//------------------------------//
// A Different Spectrum  
// Story: Rainbows Mean Kindness 
// by Sanguine Moon 
//------------------------------//

                                                                                                     
Rainbows mean kindness

                                                  
  written by: Sanguine Moon

                                                             
                                                    
  Edited by: Grave shove


Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together, and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon….But wait you already know that story don't you? Just like this one too. About a mare and her journey to realize that friendship is magic  well then I guess I”ll have to to change a few things around then, because I believe that most would probably not want to hear the same old tale, they've already heard a dozen times before. So like any true teller of tales, I’ll never tell the same story twice.


                                                          
 A young unicorn mare rushed towards her home, with only one thought on her mind ‘the elements of harmony, of course she could have waited to find knowledge she sought. Her library wasn't going anywhere, perhaps even wait till after Moondancer’s gathering that she was just invited to by Twinkleshine. Her number one assistant would have probably liked to go, he did have a tiny crush on the aforementioned host. There was no time for that though, at least not in this mare’s mind, she had obtained this old foreboding feeling ever since reading the book her teacher assigned for study. The mare shoved the double doors open to her home, with a crash,
“Spike! Spi-ike! Spike?” called the lavender unicorn. A groan escaped the baby drake who obviously was hit by the doors and fell to the floor, except to the oblivious mare on a mission. “There you are. Quick, find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies. … What's that for?” commanded the unicorn, asking a question only as an afterthought. The light purple and green dragon had a present that was now skewed on his tail, thanks to the fall. The now destroyed teddy bear lay at his feet, he replied with a tone that was less than cheerful.
“Well, it was a gift for Moondancer, but…” He trailed off hoping for an apology from his caretaker, only to receive,
“Oh Spike, you know we don't have time for that sort of thing,” from her with a stern tone.
“But we're on a break!” Spike  exasperated, then started walking to a specific book case. knowing he had already lost this argument. while Twilight was rummaging through random levitated books off the floor and shelves, chanting 
“No, no, no... no, no, no!” Then shout “Spike!” The drake had already found the tome with ease, on a high shelf he needed a ladder for, 
“It's over here!” He hollered back, only for the unicorn to grasp the elusive book with her magic. Unfortunately for Spike, he couldn't release his hold in time. Thus leading him to fall, snout first on to the floor again, I believe I’m sensing a trend here. 
“Ah,” the unmindful mare exclaimed, leaving the  luckless dragon to clean the disarray of books. The studious mare placed the book on a desk, and began to read  “Ah! Elements, Elements, E, E, E... Aha! Elements of Harmony, see: Mare in the Moon?”
The drake questioned, 
“Mare in the Moon? But that's just an old ponies' tale,” as he was re-shelving the books. The skilled unicorn teleported in front of a book filled with old ponies’ tales on the second floor, and began to recite additional exposition. 
“Mare, mare... aha! The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal!” A gasp left her lips; Spike began to lose his balance. “Spike! Do you know what this means?”  The drake shrieked his answer, as he was about to fall to the floor yet again. 
“No-- whoa!”, By pure happenstance Spike’s decent was softened, when he landed on Twilight’s bridge. That did not stop the pain however, he still let out a yelp. “Ow!” he recovered before Twilight continued, I guess his luck improved a bit. 
“Take a note please, to the Princess,” she said, giving him a quill in parchment, stretching out her tail for Spike to use as a  diving board to get to the floor. 
“Okie dokie” Spike verbally agreed. Twilight began to speak and her assistant wrote, but not without some difficult phrasing. He was still a little kid after all. 
“My dearest teacher, my continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster!” The now confused drake tried to repeat the semi-difficult word.
As previously stated you already know this tale, so let's skip ahead a bit to our are actual mane heroine, Rainbow Dash. Didn’t you hear what I said before? Never the same story twice.  
                                                       

