Author's Note

Since you asked for answers, this is an epilogue to hopefully clear everything up. This was not meant to be a happy ending. I might make an alternative ending if enough people convince me to, but that’s not the meaning of the story so... I’m rather conflicted about it.

Epilogue

It’s been a month since Applejack was captured by the griffins. No pony had seen Rainbow Dash, who seemed to be hiding somewhere. The Mane 4, as they were called now, were in Twilight’s tree for everything. Sleeping, eating, studying, spending free time, etc. The Apple family moved to another place to be with their whole family, which was rather large. Family was the most important thing it seemed. All of the princesses were in a mass panic, trying to make strategies to finish this war. Princess Cadence was not experienced in war while Luna had to catch up on the new technology. Meanwhile, Celestia was too dependent on the Elements so she’s thought that nothing could go wrong.

Rarity looked at Twilight with dim eyes, “Twilight, darling, we have to do something.”

Twilight sighed, “I already told you girls. Princess Celestia says that she doesn’t want to lose another element.”

Fluttershy whispered, “This war is so frightening. I can’t believe that magic doesn’t work on them.”

Pinkie squealed, “So doesn’t that mean that we can’t use the magic of friendship on them?”

Twilight gave Pinkie a glare, “We can’t even attempt to use them without Applejack or Rainbow...” Twilight’s voice gave out in the end as the others looked at the ground in shame. None of them were happy about Rainbow’s decision and not even Pinkie Pie could find out where she was. And that’s talking to a pony who could break the fourth wall without trying to.

Twilight sighed, “The problem is that we have at least three spies in the army or those who are close to the princesses. The princesses have even shut me out. I guess that’s what happens with a lack of loyalty.” They stared at one another in silence.

Rarity looked around before standing up, “Rainbow is our last hope in this war. We must find her.” Deciding to hope, the mane 4 walked out of the tree for the first time since a month. They were shocked by what they saw once they stepped out. No pony was there. It seemed like it was a ghost town.

Twilight gulped, “I really hope we find Rainbow now.” They walked to the edges of Equestria, battling storms and griffins. Rarity was gone the first week and Fluttershy was gone the second. Twilight and Pinkie Pie were lost in their own little world where there were nothing but hardships. They eventually fell to the mercy of natural disasters and died.

Meanwhile...
Starlight looked at Rainbow, “I’m really happy that you’re here now. It’s great hanging out with great friends.” Rainbow had agreed to take her cutie mark out, but her wings repeled the staff so she still had hers. Starlight had shown her cutie mark that was painted and Rainbow painted it too. They hung around each other and became best friends within a week. They never lied to one another, they gave appropriate gifts to celebrate each Sunday and practiced their powers.

The unicorn asked, “How did you come here twice? Most ponies don’t find it on their first or their second.”

Rainbow’s face darkened, “Let’s just say that they don’t view me as a real pony there. I rather be around a friend that I could trust to never leave me in the dirt.” Starlight and Rainbow were on a little hill. The griffins never saw them and never fought. This was a sanctuary for the villagers. Rainbow wrapped a wing around Starlight who helped her fit into the village again and helped her become her old self once more, just with different friends. Now, this my little ponies, was what true friendship was all about.