help us. So much, I was even hoping he’d say yes when I offered it. I also felt little fear that Dusk wasn’t here, that without his added knowledge and intelligence to my own, we were incomplete to fight Discord. But I quashed it. We’d beaten Nightmare Moon without Dusk, this was no different. Besides, he said that he would be fighting with us back in Ponyville, so I guess I have no worries. It was good thing I realized for things had changed a lot since then. With that, I galloped to Canterlot Tower, my friends in tow. I had to stay in control for this. Upon entering, we saw the Princess waiting at the top of the stairs with Dragonis Maximus, an expression of dismay on her face. “Princess Celestia, we came as fast as we could.” she said, as they halted. The Princess nodded. “Thank you, Twilight. Thank you all.” “We know why this is happening, Princess. The animal's weird behavior and the rain…” I followed up. “Discord’s free, isn’t he?” “I’m guessing Dusk had seen the signs and revealed the culprit to this madness.” Dragonis said to us. “Good. That means we can get down to business quickly. Follow us.” We did as he commanded as he and Celestia led us up the stairs into the marble halls of Canterlot Tower, decorated with flowers and the royal colors of gold and purple. Colored light streamed in through stained glass windows that depicted Discord, his rule of Equestria, the Princesses’ defeat of him—the Order Uprising, Dusk had called it. Not for the first time, I wished Dusk was here, but quickly suppressed it. I couldn’t recall another time I’d seen my mentor so agitated. She hid it well beneath a visage of cold calmness, but (much like Dragonis) I could see it. The fear in her eyes, the way that she moved quickly. It made me feel a little scared as well to see her like this. “As you may recall from Dusk’s performance,” Dragonis said as he explained, “Discord is the mischievous Spirit of Disharmony, who ruled Equestria in an eternal state of unrest and unhappiness. Such a reign was not one some ponies could stand by or allow others to live under. Even the Element Gang—the one of which two of you are descended from—rose up and tried to free Equestria from his rule. But Discord proved to be too powerful, even with all six working together. All hope seemed lost until Princess Celestia and Princess Luna came to help them. They saw how miserable life was for Earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns alike and decided to oppose Discord. After they discovered the Elements of Harmony, they used their power to turn Discord to stone. But it seems as though our old foe has now returned.” “We know and we were told that the magic of the Elements would keep him imprisoned forever.” I added as we neared a large, jewel-encrusted door. “We thought so too.” Celestia agreed. “But, since Luna and I are no longer connected to the Elements, the spell has been broken.” “No longer connected?” The Princess didn’t elaborate further as she halted before the door. “You see, Twilight,” Dragonis said, “the Element of Harmony are no ordinary items and they can’t be used by just anyone. Only those that they see as worthy can be able to use their power. Due to a certain change, the Elements have now moved on and the sisters can no longer use them.” “Moved on?” This didn’t clear much anything of what Celestia just said. “This is Canterlot Tower,” Celestia explained, more for the benefit of the others than myself, “where the Elements are kept inside since all of you recovered them. I need you to wield the Elements of Harmony once again and stop Discord before he thrusts all of Equestria into eternal chaos.” I then asked the question that had just come to mind. “But why us? Why don’t you…” “Because she can’t.” Dragonis told us. “Like we said, the Elements have moved on.” He then motioned to the side. “You six should know, considering the last time they were used.” “Hey, look! We’re famous!” Pinkie said as we all looked at where Dragonis was directing us to and saw a window, one which depicted the six of us unleashing the Elements upon Nightmare Moon. This must have been the window Dusk and the others were talking about. How long had that been there? I made a mental note to ask Dusk when I got back and all of this was over. “Dragonis is correct.” Celestia told us. “You six showed the full potential of the Elements by harnessing the magic of your friendship to beat a mighty foe. Although Luna and I once wielded the