Balance within Harmony

Twilight had just finished singing at his brothers royal wedding to his/her old foalsitter, Princess Cadence. The colt had been Shining “best mare” despite not fitting the usual profile, but the brother had promised back when Twilight was a filly that she could be, and promises between BBBFF’s were not to be broken lightly. And despite the change in voice from the song planned as a young filly, he had luckily still been able to make it work and there wasn't a dry eye in the castle.

A few months had passed since the Shiveredge incident, and love certainly had been blooming since the near death experience. Twilight and Rarity were now spending every night together at the Boutique, Twilight using the Library solely for his studies.

Spike had got used to living on his own, maintaining the library in an impeccable state without being badgered by Twilight. The dragon had also finally asked Sweetie Belle out, and the young unicorn had eagerly agreed. Twilight and Rarity had to have a certain talk with the more mature dragon, but finding his heart pure, and with his physical maturity behind that of the filly, there was nothing to worry about.

Raimbow, Fluttershy and Scootaloo had formed the perfect family unit. Scootaloo could now finally fly around same level of her mother’s ability (when nopony or animal was threatened). The three of them complimented each other perfectly, and Celestia had to admit to herself that interfering in the usual adoption laws was the most sensible decision she had ever made.

Pinkie and Applejack had really got into a fine double act. Despite being completely in love, they argued over everything that could be argued over and some that could not, just to make up in the 'Earth Pony' manner. Granny Smith and Big Mac were grateful for all the help Pinkie gave, especially to Applebloom, as well as making their Applejack happy. Pinkie had moved back to live with the cakes, helping them run the business and look after the foals. How she managed to help out so much confused everypony, it was like she had a clone. “Nah, we’re not on season 3 yet” was the cryptic response she gave whenever she heard the rumour.

The wedding had gone off without a single hitch thanks to the efforts of Twilight and his friends, except for the attempted Changeling invasion. How a Princesses, even the more of the minor one of Love, had been replaced without anypony else noticing was a bit of a mystery. Shining afterall was under a spell, but the Royal Guard were expecting a bit of an inquest over this - although the Princesses themselves should have noticed something given her magic aura had changed colour.

Of course, the Queen had failed to take into account the smartest unicorn in the land, let alone factor in that family members may notice their relations acting strangely. Twilight had soon seen that something was up, as neither her brother or her old foalsitter seemed that interested in his visit, and something that just didn't add up. Nobody seemed to want to believe the colt - perhaps Cadence just felt that the ladybug dance wasn't appropriate for a fully grown Princess mare and colt to perform compared to when he was a foal?

However, Twilight knew his beloved foalsitter too well - she wouldn't mock Pinkie's party, she would be the first to dance. Twilight begged his friends to believe him, and Rarity had backed her colt despite the general scepticism and together they had won the others over. A short rescue of the Princess trapped in the crystal caves by Discord was followed by an even shorter battle by Twilight before the wedding.

The fight couldn't even really be called a battle - Rarity and the other swere at Twilights side when he confronted the fake Princesses, and the Chryslsis had thrown everything at the unicorn. But he simply blocked and counter every spell without breaking a sweat, let along using any of his entourage - he may have been calm on the surface but deep down he was furious at what had happened to the Princess he loved (completely plantonically he pointed out to Rarity) and that drove his magic on.

The queen had anticipated trouble with Celestia and Luna during the takeover, but was devastated when she couldn’t even beat one unicorn colt. With her plans defeated, the changeling queen was sent on her way uninjured, with the promise that if she ever returned without wanting peace that she would not be treated so fairly. She had returned for the actual wedding, in her natural form, and personally apologised to the couple. The long run skirmishes between Equestria and the Changling empire were over - love and friendship had won once again.

With Rarity catching the bouquet, and all disasters averted (Discord had nearly grabbed the bouquet himself but decided against it when seeing Twilight growling in the corner of his eye), attention had turned to her and Twilights wedding. This was still not planned until Twilight was much further down his studies and Rarity’s business had taken hold. Whilst the other bearers were equally prepared to wait, as they had all agreed to get married together, pressure was starting to fall onto the colts shoulders to perhaps ask Celestia to bring the wedding a little forward.

