My Little Pony: Nine Elements

Book 3

Written by Brandon Nell, Rachael Ravens, and Blake Hawkins

Chapter 13: Magical Mystery Cure

Six days after Ms. Harshwhinny’s visit to the Crystal Empire, Princess Celestia looked over the book in her possession one last time. She knew it was no ordinary book. Despite its seemingly plain appearance with only two big blue stars surrounded by swirls on its cover, this book was in fact the personal journal of Starswirl the Bearded. And it was the only thing in his possession that had remained after his mysterious and unannounced disappearance.

“Are you certain she is well and truly ready, sister?” Luna asked. She had a revived Canis on her back.

“Sterling’s predictions have never been wrong before,” Celestia answered. “She predicted Sombra and the Crystal Empire would return and we wouldn’t have her or Gold Lily to help, she predicted I would have to banish one close to me, she predicted you would return, she predicted Discord would return, and she predicted that Chrysalis would invade our kingdom. Every single one of those predictions came true.”

“That is all true,” Luna conceded with a nod.

“I was too proud to heed these predictions in the past,” Celestia admitted. “After banishing you, I vowed to treat these predictions with greater gravitas. Though I have faith in her predictions now, I still understand the weight of this decision. I’ve thought it over since Twilight proved herself instrumental in defeating Chrysalis’ invasion. I planned this for Sunset Shimmer, but, she’s been gone for over two years now and I have no idea where she went.”

“Do you really believe Twilight Sparkle can do what even Starswirl could not?” Luna asked.

“Why not?” Canis asked. “She came to understand friendship and Starswirl never did.”

“That is also true, Canis,” Luna agreed.

"She has shown an ability to master magic that rivals even that of my own,” Celestia said firmly. “She continues to exceed even my highest of expectations. I've tested her time and time again and she has always passed with flying colors. She is ready."

“Very well, sister,” Luna said. “Send it to her. For both our sakes, I hope your faith in your student is not misplaced. Sterling’s predictions may have never been wrong, but, you have.”

Celestia knew Luna was right about that. So, she opted to write down a little note to send along with the journal. “Instructions” so that her student might know best how to proceed with something so important. Doing her best to keep a quill held aloft in her magic steady, she wrote in large letters “DO NOT OPEN WITHOUT ME!” and then signed her name at the bottom. She would come to Ponyville first thing after raising the sun tomorrow. At least then, I’ll be on standby in case anything goes wrong, she thought to herself, trusting Twilight not to disobey an order.

Yet what the mighty alicorn could not have known was that her instructions were going to be ignored. She had underestimated just how eager Twilight would be to perform new magic and the consequences of that decision would have profound effects that even the sun princess could not have anticipated. And when it was all said and done, a big change would be coming to Twilight’s life. But, it would not unfold in the way that Princess Celestia was expecting.

Twilight Sparkle woke up the next morning feeling even more cheerful than usual. Something about last night had awakened something inside of her that made her feel happy just to be alive and living in a town like Ponyville. Looking out her bedroom window and taking in the sights of the town she’d come to call home for over two years now, something began to stir inside of her. She looked to her side and saw Spike sleeping soundly. While she felt that something stirring inside her, she exercised enough restraint to gently wake Spike up, knowing first hoof how cranky he got rude awakenings. Spike slowly but surely started to wake up, feeling rested after his sleep. He yawned and rubbed one of his sleepy eyes.

“Morning, Mom,” Spike said. “You’re looking eager. Is it a special occasion that I don’t know about yet? Or are you still in a good mood from your outing with Flash last night?” The night before, Flash Sentry had come to visit his younger brother, bumped into Twilight, and they started hanging out, which put Twilight in a good mood thereafter. Twilight chuckled good-naturedly.

“That was a large aspect of why I’m so happy,” Twilight replied honestly. “But, I’m mostly glad that you and I are living here in Ponyville. After two years, it still proves to be as wonderful as ever. How about we go out and grab some breakfast and then we’ll gather our friends together for a lovely day out.”

“You had me at breakfast,” Spike said. As if to agree with him, his stomach gave a loud, hungry rumble.

Twilight giggled adorably as she lowered herself to allow Spike onto her back. “Climb aboard, son,” she said. Spike eagerly climbed onto Twilight’s back. He always felt safe on Twilight’s back.

Once she made sure Spike was secure, Twilight walked out of the front door of the Golden Oak Library. The sunlight cascaded warmly upon them as Twilight walked into town with Spike riding on her back. The unicorn finally began to sing.

“Morning in Ponyville shimmers~
Morning in Ponyville shines~
And I know for absolute certain
That everything is certainly fine~

There’s the mayor en route to her office~
There’s the sofa clerk selling some quills

“Morning, kid,” he called. Twilight waved politely.

Yes, Ponyville is so gentle and still~
Can things ever go wrong?
I don’t think that they will~

Morning in Ponyville shimmers~
Morning in Ponyville shines~
And I know for absolute certain
That everything is certainly-”

But, before she could finish, Twilight’s singing was suddenly (and quite rudely in the unicorn’s opinion) interrupted by a shower of cold water. Spike shivered at the sudden onslaught of cold.

“Rainbow!” Twilight said in annoyance as she wrapped Spike in her forehooves to warm him up. “That wasn’t funny! If you didn’t like my singing, you could have just said something! You don’t have to literally rain on my parade! Especially with Spike on my back! You know how sensitive to the cold he is!”

“Terribly sorry, Twilight,” said the culprit. However, it wasn’t Rainbow who was responsible. Instead, it was actually Rarity. She was standing on a nearby bridge, her horn illuminated with her light blue magic aura. “I’m afraid I’m not very good with those storm clouds.” What was most peculiar about Rarity was that her Cutie Mark was the same white cloud with primary color lightning bolt that previously adorned Rainbow Dash’s flank.

When Spike was warmed up, he got a good look at Rarity as well and couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “Mom,” he whispered to Twilight. “I get the suspicion that everything’s not fine.”

“You’re right,” Twilight whispered back. “We better look into this.” Twilight and Spike approached Rarity. “Rarity, why are you on weather patrol? That’s Rainbow’s job. And why do you have Rainbow’s Cutie Mark instead of your own? You’re supposed to be working at Carousel Boutique.”

“I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you’re talking about, Twilight,” Rarity said. “I’ve always had this Cutie Mark. And Carousel Boutique? I don’t think I would be eligible to work there. My job is to manage the different weather that the Cloudsdale weather factory produces specifically for Ponyville. However, it’s a tad bit hard to do that on time and keep the sky looking beautiful. And if I don’t get it done soon, I’ll never have time to test my skills in the next Equestrian 500.”

“That’s a pegasus race,” Spike said. “You’re not a pegasus, you’re a unicorn.”

“They did make an exception for me,” Rarity explained.

“HOW?!” Spike asked, getting more stressed. “YOU ARE A UNICORN!!! YOU CAN’T FLY!!!”

“Spike, please,” Twilight said, trying to calm Spike down. “It is okay to be stressed, especially with how confusing this all is. But, I’m sure once we figure out what’s going on, we’ll be able to find a solution to this problem.” She then turned her attention to Rarity. "Where’s Rainbow Dash? Shouldn’t she be taking care of this or at least assisting you?"

Rarity just replied, “Rainbow Dash has never worked a day in weather. But, if you want to know more, you can ask her yourself. She lives in a cottage near the Everfree Forest.”

Twilight and Spike were making their way to the cottage they remembered belonging to Fluttershy. Spike was trying (and failing) to make any sense of what was going on.

“Rarity on weather patrol and participating in the Equestrian 500?” Spike said. “Rainbow not on weather patrol and living in a cottage? It just doesn’t add up! What is going on here?!”

“Something strange for sure,” Twilight could only say. “And something that might be my fault. I don’t know how, but, it’s possible.” Twilight then knocked on the cottage door, the sounds of angry animals were heard inside.

Coming up to the front door, the pony and dragon knocked and were surprised to be greeted by Rainbow Dash instead of Fluttershy. “Hey Twilight, hey Spike,” the rainbow-maned pegasus greeted. “Sorry, but, this is kind of a bad time. You’ll... have to come back later, I’ve got my hooves full at the moment.”

“Only if you can answer some questions for us,” Twilight said. “First of all, why is Rarity doing your job?”

“And why are you in Fluttershy’s cottage?” Spike asked.

Rainbow Dash shot back a look of confusion even as she reluctantly allowed Twilight and Spike to enter the cottage proper. “I’m doing the same job I’ve been doing since I got my Cutie Mark. This was the only place I could find where the animals could come to me instead of me having to always rush to the animals.” And as she spoke, it was possible to see that she had the three pink butterflies that had always been on Fluttershy’s flank. “These animals won’t listen to me.”

“Because you’re not a Critter Whisperer,” Spike said. “You never were! You’re more likely to kick creatures bigger than yourself even if it goes wrong!”

“Regardless,” Rainbow said. “I have this Cutie Mark and I’m going to do my job… even if I’m sucking at it so far.” She then gave Spike a gentle pat on the head. “Maybe once I get better, we can have some tea and andalusite shard cookies.” The prismatic-maned pegasus then began singing.

