//------------------------------// // Episode One: Nightmare Part 2 // Story: Discovering Friendship // by Saro0fdemonz //------------------------------// "Stop her!" the Mayor cried out, several guards drawing their swords, their wings flowing to life as they kicked off the ground to chase after Nightmare. She scoffed and threw out her arm, smacking them away in a single flare of her magical power. "Oh please. Is that all you can do? Very well then. Enjoy the night my children! I certainly shall!" she cackled, vanishing in a flash of magic. Twilight gritted her teeth, running out of the hall as quickly as she could. "Come on Spike!" she called out, her assistant gulping and chasing after her. Together the two ran back to the Library, digging through shelf after shelf of books. "So uh...what are we looking for? Some hidden lever that leads to an ancient dungeon full of weapons to beat Nightmare?" Spike asked. "Well no. But if you find that let me know." Twilight mumbled as she scanned through book after book. "We're looking for information on the Elements of Harmony." Twilight told him "And just what ARE these Elements of Harmony huh? And how'd you know who that crazy chick was, are you some kinda Magian Spy?! Huh?!" Rainbow Dash demanded, hovering and glaring at Twilight. She gasped as Applejack tugged on her leg, pulling her back down to the ground. "Calm down Sugarcube. She ain't no Spy. But ya'll do know whats goin on here, don'tcha Twilight?" Applejack asked softly. Twilight sighed softly. "Yes. I do. The woman we saw is Nightmare Moon, an ancient enemy of Princess Celestia, my Magic Mentor and Friend." Twilight explained. Rarity nearly fainted, though with Applejack shoving an elbow in her side she quickly cut the theatrics. "The only way to end this Eternal Night is with something called The Elements of Harmony. But I have no idea what they are or where they could be!" Twilight finished. "Elements of Harmony: A reference guide." Pinkie Pie said, staring at the mentioned book. Twilight gasped, shoving her aside and grabbing the book. "How did you find it?!" "It was under EEEEE!" Pinkie sang with a giggle and a snort. Twilight opened the book and began to read. "The Elements of Harmony. A sacred weapon used by the Royal Sisters to protect Terra from its greatest enemies. Their last known Location was within the Sisters Ancient Castle in...The Everfree Forest..." Twilight stared at the entrance to the Everfree Forest, Spike by her side, along with five girls who decided to tag along, despite Twilights protests. "Welp, them Elements ain't gonna find themselves, we best get a move on if'n we hope t' find em. Ah ain't real big on spendin' th' rest o' my life in Eternal Darkness. Ah got a farm t' take care of ya know." Applejack said, breaking the silence. "Wait! Listen. I really appreciate all you've done but you don't have to go in there. This is my mission, its dangerous." Twilight tried to argue. "Pffft, like we'd let you just go it alone. Magian or not, your our friend and we aren't gonna leave you hangin' Twi." Rainbow said with a grin. "Rainbow Dash is right dear. Friends stick together after all. If you are going in, then so are we." Rarity added. "Besides, it could be fun!" Pinkie giggled. Applejack shook her head. "Listen Twi', this ain't jus' 'bout yer mission. This is 'bout all o' us. We all live here, we all work here and we all want t' help ya. Whether ya like it or not, we're comin' with." Applejack finished. Twilight sighed softly. "Alright then. I suppose I can't convince you to stay huh Spike?" Twilight asked. "Oh, no way Twilight. Celestia trusted me to be your assistant. If you're going somewhere then so am I!" Spike declared. "Besides, I'm the only one here that can see in the dark." Spike pointed out. Twilight opened her mouth to argue that she could simply conjure a light, but that wouldn't stop him. She nodded, tugging on the straps of her bag and biting her lip. A quick glance over her shoulder proved that they were still there, waiting for her to make the first move. With a sigh she stepped into the forest, followed by her friends. Meanwhile from the shadows, a figure watched with keen interest at the seven entering the chaos filled forest. "Hmmm, well this WILL be interesting, won't it?" he chuckled to himself. "This place is beyond creepy." Twilight mumbled. "Well it is a chaos Twisted hole of death. No one whos ever gone in, has ever-come-back!" Rainbow laughed, trying to spook everyone. Though as she did the cliff they walked past collapsed. Rainbow and Fluttershy were quick to react, catching themselves in mid-air, though their friends started to slip down the cliff face. "Shy, move!" Rainbow called, speeding towards her friends and quickly grabbing hold of Pinkie. Fluttershy panicked under her breath as she snatched up Rarity. Meanwhile Twilight continued to tumble and scream. "TWILIGHT!" Spike