Chapter 2

The Floating Kingdom

Twilight could remember her time studying with the Archivists as her mentors. Diving into the Aether was done in an intricate dance that Twilight had messed up time and time again as a child, only learning it when Lovely had stepped in. The elder pegasus mare had gently guided the child through the spins and twirls, the dips and exchange, Twilight laughing along with the soft words and jokes her mother figure had spilled. No one had believed Twilight when she mentioned that her caretaker had taught her the dance, but they were thankful she had learned it nevertheless. It began with the Former Archivist leading and ended with the successor as the leader. It was a give and take. The former gave their position to the newer. Twilight and Shine Swirl headed up onto the stage and Twilight only had a moment to mourn the fact that Fluttershy’s music had been axed before Shine Swirl took her hand and tugged her close. A ballroom waltz began and Twilight keeping her focus on the older mare, who seemed to be sadly eyeing her. “Maybe you could have been something else,” she mumbled, Twilight frowning ever so slightly.

“I could have been a librarian,” Twilight mumbled, Shine cracking a smile and chuckling lowly.

“I could have owned a bookstore,” Shine grumbled, Twilight feeling the weight of the words. Twilight loved to learn magic, she had gotten her cutie mark shortly before she was selected to train, and she wondered what it meant when one was denied their destiny.

“You can still own the bookstore,” Twilight whispered, Shine looking at her with an unreadable expression.

“My time is not long,” she said softly, Twilight looking down for just a moment, tears pricking the side of her eyes. The life of the Archivist of Magic was long and rough, ending with the Archivist eventually dying because of magical exhaustion. Twilight felt herself spun then dipped, Shine tilting her head towards her. “Thank you for your words. I….was less compassionate to my predecessor,” Twilight heard, her eyes locking with her friends. Even upsides down, she could see the horror and worry on their faces and she was pulled up, twirled before being pulled close to Shine.

“I know you did your best,” Twilight said lowly as she took control of the dance, tightening her grip on the older mare’s hands. The music picked up and they began spinning faster and faster, Shine humming softly as she narrowed her eyes.

“Dip into the Aether, see past the veil of reality and see your future,” Shine whispered, her words washing over Twilight, who closed her eyes reflectively and reached out with her magic. She felt a tugging sensation in her chest and when her eyes opened, she was standing in a land of white. She frowned instantly and looked around, gasping when she saw the ghostly visage of herself dancing along with Shine. She could just barely make out the crowd, but they seemed like colored mist instead of ponies. “Welcome to the Aether. Congratulations, you’ve passed your test,” she heard, spinning around and staring at Shine, who gave her a warm smile.

“I did it?” Twilight whispered in shock, looking back at the visage behind her.

“They can see and hear us,” Shine said almost casually before looking from side to side. “We are in your Aetherscape so you can-,” she began before a golden flash made Twilight blink black spots from her vision. The visage came into startling view, the faces of awed and shocked ponies staring back at her. She looked to Shine then paused herself because she suddenly realized she was in a castle hallway of some kind. Golden banners hung from the tops of large stain glass windows, which showcased the outside world, Twilight staring in shock. She moved closer and gasped lightly when she found nothing, but a sea of clouds, cocking her head to the side in amazement.

“Where are we?” She whispered, looking to Shine but finding that the older mare was gaping. Frowning deeply in worry, she heard a soft hum and looked past the older mare, perking up when she found Lovely Days at the end of the long hall. The mare hadn’t aged a day, still tall and statuesque, the mare’s pink mane in a loose braid and tossed over her shoulder. She was dressed in black slacks and a white button up, which was messy, her sleeves rolled to her elbows like she had been working before they arrived. Her golden coat was at least combed and her white tipped wings were tightly closed at her back. “Lovely!” Twilight gasped out in excitement, running past Shine and over to the large mare.

“My Little One!” Lovely cried happily, catching the younger mare when she threw herself at her. The two tightly embraced for a long moment before Lovely pulled back and gingerly ran her fingers through Twilight’s mane, but keeping her arm around her. “How have you been?” Lovely asked while gently turning Twilight’s head from side to side. The older mare always fussed over her, even when she had been a tiny filly under her care.

“I’ve been…..good! I’ve been really really good!” Twilight said happily, Lovely laughing and tugging her back into a tight hug. Twilight squeezed her back and after a moment they released one another, Lovely looking up and her happy look falling away slowly as she gazed at Shine. Shine seemed to shrink into herself and look at the other mare in worry and horror, Twilight looking from Lovely to Shine. “What’s going on? You’re not really here, are you?” She asked, feeling sudden worry, Lovely looking at her with slightly wide eyes.