***

After everypony was asleep from a hard evenings partying, Celestia and Luna were sat in the royal gardens, thinking.

Twilight had been promised a royal officiating at her wedding when she was taken under Celestia’s tutorage. This had been upgraded to a national holiday when he and Rarity got engaged. Now that all six bearers of the elements were going to marry at the same time, this was an event to outshine even Princesses Cadences wedding earlier that day. In fact, only if Celestia actually married Luna could a bigger event be planned. And that would just be weird, though would be a good excuse to give their subjects more eclipses in the future.

But the two royal princesses knew there was a major hitch in allowing the wedding to happen, as all of the ancient prophecy's signs had come to pass. They managed to get Discord to sit still for long enough to discuss the matter with him, and after careful pondering he had to agree that they shouldn’t wait any longer.

“How do you think they will all take it?” Celestia asked

“Dearest Sister, I know you worry about thy friends feelings, but this wasn’t your fault. It would have been wrong to interfere, but from what we have learnt it sounds like the prophecy can only turn out one way.”

“Yes and even I, who love chaos, wouldn’t want to put Twilight and Rarity through that. It would just be mean and not really that funny - unless we dressed them as bunnies” Discord mused

“Then it’s agreed, we do it tomorrow?” Celestia summarised, sighed, and looked at Luna’s moon. “So much has happened since your return sister, I feel awful for tomorrow. In fact, I wish I didn't have to raise the sun”

“But you must. For we cannot change the course of time, and we cannot prevent the flow of the prophecies." the younger sister mused

The elder then continued "For we are simply part of them, and they part of us. Besides, whilst there may be heartbreak for some of our subjects, surely it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all”

"Whatever did happen with you and that Stallion you had eyes for?" Discord asked thoughtfully, also causing Luna to look towards the eldest sistr

Celestia sighed "The same thing that happens to all our subjects - they get to move on whilst we stay here eternal...he married a lovely mare and had three foals..." and the princess started explaining the story of generations of these descendants, who she had followed for a thousand years...

***

The following morning the bearers were having breakfast with the Crusaders and Spike, when suddenly the dragon burped up a scroll from Celestia. Twilight took this in his aura with surprise, expecting Celestia just to come and find them within the castle if she wanted to talk. But after he had read the scroll, he realised why – the ten of them had been summoned to the ancient castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. Royal guards were already waiting outside to take them there.

Being flown in the royal chariots pulled by the strongest of the royal guard, the ten of them arrived quickly arrived at the edge of the Everfree Forest. The group of them restarted the journey that had brought them all into each others lives in the first place. Having grown up in maturity, power and confidence since the last time, and the fact Nightmare Moon wasn't trying to stop them, the journey was mostly uneventful. They even got to say hello again to Steven Magnet again.

Upon re-entering the ancient throne room, they were glad to see Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadence waiting for them, along with Discord and Queen Chrysalis. Seeing the five known immortals together, but not Shining Armor who had only married the one of them the night before, made everypony a little on edge as clearly something important was about to happen.

Twilight went over to give a hug to Celestia and Luna, performed the Ladybug dance with Cadence (who would never let down any of her former charges) and then hoof bumped Discord in the most coltish way possible.. After the nine other mortals had bowed and paid their respect to the Pony Princesses, Changeling Queen and King of Choas, they looked around nervously before taking a seat on the cushions infront of them. Each one was coloured to match their bodies, mane and where appropriate their cutie marks. Of course only Rarity really appreciated the subtle style hints and the magical stitching that had put together these special cushions.

“Princess Celestia, we came as you ordered” Twilight began

Celestia came over and lay next to the colt “Dearest Twilight. I have requested the presence of your friends here today, for I have something very important to tell you. For you see, before we allow you to continue with your studies in Friendship, and love…”

Celstia paused to allow Twilight and Rarity to look over to each other, then continued “…we must now show where your studies have been leading you”

“Where they have been leading me? Twilight replied confused, whilst Rarity looked on in slight fear.

