My Little Pony: Nine Elements

Book 4

Written by Brandon Nell and Blake Hawkins

Chapter 1: The Three New Elements - Part 1

Two days short of a full six months since her return to Equestria, Sunset Shimmer was residing in the Everfree Forest after relearning all the magic she’d forgotten from her time in the human world along with her pet phoenix, Phoebe, and her best friend, Wallflower Blush. On this particular day, the trio stood before a rather crystalline tree located in a cave near Celestia and Luna’s old castle. The center of the tree had a star shaped like Twilight Sparkle's Cutie Mark while Celestia and Luna's Cutie Marks were on the trunk.

“This is the Tree of Harmony that I’ve read about,” Sunset said. “Apparently, it started as a crystal seed that Star Swirl the Bearded and five other ponies planted into the ground before they disappeared.”*

“It’s beautiful,” Wallflower gasped with awe.

“What’s really remarkable is that despite looking like it’s made of crystal,” Sunset added. “It’s as alive as any other tree in this forest.”

“So,” Wallflower said. “Why did Star Swirl and the other ponies plant it?”

“Probably so there’d be something to protect Equestria in their absence,” Sunset speculated. “In a way, they did succeed in that regard. I mean, this tree did bear the Elements of Harmony.”

“Ah, that’s right,” Wallflower said.

Sunset moved towards the tree and found a small opening between its roots, its trunk, and the ground. She got down and reached a forehoof in. She felt around a bit before finding what she was looking for. When she found it, she pulled her forehoof out to reveal what looked like a rock or seed pod.

“What’s that?” Wallflower asked curiously.

“Well, remember how I’d often come back to our shelter with those Element Shards during our time here?” Sunset asked.

“I do, yes,” Wallflower nodded.

Sunset used her magic to make her horn spin like a drill bit, which she used to carve an incision in the object before cracking it open like an egg to reveal it to be full of smaller versions of the gems representing the Elements of Harmony.

“Wow!” Wallflower gasped.

“This is where I’ve been getting them aside from Totems,” Sunset said.

“This is incredible!” Wallflower exclaimed excitedly.

“Each individual shard has a portion of the original gem of the element they represent,” Sunset explained. “But, to be truly effective, they need to be used by the Guardians of Harmony.”

“I see,” Wallflower said.

“That’s why my attempts to make new Elements of Harmony didn’t work,” Sunset continued before she held out a red and yellow gemstone cut into the shape of her Cutie Mark. “This was my first attempt at making a gem representing an Element of Harmony. It didn’t show any signs of having power until my last night in the human world.”

“Ahh~” Wallflower said.

“So, the idea of this experiment,” Sunset said. “Is to get this stone infused with enough energy from the other Elements of Harmony to keep it powered on its own.”

“Alright,” Wallflower said. “Now that the princess gave you permission to do this experiment, you don’t have to worry about you-know-who.”

“And I finally have enough shards to deliver and complete my experiment,” Sunset said. “Can I trust you to help me with the packaging?”

“Of course,” Wallflower smiled. She reached into her saddlebag and pulled out six copies of a map leading to the Tree of Harmony.

Sunset reached into her own saddlebag and placed small piles of shards on top of the maps, making sure to separate the piles by their element. Afterwards, Wallflower folded the maps in such a way that they formed an envelope to contain the shard piles. Phoebe then used her talons to hold the makeshift envelopes closed while Sunset used her magic to create wax seals in the coat colors of the Guardians of Harmony.

“There we go,” Sunset smiled. She levitated the parcels into her saddlebag when suddenly, the trio heard the sound of something moving.

“What’s that?” Wallflower asked.

They turned their heads in the direction of the noise and saw a black, thorny vine sprout out of the ground before acting as a whip towards them. Phoebe took to the air while Sunset and Wallflower jumped out of its path.

“This is different from the Whomping Willows I read about!” Sunset exclaimed. “We better call our dryad contracts!”

“Right!” Wallflower replied, regaining her composure.

“Juniper!” Sunset called.

“Dahlia!” Wallflower called.

Before them appeared two earth pony mares with long pastel green manes, blue eyes, pale alabaster coats, white blouses with mint green overtops, and long seafoam skirts. Both were semi-transparent and had vines that seemed to grow around them. They differed in the lengths of their manes.**

“How may we help?” asked the one with the shorter mane.

As if responding to her question, another vine attempted to whip her, only for it to pass right through.

“We see why you have summoned us,” replied the other.

“Juniper,” Sunset said to the long-maned mare. “I need you and Dahlia to help keep these vines at bay while Phoebe and I go get help.”

