Fallen Harmony
Chapter 1:
Foes new and old
It was absolutely normal day in Ponyville. The sun was set high above horizon, birds were singing, ponies were making regular commotion at marketplace, rainbow maned pegasus and pink earth pony in bizarre flying machine were trying to escape from wrath of a furious unicorn with indigo tail and, apparently not natural colored, bright red mane. Yes, that was typical day in this small town.
“RAINBOW DASH, PINKIE PIE STOP RIGHT THERE!” shouted Rarity though none of the apparent culprits of that mane prank was about to stop and risk generous beating.
“C'mon Rarity it's not our fault that you were in the same place as Rose during our prank.” said Rainbow Dash not slowing down a bit while flying over a small river.
“But Dashie *huff* earlier you've said that *puff* this makes prank even better.” said Pinkie taking a moment to take a breath after each few words. Flying pinkiecopter, as she had named this flying machine, was not easy after all.
“Pinks you're not helping.” replied Rainbow Dash.
And so, the chase continued through the outskirts of Ponyville. Pegasus and earth pony were flying above some trees and grass covered hills. Just after them was, now red maned, Rarity who had been stomping everything around and even had knocked few passersby during her rage driven chase. When they finally went across the river, fashion designer had to take a bridge to keep up with those two pranksters.
Two other ponies were watching those three. It was a lavender unicorn whose mane was dark purple with few strands of orchid color and a vanilla colored pegasus with light pink mane. Few days ago Twilight had decided that her recent research, which subject was local wildlife, would be better if she added some practical experience with animals to it. However she was no expert in dealing with living, biting, and scratching creatures, especially reptiles, so she had gladly accepted proposition of help from Fluttershy. That day two friends decided that it was an ideal day for exploration of local flora and fauna. They were doing it up to now of course, because due to certain raged unicorn all animals had been scared away to their shelters, and many flowers were destroyed by her hooves. Rabbits were now hidden in their then localized in nearby knoll, birds either had run away, or had hidden themselves in one of a few trees around.
“Do you think we should stop them? Not that I mind, of course.” said Fluttershy obviously little frustrated about this chain of events, but not enough to clearly object to this.
”Nah, after, let's see...” Twilight got some kind of list from her saddlebag and continued, “...fifth time of that in this month, I think I've learned that it is better not to intervene and let them sort this thing alone. Unless I would like to end up again in a snake pit.”
”Twilight, it wasn't that bad, my snake friends aren't evil. One of them even hugged you to make you feel better.”
”I'm pretty sure that he did it because he was one of constrictors.” muttered Twilight.
And so, Fluttershy started to lecture Twilight that her animal friends are not like that, and it was really, really awful of Twilight to even think that they would harm her, she should be ashamed of herself, and apologize to those innocent creatures. Meanwhile, few meters from them, Pinkie Pie was too tired to continue her flight so she stopped pedaling which caused her machine to fall down right onto Rainbow Dash. Thanks to that white unicorn managed to catch up with them few second after the fall.
“Augh, Pinkie why haven't you tell that you're going to fall.” moaned Dash who was laying now under machine.
“I've told Gummy to shout ‘Watch out below!’. Gummy why didn't you shout?” asked Pinkie.
Toothless alligator just stood at top of pinkie and blinked.
“Pinkie Pie!” groaned the pegasus.
“Well, good to see you're all here, ready to face the music of your ruffian’s prank.” calmly said Rarity giving the pegasus and earth pony murderous glare. Rainbow Dash just gulped.
Fortunately for athletic pegasus she was saved by a purple-green baby dragon, who was running from central part of Ponyville towards them, as fast as his little size allowed him to. After he crossed the river by the bridge, he shouted.
”Twilight, Twilight! I have a letter from Princess Celestia and it... Rarity what have happened to your mane?!“ he was truly astonished by new look of Rarity.
”Spike, what about the letter.” Twilight impatiently reminded him.
”Oh yes, here it is.” he gave a letter to Twilight and ran to Rarity to offer help in getting her mane to the right color. Purple unicorn looked at the letter and she gave it a surprised look.
“Wow.” she exclaimed, the rest of group looked at her in confusion
”That seal on it means it's important. I can barely remember when princess send that type of letter last time.” she explained and started reading the letter.
“Dear Twilight Sparkle.
There was an incident in Canterlot which require you and other five Elements of Harmony to handle it rather quickly. However it’s also essential not to make other citizens panic, like the last time few weeks ago when property damage and injuries caused by affraight in royal city were actually bigger that caused by that mythical creature which has been lost in city of Canterlot. Therefore as much as I want to send you royal chariot to pick you up as soon as possible it will be better if you take the first train to Canterlot tomorrow morning and tell everypony else that you were asked to consult few things about upcoming Grand Galloping Gala.
Signed, Princess Celestia”
“Yep, sounds serious to me. Ah mean 'cause princess wants from us for this to be secret it seems to be something important.” said Applejack at whose farm all friends were gathered after Twilight read the letter for the first time.
