> United We Stand! > by pinkudesuu > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Together We Stand... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Twilight, we've been here for 3 hours now!” Rainbow Dash whined, “Can we at least take a break in our camps for now?” Earlier that morning, Twilight along with the rest of her friends were all summoned by the Map for a Friendship Quest. It was such a rare occasion, only happens when something serious is happening.  Well, there was also that time when Discord faked a Cutie Map summoning all of them in order to test Starlight Glimmer. This time, they made extra sure that this is not fake, Fluttershy making Discord promise that he’s not lying. Why do they always tend to forget about Discord’s sole affection towards Fluttershy? The last time they remember being called all together was during Starlight's Equal Town, which said pony is now reformed and changed her way. Now as a student under Twilight's care. She was tasked with taking care of the Castle's affair under Spike's watch while the friends are away for a mission. They don't know how long this will take so they took extra measures in case something goes awry along the way. The map directed them to a mountain where a big tree resides by the peak. It was not a long way from Ponyville, just a short train ride and then a 30 minute walk. Which made this mission all the more confusing because they are unsure where the friendship problem lies. “It doesn’t make any sense,” Twilight stressed as she sat down in defeat from searching all over the tree, “Our Cutie Marks have been shining nonstop since we got here, that must mean we’re in the right places already doesn’t it? So… where is it?” “Don’t stress over it, Twi,” Applejack comforted, “We’ve experienced this before, haven’t we? Let’s just take a deep breath and we’ll search again with a clearer mind.” “Maybe there’s, like, a secret passage?” Rainbow Dash nears her ear towards the tree as she knocks her hooves on it, listening in, “A ritual? A secret magic message?” “Ooooor maybe it’s actually just below our flanks all along!” Pinkie pipes up as she looks at her Cutie Mark lighting up more as she sat down at a certain spot. “Isn’t it a little weird how there’s not even a single bird or bugs around such a big and healthy tree?” Flutter Shy adds in, flying to a trunk as she searches for a nest. “Well, there’s not much of a breeze here either,” Rarity pants as she fans herself, “Let’s just cool down for now, we’ve walked and searched for continuous hours dear! My hooves can only handle so much!” “Fine…” Twilight relents, “Let’s take a break.” But a pinched expression remained on her face that didn’t go unnoticed by the others as they rested in a circle close to each other. “You seem really stressed lately, Twilight,” Flutter Shy spoke up, “Is everything okay?” “I’m just… really worried about leaving the school to Starlight all alone again.” “You’ve left it to her once before, and it went great!” Applejack said, “So what’s really the issue here?” “Well…” Twilight looks away, thinking of another excuse. “It’s not about the coronation is it?” Rarity worriedly asked. Twilight doesn’t speak, but she does look more ashamed to have it laid out by her friends. “I know it’s still a few months away but… I just can’t help wondering if I’m really already up to it. Managing Ponyville was not easy, the School took a lot of trial and error now.. the entirety of Equestria?!” “Oh come on Twi, you’ve done loads of stuff that proves you’re more ready to be a Princess of Equestria than you'd think!” Rainbow Dash said, “Saving Ponyville, Crystal Empire, Canterlot, the Timeline, and everywhere else around Equestria!” “But that’s saving Equestria, not ruling it. I just… feel like it’s a lot more different than I can prepare for…” Twilight said, “And besides, I had all of you besides me in all of those moments, so… I’m at a loss as to what to do after the coronation.” “Being the ruler of Equestria doesn’t stop you from being friends with us anymore, dummy!” Pinkie Pie laughed as she pulled Twilight in a hug, “We can still visit you, and you can visit us! Ooooh we can have, like, official monthly meetings, weekly meetings? Daily meetings?! Or maybe hourly meetings!” “I don’t think Twilight’ll be able to do weekly meetings, sugar cube, much less a daily meeting,” Applejack said with a giggle. “But she is right, Dear,” Rarity said, “You always have us! We’re always one call away. I won’t say no to visiting my friend in the Canterlot Castle!” Twilight was deeply touched with their ever encouraging words, “Thank you, girls. I don't know what I could’ve done without you.” A moment of silence drawled as Twilight looked at her friends one by one. Friendship Through The Ages - Eqeustria Girls Mane 6 (link) “Nothing stays the same for long,” Twilight sang softly “But when it changes doesn’t mean it’s gone,” Pinkie Pie further nuzzles herself to Twilight as the latter sings. “Time will always get away, as it leaves behind another day~” “Things may come and things may go,” Flutter Shy sang as she sways her head. “Some go fast, and some go slow,” “Few things last, that’s all I know,” She sang as she rested her head on Applejack. “But Friendship carries on through the Ages.” “Things may come and things may go,” Rarity sang as she fixed Rainbow’s hair. “Some go fast and some go slow,” “Few things last, that’s all I know,” Rainbow lets Rarity be as she even settled on laying by the grass next to her. “But friendship carries on through the Ages.” “Been around for a long time,” Rainbow Dash sang “Rocking out hard ‘cause I’m in my prime.” “May it’ll change further down the line,” “But my friendship— carries on through the ages!” Rainbow Dash sang as she put Rarity in a gentle headlock “Every single style has something different it can say,” Applejack sang. “There’s nothing wrong with being unique, and special in your own way,” She sang as she sways her hat. “Maybe you wanna be a popstar!” Pinkie Pie jumped from Twilight’s hold. “Get your 15 minutes of fame! Woo-a-hoh” She posed around, her friends giggling at her antics “That won’t last forever,” She sang as she went back to her friends “But friendship remains the same, ahh oh.” “Things may come and things may go,” One by one, the group of friends stood up as they sang together as one. “Some go fast and some go slow,” “Few things last, that’s all I know,” “But Friendship carries on through the Ages!” “Things may come and things may go,” They all huddled closer together as they faced the tree, a witness to their ever growing friendship. “Some go fast and some go slow,” “Few things last, that’s all I know,” “But Friendship carries on through the Ages” “Ooooooh” “Carries on….” Their singing ended as they hugged each other. “We rather sang differently this time, didn’t we?” Rarity giggled. “I guess our types in Music are really different, which makes us all the more special,” Twilight said. Fluttershy sighs in the hug, “I really don’t want to be separated from you guys,” “That won’t happen!” Rainbow Dash reassured, “I won’t stop looking for you guys if that were to happen!” “Uhh, guys?” Applejack grabs their attention, “Don’t you think the Tree is kind of… glowing right now?” Indeed, the Tree is now emitting a strange glow. 6 different colours moved around the trunks of the tree; Blue, Purple, Yellow, Orange, Red, and Pink. Each colour met by the middle by the order and disappeared as it went down. “Pinkie Senses are telling me….” Pinkie Pie’s voice rang as she watched her tail shake in warning, “To look down!” Too late, a portal appeared below them swirling in colours and… cotton candy? Yarns and glitters? A really strange portal which they couldn’t escape in time. They fell into the portal screaming as they fell. Pinkie Pie giggles amidst her scream, “I was right! It was below our flanks!” “Not helping Pinkie!” Rainbow Dash shouted, she couldn’t control her wings! “Oh my Celestia! What is happening to you guys?!” Rarity screamed as she pointed at them, then had a good look at her hooves— hands? “My hooves! They have split into 4! AAAAAAAHHH” “Oh no,” Twilights was filled with dread, a memory she felt that happened just like this surfaced in her mind. It was just like the mirror that turned her into a—! “My wings!” Rainbow Dash said in alarm, “They’re— gone!” “Oooooh!” Pinkie Pie squealed as she twisted and turned, “I’m all bright and fishy!” “I don’t wanna look— I don’t wanna look— I don’t wanna look—” Fluttershy repeated like a mantra as she kept her eyes closed behind her arms. “Y’all we’re still falling! Twi, what is happening?!” Applejack shouted, holding onto her hat. “I don’t know!” Twilight shouted back as she looked at her arms, why is she so glittery?! “Something like this once happened to me— when I went in that mirror back in Canterlot but… It’s different! We all look so— different! I don’t know anything about this, oh gosh.” “Please tell me I still look good?” Rarity asked, stressed with having no mirror in sight. “You have a longer neck and no horn, but you still look very pretty! Stylish!” Pinkie Pie answered. “No horn?!” “And we all have hands!” Pinkie Pie added. “What are hands?!” They all shouted in unison. “How can you possibly know about hands?!” Twilight asked incredulously. “Just a hunch,” Pinkie Pie grinned. “LIGHT!” Applejack’s voice boomed. A light appeared below them, closing in. “That’s not a light…” Twilight said in alarm. Fluttershy now chose the moment to open her eyes and looked down, to which she screamed in horror. “WE’RE GONNA FALL IN THE SKY!!!” “Oh no we won’t!” Rainbow Dash said. Making use of her Aerodynamic skills, she made sure to group her friends all together before moving in front of them. No one knows how it happened, but with Rainbow Dash leading, a rainbow trail appeared after them, the air surrounding them became heavy but controlled. As the light neared around them, they huddled closer praying they’ll be able to live through this. The last thing they heard was the familiar sound of Rainbow Dash’s Rainboom before everything turned black. > ... Divided We Fall > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pop Trolls Poppy was having the party of her life when it happened. One moment they were all celebrating Mosha-sha Sha-na Holliday, jumping around all day and singing songs, then suddenly. BOOM! A large boom blasted in the sky that caused everyone to stop their jumping as they witnessed the phenomenon in the sky. It was a never before seen phenomenon. The appearance of a Rainbow in circular as it travelled across after a big Boom! “Is that…” Branch said, out of words for such an unexplainable phenomenon. “Oh my God— That was so pretty!” Poppy squealed as she immediately took picture of it, printing it. “How did that happen?! “I’m not sure…” Branch drawled… he squinted his eyes when something shined in his peripheral vision. “Look, Mr. Dinkles! A shooting star! Quick, make a wish!” Biggie’s voice sounded as he pointed to where Branch had looked. Mr. Dinkles was quiet as he followed the ‘star’. A lot of wishes circled in his head bute then settled for one… “Mew.” “That shooting star… It’s headed straight to us!” Branch shouted in alarm, “Everybody hide!” Immediately, the whole tribe went into a frenzied panic as they all scrambled away from the plaza and back into their own pods. Branch had to pull a starstruck Poppy to hide by his bunker as the ‘shooting star’ was fast approaching. The two struck out their heads to witness as not a huge crush happened when the star landed. Still, no one came out as they waited for some kind of aftermath. However, not even 10 seconds later, a few critters instead went near the landing site of the star. “Wait, no! Don’t go near the stars yet!” Poppy tried to stop the critters from approaching, stepping away from the bunker against Branch’s orders but then stopped when she saw something “Wait, are those Dust Bunnies?!” “What is happening there?!” Branch said quietly, taking a cautious charge with Poppy behind him as they neared the land zone. The more they walked nearer, the more it seemed clearer to them. It wasn’t a shooting star… It was… “Is that… a troll?” Poppy said quietly. Surrounded by critters was a sleeping yellow troll. Her pink hair framed one side of her face as the back is long and soft looking as it softly twirled by the end tips. She wore a green knitted dress with flowers and pink butterflies. The dress is short in the front and long by her back. They saw one of the dust bunnies place a green flower by the side of her hair. “She… looks like an angel…” Poppy coos, trying to step closer. “Wait, Poppy! I don’t think we should—” Branch tried to stop her when the sleeping troll started moving around. Her movement was soft as she sat down, cradling her head. As she took a glance to her hands, aqua eyes opened in shock as she looked at her hands and feet, feeling her face. She seemed close to hyperventilating when a critter floated to her face. “Oh, hello there,” Her meek voice sounded. Calm as the breeze. “I-I’m sorry, but do you know where I am?” Poppy and Branch shared a look, is she talking to a critter?  The critter seemed to reply to her. “Behind me? Who’s Queen— Eek!” The troll squeaked when she turned to see the two of them, “U-uhm… W-Who are you? P-Please don’t hurt me…” She curled to herself and into the embrace of a Boring Beetle. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, don’t worry we’re not here to hurt you,” Poppy immediately consoled, “I’m Queen Poppy, and this is Branch. We’re here to help you.” “W-Where am I? My friends… Where are my friends?” “You’re safe in the Troll’s Village and you were—” “Trolls?! T-There big meanie trolls here?” The troll panicked, “I have to get to my friends!” Poppy laughed, oblivious to her panic, “‘Big, meany trolls’ HA! Good one. Oh, gosh. I don't think we're any of that.” “W-What?” “I mean, look at you and me! We ourselves are trolls. How can we be big and mean!” By her words, the girl’s world seemed to shatter. Or maybe she just had too many revelations upon waking up. “Oh boy.” Branch sighed as she watched the meek Troll faint. “Oh no, what happened to her?” Poppy said as she neared the troll, “We should get her checked up!” “Yeah, let’s do that. I mean, we don’t know her name yet or why she came down from the sky but sure, let’s do that first.” Branch said sarcastically, he addressed everyone first before leading Poppy to the clinic. “Everything’s alright now everyone! You can come out now.” “We saw the Troll, Branch,” Biggie said, hugging Mr. Dinkles, “Who was that?” “I don’t know Biggie,” He sighed, “I don’t know yet.” Funk Trolls The Funk trolls were enjoying a performance by the stage when a large Boom shook their entire ship. “Shut everything down!” King Quincy ordered as precaution. “Check the area!” Queen Essence ordered, “Report!” “Your highness!” One of the Pilots went to the Queen, “There was a huge explosion of a rainbow that occured in the middle of Troll Kingdom. We have yet to identify what caused it!” “Your highnesses!” One of the onlookers shouted as they still had their eyes following the telescope, “Something is falling from the sky after the explosion, and it’s headed our way!” “And it seems to be…!” The other onlooker shouted, “It’s a Funk Troll!” “Well, what are we waiting for? Catch them to safety!” “On it, Dad!” Prince Darnell gave a salute before following the order. A bubble catcher was employed which easily caught the troll mid-fall. Gently, the Troll in the Bubble landed on the ground softly with a pop. It was a white Funk Troll. Blue fur trails along her neck with silver and purple bands of tinsel segments. Her body is purple with some layered with silver tinsel segments that makes it look like a funky skirt. Her hair is styled fashionably in purple where three blue diamonds are clipped on the side. Blue powder glittered her eyes, and as it opened, deep blue orbs took in her surroundings. “Oh my, what a terrible dream I had,” She said with sass, about to cradle her head when she caught sight of it, “Or… maybe I’m still having it.” She said as she waved her arms around, turning it back to back. “Seems you are awake,” Queen E stepped in. She figured talking to this woman as another woman would help ease the tension from the girl. “Oh— Uh, hi there. Great style you’re wearing there— hehe- ehem! Uhm, if you don’t mind me asking, where am I, exactly?” The girl asked. Essence suppressed a laugh coming out as she tilted her head, amused by the woman’s antics. Her eyes can’t help but look around the place and at the tall figure of Queen Essence, taking in her aura and unique style. “You are in our territory Miss..?” “Rarity!” Rarity said, “Nice to meet you and erm, I sincerely apologise for overstepping in your territory without notice. Have you perhaps seen my other friends? If I could just know where they are, then I’ll be on my way and not trouble you further!” “It is fine, Miss Rarity, I am Queen Essence of the Funk Trolls.” “Oh! My apologies! I didn’t realise I was speaking directly to a head!” Rarity hastily dropped to her knees in worry. Had she disrespected the Queen in some way during their whole interaction? Hopefully not. She doesn’t want to generalise but nothing good has ever followed those that carry the King and Queen titles. “Please stand, Miss Rarity. There’s no need for that.” Queen E laughed jokingly. “W-Well, it’s just… I’m really not sure how to act around… well… In the first place I haven’t heard of Funk Trolls before?” Rarity said bashly, she really needed to figure out a way to look for her friends soon. “Really?” A new voice entered the conversation. A man just as regal as the woman in front of her and a boy who seems to be their son? “The name’s King Quincy and Prince Darnell.” “I find it really curious how you don’t know about Funk Trolls,” Prince D said with a tilt of his head, “Ain’t ‘ya one?” “Me? A funk Troll? Please, I’m a—” Finally, memories of earlier prior to the Rainboom surfaced to her mind. Her friend's eccentric new looks that changed after falling in that portal and… her now-nonexistent horns and hooves replaced with… she looked at it remembering Pinkie’s words, hands? “Could I perhaps… barrow a mirror somewhere?” Rarity asked, stress showing through her expression. The Royal family looked at each other, each with their own questions before they led Rarity through their City. Country Trolls In the Lonesome Flats Territory, all was well and quiet, everyone was doing their own errands and responsibilities. Milking Cows, cooking BBQs, such and such. Delta Dawn was patrolling around the Town when it happened. BOOOOM! An explosion followed by a booming Rainbow stopped everyone in their jobs as they looked up the sky. “Wooo-hay, never seen anythin’ like that before, have ‘ya Growly?” Delta asked her friend. “Growly growl growl,” Growly shook his head with a whistle. Delta snorted, “Wonder who pooped by the rainbow enough for it to explode like that!” Not expected by anyone at all, an orange trail dropped in the middle of the Lonesome Flats! Delta had to stand her ground from the impact it caused, holding Clampers tight in her hair. “Okay, t-that—” A female voice sounded amidst the floating sands. “That hurt like hell! I’m gonna feel ‘em for a week— Ow—” When the sands cleared, it showed a light orange Country Troll with thick blonde hair in a mix of braids and ponytail holder, donning a brown cowboy hat. She wore a cropped red checkered long sleeve top with a white shirt under, and dark blue denim pants. When the female troll turned their way, Delta noticed 3 spots of freckles by each of her cheeks and her Green eyes. “Uhh, hi?” The troll greeted, her familiar accent telling of her tribe. “Er, I’m not sure wha happened really, but I’m sorry fer barging in ‘yer town like this. I’ll leave immediately if I somehow disturbed ‘ya, sorry ‘bout that.” Just as she was about to take a step, Delta said, “Whatcha mean? ‘Yer one of us! O’course ‘yer welcome!” “Say what now?” Came her immediate reply but shook her head having memories of an earlier Starlight Glimmer, “I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I just got here, I don’t think I’m one of y’all—” When Applejack made a point of talking about their physical appearance, she noticed an extra pair of hooves, “What in the hay…?” 4 hooves, check. Same hair, voice, tail, weird clothes, but surely not one of Rarity’s. And her snout— These extra pair— “Oh, no.” Applejack dreads quietly in her own mind. What’s happening? “Well, I think you’re the one misunderstanding something,” Delta Dawn said, “You’re a Country Troll! Poor you, you must’ve been living all alone without a tribe ‘till now. Can we get ‘cha anything while you settle in?” “Was there someone else that came here before me? 5 others… anyone?” Applejack asked instead, putting aside her words for now. What’s a Country Troll? “I don’t think so, no,” Delta shook her head, “I’m Delta Dawn, by the way. Sheriff of Lonesome Flats.” “Applejack,” She said, gulping down her dread. She needs to start running, to hell with these new sets of hooves, she’ll figure it out along the way! “Listen Applejack, after that Rainbow stuff happened in the sky, yer the only Troll that ended up here for now. It happened just a few minutes ago, a few seconds before ‘ya appeared.” Delta Dawn explained. “I see. Thank you, Delta. If that’s so, then I must find my friends as soon as possible. Who knows what could ha— Irk!” Applejack nearly stumbled as she felt pain cruising from her hooves. No, no, not now! I can’t be hurt now! “Aw, shucks. Seems you have a sprain, “ Delta tsked, “A nasty one at that. That means you need to rest first.” “But my friends! I have to find ‘em first—” “I know how much ‘yer worried, Apple,” Delta said, “But if you leave in that state? You ain’t getting anywhere with it. So rest first, then we can help ‘ya search for ‘yer friends once you healed. How’s that sound?” Finding no other choice, Applejack relented with a defeated nod, “Fine.” “Good,” Delta nodded as she whistles a call, “Growly Pete! Help me with her!” “Growly!” “You can put ‘yer hand around him for help, Applejack,” Delta assisted her to Applejack’s confuse. “Hand?” “Oh no, have you gotten a concussion, too? These are your hands, dear. It’s alright,” Delta gently poked the ones Applejack had dubbed her new set of hooves. So they’re called hands… Classical Trolls “Shhhh! You’re gonna wake her up!” “You shut up Dante!” Wha…? “Both of you shut up now! She’s already waking up from your loudness!” Twilight’s eyes immediately flew up as she stood up in alarm, “What happened? Where am I?” “Oh, our Queen!” A group of flying… golden.. babies? started bowing to Twilight as she sat upon a soft cloud. Being far too small to her liking, though, she does seem bigger than the ones in front of her. Wearing a light blue dress longer than her, unfamiliar blue wings and… rather familiar long hair she’d only felt in Equestria Girls World as a human. “No. No, no,” Twilight immediately corrected, she hated that word with all her heart, “Not a Queen! If you’re gonna insist on calling me anything it’s Princess, okay? Princess Twilight. Not the Queen!” “Of course, your majesty!” The Baby in a tuxedo said in front of her nodded with glee, their leader? “Formations everyone!” He waved a stick, a conductor? “Let us welcome, Princess Twilight!” Soon a soothing welcome music piece was played by the orchestra. One that Twilight had often heard when an Orchestra would play for her. Saying that it has her name as a title, and it was named after her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1m7-HzppeI  Now she’s starting to wonder if it’s somehow Universal, Multiversal? How is it that it was played by 2 Orchestra bands that haven’t even met each other? As the piece finished, she immediately said something before they played a second piece for her. “Thank you… uhm” “Wolfgang Amadeus Trollzart, Princess,” A familiar name, but was it also that long for her world? “Trollzart! Thank you for this wonderful piece. But I’m really out of touch right now, having just woken up,” Twilight said, little lies, little lies. Don’t add too much or it’ll burst. “Oh, dear. We didn’t think of it like that,” Trollzart looked deeply ashamed, “Terribly sorry, Princess.” “It’s okay… Uhm, can you tell me where I am? What is this world?” “You are in Symphonyville, your highness! The home of Classical Trolls, us! We live in a world of Music, everything simply must have music or it’ll sound so quiet and lonely. Like the stories from back in the day before the strings were discovered!” Trollzart explained as he buzzed around with his tiny wings. It actually looked kind of cute. “Strings? What strings?” “The 6 Musical Strings! Funk, Techno, Classical, Country, Rock, and Pop. 6 Strings for each of those Genres.” “Then where are they? The other… genre?” Twilight asked, curious about this world. Who would’ve thought that such a world could exist? “The other genres of trolls? Each tribe of Trolls have lived separately because of something Pop did,” Trollzart coughed as he prepared his voice for a narration, “You see, my Princess, all Troll tribes once lived in Harmony thousands of years ago, even when each disagreed with their taste in music, they still lived with their differences and each had a chance to play songs with the strings together. But one troll got greedy, the Pop Trolls “They started snatching up the strings and played only Pop! They soloed the music for their own. But the other tribes didn’t like what the Pop Trolls were obviously doing, so they took one string of their own and lived separately from each other. Each protecting their own string, their music. “Techno Trolls went underwater; Country Trolls lived by the Desert; Pop Trolls lived by the Forest; Rock Trolls lived by the Volcanoes; Whereas the Funk Trolls can be quite determined. Words say that they move around a lot. And us Classical Trolls lived by the Sky and Clouds. We each have our own ways of protecting our strings.” Twilight watched as Trollzart turned the end of his stick and pulled out a golden string. “And I think you are more capable than I to protect our string, Princess Twilight.” Trollzart said as he tried to hand the string to Twilight. “But… I don’t understand,” Twilight said, looking at the outstretched hand holding the all-important string. “You just met me. How can you trust me with your string? Your music!” “We’ve always known about you, Princess,” Trollzart said to Twilight’s surprise, “You are in our music books, our text sheets. Your 6 pointed purple star exists in our history. Someone that appears as the moon and sun appear together in the sky time. You showed up during that perfect time after a spectacular rainbow! We’ve always been waiting for you to appear one day. “That’s why we never had Monarchies in our tribe, only conductors to lead the choirs and bands while we await your appearance. Someone that’ll lead us, show us the right ways.” “That’s…” “We understand the burden we are giving you for someone who has just woken up,” Trollzart said in comfort, “You can have a time for yourself, Princess. But please, take the string for us.” In the look of cute pleading in his eyes, Twilight couldn’t help but relent as she accepted the string. Trollzart left after a bow and Twilight was left to stare at the golden string by her hand. Such heavy responsibility. For a troll who can’t