//------------------------------//
// iv. Lifesaving Advice: Take the Stairs 
// Story: The PDP Files 
// by Starburst_Penstroke 
//------------------------------//

iv. 19 June - "Lifesaving Advice: Take the Stairs"

Twilight had a pretty good idea of what she wanted to show us, but it didn't turn out as great as she wanted it to. Still, I'm proud of her for trying. 
Each year, the princesses (well, usually just Princess Celestia until this point) had a special routine set to perform to truly show a celebration of the sun. This year, however, with Luna and Twi being involved, all three had to demonstrate their special talents. Twilight was expected to shoot straight up into the air, using her magic to create a large beam of her cutie mark as the moon was lowered and the sun raised to represent, well, herself; Twilight and friendship.
Seeing how she really needed the support, we all agreed to watch her and cheer her on before we had to go back home. I'm sure we all wanted Twi to do her very best and not completely mess up and ruin the routine or something. Now that would be a bit of a disaster. 
"You've got to really flap 'em hard!" Rainbow exclaimed as she floated up beside Twilight, Twi flapping her wings a bit too hard for her to handle. It only took a few seconds for her to spin out of control, crashing into a nearby tree. Embarrassed, she sat up and tried to look away from Rainbow as she commented. "Uh, maybe not that hard."
Twilight gave her a nod and started flapping her wings again, still not able to get a steady balance. Heading straight for the ground, Twi had a rough landing as Applejack made her way over with an encouraging smile. "Lookin' good up there, Princess Twilight!"
Here we were again with Twilight's title. I already knew the words that were ready to come out of Twi's mouth in response, even though we had already been through this a few times. Even though Twi was a princess, she was still our friend, and putting her on a pedestal of royalty wasn't exactly the best thing to do. Applejack probably couldn't help it, though; she was well-mannered towards princesses, no exceptions. 
Rarity stepped forward next, adding in her two bits. "Why do you protest so? You've already given up wearing your crown all the time. The least you could do is embrace your new title."
"If other ponies want to address me that way, I suppose it's fine, but not my friends," Twilight sounded a bit discouraged as she finished. With her becoming an alicorn, we couldn't help but respect her just a bit more than we already would have. That's like being friends with Princess Celestia or Luna and never bowing down to the leaders of your land! 
"It just doesn't feel right," Twi continued, gesturing a single wing out for her next statement. "And neither does all this flying business. The Summer Sun Celebration is only two days away, and I'm never gonna be ready to perform my part."
"Not if you spend all your time down here you won't! Now get up there and show everypony the big finish!" Rainbow tried to reassure her, gesturing towards the sky as she spoke. She did have a point; if Twilight wanted to do her best, she'd just have to keep practicing.
With that, Twi went zooming up into the air, actually keeping a steady balance this time. She might just make it! The five of us remaining on the ground cheered with pride, watching as Twilight exclaimed, "Wahoo!", actually getting a hang of flying. Well, she had been doing well until coming across a row of clouds, slamming into each one before flailing, spinning all around the sky, and finally crashing straight into the hard ground once again. 
Hoping to cheer her up, I bounded over and exclaimed, "Wow, that really was a big finish!" only to get a groan in return. Embarrassed with my effort, I took a step back and outstretched a hoof to help Twi back up. "Come on, Twilight. You do want to do your part, right?"
Twilight took my hoof and steadied herself, giving me a nod in reply. I was glad to see she was still our normal Twilight, not about to give up just because of some out of control crash landings. Folding her wings behind her, she made her way back into the center of the green, gave a look back to Rainbow, and with wings outstretched once more she ascended into the air, trying to keep a steady grasp on her surroundings. 
The rest of us, now joined by Spike, sat and observed with hardly even a blink. Okay, we were blinking, but you can see what I mean. We wanted her to know we were proud of her efforts, but hopefully making it less distracting for her to concentrate would help. 
It didn't take too long for her to crash, attempt flying, and then crash again, though. It was a repeating pattern for quite a while until Rarity interrupted with a single glance towards the Canterlot Tower clock. "Twilight, I think we should go back inside now. We only have less than an hour left."
All of us exchanged a look of agreement as we trotted on back towards the castle, seldom speaking a word as we went. It was extremely disappointing to have to leave so soon, especially not knowing when we would see Twilight again after the Summer Sun Celebration. What did Princess Celestia have in mind in order to keep her around the castle, but not us? Princess training? A new quest? Was she going to permanently live in Canterlot?
No, I wasn't going to go that far. Twilight just couldn't live in Canterlot again, not with us back in Ponyville! Even just the thought of her leaving made a single tear roll down my cheek, a handkerchief instantly dabbing at it. I turned to see Rarity beside me, cornflower aura shining as she pulled the handkerchief back. 