“These animals don’t listen,
No, not one little bit!
They run around out of control
And throw their hissyfits~

It’s up to me to stop them,
Cuz’ plainly you can see
It’s got to be my destiny~
And it’s what my Cutie Mark is telling me~”

If he’d received such a pat on the head and offer from Fluttershy, the little dragon would’ve been tickled pink. In this circumstance, however, he got them from Rainbow, which fueled his anxiety. Twilight noticed this and gently pulled him away from Rainbow.

“Okay, we’ll go,” Twilight said. “But, would you mind telling us where we could find Fluttershy?”

“Same place she usually is,” Rainbow said. “At Sugarcube Corner with the Cakes.”

“Really?” Twilight questioned. “Isn’t that more Pinkie Pie’s thing?”

“Go and see for yourself if you don’t believe me,” Rainbow insisted. “Either way, for right now, I’ve got to try and get these animals under control.”

So, Twilight and Spike head to Sugarcube Corner. There, Fluttershy was timidly standing in front of a group of ponies. In lieu of the usual pink butterflies on her flank, she had three balloons: one yellow (though a darker shade in comparison to her butter yellow coat) and two blue.

“Sorry, Twilight. Sorry, Spike. Can’t talk right now,” Fluttershy said to both as they approached her. “You can clearly see that I’m busy. I’m not the best at parties and celebrations, but, they’re the fastest way to spread joy. And joy and laughter are two things Ponyville needs badly today. It seems to be a day when everything is going wrong.”

The ponies watching Fluttershy’s attempts at spreading laughter were clearly not amused. “Where’s Pinkie Pie?” asked Shoeshine.*

“Why does everypony keep saying that?” Fluttershy asked. “I’ve always been an entertainer. I really don’t have a lot of other options thanks to my Cutie Mark. I used to be at least somewhat capable of making other ponies happy and I have to keep trying until I can do it again. Nopony else is going to do it.”

“With Fluttershy’s social anxiety and timidity around other ponies,” Twilight whispered. “Of course she’s having a hard time spreading laughter.” She then cleared her throat and walked over to Mr. and Mrs. Cake. “So, where exactly is Pinkie Pie anyway?”

“Over at Sweet Apple Acres,” Mr. Cake said flatly.

“Poor thing has been working so hard,” Mrs. Cake said. “She was so confused when she woke up in her bed this morning.”

“Pinkie could do it,” Spike said to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy shook her head. “Especially not her. I could never ask her or any of our other friends to do my job anymore than I could be expected to take over on one of their jobs. You can’t argue with Cutie Marks.” And then she went on to unhappily sing while attempting (and ultimately failing) to entertain the ponies inside the bakery.

“I try to keep them laughing, put a smile upon their face,
But, no matter what I try, it seems a bit of a disgrace
I have to entertain them, it’s there for all to see
It’s got to be my destiny and it’s what my Cutie Mark is telling me~”

“This is physically painful to watch,” Spike said.

“Sounds like we’ll have to go to Sweet Apple Acres next,” Twilight said. “See how bad this situation really is.”

“I feel so sorry for Pinkie,” Fluttershy said. “She leaves one farm life behind only to end up with another.”

“We’ll talk to her and see if we can help her,” Spike said. Though how is going to be the real question, he thought.

Twilight and Spike soon left Sugarcube Corner and made their way to Sweet Apple Acres on the other end of town. Yet, even though it wasn’t affected by Rarity’s disorganized weather patterns, it was not in good shape at all. The entire farm looked ready to fall apart at a moment’s notice. In the distance, they could see a disgruntled looking Pinkie. Not only were bright red apples adorning her flank, but, her mane and tail were also completely straight.

“I wonder if the rest of the Apples can explain this,” said Twilight to herself. Twilight walked towards the farmhouse for any signs of an Apple family member, even honorary family members like Caramel.

“Mom…” said Spike. “If Pinkie has Applejack’s Cutie Mark, do you think Caramel would be wherever Applejack is right now?”

“It never hurts to at least check,” Twilight said. “Pinkie?”

“What do you want?!” Pinkie snapped. “Make it quick, I’m busy!”

“We can see it,” said Spike. “But… do you know where Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom are?”

“I don’t know!” Pinkie said. “They kept saying that I’m supposed to be at Sugarcube Corner, baking and entertaining others! That’s Fluttershy’s job! I have no time for fun and games. I have to get the farm ready for an early harvest, everything’s falling apart and ponies are getting desperate. That means more work for me. They all did their best, but, none of ‘em want to be around me. They do their chores, I do mine, and it’s better that way.”

Twilight sighed. “We know you’re busy. But… if you’re here, where is Applejack?”

Pinkie snorted. “She’s too darn busy running that silly boutique of hers to lend her own family a helping hoof. In her absence, somepony had to take charge and I figured it might as well be me. Of course, a rock farm is a whole lot different from an apple farm. I’m learning that the hard way.”

The studious unicorn was left scratching her head. "None of this is making any sense. Why is it that all my friends are acting so differently today and trying to do each other's jobs? Why am I the only one besides Spike and the rest of the town who knows who’s actually supposed to be doing what?”

Pinkie only bitterly remarked. “If anypony’s not making sense, Twilight, it’s you. Things have always been like this. There’s only so much I can do to force myself to smile. So, if you’re not going to help me get my chores done, stop wasting my time and get out of my way! If the farm goes under, it’ll be my fault. I promised the rest of the Apple family that I could make a difference when Applejack left. I can’t go back on that promise no matter how much it makes me unhappy.” And then, she too started to sing while struggling to do various chores like buck apples, repair a water chute and collect eggs from the chickens.

“I don’t care much for pickin’ fruit
And plowing fields ain’t such a hoot
No matter what I try,
I cannot fix this busted water chute
I’ve got so many chores to do
It’s no fun being me
But, it has to be my destiny
‘Cause it’s what my Cutie Mark is telling me~”

“Okay…” trailed Twilight. “Spike, to the boutique…”

“By process of elimination,” Spike said in a frightened voice. “That must mean Applejack’s there with Rarity’s Cutie Mark. I’m not going to lie, I’m feeling terrified.”

Pinkie Pie just grumpily declared. “Well if you’re going to see her at her boutique, make sure to tell her that she had some nerve to abandon her family to pursue her dream. A lot of good it did her in the end.”

The two ventured to the boutique. Sure enough, Applejack was there with Rarity’s Cutie Mark. The light blue of the diamonds stood out against Applejack’s bold orange coat. She currently had a tape measure slung around her neck. “Ah ain’t takin’ any more orders er requests. Ah’m up ta mah neck in orders as it is,” She complained while frantically rushing about the boutique.

“We’re not here to order a dress, Applejack,” Twilight said. “We’re just trying to figure things out.”

“The way things have been going today,” Spike said with trepidation. “I’m going to assume you’ve always been doing this instead of Rarity?”

Applejack nodded. “This here boutique was about ta close fer good before ah stepped in n’ took over. Ah figgered all mah time in Manehattan meant ah knew all there was ta know ‘bout fashion,” she promptly wiped the sweat from her brows while exclaiming. “Ooh boy, was that a mistake! Ah wanted a change from farm work, n’ ah sure got it all right. Ah figgered this was the best way ta do what mah Cutie Mark was tellin’ me ta do, bring out the beauty in other ponies n’ other things. But, now mah dream boutique has turned inta a nightmare.” She moved close to Spike. “Yer bein’ here makes it a li’l better.” She gave Spike a peck on his left cheek.

At that point, Spike’s anxiety increased. He began running around in a panic while screaming, “NOTHING MAKES SENSE ANYMORE!!!”**

Twilight blinked in confusion. “We have to switch them back… Right after learning how.” She then spoke to Applejack. “What are you doing, Applejack? Aren’t you and Caramel together?”

“We were,” Applejack admitted. “But, he seemed ta think that mah Cutie Mark was three apples instead o’ these here diamonds. Ah know he can be fergetful at times, but, ah admit it feels like he’s a bit too confused.”

Twilight added, “And Rarity has been doing Rainbow Dash’s job of controlling the weather. Somehow, I’m the only pony besides the non-guardian townfolk who hasn’t been affected by whatever caused this.” She looked at Applejack. “I’m sorry you can’t remember a time when you actually enjoyed working on your family’s farm. You used to take pride in being so close to your roots.”

The earth pony mare forced a smile. “That’s mighty kind o’ ya to say, Twilight. But, ya don’t have ta lie ta me just ta make me happy. Fluttershy n’ Pinkie Pie work hard enough as it is ta keep me from worryin’ ‘bout things n’ ah couldn’t even dream o’ askin' ‘em, Rarity, er Rainbow Dash ta take over fer me even just fer a day. This is mah boutique n’ mah responsibility.”

It still somewhat sounds like Applejack, Twilight thought. But, this still doesn’t feel right. “Even if that responsibility is something you’re not very good at?” Twilight questioned aloud as she noticed the rather poor quality of the dresses that the boutique currently had to offer.

