MLP: Harmony Fallen

-6 Years Later-

“ERAH!” Twilight Throws a ball of white plasma with her hoof at a floating stone ball. Her attack misses, slamming into the concrete barrier wrapping around the forty-feet diameter arena. Glaring at the burn scar her attack left, she activates her element once again and tracks the stone ball. Her chest warms as her element glows bright white. Pulling magical aura from her element, she gathers it around her hooves once more. Forming another ball of hot plasma, she glares at her target. “ERAH!”

Her attack slams into the stone ball, shattering it into a million pieces that skip across the soft tan soil of the area.

“Nicely done!” Terren praises from edge of the area as he looks down at Twilight and her fellow element bearers standing in the inground arena. He picks up another stone ball with his magic. “Alright, we have two more who need to step up to the plate… Fluttershy you’re next!” He enchants the stone. It flies into the arena and begins to float about randomly.

“Come on Fluttershy! You can do it!” Rainbow Dash and Pinkie cheer. Rarity, Applejack, and Twilight smile, clapping their hooves.

Fluttershy steps up to the plate. Her eyes follow the stone’s movements. With a nervous sigh, she talks with her element. The green glow of her element brightens as she calls up its magic. Focusing on her target, she squints her eyes, her lips flatten as she manipulates her magic. “ERR!” She squeaks. The beam shooting from her chest is thin – about an inch in circumference. The beam knicks the stone causing it to spin out of control, crashing into the wall.

Fluttershy smiles and looks up at her prince. She cowers however, when she sees his dull expression. “Why the long face, Fluttershy?” Terren asks, not looking up from his notepad. Fluttershy feels her voice lodging itself in her throat. “Speak!”

“You seem disappointed your highness…” She mumbles.

Terren looks at the timid teen-filly. “You it the stone ball, did you not?” Fluttershy nods. “Then you did what I asked?” Terren gives her a soft smile. Fluttershy nods, returning the smile with a smile of her own. “Then why would I be disappointed?”

Fluttershy bows. “Thank you, your highness.”

Terren nods. “Pinkie, you’re next.”

Stepping off the plate, Fluttershy hoof-bumps Pinkie before taking her place next to Rainbow Dash and Applejack. She tries to smile, but she still feels like she failed her prince. Her friends give her a smile, trying to improve her mood. Fluttershy acknowledges their kind gestures and returns them with a small smirk.

Ridding her nervousness with a shake and a shiver, Pinkie stands on the plate and watches her stone ball fly into the arena. It bounces around in a haphazard pattern. With a smirk, Pinkie charges her element. A mass of blue aura pulsates over her chest. Locking onto her target, she releases her magic. Small oval shaped balls of hot blue plasma rapidly spew from her chest. A couple of her shots miss, but others hit, forcing the stone ball to the ground. Pinning it, she unleashes the rest of her charge, finishing off the stone ball.

“Interesting? Changing it up, are we? Terren looks at Pinkie with a raised brow.

Pinkie bows. “Yes, your highness.”

Terren lets out a chuckle as he looks at the large clock tower behind him. Seeing that the time reads eleven-twelve a.m., he stands up and stretches his back. “Alright bearers off to your chambers.” He stretches his neck, his wings twitch as he does so. “Take showers and make yourself presentable. You have court duty with Celestia at two today, so make lunch quick.”

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie grumble at the news. Applejack and Rarity giggle at their reaction. Twilight and Fluttershy just roll their eyes.

“Rainbow Dash! Pinkie!” Terren growls.

The element bearers cower at his words.

“Yes?” Rainbow Dash and Pinkie mumble.

Terren lightens his tone. “Element bearers must be just as skilled with words as they are with a weapon!” He gives them a smirk. “Is that understood?

“Yes, Prince.” They bow – speaking in unison.

“That’s what I want to hear.” Terren chuckles as he steps away from the arena. “Don’t be late!” He shouts as he heads for the east-wing of the castle.

With their prince gone the element bearers give tired sighs.

“Oh, man, I’m starving!” Pinkie moans.

“We did have a long morning of training.” Rainbow Dash flutters her wings as she stretches her neck. “Five hours or so…”

“I could take a nap!” Applejack yawns.

“Let’s get going fillies.” Twilight looks at her friends, as she heads up the steps of the inground arena. “If we want to enjoy lunch let’s make our showers quick.” Her friends nod and follow her up the steps.

Exiting the arena, they make their way to the west-wing of the castle towards a circular-shaped two-story building. The building’s foundation is made from tan colored concrete. Its walls white limestone. Its pillars supporting the red-shingle laden roof, a cream hued marble. The face of the building is adorned with eight-feet tall windows spanning length wise, the two floors. In-between each of the windows hang six banners with the patterns of their elements embroidered on them.

