Harmony Spark

by Aether Spark

Rating: mature
Tags: Violence, Princess Celestia, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Drama, Mystery, Spike
Length: 17964

Strange dreams reveal a secret that Equestria forgot... and a history that may shake the six forever.

Twilight and her friends have always fought for the Princesses and Equestria as a whole.

But when strange dreams keep them up every night, Twilight, against Celestia's wishes, decides to investigate.

And what she eventually unearths could shake the very balance of Equestria, forever.

[I've been itching to make this one, also I will instead continue with the story plan, Serpentina, eventually, till then enjoy my first experience writing this kind of story,]

[More tags are tragedy to some degree and romance,]

Part 1 of 3

Published 2024-01-02 03:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-01-06 02:08:07 UTC

Dreams

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."

Life has been tough as of late…

Ever since she ascended things have been weird, more so as of late.

Twilight trotted through her castle, giving a yawn she approached her bed, it’s been a loooong week, strange dreams with stranger sensations, and voices…

She remembers one where she was just trotting uncontrollably through a castle corridor…

Twilight was trotting through a castle, but it was as if she had no control over herself.

Where she’s going, she doesn’t know…

Twilight, as if enchanted, walked through the corridors of the castle in an unknown direction. Passing by one of the corners, she bumped into a young stallion with a grey cloak on. With panic in his eyes, he jumped towards her, shouting that she should not go somewhere where it was dangerous and death awaited her. However, Twilight, still unable to control her body, just walked by, continuing her involuntary journey into the unknown.

When she arrived at a doorway she entered and found herself standing in the middle of a room, and below her was some kind of circle… that began to glow red…

Pain hit her and she screamed as it felt like she was being destroyed on an atomic level.

Then she fell over and when she opened her eyes, she was on the ground next to her bed.

“Wh-what?” Twilight asked outloud.

And yesterday… was just as weird…

Twilight was standing atop a podium and writing on a chalkboard.

As she turned she saw a few colts and fillies in chairs.

“Alright! Gol, are you ready to attempt this spell or do you need more time?” Twilight uncontrollably asked.

“Yes princess!” Gol excitedly ran up to the board and began practicing how to simultaneously levitate, spin, and teleport something.

He managed to teleport it two feet.

And the weirdest part was, he was an earth pony… how did he do that?

“Very good! A tad shaky on the distance but I can very well see your progress,” Twilight said.

“Thank you teacher!” Gol bowed.

“You don’t need to bow to me, we’re all equals in the world,” Twilight giggled.

“In the end these dreams are getting weirder and weirder… I may need to talk to Luna when she get’s here,” Twilight said before turning to her bed “Here’s hoping for a good nights rest this time,” Twilight said with some hope as she laid down.

As she was laying there she was struggling to fall asleep.

Just when she was considering going to get some warm milk again she suddenly felt herself being wrapped in a warm embrace.

“Huh?!” Twilight turned her head to see who it was but saw nopony, plus she suddenly felt comfortable in this phantom embrace.

She soon found herself drifting off…

Twilight wandered through another dream…

She trotted alongside shadows… into the Cave of Harmony… and they approached the tree.

“You with him? I won’t work out!” A voice Twilight didn’t recognize spoke out.

“Remember your roots! He’s not our kind!” Another female voice scolded.

“You may as well be betraying the pony race if you wed!”

“He’s too frightening!”

“I can find a better suitor, just stop and think of what the crown needs,”

But among all the voices, Twilight was able to single out two very familiar who pitifully asked her, 'Sister, how could you do this? You know what they did to us, remember?!”

The voices were hurting her head, finally she said “Silence!”

And the voices stopped suddenly.

Without another word she proceeded on to the tree with the other shadows.

“Harmony,” A voice was heard and suddenly the dirt in front of the tree lowered into a staircase and led to a door.

Twilight didn’t know why but she knew she had to go down there, and they did.

Twilight trotted down the stairs and approached the door.

As it opened…

A darkness and a light blasted out and consumed her.

Twilight screamed as the darkness and light seemingly tried to drag her away from the door but she fought them with all her strength, her and the other voices of ponies who were there with her.

She was about to give in, the darkness too strong and the light too persistent… when suddenly the voice came again.

“Harmony,” And the two monsters made of light and darkness were wiped away with a screech.

And standing before a tired Twilight was an alicorn, and she was-

“TWILIGHT!”

“AH!” Twilight shot up in bed, oddly ready to defend herself before she saw Spike.

“Sorry… but I heard you screaming from down the hall, I thought you were in danger,” Spike said.

“I-i’m fine Spike, I just had a strange dream… again,” Twilight panted.

“Again huh? You’ve been having weird dreams for a week now,” Spike said.

“I know, it’s weird, anyways, why were you up?” Twilight asked.

“Uh…. bathroom?” Spike lied.

“Spike…” Twilight said.

“Ok ok, I wanted a midnight snack,” Spike said.

“You know midnight snacks won’t be good for you,” Twilight said.

“I know, I know,” Spike said… before looking awkwardly at Twilight, almost like he wanted to say something.

“What?” Twilight asked.

“N-nothing, w-well, better get back to bed,” Spike said.

“No snacking, I’ll know,” Twilight said.

“I know I know,” Spike said as he left.

Twilight laid back in her bed and wondered… what was with the weird voices… what was that strange dream? What’s with the monsters of light and dark… and why does the word Harmony feel more like… what it’s supposed to mean here?...

Twilight began the following day with her usual book checks, she went about her library, looking at and sorting books, as she was sorting dictionary’s she heard Spike’s voice from the hallway.

“Hey Twilight, Rainbow is here!” Spike said.

“Alright, send her in, please,” Twilight asked.

“On it!” Spike said as he ran off, when he returned RD was following him, while Rainbow trotted in Spike yawned and walked up the stairs.

“Hey egghead! How’s it going?” Rainbow yawned.

“Didn’t get much sleep?” Twilight asked.

“No, I need your help,” Rainbow asked flying about the shelves and looking for something.

“What’s that?” Twilight asked.

“I need help quieting my dreams,” Rainbow said.

“...Quieting your dreams?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, every night lately it's the same dream, and I’m losing sleep,” Rainbow asked.

“You too huh?” Twilight said.

“You’re having bad dreams too?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah, but I don’t want to bore you,” Twilight said.

“I won’t bore you with the details either,” RD said.

“Why not ask Luna next time she appears?” Twilight asked.

“I try to look for her but she never shows lately,” Rainbow said.

“That’s odd, maybe I’ll ask her about it,” Twilight said before grabbing the book she was looking for and passing it to Rainbow.

“Here, this should help,” Twilight said.

“Thanks Twilight,” Rainbow said before leaving.

“No problem,” Twilight then made her way downstairs and trotted to the front door.

“Spike! I’m going over to Rarity’s! Wanna come?” Twilight asked knowing the answer is-

“Yes! Hold on!” Spike ran downstairs and up to Twilight.

“Did I wake you out of a power nap?” Twilight asked.

“Uhh… yeah! A power nap!” Spike said nervously.

“What are you hiding?” Twilight asked.

“Nothing, I swear,” Spike said, he wasn’t very convincing but they needed to get moving so she let it go.

“Alright, let’s get moving,” Twilight said and they made their way outside and saw the decorations being put up.

That’s right, it’s the summer sun festival! And everypony is here to celebrate.

Twilight trotted down the street and waved to ponies left and right and provided help when they needed it.

“Thank you Twilight!” A stallion called after Twilight had helped him reset a banner.

“No problem!” Twilight called back as she made her way to the Carousel Boutique she then entered the familiar building.

“Rarity!” Twilight called and she saw Rarity sewing a banner together.

“Hmm? Oh! Hello Twilight! How are you?” Rarity said.

“I am fine, Spike’s here too,” Twilight said gesturing to Spike who was hiding something behind his back.

“Rarity, I uh… brought you this,” Spike said handing her a pretty yellow gem.

“Oooh simply marvelous Spike!” Rarity said retrieving the gem “I may be able to use this in a decoration, thank you,” Rarity said.

“Heheh, no prob,” Spike said with a goofy grin.

“Anyways, do you have the fire retardant fabric? We need to avoid burning the banner again this year when Celestia arrives.” Twilight said.

“Perhaps we should talk to Pinkie Pie and limiting her pyrotechnics this time then” Rarity mentioned.

“Good point,” Twilight sighed.

“Well regardless, we’ll be prepared this time,” Rarity said holding up the finished product.

It said ‘To our saviour and protector Celestia!’

“It’s amazing, you really outdid yourself,” Spike complimented.

“Why thank you Spikey dear,” Rarity said.

“Now I gotta check on Applejack, Pinkie and Fluttershy,” Twilight said.

“Ok, good luck dear!” Rarity said waving them off, as Twilight trotted away she heard a quiet whisper behind her.

“Don’t trust her…”

“Huh? Did you say something Rarity?” Twilight asked.

“No,” Rarity assured her distractedly.

“Hmm,” Twilight said as she continued on.

As they left Spike leaned in.

“Hey, did you notice something off about Rarity?” Spike asked.

“What?” Twilight asked.

“She had a few mane hairs loose, and crows feet,” Spike said.

‘How did you-” Spike raised a brow “Oh yeah… your constantly staring at her,” Twilight admitted “But why is that odd?” Twilight asked.

“She hasn’t been sleeping well,” Spike said.

“Her too?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, I’d know if she was struggling,” Spike said.

“Huh… odd,” Twilight said, wondering about the convenience, but decided to focus on it later.

As they made it to Sweet Apple Acres they saw Applejack and Pinkie tending to the refreshments.

“Hey girls!” Twilight said.

“Huh? HEY!” Pinkie hopped over to Twilight and hugged her.

“Haha, nice to see you too Pinkie…. Can you let go?” Twilight asked.

“Huh? Oh sorry,” Pinkie said.

“She’s been in a very huggable mood lately,” AJ sighed as she set another apple pie on the table.

“Hey Appeljack, how’s the baking?” Twilight asked.

“Ever since you suggested Pinkie helping me out with it, productions have been up, ah think ah’d be doin better if ah can get some sleep however…” Applejack said.

“You're having weird dreams too?... Is something going around?” Twilight said getting concerned.

“Yeah, you too?” AJ asked.

“Yeah…” Twilight said, starting to wonder what this dream was… a part of her felt like she knew though… odd.

“Well, if everythings alright here then I need to find Fluttershy,” Twilight said and she trotted away.

“Alright, see ya later Twi!” Applejack said.

Twilight put Spike on her back and flew through Ponyville and found herself on the edge of the forest, she approached the path to the cottage.

Fluttershy was on her front lawn practicing with her bird choir… while nodding off.

“One a two… a one *yawn* two… one… two…” Fluttershy fell asleep mid-sentence Twilight cleared her throat and Fluttershy jumped.

‘ONE TWO THREE FOUR!” Fluttershy yelped before turning to see Twilight.

“Oh, it’s just you Twilight, how can I help you?” Flutters asked.

“I may need to alert Luna when she arrives, it seems we’re all having dream problems,” Twilight said.

“It was nothing… I just haven’t slept well today,” Fluttershy said tiredly.

“Or the past few days?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know why that is, but I hope to get the birds practiced by then,” Flutters said.

“That would be nice, can they match the tune of ‘Celestia bless the land?’” Twilight said remembering her favorite song growing up.

“I am trying, but Mr Hawkington has a sore throat,” Shy said.

“You invited a hawk? Aren’t they dangerous?” Spike asked.

“No more dangerous than the fact she lives with a bear,” Twilight remarked.

“True…” Spike said.

“Well, that covers the check-list, let’s get moving Spike,” Twilight said and she let Spike back on her back and she trotted home.

As she trotted, Twilight decided to make conversation with Spike.

“Hey Spike?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah?” Spike asked.

“Why were you so embarrassed back at the castle?” Twilight asked.

“Oh not this again,” Spike sighed.

“Come on tell me,” Twilight said looking for a conversation topic.

“I… had a dream too,” Spike said.

“...Wait you too?” Twilight said, looking surprised.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Spike said with a blush.

