//------------------------------//
// Bridge of Light 
// Story: The Little Pony Legend: The NightMare's Return 
// by MaggiesHeartLove 
//------------------------------//


*(~)*
Proverbs 29:7~
	The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. 
*(~)*



Bridge of Light

	
Without Aiwei, the group of friends rode Goldie all the way back to the Crystal Empire. Everywhere else, the snow had stopped falling, but the Empire, which was where the Frozen Heart was, still remained trapped within its icy prison. Once they reached the empire, the ponies now in their pony form, Goldie descended downwards in front of the Crystal Palace, where they were greeted by Cadance and Shinning Armor. The prince and princess ran up to Twilight, hugging her tightly, happy to see her alive and well. Cadance wiped away a tear, “We're so glad you're all right!”
Once they ended the hug, Korra was greeted by Tenzin and the others. P'Li stood before them, next to the Crystal Heart, while an eccentric Varrick was trying to warm the thing by using his breath, but to no avail.
All the Crystal Ponies, humans and spirits stood outside, hoping for a miracle from the Elements of Harmony and the princesses. Korra approached the crystal heart, which was still pict black and, if possible, even colder than before. 
“It's freezing!”
“Well, can't you girls use your Elemental Magical do-hikeys to fix it?” Varrick said.
“We can. But this spell in incredibly powerful." Twilight explained, "It didn't melt after we destroyed NightMara.”
Asami hung her head in shame, “This is all my fault. The Empire is going freeze because of me!” Bolin hugged her for reassurance.
Korra looked sadly at her distressed friend as she recited the phrase from the book, "Darkness thrives in the void…but always yields to purifying light." her eyes sparkled as the answer hit her, “Asami, You can melt the frozen heart!”
The heiress was surprised by this, “Me? How? I don't have my dark powers anymore. I can't remove this curse.”
"Yes, you can."
"I don't have magic."
Korra kindly took her by the hand, "Yes you do." Asami was still confused as to what Korra was trying to say, "The heart was frozen due to the hatred of a windego. But the warmth of friendship can thaw it. We need you." she then turned to everyone around her, "We need everyone."
Asami looked down in uncertainty, "You really think I can do this?"
Korra took her hand and smiled, "We're all here for you. And we always will be." 

(Bridge of Light)

Korra;
When you think, hope is lost 
And giving up is all you got

The ponies each, one by one, joined in.

Twilight; 
Blue turns black 
Your confidence is cracked 
Seems no turning back from here.

Rainbow; 
When your feet are made of stone.

Rarity;
And you're convinced that you're all alone

Fluttershy; 
Look at the stars instead of the dark
You'll find your heart shines like the sun.

Applejack; 
Let's not let our anger get us lost.

Pinkie; 
And the need to be right comes at way too high a cost.

Korra; 
That's when you can build a bridge of light, that's—

Korra and Ponies; 
“---what turns the wrongs all right, that's---“

Korra, Ponies, Spike, Mako, Bolin, Flash; 
---when you can't give up the fight.

Slowly, everybody started to join in the singing.

That's when love turns nighttime into day 
That's when loneliness goes away 
That's why you gotta be strong tonight.
Cause only love can build us a bridge of light!

Bolin took Asami's left hand while Mako took Korra's left hand as well. They, the ponies and everybody else gathered around the heart, holding hands and closing their eyes, feeling the warmth within their hearts. With hesitation, but with courage as well, Asami reached out her free hand towards the heart, placing it on top of it, despite the chilling cold.

Korra; 
Deep breath 
Take it on the chin 
But don't forget….to let love back in!

As she sang the last part, Korra and the ponies's eyes opened and began to glow and their elements glowed as well. Everybody else suddenly gained golden auras all around their bodies as they sang along to the song.

That's when you can build a bridge of light
That's what turns the wrongs all right
That's why you can't give up the fight!

As they all sang loud and proud, the heart began to glow and the blackness around it started to fade away. The ground they were all standing on started to gain back its color and the Crystal Heart fully glowed bright unleashing a bright beam into the sky. The clouds dispersed and the snow stopped, the sun shinned bright in the sky and the rainbow colored borealis light returned. Not only that, but the once dark and bitter snow around them turned a pure white and the snowflakes sparkled like crystals just as they had originally intended. It was truly an outstanding sight to behold, and Kai was especially fascinated by the beauty of the flakes. No longer did they feel cold and afraid, now all they felt was warmth and happiness.

