CoRoNa

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 2

Chapter 1

Author: Annonymouse
MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fan-fiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.
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A/N: No comments on spelling or grammar please. See my profile for details.
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This is the sequel to fLuTtEr.
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WARNING: This chapter is very different from the rest of the story and might fall into the Everypony rating. The rest will be rated Mature for various reasons.
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CoRoNa
01

...

The Summer Sun Celebration had been quite an ordeal of Princess Celestia. This was the first time she had ever taken part in it while pregnant.

She didn't try to hide her condition, not as she had done in the past. Those times she had gotten pregnant had been because she was feeling lonely. She simply made herself look like some pretty Unicorn and found a really good looking noble pony.

They had always been kept hidden through magic and the foaling was done in secret. Those foals had always been the same as their fathers, and were delivered to said fathers to raise.

This time was different. Not only did she not hide the fact she was with foal, she addressed the public, stating that this foal was a gift from the sun itself, a virgin birth. Technically, the Princess's Alicorn body was indeed virgin.

There was a lot of congratulations, some celebration, and much praise on how pregnancy made her positively glow. Not giving off light glowing, but the glow of a proud, pregnant mother.

The speculation and gossip in some circles was that the Princess had gotten involved with some stallion, some even saying the father was Prince Blueblood himself.

These speculations and rumors were squashed VERY quickly by the Prince himself. He was royalty, related through blood to the Princesses. There would be no way he would DARE even think of such a crude, despicable act as bedding his own Aunt Celestia and ESPECIALLY not Princess Luna, his mother.

Celestia knew he did it more to save his reputation than to save hers. She did wonder how he would react to leaning that this foal would have more right to the throne than he ever would, despite him being 1,100 years old.

Blueblood was actually supportive. He didn't buy into the rumors and actually believed Celestia and her virgin birth theory.

He was there even as the foal was being born on the evening of the Summer Sun Celebration, right at twilight.

...

“It's... Oh Aunt Celestia...” Blueblood gasped. “I can't believe it. It's true.”

Luna was right beside her son. “Oh sister... Your foal. She's beautiful.”

Celestia looked down at the foal and smiled. “Hello my beautiful little filly.” She leaned down and licked the filly's face.

The pair of ruby red eyes opened and looked into a pair of gentle pink eyes.

Blueblood used his magic, levitating a warm, slightly damp towel over to wash the foal's face. From her cute little horn, her striking white coat, flame orange mane, her small wings, tail.

“Oh Tia. She's an Alicorn.” She had no idea how this could be. Such a blessing. Only twice before had a miracle like this been bestowed on Equestria, and that was their own creation.

“What are you going to name her?” Blueblood asked.

“Corona.” Tia smiled as she nuzzled the foal, encouraging her to stand up. “Corona Twilight.”

Luna glanced outside. It was indeed twilight now. “Allow me to take care of the sun and moon tonight.” Luna smiled as she lowered the sun and allowed the moon to rise over the horizon.

“Well, there goes my claim on the throne.” Blueblood actually chuckled delighted as the foal rose to her hooves on shaky legs. “Not that I'd ever get to claim it. Immortality and all that.”

“Come now Gallant. You rule the land of Moonhaven. Why would you want to rule the land of Equestria as well?”

Prince Gallant Blueblood smirked. “Why would I. I have my beautiful mother and her cute sister ruling this wonderful land.” He watched as Celestia lay on the cloud bed and allowed the tiny Corona to feed. He blushed a little and looked away. “Perhaps I should return home before my adviser attempts to take over again. Oh yes, Aunt Celestia, I have already sent a gift to you. It should arrive sometime in the morrow.”

“Thank you Gallant. I hope your trip home is uneventful.”

“Of course. It is night time, and the moon is full. I can teleport home with ease.” He nuzzled his mother. “Beautiful Mother, you take care of your cute sister.”

“Of course son. Safe travels.”

He bowed and stepped back into the moonlight. With a soft blue flash he vanished.

“Twilight? Certainly the time of day cannot have been the only reason.” Luna lay next to Celestia.

“That will be the official reason. The true reason... I miss her. My prized student. My dear friend. Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia shed a tear.

“It hasn't even been a year.” Luna nudged Celestia. “But I can understand how you feel. She was so full of potential. She could have become one of us, the way we did.”

“Luna?”

“Yes Tia?”

“I know you can keep a secret. I already told you I will tell you the truth.” Celestia took a few moments to gather her nerves.

Luna leaned forward little in anticipation.

“This foal, her soul... Can you not feel it?”

Luna looked at the feeding filly. “The... The Element of Magic? Wait.” She stared into Celestia's smiling eyes. “Twilight Sparkle? How? I mean... I know the souls of the other four Elements of Harmony are close to reincarnation, but...”

“I took Twilight Sparkle to the sun. I bathed her broken and corrupted body and soul in the corona of my sun. With her body gone, I took her purified soul and caused parthenogenesis within myself.”

Luna's eyes were wide, but there was a smile on her face. “Oh Tia.” She leaned her neck across her sisters. “You never cease to amaze me. You truly did love Twilight like she was your own foal, didn't you?”

“Yes I did. We may not have been related by blood, but it just felt right.” She glanced at Corona who had just finished feeding. She yawned and snuggled up to her mother's belly and fell asleep. “And now, I can truly call her my daughter. Selfish, aren't I?”

“Not at all.” Luna couldn't help coo as the tiny filly stretched and snuggled closer. “When will you tell Equestria?”

“Not tonight of course. Oh yes, send in the physician. He must be pacing a groove in the marble floor outside.” Celestia smirked. “I'll personally take care of the cleanup myself.”

“Of course. I have my royal duties I must tend too. Sleep well Sister.” With that, Luna left, sending in the physician on her way out.

The aging doctor approached and bowed. “How was the foaling Princes? No troubles I assume.”

“None at all. Very little pain either. Minimal blood. If you could take care of the umbilical cord and help me with the afterbirth, I would appreciate it.” Celestia licked her foal. “Her name is Corona Twilight. Princess Corona Twilight.”

“A wonderful name. Born at the moment of Twilight, and with a mane like her namesake. And of course Princess I will take care of your request.” The Unicorn smiled at the Alicorn filly. “You must be so proud.”

“Yes, a foal I need not hide from existence, nor deny being mother too. I grow tired, so let us take care of this.”

...

On her first day, the news of Princess Corona's birth spread across Equestria like the wind. Within the day, even the furthest outposts and tiniest villages knew of the amazing event.

The day of the Summer Sun Celebration would now have a second meaning. The birthday of the Princess.

Ponies from all across Equestria, and even from beyond traveled to Canterlot to offer their best wishes for this new Goddess, as well as bestow upon both mother and daughter many gifts.

Food, clothing, toys, gems, books and so much more. Celestia knew it would take months to sort everything out, though the foods were placed into the ballroom hall to be shared by the guests who had come.

Princess Corona, even barely a day old, stood by her mother's side, watching quietly and with wide, curious and innocent eyes. The world was new, and she had her whole immortal life ahead of her.

Celestia hoped that she would be able to hold onto her innocence for a very long time.

...

The first five years of Corona's life were filled with learning all sorts of things, from games, to walking and running. She could even hover for short periods of time, as well as use a little telekinesis, without any training.

Her talent for magic was given, and Celestia took to teaching her, just as she had with Twilight Sparkle so many years ago.

Corona learned magic fast, with great ease. Celestia could not have been more proud.

It was on a day where Celestia was just watching her filly play in the garden when Corona suddenly froze, an odd look on her face.

“Corona dear?” Celestia rose from where she had been laying down and approached. “What's the matter?”

“Mommy?” She blinked and looked up. “I just saw a little baby dragon. He was purple with green spikes.” She pointed to where a small purplish rock sat, with some green leaves on top.

Celestia choked up for a moment. Corona was remembering her past, far sooner than she had expected. “Really?” She hid her momentary shock and smiled. “But there are no dragons in Canterlot.”

“I know, but I thought I saw one.” Corona tilted her head slightly, an utterly adorable look of concentration on her face. “He was cute. Can I get a baby dragon?”

Celestia shook her head. “I'm sorry sweet heart. Dragons rarely ever give up their eggs, even to me. The last one was over seventeen years ago.”

“Oh. Where is that dragon now?”

“He's gone. He... he left Equestria.”

“Oh. I would like to meet a dragon one day.” Corona's smile was nearly as bright as the sun itself.

Celestia laughed. “Perhaps one day you will.”

Corona danced with joy. “I hope I do.” She hugged her mother then went back to playing.

The Princess of the Sun returned to her favorite spot in the garden and lay back down, keeping a close eye on the playing filly. (Please... don't remember too fast.) A single tear fell from her eye.

...

Summer came to an end and Corona began magic kindergarten. She had so much fun, even though she was not exactly a Unicorn. Still, even being a Princess, she simply was herself as one of the foals who was learning magic.

She never flaunted her superior powers, knowledge or the fact she was royalty. She was open, friendly and got along with her fellow students.

It was a fateful day when Fate decided to be... Generous.

...

Corona never flaunted her wings over her Unicorn classmates. Well, almost never. Occasionally if a kite or ball ended up in the tree or on the roof she would fly up and retrieve them. Today was a little different, because the wind was a bit stronger than normal.

“Hey Corona?” A Unicorn filly her own age trotted up. A slightly hopeful look on her face. “My kite got caught in the tree again.”

Corona giggled. “That's three times now. Isn't your magic strong enough to get it down?”

“Well... Last time I tried I broke my kite. I have technique and control... But... How did Mr. Glass put it?”

“Your range and power are in requirement of vast improvement. Don't worry Pearl. You'll get it eventually.” Corona and the white maned Unicorn laughed.

“Oh, isn't that your mom coming to pick you up? Who's those Unicorns with her?”

The pair of fillies turned to see Princess Celestia walked through the schoolyard gates. Walking with her was a tall blue coated, white maned mare and a little white colt with light blue mane and tail.

“Now Trixie, I'm so pleased you decided to accept my invitation for your little colt to attend school here.” Celestia smiled.

“Of course.” Trixie returned the smile. “To think, the Princess herself requesting that my sweet Elusive be enrolled in the School for Gifted Unicorns. How could I possibly refuse.”

Celestia nodded, then heard somepony call out to her in the cutest voice.

“Mommy!”

Trixie turned and gasped at the sight of the tiny Princess. She had heard about her, but never imagined she would meet her.

“Trixie, this is my daughter, Princess Corona Twilight.”

Trixie twitched. A memory from long ago baring its ugly fangs. “Twilight?”

“Yes. She was born when the sun was setting and the moon was raising.” Celestia nuzzled her filly. “How are you doing in school today dear?” Hearing that, Trixie relaxed. She still felt anxiety about those long gone days.

“I'm doing great. I was going to help Pearl get her kite out of the tree.”

“Allow me.” Trixie's horn glowed softly and the kite in question came free. It floated down, but it was damaged. Trixie flashed a wink at the disappointed looking Pearl. A moment later, the tears mended and it was as good as new. “There you go now.”

“Wow, thank you pretty miss.” Pearl beamed brightly and galloped off to play with her kite.

“Mommy? Who is this nice lady?”

“This is Trixie, and her colt, Elusive. He is going to be starting school here today.”

“Really?” Corona beamed her smile. “Hi. I'm Corona. Wanna play?”

Elusive glanced at his mother and received a smile and nod.

As the pair of foals rushed off to play, Celestia turned to Trixie. “You certainly have matured sense that Ursa Minor incident.”

“I know. I realized how arrogant I was being. I got into enchanting light crystals and selling them. I've made good money doing that.” She turned and watched her colt bounding around and playing with a Princess, like social rank didn't matter in the slightest. “Again I have to thank you for allowing Elusive to attend this school.”

“Trixie, had I know of you when you were a little filly, I may well have taken on two students. Your potential was nearly equal to my former student's. You were just never given the chance to realize it. This is my way of apologizing.”

Trixie nodded. “I remember hearing you had a student. Who might that been?”

Celestia frowned a little, knowing of the incident between her student and this Unicorn. Still, she hated lying. “Her name was Twilight Sparkle.”

Trixie stepped back, a shocked look on her face, mixed with distaste and some anger. “She is the one who ruined my dream. She is your student?”

“Was. She died six years ago, a victim of the murders that happened back then.” Celestia kept control of her emotions.

Trixie sucked in her breath. “She... died? The murderer killed even her?”

“No. She sacrificed herself to defeat the murderer and release an innocent soul which had been corrupted. Not all details of what transpired are known. Most of what happened, those secrets lay deep within the darkest depths of the Everfree Forest.” She lead Trixie toward the school. “Now, enough of that. Let's take care of the paperwork.”

“Of course Princess Celestia.” Trixie accompanied the Princess into the school.

...

Elusive and Corona played a game of catch, using their magic to toss a ball back and forth.

“Um, Corona?” Elusive asked, catching the ball, but holding onto it.

“Yes?”

“Why do you have wings like the Princesses?”

“Princess Celestia is my Mommy.”

“Wow. So you're a Princess too?”

The filly nodded. “I am.” She replied. “Why?”

“Oh, I think they look nice. I wish I had wings.”

Corona spread her small wings and fluttered them softly. “I'm not a strong flier like Mommy, and they get in the way when I sleep.” She folded her wings. “With today's wind, I'd be blown half way across Canterlot. Again.”

Elusive covered his mouth as he chuckled. “That must have caused a lot of problems.”

“Not really. A really nice pony went out of her way and walked me home.”

Elusive smiled. “Being nice is always the best, but to walk you half way across Canterlot to take you home? Even being that nice is a rarity.”

Corona froze, her eyes going blank for a moment.

“Um, Princess?” Elusive waved a hoof in front of her face. “Corona?” He panicked when she didn't respond. “Somepony get help. She's... I don't know.” He pointed at Corona.

It was only moments later when the Princess Celestia, all the teachers and even Trixie rushed outside.

Celestia scooped Corona onto her back and flew off without another word.

Trixie was confused. “What was that about?”

A teacher turned to Trixie. “Princess Corona faints every now and then. Her mother is very adamant that we do not disturb her when she's in her faint.”

“Fainted?” Trixie raised an eyebrow. “She was standing and just staring blankly.” The Unicorn didn't know what to think. Something was just... odd.

“Mother?” Elusive walked up. “Is Corona going to be ok? We were playing a game and talking and she suddenly looked funny. She didn't even blink when I waved my hoof in front of her face.”

Trixie took Elusive aside. “What were you talking about?”

“Oh, how this one time when she tried to fly, she got blown all the way across Canterlot and somepony was really nice and walked her home.”

“I don't see how that could have made her faint.” She then smiled. “Do you like the Princess?”

“Yes. Corona is nice, and she's smart too. She's really good at playing ball.” Elusive smiled.

Trixie nuzzled her colt. “Well, until Princess Celestia comes back, I can't do anything with the paperwork... We'll have to go home for the day.”

“Aww.”

One of the teachers overheard this and came over. “Hello. I'm Corona's kindergarten teacher. If you like, your colt can sit in for the rest of the morning. I'm certain he'll have fun.”

“Are you sure? I mean, the paperwork isn't even done.”

“Don't worry. Little Corona took an instant liking to, what's you name dear?” The mare smiled at Elusive.

“My name is Elusive.”

“What a daring name.” She winked at Trixie. “My name is Miss. Evergreen. I teach magic kindergarten here. Now, recess is over. Come along and your mom can come pick you up at noon.”

“Thank you ever so much for this.” Trixie smiled. “With enrolling Elusive, and my job. I've been so busy today.”

“No worries Miss...”

“Trixie Whitemane.”

Evergreen blinked. “Do you mean THE Trixie Whitemane? I remember seeing you as a traveling performer. I heard such wonderful reviews, and then some rather crude and unkind rumors.”

“Those rumors being I caused a town called Ponyville damage and some suffering are no rumor. My stories made some of the ponyfolk get some ideas and lured an Ursa Minor into town, after I had claimed to have defeated an Ursa Major. Needless to say, that was my last performance.”

Evergreen was a little surprised. “You certainly are free with telling the tale of your own mistake.”

Trixie chuckled dryly. “Dear me, no. It was not a mistake, but a life lesson well learned. Lies will only get you hurt.” She placed a hoof on Elusive's shoulder. “Though, events transpired and I was blessed with my hansom colt.” She then gave him a gentle push. “Now Elusive, you go with Miss. Evergreen and have fun.”

“Yes Mother. Thank you Miss. Evergreen.”

“You are welcome Elusive.” The pair waved goodbye to Trixie.

Trixie watched till her colt had entered the school building. She then turned and galloped toward the castle. Her instincts were telling her something was not right with the little princess. She could FEEL something about her that she had felt from one Twilight Sparkle, a wavelength of magic that was certainly unique.

...

“Rarity?” Corona suddenly snapped from her trance. “Mommy?” She gasped at the sight of her mother. She looked around and saw she was in her own room, in the castle. “I had another strange dream.”

Celestia had been holding her breath, barely realizing she was doing it. “Oh Corona. What did you see this time?”

“I saw a white Unicorn. She was so pretty, with long wavy purple mane. I kept getting the feeling her name was Rarity.”

Celestia nuzzled Corona's cheek. “I see. First a baby dragon, and now this Unicorn.”

“Elusive said something about some kinds of being nice are a rarity... and suddenly I felt like I knew that word was a name. I... I saw instead of Elusive, he was her. The Mare.” She rubbed her head. “Am I strange? I never saw a dragon before, or that unicorn, but I feel like I know them.”

Celestia sighed. “Don't worry about it Corona. We all have day dreams.”

“Even you?”

“Especially me.” Celestia giggled. She thought to her collection of letters which she still had, preserved to last forever. Those lessons in friendship, she would often read them before going to bed.

“Come along Princess. I think we should go have a little treat. Say, ice cream?”

Corona's eyes lit up. “Yay, ice cream” She happily skipped and pranced along side her mother, wings fluttering in joy as they headed toward the royal kitchen. “May I have strawberry.”

...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

CoRoNa
03

...

Elusive stood before his mother, Trixie Whitemane. The mare was staring at a letter from Princess Celestia.

“No Mother. This is no joke.” Elusive smiled. “Princess Celestia is offering you a position as a teacher at the School for Gifted Unicorns.”

“I... I'm no teacher though.” She looked at her son. “I don't know what to do, or how I would even start.”

“Just come and see the Princess. She'll explain everything. If you want, I'll take you to the castle. I have permission to use the teleport platform to come and go.”

Trixie read the letter of invitation to teach one final time. “Certainly. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Shall we go?”

Elusive smiled and stepped next to Trixie. With a flash of light, their surroundings changed to that of a white marble chamber. Waiting for the pair was a pony that caught Trixie off guard. “Twilight Sparkle?”

“Corona Twilight actually. We met when Elusive started school, five years ago and again three years ago when Mother placed the protection spell on your home. I've changed my mane and tail sense then.”

“Of course Princess. My apologies, you just remind me of somepony I knew years ago.”

Corona smiled knowingly at the pair. “Come along now. Mother awaits.”

...

Elsewhere in Canterlot.

“They are beginning to awaken Mistress.” A cloaked pony bowed to another cloaked pony.

“Finally. Maybe we can do now what we failed to eleven years ago.” The smaller of the two spoke, a soft emotionless voice spoke. “That buck up... Resurrecting that feeble little Blackthorn of all creatures rather than our God.”

“Well, it was entertaining to watch, to say the least.” The first chuckled. “I especially love what it did to the Elements of Kindness and Laughter.”

The smaller pony spun around, light flashing from within the hood. The first pony was lifted off the ground, a sickly green flow wrapping around his neck.

The larger Unicorn struggled. Unable to breath as his life was slowly being choked from him. He kicked and thrashed till everything started going dark, his body going limp, only twitching occasionally. His eyes bulged, the irises down to pinpricks and the whites starting to turn red.

But before darkness and death could claim the pony, the magic ended and he dropped to the stone floor.

“Do NOT think this is funny Pokey Pierce. You were to watch the situation.”

Pierce gasped for air, laying on the floor. It took him a few minutes, hos horn glowing as he healed himself. Finally he stood up and rubbed his still sore throat and neck. “Yea? But I got KILLED on this mission!!! Or had you forgotten that? Being eaten alive is VERY unpleasant.” He didn't even look like Pokey Pierce at all. His coat olive green, with a red mane and tail. Somehow, his own safety pin cutie mark rested on his hindquarters. “I know damn well the situation wasn't funny.”

“I saved your brain and transplanted it into this body. Be glad I did that for you.” The smaller Unicorn's blood red horn was sticking through her hood, having burned through. “As for the Element of Kindness, 'MY' Master has told me he has yet to find it. For all we know, it may not even be reborn in this generation. How many hundred years must we wait before all six Elements are awake and active again?”

“Well... Last time was 374 years ago, but they were all killed by that demon from hell.” Pierce shrugged. “Lucky for Equestria we sent it back.”

“We summoned that demon in the first place...” The mare scowled, her red muzzle showing from under the hood. “How many times are we going to screw up, trying to resurrect the true God of Equestria?”

“Don't ask me. Now, I have business I need to take care of. I 'may' have found another Element. I need to go check it out.” He paused and glanced at the smaller form. “Oh yes, one more question.”

“What is it?”

“Mistress, are we CERTAIN we found our God's resting place this time?”

“As certain as with Discord, The Nightmare Moon Essence, Ba'al, and Blackthorn...”

“Okay... So... Our chances are improving. The more of these weak creatures we release and see defeated, the more likely we'll find our God.” He clopped his forehooves on the stone floor excitedly. “I can't wait to finally meet him.” With that, the olive coated and pimento maned pony left the dark, candle lit chamber.

The small Unicorn pulled back her hood, revealing her blood red mane that matched her coat. Her sickly green dragon slit eyes turned back to a small bowl filled with water. Images of Princess Corona and Elusive were visible to those with the magic. “A Princess and a Pauper. Amusing that one so poor can represent Generosity.” Blood Rain grinned, her dragon teeth glinting in the candle light.

