Twilight squinted as the city came into view off in the distance. Manehatten. It stuck out from the sands like a dark jewel surrounded by gold. She let out a sigh of relief as she felt the dread leak from her. They'd made it back without any issues. The trip had been slow, by airship standards, but aside from a few minor fires (baby dragons apparently got gassy on airships) that had been quickly put out, there had been no problems. They were returning home.
Yes, home. She had a home now, a real home. Manehatten, the capital of the Fire Tribes. Once again it belonged to her ponies. She could see the Great Dragon, his massive form bathing in the sun, barely glancing up as their ships came ever closer. She was home. Truly home.
“It's not so bad traveling when the winds do most of the work, huh?” Rarity asked as she trotted up besides the alicorn.
“Yes. Being able to travel all night and day helps too,” Twilight said with a smile she couldn't hope to suppress. “Not having to climb the dunes is nice. How are you holding up in this heat?”
“I've been drinking a lot of water, so I'm fine,” Rarity said with a smile. “Are you excited? Looking forward to preparations?”
The alicorn let out a sigh of annoyance. She was returning home, but that didn't mean there was no more work to be done. Just the opposite. They had to prepare for the coming conflict, organize everypony to find out who would be returning to their homes and who would be staying, gather resources to make sure there wasn't anypony starving. Most importantly, she had to figure out how to contact her past selves in order to ask how the elements worked. The Great Dragon could help with that, though, so it was at least the easiest part. On the up side, in the days they were gone plenty of organization had likely already been settled and lots of ponies would have headed to their homes, with supplies. What remained was a daunting, but not insurmountable task.
“I suppose I'm as excited as can be expected. This... will be interesting. We still have a lot of work ahead of us. But the elements will be ours soon. The final battle is almost here.” She looked to Rarity. “How are you feeling? Are you going to be okay to face your mother?”
“Yes, I'll be fine,” the princess said with a nod. “I'll do whatever needs to be done. My aunt will be able to help with any battle plans, she's far more skilled than I am. There should be no problems.”
The avatar nodded before looking back towards the city. Soon they'd land and everything would start again. But for now, she could relax and prepare as the ships slowly made their way to the capital. It was almost time.
------
Chaos. Pure, unbridled chaos. The avatar and her friends had barely been on the ground a few seconds before they found themselves swept up by the soldiers and dragged into their current headquarters. On the up side, now that the majority of Vinyl's water benders were staying there the cooling system was back in order and the building was quite comfortable.
Unfortunately there was still plenty of work to do. Twilight and her friends made it to the war room with Vinyl, Octavia, Celestia and a number of other ponies that the alicorn couldn't identify. There were a few ponies already waiting there as well. Including one she really hadn't expected.
“Lightning! You're here!” Twilight said with a grin, before frowning. “Wait, you're not raiding us, are you? I think it's a little early in our resettlement to be dealing with pirates.”
The pegasus snorted and rolled her eyes. “Right. Invasion. Actually, we're still offering our help, more or less. We lost a few ships in that little stunt of your, taking on the Water Nation there. Not many, but a few. We plan on getting our compensation.” Lightning smiled and motioned to the map. “Besides. We helped you all survive that fight, I think we can stick around for this next one. Judging by the reports I've been getting, it'll be a lot easier.”
Twilight nodded and smiled to the mare. “Well, we would appreciate that. If you're looking to make your stay in these lands permanent, I'd be more than happy to--”
“Oh don't even try that,” the pegasus rolled her eyes. “We're pirates, like it or not. We aren't tucking in our sails for a long while yet. We're just giving you a little hoof up, in return for compensation when all this is over.”
Rainbow snorted. “Sure yah are.”
“Hey, we could go right back to raiding if you want,” the mare snapped, stomping a hoof down. “In case you haven't noticed, it's been mostly our ships hauling you and your fire benders out of that little cavern of yours. Like it or not, you ponies need us.”
