The End of the Beginning

Disclaimer this author gains nothing from this work

My Little Pony Friendship is Magic is property of Hasbro and Developed by Lauren Faust

All non-original characters are property of Hasbro

There are many different thoughts and a variety of states of mind. Once you can recognize the value of good states of mind, you can increase or foster them.(Paraphrased)

~14th The Dalai Lama

“Where in tarnation am ah?” Applejack said as she looked around seeing only the trees of the Everfree Forest around her, except for a path that lead to the crystal castle in the distance beyond. “Another hedge maze, don't these villain types have any originality. Might as well go in.”

After wandering around for what felt like hours, Applejack found herself back at the beginning.

'What just happened? There was only one path. Huh, that sign is new it says: ‘This is a test of honesty based around a series of questions you may pass as long as you tell the truth the whole truth and only the truth. First Question: Are you a fish?’ am Ah just supposed to say the answer? No, Ah am not a fish.”

In response to her answer a section of the hedge moved away, revealing a new path. Applejack followed this new path to find the next sign which read: ‘Are you a silly pony?’ “At times yes, I can be a bit silly”she answered opening another new path. Applejack quickly entered into a routine of answering questions and going down the new paths however, her next questions was the first to actually phase her.

Do you think that Twilight Sparkle has been up staging you ?

“Now at times Twi can be an insufferable genius but she is the smartest one of us and usually gets us out of jams.”

Is Pinkamena Diane Pie insane?

“We all have our mad moments and Pinkie only brokedown that one time.”

Is Fluttershy worthless and weak?

“Regardless of what she thinks of herself, Fluttershy is one of the toughest ponies Ah know. She just needs a push every now and then.”

Do you think that Rarity hates you?

“At times Ah can be a bit too country for her fru-fru tastes, but she is still my friend.”

Final question, get it right to reach the castle and claim your prize; What are your feelings for Rainbow Dash

Applejack had to pause and search her soul for the answer. “Ah follow my heart.” Upon exiting the maze, Applejack found herself only a few hundred feet away from the castle. After running for a few moments she felt a sudden weight on her neck. “The Element of Honesty? What in Celestia’s name is it doing here?”

Applejack then  saw something she hoped never to see.

“What happened here... Twilight you better not have gotten yourself killed.

O~O~O~O~O

Rainbow Dash appeared in the middle of a clearing with the castle just visible past the tree tops.

“Alright those guys said something about a test at least they're open about it, so I just have to stay loyal to my friends and resist temptation.” The sound of a large machine erupting from the ground and caused her to leap into the air.

“Starscream lives!” The machine shouted to the heavens

“What are you?” Rainbow asked.

“I am the once and future king of the Decepticons, the great and powerful STARSCREAM THE IMMORTAL!” The speech would have been far more intimidating if Starscream’s already scratchy voice didn't raise an octave.

“Ok then ... do you need help or something and what do you mean by ‘once and future king’?” Rainbow asked, slightly unnerved by the screaming metal giant.

“LITTLE  PONY CREATURE, I WILL GIVE YOU POWER OR EVEN  YOUR HEART’S DESIRE IF YOU TELL ME WHERE IN PRIMUS'S NAME I AM AND TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION I BECAME KING WHEN I KILLED MY IDIOT OF AN LEADER. BLAST IT MY VOCAL PROCESSOR TO STUCK ON SHOUT.”

“This country is called Equestria, wait you betrayed your leader, so you could be called traitor. As you're a traitor and I’m the Element of Loyalty I would be justified in doing this BUCCANEER BLAZE!”

“WAIT! WHAT ARE YOU DO-”

*KABOOM*

“Well that settles that. What the hay? My Element of Harmony, what's it doing out here? Better take it.”

O~O~O~O~O

Rarity awoke within a rather spartan-styled hut.

“Hmmm, Zecora must have found me. Oh Zecora Darling, thank you for finding me.” Rarity said in a singsong voice.

“Zecora? This Zecora you speak of, who is, hmm? Green Loon, the hermit of these woods, I am.” An wrinkled green Unicorn with a balding mane, long pointed ears, and a brown robe walked slowly into the room.

“Well I am Ra-”

“Who you are, I know,”Green Loon interrupted “Your quest too I know *herh herh herh*. Take this elixir to solve your problems, you must. Cause wonders, it can. Defeat the old ones, it shall help. This sword as well, need it, you will.” Green Loon said levitating over a flask and saber.

“Very well then Mr. Loon, thank you for the help; now if you would kindly point me in the direction of the castle of the royal pony sisters.” Rarity said

“Follow the great bear in the sky north, you must. Yes, hmmm..”

“Thank you Mr. Loon!” Rarity shouted trotting away “ Great bear... why would there be a bear in the sky?” Rarity asked looking up “Those stars look somewhat like a Ursa, so might aswell go that way. Hmmm what is that dreadful noise... Zecora darling what in the world happen to you!?” Rarity asked concerned.