“As you are aware, although will not have ever seen, there are many ancient prophesies. Some of these have already come to pass over the many thousands of years since Equestria was founded.” Luna spoke

“Yes, I am aware of them, and how nopony is allowed to view them” Twilight looked at the Princess of the Night, wondering if she ever had a choice in the Nightmare Moon matter.

“Well, dearest student” Celestia resumed “one of the prophecies is about a powerful unicorn filly. One that has the most raw natural ability of nearly anypony before her. That one…is about you!”

Twilight was speechless, so Rarity spoke “Our beloved Twilight? Are you sure?”

“Yes Ms Belle” Cadence spoke “It was recognised early in her life that Twilight Sparkle was a special pony. This is why I was sent to watch over her as her foalsitter, to ensure that nopony tried to hurt her”

“The prophecy is quite detailed in what would happen – a filly would bring together two ancient enemies, which her and you her friends did when you returned my sister to me” Celestia looked over emotionally to her sister.

“She and her companions would save Equestria on four Occasions” Luna continued “Which has been done with Nightmare Moon, Discords first return, Shiveredge and lately the Changeling invasion. Without you Twilight none of these would have come to pass”

“So what does this prophecy have in store?” Rainbow spoke up, being impatient even in situations like this. Fluttershy shot him a quick look of the glare, and Rainbow knew he had crossed a bit of the line.

“Well, we cannot tell Twilight the whole truth at this stage. Knowing anything about the future at the wrong stage can destroy a mortal ponys life” Discord chipped in “It is a sacred duty that not even I betrayed during my first release. It could destroy the whole of Equestria!”

“I know that firsthoof from my time travel incident” Twilight laughed nervously “So I understand completely...as does Spike if it involves ice-cream”

“But, today we will have to let you reach the next stage of the prophecy. The signs have all been in place, and your battle with Chrysais has shown you are ready” Celestia continued “For you see, you Twilight Sparkle, are about to be given a very special gift.”

Twilight looked around at his friends “Well, last time I was here I was given the gift of Friendship, and then the gift of love. I doubt any gift can compare to that!”

The three Princesses looked around awkwardly at each other, and Luna spoke first “There are ten ancient orbs that when put together give a special power for the pony that is responsible for recovering them ”

“Well, as you know you have recently recovered three of the ten orbs, Truth, Belief and Sacrifice” Celestia levitated each orb to the centre of the group as she announced them, and then paused.

“Doesn’t that mean theres seven more to find?” Applejack asked.

Discord responded “There are indeed seven more, but six of them have already been found”

Gasps rung out from the six ponies “Who found them, and when?” Pinkie excited asked, practically bouncing with excitement.

Celestia smiled a little, not wanting to give the game away too quickly despite the seriousness of what was about to come. Afterall, having waited more than a decade, a few more minutes wouldn't hurt. “Well, six of them were recovered at the same time…by a unicorn filly”

“Princess, who was this great unicorn” Twilight asked, praying secretly it wasn't Trixie. He would hate to have that annoying filly involved in what was supposed to be his prophecy.

“Oh, just the best unicorn in the land” Luna quipped

“Impossible!” Rainbow shouted “Twilight is the best unicorn in the land”

“Yes, I am” Discord taking the unicorn colts form interrupted, before getting a glare from Rarity.

“Is it not obvious to my faithful student?” Celestia approached Twilight

“No, it is not. If we found three of them, but somepony else found the rest, why aren’t you talking to them?”

“Perhaps if I list the spheres it will become obvious: Honesty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter, Loyalty and Magic” Celestia pointed to each of the bearers in turn.

“You mean the elements of Harmony?” they all gasped

“Yes, do you not remember how they were when you found them?”

“Spheres!” Twilight called out, as Luna opened the chest holding the elements, which had now returned to the form when they were first found by the ponies. Between the three Princesses they levitated the six spheres into the centre of the group.

Twilight looked confused at the nine orbs infront of him “So we all found them, not just me?”