even keep her friends together in this world. Rock Trolls “Look, thank you for catching me, but I need to leave!” Rainbow Dash said as she tried to shake her jail bars with her hands. Hands! Who knew Pinkie actually says real practical facts? “And let you leave after you heard of our plans? Nuh-uh!” Barb stuck out her tongue at her. How did Rainbow Dash get inside the jail? It started when she was suddenly falling. A red streak following her fall. I thought she was able to stop that fall? Or maybe parts of the rainbows were guiding them to safety? Rainbow Dash could only hope. But then something grabbed her by the hair. “What the—?!” An ugly snort as if blocked by snot, “Hehe, Got her Queen Barb!” “Nice one, Riff!” “Hey!” Rainbow Dash struggles, “Let go of me!” When she was about to kick him, he let her go with a surprised shout. “Who are you?! Where are you taking me!?” Came her immediate response as she put a space between them. “Woah, dude, chill. Sick reflex you got there,” A girl with red mohawk hair stepped in front of her with an impressed smirk. “The name’s Queen Barb. Queen of the Rock Trolls. I’m on your side dude, or well, maybe it’s right that you are since I’m your Queen and all.” “Never met a good Queen before,” Rainbow Dash glares. Queen Chrysalis, King Combra, King Tirek, Nightmare Moon, such and such. Rainbow doesn’t like such titles anymore. Twilight was right in her rants, Queen and King titles don't shed good lights anymore. Maybe that’s why the rulers of Equestria prefer the title Princess despite being so much more. “Oh nooo,” Barb said pitifully, you were just with the Pop Trolls weren’t you? I can tell with how colourful you are.” “A what now?” Rainbow was confused but Barb ignored her. “I don’t know how you managed to do it dude, but you still look rocking despite being so colourful. You must’ve resisted hard on their influence,” Barb concoled her with a pat in the back which made Rainbow recoil. “My name is Rainbow Dash, and I’m not being influenced by anypony! I’m my own kind of–” “Pfft— Pony? Were you also captured by those sad and emotional Country Trolls, too?” Barb was set of misunderstandings, “That’s sad man, so sad.” “I was not captured! Never was, never will!” “Yeah! That’s the spirit girl!” Barb shouted, “Don’t worry, we’ll get our revenge on those disgusting Trolls that captured you and tried to turn you into them. You’ve clearly shown me that Rock survives despite all odds.” “You’re not listening to me!” Rainbow Dash stressed. “Oh, I am listening. It’s them, that’s not listening. And let me tell you Dash, we’ll make them listen.” Barb said as she started walking away. Rainbow wanted to escape but the other Trolls behind her were following after their Queen, being pushed alongside them, Rainbow Dash had no choice but to follow. Would’ve been the perfect chance to have wings in this scenario. Stupid purple and blue jacket, stupid purple skirt, stupid fishnet leggings! Well, she does look cool all together though, with her hair put in a pony tail and all. Funny word to use without having a tail anymore. “Whaaat do you mean?” Rainbow Dash said, just trying to get along while she finds the escape and search for her friends. “In a week time, I’ll start my World Tour, starting in Techno Reef where those Techno Trolls reside,” Barb explained, but Rainbow Dash had this dumb look in her face that says she doesn’t know those words. “Ugh. How out of touch with the world are you?” “I don’t like History,” Rainbow Dash said honestly. “Fine! Let me tell you what happened a thousand years before first!” Barb said, “I hate History!” “You and me both,” Rainbow Dash sighed but then she was shushed by the other Trolls when Barb started explaining. “So, before there was no music yada yada and then, Boom! 6 Strings appeared with different genres! Funk, Techno, Classical, Country, Rock (that’s ours), and Pop (ew). Life was one big party, but then! Pop Trolls went greedy and stole the strings! Tried to make everything into Pop! But the other Genre Trolls didn’t let that happen, so they took each string for their own and all types of Trolls never lived in Harmony again. Questions?!” “Yeah, so let me get this straight,” Rainbow Dash raised her hand (Hand!), “6 Strings, 6 Genres, and 6 Tribes of Trolls?” “U-huh,” “And we’re the Rock Trolls?” Rainbow said, and with sudden recognition she pointed to herself, “I’m a Rock Troll?” “You’re following! Hey, get the graduation caps ready! Our girl is learning History!” Barb ordered. Rainbow Dash ignored the feeling of the unnecessary hat in herself as she tried to remember what each of her friends looked like. There were 6 of them, and 6 tribes, and they each looked different from each other… “What’re the trolls that look like a fish with neon colours?” Pinkie Pie looked like that… “Techno Troll. They live underwater and they’re music is like these beep-y boop boops. Just pressing buttons and stuff. So lame.” Yeah… Sounds like the type of music Pinkie Pie would do as a DJ… “What about those with long necks?” I remember hearing Pinkie Pie describe her… “Funk Trolls! Ugh, can never get a hold of those. They live in this fancy spaceship for some reason and keep moving around so much. Never liked how shiny they look all the time.” Shiny huh… “What about the ones like horses?” I thought Apple Jack didn’t look out of the ordinary at first but… she had 6 hooves! “Country Troll dude! You have short memory or something? Those trolls were the ones with, like, sad sappy music. They make guitar chords sound so sad!” “And uh… the ones with wings?” Twilight had wings on her back if I remember… though it looked so different. And she was considerably small too, though her hair is longer. “Classical Trolls! Those little bugs. Can’t believe they make music without lyrics! Can you believe that?! It’s so boring I can sleep through it too!” Yeah… Boring music ones suit Twilight. Which just leaves one friend and one genre… Fluttershy is a Pop Troll. “Yeah, now that you’re all knowledgeable about the world you live in, congrats on your graduation by the way,” Barb grinned as she flicked the graduation cap out of her head and pulled her in a headlock, “It’s time for you to hear about the real thing.” She led her in front of a case, she opened it and revealed a black guitar with a single red string. “This is the Rock String,” Barb said with pride, “My plan is that during my World Tour, I’m gonna be collecting each string from each tribe and make everyone unite under one music, ROCK!” “Oh,” Rainbow was filled with dreadful realisation. She’s… “I know right?” Barb said, closing the case and putting it back in its safe place. “No more Pop music whose lyrics stay in your head, no boring music, no flashy ones, and no beep-boops. Just rock!” Barb left Rainbow Dash standing in daze as a million thoughts echoed in her head. Barb started playing music around the place but Rainbow Dash was too gone to hear music she would have enjoyed. “Oh no.” Rainbow Dash gulped, she’s with the enemy. She had to leave! “Dash? Whatcha doing over there? Rock with us!” Barb said. Rainbow Dash scratched her head with a fake laugh, “You know what? I really badly need to go and find my friends first.” “What?” Barb stopped her guitar solo to look at her. “Yeah, y’know, look for my friends! They might be alone somewhere!” Rainbow Dash said, sweating. “I thought I was your friend?” Barb said with a glare, hurt. “Excuse me?” Came Rainbow’s immediate response but tried to correct herself, “I mean, of course you’re my friend! But I have to look for them too first! Then I’ll come back! And we can party! I promise!” Stop digging your grave Rainbow Dash, you better stop now… “What, to your friends from different tribes?” Barb said with venom. “How did you—” “I’m not dumb, Rainbow Dash,” Barb glared, “It was pretty obvious with how many questions you were asking. And no, I won’t let you leave since you’ve heard of my plan. I won’t let my planning go to waste because of a friend who betrayed me.” “I won’t betray you— Wha— Hey!” Barb looked so hurt it was actually starting to make Rainbow Dash feel guilty over her action. Had she really been genuine with making her a friend? Someone she just met? Rainbow Dash couldn’t do anything as she was suddenly placed in a jail inside of Barb’s room.  “Barb!” “Some loyal friend you are.” Those words hurt. Techno Reef I recommend playing this song all throughout this part as you read, make sure to start reading as the song starts for a full experience! Don’t rush into reading and take time as though you are Pinkie Pie in the situation.  I couldn’t help but read this part with the song, it’s so addicting! All moments are in-tuned with how the song is playing, too! Or at least I tried. Remember: Don’t rush into reading! Pretend to be in Pinkie Pie’s mind as you read through this! Alone - Marshmello (start)  [Use spotify/full version specifically, not the MV] https://open.spotify.com/track/3MEYFivt6bilQ9q9mFWZ4g?si=sWgDJ6IyTbOvVFN7lS1QIg  Bright Blue eyes opened suddenly as she inhaled a heavy breath, waking up suddenly. “A friend is in danger!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she woke but then got distracted as she looked around her. “Ohmygosh I'M UNDERWATER!!!!” She said, looking at herself once again, “I’m really a fish! A GLOWING FISH!” Dark pink body and neon pink hair that’s tied up with blue and yellow orbs that reminded her of balloons. A pair of hands that each had rainbow’s colours layered from each arm, and a pink bright tail that had pixels of Blue, Yellow, and Purple. A big blue heart beats in her heart that follows a rhythm she’s now starting to hear. “What’s up my Techno Trolls!!!” “Is that music I hear?!” Pinkie Pie squeals as she follows the sound of music. Soon, she overlooked waves and waves of colourful beings that looked like her, that glowed like her! Some are different.  Different beings were twirling and beating around, jumping as they followed the music’s beat. It looked so much fun! I'm so alone Nothing feels like home I'm so alone Trying to find my way back home to you As Pinkie Pie neared the wave of beings, she immediately felt so happy! They’re all having so much fun! Even the babies were here! Everyone else was so energetic! I'm so alone Nothing feels like home I'm so alone Trying to find my way back home to you “Tonight is about not being alone! This is to remind everyone that you are not alone! We have each other and everyone is here for each other! Techno Reef is open for everybody, it is a home for everyone not to feel alone!” You-you-you-you, you-you-you-you You-you-you-you, you-you-you-you I'm so alone Trying to find my way back home to you “Hit the drop!” The music was so loud and fun Pinkie Pie can barely keep up! And that’s coming from Pinkie Pie! She was having so much fun all her worries went away. She’s sure her pinkie senses were just tingling for a moment, but it’s gone now! Everyone must’ve found a way to calm down. Pinkie Pie was having so much fun right now, she thinks she’ll remember a party like this forever! For the first time, Pinkie Pie feels happy that she’s not the one leading such a crazy party. Who knew someone else can do crazier things like this other than her? “THIS IS SO FUN!” Pinkie Pie shouted from the back of her lungs. Hearing an unfamiliar voice, King Trollex had to double take as he took in her appearance. He’s sure some trolls near her thought the same as well. They were so… familiar in a way. Even though they had so many different colours. He kept her form in his sight as he continued DJ-ing. There was just reaaaaally something about her that tickles his funny fins. How does she feel so familiar while at the same time not?! Still, he can’t help but try to remember her from somewhere. A family member? A long lost cousin? Someone as bright as her surely wouldn’t be just overlooked by him, he’s the King! He knows everyone from Techno Reef! He’ll make sure to approach the troll after this rave. There was excitement pumping in his heart. He’s gonna meet someone like him. Someone …. different. He won’t be alone anymore. I'm so alone Nothing feels like home I'm so alone Trying to find my way back home to you I'm so alone Nothing feels like home I'm so alone Trying to find my way back home to you You-you-you-you, you-you-you-you You-you-you-you, you-you-you-you I'm so alone Trying to find my way back home to you Pinkie Pie was going in squares along the beat. Her body had a different structure now, but she adapted quickly, manipulating the sudden bursts of movement along her fins and body with every beat. Everything is so much fun! And with the other Trolls behind her following after her, she doesn’t feel alone at this moment. Everyone can keep up with her craziness! Still, at the back of her mind, she had hoped she wouldn’t have been alone in this place. > InHarmonius Decisions > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rock Trolls “Come on Barb,” Rainbow Dash pleaded, “I’ve been here for ageeees!” “You’ve only been there for 3 hours, dude,” One of Barb’s ‘friends’ said. Riff, if she remembers right. The one that caught her by the hair. 3 hours too much! Rainbow Dash grumbles around in her cell. Barb was outside, probably rocking by the sound of it. 3 trolls were left inside, stitching back some things after their rock n’ rolling session of destroying stuff. “Why are you guys even still here? Are you guys her maid friends or something?” Rainbow Dash said, annoyed. She might as well start a conversation. “Pfft, gods no,” Carol had said, “We’re interns. We have to follow her around for our college applications. Being Queen and all.” That had Rainbow Dash stopping still. What? “Yeah, we can’t really be friends with our Queen, you know?” Riff said with a sniff, “I mean, she’s Queen and we’re just her subjects! She doesn’t need friends around.” “But… I thought she called Carol her best friend?” Rainbow Dash was confused. Carol snorted lazily as she spritzed some cheese ca to her mouth, “Yeah, no. She just prefers calling me that ‘cuz I’ve been here the longest. We’re not really friends like that. Don’t even hang around as one.” “That’s… lonely…” Rainbow Dash looked down, “She doesn’t have anyone at all?” “Pfft- Lonely? Barb? Nah,” Sid Fret said, “She’s the Queen! Queens don’t get lonely! Plus, she has her old man with her.” They said more stuff after that, but Rainbow Dash drawled on the phrases that were said that she couldn't help but see what Twilight had been fearing since. “Queens don’t get lonely!” “She doesn’t need friends around!” Thing is, Celestia had her Sister to rule with her. Cadence had her family with her. But Twilight… she can’t have them around her all the time. They have lives of their own, too and now, Rainbow sees what Twilight had been fearing. The change. The loneliness she potentially could feel when she rules.  