“Easy, easy,” Twilight said with a shake of her head. “Rainbow was just kidding, no hard feelings. We appreciate your continued support and aid and yes, once this is all over I will personally see to reimbursing you in whatever way we can. However, we need to finish up our affairs first here. Now, where's the pony who was in charge while--”
“That would be me!” a red coated, blue maned earth pony said. “I don't know if you remember me, but--”
“Ashmane!” Twilight said quickly before moving in for a hug. “What are you doing here? How did you end up in charge?”
The mare smiled. “Well, I was on the first voyage here. With most of the fire benders so busy tending to the dragons and sun, I've been spending more and more time working on the logistics of things. You know, keeping everypony organized, making sure nopony disappears when things go south. Cataloging all the dragons hasn't been easy, let me tell you. So when we moved here I've been helping organize everypony to keep everything flowing freely.” There was a light cough from behind her. “Obviously I haven't been alone.” She motioned towards a black coated unicorn with a green mane and a red coated de-horned unicorn with a golden mane. “That is Obsidian Pebble and Ember Rose. Pebble is a fire bender who has been helping work with the sun rising and Ember is one of the ponies born in this city who has taken over command for the time being.”
Twilight gave a nod and smile. “Wonderful. It's good to know that everything is going smoothly.”
“I would hardly say smoothly,” Ember said harshly with a shake of her head. “There has been a lot of turmoil in all of our lives for the last month. First you die, but don't really die. Then everypony is dragged from their homes and forced to hide in this city. Then you appear, send everypony packing and tell us we're all free. It's not been an easy month. Then when things get settled, you decide to fly off for nearly a week, leaving us to fend for ourselves again.”
“T-the Great Dragon was still here,” Twilight said defensively.
“Hey, stop picking on Twilight,” Rainbow snapped, shaking her head. “She's been working her tail off, it's not like she's been lounging about in bed waiting for this to blow over.”
Ember sighed and gave a slow nod. “I am sorry, Avatar. It has just been difficult for all of our ponies and many questioned your quick departure. More than a few took it as a sign that you were once again abandoning us and--”
“Abandoning you? Ponies think I've been abandoning them?” Twilight asked softly. “I-I would never abandon the Fire Tribes.”
“Not everypony sees it that way.” Ember looked around at the glares she was receiving. “I never said I did. But you have been back for nearly a year now. We've heard the stories. Your great victories, saving the ponies of Cloudsdale, the Everfree Forest and even trying to protect Fillydelphia. Many ponies can't help but wonder why Manehatten wasn't on the list until now. If it wasn't for what happened at Boil Rock, your return might not have been quite so welcomed.”
The alicorn stared at the mare before slowly lowering her eyes. “I... I had no idea. I've just been trying to...” She took a slow, deep breath. “How many ponies feel this way? Do they really believe I've abandoned them? That I've... turned my back on all of them? I never... I came here as soon as I could. I wanted to save them, I would have given anything to save them, but--”
“Enough!” Rarity shouted, drawing every eye to her. “Ember, enough. I know what you're getting at, but there is no need for this. The avatar is powerful, but she was never invincible. Had she come to save you ponies any sooner than she had, she would have died.”
“I am merely stating what--”
“No, you are merely undermining the avatar and filling her with guilt. She is just ONE! PONY!” Rarity stepped forward and stamped a hoof down. “A powerful one, but still just one. She can't wipe out entire armies with a flick of her hooves. If she could, do you honestly believe this war would still be going? She is doing her best. Shedding her blood, tears and life to ensure everypony who can survive, will survive. She doesn't need to hear about how things could have been if she was omnipotent. She just needs to hear about what's going on now.”
The mare sighed and gave a curt nod. “Very well, my apologies. I merely wished to state the... feelings of many ponies here. Now, onto the organization. The city was originally modified to hold the entire country. That is why it was so compact. However, resources were stable since, during the hundred years of darkness, we had magic and bending to aid us. The regathering of everypony together was ill planned and rushed. Many resources were left in their homes and much of the farmland the city held had gone into disrepair with the population spread out yet again. For those unaware, growing food near the city can be difficult and unmaintained fields are quickly destroyed. However, there is good news.”
