> My little Gryphon: Friendship is Knowledge > by Honest Wisdom > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: in which our heroes earn their cutie marks > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wisdom gawked at the egg before her. She was always a very cynical cub, something her parents wished they could quench before it got out of hand, and she was very proud of it. She questioned everything, to her nanny's dismay, ever since she could speak and she wasn't about to stop now. "What kind of egg is it?" The evaluation team glanced at each other, unsure of how to proceed. "Young lady, your knowledge of what kind of species this is won't help you hatch the egg." Wisdom sighed and climbed on top the egg, glaring down on it with all the ferocity an eight year old Gryphon cub could possibly muster. Her crest ruffled and her wings unfurled, the downy feathers fluffed up. "Alright Egg, I don't like you and you don't posses enough cognitive faculties to formulate an opinion on my existence, so let's get one thing straight, if you don't hatch I'll have no choice but to use the Eyes on you. Got it?" One of the evaluation personal leaned to the other next to him. "Anyone else wanna just pass her on account of how cute that was?" The mare nodded slowly to keep herself from Squeeing. The black Gryphon cub started to cast a fire spell to warm the egg. She scrunched up her brow in concentration and the magic traveled down her wings, Pound Cake zoomed forward at shocking speeds, a trail of brown and cream streaming behind him. He'd long ago left his opponent in the dust so to speak but the adrenaline coursing through his veins propelled him ever forward. He grinned as his innate Pegasus magic started to bubble up and travel through his wings. He reached Mach speeds and caused the magic to explode out of his wings. He laughed and spun in the air. Dinky sank her hooves into the ground in an attempt to slow herself down but her horn continued to drag her ever forward. "No! Bad horn!" It ceased glowing and Dinky rubbed her neck. "Ow." A loud boom sounded and a shock wave traveled through the forest. The trees trembled and hazelnuts rained down from their branches. "Eep! Why, universe, why?" She lifted one of the fallen nuts and cracked it open, she was hungry. She scooped the fallen nuts and grinned. "These'll be great for the bake sale!" She said popping one in her mouth. "Thanks, universe!" Pumpkin Cake trotted around the meadow gazing at all the beautiful and exotic creatures. There weren't this many creatures in Manehatten or Cloudsdale. They were so pretty. A loud boom interrupted the peace and the animals panicked, bolting back to their dens and homes. Pumpkin pouted and went around whispering kindly to all the little critters. "It's okay little friends, I'm here. I won't let anything hurt you." Slowly the animals began to climb out of their homes and come closer. Pumpkin grinned as her horn glowed, gathering up nuts and leaves and hanging them to the animals. A large bear scooped her up and licked her mane. She giggled. Screwball kicked the pebble absently and sighed. Living on a rock farm was soooo boring! The most fun they ever had was when... well never. Just then a shockwave of chocolate and cream blazed across the farm hitting Screwball full in the face. She licked the air curiously and giggled at the taste. The giggle turned into full blown laughter and her swirly eyes filled with joy. She gasped suddenly and shot up in the air. "I have to share this with everypony!" She zoomed off to gather supplies for her mission. Apple spice looked up at the sky and gasped at the streak of brown and cream leading towards Sweet Apple Acres. She pulled off the stuffy dress an tore off towards home. "Applejack, Granny! Ah'm comin' home!" The Bat pony cried, opening her wings and taking flight. The shockwave of Chocolate flavored magic struck Wisdom and caused her magic to surge. Fire exploded out of her wings and the Egg beneath her shattered, revealing the tiny draconequus colt. The ground exploded and trees shot out of the ground. A swirling vortex surrounded Wisdom and the draconequus as animals stampeded through the city towards the oasis of trees and plant life. The evaluators tried to escape but were caught in the uncontrolled surge. One was turned into a hibiscus plant while another was changed into a baby dragon and the last became an old mare. The draconequus giggled and clapped his paw and claw together. Wisdom was panicking and trying to reign the surge in. Despite the amount of magic in the air she felt fine, like all she was doing was lighting a candle. A dark blue form wrapped its wings around her, restraining her magic. Wisdom looked up into the kind eyes of the goddess of night and day, Luna. Her surge faded and she gawked at the Princess before her. This was a once in a life time opportunity and what she said now was vital to her entire existence. "Sorry I blew up the school." "Bah!" "But I passed the test!" She pointed out. The goddess smiled and lifted the Draconequus onto her back. "That you did. And it seems as though you earned your Soul mark." Wisdom's eyes shot open. "Really!?!" She attempted to crane her neck to see the new mark on her chest. There were hoof steps as Luna's sister landed before her. "Sister, is this the fool who caused this mess?" The older goddess was far less forgiving than her sister. Wisdom shrank away in fear. "I've never seen a student cause this much chaos since... Ever." Luna rolled her