Author's Note

Right here. Have the young princess.

A Princess's Lament

The Lost Universe. Unilight. Celestia City. Unilight Palace. Day. Harmony's Memory.

The morning arrived, the sun was rising. For this day, Twilight would have to cooperate with her five chosen teammates. That was a thought she didn't want to think of. But she was told to give them a chance by her parents. As she was now walking to their room, her caretaker following suit.

Her parents had always pushed for her to make friends and have allies. They thought it was important for her to have connections, people who would be there to support her and help her if needed.

The five of them stood before the princess in a vast room, looking at each other. The tension was very much awkward due to how sharp Twilight Luminaria's gaze was, her cold demeanor made things more intense.

"So...Uh..." Rainbow Dash said, scratching her head. She couldn't find anything to talk about or even to bring up.

"Hey..." Rarity muttered. Her usual confidence and self-assurance seemed to have vanished in the face of the cold, aloof alicorn princess. She couldn't find anything to say or do to break the awkward silence that had descended over them.

Fluttershy was the first to speak up. "G-Good Morning." Her voice was timid and quiet, but still loud enough to be heard. "Um...How are you?" she said.

"Ahem. Even though it's a bit annoying, for the sake of fulfilling the true power of the Tree of Harmony, I have...or rather, have chosen to work together with you five." Twilight began, finally speaking up. She was clearly not thrilled with the prospect. "The Elements of Harmony can only be used by all six of us, and I have been told that I must give you a chance. I can tell you five are not up to par with what I would consider to be competent allies."

The girls all exchanged glances. None of them expected the Princess to be so blunt and harsh, but they didn't have much to say about the situation either. They were still in shock and disbelief that they were even here in the first place, let alone being scolded by a princess.

"I can't believe she'd talk to us like this..." Applejack said to herself.

"Twilight Luminaria. I'll be the first to say that I do not enjoy the idea of having to work with you all." Twilight started. "However, we do have to, no matter what." She then pulled out a book. "Here is a list of what we're to do. If we follow the instructions of the Tree of Harmony and the elements, then we should have no trouble in succeeding. However..."

Pinkie Pie's eyes widened as Twilight Luminaria went through a long list of instructions, requirements and expectations. It was a long and complicated set of instructions that the Princess expected them to follow.

"A-All of that?!" Pinkie Pie couldn't help but speak up. She wasn't used to such strict rules and expectations, and it made her a bit uncomfortable. She couldn't imagine how the other ponies were feeling, but it seemed they all had similar reactions. "That seems like...A lot..." she muttered, not sure how else to describe it.

"Yes. A lot indeed." Twilight nodded, as she was about to continue. But her caretaker had stopped her. She was going to go over the list again and then continue. The girls were all a bit relieved when the caretaker stopped her, and the tension in the air seemed to lessen a bit. But that relief was short lived, because Twilight wasn't finished.

"Listen. I don't have the time to be dealing with this nonsense, and I don't want to be babysitting. You all have to understand that this isn't some kind of game. We're here to protect Unilight from any threat that may arise and the world around us. You all need to be strong, capable, and ready for anything. That is the job of the wielder of the Elements of Harmony, and you all must rise up to that challenge." Twilight continued.

The five girls were taken aback. They had never expected such a harsh response from the princess. It was clear that she had no interest in working with them. It seemed as if she had no time for anything other than the business at hand.

"I-If you're gonna do that, then at least go easy on us, Your Highness." Rainbow Dash pleaded to Twilight. All she and the others wanted was some respect and kindness at least.

"Go easy?" Twilight raised an eyebrow. She was not impressed with Rainbow Dash's plea. "Going easy will be a waste of time and progress. I am not going to be a babysitter. I will ensure that is anything but easy." Twilight stated. "I will make sure that all of us are at the same level of competence and that we are able to work together to protect our home. If you want things to be easy, then perhaps you aren't cut out for this."

"Hey! I bet we are!" Rainbow Dash bellowed. "I mean, the King and Queen called us here for that reason, after all! We can do way more than you think!"