“No Twilight, nopony would have gone to the Ancient Castle if not for you. Your friends helped you, and control the elements of harmony's power, but you own the power of the spheres themselves.”

Celestia then directed the colts attention to the centre of the floor, where a triangle of six indents was visible. She explained that the ten spheres would make up a pyramid shape, and that the colt should start building it now.

Twilight took the spheres of the elements and placed them by hoof as the bottom triangle of six spheres as the base. He then placed the sphere of truth, Fluttershy her sphere of Belief, and Sweetie Belle placed the sphere of Sacrifice. The nine Spheres made two layers of a pyramid, and started glowing softly in the colours of Twilights coat and mane.

“That just leaves one more to find…” Twilight mused “to top off this pyramid”

“It’s been here all along” Celestia took off her crown, which turned into an orb as soon as she let it go. “It is the orb of Hope – after Luna’s banishment I keep it by me at all times, awaiting her return, as a reminder never to give up on her” Luna came over to her sister, and they shared a tender nuzzle and a cry. The other ponies in the room started to well up with emotion, Spike started to cry and even Discord had to hold back emotion.

“So, you knew what was happening all along?” Twilight asked his mentor

“Twilight, when I saw you as a small filly hatch Spike from a dead hundred year old dragon egg, I knew you had to be the correct pony for the prophecy. These final few years, watching you grow up, made me happy as I knew it would bring my sister back to me. But I also cared for you which made me want you to make friends and be happy”

Celestia put a wing over her former charge “I had no idea that you and your friends would form the group to weld the elements and in doing so become so much more than friends. I just wanted you to be happy. Of course in retrospect it seems so obvious now, but at the time I only had your best interests in mind. And that’s how these prophecies work – we don’t always know why we make the choices we do, but I’m so glad that it worked out the way it did”.

Celestia seemed to be struggling to hold back tears, so Cadence took over “Twilight, please place the final orb on-top of the pyramid”

Twilight paused for a moment. “What will happen” Applejack asked, voicing everyponys fear.

Cadence smiled at the earth pony “Nothing will happen until Twilight is ready, I would never let her...him come to harm”

Twilight looked around at everybody of all species looking at him. He picked up the final sphere in his aura, and gently placed it at the top. No sooner had he done so, the pyramid started to glow even brighter, and a magic field grew round the objects.

“Ohhhhh, pretty! So…what now?” Pinkie broke the silience.

“Well, the fact the spell activated proves you were right, Twilight is the next choosen one” Chrysalis spoke to Celestia “Suddenly I don’t feel so bad at being beaten by him” she joked

“Twilight Sparkle, you have activated the ten orbs, signalling that you are indeed ready” Celestia spoke grandly “You now have the ability to cast a single spell of near infinite power. This can only happen once, but grants you nearly any wish you want, even if there is no natural spell to accomplish it!”

Twilights friends gasped and looked at the colt, who seemed to be struggling with the idea. “What sort of spells?”

“Well, only six ponies have been able to do this before you. The first time was myself, where I choose to become an Alicorn and take the responsibility to raise the sun and the moon” Celestia started

“Then, six hundred years later, I joined Celestia in becoming an immortal Alicorn and took over the responsibility for the night. You see, we are not natural sisters, but being together for so much time you grow attached in a way normally only a family can. We ruled together as two immortals for around twelve hundred years…”

“Until I came along” Queen Chrysalis spoke up “I was given the spell but did not want to rule alongside Celestia and Luna. So I turned myself into a Changeling so I could grow a kingdom of my own. We started off as peaceful neighbours, but over time I grew lonely and jealous, and we battled ever since.”

