MLP: Harmony Fallen

“Take deep breaths. Concentrate…”

Twilight squeezes her closed eyes further, her face contorting into a determined scowl.

“You’re losing focus…”

Twilight groans, rubbing her hooves together.

“Focus…”

“Err!” Twilight opens her eyes. “I am!” She glares at the figure in front of her.

The figure’s white crystalline body, a mirror image of herself, shimmers in the white light of the void they’re in. “You’re not…” It stares at her with a dull no-nonsense glare.

Twilight stares at the figure watching its mane sway with the wind that flows over them. The breeze neither felt hot nor cold. Neutral is the best way she can put it. It always felt… strange… normal? “Sorry… I’m just excited.” She plays with her tail.

“I bet you are.” The figure smiles. “But you need to learn to control your emotions!” It glares at Twilight, studying her facial expression, searching for confidence or a lack there of.

“Sorry element.” Twilight mumbles.

Well, there was some confidence. “I didn’t know you were such a nervous nanny?” The element of Magic laughs.

“You should know!” Twilight points a hoof at her element. “You’ve picked me after all!”

“Hey no fair… I may’ve picked you, but just like you’re learning to live with me, I’m still learning to live with you…” Her element’s chest begins to glow, so does Twilight’s. “Even if it’s been six years.”

Twilight feels her cheeks blush. “Sorry element…” Her shoulder goes limp as she stares at the grey grass surrounding them.

“It’s alright…” The element of Magic stares at the filly. It frowns at her nervous demeanor. “What is on your mind Twilight?”

Twilight lets out a long sigh. “It’s about my parents…” She can feel her throat tighten. “What will they think of me after all these years? I know my brother told me that they still love me but… My appearance…” She sees her element giving her a raised brow. “I mean no offense but having a magical crystal sticking of their daughter’s chest would make any parent do a double take!” Her element stays silent. “I mean, I’m no longer the same filly they know!” Her rant continues.

The element of Magic sighs as it sits up and steps up closer to its bearer. Twilight eyes go wide as she feels it’s hoof on her lips. Looking up she sees her element staring down at her with a dull expression. She feels her cheeks blush, realizing that she needed to take a deep breath, which she does. “Much better…”

“I’m… Sorry…”

“Shush!” Her element groans. “Let’s return our minds to our training before the taxi makes it to your old childhood home.” Her element sits back down. “Besides you need to be able to handle my magic”

“I-I can handle your magic…” Twilight mumbles as she tries to hind her blushing behind her bangs as she bows her head.

“You’re not there yet… Especially when it’s time to face my other half.” The element of Magic opens one eye and glares at its bearer with a hint of skepticism.

Shivering, Twilight copies her element’s pose. “Why can’t I or my friends see our other half? What so dangerous about it?”

Her element opens its eyes, their bright white glow piercing her soul. “You can’t! None of you can at this time! You and your friends are too young for such an encounter… Balance is key… If either Harmony or Disharmony overwhelms its bearers and takes absolute control, we’ll kill our bearers and ourselves in the process!”

Twilight shivers at that thought. “But don’t you have full control as we speak?” She asks with a hint of confusion.

Her element stares at her with a blank expression. “No… unlike my other half I know how to control myself. And besides, Disharmony flows through you, in all sentient creatures … You just can’t feel it yet…” Her element hums.

“Oh… I understand… Sort of?” She gives her element a sheepish grin.

Her element huffs. “That’s why we train!” It puts its hooves together and bows its head, closing its eyes. Twilight watches a haze of aura surrounds her element’s body. Letting out a huff of her own she copies her element. Soon she too has an aura of magic surrounding her.

Several minutes, or what feels like several minutes… it could’ve been hours or mere seconds given the void’s inner workings has passed. Twilight and her element sit in relative silence as their aural magic communicates with one another. Feeling her brow begin to perspire. Twilight gasps and breaks her concentration. “Darn it!” Twilight growls.

The element of Magic stares at its bearer with a dull expression. “You’re still not giving it a hundred percent… Your thoughts are still on your family and friends.”

Twilight stares at her lap. “Sorry…”

“Don’t be…” Her element holds up a hoof. “It’s kind of my fault to expect you to be fully on board with today’s training…” It studies her further. “You excited?”

“Yes!” Twilight gulps. “Very excited!” She taps her hooves together. “But I’m so nervous!”

“Let me guess, your appearance?” Her element tilts its head to the side. Twilight nods. Rubbing its brow, it stares at Twilight with dull eyes. “It not like they haven’t seen you with me sticking out of your chest!” It huffs, pointing at her chest. Before Twilight can respond it holds up a hoof. “And besides they’re your parents, they still love you.”

Looking at her bare chest, seeing a faint white glow Twilight huffs and looks up at her element. “I know… WHOAH!” The void she’s in fades away as her meditation breaks. She finds herself flying off her seat and slamming face first into the diving window of the royal putter taxi. “Ow…” She moans through mushed lips against the mesh.

The royal taxi driver looks back from his seat. His face goes pale as he sees her awkward position. “I’m very sorry bearer!” He looks at the putter-wagon in front of him. “I had to slam of the breaks, traffic is heavy in this part of the city.”

“It’s alright…” Twilight rights herself with the help of a royal guard sitting next to her. “Are we here?”

The taxi driver looks out the driver side window. “Yes a few blocks… hold on…” He drives the putter-car further pulling up to her home parking the vehicle alongside the sidewalk. “Now we are." He smiles. “You need any help with your bags?”

“No… I got it.” Twilight picks up her saddlebag with her magic. “Thank you for the ride.” The royal taxi driver tips his hat. The royal guard activates his magic and opens the door for Twilight. With a happy sigh she gets out of the putter-taxi and waves to it as it leaves. “I’m home…” She hums out loud as she looks up at her childhood home.

Her element glows, warming her chest.

She studies the exterior of the apartment complex. Its brick façade has seen better days. Some of the mortar welding the bricks together is chipping away allowing some bricks to wiggle themselves loose. The white paint covering the19th century styled windows is chipping away from the many years of wind, sun, and rain. The rich stained color of the maplewood trim breaking up the brick is faded, now a dull dirty tan.

Twilight’s smiles as she walks up the concrete steps of her home. Her old rustic home.

“Is that the bearer of the Element of Magic?!” A mare gasps.

Twilight’s ears fold back. “Oh… no…” She groans, closing her eyes. She hated being the center of attention.

“It is!” A colt cheers. “Mommy look!”

“I see dear.” His mother coos.

Before a crowd can gather around her, Twilight quickly presses the buzzer. “Hello? This is the front desk. How may I help you?” A voice asks over the speaker.