eyes at her sister. "What is your name, little one?" "Keen Wisdom, but everyone calls me Wisdom." Luna turned to her sister, grinning mischievously. "Terra, don't you think it's time you took on a student?" Before Terra could react she was tackle/hugged by the gryphon cub. "Really!?!" Her eyes sparkled and her beak turned up in a grin. Terra sighed. "Fine." "Yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes!" Wisdom bounced around from joy and flapped her wings. Terra glared at her sister and Luna giggled at the whole situation. "I'm sure you'll get along swimmingly." > Chapter one: in which our heroes learn of a great threat > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once upon a time, there was an empire ruled by three sisters. These three sisters were no ordinary ponies as on would raise the sun in the day, another to raise the moon and the last to change the seasons. The oldest sister, who raised the sun grew jealous of her sisters as ponies and gryphons alike complimented and worshiped the night and were in awe of the seasons. Her sister assured her the day was just as beautiful. As the years went by the Eldest sister's jealousy grew and she became Solar Flare, the mare who wanted to bring about eternal day. Distraught the two younger sisters sealed her away using the Elements of Harmony. A black coated Gryphon sat beneath a tall oak, reading about the ancient legend. Her soul mark bore four circles, each one filled with a different mark, one held a small flame, another held a stylized leaf, the last two held a drop of water and a gust of wind. her name was Keen Wisdom, but you could call her Wisdom. Wisdom looked up at the setting sun. "Huh, I wonder..." The gryphon snapped open her wings an took flight, clutching the book in her talons. Below her, ponies, gryphons, and hippogryphs wandered around finishing daily chores. A Pegasus flew up beside her, his wings buzzing rapidly to keep up. "H-hey Wisdom! You coming to Softhoof's party later today?" "Huh? Oh uhhh... I have to study, biiig test coming up and I don't want to disappoint Princess Terra! Bye!" She zipped forward, leaving a streak of black and gold in her wake. The Pegasus colt watched her depart. "That hen needs to get a life, all she ever does is study." He shrugged and flew off towards Softhoof's party. The black gryphon soared into the library, still lost in thought. "Discord," She called out, glancing around. A draconequus colt lay sprawled out on his small bed, a small line of drool running down the side of his mouth. Wisdom smiled down at him fondly. "He's so cute when he's asleep... DISCORD!!!" Discord panicked and summoned an anvil. Wisdom grabbed it out of the air with a sphere of air and set it to the side calmly. "Oh it's you." he yawned and stretched in a catlike manner. "What time is it?" "Time for you to help me study, I need everything pertaining to the Elements of harmony." Discord grinned his paw and claw together, small chaos sparks shooting off his hands. "Alright! A chance to use a bit of Chaos!" He snapped his fingers and several books flew off the shelves and started flapping their covers. He chuckled as Wisdom sighed and flew around catching the books, one of them taunting her by staying just out of her reach. She caught it in he beak and shook it as punishment. "Thanks, Dissy." "Don't call me Dissy." Wisdom ignored him and flipped through one of the books. "Here it is! The Elements of harmony: artifacts of great power that were lost over a thousand years ago during the Solar rebellion, See; the Midsummer Mare. Again Discord, without the flying books this time, please." A large book slammed down in front of her and Discord chuckled. Wisdom placed her hand on the cover and is shrank back down to it's normal size. As she flipped through the table of contents, Discord entertained himself by messing with her research notes. "I got it! The Midsummer Mare, A powerful alicorn who wanted to rule the Unity Empire in Eternal day and Summer. she was defeated by the Elements and sealed in the sun, legend has it that on the Thousandth fall of her defeat the seal of the summer would break and she would bring about eternal day!" Discord looked up from the recently scrambled papers and raised an eyebrow. "And that's bad because..?" "Don't you see!" Wisdom's left eye began to twitch and her feathers ruffled. "If it's day all the time, nobody will be able to sleep and it'll just keep getting hotter and hotter until all the lakes dry up and plants wilt then the animals will die and the Unity empire will be nothing but a barren wasteland of ash and dust!" She started to hyperventilate as her wings started flapping erratically. Discord chuckled at her chaotic behavior. "Calm down, just write a letter to the princess and tell her what's going to happen." "Right." Discord snapped his fingers and grabbed a quill and parchment out of thin air. Wisdom cleared her throat and began. "Dear Princess Terra and Luna, during my recent studies into the origin of the Unity Empire I have discovered a possible threat. It seems to me that you older sister, who's real name I cannot seem to find, is soon to return, with the full force of the sun at her disposal. I fear what this may mean for the Empire and defer to you in this crisis. Your faithful apprentice, Keen Wisdom" Discord, having lived with Wisdom most of his life, was capable of keeping up with her. Discord held the rolled up document in front of Wisdom as she blew a short steam of message fire of the document. "There, now