”It is serious - I can't go to Canterlot with my mane like this!” cried Rarity and made plans in mind which shampoo would be best for that kind of paint.
”Gee I wonder what's so important.” said Pinkie Pie, “Do you think it's about a party? They sure need help in partying, just remember the last Gala.”
”Nah, it's rather about some dangerous monsters. I bet Canterlot have problem with that and they need someone to beat them up.” replied Rainbow Dash and makes moves imitating fighting imaginary beast.
”Maybe Filomena is sick and needs help. Maybe they don't have necessary ingredients for a medicine in Canterlot.” suggested Fluttershy.
Twilight sighed. She was nervous about what that letter means, but she had no clue what the cause might be and she had already learned that overthinking things was a bad idea in her case.
“I guess we're gonna know about the reasons tomorrow. We should better get some rest if we're going to get the earliest train to Canterlot.” Twilight summed things up
”And I have to make my mane perfect in only few hours. Don't think I forgot about your prank you two. I will remember it.” she said while glaring at two pranksters.
After a few more minutes all friends said goodbyes and went to their homes in order to have a rest before their trip the following day.
Next morning all six mares were waiting for train. Rarity's mane, fortunately, had regained her original color and soon all of them were all aboard the train. Pony of the train staff made sure, that everypony was on train and they set off.
The ride to Canterlot was rather uneventful. Rainbow Dash bought breakfast in train because she wasn't used to get up so early therefore she hadn't had any time to eat something at her cloud house. The train was rather empty as a result of being earlier than most ponies have to take ride to the work, so all friends managed to get seats near each other.
After another few hours the group was finally at Canterlot. All of them were going through one of the main streets of the capital city of Equestria. Street was surrounded mostly by shops of several kinds. It was really early morning so there wasn't too much ponies outside. Some ponies were going to local bakery to get the most fresh bread, few shopkeepers were opening up their shops, and some ponies were jogging to get fit. Rarity was watching local shops for something fashionable to get to Ponyville and the rest of the group had to remind few times her that they had a business to done here. Only Twilight sensed that it wasn't just ordinary morning, the guards were more concentrated toward the palace then usual and it they were acting very nervous. Of course it was nothing of such scale that her friends, or even most ponies that lived in Canterlot, would notice, but Twilight had been watching his brother practices in the past and she knew that kind of things somewhat better than a common pony.
A few minutes later our group passed by two routes downhill which lead to the residential area and continued walking upwards to the fortress. They were then just at the entrance of castle. It was huge stone gate and it was guarded by a few armored ponies.
“We're here for the meeting with princess.” said Twilight Sparkle to the royal guards.
”We know, good to see you again sis.” said voice from behind the line of armored ponies.
“BBBFF! “ cried Twilight and quickly run past other guards to hug her big brother, “How have you been? How's Cadence? What...”
“Twily.“ Shining Armor interrupted her. “I would really like to catch up with you, but the matter for which you were summoned is very urgent and princess asked me to get you as soon as possible.” he explained.
“OK, lead the way.” answered Twilight.
So he did. They walked straight through numerous guards near the entrance to the castle. Twilight looked on the right and saw corridor at which end was tower where her room was. Even though she was living in Ponyville she was still Princess Celestia’s personal student and still had her personal room in palace in which she could rest and work. They headed forwards and soon they were passing through a patio located right in the center of castle. In the middle of the patio there were beautiful fountains with many sculptures. Those pieces of art were showing the most important events from the history of Equestria. There was scene from old war with Gryphon Kingdom, first fight with Discord and even birth of the first pair of alicorns. Twilight saw, that there was some reserved place for a brand new fountain. Apparently their recent adventures were also important. Few moments later they were again in interior of palace and now they could smelled some cinnamon from the right side. It was from kitchen where royal cooks were probably preparing one of their amazing desserts. Soon all of them were right in front of throne room doors. After saluting to the captain, two door guards opened door, and all mares, captain and baby dragon went inside.
Celestia was sitting in her throne. Her illuminating rainbow mane was floating in delicate breeze while she slowly rise to greet her guests. The room was very spacious and that morning only two other guard were accompanying the Princess of the Sun if we don’t count additional backup in guard room next to that room.
“Your Majesty, Elements of Harmony have arrived.“ saluted captain of royal guard and 6 mares started to bow.
“Please girls, you all should know more than anyone that I don't like that kind of things.” said princess and then turned to Twilight's brother.
”Captain, as I'll have to show them the problem I ask you to rise your protection spell over all castle, just in case. Also I would like you...” she pointed to other guards in room, “...to go to guard room. You would be called when your presence here will be needed.”
“Right away your majesty!” said Shining Armour, and other guards then they trotted outside.
After they had left princess greeted her visitors.
“Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and you Spike. It's good too see you here so quickly.” said alicorn of Sun.