“Ok ok, I won’t pry,” Twilight said as she turned to continue walking… and she suddenly saw a pony wearing a hood nearby, collapsed.

“Huh?!” Twilight said proceeding over to the collapsed grey hooded pony “Sir, are you okay?” Twilight asked.

Based on his stance and the beard, he was quite old, he had a white mane and tan fur, he stood with shaky hooves and turned to her.

“Oh no worries young one… I simply fell…” He trailed off as he saw her.

“Um… are you sure you're alright?” Twilight asked.

“I found you…” Twilight heard a voice whisper in her ear again as the stallion looked her over and he seemed to come to a realization.

“Y-you… it’s you…” The elderly stallion said looking shocked.

“Uh… Twi?... This guy is starting to freak me out,” Spike said.

“Sir, maybe we should get you to a hospital,” Twilight said… before the stallion grabbed her arm.

“Huh?” Twilight said.

“Nvoc un talon,” He muttered and suddenly Twilight’s eyes widened and she experienced a vision.

“Why!? Why do this- I lov-... help…” A voice said in distorted and choppy words.

“Harmo- don- you’ll pa-” A strangely familiar male voice said.

“Don’t worry Harmony… Equestria’s in good hooves,” A dark voice said and Twilight’s view was directed to a familiar sight…. Nigh-”

“TWILIGHT!”

“AAAH!” Twilight staggered back.

“You foolish dragon, you interrupted!” The old stallion said to him.

“What were you doing to her?!” Spike was in front of Twilight.

“She needed to remember!” He said as he reached out for her again but Spike slapped his hoof away.

“Go away!” Spike said.

“You don’t remember me either… I can’t afford to be seen yet…” The stallion said before hurriedly leaving.

“And don’t come back!” Spike called before turning to Twilight “You okay Twilight?” Spike asked.

“N-no… I feel sick,” Twilight said “What happened?” Twilight asked.

“He touched you and then you seized up and had this blank look on your face.” Spike said worriedly.

“I… Spike, we should go,” Twilight said.

“Sure,” Spike said and they hurried back to the castle.

Author's Note

I hope you guys like this anticipated project. :pinkiehappy:

Investigation

Twilight lay on her bed, trying to organize her thoughts, what happened back there was crazy.

Spike came into her room and poured her some tea.

“Thank you, Spike,” Twilight said.

“No problem,” Spike said “So what happened?” Spike asked now that Twilight seemed calmer.

“I… saw visions… of a cave… in the cave of harmony… like a hidden cave, and… there were other ponies there, something bad was happening… I can’t remember the rest,” Twilight said.

“He must have been trying to mug you, I’m worried about you,” Spike said.

“I don’t know Spike, didn’t you feel something about him… something oddly… familiar,” Twilight said.

“I don’t… know, to be honest, he just seemed like a crazy old stallion,” Spike said.

“...I’m sensing a correlation here,” Twilight said resolutely.

“What do you mean?” Spike asked.

“Everyone in my friend group has had strange dreams… I’m thinking we need to investigate this,” Twilight said.

“I think you're just making a mountain out of a molehill here Twilight,” Spike said.

“No, I’m betting something’s up, Spike can you send some messages?” Twilight asked.

“Sure, who to?” Spike asked.

“The others, we need to get to the bottom of this,” Twilight said.

“Alright, but don’t forget Celestia’s coming early to see us,” Spike said.

“I won’t,” Twilight said.

An hour later Twilight had set up the living room, she had prepared the once messy room and waited alongside Spike for the others to arrive.

“So, I don’t have to talk about my dream… right?” Spike asked.

“I suppose I can’t force you to, why?” Twilight asked.

“I-I can’t say…” Spike said blushing.

“I understand,” Twilight honestly did, but he was a growing boy, it’s bound to happen at some point.

She heard a knock on the door and she turned to the door.

“Spike, can you get that?” Twilight asked.

“Sure,” Spike ran to the door and opened it “Hi guys,” Spike said.

“Hello Spike,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Hello,” Fluttershy said politely, everypony else nodded in acknowledgment.

“This way,” Spike said and he led them to the library, as they entered they saw Twilight pouring over some books.

“Hey! Egghead,” Rainbow called and Twilight turned to see them.

“Hello guys, take a seat,” Twilight said.

“This better be important, ah’m missing out on baking, Mac isn’t as good at baking fritters as he thinks,” Applejack said.

“This will be quick,” Twilight said as they sat down.

“Is it a secret party for Celestia?” Pinkie asked.

“No,” Twilight said “We need to talk about these strange dreams we’ve all had,” Twilight said.

“Huh?” They all said.

“We’ve all experienced a lack of sleep and mentions of strange dreams, even Spike,” Twilight said.

“Twi!” Spike complained.

“I didn’t say what it was,” Twilight said before resuming “I had a strange encounter and it reminded me of them, i’m starting to see a strange correlation, and I want to find it out,” Twilight said.

“Ya dragged me away from work ta talk about dreams and theories? Twilight!” Applejack snapped.

“Look, I know that this isn’t as serious-sounding as you expected, but I need to know,” Twilight said.

“This hardly seems as important as the Summer Sun Celebration,” Rarity said.

“Just humor me guys,” Twilight said.

“If it’ll get me back home sooner, ah dreamed of the cave of Harmony,” Applejack said.

“...What?” Twilight said, sounding surprised.

“...Wait… you did too?” Rainbow asked

“Yeah… your sayin ya had the same dream last night?” Applejack said confusedly.

“Yeah, I’m at the cave and then another cave opens,” RD said.

“And a door is there…” Rarity murmured.

“And I opened it,” Fluttershy said.

“And suddenly these scary monsters came out and restrained me,” Pinkie added.

“And I was saved by… a pony, I don’t know who she is,” Twilight finished.

“Whoa….” Spike said a little shocked by the way they connected the dots.

“....Ooook, that was creepy…” Rainbow said.

“I agree,” Rarity said looking between them.

“What are the odds we’d all have the same dream,” Fluttershy asked.

“What other dreams have you all had?” Twilight wanted to get to the bottom of this.

“I remember one where I was helping donate to a medical building using my own money,” Rarity said thoughtfully.

“Ah was tellin a group of arguing ponies who was really at fault,” AJ said.

“I was leading a march during some kind of troop practice but went back to help a soldier who was struggling in the heat,” Rainbow said.

“I was helping nurse a baby deer back to health… in Canterlot oddly enough,” Fluttershy said.

“I was throwing a big party for a retiring soldier,” Pinkie added.

“...These dreams are correlating in some way,” Twilight said thoughtfully.

“Coincidence?” Rainbow asked.

“I don’t think there is,” Twilight said.

“Huh?” The others said.

“Tell me, in the cave of harmony dream, you seemed to be there alone, but felt the presence of other beings there…” Twilight said.

They all nodded and glanced amongst eachother.

“What’s happening… Are we being warned of something?” Rainbow asked.

“I think that’s a good guess, but of what?” Twilight asked.

“And what does this have to do with the old guy Twilight and I ran into?” Spike added.

“I don’t know…” Twilight said before standing tall “Girls, this can’t be a coincidence, and I’ll bet that stallion who assaulted me knows something,” Twilight said.

“You were assaulted?” Fluttershy said with shock.

“Not really assaulted per sey but he did lay hooves on me without my permission, but when he did I experienced visions, and these visions seemed similar to the dreams… I think we need to find him, he could be up to no good,” Twilight said.

“Alright,” RD said with determination.

“Ah don’t get what’s goin on, but if somethin is plannin to crash the party again then we gotta do something,” Applejack said.

“I’m with you girls,” Fluttershy said.

And with that, the six left the castle with Spike in tow.

“Wait for me!” Spike called.

Celestia and Luna arrived in Ponyville by the secret entrance only they know of so that Celestia can remain hidden until the celebration.

“Another day another celebration,” Celestia said.

“Shall we take the stage together this year Celly?” Luna offered.

“You know we should, the ponies need to stop fearing you,” Celestia said.

“Just hope I do not upstage you,” Luna threatened playfully.

“You are on,” Celestia chuckled as they took on their disguises and trotted out into Ponyville.

As they trotted around seeing the sights they had to admit, they went all out this year, banners, large balloons and even statues.

“Quite similar,” Celestia said feeling flattered.

“The flank is clearly too big,” Luna said.

“It’s not that big,” Celestia said.

“I wasn’t talking about the statue,” Luna chuckled.

“...Oh you!” Celestia blushed and headed off towards the castle.

“So shall we see how your protege is doing?” Luna asked.

“On it,” Celestia said and they made it to the castle, they knocked on the castle doors but nopony answered.

“Odd, she’s usually waiting for me here,” Celestia said.

“Let us enter than,” Luna said.

“Luna we can’t just break in,” Celestia said.

“She won’t mind,” Luna said as she opened the door and went in.

“My brash little sister,” Celestia said.

As the two entered the living room they looked around but saw no signs of the princess of magic.

“Odd, Twilight!” Celestia said shedding her disguise.

“Perhaps she is out, let’s make ourselves at home until then,” Luna said before sitting on a couch… before noticing she was sitting on something, she pulled the book out from under her and saw it was a book on dream based spells “Strange… why would they need dream magic?” Luna asked.

“I do not know,” Celestia said.

“Hmm… Celly?” Luna said.

“Yes?” Celestia said.

“I need to admit something,” Luna said.

“What? Did you steal the cake in the fridge, curse it Luna I labled it,” Celestia sighed.

“No! Listen, dream magic, and the events of last night lead me to suspect something is amiss,” Luna said.

‘Events of last night? Explain,” Celestia said.

“Well… it went like this-” Luna said

Last night

“Another night another nightmare…” Luna sighed boredly as she flew from one dream to another correcting nightmares… and when she approached the sectioned-off dreams of Twilight and her friends she noticed something odd.

“Huh?” Luna noticed that these dreams were surrounded in a barrier, these barriers were surrounded with a magic unlike a normal pony's magic and the dreams were blank to her eyes.

But she can sense activity… and an outside interference that was somehow… familiar…

“Odd…” Luna tried to zap the barriers away but the barriers suddenly exploded outward and sent Luna flying.

“AAAAH!” Luna cried as she woke up and she looked around her room in surprise “What?...” Luna said.

“And that’s it,” Luna said.

“Luna… why didn’t you mention this sooner?” Celestia said.

“I was planning to discuss it with Twilight first, seeing as it was her dream, not that I didn’t trust you, I just wished to confirm with Twilight to see if anything was wrong,” Luna said.

“...This is troubling,” Celestia said before sending out a cursory magic sense “I need to track her, now,” Celestia said.

“I’m sure it’s not as serious as you think,” Luna said.

“I can’t take any chances…” Celestia said gaining a new expression and trotting off, putting her disguise on.

Twilight and the others searched the town, Rainbow, her and Fluttershy took to the air to get a better view.

“You said he’s a tan and white stallion in a grey robe?” Rainbow asked.

“Yes,” Twilight said.

As they flew through the town they saw no sign of the old stallion.

“Was he a unicorn?” Rainbow asked.

“No he was an earth pony, which made the fact that he could use a memory spell more odd,” Twilight said.

“Ok, so not that guy,” Rainbow said pointing to an elderly stallion watering the daisy’s on someponies lawn.

“No,” Twilight sighed, she didn’t know what was driving her but she needed to find him!

Their search ultimately landed them on the outskirts of town.

“I think he fled town, he’s nowhere we can see,” RD said.

“I can't say for certain, he has to be here somewhere,” Twilight said.

“Twilight, maybe we should consider that and go back to work,” Applejack said.

“I can’t, I don't know what it is, but something about that stallion is screaming-”

“You all need to come with me,” A voice said behind them and they spun to see the grey hooded stallion hiding in the bushes.

“YOU!” Twilight said getting defensive.

“That’s him?” Rainbow asked.

“Listen, she is near, there’s no time, you must all follow me to The Cave of Harmony!” He said.

“Why should we go anywhere with you? You assaulted our friend,” Rarity said.