That's when love turns nighttime into day
That's when loneliness goes away
That's why you gotta be strong tonight!
Cause only love can build us a bridge of light!

The Heart unleashed a powerful bright ring all across the empire, the normal ponies become Crystal ponies once again, even the humans and spirits realized that their skins and clothing have become crystalized. Korra, Mako, Bolin and Asami were all sparkling with crystalized skin, hair and cloths and they all sang the final lines.

Only love can build us a bridge of light!

Korra; 
Only love can build us….
A bridge of light.

Once the song came to a close, the friends all looked at one another, surprised to realize their new crystal forms and Asami slowly removed her hand from the now unfrozen heart. Mako had on a classy red tuxedo, Bolin had a green one, Asami's green dress became crystallized and her hair was in a high ponytail. Korra's hair was now loose, the side of her hair with the steak was tied with a light silver ribbon decorated with some beads and a blue feather handing from it. She had on a lovely top with a sweetheart neckline and a transparent fabric that created a collar similar to the ones on her shirts. The top had five blue lines, one falling down to the center of the shirt and two more on the sides, the front of the shirt was cyan blue while the sides where light bluish/purple and navy blue on the back. A long blue cape flowed from behind with snowflake patterns and a snowflake bottom in the cape wrapped around her waist, with light blue on the front and long snow boots with a diamond accessory on the top of them. Korra had two long transparent fingerless gloves on her arms and she had her tiara back. Flash Sentry and Spike were crystallized and the Mane Six as well wearing the same hair style they had before when they became crystal ponies. Even Opal regained her original gown she wore at the ball, only now she too had a crystal form and her hair was styled to the side, revealing her pieced ears with diamond shaped earrings and a green flowered hair clip. The airbenders gained crystal forms as well, and Varrick smiled at his new look, and crystalized tuxedo.
“We did it! We all did it!” Fluttershy cheered while doing air flips.
Asami and Korra turned to each other and they embraced, “Thank you for not giving up on me.” Asami said happily while shedding happy tears. 
Korra was crying too, “I will never give up on my friends.”
Jinora and Ikki were screaming with delight at their new transformation and lovely gowns, the same ones they had during the balk. Meelo was looking at his hands, “Look at me! I'm Crystal Man!”
The friends all laughed together and shared a gigantic group hug. The Empire was saved. The Light had returned.


(~)


Later that night, the Crystal Winter ball was held once again, anyone who entered the empire instantly became Crystalized. The snow sparkled like diamonds and all friends and families frolicked in the winter wonderland. It was truly an astonishing sight. Musicians played, even Bumi and the airbenders participated in playing the music as everyone danced happily to the beat. 
On the dance floor was the new happy couple, Bolin and Asami Sato. Never had anyone seen these two so content with each other. It truly was a breathtaking thing to see.
“I think this party is even better than the last one.” Bolin said while he danced with his new girlfriend. He still couldn't believe it; Asami Sato was his girlfriend. 
“Yeah it is.” Asami giggled as Bolin twirled her around, and the two embraced.
"So, does this mean we're…?"
Asami giggled once more, "Are we what?"
"You know…a couple?"
Asami arched an eyebrow hill smirking before kissing Bolin on the lips. "What do you think?"
The earthbender surprised the heiress by lifting her up by the waist and twirling her around. Once he placed her back down the two noticed the young green-eyed airbender approach them, smiling happily for them.
"Glad to see you two working things out." Opal said. Asami fiddled with her fingers as she tried to find the words to say.
"Opal, I…I honestly don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything." Opal assured her, "Believe me, I'm perfectly fine with this. But, I am hoping we can all still be friends."
Asami opened her arms, welcoming Opal into a hug, "Of course we can." the airbender took the offer and hugged Asami and Bolin joined in as well.
"This is great! Me, my girlfriend and my ex-girlfriend getting along." his eyes widened, "Oh my gosh….I've become my brother!"
Asami and Opal giggled at the irony of the matter.


