This is the 1st chapter and the 2nd volume of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
Hey everyone, hope you guys ready for the 2nd volume.
I don't own the series of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
Return of Harmony: Part 1
It's a new day in Canterlot as Cheerilee and Zane was guiding the class through the royal gardens.
"I want to start our trip here in the world famous Canterlot sculpture garden." Cheerilee said as she and Zane guided the young ponies through the area. "That one over there represents 'Friendship'..."
It was then the CMCs and the 5 young ponies walked by a statue of three ponies standing up on top of each other. Apple Bloom came to a stop to take a look at the statue, causing both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to bump into each other. They all just gave each other some annoyed glares. They apparently had been getting on each other's nerves all day.
"All right, my little ponies." Cheerilee said. "This one represents 'Victory'."
The CMCs and the 5 ponies just looked at the statue.
"Never seen anything like it." Comet said.
"Neither do we, must've overlooked at the garden a while back." Storm Hawk states with a ponder.
"Well, we probably didn't think about going there ever since the Gala." Winter Breeze told them.
"We better catch with the others, y'all." Aple Shine suggests. "We don't wanna fall behind."
The 5 ponies then catches with Cheerilee while the CMCs just looked at the statue.
"How cool would it be to have that for a cutie mark?" Scootaloo asks as she looked at the statue.
"Cool, if you were actually victoryful as somethin'." Apple Bloom said in a snarky tone.
"That's not a word!" Sweetie Belle retorted.
"What are you, a dictionary?" Scootaloo shot back.
"Girls!" Cheerilee and Zane retorted, getting the three fillies to stop fighting as she stopped the class before the mutated serpent.
However, Comet is starting to grunt while rubbing his head.
"Comet, what's wrong?" Storm Hawk asks, worried.
"Nothing...Nothing, I'm fine." Comet assures him.
Though, Storm Hawk and the others knew that he's not fine which it got them worried.
"Now, this is a really interesting statue." Cheerilee informed them. "What do you notice about it?"
"It's got an eagle claw!" Apple Bloom said.
"And a lion paw!" Scootaloo adds.
"And a snake tail!" Sweetie Belle adds.
"This creature is called a draconequus." Zane informed them. "He has the head of a pony and the body made up of all sort of things. What does that represent?"
"Confusion!" Apple Bloom answered.
"Evil!" Sweetie Bell interjected as she shoved into Apple Bloom.
"Chaos!" Scootaloo added, shoving both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.
"It's not chaos, you dodo!" Sweetie Belle said to her.
"Don't call me things I don't know the meaning of and it is chaos!" Scootaloo retorted.
"Is not!" Sweetie Belle yelled.
"You're both wrong!" Apple Bloom retorted before they all began to fight with each other, causing a cloud of dust appeared around them.
Cheerilee and Zane just rolled their eyes and shook their heads at them. Unaware of them, the heart of the statue began to glow twice.
"Actually, in a way, you're all right." Cheerilee said, making the three fillies stop fighting each other as the rest of the students around them just glared. "This statue represents 'Discord', which means lack of harmony between ponies."
The three fillies smiled.
"In fact, you three have demonstrated Discord so well, that you'll each going to write me an essay explaining it." Cheerilee continued which it got the CMCs flipped over their smiles instantly as the other students around them laughed quietly as their expenses.
"Now, let's go, and I don't want any more fighting!" Cheerilee said.
Cheerilee and Zane then led the younger ponies ahead with the three fillies tagging them behind. Until, Comet's eyes are turning white as he began to see visions, seeing Discord managed to free himself, tricking the Mane 6, except Mario, and bringing Ponyville into chaos. Soon as he finished seeing premonition, he started to panted heavily which it got their attention.
"Comet, are you alright?" Storm Hawk asks with a worry.
"I'm starting...to see...visions of Discord..." Comet grunts, rubbing his head.
"Comet, it'll be best that you have to report it to the Princess, I'll take you to the throne room. The rest of you, come with me." Zane suggests, turns to Cheerilee. "Cheerilee, will continue the tour without us?"
"Of course, if it's important." Cheerilee replies. "And Comet, we'll have Zane continue the tour when you're recovered from your visions."
Comet nods as he, Zane, and the 5 young ponies head inside of the castle to warn Princess Celestia. Cheerilee then continued the tour.
