//------------------------------//
// The Cutie Map/A new chapter part 2. 
// Story: The Little Pony Legend: A Kingdom of Friendship 
// by MaggiesHeartLove 
//------------------------------//


The Cutie Map/A new chapter
part 2.


"In sameness, there is peace. Exceptionalism is a lie. Free yourself from your cutie mark. Choose equality as your special talent."
Once their cutie marks, powers and abilities were taken away, the whole team was placed inside a contained, sealed up cottage with speakers, where Starlight's voice continued to speak, driving many of the ponies crazy. She was trying to coax them into turning to her philosophy, but their spirits would not be broken, nor could they be.
Korra sat on a corner as Mako kept her company. She couldn't believe she had lost her voice. She never could seem to catch a break. First it was her bending, then Raava (though that latter became a good thing), then she was crippled from poisoning, and now she couldn't even speak. While it wasn't as physically painful as the previous events, it was still terrible. It was more annoying than depressing actually. She'd lost her magic and bending twice before so it wasn't anything new at this point, and she did not think she wouldn't get them back. They were still in the vault so they were not entirely gone. They were close, she could still feel them, but first they needed to get out. 
Rainbow Dash continued to kick down the door, but she had lost all of her athleticism in the process. "Give it up, Rainbow Dash." Flash said, "You've been trying this for hours. It's not gonna open."
The blue pegasus lowered her ears and wings in dismay. 
Pinkie Pie was looking at several books, which only had pictures of equal signs and nothing else. "Hey, this is pretty good!"
Asami had two pieces of paper in her ears for earplugs as she tried to find some way to deactivate or disable the speakers. She rested on Bolin's shoulders. "Are you done yet, babe?" he asked, "I can't take much more of that voice!"
Asami grunted as she tried to yank the speaker off of the wall, but she had lost all of her physical strength as well. After the effort Asami was lowered down. "Uh! I can't figure out how this thing works. I can't even remember how to hot wire a car, or even what a carburetor is! The gas pedal is on the left side, right?" hearing her own words, she began to sob on Bolin's shoulder. Her knowledge of engineering was completely gone.
Even Rarity was crying, "You're not alone, darling! Oh, this is horrible!"
Fluttershy tried to reassure her friend, "There, there, Rarity... It's not so bad…"
"Yes, it is! Look at those drapes!" she pointed to the said draped on the window, which were pale, broken and old, "I have no idea if they're tacky or not!"
"Well, I think they're nice."
The equal cutie mark on Rarity's flank began to glow in grey, which only made the poor unicorn cry louder. "So do I!" 
Fluttershy spotted a bird on the window cill, "Oh, thank goodness! Can you help us, little birdie?" she asked hopefully. The bird tweeted in response, but then Fluttershy's new cutie mark glowed in grey and she could no longer understand what the bird was saying. "Go on, now! Fly away and get us help!" she said in hopes he understood her. But he did not and the bird flew away. "Oh, even tweets don't make sense any more!"
Rainbow flew up, away from the door, when Applejack ran up to try and kick it down. She grunted as she fell down, her efforts having zero effect. "This door's shut tighter than a... summer of…" her new cutie mark glowed as well, "…uh, piglets in... shoot! I can't even make countryisms no more!"
"I don't know!" Pinkie said, trying to be the upbeat one, "Maybe it'll be super fun to be all the same!" her cutie mark glowed and her voice then became bored and serious, "Sort of. More pleasant than fun, I guess…"
Mako continued to comfort his girlfriend, who was still bitter about her muteness. "If only I had my firebending I could blast the door open."
"That stupid staff took everything from us!" Flash said angrily, until his cutie mark began to glow and he just laid down, feeling gloomy and not even caring to get back up, "But who cares. What's there to fight for anyway?" his eyes widened and he screamed, "AH! I'm turning into a lazy bum!"
"There was something odd about that staff." said Twilight, who had been spending all of this time to thinking, "I haven't studied Eastern unicorns as much as I should have, but I'm pretty sure Meadowbrook only had eight magical items, not nine. And I don't remember any of them being a staff."
Korra then waved her hands, using them to communicate. Bolin eagerly tried to guess what she was saying. "Oh, oh! I got this! Let's see um, you want to wash your hands? No, no, no you want moisturizer? No? Okay, you--" his eyes briefly blinked, tuning gray for a short moment before reverting back to green. He suddenly gave them a bored expression, "Forget it. This is pointless." he said in a monotone voice, until he realized what he just said, "What's happening to me?!"
Korra face palmed herself and kept using her hands to signify she needed something. Rainbow Dash rummaged through the books and took out a notepad and a pencil with her mouth and placed them before Korra. The Avatar smiled in triumph and ruffled Rainbow's mane in gratitude.
"Ooooooh, now I get it." said Bolin. 
Korra started to write something on the notebook and Mako read the words out loud. "I agree with Twilight." he read the words for her, "When the staff took my cutie mark it felt very strange. It's hard to explain, but maybe there is more to that staff than meets the eye."
Applejack laid on the floor, placing her hat over her eyes, "Well, it looks like you'll have plenty of time to try to think about it."