(~)


Twilight and Flash were at a juice stand drinking some juice while chatting. “Mako told me you were pretty worried about me.” said Twilight.
“Well, yeah of course I was.”
“He said you were willing to fight NightMara yourself just to save me.” there was admiration in her voice. 
“I never got the chance of course.” Flash said while blushing.
“Well, I think it was really sweet of you.”
“Why wouldn't I worry about you? You're my girlfriend and I love you.“ 
Twilight blushed, "I love you too, Flash."
"You don't think I'm…weak or anything?"
"What? No of course not. Why would you ask that?"
Flash bit his bottom lip before saying, "When I was in the fog of lost souls, I heard you and Mako's voices. He said I wasn't good enough to be his partner and you didn't think I was good enough to be your boyfriend."
"But that was all an illusion Flash. None of it was real."
"I know but…it felt real. I guess I've always had this secret fear of not being enough for anyone…or enough for you."
Twilight knew Flash had a slight tendency to be insecure at times, but that never made her love him any less. If anything, she loved him even more for being honest with her. She kissed his cheek, making him smile.
"You are enough Flash. You're the most loyal, courageous and intelligent pony I've ever known. I never ask you to be perfect…I just want you to be you."
“Really?”
"Really. And, am I enough for you?"
What a silly question Flash thought. He placed his hoof over hears, smiling compassionately, "You're more than enough."
Twilight didn't need any more evidence that the stallion meant every word he said. He smiled and leaned in to kiss his beloved. Who would always accept him just as he is. And the same went for him to her.


(~)


While everyone else was dancing, Korra and Mako were sitting on a bench, apart from the others. They wanted some time alone to talk things over. They watched as Bolin and Asami happily danced together and Twilight and Flash were happily chatting and the rest of their friends danced with each other on the dance floor as the crystal snow continued to gently fall all around them. The young couple held each other hands, simply enjoying each other's company. Something between them had changed after they left the fog, something between them. But it was a good change.
"What were they like?" Korra asked.
"Who?"
"Your parents. When we were in that fog, you said you saw them."
Mako remembered the moment all too well, "Yeah…I thought I would never seen them again but there they were….and just like that, they were gone again."
"I am so sorry that happened. I can only imagine how much it must have hurt." Korra instinctively wrapped her arms around him, comforting him.
"I never realized it until now, but their death left a much deeper wound that I thought. They were the only people I knew who ever made me feel happy and safe. When they died, I was so angry not only at that man, but at myself for not doing anything."
"I understand." Korra said, resting her head on his shoulder, "When Twilight got burned, I didn't know if I was really angry at myself of Zaheer."
"When I saw his face…" Mako paused for a moment before speaking again, "I realized I needed to let the past go. I had carried that gilt and anger with me for so long but…" then, to Korra's surprise, he smiled. Her eyes sparkled as he spoke, "Everything changed when I met you, Korra." he caressed her face, gently stroking her crystal-like hair, "You opened up my eyes with your kindness and courage. You showed me I had a choice in how my story ends. Just like you said before; I may have lost some things…but I also gained new things as well. All because of your friendship, which I cherish more than anything else."
Korra and Mako looked deep into each others eyes, seeing the person they had fallen in love with, and at the same time a new person before them who they loved just as much. Tears rolled down her eyes, "For a while, I thought Twilight was the only one who understood my kind of suffering…" Korra said, "…but I was wrong." she heard giggling once more coming from Asami and Bolin. Korra smiled at the sight, realizing even the heiress has had her fair chair of misery in the past as well. "At the end of the day, we all have our own scars."
Mako caressed her cheek, "Looks like our scars brought us closer together, hu?"
Korra chuckled, "I guess so. Life is funny sometimes, isn't it?"
"I've come to realize that, yes." Mako said jokingly and Korra bit her bottom lip before speaking once more.
"I think I should follow your example. In confronting my own past."
Mako knew exactly what she meant. He smiled warmly, "I'll support you in whatever you decide."
Korra knew he meant those words. But then her eyes shifted towards a certain alicorn princess who now danced with her beloved pegasus stallion. Her beloved pony sister was always so kind and determined.
Mako held her hand, the one on his cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin against his. Then, to Korra's incredible surprise, the firebender blushed, but it wasn't just any blush, it was one that indicated shyness and humility. "Do you…do you think it's possible to fall in love with someone all over again?" he asked.
Korra allowed a single happy tear to roll down her eye. "I do." they leaned in closer and their lips touched. Only this kiss was different. I was just as passionate as the ones before, but it also felt new somehow. It was then, at that very moment, this was them permanently sealing their future together.
Their love was more than a teenage infatuation, it was real, pure, true love and it would always be. There was never and will never be anyone else for them but each other. 
Korra was taken. Mako was taken. They belonged to each other. Forever.