"I hope Comet is okay." Apple Bloom said, whispered under her breath.
"Don't worry, he's with Zane and the others. He'll be fine." Scootaloo shrugs.
"Let's hope so." Sweetie Belle said.
Silver Spoon was also worried about Comet since he's having visions about Discord, hoping that he can catch up with them. Little did they know that their continued arguing had seemed to caused 'Discord' statue to crack.
In the Underworld, Lord Garmadon was watching with the flame, but it got him very annoyed that Discord is about to be awaken.
"Bah! That abomination will interfere with my plan!" Lord Garmadon growled in annoyance. "No matter, I suppose finding the Serpentine Staffs will have to wait. Orochimaru! Kabuto!"
"Yes, my lord." Orochimaru and Kabuto said in unison.
"Call off the search...Discord has awoken." Lord Garmadon informed him. "Return to the Underworld and remain here until that nuisance is dealt with."
"Of course, my lord." Orochimaru and Kabuto replied as they called the demon snakes to return to the Underworld.
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
Ahhhh
My Little Pony
I use to wonder what friendship could be
My Little Pony
Until you all share this magic with me
Big adventure,
Tons of fun,
A beautiful heart,
Faithful and strong,
Sharing kindness
It's an easy feat
And magic makes it all complete
You all have my little ponies
Do you know all you're my best friends?
Back in Ponyville, all seemed well when Rainbow Dash came flying past, chasing what appeared to be a renegade storm cloud, but only in the color of pink.
"Come back here, you!" Rainbow Dash said as she went to capture the cloud. "Gotcha!"
But when she crashed into the pink cloud, she got herself all sticky.
"Eww, what is this?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed until she recognizes the content of the pink cloud. "Cotton candy?"
It was then, several pink clouds zoomed past her. She then heard the rumble of thunder from above as Rainbow Dash felt something wet hit her nuzzle and she looked up to find an even larger cotton candy cloud.
"Wait a second!" Rainbow Dash said. "It's not supposed to rain until tomorrow! You can't just..."
The 'rain' began to pour down on her, leaving her very annoyed.
"You did." Rainbow Dash muttered to herself.
In Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was just busy collecting stalks of corn when Rainbow Dash was flying quickly in the sky, chasing after the pink cloud.
"Hey, I didn't tell you to go anywhere!" Rainbow Dash yelled at the pink cloud as she continued the pursuit.
Several pink clouds began to appear in the sky and it began to rain on Applejack.
"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack shouted her name. "What's going on with this rain? I mean chocolate milk? I mean chocolate milk rain?!"
"There's crazy weather all over Equestria!" Rainbow Dash said. "Cloudsdale is getting soaked by a major cola storm right now! But don't worry, I'm not leaving until I get control of Ponyville!"
It was then, all of the corn in the fields began to turn into popcorn. Rainbow Dash quickly flies away while the mounds of popcorn as Applejack gets blasted in the face by a few popped kernels, knocked backwards, and gets buried in one of the mounds of popcorn.
"Why would you wanna stop this?" Pinkie Pie asks as she started eating the popcorn and slurping the chocolate milk rain happily.
It was then Rarity arrived, wearing a designer purple raincoat and had a saddle umbrella on her back.
"Ahem, I heard about your troubles, Applejack." Rarity said. "And I came to see if there's anything I can do without getting wet, or dirty, or out from the umbrella."
Applejack just stared at her blankly when suddenly, all of the apples on the apple trees became mega-sized. There large size causes the trees to creak loudly as they tilt to one side. Several squirrels appeared and started eating the mega-sized apples.
"Fluttershy! Do somethin'!" Applejack shouts, but Fluttershy has other problems because Angel was also gobbling up one of the large apples.
"Now Angel, you really shouldn't-"
Then before her eyes, Angels hind legs and feet became long and skinny, making him look like a cross between a bunny and a deer as he took off.
"No!" Fluttershy gasped in shock. "It's not possible! I must be seeing things!"
It was then the distance several other bunny-deer began to run around the landscape. Twilight, Mario, and Spike have arrived when they saw the whole scene in Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight was using her magic to hold up the book, reading up a spell that can solve a problem.
