Chapter 71: The Elements Pt. 2
"THE EVERFREE FOREST!" shouted all the girls, minus the Jedi Knights, in unison.
Ominous music was heard as if the melody rushed into the dark marsh that stood before them. A short time had passed since Storm and Twilight filled the girls in on the details of where to find the castle, where the Elements were said to be secured, according to Twilight's father. But the overall dread remained as the only way to find the castle was to enter the mysterious, frightening Everfree Forest.
"So… The only way to find the castle and get the elements is to enter the deepest darkest forest, risk being attacked by monsters, and possibly being hopelessly lost in an endless maze of trees and ravines?" Rarity asked for clarification.
"Yep," Twilight answered, short and simple.
"Whee!" Pinkie cried eagerly, "Let's go!" Pinkie Pie bounced forward to the forest entrance when Twilight ran in front of her stopping the party girl in her tracks.
"Not so fast!" said Twilight as she knew they couldn't just enter alone.
"Twilight's right. We stick together like cameral on a candy apple," said Aj as she began to venture forward with each girl following. Even Fluttershy, the most nervous of the group, trotted with the group of eager girls. The only one who didn't go in with them was Pinkie Pie.
"Especially if there are candy apples in there," said the pink girl.
But her rambling earned some stares from both Twilight and Storm.
"What? Those things are good."
Twilight just sighed heavily while Storm stifled a chuckle. The Jedi Knight had to admit that Pinkie's wacky sense of humor had grown on him.
"You think we'll be successful?" asked Twilight to her partner.
"I mean, if we don't, all of Equis will be bathed in eternal darkness, and all light be consumed. So, yeah. I think we're good." said the boy.
"Heh, you really do what to say. Thanks," said Twilight as she grabbed Storm's hand in hers and smiled.
The boy returned the gesture as he stared into the girl's eyes. They wasted no time following the group of girls close behind, hand in hand. Venturing into the deep dark wood in search of the legendary Elements of Harmony. Unbeknownst to them, a dark mist soon followed.
The trek through the Everfree Forest was quiet… Perhaps too quiet. Apart from a slight breeze brushing against the trees, the forest was as inactive as the starry night sky as the moon cascaded over the area. As they walked, Twilight turned towards Storm, who kept a lookout as if expecting an ambush. While both Jedi could defend themselves, they were concerned for the others. Applejack and Rainbow each had their trusty blasters, but the other three didn't seem to have any way to fight if they ran into trouble. Maybe Pinkie, but Rarity and Fluttershy, it seemed like they would be useless.
"Ugg, it's so dreadful!" said Rarity, surveying the marsh.
"I'm not going to argue with that one," nodded Storm.
The teens approached a large cliffside overlooking the entire forest. The dark mist that followed them appeared, creeping into the cracks of the ground beneath them.
"And it ain't natural," Applejack added. "Folks say it doesn't work the same as other places in Equis."
"I always thought they were just rumors to keep kids and adults from wandering into the forest," replied the boy.
Suddenly, there was a loud crash as the ground beneath their feet disappeared. Everybody screamed as they slid along the steep slope. The girls screamed their lungs out, trying to slow their descent down the slope, which ended at a very large drop-off. Storm fought hard, scratching the earth with his feet, but could not slow down. Applejack managed to clamp her feet on a root to stop sliding. Soon Rainbow did the same as Storm now pulled out his lightsaber and stabbed it into the wall, allowing him to stop.
The boy saw Fluttershy sliding down as he put his arm out and caught the girl by the hand as he had her dangling. Twilight also pulled out her lightsaber to stab into the wall as she caught Rarity, who was able to catch Pinkie. All the teens were hanging off the wall as there was still a big drop below them. Fluttershy noticed how high she was as she closed her eyes and whimpered.
"It's alright, Fluttershy. Don't worry, I got you," said the Jedi Knight to the girl he considered a little sister. Storm began to scan the area as he calculated his plan. The boy noticed a small cliff nearby as he looked at Rainbow.
"Hey, Fluttershy. I have an idea, but it's a bit scary. But I need you to be brave. Can you do that for me?" asked the boy as he looked down at the girl he was holding.
"Storm?"
"I'm just going to give you a small throw. Don't worry, I'll catch you," assured the boy to calm the girl's fears.
Fluttershy looked into Storm's eyes as she could see the trust in his eyes. She gave the nod as he smiled.
"Okay, on my count, let go," said Storm as he began to swing back and forth while holding onto his lightsaber. "One... two... three!" The boy shouted as he tossed Fluttershy when he swung to the right. "Rainbow, catch!"
The chromatic girl saw Fluttershy being thrown in the air as she put her hand out. She caught Fluttershy as the root in which her left hand held came out, and the two were sliding down the slope again. With Storm's free hand, he used the Force to grab both girls and began to slow their momentum. Eventually, he could lift both in his power as he placed the girls safely on the cliff.
Twilight was watching this as she saw what Storm had done. She then looked to her side and saw another ledge where she could get Rarity and Pinkie to safety. The princess had her plan, but unlike Storm, she didn't give any warning to the pair.
"Twilight, what are we-" said Rarity before she felt herself and Pinkie being tossed threw the girl.
"WHEE!" shouted Pinkie as she was free falling without care.
"I HATE THIS!" said Rarity as she was screaming her head off.
Eventually, both girls made it to the ledge as Pinkie made a squeaking sound when she landed. At the same time, when Twilight tossed her friends, her lightsaber stuck on the slope began to slip out, and soon, the girl began to fall with her lightsaber falling away from her.
The princess was screaming as Storm saw this. He then removed his lightsaber and began to fall as well. Eventually, Twilight made it to the edge of the cliff as she was dangling.
"Hold on!" Applejack called out. "I'm a-comin'!" Applejack let go of the branch, gently making her way toward her childhood friend. She grabbed her front legs, preventing the girl from falling.
"Applejack! What do I do?" Twilight asked, frightened.
Applejack just held the princess tightly before she looked and saw something. She then turns toward Twilight.
"Let go," Applejack said plainly.