(~)


The hours passed, all too slowly to anyone's liking. Normally, Twilight would come up with a quick plan to solve their problems, but now it seemed to be taking her a bit longer. She and Korra sat side by side, exchanging idea with one another, Korra through her notes. However, with the constant speaking of Starlight through the speakers, it was not easy, but the girls refused to give up.
Despite their despair, the ponies did not give in to Starlight's words, remaining together reminded them of their talents and skills, and that they were still out there. That gave them hope, and being together helped them from fading deeper into depression. Even though they were not fully jolly, they were not fully broken. Not even Korra would give up. She was done sitting around feeling sorry, she did that one to many times in her past and she refused to do so again. Even if she couldn't speak, she had to keep going. She focused on Twilight's voice, rather than Starlight's.
"…Choose equality as your special talent. Difference is frustration. To excel is to fail. Be your best by never being your best. Conformity will set you free. Accept your limitations, and happiness will follow. You're no better than your friends."
All through the day, and all though the night, Korra and Twilight pondered, and pondered and pondered, and pondered on what to do next. Finally, once daylight broke, Twilight and Korra had come up with the perfect plan. 
"We've got it!"
The others exclaimed in surprise as they woke up from Twilight's voice. They all had bangs under their eyes for the not so peacefully sleep, even Twilight and Korra had them as well.
"We know how we can get out!"
Rainbow Dash sighed, "Forget it, Twilight. This door's not opening. We tried everything."
"And I'm afraid the windows are much too small for escape." Rarity said sadly.
Bolin sighed, "If only I hadn't left Pabu with Tu. He could have gotten us out of here hours ago."
"But there is a third way." Twilight said with a smile.
"Of course!" Pinkie Pie jumped, "Eventually the wind and the weather will wear down the walls until they start to crumble! Then all we have to do is wait for a big enough hole to form and we can just walk out! It's the perfect plan!" her cutie mark glowed once more, causing her enthusiasm to drop, "I guess."
"We don't actually have to escape. They'll just let us out when they think we've accepted their philosophy!"
"But they're never gonna believe we switched over in just one night." Flash stated. 
"There's one of us they might believe."
All eyes fell on a specific pony with yellow coat and long pink hair. Her eyes widened in realization. "Oh! Me?!"
"You've been saying how great this place is since we got here!" Asami stated.
"But that's because everypony's so nice and their village is so pretty, and, and…" Fluttershy's shoulders dropped and she sighed sadly, "Oh, you're right. They probably would believe me. I hate to lie to them. They've been so welcoming and friendly... aside from taking away our powers, locking us in here and trying to brainwash us into abandoning the things we believe in and that make us special… Okay. I'll do it."
Pinkie Pie leaped for joy, "Woo-hoo!" her mark glowed once more and she lowered down, "I mean, cool."
"But what if they suspect she's not one of them?" Mako asked, "Not to sound like a downer but, what if she cracks?"
"He does have a point." said Fluttershy.
Twilight and Korra smiled, "Which is why there is a second part of our plan." they smiled at the two green eyed couple, who looked at each other in surprise.
"Us?!"
"Well, one of you at least." said Twilight, "If Starlight sees that even humans want to join her cause, we have a better chance of winning her trust more."
Applejack rose her hoof, "I vote Asami!" 
"Hey!"
"Sorry, Bolin but your lady's better under pressure."
"She's got a point, sweetie." the heiress said to her boyfriend. 
"Besides, she's never had any bending powers, she'll be more convincin'."
"But what do we do once we're out?" Asami asked.
"You've gotta find a way to get our cutie marks and powers back." said Twilight.
Asami sighed, "You guys better love the things I do for you." the heiress was surprised when she received a double kiss on her cheeks by both Mako and Korra. "I didn't mean that kind of love!" she wiped the kisses from her cheeks, she knew they were just playing around for some light humor.
The speakers screeched and they could hear Starlight's current voice. "Oh, good morning!" The door opened and Starlight walked in with a smile on her face. "I trust you had a pleasant night? This way, please. There are some friends who'd like to see you." as she walked out the door, the rest of the group smiled hopefully at their two friends. Bolin kissed Asami's cheek for good luck.
Once outside, Starlight addressed to the 'happy' citizens. "Gather round, friends, gather round! We've come to ask if any of you are ready to join us! There are so many friends to be made once you realize you don't need your cutie marks or even the talents and bending powers you once had as well."
"We have a welcome ceremony for new friends!" said Double Diamond, "The whole village joins together to build you your own cottage—"
"Not interested!" Rainbow exclaimed stubbornly, "You may have them now, but we're going to get our cutie marks back!"
Mako stepped forward and spoke to the crowd, "Don't you understand? You can't force anyone to be friends! It doesn't work like that!"
Korra's eyes shimmered as her boyfriend spoke true words from his heart. She couldn't have said it better herself. 
"Please, join us!" said one of the ponies.
"We love new friends!"
"It's all right, everypony." said Starlight, "This is a perfectly normal part of the equalization process for those who haven't... quite seen the light yet. We'll try again tomorrow once you've had a bit more time to consider our philosophy!"
The friends all made their way back inside, but only Asami remained outside. She used her leg to gently nudge Fluttershy, who then said to the crowd almost immediately, "I'd like to join!"