“You misunderstand my child, I am Lovely Days as you know her, the mare that took care of you when you were a filly, but I am also something more. How about we talk about this over some tea?” She asked, gently taking her hand and giving her a warm smile, Twilight relaxing marginally and nodding. Lovely then looked to Shine and narrowed her eyes again. “Come along Shine Swirl,” she ordered, the other mare nodding almost meekly. The three began walking down the long shining hallway, Lovely lifting a hand and waving it. “I’ve been a bit busy, so the place is a mess, I hope you both don’t mind,” she said, Twilight shrugging. The smaller mare looked around curiously then out of the large window to their side once more, watching as the sea of clouds rolled over one another. They turned into another hall, this one showcasing doorways and Twilight was shocked with just how many there were.

“Where are you taking us?” Shine asked suddenly, Twilight looking at her. She was a bit pale faced, but was looking better than earlier, Lovely glancing at her out of the corner of her eye.

“I wanted to show you the importance of where we are and what is to come,” she said cryptically, Shine hunching her shoulders instantly.

“Yes, of course.” The three began walking faster and Twilight was instantly hit with a sense of sadness as she looked to the towering doors and finding each one either chained or blocked with a thick red X.

“What happened?” Twilight asked somberly, Lovely smiling sadly.

“The Darkness.” Twilight restrained a gasp and moved a bit closer, pausing when she saw one of the doors wasn’t blocked and had a crystal like heart on it. The door seemed to pulse as soon as she got close, the mare reaching out absentmindedly. “Oh! That’s Mi Amore Cadenza. She’s new! The original has recently placed down her mantle and passed on peacefully,” Lovely suddenly said, moving over and placing a gentle hand on Twilight’s shoulder and breaking her near trance. Twilight moved her hand back and gave the older mare a small smile, the older mare smiling back. “I’m excited for you to meet her too, but right now something more important needs to be discussed.” With that, the small group sped up and through the long hall, stopping in front of two doors that were across from each other. One had a sun embezzled on it while the other a quarter moon. The quarter moon door was chained shut, but Lovely opened the sun door and beckoned them in. Twilight stepped through without hesitation and blinked when she found herself in Lovely’s old room in Canterlot, well at least a good replica of it. Posters had been added around of Twilight and their moments together, a small smile growing on the smaller mare’s muzzle at the sight.

She instinctively headed for the balcony area and grinned when she found a table already set up with three chairs. “Make yourselves at home! Please pour me a cup Twily, if you don’t mind,” Lovely called, placing a hand on Shine’s shoulder. Twilight nodded and began doing as she was told while Lovely focused on Shine and glared flatly, the mare in question beginning to sweat profusely. “After this discussion, we’re going to have another long one about how to take care of children, do you understand?” She growled, the mare nodding frantically. Lovely then released her before eying her horn closely. “Thank you for your service. Take this gift,” she said, almost as if offering an olive branch, reaching up and tapping the darken tip of her horn. Shine flinched, magic swirling around her body for a short moment before her horn seemed to heal. Shine stood dumbfounded as Lovely placed her hands on the mare’s shoulders and marched her to the table, forcing her to sit. Twilight had already taken her seat, passing out some small white cakes that seemed to had appeared out of nowhere. Shine reached up shakily and touched her horn in confusion while Lovely picked up a teacup and smiled warmly at them. “Well then. Let’s get started. I’m sure you have questions?” She hedged, Twilight straightening out.

“Right! First things first. You are Lovely Days, right? The real her?” Twilight asked, Lovely grinning and nodding slowly.

“Like I said before, I’m the Lovely Days who raised you in Canterlot, I taught you almost everything you know outside of what the other Archivists did,” she said almost casually, sipping at her tea while Twilight’s brow dipped.

“Why are you here and why didn’t they know?” She asked, Lovely’s smile falling and her face darkening.

“Because they didn’t deserve to know. They left a child alone to fend for herself, so they did not deserve to know who was taking care of her,” she growled, Twilight blinking then looking to Shine, who was looking at her tea cup with terror in her eyes.

“Why would it matter who was taking care of me?” Twilight asked, sipping from her cup as Lovely sighed and rubbed at her eyes.

