//------------------------------//
// Onto the Spirit World we go 
// Story: The Little Pony Legend: The NightMare's Return 
// by MaggiesHeartLove 
//------------------------------//


Onto the Spirit World we go


“Okay, to Varrick's old battleship, then the portal!” Spike said.
Team Avatar was now standing at the docks of Republic City, standing in front of Varrick's battleship which they had used before to travel to the South Pole and defeat UnaVaatu. Now in the human world, the Mane Six and Flash Sentry reverted to their anthro form. Opal had decided to join them on their quest to save Asami and Twilight. The Mares wore winter coats to protect them from the cold, while Mako, Flash and Bolin also wore their winter coats. Opal had a green colored fur coat with gloves and black pants with matching dark green boots. 
Applejack was helping Rarity in tightening her backpack, "Oh! Gently, please."
"Sorry, Rarity. But we've gotta be prepared when we get into the spirit world. Who knows what NightMara's spell has already done." just as the words left her mouth, the skies turned grey and from above, grey snow fell upon them. Softly at first, but it wouldn't be long before it covered the entire city with it.
"We have to move quickly." Korra said determinedly, "We're running out of time."
Pinkie Pie used her airbending to leap herself onto the ship, wearing a sailor's hat and holding a blow horn, “ALL ABOARD!”
The alicorns, who were present, turned to Korra. Leilani hugged the Avatar, “Good luck, kids. And be careful.”
“We will.”
She and her daughters flew away as the others all got on the ship. “I still can't believe you guys still have access to Varrick's ship.” said Mako once they made it on board.
“Well, he did say we could keep it.” said Rarity. 
Once inside, Mako entered the control room to steer the ship, while Flash Sentry stood outside, looking up at the sky, thinking about his beloved. Fluttershy kindly placed a hand on his shoulder, "We'll get her back, Flash Sentry. I know we will."
As she walked inside, the ship began to leave the dorks, but Flash remained outside, watching as the city faded from view. However, he was not alone, for on a higher part of the ship, the Princess Avatar was feeling just as distressed as her friend was. 
She prayed Twilight would be all right.


(~)


Later that night, Flash was still outside, looking up at the starry night sky. He heard footsteps approaching but he did not turn his head for he had a hunch on who it was.
“Couldn't sleep either, hu?”
“Hey, Bolin. No. I can't stop thinking about Twilight. I'm so worried.”
“I know how you feel. I can't stop thinking about Asami. Just the thought of never seeing her again it's….I can’t even imagine what things would be like without her around, ya know?”
"I do."
Bolin sighed as he looked down at the water, staring at his reflection and a sad song played in his heart as both he and Flash Sentry thought about their respected sweethearts.

Flash Sentry;
An angel in disguise
Stories in her eyes
A love for every true heart that it seems
Was it just a lucky day
That it turned to look my way
Or is it heaven right before my very eyes

Bolin;
It didn't start this way
It happened just one day
She smiled at me and I saw her differently 
Now I would tremble just to be
A part of you as we
Begin a life that's sure to never end

Bolin and Flash;
I was lost but now I'm found
Her happiness surounds
And now I find that my dreams could come true

As they sang, memories of their best friends replayed in his minds as the images also took form in the water before them.

Cause I'm gonna love her
For the rest of my life
I'm holding her safe here
In this heart of mine
I won't give up on you, no
No matter what the cause
You know I'm telling the truth
I'll spend the rest of my life
Loving you