“My name is Twilight Sparkle… I’m here to see my parents.”

The speaker is silent, only static. A click sounds off. “Oh yes,” The voice giggles. “One of our element bearers… I have to say you made this humble apartment complex very popular…” The door unlocks. “Come in. Do you want me to alert your parents?”

“No!... I, uh mean no… that’s alright.” Twilight throws her saddlebag on her back and steps into the building.

Standing in the lobby, Twilight takes a deep breath. She shivers at the familiar old musty smells assaulting her senses. They stir old memories, forcing them to the surface of her mind. She shivers again as she closes her eye. Letting out a sigh, she opens them.

She sees her and her friends running across the lobby’s dark pine floors, flaying a game of tag.

She sees herself and her friends running across the dark-pine floors of the lobby, playing a game of tag. The image fades into another. She’s now with her parents and older brother. They’ve just come back from the carnival. Her brother holds a large rubber ball in his magic while she carries a stuffed pony-doll in hers. This image fades into another as well. Now she sees her younger self standing by the entrance of the apartment complex. Two royal guards stand behind her, Celestia stands in front of her, speaking to her parents by the base of the stairs. She sees the tears her younger self is crying.

Her element hums, its glow illuminating the space around her.

The image fades like dust in the wind. Shaking her head, Twilight looks at her element. “I’m fine…” She states, wiping away her tears. “It’s just good to be home.” She reassures.

Her element hums softly.

“Welcome home element bearer.” The voice that spoke over the intercom states with a hum. “Oh… Are you alright?”

Twilight looks at the mare. “Yes… Miss?’

“Baker, Mrs. Baker.” The mare bows. “So, I take it that you want to surprise your folks?”

Twilight giggles. “Yes.”

“Well I think that’s a splendid idea.” Baker smiles. “Do you need help with your bag?” Twilight shakes her head. “Well then, if you need anything, just give me a buzz.” Baker bows before heading back to her office.

“Thank you!” Twilight waves. Looking up at the stairs, she smiles and makes her way to her apartment.

Getting to the fourth-floor, Twilight looks down the hall and takes a deep breath. The musty smell of the wood flooring brings back strong childhood memories. Shivering away her nervous emotions, she takes and step and strolls down the hall until coming to the last door at the end of the hall. Standing in front of the door, she reads its metal letterings, 427. ‘They’ll be bare metal by the time I’m finished with my training.’ She smirks at their chipping gold paint.

With a happy sigh she gives the door a knock.

“Hold on! I’ll be right there!” Twilight hears her mother’s muffled voice.

The chain unlatches and the door’s lock disengages. The door swings inward revealing a unicorn mare in her mid-thirties. Her white fur shines in the light from the ceiling fan above the kitchen table. Her light-purple mane lays flat against her face, while her tail kisses the floor. Her bright-purple eyes stare at Twilight in disbelief. “T-Twilight?!”

Twilight fights back a sob working its way up through her throat. “Mom!” Tears swell around her eyes.

“Honey?” A stallion calls out. “Velvet? What’s the matter?” The stallion appears from the hall. “It sounds like you’ve seen… a… ghost?... Twilight?” He stares dumfounded at his daughter.

“Dad!” Twilight smirks. Tears pour down her face, dripping onto the floor.

Her parents drag her into a hug with their magic. “How?!” Her mother cries as she squeezes the life out of her daughter.

“I thought you couldn’t comeback until you were an you turned twenty-five?!” Her father asks with a happy sob.

“The royals allowed us to see our families for two weeks!” Twilight cheers, tightening her grip around her parents’ necks.

“Two weeks!” Her mother gasps as she pulls away from the group-hug. “Oh, Night Light! Our baby filly is home for two weeks!” She puts her front hooves over her lips as she stares at her husband and daughter, tears of joy flooding her eyes.

“Thank heavens!” Her husband laughs as he runs his hoof through their daughter’s mane. “I’m glad you’re home sweetie.” He looks into their home. “Come inside, stay awhile.” He chuckles.

Twilight giggles. “Don’t mind if I do!” She follows her parents into their small abode.

“Why don’t you put your saddlebag in your room, sweetie.” Her mother states, motioning towards the hall with her hoof. She catches a glimpse of the element of Magic. Twilight doesn’t notice her mother’s expression as she trots down the hall towards her old room.

“You noticed it to?” Night Light asks his wife.

“Yeah…” Velvet whispers. “It doesn’t look to bad?” She frowns. “Does it?” She shivers. “It’s protruding out of her chest from the last time… we saw her!”

Her husband stays quite as they watch their daughter eye the décor lining the hall. “No… it doesn’t look to bad and besides it’s no different from the other element bearers of the past.”

Velvet sighs as her and her husband watch their daughter step into her room.

“You… You kept it the same.” Twilight walks timidly around her room. “Just like I left it…” Tears swell around her eyes again.

Ignoring her thoughts on the element, Velvet walks up to her daughter. “Yep, we haven’t touched your room since you’ve been gone.” She sits under the doorframe.

Twilight looks back at her parents and gives them a smile. Her element lets out a hum as it blinks, lighting up the dimly lit room in white light. Her parents stare at her element once again, their eyes wide like saucers. “Oh…” Twilight looks down at her element. “It’s just speaking to me is all.”

Her mother keeps staring at her element. “Oh…” She forces herself to look at her daughter. “That buzz, what that it speaking?”

Twilight ears fold back a bit from her mother’s expression. “Uh, yes…”

“What’s it saying?” Her father asks, noticing her discomfort.

Twilight looks down at her element and places a hoof on it. “It said, deja-vu.” She sees the paleness in her mother’s face. “Mother… are you alright?”

Her mother shivers as she drags herself out of her thoughts. “Uh… Yes sweetie…”

“Velvet?” Her husband looks at his wife with a raised brow.

“I’m fine Night!” Her voice is shaky. “I’m just… a little overwhelmed…”

“Why?” Twilight asks as she steps up to her mother. Her element lets out a soft hum.

Her mother looks down at her daughter and runs a hoof through her mane. Twilight can feel the how badly her mother’s nerves are shot by how bad her hoof is shaking.

“I’m just… I thought I would be ready for this day… When you’d show up… all grown up, a young mare… a… a warrior.” Her mother fights back a sob. “I still can’t believe the elements chose you!”

Twilight feels tears swelling around her eyes. “They chose me for a reason…” She buries her face in her mother’s chest. “I don’t know why… yet?”

“I tell you one day…” The element of Magic speaks out loud in Twilight’s mind.

Twilight ponders the element’s words, but she quickly puts it in the back of her mind. She would have to press her element on the matter. “But I know that I will always be your little filly!”