"Don't worry everyone." Twilight said, closes the book and toss it aside. I've learned a new spell that will fix everything."
Then, Twilight concentrated as she made her horn glow before firing a large a large magic blast. It's so strong that it even sent a magical wave that spread away from her like a rock splashes into a calm and still water. Twilight opened her eyes in shock when she saw that her spell has no effect whatsoever. The chocolate milk rain was still falling, the corn was still popping, and the strange looking animals stayed...strange looking.
"My fail-safe spell...failed." Twilight said shockingly. "What do we do?"
"Uh, give up?" Spike proposed, but earned a glare from both Twilight and Mario.
"Spike, don't be like that." Mario scolded him.
"Spike, Twilight will be coming up with something." Rarity said as she placed her umbrella saddle on Twilight's back.
"Hmm, time for Plan B." Mario said, pondering to himself for a bit. "Rainbow, can you corral all these clouds into one corner of the sky?"
For the moment, Rainbow Dash was trying to get herself unstuck from one of the cotton candy clouds. Some of the animals were even licking the candy off of her. Once she managed to do so and shook away the animals, Rainbow Dash gave Mario a salute and started to round up all of the cotton candy clouds together. Pinkie Pie had been reclining and enjoying the rain, her mane was drenched in chocolate milk, until Rainbow Dash pulled the cloud away.
"Applejack I need you to bring those high-strung storm clouds down to Earth." Twilight instructed.
Applejack then grabbed her lasso and grabs the giant collection of cotton candy clouds to pull them down. Pinkie Pie then tried to recline and enjoy the rain again with her enjoyment was once again cut off.
"Hey, what happened?" Pinkie Pie asked when her stream of chocolate milk was cut off a second time.
By now, Applejack had started tying up one giant cotton candy cloud when Mario whispered something to Fluttershy. Flutteshy just listened before giving a smile.
"Oh dear." Fluttershy said, trying to sound dramatic. "I hope none of the animals see those delicious filled chocolate cotton candy clouds. I'd hate to have to share them."
The others just waited patiently as Pinkie Pie face-planted into the cloud and was just enjoying herself.
"You and me both, sister!" Pinkie Pie said when the animals all crowded around the cloud, knocking her out of the way. "Hey!"
The animals just enjoyed the cloud as Pinkie Pie glared since she couldn't find a spot to get some of it herself.
"And when y'all are done with that, feel free to have some popcorn for dessert." Applejack told them which Twilight was pleased.
"You see, Spike?" Twilight said as she turned to him. "You should never give up. There's nothing we can't overcome if we all work together."
Spike just looked rather bored for a second before he hunched over.
BURP!
Spike then produced a scroll on a ground. Twilight began to read it as she gasped.
"Come on, girls and Mario." Twilight said. "Princess Celestia wants to see us all at Canterlot immediately!"
Everypony just looked at each other worried.
Inside Canterlot castle, Princess Celestia, Zane, and the 5 young ponies were waiting for the Mane 7. They then turned their attention to them when they saw 7 ponies arrive in the main room, charging through the front door in a hurry.
"Princess Celestia, we came as fast as we could!" Twilight said as the 7 ponies came to stop on front of the splitting staircase.
"Thank you, Twilight." Princess Celestia thanked her. "Thank you all."
"Is this about the weather?" Twilight asked quickly. "And the animals weird behavior? What's happening out there? Why isn't my magic working? Is there-"
Twilight was then cut off when Princess Celestia raised a fore-hoof in the air.
"After Comet informed me of his visions, my worst fears have been realized." Princess Celestia said. "Follow me."
Princess Celestia then guided them down a long hallway filled with various stained-glass windows.
"I've called you here for a matter of great importance." Princess Celestia explained as she lead them down the hallway. "It seems an old foe of mine, someone I thought I had defeated long ago, had returned."
As they continued down the hallway, Fluttershy then saw the light reflection of one of the windows on the ground.
"His name...is Discord." Princess Celestia said as Fluttershy looked up and saw a large stained-glass image of Discord in front of her.
Fluttershy just screamed and ran away from the image.
"Who...who's Discord?" Mario asked with puzzled look.
