Resparked

Rainbow Dash soared above the amazing city, relishing the sensation of seeing it all again. Below her, she spotted the recreation center where she and her friends were staying, and nearby stood the hospital where Applejack rested. Something heavy weighed on her heart, urging her to descend. Memories of Applejack’s hard work and proud spirit flooded her mind, years of friendship flickering in her thoughts. Now, after everything, she and Twilight were finally free. New possibilities stretched before her, but instead of relief, misfortune had befallen someone else.

Cautiously, Rainbow glided down to the hospital window. Inside, Applejack lay asleep, her body covered in soothing ointments. She looked fragile, a shadow of her usual self. Rainbow stared for a moment, torn by the sight, before quietly turning to fly back to the others. As she did, Applejack stirred and opened one weary eyelid.

Rainbow Dash's wings cast a fleeting shadow over Applejack's face as the Pegasus vanished into the sky. When Applejack opened her eyes, the world seemed dim. The sundial outside marked the afternoon, yet time in Atlantis felt agonizingly slow. Or was it just her? For a moment, her thoughts drifted to her friends and family – the laughter, the love they shared in both her dreams and waking moments. Applejack cherished those times, the simple joy of living alongside them. But now, as she turned away from the window, trying to sink back into sleep, she knew things had changed. New choices awaited her, and everything would be different from here on.

Rainbow landed with a puzzled face in front of her friends, who were enjoying sunbathing. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had their manes plaited by two centaurs while Rarity lay on the lounger. Rainbow's face was so similar to when she landed outside the boutique the day after the Ursa Major attack. “I can't wait anymore; we have to get Twilight back.”

Everyone looked at her at the same time. They felt the same way. Rarity pondered, followed by a deep sigh: “But how? Look around you: We're in a big city. Where should we start?”

“If you have any questions, you can just go to our library in the town hall, it's open to everyone,” said the centaur who was braiding Pinkie Pie's hair. Rainbow Dash started to laugh. It wasn't her typical laugh. “Thank you! Wait here, I'll sort it out.”

Rarity was about to say something, but she was already flying away.

Rainbow Dash slipped effortlessly into the library, where marble shelves towered several meters high, filled with countless books.

As she scanned her surroundings, she quickly realized that finding a clue wouldn’t be as simple as she’d hoped. The corridors were empty, leaving her to her thoughts. She felt a wave of frustration wash over her. With all this knowledge around her, would Twilight have been able to uncover something if she were here?

Determined to start somewhere, Rainbow decided to focus on Section A. She zipped through the corridors, glancing around at the vastness of the library – it felt almost like a village unto itself. She spotted statues of lionesses, hydras, and other mythical creatures that she had only heard about in stories. Twilight had once recounted a tale of encountering a hydra and escaping by sheer luck.

Rainbow’s heart sank as she reflected on how many times Twilight had put herself in danger. She remembered the numerous times she’d been injured but had always managed to bounce back. And now, after facing that Ursa Major, it dawned on her: it must have been stronger than usual...

Wham!!! “Ouch!!!”

Rainbow Dash collided with someone, sending a cascade of books tumbling to the floor. Rubbing her head, she quickly recognized the familiar figure she had bumped into. It was Trixie, who was also nursing her own head and grumbling, “Watch where you’re going... oh...”

Trixie was draped in her starry cape, though she wasn’t wearing the matching hat. Upon spotting Rainbow Dash, she fell silent and hurriedly bent down to gather the scattered books.

“What are you doing here?” Rainbow Dash asked, perplexed. Trixie didn't look at her.

“I'm studying, what else!” She picked up a book with her magic, the title of which Rainbow could glimpse. Something about magical artefacts. “Of course! I intend to show Celestia that I’m even better than that old hack who came before me!”

Rainbow Dash became skeptical. Trixie took four hoofsteps, but suddenly she stopped. “I'm going to leave Atlantis! Whatever you plan to do now, there will be no point! Twilight is finally free and in a better place. Face it... But if she does come back...”

She looked at Rainbow Dash with stern eyes. “...I'll be much more powerful than her!”

The two ponies had a staring contest. Suddenly Trixie turned and walked away. Rainbow was the clear winner, although she had an uneasy feeling in her guts.

She'd had enough of this library, she didn't want to research, Twilight was better at that anyway. There were quicker ways. As she wandered through the corridors, a few things crossed her mind. Celestia had mentioned something about a ritual. A ritual like the one that had released Twilight's soul piece?

In the main hall, she noticed a centaur she had once seen in passing. The black centaur with the brown skin and the mohawk. Rainbow Dash had forgotten the name.

