//------------------------------//
// Chapter 14 
// Story: My Little Pony: A New Apple 
// by Hopeful Soul 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 14


They soon found themselves going deeper and deeper into the Everfree Forest, deeper than the kids previously did and in a completely different direction as well. As they kept going further, and eventually went down a flight of stairs, Sunspot became more and more impatient. 
“So… why are going back into the Everfree Forest exactly? We just got out.” Sunspot pointed out. “I feel like I just made a ‘U’ turn… come on, tell us already will ya Princess?”
“There’s a special reason why, Sunspot.” Princess Luna told her.
“Are you going to tell us?” The yellow Pegasus inquired, expectedly
“When we get there.” Luna stated, firmly making Sunspot even more annoyed.
“Ok, how about this? Could you be any more cryptic? Because you’re giving me a headache!?” Sunspot exclaimed.
“Sunspot, take it easy!” Orchard urged her.
“Yes, we are in the presence of Royalty, don’t be rude.” Ironhorn scolded. Sunspot just turned away and snorted.
Princess Luna turned to her. “You should listen to your friends, dear Sunspot.”
“And why is that?” Sunspot questioned.
The Princess of the Sun then looked up ahead. “Because, we… have arrived,” she declared.
Everypony looked to where she was looking and gasped when they saw what was in front of them. Standing before the group was a large, crystal like tree shining brightly in the dark forest around them. The center of the tree had a star shaped like Twilight Sparkle’s cutie mark, while Celestia and Luna’s cutie marks were on the trunk.
“Wow… is that…” Wave Crasher began.
“The Tree of Harmony…” Ironhorn finished “Said to keep the Everfree Forest under control.”
“And… what are those imbedded in it…” Alyssa asked, confused while pointing to something on it.
The kids then turned their attention to six gems imbedded in the tree, each a different color and looked a lot like the cutie marks of the Mane Six.
“The Elements of Harmony…” Johnny breathed, staring at them in awe. “Incredible… I’ve heard the stories but… to actually see them up close…”
“It’s incredible…” Orchard Star marveled.
“It’s unbelievable…” Sunspot added.
“Wow! This is so, amazing cool!” Wave Crasher expressed.
“On this particular topic Wave Crasher, you are absolutely right.” Ironhorn nodded.
“I’m sorry… the Elements of Harmony?” Alyssa asked, confused.
“They’re magical artifacts. That’s what my Ma says. She used to tell me stories.” Johnny said. “She says that she and her friends used them to defend Equestria multiple times before they had to give them up.”
“Hmm, noted.” Alyssa nodded. “But what do they have to with us, anyway?”
“Simple; you must be the ones to stop him.” Luna said, bluntly.
“From doing what?” Johnny questioned.
“From destroying Equestria.” Princess Celestia stated. “King Sombra used to rule the Crystal Empire, he wants to rule again, this time over everything. And… let’s just say he’s not a very ‘benevolent’ ruler.”
“Oh dear…” Alyssa said with realization in her voice.
“ ‘Oh dear’ is right! Because of him an entire Empire was cursed for a very long time!” Sunspot expressed.
“But it was broken thanks to Ma and her friends.” Johnny added.
“And speaking of us why can’t we take this chump on?” Rainbow Dash questioned.
“Because you gave up the Elements of Harmony, you are no longer connected to them like you were before, just like me and Luna.” Princess Celestia said, gravely.
“But they are?” Rainbow Dash questioned in disbelief, gesturing to the gang.
“Yes.” Princess Luna nodded. “For they represent the New Generation, the New Elements of Harmony.”
The teens couldn’t believe their ears. “What?” They all asked.
Johnny’s mother and her friends had the same reaction. “What!?”
“Us? Really?” Johnny asked, surprised.
“Yes, you Johnny, you and your friends.” Celestia nodded. The kids eyes all widened.
“Whoa…” Orchard Star said, amazed.
“Princess, you can’t be serious!” Rainbow expressed.
“I’m afraid we have no choice.” Luna stated.
“But these kids? I mean… them?” Rainbow Dash questioned, still stunned. “But they’re… they’re…”
“We’re what?” Orchard Star asked, confused.
“Yeah… I don’t like how that sounds.” Johnny voiced, he turned to Wave Crasher. “Do you?”
“Actually dude, I’m kinda lost here…” Wave Crasher admitted.
