Gone But Not Forgotten

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Authors note

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

The sun was close to setting in the distance, painting the sky with pink and red hues. A soft gust of wind rustled the trees over Sweet Apple Acres, spreading the sweet smell of apples for miles. The Zap Apple harvest was nearly done and sales had hit an all-time high, which was crucial because the Pegasus ponies had made a terrible storm recently that got way out of hand. It had done a good job of wreaking the farm; shingles had to be replaced, fences fixed. It was going to be a lot of work and money before the farm was back in proper condition.

On the other side of town, at the Carousel Boutique, there was a fashion show showcasing the latest pieces coming from the head designer. Over the years the store's popularity had grown exponentially, ponies even came from the far corners of Canterlot to become the proud owner of an outfit from the Carousel Boutique.

In Ponyville, Sugarcube Corner was closing after a busy day, with them nearly selling all the sweets in the shop. Tomorrow morning would be a busy day dedicated to replenishing their stockpiles for hungry ponies. The store had been successful in keeping a loyal customer base. Everypony in Ponyville knew where to get their birthday or party cake, or even an afternoon treat.

The library had already closed for the day, and the owner was in the process of cleaning up the mess left from all the visitors. It had grown in size with more ponies moving into Ponyville and a higher need for various books on a myriad of subjects. When the expansion became necessary, the loft was converted for holding more books, and a proper apartment was made. The new apartment area was small, but quaint. It included a separate bedroom, a multipurpose flat that served as a kitchen, dining room, and study nook, an unpartitioned living area, and a full bathroom.

A local animal shelter had also been made, but it wasn't a typical shelter at all. The owner had opted to have an open air shelter where the animals and potential pets could live outside. That isn't to say there was no cover. An emergency quarters had been built adjacently for inclement weather, such as the recent storm that had devastated the nearby orchard. Citizens of Ponyville relied on this shelter for everything from pet care, domestic requirements, and grooming to adoption, requesting, and researching their own choices in animal companions.

Discord was behind them and most ponies would never spare it a turn back save for fireplace story telling. But for one group of friends in particular, it had been a unique and enlightening bonding experience that would last them the rest of their lives. For a certain pony it was also the event that finally allowed her to come to terms with her feelings. After witnessing her hero's bravery and dedication to her friends, she never again doubted her thoughts that this mare was the one.

She didn't know how or when she would confront the object of her love, but it would special, and it would be soon. Of this she was certain. It took weeks of painstaking planning, but now it was all finally close to fruition. The date was set and everypony that would help had already gone over the plan time and time again, and there was even a rough contingency set about. Only one problem had come up. Important business from Canterlot had summoned the purple unicorn away. And as always, she left to help her mentor with the utmost haste.

And so the backburner simmered, and time was bided with bated breath.

"Well don’t ya worry there sugarcube. Ah'm sure she’s coming back as we speak, and we are all ready for whenever she does arrive," Applejack comforted while getting from the floor of the library, after a long day of bucking she needed a small rest.

"Yeah this party will be ready lickity split with my new and IMPROVED party cannon!!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie while nearly knocking off the wooden pony statue on the table. She was as excitable as ever, but that was just Pinkie Pie for you. A wad of excess energy so sporadic, it was a wonder all her bouncing hadn’t reduced her to a pink pile of gelatin.

"I know, I know but everything was set two weeks ago! From the party to my...confidence," Rainbow Dash said from the ceiling, she was nearly inaudible for the last word. Ever since she convinced herself to confront Twilight about how she felt, her mood had gone through more ups and downs than one of her own routines. All her friends were a bit worried, but they knew she would deliver when the time was at hand.

"Rainbow Dash, my dear, you worry too much. Everything will be fine; we are all here to support you. The only thing you should be worried about is that mess you call a mane. But I think I've beaten that log to death by now," said Rarity with all of her usual elegance and poise. She gave Dash a warm smile. The white pony had been busy for the past week with a new line ready to come out, but she made sure she had time to be here for her friend.

"Um…if everypony is ok, I-I would just like to point out a hot air balloon over...um… there," Fluttershy said quietly as she pointed toward Canterlot. Fluttershy had been occupying the empty loft and nearly everypony had forgotten her in her silence. Sure enough, Twilight's hot air balloon was lazily making its way toward Ponyille. More pointedly, towards the library.

" Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh! What am I supposed to do?" panicked Rainbow Dash flapping her wings frantically like a sugar-filled humming bird.

"Silly, what did I tell you? We use this!" Pinkie Pie excited squealed as she fired her “new and improved party cannon”. It went off with a powerful BAM. The room was suddenly covered in balloons, not unlike the one currently on its way to the library. Streamers were on the walls and even a cake and punch was shot out of the cannon, landing impossibly flat and clean. "Don't worry about the food either! I already tasted cannon food and it only tastes just the teensiest bit smoky," said Pinkie Pie.

Applejack gave the food a disapproving look but quickly remembered that Rainbow Dash, for all her bluster, would need a good talking to for this. "Rainbow, get down 'ere," called Applejack. Rainbow Dash was still panicking when she landed in front of Applejack. She looked left and right, pretty much anywhere but the orange pony's face. Applejack put her front hooves on the cyan pony and forced her to make eye contact. "Look 'ere Rainbow Dash, look at me." This time Rainbow Dash calmed down a bit, but still shook ever so slightly. "Now we all know how important this is for ya, but ya’ll need to help yerself as much as ya can. We can't tell her how ya feel, only ya can do that. So let's have a mighty fine party, and once the rest of us are gone it will be up t'ya to tell her. Remember that we will be here with ya the whole time though, okay?" Applejack said as she poked her worried friend in the chest, "Got that?"

"You're right, this will be amazing, what could I have possibly have to worry about? With all of my best friends here," said Rainbow Dash gathering her normal attitude and confidence, but betraying a tired smile. All her friends could still see the bit of apprehensiveness she was trying her hardest to fight off.

"SHE'S HERE!!" squealed Pinkie Pie. Everyone rushes to their spots with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash near the ceiling and everypony else behind a table. Everypony was excited but tried to contain it as to not spoil the surprise for the two guest of honor.

"Um, I think I might have heard Pinkie from the library," said a boyish voice. "Oh, Spike I'm sure you're imagining things. You haven't got much sleep lately, either. So I'm sure that isn't helping, poor thing." said a voice that immediately made a certain rainbow-maned pony blush.

Twilight and Spike entered the library with both carrying bags filled with so many notes they were nearly falling out leaving a trail. Then, Twilight's horn glowed as she turned on the lamp. As soon as she did those five familiar ponies jumped out from behind her furniture (or in the case of two pegasi, dropped in from the ceiling).

"SURPRISE!!" all the ponies yelled, surprising both of the newcomers.

"Whoa!" Spike yelled in surprise, so much so that he fell on his back, spilling the contents of his bag.

"Spike!" groaned Twilight, “those are important! We can't let them get ruined."

"Sorry ‘bout that, ya’ll. Here let me help ya," volunteered Applejack.

"Thank you Applejack, but why the surprise party?" asked Twilight as she gazed at all the decorations.