Seeing the approaching element bearers, the guards standing watch by the building’s entrance open the doors for them. “Hello, mighty bearers.” The guards bow.

Twilight and her friends bow in return. “You know you don’t have to be so formal.” Twilight states, wary of their formality.

“Oh, Twilight, they’re just doing their job.” Rarity smiles at the guards. The guards blush at her sly expression.

“Okay, Rarity!” Applejack groans, dragging her into their home. “You’re too young for them!”

“What?! I can’t tease them?” Rarity sighs. “You’re no fun!” She huffs in mock sadness. Pinkie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy giggle at her fake plight.

Applejack and Twilight roll their eyes. “Oh, brother…” Twilight moans.

The guards try their best to hide their flustered faces as they shut the doors.

Alone within the large grand hall, the teen-fillies settle down and let out soft sighs. Looking at the grand staircase leading up to the second story, Twilight runs a hoof through her mane. “Let’s get to it.” She heads up the stairs.

“Don’t take your time, Rarity!” Applejack teases.

“Applejack!” Rarity groans, “I will show you I can take quick showers!” She gets to the top of the stairs and gallops to her room. Applejack takes off for her room as well. Rainbow Dash and Twilight laugh at the two as they walk at a gentle pace to their rooms.

Pinkie’s element glows. “Mmm?” Pinkie snickers from the warm feeling on her chest.

“What’s so funny?” Fluttershy wonders. “What did your element say?” She walks alongside Pinkie as they head to their rooms.

“Oh…” Pinkie leans closer to Fluttershy and whispers in her ear. “It said that Applejack and Rarity act like a married couple.” She snickers. Fluttershy holds a hoof to her lips as she joins Pinkie in her laughter.

Rarity hums a tune as she scrubs her mane. Her hooves scratching her scalp as she works the shampoo into her mane. Delighted by the warm water washing over her back, she gives a satisfied sigh as she sticks her head under the showerhead. Her element glows, warming her chest. “Oh yes… Showers are quite lovely.” She giggles.

Her element sings a buzz.

“I’m not taking a long shower, dear…” She moves her head from the shower and moves her wet mane from her eyes. Glancing down at her chest with one eye open – She eyes the pattern of her element. Its shape is a diamond. Squinting her eyes from is bright purple glow, Rarity looks away and grabs a loofah works the fur-shampoo into it. “I have to prove Applejack wrong!” She huffs, groaning her sigh.

Her element murmurs.

“I’m not upset…” She mumbles.

Her element vibrates as it blinks.

“I… I guess I am…” She looks at her element once again. “I have been a little down in the dumps for the past week or so…”

Her element lets out a little moan.

Rarity stares at her element, watching the soapy water run across its surface. Looking up at the bronze shower head, she eyes the water droplets spewing from its array of holes. Hearing the muffled groans of the emptying water heater tank behind the wall, she shuts off the water and shakes her head twice. Sliding the curtain to her shower open, she grabs a towel with her magic and dries herself off.

Again, her element moans. Its glow warming, her chest.

Running the towel down her face, she huffs, biting it as she stares at herself in her bathroom mirror. “I’m missing my family…”

Her element murmurs in a questioning tone.

“Yes… Its been a long five years…” Rarity sees tears forming around her eyes.

Her element moans.

“You’re missing them too?” Rarity sniffles.

Her element hums – blinking for each hum it sings.

Rarity touches her element. She lets out a long sigh. “Maybe we can ask the royals if we can see them again?” She smiles. The thought of seeing her parents and her baby sister, warms her heart. She feels her chest getting tight as the hope of visiting them overwhelms her emotions. With a heavy breath, she finishes drying herself off.

Rainbow Dash sits at her sink mindlessly brushing her teeth. Her eyes stare back as she looks in the mirror. They’re judging her tired joyless expression. Seeing her element glow, she takes her toothbrush out of her mouth and look at its thunderbolt shape pulsing a soft red glow. “What?” She asks.

Here element groans.

“No, I’m not looking forward to the court hearings,” She brushes some more. “Are you?”

Her element gives a low hum.

“Thought so…” Rainbow Dash spits out the toothpaste into the sink. Washing her mouth out she steps away from the sink with a groan. Stepping into her room she makes it up to her makeup table. “Uh?” Seeing an object in her peripheral vision, she looks out the window and sees several Wonderbolts flying across the sky by the white cliffs of Canterlot.

Her element buzzes.