A young pegasus was relaxing on her favorite cloud, sure it was darker than most but she didn’t really care. Rainbow Dash knew that there was work to be done for the summer sun celebration, but she was too busy enjoying today. This was the first day in the last three that it didn’t have to be pouring or sprinkling, and she was going to enjoy it. Now that by no means meant, the cyan mare was going to shirk her weather responsibilities. It probably wouldn't even take her thirty seconds anyway. The Rainbow maned mare decided that it would be awesome to get some stunt flying practice in before her work, after all she hadn’t been able to since last Saturday. she stood up on her cloud, and stretched her wings in preparation. Rainbow had a singular thought as she took flight. 
‘I’m totally going to be even more awesome, after perfecting my  penta loop-de-loop.’ Unfortunately Rainbow had yet to notice that a lavender mare with a disheveled mane and talking lizard, were making their way over to her impromptu training grounds. The first loop was done as if it was second nature. The next was also done with relative ease, but the third oh the third is where she failed spectacularly. In hindsight she probably should've done some proper warm up exercises beforehoof. She crashed into the unexpecting unicorn, right into a mud puddle. Rainbow happened to be the first to recover from the stunt gone wrong, while the other mare was eating mud and groaning. With a sheepish laugh the pegasus flew up and said. “Uh, 'scuse me?” The cyan pegasus flew to get her cloud. “Lemme help you.” she said before bouncing on her cloud like a trampoline, causing water to fall and clean the unicorn. There was a new problem now however, Twilight was drenched in water. “Oops, I guess I overdid it. Um, uh, how about this? My very own patented Rain...” Her speech halted, as a terrible memory resurfaced. The last time she used her Rain-Blow Dry,about a month ago in a nearly identical situation except it was with the town’s local fashionista. Needless to say it didn't end well in the eyes of the pegasus. The infuriated marshmallow insisted, well out right demanded her service for the rest of the day. She stood still for hours after hours, being the designer’s model although she felt more like a living mareaquin. ‘No I’m not going through that tartarus again,’ she silently swore to herself. ‘I better try to dry her off a different way just in case, so Rarity doesn't find out.’ Rainbow quickly started fanning the mare with her wings, while slowly circling her before she could protest. Rainbow noticed the mare still had hairs out of place, and started patting them down with her front hooves. After Rainbow stopped, she flew back to inspect her hoofwork. The dragon who was unusually quiet during the whole exchange finally decided to speak. 
“Wow Twilight you're mane looks a lot better now, then after the chariot ride” Twilight looked unamused by the mention of the ride, she looked into the muddy water and smiled. It might’ve been a bit too tomboyish for her taste, although she supposed it looked better than it did five minutes ago.  
“Let me guess. You're Rainbow Dash?” Asked Twilight. A prideful expression dawned on Rainbow’s face. 
“ The one and only. Why, you heard of me?” Replied Rainbow eagerness in her voice. 

“I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear.” With a small sigh, she continued. “I'm Twilight Sparkle, and the Princess sent me to check on the weather.” The Rainbow maned mare, flew back to her cloud. A little less interested in the conversation now. 
“Yeah, yeah, that'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I'm done practicing.” That caught the unicorn’s attention. 
“Practicing for what?” The pegasus swelled with pride, as she spoke.
“The Wonderbolts! They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show 'em my stuff!” An idea struck the unicorn.
“The Wonderbolts?” Twilight asked bemused. 
“Yep!” Came a short reply.  
“The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?” The unicorn cast the hook. 
That's them!” confirmed Rainbow. 
“Pfft! Please. They'd never accept a Pegasus who can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day.” The line, an unamused look crossed Rainbow’s face. 
“Hey, I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat.” Rainbow declared, as fact.
Prove it.” And sinker. 
The mare moved with an unrivaled speed, launching her favorite cloud over to Ditzy Doo, kicking and obliterating every other cloud. A stunned mare and drake, stared on in awe. 
“Loop the loop around, and wham! What'd I say? Ten. Seconds. Flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging.” An unknown sheep let out a 
“baa” As Rainbow descended to the nearest bridge.
“You should see the look on your face. Ha! You're a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. I can't wait to hang out some more.” The mare prepared to fly away. The unicorn called out. 
“wait!” Rainbow halted her movement, looking at the mare curiously.
“Yeah?” Twilight shifted a bit before speaking. 
“I just wanted to say thank you for fixing my mane, its looked awful since the trip from Canterlot. Oh, and you still missed one,” The unicorn pointed her hoof at Ditzy, who was pulling the rain-cloud with her tail towards the nearest bakery. Rainbow gazed at the unicorn with small pleading smile, 
“It's my favorite. You're welcome, uh do you mind not telling anypony about that?” ‘I really don't want Rarity finding out about this’ silently prayed the cyan pegasus. Twilight gave her a sincere grin. 
 “sure, spike  and I won't tell anypony.” A relieved expression adorned Rainbow’s face
.“Thanks, I gotta go now bye.” 
‘She must not like people knowing she’s such a softie.’ Twilight pondered, as the pegasus flew off. 
“Wow, she's amazing!” said Spike, Twilight nodded in agreement.
“Fwee, that was a close one, hmm I wonder if I can bum some food off the Apple family” Rainbow exclaimed aloud heading straight for Sweet Apple Acres, with a grumbling stomach. All actions have consequence, a lesson this mare was soon to learn.   
                                                        

