Unless it Rains

by melonmystery

Rating: everyone
Tags: Pinkie Pie, Adventure, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Nightmare Moon, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 3649

On the longest day, on the thousandth year of Nightmare Moon's banishment the stars aid in her escape and the bearer of the Element of Laughter is nowhere to be found.

On the longest day, on the thousandth year of Nightmare Moon's banishment the stars aid in her escape and the bearer of the Element of Laughter is nowhere to be found.

This story is an alternate take based on the possibility that in a parallel universe Pinkie Pie never saw the Sonic Rainboom.

(Cover art by me)

Published 2020-08-03 22:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-08-28 15:42:00 UTC

Just Another Day

Fifteen years ago the most mystical event to ever happen occurred, a feat that most thought was simply impossible..

The Sonic Rainboom.

It was so fantastically colourful, a spectacle for all to see that renewed hope and determination in all mythical creatures and sentient equines alike.

All except one, her name was Pinkamena Diane Pie. A rather unfortunate fate; but then again it wasn't the first fun thing she had missed out on.

She never went to public school, made friends or had any kind of dream outside of the vast wide open space of the rock quarry littered with dull, boring rocks with no urban landmarks in sight.

Who's to say it will stay like that forever?
You never know, it might all change one day.

After all you can't have a rainbow without rain.

Out on the desolate field was a small filly, a light pink coat with a darker pink mane to compliment it, she slowly moved pebbles along with her nose in an attempt to help out her overburdened family. Curiously, she looked over her shoulder at her mother and father, who were taking on their own, much larger workload.

They were strong, sturdy and continued to push on despite how Cloudy's muscles began to shake or how Igneous was heaving in protest. The pink filly then looked up at the sky, wondering if there really was a better life out there.

Turns out there were also dark clouds heading their way, a storm was coming.

Worriedly she began to shout "Ma, Pa! It's about to rain."

Quickly the others began to run to the Victorian style farm building, the thatched roof not looking like it would offer much protection."Pinkamena Diane Pie, get in here!" A strong voice bellowed as she realised that she was stood wonder-struck by the array of grey clouds. She trailed behind them as they got to safety, the heavy wooden door closing behind them.

Meanwhile in Cloudsdale.

"I'm not about to let these weirdo losers beat me, not after they made fun of Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash thought to herself as she recovered from her run in with a strangely solid cloud ring. Without any warning she began to speed up, the spirit of competition raging within her as she started to catch up to the two cocky colts almost barrelling into them.

whoosh

Rainbow flew erratically, her newfound speed feeling foreign to her. A distance away her opponent's looked on bewildered and she took on a smug grin and looked back, an intense heat gathering at her hooves, her wings felt as if they were on fire.
That didn't really matter, she was winning and she loved it.

The city of Cloudsdale began to fade out of view and the only thing in her sight was the pastel blue sky, her wings beating faster and faster until...

BANG!

An explosion of clouds and rainbows crawled outwards across the sky, creeping like moss on a stone wall.
The rainbow haired filly looked down on her hometown triumphantly and performed a victory loop-de-loop.

"Man, I'm so awesome!"

BANG!

"What was that!?" Limestone yelped, her youngest sister Marble leaping into the air out of fright like a hot popcorn kernel.

"It's them unicorns again I bet ya, with their freaky magic." Igneous grumbled, clearly not happy about the noise. Pinkamena looked over at the closed curtains, perplexed at what could possibly have caused such a frightening sound, as far as she was concerned they didn't live near any volcanoes or magic schools.

The sound of rain suddenly stopped but the Pie family were far too spooked by the blast to step out of the house.
They settled on taking the day off and began to occupy the chipped wooden table while Cloudy Quartz got to making their favourite and only meal, Rock Soup.
Pinkamena sighed sadly, her eyes occasionally darting towards the window. Her siblings seemed to notice this and Marble gave her a concerned look.
"I'm fine Marble it's just-"

"No speaking at the table, unless it's to say your prayers." Their mother interrupted, shooting a glare at her.

Her ears flattened, her face flushing from embarrassment that she had forgotten about the family rules that were quite literally, set in stone, as the jagged piece of slate on the wall would tell you. She remained quiet, the only sound in the room being the sound of cutlery moving around and the occasional cough from her father or nervous humming from Marble.

Later that night...

the Pie sisters were in their room getting ready to sleep. Limestone tiring herself out with her nightly ritual of beating the living heck out of her pillow, Marble trying to find the comfiest spot on the rock hard mattress and Pinkamena decided she would take a look outside of the window, she stared at the foggy sky that continued for miles without any real destination.

"Hey, what are you looking at?" Limestone called out, confused but also worried about her sister.