"Why SHOULDN’T there be a party? We all missed you!" cried Pinkie Pie bouncing around Twilight and nearly landing on the pages that had fallen out of Spike's bag. Twilight winced when Pinkie Pie got close but then realized that Pinkie Pie knew better than to land on papers that were important to her, or at least she hoped so.

"Yeah with you gone who else is supposed to make sure Rarity and Applejack don't go at it and ruin something," smirked Rainbow Dash as she gave Applejack a teasing look.

"What did ya’ll say about me?" asked Applejack from across the room.

"Oh, nothing," said Rainbow Dash with her usual mischievous smile.

"Well that's all very kind of you but I really don't have time for this. The princess is counting on me to help her with a dire situation," said Twilight as she laid her bag down near her desk. It was full of papers just like Spike's, but it had a red box in the center.

"What's the problem? I'm sure we can all help," Fluttershy said with her usual soft voice, who was quiet up until this point.

"Thank you for the offer, really, but this is something I must do on my own," Twilight said pointedly, leaving no room for argument. Everypony was shocked, even Pinkie Pie's hair seemed to lose a little bit of its poof. "Now if you could all leave I have important work I need to get done." Twilight guided her friends to the door. "As soon as I finish, we can have this party. Promise." she finished with a smile.

"Uh, yeah sure...you know where to find any of us if you need help though." Rainbow Dash affirmed. The ponies slowly made their way out of the library and into the night, back to their homes.

"Why didn't you tell them what was wrong?" asked Spike as he finished picking up the last of the papers.

"Because this isn't their problem and...I don't want to tell them about it just yet." said Twilight with a sigh.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I'm pleased that you asked me to come to Canterlot and help you with this problem, and now that I am back in Ponyville I should be able to find a solution to it. What I don't like though is keeping this a secret from all of my friends. I understand your reasons but I still disagree on its merits.

Rainbow Dash seemed the most upset about the whole thing, and I wished I knew why.

The sooner this is over with, however, the better. If only finding a solution to the end of the world was easy.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

Do not be afraid to comment and give any advice you might find helpful. A shout out to Nazidash for the help with editing.
THANK YOU ALL for reading.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"I wonder what the big job is that she needs to get done, must be pretty serious," said Pinkie Pie bouncing as her friends made their way home, "I didn't even get to make full use of my NEW and IMPROVED party cannon."

"Don’t cha worry ‘bout that, I’m sure it's not that big otherwise she would've told us," said Applejack, walking alongside the bouncing pony.

"Yeah I know...but this was supposed to be the night.." Rainbow Dash let out with a sigh, flying above her earth bound friends, "You think she will be done soon?"

"With the personal request of the Princess? Of course! Why else do you think she wanted to start right away my dear?" asked Rarity with her usual elegance and taking her time to avoid puddles and anything to ruin her ‘perfect mane’.

"There is something I must show you, my most faithful student," said the majestic Alicorn gracing the Grand Hallway, “Please lower your magical defenses so I may share a memory with you"

"Is this like the memory spell I used when Discord was released?" asked the always inquisitive Twilight Sparkles.

"Yes it is and oddly enough this has to do with that dreaded monster," said Princess Celestia as she lowered her horn to the much smaller pony. With a soft yellow glow of her horn, it connected with Twilight's head and with a short flash they were whisked away.

After sometime the spinning stopped and they were in the same room but at a much darker and serious time. The current scene played out as it had many months ago with Twilight and her friends running off straight into the chaotic beast's plans.

"You know for such a smart pony she fell for that trap extremely easy" cackled Discord while swimming through the air. "Makes me wonder if this will even be worth stopping the Elements"

"She is more intelligent then you give her credit. She won't be fooled easily," said the proud Princess.

"Oh there is no doubt about that part, but her friends? They will fall first and when they do, she won't be very far to follow at all," said Discord with a wicked smile. "And should they stop me by some miracle on their part, I always have my plan B. This time I'll know when to expect it too!"

"What are you talking about?" said the princess with a dead serious tone.

"Oh I'm pretty sure we both know that you know what I know that I'm talking about? Or maybe it's something completely unrelated. I'm sorry what were you talking about?" chuckled Discord.

She said nothing in response and only returned his remark with a cold stare that demanded and answer.

"You really are no joy to play with. It's not even fun at this point, BUT back to the real point. I know you found out about the Chaos Crystal. Very impressive that you found a way to detect it too. Oh don't give me that look; you think I can't detect something in complete opposition of my power? Shame that you can't locate it though." said Discord with a mischievous smile full of spite. "I won't tell you when it might go off or what could happen, but I assure I you it isn't pleasant"

"We will stop you Discord and we will find the Chaos Crystal!" said Princess Celestia with all her might. "With the help of the Elements you won't stand a chance and your plans will be foiled." She finished with a stomp of her hoof.

"You're so confident but I can see the fear in your eyes. BUT it seems I have a catastrophe to create, I'll see you later princess," said Discord with a wink and disappeared in a flash

The glow faded away from the princess’s horn and she stood erect to her full height. "Now you understand my desire to bring you here to Canterlot on such a short notice. I have tried every possible method, magical and mundane to discover the location of the Chaos Crystal. I feel as though you, being the Element of Magic however could find it and rid our world of this problem," said Princess Celestia. "If you follow me to my room I can give you all my notes and something that can help you so that you may take it back with you to Ponyville and uncover what I could not."

"Princess, if you couldn't find the location why do you think I can?" said Twilight as she followed her mentor to her room.

"My little pony, you have conquered so much and accomplished much more than you give yourself credit for. If I didn't think you could find it I would never give you this burden to bare," said Princess Celestia as the entered her personal chambers. The area was covered in notes of various sizes and from all over Equestria. Just from glimpsing at a few of the pages Twilight could even tell most of the pages were much, much older than herself. In the middle of the room on a pedestal was a crystal sphere. It was just a bit smaller then Spike's head. It rested on a purple velvet pillow while it glowed with all of the colors of the rainbow, in light of the current events it still reminded Twilight of her friend Rainbow Dash. She had seemed upset to learn of Twilight's sudden departure but that was a problem that needed to be dealt with at a later time.

"I can help you gather the notes into those bags over there in the corner but you will need Spike's help to carry the bags back to your balloon. This crystal here is the Harmony Crystal and is the object that Discord mentioned. This is the polar opposite to the Chaos Crystal but I can not find a way to use the Harmony Crystal to stop let alone find the Chaos Crystal. For the crystal I have a special case for it, somewhere," said the Alicorn as she looked around, "AH there it is." Her horn glowed as a red box with gold trim lining the edges opened up in half and the Harmony Crystal was put into the box. She set it down next to her student and started to help her with the organization of the notes into the bags. "My little pony, I must go now and I have the utmost confidence that you will find a way to put an end to Discord's final blight on our beautiful world. All I ask however is that you put off telling your friends until you think the time is right," finished the majestic Alicorn.

"Princess, I-I'm not too sure about this... I can't even begin to imagine where I should start to solve this," said the purple pony.

"Please do not doubt yourself for if you do Discord has already won," assured the princess, "and besides you might already know the answer but have yet to realize it."

