Balance within Harmony

The seven closest friends in Ponyville, perhaps all of Equestria, were galloping at full speed through the countryside. Well four of the ponies were galloping, two pegasi were flying and a certain baby dragon riding on Applejacks back. The letter from Celestia had told Twilight that there was a state of national emergency, and that there was no time to waste.

Twilight was carrying a box containing the Elements of Harmony on his back and despite the extra weight, the short sharp tone of his mentors letter desperately asking for help spurred him on. And the others knew if it meant a lot to Twilight, it was likely to end up important to everypony in the kingdom.

During the long journey they had already covered, they had passed squadrons of earth and unicorn royal guards also running in the same direction, as well as seeing fleets of pegasi guards flying overhead. When asked, none of them had any idea what was going on either, except that every guard in the land had been summoned like them and that the fate of the kingdom was at stake. Some of the guards recognised who the ponies were, and knowing the Bearer of the Elements were being summoned made them feel both more nervous and somehow safer at the same time.

Almost a day after leaving the safety of their homes, they reached the top of a huge ridge, and looked down across miles of countryside. In the distance was a huge creature moving very, very slowly across the land. The creature was a huge turtle looking beast, at least the size of Ponyville, perhaps even a bigger city. It propelled itself by walking on thousands of tendrils, seeming to leave a trail of smoke behind it.

Just the other side of the ridge, a short trot away they saw the two Royal Princesses surrounded by the guards that had already arrived. As the seven cantered down towards the large group, Celestia and Luna saw their faithful friends and flew over to meet them halfway. There was no time for chat, so after the quickest bow allowed in royal protocol, Twilight cut to the chase.

“What is it?” Twilight pointed to the creature.

Luna spoke first “It’s name is Shiveredge, a giant beast that roamed the land many millennia ago. Since then, it has lived in the seas where it causes no damage, but for some reason it has returned to land and is cutting a path of destruction across Equestria”

“We have not been able to communicate with it, and even our power alone cannot stop it” Celestia continued “It moves slowly, but in its current course it will eventually destroy Canterlot, Las Pegasus…but first Ponyville. A number of small villages have already been destroyed.”

Luna ignored the gasps of the ponies and continued “And the land that it touches is destroyed forever, no crops can ever grow again. The last time it happened it destroyed all the lands around the border between us and our southerly neighbours – no pony lives there or ever goes there now, but I understand the reasons why have been lost through the ages”

“If you can’t reason with it, what are we going to do?” Fluttershy asked nervously, hoping they weren’t expecting her to try to reason with it like with the Dragon

“Why isn’t is obvious?” Rainbow turned to his fillyfriend “The guards are going to fight it”

Twilight looked at his mentor nodding “And I guess you wanted us to use the Elements against it?” Twilight levitated open the chest containing the elements.

Celestia looked at the bearers “I don’t think the elements will help here – the creature is not evil, it’s just walking along doing what it does. For whatever reason it has returned to land, and sadly we are going to have to try to fight it to try to encourage it to turn around.”

“Then Princess, why did you ask us here?” Pinkie asked.

“We need Twilights help in fighting this thing…Twilight is an expert shield caster, he will prove useful” Celestia replied “Sorry, I didn't expect him to bring you, his friends, along.”

“Nevermind that, I’m here to help fight as I’m sure we all are!” Rainbow replied with pride “We are some of the strongest, smartest, fastest ponies in the kingdom, with or without the Elements. We have to make a stand here! No point waiting for the creature to reach Ponyville before helping out”

“For once I have to agree with Rainbow Dash” Rarity surprised everypony “Equestria will be destroyed unless we stop this thing…together”.