A moment later, another pony appeared. The image was not clear, but it was female, a filly, baring a red coat and blond mane.

“I wonder who this one might be.”

...

Trixie walked between Princess Celestia and Elusive, taking in the beauty that was the school for gifted Unicorns.

Corona followed along behind the trio, a smile on her lips. (Elusive is going to get to keep attending school with me. I'm so happy. He speaks highly of his mother, how smart and talented she is.) She was positively giddy. (For Elusive to compliment another pony about their magic, that's something indeed, even if this is his mother.)

“Corona dear?” Celestia paused and glanced back. “Are you alright?”

Elusive chuckled. “You've got a goofy grin plastered on your face.”

Corona blushed and hid her face under her mane. “Elusive...” She whined a little, but still smiled.

“Now now, Elusive. This is Princess Corona. She does not get goofy faces...” Trixie started.

Celestia giggled. “Oh, she most certainly does, but they're all so priceless.”

“Mother.” Corona huffed a little. “You said you wouldn't tease me like that anymore.”

“I'm sorry dear.” She stifled a few more giggles as best she could. “But you are simply adorable.”

“Princess Celestia is right Princess Corona.” Trixie nodded. “But, if I'm going to be the new illusions teacher, I will have to see you as a student, not as a Princess.” She lowered her head, narrowed her eyes, and grinned a little darkly. “Do you think you have what it takes to learn what I have to teach?”

“Of course Dame. Whitemane.” Corona had regained her composure instantly.

Trixie winced a little at that title. “That title makes me feel old...”

“Distinguished more accurately.” Celestia had the exact same pose and expression as her daughter.

“Quite distinguished indeed.” Elusive imitated the pair.

Celestia returned to her poised, but relaxed appearance. “Come along now. I will show you your new classroom. You may take the rest of the week to get accustomed to the layout, or make any minor changes as needed.”

“Thank you Princess Celestia.” Trixie was indeed very grateful.

“Mother, Elusive and I have today off from classes. He said he wanted to show me something.”

“Something?”

Elusive nodded. “It is perfectly safe. It's just outside Canterlot City.”

“Ah, I see.” Celestia nodded. “My daughter is old enough to make little day trips. I'll assign a Guard to escort you. Standard royal protocol.”

“Thank you Mother.” Corona smiled.

Elusive bowed to Princess Celestia and hugged his mother. “We'll be back later. Love you Mom.” He kissed her cheek before galloping off, Corona flying along behind him.

Celestia turned back to the classroom tower. “You are blessed to have such a good son. Smart, talented, kind and I've seen him take time out to help his fellow classmates without even even worrying about getting anything back in return.”

Trixie nodded. She was very proud of her son. Now, if only he would earn his cutie mark.

...

“Where are we going?” Corona asked Elusive as they and their unarmored escort followed at a polite distance.”

Elusive glanced at Corona, especially the simple dress she wore to hide her wings and cutie mark. “For starters, it's one of my favorite places, besides school.” They reached the city gates and their escort coughed to get their attention.

“Princess, are you certain you wish to do this?” The Pegasus asked. “This will be the first time you have ever left Canterlot.”

Corona giggled. “Oh Freedom. You're such a worrier. This is Equestria. Nothing bad ever happens in Equestria.”

The guard snorted lightly. “Very well, but know I will be nearby to guard you at all times.”

“Thank you Freedom. You are a good protector.” Corona nudged Elusive. “Shall we?”

“Let's.” The colt replied.

...

“Canterlot Golden Acres?” Corona looked up at the sign. “Isn't this were we get most of our apples?”

Elusive nodded. “Indeed it is.” He looked out over the hills, all covered with apple trees. “To think, this orchard is only ten years old, but look at those trees.” The trees were large and full of large, sweet and juicy apples.

“Only ten? I thought it was always here.”

“Well, the family that runs this had other family members that ran another orchard to the south.” Elusive replied. “But that was destroyed in a fire.”

“The orchard in... Pony...ville...” Her eyes glazed over suddenly.

Elusive winced and glanced back at Freedom.

Freedom approached and frowned. “Another one of her odd fainting spells?”

The Unicorn colt nodded. “She'll be alright. I've seen this happen numerous times...” And each and every one scared the daylights out of him. He was able to hide his fear quite well though, knowing that she was never hurt.

“Sweet Apple Acres... Applejack...” Corona whispered, tears falling freely. Even though she was crying, she was smiling, remembering happy memories.

Elusive's mind flashed a few times. An orange and blond pony wearing a strange hat. An orchard. Her family. “Could it be?” He gasped. “Freedom, please wait here with Corona.”

“Princess Corona to you colt.”

He ignored Freedom and rushed through the gates.

Freedom didn't care for Elusive much at all. He was far too friendly with the Princess, treating her like a friend rather than royalty, or even, how dare he, an equal. To make Freedom dislike Elusive more, he was a commoner. A lowly commoner who needed to one day learn his place.

Corona snapped out of her trance. “Oh my... Elusive, I...” She looked to where Elusive had been, then around for him. She spotted Freedom at her side. “Where is Elusive?”

“He ran off someplace.” He snorted, an annoyed tone in his voice. “Oh, there he is.” He pointed a hoof toward the incoming Unicorn and a red coated Earth Pony. She looked maybe a little younger than Elusive.

As the pair approached, Corona noticed some odd features about this Pony. Her red coat sported pale blond stripes, and her short spiky mane was the reverse, blond with some red stripes. Her tail even looked a little odd for an Earth Pony.

“Corona, are you alright?” Elusive was relieved that his friend had recovered.

“I... I'm fine. I had another... fainting spell.” She glanced at the Earth Pony. She was built like an Earth Pony, mostly, but she was a little light of build for her age. Then she remembered something from her studies of other cultures. This filly most likely had zebra heritage. “Who's your friend?”

“This is Honey Crisp. She's the daughter of Apple Cider, the owner of this orchard.”

Honey Crisp grinned. “Howdy Princess.” She bowed with practised perfection and grace. “Welcome to Canterlot Golden Acres.” She then looked at the Princess, a little concerned. “Lucy here told me that ya'll fainted or sumpthin like that.”

“Lucy?” Corona giggled as Elusive blushed.

“Crisp, how may times...” Elusive glared.

“Ah know, but Ah just love seein' yer expression.” She winked at the Princess. “Lucy here talks about ya all th' time Princess. Ah never thought Ah'd get t' meet ya.”

A large, red coated stallion trotted up. “Honey Crisp. Are you going to keep the young Princess standing out in this heat all day? She just fainted after all.”

“She seems fine t' me Pa.” The striped pony replied, casting a glance at the much larger pony.

“Well, why don't you take them inside for some apple juice... NOT the cider this time.”

“Ah know Pa. Ya'll tanned my hide first an last time Ah got into yer cider.” Honey Crisp smirked. “Ah learned mah lesson.” She then nodded her head toward the farm house. “Ya'll come in. We got the best apples and apple products in all Equestria.”

Corona smiled. “I know. The royal chefs order all apples from here.” She smiled as she followed the half zebra. “If you don't mind my asking, are you half zebra?”

“Yep. Ma died foalin' me though. Shame really. Pa always said she was the nicest pony he ever did meet. Always talked in rhyme and was really good at makin' all sorts ah herbal medicines.”

Zecora.

Corona gasped and stopped in mid step. Again her eyes glazed over.

“That's enough of this.” Freedom stomped his hoof. “Twice in a day? I'm taking the Princess home, now.”

Honey Crisp raised her eyebrow and looked at the large Pegasus. “Ya'll plannin on carryin her on yer back the whole way? She can lay on mah bed till she wakes.”

“No, I will be bringing her home, now.” He stepped forward, towering over all three young ponies.

Corona shook her head and glanced at how close Freedom was too her. “Freedom, no. I will not be going back. Rather, you are to return to the castle and tell Mother the following. Honesty lives. She will know what that means.”

“But... I cannot leave you alone. I have my orders.”

“And I just gave you MY orders.” Corona had a dead serious look on her face. “Do I have to repeat myself? “

“Of course not Princess.” He stepped back, bowing his head. “Once I deliver this message, I will return.” With that said, his wings spread wide and he took to he sky, flying as fast as his strong wings could carry him.

Corona sighed. “Sorry about that. Freedom is a little too serious at times.” She smiled at Elusive and Honey Crisp. “In the meantime, why don't you tell us what you know about Zecora.”

Honey Crisp stared at Corona, her eyes wide. “How ya'll know that name? Ah never told ya. Heck, Pa ain't never told anypony but me that she was mah mom.”

Elusive glanced at Corona. “I think we should tell her.”

“I think so too.” The Princess agreed.

“Tell me what?” She asked as she followed the pair toward the house. “What's goin' on here?”

Once inside, the trio entered the living room and took seats.

Corona took a moment to steady her nerves. “I remember your mother. Zecora, a Zebra from a far away land. Speaking in rhymes and riddles.” Her eyes glazed slightly. “Wisest pony I remember, though I've never met her.” Her voice seemed to change a little as she spoke of the Enchantress.

Honey Crisp listened, all her attention focused on the pony. When Corona finished her tale of Zecora, the farm mare whispered. “T... Twilight...” She suddenly spoke up. “No way... Mah dreams... Ah always thought they was just that... Ah can remember mah Ma's face clearly, thought I ain't never met her.”

“I'm the same.” Elusive smiled. “Do you remember a name... Rarity?”

“Ah course Ah do. But...”

Corona spoke, cutting Honey Crisp off. “And Applejack?”

Honey Crisp gritted her teeth and squeezed he eyes shut. “Dagnamit. How ya'll know mah dreams?”

“I was Twilight Sparkle, the lavender Unicorn. Elusive, he was Rarity.”

“Ya'll was a mare?” She burst out laughing. “Oh Lucy, that's just TOO funny.”

“Hence one of the reasons I don't like being called Lucy...” Elusive muttered.

The smaller mare quickly regained composure and looked serious again. “Seriously? Both ah ya have memories of yer past life? An mah dreams are the same? Memories?”

The pair nodded.

Corona looked into Honey Crisps dark green eyes. “We've much to remember of course. All we remember are bits and pieces of our previous life.”

“Ah see.” Honey Crisp gave an odd look at the Princess. “Not meanin' to sound rude Princess, but are ya'll still some bookworm?”

“I do not live in a library.” Corona laughed freely. “You know what? I like you. I know we just met, but I feel like I've known you for a long time.”

“Well, if these dreams ARE memories, not quite sayin' they are, but IF they are, then Ah guess we knew each other long time ago.” Honey Crisp glanced toward the kitchen. “Hang on a sec, Ah promised ya'll some apple juice.” She rose and trotted into the kitchen. “Keep chatterin'. Ah can hear ya.” She called out as the sounds of clinking glasses was heard.

Elusive glanced toward the kitchen. “I've know Honey Crisp for a while, and I've had my suspicions. I couldn't verify if she was like us, connected from our past life.” He looked back to Corona. “Somehow, it seems that you're the key to us connecting to these dreams. These memories.”

“But... Why me?” Corona asked.

“Maybe because she's a Princess an all.” Honey walked back in, gliding smoothly while balancing a tray with three drinks on her back..

Corona took the tray with the bright red magic and set it down gently on the coffee table. “I guess that's one explanation.” She smiled and sipped at her juice. “Oh, this is good. What apples were used?”

Honey smirked, balancing her glass on one hoof. “Oh, here we use some of the lightly bruised apples to make juice. Why waste, and the bruising seems to make the apples sweeter.” She took a sip without making use of a straw.

Elusive seemed used to this display of balance and agility. Corona on the other hoof was impressed. “You're pretty well coordinated. Balance, poise, grace.”

Her tone and accent seemed to simply vanish as she spoke again. “Well, we may be farmers, but we are a noble family after all. I had spent a year taking special classes. One never knows if they will be invited to some important social gathering.” She then giggled. “But don'tcha go tellin' nopony Ah'm able to be as hoity toity or dress as fru fru as any other noble. Ah get stared at enough cause ah mah stripes.” She held up a foreleg and smiled. “Ah course, ah love mah stripes, and Ah dun put up with nopony talking dirt 'bout em.”

“Of course not. They are lovely.” Corona wasn't lying. Honey Crisp's stripes and cutie mark were very unique, and stylish.

“Why thank ya Princess.” She tilted her drink back and emptied it in seconds. “Ah, refreshin'.” She grinned at Elusive. “Now, Lucy, ya'll bring the Princess all the way out here, durin' apple buck season. What WERE ya'll thinkin'?”

“I wanted her to meet you.” He replied simply. “Not to help out with kicking apple trees.”

Corona was not at all familiar with, what was the term? Physical Labour? She knew she was strong, being an Alicorn, but she doubted she was stronger than an actual Earth Pony.

Corona's horn suddenly itched a little. She ignored it. “I think, maybe, I should be on my way once Freedom returns. Elusive, if you like, you can stay and help.”

“Corona, I have chosen to devote today to you. Here at Canterlot Golden Orchards, you made a new friend after all.” He grinned.

“You are a terrible liar.” Corona laughed. “But you're right. I would like to learn more about you Honey Crisp. I'd like to be friends with you.”

“Ah'd be lyin' if Ah said I didn't wanna be yer friend too. Heck, Ah dun think Ah've even told a lie in mah life.”

Corona's horn suddenly itched even more, on the point of tingling. She knew when magic was being used, and there was some impressively strong magic at work nearby, and coming closer.

Before any more could be said, the front window burst inward. A dark cloaked pony flew through and landed in the center of the floor. “Magic, Generosity, Honest.” His grinning olive muzzle was clearly visible. “You will be coming with me. Refuse, and I'll kill everypony on this farm.”

The three young ponies rushed to the far side of the room, Honey Crisp and Elusive standing guard before their Princess.

“You will not touch Princess Corona Twilight.” Elusive's horn started glowing brightly.

“Ya'll bust into mah home an' make demands? Ah dun think so buddy.”

“In the name of our God, the Tyrant King, you WILL come with me.” The stallion's horn was surrounded by a black miasma of energy. “Like it, or not.”

Elusive cast a blinding flash at this stranger, blinding him momentarily. “Run.” He spoke calmly.

A moment later, the trio was running from the house and toward the gate.

“Elusive, we can teleport.”

Honey Crisp shook her head. “Ya'll can't just run. He threatened mah Pa and mah three sisters. We can't just run like cowards. Ain't nothin' more important than family. That Ah remember clearly from mah dreams.”

The trio looked back to see the dark pony emerge from the house, his dark magic flowing all over his body. “Run, and all here on this farm will die. I'll stab them over and over till they all die, then I'll mutilate their corpses.”

“Who are you and why are you doing this?” Corona demanded.

“I am the harbinger of the Tyrant King. His cult shall rule all of Equestria upon his return, and the false little Princesses shall suffer as his playthings for all eternity.” His laughing was not that of a sane pony.

Suddenly his laughing ceased and he stared at the trio. “Now, come along, little Elements of Harmony. You are needed for his resurrection.” His magic lashed out, ensnaring the three foals.

Corona's own magic seemed to react on its own, lashing back along the tendrils of darkness with piercing golden flames. The attacking Pony was engulfed and reduced to ashes in a flash.

“Oh Celestia...” Elusive gasped. “You... Corona... You killed... killed him.”

“No... I... I didn't do that. My magic acted on its own.” She stepped back. “I don't know any combat magic.” Corona looked mortified. “I... Oh Mother...”

Honey Crisp was shaken. “Who was that? Why'd he wanna use us to res... whatever. What's this all 'bout some Tyrant? What the hay did ya'll do to him Princess?”

“I think we should speak with Mother.” Corona wanted to cry. Her magic had just killed a pony. She shuddered, feeling sick to her stomach.

...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 4

CoRoNa
04
...

Following the strange attack at Canterlot Golden Acres, there had been an investigation, and a lot of questions for the trio of youngsters.

Who the attacker was, what he wanted, why he had attacked and much more. They did their best to answer, but most of the questions were answered with “I don't know.”

The few remains of the attacker had been gathered up to be examined. There was not much at all really. Had Corona's fire been that hot as to actually destroy the Unicorn attacker's whole body? There was no evidence of the Unicorn having used teleportation magic, so he had to have died, thought there was the lingering traces of strange magic.

After the investigation, the three youths all went home.
...

Princess Celestia paced back and forth in her meeting room, a few of her most trusted noble ponies, as well as the Captains of her royal Guards present.

“The attack was unforgivable.” One noble, a blue coated and green maned Pegasus stallion spoke firmly. “To attack any member of the Royal Family... We need to find out who was responsible and make them pay.”

“Now now Thunderclap, there is no need to resort to violence.” Celestia stopped in her tracks and turned to face the pony who had just spoken out. “I myself have examined the scene of the attack, and I believe the attacker was not, in fact, killed.”

“Not killed?” The Captain of the Unicorn Guards gasped. “But, there were no remains, the heat from the fire magic even turned the ground too glass. He had to have been incinerated with such heat.”

“I do not believe so. Rather, I believe that nopony was actually hurt, more like a puppet of sorts.” Celestia replied.

One Unicorn, with deep red coat and matching mane spoke up. “Beg your pardon Princess Celestia, but if the attacker was using some sort of puppet magic, then that would mean he or she is still out there, meaning the Princess, as well as both Elusive Stargem and Honey Crisp Apple are all still in danger.”

Celestia nodded in agreement. “I agree with you Ruby Rain. We cannot protect them at all times.” She sighed. “Are there any suggestions?”

The nobles and Captains all looked at each other, then at Ruby Rain as she spoke again.

“Perhaps we can hide them outside of Canterlot, someplace secret that nopony, other than a few select, know about.”

Celestia sighed. “I do not know if taking them outside of Canterlot is the wisest idea at this time. Within her walls, the Royal Guard can at least respond quickly to any threats.”

Ruby Rain shook her head. “The attacker may have used Puppet magic. That's a very advanced form of magic, meaning the attacker is a Unicorn of no small skill. The best bet on protecting the Elements of Harmony would be to place them someplace that cannot be scryed upon with magic, a place outside these very walls.”

“And you would have a suggestion?” Captain Stoneheart raised a bushy eyebrow.

“Actually, indeed I do.” Ruby Rain smiled. “I know of a place where magic does not work, and I cannot think of a safer place to hide from those who use magic.”

Celestia frowned a little. “But, if magic does not work, how can we keep them protected should they be found and attacked again.”

“Only I know of this place, and that is where I feel the Elements would be the safest. Captain Stoneheart's Earth Pony soldiers would be the best suited to protect these precious foals.”

Stoneheart scowled. “Are you certain this is a good idea?”

Celestia sighed. “I see little we can do at this time. The magic used was ancient, dark, and evil. Such a place may be the only safe place in all of Equestria.” She turned to Ruby Rain. “Very well. Give me the details of this 'safe' location, then we shall see about transporting the three foals there for safe keeping, for the time being.”

“Of course your Highness.” Ruby Rain bowed, her dark grin hidden by her mane.
...

Elusive was not exactly feeling comfortable at the moment, considering he was within the very walls of Canterlot Castle. He never felt comfortable here, knowing well his commoner status, and being surrounded by nobility, royalty (other than Corona) and the Royal Guard.

He glanced over at Honey Crisp, who was looking to be having the time of her life as she looked out the window from Corona's own quarters. He knew she was nobility, but like Corona, she was a friend, and such status didn't seem to matter.

“Hey Lucy.” Crisp glanced over her shoulder, a grin on her face. “Have ya ever seen such a view?” She gestured out the window.

“Never been one much for heights.” He replied, giving Honey a slight glare for calling him Lucy again., then glanced at Corona. “Are you alright Corona?”

“I don't know... I... I killed that pony back at the farm.” Her eyes were dry, having cried themselves out. “Other than the Ponyville horror, nopony has ever killed another, for over a thousand years... and it was I who killed at least three ponies back then... This makes a fourth...” Her expression was a pained one.

Honey trotted over and hugged Corona. “Ya'll dun worry bout that Princess. Ya said yer magic acted on its own, right? Ya saved us, so it was all in self defense, right?”

“I... I know, but still...” Her ruby eyes looked toward Elusive. “I don't know why my magic did that, acted on its own. I don't even know any attack magic, do I?”

Elusive offered a soft smile. “Let's not worry about that. Princess Celestia, the Royal Captains and some of her most trusted nobles are discussing the matter right now, right?”

Corona nodded and stepped back from Honey. “I guess...”

Just then there cam a knock at the door, and Corona's mother entered.

Elusive and Honey Crisp both bowed, while Corona just looked up at her. “Mom?”

“It's alright dear. What you destroyed at the farm was no pony. It was a magically controlled pupped. Nopony was hurt at all.”

The look of relief on the filly's face was priceless. “R...Really? I didn't murder that pony?”

“No, you did not. Now, we have a rather serious situation. The Cult of the Tyrant King is a very dangerous one, filled with many powerful Unicorns. For this matter, my council and I have decided to transfer you to a place where they cannot locate you.”

“Transfer?” Elusive winced. “Where too?”

Celestia nodded. “A place a few days walk from Canterlot, but you will be transported by carriage and Pegasus. The overall trip will only take half a day.”

“Wait a second.” Honey looked up. “What 'bout th' farm? Ah can't leave it. What if this cult send another puppet?”

“I have stationed guards to protect it, and your family as well.” Celestia reassured Honey Crisp. “With your absence, the cult will have no reason to bother them, and the guards will ensure any attempts too do so will fail.”

“Ah... Ah guess that's fine then. But...”

Celestia nuzzled the filly. “Do not fret young one. I will see too it personally that once this matter is tended too, you will be returned home immediately.”

Honey nodded a little. “Ah understand Princess Celestia.”

“Now, Elusive, I know you are concerned with your studies, but don't be. I will personally help you catch up with any lessons you have missed while on... vacation.” Celestia smiled at the colt, then at her daughter. “And you as well dear.”