(~)


From afar, Leilani held her youngest daughter close, both happy that the vision that was once NightMare Moon was now finally gone for good. Just then, a certain little white butterfly flew on over and landed on Leilani's horn. The queen smiled at her dear old friend, who communicated with her telepathically.
"It's beautiful, isn't my Queen."
The alicorn nodded in agreement, "I certainly is, Raava. It certainly is.


(~)


Rainbow Dash stood on stage and took hold of the microphone, “Good Evening Crystal Empire! You guys ready to rock?!
The crowd cheered “YEAH!”
“Hit it Gomu!”
The friendly hobo scratched some records and played some upbeat music. Korra and Twilight both took the mikes.

(Parody of "Our Big Night)

Korra and Twilight; 
It's time to celebrate.
We made this happen so let's party to the late.
It's time to celebrate.
Friendship survived and we're feeling great.

Korra; 
Were here now and we've worked so hard to make it come around 
So tonight, yeah let's try to make this last forever

Asami grabbed a mike and sang along.

Asami; 
Leave the past behind, don't try to run and hide 
Friendship lasts forever and it's all right.

Korra and Asami; 
Two worlds singing one song 
Two worlds singing one song.

They all danced happily on the dance floor. Mako and Bolin break dance whit Flash, Kai and Spike. Rarity and Applejack danced with two dashing crystal stallions, while Fluttershy danced with Naga and Pabu and Tenzin's children. Lin danced with Bumi while Ikki and Meelo danced with the crystal fillies. Rainbow Dash danced with Soarin from the Wonder Bolts and Pinkie Pie played music with Cheese Sandwich.

Everyone; 
It's time to celebrate.
It's time to celebrate
It's time to celebrate!!!

The entire Team Avatar, ponies included, gathered together to take a group picture by Photo Finish.


(~)


After the ball, the team left the Crystal Empire the following morning, saying their goodbyes to Cadance, Shinning Armor and the Crystal ponies. It truly was a memorable evening. Asami Sato finally made it home, both exhausted but content. She didn't know what else to say about her experience. She had managed to find the strength to overcome the dark spirit controlling her and helped save the Crystal Empire. Afterwords, she finally found true love at last with a wonderful young man. She never felt more happy. After everything she had been through not only in the past year, but also in the past couple of days, she needed to think about the happy things instead of the bad. She realized that she was not the only one who overcame her own dark shadows.
Her former love interest had managed to overcome his own past shadows in order to help his beloved Princess Avatar, and Bolin had found the courage within his heart to follow where it led, and Korra learned true strength and leadership through compassion and understanding, despite having to go through a terrible ordeal. Asami came to the conclusion that she, along with her friends, each had to endure something in order to learn something afterwords. It was strange, but it also made sense.
She sat on her window looking at the bright sky when, suddenly, a book magically appeared on her bead. The book was purple with a horse shoe on the cover surrounded by an amethyst star shaped gem along with other colored gems. It was the Journal form which they all agreed to write about their adventures and what they had learned. She saw a note taped to it and read it out loud.
"I thought maybe this whole experience was worth writing about. Love, Korra" 
Asami smiled as she opened the book, realizing that the others had already written their own thoughts on the matter as well. She immediately took out a pencil and started writing, stating not only what she had learned, but what her friends had learned as well.
"I've experienced a lot in the past year. More so than most girls care to experience. Like many of my friends, I had lost some things, but I also gained a lot as well. It may not have been what I thought I wanted…but it was what I needed. 
Life is crazy and it tends to through things at you in unexpected ways. It has a way to test you, to see just how strong you really are. I've realized that I am strong, but even the strongest person can become vulnerable and it's okay to be angry of even sad. The important thing is to NEVER let them keep you away from the good things that have always been there. It's like my best friend Korra told me: If you look for the light you will often find it, but if you look for the dark, that's all you'll ever see."
And as Asami looked out into the stunning world before her, she knew that this was only the beginning. Much like with the rest of her friends, her life was starting over.


(~)


The two princesses gaze up at the prison which stood high up on a mountain on the outskirts of the city. The two gripped each other's hands, their purple and blue eyes gazing into the other, knowing perfectly how the other was feeling.
"You ready?" the oldest asked. 
"Are you?"
She did not say a word, instead she nodded her head.
"Okay…let's do this."


(~)