“It wouldn’t have mattered if it were a maid who took care of you, but it meant everything if they realized it was me. I’m…..a bit of an open secret around the castle. I’m surprised you were never told,” she said before looking at Shine. “Whose decision was that?” Shine swallowed thickly before shakily grabbing her teacup and swirling the liquid around.

“Copper. She thought Twilight had better things to do than chase spirits,” she said slowly, Lovely’s eyes narrowing in annoyance.

“It all comes down to her hm? If Copper had gotten her way, Twilight would have died several times Shine,” Lovely snapped, the older mare flinching.

“Copper was chosen to-.”

“Copper is a spoiled brat, who believes herself superior to her colleagues because her cousin is the princess of Equestria!” Lovely snarled, Shine whining lowly in distress and putting her head down. Twilight watched the exchange, strangely detached, then reached over and placed a gentle hand on Lovely’s arm. That seemed to calm the mare down and she took in a calming breath before releasing it in a huff. "Apologies Shine. I know you weren’t in the best position to do anything but…..gods damn it, you could have at least tried,” she said with frustration her voice. Shine slowly lifted her head but kept her eyes on teacup while Lovely sighed heavily and rubbed at her eyes. “You have to understand how difficult it was to watch you make your mistakes. I could only see Twilight getting worse and worse, it’s no wonder that she failed her exam the first time.”

“Why did she pass this time?” Shine asked lightly, looking up with tears in her eyes. “What’s going on? Why are you showing us this?”

“Because you need to know how important today is. Today is the 1000th Summer Sun Celebration since Nightmare Moon’s entrapment,” Lovely said tightly, Shine frowning deeply.

“Wait! Before we get to that, why are you so important?” Twilight cut in, Lovely looking at her with a small smile.

“I am Shining Celestia, the Goddess of Day and Sun,” Lovely said slowly, Twilight’s brow rising in surprise. Since arriving, Twilight had had her suspicion, but to have it confirmed was something else entirely. Snapping, Lovely’s face remained the same, but her pink mane slowly changed into a swirling mass, a streak of blue, light purple, and green appearing. A sharp slightly curved horn made it’s own appearance and her eyes began glowing, outlined with golden paint and going down her muzzle in swirls. She seemed to get larger, bulking up just a bit, but her clothes moved with her, a golden necklace appearing as well as a golden hoop around her horn. Twilight’s mouth fell open and Lovely gave her a small slightly strained smile. For a short moment, Twilight turned over the notion of freaking out, but she could see the naked fear and worry in Lovely’s eyes, so the smaller mare took in a deep breath before releasing it slowly. She gave Lovely a warm smile and the older mare beamed brightly, the fear and worry slowly disappearing. “I’m not going to lie, I expected you to be suddenly torn from here,” she said, Twilight cocking her head to the side curiously. “Extreme distress or shock would have made you return to your body,” she said simply before tapping on the table. “Now that you and the entirety of Ponyville knows about our connection,” she began playfully, the mare blinking before her eyes widened when she remembered the others could see everything that had happened.

“Oh geez,” Twilight grumbled while Lovely laughed and placed a gentle hand on her arm.

“Don’t worry about it. Now. You know about the fairy tale, Of Gods and Mortals right?” She asked, Twilight blinking and nodding slowly. “All stories have some type of truth within and that tale is no different. Years ago, the other gods were much more plentiful and had a more direct influence on the mortal’s life than they do now. I had many many friends and creatures I came to know as family, but….then the Darkness arrived,” Lovely’s face fell and she gingerly lifted her tea cup, the light around them dimming. “The ponies of past were divided until they were brought together by two of each race, and during their divide, the Darkness was able to trap each god, lessening their influences on the world. Every once in a while, they were able to perform a miracle to show me that they were still alive, but as ponies forgot about their influence in the world, their powers grew weaker. There are not many ponies that remember the old gods nowadays,” she said somberly before taking a sip from her teacup. After a second, she placed it down then focused on Twilight and swallowed thickly. “My sister was one of the last to be infected by the Darkness and now she will escape her prison,” she said lowly, Twilight and Shine gasping.

“How do we stop her?” Shine asked, straightening out in her seat. Lovely glanced at her then focused on Twilight, tightly grabbing at her arm.