"Is that so? Well then, prove it to me. One way to test you is with this." The princess suddenly held out a Poke Ball. "A Pokemon Battle." The other four girls looked on in shock at what she was proposing. "Do you accept? If not, then leave, now." Her voice was firm and unyielding. The princess had no patience for weak-willed individuals.

"I accept!" Even in this universe, Rainbow Dash loved Pokemon Battles. Even in the Pokemon world she would often get into battles, so this would be a piece of cake! She was confident that her Pokemon would easily be able to beat any Pokemon Twilight Luminaria could bring.

"Very well. You will battle me and see just what you have to face. Just because you defeated one threat does not mean you can automatically take on the next right away. Believe me. The threat I've foreseen will absolutely obliterate you if I allowed it to happen." Twilight Luminaria stated. "But perhaps your Trainer skills say otherwise."

"You bet they do. I'll show you that I've what it takes!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, taking a step forward. The four girls watched in amazement as the battle was set to begin, all while wondering just what kind of power and skill this Twilight had. The air was thick with tension as the battle was about to start. With all her might, Rainbow Dash threw the Poke Ball forward, summoning her partner. "Go! Zeraora!"

"Zeraora!" Much like the main universe Rainbow Dash, this Rainbow Dash had a Zeraora as well. She had gotten the Pokemon a long time ago, but it was her best friend and most powerful Pokemon.

"Hmmm. I see. Well then..." Twilight said as she began to summon her own Pokemon. Her horn lit up with magical power, a beam shot down onto the field. "Descend, now!" She declared, summoning her Pokemon. "Kirlia!"

"Kirlia!"

"Please, Your Highness. Do not go overboard with this..." The caretaker begged. But the princess paid no heed to the warning. She fully intended to use everything in her power to beat Rainbow Dash and her Zeraora.

"Be careful, Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie Pie cheered, wanting to show her support. The other four nodded and joined her. Since Rainbow Dash was their friend and they've obviously known each other for a while, they were fully on her side.

Rainbow Dash smirked confidently. She knew she had this. "Alright! Start off strong, Zeraora! Use Plasma Fists!"

"Zera!" Her paws would light up with electricity as she began running forward to attack.

Twilight Luminaria's eyes narrowed. She could already tell Rainbow Dash was a fool, and it would be easy to prove. "Dodge it and use Confusion!" Twilight ordered, seeing Zeraora's fists light up. Kirlia's eyes lit up as it unleashed the psychic powers on the incoming Zeraora, throwing her into the air and making her crash into a pillar.

"Z-Zeraora! What just happened?" She had no idea what hit them, and her Pokemon wasn't in any better condition.

Ze...?!" Zeraora held her head as the pillar crumbled a bit.

"Again!"

"Ora!" Zeraora leapt off the pillar, moving at high speeds to try and dodge Kirlia's confusion, but her attempts were futile as the psychic power was overwhelming. It threw Zeraora around like a rag doll, slamming her down hard.

"H-How...?! Why isn't it hitting?! I don't get it!" Rainbow Dash couldn't comprehend what was happening. Zeraora's attack wasn't hitting the other Pokemon. It was a total miss.

"Even if she's missing, Zeraora's lightning always reaches her opponents, but Kirlia hasn't been touched! How's that possible?!" Fluttershy questioned. "She's moving too fast, and it's hard to keep up. But Kirlia isn't doing a thing and Zeraora's just being thrown around."

"Is she faster than Zeraora somehow?!" Rarity wondered.

"Zeraora..!" Zeraora growled, looking at Kirlia with absolute confusion on her face. How was she missing?!

"Fine then! Try this! Use Thunderbolt!"

"Zera...!" Zeraora stood back and began charging her power, summoning a storm and a bolt of thunder to strike the field.

"Teleport!"

"Kir!" Kirlia disappeared and the lightning hit nothing, before she reappeared in front of Zeraora. The cat Pokemon looked around frantically, trying to find Kirlia, but she was nowhere in sight.