She quickly covered her mouth, and Asami stepped forward as well. "So would I."
The ponies all began to happily chatter, knowing they will not have only one, but two new friends today. And one of them a human no less. This was very pleasing to Starlight Glimmer indeed.
Bolin pretended to act betrayed, "Asami? How could you?!"
Asami put on the facade as well, "I'm sorry Bolin, but Starlight was right. Being with someone who has a talent I don't was only making me feel like I wasn't worthy of you. But, you can come with me." she said in a false hopeful tone, and Bolin crossed him arms for dramatic emphasis.
"No! I refuse to betray my own brother! I don't know what I ever saw in you! I was yet another victim of your angel face!" he then covered his face and pretended to sob before going back inside. Asami had to keep herself from giggling, her boyfriend certainly was a pretty good actor.
Twilight also pretended to feel betrayed, "Fluttershy? Are you really going with them?!"
"If giving up my cutie mark means I get to stay in this lovely village with these lovely ponies, then I'll do it." she said, while smiling awkwardly. The rest of the team smiled to themselves once the door was shut closed.
"We have new friends, everypony!" Starlight said to the cheering crowd. The plan was working perfectly. However, Asami and Fluttershy were not quite in the clear just yet. "Now, there's one more order of business." Starlight said to the town, "It seems some in our midst might be... dissatisfied with the village life!" 
The ponies all gasped in shock and muttered while Party Favor, Night Glider and Sugar Belle looked at one another with worry.
"Unfortunately, it's all too true, my friends!" Starlight then turned to Fluttershy, "Will one of you kindly tell us the names of those friends who so desperately miss their cutie marks that they would sneak around in the shadows talking to strangers about it? Just so we can be sure your intentions are indeed pure."
Inside, Asami was worried on what to say, while Fluttershy gulped nervously. Seeing this, Asami spoke first, "I'm afraid we don't remember. We still don't know all of your names and faces just yet. And Flutters tends to have a pretty bad memory with that kind of stuff."
Fluttershy began to sweat, "Um, she's right. Sometimes I can't even remember what I had for breakfast."
"Nonsense!" said Starlight with a smile, "Obviously these ponies must have asked you directly. Kindly point them out!"
Asami spotted the three ponies who she and the others had spoken to the day before. Their terrified looks made her feel sympathy for them. She couldn't let them get in trouble and Fluttershy couldn't either. Luckily for them, they didn't need to say a word.
"It was me!"
The crowd dispersed to reveal Party Favor, who had confessed he was the one who wanted his cutie mark back. Sugar Belle and Night Glider were shocked that he would take the blame like that. He walked up to their leader and kneeled down before her.
"It was only me! But I only wanted it back for a little while!"
Starlight lifted up his chin, making sweat, "And you're quite certain it was only you?"
"I just wanted to remember what it was like."
"And no thought to the pain you'd cause your friends. Such selfishness." she pointed her hoof towards the door, ordering her followers to place him into the cottage with the others.
"I'm sorry, everypony! I never wanted to leave the village! I love all of—" the door slammed in his face and Sugar Belle and Night Glider looked on with regret and shock. 
What Party Favor did was selfless and courageous in their eyes. He took all the blame and didn't give to them both. They didn't know what to think, this was such a new thing that had happened to them. Maybe Avatar Korra was right about their way of life not being as wonderful as they thought.
Party Favor ramped his horn into the door in despair, "What was I thinking?! I can't believe I even considered asking for my cutie mark back." he then felt soft gentle hands stroke his mane. He looked up to see Korra smiling kindly at him, showing him sympathy and kindness unlike anything Starlight ever did. Even though she could not speak, anything she needed to say was in her eyes. She was telling him he would be all right and that he was not alone.
"Don't worry." said Rainbow Dash, "Fluttershy and Asami will have us out of here in no time!"
Party Favor leaped up, his eyes wide, taking Korra by surprise, "Didn't you see what just happened out there?! Your friends have accepted our way! You will all accept our way! It's only a matter of time!" he whimpered before laying down sadly at the corner of the room while Korra continued to console him. If only she had her voice, she could say the words to him directly. All she could do was be there for him.
"This guy's a barrel of laughs." Flash said sarcastically.
"Laughs don't come in barrels." Pinkie said flatly, "They come from inside you as your body's response to delight."
Mako backed away slightly, "I don't know about you guys, but normal Pinkie scares me."
Applejack spoke in a hushed tone, "So what are we gonna do while Fluttershy and Asami are out there lookin' for our cutie marks?"
"We have to stay as positive as we can." said Twilight, "If Party Favor sees how much we really do like each other, even though we're all different, maybe we can use him to spread our message to the rest of the village."
The loudspeaker crackled and Starlight's voice was heard once more; "To excel is to fail."
"Let's hope they don't convert any of us first." said Rarity.
However, Twilight refused to believe that. As Starlight's voice continued to speak, Twilight growled as her inner fire ignited once more. She didn't need her physical bending or her to be powerful, she and her friends were just as powerful. Starlight may have taken away their skills, but she did not take away their spirit of their bond.
The alicorn princess stood tall and proud, allowing her voice to say the words that needed to be heard.