Pinkamena turned around with a solemn look on her face "It's just... I feel like I missed something really important but I have no idea what it is." she replied.

"Well, whatever it is you shouldn't be too worried about it" Limestone said stretching her legs, turning over and pulling a blanket over herself.

Marble had finally located the perfect spot on her mattress and left a small pebble in place, she walked over to her pink sister and gave her a small hug.

"Thanks Marble." Pinkamena told her in a softer tone.

"You know Limestone, I think you're right, after all I've got you guys and I know we're gonna stay together forever" she continued "Pinkie Promise?"

She got an affirmative hum from Marble.

"Yeah, Pinkie Promise" Limestone assured. "But I swear to Celestia, if you ever say something that mushy again I will pummel you."

Everyone giggled.

A chorus of good nights could be heard and the last candle had been blown out and the little ponies drifted into sleep.

Author's Note

This is my first ever time writing anything like this,
please let me know if there are any mistakes I didn't catch or if there is anything I could improve.

The Return of Nightmare Moon

Fifteen years later...

"Oh no... Nightmare Moon!" Twilight Sparkle cried.

"Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces." Nightmare Moon spoke in a mighty voice.

Rainbow dash lunged forward, her eyes twitching and body shaking from either anger or fear.
"What did you do with our princess you bat looking freak!?"

Applejack grabbed her tail and held her back before she angered the dangerous being any more, the evil alicorn grinned.

"Why, don't you know who I am? Who I used to be!?" She shrieked with maniacal laughter.

"I do know, you're Nightmare Moon and we are not going to let you get away with this!" Shouted Twilight, the ponies around her gasped and she took a step back realising that she had just challenged one of the most powerful mares in all of Equestria.

The dark mare merely chuckled.

"Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!"

With that she vanished from the high balcony leaving behind a midnight glow that dispersed in the air.

The sound of hooves hitting soft ground could be heard as four ponies galloped through the forest desperately trying to outrun the terrors in the trees, their rainbow haired friend had dashed to the skies and was watching over them from above, terrified by the horrors below though she would not admit it.
She waited for the others at the clearing next to a large ravine, eyes squinting as she tried to focus them in the dark.

"GET IT AWAY FROM ME!" A Shrill cry came from within the trees.

Rainbow Dash jumped five feet into the air, spooked by a certain unicorn's sound of distress, an unamused look on her face as she realised it was just Rarity.

Wait.

They were in a dangerous forest and somepony was screaming, even if it was just Rarity she should probably go check and see if the others are alright.
She began to run full speed ahead into the forest until-

THUMP

A quartet of ouches could be heard as Rainbow Dash lay on the floor, her eyes swirling in her head from the impact.

"Oh my goodness, Rainbow! Are you okay?" A soft voice rang out clearly anxious.

She looked up and saw a blur of yellow and pink, and a whole spectrum of colours behind that, slowly Fluttershy's face came into focus.

"It's no big deal" Groaned Rainbow dash as she got to her hooves.

"Uh, so how in tarnation are we gonna get across that ravine?" Applejack remarked.

"We've got wings don't we? Well, me and Flutters have wings. I'll just fly across and tie the other end of the bridge."

"Good idea, Rainbow" Twilight commented.

She took off in a blur trying her best to see through the thick fog, once she got to the other end she began to tie the rope.

"Rainbow..." An ethereal voice called out.

She dropped the rope and turned around so fast she could've broken her neck right there.

"Wh-Who's there?" She faltered.

"Rainbow..." It happened again.

"Show yourself!" Rainbow challenged.

"We've eagerly been awaiting the arrival of the greatest flyer in all of Equestria." It spoke

"When I'm through with you I swear I'm gonna- Wait what?" She squeaked.

"Oh Rainbow, we've been waiting for you." It continued as three pegasi came into view clad in uniform that was the same colour as the dark sky.

"Heh, you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that would you I mean I've bee-"

"NO! You must join us Rainbow Dash. The Shadowbolts, the greatest aerial team in all of the Everfree, soon Equestria. All we need is a leader, the most magnificent-" The strange pony smirked.

"Yep." Rainbow butted in immediately, soaking up the sudden praise.

"Swiftest-"

"Yes" Rainbow crowed.

"Bravest flyer in all the land." The Shadowbolt complimented.

"It's all true!" Rainbow gushed, her head held high.

"We need you." The pony whispered almost seductively.

"Sign me up! Just let me tie this bridge real quick and we'll have a deal." Rainbow began and started trotting over to the bridge.

"No! It's them or us." They spat.

Further away four ponies looked on in horror.

"Wait, Rainbow Dash, dont listen to them!" Twilight shouted.

"So, what's it gonna be?" They prompted.

"You... Thank you! For the offer, I mean, but I'm gonna have to say no." Rainbow finished bluntly.

