> Contact
>  by Digi
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Spell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Flying.    Applejack never really did like flying. For the orange mare, there was something about being high off the ground just didn’t sit right with her. She always prefered the ground, feeling the earth beneath her hooves. Under normal circumstances, she would most certainly not be in a massive sky chariot, flying high above the ground. Unfortunately, today was anything but normal. Applejack realized this when Spike came running to her earlier with Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash hot on his tail.

Spike had quickly explained to Applejack that all of them were needed in Canterlot today. Apparently, Twilight Sparkle had made some kind of breakthrough in her work, and needed all of the Elements of Harmony to be present. In the hastily written note, Twilight hadn’t explained much else, but mentioned that a large sky chariot out was already on the way to pick up everypony.

That had been about an hour ago. Now the six of them were heading to Canterlot in a sky chariot. Up in the air, high above the ground. Applejack sighed. She readjusted her askew hat on top of her straw yellow mane, but it only provided little comfort. Honestly, she was feeling more than a bit nervous about the whole ordeal, but she kept her composure and didn’t show it. However, Rarity was a different story.

Poor Rarity. The white unicorn was trying her hardest to remain calm, but wasn’t having much luck. She was trying her best to stay in the center of the sky chariot, averting her gaze from the edge. To say that Rarity was feeling a bit frazzled would be an understatement. Even her normally elegant, perfectly styled purple mane and tail was getting frizzy from a combination of her nerves and the wind. Applejack noticed her out of the corner of her eye.

“Hey, Rarity, ya doin’ okay?” Applejack turned towards the poor mare, showing concern. “You’re shakin’ worse than a leaf in a thunderstorm.”	

Rarity turned to face Applejack, who was resting in the back. She was secretly glad to have something to distract her from her fear of heights. “I… well, I’ll be okay whenever we land, Applejack. Everypony knows how much I detest heights, after all.” She shuddered at the memory of almost falling to her doom back at the Best Young Flyers Competition, with Rainbow Dash barley saving her in time. That was an experience she would care to never repeat.

Rarity cleared her throat, and steeled herself against her anxiety. She took a deep breath, and let it out. Then took another deep breath, and let this one out as a huff. It wasn’t very ladylike, but she didn’t really care right now. Besides, something else was on her mind. 

“There’s something else bothering me, though.”

“What’s that, sugarcube?”

“Well, this whole… situation with Twilight, really. What would cause her to summon us on such short notice?  It’s not like the fate of Equestria hangs in the balance again,” she paused tapping a hoof to her chin for a moment before continuing. “Well, I suppose she would mention something if that were the case. Wouldn’t she?”

Applejack nodded. “Ah don’t really know. But yer right, something just… doesn’t feel quite right. One of those gut feelings, Ah suppose.”

Fluttershy spoke up, barely audible over the wind of the moving chariot. Sitting in the front, the yellow mare turned around to face them, hiding behind her long pink mane. “Um, Applejack, if I may?” 

Applejack nodded, letting her politely but in. “Um, well, I know we haven’t heard from Twilight for a few weeks, but it’s obviously something very important. She would have told us everything if she could have. Celestia must have asked her to keep things as quiet as possible for a reason.”

“It ain’t that sugarcube. Its just that Ah don’t particularly like bein’ left in tha dark. Top Secret or not. We’re her best friends fer cryin’ out loud! Surely she could have told us more than she did?” Applejack had to resist the urge to facehoof. Again. A whole month of more or less silence from Twilight had left Applejack worried, frustrated, and almost mad. “Ah swear, when Ah see that bookworm...”

Pinkie Pie gasped. She started bouncing in place, shaking the chariot. Rarity almost passed out. Fluttershy squeaked, and hid behind her mane. “Ooh ooh, did somepony say top secret?! Oh my gosh, does that mean we all get to be super secret agents? Or do we get cool gadgets, like a laser watch, or smoke bombs, or even a…”

Before Pinkie could cause anyone to fall off the chariot to their doom, Rarity quickly grabbed Pinkie with her magic and pulled her down, then put a hoof over the rambling mare’s lips, silencing her. “Pinkie! Don’t bounce like that, please. You’re scaring poor Fluttershy, and me, for that matter.”

“Yeah Pinkie! What Rarity said,” Spike pleaded, having been shaken awake from his impromptu nap. He had sat down in the front, and had fallen asleep minutes after the chariot arrived. The little dragon had worked himself to near exhaustion in Twilight’s absence. She had, for the first time, left him completely in charge of running the Library. Spike had done everything he could to make sure the library remained spotless in Twilight’s absence.

“Oh, I’m sorry everyone. I just got so excited, because I had so much fun the last time I did secret spy stuff with Twilight and Spike in Canterlot! I’d tell you more, but that’s top secret,” she added with a slight conspiratory whisper.

Spike merely rolled his eye’s at Pinkie’s statement. “It wasn’t that secret,” he said.

“It’s okay Pinkie.” Fluttershy came out from behind her mane and sat up, then fluttered her wings, a sheepish smile on her face. 

Applejack let out a quiet chuckle at Pinkie’s antics. Then she returned Fluttershy’s smile with her own. “It’s okay sugarcube. We’ve all been a bit out of sorts since Twilight has been gone. Still though, just what in the hay has Twilight been doing for a month?” Applejack pondered that for a moment, then noticed Rainbow Dash splayed over the side of the chariot. To Applejack, it appeared that Rainbow was being lazy again. “Hey, RD! What do you think?”

Rainbow Dash was barely paying attention to the others. She was too busy being bored. (And sulking.) She let out a sigh, her wings twitching slightly in annoyance at having to ride in the chariot with everypony else. She’d rather be flying. Apparently, guard ponies didn’t appreciate the sky blue mare doing rather dangerous stunts in and around them, and especially in their flight path. 

Applejack yelled at Rainbow again. “Hey, Equestria to Rainbow Dash! What do you think is going on with Twi’?” 

Rainbow’s ears perked up, upon hearing her name. “Huh? Oh.” She shook her head, prismatic mane whipping in the wind. She looked back towards the others. “Eh, knowing that egghead, it’s probably something really, really boring. I mean, sure, Twilight can do some pretty awesome stuff with her magic and all, but she never does! She’s probably been cooped up in some massive library for the past month.” Rainbow smirked. “Heh, probably even built one of her book forts, just so nopony would make her leave at night!” 

Applejack gave Rainbow a deadpan look. “Wait, what, a book fort? Really Dash? She said she only did that when she was just a filly, and-”

“That’s what she wants you to think, AJ.” Dash chuckled. “Heh, I bet if it wasn’t for us, her coat would be gray instead of purple, cause she’d be covered in dust from sitting around so much with her nose in a book!”

Applejack groaned, and facehooved at that. “Alright RD, that’s enough-” 

“Oooh, I’ll bet Twilight is all done with her super secret ultra duper project and wants to show it off! I’ve never been able to throw a party for something like that before!” Pinkie interrupted, then started bouncing in place again. “Oooh, what if she-”

“Oops, sorry,” Pinkie apologized, trying to sit still and let the guards continue.

“It’s okay, just, no more bouncing till we get there, alright?” Spike continued. Pinkie nodded and sat back down.

Rainbow flopped onto her back inside the chariot, staring up at the sky, and let out an annoyed sigh. She then turned towards the rest of the group, specifically toward the only guy among them. “Hey Spike, what do you think? Any idea what Twilight has been up to for the past month?”

Spike scratched his head, trying to remember what Twilight had told him before leaving. He sat back up. “Well, before leaving, Twilight said something about this involving the Elements of Harmony, and didn’t tell me much else. I thought she meant you guys, but apparently she was talking about the actual artifacts.”

Spike continued. ”Celestia wanted her to keep everything very ‘hush, hush’ as she put it. Not to mention it was around 4am, and I wasn’t awake enough to remember much of what Twilight told me anyway. All I know for sure is that she couldn’t tell me anything yet, or send us letters with status updates. It was something about my dragonfire being intercepted, threat to kingdom/national security, yadda yadda yadda. Still doesn’t make any sense to me.”

“So what if we don’t know what Twilight’s been doing for the past month? It’ll make it that much more of an awesome surprise!” Pinkie happily chirped, and thankfully didn’t start bouncing this time. “Besides, like everypony said, we haven’t seen her in a month, and that’s like forever! I’m sure everything is fine. Besides, my Pinkie Sense hasn’t told me anything bad the whole month! You can always trust my Pinkie Sense!”

Applejack slowly nodded. She was conflicted. On one hoof, Pinkie was right. If something bad was going to happen, Pinkie would have gotten another one of those “doozies” of hers, then they all would have charged up the mountain to save Twilight and Equestria from whatever threat had presented itself again. On the other hoof though, Applejack still didn’t like how things had been going. Twilight had never left everypony in the dark like this before.

Applejack couldn’t help but feel that sinking feeling in her stomach intensify as she saw the the looming towers of Canterlot Castle slowly getting closer. She had good reason to feel wary, considering the group’s tendency to get into trouble, or have it come to them. Things like an ursa minor, parasprites, a hydra, not to mention Nightmare Moon, Discord and Chrysalis all attested to this. 

Applejack laid down on her side and closed her eyes, tuning out everypony else. They were talking about something, but she was too tired to think anymore. They’d be there soon enough, and then she would finally get some answers.

Thankfully, the rest of the ride to Canterlot was uneventful, at least to Applejack anyway. The farmer sat up, and looked around. Rarity had finally calmed down, and was talking to Spike. Something about needing to go find more gems when they got back to Ponyville. Fluttershy was sitting next to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, who were planning their next pranking spree.

Before Applejack had fully woken herself up from her nap, she noticed everypony suddenly rush over to the edge of the chariot. They were waving at somepony. She too peered over the edge and saw a certain lavender unicorn waving back at them. For the first time in a while, Applejack smiled. Twilight Sparkle was waiting for them.

The chariot landed, and before even coming to a stop, Pinke yelled “Ponypile!” and flew out of the chariot with Rainbow Dash right behind her, tackling Twilight in a crushing hug. 

“Ooof! Girls, can’t… breathe…” Twilight choked out.

“Oh, sorry Twi! We just, um, missed you and all.” Rainbow backed off and Pinkie eased her vice grip on Twilight, Rainbow cringing at just how sappy she was being. The rest of their little group joined them seconds later, with Spike offering a more reserved hug, which Twilight happily accepted.

“Oh my gosh Twilight we missed you so much! What were you working on all this time? Were you building some kind of super secret weapon to take over the world? Or was-” 

Twilight chuckled and put a hoof up to Pinkie’s lips, silencing her. “No Pinkie, it wasn’t anything like that. But don’t worry, I do have something amazing to show all of you! Believe it or not, I’ve spent more time in a lab than a library the past month.”

Applejack smiled at that. “Sounds good ta’ me. Lead the way, Twi’.”

After everyone had calmed down enough, and caught up a bit on the past month’s worth of events in Ponyville, Twilight led everyone inside. Before she had even taken a step, Spike had hopped up onto her back, as he usually did. Applejack let out a quiet chuckle at that.

Once inside, Applejack noticed they were walking down a very long, wide, and fancy hallway. It wasn’t anywhere nearly as fancy as the rest of the castle from what she could remember; which really wasn’t much. She didn’t come to the castle that often. Usually, the only time she did come here was to help put down some new crazy world ending threat, like Discord. She shuddered slightly at the memory, again.

Applejack shook her head, clearing her thoughts. “Hey Twilight, now that we’re all here, would you please tell us just what exactly has been goin’ on? All we know fer sure is that Spike told us you said it was something ta do with our elements. You’ve left us in the dark fer a month.”    

“I know I have, AJ, girls, and I’m sorry.” Twilight sighed. “But, since you are all here now, I’ll go ahead and fill you in.” 

“Okay, where to begin...” She trailed off for a second, the only sound that could be heard was the clop of hoofsteps echoing in the large hallway. “Ah! Okay, well, Spike here was right about the elements being involved. Basically I… well, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and I have been trying to figure out just how exactly the elements work.”

“I’ve developed several theories about them since we first found them, and used them to free Luna from Nightmare Moon. Sadly, I didn’t get much of a chance to study them, other than that reference guide we read back at the library that night.”

Pinkie chirped up in a singsong voice, “Hehe, It was under EEeeee…” Pinkie broke out into giggles.

Twilight snickered. “Yes, I know Pinkie. Heh... But anyway, I had been compiling notes and doing what little research I could, up until last month. That’s when Celestia sent me a letter. She said that one of the theories I had proposed might actually work. I won’t bore you with the details, I’ll just show you instead.”

After a few minutes of small talk and walking, Twilight stopped at a very large set of doors. “Okay, here we are, but first, I need to mark everypony up with some magical runes for this test and-”

“Whoa whoa! Hold on a minute, a Test? You didn’t say anything about a test!” Dash exclaimed, flying right up in front of Twilight with a glare.

“Ooh! Ooh! 42!” Pinkie waved her hoof up in the air as if she was answering a question in a classroom. “The answer is always 42!”

Rarity, looked worried, but still giggled at Pinkie’s antics. “Pinkie dear, I don’t think that is what she meant.”

Fluttershy spoke up, sounding worried. “A test? Um… I don’t know if I like the sound of that… do we really have to…?”

“Twi’, just what in the hay are you talkin’ about?” Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow.

Twilight blinked, not registering what everypony had said right away, then facehooved. She let out a groan. “Ugh, I’m sorry girls. I keep getting ahead of myself. Let me explain.” She took a deep breath. “Okay, you see, the only way I can test this latest theory of mine is if I expose us to a specific magical experiment, a spell, or a test if you will. It’s probably the most complicated and largest spell I’ve ever built and, it took me two weeks to put together, even with both the princesses help.”

Twilight noticed all her friends we’re giving her an apprehensive look. “Now before anypony starts worrying, try not to. This test is perfectly safe. I triple checked my work, then had Celestia and Luna double check it after that. With the way the spell works, it’s literally impossible for any harm to come to us.”

Applejack looked back at her other friends. They all shared the same nervous look she had. “Ah don’t think we’re really worried about safety Twi’. We’re more worried about the fact you still ain’t telling us everything, sugarcube.”

Still hovering in the air, Rainbow backed up a bit to give Twilight soome room. “Yeah, what’s up with that anyway? Is it some kind of state secret or something?”

Twilight shook her head and sighed. “I’m sorry for not telling you before. I really wanted to, though! However, Celestia and Luna decided we had to make sure no word got out on just what exactly we were working on. Since we had the elements outside of their vault, we had to make sure nobody knew that. Not to mention the fact that I’ve been so busy researching and preparing for this day that well… you all know how forgetful I can be when I’m hyper-focused on something...”

“Yeah, that’s for sure.” Spike snickered, then hugged Twilight’s neck, still sitting on her back. “I’m guessing I don’t have to take part in the test, right?” There was a small bit of disappointment in his voice as he spoke.

Twilight smiled and patted Spike on the head. She knew when he was feeling a bit left out. Not surprising considering she had to leave him behind in Ponyville. “That’s right Spike, but I have a special job for you.”

Spike’s eyes lit up as Twilight continued. “Once my little experiment gets going, I won’t be able to really take any notes about what is happening outside. So, I want my number one assistant to take as many detailed notes as possible on what exactly it does.”

“You can count on me Twilight!” Spike beamed happily.

Everypony smiled at the exchange. Rarity walked up and gave Twilight a reassuring nuzzle, then pulled back. “It’s okay Twilight, we understand. Goodness knows I’ve forgotten more than a few things when I’m ‘in the zone’ as it were with my own projects. Though, I do have to ask, what exactly do you mean by ‘marking’ us?”

“Oh, right! Let’s see here…” Twilight turned back to the bag, her horn igniting and levitating out massive number of quills and ink pots. “These are specially formulated inks that are magically resonant. It basically allows us to fully harmonize with the magical equipment inside the lab. Without the ink, it would be much harder to find the correct magical freq-”

“Good heavens!” Rarity squealed in fright, and ducked behind Fluttershy, using her tail as a shield. Fluttershy didn’t even know what to think.“Twilight, do you even know just how much ink like that stains!? I can’t have my coat ruined like that! How could you even suggest such a thing?” Rarity peeked back out, not amused by Twilight’s suggestion in the least.

Twilight sheepishly smiled. “Well, to be honest, I didn’t really think about that.” She tapped her hoof to her chin in thought. “Hmm, actually, this is enchanted ink after all. It should come out pretty easily. If it doesn’t wash out, I could always use that one spell I know...”

“ ‘Sides Rarity, I’m sure you can deal with a little ink on yer fur for awhile,” Applejack snickered, then plucked one of the quills from the air and waved it in Rarity’s direction. She let out a Fluttershy-like eep, and went back to her hiding place in Fluttershy’s pink tail. “If’n I remember correctly, you didn’t seem to mind being covered head to hoof in mud for the Sisterhooves Social after all.”

“That was completely different,” Rarity replied, then cautiously came out from behind her hiding place behind Fluttershy. She looked between Twilight and the still hovering brushes. “Are you sure this won’t take long?” She brushed aside Applejack’s hoof, still holding the quill.

“Absolutely!,” Twilight replied, with a more genuine smile. “It shouldn’t take longer than a hour or so. Then you can go wash up right away if you want.”

Rarity sighed. “Oh, very well then, I suppose I can deal with having my immaculate coat ‘marked’ or ‘drawn on’ for you little project then Twilight. Doesn’t mean I will like it, but I’ll still do it.”

“That’s the spirit!” With that, Twilight started marking her friends with the magically resonant ink. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash put up the most resistance, if only for constantly complaining about how the brushes were ticklish. Fluttershy and Applejack didn’t seem to mind at all, and Rarity put on a brave face for Twilight. Once all was said and done, everypony was almost completely covered in strange runes and swirls. Only their Cutie Marks were left untouched.

“Hey, ya know what? This is actually kinda cool,” Rainbow commented, looking over herself, then the others. “I have no idea what any of it means, though. I once heard Gilda mention that some griffons would permanently dye their feathers. Wonder if I could do something like that with these?”

“Only you would think think of permanently dying one’s coat as a good thing.” Rarity grumbled, trying to stay calm despite the fact she was practically covered in ink.

“Well at least I don’t freak out at the first sign of a quill... Rarity!” Rainbow shot back, laughing.

Applejack rolled her eyes and ignored them, before looking over her own markings. In all honesty, looking at them for too long make her head spin. The markings, or ‘symbols’ as Twilight called them, almost seemed to be moving on their own, almost alive in some way. She knew that would be crazy, but made a note to herself to ask Twilight about that later. “Okay, now we’ve got all these crazy symbols all over us. What’s next?”

Twilight had just finished with the final markings on herself. Spike sat next to her, having been denied his favorite perch so that Twilight could finish. She looked up at Applejack. “Well, let me just show you. Behind these doors is one of the greatest magical constructs built in at least the past decade. Behold!” With a quick flourish, Twilight spun around and magiced open the massive double doors.

In the massive room sat one of the strangest looking structures that Applejack had ever seen. It was roughly the size of a house, and made of a dark blue material. It held four sides and a roof. But unlike a normal house, each part was just floating in midair, and was in no way connected to one another. The various walls spun slowly around a central point, with the roof rotating in the opposite direction. Gemstones of various sizes, shapes, and colors dotted the surface of each wall along with numerous symbols spread along the surface. She noticed that the symbols on the structures surface were quite similar to the ones each of them now wore. Applejack also noticed how they seemed to move too; she quickly averted her gaze before she got sick. Spike however was transfixed by the strange structure for an altogether different reason. Applejack could almost hear his stomach growling as he looked over each of the gems dotting the thing.

Pinkie gazed up at the structure in awe, almost speechless for once. “Oooh, pretty!”

Fluttershy was the next to speak. “Twilight… just what is that?”

“This device, along with the symbols you all are wearing, are part of what Twilight calls a ‘Trans-Planar Communication Spell’. According to everything Twilight, Luna, and I have studied, this spell will allow us to communicate with transdimensional beings.” Princess Celestia explained as she gracefully strode up to the group from inside the room.

“Do what?” Twilight’s friends said as one, even more confused than before. They didn’t even bow to Celestia in their confusion.

“No offense princess, but mind explaining that again, but in Equestrian this time?” Rainbow asked, scratching her head, trying to make sense of what the princess had just said.

“I think Twilight will be able to better explain it.” Celestia said as she put a foreleg around the now blushing Twilight. “She was the one who developed most of the theory we are putting into practice today.”

Twilight nodded. She then turned, slipping out of her mentor’s hug, and walked over to a large desk just inside the room, piled up with notes and books, her friends trailing behind.

“Wow Twilight, I knew you were busy and all, but this… this is amazing! This should definitely go in that magic trick book of yours!” Spike said in mild enthusiasm, his stomach still directing his thoughts. He never took his eyes off the structure.

Twilight lightly blushed again at the praise. “Spike, I don’t think there’s enough room in the book for something as complicated as this.” She gave Spike a quick hug.

“Even still, it’s pretty cool if you ask me,” Rainbow Dash said with a smile as she flapped about the room.

She looked back up at her friends and mentor and smiled. “Okay, I’ll keep it simple. Simply put, this device, along with all the symbols I’ve placed on us, should let us actually talk to the Elements of Harmony!” Twilight was giddy, almost bouncing in place.

        “Silly Twilight, I do that all the time! I talked with Dashie last Saturday, Fluttershy last Tuesday, then I tried to hang out with AJ last Friday, but she was busy, then I-” Pinkie Pie started, before a zipper suddenly appeared where her lips were before, thanks to a quick spell from Twilight. Pinkie let out a muffled giggle.

“That’s not what I meant Pinkie,” Twilight deadpanned, resisting the urge to facehoof.

“Twilight, I’m sorry, but I thought we were the Elements of Harmony?” Fluttershy asked, taking a cautious step towards the floating construct.

“Well, we are, but only part of the greater whole that is the elements.” The other five elements, even Spike, stared blankly at their bookish friend. “Here, maybe this will help.” With her magic, Twilight pulled over a huge mobile chalkboard, filled with incomprehensible scribbles. “My attempts to study the elements lead me to some startling conclusions.” Twilight levitated up a pointer, aiming it at certain parts of the blackboard as she explained.

“Okay, first off, there are two parts to the Elements of Harmony. The first part is us, or the ‘Bearers’. The second part, are the elements themselves, or the ‘Artifacts’. Those are what we use to channel the power of the elements, or the power of harmony if you will.”

“Do you mean those wonderful necklaces that we received upon first using them?” Rarity asked, thinking back to the strange, but lovely jewelry that showed up after defeating Nightmare Moon, and cleansing Luna.

“Yes, however, those two components don’t account for everything. Here...” Twilight pulled over a second chalkboard with her magic still surrounding the first one. This one had a large diagram on it, representing multiple timelines that ended up converging at a single point. Applejack noticed that she could actually read this one.

“If one looks closely, you can begin to see patterns emerge. There are far, far too many coincidences involving the six of us for it just to chalk it up to random occurrences. The biggest one, of course, is Rainbow Dash’s first sonic rainboom that helped us all gain our cutie marks.”

“That was pretty awesome, huh?” Rainbow Dash put on a smug grin, unable to resist bragging about one of her biggest moments.