“Hey, excuse me, sir?” she called out before the centaur could leave the hall. He turned around, and his muscular, dark-skinned build almost made Rainbow trip. “Listen, I need to talk to Cheiron! It’s super important! Can you let him know I’m here?”

The centaur raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. “The councilor is holding a conference. He won’t be back until tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I get that, but you really need to tell him I’m waiting! This is urgent, and I can’t just sit around! Please?”

“A meeting? Of course!” the centaur laughed. “Your name is Rainbow Dash, the mare with two souls, right?”

Rainbow Dash grinned sheepishly as the big hunter said goodbye and exited the hall. It was time for her to head back too; she needed to inform the others. Everyone should be present for this conversation, except perhaps Applejack. It would be best for her to fully recover in the hospital first. Rainbow already had her words planned out in her mind. It was a single request, her long-awaited wish.

“I promise, AJ! We all promise!” Rainbow Dash said to herself. Her own words burned deep into her mind.

By the next morning, the ponies had learned that rain in Atlantis only fell when it was necessary. For example, when the plants didn't get enough water, or when the artificial lakes were in danger of drying up. As in Equestria, the weather was controlled. By whom, however, was the question.

The hunter Asbolos came by with his escort to report that Cheiron was ready to listen to Rainbow Dash. Hearing this, the blue mare was instantly alert.

Rainbow gathered her strength. She took a deep breath and thought about what she wanted to say. She was ready to go. The ponies followed the escort to the town hall. At the gate to the meeting hall, however, Rainbow Dash had to swallow.

“There's nothing to be afraid of, just concentrate on Cheiron, you know him," Asbolos said. Before she could ask how many people were in the conference room, she got the answer when the door opened.

The hall resembled a small arena, reminiscent of the one in Cloudsdale. Asbolos and the ponies stepped inside, entering the largest room in the town hall. About a hundred centaurs were seated, each dressed in a variety of colors, their curious and skeptical gazes fixed on the newcomers. The atmosphere was unsettling for Fluttershy, who ducked her head and whimpered softly. In contrast, Pinkie Pie reveled in the attention, bouncing excitedly. Rarity, on the other hoof, felt uneasy, as if she were being put on trial. At the center of the room, Cheiron sat on a high white throne, a smile on his face. Clad in a silver spear and helmet, he exuded an air of authority, appearing as both judge and leader of the assembly. The other centaurs to his right and left were his counsellors, whispering nervously.

“Greetings, my little ponies,” Cheiron said. “As I heard from Asbolos, someone has a question for me. Rainbow Dash? How are you?”

Rainbow stepped forward with a steely gaze and looked up at Cheiron.

“I’m fine, and yes, I have something to say…”

“Then speak,” Cheiron demanded politely.

A hush fell over the centaurs as they all turned their attention to Rainbow Dash, their curiosity palpable. In such a large crowd, she knew she had to choose her words carefully. “Twilight was our best friend,” she began, her voice steady. “We shared so many happy moments together. We lost her in a battle against a terrifying monster. In my grief, I felt nothing but a sense of injustice. Twilight was taken from us too soon; our friendship was far too brief. I searched for a way to make things right. My mission is clear: we all miss her deeply. Even Applejack, who isn’t here, feels the same way. What we have is more of a request than a question for you.”

Rainbow Dash lowered herself to the ground, her forelegs bending as she rested on her knees, her head hung low. The weight of the emotional pressure felt overwhelming. “Please, Cheiron!” she pleaded, “If it’s within your power, I beg you: bring Twilight back to us! Let her live again, with us in Ponyville, just like before...”

Now Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy also fell to their knees.They looked up at the ruler of Atlantis with bright eyes. Cheiron blinked twice. After a long silence, he stood up and walked over to the little begging pony. His spear made a stern and loud thump on the ground.

“So, you want me to get her back?” Cheiron's voice had changed unpleasantly. “Do you realize where Twilight is?”

He walked round the pony once. Rainbow jerked her head up in fright as Cheiron continued to speak. His stick banged on the ground every time.

“She's in a better place, she'll be happy there... You can't wish her anything better! And now you're asking me to revive her? What kind of friend are you anyway?”

Rainbow began to wonder if she was saying the right thing. Was she really doing it for Twilight or for herself? But she pushed these doubts aside and continued to plead: “No, she's not happy without us... She'll miss us...”

“How can you be so sure?” Cheiron shouted harshly.

“But... Celestia said it was possible, she said it was possible... Please! In the name of Princess Celestia and all that is holy: Bring us back Twilight Sparkle!!!”

The spear struck the tiles one last time and the Councillor stopped. A look of astonishment crossed his face. “Celestia... I haven’t heard that name in ages,” he murmured, a hint of amusement creeping into his voice. “So, she’s a princess now? Haha, I suppose that was to be expected.”