“Yeah, meanie!” Pinkie said.

“You don’t understand, I was helping her!” He said before he saw something and fled.

“Hey! Come back here!” Twilight was planning to chase him but she heard a cough behind her and she turned to see Celestia and Luna in disguise.

“Who are you?” Pinkie asked.

“Huh? Celestia? Luna? What are you doing here so soon?” Spike asked and the others looked at Twilight in surprise.

“We came to see you,” Celestia said before looking into the brush, she was sure she saw movement.

“Wait wait wait, their Celestia and Luna?” Rainbow asked.

“Shh! Nopony can know yet,” Celestia said approaching Rainbow.

‘Oh… sorry,” Rainbow nodded.

“What are you doing here on the edge of town?” Luna asked.

“We were-” AJ began but unexpectedly Twilight cut in.

“We were just about to head to Zecora’s to see if she’s coming… she didn’t come last year,” Twilight said.

Celestia seemed oddly unsure but she decided to trust her student.

“Very well, I just came to spend time with my student before the celebration,” Celestia said before noticing the tired air between the six and Spike.

“You all didn’t get much sleep lately didn’t you?” Luna asked as the group trotted back to the Castle of Friendship.

“Not much,” Rainbow chuckled.

“We’ve all been tireless for the events,” Rarity said.

As they chatted Applejack leaned into Twilight.

“Why’d ya lie?” Applejack said.

“I don’t want to trouble Celestia on the day of the Celebration,” Twilight said.

Back in the brush however the stallion watched…

“We both know that wasn’t the reason…” He said before looking at Celestia and running away.

The ponies everywhere lined up for The Summer Sun Celebration, including Twilight and her friends.

“Well, we didn’t find the stallion we were lookin for, but at least we got to see the main event,” Applejack said.

“Yeah, I guess,” Twilight said before standing next to her friends.

“Hey, next time we see him, I’ll pin him down so he can’t run,” RD said.

“Let’s not talk about assaulting old ponies, it’s starting,” Pinkie said.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!” Mayor Mare began her scripted speech for the celebration.

“Here we go!” Pinkie cheered jumping up and down.

“Calm yourself Pinkie, I can hardly see with you jumping in my view,” Rarity said.

“In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria...Princess Celestia!” Mayor Mare said and unlike last year Celestia burst out from the curtains.

Ponies everywhere stamped their hooves in applause.

“Hello, my little ponies! I have come to perform mine and my beloved only sister's duty to you all, and that is raising the sun, and this year, we have a new guest,” Celestia said and everypony gasped as Luna trotted on stage.

“Hey Luna’s here, I didn’t know she was-... huh?” Twilight’s head began to throb as she saw them standing there… and the words she said reached her ears.

“Hey… Twilight you ok?” Rainbow asked.

“I… I don’t know… my head hurts…” Twilight said before wincing as it got worse.

“Har-....how could……return….” Twilight heard voices in her head and she began to get very dizzy, and her friends began to feel it too…

“Ugh… my head…” Rainbow said.

‘I feel odd…” Rarity said.

Spike had already passed out.

“Ugh… did I eat the spoiled butter croissants again?...” Pinkie asked swaying.

“I-I….” Fluttershy collapsed.

“Somethin is… wrong…” AJ said.

“Girls… we need…. To…” Twilight collapsed and so did the others.

“Oh my gosh!” A pony cried.

“Is she okay?” Another asked.

“Give them space,” A stallion said.

And then they faded away….

“Twi…Twili…Twilight!” Celestia’s voice called and Twilight woke with a jump.

“AH!” Twilight gasped and she looked around, looking out the window it was nighttime.

“Twilight!” Celestia said approaching her student.

“I don’t… what happened…?” Twilight asked.

“I would like to know as well, you suddenly collapsed in the middle of the ceremony, I can be thankful I noticed, however many ponies are displeased that the ceremony was interrupted,” Celestia said.

“I’m so sorry… I’m sorry, I don’t know what happened,” Twilight said apologetically.

Celestia sighed “I cannot blame you for passing out, you must have been very tired.” Celestia said.

“I… don’t think that was it, I think something happened… but I don’t know what,” Twilight said.

“Well whatever the reason, we’re redoing the ceremony, stay here and get some rest, my dear student,” Celestia said.

“I… yeah, I should,” Twilight said.

“Your friends are in separate rooms, and don’t worry, I have guards posted.

“Guards? Why?” Twilight asked.

“Just in case something happens, we cannot afford something bad happening,” Celestia said.

“I guess that makes sense,” Twilight nodded.

“Get some rest,” Celestia said.

“Ok,” Twilight said, Celestia then turned and left the room and Twilight laid down and stared out the window, watching the resetting of the celebration.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with us, but we need to find out soon,” Twilight said before closing her eyes.

Harmony…

She heard noises and opened her eyes… She was in a burlap sack!?

“Huh?!” Twilight frantically kicked and struggled.

“Shh! Shh! Stop!” The voice said.

“Who are you?! What’s going on? Release me!” Twilight screamed.

“I said silence,” The voice said and Twilight suddenly found her lips stuck together.

“Hmm?!” Twilight said.

“It’s thanks to the fireworks we havn’t been spotted yet, and knocking out the guard was easy, thankfully guards these days aren’t very strong,” The voice chuckled.

“MMMH! MMMH!” Twilight tried to use her magic but her horn fizzled.

“This cloth is made of rainbow walnut moth silk, durable and magic resistant,” he said.

“Mhh!” Twilight grunted, unable to talk.

“I had no choice, you don’t remember me and neither does Emerald or the others! You wouldn’t have come if I asked politely,” He said.

“Empheral?” Twilight managed to squeeze some words out, that name was unknown to her… but it strangely filled her with warmth to hear it… odd.

“All will be explained,” He said.

Suddenly Twilight had an epiphany of who this could be, but his words rang out in her mind, and she realized something… he knows something… if she’s going to get answers about the dreams… she needs to play along…

Hopefully, nothing bad will happen in the process…

Author's Note

The plot gets thicker.

Who is this pony, and what is happening?

Treason

Twilight doesn’t know how long she was trapped in there but she eventually found the bag being overturned and she was dumped onto the ground.

“Mmmh!” Twilight grunted, she looked up and saw she was in the Cave of Harmony.

“Ok, we’re far enough,” He then drew a line on his mouth and Twilight could speak again.

“GAH! O-ok…. Who are you?... And why do I feel like I know you?...” Twilight said getting right to it.

“I’m surprised you remember so little… but then again, you’re not whole, your memories are still fragmented,” He said trotting over to the tree.

“Whole?” Twilight asked.

“Look this will all be hard to explain, so take a seat,” He said.

“I’m not doing anything until you tell me everything,” Twilight said.

“...Very well, I should start with my name… I am Gol,” Gol said.

“That’s… an interesting name,” Twilight said before she realized… she’s heard that name before… from her dreams!

“These days uncommon…” He sighed “I’ll get right to it then, your not who you think you are,” Gol said.

“What? What do you mean?” Twilight still guardedly said.

“Celestia isn’t who you and the others think she is either… it’s been lie after lie for countless years, and now she rules what should have been your birthright,” Gol said.

“Your confusing me, birthright? Celestia isn’t the pony I thought she was?... I don’t believe you,” Twilight said.

“You must believe me, she’s a tyrant that craves power masking as a harmonious leader, both her and her sister,” Gol said.

“Shut up! Only a fool would believe that! Celestia is my teacher and Luna’s my friend! She’s been by my side since the beginning,” Twilight said.

“And yet, she’ll cast you aside the moment you turn on her, its happened before, ever heard of Sunset Shimmer?” Gol said.

“No she wouldn’t! She wouldn’t betray me!” Twilight fired a magic bolt at Gol who used his hoof to catch it.

“Huh?” Twilight exclaimed.

He snuffed it out “Back in the day I would have been at your mercy in a sparring match, but these days you’re not strong enough, If I were your enemy I would have gotten rid of you immediately!” Gol said clearly irritated.

“T-true, but I am not going to believe that Celestia would betray me, you have no proof,” Twilight said.

“...I didn’t want to do this… but I have no choice,” Gol said and faster than it should be possible for the old pony he closed the distance and put his hoof on her shoulder.

And the flashbacks began.

“The tree looks fine, why did you bring me here… Celestia? What are you doing here?” Twilight’s view through the eyes of this mysterious pony saw… two monsters made of light and darkness.

Nothing was said back but Twilight knew what they said.

“What do you mean?” A male voice to her left said and suddenly the monsters fired blasts of magic at her and the male figure to her left and they both tumbled on the ground.

“Sister! What is the meaning of this?!” Twilight uncontrollably said.

“Stop!” suddenly a dragon charged at the two but they double blasted him with their magic beams and sent him flying onto his back.

“Ooogh!…” the dragon grunted.

“How could you sister!?” Twilight demanded.

Again nothing was said back from the creatures but they responded by activating the circle and Twilight screamed.

“You monsters! I will return and I’ll- GYAAAAH!” The dragon roared and they were both consumed in light.

“NOOOO!” Twilight shouted stumbling back, shaking.

“Do you see now?” The stallion said.

“No… NO! Those weren’t Celestia and Luna, those were just creatures-”

“Made of light and darkness… it seems your lack of belief still persists if that’s how your memory copes,” Gol said sadly.

“Who-...Who are you?!” Twilight said, sounding as though she was hyperventilating.

“Calm yourself, I am Gol… your only student left,” Gol said.

“...No… none of this is real… I’m dreaming… I’m not… i’m not-”

“You must retrieve your friends and come back here, it is the only way to-” Suddenly Gol was blasted with a powerful white beam “AAAAGH!” Gol grunted as he tumbled and hit a nearby wall.

“Huh?!” Twilight turned and saw Celestia, and she looked deeply concerned.

“Twilight!” Celestia approached, but after what Twilight was exposed to she backed away.

Celestia paused “Twilight? Why do you look at me like that?” Celestia asked.

“....He showed me things… Please Celestia… tell me none of it’s true,” Twilight sobbed.

“....What did he show you?” Celestia said.

“He said you were a tyrant, that I am not a whole pony… and that-” Twilight said before Celestia hugged her.

“Twilight, I need you to listen to me, Gol is a trickster who was trying to swindle you, you know me,” Celestia said.

“I…I…” Twilight said.

“Twilight…” Gol said and Twilight turned to see Gol struggling to his hooves “You cannot trust her! She’s evil incarnate!” Gol said.

“Twilight, please,” Celestia said.

“I know everything I said and showed you seems fake, but it’s the truth! You let her sway you and Equestria will remain in her thrall until the day she inacts her cruel grand plan,” Gol said.

“Grand plan?” Twilight asked.

“There is none!” Celestia got in front of Twilight.

“Yes there is… you plan to-” Gol was blasted again and rendered immobile.

“Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed not expecting her teacher to be so violent with somepony so old.

“Twilight, you must choose, do you believe me, or him?” Celestia asked.

“I-I…” Twilight was a jumbled mess right now and she saw Gol looking at her pleadingly.

“Choose,” Celestia pleaded.

“I-i…I…”Twilight shut her eyes and let out a long exhale… before hugging Celestia.

“No…” Gol choked out.

“Thank you Twilight… thank you,” Celestia said happily hugging her back.

“I… trust you, Celestia,” Twilight said.

“You fool…” Gol said.

“Guards, take this deceiver away! Have him detained in town hall for now until we can bring him to Canterlot.” Celestia said and the guards ran past them.

They scooped up the limp Gol and dragged him off.

Gol looked Twilight in the eye and for a moment she saw a great sorrow.

“Let’s go home Twilight,” Celestia said and they went back.

Twilight felt as though her heart weighed a ton, she made her way back into town and saw her friends waiting for her.

Twilight watched Gol being taken away back towards Town Hall and ponies everywhere looking concerned or confused.

Celestia approached and announced the situation.

“Worry not my little ponies, a long time criminal has been apprehended trying to kidnap Princess Twilight and turn her against me, but she stuck to her harmony and didn’t fall for it,” Celestia said.