cool your flank before you burn the library to the ground." Wisdom blushed and closed her wings, which had begun smoking from her anxiety. "I just hope I'm wrong, the Fall Moon Festival is the day after tomorrow." Wisdom burped up a stream of blue flame, a scroll appearing before her. Discord snatched up the scroll before Wisdom could react, he cleared his throat and struck a dramatic pose before reading. "My most faithful student, Wisdom, as much as I value your keen diligence to your studies and perseverance through even the toughest subjects, you simply must stop reading into every little thing..." "Hey!" The royal chariot soared through the skies, carrying the black gryphon and her draconequus assistant towards their destination. Discord continued reading the letter from the princesses. "There's more to a young hen's life than just studying for your next exam, so I'd like for you and Discord to oversee the Fall Moon Festival in Ponyville." Wisdom snorted. "Really? What kind of name is Ponyville? It must've been built before the Integration." "And I'd like you to make a few friends while you're there, maybe even find a special someone." Wisdom blushed furiously, thanking Faust for her dark coat. "I-It't does not say that." "Sure does, oh, P.S. that last line was Lulu's idea, you know how she is." Wisdom groaned. "look on the bright side, we get to stay in the library." "YES!" Wisdom flung her forelegs in the air. The two stallions pulling the carriage landed. Wisdom allowed Discord to crawl onto her back and and trotted up to the two stallions. "Thank you sirs." She began looking around. "We'll finish up checking on the preparations then go to the library to do some more research. I don't need a special someone." Discord pointed at an appraoching mare. "Come of Wisdom! there might be some interesting ponies here in Ponyville, don't knock it till you try it and all that." Wisdom rolled her eyes and trotted up to the mare. The mare was light pink with a two tone purple and white mane, Her cutie mark of a screw and baseball. She wore a white and yellow propeller cap that seemed move despite the still afternoon. "Umm... hello?" The mare opened her eyes, revealing two purple swirls instead of eyes, and gasped. Before Wisdom could say anything else the mare zipped off. "Well that went well." Wisdom sighed and eyed her list which Discord dangled in front of her face. "Okay Sweet Apple Acres." The duo found themselves trotting up a dirt path, up to the large farm house in the distance. "Yeehah!" they turned to see a brown coated thestral with a three tone mane of red, green, and tan run through the orchard toward a ripe apple tree. She pivoted her hips and bucked the tree with all the strength of an Earth pony causing apples to rain down into the baskets below. Wisdom cleared her throat and approached the mare. "Hello, my name Is Keen Wisdom..." Before she could finish the mare grabbed Wisdom's claw and gave her a hearty hoofshake. "Well, howdy there, Mrs. Wisdom the Name's Apple Spice, but y'all can call me Spice, a pleasure making your acquaintance. We sure do lahke maken' friends here at Sweet Apple Acres." "F-friends?" Wisdom squeaked. Discord chuckled at the scene. "What can ah do fer ya?" Spice asked, releasing Wisdom's foreleg which continued to shake. Discord stopped her arm and nudged her. Wisdom coughed. "Well, I'm here to oversee the Fall Moon Festival. Sooo... you're in charge of the food?" "We sure are! Care to try some?" "Umm well actually..." "We'd loved to!" Discord butted in. Apple Spice grinned and zipped off. "SOUP'S ON, EVERYBODY!" Wisdom and Discord found themselves caught in a wave of Earth Ponies. "Now, how's bout ah introduce ya ta Everypony?" "Thanks, but.." "There's Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Night apple. Red Delicious. Golden Delicious," Apple spice rapidly fired off names and each named pony dropped off a Apple related food before them. Discord salivated at the amount of sweets before him while Wisdom was in shock at how many foods there where that had apples. Spice took a deep breath, "Applejack, Lil' Macintosh, aaannnd Granny Smith." A rickety old green mare with a white mane and Apple pie Cutie mark snoozed in an old rocking chair. "Wake on up Granny, we got guests!" The old mare snorted and woke. Wisdom saw Discord reaching for an apple fritter and batted him with her tail. "Well that's all taken care of, we'll just be on our way." "Ain'tcha gonna stay for brunch?" Lil' Macintosh looked up at Wisdom through tear filled eyes. "Uhhh..." She glaced around at the disappointed faces and sighed. "Sure." there was a loud cheer as she plopped back down in her seat, grabbing a slice of pie. Discord clutched his belly and moaned in pain. "Why must country food be so delicous? Why, author, why?" "Stop speaking to the voices in your head and tell me what's next?" Discord groaned and glared at the sky while he pulled out the checklist. "Up next is weather. Terra wants it sunny and cloudless, so she can enjoy the last day of summer." Wisdom scowled. "Doesn't look very sunny out." Discord glaced around. "Hmm... there's supposed to be a Pegasus named Pound Cake clearing the clouds." Wisdom opened her mouth to complain but was knocked down by a streak of brown and cream. The group tumbled into the mud. The pegasus was the first to recover and glanced down. he snorted back laughter. "Sorry bout that. here let me help you." he zoomed off and grabbed a rain cloud. He bounced on it a few times