Elements, it is you who now control their power.” “And, to ensure you are victorious, we are allowing Dusk and your stallion friends to help you combat Discord.” Dragonis said to us. “We truly believe that all of you, both wielders and elementals alike, working together will save all of Equestria. You are the only ones who can defeat Discord!” Everypony looked to me for I had suspected this already, but I felt a little better to hear the determination in her voice. “Princess Celestia, you can count on…” Pinkie then cut me off. “Hold on a second! Eternal chaos comes with chocolate rain, you guys. Chocolate rain!” “Miss Pie, may I remind you of what Discord had done to your grandfather and his teammates?” Dragonis said to her. “If he were here, he would tell you that Discord’s reign is nothing to enjoy.” “Don't listen to her.” I dismissed. “We’d be honored to use the Elements of Harmony again.” Celestia bestowed a smile and then turned to the door. I watched as she inserted her horn into a hole in the center of the door, a magical blue light spreading out through the grooves of the door to light up the gems that decorated the door and opening to reveal a purple box inside, one also covered in jewels. Rarity’s eyes were as wide as saucers when she saw it. “Ooh! You can keep the Elements. I’ll take that case!” “Dragonis, if you please.” Celestia asked kindly. “Of course, Princess.” Dragonis said, using his own magic to bring the box over. “Have no fear, ponies. I have total confidence that you will be able to defeat Discord with these!” Dragonis then opened it to reveal… The Princess and the guardian gasped and he dropped the case with an echoing bang for there was nothing inside. The box was empty! The Elements of Harmony were… gone! I stared at it in utter disbelief, we all did. There was a deathly silence, until… “Oh, well. If anyone needs me, I’ll be outside in the chocolate puddles with a giant swizzle straw.” I was snapped out of my reverie and dragged Pinkie back with magic before she could wander off. “Aw!” The Princess and Dragonis were even more worried now. “The Elements! They’re gone!” Dragonis said. “Impossible! That chamber is protected by a powerful spell that only I or Luna can break! This doesn’t make sense!” No sooner had Celestia said this, a deep, mocking laughter echoed throughout the hall that made my skin crawl. The voice that spoke seemed to slither its way into my ear like a snake. “Make sense? Oh, what fun is there in making sense?” “Discord…” Dragonis whispered with hatred, then in a louder voice commanded. “Show yourself!” My eyes darted around the room, looking for any sign of him as his fiendish chuckles echoed once more. My eyes sought out one of the windows that depicted Discord playing with ponies like puppets. All of a sudden, the Discord started to move. “Did you miss me, Dragonis? I missed you. You as well, Celestia.” Smiling sinisterly, he hovered over to the window next to it, resting on Fluttershy’s head. “It’s quite lonely being encased in stone, but you wouldn’t know that, would you? Because I don’t turn ponies into stone.” He wrapped Fluttershy with his fist to make this point. “Enough games, Discord!” Dragonis commanded again. “What have you done with the Elements of Harmony?” “Oh, I just borrowed them for a teensy little while.” He snapped his fingers and the Elements in the window vanished in a flash of light. I had never seen magic like this before, but I controlled my fear and stared defiantly at him. The Princess stomped her hoof. “You’ll never get away with this, Discord!” The spirit of chaos was idly examining his claws, as if they were vastly more interesting than her. “Oh, I’d forgotten how grim you can be, Celestia. It’s really quite boring.” "Hey! Nopony insults the Princess!" Rainbow charged at the window that depicted him, but he vanished and she crashed into it. When he reappeared, he was much larger. “Oh, you must be Rainbow Dash, famed for her loyalty, the Element of Harmony you represent.” “That’s right! I’ll always be loyal to the Princess!” she declared proudly before he vanished once more. “We’ll see about that.” he said in a way that made my stomach clench. “I can’t believe we’re wasting our time talking to a tacky window.” Rarity remarked as Discord appeared in the window behind her. “The beautiful Rarity, representing the Element of Generosity, if I’m not mistaken.” Discord said to her. “Certainly living up to your family’s virtue as the