“We came as quickly as possible princess. Would you mind to inform us what is the reason of our visit?” asked Twilight.
“Yes. I'm afraid that Canterlot and maybe all Equestria's security is threatened again” said Celestia
“In what kind of danger is Equestria, princess? “ asked Applejack.
“Does it involve... dragons?” Fluttershy barely whispered the last part and hide herself a little behind here wings and mane.
“Fluttershy!” groaned others girls.
“I think it would be best if I just show you what the problem is. Let's go to royal garden.” said Celestia and prompted other mares to follow her.
They went through the royal garden, it was ideal weather for a walk. There wasn't a single cloud on sky, though it wasn't too hot because it was still morning. Garden was full of live as always. Several badgers were inside their hideout, few mushrooms grew under the tree near which snake was hidden waiting for more sunlight. On the other side of route squirrels were hiding supplies for later, nightingales and blackbirds were flying and singing. When they crossed a wooden bridge there could see some fishes in the small brook and pond. Fluttershy would really like to make friends with them, but as she remembered her last try, she decided, that maybe she would give it a pass. After few minutes of walking the group deviated from mostly used path and entered other, barely visible. They went by it until they encountered an entrance to the more secure part of royal garden. It was hidden in darkened impermeable magical dome, where only both princesses and few selected by them ponies could enter. It was hidden behind the door which can be only opened by the presence of alicorn. Ancient spell, under which those door is, pass through only those who were under protective spell known by all those godlike creatures or who were those majestic beings themselves.
Celestia used the spell on her guests and walked towards the entrance. It made a loud screeching noise, like some old rusty gate which was not oiled for a very long time. They walked through door and mere second after they had entered it closed making the same blasting sound. Soon all mares could see the secrets of hidden part of royal garden. There were many exotic plants in there. Many of them were endemic to some other regions, like fuchsia lily from north of Gryphon Kingdom which emits scent to trap foolish insects in its sticky insides and slowly digest them alive, or little scarlet flowers which are used to produce powerful drug which was nowadays forbidden in Equestria. Many of those endemic plants were able to survive in equestrian environment only thanks to some advanced magic. Many of these organisms were said to be extinct long time ago, or even were supposed to be a fairy tail.
Twilight Sparkle was amazed. Many of those plants were unheard even by her, most faithful student of Princess Celestia, who had read almost all books in royal library. Oh, what would she give for possibility to come here just to examine those plants carefully and discover some new facts about them, which weren’t mentioned in any book which exists. Another unicorn in the group was also astonished by the interior of this secret part of garden. If only she could take a few of those amazing olive flowers, she would make the most beautiful dress in Equestria.
“Twilight do you know what are those yellow-green flowers, with navy blue fruits.” asked Fluttershy. Yellow pegasus was also fascinated not only by all those plants, but also by all small bugs, insects and birds, which were residing in this garden. She hadn’t seen most of them at all before.
“If I remember correctly, those are shift-berries. They were known for increasing ability of spells which alter your look. Like, making magical scars invisible even more efficient and practically irreversible and undetectable, even by magic, till you have a juice of it.” Twilight started to lecture Fluttershy, only to stop and gasp.
“PINKIE DON’T EAT THOSE BERRIES! WE DON’T KNOW IF THEY ARE NOT POISONOUS!”
Aforementioned party pony had just finished eating various berries on the ground and had her mouth stained with juice in almost all colors of rainbow.
“Oopsie.” she said and smiled apologetically.
“Don’t worry my faithful student, plants in those part of this garden are not fatal or harmful to health, but Pinkie, could you refrain from eating any more plants from here.” said princess, but tone and smile gave away, that she wasn’t angry at pink earth pony.
“Sorry, princess.” said Pinkie.
The two other ponies weren’t so enthusiastic about garden as others. For Rainbow Dash it was all the same weed as others outside, Applejack lost interest when she couldn’t spot any apple tree there.
But it was not the garden which was target of white alicorn. It was monument of God of Chaos which was now carefully hidden in case to not wake him up again by another school trip. It was situated right in the center of secret garden, near small pond. After a few minutes of slow walking they were there. The entrance could still be seen, but only barely. Road was rather straight, but some of the plants managed to block a view to the exit..
They were not alone. Near the monument, Princess Luna was standing.
“I see that my sister is already here.” exclaimed Celestia at the sight of another alicorn.
Princess of the Night also spotted the group and moved towards them.
“Hello sister, have you told them about our situation?” questioned Luna. She seemed to be little anxious about this all situation.
”No I think it would be best if they saw it on their own eyes.” replied the Sun Princess.
“I understand, but situation can get worse at any time. Shall I go for elements just in case?” said Princess of the Moon.
“It would be a good idea, here take this key,” Celestia summoned some object from her royal saddlebag, “and return as soon as possible, sister.”