The ponies cheered hearing that.

The other members of the mane six approached Twilight.

“Twilight, we were so worried when we heard you had vanished,” Fluttershy said.

“Ah nearly followed Celestia right into the forest,” AJ said.

“Me too… hey Twilight, you ok?” Spike asked.

“Spike… if something were to happen and you were made to doubt me… would you-.. Never mind… let’s go home,” Twilight said leaving.

“Huh? Twilight?” Spike said and he followed her, the others looked at eachother and decided to follow her too.

As Celestia saw them leaving she looked to Luna and nodded and Luna left as well.

The group had gathered in the same bedroom as Twilight, all laying in sleeping bags except Twilight.

“Twilight… what happened there… what did he do to you?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know… but… I’m having doubts, I don't want these doubts….” Twilight said.

“What are they?” Rarity asked.

“.... Have you guys ever thought you knew somepony your whole life and then when somepony gives you some evidence suddenly you can't look at them the same way anymore…?” Twilight said.

“Sure! There was this time that-” Pinkie began but Twilight cut her off.

“No Pinkie, I mean it seriously… what if the pony you held closest… was using you?...” Twilight said.

“Well… I don't know,” Pinkie said.

“Who is it you’re doubting?” Rarity asked.

“I don't want to say right now, let’s just sleep,” Twilight said rolling over and going back to sleep.

The others went back to sleep as well.

Six ponies were walking through the cave once more, and after lowering the secret cave they approached the door.

After opening it they expected the monsters to attack again, instead, there sat in the center of the room, was a glowing pony.

“Who are you?” Six voices said at once.

“Time is of the essence, you must free Gol and escape… before the power of harmony is used for evil,” The being said before she spread her wings, and they woke up.

“Huh?!” the group woke with a start at the same time.

“Whoa… weird…” Rainbow said.

“Another dream…” AJ said getting up before looking at Twilight “Was it the same?” AJ asked.

“No…” Twilight said looking like she’s contemplating it.

“Girls… I need to return to Sweetie Belle, we can discuss it later,” Rarity said taking her leave.

“Yeah! And I… gotta help with preparations for the announcement later today,” Pinkie said.

“Good luck girls… I think I need to take a walk,” Twilight said.

“Ok!” They all waved her off as they left.

Twilight and Spike trotted through town with no certain destination in mind.

“Where are we going Twilight?” Spike asked with a yawn.

“I don’t know, I just need to walk for now,” Twilight said, the two walked on, moving through town and stopping for a quiet lunch and then more walking.

As Twilight trotted on she saw Celestia exiting the town hall.

“Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“Hello my student,” Celestia said before nodding at a guard who resumed his watch.

“Why is the town hall under such heavy surveillance?” Twilight asked.

“Because there is a dangerous criminal inside, I am holding him there until after the press conference held here after the Summer Sun Celebration,” Celestia said.

“What will happen to him?” Twilight asked.

“Life in prison… you seem oddly concerned for the stallion who kidnapped you,” Celestia said.

“No… just… maybe we can teach him harmony and-”

“Trust me Twilight, I tried, but it seems he’s set in his ways,” Celestia said dismissively.

“What?...” Twilight said.

“You should keep your distance from him,” Celestia warned before leaving.

“That was odd…” Spike said.

“I know…” Twilight said looking at the Town Hall.

“Free Gol,”

“Let’s… go…” Twilight said trotting on.

“Rarity? Are you alright?” Sweetie Belle asked as Rarity was making a dress.

“Sweetie Belle… I am having a slight crisis today…” Rarity said setting down her material with a sigh.

“Did you chip a hoof again?” Sweetie said expecting it to be that.

‘No… much much worse… I… don’t even know how to put it,” Rarity said.

“What is it?” Sweetie asked.

“I fear that things in Equestria may not be as harmonious as we thought… forget it… I don’t want to drag you into it,” Rarity said.

“I’m here if you need me sis,” Sweetie said before she trotted away.

“Save Gol,”

“Oh…” Rarity sighed as the voice spoke again.

Rainbow was helping the weather ponies clear the sky, but she seemed distracted.

“Hey Dash!” Thunderlane called.

“Huh?” Rainbow looked and she crashed into a cloud.

“Hahaha!” They laughed.

“Har har guys,” Rainbow chuckled before a voice came to her.

“Save Gol,”

“Huh? You say something? Rainbow asked.

“Nope,” Another weather pony said.

“Who’s Gol…?” Rainbow said feeling that odd feeling.

Applejack bucked a tree and collected the apples.

“Ya’ll okay Applejack?” Big Mac asked.

“Yeah!... Yeah…” Applejack said.

“Ya seem distracted,” Big Mac said.

“Eenope… Ah’m just fightin mah lack of sleep,” AJ said.

“Don’t push yerself too hard,” Mac said walking off.

“...” Applejack paused and looked out at the sky.

“Save Gol,”

“Ah don’t know who that is… so why does he sound familiar?...” Applejack didn’t have an answer so she continued bucking.

Fluttershy fed a few squirrels some acorns.

“Here you go darlings,” Fluttershy said before turning to see Harry the bear passing out feed to the rabbits.

“Thank you for your help-” Fluttershy said.

“Save Gol…”

“-Gol… wait… who?...” Fluttershy wondered who that was and why she said it instead of Harry… some clucking got her attention and she saw some chickens wanting feed as well.

“Oh, sorry, I’ll get you some right away,” Fluttershy said as she hurried off to find more feed.

Pinkie was helping to set up the buffet tables and she bounced to each area setting up the hay fries and cupcakes.

“Woot! We’re doin great today-”

“Save Gol,”

“Gol? Hey brain, Do I know a Gol?” Pinkie asked before reaching into her mane and pulling out a list of everypony in Ponyville.

“Hmm…. no…Then whose-”

“Ahem!” A canterlotian coughed.

“Oops! Sorry!” Pinkie bounced over to him.

Spike laid on Twilight’s back, having needed a short nap he dreamed… it was odd, he used to dream of Rarity, of gems and of Power Ponies… and recently he’s been having weird dreams of… stuff… now a new dream comes to mind.

He sees Gol, laying in the Town Hall, chained to a wall, he’s been beaten and bloodied, his eyes were glowing and he seemed to be speaking to him using some kind of magic.

“Emerald… if your getting this… it all comes down to you, save your beloved… before it’s too late…” Gol said before looking up and his eyes flashed.

“Huh?!” Spike jumped up on Twilight’s back.

“Huh? Spike? Are you alright?” Twilight asked.

“I am… I had another dream… Hey Twilight?” Spike asked.

“Yeah?” Twilight asked.

“Who’s Emerald?” Spike asked, and suddenly Twilight froze…. That name again, and hearing it from Spike triggered something.

“Many don’t approve of us milady, I fear ruining your reputation… perhaps I should-” A deep male voice asked before a soft and kind voice spoke.

“I care not for their complaints, I love you, Emerald, I’d take a noble heart like yours over any stallion,” A female voice said.

“And I love you too, may our hearts bond beyond the grave,” The deep voice spoke again.

“Twilight? Twilight speak to me!” Spike asked.

“Huh? Wha?” Twilight jumped.

“Thank goodness, I thought you were having another episode,” Spike said.

“Spike… we need to talk with the girls again…” Twilight said quietly.

“Why?” Spike asked.

“We just need too… something isn’t right anymore,” Twilight said and she trotted back to the castle.

“What’s going on?” Spike asked.

“I need to talk to Gol again,” Twilight said.

“Twilight… your not thinking anything that would upset Celestia are you? She made it clear she didn’t want us near him,” Spike said.

“Spike… please, I need this closure,” Twilight said.

“Ok, if you're really sure, I’ll help, but if Celestia goes nuclear over this….” Spike said nervously.

“I’ll take the brunt,” Twilight assured him.

“I’ll… help where I can,” Spike said.

Twilight had just finished the notes and prepared to send them when suddenly there was a knock on the door.

“Huh?” Twilight turned and deciding to give Spike a break she trotted over to the door.

And saw the ponies she was looking for.

“Girls?” Twilight said with surprise.

“Twi… we need to talk,” AJ said.

“O-ok,” Twilight said and they went inside.

As they sat down in the living room Twilight broke the silence.

“Your here for the same reason I was going to call you, aren’t you?” Twilight asked.

“Yes… Twilight, I have this feeling that something very bad is happening… and we are at the center of it,” Rarity said.

“I agree… I keep hearing this voice in my head pleading with me to save this Gol pony… who the heck is Gol?” Rainbow asked.

“The rest of you as well?” Twilight asked and they nodded.

“...I know…” Twilight said.

“You do?” Pinkie asked.

“He is the stallion that is currently locked up in Town Hall… he’s… somepony that knows us… and the reasons we’re all experiencing this stuff, he has the answers” Twilight said before standing tall. “I made a mistake, we need to go back for him,” Twilight said.

“What?!” everypony in the room including Spike exclaimed.

“I know, it’s risky, but I mulled it over, I thought hard about it, and I realize he knows the truth,” Twilight said.

“Twi… yer sayin we go against Celestia? That crazy talk,” AJ said.

“I am willing to follow you anywhere Twi… but against Celestia… I don’t know…” Rainbow said unsurely.

“I know girls, but I feel it… you all feel it… there’s something about us he knows, and I cannot rest until we find it out, please,” Twilight said.

They glanced at eachother and then… Pinkie stood up.

“I never dreamed of the day I’d oppose Celestia… but Twilight has a point, these dreams… these voices… the feelings… they’re telling us something, we need to find out,” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie?...” Twilight said with a smile.

“Well shucks… can’t deny that…” Applejack said.

“I won’t let my friends endure without me,” Rainbow said.

“I…I trust you Twilight,” Fluttershy nervously said.

“I would be remiss if I was the only one to stand down, I will come with you,” Rarity said.

“Then we’re in agreement, and if things go south, then I’ll take the blame,” Twilight said.

“What!?” Rainbow was about to debate that but Twilight stopped her with a look that forbade argument.

“Um... Twilight?” Spike asked quietly but his face was determined..

“Huh?” Twilight turned to him.

“I want to come too,” Spike said with determination.

“No Spike, it’s too-” Twilight tried to say but Spike stamped his foot.

“NO! No more saying it’s too dangerous, I feel it too Twilight, the idea that I’m somehow mixed up in this, and I refuse to sit idly by while you face this alone, I’m going and that’s final,” Spike said resolutely.

“...Ok,” Twilight said with a smile and she hugged him and he hugged back.

“Well… then what’s the plan?” Rarity asked.

“We wait for nighttime, Celestia will be distracted, then we sneak in,” Twilight said.

“But it’s heavily guarded,” Fluttershy said.

“Then we’ll have to be careful,” Twilight said before spotting Owlicous… and got an idea.

Nighttime

Celestia and Luna exited the town hall, looking displeased.

“Well, we are finished intterrogating the criminal,” Celestia said.

“What did he say?” A guard captain said.

“Nothing, he’s a stubborn old one,” Luna said.

“Shall we-”

“No… wait until we get back to Canterlot, too many possible witnesses,” Celestia said before taking her leave.

“We will be at the press conference, not a single pony enters or exits,” Luna said.

“Yes Princess!” The captain said and he went back to patrol.

Meanwhile a bird flew over the town hall and landed.

It was Owlicious, with a few discontented ‘hoos’ he flew down to ground level and landed in front of the guards.

“Huh? Is that an owl?” A guard asked.

“Well, I got nothin else to do,” A guard said as he approached it.

“Careful I heard they have big talons,” The other guard said.

“Go on, get!” The guard tried to shoo the owl away but Owlicious dodged and flew around the guards.

“Hey! Don’t poop on me or I swear!” The guard poked the back of his spear at the owl.

Meanwhile the six snuck in through a window.

“I hope he will be ok,” Twilight muttered.

“I’m sure he will, he’s capable,” Spike said.

As they made their way inside they saw at least five guards patrolling and a beaten-up Gol looking at the ground solemnly.

“Wow… they really did a number on him…” Spike said nervously.