Her mother returns her gesture with a hug. “I know…”

Night Light looks at his wife and daughter with a growing smile. “I think having something to eat will make us feel a lot better.”

Twilight and her mother break their hug. “I that sounds good.”

“What are you hungry for?” Her father asks.

“I would love the cabbage stew you would always make for me when I was sick.” She smirks at her mother.

Her mother chuckles. “Are you sick?” She asks as she wipes her eyes of clear of lingering tears.

Twilight gives a fake cough. “Maybe?”

Night Light laughs. “She’ll make it for you!” He wraps his arm around his daughter’s neck, pulling her into a hug. “Besides, I like it too.” He gives his wife a sly smirk. She just rolls her eyes as she heads into the kitchen.

They follow after her.

“So, what are your plans?” Night Light asks as he helps his wife with lunch. “Now that you have two weeks to yourself?

Twilight takes her seat at the kitchen table and ponders his question. “Well…” She taps her chin with a hoof. “I’m… I don’t know?”

Her parents stop in their tracks. “What?” They look at their daughter. “That’s unlike you sweetie?” Her mother states, playfully raising her brow.

Twilight blushes. “I guess I was so caught up on getting home…” She rubs the back of her neck. “I know I want to visit my old friends and Shining.”

“I think you should make it a surprise.” Her father states. “Imagine you showing up to the military base he’s at!” He laughs. “Your brother will flip out!” His wife nods her head, holding in her laughter. Twilight joins her parents her own laughter filling the room. Even her element joins in with soft hums of its own.

Pinkie watches countless rock formations pass her by as she looks out the train window she sits by. She sighs as she places her right elbow on the window trim, resting her head in her hoof. Her blue eyes lock onto a lonely cactus in the middle of the high desert, all alone; its closest neighbor being a small rock about a hundred and fifty yards away.

The train and its cars bob, its wheels grinding against the train tracks that conform to the hilly Appaloosan landscape.

She steadies herself as the train rights itself, hearing the wheels of her car thud, then return to a metallic humming, she leans back in her seat, all the while keeping her gaze on the passing landscape.

Her element hums.

“Mmm?” Breaking her gaze, Pinkie looks down at her element, eyeing its soft blue glow. “What is it?”

Her element buzzes.

Pinkie huffs as she resumes looking out the window. “I just wish the train would go faster…” She grumbles, brushing her long bangs from her eyes, laying them behind her right ear as she looks at the interior décor of the car for the fifth time this day.

The car is a government car, the royal family’s shield is on either side and directly in the middle. At each end of the car is the Equestria flag, its symbols of the sun and moon shining down upon three figures, one an earth pony, pegasus and a unicorn carved into the fine cherry oak siding making up the interior. Rich ruby red curtains adorn each window. The seats are made of oak, lined with red velvet fabric, stuffed with cotton, making them comfortable enough for long rides.

The occupants of the train car are predominantly military personnel, senators of the ten territories of Equestria and various government employees. Sighing, she looks at the end of the train car that’s in front of her and sees two royal guards standing post. Looking behind her, she sees two more guarding the other end. One of the guards notices her and gives her a small bow. Returning the gesture, she sulks in her seat and stares at the lamp above her head, eyeing its green lampshade.

Still sensing her dull mood, her element lets out another hum.

Pinkie moans out a hum. “Oh…”

Her element hums in confusion.

Pinkie grunts as she sits up, placing her hooves in her lap. “I’m okay…”

Her element grumbles as it glows bright. It sends its magic through Pinkie’s body, causing her to twitch and shiver. Her eyes glow bright blue and her body goes limp, falling on her seat……

“Ow…” Pinkie groans as she rubs her head. Her body shiver as she feels sterile air washing over her. Opening her eyes, she finds herself standing in a field of grey grass surrounded by vast white nothingness. Feeling someone or something behind her she grumbles as she turns around. “What was that for?” She glares at her element floating behind her.

“Because you’re not telling me anything!” The element of Joy grumbles as it floats around its bearer.

Pinkie eyes the blue crystalline version of herself. “Sorry…” Her element’s tone was harsh, almost metallic sounding. “I didn’t want you to worry…”

“Really?” Her element raises its brow. “Like I can help it! I’m connected to you, don’t you remember?”

“Yes… I remember…”

Her element sighs. “What’s wrong little one?”

Pinkie looks at her element. “I’m worried my parents will think of me differently.” She stares at her element, looking into its bright blue glowing eyes.

Her element lets out a long sigh. “They will not think of you differently. You are their daughter…”

“I think they will…” A darker sounding version of the element of Joy laughs. “How can they not?”

The element of Joy glares at the void. “Return your realm Despair!” it growls. “You do not belong here!”

The dark voice grumbles. “But I do, we three belong as one and you know it!”

Pinkie stares at her element and the void with wide confused eyes. Her element growls as she looks at Pinkie. “You’ll be fine little one…” Blue aura surrounds Pinkie. “Now enjoy the time with your family…” It looks at the void. “I must attend to our other half…”

A gut-wrenching sensation radiates from Pinkie’s stomach as the white void fades around her, morphing back to reality. A quick flash of blue washes over her eyes before she can see again. She finds that she’s laying down on the train seat. Ponies are looking down at her studying her predicament. “Uh…” Her cheeks blush. “Are we at Dodge Junction?”

An old stallion in his mid-eighties looks out the window. “Yes, little one, we are about to pull into the station…”

“Are you alright bearer.” A senator of the northern regions asks.

Blushing even more, Pinkie sits up and grabs her saddle bag. “Yes… Thank you for asking…” Feeling the train coming to a halt, she stands up and quickly thanks the occupants of her train car for looking over her during her little… uh, episode. Leaving the car, she steps off the train and onto the train station’s wooden platform.

Feeling the steam gently washing over her, Pinkie takes a deep breath and lets out a long sigh. “I’m almost home…” She looks out over the bustling iron mining town. Seeing ponies stopping their tasks to look at her, she gently waves and makes her way off the platform.

“Alright let the bearer have her space!” The sheriff shouts, waving ponies away. Looking at Pinkie his gives her a tip of his hat. She giggles and gives him a small nod.

Several yards away from the train station, Pinkie makes her way over to a taxi station and steps up to the booth. “Hello?” She calls out, looking into the booth. She sees a stallion in is late sixties sleeping the morning away. “Mr. Dingo!” She shouts his name, as she recognizes him.

“Uh, What! Who?!” Mr. Dingo wakes up from his nap. “Who is it!” He looks out his booth’s window as sees a teen filly, with pink fur and a long straight magenta mane staring at him with her bright blue eyes. “Hello… Little one…” He notices a blue crystal sticking out of her chest. “Element Bearer?!” He studies her further… Pink fur? Magenta mane? Blue crystal? “Pinkamena!?” He sits up. “I thought you would not be back until you turned twenty-five?”