All the ponies big, and small gathered at the town hall, on the morning of the summer sun celebration. Most of them came from Twilight Sparkle’s welcome to Ponyville party. Hosted by none other than Ponyville’s, number one hyperactive crazy maned party planner. Pinkamena Diane Pie, or Pinkie Pie for short. 
“Isn't this exciting? Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited-- well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went,” Pinkie gasped for emphasis, “but I mean really, who can top that?” Continued the mare, Twilight glanced at her with a disinterested expression. Meanwhile Rainbow was Talking to Applejack about the wonderbolts, the latter sighed already hearing about them about a dozen times since yesterday.Mayor Mare began the introduction.
“Mares and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!” The cheering was immediate. “In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria,” The Local animal caretaker named Fluttershy, signaled the birds to sing their tune, “Princess Celestia!” Rarity tugged the pull-cord, revealing an empty stage. 
“Huh?” Rarity gasped, the other spectators chattered quietly and nervously. 
“This can't be good,” Muttered Twilight. 
“Remain calm, everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation!” The mare named Mayor said, trying to ease the situation. 
“Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games! Is she hiding?” Suspected Pinkie. 
“She's gone!” The town's fashionista exclaimed. 
“Ooh, she's good” announced the balloon flanked mare, than yelped. A heavy black mist swirled into the town hall’s main chamber enveloping the balcony. The shroud shook and swayed taking form as a tall figure darker than the shadows which bubbled at its hooves. 
“Oh no... Nightmare Moon!” Frightfully stated Twilight. Spike who was sitting on her bridge fainted.

“Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little sun-loving faces.” Bellowed the dark deity, with a sinister smile. The little ponies coward in fear, of the unknown Alicorn. Rainbow Dash’s reaction was instantaneous, she rose into the air. 
“What did you do with our Princess?!” Applejack Stopped her friend  from doing something foolish, by biting her tail keeping her near grounded. Well more foolish than usual anyway. 
“Whoa there, Nelly…” muffled the farm mare. 
“Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?” The alicorn chuckled darkly. 

“ Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty--” Pinkie got out before AJ shoved a cupcake into her maw effectively silencing her. 
“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?” Asked the Obviously evil mare. 
“I did, and I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!” Twilight Sparkle declared, everypony inhaled sharply.

“Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here” A nervous look graced the unicorn. “
You're here to... to... “ Her gulp told everypony that she didn’t. 
"Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!” Nightmare Moon let out an evil laugh that conjured thunder.



                                                         
 To  be continued…….

                                                       
  
                                                         
   …..immediately  
  



“Seize her! Only she knows where the Princess is!” Mayor Mare commanded the pegasi royal guard, too bad they failed horrendously. 
“Stand back, you foals!” Nightmare Moon used her lightning to propel all of the guards back to the ground, well that had to hurt. The alicorn returned to the dark mist, and flew off out the door. Most ponies were screaming in a panic at this point, and those who weren’t were all too shocked to even move. 
“Ergh…” Applejack could no longer keep her grip of Rainbow’s tail, and relinquished it. Rainbow flew out of the town hall, and high up into the sky.

“Come back here!” The cyan mare took a moment to catch her breath. “ Night time? Forever? Where's she going?” The tone in her voice change from melancholy to curiosity as she spoke, catching the sight of Twilight Sparkle running. Rainbow dash apparently wasn't the only one who saw Twilight, because AJ, Fluttershy, Rarity and, Pinkie were all chasing after her.  ‘I don't know what twilight’s got to do with all this, but I am going to find out.’ Rainbow promised herself, quickly flying ahead of the  group of mares. They all headed for Golden Oaks library, or at least that's where Rainbow thought they were going. 

“Uh... We gotta stop Nightmare!...” Spike said before immediately falling back to sleep, Twilight covering  him up as he did so. 
“You've been up all night, Spike. You are a baby dragon after all. Elements, elements, elements... Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?” The unicorn frantically searched through the bookshelves, not taking any notice when a group of mares invited themselves in. 

“And just what are the Elements of Harmony? And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy? whoa!” The cyan mare interrogated, until Applejack bit her tail. 
“Simmer down, Sally. She ain't no spy. But she sure knows what's going on. Don't you, Twilight?” AJ spoke, as all the mares surrounded Twilight. 
“I read about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them; I don't even know what they do!” She confessed. 

"The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide," Pinkie stated, right before getting knocked to the ground by Twilight. 
“How did you find that?!” The lavender unicorn exclaimed, as she read the title on the shelf. 
“It was under "E"!” Sung the pink pony, Twilight sparkle had never felt more dumb in her entire life than in this moment. Twilight then levitated the book in front of her, and began to read. 
“Oh. There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness” Fluttershy. “Laughter” Pinkie Pie “Generosity” Rarity. “Honesty” Applejack.“and Loyalty” Rainbow dash obviously. “The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now--” Twilight halted her words thinking it would be better to show than to tell, shutting book before the others could read it. She walked to the door. The others were confused but followed silently.
                                               . 
                                                      


The six mares all stood on the outskirts, of what many would consider the most terrifying place in all  Equestria. 
“The Everfree Forest!” The group said in unison, a frightful expression graced all  their features. 
“Whee! Let's go!” Pinkie declared, walking into the forest.