“Indeed it was Dash.” Twilight mentally rolled her eyes. “Not only that, but we all ended up in Ponyville. The one town in all of Equestria that was within a reasonable distance of where the Elements were located. Princess Celestia helped quite a bit with this. She has been noticing things much longer than I have. Also-”

“Twilight,” Applejack cut in while looking at the timeline. She noticed that everything came together right when the Summer Sun Celebration had occurred. “ah hate to say this, but this sounds just like some crazy conspiracy theory to me.”

“I thought so too,” Twilight continued, pulling out the last chalkboard. This one had detailed pictures of the five necklaces and crown, easily recognizable as the Elements of Harmony. “But the way the Elements behaved when we first found them, not to mention all the past occurrences that ended up bringing us to them, seems to imply some kind of external driving force.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow at that. “Twilight? Might I cut in for a moment?”

“Oh, sure. What’s on your mind?”

“Now I know I never attended a prestigious magical school like you did,” Rarity began looking over the newest blackboard. “But how are you certain that there is a specific driving force behind the Elements' movements? I mean, enough of a residual magical charge on an object can cause it to react to changes in it’s environment. Are you not certain that Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna’s magic didn’t simply have a longer lasting effect on their behavior?”

“That’s, well, that’s actually quite astute of you, Rarity,” To say Twilight was slightly surprised at her friend would have been an understatement.

“You’re as beautiful as you are smart Rarity,” Spike said, never wanting to pass up the opportunity to compliment the object of his affection.

“It would seem we have two gifted minds here.” Celestia chuckled at Twilight’s surprised expression.“Care to explain, Twilight?”

“Oh um yes,” said Twilight gathering her composure. “I had anticipated that actually, and I made sure to study both of the Princesses' magic extensively. The amount of time the Elements were resting in the castle would have caused any residual magic to fade away to nothing. Besides if there was some form of magical residue they would have reacted to either Nightmare Moon’s cyclone or my own magical tampering. Yet they only came to life when I made my own realization about all of you. I wasn’t even trying to cast any magic at the time and they reacted anyway. Plus simple, magical reactions for enchantment residue doesn’t explain how the Element of Magic behaved, nor where it was. Based on what Celestia told me, that element vanished all by itself shortly after the others went inert,” Twilight paused smiling at Rarity. Happy that she just learned of having something else in common with the fashionista. “I am glad you asked, Rarity, I didn’t think you were into magical theory.”

“Well, some of the principles you are talking about are similar to how I design and build my dresses,” Rarity said, “especially if I use several telekinesis spells at the same time. Perhaps after this you can give me some pointers on how to better link a complex series of telekinetic matrices?”

“Sounds like fun, Rarity I would be happy to talk ‘magic’ with you,” Twilight said beaming.

“Am I the only pony getting lost here?” Rainbow complained, waving a hoof in the air.

“No Dash, you aren’t the only one.” Applejack agreed with her. All this magic mumbo jumbo was giving her a headache. She decided to press on. “So let me get this straight. What you’re saying Twilight is this third part, as you call it, has been… messing with our lives, right?” Twilight nodded. “Then you made this spell to try and talk to them?”

“Exactly!” Twilight beamed, happy that at one of her friends understood. “Although I’m not sure if I’d say they were manipulating our lives, really...”

“Not to sound rude Twilight, but what exactly do you hope to accomplish by talking to these… beings? For all we know, they may not even wish to speak with us, or what if they even react harshly to us bothering them?” Rarity was feeling leery about this now, and wanted to get this over with or to just stop it so she could get all the dreary ink off herself.

“All I know for sure is that they chose us for a reason. I really don’t think they’d refuse a chance to speak with the very ponies they’ve been watching, no matter how you look at it. Besides, imagine what we could learn from this, from them even! We could glean information about the missing history during Discord’s first rule! Or even information about the princesses! Maybe things that even they don’t even remember. I’m sure both of them have questions they’d like to ask the elements too. Right Princess?” Celestia simply nodded with a smile. Twilight beamed, ”See?”

Twilight continued. “Besides, the worst that can happen is that we’re wrong, there’s nothing to actually communicate with, the spell fizzles out, and nothing happens. Even then, that will answer a few of my questions, and give me more data to work with. It’s a win, win either way!”

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Pinkie Pie bounced over, into the middle of the structure. “Let’s get this party started! Oooh, then I can throw a party after this one! This is gonna be great!”

“That’s the spirit Pinkie!” Twilight started to follow Pinkie, but was stopped by Applejack.

“Now hold on a second Twi. What if this damages tha elements somehow? You’re not exactly at yer best when you’ve been working on something fer this long. Have ya even been getting enough sleep?”

“Don’t worry Applejack. I’ve made sure to get enough rest, even if I kept an odd sleep schedule for the past month.” Applejack raised an eyebrow at that. “Don’t ask, aheh. But I’m good to go, see? Princess Celestia made sure of that.” Twilight then nodded at the now waiting Princess Celestia and Luna. The two princesses seemed to be busy checking the device up and down, seeing if anything was amiss. “I also set up several different failsafes that will cancel the main spell if something does go wrong. That will prevent any harm coming to the elements, or even us, for that matter. I took every precaution I could think of, including having the princesses add any defensive or protective spells that I wouldn’t be able to cast.”

“Besides, I won’t be the one controlling the spell. Princess Celestia and Luna will have to do that. They’ve got much more experience for one, and secondly, I can’t control it from inside.

Wait, Luna? Applejack briefly wondered just how she had missed the princess of the night so easily. However, even both princesses seemed small compared to the crazy structure. She rubbed the side of her head, a slight headache coming on from all this. “Okay Twilight, I trust ya. Just promise me that at tha first sign of trouble this whole thing gets shut off.”

“You have my word Applejack. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Twilight promised, making the familiar motions associated with a Pinkie Promise.

“Alright everypony, let’s get this over with,” Applejack started making their way towards the structure. Applejack had to admit she was less worried now, with the princesses there and all.

“I will be right with you girls, need to cover a few things with Spike for his notations, then I’ll join you,” Twilight called, turning back to her assistant.

“Aww yeah, I bet my element is going to be awesome!” Rainbow was next inside, landing on a stylized version of her own cutie mark.

After Twilight was done filling in Spike, she followed the others into the device and took her place in the center of a large circle of runes. “Okay everypony, I’ve marked a spot where I want each of you to stand. Just look for your cutie mark, like Dash over there.”

It didn’t take long for everypony to get into position. Applejack saw more of the crazy symbols on the floor, but at least these didn’t hurt to look at. Twilight had briefly tried to explain what to expect, but even she wasn’t fully sure.

“Okay girls, Celestia and Luna will be controlling the spell. All we have to do is to say something. Try to see if you can feel another presence. It’ll be different for all of us, I’m sure.”

Celestia called down from above. “Is everypony ready?”

A series of nods and affirmations spread around the group. “Good to go, princess!” Twilight called back up.

Applejack watched as Celestia and Luna flew higher and higher, until they reached the top of the structure. A bright golden and blue glow soon erupted from their position on top, funneling downwards into the rest of the structure. The floating walls around them began to glow brighter, their spinning also increasing in turn. An unearthly hum began to fill the room, causing everything, from books, paper, and even the ponies themselves to vibrate in tune with it. Applejack then felt her body begin to tingle and grow warmer, as the patterns on her coat began to glow orange. She also noticed the same thing happening to her other friends’ markings too, the glow matching each of their coats.

As the seconds slowly dragged on, the light from the from the floating walls, floor, and ponies grew brighter and brighter. Once the light and sound had grown to an almost unbearable level, Applejack could barely make out a voice shouting from above. She thought it was Celestia, but couldn’t be sure. “This is it, my little ponies! You should make contact in 3… 2… 1…”





Applejack was at first unsure of what had just happened. One moment, the spell seemed to be at it’s peak, with blinding light and deafening sound. The next, she found herself plunged into full darkness. She moved, tried to say something, yet felt nothing. In fact, she quickly realized that she couldn’t feel anything! Not her hooves, nor her mane. Not even the beat of her heart, nor the steady rise and fall of her lungs. It wasn’t as if she was numb; it was more like her body no longer existed. Did Twilight’s spell fail in the worst possible way? Was she dead? Did the others share the same fate?

Applejack did everything she could to remain calm. She remembered Twilight’s promise. If the spell hadn’t been cancelled, she figured she wasn’t in any immediate danger. Not yet, anyway. Yet the bizarre sensation of suddenly only being a consciousness was beyond unnerving.

After an undeterminable amount of time, Applejack noticed something else began to make itself known to her. It started out small, like the feeling one gets when being watched. For some strange reason, it wasn’t unnerving. It was almost like whatever this was, it was only curious. Applejack had no idea how she even knew that.

As the sensation grew, she felt herself being drawn toward something. She could only describe it as a presence. Something incomprehensibly vast, yet somehow very familiar and calming.

Applejack knew, this had to be it. At least, she hoped it was. Was it one of the Elements of Harmony, or even her Element of Honesty? She focused as hard as she could, trying to form a simple word and send it towards this other presence. “Hello?” she called out, not sure if it heard her or not.

All at once, the presence seemed to shift, then began to fall away. To Applejack, it almost felt like she was being sucked down a drain, falling away from the presence. She kept falling, farther and farther. Applejack began to suspect that she would never stop falling, not until…





*THUD*

Applejack lay flat on her belly, dazed and confused at the sudden impact with the floor, and abrupt return of her senses. Several more thuds echoed around her as the others were released from the spell. She tried to open her eyes, but instantly regretted it as the slowly fading glow from the structure burned her eyes.

“Did it work?” Twilight called out in a strained voice. Applejack was actually surprised that she could hear anything thanks to that deafening spell. She heard Twilight call out again, “Did anypony hear anything? See anything?”

“Holy guacamole!” Applejack knew that was Spike for certain, he sounded close but not very. Probably rushing back to Twilight’s side. “That was the craziest looking spell you have ever pulled off Twilight!”

“Whee! That was kinda fun!” Pinkie sounded bubbly as ever, and Applejack half suspected she was already hopping around the room. “At first I was like nowhere, then I was laughing along with this super duper big, um, thing! Then I started falling, like going down a huge waterslide! Can we do it again? Can we?”

“Ah still don’t know what the buck just happened,” Applejack groaned, slowly righting herself back onto her hooves. She blinked her eyes a few times, trying to adjust them to the fading glow.

“I… I didn’t hear anything,” Fluttershy mumbled, slowly righting herself. She was shaken up by the whole experience. “I’m sorry Twilight, I was too scared to try.”

“It’s okay Fluttershy.” Twilight finally picked herself up, and looked around. She seemed glad that nopony was hurt. “We were so close I could feel it!”

“Is everypony alright?” Celestia swooped down from the top of the structure, Luna joining her soon after. However, Luna seemed more concerned with the structure for some reason.

“Ah think so.” Applejack looked around, noticing everyone seemed okay. She felt a twinge of pain go up her spine. “Ooof, at last nothin’ ain’t permanently busted from what ah can see.”

“Oh thank goodness,” Rarity said in relief. “Those symbols would have taken forever to get out of my coat. Not to mention they would be dreadfully difficult to match up with an outfit.”

“Wait, what?!” Twilight exclaimed. She looked over at Rarity, noticing a distinct lack of symbols on her coat. Applejack watched as Twilight’s eyes went wide in shock. Twilight looked around the room and noticed the distinct lack of symbols on anything. None on the ponies, the structure, or even the floor. “B...b...but that’s impossible!” Twilight stammered out.

“What are you talking about, Twilight? I mean they’re just drawings, right?” Rainbow rubbed her head in confusion. Applejack also wondered the same thing.

“You don’t understand!” Twilight galloped over to the desk, her notes now mostly scattered around the room. “Those ‘drawings’ were magically enchanted. Even if the spell had been interrupted or just outright failed, the lines and symbols would have remained. The only way for them to be removed like that is if somepony else had redirected the spell, but that’s impossible as this spell was specially tailored to us. Not only that, it was tied directly to the construct itself! To get rid of the symbols, you’d have to take the spell with you, structure and all.  Not even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna together would have the energy necessary to just completely change a spell like this instantly. It’s just impossible!”

“Okay… Well, what happened then?” Dash tried to sound interested, but she had a feeling Twilight was about to go into another long rant that she would barely understand.

Twilight shuffled through pages and pages of notes, even scribbling down some new ones. For a minute, her friends remained in silence as Twilight’s frantic scribbling slowed, and finally stopped. “I have no idea.” The unicorn turned back to her friends, slumping down to the floor in defeat. “Over a month of work, and it’s just… gone.”

Spike was the first of their little group to hurry over to Twilight, having gotten quite used to her little freak-outs. “Hey, its not that bad, at least you still have all your notes.”

Fluttershy walked over and joined Spike next to her friend, pulling Twilight into a hug. “You can just try again, right Twilight?”

“Yes but...” Twilight returned the hug. “First, I need to figure out exactly what happened. That alone could take a month of work. Then, I would have to remake all the symbols and calibrate them to make sure whatever just happened doesn’t happen again. Who knows how long that part is going to take either, and I have already been spending too much time away from you guys. I just got so absorbed into this,” She threw up her hooves in frustration. “Argh! Possibly the single greatest discovery in pony history and I just fall flat.”

“Well... you know what that means!” Pinkie shouted, bouncing around Twilight in a circle. “It sounds like you need a ‘sorry- your- super- duper- spell- didn’t- work- so- have- a- cupcake- with- your- friends- super- party’!”

“Pinkie has a point,” Spike began looking up at his dear friend. “We haven’t seen you in a month, you need a break.”

Twilight was silent for several moments as she met Spikes gaze, then she turned to look back at all of her friends. A small smile slowly formed on her lips, causing her friends to relax in turn. “You know what, you’re right, that does sound like a good idea,” Twilight said, her smile growing. “Maybe one of your signature pinkie parties will make me feel better. I could use a cupcake… or twelve.”

“Feel free to use the main ballroom for your party, Pinkie,” Princess Celestia said. “I'll make sure you and your friends have everything you need.”

“Yay! Cupcakes for everypony!” Pinkie hopped out of the room, eager to get started.

Twilight couldn’t help but smile a bit more as Pinkie’s boundless energy propelled her toward the castle ballroom.

“That’s the ticket sugarcube.” Applejack led the way out of the lab with Twilight by her side. “After that, you can get yerself a good night’s rest, then come back to this problem refreshed and rarin’ to go.”

“Hey, maybe Pinkie will even help you get some ideas for helping you talk to ‘transdimensional beings’?” Rainbow said, getting a laugh out of everypony.

With the events of the spell temporarily forgotten by the group of close friends, they happily trotted to what promised to be an entertaining night, each of them looking forward to what Pinkie Pie would do for this party. Applejack, however, couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Almost as if the presence she had felt hadn’t quite went away.

> Meeting of Magic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight Sparkle breathed a sigh of relief.

Pinkie Pie's party had finally died down enough to allow the lavender unicorn to make her escape. She now traveled down the darkened hallways, back towards her quarters for the night. When she noticed the lack of guards (or really anypony) in the majestic halls that made up Canterlot Castle, it didn't really surprise her.

Pinkie Pie had managed to drag almost everyone in the castle (including a small number of guards) into the party. She wouldn't let a single one of the castle staff work during one of her signature parties if she could help it. Despite the sheer number of ponies she had brought in, the premier party pony still managed give a unique gift to each and every pony in attendance. Twilight had to admit, the mare had really went all out for this one.

Twilight didn't even try to figure out how she managed any of it, just chalking it up to Pinkie Pie just being Pinkie Pie. Besides, the unicorn had way too much on her mind to contemplate such things anyway. Things like the apparent complete and utter failure of the experiment from earlier. Sure, Pinkie was only trying to cheer her up. It helped some, of course, but the failure still refused to leave her mind. Twilight let out a sad, tired sigh.


--------------------------------------------------


Twilight finally reached the guest wing of the castle. Thankfully, it wasn’t too long of a walk, but still seemed to take forever to the unicorn, especially considering how drained she was feeling after today. In the distance, she could still hear the music from the party. It was very faint, but had a very strong bass beat to it. The party was still going on, and probably would, late into the night.
        
Wearily, she walked down the hall to the room where she had been staying for the past month. There was still a guard stationed there, decked out in golden plate armor, right beside the door. She nodded to the guard before ducking inside, closing the door behind her. Twilight never really liked having a guard stationed just outside her room like this, but Celestia had insisted, for security reasons.

Surprisingly, going to bed didn’t even register as an idea to the unicorn. Considering the earlier events of the day, and Pinkie’s wild party, she should be completely exhausted. But something still seemed off about the experiment, and bothered the bookworm. Just why did the symbols all just vanish? Had she missed something important? Or even some mundane, minor detail that would explain it all? 

Instead of laying down, Twilight Sparkle sat down in front of a desk she had become quite familiar with over the past month. With a quick burst of magic, she relit the candle sitting next to her. A flickering, warm light emanated from the it, illuminating the desk and the general vicinity, but still leaving the rest of the room shrouded in near darkness. Twilight saw the several neat stacks of books surrounding her desk on both sides, but paid that no heed. She was looking for something else.

Twilight ignited her horn again, levitating over a large stack of notes and papers. This was only a small part of all the notes and data she had collected over the past month. She used these notes to help craft the spell used to attempt the contact the Elements, or the “Trans-Planar Communication Spell” as she liked to call it. It was a bit wordy, but got the point across.

The studious unicorn took a swig of the sarsaparilla bottle she brought back with her from the party. It wasn’t helping her get to sleep, but she didn’t really care. The unicorn had a mystery to solve.


------------------------------------------------------------


Twilight let out a loud groan. “Ugh, This makes no sense!” She rubbed her eyes, trying to clear out the fogginess. “All my calculations should have been right. Hay, I even had both princesses double, no, triple check them! All three of us checked every single rune and drawing in that lab. So why, why didn’t it work?”

With a quick flash of magic, Twilight levitated her Element over to her desk from the nearby dresser. She had managed to convince Celestia to let her keep the crown with her as she studied it. The rest of the elements were being kept with their respective bearers for now.

She looked down at the Element of Magic sitting on her desk. “If that spell had only worked… what could you have told me?” Countless questions ran through her mind as she stared at the golden crown. “I wish you could talk to me. Maybe you’d know what went wrong.”

Twilight held the Element in her hooves, staring, as if it would just suddenly start talking of its own accord. She’d spent the past month studying the Elements, and now had nothing to show for it. She looked past the crown, looking over the papers spread out before her. Complex diagrams and notes filled every page. Usually, Twilight could understand them with just a quick glance. Now, they just seemed like incomprehensible scribbles and nonsense.

Twilight rubbed her temples with her hooves, trying to suppress the slowly growing headache. She wished it was as easy as waiting for some glaring error to jump out at her. As if going over and over the notes would reveal something amazingly simple that she had missed. Instead, it only made her more frustrated. Her eyes blurred as she passed over each paper. It would take her at least two months to comb through all of her notes, rigorously testing each part of the spell to see where it went wrong. With even such an arduous task before her, she refused to simply give up, to simply let go.

Her horn ignited again, grabbing papers from another pile. These dealt with the arcane symbols etched into the device, along with those that had covered herself and her friends. “What in the world could have made them disappear like that?” Twilight said to herself, then her eyes went wide as a thought popped into her head. “Unless, they were never removed at all...”

Twilight’s horn ignited once more and dragged even more papers to her. She let them float in front of her as she glanced over each. “If the spell had actually worked, then it could theoretically change the structure of the symbology, or the structure of the communication device in response. Just like the Elements of Harmony had done when we first found them!”

Twilight began to scribble down a new series of notations. Each one dealing with the various magical fluctuations she had felt during the attempted communication. She then, from memory, attempted to match them with similar magical resonances from when she and her friends had used the Elements of Harmony. While it was a rough diagram, Twilight was near certain that it was the same magical signature. “This is it!” Twilight practically cheered, and nearly jumped around the room for good measure. “It hadn’t been all for nothing! We actually made contact!”

Twilight’s horn grew bright as she drew dozens of books down from nearby shelves, and a few from the ones piled up around her desk. Each one had been selected during her month long study of the Elements. Twilight delved back into them with renewed vigor and purpose. Each page was scrutinized for anything and everything that had to do with magical resonances. A connection between the other plane and this one had been made, and Twilight believed that if she could find the right frequency, she could now make contact far easier than before. They might still need the device, but this time more direct communication was certain.

Twilight could feel it deep within her. She was on the cusp of discovery, the breaking point of an entirely new field of magical theory and usage! It was going to be perfect.


____________________________________________________________


*Snerk*

The sudden noise jerked Twilight awake from a dreamless sleep. She realized after a moment’s confusion that the strange noise had come from her. “Ugh,” she groaned, rubbing at her closed eyes with a free hoof. Twilight had fallen asleep, and right as she was on the verge of a breakthrough. She could even feel the warm early rays of day falling down upon her.

Twilight cracked one eye open and immediately regretted it. The combination of a Pinkie Pie party, followed by a late night study session was not agreeing with her in the slightest. Her heart thudded in her ears. Her head was filled not with the excitement of knowledge, but the dull throb of a headache. Her mouth felt like glue and she knew her breath would be terrible. “Last night was going so well too,” she sighed.

“I know, and I was so disappointed that you passed out before you could get any true work done.”

“I suppose I did push myself a bit much. The adrenaline and excitement from earlier on in the day must have worn off.” Twilight said stretching a bit.

“It does hit you like a ton of bricks when it finally runs out doesn’t it?”

“Yes it does.” Twilight sighed, secretly wishing that Celestia had waited a bit longer to raise the sun.

“Perhaps you should just sleep it off for a bit? I’m sure your friends would understand. Especially after yesterday.”

“I’d love to, but I have a schedule to keep. It just wouldn’t do to simply rewrite it on the fly.” Twilight replied, remembering the last time her schedule didn’t quite work right. She gave a little shudder at the memory.

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I took the liberty of rearranging your schedule a bit. You’ll have plenty of time for the rest of your activities for today, and get a few more hours of sleep in.”

“Well, that was very thoughtful of you.” Twilight yawned a bit, snuggling deeper into the covers as sleep slowly returned to her. “Thanks Spike, it means a lot to me.”

“Oh, my silly sleepy Twilight, I’m not Spike. I’ll still take that as a compliment though. Now, you get some rest my dear.”

Twilight didn’t respond, merely nodding and snuggling back into the sheets. She was vaguely aware of feeling something warm wrapped around her. Then her brain finally caught up with what was going on. Twilight’s eyes shot wide, heedless to the sudden pouring in of morning light. She looked down to see a pair of off pink colored hooves wrapped around her. She could feel the press of a muzzle against the back of her neck. The rise and fall of their chest followed by the soft wafting of breath through her mane. Twilight, naturally, did the only logical thing to do when waking up to a stranger spooning you. She freaked out.

“GAAAAAAAAAH!” Twilight shouted, attempting to scramble away from the intrusion into her personal space. Unfortunately, in her haste to escape, she failed to realize that not only was she wrapped in another ponies hooves but also the blankets of her bed. In the end she did little but move the tangle of pony and sheets from the bed to the floor. Both ponies, covers and all, hit the floor with a loud thud. The more Twilight tried to extricate herself, the more she ended up stuck. Eventually, Twilight and the stranger found themselves so wrapped up that neither could move. Even worse for Twilight, she and the stranger ended up with their muzzles only a hair’s breadth away from each other.