"Is everything alright?" She whispered, concern in her voice and expression. 
"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, hoping nopony else had seen that. I did want to share my concerns, but now wasn't exactly the time. 
We hadn't exactly been heading anywhere in particular in the castle, but we came to abrupt stop right at the Remembrance Hall, the hall where all stained glass window decorations were. Of course there were plenty of other windows that didn't belong to us - some Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's - but it seemed like most there were ours, and of course we were standing in front of the newest addition; Twilight's ascension. 
"You look amazing, darling," Rarity began, attention completely grasped by the stained glass. "They've really captured your regality."
Twilight shrunk down at her comment. "I suppose."
"Oh, don't be so modest. It's everypony's dream to someday wear a crown and have their coronation ceremony preserved in stained glass for all to see." A squeal came from Rarity at the end of her sentence. Guess we all knew what one of her dreams was now. I'd have to keep a mental note of that.
Rainbow, who was flying up near the edge of the glass, rolled her eyes. "I don't know if it's everypony's dream."
At the sound of that, I couldn't help but agree. I honestly hadn't thought at all about being a princess. It just didn't seem like the kind of thing for me to do. My dreams were normally about laughter, my friends, Sugarcube Corner...and frosting. "Most of my dreams are about frosting," I murmured out in a trance, licking my lips at the thought. Boy was I hungry then. I just couldn't help it.
"We'd better get going," Fluttershy interrupted, gesturing towards the castle doors. "We don't want to miss our train."
Applejack nodded in agreement. "Fluttershy's right. I don't know about ya'll, but I've still got bushels to do to get ready. The official celebration may be here in Canterlot, but hoo-wee has the mayor put us in charge of one heck of a party back home."
For a second I thought AJ was a bit overexcited at the thought, but then again, we did have a lot to do, and while we couldn't be at this celebration, we'd still be in Ponyville, waiting as long as we'd have to for Twilight's return. I still couldn't get that frosting off my mind though. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. I guess whenever I was too upset with something, I just let myself go. Must have really worked for me to recognize it until then.
"Aw, don't look like that, Sugarcube." Applejack continued, turning towards Twilight in attempt to lighten up her mood. "You get to be right there with the other princesses when Celestia raises the sun-"
"And I'm honored, really," Twilight interrupted briskly, voice quivering a bit. "I am. It's just that the Summer Sun Celebration is what first brought us all together. It just doesn't feel right not getting to spend such a special day with my Ponyville friends."
Now it was Rarity's turn to jump in. "It doesn't to us, either, darling. If the mayor wasn't so desperate for our assistance, we'd most certainly stay here in Canterlot, and of course we do understand that your royal duties must come first."
"The Summer Sun Celebration may be what brought us together," Applejack picked up again, placing a hoof on Twi's shoulder. "But it's somethin' much bigger that will always keep us connected.
"Exhibit A," Turning towards the very first stained glass portrait of us - the defeat of Nightmare Moon - Applejack continued. "The six of us are united by the Elements of Harmony. No amount of royal duties is gonna change that."
Again with my frosting thoughts. I knew then that nothing could separate us in our hearts, but one day, just one day, everypony leaves to find their own path. I know that because I've already done it once before, leaving my parents and my sisters - my closest friends - behind to pursue my path of a party pony. If I could leave my own family behind, my friends and I would one day not see each other for a while, and that was what I feared more than anything.
"Right, everypony?" Applejack had asked, everypony nodding in agreement. Well, everypony except me.
Again. "Right, Pinkie Pie?"
"Creamy, creamy frosting..." I drooled out, Fluttershy instantly rushing over to me this time with another handkerchief. Turning back to Applejack she said, "You should take that as a yes."
Well said, Fluttershy. Well said.



After making our way back through all the crazy hallways again, plus Canterlot, the seven of us all stood at the train station once more. I had felt complete standing here the last time, but now a part of me felt a bit empty, and I wasn't about to let Twilight feel like that either. Instantly, I had an idea.
"We're gonna write you and give you so many details it'll be like you're in Ponyville with us!" I promised, grinning at Twi. "Right girls?" I couldn't help but giggle at what happened next. 
"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" 
"And you will be with us right after the celebration. We already have an appointment on the books to discuss the royal upgrades to your loft decor," Rarity added in, just as the train whistle sounded out again, warning us that it was almost time. 
After watching all of my friends give Twi a group hug, I sprung at her and wrapped my hooves around her, holding her tight before releasing her and bouncing off to join the girls. The train was off, us seeming to get farther away too fast. The five of us on the train gave Twilight a reassuring wave, with me still listening to Twi. Swiftly, I tore a page out of my journal, scribbled a note down, and gave it to the mailpony on the train. While I wouldn't be able to tell her directly, I didn't want her to feel lonely. Besides, I knew the way to get around.
