A filly's tale 2

by Deathsia

Chapters

Evil never sleeps part 1
Evil never sleeps part 2
The ties that bind us
The lore of the elements of harmony
A stallion's tale

Evil never sleeps part 1

A FILLY'S TALE TWO

THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY REBORN!

CHAPTER 1
EVIL NEVER SLEEPS

EARLIER THAT DAY...

Dear Princess Celestia,

I write to you for what will be most likely my last time. I prey that by the time you read this, I will have bought enough time for your statue to be moved to a safe and secure location. Harmony has been lost in Equestria, I failed you Princess, I failed everypony... Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy...

I'm sorry...

PRESENT TIME...

Twilight could do nothing as the combined magic of two ponies throttled her out of the third story window of Canterlot castle with her wings torn to shreds, horn broken, the only thing she could do was wait for her inevitable impending death as she plummeted to the ground...

THUD!

ONE DAY AGO...

Pinkie Pie skipped along the path humming a happy tune as she looked about town in the later hours of the night. She was on her way to sugarcube corner as she always was this time of day to close up shop for Mr. and Mrs. cake. However as the mare stepped into the shop she gasped in shock and horror at the sight that beheld her.

Mr and Mrs. Cake lay on the floor dead.

The pink mare immediately rushed over to their bodies as tears swelled in her eyes. “Who? Who could have done this?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed between sobs too overcome with grief to see the shadows of two ponies looming over her.

However just as one of the shadows prepared to strike Pinkie Pie's tail began to twitch erratically at which point she whirled around and blocked a hoof armed with a sharp steel edge from impaling her but only barely and immediately found herself struggling against the pony's sheer strength.

“So, it seems that this pink mare's pinkie sense was more than an urban myth among ponyvillians.” A gray furred mare remarked who's flank sported a purple treble clef cutie mark.

As Pinkie Pie got a clear view of her assailants she gasped at pony she was struggling against. “But why?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in shock as she continued to struggle against the white furred pony who sported a single musical note for her cutie mark.

“Sorry pink, but I'm not the pony you think I am.” The pony replied with a malicious grin.

“That makes two of us!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she narrowed her eyes at which point her element of harmony appeared around her neck and somehow managed to get behind the mare and buck her forward.

“How the hay did she manage that one?!” The white furred mare exclaimed in shock turned around to fire a beam of magic at her but instead Pinkie Pie seemed to have disappeared however just as she let her guard down, the pink mare to suddenly popped from within a flower pot next to her, bucked her up side the head, and dove back into the flower pot.

“Honestly scratch, did you already forget she is Selena's other half? She's going to have magical ability even if she's an earth pony.” The gray furred mare remarked in a calm tone as she watched from the sidelines as scratch continued to struggle to find out the pink mare's pattern.

“Lets see you handle her then Octavia!” Scratch retorted in an annoyed tone as the pink mare somehow managed to pop out of one of the floorboards, trip her, and dive back under them.

“Hmm, it seems she's fully mastered her inherent magic ability. This was not in our report.” Octavia remarked aloud in observance of Pinkie Pie's erratic behavior and ability to pop out of random objects.

“Hold do you know about me being Selena's other half?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she appeared behind Octavia preparing to strike her. However Octavia simply turned to look at her as if she was moving in slow motion at which point a bow appeared in her hoof seemingly held there, stepped to the side still looking at the pink mare as if she was moving in slow motion, and used her bow to slash at Pinkie's side which gashed it wide open.

While this seemed to play out in slow motion to Octavia, to Pinkie however, everything happened in an instant which left her confused and holding her side as she lay on the floor now. “We know about all of you, but how is not for a dying mare to know.” Octavia remarked aloud as she walked over to Pinkie Pie now who could only look on helplessly now as Octavia rose her bow up to deliver the killing blow...

PINKIE, NO!

Sweetie Belle shrieked as she sat up abruptly in her bed next to Spike who snapped wide awake upon hearing this.

“What's wrong Sweetie Belle?” Spike asked in a concerned voice as Sweetie Belle sat upright sobbing now.

“Pinkie Pie's dead....I saw it...in my dream..” Sweetie Belle replied between sobs.

“How can you be so sure?” Spike asked in a concerned tone.

“I don't know! I don't know how or why! From the moment I saw Pinkie Pie die, in dream, it’s like. A part of me feels as if it's died, but I don't know why!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed between sobs.

Spike however knew exactly why but he was sworn to secrecy by Twilight. “Okay, I'll let Rarity know of this dream of yours, I’m sure she'll know what to do.” Spike replied in a comforting tone as she got out of bed and and went to Rarity's room.

Pinkie Pie's element of harmony began to glitter now around the neck of the dead mare and disappeared in a puff of pink magic much to the annoyance of scratch whom was reaching for it. “Horseapples! I was so close to grabbing it too!” Scratch exclaimed in annoyance.

“It was best it did disappear when it's bearer died, if you had touched it, it might have destroyed you. Remember, the elements of harmony are our worst enemy, that's why we are taking out their bearers one by one.” Octavia remarked in the same calm tone.

“Yeah, yeah I know.” Scratch replied with an eye-rolling gesture.

“We need to move swiftly now, with Pinkie Pie now dead, Selena's other half will be instantly alerted to her demise. Our only edge against them is that they are spread out and if we wait for one element to alert the others, we risk the chance of facing more than we can handle.” Octavia stated in the same calm tone as she turned around and walked away.

Scratch gave one last look at Pinkie Pie before she turned and walked out of sugarcube corner herself following Octavia.

TWELVE HOURS TILL THE PRESENT TIME...

An orange pony with a cowboy hat who's flank sported three apples on her flank was currently bucking apple trees. “Consarn it all, Ah know mah sis and Scootaloo are a couple and all, but what about helpin me with applebuckin?” Applejack remarked aloud in annoyance.

“Don't you worry Aunt, Applejack, ah'm sure those two will be back soon. It is after all their date night though.” A young orange filly unicorn with a red mane chimed in aloud with a wide grin.

“Ah hope so Roseheart, ah really could use ya momma's help with the harvest this year.” Applejack replied as she bucked the tree once again as a rainbow streaked by her.

“Chill out AJ, they'll get back when they get back.” Rainbow Dash said enthusiastically as she darted towards a tree, leaped at it, and bucked it hard which caused the apples to fall to the buckets on the ground.

Suddenly the tree that Rainbow Dash had just bucked burst to flame in front of the cyan blue Pegasus. “What the hay?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in shock as she jumped back, looked past the now burning tree, and saw two ponies standing just a few feet away as Applejack and Roseheart rushed over to the cyan blue Pegasus to check and see if she was alright.

“Ah smell trouble with these two, Rainbow, could ya take Roseheart to Applebloom and Scootaloo's house for meh?” Applejack said in a calm yet tense tone.

“But Aunt-” “This ain't up for discussion youngin! Now get that keister movin fore ah buck it into movin!” Roseheart began to protest only for the farm pony to cut her off.

“AJ, are you sure you can take these two on alone? They look like they mean business. And something seems off about them.” Rainbow Dash said in a concerned whisper to Applejack.

“So it just isn't meh then. Ah was afraid mah senses were goin haywire for a moment thar. Drop her off at their house and get back here, ah'm not sure how powerful these two are, but ah reckon ah can hold em off long enough for ya to get back here.” Applejack replied in the same whisper to which Rainbow Dash nodded, ran over to Roseheart, flipped the filly onto her backside, told her to hold on tight, and darted away from Applejack and the two ponies so fast the trees bent themselves slightly as she darted past them.

“Ten years of peace in Equestria and then this. Ah suppose it was too good to last. So ah reckon y'all are workin for somepony, who put ya up to this?” Applejack asked in a calm yet intimating tone as she walked next to the now burnt and no longer flaming tree, gave it a mighty buck which sent the charred tree flying several feet away, and continued to walk up to the two as if nothing happened.

“That's for us to know and you to never find out.” Scratch remarked with a grin as she walked up while Octavia simply stood stationary, not moving as if she was going to observe this fight.

“Not gonna talk eh? Ah reckon ah'll have to buck it out of ya then!” Applejack exclaimed as her element of harmony appeared around her neck and dashed the white unicorn.

Applejack sped at Scratch with such speed and velocity it could possibly rival Rainbow Dash's speed, but even with such speed the unicorn simply disappeared in a flash of magic no sooner Applejack got within five feet of her. “Consarned unicorns, ah fought plenty of ya durin the war, ah know y'all tick!” Applejack exclaimed as she looked about her surrounding for any sign of the unicorn.

Scratch appeared in a flash of magic just above Applejack lunging at the farm pony only for her to roll onto her back, use her front hooves to stave off the unicorn's attack, and used her hind hooves to buck the unicorn which sent her flying forward with a small skid up to where Octavia stood.

“Am I going to have to step in again Scratch?” Octavia asked aloud in a calm yet threatening tone as the white unicorn stood up to look at her at eye level.

“No way, I got this.” Scratch replied as she turned around and glared at the farm pony whom stood in place looking at the two now.

“Good, I would hate to have to inform her that you are unable to live up to her expectations.” Octavia replied as Scratch gave a small gulp upon hearing this and seemed to become even more pissed off now.

“Why is that one just standin there for? Isn't she gonna help the other one? Is she waitin for the right opportunity to strike meh? Or maybeh she's weaker than this one since she's an earth pony like meh? Nah, the other one seems to beh takin orders from her which means she's a higher rank than her.” Applejack thought to herself as she looked at the two for a little longer until the white furred unicorn began to trot towards her which caused to focus her attention on the white unicorn.

“Alright, you better bring your A-game, cuz I'm gonna lay a whole world of hurt on your flank!” Scratch exclaimed as she burst into a run at the farm pony who gave a dejected sigh.

“Reminds meh of dashie...a dark and twisted unicorn version of dashie.” Applejack remarked aloud as she braced herself for combat against the unicorn.

“Ya best be prepared for a ride if ya want to take this bull by the horns!” Applejack exclaimed with a cocky grin as Scratch neared her now...

“Now Roseheart you stay here. It's safe here. I'm going to go back and help your Aunt deal with those two lame ponies.” Rainbow Dash said in a soft tone to Roseheart as she sat the unicorn filly down in what was once Twilight's home in Ponyville.

“But aunt Dashie!” Roseheart protested with a pouting expression now.

“Don't you aunt Dashie me young filly, this is for the adult ponies to handle.” Rainbow Dash replied in a stern yet comforting tone as she looked at the filly now. Who continued to sport her pouting expression and even added some tears to it now at which point the cyan blue mare sighed, walked up to her, and hugged her.

“Listen, as soon as your mom and Scootaloo get here, tell them to come and join us on the farm and you can come too, is that alright?” Rainbow dash said in the softest and most comforting tone she could mustered as she hugged the filly.

“Ya mean it?” Roseheart asked with a small sniffle now as the cyan blue mare broke the hug and looked at her.

“Of course I do, who do you think your talking to? I'm Rainbow Dash, the fastest pony in all of Equestria! Even if AJ doesn't have their flanks kicked by the time I get back, with me there, we'll beat them in no time!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed enthusiastically with a cocky smile to match her tone.

“O-Okay! Be careful okay aunt Dashie?” Roseheart replied with a smile now as Rainbow dash walked towards the door.

“Always kid.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk, opened the door, closed it behind her and dart off down the road as fast as she brought the filly here...

“Ya ain't normal ponies, are ya?” Applejack asked in a weak tone as she lay against a tree bleeding out from her chest now as her vision began to blur.

“Finish her off, Scratch.” Octavia said in the same calm tone she seemed to have when she spoke.

“I don't need to, she's bleeding to death against that tree.” Scratch replied in a cocky tone as she walked up and sat down right in front of Applejack. “Your right AJ, we aren't normal ponies. In fact you could say we are-”

“-Scratch!” The unicorn began to say only for Octavia to exclaim her name in a tone much unlike her normal calm self.

“What? She's a dead mare walking. Not like she's going to tell anypony.” Scratch replied as she looked back at the mare who was sporting a glare now. After a few moments the unicorn gave a sigh. “Fine, but you ruin all the fun you know that?” Scratch remarked in an annoyed tone as she stood up and walked away from the bleeding farm pony.

Just then the trees from the far side of the orchard could be seen bending to an unseen force. “Looks like the other one is back.” Octavia remarked in her calm tone once again.

“Yeah, and it also looks like she didn't bring any help either, what a foal!” Scratch chimed in with a laugh as the cyan blue mare skidded to a halt just twenty feet short of the two and stared at Applejack.

“Applejack, what happened?! Speak to me honey!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone as she rushed over to Applejack now and placed a hoof on her cheek.

“Honey? You mean you two are a couple?” Scratch remarked in a disgusted tone.

“Didn't you read the report? These two were married nearly two years ago.” Octavia said in a matter of fact tone.

“Nah, I don't pay attention to that stuff much Octavia.” Scratch replied then looked back at Rainbow Dash who's eyes were flooding with tears right now.

“Sweetie, say something, please. You can't leave me.” Rainbow Dash remarked aloud between sobs.

“They ain't normal ponies Dashie...” Applejack managed to say though her voice was hoarse and very weak now and her breathing was beginning to slow.

“Applejack, don't you dare die on me! You hear me?! You're way too cool to be beaten by these two lame-brains!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone between sobs.

“Sorreh Dashie, this farm pony is checkin out whether she wants to or not.” Applejack replied in the same hoarse tone attempting to muster the best smile she could manage as she said this.

“Don't talk like that! I love you Applejack!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she continued to look at her, tears still streaming now.

“Ah...Ah...L...Love......” Applejack began to say only for her eyes to slowly close and her head become limp as it slumped down to the side.

The cyan blue mare's pupils seemed to shrink to their smallest size as she watched the love of her life exhale her dying breath. “No,no,no! Don't you die on me! You hear me!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as she shook Applejack's limp body now which gave no response to her pleas.

