Wishing is Magic

Rainbow Wishes lay on her belly, kicking her hind legs in the air as she read about the Elements of Harmony.

"'There are six Elements of Harmony," she read aloud. "'Laughter, Generosity, Kindness, Honesty, Loyalty, and a sixth one which is unknown to ponykind. The Elements are used in times or dire need, such as the escape or release of a harmful villain." Rainbow Wishes read on, learning about the previous bearers of the Elements and even read the sections that, in scientific detail, explained exactly how the Elements' power was channeled and how they were powered.

"'It is said that when the bearers of the five known Elements join together, the Sixth one will be revealed.'"

Rainbow Wishes rolled over and stared up at the ceiling. "I think I killed my eyes. I barely understood that scientific nonsense!" She glanced at the book out of the corner of her eyes. "Now I just have to find the bearers for the Elements." She laughed and asked herself, "How hard can that be?" Rainbow Wishes set the book into her saddlebag. "I'd better start now. July 14th is only in five days!

"That's a pony a day!" She added, trotting down the stairs. As she began to walk through the door, Rainbow Wishes froze. "I'd better write Princess Luna back." She ran back upstairs to jot down a letter.

"Dear Princess Luna," she dictated to her little quill, "I must ask you to take my concerns about Minuette seriously. Surely you must have felt her power that day in the dining hall. In any case, I am going to find the Elements of Harmony, because Minuette's hourglass is right her in the Ponyville Library, Golden Oaks! As your assistant, I will assist you in ridding Equestria of this evil. Your faithful assistant, Rainbow Wishes." Sam as before, Rainbow Wishes sealed the letter and it sent it on its way to the princess.

"She has to take me seriously," Rainbow Wishes muttered to herself as she resumed her walk out the door. "Now, who should I start with?" Still feeling she should not bring her friends into this, Rainbow Wishes decided, "I'll walk up to a random pony and I'll learn about their positive traits!" She giggled. "That won't be too awkward, would it?"

Looking around, she spotted a small building with a sign outside portraying intertwining ribbons.

"I'll start there," she decided, trotting in. A bell chimed, announcing her entrance.

"Hello!" The mare in the back exclaimed cheerfully. She had a cream coat and a red mane, and her that was the same opal color as her eyes. "I'm Crimson Cream, owner of Bows for Business! What can I get you?"

"Wow, you a have bow-utiful store!" Rainbow Wishes commented. Crimson Cream laughed.

"Thank you," she responded, coming out from behind the counter. "Now, I think I have some ribbons over there that would match your Cutie Mark. Make an excellent hair clip, I'd say." Rainbow Wishes nodded in response.

"Would you consider yourself a generous pony?" She blurted. Crimson Cream's hoof froze picking up the ribbons.

"Are you trying to get me to give you a free item?" She asked, a suspicious expression on her face. Rainbow Wishes shook her head quickly. Guess she's not generosity.

"I would never do that!" She assured Crimson Cream. "I was just wondering. I'm just, um, taking a poll around Ponyville. What are ponies' best qualities?" Crimson Cream's expression didn't leave her.

"Oh, is that so?" She asked. Rainbow Wishes nodded, though her face was starting to feel heated under the pressure. Crimson Cream began to say something, but she was interrupted by the bell at the front of the store. Rainbow Wishes, along with Crimson Cream, turned to see Star Swirl standing in the doorway.

"Welcome to Bows for Business!" Crimson Cream said cheerfully. Star Swirl smiled.

"Hi, Crimson! I'd love to shop, but I'm here for Rainbow Wishes," she responded. Rainbow Wishes was surprised.

"M-me?" She asked. Star Swirl nodded. Her eyes were serious despite the small smile on her face.

"It's important."

"Alright," Rainbow Wishes agreed, trotting up to Star Swirl. She turned to Crimson Cream and added, "Sorry for bothering you!"

"Quite alright. Have a nice day!" She waved as Star Swirl and Rainbow Wishes left the shop. Rainbow Wishes followed Star Swirl into the dim alleyway next to the shop.

"That's not how the Elements work," Star Swirl said simply. Rainbow Wishes was startled.

"How did you know?" She asked. Star Swirl looked up.

"I know a lot about the Elements. I do a lot of research about magic," she explained. "I... I have this ability. It's like a mix up that allows me to have Unicorn abilities. Watch." Her hoof glowed green.

Rainbow Wishes's jaw dropped as a quill appeared out of thin air.

"That's amazing, Star Swirl!" She exclaimed. "Oh my goodness, how is that possible?! Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Star Swirl smiled.

"I don't like to publicize my ability," she explained. "But as an Earth Pony, you should understand I want to know everything about magic. So I know about Minuette. I know about the Elements."

"Well, okay," Rainbow Wishes replied, unsure what to say.

"You should have been honest with us." Lucky Dreams flew out of the shadows. One by one, Forsythia, Star Dash, and Sassaflash emerged from the shadows as well.

"You think we'd let you defeat this evil yourself?" Forsythia asked, stepping forward.

"You could hurt yourself!" Star Dash added."I couldn't let that happen!"

"I'd gladly help!" Sassaflash exclaimed. Rainbow Wishes looked at each of them. She had only known them for a few days, but they were already her closest friends. As Princess Luna's assistant, she didn't have much time for bonding with other ponies.

"You'd really help me?" She asked, smiling.

"Of course!" They replied. Rainbow Wishes gathered them in a hug.

"Thanks so much, guys!" She exclaimed.