newest air elemental of the Element Gang, aren’t we?” “So ya know who we are. Big deal.” Applejack dismissed defiantly. He grew larger again, towering over us in the window. “Oh, I know much more than that, Honest Applejack.” “You seem to know our strengths too.” I stated. I felt cold as his uneven eyes beheld me, like there was nothing I could hide from him. “Yes, Twilight Sparkle. And yours is the most powerful and elusive Element, Magic. Fluttershy’s is Kindness and Pinkie Pie’s, being much the virtue of the lightning elemental, is a personal favorite of mine: Laughter.” I could hear Pinkie sniggering behind me as Discord chuckled and danced on my head in the window. “Pinkie!” She then burst out laughing and tried to talk between her laughs. “He’s dancing… on your… head!” Discord did a spin and stopped, casting his eyes around the room. “Oh, hold on. I believe someponies are missing here, four of your six elementals to be exact. You know, Shield Steedor, the strong and ever-loyal earth elemental; Dog Fries, the agile ice elemental said to be the most honest pony in Equestria; Leon Aquilous, the quick water elemental that haves kindness to spare; and… Oh, bother. I seem to have forgotten about the most important one. What was his name? Trust? Dust? Something like that?” Feeling riled by this, I spoke up. “Dusk has nothing to do with this!” “Oh, yes! Dusk, that’s his name! Dusk Noir, the new Fire Dragon with a head full of useless facts and whirling thoughts.” He slapped his hand against his head and laughed. “I have to say, after hearing everything about him, I can see he’s good for more than just being arm candy. Or leg candy in your case.” “You mean how he created the Element Squad and beat the Dark Gang here in Canterlot multiple times?” I already knew how famous El Dragon was around the city. “I’ve heard all about that.” “Oh, that’s not all he’s done.” I then watched as he snapped his fingers, Discord disappear and the window he was on turning white. “From what I’ve heard, your little friend has done a lot more as both El Dragon and Dusk Noir.” Soon, I watched as a set images depicting Dusk, Shield, Dog, and Leon standing together with elemental forms standing in fighting stances right behind appeared followed by images of the Element Squad fighting against the Dark Gang. “While it is impressive how he managed to make a team of four and defeat a complete Dark Gang without any trouble, that is only the tip of the iceberg of what he has done.” The images then faded away, being replaced by groups of ponies I didn’t recognize (a group of four clad in white cloaks with one behind them and a group of what appeared to be three royal unicorns with a large black spade behind them) and one pony who’s appearance set chills up my body. Said pony looked like a pegasus, but had blood-red eyes, a malicious smile full of black fangs, a black body and mane, wings like a dragon, and a long, thin tail that with three black arrowheads stack on top of each other. “As the hero known as El Dragon, he has also come to best some of the worst threats that Equestria has come to know. He helped defeat the group known as the Eye of the Midnight Sun, overthrown the malicious trio of devil power-wielding Spade Mages, and even fought against some powerful devils.” The images then faded away and were replaced by a smiling Dusk as he is surrounded by Shield, Dog, Leon, and all sorts of other ponies, the Mystic King being one of them. “As the unicorn Dusk Noir, he has come to be very popular with Celestia’s little school and come to be known as the pony who makes friends with anyone he meets.” “Dusk did all that?” Applejack said just as surprised as I was. “Whoa! I knew Dusk was cool and all,” Rainbow Dash added, “but not this cool.” “I… I didn’t know about any of this.” I was just in shock that Dusk didn’t tell us about this. Had he really done all this for Equestria? Was he really able to make friends with more than just one pony? Why didn’t he tell us? Why didn’t he tell me?” “Yes, yes. He really is quite impressive.” Then, with a sudden flash, the window returned to normal and Discord reappeared. “But, besides all that, he’s got nothing else going for him and is no one of any importance. Not like you and the rest of your friends here.” “Dusk may not be an Element of Harmony, but he’s still important to m—to us!” I defended, quickly covering my mistake and feeling my cheeks go red. Discord’s eyes fixed on me like