The Princesses had to agree that any help would be welcome, and left to start organising the vast number of guards starting to arrive. Hours later, after all the battalions had arrived, the great beast had moved closer to the group of thousands of ponies reading to attack it. On Celestia’s command, everypony charged forwards into the chaos of battle…

***

The epic pony battle, on this fateful Tuesday, had not gone well. The massive beast’s skin was too thick for any of the guard’s weapons to penetrate, and the creatures innate magic repelled any pony trying to land on it. Pony magic seemed to have some effect, but given the size of the beast the average unicorns power barely made any impact. Meanwhile, the creatures tendrils moved quickly around and through the air, swatting Pegasus around like flies, and knocking earth ponies huge distances across the ground.

The six bearers, two Princesses and Spike were working together to attack the monsters head, but the creature was naturally too well protected. Applejack and Pinkie had got good kicks in, the unicorns, alicorns and dragon had all got good blasts of magic or fire, and Rainbow and Fluttershy moved around quick enough to distract it. But eventually everypony got tired and finding their efforts fruitless, fell back.

However, the monster was outraged at the pain this small group of creatures in front of it had caused, and focused its attention on them. Not wanting to flee and leave the guards to fight alone, the Princesses stood their ground and the bearers stood by their rulers sides. The monster pounded relentlessly on the shields being cast by Twilight and the two Princesses, it’s largest enchanted tendril causing huge magical feedback which weakened the three casters greatly with every impact. After a while the Princesses powers started to falter, and Twilight took the magical lead, the unicorn outperforming the immortals, protecting his Rarity no matter how much it hurt.

Eventually, and without warning, an extra powerful swing broke through the shield landing in the middle of the nine fighters. The force of the impact threw them all back through the air, smashing them into a cliff face. The six mortal ponies lay with various broken limbs and injuries, whilst Spike and the two Princesses were completely spent from the fight to do anything but lay and watch.

The monster slowly approached them, a venom of anger in it’s narrow eyes. The ponies were all too injured to try to escape, and they each suspected the injuries already inflicted from the impact were fatal without immediate help. And there was nopony around in a state able to help them.

Rainbow saw Fluttershy slowly crawling on two hooves over to him, and they slowly crawled on the ground to each other. Eventually the managed to reach in the middle, and they just held each other, no words being required. They hadn’t been a family for too long, even shorter engaged, but they had enjoyed growing up together and were sure there was no-pony they would rather been spending their final moments with.

Pinkie and Applejack had landed ontop of each other “ Couldn't think of anypony I would rather be with at the end of the party” Pinkie half smiled at the colt and they held each others hooves

“Me too partner, just wish we had found each other sooner”

"We've known each other for ages, silly" the pink pony boinked Applejack on the nose.

"You know what I mean. Heck, even your father senced it straight away" Seeing Pinkie confused, he explained that her father had approved a union without being asked.

“Applejack, I think it’s time you asked me then” Pinkie replied “No point in not”

Applejack laughed through his pain “Pinkie…will you marry me?”

“Of course silly, but I get to organise the party. Oh, I’ve planned this one for years” she coughed at the end, gently closed her eyes and sighed "I wonder if they have parties where we are going..."

Twilight had taken the worst of the impact, having positioned himself infront of all his friends and the Princesses to cast his spells. He looked over to where Rarity lay, and despite being unable to move a single part of his physical body, he teleported himself next to his fiancée “Rares, I’m so sorry” he wept as his head lay against his lovers flank. He wished he could also have spent his final moments with Spike, but felt too weak to bring the Dragon over to the pair.

All the ponies waited for the inevitable, when suddenly they heard a familiar trio of voices “Stop, evil thing!” Those that could looked up and saw three fillies stood between the giant beast and their fallen families. Scootaloo was hovering about a foot off the ground, Sweetie Belle horn was producing small sparks and Applebloom was limbering up her rear hoofs.

“They must have followed us here” Applejack gasped through his pain.

“Sweetie Belle, get you and your friends out of here! Save yourself!” Rarity cried out, and saw the monsters tendril swing down towards the fillies. Despite being near depleted and injured, hearing his future sister in law about to be killed spurred Twilight on. He used the last of his energy to form a shield round the crusaders, just in time and with enough power to deflect the tendril to the side. The magical feedback flashed back to the injured unicorn, causing the colt untold internal damage and Twilights head fell against his lovers flank as he took his final breath.

