Harmony and curse

Flashback

The Element of Loyalty lay sprawled on a cloud, staring at the sun as it slowly made its way toward the horizon. She had been in that position for about an hour, utterly bored. The day's work had been done ages ago, and with plenty of daylight still ahead and nothing else to do, she decided to relax on a small cloud hovering over Ponyville.

Rainbow let out a big yawn. “What a boring day.” She rolled around on the cloud and kept watching the sun inch away. “I guess being so fast does have its downsides.”

What could she say? Those wings of hers were blessed by the skies themselves, and she couldn’t help but push them to their full potential.

Something caught Rainbow’s attention on the ground—a skateboard rolling at high speed. Instinctively, Rainbow smirked as she realized who it was. There was only one filly in all of Ponyville who used a skateboard.

With a flap of her wings, she rose into the sky to locate the source of the sound. And there she was: a small orange filly zipping through the streets of Ponyville, using her tiny wings to gain more speed as she performed her signature daring stunts.

Rainbow chuckled softly. “Well, at least someone is having fun.” Seeking to shake off her boredom, she decided to descend and have a little chat with the kid.

Meanwhile, Scootaloo kept racing through the streets, pulling off stunts that some might call risky and unnecessary. But this little filly had an incredible knack for skateboarding—though, contrary to what some might think, it wasn’t her special talent. She didn’t have a cutie mark yet, and her skills on the skateboard were pure effort and practice, with no connection to whatever her future mark might be.

She sped through Ponyville so fast that she left a trail of dust behind her, much to the annoyance of nearby ponies, who coughed and grumbled some choice words she couldn’t hear.

Her gaze was laser-focused, her smile wide and thrilled. She had her sights set on a wooden plank propped up against a house, her determination clear. Gripping her skateboard tighter, she flapped her wings even harder. When she hit the plank, she launched into the air, soaring over several rooftops.

“Woooohoooo!” she cheered, her voice full of exhilaration. When she landed, she skidded about five meters before finally coming to a stop. She let out a satisfied sigh, wiping sweat from her brow. “Phew! Not bad. I think that’s a new personal record!”

“Hey, Scootaloo!”

The little filly’s ears perked up at the voice, and her eyes darted skyward to spot that unmistakable rainbow mane. “Rainbow Dash!” she squeaked in excitement, only to quickly clear her throat and try again in a lower tone. “I mean, oh, hey, Rainbow. What brings you here?”

“I’ve been watching your stunts for a while, and wow, you’ve really outdone yourself today,” Rainbow said, clearly impressed.

“Really?!” Scootaloo’s fanfilly voice slipped out again, but she immediately blushed and tried to play it cool. “I-I mean, it’s no big deal. Just another day for me, hehe,” she said, waving a hoof dismissively.

Rainbow chuckled at her antics. “So, what’s got you so hyped? I mean, more than usual.”

Scootaloo’s eyes widened, and she started to sweat a little. “Oh, well… i-it’s a bit of a secret, you know?” she laughed nervously. Hiding something from her idol was harder than she thought.

Rainbow frowned slightly. “Oh, come on!” she said in a playful, almost childish tone. “You can trust me. What, are you afraid it’s gonna get you in trouble?” She nudged Scootaloo’s side with a mischievous grin. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

Scootaloo panicked and quickly waved her hooves. “No, no, no! Not at all!” She closed her eyes firmly and nodded. “Everything is totally legal and not mischievous. Promise!”

“Well, then, there’s nothing to worry about!” Rainbow said, flipping in the air to lighten the mood. “C’mon, we’re talking about me. Is there anyone more trustworthy than me?”

“Umm… no?” Scootaloo replied, hesitant.

“Exactly!” Rainbow said dramatically, grabbing the filly by the shoulders.

Scootaloo looked conflicted, torn for a few seconds, before finally deciding to speak.

“All right, fine. The thing is, in a week, it’ll be Sweetie Belle’s birthday, and Apple Bloom and I are planning the best gift ever!” she said excitedly. Then, realizing how loud she was, she clapped her hooves over her mouth. “But we want it to be a surprise,” she whispered.

“Ohhh, Sweetie Belle’s birthday. That’s right…” Rainbow laughed nervously, scratching her neck. “I totally didn’t forget about that. I should find her a gift, too. What are you getting her?”

Scootaloo spoke with bright, shining eyes. “A perfume!”

