Chapter 3: Friendship is Magic: Part 2

*Main Theme*

Nightmare Moon cackled amongst the gather of frightened ponies before her. She stood high and mighty, believing she had won over her subjects. The only pony brave enough to speak up was Mayor Mare.

"Seize her!" Mayor Mare shouted. "Only she knows where the Princess is!"

A group of Pegasus guards flew toward Nightmare Moon, in an effort to prevent her escape.

"Stand back, you foals!" Nightmare Moon laughed.

Nightmare Moon’s laughter echoed ominously in the hall, her voice filled with malicious glee as she watched the royal guards crash to the ground. The room was shrouded in an eerie silence as the ponies stood frozen in fear. But one pony wasn’t about to stand idly by.

Storm Shadow’s eyes narrowed, his yellow irises gleaming with a fierce determination as he watched the scene unfold. Without hesitation, his horn glowed brightly, and his front hooves transformed into glowing aura hands. Rising onto his hind legs, he unsheathed one of his katanas with a sharp metallic hiss.

Nightmare Moon’s laughter was cut short when Storm launched himself forward, spinning in midair before landing a powerful kick to her side, sending the dark alicorn crashing into the ground.

The ponies around them gasped, eyes wide in shock at the sudden attack. Nightmare Moon growled as she rose back to her hooves, her gaze locked onto Storm, now standing in a fighting stance with his katana at the ready.

"You dare?!" she bellowed, her voice dripping with fury.

Storm didn’t flinch. He tightened his grip on the katana’s hilt, his aura hands glowing brighter. "What are you gonna do about it, Nightmare Moon?!" he taunted, his voice filled with defiance.

Nightmare Moon sneered, her dark misty mane flowing wildly as her eyes gleamed with malice. "It seems you are in need of some discipline. Come with me peacefully, or suffer the consequences."

Storm’s response was a sharp, cold glare. Slowly, he unsheathed his second katana, holding both swords in his magical aura hands. The room tensed as the two powerful beings squared off, the air thick with the promise of battle.

In a flash, Nightmare Moon fired several bolts of dark magic at Storm, but he expertly deflected each one with swift slashes of his katanas. His movements were fluid, each strike a precise counter to her attacks. As a particularly strong beam of magic shot toward him, Storm backflipped out of harm’s way, landing gracefully before getting back into his fighting stance.

"Impressive," Nightmare Moon hissed, her eyes narrowing. She charged at him, her form a blur of dark energy.

Storm sidestepped her attack, his mind already racing as he gathered energy. He sheathed both katanas in one fluid motion, closing his eyes and centering himself. He could feel the crackling electricity coursing through him, the raw power of his signature move ready to be unleashed.

With a deep breath, he spoke. "Lightning Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"

In an instant, Storm unsheathed his katanas again, moving so fast he became a blur of lightning. He struck Nightmare Moon with such precision that she staggered back, momentarily dazed. Without missing a beat, Storm followed up with a rapid series of strikes: a palm strike to her face, two quick jabs to her chest, and a powerful front kick that sent her crashing into a nearby wall.

Nightmare Moon groaned as she struggled to rise, her body trembling from the onslaught. Her eyes blazed with fury as she retaliated, firing a massive beam of dark magic at Storm. But Storm, ever the agile fighter, ducked low, letting the beam pass harmlessly overhead and shatter a window behind him.

Realizing she was outmatched in close combat, Nightmare Moon shifted tactics. Her form dissolved into a dark blue mist, swirling around the room before slipping out of the building through the broken window.

"Ergh…" Applejack groaned.

In the meantime, Applejack had tried to hold Rainbow Dash back. But eventually, the blue Pegasus finally broke free, sending Applejack flying backward as Rainbow tried to pursue the released Mare in the Moon. But the mist proved too fast, disappearing into the night.

"Come back here!" Rainbow panted.

It was then that she allowed Nightmare Moon's words to sink in, realizing what she meant.

"Nighttime? Forever?"

Just then, before Rainbow had more time to think, she spots Twilight Sparkle dashing out the building as fast as her hooves could take her. Storm turned his hands back to his original hooves before he galloped after Twilight and ran beside her.

"Where're they going?" She demanded from above. "Hmph… They know something!"

(Scene changes)

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle had just arrived back at the library by the time Storm Shadow entered through the doors. She had just put Spike to bed, the baby dragon completely oblivious to the situation as he slept.

"Uh… We gotta stop Nightmare…"

But it wasn't long before the young dragon conked out again, falling fast asleep. Twilight smiled warmly, as she tucked Spike into his basket for the night.

"You've been up all night, Spike," Twilight pointed out, as he slept. "You are a baby dragon after all."

Once she turned off the light, Twilight quickly searched the library, tossing books around with Storm trying to help her find the book she was looking for from the other bookshelf.

"Elements, elements, elements…" Twilight said frantically. "Ugh! How can we stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony? Storm, can you…?"

Twilight didn't finish when a certain blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail flew right into Twilight's face, forcing the unicorn to back away nervously.

"And just what are the Elements of Harmony?" Rainbow demanded. "And how do you and Storm know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you two spies? Whoa!"

Rainbow was pulled back just as Applejack appeared. The male unicorn watched as the cow pony tugged the blue Pegasus away by the tail, letting her go at a safe distance from the two visitors.

"So much for being friends," Storm thought, scratching the back of his neck.

"Simmer down, Sally," Applejack remarked. "She and Storm are no spies. But they sure know what's going on. Don't you, Twilight? Storm?"

Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity arrived close behind, clearly sharing the same train of thought as their faces showed. Twilight looked at them one by one, hesitant to answer. Storm stood beside her, motioning her to talk.

"I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon," Twilight explained. "Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them; I don't even know what they do!"

Pinkie Pie merely walked over to a nearby shelf, examining a rather old book.

"'The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide'," She read aloud.

Hearing the title, Twilight zipped over and pushed her out of the way.

"How did you find that?!" Twilight asked.

"It was under 'E'," Pinkie said, in a sing-song voice.

Storm gave her an bewildered look as Twilight felt rather silly as well.

"Of course!" Storm Shadow muttered.

"Oh…" Twilight remarked.

Regardless, Twilight Sparkle was quick to recompose herself before reading the contents of the book.

"There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters."

It was during this time a mysterious black mist returned, floating as if it were watching the seven ponies from outside the window. Having heard enough, the mist zips away unnoticed by the group.

