//------------------------------// // 138. Magical Mystery Cure - Part 3 // Story: Blaze the Pony Tale // by Wolven5 //------------------------------// Days passed since that those horrible words hurt Twilight, and nothing was going right. Star Swirl’s spell was incomplete so of course there was no counter-spell to undo it. The guys suggested Twilight use the memory spell that restored everyone after they fell under Discord’s sway, but Twilight shot that idea down because it wasn’t the girls’ memories that had been changed but their true selves. Spike even suggested Zecora’s cure for the Cutie-Pox but even the guys doubted that would work either. The guys pressed Twilight to think, to try to look for an answer, but then Spike and Big Mac told them to back off and let Twilight be alone for a while, and she in turn promised to keep looking. But her heart wasn’t in it. As the days wore on miserably, the guys tried helping out the girls. I have to find a way… Soarin tried helping Rainbow Dash with the animals but he was as clueless with caring for so many different kinds as her. To make this all okay… Blueblood was going between the boutique to get rid of Applejack’s horrendous creations and to Rarity to comfort her as her weather turned Ponyville against her. I can’t believe this small mistake Thunderlane continued to try to keep Rarity’s bad weather from causing too much damage, but sometimes he worried for Applejack alone in the boutique. Could’ve caused so much heartache Mac was constantly on the move, making sure Pinkie didn’t ruin the farm completely, and trying to cheer up his fiancé after her less-than-successful party gigs. Oh why? Oh why…? But it was a losing battle. Before long, Rarity couldn’t walk through town without anypony glaring at her, turning their backs on her, wanting nothing to do with her, leaving her alone and cold in the rain. Losing promises, I don’t know what to do Applejack was giving up, as she began to board up the windows to the boutique. Seeking answers, I fear I won’t get through to you Rainbow Dash wallowed in misery, as the animals continued to rampage around her. Fluttershy sat alone and sad as the townsfolk around her wandered in misery, frowning, their town having been reduced to a dismal place. Oh why? Oh why…? Twinken looked around through Midnight’s workshop, looking for any clue as to where his brother had gone. But then his eyes fell upon the framed photo on the wall, and he realized it was a copy of the family photo they’d taken at the Apple Family Reunion. Twinken looked sadly at himself, smiling happily with Midnight holding him up so he’d have a good shot in the photo, laughing. Twinken broke down, heartbroken that he might never see his brother again, and starting to feel guilty for what he said to Twilight, who laid in her bed in the library tree, sniffling when she felt Spike’s hand on her mane. “Oh Spike… what have I done?” A little over a week passed since that horrible mistake and Twilight gazed sadly out her window. Never had Spike seen her look so defeated, but he couldn’t let her stay in this funk any longer. “Aw come on, Twilight, you’ll figure something out!” He walked up and placed his hand on her shoulder. “These are your friends!” Twilight peered over her shoulder and saw Spike’s smile, encouraging, loving, still glowing with faith in her. Faith… Twilight thought as she sat up, the Element of Harmony Midnight embodies. She got up, an unreadable look on her face, Spike following her up to the fireplace. Above its mantle were several framed pictures. On one side was a picture a photographer had taken of her and Midnight when they shared at dance at the gala. On another was a picture of Midnight playing hoofball with the guys, all of them smiling, laughing. Above that was a picture of Twilight, Midnight, Spike, and Twinken during a magic session, where Twinken had mastered the illumination spell. There was a picture of her standing with Midnight after their victories in the Running of the Leaves. But it was the three pictures on the center of the mantle that drew her attention, on one side, a picture of Blueblood and Rarity, on the other was Soarin and Rainbow Dash, but between them was a picture that was taken