Dear Twilight,
You aren't missing anything!
Your friend, Pinkie Pie
"That's me!" I screeched out as he read the letter, flailing my arms back with a ridiculous grin, firing my party cannon afterwards. I couldn't understand why I did it, though. Maybe my laughter was getting the best of me. Either that, or I was hiding something. But what?


The train ride was still a bit dreary this time. Of course I actually had my friends with me, but Twi was missing, and I felt determined to keep her updated. Tearing out yet another sheet of journal paper, I scribbled down notes about the train ride and how we were about a smidgimeter away from Ponyville. I also stuffed some of my automatic confetti inside, just so I could get a smile out of her, even if I couldn't see it. Sure, she could be busy, but I'm sure Princess Celestia wouldn't be that cruel towards her to not let her open a letter from us.
I was right; we were only a smidgimeter away. Gazing up at the deep night sky, the remaining five of us stepped off the train, attention back towards our homes. It was getting pretty late now, and we had too important of a day tomorrow. 
"I guess we'll all see each other again in the morning," Fluttershy spoke, giving us each a nod.
Rarity nodded in return, trotting off towards Carousel Boutique. "Take care, girls!"
Waving to my remaining friends, I bounded on down towards Sugarcube Corner, surprised to see all of the lights turned off this early. While it was getting late, normally at least Mrs. Cake was up cleaning or finishing up a certain meal. Shrugging to myself, I turned the stairwell light on and trotted up with a yawn, collapsing onto my bed with thoughts of frosting anew before drifting off to sleep. 

"PINKIE PIE!"
Bolting upright in my bed, I had at first thought I was still in some sort of crazy dream. Sure, I was often crazy, but this was a bit out of hoof. Surrounding me were dozens of pitch black roots, complete with icy blue thorns, poking out and coiling all around my room. They were poking out of the floorboards, the ceiling, the walls; everywhere! One had caught me by my hindlegs, dragging me across the bed now and dangling me upside. My vision blurred as the world continued to turn around me, a shout coming again before I fell straight on my head.
"Mrs...Cake...?" I managed, tapping my head gently as I flopped over. 
"Pinkamena Pie, if this is some prank of yours, I'm not taking it lightly!" Mrs. Cake hollered, followed by a shriek of horror. It was then I actually straightened up and made my way downstairs to find her trapped in an ever coiling trio of roots, other roots that were poking in tossing out of all the desserts, multiplying them into more and more roots. 
"It isn't me, Pinkie promise!" I exclaimed, dashing over to try and help her out, but the roots had too strong of a grip on her. Still I tried, pulling with all of my strength, but nothing would work. "How could I even do this?"
"I don't know; you're you!" Mrs. Cake screeched, eyes squinting shut as she spoke.
Blinking, I took a step back and placed my hoof on Mrs. Cake's forehead. "I'll go ask my friends if they know what's going on. I'll be right back. Don't move!"
"I wasn't planning on it," I heard her mutter as I squeezed through the roots blocking the doorway, bounding out towards the Town Hall to see if my friends had been thinking the same and gathered there.
Sure enough, Rainbow Dash was attempting to fend off the ominous clouds in the sky while Rarity feebly kicked a root away. "Something very strange is going on and-" she gasped at the sight of an ever larger root poking out of the ground, skidding backwards a bit before sheltering under the Town Hall roof. "I, for one, would appreciate an explanation."
"All I know is the sky is split in two, and these clouds moving in sure aren't from around here," Rainbow replied.
"Neither are all these crazy plants!" Applejack joined in, tugging at the roots as they continuously multiplied. "They're comin' from the Everfree Forest, and try as we might, us earth ponies can't do anything to get rid of them."
While we couldn't do anything to get rid of them, and they were a huge nuisance, they still supplied some entertainment. They made great slides, but that's besides the point.
Turning to Rarity, AJ continued on. "Don't suppose you know any magic that might stop 'em from spreading?"
"Alas, this whole raging forest situation has seem to have left my horn on the fritz!"
Finally arrived Fluttershy, seeming pretty nervous based on her expression. "We have to figure out something! I don't know how much more of this Ponyville can take!" As she finished, one of the roots reached up and took her by the foreleg, causing her to screech and Rainbow to instantly spring into action, slicing the root in half.
"I don't know how much more I can take!" Fluttershy whimpered, flapping her wings in sync with Rainbow's as we all faced AJ again.
"The forest is expandin', y'all, and judgin' by how fast it's moving, it doesn't seem content just takin' over Ponyville... I reckon before long, it'll cover half of Equestria!"