That was over a week ago and Twilight had gotten no closer to discovering the location of the Chaos Crystal. From the princess's notes however she was able to approximate when the Chaos Crystal might go off and the results were discomforting. At best she had about 3 weeks to find and destroy the crystal. Spike had long ago fallen asleep not being able to keep up with the unicorn's pace. She couldn't blame him, for nearly every waking hour was dedicated to solving this crisis. She only took breaks to eat and sleep, and even then those were very short.

She had even asked her friends to not bother her for the next few days but that didn't stop any of them from trying. Oddly Rainbow Dash was the most persistent out of the five. She had yet to confront the cyan Pegasus about her mood before she left but Twilight just couldn't stop to ask Rainbow Dash. With a sigh and the glow of her horn she picked up a quill and wrote to the princess

Dear Princess Celestia,

I have worked late into the night each day this past week to discover the location of the Chaos Crystal and I have not made any progress since I was able to approximate it's "due date." I hope that I might have a stroke of genius and find out a way to find it. If only I was able to locate it like Rarity finds her gemston---

Chapter 3

‘Twilight, why didn't you think of this sooner? Chaos Crystal!’ Twilight thought to herself. ‘A crystal is just another type of gem, and with the help of Rarity's magic I should be able to locate that forsaken device left behind by Discord. It's late but this is a matter of dire importance and besides, knowing her she is up late working on a new dress.’
Twilight released her magic and allowed the unfinished letter fall to the ground. She ran past Spike as he lay half in his bed snoring like only a baby dragon could. She kept insisting on getting him a new bed, but Spike refused to accept or use any bed but that.

Twilight’s hoof steps could be heard long before she reached the boutique. Rarity was ready for her and immediately went downstairs to see what caused Twilight to come see her this hour. It wasn't a bother to her as she was still up working on a dress that just wouldn't come out the way she imagined it. Rarity was already at the door and had it open before Twilight had a chance to knock. She was breathing hard and it was obvious she wasn't used to running that fast or far. "Twilight, dear, what's the matter? Here come inside; I'll make us some tea while you try to catch your breath." said Rarity as she made her way to the kitchen.

‘I..must...find out how...Rarity is able to...find...gems.’ Twilight said to herself as she started to catch her breath. The last time Rarity had told her, it was only a brief explanation. Now Twilight needed to master it. ‘I hope this doesn't take long’ Twilight thought to herself as Rarity walked through the doorway with tea.

"Rarity, remember when you showed me how to find gems?" asked Twilight.

"Of course I do! If I hadn't showed you how to do that I might still be stuck with those wretched diamond dogs!" said Rarity as she poured tea for two, "Why ever do you ask?" Twilight picked up the tea and took a small soothing sip before she spoke.

"I need to learn more about that spell, it's imperative that I learn that spell front and back, left and right, forward and backwards. If you can teach me then I'll be close to finishing the work the princess gave me," said Twilight.

"Why that's no trouble at all Twilight. In fact I need to find some gems tomorrow so I can show you then. And no objections, nopony can learn when they are tired and by the looks of it you haven't gotten much sleep recently. Now drink up your tea,go home, and rest. Whatever the problem it is you have to solve I'm sure it can wait one day," finished the white unicorn. Once she makes her mind up on a point there was no budging her so Twilight knew it would do no good to try and convince her otherwise about the lesson for the spell.
"Thank you Rarity, now if you don't mind I guess I’ll go home and sleep," said Twilight with a yawn.
"But wait! You haven’t finished your tea yet. And you have been cooped up in that library for way too long, stay and talk for a bit. I'm sure you could use it," insisted Rarity as she poured herself another cup of tea. "You're right I do feel as though I can take a break for a bit. I've just been so busy with this and," started Twilight until her friend interrupted her. "Please dear none of this 'Princess mission' business. How is Spike doing?" asked Rarity.

"He is the same ol' baby dragon as always. Actually he isn't much of a baby anymore really. I hope he doesn't grow up too fast," said Twilight.

"Don't worry about him growing up too fast, I have a feeling that as long as I'm around he will stay here in Ponyville," said the white unicorn with a wink.

"Oh, did you notice anything wrong with Rainbow Dash the day I got back? She seemed out of it or something, I couldn't place it," said Twilight. "Oh don't you think that's something you should ask her yourself?" said Rarity, trying to avoid the question because everypony knew the answer except for Twilight herself.

"You're right, again, but I haven't had time to ask her about it. Maybe I'll get a chance tomorrow," sighed Twilight, "I'll be heading home now, thank you for the tea and the conversation, I really needed that."

"Oh no problem my dear, anytime you need it I'll be here," said Rarity with a smile as she escorted Twilight to the door. After she closed the door she said to herself, "Oh what magical mess has the Princess got you mixed up this time?"

Running, faster then she had ever run before. So fast it felt as though she was starting to fly, and when she looked down she saw in fact her hooves were not touching the ground at all. A clash of lighting and a maniacal laughter filled the air. "You think you are so clever don't you?" said a very familiar yet unwanted voice, "And don't bother looking around or trying to resist either. I can't hurt you here....physically and sadly you already know about my chaotic magic...or some of it." The last part was said with a smile, Twilight may not have been able to see him but she could imagine that face with his evil grin. She tried to talk or fight back but all she was able to do was mumble. "Oh yes! I closed your mouth shut so I may be able to talk for once without interuption. I want you to know that if you continue on the path you pursue then all of the world's woe may come to you," said Discord, "sweet dreams Twilight Sparkle, and good luck."

Twilight woke up in a sweat and her covers all over the place in a mess. She took a deep breath and gathered her thought from the dream, or rather nightmare, she just had. ‘OK, that had to just be my imagination. There is no way he could actually contact me from his imprisonment. I'll just go to Rarity's and get one step close to solving this crisis,’ she thought to herself. Twilight got out of bed and prepared to go gem hunting with Rarity. Spike was already up and cleaning the mess Twilight had left last night before she went to her friend’s house in a hurry. Being too tired by the time she got back to clean it up herself Twilight had gone straight to bed. She was thankful for her draconic companion and maybe if Rarity wouldn't mind maybe he could get a few jewels for his troubles.

"Spike get ready, we are going to go with Rarity today so she may help me understand her gem searching spell," Twilight told Spike. As soon as she mentioned Rarity's name, Spike shot up and was gone in a puff of smoke. He reappeared not even ten seconds later with a full pack and even a picnic basket packed for three. "Wow Spike, that was fast! I think even Rainbow Dash would have been impressed," exclaimed Twilight as she used her magic to put basket on her back and made her way outside.

"Oh, what? It was nothing," mumbled Spike as he kicked the ground and walked alongside Twilight. It didn't take them long to meet Rarity outside her home. Twilight and Rarity discussed the spell as they made their way to the outcropping where Rarity found most of her gems. Twilight practiced the spell and was able to do it nearly as well as her elegant friend. Spike followed Rarity the whole time and was more than glad to help her dig out any jewels she found.

"Now have you been able to find a specific jewel before? Or has it always been the nearest one that you are able to detect?" asked Twilight. "Well I can narrow it down to which type of gem such as ruby or sapphire but nothing more than that, why do you ask?" said Rarity, even though she knew she could fathom the answer already.