"Are you crazy?!" Twilight retorted.
"No, ah ain't," Applejack assured. "I promise you'll be safe."
But the frightened look on Twilight's face proved she wasn't convinced.
"That's not true!" Twilight protested, showing she was afraid.
"Twilight, we've known each other since we were kids. I would never steer you wrong," said the farm girl firmly. "So believe me, what I'm sayin' is the honest truth. Let go, and you'll be safe."
Twilight hesitated for a moment before she eventually let go.
"YAAAAAAAAAH!"
Twilight screamed as she was free falling. She soon felt her fall stop halfway as Storm managed to leap high into the air. He was able to catch the princess in his arms as he reached the height of his jump. Twilight was relieved before she felt them now dropping due to gravity. Thankfully, Storm was able to make sure they landed smoothly as they soon touched the ground. The boy set the girl on her feet as Applejack was now hopping down to meet them. The princess looked at the country gal, who gave a thumbs up. Twilight returned the gesture as it appeared her friend was telling the truth.
Twilight turned to Storm and quickly threw her arms around him with a tight hug. Storm was slightly taken aback, but he hugged her in return.
"Thank you," Twilight choked out.
Storm gave her a reassuring pat on the back with his hand as he backed away to look into her eyes.
"As long as I'm here, Sparky. I'll be there to catch you," he said with a smile.
The two Jedi Knights smiled at each other, sharing a tender moment… Until Twilight quickly jabbed Storm in the front shoulder.
"OW!" Storm cried, clutching his right shoulder.
"Don't ever scare me like that again!" Twilight shouted before walking ahead.
"Heh, no promises, your highness," said Storm to himself with a smile. Rubbing his front shoulder, Storm followed the girls. Little did they know, the purple mist swooped about the forest before approaching a creature; its contact made it utter a mighty roar.
"And once me and Fluttershy were safe, Storm leaped into the air to catch you in the nick of time!" said Dash.
"Yes, Rainbow, I was there," Twilight replied simply before smiling. "And I'm very grateful, but we gotta—"
Suddenly, to everybody's surprise, a creature pounced before them. Twilight gasped as a hybrid between a lion and a scorpion stood before her eyes.
"What the hell is that?!" shouted Storm as he had never seen that creature before. He knew that Everfree forest was home to weird creatures he'd never seen before across the galaxy, but the boy didn't know what he was looking at.
"It's a Manticore," said the princess. "And we've gotta get past him!"
"Well, this should be easy for us," stated Storm as he and Twilight could pretty much defeat the beast alone.
Before either could reach for their lightsabers, the creature tried to attack with a swipe of his paws. But Rarity gave him a good buck in the face, forcing him to jump back.
"Take that, you ruffian!" Rarity called out confidently.
The fashionista looked at the others as they were stunned by what they saw the prissy girl do.
"What? A lady does need to know how to defend herself," said the girl as she flipped her hair.
The Manticore got in the girl's face and responded with a mighty roar, the intense breeze messed up Rarity's hair, making it poofy and messy.
"My hair!" Rarity cried out before noticing the Manticore's glare. "Woop—"
Rarity just barely missed getting swiped, dashing off to the side.
"Wait," Fluttershy said softly.
Storm was already making his move as he ran at the beast. He avoided a swipe as he slid under the beast and came out behind it. He jumped onto its back as it tried to get the boy off. Its tail was whishing as Storm ducked to avoid getting hit. He jumped off and avoided the tail when a paw came into his view and knocked him to the side. The Manticore stood over the boy and trapped him between his front legs. He showed his claws and was about to bring them down when Applejack jumped on his back.
"YEE-HAW! Git along, little dogie!" Applejack called out as she wrapped her rope around the Manticore's mouth. Storm recovered to his feet as he watched Applejack ride the beast like a wild bull at a rodeo.
"Wait," Fluttershy repeated.
"You say something, Fluttershy?" said Storm as he faintly heard the girl speak.
The animal-loving girl began to speak to the Jedi Knight. Just then, Applejack was tossed off the Manticore's back.
"All yours, partner," said the country gal while still in the air and zoomed past Dash. Storm was able to get under Aj as he caught the farm girl to avoid hitting the ground and injuring herself. "Thanks, sugarcube."
"I'm on it!" said Rainbow with a salute.
"Wait!" Fluttershy called out louder.
Rainbow wasted no time as she pulled out her blaster and began to fire at the Manticore. To her surprise, the animal dodged all her shots as it raced toward her. The girl rolled out of the way and began to run around the creature while firing at it. It felt the blasts from her but then roared once more as it sent her tumbling back toward the group.
"Rainbow!" said Twilight as she was concerned for her friend.
The beast's grunt gestures the group toward them as Applejack was back on her feet. The five girls began to charge at him at once… Well 'four,' since Pinkie bounced toward the manticore… Anyways, they were about to attack until...
"WAIT!" Fluttershy called out.
The beast and the teens stopped charging, though the creature still growled. Fluttershy simply approached the Manticore, who raised its paw to attack. The others flinched nervously, anxiously assuming the worst. Twilight looked to rush to save her friend when Storm put his hand on her shoulder. The princess looked at her partner as he shook his head.
"Shh… It's okay."
Fluttershy kindly nuzzled the Manticore's other front paw. The creature extends it, revealing a very thick thorn in his paw.
"Oh, you poor, poor little baby," cooed the animal-loving girl.
"Little?" Rainbow replied, stunned.
"Baby?!" Storm spoke, eyes widening.
The others watch with interest as the Manticore faced the kind buttercup girl with a rather sad look.
"Now, this might hurt for just a second," She told him gently.
The girl quickly pulled the thorn out. The beast roared, scooping Fluttershy towards his mouth quickly.
"Fluttershy!" The others cried out.
But what really made all their jaws drop in shock… The Manticore wasn't going to eat her. Instead, he licked her, clearly grateful that this girl removed the thorn from his paw, practically purring even. Everyone smiled as Storm breathed a sigh of relief.
"Aw, you're just a little ol baby kitty, aren't you?" Fluttershy replied sweetly. "Yes, you are, yes you are."
