“Long ago, long after the world of Equestria was created, ponies had witnessed a meteor shower, soaring and shimmering through the night's sky. Suddenly, out of nowhere, six of those meteors much colorful and brighter than the others zoomed down and crash-landed into the depths of the Everfree Forest. Coincidentally, the moment those peculiar meteors appeared was the same time when the first daughter of King Solaris and Queen Stella and current ruler of Equestria, Celestia, was born.
After hearing the event from several witnesses, King Solaris sends out his guards to locate and investigate the crashing site and report back to him. It had taken the matter of 3 days towards and again to return with their report. But when they returned, they presented him what was discovered from the crash which wasn't a pile of cold, metallic border they expected. Instead, there were six little gems.
But they weren’t ordinary gems that were found inside a mine. They were hued with distinct colors, lining with a magenta pink, a crimson red, baby blue, dark purple, light orange, and rosy pink. And they weren’t shining like a normal jewel would for it glowed brightly, seeming to hold an unusual amount of power locked inside of them. Unsure and fascinated of the power of the newly found gems, he took them to the deep sections of the castle where he seeks for Star Swirl the Bearded, the royal wizard, and the royal family’s life-long companion.
Looking into the gems and its magical aura, Star Swirl told Solaris that the gems came from a legend come true and that they are known to have the greatest power-- to destroy all evil and darkness and bring harmony and balance to Equestria when united together. The legend he mentioned foretold that lights will fall to the sky to bring forth warriors who bare the aura of these gems and the will to control its abilities. He also told the king that the gems are in some way connected to a specific pony. For whatever reason, he wasn’t sure, but he theorized that the harmony the gems bring not only regenerates strange magic to bring peace but points to the bearer’s destiny*.
Through his visions, he sees that only one pony was born under the lights and the arrival of the gems; the king's newborn child Celestia and later his second child. It was decreed then by the forces from these gems that they will be the first to bear its miracles. But when the lights appear again years later, the immortal princesses will be disconnected from the gems forever, and the magic will come to the next line of bearers. Trusting that Star Swirl’s visions were true, the king decides to have the gems resigned and guarded safely at the Canterlot castle tower until they are given to Celestia and their second child, Princess Luna when they are old enough to weld them.
The future that Star Swirl predicted had indeed come true as a century later the meteor shower came back and founded six newly born bearers. Celestia and her sister Luna are forever separated from the gems, which now called Elements of Harmony from Star Swirl's vision. Even though they no longer hold the elements’ power didn't mean that the princesses had abandoned them and their bearers. As a way of teaching them their role and duties, they'd become closer friends to the bearers and their families while also helping them in their most significant battles.
As promised, not only did bearers bring harmony to the land of Equestria and defeated all kinds of villains from the might of the Changelings to the darkness of the night creatures; they also bring compassion and inspiration to the inhabitants and become adored by them in the process. And again, as promised, after the first generation of bearers had passed on, the lights came back and brought forth six more ponies to wear its magic. Then, again and again, the cycle kept on going for thousands upon thousands of years.
It was until tragedy had struck onto Equestria.
At this point to when this volume had been published and released to the public, the news that occurred the night of the last meteor shower remained a shock and a cause to the ponykind’s fear and hysteria. There are indeed questions of how this information will be dated depending on the circumstances, but it is my duty as a historian and your guide and companion to illuminate this tragedy that had now left our land uncertain of our future.
On the night of the last meteor showers, everything had been to be, in common term, according to the plan. All six parents had reported that their newborns came the same moment as the shower and they now had the responsibility to take their foals to Canterlot to present them to the princess the next morning. But as the morning rises, there was a sudden report that left the princesses, and the anticipated public shocked—one newborn bearer who had been born in Ponyville had gone missing.
The event wasn’t recorded to detail as there were no witnesses and that search that the kingdom had been investigating months and months had left them with no evidence or clues. Princess Celestia had declared to the public that while she and her sister are still disconnected to the Elements, they promised to do whatever they can to find the missing bearer and bring harmony back whatever they can.
As I am uncertain of the future as I am according this just a year since this incident, it has been stated now that this event has now known to have broken the chain of harmony and brought forth possibly a new era filled with misery and darkness for all of Equestria.”
*Many historians and scientist have tried to study under the Elements’ powers for centuries, thus creating journals upon journals of scientific discoveries and observations, leading to the theory that Star Swirl the Bearded predicted might be under considerations. You can read the Journal Entries of the Elements of Harmony at the Canterlot Royal Library for more information.
“Spike, you don’t have to read the information footnotes. I’ve read that part.” A female voice said.
“Oops. Sorry.” Another voice nervously chuckled, with the voice of a male child.