“With ponies allowed to leave again, many are returning to their homes and fields. They were granted some rations, but they should be self sufficient. Those near the borders even have extra hooves in the form of guards to help keep watch, so they should have sufficient ponies for the work. Our resources are still low here, but now that we have both benders and magic, it shouldn't take long before our fields are once again flourishing. We should have adequate supplies to last us until harvest time. Even if we don't, we can expect aid from the other countries in the event it is needed, as messengers from both the Earth Kingdom and Air Nomads have offered their assistance.” She took a deep breath and pulled back.
“So, what does that mean for me?” Twilight asked softly.
“Well, in laymen's terms,” Ashmane said with a nervous smile. “Avatar, I am happy to say we do not need you. At least, not for running the country.”
The alicorn smiled. “Well, that's good. What about the Water Nation?”
“Shouldn't be anything to worry about,” Ember said with a shake of her head. “We have guards stationed around the borders, but there is chaos throughout all the countries. The Water Nation couldn't raise up a hoof to attack us even if they wanted. They're on pure defense. Even now we only have a small force watching--”
“Don't,” Celestia said quickly.
“Excuse me?”
“Don't assume the Water Nation won't attack. Make sure the borders are well guarded.”
“With all due respect, the Water Nation is crippled. Attacking us now would be suicide, they--”
“They still have plenty of benders and soldiers in the capital,” Celestia said harshly. “My sister is not one to take--”
“Sister?!” Ember said suddenly, before pointing an accusing hoof. “It was you! I knew I'd heard about the sister of Nightmare Moon being here, but I'd never thought--”
“Enough!” Twilight yelled. “Celestia has proven herself and is well trusted by almost everypony here. If she says we should be prepared for an attack, then we'll be prepared for an attack. It costs us little to ensure the patrols are maintained. Far less than if we are attacked.”
Ember gritted her teeth, but slowly nodded. “Very well. I still do not believe they could be foalish enough to launch an attack.”
“They may not be. Let's hope they're not,” Twilight said softly. “But if they are, we'll have to be ready. In the mean time, how about our attack?”
“That's where I come in,” Lightning said with a smirk. “If you want to charge into their country, you're going to need air power. My airships make up the majority of your fleet, so I say we just ram them down their throats.”
“What about their air ships?” Twilight asked softly.
“Bah, who cares what they've got?” the pirate said with a snort. “We'll take them out, easy.”
“If I may offer my opinion,” Vinyl said with a sigh. “They've lost a lot in the last few months, But, with their summoning of all available air ships, they now have probably eighty to ninety percent of all air ships in the world. Any battle will be tough going in. Still though, air ships are our fastest mode of transport and will allow us to move our soldiers in.”
Twilight nodded before looking over the map of the countries. “This time, the fire benders and water benders won't be coming.”
“WHAT?” Vinyl yelled in tune with Pebble.
“It's too dangerous. Before anypony objects, I mean it this time. We'll come in from the land and try to avoid going near the sea. The sun and moon need to be kept in order and this time, well... we don't need everything we have. The Water Nation is at its weakest, we can't risk losing this balance in some accident.” She took a slow, deep breath. “Besides, this time I'll be at full power. I plan to have the elements under control by the time we engage this final battle.”
“Elements?” Ember asked in confusion.
“Ah, right. You're not aware. Well, the power I used during the Summer Sun Celebration. I should have that power completely harnessed by the time we launch this assault. That will allow us to stop the ritual and defeat Nightmare Moon.”
“Will it be enough?” Ember asked softly. “The last time you had the power you--”
“There was a time limit and the power was being forced. This time it will be wielded correctly and my friends will all be there to help me. This is the kind of power that no army could stand against and... it will win us the war,” Twilight said quickly before looking to her friends. “I need to prepare. We don't have very long until Discord can... well, we have very little time.”