“…”

Rainbow’s expression fell, her face showing clear disappointment and a lack of enthusiasm. “Perfume. Wow, that’s… amazing. Was that the big secret?” she said flatly.

“It won’t be just any perfume! It’ll be the best perfume ever! In a week, we’re heading to the Everfree Forest to gather the ingredients,” Scootaloo clarified passionately.

Rainbow’s ears perked up at the mention of the forest, and she let out an exasperated sigh. “You guys go to that forest way too often. It’s no place for fillies like you! Actually, it’s no place for anypony! Listen, Scootaloo, the outer edges of the forest aren’t so bad—that’s why Fluttershy lives nearby. But deeper in, it gets way more dangerous than you can imagine. I’d rather you all stayed away from there.” She finished with a stern, scolding look.

Scootaloo’s ears drooped slightly, but she quickly recovered and spoke soothingly. “Relax, Rainbow! We talked to Zecora, and she’s letting us stay at her hut for the night. She’ll keep a close eye on us,” she said with a reassuring smile.

Hearing that eased Rainbow’s tension, though she still wasn’t entirely convinced. “I don’t know… it still sounds risky.”

“Please, Rainbow? We’ll be fine! Plus, we already got Applejack’s permission,” Scootaloo pleaded earnestly.

“Hmm, well, if you managed to convince Applejack, I guess it’s okay,” Rainbow said hesitantly.

Scootaloo beamed with joy. “Thank you, thank you!” She launched herself at Rainbow in a tight hug.

“Yeah, yeah, it’s no big deal,” Rainbow replied, brushing off the gratitude.

Scootaloo pulled back a moment later, still smiling brightly. “Besides, now you know where we’ll be, right? If anything happens, you’ll save us in no time!” she said with absolute confidence.

Rainbow’s eyes widened in surprise before she crossed her hooves and smirked. “Of course! If something goes wrong, I’ll be there in seconds.”

Scootaloo gave her a radiant grin. “Of course!”

End Flashback

Rainbow Dash’s face suddenly twisted into one of extreme panic.

It was true. She had said they’d be at Zecora’s hut in a week.

That’s today!

Rainbow began sweating profusely as she subtly turned away, trying to slip away from Spitfire’s gaze.

“Hey, where are you going, Rainbow? You’re acting really weird all of a sudden. What’s going on?” Spitfire asked, flying closer to get a good look at her face.

Rainbow’s sweat intensified as her eyes darted around, searching for an excuse. “Uh, w-well, I, uh… I’ve got, you know… stuff~!” she stammered awkwardly.

“Is it hard for you to talk? I think that shout might’ve messed up your throat,” Spitfire commented.

Rainbow jumped at the suggestion and spoke in a hurried, cheerful tone. “Yes! Totally! My throat hurts!” She faked a cough. “I’ll just head to the infirmary to get it checked out. See ya later, ma’am!” she finished, her words coming out fast and nervous.

The rainbow-maned mare took off into the sky, flying with determination.

Spitfire stood watching the direction Rainbow flew, her brow furrowing. “…Rainbow, that’s not the way to the infirmary.”

Rainbow stopped abruptly. “Uh, yeah, I mean, I have to go home first to grab some bits for the check-up,” she said with an awkward laugh.

“That’s not the way to your house, either,” Spitfire said, her frown deepening. “What are you up to?”

“N-nothing! Did I say my house? I meant Applejack’s house!” Rainbow said, scratching her neck so fast it looked like she was trying to start a fire. “I left my saddlebags there yesterday.”

Spitfire wasn’t buying a word of it. It was clear Rainbow was planning something—and something that likely went against orders. There was only one possible conclusion.

"Rainbow, you are not to go near that forest, understood? This is a direct order from the princesses," the captain said strictly.

Rainbow flapped her wings to gain some distance from the captain, avoiding her gaze. "Mmmmmmm..."

"Rainbow, did you hear me?!"

"Heeee, gotta go, bye!"

"Cadet, that’s an order! DON’T YOU DARE LEAVE LIKE THA—"

Using all her speed, Rainbow Dash shot off, leaving Cloudsdale with a powerful gust of wind that left Spitfire’s mane in complete disarray.

The fiery-maned mare clenched her teeth, a vein bulging on her temple as though she might explode. With a roar of frustration, she yelled,

"RAINBOW DASH!"

Among the small crowd still lingering in the streets of the cloud city, a pegasus spoke up,

"Told you she deserved a punishment."