"Oh no reason. I think I'll be heading back to the library now however. Thank you so much for the help Rarity. Would you like Spike to stay here and help you? He packed a lunch and I would hate for it to go to waste," said Twilight trying to help her assistant out a little bit, "I even have a few gems that I think Spike would love to munch on."

Spike's eyes were so big with the temptation of gems that it was hard to debate which was bigger right now, his eyes for the gems or his heart with being able to have lunch with Rarity. "I would love to have some lunch with Spike and you're correct. Spike has more than earned a few jewels for lunch," Rarity agreed.

Twilight left her two friends behind as she made her way back to the library so she could put her new found knowledge to use. "If I can use the Harmony Crystal as a focal point I should be able to use Rarity's spell to locate the Chaos Crystal.
Twilight told herself. She was so enthralled by her own thoughts and theories that she got home much sooner then she expected. She opened up the door to find Rainbow Dash sitting down and reading. Ever since that accident Rainbow Dash couldn't put down a book with "Daring-Do" on the front page.

"Oh hey Twi! I didn't know a new one came out! Why didn't you tell me?" said Rainbow Dash as she flew over to her friend and poked her. "Did you think you could hide this from me long?" chucked Rainbow Dash as she gave Twilight her signature smirk.

"Sorry, I had gotten it the day before I left for Canterlot and I meant to give it to you but I obviously forgot. I read it already though, so feel free to take it with you and read it yourself," smiled Twilight and she went over to the book and handed it to her friend. "Are you kidding me? This is already my second read through!" Rainbow Dash told Twilight. Twilight had forgotten the cyan Pegasus could almost read as fast as she could fly.

"Um why are you here though? Don't you have records to break and pranks to pull?" laughed Twilight. "I do, but there is this egghead I haven't been able to mess with or talk to." said Rainbow Dash as she sat down next to the unicorn.

"Oh, Rainbow Dash! I've been meaning to ask, you seemed bummed out or like something was bothering you when I came home and had to get to work. Is there something you wanna tell me?" asked Twilight but as she looked over, her friend she was already gone. A gust of wind came in from an open window which could only mean Rainbow made a dash out of the library. ‘What is wrong with that pony?’ she thought, ‘I wish I had time to figure out what was wrong.’
Twilight went to her study and pulled out the red box that contained the Harmony Crystal. She brought the Harmony Crystal out of its case and set it on her desk. It pulsed at a steady rate each time glowing with a different color, sometimes two or even three colors at once. It was an object of great magical power in its own right, but sadly it had a purpose and Twilight was determined to use it to its full capacity. She focused on the link between the Harmony Crystal and its chaotic counterpart, and then she used her knowledge of the jewel searching spell to connect both objects to find the Chaos Crystal. With a blinding flash Twilight was able to find the location of the Chaos Crystal. She had a vision of it hidden underneath the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters hidden deep within the Everfree forest. The entrance to the chamber where the Chaos Crystal was located is in the same room as where she found the Elements of Harmony to stop Nightmare Moon all that time ago. Twilight released the magic and the room returned to its normal state.
Twilight suddenly grew tired but knew she needed to send a message to the princess immediately. Using the last of her strength she picked up a pen and starting writing to her mentor

Dear Princess Celestia,

I did it! I was able to discover the location of the Chaos Crystal! With the help of Rarity's magic I was able to find it. You were right, I knew how to find it all along, I only needed to look for it. With your permission I wish the gather the Elements of Harmony tomorrow and rid our world of Discord's last blight on our world. I also learned that with friendship the answers you seek will be there and all you need to do is ask.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

Twilight set down her pen and called her loyal pet, "Owlicious, please come here, I need you to take this to the Princess as quick as you can. I know it’s far but Spike isn't here and I'm busy with preparations for tomorrow." Owlicious grabbed the scroll and left. Then Twilight passed out from sheer exhaustion before she had even got a chance to get to her bed.

Thank you for reading this and I hope you enjoyed this Chapter. Please comment with any thoughts and rate this story!

Chapter 4

Twilight woke to see the Harmony Crystals laying on her desk. The sun was well on its way to reaching its peak, yet the day was dark with clouds. The only reason she could tell where the sun was was because the clouds were only slightly overcasting Ponyville. She could see the hazy form of the sun and with its piercing light; she saw her room was a mess from last night’s discovery.

"Hey, Twi are you up? This letter just came from the Princess, and I think it’s pretty important," said her faithful friend as he opened up the door to her room and exposed her on the floor with a mess all around her. "Oh man! Are you ok? I came home and thought you had already gone to sleep so I left you alone! I'm so sorry," said Spike as he rushed over to help Twilight.

"Don't worry just please give me the letter please I need to know what she said ASAP," Twilight said. She magically gripped the scroll and opened it up. She read it in no time at all, and once she was done, immediately ran for the door. Spike didn't even had a chance to ask her what the Princess and written on the scroll. He picked it up and started to read it

My Dearest and most Faithful Student Twilight,

I'm overjoyed to hear of your discovery and I wish to congratulate you on learning yet another lesson on friendship and coming that much closer to stopping Discord's final plan. I need you to gather the Elements of Harmony along with the Harmony Crystal and make haste to the Everfree Forest. I trust that you can solve this mystery with your friends and the tools I have given you.

Yours,

Princess Celestia.

P.S. Owlicious is here safe and sound. Luna is looking after her for now, she is very tired but I’m proud of her, as should you be.

Twilight ran to Fluttershy's home near the forest so this way she could fly and talk to Rainbow Dash. She slowed down to a trot so as to not startle Fluttershy’s many animal friends. Fluttershy was outside tending to her chicken coop when she noticed the unicorn making her way to her.

"Oh hello Twilight, how are you...um...if you want to tell me," quietly said Fluttershy.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but I need you to fly up to Rainbow Dash's home and come to the library. I need both of you there as soon as you can," said Twilight with a rushed tone. She turned and ran back off into Ponyville before Fluttershy even had a chance to respond.

"Um I guess I should go tell Rainbow...um right?" Fluttershy asked Angel, her pet rabbit. His only response was to put his face into his tiny paw. "Ok stay here and look after everypony for me, ok Angel?" asked the shy Pegasus as she took off to her oldest friend's home. The white rabbit only shook his head and went back to the house.

Back on the outskirts of Ponyville, Twilight had made her way to Sweet Apple Acres to tell Applejack the news. ‘Gosh, why can't my friends live closer together?’ She thought to herself. ‘Or at least closer to Ponyville.’ Twilight knew better then to go to the farm itself, and went over to the orchard. She could hear Applejack bucking trees with the usual grunt and falling of apples. Sometimes she wondered if apples here grew throughout the entire year.

"Howdy der partner, what can ah do ya for?" Applejack asked. She stopped bucking trees and went to Twilight. She was worn out and looked as though she had been running around Ponyville.

"Hey Applejack, I need you to go over to Rarity's and come with her to the library as quick as you can, I don't have time to explain now," rushed Twilight only taking the time to slow down to a trot to allow Applejack to hear her.
"But what's da situation, sugarcube?" Applejack tried to ask but her voice was lost in the wind as Twilight had already taken off to find Pinkie Pie. "Ah swear that pony knows no bounds in gettin' 'er self in trouble.”