Juniper and Dahlia complied and started at once. They made walls of strong oak wood rise from the ground through sheer force of will to keep the malignant vines at bay.

“My sister and I will hold these vines off as long as we can,” Juniper said.

“And I’ll help them,” Wallflower said.

“We’re counting on you three,” Sunset nodded before running out the cave and jumping into the air. “Brisa, grant me wings!” In response to her call, a pair of ethereal butterfly wings appeared on her back, carrying her above the ground***, where she could see more vines sprouting out. “We have to find the guardians quick, Phoebe!”

The phoenix chirped in agreement.

Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Twilight was covered in dirt after another failed flying attempt. She was in the presence of Spike and all the other Guardians of Harmony, who had each had another birthday in the recent months.

“I may be more used to having wings,” Twilight said, dusting herself off. “But, learning to fly stronger is proving to be difficult.”

“Well,” Rainbow said. “You’re getting better. You crashed way less than last time.”

“Thanks,” Twilight said flatly.

They saw a stained glass window depicting Twilight as an alicorn and Spike by her side.

“They did an incredible job with your window, Twilight,” Rarity smiled. She then noticed Spike feeling a bit hurt from her forgetting to mention him as well. “Oh! And you also look wonderful in window form, Spikey-wikey.” She rubbed his left cheek and he felt better.

Twilight looked a bit sad. Applejack noticed.

“Somethin’ botherin’ ya, Twi?” she asked.

“The Summer Sun Celebration is what brought us all together almost three years ago,” Twilight said. “It doesn’t feel right that we can’t celebrate it all together.”

“Oh, Twilight,” Fluttershy said kindly. “We would love to celebrate together with you. If Princess Celestia hadn’t given you the responsibility, we would absolutely make plans to celebrate the celebration together.”

“The celebration is also Sunset’s birthday,” Pinkie pointed out. “The last two years, we celebrated it in a sort of remembrance when we barely knew her. Now, she’s in Equestria, but, none of us know where she lives now.”

“Mom and I do,” Spike said. “We were going to visit her dorm a short time ago, but, we found a note outside her door saying that she was given permission by Princess Celestia to live in the Everfree Forest to study the Elements of Harmony.”

“That doesn’t exactly narrow it down,” Rarity said. “The Everfree Forest is quite a large place and largely unexplored.”

“Maybe we can ask Zecora,” Fluttershy said. “She knows more about the Everfree Forest than we do.”

“We better get going before we miss the train,” Rainbow said.

“Twilight, Spike,” Applejack said kindly. “We’ll keep ya both close in our hearts. Ah know we’ll get together again soon, but, we’ll miss ya while we’re in Ponyville.”

“And we look forward to your return,” Rarity said.

“Thanks, girls,” Twilight smiled.

“We’ll miss you, too,” Spike said.

Half an hour after the train to Ponyville left, Sunset and Phoebe landed at the Canterlot train station and approached the station manager.

“Excuse me,” Sunset asked. “Are all of the Guardians of Harmony still in Canterlot?”

“I’m afraid not all of them,” he answered. “Five left for Ponyville half an hour ago.”

“So, I won’t be able to find all of them here?” Sunset asked, summing up the situation.

“I’m afraid not, miss,” he replied.

“No, of course not,” Sunset said with a hint of sarcasm. “That would have to be convenient.”

The station manager continued, “Princess Twilight and Prince Spike are still in Canterlot, though.”

“I’ll need to make stops in Ponyville first,” Sunset said. She then ran towards the edge of the platform before using her ethereal wings to take flight with Phoebe following.

At Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie was serving customers their orders when Sunset and Phoebe suddenly entered.

“Hiya, Sunset!” Pinkie said happily before she noticed the expression on her friend’s face. “What’s the matter?”

“Keep a close hold on the contents of this package,” Sunset said, levitating the parcel with the pink wax seal over to her.

“Thanks, Sunset,” Pinkie said. “But, what is it?”

“You’ll find out in due course,” Sunset said before making her way out with Phoebe, leaving Pinkie slightly confused.

At Sweet Apple Acres, the Apple Family was hard at work preparing food for the celebration.

“These’ll really make everypony happy,” Apple Bloom smiled.

“Eeyup,” Big McIntosh said with a smile.

“Uh, AJ?” Caramel said, looking at the farm’s entrance. “Were we expecting a unicorn with a flame-colored mane and tail to visit with a red bird?”

Applejack turned to see the aforementioned mare and phoenix. “Sunset! Wasn’t expectin’ ya ta visit, but, we sure are glad ta see ya!”