"AND YOU SHUT UP ALREADY, NOBODY ASKED FOR YOUR OPINION!" Spitfire shouted in a shrill voice.

"Like mother, like daughter," the pegasus quipped before strolling away calmly.

Spitfire blushed slightly at the squeaky tone of her outburst.

"Captain!"

Spitfire shook her head to compose herself and turned toward the voice of one of her soldiers who had just arrived.

Clearing her throat, she spoke with as much seriousness as she could muster, though the faint blush still lingered. "What is it, Sorian?"

"We’ve communicated the situation with the mayor. All citizens are returning to their homes. What’s our next—huh? Are you okay, Captain?" he asked, noticing her slightly flushed face.

Spitfire let out a sigh to calm herself and turned her gaze toward the horizon in the direction Rainbow Dash had disappeared.

Sorian raised an eyebrow at the lack of response and approached his captain. "What’s going on, Captain—"

Spitfire cut him off before he could finish. "Send a message to the guard heading to Ponyville. Tell them to keep a close watch on the area," she said, her expression hardening with both irritation and worry. "It’s likely Rainbow Dash will try to get in."

Sweet Apple Acres

The apple farm was in chaos, all the lights on, the sound of galloping hooves, and the clatter of objects being moved from one place to another.

"Kids, you need to calm down a bit!"

"But Granny, didn’t you feel that pressure? Something bad is happening, and my human instincts tell me my little sister is in danger! Big Mac, did you pack the supplies into my saddlebags?"

"Y-Yep," the stallion replied nervously.

"Geez, I knew letting them stay in the forest all night was a bad idea. I curse that puppy-dog face she always gives me to make me cave."

Applejack, the Element of Honesty and the hardworking mare of Sweet Apple Acres, didn’t need more than a second to recover from the embarrassing tumble she took out of bed after the energy wave shook the farm. True to her nature—overprotective and paranoid about her little sister’s safety—her first thought was Apple Bloom’s well-being.

Without sparing a moment to consider who or what caused the energy wave or how dangerous it might be, she dashed toward the Everfree Forest. Thankfully, her family was there to stop her, forcing her to at least prepare for the journey.

Convincing Applejack to abandon her reckless charge was impossible, and she wouldn’t accept anyone else going in her place. Big Mac wasn’t particularly thrilled about her going alone, but he had to relent; someone needed to stay and protect the farm.

"Dear, I know you’re worried about Apple Bloom. I am too, but you can’t go into that forest alone—it’s too dangerous," Granny Smith said, concerned.

Applejack fastened her saddlebags onto her back. "That’s exactly why I’m going, Granny. I’m not leaving Apple Bloom out there alone. I don’t know what’s going on or what caused that energy wave, but I do know I need to get my little sister. I trust Zecora to look after Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, but I can’t leave it all to chance—I have to see for myself. Don’t worry, Big Mac will stay here to look after everything."

Applejack had already planned her course of action. She would head to Zecora’s hut to check on the children—and the zebra herself—and if the danger was indeed coming from the forest, she would bring them all back immediately.

She adjusted her saddlebags and marched out of her home, closely followed by her worried grandmother and brother.

Granny Smith touched the stallion’s foreleg. "Big Mac, say something!"

Big Mac could only look at his grandmother and shake his head in surrender. He’d already argued with Applejack, trying to accompany her, but as always, she was too stubborn.

When they reached the farm’s edge, Granny couldn’t hold back any longer. She stood in front of her granddaughter.

"What’s gotten into you? You can’t go in there alone, you silly mare! I won’t let you put yourself in danger like this. We’re going to the town for help first," she said, pressing her nose against Applejack’s.

Applejack gently pushed her grandmother aside with her hoof, trying to step around her. "Granny, we don’t have time to argue. I’ve already made up my mind, and you can’t change it."

Granny Smith frowned deeper. "You’re not going into that forest alone, and that’s final!"

"LOOK OUT!"

From a distance came the sound of the wind roaring at high speed. When the Apple family looked toward the noise, they were greeted by a crash in the dirt, sending up a massive cloud of dust.

The entire Apple family shielded their eyes and coughed to clear the dust from their lungs.

Applejack coughed a couple more times and spoke. "Let me guess—Rainbow Dash, is that you?" she said with a bored expression, already knowing who else would crash at such high speeds around here.