“Not so fast. Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'd really rather do this on my own.” Twilight stated. Applejack shook her head in defiance at that request, 
“ No can do, sugarcube. We sure ain't lettin' any friend,” Twilight cringed at the word. “of ours go into that creepy place alone. We're stickin' to you like caramel on a candy apple,” The farmer stated as fact, much to Twilight displeasure, they all agreed. 
"Especially if there's candy apples in there. What? Those things are good” The party pony said, clearly misunderstanding Applejack.
‘These crazy mares are going to get themselves hurt, I just know it.’ Twilight thought with a hard sigh, then proceeded to catch up to them. After making her way back to the front of the group, She asked. “So, none of you have been in here before?” Trying to hide the fear in her voice. 
“l Ugh, Heavens no! Just look at it - it's dreadful.” Rarity started, eyes darting all around the spooky forest. 
“And it ain't natural. Folks say it don't work the same as Equestria.” Applejack finished, Rarity wasn't the only one whose eyes were glancing around. 
“What's that supposed to mean?” Twilight asked curiosity getting the better of her, as the mares began to walk out of forest onto a cliff.
“Nopony knows. You know why?” The cyan mare questioned, stalking towards Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity. 
“Rainbow, quit it” Applejack told her friend, to no avail. 
“cause every pony who's ever come in, has never come out!” Our protagonist spoke, jumping to scare the mares. To bad nopony was paying attention, or else they would have noticed the mist following. Sadly they did not, so none of them were ready when the cliff collapsed. The mares screamed, well except for the pegasi. “Fluttershy! Quick!” Rainbow gave a fierce command. 
“Oh my goodness, oh my goodness.” Chanted Fluttershy  they flew into action. Rainbow caught Pinkie flying her to safety, whilst the butter yellow mare dragged Rarity. 

Twilight and Applejack were not so fortunate however,as they slid down the slope. Maybe AJ did have a smidgen of luck catching herself with a root. Twilight, continued sliding until her hind legs hung off the edge. 
“Hold on! I'm a-comin'!” The cowpony after noticing her friend in peril, released her grip to make her way down. 
“Applejack! What do I do?” Twilight searched AJ’s eyes, for guidance. Applejack glanced upward. 
“Let go,”  she informed with a voice filled with nothing but honesty. 
“Are you crazy?” The unicorn shouted. 
“No I ain't. I promise you'll be safe.”  
“That's not true!” The endangered mare yelled back. 
"Now listen here. What I'm sayin' to you is the honest truth. Let go, and you'll be safe” Twilight gazed at AJ, before resigning to her fate and letting go. “
Yaaah! Phew-wah!” She hollered, Dash and Fluttershy instantly coming to her rescue. Only for the yellow pegasus to nearly drop her. 
“Sorry girls. I'm not used to holding anything more than a bunny or two.” Applejack slowly made her way back to her friends, jumping from cliff to cliff. Once again nopony caught sight of the mist, leaving to do more dastardly deeds.   
‘  
                                                       

“- And once Pinkie and Rarity were saved, whoosh... Me and Fluttershy loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you right in the nick of time,” Rainbow retold. Twilight rolled her eyes. 
“Yes, Rainbow, I was there, and I'm very grateful, but we gotta-” A stomp of a creature, with a disproportionate  body and head of a lion , but also features of a bat  long pointed ears and wings. “A manticore!” Twilight hollered, the manticore sending back a ferocious roar. “We've gotta get past him!”  

They all leaped into action, well except Fluttershy whose expression turned fearful.The magical beast lunged at Rarity, trying and failing to slash her. Rarity quickly spun around, then raising her hind legs gave a mighty buck. 
“Take that, you ruffian!” The refined mare taunted, only to receive a soul crushing Roar. “My hair! Woop--” Rarity cried, sprinting away from the beast. 
“Wait.” Fluttershy told the mares, although none could hear the always soft spoken pegasus. The manticore gave chase after Rarity. Quickly being jumped on by a country mare. 
“YEE-HAW! Git along, little dogie.” Applejack yelled, riding the beast like a bull at a rodeo. 
“Wait.” Fluttershy repeated, still nopony heard. The manticore eventually sent AJ flying, as a result of its thrashing. 
“ Whoa! All yours, partner.” Applejack said, giving the reins to Rainbow Dash, while flying past. 
“I'm on it.”  saluted Rainbow, Fluttershy tried  a third time. 
“wait.” But was once again unheard.  Rainbow sped towards the manticore, determination in her eyes. She began to fly around the beast at an unmatched speed, leaving only a trail of rainbow to be seen. The  manticore struggled to break free, causing  Rainbow to crash head first into its jaw, sending them crashing to the cold hard ground. She landed directly on the manticore's torso, slowly she began to raise. 
‘Uhh what hit me?’ The disoriented mare thought, looking at the still  semi conscious beast. ‘Oh yeah, I was in the middle of taking this thing down.’ She gazed at the beast, something suddenly catching her eyes. “Rainbow! Get out  there, it's about to get up” Twilight screamed, Although Rainbow didn't  seem to hear. ‘Is that... there is no way’ Rainbow’s head shot back and forth between the beast’s head and paw. It began to stir. ‘It can’t be, it attacked us…..  because of a thorn!?’ The manticore’s eyes started to open. ‘I can’t believe none of us noticed, and buck do I feel really bad right now.’ She lowered her muzzle over to where the thorn was imbedded. ‘I guess I’ll take it out, that’s probably what shy would do.’ Rainbow reasoned, her mouth on the thorn. ‘I hope I’m right about this.’ In one swift motion she pulled out the thorn and dropped it, the manticore let out a cry as it sprung to its hind-legs. Causing the cyan mare to fall to the ground. Looking at the manticore now as it reached out for her, she had only one thing coursing through her mind. ‘I was wrong, I’m not going to become a wonderbolt.’ 
“RAINBOW!” The rest of the mares yelled, charging to their friend. Their pace slowed  considerably, when the manticore started licking Rainbow Dash causing her mane to stick up in a random direction. 
“I was right! I was right! hahaha, hey ya big lug quit it!” The pegasus exclaimed. Most of the other mares smiled or snickered, walking on ahead. Except for Twilight and Fluttershy who were trotting a bit slower. 
“How did she know about the thorn?” Twilight couldn’t help but question, lucky for her Fluttershy had the perfect answer. 
“She didn't. Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness.” The unicorn could not stop the smile forming on her face, as Rainbow galloped on ahead and back to the front of the group. 
‘I knew she was a big softie.’ Twilight thought, moving quickly to catch up with the others.
                                                            