If it wasn't told already, then nopony would guess that this object is actually a key. It looked more like a small ornamented ball made from some metal of an unknown origin with few little bumps on almost every side of it. Also white alicorn didn't hand it to her sister by magic, but picked it rather awkwardly by her wings, which was because it didn't really have much places to grip it properly.
When princess Luna got that item and make her move toward exit, Twilight Sparkle was baffled and when princess Luna exited the secret garden she asked her mentor,
“Weren’t the Elements locked behind some lock which require your magic?”
“Indeed. But after last accident me and my sister have came to conclusion that we should make another lock with some magic resilient material.” alicorn replied, “Neither Discord nor other villains could make their magic to operate on this substance in the past, so we believe it would be safe.”
Twilight was about to ask more question about this substance but Rainbow Dash was already growing impatient. She wanted to know what was that commotion about.
“So what it is princess? Manticore is in garden? Hydra? Dragon?” Fluttershy cringed when Rainbow Dash mentioned last one.
“I could only wish it was so simple. The problem is, that this is connected with one of enemies you recently defeated.”
Everypony around gasped when Celestia said this.
”You mean changelings queen?” asked Twilight. She remembered how those creature managed to fool almost everypony and defeated Princess Celestia herself and who knows maybe there were still some changelings near Canterlot who weren't so severely stroke by power field as their leader.
“Diamond dogs?” was Rarity suggestion.
”Dentists?”
All other 5 mares looked confused at Pinkie Pie.
“What? If you ate so many sweets as I, you would have that problem too.”
“No my little ponies, it's about the Spirit of Chaos – Discord. The same one who was supposed to be sealed by the Elements of Harmony.” said celestial alicorn ignoring Pinkie Pie's comment.
Each of mane 6 was shocked to hear that.
“But we turned him into the stone.”
“And we're near the monument of him.”
“And there wasn't even any chocolate rain or cotton candy clouds lately.” again the last comment could come only from Pinkie Pie.
Celestia didn't say a single word and just put a hoof on discord monument and... opened it. Now moment look like hollow stone coffin, where after opening it inside was only small sheet of paper with word “VACANCY” written on it.
For a few moments there was absolute silence among the group. Pinkie even dropped a pin, that she had hidden somewhere, to emphasize it. First to react was Twilight
“Princess we have to go and protect our town, our friends, our family. Last time he was free he set our town in chaos, and...” she started, saying it so quickly that she didn’t have time to take a breath. She could be really rival in this even to the certain hyperactive pink pony who ate too much confections.
The others also started to say similar things, and Rainbow Dash even started kicking the air to show what she was going to do to him for things he had done to her last time.
“Girls.” Celestia stopped them, “I know you’re worried, but Discord is certainly not beyond this dome and your friends and family are safe.”
That was a relief to almost all of six of mares, but not to Twilight.
“But princess, he stole the elements from the magical lock previously, how can we be sure, that he hasn't escaped this place either?” she asked.
“My faithful student, your reasoning is correct, but I can sense his presence and he is somewhere nearby. Not only that, but also he apparently lacks most of his powers, so now even you alone Twilight are threat to him.” said Celestia.
Purple unicorn was about to ask sun alicorn how could she sense location and status of God of Chaos, but she was interrupted by sound of door to the garden being opened. When they all looked at the direction of the noise they saw Luna. After magic gate was closed, she slowly approach group, however Twilight noticed that she didn’t have elements of harmony with her. Sun goddess also saw that.
“Luna where are the elements of harmony?” she asked.
“They’re probably still in their place. Why would you ask me, has something new happened?”
“Luna this is no time for your silly games, you told us that you would bring elements, so why you didn’t do it.” Princess of the Sun was beginning to be irritated.
“Sister I haven’t talked to you since today’s morning.” replied alicorn of the Night .
“Pardon me princess, but we have just spoken about it. How could you forget about that?” Rainbow Dash was first to question blue alicorn’s version.
“Did I really forget about that kind of thing?” asked Luna and gave all mares and baby dragon incredulous look, but all of them just nodded in unison.
“I’m afraid that’s true, princess.” said Applejack, and it would be really difficult for Luna to ignore the statement of element of the honesty herself.
“My, I admit that I may be a little older than most of you, but to think that I may start to have a symptoms of dementia is hard to think.” said Luna, “However, if it’s true, then where is the key to chamber?”
“Luna you’ve placed it in your lime color...” Celestia stopped in mid sentence. Then after a few second of thought she said, “Something is wrong. I know you detest this particular color and don’t have saddlebags painted in it.”
All of them were feeling more and more confused by this conversation.
“We’d better check out on the Elements.” continued Celestia. “Luna, you’re coming with us.”
Situation was weird. They should leave this place locked and check up the elements. There was no point in trying to catch Discord if those were missing.
Just then there was a recognizable sound which was heard by all of them few minutes before. Exit to the garden was being opened again.
Both princesses was astonished.
“But how could it has opened if we’re all here?” stammered Celestia.