“I’m glad to see you, too,” Sunset said, catching her breath. “But, I’m afraid this isn’t a friendly visit.” She then presented her with a parcel with an orange wax seal. “We’re counting on your strength.” She gave the parcel to Applejack before heading off with Phoebe.

“What was that about?” Caramel asked.

“Ah’m not ‘ntirely sure,” Applejack answered. “But, somethin’ tells me ah should hang onta this.”

Rainbow was clearing clouds from the sky in preparation for the celebration when she spotted Sunset running in her general direction with Phoebe following. She flew down to see the two.

“Hey, Sunset,” Rainbow said. “Did you want to see me for something?”

“Right on the money,” Sunset said before levitating the parcel with the blue wax seal. “Make absolutely sure that no harm comes to the contents of this package.”

“You can count on me,” Rainbow nodded, understanding the seriousness of Sunset’s tone. Taking the parcel, Sunset was on her way again.

Rarity was decorating town hall for the celebration when she heard the doors open.

“Hello?” Rarity said, turning to see who came in. It was none other than Sunset and Phoebe. “Ah, hello, Sunset. What brings you here?”

Sunset levitated the parcel with the alabaster white wax seal. “The contents of this parcel aren’t for accessorizing.”

Rarity held the parcel with her magic. “Understood.”

With that, Sunset and Phoebe headed off again.

Fluttershy was rehearsing with her birds in preparation for the celebration.

“Very good, Nils,” Fluttershy said encouragingly. “Your rhythm has improved so much.”

She then heard the unmistakable sound of a phoenix’s song. She turned around to see Phoebe and Sunset.

“Sunset, Phoebe,” she said. “Is everything alright?”

Sunset levitated the parcel with the yellow wax seal to Fluttershy. “Make sure you don’t lose the contents of this package,” she said.

“I won’t,” Fluttershy said understandingly.

“One more stop, Phoebe,” Sunset said. She then made a dash of a small grass hill before jumping into the air. “Brisa, grant me wings!” Once again, ethereal butterfly wings materialized on her back and carried her above the ground. Fluttershy had witnessed the whole thing.

“Wow~” Fluttershy said, amazed.

Back in Canterlot, Twilight was looking wistfully out of a window. The sun was setting and the moon was rising.

“Is there anything I can do to help you, Mom?” Spike asked.

“I just don’t know, Spike,” Twilight answered. “Our friends haven’t been gone for a whole day and I already feel like I’m missing something.”

“I know how you feel,” Spike said. “I miss them, too.”

“And as much as I would like to,” she continued. “I can’t just schedule a quick trip to Ponyville. What if something goes wrong while we’re away?”

“I understand your feelings and your need to uphold the responsibility Princess Celestia gave you,” Spike said. “Now that you’re a princess, you’re under even more pressure than when you were her student.”

At that moment, Princess Celestia walked up to the two.

“I heard that there were some unsettled feelings,” Princess Celestia said kindly. “I hope there is something I can do to help you.”

“Well,” Twilight said. “Your highness-”

“You no longer need to use such formalities with me,” Celestia said. “As a princess yourself, we’re equals now. That goes for you too, Spike, since you are a prince. You may simply call me Celestia if you wish.”

“Alright,” Twilight said. “Celestia… the thing is, I understand the responsibility you gave me, but, all the same, I can’t help but miss my friends. I also thought of scheduling a short visit with them, but, I was worried about the possibility of something going wrong here while I’m away.”

“Sounds like I came at a bad time,” said the voice of Sunset, who stood in the door with Phoebe.

“Sunset?” Spike gasped. “What’s happening?”

“Phoebe and I came here to seek out Twilight’s help,” Sunset answered, levitating the final parcel, which had a lavender wax seal.

“What is it?” Twilight asked.

“I was hoping to wait until after the Summer Sun Celebration to ask all the Guardians of Harmony at once,” Sunset explained. “But, circumstances forced me to make this request for a different reason than planned.”

Princess Celestia heard this. “What are these circumstances?”

“Wallflower, Phoebe, and I were conducting research on the Elements of Harmony,” Sunset explained. “Suddenly, these black, thorny vines sprouted from the ground and started attacking us. Phoebe and I had to leave Wallflower and the dryads to hold down the fort while we went to seek help. On the first journey here, we saw such vines sprouting all across the forest and some even reaching beyond its borders. Ponyville and Canterlot are safe for now, but, I fear it won’t last much longer. I understand that you’re under a lot of pressure right now, Twilight, so, I won’t force you. But, I ask you as a friend: help me.”