“No. My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck.” Rarity muttered, looking at the highly distasteful forest. “Well, I didn't mean that literally.”
Who would in this creepy place? The Trees began to cover the moonlight with their thick branches. 
“That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn't even know it,” Twilight stated, just like the dark mist that danced around their  hooves. 
“I didn't see you there, my apologies,” the Rarity said, knocking into another mare. 
“Right here... guh…” Rainbow groaned. 
“Oh wait, I think I stepped in somethin',” Applejack grunted, only to receive a deafening screech from Fluttershy. “It's just mud,” she assured, trotting into a growling tree. “Aah!” AJ let out, jumping back. All of the trees went through a horrifying metamorphosis. Most of the mares at this point began screaming in fright, except for one. Pinkie Pie, who was laughing at them. 
“Huh?” The rest murmured, as Pinkie made faces at the trees.  
“Pinkie, what are you doing?! Run!” Twilight pleaded. 
“Oh girls, don't you see?” Pinkie began to  sing.

When I was a little filly and the sun was going down..                    

Pinkie sang moving her body side to side, gazing at her friends with mirth. 
“Tell me she's not…” Inquired Twilight.

The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown…

Hopping and hovering about, Pinkie sung her enlightening tune. Much to Twilight's confusion.  
“She is.” Rarity answered.
Damn it.

I'd hide under my pillow
From what I thought I saw
But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way
To deal with fears at all

As she continued her singing, all Her friends gave her bewildered expressions. Until one very brave mare dared to interrupt her  with a question. 
“Then what is?” Asked  Rainbow dash, before Pinkie invaded her personal space. Much to the scowling mare’s annoyance.
  
She said, "Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall
Learn to face your fears
You'll see that they can't hurt you
Just laugh to make them disappear."

The pink mare sung her answer, as she cantered towards one of the horrifying monstrosity known as trees.
   
 Ha! Ha! Ha!

With a hearty laugh, the monstrosity  riveted back from their grotesque forms to its original. causing a enticing gasps from all, but the bouncing bundle of pure joy.
   
So, giggle at the ghostly
Guffaw at the grossly
Crack up at the creepy
Whoop it up with the weepy
Chortle at the kooky
Snortle at the spooky

Following suit remaining mares all chose trees and  stood before them, laughing to their hearts content. initiating the reversal.
      
And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna... hahahaha... heh…Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!

With a grand pose she blurted out the final words of her infectious melody, before the friends fell into a spring time circle.
                                                      