The manticore continued licking her hair before setting her down. By then, her pink hair stuck upward like a Rockstar. Everybody gave her a cheer as the Manticore went on his way. Of all the girls, Twilight was the most impressed.
"How did you know about the thorn?" asked the princess.
"I didn't," Fluttershy replied as she walked by. "Sometimes, we all just need to be shown a little kindness."
Twilight just smiled as Fluttershy moved on before noticing Storm smiling with his arms folded.
"What're you smiling about?"
"Honestly, I'm just amazed she was able to calm him for simply being nice," replied the boy.
Twilight shook her head as the two followed the girls deep into the marsh, missing that the thorn shifted back into the mist as it followed them.
The march through the marsh continued for this rag-tag group of teenagers. But the forest seemed to go on forever; they felt like they weren't getting any closer.
"No," Rarity groaned. "My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck!"
All at once, everybody's vision went black as darkness cast over the forest.
"Well, I didn't mean that literally."
"That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces, and we wouldn't even know it," Twilight pointed out.
"Don't you just hate those situations?" Storm remarked.
It was so dark, in fact, that Rarity bumped right into Twilight.
"I didn't see you there, my apologies," Rarity remarked.
"Right here… Guh…." Rainbow remarked but bumped into Storm.
"Watch it, will ya?!" Storm snapped.
Rainbow merely growled in annoyance.
"Wait a minute, Jedi! Can't you and the egghead just use your lightsabers to give us some vision!" shouted the chromatic girl.
"I am not an egghead!" shouted Twilight.
"Yeah, I wish I could, Rainbow. If it wasn't so dark!" said Storm, unable to even adjust his eyes to grab his weapon.
"Well, where is it? Maybe I can grab it," said Dash.
"On my hip! Just don't go any lower than that area!" said Storm.
"Like I would," said Rainbow; even though it was dark, she got what the Jedi Knight meant as she turned red at that thought.
Rainbow successfully grabbed the item as she handed it over to Storm. The boy pushed the button as a yellow light to provide some light. With some vision, Twilight could reach for her lightsaber as she turned it on and gave more visibility.
"That's better," said Rarity.
"Oh wait," Applejack paused, raising her foot. "I think I stepped in somethin'."
Fluttershy suddenly screamed, but Applejack was indifferent.
"It's just mud," Applejack reassured.
"Suddenly, there was an ominous growl from one of the trees. Then another, another, and soon, they were all surrounded. On each tree, they seemed to make a scary face at the girls with large eyes and razor-sharp teeth. They all screamed while hiding behind Storm.
"Storm, do something!" shouted the girls.
"Why me?!" stated the boy.
Suddenly, they heard Pinkie Pie… Laughing?! Surprised, all the teens noticed how Pinkie was busily laughing and making goofy faces toward one of the scary trees.
"Pinkie, what are you doing?!" Twilight asked fearfully. "Run!"
"Oh girls, don't you see?" Pinkie Pie asked. And all at once, before anybody knew it, Pinkie… Started singing…
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
When I was a little kiddie,
And the sun was going doo-ow-ow-n!
"You're kidding me," Storm replied with dread.
"Tell me she's not…." Twilight added.
But she never finished when Pinkie popped up from above them, upside down.
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
The darkness and the shadows,
They would always make me froo-ow-ow-n!
"She is," Rarity replied.
"Oy ve," Storm muttered.
Meanwhile, Pinkie kept singing while bouncing around the group.
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
I'd hide under my pillow,
From what I thought I saw.
But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way
To deal with fears at all!
"Then what is?" Rainbow asked as Pinkie got in her face.
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
She said, "Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall
Learn to face your fears.
You'll see that they can't hurt you
Just laugh to make them disappear."
Ha! Ha! Ha!
As if by magic, the once scary tree turned normal, with no face on it whatsoever. Even the darkness surrounding the tree disappeared, much to the teens' surprise.
Pinkie(Sings):
So… Giggle at the ghostly,
Guffaw at the grossly.
Crack up at the creepy,
Whoop it up with the weepy.
Chortly at the kooky,
Snortle at the spooky.
And tell that big dumb scary face
To take a hike and leave you alone
And if he thinks he can scare you
Then he's got another thing coming
And the very idea of such a thing
Just makes you wanna... Ha-ha-ha-ha...
Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!
Soon, with a little help from the girls, all the scary trees disappeared. The rest of the girls rolled on their backs, laughing themselves silly. Storm was the only one who didn't join them as he saw the girls laughing. The boy only had a small smile as he crossed his arms.
As they continued to laugh and hop merrily on their way, Pinkie Pie suddenly stopped, causing everybody to collide with each other. Before they could say anything, they noticed before their eyes a wide stream dividing the forest. While it appears rather shallow, the water was actually raging violently.
"How are we gonna cross this?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"Hmm…" Storm muttered, studying the stream. "Too strong to swim across, and no bridge to cross. Guess we can say we're…."
"Don't… Even… Say it!" Rainbow warned.
Storm held his tongue and kept silent as the girls looked on… But only for a few seconds.
"Up a creek without a paddle," Storm finished.
"YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!" Rainbow shouted.
Before Rainbow could charge at Storm, they suddenly heard crying in the distance. Confused, they turn towards a rather large yet very lanky sea serpent weeping himself in the middle of the water. His elongated figure wiggled so fast that the rapids were building. They also noted one-half of his orange mustaches, which matches his orange hair, looked torn as if it were chopped off.
"What a world, He sobbed dramatically. What a world!"
"Okay, hold on!" shouted Storm. "I know the Everfree Forest is home to strange and unusual creatures. But this is pushing the boundaries. A talking animal!" said the Jedi Knight as he couldn't believe what he saw. "Tell me you girls don't believe it either."
"No, we believe it!" said all of them as Storm rolled his eyes.
"Excuse me," Twilight called out, trying to be polite. "Why are you crying?"
"Seriously, Sparky!" as he couldn't believe his partner, the most fact-based girl, was talking to this unbelieve creature.
