Fall of Harmony

The moon shines brightly above the small town, illuminating what little area of land that the city, with its less than 100 populous, has. Thunder crackles in the air as distant clouds crawl slowly towards the sky above. Angry cries echo through the city, erupted by all the inhabitants of the small town. As all the inhabitants shout and scream at each other, on singular cloaked pony walks among them, unaffected by the apparent mass hysteria. The pony slowly turns to watch each individual. A grin forms across their face, followed by a chuckle.

“Twilight! Where are my quills?” Aurora calls out as she rustles through a drawer.

Twilight takes a package from the mailpony and closes the door, turning to Aurora as she takes the package to her desk, “I left them on the bedside table. Your side. Sorry, I thought you’d find them there.”

Aurora quickly dashes into the bedroom. She climbs up the stairs to the elevated position where the bed and tables sit. She quickly spots the quills and attempts to use magic to pick them up. Sparks burst from the unicorn’s shattered horn. She looks up in disappointment and sighs. With a heavy heart, she picks up the quills with her mouth. She carefully makes her way downstairs, “Thanks, Twilight,” Aurora packs the quills into a saddlebag resting next to Twilight’s desk.

“Why is Princess Celestia requesting your presence so late anyway?” Twilight asks, raising an eyebrow.

“She said it was an emergency. She also said to pack my things, as I’m probably going to be away for a couple days,” Aurora says as she looks up to Twilight. Her attention quickly turns to the package she received from the mailpony, “What’s that?”

Twilight smiles excitedly, “It’s a special delivery from the Princess.”

Aurora quickly becomes interested, “Oh, really? Open it.”

Twilight quickly rips open the package to find a letter and an old book. Twilight quickly brings the letter up to read it, “Dear Twilight Sparkle, the spell contained on the last page of this book is Star Swirl the Bearded’s secret unfinished masterpiece.”

“Woah! Really?” Aurora says, excitedly.

Twilight herself looks at the book with excitement before turning her attention back to the letter, “He was never able to get it right and thus abandoned it. I believe you are the only pony who can understand and rewrite it. Signed, Princess Celestia.”

“That’s amazing. Try to cast it,” Aurora says.

Twilight flips to the last page of the book, taking a gander at the spell, “I guess I could try. From one to another, another to one. A mark of one’s destiny singled out alone, fulfilled.”

Aurora and Twilight wait for a moment before Twilight breaks the silence, “That didn’t make any sense. It doesn’t even rhyme.”

“And it doesn’t appear to have done anything,” Aurora says.

“Hm, maybe I’ll try to finish it sometime. If I can even figure out what it was supposed to do,” Twilight says as she places the book on her desk.

Aurora walks to her saddlebag and quickly puts it on. She turns to Twilight and gives a little pose, “How do I look?”

Twilight turns to Aurora and eyes her from head to hoof. She gives a passionate smile and walks up to her, “As beautiful as always,” She plants a kiss on Aurora’s cheek, “Whatever you do, be safe, okay?”

Aurora smiles and plants a quick kiss on Twilight’s lips, “I will.” Aurora walks towards the door, “Bye!”

“Bye.” Twilight says with a smile as Aurora exits the Golden Oak Library. She yawns, “It’s about time I get some shut eye.”

Aurora Shimmer, with her friends; Blossom Night, Amber Gem, Star Dream, Hazel Bloom, and Ruby Frost, takes the train to Canterlot. The group quickly made their way to the Canterlot Castle. The door opens and the 6 Ponies walk in. Celestia stands up from her throne and quickly walks down to their level, along with Princess Luna. “I thank all of you for coming on such short notice,” Princess Celestia says.

“Hey, the Princess calls us to her presence; ‘course we’re gonna be there in a heartbeat,” Blossom Night says.

“What is it, Princess? Is it Terrenus?” Aurora asks.

Celestia shakes her head, “I wish I were able to tell you. But the problem is that I’m unsure of what it is,” Celestia turns to Luna, “Tell them, sister.”

Princess Luna steps forward, “While scouting through the ponies of Equestria’s dreams, I came to discover something terrible. A small town, home to less than 100 ponies, is in great turmoil.”

The 6 ponies look at Luna with concern. “What sort of turmoil?” Ruby Frost asks.

“The residents of this small town have grown incredibly bitter towards each other. Every single resident appears to be under some sort of hex,” Luna says.

“So? All the townsfolk are mad at each other. What’s so strange about that?” Blossom Night says.

“It is not normal for a level of disharmony between ponies to exist at this scale. Every one of the ponies is experiencing some kind of bitter resentment for one another,” Celestia says, stepping forward.

“Many of the ponies dreamed of the arguments they had on that day. When I asked them why they were troubled, each one was angry over some trivial matter involving some pony they had a close bond with,” Luna says.

“What could this mean?” Aurora asks, giving a worried expression.

“The townsfolk could be under some sort of hex that is making them act this way. That is why we have called upon you 6. We believe you all can get to the bottom of this,” Celestia says.

“Why us? You usually call upon Twilight and her group of friends for this stuff,” Blossom Night says, raising an eyebrow.