Pinkie giggles. “I’m back Mr. Dingo!”

Mr. Dingo smiles as he sits back in his chair. “So, why are you here?”

“The Royals gave us element bearers two weeks to visit our families.” Pinkie smiles.

“Breaking tradition?” He eyes her with a raised brow.

“Well…” Pinkie gives him a sheepish smile. “Since this is the first time the elements chosen children, the royals believe it will be good if we at least have some semblance of a childhood.”

The stallion laughs. “Well let me guess, a one-way ticket to Rock Cove?” Pinkie nods. “Well then, let’s go surprise your family!” He gets up and steps out of his booth. “Let me personally take you. My numb-nuts of a staff can handle operations while I’m gone…” He looks over at his employees failing to put on a new tire on a putter-car. “I hope…” He mutters.

Pinkie laughs at his expression. “I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

Dingo looks down at her and gives her a smile. “I hope you’re right… Come one let’s get going.”

The ride to her small hometown of Rock Cove is short. Her conversation with Dingo was a fun one, she quickly filled him in of her life at the Castle in Canterlot, the other element bearers and their personalities, her new magical skills she learned from her element, and what’s it like living with her element.

“Well that’s quite a life you’re living Pinkamena.” Dingo states as they pull into town. Getting close to her home, he parks his putter-car and pulls on the e-break. “Well this is your stop.”

“I see you stopped a few feet from my house.” Pinkie gives him a knowing smirk.

“I knew you want to make it a surprise.” Noticing some of the town folk mulling about, truing their gaze towards his vehicle, he bites his cheek. “Looks like you’re going to have to make it quick. The towns out and about.”

“I know…” Pinkie notices some of her old friends in the small gathering. They notice her and giver her wide-eyed stares. “I figured the town will want to celebrate later on.” She gives the old stallion a smile. “Thanks.” She says while grabbing her saddle bag.

Dingo smiles. “No worries… Tell your parents I said hi!” He waves, watching her get out of the putter-car.

She waves back, watching him pull away.

Alone, she looks back at the growing crowd. At this rate the whole town’s population of only fifty residents will be out. No doubt wanting to meet their town’s celebrity resident. But to her surprise, they keep their distance and only wave, nodding their heads as if telling her to get a move on. Pinkie blushes and waves to them as she makes her way to her home.

Her element silent during her trip from Dodge junction to Rock Cove finally speaks.

‘Yes, they are an interesting bunch.’ Pinkie replies eyeing the familiar and unfamiliar faces. She notices a colt two years older than her standing in the crowd. His white fur and grey mane stand out from the crowd. But its his bright emerald eyes that draw her attention. The colt gives her a smirk and a friendly wave. She blushes and waves back.

Her element feeling her flustered emotions buzzes.

“Uh…” She breaths out loud as she nears her home. ‘He's just an old friend of mine…’ She tells her element as she stops in front of her home’s front door, eyeing the old stained oak door and its bronze handle and hinges.

Her element grumbles.

‘No!’ Pinkie blushes as she looks over her shoulder at the crowd, eying the colt. ‘He’s just a friend!’ She turns her attention to her element, seeing it giving off a constant glow she sighs as she steps up to the porch. Looking over her shoulder once more, she notices the crowd returning to their tasks. Smiling she turns her attention back to the door. Before she gives it a knock, she feels her body shiver. ‘I’m finally home…’ She gives it a knock.

“I got it!” Pinkie hears her sister, Limestone on the other side. The door swings inward. “Yes, what do you… P-Pinkie…!”

Pinkie feels her warm tears rolling down her face. “Hey Limestone…” She sobs. “I’m… I’m…!” Limestone pulls Pinkie into a hug, squeezing the life out of her. “Lime…stone… I can’t breathe…”

“MA! PA! Pinkie’s home!” Limestone shouts. “Maud! Marble! Get your flanks over here!”

Pinkie hears the frantic hoof steps getting louder as her family members enter the living-room. She sees her mother and father standing in the doorway that leads to the kitchen/dining room. “PINKIE!” Marble and Maud run towards her, joining Limestone in squeezing the life out of her.

“Okay fillies let her breathe.” Their father states as he and his wife walk up to their daughters. Looking down at Pinkie he gives her a smile. “How’s my little filly?”

Pinkie rubs her eyes. “I’m fine!” She giggles. “Now that I’m home.” Her father and mother look at her element, studying its blue glow. Pinkie notices them staring at her chest. Feeling the warm glow of her element, she places a hoof on it. “It’s saying hello to you, all of you.” She looks at her family with a smirk.

“It can talk?” Her mother asks, tilting her head to the side. “But I don’t hear anything?”

Pinkie bushes. “Well Ma, sometimes you can hear buzzing or humming, but right now it’s just glowing.”

Limestone stares at her sisters’ element with a raised brow. “Well…” She rubs the back of her head, her cheeks red. “I guess… Um, hi!” She waves. “Can it understand me?” She gives her sister a bewildered look.

Pinkie giggles at her sister. “Yep!” Limestone blushes some more and pushes her sister playfully.

Pinkie rolls her eyes and gives her mother and father a hug. “I missed you so much!”

“We missed you too.” Her mother hums.

“Are you here for good?” Limestone asks as she taps her hooves together. Marble nods her head vigorously, asking the same thing.

Pinkie breaks her hug and looks at her sisters. “No… Only two weeks.”

Her parents’ smiles fade at the mention of the news. Limestone and Marble lower their heads in defeat. Maud who stands stoic behind her sisters only sighs at the news. Looking out the front door window she sees several of the town’s ponies watching their home from afar. She smirks slightly. ‘These two weeks will be one heck of a ride.’ She tells herself. “Let’s make the most of it.” She smiles at her family.

The family nods.

“Like always Maud, you know how to make the most of a situation.” Their father smirks. Maud blushes and stares at her front hooves.

“You hungry?” Their mother asks.

Pinkie feels her stomach growl. “Uh…” She sheepishly giggles. “Always.” Her element groans in her head. ‘Shut up! You know I cannot turn down a meal… especially when it’s my Ma’s cooking!’ She chastises her element. Her element rolls its imaginary eyes. ‘I won’t eat to much…’ She looks into the kitchen. “What’s on the menu?”

Her mother giggles. “Well I’ll think of something… What did you have in mind?”

Rarity and Applejack sit in the back of a putter-wagon as it drives along the cobblestone road that cuts through the Neighing Valley towards two large trading towns of Ponyville and Horseshoe Meadows along the Winy Creek river.