The images slowly faded and the two brothers simply stood there, giving each other company. From above, Korra watched the two boys. Her heart breaking for them. The door behind her opened, revealing Fluttershy and Mako. 
"Korra? It's late, you should get some rest." said the yellow pegasus. But the princess didn't move. 
They both knew that this would happen. After everything she and Twilight had been through, they had been separated by an old foe. Now, Korra was once again slowly slipping into depression, but not just that, also fear and anxiety. She feared she wouldn't be able to rescue her two friends. 
When she saw Asami's face in the form of that monster, she wanted to erase it, pretend it wasn't real. But it was. Mako placed his hand on her shoulder.
"I knew." she finally said.
"What do you mean?"
"I was having nightmares about Asami betraying us. I had no idea what they meant until now. I sensed NightMare Moon's return, but I ignored it. This is all my fault."
Mako was done hearing this, he had heard it from his brother and now he was hearing it from the woman he loved. He took hold of her shoulders, looking at her with serious but still sympathetic eyes and spoke in a firm but calm voice. 
"Korra, listen to me. This is not your fault."
"When I opened the portals, NightMara's powers--"
"Forget about what she said! This is what villains do, they try to bring you down with their words but you can't let her do this to you." he lifted her chin so she would look into his eyes, "After you were poisoned, it broke my heart to see you like that. But even so, I never lost faith you would pull through. You're stronger than you know, Korra. And deep down, you know this too."
Tears rolled down her eyes, "Why is it like this Mako? I try, every single day to look on the bright side, but just when I feel like I'm happy again something like this happens! And it's not just me who's suffering now, it's Bolin, Twilight and Asami! I'm dragging everyone with me! It never ends!"
Mako was silent, his grip on her shoulders loosed as she sobbed onto his chest, with Fluttershy stroking her back to sooth her as she sobbed uncontrollably. "Why?….why…"
Mako felt tears begin to form in his eyes as well as he rested his chin on her head, holding her close as Fluttershy joined in the hug.
"You don't know how much I wish I could answer that." Mako said, his voice cracking due to the tears.


 (~)


Her closed eyes twitched. She could feel the darkness all around her, frightening her, reminding her of what she feared the most. Finally, she could take no more and she snapped awake. A part of her was hopping to see her friends when she awoke, but to her dismay, her nightmares were just beginning. 
Twilight Sparkle was trapped within a purple colored spear with dark colors surrounding it. But that wasn't all she witnessed. All around her, she saw stone crystal-like walls growing from side to side, entrapping her in what appeared to be a tall building. More like a castle. Her spear was hovering on a stone pedestal beside a sinister-looking black throne with thorns and spikes on the side and a dark alicorn emblem on it. The palace was as large as can be, no doubt created by NightMara's wicked magic.
Speaking of NightMara, the queen of the night manifested herself before the princess. "What do you think? A lot better than that ghastly old palace your alicorns live in." she said arrogantly while inspecting her long black, sharp nails.
Twilight placed her hooves on the side of the spear, using her firebending to try and free herself, but the spear did not react at all.
"Nice try, but not even your bending can break my magic."
Twilight grunted in frustration, "Why are you doing this Asami? I know you can hear me, you have to fight NightMara's hold!"
The dark creature laughed at her cries, "You're kidding, right? Face reality, princess. Your friend is now mine. Once someone has succumb to my power, nothing can release them."
"We released Luna from your hold!"
"True, but that was with your Elements of Harmony, and not even they could stop me."
"We will find a way to break your curse! My friends won't give up on me!"
"You're pretty cocky, aren't you? Then again, I am counting your friends do come for you….not that they ever will, anyway."
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"With Asami's body, I now have access to her memories. And, if I'm correct, you and Korra went though quite an experience didn't you?"
Twilight gasped as her hears lowered, her heart racing from the memories. To taunt her, NightMara's face melted away, to reveal the face of Ghazan, lunging towards her. Twilight screamed in fear and tried to back away but couldn't due to her imprisonment. The poor alicorn curled up and shivered in fear and NightMara's face returned to normal.
"Still jumpy, I see." he said with a chuckle.
Twilight refused to allow her own fears to succumb her and stood up, facing NightMara, "You won't win! My friends will come for me!"
"Oh, honey…I intend on it." with a wave of her hand, the spear around Twilight started to glow, as did her body. She had no idea what she was doing but in a matter of seconds and purple spear emerged from the spear containing Twilight which then hovered over NightMara, landing on her hands. 
"You and Korra share a special connection. As long as I have your energy, I'll be able to see where she is. And be able to mess with her head." Twilight gasped in horror, "Oh, don't worry Princess. Your life is spared…for now."
Her wicked laugh echoed in the halls of her castle as images appeared in the spear in front of her.