"Well, I don't know," The Serpent replied, facing the seven teens. "I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisked past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off, and now I look simply horrid!"
The serpent wailed as he slammed back into the water, creating a massive wave toward the teens. Both Jedi Knights tried to use the Force to avoid the wave but were too slow as they all got drenched.
"Oh, give me a break," Rainbow muttered annoyingly.
"That's what all the fuss is about?" Applejack asked in disbelief.
Suffice to say, Rarity felt indignant about the situation.
"Why, of course, it is!" Rarity replied, stepping forward. "How can you be so insensitive?" Rarity walked toward the sorrowful serpent.
"Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales," said the marshmallow girl. "And that expertly coiffed mane. Your fabulous manicure."
In the meanwhile, Storm watched her with interest. Whether Rarity was genuinely cheering him up or buttering his vain ego was hard to tell. Either way, he allowed her to keep talking. He still didn't believe what was in front of him.
"I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!" said the fashionista. "Storm?"
"What?" said the boy.
"Turn on your lightsaber."
"Huh?" said the boy as he had to blink twice at what Rarity said.
"Just turn it on," said the girl.
"Rarity, what are you—"
SWIPE!
Everybody's eyes shrunk with shock. Mostly Storm as he couldn't believe what happened. The boy blinked for a sec, and in that time, Rarity had a part of her hair cut off by the boy's plasm sword as it was like slicing a knife through butter. The girl's hair remained intact as it was shortened to a bob cut. The girl then began to tie the remains of her cut hair as the serpent bent down, and Rarity managed to attach it.
"You look smashing," Rarity said, returning to her friends.
"Oh, Rarity, your beautiful hair.…." Twilight said sadly.
Rarity looks upon her now short hair sadly yet still smiling.
"Oh. It's fine, my dear," Rarity said bravely. "Bob cuts are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back."
"So would the mustache," Rainbow muttered on the side.
"Right, right," Storm said, hearing Rainbow. "Tell you what: Next time that awesome hair of yours gets a buzz cut, I'll be sure to remind you, 'It'll grow back.' What do you say?"
Rainbow nervously put a hand on her hair as the others chuckled.
"Heh, heh… No thanks!" Rainbow replied, chuckling. "I'm good."
Twilight looked ahead and gasped as the water before them was shallow again.
"We can cross now," informed the princess.
Before she could, the serpent used its body to make a bridge for the girls to cross as he wanted to thank the teens for what they did for him. One by one, the girls walked across the body as Storm was the only one who didn't. The serpent looked at the boy; the Jedi Knight was still distracted. He soon gave in as he jumped on the serpent's body and began walking across the river.
"Thanks, I guess," said Storm.
"My pleasure," spoke the serpent. Soon the serpent began to turn into a dark mist as it disappeared.
The boy blinked at what he saw.
"You mean... he wasn't..."
Storm then recalled what Twilight's father said.
"Tell me, boy, do you believe in magic?"
"Storm! You coming?!" Twilight's voice called out to him.
"Y-yeah," responded the boy as he looked back at the water. "Seeing is believing," The Jedi Knight turned to catch up with the girls.
It wasn't long during their travels when Twilight recognized the site they had been searching for.
"There it is!" Twilight said excitedly. "The ruins that hold The Elements of Harmony. We made it!"
"Well, what are we waiting for?!" Storm asked rhetorically.
Twilight and Storm take off, with the rest of the girls following in hot pursuit.
"Twilight! Storm!" Applejack called out. "Wait for us!"
"We're almost there!" Twilight called back. "Whoa!"
Twilight nearly tumbled down a large gap in her hurry but managed to be saved as Storm grabbed her hand and pulled the princess close to his chest. Taking a few moments to breathe a sigh of relief, she looked at the boy who held her in his arms. The girl leaned in and placed her head on his chest.
"Thanks," said Twilight to her partner for saving her again.
Storm simply put his chin on Twilight's head as he closed his eyes and sighed. They broke apart just as the girls caught up.
"What's with you and falling off cliffs today?" Rainbow joked.
"Now what?" Pinkie sighed.
"Simple, we..."
Before Storm could finish his sentence, Rainbow grabbed a nearby vine and was already swinging across the chasm. The girl smiled as she soared through the air, let go at the highest possible point, and successfully landed on the other side of the chasm.
"She does know that me and Twilight could have simply jumped over the chasm to tie the bridge, right?" said Storm to the girls.
"Let her have her moment, sugarcube," said Aj to Storm as they knew Rainbow loved to fill her ego.
The chromatic-haired teen looked through the mist as she found them and intended to tie the bridge together.
"Rainbow…"
A mysterious voice caught the girl's attention, dropping the rope before she could tie it.
"Who's there?!" shouted the girl as she looked around.
"Rainbow…"
"I ain't scared of you!" Rainbow said bravely. "Show yourself!""
The girl pulled out her blaster as she prepared to fight.
"Tell me something, do you have that dream? The dream of being the most famous pilot in all the galaxy."
"Yeah, of course!" said Rainbow with a boastful tone.
"Then I'm here to grant your wish."
"Seriously?!" said the girl as she now had her tongue sticking out like she was a dog panting.
"Your dreams and ambitions can be realized. I have the power to make it so. You would be famous beyond your wildest imagination."
"Sweet! Just let me tie this bridge first!" said Rainbow when the dark mist surrounded her and took her away from the rope.
"NO! You need to make a choice now! Either stick with friends who will eventually fade into nothing, abandon you and move on. Those friends of yours, they may say they'll be there for you. But once you disappoint them, they leave you high and dry like a one-night stand. But if you side with me, I promise you will never be alone again."
"Rainbow, what's taking so long?" Twilight called out.
The girl was on the other side as she listened to the dark mist. Everything Dash heard from the voice tempted her. Everything she ever wanted was all an arm's reach. The girl started to reach her arm out as it looked to touch the mist to solidify her decision. At that moment, the girl remembered something. Something she was told way back when, when she first met Storm.