"Kirlia, use Dazzling Gleam!" Twilight ordered. A blinding, rainbow colored flash of light erupted from Kirlia's body, causing Zeraora to cry out in pain, covering her eyes.

"Gah?!" Rainbow Dash cried out, covering her eyes from the light.

"Z-Zera!"

"Lia!" After blinding her, Kirlia would start unloading a rapid barrage of rainbow rays of light that hit the Thuderclap Pokemon in rapid succession. Zeraora tried to run, but she couldn't see and ended up getting blasted again and again.

"Ngh! Blow it all away with Thunderbolt!"

"Ora...Zera!" Zeraora managed to create an electrical pulse, blowing the light rays away. Rainbow Dash saw an opening, but Twilight Luminaria did not let up on her attack.

To the shock of them all, Kirlia managed to evade the pulse by expertly manoeuvring herself through the crackles of lightning. The five of them gasped in shock as the Electric-Type did not manage to land a single blow. Even though Zeraora is far faster, Kirlia was keeping up and outpacing her.

"W-What? How?!" Rainbow Dash was dumbfounded by Kirlia's ability to avoid the attacks of Zeraora, who should be one of the fastest pokemon in the world.

"What's wrong? I thought you had something to show me? Or is this it? If it is, then I have no need for any of you five." Twilight spoke coldly to her opponent.

"Grggh...!" Rainbow Dash was infuriated, but there was nothing she could do to retaliate. "Zeraora! Close Combat!"

"Ora!" Zeraora wasn't about to give up and neither was Rainbow Dash. The Thunderclap Pokemon moved in once more, unleashing a powerful onslaught of attacks, only for Kirlia to masterfully evade them. Her speed and reflexes were unmatched, and the Thunderclap Pokemon couldn't even come close to landing a hit.

Zeraora couldn't understand it whatsoever. Not even the stray lightning she emitts from her body was connecting, it was almost as if Kirlia was moving before she was. Rainbow Dash was also having a hard time, as Zeraora was becoming overwhelmed by the constant dodging and teleporting all over the place.

Not only that, Kirlia would get some hits in each time she expertly avoided Close Combat, constantly, kicking Zeraora, either on the back of the head, in the chest and so on. Rainbow Dash's blood was boiling. How could Zeraora be getting beaten like this, and so easily?

"I've seen enough. It's time to end this." Twilight Luminaria declared. "Dazzling Gleam!"

"Lia...!" In Kirlia's hand, an orb of rainbows manifested before swaying her head, avoiding another strike. In that instance, she would slam the orb into Zeraora's chest and cause it to explode, sending her crashing to the ground.

Zeraora, a legendary Pokémon, was completely overwhelmed by Kirlia. Despite her immense strength and power, Zeraora could do nothing to counter Kirlia's overwhelming speed and skill. Rainbow Dash was speechless as her Pokémon fell, completely powerless. Twilight Luminaria looked on with a smug expression, knowing she had won.

"Z-Zeraora?!"

"Kirlia!" The Pokemon landed before striking a pose as Zeraora struggled to get up.

"Ze..." Zeraora growled in pain and humiliation. "Ora!" She tried to get up and continue fighting, but her body wouldn't let her. She had fainted. "Zeraora..."

"That's that." Twilight spoke, turning away and returning her Kirlia. She'd turn to Rainbow Dash who looked down, ashamed and humiliated. She had failed to prove herself to the Princess. "I expected better."

"Y-Your Majesty...Rainbow Dash tried her hardest." Fluttershy pleaded.

"I did. I wanted to prove you wrong. But...It wasn't easy. That wasn't easy!" Rainbow Dash snapped.

"Nothing is. I have worked harder than any of you have. I am not here to coddle any of you." Twilight spoke. She wasn't going to go any easier. This was how she worked. The caretaker had walked up, trying to calm Twilight down.

"Princess, please. I think that was enough. Don't be so hard on them. Remember what I've always taught you."

"...Fine." The princess conceded. "For now. But this will not happen again. From here on, we must work hard if you ever plan to wield the elements. I'll leave the six of you to talk amongst yourselves." Twilight Luminaria stated.