“Thank you Mom, but, why so far away? Wouldn't we be safer here?”

“Magic can still be used to locate all of you here in Canterlot, and no matter how well guarded, you can still be put in danger. The place is on the edge of the Everfree Forest, far too the south, and is ringed in a field where magic will not work. Magic cannot be used to locate you.”

Corona frowned. “But, what about Elusive and I? We both rely on our magic.”

Elusive added another question. “And how will we get there? If they can track us, then they can track us to that location. The cult would know about it the moment we vanish.”

Celestia answered Elusive first. “I will be casting a spell that will make all of you untraceable for a day.” She then answered Corona. “You are just as capable as any Earth Pony when it comes to using your hooves for everyday tasks. This matter should only take, at most, a few weeks.”

Elusive winced. “A few weeks without magic?”

Celestia giggled. “Consider this a lesson in anti-magic control. Anti-magic itself is magic. Take this time to learn how to bypass it so you can use your spells.”

Corona's eyes lit up. “They don't even teach that in school, not till collage level. Do you have any books about how to get started?”

“As a matter of fact, I do.” Celestia giggled. “I will have them supplied in the carriage, which should be ready to leave within the hour.”

“Can I at least say goodbye to Mom?” Elusive asked.

“There is not enough time, so I will let her know personally that you are attending a special course.” She turned to the door. “Ruby Rain, please come in.”

The red coated, darker red maned, and ruby red eyes Unicorn mare entered, offering a bow to both Princesses. “Princess.”

“Ruby Rain will be your instructor while you are away.” Celestia explained. “She is the one who created the anti-magic field you will be safely hidden away in. She can use magic in that zone, and she will be teaching you both how too do so as well.”

“What 'bout me?” Honey Crisp asked. “What am Ah s'posed t' do?”

Ruby Rain levitated a small pouch. “I have apple seeds here. I have always wanted to plant an apple orchard, but I lack such skills. You can certainly have a full run of the gardens to plant them.”

Honey's eyes sparkled. “Really?”

“Most certainly. The gardens are, at the moment, barren of anything but a few flowers and some other plants. There is a stream running through the center of the garden, and it receives plenty of sunlight all day long. A few of my Pegasus servants will be more than happy to help with any rain you might request.”

Honey Crisp pranced on the spot for a moment. “Oh thank you Ruby.”

“As well, my own son, Wish Star will be there as well. He is lonely, and about the same age as the rest of you. He will be your guide, and hopefully, your friend.”

“I do enjoy making new friends.” Corona beamed a smile. “How good is his magic?”

“His magic?” Ruby Rain blinked. “Oh, he is a Pegasus, like his father. He's lived at the mansion his entire life.”

“His whole life?” Corona raised her eye. “Does he ever go out?”

“No, not ever. He's quiet and prefers to keep too himself, but I think foals his own age might do him some good, as well as the location offering you the protection you need from the Cult.”

Celestia nodded in agreement. “Remember, this should only take a few weeks, maybe a month. Your academic lessons will continue as well.”

Corona and Elusive sighed. “Yes Mom / Princess.” They spoke almost in unison.
...

The carriage was an enclosed one, with no windows. This was a security procedure for transporting valuable cargo and / or passengers.

The interior was lavish and very comfortable. The academic and other promised books were placed into the travel trunk, attached too the back of the carriage.

Inside, there were snacks and drinks for the journey, so the young trio wouldn't starve. Finally, there were a few board games, including a deck of cards.

Elusive offered a hoof to help Corona inside, then did the same with Honey Crisp before boarding himself. He heard the door close and click locked. They had been told it was standard practice to lock the door for security reasons, as well as the protection of those on board.

Corona sat on one seat and rested her head. “I've never been away from home before. I'm really nervous.”

“Ah, dun ya worry yer pretty mane 'bout it. Think ah this as a vacation.” Honey grinned.

“A vacation where we still have to study and try to master our magic.” Elusive added. He sat on the floor, offering the other sofa seat to Honey Crisp. “I don't know about you, but I'm used too having my Mom away for long periods of time, but never more than a couple weeks. A whole month? This is going too be tough.”

Corona nodded and closed her eyes. “I've never been away from home... I already miss Mom and Aunty. I even Miss my cousin Gallant.”

“Gallant?” Honey Crisp asked. “You mean Prince Blueblood?”

Corona nodded. “He's always come visit every month for a weekend. He pretends to be arrogant when he's receiving unwanted attention from commoners or lesser nobles, but he's actually a really nice guy. He donates lots of money for all sorts of things, such as roads, the railways, even the sky ship research and development.”

Elusive was familiar with the sky ships. Beautiful craft that could fly without Pegasus, carried by hot air balloons. “Those were created by Unicorns, right?”

Corona nodded and opened her eyes as she felt the carriage start moving and lifting off the ground. “Yea, but they're still not as fast as Pegasus drawn chariots and carriages. Still, they can carry lots more ponies and cargo.”

“Doesn't the royal family have a Sky ship?” Elusive asked. “I mean, I've never seen one at the castle.”

Corona shook her head. “No, we don't own one. Not that I know of at least. They are very expensive to build, and we don't want to spend tax payers money on something like that. There are more important things.”

Honey Crisp nodded. “Yea, like roads, weather expenses an' more. Being a noble, Ah learned all 'bout that stuff.”

“Say...” Corona levitated the deck of cards, wanting to change the subject. “While we can still use magic, who wants to play a game of cards.”

It was rare that Corona would change the subject like that, but the trio agreed, a game of cards would help pass the time more quickly.
...

Princess Celestia stood next to Princess Luna. “I wish I could track them, to know that they are indeed safe.”

Luna nuzzled her elder sister affectionately. “Corona and her friends, the Elements of Harmony will be fine. Ruby Rain has for over thirty years been one of your most trusted allies, and friends. If she says she will protect those three, then she will protect them.”

“I hope you are right Luna... I hope you are right...”
...

Princess Celestia was awakened late that night by Luna bursting into her room. “Luna? What is it?”

“The carriage... It's been found, in ruins.”

“C...Corona?”

“No signs of any of the three. We... We found the charred remains of six Pegasus, all wearing royal armor, and one Unicorn Mare. They've been killed with the blackest of magic.”

Celestia stared at Luna, shock on her face. “How... How could they have found them? Does the Cult have spies among my own trusted? Wait, Unicorn mare? Ruby Rain, she was riding at the reigns on the carriage...” Celestia tried to fight back the tears.

Six of her most trusted guard, and one of her oldest friends and allies, dead... Her daughter, Elusive, and Honey Crisp, the Elements of Harmony, missing...

“That is not all that was found...” Luna held up a scroll.

Celestia snatched it and unrolled it aloud.

“Dear Princess Celestia.

Thank you ever so kindly for sending the very Elements of Harmony into our grasp. We sincerely apologize to you, and the families of those who have been killed, but they were necessary sacrifices.

Soon, we will have all six, and the resurrection of our lord, the Tyrant King, shall be fulfilled with their sacrifice. Your false reign shall come too an end. Prepare yourselves, for when our Lord awakens, the first thing he will do is to strike down all those who oppose him, especially you.

Yours truly, The Cult of the Tyrant King.”

Celestia dropped the letter. “Send message too Ruby Rain's mansion. They need too know so they can help us find the foals.”

“I already did... my messenger relayed that the mansion was in flames when she arrived. There were no survivors.”

Celestia rose from her bed, her magic straitening her mane and tail as she dressed. She did all this as she walked for the bedroom door. “Gather my three Captains, as well as your three. We have to find the foals. The future of Equestria depends on it.”
...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 5

CoRoNa
05
...

“You are lucky Pierce.” Blood Rain glared at the heavily bandaged form of a pony. “Had I not been watching, I couldn't have saved you. Again” She snarled angrily. “Such powerful magic in one so young. You are also lucky that I mislead them into thinking that it was some sort of magic puppet that had been 'destroyed' by the young Princess, which also made her easier to manipulate, and thus, capture.”

“I am thankful you saved me Lady Blood Rain.” The 'mummified' pony spoke, his voice raspy. “Next time, I won't be taken by surprise.”

“Make sure you are not. You're rather important to this operation.” Rain smiled momentarily before her face became emotionless again. “Rest up and be thankful you're still alive.”

With that. Blood Rain left the room, leaving the pony behind. Her hooves made little sound on the stone floors

(Such power. Soon, it will all belong to our God, the Tyrant King.) She laughed as she vanished into the shadows.
...

“Corona?”

“Ten more minutes Mom...”

“I'm not Princess Celestia. It's me, Elusive.”

“Elusive?” Corona cracked an eye open. She was stiff and sore, and could feel a hard, cold and damp surface under her. Her eyes snapped open and she lifted her head. “What happened?” She looked around at the stone room, and at the heavy bars that made up one of the walls.

In another such room across the hall, the young Princess could see Elusive. “Where are we?”

“Locked up in some damp, dank, dingy dungeon.” Honey Crisp's voice came from Corona's right, through the wall.

“Honey Crisp?”

“Yea, Ah'm here too...” The smaller filly fumed.

“Are both of you alright?” Corona asked.

“I am unharmed.” Elusive answered.

“Yea, just ah little ruffled up is all... and missing mah hat.”

Corona sighed a little. “At least we are unharmed... What happened? The last thing I recall was that we were in the carriage.”

“Ah dunno Princess. All Ah recall was we was flyin' along then suddenly the whole thing shook. Ah ain't never been too fond ah heights an Ah think Ah bumped mah head and blacked out.”

“I believe we were attacked.” Elusive spoke up. “Most likely by the Cult.” He tapped his hoof against the bars of his cell and received a small jolt. “Ah... That stung.”

Corona examined her bars. “I can hear a faint hum coming from them, but I can't sense any magic.”

“That, my dear little sacrifice, is because you are in a zone of null-magic, and those bars are powered by lightening.” A new voice sounded from the shadows.

Stepping into view, a cloaked mare appeared.

“Who are you?”

“I am Blood Rain. Priestess of the Cult of the Tyrant King.” She stepped up too Corona's cell, her face hidden within her hood. Her voice was cold, emotionless. “Soon, once the final Element of Harmony has been found, we can begin the final restoration of the TRUE master of all Equestria.”

“The final...” Corona gasped.

“Hold on just a sec there.” Apple gasped. “Ya'll tellin us ya got us three, an two others of th' Elements ah Harmony?”

“As a matter of fact, yes. Laughter, and Loyalty.” The mare chuckled. “Don't worry too much. When the time eventually comes, I will be merciful and try to minimize your suffering.” A glint of her white teeth was the last thing they saw of her as she backed into the shadows again and vanished.

Corona reared up and slammed a hoof against the bars, but all she got was a wicked jolt of electricity that knocked her back.

“Careful Princess.” Honey Crisp warned. “Lucy dun told ya them bars'll zap ya.”

Elusive concentrated, but his magic refused to work. “I cannot teleport out of here.”

“Well duh.” A new voice came from the shadows. Emerging from them was a young colt. His coat was a light blue, and his mane a light pink. His playful eyes sparkled like silvery-blue stars. “Blood Rain said that you were in a no no magic area.” His wings fluttered and folded at his sides, revealing he was a Pegasus.

“Who are you?” Corona asked, well, more like demanded.

“Oh, me? I'm Wish Star. I was asked by Dad to keep an eye on the three of you.” He smiled, not a cruel smile, but a playful one. “Gotta keep these bars charged after all.” He pointed a hoof at something just out of their sight. “Gotta make sure that the storm cloud in that machine keeps these bars charged.”

Elusive frowned. “Wish Star, why are you doing this? You're about the same age we are.”

“Gotta do what my Dad says. He has a bit of a temper after all. Should have seen what he did to the little filly when she tried to escape. He took her wings off.” Wish Star clamped his wings too his side. “Too bad really. She was fun to talk too and play with before that.”

“T... Took...” Corona backed away from Wish Star. “How can you be so calm about a Pegasus having her wings taken from her? What is wrong with you?”

“Like I said, I gotta do what Dad tells me too. I don't want too be punished.”

“Wish Star...” Elusive spoke up. “Who is this Pegasus that lost her wings?”

“Oh, that's Flicker Bolt. She's a feisty one. Blood Rain has been keeping her locked up and making her help make some new magical items for the followers of the True King.” Wish Star tapped a hoof too her chin. “You're not going to try too escape too are you? I never have anypony my own age too talk too. I'm never allowed too leave here.”

“Never allowed too leave?” Corona frowned. “If you are a prisoner like us, then why help our captives?”

“Well duh. My Dad is the leader of the whole thing. Like I said, he has a terrible temper, like a violent lightening storm, and Blood Rain can be really cruel when she's punishing other ponies.” Wish Star sat down before Corona's cell. “Oh yea, I told you my name. What are your names?”

“Ah'm Honey Crisp. Ah really wanna get the hay outta here an' kick some flank.”

“Call me Elusive.” Elusive sighed. “You seem different from Blood Rain, and the other pony who tried too capture us before. Certainly your father being the leader of this Cult cannot be the only reason you do as you are told.”

“Well, if I disobey, I get my wings taken away. It hurts a lot. Blood Rain gives them back eventually though.”

Corona gasped. “This Blood Rain is powerful enough to remove and restore a Pegasai's wings?” She shuddered. “If she can do something like that... then how are we supposed to get out of here and get back too our families?”

Wish Star looked at Corona. “You're Princess Corona Twilight, aren't you?”

“Yes, I am. When Mother finds out where we are, she will come here and I don't want to think about what will happen.” She looked away. “There might even be a lot of ponies getting hurt...”

Wish Star frowned. “That wouldn't be any fun. Does your Mom have a temper too?”

“She is kind, gentle, loving.” Corona started. “But she is also Princess Celestia, the regent of the Sun itself. Her wrath would be like the flames of the sun coming down to burn away all evil that appears before her.” Corona's bright red eyes locked onto Wish Star's eyes. “Listen to me Pinkie Pie, the last thing I'd want is too see you get hurt.”

Silence suddenly fell through the room.

“What did you call me?” Wish Star leaned close to Corona's bell.

“I... I'm sorry. I don't know where that came from?”

“You silly filly. How could you know that name? I've only ever dreamed I was a pony named Pinkie Pie. Oddly, in those dreams I was a mare.”

“No... way...” Honey Crisp gasped. “Ya'll can't be. Say Wish. Ya'll ever dream ah some ponies names Applejack, Rarity an' Twilight Sparkle?”

“Wow. Can you read minds?” Wish Star stepped into clear view of Honey Crisp. “Those are ponies I've dreamed about all my life.”

“No... way...” Honey Crisp smiled. “Ya'll really were her. Ah was Applejack. Them ain't dreams ya know. They're memories.”

“How can they be memories if I don't even remember doing the things I did in my dreams?”

Elusive sat and started speaking. “Those are memories from a past life of yours, one that you shared with our past lives. Something horrible happened and we all died, but we have all been reborn. You are like us, one of the Elements of Harmony.”

“Hey, those are the things Dad need to bring the King back.” His grin suddenly faltered. “Wait... He said that the Elements of Harmony would have to be sacrificed to bring him back. Sacrificed means...” Wish Star frowned. “If he's going too do that, then that means he's going too do that to me too.”

Corona stepped up close too the bars, but didn't touch them. “Wish Star, so you really want to be sacrificed? Just because he's your father, that doesn't mean you have to agree with his ways. He wants to hurt other ponies, and his own colt too.” She looked toward Elusive. “I don't want to loose my best friend.” Then toward Honey Crisp's cell. “Or my newest friend either.”

She turned back to Wish Star. “You have friends, right? You wouldn't want too ever loose them.”

“Friends?” Wish Star shook his head. “Other than Flicker, I've never been around another pony my own age. I never knew how nice it was till she was brought here.” He then hung his head. “But sense her wings were removed, she's been locked up in Blood Rain's private lab.”

“What is Blood Rain doing too Flicker Bolt?” Elusive asked. “You said she's being forced to help make magical items, but she's not a Unicorn. How is that possible?”

“Oh, Flicker's special talent is odd for a Pegasus, but really neat. She can actually channel Unicorn magic into objects.” Wish Star replied. “But like I said, she's locked up.”

“We can't let your father sacrifice us, or hurt any other ponies.” Corona looked in the direction of the electricity device. “Please Wish Star, you have to help us escape and rescue Flicker Bolt.”

“But...” Wish hung his head. “Dad would punish me. He'd rip my wings off again... or worse.”

“What the hay is worse than gettin' killed so yer sire can bring back some long dead monster?” Crisp yelled. “Ya'll just gonna accept this an' let him kill ya? An' us too? An what 'bout yer friend Flicker Bolt? Ya'll wanna see 'er end up dead too?”

Wish Star shook his head. “No... But what can I do?”

Corona smiled gently, just as her mother often would to help calm others nervousness and fears. “For starters, let us out. Together we are stronger than alone. We can escape and even free Flicker. What do you say Wish Star?”

“I...” His head hung low, his mane hiding his face. “I just don't know what too do...”

“Wish Star.” Elusive sounded stern. “Are you going to just accept DEATH? We're so young. We have our whole lives ahead of us. I want to discover my special talent, just like Corona and Honey Crisp have. I can see you're like me, full of potential. Don't you want to see what your talent is too?” He glanced at Wish Star's blank flank.

“Of course I do, but...”

“No buts about it Wish Star. If we are all sacrificed, then we'll never know.” His tone softened. “Come on. I would love to know what your talent is as well. We can get out of here together, as friends.”

“F-friends?” Wish Star looked up into Elusive's brilliant sapphire blue eyes. “You'd want to be friends with me?”

Corona nodded in agreement with Elusive. “Why not? You know what your father is doing is wrong. I feel you deserve the chance to learn what friendship is about. I'd like to help you with that, and be your friend.”

Wish Star lifted his head and smiled brightly. “I'd like that. Give me a second.” He stepped out of view and kicked the small lightening cloud away from the device. He then returned with the keys and unlocked the cells.

“I know where Flicker is being held.” The young Pegasus said as the three emerged from their cells. “We have to be careful not too be seen.”

“I can teleport in and get her out.” Elusive grinned.

“But Elusive.” Corona stepped up and nuzzled him gently. “You need to know where Flicker is, and if you teleport into something...”

“Oh... yea...” Elusive shuddered. “Did that once... never again.”

“Come on Starry. Take us to yer marefriend.” Crisp smirked.

“M-marefriend? It's not like that.” Wish blushed a bright pink, looking quite abashed.

“She's a mare, an' she's yer best friend. Right?”

“Well, if you put it that way.” Wish chuckled. “Let's go. There's a lot of passages in these dungeons, and traps too. I best warn you about the Cockatrice that Dad has down here too. If he discovers you've escaped, he'll use them and petrify you, then just keep you like that till the time for the sacrifice. Dad petrified me a few times because I was getting out of hoof. It really hurts.”

“Then let's not get caught.” Corona looked serious. “Do you know any secret passages that can help?”

“There's tons of them in this place.” Wish lead the trio of his new friends through some passages and stopped in the middle off a long hallway. “This hallway is filled with deadly traps that can hurt or even kill a pony. There's a secret passage around it though.” He pressed his hoof against the wall and it swung inward.

“Golly, Ah didn't even notice any passage there.” Crisp was impressed. “Starry, Ah bet ya'll know every passage there is 'ere, right?”

“I know a lot, but not all.” Star stepped in and led the three past the trapped hallway. “And of course, Dad has lots of secret passages that are filled with traps, as well as secret passages within secret passages, and even some with secret passages in those passages. Some halls are clear, but look trapped, and the 'secret passage' around them is the one filled with traps.”

“Yer pa's head just ain't screwed on right, ya know that Starry?” Crisp scowled. “Ya'll can get us outta here without us fallin' in any traps, right?”

“Of course. I've been coming down here and playing ever since I could walk. I know most of these passages and where the traps are, and how to get around them. I even know where Dad's secret vault is where he keeps all his most special treasures.”

“A vault?” Elusive raised an eye. “Could you take us there? We might be able to find something that can help with our escape.”

“I don't know. The Guardian of the Vault is really dangerous, and mean. But then, Basilisk are always mean and dangerous.”

“What's a Basilisk?” Crisp asked.

Elusive tapped his chin. “Monster Lore, good class.” He concentrated and created an illusion of a long, serpentine creature with a total of 8 legs, a snake's head on a long neck with a cobra's fan. “This is a Basilisk. Too look into their eyes can turn you too stone. Their poison paralyses, and they are fast and sneaky.”

“Oh, scary.” Crisp hid behind 'Lucy'. “Ah dun wanna run into that.”

“Me either.” Corona added. “So, Wish Star, let's just get out of here.”

Wish nodded and continued leading his new friends through the passages, using secret pathways to avoid guard patrols, and wondering Cockatrice.

Finally they came too a stairway that ended in a heavy looking stone trap door.

“Up there is Blood Rain's workshop where she keeps Flicker locked up at all times. I warn you, it's really scary in there and I never go in if I don't have too... But I have too, to save Flicker.” He pressed a hoof against a hidden button and the passage slid open.

The four poked their heads out and looked around the room. It was filled with tables that had bottles and tubes and strange glowing liquids. There were skulls of all sorts hanging from the walls. The shelves were covered in many books and jars with strange things in them.

And chained too a thick steel pole in the center if the room was a rather skinny looking Pony, with horrid scars on the sides of her sun yellow coat. Her face was partially hidden under her unkempt black mane.

A single, wary green eye peeked out from under that dark mane. “Wish? Why are you here? Who are they?” Her voice was level, emotionless.

“We're here to get you out of here... We're all escaping.” Wish Star grinned.

“You think so, don't you my dear Wish Star?” Blood Rain's voice emerged from the shadows, along with the dark cloaked Unicorn. “For your betrayal, I will take more than your wings this time. Perhaps I will burn your eyes out.”