Fluttershy looked at her new daughter “Scootaloo, leave us, run and find somewhere new to live…it’s too late for us, but not for you to run!” she cried

The three foals ignored the pleas for them to run, all they knew is they had to try to protect their families. The beasts’ tendril came swinging down towards the three brave foals for what was bound to be the second yet final time. All five living ponies as well as both royal princesses closed their eyes helplessly, not being able to stand to watch. But no sounds of pain or impact were heard, and after a few moments they dared to open their eyes.

Everything around them seemed to be frozen in time, including the three fillies looking scared and cowering inches away from the beast. But, they hadn't run.

“Whats going on?” Fluttershy broke the silence.

“My my my dear Fluttershy, how come shy old you is always so brave around me?” the ponies heard a familiar voice

“Is that whom I think it is” Luna enquired, gasping from her injuries.

Slowly, out of the surrounding mist, a translucent form started to take shape

“Discord!” The five ponies and one confused dragon cried out, in various volumes, whilst the royal sisters looked at each other.

“The one and only!” the faint form replied.

“But how?” Applejack cried at Celestia confused, thankful his sister was still alive, but sad at his friend lying dead next to a grieving Rarity.

“We didn’t kill Discord” Celestia explained “He is immortal like us afterall. We just broke his physical form so there was no chance of future escape from stone.”

“Yes, that was really cruel for you Celestia, I didn't know you had it in you” Discord laughed and teleported next to her“ Now that’s the sort of Pony Princess I could get on with!” he stroked her face with his claw. He clicked his fingers, and suddenly all the ponies’ and princesses injuries were healed. Twilight took in a deep breath and opened his eyes, much to Rarity's delight.

“Discord, are you responsible for Shiveredge's return and the destruction it’s causing?” Celestia demanded, not flinching away from the villains touch but standing strong.

The six ponies got up to their feet, amazed at how great they suddenly felt.

“Me, not at all. In fact, up to a few moments ago I didn’t seem to be able to interact with the world at all. Beats being stuck in stone mind, as at least I get to watch you lot”

Discord disappeared and appeared next to Twilight, the Draconequus just a faint outline of himself “Your freakouts are as funny as anything I can come up with” Discord laughed before switching places with Fluttershy “Although I think you two would have made a better couple!”

Fluttershy blushed and galloped back next to Rainbow dash, who comforted his embarrassed filly-friend “Really, why do I not believe this has nothing to do with you” the colt scowled comforting his blushing lover.

“Believe me or not, I am telling the truth…Applejack should be able to sense that with his 'freaky powers'” Discord air quoted

“Stop lying about my precious AJ, you…you…cloud!” Pinkie stormed

Applejack cleared his throat “Actually, I can tell when ponies are lying to me!”

Everypony turned and looked at him “What, given how everypony else has epic powers of magic, future sense, speaking animal languages or sonic rainbooms…you think one of the elements was just a strong pony?”

“Why didn’t you tell us…tell me?” Pinkie asked

“Well, it’s never really been required up to now! Beside, you guys and girls never lie to me!”

“Awwww, what a lovely sentiment” Discord poked his tongue out

“So, this has nothing to do with you at all?” Twilight asked, finally regaining his senses and logic, trying to work out exactly what had happened to him.

“No, scouts honour” Discord replied, changing into a scouts uniform.

Princess Celestia approached the faint outline of the villain, and to everypony and his surprise bowed down on her front hooves “Discord, we…I, am powerless to prevent the fall of Canterlot, and perhaps the whole Equestria. What I did to you was wrong, but I beg you to save the kingdom.”

Luna stepped next to her sister, and bowed down as well “Discord, I join my sister in begging for the fate of our kingdom”

The god of chaos looked down at the two immortals infront of him. A long time ago, and for many years, they had battled before eventually the Princesses had found how to use the Elements to cast him to stone. And in that time, and during his previous escapes and escapades, they had never spoken to him with anything but contempt and anger. He wanted to laugh, to mock the once great rulers, but something stopped him.