(~)


After crying, Korra eventually fell asleep as did Mako and Fluttershy. Korra rested her head on Mako's shoddier and his chin rested against her head while Fluttershy cuddled beside them in her pony form. They were still outside but kept each other warmth by being together. Korra felt something cold land on her nose, making her wake up. Her vision was blurry at first before her sight adjusted and she could see what had landed on her.
Snow was falling down from the sky, but was the dark snow. Mako and Fluttershy woke up as well due to the flakes falling around them. Once they were fully aware of their surroundings they stood, up, while pony Flutershy flapped her wings and hovered beside her friends. 
"The curse is growing stronger." Korra said.
The door behind them opened and Applejack came out, panting, "Guys, we've made it. C'mon!"
The ship soon stopped at the docks of the Southern Water Tribe where Korra's father was awaiting for them. He quickly embraced her in a hug before she got down to business, "Dad, we need to get to the spirit portal. Right now!"
"Do you have a plan to stop this winter?"
"I think so. There's a book that might have the answers we need. In the meantime, you and your troops make sure everyone remains within the village at all times."


(~)


Ridding on Naga, Team Avatar rushed across the wintery forest, with the winged anthro ponies and Korra flying beside them as Spike, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkies Pie rode with Mako, Bolin and Opal. As the beast trotted her way through, Spike began to feel sick to his stomach, "Can you slow down? I think I'm gonna lose my breakfast."
"No time, Spike!", said Mako, just as the dragon felt like he was going to puke. 
At last, they reached the spirit portal. Opal was astounded to witness the portal for herself. "Wow."
Naga stopped and the others jumped off the saddle while the rest of the group landed on the ground. The land ponies turning anthro once they did. Korra turned to face them, "All right everyone, let's do this. Naga, you stay here." The polar bear dog nuzzled her face for good luck, "Don't worry girl. We'll be back soon."
Fluttershy hugged Naga as well, "You're such a good girl", she said and the polar bear dog licked her face. They all stood in front of the portal, all sharing looks of determination.
"Now or never.", said Rainbow Dash.
"I've never been to the spirit world before." Opal said.
"First time for everything." said her ex-boyfriend.
One by one, they all stepped through the beaming light and emerged from the other side. The spirit world had not changed all that mush, it was still the same place they saw last during Harmonic Convergence. Only now, it no longer looked dark with colors of blue, green and purple, but now had brighter colors of green, blue and yellows all around and the sky was as bright as when Korra became a full alicorn and, technically, freed Raava.
"Hu, doesn't change much, does it?" said Bolin as he looked all around.
"I'm so glad you finally made it."
Mako, Flash, Bolin, Opal and Applejack quickly got into a defensive stance at the sound of a mysterious voice coming from nowhere. But a few recognized it. Korra told her friends to step down, "Wait! I know that voice."
Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash recognized it as well. Then, to their surprise, almost out of nowhere, a body manifested before their eyes. The figure was rather short, but had a sunny and fatherly demeanor that brought joy to all who looked upon him. Korra, Rarity, Rainbow and Pinkie smiled happily.
"Iroh!"
The four girls all ran up to greet their old friend, hugging him. The elderly man chuckled as he returned the hug. "It's so good to see you girls again."
"We missed you old buddy!" said Rainbow
Pinkie hugged his tightly, "I'm sooooooo happy to see you!!"
"Likewise, Pinkie Pie."
The others could not believe their own eyes. Standing before them was non other than the former General Iroh, the namesake of the current General. Opal had read a lot about him, and heard a great deal of his adventured from her grandmother. 
"Iroh? The Iroh? My grandmother Toph has told me so much about you. It's such an honor!"
"The honor is all mine, child."
Mako was at a loss for words. Iroh was one of the best known firebenders of all time…and he was standing right in front of him. Bolin was arguably the most shocked. He was giddy with excitement, the same way he was when he first met Lord Zuko, Iroh's nephew.