She frowns at the distant pegasi as they fade behind some clouds. “No, I’m not mad that I’m not a Wonderbolt…” She sits down, her eyes staring at the clouds passing by. “Or ever going to be one.” She rubs her element. “I’m very honored you chose be to be your bearer.”

Her element glows and hums.

“Nothing’s bothering me.” Rainbow Dash huffs as she blows her bangs away from her face.

Her element heats up as it groans in return.

“Ow!...” Rainbow Dash snaps. “Fine!” She feels her chest get tight as tears begin to form around her eyes. “I’m missing home…” Her wings go limp. Her ears fold back. “I miss my parents…” She blinks, forcing tears to roll down her cheeks.

Her element hums, gently warming her.

She lets out a huff. “Don’t tell the other about this.” She smirks half-heartily.

Her element rolls its imaginary eyes.

Applejack sits at her makeup table staring sadly at herself as she slowly braids her mane into pigtails. Seeing her element flicker, she halts her task and turns her attention to it. Her element’s shape is an oval that conforms with her chest’s curvature. “I’m alright sugar cube.” She tells it, returning to her task.

Her element shocks her a little.

“Ow!” Applejack frowns. “What was that for?”

Her element blinks and vibrates.

Err!...” Applejack moans. “I know I’m a terrible liar!” She places her hooves on her makeup table. She stares at herself and sees the sadness bubbling up – breaking the damn. “I’m afraid…’

Her element hums in confusion.

“I… I miss mah family!” She cries. “I only saw mah baby sis once!” She fights back a sob. “It’s been five years since I’ve seen them!”

Here element comforts her.

“Well…” She looks at element, her eye full of tears. “I’m afraid to asks the royals of I can see them again!”

Her element warms her.

Applejack feels her worries fade. “I know Luna would say yes…” She lays her head on her table. “But I’m not sure about Terren or Celestia…”

Her element hums as it continues to comfort her, quelling her emotional teenage mind.

Pinkie lays on her bed. Her straight magenta mane lays across her bed. Her lips quiver as she watches her ceiling’s fan blades spin slowly, mixing the dense air lingering in her room.

Her element glows blue, humming a soft tune.

Pinkie groans as she looks at her element and its round shape poking out of her chest. “I miss my parents…” Rolling over, she lays on her stomach – her limbs sprawled out and her head hanging off the bed’s edge. “I miss making rock-candy necklaces with my sister Maud! I miss Limestone and her grumpy no-nonsense attitude! I miss the long night conversations Marble and I use to have…” She sobs, looking at the fibers of her carpeted floor.

Her element warms her.

Pinkie feels the warmth and bites her lip. “Why did you pick me?” She asks as she rolls over and looks at her element. Its shape is a simple circle. Its blue color shimmers in the light radiating off her ceiling lamp.

Her element hums softly.

“I don’t feel joyful at this moment.” She grumbles.

Her element buzzes.

Pinkie smiles. “Silly me…” She laughs at herself. “Why didn’t I think of that!” She groans rolling over again, stuffing her face into her pillows. Her long magenta mane laying haphazardly over her head and pillows. “Stupid me! I should just ask the Royals!” She groans into her pillows.

Fluttershy rests her arms on the window-seal as she gazes out the window watching clouds go by – listening to the birds sing their sweet melodies. Seeing a pair of birds approaching her, her heart skips a beat. They fly up to a birdseed dispenser hanging beside her window. “Hello little birds.” She coos, holding out her right hoof. The bird closest to her tweets and hops up closer to her. Fluttershy smiles as she rubs the bird’s cheeks, her eyes widening as hums and chirps in delight.

She can feel her element’s glow. It warm. She feels its magic coming from her chest, through her arm and up to her hoof. Green aura oozes out from her hoof and forms into the shape of a soft rounded nub. The bird shivers, its eyes nervously staring at the pulsating mass of magic. “It’s okay, it won’t hurt you.” Fluttershy mumbles scared that it would fly away.

Her element hums softly as it pets the bird.

The bird ruffles its feathers in delight. But it doesn’t last as a small spark of electricity shocks it. Its feathers fluff out, making it look fat. Small bits of smoke waft off its body, its black beady eyes stare off into space. “Oh…” Fluttershy puts her hooves to her lips. “I’m so sorry Mr. bird.” Her element glows sadly. The bird chirps and flies away in a drunken manner. Its fellow bird looks at its friend with concern. Fluttershy blushes and hides behind the wall. “Oh… I need to control my magic better!” She groans.

Her element grumbles.

“You picked me!” Fluttershy looks down at her element. Its heart-wing shaped design shimmers in the light of her ceiling lamp. “I suck at this!”

Her element hums sadly.