“I didn’t think torture was a thing these days,” Rarity nervously said.

“Alright, how do we get past the other guards?” Spike asked.

“Leave it to me and Twi,” Pinkie said.

“Huh?” the others glanced at Pinkie.

“Ugh, so bored…” The guard sighed.

“Your not paid to complain,” Another guard said.

“I know I know-” Suddenly a ninja with a familiar mane jumped down in front of the guards..

“Huh?” The guards said.

“Huh?” Gol said seeing a familiar pink mane.

“What are you doing here? This is an unauthorized zone,” A guard said as he approached.

“Hyaah!” Pinkie began doing a variety of moves… none of them hitting the guards.

“Uh… mam we need you to leave, or you’ll be arrested,” The guard said as she continued doing pointless ninja moves.

Meanwhile, the other guards were being hit one by one with a sleep spell.

“Mam, final warning, leave or-” The last guard got hit and he fell asleep and Pinkie took off the ninja garb.

“Whoo hoo! Guard distraction number five was a success!” Pinkie cheered.

“Shh!” RD said.

“Oh yeah,” Pinkie said and they approached Gol.

“Twilight? You and your friends came for me?” Gol asked with hope in his eyes.

“Yes… I’m sorry Gol, but… I hope you realize this, what me and my friends just did and are going to do can be considered treason… so we’re taking a big risk in trusting you,” Twilight said to him.

“...I know… but I promise you with all my heart, my words are not hot air, we must hurry, to the cave of harmony!” He said.

“Ok,” Twilight said as she used be magic to free him.

Gol got up and stumbled, coughing blood.

“Are you ok?” Fluttershy asked.

“I am, give me a moment,” Gol then uttered some words and he glowed and his injuries healed.

“Whoa… your an earth pony, how are you doing that?” Rainbow asked.

“I am the last student of Harmony… I have many capabilities,” Gol said as they approached the window.

“Why didn’t you just use your magic to escape?” Applejack asked.

“I needed to conserve it, but there’s no time, follow me,” Gol said and he led them back through the window.

Thankfully Owlicious was still distracting the guards, he looked at Twilight and she nodded and he flew off.

“Let’s move!” Gol said and they fled.

The six made their way towards the edge of town and into the Everfree forest.

“Girls, I’m nervous,” Fluttershy said.

“No worries Fluttershy, I have been in more dangerous places than this,” Gol said.

“How do you know her name? Did she tell you?” Rainbow asked.

“I know all your names, Rainbow Dash, I’ve heard much about the elements of harmony saving the land from many disasters, you are all the pieces of the puzzle” Gol said.

“What puzzle?” Twilight asked.

“I will explain, later, keep quiet, we can’t afford to be heard,” Gol said.

The others looked at eachother nervously… somehow they get the feeling whatever happens here, will change their lives forever…

“And I will never hold him responsible,” Celestia laughed with the crowd.

“Next question?...” Luna boredly said.

“What is your opinion on letting more ponies visit Canterlot?” A stallion asked.

“As much as possible, we need to spread word of the capitals many-” Celestia said before the door slammed open and everypony turned to see a guard there.

“What is the meaning of this?” Celestia demanded.

“He escaped!” The guard said.

“...WHAT?!” Celestia shouted and most of the ponies had to cover their ears.

“No…” Luna said looking shocked.

“Where is my student?!” Celestia teleported up to the scared guard.

“I don’t know, but all of the guards were hit with a low grade sleep spell, when we woke them they mentioned a pony who looked like the mare Pinkie Pie,” He said.

“...Assemble the guards, we need to get to the cave of harmony…” Celestia said, when the guard hesitated she shouted “NOW!”

“Yes Princess!” The stallion said before running off.

“Princess, is everything-” Mayor Mare approached but Celestia interrupted.

“Yes, remain here, I will be back,” Celestia said before leaving with Luna at her side.

“This isn’t good sister… what if… they remember?” Luna asked, whispering the last part.

“Then we’ll make them forget,” Celestia said flaring her horn.

Author's Note

The big reveal is in the next chapter, and I bet it'll knock your socks off.

Is Gol a deceiver? Or is Celestia the deceiver?

And what fate awaits The Six and Spike?

Rebirth

Author's Note

Heads up, this chapter is where a lot gets revealed, a new form is obtained, and bonds get broken.

I look forward to your feedback.

Rebirth

The six, Gol, and Spike made it to the cave.

“We don’t have much time, I will activate the hidden room, you all keep watch, here,” Gol said using his magic to remove the elements of harmony and he gave each of them theirs “Alright, let’s move,” Gol said.

“Waitwaitwaitwaitwait,” RD said getting his attention.

“What?” Gol asked.

“We just committed treason and you're still hiding things, I think we’re owed an explanation,” RD said.

“There’s no time Rainbow!” Gol said harshly.

“Then make time, because we’re not takin another step without an explanation,” AJ said.

Gol looked frustrated but sighed.

“Very well, you’re all owed one, listen, what I am about to tell you all, will shake the very views you have of the world….” Gol said.

“We’re listening,” Rarity said.

“....None of you were meant to exist as separate ponies,” Gol said.

“What?” Fluttershy said.

“That’s kinda rude,” Pinkie said.

“No listen, you were all not meant to exist as separate ponies, but as one,” He said.

“...What?” Twilight asked.

“Wh-what do you mean?” Rarity said

“I’ve studied alot on the elements and their wielders, and when I found you Twilight, I knew you and your fellow elements were her fragments, the elements themselves are her crown, the power of harmony effortlessly flows through you all, listen,” Gol said and the others nodded along..

“There once existed an alicorn, a great and very powerful one, one who existed as the epicenter of all of harmony, her name was in fact Harmony, the third sister,” He said.

“I-I don’t-” Twilight was too shocked to respond immediately.

“There was a third sister?!” Pinkie gasped.

“Yes, while one sister controlled the moon and the other the sun one acted as the balance that led the ponies towards a brighter future, that was you all,” He said.

“What?” Rarity said, the others stared in shock.

“Then… what happened?” Twilight asked.

“A schism occurred between the sisters, Celestia wanted the power for herself, and Luna supported her,” He said.

“No… it can’t be,” Twilight said looking upset.

“Search your heart Twilight, you know I am not lying, the sisters killed off Harmony and her lover with a ritual trap and all of Harmony’s followers by blade… even my father… and I was the only one who escaped, I used an ancient rune I carved into my own flesh to prolong my life so that I may fix this,” He said showing them the rune on his shoulder by lifting his hood “I would later discover that the ritual didn’t kill her, it made her soul fragment into six and they went dormant as well, until recently they were reborn into you six,” he said.

“No way…” Twilight said looking like everything she’s ever known was crashing down around her.

“I don’t believe this…” AJ said looking shellshocked.

“I-I…” Rainbow was trying to rationalize it but couldn’t.

“E-excuse me,” Spike asked approaching him.

“Hmm?” Gol asked.

“What about me? I’ve been having dreams as well, kinda weird ones too, how do I fit into this?” Spike asked.

“...This will be hard for somedragon your age to hear… but you were her lover… Emerald,” Gol said.

“..........WHAT?!” Spike exclaimed.

“What?!” Everypony else exclaimed.

“Yes, yes, but back in the day he was the dragon lord, during a peace meeting he met with Harmony… they fell in love, against all odds, nobles and even her sisters opposed it, but they didn’t care, he actually gave up his position for her, and they were set to begin anew with one another…. Until their assassination via ritual magic, but while Harmony was killed and her soul fragmented, the spell had a different effect on Emerald and he reverted into an egg… Celestia decided to keep him not out of compassion but rather to have a dragon to aid her in the long run, I know this because I was there, hidden, I had followed Harmony and Emerald because I wished to help in any way I could,” Gol said.

“I… was a dragon lord?...” Spike said in silent awe “And my crush on Rarity?” Spike asked

“An extension of Emerald's love for Harmony’s noble heart,” Gol said.

“...I… need a minute,” Fluttershy looked sick.

“Me too…” Pinkie said.

“Ah need a few hours…” Applejack said

“We’ve wasted enough time, we need to get below the tree of Harmony, before Celestia finds out-”

“Finds out what?” A familiar voice said and they all spun to see Celestia and Luna and a contingent of guards.

“I had a feeling this would happen,” Gol said, cursing that he didn’t just get to work.

“C-Celestia?” Twilight asked nervously.

“Twilight… I am giving you one chance to cease this treason, return the criminal and this will all be forgotten,” Celestia said.

Spike hid behind Twilight and the others looked ready to run.

“Distract her, I will open the door,” Gol said as he slinked back a little.

“Celestia…. Is what he said the truth?... it is isn’t it?...” Twilight said with tears in her eyes.

“....” Celestia looked conflicted.

“TELL ME! Tell me I’m wrong, that there wasn’t a third sister you betrayed and killed the followers of, please! Tell me that you-” Twilight shouted before Celestia stamped her hoof.

“ENOUGH, Twilight, I am warning you, you are messing with things you don’t understand, you’ve always trusted and cared about me, trust me once more and don’t let that trickster open that door!” Celestia said.

“Listen to her! You are warriors of harmony, not harbingers of destruction,” Luna said trying to help.

“He’s told and shown us everything, why don’t you two tell us everythin!” Applejack stepped forward.

“Yeah, even though what he’s said is crazy you haven’t exactly denied anything!” RD said.

“You must listen he’s-” Celestia tried.

“Celestia…” Celestia turned to see Spike approaching.

“Spike?” Twilight asked.

“I was a dragon lord wasn’t I?... But you killed me, for loving a pony?” Spike asked, internally hoping she’d say no.

Celestia’s mane began to heat up as her agitation rose.

“Spike, return to my side, you have been lied to,” Celestia said.

“No… these dreams showed me and her, we loved eachother, and you didn’t approve of it,” Spike said before walking back to Rarity and he held her hoof “Even if it’s into Tartarus, I won’t abandon them,” Spike said.

“Spike?” Rarity said in surprise.

“Spike…” Twilight said in awe.

“...Does he speak for the rest of you?” Celestia asked.

“Yes,” The other mares said.

In one last bid Celestia turned to Twilight “Twilight… please don’t,” Celestia said looking her firmly in the eye.

“....I’m sorry Celestia, but I need to know,” Twilight said.

…….Celestia bowed her head and began to shake.

“Celestia, there doesn’t need to be any bad blood or negative feelings… just please, let the true Harmony return…” Twilight said.

“.....” Celestia shook harder.

Luna looked away as if unwilling to watch.

“Celestia, I-”

“Choose,” Celestia snapped. “You will trust him or me, this is your last chance Twilight,” Celestia said.

Twilight, whose doubts only became stronger after the actions of her "Kind" mentor, retreated to Gol’s side. Celestia's face contorted in pain for a moment, but almost immediately it returned to the same stony expression as before.

“So… this is your decision, Twilight?” she asked.

“Yes!” Twilight replied firmly. “You've been acting weird ever since you caught sight of him, everything has led up to this point tells me your not being honest with me, Gol has, so I trust him.”

“Twilight,” Gol said with a smile.

The other five looked between Twilight, their dear friend, and Celestia, who was a benefactor and role model to many. Rainbow was the first to approach Twilight. Behind her are Applejack and Fluttershy. Pinkie, having dismissed all doubts, joined her friends. Rarity was the last to decide.

“Ah’m not likin these turn of events, but ah’ll be darned if ah let Twilight down,” AJ said.

“I’ll follow my friends over you anyday,” Rainbow said.

“I-I agree!” Fluttershy said.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t help,” Rarity said.

“It doesn’t have to end this way,” Pinkie said.

“So these are your decisions….” Celestia recited before chuckling bitterly before looking at them emotionlessly. "So know now that you’ve made a big mistake, because you betrayed not only me, but all the ponies in Equestria with this action, I hereby arrest you all, alive or dead,” Celestia said glaring at them with a new darkness in her eyes.

“No…” Twilight said with tears in her eyes.

“I suppose I tried, you cannot say I didn’t… I will pass on your last regards to your kin,” She said before lighting up her horn.