"Twilight. Don't forget about what your mother told you. I know she's always right, so listen to what she has to say." The caretaker spoke to her, trying to make her realize the error in her ways.

"I know." Twilight sighed. "I'll do my best. But these five need to do their part as well. They have to be strong, or we'll fail." Twilight responded.

"Then let them in. You know, friendship is a powerful thing." She said to her. "You've read about it many times, haven't you?" She asked. Twilight looked away, sighing.

"Perhaps. But in this line of work, friendship won't matter when the threat comes." Twilight Luminaria spoke.

"W-Wha? But friendship always matters!" The caretaker was blown away by her response.

"You're just a caretaker. I don't expect you to know much about friendship anyways." Twilight harshly stated.

"..." She had nothing to say after that, and decided to let it be.

"Anyways. We have to start working on this as soon as possible. They need to get stronger." The Princess said to the caretaker. "I'll be as hard on them as possible and show them what they need to achieve."

After that, Twilight walked away, and the five of them were left with their caretaker who sighed. But the caretaker was so gutted by that response, she simply left, saying nothing else to the five girls who now stood alone. The air was filled with tension and unease, and none of them were sure of how to react.

From this point on, Twilight would continuously push the girls and her Pokemon to their limits. No matter what they tried, no matter how hard they pushed, Twilight's team always seemed to be a few steps ahead of them. It was a constant struggle and the pressure only seemed to build up as they were unable to meet her expectations.

Rainbow Dash and her team of friends felt the strain of their training, as they were constantly being pushed by Twilight Luminaria. Her Pokemon would constantly beat them, and no matter how hard they trained, they couldn't seem to match her power.

Rainbow Dash was the biggest culprit of this, constantly trying to prove herself to the princess but always falling short. Her pride was hurt every single time she failed and she couldn't understand why Twilight Luminaria's team always managed to be a few steps ahead of her.

The other girls weren't faring much better, but they at least tried their hardest to cooperate and learn. The princess was always so hard on them, never letting them rest. It seemed like they would never reach the same level of skill and strength as Twilight Luminaria and her team, and they were starting to think that maybe this was all for nothing.

And yet, they kept trying. Day after day, they kept working, trying to prove themselves. Anything involving Pokemon Battles, Magic, Physical Training, you name it, Twilight would never go easy. The Princess had no time for mercy and compassion, only the desire to succeed.

When it came to the elements they represent, with each passing day, they showed off exactly why they were chosen, especially when the Princess gave them a chance. But it never felt good enough. Each and every single time, the Princess was never satisfied. Pinkie Pie's bombastic energy and instances of sharing food, putting up decorations or even putting a party for the Princess and her Pokemon were never accepted, with Twilight never once smiling.

Applejack would always do the best she could to help and show her honesty and integrity, working with others and giving her all. Rarity would also show her generousity in all things, whether it be making clothing or helping the other Pokemon. She'd do anything she could to show herself to the Princess, but to no avail.

Fluttershy was able to show kindness by taking care of all of the Pokemon, but she could never get through to Twilight. Rainbow Dash's loyalty to her friends and her constant efforts to help the princess were also met with indifference. She had tried everything, including showing her loyalty and bravery, but the Princess remained cold.

And yet, she indulged. Despite how cold she was to them, she would always at the very least be in the same place as them, but never really connecting. She could've chosen to stay distant from them, but she was always around either one of them, some of them or even all of them at once. Twilight Luminaria had seen it, each and every element the five girls had, and it was there. She knew that much and also knew the main reason why she couldn't get close to them.

One night, while in her room, she wrote in her diary about her thoughts on the five girls and their potential to help protect Unilight and all the other regions. The entire world, even. She had seen glimpses of their power and she knew they were special, but her thoughts and feelings about them were still conflicted.

"By all accounts, I don't need them. And yet, despite how regular they seem, I can see why the tree and my mother and father believe they can wield the Elements of Harmony." Twilight thought to herself. "The way they've displayed their elements to me is rather fascinating. Even though I have shown my power, it is clear I can't wield the Elements myself. But if they truly have the power, why did I have to be chosen? Am I not the one that should wield them?"