Twilight was nearly out of all her energy when she skidded to a stop near the outside of Ponyville. "What am I doing? I can just teleport there. I could have been doing that this entire time instead of rushing all over Ponyville.” Closing her eyes, Twilight concentrated on Sugarcube Corner and with a flash she was in front of the store. "Wow that saved me so much time," said Twilight to herself, or so she thought.

"Why would you need to save time when you have pie and cakes to eat?" asked Pinkie Pie from above Twilight scaring her. Twilight jumped and landed on her rump giving out a sound like Fluttershy would make when scared.
"Pinkie what did I say about doing that to me?" asked Twilight with irritation.

"Silly, you know I can't control it. I just do things!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie while throwing her arms out, "But why are you here? Don't you have super-duper important secret stuff to do?"

"Yes but now I need all of my friends' help. So please come close and I'll take us to the library," said Twilight as Pinkie Pie bounced next to her. Concentrating again, she teleported herself and the pink pony to her home. Everypony was there already and talking. She could tell they were confused when they looked at her with quizzical expressions.
"Thank you all for getting here so quick, if you give me a few minutes I'll explain everything and why Equestria needs our help yet again," Twilight said. She continued on to tell her friends the story of Discord and his last piece of chaos in their world. They all sat calmly and let her explain, despite Twilight use of terminology that was way beyond their knowledge. When she discerned the truth of her discovery, they all gathered a determined look and their face and she knew shouldn't wouldn't have to ask for their help. "So if you could come back packed and prepared for our journey as soon as you can that would be great. Also don't forget your Elements of Harmony, I still have the Princess's case to hold them all.
"I'll be back in ten seconds flat!" yelled Rainbow Dash as she flew out of the window leaving behind her signature rainbow.
“Oh dear, I'll have to make a new outfit..." started Rarity until she saw the look Applejack gave her, "Or I'm sure I have something already made to fit this."

"You got it sugarcube, ah'll be back in a jiffy," said Applejack as she ran off to get her gear.

"I-I'll go home and get Angel to watch the other animals and find some...um...stuff for this... if that's ok with you" Fluttershy said in her comely voice.

"Of course you can go get your stuff Fluttershy! I'll even come with because I'm already packed!" said Pinkie Pie holding a pack ready for an adventure. Twilight was about to ask how Pinkie would know she need it but new better than to ask.

As her friends left to prepare for their treacherous journey her heart was warmed to see the readiness in their eyes. She will never be able to thank the Princess enough for allowing her to stay here in Ponyville. The joy she got from these ponies could never be discovered from her books back at the palace. Friends really were magical.

Within the next hour all her friends were back and packed. The Elements were in the special case and everything was set.

"Ok Spike I need you to stay here and watch over Ponyville. Nopony knows if the Chaos Crystal will activate sooner or how it might react when we try to stop it," said Twilight.

With a salute Spike stood up straight and said "Yes ma'am. But don't you think I should come in case the Princess writes to you?"

"If she does then you can just send it to me silly, now be good and no parties," Twilight said, and then leaned in so only Spike could hear, "I think Pinkie would be insulted if you threw one without her." Standing tall Twilight addressed her friends, "Alright girls this is our duty to save Equestria once more. We are the Elements of Harmony and with the Magic of Friendship we will stop Discord's final plan to ruin our world." She led the way out of the library and toward the Everfree forest. The mares followed her with Fluttershy taking up the rear with a timid walk.

"Maybe if I can get her far enough ahead or far enough behind I can talk to her. Oh what am I thinking? This is certainly not the time to be thinking of this. This should be over soon and then I can get this over with." Rainbow Dash said to herself flying above her friends.

"So um...we have to go in...Um there?" asked Fluttershy with a scared look. What she lacked in bravery she made up in kindness, but sometimes it hindered the group.

"Come on, it's not like this is the first time we have been here. Besides this time we won't have Nightmare Moon or Discord to try and stop us or slow us down. It's just us and forest." Rainbow Dash said to Fluttershy as she landed next to oldest friend and she put a comforting arm around her fellow Pegasus.

Fluttershy felt better with her friends' support and decided for once she wasn't going to let her fears stop her. This wasn't the time for her friends to worry about her, it was about stopping Discord. But how can you stop who you really are? said a voice in her head. She could have sworn it was her own but she wasn't sure. Her friends were already walking off and she was sure to catch up and not be in the back for once!

Applejack was near the front looking for potential dangers or anything that could slow down the group's travel. She noticed Rainbow Dash was a bit antsy, more so than the situation called for at the very least.

"'Ey Rainbow, can ya come up 'ere and help me scout ahead?" Applejack called to the cyan Pegasus. They both went far enough ahead so they could see the rest of the group but if they talked carefully they wouldn't hear their conversation.

"What's gettin' ya in a bunch?" Applejack asked Rainbow Dash.

"Well I was thinking about talking to Twilight about...you know...like we are now, away from everypony, but I don't want to find out what she thinks right now. Not before this big problem. Then if she says what I'm dreading she might say then it will totally ruin this," Rainbow Dash said with a sigh and landed next to Applejack.

"I understand your problem an' wantin' to talk to 'er, but this probably isn't the best time to bring it up with 'er. Besides we will get this done faster than that competition with those Flim Flam Brothers," assured Applejack, "And then we can finally have that party for you two, I mean her."

"You're right, and I think I can see the- Woah!" Rainbow Dash started to say when she was blinded by a flash of light. She couldn't see but she could hear a voice. One that she thought she would never have to hear again.

“Oh, no I'm sorry. I couldn't help but overhear that conversation you had with your friend. I thought I saw something in your eyes when I talked about her during out last encounter. But for you to confront her about it? Wouldn't it just be easier to grab her and just fly away with her? The world might end but at least it would end with you and her together. I might be even inclined to help you if that's what you wanted," said the faceless voice of Discord.

"No! You tricked me once, but I won't allow you to do it to me again!" Rainbow Dash yelled in no general direction.
"That's a shame, but don't be surprised when you're little quest doesn't turn out the way you imagined," laughed Discord.
Rainbow Dash's sight came back to her but she could only faintly hear her friends. She could only remember a bright flash and laughter but she couldn't tell whose it was.

"Rainbow, Rainbow Dash can you hear me?" asked Twilight to the dazed Pegasus. Her voice immediately caught Rainbow's attention, allowing her to finally hear without the buzz in her head. She looked around to see all of her friends around her looking at her with concerned looks.

"Why is everypony staring at me? We have a disaster to avert right?" Rainbow Dash said with her normal bravado, not allowing whatever had happened to her to stop the mission in the slightest. She took flight and went to take the lead once again but closer to the majority of the group then before.

The rest of the trip to the ruins was uneventful with only having to climb over a fallen tree. The bridge was still in decent condition surprisingly from when all the ponies had come through here all that time ago.

"Ok, ladies before we go in I want to send a letter to the Princess first, I will have to send it with my own magic so it may take longer for her to get it but she must be updated," Twilight told her friends. She sat down and used her magic to pull out a scroll, quill, and ink.

Dear Princess Celestia,

We have made our way to the ruins with only minor problems. We will make our way forth into the ruins to discover the Chaos Crystal and stop it once and for all. I can never show my gratitude for you allowing me to learn the true power and joy of friendship.