“I'd say a little less than a month before my mother's ritual is ready,” Rarity said softly. “But we know where the ritual is going to take place, all we have to do is get there.”
Twilight nodded. “We have plenty of time. Three weeks to get our nation settled, come up with a plan of attack, figure out how to work the elements. A difficult, but not impossible task.”
“Work on what you need to, Twilight,” Ashmane said with a bow of her head. “A plan can be properly developed without you, just focus on what needs to be done.”
Octavia stepped forward and nodded. “Indeed. We will offer our assistance as well.” She motioned towards Vinyl and Celestia. “With our combined expertise and knowledge of the enemy, along with the commanders stationed here to help organize their ponies, we should be more than prepared to launch an assault when the time comes. All we need, Avatar, is for you to be ready. So do whatever needs to be done.”
Twilight nodded and smiled to her friends. “In that case, I'm going to have to discuss some things with the Great Dragon. I'm going to try going into the Spirit World to contact the past avatars. Perhaps with their guidance I can understand how the elements work. Help them however you can, please.” Her friends gave her swift nods before she turned and walked out the door. Well, she had a plan now at least. All she had to do was follow through on it.
“Twilight?” Rarity's voice caught up with her and she stopped, glancing back.
“Rarity? What's wrong? Shouldn't you be helping the others?”
“I... won't be needed for this. At least, not yet. You're going to talk with the Great Dragon, right? About contacting a pony from the Spirit World? I want to join you.” She looked off to the side, nervously.
Twilight cocked an eye and started walking again. “Why? There isn't anypony in the Spirit World you'd need to worry about.”
“Maybe... not. Well, I just... I've been thinking. The final fight is coming and I... feel I should have done this before. I... my father was killed in the Spirit World. Or... at least a part of him was. Or he was torn apart or... I don't know.”
“Wait, you mean what Fluttershy did? Tha--”
“NO! That was NOT my father. I cannot stress enough how that, how that abomination was nothing like my father. No. What I mean is my father. My true father. He may be... a part of him may still be in that realm. Somewhere. I want to see if there is some way to contact him. If there is... I want to, no, I have to try.”
Twilight gave a slow nod. “I... see. I can't make any guarantees. If your father died he--”
“There is very little chance of there being any part of him, the real him, still there,” Rarity said softly. “But I have to try. I... must. I need to ask him something.”
The alicorn smiled back at her. “Well, I won't deny you this chance. I'm sure if there's a way to contact him, the Great Dragon will know it. Come on, he'll be outside the city, waiting for us.”
Rarity nodded and the two walked through the building, soon exiting and stopping in place. Outside the building a massive crowd waited, watching closely.
“H-hello!” Twilight said quickly, giving a gentle wave to the crowd. She was becoming accustomed to such crowds. They tended to follow her wherever she went these days, not that she could blame them. Even on the airships she would often find herself swarmed by five or more ponies. Most of these ponies had only ever heard of her, they had likely never dreamed of actually meeting her.
“You came back! I knew you would!” a voice rang out as the ponies cheered for her.
She lifted her hoof, waving it around. “Yes, I did! Do not worry, everypony. Plans are already being made and this war is almost over. You just need to wait a little longer. We are doing all we can, I swear!” A smile covered her lips as a little filly broke through the crowd and charged at her. She didn't mind this part, at all. The children were always so excited to see her, they couldn't help but want a quick hug.
The filly headbutted her in the chest, making her topple back in surprise. The bandaged stub of a horn the filly had, made it particularly effective. Twilight dropped and held her chest. “W-what?”
“H-how could you?” the filly screamed, tears in her eyes. “W-why couldn't you come home sooner? Why couldn't you save us sooner? I could still have my horn! It's your fault! I-I can never use my magic again because of you! Why? WHY? WHY?!” the filly screamed as she moved in for another headbutt, but was quickly grabbed by an older mare, another de-horned.