“Well, I suppose that would mean it's morning. Not the best way to wake up, but it works.” The stranger said smiling down at Twilight. Her lavender eyes filling Twilight’s vision. “I don’t really mind this position either actually. Perhaps we should just try and go back to sleep, hmm?” Her voice was quite calm, and she wore a peaceful expression on her face. One that Twilight found somewhat… disturbing, considering her current predicament.

“Could you get off of me? Please?” Twilight pleaded, trying to calm the racing of her heart.

“Well... since you asked so nicely.”

In a flash of light, both Twilight and the stranger were disentangled from the mess of sheets. It took Twilight a few moments to realize that she had been thrown onto her back, as the world around her spun from the sudden shift in position. Twilight slowly, and shakily pulled herself to her hooves. The abrupt wake up call had done little to help soothe her headache. She rubbed the side of her head as she tried to find where the stranger had gone. She could just make out a blurry pink shape now resting on her bed, her hooves crossed in front of her with her head resting on top of them. The stranger’s tail swished lazily behind her as she gave Twilight an amused look. “I would think you would be slightly more coordinated than that, Twilight. After all you’ve had a body much longer than I have.”

Twilight shook her head, trying to clear it before even trying to talk to the intruder. The first thing Twilight did was to get a better look at her. She was a unicorn, like Twilight, her horn poking out from a rainbow colored mane styled much like Twilight’s own. Her coat was still that off pink color, almost a mix between Pinkie’s coat and Twilight’s. She was certain that she had never seen this pony before in her life, yet something felt oddly familiar about her. She was almost about to call for the guards to have her taken away when she realized something.

“Why did the guards let you in here? Who are you?”

“I came in when you came in,” she said, inspecting her hoof a bit. “The guards have no reason to stop you from bringing guests into your room.”

“I didn’t have anypony come into my room last night!” Twilight said, exasperated. “I even had Spike sleep in another room so I could study undisturbed, and not keep him awake all night.”

“Who said I just came in here last night? I’ve been in here for the past month. Just sitting in here. Watching you sleep, and waiting for you to finish your little project.” The stranger said. She continued to inspect her hooves. To Twilight, it almost seemed like the stranger had never seen her own hooves before.

“That doesn’t make any sense!” Twilight said, nearly hyperventilating. She attempted to keep the mare talking as she moved toward the door to get the guards. The mare was capable of teleportation, who knows what other magic she might have. “I would have seen you if you were here that long! Besides only Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have visited me during the past month. Who are you, really?”

The strangers face switched from one of calm amusement to confusion. “Are you certain you didn’t hurt your head when we fell? Should I call the nurse?”

“You’re still not answering my question,” Twilight grumbled, her frustration growing. She was starting to get concerned that she was dealing with some kind of deranged stalker.

The stranger’s face changed from confusion to concern. It then shifted to one of understanding. The stranger held back a small chuckle as she realized what was going on. “You really don’t recognize me do you? After everything we’ve been through together?” She put on her best pouty face.

“Forgive me if I don’t exactly trust somepony who barges into my room and molests me in my sleep!” Twilight felt her face grow hot as she thought about what they were doing when she woke up.

“Oh, please, that’s hardly the most intimate thing we’ve done,” said the mare casually waving her hoof in the air.

“Do what?! I beg your pardon!” Twilight’s face turned a deep red as her imagination got the better of her.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” said the mare giggling a bit. “I mean, I’ve been in your mind. There is hardly anything about you that I don’t know. A little bit of cuddling is nothing compared to seeing some of your fantasies.”

“You have no right to read my mind!” Twilight exclaimed, her anger growing. Mind Reading spells were taboo, and for good reason.

“I said I was inside your mind, not reading it.” Said the mare, finding the whole conversation infinitely amusing. “There is a big difference between the two. You, of all ponies, should know the differences between such spells.”

“Only Luna can perform a spell like that,” growled Twilight. Powering up a stunning spell, she intended to knock this strange mare out and taking her right to the palace guard. She figured her big brother, Shining Armor, might have some fun dealing with somepony who snuck into his little sister’s room uninvited.

“Now Twilight, we can’t have you doing that now, can we?” The mare then waved her hoof, and Twilight felt the spell abruptly dissipate.

“What?” Twilight said trying to reignite her horn. Yet no magic answered her call. She hadn’t even seen the strange mare do anything other than wave her hoof. Yet her magic was being blocked. Like some outside force put a cap on her magical energy. “Just what did you do to me?!” Twilight's eyes went wide. She knew that nopony should be capable of doing that. Except for maybe Discord.

“Don’t worry, it’s only temporary,” The mare reassured Twilight, pulling herself up into a sitting position. “I’m really not in the mood to be knocked out by a angry unicorn. Besides, don’t you have any respect for your elders?” She smirked.

“Elder?” Twilight quickly looked the mare over. She couldn’t guess her age, but she didn’t even look older than her mother. “You are not my elder. You’re about the same age as I am!”

“Amazing, isn’t it? Generosity does such good work. I’m glad she decided to go with bodies similar in age to your own. I don’t look a day over five thousand.” The mare smirked, casually running a hoof over her flank, admiring her own appearance.

“Wait, Generosity?” Twilight raised an eyebrow. Now she was just getting confused.

“Of course! You don’t think I came alone, did you? Exploring this world wouldn’t be nearly as fun without the others! After all, why not try mortal forms for a change?.” The mare looked out the nearby window looking mildly confused. “Oh, I do believe the others are meeting up with your friends now. They should be along shortly. Though I suspect Laughter will make plenty of detours.”

“What… just what in wide world of Equestria are you?” Twilight asked, backing away from the strange mare. She wasn’t sure if she should be afraid of her or not.

“You really don’t know do you?” The mare asked, concern in her voice.

Twilight merely shook her head, backing up a bit more. She felt her rear bump up against the wall, just barely a few inches from the door. Just a few inches from calling out to her friends.

The mare scratched her chin a bit in thought before replying. “Oh, perhaps this will help.” The mare then turned, bearing her flank to Twilight. She then pointed a hoof to her cutie mark, a golden crown topped with a purple, star shaped gem. The Element of Magic crown.

“That’s…” Twilight gulped. “That’s impossible,” She whispered, staring in confusion at a cutie mark that could not… no, just should not even exist!

“I assure you, it is quite possible. You did call us, after all. Well, here we are. We came all this way to talk to you. To talk to all of your friends, and you don’t even recognize me.” The mare pouted. “You wound me, Twilight.”

It was impossible. At least Twilight thought it was impossible. Yet here the proof sat, partially sprawled out on her bed. “You’re Magic. Oh my gosh, you’re the Element of Magic! My Element of Magic?!” Twilight gaped, trying to keep her jaw from falling to the floor.

“The one and only,” Magic said, puffing out her chest with pride. “It took you long enough to figure it out. Magic is supposed to be your special talent, yet you didn’t even recognize your own Element and source of your power, even when she is standing… well, sitting, right in front of you! You need to be a bit more observant than that, Twilight. I know you can be.”

“But, out of all the possible results of the spell, I never expected something like this!” She held a hoof up and pointed at Magic. It was almost too good to be true. She was actually talking to her element right now! Though she wasn’t expecting to meet Magic as a pony.

“You’ve seen us change our shape before,” Magic sighed. “Why not take on a more familiar form?”

“I suppose you could.” Twilight said, rubbing her chin in thought. Her ears swiveled as she heard shouts echoing up from the hallways. “Should I be worried?”

“I don’t see why you should,” Magic continued, hopping off the bed. “I didn’t hurt you, after all.”

“Yes, but I didn’t exactly give you permission to sleep in my bed now, did I?” Twilight scoffed.

“You’re cute when you’re angry, you know that?” Magic giggled. “Anyway, I thought you wouldn’t mind. I had been under the impression that you would know who I was and would be expecting me. Seems I was wrong in that regard.”

“Wait, if you really are the Element of Magic, and have been in my mind, all this time, shouldn’t you and the others know better than to just barge into the castle?!” Twilight huffed waving a hoof in the air in frustration.

“Oh those are just rules, Twilight,” Magic said, fiddling with her mane a bit. “Don't worry, it won’t hurt to break a few. Besides, I know that neither Celestia or Luna are going care too much about us making things interesting around here.”

“I..  look, how do I even know if you're telling the truth? Even if you somehow shut off my magic.” Doubts slowly surfaced in Twilight’s mind after getting over the initial shock. She had to voice her biggest concern of all. “What if, maybe, just maybe you faked the cutie mark. Then somehow hid the real Element of Magic somewhere else?”

“Do you really doubt your eyes or your senses that much? Wow...” Magic was shocked at Twilight’s disbelief. “I may not be Honesty, but I am what I say I am. How much more proof do you need?!”

“Well, I don’t know, maybe show me a spell of some kind? If you really are the Element of Magic, you should be able to perform spells that most ponies can’t do. If you really are who you say you are, then it should be a simple matter to prove it that way.” Twilight had her now. While she would love it if this was the Element of Magic, she had to know for certain.

“Indeed it should, and I know the perfect spell for the task.” With that, the mare hopped off the bed and trotted over to Twilight. “Now this will only take a second,” Magic explained, reaching out with a hoof and placing it against Twilight’s chest.

All at once, Twilight felt that familiar sensation of temporary vertigo and the whirl of colors associated with a teleport spell. This time, the spell lasted a few seconds longer than normal. When it was over, she thought she had gone blind. Everything was pitch black, and she couldn’t even see her own hoof in front of her face. Twilight tried to keep the panic out of her voice. “I can’t see… why can’t I see anything?”

“Here, let me help with that,” Magic said, off to Twilight’s right. The darkness was lit up from a small ball of light conjured up from the other mare. She had a very pleased look on her face.

“Where are we?” Twilight asked, looking around at the bleak grey stones surrounding her. It made her shudder, reminding her of being trapped in the mines beneath Canterlot by a crazy changeling queen.

“Look up,” said Magic pointing a hoof to the sky.

Twilight looked up, expecting something spectacular. Perhaps even a ceiling, having fallen for a trap or something. She was somewhat disappointed to see stars twinkling above her. The fact that it was night, however, seems to imply that they had traveled a great distance. Far longer than any transport she had ever pulled off, but still not that difficult to do with some preparation. The stars themselves were unusually clear, but other than that, there was nothing interesting about the sky. Twilight looked back down at Magic, confused. “It’s just the night sky. I admit, it’s a bit clearer than I’ve ever seen it, but I could have seen this after Celestia had put the sun to rest later.”

“Look again.” Magic said gesturing back up.

“But, there’s nothing...” Twilight started to complain.

“Look. Again,” Magic said still wearing that smug grin despite speaking a little more forcefully.

Twilight huffed a bit before looking back up at the clear night sky. The unicorn still didn’t know what she was looking for, but kept her eyes trained for anything out of the ordinary. Then she saw it, slowly cresting over a small ridge. It was a pale blue dot, a small blue and green orb beginning to drift lazily from one end of the horizon to the other. Twilight recognized it instantly. She did a double take back and forth between Magic and the sky. She gulped. “But, but that... that can’t be. This kind of magic is impossible, unless you really....”

“Not for me it isn’t,” Magic beamed, as it finally dawned on Twilight where they really were.

“But... but, we're on the Moon,” Twilight said in disbelief, looking back up at the sphere, and pointing toward it. “By Celestia! That is Equis, and we’re on the Moon!”

“Indeed we are.” Magic gave a small clap at Twilight’s statement.

“I think...I need to go home now,” Twilight groaned, starting to feel overwhelmed, realizing just how far from home she really was.

“Very well,” said Magic placing her hoof back upon Twilight’s chest. Just as fast as they had arrived on the Moon, the pair found themselves back in Twilight’s room. “I hope that was sufficient proof of my identity.”

“I... I need to sit down.” Twilight said, trotting back to her desk. Her mind was reeling, the rush from being sent to space and back falling heavily upon her. Twilight plopped down on her chair, still scattered with notes and data. Part of her still couldn’t believe that the spell had worked. The bookworm was not only talking to one of the Elements of Harmony itself, but she could actually touch and feel it too. Okay, well she, not it. She even looked exactly like a pony, and Twilight could barely begin to theorize how much magical energy would be required to create such bodies out of essentially, well, nothing! The unicorn looked back over her notes and couldn’t help but think of how they now barely scratched the surface of what was possible. Her mind was going over a million things at once but refused to focus on anything in particular.

Then it hit her, and her eyes went wide once again. Twilight had, sitting in her room, the Element of Magic itself. She had, at her hooftips, the source of nearly all magical knowledge of the universe. Twilight could ask her anything, learn nearly everything. Be it the secrets of magic, or history thought long lost to ponykind. Twilight’s apprehension quickly vanished, and was replaced with a giddy rush. With a flash of her horn she grabbed up as much blank paper and writing tools as she could before turning around to face Magic. The eager student nearly fell back down as Magic’s muzzle was once more barely a hair’s distance away from her own. “Would you stop doing that!” Twilight yelped, quickly backing away from Magic. “You’re almost as bad as Pinkie.”

Magic giggled. “I do apologize. As I’ve said before, I haven’t had a living body for very long. I’m, well, far more used to being inside of you, than not.”

Twilight gulped, feeling her face go warm again. “I… ugh…” She really wished Magic had worded that sentence a bit better. Especially after what happened earlier. “Well, we can worry about that later,” Twilight said rearranging her stack of blank paper, and regaining her composure. She grinned. “Oh my gosh, I have so many questions for you!”

“I’m sure. Secrets of the universe and all that. It was one of the reason you called us, right?” Magic seemed bored by the prospect. Her smile dimmed slightly, before perking back up again. “I have a few better ideas to do with our time. I’m more interested in taking this new body for a test drive, if you will. I was rather enjoying resting with you in bed. Perhaps, we could resume doing that?” Magic gestured back to the bed.

Twilight felt her face begin to burn at Magic’s suggestion. “I’d rather not if that is all the same to you. Now for my first questi-OON!” Twilight’s voice rose in pitch as Magic wrapped her hooves around her midsection and began to drag her back to bed.

“We’ll have plenty of time for questions later. Your little freakout this morning cut into your sleep,” Magic said pulling on Twilight a bit harder. Twilight was surprised to find how strong the ponified Element really was. “You didn’t even get much rest last night after all. Once you’ve had your sleep, then you can ask your questions. You always did work better after a good night’s sleep. You and I both know that.” Twilight felt like panicking again. Magic seemed a little too eager to pull her back into bed.

“B...bu...but we don’t have to sleep together. Right?” Twilight stammered, trying to extricate herself from Magic’s grip.

“Now where would the fun in that be, hmm?” Magic giggled, falling down onto the bed and pulling Twilight along with her.

Twilight made a squeak, not unlike what Fluttershy would make, as she fell onto the bed. The unicorn found herself lying on top of Magic, who wore a very pleased look. Twilight felt like she would burst into flame at any second. “I’m not very sleepy actually. In fact I think I could do with a bit of fresh air,” Twilight said desperately, trying to free herself from Magic’s hold.

“Don’t make me hit you with a sleep spell, Twilight. Just relax, I don’t bite,” Magic said making a practically devious grin. “Well, unless you want me to...”

“Um, really, that really won’t be necessary I...”

"Twilight Sparkle!” Princess Luna nearly shouted, barging her way into the room and cutting off Twilight mid sentence. “You’re assistance is require imme—” Luna stopped as soon as she saw Twilight astride Magic on her bed. Her mouth opened and closed a few times in an attempt to say something as she looked over the pair. “It would seem you are preoccupied at the moment. Perhaps your friends will be able to deal with matters for the time being.”

“Oh,” said Magic. Her voice losing the teasing tone and taking on a flatter voice. “It’s you.”

“Luna, this isn’t what it looks like!” Twilight said, desperately trying to explain the situation. She could feel a blush on her face so intense that it almost felt like she would burn hotter than Celestia’s sun if it continued.

Luna looked back and forth between Twilight and Magic. She showed only confusion as she tried to asses the situation. “You are one of the intruders, aren't you?” Luna glared at Magic. Her expression changing from one of confusion and embarrassment to one of determination.

Magic sighed in annoyance. “I am not an intruder. I already explained this to Twilight. I do assume you mean the rest of my compatriots. You had better be treating them with respect Little LuLu.”

Luna’s expression changed to anger as Magic used the pet name her elder sister used. “Twilight?,” Luna asked through gritted teeth. “Is this who, or more precisely, what I think it is?”

Twilight finally managed to extricate herself from the distracted Magic. She trotted over to Luna, keeping her distance from Magic in the process. “Princess, this is the Element of Magic,” Twilight pointed toward Magic’s cutie mark as she introduced her. Luna noticed it looked just like Twilight’s element.

“You mean to tell me that this,” Luna gestured to Magic, “mare, is the actual Element of Magic? The same one that both you and my sister have wielded?”

“Well, yes,” Twilight said rubbing the back of her head with a hoof in embarrassment. “The spell we cast earlier actually worked, far better than we could have expected. The Elements heard us loud and clear and decided to, well, visit.”

“To put it simply,” said Magic smiling.

Before any of the mares could say anything more, a bright flash filled the room, followed quickly by what sounded like a party blower, and punctuated by a burst of confetti. “GOOD MORNING TWILIGHT!” Said two voices at once. Luna and Twilight winced.

“We brought cupcaaaaakes!” Pinkie singsonged with a tray of cupcakes carefully balanced atop her fluffy pink mane.

“For you! For you! And for everyone of your friends!” Said the second pony. A unicorn with an equally fluffy mane and a bright yellow coat. The unicorn quickly levitated three cupcakes to each pony in the room, beaming merrily as he did so. “I wish we could stay and enjoy such frosted coated goodness with you…”

“...But we must go and share our treats with everypony!” Pinkie Pie finished the colt’s sentence before the pair vanished once again the same way they entered.

“Let me guess.” Twilight groaned rubbing her hooves into her face. She turned to face Princess Luna, who was cautiously sniffing at the fluffy treat gifted to her. “That is why you came in here to begin with.”

“Among other things.” Luna said placing down the cupcake. “If that pony,” she nodded at Magic who was happily scarfing down her own snack, “is indeed the Element of Magic, then it appears we have much bigger problems on our hooves.”

Twilight groaned. It was going to be a very, very long day.

> Of Moons and Headaches
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Are you certain?” Princess Celestia asked her younger sister, taking a sip of her early morning tea.

        Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both sat together in their private dining room, having a nice, quiet breakfast and dinner, together. It was fairly common for the two siblings to meet and have a shared meal. This was a good way for the two sisters to actually spend time together. Their differing schedules made it a bit troublesome otherwise. Tonight’s topic of conversation between the solar and lunar sisters was about the communication spell that had been attempted earlier on in the day.

        “I am,” Luna replied, daintily eating at her Griffon style salad, a spicy dish that she had developed a fondness for since her return. “The device worked exactly as it should. Nothing went wrong.”

        “How odd,” Celestia murmured in between nibbles on her blueberry muffin. “Twilight was absolutely certain that something had failed, especially since they never made the full contact like she was expecting. But I’ll take your word for it, sister.” Celestia smiled at Luna. “After all, you were always one for detail. The night sky is but one reminder of that.”

        Luna nodded, returning the smile. It didn’t last long, however, as she bit down on a particularly spicy pepper. Celestia couldn’t help but let out a chuckle as Luna chugged down her entire ice cold glass of milk in almost a single gulp.

“I’ll never understand your fondness for spicy foods, Luna.” Celestia said with a smile and shake of her head. 

“It... It’s an acquired taste, I will admit.” Luna replied as she refilled her glass before resuming her dinner, “But one cannot pass up the feeling of eating fire. Without the actual burning, of course.”

“To each their own, I suppose,” Celestia sighed. Having to deal with a giant ball of fire on a daily basis had dulled Celestia to wanting to deal with anything fire related.

“However,” Luna began after catching her breath, “Twilight may have been mistaken about the Elements.”

“Oh?” Celestia asked, curious as to her sisters train of thought.

“Perhaps… perhaps there was nothing for Twilight and her friends to actually contact?” Luna finally voiced a concern that had plagued her since the beginning. A part of her wasn’t sure if the elements were sentient at all. Even with Twilight’s evidence, that little voice, that little pony in the back of her mind refused to be quiet about it.

“I had also considered that possibility,” Celestia agreed.

Luna raised an eyebrow in confusion. “If you had the same concern, why didn’t you bring it to Twilight’s attention?”

Celestia shook her head. “I suppose for more or less the same reason you might. Curiosity, really.”

Luna paused for a moment before she continued. “That’s not the only reason, is it?” Luna pressed her sister. She always knew when Celestia was hiding something.

Celestia’s face went blank, then her eyes took on a faraway look as she casted herself into her memories. She sighed and looked back at Luna, a mix of sadness and concern etched onto her features. “There are many things you missed, Luna, during your… ‘absence’.” Celestia visibly cringed at the word. “Our thoughts about just what exactly the Elements of Harmony are changed during all those lonely years. I have a very hard time accepting the idea that the Elements are just a part of the Tree of Harmony. Something else has been working through them, somehow. For a thousand years, I’ve watched it play out the long game, and even helped things along when it came to freeing you. Then you have all these little coincidences and other small things. I’ll admit, a small part of me wishes to know just where this plan will go, and the other part is rather… leary. I honestly don’t even know if there is a “plan” necessarily.”

Luna was quiet for a minute, digesting this new information. She had spent the first year of her return trying to catch up on everything she had missed during her exile. Luna still had no idea how Celestia had managed to endure such loneliness, when her own allowed the darkness to enter her heart, changing her into Nightmare Moon. To say the past thousand years had been awful for the two of them would have been an understatement.

Luna shoved those thoughts aside when another concern entered her mind. “Celestia? You… you haven’t told her about the Tree of Harmony, have you?”

“No,” Celestia took another sip of her tea.. “I still don’t believe she needs to know about that. Not yet, anyway. If I had told her, she may have wanted to conduct the experiment on the tree itself.” Celestia looked up from her tea, a concerned look on her face. “Can you imagine what that would have done to its energy reserves? Or the rest of the Everfree itself?”

Luna shook her head. “The forest has already grown so much in their absence. I almost wish we could just simply return the Elements back to their home, with the Tree.”

“Lulu, you know as well as I do what happened the last time we tried that,” Celestia’s tone became serious, using Luna’s old foalhood nickname.

“Sombra,” Luna shuttered at the memories of the Dark King. “We still defeated him, without the Elements.”

“We underestimated him,” Celestia had lost any of her usual cheer, taking on a serious tone. “His hatred alone was enough for him to charge his magic to an unfathomable level, even beyond our own. It was his…” Celestia hesitated, feeling all that remorse from over a thousand years ago coming back. “That poison that weakened us further, causing us to lose the Crystal Empire, and even the start of… start of your fall.”

Celestia took a deep breath, calming herself before continuing. She still held a twinge of sadness in her voice. “If we had the Elements when we first faced him, all of that could have been avoided. It is far, far too risky to return them now. That tree has stood for well over a thousand years, not to mention the Everfree Forest and its growth seems to have calmed ever since Twilight and her friends rediscovered them. I don’t think we’ll need to resort to that anytime soon.”

“But it’s still a possibility, sister. You know this.”

