"I figured it out," Twilight walked into the the castle's main hall, a seriousness etched on her face. Rarity walked up to Twilight, the same expression dawned upon her with an heir of sadness mixed in. Behind Rarity, Three ponies whispered amongst each other. Pinkamina, Applejack, and Fluttershy. When they realized Twilight Sparkle had entered the room, they anxiously devoted their attention to her.
"Figured out what darling?" the purple-maned pony asked. Twilight rolled her eyes. Her patience had run dry moons ago.
"Can you not see our problem?" Twilight eyed her friend's flanks, making her point. Fluttershy's was devoid of any butterflies. Pinkamina's usual balloons had disappeared. Applejack's apples seamed to have tumbled off her legs, and Rarity's diamonds had gone white. Worst of all, Twilight's normally sparkly flank was also bare. Meaning the Elements of Harmony were rendered useless. It was as if they were fillies again, only today there was no time to figure out their talents.
Twilight glanced out the window, seeing nothing but grays, whites, and blacks. It was as if she was staring at an old photo. All color had been drained from Equestria. The princess's castle was their last stronghold in this bleak environment.
"I know it shouldn't have to come to this, bu-" Applejack interrupted her. "Alright then, get on with it Twi!" Applejack knew she didn't want to hear this no more than any pony, but stalling wouldn't fix anything. They needed to face the ugly truth. Twilight continued;
"Rainbow needs to perform a Sonic Rainboom," tears filled everypony's eyes. "If she completes it one way or another, color will be restored, and our marks will return..." Twilight looked down as she finished. Pinky hiccuped, and Applejack sniffled a bit. Surprisingly, Fluttershy looked unfazed, although tears streamed down her delicate cheeks. "I have discussed with Celestia. The elements will function correctly, although my flank will be missing a star,"
Twilight discussed her plans with the other ponies. Applejack, Pinkamina and Rarity would form a distraction team. Twilight would fetch the elements. Rainbow would execute the Rainboom, while Fluttershy would accompany her. Their plan was so simple, so perfect. Yet so fatally flawed