"Ah, ah, ah, it's--it's--it's--this can't be happening!"
Iroh simply chucked at the boy's excitement while Applejack tried to calm him down, "Get it together, partner."
Mako slowly approached the man, feeling a tad flustered upon meeting him, "Um, General Iroh, sir, this is--uh, I mean, it really is an honor to--um."
Iroh laughed as he patted the young man on the back, "You must be the lucky young man who holds Korra's heart."
"How--how did you know?!"
"I can tell just by looking at you. You make a stunning couple."
"How do you know our friends?" Flash asked.
"He helped me, Rainbow, Pinkie and Rarity the first time we came to the spirit world." Korra explained. 
"I'm sorry to say that this isn't a social visit." Rainbow said sadly.
Iroh's sunny expression shifted into a serious one. "I know. I sense a dark presence has entered our world. And it’s growing stronger."
"Has it done anything to the spirits? Are they going evil again?" Rarity asked. 
“No, only Vaatu had the power to corrupt the spirits, and after Harmonic Convergence, they are not so easily influenced by human's negative emotions as they were before. However, this new evil could put an end to that.”
“We need to get to Wan Shi Tong's spirit library." said Applejack, "Do you know where it is?”
Iroh smiled, “You are in luck. I knew you would all come to stop this new evil entity so I arranged a mode of transportation for you all.” He placed his fingers into his mouth and whistled a musical tune. Bolin and Spike's mouth dropped once they saw a large golden dragon bird land in front of them. The creature was larger than life, with its majestic wings of gold and long elegant tail, and its neck was as long and graceful looking as a swan. But despite its monstrous size, its eyes carried of sense of integrity and loyalty. Bolin nearly passed out, only to have Opal shove him back to his senses. 
Pinkie Pie jumped happily, “Goldie!” 
The girls greeted the dragon bird as he nuzzled Korra's face, “I missed you too, old friend.”
Mako's eyes were wide in surprise at the sight of the creature, “What… is….that?”
“The dragon bird spirit." Iroh said as he petted the creature's head, "Korra saved him when she and the girls first came here.”
Pinkie jumped onto his head, “I call him Goldie!”
Mako slowly approached and tried to pet the creature. Seeing his hesitation, Korra took his hand, “Don't worry, he won't bite.” She placed his hand over his beak and the creature relaxed in his touch. Mako realized he had nothing to be afraid of.
“How did you manage to save this creature?” Mako asked in amazement.
“Well, he wasn't always this big. He was once very small. When I returned him to his nest that's when he grew. He helped me realize that I don't always need to use raw power to save others…sometimes a little kindness is enough to make a big difference.” once the words escaped her mouth, Korra realized what she had just said. Maybe there was still a chance for her to save Asami and Twilight after all. 
“Goldie, will take you to Wan Shi Tong's spirit library." Iroh said, "Good luck, children.”
Rarity bowed in respect, “Thank you again, Iroh.”
Rainbow Dash hugged the elderly man, “You're the best!”
Korra hugged him one last time. “Good luck, princess.” he said as they released. 
“Iroh…do you really think I can….” before she could finish, he placed his hand on her shoulder, smiling kindly in reassurance.
"Keep your chin up and have Faith. You will truly find the answers you seek if you listen.”
Feeling a bit more confident, she smiled and nodded, “Thank you.”
“Come on Kors, we don't got all day!” Spike shouted, he was already on Godlie's back along with the others. Korra flew up and got on Goldie, sitting in front of the others.
“It was nice to meet you Iroh! The first!” Bolin said as he waved. 
Pinkie Pie sat on Goldie's head, “Hi-Ho! Goldie! Away!” at her command, the dragon bird flew off with Iroh smiling and waving goodbye from the ground, wishing them the best.
But someone else was watching them.


(~)


From the orb, NightMara watched as the heroes flew off to search for her, smiling wickedly. "Woven like a quilt." she said. 
"You won't get away with this!" Twilight protested, "Once Korra gets here she's going to make you wish you were never born!"
NightMara rolled her eyes, "Wow, you're really annoying. Besides, I wouldn't put so much faith in her just yet."
"What are you saying?" Twilight asked, fearing the worse.
"They don't call me NightMare Moon for nothing."