Celestia nodded, but said nothing. For several moments, neither pony said anything, the only sound in the room the quiet chewing of their respective meals. Before either sister said another word, Luna hopped down from her chair and made her way over to the Solar Diarch. She wrapped her forelegs around her elder sister in a tight embrace, an embrace that Celestia more than happily reciprocated.

“Tia... you’re scared, aren’t you?” Luna rubbed her sister’s back, trying to console her.

“Why… why shouldn’t I be?” Celestia sniffled, letting let her normal decorum of composure completely go in the embrace. Even now, when it was just the two of them, the elder sister still had trouble letting herself go, even a little bit. Luna felt a tear fall onto her shoulder. “I… I just couldn’t bear to lose you again. Not Twilight, not anypony, really. I thought that maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to protect everypony. But only if I could speak to them, and learn how they function. We still know so little about them, Luna. Maybe after that, I could return them to the tree and protect my kingdom with something else. Now, we don’t even know if that spell truly worked or not.”

“We can always try again.” Luna pulled away from her sister and held her shoulders, giving her the warmest smile she could. “You don’t have to do it alone anymore, sister. I’ll make sure to look through Twilight’s notes tomorrow night. If anything truly went wrong, we’ll be able to find it.”

Celestia sniffled, giving a small smile and nodding. “You’re right,” she giggled a bit realizing how set in her ways she had truly become. “Thank you, Luna. I can never thank Twilight and her friends enough for saving you. For bringing you back.” Celestia closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let it out, reasserting her composure.

“I’m glad I can finally help you for a change,” Luna smiled as she retook her seat. 

It was several moments more of pleasant, silent, eating before Luna spoke again. “By the way dearest sister of mine,” Luna smirked, looking up as Celestia returned to her tea. “I’ve heard some very interesting rumors regarding you. Knowing you as well as I do, I believe that at least one is true.”

“Oh?” Celestia raised an eyebrow in curiosity. She had been alive for a very long time, and had heard practically everything that could be said about somepony a dozen times over. Especially when it came to herself. “Which one might that be?”

Luna couldn’t hide the smirk on her face. “Tia… just how many ponies have you been with since my absence?”

Celestia nearly choked on her tea.



	

Later that night,  Luna was trotting through the still silent hallways of Canterlot Castle. It was still at least an hour before dawn, but she still had a few duties left to attend to before Celestia’s sun rose for the new day. While the halls of the castle were quiet, they were far from empty. Even this late, the Canterlot Guard patrolled the halls, streets, and even skies in search of anyone who might bring trouble to the slumbering ponies of Canterlot. Mostly pegasi, with the usual mixing of unicorns and earth ponies, and even a few of the bat winged variety of pegasi, thestrals.

Luna had been surprised when she discovered that her sister had kept such good relations with the Thestral Colonies after her banishment. While most ponies no longer remembered the bat winged cousins of the pegasi, the small tribe had flourished in her long absence. They remained loyal to the throne, even despite Luna’s evil transformation. Her return had even been met with joyous celebration from them.

Soon, Luna found herself back in the chamber of the Trans-Planar communication spell. The massive construct still idly spun in the vaulted room, its formerly etched and enchanted surface now completely bare of any markings of any sort. It gave off a slight hum as it spun, giving it even more of an ominous aura. Luna ran an idle hoof over one of the slabs as it passed by her. It still somewhat amazed her at just how smooth the surface felt. Almost as if it had never even been engraved or cut. Usually, if magic was used to repair a structure, there would be a visible sign of this, such as some sort of a rough spot or patch that remained afterward. However, these slabs were actually smoother than they were when they were first set up.

She mused at just how difficult it had been to even obtain this much obsidian to begin with. This particular black stone was volcanic in nature, and the only still active volcanoes were in the Dragon lands. She even had suggested using Spike as a means of negotiating with the dragons, but Twilight would have none of it. Eventually, Luna herself ended up retrieving the necessary components for the device. Really, it was such a shame that all her hard work basically went to waste. The more Luna thought about it, the more she understood Twilight’s frustration.

Luna reached out with her mind and magic, and felt all the different sleeping ponies around her in Canterlot. All but one was fast asleep as the sun began its ascent. She could feel the familiar bubbly energy of Pinkie Pie, already wide awake. Soon, the others would be awake as well, and Twilight would surely wish to resume her work. Luna had a feeling that her friends would have none of that, considering Twilight had basically been working nonstop the entire past month.

At that moment, Luna noticed something strange. Something pinged her senses as she looked over each element bearer. There was another presence, a spark of unfamiliar magic, close to each of them.

“Commander Shade,” Luna called out to the darkness surrounding her.

One of Luna’s hidden Night Guard emerged from the rafters up above her. He gently lighted down the floor, behind the princess, not making a single sound. “Yes, my princess?”

Luna almost smiled. “Quiet as always,” she said to herself as she turned to face the Thestral. “Commander, anything to report?”

“Nothing, my liege.” Shade replied, shifting slightly.

That actually surprised Luna. She raised an eyebrow in confusion at the leader of her guard. “Are you certain?”

Shade didn’t even hesitate. “Indeed. The majority of the Night Guard have already returned to the roost for the day. The night passed without incident.”

“How about Twilight Sparkle and her friends, and the elements being kept with them?”

“They are… safe.” Shade replied with a slight hesitation in his voice.

“Something troubles you Shade.” Luna said, with concern in her voice. Since her return, she had made sure to get closer to her guard, thanks to a suggestion from her sister. Speaking to normal citizens was hard enough, so attempting to breach protocol and become friends with her guard was a somewhat alien, almost ridiculous concept to Luna. Despite that, she couldn’t deny the results. Getting to know her guardsmen helped her better recognize what kind of duties to assign them, or what they truly meant by some of their actions and words.

Shade nodded uneasily. “That pink mare, she somehow knew we were watching her. I don’t know how, but she even managed to get several of us into her party. How can a simple earth pony mare know of our presence so easily?”

Luna merely smiled and shook her head. “It really isn’t surprising. I only met Pinkie Pie recently. She never ceases to amaze me with her abilities. Try not to worry about her.” Luna turned around and started heading to her quarters for the day, Shade following close behind.

“Are your guards still well?” Luna noticed a few of the early morning Day Guard filtering out into their respective post for the day.

Shade nodded. “They’ve been doing well since the changeling invasion. Trust me when I say we shall never allow any other shapeshifter inside of Canterlot.”

Luna smiled. “Now that you know what to search for, I would most certainly hope that would be the case..” Luna trailed off and stopped dead in her tracks as she felt that odd twinge of magic around the element bearers flare up again. “What the…” Luna mumbled to herself as she turned, looking back to where two bearers were sleeping.

“My Princess?” Shade asked in confusion.

“Commander, gather the Night Guard, and work with the Day Guard. We may have a serious problem on our hooves,” Luna’s face hardened into a battle hardened glare.

“Changelings?” Shade’s fur stood up at the prospect of a little payback.

“I doubt it, but the Elements may be in danger. Move it, commander!” Luna called back, dashing toward where the two closest Bearers were now sleeping. Those two had barely any guard presence compared to the others. The others were safe, but these two were practically out in the open. Also, anypony, or anything that was confident enough for a direct attack like this probably wouldn’t let a guard presence stop them anyway.

On the edge of her senses, Luna noticed a few of her Night Guard already flying in from the outer walls, speeding towards the same destination as her. One of them pulled up alongside her, flying at near full speed just to keep up with the surprisingly quick Princess of the Night.

“What is it, guardsman?” Luna didn’t even turn to acknowledge him, still moving at a full gallop. She would be flying, but her wingspan prevented that in this particular part of the castle.

“We have intruders, my princess.” The guard replied, somewhat out of breath. They both continued moving at a breakneck pace through the halls.

Luna nodded in acknowledgment. She had not forgotten her failure after the changeling invasion of Canterlot. Since then, Luna had significantly strengthened her own guard, and greatly increased the number of patrols at night. She would be damned to Tartarus if she let any other threat just waltz into Canterlot. Next time she would put up a proper fight, instead of sleeping through it. (Come to think of it, she probably shouldn’t have soundproofed her room as well as she had.)

“Why haven’t any of the other guards responded yet?” Luna shouted in minor annoyance, making a sharp turn down another hallway.

“We are, but they have an unusually powerful magic with them. One already disappeared with Miss Pie. Another one is already engaged with several Day and Night guardsponies.” Luna could already hear the sound of shouting and combat echoing through the halls.

“How did they breach the perimeter?” Luna asked of her guard. They were getting much closer to the commotion.

“Unknown, they just literally appeared out of thin air, right next to each bearer! When one of my squadmates confronted them, one lashed out and started attacking us. I had to fall back, the attacking one managed to knock out the rest of my squadmates with ease.”

“Did they use a teleport spell? Illusion spell?” Luna wasn’t really concerned about the fact her guard had retreated. They needed the information, not to mention her guard were skilled at hit and run tactics, not brute force.

“Again, unknown. However, I met up with another scout on the way to you. He informed me that Miss Pie was still in castle somewhere, along with the intruder who appeared to have taken her. We’re keeping our distance from that one, especially considering how powerful of a unicorn he was. The other intruder is an earth pony.”

“Where exactly did they take Pinkie Pie?”

“It was… right here actually.” The guard flared his wings and stopped dead in front of the door to the kitchens.

Luna also skidded to a stop, staring at the door leading to the main kitchen of the castle. She reached out with her senses, her mind probing the room beyond. She expected to feel Pinkie Pie and one other unknown presence, but she felt two inside. The two foreign presences did not feel like ponies at all. They felt like two magical constructs, almost like two mobile spells. Golems, possibly?

“Are you sure you only saw two intruders?” Luna had expanded her senses, finding a third presence back in the nearby ballroom.

“I am, your highness.”

“Then things might be more serious than previously thought.” Luna started charging up a powerful stunning spell to knock out the two intruders in the room beyond. They’d never even see it coming.

“My Princess?”

“We seem to have more than two powerful intruders in Canterlot.” Luna replied as she moved up to the wall next to the kitchen’s entrance. She heard the sound of clattering pots and pans. Was Pinkie defending herself against her kidnappers? Luna almost laughed, knowing just how much trouble that mare could be, especially for someone who didn’t know her very well.

“Should I follow you in, Princess Luna?” The guard took up the same position on the opposite side of the door.

“No. We don’t know just how strong this unicorn is. If he can teleport several ponies that easily, I should face him alone. I’ll be able to handle anything they throw at me.” Luna narrowed her gaze at the door. “Now, I need you to go regroup with the others. Find Commander Shade. Help him organize a thorough search of the castle. Tell him I sent you. Make sure we have no more uninvited ‘guests’.”

With a quick salute, the guard darted back into the rapidly fading shadows. Even in the early light of day, Luna was proud of her Night Guard for their stealth.

Luna turned her attention back to the door, not quite sure what to expect. It wasn’t like she couldn’t handle whatever was on the other side of that door, she just preferred to actually have a good idea of what she was going up against before facing it head on. Most likely, these intruders had access to some form of unknown, powerful magic. Why else would they risk such an attack as this? It was dangerous, and more or less suicidal for them. She had to be ready for anything.

“Oh my gosh, you’re right! This is going to be the most amazing thing ever!” An excited voice blared out through the door. A voice Luna instantly recognized.

“Pinkie Pie?” Luna asked. That didn’t sound like a pony in trouble, much less a pony who was foalnapped.

“It’ll be even better once Princess Luna stops moping at the door, and decides to join us in here!” Another voice called out, this one a mare. “We know you’re out there Luna! No need to hide from us!”

Luna’s stood there in shock, her eyes wide with surprise. Unlike her ill-fated entrance to Ponyville recently, she had been attempting to be as quiet as possible. She was even masking her own aura to ensure nopony with any kind of magical scrying ability could spot her. Just who, or what, were these ponies? Luna hesitated for a moment, then slowly trotted into the kitchen, keeping her stun spell at the ready, should she still need to use it.

Luna stepped into the kitchen, finding it covered in cake batter and other random baking ingredients. Despite the fact the place looked like a bomb filled with cake batter had went off, several trays of freshly, perfectly made cupcakes and plates of other various baked goods sat on various countertops inside.

“Just what is going on in here? Pinkie?” Luna had a bewildered look on her face.

“We’re making cupcakes!” Pinkie cheered, bouncing up to Luna, perfectly balancing a plate full of various sugary treats on her head.

“Oh no no no, you are not, I repeat, not giving Luna a sugar filled death trap under my watch!” A light blue coated pegasus with a braided purple mane dashed over and snatched up the plate before Luna could really decide if she wanted any or not. “If you two had actually taken my advice and added in the correct amount of sugar, then maybe you wouldn’t risk killing something that’s nearly immortal.”

“But, I put this much sugar in my food all the time! Nothing bad’s ever happened to me!” Pinkie complained. “Well, there was that one time where I-”

“Well, you are a special case, dear.” The pegasus hovered past Pinkie, putting the plate back on a nearby table. She was wearing a pink frilly apron with a heart emblazoned upon it. “You have her helping you.” The mare gestured over to a nearby unicorn mare with a batter covered spoon.

This particular unicorn had a brilliant yellow coat. Her mane was as fluffy as Pinkie’s, but was an almost sky blue color. Something about the mare was making it uncomfortable for Luna to look at her for too long. It might have had something to do with the alarming rate at which the unicorn was creating baked goods, and that she was actually consuming them at a rate that would put even Pinkie Pie to shame.

The unicorn realized the pegasus was talking to her. “Mrffrmrf mrfmrmfmr fmrmrmfmrm,” was her mumbled reply as she continued to create more snacks and stuff herself silly.
 
Luna had no words at just how absurd this entire morning had been. These were the intruders? A Pinkie Pie like unicorn and some random pegasus mare? Regardless though, they had broken into the castle somehow, bypassed every single security measure and patrol that was in place, and taken Pinkie Pie with them.

Even though their behavior was strange and seemingly benign, Luna still could not let them be. It didn’t help matters that another one was apparently taking on her and her sister’s castle guard single hoofedly. If these two were involved with the third, more violent troublemaker, they were most likely more dangerous than what they appeared.

However, at the same time, Luna knew it was better to speak to ponies first before assuming anything. Her nearly disastrous visit to Ponyville during her first Nightmare Night had certainly reinforced that. With her guard still up, and the spell charged, Luna stepped in between Pinkie Pie and the other two ponies.

“Who are you ponies, and why did you foalnap Pinkie Pie?” Luna kept her voice flat, and a neutral expression so as not to cause anyone to do anything rash.

“To throw a party, of course!” The yellow mare chirped up with a smile, stopping her massing eating binge only long enough to reply. Luna’s eye twitched.

“THEN WHY-” Luna took a deep breath, attempting to calm herself down. She remembered that using the Royal Canterlot Voice in a small room never ended well. “If all of you are going to throw a party, then why are you attacking us?” Luna asked through grit teeth, trying to keep her rage from boiling over. To make matters worse, Luna felt the third presence getting closer, and heard the shouts of several guards echoing through the halls, getting closer to the kitchen.

The blue pegasus mare cocked her head slightly to the side, looking at Luna in confusion. “What are you- Oh.” She let out a sigh of disappointment, then fluttered into the air, bringing her hooves up to her face. “Great, we just got here, and he’s already picking a fight with the guard.”

“So then, that third pony IS with you,” Luna had already put two and two together, but had to be absolutely sure. She was about to take them into custody, but her curiosity stopped her.

Luna kept an eye on both, but watched as the unicorn placed a rather large, pony sized cake behind the hovering pegasus. The yellow mare made a shushing motion at Luna, arranging the cake just so. She had no idea how the unicorn had even made such a large confection without her noticing. To say this mare was just like Pinkie Pie would have been an understatement.

“Unfortunately, yes, he is. It seems not only do I have to keep this one in line...” the pegasus gestured to the unicorn who had just hopped over to Pinkie with a large tray of cupcakes hovering in front of her, and a large smile on her face. “I now also have to deal with Loyalty starting his own personal little war. Great way to make a first impression, yes?”

“And we’re off!” Cheered the yellow unicorn as she grabbed Pinkie, and the tray of cupcakes before charging up her horn.

        “Wheee! I love this part!” Pinkie squealed in joy as the two disappeared in a bright flash of a teleportation spell.

Luna was about to respond to the pegasus when she felt a presence rapidly approaching object from behind her. It was a good thing she had kept her extra senses and magic on full alert, or she wouldn’t have noticed the large white stallion with a tri-colored blue mane careening through the door right at her. Luna sidestepped just in time, the pony barely missing the side of her head.

Luna realized, as the stallion passed her by, that this was Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle’s older brother, and Captain of the Day Guard. Luna watched as the pegasus mare failed to react nearly as quickly as she had. The two collided, both crashing into the cake in a heap.

Luna blinked, a bit confused at what had just happened. “Captain, are you alright?” she asked, approaching the cake covered ponies.

Shining quickly disentangled himself from the messy confection, attempting to clean all the cake off of himself and his armor with his magic. “Ugh, I’ve been better.”

“I swear to harmony, when I get my hooves on Laughter, I’m going to kill her,” the pegasus grumbled as she tried to extricate herself from the large cake.

“Oh, here, let me help you.” Shining used his magic to help free the pegasus from her cake prison and remove most of the baked good and frosting from her wings. “I’m truly sorry ma’am, I didn’t mean to plow into you like that. You’re not hurt, are you?”

“Thank you, Captain, and no, I’m fine.” the pegasus replied, happy to finally have her wings free of cake and icing.

“You are welcome, ma’am.” Shining replied with an uneasy smile. He turned to Princess Luna and gave a quick salute. Luna had to admit, it looked really odd (if not rather hilarious) considering how he still had cake all over him.

“Status report, Captain?” Luna asked him, still eyeing the pegasus with some suspicion.

“I can’t really say,” he sighed, scratching the back of his head. “Some pony started attacking us. He was much stronger than what we expected, but we got him under control… well, until he tossed me through the door.” Shining had a sheepish smile on his face.

“Oh, well, I’m sure he meant no permanent harm,” the pegasus replied as she began to trot out of the kitchen. “He’s just been quite a bit upset at the current state of the castle guard, is all. Something about them not being real soldiers or the like. I’m sure he’ll calm down soon enough. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find that crazy unicorn before she kills somebody with a sugar overdose from those things that only look like cupcakes.”

Shining Armor looked at the retreating pegasus in confusion before turning to Luna. “I, huh? Who was that?”

Luna sighed. “It’s a long story, Captain.” She shook her head. “However, I would suggest you follow after her. I do believe she is connected in some way to the pony who bucked you through the door just a moment ago.” 

Shining grimaced at that. He nodded, then wordlessly turned and took off at a brisk pace, following the strange pegasus.





        A few minutes later, Luna trotted out of the large disaster area that was the main kitchen. As soon as she stepped outside, her eyes widened. She saw a pile of several guards desperately trying to hold something down. Even worse, Rainbow Dash was sprawled out on the floor nearby, out cold, presumably thanks to whoever the guards were trying to subdue at the moment.

        Luna saw Applejack eyeing the pile of guard ponies cautiously, all the while trying to fashion a rope out of some nearby curtains. She realized that Applejack wasn’t wearing her Element of Harmony, nor was Rainbow Dash. This troubled her more a bit more than she liked to admit. However, with this madpony finally contained, and Shining Armor pursuing the other two, Luna was confident they would recover the elements soon.

        “Good morning Applejack.” Luna said as she walked around the guards towards Applejack, keeping an eye on them in case the subdued pony somehow managed to jump out. “Do you happen to know where your element is?”

        “Mornin’,” came Applejack’s reply. “Ah can’t really say that ah know where they went yer Highness. They were gone when we woke up this mornin’. Dash thinks this guy,” She motioned towards the pile of guards “might have took em’. Do you know anythin’ about this, Princess?”

        Luna sighed. “Applejack, I’m afraid I do not. I haven’t had a morning this crazy since...” She trailed off, frustration evident in her voice.

        “Ah think we should get Twi and the others up. Something just ain’t right about all this, Luna.”

Before Luna could reply, a new voice popped up. “Luna?” A red maned earth pony stallion with a white coat poked his head out of the pile of guard ponies. A big smile split his face, and before Luna could even blink, he jumped up, flinging guards in every direction like toys. Two guards who had held on tried (and failed) to hold him back as he happily trotted up to Luna, dragging the two of them across the floor. He ignored them hanging off of him, and trotted up to Luna, snapping a salute. “Reporting for duty, Princess Luna.”

        Luna and Applejack stared at him in confusion. “Um, Princess, ah think one of the guard must’ve hit him in the head a bit too hard.”

        “On the contrary, Miss Applejack. I am in complete control of my faculties,” the stallion replied, not breaking his rigid stance in front of them, not even despite the two guard ponies still trying to drag him down. The rest of the guard whom he had flung off were still all out cold. 

        Luna’s left eye twitched. “Then why did you attack them!?” Luna growled. She barely kept herself from shouting with the full force of the Royal Canterlot Voice. It was almost as if these ponies could do whatever they wished, with no regard for any kind of rules or laws.

The stallion smiled. “Why, to teach them a lesson, of course. Surely you remember just how poor their performance during the invasion was? I aim to show them that being in an extended time of peace is no excuse for failing at your primary duty. If it requires me to beat them senseless until they understand, then so be it!”

Applejack glared at him. “Then why in all things cinnamon swirl did you attack Rainbow Dash?” She gestured to the still unconscious rainbow maned pegasus.

“Self-defense. I did warn her.” He shrugged. “She just refused to back down. Seemed a bit hard-headed and stubborn to me, really. She should wake up soon.”

Luna closed her eyes and took a deep breath in, then let it out. After calming herself, she opened her eyes, turned to look the strange stallion right in the eye, and put on her most authoritative appearance. “No matter your reasons, you still invaded the castle. Our castle! On top of that, you harmed countless Day and Night Guardsponies! Not to mention knocked out the bearer of the Element of Loyalty!” She let out an annoyed huff. “These are some serious crimes, and I will have to punish you accordingly.” She paused for a moment. “Now, If you will reveal to us the locations of your compatriots, we just may be a bit lenient towards you.”

“Understood ma’am.” He snapped another salute. “My first recommendation is to check each of Twilight Sparkle’s friends. My compatriots should be near each one of them. Though, one of us seems to still be absent, and I saw Generosity fly off. So I could be mistaken on their locations… I wish I could be more helpful your highness, but that is essentially all I know of the current situation.”

Luna and Applejack were even more confused. “You do realize that by telling us this, your compatriots will also be punished in the same manner as you, yes?” Luna asked of the stallion.

“Of course, if that is what the Princess wishes, then that is what she will have,” he replied with the utmost confidence.

“Well, alrighty then.” Applejack couldn’t even begin to believe or understand this strange stallion.

Luna noticed that most of the guards had recovered from being thrown across the hall. She motioned to the two who were holding still onto him. They finally let him go, only to put hoofcuffs on him. “For the time being, I’m leaving you with Applejack and Rainbow Dash here. I want you to listen to them, and help them in apprehending your comrades. Understood?”

“Yes ma’am,” he replied, with an attempt at a salute. Thanks to the hoofcuffs however, this salute was considerably more awkward.

Luna turned to Applejack. “Applejack, you’re in charge here. I’m going to go to Twilight Sparkle and the others. Wait for us here.”