Princess Celestia, Twilight, and Spike listened to these details and didn’t say anything until Sunset was done. Princess Celestia then had a big decision of her own.

“Twilight,” Princess Celestia said. “Knowing this information, I hereby relieve you of your Canterlot responsibilities and ask you to uphold the task at hoof.”

“But, who will take care of them while I’m away?” Twilight asked.

“You let Luna and myself worry about that,” Celestia said. “My negligence indirectly caused Sunset to exile herself from Equestria. I will not let her suffer in such a way again.”

Twilight nodded understandingly and soberly. “I understand, Celestia,” she said. “Spike and I will do what we can to help, as will our friends.”

“Phoebe and I will return to the Everfree Forest,” Sunset said. “Get your affairs in order here, confer with the other Guardians in Ponyville, and meet us in the forest.”

“Understood,” Twilight said. “We’ll be there as fast as we can. And Sunset? Be careful.” And after Sunset teleported herself and Phoebe, she and Spike went to get their affairs in order.

“I will inform Luna of this development,” Celestia said before leaving the room. However, no sooner had she left than a black, thorny vine sprouted behind her.

Later, back in Ponyville, the town was overrun with the same vines. In the Everfree Forest, Wallflower and the dryads were doing their best to subside the vines, but, to little avail.

“These vines refuse to heed our commands,” Juniper lamented.

“I knew the Everfree Forest works differently from other parts of Equestria,” Wallflower said. “But, even for this, this is unnatural!”

“These plants have magic that exceeds even that of a dryad,” Dahlia said. “I can only hope that our other dryad sisters are faring well.”

In Canterlot, Twilight and Spike saw the sun and the moon side by side in the sky.

“What the-” Twilight gasped. “This shouldn’t be like this!”

“You’re right,” Spike gasped. “Oh, first, Sunset needs our help and now, this!”

“You don’t think what Sunset needs help with could also relate to this, do you?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know!” Spike said. “I don’t see how it even could!”

“Regardless,” Twilight said. “We must figure out how to solve these problems, but, we certainly aren’t going to do this alone.”

Out in the streets of Canterlot, the citizens were confused and scared about this unusual situation. They seeked the Princesses’ advice, but, the two were nowhere to be seen. In a stroke of rather bad timing, Twilight and Spike stepped out for all to see.

“Princess Twilight!” they clamored. “Prince Spike!”

The two were quickly overwhelmed by all the ponies asking them for answers. Fortunately, Flash was able to intervene.

“Settle down, everypony!” he yelled, calming the crowd. “I know this is an unusual situation, but, it won’t get taken care of with all of you swarming Princess Twilight and Prince Spike! Give them some space to breathe and things will be taken care of in due course!”

The Canterlot citizens decluttered, giving Twilight and Spike appropriate breathing room.

“Thank you, Flash,” Spike said gratefully.

“Come with me,” Flash said.

Twilight and Spike followed Flash. He led them into the throne room, where Javelin and Vanguard were waiting to close the doors.

“I know this is a lot,” Twilight said. “But, what exactly is going on?”

“It’s Princess Luna and Princess Celestia,” Javelin answered.

“They’ve gone missing,” Vanguard continued.

“What?!” Spike and Twilight said in unison.

“But, that doesn’t make sense,” Twilight said. “Where did they go?”

“That’s the thing,” Flash answered. “We don’t know where they went or why they aren’t here.”

“This is why we came to you,” Javelin continued.

“In the princesses’ absence,” Vanguard continued. “And with Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor being too far away, we came to you if you had orders for us.”

“What about Flash?” Spike asked.

“I’m only a Lieutenant,” Flash said. “Only the captain of the guard can promote me and even the captain doesn’t supersede the reigning monarch.”

“I see,” Spike said.

“There’s no time to waste,” Flash said. “We need to know what you want us to do.”

Twilight was overwhelmed with this situation, but, she knew that other ponies were just as unsettled as she was. So, she took a deep breath in, exhaled, and then explained. “I want you three and other guards to continue the search for Princesses Celestia and Luna. They must be found before other ponies riot. There must be some clue to tell us what happened to them. If you find something, anything, let me and/or Spike know immediately.”

The guards saluted and began looking.

“You did great at taking charge, mom,” Spike said.

“Thanks, Spike,” Twilight said. “I know it’s not the most solid plan right now, but, it’s our only option.”

Suddenly, Maelstrom entered the room.

“Forgive my intrusion, Prince and Princess,” he panted. “But, I have urgent news from Ponyville!”