"I'm going to regret asking this," Storm said. "But… Exactly where does the book say we can find the castle?"

"It is located in what is now—" Twilight read.

"THE EVERFREE FOREST!" The ponies said in unison.

Ominous music is heard, as if the melody rushed into the dark marsh that stood before them. A short time had passed since they read for where to find the castle, where the Elements are said to be secured. But the overall dread remained as the only way to find the castle was to enter the very mysterious, very frightening Everfree Forest.

"So… The only way to find the castle and get the elements is to enter the deepest darkest forest, risk being attacked by monsters, and possibly being hopelessly lost in an endless maze of trees and ravines?" Storm asked for clarification.

"Sadly, yes," Twilight answered, short and simple.

"… guess we have no choice."

"Whee!" Pinkie cried eagerly. "Let's go!"

Pinkie Pie bounced forward to the entrance of the forest when Twilight Sparkle ran in front of her stopping the party pony in her tracks.

"Not so fast. Look, I appreciate the offer, but… Storm and I can handle this on our own…"

But Storm shook his head rapidly, mouthing 'No, we can't'. He knew him and Twilight could handle a lot of things but this seemed a bigger than both of them. But whether Twilight Sparkle saw his lips move or not, at least some ponies wouldn't be brushed off that easily.

"No can do, sugarcube," Applejack said firmly. "We sure ain't lettin' any friends of ours go into that creepy place alone. We're stickin' to you like caramel on a candy apple."

The rest of the girls agreed with a 'Hmph', as they ventured forward. Even Fluttershy, the most nervous of the group, trotted with the group of eager ponies. The only one who didn't go in with them was Pinkie Pie.

"Especially if there's candy apples in there," Pinkie Pie said.

But her rambling earned some stares from both Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shadow.

"What? Those things are good."

Twilight Sparkle just sighed heavily, while Storm chuckled. The young unicorn had to admit that Pinkie's wacky sense of humor had grown on him. They wasted no time following the group of ponies close behind, venturing into the deep dark wood in search for the legendary Elements of Harmony.

The trek through the Everfree Forest was quiet… Perhaps too quiet. Apart from a slight breeze brushing against the trees, the forest was as inactive as the starry night sky as the moon cascades over the area. As they walked, Twilight Sparkle turned towards Storm who kept a lookout as if expecting an ambush.

"So… Are you okay? After battling Nightmare Moon?" Twilight asked, breaking the silence.

At first, Storm didn't answer or didn't seem to hear her. Course, it was hard to tell from his expression as Twilight tried to observe him. She released a sigh before she pressed on.

"I’m sorry I didn’t ask earlier," Twilight continued. "It’s just… well, everything’s been a little overwhelming with Nightmare Moon’s return and all. You did kind of take on a literal embodiment of darkness..."

"Eh, don’t worry I'm fine," Storm shrugged it off. "I've dealt with worse. Actually… There's something I've been meaning to tell you."

"What's that?"

"I was doing some additional reading about the elements, trying to find some more clues that could help us. I actually discovered something."

"What did it say?"

"According to the passage in the book, I quote, 'When the sixth element is revealed, a special seventh element, the most powerful of them all, will emerge'. It seems this element is supposed to serve as the heart that binds the six elements together. But no pony, not even the royal sisters, ever uncovered this… Seventh Element. What do you think it means?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure," Twilight answered. "But the sooner we find the other six, the better. Maybe this seventh element might help us."

"I sure hope so," Storm sighed.

Eventually, the two Canterlot ponies managed to catch up within the rest of the group. When things got quiet again, Twilight once more spoke up.

"So, none of you have been in here before?" Twilight asked.

"Ugh, heavens no!" Rarity answered, surveying the marsh. "Just look at it – it's dreadful!"

"I'm not going to argue with that one," Storm nodded.

The ponies approached a large cliffside overlooking the entire forest. It was then the dark mist appeared, creeping into the cracks of the ground beneath them.

"And it ain't natural," Applejack added. "Folks say it don't work the same as Equestria."

"Funny, I’ve heard some rumors about them" Storm replied. "Course, I always thought they were just there to keep fillies and colts from wandering into the forest."

As they walked through the dark brush of the wood, he couldn't help but feel slightly nervous over this whole endeavor. But never once did his belief falter nor his courage waver.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Twilight asked Applejack.

"Nopony knows…" Rainbow said.

The way she lowered her voice, Rainbow Dash made it sound as if she were about to tell a scary ghost story. It was more than enough for Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy to shiver nervously.

"You know why?"

"Rainbow, quit it!" Applejack scolded.

The cow pony knew exactly what the blue Pegasus was trying to do, and she did not like it, not one bit.

"'Cause everypony who's ever come in has never come out!" Rainbow Dash concluded.

The three mares flinched quietly, But Storm snorted as he stood behind Rainbow.

"Yeah, right." He said bluntly. "I'm pretty sure this forest has nothing 'we' can't handle."

Suddenly, there was a loud crash, as the ground beneath their hooves gave away. Every pony screamed as they slid along the steep slope. Only Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were able to avoid the drop, but saw their friends were in danger.

"Fluttershy! Quick!" Rainbow shouted, swooping down.

"Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!" Fluttershy panicked, before joining Rainbow.

Both Twilight Sparkle and Rarity screamed their lungs out, trying to slow their descent down the slope, which ended at a very large drop off. Storm grabbed one of his katana swords and dug it deep into the ground part as he slid over the edge. Applejack managed to clamp her feet on a root to stop sliding. Rainbow scooped up Pinkie Pie, while Fluttershy grabbed Rarity's tail, slowing her down.

Poor Twilight was losing ground fast and soon dangled over the edge of the cliff. Storm tried to hold onto his katana but then he heard it slipping out of the ground. Suddenly, it came out as he slid down and fell in mid fall.

"NOOOO!" Storm yelled out.

"STORM!" Twilight cried out as she began to lose her grip.

Soon, Storm was falling very quickly, very fast, the ground just inches away. He then tried to think of a way.

"Come on, Storm! Think, think, think!"

Just then, Storm's eyes widened as if he had an epiphany.

"Wait! THAT'S IT!" Storm shouted.

Storm took a deep breath and released a loud, shrill whistle which echoed through the entire forest. Suddenly, a loud screech met his ears as he looked out toward a great bird flying rapidly in his direction. The bird had a blend of red, orange, and yellow feathers making it look like it was on fire. But this was no ordinary bird. This was his loyal companion and childhood friend, Aegis the Phoenix.