In a weak attempt, I started bouncing down on top of one of the roots, hoping to shove it back into the ground where it came from. As AJ finished, we all froze at the thought of Equestria, completely covered and taken over by these awful roots and clouds. I just hoped Twilight and the princesses were coming up with a solution. Without them, we were doomed.
"Well, girls, we need to think of something!" I exclaimed, kicking back at some more of the roots. "No matter how hard we try, they just keep bringing us down, and with the Summer Sun Celebration tomorrow...."
Rarity stared down at her hooves. "Oh, if only Twilight were here with us. She'd know what to do."
"That's it!" Applejack exclaimed, smile returning to her face. "Maybe Twi has some books in her library about these crazy plants."
My friends and I all nodded in agreement, setting off towards Twilight's library. If anypony had solutions, it was Twilight; physically here with us or not.
We had only searched for a short while before, of course, Twilight came crashing in, the faintest hint of her aura surrounding her as she landed straight in the pile of books we had been about to search through.
"Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity exclaimed.
"Oh, I hope you know we wouldn't normally go through your books without permission," Fluttershy instantly apologized, just as the door came crashing open. She flinched, fluttering away to see it was only Spike, kissing at the ground and muttering to himself.
Twilight rolled her eyes. "Okay, I get it! I need to work on my flying!"
Bouncing up beside Rarity, I turned to Twi and put in my two bits. "I don't know if you've noticed, but the Everfree Forest is just a teeny-tiny bit out of control." As I finished, I caught a tail twitch out of nowhere. It had been such a long time since I'd actually had one, I could've forgotten had it not been, well, a part of me. Incoming was another one of the larger roots, shoving Rarity straight out of the way and into the bookcase.
Applejack, who was already standing at the window, let out an uneasy chuckle. "Guess it turned out you were missin' something here in Ponyville after all."
"But perhaps you already know what's causing all this calamity. Has Princess Celestia sent you to dispel it posthaste?" Rarity asked, seemingly willing to tell herself that Twilight did know when we could all tell that she really didn't.
"Not exactly," Twi began, shrugging a single hoof. "You see...Princess Celestia is...well, she and Princess Luna are both..."
"They're missing!" Spike interrupted, leaping straight into the air in shock, covering his mouth after the exclamation.
"I don't know who has taken them," Twilight continued on. "but I've got a hunch we're going to need the Elements of Harmony to get them back." She had a slight smirk on her face as she released the glass top casing the Elements, placing them carefully around each of our necks. 
Rainbow grinned, pumping her hoof in the air. "Oh yeah! Just like old times."
When she placed mine on, I gave her a grin - and a hoofbump, too. "A booyah!" I giggled.
"I told you we'd always be connected by the Elements," Applejack reassured Twi yet again. "Now we just gotta figure out who to aim these bad boys at so we can get Celestia and Luna back and keep the rest of Equestria from becoming plant food. Any ideas?"
While AJ and Twi had been trying to figure it out their own way, I had a coloring book laid out at my hooves in hopes of maybe the drawings telling me what to do. Sure, coloring books were just an idea of fun for foals, but actually seeing something for yourself could maybe spark a memory. For one, who could've possibly done this, and two, could I have seen something that could help us out here? Maybe it could be hidden in this particular book. Nopony really thought to look in coloring books, so why not try there? Something you'd least expect.
"Half day, half night. Strange weather patterns. Out of control plants..." Twilight rolled off, staring out the window before coming to a solution. "I think I'm starting to get a pretty good idea of who we're up against."
Directing us outside once more, Twi gave us each a nod towards our Elements, and then we understood. If we had seen anything like this before, it had definitely been because of Discord. I wouldn't be afraid to put him back in stone if he did anything to our princesses, lying and saying he was 'reformed'. 
Twi's aura set off a magenta beam of light all around, the six of us ascending into the air, our Elements connected once again by a rainbow of friendship, or power. I never understood what the rainbow meant other than that whenever we seemed to defeat a villain, a rainbow was always there. After connecting between the necklaces, the rainbow twirled around Twi and onto her crown, releasing Discord in the middle of us, singing to himself our "Winter Wrap Up" song.
"Ooh!" Discord exclaimed upon realizing we had summoned him, wrapping a towel around him and with a simple click of his fingers, the bathtub behind him vanished.  "Now Twilight, you know Princess Celestia said that you were to give me a heads up before you summon me with that little spell she gave you. In case you haven't noticed, I was in the middle of a particularly invigorating shower."
Twilight let out an agitated growl, shoving Discord away from her, attempting to corner him. "Enough! Release Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and stop the Everfree Forest from invading!"
That, of course, gave Discord an opportunity. One of the roots coiled around Twi, turning into Discord almost instantly as he smirked. "Why, whatever are you talking about?"