screamed, rolling onto his feet and sliding down the cliff-face towards her. On his left was Applejack, whooping and laughing as she slid down, avoiding the falling rocks. Together the two leapt for Twilight. Applejack catching her hand and Spike catching hold of Applejacks' leg, digging his feet into the rock under them to keep them held there. "Hold on Twilight! I'll try to pull you guys up!" Spike called out. "Spike don't! If you Change there's no telling what will happen! You could cause the rest of the cliff to collapse!" Twilight yelled. Spike grumbled under his breath. Applejack grit her teeth, struggling to keep a grip on Twilight. "Whoo! Ya'll sure are heavy fer a city girl." Applejack joked. "I told her to lay off the midnight snacks." Spike chortled. "Hey! hanging on the edge of my death here! I'd appreciate you guys putting a hold on the jokes!" Twilight yelled at them. Applejack looked up and blinked. "Twi', let go." Applejack told her "WHAT! Are you crazy?!" the Magian screamed up at her "Listen t' me Twilight! Ah promise ya that what ah'm sayin' is th' honest t' goodness truth. Let go an you'll be fine." Applejack promised. Twilight bit her lip, screaming as she let go. Though her fall was short lived as Rainbow and Fluttershy snatched her out of the air. "Heh, good thing we were around huh Twilight?" Rainbow grinned. Twilight smiled a little, watching as Spike let go of Applejack, the farmer grabbing hold of the edge of the cliff and flipping over it, hopping from rock to rock down towards the bottom. Spike hooked his now clawed hand into the side of the cliff and slid down after her, both touching down on the ground safely and sharing a high five. "So ya'll are one o' them Beast things huh? Ah was wonderin' how ya'll could keep a hold o' me." Applejack asked. "Yea, all of those apples sure put on the pounds huh AJ?" Rainbow joked, ducking under the farm-girls boot and leaping backwards to avoid a quickly thrown knee. "What was that RD? I can't quite hear ya over th' sound o' how short ya are." Applejack chuckled. The Skyborn grinned and rolled her shoulders "Oh you wanna play? Lets play!" Rainbow roared, her wings giving a twitch and launching her forward, Applejack blocking the Skyborns' kick with a kick of her own. Twilight watched in shock as Rainbow matched the Gaian blow for blow. Though a quick tap on the arm from Spike reminded her of why they were here in the first place. She sighed, reaching out with her magic and stopping them both in mid-air. "HEY! That's enough fighting you two! We've got a relic to find remember?" she asked them. "Oh...right. Sorry Twilight." Rainbow mumbled. Applejack tilted her hat down over her eyes. "Sorry, kinda got carried away there." Applejack said softly. "Its alright, but we need to get moving. I think the chaos here might be getting to us..." Twilight shuddered at the thought. Together they continued their trek into the darkness of the Everfree, until a roar filled their ears. "What the heck is that?!" Rainbow screamed over the sound, covering her sensitive ears. "Its...a Manticore!" Twilight yelled, throwing out her arms, her magic forming a barrier around herself and her friends. The enraged Manticore slammed headfirst into the barrier, causing Twilight to wince and pour more magic into her spell, her eyes glowing dimly. "Landsakes girl, that's some crazy strength ya'll got there. Alright Twilight, on th' next run, drop th' barrier." Applejack said "What?! That's a full grown Manticore!" Twilight argued, feeding the barrier a bit more power. "And Ah'm a full grown Gaian in-case ya'll are forgettin''" Applejack pointed out, the runes upon her body glowing brightly as well as her eyes. Twilight gulped, dropping her barrier and leaping aside. Applejack roared slamming her fist into the Manticores' face as it charged her, causing it to stumble backwards. She shook her hand and quickly shifted her stance. "Phew! That's one heck of a hard head." She mumbled, reaching for her belt where her lasso sat. "Why don't we see jus' how tough ya really are!" Applejack laughed, leaping over the manticore as it charged again. Hooking her rope around its head and planting her feet firmly on its back. Whooping and laughing as it tried to buck her off. "WHOO-HOO! GET ALONG LIL MONSTER!" she cheered, gasping as it tripped her with its scorpion tail and bucked, sending her flying. "Yer turn RD!" she called as she rolled in the air. "Wait..." Fluttershy said softly. Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth as she spun and flipped in the air, her wings catching her as she slammed her feet into the back of the Manticores' head, rolling around its tail and grinning to herself as she flew around it. She flew faster and faster, forming a tornado around the beast. The manticore roared and smashed its tail across Rainbows side, sending her skidding across the ground. "Ugh...cleanup, Aisle three." she groaned. Twilight helped her back to her feet, still channeling her magic. "Lets try all together, there's got to be a way of slowing it down." Twilight said. Rarity nodded, calling to her magic. Pinkie giggled as her runes began to glow in swirls and zig-zags across her skin. Spike stood beside Twilight, flames surrounding his entire body as he exhaled slowly. "CHAAAAAAARGE!" Pinkie yelled. Fluttershy slid between them and the Manticore, throwing her arms out. "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIT!" she screamed, everyone stopping in their tracks. She turned towards the Manticore with a small smile, walking towards it slowly. The Manticore blinked as she placed a hand on its cheek, purring and pushing into her hand. "Aww, there there. You poor little thing. Here." Fluttershy said softly as the Manticore presented its paw to her. She smiled and tugged on the thorn lodged in its paw, the Manticore letting out a pained roar and tackling Fluttershy to the ground. "FLUTTERSHY!' her friends screamed, though their fears quickly melted away as they watched the Manticore happily lick the Skyborns' cheeks and hair, causing her to giggle. "Hehe! down boy!" she laughed, petting it until it stepped off of her. She stood up and dusted herself off, hugging the Manticore gently and watching it walk away into the forest. "How did you know about the thorn?" Twilight asked. "I didn't. Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness." Fluttershy told her, continuing down the path. Twilight blinked, turning to the others who simply shrugged. Together they chased after their friend, getting that much closer to their goal. "Hm, they all seem quite skilled. Whoops, out of popcorn!" a snap of his fingers later a bag of popcorn appeared in his hand as he continued to follow them from the shadows. It seemed the show was just getting good. "Ugh, geez, this Chaos is seriously thick. Its gettin' hard to see anything!" Spike grumbled. "Oh good, thought it was just me." Twilight sighed in relief. "Alright, stand back everyone. I'm gonna light up a path." Spike said, breathing in slowly, letting a tiny flame escape past his lips, forming a small sphere of green flame that hovered in the air. He careful crafted several more, throwing out his arms, the flames positioning themselves before them in mid-air and lighting up the path they walked on. But it also revealed the trees around them, causing them to jump and scream. "Whats wrong with these trees?!" Rarity shrieked. "It must be the chaos. its twisted them into...this." Twilight gulped, yelping in surprise as one tree reached for her, only to have the offending limb sliced off by Spikes claws. This however, had the effect of pissing off every tree around them. "Aw crapbaskets." Spike mumbled, leaping over a swinging branch. Twilight threw up a barrier but the limb ignored her spell and smacked into her, curling around her waist. "Twilight!" Spike chased after her, ducking under another limb and flipping into another, slicing through it with his tail as he changed, though as he landed the tree roots rose up and enveloped him, tightening around him and forcing him to change back. He threw his head back, letting loose a massive flame that passed straight through the treetops. Nearby Applejack was having just as much luck, aiming to smash through a swinging limb in a single punch, her fist going straight through it as if it wasn't there. As she stood there confused, the branches looped around her ankles and hefted her upside down in the air. "This is jus' ridiculous." Applejack grumbled. Rainbows agreement was muffled by the trees holding her as she struggled to break free, her eyes watching a panicking Fluttershy cower away from the looming branches. Pinkie Pie merely stood in front of tree, snorting and giggling. "Pinkie Pie! Run!" Twilight yelled. "Oh come on girls! Just watch." Pinkie cartwheeled over a pair of branches, twirling in the air to dodge another and turned to the attacking tree, flashing a bright smile. The tree vanished and in its place sat just a normal leafless ceder tree. Those imprisoned in the trees limbs were shocked as one by one Pinkie battled her way to them with only a smile as her weapon. "All ya gotta do is smile and laugh!" She told them. Spike grinned and glanced down, roaring as he flexed his transforming arms and filling his mind with jokes, a chuckle slipping past his lips. The branches around him snapped and he rolled as he hit the ground. "It works! Just think of something funny!" Spike called out. Rainbow raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Applejack, who was holding her hat in her teeth and struggling to keep it from being pulled away from her. Rainbow burst into laughter at the scene. "Geez AJ, you look like a rabid dog! WOAH!" Rainbow gasped as she fell, landing flat on her face. Now it was