(~)


Goldie continued to fly all across the spirit world, his majestic wings flapping against the winds. They made their way across a beautiful grassy field, passing rivers and mountains and spirits galore. Opal had never seen such beauty in all of her life. The Spirit world was truly mesmerizing. Even the ponies thought so. Fluttershy extended her finger upwards, along some fish-like spirits to float around her. She giggled at the sight. Despite their situation, the realm was like a fairytale.
Even Korra found herself enjoying the scenery, but she couldn't allow herself to get distracted. She needed to focus on the task at hand. For the sake of her friends. She could sense Twilight's energy, she could feel that she was here, and not too far off. Goldie flew over a canyon-like area surrounded by sharp rock formations. The canyon itself was surrounded by a thick fog. Korra immediately recognized the place.
"What's that?" Rainbow asked, pointing her finger downwards towards the area.
"The fog of lot souls." she said with a serious glance, "Once you're in there, the fog messes with your head, driving you insane."
Goldie flew just over the area, far enough from the fog. At the moment, all was silent…until…
"Mako…Mako…"
The firebender's ears rang with the sound of a familiar voice. He quickly shook his head in an effort to dismiss the idea. There was no way he heard her, it was impossible. But there it was, even louder and clearer than before. 
"Mako…Mako…"
He looked down at the fog, hearing the voice once more. It couldn't be who he thought it was, it just couldn't. But no matter how hard he tried to dismiss it, the voice was heard again. And again. And again.
"Mako…come here, darling." This time, he knew it was her voice. The voice he missed. There was no doubt about it now.
"Mom?" 
"Korra…Korra…" But as it would appear, he wasn't the only one hearing things. The Avatar heard the sound of a familiar voice. The voice she longed to hear again.
"Korra…help me."
"Twilight?"
Even Flash heard the same voice, only instead of it calling out for Korra, it was calling out to him. "Flash…Flash Sentry…come to me."
There was no denying it, it was here. He knew it was. Next, Bolin heard a voice as well. "Bolin….I need you…save me."
"Asami?"
"What's going on?" Rarity asked her friends, noticing their sudden interest at the fog bellow them. Their eyes carried such vagueness it was hard to tell what they were thinking. "Guys?"
Korra, Mako, Bolin and Flash tried to shake the thought out of their heads. The fog was probably messing with their minds. Still, the voices sounded so real. So firm, as if they were only in arms reach. That was when Korra came to the possibility that NightMara had placed Twilight within the fog. But how could she be sure?
"Korra…Korra! Help me!"
She gasped, it was definitely Twilight calling for her. "Goldie, get down!" at her command, the bird landed on a safe area on the very edge of the canyon. 
"Korra, what are you doing?" Rainbow asked.
"I heard Twilight's voice. I think she might be in there."
"It's probably the fog messing with your head." said the pegasus.
Flash shook his head, "No, I heard it too. It was her voice, I'm sure of it."
"Guys, we don't have time for this. I say we get out of here now before something creepier happens."
Sadly, just as the words left her mouth, the fog itself began to take form. The group backed away from the ledge once a large tentacle-like smoke cloud emerged from the canyon and wrapped itself around Korra's leg, making her scream in terror.
"Korra!"
Mako quickly grabbed her hand, trying to pull her back, but the force was far too powerful. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Spike and Opal tried to fend the smoke away with their bending, but it had no effect. The force began to drag both Korra and Mako deeper into the abyss. Bolin leaped into action and pulled on his brother's jacket, and Flash did the same for him, but before the others could help, the force had already done its job. Korra, Mako, Bolin and Flash Sentry all screamed as they fell deeper and deeper into the fog of lost souls.
"Guys! No!" Spike attempted to leap down after them but was stopped by Rarity.
"Spike, don't!"
"We have to save them!"
"If we all go in there we won't be able to."
It was too late. Their friends were trapped within the mind-bending fog. Just as she has planned.


(~)