“You six have experience with this sort of thing, do you not? If I recall, it is you group of ponies who together defeated Prince Terrenus when he returned,” Luna says.

“Well yeah, but that’s because Twilight’s group and the Elements of Harmony were unavailable. Why choose us specifically for this mission?” Blossom says.

Celestia turns to Luna for a moment before turning back to the ponies, “I believe the problem within this town is something that you six will be better suited to handle. However, I will not assign this mission to you without your permission. So I ask, are you six up to the task?”

The 6 ponies look at each other with determination and nod. They all turn to the Princesses, displaying the same expressions of determination. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, we won’t let you down!” Aurora says.

Celestia smiles, “Then you must go at once.”

“The town is located north of Canterlot, east of Galloping Gorge. We will have you all escorted to the outskirts of the town via a chariot in the morning. You should all get some rest now. You have a big day ahead of you,” Luna says.

The 6 Ponies had a good night’s rest, ready for the challenge they are about to receive. Morning came and the mares were put on 3 different chariots, 2 ponies per chariot, pulled by a pair of Royal Pegasus Guards. Star Dream sits beside Aurora Shimmer as the unicorn looks at the ground, deep in thought. “So what do you think?” Star Dream asks.

“Huh?” Aurora turns her attention to Star Dream, “What did you say?”

“I said: What do you think? A town full of ponies who suddenly started hating each other. What do you think it could be?” Star Dream asks.

Aurora places a hoof on her chin, “I don’t know. But I hypothesize that somepony is spreading misinformation.”

“You really think it could be a case of somepony just spreading gossip? I know some ponies are gullible, but that just doesn’t seem like it would have enough effect to cause the entire town to act this way,” Star Dream says.

“I’m not sure. But it is just a hypothesis. Perhaps it is what Princess Celestia suggested, a hex,” Aurora says.

“We’ll have to keep our eyes out, then. Once we’re there, we must leave no stone unturned. We’re gonna get to the bottom of this!” Star Dream says, smacking her hooves together.

“Right, of course!” Aurora says with a determined nod.

The 6 Ponies are dropped off not too far from the town, where it is visible. The chariots ride away and the mares begin their walk to the town. As the 6 enter the town, their mouths open agape. Ponies left and right shout at each other. “Oh my, it’s worse than I imagined,” Hazel Bloom says.

“Tell me about it. I’ve never seen such heated ponies,” Amber says.

“It’s like they all took on the personality of Blossom Night,” Ruby Frost says.

Blossom turns to Ruby Frost with an offended expression, “Hey!”

Ruby Frost chuckles, “I’m kiddin’. Mostly.”

“I only get angry over stuff that matters. These ponies are at each other’s throats for a bunch of petty nonsense,” Blossom says, turning to the ponies of the town.

The ponies stop and face forward as a Pegasus stallion walks towards them with a jolly expression. He has a lime green coat, he has chateau green curly hair with a white streak in it, his eyes are a bright orange, on his head sits a dark green top hat with a four leaf clover on it, and his cutie mark is a bit with a four leaf clover design on it. “Top of the mornin’ to ya, fillies. Welcome to the lovely town of Grazington. The name’s Clover Glow, I’m the mayor of this little town. Is there anything I can help ya with?” The stallion says.

Blossom Night leans into Hazel Bloom’s ear, “What the heck did he just say? He has a weird accent.”

Hazel bumps Blossom with a small scowl, “Don’t be rude.”

Star Dream walks forward, “Good morning. My name is Star Dream,” Star points to her friends sequentially, “This is Hazel Bloom, Blossom Night, Aurora Shimmer, Amber Gem, and Ruby Frost,” Aurora turns back to the mayor, “We’re here on Royal Duties of the Princess.”

Clover Glow goes wide-eyed in surprise, “Royal Duties of the Princess? Well whatever for?”

“It is our understanding that the town has had…tensions within the citizens,” Star Dream says.

Clover gives a concerned look as he turns to the townsfolk spread across the small area, “I see, so it's come to the attention of the Princesses?”

“We’ve come here to get to the bottom of what’s causing it. And maybe, put a stop to it,” Aurora says.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think it’s a solvable problem. Things around the town have just been tense recently. It’s no biggie,” Clover says.

“You mean to say that you haven’t noticed anything strange recently? Something that could be related?” Aurora says.

Clover places a hoof on his chin, thinking deeply, “Well…a new pony has moved into the town. She lives in a small caravan in the northwest part of town.”

Aurora nods and turns to her friends, “Alright, girls. We have our first lead. I suggest we all split up. One group will investigate the rest of the town, and the other will investigate the caravan.”

Star Dream nods, “Good idea. I’ll look around for any other leads. Who’s with me?”

“I’ll go with you. I’d love to see a little more of the town,” Amber says, flicking her mane.

“If you’re gonna be lookin’ around town, you could use a good nose,” Ruby Frost says.

Aurora turns to Blossom Night and Hazel Bloom, “I guess that means you two will come with me to the caravan.”

“Sounds good to me,” Blossom says as she turns to Hazel.

“Mhm!” Hazel nods.

“We’ll meet here in the town square in 3 hours,” Star Dream says.