Applejacks turn to laugh, though when the branches freed her she snatched her hat out of the air and rolled, landing softly on the ground. They turned, finding Fluttershy held in the air with Twilight. "Aw great, how are we gonna make them laugh?" Rainbow asked. Pinkie Pie crossed her arms and tried to think. "Twilight! What building has the most stories?!" Spike yelled up at her. She glanced down at him as she struggled against her bindings. "Now is not the time for questions Spike!" "The Library!" Spike laughed. Twilight blinked, running what he said through her head. A soft giggle escaped her lips as she caught on, gasping as the branches let her go. She grabbed hold of the branches holding Fluttershy and gulped. "oops." Spike mumbled. "Geez Spike, that joke was so corny I almost forgot my popcorn!" Pinkie snorted, pulling a bag of popcorn out of her hair. Fluttershy gasped as her branches vanished, flaring her wings and gently lowering herself and Twilight to the ground. "D-Did anyone even hear her laugh?" Rainbow asked. All those gathered shook their heads. "Lets get moving before they decide they want a round two." Twilight said. They glanced back, hurriedly moving forwards, with Pinkie Pie at the rear, glaring at the trees and daring them to attack again. Once clear of them they all sat to take a breather. "Ugh...Cliffs of doom, Manticores, living trees. What next?" Twilight gasped. Dipping her hands into a river to wash the mud off of them. "Twilight...back up slowly and don't panic." Spike said softly. "Spike, what are you..talking...about?" Twilight slowly looked up. Towering over them was the strangest and largest Sea Serpent Twilight had ever seen. Magnificent hair rolled down his scaly head and half a mustache adorned its face. "What in Tartarus happened to your face?!" Rainbow pointed. The serpent glared down at them before flailing its arms and...crying. "Oh Rainbow Dash, look what you've done." Fluttershy admonished softly. "Well we can all see it! I mean just look at it!" Rainbow said, grunting as Applejack swatted her with her hat. "Now now girls, don't tease him. I mean, just look at those perfectly polished scales." Rarity pointed out. The serpent sniffed and nodded, lowering its head to the riverbank so Rarity could come closer. "Your expertly coiffed mane, such brilliance, such flair!" Rarity continued, placing a hand on the serpents nose. "And such a wonderful face and beaming smile, all ruined without your marvelous mustache!" Rarity sighed. The serpent sniffed and nodded, covering its eyes. "I know! I know! I was just minding my own business when this TACKY cloud of smoke whizzed by and tore it clean off! And now...I'm hideous!" the serpent whined. "I CANNOT allow such a crime against fabulosity!" Rarity declared, grabbing hold of one of the serpents scales. "OW! What are you doing?!" it demanded. Rarity shut her eyes tightly, straightening her lightly curled hair so that it fell down her back. With an iron resolve she took hold of her hair and slashed through it with the scale, using her magic to carry it towards the serpent, replacing his missing mustache with her hair. "Why its...its...FANTASTIC! Oh thank you! Thank you!" "Of course Darling. I couldn't allow such hard work to be for naught. It must be quite difficult maintaining such a perfect appearance here in Everfree." "Oh Rarity...your hair." Twilight said softly. Rarity sighed, adjusting her now barely shoulder length hair. "Its fine, short hair is in this season...besides, It'll grow back!" Rarity said with a strained smile. "So would the mustache." Rainbow grumbled under her breath. "Well we still need a way across this." Spike pointed out. The serpent dived into the water, his body curling to form steps for them. "Allow me!" he offered. "See girls? It pays to be generous." Rarity said with a smile, hopping daintily across and followed by the others. Twilight smiled, waving goodbye to the serpent as they continued on their journey. From how everyone had talked about it, she had been convinced the Everfree was nothing but a place of chaos. But the Manticore had only attacked them because it was in pain. The Serpent had been nothing but kind to them. And the trees had been an illusion strengthened by fear. But Twilight could credit that to the Chaos that supposedly lived here. Lost in thought as she was, Twilight failed to notice the bridge she was trying to walk onto was gone, tumbling down over the edge and gasping as Rainbow caught her, pulling her back to safety. "Geez Twilight, whats with you and falling off of things today?" she laughed. "Now how do we get across!?" Pinkie cried. Rainbow pointed to her wings. "Uh, duh!" she said, back flipping over the edge off the cliff and diving straight down through the fog. "Oh yea." Pinkie giggled. Rainbow grabbed hold of the rope to the bridge, flying across to the other side. "Heh, piece of