“Princesses, rise. Us immortals should not bow down to each other in fear” he spoke with an unusual seriousness in his voice.

The two alicorns remained bowed and the younger princess spoke up “Discord, we do not bow to you in fear like the ponies of the past did. We bow to you in respect and reverence to the potential saviour, the only potential saviour, of Equestria”

The six ponies and dragon present also bowed down “We bow down in forgiveness, in hope!” Rarity grandly announced with her best sounding voice.

Discord looked down at all the ponies in front of him still covered in dust and blood from the injuries he had cured, at the killed royal guards lying around, and the three fillies’ moments away from death. He enjoyed chaos, but this seemed a step too far. Oh well, might as well be helpful this once he thought to himself

Discord gave an almighty laugh, and clicked his fingers. His cloudy form disappeared, as well as the giant beast and time seemed to return as usual. The three crusaders flinched away from the expected impact, and finding the beast had suddenly disappeared looked around in confusion. Seeing their families suddenly cured from their injuries, they ran over to the respective pairings and gave them a big cuddle whilst Applejack told the fillies what had happened.

After a few tender moments, the ponies broke their hugs and looked around in sadness at the death and destruction. However, where they expected to see the bodies of the fallen, they had all arisen like Twilight and seemed to be confused at what had gone on. The trail of destruction remained as a scar on the landscape, but everypony seemed to have been restored

“Discord saved them all?” Fluttershy gasped

“He has great power over time and reality…if only he could use it for good” Celestia was caught between the joy of her subjects surviving, and sadness from what she remembered her subjects had just gone through.

Suddenly, Sweetie Belles horn started to glow and a magic spell started to form “Hey, what’s going on?” The young filly exclaimed in a little panic

“You’re doing a spell!” Rarity clapped her hooves in delight “What are you trying to do?”

“Nothing, it’s happening by itself…I’m scared”

Twilight ran over to the unicorn filly “Okay, keep calm. It’s a spontaneous spell, no doubt from everything that’s happened today. Just let it flow, okay sis”

Sweetie Belle horn continued to glow, and Celestia joined next to Twilight. Together, they both started to probe Sweetie’s aura, trying to work out what was going on.

“Whatever it is, it’s powerful” Twilight whispered to the Princess

“Is that bad?” Rarity asked

“I don’t think so” Celestia mused “But it’s not Sweetie’s Magic, it’s something else being channelled via her horn”

“I’m scared” Sweetie squeaked

“Is it Discord? Is there time to transfer it to one of us?” Twilight asked his magical mentor

“I don’t think so” Luna replied “We better give her some space”

Everypony backed off a little as Sweetie strained, Spike and the crusaders almost having to be dragged away from their friend in trouble. Suddenly the spell discharged and something appeared, hovering midair in front of the filly. With the spell discharged, Sweetie lost her magic and the object fell to the earth with a dull thud.

Everypony crept up to the object “It’s another orb?” Applebloom squeaked excited, Sweetie being too tired to squeak for herself.

“Our best friend summonded an orb?” Scootaloo flapped her wings in delight

Celestia looked over at her sister, who looked equally as surprised at the treasures appearance. The ruler of the day then crouched down and put her wing around the three fillies and levitated the orb in her aura “Yes, this is another orb, one that the three of you today have summoned” The three fillies eyes beamed with pride towards their respective carers.

“For you see whilst you may not have had Discords power, you showed great bravery at trying to stop the beast. You tried your best to protect your love ones from harm, despite having limited chance of doing so. You were willing to do anything to protect them. And I think your actions showed him up a little, forcing him to act! If it wasn’t for you...”

The three fillies beamed big smiles at each other “You mean…” Applebloom started

“Yes, dearest Crusaders’, you three saved Equestria!” Luna smiled at the excited fillies “and in doing so have shown great character and have summoned the Orb of Sacrifice”

The eleven ponies present looked at the shimmering orb being levitated in the Princesses field. Celestia closed her eyes and reached out. Twilight, can you hear me?

