//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: Treasured Moon & Stars: Vol. 2 Treasures From Mirrors // by TigerSwirl448 //------------------------------// Treasured Moon & Stars Volume 2 Treasures From Mirrors By: TigerSwirl448 Edited by: Xhoral1865 My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (c) Hasbro & Lauren Faust Prologue 27 Years Ago: Two Years into Second Discordian War ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ A young pegasus soldier stood at attention biting her lip waiting for her princess to enter the giant throne room. She turned to her left to glare at the orange earth pony standing equally at attention with a bored expression on her freckled face. The orange pony quirked her brow staring at the pegasus in return. The blue pegasus turned away grumbling. "Why do I have to be in the same room with an earth pony? I’m a Wonderbolt! A flyer, not some stupid ground soldier!" She thought harshly. Pegasi were meant to fight in the sky and stay there. Earth ponies... were the meat, they were the ones that fight first then the pegasi will take over. They’re nothing but worthless ponies to the young flyer. “Oooh! I like your mane, is it natural?” The pegasus stiffened and turned to glare at the second earth pony soldier. A pink pony with an outrageous mane style. "Is she even allowed with that hair style?" The blue pony thought with bewilderment. She blinked out of her shocked state then snarled at the earth pony. “Don’t touch me.” The pegasus threatened with a snarl. The pink pony frowned thinking then she broke her face into a huge grin. “I’m Pinkie Pie, what’s your name?” she asked with a high annoying voice. The pegasus glared at her and turned away staring at the tapestries hanging behind the throne. “Step away from the pegasus, Pinkie. She don’t want to talk to the likes of us.” The orange pony said with a strange accent, that the pegasus never heard before. The pink pony, Pinkie Pie, turned to her with a look of sadness. “But Applejack,” The orange pony gave her a glare. “That’s Sargent Applejack. Remember while we’re in uniform.” Pinkie sighed, sadly. “Aw fine, no fun-for-fun-pants.” the pegasus stared at the pair as Pinkie stood to Applejack’s right side at attention, straight faced. "How did she do that?" The pegasus thought to herself stunned. Applejack snorted, pulling out a cigar from her back pocket and pulled out a lighter from another pocket to light it. The pegasus stared with disgust. “Smoking’s bad for you, right?” The pegasus mentioned out loud. Applejack gave her a glare as she blew out the smoke through her nostrils. Pinkie made a face at the smell, as she shook her head in disapproval, but kept her mouth shut. “What’s it to you?” Applejack asked with a growl. The pegasus turned away grumbling to herself again. Applejack shrugged turning back to the throne. The giant throne room doors behind them opened up revealing two more ponies walking in. One was a white unicorn with an over stylized purple mane. Again the pegasus wondered if she was allowed to even get away with that type of mane-style in the army. Behind the unicorn, as she strutted into the throne room, was a shy looking pegasus mare. She was a cream yellow with a beautiful pink mane in a bun. The standard hair style in the military. On her shoulder was a patch with a red cross, the symbol of a medic The blue pegasus stared at her feeling her heart flutter seeing the pretty pegasus. "Wow", she thought to herself, "she’s pretty cute." She started to smile, until she saw the rank sewn on her sleeve. She’s a cadet? The white unicorn walked over and stood in line, looking at the ponies as the yellow pegasus stood next to the blue one. The blue pegasus blushed, turning away. She blinked seeing Applejack staring with wide eyes at the white unicorn. The unicorn cleared her throat as Pinkie Pie admires her mane. “Oooh pretty!” She said smiling. The white unicorn jumped, turning to the overexcited pony. She made a kind smile looking at her. “Oh, why thank you... Corporal?" The unicorn said with a hoity accent that the pegasus remembered hearing at training. “Pie, ma’am. Pinkamina Diane Pie!” Pinkie said smartly. She giggled then snorted saluting. The white unicorn blinked at that then nodded slowly. “Uhh,” She paused seeing every eye was on her now. “I guess I shall introduce myself. My name is Rarity Belle, I am a Corporal in the unicorn army. I was in the 57th Cavalry.” The blue pegasus rolled her eyes. "There is no way that pony with that getup was in the Cavalry." She thought harshly. The Calvary are known to be tough soldiers, they rode on horseback then leap off. They’re well known for their fighting on the ground against the enemy. “And who might you lovely ponies be?” The unicorn asked smiling. Pinkie turned to see Applejack’s mouth drop open her cigar fell to the ground. Pinkie giggled and used her fingers to close Applejack’s mouth. “Oh, this is Sergeant Applejack,” Pinkie said pointing at Applejack. Applejack gulped seeing Rarity looking at her curiously. “Uh-oh-uh... Howdy.” Applejack said reaching for her head as if reaching for a hat but there was nothing on top of her head. She chuckled nervously with her hands behind her back turning away, her blush still on her face. Pinkie jumped to the pegasus