Twilight;
You know the room feels warmer
Standing here with you
I will dream in color
And do the things I need

As she sang, Party Favor listened. Her singing blocking out the sound of the speakers while Korra remained by his side. Twilight was speaking the words that needed to be heard. The very words Korra wanted to say but couldn't. She smiled as Twilight continued.

Think you've got the best of me
Think you've had the last laugh
Bet you think that everything good is gone
Think you left me broken down
Think that I'd come running back
Baby, you don't know me cause you're dead wrong

Starlight Glimmer;
"Choose equality as your…"

Twilight;
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone!
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Hoofprints even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over
No, ohh

What doesn't kill you makes you
Stronger!
Stronger!
No, you can't get to me!
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone!

I'm not alone…

Once the song ended, Party Favor felt at ease. He no longer felt afraid or upset, but…happy. Really happy. A kind of happiness he never felt before. They accepted him for who he was and what what he became for the sake of any pony else. 
Maybe this was exactly the kind of friendship their village need. The kind he needed.


(~)


"Welcome!"
"Welcome!"
"Welcome!"
As Fluttershy and Asami walked across town, they were continuously greeted by the happy smiling ponies. "Gosh, you really are the nicest ponies I've ever met." said Fluttershy.
"I'll say." said Asami, before muttering under her breath, "I'll be seeing those smiles in my nightmares tonight."
Starlight led the way for the two, "Come. All new friends stay with me until their cottage is completed. I do hope it's roomy enough for you, Asami." 
"I'll be fine. Thank you."
They followed Stalright to her home at the center of the village, "Let's get you settled, and then you can enjoy all that our little village has to offer."
The girls spotted Night Glider and Sugar Belle, smiling and waving at them. Only their smiles were those of concern and worry than happy. The human and pegasus walked into the house, while Starlight gave one final glance outside, making sure there was no more trouble.
Once inside, Asami looked around the place. It certainly was roomier enough for her taller size. Starlight led the two to their room upstairs, while walking up the stairs Asami spotted a chimney. "Here you are. If you need anything, just ask." she said before closing the door, not giving them a chance to answer.
The room was very simple and boring, but what to expect from a village with a lack of creativity? Fluttershy sat on the bed while Asami studied the place. "Okay once nightfall hits, you sneak out to the cave while I cover for you."
Fluttershy gulped, "You sure about that? Why don't you go to the cave and I'll cover for you?"
"If I go out there, Starlight will notice. Besides, you're small enough to get through that chimney."
Fluttershy sighed, "Fine."


(~)


Once night hit, Asami made sure Starlight was in her office while Fluttershy got the chance to sneak up the chimney. Asami had pillows and pink blanket to make it look like Fluttershy was asleep while Asami pretended to read a book. Once Fluttershy got out of the chimney, she coughed and shook the sooth off of her coat.
"Okay, Fluttershy. Get the cutie marks back. That's all you've gotta do. Just sneak through the dark up to that spooky old cave with the scary magical staff and get the cutie marks back." she flew downwards, still shivering in fear. If only she had her airbending, this would have given her more of a reassurance boost. "Okay, you're doing great. The cave's gotta be close now…" however, she barely moved as in she was still standing on the roof. Her ears twitched when she heard Starlight's voice.
"Excellent work, Double Diamond."
The pony flew down to listened and peaked from the roof to see the unicorn levitating a box of jars as she and the white earth pony walked back inside.
"Of course, but I don't understand why you wanted me to bring them here. Fluttershy and Asami are one of us now. Surely they can be trusted."
Starlight levitated the jars, which were revealed to contain the Mane Six's cutie marks, and Team Avatar's bending and talents, "These two belong to an alicorn and the Avatar. They could be very important to our cause."
"But if Twilight Sparkle and Avatar Korra become our friends, then why do we care about this old cutie mark?" 
Unbeknownst to them, Asami managed to sneak out and listened from above the stairs. 
"I just want to keep them close until everything is... settled. You may go, Double Diamond."
Fluttershy hid once more once the pony left the house. "Oh, dear. How am I ever going to get the cutie marks back now?"
Asami heard Starlight approaching and rushed to her room before she could see her. The heiress sat on the bed, the door only partly open, not wanting the sound to get Starlight off guard. The unicorn hid the jars away from view as she entered Asami's room. The heiress sat on the floor, reading while using a lamp in the corner as a source of light. She shushed to the unicorn before pointing to sleeping a sleeping lump on the bed, pretending it was Fluttershy sleeping. Starlight smiled before leaving and Asami sighed in relief. Then, she heard Starlight suddenly trip and water spill.
"Ow!"
Fluttershy heard it as well and flew up to Starlight's room, peeking in through the window. Asami remained inside, not wanting to further any more suspicion. Fluttershy spotted the unicorn, dripping wet with water. 
"Ugh! Starlight, you clumsy foal!" she placed the jars on a table and began drying herself with a towel and Fluttershy was shocked at what she saw.
Starlight Glimmer's cutie mark was a fake! 
Instead of an equal sign, it was the image of a star with aquamarine swirled around it. She placed makeup over it, hiding it from view and then made another equal symbol over it. She had been lying to her 'friends' this entire time! 
Memories of the past flashed before Fluttershy's eyes, the memories of Amon and how he was revealed to be a bender even though he hatted bending. Korra's dream was right. Fluttershy gasped and Starlight nearly spotted her. She approached the window but found nothing.
"Oh, no…"
Meanwhile, Asami awaited patiently for Fluttershy. She peeked through the door and noticed Starlight's room loose its light. A sure sign she was going to sleep. The heiress tiptoed down the stairs and silently entered the office. She took her hair clip in hopes of unlocking the door. It opened and she silently entered, in hopes of finding anything she and her friends could use against Starlight. Getting the cutie marks back was one thing, now they needed to try and expose Starlight for what she truly was. There had to be something. She looked underneath the desk and found that one of the floorboards was partly open. She gently lifted it up and spotted some patters bellow. She gently took one out and her eyes widened.
She had hit the jackpot.


(~)


