Altering Harmony

"It should be in the library of the Princesses' old castle," Twilight Sparkle said as she and her six friends approached the aged, crumbling structure that was bathed in Princess Luna's moonlight.

"With all of your books, I'd assume you'd already have it in your library, dear," Rarity chuckled, trotting alongside her unicorn friend.

"I know, Rarity, but there are always books I have to add to my collection. You can never have enough knowledge!" Twilight allowed herself a small smile as she thought about the book that she was searching for in the first place: the Book of Divinity, an ancient book written personally by Starswirl the Bearded.

As they drew near the castle gate, Twilight stepped forward, her horn glowing with a violet aura as she used her magic to open the gate. The process didn't take long, much to everypony's relief; as soon as the gate opened, the group hurried inside, trailing behind Twilight as she led them to the castle's one and only library.

"So, Twilight, why did we have to come with you exactly?" Rainbow Dash yawned as Twilight's eyes found her intended destination and rushed toward it, encouraging the others to follow in her wake. She immediately began to scour the spacious library, digging into the mountains upon mountains of ancient books there.

"I think it's pretty fun going out with Twilight every now and then," Fluttershy said quietly as she strolled over to a tall shelf stationed near the window and began aimlessly examining the books there, occasionally tapping Twilight on the shoulder to show her some interesting books she came across.

"Besides, we ain't got anythin' better ta do, don't ya agree?" Applejack added as she aided Twilight in her desperate search.

"Well, I totally agree! It's always so much fun to go out with Twilight!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in agreement as she suddenly whipped out a confetti cannon from nowhere in view; immediately after, flying confetti of all colors burst out from the cannon and flew all over Rarity, who just happened to be standing in its way.

"Really, Pinkie Pie?" Rarity groaned in exasperation, shaking her head quite forcefully in order to rid her beautiful mane of Pinkie's colorful confetti. "I just stylized my mane yesterday! Oh, you make me seem like such a big disgrace to fashion!"

"Come on, Rarity! Loosen up!" Pinkie Pie shoved her face in Rarity's, flashing one of her huge Pinkie Pie smiles at her. "I mean, it's not like we're going to attend the Grand Galloping Gala, right?"

All ponies turned their heads to Pinkie Pie, fixating her with a stare as they remembered how devastating the Grand Galloping Gala had been the last time they'd been there. Even Rainbow Dash stopped zooming around the room, recalling her dying desperation during the Gala to be noticed by the Wonderbolts.

Pinkie Pie shrunk down, giggling softly.

"It's not just any old book, you know," Twilight began to explain as she paused in her search, changing the topic deliberately. "This book, called the Book of Divinity, is the last surviving record of all magic known to unicorns. Even more importantly, it was written by the one and only Starswirl the Bearded himself!"

"Hah, remember that weird Starswirl costume you had last Nightmare Night? You looked so ridiculous in that!" Rainbow Dash burst into laughter.

"If it's that dandy, Twi, then why's it hidden in a normal library like this? Shouldn't it be protected better?" Applejack asked, ignoring Rainbow.

"Princess Celestia just told me about it this afternoon. She said in the letter that she believes I've learned enough from my studies to know of its existence," Twilight replied, her gaze suddenly drawn to a glowing book nearby.

"That must be it!" she exclaimed, grabbing every pony's attention, as she quickly snatched the book and blew off the thick layer of dust that had gathered on its cover. Excited, her friends gathered around her in anticipation, only to hear her sigh in disappointment as she finished scrutinizing the title.

"This isn't the Book of Divinity," Twilight informed them as her head tilted slightly to the side, "but it looks like it might be quite useful too."

"If it's glowing, then I think we should read it," Fluttershy suggested, which immediately drew everyone's attention to her. "I-If you don't m-mind, that is," she added quietly, her shyness taking effect.

"I agree with dear Fluttershy; it looks absolutely fabulous!" Rarity exclaimed. "It's a glow I've never seen before! If my gems could shine like that, my fashion business would definitely bloom!"

Applejack nodded, expressing her approval. "Ah think they're right, Twi. If that book's glowin', it darn sure must be a dandy one."

"Alright then, I guess." Twilight's expression immediately became one of determination as she took a deep breath and slowly opened the book.

Whoosh! A puff of scarlet smoke emerged from the book, immediately spreading like fog and entering each ponies' eyes at the same time until all of it had completely seeped in.

In a flash, just as quickly as it'd begun, the book slammed shut; slowly, everything went back to normal as the six friends regained their senses, only to notice that the book had lost its eerie glow.

"What the hay happened?" Applejack shouted in surprise, backing up from the book.

"Woah, what was that?" Rainbow was saying, blinking rapidly.

"Oh my! That was certainly a baffling experience!" Rarity gasped.

"That was fun!" Pinkie exclaimed as she began jumping up and down in excitement. "Let's do it again! Again!"

"Really, Pinkie?" Rainbow narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the pink mare.

"What... was that?" Twilight panted as her brain took a few moments to process what had just happened.

"I-I don't know, but it was s-scary," Fluttershy trembled as she dove behind Rainbow in fear.

"That thing opened and shut faster than I could clear the sky on a perfect day!" Rainbow was seething, clearly furious.

"Whatever it was, gals, Ah reckon we should head back ta Ponyville before anythin' bad happens," Applejack told them, to which the others nodded in agreement.