The others began to tear up as well, seeing the mare they looked up to since birth… acting like a madmare.

Twilight however…

“NOOOOOO!” Twilight fired her magic at full power at them.

Celestia put up a barrier that blocked it effortlessly.

“It is time to bury the past, so we can have a brighter future,” Celestia said before firing a narrow beam through the barrier and Twilight’s beam.

“LOOK OUT!” Spike tackled Twilight and the beam missed them both.

“She’s a fraud… she’s always been a fraud…. I won’t let this go so easily,” RD seethed and she bolted out towards Celestia.

“Rainbow!” Twilight yelled.

“Yaaah!” AJ ran forward as well and so did Rarity and Pinkie.

Fluttershy nervously stared but her stare did nothing to Celestia and Celestia fired a series of magic bolts at Rainbow who dodged them, what Rainbow didn’t expect was for her to sidestep her swing and grab her tail in her magic and toss her into Rarity and Pinkie who caught her.

“Ouch!” Pinkie yelped.

“Aaah!” Rarity yelped.

“Oof!” Rainbow grunted.

AJ ran at Celestia and spun to buck her, but her hooves glanced off of a barrier.

Celestia said before doing a return spin buck to send AJ flying back towards the group.

“AAAH!” AJ screamed as she landed.

“Leave them alone!” Twilight fired her magic at Celestia again but she used her horn to shoot her magic blasts out of the air as she trotted closer.

Spike got in front of Twilight.

“Stop this Celestia! This is madness!” Spike yelled and he spouted fire to keep her back.

She simply caught the fire in her magic and snuffed it out.

“To be honest, I never liked dragons,” Celestia said before striking Spike back into Twilight with her hoof, he cried out in pain.

“SPIKE!” Twilight said before getting in front of her friends “You monster! I can’t believe I ever praised you!” Twilight said putting up a barrier as Celestia fired blasts against it.

“Sticks and stones Twilight,” Celestia said.

Twilight weakened with each blow to her barrier and she was about to give in…..

Before her barrier was reinforced and she turned to see Gol standing in front of her.

“The door is opening! GO! I’ll be right behind you!” Gol said.

“O-ok!” Twilight said and she gathered her friends up and ran to the tree which was shaking.

Realizing what she allowed to happen while trying to incapacitate her former elements of harmony she grew frantic. “NO!” Celestia shouted “Luna! Aid me!” Celestia said.

“O-ok!” Luna ran forward and she fired her magic blasts as well and Gol grunted under the effort of holding back two alicorns.

Twilight ran to the tree and saw an opening form in the ground in front of her, and saw stairs leading to a door.

“Just like my dream…” Twilight said and she ran to the door.

“DON’T OPEN IT!” Celestia called.

“Yell out your true name Twilight!” Gol cried.

“HARMONY!” Twilight shouted and the doors rumbled before opening and revealing a room.

“Come on Gol!” Twilight called back to him.

“I’m coming!” Gol turned and ran and at the same time the barrier broke and magic blasts rained down amongst them and the door was closing.

“Come on!” Twilight said.

Gol jumped for it and he managed to slide under the door last second before it closed.

“NO! NONONO!” Celestia ran down the stairs and bucked the door but it didn’t budge.

“It is magically protected, it would take hours to open it,” Luna said with an expression of defeat.

“NO! We must get in there!” Celestia ran out and fired multiple blasts at the door, when that didn’t work she tried calling out her sister's name.

“Harmony! Harmony! Harmony!” Celestia screamed but the door didn’t respond to her.

“It only accepts Harmony and her followers,” Luna said.

“Curse it…” Celestia said in anger.

Twilight and the others laid on the ground panting, as Gol got up he dusted himself off.

“We’ll be protected here,” Gol said before noticing them all crying.

“...” Gol looked away, knowing they needed time.

“My life is a lie…” Twilight said.

“All these years, ah’ve been praisin a madmare…” AJ said.

“Are the Wonderbolts working for her too?... I don’t know what to believe anymore…” Rainbow said.

“...” Fluttershy just looked overwhelmed.

“All the times I dedicated myself to joining Canterlot nobility… and It was a fool's dream…” Rarity sobbed.

Pinkie’s mane was limp and she looked at the door with a somber expression.

Spike looked like his world was shattered as well. “She said she never liked dragons… so… all the times she showed me affection… were they lies?...” Spike said.

“I understand the sadness you feel,” Gol said.

“How!? How can you understand!?” Rainbow said getting in his face, tears streaming down her face.

“Me and my father praised the sun and moon as well until she showed us her true nature, she killed my father in front of me by stabbing him through the heart with a sword…” Gol said calmly.

“...I’m sorry…” Rainbow said.

“You need not apologize, but look, we have made it at long last,” Gol said as he trotted to the center of the room.

“Zen Sie suus vlemn,” Gol said and the room lit up, various runes on the walls and the center of the room light in a crater lit up the rest of the room.

“Whoa…” Everypony got up and saw this.

“Welcome, to the chamber of rebirth,” Gol said

“The what?” Rainbow asked.

“Yes, the chamber of rebirth is the hidden room in the cave of harmony, it is the place where we will unite Harmony’s body and soul once more and return her to normal,” Gol said.

“...What? I thought we were simply doing something to bring her back to aid us are you saying we’re going to-” Rarity asked.

“Yes… you will all become one, Harmony” Gol said.

“Y-you never said anything about us dying!” Fluttershy shouted.

“You aren’t dying, you will still exist, as one,” Gol clarified.

“I-I do admit the situation out there is bad… but I don’t want to cease to be, I have a little sister!” Rarity complained.

“We all have families,” AJ said remembering the farm.

“I understand, the idea is terrifying… but I need you all to understand, this isn’t death, your heart, your souls your minds, will all still exist in Harmony, I wouldn’t suggest this if it meant true death,” Gol said firmly but they all still looked hesitant to go through with it...

Except one…

“...Let’s do it,” Twilight said standing up.

“Twilight? You know what you're saying right? We’ll-” Pinkie nervously said.

“No Pinkie, we’ll be together, as we were meant to be, and it’s either we exist as one here and have a fighting chance, or we take our chances with Celestia and Luna out there with our current strength, and we saw how that worked out,” Twilight said, originally she loved saying their names... Now it just leaves a bad taste in her mouth.

“I-i’m scared…” Fluttershy said.

“I am too, but we’re out of options,” Twilight said.

“Twilight… I don’t want to lose you…” Spike said as he walked up to her.

“You won’t lose me Spike, I will be by your side, forever, as Harmony,” Twilight said hugging him.

“But will you still be the same?” Spike demanded.

“There’s no way to tell,” Twilight said.

“There has to be another way,” Spike said.

“No, there isn’t, as Twilight said, Celestia and Luna are too strong for the six of you, but Harmony was always more powerful than them,” Gol said.

“...” Spike started to cry as Twilight went to assuage their doubts.

“I…I don’t want to lose myself, or you guys,” Pinkie said.

“You won’t, if anything Pinkie, this will elevate our friendship to the next level, we’ll be together, forever, never again apart,” Twilight said.

“It’s clear you’ve accepted this then…. I will too,” Pinkie said with a teary smile.

“I want everything to be normal again,” Rarity said.

“So do I, but think of it, if things were normal again, we’d still be Celestia’s pawns,” Twilight assured Rarity.

“I suppose your right,” Rarity said.

“Ah never got ta say goodbye to AB or Big Mac or Granny…” Applejack said with a sob.

“You’ll see them again, trust me,” Twilight said with a comforting smile.

“I- I can’t do it! I want to go home and wake up from this nightmare,” Fluttershy shook in fear.

“We all do,” Twilight said hugging her “But this is a nightmare we need to wade through, together,” Twilight said.

Fluttershy seemed to calm down a little after hearing that.

And lastly Twilight approached RD who was looking depressed.

“When I woke up today, I didn’t think it was my last day as me” Rainbow said wryly.

“It isn’t Rainbow,” Twilight said.

“I know I know… but still it sucks that everything went to tartarus like this…” Rainbow said.

“I agree, but we’re friends, we’ll make it through, as we always do,” Twilight said holding out a hoof.

“Friends forever,” Rainbow said giving her a hoofbump.

“If you all are ready, we should begin,” Gol said.

“C-can’t we have some time?” Rarity asked nervously.

“I am sorry, but while the seal on the door is strong enough to most likely keep them at bay for hours, we can’t take any chances of them finding a way, it’s now or never Rarity,” Gol asked.

“...Well… I suppose this is it then, isn’t it?...” Rarity chuckled humorlessly.

“The start of a new beginning for us, and the fall of my former teacher,” Twilight said resolutely before turning to Spike “Stand back Spike,” Twilight said and Spike nodded and hugged her one more time, long and firmly before he went over to beside Gol.

“See you Twi…” Spike said with tears in his eyes.

“You too Spike,” Twilight said before taking a deep breath and looking at Gol “What do we need to do?” Twilight asked.

“Put these on,” Gol said hoofing the Elements of Harmony to them.

The necklace wearers put them on while the tiara wearer put hers on.

“Now, if you’ve said your peace venture to the platforms in the room that have your cutie mark, and get on them,” Gol said.

The others looked at each other, reaffirming their decision to do this and they trotted to the crater and searched for their platform, upon finding them they got onto them.

“Now, hold still,” Gol said as he trotted to the center crater.

Looking around they saw eachother and knew right then and there, that this was a historic moment, soon they would be complete, and they would save Equestria.

Just as they always do, together.

“I love you girls!” Pinkie said.

“I’m glad if I‘m becoming one with somepony, it’s with you girls,” Rainbow said wiping a tear away.

“Ah’m ready when you are,” Applejack said.

“See you all, on the other side,” Rarity said.

“I-I love you all,” Fluttershy said with a teary smile.

“You’re all the best friends I ever had, does that technically make me arrogant? Yes, but I accept it!” Twilight said and they all laughed.

“Are you all ready?” Gol asked.

“Yes,” They all said.

“Then brace yourselves,” Gol shut his eyes and began muttering in an unknown language, magic began to build up around him and when he opened his eyes they were glowing white.

The circle began to light up and so did the platforms the girls were on.

“Az envulg daz multra… matria van dos… zen zen az won,” He chanted and the circle began to glow brighter.

As the glow began to get brighter the glow in the platforms seemed to transfer over to the ponies standing on them.

Immediately they shut their eyes and the glow intensified as they began to float, as though they were about to perform a harmony wave.

Spike watched with awe as they floated up and Gol got louder with his chanting.

The tree began to light up and glow like a beacon.

“NO!” Celestia yelled with a fury as she intensified her magic beam she was blasting the door with.

“She is returning…” Luna said.

The guards began to get restless as the tree began to give off shockwaves of magic.

“AN HUNMA AN HUNMA, BETCO WON!” Gol chanted as loud as he could and the glow got almost too intense for Spike to observe.

But he forced himself to watch as their eyes opened and were replaced by glowing white lights.

And then the weirdest thing began happening to them…

Their bodies began to crack… like they were made of glass, the glowing cracks spread around their bodies quickly.

“Huh?! What’s happening?!” Spike asked.

“BETCO WON, BETCO WON, BETCO WON!” Gol shouted, his voice spreading the cracks over their bodies until their glowing forms were covered in cracks… and then they shattered….

And what was beneath the surface were bodies made of a white light in the shape of the six ponies he knew, shockwaves of magic radiated off each of them as they glowed.

“Wow,” Spike said in awe as he saw the six of them beginning to curl in on themselves and transform into pony-sized spheres of light, with their cutie marks on them.

Then they began to spin around Gol rapidly, becoming blurs as they spun in place and moved around in a circle around Gol, and when they raised up higher into the air they stopped moving entirely…

The next words out of Gol’s mouth completed the ritual…

“Betco won… Harmony,” Gol said raising his hooves to the spheres.

The six spheres of magic then began to move towards the center, pressing in on each other, their bodies melding and merging until they formed into one large sphere of light, the cutie marks then traveled on the sphere until they met in the middle and they fused into a cutie mark of a planet with a rainbow circling it.