Sunspot stepped forward, not looking pleased. “I know what she means, she thinks we can’t do it! That we’re just kids!”
“Technically we are.” Alyssa pointed out.
“Not helping!” Sunspot snapped, she turned to Rainbow. “And I’m sick you think your better than us! I used to look up to you but now… not anymore. Your just a Great. Big. Dumb. MEANIE!”
“You take that back!” Rainbow told her, insulted
“You make me!” Sunspot countered. The two of them then began to argue until Ironhorn finally had enough of it.
“STOP!!!” Ironhorn suddenly bellowed, catching everypony’s attention. They stared at him wide eyed, as he then began speaking calmly again. “We are all on the same team, I suggest you both start acting like it.”
The two Pegasi then saw his point and looked at each other shamefully.
“Sorry.” Rainbow said.
“Me too.” Sunspot nodded.
“There, feel better?” Johnny asked.
“Not quite…” Sunspot began.
“But it’s a start.” Rainbow finished, smiling. The others smiled also, all pleased.
“Glad to hear it.” Twilight said, sounding satisfied.
“So… now that we’re cool… can I look at your wings?” Sunspot asked her, eagerly.
“Uh… why?” Rainbow inquired, slowly.
“Hello! The wings of an ace flier, I wanna check ‘em out!” Sunspot said, excited, as he stretched Rainbow’s wings.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hooves off the merchandise! I need these to fly!” Rainbow protested, backing away.
“Sorry. Hey, think you’ll do a Sonic Rainboom? I know all about it!” Sunspot beamed.
“You do huh?” Rainbow asked, interested.
Sunspot nodded. “Yeah!” she said as she began to talk all about the Sonic Rainboom with her while the others watched on, baffled.
“Boy… never knew Dashie had a clone.” Pinkie Pie remarked. Rarity nodded.
“In any case, it is up to the six of you to defeat Sombra and save Equestria, we are all counting on you.” Celestia said.
“No pressure…” Sunspot commented, sarcastically. Ironhorn just nudged her, annoyed.
“Hey! What about us? What are we? Chopped quartz?” Rainbow questioned, somewhat insulted.
“The six of you must each give your blessings to whoever the Elements choose to take over as your successors. I know must be difficult for some you, but remember in order to be set free and see all the world has to offer you must pass on the torch to these extraordinary individuals. I just know that they won’t let you all down.” Princess Celestia promised. The girls all looked at each other and nodded before facing the Princess.
“We understand Celestia.” Twilight nodded.
“Then let’s begin.” Princess Celestia declared. She turned to the elements in the Tree of Harmony. “Choose wisely.”
Just then five of the Elements in the Tree of Harmony began to glow and shine brightly before they each removed themselves from the tree and zipped right over to the teens. They quickly become necklaces and attach themselves to their new owners. Johnny had the Element of Honesty, Ironhorn received the Element of Kindness, Wave Crasher’s was Laughter, Orchard Star; Generosity and Sunspot got the Element of Loyalty. They all looked stunned.
“And so, the new bearers of the Elements of Harmony have been chosen.” Princess Luna declared.
“Indeed they have.” Princess Celestia nodded, proudly. “Girls, you may now give your blessings to the new bearers.”
The Mane Six nodded and faced their respective successors. Applejack stepped forward first, approaching her adopted son with the proudest smile a mother could have.
“Johnny, I can’t tell you how pleased as punch I am to give you my blessings and let you take my place as the new bearer of the Element of Honesty. Even as a boy you’ve always been honest, kind and hard-working, I know you’ll do great out there and protect your friends just like your old Ma here.” Applejack said, tearing up. Johnny smiled.
“Thank you, Ma… I won’t let you don’t. I promise.” Johnny told her, sincerely while Fluttershy approached Ironhorn nearby him.
“Ironhorn, you have shown to be compassionate and kind, I take great pride in giving you my blessing and making you the new bearer of the Element of Kindness.” Fluttershy said, sweetly. Ironhorn was touched while Pinkie approached Wave Crasher.
“Wave Crasher, you are the funniest fish out of the sea and while your friends don’t always get your jokes, I know you have their best interests as heart. And now I, Pinkie Pie, give you my blessings and make you the new bearer of the Element of Laughter!” Pinkie cheered while blowing a noise maker, Wave Crasher joined her as Rarity approached Orchard Star.