Applejack just replied by saying. “Eeyup. At this point, with everythin’ else that’s goin’ on, ah don’t think ponies’re goin’ ta care much ‘bout what they wear. Got too many other problems on their hooves as it is. Now, if ya’ll both kindly excuse me, ah need ta git back ta work while ah still can. Even if it drives me ta the brink o’ collapse, ah’m goin’ ta see ta it that every last customer gets the dress they deserve!” Then, as she went over to the sewing machine she began to unhappily sing.

“Lookie here at what ah made,
Ah think that it’s a dress
Ah know it doesn’t look like much
Ah’m under some distress
Could y’all give me a hoof here
N’ help me fix this mess?
Mah destiny, it ain’t pretty
But, it’s what mah Cutie Mark is tellin’ me~”

And as soon as Twilight and Spike left the boutique, they could hear Rarity singing from afar.

“I’m in love with weather patterns
But the others have concerns~
For I just gave them frostbite
Overtop of their sunburns~
I have to keep on trying
For all around can see~
It’s got to be my destiny~
Because it’s what my Cutie Mark is telling me~”

Twilight and Spike could hear the melancholy in Rarity’s voice and knew that this was real trouble. Suddenly, Twilight had a thought.

“We have to get back to the library to figure out what’s going on,” she said.

The two retreated to the familiar confines of the Golden Oak Library in order to try and wrap their heads around what was going on. And to their great surprise, Princess Celestia was already there to greet them. The sun princess didn’t seem to be at all enthusiastic about her unannounced visit if the expression on her face was any indication. It looked like she was frowning, which was a rare sight for the alicorn with a coat of majestic white. Though it was at least of some relief to both pony and dragon that her Cutie Mark was still a sun and not something else.

“Twilight Sparkle,” she said, a stern tone in her voice. “What have you done?”

Twilight appeared to be confused judging by the expression she shot back at her mentor. “What do you mean? Did I do something wrong?”

“It seems you have missed the very important information I left on the outside of the package I sent you last night,” Celestia explained.

“Package?” Spike asked, confused.

Perhaps to provide a clearer explanation, Princess Celestia used her magic to hold up a book very familiar to her and instantly recognizable to Twilight. “Perhaps you’re aware of the incomplete master spell written within the very pages of this journal?” she pointed out while flipping through the pages until she came to one that was partially left blank.

Twilight gasped, realizing her mistake. “Oh, no…” Twilight said. “Oh, no! Now I remember!” With an expression of worry on her face, Twilight explained what had happened to Spike. “Last night, while you were taking your seven hour bubble bath, I got a delivery from Princess Celestia. I found it when I got back from my outing with Flash.***”

In a flashback, Twilight was walking back to the Golden Oak Library alongside Flash.

“I’m glad we could spend that time together, Twilight,” Flash said with a smile.

“So am I,” Twilight smiled. “Thank you, Flash.” She then saw a package on her doorstep. “Ooh, it looks like I have some mail, so if you wouldn’t mind excusing me so I can open it.”

“Go ahead,” Flash said.

The excited Twilight went in and carefully opened the package that had just been delivered to her doorstep. Attached to it was a letter that had read as follows:

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

What you’re seeing now is Starswirl the Bearded's journal, a journal he used to record all the spells he created and perfected over the course of his lifetime. Contained on the last page of this journal is his secret unfinished masterpiece.

He was never able to get it right and so, he abandoned it in favor of ‘another time’ that never came to be before his sudden disappearance many years ago. But, I believe you are the only pony who can understand and thus rewrite it, completing what Starswirl could not.

However, given the nature of this spell and the fact that it was never cast, I do not know what might happen if it were attempted. Therefore, I’ve attached extra instructions to the journal’s cover that I want you to read over first.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia

“Oh, my~!” Twilight said to herself eagerly. “I can’t believe I received a piece of Equestrian Magic History!” It all made sense now. All those advanced magical studies Princess Celestia had been putting her through as of late, all of that had been in preparation for this. She was now to succeed where even the greatest magical mind had failed.

In fact, the unicorn was so excited that she barely even took notice of (let alone bothered to read) the “extra instructions” Princess Celestia had seen fit to tape to the front of the journal. In very large letters they clearly spelled out “DO NOT OPEN WITHOUT ME!” followed by Princess Celestia’s signature. Yet, where this warning would’ve made a more cautious pony rightfully hesitate, Twilight’s curiosity and eagerness to please her mentor caused her to discard the note without a second thought. She skimmed through the book and found the last page. Without thinking, she read aloud the spell, not realizing this was what caused the spell to be cast.

“‘From one to another, another to one,
The mark of one’s destinies singled out alone fulfilled.’”

Unbeknownst to her, a case behind Twilight containing the Elements of Harmony began to react. The six-pointed star-shaped gemstone that embedded her Harmony tiara shot a prismatic beam of light upon the other gems that embedded the Harmony necklaces her friends wore. Twilight thought she felt a faint magical energy swirl around her, but she quickly dismissed it when the energy seemed to fade as quickly as it could. And all she could think about was. “Wait, that’s it? That doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t even rhyme.” Taking a yawn, Twilight decided to call it a night and head to bed…

Back to the present day, Twilight was more worried than ever.

“I read the spell aloud,” Twilight said. “But, I didn’t realize that was what cast the spell. I didn’t think anything had happened. But, now I see something did happen. It changed the Elements of Harmony, except mine. That’s why everypony’s Cutie Marks are all mismatched!”

“You’ve not only swapped their Cutie Marks,” Celestia said. “You swapped half of their memories. Even knowing how much you idolize Starswirl the Bearded, I thought for sure I had taught you better than this.”

Twilight practically turned white as a ghost with worry. “Oh, no…” Twilight said. “My previous worst fear has come true… I’ve let you down.”

Spike was quick to jump to Twilight’s defense. “Well, to be fair, you did subject her to a test when the Crystal Empire came back that was kind of about how some orders of yours were to be defied or ignored. Like how you told my mom she had to be the one to help protect the empire and only by disregarding that was she able to make the right decision in the end.”

“No,” Twilight said. “That’s not a valid defense because that test was also to see if I would put my own interests ahead of others no matter what. It was only by ignoring what I thought I had to do that I was able to give you the order that allowed you to get the Crystal Heart to Cadance in time. If I’d remembered that lesson, I would’ve realized that my desire to learn more about the spell would have to wait until Princess Celestia could arrive to help guide me.”

“That’s,” Spike started, before he put some thought into what Twilight had said. “That’s actually a really good point.”

“I’m very disappointed in you, Twilight,” Celestia said. “I will not discontinue your magic studies, but, I will give you a punishment suiting what transpired.”

“Whatever punishment you think I deserve,” said Twilight with a disheartened tone.

“As punishment,” Celestia said. “You are to correct this yourself. You will receive no help from myself nor Luna. Sterling and Gold Lily are not options regardless.****”

“Yes, Princess Celestia,” Twilight bowed. “I have let you down before, but, I will do everything in my power to make things right.”

Spike then pleaded, “So, what are you waiting for?! Change it all back! There’s a counter spell for all of this, right?! I mean, every spell has a counter spell. Doesn’t it?”

Frantically, Twilight scanned the pages of the journal anew only to be confronted with her worst fear in this case. “Not this time, Spike. There’s no counter spell. I guess since Starswirl never got the spell complete, he never saw the need to develop a counter spell.”

Celestia put a hoof to her chin. “More likely, since he didn’t know what the spell would do, he figured it would be impossible to design an appropriate counter spell. And he may have feared that designing one to counter an untested spell could make things worse.” She then shook her head. “I’m afraid that there is no magical solution that can fix this. At least, not that Luna or I know of.”

“If I know my mom,” Spike said with determination. “I know she’ll figure this out.”

“I will take my leave now,” the princess said. “I will know if you succeed in your task.” And so, Princess Celestia stoically walked out of the library, spreading her majestic alabaster wings, and flew up to the mountain-bound castle.

“What about that one memory spell?” Spike asked. “The one you used when Discord’s spell took over you and our friends?”

“That wouldn’t work, Spike,” Twilight replied. “Our friends’ memories came back once they saw that you were safe and made physical contact with you. But, since they hadn’t changed back after seeing you or making physical contact with you, that’s not the case.”

“Oh,” Spike said, somewhat embarrassed. “You’d think I’d remember that in greater detail.”

“Even if there was a memory spell to fix this,” Twilight said. “That can work on fixing their memories, but, not their Cutie Marks. And, even then, I would have to be extremely careful on which half of the memories I fixed.”

“Good point,” Spike admitted. “Okay, would Zecora’s cure for Cutie Pox work on the ‘switched Cutie Marks’ deal?”

“I don’t think so, Spike,” Twilight explained. “The Cutie Pox created new, artificial Cutie Marks and talents while this spell switched around real Cutie Marks that already existed.”

“Well, we have to think of something!” Spike said in despair.