The sphere then began to spin slowly in place and gradually formed into a pony shape.

A large billowing mane and tail appeared, moving as if in an unseen breeze, long powerful legs, a slender elegant body, and an impressive horn, mid-turn she sprouted a pair of enormous wings, even better than Cadence’s wings.

Spike was speechless as he witnessed the being floating in the air, she began to lower, Gol got out of the way and stood aside, sweating up a storm from the exertion of the ritual and he watched as the being landed and settled on her side, laying as though she were unconscious, and then the light faded, revealing her true form.

“Twilight?” Spike ran over to her and he paused when he ran around her “Woah…” Spike said in awe of the being before him.

There was no other way to describe her… she was the pinnacle of mare beauty.

She had a glittery multi-colored mane that combined Twilight’s purple and pink and changed into Rarity’s purple before becoming the orange and yellow of Rainbow Dash’s mane, her tail had a little of everyponies tail colors in a perfect pattern, her coat was pure white, like snow from head to hoof, kind of like Rarity’s coat, her wings were the most mystifying part though, they looked like a night sky outlined by yellow and blue, her body was slender, shapely and elegant, her legs long yet strong looking, and her face…. Spike found himself blushing, her face had vague parts of the six’s faces melded in a way that worked and wasn’t at all frankenhoof-like, and she possessed a long straight white horn.

Adorning her head was a crown that had all the jewels of the six previous elements circling a seventh gem of her own cutie mark.

Lastly… her eyes as she cracked them open, they were the most beautiful aqua-gray eyes, he could look at them forever.

“I…I am…complete?” Harmony asked before raising her head and looking around.

“I dreamed of this day, for so long,” Gol said before he knelt and bowed.

“Twilight?... Rarity?... Pinkie?... Fluttershy?... Rainbow Dash?...... Applejack?” Spike asked tentatively, wanting to make sure as she looked at him, her eyes widening before softening.

“...You,” Harmony struggled for a little bit but she ultimately managed to get to her hooves, she was tall, taller than Celestia!

“Wow…” Spike said as he gazed at her magnificence with his own eyes, she approached him without a word and reached an elegant hoof out, Spike winced as she stroked his cheek.

“Say something,” Spike said “Help me know if Twilight is… gone forever?” Spike asked.

She smiled and knelt before him, getting eye level with him and looking him in the eye.

“W-well?” Spike asked.

“...I missed you, Emerald,” Harmony said as she wrapped a hoof around him and pulled him in for a hug.

“Ooof!” Spike grunted as she stood up and squeezed him.

She giggled “You're so cute like this Emerald, like a plush toy!” She said as Spike tried to wiggle out of her grip.

“Your… suffocating… me!” Spike said.

“Oh, sorry darling,” Harmony let him down and he gasped for air.

After he regained himself he looked up and studied her, it was weird, she was so beautiful but familiar in way Spike couldn’t put his claw on.

“You’re… still wondering if your adoptive sister is in here, aren’t you?” Harmony said.

“Y-yes,” Spike said.

“She’s here,” Harmony said pointing at her head and smiling “I can hear her thoughts, and the others too, but they are also my own,” She said.

“So, she’s still alive?” Spike asked.

Harmony nodded.

“Within me, and I am completed once more, and I have you to thank for that Gol,” Harmony turned to her still-bowing student “You may rise, you know how bowing makes me feel,” She chuckled.

“Forgive me, it’s been so long, I missed you, teacher,” Gol said getting to his hooves.

“It has been long indeed, you have a few more wrinkles than I remember, no offense,” Harmony said with a giggle.

“None taken, but the time for jokes is later, for now, we have a more pressing situation,” He said gesturing to the door.

“Yes yes, of course, my vile sisters… I suppose it is time I shut their plans down,” Harmony said proceeding to the door.

“Wait!” Spike called running out in front of her.

“You should stay here Emerald, I don’t wish you to get hurt again,” Harmony said.

“I won’t, I want to be there, like in the past, even considering I don’t even remember it,” Spike admitted.

“Ah, yes, your memory was affected too, then let me help,” She knelt down and tapped him on the head with her horn.

Instantly flashes of the past filled Spike’s head.

He saw himself as a tall mighty adult dragon, fighting the enemies of the dragon lands and protecting others from being harmed.

He saw the day he met Harmony, the day he renounced his title to be with her, he saw… other things… and most of all he saw how they loved each other, then the fateful day the monsters of light and darkness who were revealed to be Celestia and Luna trapped the two lovers in a circle of magical destruction and killed them both, Harmony, by destroying her body and fragmenting her souls.

And him by regression and imprisonment in an egg.

It ended with him waking up in Twilight’s arms after she successfully hatched him thousands of years later.

Emerald stood there shocked, he was truly the reincarnation of a previous dragon lord and the lover of the alicorn before him.

“I… remember…oh how blind I've been… Harmony! I remember!” Emerald said wearing a new expression.

“Then you remember why I cannot risk losing you to those two evil mares again,” She said.

“I don’t care, I wish to fight by your side! As we did in days of old, I want to be yours again to love and to hold… granted it may take a few dozen years before that but-” Harmony laughed at that last comment and then she knelt before him again

“Do you truly wish to put your life on the line again? Even after retrieving your memories and having been reunited with me?” Harmony asked.

“For you… Even if it’s into Tartarus, I won’t abandon you,” Emerald said without any hesitation.

“Heh, just like before, you’re still the strong-willed dragon I know, even in such a small body, well in that case, let’s get you back to normal,” Harmony said standing tall and her horn lit up with pure rainbow magic.

Emerald unafraid stood tall and when she fired a magic bolt into his chest, he started to glow.

“It is time for you to return to your mighty state, darling,” Harmony said.

Emerald grunted and groaned as the light grew and grew before he shouted as a pillar of green flames erupted around him.

“Milady, isn’t such a spell dangerous?” Gol asked worriedly.

“I trust he’ll make it,” Harmony said confidently.

He roared as the green flames bathed him in their power, looking at his arm he saw it lengthening and gaining muscle, looking down he saw the floor getting farther from his head and he knew he was growing taller, he felt his body lengthen and grow, his legs getting longer and more powerful, mighty wings erupted out of his back amidst the swirling green fire, his tail grew longer, his spines growing, his pudgy stomach flattening and developing muscle, his face became fiercer yet sharper.

With a roar the flames separated from him, he panted heavily before looking himself over and smiling.

“I am back to normal,” Emerald said before looking and seeing he could now look her in the eye and she didn’t have to kneel down anymore.

“I am glad to see you back in your prime dea-” Harmony was cut off as he darted forward and pulled her into a deep and passionate embrace, kissing her deep and long.

She eventually kissed him back and they held eachother for who knows how long.

After parting Emerald smiled.

“That… was worth the wait,” Emerald said.

“Oh indeed, but unfortunately, we have not the time for pleasantries, it is time,” Harmony said getting serious.

“Indeed, I will teach those two a lesson for harming my beloved,” Emerald said vengefully.

“No Emerald, focus on the guards but don’t kill any, I will deal with my sisters,” Harmony said.

“I will do everything I can,” Gol said looking determined but tired.

“You’ve done more than enough Gol, rest here, and come find us when everything dies down,” Harmony said.

“I cannot sit idly by while my princess and her lover face such big odds,” Gol said.

“Trust me, we got this, rest your strength for future battles,” Emerald assured him.

“Oh… well if you insist, I pray for your safety,” Gol said.

“As do we yours,” Harmony said before turning and walking along with Emerald towards the door

Getting a mischievous idea she leaned in on Emerald “Wish to ride on my back, Emerald?” Harmony snarked.

“I’m not Spike anymore Harmony, plus I’m bigger than you now,” Emerald said a little embarrassedly.

“Oh you’d enjoy it, I can handle it,” Harmony laughed.

Conflict

Celestia stood there, eyes locked onto the now normal tree of harmony, knowing full well that they were too late to stop her sister's return.

And she acknowledged she had to face her now, Luna, however…

“Sister, please, we should retreat back to town, rally the ponies, she’s too strong, even for you,” Luna said.

“I refuse,” Celestia said.

“We only…” She leaned in and whispered so the guards wouldn’t hear “Killed her last time because she was caught off-guard, do not forget she’s the one who taught you magic.” Luna whispered.

“I have you, and a contingent of guards, one alicorn, no matter who they are is no match,” Celestia said.

“You are overconfident, I am heading back to town to rally the populace, come find me when you come to your senses,” Luna said.

“Have it your way,” Celestia said watching the tree as Luna teleported.

“Come on…” Celestia said before the door opened.

“Stand outside the cave, I will handle her,” Celestia said, planning to use them to hopefully get the drop on her again.

To her surprise, however, she exited the doorway with an all too familiar dragon at her side.

“Spike?...” Celestia said in surprise.

“It’s Emerald, remember?” Emerald said with a growl.

“...I suppose I did briefly forget,” Celestia turned her gaze to Harmony, who contrary with her fury, Harmony seemed cool and calm, though her gaze was less than happy to see her.

“Hello… sister…” Harmony said.

“Hello… Harmony,” Celestia spat the word Harmony.

“Why so venomous dear? Aren’t you happy to see your dear bigger sister after so many years?” Harmony said still trotting as Emerald leaned back against the side of the passageway.

“Happy isn’t the word I would use,” Celestia said.

‘Where’s Luna? Did I scare her off?” Harmony asked.

“She’s rallying the populace against you, even if I fail here, you’ll have Equestria against you soon,” Celestia said.

“Ah yes… you’ll just lie to them, like you’ve been lying to them for countless years, tell me, do ponies still remember me-”

“No… I made sure they forgot, but now it seems my past has finally caught up with me…” Celestia said.

“...Why sister… that’s all I want, why would you slay your own kin, I loved you, and you repaid that love, with murder,” Harmony said her mane starting to shimmer.

“I don’t need to explain myself to you, I’m the ruler now, me and my sister,” Celestia said proudly.

“Is she also a ruler, or just the second seat?” Harmony said.

“....Die again Harmony… and don’t come back,” Celestia said before rapidly charging a fast-moving piercing beam and firing for her heart, in the course of a second.

In that very second Harmony swung her hoof and deflected the beam into a wall.

“What?” Celestia said.

“Heh, nice try,” Emerald said.

“Agreed, my hoof is tingling from that,” Harmony said.

“Rrrgh!” Celestia fired a volley of magic blasts at Harmony.

Harmony used her own magic and caught them all.

“No!” Celestia said and she saw her fuse them into one and threw it back at Celestia who dodged out of the way.

The guards behind her had to jump for cover as the blast sailed past them.

Celestia didn’t notice a figure dart past her.

“Celestia, I get you wanted to be the ruler of Equestria instead of me, but murdering me? My mate? Anypony associated with me? THAT I cannot forgive,” Harmony said with a glare.

“Shut up!” Celestia said firing a massive blast of magic at her, and Harmony dodged out of the way.

Celestia pulled her head back.

Harmony’s mane bounced alerting her and she put a barrier behind herself blocking the U-turning beam.

“Nice one,” Harmony said before zooming at her at incredible speeds, leaving a shimmering rainbow contrail and Celestia put up a barrier, Harmony managed to stop and she bounced off of the ground and landed behind Celestia before bucking her in the back.

“AGH!” Celestia grunted.

“You forget, the elements of harmony were parts of me,” Harmony said before her senses tingled and she ducked a boulder pulled at her.

“I will not be beaten!” Celestia said, before breaking the boulder in half and launching the pieces at Harmony.

Harmony then seamlessly dodged around the rocks and stopped in front of Celestia and gave her the stare… this stare was different, her eyes morphed into fiery voids that would petrify anypony.

“Ngh!” Celestia flinched, unable to move and Harmony was able to dodge a swing of her hoof and she jammed her horn into Celestia’s stomach, without piercing it, and blasted her sending Celestia flying into the opening outside of the cave of harmony.

As she rolled to a stop and coughed she struggled to her hooves.

“Curse it! Guards! Seize-” Celestia’s eyes widened as she saw the former Spike sitting atop a pile of defeated guards.