Zecora was suspended from and wrapped up in a spider's web.

“An Acromantula caught me unaware,” Zecora said slurring her speech, “My little pony friend you must beware! Soon the spider will be back. To eat his little zebra snack!”

“Zecora listen to me; I'm going to cut you down now, so don’t move.” When Rarity had managed to get Zecora down, the Zebra immediately collapsed shaking.

“Rarity your efforts are in vain; there is poison in my veins.” Zecora managed to blurt out.

“Zecora stay with me! Is there anything I can do?” Rarity cried, tears already forming on her eyes

“To save me it would take a wonder. For soon the ground I shall be under. Please hold me.” Zecora's voice was getting weaker by the second.

“A wonder... quickly drink this it should help.” Rarity said pouring the potion into Zecora's now limp mouth.

“AHHHHHHHHHRRRGGGGG”

“WHAT HAVE I DONE?!” Rarity shouted tears freely flowing from her eyes

“Worry not Rarity the potion is already working on me.” Zecora said getting back on her hooves.

“I thought you had died.” Rarity said blinking

“I must ask where did you get that potion from?” Zecora inquired

“A hermit Green Loon.” Rarity replied

“Hummmmmmmm... never in all my many moons have I met a Green Loon. Also I must ask what animosity caused you to bring you, Element of Generosity?”

“Wait what?! This whole thing is getting stranger by the second..”

O~O~O~O~O

Fluttershy found herself at the back of a cave surrounded by darkness.

'Where... where am I?' Fluttershy asked herself 'There's a light! I hope it leads out of here!'

Fluttershy felt her hooves hitting off of various gemstones, but unfortunately she did not realize where she was until the gems gave out from under, her sending her for a tumble. “Owww...” Fluttershy gave herself a quick once over “Nothing seems to be broken and... there's the exit!” Fluttershy cried out in joy. As she exited Fluttershy saw a wounded dragon thrashing right in front of her.

“D-dr-dr-DRAGON” Fluttershy managed to stutter before dashing back into the cave

“WhatamIgoingtodo?WhatamIgoingtodo?WhatamIgoingtodo?” Fluttershy asked herself

'You should help him.' a small voice in her head implored.

'Or you could do nothing.' another voice countered.

'He is going to die if you do nothing.' the first voice continued

'And he'll eat you if you help.' the second voice rebutted

'You must show kindness and help him.'

'No one will ever know you did nothing.' The two voices finished at once.

“I... I would know,” Fluttershy said meekly. “Thats why I going to help that dragon,” Fluttershy said with more strength, before walking up to the dragon. “Ummm Mr.Dragon could you please hold still?” Fluttershy asked still determined.

“And what are you going to do, puny pony?” the dragon growled.

“I'm going save to your life.”

“Very well.”

Fluttershy quickly set to work resetting a dislocated wing and binding the various cuts and stabs. “Mr.Dragon, I've done everything I can. Although, if you have any friends that could help you you should see them, but you shouldn't fly for a few days at the very least.” Fluttershy instructed.

“I shall do that. And for aiding me, I will not eat you and take your necklace for my hoard.” the dragon rumbled.

“Th-thank you?”Fluttershy said, returning to her usual self.

O~O~O~O~O

Pinkie Pie found herself looking into the predatory golden eyes of War.

“GASP!” Pinkie said out loud. “You're one of the bad ponies! *beat* I was expecting someone smaller.”

“WAIT, WHAT!? NORMALLY PONIES SAY THE EXACT OPPOSITE. OH SHIT, I WAS GOING TO SAY SOMETHING EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, AND NOW I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT" War exclaimed, frantically pacing in a circle.

“Well when I forget what I was going to say, I say the first thing on my mind: like how lemons are great for starting fires. Say would you like some lemonade?”Pinkie asked

pulling out a pitcher of lemonade from somewhere.

“WHY THANK YOU,” War said slightly softer. “NOW LETS SEE, FIRST THING ON MY MIND... WAR'S OUTRAGEOUS ADVENTURE TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH! NO, THAT TIME I MOVED A MOUNTAIN FOR THE HECK OF IT! NO, DISCOOOOQOOOORD!! NO, DAAARKNESS! YES! DARKNESS HAS CLOUDED THE MINDS OF MY FRIENDS. YOU MUST HELP THEM.”

“IF YOUR FRIENDS HAVE CLOUDS IN THEIR HEADS, WHY DON'T YOU GET A PEGASUS TO KICK THEM AWAY!?” Pinkie shouted.

“I’M BEING SERIOUS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2112 YEARS, AND WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING?” War asked

“SHOUTING IS FUN!”Pinkie answered

“WELL STOP SHOUTING, IT'S MY BIT!” War shouted. “NOW YOU NEED TO TAKE THIS ELEMENT OF HARMONY. OH AND ONE MORE THING- THE NEXT TIME WE MEET, THE DARKNESS WILL BE CONTROLLING ME AGAIN SO... BASICALLY RUN.”