The river raged sending waves crashing to the shore, the still elighted  mares arrived bumping into into one another before the raging rapids. 
“How are we gonna cross this?” Pinkie asked,  only receive  a effeminate cry. “Huh” Pinkie’s an the others expressions change into ones of confusion. Entering through the the bushes the group  found  the figure of a distraught river serpent. 
“What a world, what a world,” Came a melodramatic wail. 
“Excuse me, sir. Why are you crying?” Twilight asked, interrupting the the monsters cries of sorrow. 
“Well, I don't know. I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisked past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off, and now I look simply horrid.” spoke  the yet to be named serpent, sporadically waving his arms. Before falling into the water, drenching the mares from head to hoof. Before resting his head on shore. 
“Oh, give me a break.” moaned our Rainbow maned heroine. 
“That's what all the fuss is about?” exasperated Applejack. 
“Why, of course it is. How can you be so insensitive?” Lectured the fashionista to the the tomcolts, cantering to the serpent “Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales,” complimented the mare, petting his chin. 
“I know,” Agreed the sniffling male. 
“And your expertly coiffed mane,”  she continued, hoof gesturing towards the top of his head. 
“Oh, I know, I know,” he repeated, beginning to hold his head high. 
“Your fabulous manicure,” she wove another  compliment, causing the serpent to gush. 
“It's so true!” Pinching his cheeks in joy. “All ruined without your beautiful mustache.” Wow, this mare knows how to cut deep. 
“It's true, I'm hideous!” Relented the serpent, claws covering his face in shame. 
“I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected,” Rarity spoke with an unparalleled intenseness, pulling off one of the serpent’s scales. What is it with all these mares abusing others of the opposite sex?
 “What did you do that for?” He cried, while Rarity raised the scale in her mouth as if she was a skilled swordsmare. 
“Rarity, what are you-”Asked Twilight, who only able to watch as Rarity cut off her own tail. Then encasing her separated  tail in a light blue aura, to tie to the of the once ruined mustasch. After he overdramatically fell back the shore. 
“Oh-hohohoho! My mustache. How wonderful.” Moaned the male, admiring his new look. 
“You look smashing,” Rarity chimed one more time, with a wilder smile. 
“Oh, Rarity, your beautiful tail…” Spoke a remorseful Twilight. “Oh. It's fine, my dear. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back,” The white mare said, only to wince after looking at her tail. 
“So would the mustache,” Rainbow muttered to Twilight. ‘I swear I’ll never understand ponies like that mare.’ Thought  the cyan pegasus. 
“We can cross now,” exclaimed Twilight noticing the river had calmed, hoping in. “Let's go. Ah!” She called, only for her body to rise from the water on top of a makeshift bridge. 
“Allow me.” Offered the serpent, as the mare’s used him to hop across.
Hey what's your name anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked turning her head. 
“Steven… Steven magnet river serpent extraordinaire,” stated the male. 
“You mean sea serpent right?” asked the insensitive mare, out of Twilight’s ear shot. 
“I’ll have have you know we river serpents, are far more refined.” The serpent firmly stated. “
Uh okay then bye,” Said Rainbow, as sped up to catch her friends. “Well that was weird,” she muttered under her breath.        
                                                                 
                                                     


“There it is, the ruin that holds The Elements of Harmony. We made it!”  Announced Twilight, even though they all could see the old decrepit castle. She galloped ahead, with well precedented urgency. 
“Twilight, wait for us!” Applejack called after the lavender mare, with the rest  trying  to catch up. 
“We're almost there. Whoa!” Shouted Twilight, nearly galloping off a cliff. Her front hooves dangling off the edge. 
“What's with you and falling off cliffs today?” Joked Rainbow dash, after pulling Twilight back up. 

Now what?” Sighed Pinkie, receiving only silence. Most of the gazes slowly shifted towards Rainbow Dash. Applejack was the first to question the pegasus 
“Uh Dash ain’t this the part where yer wings flap faster than a humming bird in spring?” Rainbow Dash only lowered her head her mane covering her eyes muttering  
“ Hurt my wing.” The Mares stares all turned to ones of confusion. 
“I’m very sorry darling, but I couldn't quite hear that.” Rarity spoke, trotting closer to Rainbow Dash. 
“I said, I Hurt my wing when smacked into that manticore!” Rainbow repeated a bit too loudly, causing Rarity step back. Fluttershy quickly made her way to Rainbow’s side, examining her wings. 
“I think it might  be sprained, I’m sorry Rainbow,” apologised Fluttershy, cringing a bit. 
“Rainbow Dash why didn’t you tell us sooner?” Twilight asked, gesturing towards  Dash’s left wing. 
“I didn’t want to let you guys down,” replied Dash lowering her head once more. 
“Don’t be silly dashie, you wouldn’t ever let us down. Why I bet we would still be with that manticore right now if it wasn't for you,” Pinkie  said with swelling pride. 
“Don’t call me Dashie…...But thanks Pinkie I needed to hear that.” The cyan pegasus thanked raising her head. 
“Not tryin to to ruin the moment yall, but how we gonna cross this here brigde now?” Applejack asked aloud, receiving only silence. 
“Twilight darling, I don't suppose you can teleport can you? ”Rarity pondered, causing Twilight to grimace. 
“I can, but not with other ponies they wouldn't fit within its range. They could lose a tail or a hoof, sorry.”all the mares winced at the thought. “oh ooh ooh, couldn't you just teleport over there by yourself, and grab the rope with your magic?” Pinkie reasoned, flailing her hoof. 
“Actually I can’t. Even if I teleported across I wouldn’t be able to grab it with my levitation spell, it doesn't have enough reach Sorry everypony,” apologised Twilight, lowering her head in shame. 