“Twilight. You must leave Equestria and retrieve the Elements of Harmony,” she began before lifting her free hand and waving it. Twilight gasped in awe when she saw the small version of Lovely with six glowing stones circling her. “Equestria has always been a special place. When we gods arrived, we felt the magic that ran through the land and took root here. We even gained a new god when we arrived. Harmony itself. Harmony gifted us a weapon to fight against the Darkness, but we were unable to use it…..well everyone but my sister and I. We used the Elements to bind the other gods until we could come up with a way to free them from the Darkness’ influence, but….then my sister was infected and I had to carry on alone. I knew that keeping the Elements in Equestria was dangerous, so I took each one to a different land and trusted them with the other creatures. Then I erected the Barrier to keep us in and them out. By doing so…..we’ve kept peace. Now it’s time to go forth and bring the Elements home.” Twilight watched in awe as a map of Equestria appeared then grew bigger, transforming into a huge map that showed several other kingdoms and a barrier around Equestria. “In the meantime……I will leave my castle and come down to help Equestria prepare for Nightmare Moon’s assault. It will take her time to get the power together to attack. I’m hoping we can get our own forces together and defend until you bring the Elements back,” she said, Twilight looking at her in surprise then swallowing.

“Will I see you again? Physically I mean?” She asked, Lovely blinking then smiling warmly, the light around her brightening.

“Of course. I can’t just send you off without giving you a hug after all,” she laughed, Twilight beaming in return. Shine cleared her throat and Lovely looked at her in almost boredom, the mare nervously shifting in her seat.

“What about the rest of us? How do us Archivist help?” Shine asked, Lovely scowling.

“Keeping out of the way. Right now, I need unity and unfortunately, the only ponies I can trust with that is Princess Platinum the 12th and High Captain Shining Armor,” she growled, Twilight blinking in surprise.

“My brother? He’s the High Captain?” She asked, Lovely looking at her in confusion.

“I thought you…..nevermind. Yes. I will get with Shining and Platinum so the others should stay out of this and focus on organization efforts. Honestly, we’ll discuss this when I arrive. It’s time for you to get going,” she began, lifting her hand and waving it. The two mortals watched in awe as a golden sun shaped pendant appeared and Lovely caught it, holding it out towards Twilight. “I want you to take this. The other creatures will know that I have claimed you to represent Equestria and be more willing to work with you on recovering the Elements.” Twilight took the pendant and smiled lightly when she felt a warmth spread through her, Lovely snapping once. She blinked when she felt like she was surrounded by nothing but silence, looking to Shine and finding her frozen. “I want to ask you, alone, if you are alright with this? It’s okay to say no. I’ll force anyone I need to, to get this done,” Lovely began, taking her hands gently within her own.

“I….I’m scared, but I want to do this. I want to help Equestria and your sister,” Twilight said with determination, Lovely smiling widely with tears in her eyes.

“Thank you my little one. I wish I could claim you properly as my child, but….this will do for now,” Lovely said softly, Twilight perking up ever so slightly.

“Can I call you mom?” She asked, Lovely laughing and nodding, golden tears rolling from her eyes.

“Yes! Of course you can!” She laughed before leaning forward and kissing the smaller mare’s forehead, right under her horn. “Be safe…..and know that I love you. I’ll see you in a few hours,” she said softly, the area around Twilight becoming hazy.

“I love you too.” Was all Twilight could whisper before she found herself spinning Shine and forcing her into a low dip, the older mare panting and soaked with sweat. The two froze and they blinked at one another, Twilight shooting a peek at the flabbergasted crowd. An almost awkward silence began to build before somepony shot out of their seat and began cheering.

“Way to go Twilight!” Twilight grinned when she recognized Pinkie’s voice and suddenly, the room was thrown into a thunderous applause, Twilight pulling Shine up and looking to the other Archivist. Copper was blank faced, her cheeks darkening and her wings fluffing up while the other three were worriedly looking at one another. Princess Platinum had stood and was already moving over, waving a hand as people clapped.

“We have been blessed today with not only seeing the newest of the Archivists ascending but with a glimpse of the Floating Kingdom itself! All of you know that this new development will soon reach other ears, but for now let’s keep it to ourselves hm?” She said, the townsfolk instantly agreeing. She nodded and offered a practiced smile before waving to Twilight. “One more round of applause!” She ordered, everyone cheering and clapping again. Twilight grinned awkwardly, looking to her friends and trying not to grimace at the worried faces that stared back.