“Oki doki loki” Pinkie said bouncing off to the castle.

O~O~O~O~O

It was a bright and beautiful dawn in Ponyville. Twilight's eyes snapped open; it took her a few moments to realize that she was at home in her bed.

“That was a terrible nightmare.Strange to it was so vivid and it didn't involve me being shaved or failing a test... I better not dwell on it. I have things to do and ponies to see.” Twilight said, climbing out of bed. “Now where did I put that checklist? Ah, here it is, now lets see... Number one: talk to Rarity about a graduation gown.” Twilight put her list in her saddle bag and looked up ready to begin her day only to find herself face to face with the door of the Carousel Boutique. “Wait, how did I get here? That’s odd, I must have teleported by accident,” Twilight said, walking in the boutique.

“Oh Twilight, you're early,” Rarity said looking up from her work. “I only just finished it now. Take a look and tell me what you think.” Rarity levitated up a black gown with scarlet trimming, honor cords, and two medals.

“It looks perfect Rarity,” Twilight replied wholeheartedly. “ Wait a second... why are you not freaking out about me not doing my mane, and for that matter why is your mane so messy?”

“What ever are talking about? Our manes looks the same as ever,” Rarity replied nonchalantly.

“Ok then... can you hold onto my dress for a while: I have to go deliver a book to Fluttershy,” Twilight said, walking out the door only to find herself already at Fluttershy's cottage.

“That was weird: I know I didn't teleport that time. I probably just didn't get enough sleep last night... Yes, that must be it. No I just have to give Fluttershy her book, then I can get some sleep.” Twilight walked around the cottage into the backyard. “Fluttershy there you are; here's that book on veterinary medicine you wanted.”

“Oh... thank you Twilight, but you didn't need to come all the way out here just to give me a silly little book on growing plants, it is my talent after all.” Fluttershy said before picking up the book with her mouth.

‘That isn’t right, but I’m probably just imagining things.’ Twilight thought already trotting away. 'I just have to make it home and get some sleep, and then everything will be alright.' As Twilight finished her internal monologue, she found herself at Sweet Apple Acres.

“No... I didn't want to come here! Something must be wrong!”

“Howdy Twilight, is something wrong?” Applejack asked, walking up to the distressed mare.

“Yes I'm either under some sort of mind control or...” Twilight trailed off as something struck her. “Applejack, since when is your hat pink?”

“I do not know what you are talking about.” Applejack hastily replied.

“Your accent just slipped and you’re wearing a pink hat, Rarity made me a graduation gown before I submitted my dissertation to the committee and her mane is an absolute mess, Fluttershy got her own talent wrong, and now that I think about it I didn’t see her wings at all, Pinkie Pie hasn’t done anything crazy or spontaneous today, and Rainbow Dash would have had to get up well before sunrise to clear all the clouds. I've got this all figured out now: this is all just a dream from a spell! Now I just have to break it with a spell of antimagic and WAKE UP! Twilight's horn began to glow a violet aura.

O~O~O~O~O

Applejack was the first to return to the castle. She saw Twilight lying motionless in the threshold.

“What happened here... Twilight you better not have gotten yourself killed.” Applejack was walking up to check on Twilight when she heard something coming from behind her.

“HEY APPLEJACK LOOK OUT!” Rainbow Dash cried out right before crashing into the bewildered mare.

“Oh dear... I hope neither of you are hurt,” Fluttershy said arriving right behind Rainbow Dash.

“I am late again am I not?” Rarity said galloping to the castle a minute later “Hmm what is wrong with Twilight?”

Fluttershy was the one to answer “She appears to be in some sort of magically induced sleep and we tried to wake her up normally but it didn't work..”

“Ooo I know what we can do,” Pinkie said appearing from apparently nowhere. “ We can use the power of our friendship to boost that spell Twilight is casting!” She drew their attention to Twilight's now glowing horn.

“It's worth a shot but how exactly do we do it?” Applejack asked

“Ummm we could try gathering around Twilight and think about our friendship.” Fluttershy answered meekly

“Well as we all have our respective elements that may just work.” Rarity said

The five friends gathered round Twilight and thought of all their fondest memories of their friend. After a few moments the Elements began to glow and then waves of magic,in the shapes of their cutie marks,shot into Twilight's horn amplifying her spell allowing it the break the enchantments.

“Girls... you saved me-” Twilight began

“What's a little life savin’ between friends?” Applejack interrupted. “Now come on, we got baddies to beat up with five necklaces and a big crown thingy.”

“Big crown thingy? Big crown thingy! This makes no sense; what are the Elements doing here, they shouldn't have just appeared!? Twilight inquired.

“Well of course they came to us silly they knew we would need them.” Pinkie oddly enough answered.

AN on music and voices

Green loon:  Yoda he is

Music is The Lonely Man Theme by Joe Harnell