and patted her head. “This is... uh,” Pinkie turned to the blue pegasus and grabbed her arm to look at her patch. “Ah Corporal,” She stated turning to Applejack and Rarity. She turned back to the pegasus and spun her around to look at her name tag. “Dash! Corporal Dash from the-” “Pinkie Pie!” The pegasus yelled out pulling her arms back. “I can introduce myself, thank you.” She turned to Applejack and Rarity. She cleared her throat as she stood at attention. “Corporal Rainbow Dash of the Pegasi Air Force,” She paused to make a smirk. “A Corporal in Wonderbolt Company.” “Wonderbolt Company?” Rarity asked intrigued. “The Wonderbolts? You’re a Wonderbolt?” Rainbow chuckled. “I don’t like to brag or nothing, but yeah, I am. One day I’ll be Captain of the Wonderbolt Company when this war is over and done.” She bragged with pride. Applejack gave her a stern glare. Pinkie turned to the other pegasus behind Rainbow. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie,” The yellow pegasus gulped scuffing her boot into the red carpet with her hands up to her face, twiddling her fingers. She seem to stiffen when she noticed the other ponies were staring at her. “What’s your name?” Pinkie asked smiling. The pegasus gulped looking at the other pairs of eyes. She turned away whimpering. “Oh the poor dear is Cadet Fluttershy. She’s from Cloudsdale Training Center. Just released for action three days ago.” Rarity said placing her hand on her hip. “How’d you know that?” Applejack asked curiously. “The poor dear has it on her form.” Rarity said as she reached into her bag and handed the paper to Applejack, letting her read it since she was the highest ranking soldier in their tiny group. Applejack rubbed her chin reading the release form then looked at Fluttershy. “Hmmph, a risk.” She said with worry. Rainbow took the paper to read it herself as she blushed. Fluttershy had a great record as a medic but had very low scores for action ready. Rainbow groaned turning to her. “You won’t last a minute out there.” Rainbow explained harshly handing the paper back to Applejack getting a grumble from the sergeant. Rarity cleared her throat. “Do you all perhaps have any idea what the Princess wanted with us? All I got was a message to meet here in Canterlot to stay and come at this time.” Rainbow puffed out her chest. “Probably thought of handing me a medal for my valor at the Battle of Lauren’s Green!” “Lauren’s Green? You were there?!” Pinkie yelled out floating above Rainbow’s head. Rainbow stared at the strange pony for a moment pointing at her. “Uh . . . yeah. How the hay are you doing that?” “Doing what?” Pinkie asked curiously tilting her head. Applejack was chucking as Fluttershy and Rarity stared at Pinkie strangely. “Don’t ask Corporal, you won’t hurt yourself if thinking hard on it.” Applejack said chuckling. “Trust me. It’s best not to think about it.” Rainbow blinked and gasped turning to find Pinkie gone. She heard a giggle and turned to see Pinkie popping up behind Applejack giving her a hug. “You’re the best, AJ!” Rarity was rubbing her eyes blinking with shock at what she just saw. Applejack blushed. “For the final time, Pinkie, no friend stuff while in uniform.” “Aye-aye!” Pinkie giggled standing at attention again. Suddenly two guards dressed in golden armor came from a door behind the throne and walked over to stand at both sides of the throne. The five soldiers stood at attention. Rainbow turned to Fluttershy to see her biting her lip standing at attention with her childlike hands at her sides and staring straight ahead. Rainbow looked down her curves blushing to herself. Rainbow heard the sounds of footsteps and turn straight ahead but blinked seeing the gorgeous regal goddess walk into the room dressed in her flowing white dress with golden sparkles and threads. Her colorful mane seem so flat with her tail behind her but yet it’s flowing out like water as she walked forward. She smiled that gentle smile at everyone one them. The five soldiers saluted. The pegasi salute with their fists to their hearts. Earth ponies salute with their fingers to their brows. Rarity, as a unicorn, salutes by bowing with her hands clasped in front of her chest. Princess Celestia bowed her head in return. “At ease my faithful soldiers. Thank you for coming.” All five of them stood straight and relaxed with their hands behind their backs or clasped before them. “Please step forward and introduce yourselves.” Celestia said with a smile as she turned to Rarity and nodded for her to go first. Rarity bowed and stepped forward to the steps. She stopped, hit a brace and saluted with her fingers to her brow. “Corporal Rarity from Fillydelphia Station, Princess. I was recent with the Unicorn 57th Cavalry.” Celestia nodded. Rarity bowed again and stepped back then stood in a relaxed position in line. Pinkie skipped forward then saluted. Applejack applied hand to face with a groan. “Corporal Pinkamina Diane Pie, Princess! I’m from Fillydelphia, too!” Pinkie gasped turning behind her to look at Rarity. “Have you been to some of their parties, Rarity, huhhuhhuh?” As the soldiers were staring with shock and fear at the pink pony Celestia was laughing hiding her lips behind her hand. “Oh my, you are a pony filled with spirit and happiness aren’t