It didn't make any sense, those doors were supposed to be open when there was an alicorn and only for a small amount of time. This time, however, they were wide open and showed no sign that they're about to close any time soon. Anyone could enter or exit freely.
Before anyone had even chance to proceed the information what have just happened, there was a rustle in nearby bushes, so Celestia intuitively cast a spell to move those bushes aside. Behind them was no one else but the Spirit of Chaos himself. Although he was covered in leaves, and scratches from getting hit by some bushes his mismatched body was fully recognizable.
“Hello princess.” he said while making one loop in the air. His mismatched wing had a little problem to balance him. It was noticeable that he wasn’t in his best shape. “Normally I would like to stay with you and talk a little about good old times, but I had very important meeting with freedom outside right now, so arrivederci.” he ended, and rushed towards opened door.
“Quick, we can’t let him escape.” shouted both alicorns in at the same time, and whole group followed the Spirit of Chaos.
Shots of white energy teared many plants apart while both princesses were trying to strike flying draconequus down. He was flying straight by main road right to the exit, it was the quickest way, to get to the opening, however here he didn’t have any place to hide and was visible, and easier to hit. Still he knew that many of those plant had sharp thorns, sticky leaves or any other security mechanisms which could make him even more damaged than he was now. He could swear that he had seen poison joke in this damned garden where he had been locked for a few days.
Discord barely dodged barrage of magic missiles coming to him. Few of them had managed to touch him, making few more bruises, however even though he was getting exhausted by this chase, exit was now not so far from him and maybe outside this garden he would have his powers back. At least he hoped so. Still he had to survive another dozens of seconds while evading attacks of two royal sisters and maintaining high speed to not be caught by any other of mane six. Especially he didn't want to be caught by this cyan pegasus. The look in her eyes and determination in beating of her wings showed that she didn't forget what he had done to her last time and slowing just a bit would mean getting himself beaten by her.
Others were also determined to catch him. Applejack could hardly keep pace of her pegasus friend and two alicorn sisters, but she was right behind them just as Twilight. On lavender unicorn's back there was Spike who was clinging very hard to her neck and screaming to slow down. Unfortunately for him she was too busy with current situation and it looked like she didn't hear him and maybe she actually sped up to keep up with her mentor.
Few meters after them three other mares were sprinting.
“Let’s see, two missiles from Luna on left and then two from Celestia on the right. Ha, those two are getting old.” he thought when he dodged magic projectiles. The door was clearly in his sight now and it was still open, just a few dozens of meters and he would be free.
“Two here, three there. Looks like you can’t learn a new trick to an old alicorn.” the Spirit of Chaos thought and made quick maneuver to the left to dodge another portion of magic produced by two goddesses.
However he didn’t even have enough time to stabilize his flight when an enormous purple ball of energy hit him. He didn’t have any time to even try to guard, so spell hit him with a full force, making him crash hard to the ground.
“Good work, Twilight.” he heard.
“Oh yeah, I knew I forgot about something.” he thought. That was it, he had no energy to fly or even stand, everything was hurting him a lot from his tail to his mismatched horns. Unable to defend himself he surely was about to be trapped in stone again, or send to the moon, or trapped in stone on the moon.
Celestia stood near beaten body of Discord. Soon others caught up with her, ready to punish hybrid creature if he would somehow manage to stand up and try to escape again.
Spike dismounted Twilight and made an exaggerated gesture of relief when he finally stood firmly on the ground. Still, group wasn't sure what to do next.
“So princess, what we’re gonna do with him.” asked farmer earth pony.
“How about that we will all drink some chocolate milk and then everyone of us will go do their own business?” asked Discord.
“Of course that we... I mean, no chance at all you meanie!” Pinkie Pie corrected herself when others gave her look which told, “You've already forgotten what he did to us?”
“I think that for now we should split.” replied Celestia.
“Me and Twilight will go outside, try to close those doors, and search for the Elements when rest of you would stay and keep an eye on him. He is in no shape to cause any more trouble.”
Little did she know that this wasn't the end of their troubles but only the beginning.
“Maybe alone he isn’t, but not with our help.” came a female voice from above.
Whole group didn’t have too much time to react when all of sudden they were hit by someone flying. Impact was so strong that whole group, aside from Rainbow Dash who managed to evade that unexpected attack, were thrown back from Discord.
Winged assailant quickly recovered and lifted herself up ready to dodge any attack, but didn't receive any, since she caught everypony by surprise.
“Ha! Missed me!” shouted rainbow maned pegasus to her.
“Don’t worry, I won’t.” she heard another female voice behind her and was hit by a blue blast of magic, which pushed her to the rest to the group. Before she could touch the earth she was enveloped in protective spell cast by white alicorn. Celestia had managed to get up just in time, to caught winged pony.
“Thanks princess.” she said and looked at the place when Discord was. Others were also getting up, with only few small bruises, ready to face new threat.
