Resparked

The light shone brightly, but Twilight was nowhere in sight. Rainbow Dash found herself in a sleek, modern room, everything around her immaculate and polished. In the center, two metallic rings slowly rotated, emitting a low, calming hum. The light within them wasn’t just a glow – it was a pulsating white hole, radiating with a vibrant, living energy.

The others followed. Pinkie Pie squealed extremely at the sight of this lively dance of rings. “Oh, my gosh! I'm so excited! Are you excited, Fluttershy? This is so exciting!”

“Yes, I think it looks nice!” Fluttershy said.

Everyone was present and Cheiron spoke up: “The time has come! The last portal to eternal paradise, the land of walking souls. Pay attention! As soon as you enter it, your life is over!”

Rainbow Dash’s throat tightened. The thought of finally seeing Twilight again made her heart race. After all their struggles, her friends’ pain could finally be soothed. They had come so far for this moment.

“You’ve got a lot of courage, Rainbow, I’ll give you that,” Cheiron said, his voice calm but serious. “But you’re also incredibly stubborn.”

He stepped closer, his eyes locked with hers. “Now, listen to me carefully. This is important. Everything you wish for will come true, but Poseidon doesn't just give up a soul. There is a price. You have to offer him something in return...”

The councillor was silent for a moment. “Rainbow Dash? Are you ready to choose one of your partners?”

“What?” Rainbow didn't understand. She turned round. The faces of her friends were frozen to stone. She had never seen them like this before.

Cheiron repeated the question: “Which soul do you want to choose? Your friends can help decide.”

Rainbow looked puzzled. Either she didn't want to understand or the buzzing of the rings drowned out the voices. But even Pinkie understood. “Ooh, Rainbow! Don't you get it? You have to sacrifice one of us for Twilight!!!”

That clearly hit home. Rainbow Dash, eyes wide open, shook his head tensely. “No!” She looked at the two centaurs. “No! I don't want this!”

“I'm sorry, Rainbow! It's Poseidon's will... and he wanted you to know only now!” Cheiron explained carefully.

Then Okyroe began to speak: “The living and the dead exist in balance. This has been the law of nature since time began. Life flows in, and life flows out, always in equal measure. When Twilight passed, another soul stepped into her place. Now that you’ve asked to bring someone back, there must be a balance. A price must be paid.”

Rainbow Dash didn’t care about all the talk of balance and Poseidon’s will. It was nonsense to her. She clenched her teeth, her jaw tight with frustration. No way. Never…

Her emotions boiled over, the weight of the truth hitting her like a rusty blade, sinking deeper into her heart than ever before. So, this was the price…

“Sorry, Rainbow!” Rarity said regretfully. Her make-up was running slightly under her eyes. “But if you really want to see Twilight again... If it's close to your heart, then I'm willing to die for her!”

Pinkie Pie bumped her shoulder. “Hey! None of us should make rash decisions!”

“I don't want to die...” whimpered Fluttershy barely audibly.

“Will you shut up!?” Rainbow Dash suddenly shouted. The ponies flinched. She had almost screamed her lungs out. The voice still echoed in the corridors. “Nopony... will enter the portal... Nopony moves...”

“Rainbow?” Rarity’s voice was filled with confusion and horror. The pegasus' lower lip trembled. A surge of energy pulsed through Rainbow Dash; she could scream until her throat was raw, stomp like a furious foal, deny everything and walk away, leaving it all behind.

As Rainbow Dash focused on her friends, a figure stepped forward - Applejack, her head bowed low. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, her eyes shadowed beneath her blonde mane, looking past Rainbow with a heavy expression. She took a few tentative steps forward. Rainbow wanted to stop her, not only to keep her from doing something reckless, but to catch her if she fell. But despite the awkward titanium brace, Applejack didn't falter. She walked with quiet determination.

Rainbow stood between her and the gate. She shook her head with a serious look. But Applejack smiled at her. “Rainbow, sugarcube, step aside, will ya? Trust me on this. It's the right thing, I promise.”

“No! AJ, if you do that, I'm not your girlfriend anymore!”

“Don't lie to me, Rainbow!” Applejack replied cheerfully, walking a few steps further.

