> Flora Spectrum
>  by Flora Spectrum
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Filly
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia took a deep breath as she walked through the royal gardens with her sister after a stressful afternoon. She had been very thankful when Luna raised the moon signaling the end of the day.
“Is it days like these you are glad that I am here to guard the night?” Luna asked with a teasing tone and a knowing smile.
“I am always glad that you are here with me sist-“ a white flash cut her off and stole her attention.  “Am I seeing things?”
“No, I saw it too-“ Another white light flashed in front of the two for a split second.
“Luna, wasn’t there a bush right there?” Celestia motioned with her front hoof to a line of bushes with one seeming to have disappeared right in the middle.
“Look closer, it’s still there, but now it’s black.” Luna replied pointing at the almost invisible bush. Another flash appeared causing the bush to become easily visible as it was now a bright pink.
The two sisters moved silently and cautiously over to the magical plant. As they stood mere inches away, giggling could be heard. The two sisters looked at each other and nodded simultaneously before pulling back the branches and gasping.
A small filly with a long mane and tail was covered in dirt from where she sat in the bush. Even through all the dirt, her cutie mark was still easily visible. On her flank rested a flower made up of every color one could think of. However, it wasn’t her cutie mark that struck an interest with the two sisters, but the fact that the little filly had both a horn and a pair of wings.
“How did you get in here?” Luna asked the frightened filly as she couldn’t help but wonder how she got past all the guards.	
“I… I came through the bushes.” She stuttered as the two princesses towered over her.
She looks so familiar. Where have I seen her before? “It’s alright,” Celestia assured with a warm smile. “What is your name?”
“Flora,” she answered quietly, “Flora Spectrum.”

> Little Filly
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia paced back and forth in her throne room. Twilight and her friends would be here soon, but that wasn’t soon enough. She had an important task for them that she could trust with nopony else.
She had remembered who Flora was and where she was from. However the filly remained clueless about her origins. No doubt from living on her own for the past three years, and such a long journey from the Spectral Kingdom. If only I could find a way to help those poor ponies, but I’ve tried everything I could think of. Perhaps she is the key to restoring the Kingdom? How did she escape anyways?
The doors to the throne room burst open and Celestia smiled as her six favorite ponies ran in.

}i{

“Celestia, we came as fast as we could,” Twilight announced and she and her five friends ran up to the princess.
“Thank you Twilight, thank you all. I have a task unlike others I can only entrust with you,” Celestia announced.
“Ooh! Is it Discord? Did he go bad again ‘cuz I didn’t see any chocolate rain or cotton candy clouds!” Pinkie Pie asked hopping up and down.
“No Pinkie Pie, Discord is still keeping his promise. I called you here because yesterday my sister and I found a small filly hiding in the gardens. My sister and I both agree that sadly Canterlot isn’t the best place to raise this filly.”
“But Princess Celestia,” Twilight objected, “both my brother and I grew up in Canterlot.”
“That is true Twilight, but you were raised in a loving home. Here, she would grow up being surrounded by guards and the high society ponies that aren’t the best of company for a filly.”
“What exactly do you mean, not the best of company?” Rarity cautiously inquired.
“Guards are boring,” Rainbow Dash answered, “And face it Rare, those hoity-toity ponies are stuck up.”
“How preposterous!” Rarity objected sticking her nose in the air.
“You know you’re not helping your case, right?”
“Girls!” Twilight yelled ending the argument.
“This filly is very important, not only to me but to many other ponies. I am entrusting you six to raise her in Ponyville.”
“Raise her?” The six ponies exclaimed in unison.
“But Celestia!” Twilight began her rant, “Who would she live with? Is she supposed to alternate between the six of us? That can’t be healthy for a little filly! What about school? What abou-“
“As I am aware, “Celestia interrupted with her calm voice, “Ponyville has a great school. As for who she will live with, that if for you to decide amongst yourselves.” 
“Heh heh, one second please.” Twilight requested before turning to form a huddle with her friends. “Okay girls, anyone wanting to volunteer?”
“Ooh! Ooh! I’ll take her!” Pinkie offered excitedly but received a chorus of at least three no’s. “Aw, why not?”
“Um, well darling,” Rarity offered, “you’re already busy helping at the bakery, not to mention looking after the cake twins, and all that party planning.”
“Oh okay!” Pinkie said in her usual happy tone as everyone looked to the blue pegasus on her right.
“Don’t look at me!” Rainbow Dash said. “We don’t even know if she’s a pegasus yet! Even if she was, we would have to worry about her falling to her death every time she left my house until she learned to fly!”
“She’s got a point,” Twilight said turning to the pony on Rainbow’s right. “What about you, Apple Jack?”
“Ah don’t know,” she said. “I already have ta farm, takin’ care of Granny Smith, not to mention tryin’ ta keep of with Applebloom, I’ve already bitten’ off more than I could chew once, I don’t wanna do that again.”
“Okay, what about you Rarity?”
“I don’t know darling. Ever since I designed for Sapphire Shores, I have had numerous orders piling up on my desk. I already have to worry about Sweetie belle getting into my supplies, I don’t think I could handle two nosy fillies. What about you Twilight?”
“Psh,” Rainbow Dash scoffed, “who wants to grow up in a library.”
“Hey!” Twilight protested. “I would be happy to take her, but Spike was already jealous enough when I took in Owlicious, I don’t know how he would react with a filly.” She turned to the pony on her right that had been quiet during the entire conversation. “Fluttershy!”
“Oh, um, yes Twilight?” she said in her usual quiet tone.
“Why don’t you take her?”
“Oh, I don’t know…”
“Fluttershy, you babysat Sweetie belle and her friends for me when they had their sleepover.” Rarity persuaded.
“Oh, that was only one night.”
“Come on Shy!” Rainbow Dash said agreeing with Rarity. “Fillies love animals and-!”
“Cupcakes!” Pinkie cried. “You don’t keep a lot of cupcakes at your cottage do you Fluttershy? Oh well! I’ll bring you cupcakes whenever you need them. Or want them. But who wouldn’t want a cupcake? So I’ll bring you two cupcakes all the time! It’ll be fun!”
“Oh, um…“
“Please Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. “You won’t be doing this on your own. We’ll be there to help you everyday.”
“Are you sure?” The timid mare asked.
“I promise.”
“Okay,” she agreed with a short head nod. The huddle broke apart and Fluttershy took a step forward. “The filly can stay with me, if um, that’s okay with you.”
“Of course,” Celestia said with a warm smile. “She’s been waiting to meet you all, are you ready to meet her?” After receiving a head nod from each of the six ponies, her golden magic encased a door that had been unacknowledged until now. An echo of gasps escaped as Princess Luna walked into the throne room with a small filly at her side.
She was small, but no doubt the same age as the crusaders that the six ponies had all encountered for various reasons. Her mane was a pure white and fell straight until almost reaching the floor while her tail dragged slightly across the tile. Her coat was the same solid color, but her eyes shined a pristine white that almost appeared to be transparent. The only color on her consisted of her cutiemark that resembled the color spectrum in the shape of a flower. However, the real reason for everypony’s surprise was the fact that this little filly was an alicorn. 
“Everyone,” Celestia announced with a warm smile, “I would like you to meet Flora Spectrum.”
	

> Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Well, this is my home,” Fluttershy said as she walked through the front door with a small filly at her side. “Well, it’s your home too now.” A small bunny came bounding from another room looking rather upset that his owner had been gone for so long. Fluttershy, however, completely ignored his discontentment. “Oh Angel! Come say hello!”

Flora lowered herself to the ground to be eye level with the fluffy creature. Angel hopped over only to give her a strange look. However, his grumpy frown turned into a pleasant smile as he rubbed noses with the filly.

How strange, Fluttershy couldn’t help but think. He usually doesn’t take too well to strangers.

“Um, do you remember where you’re from?” Fluttershy asked.

Flora sat on the floor to continue petting Angel as she answered, “No, not really. I only remember that I had to leave as fast as I could.”

“How long were you on your own?”

“I lost track of time, but Celestia was able to find some records such as my birthdate,” she answered as she continued stroking Angel’s fur. “Turns out I’ve been on my own for three years.”

“Three years!” A new high-pitched voice exclaimed.

“Pinkie!” Fluttershy exclaimed as her friend waltzed through the front door, “what are you doing here?”

“I brought by cupcakes just like I said I would,” she answered as if it were a silly question. She tossed the cupcakes off her back and onto the coffee table before turning to Flora. “You mean you haven’t have a birthday party in three years?!”

“Um, no I guess not,” she answered trying the sooth the bunny that had hidden behind her.

“This calls for a ‘Welcome to Ponyville and Happy Birthday times three’ kind of party! I’ll invite everypony in your class too so you can meet them before you start school! I’ll invite Cheerilee too! That’s your teacher! Oh! And everypony you know so far! Except maybe Celestia and Luna seeing as they’re usually pretty busy. Oh but I can invite Bon Bon! She makes the greatest candies ever! I’ll make sure Gummy is there too! Oh I have to go plan! See you at the party!”

After the pink pony had raced out the door, the room was left in a stunned silence. Finally, Flora asked, “Is she always like this?”

“Yes, but don’t worry her craziness tends to grow on you,” Fluttershy answered, only slightly surprised by Pinkie Pie’s entrance and quick exit.

“She didn’t even say when the party is,” Flora commented as she remembered the bits and pieces of what she had comprehended from Pinkie’s rapid speech.

“Don’t worry, she’ll be back with one of her singing telegrams,” Fluttershy assured.

“Singing telegram?”
> Party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

		Flora was very happy to have Fluttershy and her five friends at the party to help her meet new ponies. Not to mention help those she met deal with the surprise that she was alicorn.

She had met Bon Bon who had brought a dish of her sweetest chocolates that were no doubt the best she ever had, or remembered having. Pinkie Pie herself had covered all of Sugar Cube Corner in rainbow of decorations and baked countless cupcakes all with white frosting and rainbow sprinkles. 

She had come across a cross-eyed pegasus who had been very friendly and given her a muffin. Turns out, her daughter was in the same class as her and the two became acquainted. She had even met her teacher earlier and was happy to find how friendly everypony was.

Flora smiled at the three fillies that stood around the same small table as her. Turns out, both Apple Jack and Rarity had little sisters who were the same age and in her class. Rainbow Dash had a little sister too, but that was more of an adoptive thing, but nevertheless the three were best friends and invited her into their group. 

She learned that they called themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders and often went on quests to try and earn their cutie marks. They made her an honorary crusader seeing as she already had her cutiemark, and she promised to help them on crusades whenever she could.

“Nice dress.”

Flora turned around to see two fillies she hadn’t seen before. The first, whom she assumed had spoken, had a pink coat with a lavender and white mane while her friend had a silver coat and mane. She noticed the first pony wore a tiara while the second accessorized with teal rimmed glasses and a matching pearl necklace.

“Thanks,” she said with a smile as she took a quick glance at the dress she wore. It was a simple dress, with a white halter style top piece that was secured behind her neck while a waist band the same color wrapped around her midsection and tied into a lose bow in the front. The skirt piece was made of a silk material that looked as if it had been painted different shades of white and light grays with watercolors. This was the first dress she ever remembered owning and it had been a wonderful gift from Rarity. “We haven’t met yet,” she said as she returned her gaze to the two ponies, “I’m Flora Spectrum, what’s your name?”

“I’m Diamond Tiara and this is Silver Spoon. If you’re a princess, what are you doing in Ponyville?”

“Princess Celestia sent me here,” she explained.

“Where are you from?” The one who had been introduced as Silver Spoon inquired.

“I… I don’t remember.”

“You don’t know where you’re from?” Silver Spoon asked confused.

“You have to know where you’re from,” Diamond Tiara argued. “Princess Celestia and Luna rule all of Equestria, but they live in Canterlot. Princess Cadence has the entire Crystal Empire she rules over, so where are you going to rule?”

“Oh, um I’m not sure.” Flora said as she realized she didn’t even have answers to the simplest of questions. “Wait, who’s Princess Cadence?”

However, before her question could be answered, Pinkie called out, “Cake time!” The pink party pony appeared out of nowhere and lifted Flora onto her back. “Come on silly filly! You have three years of birthday candles to blow out! That means three wishes!”

As Flora was put down in front of the cake, she began to think. I already have a home, and I’ve made so many friends, but, The singing stopped as her cue to blow out the candles, I wish I could have some answers.


 
> Honesty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Flora struggled to keep her eyes open from where she sat on the rug in the clubhouse with the other crusaders. To say she hadn’t slept well the past few nights was an understatement. Her eyes shot open at the sound of a knock at the clubhouse door.

“What’s the password?” Applebloom called from where they sat.

“Applebloom open up!”

“Commin’ sis!” Applebloom called as she ran over and opened the door. “What’s up?”

“It’s gettin’ late and you fillies have school tomorrow. Applebloom, go on and head back up to the house.”

“Okay,” Applebloom said glumly. “See ya’ll at school tomorrow.”

A chorus of goodbyes was given as she walked out. After she left, Scootaloo stood up. “Come on, I’ll give you two a ride home.”

“I’ll walk Flora home,” Apple Jack said creating three surprised looks.

“Okay… See you at school tomorrow Flora.” Scootaloo said slightly confused.

“Bye, Flora.”