"Discord is the mischievous spirit of disharmony." Princess Celestia explains as she showed them another stained-glass window of Discord controlling ponies like puppets. "Before my sister and I stood up to him, he ruled Equestria in an eternal state of unrest and unhappiness. Luna and I saw how miserable life was for the Earth ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns alike. So, after discovering the Elements of Harmony..."
Princess Celestia led them toward another stained-glass of her and Luna surrounded by a stone version of Discord.
"...we combined our powers and rose up against him, turning him to stone."
"All right, Princess!" Rainbow Dash said impressively, giving her a hoof pump.
"I thought the spell we cast would keep him contained forever, but since Luna and I are no longer connected to the Elements, the spell has been broken." Princess Celestia continued as they ventured further down the hall.
"No longer connected?" Twilight said, puzzled.
"I think we have a pretty good idea how Discord got free in the first place." Comet said, earned their attention.
"Do you know how, Comet?" Twilight asks.
"It happened when Ms. Cheerilee and Zane gave us a tour at the royal gardens in Canterlot." Comet replied with a nod. "But, it seems like we've overlooked at those statues back at the Gala."
The Mane 7 and Princess Celestia can understand what he's telling them.
"Ms. Cheerilee and Zane showed us some weird looking dragon that was called 'Discord'. And after that, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle got into a scuffle when she asks us what Discord represents." Rose Lotus told them.
"And you know the rest when Comet is having visions." Storm Hawk adds. "I think those three have accidentally broke the spell and having Discord free."
Princess Celestia and the Mane 7 now begins to realize how Discord was free from the spell, because of the CMCs accidentally freeing the draconequus without even realizing the danger.
"Is it true?" Princess Celestia asks.
"Why would we lie? Comet's the only one who gave yah visions." Apple Shine told her. "But what Ah don't understand is why he's gettin' those headaches."
"Maybe it's because I'm sensing dark aura coming from Discord, and it was faint until now." Comet said. "I didn't think it's possible."
"Well, Comet, you're getting better with your magic and it's been getting stronger ever since we trained you." Twilight told her son. "And learning new spells can be tricky at times."
Princess Celestia and the others agreed to Twilight's statement, but it's then they arrived before a majestic looking door that has royal purple in color and coated with some gems.
"This is Canterlot Tower." Princess Celestia told them. "Where the Elements are kept since all of you recovered them. I need you to wield the Elements of Harmony once again and stop Discord before he thrusts all of Equestria into eternal chaos."
Everypony just looked worried when Pinkie Pie zipped away.
"But why us?" Twilight asked, still not understanding why it had to be the seven of them. "Why don't you-"
"Hey, look! We're famous!" Pinkie Pie said as she showed them a stained-glass window that showed them defeating Nightmare Moon.
"You seven showed the full potential of the Elements by harnessing the magic of your friendship to beat a mighty foe." Princess Celestia said.
"Yeah, but will it work on Discord?" Mario asked with concern.
"Don't worry, Mario." Princess Celestia said reassuringly. "They were enough to defeat Discord then and they should be enough to defeat him..."
She raised her wings and the tone of her voice became more serious.
"...Although Luna and I once wielded the Elements, it is you who control their power, and it is you who must defeat Discord!"
Everypony flinched a bit at her tone and looked at each other. Twilight was a bit worried herself before she gave her a determined look.
"Princess Celestia, you can count on-"
"Hold on a second!" Pinkie Pie said, cutting Twilight off as he eyes bulged at the idea of chocolate. "Eternal chaos comes with chocolate rain, you guys! Chocolate Rain!"
Everypony just looked at her before Twilight just zipped over to Princess Celestia.
"Don't listen to her, Princess." Twilight said. "We're honored to use the Elements of Harmony."
Princess Celestia then recomposed herself as she stuck her horn into a hole on the door and used her magic to activate it. Three sets of circles then lit up before the entire door glowed and opened before them. Everyone, except Princess Celestia, looked away from the bright light as they saw before them was a jeweled chest.
"Ooh, you can keep the Elements." Rarity said as Princess Celestia presented the chest to them. "I'll take that case!"
"Have no fear, ponies. I have total confidence that you'll be able to defeat Discord with these!" Princess Celestia said as she opened the chest, but only to find it empty.
Everypony exclaimed with a gasp in shock as their jaws dropped, except for Pinkie Pie.