"Over here, Aegis!" Storm shouted.

Aegis screeched again, seeing his master quickly descending to the ground, flying at a rapid pace. Using his amazing strength, Aegis caught Storm in his talons, floating themselves down to safety. Storm released a huge sigh of relief once back on the ground, as Aegis landed gracefully on his back.

"Phew, thanks for the help, old buddy," Storm thanked the phoenix.

Aegis gave a soft chittering, rubbing his feathery head against Storm's cheek as he smiled. Storm looks back toward the cliff, seeing the others struggling to hold on. But his eyes were on Twilight who was in a precarious situation.

"Hold on!" Applejack called out. "Ah'm a-comin'!"

Applejack let go of the branch, gently making her way towards Twilight. She grabs her front legs, preventing the unicorn from falling.

"Applejack! What do I do?" Twilight asked, frightened.

Applejack just held Twilight tightly, before she looked up and saw something. She then turns toward Twilight Sparkle.

"Let go," Applejack said, plainly.

"Are you crazy?!" Twilight retorted.

"No ah ain't," Applejack assured. "Ah promise you'll be safe."

But the frightened look on Twilight's face proved she wasn't convinced.

"That's not true!" Twilight protested.

"Now listen here," Applejack said firmly. "What ah'm sayin' to yah is the honest truth. Let go, and you'll be safe."

Twilight Sparkle hesitated for a moment, before she eventually let go.

"YAAAAAAAAAH!"

Twilight screamed before she felt her fall stop midway. She turns from side to side, realizing both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy caught her in the air.

"Phew!" Twilight replied, with relief. "WAH!"

They dropped suddenly, but soon stabilized their flight again as the two Pegasus ponies slowly brought Twilight to the bottom of the drop off. Rarity and Pinkie Pie were already there.

"Sorry girls," Fluttershy apologized. "I'm not used to holding anything more than a bunny or two."

In the meantime, Twilight watched Applejack hop her way down and smile, grateful she could trust this pony. Just then, she realized something.

"Storm!" Twilight cried, fearing the worst. "Where is he?!"

"Over here!"

Twilight Sparkle turned, as Storm walked alongside the girls with Aegis on his back.

"I was just talking to my little friend about—"

"STORM!"

Seeing Storm was okay, Twilight quickly ran up to him and threw her arms around him with a very tight hug. Storm was slightly taken aback, but he hugged her in return.

"I thought I lost you," Twilight choked out.

Storm gives her a reassuring pat on the back with hoof, as he backs away to look into her eyes.

"You'll never lose me, Twi," He smiled.

Twilight Sparkle smiled before acknowledging the large Phoenix perched on his back.

"Hi Aegis!" Twilight greeted.

Aegis chittered again, as Twilight gave his head a pat.

"Thank you for saving him."

"Good thing Phoenix's make loyal companions," Storm remarked. "Else I'd never survive that fall."

"I'm just glad you're okay," Twilight said.

The two unicorns smile toward each other, sharing a tender moment… Until Twilight quickly jabs Storm in the front shoulder.

"OW!" Storm cried, clutching his right shoulder. "What was that for?!"

"Don't ever scare me like that again!" Twilight shouted back, before walking ahead.

"Does she like me or what, I will never know with that mare.," Storm said, to himself.

Rubbing his shoulder, Storm Shadow follows as the ponies head out. Little did they know, the purple mist swooped about the forest before approaching a creature, its contact made it utter a mighty roar.

"So, tell me, Storm." Rainbow rambled, pointing at Aegis. "Is that really a Phoenix?"

"Yup." Storm replied back simply.

"And are you truly a highly skilled swordmen? The way you battled Nightmare Moon was incredible, especially with how you used your magic." Rarity said as she eyed the katanas, he had with him and commenting his breathing style.

"Yeah, I'm may be able to only use one move right now but I still train hard to make up for that weakness." The colt answered back.

"That is so cool!" Rainbow practically squealed.

"Oh, you must tell me all about Aegis! I’ve rarely seen Phoenix’s up close before!" Fluttershy spoke excitedly.

"Maybe after this whole adventure is over." Storm suggested.

It was for the best, as he knew Twilight would keep moving even if there was a chance to talk. As they ventured through the forest, Rainbow couldn't stop bragging about herself.

"And once Pinkie and Rarity were saved, and Storm was caught by Aegis," Rainbow spoke, excitedly. "Whoosh… Me and Fluttershy loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you in the nick of time."

Twilight looked indignant, or at least 'tried' to be. Suffice to the same, Storm shared the same thoughts as he grew tired of all the bragging. Even Aegis got sick of it, as he chittered in Storm's ear.

"Get used to it, buddy." Storm said, with a headshake. "She does that… alot."

"Yes Rainbow, I was there," Twilight replied simply, before smiling. "And I'm very grateful, but we gotta—"

Suddenly, to every pony's surprise, a creature pounced before them. Twilight gasped, as before her eyes stood a hybrid between a lion and a scorpion.

"A MANTICORE!" Twilight cried, as it roared. "We've gotta get past him!"

The creature tried to attack, with a swipe of his paws. But Rarity gave him a good buck in the face, forcing him to jump back.

"Take that, you ruffian!" Rarity called out confidently.

The manticore responds with a mighty roar, the intense breeze messed up Rarity's mane, making it poofy and messy.

"My hair!" Rarity cried out, before noticing the Manticore's glare. "Woop—"

Rarity just barely missed getting swiped, dashing off to the side.

"Wait," Fluttershy said, softly.

"You say something, Fluttershy?" Storm asked.

But the Manticore's roar knocks him onto his back, as he stares face-to-face with the vicious beast. The Manticore raises its paw to strike, the pony holds his hooves up in defense… When Applejack lands atop the creature.

"YEE-HAW!" Git along, little dogie!" Applejack called out.

Storm recovers to his feet, as he watched Applejack ride the beast like a wild bull at a rodeo.

"Wait," Fluttershy repeated.

But firm as she could, her voice was still too soft and no pony could hear her. Applejack was tossed off with a "WHOA!". Then she turned to Rainbow Dash. "All yours, partner!"

"I'm on it!" Rainbow said, diving towards it.

"Wait!" Fluttershy called out, louder.

This time Storm heard her and thought she sensed something was wrong with the Manticore.