and emptied the water onto Wisdom. Peering over the edge of the cloud he laughed at Wisdom's soaked form. She growled up at him and evaporated the water away. She flew up to face him. "I'm looking for Pound Cake." The pegasus zipped to his feet and grinned. "You're looking at him." he ginned. "Why, you heard of me?" "I heard you're in charge of keeping the clouds out of the sky for the Fall Moon Festival. I'm Keen Wisdom, The Princesses sent me to check on the preparations for the Festival." "Guess that means the weather too.." Pound Cake tapped his chin and grinned down at her. "Make you a deal, if i clear the sky in ten seconds, you let me take you out to the Festival." Wisdom shrugged. "Fine but that's..." "One, two, three go!" the Colt zipped around the sky destroying clouds as he went, in mere seconds the sky was completely empty of any clouds. The colt landed before her and laughed. "You should see your face! See you at the Festival." He flew off. The duo entered town hall and Wisdom gaped at the neat decor and massive banners. "Whoa." A purple unicorn trotted around making a few adjustments. "Hello!" Wisdom said. "I'm Keen Wisdom..." The unicorn gasped and trotted over to her happily. "Hiya! I'm Dinky Hooves, I work at Sugar Cube corner as a baker but cause I'm really good at decorating so the Princesses asked me to do all this!" She gestured around with one hoof. "Ya like it?" Wisdom smiled. "it's lovely, I'm sure my Mentors will adore it." Dinky gasped again. "You're the Princesses' student? That sounds amazing ! I bet their the best teachers ever! I bet you tried out at Canterlot Academy for gifted Mages! I always wanted to go and study there! But i never had enough bits." She pouted. "Oh well, there are probably a ton more ponies waiting for a spot there anyway, my magic isn't that great any way." She gasped. "Oh loo at me, hogging up all your time! I bet you have a ton more ponies to visit and so little time. Tata! if you ever need a pony to talk to you know where to find me!" The unicorn pushed her out the door and continued about her work. Wisdom blinked. "What just happened?" "Okay," Wisdom sighed. "Last pony. the we can go to the library to study." They turned a corner and heard the most lovely symphony of bird calls. Wisdom swayed slightly while trotting towards the sound. She stopped before a tree filled with song birds. A unicorn with a pale yellow coat and blazing orange mane stood before the birds, guiding their symphony. A blue jay started to sing off-key making Wisdom wince. The unicorn cleared her throat. "Umm.. excuse me? Mr. Bluejay? I'm sorry but you're just a teensy bit off." the bird nodded in understanding. "Okay, let's start again. A one, A two, A one two..." And that was the moment Discord decided to speak up. "Hey!" The Unicorn froze and turned her eyes towards the duo. Wisdom batted Discord again with her tail. "Sorry, I was just checking up on the music for the Festival and it's coming along wonderfully." The nicorn glanced down at her hooves, blushing. They were both silent for a while until, again, Discord spoke up. "Soo... what's your name?" "I'm..." Wisdom strained to hear her. "Sorry?" "I'm Pumpkin Cake" "Oh, Pumpkin Cake!" Wisdom held out a claw. "I'm Wisdom, it's nice to meet you!" Pumpkin Cake pawed at the ground nervously. Unable to bear the silence any longer Wisdom sighed. "Well, it's nice meeting you." As she turned to go there was a loud gasp. "Baby Draconequus!" the mare zipped up to Wisdom and started keeping pace next to her. "Oh, he's adorable. This is the most amazing day of my life! I never thought I'd ever get to meet a real live Draconequus! i thought they were all extinct!" She gasped again. "And they can talk! Oooh, What's your name?" "I'm Discord." Wisdom thanked Faust as the Library came into view. Pumpkin Cake hadn't let Discord stop talking since they met. If there was one thing Wisdom knew it was that Discord could keep talking forever if you let him, she rued the day she taught him to speak. "So that's my entire life, except for today. Wanna hear about to day?" "Oh yes please!" Wisdom groaned and Spun around on Pumpkin. "Oh my, look at the Time! little Dissy is supposed to be in bed by now. Sorry!" "But!" Before Discord could complain he was wrapped in an orange aura and floated into the library. "Oh you poor thing, you simply must get to bed as soon as possible!" Wisdom blocked the doorway befor the mare could come in. "Yes, well, thank you so much and have a nice day." She closed the door an sighed. Discord blew a raspberry at her. "look I need to study and I can't do that with a ton of Crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time." "SUPRISE!" "Oh sweet mother of Faust." She face palmed. > Chapter Two: In which the threat makes itself known and destinies are forged > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What are all of you doing in here?" Wisdom asked all of the Ponies. No a single Gryphon, speciesist. A terrifying thought crossed her mind. What if they're all her to check out books!? I need those books! The pink Mare from earlier bounced over to Wisdom with an exuberant grin on her face. "Hiya! I'm Screwball, Ponyvilles premier party planner! I'm super be duper Excited to meet you!" She took Wisdom's foreclaw and shook it. The effect was the same as with Apple Spice. As Wisdom's eyes rattled around in her skull, Screwball continued to yammer on about seemingly nothing. "... And then i was like *gasp*, Because I'd never seen a gryphon before