The sun was at its peak in the daytime sky, and the occasional puffy cloud rolled across the vast blue canvas, a painting of wonder and beauty, it felt peaceful and settled. The birds soared in the sky happily. The shining land of Equestria was a beacon to love and unity in the world, but coming from the Everfree Forest a dark foreboding cloud was making a slow approach, intimidating the many ponies of Ponyville into preparing for a large storm that they had not created. Through all the commotion the town library sat undisturbed in the midst of the rabble.

Twilight Sparkle sat in her room quietly, diligently reading from a book about the weather patterns of the Everfree Forest. Spike climbed up the stairs and found twilight sitting on a pillow.

“Twilight, you’ve been up here all day, why aren’t you helping the town get ready for the storm?” Spike asked with a frown.

“I've been reading this book, and nothing like this has ever happened in Equestria or the Everfree, it’s very interesting.” Twilight said with great intrigue. Spike began to speak, but he was cut off by a knock at the door.

“Spike could you go get that, please?” Twilight asked, never taking her eyes of the page. Spike let out a sigh and began to descend the stairs; once he reached the bottom he made his way to the door and opened it to see two Royal guards with the emotionless expressions that were a physical Reminder of the serious discipline that the Royal Guard were famous for.

“Her highness asks to see Princess Twilight Sparkle and her companions in Canterlot immediately,” One of the guards said as he gave Spike a letter, “All the Specifications are on this letter.” The guard finished, the two did an about face, unfurled their wings and flew off into the sky. Spike looked at the letter with a puzzled expression; he shrugged and made his way back up the stairs, once at the top he began to speak.

“Twilight, a couple of guards handed this letter to me. They said to give it to you,” Spike said, holding the scroll into the air. Twilight gazed at the letter with a scowl, with one eyebrow raised.

“Weird, why didn’t she just send the letter like she always does, through you?” Twilight asked, puzzled at the situation.

“Don’t know…but here,” Spike said as he handed the letter to Twilight. She picked up the letter with her magic and levitated the paper in front of her for about a second before she noticed she was straining herself to hold it up, suddenly, her magic aura began to fade and the scroll fell to the floor. She tried in vain for several minutes to levitate the letter.

“Wha-what’s wrong with my magic, this shouldn’t be happening!” Twilight exclaimed, pure terror on her face, as levitation was one of the simplest spells almost any unicorn could learn.

“Maybe it’s on the letter; here let me read it to you.” Spike said as he picked the scroll up off the floor, opened it and began to read aloud.

“Dearest, Twilight. You and your friends are needed in Canterlot immediately, please bring the Elements, I can’t write much more, it is becoming difficult to hold the quill; all will be explained here in the castle. Princess Celestia.” Spike rolled the letter up and looked at Twilight.

“Well… at least I know she is having the same problem as well.” Twilight said, a bit relieved, but troubled all the same. She thought for a moment and began to speak. “Spike, get the Elements and meet me at the train station after I get the others.” Twilight ordered as she trotted out the door, leaving spike to collect the elements.

Within an hour everypony was at the train station Twilight attempted a headcount to make sure that nopony was left behind.

“Pinkie stop bouncing, I can’t concentrate on counting you girls.” Twilight said in an irritated tone. Pinkie stopped bouncing and glared at Twilight.

“Sheesh Twilight, Lighten up, we’re all here, there’s Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, me, and you.” Pinkie said as she rattled off the names and pointed to the ponies.

“Sorry guys, it’s just…I’m really on edge about this, I can’t use magic.” Twilight said with a frown of sadness. Rarity approached her and began to console her.

“It’s alright, darling, I’m sure the Princess will have an explanation.” Rarity said in an understanding tone, as she also was a unicorn, and had lost her ability to use magic. The ponies boarded the train and took seats in the car. Spike made a move to get on board before being stopped by Twilight.

“Spike, I need you to stay here.” Twilight said, worried for Spike’s safety.
“But Twilight, you might need me.” Spike replied, his argument was completely logical, but Twilight was much too worried for his safety.

“I’m sorry, Spike, I just don’t want you to get hurt, please just stay here.” Twilight begged.

“Okay, fine, but I probably won’t be doing anything you approve of…” Spike said with a sly grin as he waddled off. Twilight boarded the train and joined the others in the train car. Soon the train began to depart from the station; Twilight looked out the window to see Spike walking to the library, with a gargantuan tub of ice cream. Twilight completely relaxed all of her facial muscles to make a face of complete irritation, she turned her head away from the window.