Your Faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle.

Thank you all for being patient (even though you had no choice) but I've been really busy with my father coming back from deployment. I hope you like this next chapter and please leave a comment and don't forget to rate!

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

With a small flash of maroon magic, Twilight’s scroll was whisked away to the castle in Canterlot. The scroll was transformed into a swirl of magic with the color of Twilight’s signature color. It flew over the Everfree Forest and hastily made its way over Ponyville and eventually found its way to the castle. It swirled up and into the open window of Princess Celestia’s personal chambers. It solidified and became a scroll once again only to fall to the floor with a small crinkle of paper hitting the floor. The scroll was in the royal chamber, but royalty itself was missing.

Spike was busy cleaning up the mess Twilight had left in her room. It looked as if a tornado had hit it just after leaving a paper factory. All of the Princess’s notes were neatly stacked because of their frailty but the notes taken by the student herself were strewn across the entirety of the whole room. “I don’t know how she manages to make such a-“ Spike started to say to himself when he belched out a letter from the Princess. Since Twilight would be a while, he decided to read the note since it might be important. He picked it up and slowly read it to himself.

Dear Twilight,

Please do not enter the Everfree Forest and pursue the Chaos Crystal. I have made some important tests and theories on my own with a startling realization. There will be dire consequences to the destruction of Discord’s last blight on our world. I’m not sure what can happen but I do know it will not be good for anypony near its final moments. Please wait for me and my sister to arrive to enter the last leg of this deadly race.

Royally yours,

Princess Celestia

As soon as Spike had finished reading the last sentence he reread the entire letter once again to make sure he understood what his Princess had written down. He immediately scrambled for a blank scroll and quill to write back to her highness so that she might be able to go save his friends. He had only gotten through his first sentence when there was a knock at the door.

“WE ASK THY TO OPEN THIS DOOR!” said the lunar Princess using the Royal Canterlot Voice much to the neighboring ponies’ dismay. “I mean, can you please come to the door?” asked Princess Luna in a much quieter voice. Spike rushed to the door as fast as he could as to allow the Princesses in.

“Princess Celestia! They’ve already left! I just now got your letter and I was trying to write back to warn you of where they went,” Spike explained to the Princesses before either one had a chance to speak. With her hair flowing with the colors of the morning sun Celestia’s face grew with worry at the implicating news.

“Shouldn’t we leave immediately, sister?” Luna asked her elder sibling with a look of concern for her friends. Her own hair was also flowing but with the simmering color of the clear night sky. Her matching regalia also complimented everything Luna stood for, her dark mysterious nature and the mysteries of the night. Celestia’s face was focused in deep concentration on what she should do next.

“Spike, we thank you for this information and your attempt to contact me in time, I should have sent my own letter sooner to warn Twilight and her friends sooner. This is does concern me but Luna is correct, we must be on our way with haste to avert any potential disasters. Spike do not worry and we will be back soon when this is all over. Luna?” Celestia finished with a motion to the door allowing her younger sister to leave first. Spike followed and saw them take flight and fly off in the direction of the Everfree Forest.

“Please be ok Twilight,” Spike said to himself with a sullen look as his head dropped in anticipation of what might become of her.

Twilight and the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony slowly made their way across the rickety bridge that was still up from the Nightmare Moon Incident. Fluttershy, even though she could fly over the ravine, still preferred to walk on the bridge despite having to be coaxed by Applejack. No pony could understand why Fluttershy didn’t make use of her wings but now was not the time to find out. After all of the ponies were across the ravine they walked up to the abandoned castle. The muffled sounds of their hooves was the only sound to be heard, not even the chirping of insects or birds was to be heard. With fog covering the surrounding area it gave off a very eerie feeling that was palpable.

Rainbow Dash flew above her friends to scout ahead and make sure there were no dangers to be found. Twilight guided the group to where the Elements of Harmony was kept for hundreds years until they were needed once again to defeat Nightmare Moon. With no danger to be seen Rainbow Dash flew down and walked in with her friends.

“Ok, if I remember correctly there should be an entrance near the structure that used to hold the Elements. I recall it being near here,” said Twilight as she used her magic to feel around the floor surrounding the pedestal. Rarity’s own magic glowed and helped Twilight, she knew that she wouldn’t be able to lift it but she could at least locate the portal. Twilight’s red magic felt every crack and tugged to test if it would give way.

“I found it!” exclaimed Rarity pointing with her hoof, but this was not needed because as soon as the headstone was touched by her magic, it sunk into the floor and slid back into the wall. A stairway was revealed but the darkness concealed the true depth of the stairway.

“That l-looks scary…are you sure th-this is where we need to go?” asked Fluttershy with fear deep inlayed in her voice. She also seemed to shrink as she tried to back away from the dark stair case when she bumped into her oldest friend.

“Come on Fluttershy don’t be such a scaredy cat. Besides how can you be scared with your best friends right here to go with you?” Rainbow Dash said with her usual bravado and gave her a friendly tap on the shoulder as the rest of her friends gave her reassuring smiles.

“We can’t do this without ya, sugarcube,” said Applejack with a tilt of her hat.

“I-I guess I can do it wi-with my friends with me,” Fluttershy said with only a little less fear but everypony knew better then to try any harder.

“Alright then, if everypony is ready then we can make our way down to these stairs,” Twilight said while her horn glowed with power and a small orb of light was created. She finished her spell and the orb was set into place about a pace ahead of her. She walked to the stairs and the orb lead the way giving light to the dark stairway. There was only space for one pony abroad so they followed in single file with Rainbow Dash taking the rear guard. Twilight’s spell was able to reveal that it led down much further into the ground then anypony could have expected. Fluttershy still shook with fear but her face had a more confident look.

Rarity did her best to avoid the walls so she wouldn’t get any dirt or the like on her mane. Twilight thought that things would be more pressing then being worried about your mane but that’s just Rarity for you, she wouldn’t have expected much less from the fashonista pony. Applejack was doing her best to look comfortable but her down to earth nature made her feeling uneasy being around so much magical “hooey” as she liked to put it. Pinkie Pie was rambling off nonsense and in her head she was probably already planning a party for when this fiasco was over. Twilight knew that each of her friends would stay by her side till the very end. Even though each had their own faults but by being imperfect they were perfect in her eyes. Plus she wouldn't trade them for all the books in the world.

The stairs finally ended and lead them into a grand hallway. The walls were adorned with great etchings of times from long, long ago. Many historians from today with give their left hoof just to be able to see these relics of the past. Some showed vast cities that looked like they could host thousands of ponies, while other showed great armies massed and armed for war. One such picture showed both of the Princesses poised and ready to fight Discord who was surrounded by many wild and strange beasts. Some of them were so grotesque that even Fluttershy was appalled to look at them.

The ponies had made their way up the door at the end of the grand hall to where the Chaos Crystal was held. The door was done with such craftsponyship that it took all of their breaths away. On the left Princess Celestia was shown with such power and majesty it was easy to believe it was the Princess herself. Above her was an image of the sun and all its glory. A beam of power was emitted from her horn toward the middle. On the other side her younger sister was shown in equal beauty. The artist who had created this seemed to be able to capture the very essence of the night and all that Luna stood for. Her celestial partner was above her just like her sister had hers. She also was shooting powerful magic to the center of the door.