cake." Rainbow chuckled as she started tying to bridge. "Rainbow Dash." a voice called to her. "huh?! Who's there!? Come on, show yourself!" Rainbow yelled, ready to fight. "As you wish Rainbow." the voice said as three figures stepped forth from the shadows. "Who the heck are you?" Rainbow demanded. "We, are the Shadowbolts." their leader said, all three flaring out their impressive wings. "We've been looking for Terra's greatest flier, someone who is daring, amazing, and has no fear." "uh, who?" Rainbow asked. "You Rainbow Dash." "Huh? me? Oh yea! Me, heh. Mind telling the Wonderbolts that?" Rainbow mumbled. "No Rainbow. We want you to join us! We want you to lead us. We've trained here in the Chaos to be the strongest and best flying team and with your leadership we'll be even better than the Wonderbolts." "Woo-Hoo! You've got yourself a deal buddy. Just let me finish tying this and..." "No! Its us or them Rainbow." he demanded. Rainbow chewed her lip and hung her head. "Rainbow Dash! whats taking so long?" Twilight called, her eyes wide as she spotted three figures sporting the colors of Nightmare Moon. "Oh no..." she gasped as their leader glanced at her, his eyes glowing and the fog growing thicker around them. Rainbow failed to notice this as she looked back up. "Thanks." she said softly. "I knew you'd pick..." he blinked as she shook her head. "Thanks, for the offer that is. But I can't join you guys." Rainbow said, tying the bridge and flying back to her friends. The Shadowbolts shook their heads, vanishing into the Everfree. Rainbow grinned as she landed in front of her friends. "Rainbow Dash, I thought for a minute there that..." "Hey! I never ditch my friends! Not for anything. Rainbow Loyal Danger Dash, is my name after all." "Heh, ah thought yer middle name was Leohguoai!" Applejack tried to say, her words muffled by Rainbow pulling her hat over her face. They shared a laugh as they crossed the bridge, eyes wide as they stared at the ancient castle. Twilight dug into her bag, pulling out her map. "This is the place..." Twilight gulped. She tugged on her bag straps and stepped inside the ruins of the castle. "Hey look!" Rainbow pointed at a pedestal above them. Within it sat five stone spheres, each with a magical rune etched into it. Twilight knelt down, pulling out the reference guide and skimming through the pages. Rainbow nodded to Fluttershy, the two flying up and bringing down the spheres for Twilight. "Well...now what?" Rainbow asked. "It says when the five are present, a spark will ignite them and bring forth the sixth element. The five being Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, and Loyalty. The sixth being the element of Magic...maybe Magic can create the Spark?" Twilight said, looking over the Elements. Applejack crossed her arms, watching as Twilights eyes began to glow, her magic flowing over the elements. "C'mon ya'll. She needs t' concentrate." the farmer said softly, ushering them just outside. Twilight gritted her teeth, her eyes closing as she struggled, trying to unlock the secret of the Elements. The wind began to pick up around her, causing her to open her eyes, gasping as she saw the Elements swirling around in a dark tornado. She leapt for them, vanishing along with them. Hearing their friend scream, the others rushed inside, seeing light flashing from one of the castle towers. "Come on!" Spike yelled, being the first to the stairs, the others trailing behind him, all of them ready to fight. Twilight groaned as she landed on a stone floor, looking up she saw her. Nightmare Moon, grinning and staring her down. Twilight pushed to her feet, her magic flaring instantly. Nightmare chuckled to herself, her wings spreading wide, runes etched into her body glowing brightly and confirming Twilights suspicions. Nightmare Moon was Celestia's sister. Which meant she too was a Celestian. Which means she is as magically gifted as me, as strong as Applejack, and as fast as Rainbow Dash. But... Twilight ran forward, roaring at the top of her lungs. "Really? you're joking." Nightmare flicked her wings, flying straight towards Twilight, a spear of chaotic energy forming in her hands. Twilight bit her lip, closing her eyes and teleporting as Nightmare swung towards her. She stood dizzily in the center of the elements, shaking out of her daze and throwing out her arms. "Come on, just one spark!" Twilight begged, filling the Elements with her magic and gasping as the spark she created bounced back and sent her flying. Nightmare gritted her teeth, appearing within the elements as Twilight reached for them again. The spark of magic danced between the elements, causing them to rise in the air. "No! No!" Nightmare panicked, blinking as they fell to the ground uselessly. Slowly Nightmare began to chuckle, crushing the Elements in her magic. "And now that your precious Elements are shattered, my