“What’s going on?” Spike asked.

“The Everfree Forest,” Maelstrom explained. “It seems to be… invading!”

“What?!” Twilight and Spike said in unison again.

At Fluttershy’s cottage, the pegasus was desperately trying to console scared critters.

“It’s going to be okay, everyone,” Fluttershy said. “You're all going to be safe, I promise.” When she looked out her window, it didn’t take her long to see the source of the animals’ distress. “Although, I can see why you’re all afraid… because I’m afraid, too!”

At Sweet Apple Acres, things weren’t much better.

“Ah ain’t ever seen thorny vines like this b’fer!” Granny Smith griped. She tried pulling one out with her teeth, but, it was in vain.

“Ah know o’ some unruly roots,” Applejack said, trying to fight back. “But, this is a lot even fer me!”

In his efforts to pull out a vine, Caramel was tossed by it right at Applejack’s left flank.

“Sorry, honeycrisp!” Caramel apologized.

“It’s alright, Caramel,” Applejack said as she helped him up. While she was turned around, a vine decided to strike her rear end. “Yowch!”

“That wasn’t me!” Caramel said.

“Ah believe ya, Caramel,” she said. “Yer standin’ right in front o’ me n’ ya can’t reach mah rump from there.”

“That’s true,” Caramel said. “We have to keep these things under control somehow!”

“The problem’s figgerin’ out how,” Applejack said before getting a closer look at the vines. “Wait a minute… that ain’t right!”

“What do you mean?” Caramel asked.

“Take a closer look at it,” Applejack said. As Caramel did so, Applejack explained further. “Have ya ever seen a vine ‘er any plant like this ‘fore?”

“Uh, I don’t think I did,” Caramel admitted. “You know my memory doesn’t work well.”

“That’s the thing,” Applejack said. “Ah ain’t ever seen a plant like this ‘fore.” She asked the rest of the family. “Have any o’ y’all seen plants like this?!”

“Nope!” Big McIntosh answered.

“Well, where’re they comin’ from?” Applejack asked before looking up and seeing thorny storm clouds. “N’ what’s goin’ on in the sky?!”

Above the ground, Rainbow likewise took notice of the sky situation.

“Okay,” Rainbow said. “I’ve never seen a cloud like this before. Regardless, I need to clear these out. It’s not scheduled to rain until after the Summer Sun Celebration!” She charged towards one of the clouds, but, a most peculiar thing happened. It bounced like rubber and caught Rainbow, only to release her while she’s covered in excess clouds. “And I thought Discord’s cotton candy clouds were hard to clear. But, I can’t give up!” She flew back to the cloud only for it to throw lightning bolts. Rainbow swiftly dodged the lightning. “Hey!” More clouds started gathering and throwing lightning. “Whoa! Yow!”

At Carousel Boutique, Rarity noticed the unusual goings-on outside.

“Oh, dear,” she said. “This is certainly different from any normal day in Ponyville. It’s most unsettling. Maybe I should pour some tea to calm my nerves.”

She went to prepare the tea, unaware of the vines reaching her house. Two unusual flowers bloomed instantaneously, releasing some odd blue spores. They seeped through the window and reached Rarity’s horn. This caused her magic aura to change beyond her control. As she was pouring a cup of tea from a teapot, the spout poured out the tea in a way that didn’t reach the teacup. Rarity opened her eyes and noticed this perplexing event. Suddenly, the teapot levitated away from her.

“What?!” she gasped. She followed the teapot to her workroom to see the tea pouring onto a hat she had made. “Oh, dear!” The teapot then began squirting Opalescence. “Oh, no! Opal, darling, please know that I’m not doing this on purpose!” She then licked the tip of her hoof and put it on her horn as if extinguishing a match. This caused the magical aura to fizzle out and the teapot stopped moving, falling and shattering to pieces on the floor. Remembering she was looking after her younger sister for the Summer Sun Celebration, she called up. “Sweetie Belle, have you noticed anything particular with your horn or your magic?”

The younger filly came down the stairs using her horn as a pogo stick while it had a light arctic blue aura.

“Yes!” Sweetie Belle called. “Help!”

“Try putting out your horn!” Rarity said. “Lick your hoof and touch your horn with it!”

Sweetie, once she was right-side up again, did so. She panted. “Thanks, Rarity.”

However, the relief was short-lived, as Rarity’s horn unwillingly lit again, levitated a piece of loose curtain, and started chasing after Sweetie. The little filly tried in vain to escape.

“Oh, dear!” Rarity gasped. Soon enough, it was chasing her, too.