Rainbow Dash soared round and round the Manticore, trying to distract him. But the monster's roar blows the Pegasus away, making her scream.

"Rainbow!" Twilight called out.

The beast's grunt gestures the group toward them. Soon, all the ponies, minus Fluttershy and Storm, leapt into battle. Twilight snorts with determination, bucking her hooves.

The five girls charge at him at once…

"WAIT!" Fluttershy called out.

"STOP!" Storm shouted with his swords spread out in the middle. The beast and the ponies stopped charging, though the creature still growled. Fluttershy simply approached the Manticore, who raised its paw to attack. The girls flinched nervously, anxiously assuming the worst while Storm watched with interest.

"Shh… It's okay."

The ponies open their eyes as Fluttershy kindly nuzzled the Manticore's other front paw. The creature extends it, revealing a very thick thorn in his paw.

"Oh, you poor, poor little baby," Fluttershy cooed.

"Little?" Rainbow replied, stunned.

The others watch with interest, as the Manticore faced the kind yellow Pegasus with a rather sad look.

"Now this might hurt for just a second," She told him gently.

The Pegasus quickly used her mouth to pull the thorn out. The beast roared, scooping Fluttershy towards his mouth quickly.

"Fluttershy!" The others, minus Storm Shadow, cried out.

"Wait!" Storm stopped them as something made him look on in amazement.

But what really made all their jaws drop in shock… The manticore wasn't going to eat her. Instead, he just licks her, clearly grateful that this pony removed the thorn from his paw, practically purring even. Everyone smiled, even Storm as he put his swords back.

"Aw, you're just a little ol baby kitty, aren't you?" Fluttershy replied sweetly. "Yes you are, yes you are."

The manticore continued licking her mane, before setting her down. By then, her pink mane stuck upward like a Rockstar. Every pony gave her a cheer, as the Manticore went on his way. Of all the ponies, Twilight Sparkle was the most impressed.

"How did you know about the thorn?" Twilight asked.

"I didn't," Fluttershy replied, as she walked by. "Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness."

Twilight just smiled as Fluttershy moved on, before noticing Storm smiling with his hooves folded.

"What're you smiling about?" Twilight asked.

"Honestly, I'm just amazed she was able to calm him for simply being nice," Storm replied.

Twilight Sparkle shook her head, as the two followed the ponies deep into the Marsh, missing the fact that the thorn shifted back into the mist as it followed them.

The march through the marsh continued for this ragtag group of ponies. But the forest seemed to go on forever, they felt like they weren't getting any closer.

"No," Rarity groaned. "My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck!"

All at once, every pony's vision went black as darkness casted over the forest.

"Well, I didn't mean that literally."

"That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn't even know it," Twilight pointed out.

"Don't you just hate those situations?" Storm remarked.

It was so dark in fact, Rarity bumped right into Twilight Sparkle.

"I didn't see you there, my apologies," Rarity remarked.

"Right here… Guh…" Rainbow remarked but bumped into Storm.

"Watch it, will ya?!" Storm snapped.

Rainbow merely growled in annoyance.

"Oh wait," Applejack paused, raising her hoof. "I think I stepped in somethin'."

Fluttershy suddenly screamed, but Applejack was indifferent.

"It's just mud," Applejack reassured.

Suddenly, there was an ominous growl from one of the trees. Then another, another, and soon, they were all surrounded. On each tree, they seemed to make a scary face at the ponies with large eyes and razor-sharp teeth. The five girls screamed, while Storm looked like there was nothing to be afraid as he stared at it puzzlingly.

He walked up to it as the girls looked shocked.

"Storm, what in the world are you doing?!" Twilight shouted as Storm walked to one of the trees' scary faces.

Storm taps on it before turning to them. "It's just made of wood. It's not real."

Suddenly, they heard Pinkie Pie… Laughing?! Surprised, all the ponies noticed how Pinkie was busily laughing and making goofy faces toward one of the scary trees.

"Pinkie, what are you doing?!" Twilight asked fearfully. "Run!"

"Oh girls, don't you see?" Pinkie Pie asked.

And all at once, before any pony knew it, Pinkie Pie… Started singing…

Pinkie Pie (Sings):

When I was a little filly,

And the sun was going doo-ow-ow-n!

"Really," Storm said in disbelief.

"Tell me she's not…" Twilight added.

But she never finished when Pinkie popped up from above them, upside down.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):

The darkness and the shadows,

They would always make me froo-ow-ow-n!

"She is," Rarity replied.

"Hmm." Storm just said.

"Then what is?" Rainbow asked, as Pinkie got in her face.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):

She said, "Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall

Learn to face your fears.

You'll see that they can't hurt you

Just laugh to make them disappear."

Ha! Ha! Ha!

As if by magic, the once scary tree turned normal, no face on it whatsoever. Even the darkness surrounding the tree disappeared, much to the ponies surprise.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):

So… Giggle at the ghostly,

Guffaw at the grossly.

Crack up at the creepy,

Whoop it up with the weepy.

Chortly at the kooky,

Snortle at the spooky.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):

And tell that big dumb scary face

To take a hike and leave you alone

And if he thinks he can scare you

Then he's got another thing coming

And the very idea of such a thing

Just makes you wanna... Ha-ha-ha-ha...

"Pinkie…" Storm interrupts, tapping his hoofs.

"Heh…" Pinkie sighs.

Pinkie (Sings):

Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!

Soon, with a little help from her friends, all the scary trees disappeared. The rest of the ponies rolled on their backs, laughing themselves silly. Storm, especially, was most impressed as even he started laughing.

"Where was that all my life?" Storm asked as his friends turned to him with smiles. "Sure could have used that lesson when I was younger."

"Sometimes we learn when we are ready," Pinkie replied, before zipping away.

Storm watched her before he smiled as he shook his head.

As they continue to laugh and hop merrily on their way with Storm leading the way casually walking, he came to a sudden stop causing every pony to collide with each other. Before they could say anything, they noticed before their eyes was a wide stream dividing the forest. While it appears rather shallow, the water was actually raging violently.

"How are we gonna cross this?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Hmm…" Storm muttered, studying the stream. "Too strong to swim across, and no bridge to cross. Guess we can say we're…"

"Don't… Even… Say it!" Rainbow warned.

Storm glared at her and kept silent as the ponies looked on… before he smirked.

"Up a creek without a paddle," Storm finished.

"YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!" Rainbow shouted.

Before Rainbow could charge at Storm, they suddenly heard crying in the distance. Confused, they turn towards a rather large, yet very lanky sea serpent weeping himself in the middle of the water. His elongated figure wiggling so fast, the rapids were building. They also noted one half of his orange mustache, which matches his orange hair, looked torn as if it were chopped off.

"What a world," He sobbed dramatically. "What a world!"

"Excuse me, sir," Twilight called out, trying to be polite. "Why are you crying?"

"Well, I don't know," The Serpent replied, facing the seven ponies. "I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisked past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off, and now I look simply horrid!"

The serpent wailed as he slammed back into the water, creating a massive wave toward the ponies. Storm saw it and rolled to the side out of the way when...

SLOOOOOSH!

The girls were already drenched, and all the ponies turned to Storm rather annoyed before glaring at the serpent.

"Oh, give me a break," Rainbow muttered annoyingly.

"That's what all the fuss is about?" Applejack asked, in disbelief.

Suffice to say, Rarity felt indignant about the situation.

"Why, of course it is!" Rarity replied, stepping forward. "How can you be so insensitive?"

"Rarity actually has a point," Storm added in agreement. "Any pony would feel subconscious if they had to be out in public, only to have a bad or messy mane… Or in this case, a mustache."

Storm and Rarity walk side by side toward the sorrowful serpent.

"Precisely," Rarity nodded. "Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales."

"I know," Storm nodded. "And that expertly coiffed mane."

"Oh I know, I know," The serpent replied, running his fingers through it.

"Your fabulous manicure," Rarity pressed on.

In the meanwhile, Storm watched her with interest. Course, it was hard to tell if Rarity was genuinely cheering him up or buttering up his vain ego. Either way, he allowed her to keep talking.

"It's so true!" The serpent answered, looking at his fingers.

"All ruined without your beautiful mustache," Rarity finished, sympathetically.

"It's true, I'm hideous!" The serpent cried dramatically.

As over the top as the serpent was acting, Storm too felt sympathetic for him. Something needed to be done to cheer up this poor creature, but 'how' to do it was another matter. Luckily, Rarity was already a step ahead of him.

"I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!" She declared. Before the serpent or Storm could reply, Rarity asked the unicorn colt. "Storm, darling. Can you do me a favor by using one of your swords?"

"For what?" Storm asked, confused. Rarity whispered into his ear as his eyes widened a bit and Rarity backed away.

"Are you sure?" Storm questioned worriedly.

"Please do it, sweetheart." Rarity begged him.

Seeing this, Storm closed his eyes with a sigh before he opened them with determination.

"Alright. Just stay still and hold your tail out." Storm ordered as Rarity did so. Then Storm took out one of his katana swords with his magic and held it in the air.

"Rarity, Storm, what are you-" Twilight was cut off when...

SWIPE!

Every pony's eyes shrunk with shock, as the serpent fainted. Fortunately, he neither splashed them with water and neither was he severely hurt. Instead, Rarity's now long, beautiful tail was cut off by Storm Shadow's katana, leaving just a short remainder of purple hair. Using her magic, she levitates the cut tail and carefully ties it with the remains of the serpent's sliced mustache. When he awoke, he saw that his mustaches had been restored… To some degree.

"Oh-hohohoho!" The serpent exclaimed, gleefully. "My mustache. How wonderful."

"You look smashing," Rarity said, returning to her friends.

"Oh, Rarity, your beautiful tail…" Twilight said sadly.

Rarity looks upon her now short tail sadly yet still smiling.

"Oh. It's fine, my dear," Rarity said bravely. "Short tails are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back."

"So would the mustache," Rainbow muttered on the side.

"Yeah, right," Storm said, hearing Rainbow. "Tell you what: Next time that awesome mane of yours gets a buzz cut, I'll be sure to remind you, 'It'll grow back'. What do you say?"

Rainbow nervously put a hoof on her mane, as the others chuckled to each other.

"Heh, heh… No thanks!" Rainbow replied, chuckling. "I'm good."

Twilight came up beside Storm with a smile she had on her. "That was a very brave thing you and Rarity did, Storm."

Storm smiled as he blushed a bit before he noticed something. "Hey look!"

Twilight Sparkle followed his gaze and gasped as the water before them was shallow again.

"We can cross now," Twilight informed, walking through the water. "Let's go. Ah!"

Twilight was startled when she found herself upon the hump of the serpent's elongated body.

"Allow me," He offered.

And so, the serpent creates a set of hump platforms with his body for all the ponies to cross to the other side.

"Hmm… What a gentleman," Storm replied, jumping across. "Thank you very much."

One by one, the rest of the ponies jumped across and followed Storm as their journey to recover the elements continues.

It wasn't long, during their travels, when Twilight Sparkle recognized the site which they had been searching for.

"There it is!" Twilight said, excitedly. "The ruins that hold The Elements of Harmony. We made it!"

"Well, what are we waiting for?!" Storm asked, rhetorically.

Twilight and Storm proceed to take off, with the rest of the girls following in hot pursuit.

"Twilight! Storm!" Applejack called out. "Wait for us!"

"We're almost there!" Twilight called back. "Whoa!"

In her hurry, Twilight Sparkle nearly tumbled down a large gap but managed to dig her front hooves against the cliff side preventing herself from falling. Storm Shadow skidded to stop. Thankfully, Aegis, who had flown overhead earlier, swooped down quickly, and snatched Twilight, drawing her back to safety.

"What's with you and falling off cliffs today?" Rainbow jokes.

Storm glared at her, annoyed.

Twilight Sparkle, on the other hoof, was too shell-shocked for a retort. She merely breathed a sigh of relief, before turning to Aegis.

"Thanks again, Aegis," Twilight spoke.

The Phoenix chittered again before resting atop of Storm's back.

"Now what?" Pinkie sighed.

"Duh," Rainbow remarked, flapping her wings into the air.

"Oh yeah," Pinkie chuckled.

Taking to the skies, Rainbow searched for the rope holding the boards to the bridge in place. Finding them through the mist, she flies back toward the opposite end intending to tie the bridge together.

"Rainbow…"

A mysterious voice caught the blue Pegasus' attention, dropping the rope before she could tie it.

"Who's there?" Rainbow asked.

"Rainbow…"

She stood upon her upright hoofs, using her wings to stay balanced. She placed her front hooves in front of herself in case the mysterious figure had malicious intent.