“I know we do, Spike,”***** Twilight said. “But, I’m afraid we’re in a situation where not even your common sense can help. Their destinies have all been completely changed, maybe forever. And it’s all my fault. If I hadn’t been so eager to cast that spell, none of this would’ve happened in the first place.”

“Mom…” Spike said softly.

“I…” Twilight said sadly as she walked up to her bedroom. “I think I need to think this over…” She went upstairs and threw herself upon her bed. How could I have messed up so badly? she thought to herself as tears started to form in her eyes. I let everypony down: Princess Celestia, the ponies of Ponyville, and most of all my friends.

Twilight’s mood only worsened as she looked out the window, seeing the devastation that her actions from the night before had now unleashed upon the town she’d come to call home. Various parts of town were covered by rain or snow while other parts got nothing, animals ran free with nothing or nopony to hold them back, ponies glared and growled at each other whenever they happened to bump into each other, and places like Sweet Apple Acres and Carousel Boutique looked to be on the verge of ruin. Unable to think of anything else to do, the unicorn began to sing without a care in the wide world of Equestria for who might overhear her.

“I have to find a way~
To make this all okay~
I can’t believe this small mistake
Could have caused so much heartache~
Oh why~
Oh why-ee-yai-ee-yai~

Losing promise, I don’t know what to do~
Seeking answers, I fear I won’t get through
To you~
Oh why~
Oh why-ee-yai-ee-yai~”

Tears flowed out of her eyes as she finished her song. Spike walked up to her with a sympathetic look on his face. Twilight barely noticed.

“What am I going to do?” she asked him without looking up from her bed. “Everything’s all wrong now, because of me.”

The little dragon felt tears welling up in his own eyes. He’d grown so used to helping Twilight when she needed it and here he was, in a situation where he felt he couldn’t help if he tried. Never before had he felt more useless than he did right now. It was too much for him to bear as he started sobbing. Twilight, hearing Spike’s sobbing, gently held him in her hooves. Together, they let out their emotions. After a bit, Spike could only say, “I’m sorry, mom.”

“It’s not your fault,” Twilight said. “Even if I feel down right now, I still want to help you, Spike, just as you would help me.” She allowed Spike to rest his head on her forelock.

“That’s the problem, though,” Spike said. “I’m supposed to be the one helping you and now, I don’t feel like I can even do that. I feel so useless!”

“Oh, Spike,” Twilight said. “It’s okay to not have an answer. It just means that we both figure things out together. But, I want to focus on helping you… just as I would help my friends… just as they would help each other…” It was at that moment, the wheels in her head began to turn. “Spike, you’ve just helped me without even trying!”

Spike’s eyes widened with surprise. “I-I did? How?!”

“You’re clearly distraught about this situation like I am,” Twilight said. “But, despite all of it, despite the utter feeling of helplessness, you still made it your priority to lift my spirits. My friends would do the same to avoid a repeat of the Smarty Pants incident and I have to do the same for them. I’ve been in tough situations before. Many that were just as tough as this. And I’ve never given up! I can’t start now! I may have messed up, but, that just means I need to stop blaming myself and start working on a way to fix all of this! I can do this! Everypony’s counting on me, especially my friends!” Then, looking at a picture of herself with her friends, something began to stir deep within her. “Including you, they mean more to me than anything else. My friends...” She began to glow with a brilliant magenta light.

“Are you okay, mom?” Spike asked.

Twilight gave a firm nod. “Yes, Spike. In fact, I’m more than okay, I think I’ve figured out a way to make everything right. I may not be able to just remind my friends of who they are or rather who they used to be, but, I can show them what they all mean to each other.” She hurried over to the display case, lifting it up as she floated over the tiara of magic and placed it upon her head. Then, she used her magic to quickly scoop the five incorrectly colored elements into the shiny blue case with a yellow lock that had previously been used to hold them. “Doing that should restore the Elements of Harmony to normal. And when the Elements go back to what they were, so should our friends. I can help them and they can also help each other find the parts of themselves that are missing! And I have you to thank for helping me, Spike! So, what do you say? Are you ready to help our friends with me?”

“Always,” Spike said as he dried his tears.

And together, Twilight and Spike set off to find the rest of the guardians. First, they approached Fluttershy wearing a saddlebag. The pegasus mare was plunking down a sack of bits to pay for a balloon ride, and she was just about to step into the hot air balloon’s basket.

“Fluttershy, wait!” Twilight called.

Fluttershy reluctantly stopped in her tracks and turned to face Twilight. “Oh, hey Twilight, hey Spike,” she greeted. “You two seem to be doing well. Well, about as well as anypony or dragon could be doing under these circumstances.”

“Where are you going?” Spike asked. “You’re not actually thinking of leaving Ponyville, are you?”

“I’m going back to Cloudsdale,” Fluttershy said. “With my saddlebags on my back, I can’t fly there. I just can’t seem to make anypony laugh.” To demonstrate, she gently pressed on an inflated whoopie cushion and it didn’t make much of a sound. “See? That wasn’t very funny, was it?”

Twilight protested, “So, that’s it, you’re giving up?”

The shy pegasus reluctantly nodded. “I really don’t have a choice, Twilight. If nopony’s laughing, then, they’re certainly not buying anything and that means Sugarcube Corner won’t be staying open. No Sugarcube Corner means I’m out of a job. Besides, I don’t think Ponyville’s going to last much longer at this rate.”

“Before you go,” Twilight said. “Do you think you can help me with something?”

“Of course, Twilight,” Fluttershy said, turning back to face Twilight and Spike. “Anything.”

"I was just wondering if you might be willing to help me with Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said. “She’s having a lot of trouble with her animals.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “Twilight, I don’t know much about animals. That’s not my specialty or my destiny. I’d like to help, but, I don’t see how I could.”

“You do understand animals, don’t you?” Spike asked. “Even if you don’t, you know a thing about Rainbow Dash. You two are foalhood friends.”

“Yes, that’s true,” Fluttershy admitted. “She would do anything for her friends, so, I’ve got to do the same for her. After everything, I don’t think I could really call myself her friend if I wasn’t willing to try helping.”

So, the three of them headed off to Rainbow’s cottage. When they arrived, Twilight knocked at the door.

“Rainbow Dash?” Twilight called. “I’ve brought a friend.”

But, from the other side of the door came a loud thud and the angry sounds of animals who probably hadn't been fed in who knew how long.

Rainbow Dash frantically called out a second later. “In here! I’m trapped! Somepony help!”

The trio went in and found Rainbow Dash was tied up and trapped within a cauldron on a pile of logs. Try as she might, the pegasus mare could not escape. And meanwhile, various animals that she was supposed to be watching were marching around the cauldron while holding up forks and knives. It was clear that they intended to make the rainbow-maned pegasus their next meal.

“This looks bad!” Fluttershy gasped. “Twilight, Spike, we’ve got to help her! Do something, quick! Cast a spell to get her out of there before it’s too late!”

But, Twilight refused. “I can’t do that, Fluttershy. And even if I could it wouldn’t solve anything. Those animals are angry. You need to find a way to calm them down. Rainbow Dash needs your help, not ours.”

Fluttershy looked at the situation. She took a deep breath and stepped forward cautiously. “Um, h-hello, little woodland creatures? I know you’re all upset with Rainbow and you feel like giving her a hard time, but, you all have to understand that there is more of you all and there’s only one of her. She can only do so much on her own.”

Rainbow frantically nodded. “Yeah, making lunch meat out of me won’t solve anything. All you have to do is listen.”

“So, um,” Fluttershy continued. “I can understand that you’re all upset, but, why don’t we all just calm down for a moment? Oh, look, there’s some crisp refreshing lettuce leaves. And some crunchy munchy acorns that you squirrels and chipmunks will enjoy. So, why don’t we all have a snack and take it easy?”

To Rainbow’s surprise, this did the trick as the critters forgot about trying to eat her when there was far more tasty food readily available to them. And both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief when the animals’ rebellion appeared to have been appeased and halted.

“How’d you do that?” Rainbow asked. “You were never good with animals before.”

“I…” Fluttershy started. “I don’t know. I guess just the thought of helping you and making sure the animals didn’t hurt you just motivated me to try. But, when did they learn to speak Ponish?”

“They didn’t,” Spike said. “You’re a Critter Whisperer.”

“I am?” Fluttershy asked. “Gosh, I didn’t know that. Oh, but, now that I do, it feels like there’s something happening inside of my heart. It’s like this is what I’m meant to do with my life… this is who I am… this is my destiny!” As she spoke, she began to glow with a pink flare and her flanks started to glow brighter.

Sensing an opportunity, Twilight floated over the Element of Kindness and watched as a bright pink glow enveloped her shy friend.

Memories began flooding Fluttershy’s mind in an instant. Memories that until a moment ago she had not had. And soon afterward there came a blinding flash. When it faded, the pegasus mare stood up and scratched her head. “What just happened to me? It’s like I was in a dream, watching somepony else cover for me. But, it felt so real.”

Twilight and Spike looked over Fluttershy and they both gasped happily.

“Fluttershy, look!” Spike exclaimed happily. “Your Cutie Mark is back to normal!”