“Looks like your cunt-buddy kicked the bucket.” Scratch jeered which caused Rainbow Dash to snap her head in their direction.

“I wouldn't agitate her any farther if I were you, she's going to become a real handful in a few moments.” Octavia remarked aloud in a warning tone as her bow appeared on her hoof as she stood.

“What? You think I can't handle a grieving pissed off Ex-Pegasus?” Scratch asked in an annoyed tone as she took note of Octavia stepping forward.

“You would do well to pay attention to the report we got on these ponies Scratch, now step aside. This mare is about to become beyond you.” Octavia said as she stepped up the unicorn.

“Beyond me? Come on Octavia, you don't think I can't handle...handle...what the buck?!” Scratch began to say but trailed off and stuttered slightly before exclaiming her final three words as the cyan blue mare gave an ear piercing shriek as her mane and tail began to flail wildly while streaks of magic began to streak a crossed her body at random intervals.

“Move quickly before I kill you for getting in my way.” Octavia said in a threatening tone at which point scratch stepped aside without farther protest at which point Octavia moved in on the mare, bow in hoof, and struck down at the cyan blue mare only for her to stop it with a single hoof.

“As I suspected.” Octavia remarked aloud as the narrowed her eyes only to snap them only in shock as the cyan blue mare struck her squarely in the chest and sent her flying back through three trees which splintered loudly as she crashed through them, rolled on her side for a few feet, and recovered mid-roll on all four hooves kneeling slightly as her bow magically reappeared in her right hoof.

“Interesting, she moves at an equal speed to mine if not a little greater.” Octavia remarked aloud as she stared at the cyan blue mare until much to Octavia's shock, she disappeared seemingly in a blur and reappeared in yet another blur and struck at her again which left the earth pony only enough time to use her bow as a shield to block her strike.

“Holy horseapples! A pony getting one up on Octavia in terms of speed and power? What the buck is that mare?!” Scratch exclaimed in shock as Octavia skidded back, hooves grinding into the ground digging up a trail of dirt as she barely staved off the cyan blue mare's strike.

“It seems I underestimated the power you Pegasus' have in this state. A mistake I will rectify shortly.” Octavia said in a calm yet straining tone as the cyan blue mare disappeared in yet another blur, reappeared behind her, and struck only to hit air and eventually the ground causing the ground to fissure and crack under the sheer brute force of the cyan blue mare's attack.

However the gray earth pony appeared behind the cyan blue mare above her, bow in hoof, and with a mighty slash which looked more like a giant green magical whip as it struck her, sent the cyan blue mare flying through ten trees, into a roll as her body hit the ground, and slowly came to a halt, but did not get up.

The two walked up the cyan blue mare's body who lay on her side, mane and tail no longer flailing, nor showing the presence of any sort of magical streaks a crossed her body. “Wow, I never thought I’d see the day when a pony could get a one up on you like she did.” Scratch remarked aloud with a grin only to cower at the gaze of Octavia's eyes which seemed to chill the mare to the bone.

“I would not have to had to deal with her in this state if you had moved sooner. Because of your dawdling, I could not take her out before she entered her evolved stage three state. Next time I say, step aside, you do so without question, are we clear?” Octavia remarked still glaring at he unicorn.

“Crystal.” Scratch replied still cowering at the earth pony.

“Good. Now lets deal with the other Pegasus. After we deal with her, we only have one element left before we can go after the final element of harmony.” Octavia replied resuming her calm tone and expression as she turned around and walked away followed by Scratch.

“Yeah, without her friends, she'll be easy.” Scratch chimed with with a grin.

Scootaloo and Applebloom trotted towards their house now, tails intertwined.

“Ah reckon that was one of the best dates yet Scooty.” Applebloom remarked aloud as she nuzzled the orange Pegasus nearly at the door now.

“I try.” Scootaloo replied simply as she extended a hoof out and opened the door only to stare at Roseheart for a few moments as did Applebloom before it clicked with them she was standing there completely.

“Roseheart? What the hay are ya doin here for darlin? Did ya wonder off from aunt Applejack's farm again?” Applebloom asked in a stern yet concerned tone.

“No, Aunt Dashie brought me here, two ponies showed up on the farm and set one of the trees on fire, it was really neat but scary at the same time! Then Aunt Applejack told Aunt Dashie to take me here and come back. Ah've never seen her sound so serious before!” Roseheart exclaimed seemingly all of this in a single breath at which point Applebloom and Scootaloo exchanged worried glances.

It was at this point Sweetie Belle and Spike walked in just behind them to which the farm pony and Pegasus turned around to look at them.

“Something very bad has happened girls.” Spike said aloud in a solemn tone while Sweetie Belle remained quiet.

“What the hay is goin on? Roseheart just told meh that Rainbow Dash dropped her off here and left.” Applebloom said in a worried tone then looked at Sweetie Belle's who's face seemed pale.

“What's wrong Sweetie Belle? Is Ruby okay?” Scootaloo asked who also took note of Sweetie Belle's pale expression.

“She's with Gina.” Spike replied replied though his tone sounded grim now.

“Then what the hay is wrong? Ah can't read minds Sweetie Belle!” Applebloom exclaimed impatiently. The silence was beginning to wear at the the farm pony's nerves and Sweetie Belle's facial expression added to this stress.

“P-Pinkie Pie's dead!” Sweetie Belle blurted out suddenly and abruptly after a few more moments which caused everypony's expression in the room to become shocked.

“Rarity went to check on her at Surgarcube corner and found her body there. She's on her way to check on Fluttershy now since her house is close to Pinkie Pie's house.” Spike said after a few moments as if to confirm what she was saying is true despite the fact everypony in the room knew of her connection to Pinkie Pie except her.

Upon hearing this, Scootaloo immediately began to walk towards the door. “I need to check on mom and Applejack, I’ll be back soon okay?” Scootaloo said in a quiet yet urgent tone as she opened the door only for Sweetie Belle to place a hoof on her shoulder which caused the Pegasus to look at her now. “I'll be sure to direct Gina and Ruby this way if I see them on the way, okay?” Scootaloo said in a soft tone which seemed to be enough for the unicorn to remove her hoof from the orange Pegasus' shoulder.

“Scootaloo, be careful.” Applebloom pipped up just before she closed the door behind her which caused her to once again pause and look back into the house, this time at her lover. “Don't you worry bloomy, I will.” Scootaloo replied with the best smile she could muster despite her worry, closed the door behind her, and took off from the ground to the skies.

It only took twenty minuets for the orange Pegasus to make it a crossed Ponyville and to Apple Acres and from the moment it came into view, she knew something was very wrong.

“Mom?! Applejack?! Can you hear me?!” Scootaloo exclaimed over the fields of burning apple trees as she flew through them in search of the cyan blue mare and the farm pony.

The orange Pegasus's eyes soon fell upon an orange spec among the burning trees at which point Scootaloo dive bombed towards it, landed on the ground, and froze. “Applejack...” Scootaloo said in a stunned tone as she looked on at the farm pony's corpse for a few moments longer before her expression suddenly became fearful and panicked. “Mom?! Where are you?! Answer me!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she took off from the ground again in search of her mother fearing the worst for her mother.

A mere few minutes later her worst fears were confirmed as the cyan blue body came into view upon which she dive bombed once again and nearly hit the ground head on in her mad dash to rush to her mother's side, lifted her limp body up and looked at her tears swelling in her eyes. “Mommy? Say something please!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a weak yet soft tone as tears streamed from her eyes.

“Sc-Scootaloo?” A weak voice replied which caused Scootaloo to feel a small sense of relief but only briefly as she looked into her mother's eyes as her head weakly turned to look at her.

“It's me mommy, I’m here.” Scootaloo said with the best smile she could muster despite the tears that streamed from her eyes.

“I held on...hoping...I could see you...one last time.” Rainbow dash replied in a weak tone.

“Don't talk like that mommy! You're going to be fine! I'll take you to the hospital and we'll have you good as new! You'll see!” Scootaloo exclaimed still doing her best to maintain her smile.

“I love you so much Scootaloo...you coming into my life...was the best thing that ever happened to me...” Rainbow Dash said in a weak tone as her breathing became far more labored than it was before.

“I know, I feel the same way mommy, don't worry, I'll get you to nurse Redheart! She'll patch you up, now let me get you on my back.” Scootaloo said as she began to attempt to put the cyan blue mare on her back only for her to stop as she placed a hoof on her cheek to which Scootaloo placed a hoof on her cheek looking into her eyes once again.

“Make me proud kid...” A few seconds after the cyan blue mare had said this her hoof became limp in Scootaloo's grasp, her eyes slowly drifted closed, and she exhaled her final breath.

“M-Mommy?” Scootaloo said in a small and feeble tone much like she did when she was a filly as her chest swelled with a freezing cold now. “Mommy? Mom, say something!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she shook the cyan blue mare's limp body now.

Scootaloo gently laid her mother down now and backed away closing her eyes. “No...” Scootaloo said in a soft tone as she coldness in her chest began to be replaced with a burning inferno. “No...” She said once again as she felt her anger begin to swell inside her, unaware of the fact that her mane and tail began to flail slowly now. “No, No....” She said in a slightly higher tone now. Her rage was nearing it's breaking point now as her mane and tail flailed faster now.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The orange Pegasus’s rage filled shriek could be heard as far as the edge of Apple Acres as she stood on her hind hooves and screamed this word to the heavens while her mane and tail flailed wildly now along with streaks of magic surging a crossed her body at random intervals.

A few moments later she snapped her eyes open and looked at her hooves feeling a sudden burst of strength within them. “So this is the power my mother and Fluttershy can use.” Scootaloo remarked aloud, tears still streaming from her eyes now. The orange Pegasus looked to her mother's body now filled with a since of deep rage and determination. “I will make you proud mommy, I swear it!” Scootaloo exclaimed and took off from the ground with such speed and velocity that it literally ripped two burning trees from their foundations in the wake of her take off as she sped off towards Fluttershy's house.

Evil never sleeps part 2

EVIL NEVER SLEEPS

PART TWO

Animals scattered and fled from Fluttershy's cottage as explosions of magic erupted from within it and moments later Fluttershy came crashing out of one of the windows only to recover mid-air and counter a strike from Scratch. “What you have done is inexcusable!” Fluttershy exclaimed in a pissed off tone as she continued to fight against Scratch in the air using every bit of her martial arts combat skills.

A MERE TEN MINUTES BEFORE...

Fluttershy sat in her cottage fully aware of the incoming threat thanks to her woodland friends who had already told her of what had happened to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The yellow Pegasus sat on the floor, eyes closed in meditation as her master had always taught to her which helped her manage her anger which was threatening to burst forth in the all consuming rage she often fell victim to in the past. Whenever she closed her eyes the face of her dearest friends Rainbow Dash and Applejack came to her vision, but even now she came across as calm, years of training helping her to quell the sea of rage inside.... She feared she may succumb to the monster within upon seeing them with her own eyes.

The door to her cottage was suddenly blown off it hinges yet the yellow Pegasus did not flinch nor did she react as the two mares stepped inside.

“What the buck is she doing?” Scratch asked as the two stopped a mere five feet away from the yellow Pegasus.

“Be wary of this one Scratch, she has combat skills unlike any of the other elements. Do not underestimate her.” Octavia said in a warning tone.

“That is a wise statement...” Fluttershy remarked aloud in an unusually calm tone and without warning suddenly performed a hoof sweep against Scratch whom was closest who fell victim to the sweep, leaped up and prepared to strike her on the ground her hoof only for the unicorn to disappear in a flash of magic at which point the floorboards splintered and scattered in the wake of her strike.

Scratch appeared behind her to strike from behind however the yellow Pegasus seemed to be prepared for this as she used her two hind hooves to block and counter the attack, spring-boarded herself up with the help of her front hooves and wings, performed a mid-air back-flip above the unicorn, and ejected her right hind hoof at the unicorn's skull mid-flip which hit it's mark.

Scratch was sent flying at Octavia whom simply stepped to the side which allowed the unicorn to sail past her, through the fence just out of her home, and into the mud-puddle in her front yard.

All the while this was happening the yellow Pegasus had already landed on her hind hooves and struck a combat stance, able to watch with grim satisfaction as the unicorn's body collided with the fence followed by a splash of mud. Her gaze then turned to Octavia who didn't look intimated in the slightest.

“I wouldn't get overconfident if I were you.” Octavia said in a calm tone as the looked at the yellow Pegasus. “She's holding back, the look in her eyes tells me she knows she has the power to become stronger, but she fears it. This could work to our advantage.” Octavia thought to herself as she stared back at the Pegasus.

“Surprise!” Scratch exclaimed as she suddenly appeared behind the yellow Pegasus once again only for Fluttershy who didn't even bother to look behind herself to grab her by the hoof with both of her hooves mid-strike and slam on the floor in front of her.

“Idiot.” Octavia remarked aloud with a facehoofing gesture as Scratch disappeared in a flash of magic narrowly avoiding the yellow Pegasus's strike which collided with the floorboards.

“I never forgot about you.” Fluttershy stated simply in the same unusual calm tone yet a sense of rage could be felt within her words.

“You think your one bad flanked mare do ya? Well I can do that too!” Scratch exclaimed and began to make mocking kong-foo sounds while standing on her hind hooves and making fist punching gestures only for Fluttershy to lean in, twist her arm around to the point you could hear a snapping sound and let go at which point Scratch held her arm with a shrill cry of pain.

“You little mule! You broke my arm! You broke my-HA!” Scratch exclaimed in a high pitched pained tone until she abruptly snapped her arm back in place with an equally loud snapping sound and grinned at the yellow Pegasus who raised an eye-brow in surprise at this. “Thought you got me didn't ya?” Scratch Jeered with a grin.

“Oh for pony's sake, stop playing with her Scratch! Or did you forget that Selena's other half lives with one of the bearers we have to kill? Chances are that one has been alerted already to what we did to her friends and is on the way over to check on this one. We need to deal with this one before the other gets here.” Octavia said in a warning yet stern tone.