Back in Canterlot, Twilight and Spike exited the castle. Twilight was levitating her Element of Magic tiara.

“We’re just about ready to head to Ponyville, Spike,” Twilight said. “I just hope we haven’t missed the express train.”

“Not even the express train is fast enough,” Spike said. “And what about Sunset’s situation?”

“If we can’t get the other Guardians to help, it won’t matter if we help Sunset or not,” Twilight said. “I’m sorry, Spike, but, Sunset will just have to wait.”

“Oh, right,” Spike said. He then took a deep breath. “Still, there’s another way to get to Ponyville.”

“How?” Twilight asked. But, she considered and looked at the wings on her back. “Spike, are you sure you want me to fly us down there? I’m still not the best at flying.”

“It’s the fastest option we have,” Spike said. “Yes, I’m afraid of heights, but, I’m even more afraid of what’s going on right now.”

Twilight took a deep breath. “Alright. Just hang on close to me and keep your eyes closed. I’ll tell you when we’ve landed.”

Spike climbed onto Twilight’s back, got a firm grip, and clenched his eyes shut. Then, Twilight spread her wings, got a running start, flapped her wings, and took off for Ponyville. Despite her clumsy flying, she managed to make it there without hurting herself and especially not hurting Spike.

Back in Ponyville, the citizens were panicking from the strange phenomenon that’s around them. The Guardians of Harmony met up with each other to make sure nopony was hurt. Rarity was the first to speak up.

“I’m certain everypony has noticed that something very strange is going on-” she started before narrowly getting smacked by a flyaway vine. “And I for one would like an explanation!”

“Well, you won’t get any from me,” Rainbow said. “I’m as lost as you are.”

“All o’ these weird plants’re comin’ from the Everfree Forest,” Applejack said. “Mah family, Caramel, n’ Ah’re doin’ our best ta keep ‘em under control, but, they’re too stubborn, even fer us!”

“We have to do something,” Fluttershy said. “I don’t know how much more Ponyville can take.”

“Ah don’t think these things’re content with just overrunnin’ Ponyville,” Applejack said worriedly. “If this keeps up, it’ll cover half o’ Equestria!”

“What can we do about it?” Pinkie asked. “Rummage through the Golden Oak Library and hope we find a book that gives us answers?”

“Well,” Rarity said. “It somewhat worked when Twilight had first told us of the Elements of Harmony.”

Meanwhile, Twilight and Spike were still making their way to Ponyville. Twilight landed on the ground a bit awkwardly.

“Spike?” she said gently. “I’ve landed.”

Spike opened his eyes and saw they were right outside the Golden Oak Library.

“Thanks, Mom,” he said as he got off of Twilight’s back. “I hope my claws haven’t scratched you.”

“Don’t worry about it,” she said. “Now, let’s get the Elements of Harmony and our friends.”

They stepped in and saw the other Guardians already inside. Applejack looked up from one of the books she was reading to see them.

“Twilight, Spike!” she called. This caught the attention of the others. “Boy howdy, we’re so glad yer both here!”

Fluttershy became immediately apologetic.

“Oh, we’re so sorry for the mess,” Fluttershy said. “You see, we were trying to figure out if any of your books had answers for this strange phenomenon going on outside.”

“Has Princess Celestia sent the both of you to dispel this situation post-haste?” Rarity asked.

“No,” Spike said. “She and Luna went missing before we even got here.”

The other Guardians gasped at this news.

“So, we’re royally screwed here?!” Rainbow asked.

“Not fully,” Twilight said. “I don’t know who has taken them or where they’ve gone, but, I’ve got a hunch that we’re going to need the Elements of Harmony to get them back.” She levitated the other elements to their respective bearers.

“So,” Spike said. “Has anypony found any information from the books you’ve been reading?”

“Alas, no,” Rarity answered. “And Rainbow made her doubts on the parcels Sunset gave us being of any help at all quite clear.”

“Looks like Sunset gave you yours before she gave my mom hers,” Spike said.

“Hmm,” Twilight said, taking out the parcel. “She did say she was researching the Elements of Harmony. Perhaps we should talk to her about this.”

“No offense, Twi,” Rainbow said. “But, I don’t think this is the time to chat with a student of the princess who didn’t live up to the hype.”

“Y’all try living in another world fer three years,” Applejack said sternly. “N’ then show us how yer flyin’ is.” In her stern gestures to emphasize her point, her saddlebag opened and her parcel from Sunset seemed to be emitting a pulsing glow that matched the color of the gem matching her Element of Honesty gem, which also seemed to emit such pulsing glows. “Wha- what’s happenin’?”