From a small forge she levitated a white hot iron. Her cruel grin could bee seen through the flickering lamplight of the room.
...

Canterlot.

Princess Celestia paced back and forth through her office. She was so worried for her daughter, and it showed.

“Tia?” Luna entered the room and frowned. “It's too soon to start worrying. If this cult needs them, then they're most certainly still alive.”

“Oh Luna...” Celestia turned and rested her neck across Luna's withers. “Even my magic can't locate my own daughter... What will I do if I loose her? My dear Corona Twilight...”

“Corona is with Elusive. They're both very smart and both have near unmatched talent with magic, especially the little Princess.” Luna tried to be comforting.

“I know... but... Also, my friend and those loyal guards... all killed.”

Luna pulled a scroll from under her wing. “Actually... about them.” She held up the scroll.

Celestia took the scroll and opened it, reading it over. The more she read, the wider her eyes became.

“How... How is this possible?” Celestia's eyes went from wide with shock, to narrow and angry. “Betrayal... My own 'friend' and 'Guards'...”

“Calm down Tia.” Luna nuzzled her big sister. “We don't know if they did betray us. Those ponies we found dead, sure they were not them, but perhaps the Cult place those bodies there and disposed of the real ones, just too place doubt and distrust into us.”

Celestia sighed, her eyes and face softening. “You are right Luna. But I still feel we should check out these guards private belongings, as well as Ruby's private quarters here in Canterlot.”

“I will take care of it. You just keep doing what you have to too keep this from leaking out to the public.” Luna turned toward the door. “We will find them sister. And when we do, they will learn the true power of the Regents of the Sun and the Night.”

With that said, Luna left the room, closing the door behind her.

Celestia looked over the report again.

“If the mare at the site of the attack was not you Ruby, then who was she? Where are you now my dear friend?” A tear fell from her eye and stained the paper.
...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 6

CoRoNa
06
...

Flicker Bolt watched in fear as Blood Rain levitated the white hot iron from the forge and pointed it toward Wish Star. (She's really going to do it and there is nothing I can do. Damn it Flick, you can't just let her hurt your friend.)

“Blood Rain.” Flicker spoke up. “You can't punish him without the Leader's permission. Remember last time you did that?”

Blood Rain glared at the wingless Pegasus filly. “Remember your place Slave.” She swung the burning hot iron at Flicker's face, stopping just an inch from contact.

Flicker had not even seen it coming, and flinched back when she realized she nearly had her own eyes burned out. “I... I'm sorry Priestess.” She cowered and lowered her head.

Blood Rain turned her attention back to the trio if 'invaders'. “Wish Star, did you free them from the dungeon?” Her eyes narrowed as she glared at the colt. “Or, did they somehow get out and take you prisoner?”

“I...” Wish Star stepped in front of the two fillies and one colt. “I freed them. It's no fun knowing they're going to be sacrificed. And they told me I'll be sacrificed as well.”

“Of course you will, for the greater good of all Equestria. You are the Element of Laughter after all.” Blood Rain's eyes glared with hatred at the four. “The most annoying Element of Harmony there is.”

Corona stepped next too Wish Star. “Laughter is not annoying. It's a wonderful Element. They all are.” Her horn lit up and she stepped forward. “Now, we are taking Flicker Bolt with us and going home.”

Blood Rain laughed. “Home? Are you serious? She has no home to go back too. No family.” A dark grin was flashed at Flicker. “They are dead after all. A shame too, because they had been the most talented fliers in the Wonderbolts.”

Flicker's eyes went wide. “Mom? Dad? You... You killed them? Soarin and Spitfire? There's no way you can defeat them. You're lying.”

The Priestess of the Cult let out a low laugh. “Oh, they put up quite a fight, but in the end, they were turned into messy bloodstains and twisted corpses, left to feed the predators and carrion feeders of the Everfree Forest.”

Elusive stepped up to Wish Star's other side, and Honey Crisp at his side. “You're outnumbered Blood Rain. Together, the four of us will free Flicker Bolt and return to Canterlot.”

“SILENCE!!!” Blood Rain screamed and swung the hot iron at the beautiful Unicorn colt.

His horn started to glow, preparing to cast his shielding spell, but another white form stepped in the way, taking the blow to her side. He gasped, Princess Corona Twilight had just been hit.

But she was unharmed. “I am Princess Corona Twilight, daughter of the Regent of the Sun. Heat and fire cannot harm me, but you.” She glared at the priestess, her mane and tail coming to life, moving like living flames. Her eyes and horn lit up and spheres of fire started rotating about her. “You do not stand a chance against all of us. Wish Star and Flicker Bolt are coming with us.”

With that said, one of the three balls of fire flew at the chain that restrained the grounded Pegasus, freeing her. The second one melted and evaporated the iron tool like it was nothing. The third was pointed at Blood Rain.

Wish Star was at Flicker's side, helping her to stand up and join the others. “It's alright Flick. We... We're all getting out of here. Then we can celebrate our freedom and new friends.”

Flicker wanted too attack Blood Rain for what she had done to her parents, but she knew she was not strong enough. “Are you sure Wish?”

Wish nuzzled his friend. “Of course. I've been stuck here all my life, never getting to actually have fun and be free. You and I, we're going to fly in the sky together.”

Elusive looked at those crude black stitches on Flicker's sides. Without her wings, she would never fly again. Still, freedom was better than this, even if she could never fly again. He looked at Blood Rain, his own horn lighting up, levitating all the gems that lay about the 'lab' and fused them together into a sword. He stood next to Corona and readied the diamond hard, razor sharp weapon.

Honey Crisp stood in front of Wish Star and Flicker Bolt, ready to buck anything that tried to get in their way, or that might threaten her new friends. “Ya best get outta ah way an' let us go home. Ah won't think twice 'bout knockin yer teeth out.”

Blood Rain, as powerful as she was, had never seen such magic on ones so young. “You are free to go...” She stepped back and vanished into the shadows. “But be assured... you WILL be ours.”

The five young ponies looked at each other. Corona and Elusive relaxed their magic and turned to Wish Star.

Elusive spoke first. “How do we get out of here?”

Corona asked her question almost at the same time. “Are there lots of guards here?”

Wish beamed a bright smile. “Oh, it's easy as pie to get out once we get to ground level. This whole place is underground. And while there are some guards, I know how to get around them easily.”

“What the hay ah we waitin' fer?” Honey asked. “Let's get goin'.”

Flicker limped forward, meeting the three ponies eyes. Hers were cold and hard, but looked like they were grasping at hope. “I... I won't let this crush me. I'll live on so my parents can live on in my heart.”

Corona smiled. “I'm glad to hear that. Now, Wish Star, lead the way.”
…

This place was a complete labyrinth, but with their new friend, they made their way too the surface, emerging in the ruins of an ancient castle.

“This...” Eclipse looked around in shock. “This is the castle where Nightmare Moon was defeated by the Elements of Harmony.”

Corona nodded, though she didn't recognize this part of the castle. “Being here means we're a group of fillies and colts deep in the Everfree woods. We'll have to be careful.”

Flicker lifted her head and looked too the sky. “Fresh air... I want to fly, but...”

“We'll figure something out.” Wish Star nuzzled his friend. “Let's get going home to Ponyville... er... I mean... I don't have a home anymore.” He blinked and looked at the other four.

Corona smiled. “I think we can arrange something for the two of you.” She looked at Flicker. “And I will let mother know what that Blood Rain said about your parents. We'll do whatever we can to find out if she was telling the truth about murdering them.”

“Thank you Princess.” Flicker hung her head. “I... I just want to go home, but I can never return to Cloudsdale now.”

Elusive sighed. “Let's all just get back to Canterlot for now.”

…

The trip through the Everfree had, for the most part, been uneventful. Besides crossing the river by a fallen log, scaling some cliffs, and avoiding a couple wild animals, they finally reached the edge well before sundown.

They stood, looking at the large field and ruins that had once been Ponyville, memories coming back to all of them.

Even Flicker was staring. “Why do I know this place? I've never been here before.” She said quietly.

Wish Star stood next to her. “I remember it too, even though I spent all my life in that underground place.” He grinned and walked forward. “This was Ponyville.” He pointed at the small river and the crumbling bridge. “Town hall was right across that bridge.”

Corona could see the long burned stump that had once been the library. All around, there were some stone foundations of various buildings. “So many memories.” She looked at Flicker. “What do you remember about this place?”

“I... I dreamed I flew over the town that used to be here. I lived in a cloud house and...”

“Rainbow Dash.” Honey Crisp gasped. “Ya were Rainbow Dash.”

Flicker winced. “Yea... I dreamed I was her. I never told anypony though.”

Elusive smiled at the skinny filly. “You're not the only one who thought those were dreams. They're memories from your past life.”

“Memories?” Flicker's eyes went wide as she realized it was true. “But, then that means... Rarity? Twilight Sparkle? Applejack? Pinkie Pie?” She looked at each of the young ponies in turn. “What about Fluttershy?”

Twilight was the only one who remembered what had happened to the gentle Pegasus who had been corrupted. “She... Fluttershy cannot be reborn. She was corrupted and her very soul had to be destroyed. I can't remember exactly what happened though.” This last part was partially a lie.

They all looked at each other, some more wonderful and happy memories returning as they walked thorough the ruins.

Elusive stopped at the circle of stones that had once been Rarities Boutique. His boutique. He scraped at the ground and uncovered an old, worn chest and smiled. “I remember this place so well.” He opened it, revealing a gold pendant set with a heart shaped fire ruby. “All the good memories, even some of the bad.”

Corona recognized that beautiful piece of jewelry. “Spike... I remember that little baby dragon. He gave that to Rarity because he loved her.”

Elusive nodded, placed it back into the box, and reburied it. “It doesn't feel right taking this. It should remain here, as a reminder.”

Honey looked toward the land that had once been Sweet Apple Acres, a tear falling from her eyes. “Ah still ain't sure what happened back then. Ah remember Ah had family, but Ah can't remember what happened t' them.”

Corona winced. She remembered that horrible night. How Applejack had been controlled by Blackthorn and Flutter, then made to murder those she loved the most.

Flicker looked at the sky, right where her home had been. There was nothing remaining of that once wonderful cloud palace. “I remember so much, but I can't remember everything.”

“Some memories are best left forgotten.” Wish Star stated calmly as they passed the remains of Sugarcube Corner. She could not remember what had happened there, but she felt the cold chill of evil. Something so horrible had happened here.

As they finally left town, they passed the graveyard. It was much larger than they remembered, overgrown with ivy, moss, grass and weeds.

Corona paused and looked toward the largest crypt, a faint memory of feeling comfortable in there coming back. She turned off the old road and passed through the crumbling gates.

“Hey.” Eclipse noticed this. “Corona?”

“I remember something...” She walked up too the old stone structure and glanced at the steel gate that closed the entrance. It looked to be only a decade old, and was locked with heavy chains and locks. “I was in there, and it felt like...” She looked at her friends, a soft smile on her lips. “It felt like home.”

Wish Star blinked. “Why would an old crypt feel like home? You lived in a library didn't you?”

“That was before the end. Near the end, I had changed. I nearly became corrupted and evil, filled with black magic. But I somehow managed to end the evil that can still be felt here in Ponyville. The cost, I died in the end.” She hung her head. “So many good memories, and some so horrible they should have been forgotten forever.”

“Ah kinda wish we ain't ever remembered anythin'. Ah kinda feel strange having all this stuff in mah head. Stuff Ah ain't ever done before.”

“You and me both.” Flicker shuddered. “Still... I want to find out what really happened to my family. Blood Rain had to be lying. Mom and Dad were the best fliers there ever were. They were strong, brave, and no way could they have been killed so easily.”

Wish Star had no idea. His only memory of family was his father. How serious he always was. His temper. His cruelty. Not a single memory of his mother existed. “I just want to go someplace where we can all be happy.”

Corona nodded and turned away from the crypt. She ignored the temptation to break the locks and enter. “Yea, I want to see mom and Aunty Luna again as soon as possible. Eclipse, I bet you want to see Trixie, right?”

Eclipse nodded. “Yea, I sure do.”

With that, the group of five ponies walked on, on their journey to Canterlot. To home.

…

It had been so long since she had been here.

“Ponyville...” An orange maned, yellow coated Earth Pony stepped out from the woods, following an old overgrown trail. She was one of the survivors of the final days.

“Mama?” Another voice spoke and young Unicorn colt stepped into view. His coat is a soft orange. His mane and tail are a gentle pink, flowing long and nearly too the ground. His eyes, a gentle sea-foam green. His cutie mark, a single musical note within a heart shaped white cloud. “Why are we here?” He looked at the lengthening shadows cast from the ruins of what must have been a wonderful town. Those shadows almost looked like they were claws reaching out to grab him.

Carrot Top looked at her colt and smiled. “I had to return. There is something I have to do before we go to Canterlot.” She looked toward the Everfree. “Now, if memory serves me, her cottage was this way. Come along Sweet Dream.”

“Yes Mama.” The colt followed behind his ever gentle and kind mother.

They finally reached their destination. The one building which seemed to have survived the burning of Ponyville.

The colt felt his blood run cold as he viewed the dark, long broken windows of this place. The bare branches reaching out like sharp claws, ready to snatch up any who got too close and then devour them. He could swear he heard a whisper on the wind, but knew it was just this somewhat scary place that was making him nervous.

Carrot Top walked to the open front door and peaked inside. The once happy place was now gone. She remembered the truth of the mare who lived here, as well as how Kindness had, in the end, allowed her to die peacefully.

The mare looked at her colt. “Dear? May you cast some light in here?”

“Yes Mama.” Sweet Dream nodded and entered nervously, his horn glowing a soft green light. He hummed gently to himself, and the glow brightened to fill the room.

“Thank you.” Carrot Top nuzzled her foal and walked in, looking around. The old wood furniture was still there, but the elements of nature had taken their toll. She reached the stairs and looked up. Taking a deep breath, she ascended, Sweet Dream right behind her.

They entered the bedroom and looked around, Carrot Top's eyes falling on the old trunk at the foot of the bed. She approached and nudged it open.

Inside, the contents had been protected from the elements. She pulled out an old photo album and stowed it into her saddlebags.

“Mama? Is that what we came here for? Is that what the Princess asked you to get?”

Carrot Top looked at her colt and nodded. “Yes, it is. She asked me to come here and retrieve it, but not too look inside.” She shivered as she too heard the faintest whisper on the wind. “Let's get to Canterlot and give this too her. I don't want to remain here any longer, especially with the sun getting so low in the sky. They say the ghosts of the past emerge at night.”

The one thing she did not say to her colt was that she knew this whisper. It haunted her from time too time over this past decade.

Blackthorn, though trapped, sealed away forever in the heart of the Everdeep Wood, was still, in someway, connected to her. His whispers would come to her, to haunt and to taunt.

But Carrot Top ignored the whispers, and they always went away. Sweet Dream's songs always comforted her, always drove away his father's ghost.

Still, she would never tell him the truth, that the very father of this kind and sweet Unicorn was an evil, cruel and deadly monster the likes Equestria had not seen on a very long time.

The sins of the father, the mare never though to blame their foal. It was not his fault that Blackthorn had raped her. In the end, she was gifted with this wonderful, pure new life that was shown nothing but love and kindness. A soul purified and blessed by the Elements of Harmony.

She just hoped, prayed, that his father would remain trapped forever, till the end of time.

“Mama?”

“Yes Sweetheart?” She smiled as they made their way out of town.

“Who is Blackthorn?”

Carrot Top froze, her blood running cold at that question.

…

Blood Rain bowed before her Master. “You summoned me Master?”

“Yes. Is everything going according too plan?” He asked, a low, rumble to his voice.

Blood Rain nodded. “Yes. Wish Star acted just as predicted. He is with the other four Elements as we speak. They should be leaving the cursed lands of Ponyville now.”

“And the final Element? What of Kindness?”

“We have yet to find it.”

The Master frowned, his slate gray coat, mane and eyes making him look like he was formed from cold stone. “If it has not been located by now, there is always the possibility it has not found a new host. We can only pray to our King that this is not the case. For so long we have striven to bring about his revival. Had we acted during the last generation, before they became aware and so strong, we may well have succeeded.”

“But instead, we revived Blackthorn. His actions resulted in the deaths of the previous Elements. Now they are weak, but...”

“But?”

“Princess Corona Twilight. Her magic is strong. She is all but immune to fire and heat. Elusive Whitemane, he shaped gems into a sword like it was nothing.” Blood Rain scowled. “Flicker Bolt, she can channel Unicorn magic to permanently imbue objects with their magic.”

“And what of Honesty and Laughter?”

“I do not yet know what their strengths are. I have the feeling that if we wait for too much longer, we may loose the chance during this generation as well.”

The Master glared at Blood Rain with his stone cold eyes. “Be that as it may, if this generation fails, then we will bring about their deaths as we have so many times in the past. Our Tyrant King will someday be revived.” He glanced at a cloth covered chest at his side. “But even then, we have the power to end them anytime we wish, as well as those false goddesses that lord over Equestria. Their time will come too an end as well. Sooner or later.”

He rose from his throne and towered over Blood Rain, easily the same height of Princess Luna. “Go now Blood Rain. Let our agents in Canterlot know that the five will be there soon. Tell them to not move against them just yet.”

“By the will of the Tyrant King.” Blood Rain bowed and melted into the shadows.

The Master turned and looked at the covered box, resting a hoof atop it. “No, I can feel that the sixth Element of Harmony has indeed been reborn.” A cold smile played across his lips. “This is the final generation of the Elements of Harmony. This I am certain of.”

…

Canterlot finally came into view of five young ponies as they crested a final hill.

“Home...” Corona wiped away her tears. She was home, with all but one of her friends. She wished that somehow, against all odds, that Fluttershy could have been reborn as well, but knew that was impossible.

Elusive nudged Corona gently. “Come. Let us report too the Princesses. They will most certainly want to know you are well.”

“And you as well Elusive.” Corona smiled.

“Ah should be getting' home too.” Honey spoke up. “May folks must be downright scared bout what happened. That attack, an' then us bein' ponynapped.”

Flicker looked north, into the sky. She could make out Cloudsdale. Her home. Were her parents there? Were they even alive?

“I've always wanted to see Canterlot.” Wish Star beamed. “This is so exciting. I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am to finally be here.”

Corona quickened her pace, coming within view of the palace gates. She could see the guards, and they were heading toward the small group.

It was not long before they were surrounded by over twenty armed and armored Royal Guards and escorted to the palace.

Corona smiled as she saw her mother standing at the castle gates, tears in her eyes and a smile on her lips.

“Mom. We're home.”

…

Carrot Top walked along with Sweet Dream. They had made it safely to Canterlot.

“It's so tall.” Sweet Dream's eyes were so wide with wonder. He had spent all his life in a small town till just recently. He thought back to just a few days ago.

A Pegasus messenger, wearing the armor of the Royal Guard, landed outside their humble home and delivered a message from Princess Celestia herself.

The message had been a request, not an order, that Carrot Top return to Ponyville, to the cottage of the former Element of Kindness, and retrieve a photo album. The request was for them to retrieve it and return it too the Princess, without looking inside, no matter how tempted they might be.

The offer of a reward of a nice home with a large yard for growing a garden was more than enough incentive for Carrot Top. Their current home was small, and the ground was hard and rocky. The chance to start anew in Canterlot was just too tempting.

Carrot Top had not wanted to bring her son along, but the colt stated he felt he had to come as well. This suited the mare just fine, meaning she would not have to be away from the foal she loved with all her heart.

“Yes, and once we deliver this too the Princess, we will have a brand new home here as well.” Carrot Top smiled. “And maybe you can make some friends as well.”

Sweet Dreams nodded, his mane bobbing slightly about his horn. “I hope so... I just hope nopony will be frightened by my special talent.”

“Your talent for bringing wonderful dreams to ponies is nothing anypony should be afraid of. I have never had a single bad dream ever since you were born.” She nuzzled her colt. “Come, we should hurry. It's going to be a wonderful sunny day today. I can just feel it.”

…

Three of the foals already knew Princess Celestia, but Wish Star and Flicker Bolt could only stare in awe at her height and her gentle beauty.

“Welcome to Canterlot.” Celestia smiled at the pair of Pegasai. She then noticed the cruel wounds of Flicker's sides. “Flicker Bolt, you will be tended to by our best healers. I know they cannot grow you new wings, but they can at least heal your wounds.”

“No. I... I want to keep these scars. I don't care about the other ones, but I really want to keep the scars from my wings.”

Celestia's smile didn't falter in the slightest. “I understand. I will let the healers know of your wish. They will heal the wounds, but allow the scars to remain.” She could understand. Most Pegasai who somehow lost their wings tended to wish to keep the scars for one reason or another.

“Thank you Princess.” Flicker bowed her head.

Wish Star had heard all about Princess Celestia from his sire and Blood Rain. “Is it true that you're a fake goddess?” He asked out suddenly.

All eyes fell on the colt, stunned expressions on nearly all the faces in the throne room, even those on the normally unshakable Royal Guard.

Celestia giggled. “Wish Star, my sister and I are by no means goddesses. We are the rulers of Equestria, and regents of the sun and the moon. We do not desire worship or power like the gods of old. We desire nothing more than for peace for all our little ponies.”

“But, father said you are false goddesses and will eventually fall when the Tyrant King is reborn.” Wish Star looked confused. “He's never lied to me my entire life.”

Celestia shook her head a little. “Perhaps it was not a lie, but a misunderstanding. Your father, he is the leader of the cult, is he not?”

“It's not a cult, but a religion. We worship the old God, the true God known as the Tyrant King.”

Celestia winced a little. “Do you worship him as well?”

“Um... no, not really. Father never enforced it. I kinda did just to keep him happy and to not punish me randomly.” Wish Star held a hoof too his chin. “You seem a whole lot nicer than how Father and Blood Rain described you.”

Celestia's smile returned. “Wish Star, there is much you will learn now that you are here.”