"I ain't scared of you!" Rainbow said bravely. "Show yourself!"

"We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria," The voice spoke, deviously persuasive.

"Who?" Rainbow asked curiously.

"Why, you, of course."

"Really?! I mean… Oh yeah, me," Rainbow stuttered. "Hey, uh, you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would ya? 'cause I've been trying to get into that group for like, ever."

"No, Rainbow Dash…"

Before Rainbow's very eyes, three Pegasus ponies, wearing dark blue-and-black flight suits and goggles, appeared before her. While two of the ponies were silent, the leader, a woman, did the talking.

"We want you to join us, The Shadowbolts. We're the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria, but first, we need a captain."

The lead pony began to fly around Rainbow Dash, stroking her ego more and more.

"The most magnificent—"

"Yep," Rainbow agreed.

"Swiftest—"

"Yes."

"Bravest flyer in all the land."

"Yes," Rainbow chuckled. "It's all true."

"We need… You," The leader offered.

"WOOHOO!" Rainbow shouted excitedly. "Sign me up. Just let me tie this bridge 'real' quick and then we have a deal."

Rainbow grabbed the rope in her mouth, proceeding to tie it to the post. Suddenly, the leader charged next to her, making the blue Pegasus drop the rope.

"No!" She barked. "It's them or us!"

Rainbow suddenly felt as if she was in a tight spot. On one hoof, Rainbow needed to get the bridge tied so their friends can cross and help find the missing elements. But on the other hoof, if she turned down this offer to join a real flight team, word of this will surely get out and Rainbow may never get accepted into 'any' flight team. She won't get another chance if she refused now.

"Rainbow, what's taking so long?" Twilight called out.

From the other side, the other ponies were waiting for Rainbow Dash to tie the bridge. Storm Shadow quickly saw the Shadowbolts and silently pointed them out to Twilight Sparkle.

"Oh no," Twilight gasped. "Rainbow!"

The Shadowbolt leader's eyes glowed, creating a thick fog drowning Twilight out.

"Don't listen to them!" Twilight called out.

But it was all for naught, her cries were muted by the fog. From the other side, Rainbow was unsure what to do while the mysterious flight team waited for her answer.

"Well?" The leader asked.

"Rainbow!" Storm shouted. "I know how much you want to be the best flyer; I know this has been your dream! So don't worry about us, we'll find the elements and save Equestria. Just know whatever you decide, we'll always support you no matter what. Even if this means goodbye… I won't be disappointed in you; I promise."

Rainbow Dash hesitated for another second, until a decision was finally made.

"You…"

The three Pegasus ponies seemed satisfied with her answer, when she suddenly took the rope to secure the bridge, much to their shock.

"Thank you! For the offer, I mean," Rainbow clarified. "But I'm afraid I have to say no."

Rainbow zipped away, as the leader and her two cohorts grit their teeth before turning back into the dark mist and floated away. The rest of the ponies cheered as Rainbow Dash flew back to the other side, as they began to cross the bridge.

"See?" Rainbow told Twilight. "I'd never leave my friends hangin'."

Twilight just smiled, as Rainbow zipped just above Storm’s ear.

"Thanks for the support," She whispered. "It made the decision easier."

Storm just smiled, giving her a nod as they all crossed the bridge together.

It wasn't long before our heroes found themselves in the ruins of the Castle of the Royal Sisters. As they explored the ancient castle, they paused before a large stone structure, which held several orbs around it. In a way, it reminded the ponies of something out of a planetarium.

"Whoa!" Twilight and Storm gasped, in unison.

"Come on, Twilight and Storm." Applejack said. "Isn't this what you've been waitin' for?"

"The Elements of Harmony," Twilight said, gapping at the statue.

"The legends really are true," Storm added. "We've found them!"

Slowly but surely, Rainbow and Fluttershy brought down the orbs one at a time.

"Careful, careful!" Twilight warned.

But fortunately, all the orbs were set in place before Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shadow.

"One, two, three, four… There's only five!" Pinkie pointed out.

"Where's the sixth?" Rainbow asked.

"The book said," Twilight explained. "When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed."

"And don't forget," Storm pointed out. "When the six elements come together, another element will appear. It serves as the center that will bind the power of the six elements together… The seventh element…"

"What the hay is that supposed to mean?" Applejack asked curiously.

"I'm not sure," Twilight admits. "But I have an idea. Stand back. I don't know what will happen. Storm, can you give me a hoof, please?"

Hearing the word 'please' was a first for Storm, especially from Twilight Sparkle. He almost didn't hear her right.

"You want… My help?" Storm asked, before straightening up. "I mean… sure! Of course."

Both unicorns kneel forward, channeling their horns to glow, focusing their magic upon the orbs before them.

"Come on now, y'all," Applejack said, guiding every pony out. "They need to concentrate."

As Twilight and Storm concentrated, the dark mist soon arrived and encircled the elements, all while they tried to generate a magical spark. Soon, they both open their eyes and witnessed a huge blue cyclone before them. Twilight and Storm gasped, realizing what was happening.

"Aah!" They both shouted.

"Twilight! Storm!" Every pony shouted.

"The Elements!" Twilight shouted.

"We gotta stop her!" Storm added.

The two unicorns dove into the funnel of the cyclone, as it magically disappeared along with them. The other five ponies looked around, talking amongst each other.

"Twilight?!" Fluttershy called out. "Storm?!"

What?!" Applejack exclaimed.

"Where did they go?" Rarity asked.

"What happened?" Pinkie asked.

"What's going on?!" Rainbow Dash finished.

All of them, minus Applejack, dashed about, wondering where their two friends disappeared to.

"Twilight, Storm, where are you?" Applejack asked, worried.

"Look!" Rarity called out.

They turned toward where Rarity was pointing, as a nearby rundown ruin glowed nearby.

"Come on!" Applejack called.

Together, all the ponies rushed out as fast as they could to reach their friends.

Meanwhile, the blackish blue mist transported Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shadow toward a new location, the two unicorns coughed and sputtered from all the dust. Before them was Nightmare Moon herself, laughing evilly over the Elements. Twilight gasped, before she and Storm glared sternly, preparing to charge as he grabbed his katanas in his magic.

"You're kidding," Nightmare mocked. "You're kidding, right?"

"You wish…" Storm replied.