you?” “Huh, oh yeah, I do love to make ponies happy, Highness! Maybe sometime I can throw a party for you!” Celestia nodded. “That would be nice. But not for a long while.” She said a little sadly. “Oh,” Pinkie’s ears folded back on her head. Then she smiled and jumped in the air. “That’s okay! You just let Pinkie Pie know when you want one and I’ll make it the best party this whole city has ever seen!” Celestia bowed to her. “I’ll look forward to that day.” Pinkie saluted again and backed to a relaxed position smiling at Rarity. She blinked noticing that Rarity was staring at her shocked, her mouth agape. “You know if you keep your mouth open like that, a birdy might make a nest inside.” Rarity gasped at her in shock closing her mouth. Rainbow and Applejack started snickering at Rarity’s face as Pinkie just stared innocently at the unicorn. Applejack walked up next with a salute. “Sergeant Applejack, reporting for duty, ma’am.” Celestia smiled hearing the accent. “You must be from the Green Belt correct?” Applejack nodded. “Yes, Princess that’s true.” Celestia nodded. “Tell me, was the drought ever lifted?” She asked with worry. Rainbow blinked staring at the sergeant. "The Green Belt? As in the Agricultural Planet belt, Green Belt?" She thought with surprise. The Green Belt is one of the most important planets in the galaxy where all ten green and blue planets are used for farming food, fishing, and growing and making medicines. Applejack sighed sadly. “It’s still going strong, Princess, many ponies like me are going to the war to get more money to pay for our lost produce.” The princess had a serious scowl on her face, she nodded. “Hmm, I’ll try and send word to my council to send aid to the Green Belt as soon as possible.” Applejack bowed. “Thank you, Princess.” Celestia nodded with a gentle smile. “Thank you for coming and fighting for Equestria.” Applejack nodded and saluted standing back to relax. Rainbow walked forward placing her fist over her chest then bowed. “Corporal Rainbow Dash from Wonderbolt Company.” Celestia smiled. “Yes, I have heard of the great Wonderbolts. They do show true loyalty to Equestria and for that I am thankful.” Rainbow smiled. “We will always fly in your honor Princess, you can count on that.” Celestia nodded. “Very good. Welcome to Canterlot.” “Thank you.” Rainbow stepped back smiling. Then Fluttershy slowly stepped forward, shaking and placed her fist to her chest and bowed. Celestia smiled kindly at the pegasus. “It’s alright young one, you do not have to speak.” Fluttershy gulped closing her eyes breathing deeply. “I-I-I’m Cadet F-F-Fluttershy from C-C-Cloudsdale Training Center.” She said shaking hard. Celestia nodded to her. “You are very brave Fluttershy to speak with me. It must have been a long journey to reach where you are.” Fluttershy nodded biting her lip. Celestia bowed to her head Fluttershy bowed back and quickly stepped back in line shaking. Celestia sighed and took a seat on her throne fixing her skirt and smiled at the five of them. Applejack cleared her throat. “Forgive me for being so bold, your Highness,” she started with worry. “Yes, Sergeant?” Applejack looked at Pinkie then back at the princess. “You see Princess, we all are probably thinking the same way here,” “Yes?” Celestia asked with a gentle smile. “Why are we here?” Celestia looked at the other four ponies to see them with confused scowls. Celestia sighed and turned to the guard and nodded. He nodded in return then walked behind the throne opening a secret door. “Come in.” The guard said with a gentle voice. The five young mares seem to stare in shock when a young twelve year old unicorn filly walked out for behind the throne. The little filly was dressed in the school uniform style for Celestia’s school. A magenta sweater vest with a plaid blue dress with stockings and dress shoes. The young filly gulped with a blush walking in with her hands behind her back with her head bowed low. The filly looked up to see the faces staring at her. Rarity’s was of confusion and concern. Pinkie was beaming and waving. Applejack had her eyebrow raised with her cigar between her fingers towards her mouth. Rainbow gave her a hard glare making the filly turn towards Fluttershy to see her worry on her face. Celestia cleared her throat to get everyponies attention. The filly turned to Celestia as she motioned her to approach.The filly ran over to hug the Princess, hiding in her dress. Celestia stroked the filly’s midnight mane as she peeked out to look at the soldiers again. “Introduce yourself,” Celestia said softly stroking the filly’s face. The filly gulped and nodded. She stood back up then stepped forward before the five ponies. She stood ramrod straight as if she was a cadet in the army. “I-I-I’m Twilight Sparkle.” She said quivering. Twilight let out a yelp of shock when Pinkie Pie appeared in front of her smothering her cheeks. “Oooh you’re so cute!!!” Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash let out yells of shock seeing Pinkie practically pulling the poor filly’s cheeks. “Corporal!” Applejack boomed. Pinkie turned with a grin only to see Applejack’s glare. Pinkie gulped and chuckled nervously patting Twilight’s head. Then with a skip to her step Pinkie returned to the line smiling at Applejack as her sergeant shook her head with exasperation. Celestia chuckled. “This is my personal student, Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia stated as Twilight blinked out of her stupor and started rubbing her cheeks after being touched by the pink pony. “Why I picked you five is an importance to this war. Twilight, stand in the line please.” Twilight nodded and walked over to stand by Rarity. Rarity stared at Twilight with shock. “Princess, excuse me, but you can’t possibly be saying what I think you are saying.” Rarity exclaimed pointing at Twilight. Celestia nodded with a grim look on her face. “Yes, you six have been chosen to fulfill a task. Not just any task that I can give to just any pony.” The six mares nodded. Celestia turned and nodded to her left guard. The guard bowed and left the room by taking the secret door behind the throne. Celestia turned to the six mares again. “I have been watching you six since I felt your energies, your virtues.” “Virtues?” Rainbow asked. Celestia nodded. The guard returned carrying a large ornate box in his hands. He kneeled before Celestia holding up the box to her. Celestia nodded with a smile taking the box into her hands and stood up. The guard got back up on his feet and stood by the throne. Celestia stepped forward as she opened the box and reached inside. “Applejack, step forward.” Applejack gulped walking forward taking her cigar out of her mouth. She gulped looking up at the regal Princess. “Kneel,” she ordered softly. Applejack nodded going down on one knee bowing her head. “Sergeant Applejack, your virtue is one of true strength and you have that strength and the guidance.” Applejack blinked at that amazed. “Well, I don’t think I’m that wise.” Celestia smiled. “Every pony has their own kind of wisdom Applejack. But to show wisdom you must show true honesty to your soldiers.” Applejack looked up with a blush. Celestia smiled and pulled out a bronze chain with a bronze medallion with a large orange crystal in the center of the bronze medallion. Celestia used her magic to float the box to the side as she leaned forward to place the chain around Applejack’s neck. “Rise, Sergeant Applejack.” Applejack slowly rose to her feet staring at the medallion on her chest. She gulped feeling something strange go through her body. “Please, step back in line.” Applejack nodded stepping back. Pinkie looked over to see the medallion as it glowed softly. “Oooh pretty.” Pinkie said smiling. Celestia smiled as she levitates the box back to her hands as she reached inside again. She turned to Fluttershy. She let out a soft, “Eeep!” seeing the princess looking at her. “Cadet Fluttershy, please step forward and kneel before me.” Fluttershy gulped and walked forward shaking. She kneeled down, bowing her head. “Fluttershy, your virtue is very rare to many pegasi in the military today. Most have cruel hearts and have no mercy for the weak. But you show the rarest virtue of all. A true heart to give help and kindness to others even to the enemy.” Rainbow stiffened at that, looking to Applejack to see her staring into her medallion with wide eyes. Rainbow groaned shaking her head. "How can we have a weak-hearted idiot in this line? What makes this pegasus so special?" Rainbow’s eyes turned back to the yellow pegasus and looked from the pink bun then trailed down to Fluttershy’s wings and tail, her glare lessened to fascination. Rainbow shook her head hard from the thoughts floating suddenly in her head. Celestia pulled out a second medallion that was silver with a silver chain and the crystal was a baby pink color instead of orange. Celestia placed the medallion around Fluttershy’s neck and ordered her to rise and go back in line. Fluttershy lifted the medallion in her hands and stare at the pink gem seeing her reflection in its glowing surface. Celestia smiled and turned to Pinkie. “Corporal Pie, please step forward.” Pinkie smiled and leapt forward slating. “Okie-Dokie-Lokie, Princess!” Pinkie said saluting smartly then kneeled down on one knee. Celestia smiled. “Even before I can say it I can feel your energy Pinkie Pie, you are defiantly a credit to your virtue.” Celestia reached into the box and pulled out the third medallion that was bronze like Applejack’s with a blue crystal in the center. Celestia was ready to lean down but Pinkie jumped up causing the chain to wrap around her neck and the medallion fell to her chest. Celestia was surprised then giggled as Pinkie smiled brightly looking at her medallion with awe. She quickly saluted and leaped back to Applejack to giggle in anticipation. Celestia turned to Rarity and motioned her forward. Rarity gulped and stepped forward with perfect poise and grace as she kneeled to her knees. “Rarity, you were a tricky one to find. You have lived a life where everything was given to you and many would assume that your ego might lead you astray.” Rarity blushed with a nervous chuckle. “Guilty, Princess.” She whispered with worry. Celestia smiled. “But of course, your heart is filled with kindness as well and you will generously give to those that are less fortunate than yourself.” Rarity looked up with awe to see Celestia raise up a golden chain connected to a golden medallion with a deep purple crystal in the center. Celestia set the chain