And now… she feels bad about Barb. She must’ve felt so lonely in the middle of being a Queen and wanting to act her age. Making friends and spending genuine time with them. Not with interns and subjects who feel obligated to be around her. That’s not loyalty. Would they stay with Barb genuinely when she shares her problems with them? Friends shouldn’t be like that. Rainbow Dash makes a plan. She’d be a damn bad friend if she were just ignoring someone who’s clearly not being seen properly. If she fails Queen Barb, then what would that say about herself towards Princess Twilight? Pop Trolls “Isn’t she just the cutest, Branch?!” Poppy gushed, “She’s all nice and sweet, even the critters love her!” True to her words, numbers of critters circled around her. Even the Dust Bunnies seemed calm around her which… Thankfully they aren’t destroying things. Branch had carried the yellow troll to the clinic. Unfortunately while on the way, many trolls had seen the figure of the mysterious Troll. Hard not to when a lot of critters were following after them. The Doctor had told them that she was not hurt in any way. Just fainted in panic and stress. Milton Moss, the village Critter Keeper, had come by asking why a lot of Critters, both wild and the ones being taken care of inside the village, had assembled in one place. Poppy explained how they had followed after the Troll that had mysteriously appeared slash landed in the middle of the village, the one they mistakenly took as a Shooting Star. “A shooting star in broad daylight?” “It was yellow and going fast! Have an imagination, Branchifer.” Milton Moss left in a daze. A troll that can naturally attract critters! He’ll have to talk to her when she wakes up. And wake up she did a day later. A. DAY. LATER. “Why isn’t she WAKING UP!” Poppy stressed, not meaning to yell out the last words. “Poppy relax,” Branch calmed her down, “And be quiet when you’re in her room. Something must’ve happened to make her so tired.” “I’m sorry,” Poppy put a hand in her mouth when she realised and sighed, “I just… You know how I am when meeting new trolls. And she came from the sky! How does that happen? I have sooo many questions for her.” “And I’m sure the other Trolls in the village, too,” Branch said, remembering Milton Moss’s excitement in meeting with the new troll, “But we have to make sure we don’t overwhelm her once she wakes up. And I mean that seriously! We don’t want her fainting again, do we?” “Yeah! Pff- That’s so easy, Brach,” Poppy waved him off confidently, “I can be gentle. Who says I can’t be gentle? I’m the Queen of Gentle!” “Ugh…” A small sound of grumble was heard inside the small room. A cuddle-pup barked excitedly and jumped on the mattress of the Troll. It’s small fluff of tail wagging excitedly when a soft giggle echoed around the room. “Oh, hello. Yes, it is so nice to meet you. What a nice pup to wake up to!” The troll cooes. When Poppy and Branch carefully approached her bed, they witnessed her talking to the critters as though she can understand them. “Yes, I can hear you. I haven’t met anything like you guys before,” She said to a wild Grinchilla, “And you remind me of my favourite pet, Angel! Oh, you’re so cute.” “Uhm…” Poppy coughed to get her attention which made the Troll freeze as though she was caught, “Hello!” “Poppy…” Branch reminded her. “Right! Gentle…” Poppy inhales a load of air and exhales to calm her excited nerve, “Hi! I’m Queen Poppy and this is Branch. We’re in a clinic right now because you suddenly fainted the other day. I hope you’re feeling fine now! Oh, I have a lot of questions about you! And it is so nice to meet another Troll! What’s your name?” Fluttershy looked at Poppy’s outstretched hand, taking in her appearance and excited expression. It really reminds her of one of her friends… “Uhm… I’m Fluttershy..” “Come again?” Poppy said, coming closer to hear. Fluttershy had done this many times before so she calms her beating heart. Nothing productive will come if she continues her shy behaviours. “Fluttershy,” She said a lot louder than she expected. She covered her mouth in shock, fearing that she might offend the Queen, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell.” “You weren’t yelling! It’s okay,” Poppy assured her, “So, Fluttershy was it? Cute name! Great name! Do you think you can walk now? Stand up and sing stuff?” “Uh…” Fluttershy was unsure as she buried a cat-looking animal to her chest for comfort (A Grinchilla), “I think so?” “That’s grea—!” A hand clasped Poppy’s incoming shout to Fluttershy’s relief. She could’ve sworn she heard a song coming in. “Why don’t I take it from here, Poppy?” Branch said with a cough, “So, Fluttershy. Nice to meet you. Again, I’m Branch. Poppy’s…. Friend.” Fluttershy saw how he cringed at the word. Like how Discord would look like sometimes everytime she addressed him as her most important friend. “Ehem— Do you know where you are?” Branch asked to which Fluttershy shook her head ‘no’. “Okay, so you don’t remember what happened before you passed out?” Fluttershy tried to remember but, again, she shook her head no. This was an interrogation, wasn't it? It’s not like she did anything wrong, so she’ll just answer them honestly. It wouldn’t be kind to lie to them. Though… It is a bit scary to talk to a Queen. “There was this big explosion of rainbow that happened in the sky,” Branch showed him a picture of Rainboom that had Fluttershy remembering how they had been falling before, “And then moments later after that, we saw a yellow falling star, which, now we know wasn’t actually a star, but it was you falling. You fell in the middle of our village, then almost every critter in the vicinity rushed to your side. Then you woke up for a moment before you fainted. And you woke up a day after that, which is today.” “Oh,” Was all Fluttershy could say, “I see…” “Do you… have any questions?” Branch implored gently as he could. “Was there… no one with me?” She asked, looking down as fear came to mind. “Like any other 5 pon— anyone? Uhm…” “No, sorry, Fluttershy,” Poppy answered honestly, a bit sad now having the idea that Fluttershy ended up here alone, “You were the only one that appeared here,” “Oh, that’s… that’s not good,” Fluttershy said, scared, “My friends, I… I have to find them… I—” “Fluttershy?” Poppy called, worried when the girl suddenly tried to stand up, her light soft pink hair fell by her back as she tried to stand up. They had to take a double take at the sight of it before remembering what Fluttershy was doing. “Whoa, whoa, Fluttershy, be careful!” Poppy said in alarm as she tried to assist her. Turns out she could not yet stand. Having not yet eaten a food in almost a day. “I can’t stay still when my friends could still be out there! They… a troll… wait, I’m a troll. Then they’re… Oh…” Fluttershy clutched her head when she felt pain. She doesn’t even know what they had looked like aside from hearing what Pinkie Pie had been saying. They all looked different, how would she be able to tell who they are when she had her eyes closed the entire time? Tears flowed out of her eyes as realisation struck her. She could feel Poppy bringing her in for a hug. After all the adventures they’d gone through together, she would’ve thought she was stronger than ever now. But once again, the universe reminds her how weak she still is alone in the worst way possible. Never mind how she managed to befriend the God of Chaos, because in the end she’s still the same Klutzershy.  “It’s okay, Fluttershy. We’ll help you find them once you’re all healed up!” Poppy consoled her. Poppy’s personality was a reminder of a friend she might lose. Are they all together except her? Did they encounter someone evil? She heard small voices from the critters while she wept. And she went still as she locked eyes with them. “Why don’t you bring her to your pod for now, Poppy?” Branch advised, worried despite his trust issues. Fluttershy seems to be a kind girl if any of the critter’s behaviour were anything to go by. “Yeah, let’s do that,” Poppy said, patting Fluttershy’s back before letting go slightly, “Do you wanna stay at my place? We don’t want to leave you alone while you’re here,” Seeing no other choice, Fluttershy nodded as a cuddle pup barked softly her way. An encouragement and assurance that these two were nice trolls. Poppy led her outside the clinic with her puffy eyes, fresh from crying. Fluttershy heard someone try to approach until Branch stopped them. “Not right now, Milton.” She ignored the hushed whispers from around the village as they glanced at her. Choosing the moment to look around the place. “How pretty! Look at her hair!” “She looks like an angel! I wonder how smooth her hair is? So pretty with all those flowers!” It was full of trees that made it look like they’re the size of a Breezy if not bigger, minus the wings. Instead, she saw some colourful trolls use their hair as a way to quickly travel from branches to pods. They can stretch their hair! Can she do that, too? Some were using critter bugs for transportation, being on top of them and flying high in the air. Fluttershy was almost in awe had the situation been different. She wished she could explore this new world with her friends together, instead of alone. ‘You can’t leave yet!’ She had heard one of the critters say when she cried. ‘No one had been able to hear us before, understand us!’  ‘You were the first troll we felt a real connection to!’ ‘Please don’t leave us.’ ‘You aren’t gonna abandon us too, are you?’ ‘Please don’t cry.’ ‘Please don’t leave.’ Maybe she’s not really completely alone in this. She looked behind them to see some critters following, and some critters going back to their homes after a series of goodbye to her way. After all, it’s not kind to just leave these critters lonely after knowing someone can understand them. Funk Troll “Oh, such style! The architecture, the music, everything here is simply UNIQUE!” In the middle of VIbe City, A white Funk troll named Rarity could be seen running around shops and sites as she took in everything. “Is there a boutique around here? I must simply check the trends and fashion you have here!” Rarity said to Prince Darnell who had been assigned to assist and tour her around the City. “There’s loads of them here! I’ll take you there and help yourself with anything you want,” Darnell offered. Rarity’s eyes shined at the offer, “What a gentleman! That’s a true Prince if I ever saw one. Ugh, the ones I’ve met before were quite dreadful, I tell you.” Darnell chuckled at that, “Are they really a Prince if you described them like so?” “I thought so as well,” Rarity huffed at the memory as she strutted off inside the boutique the Prince had led her to. She took quite the stuff, helped herself with jewellery and changed her basic looks. Now she wore two gold huggie earrings by her right ear and blue diamond stud earrings by her left ear which is more seen with how the curl of her hair directed more to her right. Her previous basic purple body coat is now covered with an ombre of purple to white tinsel segments, styled to look like a high-low dress. Her hair now had some yellow, fuschia, and light blue bands in them now. Her eyeshadows have some glitters and now with longer eyelashes. “Looking funky, Miss R!” Prince Darnell said as Rarity showed him the final look. “Like the new look, Miss R!” A female troll had said, “Looking prettier than ever!” “Oooh stop it, all of you,” Rarity gushed as she swayed her hair with her hand (the hands she had manicured!), “It’s just me, little Miss Rarity in the flesh!” “You really fit in with us, Miss R,” Darnell said, “We Funk trolls can only understand each other with our style, I tell you!” “That, I agree!” Rarity said, and then remembers something, “And I promise I will find a way to repay you for your generosity! That is my element after all, so you have my word!” “You don’t have to, Miss R,” Darnell said with a smile, “Just happy to help a lost friend out.” “Oh, but I insist!” Rarity said, insisting, “I’ll find a way to pay you back, and you don’t have to worry about me anymore now that you’ve shown me around.” Rarity ignores Darnells words of assurement as she looks back around the city with a determined look on her face. The Royal Family assured her that they’ll be assisting her in finding her friends while she stays here, she must simply do something to help them in her own ways as well. “Now, it’s time for me to learn my ways around here and find a way I can be in my own element! For I am not Miss Rarity without my Generosity!” Rarity declared, “Tooda-loo Prince