Avian attacker had come back to her magic user partner so there were both in front of lying draconequus. Both of them had their features covered by some sort of protective spell, so their whole bodies were dark blue, with exception of two big white circle spots where eyes normally should be. Spell had two functions, one of them was aforesaid hiding of real identity of someone who was under it. Second was rise in defending and attacking possibilities of user. This was why the blow had managed to knock off both alicorns and their friends.
One of attackers, who had tackled them first had wings, which were rather big. Bigger than normal pegasus has. Second one, who had cast offensive spell had single unicorn sized horn at top of her head. Under whatever spell they’d been, it covered so much of their body details that it was like watching shadows on the wall. In recognition of their enemies didn’t also help fact that all this scene was taking place in garden thick with plants. Rainbow Dash thought that while second one was for sure unicorn, the first one could be either pegasus or a gryphoness. She opted for a second option, judging by size of wings and that she could swear she had seen a talons behind back of this avian creature.
Meanwhile on the side where Discord was, unicorn said to gryphoness.
“Like was planned, you take him outside and I would try to buy you some time.” she said and cast magic shield which separated them from Celestia’s group. The product of magic was semi-transparent blue forcefield which was placed as two dimensional plane which separated them and the others.
Gryphoness looked at magical shield, nodded and walked to hybrid laying on ground.
“Come on, try to walk, we have to get out of here.” she said and helped him to get up.
“Why are you helping me and why should I trust you?” he questioned, not really trusting those two.
“Our boss told us so. As for the second question, would you rather like to stay here and wait to become a stone monument again?” she replied.
“Point taken.” he tried to chuckle, but produced a pained cough instead.
“Lead the way.” he said and started to crawl away with help of his unexpected aid.
By the time avian creature and Discord started heading toward the door princesses and elements of harmony had recovered from initial shock and charged at them only to be stopped by unicorn’s magic shield.
“Twilight, Rarity we will need your help to destroy this shield. It’s just one unicorn, so we should get it undone in seconds” said Luna.
Both unicorns nodded and fired their spells in unison with alicorns. four streams of magical energy flew toward the antagonistic unicorn only to be stopped by blue forcefield which lost its semi-transparency at the point of the impact, turning into solid blue color instead, and producing countless numbers of glints, sparks and some smoke. The rest of ponies watched this in ave, Pinkie Pie managed even to get a popcorn and a black glasses from somewhere. Although Luna said that there was no way that barrier would hold more than few moments, after a few dozen of seconds the barrier was there still and gryphoness was slowly, but surely, carrying beaten hybrid God to still opened exit.
“I don’t understand. It should have gone off seconds ago.” said Twilight while concentrating to keep her magic on.
Celestia also thought so until she looked at antagonistic unicorn and saw 4 rocks with symbols engraved on it floating near her.
“Of course.” she said, “She is using runes, where additional energy is stored.” she turned to others.
“We must attack this barrier together and don’t attack only one point. Scatter attacks as much as possible so it would take more energy from her.” she commanded.
And so they did. Twilight Sparkle, Rarity and both alicorns were attacking center of shield. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie took right side while Fluttershy and Applejack took other side.
Soon one of the magic runes went off shattering in thousands of small pieces. Few seconds later another one shattered and soon after the third one also.
“Come on. Just a little more.” shouted Rainbow Dash and proceed to attack even harder than before. Only a few more attacks like this and they would cancel this spell.
“It’s not good, I don’t know how long would I withstand such an amount of magic, bucking, smashing, party canon... a-and dodging? I knew I was signing for something strange, but this...” unicorn didn’t have much time to think because the last rune gave up and now she was limited to her own amounts of magic and those were running short quickly.
After few seconds of struggle against magical and physical attacks, she started to perspire and had to take much deeper breaths. Clearly she wasn't strong enough to fight such a force.
She made a very pained expression. “Hurry guys!” she thought and just then she heard a whistle. It was sign for her that others were safe. She smiled used one of her last amount of magic to make shield explode and create a lot of smoke. While princesses and Elements were coughing and were trying to clear the smoke she teleported herself to the doors and joined the other two. After few second there was loud noise indicating that doors had closed again.
When the smoke dropped, there wasn’t any sight of Discord or his two aides.
“No, he has escaped.” shouted Twilight.
“Worry not my faithful student.” said Celestia, “ There is still magical barrier cast around a castle by your brother and I have called all the guards to help us. They may escape from this place, but the would surely be captured especially since they are exhausted by now.” alicorn calmed others. It helped very little but it was better than nothing.
“I hope you’re right princess.” said lavender unicorn and they went to the exit. “Still someone has opened those doors and may have elements, I don’t like this at all.” she thought.
In a short time whole group was outside. Rainbow Dash quickly flew high to see where Discord was. However she couldn't spot any pony, neither friend nor foe, only empty fields of garden. After few minutes she flew down.
“Princess I don’t see any of them in sight radius.” she said and added, “A gryphon, unicorn and an chaos God are not something what would blend with the surrounding though.“
“I see.” said Celestia who also had looked around. Her horn glowed which indicated that she was using her magic.