around Rarity’s neck and had her stand up. Rarity bowed and stepped back to stare at her medallion with awe, her eyes seem to sparkle like diamonds. “Rainbow Dash, step forward.” Rainbow sighed and stepped forward saluting then kneeling down on one knee. “I have heard many tales about you from the Battle of Lauren’s Green. I heard of your valor and your loyalty to your squad when a traitor was found.” Rainbow nodded grimly. “Corporal Dust would have been a great asset if her mind wasn’t clouded by her glory and ego.” Celestia nodded with a grim frown. “Many soldiers in battle forget their true loyalties to their country and they would rather fight for their own desires with their minds and glories, not their hearts.” Celestia reached into the box and pulled out a second silver medallion with a blood red crystal in the center. Rainbow felt the medallions’ weight around her neck as she looked down to see the red crystal glow faintly. Rainbow rose up, bowed to the princess, and then returned in line turning to Fluttershy to see her looking at her with a blush. Rainbow made a small grin then turned away feeling heat in her cheeks. “Twilight, “Celestia beckoned. Twilight nodded walking forward to stand before her. Celestia smiled and placed the second gold medallion around her neck and stroked her face and smile down at her as Twilight looked like she was about to cry as she stared at the bright pink crystal in the center of the medallion. Celestia sighed patting Twilight on her shoulder and pointed back in line. Twilight nodded and stepped back to stand with Rarity. Rainbow blinked to realize that the two unicorns stood together with gold medallions. The earth ponies stood together with bronze medallions. Then Rainbow and Fluttershy stood together with silver medallions. “I have chosen you six to become keepers of the crystals around your necks.” Celestia said regaining their attention. The six mares looked down at their medallions as one to see the gems glow. “Each and every one of you have these virtues. The virtues that symbolize around your necks have been in their states for many centuries waiting for somepony new to wield them and bring about everlasting harmony.” “Harmony?” Fluttershy asked. Celestia nodded with a small smile. “The Elements of Harmony. Powerful artifacts that are used to bring harmony to a disharmonized galaxy. And you six carry these virtues and it’s your destiny to work together and bring back harmony.” The six mares looked at one another with shock. “Wait a second,” Rainbow said shaking her head pointing at Applejack. “You want me to work with those two? Sorry Princess I fly, I don’t work well with the ground.” Applejack gave Rainbow a warning glare. “Well, I see there is something we can agree on. I don’t want to work with the likes of you.” Applejack said glaring at the pegasus. Fluttershy was getting worried as she whimpered. Pinkie gulped patting Applejack’s shoulder. Rarity rolled her eyes shaking her head. Twilight was in shock. Celestia sighed. “I understand your differences.” The two mares looked up at Celestia as she looked at every single mare in turn. “You all have been raised in different places, trained in different situations, and always trained to protect your fellow pony but you are destined to work together as friends. Friendship is Magic after all.” Rainbow and Applejack gave her a look at the cheesiest line they had ever heard. Rarity was equally pained by the line rolling her eyes. Fluttershy blushed while Pinkie started giggling and snorting. Twilight nodded with firm understanding in her eyes. “One question, Princess,” Rarity piped up. “Yes?” “Why are these glowing?” Celestia smiled. “The crystals are powerful and I beg you all to never take them off. No matter what.” “Why?” Applejack asked curiously stoking the crystal with her finger. “The crystals will-” Just then all six crystals shoot out six ribbons of light causing everypony to shield their eyes from the intense light with startled yells and cries. Once the brightness dimmed Rainbow rubbed her eyes and gasped to see that the crystal changed shape. “Whoa!” She exclaimed without thinking lifting up the medallion to see the crystal changed into a red lightning bolt. Her hand went to her hip, her cutie mark is a lightning bolt shot from a cloud. “Whoa nelly,” Applejack whispered covering her mouth seeing the same change except her crystal was shaped as an orange apple. “Look at mine, look at mine!” Pinkie shouted jumping up and down pointing to the blue balloon shaped crystal on her medallion. “Wow,” Twilight exclaimed the first word out of her silent mouth. Rarity turned to see that the pink crystal turned into a spark of some sorts. Her own crystal changed into a purple diamond. “Mine looks like my cutie mark,” She said turning to Fluttershy and pointed at crystal. “Our cutie marks!” She said out loud laughing. Fluttershy smiled looking at her gemstone to find her crystal shaped like a butterfly. “That is the reason why you must never take them off.” Celestia said grimly. “The crystals are now combined to your spirits, your hearts, and these crystals will give you magical abilities.” “Magic?” Fluttershy asked with awe. Celestia nodded. “With the elements around your necks you have a form of magic that only the