Twilight just glared, before she and Storm charged toward her and Nightmare Moon came right at them. At the last possible moment, just when Twilight's horn was about to make contact, Twilight conjured her magic to instantly vanish and reappear in the middle of the elements. Storm used his moves on Nightmare moon and sidekicked her to the side.

Slightly woozy, since Twilight wasn't used to teleportation, she, along with Storm as he just arrived, ignited their horns once more trying to generate life back into the elements.

"Just one spark," She groaned. "Come on, come on!"

"Spark…" Storm grunted. "Spark!"

Nightmare Moon quickly turned back into mist, sending an electric blast propelling the unicorns backwards and onto their backs. However, the elements seemingly charged back to life.

"No, no!" Nightmare Moon cried out.

Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shadow smiled triumphantly … Until the charge fizzled out, leaving them agape.

"But… Where's the sixth element?!" Twilight cried out.

Nightmare Moon laughed sinisterly and lifted her hooves, which made Storm go agape in horror.

"Twilight, lookout!" Storm yelled as he grabbed Twilight and jumped out of the way as the villainous mare stomped around the orbs, causing them to shatter into a billion pieces. Twilight and Storm got up before they stood in shock, their only weapon against her… Destroyed before their very eyes.

"Oh no…" Storm whispered in dread.

"You little foals!" Nightmare Moon laughed. "Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your precious, or your sun! The night will last forever!"

Nightmare Moon cackled evilly, generating a great dark blue storm above her. Twilight felt that it was all over, their efforts to prevent Nightmare Moon's take over were in vain. Storm glared angrily at Nightmare Moon in anger. Suddenly, familiar sounds caused them to turn behind, as a group of shadows approached talking over each other.

"Don't worry Twilight, we're here!" Pinkie called out.

"Don't worry, we'll be there!" Applejack added.

As they waited for their arrival, something clicked between Twilight and Storm. A special spark suddenly appear in both their eyes. Exchanging looks, they give each other a quick smirk silently realizing what this means. They turned around to face Nightmare Moon, their expressions shifting to fierce confidence.

"You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that?" Twilight challenged, as Storm stood beside her as he put his katanas away. "Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here."

As if they rehearsed this moment, all five mares stood around Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shadow.

"What?" Nightmare Moon exclaimed.

Before Nightmare Moon's eyes, several shards suddenly rose from the broken elements, surrounding the mares one by one as Twilight spoke.

"Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of… Honesty! Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of… Kindness! Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of… Laughter! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of… Generosity! And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire, represents the spirit of… Loyalty! These five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us."

"But you still don't have the sixth element!" Nightmare Moon protested. "The spark didn't work!"

"But it did!" Twilight corrected, facing the five ponies. "A different kind of spark. I felt it at the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you."

Twilight smiled, as a single pair of tears escaped her eyes.

"The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all… Were my friends!"

Upon Twilight Sparkle's epiphany, a light glowed around the unicorn as all eyes watch it descend before her. It did not take long for Twilight Sparkle to realize what it all meant.

"You see, Nightmare Moon," Twilight continued. "When those Elements are ignited by the… The spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: The element of… Magic!"

It was then the sixth orb appeared, revealing the sixth element as it descends above Twilight. The shards of the other elements restored themselves, creating special gold necklaces with each element residing in the center. Twilight's element was more special, a tiara with the element of magic shining triumphantly on her head. Storm Shadow smiled proudly, watching the six ponies wielding the elements.

"My dearest friend, Storm." Twilight said sweetly, her eyes closed. "Did you think I've forgotten you?"

Slightly stunned, Storm suddenly felt a magical aura lift him high into the air.

"When the six elements join together," Twilight said aloud. "Another element will appear; the seventh."

"Impossible!" Nightmare Moon said. "That element is a myth; pure fantasy!"

"No… It is not. That element represents the combination of all six elements, an element that's been with him this entire time."

"Me?!" Storm said, stunning.

"Storm." Twilight continued. "Ever since I've met you, you've shown the core values of friendship: Honesty, kindness, laughter, generosity, and loyalty. You've shown to me and my friends you understood the magic of friendship long before I ever did and you would never give up a fight to the end."

As Twilight spoke, each of the Elements began to glow brightly, their shimmering light casting across the room. The power of the Elements lifted from their respective bearers and floated toward Storm. The glowing shards circled around him, each representing one of the six virtues, and converged with him, creating a brilliant white and black glow. Storm smiled, feeling the warmth and strength of the magic within him.

The aura surrounding Storm intensified, enveloping his body in radiant light. His coat gleamed with an ethereal glow, and his mane flowed with streaks of black and white energy. On his chest, a glowing sphere formed, encased in a sleek, metallic shell. At its center was the weapon end with the red gem and the two unknown crossed sword. The aura pulsed with vibrant energy, each color representing the six elements swirling around the seventh, Courage.

"Storm Shadow, my most faithful companion, represents the magic that deems the Elements of Harmony so powerful," Twilight announced. "The element of… Courage!"

A bright light surrounds the ponies, as the seven elements converge with Storm in the center of what was raw power.

"TASTE THE RAINBOW, NIGHTMARE MOON!" Storm Shadow bellowed.

Using his element, emanating from his horn, Storm directs the energy, a large and powerful rainbow, toward Nightmare Moon, engulfing her in a multicolored cyclone.

"Nooo!" Nightmare Moon screamed. "Nooo!"

As the rainbow's power consumed the Mare in the Moon, the elements themselves glowed brighter until Twilight Sparkle opens her eyes, which glowed as well. The brightness consumed them all, filling the entire room with radiance. Eventually, the bright light faded, leaving every pony laying on the ground, clearly spent from the exposure to all that power.

"Ugh, my head," Rainbow groaned, sitting up.

"Everypony okay?" Applejack asked, as the rest got back on their hooves.

"Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity cried.

All the ponies turned as the fashionista looked behind herself. Apparently, the magic of the elements was so powerful, it restored her beautiful tail to its former glory.

"Why Rarity, it's so lovely," Fluttershy pointed out.

"I know!" Rarity said, cuddling her tail. "I'll never part with it again."

"No, your necklace," Fluttershy corrected. "It looks just like your cutie mark."

Rarity finally noticed her gold necklace, noting how the purple diamond in the center matched her cutie mark swimmingly.

"What? Ohh!" Rarity exclaimed. "So does yours!"