“Rainbow, you've done so much for me, but this is somethin' I gotta do. And you’ve earned it, ya know? We don’t get to pick our destiny—that’d be too easy. You’ve got your dream of bein’ a Wonderbolt, and your wings are workin’ again, so what's holdin’ you back? Me? Well, I had plans too... Workin' the farm at Sweet Apple Acres, findin’ a good stallion, maybe even startin’ a family. But... I reckon that won’t happen. I'm like a fallen apple from the family tree… My work... I just can’t keep goin'. I just hope Big Mac and Granny understand, and that Apple Bloom grows into the fine mare, I know she will.”

Rainbow Dash couldn't deny it, but her heart was already crumbling. She looked at Applejack's back, then turned away, her head shaking.

Cheiron gently placed his hand on Applejack's head and whispered a blessing that lifted all fear from her. She took a deep breath and prepared to step through the portal. Rainbow Dash forced herself not to look away as the humming of the portal quieted. The two rings remained upright, and the hole in the center widened, just large enough to step through. A bright light enveloped Applejack, and all worry seemed to fall away from her as she walked steadily forward. Just before the threshold, she paused and took one last look back. For Rainbow and the others, this was the last moment they saw Applejack. She beamed at them and said with a smile: “So long, partner!”

So she limped on towards the light, her body grew paler and paler... Then she was no more...

Applejack stepped into the light and found herself in a sea of brilliant white. Nothing was visible until she suddenly heard a dull thud. It was herself-her own orange-colored body. But now she felt no more pain. A feeling of relief flooded through her and she was glad that she had died in peace and with her eyes closed. At last, she was free and could complete her journey. “Mum, dad! I'm coming to you!” she whispered.

It had become quiet in the material world. Rainbow Dash was trembling. She seemed very stiff. Somehow, she didn't seem to be breathing. Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie had lowered their heads. One by one, they looked up at the blue pegasus.

“Rainbow?” Pinkie's call had no effect.

“Rainbow, please...” Pinkie Pie tried to get up, but Cheiron stopped her.

“She has to manage this on her own.”

Rainbow Dash let out a strange sound, almost like she was struggling to catch her breath. Pinkie Pie recalled Fluttershy’s emotional outburst back in the Everfree Forest. “Rainbow, it’s okay... Just let it out... There’s no shame in feeling this way.”

Rainbow's breathing suddenly grew louder and faster. Then her great dam of emotions finally burst... Everything she had held back for the last few days, weeks, months, she let out.

She screamed... She just screamed and howled. There was nothing else she could do. A salty stream ran down the tip of her nose and flowed past her teeth to her chin. She screamed out all her damn rage until her vocal cords burned. She had lost again, just like that night. What was she doing wrong, she asked herself. Had she forgotten how to save lives? She didn't know...

“That's right, Rainbow...” whimpered Pinkie. “You know what Applejack did for us. We'll never forget it.”

Rainbow Dash could barely stand. Her face was wet with tears. When her strength came to an end, she said something quietly. “...back...”

Cheiron listened. The pegasus repeated the words over and over: “Get her back... Bring Applejack back...”

Cheiron raised an eyebrow and stroked his beard thoughtfully. He stepped closer to gauge her seriousness, wondering if she had truly lost her mind once more. “Are you certain about this? You do realize what is no longer possible!” he replied.

“Yes, I know, but it's okay...” Her words sounded melancholy. “I don't want to lose any more friends; I just want to go home... Please bring Applejack back... That's my wish.”

Cheiron's face darkened behind the light. He hesitated for a while, then pointed the staff at the gate. “So be it! I'll call Applejack back!”

A bright flash shot into the white hole. Suddenly the rings turned in opposite directions. The humming grew louder. Then strange chimes rang out. Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and squeezed out the last of her tears. Which Twilight took as a final goodbye. “Goodbye, Twilight... Rest in peace...”

Applejack stepped out of the portal in one piece, but that wasn't all. Her titanium splint was gone. The earth pony had been reborn and without question overrun by events. She had been dead for about half an hour. “What in Equestria?”

She looked at Rainbows teary face. “I'm back, but... how?” Applejack called out, looking around in confusion.

Rainbow Dash remained silent. Rarity jumped over to her and wanted an explanation for all this. “Why... Why did you do that?”