“Oh hey, you done yet Harmony? I finished a minute ago, and don’t worry, I didn’t kill any,” Emerald said.

“You!” Celestia said getting ready and lunging at Emerald, horn poised to strike him down… only for Harmony to appear in front of her and buck her in the face.

“Ugh!” Celestia’s head snapped back and in the next second Harmony blitzed forward and rammed her through the air.

“Not good, she’s headed for town!” Emerald said before looking down at the guard beneath him and getting an idea.

Celestia screamed as she was plowed into the ground and she laid there twitching in pain.

“I didn’t want it to come to this sister, but it’s clear you never changed…” Harmony said before hearing lots of gasps and exclamations and she looked to see the ponies gathering.

“Oh dear… seems I misjudged my landing zone… I get the feeling this won’t be solved with a simple explanation,” Harmony sighed.

“Oh my gosh!” a mare cried.

“Princess Celestia!” Another pony cried.

“There really is an evil alicorn on the loose!” A stallion said.

Harmony sighed again and fluttered out of the crater.

“What did you do to Celestia!?” a stallion demanded.

“Where’s Pinkie Pie!?” Mr Cake demanded.

“Where’s the elements?!” A member of the flower trio cried.

“Do not curse what you do not understand,” Harmony said.

“Oh they understand,” Luna said approaching and Harmony turned towards her other sister “They understand that you are the enemy and you have harmed my beloved sister,” Luna said.

“Beloved? Be honest Luna, you tolerate her,” Harmony said.

“True…” Luna quietly said before resuming “But regardless! I have warned and rallied the ponies, you have nothing,” Luna said.

“Yes!” Harmony turned to see several ponies helping Celestia out of the crater “Rally together my little ponies, we can defeat the one who killed the elements,” Celestia added with a smirk.

“...So you’re planning to go that far…” Harmony sighed as the crowd gasped upon hearing that she may be the murderer of the elements of harmony, immediately they began pelting Harmony with things and trying to attack her.

Harmony simply put up a barrier to stop their attempts.

“I’m in a pickle here… I can’t hurt any of them and if I do, I’ll simply be vilified more, clever girls Celestia and Luna…” Harmony considered just leaving when they heard a ‘WAIT!’

Everypony paused and turned to see Emerald walking into view with a guard being held by his throat.

“Emerald, what are you doing?!” Harmony whispered.

“Trust me,” He mouthed back.

“Who is that?” A pony asked.

“He kind of looks like Spike…” Another said.

“Somepony help that guard!” A pony cried.

Celestia, seeing more fuel to the fire turned to her subjects.

“You see how she and her dragon companion intend to take the lives of my student and guards?! Their evil!” Celestia said and Harmony just facehoofed.

“I am Spike! But now I prefer to be known as Emerald, and your princesses are nothing but liars, and I have proof,” Emerald held up the pony and squeezed his throat.

“Ugh! Princess! Save me!” The guard croaked out.

The ponies continued to get more agitated seeing this before Emerald spoke again.

“Tell them what really happened, or we’ll see how quickly a pony can cook,” Emerald huffing some flames near his head.

“Eep!” The guard yelped.

Celestia’s eyes widened and she knew he was going to reveal the truth to everypony.

“Don’t!” Celestia cried.

“Talk or you burn, slowly!” Emerald said.

“That alicorn over there is the elements! Celestia tried to kill them, please! I have children-” The guard cried before a small barely noticeable piercing beam was fired at his chest.

Which Emerald blocked with his other hand immediately, the spell failing to pierce his scales.

The ponies gasped.

“Looks like your Princess values her secrets more than an expendable pony like you,” Emerald smirked.

Harmony realized his plan now and added fuel to the new fire by firing a truth spell subtly into the guard and he began speaking his mind.

“She was planning to kill the elements, they are that alicorn, she betrayed them-” He droned.

“STOP!” Celestia fired another but Emerald blocked it as well.

“And she’s promised us a place in her future utopia if we worked for her without question, even making us perform torture on naysayers, also I have a rash because these suits are very tight-”

“Ok, enough info,” Emerald said before turning to Celestia who looked positively fuming.

“Well, care to explain this utopia?” Emerald asked.

“It is a utopia of harmony! Nothing else,” Celestia tried to backpedal, but ponies were whispering.

“Torture…?” A mare said.

“Without question?” Another pony asked.

“I can answer that for you,” Harmony said approaching.

“Celestia and Luna want to build a utopia for their ponies, at the sacrifice of many other races. She wants to begin a culling, am I wrong sister?” Harmony asked.

“How does she remember that conversation?!” Celestia shouted in her head.

“Sister?!” Lyra cried.

“Cullings?” Octavia asked.

“She’s lying! I love all races!” Celestia said.

“Yes, we look to build harmony for the other races,” Luna nervously said, sensing the tide turning.

“Then why in the thousands of years of your stolen rule have you not integrated any? Buffalo’s maybe but that’s the extent,” Emerald said.

“I will not be labeled a dictator by two strangers!” Celestia not noticing a glow from Harmony’s horn.

“...No… SISTER WAIT!” Luna exclaimed.

“I won’t be labeled a criminal simply for wanting a pony-only society!” Celestia yelled… and then looked shocked “Uh… I mean-” Celestia said seeing the ponies looking at her as if she had suddenly turned into Chrysalis.

“Wh-why did I-” Celestia then turned and saw a truth spell imprint on her flank, only Harmony could do so without her noticing…

“Oh no…” Celestia turned to see the ponies murmuring to each other.

“A pony-only society… odd, a race-loving pony wouldn’t want that, would they?” Emerald chuckled.

“I-it’s true… she mentioned that to us and wiped the memories of those of us who didn’t agree, like Captain Shining Armor,” The guard said.

“M-my little ponies, you know me, I’ve been set up!” Celestia said.

“You’ve been caught,” Harmony said, with a smile and the ponies soon turned their attention on Celestia, asking questions and backing her up to beside Luna.

“The word is out Celestia, everypony know you for what you are,” Harmony said.

“Their starting to doubt Celly, what do we do?” Luna asked

Celestia realizing what she did in her blind anger lit her horn again with a teleportation spell.

“I won’t forget this…” Celestia said and she teleported both her and Luna away

“I’ll see you again soon sister,” Harmony said with a calm expression.

Harmony turned to the shaken crowd and smiled “Are you all alright? I suppose I have some explaining to do…” Harmony said.

All the ponies present looked uncertain about what just happened here.

But Harmony patiently explained to all of them the truth.

There were of course many ponies who refused to believe that Celestia and Luna were tyrants.

So, Harmony did the only thing she could.

“Liar! Celestia is a good pony! She's protected us for years!” A stallion said loudly.

“She gives us the sun!” A mare said.

“Luna became a good pony remember?” A foal said.

“Quiet!” Emerald said and the rioting ponies quieted a little but some ponies still voiced their discontent.

“Easy my love, we should do this the easier way,” Harmony said before standing.

“Where's your proof?” Mayor Mare approached “we’ll need hard evidence before we believe that Celestia and Luna are the ponies you say they are,”

“...You wish to have evidence? Will you be able to handle it?” Harmony asked more out of concern than anything.

“Yes,” Mayor Mare' said resolutely.

“As you wish…” Harmony knelt and tapped her head with her horn.

And immediately images flashed through her mind of all the things Celestia and Luna had done, to Harmony and the elements.

When the download ended, Mayor Mare' staggered back in horror.

“No….NO! It…. Can't,” Mayor Mare shivered in horror.

“Take a deep breath,” Harmony said

The Mayor Mare turned and puked.

“Ugh… hope they all don't do that…” Emerald said.

“Mayor Mare?” Lyra approached her slowly.

“It's… all been a lie… we've been deceived all these years…” Mayor Mare turned to the towns ponies and approached them.

“We have been deceived, but not by her, we… need to trust her,” Mayor Mare said.

The other ponies looked at each other unsurely.

“Was Celestia literally confessing not proof enough?” Emerald demanded, stepping forward “let me clear some things up, you're wondering where the Elements of Harmony are? They're right here,” Emerald pointed at Harmony.

Harmony seemed a little embarrassed to be the center of attention like this.

“The elements were six ponies fragments that made up the alicorn before you, but now she's whole again, and I'm sure some of you are wondering who I am, why I look like the baby dragon Spike, well the answer is simple, I am him,” Emerald said.

“B-but he’s a baby dragon,” a pony pointed out.

“Was but thanks to Harmony here, I have returned to my prime, you all must believe us, what happened in the cave of harmony was true,” Emerald said.

The ponies looked at each other unsurely, but they can't fully deny what he says.

But how can they just believe that Celestia betrayed her own student?

“Excuse me! Out of the way please,” a filly’s voice said and when the ponies parted they saw Sweetie Belle exiting the crowd.

“I-if what he’s saying is true… does that mean… something happened to Rarity?” Sweetie asked nervously.

“What about AJ? Is she alright?” Harmony turned and saw Apple Bloom and Big Mac.

“Pinkie?” Mr and Mrs Cake approached.

“What about Rainbow Dash? Or Fluttershy? Or Princess Twilight?” A pony asked approaching her.

“...” Harmony saw their pleading faces and she couldn’t hold back the tears “I’m sorry… I’m so very sorry, but in order to revive me, they had to surrender their own bodies, if I could undo this, then I would,” Harmony said crying.

“No… NO!” Sweetie ran up to her and shook her leg “She can’t be gone! Bring her back now!” Sweetie demanded.

“AJ… is gone?...” Apple Bloom said looking shell-shocked, even Big Mac looked like he was struggling to accept what he heard.

The Cakes looked horrified and hugged eachother, the rest of the townsponies looked horrified as well.

But before they could panic Emerald stepped forward again.

“It isn’t her fault, Celestia and Luna drove them into a corner, they had no other choice but to become Harmony to fight back,” Emerald said.

“B-but there ain’t a way to reverse it?” Big Mac demanded.

“She just said there wasn’t, i’m sorry Mac,” Emerald said.

“...Ah need a moment…” Big Mac said picking the sobbing Apple Bloom and trotting away.

“What will we do without the elements?” A mare asked.

“What if Celestia comes back to silence us?” A stallion asked nervously.

“That won’t happen… not again,” Harmony said before standing tall “Me and my lover Emerald here, will dethrone Celestia and Luna and protect you all from their madness,” Harmony said.

“Their the Princesses of the Sun and Moon,” A filly said.

“But even united their my lesser in terms of power, trust me,” Harmony said “We must get word out and make preparations, time is of the essence

The ponies looked to her and she could see they had hope, that this unexpected storm can be weathered.

A vase impacted a wall and shattered.

“BLAST IT!” Celestia shouted throwing things around in a fit of anger.

“Celly, calm yourself! Freaking out like this will not bring us any closer to the solution,” Luna said.

“Even after she just came back from her soul being fragmented, I still was but an infant next to her power! And now she is possibly planning and conspiring with the townsponies to spead the word, turn the populace against us,” Celestia paced back and forth.

“Then let us get word out faster, it will limit the spread of hearsay,” Luna said.

“We must deploy our weapon sooner than expected…” Celestia said.

“...No… Celly you can’t!” Luna said in horror.

“If Ponyville is wiped out here and now while those two are still there we can avert any further disas-” Celestia was smacked by Luna.

“Cease this madness! That weapon was to be used on the off chance one of the other races threatened us with war! We cannot turn it against the populace!” Luna said.

“...Your right… I lost my head there… but we need to try something, anything!” Celestia said.

“For now, we rest, tomorrow will be a long day,” Luna said.

“Very well,” Celestia said as she looked out at the distance with a glare.

And within Ponyville looking at Canterlot was Harmony…

“Emerald, take a message, we have many to send,” Harmony said dreading the coming days.

“As you wish, my dear,” Emerald said.

Author's Note

I turn to you now, do I continue part two of this story on this story set, or make a sequel on a separate page?

Either way, It will be on temporary hold, gotta figure it all out to present it better than this one.

All for you guys to enjoy.

I look forward to your comments and suggestions.