and that must mean that you were lonely!" Wisdom managed to break off the deathgrip handshake and shamble over to the refreshment table. She poured herself a drink and sighed, Well, goodbye research. Huh, this drink is a bit thick, and... "So now you have lots of friends!" Wisdom spat out the syrupy food and rubbed her tongue. "Chocolate!" She zoomed up the stairs to her room and slammed the door, in search of her medicine. Screwball remained oblivious. "Aww, she's so happy she's crying!" Discord picked up the bottle and giggled at Wisdom's plight. "Chocolate Syrup!" Discord knocked on the door. "Wisdom?" "Go away! You're just going to laugh! And I put a Anti-teleportation ward on the room s don't even think about it!" Discord still snickered at her. "It's not that! bad." He insisted. "I'm Fluffier than a two-year cub!" Wisdom heard him fall over laughing. She sighed and looked up at the sun in the Sky. "I know she's coming back, I can feel it." "C-come on... Heh... Wisdom! We're gonna miss the Sunset!" Wisdom looked at the nearest mirror and groaned. Her feathers were still fluffed in a very unattractive and embarrassing way, even her fur was unsettled and poofy. "Just a sec!" She went into the bathroom and sprayed herself down in the bathroom. she slumped out into the hall and shook herself dry, drenching Discord and Pound Cake. Ahhh, Sweet revenge., She thought. "Come on, Dissy. The Princesses might need our help." She started to walk through town towards the Town hall. They passed a few stalls that were being set up for the festival Part of the Celebration. Wisdom glanced to her side and noticed Pound Cake walking beside her. "Can I help you?" "You said you'd go to the Festival with me." he grinned. "Remember, Fluffy?" "Don't call me Fluffy. My name is Wisdom. And don't call me Keen either." "Whatever you say... Wissy." He trotted ahead of her, laughing. Wisdom growled and flared her wings. Discord chucked from on her back. "fluffy." "Don't you start!" Wisdom Shifted anxiously, shooting glances at the sun and flapping her wings in agitation. Screwball and Discord were jabbering away about the merits of confetti or sparkles as the Mayor trotted up to the podium, Pumpkin's bird sympony sounding her arrival. "Ladies and Gentlemen, As mayor of Ponyville it is my pleasure to announce the begining of the Fall Moon festival! the Begining of the Harvest season! Now it is my great honor to introduce the great and wise, good and kind, generous and cheerful, sisters of harmony!" The spot light moved to the balcony, were the sisters were supposed to be. Everypony gasped and Wisdom stiffened as the curtains opened to reveal nopony. "Oh Faust." "Everypony remain calm!" the mayor said, "I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation." "We're doomed!" Screwball cried. Just as she said that a sunbeam streamed through the window, a swirling flash of light filled the balcony and formed into the largest Alicorn Wisdom had ever seen. "Oh no, Solar Flare." Discord fainted. Solar Flare grinned. "Oh my beloved subjects, it's been so long since I've seen your precious Moon worshiping faces." Pound Cake puffed up his chest. "What have you done withe the Princesses!?!" he tried to fly at her but was caught in Pumpkin's aura and held back. Solar Flare simply laughed at him. "Why, Am I not princess enough for you? Don't you know who I am? Does my crown no longer count now that I've been Imprisoned for a thousand years!?!" Wisdom straighten herself and spoke up. "I know who you are! You're the Midsummer Mare, Solar Flare!" Solar Flare turned her attention to her. She chuckled darkly. "Well, well, Somepony who knows who I am. Then you also know why I'm here." Wisdom gulped. "You're here to... to..." She shrank under Solar Flare's glare. She laughed. "Remember last night ponies, for it was your last. From this day fourth, the Day, shall, last, Forever!" She laughed evilly, her mane and tail extending into massive flames that scorched the roof. The Mayor turned to the Royal Guard. "Stop her! She's the only one who knows where the Princesses are!" The Pegasus guards flew toward Solar Flare. "Stay back, You Foals!" her tail shot out and knocked them out of the air. Solar Flare turned into a ball of flame and flew out of the window. Pumpkins' aura disappeared and Pound flew after Solar Flare. Wisdom bolted out the door towards the library. Discord Snored in his cot, murmuring in his sleep. 'We have to stop Solar!" He cried. Wisdom pulled the blanket over him and smiled down at him. "You were up all day, Discord. You are still a baby after all." She turned off the lights and drew the curtains, leaving Discord to sleep. She flew around the library and looked at the titles. "Elements... elements. Gah! why can't I find the Elements of Harmony!" Pound cake Flew up to her. "And just what are the Elements of harmony? And how did you know About Solar Flare!?! Are you a spy?" Apple Spice bit down on her tail and pulled Pound away. "Easy there, Sugarcube. She ain't no spy, but she does know whats goin on." The other three Ponies strolled into the library, curiously. Wisdom sighed. "I read all About the Prediction of Solar Flares return, The Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, not even the Princesses can do anything. But I don't Now where they are, what they look like, even what they do!" Screwball held out a book and read the cover. "The Elements of Harmony: A reference guide." Wisdom snatched the book from her grip and cracked it open. "Where did