AJ narrowed her eyes. "Don't you play dumb with us, Discord. We know you're the one behind all of this!"
"Don't get me wrong," Discord began, teleporting back a distance and pulling out a camera, snapping a few pictures. "I absolutely love what you've done with the place, but I can't possibly take responsibility." Turning to Fluttershy, he continued. "I'm reformed, don't you remember?"
"Yeah right!" Rainbow challenged, flying up in his face as he inched back a bit. "This has got your cloven hoofprints all over it!"
Discord narrowed his eyes, a cloven hoof - no wait, his cloven hoof - trotting up to his face before giving a good kick to Rainbow's backside. "I'll have you know I only have one cloven hoof. Such accusations. And here I thought we were friends." At the end he gave us a begging glance, allowing me to growl. I wasn't going to buy it. Possibly taking our princesses, endangering all of Equestria, and now kicking one of my friends?
"Drop the act, buster! We're on to you," I narrowed my eyes, pointing a hoof out towards him. No way was I - and I'm sure my friends weren't, either - going to let him off the hook that easily.
Sticking a finger to my mouth, Discord still continued on. "Ladies, ladies, I'm innocent! Would I lie to you?"
Narrowing our eyes, we all shouted in unison, "YES!" Well, except for Fluttershy, of course. She was the only one who I guess would give him a chance. Sometimes I wish I could be a bit more like Fluttershy. She was just so understanding. Maybe Discord wasn't the one behind it. But what if he was? There was still a possibility he was lying.
"Well then, it seems we've reached an impasse. I'm telling the truth, but you think I'm lying. What do friends like us do in a situation like this, Princess Twilight?" Discord stood straight in front of Twi, tapping at her crown as he spoke her name before putting his shoulder around her. "Congrats, by the way, on the promotion. You totally deserve it."
"I say we blast him back to stone!" Rainbow exclaimed.
Applejack nodded in agreement. "Works for me."
"Hear, hear!" Rarity agreed, the three ascending once again, their Elements ready to blast. 
Holding up a hoof, Fluttershy called them off. "Hey! We can't do that! What if he really is telling the truth?"
"Well finally! Somepony willing to give me the benefit of the doubt. The rest of you could learn a lot about friendship from my dear friend Shutterfly here." Instead of grabbing Fluttershy though, he took hold of Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy instantly flying up next to him.
"It's Fluttershy," She corrected meekly.
"Oh, right, whatever," Discord put his arm around her instead then, tossing Rainbow out of the way.
Taking a step forward again, Twilight stood her ground. "If you're not the one responsible, then help us figure out who is."
"I suppose I could, but after all the hoof pointing and besmirching of my good name, I just don't know if I'm up to it." Discord replied, taking hold of some needles and the roots, seeming to be knitting something. Did this really look like a good time to knit for him? Equestria was in chaos, and he was the only one who could help us! After all, he had known the princesses back a thousand years ago. He had to know something.
"Why don't you ask your zebra friend if she knows anything?" Discord asked after a while, with me realizing he wasn't knitting anything like a sweater, it was an arrow pointing straight to Zecora, feebly pulling loads of her belongings in. That's right; with the Everfree Forest being invaded, Zecora's home was sure enough invaded too, leaving her with nowhere to stay. I would've hated to be her right there, chased out of her own home by a bunch of magical, crazy roots.
The six of us dashed over to Zecora, helping her out with her things as she exclaimed, "From my home, I have had to flee! The forest has grown too wild, even for me!"
"Any idea why all of this is happenin'?" AJ questioned.
"I'm afraid it is a mystery to me as well, but I may have something that, if combined with a spell..." Zecora began, pulling out a golden frame bottle, violet colored liquid simmering around inside. "I do not dare to use it myself, the results would be tragic. It only responds to alicorn magic. Princess Twilight, you can turn the potion from purple to white. After a sip, you may see why the sky is day and night."
Taking a glance to both her horn and her wings, Twilight gave a nod and began her work. Strands of black began to curl off her aura, soon followed by green and purple. It didn't look like any magic I had seen before; it looked a bit dark for a princess to use.
After straining for a bit, the potion had turned from purple to white, just as Zecora said. Twilight hesitated for a moment, beginning to say something for us before her eyes completely flashed to white.
Twilight was silent for a while before muttering out, "Where am I?"
"Twi, are you okay?" Rainbow asked, stepping forward to see what was going on. Zecora had pulled her back, hushing her.
"Princess Luna! I don't understand. Where are we? Why did you and Celestia disappear?"
I blinked. Twi actually was getting answers, and from Luna herself! I could only imagine where they might be...imprisoned, locked away, endangered...