“Bye,” Flora called before failing to stifle a yawn. She walked down the ramp as she exit the clubhouse only to stumble. As she stepped off the ramp, she steadied herself as she felt the familiarity of grass beneath her hooves.

“You wanna tell me what’s wrong sugarcube?”

“What do you mean?” Flora replied to the orange pony after feigning a smile, “I’m fine.”

“One thing I won’t stand for is lyin’,” she said with a warm smile. “Come on, tell me what’s wrong?”

Come on Flora. If you won’t tell Fluttershy, then you can tell her. “For the past week I’ve been having nightmares,” Flora explained. “They’re awful and I’m scared to tell Fluttershy because she has all those animals to take care of and I don’t want her to have to worry about me.”

“You know,” Apple Jack said, “the nightmares are only going ta get worse, but if you tell Fluttershy about them, you’d be surprised at what just might happen.”


}i{


“There you go,” Fluttershy said in her soft voice as she tucked Flora into bed. “Is everything okay Flora? You’ve seemed a little different these past few days, unless everything is alright.”

Come on Flora. Think about what Apple Jack said. Flora took a death breath, “Well, this past week I’ve been having the same nightmare again and again each night. It’s always about me being lost in some forest and barely being able to see in front of my own hoof. I can hear strange noises as if somepony is chasing me, but as soon as they are about to grab me, I wake up.”

“Oh my,” Fluttershy said bring one hoof up to her mouth. “You know,” she started but paused to pick up a white creature and place him on the bed. “I’m not a very tough pony, but Angel Bunny will protect you and help you find your way.” As if to prove himself, Angel hopped up and down while throwing a few punches. “I know! My mom used to sing me a lullaby, do you think that would help?”

Flora nodded and Angel Bunny curled up beside her as Fluttershy’s soft voice filled the room. Moments later, Flora found herself running through a field under a clear blue sky with a certain rabbit at her side.
> Kindness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Flora ran outside of the schoolhouse to catch up with Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. She already had her cutie mark, meaning she technically couldn’t be a crusader, but she still got to hang out with them a lot. They even invited her to their sleepovers in the clubhouse and occasionally she would go with them on crusades.

“Ooh, look!” Sweetie Belle said as she ran over and picked a rose from a nearby bush. “Rarity loves these! Hmm, hey Flora! Can you make this purple for me?”

Flora nodded before sending a quick burst of magic, instantly changed the flower’s petals to the same color as Rarity’s mane.

“Alright crusaders!” Apple Bloom announced gaining everyone’s attention. “What are we gonna try today?”

“How about stunts?” Scootaloo offered.

“Stunts?” Sweetie Belle asked unsure.

“Yeah! We could get daredevil cutie marks!”

“I don’t know,” Sweetie Belle replied cautiously. “Why don’t we go bake with Pinkie Pie again today?”

“We already tried cupcake baking, remember?” Apple Bloom asked.

“We could try other sweets! Or we could help Pinkie plan her next party!”

“Party planning would be cool!” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“Yeah!” Apple Bloom agreed as the three hoof-fived each other. “Flora, you wanna come along?”

“Sorry, I have lessons with Twilight today,” she replied. Three days a week, Flora would go to the library after school and Twilight would help teach her magic. With the help of Twilight, Flora could now change an object’s color without touching it with her horn. It had taken a while to learn, but Flora was making great progress.

“Hey Flora.”

The four fillies turned as two more walked up. Flora could instantly sense the crusaders change in mood and noticed their smiles had been replaces by glares. “Hello Diamond Tiara, Hey Silver Spoon,” Flora greeted nevertheless.

“We’re going to the spa to get hooficures, want to come?” Diamond Tiara asked, while blatantly ignoring the glares.

“Sorry, I already have somewhere I have to be,” Flora apologized.

“Okay, maybe another time,” Diamond Tiara said as if she understood.

“Bye girls,” Flora said as the two began to walk away. They stopped to turn and give a quick wave before continuing on their path. She turned back to the crusaders whose jaws were practically touching the ground.

“Um, are you guys okay?”

Scootaloo was the first to answer. “Are you crazy! Why would you hang out with them?!”

“Um, they invited me to hang out with them, which was rather nice. Is that a problem?” Flora asked confused.

“They’re not nice!” Sweetie Belle shrieked.

“They’re always bullyin’ us, and makin’ fun of us fer not havin’ our cutie marks!” Apple Bloom cried as she joined in.

“I’ve never seen them be mean to you,” Flora said confused. Were these two girls really that bad?

“Whatever,” Scootaloo scoffed, as her and the other two crusaders began to walk away. “See ya later Flora.”

Flora sighed and began walking towards the library. Can I really only be friends with certain ponies?


}i{


Flora sat on the floor by the small coffee table in the living room while working on some of the homework Twilight had sent with her. She had been assigned different pages each with a large shape printed on it and tasked with changing the color of only the shape and not the whole page.

She took a break and looked to Fluttershy who was taking the curlers out of Angel Bunny’s tail. “Um, Fluttershy?”

“Yes Flora?” She replied as she gave the tail one last fluff. The bunny looked behind him and gave his nod of approval before bouncing out of the room. Upon noticing the look of uncertainty Flora wore, Fluttershy asked, “Is something wrong?”

“What if you wanted to be friends with somepony, but your friends didn’t like that somepony and the idea of you being friends with that somepony made your friends mad because they don’t want you to be friends and they even want you to be mean to that pony?”

“Well,” Fluttershy brought her hoof to her chin as she pondered her answer. After a few moments, she lowered her hoof and returned her gaze to the patient filly and answered, “Growing up, I never really had many friends. I was bullied quite a bit, but Rainbow Dash always stood up for me and we instantly became great friends. I’ve found that you’re not going to make any friends being mean and that you should always treat others with kindness.”


}i{


The following day, Flora walked out of the schoolhouse with the crusaders after the bell rang signaling the end of the school day.

“Hey Flora,” Scootaloo asked, “wanna come crusading with us?”

“Not this time, I already have plans,” she answered as she walked next to her orange friend.

“But you’re classes with Twilight were yesterday,” Sweetie Belle protested.

“They were, today I have plans with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.”

“WHAT?” the three fillies cried in unison. Scootaloo was the first to recover by complaining, “Come on Flora, we talked about this yesterday.”

“Them two are nunthin’ but a bunch of bullies!” Apple Bloom added.

“Why do you even want to hang out with them?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“You guys are great,” Flora answered, “but I want to be friends with lots of ponies.” Flora stopped walking and looked over her shoulder at the sound of her name being called. She noticed Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon on the other path waving at her. She waved back before turning back to the crusaders and adding, “Not only are you not going to make any friends being mean, but you should always treat others with kindness.”

> Laughter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Flora sat at a table in Sugar Cube Corner working on her latest coloring page. While the first ones Twilight had given her only consisted of one large shape taking up most of the page, these had three or four. 