“So what's stopping you from joining in then?” Fluttershy remarked looking strait at the earth pony now.

“You're not worth my level of power little filly.” Octavia countered looking back at the yellow Pegasus now.

“Very well.” Fluttershy replied and changed her stance up. The yellow Pegasus was now standing on her hind hooves however she was bent forward with her head level looking at Scratch with her left front leg behind her with her hoof arched up slightly and her right front font leg was diagonally positioned downward from her with her hoof in a similar arched up fashion. Her legs were spread apart so that while she was bent over she was standing in a fashion that would allow her to brace her body to any blow.

“Ooo! I'm so totally scared now, you changed how you were stupidly standing on your hind hooves!” Scratch jeered and moved in to strike the yellow Pegasus.

“Scratch, you imbecile!” Octavia exclaimed however her words were too late as the yellow Pegasus had already moved her body within a fluid motion and within a mere three seconds, struck the unicorn in three places at which point she fell to the floor motionless.

“Now there's only you.” Fluttershy remarked as her gaze reverted back to Octavia now whom despite her earlier outburst looked calm once again and still not looking intimidated in the slightest.

“In case your wondering, she's d-” Fluttershy began, only for the yellow Pegasus to get hit with a mind-jarring shock as she looked over to see Scratch stand back up, snap her neck back and forth to the side and place a hoof on the back of her head.

“What a buzzkill!” Scratch exclaimed in an annoyed tone as the yellow Pegasus stared at her wide-eyed in disbelief.

“If only you would pay attention to our report, this wouldn't happen.” Octavia remarked aloud with a sigh.

“Hey, unlike you, I try to have fun with my prey before I go in for the kill. Course I didn't know she could do that!” Scratch exclaimed defensively to the earth pony all the while Fluttershy continued to stare at her in disbelief.

“It's not possible, that's the butterfly stance's signature; Three Flap Death Strike. She should be dead! How is she acting as if nothing-No, how is she even standing, let alone breathing?!” Fluttershy thought to herself incredulously.

“Ha,ha! Look at her! She looks like she saw a ghost!” Scratch jeered followed by a hysterical laugh.

“Stop fooling around and take her out Scratch.” Octavia ordered at which point Scratch immediately stopped laughing and looked at Octavia.

“Yeah, Yeah, fine.” Scratch replied dismayed.

“How did you live through that?!” Fluttershy exclaimed in a demanding tone as she regained her composure and prepared to face the unicorn once again.

“Heh, Sorry. Trade secret.” Scratch replied as she charged magic into her horn preparing to fire...

CURRENT TIME...

“Cry me a river, filly!” Scratch retorted as Fluttershy struck back at him.

Octavia calmly walked out of Fluttershy's cottage now, looked up at the two mares going at it, looked to her side to see a white unicorn running up, and sighed. “This is what happens when you play with them for too long Scratch.” Octavia remarked aloud as her bow magically appeared in on her right hoof.

Rarity didn't need to ask what was happening, she could tell by looking at the two that these two were the ones responsible for killing Pinkie Pie as she charged forward horn glowing brightly. “Take this you ruffian!” Rarity shrieked as she fired a beam of magic at the earth pony who simply blocked it with her bow.

“If that's all you have, then your death will come quicker than I thought.” Octavia remarked aloud unimpressed by the unicorn's attack.

Fluttershy could feel it, the monster within her clawing and striking at the cage within her that she held it in as she continued to combat Scratch. She couldn't allow the monster to take hold, not now.

“Ha,ha! Your going to die as fast as your friends did! You should have seen that rainbow-maned twit! Octavia took her out so easily it was like swatting a fly!” Scratch jeered as she struck at Fluttershy whom upon hearing this, eyes flared wide with unspeakable rage.

Fluttershy then jumped back and stared at Scratch. Her rage nearing it's breaking point. “You care nothing for life...nothing for the ponies you hurt...” Fluttershy remarked in a low tone as her mane and tail began to flail slowly. Once again Fluttershy could see it, her kindness fluttering before her eyes in the form of a butterfly and in the next moment slashed in half by a red streak at which point the yellow Pegasus's pupils shrunk to their smallest size, slammed her eyes shut and gave a mighty shriek of rage and she flung her front hooves to her sides.

AAAHHHH,AHHH,AHHH!

Fluttershy's shrieks could be heard as far as surgarcube corner as her mane and tail began to flail wildly and streak of magic crossed her body at random intervals. The monster within the kindhearted pony had once again been unleashed!

“Scratch, she's ascending to her second stage, trade me!” Octavia exclaimed in an urgent tone at which point Scratch disappeared in a flash of magic and Octavia seemingly in a blur and both reappeared in each others places so quickly that it took a few seconds for Rarity to even realize she as fighting against a different pony now.

Octavia struck the yellow Pegasus before she even stopped screaming which sent her flying into the house not far away. “There. That one is taken care of before she could ascend.” Octavia said aloud in a relieved tone. Her relief however was short lived as Fluttershy erupted out of the side of the house charging strait at her.

“Just lovely.” Octavia remarked in disdain as the yellow Pegasus’s hoof came colliding with her bow causing her hooves to dig into the dirt creating a dirt trail as they skid along the ground until she disappeared, seemingly in a blur which caused the yellow Pegasus's hoof to hit the ground and reappeared behind her, bow in hoof, and struck at her once again in the same fashion as she had Rainbow Dash.

Much to her shock however, Fluttershy whirled around grabbed the giant green whip of magic, seemingly unaware of the fact it was cutting in her hooves and arms, and began to whirl the earth pony around at an exponential rate until she let go abruptly which caused Octavia to be flung into one side of Fluttershy's cottage and through the other!

The earth pony however had no time to recover as no sooner she hit the ground Fluttershy appeared in yet another blur and struck her again.

This time however the earth pony was able to recover mid-air but even so Fluttershy appeared yet again and struck at her, causing her and Fluttershy to go sailing through one side of Fluttershy's cottage and through the other once again.

“I knew Pegasus have tremendous power in their second state, but her strength and power is equal to that of a stage three Pegasus! No, it's greater!” Octavia thought to herself dramatically as brick and wood splintered, and clattered her around her for a few moments before her hooves mind contact with the ground and began to dig into it, creating a dirt trail deeper than any she had dug before when defending against the ponies thus far and yet the yellow Pegasus’s strength seemed to be increasing every moment longer she remained in this state.

Fluttershy's cottage now collapsed in on itself with a loud clattering of wood, brick, and straw, the damage too much for it's foundation to support any longer. This event went unnoticed by the yellow Pegasus and the earth pony as Octavia's hooves continued to skid along the dirt until abruptly and without warning a flare of green magic erupted from within the earth pony and ejected the yellow Pegasus away from her. “Enough of this!” Octavia roared at the top of her lungs in a voice very much unlike her own as her eyes seemed to gleam with burning green flames now and her body seemed to engulfed in the same color flame that burned so high and brightly that Scootaloo could see it as she neared Fluttershy's cottage from over five miles away as clear as day.

“Oh buck, see ya in the next life!” Scratch exclaimed as she saw Octavia's sudden surge of power and disappeared in a flash of magic leaving Rarity standing there baffled for a few moments at why she would suddenly flee for. That is, until she got a good look at Octavia's body.

“Oh dear...” Rarity remarked aloud in a fearful tone.

As Scootaloo neared Fluttershy's cottage a sudden explosion of green magic shot forth which halted the Pegasus mid-flight and hurled her backwards in the wake of it's shock waves and through a window of a house, effectively being knocked out cold by the impact.

The blazing bright green flame that surrounded Octavia's body suddenly went out as if somepony had blown it out like a candle. Scratch then reappeared in a flash of magic a few feet behind Octavia and surveyed the damage. A charred flat surface sat in place of what was once Fluttershy's destroyed cottage, Fluttershy's body lay on the ground not far from her charred to the point her body was almost unrecognizable, Rarity's body lay in a similar fashion except she still had patches of fur on her body unlike Fluttershy's who's body was bare now.

“I gotta say, no one blows their top like you Octavia.” Scratch remarked aloud in a joking tone only to cower at the sight of the earth pony's gaze once again.

“Let us be on our way. The final element awaits her demise.” Octavia said in a calm tone as she walked past her without another word. However, just the two began to walk away a rustling caused the two to turn around at which point even Octavia's eyes widened in disbelief. Fluttershy slowly stood up, one hoof at a time, stumbling slightly as she stood to her hind hooves, and stared at the two with an expression of pure rage in her eyes, as streaks of magic began to once again streak a crossed her body.

AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

“It's not possible! No pony can live through that blast!”

Scratch exclaimed with shocking disbelief as Fluttershy's voice roared once again.

“She truly is a class of Pegasus all her own.” Octavia remarked aloud as her bow magically reappeared in her hoof.

“What are you going to do Octavia?” Scratch asked curiously as the charred Pegasus's eyes snapped open again still fueled by the same unspeakable rage.

“You have no right to live! No right to breath! With Celestia as my witness, you will die!” Fluttershy roared and disappeared in a blur.

“She's ascended to stage three?!” Octavia exclaimed in shock as she blocked the Pegasus's strike with her bow. However, much to Octavia's shock, her bow began to make a loud cracking sound as if it was threatening to snap in two. Octavia disappeared in a blur in order to retreat to a better standing point only for Fluttershy to be right on her no sooner she reappeared.

“Wait, is she tracking her movements?! No pony can do that!” Scratch exclaimed incredulously as she watched the fight continue.

“What a monster! Her speed, power, and senses are beyond what our reports could have recorded!” Octavia thought to herself dramatically.

Just when Octavia was preparing to unleash her power once again, the Pegasus suddenly fell limply to the ground, motionless.

“Wait, what just happened?” Scratch asked in a confused tone as she stared on in confusion.

Octavia walked up to Fluttershy's limp body and have it a nudge with her bow. “It seems her body took far too much damage. I suspect she was dead from the moment my initial blast hit her, but her rage and hatred of us had a will of it's own.” Octavia remarked aloud calmly.

“These Pegasus' are freaky things.” Scratch remarked aloud with a disgusted expression.

“No, not even a stage three Pegasus can stand up against my power. It is as I said earlier, she was a class of Pegasus all her own. But even she couldn't stand up to my power.” Octavia remarked, turned around, and walked away from the Pegasus's body.

EIGHT HOURS TILL THE PRESENT TIME...

A yellow stallion who brandished a shield style cutie mark knocked on the door to Twilight's resting quarters. “Twiley, are you okay?” The stallion asked in a concerned tone.

No answer.

The stallion then opened the door and walked in to see a purple sobbing Alicorn. “Do I look okay to you Shining?” Twilight asked aloud, her voiced cracking as she spoke.

“Dumb question, right.” Shining Armor replied as he rubbed the back of his head with a hoof followed by a sigh.

“How could this happen? Why did I let it happen?” Twilight asked aloud between sobs.

“Twiley, there was nothing you could have done, you had no idea this was going on till it was too late.” Shining Armor replied in a comforting tone, though his words seemed to have little or no effect on the Alicorn.

“If I was with them like I should have been all along, this would have never happened! It's all my fault, I let them fall out with one another, I should have never taken over as ruler of Equestria.” Twilight replied between sobs.

“Twiley, I swear to you, whoever murdered them will pay. I have guards patrolling the Canterlot castle grounds day and night. If they so much as sneeze within one thousand feet of this room we'll know exactly where they are.” Shining Armor replied once again in a comforting tone.

Twilight continued to sob for a little while longer until she suddenly ripped her face from on top of her hooves. “No, let them come. You and the rest of the royal guard are to pull out of Canterlot.” Twilight said aloud though her voice still cracked as she spoke.

“Twiley, you can't be serious.” Shining Armor remarked incredulously as Twilight's expression turned from sadness to anger though tears still streamed from her eyes now.

“That wasn't a request, that was a royal order.” Twilight replied in a stern regal tone.

“I would lay down my rank as head of the royal guard before I would take a royal order like that princess.” Shining Armor replied ending his sentence in a sourly.

“Then do for me, as my brother-no, as my BBBFF.” Twilight replied turning around to look at him now.

“But Twiley, these ponies mean business. If they can overpower the other elements of harmony, then how much of a chance do you stand without them?” Shining Armor asked in a concerned.

“Please Shining, your the only friend I have left, and I don't want to lose you too.” Twilight replied in a compassionate tone as she hugged the stallion.

“The feeling is mutual Twiley. So how can you expect me to leave you to fight them alone?” Shining Armor asked curiously as he hugged her.

“I don't...forgive me.” Twilight said in a soft tone as a single tear streaked down her right cheek and before Shining Armor could react put him and the rest of Canterlot castle under a deep sleeping spell.

The Alicorn then wrote out three letters and carefully placed one around her brother's neck via a small string, and teleported everypony out of Canterlot castle all the way over to Apploosa.

A storm now raged over Canterlot Castle as two ponies approached it. “Hey, isn't this place supposed to be locked down tighter than colt knocks?” Scratch asked curiously as she looked at Octavia.

“It seems we are expected.” Octavia remarked aloud calmly, walked up to the castle front doors, opened them, and walked in follow by Scratch.

Scratch and Octavia entered the throne room now which was pitch black save for the occasional flashes of lightning that lit up the room and revealing a figure sitting stationary and staring at the two in contrast to the temporary illuminating effects of the lightning.

“So, the element of magic is that all remains now. It's amazing how Discord never thought to try this. He would have had a much easier time with you six.” Octavia remarked aloud with a smirk that could be seen in contrast to the flashes of lightning.

“You killed my friends and yet you have the gal to face me strait on.” A voice spoke however this voice did not sound like Twilight.

“Without your friends, you're easy prey filly.” Scratch said with a smirk.

“You sound so sure of yourself.” The voice replied as lightning flashed once again.

