//------------------------------// // Arrival // Story: Living Elements of Harmony: Neo Elements // by Intellect Stretcher //------------------------------// “I hate you,” Red Star begins the friendly conversation with a blunt voice. “Aww, don’t tell me, you’re still mad at me?” Cadence gave a cheerful tone that ignored Red’s dread attitude. “Of course I am! You drugged me with your happy magic and then took advantage of me!” “Geez, why don’t you make it sound more dirty and weird?” Cadence laughs and then grows a grin, “All I did was cheer you up with a tad bit of my love magic and forced you into a nice tea party with me… and maybe I made you put on a few dresses.” “You took pictures of me wearing those girly, fru-fru dresses along with that damn smile. Then you passed the pictures around to everypony like they were free money!” “Oh it’s not like any real harm was done. By the way your fellow wizards didn’t seem to mind the funny pictures.” “I’ll get you back once I find them all, both the pictures and everyone that has seen them!” “Oh don’t be so over-dramatic!” Cadence sighed, “after all you certainly weren’t complaining, you actually looked like you were enjoying yourself.” “I will kill you.” “It did make you take your mind off things... you have to at least thank me for that.” “Hmph!” “Don't be so mean, Red. Don’t you feel happier knowing you’ll see your old student again?” “Ugh!” Red leans herself on the large balcony both the mares where standing on. She lets go of her blunt and aggressive tone, and then suddenly adopts a softer one, “I hate you when you find some way to justify your dumb pranks.” “Uhh… You're one to talk!” Cadence interjected. Immediately Red Star formed a grin on her face, for she knew what Cadence was going to bring up. “Surely you remember all that stuff you and Twilight pulled on everypony back in the days when you ‘wanted to test these new spells’ or ‘wanted to see if it would work on a real pony’!” “Whatever are you talking about?” Red said jokingly, “I was merely showing my precious student how to have fun with combat spells in case she ever wants to play rough. And besides…” Red leaned in with a giggle, “I was always the funner babysitter.” “Hmph! At least I was more responsible.” “Aw come on, I was responsible! Remember I was 'responsible' enough to clean up after that one mess with the fluoroantimonic acid Twilight and I were experimenting with…” Red paused after she realized what she just said while Cadence gave her a mocking grimace. “Alright fine so I was a little bit careless. But you know I would never do anything to get Twilight hurt; she always came out of the lab unharmed.” Cadence gave a weak smile then nodded in agreement. Red continued, “But still, let’s not tell Twilight’s parents or Celestia about that shall we? I mean it's not like I got anypony hurt.” “Don’t worry. If you get caught then I would be punished too, remember?” The two mares join in a chain of laughs, but then the laughter dies out and a still silence lingers. Then they remained looking at the prominent view of Equestria for a while, both not having anything to talk about. Then from nowhere a silver coated royal guard teleports several feet behind the two mares. “General Mars,” the guard addresses as Red Star turns to face her. “Ah, lieutenant, it’s nice to see you again,” Red says, “what are you here for?” “I’m here to advise you that the Elements of Harmony have arrived and will be at the train station any moment now.” “Oh… this is good, very-very good! Thank you very much for informing me. Let’s get going then.” “Actually there’s one more thing I need to show you, General.” “What might that be?” The lieutenant pulled out several photos from her satchel. Immediately Red’s grin lit up. “I found those pictures you wanted-” Red wasted no time swapping the pictures from the soldiers hoof and then setting fire to them with her magic. “Excellent work, Blue Garnet, my favorite lieutenant!” Red then quickly turned her attention back to Cadence, “Hey Cadence! Now I have-” but when she looked back to face the princess, she was gone. She must have flown away as soon as she heard the news of the Elements of Harmony. Red continued in a heated tone, “grr, she left! No matter, at least now I have those damn pictures she took of me with those dresses on.” Red floats the crumbling pile of ash in front of her, and then used magic to freeze the powdered embers into a ball of ice. After which, she chucked the ice shard up over the balcony and launched a bolt of electricity from her horn to follow. Eventually the voltage current and the ice ball met high in the sky and then exploded together like a firework. “Hahaha! That takes care of that. I’ll get back at her soon enough, after all this is over.” Red Star spoke mostly to herself, unaware for a moment that she had her subordinate standing beside her. “Uh, sir?” Blue Garnet said, trying to get Red’s attention again. “Oh right, Elements of Harmony… and stuff…” Red regained her composure. “Come with me, Blue Garnet. I want you to meet the Elements of Harmony as well.” “Uh me, sir? Why?” “They’re going to be staying here for about a month, and we’ll be having parties and stuff planned for them. I don’t want my closes soldier to be in the shadows of such an event. Also you can be their tour guide or