Twilight sat, feeling like a teenager, while Buttercup and Copper argued in front of her, the mare’s eyes darting over to Bright Mac, who stood behind his wife with his arms crossed over his chest. Right after everyone began clearing out of town hall, Twilight had been dragged backstage and Copper had begun berating her. The mare had been stopped when Buttercup swooped in like an avenging angel and begun defending her, which led to this moment. Applejack had a gentle hand on Twilight’s shoulder, but was trying to glare at Copper from behind her father, the look harsh and angry. Rainbow had flown up and was actually glaring at Copper while Pinkie went the extra measure of leaning over Bright Mac and actually glaring at Copper too. Fluttershy and Rarity were seated on either side of Twilight, each offering their own silent support, while Sweetie Belle, Rarity’s daughter, and Apple Bloom were excitedly talking to their other friend, Scootaloo, an orange coated Pegasus filly. Twilight could feel a headache building and barely managed to not reach up and rub at her eyes. “I can have you arrested!” Copper howled in anger, Buttercup beaming madly and moving forward, almost like she was going to take a swing at Copper.

“Bring them on! That gives me a few minutes to shove my foot up your ass!” Buttercup said, her husband lurching forward as Copper flared her wings out and attempted to move into Buttercup's space. Twilight grimaced and flinched when the door to the room burst open and Platinum marched in, her green eyes rolling over the scene.

“As much as I’d like to watch that, we have more pressing matters to attend to,” she said evenly, but Twilight could hear the stress in her voice.

“You’re going to let this backwater mare talk to me like that?” Copper snarled, Applejack finally moving forward, Twilight and Rarity jumping up and grabbing an arm each.

“She’s not worth it!” Twilight said quickly, Rarity sniffing.

“Don’t dirty your hands on her darling,” she said stiffly, sneering at the Archivist, who sneered back.

“Copper. I want you to think about everything we’ve learned. Shining Celestia chose Twilight. She’s always chosen Twilight. She thinks of her as her daughter and you did everything in your power to try to get rid of her!” Platinum snarled. Copper flinched, her brow furrowing while the others looked at one another, Twilight swallowing thickly.

“Nonsense. She recognizes her yes, but not as family,” Copper began while Platinum rubbed at her muzzle.

“Are you so….she recognized her yes, but can you not see that Shining Celestia thinks of Twilight as her daughter!? Are you that blind!?” She howled, marching forward. Copper recoiled then scowled, straightening out as she held her head up high.

“Get a hold of yourself! This isn’t how a princess is supposed to act!” Copper snapped, Platinum looking at her dumbfounded. For a moment, the room was still, but Twilight released Applejack and threw herself in front of Copper as Platinum attempted to blast her into a wall. Throwing up a quick shield, the blast of magic hit it hard then went up into the roof, breaking part of it. Copper yelled out in panic while Applejack surged forward and grabbed Twilight, tugging her to the others, who quickly looked her over.

“You are no long my Archivist of Love!” Platinum said in an eerily calm voice, Copper looking at her with a slack jaw.

“You can’t-.”

“I believe she just did.” Twilight perked up, looking over as a towering hooded figure ducked into the room, the frazzled mayor looking at the scene in worry. She knew who it was already, the figure pulling their hood off and the air seemed to suddenly disappear from the room, even while Twilight beamed.

“Mom!” The words were blurted out in a rush, Twilight breaking free from the huddle and running over, hugging Celestia tightly. Celestia laughed lightly then bent down just a bit, hugging her back just as tight.

“Hello little one. I told you I’d see you soon,” she whispered before looking up and scowling, her eyes glowing a faint gold. “You heard Platinum. You are no longer her Archivist,” she growled, Copper flinching then shooting Platinum a small glare.

“You need all of the Archivists!” She snapped, stomping a foot like a child.

“Then I will act as love!” Twilight looked over at Shine and blinked in surprise, the older mare straightening out and narrowing her eyes. Copper looked at her almost dumbfounded and Platinum smirked darkly while waving a hand.

“Yes. Shine will be Love and you will be out of a job. Now go,” she snapped, Copper scowling then glaring at the assembled, tearing the pin off of her chest and throwing it to the ground. She stomped off and Platinum rubbed at her eyes before looking somberly to Celestia. “You were able to leave the castle,” she said softly, Celestia nodding a head.

“With Equestria in danger, I am now able to come and go as I please. When Luna is returned to me then I will no longer be bound to the Kingdom,” she said before releasing Twilight and giving the others a warm smile. “Hello everypony! I’m Shining Celestia,” she began, offering a small wave. The others stared at her for a long moment and she glanced at Twilight, who only offered a small smile back. Suddenly, Pinkie burst forward and excitedly jumped up, grabbing onto her arm and bouncing in place.