after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, after Midnight got out of the hospital, and he suggested they take a photo. It was the original gang, Twilight and Midnight in the middle, below them was Fluttershy, next to Midnight were Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, next to Twilight were Applejack and Big Macintosh, and above them each were Rainbow Dash and Thunderlane respectively. “…You’re right, Spike,” Twilight finally spoke, and Spike smiled to hear a tone of determination renewed in her voice. “And they mean more to me than anything… my Friends!” As she came to that reminder, perhaps not at first but Twilight soon felt the Magic of Friendship radiate from within, as it brought to her enlightenment! “Twilight? Are you alright?!” Spike asked as he shielded his eyes from the light, and Twilight felt a very familiar spark! “I’ve got it, I know what to do!” “You do?” Spike asked as he followed Twilight downstairs. “I may not be able to remind them of who they are,” Twilight reasoned as she brought down a case to carry the Elements. “But I can show them what they mean to each other, what they mean to the guys!” She placed the other elements into the case while putting on the Crown of Magic, “They’ll find the part of themselves that’s been lost so they can help the friend they care about so much, and the guys will help to guide them!” She levitated the case to Spike for him to carry, before calling, “C’mon, Spike!” “Fluttershy, please!” Big Mac was following Fluttershy, who was carrying saddlebags packed to go as she walked up to a balloonist. “Ah’m sure if we jus’ talk-” “I’m sorry, Mackie…” Fluttershy shook her head. “But… I need some time.” “Fluttershy, Big Mac!” They looked to see, “Twilight!” Big Mac went over to her and Spike, saying, “Ya gotta say sumthin’, `Shy’s goin’ back t’ Cloudsdale!” “Fluttershy! You can’t really wanna go!” Twilight implored but Fluttershy shook her head. “I’m sorry everypony, but I don’t know what’s wrong!” she sighed morosely. “I just can’t seem to make anypony laugh.” She demonstrated by blowing a whoopee cushion in their faces in a not-so-subtle way that it made Twilight, Spike, and Big Mac share a look. But then Twilight winked reassuringly to Big Mac before she said to Fluttershy, “Before you go, I was wondering if you might be willing to help out Rainbow Dash.” Big Mac spoke up with an insistent nodding, “She’s really strugglin’ wit’ those critters!” “But- I don’t really know anything about animals,” Fluttershy hesitated only for Twilight to counter, “But you do know something about Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy considered a moment. “I… know that she’s a true friend…” Big Mac stepped up and put an arm around his Fluttershy, adding, “And Ah know you’d do anything t’ help out an amiga.” Fluttershy smiled up at him and blushed when he kissed her. “C’mon, y’all! Le’s go see Dash.” As the four of them walked up to the cottage, they heard something beat against it, and two voices cry out. “Help!” “It’s a rebellion!” “Rainbow Dash, Soarin!” Twilight recognized the second voice as she threw open the door. “We’re in here! Help!” cried Rainbow Dash, and they looked and gasped to see the animals were indeed revolting, some of them holding spoons or forks as they had Rainbow Dash and Soarin tied up in a pot. “We’re trapped!” Soarin screamed. “Hurry Twilight!” Fluttershy urged in worry, “Can’t you use some kind of spell to help them?” “Nnope!” Big Mac shook his head, Twilight agreeing, “Fluttershy, you’re the only one who can help them right now! Rainbow Dash and Soarin need you!” Hesitantly and slowly, Fluttershy walked into the chaos, calling out with her sweet and gentle voice. “Um, hello? Little woodland creatures?” A bear ran past her waving an end table. She tried again, speaking to the mice and ferret dancing tribal-style around the pot. “I know that you’re all very upset and… feel like giving Rainbow Dash and Soarin a hard time…” Then, to her surprise, the animals started to stop and pay attention to her, “But we’d all really appreciate it if you’d calm down and um…” The animals did indeed calm down as they fell in before Fluttershy, “Maybe… rest for a bit?” Twilight, Spike, and