“Nothing’s bothering me!”

Her element keeps warming. She groans as she feels it vibrate under her skin.

“Oh…” Fluttershy moans, giving into her element. “I’m sorry, I’m not angry at you… I’m, I’m…” Tears swell around her eyes. “I’m scared about my future… I miss my parents! My brother!” She sobs. “I don’t know if I can do this!”

Her element hums sadly.

“I don’t know if I can be an element bearer… A warrior!?”

Her element glows, sending its magic to her heart and mind, calming her woes.

She places her hooves on her element. Her wings twitch as she huffs out a sobbing sigh. “Oh… I hope I can see them again…”

Twilight sits at her makeup table residing in the corner of her room. She stares at her element through the mirror – eyeing its ten-pointed star shape as she grapples for control over her mane’s appearance. Returning her attention back to her task, she checks her work, making sure her bangs are styled just right. Liking what she sees, she sets down her brush and eyes her element once again. A shallow breath slips past her lips as she places a hoof on it. It feels warm. It always did.

Her element blinks from her touch.

A frown comes to her lips. “What?”

Her element blinks twice.

“I’m not sad.” She sighs. Slipping off her makeup chair, walking to her walk-in closet.

Her element hisses.

“I guess I’m a little worried…” Twilight stops in her tracks and looks down at her chest. She can feel its hissing throughout her whole body. “I’m just worried about my friends.” She looks at a picture of her and her fellow element bearers. The photo is of them when they first arrived at the castle. “For the past few weeks, they haven’t been acting themselves lately.” She looks down at her hooves.

Her element grumbles.

“Yes… I haven’t been either…” She groans, stepping into her closet and walking up to her jewelry chest. Opening it, she rummages through a large number of necklaces with a fine-tooth comb.

Her element grumbles some more.

Twilight sighs, stopping her task. “I miss my family…” She looks at a ruby necklace with tears in her eyes.

Her element blinks.

“I guess we’re all missing our families.” Twilight picks up the necklace with her magic and studies it. The glow of her aura around her horn fills the closet in a warm purple glow.

Her element warms her chest.

She smiles and she puts on the item. “I guess it’s time we see them!” She looks at her element – her smile leaving. “Even though it’s against the rules…” Her ears fold back.

Her element sighs sadly.

Looking at the clock behind her – through the doorway, Twilight sighs and walks out of her closet. “Time for lunch…” Stepping out of her room, she sees her fellow element bearers exiting their rooms as well. “Hello, fillies.” She forces a smile as she notices their solemn expressions.

“Hey, Twilight.” Pinkie smiles half-heartedly.

“You fillies feeling the same thing?” She asks walking up to her friends who gather at the top of the stairs.

“I sure am…” Applejack groans. “I’m mightily missing mah family.” She rubs the back of her neck.

Rarity let’s out a sigh. “I know we can’t see our parents, but just this once I would like to break the rules…” She runs her hoof through her mane.

“What a stupid rule!” Rainbow Dash grunts. “We have to wait until we’re adults to see our family and friends!” She runs her hooves over her cheeks. “We’re going to have no childhood! For crying out loud!”

Twilight frowns slightly. “I agree with you Rainbow Dash, but the rules have been established for hundreds of years!” She rubs the base of her horn. “Besides, the elements have never chosen children before, and I highly doubt the Royals would’ve changed tradition just for us!” She groans.

“Well, they should’ve!” Rainbow Dash huffs. “I mean past element bearers didn’t have to wait this long!” She sits down and crosses her arms. “They only had to wait eight years! But us, we have to wait until we’re adults!”

“They’re just making sure we adjust to our new lives.” Pinkie smiles trying to brighten the mood. “It’s like Twilight said, the elements have never chosen children until now.”

Rainbow Dash grumbles, staring at her tail wag about on the floor from her frustration.

Her friends sigh, each one of them looking at each other and the elements fused to their chests with glossy tired eyes.

Their elements not liking their moods, glow bright and hot – sending a shock that courses throughout their bodies – jerking them awake. Shivering from the lingering static, they look down at their respective elements with mixed emotions. Letting out long sighs, they look at one another once again. “Let’s just get through the court hearings.” Pinkie huffs.

“And then after, we could ask the royals to let us see our families!” Fluttershy mentions. Her friends look at her with raised brows, surprised by her tone of voice. Stunning herself, Fluttershy blushes. “Well, I mean… If you want too…” She hides behind her mane.

“We were thinking the same thing, were we?” Rarity ponders.

“I guess we were?” Twilight looks at her element, the others do the same. Looking up Twilight gives her friends a soft smile. “Let’s get some food in our bellies before we have to sit in court of three hours.” Her friend nod and follow her down the stairs.