“Will do, Princess.” Applejack nodded, then trotted over to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow was finally showing signs of waking up. Her wings twitching errantly, and her hooves trying to find purchase to right herself on the polished castle floor. Applejack helped hoist her friend unsteadily to her hooves. Applejack then looked over at the stallion, as Rainbow Dash shook her head to clear the stars in her eyes. “C’mon sugarcube, you need to help me get little miss sleepy head here up ta speed.”

“Yes ma’am.” The strange stallion followed after her, with four wary guards trailing after him.



	

Satisfied that the situation was finally somewhat under control, Luna made her way to the guest quarters. She wasn’t really sure why this strange stallion was fully willing to cooperate, or if he was just playing them for fools. Absolutely everything about this situation was just outright insane. Discord would have relished in all this. Could he have been responsible for this? She quickly discarded the notion. The Spirit of Chaos was still safely trapped as a statue. He also would have caused a great deal more trouble than this. Next to Discord, these strange ponies were amateurs.

        Luna also recalled that the ponies had referred to each other by name a few times. Laughter and Generosity came to mind, and she also remembered that pegasus had referred to the troublemaker as Loyalty. She wondered if these were these code names they had given to each other, or even if these ponies were actually the Elements of Harmony.

She actually let out a chuckle at the notion. Even if Twilight’s spell had worked, they would have contacted the Tree of Harmony itself, not each individual element. After all, were the elements just not part of the tree?

Honestly, she was starting to doubt that idea. Maybe it was possible that each element had it’s own consciousness? She really didn’t know what to think about that possibility. She filed that idea in the back of her mind to revisit later, alongside the other problems from this morning. She already felt a twinge of a headache coming on, and had a feeling it was going to be a seriously long day. It didn’t help at all that she still needed to wake up Rarity, Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle.

After a few minutes, Luna finally made to her first destination, Rarity’s suite. She rapped her hoof on the door three times in rapid succession. “Rarity! I need to speak to you. It’s urgent!” Luna yelled through the door, just shy of the Royal Canterlot Voice. She didn’t want to blow the door off the hinges, after all.

A few seconds passed, then Luna heard movement from inside, along with some very unladylike words. Apparently, Rarity was not a morning pony. Luna actually felt a little bad for waking the poor mare up this early, but other matters were more important right now.

“I swear to Celestia AND Luna, this had better be important.” Rarity complained. Luna barely heard her from through the door.

Eventually, Rarity opened the door. Her normally perfect mane and tail were both a total disaster. Luna actually was taken aback by the poor fashionista's appearance. 

Rarity lifted her sleeping mask to see who dared to interrupt her beauty sleep. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw Princess Luna standing there. The unicorn opened and closed her mouth several times in shock, like a fish would. 

“P-Princess Luna? What’s going on? Is something wrong?” Rarity stammered out in shock.

Luna held back a smirk at Rarity’s appearance, and kept an annoyed look on her face. “Rarity, I need you to go meet the others in front of the main kitchen. We have a bit of a situation on our hooves. I’ll explain once everyone is there. Please hurry.”

“Oh, okay, your majesty. Um, do you care if I at least take a moment to make myself more presentable?” She said desperately trying to excuse herself back into her room.

Luna smirked at that. “Yes, that’s fine. Please be quick about it, though. I’m going to get Fluttershy and Twilight. The others should already be there.”

“Of course, I’ll be there shortly.” Rarity gave Luna a quick bow and hastily shut the door. She was obviously embarrassed at being seen in such a state.

Luna paid it no mind and turned to leave. She had to wake up Fluttershy next.





Fluttershy’s room was just a bit further down the hallway. Thankfully, none of the insanity that had been plaguing her all morning managed to show itself in this part of the castle. All was quiet for the time being.

        As she approached Fluttershy’s door, she tried to ignore the fact that her headache was starting to get worse. Again, she rapped on the door hard, three times. “Fluttershy! I need to speak with you for a moment! It’s urgent!”

        After waiting a solid minute, Luna got no response, nor did she even hear any movement inside. “Fluttershy?” she called out again. Still no response. Luna started to fear the worst. No, she wasn’t going to wait around this time.

        Luna reached out into the room with her magic, but only sensed one presence within, most likely Fluttershy. She seemed to still be in bed. Maybe she didn’t hear her yelling? Or pounding on the door even? Luna doubted that. Something was wrong.

        In one swift motion, Luna charged up her stun spell again and then threw the door open, expecting the worst. She quickly glanced around with her spell at the ready, daring anything to come at her. What she saw, however, was a bit of a relief.

        The bed was empty, actually. Somepony had recently been in it, as it was still unkempt. After sweeping her vision and senses around the room one last time, she noticed that the bed was actually shaking. Upon closer inspection, she noticed a familiar pink tail sticking out from underneath it.

        Luna realized that she must have scared poor Fluttershy. She slowly walked up to the shaking furniture and peeked underneath. Sure enough, she found Fluttershy laying there, curled up into a ball, shaking, her face buried in her forelegs. 

“Dearest Fluttershy,” Luna said in her calmest voice. “It’s only me, Luna. I’m sorry if I scared you. Are you alright?”

Fluttershy peeked out from her hooves upon hearing the familiar voice, and instantly relaxed. Her expression changed from fear to a shy smile. “Oh my, it’s only you Princess Luna. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hide like this. I’m just startled easily is all.” Luna extended her hoof out, and Fluttershy gladly accepted it. She pulled herself out from under the bed, dusting herself off as she did so.

“It’s quite alright Fluttershy, think nothing of it. However, I do need you to go to the castle kitchen, and wait for me there. It’s been a very… eventful morning. Everypony else should be there shortly.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “Oh my, did somepony get hurt? Is everything okay? Did the castle critters break into the halls again? Oh my, I knew I would scare them more if I came back. I’m sorry Luna, I didn’t mean to...”

Luna cut off the slowly hyperventilating pegasus with a gentle hoof to the shoulder. “No, nothing of the sort. Though I’m trying to keep something serious from happening. Do you remember how to get to the main kitchen? I can have a guard escort you there, if you’d like.”

“Oh, no, that won’t be necessary Luna. I can make it on my own. Thank you.” Fluttershy gracefully bowed to Luna as she passed and left to meet up with the others.

Luna sighed and closed her eyes for a minute, trying to will away the headache she was getting. She had only one more pony left to awaken. Twilight Sparkle. Unfortunately, her room was resting in the other end of the guest quarters of the castle. Even with her rather fast hoof speed it would take a good deal of time to reach her. It would be much quicker to teleport over for this one.

Luna kept her eyes closed and charged up a quick teleport spell. She winked out of existence from Fluttershy’s room and reappeared in front of Twilight’s room. The guard didn’t even flinch when she appeared in a bright flash in front of him. He gave the princess a quick salute as she charged into the room. She didn’t even acknowledge him. Her patience was wearing thin, and the headache wasn’t helping matters any. She had no more time for formalities.

“Twilight Sparkle!” Princess Luna nearly shouted, barging her way into the room and cutting off Twilight mid sentence. “Your assistance is require imme...” Luna stopped dead in her tracks as she took in the scene before her. Twilight was astride another pony on the bed.

Luna was more than a little confused now. She groaned internally at just how absurd things were getting. She had a feeling she wasn’t going to get any sleep today.

It didn’t help that her headache just kept getting worse.

> Disharmony of Harmony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Magic was frustrated. Her arrival onto the mortal plane wasn’t anything like she had expected. She had hoped to be greeted with much fanfare, some joy and praise, maybe even some mild awe. However, all she received was confusion and mistrust. Not even Twilight Sparkle, her own bearer, recognized her at first! Sure, it was endlessly amusing to torment and tease the bookish unicorn, but Magic so wished for the Twilight that she knew hid just beneath the surface. The pony that could wield her power to an astonishing degree. The pony who tamed a rampaging Ursa Minor all by herself. The pony who could even burst into flames when enraged, without harming herself! Oh, how Magic longed to see such a display of Twilight’s full power like that, first hooved.

However, before Magic could even try and get Twilight to relax, ‘She’ had to barge in and ruin everything. Princess Luna. The last pony Magic wanted to even see, let alone speak with. After all, it was her fault that Magic lost her connection to her first bearer, her darling Princess Celestia. Harmony knows Magic wouldn’t be forgiving Luna for that whole debacle anytime soon.

 To make matters worse, Twilight seemed very eager to keep Luna between herself and Magic. It was almost as if Twilight didn’t trust her own element! This was made especially evident by just how the two were speaking in whispers to each other, occasionally throwing  suspicious glances back towards her.

For Magic’s part, being essentially a god with near limitless magical power and all, it was a testament to her self control that she didn’t simply banish Luna back to the moon for interrupting them. Instead, she busied herself with checking up on her fellow Elements. If nothing else, she’d prefer to know their whereabouts to prevent any further interruptions. She could sense Laughter and Pinkie Pie teleporting around the castle. Laughter’s constant use of magic certainly made them easy enough to find, not to mention the fact that Laughter’s magical prowess was second only to her own.

Next up was Generosity, who seemed intent to catch up to the rapidly moving prolific party pair. Most ponies would be at a disadvantage in such a chase. However, Generosity was no normal mare. With each teleport, Laughter only found himself ending up closer and closer to her fellow Element. Her manipulations on luck and fate gave her quite the edge, letting her make moves in her favor. Magic smirked, noticing Shining Armor desperately trying to keep up with the fate weaver.

Loyalty came next. She noticed the stallion was also in hot pursuit, this time it was both Generosity, Laughter, and any other Element he could sense. Behind him was a group of guard ponies, followed by two other bearers, Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Magic was unsure just what the little group was up to. Perhaps Loyalty was leading them to something, or perhaps the bearers and guards were chasing him? It didn’t much matter to Magic either way what they did, considering they were heading away from her and Twilight. So long as they continued in that direction, they could do whatever they wished.

Her next target of observation was Honesty. This one was currently talking with the only other pony Magic had any interest in at all. Princess Celestia. Magic dearly wished to see the sun Princess again. She nearly giggled in anticipation at having both Celestia and Twilight in the same room together. Oh what wonders in magical displays the trio could achieve! She could already feel her new body responding in very pleasant ways as fantasies at their magical use flooded her mind.

The last member of the group, Kindness, was hidden from Magic’s sight. It wasn’t all that unusual for him. Out of all the Elements, Kindness was the most reclusive, finding pleasure in quiet times and solitude. The only other Element that acted in such a way was Honesty, and it was no surprise to Magic that the two spent most of their time working together. Magic wasn’t really worried that she couldn’t seem to locate Kindness. She knew he’d eventually show up, in his own time.

Magic caught the last moments of Twilight’s and Luna’s conversation as she finished checking up on her compatriots. “We really should meet up with the others,” Twilight Sparkle suggested to Luna, rubbing her chin in thought. “I’m pretty sure the intruders are the other Elements of Harmony. We know where Magic is, obviously, and Loyalty is with Applejack. We just have no idea where the others even are."

“I could simply teleport us to them, if you’d like,” Magic suggested with a shrug.

“That will not be necessary,” said Luna, coldly. “Element of Magic or not, you and your compatriots are still under close watch until we can accurately determine what your motivations are.”

Magic sighed in annoyance, rolling her eyes at the Night Princess. “I was not addressing you, traitor.”

Luna frowned and opened her mouth to speak before Twilight put a hoof on the Princess' shoulder. The two shared a quick glance before Twilight turned back to Magic. “You are my Element, correct?” Twilight asked.

Magic quirked an eyebrow at that. She was a little confused with the sudden question, but decided to play along all the same. “Indeed I am, and you are my bearer. Your point?”

Twilight nodded before continuing. “As such, are you not at least partially obligated to follow my orders? Especially considering it is by my own spell that you are able to be here at all. Right?”

For a moment, Magic was taken aback by Twilight’s statement. Twilight was not completely mistaken. Sure, Magic was happy with her teasing earlier, but Twilight hadn’t really tried to order Magic around any more than simple suggestions. God like power or no, If Twilight had actually given an order, Magic would have done her best to carry it out. Within reason of course. 

Magic nodded a bit with a slight smirk, “Yes, it is true that I am more or less required to follow your orders, Twilight.”

Magic watched as Twilight’s smile began to grow. However, before the bookworm could speak again, Magic cut her off. “However, I am still well within my rights to reject any command you give. Especially if it conflicts with any other rule that myself and the other Elements are required to follow.”

Twilight’s smile faltered for a moment, but quickly returned. “Fine then.” She hesitated for a moment, trying to figure out how to word her next request. “Magic, I hereby order you to treat Princess Luna and I with the respect we deserve. This also means no more invading of my personal space, understood?”

Magic smiled to herself. Sure, she might have to comply with most of Twilight’s demands, but she had no intention of keeping away from her mare. It would be much the same as asking her not to stop her new heart. She would play along with Twilight, and while she wasn’t happy about being put under Luna, she would comply for now. “Very well Twilight, if that is your wish. I will…” Magic let out a disappointed sigh. “Attempt to refrain from entering your personal space.”

“And Princess Luna?”

Magic sighed, again. “I will respect any decision that ‘Princess Luna’ passes down, even if I might disagree with them.”

“Make it a Pinkie Promise,” Twilight said with a slight smirk.

“A what?” Magic said, staring blankly at Twilight in confusion.

“A Pinkie Promise. It’s the most binding form of promise I have with my friends. Nopony, and I mean nopony, is allowed to break it.”

Magic briefly glanced over at Luna, who showed the faintest hint at being just as confused as Magic was. If it was a spell, then Magic would know it of course. However, her knowledge of nearly everything seemed to be missing on this subject. “I‘m afraid I don’t know what that is.”

“Here, let me show you,” Twilight walked up to Magic and began to go through a series of motions along with a short phrase. As soon as Magic heard it, she nearly laughed at what appeared to be a foalhood nursery rhyme. “Do it, just like I showed you, and promise me. If you don’t, or if you do and break it, I’m sure that Laughter and Pinkie Pie will have a few choice words for you. I might not be able to control you but those two can be… convincing.”

“You’re serious about this, aren't you?” Magic said, growing concerned, feeling an odd tightness growing in the back of her throat. If this was something thought up by Laughter’s bearer, then Twilight was correct in her fellow Element being able to enforce it. Laughter was nearly as strong as her after all.

"Nopony breaks a Pinkie promise. Breaking one is the quickest way to lose a friend,” Twilight said with nod. “Or to incur the wrath of Pinkie Pie. Nopony wants that, not even you.” Twilight smirked when she heard the familiar voice of Pinkie Pie in the distance shouting “Forever!”

“If you insist.” Magic sighed, rolling her eyes at the whole concept. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. I promise that I will not intrude upon your personal space and will respect Princess Luna’s orders, along with your own.” She made sure to include the motions that Twilight had shown her. Magic had no intention of annoying Twilight any further at the moment. However, she once again smiled to herself. If there was one thing she was good at, it was finding loopholes to exploit any and all rules.

“That will do for now. Now then, Luna,” Twilight turned back to the Night Princess. She seemed much more comfortable now that Luna was here. “You were saying something about tracking down the other Elements and meeting up with my friends, correct?”

“Indeed, both of you follow me,” said Luna turning back to exit Twilight’s bedroom. “I have already informed your friends and they should be organizing themselves outside of the kitchen as we speak.”

The two quickly followed out the Princess out. The two stationed guards gave Magic an odd look, but a quick command from Luna had them heading out to join in the search for the others. Both taking a quick stride along the opposite ends of their group.

“You know this isn’t really necessary,” Magic complained, getting annoyed at the fact that she had to walk. “As I said before, I can simply teleport us. Besides, it’s not as if any of my comrades are going to intentionally hurt anypony.”

“One already has,” Luna said without turning to turn to look at Magic. “He engaged in combat with several guards, including knocking out Rainbow Dash. Forgive me if I don’t immediately trust you.”

“The least you could do is look at me when addressing me,” Magic grumbled, “We are the Elements of Harmony after all. Why should we not be trusted to our own devices?”

“Because, despite what you may appear to be, you have caused nothing but confusion and panic upon your arrival. Considering how you say you are the Elements of Harmony, everypony’s actions have been rather… chaotic.”

Magic visibly flinched at that. She knew exactly what Luna was implying. She did not like being compared to that abomination, even in passing. If she hadn’t made that promise to Twilight, she would have lashed out at Luna, forcefully. Until she could find any sort of loophole, this promise was going to be utterly annoying, especially considering how Twilight was using it to keep herself as far away from her Element as possible. She even made sure to keep Luna in between them. That too, would be something Magic would need to correct as soon as possible.

“You said you met three of the other Elements, correct?” Twilight asked Luna, shooting Magic a concerned look, making sure Magic was keeping her word. “Did you happen to learn their names?”

“Yes, I believe one of them was Generosity,” Luna began.

“Long braided purple mane and tail. Light blue coat?” Magic chimed in.

 Luna actually turned around and looked back at Magic. Her face wasn’t one so much of confusion but more of trepidation. “Wait, you actually know of this pony?”

Magic nodded, “That is indeed correct. That is Generosity as you said.”

Luna looked to Twilight who simply shrugged. “Do you know what all of your kin looks like?”

“Not only do I know what they look like, I know where exactly they are at any given time.” Magic beamed.

Luna’s eye twitched. “You didn’t think to tell us this before?!”

“You didn’t exactly ask now, did you?” Magic replied with a smug tone. “But I did say that I could take you right to them. Now, how exactly would I be able to do that if I didn’t know where they were?”

“Well, Magic did bring us right back after she teleported us to the Moon,” Twilight said, tapping her chin.

Luna was still very skeptical of that.“I still believe that it was some form of an illusion spell, Twilight.”

Twilight shook her head vigorously. “No, trust me on this, Luna. I know the difference between a simple illusion spell and a long distance teleport. I may not be very good with illusion spells, but I can tell you that was definitely a teleport.”

“Please, if I wanted to do illusion spells, I would have done something far more grand than faking a trip to the moon,” Magic scoffed. Then she got a particularly devious grin. “Something, more like... this.”

With that, the scenery surrounding them rapidly began to change and shift. The walls warped and twisted as they changed from worked stone to crystal trees. The light pouring in through the windows became a torrent of rainbows as the light refracted through the new foliage. The changes didn’t stop there, as the carpet twisted and writhed up around the the guards, Twilight Sparkle, and even Luna, entangling them and holding them in place. On top of that, the tendrils were charged, giving anything that touched them a minor shock. This was followed by the new vines quickly sprouting strange, abstract looking flowers, each one releasing scents that could not be described by mortal words. To say this illusion was a sensory overload would be an understatement.

“Magic! What...what are you…” Twilight stammered as her senses found themselves overwhelmed by the magical barrage. “Ngh, S… stop…”

“As you wish,” Magic said with a smile, and just as soon as it began, the corridor returned back to its natural state. This left each pony, even Luna, temporarily dazed by the spell. However nothing had moved from its spot, as if nothing had ever happened. “I hope I proved my point, Luna.” She added as if she were scolding a temperamental child.

“What… what in Tartarus was that?!” Luna nearly screamed at Magic, her anger slowly breaking through her calm facade.

“I was merely proving you incorrect in your assumptions, oh ‘Goddess of the Night’. I assure you, that no harm would have came to anypony.” Magic said smugly.

“No harm? No Harm!?  Do you realize what could have happened to Twilight and the guard ponies if you had continued with that spell?” Luna was almost to her breaking point. She had already recovered from the effects of the spell, but Twilight and the poor guards she referred to were still trying to steady themselves after that magical barrage. Magic didn’t see what the big deal was.

“Are you doubting my ability to prevent danger from befalling my bearer?” Magic challenged, a dangerous tone evident in her voice.

“No, I am questioning your loyalties, Magic. If you are so willing to simply subject our ponies to such dangerous magics on a whim, then perhaps you should be permanently confined to the deepest dungeon we can throw you into.” Luna was barely keeping her calm. Any normal pony would be quaking in fear from the amount of power radiating from her.

“Really, ‘Lulu’? Like you could.” With a strained smile, daring Luna to try and carry out her threat.

“Magic!” Twilight called out, shaking her head to clear the stars from her eyes. She rounded on the ponified Element, placing herself between Magic and Luna. “You Pinkie promised me that you would respect Princess Luna.” She said, her eyes still not quite focusing properly.

“And I am.” Magic replied innocently.

Luna rolled her eyes in annoyance and frustration. “It does not seem that way from our point of view.”

“I was merely trying to educate Princess Luna.” Magic sighed. "Has Celestia not demonstrated a spell to you in order to teach you its effects?”

“Yes, but..” Twilight hesitated, before she shook her head and fixed a sterner glare at her Element, “She never used anything that would cause harm to me, nor anything that, well, excessive. You were crossing a line casting an illusion spell of that magnitude.”

“You were in no danger. Nopony was,” Magic tried to sound hurt at Twilight’s accusations. “I would never dream of harming you, my dear Twilight.”

“That’s not the important part! You still put me, Luna, and the guards in danger anyway! That kind of magical overload can cause permanent harm. That’s not respecting anypony, Magic. From now on, only cast spells if we ask you to. Do you understand me?”

“Only use magic when you allow me to?” Magic asked, shocked that Twilight would demand something like that of her. Asking her to not use magic would be the same as asking her to stop breathing. “Surely, you must be joking,” Magic asked, actually feeling a bit nervous at the prospect.

“I am completely serious, and you did make a Pinkie Promise that you would follow my orders. Therefore, I am ordering you to not cast any more spells unless we say otherwise.”

“Must I?” Magic was whining like a foal would when being scolded by its parents. “That wasn’t exactly part of our agreement.”

“Well, I am altering the deal. I should hope that I won’t have to change it further.”

“Fine,” Magic sighed, “I will abstain from casting anymore magic unless prompted to.”

“Good. Now then where were we?” Twilight asked, turning back to Luna.

“Are you certain you can control it?” Luna asked Twilight, keeping an eye on Magic as they continued.

“I am not an it, I am a mare.” Magic sighed in annoyance. Twilight’s constant warnings were not helping her mood one bit. “Should I at least not be properly addressed?”

“You are also a being that exists beyond normal concepts of gender,” Luna added with a bit of a huff.

“While that may be true, for the time being I am one hundred percent mare,” Magic flicked her tail, giving the guards behind her a rather explicit confirmation on her statement. “I would hope that you wouldn’t call one of your other subjects an it.”

“Magic, that’s enough,” Twilight was growing more annoyed by Magic’s attitude.

“What are you going to do, forbid me from talking too?”

“I’m really considering it.”

“I could cast a silencing spell on her. It would prevent any further outbursts,” Luna offered.

Twilight merely shook her head in response. “I would prefer to be able to keep track of her. If we couldn’t hear her, she could sneak away, or worse.”

“A wise decision,” Luna said, still glaring at Magic as the group walked.

“Are you going to glare at me the entire time I am here?” Magic asked, growing tired of having to deal with this princess.

Luna looked like she was about to reply when a noise echoed through the hallways. “Stop right there criminal!” The voice called out. The little group soon saw a familiar yellow coated pony happily bouncing around a corner. Quickly following behind him was a red coated earth pony stallion following quickly on his heels. “By order of Princess Luna you are under arrest!” The stallion called out as he chased his quarry.

“You’ll have to catch me fiiiiirst,” Laughter sing songed as he bounced effortlessly out of Loyalty’s hooves. “Hiiiii Magiiiiiic!” Laughter cheered as he passed his fellow element.