An hour or so went by and everyone had made they comfortable on the train, Pinkie Pie was looking attentively at the large black cloud, Rarity was occupied by brushing her mane, Fluttershy sat calmly next to her, Applejack sat next to Pinkie, while Twilight sat slightly detached from the crowd, lost in her thoughts. The train was still and soundless save for the chugging and humming of the train, although this seemed peaceful enough, the air was cold and damp, unlike the normal weather in Equestria. After a long wait of near silence, Pinkie Pie couldn’t contain herself any longer and suddenly had an outburst, unable to keep her thoughts quiet.

“Ooo guys, guys, look the cloud is spinning!” Pinkie Pie Exclaimed with excitement as she pointed at the black cloud, the others looked at the cloud and began to give mixed receptions.

“Woah nelley, that don’t look good at all,” Applejack said.

“I hope my animal friends will be okay.” Fluttershy said with great concern.

“Oh my goodness, I never packed an umbrella! All of my brushing shall be ruined if it rains!” Rarity exclaimed with worry.

“That would be awesome to fly in!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with excitement.

“I hope there's an explanation for this” Twilight said with worry. The train continued on its path up the mountain toward Canterlot, soon the train began to slow, and eventually stopped; the conductor opened the door and walked in.

“We’re in Canterlot ladies, please be careful leaving the train.” They disembarked the train to find guards posted everywhere, very similar to when the wedding was occurring. Twilight began to get a nervous feeling about what was going on.

“Whatever the explanation is, I don’t think it’ll be anythin’ good” Applejack said nervously.

“Maybe they are just being prepared for this horrid weather like Ponyville.” Rarity said, admiring the handsome stallions that were attentively watching them.

They made their way to the castle and trotted quickly up the stairs, but before they could open the door to the castle it burst forth and a large spectral blob came out, it was being pushed away by two guards, the blob looked to be made entirely out of magic. The creature shot a blast of red magic at the guards in defense, the blast missed the guards and hit the wall to its right burning a hole through the stone and barely missing Fluttershy, who let out a yelp and retreated behind her friends.

“Get back!” one of the guards shouted, he thrust his spear at the creature and in an instant it was sucked into the tip of his spear. The air stood calm and still for a second or two after the experience, but it was soon broken by Rainbow Dash, who was in awe of the spectacle.

“Woah… that, was, awesome! How’d you do that?” Rainbow Dash asked with excitement as she flew in a quick circle. One of the guards removed his helmet and spoke with a disciplined tone.

“Crystal spear tips, they absorb magic, we got them from the Crystal Empire after we defeated the last one. They are the only thing that can stop them, at the moment; I am the new Captain of the Guard, Gleaming Aegis.” The Captain introduced himself to the ponies, he was a large stallion with a silver mane, and his coat was pure white. Before he could start a conversation he stopped himself, he looked about and spoke once more. “I’d love to chat, but we must get inside and speak with the Princess before more of them show up.” Gleaming Aegis said as he ushered the ponies inside the castle. They all entered the castle and made their way to the main chamber hall. Once inside they were warmly greeted by Princess Celestia.

“Princess Celestia! Please tell me you know what’s going on! Why can’t we use magic?” Twilight began to ramble off questions, until she was stopped by Celestia, who raised a hoof in silence; she took a deep breath and began explaining.

“Equestria is in great danger, the dark cloud you all have undoubtedly seen is actually a Magic Well, a cloud that absorbs all nearby magic rendering all magical creatures powerless, I've heard of this cloud before, and there is only one pony that could be doing this.” Celestia said.

“Who?” Twilight asked.

“Discord was once the ruler of Equestria but this was not always so, before Discord overthrew him there was a powerful Alicorn Emperor, named Malignis. He ruled using dark magic, the same used by King Sombra; he oppressed the ponies of Equestria by absorbing their magic and using it to create armies of purely magical beings, which he used to conquer more land, increasing his power. You must use the Elements of Harmony and defeat Emperor Malignis once and for all, or else Equestria will be Doomed. Without magic I won’t be able lower the sun, and Luna cannot raise the moon. Eventually the Pegasi will not be able to control the weather; we will be powerless against him, as we were before.” Celestia closed her eyes; she reopened them to reveal a stern look. “You must do what needs to be done to protect Equestria.” Celestia added grimly.

“Hold on, if this cloud absorbs magic, how the elements can work, aren’t they magic?” Applejack asked.