“Hey Spec, you haven’t even touched your cupcake.” Flora looked over at the cupcake that the pink mare had given her earlier. No doubt it would be delicious as it had pretty white icing and rainbow sprinkles, but she was too focused on her page. “Is there something wrong with it? Does it need more icing? More sprinkles?”

“The cupcake is fine Pinkie, I’ve just been focusing on my homework.”

“That looks like coloring,” she said with a smile as she sat down in front of her. “Coloring is supposed to be fun, but you don’t look like you’re having any fun.”

“It’s homework Pinkie Pie; homework isn’t very fun.”

“If you have to do something, make it fun!”

“What do you mean?” Flora asked. When the pink mare spoke, Flora was surprised at the wisdom and maturity coming from the party pony.

“Well,” Pinkie paused slightly before continuing. “Fluttershy has to take care of all her animals, but she loves animals, and it’s part of her talent, so it’s fun for her. Rainbow Dash has to train all the time if she wants to be a wonderbolt, but she loves flying, which is part of her talent, so it’s fun for her. You have to color, but your talent seems to be with colors, so this should be fun for you.” 

Flora paused to think about what she had said before replying, “You’re right Pinkie Pie! I have to do this to get better at my magic, but I love colors and my talent is colors it seems, so this should be fun for me! Now that I think about it, this is rather fun!” Flora giggled before continuing, “I feel so silly for not realizing this sooner! Thanks Pinkie.”

“No problem silly filly!” She said with a grin as she stood up and bounced off. Before entering the kitchen, she called over her shoulder, “Don’t forget to eat that cupcake!”


> Loyalty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The dispute had been going on for months now. Every time Flora agreed to hang out with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, the crusaders always complied but managed to stick out their tongues or give evil glares when they thought she wasn’t looking. In return, whenever Flora hung out with the crusaders, her other two friends complied but walked away with their noses stuck in the air.

It was because of this dispute that Flora wasn’t paying much attention to her flying lessons and flew directly into a tree. Thankfully, she had only been flying a few feet off the ground and the park’s crunchy grass made for a semi-soft landing.

“Whoa Spec,” her flying instructor said as she landed next to her. “That look like it hurt, you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Flora assured as she stood up and brushed herself off. She still had dirt on her usually white coat and she only hoped Rarity wouldn’t see her on her way home. She truly liked Rarity, but she liked being able to go outside and get dirty without having to get a bath every five minutes.

“You’re not really focused,” Rainbow Dash observed, “is something bothering you?”

“Nope,” the filly replied while trying her best to fake a smile, “I’m fine.”

“So, you’re not distracted at all?”

“I’m completely focused,” she tried to assure as she continued her unauthentic grin.

“So, you meant to fly into that tree,” Rainbow Dash concluded.

“Of course!” Flora’s grin dropped as she realized what she said. “No! I mean, I uh-“

“Why don’t you tell me what’s bugging you,” Rainbow Dash offered as she sat down.

Flora went to protest, but chose to sigh and sit down next to her instructor. Flora told her about the glares, the snide remarks, and the overall tension between her two groups of friends. “Fluttershy told me not to be mean to other ponies, but am I supposed to chose between my friends? I know it’s better to be nice, but I can’t stand them being mean to each other.”

“You shouldn’t have to choose between your friends,” Rainbow Dash assured. “You can be loyal to all your friends; I know it may be tough, but you could always find a way to bring them together. Our lesson can be over for today, I know you have some thinking to do.” With her last words, Rainbow Dash took to the skies leaving a short lasting rainbow streak and a young filly alone with her thoughts.

Bring them together…


}i{


“Ya ready ta go, Flora?” asked Applebloom as she approached the white filly with the other two crusaders at her side.

“Oh, um not yet, let’s wait just another minute or so,” Flora fumbled. Flora kicked at the ground nervously while the crusaders exchanged confused glances. Where are they?

“Hey Flora!” Diamond Tiara greeted as she ignored the blatantly obvious glares directed towards her and Silver Spoon. “Are you ready to go?”

Before Flora could answer, Scootaloo intervened, “Flora isn’t going with you anywhere! She already made plans with us today!”

“No, the three of us are going to Sugarcube Corner,” Silver Spoon argued.

“Flora! I thought you were going to Sugarcube Corner with us?” Sweetie Belle questioned.

“I am,” Flora answered plainly.

“You said you would go to Sugarcube Corner with us,” Diamond Tiara argued ignoring Scootaloo’s smirk.

“I am,” Flora answered in the same plain tone.

Scootaloo traded her smirk for a confused look as she argued, “You can’t go with both of us!”

“Actually, I can,” she answered blatantly earning herself an eye roll and several confused looks. “I don’t know why you guys don’t like each other, and frankly I don’t care. I refuse to choose between you guys, so instead,” she paused to smile, “you guys are going to get over your differences and get along.”

“You can’t expect us to become best friends right away!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

“No, I don’t, but a good way to start would be over a box a cupcakes,” Flora said with a smile only for it to fall as an argument ensued.

“As long as we get chocolate,” Scootaloo muttered as the five began walking towards the beloved bakery.

“Strawberry is better,” Diamond Tiara argued.

“Vanilla!” two fillies cried in unison. Sweetiebelle and Silver Spoon looked at each other shocked that they had something as simple as a favorite cupcake flavor in common. The two quickly looked away from each other as they each went on as if it never happened.

This isn’t going to be easy, but we have to start somewhere. As Flora ran to catch up with her five friends, she called out, “They sell cupcakes in a variety box!”
> Generosity 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The pegasi had brought in several clouds yesterday which snowed overnight allowing all the fillies and colts to enjoys one of Winter’s greatest gifts. She was helping the CMC make snow ponies, when she noticed something strange. While all of the other ponies wore scarves, boots, even coats, Dinky Doo sat next to the schoolhouse without any winter garments. Even from where she stood, Flora could easily tell Ditzy was shivering.

Flora slowly walked over to her classmate and sat next to her. “Hi Dinky.”

“H-hey Fl-lora.” Dinky greeted with a chattering grin.

“Dinky, don’t you have any winter clothes? You look really cold.”

“Mo-oney is always ti-igh this time of year. Be-esides, it’s not that co-old.”

“Dinky, you’re freezing.” Flora looked down at the scarf she wore. It was beautiful, and made entirely of cashmere died the purest of whites. “Here,” she said taking it off with her magic and wrapping it around Dinky.”

“But won’t you get cold?”

“No, my mane should keep me warm enough.” She replied with a warm smile.

“Thank you Flora, I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

“Don’t worry about it. You want to come build snow ponies with us?” she asked gesturing towards her three friends.

“Sure.” Dinky replied with a smile.


}i{


“Rarity?” Flora called as she walked into Carousel Boutique.