Rainbow knew. Slowly she got to her feet and walked a few meters towards the light. The wind dried her tears. “When I was separated from Twilight's soul, I realized something,” she began, her voice steadying with each word. “At first, I pushed it aside, thinking it was just instinct. But when I saw her again, she smiled at me, thanked me, and it warmed my heart. And as I let her go, it hit me: I wasn’t really searching for her. I was searching for comfort.”

Rainbow paused; her gaze fixed on the light. “Twilight – she’s our friend, and she always will be. Even though she’s far away now, she lives on in us. We carry her in our hearts, in our memories. And as long as we remember her, she’ll never truly be gone. She’s immortal in us.”

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. This felt like the right ending. She didn’t care what Cheiron had said; her decision was the one Twilight would have wanted, and she was sure of it. “Thank you, Twilight. Thank you for being our best friend!” she shouted into the glowing gate, hoping her words would reach Twilight in Paradise.

With a final glance at the portal, Rainbow turned to her friends and smiled. It was a genuine smile, filled with peace.

Rainbow had expected the others to return her smile, but instead, they stared at her with wide, frightened eyes. Confused, she shot them a reproachful look, ready to ask what was bothering them this time. Before she could speak, Pinkie Pie raised a trembling hoof and pointed over Rainbow's head, her mouth hanging open in shock.

A sphere floated above her head - no ordinary sphere, but the sixth Element of Harmony.

Rainbow Dash had barely time to react before the Element erupted in a brilliant display of spectral colors, like a newborn sun. The sphere shimmered and warped, transforming into Twilight's crown. It descended slowly, settling on Rainbow's head. A surge of overwhelming power flooded through her, so intense she couldn't hold back a scream. Her eyes blazed with radiant light as a rainbow-colored beam shot from the crown straight into the portal.

The rings spun wildly, as though they had lost all control. Rainbow Dash was lifted into the air, caught in the chaotic energy. The light grew blindingly bright, forcing the ponies and the two centaurs to shield their eyes. The rainbow beam vanished, and the eerie humming ceased. Rainbow Dash dropped to the ground, landing hard on her rump. Dazed, her eyes swirled as she rubbed her head in confusion. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy rushed to her side.

“What... what just happened?” Rainbow Dash stammered. The Element of Harmony clattered to the ground, a thin trail of smoke rising from it, though it appeared unharmed.

All eyes turned to the portal, where the once-blinding light had dimmed, and now a new figure stood in its place. The circles of the portal continued their slow rotation, casting faint shadows.

Cheiron raised a hand, signaling for everyone to stay put. Without hesitation, he approached the figure – a mysterious form cloaked in white, its hood pulled low. The ponies stretched their necks, trying to get a better view as Cheiron carefully reached out, slowly pulling back the hood.

Dark blue hair blew in the wind. A purple face opened its eyes and blinked twice. Twilight Sparkle smiled at her friends.

Speechlessness was on everyone's lips, especially Rainbow Dash. She staggered towards this apparition, very close, face to face. Was that a dream? A ghost? It seemed so real. She was looking into the lively face of a dead friend. “Well... Rainbow... Aren't you going to say hello to me?”

Her eyes watered. But this time, Rainbow Dash was sure it was just the light. Just the light, nothing else. She fell into Twilight's arms.

It took a long time for the event to sink in. The ponies stood quietly in Atlantis' grand garden, the scent of flowers and the sound of fountains surrounding them. Twilight Sparkle strolled across the meadow, her friends walking beside her. But something was different – she moved not as the familiar friend they had always known, but with the grace of a prophetess, almost like royalty.

Cheiron observed it all from a distance, a heavy weight of guilt pressing on his heart. His daughter gently placed a hand on his shoulder, though it did little to comfort him.

“Cheiron,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe, “this is a miracle.”

“Or just plain magic... or friendship... Or maybe both... Yeah, it'll probably be that...”

“Hey, Twi, no idea if it's really you, but...” Applejack seemed perturbed. “As a friend, you owe us an explanation!”

The other ponies nodded in agreement. Twilight had no choice, and she would have told them anyway. “It's all Rainbow Dash's doing!”

“But... How...? The element of magic... I'm confused and suspicious at the same time.”

"Apparently, Rainbow had it with her the whole time."

Rainbow Dash looked down in shame. The truth was, she had forgotten all about it. She'd put it in her pocket and never said a word to anyone. Applejack might have had every right to be angry with her for hiding it, but she wasn't.