“Yawn” Discord interrupted “They argued a little, but it was nothing compared to me. About a thousand and seven hundred years later, I activated the spell and turned myself into this grand creature infront of you. By choosing to ignore the limitations of being a pony..."This made four Alicorns glare at him "...I gained more power than the others. For a while we ruled together, and well, you know the rest”

“I was the most recent recipient of the spell, and I choice to become a Alicorn. But seeing what had happened with Chrysalis and Discord, I choose to focus on something other than power, love!” Cadence chipped in

"So thats why you couldn't tell me where Alicorns and Discord came from" Sweetie suddenly blurted out

"Why, yes little one. You clearly had a good instinct on how everything was linked together, but we could advise on what was to come"

“Wait, that’s only five stories, what was the sixth?” Sweetie Belle asked, getting too caught up in her own thoughts to notice the monumental moment she was interrupting.

Cadence walked over to the foal, her natural foalsitter coming out “Well, little one, a great pony was given the gift of a spell, but I suppose wasn't as selfish as us as he didn’t choose to use the spells on himself. The stallion named Starswirl the Bearded was the fourth to get the spell gift, but having seen what had happened to Chrysalis, he knew that as Luna and I had spent so much time ruling together there was no place for him”

“But it was more than that” Luna continued “For he was a wise pony and decided instead to change magic as we know it. He is known now for inventing many spells, but what has been left out of the history books was before him every unicorn could only perform a few very basic spells. He didn’t just invent spells, but used his gift to unlock magic in all unicorns, turning it into the wondrous variety of spells that every unicorn can now enjoy!”

“Wow, that was most generous” Rarity sighed “More than I could ever be!”

Hearing his loves voice helped to focus Twilights mind “And now it’s my turn? I can do anything?”

“Well, nearly anything. You can turn yourself into a Princess and live forever with us….” Luna started

“Wait, Princess?” Twilight question

“Unfortunately yes. As you were born a natural filly, and the elements turned you into a colt, you will revert to being a mare should you decide to become immortal. Well, thats our best understanding, we may be wrong”

“Why did the elements do that to me, to us?” Twilight gestured to Rainbow and Applejack

“We cannot say, as Applejack and Rainbow will continue to be colts if you change, and we cannot give away the future…spoilers” Celestia replied cryptically.

“But of course you could use your spell to turn the three of you back if you want” Luna replied thoughtfully.

Twilight looked at Rainbow standing next to his family, and Applejack next to Applebloom and Pinkie “I don’t need to ask them if that’s what they would want” he replied

“Sure as sugar your right” Applejack nodded and gave Pinkie a hug

“You do that to me, and the two of us would have words!” Rainbow half threatened as Fluttershy looked proudly at her fiancé.

Twilight then turned to look at Rarity and Sweetie Belle

“And, to cut off the next question, a spell to grant immortally can only be cast on one pony” Celestia asked, looking sadly at Rarity “So if you choose to become an Alicorn…” she trailed off.

Everypony’s face started to sag, as the reality of the situation started to hit home.

“Does the prophecy actually say what I do?” Twilight asked

“No…from what I can tell you the prophecy is quite specific up to this point, but like them all it splits at a key stage and has a number of outcomes. Of course we cannot tell you what these are, or how each impacts on you and possibly your friends and family” Luna explained

“My family, like my brother?”

Cadence looked at her favourite foal in history “In case it is crossing your mind, you cannot make your brother immortal. That can only be cast on the pony which brought the orbs together.”

“How did you know I was thinking that?” Twilight asked

“I know you very well Twilight, and perhaps had a part to play in making you the balanced pony you are today” Cadence replied “Your brother and I discussed the, erm, immortally issue early in our relationship, and we just plan to love the moments we have together”

Twilight and Cadence threw themselves into a big hug, and Rarity looked on with pride That’s my Twilight, always thinking of others

“You can cast powerful spells on other ponies to do what no other magic ever could. You could turn a number of ponies into Pegasis or Unicorns or cure a really sick pony. But immortally is a special gift that can only be granted to a few” Luna sighed, as if remembering the choice she made was the wrong one.

“I have lots of power, but can only change things that have only just happened, like the death and destruction from Shiveredge” Discord added “I could not change anything that happened yesterday already, and I could not prevent the deaths of my loved ones. That probably explained why I ended up doing what I did!”