One of the Royal Guard stepped forward. “Princess Celestia. This one may be but a colt, but his sire is the leader of the Cult of the Tyrant King. We should detain him and interrogate him for everything he knows.”

Celestia shook her head. “No, he will not be detained. I will ask him what questions I feel must be asked, but by no means is he a prisoner. Wish Star is the Element of Laughter after all.”

“But...”

Celestia simply smiled. “Commander Freedom. I have made my decision. Need I repeat myself?”

“No Princess. By your command.” Freedom stepped back and into place with the other Royal Guards. (He won't be detained... but he most certainly will be watched very closely.) He did not trust this colt, the child of the very leader of the Cult they wished to be taken down.

...

Celestia took the pair of Pegasai to one of the tower apartments. Corona, Elusive and Honey accompanied them as well, just so they knew where their two new friends would be living.

The Princess turned to the pair, but mainly Flicker. “This will be your home till we can locate your family, or for as long as you wish to stay. I promise we will do all we can to find them.” She then looked at Wish Star. He may be a Pegasus, but not once had he tried to fly, hover, or even fully stretch his wings. “This will also be your home.”

“Really? Wow.” Wish Star ran too the balcony of the large apartment and looked out over the view. “I've never seen anything so amazing.” His wings were almost vibrating by now. “If it's not too much, do you know anypony who can teach me how too fly?”

Everypony present winced, but Celestia spoke first. “You do not know how too fly?”

“Nope. I was born underground and lived there my whole life.” The colt grinned. “Never was allowed to spread my wings, just in case I accidentally knock something over after all.” He looked at his folded wings. “Even though I never used them, when I had them removed once as a punishment, I missed them.”

“There is much you have to learn, and much you have to tell.” Celestia looked at Flicker, especially her now healed wounds. The only scars were the lightening bolt shaped scars on her sides. “Are you sure you wish to live in this tower aw well?”

“I... I do. I can see Cloudsdale so well from here. I feel less homesick.”

Corona walked over and nudged Flicker with a hoof. “You know, with your talent being able to channel Unicorn magic to enchant items, I bet we can make you something that would let you fly again.”

Celestia watched Flicker's eye's light up. “Are... are you serious?”

“I do believe she is.” The Princess looked at her daughter. “Princess Corona Twilight has never lied to me, other than that once time about those mysteriously disappearing cookies.”

Corona blushed. “Mom, stop teasing me. I only took two cookies, one for me and one for Elusive.”

“Kindly leave me out of this...” Elusive deadpanned. “I recall not even eating that cookie. Corona's cookie dropped on the ground and got dirty so I gave her the one she gave me.”

Honey Crisp chuckled. “That was mighty generous ah ya Lucy.”

“Lucy?” Wish Star giggled. “That's a funny name.”

Elusive sighed. He knew Honey had the habit of using nicknames, and he knew better than to try to make her stop. She was capable of coming up with even more embarrassing nicknames that were best never heard again. “It's a nickname. Just like how she calls you Starry.”

“Oh, I like Starry.” The colt grinned. “Just like how I call my friend Flick, right?”

Honey nodded. “E'yup.”

“Alright.” Celestia pointed toward two doors. “Those are the bedrooms. This is the living area with kitchen and eating area. Each bedroom has its own private bath.” She looked toward the main door and smiled. “Now, I must return too the throne room. I am expecting an important package.” Her form glowed and vanished.

…

“Welcome to Canterlot Carrot Top.” Celestia smiled at the middle aged mare. She then gasped when she spotted the foal that was hiding behind her. “Who... who is that?”

“This is my colt, Sweet Dream.” Carrot Top stepped aside, revealing the young Unicorn.

“Who is the father, if I may ask?” She was aware that the mare had been a prisoner of the monster Blackthorn. She prayed the answer was not the one she feared it might be.

Carrot Top frowned. She could never lie too the Princess. She had already told her son, a painful tale that tore at her heart to tell. “His father is Whisper Wind Blackthorn.”

Celestia's eyes locked onto Sweet Dream's eyes. She didn't stare so much as look into him.

What she saw nearly took her breath away. “I see. You are the granddaughter of the kindest pony to have lived in over three hundred years.”

“I know all about Fluttershy.” Sweet Dream replied. He smiled fondly. “Mama would tell me stories of how she was always there to care for other ponies, for the animals, and even gave up her own life to protect Equestria from an evil monster.”

Celestia looked at Carrot Top. “How much does this colt know?”

“I... I recently told him everything I know from eleven years ago. He knows everything I know and learned about it.”

Celestia seemed to sigh with relief. “I see. I am glad he knows.” She smiled brightly. “Hello Sweet Dream, Element of Kindness.”

...

To Be Continued...

Chapter 7

Author: Annonymouse
Editor: Me, Myself and Annonymouse...
MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fan-fiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.
...
A/N: No comments on spelling or grammar please. See my profile for details.
...
This is the sequel to fLuTtEr.
...
CoRoNa
07
...

Corona ran through the halls of Canterlot Castle, Elusive right behind her. She somehow avoided colliding with the walls, the Royal Guards, and even the servants.

Elusive easily kept up with her, glad she was not flying. “Corona, what is it that has you so excited?”

“Mom just sent word to me.” Corona looked so happy for some reason, considering the events from just a week ago. “I can't believe it. I'm so excited.”

Elusive was at a loss. It wasn't his dearest friend's birthday. That wasn't for a few more months. Gallant wasn't due for his monthly visit for at least another week. It certainly wasn't his birthday, or even a holiday.

Heck, they still had at least a couple months of school before summer vacation.

“Aren't you going to tell me what it is?”

Corona didn't even look back as she answered. “Nope. You'll have to find out on your own. Honey Crisp, Wish Star and Flicker Bolt are also going to be meeting us there.”

“There? Where is there?” Elusive was starting to feel a bit winded. This castle was not just large, but built vertical as opposed to horizontal, meaning WAY too many stairs.

Another flight of stairs loomed before them. Elusive wished he could just teleport, but the palace was protected, allowing only the royal family to be able to do so. “Oh come on Corona.” Elusive stopped at the bottom. “Where are we going anyway? Seriously.”

“The royal vault, at the very top of the highest tower. We're almost half way there.”

Eclipse stopped and stared at the young Alicorn as she vanished up the stairs. “The... top? Only half way there?” He sighed and started climbing, but not running. If they were barely half the way too the top, he figured it would be best if he paced himself.

…

“Ah, hello Eclipse.” Princess Celestia smiled as the young Unicorn finally arrived. “Why did you not take a chariot to the top like your three friends?”

Eclipse glared at Corona, who didn't look winded at all. Darn Alicorns and their insane endurance. “Co-ro-naaaa...”

“What? I was just so excited to be summoned here.” The young princess pranced on the spot, her wings fluttering excitedly.

“Princess.” Celestia couldn't help but smile. “Please restrain yourself.”

“Of course mother.” She planted all four hooves on the red carpet, but was still vibrating in anticipation. She knew that the only the most valuable treasures were stored here, including the legendary Elements of Harmony.

Celestia looked toward the open balcony doors and smiled. “Ah, our final guest of honor has arrived.”

This caught five young ponies by surprise as a flying chariot landed on the balcony. Even more so when a Unicorn colt stepped off and bowed before Celestia. “Hello Princess Celestia. I have come as summoned.” His soft sea-foam eyes sparkled in the brilliant light of this great hall.

Sea-foam eyes that took the breaths away from the other five foals.

“No... Is it?” Corona looked up at her mother. “But... her soul...”

Celestia looked at the five Elements of Harmony. “May I introduce Sweet Dream, the Element of Kindness.”

The Unicorn smiled the kindest smile and bowed. “It is so nice to finally meet you. Princess Celestia has told me all about you.”

“Hello Sweet Dream.” Corona stepped forward. “Um... How much do you remember about us?”

“Only what Princess Celestia has told us.” The colt smiled softly. “It is an honor to meet you, all of you.” The Unicorn offered his smile to all who were present.

Celestia was glad that the new Element of Kindness was just that, kind. She had initially been worried about his heritage. Being the son of one of the most evil creatures known in the history of Equestria had actually caused the Princess some concern.

“This last week, I chose to keep his existence a secret from the rest of you. You see, he is Fluttershy's grandson.”

Five foals all stared in shock.

“Hold on a sec.” Honey stepped back. “Ya dun mean... Blackthorn...?”

Sweet Dream nodded. “Yes, he is my father, and I am aware of who and what he was.” His smile didn't fade. “But, I am not at all like him. I care about other ponies, the animals, nature and especially my Mother. I love helping out anypony that I can, when I can.”

Wish Star hopped forward and hugged the other colt. “This is so amazing. Fluttershy's grandson. I... I want to throw a party.”

Celestia giggled. “Perhaps later Wish Star, but for now, the reason I summoned all of you here.” She turned and approached the great vault doors. She inserted her horn into the key hole and activated her magic. With a series of flashing lights over the door, it slid open, revealing the vault which held a gem encrusted chest.

The Princess levitated the chest out and set it on the floor. “Now, when I open this, I want you to wish for your Element to come too you.” She then unlocked the chest and revealed six gray stones.

The foals closed their eyes and wished on their Elements. Without missing a beat, the stones became light and flew to their respective host, and merged into their chests.

Oddly, they did not become jewelry that hung from their necks or crowns that rested on their heads.

The Elements appeared on each of the foals shoulders as varying colored circles.

Celestia was a little confused. “This is odd. The Elements of Harmony have never done this before.” She then realized something. “I see, before you merely represented the Elements and wielded their power. Now, you ARE the Elements of Harmony.” A smile spread across her lips. “Only once in the past had they done this. With Luna and myself when we first used them against Discord.” Her heart leaped with joy. “The Elements of Harmony are truly reborn in this generation.”

Corona was the first to speak. “Reborn? What do you mean?”

Princess Celestia nuzzled her daughter. “Princess Corona Twilight, you ARE the Element of Magic, not just a user of it. You will be able to call upon its true power in time.”

Sweet Heart looked from his shoulders up at Princess Celestia. “We are the Elements? How?”

“My theory, When Twilight last used them, she had to use some... distasteful means to bring out their power, but in doing so, she caused the Elements to actually bond with each of your souls.” She walked past them and looked up at a stained glass window depicting the final battle against Blackthorn. “In doing so, she ensured all of your reincarnations, and you, Sweet Heart, the Element of Kindness bound with you after purifying you from your father's evil.”

Sweet Dream looked up at the window, at the strange white monster that somewhat resembled a monstrous pony with wings and horn. “Father...” His expression changed a few times, but finally settled on a smile. “Thank you Grandmother. I will make you proud of the Legacy you have left with me.”

The five foals looked from the window to Sweet Dream. They all felt various emotions, but hate and anger were not among them.

“Say, Dreamy?” Honey stood next to the slightly taller colt. “Ah think we'll all get along.”

“I really hope so. I've actually never had many friends because of my talent.”

Celestia sighed. “Sweet Dream has the ability to manipulate the dreams of ponies around him. Many actually feared him, even though he never once used his talent to cause another pain or harm.”

Dream looked at all those present. “I've never used my magic to hurt another pony, or to cause them bad dreams. My Mother, she told me that even though she had gone though such a horrible experience with Blackthorn, after he was defeated and sealed away, she had never had a bad dream, not even once.”

Corona gasped. “Was it because of you?”

Dream nodded. “I was actually born with my cutie mark.” He smiled back at the heart shaped cloud with the single musical note in it. “And my singing, it can bring happy dreams to any sleeping pony who hears it. Still, the ability to look into another pony's dreams and even to alter them, well, it scared a lot of ponies.”

“I think that's a really cool talent.” Flicker grinned. “And I certainly could use a good night's sleep. I'd love to dream about flying again without it turning into a nightmare.”

Dream looked at the still somewhat skinny filly. He could see the lightening bolt shaped scars on her shoulders. “I would love to help you if I can.”

Wish Star giggled happily. “Oh Flick. You'll finally get a good night's sleep. I'm so happy for you.” He hugged the wingless Pegasus tightly.

Honey smirked and crossed her forelegs, just as a certain orange and blond farmer was known for doing. “Ah declare, Ah could go fer a good night sleep too. An been havin' bad dreams 'bout that ruin we was locked up in, especially after meetin' that Blood Rain.”

The half Zebra looked at Elusive. “Say Lucy, ya'll bein' kinda quiet.”

“I-I...” He was looking past his shoulder, toward his hindquarters. “I have my cutie mark...”

Six ponies all rushed to his sides and looked.

A trio of heart shaped sapphires decorated each side of his hindquarters.

“Elusive...” Corona smiled and hugged her friend. “You got your cutie mark. You didn't have it before.”

Elusive smiled and hugged his Princess back. “Gem shaping. I remember now easily I shaped those rough gems into a sword.”

Celestia's eyes went wide. “Gem magic is very rare. When you were Rarity, you could find gems, do you remember that?”

Elusive nodded, and finally released Corona. “I remember. It may not be my talent, but I do mostly remember the spell for finding gems as well.”

Corona squealed in delight. “If you can do that, then you could create the most beautiful jewelry Equestria has ever seen. I'd love at least a ruby tiara.” She giggled.

Corona's mother giggled. “Corona dear, you are in the presence of other ponies. You should restrain yourself.”

“How can I mom? Elusive got his cutie mark. I'm so happy for him.”

Dream looked at that cutie mark. “It's different... Why do I see a trio of diamond shaped gems in my mind?”

Elusive stared at Dream. “That was Rarity's cutie mark... How can you know that?”

Celestia tapped a hoof too her chin in a thoughtful manner. “Genetic memory. It was one of Blackthorn's traits, and how he was able to be reborn. Perhaps there is a trace of that power in you, Sweet Dream.”

“R... Really?” Dream looked a little nervous. “Would that mean I might have more of his powers? I heard he could change shape, and even change the shape of other ponies with his magic. Mom watched him do it many times when she was his prisoner.”

“That is a possibility.” Celestia replied. “Now, seeing that the Elements are unable to be taken from you, I feel that all of you should be enrolled into a special course at the School for Gifted Unicorns.”

“Beg yer pardon Princess, but Ah ain't no Unicorn. Starry, Dreamy an Flick ain't no Unicorns either. We can't learn magic.”

Celestia laughed, a delightful and mirth filled laugh. “On Honey Crisp, all ponies can use magic. It's just that Unicorns tend to be the only ones who can actively call on it and use it. Pegasai use their magic to fly, to walk on the clouds, control the weather, and even create Sonic Rainbooms. You see, now that you ARE the Elements of Harmony, calling upon and using your magic should be far easier for all of you.”

Corona paled a little. “But... my talent is already magic, and now I AM the Element of Magic... What am I capable of now?”

“Learning that shall be part of your lessons.” Celestia replied, then turned to Elusive. “Elusive, You will be needing a special training ground to hone your talent and your magic. I will allow you access to the crystal caverns beneath Canterlot. Princess Luna shall be your personal mentor, seeing as she knows more about gem based magic than any other pony alive I know.”

“Of course Princess Celestia, and thank you.”

The rest of you, I will be assigning each of you a teacher best suited to help bring out your full potential.” She smiled at Wish Star. “And perhaps you will earn your cutie mark in the process.”

“Really?”

“I said perhaps.”

“Oh, right.” Wish Star chuckled, a hoof behind his head.

Celestia then lead them all too the waiting chariots. “Let us proceed too the School for Gifted Unicorns.”

…

Weeks passed, and summer vacation was only a couple weeks away.

The foals each were trained in secret from each other, and were sworn to not speak of their training to even their best friends.

Corona was personally taught by her mother. They would teleport to a land far away, where there were many volcanoes.

The filly learned more about magic in this time than she had in all her years in school. The final day of training was actually spent in the young Princess' namesake. The very corona of the sun itself.

Here, the young Alicorn learned a tiny fraction of her true potential when she created a massive solar flare that literally reached for a million miles.

Elusive, under Luna's guidance, had learned so much about gem shaping, ice magic and even illusions. He now had a very good selection of gems woven within his mane and tail, hidden from view, but ready for him to use at a moment's notice. He even sported very nice jewelry, something that even most nobles would find expensive. All the jewelry had not a hint of metal in their makeup, being pure, one hundred percent gems.

Honey Crisp got the hang of using her magic, which was a huge surprise too her the first time she made a seed grow to the size of a yearling within just an hour. She also got the hang of being able to shape plants around her. Needless to say, the Everfree forest, under the tutelage of a Unicorn named Evergreen had done her wonders.

Wish Star was trained by the Unicorn stallion by the name of Chance. Wish Star's magic seemed to be bending reality around himself. Namely sensing events before they occurred, making himself move from place too place, without actually traveling the distance between them, and even seeming to be able to alter 'luck', be it his own, or those around him.

This bending of luck worked both ways. Whenever he gave somepony good luck, another pony, or even himself, would experience an equal amount of bad luck.

Wish Star also learned plenty about first aid because of this.

Flicker worked with a Unicorn named Farsight. Her talent for channeling Unicorn magic into objects was rather unique, even for a Unicorn. Farsight had the ability to see far off places, and worked with the filly not only to hone her magical redirection into an defensive and even offensive ability, bit to help find her parents.

All Farsight could tell the filly was that they were still alive, imprisoned and wingless.

Flicker swore that she would save them, no matter what. She would never abandon her family or friends.

Finally, Sweet Dream learned his lessons from the royal family doctor, Dr. Reeds Junior, a very talented healer. The Doctor was VERY careful in what he taught this colt, having been warned about his potential genetic ability to shape flesh and bone. Healing was the best choice for learning how to control this legacy from his father.

Sweet Dream did not want to follow in his sire's hooves and become an evil creature who craved the taste of pony flesh and blood. He didn't toil with the possibility he could alter other ponies or creatures in horrible ways.

…

Blood Rain read the report from one of her spies in Canterlot and scowled. “The Elements of Harmony are becoming stronger... Special training... Flicker, learning to use her talent too fight and protect. An Earth Pony who can make plants grow however she wishes. A Unicorn who can shape Gems. A Unicorn who can use healing magic... or perhaps even flesh sculpting.”

She rolled up the scroll. The rest could wait for now.

“Blackthorn's own little spawn, the Element of Kindness. Of course this one would have the innate ability and magic to actually shape flesh and bone, as his father had done to himself, his mother, and others as well.”

The grin that crossed Blood Rain's lips was a cruel one.

“It would seem that Blackthorn will actually serve a purpose other than causing a little strife and pain.” She pulled out a blank scroll, ink and quill and began writing. “This is the one who will be of the utmost importance.”

“Sweet Dream.”

Her laughter echoed through the dark halls of their hidden temple.

…

Deep within the Everdeep Woods.

A low chuckle escaped a rough wooden form of a horrendously twisted and evil looking pony. “My Legacy lives on. How... wonderful. Now, how to see about 'purifying' it of that disgusting Element of Kindness... A shame I am trapped here, part of this magical tree.”

From the top of Blackthorn's twisted, wooden horn grew a small sprout, which produced a tiny, pretty blue flower.

“Trapped I may be, but magic I still have access too. Within time, I will have a new vessel, and the reborn soul of Dark Mistress Twilight Deathspark will know my wrath.”

Dark laughter echoed from the dimly lit cavern, deep withing the great tree.

…

Six foals sat around in the private gardens of the Royal Family itself.

Corona lay on a soft blanket, a pair of light wire frame, crystal lens glasses balanced on her nose as she read through a rather thick book with very small writing.

Elusive lay next to her, a small collection of gems spread out around him as he crafted some jewelry for his friends.

Wish Star and Flicker Bolt were playing a collectable cardgame, which Wish Star had been winning till Flicker noticed the use of magic and started weaving it into the cards. It soon became a rather strange game where the same card could be drawn more than once, or even cards that were in the other player's deck. It was quite an odd game to watch being played.

Honey Crisp just lay on the grass, napping, and surrounded by a small, thick growth of wildflowers of all kinds.

Sweet Dream was laying next too Honey, humming a pleasant tune and occasionally nibbling on one of the delightfully tasteful flowers.

“Flicker?” Princess Celestia called out as she entered the garden, carry a box and a rather thick, and very old tome.

“Hmm?” She looked up from her game after playing one of her pony cards and declaring a guard against one of Star's attacking ponies. “Yes Princess?”

Celestia had the most wonderful of smiles on her face. “How would you like to fly?”

Flicker's eyes lit up and she dropped her deck. “Are... are you serious?”

The Regent of the sun's smile was as warm as the sunlight itself. “Of course my little pony. I have found information of an ancient artifact that allowed wingless Pegasai too fly.”

“R... Really?” Flicker stared at the old looking box. “Are they in there?”

Celestia shook her head. “Alas, the artifact was lost hundreds of years ago, and nopony has ever been able to duplicate the magic to create another set.”

Flicker's face fell a little. “But...”

“But, you possess the talent that can allow a new set to be created. The legendary Ponyshoes of the Zephyr.”

Flicker's and Wish Star's eyes lit up on hearing this.

“Are you serious?” Star bounded up next to his wingless friend. “Flick, you can create them. You can use Princess Celestia's magic to create a brand new set of the legendary Ponyshoes and then you can fly. You can teach me how too fly.”

Flicker felt the tears form in the corners of her eyes. “I... I'll be able to fly again...” She rushed forward and hugged the Princess.

“Now Flicker, the conditions for creating the shoes, as well as the materials are a little complicated.”

“How so?”

Celestia opened the box, revealing various metal bars. “I have all but the most important material. I need Sky Diamonds.”

“Sky Diamonds?” This caught Elusive's attention. “Are you talking about diamonds that can actually float?”

“Yes.” Celestia replied. “What do you know about these?”

Elusive grinned. “Follow me.”

…

Six foals and both Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna stood in a chamber, far deeper than anypony had been known to travel before.

In the center of the chamber floated a diamond that was larger than all the ponies present combined.