"Perhaps it has to do with friendship and being connected with them, but I don't know." The Princess muttered, sighing. "The truth is...I'd lIke to believe in Friendship. I want to believe in Friendship. But I know better. I can't get close to them...because if I do, it will all be pointless. Because of how many times this universe has reset."

As she wrote in the diary, she revealed her reasoning for being so distant. Twilight Luminaria actually kept memories of the billions of times the universe has been reset. Each and every single time, it was because of something terrible happening in the universe. No matter how far in time they went, no matter how far they tried to avoid it, the threat would appear again. It wasn't just Prisma and all the Lucarios back at the Lucario Bastion that remembered it.

Twilight Luminaria did too. All thanks to the massive amount of magic she had within her, her mind was capable of storing each memory, but it's been a great weight on her mind, and she was trying her best to forget about all the times things have been set back to normal.

Each and every time, no one else had memories, except for herself and the others. Each and every single time, Twilight Luminaria would grow close with her friends and even fall in love, and each and every time she was forced to say goodbye, with them never knowing the truth of their bond. The universe was wiped and they would be sent back to the beginning, and it happened over 88.8 billion times.

And so, she refused to get close to anyone. She didn't want to make the same mistake of losing someone over and over. Even if they weren't her friends in the past, they were still special to her. So, she chose to isolate herself, not wanting to face massive heartache for something so massive.

"I want to befriend them...If I'm being honest, their company isn't the worst." She suddenly let out a light smile. "Pinkie Pie's foods are actually delicious, Applejack is very helpful and always gets things done. Rarity's clothes are absolutely fabulous and on par with the Royal Dressers. Fluttershy takes very good care of my Pokemon...That's the most I've ever seen Kirlia smile and Rainbow Dash is very brave and bold. Some of my Pokemon love battling her, even if they overpower her. They're...rather amazing to me."

Deep down, there was that part of her that wanted to reach out and become friends with them, but that fear was still lingering. She slowed down her writing, her smile slowly fading away as the fear in her heart grew stronger, even letting out a tear.

"In all those 88.8 billion existences, I've never had friends. Even though, I only remember 40 of those existence...I want to have friends but...it's all pointless. Diary. I foresaw something way worse than the rest of my dreams have shown me. This existence might be the last one ever. I don't think there will be another reset of the universe." Twilight wrote down.

"The threat I dreamt of is going to appear soon. The biggest one ever, and if we can't stop it, it will destroy the entire world and all other Pokemon Worlds. I saw the vision. And this one is way bigger than any other before. This may be my final chance." She looked over at her window and saw a shooting star in the sky. "I want to ensure a happy future for everyone. There is one option, but I'm hesitant about executing it. It'll resort in another reset, but one where no more will ever occur."

Even at that young age, that plan was brewing in her head this entire time. A way to stop everything from resetting ever again, by giving up her own existence. But it was the only option.

"I may not exist in that future universe. But I've been thinking of a spell that could ensure that I do exist there. A spell that will split my soul into multiple parts and reincarnate it into beings of that new universe." Twilight wrote down in her diary.

"My knowledge of spells has allowed me to understand what this spell does and how I can cast it. I call it The Reincarnated Arcana Spell." Twilight would go into details about what the spell does, explaining how her soul can be split and reincarnated into different individuals.

The Princess would explain that each soul would carry a part of her, and in this way she will still exist, but not in a singular form. The souls would take on new identities and personalities and will live out their lives, unaware of their true nature.

"I'm not entirely sure if I can pull it off, but if I do, then this existence and the future one will finally be stable and safe. Everyone will live their days happily. I'll try my best, but it's the best chance I've got. Even if I have to make the sacrifice, it'll be worth it if I can ensure that everyone else gets to live in a world without the constant threat of being erased."