"I've got a good feeling about today!" 
Starlight awaited excitedly when Team Avatar exited the cottage, their eyes once again with bangs and they still appeared bitter. Fluttershy and Asami stood beside her.
"So, do any of you have anything you'd like to say?" The ponies and teens remained stubbornly silent. "How about you, Korra?"
The Avatar knew the unicorn was simply taunting at the fact she could not speak at all.
"Aw, pity. Well, let's try this again tomorrow, shall we? No new friends today, I'm afraid!"
"Wait!" Flutteshy spoke up, "I'd like to lock them in."
"Marvelous, Fluttershy! That's the spirit! Party Favor, will you join us, please?" 
While Fluttershy led her friends back inside, Party Favor galloped out and hugged Starlight's legs. "I'm sorry, Starlight! I'm sorry, everypony! I've seen the error of my ways! I never want to look at my cutie mark again!" however, from inside the cottage, he could see Korra winking at him.
"It seems there's cause for celebration after all!" Starlight said to the crowd, who cheered happily and Party Favor continued to 'apologize." 
"They tried to break me! They wouldn't stop talking about how different they are, and that somehow makes their friendship stronger!"
"Such backwards thinking." Starlight shook her head in disappointment.
"But I didn't listen! I knew what they were up to, and I didn't listen!"
"Well done, Party Favor! We welcome you back with open hooves!"
All eyes turned to Fluttershy, who spoke up, "Um, Starlight? I think we might have two more friends joining us today."
The crowd gasped when the alicorn and Avatar princess stepped out. Starlight smiled in satisfaction as she shoved Party Favor aside. 
"Is this true?" the unicorn asked rather suspiciously.
"I-I think so." Twilight said, since her human friend could not speak, "But I just want to be sure. If we agree to leave our cutie marks and powers in the vault, we'll really be happier?"
"Just look around! Equality has given us more happiness than you've ever known!"
"And you wouldn't let me just live here in the village with my old cutie mark?"
"Out of the question. A pony with a different cutie mark in our midst would destroy our entire philosophy. We are all equal here!"
"Then how do you explain this?!" Fluttershy cried a bucket of water and threw it directly at Starlight, but she managed to jump right out of the way before getting wet. The unicorn glared at the traitor. 
"I knew you couldn't be trusted!" she exclaimed angrily.
However, Party Favor noticed that a single drop of water did manage to land on Starlight's flank, revealing something else underneath her equal sign. He took off his cloak and started to clean the rest of makeup right off. Starlight tried to back up. 
"No! Get away!"
Despite her efforts, it was already too late. Her real cutie mark was now out in the open. The entire town gasped in shock and horror. Their own leader still had her old cutie mark, after having taken away theirs.
Starlight tried to cover it up with her tail but she was already exposed. There was nothing she could do now. "Wha… What are you looking at?! They're the problem, not me!"
Team Avatar smiled in triumph, their plan had worked, thanks to Fluttershy telling them the night before what she had uncovered. Even Party Favor was in on it. However, he was still just as surprised by the reveal of their leader's lies.
"So it is true!" said the male unicorn after dropping his now wet cloak. 
"You said cutie marks were evil!" said Double Diamond, feeling every bit as betrayed as the others did, "You said special talents led to pain and heartache!"
"They do! Don't you see?! Look at them!"
"Then why?" Sugar Belle asked, "Why did you take ours and not give up your own?"
"I…" Starlight's eyes darted around as drops of sweat fell from her brows. She couldn't hide the truth anymore, "I had to, you fools! How could I collect your cutie marks without my magic?!"
"But the staff has all the magic we need!" said Night Glider. 
"The staff is a piece of wood I found in the desert! It's my magic that makes all this possible!" 
"That's not all you lied about, is it?" Asami took from her pocket what she had found in Starlight's office…An old Equalist poster!
"You lied about not knowing who Amon was!" Asami exclaimed and addressed to the entire town, "Starlight Glimmer has done nothing but deceive you all!"
Starlight glared angrily at her, "Fine! It's true! I did know about Amon! I heard the stories of the great Rebel Leader from my travels. I knew he was the key to bringing true equality to Equestria just as I always dreamed of! But he was a fool! Thinking he could bring harmony by causing wars! I vowed to succeed exactly where he had failed and create a better life for everypony!" she then turned to the crowd, allowing her true colors to show for the very first time, "If it hadn't been for me, you'd all still be living your miserable lives thinking you're better than everypony else if it weren't for my magical abilities! I brought you friendship! I brought you equality! I created harmony!"
"You lied to us!" Diamond exclaimed, her followers now looking at her with anger.
"So what? E-Everything else I said is true! The only way to be happy is if we're all equal!"
"Except for you."
Starlight's horn glowed, ready to attack anyone who angered her even further.
"You may have tried to correct Amon's mistakes," Twilight spoke up, "But all you did was repeat exactly what he did. Amon tried to bring equality by stealing the bending powers of humans, only for them to discover he was a bender himself!"
The ponies gasped at the revelation. Starlight was no different than this Amon person. Not one bit.
"That's not true!" Starling protested, "I'm nothing like him! I didn't cause wars!"
"No, but you did try to make other ponies exactly like you. Everypony has unique talents and gifts, and when we share them with each other, that's how rea—"
"Quiet!"
Twilight jolted back, only to have Sugar Belle step forward, now standing fearlessly before their old leader. "You can't have a cutie mark, Starlight! Either we're all equal, or none of us are!"
"There's no use pretending anymore, Starlight!" Mako said, "You've shown everypony exactly who you really are."
There really was no point anymore. She had been exposed. Her followers no longer trusted her. It was over. Well, not on her watch. 
As they all gained up on her, her horn began to glow. She spun her body around, creating a gust of wind that blew everyone back, allowing her to run off towards her house. 
"She can airbend too?!" Rainbow asked in shock.
Double Diamond took the lead, galloping his hooves, "Come on! Let's get our cutie marks back!"
The town ponies cheered in agreement and ran off towards the caves to retrieve their marks. But while they went off, Fluttershy led the others to Starlight's house. 
"Come on! Our cutie marks are in there!"


(~)