The dust cloud dispersed, revealing a pegasus-shaped crater in the ground. From its darkness, a cyan hoof pressed against the dirt, trying to pull itself out.

Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously. "The one and only," she said with a wince. With one final effort, she yanked herself free from the hole, brushing dirt off her coat. "Relax, Granny Smith. She won’t be alone—I’ll go with her into the Everfree Forest," she declared, pointing to herself confidently, though her voice wavered slightly.

Granny Smith’s expression turned conflicted. She had hoped for a larger group; two mares weren’t enough to make her feel secure. She didn’t care that they were bearers of the Elements of Harmony—she still saw them as young mares in need of help.

"But—" she began.

Rainbow interrupted her quickly. She stepped closer to Applejack, who raised an eyebrow, and wrapped a hoof around her neck. "I promise you, with me by her side, we’ll be back in no time! Don’t you remember what happened at the Crystal Empire?"

Granny avoided the pegasus’s gaze, rubbing her hoof. "I remember, yes."

"Then trust us a little. We’ve been through plenty of dangerous stuff and come out just fine," Rainbow said, still visibly nervous as she began pushing Applejack forward with her hoof, earning a small groan from the earth pony.

"Hey! Quit pushing me like that, Rainbow," Applejack protested, trotting along the dirt path.

"Wait! Hold on, I haven’t—" Granny tried to call after them, but the mares were already too far away.

"—finished," she said in defeat, letting her head hang in exhaustion.

Big Mac approached his grandmother, placing a comforting hoof on her back.

Granny looked up at him with a sorrowful expression. Just from the understanding and caring look in her grandson’s eyes, she knew what he wanted to say.

"I need to stop worrying so much, huh?" she muttered.

"Yep."

"She’s right. They’ve faced a lot of danger before. I remember when they went into the Everfree Forest after Nightmare Moon, and they handled it."

"Yep," Big Mac said, his hoof still soothing her back.

Granny Smith sighed. "I know, it’s just... I can’t stop worrying about her." She swallowed to ease her dry throat. "Everything will be fine, right?" she asked anxiously.

Big Mac looked off into the distance where his sister galloped, followed closely by Rainbow Dash. Then he closed his eyes calmly.

"Yep," he said firmly.

"I hope so, Big Mac," she whispered, lifting her head to watch them too.

"I really hope so."

The two mares maintained a steady pace as they approached the Everfree Forest—one galloping, the other flying.

Applejack seemed puzzled. Since Rainbow Dash had arrived, she hadn’t lost that look of nervousness and unease. Keeping her focus on the road, Applejack glanced at the pegasus and saw that same expression lingering.

"Rainbow, you’ve been acting mighty strange since you showed up. What in tarnation is going on?! This ain’t like you," she said in her usual southern drawl.

The multicolored pegasus turned her gaze to her friend. Seeing Applejack’s concerned expression, she quickly shook her head to steady herself, let out a small laugh, and spoke calmly. "It’s just that I might’ve made someone really mad."

"You? Making someone mad? Well, there’s a surprise," Applejack teased with a smirk. "But for you to be this jittery, it must’ve been someone important," she said thoughtfully. "What’s goin’ on in Cloudsdale? Better yet, what in Equestria is goin’ on at all?!"

"It’s a long story, and I’d love to tell you every detail, but we don’t have much time."

In the distance, the sound of flapping wings became audible, growing louder as several pegasi approached their direction. Rainbow Dash glanced up, her expression turning more serious and stressed.

"Look over there. See them? They’re heading for the Everfree Forest," Rainbow said gravely.

Applejack followed her gaze and widened her eyes in surprise. "The royal guard—both from the Day and Night Courts?" she said, bewildered. "This is more serious than I thought!"

"They’ve been ordered to cordon off the outskirts of the Everfree Forest. Their orders are to let nothing in or out—not even us," Rainbow said, her brow furrowing. "If we don’t hurry, they’ll stop us. And I think you and I both refuse to sit on our hooves knowing Scootaloo and Apple Bloom are in danger."

Applejack stared ahead, her expression conflicted. "I’m not one to disobey authority," she said through gritted teeth. After a moment of silence, she spoke again. "But you’re right. I can’t sit by while my family’s in danger."

Rainbow grinned in satisfaction. "Then let’s pick up the pace!" Rainbow shouted, speeding up her flight and kicking up a trail of dust behind her.

"Wait up, girl! I can’t fly!" Applejack hollered, galloping harder to keep up.