Yes Princess, why are you using telepathy?

Because I don't want these fillies to hear. You used the last of your power to try to save them, despite surely knowing it would kill you. You could have teleported yourself to safety, but you didn't

I couldn't Princess, I just....couldn't leave them, leave Rarity...leave you Twilights inner voice was filled with sadness

I know my faithful student. I suspect that this Orbs appearance has just as much to do with you as them, I wanted you to know that. But lets give this one to the fillies hey?

Agreed, Princess

Twilight opened his eyes, realising that little time had passed during the mental conversation “So, that’s the third orb found now?”

Luna and Celestia both nodded, trying not to let Applejack pick up on the small distruth they were telling.

***

The ponies made their way slowly back to Ponyville. The guards were looking over the countryside to see what work needed to be done to restore the damaged towns, farms, and hamlets. It wasn’t unusual for the Princesses to go off alone, often escaping their guards to visit Ponyville, but the guards still needed persuading. Of course the Princesses had protection in the form of the six bearers, and the three crusaders who had just helped save the entire kingdom.

On the long journey back, Twilight was carrying the case containing the elements on his back, whilst Spike travelled on his future mother/sister/pony in-law's back. Applejack was carrying a sleeping Sweetie, whilst Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie carried the other sleeping foals.

As the ponies returned to Ponyville, Twilight asked all of his friends and the Princesses to join him in the main square, but wouldn't explain why. The square was empty as they arrived, as everypony was waiting for them for a secret celebration in the Town Hall. The three carriers put down the sleeping foals gently, in order not to wake them.

Twilight levitated the elements out of the case on his back, placing them around his friend’s necks, forming them into a circle. Having placed the element of magic on his head last, he turned to the others “Do you all trust me?”

“Of course” they all responded.

Twilight closed his eyes and all the elements started to glow, each releasing a ribbon of rainbow magic that started to entwine in the middle, forming a large rainbow bubble. The bubble shimmered for a while, and then exploded with a big flash. Everypony shielded their eyes, and when they looked back a familiar form stood in the middle of them.

“Discord?” everybody from Spike to the Princesses called out in surprise.

“What? Where am I? I’m back?” Discord stretched out his real limbs whilst expressing his surprise

“Yes Discord, using the elements of Harmony we have returned you back to physical form” Twilight confirmed

Discord looked around, trying to decide where to start causing chaos first “Why does everypony looked so shocked?” Discord asked confused

Rarity scowled at her groom-to-be “Because my beloved Twilight didn't tell any of us what he was doing”

“Yeah Twilight, what on Equestria are ya up to partner?” Applejack exclaimed

“What, you’re going to tear yourselves apart without me even trying, that is too rich!” Discord clapped in delight.

Twilight removed his tiara “Discord, you saved us all, even bringing me back to life. You used your powers to do good, rather than evil”

Discord chuckled “Evil is such a vague concept. I mean, if I had let that creature destroy all of you, where would be the fun in that?”

“Indeed, which is why I am giving you this chance. I’m not sure if you have changed, but today you demonstrated you do have a good side.” the unicorn slowly approached the Draconequus.

“Awww, you’re making me blush” Discord’s body turned red, before bursting into flames and lots of laughter.

“Maybe, but surely being here, now, back in flesh and bone beats being cast in stone or floating around waiting for the next weird event that might free you?” Twilight retorted.

Discord wasn’t paying full attention and instead was snapping his fingers, changing Rarity’s mane colour without her noticing. He then noticed the colt scowling at him “Sorry, I thought your fiancée could do with a restyle”

“What has he done to me?” Rarity shrieked in panic

“You’re mane looks awesome, like mine!” Rainbow giggled. Rarity pulled her hair forwards to see it bright rainbow colours, and broke down in tears “Hey, I like the rainbow colour” Fluttershy quipped at her friend, finding the situation funny. Afterall, it could easily be dyed back.