D! I’ll be on my way to be Miss R!” Darnell was left outside the boutique with his hand raised and mouth open, about to say something else but Rarity had left pretty quickly before he could say a word. “What she mean about being an element?” He asked himself, flabbergasted. Techno Trolls Pinkie Pie’s heartbeat was still beating fun after that super fun party, she can see her heart beating out of her chest! It’s so bright and blue too. “That was so fun, when’s the next party happening?!” Pinkie Pie squeals as she does a somersault. “Hi there new friend!” “Hi new friend!” Pinkie Pie quickly responded on instinct with a huge smile on her face. She came face to face with the troll she recognised was the DJ from earlier, “Oh you were the DJ! I’m Pinkie Pie, nice to meet you!” “Nice to meet you, Pinkie Pie! I’m King Trollex!” Trollex met her arm and both animatedly shook their hands in a quick way, never stopping even as they talked, “I’ve never seen you around Techno Reef before, are you new here?” “Super new!” Pinkie Pie said, still animatedly shaking each other's hands, their rainbow arms seemingly creating a hologram of a rainbow with how fast they’re going, “I actually just woke up somewhere close from the party but did you know that before that, we were falling in the sky?! Sadly you’re so below in the ocean you must not have totally seen, which is a bummer for you because Rainbow Dash’s rainbooms are crazy cool to watch. I think I also fell with a Pink trail, I could’ve been super obvious but again since you’re below the Ocean and partying and all, you must not have seen me! But it’s okay because then I found you! And that was all. just. a. hunch!” “That’s so cool! Totally bummed now about the rainbow explosion!” Trollex replied instantly, other onlookers watch in awe at how they’re not just moving animatedly, but also talking animatedly, the screens can’t keep up! “Are you alone? What brings you here then? Have you heard about me before? Do you think we’re related, because I mean look at us! We look like twins if we put aside our skin colours! I was so excited when I first saw you, cuz you just remind me of me! Like a girl version of me! We should totally hang out more!” “I was alone before I got here! I was with my 5 friends when we suddenly started falling from the sky!” Pinkie Pie replied excitedly, finally their handshake stopped as Pinkie Pie swam around as she explained her story to Trollex, “You see, before this I looked tooootally different, I wasn’t a troll! I was singing with my friends in front of this magical tree we were led to, which is a totally longer story, and then a portal opened up below us and sucked us in! And then my friends and I started looking soooo different. I started looking like how I do now, then Twilight’s body became all glittery, small and quite chubby. She looked so cute! And then Rainbow Dash looked so rocking, Fluttershy’s hair became softer and longer, then Rarity’s neck became longer! And Apple Jack… hmm well she didn’t change much except for the fact that despite having 4 hooves, she also had 2 hands! That’s like 6 limbs!” “I see, I see! From your explanation, I can tell that you and your friends became 6 different kinds of trolls! Twilight became a Classical Troll, Rainbow Dash became a Rock Troll, Rarity became a Funk Troll, Apple Jack became a Country Troll, you became a Pop Troll, and that leaves Fluttershy becoming a Pop Troll!” Trollex excitedly supplied, having fun at how their conversation remains giddy despite how serious it is. “Oh my gosh we’re in different tribes! That sounds sooo fun. We can just go to where each of them are to visit them and say hi! Also I haven’t really heard about you before? I mean, we’re from another world so I guess that alone explains a lot of it? But maybe we’re like soul twins! Which would make sooo much sense, I mean, I like throwing parties! Making people laugh with joy and bring their life upside down when they feel sad!” Pinkie Pie said as she twirled around Trollex excitedly.  “That sounds so upbeat! I’ve never heard about Soul Twins before!” Trollex said excitedly. Neither of the two realised how they’ve been almost swimming in circles for a long time now, just looking at each other with a big smile on their face. “It still sounds like having a sibling, but with soul!” “Yeah! I have a biological twin in the real world, but we don’t really have the same vibes when it comes to partying! Still love her, but I think it’s different with you!” Pinkie Pie said excitedly, “We just connect instantly! Like the feeling of not being alone partying anymore!” “You get me! It’s like there’s no way to stop now that we’re together!” Trollex said with genuine happiness he would just explode into bits of confetti. “Sometimes I wish my life was like a photograph,” Trollex started singing “Double tap the good ones and just Photoshop the bad,” he led Pinkie Pie to a high view where they can see the whole of Techno Reef. “Put 'em in my wallet, in my pocket, if I need 'em, then I got 'em,” He glanced at Pinkie Pie with a sad expression. “But life don't work like that.” Pinkie Pie felt how lonely it must’ve been for Trollex to lead the country with no one actually understanding him sometimes. “Sometimes I feel like I'm a Sailfish on a track,” Trollex tried to swim fast but Pinkie Pie was able to keep up with him easily, shooting him a comforting smile. “Even when my feet are up, my mind is runnin' fast (Fast)” “When I'm home, I get impatient, when I'm gone, I kinda hate it” “'Cause my life works like that.” He sent a tired look to Pinkie’s way. “Sunsets and open water” Trollex swam near the surface, his hand reaching up. “Skies full of technicolor” But then he stopped, as if constricting his freedom. “Beauty right in front of you” He sang longingly. “There's so much to discover if you–” He was about to swim back down when Pinkie Pie grabbed his hand in her to stand on the surface of the water. Showing a breathtaking view of the sunset and ocean. “Stop,” Pinkie Pie cut him off as she sang, “breathe it in for the moment.” “Stop, give it a minute and you'll own it,” She sang as she gestured to the view. “Stop, only just begun” She sang as she held both of his hands with hers. “Soon it'll be almost over so just” She urged him with a huge comforting grin. “Stop, see what comes into focus” Trollex continued singing “Stop, kind of crazy what you'll notice” He sang as he glanced at the beautiful setting sun once again. “Stop, like a setting sun” They both sang together in sync “Soon it'll be almost over” Then, Trollex showed off his skills with his control over the ocean and water alike. Making fountains as Pinkie Pie watched in aw. Trollex urged her to mimic him, and that’s when she felt the connection. The connection between her, the ocean, and Trollex. “Stop, breathe it in for the moment Stop Stop Stop Soon it'll be almost over” [you can pause the song here and read through it first, and enjoy your imagination running wild!] She raised her hand and summoned a large splash, one mimicking that of fireworks but with water. It was just for a moment, but it was enough to make her giddy. Making familiar objects and animals alongside Trollex who did the same by summoning neon fishes to light up the figures. Pinkie Pie’s hands stopped to look at how she had unconsciously made water figures of her friends, each having the colour of their Harmony Necklaces by their necks with glowing small fishes with their respective colours. This made her remember about her friends. Trollex appeared behind her quietly. Putting his hand over her shoulders for comfort, knowing how much she must be thinking about her friends at this moment. [continue song here!] “It's like I'm looking through the window of a train,” Pinkie Pie sang “But my vision blurry, so it all just look the same,” She missed her friends but then she remembers how it is back home. How she plans hundreds of parties by herself. Her friends surprise her on her own birthdays too, but… “All the people and the places, all the voices and the faces,” There’s always a thought that it could’ve been better, but they genuinely tried their best. They’re not like Pinkie Pie when planning a surprise party. “They all just stare right back,” And they don’t… always understand Pinkie Pie’s chaos… “Long talks and cups of coffee,” Trollex sang as he empathise with Pinkie Pie “Waking up and saying sorry,” Pinkie Pie sang as she looked at him. “Love is right in front of you,” They now know someone can see through them as they put their palms against each other, smiling. “We can finally see each other if we–” In the last moment, they jump-pushed against each other as they both gracefully back flipped back into the ocean and met with each other’s grinning faces. “Stop, breathe it in for the moment Stop, give it a minute and you'll own it Stop, only just begun Soon it'll be almost over so just Stop, see what comes into focus Stop, kind of crazy what you'll notice Stop, like a setting sun Soon it'll be almost over” They swam together as they sang. Happy that someone finally gets them. See through them without thinking how crazy they are, because this is the norm for them! “Stop (Oh yeah) Stop (Oh, just stop) Stop Soon it'll be almost over” “(La, la-la-la) When you love somebody” Trollex sang as once again, they swam in circles together softly this time. “(La, la-la-la) When the moment hits” Pinkie Pie sang with a giddy tone “(La, la-la-la) When the music's playing” Trollex sang “(La-la-la) And it goes like this” Pinkie Pie sang as they both summons colourful dolphins for each “(La, la-la-la-la-la) When you love somebody” Pinkie Pie continued singing “(La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la) When the moment hits” Trollex sang as they surfed with the dolphins under the water without waves. “(La, la-la-la-la-la) When the music’s playin'” Pinkie sang with her arms raised “(La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la) And it goes like this (La, la-la-la-la-la) Listen to the music, yeah” Trollex sang as they then jumped away from the dolphins “(La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la) Oh, it's playin' in your ears,” Pinkie sang as they gently landed at where Trollex had led her to with the best view of Techno Reef. “(La, la-la-la-la-la) Oh, playin' in your ears,” Trollex sang “(La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la) If you Stop.” With the song finishing, they ended it with a hug, happy to have found each other as Twin Souls. Pinkie Pie had never felt so happy before, she could swear this had been the happiest she’d felt in her life! Was she having too much fun on her own?  But she’s not alone. Not anymore.. Classical Troll “How can you guys even survive up here?” Twilight asked in horror, just now realising that they’re literally above peaks of a mountain and clouds in Symphoville. Sure, they can fly, but what if they get tired suddenly?! “The clouds catch us!” Trollzart answered in glee, happy to converse with their Princess, “We have special affinity over clouds and weather unlike other Trolls, so we can always prevent rains if we don’t want it.” Twilight thinks their affinity is familiar with Pegasuses in Equestria. “But… you can’t just destroy rain clouds and the like, you have to actually move it away…” Twilight thought of the knowledge, “Where do you put the clouds in?” “We put it in different Troll Tribes,” Minuet Sonata says casually, like how the sky is blue and they put rain clouds on different troll tribes so they can have the perfect weather all day. “WHAT?!” Twilight exploded to which the other trolls had to recoil with how loud it was. Twilight coughed in embarrassment, she had accidentally used her Canterlot voice on these babies! “I’m sorry, ehem. What I mean is, what? Why?” Twilight said, “Putting rain clouds over other Trolls? That’s mean!” “But it’s the only way we know, I mean, where else can we put the rainy clouds over?” Trollzart genuinely asked. Twilight feels bad for them. Without a proper leader, had they all been doing unexplainable things because it had been what’s convenient for them only? Lacking empathy for other tribes? Was that the friendship problem here? Twilight sighs, “We have a lot to work with. Starting with your personality!” She said, pleased that the Classical Trolls were listening to her intently. Twilight thinks that it’ll take a really long time and a long list of textbooks she’ll be writing before she can be reassured that these cute little Classical Trolls will be able to live on their own without having to rely on her. In a good way this time. She makes a mental list of what she should focus on teaching them, getting into the role of a principal and princess. In the middle of it all, Twilight was surprised by her actions. Has leading always been so natural for her that it’s almost auto-pilot for her? She should be focusing on finding her friends! Not teaching friendship and practical stuff to random people (Trolls!) she just met! But the beauty of this all is knowledge about the world and its magic. How can Trolls rely on strings for their music to be alive? Are there like sub-genre trolls? Ones that don’t rely on strings? So many questions yet she thinks she doesn’t have the time to think of such things. But… These Golden Baby Classical Trolls need someone to lead them first. Then after that, she swears she’ll leave and look for her friends. As soon as possible. She can do this. It’s just a Musical Tribe full of Baby Angels. She can do this. She’s just gonna lead them alone like how Celestia did to all Equestria since all those moons ago. She can do this. What else can she learn from this world? Country Troll “There you go, Sugar. Freshly cooked Apple Pie!” Delta put down a smoking serving of Apple Pie in front of Applejack. “Thanks a lot, Delta,” Applejack said, grabbing a piece for herself with her… hand. “You really don’t have to look after me all day, don’t y’all have errands?” “Nah, don’t mention it,” Delta assured her as she put Clampers down to eat, “And errands? Not really. All I do is look after the string and take charge in the village!” “Which, I’ve heard, is such a huge responsibility,” Applejack looked down in thought. She had heard the story about the string from Delta. 