“Avatar, I am so sorry. My daughter was the last one to lose her horn before Boiling Rock was free. She's still very upset by it, the wounds haven't quite healed.”
The filly struggled in her mother's grasp. “Why? Why couldn't you do anything? You're supposed to be so powerful! Why did you let them take our horns?” Tears strode down her face as she sobbed. “I want my horn back! I want my magic!” The filly was dragged off, crying and screaming. Twilight couldn't look away no matter how hard she tried.
“I wanted... to come sooner,” she mumbled, not that it did any good. The crowd dispersed quickly, leaving Rarity and Twilight standing alone.
“It's not your fault,” the princess said softly. “You couldn't have saved them. You would have just died.”
“Doesn't mean I couldn't have tried...”
“Getting yourself killed won't help anypony. These ponies are better off now than they would have been if you'd thrown your body at the wall. Everypony is. You can't beat yourself up for not doing what you couldn't have possibly done.”
Twilight sighed and started walking. “Maybe I can't. But it doesn't mean I won't...”
------
The Great Dragon stared down at the little ponies, his massive girth giving them ample shade from the blazing sun. One of his paws moved up to gently stroke his chin, before he gave a slow nod. “Very well. Avatar, what you seek is simple. The previous avatars can all be found within you. The Spirit Realm will be where the connection is strongest, but when you are truly trained in all your arts, you will find yourself able to call on them at any time.” His gaze then shifted to the princess. “You, on the other hand. I am sorry, but what you ask may very well be impossible. If any fragment of your father remains, contacting him is feasible, but difficult and draining. But the chances of him remaining are slim. All ponies eventually pass on to the next life and I can imagine no reason why your father would not.”
Rarity gave a slow nod. “I... understand. But there is still a chance, correct? Some small part of him may remain?”
“Yes. I can teach you how to attempt to summon him, but it will not be easy. Even if he does remain, as unlikely as it is, you may not be strong enough.”
“I know. But I still have to at least try.”
The dragon nodded and slowly stood up on his hind legs. His tail moved out to encircle the two and his massive wings spread over them, shielding them completely from the outside world. “Very well. If you are both certain, we will go.”
The two ponies nodded and sat down in the darkness. Even with the sand getting in uncomfortable areas, Rarity didn't object. She had a job to do and she would see it done. Twilight's horn began to glow as the world began to slowly leak away from around them.
When their eyes opened again, the world had shifted. They sat on giant, rolling hills of glass and ice. The two ponies quickly jumped up with pained, angry yelps. “OWWW!”
The Great Dragon reached out and plucked them both from the ground, chuckling softly. “I see you two have managed the easy part, getting here.”
“Yeah, I've practiced before,” Twilight said as she rubbed her flank. “Rarity came with me last time and, well, we saw the strangest creatures. Anyway, moving on. What do we do now?”
“Now?” the dragon spread its wings and took to the air. “Now we find the proper location to begin...” Within a few moments a smooth platform of glass was found and the two were gently deposited on top of it.
“What is this place? Why is everything so... icy and glassy?” Twilight asked as she looked around.
“This country has long been out of balance. Things in both worlds affect each other.” He reached down and pulled up a small sliver of ice. “But the ice is melting and balance is returning. Before long the glass may break as well and this may become a ripe, flourishing forest of life.”
Twilight nodded and thought back to the Water Nation. “When we went to the Spirit World before, we saw great horses of ice and water. Were those a part of the Water Nation?”
“I do not know,” the Great Dragon said with a shake of his head. “I'd assume so, but my knowledge of the Spirit World is limited. Now, you must meditate, both of you. I will protect you.”
“Protect us?” Rarity asked softly. “From what?”