“The magic is embedded in the gemstones of the Elements, they cannot be absorbed, and also the magic of your friendship is what powers it as well, and obviously friendship cannot be absorbed, but take these for extra defense against his minions; they will protect you from harm.” Celestia said as she gave Crystals to each of the ponies. Twilight and Rarity received special crystals that fit over their horns.

“These are for you two, casting any spell will cause any magic in the direction you are casting to be absorbed, imagine a backwards spell, instead of projecting magic, you are absorbing it, and for the rest, all you must do is touch anything magical with these crystals and it will absorb it, please be careful, I don’t know what he is capable of.” Celestia said with a look of great worry on her face. Twilight thought for a moment and took a deep breath.

“Where should we start?” Twilight asked confidently, ready for the responsibility of the assignment.
“Discord is the one who defeated him, I would start by asking him, he should be in a castle near Canterlot…it should be simple to find… it was spinning.” Celestia said with an irritated expression, she suddenly became serious. “The fate of Equestria hangs in the balance, go!” Celestia added sternly.

“C’mon guys! Let’s go find Discord.” Twilight said, as she began to run out of the main chamber, the others following closely behind her.Before long they had arrived at the outskirts of Canterlot they began to look for Discord’s supposed home.

“Okay guys look for flying castles,” Twilight commanded. She stopped and thought about what she had said. “Wow, never thought I’d say that,” Twilight said to herself.

“Look!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, pointing a hoof in the air. Before them was a giant castle, spinning in mid-air. Twilight put her face in her hoof.

“How in Equestria did we miss that on the way in?” She said, irritated, the other ponies shrugged. She took a breath and continued. “Fluttershy, can you get Discord to put the castle on the ground?”

“Sure, I’ll just be a moment.” Fluttershy said as she spread her wings and began to gracefully climb into the sky towards the castle, she gently ended her flight at the bottom of the staircase to the main door, the castle was spinning, using the stairs as an axis. She climbed up the stairs and knocked on the large wooden door, in a few seconds a flash went by and caused everything to remain level and still, the door opened itself and revealed a large hall decorated with purple and velvet tapestries, at the end of the hall Discord sat on a throne, the room no longer spinning, Discord saw Fluttershy standing in the doorway and immediately and began to speak with a tone of delight.

“Fluttershy, my dear, how wonderful it is to see you again. What brings you all the way to Canterlot, Tea?” Discord said as he snapped his fingers, teleporting Fluttershy onto Purple pillow with gold trim, floating in front of him, a tea cup levitated in front of Fluttershy.

“Thank you, that’s very nice, but we need your help, can you put the castle on the ground so my friends can come in…if that would be alright?” Fluttershy asked sheepishly, hiding her face in her mane.

“Of course my dear, anything for you!” Discord exclaimed as he snapped his fingers, which put all of the ponies directly in front of his throne.

“Now, what sort of problem has Celestia put off on you and your friends with today Twilight Sparkle?” Discord said with a smug look, as he instantly created a glass, and filled it to the bottom with chocolate milk.

“Discord we need to ask you how you…” Twilight began to speak until she was cut off by Discord.

“Defeated the Dark Emperor himself? Yes I’m well aware he has returned, he was a very admirable opponent, but no match for sheer power of chaos.” Discord said sipping the glass from the chocolate milk.

“How did you do it then?” Twilight asked.

“I’ll tell you! But first you must win a game; I have need of some quality entertainment.” Discord said with a sly smirk. Twilight quickly became irritated at his indifference.

“We don’t have time for games, Discord!” Twilight exclaimed, “If we don’t hurry no one will be able to use magic, and Equestria will be doomed!” Twilight continued in her irritated tone, hoping to convince Discord that this was an urgent matter.

“Oh but you’re wrong Miss Sparkle, you will be without magic, but I will not, my magic is chaotic, volatile and unpredictable, it cannot be controlled, it would be like putting Pinkie Pie in a box, nothing you do could contain her. Why should I be worried, I can defeat Malignis with a snap of my fingers,” Discord said sitting back in his throne with a smug look. A scowl materialized on Rainbow Dash’s face and she suddenly lost her temper.

“Then why don’t you? I thought you were supposed to use your magic for the good of Equestria!?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, the scowl growing by the second. Discord sat up with an annoyed look of his face.

“Because then the story would end here and the writer couldn't continue the plot line, and where is the fun in that? Pinkie Pie should understand this concept quite well.” Discord said, standing from his throne, glass still in his hand. Pinkie Pie simply nodded her head in understanding.