“You have your whole life to decide – now the pyramid has been activated you can come back anytime you want to cast the spell. My sisters and I, along with Discord and even Chrysalis if she’s willing, will help you make your decision and help discuss where possible any impact” Celestia summarised

Twilight closed his eyes, and reached out to Rarity with his mind Rares, can you hear me

Yes my darling Rarity responded, having seen her colt close his eyes being the signal for their telepathic chats, usually for gossip or adult conversations around Sweetie.

This is the hardest decision of my life, yet somehow the easiest

I think I know that, I know you too well my love. We knew this day could always come.

But what about you?

Me, I wouldn’t be happier for you whatever you decide

You do realise what I’ve chosen, don’t you

Oh of course Twilight, I don’t see how you could live with yourself if you didn’t do this. Your whole life has been building to this moment.

I love you Rarity, I always will

I love you Twilight and I will until the day I die

With that Twilight opened his eyes, little tears forming. “Okay everypony, I’ve decided what to do, lets do this!” he said determinedly.

“Already?” Celestia asked in confusion “there is no rush on this massive decision, you can take as long as you like.”

Twilight looked over to his fiancé and then his friends in turn “The choice is obvious really; my destiny has been mapped out for a while now. No point delaying the inevitable”

Celestia looked a little guilty. Before anypony else had a chance to change his mind, Twilights horn began to glow and light began to fill the room. The aura grew and grew until there was a big ball of energy dancing above everypony. The non unicorns gasped, having never seen pure magic before like in the unicorn or alicorn mind.

Suddenly the energy came rushing down, and everypony strained to see through the light. As the spell took effect, the target filled with energy and the wings spread out majestically.

As the light faded, four of the spheres had disappeared, and the six elements had returned to the jewellery form, not that anypony noticed this for a while…

*** Ten years later ***

Twilight Sparkle and Rarity were trotting through the streets of Canterlot, on the way to the castle for a long overdue friend get together. Of course Twilight knew the palace and the route very well - the Royal Highness Archmage had chosen not to live in the castle and meant the path was travelled everyday. Rarity had moved her boutique into Canterlot and it had become one of the biggest shops in the city. Of course, having the contract for all the Royal dresses “did help with ones reputation” Rarity would be the first to admit.

Along the way, they met up with Sweetie Belle and Spike. She had become one of the most famous singers in all the land, but had chosen to go into the musical scene so she didn't have to travel around and could stay near her beloved sister. Spike worked in the castle as Twilights assistant, as old habits die hard, and whilst he had grown he was still no bigger than Celestia.

They greeted their extended family and made their way through the streets. Normally Sweetie and Rarity would both be bothered by fans but nopony ever disturbed them when the legendary Twilight Sparkle was around, or when the dragon known as Spike was guarding them. However, Sweetie saw a small filly with a blank flank point her out to her mother, so went over to give the foal an autograph, and remind the filly that she would find her cutie mark someday, everypony does.

After reaching the castle and approaching the throne room, they heard the voices of some familiar friends. They broke into a full gallop and Twilight opened the doors to reveal the Apple-Pie family already there, having caught an early train . As Pinkie and Applejack came running and bouncing over to their old friends, two young foals jumped off of Rarity’s back.

“Rose! Topaz!” the two unicorn foals went running over to an earth colt and filly playing in the room

“Golden! Scarlet!” the two earth ponies stopped chasing Applebloom and ran to meet their first friends, allowing Sweetie Belle and Applebloom to do the same, despite being a little too old to join in. Applebloom still lived in Ponyville with the Apple-Pie family, although was too busy as a carpenter around town to help out on the farm. She didn't get to see Sweetie much, both being too busy, but the memories of their times together more than made up for it.

After the older four ponies had also greeted each other, Rarity turned to the thrones. “My apologies Princess Luna, Princess Celestia for both myself and my foals not greeting you first!”

“Dearest Rarity, if anypony deserves to dispense with the formalities it is you – how often we see you and spend time in your boutique?” Luna laughed and addressed all the ponies present “It is so great to see you all again, this is not a formal event, so please drop the Princess. Or otherwise I will have to insist you all address Twilight as ‘Royal Highness’”

“Rarity, please don’t make them order me go get my crown and cape” Twilight teased “It’s a weekend; it’s nice to take the heavy things off!”