“Hello Flora!” Rarity greeted with a smile as she trotted into the room. “Flora, where is that lovely scarf I made you?”

“I gave it away.”

Rarity gasped. “bu-but why in Equestria would you do that?”

“Another filly needed it more than me.”

Rarity’s horrified expression turned into one of approval. “That was very generous of you, Flora. Come now, let’s get you fitted for your new boots.



> Magic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Flora stared at the blank canvas before her. This was a new technique she had been working on for the past few weeks or so, but still struggled slightly. She smiled as she remembered when she first moved to Ponyville about two years ago and how she struggled with changing the colors of the simplest of shapes.

She continued to hang out with the crusaders, even though they never really referred to themselves as crusaders seeing as they now had their cutie marks, as well as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. The glares between the groups had come to an end, and the six could hang out with only the occasional argument. It seemed that the war between friends had finally ended.

Flora had grown taller, but she remained the shortest of ponies her age. Her mane had grown as well and now continued to fall straight and rest an inch off of the ground. A few colt’s had taken a new liking to her, but she wasn’t interested as she rather spend her time with friends or with studies. Besides, it was hard enough for a colt to meet a filly’s parents, the last thing a colt would want to do is introduce himself to the six elements of harmony who did things like defeat Nightmare Moon, bring back Princess Luna, defeat Discord, reform Discord, help save the royal wedding, defeat King Sombra-

“Okay Flora, really put your heart into this one,” Twilight instructed causing Flora to snap out of her thoughts.

“My heart?”

“Don’t think too much,” she explained, “just let your heart create what it wants.”

Flora closed her eyes and let only one thought drift through her mind. Put my heart into it.


}i{


Twilight gasped as Flora’s eyes shot open. She had been told when she was a filly or when she used the elements, her eyes would glow white with power. However, that was not the case with this filly. Instead, here eyes flowed into different colors like a rainbow in motion.

Twilight watched in awe as colors flowed onto the canvas creating a beautiful picture. The colors remained still, but appeared to be moving in constant swirls. Twilight instinctively took a step back as Flora’s horn began to glow even brighter. Magic shot out encasing the entire library in color as if the color spectrum was shining down upon it, or as if the walls were made of stained glass windows.

Twilight remembered what Celestia did for her when she was a filly, and reached out and calmly placed a hoof on her shoulder. Flora looked at her shocked and slowly her horn’s glow began to diffuse causing the library to turn back to its original state, but leaving the colors on the canvas.

“I-I’m sorry,” flora stammered, “I didn’t mean to lose it.”

“It’s okay,” the purple unicorn replied with an assuring smile, “it happens to the best of us."

“Celestia once said that I was going to grow up to be very important, but what if I mess up? What if I don’t do the right thing?” Flora questioned.

Twilight pulled her into a hug, “there are those who would use their magic to spread hate, but with a heart as beautiful as yours, I know you will always do the right thing.”

“Is my heart really that beautiful?” Flora questioned after stepping out of the hug.

“Of course! After all, could somepony with a heart full of hate create a masterpiece like you just did?” She asked motioning towards the forgotten canvas. Flora looked over and gasped at her creation. No doubt it was her best artwork yet. 
“Do you mind if I keep this?”

“No go ahead.”

“Thanks, we can be done for the day, I know you used a lot of your magic.”

“Okay, bye Twilight,” she called as she walked out of the library and once again found herself lost in thought. Celestia said she's going to do something important, but I still can't help but wander what.
> Answers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Flora still didn’t feel like a ‘grown up.’ Even though she was about two inches taller than most ponies, there were times, such as now as Princess Celestia towered over her, that she felt like a little filly.

To say she was surprised to see the princess standing outside of the cottage she shared with Fluttershy was an understatement. While she wrote Celestia a letter at least once a month, she had only seen her a few times in her entire life. 

“Princess Celestia!” Flora exclaimed as Angel Bunny hopped off her back and ran to find his timid owner. “What are you doing here?”

“When you were a filly, you asked me countless questions. “ she paused for a moment as Fluttershy walked towards them. “I have come to realize, that you are now old enough for answers. Fluttershy, may we go inside to discuss matters further?”

“Of course! Should I, um, gather the rest of the girls?” Fluttershy asked.

“That won’t be necessary,” Celestia replied as she signaled her four pegasus guards to stay outside. The princess had to duck slightly as she followed the other two ponies into the small cottage. However, upon entering she found more than enough room to move around comfortable before resting in one of the tall sitting chairs as Flora and Fluttershy sat on the couch.

“Before I answer any questions, I must warn you that once you know the truth, I will need you to leave Ponyville.” Celestia warned.

“What!” Fluttershy gasped. “But, why?”

“She can always come back,” Celestia replied calmly, “but for now she will be needed elsewhere.”

“Okay.” Flora agreed without a second thought.

“Are you sure?” Fluttershy asked hesitantly.

“Ever since Celestia and Luna found me in the royal gardens all those years ago, I’ve been wanting answers. Now, I can finally have them.” Fluttershy gave a short nod before the two turned back to the princess. “I’m ready to accept whatever you have to tell me.”

“Very well,” Celestia said before asking, “what do you want to know?”

“Everything.”
	
	

> Returning Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Flora turned and watched as the four pegasi guards that escorted her now flew away and faded into the distance. As she continued flying towards the Spectral Kingdom, her mind drifted back to the conversation she had with Princess Celestia earlier that day.


}i{


“The Spectral Kingdom?” Flora asked making sure she heard the princess correctly, “That’s where I’m from?”

Celestia gave a short nod before continuing, “Your mother was Sparkler, and like you she was an alicorn, and like her mother before her and her mother before her. It seems the alicorn trait is hereditary among the female descendants,” she added with a smile. “Unlike most nobles or members of royalty I’ve come across over the years, your mother was down to Earth. It seemed almost every day she could be found walking through the streets or the markets just to talk with the other ponies.”

“Your father, Lightning Blade became Captain of the Unicorn Guard a few years after his older brother, Thunder Wing, had become Captain of the Pegasus Guard. Lightening Blade was strong, ambitious, and always willing to make a fool out of himself to impress your mother. After they were married and you were born, it was clear to see that the only pony they loved more than each other was their only daughter.”

“What happened to them?” Flora asked quietly.

“You don’t remember anything from that day do you?” After Flora shook her head silently no, Celestia continued, “I assumed as well, you were only three years old at the time.”

“A unicorn by the name of Malevolentia had raised a small army and attacked the Spectral Kingdom. Your mother fought alongside your father and his brother and the three of them took on Malevolentia while the rest of the guard fought her army and got the rest of the ponies to safety.”