“Twi will ya stop with all the apologizin’, ya startin to sound a mite like flutter-” Applejack began, Her head turning as a realisation set in. “-shy..Are y’all thinkin what ah’m thinkin?” She finished, eyes darting back and forth between all the mares. They all nodded in agreement, except  for Fluttershy who bore a look of pure fear. 
”No no no no Sorry everypony, I can’t do it remember I can hardly lift two bunnies,” She restated. 
“Now Fluttershy darling, I didn't want to say this earlier. I know I may be not the heaviest of ponies, but you saved me” Rarity offered, causing Fluttershy to retreat into her mane. Applejack gave Rainbow a pleading look, she knew that out of all the ponies present Rainbow Dash would have the best of chance of coaxing Fluttershy. A sigh escaped Rainbow’s lips. 
‘I really don’t want to do this to shy but what choice do I have?’ Rainbow turned to her friend. She raised her right hoof brushing aside Fluttershy’s mane. “Shy please, do it for us…. for me,” Rainbow pleaded. 
“I...I can’t I just can’t.” Fluttershy was almost on the verge of tears  for refusing  her oldest friend. 
“Then what about the animals? You're their only hope. Please if you won’t do it for me, do it for them,” Rainbow begged, her voice hoarse.Their was nothing more she hated  than manipulating Fluttershy. 
”The animals?” Fluttershy gasped, head raised to meet Rainbow’s gaze. 
“Yeah of course shy, they can’t all only see at night can they!?” Rainbow  yelled. A few tears cascading down her cheeks, from having do this to her closest friend in ponyville.
“I’ll do it!” Fluttershy loudly  whispers. 
‘Hmmmm, Rainbow must Really like animals,’ Twilight reasoned, as the pegasus began  to take off  at a steady speed, before descending into the hazy gorge. To retrieve the bridge, grasping the rope tightly in her mouth lifting with all her might. Slowly  but  surely the weakest of all the mares present began to lift the bridge with will alone. To say the others were surprised would be a massive understatement. Most jaws hit the ground, except for Rainbow who wore a smirk.
‘Knew you had it in you Shy.’ When the yellow pegasus finally reached the other side. She plopped down  gasping for breath, releasing the rope. Deep within the fog unseen by the exhausted  mare, the dark mist swirled creating a new monstrosity. After regaining her breath, Fluttershy turned and reached for the rope. Only for her hoof to pat  the head of a black rabbit. 
“Umm sorry about that Mr.bunny.” The hare shook its head, signaling that she had done no harm. Smiling at the rabbit, quickly noticing  that he was sitting firmly on the rope. “Mr.bunny could you please hop off the rope, if that's okay with you?” She asked, receiving a furious shake of the rabbit’s head. 
“Fluttershy what's taking you so long?!” Twilight called out, the fog blocking their view. 
The Rabbit gestured to it self and Fluttershy, then pointed right revealing a new pathway to the latter’s cottage. 
“Oh my, how did that get there?” Fluttershy said, talking more to herself. Grabbing  her hoof, he tried to pull her towards the path. 
“Sorry Mr.bunny, but I have to help my friends even if it’s a bit scary.” She gently told, grasping and tieing the rope to the stone post, as the rabbit returned to the dark mist. When the fog cleared, the other mares quickly crossed the bridge all calling to Fluttershy. 
“Thats Fluttershy for you, even if she’s afraid she’d never leave us hanging.” Rainbow spoke with pride, to bad the only one who heard was Twilight. Those were the words that put the final nail into the coffin.  


                                                    