“Wow! You’re huge! Are you really a goddess? What’s it like to move the sun? Do you have embarrassing stories about Sparky?” Pinkie chattered excitedly, Celestia laughing and easily lifting her arm, Pinkie hanging off of it and swinging herself back and forth.

“Hahaha let me see. I am very big. I am a goddess. Wielding the sun is second nature to me, kind of like breathing. Oh! When Twilight was a filly, she had a doll-,” Celestia began before laughing when Twilight gave her a look. Like the ice being broken, the others began sputtering and trying to speak, Twilight sighing and rubbing at her muzzle in annoyance. Buttercup moved forward and extended her hand, which Celestia took with her free one. “Thank you for taking care of Twilight while she’s been living here,” she began, Buttercup blushing and smiling widely.

“Of course!” She burst out, Celestia giggling lightly. She placed a hand on Twilight’s shoulder and her smile seemed to dim, the atmosphere growing heavy.

“I wish I had more time to talk but we must begin preparations for your departure. Platinum has been working on a new airship that you will be using to travel with, but you’ll still need a crew,” Celestia began, Twilight frowning lightly. Airship travel wasn’t new, and it was pretty reliable but she was still nervous about leaving her home.

“Right,” Twilight began, Rarity suddenly surging forward and standing almost awkwardly at Twilight’s side.

“I’m an airship pilot!” She burst out, Twilight looking at her with wide eyes. The room was plunged into another silence and Rarity straightened out, a pleasant smile appearing on her muzzle as if she was reigning herself in. “I’ve been certified since I was a teenager. I was even offered a spot on the Equestrian ship forces, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I want Twilight to have one friendly face on the ship,” Rarity said, Celestia smiling lightly at that.

“Are you Diamond Ace?” Platinum suddenly said, Rarity looking at her in surprise.

“Yes, that’s what I called myself at the time,” Rarity said, Platinum frowning and looking to Celestia with wide eyes.

“Sky Skipper was pissed when she refused to join the Dazzling Fliers,” she said before straightening out. “Then you will fly the ship. Are you familiar with the ship Sun Shine Mark 1?” She asked, Rarity’s eyes widening in shock then awe.

“Yes! It’s the newest attempt at energy efficiency and compact ability!” Rarity gushed, Platinum smiling lightly before nodding.

“Theirs more to it but I assume you’ve been keeping up with the updates within the airship channels?” She asked, Rarity nodding. Twilight was surprised with how excited Rarity looked, a small smile playing on her lips.

“I have medical experience. I’m certified. I can be a medic,” Fluttershy said quickly, Twilight looking at her in awe.

“I can cook!” Pinkie burst out, jumping from Celestia’s arm and grabbing Twilight’s hand. She began to bounce in place then gasped excitedly, looking to Rainbow Dash then Applejack. “Rainbow can fly and get recon so we don’t go into danger!” Pinkie gushed, Rainbow puffing up.

“Yeah! Fastest Pegasus alive!” She boasted before giving Twilight a thumbs up, Twilight returning it.

“I’m a fighter ma’am. I’ll protect the others,” Applejack finished, looking to Platinum, who narrowed her eyes at the assembled. Bright Mac and Buttercup opened their mouths to speak, but Platinum straightened out and nodded her head.

“I need all able bodied ponies here for the attack. I do want the five of you to know that you’ll be leaving for months right? We don’t know how long it will take for you to get the Elements, when the attack will happen, and when you’ll be back, right?” She said, leveling a look at each mare.

“I’m not letting Twi fly into a situation alone,” Applejack said, her thick arms crossing over her chest. Rarity nodded and moved to Twilight’s side in solidarity, Fluttershy taking the other side.

“We’re not letting no friend of ours go without us!” Rainbow said while marching over and smacking Twilight’s back playfully. Twilight tossed her a glare and Pinkie giggled before jumping onto Rainbow’s back, almost taking her to the ground.

“Yeah! Team Element of Harmony!” She squealed, the others chuckling. Platinum cracked a smile then looked to Celestia with a new inner calm.

“We can just bring the Sun Shine here. It’s fully stocked with medical supplies, but we will need to get some food together-,” she began but Buttercup surged forward.

“We’ll help with food! We have more than enough stockpiled that we can give away,” she said quickly before looking at Applejack and the girls in worry. “Are you six sure you want to do this?” She asked, the young mares nodding. With that, the group quickly split apart to get their things arranged.

Author's Note

Ah! Chapter 2! I had chapter 2 already done for a little while but I've gotten busy at my day job and couldn't get to my computer until now! Thank you for reading!