Elements can give you.” “So we can do magic like a unicorn?” Pinkie asked with a large grin. “Aw yeah! This is way better than a medal of honor!” Rainbow cheered smiling. Celestia cleared her throat. The mares stopped their giggles and stood at attention again as soldiers. “The Elements of Harmony are more than just tools of harmony, together they are a weapon. A weapon that can change a situation for the better.” “A weapon?” Rarity asked intrigued. “Sounds dangerous.” Fluttershy said blushing twiddling her fingers. Celestia nodded. “It is. Only the Spark can use that power.” Celestia turned and the other mares turned to Twilight as she gulped blushing hotly under everyone’s eyes. “Wait, you mean that kid, can control these things?” Rainbow asked in shock holding up her medallion. Celestia nodded. “Yes, but I trust Twilight’s judgment and her abilities. She will perform the spell that will bind you six together and produce the Beam of Harmony. But only if all six of you are together and accept each other as friends.” Rainbow groaned rolling her eyes. “What are these virtues called?” Rarity asked looking at her medallion again. Celestia smiled seeing Twilight clearing her throat to get everyone’s attention. “The Elements of Harmony are comprised of six elements. Honesty,” Twilight walked to Applejack grabbing her arm and pulled her out of the line to stand before the princess. Twilight reached for Fluttershy. “Kindness,” Fluttershy was placed next to Applejack. “Laughter,” Twilight took Pinkie by her sleeve and pulled her to stand next to Fluttershy. Pinkie smiled at Fluttershy and got a smile in return. “Generosity,” Twilight took Rarity’s hand and placed her next to Pinkie now forming a circle of mares. “And Loyalty.” Twilight finished taking Rainbow’s sleeve and pulled her to stand with Rarity on her left and Applejack on her right creating a full circle. Twilight squeezed past the circle and stood in the center. “Combined along with the Element of Magic,” Twilight paused to hold up her medallion for the mares to see. “The Elements of Harmony will use the power of friendship and harmony to defeat chaos, darkness, war, all signs that point to disharmony in the galaxy.” The mares looked at one another thinking what the young filly just told them. “Together you are now classified as Squad Harmony.” Celestia ordered proudly. “You six shall stay in Canterlot for a few more days and rest up. Then by the end of the week you six shall take the next ship out to start training.” Everypony looked at one another with curious or grim faces. “I trust you all will complete the task. And remember, never take the Elements off our necks, not for anyone or for anything.” “What happens if we do take them off?” Pinkie asked with a little tremor in her voice. “The chain to the other Elements will be broken.” The mares turned to Twilight as she traced the design on her crystal as she spoke. “If one Element broke the chain, the other Elements will seize their power and the crystal will turn dark, the magic fades and dies and harmony is broken.” Rainbow gulped hearing the deadly serious voice coming from the small child. She turned to see the others showing fear as well staring at their elements. “Will something happen to us?” Rarity asked carefully. Fluttershy whimpered hugging herself. “No,” Celestia said walking over to place her hands on Rainbow and Rarity’s shoulders giving them a squeeze. “But you will feel the effects of sickness at first. Remember this, the Elements will give you magical powers or abilities. Use them wisely and not all at once. Just like with unicorn magic, you can’t use it all or fear blow out and never regenerate in time for safety. Practice skills together and learn each other’s weaknesses and strengths. You all must work together and I know you all will be the strongest squad in all of the armies.” The mares looked at one another again and each one of them looked to the other to see loyalty. Rainbow turned to Applejack to see her giving her the same calculating look. Rainbow gave her a nod and Applejack returned it. “We’ll work something out.” Rainbow said carefully crossing her arms across her chest as Applejack nodded in agreement. “Yeah, there are some uses to a pegasus and a unicorn.” Applejack said with a shrug. “Same with an earth pony.” Rainbow said just as coolly turning away hearing Applejack make a silent snarl. Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy looked at one another with hopeful smiles hearing this. “Very well,” Celestia said turning to Twilight. “You are now a Cadet in my special forces.” She said softly as she kneeled down to Twilight’s eye level. She took Twilight’s hands into hers squeezing them. “Be strong, you are already strong, but you have to be stronger.” Twilight nodded trying hard not to cry. Celestia blinked hard trying to keep the sting out of her eyes as she stared into Twilight’s purple eyes. “I’m sorry that you have to go, but you must for Equestria. Understand?” Celestia whispered with a gentle smile but her eyes were glassy. Twilight nodded again. She sniffed then wrapped her arms around Celestia’s neck crying. Celestia held her tight with tears streaming slowly down her face. Rainbow gulped, looking over to the others to see Rarity looking at the two with