“Confound you!” Loyalty shouted, before screeching to a halt in front of Princess Luna. He snapped a quick salute, but Luna seemed less than impressed. “Your highness.” He then turned to Twilight Sparkle and gave her a similar salute. “Ma’am.”

 He turned back to Luna, Twilight giving him a confused nod of acknowledgement. “As you ordered, I’m in pursuit of my compatriots. Rest assured they shall be in custody momentarily.”

“You seem to be having a little trouble with that from my perspective,” Magic snarked, as she watched what looked like Laughter hop happily away from the confused group.

Loyalty looked around Luna, finally seeing Magic positioned behind her. His face quickly changed to one of determination as he quickly stepped around the Princess. “By order of Princess Luna, you are under arrest for trespassing.”

“You sic our own against us Luna? How Discordian of you,” Magic commented as she watched Luna visibly shudder at the mention of the chaotic spirit.

Loyalty’s reaction was even more profound. The Element visibly bristled under Magic’s statement. “How dare you accuse the Princess of such an act! I will follow her commands to the end, no matter what. There is no such, subversion on her part.”

“Subversion? Luna has done nothing but subvert my own authority since I arrived,” Magic huffed.

“You hold no authority here Magic,” Loyalty nearly snarled as he approached his fellow element. “We are called by them, and are ordered by them, so long as our power is contained within flesh. It is you who are trying to subvert her authority,” Loyalty then backed up and smirked at Magic. “At least we didn’t retreat from reality and pout when the first bond was broken.”

Magic visibly bristled at that one. “I...I did no such thing.” She rounded on Loyalty, “I was simply following the rules that you set into place. Twilight had to prove her worth as a bearer.”

Loyalty merely smirked. “That is true, but that was no reason to go cry in a corner for a thousand years.”

“That’s it!” Magic sneered before tackling Loyalty to the ground. The two began to wrestle each other, neither one willing to give each other an inch. Soon enough, Magic disentangled herself from her fellow. Her horn ignited, the stones around them turned to chains, binding Loyalty to the floor.

“Your cheap magic tricks won’t work on me!” Loyalty cried before suddenly bursting out of the chains as if they were nothing. He charged at Magic, the mare suddenly teleporting away. She appeared just a little distance away, her horn shining brightly. Magic unleashed her spell, surrounding Loyalty in a magic bubble.

“There. Now, apologize and I’ll let you out,” Magic smirked..

Loyalty smiled again before he did something Luna and Twilight didn’t think was possible for an earth pony. His eyes glowed brightly, and then he reared up bringing his forehooves down on Magic’s bubble. It cracked and broke instantly, sending magical shards everywhere. Luna, on reflex brought up her own shield. Loyalty was quick to realize the danger the other ponies were in due to their combat. 

He tried to warn Magic. “You foal, if this continues, we run the risk of harming the populace. Not to mention Princess Luna, and Twilight.” 

“You started this...” Magic’s eyes began to glow and she took on a more fierce gin. “And I am going to end it!” With that, she seemed to explode into a massive corona of magical energy. The stones around her started warping and twisting around them due to the sheer power and heat radiating from her. Loyalty didn’t even seemed phased by it, charging headlong into the whirling vortex of energy. Each of his hoof-falls cracked the stone beneath him as he charged. The magical energy grotesquely ripped away portions of his flesh, but he seemed to repair himself faster than Magic could cause him harm. He crashed into her with thundering force, sending the pair hurtling through the wall and out into the castle courtyard. The small group of watchers quickly followed behind them just to keep track of the two.

Magic pushed herself away from Loyalty, using her massive power to simply float gently to the ground, her magic even turning the ground to glass. Loyalty’s landing was less than graceful, simply plowing into ground. His impact cratered the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Magic trotted slowly up to the crater, her energy still flaring. In a blink, Loyalty was back on her, landing a hoof right to her face. His punch was even stronger than the strongest of earth ponies due to him increasing his strength to an impossible degree. Magic’s head snapped to the right, and her body quickly followed. She spiraled into a nearby wall, startling a group of guard ponies who had heard the commotion in the courtyard beyond and had come to investigate.

“Magic!?” Generosity called out, approaching the magically flaming Element. “What in Harmony’s name are you doing?”

“Stay out of this Generosity! It does not concern you!” Magic yelled, her voice echoing with raw power, the air around her seeming to shake as she spoke.

“Doesn’t concern me? It concerns me when you are putting lives at stake!”

Magic glanced over at her fellow Element, and the guard ponies cautiously eyeing her. “They accepted the risks of injury and death when they took the job!” Magic shot back, turning to see Loyalty, his eyes still glowing white.

Before Generosity could respond, a bubble of magical energy appeared surrounding Magic. Shining Armor stepped forward, his face grim, and his horn shining brightly. “Do you really think this will hold me?” Magic asked, her magical aura fading slightly.

“Maybe not forever, but I am an expert shield caster. I’m used to casting shields that can cover and protect whole cities from an army. You won’t be getting out of that anytime soon.”

“You really are an idiot, aren't you?” Magic sneered before she flared up her magic aura once more, assaulting the barrier at every point at once. It didn’t last longer than a moment before it shattered in a violent explosion, sending the gathered ponies flying from the force. Magic barely paid any of them any heed before she turned back to Loyalty, who was growing ever more angry by her actions. “Now then where were we?” Magic asked, getting ready to resume her attack.

“ENOUGH!”

If Magic’s charged voice had been like the rumble of an earthquake. This one was more like the eruption of a volcano. All at once, several things happened. The first was that Loyalty and Magic stopped dead in their tracks. Next, Magic’s power was instantly shut off, rendering her a more normal looking pony. The last was a new pony, accompanied by Princess Celestia herself who looked more confused than angry. The pony accompanying her was a stern looking red coated Earth Pony. His orange mane was short and slicked back, giving him a businessmen like look. “Magic, Loyalty, front and center. Now.” He barked, his voice now a much normal pitch.

Normally, Magic would have ignored the newcomer and make a beeline straight for Celestia. Other than Twilight, she was the one pony who she most wanted to see. There was so much she wanted to say to her former bearer. So much lost time to make up for. However, the other pony was not one to be ignored. Magic knew this one far too well. The Element of Honesty. This was not a pony she wanted to deal with right now, especially with Loyalty right beside her. Just one of them Magic might be able to handle, but the lawmakers of the Elements together was a force to be reckoned with.

For once, Magic obeyed, and didn’t even question the order, her ears lying flat against her head as she approached the newcomer. Loyalty was suffering nearly as much. All traces of his more snarky side were gone, replaced fully with the look of a trained soldier. Magic always hated that look. Honesty’s look was something Magic hated even more. He glared at her with a barely controlled intensity. With most ponies, it would have caused them to cower in fear at a pair of eyes that felt like they burned right through one’s head. Magic only felt a slight annoyance at his attempts to cow her.

“Honesty,” Magic said, finally reaching the stallion. She did what she could to look like she could care less about his opinion. But the fact she still had difficulty meeting his stare was a dead giveaway for her mood.

“I am disappointed in you Magic,” Honesty said. His voice was decidedly more calm than when he first spoke, but the power behind his voice remained.

“When aren't you?” Magic asked, trying to lighten the mood a bit, despite that being Laughter’s job normally. What Magic wouldn’t give to have him back here right now.

“This is serious Magic, you are way, way out of line.”

“I attempted to halt her when I…”

“Silence,” Honesty cut Loyalty off with a single word. “You are just as much responsible for her outburst. You know how easily she is to provoke. Yet, you went on and on pushing her to action anyway. You’re lucky that nopony was hurt in her little rampage. Really, I expected more self control from you.”

Magic smirked a bit to herself as Honesty scolded Loyalty. The two were usually on great terms. The pair were the ones most responsible for keeping the other Elements in balance. However, they were not above policing one another should the need arise. Magic was just glad that Honesty was currently focusing on him, rather than her.  

“These two are not the only ones who have been causing trouble,” said another voice.

Generosity trotted up to the group, her mane disheveled and covered in a bit of dust. She looked particularly angrily at Magic as she joined the slowly growing group of Elements. “Laughter is somewhere around here with his bearer. Since they’re handing out cupcakes packed with so much sugar, I’m surprised no one has fallen into a diabetic coma yet.”

“I had assumed you made these ponies bodies more durable than that Generosity,” sighed Honesty. It wasn’t uncommon for Generosity to complain about something. Magic tended to just ignore her, but it didn’t always stop the Element from continuing to voice her opinions. It would seem that Honesty was similarly tired of her.

“That’s beside the point!” Generosity huffed, “These ponies are doing more and more damage to their bodies. Why shouldn’t I help them protect what they need to continue to exist on this plane? I just so hate seeing such pieces of art ruined by carelessness.”

“While your point might be valid Generosity, that is not the topic of our discussion,” Honesty continued with a shake of his head. “You will have to wait to bring that topic up for later. Is that understood?”

Generosity huffed in frustration but sat down nonetheless. She crossed her forehooves in front of her, pouting as she thought about the sugary treats her fellow Element was undoubtedly forcing onto other ponies. “Now then, I have spoken with Princess Celestia and we have come to an agreement. Princess?” Honesty then turned and presented the three Elements before her.

The Princess looked each one of them over, giving a particularly sour glare in Magic’s direction. Magic gulped. For the first time in her existence, she felt disappointment in her actions. Seeing Celestia glare at her with those cold eyes made her new blood freeze in her veins. Was this what Celestia did to everypony she met, or was this glare for Magic alone? Surely she would not act this way if she truly knew what she was. “Honesty has informed me that you are indeed the other Elements of Harmony.” Well that answered that question. “Be that as it may, however, you are now currently ponies. As such, you now fall under my sisters and my  jurisdiction.”

At the mention of the Night Princess, Magic could finally make out the soft clopping of hooves. She turned to see Luna joining them. Her discomfort increased as she watched Luna stand next to her sister. As if she deserved to be so easily welcomed back with open arms. Magic had hoped Celestia would have better sense than to welcome one so weak of will back without restricting her power somewhat. 

“Because of that, you will follow and abide by our laws and rules. Honesty has informed me that both himself and Loyalty will aid in enforcing said laws. You will also be punished accordingly should you break them.” Celestia then looked past them, Magic following her gaze to see the destruction both she and Loyalty had caused. “Which it appears you have already done.”

Something was telling Magic that this was rapidly turning from a friendly visit and vacation, to a work trip. If things continued at this rate, it was going to be far longer than she would be comfortable with.

> A Dash of Kindness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow Dash was ticked off. Last night had been going so well, especially that party. Sure, she didn’t really get much of what Twilight had been saying. Nor had she ever really bothered to pay much attention to that egghead when she got going about whatever. Now that she thought about it, she tended to do that to Pinkie too, but for other reasons. At least with Pinkie she didn’t really need to pay attention to her to enjoy any of her parties. With Twilight, it was a bit tricker.

She had to admit though, getting to talk to her own Element seemed kinda awesome. But since nothing had happened, Pinkie Pie ended up throwing a huge party to try and cheer their bookish friend up. Pinkie Pie had even managed to get the same DJ that had done Cadence’s wedding not too long ago. (Though how she managed that on such short notice was anypony’s guess.) They had partied well into the night, and even Princess Luna had joined them. The last thing Rainbow Dash remembered was passing out in the hooves of some random party goer. She couldn’t even recall if it was a mare or a stallion.

Then the morning came. She had found herself rudely awoken from her sleep by some random stallion, suddenly barking orders at the lot of them. He seemed particularly upset with the guard ponies that Pinkie Pie had dragged into the party. However, he wasn’t alone. Another stallion was practically dancing around the ballroom with Pinkie. The two quickly disappeared before Rainbow Dash could even ask who he was. Of course, that wasn’t the only thing keeping Rainbow Dash distracted. The white coated stallion was trying to pick a fight with the Royal Guard. He was shouting about their poor discipline or something like that, challenging their skills and worthiness to be in the guard.

Now, while the taunt wasn’t directed at Rainbow Dash herself, she just couldn’t resist a challenge of any sort. Not only that, but this annoying stallion had woken her up from a perfectly good sleep, and right into a hangover too. There was no way she was gonna let him off the hook that easily.

Rainbow Dash happily joined in the ensuing brawl with the guards and the intruder. Unfortunately for her, she soon found herself knocked out cold by the stranger in short order. Dude must have cheated. It was the only explanation that made any sense to Rainbow Dash.

The next thing she knew, Applejack was standing over her. It was bad enough that that annoying stallion had somehow cheated. She just knew that Applejack was going to rub it in her face. Applejack was just as bad as she was about rubbing it in when one of them beat the other at anything. However, surprisingly enough, she didn’t. Dash simply thought that she just was saving it for later. Typical AJ.

To anger her further, AJ informed her that they were now going to be working with that no good cheater, per Princess Luna’s orders. Dash didn’t like it one bit, but she was never one to ignore an order from a Princess. 

So they started following the guy, and then he somehow finds a way to ditch both them and the guard ponies that were with Dash and AJ. The crazy stallion apparently had decided to leave the group behind. Now, they wandering the halls of Canterlot Castle trying to figure out just where the hay he had disappeared to.

“I swear to Celestia, when I get my hooves on that guy...” Dash grumbled, smacking her hooves together to make a point.

Applejack merely rolled her eyes at the impulsive pegasus. “Yeah, sure ya will, Dash.”

Dash rounded on the farmer and glared at her. “Hey! He cheated! No way he would have been able to beat me otherwise.”

“Yeah, and drinkin till ya are so drunk ya pass out tha night before had nothin ta do with yer poor performance,” Applejack said with a smirk.

“You’re darn right it…” Rainbow Dash paused as the implications slowly filtered into her head, “Hey!”

Applejack merely chuckled, continuing on down the hallway. Apparently, nopony had any idea where this strange stallion had run off to, or even came from. It was just another chip off of Rainbow Dash’s pride. Normally, she wouldn’t ever let anypony move faster than her, except for maybe Pinkie Pie, but she cheated too. All the time. Dash usually tried very hard to not think about how exactly she cheated, as it always made her head hurt.

After what seemed liked hours, they still weren’t having any luck finding the crazed stallion. “C'mon, I thought you guys were supposed to be good at this kind of stuff!" Dash said, her annoyance with guard growing by the moment.

“Our apologies, Ms. Dash,” said one of them, “but this is usually not our duty.”

“Now I’m starting to see why he was complaining so much. Ugh... that guy may have been onto something.” Dash mumbled quietly to herself.

“Hmm, wonder who that crazy stallion really was?” Applejack asked, more herself than anypony else. The she remembered something. “Wait a minute. Now that ah think about it, ah thought I heard Luna sayin’ something about Generosity or somethin. Ya don’t think that he was an Element do ya? That would be kinda crazy if he was...”

Dash rolled her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous, AJ. Twilight said that the spell was made to just talk to them, or whatever. Not to bring them here.”
“Like you even understood half of what Twi’ was sayin’ yesterday. Ahm surprised ya even remember any of it,” Applejack snickered.

“Yeah, yeah, yuck it up AJ,” Dash huffed, before smirking a bit “Like you understood any of it too.” Dash watched with glee as AJ’s face turned red, knowing Dash was right. Before the farmer could get in a proper retort, Dash had already flown ahead of the group, eager to make up lost ground.

After quickly turning a corner, she stopped dead in her tracks. In front of her, happily wandering down the hallway was Fluttershy. However, she wasn’t alone. 

Walking alongside her was, quite frankly, the single largest stallion Rainbow Dash had ever seen. He somehow managed to make Big Mac and even Bulk Biceps look small in comparison! He was as tall as Luna, but built more like Big Mac. Yet, despite his imposing size, Rainbow Dash had to hold back a snicker at the sight of the guy. He was one of the girliest looking stallions she had ever seen. Ever!

His coat was a bit of a brilliant cyan in color. His mane was very pink, just like Fluttershy’s. Its length was also as impressive as his height, reaching down a little past his barrel. It wasn’t nearly as well groomed as Fluttershy’s mane, though. In fact, it was wild and unkempt, like AJ’s mane without her trademark red scrunchies.

What Rainbow Dash found the craziest, most unbelievable of all, was that Fluttershy was talking to him! She had never seen Fluttershy even get close to a stallion for any amount of time. Usually, poor Flutters was too shy for such things. Every time Dash tried to ask about that kind of stuff, the yellow pegasus would blush fiercely, and do whatever she could to change the subject. Now, here she was, talking to this guy that made her look as big as Scootaloo, and yet she acted as if it were an everyday occurrence.

Rainbow Dash had never felt a stranger mixture of pride, jealousy, and confusion at what was in front of her. She swooped down on her shy friend and the girly looking stallion. “Hey Fluttershy!” 

True to her nature, Fluttershy gave a small squeak and ducked behind the stallion at Rainbow Dash’s sudden arrival. The stallion, however, remained unmoved. He glanced back and forth between Rainbow and Fluttershy, a curious expression on his face. It took only a moment for the timid pony to peak back around the stallion’s tail, and her fear quickly dissipated as soon as she saw it was her friend that had called to her. “Oh, it’s just you Rainbow,” Fluttershy began coming out of her impromptu hiding spot, “you startled me.”

Rainbow Dash resisted the urge to say ‘duh’, simply rolling her eyes instead. She could only be slightly annoyed that Fluttershy had somehow gotten over one hangup, but still was so easily startled. Dash quickly shook it off. She had other things to worry about, and her shy friend’s little quirks were not one of them.

“So, Flutters, I gotta ask, just how did you end up hooking up with stud like this?” Dash teased, nudging the stallion with her elbow. “And, here I was, seriously starting to think you were a fillyfooler.”

Fluttershy blushed at that. “Oh my… well… um, you see, he’s... umm,” Dash held back a laugh at Fluttershy’s stammering. She knew Fluttershy was rather used to Dash’s teasing about her love life, or lack thereof, but it still didn’t prevent Flutters from being flustered about it.

Instead of Dash, it was actually the stallion who spoke next. What he said, nopony would have ever expected. 

“My Mistresses’ sexual proclivities are of no real concern to you, Miss Rainbow Dash.” His voice was calm and smooth. It wasn’t nearly as deep as Big Mac, like Rainbow Dash had thought it would be. Instead, it was closer to Shining Armor’s, but bit more soft and gentle in tone. Dash wasn’t really interested in how he sounded though. Instead, it was what he said.

“Bwhahahaha!” After hearing the stallion refer to Fluttershy as his mistress, Rainbow Dash completely lost it. She burst out in an uncontrollable laughing fit, barely keeping herself in the air as her pearls of laughter grew. “Pfft… You- hahahah!”

Once she recovered her breath slightly, Dash couldn’t resist further teasing Fluttershy.“Geez Flutters, you... just met the guy, and... he’s already calling you his mistress!? Pfft, Hah, I had no idea you worked that fast, girl. I’m… heheh, impressed!” Dash fell to the ground, laughing even harder.

Fluttershy let out an embarrassed squeak, her face turning bright red. The stallion apparently didn’t get the joke, or even realize what he had said. With a look of genuine confusion on his face, the stallion looked back and forth between the now beet red Fluttershy and still snickering Rainbow Dash. “Did I say something funny?”

Before Rainbow Dash could respond to that, Applejack and her guard accompaniment turned the corner that Dash had zipped down only a few moments ago. The farmer raised an eyebrow as she saw Dash on the floor, rolling around, laughing her flank off. Fluttershy’s face was now red as Big Mac’s coat. The poor mare was also frozen in place, staring straight ahead, absolutely mortified.

However, like Dash before her, AJ’s eyes were quickly drawn to the massive stallion before them. The poor guy gave AJ a look that said ‘I have no idea what’s going on’. 

Applejack approached the still giggling Rainbow Dash. “Alright Rainbow, just what in the hay have ya gone and done ta poor Fluttershy this time?”

Dash strained to get her giggles under control, mostly to keep from suffocating from laughing so much. She still had a knowing smile on her face. “Wait, what did I do? Heheh, No, I think you should be more worried about what Fluttershy did to poor.. um..” She paused, realizing she had never even gotten the poor stallion’s name. She got back up off the floor, pointing at him with a foreleg, her brow furrowed in thought. “Wait, what was your name again?”

“My apologies,” he said with a bow, which only served to make him just slightly below eye level with Dash. He rose back up and smiled calmly at the two mares, even as AJ desperately tried to calm Fluttershy back down. “I’m sorry, it was rather rude of me not to introduce myself upon our first face to face meeting. My name is Kindness. I am Fluttershy’s Element of Harmony.”

For a few seconds, everything went quiet as Applejack and Rainbow Dash processed over what they just heard. Then, the silence was broken as Rainbow Dash burst into another fit of giggles. “Seriously?” Dash stared in awe of Fluttershy. Dash was trying to stop another laughing fit as her sides were now starting to ache. “Wow, okay, now I have got to start getting some pointers from Fluttershy here. Especially if she has got you so whipped that she’s got you thinking that you’re her Element of Harmony!”

Kindness only looked even more confused. “There... have not been any whips involved during my stay here,” he said, trying to figure out what Dash had meant.

This only caused Rainbow to laugh even harder. “Oh, ow, my sides! Stop, it’s… it’s too much!” She wheezed with a smile on her face.

“Ah don’t mean ta sound rude, but do ya really think that ya are tha Element of Kindness?” AJ asked him. To Dash, the guy sounded certifiably insane. AJ seemed to be thinking the same. Wait, didn’t that dumb cheater say something about the Elements of Harmony being ponies? Dash couldn't remember for sure. She blamed the stupid hangover.

“No, I don’t just think that I am the Element of Kindness, I know that I am.” He replied with a soft smile.

“This true, sugarcube?” Applejack asked Fluttershy softly. She’d finally gotten poor Fluttershy to calm down, for the most part. She was still a bit red in the face, but managed to nod her head. Though she did so while still trying to hide herself behind her mane, just like any other time she’d been stressed out or embarrassed.

“Wait, wait, wait. You can’t expect me to believe that this guy…” Dash paused, flying up into the air, pointing at the large cyan stallion. “Is really the Element of Kindness? How does something like that happen? It doesn’t even make any sense! Last I checked, gemstones don’t become ponies!”

Kindness, for his part, merely cocked his head to the side before he spoke again. “I believe Twilight could answer that. After all, she did craft the spell that called us here.”

Now Applejack looked on in a mixture of shock, realization, and confusion. “Wait, us? Ya mean that stallion from before was right? All six of y’all are here?”

Kindness smiled and nodded at the farmer. “Indeed, we are,” he then gained a mildly confused expression as he rubbed at his chin. “Though, I am not sure where they might be at the moment.”

Dash’s sour mood came back in full force. Even after all that laughing, she was not feeling any better at this point. She crossed her forearms while hovering in midair, grumbling. “Well, I wish mine was here. Maybe he could help us find that stupid cheater. Nopony knocks out Rainbow Dash and gets away with it!” Dash still wasn’t quite sure if this large guy here was Fluttershy’s Element of Kindness or not. At least he didn’t seem to be much of a threat. Besides, if Flutters didn’t even question him being around, maybe he wasn’t all that bad?

“Are you certain of that, Ms. Dash?” Kindness looked up at the pegasus as she lazily drifted around the room. “I would think Loyalty, out of all of us, would wish to remain by your side.”