“We are well aware of the power you Alicorn's posses.” Octavia said as her bow appeared magically in her hoof once again.

“You have no idea of the power I posses!” The voice exclaimed at which point a dark purple cloud swirled from around the figure lightning striking from it as it revealed the figure completely.

“Who the hay is this?! This isn't Twilight! The mare must have chickened out, ran off, and left her body guard here!” Scratch exclaimed in an annoyed tone.

Octavia however looked on, eyes wide in shock, fully aware of what she was now faced to contend with. “Scratch...leave us.” Octavia said in a calm yet tense tone.

“The hay you going on about Octavia? Who is this clown?!” Scratch exclaimed looking at Octavia who did not look at her as her gaze was fixed on the Alicorn.

“Nightmare Moon.” Octavia replied simply at which point scratch's jaw dropped and snapped her head in the direction of the Alicorn.

“But I thought Twilight and her friends defeated her years ago?” Scratch asked in disbelief.

“This is not the time for questions Scratch! Now begone!” Octavia exclaimed as a bright green flame erupted from her being and burned brightly.

Scratch having no desire to argue with Octavia in this state disappeared in a flash of magic leaving the two alone in the throne room.

“Our report told us that you destroyed this dark power ten years ago. Apparently, this report was inaccurate. And by the looks of it, you allowed it to consume you completely.” Octavia remarked as she stared on at the Alicorn.

(Play “Want it, need it” now)

“The time for talking is over.” Twilight replied in the same voice as the dark purple clouds swirled around her and in the next moment a cloud of dark blur smoke charged at Octavia.

Octavia immediately rose her bow up as a shield but unlike many other times, a green magic expanded from it and took the form of a circular shield. In the next moment the earth pony was sent flying backward as the dark blue smoke collided with her shield, but recovered mid-air, and swung her bow down at which point the magic around her bow converted into a whip and struck at the purple smoke which caused it to recoil, swirl, and reveal Twilight once again.

“Smoke and mirrors, that's all this power boasts it seems.” Octavia remarked aloud in a non-impressed tone.

“Wrong!” Twilight's voice roared at which point her mane flared, small spurts of magic erupted from it, and upon impact with the ground revealed several earth ponies dressed in what looked to be a dark version of the wonderbolts costumes.

A force of twenty ponies now stood before Octavia. The earth pony however, didn't look worried in the slightest.

“Attack!” Twilight ordered at which point the legion of clones charged at Octavia.

“If I had known I would be contending with Nightmare Moon's power, I would have held back a little more in the fight with that Pegasus.” Octavia thought to herself as she combated the clones, taking one out at a time.

However the earth pony soon found herself overwhelmed as they piled on top of her.

“Bow before the might of Nightmare Moon!” Twilight exclaimed with an malicious grin only for it to vanish as an eruption of magic surged from under the dog pile, effectively obliterating every single clone.

“Don't make laugh! Your power is second rate compared to the power bestowed upon me!” Octavia roared at the top of her lungs in a voice very much unlike her own as her eyes flared with with a green flame with the same style flame burning so high and brightly now that it began to burn the ceiling of the throne room.

In the next moment a surge of magic erupted from the earth pony in the style of a nucular explosion which jetted out towards Twilight.

Anypony who looked at Canterlot now would see it suddenly engulfed in a green explosion of magic for a brief time before it disappeared. Octavia looked about herself with satisfaction of her power, but this satisfaction faded immediately as she stared at Twilight smiling back at her.

“Was that it?” Twilight jeered with a smile.

This statement caused Octavia to seethe with rage as she stared at the Alicorn. “So you managed to evade my blast, your precious castle didn't fare as well as you I’m afraid.” Octavia countered.

“You mean this castle?” Twilight replied at which point the throne room seemed to reappear around them as if nothing had happened to it and moments later the Alicorn began to laugh aloud.

“What a foal! Thinking you could defeat Nightmare Moon!” Twilight continued after a hearty laugh.

Octavia seemed to be nearing her breaking point as she stared at Twilight until she suddenly and without warning smiled. “Very well. It seems that I have no choice.” Octavia replied resuming her calm state. The earth pony then extended her hoof out at which point a cello appeared next to her body. “It appears that I underestimated your power, so I will show you the full extent of mine. You should feel privileged, not just anypony gets to hear my Death's Serenade.” Octavia remarked as she placed the bow on the cello, closed her eyes, and began to play a song.

From the moment first chilling note tore through the air from Octavia’s cello, Twilight immediately fell to her knees in agony, her entire soul felt as if it was being ripped from her body. Octavia continued to play her song, speeding up in tempo.

Twilight's form soon changed back to what was her normal Alicorn self yet Octavia's song didn't end. In fact, the song seemed to be picking up in tempo even more so now as if it was nearing it's crescendo as green magic began radiating from Octavia's cello now and seemed to be slowly creeping along the ground towards the weakened Alicorn.

Twilight could only look on, parlayed by the earth pony's song as the green magic eventually reached her, lunged at her, began to tear at her wings, and slashed her horn clear off her forehead.

“Scratch.” Octavia said simply eyes still closed at which point the unicorn reappeared at her side.

“Right.” Scratch replied as her horn began to glow.

Moments later a beam of green magic shot forth from Octavia's cello along side of a blast of magic from Scratches horn hitting the wounded Alicorn head on...

PRESENT TIME...

Where did we go wrong?

It wasn't supposed to end like this...

I failed you Princess...

I failed everypony...

Applejack...

Rarity...

Rainbow Dash...

Pinkie Pie...

Fluttershy...

I'm sorry...

THUD!

The ties that bind us

THE TIES THAT BIND US

With the ruler of Equestria dead and the elements of harmony gone, Equestria fell into a state of unrest. The ponies of Equestria had always depended on the elements of harmony to protect them in times of need, but now a dark shadow loomed over their once peaceful world.

In a strange turn of events for the first time in Equestria's history, a male ruler assumed the throne. This caused unrest and even hostile feelings within the royal congress of Canterlot. But they had no choice but to accept this as the decree was written out by Twilight herself prior to her death.

Despite this ruling however, dark dealings within the shadows of congress were known, but were never recognized for fear of what may come of calling them out. At the same time, ponies that had known each other from birth seemed to suddenly became bitter enemies or had a falling out with one another. There was no explanation for this, and even more unsettling was the fact many of this ponies whom had a sudden change in personalty were also members of the royal congress. Dark times lay ahead for Equestria...

Darkness looms over us all, yet the chains of fate continue to bind us. What twist of fate has brought us here today? What does fate have in store for us? That I do not know, but what I do know is this. If we continue to act as if nothing is wrong, then Equestria is doomed to the fate it is heading towards. We must break these chains that bind us and forge our own fates. For if we do not...

Then Celestia help us...

A white stallion with a shield cutie mark stood up, put his quill down, and sighed before he turned and left his royal quarters.

At this very moment, there were two very important conversations taking place in. Octavia and scratch bowed and scraped before their master giving a report, and some distance away the cutie mark crusaders gathered to discuss the latest disaster...

“The deed has been done, the elements of harmony are gone.” Octavia said in her same calm tone as she looked on to her master.

All seven elements are dead?

The voice replied in an eerie echo voice.

“We can't take this sitting down! We have to avenge them!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a determined tone.

“But how? What can we do?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

“Remember what Twilight said all those years ago? She said that me and Sweetie represented the elements of loyalty and generosity! And you represent the element of love, so we have three of the seven already!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she looked on at the others.

“That's right! But that leaves four elements unaccounted for.” Applebloom chimed in with a thoughtful glance.

“S-Seven?” Octavia asked in her voice stuttering slightly as she spoke at which point her master's eyes flared with a dark green flame.

Find her! Take no prisoners! Kill all who stand in your way!

The voice roared at which point Octavia and Scratch bowed before their master and disappeared in a flash of magic.

“So it's more than obvious isn't it? We just need to find four other ponies who represent the elements of kindness, laughter, and honesty.” Sweetie Belle pipped up at this point with a smile.

“Don't forget about the element of magic.” Gina chimed in at this point to which the other three nodded.

“Then it's decided! We will be the new elements of harmony!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she reached a hoof out as did the other two, placed them on top of each other, looked at one another and smiled.

CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS, ELEMENTS OF HARMONY, YEAH!

These words were shouted by all three mares as they flung their hooves up in unison and stared at one another.

“There's just one problem, aside from Applebloom, we have no idea where the elements of harmony are.” Spike remarked aloud. The dragon may as well have said “We're bucked!” because upon hearing this the lighthearted environment suddenly became heavy and depressing.

“We'll find a way. I made a promise to my mother, and I will not back down from it. I told her I would make her proud, and if that means finding what isn't there, then I'll do it!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a determined smile now after a few moments.

“There she goes again.” Applebloom remarked aloud with a smile and an eye-rolling gesture. “Well, ah reckon ya is out your mind, but ah'm with ya!” Applebloom exclaimed placing a hoof on the Pegasus’s shoulder.

“We need one more thing. With the power these two ponies had, we need all the firepower we can get.” Spike said as he looked at Sweetie Belle now at which point the other two caught on.

“He's right. We need Selena.” Scootaloo said a few moments after Spike's statement.

“But when Pinkie Pie died, didn't Selena go with her?” Gina asked aloud curiously.

“Why is everypony staring at me for? And who is this Selena?” Sweetie Belle asked in a confused tone.

“Not exactly. Ah saw it myself, she was able to become her even without Pinkie Pie. That makes meh think Selena resided within her all along.” Applebloom replied in a matter of fact tone.

“Would somepony please tell me who this Selena is?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in frustration at being the only one in the room who had no idea what everypony was talking about.

“I can't believe we missed an element.” Octavia remarked aloud as she looked over her report paper as they neared Ponyville once again.

Scratch on the other hoof seemed to be freaking out. “Wh-What am I doing here? Wh-What have I done?!” Scratch exclaimed in an horrified tone.

Upon hearing this Octavia's eyes flared with a green magic as she placed a hoof on Scratch's shoulder at which point she immediately calmed as the green magic surrounded her body. “Back to normal now?” Octavia asked aloud.

“Yeah, not sure why I spazzed out like that for.” Scratch replied with a relieved expression.

“Humph, don't let it happen again.” Octavia replied as she went back to looking at her report. “It's not in here. Why would her royal highness give us an incomplete version of Selena's memories?” Octavia asked aloud curiously.

“Maybe the mare hid some of them from her?” Scratch suggested.

“Don't be daf-” Octavia began to say only to gasp mid-sentence. “Of course!” Octavia exclaimed as if she had just had an epiphany.

“What is it?” Scratch asked in a confused tone.

“Scratch you delightful mare, you have presented me with an interesting idea. What if Selena didn't trust her as much as she thought she did, and she hid memories from her as if she knew something like this may happen.” Octavia replied in a thoughtful tone before she caused the report to disappear in a flash of magic and began walking.

“So where to?” Scratch asked curiously.

“We have some crusaders to eliminate...” Octavia replied with a malicious grin as she turned about face and began to walk towards Ponyville.

“Gina, ah want you to take Roseheart and Ruby somewhere safe.” Applebloom said in a stern tone.

“But momma, ah wanna fight too!” Roseheart exclaimed as she stood in front of her mother.

“Nothin doin. Ah almost lost ya once because of all this, and ah refuse to put ya in harms way again, and ah think Sweetie Belle feels the same about Ruby.” Applebloom replied as she turned to look at the unicorn whom nodded.

“I can take them to the dragon kingdom. Thanks to Twilight, my father finally got his head out of his rump and began to accept me. I can't say he exactly likes to have me around, but I know he won't refuse a request from the sister of one of the elements of harmony. Bringing Ruby along should make things go a little more smoothly since she's a half dragon breed like me.” Gina replied with a smile.

“Make sure your dad knows they are to be protected at all costs.” Spike chimed in upon hearing this.

“That won't be a problem.” Gina replied as she placed Roseheart on her back and looked at Ruby who was hugging her mother and father.

“You take care of yourself Ruby. I know your too young to understand what's really going on, but know this is to protect you.” Sweetie Belle said in a soft tone as she hugged her daughter.

“Don't treat like a foal, I know bad stuff is happening. I'm not stupid ya know.” Ruby replied with an annoyed expression at which point Spike chuckled.

“Acts a lot like you at that age.” Spike remarked with a smirk.

“Stuff it.” Sweetie Belle countered with a glare.

“Ah still don't see why ah can't help. Ah'm practically a teenager.” Roseheart remarked pouting.

“Don't beh arguin with-” Applebloom began to say only for an explosion to erupt outside which caused everypony to look through the window and see two ponies standing outside.

“We know the element of love resides in this town, if she comes forward now, you all shall be spared!” Octavia exclaimed as she looked around behind the smoldering ashes that was once a pony's home.

“Discussion is over, get your keister movin! Sweetie Belle put a cloakin spell on them.” Applebloom said in a hurried tone at which point Sweetie Belle did as she was told as a cloud of blue magic radiated from her horn and onto the three and moments later they vanished from sight.

“Wait until after we confront them. Then fly out behind us.” Scootaloo said in a whisper as she opened the door, walked out and stood a few feet in front of it along side of the other two with Gina, Roseheart, and Ruby just behind them.

“So the element of love is willing to let others die? What a pity...” Octavia said aloud with a sneer as her bow appeared in her hoof.

“Ah'm right here!” Applebloom exclaimed as her element of harmony appeared around her neck and stepped forward.

“Smart mare.” Octavia said as she turned to face the three as Gina took off along side of Ruby undetected by the two ponies or so they thought.

“Scratch, we have some ponies attempting to flee. Take care of them if you would.” Octavia said in with a sneer to which Scratch nodded and disappeared in a flash of magic.

“Over my dead body!” Scootaloo exclaimed and took off from the ground.

“So, how do you wish die? I can make this as painful or as painless as possible.” Octavia said as she looked at the two.