Princess Celestia looked at her student “Twilight, are you sure about this?”

Everypony, Dragon and even the Draconequus looked at the colt in sync, “Whether or not Discord has reformed, or he relapses, is up to him. We can always use the Elements to cast him in stone, if he really forces us” Twilight finished with a determined lecture look.

Discord eyed up the colt and snapped his fingers to return Rarity’s mane to normal “You really think I can change?" he scowled "I’m am the god of chaos, what do you expect me to do? Plant flowers and make pretty bouquets for all the ponies?”

Pinkie stepped forwards “Discord, have you never heard of practical jokes? Parties? Having fun without causing everypony else to be miserable? Hey, even changing manes can be funny when it’s someone as uptight as Rarity, as long as you change it back”

Applejack put his hoof around his lover “Pinkie, I think he was being sarcastic”

“You think you can teach me about fun” Discord laughed in the party ponies face “I practically invented it!”

“Maybe Mr Clicky Clickison, but I am Ms Laughter, element of, so I know a fair bit about it myself. Okay, I'll shortly be Mrs Laughter-Apple. Well, i won't be that, I'll be Mrs Pinkamena Diane Responsibility Apple Pie. Or perhaps Pie-Apple. What, that sounds too much like Pineapple, although i do love pineapples. They are spiky and.."

"Okay Sweetie, get to the point" Applejack interrupted

"but regardless" Pinkie blushed "I mean, have you ever have fun with anyone else?”

Discord seemed to freeze in mid thought and Luna chuckled “Yes Discord, Twilight and her friends introduced this concept of joining in others for fun to me. And it’s not all sweet and silly, even scaring foals can be fun if they are expecting it.”

Celestia then approached the Draconequus and took one of his claws in her hoof, the first act of kindness she had ever shown him “Discord, there is so much in this world to enjoy, but with the powers we have there is also a lot of responsibility. If you can find the right balance, then I hope we can become good friends for a long time”

Discord looked at the royal pony “Friends? I’ve never had a friend before”

“Well, she won’t be your first” Fluttershy suddenly spoke up, and approaching Discord she gave him the biggest hug she could. “You saved my daughter Scootaloo, and my little Dashie, as well as everypony else. That makes you my friend, whether you want it or not!” She was quickly joined by the three crusaders, and then her other friends.

Discord looked down at the nine ponies and even a baby dragon, cuddling him, having never had any creature show him such affection for a long time. Eventually, the ten pairs of hooves and claws were slowly removed from the former enemy, and Discord had a small tear in his eye, the first time in a long time he had had a genuine emotion. “Why does this friendship seem to be so important to me now? What sort of magic is this?”

“You said that you have been floating around watching us in Ponyville. Perhaps, just perhaps, seeing us..” Twilight motioned at the ponies present “…be friends, love, learn, try crazy schemes to get cutie marks..”

“Hey, Cutie Mark Crusader’s wing powered go-cart racers wasn’t that crazy!” Scootaloo shouted

“We crashed…a lot” Sweetie Belle laughed back with Applebloom.

Twilight laughed at the filly triple-act “…so perhaps you’ve seen something here that you want to have in your own life” Twilight continued “Perhaps by watching us little ponies, you’ve been able to find that something special you wasn’t expecting?”

Discord wanted to mock the colts sappy speech, but something about it rang true Why has watching these ponies changed me so much“So what do I do now?”

Pinkie grabbed his hand with her hoof and dragged him towards sugarcube corner “First thing, eat some cupcakes and I’ll introduce you to the two most powerful forces of chaos...pound and pumpkin cake!

“I don’t need to eat cupcakes, or anything to eat” Discord reminded the pink pony

“Just wait till you spend some time with the foals, you’ll soon start…” Pinkie laughed, as the other ponies followed Pink pony dragging the large god of chaos towards the bakery, all wondering how Discord would take to foal-sitting…