After it stopped she said, “What worries me, that there are no guards here even though I summoned them some time ago and I can’t contact with them telepathically now so that means that they are either during fight or unconscious.” she continued.
“No! My brother! We have to help them.” yelled Twilight Sparkle completely terrified by suggestion that her big brother might be hurt or maybe even dead.
Right then Pinkie Pie started to shake badly.
“Uhm.. Pinkie Pie are you okay.” asked Fluttershy and added, “Maybe those berries were actually poisonous.”
But soon enough shaking stopped and Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
“Twitch in a right leg, itch of head, another twitch in a right leg and two shakes. That can mean only one thing. There is a changeling near castle, he's about to be stricken by lightning, he's stealing the Elements, and his name is Bob.” she said.
Moments later there was a large flash and thunder and a distant yelling could be heard, “OH COME ON, THERE IS NOT EVEN A SINGLE CLOUD ON THE SKY!”.
Pinkie Pie started to bounce-run in the direction on the Palace.
Others stayed in place dumbstruck, so she called them “Let’s go or he will escape.”
“How could she...” started Luna, but Twilight Sparkle interrupted her.
“Trust me princess, don’t question it.” and they all went after pink pony.
Shining Armor slowly opened his eyes. It was surprisingly difficult for him. “I don't know what I've drunk, but this is surely the last time.” he thought. He tried to stand, but he slumped down again. His head was spinning and he felt that he was about to throw up. He slowly fought those feelings while trying to stand and remember what had happened. Then he remembered everything.
Shining Armor was still holding his defensive barrier over the Canterlot Palace making it impossible to penetrate it by anypony. Princess Celestia had made announcement to the citizens that that day's morning there would be military exercises at Palace, so it would be impossible to enter for a few hours. Still, nopony knew that so called exercises have an aim to capture the Spirit of Chaos who was roaming free somewhere inside this sphere. Well nopony, besides princesses, guards and the Elements of Harmony.
Captain of guard was sure, that if he had to face this draconequus alone, he would be in serious trouble, but princess told him that Discord was seriously weakened and the forcefield would be enough to hold him inside. He trusted his boss and was sure, but still was little worried that his sister and friends were going to deal with it without any guards.
The worst part of holding this sphere was that he had to be focused almost all that time and he was so damn bored. It was much more powerful and complicated spell than his anti-changeling shield which he cast on his wedding day. He could told other guards to hold this shield temporary, but it would only last small amount of minutes, so he did it only when he must complete some physiological needs like eating or drinking.
Soon he wouldn't be bored though. After over an hour from arrival of his sister, all guards got message from princess requiring their presence at royal garden. Only few were supposed to stay with him, to protect him from eventual attack. He closed his eyes and concentrated even harder on his spell, making shield even stronger.
But something was wrong. He was supposed to hear commotion, guards marching to the destination point, but there was silence. He opened his eyes and looked around. All of his fellow guards were lying on earth unconscious. He could see, that they were still breathing, so they hadn't been killed. Yet it was dangerous situation. Then he saw, that all that place was covered in thick mist and he could easily tell that it wasn't natural. They've been attacked from the inside. Even worse, he started to feel sleepy himself. He quickly do what protocol told to do in such situation and cast anti-sleep spell on himself, but it was too late. He saw how his magical shield shatter in front of him to many pieces. His last thought was that he should communicate with Celestia and Luna, but he was sent to dreamland before he could even begin this.
When he remembered everything he looked around. He was last to fall asleep and first to wake up. All of other guard were still sleeping and they weren't reacting to his tries to wake them up. It seemed that he was awake mainly due to his spell which, although belated, managed to work, at least partially.
When he tried to walk toward them he spotted someone on the sky. As he looked more closely he recognized Princess Luna flying away from palace. Her flight route was bit disturbed though like she had problem with some turbulence. Also, either his eyes failed him, or he saw some smoke coming from her body.
“Princess, over here!” he shouted, since his mind was still too dizzy to try to contact with her by magic.
Blue alicorn heard him and he could swore that she winced, but nevertheless she flew down to him.
“Princess!” he started, “Someone have attacked our guards.” he sniffed and could swear that he could sense a burned changeling smell.
“I know captain, we’re going to catch them. They’ve escaped and my sister and elements of harmony are ahead.” she looked at other guards, “Captain, make sure that everyone is alright and I will catch up with rest.”
“Right away princess.” said captain of royal guard. Just then they both heard shouting in the Royal Canterlot voice.
“IMPOSTER! THOU SHALL STOP AT ONCE!”
Shining Armor looked at the source of sound and saw elements of harmony including his sister with baby dragon on her back, Princess Celestia... and another Princess Luna?