Twilight levitated her own parcel and found it and the gem representing her Element of Magic were emitting pulsing glows of the same colors as well. The other guardians found similar results with their own parcels.

“Ooh~!” Pinkie said astounded.

Twilight broke the wax seal on her parcel and found it had a small pile of smaller gems shaped like her own Element of Magic gem.

“This must have been what Sunset was researching,” Twilight figured.

The other guardians opened their parcels and found similar piles of gems shaped like their own Element of Harmony gems.

“What are these things?” Rainbow asked.

“They look like our elements, but, smaller,” Fluttershy said. She then noticed something. “Mine has a note.” She took it out and started reading it. “To Fluttershy, if you’re reading this now, that means you’ve opened the package. I imagine you’re curious about the gems you find enclosed within it. If I’m present when you opened it, please disregard the brief explanation on this note. Otherwise, here is the brief explanation: they are Element Shards of Kindness. For a more in-depth explanation, follow the map making up this package’s wrapping and refer to me at the highlighted destination on the map. Sincerely, Sunset Reginald Shimmer.”****

“So that must be what Sunset meant when she said, ‘you’ll find out in due course,'” Pinkie piped up. “So this must be the due course that she men- her middle name is Reginald?”

“Never mind that!” Applejack shouted. She found a similar note in her own parcel, altered to fit her.

“Sounds like we need to follow the map,” Twilight said.

“Oh, sure,” Rainbow said sarcastically. “Let’s go follow a map provided by a pony we barely know into a place even fewer ponies know anything about! It’s not like we have a bigger problem to deal with!”

“It’s okay to be scared,” Fluttershy said, comfortingly. “I’m scared, too. But, Sunset could have information that we will need to help with this problem.”

“She struggled to use magic to open a door,” Rainbow pointed out. “How can she help with any of this?”

“Meanwhile, back in the invaded Ponyville…” Spike said, trying to get back on topic.

“Spike’s right,” Applejack said. “We have ta do everythin’ we can!”

Twilight studied the situation.

“I think it’s pretty obvious who’s behind this,” she said.

“A supernatural ram that could potentially revive the dead?” Pinkie guessed.*****

Twilight paused. “Not who I had in mind,” she said afterwards. “I was thinking someone much more… chaotic.”

“My Granny Pie on a sugar rush?” Pinkie asked.

“No!” Rainbow said. “She’s talking about Discord!”

“That was actually my next guess,” Pinkie said.

“Hold on, everypony,” Fluttershy said. “He may not be directly responsible for this, but, we should at least ask him about it and see if he does know anything about this.”

“Yeah, ah have mah doubts, too,” Applejack said.

“We should summon him and speak with him,” Twilight said.

The guardians stepped outside the library and saw that they didn’t need to bother summoning Discord as he was in a rather frantic state with a butcher knife in one of his eyes****** and repeatedly snapping his eagle claw digits, but, not getting the results he wanted.

“I don’t like what’s going on here!” he shouted. “Why aren't my Deus Ex Machina story-breaking powers working?!”

“Ah can tell he’s tellin’ the truth,” Applejack said. “If he was responsible, his magic woulda solved this.”

Discord turned to the Guardians of Harmony and practically began begging.

“Of course!” he said. “You’re the heroes of this story who inevitably win no matter what! Please! Use your plot armor to fix this!” The guardians noticed the butcher knife in his eye.

“Oh, my goodness!” Fluttershy gasped. “How did that butcher knife get into your eye?!”

Discord turned his other eye to the knife. “Oh, that?” he said. “Well, I had a little run-in with Dark Mimic and she proceeded to stab me with the knife while saying, among other things, that she would rip off my genitals and shove them into a very uncomfortable place that I cannot say without this story losing its teen rating.”

“After this situation gets worked out,” Spike whispered to Twilight. “We should have a long talk with Dark Mimic.”

“Oh, the ghost of her mother saved you the trouble,” Discord said.

“Anyway,” Fluttershy said politely. “Please don’t take this as any accusation, but, if you didn’t cause this situation, do you have any idea of who did or why this is happening?”

“Well,” Discord said. “These vines remind me of something, but, I can’t remember exactly what.”

“He’s tellin’ the truth ‘bout that, too,” Applejack confirmed.

“That’s bull!” Rainbow said. “He can remember things from over 1,000 years ago!”

“I can’t remember every little thing!” Discord retorted. “Do I look like an elephant to you?!”

“He has got you there, Rainbow,” Rarity said.