(Memory)
"I would say you're... a beautiful, athletic, charismatic girl who shows an undying loyalty to the things she cares about most," stated Storm's voice.
(End of Memory)
Storm closed his eyes as he began to concentrate. The Jedi Knight was using the Force to project his mind in Rainbow's direction.
"Don't worry about us; we'll find the elements and save Equis. Whatever you decide, we'll always support you no matter what. Even if this means goodbye… I won't be disappointed in you; I promise."
Rainbow heard the thought Storm had in his mind as the Force contacted her. She hesitated for another second until a decision was finally made.
"You... Thank you! For the offer, I mean," Rainbow clarified. "But I'm afraid I have to say no." As the dark mist disappeared, the girl began to make her way across the bridge.
The girls and Storm saw the bridge was up as coming through the mist was Rainbow. The girl gave a salute as the girls cheered upon seeing their friends.
"See?" Rainbow told Twilight. "I'd never leave my friends hangin'."
Twilight smiled as Rainbow stepped to the side just as Storm walked by.
"Thanks for the support," She whispered. "It made the decision easier."
Storm smiled, giving her a nod as they all crossed the bridge together.
It wasn't long before our heroes found themselves in the ruins of the castle of the first ruler of Equis. Exploring the ancient castle, they paused before a large stone structure holding several orbs around it. In a way, it reminded the teens of something out of a planetarium.
"Whoa!" said all of them.
"The Elements of Harmony," Twilight said, gapping at the statue.
They approached the statue as a small inscription was embedded that read: "Only the blood of the royal family may unlock the seal."
"Lucky for us, we got a princess," said Applejack as they all looked at Twilight. Seeing how she was a descendant of the person who built this place meant she had the power to unlock the elements.
"Right," stated Twilight nervously.
The girl approached the statue as she saw a small handprint on the stone. Twilight looked up and saw a statue of her ancestor.
"H-hey, Lambert. Uh, I'm Twilight. Your ancestor." said the girl as she felt like she was talking to the statue as if her ancestor's soul was there. "You saved our people before; now, it's my turn. I hope I make you proud." The princess took another deep breath to calm down her nerves.
Twilight then put her hand on the stone print. As if on instinct, it began to glow. It recognized the girl and knew she was of Lambert's bloodline. The orb on the statue glowed as they were removed from their pedestals and lowered to the ground, where they stopped glowing.
"One, two, three, four… There's only five!" Pinkie pointed out.
"My father said that: When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed."
"What the hay is that supposed to mean?" Applejack asked curiously.
"I'm not sure," Twilight admits. "But I have an idea." The princess then pulled out a piece of paper that her father gave her as there was ancient writing on it.
"Come on now, y'all." Applejack said as she guided everyone out. "She needs to concentrate."
Storm quickly looked back at Twilight as the girl translated the scroll of writing her father gave her in her notebook. The Jedi Knight felt like he should stay but soon began to leave. The princess was furiously trying to transcribe what the message was. Soon it was finished as Twilight double-checked her work. She then got to her knees and began to speak. She spoke in the dialect her ancestors used to unlock the elements before her. The girl closed her eyes as she concentrated; the dark mist soon arrived and encircled the elements, all while they tried to generate a magical spark. Soon, she opened her eyes and witnessed a huge blue cyclone. Twilight gasped, realizing what was happening.
"Twilight!" shouted the others as they shouted.
"The Elements!" shouted Twilight.
The princess dove into the cyclone's funnel as it magically disappeared along with them. While the girls rushed into the room and didn't see their friend, there was one person who wasn't with the girls. They soon noticed a nearby rundown ruin as it was glowing.
Meanwhile, the blackish-blue mist transported Twilight Sparkle toward a new location; the princess coughed and sputtered from all the dust. Before, the girl was Nightmare Moon, laughing evilly over the Elements. Twilight gasped.
"So kind of you to release the Elements for me," snickered the sorceress.
Twilight stood up and reached for her lightsaber. Nightmare Moon put her hand out as her magic stopped Twilight from turning it on as she lifted the girl in the air. The witch then began to walk toward the princess as she was helpless.
"Well, now. To think a little girl is trying to stop me. Let's have a look." snickered Nightmare Moon as she brought her hand to Twilight's cheek. The princess struggled as her eyes began to glow.
After a few moments, they stopped as Twilight panted.
"Ahh, seems Lambert's lineage had continued to grow after my defeat. Twilight Sparkle. You are the 28th generation belonging to the throne. Such a pity it has to end this way; you have a pretty face. Tons of boys that would love to woo you, smarts, a lovely figure, all of it." Nightmare More grabbed Twilight's throat as it released the girl from her hold; she struggled to breathe and was on her knees.
"Now... scream for me, Princess!" shouted Nightmare Moon as her arm turned into a spike as she looked to drive through Twilight's heart.
"STORM!" shouted Twilight as she cried her heart out, hoping her Jedi Knight would save her.
The spike came down as a yellow light blocked it just inches from connecting. Standing there before the princess was her partner. Storm was the first to run back into the room when he heard Twilight. He managed to dive into the cyclone at the last second before it disappeared. The boy recovered and, using his speed, was able to use his lightsaber to block the spike from killing Twilight.
The Jedi Knight pushed it back as he put his hand out and used the Force. The witch tumbled a bit before she skidded along the floor; she looked and saw Storm as Twilight was in his arms. The girl was crying as she saw her life flash before her eyes as the boy held her tightly and wasn't letting go.
"You came," cried Twilight as she sniffled.
"My duty is to keep you safe, Princess," spoke Storm softly as he too had a few tears falling, knowing he almost lost the girl.
"Who dares to defy me?!" shouted the witch.
"Stay away from the Princess!" declared Storm as he let go of Twilight and stood with his lightsaber pointed to the sorceress.
"Ah, a Jedi. My, my. It's been far too long since I last saw your kind. Tell me something, boy. Are the Jedi still instigators of violence?!" stated Nightmare Moon.
"The Jedi are peacekeepers," responded Storm.
"Then what are you doing interfering in business that doesn't concern you? This matter is between the royal family and me. You have nothing to do with it."