“I’m so hungry!” Pinkie moans through a mouthful of cranberry salad smothered in blue-cheese vinegar dressing.

“Pinkie, please! Chew with your mouth closed!” Rarity huffs at her friend’s lack of table manners.

“What?” Pinkie swallows her bite. “Terren trained us hard this morning! I worked up a massive apatite!” She giggles taking another bite.

Twilight rolls her eyes at her friends’ discussion. Taking a bite of her corn, she looks at her fellow element bearers watching them eat their meals in relative silence. Swallowing her bite, she looks outside their private dining room and eyes the castle’s grand dining hall. She sees it is in full swing. Dining staff are busy running to n’ fro, serving government officials, guards, generals and dignitaries from the ten territories of the Equestrian Empire.

“Watch’a looking at Twilight?” Applejack asks.

Twilight looks at the earth pony. “Just some generals sitting over there.” She nods her head at the ponies in question.

Applejack looks at the generals through the archway. “Feels kind of strange that we have a room all too ourselves.” She studies the grandness of the room’s décor. Rich-crimson sheer-curtains with gold tassels hang from the two windows that sit to her left – allowing the light of the afternoon sun to fill the room, illuminating the birch walls and mahogany flooring. An iron-chandelier dangles above the round oak table they sit around, the chandelier’s ivory candles flicker and dance with the ambient air lingering in the room.

Oil-paintings of the first element bearers hang on the walls. If one would to enter the room, they would see the paintings of Axiom, Kepler and Knight Wing on their right and the paintings of Clover, Copper and Gum Drops to their left.

Rainbow Dash looks at the painting of Axiom, eying the pattern the element of Loyalty formed as it bonded to him. Smiling at its ring shape – with lightning bolts shooting out the sides. She looks at hers. It’s not as impressive as his… Feeling her chest warm she sighs and looks back at his painting, studying his stoic features. ‘I hope I’m as great as him?’ She ponders.

Her element hums.

Rainbow Dash looks down at her element and smirks. ‘Thanks.’

“Yes, thanks.” A masculine voice chuckles.

The element bearers’ ears stand erect as they look for the source of the voice. “Discord! Show yourself!” Twilight huffs.

“Aw… You’re no fun.” Discord materializes beside Rainbow Dash. “You’re just like Celestia, grumpy!” He floats above the table, swinging the chandelier with his hoof.

“You’re the god of chaos.” Twilight looks up at the god with a frown.

“And you’re the muffin queen.” Discord mocks. Pinkie snickers at his joke. Even Rainbow Dash lets a chuckle slip past her lips. “Ah, at least they understand me!”

“Why are you here?” Rarity wonders.

“Oh, just checking up on you, element bearers.” He looks at them sternly, studying their facial expressions. “Why are all of you down in the dumps?” He groans floating in front of Pinkie, looking directly into her blue eyes. “I haven’t done anything to you today to warrant such behavior!” He strokes his lengthy soul patch.

“We’ve been missing our families.” Pinkie states staring into the god’s yellow eyes.

“Missing your families?!” Discord huffs. “Really? That’s it?” He rolls over on his back and frowns. “Your hearts are not broken up from an evil monster destroying a whole town?! From bank robbers stealing all the gold in Manehattan?! No romantic break ups?!”

“Discord please, it’s a no to all those things… And besides you know we can’t date.” Twilight groans staring at him with a dull expression.

Discord stares back. His body rotates but his head stays put. “I know...” He huffs. Twilight stares at him with mortified eyes at his display of defying anatomy limitations. But who is she to question a god’s abilities.

“Its true Discord, we’ve been missing our families, a lot.” Applejack chimes in.

Discord looks at her and gives a huff. He floats on over to Fluttershy and Rarity and gets in-between them. Manifesting a small pink cloud and a glass cup he smiles at the group. “Who wants some of my signature cotton candy chocolate milk?” He squeezes the cloud with his front hooves, forcing it to release its chocolaty contents into the glass cup.

“Ooh! I do!” Pinkie cheers, raising her front hooves in the air.

The others nod as they look at the glass, licking their lips. With a laugh, Discord manifest more clouds with a clap of his hooves. The clouds unload their chocolate milk into their glass-cups before twisting themselves around a stick. Each filly grabs the cotton candy clouds and begin consuming their treats. “So?” Discord puts his hooves on his hips.

“Good as always!” Pinkie hums.

“Very yummy.” Fluttershy nods.