Fluttershy looked at her Cutie Mark in confusion before spotting that Rainbow also had the same Cutie Mark on her own flanks. “What just happened here?”

The studious unicorn just commented, “We don’t have time to fill you in on all the details. You had your Cutie Mark swapped and you thought you had to be somepony else. But, now, you’re back to what you’ve always been. And I need your help if we’re going to save the rest of our friends!”

“Alright,” Fluttershy said, after taking in all of the information. “Lead the way then.”

“Rainbow,” Spike said. “Rarity needs your help with the weather.”

“How am I supposed to help?” Rainbow asked. “I’m not a weather pony.”

“You do know about Rarity, don’t you?” Spike asked. “You saved her from falling to her death that one time she tried showing you up at that flying competition.”

“Falling to her death?” Rainbow asked in confusion.

“You really don’t remember?” Fluttershy asked in equal confusion.

“Full disclosure,” Spike said. “Cutie Marks weren’t the only thing that got swapped. You had half of Pinkie’s memories and Rainbow has half of yours.”

Rainbow couldn’t make any sense of that. “Yeah… what the heck is going on here?!”

“Come with us!” said Twilight. “It’s not pretty outside.” She then proceeded to sing.

“A true true friend helps a friend in need~
A friend will be there to help them see~”

Fluttershy joined in the song with Twilight.

“A true true friend helps a friend in need
To see the light that shines from a true true friend~”

“Uh, are we going or not?” Rainbow asked.

“Right this way,” Spike said.

Sure enough, the quartet found Rarity a short time later. She was frantically rushing about, struggling to get the weather under control. Twilight continued her song.

“Rarity needs your help~
She’s trying hard doing what she can~”

Fluttershy continued the song, coaxing her fellow pegasus.

“Would you try just give it a chance~
You might find that you’ll start to understand~”

And indeed, once Rainbow Dash approached the clouds it all became like second nature to her. In no time at all, she had cleared away the adverse weather conditions and brought back sunny skies. The brash speedster was a tad bit exhausted when all was said and done. Yet, for some reason, it all felt natural to her, like this was what she was meant to do instead of worrying herself with animals. When this realization settled in, a bright red glow enveloped Rainbow’s entire body. Without hesitation, Twilight floated over the Element of Loyalty and watched as memories flashed in her rainbow-maned friend’s eyes. When they had finished the Element of Loyalty was back to the way it was supposed to be. In a bright flash, Rainbow’s primary-colored lightning bolt and cloud Cutie Mark was back in its proper place upon her flank. She got up slowly and saw Rarity also with her Cutie Mark.

“Uh…” Rainbow said in confusion. “What just happened here? Why does Rarity also have my Cutie Mark?”

“Ooh, I don’t know how you got so proficient in weather control,” Rarity said. “But, it gives me time to practice for the Equestrian 500.”

“The Equestrian 500?” Rainbow said in confusion. “How are you going to participate in that? You don’t have any wings and I don’t remember your magic being strong enough to levitate yourself. Or if it’s even physically possible. I’m surprised you’d even consider it after nearly falling to your death.”

“When did I nearly fall to my death?” Rarity asked. “I would have remembered if I did.”

“You seriously don’t remember?” Rainbow asked in further confusion.

“She has half your memories,” Spike summed up. “Applejack has half of Rarity’s and is trying to make dresses. Keyword: trying. Carousel Boutique could go out of business.”

“Applejack trying to make dresses?” Rainbow said with a slight cringe. “Say no more. That’ll be worse than when Rarity listened to our suggestions for our Gala dresses when we knew nothing about fashion.”

“I don’t remember making our Gala dresses,” Rarity said with confusion. “Applejack did and we were laughed out of the event, remember?”

“That is not what happened,” Rainbow said. “Now, come on!”

Rarity was soon accompanying the others to Carousel Boutique and, sure enough, it was possible to see that poor Applejack was having a hard time trying to keep up with the demand. It was clear that she didn't belong in a boutique.

Resisting the urge to gag, Rainbow began singing.

“Applejack needs your help~

She’s trying hard doing what she can~

Would you try, just give it a chance~

You might find that you start to understand~”

With Rainbow Dash’s encouragement, Rarity quickly took over from Applejack and it wasn’t long before she was setting things right. She had the sewing machines humming nicely, dresses of the finest quality were being produced and the unicorn felt like she’d discovered where she truly belonged. Not with weather, but, with fashion. As the realization settled in, a bright purple glow enveloped Rarity and as it did the Element of Generosity was floated over to her. Memories began to flash in the fashionista's eyes as she slowly started to remember everything. And soon, the Element of Generosity had been restored to its original, proper state.

“Oh, my!” Rarity gasped. “What a terrible dream I had.” Rarity looked and saw one of Applejack’s “originals” on a ponequinn. “Or… maybe I’m still having it. And Applejack, I’m afraid to say that my Cutie Mark clashes against your coat.”

“This is mah Cutie Mark,” Applejack protested. “N’ when’d ya git so good at makin’ dresses? Shouldn’t ya be takin’ care o’ the weather?”

“The weather’s already taken care of,” Rarity said. “By Rainbow, who is much more capable than I ever was or will be.”

“Since when?” Applejack asked. “She tends ta critters in a cottage near the Everfree Forest.”

“No, I don’t,” Rainbow said. “Fluttershy does. Her being a Critter Whisperer made her better suited for the job.”

“Fluttershy?” Applejack said. “Ain’t she s’pposed ta help the Cakes at Sugarcube Corner n’ spread laughter n’ cheer?”

“No,” Fluttershy said. “Because Pinkie is better at that than I am.”

“Pinkie took over fer me at Sweet Apple Acres since ah found out fashion was mah true callin’ since ah got back from Manehattan,” Applejack said.

“I’m afraid to say that her running Sweet Apple Acres isn’t her true calling,” Rarity said. “As little as running Carousel Boutique is yours, Applejack. You’re not suited for this kind of work.”

“The way Pinkie’s working on the farm,” Twilight said. “It won’t last much longer.”

“Well, we can’t let that happen,” Rarity said. She then turned to Applejack. “Applejack, we need you to come back to Sweet Apple Acres. I’m certain your family would love to see you again just as you would love to see your family.” She then began to sing.

“Pinkie Pie is in trouble~

We need to get there by her side~

We can try to do what we can now~

For together we can be her guide~”

Sweet Apple Acres was in a very poor state when Applejack and the others showed up to help. Pinkie Pie was so grateful for the extra set of hooves and claws that she quickly forgot to be grumpy. And it wasn't long before Applejack was leading the way in restoring the farm to what it used to be. The rest of the Apple family and Caramel pitched in as well, glad to have Applejack back and to have somepony less frightening to work alongside. And their combined efforts were enough to turn things around. The hard work touched off a realization deep inside Applejack. How could she have forgotten? Fashion wasn’t her calling, not even close. It was farm work that was her true calling, her dedication to her family. And it was that realization that caused her to glow a shade of orange even brighter than her coat.

“Ah shoulda never left y’all,” Applejack said. “Ah don’t belong in a boutique. Ah belong here with mah family! N’ ah promise ah’ll never leave ya again!”

Twilight was quick to float over the Element of Honesty, watching the memories flash through Applejack’s eyes as the Element of Honesty itself turned from purple to orange. Just like that, Applejack was back.

“Yee-haw!” Applejack hollered happily. “Now that’s more like it!” Then, she looked to Twilight. “So, what’s next, sugarcube? Ah reckon we ain’t done just yet.”

“Right, we’re not yet,” Twilight explained. “The townsponies are furious and grumpy. They haven’t properly laughed or smiled. We need Pinkie to spread joy and laughter to them.”

“Me?” Pinkie asked. “I’m not an entertainer. That’s Fluttershy’s job.”

“Trust me, Pinkie,” Fluttreshy admitted. “No, it’s not.”

Soon afterward, the pink coated earth pony was being led into town while Applejack was explaining in song.

“The townponies need ya, they’ve been sad fer a while~

They march around, face a-frown, n’ never seem ta smile~

N’ if ya feel like helpin’, they’d appreciate a lot~

If ya get out there n’ spread some cheer from here ta Canterlot~!”

Without warning, Pinkie Pie felt herself be shoved front and center before a hastily assembled crowd of ponies. In fact, it was so abrupt that she didn't have time to properly brace herself. She tumbled and fell face forward to the ground. At first, nopony said a word, shocked by what they had seen. Pinkie picked herself up and dusted herself off.

“I’m okay!” Pinkie said. “That didn’t really hurt.” Then, something occurred to her. “Why didn’t it hurt that much?”

Some of the townsponies slowly began to giggle. Since they could see Pinkie wasn’t badly hurt, they allowed themselves to laugh a little bit. But, it wasn't long before their laughter became contagious, spreading to the entire crowd and then even to those not in the crowd.