All eyes were on Twilight, and her gaze was fixed on the crown, her thoughts far away. “It seems this element has more power than we ever imagined. Perhaps each Element of Harmony has a hidden power that we have yet to discover.”

“I see, so your element can bring the dead back to life?” Rarity guessed.

Twilight grinned, shrugging as a gentle breeze tousled her mane. “Not anymore... The power has faded. The spell only affects those who are truly close to you, just like it does with us.”

Rainbow Dash realized something: “Right! I felt something! It was like a flash, a... a spark. I was happy to have Twilight as a friend... or had, whatever.”

“A reignited spark!” Twilight said in amazement.

“Whew!” Applejack sighed, tipping her hat back. “I’m just so glad to have you back with us, even if there are still some questions left hanging. We've been through so much together. I reckon it’s time for a group hug!”

Twilight opened her arms wide, a radiant smile lighting up her face. Her friends wrapped her in a tight embrace, holding on until the sun dipped below the horizon.

Twilight lingered in the garden for a while, savoring the tranquility as her friends made their way back to the warren. She wanted to fully embrace the beauty of the twilight, having forgotten just how breathtaking the sky could be. Suddenly, she heard the rhythmic sound of hooves approaching. Occasionally, noble centaurs would stroll by, but these footsteps had a distinctly “pony-like” quality. Twilight turned to find Rainbow Dash approaching her.

“Oh, it's you! Can't get enough of this sky either?”

I've been flying around a lot...” she said.

“Oh, of course!” Twilight laughed.

“But I need to talk to you! It's important!”

Rainbow Dash leaned against the railing beside Twilight, both gazing down at the rushing waterfalls below. The wind tousled their manes as a comfortable silence enveloped them.

“It’s not just about the elements or bringing anyone back,” Rainbow said, breaking the stillness. “It’s everything that came before it. Twi… the Ursa Major, your death, and that soul fusion – what exactly happened?”

It wasn't an easy question to ask. She knew she was reopening wounds that had been closed. Twilight became noticeably uncomfortable. “I don't like to remember that.”

“It's my past too, Twilight. We have to come clean and face it. Otherwise, you'll carry it around with you forever and eventually break.”

“All right... I'll tell you everything!” gasped Twilight with understanding. Rainbow Dash was absolutely right. The trauma had to be dealt with as soon as possible. The best way to do this was to take a walk through the park.

“Do you remember Nightmare Moon? You know what she was like... Full of hate, anger and jealousy. Things that change you.”

“Yes, but we had beaten her, she had become Luna again, and she's in great shape,” Rainbow replied with pride.

“Exactly, Luna is nice, she's always been nice... Until jealousy got the better of her. It's like a disease. Add to that anger and hatred, and then you're no longer yourself.”

Rainbow Dash stopped, confused. “Wohw-wohw-wohw! Wait a minute, Nightmare Moon? I thought we were talking about the Ursa Major?’

“I’ll explain everything,” Twilight said, taking a deep breath. “You remember how we defeated Nightmare Moon, right? With the Elements of Harmony. But here’s the hard truth: we didn’t actually defeat her. The Elements’ greatest weakness is that they can’t destroy evil; they can only dispel it or seal it away. What we did was separate Luna’s darker side from her. The darkness was hiding, waiting for an opportunity to latch onto someone vulnerable and full of hate. Do you see where I’m going with this? Nightmare Moon returned as an Ursa Major, seeking revenge. She unleashed chaos on the palace, obliterated Canterlot… and ultimately, she destroyed m-me.”

Twilight took a deep breath, her expression heavy with the weight of her words. Rainbow Dash remained silent, processing the shocking revelations. They walked on, passing ancient pillars and serene lakes, the tranquility of their surroundings contrasting sharply with the turmoil within.

“After I defeated the Ursa Major with the last of my strength," Twilight continued, her voice trembling slightly, "the evil spirit that had been unleashed haunted me. It tore my body apart and tried to claim my soul. I felt completely defenseless against it. While you stood by my side, I could see her lurking behind you – those eyes filled with fury and that twisted grimace as she whispered terrible things in my ear. In that moment, I saw no other choice. I had to use the soul-splitting spell. Nightmare Moon couldn’t do anything with just half a soul. One half fled to Paradise, and the other half found refuge with you. I’m so sorry, Rainbow. It was an agonizing decision, and I lost my mind in the process. I didn’t want to drag you into this!”