Twilight looks at the god and gives him a smile. “Thanks…”

Discord smiles. “I knew I could get a smile out of you.” Looking at the clock over the door, he chuckles. “You fillies better hurry. You have court duty in five!” He laughs before vanishing into a cloud of white mist.

Twilight and her friends look at the clock and give defeated sighs.

-12:28 p.m. Canterlot Royal Courthouse-

Celestia sits in a judge’s chair made of cherry-oak wood and soft velvet fabric for its seat and back. From her perch she sits ten feet above the court’s marble laden floor. Below her on the second rung of benches are two Major judges – one a unicorn mare in her late thirties and an earth pony stallion in his late seventies. Below them are ten minor judges representing the ten territories of the Equestrian Empire.

Hearing the muffled voices of eager ponies looking to plead their cases – large and small, Celestia sighs and looks at the last row of seats that are in front of the ten-minor judges’ seats. Six empty benches grace her vision. Looking to her left she eyes the side doors and the two royal guards standing watch beside them, looking like emotionless statues.

The doors swing open.

Celestia smiles as she sees Twilight and her friends enter. Her smile fades however when she notices their solemn expressions. “You alright little ones?”

Twilight and her friends look up at their princess and bow. “Yes… Your highness.” Twilight speaks for her friends. They take their seats and eye the large oak doors before them at the opposite side of the courtroom.

Celestia frowns at the response. Twilight’s tone and their demeanor tell her otherwise. “I’m going to have a talk with them afterwards.” Taking a breath, she looks at the guards by the main entrance to the courtroom. “Guards, let the first case enter!”

The guards bow and open the doors.

A stallion and mare enter the courtroom and bow. “My princess, my name is Fancy Paints and this is my wife Fleur de Lis. We are here to ask if you or one of your siblings can be one of the speakers for our fundraiser in Vanhaven?”

Celestia smiles. “And what is this fundraiser for?”

“For the orphanage ‘Hope and Hearts’.” Fleur de Lis states with a hum.

Celestia ponders. “I can see if Luna could do it. She’s not that busy.” She smiles, “Yes I’ll look into your request.”

“Thank you.” Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis bow.

As they leave a tall regal unicorn stallion in his late teens walks into the courtroom and up to the bench. “Blue Blood, what are you doing here?” Celestia wonders.

“Auntie!” Blue Blood bows. “I come to request funds…” He eyes the element bearers. Applejack catches his eye. Feeling his gaze, Applejack blushes and looks down, biting her lower lip. Her friends giggle at her embarrassment.

“Blue Blood?” Celestia huffs, giving her nephew a smirk.

His cheeks blush. “Um, yes… I request funds for a project.” Blue Blood smiles. “I want to build a golf course in the Red Poppy Hills.”

Celestia raises a brow. “And why do you wish to build a golf course?”

Blue Blood swallows a lump in his throat. “My friends and I want to add another course to the Equestrian Golf Club.” He gives his aunt a smile. “I have the plans ready to go, but we’re short… On the money side of things.”

“By how much?” Celestia leans back in her seat.

“Four-thousand bits…” Blue Blood gives a sheepish smile.

Celestia gives a long sigh and looks at her nephew. “Do your parents know of your startup?” Blue Blood nods. “Have they helped you?” He nods again. Celestia scratches her chin. ‘I need to have a word with his mother…’ She looks at her nephew. “Then… I will give you half.” She sees the glow fade from his face. Before he can protest, she raises a hoof. “You need to ask your uncle for the rest. As you know he loves golf and would gladly help.” She gives her nephew a sly smirk.

The judges maintain their expressionless posture. The element bearers however snicker and giggle at her tone of voice.

He blushes from the fillies’ laughter, swallowing a lump in his throat. “Thank you, auntie…” He begins to turn around but stops to look back at Celestia. “Where would uncle be at this time of day?”

“Oh, training the royal guard.” She hums.

Blue Blood’s ears fold back, his facial expression goes pale. “Oh…” He moans as he leaves the courtroom.

Hearing about the royal guard causes Twilight’s throat to tighten as painful emotions work their way to surface. Taking a deep breath, she closes her eyes and thinks about her brother. Out of all the element bearers, she was the lucky one to have a relative that was close enough to the castle. Even though she rarely got to see him, when she did, she made the most of it.

On the nights he would sneak out from bootcamp, and meet by the gates of the ‘Royal Garden’, they would talk about anything that came to their minds. He’d talked about their father and his job as professor of history at Canterlot University. Their mother’s part-time gig as a newspaper editor for the local paper. The events going on in their neighborhood. She’d talked about her training, her other fellow element bearers and her studies. However, she would try to prod about his love life, but that conversation would always go nowhere.