worry. Celestia sighed and stood up moving away from Twilight. She turned to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The look in her eyes said it all. Applejack nodded. Rainbow gave her a curt nod. “Don’t you worry, Princess,” Applejack said saluting. “You won’t be disappointed.” “I know I won’t, Applejack. You are the commanding officer of this group and I trust your wisdom to lead them.” Applejack saluted again and bowed. Rainbow gave Applejack a look. "Why does the earth pony have to be in charge?" She thought. “You are all dismissed. Good luck, have a wonderful time in Canterlot before you leave. And thank you for what you are doing.” “We won't fail you, Princess.” Rarity stated firmly. Rainbow nodded. Pinkie giggled saluting. Fluttershy smiled and bowed. Applejack reached up for a hat but blushed and settled with a salute. The five mares turned on their heels and started walking in two lines towards the door with Rainbow and Applejack at the head. Pinkie and Rarity in the middle. Fluttershy stopped and turned to see Twilight still standing by the Princess. “Ahem,” Twilight jumped and turned, her eyes were red from the tears. Fluttershy reached with her hand to Twilight with a gentle smile. “It’s alright, we must go now.” Twilight looked at Fluttershy’s pale hand then turned to Celestia to see her smiling at her and nodding. Twilight sniffed and turned back to Fluttershy, taking her hand. “I’m Fluttershy, what’s your name again?” Fluttershy asked softly as she led Twilight to the throne room doors. Twilight sniffed again looking at the medallion around her neck. “Twilight, Twilight Sparkle.” She answered shyly. “What a pretty name for a pretty unicorn. How old are you, Twilight?” Twilight blushed at the complement. “I’m twelve right now. But I’m going to be thirteen next month.” “Oh, really?” Fluttershy asked with a growing smile. “I just turned sixteen a few days ago. That’s why I was told to leave the academy and start being a medic.” The two reached the door to see the other four waiting for them. “Hurry it up, slow pokes! We have a short vacation time before we go back into space.” Rainbow said with a scowl. “She’s right y’all,” Applejack said with a commanding voice. “We have at least a week of free time before we leave for action.” The rest turned to see a guard waiting for them. “The Princess has offered you six a lodge outside the city where you shall stay and mingle until the time comes.” “Sounds good I guess. As long as there are any taverns nearby.” Rainbow said with shrug walking past the guard. “Taverns? How uncouth!” Rarity shook her head disapprovingly. “You drink, Corporal?” Rarity asked with disdain following Rainbow Dash. Pinkie gasped. “Ooh I like taverns, that’s where the parties are at! Maybe I can play my fiddle! Wee-hee!” Pinkie ran after them. Fluttershy and Twilight and Applejack followed at the end. “The name’s Applejack,” Applejack said smiling at Twilight. “I’ll take good care of ya Twilight, if you need anythin' you just let me know. I might be your commanding officer and maybe a little short tempered but don’t be afraid to ask for anything.” Twilight nodded with a small smile. “Thank you, Sergeant-” “Nah just Applejack or AJ if you like.” Twilight smiled nodding. “Alright, AJ.” ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ 27 Years Later: Fillydelphia An older unicorn dressed in a pressed white shirt, black slacks, black dress shoes, and a light pink scarf around her neck, looked around the streets. She searched in every alley way and checking each sleeping orphan for another. She sighed and trotted out of the dirty alley. With her head bowed low she walked away toward the business district far away from the dirty alley playground her sister would always play at. “Oh Sweetie Belle,” She whispered looking up at the starry filled sky with glistening eyes. “Where are you? I have been searching high and low, high and low, low and high, again! Oh woe is me!” The pony exclaimed leaning against the brick wall, sniffling, ignoring the tugs and dirt from the wall messing with her white shirt. She covered her face with her hands crying, sliding to the ground not even worrying about the grimy ground as tears fell off her face to the dirt. Rarity lived in Fillydelphia for a decade at most taking care of her little sister after her parents died in an accident. Rarity never really allowed her sister to play outside the gates of the business district where the sophisticated ponies lived, but her sister must have done so. Rarity remembered working on a new ensemble for the Gala season when she remembered Sweetie Belle mentioned meeting with Apple Bloom, a young pony Rarity didn't know about, and left. Sweetie Belle promised to be back before the sun start setting. That was a month ago and now Rarity feared that her sister was either kidnapped . . . or worse, dead. And Rarity blamed herself for not paying attention to Sweetie Belle or even went off after her at the first sign of her worries. That afternoon when Sweetie Belle left, Rarity had this nagging feeling in her stomach. A nagging feeling that she thought she would never feel again. But she ignored it as nerves and continued working until midnight that night then realized her gut was correct, Sweetie Belle was gone. After a few