“You killed mah sister, Scootaloo's momma, and Sweetie Belle's sister and ya expect meh to sit back and let you kill meh?” Applebloom replied as she narrowed her eyes at the mare, took a four legged combat stance, and prepared for combat as did Sweetie Belle.

“Oh how quaint, you wish to die painfully. Very well.” Octavia replied as she walked up to the two slowly at first.

Gina continued to fly in the direction of dragon kingdom unaware of the incoming threat, that is until Roseheart began to squirm. “Calm down Roseheart, you don't wanna fall do you?” Gina replied in a hushed tone.

“Gina, look out! One of them is coming for you!” Scootaloo shouted from some distance away.

It was at this point Roseheart stood up on Gina's back, charged magic into her horn and fired a beam if magic directly behind them thus dispelling the invisibility spell around them. At first it seemed as if she was hitting air, until Scratch suddenly appeared in a flash of magic to block the beam of magic.

“How the hay did she know I was right here?!” Scratch exclaimed in annoyance only for Scootaloo to hit her dead on with a mid-air tackle.

“You won't touch her!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she thrust her hooves into the unicorn's skull right and left only for her to disappear in a flash of magic after giving her a switch buck to chest which knocked the Pegasus back only to recover mid-air.

“Sorry, but orders are orders!” Scratch exclaimed as she reappeared above them.

“Gina, look out! Above you!” Scootaloo exclaimed in a panicked tone as Scratch came down on them.

However just as she neared them, a great flame roared right in front of the unicorn causing to to halt mid-air and hover there in her magic, looked to the side and saw Ruby staring at her with a confident look on her face.

“Blasted mutant dragon half breeds!” Scratch exclaimed in annoyance and switched her focus to Ruby much to Scootaloo and Gina's horror.

Scratch began to charge up magic as she stared at Ruby who was now frozen in horror mid-air upon realizing she was targeting her now.

“Ruby, move!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she sped as fast as her wings could carry her yet she wasn't going to make it in time and she knew it as Scratch fired beam of magic green magic which sailed strait at the filly whom was still hovering in place, frozen by fear.

“Ruby, no!” Scootaloo and Gina shrieked simultaneously as the beam grew closer to the filly now.

It was at this exact moment, that the beam was mere seconds from impact, that Roseheart jumped off Gina's back and disappeared in a flash of magic and reappeared in front of Ruby. Scratch’s beam of magic hit Roseheart dead on but instead of hurting the filly, seemed to reflect back at Scratch as if she had fired it herself.

“What the buck?!” Scratch exclaimed as she dodged her own beam of magic frantically.

“Oh Ah'm sorry, were you tryin to harm meh?” Roseheart remarked aloud with a smirk as she continued to hover there yet it wasn't by magic, or at least any magic that could be seen by the naked eye.

“Why,you little...!” Scratch’s insult trailed off as she fired yet another beam of magic at her.

“No chance!” Roseheart exclaimed as she rose a single hoof in the direction of the beam of magic which immediately redirected itself at the white unicorn once again.

“What kind of magic is this?! It defies all the laws of magic! My spells can't be reflected! And how is she floating there without the help of magic?!” Scratch exclaimed as she dodged her beam of magic again.

Gina was wondering the same thing about now, yet Scootaloo stared at Roseheart as if transfixed by her. “It can't be...” Scootaloo said aloud in a stunned tone as Scratch continued to attempt to fight the filly only to end up dodging her own magic.

“Ha,ha! If this is all you have, then ah don't know what the big deal is about!” Roseheart exclaimed with a smirk.

“I'll show you!” Scratch exclaimed as she darted strait at the filly.

Scratch's hoof connected directly with Roseheart's face, however the filly seemed unaffected and Scratch instead recoiled as if her hoof hit her in the face instead. “Ha,ha! Ah must say this is the most fun ah've had in years!” Roseheart exclaimed, followed by a laugh that reminded Scootaloo all too well of a certain foe they had once faced.

“Oh this can't be good!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she darted forward and scooped up Roseheart mid-air.

“Scootaloo? What happened? Where's ruby? Is she okay?!” Roseheart asked in a semi-panicked tone.

“She doesn't remember anything, but she was acting just like him...down to the witty banter. What does this mean?” Scootaloo thought to herself in a worried tone then looked up at Gina. “Change of plans Gina, we're keeping Roseheart here, get Ruby to safety!” Scootaloo exclaimed at which point Gina nodded scooped up Ruby and took off as fast as her wings could carry her.

Meanwhile scratch was still recovering from what was seemingly her own hoof to her face. “How did that filly manage that? I know my hoof hit her, so why did it feel as if I punched myself?” Scratch thought to herself in an annoyed tone as she shook her head and stared at her once again.

“Roseheart, you know how to teleport right? Teleport to our house. Now!” Scootaloo said as she exclaimed her final word as she tossed Roseheart up who did as she was told and disappeared in a flash of magic.

“Where did that annoying mule disappear to?!” Scratch exclaimed in a demanding tone as she stared at the Pegaus who's eyes narrowed at her upon hearing these words.

Scootaloo glared at the unicorn, “What did you call her?” she asked in a low tone.

“You heard me! Where is the little mule?” Scratch asked aloud.

“How dare you, call my daughter, A mule! I will end you!!!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she roared her last word at which point her mane and tail began to flail wildly and streaks of magic surged a crossed her body now at random intervals.

“What the buck?! Another one can do that?!” Scratch exclaimed in shock as the orange Pegasus opened her eyes and stared at her with a deep sense of rage in her eyes.

Octavia rebounded from yet another strike she attempted to make on Applebloom only to be deflected by her element's magical shield. “That shield of her is quite the annoyance.” Octavia remarked aloud only for her attention to be shot skyward upon sensing a great deal of magic erupt from no where.

“Another one has the ability to ascend?” Octavia remarked to herself in shock as she stared at Scootaloo. “She's only at stage one, shouldn't be too much for scratch to handle.” The mare remarked as she reverted her attention back to the battle at hand.

“Applebloom, I don't know how much longer I can keep this up.” Beads of sweat and exhaustion dribbled down each side of Sweetie Belle’s head and down her cheeks.

“This is lookin bad. Ah don't know how much more ah can spam mah elements shield either. It's takin all ah have to conjure it now.” Applebloom thought to herself in a worried tone as she stared at the earth pony who seemed to be no where near the point of exhaustion.

“It seems that even the fabled elements of harmony have their limits. Just give up now, it's pointless.” Octavia remarked aloud with a sneer as she stared at the two.

“Ha! You were better off letting that mule fight me!” Scratch exclaimed with a malicious grin as she struck the orange Pegasus hard which sent her sailing through the skies only to recover mid-air huffing and puffing.

“Horseapples! I didn't know that this power had such a disadvantage!” Scootaloo thought to herself dramatically as she hovered in place now with beads of sweat dripping down her head now. Every strike she had made so far had caused a surge of pain to jolt through her body and her body was writhing in agony at the moment. The only thing keeping her air-born at the moment was the same power that was hurting her.

“Ready to toss in the towel yet?” Scratch jeered as she sped at the Pegasus and struck at her hard to which Scootaloo used all four hooves as a shield now as she stared into the unicorn's eyes.

“N-Never! I will never abandon my friends! I would die before I would abandon them!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she stared back at her.

“Loyalty, such a pathetic notion. You could have escaped with your life had you allowed me to take care of them from the beginning.” Scratch remarked aloud with a smirk before she struck the Pegasus with a burst of magic causing her to go flying towards a random house and land on top of it with a small bounce which caused the mare to cry out as her body impacted with the rooftop and rolled to the side her mane and tail no longer flailing and moments later Scratch appeared in a flash of magic, looming over her.

“Any last words?” Scratch asked aloud as she retracted her hoof preparing to make the finishing blow.

“Yeah, in the words of my mother, Loyalty is stronger than the mightiest steel!” Scootaloo exclaimed at which point a bright light flashed around her neck.

“It-It can't be!” Scratch exclaimed in shock as she suddenly recoiled from the blinding light.

Octavia's attention was once again yanked from her current battle but this time, she stared in disbelief at the light that shined brightly from afar which caused Sweetie Belle and Applebloom to do the same except their expressions were ones of amazement for they knew what that light was.

“Way to go Scooty, leave it up to ya to find what isn't there.” Applebloom remarked aloud with a smirk as the light continued to flash brightly.

The orange Pegasus suddenly felt a surge of strength return to her body and stood to all fours as the light around her neck slowly faded revealing the element of loyalty around her neck. Scootaloo placed a hoof one her neck and felt the element around her neck at which point a smile appeared on her face.

I feel you mom. Even in death you’re saving my flank.” Scootaloo remarked aloud to herself with a sigh and then snapped her gaze at Scratch whom was still stunned at this turn of events.

“We killed the element of loyalty! How did another pony obtain it?!” Scratch exclaimed in disbelief.

Make me proud...

The voice of her mother seemed to echo around her now, yet the mare didn't know if she was actually speaking to her or if it was her imagination. Regardless, she knew what she had to do now. With yet another mighty cry her mane and tail began to flail wildly now but unlike last time, her element of harmony began to glow with a bright light. This bright light began to surround the mare until it flashed even brighter which caused Scratch to shield her eyes from it.

When the light faded the unicorn could have sworn for a moment she was staring at Rainbow Dash, but only for a moment. The orange Pegasus's mane and tail had adopted her mother's, yet her fur color remained the same. Scootaloo slowly opened her eyes as her mane and tail continued to flail wildly with a look of pure determination in them now.

Scratch managed to regain her composure by now and resumed her grin. “Ha! So you got your mane and tail redone. Big whoop! I'll still knock your flank into next-OW!” Scratch began to say only to be cut off mid-sentence by a hoof to the nose effectively breaking it, the mare seemingly hadn't moved when she looked back at her. She still had the same look of determination in her eyes.

“How did you-OW! Buck!” Scratch exclaimed once again being socked strait in the nose by seemingly nothing. This time however, a cocky grin appeared on the Pegasus's face.

“What. The. BUCK?!” Octavia stared at the battle between Scootaloo and Scratch now in disbelief.

“Is this the true power of the elements of harmony?” Octavia thought to herself realizing that she could just barely track the Pegasus's movements from afar.

“Did ya forget bout us?!” Applebloom exclaimed as she did a mid-air buck against the earth pony whom blocked it barely due to being distracted.

“You think your such a bad flanked mare huh? Well guess what?!” Scratch exclaimed as she snapped her nose back into place with a loud cracking sound. “You can try to beat me up all ya want but you won't get very far!” Scratch exclaimed with a confident smirk.

“Good.” Scootaloo replied simply which caused the unicorn to stare at her in confusion.

“Say what?” Scratch asked incredulously.

The Pegasus didn't reply this time but instead disappeared seemingly in a blur and began to strike Scratch from all directions in a cascade of strikes which ended with an uppercut which sent the unicorn flying skyward only for Scootaloo to appear just above her as she was flying towards her, reared her hind hooves up, and bucked her hard which sent the unicorn flying to the ground with a loud impact directly in the middle of Octavia's battle with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle.

The event literally caused Octavia to jump back in surprise, as did Applebloom and Sweetie Belle as Scootaloo landed next to her two friends.

“Holy horseapples! Scooty, is that really you?” Applebloom asked in shock and awe.

“Yeah, it's me. Don't ask me how, but right now, I can feel my mother's strength, speed, and power flowing through me. It's as if she's right at my side right now.” Scootaloo remarked proudly as Scratch crawled out of the small crater she was in and stared at Scootaloo with a loathing glare.

“I'm gonna mop the floor with-”

“Scratch, we're retreating for now. The situation has changed.” Octavia stated aloud cutting off the unicorn's statement.

“But,but-ugh! Fine...” Scratch replied with a slight stutter only to give a groan of annoyance shortly before the two disappeared in a flash of magic.

Moments later, Scootaloo's mane and tail returned to their normal color and stopped flailing and a dazed look came over her face.

“Wow, what a rush...” Scootaloo remarked aloud in a dazed tone before passing out on the spot only for her lover to catch her.

“Well, That's two elements down, five to go...” Applebloom remarked aloud as she looked at Scootaloo whom looked to be resting soundly in her arms now....

The lore of the elements of harmony

THE LORE OF THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY

Applebloom stared at her for a few moments longer before she, with the help of Sweetie Belle, put the Pegasus onto her back, walked up to the door of their home, opened it, and gawked at the sight that beheld her.

“What the hay is Roseheart still here for?!” Applebloom exclaimed as they walked back into the house to see the filly standing there.

Scootaloo, whom was woken up by this statement, looked at Roseheart, and remembered why she had told the filly to stay here. She then proceeded to jump off Applebloom's back and without another word bit onto the farm pony's tail then dragged her into the kitchen where she proceeded to close the door behind her.

“There's something you need to know Bloomy.” Scootaloo said in a concerned tone as looked at her mate with a worried expression.

Upon seeing her concerned expression, the farm pony's changed to match hers. “What's wrong with Roseheart?” Applebloom asked.

“Remember when Discord attempted to change her into a being like him?” Scootaloo asked as she looked behind herself to make sure the door was still closed.

“How could ah forget...” she replied as the memories of that horrifying event came back to her.

FLASHBACK

“You little foal! I have no love for this world! I wish to see it in eternal chaos! Nothing more!” Discord exclaimed as his gaze turned to Roseheart whom was still suspended by the dark magic from his ritual.

“Heh,heh. Make a choice Applebloom! Your daughter....or your friends!” Discord exclaimed as he rose the dagger up with magic preparing to fire it at Roseheart's heart from a short distance away.

“Discord, don't do it!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she and Applebloom realized what he was going to do.

“Make your choice...” Discord said with a sneer and fired the knife at Roseheart which would connect in a matter of moments.