you find this?" "It was under E~" She said, bouncing. Wisdom coughed, blushing. "There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known. Laughter, kindness, honesty, generosity, and loyalty. the sixth is a mystery. It is said the last known was in... The EVERFREE CASTLE" the Ponies (and gryphon) stood at the edge of the forest, trotting in place nervously. Except for Screwball who bounced in place Excitedly. "Yeah! Storyline Quest! let's go!" Wisdom held her back with a wing. "Sorry, but this is my job. I need to do this alone." Pound cake laughed. "Yeah right, like we'll let you suck up all the glory." All five ponies trotted ahead of her. Wisdom Groaned and took flight after them. They let her lead the way. The Earth bound ponies, and Apple Spice, wandered onto a loose cliff edge and it crumbled beneath their hooves. "Wisdom quick!" Pound Cake flew down and caught Pumpkin and Wisdom caught Screwball. Apple Spice Flapped her wings uselessly and caught a branch. Dinky screamed as she dangled from a loose edge. Sliding down to meet her, Spice started to pull her up. "Spice, fly us out of here!" "Ah-Ah can't! Ah can't Fly!" She whimpered. Dinky cried out. "What do we do!" Spice looked around and took a deep breath. "Let go." "What?!?" "You'll Be okay! Ah Promise." She looked into Dinky's eyes, her gaze warm and honest. Dinky took a deep breath and let go. she cried out in fear and felt two rough claws grab her. Glancing up, she looked into Wisdom's light blue eyes. "Faust, you're heavy." "Sorry, I eat a lot of muffins." Wisdom set Dinky down and watched Spice jump between ledges to the bottom. She smiled at her as the group continued on their way. They all groaned as Pound Cake yammered through his own version of the events. "they Wisdom was all like, Whoosh! Caught her right in the knick of time." "We know, we were all there." there was a loud thud and they all turned to see a Manticore. Dinky looked up at the sky and cried out. "Why, Universe, Why!?!" the Manticore struck at Wisdom with a massive paw. When Wisdom flapped her wings, sending a blast of fire at the manticore, it roared and the flames died. Dinky jumped in and bucked the creature in it's face. "Take that!" The manticore knocked off her saddle bags and she gasped. "My muffins!" She ran after the missing bags and Pumpkin called out. "Wait."Apple Spice lassoed down the manticores tail. It simply flipped it's tail and sent her flying. Again Pumpkin called out. "Wait!" the group prepared to charge, wings extended and horns glowing. "Charge!" "Wait!" Everyone stopped in place. Pumpkin trotted up to the manticore and Nuzzled it's paw. It whimpered and held out a paw. A large thorn was stuck deep in the sensitive flesh."Oh you poor baby!" "Baby?" Pound asked. "This'll only hurt a little." Her magic wrapped around the thorn and yanked. the Manticor roared and grabbed her "Pumpkin!" They cried out before noticing that it was grooming her. She giggled and Patted it on the nose. "Aww, you're just a little old kitty, aren't you?" After the manticore set her down they continued on their way. "How did you know it had a thorn?" "I didn't" Pumpkin smiled. "Sometimes we all just need a little bit of kindness that's all." After a while they came across some spooky trees and Screwball led them in a song to raise their spirits, leaving them giggling and gaffing at Screwy's antics. Not long after, they came across a hungry Sea serpent who'd lost all his Fish sticks. Dinky valiantly gave him all of her muffins and he allowed them to cross the river on his back. Wisdom gasped and pointed a claw. "look! It's the Ruins of Everfree Castle" "Finally!" Pound Cake Zoomed ahead. "hey the bridge is missing!" he flew down as the fog became more dense. Wisdom's Saddle bags popped open and Discord stuck out his head. "Wait!" he reached back down and pulled out a strange fish eyed creature. "It's a trap!" The creature exclaimed before Discord shoved him back into his own dimension. "Can't argue with Ackbar." He crossed his arms. "Have you been in there this whole time?" Dinky asked. "Nope! I woke up and noticed it was still day out. So I teleported here about fifteen minutes ago." Pound Cake Flew back. "So like there were these weird shadow minions who tried to recruit me into a cult or something. they wanted me to leave you hanging." Discord ginned. "Welp, my bit's done an I no longer posses any use to continue the plot, Toodaloo!" He vanished back into Wisdom's bag and they continued forward. Spice opened the door to a massive chamber, a pedestal holding Five stones loomed over them. "Well all be, these must be the Elements." Pound and Wisdom Flew up and gathered them as Screwball counted. "One, Two, Three... Hey, there's only five!" "Where the sixth?" Pound asked. Wisdom stepped into the circle of stones and opened her wings. "The books said, When the five are present a spark will ignite, making the sixth to be revealed. I think I know what to do, I need to concentrate." "Come on y'all." Spice led the others out of the chamber. Magic formed over Wisdom's wings, cracking with arcane energies. before she could release the magic and ignite the spark she was caught in a blaze of fire and teleported to the tallest tower. The others came in just as she disappeared. "Where did she go!?!" "look!" Dinky pointed at the light coming from the tower. Spice ran foreward to the staircase. "Come on Everybody, we have a friend to save!" Wisdom coughed and glanced around, spotting Solar Flare standing over the