Looking out her passenger side window, watching the passing trees and multiple-prismatic flowers, Rarity gives a sigh as she buries her head in her hooves. Noticing a street sigh, she squints her eyes and reads it from afar. ‘Ponyville in three miles.’ Her eyes light up. She gasps. “Applejack, we’re almost there!”

Applejack looks down the road and sees the silhouette of their hometown in the distance. “I see it!” She smiles at her friend. “You excited?”

“Oh, darling! Being excited is an understatement!” She claps her hooves together. “Oh, I want to hug my parents… And see my baby sister!” She bites her hoof. “I hope she’s not afraid of me?”

Applejack smirks, but it soon fades as she thinks the same thing. “I know how you feel.” She looks down at her element. “I hope we can have a normal relationship.”

Rarity looks at the earth pony. “I know… But not to sound like a Debby downer, but I highly doubt it. We’re element bearers, we’re famous.” She huffs. “We’re big news.” She frowns. “I have no doubt that once we’re se settled in with our families the press will be all over us asking all sorts of questions.”

Applejack feels her stomach twist itself into knots. “I hope the Royals do something about that.”

“You know they can’t, and wouldn’t. Freedom of speech and all that.” She giggles. “We’ll just have to lay low.”

“Like spies!” Applejack says in a low voice. They look at each other with goofy grins before bursting out into laughter. Feeling their bearer’s joy, their elements glow joining in on the laughter.

As they laugh, the putter car pulls into Ponyville, making its way through the quite streets, it makes its towards the outskirts of downtown. Turning left off of a main street, it drives down a small humble road and pulls alongside several rustic Germanic looking apartment buildings. Rarity’s body shivers as she sees her home. “Well, looks like you made it.” Applejack quips giving her friend and fellow element bearer a smirk.

Rarity looks back at her friend. “I guess so…” She hears the driver get out of the vehicle.

Her passenger side door opens revealing a tan furred stallion with a grey mustache bowing for her. “Welcome home element bearer.” He extends a hoof. Rarity hugs Applejack before taking the stallion’s hoof. Stepping out of the putter-wagon, she takes a deep breath and enjoys the sweet smells of nearby flowers carried by the winds washing over the town. “May I get your saddlebag?” The stallion asks. Rarity nods. The stallion opens the trunk of the wagon and pulls out her bag.

Taking her luggage, she waves to Applejack until she sees the putter-wagon turn right, disappearing behind a shop on the corner.

Smiling, she looks at her surroundings. Seeing that the sidewalk she stands on is bare of ponies mulling about, Rarity gives a hum and makes her way makes her way up the steps of her apartment and goes inside.

Entering the lobby, a strong musty smell assaults her senses. ‘I forgot how old this place is…’ She tells herself as she rubs her snout. Her element blinks as it smells what she’s smelling. ‘Yes, this place might need a makeover…’ Seeing the front desk she walks up to it and looks over the counter. A mare sits in a worn wooden rolling chair, sleeping the day away. Her blond mane covering her eyes as she leans up against the filing cabinet on her right.

Smirking at the mare, Rarity sees the ledger and gently scoots it over to her. “I’ll just help myself…” Even though this was her childhood home, her younger self never took the time to remember the number of her apartment. Looking for familiar name, she smiles as she finds it. “Apartment number 214…” She giggles heading up the stairs.

Getting to the second floor, Rarity makes her way to room 214. Eyeing the worn metal numbers on the door, she smiles, setting down her saddlebag next to her. “I’m… Home...” Shivering from excitement, she gives the door a hurried knocking.

“Honey are you expecting any-pony?” She hears her mother’s thick ‘Boston accent’ sounding voice on the other side of the door.

“No…” She hears her father. Her body shivers more. “Sweetie Belle can you check who’s here?”

She hears a young filly groan. “Okay…”

Hearing her sister nearing the door, Rarity takes a long breath and calms her nerves. The door opens revealing a six-year-old unicorn filly standing before her. Her white fur shines brightly in the light of the dining room ceiling lamp. Her greyish-mulberry mane is a curly mass of fluff hugging the sides of her face. Her tail is the same. Her light-green eyes stare dully at her, but as the seconds pass, her eyes go wide in shock. Rarity fights backs a sob as she looks at her baby sister. “Hello Sweetie Belle. It’s me, Rarity, your big sister.”

Sweetie Belle moves her shocked gaze from her sister’s face to her chest and eyes her purple hued element. “AH!” She screams slamming the door.

Rarity lets out a long sigh as she hears her sister’s little hooves clopping along the hardwood floor. “Really?” She groans. She can hear her element laugh in her head. ‘Very funny!’ She chastises.

“Sweetie Belle what’s gotten into you?” She hears her mother walking up to the door. “That’s no ways to great a guess…” Her mother opens the door, her voice lodges itself in her throat as she lays her eyes on her daughter. “Rarity?!”

“Hello mother.” Rarity smiles. Before she could say more, her mother pulls her into a hug.

“Oh, my baby’s home!” She kisses her daughter’s cheeks. “Hoofington get your flank over here!” Her mother shouts.

“What!? I’m coming, what’s with all the commotion?...” An earth pony stallion with white fur walks into the front room. “Oh, dear sweat heavens!” Her father’s eyes going wide. “Rarity?! Pumpkin?” He laughs hugging his daughter in a tight embrace, squeezing all the air from her lungs.

Her mother runs her hoof through her daughter’s mane, scratching her behind the ears. “How’va been sweetie?”

Rarity goes limp in her father’s arms. “I fine…” She huffs. “I would love to breathe…”

Her father ends his hug. “Sorry about that Pumpkin.” He gives her a sheepish grin.

Rarity rolls her eyes and playfully jabs her father’s shoulder. “It’s alright father…” Noticing Sweetie Belle peaking around the hall’s corner, she softens her expression and smiles at her sister. “Hello Sweetie Belle.”

“Sweetie Belle.” Her mother says, noticing her youngest. “Come see your big sister!” She coos.

Sweetie Belle slowly reveals herself and stands before her family members. Her head hangs low. Her eyes never leaving her sister’s chest. Noticing where she’s looking, Rarity places a hoof on her element, eyeing its purple glow.

Her parents realize what’s going on and look at the element as well. “Oh…” Her mother quips. “It looks really lovelies on you dear.” Her mother studies its diamond shape and its puling glow.

“Interesting shape it’s taken.” Her father chuckles. “I’ve been studying up on the past element bearers who bore the element of Generosity.” He gets closer to her elements, rubbing his chin, giving it a funny look. Rarity rolls her eyes at his playful behavior. Even Sweetie Belle gives a small chuckle. “Usually the element of Generosity formed into rounder shapes.” He smirks at his daughter, messing her mane. “Seems like you’re special!”