Big Mac shared a hopeful smile as Fluttershy grabbed a bowl of greens, “Oh, uh, look! Here’s some nice, juicy leaves for you to munch on.” She placed it in front of the happy rabbits, and laid out some nuts to the squirrels, chipmunks, and such, “And some nice crunchy-munchy acorns too!” She then approached the last three acting up animals, a mouse, a squirrel, and a ferret, “Wouldn’t you like to take a break?” The mouse and squirrel looked to the ferret, who shrugged and led them to joining the other animals, after they put down their silverware. “Aw lookit that,” Fluttershy looked warmly at all the animals, happily munching on the eats she’d provided them. “I guess you were all just cranky because you were hungry!” Then, Angel looked away from the bowl and to his Fluttershy, happily hopping up to give her a hug, the birds chirping thankfully, Fluttershy smiling, “Aw, you are very welcome, little friends!” She even got a hug and kiss from a bear, much to Big Mac’s raised brow, but he let it slide as he saw his Fluttershy start to become radiant as it dawned on her. “Goodness! It’s like I can understand them!” Twilight levitated up the Element of Kindness and whispered to Big Mac as Fluttershy went on. “I feel strange, like… this is what I’m meant to do, like this is who I am!” She flapped happily as she declared, “My destiny!” Big Mac ran up and slapped the element of Kindness onto Fluttershy and it glowed as her eyes widened and the truth set her free! She fell to her hooves, “Wha- What happened?” “Fluttershy! Yer cutie-mark!” Big Mac pointed and they all saw upon the yellow pegasus’ flank was a trio of pink butterflies. “It worked…” Twilight whispered, Big Macintosh cheering, “It worked!” He nuzzled against Fluttershy, “Ah’m so happy yer back t’ normal!” “Now we need your help!” Twilight declared. [Twilight Sparkle] A true, true friend helps a friend in need [Big Macintosh] A friend will be there t’ help them see [Twilight Sparkle, Big Macintosh, and Fluttershy] A true, true friend helps a friend in need To see the light that shines from a true, true friend! “Uh hello? Still trapped inside remember?!” Rainbow and Soarin reminded them, and they quickly let her out before leading Rainbow Dash to Rarity, Soarin smiling at his Dashie. [Soarin] Rarity needs your help She’s trying hard doing what she can (He pointed out Rarity and Thunderlane as they argued) [Fluttershy] Won’t you try, just give it a chance You might find that you’ll start to understand Soarin led Rainbow up to a cloud and encouraged her. Dash threw out a hesitant hoof, making the cloud go poof. The way it made her feel, it spurred her into action, Soarin helping out! [Twilight Sparkle, Big Macintosh, Fluttershy, and Soarin] A true, true friend helps a friend in need (Rainbow flew a path through the cloudy sky) A friend will be there to help them see (Soarin streaked the a thick cloud) A true, true friend helps a friend in need (Rainbow Dash blew away some rain) To see the light that shines from a true, true friend! (Soarin grabbed the Element of Loyalty and slapped it onto Rainbow) “Uh, what just happened?” Rainbow asked as Soarin helped her up, happy to see that rainbow-colored lightning bolt on those gorgeous flanks of hers. “There’s no time to explain, but we need your help!” Twilight stated, Blueblood adding, “Applejack’s trying to make dresses!” “Say no more!” Rainbow replied as she led the charge to the boutique. [Rainbow Dash] Applejack needs your help! (Rainbow showed Rarity the mess of the boutique) [Blueblood] She’s lost her way, she has no plan (He pointed out Applejack fussing nervously on the sewing machine as it backed up) [Rainbow Dash] Would ya try, just give it a chance (Rarity regarded the surroundings as something stirred within her) [Blueblood] You may find as you come to understand (Rarity removed the fabric from the sewing machine) [Twilight Sparkle, Big Macintosh, Fluttershy, Soarin, Rainbow Dash, and Blueblood] A true, true friend helps a friend in need (Rarity grabbed some fabric and thread while Bic Mac and Soarin threw out the bad clothes) A friend will be there to help them see (Guided by something she didn’t realize she'd lost, Rarity made a whole new fashion line in no time