"Oh well." Pinkie Pie said. "If anyone needs me, I'll be outside in the chocolate puddles with a giant swizzle straw."
She then bounced away as everypony else was in too much shock to answer. Princess Celestia just dropped the chest after she started to recompose herself.
"The Elements! They're gone!" Twilight exclaimed in shock.
"That chamber is protected by a powerful spell that only I can break!" Princess Celestia said as she paced back and forth with worry. "This doesn't make sense."
Suddenly, Mario, Zane, and Comet sensed something as they looked around.
"Uh, guys, we're not alone." Mario warned them.
"Muwahahahahahaha!
Suddenly a devious laughter echoed throughout the halls. Princess Celestia and the others looked around, but couldn't find the source of the laughter.
"Make sense?" The voice of Discord said. "Oh, what fun is there in making sense?"
"Discord...Show yourself!" Princess Celestia said when Discord chuckled.
"Did you miss me, Celestia?" Discord asks as the stained-glass image of him comes to life. "I missed you. It's quite lonely being incased in stone, but you wouldn't know that, would you? Because I don't turn ponies into stone!"
"Enough!" Princess Celestia shouts sternly. "What have you done with the Elements of Harmony?!"
"Oh, I just borrowed them for a teensy little while." Discord replied as he casually snapped his fingers, making himself disappear as well as the stained-glass versions of the seven elements.
Princess Celestia just rubbed a hoof impatiently on the carpet.
"You'll never get away with this, Discord!" Princess Celestia said angrily.
"Oh, I'd forgotten how grim you can be, Celestia." Discord said as he reappeared in another stained-glass window, looking rather bored. "It's really quite boring."
"Hey! Nopony insults the Princess!" Rainbow Dash shouts, makes an impulse as she charges at the glass, but then...
SMACK!
Rainbow Dash hit the glass face first and Discord disappeared easily to avoid getting hit. Rainbow Dash had to literally peel her face off the glass as she tried to recover while Discord reappeared before them.
"Oh, you must be Rainbow Dash, famed for her loyalty, the Element of Harmony you represent." Discord said.
"That's right!" Rainbow Dash said with confidence. "I'll always be loyal to the Princess!"
"We'll see about that." Discord said as he disappeared again.
"I can't believe we're wasting our time talking to a tacky window." Rarity said indignantly as Discord reappeared in the window next to her in a reclining position.
"The beautiful Rarity, representing the Element of Generosity, if I'm not mistaken." Discord said.
Rarity looked rather uneasy as Applejack walked up to him, looking very annoyed.
"So, you know who we are, big deal." Applejack said in annoyance.
"Oh, I know much more than that, honest Applejack." Discord answered, enlarging himself.
"You seem to know our strengths too." Twilight said with a glare.
"Yes, Twilight Sparkle." Discord replied as he moved around the glass, showing them with their elements. "And yours is the most powerful and an elusive element, Magic...Oh wait, that's actually the second most powerful."
"I'm guessing you're talking about me?" Mario asked with a glare.
"Yes, Mario Star." Discord said. "You wield the Element of Courage, quite a rare element if I do say so myself."
Mario growled at him.
"Umm, now where was I? Oh yes." Discord said with his claws on his hips. "While Twilight is the Element of Magic, Fluttershy's is Kindness, and Pinkie Pie's is a personal favorite of mine...Laughter!"
Discord laughed as Pinkie Pie snickered.
"Pinkie!" Twilight scolded.
"He's standing on your head!" Pinkie Pie pointed out that Discord was doing the moon walk on the head of the glass pony representing Twilight.
Discord then stops and noticed the 5 young ponies hiding behind Zane.
'What's this? These 5 young ponies...if I'm not mistaken, these 5 were once humans from Earth. It would seem that the Maternity Flowers I've created worked...Wait, it worked! Yes! The flowers actually worked! With these 5 ponies here, they're able to get a chance to live! Oh, Emperor Solaris, I did it as you promised me to do!' Discord mentally thought happily.
That was until...
ZAP!
"YEEOW!" Discord yelped as he was flung on to the pillar of the window.
"Stop stalling, Discord!" Mario shouts sternly as he was the one who did it. "What have you done with the Elements of Harmony?"