“I’m surprised it still fits your big head” Celestia teased back "Exactly how many impossible spells have you solved now?"

The group of adult ponies and princesses started having a chat and poured some tea, whilst the four foals played by themselves in the big room. After a while the sound of laughter was heard echoing down the passageway leading to the throne room. Fluttershy came bursting into the room at a fair flying pace and right behind her came two pegasi foals, followed by Scootaloo and lastly Rainbow Dash in his Wonderbolts Uniform.

“Oh drat, I lost a race again” Rainbow laughed, winking at his wife.

Seeing Twilight already there, Fluttershy came rushing over to the unicorn stallion, and gave him the usual biggest bone crushing hug in the world “Oh Twilight, thank you thank you thank you”

“Fluttershy, you don’t have to say this every time we meet you know, it’s been ten years” he gasped

“Oh, but I do” She responded, whilst still hugging “I mean, you choose to use your one unlimited power spell to give me the ability to have foals” Fluttershy started crying “I mean…me and Rainbow would have been happy regardless, thanks to you helping us adopt Scoots…but that was before you gave us Shimmer and Misty”

Rainbow came over to comfort his wife, and help peel her off Twilight. Rarity came over to her husband and gave him a loving nuzzle “That was the second best choice I ever made” Twilight laughed

“The first being me?” Rarity fluttered her eyes to her love

“Nah, choosing to support the Canterlot Colts against the Clousdale Wingers in this years final - we beat you again Rainbow!" the stallion joked, getting a playful poke from his wife. “So, how are things?” Rarity asked the arriving peagsi

“Awesome, as always” Rainbow replied “Fluttershy is now the manager of Manehatten zoo, and I can base myself in the city most of the year. And Scootaloo became second in command of the cities western weather team, so we’re doing great!”

The two foals joined the four others in playing around, whilst the adult ponies and dragon caught up. It was nice for Celestia and Luna to have mortal friends again - they had spent too long alone always worried about the future, but having had many adventures with this group allowed them to get close and just appreciate the moment.

***

After lunch in the royal dinning room, rather letting the foals run off into the garden, Celestia asked them and everypony else to follow her back to the throne room. On arrival, Luna was already there and beckoned for the six foals to line up in front of the thrones, whilst the parents, aunts and Spike stood behind them silently.

Luna and Celestia stood infront of the six young colts and fillies, and the ruler of the day opened up a chest next to her “Who know what these are?”

She was met with silence from the six nervous foals, who despite being around the Princesses before still found knowing the kingdoms rulers a little overwhelming at their age,

“The elements of harmony, Princess” finally Golden Sparkle spoke up

“That’s right” the Princess of the night spoke softly and warmly “and I’m sure you know all about them from your parents” Luna then gestured to six of the windows in turn, each showing a different time the bearers had used them to save the day, three times since the foals had been born, and retold the stories briefly.

“Have any of you ever touched one?” Celestia asked at the end of the stories.

“No Princess” came the synchronised response from the six ponies who had relaxed a little after the stories of their parents.

“Well, I want you each to come and take one, whichever one you want. Golden Sparkle, as you spoke up first, come and pick one"

The small unicorn colt approached the elements carefully, and everypony looking on expected him to pick up the element of magic. Afterall, that is his fathers element, and the crown Twilight wears as the Archmage is a copy of the original tiara. His hoof hovered over that element, but then he picked up one of the necklaces.

“I like this blue balloon one” the colt announced and celestia used her magic to put the oversized necklace around the colt. “Now, Scarlet Belle, which one do you want” Luna beckoned to the small unicorn filly.

Rarity and Twilights daughter approached the elements, and almost picked up her mothers diamond shaped necklace, before picking up the Tiara of Magic. Luna laughed as she placed it on Scarlet’s head, the large crown covering the head more like a headband.