“A guard had been instructed to get you and your mother’s assistant to a series of tunnels that ran underneath the entire kingdom in hopes that she would be able to get you out safely. However, the three of you were attacked, and as the fight ensued, you refused to leave without your parents. You ran out of the palace and into the streets until you found your parents and you uncle. However, when you saw your parents lying on the ground and you uncle fighting but barely able to stand, you lost it.”

“What do you mean, I lost it?” Flora asked quietly.

“You lost control of your magic and it exploded pushing Malevolentia and her army out of the Kingdom. In the end, it was you who saved the kingdom. However, you parents were gravely injured in their fight, and passed shortly after the blast.”

“Your parents had planned ahead what would happen if they passed away and had originally wanted to leave you in the care of Sparkler’s parents. However, they had passed the year before and instead chose to let Sparkler’s assistant, Platinum Charm, rule over the kingdom until you were old enough while your uncle swore to protect you.”

“Why did I run away and end up in your garden then?” Flora couldn’t help but ask.

“That’s where Luna and I aren’t sure. Two years after your parents’ death, the Spectral Kingdom was encased in a grey dome made of magic. We think that Malevolentia returned and was able to take over.”

“You said you think Malevolentia returned, why don’t you know for sure?”

“We were not able to get through the shield. Luna and I think that perhaps only those from the Spectral Kingdom can get in. However, we have never seen anypony go in or out, so we aren’t certain.”

“What if I can’t get in either?” Flora asked doubtfully.

“Then we will try and find another way. However, for now, you are the only one that can save all the ponies trapped inside.”

Flora remained quiet for a moment before asking, “When do I leave?”


}i{


A grey dome appeared in the distance that was large enough to encase an entire kingdom. No doubt she had found the right place.
Well Flora, she thought to herself slightly sarcastically, welcome home.
> Platinum Charm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Flora slowly descended and landed softly outside of the grey dome before her. Unlike most shields she had seen Twilight create occasionally, this dome was completely opaque almost as if it was made out of metal. The more she looked at the dome the more she noticed the deep contrast between the strange dome and the beautiful scenery. The trees behind her opened up into a small clearing of wild flowers that surrounded the dome.

Come on Flora, there’s no time to smell the flowers. There are ponies inside that need you.

She took a deep breath and slowly lifted her hoof and placed it on the dome. However, instead of resting on the surface, the hoof disappeared into the dome. She gasped and yanked her hoof back and held it against her chest. Get it together Flora! You knew you would be able to get inside. She took another deep breath and walked through the dome.

She had hoped seeing the kingdom again would bring back memories, but none came, and the more she looked at the streets, the more she wanted to cry. She noticed she was standing in between two buildings and quickly jumped behind a dumpster to continue peering into the streets. The buildings were grey. The streets were grey. Everywhere she looked her vision was obscured by grey.

She looked up and noticed that the dome did not appear opaque from the inside, but as if it wasn’t there. She looked back to where she had originally walked through to see the beautiful field of flowers and sunset now different hues of grey as well. It’s as if the dome isn’t even there, and as if all of Equestria is like this.

The sound of hooves caused her to duck behind her dumpster once more and she raised her head enough to look into the streets. Slowly a pony walked by and Flora felt a few tears run down her cheeks. The pony was made up of different hues of grey and her nose almost touched the ground as she walked by. However, one question crossed Flora’s mind as she continued to study the pony. What happened to her cutie mark?

Another pony walked by, but this one being a stallion. Like the other pony, his head hung low, he consisted of different tones of grey, but above all, he lacked a cutie mark.

Flora cast a quick spell and changed her coat and mane to grey as she began walking behind the buildings. She did not know where she was going, but an unseen force kept telling her to put one hoof in front of the other. After several minutes of walking, she came across a small bush. Without a second thought, she picked up the bush with her magic and tossed it aside revealing a latch door in the ground.

She opened the door and jumped down spreading her wings at the last moment and easing herself down onto the cool stone floor. She used her magic to shut the door and found herself surrounded by darkness. Her horn emitted a soft white glow allowing her to take in her surroundings.

These are the tunnels, Flora thought as she her eyes recognized the stone walls. She changed her coat and mane back to their usual pristine white and slowly crept forward as her hoofs’ echoes sounded deafening amidst the silence. Once again the unknown force guided her, and as she rounded the next corner, she gasped as she saw a pegasus fly past her with a small filly on his back.

The dark colored pegasus had bright golden eyes and a grey mane that peaked out from under his armor. The filly on his back was purely white except for a bright rainbow flower cutie mark adorning her flanks. That’s Uncle Thunder Wing and me? She continued to watch as the pegasus lifted the hatch and set the filly on the ground below, but jumped back down into the tunnels.

“Uncle Thunder, come on!” The filly Flora cried as shouts and hoof beats echoed signaling the approach of pursuers.

“No, I’ll hold them off, you have to go Flora.” Thunder Wing replied his voice stern, but understanding the filly’s fear.

“I can’t leave without you!” Flora argued as tears began to form in her eyes.

“I have to keep a promise to your parents, to my brother,” he replied. “Flora, you have to run. Whatever you do, don’t stop. One day somepony will find you and you will return. Know that I love you Flora, now go!” With his last words, his shut the hatch to the tunnel and ran towards the shouting ponies.

“You ponies are sorry excuses for guards! You can’t even catch one pegasus!” Thunder Wing taunted as he flew away from the hatch and leading the ponies away. The ponies faded away and Flora slowly started walking as the unknown force dragged her forward. You really did keep your promise, I’m back just like you said I would be and now I promise that I will find you.

Flora continued moving forward with a new found determination. After what felt like hours of walking, but was really only minutes, she came across a dead end. Wordlessly, she walked over and pulled on a small leaver that nearly blended in with the walls. A small piece of the wall lifted up and Flora dashed through as the wall slowly lowered itself back down.
Is this a pantry? Flora looked at the shelves of food, all of which were no surprisingly grey, and over to a single door. She walked out and found herself in the kitchen, which was thankfully empty.

She slowly excited the kitchen and silently took flight. She glided through the halls, only flying over one pony that never bothered to look up, before landing softly in front of the entrance to the throne room.

She took a deep breath before mentally preparing herself. Okay Flora, no doubt Malevolentia is in there and she probably isn’t going down without a fight. Oh, but I’m not good at fighting and I only know a few self-defense spells that Twilight taught me.

She took a single step back before all of her determination from earlier came rushing back. No. All of those ponies need me. Uncle Thunder needs me. Do this for mom and dad. With her re-found determination shining in her eyes, Flora pushed open the double doors and looked to the only other pony in the room.

A faint silver unicorn with a short, sharp cut lavender and light pink mane that fell to one side yanked her gaze from the window. Her sky blue eyes showed pure shock as Flora ran towards her.

“Platinum Charm!” she cried as she threw her front hooves around the pony she recognized.

