WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM SEASON 4 PREMIER.
The Feast of Steven
Late at night,
RD couldn’t sleep. She had curled up in a sleeping bag in the middle of the library and was tossing and turning. It wasn’t for her lack of trying though. A strange light seemed to be coming from a room of to the side and was shining straight into RD’s eyes.
“Stupid light,” RD whispered, getting up to investigate the source. As she made her way to the door, she failed to notice another pony in her path. The subsequent trip and fall were relatively quiet.
“Rainbow, get off me,” AJ said rather annoyed that her friend had just woke her up. “What ya doin’ up anyways?”
“Checking out that annoying light,” RD said pointing at the illuminated door.
“That is a mighty strange glow,” AJ said, noticing the door for the first time.
Both ponies made their way over to the door and slowly opened it.
Inside the room was a hexagonal box with six key holes standing on a pedestal.
“What do you think it is?” RD asked, her sight remaining fixed on the unusual box.
“Ain’t got a clue.” AJ replied.
“Looks important,” Shy whispered. AJ and RD jumped in freight at Shy’s unexpected arrival. “I’m sorry,” Shy said, seeing her friends react.
Taking a moment to regain themselves, AJ was the first to speak. “What in tarnation are ya doin’ up Fluttershy?”
“Oh, I was just getting a glass of water, um, if that okay with you,” Shy said with her usual amount of self-doubt.
“It’s fine,” RD said, “Just don’t go around scaring us like that.” RD took a moment to process what she just said. “I mean, it’s not like we were scared, it’s just that lesser people might freak out if they saw you come out of nowhere.” RD said with a fair share of pride and deflection mixed in.
“Well, since ya here, what do ya make of this here?” AJ said, returning her attention to the mystery box.
“Uh, would someone please turn off that light, you’re making it very difficult to get some shut eye,” Rare said off in the distance.
“Sorry Rarity,” Shy said.
“Hey, Rarity, since you’re up why don’t you get a look at this.” RD said.
“If I must,” Rare said somewhat annoyed at the prospect of getting out of bed. She made her way over to the other three.
“Hm, quiet interesting. Do any of you know what it’s for?” she asked.
“If we knew, we wouldn’t be-“RD began.
“Well, if I had to wager a guess, which would be rather silly since you don’t wager guess you, I’d say it has something to do with the Elements of Harmony,” Pink said, coming out of nowhere.
“Pinkie what are you doing up?” RD asked.
“Well I was having a wonderful dream where I was skiing up a giant frozen waterfall of soda when my stomach started doing differential calculus, which normally means several people are getting together to discuss something not related to the plot of this fanfic but really important in the show, so I decided to get up and see what you were up to,” Pink replied.
“Oookay then,” RD said looking at her friend with concern while rubbing a hoof behind her head.
“Well, anyways darling, what were you saying about the Elements?” Rare asked.
“I was saying that this box is some kind of super puzzle which has to do with the missing Elements of Harmony,” Pink replied.
“How ya know this?” AJ asked.
“I read it from Twilight’s journal. See?” Pink said. She pulled out a spiral bound notebook and read. “11/23/63. After giving the Elements of Harmony to the Tree of Harmony in order to save it from the seeds of Discord, said Tree produced box of unknown origin. Contends are also unknown at this time as box cannot be force open with ether magical or conventional force. Will investigate further.” Pink smiled as she looked up from the journal.
“So, is this some kind of replacement for them then?” RD asked.
“Ah doubt it,” AJ replied. “If the Tree no longer needed the elements, it could have just handed them back.”
“So what do you think is in there, then?” RD asked.
“Probably nothin’” AJ said.
“Well if there’s nothing in it, why does it have so many locks?” RD retorted.
“It’s just some kind of heart of pureness test or somethin’ like that” AJ responded. “Ya know, like when the hero faces a huge problem and needs somethin’ only to discover he had in him all along sort of thing.”
“I doubt it would be that cliché,” Rare said. “More than likely it contains the ultimate source of the Tree’s energy.”