“Hey, that actually feels... kind of good,” Pinkie Pie declared as something began to stir inside of her. “Maybe... maybe this is what I’ve been meant to do all along. It feels... right somehow.” And it was that realization that caused her to be surrounded by a bright blue glow. She didn’t even hesitate or ask questions when the Element of Laughter was floated over to her and placed around her neck. Once her memories were fully back in her head, her straightened mane and tail poofed to their right shape and her balloon Cutie Mark adorned her flank once again. “Come on, everypony! I want to see you smile!”

At once, several ponies in the crowd stood up and cheered while they happily shouted, “PINKIE!”

“Applejack!” called a male voice from the crowd. Galloping up to the farm mare was Caramel. He panted a bit, catching his breath. “I know you didn’t want to see me again, but, I love you too much to stay away.”

“Did ah miss somethin’?” Applejack asked. “Ah don’t ‘member tellin’ ya ah didn’t want ta see ya no more.”

“Oh, no,” Caramel said in a distressed tone. “My memory really is getting worse! First I got your Cutie Mark-” he looked and saw that Applejack’s Cutie Mark was its proper one. “Wait… I was right before? What’s happening here?”

“It’s a long story,” Twilight assured. “Long and short of it, it’s not your memory that failed you this time.”

“It’s not?” Caramel asked.

“No, Caramel,” Applejack said, comfortingly. “What matters now is that ah love ya n’ ah always will love ya.” Then, she noticed a strange taste on her lips. “Why do mah lips taste like leather?”

“You don’t want to know,” Spike said with an embarrassed blush.

Ignoring all that, the pink party pony gave a hearty laugh. “Yup, the one and only! I’m back!” And just like that, the Elements of Harmony had been restored to how they had been originally. And, with Pinkie’s encouragement, the whole town began to burst into song, singing something that had up to this point been confined to just the six mares and Spike. And the singing sounded something like this:

“A true true friend helps a friend in need~

A friend will be there to help them see~

A true true friend helps a friend in need

To see the light~ (See the light~)

That shines~ (That shines~)

From a true true friend~”

The seven friends ended the song with a group hug. A powerful purple glow enveloped all of them. Never in all her life had the unicorn been so happy to have friends like this. And she would never again take having them for granted. No, this entire experience had taught her just how precious and valuable her friends truly were. And every day spent with them was worth cherishing. As Twilight hugged her friends, she remembered Starswirl’s spell from earlier.

The Guardians made their way to the Golden Oak Library and found Princess Celestia there.

“Whu,” Applejack stammered. “What brings ya here, yer Majesty?”

“Oh, no,” Fluttershy said. “Is Twilight in trouble and we didn’t do anything to help?”

“On the contrary,” the princess said. “Twilight is the one that helped all of you.”

“Yeah, she did!” Pinkie said happily. But, she then gained a look of confusion. “Um, how did she help us?”

“Can I field this one?” Spike asked.

“Go ahead, Spike,” Princess Celestia nodded.

“Thanks,” Spike said. He then cleared his throat. “Basically, my mom got too eager to please the princess and decided to look at an unfinished spell in Starswirl’s journal despite the warning to wait for her, casting it without intending to, and that swapped your Cutie Marks and half the memories of the pony you swapped with. My mom was punished by cleaning up the mess herself with no assistance from the princesses, she did that by having each of you perform somepony else’s tasks at the time, and here we are.”******

The other guardians were quiet for a while.

“Well,” Rainbow said. “That is a lot to take in.”

“N’ it’s all true,” Applejack said, having her Mystic Eyes of Truth active for the entire summary.

“But,” Twilight said. “Now that all of the Cutie Marks are back on their respective flanks, I know how to complete the spell.”

Princess Celestia smiled. “If there’s anypony who can figure out how to succeed where even Starswirl could not, it’s you. You’re strong enough and smart enough, I know you are. Everything I’ve taught you and everything you’ve learned about friendship up to this point has been leading up to this moment: The moment when the student must surpass the teacher.”

Twilight, seeing Celestia smile, now had the confidence she needed. She levitated Starswirl’s journal towards her and began to write on the last page with a quill.

“All of us together, together we’re friends.

With the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end.”

And she finished by adding a period to her sentence. Without warning, the Elements of Harmony started to shine.

“Wh-” Spike stammered. “What’s happening now?!”

Sterling’s prediction is coming true, Celestia said internally.

All of a sudden, a bright and blinding flash of white light enveloped the entire surrounding wilderness. All present shut their eyes.

“Hold onto me, Spike!” Twilight exclaimed, holding onto Spike.

“I’ll never let go, Mom!” Spike exclaimed, shutting his eyes.

When the light vanished, Spike and Twilight were nowhere to be seen.

“Ah!” Fluttershy screamed. “Where are Twilight and Spike?!”

“Did we just kill them?!” Rainbow panicked.

“Oh no no no!” exclaimed Pinkie. “Twilight! Spike! We’re so, so, so sorry!”

“Calm yourselves, my little ponies,” Celestia said calmly. “The Elements of Harmony can do many things, but, killing is not among them.”

“Well then,” Applejack asked. “Where are they?”

“In a place that only a sired alicorn can access,” Celestia replied. “Rest assured, you’ll see them both again.”

“A sired alicorn?!” gasped Rarity, staring at her fellow guardians. “That… How does…”

“Ah dunno,” said Applejack. “But we’re goin’ ta find out…”

In the place Princess Celestia mentioned, Twilight and Spike slowly opened their eyes. They looked around their surroundings. It was a strange ethereal-looking place, mostly blue with white star-like blips. They noticed that everything around them looked like a castle corridor.

“Where are we, Mom?” Spike asked.

“I’m not sure,” Twilight answered.

“You are in my domain,” said a somewhat familiar voice.

“Wait,” Spike said. “Doesn’t that sound like Sterling’s voice from that projection?”

“It does, yes,” Twilight said. “But, I thought she was in a deep slumber.”

“I am,” the voice, who turned out to be Sterling, explained. “You are both within my astral realm.”

“Astral realm?” asked Twilight. “Whoa… I didn’t think that was possible. Unless we’re dreaming…”

“I assure you,” Sterling’s voice said. “You are very much awake. Now, please follow the sound of my voice, Twilight Sparkle and Spike.”

“How do you know our names?” Spike asked, as he and Twilight began doing just that.

“Just as Celestia knows of what transpires under the sun,” Sterling’s voice explained. “And Luna, the moon, I am aware of what happens under the stars and the sun falls into that category. Even in sleep, I see all under the stars.”

“Wow…” Spike said in amazement.

So, the two followed Sterling’s voice to see the mare in question. She was seen slowly awakening on a queen-sized bed with gossamer curtains around it.

“Whoa…” gasped Twilight. “This is very cozy.”

“Under normal circumstances,” Sterling said. “Only a sired alicorn can ever hope to come here.”

“Well, I am just a unicorn and Spike’s a dragon,” said Twilight. “So… I don’t understand how we were able to come here. Especially after I accidentally hurt my friends’ lives…”

“I have foreseen this happening,” Sterling said stoically. “I knew you would succeed where Starswirl the Bearded had failed, which would subsequently cause the Elements of Harmony to grant you access here. Spike is present to assure him that you are alive and well.*******”

“I understand that about my son,” Twilight gave Spike a hug. “But… about the Guardians and me succeeding?”

“You gained an understanding of friendship that Starswirl never did,” Sterling explained. “That, in the end, is what allowed you to finish his final spell.”

“Whoa~” Twilight managed to say softly.

“The other sired alicorns will arrive shortly,” Sterling said. “Their presence is needed for this. Follow me.”

Sterling led Spike and Twilight to a room with tiles forming a compass on the floor.

“What is all this?” Spike asked curiously.

“You’ll see soon enough,” Sterling answered as Luna, Celestia, and Gold Lily appeared.

“Hello, Twilight,” Luna said with a smile.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.

“This is a method that we sired alicorns perform to those who pass their tests,” Gold Lily explained. “Though, the last time, only one was able to perform it.”

“Whom?” Twilight asked.

“Me,” Princess Celestia said. “Take your place in the center of the compass.”

“Where do you need me to stand?” Spike asked.

“Stand by her side,” Princess Celestia said. “What happens next will only physically affect ponies. You won’t be affected.”

“Alright,” Spike nodded as he took his place next to Twilight.

“Is this part of my advanced studies?” Twilight asked.

The sun princess replied, “No. This is something that only one pony has achieved before: Princess Cadance. But, even she did not accomplish what you accomplished.” And she then proceeded to explain, “She merely reversed a spell that had already been cast. You, on the other hoof, created new magic. What you did is something that even the great Starswirl the Bearded could not accomplish. There’s a reason why he could never complete that master spell of his and it’s not because he disappeared so suddenly.”

“I thought Cadance was born a pegasus,” Spike said.

“She was,” Celestia answered. “There are other means of casting magic.”

“I see,” Spike nodded. “Sorry to interrupt. Please continue.”

“What does this have to do with me?” Twilight asked. “Starswirl did most of the work, I merely finished what he started.”