“It isn’t my day.” he heard voice near here, he look around only to find himself face to face with a changeling. Shape shifting beast was all black, besides his big blue eyes, dark blue helmet which had hole for his horn, and lime saddlebags on his back. Changeling quickly took off and escaped through the gate and take turn left, right downhill to residential area. Both princesses and elements were soon after him, only Twilight stopped to see her brother.
“BBBFF are you okay?” she asked worried about her brother.
“I will be fine, please go help the Princess and I shall check other guards.”
“Okay, but could take care of Spike for me?” asked Twilight.
“Twilight.” moaned Spike, “I want to help you.”
“No buts Spike, it’s getting dangerous. You’re lucky that nothing happened to you back there and I won’t push luck any farther.” she said, placed little dragon near his brother and ran after princesses.
“I know I'm still a baby dragon, but I want to help Twilight in some way.” said Spike.
“I understand what you feel, but do you really think it would be wise for you to be on Twily's back in the middle of battle.” asked white unicorn.
Spike remembered how he screamed to his adoptive sister to stop while they were chasing Discord and said “I guess not, but still,”
“Hey, how about you help me to wake other guys up or drag them somewhere more safe?” proposed captain of guard.
Spike agreed.
Twilight soon caught up with rest of the group and they chased lone changeling for several minutes. He tried to lose them in small alleys of residential district, but in his haste he forgot that they knew the town better. Fluttershy and Princess Luna flew high on sky, to get a better view of situation and were communicating with each other telling them a position of the changeling. He was beginning to feel cornered. Many times he had to change his direction in seconds to avoid to be caught by one of the Elements. Finally he failed to notice one of high class citizen who was trying to escape to the safety of his house and collided with him. Impact of collision made him lose his saddlebags which felt on the ground. He didn't have too much time to contemplate his loss, because soon he realized that he was in small public square, cornered with each side, with five ponies and one alicorn ready to attack him if he tried to escape.
Princess Luna and Fluttershy saw saddlebags and went collecting the Elements while others made sure that changeling won’t escape. Few passersby had escaped from dangerous area and joined small crowd which had managed to form at the safe distance from scene. All ponies in crowd wanted to see what the commotion was about as the rumor that there was changeling in Canterlot had spread like fire among citizens. Few ponies were observing event from windows of their houses which was situated around the square. Most of them shut them off to protect themselves from any danger.
Suddenly there was puff of smoke and two previous assailants joined the changeling.
“Can you teleport us from here.” asked shapeshifter.
“Sorry, I'm too tired to do something more than cast few fireballs and even if I was at full force, I don't think I would have neither enough experience, nor time, to cast multiple teleportation spell.” replied unicorn.
“So we thought that we will just come to keep you company.” added gryphoness.
For few seconds both groups were staring at each other waiting for some wrong move of their adversaries. Two alicorns and 6 mares had been joined by a few groups of Canterlot guards who weren't affected by sleeping curse. Celestia had contacted Shining Armour in a Palace and received news that all guards were fine and there had been no more troubles there. She spread the news among others. Now they had just to capture the remaining three. She didn't know what else those have in store, so she waited with command to attack to time when all guards will be on their position.
“So you’d better surrender before someone get hurt.” gryphoness was first to break the silence.
“Yeah. So who’s gonna make us hurt, you?” hot blooded pegasus was first to answer.
“No.” gryphoness chuckled and pointed to the sky, “Him.”
Rainbow Dash had few second to ponder meaning of this before big shadow covered all square and terrifying roar shook it. At the sky, there was full sized dragon. Lizard was about same size as other dragons they had seen during their migration. From its appearance someone who knew dragons, like both princesses, could tell that it was a male dragon. His scales were brown on almost his all body except orange underbelly and tissue layer on his wings. He had two big black scars under his left eye and few holes in his two membranes in his flying limbs. Flapping of those made glass of the windows shake and the shock wave of it threw down few more loosely attached benches. Crowd started to scream and ran away in panic.
“Girls, don’t panic. We’ve already fought many dragons before so we will defeat this one.” said princess Celestia.
It really didn't have desired effect on Fluttershy whose face was almost completely drained of blood and whole pegasus body was shaking. Nevertheless other Elements and guards rather quickly composed themselves and prepared to fight a mythical flying beast.
Twilight Sparkle was first to see that the lizard was not only one who had just appeared. Another enemy came into a view. Female alicorn was standing on top of one of buildings. Like both princesses she was taller than other ponies. She was probably source of magic which envelopes others, because her colors were the same. Dark blue, or maybe even black skin and mane with white spots only for eyes.
“Sorry to disappoint you, but I believe, that we’re quite done here and we’re going back.” she said.
Celestia was about to retort back, when she noticed that Luna was frozen in place even more white on her face than Fluttershy even though it had seemed to be impossible. She was looking like if she saw a ghost.
“That voice... b-but it’s impossible. She wasn’t supposed to be real.” she said.
“Sister do you know her?” asked Celestia.
Alicorn of the Night slowly nodded and said, “Yes, her name is Nightmare.”