“You'll be trying to summon things from this world,” the dragon said as he sat down besides them. “In order to locate them, you must clear your mind of all things aside from what you are calling to. If your mind wanders, you could summon other things. Creatures. Monsters. Spirits. Some will be benign, but some may wish you harm.”
Rarity gave a slow nod. “I see. This... realm truly can be treacherous, can't it?” She gave a smile and slow nod to the dragon. “Thank you for your help.”
“Thank you for everything,” Twilight said as well. The two closed their eyes and began to focus, each calling on their targets with their minds.
The avatar felt as if wrappings were slowly being drawn back from her mind as she focused on the presence of Starswirl the Bearded. Layer by layer she felt her mind become unclouded as thoughts of him slowly flooded in and an image of him became clearer and clearer.
Then, all of a sudden, it was as if he was sitting in front of her. His great beard circled around his body while his star and moon decorated hat and cloak wrapped around his form. His eyes, so aged and yet filled with cunning and wisdom, stared back at her. She couldn't help but suddenly feel so young and foalish. “Young avatar, so we meet again.”
She gave a slow nod. “Hello. I ummm... I've come to ask some things about my powers. The elements. I have found my five companions who will use them, but we can't figure out how they work. We've only been able to get a few of them to work so far.”
The alicorn gave a nod. “Well, I am happy to tell you, the trick is simple. I'm sure in times of need you have been able to wield them?”
She gave a quick nod. “Yes. Whenever we've had to have them, they seem to appear now. But we need to be sure they'll come, all of them, when we really need them.”
“Very well. The answer is simple. The elements respond to your need to protect and help each other, as well as others you wish to protect. They are powered by the elements each wielder holds, but to use them, all they must do is desire to work together and help each other. To protect each other.”
Twilight stared for a moment, but the stallion didn't say any more. “Wait, that's it? But that's so simple! That doesn't explain why...” She paused and thought back to how each element had been activated. Fluttershy had tried to heal and help Rarity. When it came to loyalty, Rainbow likely associated that with protecting her friends. She herself thought of the bond between her friends and her desire to protect them. Applejack hadn't been able to summon her element until she had stood up to protect Rarity. She facehoofed. “I can't believe it was so simple. I wasted your time for something that I should have been able to figure out on my own. I am so, so sorry.”
“Oh avatar, there is no shame in asking for help,” he said with a smile before reaching out and putting a hoof on her shoulder. “We are but the link that binds ponies together. Without those ponies, we'd be nothing.”
She nodded. “I... think we've almost won. It's just a little more. We can stop Nightmare Moon and Discord.”
He chuckled softly. “Good. But be careful. Discord is a crafty beast, he will try all manner of trickery to defeat you. You must not let your guard down, even for a moment.”
She nodded again. “Don't worry. I'll leave nothing for him to use against us, don't worry.” She paused for a moment and looked down. “I... I think I've failed many of the ponies here. Was there anything more I could have done? Something to free them sooner? Maybe if I hadn't disappeared? Maybe if I--”
“Don't,” the stallion said with a shake of his head. “You have done all you could have. It was my mistake that led to this, not yours. Ponies have been hurt, but that will happen regardless. What matters is that you're still fighting, still trying. You will succeed.”
She gave him a small smile and nodded. “Thank you. I... will keep trying. I won't give up. Not until this is over.” She slowly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, he was gone and she looked up at the dragon. “It's done. Did you hear what we said?”
“No. You haven't moved or said a word since you sat down.” He then motioned to Rarity.
The princess was sitting still, sweat beading down her body. She was shaking and paler than normal.
“Is she okay?” Twilight asked as she moved closer and reached out a hoof.
“Don't!” the Great Dragon said harshly. “She is deep in her meditation. If you move her now, you may sever the bonds.”
She nodded slowly. “Is... it working? Will she be able to reach him?”
“I do not know,” the Great Dragon said softly. “Perhaps. Her focus is great. But it reeks of desperation. Perhaps she will be able to reach him, perhaps he still exists. But only perhaps.”