A carriage is soaring through the clouds, flying above the exotic Everfree Forest. The sight of the organic life below was a sight to behold since it has overgrown over the past few decades, with a mysterious new variety of vegetation and the organic molecules had made its size nearly impossible to maintain. Occasionally the nearby town would have the roots overgrowing or an animal from the forest escaping, but the forest itself isn’t anything too significant; there are other things out there that are worth focusing.
“But if you already read this book, why am I reading this to you?” the child voice, preferably named Spike, curiously said to his companion.
“Certain parts in that volume doesn’t show enough details to the event or the Elements of Harmony. I want to talk to Princess Celestia about all of this when we get to the castle,” the female voice explained determinedly.
“Like what?”
“Well,” The voice replied, starting to make her points constructively, “If you noticed where it mentioned about Star Swirl’s theory on how the elements are somehow linked to each bearer, it never goes into full detail why it chooses its bearers or even how does it work. I did look on those journal entries that the author recommended, and it did give me some idea of how the elements would work, there is still a variety of ways of how and why they work. And the paragraph about the case of the missing bearer is rather vague. It doesn’t give a lot of information about the search, the parents and the overall effect of the tragedy. He didn’t even mention the missing bearer was predestined for the element of kindness!”
“Well, the book is a bit outdated. The author did say he was uncertain about the credibility of the incident. And remember five years ago when you had to claim your element of magic with the other bearers? They wouldn’t know which element belongs to the missing filly if you didn’t claim it. Maybe new information of the case can be founded somewhere.”
“I know; but this is the only book I can find that talks about both the tragedy and its connection with the elements, hence why I like to talk to Celestia about more information.”
The carriage had just arrived at Canterlot and flew its way over at the Canterlot castle. Down below, Spike and his female companion see the same old aristocrats doing their usual routines.
Ever since the tragedy, the harmony of their land has been slowly wavering down to the point where the ponies start to lose hope. Conflicts of new threats and the conditions within ponykind had been growing, whether it is physical or emotional, and there was even hysteria among those who feared the worst is yet to come. While some corners of Equestria had it far worst, the center of the land was where things seemed cold and bleak in spirit. In Canterlot, for example, the ponies up there started to take an interest in their consumption. As a result, they would often wouldn’t take heart to those they believe were below them and either ignore them or even stoop on them to gain their worth of interest should it be fame or wealth. There is a common trait within Canterlot where the businesses were aimed more on social status and sales rather than the quality goods made by citizens and their well-being.
Every place where the female figure had gone, she had seen the same spiritual corruption and hopelessness as she experienced in her home nation. But at least she knew she had to go to those places for she had a long-time mission to fulfill.
Ever since she was connected to her element of magic--along with another accomplishment she had received—she made it her goal to try to find a way that could help restore the harmony her land needed to thrive. But she knew from this; it would take small, baby steps or tasks that she needed to make to accomplish it. So, from the places she’d traveled, she had done things that had made the ponies, and all of Equestria’s lives a little better. Her latest task, originally requested from her mentor Princess Celestia, was to create a compromise between the ponies and the Griffins at Griffinstone that would not only create an alliance with the princesses but help them improve their conditions as they were left into crumbles since their last king’s passing. It admittedly had taken her longer to convince them that they can move on with the priceless oracle that was stolen before the king’s death, but she did enough to have them at their side.
The flying carriage slowly descends to land on the ground and come to a stop right in front of the castle doors. The first came out was a small baby dragon, with a pale purple scale and lime green long spiky scales running down from his head to his tiny tail. Spike grabbed the doorknob from the inside and proceeded to open the door widely for the other figure to step out. The second was a young female unicorn mare, with a purple coat with dark purple hair with a long streak of pink and light purple. Finally, being glad to be able to move outside the confined space, the female stretched out her whole body, which causes her to spread her giant majestic wings in an earnest effort to release all tension from her body.
“Home sweet home,” the purple alicorn sighed contently. She turns her attention to the pegusi guards who had flown her from Griffinstone, “Thank you for the ride, gentlemen. I think you deserve the day off.”
The guards smile and gladly salute to her as they take their leave, driving the carriage to the stables.
The captain of the guard, seeing the alicorn walking towards the doors, greets her in a welcoming fashion, “Welcome home, Princess Twilight Sparkle. I take that the compromise with the Griffins went well?”
“Quite well, captain,” Twilight said to the captain proudly, “It may have taken them a lot of convincing, but I say it’s enough to help make some improvements.”
“Do you want me to report your return to the Princesses?”
“No. In fact, I need to speak to Princess Celestia about something. Is she in the throne room?”