But as she planned to continue writing some more, she paused for a moment, her body trembling. The young alicorn would close her eyes as she suddenly sniffled and a tear fell on her paper. Twilight's heart was filled with sorrow and fear. No matter how mature she was for her age, or even her cold nature, deep down inside, she was still a young filly. And she knew the cost of the spell. Twilight didn't want to do it. But it might just be the only way to save everyone she loved, even if it meant erasing herself. Even if they didn't really love her back.

"This is stupid..." She silently said to herself while quietly sobbing to herself. "Why do I have to do this...?" She closed the book and looked over to the picture of all her family members, her caretaker included. The picture was of them when they were having a picnic. Twilight's eyes widened as she remembered the moment, and how happy everyone was. Twilight Luminaria had such a beautiful smile on her face.

Of course, this was merely an artist's rendition of what once was. It was a spell that mimicked that past life before so many resets came to be. She cast this spell to remember the times she was so close to them. Twilight wished she could go back to that time before the Star Tyrant appeared, but there was no way of doing so. She could only move forward, thus she continued to write in the diary.

"I'll make sure it works. I'll come up with every plan possible, and make sure that the Reincarnation Arcana Spell succeeds. I'll stop this cycle." She thought.

Twilight wiped the tears away, trying her best not to cry anymore. She tried to put on a strong facade and continue writing in the diary, knowing she had to focus on what needed to be done.

Months turned into years, and during that time, while a bond hasn't been established between the Princess and the girls, Twilight stuck around them a lot more to the point where she was never seen without at least one of the five girls, or all five of them at once.

Despite the cold attitude she held onto, Twilight couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort with them around her. She didn't show it, but deep down, she felt safe and secure when she was with the girls. This bond, though unspoken and hidden behind a wall of coldness, was something she treasured deeply, and it only grew stronger as time passed on. It's something she'll remember forever, even if she doesn't exist in the future.

And during one fateful day, it happened. The order that would forever change the five girls and ensure their unity as a single being.

"What did you want to see us for, Your Majesty?" By this point, Twilight had become the new Queen of Unilight, succeeding her father and taking his place after he had retired and left the throne in the hooves of his capable daughter.

"It's about that threat I keep foreseeing. You've already aware that for years and years now, I've been greatly worried about someone. The one called Prisma."

"We're still focusing on that guy? I mean, from what I can tell, he's not dangerous. He's super strong, the Strongest in the World, but why do we have to worry about him?" Rainbow Dash was the most vocal about this, and she wasn't afraid to speak her mind to Twilight, the only one willing to do that at all.

"I fear that a destructive tendency is brewing within Prisma. I foresaw it and it very much exists. Whatever's boiling within Prisma is going to erupt one day. We can't take any chances. If he does turn, there won't be much we can do. I don't even know if we can truly stand up to him. So we have to make sure we're ready."

"What can we even do?" Applejack questioned her. "What do ya want us to do, exactly?"

"It's been a while, and I'm sure all of you have seen how much my team and I have improved. We're the strongest we've ever been, and with your assistance, I've seen just how much potential all of you possess."

"Oh! Thank you!" Rarity and the others would respond to that.

"And yet...you still haven't been able to master the elements." Twilight pointed out, causing them to look away in shame. "You are the best at what you do, though. Loyalty, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Kindness. You've reached your full potential without a doubt."

"So then...why aren't we considered masters...?" Rainbow Dash questioned, confused.

"Because what I plan to order will do more than this. Your potentials will all come together as one and be drawn out to the max, essentially mastering each of the Elements." Twilight stated.

"Wait...what do you mean by...?" Pinkie was confused. The girls were. What could she mean by this?

"It's quite simple. I've read up on so much information and I know the Elements inside out, just as much as I know all the other subjects I've researched." She'd look up at the five. "All five of you...are going to fuse."

"Wha-?! Excuse me?" Rarity was taken back. "I-I'm not sure I follow you."

"You're going to be fused. It's quite a simple concept, and you've all shown to me you are capable of fusing. I'm not just ordering, I'm also asking you to do this. It'll be a temporary measure until you all feel that the fusion has lasted long enough and you've all had a good run."