Twilight nodded and took a seat, watching the princess as she worked. Her shaking got worse and worse, until finally the unicorn collapsed on the ground, wheezing and gasping for air as her eyes opened. “I... I-I almost did it,” she said softly.
The alicorn moved in quickly besides her friend. “Rarity, you're exhausted. You're going to hurt yourself,” she said as she dabbed at the pony's mane.
“I... I feel fine. We're in the Spirit World, right?” She slowly sat up. “Things are different here. I'll be fine and--”
“You need to stop. You--”
“I can't stop,” Rarity said softly. “I can feel him, he's just... he's just there, just a little bit away. I could feel him, calling to me. All I had to do was reach out and--”
“Rarity!” Twilight said harshly, before gripping the mare's withers. “Get a hold of yourself. We're in the Spirit World, you cannot burn yourself out trying to find him. There's no guarantee he's here, so--”
“I need to try,” Rarity said softly. “I just... I have to ask him. I need to know what he'd do. What he'd say.”
The alicorn stared for a moment, a shocked look on her face. “Rarity? Why? What's wrong?”
“I just... I need... to ask him some things. I need to know. I have to know. Please. Just let me...”
Twilight slowly gave a nod. “One more try, then we go out to rest, okay? We can try again later. As many times as we need.”
The princess gave a slow nod and was released. She then smiled and closed her eyes and was soon back in meditation, her entire body shaking.
“Is she safe?” Twilight asked nervously.
“I do not know. Has she mentioned her father often?”
“No. She never even talks about him aside from saying that thing that chased us wasn't him. I can't imagine what she needs to ask him. I thought he was... well...”
“He likely is. I cannot imagine why his spirit would remain. You'd best be careful on what you allow. A pony can become fixated on such things and that will leave her vulnerable to other creatures.”
“Creatures such as Chrysalis and the changelings?”
“Who?”
“Nothing. Never mind,” Twilight watched her friend and sighed. “I know how to activate the elements now. I can't believe how simple it was. I feel pretty foalish for not figuring it out.”
“You have much on your mind. When distracted, even the simplest answers can evade us.”
She gave a nod. “We're almost ready though. Just a little more and we can win this war. Just a little, tiny more.”
The dragon nodded and patted her on the head. “You have done well, Avatar. You have grown since we first met.”
She chuckled. “I'm not the only pony who has grown. I can barely believe how short a time it's been. It feels like its been years. We're almost done, just a little more.”
The dragon nodded and together they stood in silence, watching over and protecting the princess as she reached out through the Spirit World, clawing and scraping for some hint of her father.
------
“It's simple, girls,” Twilight said as she looked over her friends. The six ponies, along with Spike and Angel, had relocated outside and were overlooked by the Great Dragon. Rarity was appearing quite tired from her failures in the Spirit World, but she had refused any offers to delay.
The alicorn had chosen the spot specifically for one reason. From their vantage point they could see the fire benders and water benders working, their magics casting in harmony as the sun slowly began to lower, followed by the gentle raising of the moon. As the world hung in the twilight, she began to explain how everything worked and how their new powers would finally be released. She made sure to be outside the city in case there were any accidents.
“Amazingly simple. All we have to do is focus on our desires to help each other. Protect each other.” She closed her eyes and thought back to the bonds they all shared. How much they all meant to her and what she would do to protect them. There was a sudden flash and the golden crown appeared on her head. “Just like that. Hard to believe it's so easy, huh?”
Her friends nodded and closed their eyes. Rainbow's and Fluttershy's appeared first. Pinkie's appeared next (though Twilight had a sneaking suspicion the mare knew all along how to summon hers, she just didn't want the others to feel bad.) Applejack's took a little longer, though she caught the earth pony occasionally peeking towards the city. Rarity, however, didn't seem to be having any luck.
“I... don't think it's working,” the princess said softly.