A single spark, a important spark, a shining spark, and the only spark. That was what lit up the eyes of Twilight Sparkle. 
“You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that? Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here,” Twilight Sparkle declared, her friends standing behind her. 
“What?” Shouted Nightmare Moon, as the broken shards of the Elements  started to levitate. Twilight proudly began her speech.  
“Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of... honesty!” A few shards circled  the grinning farm mare. “Fluttershy, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire represents the spirit of... loyalty!”  The Shards surrounded the flying pegasus, she flinched. “Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of… laughter!” Some shards gathered around the bouncing mare of pure energy. “Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift represents the spirit of… generosity!” More shards revolved around the Fashionista, who held her head lower with a small smile. “And Rainbow Dash, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of...kindness!” The last of the shards swirled around the grounded pegasus, who wore a confused smirk. “The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us” Twilight proclaimed. 
“You still don't have the sixth Element! The spark didn't work!” Nightmare Moon countered with confidence. 
“But it did! A different kind of spark,” Twilight turned to her new friends with unshed tears. They all smiled with smiles that only true friends could give.  “I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all... are my friends!” A glowing orb appeared above all present .“You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: the element of... magic!” The five elements circle their owners faster each creating a new necklace to be donned, all hovering with closed eyes. The sixth Element became a  tiara, worn by Twilight . As the elements pulled their power together a giant beam of energy, colored of the rainbow. Shot forth much to the agony of Nightmare Moon. 
“Nooo! Nooo!” She screamed in terror, it enclosed her in a Rainbow vortex. A flash of light left all the mares groaning on the floor. 
“Ugh, my head,” Rainbow moaned, hoof rubbing her prior mentioned body part.
“Everypony okay?” Applejack asked aloud, eyes darting to each mare. 
“Oh, thank goodness.” Rarity gushed, holding her head high. 
“Why Rarity, it's so lovely.” Complemented Fluttershy. 
“I know! I'll never part with it again,” replied Rarity, tail shaking. 
“No. Your necklace. It looks just like your cutie mark.” Fluttershy corrected, causing Rarity eyes to dart between her new accessory and friend. “ What? Ooh. So does yours,” she remarked in wonder, before the pegasus gasped. 
“Look at mine! Look at mine!” chanted pinkie, bouncing towards AJ. 
“Aw yeah” Rainbow Dash raved. Her head  quickly swung around, to look at  her now healed wing. Without  another word, She took to the air performing a single loop the loop. Landing with a holler. “Oh yes, this mare is back in action!” Twilight smiled at her friend’s enthusiasm, the rest however were giving Rainbow confused or worried glances. 
“Gee, Twilight! I thought you were just spoutin' a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship. Though I can’t-” Applejack began. 
“Indeed you do.” A voice full wisdom spoke, the sun beginning to Raise after its extended leave. In one last flash of light, the ruler of equestria appeared in all her glory. 
“Princess Celestia” Twilight called in relief, as all the other elements bowed. 
“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student.” Twilight trotted quickly to her mentor, receiving an affectionate nuzzle. “I knew you could do it. Although I do find some of the element bearers quite interesting choices,” Princess Celestia praised, looking at two bearers in particular. “Interesting what do you, wait you told me it was all an old pony tale.” Twilight cut herself off, bewildered by teacher’s words. 
"I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more,” Princess Celestia answered, the others slowly rose smiling ear to ear. “I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart.”  A small blue alicorn lay, where a Nightmare once stood. Dark magic slowly fading into nothing. “Now if only another will as well. Princess Luna!” Princess Celestia bellowed,cantering up to the other alicorn. “It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this.” luna would not raise her head, while Celestia lay before her. “Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister,” the older sibling tried to mend. 
“Sister?” Gasped everypony, when the truth finally came to light. “Will you accept my friendship?” Celestia nearly pleaded, the other mares all  leaned forward in anticipation. Pinkie fell forward lowering tension in the room.
 “I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!” Luna  apologized  nuzzling her older sister. 
“I've missed you, too.”Celestia admitted,both shedding joyful tears.
                                                     

 “Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?” Princess celestia asked, Twilight Sparkle even though she already knew her answer. 
“That's just it. Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them,” the unicorn replied, melancholy clearly in her voice. 
“Spike, take a note, please. “Celestia requested, and the baby dragon began to scribe  “I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville.” Princess Celestia announced to ponyville, Twilight Smiled her biggest smile. Her new friends Flanking her on all sides for a group hug. 
“Oh thank you, Princess Celestia! I'll study harder than ever before,” Twilight promised, as cheers spread through the town welcoming its new residents. 


                                                     

  ‘Nine o’clock huh. I better get to sleep soon, the movers are going be here early tomorrow.’ Twilight yawned, closing a book. ‘I wonder How the princess was able to contact the movers, on such short notice she couldn't of kno-’ Several Knocks to her door, interrupted her thoughts. “I wonder who would come here this time of night, maybe one of the girls needs a book,” the unicorn stated to herself, cantering to the door.
 “Evenin’ Twilight, would ya mind if we came in for a spell?” Asked AJ, tipping her stetson. 
“Good evening Applejack, we?” The farm mare gestured behind herself. 
“Good evening darling,” Rarity greeted, waving a hoof. 
“Um hello,sorry to bother you so late.” Fluttershy mumbled, pawing at the ground. 
“Hiya Twilight!” Pinkie almost shouted. 
“Hi Twi, you gonna let us in now?” Rainbow questioned, hovering a bit. 
“Oh come in, come in. Good evening to you to girls. I put Spike to bed an hour ago so don’t be loud alright, so what do you need a book maybe?” Twilight offered, letting the others in. 
“Nah we don’t need no book Twilight, but we all think there's  somethin’ ya need to know.” AJ revealed. glancing at Rainbow. 
“So what is it? now you’ve got me curious,” Twilight inquired, Applejack bump a hoof against Rainbow. 
“What? Isn’t honesty you're thing AJ?”Rainbow dared, Applejack rolled her eyes.
“Listen here Twilight, Rainbow dash ain't that  kind” She confessed.Twilight blinked once, twice. Then started laughing hysterically.
                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                 Next Time
                                                                                                                                                                   Turning Over A New Rainbow