Tears of fear and horror flowed from Applebloom's eyes now as she saw the knife sailing towards her daughter. She only had a few moments to decide and despite the fact her first instinct was to defend her daughter, her love for her friends managed to override this at first. Inside of Applebloom's heart right now felt like a boat being tipped back and forth between which to choose yet it never stopped swaying back and forth. This feeling tortured her. She didn't know who to choose.

In the next moment however Sweetie Belle had seemingly appeared from no where in front of the knife taking it directly in her side.

END FLASHBACK

“Well, I think the ritual had an effect on her. The unicorn was targeting Ruby directly and she was going to kill her until Roseheart jumped in the way and blocked the spell. But it was how she began to act and how she blocked the spell is what scared me.” Scootaloo said in the same concerned tone.

“What do ya mean?” Applebloom asked in a scared tone. Part of her wanted to shut her ears off and not hear another word, but the other part couldn't help but listen.

“Her powers, how she was acting, it was just like Discord...” Scootaloo continued and sighed after saying this.

“Ya mean apart of him is in her?” Applebloom asked in a fearful tone.

“I don't know, but that's why I had her stay here. We don't have any unicorn's skilled enough to look over her here. So we need to go to Canterlot.” Scootaloo replied and placed a hoof on Applebloom's cheek.

“Then what are we waitin for? Winter wrap up?!” Applebloom exclaimed as she began to walk towards the door only for the Pegasus to halt in her in her hoofsteps.

“There's also a matter of these two ponies knew exactly where to find my mother and everypony else, knew that they were alone, and knew they didn't talk as much as they used to so they could target them alone.” Scootaloo said in a matter of fact tone.

“How can ya assume that? You a mind reader or somethin?” Applebloom replied with a skeptic look.

“Think about it Bloomy. The elements of harmony represent the purest of friendship. What pony in their right mind would confront them if they didn't know that they stopped hanging out together nearly as much as they used to?” Scootaloo asked in response to this query by the farm pony.

“That makes sense sorta, but how could they possibly know about all us?” Applebloom replied which caused the Pegasus to sigh.

“I don't know! If I did, I wouldn't be sitting here talking about it with you.” The Pegasus replied in a slightly annoyed tone.

“No need to get all huffy with meh now.” Applebloom replied in a similar annoyed tone.

“I'm sorry, but there's one more thing. It's about the elements of harmony. How are we supposed to know how to find them?” Scootaloo asked curiously.

“Then ah suppose we'll hit up the Starswirl the Bearded's wing while we're in Canterlot.” Applebloom replied in a matter of fact tone.

“Yeah, and while we're at it, we'll do a little research on this keeper of souls that Sweetie Belle made a deal with. With luck, we'll find out how to help her recover her memories.” Scootaloo replied as she turned around, opened the door, and walked out of the kitchen followed by Applebloom.

“So what was so important for you two to talk about that you dragged Applebloom off to the kitchen? Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

“Just some stuff.” Scootaloo replied simply.

“Stuff?” The unicorn replied unconvinced of the Pegasus's explanation.

“Ya, just some stuff that needed sortin out. Anywho, we are gonna be headin to Canterlot with Roseheart to get her looked at while we wait for the funeral to be prepared for our families. Somethin is a might off with her from what Scootaloo told meh.” Applebloom chimed in as she turned to look at Roseheart with a concerned glance.

As Roseheart stared into her mother's eyes, she could tell instantly there was a deep worry in them. Yet, she didn't know why. “Somethin wrong momma?” Roseheart asked concerned.

“Nah, I just wanna get ya checked out is all.” Applebloom lied as her eyes darted back and forth in a guilty manner along with her mouth that seemed to skew up to which Scootaloo facehoofed.

“That's one attribute I wish you hadn't picked up Bloomy.” Scootaloo thought to herself in an annoyed tone as she noticed the unicorn's eyes narrow at the farm pony.

“They're hiding something from me, I just know it.” Sweetie Belle thought to herself suspiciously.

The four arrived in Canterlot nearly a day later by train and headed off towards Canterlot castle only to be greeted by the guards whom would not let them pass.

“What the hay is your problem? Ah told ya already that ah Applejack's little sister!” Applebloom exclaimed in a annoyed tone.

“No admittance! This is by order of prince Shining Armor himself.” The guard stated in a stern tone.

“What the hay? What's goin on here?” Applebloom asked in a confused tone.

“Why won't you let us in?!” Sweetie Belle roared outraged by this lack of hospitality towards them.

Just then, Shining Armor himself could be seen walking by the window, looked out and saw them, disappeared in a flash of magic, and reappeared in another flash of magic right behind the guards. “It's okay, let them pass.” Shining Armor said casually to which the guards backed off upon hearing this to which the stallion motioned for the three mares and filly to follow him.

“What the hay is going on here Shinin? Everypony knows who we are.” Applebloom said aloud as the stallion lead the three through the castle grounds and towards the castle.

“It's complicated.” Shining Armor replied simply as the five followed him to two large golden doors to which both guards saluted Shining Armor and opened the door for him and the five.

“What's complicated? Are you going to fill us in or what?” Scootaloo asked with an annoyed expression as the stallion lead the five to a door within the castle, opened it and motioned for them to go inside.

“I'll explain everything once inside.” Shining Armor replied though he looked at them with a suspicious glance now as the five walked inside the spacious room which looked like one of the storage rooms to the castle.

Barrels, large bags and crates of food lay scattered around as the five looked about their surroundings only for Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo suddenly find themselves slammed against the wall via the stallions magic.

“What the hay is wrong with you?!” Scootaloo roared only for Shining Armor to glare at the three while Roseheart looked on horrified by this turn of events.

“I'll be asking the questions here! Applebloom, What did Twilight say to you exactly the moment she found out you were pregnant?” Shining Armor asked in a demanding tone as he stared at her.

“What the hay are-”

“Just answer the question!” Shining Armor exclaimed cutting off the farm pony mid-sentence.

“Please tell meh you aren't pregnant.” Applebloom quoted Twilight in a monotone.

The stallion seemed to accept this answer and turned to look at Scootaloo. “Scootaloo, What did you ask Rainbow Dash to do for you when you found out your real parents might be alive?” Shining Armor asked as he stared at the Pegasus.

“You expect me to remember that far back?!” Scootaloo exclaimed incredulously though the stallion seemed dead serious in his question. “Ugh fine, I asked her to send a letter to the princess to see if she could find them.” Scootaloo replied after a few tense moments of recalling exactly what she had said.

“Sweetie Belle, what happened the day Applebloom's element of harmony was shattered during the battle with Discord?” Shining Armor asked as he stared at the white unicorn now.

“You can't expect her to remember that!” Scootaloo exclaimed knowing full well she had lost her memories.

“Yeah, that's somethin she couldn’t possibly know!” Applebloom chimed in.

“Quiet the both of you!” Shining exclaimed fiercely towards the other two before he looked back at Sweetie Belle.

“I...” Sweetie Belle replied thoughtfully as her mind suddenly recalled that event though the images of the memory were foggy at best. “I transformed...into...another pony...” Sweetie Belle replied though she said each word slowly as if the memory was coming back to her at the same speed.

Upon hearing these words Scootaloo and Applebloom's expressions lit up in surprise and a few moments later the magic around them disappeared. “I'm sorry to treat you all like that, but I had to be sure you were the real deal.” Shining Armor replied and sighed.

“Ah think you owe us that explanation now.” Applebloom replied though she stilled glared at the unicorn.

“Right, well, things haven't been running so smoothly in Canterlot since I assumed the throne. Ponies have been acting different and not as themselves. Those of us who remain suspect changelings are invading Canterlot in secret but without the elements of harmony, everypony is too terrified to say anything for fear of a full-scale attack. It's only a matter of time before every member of the royal congress disappears and Queen Chrysalis runs the royal congress from the shadows.” Shining Armor explained and sighed heavily.

“Ya think she's the one who sent the assassins after the elements of harmony?” Applebloom asked curiously while the other two stood in place with worried expressions.

“I'm sure of it, what better way to eliminate her greatest threat then to send her minions to do the work.” Shining Armor replied bitterly and stomped a hoof into the ground as he grit his teeth. “She will pay for killing my sister and her friends.” The stallion remarked aloud before he sighed heavily and motioned for the four to follow him. “Come, let me show you where you'll be staying during until after the funeral.”

TWO DAYS LATER...

“Today we honor six great mares who risked their lives many times to keep the peace of Equestria maintained. In life, each one provided each of us with kindness, generosity, laughter, honesty, and loyalty. Each one of them showed us what the magic of friendship truly means and that the bonds of friendship can never be broken.” The priest voice carried over the masses of ponies gathered outside the palace. What seamed to be all of Canterlot was gathered for the funeral.

“Though they may be gone, we will never forget their-”

“Ugh, gag me with a spoon! This is boring!” A voice erupted as one mare stepped out from the shadows.

“How dare you show disrespect to the elements of harmony!” One guard exclaimed as he walked up the mare preparing to escort her out only to be blown backwards by a flash of green magic revealing Queen Chrysalis herself.

(play Pugna Cum Maga now)

“I hadn't intended on making my presence known just yet but this was just too boring, besides...” Chrysalis said with a sneer as she looked to her side at which point half of the courtyard erupted into a bright green wall of fire that blew out like a candle revealing an army of changelings. “Everypony knows a male ruler is just wrong.”

“You dare show your face, after everything you've done?” Shining Armor remarked as he stepped into view along with Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom.

“Teh, you act as if I was the one who killed the elements of harmony.” Chrysalis replied with her same sneer as she stared at Shining Armor.

“Well this escalated quickly...” Roseheart remarked under her breath as she stood behind the four.

“You were! You're the one who killed everypony, killed Applejack, killed....my...mom!” Scootaloo exclaimed as her mane and fail flailed slightly now.

“As much as I would love to take credit for this, sadly, I had no play in the element's demise.” Chrysalis replied as she flicked a hoof through her mane.

“Liar!” Shining Armor roared as he charged at the changeling Queen, horn glowing.

“This isn't good! We still don't have all the elements of harmony yet!” Sweetie Belle whispered to Scootaloo and Applebloom.

“Ah know, but we'll just have to make do with the ones we have now!” Applebloom exclaimed as her element of love appeared around her neck as did Scootaloo's element of loyalty.

That won't be necessary...

A somber calm voice spoke up so suddenly that it caused the three to jump back in shock at the sudden appearance of this mare that was not standing next to them mere seconds before.

Roseheart squinted at the new pony, then turned to the older mares in the group. "Who is that?"

Scootaloo was pale, she looked from Sweetie Belle to Roseheart. "Th, that's Selena!"

Applebloom looked on at the mystery mare with a shocked expression. "It can't be her. No way. Let meh see that cutiemark!?"

“It looks like... a circle with two long lines extending out of the middle?” The Pegasus remarked completely baffled by what the mare's cutiemark represented.

“But this can't be the Sweetie Belle we know can it? Her cutie mark isn't the same.” Applebloom remarked just as confused as Scootaloo was.

The mystery mare gave the three a passing glance before in the blink of an eye appeared in front of Shining Armor halting the stallion in his tracks as she stared at Chrysalis.

“You will not succeed today Chrysalis. Turn back now, while you have the chance to escape with your life.” The mare said calmly yet her voice had a strong sense of threat about it.

“Oh-ho-ho-ho! You think you are a match for me and my army of changelings?” Chrysalis gloated followed by a hysterical laugh until she noticed the unicorn was not backing down. “You're serious? Very well then, have a taste of my power, I am far stronger than I was when I invaded Canterlot last time!” Chrysalis exclaimed as she charged magic into her horn and fired a beam of green magic at the mare only for it to seemingly phrase through her, flew past Shining Armor's head, and right past Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Roseheart's heads as well, impacting a few feet away creating a large explosion of magic.

“H-how did you do that?! Your horn barely glowed!” Chrysalis exclaimed incredulously as she stared at the mare.

“Last chance. Leave now.” The mare said though her expression never changed, never became angry, or upset, it continued to look seemingly emotionless.

“N-Never!” Chrysalis exclaimed defiantly though her confidence had clearly been shaken by this mare's mysterious magical power. The changeling queen charged at the mystery mare only to seemingly land face first into the ground, looked behind herself, and saw the mare standing there with the same emotionless expression.

“How is she moving so fast?! Her speed is unreal!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she stared on at this clearly one-sided battle.

“There's no way this can be the Selena we know. Ah mean, look at her, she acts like facin the changeling queen is nothin!” Applebloom exclaimed in response to Scootaloo's statement.

“Changeling’s attack!” Chrysalis roared in frustration at her failed attempts to harm the mare at which point the army of Changelings whom had up till now been reeking havoc around the courtyard turned and charged straight for the mare.

The mare looked up to see the horde of changelings coming at her and sighed. “It never changes...”

“We have to help her! There's no way she can take all those changelings on her own!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed to which the three nodded in agreement and began to run forward only for the mare to stop them in their tracks with her magic.

“Hold still, this will all be over in a moment.” The mare said calmly and released them from her magical hold, looked up,channeled magic into her horn, much to the shock of the four and Shining Armor the element of kindness appeared around her neck, and in the next split second the entire horde of changelings that were nearly upon her now, went skyrocketing in multiple directions looking as if they had been beaten to a pulp.

Chrysalis looked at this entire event unfold staring on in shock and disbelief until the mare appeared in front of her at which point she stumbled backward with a fearful cry as the mare stared down at her. “And now to eliminate you.” The mare said looking at her as she rose a hoof only for the Chrysalis to disappear in a flash of magic.

SEVERAL HOURS LATER...

“Canterlot owes you a dept of gratitude but I must ask, just who are you?” Shining armor asked as he stood in his royal quarters along with Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Roseheart.

The mare up till this point was staring at the four until she heard these words and turned to look at Shining Armor. “My name is not important, but if you must call me by a name, call me Rosealoom.”(Rose-a-loom)

“Not to sound ungrateful and all, but ah want to know what kind of magic you used to beat an entire army of changelins.” Applebloom asked as she eyed Rosealoom suspiciously.