“Why would the Tree give up something way more powerful than the Elements if it needed them to survive in the first place?” RD question.
“Well, since the Tree was threaten in the first place, maybe it figured to condense all its power in order to ensure it would be well guarded once Twilight brought it back here.” Rare mused.
“Maybe it contains the Eye of Harmony,” Shy said to no one.
“What was that Fluttershy?” RD asked.
Realizing she had been overheard, Shy retreated into herself. “Oh, um nothing,” she replied.
“It was something about the Eye of Harmony, right Fluttershy?” Rarity asked.
“Oh Shy that’s really silly, everyone know that harmony has a least two eyes.” Pink stated.
“Um, well no, the Eye of Harmony is actually a collapsing supernova being converted into a black hole while held in stasis and provided unlimited energy.” Shy said. “I was just think about it since a lot of thing here are also called the X of Harmony.”
“So then what do you think is really in the box then?” RD question Shy.
“Well, since the Tree was attacked by the seeds of Discord, maybe the box contains the seeds of Harmony, sort of like Rarity’s idea except that once it’s opened, new Trees would sprout up from the ground. And since there would be more of them, they wouldn’t likely be as threatened by incoming enemies.” Shy replied. “I mean if I had to guess. What do you think is in it Rainbow?”
“It’s got to be some kind of Pandora’s Box,” RD responded. “You know, like all the evil the Tree had been storing got placed in the box as it cleansed itself and the six keys are to make sure that whatever’s in there doesn't get out.”
“OOO! Or maybe the Tree has a really embarrassing Christmas photo. You know, like one where it got drunk on too much maple Schnapps and starting hitting on that sexy spruce across the clearing.” Pink chattered. She got confused looks from
her friends.
“Well, anywho we ain’t gonna figure it out tonight,” AJ said, making for the door. “Maybe we can ask Twilight in the mornin.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” RD replied heading back to her sleeping bag. “Gonna grab this first.” She grabbed a bunch of extra sheets and after everyone else had found their respective sleeping bag, RD shoved them into the crack at the bottom of the door. “Much better.”
RD soon wrapped herself up in her own bag as was read it hit the hay, when one more thought about the box entered her head.
“Hey guys?” RD whispered.
“Yes?” Everyone else replied.
“What if the box actually turns all of us, or our counterparts anyways, into alicorn princesses like Twilight over her?” RD said with a smirk on her face and a tone of amusement in her voice.
“Okay, now you just talkin’ crazy,” AJ responded.
“As much as I would love to be a princess, I would have to agree with AJ,” Rare retorted, “There would just be no way that would happen. There would at least have to be some kind of built up towards it.”
“And it would probably wreak the entire Equestrian government if it suddenly had five new rulers come in out of the blue,” Shy stated. “I mean I don’t think the people would be so willing to accept five new princesses so easily.”
“Yeah, and just imagine what would happen here if I got ahold of magic and flying, let alone my counterpart.” Pink stated.
“Guys, settle down. I’m just kidding,” RD said. “I know there’s no way that would happen. It would be a total copout. I mean it would almost be like we would be made princesses just so we could be more like Twilight instead of us going on some deep personal journey where we learn that our differences are what makes us unique and that we don’t need to be alicornes or princesses in order to be important or follow our dreams or something like that. Well anyway it’s late enough as is so good night everyone.” RD shifted in her sleeping bag.
“Good night,” AJ, Rare, Pink and Shy replied.
Settling down, RD now found it much easier to fall asleep and soon was.
Next Time: The Chase (For real this time)
Okay, I gotta admit, I like all the theories about the box and its purpose. I think the 'Seeds of Harmony' is the most likely one. The idea of planting more trees of Harmony sure seems to fit, and then Season 5 will get us seeing more of Equestria.
either
wreck
So, did you run this by an editor? Or at least a proofreader? I spotted like three errors.
But yeah, interesting theories. Only time will reveal the answer.