something if needed.” “Alright…” the lieutenant adjusts her glasses, “understood, General.” “And who knows, you might end up being the best of friends with one of them,” Red added with a smile, “oh that reminds me you don’t need to be formal with me while this is going on. I mean, you should only refer to me as ‘general’ or ‘sir’ when we are talking business. Call me ‘Red Star’ for a change, Blue Garnet.” “Uh, alright sir-I mean… Red Star.” “Aw you’ll get the hang of it. For now let’s just go and meet up with Cadence.” “Right.” ----- Princess Cadence stood several meters away from the platform with four armored guards on either side of her. She eagerly awaited an arrival as she also kept an ear out for a train’s whistle. They should be arriving any moment now. A few seconds pass before Red Star and Blue Garnet teleported just next to Cadence. “Are they here yet?!” Red frantically asked. Then suddenly a loud whistle gained everypony’s attention as a locomotive started coming in the railroad. As the train came closer and closer, Red and Cadence started to notice Twilight Sparkle shouting and waving from one of the windows. “Cadence!” the lavender pony called out. “Twilight!?” Cadence’s expression turned one of great joy and she energetically started waving back. As the locomotive drew up in line with the platform, Twilight started to notice the light red coated mare standing next to Cadence. She tried focusing on who that mare was. Then she gasped when she noticed the unmistakable cutie-mark and the bright blue eyes of the mare. “Red Star!?” the lavender unicorn's eyes lighted up with pre-ecstasy as the locomotive pulled up and stopped to an enormous hiss. Red Star only smiled and waves in response to Twilight’s cries of delight, and instead waits for Twilight to bolt out before releasing any sentiments. And as expected when the train's doors slid open, a beamed Twilight Sparkle galloped out, “Red Star, is that really you!” “Yup it’s me alright, Twilight Sparkle,” Red said, stepping forward to meet Twilight half-way. Red lowered herself and opened her fore-hooves wide, awaiting an embrace. The lavender mare then slammed into her old mentor, knocking the wind out of her in all good frames of mind. Red Star chocked a bit before going back to the tight hug. “It’s so good to see you again!” Twilight squealed after a long moment of contact. “I've missed you so much!” she said, sniffing and with a shaky voice. “Aww, I missed you too, kiddo! It’s been long my dear friend and student, far too long.” The pink maned unicorn pulled back to make tender eye contact with the young filly she hadn’t seen in years. Both ponies gazed upon the other, tears welling in their eyes, and their smiles grew wider every second. “Look at how much you've grown! You’re a full grown mare now.” Red pulled Twilight into another brief embrace, burying her muzzle into the filly's soft mane. And when it broke, the two wiped their eyes from their tears, and Twilight wore the biggest grin that could only be described as pure joy. The lavender pony stepped back up and merged with her friends as they all moved forward to surround Red Star. Meanwhile Shining Armor and Cyclone trotted over to the other side, opposite the mane six. Shining went to reunite with his wife and exchange a kiss, whilst Cyclone went to join Red Star to exchange greetings. “Hello, Maroon Mars. It’s nice seeing you again,” Cyclone said in a happy tone. “What's up Cyclone? Have fun getting these girls here?” Red cheerfully replied. “Oh yes, it was fine. I caught up with getting to know Twilight and her friends on our way here.” “Well then,” Red mused as she turned to look the six ponies standing in front of her, scanning the demure faces of each mare. Then her attention was drawn to a purple baby dragon who bashfully hid behind Twilight's foreleg. “Is that… Spike is that you?” Red asked in surprise. “Uh yeah…” the dragon cooed, as he exposed himself a just little. “Oh my goddess! I hardly recognize you!” Red lifts Spike up with her magic and spins him around, trying to see every angle of the baby dragon. “Dang, Spike! You've grown quit the bit since I last saw you.” The shrewd unicorn continued by opening Spike's mouth and noticing that the baby dragon is for the most part healthy, “Hmm, Twilight’s been feeding you plenty of gems, I trust.” Giggling in wonder, Red puts down Spike to give him the chance to answer. “Uh, yeah, I guess...” Spike said with a strand of confusion to his tone. “Yeah, I bet you don't suck your tail anymore, huh?” Red teased, “I'm just kidding with you. But anyways... I bet you don't even remember me, huh? Do you remember me, Spike?” “Uh well... no, not really.” “Well I'm not surprised. After all, you were just so small the last time we met face to face. I bet you see me as a total stranger. Am I right?” Spike attempts to keep a smile on his face, his wordless expression giving an answer to Red's question. Red gives a wide smile before continuing, “... Well then, allow me to re-introduce myself. I am Maroon Mars, second general to Equestria's armies and Princess Celestia's personal Court Wizard.” She intended to speak to not only the baby dragon, but also to the other six ponies standing in front of her. “I find it a pleasure to get to meet you, and I hope you enjoy your stay. And please, you