“A simple offensive spell. And speed spells were used to evade the attacks by the changeling queen.” Rosealoom replied casually then turned to look at Shining Armor once again. “I'm afraid I must bid you farewell now, there are other matters that I must attend to.” Rosealoom said with a bow before she disappeared in a flash of magic.

“Offensive spell, speed spells? Ah don't buy that for one apple-buckin second!” Applebloom exclaimed as she turned to look at Shining Armor.

The stallion nodded in agreement with this statement and sighed. “Neither do I for that matter, but she did save Canterlot and us. Besides, you saw the element of kindness around her neck right? No evil pony can possibly use one of the elements of harmony. But just in case, I'll have the royal guard look into this. This still doesn't solve the fact that we still have changelings hiding amongst us as well, but with this recent invasion attempt and the fact that ponies saw you two with your elements along with Rosealoom's, they may feel brave enough to call them out now.”

With the topic of unusual magical powers Applebloom's eyes fell on her daughter at this point which brought her request to mind. “Shinin, ah have a request to ask of ya. Ah need Roseheart looked at and ah mean really looked at.” The farm pony said putting emphasis on her last three words hoping that the stallion was picking up at her code wording.

Sure enough Shining Armor picked up on this at which point his face became concerned. “Does this have anything to do with-” Shining Armor began to ask only for the farm pony to quickly put a hoof over his mouth and silently nodded.

“Ah don't want to scare her. So please don't tell her.” Applebloom whispered before she walked away from the stallion and over to Roseheart. “Sweetie, Shinin Armor is gonna have yeah looked at to make sure ya is healthy and all, isn't that right?” Applebloom said in a soothing tone as she looked at the stallion as if cuing him to speak.

“O-Oh yes, of course! Let me work on arranging that appointment now.” Shining Armor replied stuttering slightly having picked up on the cue a little late and promptly left the room.

“It's been a long day, lets get some sleep.” Scootaloo remarked as she jumped into the bed.

“Yeah, we still need to worry about those assassins as well but they wouldn't dare come to Canterlot.” Applebloom chimed in as she jumped into the bed as well.

“If you think I'm gonna sleep in the same bed as you two, you're both crazy!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with a glare which was met with laughter from the two mares.

“Oh come on Sweetie Belle, I'll behave, but I can't speak for Applebloom-ow!” Scootaloo replied with a smirk only to get a swift hoof to the side from her mate.

“Roseheart's in the room y'all, lets keep the mare-talk to a minimum.” Applebloom remarked with a stern glare at Scootaloo while Roseheart rolled her eyes.

“Ah'm gonna go ask one of the guards to find meh a separate room.” Roseheart remarked as she walked out of the room.

“Ah don't think it's a good idea for Roseheart to be wonderin about the castle halls like this, especially with changelins wonderin about.” Applebloom remarked as she jumped out of the bed and followed her daughter out the door.

“Ah know, don't you worry. Ah won't tell em. They wouldn't understand.”

“Roseheart, who the hay are you talkin to?” Applebloom asked as she turned the corner to see her daughter standing alone in the hallway.

“Nopony momma. Ah'm just talkin to mahself.” Roseheart remarked with a guilty expression.

The farm pony wanted to argue this farther, but her main concern was getting her daughter back into the bedroom. “Uh-uh...well ah reckon you need to be sleepin in the same room as us so get your keister back in the bedroom young filly.” Applebloom said with a stern expression as she pointed a hoof down the hall to which the filly obeyed without question with her tail between her legs.

Applebloom gave one last glance down the hall, to her right, and behind herself before letting out a sigh. “Just who the hay was she talkin to?”

MEANWHILE IN AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION...

Octavia and Scratch stood before a jet black mare; a dark aura was emitting from her body causing black smoke to flow from where she stood and envelope the surrounding area.

“You failed me...” The jet black said as it stared at the two whom looked to be shaking slightly.

“Your darkness, you could not hope to expect us to contend with the element's power as it is. We would have been surely defeated.” Octavia replied defensively.

“As always Octavia, you speak out of your place. But you are right. After all, who knows the elements of harmony better than myself...” The jet black mare replied followed by a cackle.

“It also appears that Queen Chrysalis had launched an attack against Canterlot and failed.” Octavia replied allowed herself to regain her prim and proper composure.

“So...she's arrived... Just as I predicted she would. Such an ignorant mare.” The jet black replied with a sneer.

“Should I confront her?” Octavia asked curiously.

“No, There is no need for that now. No, we will wait and let my friends do the work this time. She won't expect it... Bloodbane, Stormhooves!” The Jet black mare exclaimed at which point a crimson red stallion appeared in a flash of magic along side of a black Pegasus.

“You called your majesty?” Bloodbane replied with a deep bow.

“Yes, your darkness?” Stormhooves replied with a similar bow.

“Your chance for vengeance is at hoof! How have the powers I have bestowed upon you two been treating you?” The jet black mare asked as she looked upon them.

“Very nicely your majesty, we have found a few creatures in the Everfree forest who share our disdain for the ponies of Equestria and are willing to assist us.” Stormhooves replied as he looked up at the jet black mare while maintaining his bow.

“Very well, eliminate the element of Loyalty and the foal known as Roseheart but do not kill the element of love, bring her here, I have plans for her.” The jet black mare replied.

“Consider it done your majesty.” Stormhooves replied at which point the two disappeared in a flash of magic.

The sun rose to the sky and the roosters could be heard making their calls in celebration of the arrival of the sun. Shining Armor walked in from the outside now looking exhausted as he was greeted by the four. “Morning everypony.” he said as he wiped beads of sweat from his head.

“You look terrible, what happened?” Scootaloo asked with a concerned expression.

“Well, as you all know, it's the ruler's job to raise the sun and moon, but since I’m not an Alicorn, it takes its toll.” Shining Armor replied with a weary smile.

“Can't Cadence do that? Where the hay is she anyways?” Applebloom asked upon hearing this response.

“She's busy managing the crystal kingdom. Normally, my position as captain of the royal guard when my sister was alive would have given me the right to leave at anytime providing no crisis was happening, but since I am ruler of Equestria now, we can only communicate by letters these days.” Shining armor replied with a sigh.

“I know the feeling, Spike is still in Ponyville and I worry about him every day.” Sweetie Belle remarked with a smile as she walked up to Shining Armor and hugged him.

“We've only been in Canterlot for three days Sweetie Belle, it's not like Ponyville is gonna be blown to bits while we're gone.” Scootaloo remarked with an eye-rolling gesture which was met with a glare from the unicorn.

“I still worry about him! How would you feel if Applebloom was in some town where you couldn't contact her quickly?” Sweetie Belle shot back.

“Calm down you two. Arguin ain't gonna make anypony feel better.” Applebloom interjected as she stared at the two whom were glaring at one another till she spoke.

“I arranged an appointment for Roseheart today, you can drop her off there whenever you feel like it.” Shining Armor said after a few awkward moments of silence.

“Thanks. Ah'll make sure to do that as soon as we get somethin to eat.” Applebloom replied with a smile then turned to look at Roseheart with a mildly concerned expression.

Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Roseheart sat in the royal dining room eating what could have been nothing less than a smorgasbord of food for twenty ponies, yet the four alone were more than enough to eat half of it within thirty minuets.

“Ah'm plum starvin still!” Applebloom exclaimed as she grabbed yet another plate of food and began to chow down on it.

“Geez, with that kind of appetite, I wonder if you aren't pregnant again.” Sweetie Belle remarked with a smirk.

“Unless Scootaloo suddenly became a stallion at some point, ah highly doubt that Sweetie Belle.” The farm pony replied with a glare before she stuffed a large fork-full of cauliflower into her mouth.

Sweetie Belle then turned to look at Scootaloo whom was showing a similar appetite to Applebloom's and gawked at her along with Roseheart. “Maybe the elements of harmony take more energy to use than we thought. I mean you both used them a lot a few days ago and we haven't had a decent meal since then.” Sweetie Belle remarked thoughtfully which caused both mares to stop shoving food into their mouths and stare at her.

“You might be right. I admit that since I have gotten my element of harmony, I've been a lot more hungry than usual. But I just figured it was because I got my flank handed to me and haven't had much to eat the past few days.” Scootaloo replied with a thoughtful expression.

The farm pony stared at her plate and sighed. “Ah really haven't been payin attention. Ah mean maybe that is a side-effect of usin em, but in the last ten years I've had this element, ah haven't really noticed any difference in mah eatin habits.” Applebloom remarked and pushed her plate away moments later.

“Well we won't know until we check the Starswirl the bearded wing. So let's drop Roseheart off and do that now.” Scootaloo said after a few more moments of silence.

The four stood up from the table, walked out of the dining hall, dropped Roseheart off with the medical ponies, and proceeded to the Starswirl the bearded wing.

“Are you kiddin meh?! Nothin is in here on the elements of harmony?!”” Applebloom exasperated after hours of searching the scrolls and books that littered the room. “Ah still need to check on Roseheart for pony's sake and this is takin far too long!” Applebloom exclaimed as she walked over to the next shelf and began to dig through the scrolls and books.

“I'm sure they have something on it in here honey, lets just keep looking.” Scootaloo called from about four aisles down.

Check in the back

Though Applebloom knew whom this voice belonged to, she had appeared so suddenly next to Applebloom that it literally scared the hay out of her and forced her to place a hoof on her chest as she caught her breath. “Holy Horseapples Rosealoom, don't sneak up on a pony like that! Gonna give meh a heart attack I swear.” Applebloom remarked, took a few more deep breaths, and sighed before what the mare had said clicked with her. “Wait, check in the back? What back?”

Without another word, Rosealoom calmly walked up to the left side of the room directly down from the aisle that Scootaloo was looking through and placed a hoof on the wall at which point the exact spot she had placed her hoof on lit up with a blue light before apart of the wall lifted, revealing a small hole in the wall.

“What the hay is that? Some kind of glory hole?” Scootaloo remarked skeptically which was met with astonished expression from everypony in the room including Rosealoom whom stared at her.

“Scooty, sometimes ah worry bout what kind of stuff you read, ah really do.” Applebloom remarked as she placed a hoof on her forehead and sighed heavily.

“It's actually a key hole.” Rosealoom replied though her expression looked visibly shaken still by the Pegasus's remark.

“A key hole? I've never seen a key hole like that before.” Sweetie Belle remarked as she stared at it.

“You haven't? I'm surprised, it's the same kind of key hole Princess Celestia used herself to store the elements of harmony.” Rosealoom replied matter-of-factually.

Scootaloo's eyes then lit up in understanding as she looked on. “Oh! So it requires a unicorn horn to unlock right?”

“Yes. And fortunately, this one isn't protected by any enchantments so just about any unicorn horn can unlock it.” Rosealoom replied, lowered her head, and inserted her horn into the key hole at which point the wall burst to life with a flash of blue magic and seemed to split down the middle as it revealed a small room no larger than a broom closet with a single book on a pedestal.

Rosealoom watched as Sweetie Belle levitated it to the three, sat it on the floor, and opened the book up. “I'm afraid you won't be able to understand most of it though.” Rosealoom remarked as the three looked up at her on confusion.

“What kind of language is this? I've learned how to read Equestrian, griffon, hippogriff, and even zebra language but this doesn't look anything like any of those.” Sweetie Belle remarked looking completely baffled.

“It's written in a language that has been dead since the dawn of our time. The language of humans.” Rosealoom replied which was met with shocked looks from the three. “What's worse is that the only two ponies whom who could read and write this language are not available to decipher this book.”

“Princess Celestia and Luna...” Scootaloo remarked slowly to which Rosealoom nodded.

“I however must be leaving now. I have other things to attend to.” Rosealoom replied and disappeared in a flash of magic.

“What the hay is with that mare? She pops up at random times and then leaves just as randomly. And how did she know we were in here anyways?” Sweetie Belle remarked as she slapped a hoof on the book in frustration.

“Ah don't know, but lets scan the book and see if we can find anythin that can tell us somethin about the elements.” The farm pony remarked as she continued to scan the pages.

“Hey Momma, Ah'm back from that check up. If you can call checkin the places where the sun don't shine a standard check up. Ah reckon ah got a whole new understandin of what it means to have them really look at meh. They told meh you three would be in here so ah came to see what y'all are up to.” Roseheart said aloud and rubbed her rump as she walked up to the three.

“Did they find out anythin?” Applebloom asked as she stood up, walked over to her daughter, and gave her a loving hug.

“No, but ah found out that ah don't like ponies stickin stuff in mah cherrybush.” Roseheart remarked sourly to which Applebloom's face became guilt stricken and annoyed.

“When ah said to have ya really looked at, ah didn't mean for them to perform a cherry bush exam.” Applebloom remarked as she slammed a hoof on her forehead and shook it in disapproval.

“You mean a gynecological exam?” Sweetie Belle pipped up as she looked over at the two which was met with glares from both ponies.

“Yes, you livin dictionary, that.” The farm pony remarked sourly.

“Can we please talk about somethin else? Ah'm tryin to forget that ever happened.” Roseheart replied annoyed as she briskly walked past her mother and to the book.

“Your wasting your time trying to read this book sweetie, it's not written in any language you can...read?!” Scootaloo began to say only to trail off as Roseheart began to read it aloud as if she completely understood the written language.

Long ago, during a time of turmoil and what many refer to as hell on earth. Human kind had undergone a transformation of the most unexpected kind.

This is my diary on the life I now live, the life I am now forced to live.

This is my story...

Author's Note

Who is this mysterious Rosealoom and why did she suddenly appear? All will be revealed in upcoming chapters!

A stallion's tale

A STALLION'S TALE

Applebloom stared in shock at her daughter's ability to read this unreadable book. “H-How are ya doing that?! Say somethin!” Applebloom exclaimed as she rushed over to her daughter only to be halted by Sweetie Belle.