“Not right now. Since Princess Luna will be raising the moon soon, Celestia now has the usual night off. Want me to find her for you?”
“No, thanks; I can do that.”
And with that, Twilight spread her wings and took off into the air and zoom into the doors in front of her, all the while shouting, “Spike, you can help him by taking the luggage to my room!”
Spike widened his eyes as he peered back behind him. The captain, seeing his reaction, curiously looked at his direction and saw a series of large-sized luggage and bags lying right next to the carriage. The Captain met Spike’s gaze while he nervously chuckled, “Like she said…It was a long trip.”
Princess Celestia walks towards a door with six colorful diamonds shining from the bright sunlight from the sunset, as Luna was preparing today’s nightfall.
The alicorn was a gorgeous sight to all who lived in Equestria; with her pure white coat and her golden shoes and crest hanging on her chest, her light violet eyes and her magically waving hair, with hues of blue, green and pink. Many of her ponies say that she got not only the beauty of her mother but also the appearance and might of her father; as she rules over Equestria with the fairness and dedication, she felt her subjects deserve from her for many of years. And in return of all things, good and bad, she did for her people; she is greeted with the highest of respect and the love from her kindness.
She is greeted by two guards standing at each side of the doors, “Evening, gentlemen.”
“Your Highness.” One guard said to her, “They are still inside.”
“Very good,” She replied gratefully, “You may have a little rest for now. I can watch them for a while.”
The guards bowed their heads and have their leave, never bothered to argue with her. Besides being a princess, they knew that she has been going in and out of the room for the past twenty years.
The alicorn activated her horn with her magic to unleash the lock of this door; for it is designed for any royalty only to open the door. She went inside and was greeted with hueing glows coming from the pedestal. The pedestal is made of stone and has arms that stretched out like a tree. In each one of those branches were the elements of harmony, each gem perfectly fitted into stone orbs. All the gems glow brightly ever since the coronation five years ago, except for one gem; the jewel of Kindness.
Since the chosen bearer has never claimed it, the gem barely glows brightly as the others, though it still brings out a little shine of light from inside. Celestia always feels pain and regrets in her heart whenever she sees that small, pink gem dimly glowing from the pedestal, for to in her eyes, it almost looked lifeless.
“Princess Celestia!”
Celestia, alerted by the voice, turned behind her and see the purple alicorn standing at the now opened doors and already sweating for flying all over the castle to find her.
“Twilight!” Celestia greeted happily. Twilight already raced to welcome her with a hug, which she accepts it gratefully. Celestia has always thought of Twilight as a daughter, despite her being a former student to her School of the Magically Gifted and born with a family inside of Canterlot. She had always been loyal and faithful to her ever since she got her cutie mark and glad to have her as a friend.
“I trust the alliance with the griffins gone well?” She asked.
“You’ll be expecting a treaty signed from Griffinstone very soon,” Twilight exclaimed proudly.
“I’m thrilled to hear that,” Celestia laughed cheerfully, “and I’m also glad that we get to have more resources to protect Equestria.” She then questioned curiously, “Shouldn’t you be resting, Twilight? That trip must’ve been long.”
“It was Princess,” Twilight assured her, “But there is something I need to ask you about. I was hoping you would give me answers.”
“About what?”
“About the tragedy. And the Elements of Harmony.”
Celestia's face grew solemn. She always knew that Twilight might ask her that soon, as she’s the one who gave Twilight the book that has become a bit outdated and she is always the studious, curious one. And with her accepting her role as a princess and bearer of magic, she needed to know about them.
“I read the one you gave me and those journal entries. They are great reads, but I feel like something was missing when it talks about what happened twenty years ago and the connection with Elements in general. Since you and Princess Luna were the first bearers, I was hoping if you know…” Twilight momentarily paused, trying to say her sentences correctly, “why are they worked that way and… how does it affect Equestria?”
“I see,” Celestia answered, “I think it is fair that I can tell you. After all, the element of Magic does need to know about their power and mysteries”. She signaled her to stand right by her side and look at the pedestal, “Do you remember the other bearers you met five years ago?”
“Yes?” Twilight asked. She reflected five years ago when she had to claim her element. Although she remembers their faces, like one who had pink and bouncy and one with the rainbow mane, she never really got acquainted with them, as she was always an introvert.
“And do you remember the elements they bare?” Celestia asked.
“Well...” Twilight pondered, “I remember the pink, bouncy one was the element of laughter, which made sense because— “
“Because?”
Twilight shrugged, “Because she looked silly and I think it suits her.”
“Was she silly?”
“Well, yes. The first time we met, she gave us cupcakes and greeted us with a song. I honestly thought while it was sweet, she— “
“Was anypony smiling or laughing with her?”