Celestia shook her head again. “No, Twilight. The intent of the spell was different under Starswirl and because it was incomplete, it didn’t work as it was intended. I suspect Starswirl wanted to find a way to harness the magical power behind Cutie Marks, hoping to find out just what it is that makes them appear and why.” Then, she smiled as she brought forth the old journal and held it open, proudly displaying the page that featured Twilight’s written additions. “What you did just recently involved tapping into a different kind of magic: The magic of friendship. It’s the very magic you’ve been studying and learning about since I sent you to Ponyville all that time ago. And it’s because of all the lessons you’ve learned that you’ve proven that you are ready.”

“Ready?” Twilight asked, looking at Spike in bewilderment. The two then gasped.

“Wait…” Spike said. “Does this mean?”

Celestia took her place at the north end of the compass, Luna took hers at the south, Gold Lily the west, and Sterling the east. Around Twilight and Spike came a series of screens. Screens depicting numerous accomplishments in Twilight’s life. And all of them, she quickly realized, were from her time officially studying the magic of friendship. Every triumph, every setback, and every little step in between. Princess Celestia then began to sing.

“You’ve come such a long long way~
And we’ve watched you from that very first day~
To see how you might grow, to see what you might do~
To see what you’ve been through, and all the ways you’ve made us proud of you~”

All the ascended alicorns lit up their horns and unfolded their wings as they joined in.

“It’s time now for a new change to come~” sang Gold Lily.

“You’ve grown up and your new life has begun~” sang Princess Luna.

“To go where you will go, to see what you will see

To find what you will be, for it’s time for you~” sang Sterling.

To fulfill your destiny~” they all sang together.

Twilight’s eyes went wide as she seemed to realize what her mentor was trying to tell her. Then, the violet-red star from Twilight's Cutie Mark seemed to take on a mind of its own. It leapt off her flank and expanded, quickly surrounding her and Spike in a bright purple glow.

Celestia smiled. “It’s time for you to return to Ponyville,” she said. “Your friends are waiting for you both.”

“Indeed,” Sterling agreed. “And I wish you well in meeting Sunset Shimmer.********”

“We’re going home, Spike,” Twilight said before she realized something. “Wait, what was that last part?”

“Something about meeting Sunset Shimmer,” Spike said. “But, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there, I guess.”

Back in Ponyville, the sky suddenly darkened. The Guardians peeked out of the library’s windows to witness this.

“What’s going on?” Rainbow asked.

“Ah ain’t got a clue!” Applejack said.

Suddenly, a bright and massive violet-red star appeared. The star slowly descended from the sky, drawing attention to it before it finally touched the ground.

“Look at that!” Rarity exclaimed. “It looks just like Twilight’s Cutie Mark!”

They all ran outside, rushing to where they had seen the star touch down. As the group drew close to the star's location, they could barely see anything due to the bright glow it gave off. But, it seemed like there was a pony and dragon standing underneath said star. A pony and dragon that looked incredibly familiar.

“Twilight? Spike?” Applejack said, shielding her eyes from the bright light. “Are y’all alright?”

“We were so worried about you two,” Fluttershy said softly. “What happened?”

“It’s a little difficult to explain,” Spike’s voice answered as the dragon stepped out of the fading glow.

Twilight slowly began to stand straighter up on her four legs. Suddenly, she stood up straighter revealing a great change had come upon her. Not only was she slightly taller than her friends, but, she also gained a set of wings that were noticeably larger than Rainbow or Fluttershy’s wings. The guardians gasped in surprise as it meant only one thing.

“Mah goodness!” Applejack exclaimed. “Ah had heard it was possible, but, ah never thought ah’d see it fer mahself.”

“You’re not dreaming,” Spike said.

“Your wings look awesome, Twilight!” Rainbow said excitedly. “I can’t wait until you’re able to fly with me!”

“Is it true, Twilight?” Rarity asked. “Have you become an alicorn? I didn’t think it was possible!”

“Cadance,” Spike said through a cough.

“Do you need some water, Spike?” Pinkie asked. Rarity blushed with embarrassment, realizing what Spike meant.

“No,” Rarity said. “He was reminding me that Cadance was in such a situation.”

“Oh, yeah,” Pinkie said. “But, now that Twilight’s an alicorn, maybe we can hold a party!” She put on a fake horn and wings and swung off a rope from a nearby tree with a noisemaker. This elected some chuckles from the group.

“Maybe,” Fluttershy said. “With those wings of yours, Twilight, you look just like a princess.”

“That’s because she is a princess,” said the familiar voice of Princess Celestia as she suddenly appeared in front of the ponies. “You are the first to lay eyes on Equestria’s newest princess: The Princess of Friendship.”

Gasps of shock rang out from all present. “A… a princess?!” This came from Twilight.

“Hold on a second,” Pinkie said as she took a glass of water. She gulped the contents of the glass and then comedically spat it out.

Princess Celestia smiled. “Indeed. I know it must seem like a shock to you all, but, your eyes do not deceive you. In a sense, the Twilight Sparkle that you all knew is gone. And in her place is the Twilight Sparkle you see before you. However, you need not worry. Deep down, she is still the same loveable Twilight that you all knew and befriended.”

“She’s immortal now?” Rainbow asked.

“Oh…” gulped Twilight. “I’ll… outlive all of you?!”

“No,” Princess Celestia said. “Only sired alicorns are immortal. Twilight is an ascended alicorn. They have a longer lifespan, but, they can still die. It’s just harder to kill them than normal ponies.”

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief.

“Beg pardon, your majesty,” Rarity said. “But, how many sired alicorns are there?”

“Including myself, Sterling, Gold Lily, and Luna,” Celestia said. “There are six. The remaining two are my mother and aunt, the first two alicorns.”

“Truly fascinating,” Rarity said. “Were they born from a unicorn and a pegasus?”

“The very first of both,” Celestia confirmed. “They didn’t have earth pony genes, however. Luna and I inherited those from our father and Sterling and Gold Lily from their father.”

“That is incredible,” Fluttershy admitted.

Twilight was still quite uncertain as she commented. “Me? A princess? Of friendship no less? This is all so sudden!”

Smiling again, Celestia said to her new fellow alicorn. “I know it’s a lot to take in, Twilight. And I know what you must be thinking. But, you are worthy of your new title. Ever since your studies began here in Ponyville, you’ve displayed the same kind of charity, compassion, devotion, integrity, optimism, and of course the leadership of a true princess. As a result, you have earned your new wings and your new title. You are just like Cadance. I intended for this to be for Sunset Shimmer, but, it wasn’t to be.”

“So,” Twilight said. “Does this mean I’m not your student anymore? Does this mean I have to go away and rule my own kingdom?”

“You have indeed graduated from being my student,” Celestia answered. “However, you are still permitted to stay in Ponyville if you so desire. Having grown so close to these friends you’ve made, it would be a pity to invalidate it all by moving away and hardly ever seeing them again.********* I will still be here to help you guide you, of course. You may not be my student anymore, but, this does not necessarily mean you will not stop learning.” Princess Celestia then genuflected before Twilight. “You are an inspiration to us all, Twilight.” The other Guardians and Spike bowed before Twilight, too.

“Uh, just for clarity,” Pinkie said. “Twilight will still live here? She’s not moving back to Canterlot?”

Celestia nodded. “Twilight’s not going to be moving back to Canterlot, not even temporarily. It wouldn’t make much sense to take the princess of friendship away from the very heart of friendship itself, now would it? However, we will need to host her coronation in Canterlot. Everypony in Equestria and non-ponies are going to have to be made aware that another princess now exists. And as much as I might like to have the coronation in Ponyville, given the short notice of it, I don't think Mayor Mare would be able to provide a suitable location for the crowd that will come.”

“That makes sense,” Pinkie said. “Plus, Rarity will need time to make special coronation outfits.”

“Well, before any coronation gets held,” Twilight spoke up. “There is one thing I want to take care of. My first royal decree if you will.” She then turned to Spike and the five other mares. “I’d like to make you all my official royal advisors. Because what would the princess of friendship be without them by her side?”

Spike and the other guardians gasped happily.

“Mom~!” Spike said happily. “I would be honored!” Then, something occurred to him. “Wait, if my mom is a princess now and she adopted me a while ago, what does that make me?”

“That is a good question,” Rarity admitted.

“You are a prince, Spike,” Celestia answered. “The prince of unity.”

“Me, a prince?” Spike asked with surprise. “Does that mean I get a coronation, too?”

“We’ll have it on the same day as Twilight’s,” Celestia said.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Twilight smiled, affectionately nuzzling Spike. “I figured you especially could use some recognition, Spike. Without you by my side, I honestly don’t know where I’d be or who I’d be.” Then, she looked to her friends. “And the same goes for the rest of you. No matter what comes next, I want you all to stay by my side. I could never have become the princess of friendship without you.”

The guardians hugged Twilight and Spike happily.

“Rest assured,” Celestia said. “All will be taken care of for your coronation.”

And indeed, all was very much taken care of. The coronation was held the very next day as word quickly spread about the arrival of Equestria’s newest princess and prince. And even though it was not the first royal coronation in Equestria’s history, just about everypony who was anypony made it a point to be there.