Fluttershy looked upon her own necklace, smiling warmly. All the other ponies acknowledged their new jewelry bestowed upon them by the elements' power.

"Look at mine! Look at mine!" Pinkie said excitedly.

"Aw yeah!" Rainbow said proudly, admiring her own.

Storm admired his chest piece with a grin as Twilight admired her tiara with a big smile.

"Gee, Twilight!" Applejack spoke. "I thought you two were just spoutin' a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship.

"Indeed you do…"

A majestic voice draws the group toward the window, as the sun returns, and a warm light enters the castle ruins. As the familiar golden orb of hope and light ignited the dark sky, another made its way before the ponies. And there, standing majestically before them, was Princess Celestia herself, towering before her subjects. All, minus Twilight and Storm, bowed before their mighty ruler. The two ponies in question were all too happy to see her again.

"Princess Celestia!" Storm and Twilight gasped.

The unicorns rushed towards their mentor, sharing a warm embrace.

"Twilight Sparkle, Storm Shadow, my faithful students." Celestia said proudly. "I knew you could do it."

"But… You told me it was all an old pony-tale," Twilight pointed out.

"I told you and Storm that you needed to make some friends, nothing more," Celestia corrected.

As the other ponies stood up, minus Fluttershy given her shy nature, Celestia continued as it all became clear for her students.

"I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and I knew it was you both who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart."

Celestia's words spoke directly to Twilight Sparkle, given she was the one who not only discovered how her friends represented the elements, but that Storm Shadow was destined to be the seventh. Twilight turned toward the other ponies, offering a grateful smile.

"Now if only another will as well," Princess Celestia said.

The seven ponies turned as Princess Celestia made her way towards what remained of Nightmare Moon, or rather her true form…

"Princess Luna!"

There, sitting upon the remains of now useless pebbles and shards, a lighter blue alicorn, with an even lighter mane and tail, met their gaze. The paleness of her coat and mane a sign she had been drained of her magical power, the alicorn much smaller in size compared to the white-coated Princess Celestia. She gasped upon hearing her name, one she hadn't heard in so long, as she looked toward Princess Celestia fearfully.

"It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this," Princess Celestia said. "Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister."

Every ponies' jaws dropped upon that startling twist.

"Sister?" Twilight, Storm, and Rainbow said at once.

"Will you accept my friendship?" Celestia offered, extending a hoof.

The other ponies leaned forward with interest, anxiously waiting to see how Luna would answer. Pinkie Pie, however, learned too far forward.

"Whoa!" She called, losing her balance.

After a brief moment, Princess Luna burst into tears and raced to embrace her older sister.

"I'm so sorry!" Luna sobbed. "I missed you so much, big sister!"

Tears formed on the bottom of Celestia's eyes, holding Luna close.

"I've missed you, too," Princess Celestia said, tearfully.

That was when Pinkie Pie burst into tears, sobbing… For a few seconds, before blowing her nose.

"Hey, you know what this calls for?" She asked.

"A party!"

It wasn't long before the seven ponies, and the two princesses, returned to Ponyville, as the entire town cheered for the princesses' return, as the celebrations began. Amongst the crowd, Spike appeared giving both Twilight and Storm a warm welcome as Aegis perched himself on his master's back as he greeted him with a squawk. Princess Luna, unsure about being there, was suddenly approached by two young Pegasus foals presenting her with a beautiful necklace of roses, as she gave Celestia a teary smile. All of Ponyville was happy… Except two.

Despite their success, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shadow exchanged sad faces with one another, assuming this is how it all ends.

"Why so glum, my faithful students?" Princess Celestia asked gently. "Are you not happy that your quest is complete, and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?"

Exchanging looks once more, Twilight and Storm turned toward their friends, who seemed sad that they were about to leave.

"That's just it," Twilight spoke. "Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, we have to leave them."

"I really don't want to, your highness," Storm added. "I'm not sure why, but I somehow feel as if I fit in around here more than I ever felt back in Canterlot. Truth be told, I was hoping to request a transfer, to find my own place, and maybe continue my studies as well as my skills here… Just for me. But…" Storm paused before turning toward Twilight Sparkle, looking at her straight in the eyes. "… I realized that no matter where I go or what I choose to do, I don't want to be without my best friend. Twilight and I are a team; I need her as much as she needs me. It wouldn't make sense for one to go off without the other, so… Wherever Twilight goes, even if she drives me crazy, I want to be by her side no matter what."

Twilight gave Storm a warm but teary smile as she was touched while Storm smiled back at her. Princess Celestia smiled, understandingly.

"Spike take a note please," She commanded.

On command, a quill and parchment in hand, Spike took notes as Princess Celestia made an announcement before all the ponies in Ponyville.

"I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorns, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shadow, shall take on a new mission for Equestria. They must continue to study the magic of friendship. They must report to me their findings from their new home in Ponyville."

Twilight and Storm smile excitedly, as the rest of the ponies cheered, and their new friends gathered around them for a group hug.

"Oh thank you, Princess Celestia!" Twilight said happily. "We'll study harder than ever before!"

Storm nodded in agreement, as all of Ponyville cheered once more. As he looked around, to all their friends gathered together, he had to admit… What started as a simple research project would evolve into a brand-new adventure. He may not know where their journey will take them, what dangers they may encounter, or how this entire experience will forever affect his life. But come what may, he couldn't wait to get started.

Then…

SMOOOCH!

Storm stood frozen when Twilight gave him a kiss on his cheek! The crowd of Ponyville gasped in surprise and happiness as their friends cooed at the sight.

"Whoa, Wha-what was that for?" Storm asked in confusion.

"That was for being brave, helping us save the day, and for letting me see what true friendship is." Twilight answered with a sweet smile as she blushed a bit. "Thank you, Storm."

Storm smiled back at her as he blushed too before they shared a friendly head nuzzle.

"Isn't this exciting?" Pinkie Pie popped out. "Are you excited, cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited, well, except for the time that I went *DEEP GASP* but I mean really—"

"Okay, okay, Pinkie!" Storm spoke sternly, pushing Pinkie aside. "That's enough for today; nothing to see. So long folks!" He then announces, as the screen fades to black.

Author's Note

So, here we go. We’re about to embark on a long journey ahead of us. For those who are wondering what Storm’s element looks like. Think of the matrix of leadership from Transformers and try to imagine it as a chest piece for Storm to wear to use his element. I’m not the best at describing things but I’ll do my best when the time comes.