Her friends see her emotions trying to manifest themselves. They look at one another and let out their own defeated sighs. Looking at the clock they read the time. “Two and a half hours more!” Rainbow Dash whispers.

“We’re asking the princess once we're done!” Applejack states with a whisper.

“We need to see our families!” Rarity adds.

“I think I’m going to go loopy-doopy if I can’t…” Pinkie moans. Fluttershy nods in agreement.

“We’ll get through these remaining hours…” Twilight huffs. “Just take deep breaths.”

Celestia hears their woes. They’re faint, but she can clearly make out their frustration. Her smile fades. ‘I knew they wouldn’t last without seeing their families…’ She tells herself. ‘Brother would never agree to such a thing though…’ She looks at the doors and watches as another pony enters. ‘I hope he does… For their sake.’

It’s nearing the end of the court hearings.

The element bearers groan as they rub their tired eyes. Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash feel like they’re dying. Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity manage to keep a professional appearance, but they are quickly fading. Celestia and the rest of the judges sit at full attention, making it look easy. Way too easy.

“Your highness!” A guard comes running in. She stops and takes a deep breath. “A special guest has arrived to see you!” She bows, gasping for air.

The court heightens their attention. “Who is it soldier?” Celestia asks.

“Ivory Gorge of… AH!” The guard gets pushed aside as a twelve-feet tall dragon burst into the room.

CELESTIA!” Ivory Gorge shouts. His silvery-white scales shimmer in the court’s lighting. “It’s been a while!” He laughs. “Sorry I waited so long to see you.”

Celestia smiles. “Ivory!” She giggles. “Long time no see.” She stands up from her seat and flies up to the dragon giving him a hug. “How’s the family?” She pulls away from the hug.

“All is well!” Ivory Gorge laughs as he steps up to the bench and looks down at the element bearers. “So, these are the new bearers of the Elements of Harmony?” He studies them, his long under-teeth sticking out as he grins at them. His rich blue eyes piercing their souls.

The element bearers cower a bit, but quickly stand their ground, studying him right back. “Hello!” Pinkie cheers. “Mah name is Pinkie Pie, and these are my friends, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash!” She giggles, her long-straight mane covering the right side of her face.

He laughs. “Nice to meet you all!”

“How do you know the princess?” Rarity ponders.

“We go a really, really long way back!” He slyly eyes the princess.

Celestia blushes. “Ivory, how rude to assume my age…” She giggles, rolling her eyes as she sits back in her judge’s seat. The element bearers have a hard time controlling their laughter. Even the stout judges let some snickering and giggling past their lips.

“Oh, that never gets old.” Ivory Gorge wipes his eyes.

“Why are you here?” Celestia gives him a playful frown. “I know it’s not to tease me!” She laughs.

“You got me!” Ivory Gorge holds up his claws. “I came here to introduce you to my youngest son, Spike!” He states pridefully. His tale moves, pushing someone out from their hiding spot. The court eyes a small, dragon with purple colored scales. He’s chubby for his age and a little short. He looks up at them with his large green eyes.

Celestia smiles. “How old is he?”

“He’s seven.” Ivory Gorge states, patting his son’s head.

Celestia gives a knowing hum. “Let me guess, you want the element bearers to teach him?”

“Wow, how did you know?” Ivory Gorge laughs. “Yes, I do, just like the last element bearers did, with my eldest daughter.”

Celestia looks down at the element bearers, studying their reaction. “Fillies?” They look up, giving her nods of approval. Fluttershy and Pinkie are nearly shaking their heads off her bodies. With a pleased sigh, she looks at her friend. “Of course, they can, they seem interested enough.” She looks at Spike. “Do you have a love for books little one?”

Spike nods. “Yes, your highness.”

Celestia smiles. “Twilight’s going to love you.”

Twilight blushes as she hides behind the oak barrier of the bench. Spike blushes at Celestia’s comment and eyes Twilight. He sees her rich-purple eyes peak behind the wall staring at him. He blushes and looks away staring at his feet.

Ivory Gorge chuckles as he bends down. “Son?” Spike turns to face his father and gives a nod. “Remember what I told you. You behave yourself, be an open book and absorb all that is taught to you.” He lays his claws on his son’s shoulders. “I’ll be back to pick you up in five years. So, be a big dragon you hear?” Spike nods, though his eyes begin to water. “Now son, no crying.”

DING! DONG!

Hearing the bells ring their song Ivory Gorge stands up. “Looks like the court is adjourned.” He stretches his back. “Well I’m off. I must attended to my kingdom.”

Celestia stands from her seat. “You must come and visit more often, you, big goof.” She gives him a sly smirk.

