The royal guards waved Twilight and her friends into the castle. One of the perks of being the princess’s personal student, Twi supposed.

In less than five minutes, Twilight and her friends were in Celestia’s office.

Celestia and Luna had clearly been awaiting their arrival, because Luna gave her sister a curt nod.

“Princess Celestia,” Twi gasped. “We came as fast as we could.”

“Thank you Twilight,” said Celestia. “Thank you all.”

“Is this about the crazy weather,” asked Rainbow impatiently. “Have you found a way to stop it?”

“Are you kidding?” asked Pinkie. “Who wouldn’t like chocolate rain?”

“I’m afraid I haven’t found a way to stop the weather,” said Celestia, causing Dash to give an annoyed groan.

“However,” Luna said, “what we’ve called you here for is directly related to the chaos you’ve been experiencing.”

Celestia nodded. “It appears an old foe of ours, someone we thought had been defeated long ago, has returned. His name… is Discord.”

Rainbow snorted. “That freak? Can you guys just, I don’t know, smite him?”

The royal sisters seemed taken aback.

“You already know Discord?” asked Luna.

“Yup,” said Applejack. “That nutjob tried ta kill me multiple times!”

“Perhaps we can still explain some to you,” said Celestia. “Discord is the mischievous spirit of disharmony. Before my sister and I stood up to him, he ruled Equestria in an eternal state of unrest and unhappiness. Luna and I saw how miserable life was for Earth ponies, Pegasi, and unicorns alike, so after discovering the Elements of Harmony, we combined our powers and rose up against him, turning him to stone.”

“Let’s go princesses!” said Pinkie.

“We thought the spell would keep him contained forever,” said Luna, “but since we are no longer connected to the elements, the spell has been broken.”

“No longer connected?” asked Twilight.

“We need you to wield the Elements of Harmony once again and stop Discord before he thrusts all of Equestria into eternal chaos,” Luna told them.

“But why us? Why don't you–.”

“You six showed the full potential of the Elements by harnessing the magic of your friendship to beat a mighty foe. Although Luna and I once wielded the Elements, it is you who now control their power, and it is you who must defeat Discord!”

“Princess Celestia, you can count on–.”

Pinkie suddenly spoke. “Hold on a second! Eternal chaos comes with chocolate rain, you guys. Chocolate rain!”

“Don't listen to her, Princess. We'd be honored to use the Elements of Harmony again.”

“Have no fear, ponies. I have total confidence that you will be able to defeat Discord with these!” Celestia opened the case that held the Elements of Harmony.

It was empty.

Author's Note

I just sorta went dead zombi mode when writing this chapter. I'll try to make the next one better.