The ponies tried to break the container, holding there cutie marks away from them. They never would have imagined they had missed them so much. It was like seeing a missing piece of themselves again. They did all they could but the glass would not break.
"Stand back, everypony!"
Double Diamond came galloping about, with the now fake Staff of Equality in his mouth and threw it at the glass, breaking it. The vault glowed in a bright light causing all of the cutie marks to glow and fly right out of the vault, finding their way back to their respect ponies like a child reaching its mother.
Double Diamond felt his cutie mark return, which was a pair of three snowflakes, and his body glowed. His mane was now different, no longer straight and boring but baggy and stylish, making him look sporty, athletic and handsome.
Everypony glowed brightly once their cutie marks returned. It was such a wondrous feeling they could not explain. Their coats regained their colors and they each had their own unique looks again.
Sugar Belle's coat became a bright pink, her mane curly and bright with green beads, and her cupcake cutie mark was back.
Night Glider's coat became shinier, her mane was swept back, giving her a speedy adrenaline-like appearance, and her cutie mark of a crescent moon with feathers was back as well.
Party Favor's mane and tail were now curly and bright blue as was his coat, and his cutie mark was that of a ballon animal with streamers.
They were back to being themselves again, and they couldn't be happier. Not only that, but some even began to realize they had new powers. Some pegasus ponies discovered they could airbend, unicorns could water and firebend, and earth ponies had earthbending or firebending or even water bending. There was hardly any pony without a bending ability, but they only felt all the more happy to have them back. Double Diamond realized he could water bend, moving a puddle of water with his hoof.
The ponies galloped and flew out of the cave as more cutie marks sparkled and swirled around the sky. 
"Even without my cutie mark, I can tell this is beautiful!" Rarity said, marveling at the stunning sight. 


(~)


From her room, Starlight sneered as more ponies regained their cutie marks. Her perfect utopia, her perfect philosophy, all destroyed by these strangers and their ways of thinking.
"They think they can come to my village and disrupt my life?" she levitated the jars with the Mane Six's cutie marks and the human's talents and levitated her bed away to reveal a secret passage and galloped down the stairs. 
"Let's see how they like spending the rest of their lives without their precious cutie marks and powers!"


(~)


Applejack and Rarity grunted as they tried to break down the door, their lack of cutie mark caused them to loose all physical strength. Even Korra couldn't do much without her strength. A whistle was heard and Night Glider flew upwards, aiming at the door. 
"Stand back, everypony!" The little pegasus speeded down and managed to knock the door down with ease, unleashing gust of wind as she did. "Wow! This new air power is amazing!" she said.
"I think it's wonderful too!" said Sugar Belle, happy with her friend's new abilities. The ponies and humans searched the house for the jars and opened the door to Starlight's room.  
"They're gone!" Fluttershy exclaimed seeing the empty table, "They were right over there!"
"Look!" Bolin pointed to the passage way and everyone ran inside. 


(~)


They reached the outside of another cave and spotted Starlight galloping away with a wagon on her back, carrying the jars, down the path that lead to the snowy mountains up ahead.
Party Favor took out a ballon, using his skills to make them into a pair of binoculars and spotted Starlight getting farther away. "She's headed for the pass! If she makes it into those mountains, we'll never find her!"
Pinkie Pie took the ballon binoculars and looked through them, "These are amazing!"
"There's a whole network of caves up there!" said Sugar Belle, "Your cutie marks will be gone forever!"
Applejack galloped, "Then let's get moving, y'all!"
Party Favor, Double Diamond, Sugar Belle and Night Glider galloped/few ahead, while Team Avatar was sadly slower due to have lost their athleticism. Rainbow Dash tried to fly faster but her equal mark prevented her from doing so. She was going at the exact same slow passe as her friends. 
"Oh, come on!"


(~)


Starlight galloped around the mountain until she spotted Night Glider approached above her. "Are you all so willing to give up everything because of these strangers?!"
She shot a magic beam from her horn, causing the snow from a ledge to fall and land on Night Glider. She quickly blew the snow away and caught up with Starlight as the rest of her friends caught up to the unicorn.
"We gave up everything for you!" said Sugar Belle, "Because we thought you were our friend!"
"I am your friend!" Starlight shouted, trying to get on their good side again.
"Real friends don't force others to be what they want them to be!" Sugar Belle exclaimed, "Korra was right about you all along!"
Starlight growled in anger, "Err! Even without her voice she's still a pain in my flank!"


(~)


The rest of the team were slow behind but managed to climb up the mountain. "I can't believe we have to count on these other ponies to save our powers!" said Rainbow Dash.
"If we hadn't come here to help them, they'd still be living under her rules!" said Twilight, "Now it's their turn to help us!"
"And I know they can do it!" said Fluttershy.
"Starlight may have taken their talents," said Bolin, "but she didn't take away their spirit!"
Korra smiled brightly. When she couldn't speak, her friends were her voice!


(~)
 

Starlight was getting farther and farther away, when Sugar Belle used her magic to create a pie out of the snow and hurled it at the unicorn. 
"My newest recipe – snow pie!"
The impact hit the wagon, breaking its handles and the wagon flipped over, causing the jars to fly off and Starlight to trip. The jars were near the ground until she levitated them back up in the nick of time. Once she reached the other side, she zapped at the stone bridge, causing it to collapse. 
The ponies watched in dismay as Starlight galloped ahead. Party Favor blew on his balloons and quickly managed to create a long ballon bridge, for which Night Glider bended down to the other side. The ponies used this to get themselves across the ravine.
Once they reached the other side, Double Diamond screeched to a halt and his eyes widened at his old treasures. "Whoa! These are my old skis!" his hooves caressed the long objects, lunged into the snow, along with his old scarf and helmet, "This is where I first met Starlight!"
"Maybe you can reminisce another time!" Night Glider exclaimed, "She's almost to the caves!"
Double Diamond smiled when an idea crossed his mind, "Feel like an air drop?"