beams. “Oh, really, Twilight Sparkle? Then why isn’t he here?” “The only reason he’s not here is because he’s making sure Ponyville is safe from you!” “Yes, I guess that makes sense. But were both of you in agreement to let him stay there?” I opened my mouth to speak, then shut it again when I realized I couldn’t answer Discord's question, not without revealing myself or provoking Discord to go after my friend. More than anything, I wanted him to be safe in all of this. The spirit of chaos gave me a contemptuous smile as I diverted my gaze. “Don’t let him get to you.” Dragonis told me as he walked over. “He’s just trying to mess with you.” “Stop stalling, Discord!” Celestia ordered. “What have you done with the Elements of Harmony?” He sighed exasperatedly. “Oh, so boring, Celestia. Really? Fine. I’ll tell you, but I’ll only tell you my way.” As he spoke his riddle, he travelled around the windows in the hall, his eyes never leaving us once, the image freezing in its proper place when he’d done. To retrieve them, Your missing Elements, Just make sense, Of this change of events. Twists and turns, Are my master plan. Then find the Elements, Back where you began. But even if you find all six, And get friends with fancy tricks, This time, you’ll see, It’ll take more than that, To stop me. Discord’s laughter echoed around the hall as his riddle finished, Fluttershy approaching timidly behind me. “Can we go home now?” “What do ya reckon he meant? Twists and turns and endin' back where we started?” “Twists and turns… twists and turns…” Thinking hard, I moved around the room, crossing to one of the windows, where I could see a high hedge maze outside. Then it hit me. “Twists and turns! That’s it! I bet Discord hid the Elements in the palace labyrinth!” Celestia touched each of my shoulders with her horn, like she was knighting me. “Good luck, my little ponies. The fate of Equestria is in your hooves.” “Thanks, Princess. We won’t let you down.” As I and the others galloped off to find the Elements, I couldn’t help but wonder if Dusk would have come to the same conclusion I did if he was here… I hoped he was okay. “You okay, sugarcube?” Applejack asked as we ran. “Oh, um…” I couldn’t answer and diverted my eyes away, even as Applejack smiled. “Don’t ya worry. He’ll be fine. He’s El Dragon and got Dog and the fellas helping him out. After seein’ what they’ve done, I’m sure those boys can handle themselves.” I conceded to that, knowing well Dusk will be fine, seeing how he has dealt with such great threats. “Yeah… yeah, I guess you’re right.” “I think it’s us who need to worry.” Applejack remarked lightly. “But we can beat him, so long as we stay together.” “Sure we can.” I nodded, returning her smile. Sincerely wishing that Applejack would be right about this, I redoubled my galloping to get to the maze as quickly as possible. The sooner we found the Elements, the sooner we could go back and Dusk and the others can help us defeat Discord… and I would do anything to keep him safe. Dragonis’ view Hearing Discord’s sinister laughter as we watched the girls go, I could tell Celestia was worried, especially when she let out a sigh. “It seems as though Discord is yet again one step ahead.” She said to me. “Indeed.” I agreed. “By stealing the Elements of Harmony, now he can easily go after them. Starting to regret not having Dusk come along?” “Yes.” She admitted. “You were right, Dragonis. Twilight and her fellow wielders do need Dusk and the other elementals. Without them, I’m afraid they will all be deterred from their path by Discord’s influence.” “Though there is nothing we can do now. It’s out of our hooves. If we attack Discord directly, it will only make things worse. We’re not strong enough to stop something like him. All we can do now is hope that the girls can find the Elements, rejoin with the others in Ponyville, and defeat Discord together.” “I should have expected this from him. Discord does love his games.” “Indeed, he does. But what’s done is done.” I then began to voice out my concerns. “Though the last part of his riddle concerns me. He said that it would take more than the Elements and the Element Gang to stop him. You know what that means.” “You’re right, Dragonis. He knows and believes in Fore Sight’s prophecy, the very same that Luna insists on believing is true. If what he said does relate to it, then I’m afraid that the girls will be ill-equipped to defeat him.” “It seems this will not be as straightforward