“Orchard Star, I admire you for your generous spirit and kind heart towards your friends and all others, I hereby give you my blessing to become the new bearer of the Element of Generosity.” Rarity declared. Orchard smiled, brightly. 
“Sunspot, you’re gonna be the new bearer of the Element of Loyalty.” Rainbow Dash said, bluntly. “And listen… I’m sorry again for being so hard on you, like me your loyal to your friends and will follow them into danger anywhere which is pretty cool in my book. So… yeah, I give you my blessing. Do a good job, ok?”
Sunspot nodded, smiling. “I will.”
Just then, the Elements started to glow and morph, catching them by surprise. When they stopped, Johnny’s Element had changed from orange to red, Sunspots became a sun a turned yellow, Wave Crasher’s became a Fish, Ironhorn’s became a Bison’s head and green and Orchard Star’s became a flower and turned pink, surprising them even more.
“Hey! They changed colors!” Sunspot pointed out.
“And they changed shape!” Orchard added.
“Why is that?” Alyssa inquired.
“Because the Elements have gained new bearers, the shape and color of each of them alters in order to fit their new bearers personality and cutie mark, should any of them have one.” Celestia explained.
“Fascinating… a rock that changes shape depending on the user.” Alyssa remarked.
“It’s… actually not that simple, see it’s because it’s…” Twilight began to say.
“Um… am I the only one who notices that my Element didn’t change its color?” Wave Crasher pointed out.
“Yeah, and mine didn’t change shape.” Johnny added.
“Children, there is a simple explanation for that.” Princess Celestia began to explain to them. Wave Crasher’s face lit up.
“Which we do not have time to explain.” Princess Luna added, Crasher lowered his head, disappointed. “The elements may have changed but they still have the same powers that they’ve always had.”
“And they’re also capable of so much more now.” Princess Celestia smiled.
“Hold on, what about the sixth Element? The Element of Magic?” Johnny pointed out. “That’s the Element that powers the other ones, right?”
“Correct Jonathan.” Princess Celestia nodded
“Why hasn’t it removed itself?” Johnny inquired.
“Because, it’s new wielder has yet to believe in Friendship and its power.” Celestia stated.
“And who is the new wielder?” Twilight questioned.
Luna gestured to Alyssa. “She’s standing right there,” she replied. Everyone turned to Alyssa and bugged out.
“What!?” They all yelled. Crasher then fainted but then got back up.
“You means… she’s the sixth Element of Harmony!?” Wave Crasher exclaimed, gesturing to the equally shocked Alyssa.
“There must be some mistake… I don’t belong here… I don’t believe in magic or this place.” Alyssa pointed out.
“Your skepticism is healthy Alyssa, but this is no mistake.” Princess Celestia stated. “You have all been chosen because of your skills and your character.”
“Really?” Alyssa asked, genuinely surprised.
“Yes, deep down we can tell you have the same potential Twilight Sparkle did all those years ago.” Luna agreed. “And despite your cold attitude, I can tell, just by looking, that you have a pure heart.”
Alyssa was greatly shocked and touched by the Princess’ words. She smiled. “Thank you, Princess.”
Princess Luna nodded, looking pleased.
“Now children, do you understand the importance of your task?” Princess Celestia questioned. Johnny and the others all exchanged glances then Johnny looked at Celestia.
“Yeah. If Equestria is in trouble… and you think we’re the ones to protect it… we’re in!” Johnny declared, confidently. The others all nodded in agreement.
“He’s right, whether this world is real or not, I cannot allow innocent creatures to be harmed, I won’t!” Alyssa stated, firmly. “So you can count me in too.”
“Thank you, all of you. Equestria is in good hoofs.” Princes Celestia said, proudly.
“Just remember children; against enemies like Sombra your friendship is your most powerful weapon of all.” Princess Luna stated.
“She’s right, Only as a team do you stand a chance. Only together can you stop Sombra.” Princess Celestia told them before turning to Johnny. “And you, Johnny, you must lead them.”
Johnny looked surprised by this while everybody looked at him, his head lowered. “I don’t know Princess… it might not be a good fit.”
“Make it fit, Jonathan.” Luna told him. “Or all is lost.”
“Yeah, that won’t put pressure on him.” Crasher remarked, sarcastically. Luna shot him an annoyed look. “I mean… where do we start?”