The center held in what seemed like brutal agony was the cause of their current quest. Discord was spilt directly down the middle of where the doors met. The artist was even able to show Discord for what he was despised for. The mix match of so many animals and chaos. The two beams from both the princesses met up to hit him from both sides. The image showed him half-way through his stone imprisonment with his upper body trying to avoid it and using his arms for useless cover.

“Wow this is so COOL!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie while bouncing around the door and making faces at the picture of Discord.

“Indeed this art work is truly magnificent, I’ve never seen anything quite like it before, even during my stay at Canterlot,” Rarity told her friends while looking at the door with awestruck eyes.

“Alright girls, we don’t know what is behind these doors so prepare for the worst,” Twilight warned her friends. She then magically gripped the doors and with a great effort forced them to open. The sight of what they saw in front of them seem to take their breaths away while wanting to turn tail and never come near it again.

The doors lead into a vast circular chamber that could have held Ponyville city hall inside. It was nearly seventy meters wide in diameter and three other doors could be seen from where they stood. All the other doors had art work to rival the one they just entered but the details where too far away to make out. Resting above the whole chamber was a crystal that was a perfect sphere that glowed with the power of the sun. It lit the entire room with a near blinding light.

In the center of the floor on a small pillar was the source of their disgust. A small orb floated above it that shone with colorful lights that reminded Twilight of the Harmony Crystal but unlike its harmonious counterpart, the Chaos Crystal’s colors gave off an absolutely wrong feel. The colors mixed in ways they shouldn’t and separated, only to make terrible combinations again.

“Uhh, shouldn’t we, ya know, put on our Elements and do that whole magical blasty thing?” asked Applejack as she avoided looking at the Chaos Crystal.

“Oh of course, here girls,” said Twilight while she pulled out all the Elements on put them on her friends. Hers was last and she even pulled out the Harmony Crystal as a focal point for her upcoming magic. Her tiara started to glow and her friends started to float with her like they did every time they used the elements. Twilight lost consciousness as her magic took hold and the Elements started to control her again. The shining beams of colors from the two crystals seem to collide and fight but nothing more than that. The light and magic from the Elements came together and went through the Harmony Crystal and straight toward the Chaos Crystal.

Right before the beam made contact with the Chaos Crystal Princess Celestia burst through the door behind Twilight and her friends and screamed, “Twilight NO!” but it was too late. The shot hit the crystal and the world was covered in a blinding light.

Twilight woke up with a groan. “Ah my head hurts...where am I?” she asked herself as she took her surrounding in. But no surroundings were to be studied. It was a blinding white in any direction she looked. No features of any kind gave a hint as to where she was. The only clue as to what was up and down was that her hooves were making contact with what she could assume was the ground.

“Hello? Is anypony there?” she called out only to get no reply. She took a step forward and the world flashed again but this time she was back in Ponyville. Or at least it was Ponyville at one point of its history. It was the chaotic Ponyville from when Discord was free. The houses were upside side down and cotton candy clouds were raining chocolate milk, but no ponies were to be seen.

“Ahh Twilight, my awaited guest, how kind of you to finally arrive,” said the disembodied voice of Discord. “I tried to warn you but no you had to do the right thing and come to destroy my precious crystal. Do you even know how long it took me to find the right one to work my magic? Why do you think I have an antler? The dragon didn’t want to share his treasure! Can you believe him? The nerve!”

“Discord show yourself! It’s too late! We have stopped your plan so it's no use to hide,” Twilight yelled into the wind.

“Oh no I believe it’s actually too late for you. And I’m not hiding; I’m locked away in a statue far away from here,” said Discord.

“What are you talking about?” asked Twilight with a curious look on her face and worry in her voice.

“This is the realm of chaos held inside the chaos crystal. Your subconscious is here trapped away forever,” laughed Discord.

The flash blinded all the ponies but as soon it was gone the world hadn’t changed. Except Twilight was still floating and locked in her magical state. The other bearers of the Elements slowly stood up after taking a hard fall from floating.

“Princess, what’s wrong with Twilight? Why is she still using her Element?” Rainbow Dash asked her highness with worry in her voice.

Princess Celestia rose with obvious pain on her face but it wasn’t from her fall. “It seems Discord has outsmarted me once again,” she said at last.

“Princess what ever do you mean by that?” Rarity asked.

“The Chaos Crystal was never meant to be stopped. It was a bomb that was soon to go off but it serves a second purpose. It’s also a prison that can capture the only thing that could stop it from going off,” the princess explained.

“What does that mean for Twilight?” Rainbow Dash insisted with obvious anger starting to rise in her voice.

“The only thing that could stop it was the true power and magic of friendship, which Twilight had perfected over the years. Only she could stop it with the help of her friends but in doing so, it captured her mind inside. Thus leaving her body in a perpetual time lock. I’m so sorry,” apologized the princess as a golden tear made its way down her face.

“D-does this mean she is g-gone?” Fluttershy asked so quiet that if the room wasn't dead silent her voice would have fallen upon empty ears. This question seemed to have a ripple effect as all the other ponies realized what this meant. Pinkie Pie’s hair lost its poof with an audible pop and fell straight down her face. Applejack had to look down and took off her hat to cover her growing sadness.

Rainbow Dash flew up to the Princess and forgot all manners by grabbing her head and lifting it up so she could see her eyes, “You’re the Princess! Isn’t there anything we can do for her? We have stopped him twice before! Can’t we reverse it and get her back?” she screamed between sobs as you could see the tears flowing freely down her face.

“If we were to reverse it or bring her back then the crystal would go off and it would all be for nothing. She is the only thing keeping our world from oblivion. I wish there was something I could do to help but I’m even powerless to this kind of magic,” Princess Celestia said with great pain.

Stepping up from behind the sun princess, Luna with obvious tears spoke, “I think I might be able to help in some form. I might be able to make a link into her mind so one of you may talk to her but only for a limited time. I know it’s not much but it’s the least I can do for all your help, especially with saving me from being Nightmare Moon. Would one of you like to talk with her?”

The ponies looked at each other and made a silent agreement. “We think Rainbow Dash should be the one ta talk ta ‘er.” said Applejack as she held back her tears to talk.

“ Yes, sh-she has something to t-tell her,” Rarity tried to say but was nearly incomprehensible with her crying. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were crying too hard to make any other motion then a simple nod.

“What is it you have to tell her, my little pony?” asked Princess Celestia to the chosen mare.

Rainbow Dash landed on the floor and looked down on the ground. It was too much for her to take. “I-I love Twilight,” admitted the cyan pony as the tears fell down her face. This news for the princesses seemed to only make this moment that more painful to experience.

“My dear, dear Rainbow Dash. This is truly upsetting news,” Princess Celestia said, “The fact you didn’t get to tell her, not of your love for her” she added when the pegasus gave a questioning look. “I believe with all my heart that only good could come from this news if this was said in normal circumstances.” She finished.

