Bringing Harmony

Twilight Sparkle sat surrounded by books in the Ponyville library, when she let out a defeated groan, “It’s not here Spike! I can’t find any mention of what lies beyond the Everfree forest.” Twilight stood while levitating her current read to the pedestal by the window.

“Maybe you aren’t looking in the right place?” Suggested Spike helpfully. “Which book are you reading now?”

“The History of Equestria and its neighbors,” replied Twilight, “It just refers to whatever’s behind or inside of the Everfree Forest as Everfree. So is it just a continuation of forest?”  Spike opened his mouth to reply, and let out a belch of green flames.

“A letter from the Princess!” Exclaimed Twilight as she opened the scroll and began to read.

My Faithful student Twilight,

I have come across some unfortunate and urgent news. Please gather your friends, and come to Canterlot as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia

“Woah,” said Spike, “I wonder what could be so urgent?”

“I am not sure,” replied Twilight nervously, “but if she is asking me to gather the Elements of Harmony, it must be serious.”

Once the mane six had gathered in Canterlot, Princess Celestia began to explain a story similar to that of Hearths Warming Day.

“In the land to the north of Equestria, past the Everfree forest, there is an evil queen. She has taken control of the villages in Everfree, the first few years of her reign went by smoothly, but recently she has begun to abuse the power of the throne. She has divided families and friends. One village now only has Earth Ponies, another with just Unicorns, and a third in the sky with just Pegasi.” Celestia paused to make sure the girls were following. “Now that the Queen has all of Everfree divided, there is strong belief that her next goal is going to be to take over Equestria, and do the same.”

The girls let out a collective gasp.

“What!” Exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “There is no way we would let that happen!”

“Which is why I would like the six of you to go into Everfree, and defeat the Queen before she has the chance to enter Equestria. Queen Gardenia draws her power from uniformity. Now that they are successfully divided in Everfree, it will be more difficult to defeat her. This is going to require the Element’s of Harmony at their best. Will you girls be able to help me?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Of course!” Rainbow Dash replied, obviously ready to go.

“You can count on us, yer majesty,” Applejack followed.

“We won’t let you down Princess,” Twilight stated confidently.

“Just one question,” interjected Rarity. “How are we going to get there? It must be several days walking just to get to the Equestrian border.”

“You are quite right Rarity. I will not be able to get you into one of the villages,” Celestia explained, “but I will be able to teleport you to just outside one of them. Are you ready to go now?”

The group gave collective nod, while Fluttershy looked at all of her friends and swallowed before timidly nodding too.

                “Princess?” Twilight asked, “would you mind looking after spike? I don’t want him to get hurt.”

                Spike began to object. “of course,” Celestia answered, “any other concerns?”

                Five shook their heads no, and Fluttershy meeped.

“Very well. Good luck, and return safely.” Celestia’s horn began to glow. There was a bright flash, and the six vanished from the castle.