“You.” Platinum gasped as she stepped out of the hug.

“Yes, it’s me Flora. I’m happy to see you too, but where’s Malevolentia?”

“Malevolentia?” the confused unicorn asked.

“Yes, Malevolentia who took over after I left and why everypony is all grey and missing their cutie marks, well except for,” Flora paused and took a step back. “Platinum, why aren’t you like everypony else?”

As the unicorn chuckled darkly, Flora took several more steps back. “Malevolentia? That sorry excuse for a unicorn hasn’t shown her face since you defeated her when you were just a filly. No Flora,” Platinum’s horn began to glow as she glared at the confused alicorn. “I’m in charge now and that’s not about to change.”
> Watch it Fall
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Platinum Charm’s blast hit Flora sending her sliding across the marble floor. She stood up and looked to her attacker with pleading eyes.

“Platinum, what is going on?” Another blast was sent her way but Flora managed to dodge out of the way at the last second. “Why are you doing this?”

“Do you know what it’s like to not be appreciated?” Platinum spat out as she sent off another magical blast. As Flora dodged this one as well, she continued her angered explanation. “I took the throne when your parents died and nopony even cared! I kept the nation going when they wanted to do nothing but mourn! You know what thanks I got? Nothing!”

With her last shout she sent another blast, this one striking Flora. As Flora stood back on her hooves, Platinum Charm continued to rant. “Nopony cared that I lost my best friend! They only cared about poor little Flora. Sweet Princess Flora. I heard the whispers in the castle and in the streets, ‘don’t worry everything will get better when Flora is old enough to rule.’”

“If you hate ruling so much, why don’t you let me take over?” Flora asked. She quickly realized she had asked a bad question as she glided through the air and dodged a series of blasts.

“I never said I didn’t like ruling, in fact I rather enjoy it. However, I knew my time would end as long as they preferred you over me. As you know, my talent is my ability to charm other ponies. However, seeing as I couldn’t charm the entire kingdom, I recruited several of the guards to seal your fate for me.”

“After you escaped, I told everypony you abandoned them, and do you know what happened? They had faith that their little princess would return to them one day. Do you know how infuriating that is! There was no competition yet the kingdom still couldn’t see me as good enough!”

“Platinum,” Flora spoke calmly as she stood in a crouch position with her wings flared, “What did you do to those ponies?”

“Simple. Think about it Flora, we like ponies that are like us. So I modeled their new appearance after perfection. Perfection being me of course.”

“You think everything grey and depressing is perfection?” This is ridiculous. She is ridiculous. This whole situation is ridiculous!

“Not grey Flora,” she said with an unauthentic sweet smile, “platinum.”

I’ve had enough of this. For the first time, Flora went on the offensive. She casted a small magic bubble that encased Platinum. She quickly burst the bubble and sent another series of spells towards Flora.

Flora easily dodged all of the blasts and sent her own. Platinum dodged all of them with grace before sending a beam of magic towards the princess. Flora quickly conjured her own beam colliding it with Platinum’s.

“You should have never come back!” Platinum yelled.

“I won’t let these ponies suffer any longer!” Flora yelled in return.

“They deserve it!”

“Nopony does!”

“I am a better ruler than you could ever be!”

“We. Shall. SEE!”

With her last shout, Flora’s beam outmatched her opponent’s causing Platinum to go sliding across the marble floor like Flora had what felt like hours ago. When Platinum didn’t move after a few moments, which felt like hours, she began walking towards her fallen foe. Platinum Charm brought a week hoof to her lips and let out a piercing whistle. Within seconds, Flora found herself surrounded by a dozen guards.

“You… haven’t seen the last… of us,” Platinum threatened in a weak voice before she and her guards vanished in a flash of magic.

Flora set on the cold floor and sighed. To think, only hours ago I was in Ponyville tending to the animals. I was going to go to the spa with my friends today, and return that book to the library. It’s funny how so much can change in such little time. 

Flora shook her head and stood up. I can’t just sit here, there’s still too much that needs to be done. 

Flora began walking through the castle surprised at the fact that it was empty. She thought back to being a filly and all the ponies coming to discuss matters with her parents or to simply visit. I can’t believe how much of it is starting to come back to me now. 

She found herself in the entrance way of the castle. The room was dark and gloomy due to the amount of grey hues and the double doors being shut and the windows covered in heavy drapes. When Flora’s parents ruled, light from either Celestia’s sun or Luna’s stars always shined through the windows and the doors remained opened. With everypony they met, no matter how rich or poor, “Our doors are always open to you.” In the center of the room, one object stood out against the entire room, if not the kingdom.

Inside of the glass case grew a rainbow flower. Flora remembered her mother telling her about when she was a filly. It didn’t need any sunlight or water to grow. Only hope. The flower will bloom as long as there is hope in the kingdom. Even after all this time. Even through all of this, they stayed hopeful.

Deciding that things had been gloomy enough, flora ripped the drapes down and burst through the doors and out of the castle. Her cast her gaze upward and began one spell after another targeting the dome. When realizing this would not be enough, she closed her eyes and let her magic take over.

}i{

One stallion slowly walked through the streets of the Spectral Kingdom. Funny how a name can be so wrong. He ignored the other ponies that walked past him his only focus on the ground below him.

Flashes of light struck out hitting the dome causing him to gaze upwards. Moments later, a rainbow beam shot out and upon striking the dome, divided into smaller beams and cracked the dome. The dome shattered and as the chunks fell, they changed into different colors. However, before any of the large pieces could land on anypony, they dissolved into a mist like substance and rained down on the entire Kingdom.

The stallion looked down at his hoof as he found himself changing into a light blue he looked to his right to find a familiar stallion. In unison, they spoke one word before racing towards the castle.

“Flora.”



> Reunion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Flora lay on the ground outside of the castle breathing heavily. I… finally did it. They’re all free now. She calmed her breathing and closed her eyes. Today… has been… exhausting… I just really… want to take a nap.

“Flora!”

Before she could open her eyes, Flora felt herself picked up and swung around in a circle in a tight embrace as if she were a filly. As she felt her back hooves touch the floor, she took a step back and looked at the pegasus stallion in front of her. He had a dark coat, a grey shaggy mane, and bright golden eyes that shined with pride.

“Uncle Thunder Wing?” she gasped before stepping back into his embrace. As he hugged her tightly, she felt not only her tears running down her cheeks but her mane catching the tears of her uncle as she realized he was crying too.

“Your parents would be so proud of you,” he whispered, “Celestia knows I’m proud.” As she stepped out of the hug, Flora beamed at her uncle before noticing the stallion that had stood off to the side and remained quiet through the reunion.

He had a light blue coat and a main as white as winter’s snow. His eyes were a deep blue that matched his cutie mark, which consisted of a shield with a white snowflake.