“We do have a general idea of where he is located.” Princess Celestia said.
“And that would be?” Alyssa inquired.
“Somewhere in the Foal Mountains, there is where you will find him.” Luna stated. “Johnny, I trust you and the others know where that is.”
“We do, your majesty.” Johnny nodded, along with the others.
“Good, then you should be able to lead Alyssa there with little to no trouble.” Princess Luna said. Alyssa nodded in response. 
“So… you kid’s got a plan or what?” Rainbow Dash asked.
Ironhorn nodded. “Yes. Find Sombra.”
“And we kick his shadowy butt!” Orchard added, enthusiastically.
“We put a stop to his plan!” Johnny continued.
“And we save the world!” Sunspot declared.
“And then… we celebrate!” Wave Crasher cheered.
“Right, let’s go.” Alyssa nodded. She turned to Luna. “Can we, Ma’am?”
Luna nodded. “Yes, you must go at once, time is of the essence.” 
The kids all nodded, turned and began to walk down the nearest path out of the forest while everypony, aside from the Princess, waved goodbye to all of them.
“Good luck, everypony.” Celestia nodded.
“Be safe, children!” Rarity said.
“Go get ‘em, kids!” Rainbow added.
“We have faith in you!” Twilight waved.
“Please be safe.” Fluttershy told them, softly.
Johnny then noticed that Applejack was the only one not cheering and had a very sad expression on her face that bothered him greatly.
“Uh, you guys go on ahead. I’ll catch up with you.” Johnny told them.
“Ok.” Orchard Star nodded, understandingly before she and the others began to walk ahead. Johnny then turned to his currently despondent adopted mother and walked over to her.
“Hey,” he said, slowly.
“Hey,” she nodded, still looking very depressed. “So… your off to save the world, huh?”
“Looks like it.” Johnny nodded.
“Eeyup…” Applejack sighed. Johnny looked at his mother for a bit before he finally understood why she looked so depressed.
“You don’t want me to go… do you?” Johnny guessed.
Applejack lowered her head. “No… not really…” she admitted, sadly.
Johnny then kneeled down to her. “But why not?” he asked, confused. “You know I have to go, I have to stop Sombra at all costs, because if I don’t… then who am I?”
“Your my son… right?” Applejack asked, sounding both fearful and hopeful.
“I was about to ask you that…” Johnny confessed, sadly. 
“Yes, you are my son!” Applejack said, emotionally as she hugged him. Her tune then changed. “But now… you know that you have another mother out there that misses you… and I’m afraid… that once you find her… you’ll leave me…”
“But Ma…” Johnny began to say.
“No! Listen, the truth is your parents sent you here by accident. And you were this little boy whose whole world was turned upside down with no explanation. We did the best we could, your Uncle Mac, Aunt Apple Bloom, Granny and I. I mean, who else was gonna care for you and protect you and worry about you? Your parents? No. I was the one who wiped your nose and made you brush your teeth and do your homework and washed your dirty underwear. Me! You’re stupid, farm pony mother. And… and you’re dreaming about your perfect parents, who were never here. No! No, I won’t let you go. You’re my boy. As far as I’m concerned, you’re my boy, mine. And I don’t want to lose you…” Applejack cried.
Johnny saw how sad Applejack looked and gently stroked her face, looking sympathetic. “Yeah… I’m your boy… your my everything. But I have go. I need to know more about what I am,” he stated, gently. “Please try to understand.”
Applejack nodded, still crying. “Yeah… I do.”
Johnny smiled sadly, closed his eyes and then gently pressed his and his adoptive mother’s forehead’s together as he held both sides of her face, crying. The two stayed like his silently for a bit before Johnny finally spoke once again.
“No matter what, I'll always think of you as my Mom.” Johnny told Applejack, sincerely.
“And you’ll always be my son, Johnny.” Applejack said, tearfully. “Love you…”
“Love you too…” Johnny said, crying a bit. They both looked at each other and smiled a sad smile. 
The human male sighed  stood up, turned and started walking away. Alyssa watched Johnny walk off then smiled reassuringly at Applejack. "Don't worry Miss Applejack, we'll be back before dinner."
She then set off along with the rest of the group. Applejack sadly watched them as they leave the forest.
“Good luck…” she muttered to herself, quietly.