as we first thought.” remarked the voice of Luna, who stood beside me. “Is it ever straightforward where Discord is concerned?” I sighed and looked out to the maze. “Let us pray that they find the Elements before it’s too late.” Celestia told us. “Do you think they'll be able to stand up to him?” “I can’t be sure of anything now, but it’s out of our hooves now. It’s up to them to succeed.” “What of Dusk?” she asked. I sighed, knowing that I had only one answer for this. “I suppose that we should try and place our hopes on him. Considering what has just happened, maybe he does hold the key to Discord’s defeat.” “Dragonis, you know as well as I do that there’s nothing he can do beyond using his elemental powers.” Celestia said to me in disbelief. “Otherwise, he is as helpless as we are without the Elements.” “And you know that isn’t true.” I told her. “You heard what Discord said. Whatever he haves planned now, it clearly must be connected to the prophecy.” “I still have my doubts on it.” She said to me. “If we place our hopes on such a thing and it proves to be for nothing, what will we do then?” “Sister!” Luna stomped her hoof angrily on the ground. “You know that what Dragonis says is the absolute truth! This proves more than ever that—if Discord is to be stopped—we need every asset we can get, no matter how small or slim. Dusk can give that if I only show him the way.” “Luna…” she began, but her sister plowed on. “I know you think to you know what is best, but I am as much a ruler of Equestria as you are, even if I am younger. I can make my own decisions and I choose to follow this up, whether you want me to or not. I know that he can find it, all I need to do is point him the way.” She held her sister’s defiant gaze before I spoke up. “Tia… I believe that perhaps we had been too quick to dismiss it so easily.” I said to her. “If there is any chance Dusk can help in ensuring Discord’s defeat, then I think we should trust Luna and give the prophecy a chance.” It was only for a moment until I saw Celestia smile at us, at our willingness to do this. “You’re right, Dragonis. I should trust my sister more than this.” She then turned her gaze to Luna. “I understand, Luna, and… I think you’re right.” “You do?” Luna’s eyes widened in surprise. “Of course. I don’t entirely believe what you do, but perhaps you are right. If there is some way that Dusk can help his friends, then he should.” Luna looked at her suspiciously. “Why the change of heart?” “It isn’t as such?” she verified. “I just don’t think we should exclude any opportunity or advantage we have any longer, especially in light of recent events. You heard that last part of his riddle?” “That could only mean that he knows about it and takes it seriously.” Luna nodded, knowing what she meant. “Exactly, which in itself is dangerous. If that’s the case, maybe it does merit some investigation.” She smiled apologetically. “As you say, you are as much a ruler as me and you have every right to follow up on your judgment without your big sister telling you what to do.” “Indeed.” she giggled slightly. “So…you will let me try?” She nodded slowly. “Do what you must, my sister. We’ll see if you and Fore Sight were right.” Luna still appeared surprised that she had agreed with her, but she recovered herself. “I shall then. Thank you, Tia.” “What are sisters for?” she chuckled. “What are you going to do?” “We have already planned ahead of you.” I said before turning to Luna. “After our last discussion, I went ahead and wrote a letter for Dusk that foretells of our situation.” The younger sister said as she held the letter she wrote earlier. “It also foretells exactly of where he can begin the search to where I believe he will find what is needed.” “Then, by all means, go ahead and send it.” Celestia told her. “There.” Luna said, magically send the letter to Dusk. “Now… we shall wait and see for what will happen.” “I’m sure that Dusk will be able to find what he’s looking for, especially with his friends helping him.” I said, placing faith in Dusk and his friends. “I hope you are right.” Celestia said, looking out the window in concern. “For the very fate of Equestria hangs in the balance.” There, I understood what Celestia was feeling. She and I both knew her faith in her younger sibling wasn’t misplaced as much as I knew mine wasn’t misplaced. We didn’t fully believe in the prophecy, but it still showed as a chance, however small. Hopefully, not too small.