“Wait! This may be the only way we can find out about the elements of harmony!” Sweetie Belle whispered to the farm pony.

“But-But look at her! She's talkin as if she's possessed or somethin!” Applebloom exclaimed as she continued to stare at her daughter while her motherly instincts were screaming at her to stop her and protect her daughter from whatever was possessing her right now.

“I don't like this any more than you do Bloomy but Sweetie Belle is right, this may be our only chance to find out about the elements of harmony. If it looks like she's in pain at any point I'll yank her away from the book okay?”

The farm pony did not answer right away but she did look as if she was considering her options. “Fine, but if anythin happens to her Scooty, you and Sweetie Belle are gonna learn a whole new meanin of the term, Ticked off momma” Applebloom replied ending her sentence on a threatening note.

Roseheart however continued to read from the book seemingly not hearing a word.

January 31st 1875 B.E.

I thought it may be wise to keep a log of my day to day activities in case I may produce any offspring. Though I suppose this would be may be a tad tedious for a grand wizard such as myself, I find keeping a record of my work to be of the utmost respect towards future generations whom may read this long after I am gone.

After the defeat of Lord Blackthorn The Reviled, it was soon revealed that he had a son, because I was the one who personally defeated him, I felt compelled to take responsibility for his son and make sure the child did not follow in his father's footsteps.I plan to take the boy in as my apprentice and teach him to use his magical talents for the good of mankind. Though I have no intention of becoming a father figure to the boy.

I prey that with my guidance he will not repeat his father's mistakes.

March 13th 1880 B.E.

Most of today was spent lecturing my apprentice on the importance of keeping one's mind and soul in constant harmony with one another when using magic. Merrick has tremendous talent as a wizard, more so than any I have encountered.

Considering who his father was, that is no surprise. Though he has often asked me about his blood parents, I have not told him for fear it may affect his studies. When he is old enough, I will tell him.

April 1st 1880 B.E

Today was a day I will not soon forget.

Merrick had stumbled upon a book containing dark magical spells that I had misplaced. I felt the surge of dark magical energies from my study and feared the worst of what was happening. When I came into the library, my worst fears were confirmed as I looked at Merrick.

Dark magicks surrounded him as if driven by an unseen force. But this is not what scared me the most, the boy was in complete control of this dark magic despite the fact that dark magic almost always possesses the caster.

I pleaded with him to cease this dark magic immediately but it's power seemed intoxicate the boy's judgment. It fell upon me to dispel his magic with my own...

Merrick now sleeps soundly in his bedroom though I fear what effect today's events will have on him and his studies in the magical arts.

October 15th 1885 B.E.

Merrick is now in his teen years and despite the day to day hardships that come with raising a teenage boy, his studies seem to be coming along at an exponential rate. I foresee him becoming a fine wizard in the future.

I admit that despite my earlier decision to teach the boy and keep myself distant from him, I have become rather attached to him. Just today, he called me “Dad”. I must say that this was completely unexpected and despite the fact I had decided to keep myself distant from the boy, I find myself seeing him as a son rather than just an apprentice these days.

September 19th 1887 B.E.

I have had it with the boy! What on earth makes him think that transfiguring a cat into a Manticore is an acceptable form of magic?!

It started out as innocent experimentation. I did my best to tutor him on the respect for living creatures but in the last two years, he has seemed to ignore any and all of my guidance! I don't know what to do with him.

If this keeps up I may have to expel him from my library to prevent farther damage to his studies. This is the last thing I would ever want to do to him...

December 10th 1889 B.E.

Today is a grim day indeed. I'm afraid I will no longer be keeping a log of my teaching of Merrick since he is no longer my apprentice...

I didn't want it to come to this, I still feel to this day that I have wronged him but I know that this is the best for him and myself. I wish it had not come to this...

“Who the hay is this? We still don't know who it was who was teachin him anythin or anything about the elements of harmony.” Applebloom remarked curiously.

“There are still plenty of pages left in this book, I'm sure we'll hear something about the elements of harmony soon.” Sweetie Belle replied.

“We know one thing though, Discord didn't start out evil like we all thought he did. He was just a young colt who got involved in magic that he shouldn't have.” Scootaloo remarked before she turned to continue listening to Roseheart.

0001 Month unknown N.E.

It's hard to imagine, but I write to this log now not as a human being but as a equine horse. It had taken me a complete year to master this new form of magic. Earth as we know has been forever changed.

I can barely keep track of the months anymore. Months of hiding from the armies of my apprentice who now goes by the name of Discord. Most water is undrinkable now unless you wish to become a slave to Discord's will. It rains that cursed water every day now, polluting more and more of our world's vital resource.

Celestia has assigned me as head of the magical research team to help find a way to counter his dark magic. I haven't the slightest clue of where to begin.

I have lost access to my library of magical knowledge, I and my research team am constantly on the run from execution squads and the like, and to make matters worse, one of my research team made the mistake of drinking the cursed water just yesterday.

We had no choice but to... Kill them.

In light of this tragic event however, we did learn one thing new. Everyone who has been possessed by Discord's magic seems to have a magical link with one another telling them everything they have learned.

This explains why our location is never kept a secret for long despite the fact we have dispatched many before they could run off to tell of our location.

We will use this information to plan our hiding spots accordingly.

0005 Month unknown N.E.

We are no closer to finding out how to stop Discord than we were four years ago and time is not on our side, many of us are in our elder years and we may have to resort to age magic in order to continue our research despite the fact that we have turned nothing up as of yet.

0050 Month unknown N.E.

Celestia and Luna have both decided that since this world has been forever changed that they should rename it. I myself disagree with this as human kind should not cater to this mad creatures new world. But we did discover something about the two. They have not aged a day since our world was changed.

We have begun to suspect that they may be immortal.

0109 Month unknown N.E.

One hundred and nine years... Where has the time gone?

Regardless, I myself have made a breakthrough in our studies. At least I hope I have. I have discovered a location in a forest we have dubbed “The Everfree Forest” due to the fact that despite the creatures that live there, the forest itself defies the unnatural laws of this new world. Perhaps this was the earth's way of keeping apart of itself pure.

But I degress, I have gone off subject here.

What I have discovered in the Everfree forest is a doorway to another world. A world that seems to transcend time and space. It was here I discovered a mare who said she could promise me the knowledge to create something called “The Elements Of Harmony” but at a price.

I left after informing the mystery mare that I would ask my fellow research team and come back with an answer. Not shockingly, my entire team instantly agreed that any price would be worth the power to defeat Discord.

I however was not so sure. Regardless, I plan to return to the mystery mare and accept her offer later this week.

“Wait an apple-buckin second! The elements of harmony were created by this stallion?!” Applebloom exclaimed in shock.

“Looks that way... lets hear the rest. There are a few more pages still.” Scootaloo replied before she turned back to the book and listened to what Roseheart was saying.

0110 month unkown N.E.

It has been a year since I've written anything,though given the time lapses in this log, this is nothing short of standard due to the lives we live now.

The elements of harmony are nearing their completion and though the results look promising, I did note several oddities in the knowledge I was bestowed with. So I went back to the mare and asked her what these oddities were.

She once again asked for a price for this knowledge. I accepted her offer without hesitation and learned something very disturbing about the elements of harmony.

Unlike any other magical items created in our time, the elements of harmony choose a new bearer the moment the previous ones passes on or no longer represents that element.

Furthermore, if the elements are used alone rather than in unison....

Roseheart seemed to trail off and then her eyes snapped open in shock and looked about herself. “Momma, what was ah doin?” The filly asked looking confused now.

“N-Nothin sweetie. You just zoned out for awhile thar.” Applebloom said quickly upon realizing her daughter had snapped out of her trance.

“Horseapples! Just when it was getting to the important part!” Scootaloo whispered to Sweetie Belle and slapped a hoof on the floor in frustration.

Now do you understand?

Rosealoom had once again appeared behind the four startling the heck out of them with her words to which the three stared at her confused.

“Understand what?” Scootaloo asked as she eyed the unicorn suspiciously.

Rosealoom's eyes then fell upon the filly. “It seems she was unable to convey the information that was most important.” The mare remarked and then looked to the window outside as if she was staring at somepony and narrowed her eyes before she turned to face the four again.

MEANWHILE IN AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION...

“Horseapples that was close! That buffoon almost blew the lid on information that could have possibly hindered my plans.” The Jet-black mare remarked as the green glow in her eyes slowly faded.

“Won't she tell them herself though?” Octavia asked curiously.

“She wouldn't dare. It would cause them to ask many questions that she doesn't want to answer.” The Jet-black mare replied with a sneer. “However this chain of events has gone unseen even by me which should be impossible. How could he still exist? How did that mare know that he still did exist? Something is going on behind the scenes and I am going to find out what!”

“Your darkness?” Octavia asked looking confused by her mistresses words.

“I have somewhere to be, you are to take no action until I return, are we clear?” The Jet-black mare said looking at Octavia now.

“Understood your darkness.” Octavia remarked with a bow.

The Jet-Black mare then disappeared in a flash of black magic...

“I must be going.” Rosealoom replied and abruptly disappeared in a flash of magic.

“What in the blueberry buck was that about? She asks us if we understand somethin and then disappears without tellin us what?” Applebloom remarked looking completely baffled and annoyed by the current situation.

“I don't know either, but this makes me want to finish reading this journal even more now.” Scootaloo replied and sighed.

“Wait a second, ya hear that?” Applebloom asked curiously as her left ear twitched straining to pick up the sound she had heard before.

“Hear what?” Scootaloo asked curiously.

A jet black filly Alicorn charged through the halls of Canterlot castle frantically avoiding attacks by an unknown source....

“Sounds like offensive magic bein used.” Applebloom remarked curiously as she opened the door the library and began to walk down the hall. Scootaloo was soon to follow as did Sweetie Belle and Roseheart.

“Applebloom! Help me!”

The farm filly's head snapped in nearly every direction it could physically perform in a few seconds as she looked about herself. “Did y'all hear that?” She asked.

“No.” Sweetie Belle replied simply.

“Applebloom....help!”

“There it is again! Ya can't tell me you didn't hear that!” Applebloom exclaimed as she looked at her two friends who looked at her now with equally concerned expressions.

“Are you sure you're okay honey?” Scootaloo asked as she walked up and placed a hoof on Applebloom's shoulder.

“Shh!” she hissed as she strained to hear the voice again.

“Please, save me Applebloom!”

“It's comin from thar!” The farm filly exclaimed as she ran down the hallway to which the other three followed her.

“Whose voice did you hear?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously as she four made a left turn only to halt in shock as a jet black Alicorn filly slammed into the hallway wall and scrambled to dodge a magical beam of magic as it hit the wall behind her and sent her flying forward and right in front of the four.

It was then much to Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle's shock that Rosealoom herself stepped from behind the corner, horn glowing as she glared at in their direction. “There you are.” Rosealoom said, her voice seething with hatred as the Alicorn filly looked at the unicorn with terror-filled eyes for a moment before she looked at Applebloom.

“Applebloom, please protect me!” She pleaded.

“That's the voice Ah heard ealier! She must have been talkin to me usin magic!” Applebloom remarked in shock and then saw that Rosealoom's horn had begun to glow again and moments later fired a beam of magic at the Alicorn filly.

Without thinking, Applebloom leaped in front of the filly and used her element of harmony to project a shield which blocked Rosealoom's attack.“What in tarnation are ya doin?! She's just a filly!” Applebloom exclaimed with a glare the mare.

“That thing is no more a filly than a changeling is a pony!” Rosealoom's retorted as she walked a few feet towards the five and her horn glowed once again. “Now step aside.” She said, her voice and expression saying she was dead serious.

“I was sent by princess Celestia to help you! Please don't let her kill me!” The filly pleaded.

“The princess?! She's broken free from her stone prison?!” Scootaloo exclaimed in shock.

“All lies! Don't let that thing trick you Applebloom! Now step aside and let me get rid of it!” Rosealoom shouted her horn still glowing.

“I'll explain everything later, for now, just protect me from her!” The filly replied as she looked at Rosealoom.

“Applebloom, please listen to reason. That thing says nothing but lies and deceit. It will be-”

“Ah've heard enough from ya! Ah ain't lettin ya hurt this filly!” Applebloom roared cutting off the unicorn as she glared at Rosealoom.

Rosealoom simply stared at Applebloom for a time until her horn stopped glowing and sighed heavily.”So it begins again...” Rosealoom remarked softly as she walked away.

“Wait, what starts again?” Roseheart asked curiously only she never got her answer as Rosealoom disappeared in a flash of magic.

“I can't believe an element of harmony would try to harm an innocent filly.” Scootaloo remarked in a stunned tone.

“Never mind that for now, what were ya sayin about bein sent by Celestia to help us?” Applebloom asked as she looked at the filly.

Before she could reply however, a stamped of hooves could be heard running about the halls.

RUN FOR YOU'RE LIVES! CANTERLOT IS UNDER ATTACK!

These three words shouted by a random pony caused all three mares to stand up in alarm. “Is it Chrysalis again?” Scootaloo asked curiously.

“Ah don't know, but we have a job to do Scooty, so lets go!” Applebloom exclaimed then turned to face her daughter. “You stay here with Sweetie Belle okay honeh? Ah don't want ya to be caught in the crossfire.”

“Okay...” Roseheart replied though she looked worried now.

The farm pony then looked at Sweetie Belle with a similar worried expression. “You'll protect her right?”

“With my life, don't worry about us, go!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with a reassuring smile to which Applebloom and Scootaloo rushed out the hall and quickly ran outside followed by the Alicorn filly unknown to the two...

Author's Note

This chapter has been sitting on my hard drive FOR OVER A YEAR. I simply added a few things to it and figured 3k words was enough to put out for it. Consider this a "one time update" so to speak as this fic is not the one I am working on atm. It's only sat on my HD for this long because when i was writing this, I was aiming for 5-6k chapters in most of my fics.