“Well…. I think I do remember a few smiles.”
“That’s the reason why she is the element of laughter.”
Twilight looked at her confused, “I thought I already established that.”
Celestia giggled at her confusion, “I know, but that is almost exactly the point. Pinkie Pie was given her element because of her virtues. That fact I know because Luna used to own the element. We and the past bearers all share the same elements because the element reflects on their spirits and virtues. Laughter can be shown not only a way to show a pony’s sense of humor but rather as a sign for sharing love, a love that infests other ponies to do the same for others, a way to show them that you can have hope and lighthearted at the bleakest times.”
“So, the elements are connecting to the bearers…. Because of the pony?” Twilight questioned.
“What made you think you got your cutie mark?” Celestia teased.
Twilight turned red as she reflected her entrance exam as a filly, suddenly releasing her magic outburst and nearly turned everypony into plants and almost outgrowing a baby dragon. “How does my cutie mark affect my element?!” she shouted from embarrassment. She immediately regretted it until Celestia replied to her.
“Because you possess an incredible amount of magic. The element of Magic signifies the leader of the group, but it needed one who with the most power to signal the elements to show its power for good. All of the elements bring out the good of ponies; honesty, generosity, laughter, loyalty, kindness- they are connected for who they are, and that brings out the good inside of them and influence everypony in so many ways.” She looked up at the stone ceiling where a marbled illustration of ponies sharing each element, reminding her of the past ponies who had held the elements before Twilight. “I have been friend with the past bearers and every single time I see them, they reflected truly to their elements. That is how I remembered them and how the rest of Equestria remembers them. They had loved them so much that they cry each time and bearer has…. Passed on.”
Twilight saw a small glimpse of light coming from Celestia’s eyes and see that they were tears. But Celestia rubbed them away before she got a chance to comfort her. “Each element is important to both the bearers and Equestria. Without them, we would lose hope and the sight of the goodness in our lives; which is the reason why the tragedy is so… relevant to this day.” Celestia said this solemnly while looking at the grey-pink gem.
“So, it’s true that…. They had stopped searching for her?”
“Not really. We only kept it to a minimal; keeping a close eye for anything suspicious. The reason why we can’t go any further with it because there weren’t any clues to give us an answer.”
“But what about the parents? Didn’t they help?”
“They didn’t witness the disappearance when it happened. And I’m afraid that they were too distraught to help us either. Last time I’ve heard from them, the mother died from a broken heart, and the father and their oldest son moved away and was never seen again.” She paused for a moment and spoke to herself, “It’s funny. The mother was the granddaughter of Posey, one of the bearers of kindness. She had never known that her child would be one.”
“Princess…” Twilight said, absorbing everything she was told and getting it around her head, “What would happen if the missing bearer doesn’t claim the element of kindness? Would there be another bearer after him or her?”
“I don’t know,” Celestia said gravely, “and I don’t know much enough to if another bearer would happen. You have seen what this land had been through; the wild creatures and plant-life overgrowing in size, threats of war lurking around, the constant fear and hatred. For all we know, we could stay this way forever.”
Twilight was shocked. She won’t deny any of this since she had experienced so many cruelty and injustice through her travels and motivated her into trying to save as many creatures as she can and make Equestria great again. It wasn’t until now that she learned that there is more at stake and that protecting it could be hopeless. “So…. We’re the last generation?” Twilight spoke softly, “Of bearers?”
Celestia didn’t need to reply. Only the silence of this room, save for the humming coming from the glowing jewels, was enough for an answer.
“And….” Twilight continued, “There’s nothing we can do about it?”
Celestia spoke in a melancholic way, still looking at the element of kindness, “Just waiting for a miracle.”
Then there was a long silence, filling between Twilight and Celestia. Both were deep of thought, consciously hoping for future better than it is now, even if it is hopeless to do so. Celestia then turned to Twilight, “I sorry if I frighten you with this, but you needed to know this.”
Twilight can see the regret in Celestia’s eyes and smile in assurance, “it’s okay, Princess. I’m just glad you were honest with me.”
“Well, that was one of my elements.” Celestia smiled.
They both giggled; glad they can end the conversation and start on a new topic. Celestia was first to speak out, “Dinner would be done soon. Care to walk with me to get Luna?”
“Of course, Princess, “Twilight replied gratefully and then asks curiously, “Just asking, what was it like having the elements for the first time?”
Celestia replied to her, still giggling as she thought back of the memory, “kind of unexpected, to be honest. When Star Swirl the Bearded showed them to us at Luna’s 8th birthday, we thought it was a joke!”
They both walked through the secured doors, not noticing that in the dark, the element of kindness glowing a little brighter than it did before.