I Like this Idea^^
3542775 I'd like to think season 4 would be the adventure. They have to find the keys somewhere after all. I'd like to think that with the animatic where Pinkie, Applejack, and the apple family are traveling along the trail that they're planning to show a little bit of the rest of the world of equestria at least.
3542775 really that "seeds of Harmony" actually does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
all in all, nice filler
It contains an previously unknown Element of Harmony, The Element of...
I completely agree that making them all alicorns would be a total copout and ruin the show. We already have five alicorns, and five more would be complete overkill.
What I couldn't figure out is why they couldn't just take the Elements of Harmony back once the tree saved itself? Clearly the tree doesn't need the elements to survive as it lasted a whole millennium without them, and I'd assume the vines were fully eradicated so there's no reason the tree still needs them to protect itself.
I assume the reason for ditching the elements was actually because they're an easy out when facing villains like Discord and Nightmare Moon, which is supported by the fact that they wrote Canterlot Wedding so that Twi and friends weren't able to retrieve the elements as it would've been unsatisfying for viewers. But in that case, I would suggest introducing some opposing force which has power on par with that of the elements.
Anyway, looking forward to next chapter.
Oookkkaaay theeeeen...moving on...
3542913 Who's the fifth alicorn?
Contents not Contends.
"Contents are also unknown at this time as the box cannot be forced open..."
Quite, not quiet.
I'll tell you what's in the box.
Come closer, it's a secret...
Asante sana, squash banana, WEWE NUGU MIMI HAPANA!!!!
emotibot.net/pix/1223.jpg
Obvious author tract is obvious. Kinda glad this one was non-canon.
I didn't mind this little shift. It was entertaining enough
3542905
The Element of Devotion. For Spike
SO MUCH DEBATE ON WHAT IS INSIDE THE BOX ON SO MANY DIFFERENT SITES THAT WE HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT IS IN IT AND WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT! But too many theories for my head to count.
Either the "seeds of harmony" or the black hole theories interest me.
3542913
I was personally under the impression that the tree actually DID need the elements the whole time, and that the removal of the elements was what made it vulnerable for attack in the first place, because it had gradually lost strength. Another I have is that it survives best when the elements are in its general vicinity, because I note that, save for being taken away long enough to fight the monster of the week (Discord, Nightmare Moon) the elements stayed at the princess's old castle, which is established as being built practically right over the Tree of Harmony UNTIL the Mane Six walked off with them after beating Nightmare Moon a second time, and the elements have really and truly away from the tree for a considerable length of time for the first time (at least a year in the show's time). But that's just my two-bits on the matter.
As for the chapter itself, having just finished watching "The Day of the Doctor" earlier this evening, the Eye of Harmony reference tickled me pink to see.
And now I really want the contents of the mystery box to be that embarrassing Christmas photo Pinkie described.
3542997
.....Chrysalis?
Unless they mean Fausticorn...
My idea is that the Mysterious Box Of Plot Importance (MBOPI) isn't even a box. It's just shaped into a box but it most probably is some kind of relic that activates when the six keys are turned at the same time. What it does is a complete mystery to me.
3543263 Mmmh, I would say it`s either Chrysalis or a counting error. (I really doubt it would be Fausticorn because she's not canon. And yes I do realize the irony of that remark)
3543282 I just hope its not like the Devil's arms
The Devil's Arms were an optional Sidequest in Tales of Symphonia and the black chest could only be opened with Neblim's Key they were cursed weapons
3543186 I just hope its not like with the Devil's arms Sidequest
The Devil's arms were 7 cursed weapons and most of them were hidden in black chests and could only be opened with Neblim's key and their true potential is unlocked once you defeat Abyssion [The weapons become more deadly the more mosnters you defeat]
3542775
But if they plant more harmony... does that mean, then, that there'll be more sets of Elements?
3543370
I wouldn't be surprised if there are six seeds, one for each Element, and each new tree becomes a focal point of one of the Elements.
Oh goody! This story updated! I wonder what's gunna happen-
...
Fuck...
****GLARE*****
not really spoilers, since all that you mentioned can be figured out just by watching the official trailer.