Elements. Wisdom Opened her wings and prepared to charge. "You're kidding. You're kidding right?" Wisdom ran forward. Solar Flare raced to meet her. The Magic formed over her wings and her eyes narrowed in concentration. Before they clashed, Wisdom released the magic and teleported to the Elements. "Huh?" Solar Flare blinked in confusion. "Come on," her magic flowed over the stones, attempting to spark the Sixth element. Solar Flare grabbed Wisdom in her magic and flung her at a wall. Wisdom cried out in pain as her left wing shattered. Solar Flare laughed and brought down her hooves, shattering the Elements. "You Foal, thinking you could defeat me?" Wisdom shrank under her gaze. "Now you'll never see your Princesses, or your night." Wisdom deflated, all hope gone, there was nothing she could do. She failed her Mentor. She failed the Empire. Just then she heard the Voices of Five Ponies coming up the staircase. A spark lit up in her chest as she had an epiphany. Sh looked at Solar Flare, her un-wounded wing opened and ready. "Did you really think you could defeat the Elements that easily? Well I got news for you, because the Spirits of Harmony are right here!" The shards of stone floated off the ground and towards Wisdom's friends. Solar Flare gasped in surprise and shrank away. "Apple Spice, who assured Dinky she was safe and admitted her weakness represents the Spirit of Honesty!" a few shards floated over to her and began floating around her in a circular manner. Wisdom continued. "Pumpkin Cake, who tamed the Manticore with her compassion represents the spirit of Kindness!" more shards floated over to her and did the same as with Spice. "Screwball, who giggled away her fears as well as ours represents the spirit of Laughter. Dinky, who gave up her Muffins to the Sea Serpent to calm is stomach represents the Spirit of Generosity! And Pound Cake, who couldn't abandon his friends in the face of danger represents the spirit of Loyalty." Solar Flare stomped her hoof. "But you still don't have the Sixth Element!" "Yes we do! I felt it inside me when I realized that how happy I was to be with all of you. the Sixth Element, the element of Magic!" A gem appeared above Wisdom and the Shards formed into necklaces for their respective bearers. the Final Element lowered onto Wisdom's crest and changed into a golden Coronet bearing her Soul mark. A beam of magic surged out of the Elements at Solar Flare who cried out in fear at the Elements cleansed her. As the magic ended the Bearers were dropped unceremoniously on the ground. Spice looked around. "Everybody Okay?" There was a chorus of groans and she nodded. "Good." Wisdom looked up and watched the sun sink below the Horizon, making way for the night. in a Flash of magic, two mighty Alicorns appeared, one dark blue with a Patch of night sky for a Cutie mark and the other alicorn shifting from bright red with a summer flower Cutie mark to Dull orange with an Autumn leaf Cutie mark. "Princess Terra, Princess Luna!" She ran forward and bowed at her mentors. "I'm so glad you're okay!" "Wisdom, my Most Faithful Student." Terra Exclaimed. Luna trotted over to the smoking Remains of Solar Flare's armor. Terra quickly nuzzled her Student before following her Younger Sister. "Just a Moment, then I'll fix that Wing." Luna Spoke, her voice filled with authority. "Princess Celestia," the Princesses looked down at the small white alicorn with a pink mane and Sun Cutie mark. "It's been a long time since We've seen you like this. And we don't have any baby pictures of you so there's that." Terra rolled her eyes and nudged her sister. "Anyway, we were all Meant to rule together, big sister." "Sister?" the five Ponies chorused. Wisdom rolled her eyes."Duh." Luna continued. "I hope you'll decide to come back with us, to rule in harmony." the Five ponies leaned forward in anticipation as Wisdom nodded at the white Alicorn. "I'm so sorry little Sister!" Screwball clapped her hooves at the reunion. "You know what this calls for..." "... A party!" She cried out. Wisdom leaned away from the Earth Pony. "Why did you wait three hours to say that?" "Time Skip silly!" She bounced off to play some games. Wisdom giggled and watched her new friends with interest. A crushing sadness began to weigh down on her and she looked down to the ground as the Princess trotted over. "What's wrong my little Student?" "it's just..." She began. "I finally have friends for the first time, and now I have to leave them." A large wing rested on her shoulders. "Discord, take a note please." Wisdom looked up at Terra in confusion. "I, Princess Terra of the Seasons, declare that the Gryphon Mage, Keen Wisdom, is to move to Ponyville to study the Magic of friendship and report to me her Findings." There was a loud cheer and the Five Ponies tackle/huged Wisdom with everything they had. "Thank you Princess, I'll study harder than ever before." Princess Terra joined her sisters in the Chariot and Waved to her student. Luna nudged her sister with a wing. "Don't worry, you can always visit her." Terra smiled. "You were right, I did need a Student. She's more dear to me than anything." Luna Giggled. "Too bag she doesn't Lean that Way huh?" "Lulu!" > Chapter Three: In which Discord makes friends > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ponyville had bore witness to many strange things since it's founding, Solar Flare being the most recent. There were arguably a few times when it would've been named the 'most dangerous small town' just by being