Rarity feels her element buzz. ‘Really? I’m special…’ She looks at her father. “I think it agrees with you.”

“I-It can talk?” Sweetie Belle asks as she tilts her head to the side.

Rarity looks at her sister. “Yes.”

Sweetie Belle frowns. “But I only heard buzzing!”

Rarity giggles. “I can only hear it speak; others just hear what you heard.” She feels her element buzz once again. ‘Sound like a great idea.’ She replies. “Do you want to feel it when it speaks?” Her sister’s flat ears go erect. Timidly she steps up closer to her big sister. Closing the distance, Sweetie Belle reaches out and places a hoof on the element. She gasps as she feels the warmth radiating off it. “Listen.” Rarity hums as she places a hoof on her little sister’s shoulder.

The element blinks and begins humming a tune.

Sweetie Belle giggles as she feels the vibrations run up her arm.

Their parents smile as they watch their children interact with one another for the first time in a long while.

Applejack feels a cold sweat roll down her forehead as she sees the sign to her family’s orchard in the distance. She begins to shiver uncontrollable as the putter-car closes the distance. Her element blinks, humming a low tune. “Sorry sugar-cube, just excited!” Applejack reassures. Her element blinks several times before warming up. Applejack’s shivers subside, a little, enough for her to take back control of her body. “Woah nelly, I didn’t know how bad my shivers were…”

The putter-car sharply turns left, up the small dirt road going up the hill. Seeing her family’s farm’s sigh in all its glory. “Applejack taps her hooves waiting for the vehicle to come to a stop.

Breaks engage forcing her to hold out her hooves to catch herself. Her passenger side door opens. “Here we are… Somepony’s excited.”

“Shoot mister, you have no idea!” Applejack mess with her braids.

“Well in that case, I shouldn’t keep you waiting.” He hands her saddlebag and bows. Applejack returns the bow and watches him get into his vehicle and drive off.

Taking a deep breath, she looks towards the humble plantation house on the hill overlooking Ponyville. Her childhood home is a one-story tall, Germanic styled farmhouse with dark oak beam trimming breaking up the white plaster. A two-story barn made of oak and topped with a galvanized steel roof sits several yards away. Hearing the faint squeaking of the small windmill, she turns her attention to it and watches its blade turn slowly in the thick humid breeze.

Feeling tears swelling around her eyes, she sniffles and wipes them away, regaining her composure. Taking her first steps, she ascends the dirt tail up the small incline to her home.

She sees several figures through the kitchen and living-room windows. Watching their silhouettes move about doing whose knows what. One of the figures stop in their tracks. She can barely make out what the figure is doing. It could be looking out the window or looking through a cupboard… Seeing the figure dart out the kitchen, Applejack feels her spine tingle as she hears the screen door slam open. A mare in her late-thirties stands on the porch. Her curly orange mane hugs her face and hangs pass her shoulders. The tip of her curly tail touches the ground. Her light-peach fur stands on end as she stares at her with wide cyan eyes.

Before she can make heads or tails as to what happened. The mare tackles her and gives her an ‘Apple Family’ bear hug. “Oh! Applejack! My little filly’s home!” Applejack melts in her mother’s arms as she returns the hug. Looking over her mother’s shoulders, she sees her other family members exiting the house. Her emotions finally let loose their full fury. Tears pour down her face as she buries her face in her mother’s chest. “Oh, shh…” Her mother coos. “You’re home…”

“Homes my sugar cube?” Her father asks as he sits behind is wife, stroking his daughter’s scalp.

“I’m good!...” Applejack mumbles through her tears. Breaking from her mother’s embrace, she hugs her father. After a big hearty squeeze, she looks at her siblings. “Macintosh!” She laughs hugging her brother. “You’ve gotten big!” She laughs. Her brother gives a deep hum as he returns the affection. Seeing her baby sister look at her with curious yet hesitant eyes, Applejack breaks her head and walks up to her baby sister and opens her arms. “Hey Applebloom.”

Applebloom unsure of what to do stares at her sister. “Uh… Hi…” She stares at her element watching its yellow glow pulse at a soothing rhythm.

Silence takes hold as an awkward standoff occurs.

“Applebloom.” Their mother eyes the element, studying its glow. Closing her eyes, she puts her own reservations aside. “Give your sister a hug…”

“It’s so cool!” Applebloom shouts as she skips around her sister. “I’ve been telling all my classmates that my big sis is the bearer of Honesty!” She giggles. “I also have a friend whose sister is the bearer of Generosity!” She shivers.

Applejack laughs. “That would be Rarity…” Her parents and Macintosh chuckle as they watch Applebloom bounce around.

Her giggling however, dies down. Her ecstatic demeanor fades, replaced by sorrow. “I… I…” Applebloom stares teary eyed at Applejack. “I wanted to see you for so long!” She sobs… “I… I…” She wails, her hot tears watering the grass beneath her hooves.

Tears begin pooling around Applejack’s eyes as she stares at her distraught sister. “Bloom…” She pulls her sister into a hug. Nuzzling her cheeks with her muzzle. Macintosh sighs as he strokes his baby sister’s scalp.

Their parents look at their children, proud of their gentle nature. Looking at their home. Their mother claps her hooves as she looks at her children. “I think we’ll all feel better if we have some apple pie.”

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy walk down the grand dense cloud steps of Cloudsdale International Blimp-port. Many of their adoring onlookers bow, some cheer, while others watch them from a distance, giving them friendly nods and or waves. The bearers acknowledge their friendly gestures as they make their way towards the taxi station a few yards from the blimp-port’s station.

“You alright Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asks looking at her friend. “You’re shaking like a leaf.”

“Um… Sort of… I just want to get home…” She mumbles, her eyes staring at the large crowds around her with dread. Her element gives a dull glow. “I mean, I don’t mind ponies giving us attention, but I not, well you know the outgoing type…” She murmurs, blushing when she sees a colt her age giving her a flirty smirk.

“I hear you…” Rainbow Dash frowns at the colt. “I like the attention, but right now all I care about is getting home and seeing my parents!” Fluttershy only nods, but Rainbow Dash notices that her demeanor uplifts a little as they near the taxi booth.

Stepping up to the booth’s window, Rainbow Dash gives the window a knock. “Hello!” A stallion peaks his head out. “What can I do for…” He sees their elements. “Element bears… Ah element bearers.” His eyes go wide. “Well welcome to my humble booth. What brings you back to Cloudsdale?”