Again, silence, but not for long. "Precious light?" Twilight questioned, causing each of us to turn to one another. Maybe it was a hint to help us out that she was trying to tell us. We wouldn't know until the vision faded, but still, I wanted to know right then and there how we could fix this.
After a while, Twi had now stepped back a bit and had an expression that clearly read that she was afraid. I was worried as to what she was seeing. There were so many options as to where she could be, what the princesses that could be going through, that I wouldn't blame her if she frightened. 
"Luna! Think of how long you were banished to the moon! You'll give us no choice but to send you back there if you don't stop!"
The five of us ponies exchanged worried glances. Had Luna really chosen now to turn back into Nightmare Moon? Why choose at all? Oh, how I wanted to be able to take a sip of that potion to see!
Twi's wings had began to flutter just lightly, as if she was flying off in her vision. But what if it wasn't a vision? What if Nightmare Moon was chasing after her again, and she had no one to help her? Maybe Nightmare Moon was who took the princesses, forcing Luna to turn back into her!
Still we sat there in silence, wondering when the vision would be over. It wasn't about to stop there, however. Twilight had screamed out Celestia's name, wings fluttering, as tears streamed down her face. Her body lowered a bit as if she was lying down to mourn, which worried me even more. Without Celestia, Equestria was nothing. Twilight would have to be the single princess - well, with Cadance - but what if Nightmare Moon targeted Cadance, too? Oh, it was just so frustrating then that I wanted to weep with her. I think we all did, minus Discord, of course, who was too busy snapping pictures.
I was hoping we could get some more insight on the situation, but whatever else Twi said came out as simple murmurs and mumbles that we couldn't make out. After that, her eyes finally returned to normal as she shook her head, watching in confusion as we stared at her.
"Why are you all looking at me like that?"
Applejack cringed. "It's just...you were mumblin' to yourself."
"Don't forget the uncontrollable sobbing," I added in, giving a worried glance to Twi.
"Oh, we were really worried about you," Fluttershy finished.
Discord gave a slight smirk as he made his way over to Twi. "I, for one, found it delightful. Sort of a one-pony theater piece, if you will. You should really consider taking it on the road," He stated, holding up an animated poster of Twilight hysterically crying. I was all for laughs, but now wasn't the time. Twi had just seen the past - hopefully - and maybe had something to tell us. Discord was just getting in the way, as usual.
"Did you find out whose rump we need to kick and where we can find them?" Rainbow questioned, kicking her legs out in a fighting stance.
Twilight stared at us with a slightly worried gaze. "I saw something from a long time ago. But it didn't explain what's happening now."
"Perhaps farther back still are the answers you seek," Zecora nudged the potion bottle next to Twilight once more. "Another sip of the potion will give you a peek."
From beside Twi, Spike gave a worried glance towards the potion before turning back to his lifelong friend. "Are you sure about this?"
Twi gave a feeble nod, gulping and taking another sip of the potion, leaving us all to watch us her eyes whitened out again.
Discord, being his usual self, put on a beret and crazy artist outfit, holding onto his camera. "Oh, I do hope she breaks into a song this time!"
Twilight was actually silent this time, me assuming it was because she knew how this could be handled and that she was only in a vision. It took a few minutes for her eyes to regain their pupils and for us to get a final answer.
"I still don't know what's happened to Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, but I think I know why the Everfree Forest is acting this way," she began, turning to each of us. "Something's happened to the Tree of Harmony."
Rainbow blinked. "The tree of what now?"
"It's where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna found the Elements," Twilight replied. "I think it's in danger."
"Well, all right then! Let's go save a... tree," AJ started, tone lowering down on the enthusiasm once she realized we were going to save a tree. Sure, it was just a tree, but it was important to Equestria, and I knew that we wouldn't stop at anything to save it.
"Where is it, exactly?"
Twilight gulped, gesturing towards the Everfree. "I think it's in...there."
Each of us turning to one another, we said our goodbyes to Discord and Zecora for the time being, setting out towards the Everfree Forest once again. Funny how we stood here just last Summer Sun Celebration, and here we were again, going in again together as even better friends.
"Seems like only yesterday we were heading into these woods to find the Elements of Harmony," Rarity mused.
Twilight gave a nod in agreement. "Seems like only yesterday I was foolish enough to think I should go after them on my own. I don't know what we're going to face in there, but whatever it is, I know we need to face it together."
That got a nod out of all of us. Nopony should go into the Everfree Forest alone, especially at a dire time such as this. Besides, we all had matured since then, and still ready as ever to face danger together.
Up ahead was a section of stones, easily ready to cross, had we not known what they were too late. I don't know how Twi didn't notice, but up ahead was a Cragadile, stealthy and ready to attack. I was about to warn her about it, but it was a bit too late for Twilight. 
"A cragadile!" Rarity screeched, eyes widening in fear. "Run for your lives!"
