CoRoNa

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.
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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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CoRoNa
07
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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.