minutes of crying, Rarity finally sniffed and stood back up on her feet and walked past the gate and headed for her business and home. A small building with all other old buildings with a brightly colored sigh with a white carousel with golden ponies. She looked up at the faded sign reading the pink lettered name, Carousel Boutique. She sighed finding the mail in the polished bronze mail box and pulled the envelopes and newspaper out, hearing the lid clang back down. She reached into her pocket to pull out the shop key, she unlocked her door but blinked. The door was already unlocked. “Odd,” She sniffed wiping her eyes. “I could have sworn I locked up before I left earlier.” She pushed open the door to find the interior very dark. Rarity sighed and held out her white hand and used her magic to make a small light blue orb from her hand to make light. She gasped wishing she hadn't. Standing before her were unicorn royal guards dressed in red or black uniforms smiling or staring at her. Rarity backed away dropping the mail to the floor in shock. She backed away hearing the door slam shut behind her and standing there turning on a light was a blue unicorn with a smug smile. “Lieutenant Rarity Belle,” Rarity gulped backing away from the unicorn. The unicorn took steps forward as Rarity stepped back. “The Element of Generosity.” Rarity’s eyes went wide hearing the words. “Trixie, I’m quite surprised to say that gold looks well on every pony, it simply looks horrid on you!” Trixie blinked but smiled even wider. “Oh? I find this shop horrid myself.” She pulled out her sword and sliced the standing manikins behind her causing the fabrics they wore and their upper halves to falls and clatter to the floor. Rarity glared at her. “Out this instant! I never want to see your face again!” Trixie started laughing shaking her head and quickly swung her sword. Rarity yelped feeling a bite of steel and jumped back with her hand to her cheek. She looked over to the large mirror beside her to see a line of red on her cheek. She growled and turned back to Trixie balling her fists. “You have no authority to order me around anymore.” Trixie said chuckling. “In fact I’m here to arrest you.” Rarity scoffed. “I didn’t do anything wrong. I paid my taxes, paid the silly taxes for soldiers, even stayed out of trouble.” Trixie sighed placing the tip of her sword to Rarity’s neck pushing slightly. Rarity gulped backing away until she felt solid bodies behind her keeping her from moving. “By order of Queen Celestia herself, I, Captain Trixie Lulamoon, Leader of the Unicorn Royal guards of the empire, place you under arrest.” Rarity’s mouth dropped open at the name. “The Q-q-queen ordered this? Ow! Let me go you ruffians!” Rarity screeched out as two unicorns grabbed Rarity. Another unicorn ran up grabbing Rarity’s horn and placed a silver-blue band over Rarity’s horn causing her to scream and thrash. “Let me go! You don’t know who you’re messing with!” Rarity screamed out feeling the effects of the ring on her horn work. It was a magic inhibitor ring, it keeps Rarity from not only using magic, but it can suck up and drain all her magic reserves and make her weak. Trixie chuckled and whistled. A mare ran over with a salute. “Torch the place.” Trixie ordered laughing. “Yes, ma’am.” The mare turned. “Torch the building.” “What?” Rarity screeched out fighting. “No, please, this is all I have left!” She begged crying. Trixie smiled as she slammed her sword back into its scabbard. “Now you’ll understand the feeling of loss, Rarity.” She turned to a stallion. He pulled out his laser pistol. She nodded with a smile. The stallion smiled back and pulled the trigger. Somewhere in another room there was a sound of a whooshing flame and the fire started. Rarity gasped seeing her workroom in the background glowing red and orange from the flames. She turned to glare at Trixie. “You might have torn us apart but I can still kill you in your sleep!” Rarity threatened darkly. Trixie chuckled. “Good luck with that,” She said smiling. She turned to her soldiers. “Put on the shackles and let’s get out of here before ponies notice.” The unicorns started tearing up the shop to make more fuel for the growing fire as they retreat out the boutique taking alleys and side streets to the docks. Trixie turned to Rarity and nodded to one of the unicorns. Rarity was confused until something hard smashed against her head and shattered. She dropped like rock to the floor covered in blood and whiskey. Trixie nodded again. “Tie her up and let’s get going, we have a time limit on this mission.” The two unicorns tied up Rarity and carried her out of the shop. Trixie looked around as the fire start consuming the main floor. Trixie turned to see picture frames and smiled as she took one frame and broke the glass and pulled out the picture that was inside to smirk. Rarity still has a picture of her squad. The legendary Squad Harmony. The squad has six mares, each wearing red uniforms, and around their necks were the Elements of Harmony Medallions. Trixie chuckled stuffing the picture inside her uniform. “One down, three to go.” Trixie left through the front door as the second floor was consumed with flames. Trixie walked down the street with a growing smile on her lips. She won yet again.