night shall last, forever! AHAHAHAHA!' Nightmare taunted. "Twilight!" her friends called for her. Twilight spun with tears in her eyes, seeing their shadows on the steps behind her. "They came for me?" she managed to say softly, her eyes growing wider. Twilight pushed to her feet, wiping away her tears. "You think the Elements can be destroyed, just like that? Well you're wrong Nightmare Moon. Because the Elements of Harmony, are right here!" Twilight cheered as her friends reached her. The fragments of the Elements began to glow and fly about the room. "What? no, that's impossible!" Nightmare cried. "Oh but it is. The Element of Honesty!" Twilight pointed to Applejack, several fragments floating around the farm girl. "When I was hanging from the cliff, she gave me the strength to let go and built my trust in her just with a genuine smile and a promise that I would be OK. And that bond was made even stronger when her words rang true and my other friends rushed to my rescue." Twilight said with a smile, pointing to Fluttershy next. "The Element of Kindness!" she smiled as more fragments floated around the Skyborn. "When we were convinced a manticore was our enemy, she showed us that any and every creature can be misunderstood and simply need the help of someone who can see past whats on the outside." Twilight continued. Nightmare gritted her teeth, tossing a bolt of energy at them, only for the fragments to surround them, forming a barrier. "But I'm not done yet!" Twilight laughed, pointing to Pinkie Pie. "The Element of laughter! When we were ensnared by the Illusions of Chaos, Pinkie Pie alone was able to fight through them by facing down our fears with laughter and a smile" more fragments shifted away from the whole, surrounding Pinkie Pie who giggled and hopped in place. "The Element of Generosity! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, given only from the goodness in her heart and expecting nothing in return!" Twilight continued, watching as several more fragments hovered around her Magian friend "And finally, Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty, who couldn't abandon her friends to follow her own hearts desire. These five fought through everything you or this forest could throw at us!" "But you still don't have the last Element! The spark didn't work!" Nightmare Moon argued. "But it did work. You see Nightmare Moon, that Spark is within us all. I realized it when I heard you all calling for me...when I realized that you all, are my friends!" Twilight finished, the final pieces of the Elements circling her, coming together to form a tiara, necklaces formed themselves around her friends. Spike simply shrugging as he and Nightmare shared a look. Twilight gasped as the Magic of the Elements filled her, her head snapping back as the Wisdom of the Ancients filled her. Within the Elements glow she glanced down at Nightmare Moon, channeling the power gifted to her by her friends and directing it at the Woman of shadow. Nightmare screamed and struggled to break free of the elements power to no avail, a bright flash filling the room. The Element bearers groaned as they lay on the ground, sunlight slowly filling the room. Spike whooped and rushed to Twilight. "You did it Twilight! You did...whoa." he mumbled. Twilight sat up, glancing down at herself. Along with the tiara she wore, she was dressed from neck to toe in glowing purple armor, a magical spear of light hovering beside her. Looking around Spike noticed much the same of the others. "Oh heck yea! Now this is awesome!" Rainbow grinned, her armor was a light blue, but didn't even slow her down as she hovered and twirled, getting a better look at herself. Two orbs of energy floated beside the skyborn. "Oh wow Rarity, its beautiful" Fluttershy said softly. Rarity sighed happily, adjusting her hair. "Oh I know! I shall never part with you again!" she promised her hair, her pure white armor shining in the sunlight as well as the Claymore upon her back. "No Rarity, your necklace!" Fluttershy said, pointing at it. "Oh, well so is yours!" Rarity said. Fluttershy gasped, looking down at the butterfly shaped ornament. Her bright yellow armor clung to her buxom frame as well as a short-sword at her waist. Pinkie Pie giggled and hopped in place, dual broadswords on either side of her waist. "Look at mine! Look at mine!" she cheered, pointing at her Balloon shaped necklace. Applejack chuckled, crossing her arms. Her orange armor glowing slightly alongside her runes and her lasso. "Well, this is kinda interestin'" the farmer mumbled "You have done well my faithful student." Celestia's voice echoed around them. "huh?! Princess? where are you?!" Twilight asked. Spike pointed behind her. There, standing in the sunlight, was Princess Celestia. Spike dug through his bag, pulling out the box Celestia had entrusted to Twilight and kneeling. Celestia smiled as