The cyan pegasus leapt to the end of the bridge, her wings spread with pride and a confident look about her.

"See, I'd never leave my friends hangin'." She announced.

They tiptoed into the ruined castle, trying their best to not make a noise as they looked around in search of the Elements of Harmony.
Twilight scanned the room until her eyes fell upon a statue.

The Elements!

She walked over to them at a brisk pace, the others following.

"Whoa." Twilight breathed, taking in the majestic sight before her.

"Come on now Twilight, isn't this what you've been waiting for?" Applejack pressed.

"We've found them, Careful, Careful!" She repeated at seeing Rarity get a tiny bit too close.

"Um, I think there's one missing.." Fluttershy uttered.

"Twilight darling I thought you said there were six elements, not five." Rarity spoke over her.
Fluttershy sighed, disappointed.

"The book said that when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth element to be revealed." Twilight recited proudly.

"What in the hay does that mean!?" Demanded Applejack.

"I'm not exactly sure but I think I have an idea, stand back everypony!" Twilight warned, the beginning of a spark escaping from her horn.

Twilight grunted, working up a sweat as sparks began to fly to and fro.
Her horn felt hotter than Celestia's sun, it burned, why did it hurt so much?

"Aagh!" She screamed.

"Twilight!" The others shouted in unison as Twilight vanished right in front of their eyes.

"Where did she go!?" Exclaimed Rainbow.

"Ah don't know but we have to go find her!" Coached Applejack.

Twilight gasped, where was she?
As she stood up a villainous laugh echoed throughout the room.

Oh no.

She looked up to see none other than Nightmare Moon a few yards away, Twilight charged.

"Hmmph!"

She staggered trying to find her footing after tumbling on the ground.
Nightmare moon looked on with a look of sincere disappointment on her face.

"You're kidding right?" She said in a grim tone.

The others arrived, watching in terror.

"Come on, just one spark!" Twilight prayed, her horn beginning to glow again. "Come on, Come on. AAAGH!"

"No!" Nightmare Moon shrieked.

"Where's the Sixth Element!?" Twilight fretted.

"Haha, ha, hahaha! You foolish little thing, thinking you can defeat me? Now you will never see your princess, or your sun. The night will be eternal!" She cackled.

"We're here for you Twilight!" Fluttershy stood up, the others gazed at her and she nodded.

"You can do it!" Rainbow urged, a fiery look in her eyes.

They all joined in.

Twilight looked back at Nightmare Moon, her face decorated with a fierce gaze and a realisation.

"You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that? Well you're wrong. The Spirits of Harmony are right here!" She proclaimed.

"What?" Nightmare moon looked at her in disbelief.

"Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt represents the spirit of-" Ribbons of magic began to wrap around Applejack "Honesty!"
The magic began to twist and take the shape of a golden necklace, an orange, apple shaped gem encrusted in the middle.

"Fluttershy, the pony who tamed the manticore with her compassion represents kindness!" The magic began to snake its way around the others, embracing them.

"Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift represents the element of generosity!" Twilight continued.

"And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends even for her heart's desire represents the element of loyalty!" Twilight finished.

"You see Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: the element of.. Magic!" She said confidently.

Nothing happened.

Nightmare Moon howled in amusement.

"You do realise that you only have five elements?" She remarked snidely

"What, no.. That can't be right!" Twilight panicked as she looked over her friends; one, two, three, four.

"Then who-" A bright flash filled the room blasting the ponies and knocking over a stone sphere from the statue that rolled over to the confused ponies.

When Twilight opened her eyes again Nightmare moon was flying above them.

"Pathetic little creatures, I'm wouldn't even dream of killing you. After all your power is useless without the Element of Laughter!" and with that she took off to the skies.

Something nudged Twilight's hoof, she looked down and saw the sphere that supposedly contained the Element of Laughter and tried to pick it up with her magic.

It rolled towards the entrance of the castle, the others watching in amazement.
"That's it." Twilight gasped.

"Huh?" Rainbow sputtered in confusion.

"If the Element of Magic can be revealed through a spark of magic, then we can use a spark to locate the Element of Laughter." Twilight explained.

"That explains why the sphere moved on it's own when Twilight tried to use her magic on it." Fluttershy chimed in.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Rainbow whooped, sprinting out of the castle.

Tensions rising

The five ponies trekked on through the Everfree following the mysterious stone orb which seemed to come to light at the touch of Twilight's magic, bouncing and spinning as it went almost as if it were a hyper foal in disguise.

"Well, who'd have thought, I can't believe we were missing somepony all along, if'n this was all a prophecy like you said. Then how come we didn't find them back in town?" Inquired Applejack

"It does seem rather odd doesn't it?" Rarity agreed, surveying the trees around her. She wasn't in the mood to fight another colony of spiders to protect her fabulous mane.