At that moment we all dashed off, Twilight just a bit behind as she struggled to adjust her wings, slamming into a nearby tree. With Rainbow helping her up, we all took hold of nearby roots, using them to tie up the creature securely.
"That was close," Twilight murmured.
"A little too close, if you ask me," AJ sighed. "Are you sure you're all right?"
Twi nodded. "I'm fine. I just can't seem to get these new wings to do what I want them to do when I want them to do it."
Flapping her wings and circling around Twi, Rainbow told her, "Aw, you'll figure it out eventually."
With a sigh, Twilight replied yet again. "'Eventually' isn't soon enough."
After her reply, it was silent for a short while before AJ brought up something I wouldn't exactly expect her to say at that time. The day of the Summer Sun Celebration was special for us, a day we had spent together and got to meet one another and bond. We had insisted that we follow Twilight, and now we were sending her off on her own?
"You have been having an awful lot of trouble with those things. And, well, who knows what else is gonna to come after us?" Applejack began, a wary tone to her as she turned to us, but still seeming sure of herself. "You know, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea for Twilight to go back to Ponyville and let us look for the Tree of Harmony without her."
Twilight's eyes widened in disbelief as she let out a small squeak. "What? Why?"
"For starters," AJ pointed out, gesturing towards the lake. "You almost got eaten by a cragadilly."
"We all did. He wasn't just after me."	
"Sure, but...well, the rest of us aren't princesses."
There was no mistaking Twi was extremely hurt then. Earlier we had told her that her title wouldn't separate us, but here we were sending her away because of it. Sure, I wanted Twilight to be safe as much as any of us, but weren't we all equals, princess or not?
"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are gone. If something happened to you, I-I just don't think Equestria can risk losing another princess," AJ ended her argument there, turning away as she spoke.
Rarity let out a small breath before picking up. "Applejack does make a valid point. Even if we manage to save the Tree of Harmony, it won't necessarily mean Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will return. Equestria will need somepony to lead in their absence."
"But the Tree of Harmony! I'm the only one who has seen it and knows what it looks like," Twilight pointed out, turning to Rainbow, Fluttershy, and myself in hopes of persuading us.
Rainbow, of course, replied first. "Huge tree, cutie marks on the trunk, probably being attacked by something hideously awful? Yeah, I'm pretty sure we'll know it when we see it."
Turning away from us, Twilight sighed. "All of you feel this way? Feel like I shouldn't be here?"
The five of us exchanged feeble nods before Fluttershy spoke, "It is probably for the best."
With that, Twi picked Spike back up and placed him on her back, trudging in the direction we came from while the remaining five of us trotted off the opposite way.

We were silent most of the way there, not really bothering to comment or argue against one another. It was bad enough we were missing Twilight; she was the pony that kept us all together, and without her, it wouldn't be easy. Sure, it had been for the best, but at the same time, what if it hadn't? What if we had just endangered her more? The cragadile was still out there with a chance of getting loose, so it's not as if we could know for sure. 
It didn't take long for us to reach a sort of cliff, roots twirling on down the entire area, snapping at one another with plants surrounding them and snapping back. There, in the corner, I noticed just the faintest aqua light and knew then we had to get down there.
All I heard was mumbling and what sounded a bit like hoof-pointing behind me as I noticed a secluded stairwell. This was my chance to show I could be useful for once. Tumbling on down, I heard Rarity ask, "How are we supposed to get to it?"
Grinning, I looked up at my four remaining friends. "Take the stairs, silly!"
"Pinkie, you're a lifesaver," Applejack gave me a slight smile as she trotted on down, followed by the others. Shaking myself wildly, I stood up and approached the roots carefully, attempting to look for how to get through.
"Okay, fine; we got down here, but how do we get there?" Rainbow pressed, crossing her hooves.
AJ stood to face her. "I'll tie these crazy roots up the best I can and see if I can't make an opening. Can you help?"
Rainbow gave her a nod and the two charged off, AJ biting off a chunk of a root and squishing it into a lasso, twirling it around the plants as she took hold of them, dragging them backwards in effort to break them apart. "Pinkie!" She grunted, teeth clenched as she continued to pull.
Giving her a mock salute, I bounded over and and began pouncing on top of the roots, hoping to smash them into smaller bits and pieces to pass. It took a bit of effort, but there was finally a clear enough path, the five of us turning down to follow the mysterious light to come across none other than the Tree of Harmony.
It was beautiful enough as it was, even with plants coiled around it, filthy sap trickling down. On the trunk, sure enough, were all of our cutie marks, Twilight's smack dab in the center of the tree. If only it had some life put into it.
"I think it's dying!" Fluttershy gasped, staring in awe at the tree.