(~)


She was close, so close. Just a few more moments and soon she will be away from all of this. Starlight heard something from behind her and saw Night Glider carrying Double Diamond, who was now wearing his skis, helmet, goggles and scarf just like the day she met him. She forgot how handsome he looked back then.
Night Glider dropped Double Diamond and she slid down the slope, causing the snow to land all over Starlight moments before she reached the caves. The impact caused her to loose her control over the jars, which shattered once they hit the ground. The cutie marks and powers glowed brightly and flew off to find their owners.
Twilight and Korra were the first to spot the rainbow colors up ahead and two of the beams reached towards them. The purple one with flames landed on Twilight's flank while the blue one landed on Korra's cheek. Twilight felt her magic and bending returning, her body glowed and she flapped her wings, able to fly again. 
Feeling her powers returning, Korra's wings spread out and flapped. She opened her mouth, only to hear the gorgeous sound of her harmonious vocalizing.
"Ah, ah, ah, aaaaaahhhhhh! Yes! I'm back baby!"
The rest of the cutie marks reached the ponies, feeling both their magic, talents and bending returning. Flash Sentry felt energized once more as he flapped and did a jump kick. Mako created a flame in his hand while Bolin flexed his muscles, feeling as good as he did after a workout at the gym.
Applejack bucked her back legs with joy, "Yee-haw! Finally, I can buck like a five-bit snake herder in an Appleloosa ranch house again!"
"And you got your countryisms back, too!" said Flash
Asami then began saying, "The T model has a front-mounted 177-cubic-inch 2.9 L inline four-cylinder angina, producing 20 hp, 15 kW, for a top speed of 40-45 mph 64--72 km/h."
Bolin blinked, "I did not understand a word you said!" he said happily.
"I know! I've got my car knowledge back!"
"Let's move people!" Korra shouted, happy to hear her voice once more.
The four other ponies celebrated in returning their new friends their abilities. But the fight was not over yet. Starlight Glimmer emerged from the snow, angrier than before. The ponies backed away in fear just as she prepared to finish them off. Her horn glowed brighter than ever before, and her eyes carried such anger and insanity unlike anything they had ever seen. This was not the same Starlight they had come to know, this was an entirely different creature.
Before the beam could hit them, a large powerful magenta force field appeared, protecting the ponies from Starlight's power. Once she ended the attack, Twilight Sparkle stood bravely before the unicorn, who looked down at her in shock. 
"Wh– I studied that spell for years! How can you—"
"I studied magic for years too!" Twilight began, "But what I didn't know then was that studying could only take me so far." she smiled as the rest of her friends arrived, "Each of my friends has taught me something different about myself! It was their unique gifts and passions and personalities that helped bring out the magic inside of me! I never would have learned that I represent the element of magic without any of them!" 
Korra stepped forward as well, "And I never would have learned I was the element of unity." Starlight scoffed, but she still listened to Korra's words. Something about them seemed almost comforting. Like she was not really mad at her at all. "Starlight, I understand what you were trying to do. You wanted to create a place where nopony would have to feel above or beneath anyone. You were right that different opinions can lead to disagreements, but that's only one side of the coin. They can also help you grow and become a better friend. Amon tried to change the world with lies and deception, but it's only with the Truth that we can make the world better." 
"Spare me your sentimental nonsense!" Starlight shouted, "I may have lied but I still gave these ponies real friendships they never could've had otherwise!"
"How do you know that?!" Double Diamond removed his helmet and tossed it aside, "You never even gave us a chance!"
Starlight's horn glowed once more, her eyes fueled with nothing but anger and pride. In a blinding flash, she disappeared into the caves. 
"She's getting away!" Flash exclaimed
"We'll never find her in there!" shouted Diamond.
But one alicorn wasn't having it. She spread out her wings and flew into the caves.
"Twilight!"
Ignoring their cries, Twilight Sparkle galloped into the cave, spreading her wings out and flapping. She could hear Starlight's gallops but the cave was too dark to see. But that did not stop Twilight. Her fire burned from inside her, increasing with her determination and thrive. Then, something amazing happened.
Starlight noticed the walls of the cave light up with a magenta glow and her eyes widened when she saw what was behind her.
Twilight's wings flapped with burning magenta flames emerging from the top of her feathers, giving them a phoenix-like appearance unlike anything Starlight had ever seen. With the flames as her light, Twilight unleashed a spell that kept Starlight from entering the other caves, blocking any potential exists and passageways. She collided with the force fields and stumbled back, only see Twilight Sparkle standing before her, looking even more stunning and powerful than ever before. Her eyes carried such courage and wisdom Starlight could only dream of.
She got up, ready to fight the princess in a final battle. But she was no match for Twilight's speed and power. She lunged forward, trying to attack her, but her spells were like swatting a fly for Twilight. 

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter!
Hoofprints even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over 
No, oh!

Starlight stumbled as her own attack was redirected back at her and she stumbled, being forced to go back from where she came as the burning alicorn approached her.

What doesn't kill you makes you
Stronger!
Stronger!
No, you can't knock me down
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Well now it's time to say goodbye!

Twilight managed land on top of an exhausted Starlight and placed her glowing horn over hers. From outside, the others saw the shimmering glow. Starlight shook her head and tried to activate another spell, only to realize she couldn't. 
"Wha--What did you do to me?! My magic?!"
"It's not gone. But it is blocked. You won't be able to cast your dark spell on any pony anymore."
Starlight trembled before galloping away. This time, Twilight let her go.
Bye-bye!