"My business is protecting the princess from any harm that might come to her. And so... if you threaten Twilight, that makes it my business!"
"Such courage for protecting a princess. Yet, shouldn't you be off fighting a war that you started?!" said Nightmare Moon as when she peaked into Twilight's mind, she saw the war occurring across the galaxy.
"The Jedi didn't start this war! But we as sure as hell are going to end it!" declared Storm as he was tired of people blaming them for all the violence.
"Why defend what is true? The Jedi are no peacekeepers. They're warriors, soldiers, warlords, conquerors. Don't believe me? Take a good long look at you, boy. You're a teenager; you're a kid. And shouldn't a kid be doing innocent stuff, not fighting in a war? Being put in command of troops, risking their lives like their cogs in a machine." said Nightmare Moon. "Shouldn't you be free of the burdens that this war produces? Here's another point, how many little kids, padawans, younglings, are training right now? You tell them they're training to be peacekeepers when in reality, you're preparing them for war crimes. You're turning innocent minds into bloodthirsty warriors."
"I'm not a bloodthirsty warrior!" shouted Storm. "I'm one of the good guys, and I fight to get rid of the Dark Side of the Force."
"So you tell yourself? See, the fact of the matter is Storm. You claim you're a good guy when you're too blind to see what's really happening behind the scenes. Your perception is that you want to be a hero for others, an inspiration, but you've been brainwashed. You think you're a good guy when you're actually the villain of this story. You, your master, and your Jedi pals are all evil!"
"Shut up!" shouted Storm as he had enough and leaped into the air. The boy was shown bringing his lightsaber down.
Nightmare Moon used her magic to change her staff into a blue sword of magic. She positioned it horizontally, blocking Storm's attack as the boy stayed in midair.
"You better settle down, Jedi. Or else your anger will lead you to Dark Side!" snickered Nightmare Moon as she flung the attack away.
Storm backflipped and landed safely as the sorceress spun her weapon to show she was ready to fight.
"I can sense your anger, Storm. Let it out; embrace the darkness."
"Twilight, figure out that spell. I'll buy you as much time as I can," whispered the boy to the princess as he charged forward with a yell.
"So be it. You aren't the first Jedi I've killed, but you won't be the last," Nightmare Moon put her arms out as the dark mist from her expanded in all directions. "I call on the moon's pale light!"
The moon heard the sorceress' words as it turned back to its color and shined down on her. It infused her with extra power as she smiled. Storm charged toward Nightmare Moon, who was ready to swing her sword back. The boy, however, changed his attack, throwing his foot outward, sending a kick with his foot into the witch's face, sending her back. Storm then leaped forward and swung his lightsaber, crossing with Nightmare Moon's sword. Twilight took the opportunity to see the two fight and began focusing on her spell as she appeared next to the Elements.
"Please work," stated the girl as she pulled out her notebook and began to try again.
Back with Storm, after pushing Nightmare Moon's sword aside, he held his lightsaber back and spun it. He swung his blade up as Nightmare Moon avoided it. She went for her attack as it glowed with magic and sent the boy sailing back. Storm then glanced over and saw three pillars that kept the ceiling up. He then rushed forward and jumped on; using his Force abilities swung around the pillar in front of him, allowing him to spin. He then slid to another one, and then another, making Nightmare Moon look around and spin her head a bit, making her dizzy. Then, the boy dashed forward to her.
He flew in with a spinning attack, striking Nightmare Moon. The witch then got angry; she began to levitate herself into the air, then used her magic to fire at Storm, who started to leap on the wall and ran across it, dodging every attack. The boy used his Force powers to hurl pieces of stone while Nightmare Moon dodged and kept firing her own magical projectiles. The teen then dropped to the ground and jumped up to the sorceress.
He swung his lightsaber two times vertically, the one time horizontally, striking Nightmare Moon with each attack. Then he brought one final slash and hurled Nightmare Moon to the wall. The boy then gave a smile as he landed.
"Had enough now?" he asked.
"You... FOOL!"
She shouted and then used her magic to send a wave of energy, blasting the boy backward, making him fall on his behind. He lifted himself up, but a foot was placed on his chest to prevent him from getting up. Storm saw his lightsaber a few meters away and was about to reach out when Nightmare Moon had her staff back and planted it on the palm of his hand as he felt it.
"It's going to take a little more than that to defeat me." Nightmare Moon said. "Despite these little surprises, you are powerless to stop me."
"Stop?" Storm asked. "I wasn't trying to fight you. I was just... stalling you."
"What?!" Nightmare Moon asked. Then a bright light began to light up the room. Turning her head, she saw Twilight, magic igniting, and the elements began to glow brightly.
Just moments before, Twilight was frantically scribbling and reciting the translation of the scroll, but nothing occurred. The princess saw her partner was fighting Nightmare Moon and soon got pinned down. She was now sweating as she had to get the Elements to work. She looked at her notebook, took a deep breath, and concentrated as she scribbled again.
"From one to another, another to one. A mark of one's destiny singled out alone, fulfilled. From all of us together, together we're friends. With the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end!"
Time moved slowly as Twilight raised her arm and brought it down. Her pen hit the page as it echoed a bit. It left a period behind to complete the spell as when she lifted it up just a few centimeters, the magic began to flow out, and time resumed. It was right there that Nightmare Moon had realized she'd been tricked.
"No!" She shouted as she then charged toward the princess.
A spark emerges, kicking Twilight backward, and throwing her across the floor.
"Twilight!" Storm called as he got up and ran towards her. The lavender girl got to her knees.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Twilight said. "But she won't be." Glancing forward, they saw the five orbs glowing, and then they surrounded Nightmare Moon, ready to strike her down.
"No!... NO!" Nightmare Moon said as Twilight and Storm began to smile. The five Elements began to glow brightly, nearly covering the room with their light. And then...
-POOF-
The light from the Elements went out suddenly and dropped to the floor as Storm and Twilight watched with shock.
"What?" Storm asked.
"But... where's the sixth?" Twilight asked. Seeing the Elements not responding, Nightmare Moon gave a laugh.