"So let's save it already!" AJ exclaimed, grabbing her plant lasso and attempting to pull the roots away. After several tries, nothing would work at all, leaving her to step back.
Rainbow gave a slight chuckle. "Nice try," she teased, ascending and zooming straight at the tree, only to be knocked backwards and land pretty roughly. 
"Valiant effort on both your parts, but the tree remains in jeopardy," Rarity commented as she approached the two.
"And I suppose you've got a better idea?" Applejack raised an eyebrow. With no reply, she commented again. "That's what I thought."
Fluttershy sighed, staring at her hooves. "I know who would know what to do, but we sent her home."
The five of us all had a moment of regret, staring away or at our hooves, hoping Twilight was okay wherever she was, and maybe, just maybe, she was on her way to help us. 
"It was your idea, Applejack!" Rainbow snapped after a while, flying unexpectedly at AJ's face.
AJ grunted. "We all agreed it was the best thing, Rainbow Dash! We were tryin' to protect her."
There was a bit more arguing between the two before tumbling down the stairs came Spike, almost out of breath by the looks of it. 
"Twilight!" He exclaimed first, taking a short breath afterwards. "Trouble! Help!"
Exchanging worried glances, we turned to Spike, helping him up as he led us out back into the Everfree Forest, ready to fight whoever dared to hurt Twilight. I was thinking maybe it was the cragadile, but it wasn't; it was the plants! Narrowing our eyes, the five of us darted towards them, ready to take them down once and for all.
"Listen here, you rabid rhododendrons! You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!" Applejack exclaimed, taking one plant with her lasso. 
In agreement, I blew my portable party horn and bounced around, leading one plant straight past another that Rainbow had been leading. Successfully they had been tied together and I gave her a wink as I began to lead another one around a group of trees. "Yoo-hoo! Come and get me!"
After tying that plant up, I blew the party horn again with confetti blowing out in celebration when I realized Twilight was conscious again, magenta aura glowing. Her expression was weak, but I could see where she was aiming at. Instantly I dodged out of the way as she fired a beam at one last plant, breathing steadily again.
"I sure am glad you came looking for us," Applejack told Twi, helping her up.
"Not as glad as I am that you found me."
Rarity looked directly at Twi, picking up with what we were probably all thinking. I knew I was thinking it. "The truth of it, Twilight, we're simply lost without you."
Rainbow nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Equestria may need its princess..."
"...but we need our friend," Fluttershy finished, resulting in us all gathering together for a great big group hug. It felt good to all be together again with no fights. I just hoped Twi knew how to fix the Tree of Harmony now. It looked like we didn't have much time left.
Swiftly we made our way back to the Tree of Harmony, Twilight flying up and attempting to fire magic beams at the roots. One of them took her by the foreleg, twirling her around and dropping her straight on her head in front of us. Shaking it and sitting back up, Twi froze for a single moment before turning to us. 
"I know how we can save the tree," she began, getting us all excited then before her next comment. "We have to give it the Elements of Harmony."	
Rainbow rushed over to her, blinking impatiently. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. How are we supposed to protect Equestria?"
"How are we meant to rein Discord in if we can't use the Elements to turn him back to stone?" Rarity questioned afterwards.
Applejack sighed. "Twilight... The Elements of Harmony... They're what keep us connected no matter what."
"You're right about one thing, Applejack," Twilight started, giving us each a meaningful glance. "The Elements of Harmony did bring us together, but it isn't the Elements that will keep us connected. It's our friendship, and it's more important and more powerful than any magic. My new role in Equestria may mean I have to take on new responsibilities, and our friendships may be tested, but it will never, ever be broken. There's no time to lose. Everypony ready?"
Each of us giving her a nod in return, Twilight's eyes squinted shut and her aura glowed, pulling each of our Elements out of their necklaces and coiling them around her. She ascended into the air, unsteady for just a moment before one of the giant roots took hold of her, attempting to block her horn from moving the Elements. With a grunt, she concentrated even more and managed to break free, each Element being placed and locked into its correct spot. A flash of white light bounced off the tree, each Element flashing as the light twirled down the tree, lighting up two markings I hadn't noticed on the tree before; the sun and moon. Two clumps of roots had been beside the tree, but now, on either side, appeared Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. 
"We know how difficult it must have been for you to give up the Elements. It took great courage to relinquish them," Celestia turned to each of us with a kind smile before hugging both Twilight and Luna. As they hugged, a single, bright green root appeared of the ground. The three princesses padded over - Twilight first - leaving me unable to see what they were looking at.
"Six locks, six keys."
At that moment, I knew there was only one item that could be sitting there right then, and when I had gotten to see it, I had been right. It was the silvery blue box, grown straight out of the tree, glowing off directly at me.