"B-But...is it safe?" Fluttershy asked.

"It sounds so cool!" Rainbow Dash's eyes lit up before receiving a nudge from Applejack.

"Rainbow..." She'd glare at her.

"It is unexpected, yes. But it is part of my plan to ensure a future for all of us." Twilight explained to the girls who were unsure. They didn't know what to expect. Fusing was a strange concept, especially when they were all so different from one another. It didn't feel right. "Gardevoir."

"Garde." Twilight's Gardevoir stepped forward and looked over to Twilight, who nodded at her.

"T-This is all a bit too fast." Fluttershy nervously muttered.

"Please...For this one time..." Twilight suddenly closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "I don't usually say please, but for this instance, please trust me." Twilight was asking them to take this step, not as a ruler, but as someone they can trust. "From the day we met, I know I haven't been the kindest. In fact, I've been hard on you for months, even years now." Twilight sighed. "Even if you still do not trust me, at least put faith in our future and ensure that all can live on peacefully."

"What makes you think we don't trust you?" Pinkie asked her.

"W-What?" Twilight stuttered, shocked by this. "I just thought..."

"Your Majesty. With all due respect, you've been the Ruler for 4 years now. If you wanted to, you could have kicked us out and never had us back. Rarity pointed out.

"I know that..." Twilight looked to the side, puffing her cheeks. "I don't know why I let you all stay at all..."

"Ah! Maybe you just wanted to have us around?" Fluttershy smiled.

"T-That's not it..." Twilight quickly denied it, her face going red. She promptly shook her head, getting back on track. "I-In any case, the fact that you five are still feeling this way even after all that...it's...it's respectful. Had it been anyone else, they would've walked away."

"Well, we ain't anyone else!" Rainbow Dash smirked.

"So, if we can make sure the world stays safe, then I'm in! What about you gals?" Applejack looked over to the others who smiled back at her. This made Twilight smile back. They were finally willing to take a step into the unknown, just like the Princess always did.

"If it means a future, we'll gladly do it!" Rarity exclaimed, and the others cheered.

"Alright, alright. Gardevoir, prepare the spell." Twilight told Gardevoir who nodded, readying her Psychic energy.

The girls gathered around in a circle, their eyes closed as Gardevoir levitated the five with Psychic. Gardevoir's eyes started to glow, and the girls' bodies began to change. They felt the energy surrounding them, and they all held their hooves.

Gardevoir focused her power, her eyes glowing brighter and brighter, the air around them becoming charged. The girls could feel the magic coursing through them, and they started to merge, their bodies becoming one. Twilight assisted with the spell by focusing on their unity, and in that instant, a bright flash of light filled the room, and when it subsided, there was only one being left.

The girls closed their eyes as their bodies became bodies of light that swirled around, spinning around faster and faster, and they suddenly came together. Their respective elements would flash around in the form of light, combining together to form a singular element.

In an instant, there was a massive flash of white, followed by the girls' cries of shock and confusion.

Twilight closed her eyes as the five came together as one. When the transformation ended, she opened her eyes to see what they've become. She saw that there was a single being standing there, a pony-like figure that radiated a powerful energy.

The Embodiment of all five Elements of Harmony stood in the room, a being who possessed all of their strengths and powers. Fittingly, her name was Harmony on the moment she was born. Harmony opened her eyes, revealing the same coloration of all five of the girls. This is how she came to be.

"Oooh..." Harmony gasped, looking at her hooves and feeling all that tremendous power flowing within. "Wow...this is incredible. I'm me, and all of us...at once...?"

"Yes. You are now all the Elements of Harmony. A fusion." Twilight replied to Harmony, who was still processing the feeling of being a single being, rather than five. "I hope you feel alright. For this is permanent. I'm sorry...I should've told you that prior to the spell."

"No need to worry. We're fine. More than fine!" Harmony said to Twilight. "This feels great!"

"I'm glad to hear it." Twilight said with a small smile.

"So...now that you've fused, I'm assuming you know why you're all one being now, correct?" Twilight's voice became stern once more, no longer the warm tone she used earlier. "You all know why I fused all of you together, don't you?"