can just call me Red Star.” Spike gains some reassurance and gives his turn to speak, “... Hello. I am Spike, the dragon. It's nice to meet you, Red Star.” “Hehe, it's nice to meet you too, Spike.” Spike then retreats back into the group of ponies behind him. Then Twilight steps forward. “Red Star,” she says, “I’d like you to meet the rest of my friends.” “Ah yes, the Elements of Harmony,” Red deduced, “I've heard many things about you all. I find it an honor to stand here with all of you.” “I'd say it's an honor to meet you too, Red Star,” Applejack said, getting Red's attention and stepping forward as the first to introduce herself. “My name is Applejack.” “Hello there,” Red responded, taking a moment to analyze the orange mare. “Element of Honesty, right?” “Uh yes. How did you know?” “Oh I've been hearing things about all of you from the Princesses for a while now; including descriptions.” “Oh really-"” Suddenly Applejack was cut off by a certain proud pegasus. “Hi! I'm Rainbow Dash! A pleasure to meet you, Red,” the cyan pony jumped in and announced. “Rainbow Dash, huh? Spitfire's been chatting on to me about a certain pegasus by that same name. 'Best flier in all of Equestria', if I heard correctly...” Red finished off with a grin and watched the rainbow pony's expression light up like fireworks. “Y-y-you know Spitfire?” Rainbow managed to get out, her voice being stricken with surprise. “Well of course I know her. We're good friends. In fact she and a few other senior members of the Wonderbolts will be staying at the castle for a few training exercises with Cyclone-” “Wait, what?” Cyclone called out, cutting off Red's sentence. Red only gave a light laugh under her breath. Red continues, “and I'm sure he won't mind if you hang out with the Wonderbolts.” Red and Rainbow put their attention to Cyclone standing next to them. “Won't you, Cyclone?” “I suppose...” Cyclone said, trying to keep his usual indifferent tone despite Red's taunting grin. Before Rainbow Dash can give a hyper reaction, she was pushed to the side by an even more excited pink pony. “Hi I'm Pinkie Pie! And I'm soooo happy to meet you!” Pinkie begins to introduce herself, hopping about as she does. “Hehe, I can tell,” Red giggles, “it's a pleasure to meet you too, Pinkie Pie. Let me guess, your the Element of Laughter, correct?” “mm-hmm!” Pinkie nods excessively. “Well then, I hope we become best of friends, Pinkie.” “Oh boy-oh boy! I made a new friend today! I should make a party for that!” “Oh I concur! In fact, I think you in particular will admire the big parties we'll be hosting throughout your stay here. And don't worry, they won't be the boring types like the ones at the Grand Galloping Gala...” By her expression, Pinkie looked like she was going to explode with a feeling best described as pure animation. All her friends behind her noticeably stepped back a bit, expecting some random scene to come from Pinkie. Then the charged up pink pony shot up high into the air and flailed each of appendages in all directions, letting out a “Yohoo!” “Hehe! I'd figure that's what would get you excited,” Red adds, then looks at the two mares who haven't introduced themselves yet. “Hello there,” she says, opening a conversation with Rarity and Fluttershy. “Hello. I’m Rarity, Element of Generosity,” the white unicorn said while bowing slightly, “I must say: it is an honor to be a guest to this celebration.” “The pleasure's all ours,” Red says, then she looks at the seemingly bashful yellow pony who she has yet to meet. Red notices the mare retreat slightly when all the attention went to her. “This is Fluttershy,” Rarity says, talking in place of her friend. “Uh h-hello,” Fluttershy tried to speak in a loud whisper. “You'll have to forgive her,” Rarity adds, “she's rather shy when it comes to meeting new ponies.” “Aw you don't need to apologize for that,” Red says to Rarity, then speaks directly to Fluttershy, “it's okay, sweetie. Though there's no need to be shy, I won't blame you for it. After all, you'll speak once you're comfortable enough with me, am I right?” Ending her caring tone with an equally carefully placed giggle, Red finalizes giving Fluttershy confidence with a welcoming smile. Fluttershy gains a strong posture and smiles back at Red. “Your right,” she says, her tone noticeably more confident, “my name is Fluttershy; I'm the Element of Kindness. It's nice to meet you, uh, Red Star.” “Likewise.” Cadence, after being quiet for a while, finally stepped in. “Well I think it's time we show you girls where you'll be staying.” “Cadence!” a certain purple unicorn called out, leaping forward to land in front of the princess. Following that: a melodic tune that both Twilight and Cadence memorized, and sing in unison. “Sunshine, sunshine! Lady bugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” Then the two broke in a chain of laughs. “Oh my goddess,” Red exclaimed, “I remember when you two used to do that all the time. That is so cute!” “You think everything is cute,” Cyclone said. “Shut up, Cyclone. I so do not.” “Yes you do,” Blue Garnet got into the debate, “you even used to think I was cute when I first started working for you.” “Used to...” Before Lieutenant Garnet could toss Red Star a look, Cadence spoke to get everypony's attention. “As I was saying,” the Princess