(~)


The others gasped when Twilight emerged, her wings still burning with flames which then diminished once she closed them. Korra ran up and hugged her fellow pony friend.
"Where's Starlight?"
"Gone. But she won't be causing any more trouble…at least, not for a while anyway."
"But what will we do now?" Sugar Belle asked.
"We just have to hope that when she's had a chance to think it over, she realizes that you all have taught her something."
Party Favor approached the two princesses, smiling in gratitude, "It's you who have taught us something. We all came to this village because we were searching for something missing from our lives." he walked up to his new friends, "We thought Starlight had given it to us, but now... now it seems it was in front of us all along. It's us!"
The four ponies embraced in a warm hug. A real hug. Everything they had ever known about friendship was wrong. They didn't have each other now that they all had their talents, on the contrary, they loved each other more now than they ever had before.
"Does that mean you'll stay in the village?" Korra asked with a smile.
"It's our home." said Night Glider, placing her hooves on her hips, "I'm not going anywhere." 
"This is a chance for all of us to get to know each other again for the very first time!" said a happy Double Diamond. 
"And I finally have a chance to bake something besides terrible muffins!" said a happy Sugar Belle.
Rainbow Dash nudged Night Glider, "That was some fast flying there champ!"
"Thanks!"
"Way ta pack up speed, Double Diamond." Applejack complimented the stallion with a playful nudge, which caught him by surprise.
"Wow! I had no idea you were so strong, Applejack."
"Aww, chucks. It's nothin'."
Then, Double Diamond rubbed the back of his head nervously, "And, I didn't get a chance to say this before because of Starlight but…I really like your sunshine mane."
The country pony's eyes widened and her face turned red. "Really? Um…thanks."
Korra, Asami and the female ponies all giggled with delight at the two ponies being so shy around one another, while the boys simply rolled their eyes.
"It starts." they said in unison…only to receive three snowballs to the face.


(~)


A celebration was held at the village, which was now much brighter and more colorful, especially thanks to Korra, who used her conjuring magic to bring more beauty to the homes of the ponies. She, Mako and Bolin even managed to teach the ponies the basic bending styles to get a head start.
Sugar Belle made delicious and beautifully decorated treats for her friends, which made them happy. Even Applejack got to dance with Double Diamond. Korra had a feeling these two were going to get along just fine. 
"Now those are real smiles." said Pinkie Pie, happy for the happy villagers.
Asami removed a stray hair as she spoke to her boyfriend, "Bolin, I wanted to say I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"After I lost my talent I felt terrible, but it also gave me the chance to think about how you were feeling. All those times you wanted to help around the garage even though you know almost nothing about cars. I now understand you wanted to feel a part of what I do. I'm so sorry."
Bolin took her by the hands and looked lovingly into her eyes, "That's okay. I know I'm not the brightest bulb in the shed, but just because I'm not as good with engineering stuff doesn't make me love you any less."
"Awww, sweetie."
"If it's okay, you think you can teach me how to drive or how to put a plane together?"
"I'd love to. But, let's start small, I wouldn't want you accidentally causing a plane to explode."
"Fair enough."
The two kissed while Korra and Mako happily watched them. The firebender then took Korra's hands. "I'm sorry you had to lose your voice, Korra. I know it wasn't easy."
"Are you kidding? It was great!"
Mako arched an eyebrow in confusion, "Hu?"
"I mean, yeah I was upset at first, but even when I didn't have my voice I could still hear it…coming from all of you. Everything I wanted to say, you guys said it. It made me realize that no matter what I lose, my friends will always be there to fill up the void."
Mako smiled as he held Korra close, "I love you."
"I love you, too." she said right before they kissed. 
Applejack came galloping back happily, "Howey! That Double Diamond sure can dance!" Then, suddenly, the ponies and Korra felt their cutie marks shimmering. "I'll never get used to that."
"I think it's divine." said Rarity, admiring her glowing cutie mark.
"Does that mean that the map is calling us somewhere else?" Fluttershy asked once the shimmer disappeared.
Twilight smiled, "I have a feeling it means our work here is done."
"It's just like Amon said in my dream." Korra said.
"Follow the path, find the voice
Reveal the truth, and friends
Shall rejoice."
"Looks like you were right, Twilight." said Flash, "The map did have a reason for sending you girls here. You brought real friendship to these ponies. Guess that's why you're the Princesses of Friendship." he said with a wink.
Twilight wrapped her hoof around him, "But the map didn't send me and Korra. It sent us. You're a part of us, all of you. And there's no doubt you're a part of our mission to spread friendship too." 
"And judging by what we see, I say we're doing a pretty good job so far." said Korra. Team Avatar gathered together and embraced in yet another loving hug. 
"This feels like an ending!" said Pinkie Pie, "It doesn't have to be an ending yet, right? 'Cause that Sugar Belle can bake!"
"Maybe we can stay a little while longer." said Twilight, "Come on!"
The friends headed out to enjoy their festivities with their new friends. However, even if they tried to remove the thought from their minds at the moment, they knew this was not the last time they would see Starlight Glimmer. They just hoped that one day, she would realize the Truth and find her way back home.
In the meantime, they could celebrate together in perfect harmony and Korra was able to use her gorgeous voice once more.

(In Harmony from The Little Mermaid series)

Korra;
	What makes someone special?
I suppose it all depends
It's what's unique in each of us
That we all share as friends!

The difference is our differences
Maybe small or great
Variety add spice to life
So we should celebrate!

As she sang, the village ponies happily smiled for real as Korra's words rang true in their hearts.

In Harmony
Harmony!
You're you, I'm me
Together we can live in Harmony

If there was only one note
How boring life would be
I'm glad there are so many notes 
In many different keys

Twilight and the other pegasus ponies flew up, dancing to the song while Korra joined them as well

I hear each voice singing
With a special quality
And when we sing together
We can set our spirits free!

Everybody;
	In Harmony!
Harmony!
You're you, I'm me
Together we can live in Harmony!
In Harmony
Harmony
You're you, I'm me
Together we can live in Harmony!

Korra;
Oohh!

Everyone;
In Harmony!
Harmony!
You're you, I'm me
Together we can live in Harmony
You're you, I'm me!
Together we can live in Harmony!

That day, the ponies of the village no longer tried to hide what made them special, but rather embraced them as well as embracing the special talents of their true friends. And it was all thanks to the genuine hearts, compassion and powerful voices of the group of Friends who helped them open their eyes to the Truth. 

*(~)*
Romans 12:9~
Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
*(~)*