“That’s it, enough of your tricks, you’re gonna set things right when I’m through with you!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she charged at Discord. Discord reacted by snapping his fingers, instantly removing Rainbow Dash’s wings, sending her to the ground.

“Hey give those back!” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“Rainbow Dash, you've really got to control that temper of yours, you’ll get hurt one day.” Discord said in an irritated tone. Fluttershy had a sad look on her face, and began to speak, hoping to resolve the situation.

“Please stop fighting…” Fluttershy murmured, but her voice was too quiet for anyone to take notice. They ignored her inaudible pleas and continued arguing, Fluttershy attempted a few more times to resolve the situation, but she wasn't heard.

“Well I’m not the one that can save Equestria in a snap of my fingers! I don’t even have fingers; all you do is sit around and….” Rainbow Dash’s yelling suddenly ceased as Discord snapped his fingers, making a muzzle appear on Rainbow Dash’s mouth, but she continued to yell with a muffled, angry and undecipherable speech. Meanwhile Fluttershy was distraught by her friends fighting. Twilight took a breath, and began to speak, but was immediately cut off by Fluttershy, who began to speak in a stern, yet soft tone, that was loud enough to catch everyone off guard.

“Discord, no friend of mine will treat my friends so horribly, put Rainbow Dash back to normal and stop this fighting, now!” Fluttershy demanded sternly, but still soft and sweet, like a mother calmly reprimanding a disobedient child. Which oddly caused her demands to be more effective; Discord stopped immediately, surprised by the outburst from pony that was usually calm and reserved; Rainbow Dash and the others had a mixed look of astonishment and fear plastered on their faces.

“Oh…alright,” Discord said with remorse in his voice, he snapped his fingers and sent Rainbow Dash back to the others.
“Now, Rainbow Dash, apologize for acting so irrationally and rudely, this is his home after all.” Fluttershy demanded calmly, Rainbow Dash had a slight look of terror on her face at Fluttershy’s outburst.

“But he st…” Rainbow Dash began to defend her position before being cut off by a very serious and threatening look from Fluttershy.

“I’m sorry Discord…” Rainbow Dash said, avoiding eye contact.

“Now Discord, please apologize for being mean, you didn't have to do all those things to her.” Fluttershy demanded, but calmer than before.

“I’m sorry.” Discord muttered.

“Now I want everyone to be nice to each other from now on, now why don’t we play Discord’s game and I’m sure he has a better explanation as to why he can’t set everything right again.” Fluttershy said, the others still had a look of shock and awe on their face from Fluttershy’s outburst.

“Alright, we’ll play your game, and then you've got to give us some answers.” Twilight said.
“If and only if, you win, here are the rules…”Discord was cut off by pinkie pie
.

“Ooo, ooo, ooo, wait, before we start can you make it rain Chocolate milk again, and this time there better be whip cream!” Pinkie Pie burst out randomly, a large grin on her face.

“Fine,” Discord said, as he rolled his eyes. He snapped his fingers, causing a pink cloud to appear in the corner, it began to rain chocolate milk and whip cream. Pinkie began to happily hop toward the cloud. “Now, the only way you’ll get my information and help is by playing and winning a game!” Discord said, making his position clear.

“Alright, you’re on, I’ll play.” Rainbow Dash chimed in, still a bit sore from past events, but nonetheless excited for competition.

“Alright here are the rules! I’m thinking of an object, your goal is to get the object correct based on a riddle, after that you must look around the castle for the object. If you win I will tell you everything you want to know.” Discord said enthusiastically. He began to speak again until Fluttershy chimed in.

“Will the game be able to be won?” Fluttershy asked, concerned that they would be tricked.

“Of course my dear, what fun would there be in having no chance to win.” Discord said. “Now all you ponies have to do is make sense of this riddle and find out what it means.” Discord said, he cleared his throat, and began to speak clearly. “An iron horse with a flaxen tail, the faster the horse runs, the shorter his tail becomes….there, you have your riddle, and at least one of you must solve it, Good Luck!” Discord exclaimed as he sat back and continued sipping his glass from the chocolate milk.

Author's Note

Please feel free to comment suggestions, thoughts, and criticisms.

Note: If there are any incomplete sentences or words or non indented paragraphs, please forgive the mistakes, I typed this up in Microsoft word, thinking I could upload the document onto the site, so when I found out what you REALLY had to do I copied and Pasted the document onto the writing panel here, it didn't carry over well and I had to correct the problems.