Ivory Gorge nods. “Yes, I should. I’m so, sorry my dear Celestia…” He returns her gesture before looking down at his son. “See you in five years.” He leaves the courtroom. “Love you son!”

Watching the doors close as his father leaves, Spike lets out a long sigh and looks at his new mentors. “What do I do now?”

“I know! We can go get some ice-cream and then show you to your new room!” Pinkie cheers.

“Not so fast!” Celestia shouts. The element bearers, Spike and even the judges shiver from her tone. “Judges you may leave. As for the bearers, we must have a talk.”

“A talk?” Fluttershy murmurs.

“Talk about what?” Twilight asks, her ears rest flat against her head.

“About your solemn, downtrodden moods,” Celestia states dully.

The element bearers look at one another and give long nervous sighs.

The walk to Celestia’s chamber is long and uneventful. The element bearers walk in silence behind Celestia. They keep their heads down, eyeing the white tiled floor they walk. To them at least, it feels like the walks on either side are closing in ready to swallow them whole. Pinkie gulps as a shiver runs down her spin.

Spike walks alongside Celestia as he looks back at the element bearers, studying their worried expressions. He’s worried as well, from the tone of Celestia’s voice, she sounded displeased with them.

“Enter!” Celestia activates her horn, throwing open the doors to her chambers. The element bearers shiver as they step inside. “Spike, wait out here.” She smiles at the dragon, giving him a loving pat on the head. Spike nods and sits on the floor, leaning his back against the wall.

With a sigh, Celestia shuts the door.

Turning around, Celestia studies the young element bearers. “What is bothering you, little ones?” She sits on the floor, her eyes softening their harsh gaze.

Twilight and her friends look at one another. Nodding, Twilight looks at their mentor. “We’re missing our families, princess.”

Celestia closes her eyes and gives a long sigh. “I knew this day would come…” She groans. “How come you waited so long to tell me?” She gets closer to them. “I knew something was bothering you fillies. For the past week, you’ve been down in the dumps.”

They blush. “I guess we need to work on our ‘poker faces’?” Pinkie chuckles, with a sheepish grin.

Celestia shakes her head, holding in her laughter. “Oh, you fillies make me laugh.”

They smile. “So, is it a yes?” Applejack hopes. Her anffriends’ eyes go wide in anticipation.

Celestia’s smile fades. “I can’t give you a direct answer.” She states.

“Why?” Fluttershy whines.

Celestia sighs. “I would gladly allow you to see your families. Even Luna would. But Terren, he would be the one to say no.”

“Why do we need his permission?” Rainbow Dash groans as she gives the princess and frown.

Celestia returns the guesture. “Rainbow Dash!” She hisses. Rainbow Dash cowers. Even her friends find themselves, joining her, their heads hang low to the ground. “We are a triarchy if you’ve forgotten. All three of us must agree on a decision.”

Twilight swallows a lump in her throat. “Could we ask him?”

“We’re going to have to,” Celestia states flatly. She activates her horn. An audible hum rings out, filling their ears. “Ah…” She hums. “I called my siblings to my chamber. They should be here shortly…”

Two consecutive flashes of light fill the room. Terren stands to Celestia’s right and Luna stands to her left.

“What is it, sister?” Luna asks.

“Yes, what is it?” Terren huffs. “I was busy making our nephew beg for his mommy…” He sees the element bearers are with them. “Why are they here?”

Celestia sighs. “The element bearers wish to see their families.”

“For how long?” Luna asks.

“Yes, how long?” Terren frowns at the element bearers. They dare not look at their prince directly.

Celestia ponders their questions. They never told her a time frame. “Two weeks.” She states. She smiles when she sees them light up with joy.

Terren huffs. “They want to go against tradition?”

“Terren, they’re teens!” Celestia groans. “You know how much I value tradition, but this is the first time the elements have chosen children. We’re asking them to give up their childhoods!” She rubs the base of her horn. “I believe it would be healthy for them to see their families while they're young. Who knows how they’ll cope in the real world if they’re not allowed to see their families until adulthood?” She gives her brother a hopeful, yet stern glare.

Terren growls, his eyes glaring at their elements, studying their pulsing glow. With a grizzly huff. He closes his eyes. “Luna? What do you think?”

Luna smiles. “I agree with Tia.” She smirks at Twilight and her friends. “I think we can bend tradition, after all, this is a unique situation.”

Terren huffs as he opens his eyes. “Fine… They can see their families… Just this once.” He activates his horn. “Next time they’ll do so as adults!” He leaves the room in a flash of orange light.

Celestia smiles. “Looks like you’re going home.”