Rainbow Dash gasped. She straightened up and stared at the councilor. He stroked his beard and seemed to remember earlier times. “Well, if you really know Princess Celestia, I will honor your request. I will make an exception, but you must accept whatever I tell you!”

Rainbow Dash rubbed her eyes, silently thanking the princess and Cheiron for their support. The atmosphere in the hall grew more charged, with the other centaurs shaking their heads in indignation.

“Cheiron! Is that really necessary?” someone shouted from the left.

“No one had ever dared to resuscitate a deceased creature!”

But then Cheiron shouted and silenced everyone. “We dwell in a republic, a realm where every voice holds the weight of decision. Though the council may possess the power to revoke my position, my resolve is steadfast. We shall extend to Twilight Sparkle a second chance, should she desire it. Such is the essence of democracy.”

“Uh, democracy! Sounds interesting, maybe we should do that in Equestria too!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie.

“I don't think so, Pinkie...” mumbled Rarity.

Cheiron had the room cleared. It was the shortest meeting he had ever experienced. “Follow me, I want to show you something.”

Asbolos stood still. He stared glumly into the empty hall and it seemed obvious that something was weighing on him.

“What's wrong, my friend?” asked the councilor.

“I’m not sure, Cheiron... Every soul finds peace in paradise until their next life begins, but a resurrection... That’s something we’ve never attempted before!”

“Yes, Asbolos! But these mares have travelled a long way from Equestria and they know Tia. She has something good with me and Rainbow Dash reminds me a little of her. I was still a young diplomat back then.”

Asbolos nodded. He wasn't satisfied, but he understood.

The largest garden in Atlantis lay behind the Council House, a short distance from the hill where the ritual had been performed. Flowers bloomed with extraordinary vibrancy and small fountains dotted the landscape, their water sparkling in the sunlight. The warm summer air carried a delightful scent from the lush grass. Cheiron led the group to the terrace where three statues glimmered in the sun. Initially blinded by the brilliance, the ponies quickly saw that one of the statues was none other than Princess Celestia, gleaming in gold between two other unicorn statues.

“Gusty the Great!” said Cheiron, moving his hand to Celestia's right.

“And Starswirl the Bearded!” He gestured to the statue on the left.

“These alicorns visited Atlantis many eons ago. As you can see, you were not the first ponies.”

Sitting close together, the friends looked at these monuments with admiration and wonder. An Alicorn, like Celestia, holds many secrets.

“I'm sure one day your princess will tell us what she has experienced here. But we're here for something else... Rainbow Dash? Are you ready to resurrect your friend?”

This question came as a surprise, although she had been expecting it all along. She jumped a few times inside until she suddenly remembered something. “But I... I wanted Applejack to be there!”

“I'm here!” shouted an unmistakable voice. Applejack stood behind the ponies, pale and smiling. Daughter Okyroe stood at her side. Rainbow Dash just wanted to hug Applejack, but she realised that her leg was being held up by a titanium splint. The crippled pony hobbled carefully towards her half-relieved friend and touched her cheek. Applejack laughed as if everything was fine.

“The rumour’s spreading like a plague of parasites in midsummer.”

Rainbow Dash desperately wanted to say something comforting, but no words came to her. Sometimes, silence was the only way to face such overwhelming pain.

Cheiron nodded. Now that they were complete, he wanted to begin. He raised his staff into the air and shouted a prayer to the sea. Great clouds gathered in the sky. “Oh, Lord of the Sea, the Horses and Atlantis! Transfer Celestia's wish to this Pegasus and give him the gift of restoring a soul to life. Oh, Poseidon! Do not be angry at this impudent request, for we will offer you a gift...”

A deafening crash interrupted Cheiron's prayer. A lightning bolt struck his staff, and the centaur immediately slammed it into the ground. Electric discharges surged through the golden statue, racing up to the tip of Celestia’s horn. Then, silence fell – broken only by the soft roar of the pink waterfalls in the distance.

Suddenly, the statue stirred. It moved forward, causing Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity to stumble back in fear. Behind Celestia, an entrance revealed itself. Both Cheiron and Okyroe exhaled in relief – this was a sign of Poseidon's favor towards the ponies.

Rainbow Dash, however, remained oblivious to the honor. Cheiron understood something she didn’t: although Princess Celestia was the ruler of Equestria, Poseidon was still greater. He was the god of the alicorns.

“You first, Rainbow Dash,” Cheiron said.

Rainbow Dash glanced downward, noticing a soft yellow glow radiating from the corridor below. It reminded her of the light she’d seen in the tunnel during her last vision with Twilight. Her heart raced as she descended, folding her wings tightly to her sides. The moment she had longed for was finally here. And there it was, right before her: a brilliant, beckoning light.