at all) A true, true friend helps a friend in need (Seeing Rarity close to understanding, twilight gave the Element of Generosity to Blueblood…) To see the light that shines from a true, true friend! (… and he put it where it belonged, around his beloved’s neck, and understanding filled her eyes while her flank was filled with three gems) “Oh my… what a terrible dream I had!” Rarity nuzzled against Blueblood for comfort when she noticed one of the messes Applejack had made. “Or… maybe I’m still having it.” “Rarity! Pinkie Pie’s about to lose the apple farm!” Twilight informed her. “We need Applejack’s help!” added Thunderlane. “Lose the apple farm? Well we can’t let that happen, now can we?” Rarity declared. (Rarity) Pinkie Pie is in trouble (Rarity and Thunderlane led Applejack and everypony else towards the farm) We must hurry to her side (Thunderlane) We can try to do all we can now (Thunderlane pointed out the sorry state of Sweet Apple Acres and Pinkie trying to fix a water chute) `Cuz together we can be her guide! (Applejack hurried up and helped Pinkie with the chute) (Twilight Sparkle, Big Macintosh, Fluttershy, Soarin, Rainbow Dash, Blueblood, Rarity, and Thunderlane) A true, true friend helps a friend in need (the friends let Applejack take instinctive lead as they gathered the apples) A friend will be there to help them see (Big Mac pulled a wagon as his sister threw out seeds) A true, true friend helps a friend in need (Applebloom followed, making sure the seeds were covered in soil, all of them unaware that Twinken watched from afar) To see the light that shines from a true, true friend! (Twilight gave Thunderlane the Element of Honesty and he slapped it onto Applejack) “Yee-haw! Now tha’s more like it!” Applejack cheered. “Wha’s next?” “The townspeople are furious! We need the old Pinkie Pie back,” Twilight explained. “Ah’m on it, Ah know jus’ th’ thing!” Applejack looked to Pinkie. (Applejack) Th’ townspeople need ya, they’ve been sad fer a while (Big Mac gladly carried Pinkie into town…) They march around, face a’frown and never seem t’ smile (…which wasn’t exactly a friendly place at the moment) But if ya feel like helpin’, we’d appreciate a lot….! (The Townsfolk began to notice them as Twilight levitated the Element of Laughter onto Pinkie) If ya get up there an’ spread some cheer from here t’ Canterlot! (Applejack gave Pinkie a hearty slap into action, Pinkie hopping into the fray as her mane poofed up into its impossible style!) “Come on, Ponies!” Pinkie called out, “I wanna see you SMILE!” “PINKIE!!” everyony cheered as all of Ponyville got into it! (Twilight Sparkle, Big Macintosh, Fluttershy, Soarin, Rainbow Dash, Blueblood, Rarity, Thunderlane, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Spike, and all of Ponyville whom they led in harmonic parade) A true, true friend helps a friend in need A friend will be there to help them see A true, true friend helps a friend in need To see the light (To see the light!) That shines (That shines!) From a true, true friend! A mark of one’s destiny, Singled out alone, fulfilled Twilight gasped as it dawned on her, “Wait a second, that’s it! I understand now, I know how to fix the spell!” The friends followed Twilight to the library, and as soon as they got there, she levitated up Star Swirl’s book, turning to the page with the spell and wrote aloud, ”From all of us together, Together we’re friends With the marks of our destinies made one There is magic without end!” But as soon as Twilight added the punctuation mark…! The Helm of Faith’s blackened jewel flared with life, as did the jewel on the Crown of Magic! Everypony gasped as the Elements of Harmony shot beams of light at Twilight, enveloping her within a sphere of power, Twilight afraid at first, but then…! She felt something that made her smile. *FLASH* As the light dimmed and the air lightened, Fluttershy hugged Big Mac, anxiously whimpering, “Wh-what happened?!” But then they all gasped to see, where Twilight had been standing, was now a charred spot on the floor which looked oddly much like her cutie-mark. “Where’s Twilight?!” “Where’d she go?!” “What happened?!” “Look!” Big Mac pointed to the Helm of Faith, except… it wasn’t a helm anymore.