The 6 ponies all put their hooves together and harmoniously cheer, “RIGHT!”

Aurora Shimmer, Blossom Night, and Hazel Bloom all head to the northwest part of the town and find the caravan. As the ponies approach the caravan, Blossom Night raises her eyebrow, “Huh…anyone else getting a familiar feeling from this caravan?”

Aurora tilts her head, focusing on the caravan, “I don’t know. I guess it kinda does.”

The three ponies stop as they come up to the caravan. Hazel Bloom places her hoof on her chin, “Hmmmmm, it doesn’t ring a bell for me.”

Blossom Night places her hoof on the caravan, “Strange. I feel like I’ve seen this before. But I can’t put my hoof on where.”

“Well, anyway, we should knock on it to see if anypony is inside,” Aurora says, approaching the door.

Blossom Night nods, “Yeah.”

Aurora knocks on the door, prompting movement to be heard. “Who’s there?” the pony in the caravan says. They have a raspy female voice.

Blossom Night’s eyes widen as she hears her voice.

“We just want to ask you a few questions,” Aurora says.

Some shuffling is heard as the door opens, revealing the pony to be none other than Trixie Lulamoon. Aurora and Blossom gasp. “Trixie!” Blossom says aggressively.

Trixie rubs her eyes, “What is it? I was in the middle of a well deserved nap.”

Aurora scowls, “Trixie! Why am I not surprised?”

Trixie goes wide-eyed as she sees Aurora in full, “Aurora Shimmer?!”

“It seems we’ve got our culprit!” Blossom says, walking up to Trixie.

“Culprit?!” Trixie says, confused, “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb, Trixie! You’re the one responsible for all the fighting going on in this town, aren’t you?” Blossom shouts.

Trixie looks at Blossom Night, offended, “I have done no such thing!”

“Um…who is this pony exactly?” Hazel Bloom asks with a confused expression.

Blossom and Aurora turn to Hazel in shock. “What? You don’t know who Trixie is?” Aurora asks.

Hazel Bloom shakes her head.

Blossom turns back to Trixie, “I guess you weren’t at Ponyville when it happened. This lunatic tried to take over the whole town with a gem that increased her magical abilities!”

Trixie sighs, “Yes, that is true. But I’ve since repented for my actions. And I am truly sorry for what I did.”

“You’re just saying that!” Blossom says angrily.

“I don’t know, she sounded sincere to me,” Hazel says with a smile.

Trixie gives a smile, “Hmph, thank you.”

“No offense, Hazel. But you don’t have the best judgment of character,” Blossom says, turning to Hazel.

“That may be true. But she at least deserves the chance to be heard out. We don’t have any proof that she’s the one causing the trouble in this town,” Hazel says.

Blossom contemplates Hazel’s words, knowing that she is indeed correct. Blossom gives an angered sigh as she steps away from Trixie.

Trixie gives another smile, “At least somepony here is reasonable. What’s your name?”

“I’m Hazel Bloom,” Hazel says, walking closer to Trixie.

“Pleasure to meet you, Hazel Bloom. You may call me the Great and Powerful Trixie! The greatest traveling magician in all of Equestria!” Trixie boasts.

“Yeah, if you ignore the hundreds of ponies that are way better,” Blossom scoffs, rolling her eyes.

“Still a grumpy ol’ mule I see, Blossom Night. You know, I know a few ponies who could help you get your attitude under control,” Trixie says.

“Shove it, Trixie,” Blossom says.

“Listen, Trixie. I’m sure you noticed. The entire town is in a state of disharmony. We’ve been sent by the Princesses to find out what it is and stop it. Do you have any clues as to what it could be?” Aurora says.

Trixie shakes her head, “Unfortunately, no.”

Aurora sighs and looks down, “Well, that’s okay.”

Trixie goes wide-eyed as she looks at Aurora, “Hey, wait a second. What happened to your horn?”

Aurora looks up at her horn, “Oh, yeah, it was shattered.”

“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry,” Trixie says with a sympathetic tone.

“It’s fine. I’ve gotten used to it, mostly,” Aurora says with a chuckle.

Trixie puts on a determined face as she steps forward, “I would like to help you figure out what’s going on in this town.”

The ponies go wide-eyed. “Oh, no…that’s okay, Trixie,” Aurora says.

“Please, I insist. It’s the least I can do to make up for what I did in Ponyville,” Trixie says.

Aurora smiles and nods, “Alright then.”

Blossom is taken aback, “What? No way!”

“Afraid that I will outshine you, Blossom? I don’t blame you,” Trixie says.

“No, I just don’t trust you. How do we know you’re not just helping us to escape suspicion?” Blossom says, getting up in Trixie’s face.

“Please, if I were guilty of doing all this. I would have fled town long ago,” Trixie says, rolling her eyes.

Aurora’s eyes widen, “That’s it! Whoever caused this must have left before we came here.”

Blossom turns to Aurora in realization, “You’re right. So then that means…”

“The only thing we can do is piece it together and solve it. We won’t be able to catch who’s behind it. If it is anypony at all,” Aurora says.

To Be Continued…