"Oh, so boring along with Celestia, Mario." Discord said in annoyance. "Really? Fine, I'll tell you, but I'll only tell you my way. To retrieve your missing Elements, just make sense of event. Twists and turns are my master plan. Then find the Elements back where you began."
As Discord spoke, he shifted from one stained-glass window to the next. The ponies struggled to keep track of him and followed his riddle before he returned to the stained-glass window of him using ponies as puppets and returned to being a mural.
"Can we go home now?" Fluttershy asks feebly.
"What do you reckon he meant?" Applejack asks everypony. "Twists and turns and endin' back where we started?"
"Twists and turns...twists and turns...twists and turns!" Twilight said as she paced towards a window and then realizing something. "That's it! I'll bet Discord hid the Elements in the palace labyrinth!"
"Then we don't have time left!" Mario said in determination. "We have to find him and this!"
"Good luck, my ponies." Princess Celestia said. "The fate of Equestria is in your hooves."
"Thanks, Princess, we will." Twilight answered. "We won't let you down."
The 7 ponies made their exit as they ran out of the halls, but the 5 young ponies were about to follow them when Twilight and the others noticed. It causes the 7 to stop.
"And where do 5 think you're going?" Twilight asks, raising her eyebrow.
"We wanted to help you find the Elements of Harmony." Storm Hawk answered.
"You'll be needing some help against Discord." Apple Shine adds.
"Oh no, you 5 need to stay here where it's safe." Twilight suggested. "And you're not going after Discord when he's around."
"But we wanted to help." Comet pleads. "We went to Appleloosa."
"You were with us for the trip." Applejack points out.
"But..."
"No 'buts', you 5 are staying with Princess Celestia and Zane where you'll be safe and you don't go wandering off on your own." Twilight scolded them.
The 5 young ponies can only responded with a pout and crossed their arms and legs, but didn't talk back. Twilight and the other took it as a sign that Comet and the 4 young ponies understood and ran out of the halls. Princess Celestia and Zane watched them leave when they heard the ominous laughter of Discord echoing down the hall once more.
It didn't take much longer before all 7 ponies arrived at the entrance and they all gasped.
"W-we have to go in there?" Fluttershy asks, quivering fearfully.
"Nope!" Rainbow Dash said. "Dopey Discord forgot about these babies!"
Rainbow Dash then took off to the sky.
"I'll just do a quick flyover and we'll have the elements in no time!" Rainbow Dash said, but then, a flash of light appeared.
Rainbow Dash suddenly came crashing down onto her back and then noticed that her back, she has no wings.
"My wings!" Rainbow Dsah exclaimed in horror.
There was then, another flash of light appeared and Fluttershy's wings were gone as well.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEK!" Fluttershy screamed, seeing her back and noticed she has no wings.
Two more flashes of light removed the horns from both Rarity and Twilight. They gasped as they saw each other.
"Your horn! My horn! AAAAAAAAAAAH!" Twilight and Rarity said together as they screamed and fuss about the panic.
Then, the same flash of light removed Mario's horn and his hammer.
"NO!" Mario said with horror before growled in anger. "Alright, Discord! Enough fooling around! Show yourself!"
It was then, the crazed lunatic himself made his LIVE debut before the ponies, laughing at them all, thunder clashing behind him. The Mane 6 all gathered close together fearfully while Mario just glared at him.
"You-you should see the looks of your faces." Discord said with a laugh. "Priceless!"
BONK!
"OW!" Discord shouted, stopped laughing as he held his nose in pain before glaring at Mario. "Hey!"
"Give us our wings and horns back! And my hammer!" Mario demanded.
"You'll get them back in good time." Discord said, scratching his chin as hovered around them, nudging Applejacks flank, smirking at Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, and then tracing on Twilight's chin, earned a glare from Mario. "I simply took them to ensure there's no cheating. You see, this is the first rule of the game. No flying, and no magic."
"The first rule?" Rainbow Dash said wearily as Discord headed over to a hedge to recline.
"The second rule is everypony has to play or the game is over and I win." Discord said. "Good luck everypony!"
Discord then disappeared, laughing as he did so. The other ponies were all shaken up, except for Mario as he glared at him.
"Never fear, girls!" Mario said with determined look. "We have each other!"