“And besides,” Discord continued. “Do you remember everything? Every diaper you’ve worn on a specific week when you were a foal?”

“No,” Rainbow admitted before adding, “But, thanks to my parents logging every single thing I do, I do have a record of-”

“Okay,” Discord interrupted while covering Rainbow’s mouth. “That’s officially more than I needed to know.” He then cleared his throat. “If you find evidence that I have something to do with this, feel free to kick my keister.”

“You have a butt?!” Pinkie asked in surprise.

“It’s a figure of speech,” Discord said. “I don’t have a butt.” Then, he had a look of uncertainty. “Wait, do I?” As he pondered the question— “DON’T YOU DARE DESCRIBE A FANTASY SEQUENCE!” he interrupted before pointing accusingly. “Especially those of you in the comments section! You know who you are!”*******

Suddenly, running out of the Everfree Forest carrying packed saddlebags was Zecora.

“Excuse my intrusion,” she gasped. “But, as you can see, the forest has gone wild, even for me!”

“Ya have any idear why this is happenin’?” Applejack asked.

“And have you met Sunset Shimmer?” Pinkie added.

“As for the second question,” Zecora said. “She and I have met. Her first impression is one I would not forget. As for the first, this is a mystery to me as well. But, I may have something that when combined with a spell. I cannot use it myself, the results would be tragic. It can only respond to dark or Alicorn magic. Twilight, you can change the potion from purple to white. After a sip, you will discover why the sky is both day and night.”

“Uh, are we certain dark magic is a good idea?” Twilight asked. “I’ve had less than pleasant experiences with it.”

“Sunset Shimmer has used dark magic on the potion herself shortly before I departed,” Zecora said. “And her heart hasn’t been corrupted.”

“Uh, that was kind of a slant rhyme,” Pinkie commented.

“We ain’t got time ta talk poetry, Pinkie,” Applejack said.

Twilight focused her horn and a beam of dark magic shot out and hit the potion, turning it from purple to white. She then cautiously took a sip of the potion. So far, nothing seemed to happen.

“It doesn’t seem to be wor-” But, before Twilight could finish her sentence, her eyes suddenly turned white, casting a light glow. After a flash, she looked around her. The area around her looked like a stone throne room with lavish carpentry and two gleaming thrones. “Where am I?”

“Not anoth'r grise!” a familiar voice said.

Twilight turned her attention to the owner of the voice.

“Princess Luna!” she called, for it was indeed the night princess. “I don’t understand. Where are we? Why did you and Celestia disappear?”

Luna, however, didn’t seem to acknowledge her question.

“Didst thou very much expecteth us to sitteth idly by while those gents all bask'd in thy precious lighteth?” the night alicorn said.

“Precious lighteth?” Twilight asked. “Why are you talking like that?”

“Th're can only beest one princess in Equestria!” Luna said as she made her way to the middle of the thrones. “And yond princess… shalt beest us!” She stomped her forehooves, causing large cracks to form and shadows to spread.

Twilight shielded herself from the shrapnel, but, she found she wasn’t hurt. She looked to see the alicorn raising the moon, eclipsing the sun in its path. However, shadows began engulfing Luna, who seemed to become aware of what was happening.

“What manner of sorcery be this?!” Luna cried before the shadows seemed to speak.

“Simple, Luna,” they answered. “You allowed your petty envy to fester, giving birth to me and giving me the power to finally take control. Now, you belong to me!”

Twilight could only watch in terror as Luna screamed in agony as her body was transformed against her will. After the transformation was complete, Princess Luna no longer looked the way she did. Standing in her place is Nightmare Moon. The transformed mare cackled wickedly.

“Free!” she said. “Free at last!”

Twilight gasped with horror at the actions that transpired before her.

[To be Continued…]

Author's Note

Here's the beginning of Book 4.

*FORESHADOWING!!!

**More on them later.

***Explanation later.

****That's a nickname for her. Proof.

*****She may or may not be more correct than they think.

******The first reason for the violence tag.

*******Discord's onto you!

In the flashbacks, Celestia and Luna will both speak Shakespearean English. Since Twilight's seeing it through something other than a projection, there's no translation.

I think it's worth noting that I laid a bit of subtle foreshadowing of my plans for Sunset in the Guardians. Can you spot the signs?

BTW, starting with this chapter, they'll be released on a bi-weekly basis. This idea was proposed by Storm the Pony a while ago, but, implemented now because when she suggested it, it felt weird to do so with no explanation.

If you liked this chapter, feel free to contact me via private messages if you'd like to help make future chapters.