“I kind of fell in here one day while training. I managed to get out on my own.” He looked at Princess Luna. “I'm sorry I never told you about this.”

“That is alright Sir Elusive.” Luna smiled in awe at the massive diamond. Its potential use was virtually unlimited.

Many smaller diamonds floated around the room as well. “So, Princess, are there any Sky Diamonds that can be used to make Flicker's new ponyshoes?”

Celestia smiled. “There most certainly is.”

…

Princess Celestia, Corona, Elusive, Flicker Bolt and a total of twenty of the Royal Guard had made a special trip, as dangerous as it was, to the great Pegasai city of High Wind.

It was here, using the ancient Sky Forge, that the shoes were crafted.

For three days they worked non stop. Corona fueling the ancient forge with her magical sun fire to smelt and help shape the metal.

The heat of the flames melted gem and the rare metals, allowing Elusive to bond them all together, and shape them into the light, beautifully detailed shoes.

Celestia provided the magic and spells, and it was Flicker Bolt who channeled that magic into each shoe.

Finally, on the fourth day, they were placed onto the wingless Pegasus. They were a clear golden gem-like material, and somewhat resembled Princess Celestia's own shoes. These shoes of the Zephyr were detailed with small wing patterns on each ankle, and when the magic was activated, wings of wind extended forth from each one and allowed the filly to step safely off the clouds.

Flicker Bolt ran through the sky, free from the ground at long last. Her cries of joy only covered the tears she shed for her parents.

“We'll find you Mom, Dad. Then we'll come and free you. You may have lost your wings, but you will fly free again through the skies of Equestria, just like me.”

…

“Blood Rain.”

“Yes Master?” The mare emerged from a shadowy corner of the chamber. "You summoned?"

“What have you learned so far?”

“Sweet Dream. The Element of Kindness.” Blood Rain grinned and created an illusion of the colt. “He is the one we have been seeking for thousands of years.”

The Master chuckled as he stared at the illusion.

“Might I ask what you find amusing Master?”

The Master let out a somewhat... happy chuckle. “Ironic, isn't it? The salvation we have long sought comes from a recent mistake.”

Blood Rain stared at her Master, then understood. “Blackthorn. Yes, he was a mistake, but it seems that his own revival and fall are our salvation, in his spawn. This little colt possesses amazing powers. He can effect the dreams of those around him, as well, he can heal wounds by shaping the flesh.”

“Are you certain of this?” The Master did not look away from the image.

“Our informant watched Sweet Dream as he healed self inflicted wounds and healed them time and time again. The informant is a skilled healer herself, and she could tell it was not healing this foal performed, but shaping of flesh to leave not even a scar.”

“Even the most powerful of healing magic leaves scars. This is wonderful news indeed. Soon our Tyrant King will be reborn, and this world will be ours.” The Master laughed joyously. “Well done Blood Rain. Well done indeed. We should pay a visit to Blackthorn and thank him.”

“That would be... inadvisable. Even trapped away in that tree, I have detected traces of his power. He is unable to do anything but watch, but that may change if a powerful source of magic were to come close enough for him to feed off of. It is best that he remain a piece of wood with eyes.”

The Master chuckled and nodded. “Yes, perhaps that is a wise decision. Keep an eye on Blackthorn. There is no need to actually let that monster out now that he has done us this favor.”

“Of course Master.” Blood Rain then produced a scroll from within her cloak. “Now, there is the matter if the Elements of Harmony.” She frowned and gave the missive too the Master. She knew his good mood was not going to last for much longer. "They are training and becoming... stronger..."

…

Wish Star looked at Honey Crisp as she finished the final touches on a project she had been working on these last four days. “It looks wonderfully wonderful.” The cold clapped his hooves together.

Honey emerged from the near exact replica of the Books and Branches library. “It's detailed down to the bookshelves. I know it ain't perfect, but Ah bet th' lil Princess'll love it.” She wiped the sweat from her brow.

“I do love it.” Corona rushed forward without even landing on the ground and hugged Honey Crisp. “It's perfect. Okay, not perfect, but still, it's perfect.”

Elusive's chariot landed and he stared in awe at the tree as he disembarked. “Amazing. You grew this in just four days?”

“Sure did Lucy., an welcome back ya'll” Honey beamed. “Ah know some details might be off, but ya gotta remember, Applejack dun spend much time in here after all.”

“I said it's perfect. We just need the windows, the doors and a few other things and it will be, well, perfect.”

Descending from the sky, Flicker Bolt landed on the balcony. “Oh my gosh. Honey, I can't believe you did this. Princess, isn't this amazing?”

Honey looked up at Flicker and grinned. “Ya did it? Ya managed t' make yer shoes so ya can fly again?”

“You bet Honey. I couldn't have done it without the Princess and her coltfriend, or Princess Celestia either.” She then entered through the window as Corona blushed and started denying that Elusive was her coltfriend, just a dear friend she really cared about.

Elusive chuckled, blushing quite a bit as well. (I love you too Corona.) He thought too himself.

...

To Be Continued...

AN: Just a warning... things are going to turn ugly really soon. The Dark rating is going to kick in as of Chapter 8, so just a warning.

Chapter 8

Author: Annonymouse
Editor: Me, Myself and Annonymouse...
MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fan-fiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.
...
A/N: No comments on spelling or grammar please. See my profile for details.
...
This is the sequel to fLuTtEr. Warning, Dark rating is kicking in as of this chapter. You have been warned.
...
CoRoNa
08
...

Through the dark of a moonless, starless night, shadows moved unseen through the streets and between the towers of Canterlot.

A lone stallion on his way home, late night at work, spotted a shadow and lit up his horn. “Who's there?”

One of the shadows turned, a pair of blood red glowing eyes flashed back at him. The stallion felt the magic wrap around his horn and throat. With a sickening crunch, his horn was ripped from his skull in a bloody spray. With his throat wraped so tightly in the magic, he could not scream as he was dragged into the shadows.

The sound of flesh being torn and bones snapping was heard by nopony, then silence. Blood pooled out from the shadows.

…

“Say Swift.” A Pegasus wearing the armor of the Royal Guard turned to his partner, another Pegasus in identical armor.

“Yea Whirlwind?”

“Don't you hate cloud covered nights like this?” Whirlwind asked as thunder rolled through the darkness.

Swift nodded. “I'm just glad they don't happen very often.” He replied as he felt the first drop of rain land on his muzzle.

The pair sighed as the rain started pouring down in sheets.

“Why does Cloudsdale have to schedule such heavy rainstorms like this in the spring?”

Swift simply shrugged as a flash of lightening lit up the sky and the street they were patrolling. He spotted a shadow of movement. “Hold on Whirlwind. Something's not right here.” He stepped forward. “Who's there? Identify yourself?”

There was no sound of a reply.

“Whirlwind, I just saw movement.”

No reply.

Swift turned to his fellow guard. “Whirlwind?”

Whirlwind was standing there, a somewhat odd look on his face. Dark lines seemed to be coming out from under his eyes and his ears. He suddenly coughed, splattering Swift with a dark red liquid.

Swift jumped back as Whirlwind collapsed, dead. He spread his wings and looked around. Somehow, his partner for the last three years had just died, and right after he had spotted a shadow or movement.

“Who's there? Identify yourself NOW!” He tried not to sound scared.

The Pegasus gasped as Whirlwind suddenly twitched and stood up, moving almost like a martinet puppet. He didn't even get out a scream as the undead Pegasus lunged forward and tore out his throat with his teeth.

…

Sweet Dream thrashed in his bed a few times before sitting up, a small scream escaping his throat.

He reached for the pitcher and poured himself a glass of water. After taking a few greedy gulps, the young Unicorn wiped sweat off his face and shivered. Never before had he felt like this before.

Fear?

“Bad... dream?” He whimpered and slid out of his bed and exited his bedroom. He walked down the hall to where Flicker Bolt and Wish Star had their rooms, across from each other. He knocked on Wish Star's door and was a little surprised when it opened almost immediately.

“Dreamy?” Star gasped. “What's wrong? You're so pale.”

“Bad dream.” He whimpered. “Can I come in?”

“Of course.” Star stepped aside and let the other colt enter.

Sweet Dream saw a black mane poking out from under Star's bed covers. “Flicker?”

“Yea, she had a bad dream too...”

“But I sang her a lullaby. She shouldn't be having bad dreams.”

Star shivered. “If it's any consolation... I had a really bad dream too... Blood red eyes, fangs...”

“Me too.” Dream hung his head. “I don't know what that was... Blackthorn maybe? Could he somehow be able to enter our dreams?”

“I dunno...” Star said as he lead his new friend over too the cushions in front of the fireplace. “I saw a shadow, it didn't have wings and it was shaped like a normal Unicorn.”

“Wait... I think I had that same dream.”

Flicker thrashed in the bed and awoke with a scream. “Oh Celestia...” She looked like she wanted to cry. “What... a nightmare... again...” She looked around and spotted the pair of her friends raising from the cushions.

“Flicker?” Dream looked very concerned. “Are you alright?”

“Did you have that same nightmare?” Star asked as he came over too the bed and hugged the filly. “Red eyes and fangs?”

“Not this time... It was a Pegasus, but there was a flash of lightening and I saw a bloody and rotting face. It lunged at me, attacking me, then I think I woke up.” She hugged Star tightly, tears pouring freely from her eyes. “Why would I have a nightmare like that?

Dream shuddered. “Why would we all dream about things like that?”

A scream was heard from down the hall. The trio bolted into the hallway and rushed to where Honey Crisp's room was, right across from Dream's room.

Dream knocked gently. “Honey Crisp?”

“Who's there? Dreamy?”

Dreamy pushed the door open and peeked his head in. “Yea, Flicker Bolt and Wish Star as well.” He spotted her huddled in the corner of the room, her blanket wrapped tightly around her.

Honey threw off the blanket and rushed toward the door and hugged Dream. “It was horrible... Ah saw a Unicorn... a shadow, then blood... so much blood. Red eyes, fangs... It was so dang frightenin'.”

“Why are we all having nightmares?” Dream asked, really concerned, mainly because he had been singing all his friends to sleep since he had come to know them. “Even I had one. I never have bad dreams. I can control my dreams... I couldn't do anything in this one.”

“What 'bout th' Princess an' Lucy?” Honey asked. “Are they alright?”

A knock was heard at the door. “Is everypony in here?” It was Elusive's voice.

“Come in.” Honey called.

Elusive and Corona entered the room, both looking very disturbed.

Corona could tell her friends were shaken up pretty badly. “Did all of you have a nightmare as well?”

All four nodded.

Elusive sighed. “I had to shake Corona awake. She was thrashing and crying in her sleep... some horrible nightmare.”

A flash of lightening and a resounding crack of rolling thunder shook the entire room. All six foals found themselves under the bed by the time the thunder had fallen silent.

The wind thrashed the rain against the windows, and at the height of the castle, the winds were fierce.

“Maybe it's this storm” Dream suggested.

Star shook his head. “I... I think something is coming. I don't know how I know, I just do.” His silvery/blue eyes looked around the room, at all the shadows. “I have a bad feeling.”

Flicker crawled up close too Star. “Is it your 'Pinkie Sense'?”

“I don't know... All I know is...”

“I feel it too.” Corona frowned. “We should try to make our way too the throne room. Aunty Luna should be there right about now.”

Elusive shook his head. “Should we be wandering around the halls this late at night? There's a lot of dark halls and there's not much light outside between the towers. If there's something out there, it might be coming after us.”

Corona nodded. “I'll wink into the throne room and look for Aunty Luna. We'll be right back, so keep hidden.”

“Can't you wink all of us?” Flicker asked. “I... I don't want to be left here in the dark.”

Corona used her magic and lit the fireplace, filling the room with an orange flickering light. Warmth spread through the room comforting the foals.

“Okay.” Corona tried to put on a brave face. “I'll go get Aunty Luna now.” She concentrated on the throne room and winked out.

The throne room was oddly dark when Corona appeared, strangely silent other then the rain pounding against the windows.

“Aunty Luna?” Corona whimpered. She had never known the throne room to be empty before.

No, not empty. She spotted movement out of the corner of her eye and turned. Nothing was there.

The young Princess lit the room with her horn and caught movement again in the corner of her eye. Spinning again, nothing.

A flash of lightening lit the room brightly, and the crack of thunder nearly had the Princess scrambling under of of the benches that lined the walls.

“Co~ro~na...” A soft, chilling voice whispered into her ear.

Corona spun around, half expecting nothing to be there.

A dark shadowy form loomed over her, a pale face with crimson eyes glared down at her.

Corona opened her moth to scream, but the shadow engulfed her...

…

Elusive felt a chill run down his spine. “I have a bad feeling about all this. The bad dreams, the storm...” He walked too the window and looked out into the darkness.

A flash of lightening and the crack of thunder clearely outlined some dark looming shape outside on the balcony.

All the foals screamed and scrambled away, the window blowing open.

A rain soaked form stepped into the room, hooves crunching down on the shards of broken glass. The dark form didn't even flinch as hooves were cut by the shards, leaving blood on the marble floors.

“Elements of Harmony...” A hollow voice spoke from within the dark hood of the shadow cloak. “Come with me.”

“Like Tartarus.” Honey jumped forward and slammed her hooves onto the floor. The potted plants in the room erupted too life and entangled the cloak, but somehow the pony inside escaped, jumping clear and landed in front of the fireplace.

An Earth Pony mare was outlined, one that Elusive and Honey recognized.

“Oc-Octavia?” Elusive stepped back. “No, you're a musician. You play in the royal Orchestra. How can you be in the Cult?”

The mare tilted her head, a twisted grin crossing her lips. “Harmony... Elements of Harmony.” She giggled insanely and jumped forward too attack.

Dream and Elusive caught her with their magic, levitating her off the floor.

“Something isn't right here.” Flicker jumped forward and bucked the floating mare, sending her crashing too the floor, limp. “Why would someone so famous be part of an evil organization like the Cult?”

She then through back too her time in the ruins, where she was often forced to create magic items.

This mare, now raising too her hooves in an unnatural manner, had one of the metal rings around her neck. “I... I recognize that ring on her neck. We have to get it off her without hurting her.”

Wish Star nodded and rushed in from the side. His rush was blocked as the mare turned and rammed her head into the young Pegasai's chest, sending him flying back and against the wall.

“Dream... Sweet Dream...” She turned to face the Unicorn, her face sporting a gash where one of Star's hooves had caught her cheek. “I want you...” She lunged forward.

The foals scattered, allowing Octavia to slam into the bed.

Blankets glowed and wrapped tightly around the mare, trapping her and causing her too fall too the floor. The mare screamed in rage and struggled, biting at the blankets in an attempt to tear free.

Flicker jumped on top of the dark Gray mare and bit down on the back of the ring around her neck. She focused her talent and channeled the magic outward, dispelling the enchantment.

Octavia's eyes went wide, she screamed and wrenched her neck around to face the wingless Pegasus.

The sound of bones snapping and the shocked and pained expression on her face frightened Flicker, then she fell limp, her neck twisted around at an impossible angle.

…

A cloaked form gasped and let out a cry of pain.

“Tatsujin Ningyou, are you alright?” A gravely voice asked, not in concern, but with a somewhat insane tone. “Did one of your playthings break?”

“Shut it Pierce.” The cloaked pony glanced up. “Controlling the living is not easy. Now that she's dead...” A dark chuckle escaped the stallion's lips.

“Aww, Tatsu, are you going to really scare those foals now? I wish I could be there to watch.”

…

“Sh-she's dead...” Elusive examined the mare. He had always loved listening to the music this mare created.

“I...” Flicker stepped back, a look of horror on her face. “I didn't mean to kill her...”

Wish Star hugged and tried to comfort his fellow Pegasus. “Shh, it's alright. I don't think it was anything you did.”

Honey lifted something off the floor. “Certainly not.” She showed a fine thread, like a spider web. “Ah think she was bein' controlled by magic.”

At that moment, the thread flared and burned away, and the corpse twitched.

This caused the foals to scram and scramble away, spread out through the room.

Octavia twitched again, then started raising from the floor, the blanket falling free.

Her head lurched and lifted, but was still twisted too the side in an unnatural way.

Her eyes rolled around, starting to become white and milky, blood dripped from her lolling mouth. An unearthly moan escaped her lips, and she stared shuffling slowly toward Sweet Dream and Honey Crisp. Dead, sightless eyes kept locked onto the pair.

…

Corona groaned and tried too move. She found her hooves bound by black ropes. No, not ropes, wires.

She looked around frantically and spotted the dark form. “Who are you? Are you with the Cult?”

“Shh. You'll ruin the show.” A somewhat familiar voice spoke from within the shadows of the hood.

“I know that voice... V-Vinyl Scratch?”

“Guilty.” She finished attaching some wires together and turned to face the Princess. “Now, go ahead and use your magic to escape.”

Corona glared at Vinyl. “What did you do?”

“I may have wired your horn to those wires and some magical crystals. If you try to use your magic, you may just really hurt yourself as raw magic courses through the wires. I wonder how your flesh would smell as it burns.” She cackled and started dragging the Princess toward the closed window.

Corona could see it was open a crack. That must have been how this mare had gotten into the throne room. “Please, Vinyl, don't do this. I've had you at all my birthday parties. I love your music.”

The mare twitched oddly. “P-Princess... help me. I can't control myself.”

The Princess gasped. “No... But what can I do?”

“Ring, neck...” She said before twitched oddly again. “Silence!” Her voice changed too a deeper tone. “You are nothing more than a sacrifice. We'll slowly carve your heart out and use you to bring back out King.”

The voice was off, almost masculine.

Corona knew this was going to hurt, a lot. Her magic flared, flames wrapping around her body, burning away at the wires as the magic lashed back around her. The raw magic surged through tiny crystals and around the filly. She felt her skin burn. She could smell it.

Vinyl was thrown off balance, but managed to spin around to watch the now flaming pony stand up.

“You burned away the wires. Impressive.” The white Unicorn cackled. “But not good enough.” Her magic flashed and slammed into Corona, throwing her off her small hooves.

Spreading her wings, Corona managed to regain control of herself. She countered with a series of spells, not meant to harm, but to disable.

The Unicorn weaved through the spells toward the Princess and jumped into the air, slamming her forehooves into the smaller form's chest.

Being still wrapped in flames, Corona watched in horror as the musician's forehooves were burned away too the bone in an instant.

Vinyl collapsed too the floor, screaming and wreathing in agony.

Corona landed and rushed over. “Oh no... what have I done?” She looked down at the crying pony and noticed the strange ring around her neck.

She watched as the ring flickered and started glowing. The mare's pained look remained, but against all odds, she rose to stand on her horribly burned hooves. “That was not a nice thing too do.” A flash of her magic and Corona felt magic wrap around her horn and throat, lifting her painfully off the ground.

The mare started floating Corona toward the window again. “Try anything again, and I'll break your horn right off.”

Corona's eyes were wide with fear.

…

The foals kept moving around the room to keep away from the moving corpse.

“Don't let it bite you.” Star cried out. “Or you'll become a zompony too.”

“Starry, that's silly. Ya won't become a... whatever it is ya said if she bites ya.” Honey countered, and noticed that Octavia only seemed interested in going after Sweet Dream. “She only after Dreamy. We gotta to protect him.”

Dream shook his head. “Pin her down. I think I can save her.” He felt sick to his stomach. Octavia was a renown musician, even among the common pony. He didn't want to see her dead, not like this.

Elusive nodded and used the blankets to entangle the mare again, once again pinning her down.

Flicker, Wish and Honey jumped on top of her, the smell of fresh blood filling their nostrils.

Dream lowered his horn and lit it up, the light and magic flowing over and through Octavia's trapped form. There was a sickening few snaps and cracks as her neck straitened, her eyes cleared up and slowly slid shut.

The Unicorn continued to pour his healing magic into the body, and nearly jumped out of his skin when the mare's eyes snapped open and a scream escaped her throat.

The trio of ponies that were holding her down scrambled back, frightened by the sudden scream.

Octavia's chest was heaving as she gulped down air, gasping for breath. “I... What happened?” She finally managed to calm down. “Oh Celestia... there was so much pain... I... I can't remember after the ring was broken, only pain...” She curled into a ball and cried.

…

“Holy crap...” Tatsu's eyes were wide. “They... By the Tyrant King... They brought that mare... back too life...”

“Impossible. Magic to restore life cannot exist. We know all magic there is.”

“Sweet Dream... Amazing. He used his 'healing' and repaired her broken neck, then forced her body to start working again. He did it before any brain damage could occur.” Tatsu looked at Pierce. “We have to catch him, no matter what the Price.”

“We can always go with the backup plan.”

“Are you fucking insane?”

Pierce answered with a maniacal grin that held no sanity whatsoever.

…

Corona watched the window come closer. She locked her eyes onto the ring around Vinyl's neck. It was a horrible risk. She didn't know if this mare had the magical strength to actually break her horn, but she had to risk it.

Her magic suddenly flared around her horn, causing Vinyl's spell to break. She fell too the floor, landing on her hooves. Her magic reached out and wrapped around the mare's neck, and concentrated on the ring. The magic surged and shattered the ring, but also protected the mare from the shrapnel.

Vinyl screamed and collapsed, cradling her now useless hooves too her chest, crying in pain.

Corona was not sure what too do for a moment. “Wait... Sweet Dream. He can heal her, I'm sure of it...”

She rushed too the throne room doors and pushed against them to open them. A horrible jolt of electricity ripped through her and threw her back, sliding almost all the way back too the throne.

Corona twitched uncontrollably as the current coursed through her body for a few more moments, then passed out.

…

Luna walked through the halls of Canterlot Palace. As beautiful as this place was, it was a little too bright for her tastes. She would have preferred there be some lovely obsidian or black marble here and there.

But it had been Celestia who had designed and built this city alongside their little ponies. She rounded the corner and came within view of the throne room.