Dash merely blew a raspberry at the cyan stallion before flipping herself back over to look at him. “Pfft, Yeah, well, Loyalty didn’t show. All I saw when I woke up this morning was that freak earth pony,” She was bitter, remembering the fight earlier that morning. “Not to mention, he was a freaking cheater. Didn’t even try to fight me fair and square.” She added under her breath

Dash noticed him raise an eyebrow at that. He seemed to be thinking about something, though what Dash couldn’t tell. “This stallion that woke you up. The one who you say ‘cheated’ as you put it, have a white coat? With a short cut red mane and tail?”

Dash nodded. “Yeah, how did you know that?”

Kindness replied with a knowing smile on his face. “Well then, Rainbow Dash, it would seem you have indeed met Loyalty. Though it sounds like the two of you didn’t exactly… agree with one another.” He paused for a moment, bring a forehoof up to his chin in thought. “Hm, I’m surprised though. I’d have expected the two of you to get along very well.”

Rainbow Dash went silent for almost a minute, mulling over what Kindness had just told her. How the… that earth pony, was her Element of Harmony? It was ridiculous! The crazy stallion who had knocked her out cold… err, cheated, was Loyalty? Dash couldn’t believe it, not for a second! “You mean to tell me that my Element of Harmony, the Element of Loyalty, is an earth pony? Really?”

Suddenly, Dash felt a chill roll down her spine. She slowly turned, seeing Applejack glaring at her. She looked off to the side, unable to meet Applejack’s gaze. “Aheh, no offense, AJ.”

        Dash actually kinda felt bad for that one, and gave AJ her ‘sorry’ look. She expected to see AJ lash out at her, but thankfully the farm pony just shook her head, silently accepting the apology.

        Rainbow Dash then realized something. If that crazy stallion was an Element of Harmony, and if the stallion in front of her is also one, then, obviously, they were part of the group that just barged their way into the castle. This meant the ponies her and AJ had been chasing the whole time were most likely the Elements of Harmony. She really didn’t know what to think about that. Especially considering that stallion might not have been as crazy as he seemed.

        Honestly, she was torn. Part of her doubted if this ‘Kindness’ pony was telling the truth. Magical gemstones turning into ponies was just plain crazy, after all. But, on the other hoof, considering everything else that had happened this morning, Dash was really starting to wonder if maybe, just maybe, this guy was actually correct. To think her Element was an Earth Pony too, rather than a pegasus. It was really throwing her for a loop.

“...Equestria to Rainbow Dash? You okay there, sugarcube?” Dash heard AJ calling for her. Apparently she had zoned out.

“Huh?” Dash shook her head. ”Oh, yeah, course I am!” She reassured AJ, well, maybe more herself. “Er, anyway…” She pointed at Kindness with a hoof. “Alright, ‘Kindness’, if you’re really who you say you are, then I’ve got some bad news for you.”

“And what might that be?” Kindness asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.

“Heh, looks like you’re under arrest, buddy.” Dash put on her trademark smirk. “Princess Luna is having us round all of you up for questioning.”

“Well, if that is what Princess Luna desires, then I see no reason to object.” Kindness turned towards the guards. “I am prepared to surrender myself, and to be taken into custody, to wherever Princess Luna desires.”

If Rainbow Dash wasn’t confused before, she most definitely was now. That last guy was taking on guards like they were foals, flinging them everywhere. He just would not go down. But this guy here, after being told he was under arrest, turns himself in, just like that? Without a fight? He was probably just as strong as the last guy considering his bulk, and yet he didn’t even seem interested in using it. Dash had to admit, it did make things easier for a change, even if it felt like a waste to Dash to not put all that muscle to use. But if these crazy ponies were not the Elements of Harmony like they said they were, Dash didn’t even want to imagine what Celestia or Luna would do to them. If she was honest, it almost scared her. Almost.

“Oh my goodness, you don’t have to that, Kindness.” Fluttershy squeaked out as one of the guards put a set of hoofcuffs on him. Dash kept herself from chuckling, for once. The cuffs barely fit the guy. It looked like it was going to be rather… difficult for him to even walk, considering his large size. He’d probably have to fly to even be mobile at all.

““You haven’t done anything wrong! I um, I could talk with one of the princesses! I’m sure all of this is just a big misunderstanding, right?” Fluttershy pleaded.

        “Yeah, well, tell that ta Loyalty,” AJ chimed in, sounding annoyed. “Cosarin it, Bargin into tha castle is bad enough, but then assaultin’ tha guads is somethin’ else entirely. Luna wasn’t happy ta see him when she showed up. Not one bit.”

“Oh my... r-really?,” Fluttershy squeaked out, stepping closer to Kindness out of worry.

“Don’t worry, Mistress,” Kindness draped one of his massive wings across Fluttershy’s back in a comforting gesture. “I’m sure no harm will come to any one of us. Loyalty tends to get… well, a bit energetic at times. Celestia and Luna will surely rule in our favor.”

“I hope so, I wouldn’t want you to-” Fluttershy was cut off by what sounded like a distant explosion. 

Dash turned with the rest of the group towards the sound. Not but a second later, the windows were blown in. The group was pelted by shards of glass and a powerful, roaring wind. Everypony but Kindness and Fluttershy found themselves flung backwards from the windows. Kindness had instinctively used his body and one of his giant wings to shield Fluttershy from the glass shards and wind. His massive size kept him from moving an inch.

“What the Tartarus was that?!” Dash exclaimed, getting her bearings before the others. She galloped over to the window, looking for the source of the explosion. Her eyes went wide in surprise. A small chunk of wall had been blown clean off an adjacent section of the castle! Dash couldn’t believe it. She saw several ponies milling about near the hole in the wall but couldn’t even make out what colors they were, thanks to the bright ball of light sitting down in the courtyard below. It was so luminous, Dash had to shield her eyes. “Agh, what the hay is…” It was like a miniature sun for pony sake! She really hoped nopony was down there near that, but she had no way of telling.

Without even really thinking about it, Dash instantly took off towards the courtyard and bright light. She had no idea what was going on, but whatever it was, she was gonna stop it! As she hopped out the window, she felt a familiar pull at her tail, dragging her back inside.

“Ooof, what the hay?” Dash let out a yelp as she hit the floor.

“Just what do ya think yer doin’, Dash?” Applejack asked through a mouthful of Dash’s prismatic tail hair.

“I’m going to help!” Dash glared back at AJ, trying to pull herself free. “Come on AJ, lemme go! We’re obviously under attack, ya know? I can’t just not go help!”

        Applejack spit out Dash’s tail. “Ah know that Sugarcube, but would ya just try and look at it?” She pointed at the still burning star thing. Through squinted eyes, they both saw it moving around, like it was moving on its own. “Do ya even know what that thing is?”

“No, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t help.”

“It also doesn’t mean ya should go rushin’ off ta fight somethin’ that might kill ya before ya can even do anythin’!”

“Are you saying that I’m too weak to help?” Dash’s ego had already been bruised this morning. There was no way that she was going to let AJ talk her out of doing anything else!

Applejack facehooved. “Argh, This ain't a challenge Dash, and you know it. We’ll go down and help out, but we’re gonna to do it together, alright?”

Dash was fuming. She glanced back at the object, and noticed it had dimmed enough so it didn’t hurt her eyes anymore. Also, oddly enough, the bright light had moved back inside the castle. She’d never admit it to anypony, but she was silently thankful AJ had prevented her from doing something boneheaded, again. Especially considering she could now see that the floor of the courtyard had been turned to glass from the heat.

“Okay fine, whatever AJ,” Dash threw her forelegs up in annoyance. “Lets just get down there, okay?”

Applejack nodded, and her and Dash turned back towards the rest of the group. Kindness was helping Fluttershy back up onto her hooves. The guard ponies had already recovered, and were mobilizing towards the disaster area. Dash was taken aback by Kindness though. He actually looked annoyed! His movements were still encumbered by the hoofcuff’s as he tried to join Dash and AJ at the window. Fluttershy trailed right beside him, despite the fear written across her features. Kindness seemed to be mumbling to himself about something, though Dash couldn’t quite make it out.

Dash flew over to Fluttershy as they reached the windows. She looked a bit shaken up, but otherwise unharmed. “You okay, Fluttershy?”

“I, um yeah, I-I’ll be okay.” Fluttershy was still shaking a little. Dash noticed that she had pressed up against Kindness, and she seemed to relax a bit as she did so. “My goodness, what was that?”

“I dunno, but we’re gonna go check it out. You coming with, or are you gonna just stay here with him?” Dash motioned towards Kindness.

“I believe it would be better if I accompanied you.” He sighed. “I… have a pretty good idea of who is behind this. If I’m correct, ponies may be hurt. I might be needed to offer medical assistance if the worse truly has come to pass.”

“Oh yeah?” Dash was now glaring at him. She already had a problem with this guy claiming he was the Element of Kindness, and now he’s claiming he knows who or whatever it was that was trashing the castle? That was just another reason to keep him cuffed. “How the hay can we trust you to not blow another hole in the castle, huh?”

Kindness opened his mouth to retort, but was cut off by a loud, booming, and echoing shout from outside.

“ENOUGH!”

For several moments, nopony said anything as they all glanced back out the windows. 

“Umm, does that bother anypony else? Or know what the hay that was?” Applejack asked, wide eyed.

Rainbow Dash instantly recognized that as the Royal Canterlot Voice. She remembered it well the last time she heard it… last Nightmare Night. It was impossible not to hear Luna from anywhere in Ponyville she was so loud. The problem was, that particular shout was female. This one sounded male. Dash didn’t know what to think of that. Maybe Luna ate some poison joke and was trying to sound like Fluttershy did that one time in the Everfree? Nothing would surprise her at this point.

Kindness spoke up with a frown. “It would seem that Honesty is not amused in the least.” He looked over at Fluttershy. “I apologize Mistress, if Honesty is down there, and upset enough to call out in such a manner, then I cannot stay here. He’ll want to speak to all of us.”

“Shouldn’t I come with you?” Fluttershy looked up at him in concern.

Kindness shook his head. “I have no wish to put you in danger, Mistress. I would prefer you stay safe here, with your friends.”

“Like hay were staying here!” Dash shouted. “Especially if you’re heading down toward that glowy, um-”

“Magic,” Kindness interrupted, looking over at Dash.

“Well duh! Of course it was magic. I knew that! It’s-”

Kindness cut off Dash with a shake of his head. “Not, magic, but Magic. As in, the Element of Harmony, Magic. It would appear something has greatly agitated her, and caused her to, well, basically unleash her full power. It would be incredibly dangerous to go near her in that state. I could not bear to see any of you get hurt under any circumstances, especially because of one of us.”

“Whoa, wait, that was the Element of Magic?” Dash’s eyes went wide in surprise. In the past, Rainbow Dash had seen firsthoof just what Twilight Sparkle was capable of. She’d even heard that Twilight had burst into flames at one point in a fit of rage! Dash figured if that was the Element of Magic, and it was really pissed off at something, it just might not be a very good idea to get close to the swirling vortex of energy created by the very same thing that made Twilight such a badass. Still, despite the danger, she knew she had to go down there. If whatever had made that shout had done so was wanting to see all of the Element, then that stallion would be down there too. There was no way she wasn’t going to miss him again. She still had a bone to pick with him from this morning. 

“Not. Going. To. Happen. Kindness, do you really think we’re just gonna let you wander off like that?” She glared at him. “Of course not! So we’re going with, like it or not!”

Kindness looked between the three mares gathering near him. Fluttershy met his gaze with an expression mixed between worry, fear, and even determination. “If nothing else, we’re always safer when we’re together. If any of our friends are down there, we have to go, even if it is, um... dangerous.”

Kindness looked down, and sighed in defeat. “Very well, Mistress. If that is your wish, I cannot deny you.” He looked over at Applejack. “If you’d like, Miss Applejack, I’ll happily carry you down. Is this acceptable?”

Applejack hesitated. “Well, I… alright.” She nodded. ”Mighty kind of ya ta offer.”

“C’mon, let’s get a move on!” Dash complained, buzzing around the broken window. She was getting seriously tired of waiting around. She even had a good reason to be impatient this time, too. “The longer we wait around here, the more likely somepony is going to get hurt! Let’s go!”

“Cosarint Rainbow, jes hold yer horses!” Applejack shot back at the impatient pegasus. She then walked over to Kindness to hitch a ride, but noticed something. “Wait, when did that happen?” Dash saw her looking down at Kindness’ now completely destroyed hoofcuffs. Kindness had a sheepish look on his face as the three mares stared at him. “Um, they were not very high quality?” He said with slight blush on his face. AJ snickered.

He broke them? What? “As if!” Dash exclaimed, shocked. While she wasn’t exactly proud to admit it, she’d been on the receiving end of being cuffed before. Not always in the good way, either. Luckily all of that had happened a long time ago, the only recent incident involving stealing a book from the Ponyville Hospital. She managed to avoid getting locked up that time, at least. She knew that breaking steel like that was not easy, but here he was acting like he did it accidentally! Just how strong was this guy?

“Please don’t be upset, I didn’t mean to cause any harm. They were, well, inconvenient.” Dash actually saw him try to hide behind his mane, just like Fluttershy. It obviously didn’t have the proper effect, thanks to his size.

If Dash wasn’t so pissed off, she would have fell out of the air laughing at the sight. “Gah, Whatever.” Dash sighed in exasperation “You know what? Ugh, just forget it. AJ, can you please get on him so we can get out of here?”

“Yeah, yeah, alright miss impatient. Just, hold yer horses fer a second.” Applejack shot back. She moved over to climb atop Kindness’ back. He lowered himself down, and in one swift jump, Applejack landed perfectly on top him. He then spread his wings wide, and with a single flap was airborne. Dash couldn’t help but gawk at his seriously impressive wingspan. She kind of wondered if the rest of him was as equally as impressive…

Dash shook her head, clearing her mind before anypony got suspicious. “Alright you slowpokes! Last pony down is a gnarly dragon egg!” Dash challenged. She was at least kind enough for Fluttershy to take to the air before spinning around and making a beeline for the courtyard.

It only took her a few seconds to get there. She could see Luna and Twilight standing just right outside the missing chunks of wall. Both holes actually looked like they had been blasted out and melted at the same time! The ground beneath them was like glass, or maybe crystal.  Dash had to wonder just what kind of crazy magic could turn anything to glass like this. She could even feel heat rising from the damaged ground.

“Hey Twilight!” Dash called as she backwinged down to the ground in front of her friend. She gave a quick bow to Princess Luna, who nodded in acknowledgement. Dash then turned back to Twilight. If anypony would know what the hay was going on, she would. “You have any idea what all this is about?” She waved a hoof at the devastation behind and around them.

“Unfortunately, yes,” Twilight sighed, rubbing her head with a free hoof. “Have you met any of them yet?” She gestured toward the group of four ponies conversing a little ways away.

“Met who yet?” Applejack asked, having just arrived to catch the tail end of Twilight’s question. She hopped off of Kindness’ back, who gave Luna a quick bow. Fluttershy was close behind, landing next to Kindness. She looked around nervously, with a hint of curiosity.

“Who’s this?” Twilight gestured towards the massive stallion.

“Eh, says he’s the Element of Kindness,” Dash said with a shrug. She could swear that one of the ponies over in the little group looked familiar. While she couldn’t quite tell, it kinda looked like that one dumb cheater that had plagued her thoughts through most of the day.

Kindness sighed. “Must you insist on referring to me that way?”

“My apologies Kindness. Dash can be a little frustrating at times,” Twilight said with a knowing nod.

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?”

Twilight merely shook her head before continuing. “Well I suppose that makes five out of six accounted for. Since you've been talking to Kindness, then you should know that our spell actually worked.”

“Wait… you mean to tell me this guy isn’t lying?” Dash asked incredulously. She still wasn’t quite ready to accept what he was saying as truth. A part of her didn’t want to believe that her element couldn’t fly like she could.

“Wasn’t exactly expectin’ em ta look like ponies, honestly.”

“Neither was I, Applejack,” Twilight continued “But here they are, all the same.”

The two continued to talk, but Dash had already tuned them out. She was more concerned about the other group. Twilight had said they were the other Elements of Harmony. She stealthily approached the group, trying and hoping that she would see her ‘supposed’ Element among them. Sure enough, she spotted him. The one at the end was a white coated, red maned stallion. If Kindness was correct, then that stallion was her element! He sure looked like the cheater that had knocked her out earlier.

Dash was floored. There was just no way in Tartarus that could be true! After all, why would her own Element of Harmony attack her in the first place? Why would he go through all the trouble of single hoofedly taking on the entire guard for that matter, too? It made absolutely no sense!

        The craziest part of all? He was a freaking earth pony! How does that even work? Rainbow Dash’s own Element of Loyalty, turns out to be an earth pony! What the hay? The more she thought about it, the more confused and mad she became. Why couldn’t he at least have been a unicorn? The he could have given himself wings, or least do a cloudwalking spell!

        Unfortunately, Dash didn’t get a chance to confront her Element. The sudden appearance of a white unicorn unceremoniously falling onto her back quickly put an end to that.

        “Ooof! Rarity?” Dash asked, attempting to pull herself out from underneath of her friend. “What the hay? Where’d you come from?”

“I haven’t the foggiest idea. I had arrived in the foyer, in front of the kitchen like Princess Luna had asked me to. However, nopony was there.” Rarity said, pulling herself off of Rainbow Dash and dusting off her coat.

She then straightened out her mane with a quick burst of magic. “I waited for a little while, thinking that the rest of you were just… well, fashionably late. As I was about to go look for everypony, there was this blast of light, then I fell ontop of you.” She took a quick look around her, seeing her friends, the princesses, and what she assumed were the other Elements of Harmony, but nothing else, just darkness. “For that matter, just where are we? And why is it so dark?”

“Again, Magic?” Twilight rounded on her element. “I thought taking just the two of us to the moon once was enough. You brought everypony this time?”

“Don’t look at me,” Magic scoffed. “This is not my doing.”

“No, it isn’t,” said a red pony with an orange mane. Dash assumed it was Honesty, judging by the cutie mark.

“Mares and Gentlecolts!” A feminine voice cried out from the darkness surrounding them.

“Pinkie Pie?” Dash asked in confusion, looking around, trying to find where her pink friend’s voice was coming from.

“We are glad that you all could make it to this most important and festive celebration!” Another female voice this time. One that Rainbow almost swore was Pinkie as well.

“We are proud to announce the greatest collaboration of party planners in Equestrian history!” Pinkie Pie cheered. It almost sounded like her voice was coming from multiple places at once. Dash thought it sounded kinda creepy.

“This momentous occasion is to celebrate the arrival, and birthdays, of the Elements of Harmony!” A third voice joined the previous two. This one was a stallion, and it was a voice that Rainbow Dash didn’t know. What the hay was going on?

“So, without further ado, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” The three voices cheered at once.

The lights in the darkened room then flicked on. Rainbow Dash looked around, bewildered, finding herself in the same room she had woken up in this morning. However, this time it was far more richly decorated.

She saw banners, streamers, balloons, and countless other party related knick knacks covering the room. Over a dozen tables were set up in any space they could be crammed into. Each table was covered end to end in baked goods of all shapes and sizes. Anything that wasn’t food was some sort of bubbly, sugar filled drink. Each drink was arranged in such a way to make the appearance of rainbows on every table. However, this wasn’t what had actually shocked Rainbow Dash. 

If she looked past all the crazy decorations and massive amount of food, there was one other small detail that really got to her. It wasn’t the fact everypony else was in the room with her, friends, elements, and princesses, no.

It was the fact that three more ponies, including Pinkie Pie herself, had somehow cloned themselves! They were all scattered around the room in different places. Some of them were even emerging from locations a pony could not have hidden in. When presented with such insanity, such as more than one Pinkie Pie, or Pinkie Pie like pony, Dash’s brain shut down. She only had one thing to say to all of this madness:

“What.”

> Of Stars and Cupcakes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After the initial shock and confusion from the sudden surprise party, the group of twelve ponies, two princesses, and a dragon were attempting to enjoy themselves. Especially after Laughter and Pinkie were reduced back to one pony apiece. Laughter merely dismissed their confusion with a wave of his hoof, before sending them back to the celebration.

Princess Celestia was more casually attempting to enjoy herself, but couldn’t deny her unease at the whole situation. Especially after the display of magic, that well, Magic displayed in the Castle gardens. If these Elements wanted to cause damage, there would be little even she could do to stop them. Which was one of the few things that Celestia just couldn’t stand.

Luckily, it at least seemed that the other Elements agreed that Magic was dangerous. They had, rather comically, sequestered the Element in the corner of the room. Making her sit on a stool, with a dunce cap on her head. The Element was grumpily pouting in her little corner of isolation. Celestia wanted to laugh at how ridiculous she looked, but didn’t think it would be quite appropriate to laugh at an Element of Harmony. Especially considering, that Magic had been one of her Elements when she and her sister had wielded them.

Celestia turned her attention away from the sulking Element and back to the rest of the party. Each of Twilight’s friends, and the various remaining Elements were spending time in various party activities. Honesty was doing his absolute best to keep Pinkie Pie from dragging him into dancing. Laughter and Applejack seemed to be in the middle of a pie eating contest, Celestia honestly couldn’t tell who was winning. Twilight, Fluttershy, Kindness, and Spike were in the middle of a game of ‘Pin the Tail on the Pony’. The larger Kindness finding it difficult to maneuver when spun and blindfolded. Doing his best to avoid bumping into object and ponies, and apologizing profusely if he did so. Celestia couldn’t put her hoof on why, but she always felt odd every time she looked at Kindness. She even occasionally caught him giving her odd, almost sad, looks. 

Luna was conversing with Loyalty, and based on her expressions and posture, she was quite cross with him about something. While Celestia could not overhear what was being discussed the sullen look on Loyalty’s countenance peaked her interest somewhat. It was fascinating to see a physical god cowed in any way. 

The last pair was Rainbow Dash and Generosity. Unlike how she might normally act, Rainbow Dash seemed to be intent on staying as far from the party as possible. Dash seemed to be still in a mild state of shock, while Generosity was grimacing in disgust at Applejack and Laughter’s eating contest.

It was this little group that Celestia steered herself toward, making sure to grab a slice of her favorite cake along the way. “Enjoying the party you two?” Celestia asked taking a seat between the two of them in between bites of some the moistest cake she had ever tasted.

“I wouldn’t exactly consider this, enjoyment,” Generosity cringed as another tin of pie disappeared down Laughter and Applejack’s mouths. Generosity pulled her gaze away from the contest and blanched in irritation as she watched Celestia happily consume her sugary treat.

“Yeah, tons of fun,” Dash said, with none of her usual enthusiasm and bravado.

“Perhaps you might enjoy yourself more if you joined your friends in the festivities?” Celestia asked, trying to get Rainbow Dash out of her funk as well as get a better understanding of Generosity’s personality.

“Like I could ever indulge in such obviously dangerous activities,” Generosity scoffed, taking a sip of her water. “Honestly, how in the world can they eat that much and not get sick? Do you know how much sugar Laughter put in those pies? Absolutely disgusting.”