6 strings, 6 tribes, 6 genres of music not being in harmony anymore. A familiar concept that can be solved with friendship, she thinks. Maybe that’s why they were brought here? “Don’t look so down, Apple,” Delta said when she noticed Applejack’s quietness, “We’ll find yer friends. If they’re as strong as you’ve said they were, I’m sure they’re also gon be searching for each of ‘ya too.” “Yeah. Y’re right, Delta,” Applejack’s spirits lifted at the reminder of her friends’ bonds, “We’ve been through so much worse before, and we’re still here standing after all. It just worries me that this is the first time we’ve been truly separated from each other amidst all this… problems.” “So you’ve said,” Delta said with a raised brow of curiosity, “You’ve never told me the full picture of how ‘ya got here, haven’t ‘ya? I know I can’t force ‘ya, but it’s really buggin’ me thinking how ‘yer so unfamiliar with the world and ‘yer body.” “Well… How do I start this…” Applejack can’t really lie to save her ass. So she told her as much as she can explain in simple terms. Not going on to over explain the how’s and why’s. Just that they came from another world so unlike this one, while also being familiar to this world. How they’re elements of harmony and that each of them embodies one of said harmonies. Why they’re here and how they became separated. “And I have this strong feeling that we all got separated and each appeared in the tribes we each represent,” Applejack said, “Magic works complicated like that. It’s not pure coincidence that I happen to land in ‘ya Country Folks as I am also a… Country Troll now. Wouldn’t pass it to Rainbow Dash that she happens to appear in the Rock Trolls, she has dem vibes for it.” “So 6 Strings, 6 Tribes, 6 Harmonies, and 6 Friends,” Delta listed off in interest, “Really far convenient for each of ‘ya to be seperated in each tribe to work off this friendship thing, huh?” “Heh, yeah. Though I really do still worry,” Applejack sighs, “We’ve always been together when solving problems, each time being accompanied by another, never alone. So I worry what separating and settling in this new world for us would result in… and what it’ll mean for us.” “Oh, AJ, I really do wish I could help ‘ya out more. But I don’t believe you and ‘yer friends can do anything in this divide between tribes.” Delta said honestly. “I fear the same thing, Delta,” Applejack said with a defeated sigh. “That’s why I don’t want any of us to separate when dealing with problems as much as possible. ‘Cause from what I can remember, shit happens whenever we become separated.” Applejack shudders, remembering Discord’s manipulation on each of them, reversing their Harmonies and making them the opposite of who they are. Was it right to tell Delta all of this? To say it all out loud? “Well I say, this pie is everything!” An unfamiliar voice chimed just beside Applejack appeared as they snatched a pie on their table. “Hickory, save some for the others!” Delta said jokingly to the newcomer. “I jest, Delta,” ‘Hickory’ said laughing, he then turned to Applejack in greeting. “The name’s Hickory. I hear ‘yer the new Troll around?” > Pinkie's Promise > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Techno Trolls “Sooooo you’re like, a King?” Pinkie Pie confirmed. After bonding really really well with their song, they’ve come to understand each other deeply. It was like looking at yourself! But, with a different person! Troll? Different Troll? Pinkie Pie is still a bit confused, but Trollex assures her that it’s the same thing. “Of the Techno Kingdom, specifically,” King Trollex nods, showing her his crown that he wears only on occasions outside of Rave Nights. It can be pretty crazy and he found himself having lost the crown on a few occasions, so he decided to keep it off only when raving.  “So there’s Pop Trolls, Rock Trolls, Funk Trolls, Classical Trolls, Country Trolls, and Techno Trolls which is what we are, huh?” Pinkie Pie recounted. Excited in learning about this new world. It’s much crazier than Canterlot High! “And for each tribe of Trolls, they have one of each musical strings with a much crazier backstory! Which brings me to the question… … Can I see it?!” Pinkie Pie swam close to him with a huge grin. “Well I have it right here—” Trollex’s eyes widened upon realisation. “Oh no. Techno Beat Drop Button! I forgot about him!” “Oh no!” Pinkie Pie panics along with him and goes looking around Trollex’s LED Castle panicking, but then again… “Who’s that?” “My beat drop button! He’s this all green looking button that I use as storage for the—” “Is that the one crying over there?” Pinkie Pie points outside a window. And sure enough, Beat Drop Button is outside crying around, muttering ‘King Trollex’. “It is!” Trollex said with relief as he swam out the window, meeting the green button as it swam fast to him after getting a glimpse of his owner. “King Trollex! Where did you go?! You suddenly left after the rave and left me! Did you get tired of me?! Have you found a new fresh button?! Is that why you left me?” Beat Drop Button cried in Trollex’s embrace as they went back inside his castle. “I’m sorry– I’ll be a better Beat Drop Button! I’ll drop sicker beats next time and —” “Aww, he’s like a puppy! All cute and huggy,” Pinkie cooed. Her sudden unfamiliar voice made Beat Drop Button look her way and to Trollex. Suddenly not sure if his master became a girl and changed colours, or if there’s an unknown family member he hadn’t heard about. “Who– what— King Trollex? Queen Trollex? Two highnesses? Huh?” Beat Drop Button was close to short circuiting when the blue and pink trolls laughed at his reaction. Even their laugh was almost the same! “No silly!” Pinkie Pie said in between laughs, “I’m Pinkie Pie!”  “She’s my soul twin for another world!” Trollex said as though having a twin from a different world was normal, much less meeting someone from another world. “What?!” Beat Drop Button reacted naturally. “So we have a Queen now? No, you’re King. So a Princess?! We have a Princess?!” “Pfft, nah, I’m no Princess silly!” Pinkie blew raspberries at the thought, “I already have a friend who’s a princess! And if we compare myself to her, I’m far from being a princess!!” “But, you’re- you’re King Trollex’s twin! You’re royalty!” Beat Drop insisted, “Well, technically you’ll only be royalty in this world and not in your original world but! In here, you’re royalty!” Trollex unhelpfully left Pinkie to converse with Beat Drop Button on the topic. Pinkie Pie sent him looks for help, but he was busy arranging Pinkie Pie’s new room in his LED Castle. It was a room just across from his. “There’s really no need to be all serious about it and make it complicaty,” Pinkie said, “I’ll be just Pinkie Pie! The Pink… troll that creates the craziest party for everyone! Spreading laughter in my wake!” “But–But we must make it all serious! And official! For King Trollex!” Beat Drop shouted in his most hushed tone. Pinkie stilled. Confused, she asked “For Trollex? Why?” Beat Drop Button glanced at his owner to confirm if he’s still busy. Trollex was now placing a pink clam bed himself inside the room for Pinkie. Now assured he won’t be paying attention to them, the button led Pinkie farther from Trollex before speaking normally, but still quietly. “King Trollex has been our king for a majority of his life now,” The green button started, “No one knows what happened to the other Royal Family. No one can really remember now, with how long ago it was. King Trollex just suddenly became King and led the Techno Tribe as a troll. That was all we knew. Synth was known to be his long distant cousin, but outside of being one of King Trollex’s delegates, they don’t really interact much.” “Synth? Oh yeah, Trollex mentioned him to me,” Pinkie recounts, “His distant relative who lives far from his castle.” “Yeah. So do you see my point now? My King has no one else by his side. Except for me of course!” Beat Drop said with a proud grin but soon deflates, “Except for guards, there’s no one else inside this shiny castle that King Trollex can be himself with. I’ve never seen King Trollex look so genuinely happy outside of being a DJ, so I would be really glad if you just accept all the formality stuff!” So he really had been so lonely, that Trollex. No one to talk to, no one that can understand him. Like… like her… “But… I’m really no princess,” Pinkie Pie relents, insecure. She can’t be someone like Twilight. All she can do is be a great party planner! That’s a lot different to being a princess. “There’s no rule on how to be a proper Princess!” Beat Drop encourages her, smiling. “You just have to be you! Besides, you have King Trollex with you, too! For sure with you two together, everything’ll be easy! And we haven’t got 2 DJs at the same time before! Who knows what kind of sick beat drops you can come up with?!” “Aww, thank you Beat Drop!” Pinkie says, pulling the green button with a crushing hug, “King Trollex must be suuuper happy to have you with him!” “Heh, I doubt that,” Beat Drop says. “Don’t be!” Pinkie says, “You’re the best Beat Drop there is! Nothing can contest you, I’m sure of it!” “Pinkie? Beat Drop? There you are, you two!” The two turned to Trollex exiting the hall from their rooms. He had probably just finished decorating. “I’ve just finished decorating your room, Pinkie!” Trollex says, “Come on! I’m so excited to show you your new room!” Grabbing Beat Drop and Pinkie’s hand, he led them to the new room. The previously empty room had turned so bright in just a few minutes of Trollex designing it. Blue, yellow, and Pink neon lines are all around the coral room. Colourful pufferlloons (Pufferfish Balloons), neon lights, a fish resembling a blue cannon, everything Pinkie Pie is familiar with is seen all around the room nicely decorated! A pink clam bed in the middle of it all by the side. “This. Is. So amazing!” Pinkie Pie squeals as she swims around the place, taking in everything that looks familiar and interesting. She can already tell most of the item uses, but it’s all fish styles. It's amazing! “This looks so cool and oh my gosh is that a canon!? A canon fish!? With CONFETTIS?!” “I take it you like it?” Trollex said with pride laced in his tone. He worked really hard to think of the design Pinkie would love from their conversations. “Like it? I love it!” Pinkie says as she engulfs Trollex in a sudden hug, but welcomed nonetheless, “Thank you, thank you!” “You’re welcome, sis,” Trollex laughs. And then, remembering Pinkie’s earlier request, “Oh right! Let me show you this now.” Trollex then got something from the green button’s back. It was a shiny blue string. “This is the Techno String,” Trollex said. He extended the string with Beat Drop’s help and plucked it. The string created a beep and boop sound, the string turning into pixels as it was plucked. “It is the source of our music. Without it, Techno music cannot exist.” “Whoah,” Pinkie says, astonished. How can a single string become such a powerhouse? It will be really dangerous for it to end up in the wrong hands. “I keep it inside Beat Drop Button all the time,” Trollex said, letting Pinkie hold the important string with such trust. “And as my sister, I trust you with this information with all my heart.” Pinkie was at a loss for a moment. It was rare for someone to reaaaaally trust Pinkie with such a serious task and secret. But then she felt flutters of balloons and confetti on her stomach at the thought. She was trusted with a royal secret!  “I promise!” Pinkie said with eager excitement, genuinely serious. “I Pinkie Pie Promise! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” “Great!” Trollex said, happy to have heard of Pinkie’s own version of a promise phrase. It just shows how serious she is. “Let’s rest for the night now! You’ll know it’s morning when this Sand hourglass tilts.” Trollex placed an hourglass filled with colourful sands by her bedside. “Thank you, Trollex! For… everything.” Pinkie Pie says. She has a lot to thank him for, and so does he. “Thank you, too, for appearing in front of me,” Trollex said. “Good night! Have a fun dream!” With that, Trollex closed Pinkie’s door. She could hear him softly swim to his room as well before everything became really quiet and dim. The neon lights in her room slowly dims as there are no music and activity sources it could base its light show with. It’s a cute feature.  Pinkie Pie turns to the hourglass Trollex gave her to tell time. It still had a quarter fill of rainbow sands before it could tilt again. Still a lot time for Pinkie to get a shut eye. She tries. She really tried to sleep. She’d tried to watch the sand softly fall to let it lull her to sleep, but the colours in the sands reminded her of everyone now that everything is quiet and still. The perfect moment to overthink stuff. Is this alright? To be having fun even when she’s alone in this new world? To be so content and happy that she’s not even worrying about how to get back home? Her pinkie senses aren't getting any bad tingles. Nothing bad is happening. She’s learning a lot and… Having a lot of fun. Waking up tomorrow means getting to meet more friends. It means another party where Trollex teaches her around the DJ booth like he promised. It sounds like a lot of fun and Pinkie can hardly wait for tomorrow to come. But then… Is this okay? Is everyone also having fun? Is Pinkie Pie becoming selfish and too self-absorbed again?  