next to the Everfree. Nothing could prepare them for the sight of a Baby Draconequus being dragged to school by his gryphon caretaker. "I don't wanna!" Wisdom sunk her talons into the ground and pulled with all her might against the suprisingly strong foal. "This is for your own good." "Never!" he summoned a giant weight and chained himself to it. Wisdom sighed and let go. The two engaged each other in a short staring contest until Wisdom simply sighed and stretched out a wing. In a single swift movement the chain shattered and Discord was caught in a sphere of air. "Wind blade, Dissy." She snapped, dragging him behind her. "Noooooo.... hey look a ruby!" he grabbed the floating gem and started playing with it. "Heehee, sparkly." Wisdom rolled her eyes. It was so easy to distract him it was almost comical. Screwball bounced over to them. "Hi Wisdom! Hi Discord!" Wisdom smiled at her new friend. "Oh, hello Screwball. How are you today?" That's how ponies interact right? She thought. Oh no, what if she thinks I'm too formal, or if I'm not formal enough? What if that's not the right way to ask? What if it isn't the right time to ask? What if she thinks I'm too awkward to be her friend! Ahhhh! Her feathers ruffled in response to her worry. Her mental Panic went unnoticed by the Party Planner, who continued to bounce beside the gryphon. "I was just looking for you guys! I wanted to know what kind of foods you'd like for your housewarming party!" Wisdom winced. "Uhh, well..." "And don't worry, there won't be any chocolate this time." Screwy elbowed Wisdom and giggled. Suddenly, Wisdom's chest puffed out and she burped up a stream of blue fire. "Oooo, Pretty." Wisdom picked up the scroll. "A letter from the princess, I wonder what it's about." "I wanna read it!" Discord snatched the scroll from her grip. He cleared his throat dramatically. "My most faithful student, Wisdom. It is my pleasure to invite you and your fellow Element bearers to the Winter Solstice celebration in Canterlot on the... blahdy blah blah... great honor... something about friendship... Oh look tickets!" Discord held up six golden tickets. "Well that could be fun!" Wisdom looked at her bounceing friend, who seemed even more excited at the sight of the tickets. "Would you..?" "The Winter Solstice!" She wrapped her forelegs around the gryphon and brought her into a bone crushing hug. "I've wanted to go there ever since I was an itty bitty filly! It's supposed to be the best celebration in the entire world!" She dropped Wisdom unceremoniously on ground. "I would walk in, wearing the prettiest dress that they'd ever seen. Then I'd have my time to shine, not that mare with the weird eyes, or the Party planner, I'd be Screwball, the prettiest girl at the ball." She sighed dreamily. "Can you guys keep a secret?" Wisdom shook off her dizziness. "Uhh... yeah." Screwball leaned in uncomfortably close to Wisdom's beak. "I have a crush on Pound Cake." Discord gasped, "Really?" Wisdom rolled her eyes at their childishness and set Discord on her back. The two barely noticed when she started walking, Screwball just bouncing along next to her and Discord to distracted by their conversation. She simply tuned them both out and tried to keep Screwball from running into something. The walk was shorter than she expected and the papers were rather easy to fill out. "And that's how the empire was made!" Screwball announced loudly. Wisdom blinked in confusion. "Wha..?" "Wow!" Discord said in amazement. "That makes waaay more sense then what Wisdom's books say!" "My books are historically accurate, I don't even want to know what you think makes sense." She set Discord down on the ground. "Now try to be good, unless you want to back to homeschooling." Discord's eyes narrowed into slits. "You wouldn't." "I would." she sneered. Discord bolted to his seat and folded his paw and claw over his desk, which transformed into peanut brittle at his touch. The teacher, a white unicorn with a curly purple mane, began to protest but wisdom stopped her. "That's the best you're gonna get. Tell me if he plays any pranks on anyone." She trotted out of the room, Screwball bouncing behind her. The teacher smiled. "Everyone, say hello to Discord, your newest classmate. Would you like to tell us something about yourself?" Every student in the classroom turned to Discord to see him gnawing on his desk. He glanced up. "Umm... Hi." His ears flattened on his head and he started to sweat. "I'm from Canterlot and I like pranks." he said lamely. "Okay, how about we go around the room and introduce ourselves! I'm Sweetie Belle and I enjoy teaching young ponies. Filthy Rich, would you like to go next?" A light brown Earth pony with a slick black mane sat up a bit straighter. "I'm Filthy Rich and My family owns Diamond in the Rough." he turned to a butter yellow pegasus next to him and sneered. "Would you like to go next?" The Pegasus shrank under his gaze and eeped. "I'm Fluttershy. and I ...can't fly..." "Ooooh oooh! Me!" A pink on pinker earth Pony bounced in her seat. "I'm Pinkie Pie and Screwball's my big sister!" The quiet, pale gray thestral next to Discord spoke. "I'm Ghost Star, and I enjoy peanut brittle." there was a near in audible crunch and Discord notice a massive chunk of hid desk was missing. He laughed and Ghost Star smiled. "I think we'll be good friends." There were a few more introductions and they started a lesson on something or other. Discord didn't know, he was to busy passing notes with Pinkie and Ghost.