"What if they're-" Fluttershy spoke up.

"DEAD!" Rainbow shouted in worry, her hooves on her face.

"I was going to-" Fluttershy tried to continue.

"Oh Rainbow, I doubt they're dead. They probably just live far away, what if they aren't even a pony?" Twilight speculated.

"Hahaha, are you being serious right now darling? An element bearer that isn't a pony? You can't be serious, I doubt any of those other creatures possess any kind of magic." Rarity wheezed, wiping a stray tear from her eye from the exertion of laughing until she noticed everyone glaring at her.

"Oh, you weren't joking." She said bluntly.

The trip continued, silent with a hint of tension until Rarity spoke up again.

"I'm very sorry for what I said earlier, I tend to put up a front around ponies from Canterlot and I guess I thought that you, Twilight Sparkle, would be the same. I shouldn't have assumed something like that."

Twilight sighed, a pained look on her face. "I understand why you might think that, I know that the ponies back home aren't exactly the nicest and tend to turn up their noses at anything different."

She continued.

"It's just.. you don't need to act that way around me, I'm not like that."

Rarity looked at Twilight, a small smile gracing her features.

"I can see that now, darling."

Further away on a rock farm was a pink pony with a darker magenta mane that draped over her shoulders and over her forehooves, which were currently supporting her as she looked out of the window.

"Hey." A meek voice said from behind her.

Pinkamena jumped at the sudden intrusion and turned around to face her sister.

"Oh! It's just you Marble." She spluttered, aware that she had just been caught.

"I guess you're wondering why I'm looking out of the window all sad? Well, I'm always sad but- nevermind I'm rambling again" She rattled on.

"Mhm." Marble replied, unable to offer anything more.

"Ever since Maud left I've been wondering if maybe th-the Rock Farm isn't for me.." She sniffeled, tears beginning to form in the corners of her sky blue eyes.

Marble raised an eyebrow at this, but nonetheless put a comforting hoof on her shoulder.

"I just want to see what's out there and find out what I'm really supposed to do, I don't feel like this-" She gestured towards the field of rocks.
"is my destiny." She lamented

"Yeah, I think she's gone bonkers." A rough voice called out from the doorway.

"Really, this isn't your destiny? Don't give me that crud, you literally have rocks on your flank. You're supposed to stay here!" She continued, scowling as she knocked her pink sister out of the way with her flank as she walked past.

Marble looked threateningly at her and put her foreleg around Pinkamena protectively.

"Besides, it's not like you can do anything else. I can't believe the pony who reads books all the time is so dense." She griped.

Pinkamena flinched at that.

Limestone took notice of this and Marble's glaring and her eyes softened.

"Look, I shouldn't have said that, okay? Me and Marble are just so scared that you're going to run off like Maud." She began.

"Every day since she left you started walking further away from the farm when you're working. What if one day you just decide to disappear and not even say goodbye, or even write to us to let us know that you're okay!?" She exploded.

Her sisters looked on in astonishment.

"I'm the oldest, I'm supposed to look after you all" She said weakly.

"I didn't realise you felt that way, if I knew I would have never even said anything." Pinkamena apologised.

"It's okay." Limestone sighed. "Just, if you ever do decide you want to do something different promise you will write to us."

"I Pinkie Promise" She proclaimed.

A tapping sound could be heard from across the room, Marble was gesturing towards the window with her head.

The other two walked towards the dusty window and looked out.

A bright blue light could be seen from the trees surrounding the farm.

The three fillies were fearful and scrambled downstairs both to warn their parents and to further investigate the strange glow.

"Ma, Pa, There's a blue light in the woods!" Shouted Limestone.
Igneous and his wife cantered towards the door and hastily opened it, Igneous' eyes scanning the surrounding forests and to his surprise there was indeed a strange glow coming from the woods.

"Get me my pitchfork!" He commanded, Marble rushed inside to fetch it.
Slowly the light came closer as five silhouettes came into view behind it, Igneous furrowed his brow, preparing to attack.
Marble came back with Pitchfork in mouth and passed it to her father who pointed his weapon towards them menacingly

"Stay back!"

The mysterious ponies stopped in their tracks, whispering to each other.
The glowing orb rolled forward and the most of the Pies scattered as it came to a halt at the hooves of the magenta filly who had begun to tremble, scared of the tingling sensation of magic.

The light grew brighter.

The purple unicorn slowly trotted towards her, looking at her in awe.

Pinkamena shivered, never having seen this mystical creature who looked like any other pony but with a horn the same colour as her fur growing out of her head.

"We've been looking for you."