Rainbow Dash smirks at the stallion. “To see our families.”

“Ah…” The stallion returns the smirk. “Are you going to the same place?”

They shake their heads. “No, I’m going to 453 Goldie Road and she’s going to 111 Feather Drop Drive.” Rainbow Dash states.

The stallion types on a typewriter. “Okay,” He yanks down on lever and two tickets pop out onto a try next to him. “Here are your tickets.” Rainbow Dash rummages through her saddlebag looking for the right number of bits. “Don’t worry bearer, it’s on the house.” He smiles.

“Really?” Rainbow Dash questions.

“Yes, why its not everyday an element bearer, let alone two of them show up asking for taxi rides.” He laughs.

“Why thank you.” Fluttershy gives the stallion a smile.

“No problem little missy.” The stallion, waves to them as they leave. “Be safe!”

“We will!” Rainbow Dash shouts as Fluttershy and her make their way over to the waiting area under a rather large brick tree.

“Well this is it.” Fluttershy hums. “Were going home.” She smiles at her friend.

Rainbow Dash smiles back. “Yeah…” She fidgets with her front hooves. “You nervous?” Fluttershy nods. “How do you think our parents will react with they see us?”

Fluttershy giggles. “That they love us dearly.” She laughs. “And I thought I was the nervous one?”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. Seeing a putter-taxi drive up. She sighs and stands up. “Well here we go.” Fluttershy does the same.

Fluttershy stares at the blue tinted cloud that makes up the door to her childhood home. With a shaky sigh, she looks at the flower garden surrounding the front of the house. She sniffs the air and enjoys the sweet-smelling aromas the flowers throw into the air. Shivering she looks at the door once again and gives it a knock. Hearing the door unlatch, she feels her spine tingle as the opening door reveals a twelve-year-old pegasus colt. He stares back at her with his greyish-cerise colored eyes. “Hello Zephyr Breeze!” Fluttershy smiles, tears in her eyes.

Zephyr’s eyes go wide as he looks over his sister. Eyeing her green element, his mouth hangs agape.

Not liking the silence and scared that she may have broken her brother, Fluttershy waves her hoof in front of his face. “Zephyr?... YEEP!” He drags her into the house and hugs her tight.

“Fluttershy!” He cheers. “I’ve missed you so much!” Feeling her element’s warmth, he jumps back and stares at it with some hesitation.

“It won’t hurt you.” Fluttershy giggles, eyeing his defensive stance.

Zephyr tilts his head. “Does it hurt you?” He drops his stance and moves closer to get a better look at its heart shape.

Fluttershy shakes her head. “Sometimes it feels like it’s moving under my skin, but other than that, no… It’s just a part of me.” She taps her hoof on her element.

Zephyr smiles. “Mom and dad are out back!” He laughs grabbing her left-front-hoof preictally dragging her as he leads her through their home to the back of the house. Arriving at the large-sliding-glass-doors, Fluttershy sees her parents working in the garden in the corner of the yard. Her chest tightens and her body numbs. “Mom! Dad! Fluttershy’s home!” Zephyr shouts as he opens the sliding-glass-door.

Their parents drop their gardening tools and whip their heads around with such hast, Fluttershy and Zephyr sore that their heads would have popped off their heads and go flying across the backyard. Their parent’s gaze falls upon her and her element. She sees them studying her teenage form. Her tall thin body. Her long pink mane that hide half her face. Her long pink tail that kiss the ground. They study her element’s pattern and how well its heart shape conforms to her chest. “Fluttershy!” They speak, running up to her.

“Mom! Dad!” Fluttershy runs up to her parents and wraps her arms around them. “I’ve missed you guys so much!” Feeling her parents’ touch releases her emotions, causing her to cry them out onto their shoulders.

“Oh, Flutters, it’s alright.” Her mother coos. “You’re home… You’re home…”

“Safe and sound you hear.” Her father reassures her, patting her on the head.

Ending the hug Fluttershy looks at her parents and gives them a tear-filled smile. “Thank you…” Look over at her brother, she gives him a smirk. “My you’ve gotten big!” She giggles.

Zephyr rolls his eyes. “I am growing?” He groans playfully punching her shoulder. “The same goes for you…” He giggles. “I didn’t know sticks ran in the family?”

Fluttershy rolls her eyes. “Very funny…” She rustles his mane. “You dating some-pony, you hopeless romantic?”

Zephyr huffs, his cheeks blushing madly. “Really! After six years of being away and you ask that?!” He raises his arms in the air.

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her lips trying to control her laughter. “Because you’re easy.” Zephyr gently punches her arm again causing her to lose her footing.

Her parents shake their heads. “They haven’t changed…” Her father looks at her element. “Much…”

Her mother nods while she studies the element. “Fluttershy?”

“Yes, mom?” Fluttershy halts her playful bickering.

“How long did the royals give you?” She moves some of Fluttershy’s bangs away from her eyes, tucking them behind her ear.

Fluttershy plays with her right wing. “Two weeks.”

“Oh…” Zephyr pouts at the news.

“We’ll make the most of it.” Their mother states. “So, to get on the happier thoughts. How have you been?”

Fluttershy takes her mother’s words to heart and sits down on the grass. “Good. Gotten use to living with my fellow element bearers.” She messing with the ends of her mane. “Most days we just do a lot of training and studying.”

Her mother holds a hood to her lips. “They haven’t been too hard on you with your training?”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “No… But at the same time, they have to make sure we’re strong. Physically and mentally.” She giggles.

Her mother feels sick at the news. “Oh, I still can’t believe my little filly is an element bearer…” She stares at the element, watching it glow. “Does it hurt.”

“No…” Fluttershy giggles. “I’m fine mom.”

But…” Their father puts a hoof to her lips.

“I know your worried honey, so was I, but we have to let her be.” He looks at his daughter. “She a warrior after all.”

Fluttershy smiles.

Their mother gives a long sigh. Looking at her children she hums as she heads into the house. “You kids want some lemonade?” Fluttershy and Zephyr nod their heads, following their mother

Rainbow stands at the door to her childhood home. Her magenta eyes glares at its cloudy texture. Even though she’s a pegasus, it still amazes her that her race of ponies could bend clouds to their will. Molding them into durable building material. Shaking her body of the shakes and shivers plaguing her body, she takes a deep breath and knocks on the door.

“Coming!”

Rainbow Dash is taken back by the young voice on the other side of the door. “Wha?”

The door opens, revealing a five-year-old-filly standing before her. Her wings are small for a pony her age. Her orange fur is a frizzy mess and her purple mane and tail are wild. The filly’s purple eyes stare wide eyed at Rainbow Dash’s element. Her mouth hangs open in a position of awe and bewilderment “Ooh…”

Rainbow Dash tilts her head studying the little filly. “Uh… Hi.”