“You just need to focus,” Twilight said with a smile. “Remember, we're your friends. Think about how much you care about us, how much you want to work with us.” She paused for a moment before giving a nod. “Think about your sister. Think about working with us, how together we can save all of them. Your mother, your sister. Your entire nation.”
The princess nodded and took a deep breath. After a few moments the element appeared around her neck.
“WOO HOO!” Spike yelled, jumping up and down. “You did it! You guys all have your elements! You're ready!” Even Angel was offering his own little applause, clapping his paws together.
“We're not done yet,” Twilight said with a grin. “But we're almost there. We still need to practice how to use them, not to mention find a way to draw them out faster. But we're almost there.” She held out a hoof to her friends. “So... try to use them.”
“Oh, I'll go first! This'll be awesome!” Rainbow said as her element began to glow.
“Wait, don't--” But it was too late. The pegasus flapped her wings as a massive gust overtook the ponies. Sand hurtled into the air, burying them. The sand hung in the air, making it difficult to breath until another, much weaker gust of wind blew it away to reveal the group.
Nearly everypony was laying in the sand, buried. Even the Great Dragon had been toppled by the powerful burst. Rainbow was the only pony free of such a fate and she chuckled softly as she hovered in the air. “Errr, oops?”
“As... I was saying,” Twilight said as she got up, coughing and sputtering out sand. “Start small. We don't know what the elements fully do yet and we don't want to rush anything.”
“Heh heh, sorry!” Rainbow said sheepishly. “But hey, they're awesome!”
Twilight sighed and gave a nod. Well, the next few weeks would be interesting at least. She still had to finish mastering three elements as well as learn how to use these Elements. Nine elements to master in less than three weeks. She was just thankful the other ponies had the plans for the attack under control. She wasn't sure she could handle organizing all that too.
------
The days and weeks passed slowly but, with hard work and determination, Shearedstem's fruit fields were back in order. They'd lost a decent chunk of their harvest, but enough had survived for them to tend to and get back in order. This years harvest would be smaller than normal, but it would do. He and his family would just have to tighten their belts.
Not like he could complain much, the harvest had been poor for most the farms, having to abandon their fields like that had been disastrous. They were lucky to even have food on the table, a luxury most had to struggle tooth and nail for.
On the up side, he and his family wouldn't be a part of that invasion force. Any day now there would be airships flying from Manehatten down to the Water Nation. The patrols talked about it almost nonstop whenever they came by. The avatar and her friends were almost ready, the Great Dragon would be going with them. Her magic was impossible to defeat, the forces were almost ready. Shearedstem couldn't help but feel a little excited, the fleet would be flying by their little village and they'd get to see first hoof the magnificent force raised against the Water Nation. A good thing to see and not be a part of.
He didn't envy the nation, he certainly wouldn't want to face the avatar like this. Rumor had it she could pick up the entire city by herself. Anypony who could do that wasn't the king of pony you wanted to make enemies with.
A sudden yell caught his attention and he turned south. He cocked an eye at the sight of a group of pegasi flying out from the mountains. They were going fast, faster than he'd ever seen them move. He looked around the fields and saw other ponies abandoning their duties and trotting towards the fliers, confusion radiating from the group. A moment later there was a scream and he looked up. His blood froze.
The group was being followed by a whole flock of pegasi, dozens of them, wearing dark uniforms he couldn't recognize from this distance. What he could recognize were the airships that were becoming visible from behind the mountains, dozens of them. Each held long, porous globes under them, nearly the length of the ships. There were so many of them, they were blocking out the sky.
The ponies being chased were too slow and, one by one, they were picked off by the other pegasi. Shearedstem couldn't move as he watched. They didn't even capture the ponies, they just brutally snapped their wings and left the other pegasi to plummet to the ground. He heard galloping and assumed some of the farmers were running. He longed to join them, but he couldn't. He could only watch as the flock flew over the city, followed by the air ships.
The last thing he saw was the water shooting out from the orbs, forming arrows of ice which rained down on the village.