A deep part of Pinkie which she refuses to acknowledge tells her to focus on herself. To have fun more and not think about her friends who are probably in their own different tribes just like she is.  So Pinkie assures herself that after learning all about Techno Reef, she’ll ask Trollex how to find her friends. She knows… even if it was hard to think about, she knows she can’t stay here for long. The Cutie Mark sent them here for a mission, a Friendship Quest. And if they want to finish their mission, she must find her friends first.  Because if they’re all together, nothing can stand in their way, right? Even when Discord managed to reverse their elements, they were still able to defeat him because they were all together in the end. Discord only managed to succeed because they were separated.  But this is different! Pinkie tries to assure herself again. This is entirely different. There’s no Discord here. They don’t need anyone else’s help but each other. They just need to find each other, and solve the friendship problem so they can go back home again. Home… > Rarity's New Boutique > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Funk Trolls “‘Sup, Miss R!” Darnell called as he entered the boutique space they gave to Rarity. They insist that it’s free, but Rarity insists that she’ll take it as loan for now. She’ll be paying them back for their generosity in no time, she says. Darnell looks around the room, its lights are off so the Prince fails to make out any object much less how the entire place looks after leaving Rarity to tidy the place for 2 days now. Other trolls near the place had heard sewing machines all night and Rarity singing with her lovely voice, funk music could be heard as she worked on some things. “Am here to check up on you!” Darnell calls out once again, now hearing a set of walking taps in a room illuminated with lights. “Miss R?” Suddenly, the room opened to show Rarity, now with a different look than the one he saw her with 2 days ago. Now with shiny layers of fabric on top of her coat. A purple top with gold lines that looked like flower petals around her body figure. Her coat underneath is now an ombre of white to blue and purple. It still consists of the gold and purple fibres he’d seen her with 2 days ago. Her luxurious purple hair is properly styled now and put up in a high ponytail, still sporting the three blue diamond hair clip. By her ears are the same coloured three diamonds with golden strings dangling from it. Her makeup now glittered from before. “You are just in time, Prince D!” Rarity says bringing out the mannequins dressed with new Disco Funk Clothes he had never seen before! “I needed a model for my newest collection! I must say that it took me quite a while to get used to my new anatomy, but who knew how easier it was to sew with just hands?!” Rarity talked his ear off with her experiences in those 2 days he had left her with as she brought out more of her handmade collections of clothes while opening up the windows and lights of the place. Allowing Darnell to actually see the extent of how much Rarity had actually done under 2 days. “This place is lovely, it’s just the right space for my clothing lines! Mind you, I never make the same clothes unless on special occasions, never again! I make unique styles! I assure you,” Rarity says as she hangs some clothes by the rack. The walls of the place are pristine purple. Pink curtains around some mirrors with platforms, probably where you try on clothes and see how it matches you. Mannequins placed conveniently around the place with cool styles. There’s a staircase by the farthest corner, which probably leads to Rarity’s personal room. But all-in-all, the place is sick! “You made all of these in 2 days?” Darnell said, almost speechless, “Man, that’s sick! Mad respect to you, Miss R.” “Oh my, it was just 2 days? I swear I thought only one day had passed!” Rarity said, confused. “I could make a whole new line in two days, but maybe it’s because I still haven’t got used to all of this yet.” She said as she looked at her hands, “But no matter, what’s important is you’re here, Prince Darnell!” Rarity grabbed a cloth from the back room once more and quickly ushered the Prince to one of the changing stations. “We must make haste! I can’t wait to see how you’d look on these!” “These?” Darnell muttered, but relented anyway. Once finished, he opened the curtains fully and checked out the clothes on him. “Dang, Miss R! This looks great! Can’t believe you thought of styling it like this!” “Oooh, it does!” Rarity said excitedly as she flashed a camera his way, “To the left! Now pose! Right there! Yes! Amazing! Fabulous!” Darnell posed for every picture Rarity shot gleefully. Darnell tried a number more of clothes which Rarity also took pictures of. “Thank you very much, Prince Darnell,” Rarity said as she looked at the developed pictures of the clothes, “With these pictures of yours modelling all that I have styled, I’m sure my boutique will be booming with customers thanks to you!” “Glad I could be of help, Miss R,” Darnell says and handed Rarity the bags where the clothes he had worn were placed, “Here’s the clothes you had me try on! They’re really sick, I’m sure everyone will be lining up outside your boutique even without my help!” “Oh don’t be silly, dear,” Rarity says, humble, “And you keep those as thanks! I won’t be taking no’s! So come along now, a girl is hours away from her boutique’s opening!” “But–” “I would really appreciate it if you spread word about my boutique, but no pressure!” Rarity says comically as she gently but quickly pushes the pink funk troll out of her Boutique, “I have my ways of making myself known. You’re invited to my official opening in… let’s see…” Rarity glanced at the digital clock outside, the one in the middle of Vibe CIty for all to see. It was currently 14:00 (2 PM) o’clock. Not a lot of trolls are outside yet, but in a few hours, the night market will start and trolls will be outside buying stuff. Especially since it’s a Friday. Darnell realised what a perfect opportunity this is for Rarity. “In three hours tops!” Rarity said, also thinking along the lines Darnell had realised. With that, the door of Rarity’s boutique closed and Darnell was once again left to wonder just where Rarity had come from. Shaking his head, he somberly wonders if Rarity’s personality will be the same as his twin sibling’s. Instead, he walks to the way that’ll lead him back home, deciding at the back of his head to make a point of wearing one of Rarity’s designs during her opening in 3 hours. The time of the hour came. 17:00 (5 PM) At that exact time, Darnell was outside of Rarity’s boutique wearing one of her shiny designs. He had tried to spread the word, but new things coming inside Vibe City is rarely a surprise anymore, so not many trolls have planned to stand by and wait. Not wanting to waste the Friday Night Market opportunities pass by. There were almost only 5 of them. Other trolls are walking by the side, only sparing the signage Rarity put with “Grand Opening” a simple glance before walking off again. And then the light show started which immediately captured everyone’s attention. With the sound of a saxophone and beat, the music started. [Music Start!] Dance the Night - Dua Lipa https://open.spotify.com/track/11C4y2Yz1XbHmaQwO06s9f?si=935a90e31a8347c7  “Are we just on time?” Darnell turned to see both his parents arriving and nodding to the beat of the music. “Perfectly on time!” Their son said enthusiastically. They all turned as the door loudly opened and a red carpet rolled out. A fog machine could be heard starting as it stepped up the scene of Rarity stepping out of the door, wearing one of her designs as she sang. “Baby you can Find me under the lights Diamonds under my eyes Turn the rhythm up Don’t you wanna just Come along for the ride” As she sang, she modelled her clothes. She made a show of a quick change performance under not even a second while she spins. It was like she just made a twirl, and suddenly she had a different cloth on! Oh my outfit so tight You can see my heart beat tonight I can take the heat Baby best believe That’s the moment I shine Now, a lot of trolls are watching her performance. No one’s ever done an opening like this before! Cuz every romance Shakes and it bends Don’t give a damn Rarity pulled a few willing random participants in on her on-the-spot catwalk, being able to dress them quickly that certainly fits their vibe. When the nights here I don’t do tears Baby no chance I could dance, I could dance, I could dance Watch me, dance Dance the night away My heart could be burning but you won’t see it on my face Watch me, dance Dance the night away I’ll still keep the party running not one hair out of place It was such a cool quick transition; One moment, no one could be bothered to even swing by to glance at Rarity’s boutique, but now it seemed almost everyone in Vibe City is watching her every move! Some trolls have even used their flying vinyl discs to be able to watch the opening. Lately I’ve been Moving close to the edge Still be looking my best I stay on the beat You can count on me I ain’t missing no steps Rarity danced as she stepped on an empty small vinyl disc. Other trolls that are now wearing her designs are following her every dance step on beat. Cuz every romance Shakes and it bends Don’t give a damn When the nights here I don’t do tears Baby no chance I could dance, I could dance, I could dance  Watch me, dance Dance the night away My heart could be burning but you won’t see it on my face  Watch me, dance Dance the night away I’ll still keep the party running not one hair out of place Both the Queen and King now joined her music and catwalk. With her vinyl letting her move faster and freely, she encircled the couple with a quick swoop and suddenly, they now wore different sets of clothing and their hairs have been changed to match the style. Both of them are now also singing along to the music Rarity had started. When my heart breaks You’ll never see it, never see it When my world shakes I feel alive, I feel alive I don’t play safe Don’t you know about me Rarity now sang as she stepped down off the vinyl disc and headed for her door with a strut. Creating anticipation for the official opening of her boutique I could dance, I could dance, I could dance Even when the tears are flowing They’re diamonds on my face I’ll still keep the party going not one hair out of place Even when the tears are flowing They’re diamonds on my face I’ll still keep the party going not one hair out of place Finally, finally! Rarity opened the door to her boutique and welcomed everyone in. Everyone could barely fit inside, but they dared not to overcrowd Rarity’s boutique. Watch me, dance Dance the night away My heart could be burning but you won’t see it on my face Watch me, dance Dance the night away I’ll still keep the party running not one hair out of place Darnell can be seen being gushed on by other trolls, now realising that the style he was wearing is one of Rarity’s works. When my heart breaks You’ll never see it, never see it When my world shakes I feel alive, I feel alive I don’t play safe Don’t you know about me Rarity was by the side, watching her hard for apparently two days straight? Be paid off with the bustling crowd trying on clothes unique to them. Styles that match their vibes. Even if the income doesn’t meet the effort she put into creating these, she feels as though watching the excitement of the Trolls’ expression to find the style that matches them and only them is rewarding enough. I could dance, I could dance, I could dance Dance the night! Truly, spreading her style around the world is always a refreshing start to Rarity. Watching everyone enjoy the limelight, even for a moment, is rewarding to watch. She watches every troll leave her boutique with her designs either bagged or worn on the spot. Some of it she gave for free, some had given her far too many coins. But it was all worth it in the end. “Great job there, Miss R!” Darnell’s voice interrupted her musings. He approached her with his parents following behind, “You really do know how to bring in a crowd even without my influence!” “One cannot be considered a fashionista without straining some passerby’s necks after all!” Rarity replied with confidence, and then turned to the royal family once again, bowing, “But really, thank you for your generosity, really. I wouldn’t have been able to do all of this without your utmost trust in me.” “With all things considered, I say you deserve it more than you think,” Queen Essence says as she raises Rarity’s head by her chin softly, “And please, there’s no need for that anymore. You’ve proven yourself more than worthy of recognition amongst our tribe.” Rarity’s eyes dilated and sparkled, touched and in awe at what she had declared, “I am?” “Mhm!” King Quincy nodded and hummed a ‘yes’. “I say, I’ve never seen an opening be as grand and successful like that before! And the style and clothes you have created, truly a work of art befitting our tribe!” “Told ‘ya!” Darnell said with pride. The door of Rarity’s boutique opened once again and came in more Trolls that have seen and heard of the new style being created around Vibe City by none other than the new Troll in town, Miss Rarity. “Well, it seems there’s more clients that’s still coming in,” Essence says. “The night’s still young after all,” Quincy nods and smiles at Rarity’s way in a comforting and reassuring way, “We won’t keep you off your time now. You still have a boutique to run still.” “See ‘ya, Miss R!” Darnell waves as the royal family leaves, the other Funk Trolls bow as they leave, “Good luck on your first Friday Night Market!” Rarity waves until they are finally out of sight and sighs. Preparing herself to once again interact with her clienteles. It’s gonna be a long night. And after this night, she’ll have to create more designs in preparation for the next night and the next.  