“Rainbow Dash, if you could come over here with me we can get started,” said Princess Luna. Rainbow Dash slowly made her way to the floating Twilight and to the nearby Luna. “I’m not sure how long I will be able to hold my magic but I can only guarantee a few minutes if not less so please make use of this time.” Rainbow Dash gave a slight nod and waited for the Princess to work her magic.

Luna’s horn glowed and she flew up to tap Twilight’s forehead with her own horn. She then went to Rainbow Dash and did the same. When her horn made contact with Dash’s head the world flashed once again for Rainbow Dash.

“There is no way you can keep me here! I have so much left to know, lessons to learn, things left unsaid! This isn’t fair!!” screamed Twilight. She ran around and used her magic to try and teleport back home to the real Ponyville but to no anvil, she would only reappear where she stood and groan again with disgust for her situation.

“Who said things had to be fair? And remember I warned you!” reasoned Discord. “It seems you might have a visitor, this is interesting.”

There was a flash of light and a familiar array of colors stood next to Twilight. “Rainbow Dash! How did you get here? Oh no, are you trapped here also?” Twilight asked quickly. She also noticed that her friend had been crying very hard and her messy mane was even more out of shape than ever.

“Twilight please listen, I don’t know how long I have but Princess Luna said it wouldn’t be long,” Rainbow Dash said with pain in her voice. She walked up to Twilight and sat down as looked as if she was carrying a heavy burden.

“The princesses are there?!” Twilight asked with a surprise and sat with her dear friend.

“Yes they came in right before we used the Elements to stop the Chaos Crystal,” Rainbow Dash admitted.

“You mean destroyed right? We didn’t just stop it,” Twilight tried to correct.

“N-no I’m afraid we only stopped it Twi. Celestia told us that the Chaos Crystal doubles as a pr-prison and…” she tried to say but started to cry too hard to continue.

“What is it Dashie?” Twilight dared to use Pinkie Pie’s pet name for her. “What does she mean a prison?” Twilight put a hoof around her friend and gave her a hug to comfort her with a slight help Rainbow Dash was able to finish.

“Sh-she said that you are the only th-thing stopping the crystal from going off. Y-you h-have to stay here or else the crystal will go off. Y-you’re stuck here Twi a-and we can’t do anything t-to help,” She finally was able to let out. Twilight had a look of disbelief on her face as the hopelessness of the situation but felt there was more to Rainbow Dash’s reaction then what she had already said. She also still had that burning question for her friend. She moved in front of the pegasus and forced her to look up into her eyes.

“Dashie, before this whole…mess, I felt like there was something you wanted to tell me. Is there?” Twilight asked while wiping the tears from Dash’s face. She gave a reassuring smile despite the problem at hand to help her friend that was obviously in a very tight space.

“Uh, yeah th-there is Twi. I-I think I m-might…” she tried to say but couldn’t finish.

Twilight brushed her head and said, “It’s ok Dashie, you can tell me.”

“Twilight Sparkle, I l-love you,” Rainbow Dash let out with a cry and looked at the floor again, crying even harder than before. “I wanted to tell you before but then this h-had to happen and n-now you are lost forever a-and and…”

Twilight was shocked again for the second time in nearly under two minutes but put a hoof on her friend’s face to quite her down to allow herself to talk, “Rainbow Dash, I love you too. I may not have shown it or even gave hints but from my first day in Ponyville, I felt a strong connection with you Dsahie, and I understand that I’m stuck here now but please don’t cry, I-I can’t stand to see you cry because then I will too.” She nuzzled the rainbow haired pony to comfort her. “So please go back and tell them I love them all so very much, especially Spike. Tell Celestia I can never thank her enough for the lessons and the chance to be able to be friends with the best ponies Equestria has to offer. And you my dear Dashie,” She pulled her friend’s face up once again to look her in the eyes. “Take my love with you, and know that I’m gone but not dead. I’ll stay here waiting for you, should I be able to break out or the Princesses find a way to break me out.” The two mares nuzzled again and broke into tears and no words could be said to fully express their emotions at the moment. They stayed there for what seemed like an eternity until Rainbow Dash’s body started to fade away from this world. “No, NO! I-it’s too soon, I don’t want to l-leave yet!” Rainbow Dash yelled into the air. Twilight grabbed her new found love and hugged her fleeting body for dear life and said “Dashie’s its ok, p-please don’t worry. Take my love with you and remember what I said.”

Twilight had only enough time to finish before Rainbow Dash vanished from this world and left her all alone again. “I can finally speak again; I think Luna found a way to-“the voice of Discord started to say until Twilight cut him off. “Shut it Discord and leave me alone.” She broke down and cried for as long she could because she now had all the time in the world.

The world flashed and Rainbow Dash was back into the real world. She was screaming and crying with none of her words making sense. Celestia walked up to her and embraced her until she calmed down. All the other ponies still had tears in their eyes but had calmed down enough to talk.

“Where is she? Is she at least ok?” asked Rarity as she seemed the most capable to talk at the moment. The rest were still too shaken up to speak.

“Sh-she’s fine and she wants to say she l-loves us all very much. She wanted to th-thank you Princess for allowing h-her to stay in Ponyville and learning the m-magic of friendship.” Rainbow Dash shared, and all the ponies had fresh tears falling down their faces. Even the Princess had golden tears streaming down her face.

“And what about you my little pony? How did she react to your feelings?” Princess Celestia asked Rainbow Dash.

“Sh-she said that she loves me too,” Rainbow Dash said with shameless tears running down her face and with great effort as the thought was too painful to bear. Her heart was in a great commotion as her truest desire shared the same feelings for her but she was now lost to her and the world to be stuck in Discord’s trap.

Everypony else was happy to hear this but the tragedy was too much to overcome that happiness. The most they could do in their current state was the go next to her and give her a warm hug to show their joy and support. No more words could be said as the sadness of the room was too much to bear. The two Princesses guided them back to Ponyville in solemn grace. Once they were back in the library, Celestia shared the news with Spike and he too joined the crying ponies.

Weeks went by and soon things went into the same routine with a few changes. The news of the trapped pony was quiet and quick. A small memorial was built in front of the library and ponies from all around came by to pay their last respects. Twilight had touched the lives of many and this was evident from the size of the memorial and all the gifts left in memory of her.

Rainbow Dash gave up her dreams of becoming a Wonderbolt and became the new librarian. It wasn’t her cup of tea but with Twilight gone it was the closest she could be to her love. Spike helped her out by showing her the system and soon enough she became pretty proficient at it. She would never be as good as Twilight but very few ponies could achieve that.

A proper memorial was made near the library with Twilight standing tall and proud with her horn aglow with magic. A small inscription was written below in elegant letters. To some the words would mean little and cause confusion, but to one certain mare it meant the world.

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

FRIEND, LOVER, STUDENT AND LOVED BY ALL

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

Authors note

And so that's it. I'm so glad for all the support from those who commented to everyone that favorited it. This was something that i had a joy writing and gave me a hunger to write some more. But this is where my readers come in. What would you like to see next? More from after this event? or a different world with a new plot? I really want to write about Luna, but what do you think? Please comment and share this to all your brony friends. you might get a muffin if Derpy doesn't find and steal all of them.

Again:

THANK YOU!