“Snow Shield?” The stallion who closed the distance between them and wrapped her in a tight embrace answered her question. He pulled out long enough to give her a quick kiss on the cheek causing a faint blush to appear. Thankfully, he went back to the embrace and didn’t notice the faint reddish hue that stood out against her pristine white coat.

“I’ve missed you so much Flora. Nothing has been the same without you,” as he whispered in her ear, Flora felt her tears begin to fall once more. How could I forget about him? He was my best friend! He was there for me in the good and the bad.

Flora’s mind was flooded with memories that the two had shared. She remembered the good times such as when Snow got his cutie mark and the many times they pulled pranks on the guards. However, she also remembered that after her mom and dad died, he was her shoulder to cry on, and would stay in her room every night to fight off the nightmares that refused to leave her alone.

She pulled out of the hug and looked who was so much more than just a best friend. “Icy, are you crying?”

“Course not,” he said wiping at his eyes with a grin,” You know I’m too cool for that.” She laughed at his awful pun and looked over to see ponies gathering around the bottom of the steps and cheering. She walked to the edge of the steps with Thunder Wing and Snow Shield behind her on either side.

She didn’t know what to say, so she smiled and did the only thing she could think of. She shot a series of magic blast into the night sky that exploded into fireworks in a variety of colors.

Just like her mom used to do.
> Letters Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Sweetie Belle sang the last few chords of her latest song as she heard a knock at the door. She trotted over and found the last pony she would ever expect outside her door.

“Hello Rainbow Dash,” she greeted with a smile. While she had known Rainbow Dash since she was a filly, it was Scootaloo who had adored her and who had adopted her as a sister.

“Hey, I need you, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to go to the library. I don’t know why, but Twilight sent me.”

“Okay, who all have you told so far?”

“Just you.”

“Okay, Apple Bloom is most likely at the farm and if Scootaloo isn’t flying around she’s at home. If you can get them, I’ll bring Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. With a quick nod, Rainbow Dash flew off leaving Sweetie Belle to shut her door and trot through town.

“Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon!” she called as she saw the two ponies walking together. She trotted over and was greeted by her two friends.

“Hello Sweetie Belle,” Diamond Tiara greeted with a smile.

“Good afternoon,” Silver Spoon added, “We were thinking about going to the spa, would you like to come?”

“Actually, Twilight has asked us to meet her at the library,” Sweetie Belle explained.

“What for?” Diamond Tiara asked.

“I’m not entirely sure, but she asked to see us three as well as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.”

“Could it be about Flora?” Silver Spoon inquired.

“So soon?” Diamond Tiara questioned, “She only left yesterday.”

“Well, there really is only one way to find out,” Sweetie Belle added. The three mares trotted off in silence; as they were too busy pondering about Flora. She only left yesterday, but I miss her already.

The three arrived at the library and were surprised to see that not only both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo had arrived, but Twilight’s five closest friends as well. Sweetie Belle found it hard to move as the three mares joined their other two friends, as the small library was not built for holding so many ponies.

“QUIET!”  

The room abed the shout’s request and everypony turned to see Twilight standing on the staircase with a sheepish grin.

“*ahem* Thank you. Now, as to why I have called you all here. This morning, I received two letters, both being from Flora. The first letter is addressed to you five girls,” Twilight said nodding towards the five younger mares.

“Let me see!” Sweetie Belle cried not caring if she acted somewhat like a filly. She grasped the letter Twilight held up with her own aura of magic and trotted out of the library.

“What’s it say?” Scootaloo cried as they rushed out of the library.

“Shh, Scootaloo, let ‘er read!” Apple Bloom demanded.
Sweetie Belle cleared her throat and waited until her four friends remained silent before reading,

	For Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon,

My beloved friends,

I can’t tell you how sorry I am that I had to leave yesterday without telling any of you! While Celestia needed me to leave right away, she told me I could return to Ponyville one day. Sadly, I’m not sure when I will be able to.

You five, along with me, always wanted to know where I was from. Now I know. I am from the Spectral Kingdom and the only heir to the throne. These ponies have suffered for years and much needs repaired. Thankfully, I have my Uncle Thunder Wing and my childhood friend Snow Shield here to help.

Even though I no longer reside in Ponyville, know that you are always welcome in my home. However, please wait before visiting, there is a lot that needs to be taken care of.

Forever your friend,
Flora Spectrum


}i{


Twilight trotted up a few of the stair steps and tried to get the attention of the talking ponies below. “Excuse me. Everypony? QUIET!” Upon her outburst, the library fell silent. “*Ahem* Thank you. Now, as to why I have called you all here. This morning, I received two letters, both being from Flora. The first letter is addressed to you five girls,” Twilight said nodding towards the five younger mares.

“Let me see!” Sweetie Belle cried acting quite foolish. She grasped the letter Twilight held up with her own aura of magic and trotted out of the library.

“Anyway,” Twilight continued as the other four mares followed their friend out of the library, “The second letter is for us.” She cleared her throat and read,

For Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie,

Dear beloved friends,

Princess Celestia is here with me this morning, but I don’t know how much she told you yesterday, so allow me to start at the beginning.

My parents, Sparkler and Lightening Blade, ruled over the Spectral Kingdom until they were killed in a battle against a unicorn by the name of Malevolentia. My mother’s assistant, Platinum Charm, was entrusted with raising me as my Uncle Thunder Wing swore to protect me.

Two years after the death of my parents, I ran away from the Spectral Kingdom. It was at this time, a grey dome encased the entire kingdom. Celestia suspected that Malevolentia had returned but I had managed to escape.

Upon returning to the Spectral Kingdom, I found everything, including the buildings, to be different hues of grey. Strangely, the ponies themselves were missing their cutie marks.

I worked my way into the castle only to find that Platinum Charm had entrapped all of these ponies. Needless to say, a fight ensued. While I defeated her, she managed to escape with a few guards who sided with her. I was able to take down the dome where I was reunited with my Uncle 
Thunder Wing and childhood friend Snow Shield.

While the Spectral Kingdom is once again true to its name, there is much to be done. There are ponies that were foals when the kingdom became entrapped and have yet to earn their cutie marks. Also, several ponies are missing and I have to be prepared incase Platinum Charm returns.

Celestia is sending Shining Armor to help retrain the Unicorn Guard while my Uncle remains Captain of the Pegasus Guard. Sadly, I don’t think Princess Cadence will be able to visit either.

There is much to do and many ponies that need my help. However, today is a day of celebration and Snow Shield is urging me to hurry as there are many ponies wanting to meet me.

I am forever grateful for the lessons you all have taught me. I know I could never have achieved what I have without you. I am looking forward to the day the Kingdom is ready to accept visitors as I hope you will be on the first train here.

Forever your friend,
Flora Spectrum