The filly breaks her attention on the element and looks up at Rainbow Dash. Her smile grows. “Sister!” She lunges forward and wraps her small arms around Rainbow Dash’s legs, giggling as she rubs her cheeks against them.

‘Sister?!’ Rainbow Dash questions. Her eyes staring at the filly in shock and udder, um well, confusion, anger, fear. Every emotion you can think of, she feels at this moment. Her mind spins as she tries to comprehend the filly’s words. ‘What’s going on?!’

“Scootaloo, I told you not to answer the door without mommy or daddy…?!” A mare in her late thirties chastises before her mind and eyes are drawn to Rainbow Dash. “D-Dash?!”

Her current worries fade for a moment as Rainbow Dash eyes her mother. She feels her chest tighten as she looks into her mother’s eyes, feeling the warmth and comfort they bring. “Mom! I’m…I’m home…!”

Her words are cut off as her mother pulls her into a hug. “Oh, my Dashie is home! You’re home!” She strokes her daughter’s mane.

Mushed in-between the two, Scootaloo squirms, working her way free of their unintentional grasp. “Guys!” She groans as she finally breaks free. “You s-squished me!”

They look down eyes her wild expression. Rainbow Dash’s mother giggles as she rubs her mane. “Sorry sweetie.” Rainbow Dash on the other hand, stares at the filly with a raised brow, her early thoughts rushing back. noticing her expression, Scootaloo returns it. Sigh at their sisterly standoff, their mother takes Rainbow Dash by the hoof. “We’ll explain everything.”

Rainbow Dash loosens her tense muscles and allows her mother to guide her into the house. Entering the humble abode, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and their mother walk into the living-room. “Honey! I have a surprise for you!” Her mother calls out.

They hear muffled sounds of objects falling over in the back rooms. “Did you get me that new wood carving set!” A stallion enters the living room. His prism hued mane is combed back and coated in gel. His yellow eyes are drawn to his eldest daughter. “Rainbow Dash?” He asks out loud in shock.

Rainbow Dash smirks at her father. “Hey dad…”

Her father laughs, “How are you squirt?” He rustles her mane.

“I’m good!” She giggles as she looks at her parents with tear filled eyes. Her parents smile, nuzzling her cheeks with their snouts.

“Ooh! Ooh! I just re-re-remembered! I have to-to show you s-something!” Scootaloo shouts as she heads to her bedroom. Rainbow Dash watches her disappear down the hall. Her brows raise in mild confusion as he hears frantic sounds of rummaging echoing back into the living room.

“Why don’t you sit down, Dashie…” Her mother sighs, noticing her expression. She motions towards the couch. Rainbow Dash sits down in between her parents, her eyes never leaving the hall. “So…” Her mother taps her front hooves, weary of her daughter’s thoughts. “About Scootaloo…”

“When did you adopt her?” Rainbow Dash gets right to the point.

Her mother looks down at her lap. “Two years ago.” She takes a photograph off the nightstand beside the couch. Rainbow Dash sees its a photo of her and her parents at the Wonderbolt’s air show. She’s five in that picture. “I know you’re confused and maybe even upset…” Her mother breaths in a sigh. “But without being able to talk to you, see you…” She looks into her daughter’s eyes. “I… We were so lonely.” Tears begin to swell around her eyes.

Rainbow Dash feels her element warm up. Chills run throughout her body. ‘I was gone for a long time…’ She tells herself. “I’m not mad.” She takes her mother’s hoof and rubs it.

Her mother smiles, her squinting eyes forcing tears to run down her face. “Thank you…” Her mother kiss her on the forehead. “We also adopted for other reasons.” She laughs. “We thought you’d would like to have a little sister.” She squeezes her cheeks. “A number one fan.” She giggles.

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Like you guys weren’t that already.” She eyes her trophies on the mantle above the fireplace. Her mother looks at them and sheepishly smiles.

Her father shakes his head. “Dash?”

“Yes?” Rainbow Dash looks at her father.

His smile fades. “There are some things that you need to know about Scootaloo.” He lays his arm over her shoulders.

“What do you mean?” She asks, a tinge of worry coats her words. Her element buzzes a reaction.

Her father sighs a little as he looks at the element. “When we were talking to the adoption center, they mention that she came from a broken home.” He scratches the back of Rainbow Dash’s neck. “They told us very little, but what they would tell us is that her mother verbally abused her, and her father… her father physical abused her.” Rainbow Dash feels her father’s muscles tense up. “Something inside your mother and I told us that we needed to adopt her.” He looks at her and smirks. “Even though you’re a mighty warrior.” He points at her element. “We should at least do our part.” He laughs.

Rainbow Dash feels her chest tighten at the news. She looks down at her lap and frowns. ‘I feel guilty now.’ Her element hums, warming her. She closes her eyes. ‘Thanks…’ She smiles. “I’m glad you did…” She looks at her parents. “How has she been since moving in?”

Her mother takes her daughter’s hoof. “Oh, some days she’s been great. She’s a ball of energy! Loves building things with your father.” Her smile fades. “But other days she has outbursts and sleepless nights.” Her smile returns. “But she’s been a joy in our lives.” She giggles. “She doesn’t stop talking about you. She’s asked so many questions I swear she was writing an expose of you for the paper!”

Rainbow Dash snickers. “I hope not.”

“I found it!” Scootaloo runs into the living-room jumping up and down. Her small wings flapping rapidly. She giggles looking up at Rainbow Dash. “I-I made t-this for y-y-you!” She holds a piece of paper in her mouth. It’s a drawing of her, Scootaloo and their parents with large happy faces, drawn in crayon.

A feeling overcomes Rainbow Dash. It feels foreign to her, strange even. ‘Is this what it’s like to have a sibling?’ She asks herself as she takes the drawing and studies it.

“Do y-you like it?” Scootaloo shivers.

Rainbow Dash giggles. “Yes, I do!” She smirks. “I have to say you’re a great drawer!”

“Y-You think so?!” Scootaloo gasps. Rainbow Dash nods. Overwhelmed with excitement, Scootaloo runs around the couch. “YAY!”

“Scootaloo settle down.” Their mother follows her every move. “You’re going to work up an appetite.

Rainbow Dash feels her stomach growl. Her parents hearing her stomach’s roar, smirk. “Um… Can I have lunch.” She sheepishly smiles. “I’ve missed your cooking.” She looks at her father.

He laughs. “Of course! One deep fried hay sandwich coming right up!”

“Food!” Scootaloo cheers running into the kitchen.