Then she’ll make a donation for the styles the performers would wear. And also buying more materials during the day. A routine she has long gotten used to as she opens a number of branches of her boutique across Equestria. Mentally she plans her next actions. The first week is always the most work inducing as the people always love new hypes. But it’ll die down eventually and settle on smooth client talks and bookings. She knows this enough. She remembered how her friends had once worked her to the bone with their requests. Ah, such fond memories. Her mind stills at the reminder. Right… Her friends. This world is not… Equestria. But such excitable music you can’t help but dance to, it has already wormed to her heart. The rhythm to which the trolls speak and the way they sway their hips to a simple sound of beat and horns. The electric guitar piano gifted to her by one of her new clients as a mode of payment sits by her cashier table. Had she been too comfortable? Had she made a mistake in fitting in too much? Has her generosity been taken too far? Once their friendship quest is resolved, will she be able to leave this place with no regrets? Is it still too early to feel this attached to the people of this world?  All these questions, she refused to acknowledge. It’s still too early to decide after all. It’s not like she can do much if she leaves this sanctuary and tries to look for her friends alone. What can Rarity do when all she can do is give and give? Besides, the royal family is already helping her. The least she could do is situate herself and pay them back for all their help in taking her in and helping her search for her friends. Everything is gonna be fine. She’ll make sure of it. > A Rainbow's Effect > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rock Trolls Realistically, it's only been a day since Rainbow Dash arrived in this World and fell on Barb’s Kingdom. But being in jail makes you lose your perception of time! And finally, after a number of huge sighs and grumbles Rainbow Dash has made, Barb’s friends let her go with her order. “Make sure someone’s always watching her, yeah?” Barb had ordered her people. And really, there was no need for that. Rainbow Dash isn’t leaving anytime soon. Not until she’s able to change Barb’s perception of friends. Now cleaned up and figuring out how to move without wings and in this new body which seemed almost similar to Spikes, minus the spikes and tails. “So…” Rainbow Dash coughed to get someone’s attention. One troll that had a bored expression on his face did, “What do you guys do around here?” Her question was met with a silent blank stare, his mouth left partly opened. She almost felt annoyed at the treatment but he spoke before she could. “Rock around.” He said in a monotone voice. Rainbow blinked at the single answer. “What, like, a literal or…?” She tilted her head, genuinely at a loss. When it was met with silence again she expressed a stressed deep sigh, “Come on, man. Help me out here! I’m new. So I’m asking what you normally do around here!” “We really do just rock around here.” A feminine voice replied to Rainbow Dash. Turning around suddenly, she saw a purple troll with twin tails. “The name’s Val.” “Rainbow Dash.” The blue haired troll replied. With a nod of approval, Val walked nearer to Rainbow to continue what she was saying. “We’re rock trolls. All we literally do is rock around with our music. Ever hated a song you’ve heard from another Tribe on the radio? Turn your version of it into rock. Wanna play with other Trolls? Throw rocks at each other,” Val listed, pointing to each activity as it happens around them, “Wanna test how Rock hard you can get? Swim in the lava pools—” “I don’t see them having fun throwing rocks at each other. And quite frankly, that doesn’t quite make sense—” “Point is,” Val cut her off, “At the end of it all, we follow Rock orders, and by rock orders, we mean the ruler, and by ruler we mean Queen Barb now.” “Now?” “She just became Queen after her Father stepped down a few months ago.” Val informed her with a shrug, “I was there, being one of the official Ambassadors and all. It was tear-jerking as hell. But really, everyone knows one fact.” Rainbow Dash waited for the next line to be said, hanging his head low in anticipation. But the next words never came and Val looked at her weirdly, her eyebrow raised. “That isssssszzzzzs…?” Rainbow exasperated. “You know I gotta hand it to you, you’re rocking this rock troll look, but not the vibes, dude,” Val said, leaving Rainbow Dash to frustration. “What does that even mean?!” Rainbow Dash tried to run after the purple rock trolls “Who names themselves ‘Rainbow’ anyway?” Val yelled as she left anyway. With her tongue sticking out. “Rainbow is a cool name!” the rainbow haired troll yelled, “You just don’t have tastes for awesomeness!” “Thundershock is way cooler!” Val yelled back. “I’m—” “Making friends now, are we?” Rainbow Dash yelped when Barb’s voice startled her. “Oh, h-heeey Barb! Just the uh… troll that I was looking for!” Barb just looked at her, straightfaced and unconvinced. “Right.” She dragged the word. “Look man,” Rainbow Dash sighed, giving up the fake smile, “I’m serious. What do you do around here? How does a rock troll… act like a rock troll?” “Literally anything to just rock around,” Was her simple answer to Rainbow’s exasperation. “What does that mean?!” Rainbow palmed her face in annoyance, “How do you do that? Wha-What does one do to rock around? Show me!” It was like showing a trolling throwing a tantrum which Barb hates to see them most. She rolls her eyes anyway and gives in. “Fine! Follow me.” She ordered Rainbow. “I’m going to show you around once! And if you still don’t understand by the end of it, you’re on your fucking own.” “Sheesh, aren’t you like, the Queen or something?” Rainbow Dash grumbles at the attitude, “Isn’t it part of your duty to show new Trolls around your Kingdom and all?” “First of all, being Queen doesn’t mean becoming a tour guide,” Bard said, hands crossed on her chest, "Second of all, what do you know about running a Kingdom? As far as I can tell, you are in no position to criticise how I run this place.” As Barb stares at her sceptically, Rainbow sweats bullets. “Right…” She laughed awkwardly. She can’t really tell Barb everything about her friends and how she’s friends with a Princess slash future ruler, huh? Especially about being element bearers… Aside from being difficult to explain, it’ll give away their plans! Rainbow faked a cough before talking again, “Well, uh… What are we doing here exactly?” Simply put, they were on top of an active Volcano. It reminds her of the Volcanoes where Dragons lived back in Equestria. “Is it safe here?” Rainbow Dash wanderers, though she’s already feeling excited at the thought of being in such a dangerous area.  “Duh, Rock Trolls are immune to Lava. You can swim on it if you want.” Barb says that Rainbow's eyes twinkle in anticipation as she stands near the side of a lava pool, “Though our clothes do get burned in the process. Make sure you have extras near you before you dive in.” Rainbow Dash was luckily able to pull herself back at the last second before she dumped herself into the lava. She glared at the so-called Queen who was now handing her a flat rock boulder with a bored expression. “Couldn't have said it sooner?” the rainbow haired tsked as she held the rock Barb gave her. It was quite long, but sturdy. Very sturdy. It lacked style, but it looks like it serves a purpose for something. Something boring about rocking around, probably. “Not my fault you’re so unaware,” Barb replied, “And stop glaring at your surfing board. A troll worked hard shaping that.” “What?” Rainbow Dash perked, “This rock is a surfing board?” “Well, duh,” Barb rolled her eyes, “How else are we gonna go down from here?” Rainbow’s face could might as well rival Celestia’s Sun with how bright it became at the realisation. “No way,” Rainbow said, a huge smile on her face that Barb took a step back from her in surprise, “This– We’re— Are we really?!” “Yeah?” Barb was taken aback at the blatant show of emotions, “I mean, pshh, it’s not that cool. We do it all the time here as to ‘rock’ around. See?” Barb tried to act nonchalant as she pointed to a Rock troll about to lava surf with a straight and almost bored expression saying a monotone version of “weeeee” as they surfed down. As Rainbow Dash watched the other trolls follow as well, her expression was that of horrified. “So you just slide down? No tricks? No cool poses?” She says it as though it was such a scandal. “I mean, yeah?” Barb said she herself has been wondering that too, but she thought it was just traits of Rock Trolls. They're pretty expressive when performing songs, but outside that, they just… do rock activities with a straight face.  “That sounds so boring!” Rainbow Dash yelled, breaking Barb out of her reverie. “Rock is this cool concept where you do what you want, scream what you want, and sing what you want! If those other Rock Trolls want to do… rock stuff boringly, then sure! But that doesn’t mean everyone should also do that. Is that like a trend here? Be a boring rock troll?” “No,” Barb almost took offence, “We reck pretty hard when we perform, and—” “And outside of that?”  “Well not always.” Barb dragged, to which Rainbow Dash just raised a brow on, “Yeah, fine. I’ve always thought the way they do things is boring.” “See, was that too hard to accept?” She teased. “Ugh. I’m sure it’ll change anyway once I make other Tribes into Rock Trolls, too!”  This had Rainbow Dash awkwardly laughing, being reminded that she’s currently at the core of their friendship problem. “Yeah, we’ll get to that– ehem! But first, let’s fix these. I’ll show you how Lava Surfing should be done!” “I know how Lava Surfing should be done!” Barb yelled, feeling competitive. She’s the Queen, she’s the best at everything! “And this is your first time lava surfing, I doubt you can keep up without getting your clothes burnt.” “Oh yeah? Watch me,” Rainbow Dash said as she ran and jumped with her (rock) surfing board held below her feets. “I’m Rainbow Dash! I’m awesome in everything!” Barb was taken aback for a second, a huge grin on her face as she reciprocated Rainbow Dash’s energy. It’s rare to see a Rock Troll as passionate as this rainbow gal. Rarer than a rock troll looking like they were birthed from Rainbows. Despite still feeling a little hurt from the Troll’s ‘betrayal’, Barb allows herself this moment to see what Rainbow Dash could do. Indeed, she was true to her words. Despite being her first time, Rainbow Dash showed the skill of a pro in lava surfing. She was jumping around, doing hoops and air time poses. Barb could barely keep up and yet, it doesn’t sour her. Rainbow Dash acknowledges her as the both of them show their own tricks while surfing. The lava gets spots on their clothes sometimes, but it’s fine, they can just get it fixed by the Seamstress at the end of this Lava pool assigned for those instances. Other trolls watched them in awe and went to jump in themselves. Cheering and doing tricks of their own. When a troll failed, they simply laughed for a moment but still applauded him trying. It’s almost surreal at how simple Rainbow Dash made it look. One moment, the Rock Trolls were quiet and just lazing around, and then the next their bloodshot eyes opened and trying to jump in on the fun. Reminding them of their chaotic nature. And Barb herself has just now realised how her craziness once stood out from the rest of the tribe. Outside of their crazy rocking and singing, Rock Trolls had looked like a different tribe. And now in front of her, she sees the definition of a true Rock Troll inside a grey blue troll with rainbows for a hair and name. It’s just crazy how this Troll just appeared in their tribe a day ago and is now bringing back chaos into their roots. It’s fun. And crazy. She might just keep this Troll around her. “Gotta give it to you, Rainbow Dash. You ain’t bad.” Barb said. “Hell yeah!” Rainbow Dash said, meeting her high five, “Told you I’m awesome.” They turned to see other Trolls excitedly throwing rocks now and dumping other trolls in the Lava with crazed grins. It seemed crazy, but if you look closer, you can see that they're simply having fun in their own crazy way. “So, friends?”  “You’re my best friend now, dude!” Barb made a show of putting her arms around Rainbow’s shoulder with force. “We’re gonna be so awesome together!” “Yeah!” Rainbow cheered. However, at the back of her mind, she wonders if this was the right move. She showed them what being loyal to oneself is, but now she’s a hypocrite in her own element. She understands that at the end of all this, she will be siding against Barb. And yet she does not know of a plan to stop her before she goes on with her plan. She’s at a loss with the knowledge of what Barb is going through. She needs a friend. Will that be enough to stop her plans? She dreads Barb’s reaction to her betrayal. She promised. She promised they’ll find her herself if they get separated. Maybe Rainbow Dash is not as loyal as she thinks she is. Rainbow Dash needs time. Time she doesn’t have.