Celestia shook her head. Unsure of what to think of the ponified Element. She held a vague reminder of her own mother. It was a strange sensation to bring up such old memories, and Celestia did what she could to push them to the side for the moment. Turning her attention back toward Rainbow Dash, her curiosity grew as to what exactly had her so morose. Based on what she had heard about Rainbow Dash, the energetic pegasus would never let the opportunity to show off pass her by. Yet here she sat, trying her hardest not to look over at her Element, still being chewed out by Luna. Celestia was slowly beginning to understand what might be causing the downturn in Rainbow’s mood, so she quickly devised a way to improve it. “Surely you wouldn’t let Applejack beat you in any sort of competition Rainbow?” Celestia asked, looking toward the competition which seemed to be reaching its end.

For a moment it almost looked like Rainbow Dash was about to take Celestia up on her offer. A spark of excitement glimmered in her eye at a shot of showing off her skills. However, Celestia watched her eyes quickly dart back toward Loyalty and her growing eagerness to prove herself in a challenge seemed to deflate as quickly as it had come. She then took her head, and gave her temples a bit of a rub. “Hey Princess?” Dash asked, her voice a mix of confusion and frustration. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course my little pony, you know you can always ask me anything.”

Dash opened her mouth, but for a few moments nothing came out. She closed her mouth again and her face scrunched up, obviously struggling to find the right words to say. Celestia didn’t mind, in fact she tended to prefer when ponies took their time to speak to her. Most nobles that she had to deal with on a daily basis often spoke without really caring what they were saying. No matter how inane or self centered it tended to be. When Dash finally did speak she still sounded a little unsure of herself. “Have you ever not known what to do about something?” She asked.

“What kind of something?” Celestia prodded.

This only caused Rainbow Dash more frustration, as Celestia watched her mental gears fervently trying to come to a proper conclusion. “I mean, what do you do when you see something that goes totally against what you thought things were supposed to be?” Dash scratched her head as she spoke. “Am I making any sense here?”

Celestia merely giggled before finally answering. “Do not worry Dash, I understand you perfectly. Before I answer, do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Oh, um of course Princess!”

“Wouldn’t it be better if things were occasionally beyond what you expected of them?”

“Huh?”

“If things were always exactly how you expected them to be, would that not be boring? When you encounter something that you didn’t expect, would you not feel better about yourself for overcoming it?” Celestia continued, watching as the gears in Rainbow Dash’s head began to turn.

“I...I guess you’re right,” Dash stared down into her partially empty cup of cider as her mind continued furiously processing Celestia’s words.

“Even things you had grown used to can change on you, or you find some aspect of something familiar that you might not have ever expected. When that happens, do you just lay back and do nothing? Or do you rise to the challenge and adapt?”

Rainbow Dash was silent for a few moments more before Celestia could see everything finally click into place. Her face quickly screwed into one of determination as she glared into her cup. That same spark of rising to a challenge formed in her eyes once more.“Excuse me Princess, I gotta go take care of something.” With that Dash was off, flying over to Luna and Loyalty. Celestia could barely hear Dash offer and apology before Dash grabbed Loyalty and flew off with him.

“You enjoyed that,” Generosity said with a smirk.

“Why shouldn’t I enjoy helping my little ponies?” Celestia asked back, a similar smirk on her face.

“That isn’t what I meant and you know it,” Generosity shook her head before continuing. “You know a bit too well what to say to ponies nowadays. I remember a time not too long ago when you actually had a bit of a stutter. The prospect of talking in front of a huge audience making you clam up. Yet here you are, able to get your little ponies to do nearly whatever you want with a few words.”

Celestia wasn’t quite sure if she wanted to feel insulted or honored by the Elements statement. “You make it sound as if I am manipulating them.”

“In a way you are,” Generosity said with a wave of her hoof. “Though to be honest, you do tend to have their best interests at heart. I cannot say the same for other so called ‘nobles’ in your position.”

“I take it you don’t approve of them?” Celestia giggled a bit to herself.

“Are you kidding!?” Generosity said, sighed heavily as she slouched onto the table. “Selfish jerks the lot of them. Don’t even get me started on that Nephew of yours. Why do you keep them around anyway?”

Celestia merely shook her head, a small smile on her face. It slowly faded before she finally answered the Element. “A relic of when Luna was gone. I needed some assistance to take over duties that she did before. After 1,000 years they have become so entrenched in the running of the Government, that I can’t just get rid of them.” The smirk returned as she continued, “even if I really want too.”

The two mares giggled quietly to themselves as a third slowly joined them. Princess Luna had a confused look as she glanced back toward where Dash and Loyalty had flown off too. “Do you know what that was about?” Luna asked, giving a slight bow to Generosity.

“I do believe it was simply Rainbow Dash asserting herself after a bit of a scuffle with Loyalty earlier this morning,” Generosity said with a smirk. “I tried to warn Loyalty that she would be a hoofful, but did he listen to me? Of course not.” She huffed a bit setting her head on her hooves.

“By the way dear Sister. What were you discussing with Loyalty before you came here?”

“Merely how his etiquette needs work. While he may be the Element of Loyalty, he has difficulty in following orders.”

“Oh?” Celestia raised an eyebrow in confusion at that. Why would Loyalty, out of all the Elements, disobey orders?

Luna nodded as she sat down next to her sister. “I had ordered him to accompany our guardponies in apprehending his brethren. While he did eventually meet up with Magic, he had abandoned his station with Applejack and Rainbow Dash. He claimed he was in pursuit of Laughter, but I am not so certain.”

“That actually sounds like Loyalty,” Generosity sighed. “He gets so caught up in following one order, that he ignores or bends another.”

“He shouldn’t have charged off like he did all the same. He was still technically under arrest when he bolted off.”

“You should have seen some of the stuff he did when writing down the rules of reality. We had to get him to tone it down a notch, as his so called Laws of Physics interfered too much with magics functionality. But did Loyalty care all that much? Oh no, ‘everything must have its proper place,’ he said. Took us nearly two centuries in your time to show him the system with magic would work just as well.”

“He sounds like quite a hoofful,” Celestia said, taking a small sip from her own glass of cider.

“No, simply stubborn. Both him and Honesty tend to get that way,” Generosity looked over to Applejack and Laughter again. The farmer was looking a little green, while the Element basked in his moment of victory, before promptly ducking under the table. Based on Applejack’s reaction, the pies he had eaten had made a comeback tour. “Is it any wonder that their bearers share the trait?”

“Stubbornness can be a benefit,” Luna said, inspecting one of the cupcakes that were spread out on the table before them.

“Depends on what that stubbornness is applied too,” Generosity scoffed. “And don’t eat that Luna. It’s terrible for you.”

Luna simply raised an eyebrow. She then quickly unwrapped the cupcake and tossed it whole into her mouth, chewing and swallowing the sugary treat with a satisfied moan. One of Generosity’s eyes twitching was the Element's only response. “Element or no, thou are not our mother. I shall eat what I desire.”

“Stubbornness at its best,” Celestia said with a smile.

Before any of them could say anything more a sudden burst of confetti and sound of a popping balloon signaled the arrival of a certain pink party pony. With smile and a flourish, she quickly placed a few party hats on each of them. “So how are you all enjoying the party?” Pinkie asked, following her question with a blow from a party blower.

“It’s quite lovely Pinkie, though it seems a bit much for such a small gathering,” Celestia gestured to the rows and rows of tables that could have fed a party four times this size with ease.

“Well me and Laughter might have gotten a little carried away,”

“Little is an understatement,” Generosity grumbled.

“I for one think that it was a lovely sentiment. Thank you for the party Pinkie Pie.”

“You make it sound like it's over already!” Pinkie cheered grabbing Celestia’s hoof and beginning to drag her away from the table. Despite Celestia’s superior size, and physical strength, it seemed it didn’t even matter as Pinkie effortlessly moved her to the dance floor. “C’mon Celestia. It's not a real party until everypony is having fun!” With that Pinkie quickly changed the record on the gramophone with a bump of her hip. The song that now belted from it was far more upbeat, and had a deep bass beat that shouldn’t really be possible to achieve with a gramophone. “Let’s see how a Princess really shakes her hoove thang!” Pinkie cheere, breaking into her own bouncy dancing style.

Normally the Princess of the Sun would be more than happy to join in on any sort of party activity once invited. However there was one simple problem with the current predicament. Celestia didn’t know how to dance. Now it might seem that a pony of Celestia’s age would have learned a few dance moves over her lifetime, maybe even inventing a few. But Celestia’s experience with dances had been strictly limited to the incredibly formal kind. While they were elegant and entertaining in their own way, they were very simple. Any other kind of dancing was only known to the Solar Diarch via passing study. So now Celestia stood in the middle of a dance floor, with several ponies staring at her, and for the first time in a very long time, she had no idea what to do.

“Thank you very much Pinkie, but I think I would rather spend the party with Twilight and my sister if you don’t mind,” she said, trying to politely as possible excuse herself.

Pinkie paused for only a moment before she gasped “That’s a great idea!” and dashed off. Celestia watched as the pink blur grabbed up her sister, and Twilight, before unceremoniously plopping them down in front of Celestia. “Who better to dance with than the ponies closest to you! C’mon you three, let's see those tail’s shakin!” Pinkie gave her own tail a few flicks into the air for emphasis.

On the one hand, Celestia knew all too well that attempting to avoid showing off her lack of dancing skill had only made her situation worse. Twilight, for her part, looked about as nervous as Celestia felt. That small bit of relief was quickly melted away as she saw Luna already beginning to bob her head in time to the music. “Come dear sister,” Luna said with a smile grabbing Celestia by a hoof. “The pink one is most correct. While the audio quality is limited this is one of DJ-PON3’s best tracks. We simply must dance.”

Celestia heard the mischievous tone in her younger sister's voice. Despite their long time apart, Luna could still read her like a book, and apparently picked up on her reluctance. Her fate was sealed now, there was no way that Luna would let her get away. “Do not fret Twilight,” Luna continued draping a wing over the smaller pony, who was attempting to extricate herself from the situation as fast as possible. “Together the three of us shall show all these ruffian’s exactly how royalty parties!”

“That’s the spirit Luna!” Pinkie cheered from the sidelines.

Twilight glanced nervously between the two Princesses, then back to the eager faces of her friends behind her. Then Twilight began to do something that Celestia did not expect. Twilight began to dance. It was a rather poor, jerky dance, and it was painfully obvious that Twilight just couldn’t fully relax in Celestia’s presence. The studious unicorn had made great strides in letting herself go in her mentor’s presence, but much to Celestia’s own disappointment she still had some ways to go. Though there was also the distinct possibility that Twilight just couldn’t dance.

Before Celestia could react her sister had grabbed her hooves and began to spin her around the dance floor. The larger Alicorn doing her best to try and keep up with her sister's wild movements. Before she had even realized it, they had switched partners, and Celestia found herself dancing with Twilight. She froze up near instantly when the Princess of the Sun rejoined her on the dance floor. Celestia felt sorry for her, and oddly herself at the same time. It was then that Celestia made a decision. If she wanted Twilight and her friends to loosen up around her, and thus allowing her to let down her decades old mental barriers, she would have to make the first step. So with goal in mind, Celestia started to dance.

Celestia felt the beat of the music flowing into her as her hooves began an unsteady canter with Twilight. The steady rhythm soon causing her hooves to tap in tune with it. She felt her head bobbing along with each thrum of bass, that the gramophone was still strangely producing. She probably looked ridiculous, just moving in whatever way her body willed her to do so. It was liberating, and apparently Twilight’s friends thoroughly agreed. The next time she opened her eyes to take in the dance floor around her, Twilight's friends had all joined in on the little dance party. 

Celestia even noted that Twilight was getting a bit more lucid in her movements. With the aid of her friends, and Celestia’s own attempts to embarrass herself, she found herself freed up. Celestia smiled as she continued to bob and sway with the song. The Alicorn ignited her horn and picked up her crown, laying it down on a nearby table. “I know you can dance better than that Twilight,” she really didn’t, but was curious as to how Twilight danced. “Do I have to make it a royal decree for you to enjoy yourself?”

That did it. Celestia watched with amusement as Twilight’s eyes first went wide, before becoming determined. Then Twilight truly began to dance, and it was terrible. Truly Celestia had never seen any more nerdish way of dancing in her entire life. And she had seen some truly embarrassing dance crazes spring up in her long rule. Celestia’s smile grew wider as she doubled her own efforts at the dance, turning this into another in a long string of little ‘tests’ that Celestia had given Twilight over the years. Even if there was nothing at stake with this one.

As the dancing went on, a few of the Elements began to join in. Kindness danced with Fluttershy, a reserved dance for two that the large stallion showing an unusual amount of grace and dexterity despite his bulk. Pinkie and Laughter, however, were dancing on a nearby wall. The last pair was Generosity and Spike. The poor Dragon being more dragged around the dance floor rather than properly joining in with his partner.

Celestia nearly burst out laughing as she saw the odd couple. As her dance with Twilight brought the two closer to the bizarre pair Celestia couldn’t help but be a bit curious. “I thought you didn’t like parties Generosity?” At the very least that was the impression she had gotten.

“Hardly, that’s more Honesty,” she said gesturing over to the stallion who seemed to be trying to catch his breath. “I just don’t particularly like the choice in food. Besides, like I would pass up the chance to give my custom made body for a dancing test drive.” She had a slightly manic smile as she said that last part.

“That’s the spirit Genny!” called Pinkie, who had rejoined the dance floor proper with Laughter.

“Push that flank to the limit!” Laughter said with a giggle as the pair twirled off.

“Don’t I get a say in any of this?” Spike asked as he did what he could to keep up with Generosity’s dance.

“Not until this song ends you don’t,”

“If you don’t mind Generosity,” Twilight interrupted, stepping away from Celestia. She could make out a slight nervous tone in her student's voice. “Would you mind if I cut in?”

Generosity smiled and quickly bowed away, letting Twilight take up the dance with her faithful assistant. Celestia caught Spike mouthing a thank you as the pair danced away. She also saw Twilight lose much of the tension in her body as she mouthed a you're welcome back. The young unicorn still didn’t seem to be able to remain too calm around her mentor. It made Celestia’s day that she was able to loosen up even as much as she did.

However now that she found herself without a dance partner, Celestia politely excused herself from the dance floor. She found a nice seat next to Honesty and watched from the sidelines.

“I fail to see the fun in this. Nor how Laughter believed it was a good idea to throw a party after Magic and Loyalty ended up partially trashing your castle,” Honesty sighed as he tried to straighten his mane.

“I find it beneficial to the running of things if one is allowed to let loose every so often.”

“Perhaps, but not so suddenly.” Honesty turned to look at Celestia, his face unreadable. “If you had postponed the wedding for instance, Chrysalis wouldn’t have gotten as far into her plan as she did.”

“Yet her invasion was still repealed, and nopony was permanently harmed. Overall I say that my decisions were worth it. After all if I had pushed to cancel the wedding, Chrysalis’ moves would have become unpredictable.”

“You act as if you knew Chrysalis was at the wedding at all. I know that you did not.”

Celestia was silent at this. Still not too proud of her behavior, and her defeat, at the hooves of the changeling queen.

Honesty sighed before turning back to observe the party. “Your intentions were noble, I cannot deny this. But you cannot protect Cadance. By giving her that fleeting moment of happiness you will only make her heartache that much worse.”

“She is stronger than that. Besides, both Luna and I will be there to help her when that time comes.”

Honesty glanced briefly at Celestia, as if sizing her up. “For the sake of both herself, and the Crystal Empire, she will have to be.” Celestia flinched slightly at the mention of the long lost city. A movement only the keenest of eyes would have even picked up on. Based on the look Honesty gave her, he had. “It is coming Celestia, and Cadance must take her rightful place.”

Celestia took a deep breath, trying to keep from getting shaken again. She had hoped that the empire  would not return this generation. Things had been hectic enough with Luna’s return, and Discord’s temporary freedom. To think the Empire would return amongst all of this. It would put her skills as a leader under a strain she hadn’t felt in a thousand years. “Both she and Shining Armor will be prepared. Their love is strong enough to purify any lingering taint in the crystal ponies.”

“And what of Twilight Sparkle?” Honesty asked, his piercing gaze focusing on the unicorn. Twilight was oblivious to his attention, watching instead a returned Rainbow Dash and Pinkie face off in a punch drinking contest. “Will she be prepared for her own kingdom?”

This only resulted in confusion for Celestia. “Twilight is no Alicorn.”

“Yet.”

“That’s impossible.”

“It isn’t. Starswirl nearly accomplished it.”

“He failed.”

“She won’t.”

Celestia went quiet for a moment as she looked over at her prized student. She knew that she was quickly gaining ground on Starswirl’s accomplishments. Especially considering she managed to replicate his time loop spell with only a casual glance. Celestia knew that being bonded to Magic would increase her abilities, but ascension? She had suspected that Twilight might be able to access the ethereal plane, but wasn’t sure exactly what to think about her becoming an alicorn on top of that.

“If you had not intended for Twilight to reach such a plateau, what exactly have you been training her for?” Honesty probed.

“I had planned for her to be at my side yes, but as a unicorn. I would never want her to share in my curse.” Celestia said, shuddering slightly as she thought of Twilight experiencing the pains of immortality.

“In that regard you do not have a choice, but you will be pleased to know she won’t outlive her friends,” Honestly continued. “You wanted us here to ask what we have planned. Twilight’s ascension is paramount to the safety of this world. A darkness is coming, and it will take all of the skills that you have taught her. Without it, even our power may fail against it.”

Celestia looked back to Honesty. Trying to glean some more information from the Element. Yet his face remained as stoic and unchanging as a mountain. “Then why risk coming here? Do you intend to ascend Twilight now?” She asked, thinking back to when Honesty burst into her throne room early that day. His confused and disoriented actions being quite different from how he carried himself now. A part of her wanted to believe that she could just ignore everything he said on the grounds of mental instability. But everything he had done since then had quickly dissuaded any such notion. “Is that why you came when Twilight called?”

Honesty shook his head and continued to watch the party goers. “It is not time yet. You were correct when we spoke back in the throne room. Attempting to advance things faster than some are prepared for can cause more damage than not preparing at all.”

“Then why come at all?”

Honesty then turned back toward Celestia, and the princess was able to get a good look into his eyes. They were deep, and old. The same kind of eyes she saw in herself every time she looked in the mirror. They were the eyes that carried the weight of ages, but even Celestia felt herself sinking under the sheer force that Honesty’s eyes exuded. “She would die otherwise,” was his simple reply. He then picked himself up and turned toward Magic, who still sat grumpily in the corner. “I shall make sure that Magic keeps to our little promise,” he continued, trotting away from Celestia. “She will follow my orders, I can assure you of that.”

With that Celestia turned her attention back to the little party of Bearers and Elements before her. Her thoughts heavy with Honesty’s words. Thinking of what could possibly be so dangerous that not even the Elements could stand against it. It was then she noticed two sets of eyes watching her from the crowd. One belonged to her sister. The moon princess having split her attention between dancing with Kindness, and watching the discussion between her and Honesty. Luna gave a slight nod, a confirmation that she had been listening as well, before turning her attention fully back to her partner. The second set troubled the sun princess a bit more. These belonged to Twilight who was less subtle about her observations. She quickly attempted to hide behind a cupcake she was daintily chewing on as soon as she realized Celestia had spotted her.

Celestia smiled, doing her best to conceal her thoughts from her prized student. Celestia would never dare willingly let Twilight see her depressed. It was hard enough to get Twilight to loosen up around her as it was. She couldn’t imagine how Twilight would behave if she realized what kind of thoughts plagued the sun princess. She picked herself up and trotted over to Twilight, who paniced slightly as she stuffed what remained of the cupcake into her mouth.

Celestia chuckled before she spoke. “I have been told those are bad for you. Though personally I find them quite pleasant.” To prove her point she grabbed a cupcake of her own, mimicking her student by eating the treat whole.

“They…they are nice,” Twilight stuttered, nervously shifting in her seat.

“I still wouldn’t recommend eating too many though.” Celestia said, gesturing out toward the party. “I am sure you could work off whatever might be in them if you rejoined your friends in the party.” 

She watched as Pinkie and Laughter had once again dragged a few guards into the celebrations, starting a small food fight with the sheer amount of food the pair had made. Loyalty and Rainbow Dash quickly joining in to support the outmatched troops. Loyalty marshalling his new forces to set up defensive perimeters and organizing with Dash to perform aerial bombardments with cupcake bombs. 

“Well it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.” Twilight said as several snacks landed a bit too close to her and Celestia for comfort. She fidgeted nervously once more as numerous thoughts crossed through her mind.

Celestia recognized this behavior at once. She had practically been a second mother to the little unicorn, and had become quite familiar with her various quirks and follies. “What’s wrong?” She asked, trying to get Twilight to voice her unease. Despite focusing on Twilight, she still couldn’t completely draw herself away from the strange pastry combat in front of them.

Pinkie and Laughter had quickly drawn Spike into their ranks, using the dragon to eat the wayward projectiles before they could cause any harm. “It would seem that you should be celebrating. Your spell worked wonderfully,” she continued as she watched Luna join into the makeshift battle royal. Becoming a sort of heavy artillery for Pinkie and her Element.

“The Elements are a part of us right?” Twilight asked as she stared back down at her hooves. “I mean they are as much a part of who we are as we are a part of them.” Twilight went silent again as she looked at the slowly growing battle. The only ponies not participating were Magic, Honesty, and the two of them. Twilight seemed to want to keep it that way.

“Ponies are not always what you expect them to be,” Celestia said, already figuring out what was distressing her favorite pupil. Celestia glanced over to see Pinkie making a rather dramatic display of her “death” after getting struck by a well placed jelly filled doughnut flung by Rarity. The fashionista having taken up a position deep within Loyalty and Rainbow Dash’s territory, serving as their resident sniper.

“I know and I know I really shouldn’t do that but, I can’t quite shake the feeling that I am missing something.” Twilight glanced over at Magic, who seemed to be deep in conversation with Honesty. However, as soon as the Element noticed Twilight's gaze, she sent the unicorn a rather, eager, look. This made Twilight shiver slightly and move to place herself a bit more between Celestia and her own Element.

Celestia, for her part, merely nodded her head. She wasn’t quite sure what exactly had happened between the two, but based on Twilight’s behavior it wasn’t exactly pleasant. Yet Celestia understood all the same. If her own Element acted so different as to unnerve her than could she too be just as strange? Celestia chuckled to herself as she realized that Magic was channeling more of her personality than Twilight’s. “I think you just need to give this all a chance. They are a part of you, but there are many parts that make a pony up. Some parts of yourself you might not ever show to another. Some you may not even know exist. This does not make them bad in any way. It just means you have to learn a bit more about yourself, and that can be frightening sometimes, but you always come out better for learning it than you ever would for keeping it in the dark.” Celestia said smiling down at Twilight.

The purple pony seemed to calm down slightly as she processed what Celestia had said. She always took every little thing her Princess said to heart, and the solar Princess occasionally used it to her advantage. Twilight’s growing positive mood however was soured slightly as she turned back to the chaos of the ongoing sweets war. The space between the two bases having become a cream and frosting filled no-mare’s land. While Twilight herself seemed a bit disappointed at her friends' actions Celestia was getting other ideas.

With a small golden glow Celestia picked up a nearby cake. While she was loath to waste such a tasty treat, it was to a very good cause. “Why don’t we show these ponies how to properly use a few projectile spells?” Celestia asked, giving her faithful student a knowing smirk. At first Twilight looked unsure, but then with a flash of purple magic she joined her mentor in glorious combat.