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// Chapter 2: New Beginnings and Old Endings 
// Story: The Origin: Volume 1 
// by Aero 
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		Previously: Twilight was assigned a book that read an urban that could possibly be true. Curiosity got the better of her as she was running errands the same day. She then told her 5 friends to meet her in Town Square that night. They were in position, everything was how it was supposed to be. But there were doubts. When the 5 started to leave, Pinkie noticed something abnormal in the sky. It looked like an outcast to the other stars, being bigger and brighter than the rest, and growing. Twilight then realized it wasn't a star. The light floated down, much bigger, revealing the long-lost 7th Element and Defender of Equestria. Note: I suggest you guys read this story first before reading any of my other ones, because it will refer back to a specific moment and if you didn't read the story, you couldn't comprehend the other ones. Thanks! -Aero
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The 6 stood in awe as the 7th Element, which seemed impossible since Celestia had never mentioned it to them. Aero then looked in the direction as if someone was standing next to the 6 and said "It's been a while, Tia." The others then turned their heads to see the Princess standing next to them. She must have seen the light coming down into town while she was out on her balcony, surveying the stars. Aero walked slowly up to her, and to the 6 ponies surprise, the pegasus was almost as tall as the Princess herself. They hugged. 
"It's good to be back." Aero said smiling. He turned he head to the 6. He gestured something to Pinkie, who nodded.
"Want me to DJ?" Aero said eagerly.
"Why not? DJ needs a break anyway." At the party, Aero played dubstep, which a delighted Vinyl was jamming out to. She had never heard drops at hard as mine. Aero bid all of them goodnight. And went to his house, which had appeared out of who knows where. It was floating, with invisible steps that only he could climb. 
As he awoke the next morning, he went to see everyone that he had seen last night. He beat Rainbow Dash in a race, but barely, he bucked all the trees with ease for Applejack, made a new dress for Rarity, helped take care of Fluttershy's animals, told Twilight more about himself that wasn't in the books, and helped tend to customers at Sugarcube Corner with Pinkie. But something wasn't right. It felt worse every time Aero walked through the gardens with the statue of Discord. It seemed to be scolding him. Telling him that this land wouldn't be safe for long. Aero shook it off each time, but each time he tried after visiting the gardens, it was even harder to do, as if Discord was scolding him even more and Equestria was coming more unsafe, and if he ever broke loose, chaos would be widespread across the entire land. He had to be ready. 
Back at his house, Aero was reading a book on a sofa by a lit fireplace. He was in his dark blue robe, snuggled up comfortably on it. Twilight walked in without knocking and came in unnoticed. He looked up from the extremely interesting book.
"Yes?" He asked quietly. As she turned her head, he saw that she was holding a rolled up sheet of paper. She dropped it next to him and said 
"It's from Celestia." She quietly trotted out giving a friendly wave goodbye on the way out. He unrolled to parchment. 
"Dear Aero,

I have noticed a strange feeling that Discord, although imprisoned in stone, is planning something evil. I want you to keep an eye on the statue, and if anything suspicious happens, please report it to me.

Your old friend
(Celestia's signature)
Princess Celestia"

Hmm. Deja vu`. He folded up the letter and put it aside. Nothing to worry about for now. The next day, he woke up to Pinkie standing next to the bed.
"Gah!" He yelped as he fell out of the bed. "Pinkie! What do you want?" Pinkie smiled.
"Oh nothing in-particular. Want a breakfast cupcake?" She said holding out a cupcake. Aero took the cupcake and ate it joyfully, since he hadn't eaten in a while. As he took a stroll in the gardens, he then noticed that the feeling was gone. and that when he looked at the statue the color seemed to fade into his actual color, as if he was escaping the stone. Now THAT was suspicious. 
He flew to Canterlot to see the 6 and Celestia talking to a window. He was confused at first, but then noticed Discord dancing in the mirror with Celestia scolding him.
"I knew it.." Aero muttered under his breath, trotting over. Discord then realized he was here.
"Ahh..The Defender of Equestria.. long time no see!" He said smiling. Aero didn't buy his friendship.
"Oh shut up." He said gruffly. "What are you doing here? I thought you were a statue." He said folding his fore legs. He somehow had the ability to stand on his hind legs for a short amount of time. He looked at Celestia.
"Can I break the window?" He asked gingerly. She gave him a look that said "No." and the 6 and her continued to confront Discord. Celestia said something about them having to stop him with the Elements of Harmony, then looking at him. Discord then said some strange riddle and was gone, which Twilight concluded with 
"They must be in the hedge maze." And they all went. As soon as they got there Discord appeared, laughing. Aero's, Rainbow Dash's, and Fluttershy's wings disappeared. And Twilight and Rarity horns disappeared. 
"No horns. No magic. And eveypony has to play." Aero facehoofed. At least he was an expert at both kinds of mazes. Aero made it to the middle before the others. No one was there so he decided to relax, but he wouldn't be relaxing for long.