Instantly she noticed something was wrong. The Pair of Royal Guards who always stood guard were not present. That, and the doors were closed, and seemed to be smoking slightly.

She transformed into a field of starlight on a black field and seeped into the room. Instantly she felt the magical charge in the door, but her form was uneffected .

Once inside, she could see through the darkness, and spotted a total of four forms.

The pair of Unicorn Guards corpses lay in the corner, slightly hidden from view. There was also a fallen, cloaked figure, curled into a ball and crying. The smell of burned hair and flesh filled the room, and wisps of smoke rose from the pony.

And then she saw the small form of her niece, laying unconscious on the floor.

“What has happened here?” She gasped. Her horn flared, lighting all the lamps in the chamber, then she sent out magical flares and activated the alarm.

It took under a minute for the royal guard too arrive outside the throne room and disarm the spell that was placed on it. They rushed in and quickly assessed the situation.

Two Royal Guard, dead. Princess Corona, injured. Princess Luna standing protectively over her. A currently unidentified pony laying on the floor, looking burned, and wearing a rather evil looking cloak.

“Arrest that pony.” Shining Armor commanded and pointed at Vinyl Scratch. “Princess Luna, what happened here?”

“I am unsure. It would seem this pony, I do recognize her, had attacked the young Princess.”

Shining Armor frowned. “Is the Princess going to be alright?” He took note of the burns on her body. Electrical burns.

“I will take care of her. For now, send guards to check on the other five Elements of Harmony.”

“Yes Princess.”

“And send messenger to alert my sister. It would be wise that she know what is going on.”

“Yes Princess.” Shining Armor bowed and got to work.

…

Octavia accepted a glass of water and gulped it down greedily. “Th-thank you.” She hung her head. “I'm so sorry I attacked you. We were attacked by two ponies. They were so strong with their magic. Even Vinyl...” Her eyes went wide. “Oh Celestia... They got Vinyl as well. We have too...”

The door flew open with a loud boom and six royal guard burst into the room.

“Seize her.” The command came from Shining Armor as he entered the room. “You have a lot to answer for, Octavia Baseheart.”

“I...” Octavia didn't even try to put up a fight. “I will come peacefully... Have you found Vinyl Scratch? She was with me in here. I think she went to set up a trap in the throne room.”

“A trap?” Armor felt his internal warning bells going off. “I believe you for some reason...” He looked at his subordinates. “Be gentle with her. I think she was enchanted to act against her will.”

“Yes Captain.”

Shining Armor teleported into the throne room and saw three ponies standing there.

Two he knew very well. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. The third pony was ensconced in a black, wreathing cloak, but his burned legs and hooves could be seen.

“Who are you?” He stepped forward and froze. He had just stepped into a magic circle on the floor and was suddenly struck by electricity. He screamed and collapsed onto his side, magical chains wrapping around him.

The dark pony laughed. “Shining Armor. An honor to meet the brother of the former Element of Magic.” He walked past the oddly still forms of the Princesses and towered over the fallen Captain. “How did it feel to learn of your little sister's death? I bet it hurt, didn't it?” He snarled and snorted. “You deserve worse than what you are going to get, what you are about too see. You took Princess Cadence away from me. I was going to marry her, did you know that? But no, you, being in the Royal Guard, being the big brother of that annoying pest Twilight Sparkle.”

“P... Pokey Pierce?” Shining gasped, unable to move or even use his magic.

“Yes, Pokey Pierce.” He threw back his hood, revealing his horribly burned face. “Ain't I just the vision of beauty?” He laughed.

“What happened too you? Are you in the Cult of the Tyrant King?”

“In it?” Pierce laughed. “In it? I helped create it so many thousands of years ago, before Equestria was even created, when the three nations of ponies were at each others throats. When all three races of ponies were united under the rule of our glorious King. But no, he had to be assassinated. The three races broke apart and feuded with each other for so long before they finally found and created Equestria.”

Pierced pushed his burned hoof down on Shining's head. “And in all this time, when your two little Necromancer Princesses stole our secrets and transformed themselves, using that magic and the Elements of Harmony to become immortal Alicorn. They defeated our minion, Discord. They became the rulers of Equestria and created this false nation.”

Hate dripped off Pierce's tongue as he continued. “And you know what?” He kicked Shining in the ribs. “We finally have had enough. These two little fakers are going too fall, here and now. Soon the Tyrant King will be restored.”

Pierce spun around and walked back onto the raised throne dais. “Celestia, Luna. I can't say it's been a pleasure.” From within his cloak he produced a pair of objects.

Shining could not see what they were, but what they did made his stomach tighten.

The Princesses, somehow trapped and frozen in some powerful spell, were helpless as they were sucked into the artifacts.

“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are dead. Long live the Tyrant King.” Pierce burst out laughing before vanishing in a flash of light.

…

To Be Continued...

AN: Tatsujin Ningyou translates as Puppet Master.

Chapter 9

Author: Annonymouse
Editor: Me, Myself and Annonymouse...
MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fan-fiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.
...
A/N: No comments on spelling or grammar please. See my profile for details.
...
This is the sequel to fLuTtEr.
...

CoRoNa
09

...

“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are dead. Long live the Tyrant King.” Pierce burst out laughing before vanishing in a flash of light.

Shining Armor's face fell. He had... failed?

His sworn royal duty to protect Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

Failed.

The throne room grew a little darker as the moon's light dimmed, and the stars seemed to loose their beautiful twinkle, becoming little more than tiny white lights in the night sky.

“HAHAHAHAHA!!!” Pierce laughed maniacally. “So easy to defeat the so called rulers of Equestria. Soon our Lord, the Tyrant King will be reborn and all of Equestria will be ours.” HE walked forward, up too Shining Armor. “Don't worry, I'm sure your new king will let you keep your jobs.”

“No...” Shining lifted his head, glaring balefully at Pierce. “I will never stop until you and your sick cult are destroyed and the Princesses are restored to their throne.”

“You cannot bring back the dead.” Pierce's face only inches from the trapped Captain of the Unicorn Guard. “How about I let you see your Princesses again?”

Shining strained, but the magic that had him trapped, unable to use his own magic was too strong. “I will defeat you and...” He suddenly froze and gasped. He looked down and felt his blood run cold as it poured from a wound in his chest, a thin, cruel looking dagger sliding free, gripped in Pierce's black magic.

“You're a liability Captain. If you won't bow down, then you will die like all the others who don't bow down.” He stabbed Shining again... and again.

Shining cried out in agony as he was stabbed over and over. Then everything started fading. He stood on his hooves, even as his life left him...

…

The door to the throne room was finally forced open by no less than eight Unicorns. They stormed in and saw only a single pony standing in the center of the chamber.

“Captain?” His most trusted second in command rushed forward, but then stopped dead in his tracks. He could see the large pool of red at his Captain's hooves, spreading out and reflecting the dim light of the full moon.

He approached, the other guards entering the room and looking around, but all eyes fell on the Captain, and watched as Star Breaker removed his helmet, a look of sadness mixed with anger on his face. His short blond and red mane falling loose.

“Commander?” Lieutenant Cinder stepped forward.

“Captain Shining Armor... is dead.” He looked at the Royal Guard, even as a dozen more poured into the room, all looking confused. “Attention. All Royal Guard. Captain Shining Armor had been... murdered. Search the castle and the grounds for the murderer. You three.” He pointed at three guards, one Unicorn and two Pegasus. “You will come with me. We must find the Princesses. Dismissed.”

All the Royal Guard saluted and rushed from the chamber, minus the four. “Lieutenant Cindre... Get the field medics here... Let them tend to the Captain.” Commander Star Breaker donned his helmet. “You two, let us find the culprit.”

…

In the jail, deep below the Guard's headquarters, two mares sat in separate cells, across the hall from each other so they could at least see the other.

“Tavi...” Vinyl sat up suddenly as she woke up and looked around. She winced in pain as she felt her forelegs. She looked down and saw something horrible.

From the knee down... was gone.

“Vin? Oh Vin... I-I'm so sorry. Your legs... Are-are you going to be alright?”

The white Unicorn lay back on the bed, trying to fight back the tears of the pain. The loss of her legs. “What do you think.” She whimpered bitterly. “I-I'm never going to be able to even walk again, and like Tartarus if I'm getting those ugly fake legs.” She looked around her cell. “We did something horrible. I-I can remember all of it.” She whimpered some more. “This sucks.”

“Please don't be like that.” Octavia hung her head. She wished there was something she could do for her friend, as much as the Unicorn drove her crazy sometimes, and even to drink a few of those times. “We didn't do anything wrong. It was whoever controled us.”

“That's just it. We didn't do anything to stop whoever they were. We pretty much LET them turn us into tools. I feel like a total tool right now myself.” She closed her eyes and concentrated. She felt her magic, but then felt it blocked. “Great, I can't even use my magic.”

“The Guard placed a ring on your horn.” Octavia said. “Is that what's blocking your magic?”

“Great...” Vinyl scowled. “I loose my legs to the little Princess, then I get thrown in jail and...”

“I got killed.” Tavi said flatly. “I FELT my neck break... But somehow I was healed. Whoever did that can certainly heal your legs, right?”

Vinyl nodded her head slowly. “I guess.” She said just as slowly. “Till then, I guess I won't be doing anything... And great, I have to go to the bathroom.”

“There's a bucket in the corner.” Tavi pointed out and turned around.

“Oh ha ha. So funny.” She sounded bitter, and she had reason to be. “I can't even walk. My forelegs hurt way too much to try to crawl over.”

“...” Tavi sighed. “How about I get you some help.”

“Oh yea, fun. Being carried by a Royal guard, who are all stallions I may point out, just so I can use a bucket. I don't have magic, no forehooves. How do you expect me to even clean myself?”

Tavi blushed. “I-uh-I... I didn't even thing of that.”

Just then, the sound of a door opening caught their attention. Stepping into view was a Unicorn, wearing no armor. Rather, he was wearing a black cloak. “Hello puppets.” He grinned, his eyes glowing blood red...

…

“Princess?” Honey Crisp was resting at the foot of the large bed they were all sharing.

“Yes Honey?” Princess Corona Twilight lifted her head.

“Ah'm scared.” The half blood Zebra looked at Corona. “Ah'm worried about mah family.”

“They'll be fine.” Elusive, laying next to Corona, replied. “Whoever attacked was after us, not our families.” He looked at Sweet Dreams, who looked to be sleeping. No wonder, he had actually brought a dead pony back to life after all. The amount of magic that must have required. “They were after us.”

“What if they try again?” Corona asked. After what had happened, she had been brought back to the room, seeing as it would be easier for the Royal Guard to protect them.

Suddenly Corona gasped, clutching her chest. She let out a sudden sobbing cry and looked out the window.

The bright full moon suddenly went dim, looking like a simple gray sphere floating in the night sky. The Princess then fell limp, her eyes still open, but she was no longer conscious.

Wish Star scrambled to the door and threw it open. “Something's happened too the Princess. You have to help her.”

The two guards rushed into the room. They checked the Princess over before one levitated her. “I'm bringing her to the infirmary. The rest of you stay here with Lieutenant Twister. The Unicorn left the room quickly, baring his precious cargo.

The Pegasus guard frowned. “What happened?”

Elusive looked outside. “The moon... Corona suddenly cried out and then the moon went dim.” His eyes went wide. “Princess Luna... Where is she?”

“I don't know.” Twister frowned. “I can't leave you alone here.” He frowned. “I'll just be outside, in case you need anything.”

“Thank you.” Elusive sighed and crawled back onto the bed. He felt alone, and scared, but he had to remain strong, didn't he? He looked at all his friends, the reincarnations of the Elements of Harmony. “We all have to believe. We have to be strong.”

“But how?” Flicker Bolt spoke up. “We're just foals. I mean, come on. We're no older than ten years old. Heck, I don't even have my wings, the one thing that made me a real Pegasus.”

Wish Star opened his eyes and nuzzled Flicker. “I'm sorry for what Blood Rain did to you. All of you. I... I grew up around them. He rested a wing over Flicker's back and she sighed, relaxing.

They all looked out the window, at the dull moon.

“What is happening...” Elusive frowned.

…

Tatsujin Ningyou grinned as Pokey Pierce emerged from a shadow, with a pair of mares in tow.

“Hey Tatsu, look what I found locked up in the dungeon. Your playthings.” He smirked, his magic wrapped firmly around the mares. “I bet you can have some real fun with them when we get back to base.”

Tatsu grinned a a sick and twisted grin. “Oh yes. It's been far too long since I was allowed to practice my art to its full ability. Do you think High Priestess Blood Rain will allow me my... pleasure?”

“Ask her yourself. Let's go.” His shadowy cloak wrapped around the four, then faded into the shadows.

…

Corona was standing in the throne room. She could see a tall, shadowy figure sitting on the throne, the dull gray moon hanging in the sky behind the form.

“Mother?” Corona stepped forward.

“Mother is here.” A haunting, chilling voice echoed through the chamber, despite it being only a whisper. “Only...” The form spread a pair of demonic wings, four eyes, two on each side of the head, started flowing a sickly yellow-green color.

Corona stepped back, but then bumped into something. “She is not alive anymore.” The hollow laugh that assailed Corona's ears was too much.

“Leave my Mistress...” Another cold voice came from the shadows. Corona felt the air on the room go cold, so cold she could see her breath. But the voice, oddly it made her feel warm, comforted.

Her shadow spread forward and out. Rising from it was a tall, impossibly skinny pony, with horn and wings. “Mistress, do not look behind you. It may be but a nightmare, but you do not want to see it.”

“Who... Who are you?” The larger shadowy form whispered.

“I am the silence of the grave itself.” A scythe of shadows formed. “I will protect my Mistress from you. You will not take her dreams and corrupt her.”

“Silence... Grave?” Corona gasped. “You... You were... destroyed...”

“No. Never destroyed. You created me, my Mistress, and as long as you live, I will be there for you. You must regain your memories, your true powers. If you cannot, then all will be lost.”

“But... I'm just a foal. I may have been Twilight Sparkle, but I'm not her anymore. I am...”

“Princess Corona Twilight. First heir to the Throne of Equestria.” Silence cut her off. “I am your dream guardian.” He turned his head, revealing no face, just the skull of a pony, a bright violet, flickering flame coming from within his otherwise empty eye sockets.

“How...”

“I have been with you since the day you were born. You have never needed my protection, till now.” He turned to face the monster on the royal throne. “In this place, I am absolute Master. Begone.” He commanded the darkness.

It only chuckled. “Come now, I did not come here to fight. I merely came to see the Princess, and to pass along this message from my own Mistress. Your time will come, and the darkness within will consume all in its path.” The form chuckled, then faded away.

Corona shivered, then felt the thing behind her with her tail. She started to turn again.

“Mistress, do not look. If you do, then that monster wins.” He turned, his emotionless face looking down at her small form. “Come now, time to leave this place.” He lowered his head, touching the tip of his horn to hers.

…

Corona screamed as she woke up. She looked around, frantically. She then calmed down as she realized she was in the royal hospital.

“Princess?” A doctor entered the room. “How are you feeling?”

“S-scared. Where in Mother? Where is Aunty Luna?”

The Doctor shrugged. “The guard who brought you in didn't tell me anything. He returned to protect your friends after two more guards arrived to guard you.” He gestured to the door, where Corona could see the pair of guards standing at attention, but looking wary and nervous.

“Guards.” Corona called them in. “Come in here.”

“Yes Princess.” The pair of Pegasai stepped in. “What do you wish of us?” One asked.

“Where is Mother? Where is Aunty Luna?”

“We... do not know.” The other replied. “The Commander is looking for them right now.” He looked nervous.

“Have you seen the moon?” Corona asked.

“Yes, we have Princess.”

“Mother and Aunty Luna would never let the moon loose its shine. Please, tell me the truth.”

“They are missing.” The guard looked really uncomfortable, but still did his best to remain at attention.

Corona swallowed a sob. She had to be strong. She could not let her fears, her sadness, her anger, get the better of her. “Doctor, I'm feeling fine... I must speak with Captain Shining Armor.”

This time, it was the Doctor who looked uncomfortable. “That... isn't possible...”

“What?” Corona eyed the stallion. “Why not? Tell me.”

“He... He is dead.”

Corona's eyes went to pin pricks, even as they widened in shock. “Sh-Shiny? No... Not him too...” She felt she wanted to cry, but she couldn't. In her mind, more memories came back in a torrent.

Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle. Brother and sister.

She could not believe this. Shiny, her favorite among the royal guard... He had been her sister in her past life.

Still, no tears fell. She felt more memories come back. Dark memories.

Memories of dark magic, a place dark and foreboding. A place of death and knowledge.

“I... I can save Shining Armor. Please, put him in magical stasis.” Corona jumped from the bed and rushed through the castle toward her destination. The one place she knew where he magic to save her former brother might exist.

The filly ran through the halls till she reached the ancient doors.

The guard paled. “These... These are...”

“The Forsaken Halls.” Corona sighed. She closed her eyes, and recalled the magic she would need to open the great doors. “You wait outside and keep guard.”

“Princess, the last pony who went in there... I heard she died.”

Corona frowned a little. “She did not die from what she learned beyond those doors, but from an ancient evil that destroyed Ponyville. Now, I know what I have to find.” Her horn started glowing, brighter and brighter.

But the doors refused to budge.

Corona blinked. “But... I used the spell to open the doors. I remember the spell from when Mother opened the door the last time.”

The guard raised an eye. “Beg your pardon Princess... But I think the last time these doors were opened was before you were even born.”

Corona blinked. Had she just gotten some of Twilight Sparkle's memories mixed up with her own? She shook her head and tried the spell again, but to no avail.

The doors simply refused to budge.

“Princess? I believe your mother changed the spell to open the doors after the last time.”

Corona sighed and dropped her magic. “Mother... Where are you?” She looked up at the guard. “I-I can't save Shiny...” She fought back the tears, She HAD to be strong.

As she started to leave the ancient doors behind, she heard the alarm spell blare. “What's going on?”

“That's the jail alarm.” The guard scowled. “Did somepony break out of there? I thought the only prisoners were those two mares.”

Corona paled. “Why would they break out if they're innocent victims of some mind control spell?”

“Maybe they were not so innocent as they pretended to be.” The Guard wanted to rush off to help, but he had to protect Corona. “Let's get you back to your room.”

Corona sighed. “Very well...”

…

“Corona!” Elusive jumped off the bed and approached his best friend. “Corona?” He noticed she was crying. “What's wrong?”

“Shiny... Shining Armor... He's dead...”

“Shining....” Memories of changelings, of a wedding, of fear and joy flooded back into his mind. “Your... I mean Twilight Sparkle's older brother?”

Corona nodded weakly. “My older brother...” She didn't even think to correct herself. “He 'hick' he was... he was stabbed to death. Trapped by a spell that didn't let him move or use magic... I-I want mommy.” She started bawling.

Elusive nuzzled Corona's cheek and guided her too the bed. He gently levitated her up into bed and crawled up next to her.

The other four joined the pair, cuddling around their Princess, comforting her just with their presence. Corona cried herself to sleep.

…

Corona cracked her eyes open. The room was dim, not bright and beautiful. Small crystals that decorated the room shed the only light available.

“Mommy?” She whimpered. It was odd, she felt so tired, but she always woke up before the sun rose. She lifted her head and smiled at the sight of her friends, new and old, cuddled around her, protecting her.

The filly looked out the window, at the still dark sky.

This wasn't right.

The moon was still in the same place as before.

Had she just nodded for a few minutes? No, the clock on her wall showed it was six in the morning.

Then where was the light of the sun along the horizon? Why had the moon not moved?

Then she remembered. Hearing about the Princesses being missing. The only pony who knew what may have happened... dead.

Murdered.

Her big brother. No, Twilight Sparkle's big brother. But had she not been Sparkle?

“Princess?” Elusive spike softly. “Corona? Are you alright?”

“Elusive? Where is the sun? Mother should be bringing up the sun now... Where is Mother?” She felt panic starting to well up in her chest.

“Shh.” He cooed softly. “The Royal Guard will find her... I hope.” Truth was, Elusive was terrified as well. Never in his life had he been this scared, but he had to be strong for the Princess. For his dear friend.

Honey Crisp, Sweet Dreams, Flicker Bolt and Wish Star were also frightened, but they did their best to hide it.

Dream nuzzled Corona. “Princess, we have to have faith in the Guard, in the Princesses. Everything will be fixed before you know it.” He hoped he was right.

There came a knock at the door, and Commander Star Breaker entered the room. “Princess. We... We found out what became the Princesses... They...” He choked up. “I'm so sorry Your Royal Highness. They are dead.”

The six foals stared in shock and horror.

“No... Mommy?” Corona felt her tears pour again. “She... she can't be dead. She's immortal. Aunty Luna is immortal... What are we going to do?”

“Your Highness, you are now the sole ruler of Equestria. What do you ant us to do?”

A flicker of insight came to her and she wiped away her tears. “We find and crush the ones responsible for this act.” Her tone was shaky. “And I know how to find them... to lure them out.”

Eclipse did NOT like the sounds of that. “Corona? What are you thinking?”

“Bait.”

“Ah HECK no.” Honey jumped off the bed. “Then cultists are bad news. Ah ain't lettin' them get near me again.”

“I have to agree with Honey Crisp.” Sweet Dream hung his head. “I-I'm sorry Princess.”

“I don't want to go back.” Wish Star whimpered. “And I know Flicker doesn't either.”

“You got that right. They took my wings before. What would they take from me if they got me again? My legs? My eyes? My life?” That last part was a frightened whisper.

“Corona, I don't think that's...” Elusive started to speak, but was cut off by Corona.

“I'll be the bait.”

Breaker scowled. “I cannot allow that Highness. If you should fall into the hooves of the Cult, then there would be nopony left.”

“Then Prince Gallant Blueblood will become the ruler. He's next in line, and if he falls, Princess Mi Amor Cadenza will become ruler. There are many who have royal blood running through their veins.” Corona replied sternly. “Equestria will never be without a ruler.”