Harmony nodded, knowing that this was all part of Twilight's plan. "I understand, Your Majesty."

"Good. Now...this is what I need you to do, Harmony. It is specifically for the future. When the Universe resets, I am positive you'll return but not naturally. But there is only one way you can truly return...I will cast a spell on the palace in Unilight that can only be triggered by inheritance. "And then..."

The Main Universe. Equestria. Near Ponyville. Unilight Palace. Present Day.

"From that point on, I became her best servant." Harmony said to everyone. "Fusing as one only strengthened that bond, even if she didn't see me as a friend. I waited and waited until her spell could be complete. She knew that one of her multiple selves would inherit the palace and awaken me from my stasis. She foresaw this and knew this would be her one and only chance to give you that information." Harmony said to Twilight and her friends.

"All that happened...?" Twilight was starstruck by all this.

"Yeah." Harmony looked away, sighing.

"I just...never realized she'd do this..." Twilight Sparkle would have to come to terms that there was so much she never realized. And now she knew the truth, and it wasn't so pretty. Her dislike towards Twilight Luminaria took a hit, even if she still was angry with the Alicorn.

"So, here I am now. Fulfilling her wishes. It's the Rainbow Dash part of me. Absolute Loyalty. I promised her and I don't intend on letting her down. And now, I'm standing in front of one of her many counters. Just as she planned." Harmony smiled. "Quite the pre-emptive planner, isn't she? She never did admit to us being friends though. And I'm sure she never will."

"That's a shame though. I’m saddened that the Twilight you knew didn’t have time for friendship." Twilight commented while Harmony just shrugged, knowing the circumstances. "But...now that you're here..."

"Hm?" Harmony raised an eyebrow.

"Well, now that you're here and you're going to be my side, would you...like to be our friends?"

Harmony was surprised. She didn't expect to be offered such an opportunity. It blew the fusions back completely, her eyes widening as Pinkie Pie gave an approving nod. After hearing her story, it did seem like Harmony needed a friend after all those years.

"If it's not too much of a rush, I mean. You did just return and you were given a mission. I understand if you-" But before Twilight could finish, in a flash, Harmony approached and hugged her with tremendous force. Her hooves were tight around the Princess, squeezing her. This caught her off guard. "ACK!"

"Oh yes!" She cried, her tears running down her cheek. "Yes, Yes! I mean, you're her Radiance, well, only a part of her, but still! It counts!"

"Oof!" The Princess gasped, her body trembling. She was shocked by the sudden embrace. Her eyes went wide as she felt the tight grip of Harmony's arms around her. The hug was a bit too much, causing the princess's breath to catch in her throat. "T-This must be Applejack and Rainbow Dash's strengths...Combined!"

"I'm so happy!" Harmony cried out. "It's all I wanted from her, but she was too much of a block head!" The others smiled, watching Harmony hold Twilight like a little sister.

"Uh...I-I'm glad to see that..." Twilight gasped. "C-Could you let me go now?"

"Oh! I'm so sorry." Harmony stepped back, allowing Twilight to breathe. The Princess sighed, taking a deep breath and patting her chest.

"Phew! You are very strong!" Twilight took a deep breath. She was still feeling a bit dizzy, but managed to keep her composure. Harmony smiled, her tears of joy still flowing.

"I can't believe I get to do this!" Harmony said, prancing on the spot with joy in her heart and eyes. "I'm at your beck and call, Your Radiance. Whatever you want or need, I'll do my best to do so!"

"Alright. I get that. I get it." She patted her back, watching as she continued to dance around happily. "Well, I guess there's one thing you could try and do for us..."

It was all in motion now. Harmony, the Fusion of five ponies was now a friend of those same five ponies, plus Twilight Sparkle, which was her greatest dream come true. Unable to befriend Twilight Luminaria, this was the closest thing she had. It counts in her eyes. And now, she was a powerful new ally and what she can do waits to be seen as the journey continues.

Chapter 651 End.