“We are gathered today in celebration of a momentous occasion,” Princess Celestia announced. “My faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, has done many extraordinary things since she has lived in Ponyville, even reuniting me with my sister, Princess Luna. Her adoptive son, Spike the Dragon, has played an important part in the aforementioned extraordinary things as well and even saved the Crystal Empire.”

Various crystal ponies in the audience smiled (including the Crystal 5) hearing this, knowing that Princess Celestia was right.

Celestia then continued her speech even though she had planned for her younger sister to say a few words. “But, just recently, Twilight did something truly extraordinary. And considering her long list of accomplishments, that’s no easy feat. She created new magic out of existing magic, proving without a doubt that she is ready to be crowned Equestria’s newest princess. And so, it gives me great pleasure to present to you all for the very first time: Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship! As for Spike himself, he will be crowned the prince of unity!”

Hearing their names being called, Twilight and Spike, both dressed in royal attire, took deep breaths. It was evident they were nervous.

“Well,” Spike said. “One upside is that the royal guards are legally obligated to not badmouth me now.”

“And a majority of the Canterlot elitists’ distrust of you has since faded,” Twilight added. “But, still, there will still be those who refuse to see your worth. Do yourself a favor, Spike, and pay no mind to what they say.”

“I won’t,” Spike smiled. “Especially since I have the reassuring words of the ones who really love me to keep me going.”

Twilight smiled. All the same, she couldn’t help but feel nervous.

“Are you okay, Twilight?” asked a mare. Twilight turned and saw that Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lemon Hearts came to check on them.

“I’m pretty nervous, admittedly,” Twilight confessed. “Especially since there is a part of me that thinks I’m getting excessively rewarded for cleaning up my own mess.”

“I can see why you would think that,” Lemon Hearts said. “But, you did fix the spell to ensure that nopony else can miscast the spell in the future.”

“Even Starswirl fouled that spell up, after all,” Twinkleshine put in. “You shouldn’t feel too bad about miscasting a spell even Starswirl couldn't get right.”

“They’re right,” Spike said. “Thanks for talking to us.”

“No problem,” Minuette said. “We tried to get Moondancer to come, but, she’s still being too stubborn. Now, you probably should get to your Ponyville friends, your parents, your brother, and the other Princesses.”**********

“We will,” Twilight said with a smile. “Ready, Spike?”

“I’m right there with you, Mom,” Spike smiled back.

So, the two walked out into the ceremonial room, followed by four identical looking mares with blonde manes and tails. They wore red ceremonial cloaks and carried banners with Twilight’s Cutie Mark upon them. She soon received her new crown, which housed the Element of Magic inside of it just like the old tiara had done before. The young alicorn proceeded to step out onto the balcony to a cheering crowd of ponies that stretched all the way to the horizon, and maybe even beyond. It was incredibly overwhelming to say the least. Spike received a more modest crown which bore his Medallion of Unity. Spike then walked up and stood next to his alicorn mother. The two then modestly waved to the crowd as confetti and streamers showered upon them.

Princess Celestia promptly encouraged her former student. “Go on. Say something, Princess Twilight. They’re all waiting for you.”

“Oh, right,” Twilight said softly before clearing her throat. “A little while ago, over two years ago, in fact, my teacher and mentor, Princess Celestia, sent Spike and myself to live in Ponyville. I was originally just supposed to be there for the duration of the Summer Sun Celebration, but those plans would change. She allowed me to stay to study friendship, which was something I didn’t think I would truly receive. But, on a day like today, I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for the friendships that Spike and I have made with all five of you. Each one of you taught us about friendship in your own way and for that, we will always be grateful. Today, I consider myself a lucky pony, and I hope that Spike can also consider himself a lucky dragon. Thank you, my friends. Thank you, everypony. Thank you all!”

“Now, Prince Spike shall have a few words,” Princess Celestia said.

Spike stepped up. “Growing up,” he said. “Has been difficult for me. I have faced discrimination and prejudice from a very young age. From what I’ve been told, it started seconds after I hatched. Whenever I went outside, several ponies would take one look at me and panic simply because I’m a dragon. I’ve been called very vulgar things by the Canterlot elites and the royal guards alike. When I first came to Ponyville, I was shown more kindness in a single day than I usually got in a week. Now, I can say with absolute certainty that I feel grateful for the ponies who raised me and took care of me. After practically a lifetime of strife, of trying so hard to make ponies accept me, or at least not hate me, I’m beyond grateful to know that I no longer have to be ashamed of what I am.”

The crowd cheered and applauded for the two newly crowned royals. Waving a hoof, Twilight called over all of her Ponyville friends. Each of them had gotten dressed up for the occasion, each wearing lavish dresses to match Twilight’s. Applejack had a light blue dress with orange ribbons and had even swapped out her usual brown stetson for a blue one to match her dress. Fluttershy wore an outfit a simple green in color with a white flower necklace in the center, and red and white flowers circling her head for a hat. Rarity had a beautiful dark purple dress with a lighter purple shade around the neck and a purple gem in the center almost like the Element of Generosity itself, plus a matching purple and light purple hat with a purple feather. Pinkie Pie had a light blue and white dress with pink ribbons, complete with a matching colored hat that had a fake ice cream cone on it. And Rainbow Dash wore a bluish-green dress with white cloud like fixtures on the outside, as well as a lightning bolt symbol in the middle. For a hat, Rainbow wore a bluish-green hat with yellow stripes that led to a yellow feather. Tears of joy welled in their eyes.

“That was beautiful, Spike,” Rarity said.

“Thanks, Rarity,” Spike said. “I wasn’t too boastful, was I?”

“Not at all,” Rarity said. “It was perfect.” She gave him a reassuring kiss on his forehead.

Spike blushed. “Well… glad we know for sure you’re back to normal.”

“What dya mean?” asked Applejack.

“You don’t want to know,” said Twilight. Just then, Shining Armor, Cadance, Twilight Velvet, and Night Light came up to the group.

“Twily, Spike!” cried Shining Armor. “You two were wonderful!” He hugged his sister and nephew. “Look at you two. A prince and princess. Who’d’ve thought?”

“Are you crying?” asked Twilight.

“Of course not, it’s liquid pride,” Shining insisted. “Totally different thing.”

“You two will make amazing royalty,” said Cadance, also hugging her sister-in-law and nephew. “Well done.”

“You all will make us proud,” said Twilight Velvet.

“Keep up the good work,” added Night Light. Both older unicorns hugged Twilight and Spike, too.

After the four left, Applejack cheered her friends.

“Way ta go, Princess!” Applejack said happily. “Way ta go, Prince, too!”

“Best coronation day ever!” cried Pinkie.

“It was our only coronation day we lived to see,” Rainbow shrugged. “But, that doesn’t make it any less awesome!”

“We love you, Twilight and Spike,” said Fluttershy.

“We love you too, girls!” Twilight smiled. She and her friends got into a group hug.

“So, what’s next?” Spike asked. “I mean, besides our carriage ride to officially conclude our coronation, of course.”

“Well, just take it one step at a time, dear,” said Rarity. “For now, let’s just enjoy watching your carriage ride!”

As the group headed to watch the precession, Twilight sang.

“Life in Equestria shimmers~
Life in Equestria shines~
And I know for absolute certain~”

Her friends and the crowd joined in as the other five trotted by the carriage.

“That everything~ (that everything~)
Yes, everything~ (yes, everything~)
Yes, everything is certainly fine~
It’s fine~”

“Yes! Everything’s going to be just fine!” Twilight smiled as she passed by.

Epilogue

Deep within the archives of Canterlot, there stood what appeared to be an ordinary standing mirror with a horseshoe-shaped rim lined with pink gems. Its standing base is also lined with horseshoes and attached to the top is a smaller window with a depiction of a pony inside. It was approached by a light greenish gray earth pony mare with grayish tangelo eyes, a long, tousled mane and tail of moderate aquamarine, and a Cutie Mark depicting a wilting flower in a cracked terracotta flower pot***********. The mare approached the mirror.

“It’s been over two years since I last saw you,” the mare said to the mirror. “It won’t be long until the portal opens again.” She placed a hoof on the mirror. “Please, Sunset,” she pleaded as tears began to form. “You need to come home.”

End of Book 3.

Author's Note

Here's the book 3 finale.

*The non-guardian ponies in town didn't have their Cutie Marks or half their memories swapped. It wouldn't make sense for them to remember what's happening as the norm.

**Fairly Odd Parents reference.

***Idea by HarryBuilder.

****A fitting punishment.

*****Dialogue by Comickook, modified.

******A very concise summary.

*******Idea by Blake.

********FORESHADOWING!!!

*********Take that, canon!

**********More modified Comickook dialogue.

***********Here's the mare in question:

I think it's worth noting that the order in which the Guardians were restored are almost in perfect reverse order in which Twilight and Spike encountered them when they first came to Ponyville (Rainbow and Rarity's order is swapped).

From Book 4-onwards, chapters will be released on a bi-weekly basis with a chapter for my other works posted on the weeks between.

If you liked this chapter, feel free to contact me via private messages if you'd like to help make future chapters.