announces, moving from the greeting she performed with Twilight, “let's get all of you inside the castle, shall we.” ----- “Will you look at that,” Celestia said softly, “isn't it so sweet that Twilight and Maroon Mars reunite after so long?” “Indeed, it is pleasant to behold such a scene: finally seeing somepony you love after so many years of waiting...” Luna speaks with an even more gentle tone, “does it not remind you of anypony, Tia?” Celestia immediately recognized her sister's reference, “oh little sister,” she says, making eye contact with Luna and bringing up looks of content on both their faces. After a moment, they continue to look from a castle balcony at the ponies down below at the train station. A long moment passes before Luna changes the mood completely by asking, “what are we to do now?” Celestia pondered for a second. “For now, we do nothing, little sister,” she said in an unmoved tone, we have to wait for it to make the first move.” “Are you willing to take such risk? After all, what if-” “We have no choice,” Celestia interrupted, “we aren't strong enough or even confident enough to confront it, or even chase after it.” “This won't be easy. Even with my help in the Magic Research and Development Team, it still seems risky. Do you trust our abilities, Tia?” “I do...” “Then why are you seeking help from-” “I’m only requesting that everyone get involved, for this does concerns all of us and our allies,” Celestia looked at her sister with a reassuring look, “it never hurts to have additional protection.” A moment of silence lingers among the two alicorns as they see the group of ponies start to come back inside the castle. “Tia,” Luna says to get Celestia's attention. “Yes?” “That entity you faced all those years ago... exactly what was its power like... can you describe it to me?” Celestia didn't respond immediately, instead she gave the question some thought. “I kept my distance from the entity, but even so, it felt like my whole body was immensely laden, my legs and wings felt heavy to move and I felt a vast amount of pressure on my chest...” Celestia inhaled heavily before giving an attempt to continue. “It's alright, you don't have to keep talking,” Luna assured her sister. “No, it's fine. It's just... I think General Mars would be more appropriate to answer your question, she did confront the entity head-to-head after all.” “Of course...” “Anyways, we should start heading downstairs and welcome our guests.” Luna nodded in agreement. ----- “Can I have everypony's attention, please?” Celestia announces, clanging a champagne glass with her spoon over the long dinning table. She sat at the end of the table while everypony else sat at the seats on the side. The mane six sat furthest from the princess whilst the high ranking generals and the other princesses sat closest to Celestia. Once she acquired the attention of everypony present, Celestia continues, “now that we are all gathered here in the dinning hall, I would like to officially welcome you, Elements of Harmony, to Canterlot. We are all very delighted to have you here and we are proud to host this series of festivities. As promised, you will all be granted your own quarters and reserved access to nearly every part of the castle. May this feast begin a month of celebration, rejoice, reunion, and gratitude for our Elements of Harmony, defenders of Equestria.” Everypony claps their hooves following Celestia's declaration. Then the princess looks to her two generals sitting next to her and asks, “do any of you have anything to add?” “I do,” Red Star says, "first, I'd like to introduce you all to my lieutenant, Blue Garnet." The lieutenant, in response to the sudden attention being put to her, stands up from her seat next to her commander. "She will be joining us in this celebration, and she will be one of the guides that will show you around the castle." The mane six simultaneously greet Blue Garnet with hello's and hi's. "Thank you, gen-... i mean Red Star," she speaks to Red first then to the other mares. "It's nice to meet you al, and i hope we can be good friends." "That's right," Red adds, "so you all might as well get to know to just her but also the other guides that we will assign to each one of you!" Blue Garnet sits down, and the mane six take their time to look at her. They all analyze the lieutenant. She was a tall mare; her mane was short, but flowing, and dark blue; her coat was silver; her lively purple eyes were accompanied by a pair of white glasses; and her cutie mark was of a shiny black-blue gem. “But anyways!" red continued, "I'd just like to say on behalf of all of us here working in the Canterlot Castle, that it is an honor to be in the service and presence of you all. You girls have really done more than you can imagine for Equestria, and we all have full confidence that you will continue to impress us. And lastly, I want to say that this will turn out to become far more than just a celebration for the six of you...” The princesses and the Cyclone try to hide the solemn looks they all suddenly get from Red's last comment. Red then takes a moment to look at each individual pony's proud and modest expressions before continuing. “To friendship,” she says, lifting her glass. Everypony lifts their drinks too, and at once they all cheered, “To friendship!”