"And we will do it together!" Twilight added.
"Yeah." Rainbow Dash said with an agreement. "Like Twilight said, there's nothing we can't outcome if we all stick together!"
They all smile in agreement before lining up side by side at the entrance to the labyrinth. With determined faces, they each take a firm stomp with their fore-hoof.
"All right girls, and Mario, let's do this!" Twilight said.
"Together!" The Mane 7 shouted, but then they were all screaming as some hedge walls rose up and separated them all from each other.
They also prevented them from leaving as well.
"Stay calm girls, and Mario!" Twilight shouted as a 'Brady Bunch' style screen appeared with her in the middle. "Everypony head to the middle as quickly as you can, and we'll regroup there!"
"Moving out!" Rainbow Dash said from the upper left square.
"See you in the center." Rarity said from the bottom right square.
"You got it!" Mario said.
"Yee-haw!" Applejack said from the bottom left square.
"See you guys there!" Pinkie Pie said in the upper right square.
They all took down their pre-determined paths as Fluttershy appeared from below, gasping with fright.
"What's that? Who's there?!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "Girls!"
While back at the Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia and Zane were watching them from the far-off distance while Comet and the 4 young ponies were worried about their mothers and Mario. However, Comet was starting to ponder a bit while remembering the riddle that Discord have given them.
'To retrieve your Elements, just make sense of events. Twists and turns are my master plan. Then find the Elements back where you began.'
These words have echoed on Comet's mind, trying to figure out the riddle.
"Something on your mind, Comet?" Rose Lotus asks, making him snapped out of his thoughts.
"It's the riddle that Discord has given them, it's still bothering me." Comet said with a ponder.
"They're in the labyrinth, it has twists and turns which it might be where the Elements are." Storm Hawk states.
"I don't think the Elements of Harmony are in there, Storm Hawk." Comet shook his head. "He said, 'To retrieve your Elements, just make sense of events. Twists and turns are my master plan. Then find the Elements back where you began'. If I remember right, the Elements were used against Nightmare Moon back in the Everfree Forest to free Princess Luna. And that was before Discord ever arrived."
The 4 ponies are beginning to understand what he's telling them about the riddle. It got Winter Breeze realizing the riddle.
"I get it! The Elements of Harmony was hiding at Ponyville!" Winter Breeze said with a gasp. "To retrieve the Elements, he meant the bearers of the Elements of Harmony."
"And the Elements are hidden inside of the Golden Oak Library!" Comet adds. "Mom must've got the answer wrong and led them straight into a trap."
"And they fell right into it." The voice of Silver Spoon said as she revealed herself from the halls.
"Silver Spoon! What are you doing here?!" Zane and Comet exclaims shockingly.
"I got worried, I secretly headed to the castle to find Comet. But just before I come and find you, I noticed that you're with the Princess." Silver Spoon explains.
"How much did you hear?" Princess Celestia questions.
"About how Discord got free...and the Elements...and the riddle..." Silver Spoon said nervously, swallow a lump on her throat.
"Basically, she heard everything." Rose Lotus states. "But none of it matters now, so you're saying they walk right into it."
"It sounds about right, considering that the labyrinth has twists and turns. Knowing him, he's planning to use his magic to cheat for the win." Storm Hawk states.
"You might be right." Comet agrees.
At the labyrinth, Applejack was trying to move as quickly as she could to try and get to the middle of the garden as fast as she could. Just as she passed a particular intersection, she noticed three apples on the ground. When she approaches them, the apples started to roll away from her.
"What in tarnation?" Applejack said as she chased after them.
She was soon brought to an open area in the maze surrounded with various apple trees.
"Where am I?" Applejack asks.
The three apples began to circle around before her as another apple clocked her on the head. The apples from the trees formed three groups, red, light red, and green as they began to laugh and circle around her.
"Who are y'all?" Applejack asked uneasily.
"The keeper of the grove of truth." The red apples said as they formed two eyes and a smile. "You may ask us..."
"...one question..." The light red apples said.
"...past, future, or present." The green apples said.
"But be warned..." The red apples said.
"...that the truth..." The light red apples said.
"...may not always be pleasant." The green apples said.
"All right." Applejack said, feeling rather uneasy. "I don't trust this place worth a hill of beans, but I've got a really bad feeling about this feller Discord. What's gonna come of this mission we're on?"