Twilight couldn't take it anymore. In a moment of desperation, she sought out Rainbow’s presence, clinging to her tightly. “I’m so sorry!!! I’m sooo terribly sorry!!!”

Surprised by the sudden embrace, Rainbow laid her head softly against Twilight's. Twilight allowed herself to let go of her guilt, feeling a wave of relief at the realization that Rainbow didn't blame her.

“But... Please don't tell Luna about this. She'd only blame herself!”

Rainbow Dash patted her back. She agreed. It was bitter when even the comforter found little comfort. There was only one solution to the problem: look to the future!

The following morning, everyone gathered in front of the well that had brought them to Atlantis. Cheiron and Okyroe stood alongside a whole herd of centaurs, all there to bid them farewell.

“I've made some changes to this portal. Your journey home should be shorter now,” Cheiron explained.

“Good luck,” said Okyroe. She gave each pony a laurel wreath.

Twilight cleared her throat, a hint of nervousness in her voice. “Um… I have a favour to ask, and I hope you won't be angry with me. Would it be all right if I stayed in Atlantis for a while? This library… I've never had a chance to explore it properly.”

The five friends grimaced in disappointment. But Rainbow read them like a picture book. What an egghead!

“I don't mind!” laughed Rainbow Dash. This amazed the others even more. “But please promise us that you'll come back!”

Pinkie Pie put a hoof on her right eye. “Really promise us!”

C”ross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” Twilight recited the infamous Pinkie Pie-Swear.

Pinkie was overjoyed. That was the best promise ever. So, Twilight received a tumultuous hug.

The ponies left this world. The tingling, cold liquid swallowed them up and they sank through a bright cone of light. Whichever place they were taken to, they found a quicker, safer way home.

Five weeks later...

Spike let the parchment burst into green flames. He was sending a very important letter. The first friendship report in months. He watched silently as the grey soot particles blew towards the castle.

Once there, the sheet materialized right in front of Celestia.

“Dear Princess Celestia, our friend, Twilight Sparkle, has a fulfilled life because she has us! We always stand together, and even if one of us must leave forever, our friendship transcends that. For we share our memories with one another. As long as someone remembers a departed friend, they remain immortal. During our time of mourning, we missed Twilight dearly, but now that is over—she is back! Thanks to you! She is studying a special kind of magic that we saw beyond the horizon. When she returns to Equestria, she will have so much to share.

Your loyal subjects, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash!”

Celestia sealed the parchment. Then she called her sister to her. Princess Luna came into the bedroom with a questioning look on her face.

“Please bring me this one book from the chamber! We have to prepare Twilight Sparkle for the next test!”

Feeling depressed and hungry, Trixie trotted back to Equestria. After an exhausting journey, she was relieved to be home at last. There was a nagging feeling inside her that told her Twilight was alive again. Maybe it was just intuition, but she wasn't entirely sure. Regardless, her studies could wait; Celestia had stopped giving her answers.

With a nervous sigh, she pulled a crumpled note from her pocket. It contained notes she had copied from a book, something that might come in handy when Twilight returned to Ponyville. But for now, she needed food and, more importantly, money – lots of it.

As she continued her way, she passed an old stone farm. The earth pony family who lived there eyed her suspiciously, as was their habit with unicorns. Trixie didn't ask for much; all she wanted was a hot meal and some work. But the owner of the quarry met her with a pickaxe pressed to her chest, suspicious of her intentions.

“Then get started! My daughters Maud Pie and Limestone Pie have their eyes on you. You better watch out! There's no lazing around here, understand?”

“Okay!” Trixie sighed and set to work. She knew that one day her plan would work out.

Everyday life had returned to Ponyville. Rainbow Dash swooped over the houses and greeted a grey Pegasus as it flew by. She then ascended to the highest cloud, where she could survey the entire landscape below.

From her vantage point, she spotted the ruins of the Everfree Forest and, in the distance, towering mountains. Beyond those peaks lay only clouds and a faint, shimmering spark. Rainbow Dash fixed her gaze on that point on the horizon, excitement bubbling within her. Twilight would be home soon, and she could hardly contain her eagerness.

~ The End ~