The other four foals looked on in excitement, patiently waiting their turns. Celestia then asked Rose Apple, Pinkie’s and Applejacks daughter, to pick one and she picked up her fathers Apple necklace, followed by the earths family son Topaz Pie who picked up the Necklace lightning bolt of loyalty.

This just left the two pegasus foals to go, and Luna invited up the colt Misty Shy, who slowly approached and picked up the element of Generosity, leaving his sister Shimmer Dash their mothers element of Kindness.

Once all the foals had their necklaces or tiara, they all stood looking at the Princesses, excited at the thought of playing with the elements. Suddenly, the elements started to glow and emitted a strange light around the foals, and also the six parents. After a few moments the aura disappeared, and when the six foals turned round, their parents let out a collective gasp.

“What, how?” Spike tried to vocalise everypony's thoughts, but could only point at the foals. The six young ponies looked down (or in one case up) at their element, which had magically resized to fit them. But more surprisingly, the symbols on the elements had changed to match their own cutie marks.

Celestia flared out her wings to grab everypony’s attention, and they all looked at her “Dearest friends, I am sure you are all surprised, but let us explain. Ten years ago, Twilight had to make a choice which I’m sure you are all aware of”

Luna continued “As we explained at the time, there were multiple paths to be made in the prophecy, one that myself or Luna couldn't reveal to Twilight as it centred on his choice. But it wasn’t just his fate, but that of the elements of harmony themselves were involved.”

“You see, if Twilight had chosen to become an Alicorn like us, the elements of harmony would have been assigned to her, myself and Celestia for the rest of eternity. If Twilight had chosen to ignore the wishes of the elements, and changed himself, Rainbow and Applejack back to fillies, they would have permanently lost their power.”

Celestia then smiled at her faithful student “However, he choose a different path, one that we didn’t expect from how Twilight grew up. You see, when the elements changed the three of you, it seemed to indicate what they wanted. However, when we heard about Fluttershy’s condition, we suspected this path would be impossible. But what we hadn't factored in was that Twilight had learnt so much about Friendship, and loved Rarity greatly”

Twilight cleared his throat “So, if I can guess what happened, was that the elements wanted us to give birth to the next six bearers, and that’s why they changed us. And then, we fell in love...” he turned and smiled at his wife “So if I had chosen to become an Alicorn, me and Rarity would never have had foals and so that path would be blocked?”

“Yes, but you are one of the most loving and generous ponies in the land and couldn't take the selfish route of being without your friends” Celestia beamed with pride “and you used your gift to give Fluttershy and Rainbow something they wanted, even if they didn’t really know it themselves. Without that, I’m not sure what would have happened!”

“So, this has been prophesied thousands of years ago? That we would be standing here, all of us, to pass over the power?” Applejack asked.

The princess beamed as bright as the sun she controlled “Yes, today the power of the elements have been passed on from one generation, to the next. Each of the foals deep down represents all the elements, but like their parents each also has a slight inclination towards one of the aspects”

“My son is certainly very loyal” Pinkie laughed “Whilst Golden Sparkle is a bit of a joker!”

“Yes, so from today these six ponies are part of the future of this great nation. The first born foal from each of them will now form the next generation, and on a day much like today the power will pass on. And as far as we know this is now a permanent part of Equestria's future, that the Elements of Harmony will forever be controlled by the ponies, not the Princesses” Luna summarised.

The six foals looked very excited at the future they were now a part of, but Luna continued “Little ponies, I know you are excited, but you should realise what this means. From now on you will be an important part of the safety off this great land, so will need to build a friendship much like your parents. And you will need to be together in order to use your elements. Therefore, after today, you will all need to live in Ponyville, and we are arranging the relevant accommodation already.”

The six new bearers looked at their parents with pride, but also a little sadness. For whilst they loved the idea of all being together, having felt a special bond from an early age, four of them realsised that they would no longer be living with their parents. They seemed a little young for doing so, but then so were of their parents when they all moved out.

But having heard all about their parent’s stories about their adventures together in Ponyville, they couldn't wait to get there and start their own adventures.

The old story had come to an end, but a new story was about to begin…