“But you are the LAST one of pure Alicorn blood. Even Princess Mi Amor Cadenza is not pure blood.” The guard tried to argue.

“My mind is made up. I will be the bait to lure them out, or we will let the cult think that I'm vulnerable.” Corona's mind was coming up with a plan. “A trap, with a fake, an illusion that will seem so real, in a position just perfect for the Cult to go after. Then the trap will be sprung and the cult will fall.”

Breaker blinked. “That might work.”

“I know it will.” She gave a very Twilight Sparkle grin, knowing her plan will succeed. “They won't know what hit them. Commander, no, Captain Star Breaker, call the other Captains and Commanders into a war meeting. Select a new Commander for yourself.” Corona then smiled at her friends. “And the six of us will be safe, here in Canterlot.”

The newly appointed Captain nodded. “Yes Highness. We will meet immediately.”

…

The long unused War Council Chambers had been locked from within. Over two dozen of the Guard surrounding the chambers, making sure nothing could get close.

Five foals were left in the living chambers of Princess Corona Twilight, one of the safest places in all of Canterlot.

“Ah just dun like it.” Honey frowned. “It makes no sense.”

“But what can we do?” Sweet Dreams asked. “We're not royalty. We're just foals.”

“Yes, we are.” Wish Star smirked. “But trust our Princess. She'll make this idea work.”

…

To Be Continued...

...

A/N Now, I KNOW some of my readers asked me to NOT be so brutal in Corona as I was in Flutter, but this is the story I have made. It's dark and cruel, especially since it is happening to foals.

And yes, it gets darker, sometimes so cruel that I know I might loose some readers, but this is a creative outlet for my dark side after all. I do have other, cute stories and even clopfics you can look over if the violence in CoRoNa is too much for you. Either way, I hope you enjoy something I've written.

Comments always appreciated ^_^

Chapter 2

CoRoNa
02

...

Five years have passed since chapter one.

...

“Elusive dear?” Trixie called out from the kitchen of their apartment home in Canterlot. “Are you not up yet?”

Elusive emerged from his bedroom, his mane and tail a mess. “Sorry Mother. I didn't sleep well.”

“Do I need to get you a new bed?” Trixie asked.

“What? No. We can't afford that.” The colt sat down and levitated a brush from a drawer. “My schooling is expensive enough.”

“Nonsense.” Trixie struck a pose, one hoof raised as she looked over her shoulder. “Had I not been given lenience from the Princess, I'm certain I wouldn't have been able to afford even a years tuition.” She turned and levitated a small breakfast onto he table. “Eat up. I'll comb your mane.”

Elusive nodded and nibbled while his mother fretted over his luxurious mane and tail. He was always glad that she could somehow comb out bedhead without pulling on any knots.

“So why didn't you sleep well?”

Elusive washed his last bite of the meager breakfast down with some water. “I don't know. It was strange. I saw a pony I'd never seen before. Her coat was lavender, but that's not all.” He looked his mother in the eye. “She had the same cutie mark as Corona.”

“That's Princess Corona to you. We're just commoners attending the school, so remember your place.”

“Mother, please. Corona and I are friends.” He stood and turned. “Anyways, this lavender unicorn, her hair and cutie mark were the same as Corona's. Well, her hair style at least.”

Trixie had not seen the young Princess in at least three years, but her son saw her nearly every day. She didn't really know what the Princess looked like now. Still. the two were very good friends, even though they were from very different social rankings. This was one thing that bothered the white maned mare to no end. She knew her son shouldn't be getting so close to the Princess, especially in the next few years.

“That's not all. I dreamed her name too. Twilight Sparkle.”

Trixie dropped the brush. “How can you know that name? Oh, the Princess told you, right?”

“No. Actually she's never said that name before. We've been friends for five years now, but she never talks about herself, or her family. She's proud and loves her mother, aunt and cousin very much. She just doesn't talk about them so her paparazzi doesn't take what she says and warps it into something it's not.”

“And that's another reason I feel you shouldn't be so close to her. That paparazzi could make her out to be some... Oh I don't know. Still, we're on the lowest rung of common ponies in Canterlot. My job isn't doing so well anymore. Oh... I may have to travel to make money again, but I can't leave you on your own.”

“Mother, I know how you've been wanting to go out on the road again. I can cook, I can keep the place clean. You don't have to worry.”

“What about rent? Bills? I might not be able to send you money every month. Who knows how long I might have to be gone before I can make enough money.”

“Mother, you worry too much.” Elusive hugged her. “I have to be off to school. We can talk more later. Take care.” He then vanished in a soft blue flash.

Trixie frowned. “Oh Elusive... You're just going to cause problems for the Princesses... Maybe it's time I pulled him from school and took over his magic education.”

...

Elusive arrived at the teleport platform and stepped off. He had, as always, been right on time. He glanced around and spotted Corona walked up the path. Her simple, yet elegant dress matched her pure white coat, with just a few splashes of flame orange embroidery, and a single ruby clip on her throat.

“Wow. What's the occasion?” Elusive asked. “That dress is amazing.”

“Oh, this?” Corona smiled. “Mother made it for me. Isn't it beautiful?”

“It suits you so well, though...” He leaned forward a little end scrutinized the dress. “There's a few stitches out of place, and the shape of the gem just isn't you. I could probably fix it up if you like.”

Corona blinked. “What do you mean? I thought it was perfect. And since when did you know about sewing?”

Elusive blinked and leaned back. “I... I don't know. I just...” He sighed. “I've been having dreams where I'm a dress designer.” He blushed.

Corona stared at her friend. “Really? Maybe that's your special talent. Sewing dresses.”

Elusive glanced at his still blank flank. “I don't know about that. I mean... They're just dreams... right?”

Corona frowned slightly. “Well... I dreamed about my own cutie mark.” She looked up at Elusive. “Can you keep a secret?”

“Of course. You know I can.”

“Let's go someplace where we won't be overheard.”

...

The pair had managed to dodge three of the Princess's 'stalkers' and made their way into a sealed spell training chamber.

“What did you want to tell me?” Elusive asked after closing and sealing the chamber door. He knew no sound could penetrate these walls.

“Well, it's about some dreams I've been having. I dreamed of a lavender coated unicorn. My mane style matches hers and...”

“So does your cutie mark, only rather than pink and white, yours is orange and gold.” Elusive finished off, his eyes wide.

“Ho-how could you know that? I've only ever told Mother and Aunt Luna about my dreams.” Corona stared at Elusive. “Have you been somehow spying on us?”

”What? Never.” Elusive replied defensively. “I've only been in the castle three times in my life. You were there with me each time.”

“Then how could you know about...”

“Twilight Sparkle.”

Corona's jaw nearly hit the floor. “Impossible... How do you know that name?”

“I dreamed of her, and a white Unicorn named Rarity.”

Corona paced back and forth, her golden shod hooves making virtually no sound on the granite floors. “I've dreamed about Rarity too. I mean... You look kinda like her, but you're not a mare. Your mane color and style are all wrong.”

“I'd never curl my mane and tail like that.” Elusive shuddered.

“But you have the exact same eyes as she did.”

They stared at each other for a moment.

Elusive took his turn pacing now. “I don't understand. How can we be sharing dreams? Well, not sharing, because I think I've been seeing things from Rarity's point of view...”

“And I've been dreaming from Twilight's point of view.” Corona frowned. “My last name is Twilight... Could there be some connection?”

“I don't know. I should write my father. Maybe he might know. He used to live in Ponyville, but he never speaks of it.” Elusive frowned. “But then... He doesn't want anything to do with me.”

Corona knew about Elusive's past. His mother and father had met, both feeling down and consoled each other. They ended up in bed and Elusive was conceived. He had left her shortly after, saying he had family and couldn't be with her.

“What was your father's name again?”

“Magnum Stargem.”

The Princess paled. “Rarity's last name was...”

Elusive gasped. “Stargem... Oh Celestia... Could Rarity have been my father's real wife?”

“I can look it up for you. I'm sure I can get into the census records without any difficulty. If you like that is.”

Elusive shrugged. “I don't know. Mother might not take kindly to me asking you to abuse your powers for...”

“For my friend? Elusive, how long have we been friends? Five years. That's how long. I wouldn't be a very good friend if I didn't try to help my friends out.”

“Are you sure?” Elusive asked. “I mean...”

Corona grinned. “The sooner we can piece this puzzle together, the sooner we can figure out why we're kinda sharing dreams.”

Elusive nodded. “I understand. Thank you Corona.”

“You're welcome.” The Princess glanced toward the door. “Are you sure that door is soundproof?”

“Yes. The enchantments keep any and all sound from passing through, even if somepony tries to use listening devices and magic.”

Corona smirked and used her magic to yank open the door, revealing three of her paparazzi. “Can't we practice for our magic tests in private?” A ball of fire appearing over her head, and growing larger.

Elusive grinned, his magic forming multiple spears of ice, or maybe even diamond.

“The public has the right to know what you do Princess. And remember, threatening a member of the media is punishable by law.” The Pegasus replied, unphased by the display.

“Oh, I'm not going to threaten you at all.” Corona's eyes narrowed.

“Then tell us what you were doing in here?” The Pegasus demanded. “The public has the right to know.”

“Sneaking kisses I bet.” The Unicorn with a camera grinned. He snapped a few photos of the pair. “This will surely be front page material.”

“Why would we be kissing?” Elusive asked. “Can't you see the magic we're maintaining?” A few more ice spears appeared.

Above Corona, a trio of hardball sized spheres of condensed flame orbited her head. “They're desperate. None of them have published anything in weeks.” She opened her mouth and inhaled all three fireballs, swallowing them one at a time.

Being immune to fire was certainly a blessing.

Elusive simply evaporated his six ice spears.

The third Paparazzi started writing on a notepad, a grin on his face. He was about to bolt when the pad was yanked from his grip.

Corona read it over. “Princess and personal servant practicing combat magic? Please. Those were just illusions.” She summoned up anther sphere and tossed it at Elusive, who was hit, but unharmed. “It's like a game of dodge ball, only flashier.”

“I'm certain the photos will speak for themselves.” The Unicorn with the camera grinned and bolted.

“Fine.” Corona shrugged. “But remember this. If anything that is printed in the media is found false, and / or slanders anypony, then the journalist responsible will loose their license.”

Elusive nodded but didn't say anything.

The two Paparazzi glanced at each other, then toward their companion who was running away.

“Don't just stand there.” The Pegasus swatted the Earth Pony with a wing. “Go get him.”

“Hold on for just one more moment.” Corona called out before the pair could give chase after their camera pony.

“If I remember correctly, only those who can use magic, that being Unicorns and Alicorns, are permitted on these school grounds. If those pictures are printed, that would be proof of your breaking the Princess's law. Even journalists require direct permission from Royalty or the Dean of the school himself. I know none of my family has granted such permission, and the Dean? He is a strong believer that how we Unicorns are taught magic doesn't need to be known outside these halls.” She smiled cutely. “Just reminding you of your limitations as journalists after all. You may leave how.”

Elusive watched the pair bolt after the Unicorn. He glanced at Corona. “You scare me sometimes.”

“Really? I didn't mean too.” She giggled.

“Well... Not really scary scare, but... you know.”

Corona laughed lightly. “Oh you. Come on, let's get to class.”

...

Three days had passed sense that incident in the spell training room. None of the photos appeared in any of the papers, which was a relief for the Princess. She knew Elusive would be equally relieved.

None of them even dared to follow her past the gates of the school either. Basically, between the castle and the school was the only time they ever got to follow her.

With Elusive living up to his name, teleporting from home to school and back, they couldn't even find where he lived. That made Corona feel relieved.

In the meantime, she had searched through the records and come up with an interesting, if not disturbing find.

Those findings were in her schoolbag, waiting to be shown to her close friend.

She approached the teleport platform and watched as Elusive appeared in a flash of soft blue light.

“Good morning Elusive.”

“Good morning Princess.” He bowed politely. “I'm sorry, but...” He looked away.

Corona froze. Elusive never called her Princess unless it was outside school, in public. “Elusive?”

“I have to get to class.” He bolted off, an odd look on his face. Was that... anger?

Corona watched him gallop around a corner and could only wonder what had happened? He had been his usual self just yesterday.

...

Elusive hated himself.

He had to distance himself from the Princess.

Those paparazzi bastards, it was all their fault. Somehow they had found where he lived and had been hounding him all day after school, making his private life miserable. He didn't want to bring any of those troubles down on the Princess.

(Why now of all times?) He thought as he walked into the classroom, alone for the first time sense he had started school. (Not only that... but Mother... Ending my schooling here at the end of this semester.) He wanted to scream, to yell and tell Mother that she was making a huge mistake.

It was the paparazzi's fault. Trixie had caught them peaking in the apartment windows and sneaking photos.

That Pegasus was lucky he was a fast flier, or his camera cutie mark would have been sporting a lightening burn.

He took his seat and ignored the stares from his classmates.

“Hey Elusive?” A filly walked over. “Where's the Princess?”

“I don't know. She's royalty. I'm not. It's improper for her to associate with a commoner like myself.” He shot the alabaster coated Unicorn a glare. “So if you don't mind?”

Pearl, another one of Corona's friends returned the glare. “So what if you're not nobility. You're talented with magic. None of us can levitate as many or as heavy objects as you can. You can teleport all the way from home and back. A trip like that would take almost any of us at least three ports.” She took her sat in front of Elusive and turned to face him. “Tell me what's wrong?”

He sighed. “Mother is pulling me from the school.”

“Why? You have special privilege from Princess Celestia to attend here.”

“Mother feels that it's best for me. This school is expensive and I'm of lowly common blood. Nobles such as yourself shouldn't even associate with a lowly worm like myself.”

“Ponyfeathers. You're almost as talented as Princess Corona. I'm sure you can earn a grant too...”

“No. If I keep hanging around Princess Corona, I'll just cause her grief.” He looked out the window.

Pearl ran a hoof through her ivory mane. “Come on now. Tell me why you could cause her grief? She considers you her very best friend of all.”

Elusive didn't turn away from the window, but glanced at Pearl. “I just will. Besides, I'm leaving at the end of this semester. That's two weeks from now.”

Pearl frowned. “Then why not spend as much time as you can with Princess Corona?”

“The paparazzi... They somehow found out where I live yesterday.”

“The Princess's stalkers?” She frowned. “Wow. They caused my family problems a few years back. Dad lost a lot of trade business at that time and it took him over a year to get the trust of his customers back. Maybe you should make a royal request...”

“No. I'll be leaving Canterlot, traveling with Mother as she teaches me magic.”

“But...”

“Enough.” Elusive rose from his seat. “I'm through here.” He headed toward the classroom door, just as Corona entered. “Princess.” He bowed, but didn't stop. In moments, he was gone.

Corona watched him leave. She wanted to chase after him.

“Go get him Princess.” Pearl rushed to her side. “He's leaving the school.”

“I'll see him tomorrow.”

“No, I think he's leaving for good. That paparazzi found out where he lives.”

Corona frowned. “They're after him now? For five years they couldn't find where he lived. How did they find him all of a sudden?” She left the class just before the teacher reached the door.

“Princess? Elusive?” He called out, but was ignored.

Pearl looked up at the Unicorn stallion. “I think it's personal troubles.”

Gideon frowned. “They've never skipped class before. It must be something important. I'm sure they will sort it all out.”

“I really hope so as well.”

...

Elusive was nearly at the teleport platform, the only place in the school where one could use teleporting magic.

Before he could step onto it, Corona landed in front of him, her wings wide and blocking his path.

“Elusive, please wait. Pearl told me about those paparazzi. I'm so sorry. Mother assured me that your address was not available for public knowledge.”

“Please, Princess... I have to leave. The sooner the better for you.”

“What about you? If you leave I'll loose my best friend.”

“You'll have Pearl and Oak Leaf and even Slipper Skip.”

“They're friends, but they're not close friends. They're nobles and they see me as Royalty. You see past that and...”

“I apologize for overstepping my commoner status Princess Corona. I... I'm doing this to protect my best friend from embarrassment.” He walked forward. “Please let me pass.”

“No.” Corona rose to her full height, which was still a couple inches shorter than Elusive. “If you want me to just be your Princess, then I'm giving you a royal order. Come with me to speak with Mother.”

“I can't do that. I...”

“Are you refusing your Princess's orders?” She looked angry, but inside, she was hurting. She hated herself for doing this.

“I understand, and I obey.” He bowed his head.

...

Corona rarely teleported anywhere, preferring the fresh air of her walks too and from school. Today was a special occasion, so they teleported right into the castle, appearing on the designated teleport platform.

Only three other times had Elusive been in the castle, and each time he had felt out of place.

None of the Guards bothered him, but they bowed to Princess Corona as she passed, as did any servants and nobles.

Elusive would bow his head whenever another would bow before the princess, but he would bow respectfully, knowing he was pretty much nothing compared to the nobles.

They finally reached the throne room.

Corona stopped Elusive. “Wait here for a moment please.” She nodded to the guards at the entryway. “Keep this Unicorn safe, and don't allow anypony to harass him.” She then entered the large chamber and stepped off to the side.

Princess Celestia was currently speaking with one of the many nobles of Canterlot, and knew better than to interrupt.

The Noble on the other hoof, spotted the Princess and bowed. “Your Highness. I can leave if it's important.”

Corona shook her head lightly. “While my matter is important, so is yours.” She smiled at her mother, who smiled in return.

Celestia turned to the noble pony. “It is alright Swift Hoof. Thank you for visiting.”

“Of course Your Highness. Until next time.” he bowed to Celestia, and again to Corona before taking his leave.

“Shouldn't you be in school?” Celestia asked her daughter.

“Yes, but something very important has come up. The media paparazzi has somehow gotten past the protection you have placed upon my friend, Elusive.”

“Oh dear.” Celestia frowned. “The magic I placed is not an easy magic to bypass. Whoever did it is certainly a very powerful magic user.”

“That... and his mother wants to take him out of the school. He... Elusive feels that his being a commoner will only cause us troubles. He's leaving the school to travel with Trixie.”

Celestia glanced toward the open throne room doors. “That is nonsense. Sense when should friendship cause trouble like that?” She then called out. “Elusive, please enter.”

Elusive was looking very uncomfortable as he entered. He only made it half way to the throne before bowing, his head touching the floor.

“Elusive, you are my daughter's very best friend. You need not bow before me.”

“Your Highness... I... I cannot be Princess Corona's friend anymore. I know this decision will hurt her, as it hurts me, but I don't see any way out of this. The paparazzi is only a part of the issue.”

“Then tell me what is the issue.” Celestia requested softly.

Elusive glanced at Corona. “My dreams. Her dreams.”

“They are connected, are they not?” Celestia stated calmly. “Come, let us retire to my office.” She rose and watched as Elusive almost bruised his jaw on the floor as he bowed.

Corona followed her mother, who in turn was followed by Elusive, his head held low.

Once in the office, Celestia cast a spell of silence on the door, walls and windows. The curtains were drawn shut.

“Elusive, you may speak freely.”

“I...” He gulped. “I'm not who even I thought I was.”

“Go on.” Celestia stood and listened.

“I think I was reborn from a Unicorn who died eleven years ago.”

“Rarity Stargem.” Celestia stated. “Is that whom you mean?”

“How?” Elusive's eyes went wide.

Corona gasped. “Wait, you've been dreaming that you're Rarity, and you think you're her reincarnation? What about me? I've been dreaming I'm Twilight Sparkle. Am... was I her?”

Both young ponies stared at the Regent of the Sun.

“Yes, on both accounts. Elusive, Corona, in your previous live, you were such close friends. You lost your lives during the Blackthorn incident. You, and three others.”

“Three others?” They both cried.

Corona closed her eyes. “Pink... Yellow... Blue... Orange...”

Elusive didn't need to close his eyes. “Dark pink, pale pink, rainbow, blond.”

The two stared at each other. “The others.”

“Wait, that's four others.” Elusive realized.

Celestia nodded. “Three have been reborn, their memories slowly coming back to them. The fourth... her soul was so corrupted, but her kindness allowed Twilight Sparkle to free her from eternal torment.”

Corona stared at Celestia, her eyes wide. “But, if I'm this Twilight Sparkle, then am I really Princess Corona Twilight?”

“You are both. As you remember more, the both of you, your friendship will grow. You both represent the Elements of Harmony. Corona, you represent Magic. Elusive, you are the Element of Generosity. I've seen how much you help others out and never asking for anything in return. That is part of who you are.”

Corona knew about the elements. “There's also Honesty, Loyalty, Kindness and Laughter.”

“Correct. Three of these Elements have been reborn with the souls they are joined too. Kindness, it has found a new soul to represent it.” She smiled knowingly. “In time, they will come to Canterlot, and you will all become friends again, and befriend the new representative of Kindness.” She tapped Corona's cutie mark. “These five small stars show your connection to all the Elements.”

“I...” Elusive was stunned. “I don't understand how this can be. If I am one of the legendary Elements of Harmony...”

“Then you are more than any commoner. You are as noble as any born with noble blood.” Celestia smiled. “Now, how do you feel now?”

“I... I don't know. What about Mother?”

Celestia smiled. “I will let her know you will be continuing your education. Now, I am well aware of her magical knowledge, and we have recently had one of our teachers retire. That leaves an opening.”

Corona stared at Elusive. “That means you don't have to leave, and if Trixie become a teacher at the school, you get free tuition.”

“I... Princess Celestia... How can I thank you?”

“That's simple. Be my daughter's friend.”

Elusive turned to Corona. “I'm sorry I was being such a jerk. I didn't know what else too do.”

“Well, you know now.” Corona laughed. “Friends?”

“For always and forever.” Elusive was smiling nearly as brightly as Corona could.

Corona rested her neck against Elusive's hugging him.

Celestia smiled as Elusive blushed brightly.

...

To Be Continued...