3542905 If that comes to pass, it better be a Celestia damned Element of Forgiveness
3542997 Tis a secret, for now. However, I will say that it's neither Chrysalis or Fausticorn, as the fifth alicorn is male.
I'm personally following the "Seeds of Harmony" now that I've read it, But I wouldn't be surprised if the six keys turned out to be the Mane Six...After they all get turned into Alacorns.
Copout it may be, we are all familiar with Hasbro and its need for MOAR PRINCESSES.
Plus, this leaves the option that they each get their crowns one at a time at the end of their own big, character-building story arch just like Twilight. It might even take an entire half a season like Twilight's, which means at least two more seasons of My Little Pony!
I really hope this is what ends up happening.
I have dubbed this box the pandorica, as it clearly houses the most dangerous creature in the universe. Also the tree of harmony is an abandoned tardis with a working chameleon circuit.
I do, honestly, hope it does make them princesses.... but only, I repeat, only if it makes a significant deal out of it, and doesn't rush it. Likely with at least one full episode of self-discovery per mane six. Possibly with other eps in some way tied to it to make it deeper. But, we'll see.
In other words: only princessifying if done well.
I liked it!
3543760 hmmm. The only ones I can think of are Sombra, Dr. Whooves, Big Mac, and Starswirl. Starswirl is out because he's long dead (most likely, plus he apparently couldn't figure out freindship), Big mac is out because NO, Dr. Whooves is out because although he may change into a Pegasus he hasn't turned into a unicorn, but Sombra could be a winner (they did use black magic as alicorn magic in the premier and he can fly using his black smoke and maybe he has wings under the cloak). If It isn't Sombra you're talking about, then you've lost me.
3544386 Eh, wait and see.
Hasbro would do this just to make more toys...
It's the Equestrian Matrix of Friendship!
3543389
Hmm, that's actually brilliant. Plant the seeds in a circle around the Tree of Harmony, and you have a planet-sized, death-star-esque rainbow cannon...
3544603 did someone say rainbow cannon? CANNON
After a long series of quests, seeming to take months, the six ponies finally inserted their hard-won keys into the box and turned. The box immediately started growing until it was five times its normal size, obscuring everything else from Twilight's vision. Then, like a summer flower, it opened to reveal..
"It was me!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie, adding, "I was in the box all along!"
"But... what?" Twilight looked at the place that Pinkie had been standing when she inserted her key. It was empty of any ponies, pink or otherwise.
"I guess the box was some sort of enjoy the journey, not the destination lesson or something," Pinkie exclaimed, "but the important thing, the very most important thing is; we can finally have the 'We've opened the box' party I've been planning!"
Then she bounced out of the tree of Harmony cave and towards Ponyville. The other bearers followed, muttering things like 'Of course it was Pinkie', 'It figures', and 'I knew all along'.
"But.. Pinkie... box.. tree...," Twilight's ear started twitching.
"Guhblmblbm," she said as she fell over, her brain completely broken.
3544451 and would hurt the fan base making the show die a slow and painful death as the writers try to fix there mistakes
3544714
And then the writers fail and the world burns...
contents. (you may also want to put "the" before contents) ^ forced
threatened
hit enter a bit to soon here.
the words seem a bit jumbled here and don't seem to make sense.
here? Unless you were trying to say something else. If "here" is what you intended you may want to add something. "... like Twilight over here" RD said pointing towards Twilight with a smirk etc....."
Interesting little side chapter.
3544778
I'd watch that.
3544813
Wow. Didn't see that coming.
out of all of the guesses, I'm putting my money on this one
3544818 nor eye must be a changeling its the only answer (though im sure some fans would loved the idea not me though) but ya world would burn or at least the company owns the rights to the show
If it won't be mentioned again and not repeated with following episodes then I'll let it slide. The probability of season 4' s opening happened within a month after Equestria Girls is within reasonable margins. It would be a stretch to include the next episode, but any more then that would essentially break suspension of belief.