"You fools!" She said. "Thinking you can defeat me? Me, the mistress of all evil!" Then with her staff, she made one mighty stomp, sending a rumble and a shockwave across the room. Then, the stones shattered into gravel as the two gasped and watched helplessly.
"No..." Twilight said with no hope.
"The night will last forever!" She then laughs while her hands begin to light up with powerful magic.
Twilight quickly turned on her lightsaber and rushed at the witch with no regard. Nightmare Moon saw the princess as she swung and moved out of her attacks. With her arm, she swatted Twilight as she skidded and tumbled along the ground. The princess grunted from being thrown as the witch approached her. Her arm turned into a spike as she looked to finish what she started earlier. Just then, she let out a grunt as she felt something. The witch looked and saw a yellow blade being pierced through her chest as Storm had snuck up and ran his plasma sword through the sorceress.
"Heh, heh, clever Jedi," chuckled Nightmare Moon as she turned her head to look at Storm. "But did you forget, I'm a heartless wrench!" The witch then grabbed Storm's lightsaber and pulled it from her body and out of Storm's hand; the boy was shocked by what he saw.
Nightmare Moon swung her fist as she punched Storm and sent him sailing into a nearby wall. She tossed the lightsaber away as she walked toward the Jedi Knight. Storm clutched his side as he leaned against the wall and saw the witch standing over him with her spike arm still by her side.
"Tell me, why do you care about this girl?" asked Nightmare Moon.
Storm's eyes shifted from his foe to Twilight, who was coming to before shifting back to her. She was on her hands and knees and saw Storm in danger. Nightmare Moon noticed the boy's shift as she followed it and saw Twilight starting to stir. At that moment, she now knew as she spoke in her mind.
"Ah, love. A dreadful bond! And yet... so easily severed."
Nightmare Moon then raised her spike to Storm as it was inches from his neck.
"Tell me, boy: do you fear death?" asked the witch.
"Storm!" called out Twilight with her hand out.
The spike was coming down as Storm had his other hand that wasn't clutching his side out. He had a Force barrier up as the spike was scratching along the surface. Soon the spike began to slowly pierce through the barrier as it got close to the boy's face.
"Let's find out, Jedi. What's stronger? My magic, or your Force." snickered the witch as the spike got deeper and deeper.
Storm's pendant began to glow as it added to him using his Force powers and a huge wave burst out that pushed Nightmare Moon back. The witch tumbled a bit as it seemed whatever the boy did affect her. Storm was panting as he fell to his knees, and gratefully, he was still alive. Twilight was also happy as, at that moment, familiar sounds caused her to turn behind as a group of shadows approached, talking over each other.
"Don't worry, Twilight, we're here!" Pinkie called out.
"Don't worry, guys, we'll be there!" Applejack added.
As she waited for their arrival, something clicked. A special spark suddenly appeared in both her eyes. A quick smirk, silently realizing what this meant. She stood up to face Nightmare Moon, who was getting to her feet, her expression shifting to fierce confidence.
"You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that?" Twilight challenged. "Well, you're wrong because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here."
As if they rehearsed this moment, all five girls stood around Twilight. Storm looked on as he saw his friends.
"What?" Nightmare Moon exclaimed.
Before Nightmare Moon's eyes, several shards suddenly rose from the broken elements, surrounding the girls as Twilight spoke.
"Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of… Honesty! Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with compassion, represents the spirit of… Kindness! Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of… Laughter! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of… Generosity! And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire, represents the spirit of… Loyalty! These five girls got us through every challenge you threw at us."
"But you still don't have the sixth element!" Nightmare Moon protested. "The spark didn't work!"
"But it did!" Twilight corrected, facing the five girls. "A different kind of spark. I felt it when I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, and how much I cared about you."
Twilight smiled as a single pair of tears escaped her eyes.
"The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all… Were my friends!"
Upon Twilight's epiphany, a light glowed around the princess as all eyes watched it descend before her. It did not take long for Twilight to realize what it all meant.
"You see, Nightmare Moon," Twilight continued. "When those Elements are ignited by the… The spark that resides in the heart of us all; creates the sixth element: The element of… Magic!"
A sixth orb appeared, revealing the sixth element as it descends above Twilight. The shards of the other elements restored themselves, creating special gold necklaces with each element in the center. Twilight's element was more special, a tiara with the element of magic shining triumphantly on her head. Storm smiled proudly, watching the six girls wielding the elements. Twilight's eyes began to shine out a white light, with her hands glowing as all six girls began to charge up with a rainbow-colored light.
"Noooo!" Nightmare Moon shouted. "NOOOOOOO!"
As the rainbow's power consumed the sorceress, the elements glowed brighter until Twilight opened her eyes, which also glowed. The brightness consumed them all, filling the entire room with radiance. Eventually, the bright light faded, leaving everybody lying on the ground, clearly spent from the exposure to all that power. However, the real story was the spot where the evil witch once stood as with the Elements being restored and awakened, they had finally managed to rid Equis of Nightmare Moon herself.
"Ugh, my head," Rainbow groaned, sitting up.
"Everybody okay?" Applejack asked as the rest got back on their feet.
"Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity cried.
All the girls turned as the fashionista was ecstatic. Apparently, the magic of the elements was so powerful that it restored her beautiful hair to its former glory.
"Why Rarity, it's so lovely," Fluttershy pointed out.
"I know!" Rarity said, cuddling her hair. "I'll never part with it again."
"No, your necklace," Fluttershy corrected. Rarity finally noticed her gold necklace, noting how the purple diamond in the center.
All the other girls acknowledged their new jewelry bestowed upon them by the elements' power.
"Look at mine! Look at mine!" Pinkie said excitedly.
"Aw yeah!" Rainbow said proudly, admiring her own.
Storm saw how happy his friends were as he was pleased. He then went to Twilight, sat up, and saw the boy extending his hand. Without a second thought, Twilight grabbed it, and Storm pulled her up. The princess hugged her partner as he returned the gesture. Both sighed and closed their eyes as they relished being in each other's arms.