Twilight hugged her, the others in the room bowing in respect. "It seems you've welcomed friendship into your heart Twilight. Now if only another can do so..." Celestia said softly, ruffling Spikes hair as she walked past him, accepting the box and standing before Nightmare Moon. "It has been a thousand years since I last saw you like this Sister..." Celestia said softly. Nightmare glanced up and to Twilights surprise it wasn't Nightmare Moon, but rather a girl who appeared to be just a bit younger than herself. She pushed to her feet, tears in her eyes as she tackle hugged Celestia "I'm so sorry big sister! I missed you so much." she sobbed. Celestia slowly wrapped her arms around her younger sister. "I've missed you too Luna...I was afraid that the Darkness could never be removed..." Celestia choked, holding her sister tighter. "But now you are back..." Celestia held out the box to Luna. The younger sister hesitating as she opened it. Within sat her crown. The symbol of her authority in Terra before her imprisonment. "It would bring me nothing but honor and happiness to have you return and rule by my side Luna..." Celestia said softly. Luna hung her head as she held her crown. "I am not fit to rule beside you sister..." "Yes you are. If not for my mistakes...for not paying attention when you needed me most..." The two sisters shared another hug. Pinkie Pie ruining the moment by bursting into tears. Celestia smiled as she turned with her sister beside her. The Element Bearers, and Spike, bowing their heads. "I cannot thank you all enough for all you have done this day. But I fear there is still much to be done." Celestia said to them. She drew the rapier from her belt. "I ask you all to kneel before me." she spoke up, waiting until they were lined in front of her, tapping her blade upon each of their shoulders. "I name thee, Knights of Terra, Defenders of the realm." Celestia intoned. They blinked with wide eyes, glancing up at Celestia. "The power of the Elements now lives within each of you. In times of crisis it will be you who we will depend upon." "Ya'll can count on us Princess!" Applejack cheered. "Count me in!" Rainbow grinned, crossing her arms. "Oh! this is gonna be so much fun!" Pinkie giggled. "I...I don't know what to say..." Twilight mumbled. "Hey, at least you get that cool armor!" Spike chuckled. Twilight rolled her eyes, the six friends blinking as their armor faded away, the glow of the elements fading away. "It will take some time before each of you masters the powers granted to you by the Elements. But I will be here if you ever have any questions." Celestia promised them. "Hey! You know what this calls for?!" "A party!" Pinkie Pie cheered. They all blinked, looking at each other. "H-how did we get here?" Twilight asked. Rainbow Dash chuckled "That's just Pinkie Pie for ya." she offered as an explanation. Luna blinked in surprise as the people of Eravil welcomed her and Celestia with open arms. "They are cheering..for us?" Luna asked softly. "Yes sister. For US, not just me, not just the day. But for US." Celestia promised her. Luna struggled with herself, wanting to be happy. But it felt too good to be true. The Nightmare was gone from her mind, her sister standing beside her, her people being happy to see her. It was too much. Celestia gave her hand a gentle squeeze and smiled at her. "Come sister, we've much to discuss. You've missed quite a bit..." Twilight sighed as she watched the festivities. Everyone here seemed so happy. They all waved and greeted her or offered her a drink or something to eat. No one poked fun at her. It was strange. She couldn't put a finger on the feeling. "Whats wrong my faithful student? Are you not happy that your journey is over and you can return to your studies?" Celestia asked. "Well...its just. I went through so much to learn what its like to have friends...and now that I finally have them, I have to leave them." Twilight said sadly. Celestia smiled to herself, clearing her throat. "Spike, take a letter." she called for him, the Dragonkin quickly doing as told. "I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree, that the Magian Twilight Sparkle shall remain here in Eravil and continue her studies of the power of Friendship and its connections to the magical spectrum. She is to report to me her findings from her new home at the Eravil Library." Celestia said. Spike quickly writing it down and holding it up for her to sign. It vanished in a puff of Dragons Fire, to be filed away as an official decree. Twilight gasped as her friends pulled her into a group hug, all of them laughing. "Well, that was interesting. But what now Celly? You've got your pieces on the board now it seems. I suppose I should start placing some of my own." he mumbled, tossing a piece of popcorn into his open mouth. He grinned and chuckled to himself, vanishing with a snap of his fingers.