"Is it over?" said the girl.
"It's over," responded Storm in her ear as he sniffed her hair.
They pulled back as both saw the crown on Twilight's head. Twilight's element was more special, a tiara with the element of magic shining triumphantly.
"Seems you are destined to wear a crown, your highness," said Storm.
"I think this is one crown that I don't mind wearing," smiled Twilight to the teen.
"So, what now, y'all?" asked Applejack.
"We go home," said Storm to all as the sun started rising through the windows in the background.
Watching from above, there was a mirage spirit as it was now other than Twilight's ancestor, King Lambert.
"Well done," spoke the late great king as he was proud of what his descendant did. He then disappeared.
It wasn't long before the seven teens were shown returning to town. A few people peaked out of doors to their homes. They saw the group as they wore the Elements. They all burst out in celebration as they followed them to the castle. Awaiting them at the entrance was Twilight's entire family and Cadance as they saw the mission to retrieve the elements and defeat Nightmare Moon was a success.
Twilight's mother and father all approached their daughter and gave her a hug.
"We're so proud of you," said Velvet as she kissed her daughter's head.
"The greatest gift and honor... is having you for a daughter," spoke Night Light as he smiled and cried.
"Mom, Dad!" said Twilight as she cried and hugged her folks. Soon the rest of her family also hugged the princess.
The girls and Storm watched as they could see how happy the royal family was. Seems the spark needed to bring the Elements back and help the royal family grow even stronger. Night Light looked up as he saw Storm and nodded to the Jedi Knight.
The town did a short celebration for our heroes for their efforts. It didn't last long as they all had to leave soon. Rainbow was prepping her ship as the servants loaded up Rarity and Fluttershy's luggage. Pinkie gave some last-minute recipes for Gustave and the chefs for them to cook. Rarity talked with Coco about keeping an eye on her boutique while she was gone. And Fluttershy gave a heartfelt goodbye to Shenran and Pig as the girl would miss them. The teen blacksmith gave the girl a buttercup flower, placing it in her hair. Fluttershy blushed as she returned his gesture with a kiss on his cheek.
Applejack was saying goodbye to her friends as she knew she would see them again when she was on one of her merchant runs. As for Twilight, she was saying goodbye to her family as she had TS-01 by her side. As for Storm, he was leaning against the princess' personal ship as he watched his partner say goodbye. At that moment, a flapping was heard as Sonar appeared on his shoulder.
"Come to say goodbye to me, bud."
"Clink"
"I wish I could take you with me, but I can't. But I'll be back. I promise." said the boy to his bat as the creature understood.
"You did well, Jedi," spoke Night Light, who appeared before the boy. "Because of you, the Elements have been restored once more, and magic has finally returned for Equis." With the Elements now being awakened, the entire planet returned magic from its limited pool to what it was once.
"I didn't do anything. It was Twilight and the girls who did it all."
"But... she couldn't have done it without you. You mean the most to her. And while... I still want her to be wed and inherit the throne; I can see that you're an important part of her life. And it would be foolish of me to prevent that." stated Night Light. "Make sure you continue to keep my daughter safe."
"I will," said Storm with a confident smile.
Night Light stuck his hand out to express his gratitude. Storm did the same as he shook the King's hand. Twilight then came over as she was ready to leave. She said one last goodbye and hug to her father as the teen climbed into the fighter. Twilight's droid hopped into its port and fired up the engines. They lifted into the air, as did Rainbow's ship, and within seconds zoomed off, Twilight's family waving until they were out of distance.
Both ships exited Equis' orbit and zoomed into hyperspace. After a while, both exited as they were in front of Coruscant. They spoke over the comms as they relayed a message. Rainbow had to drop the rest of the girls off while Storm and Twilight had to report to the Jedi Temple. So the gang said a quick goodbye as they entered the planet's orbit and split off.
Rainbow's ship docked on a landing pad as the chromatic-haired girl said bye to her best friends. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity all waved goodbye as Dash zoomed away. In the temple, both Jedi exited as Storm had Twilight's bags in his hand. Waiting for them were their masters as they saw the teens.
"Welcome back," said Celestia.
"It feels like a long time," said Twilight about being back on Coruscant.
"Master," said Storm as he looked at Luna.
"Welcome home, my son," said the Jedi Master as she rubbed his hair and noticed the pendant he was wearing. She used the Force to see that Twilight had given it to him on his birthday.
"I've missed you," said Storm as he hugged Luna, as the woman did the same; for a moment, she was relishing being a mother and not a Jedi.
After settling down, Storm was shown sitting at one of the tables in the library. Soon two more figures sat down in the chairs across from him.
"So, what happened this time?" asked Anakin as he and Obi-wan wanted to hear their friend's tale.
"Heh, where do I begin?" chuckled Storm as he began to regale his adventures.
Night Light was shown entering the library as he had the book containing information about the elements. The elements themselves were given to him by Twilight and the girls as he planned to have them put away for safe-keeping.
"Time to put these away," said the King as he was about to close the book when it started to glow. This took his majesty by surprise as the glowing soon stopped. Night Light looked on the page as if by magic; there was now new writing that appeared.
"When the sixth element is revealed, a special seventh element, the most powerful of them all, will emerge. The six created the seventh, but the seventh control the six."
"Impossible," said Night Light as he knew that line wasn't there before.
It's as if something was happening now that the Elements were back, and it was trying to send him a message. What it was, he didn't know. But he planned to find out. Night Light locked the Elements in the box he had made to hold them as he closed the library door, and everything faded to black.
Author's Note: And so we come to this visit's end of Twilight's home. This time, she got to do so with the girls. And now the Elements have reawaken. And based on that last bit, it seems a new Element is starting to form. Not to mention, Night Light giving Storm more of his respect, ever so slightly at how he was willing to do everything to keep Twilight safe. And I think you can see where this is going. But the really question is: What's the name of the Element that's going to appear later? Spoiler for you all: it's not what you think. The name of the Element isn't what expect it to be called. Any guesses, now, hmm?