"For the answer you seek..." The red apples said as they head towards the pond.
"...go ahead, take a peek." The light red apples said.
Applejack looked into the pond. It wasn't long before she saw all seven of her friends stand together in the middle of Ponyville.
"I'm through with all of you!" Pond Mario shouted.
"I hope I never see you again!" Pond Rainbow Dash added.
"Me too!" Pond Fluttershy said.
"Fine!" Pond Pinkie Pie added.
"Fine!" Pond Rarity repeated.
"It's settled then!" Pond Twilight said before they all left their separate ways, leaving Applejack shocked.
"No! Our friendship?! Over?!" Applejack exclaimed as she lowered her hat.
Unknown to her, Discord was above, animating the apple clusters by using puppet strings, chuckling to himself.
"It can't be true! It just can't!" Applejack said in disbelief.
'Ma...Ma..'
Applejack snapped out of her stupor when she heard her daughter calling her name.
"Apple Shine? Was that you?" Applejack called her daughter.
'Ma, listen...This is what Discord want ya ta believe...'
And then, Applejack lowered her head to the pond when the reflection of Apple Shine was revealed with a smile on her face. Discord was shocked that somepony managed to get her to snap out of her thoughts.
'Ma, please...Discord is tryin' to fool you and yer about to let him win this...You can't let him do this to you...'
"Sugarcube, Ah don't know what to do!" Applejack said sadly. "I felt like the friendship is over."
'It's not over...you can't beat yerself up like this. Whenever I feel down, I always pick mahself up and mah family is right with me when Ah need them. Ah'm here...with you, in here.'
Pond Apple Shine then placed her hoof to the center of her chest, where the heart was at.
'Yer friends are still lookin' for ya...They need you...Ah need you...Please, Ma, you've gotta stop beatin' yerself up and pick yerself up.'
Applejack knew that Apple Shine was right since she's been there for her daughter in every way. She then turns to determine as she buck the apples away from her.
"Ah'm not lettin' that no-good Discord get away with this!" Applejack said, then turns to her daughter. "Thanks fer not given up on me, Apple Shine."
Pond Apple Shine replied with a nod, smiled at her mother.
'I'll be there for you when you need me, Ma. Cuz' I still love you.'
At just at the reflection of Apple Shine disappears, Applejack turns when the hedge lowered itself to reveal Twilight.
"Applejack! Thank goodness!" Twilight said happily. "I thought I heard voices over there! Who were you talking to?"
"Sorry 'bout that, I almost got fooled by Discord. That is, until somepony came for mah help." Applejack said with a smile. "Guess Apple Shine really did help me."
"Who?" Twilight asks in confusion. "But Apple Shine..."
"I know, but she came...here in mah heart." Applejack cuts in, placed her hoof to her heart. "I had a strange feelin' about it, but it might have somethin' to do with us havin' a bond with our kids. I think it's more than that."
"Like what?" Twilight asks.
"Don't know, but we need to look for the others." Applejack suggests as she left the area.
"Hmm, if what Applejack said is true, I think I have a pretty good idea what she's telling me." Twilight said with a ponder as she followed Applejack.
Discord however, starts gritting his teeth.
"Curses! I completely forgotten about those kids!" Discord growled in frustration. "Well, no matter, I still got those ponies to play with."
In another part of the maze, Pinkie Pie was just whistling and bouncing around. She then came to an area that was filled with lots of balloons with smiles on them. Pinkie Pie could hear all the balloons laughing and having a good time as she made her way into the area.
"Whee! This is the greatest balloon garden I've ever seen!" Pinkie Pie said, enjoying herself. "This is the first balloon garden I've ever seen, but still...WAH!"
Pinkie Pie then tripped and splashed into some mud, now the balloons surround her and continue to laugh at her expense.
"Hey, what gives?" Pinkie Pie asks, covered in mud when Discord arrived.
"What's the matter, Pinkie Pie? I thought you appreciated a good laugh." Discord said.
"It's different! They're laughing at me!" Pinkie Pie said.
Discord then put a balloon over his face so he could keep talking through it.
"It's hardly different, your friends laugh at you all the time." Discord said.
"My friends laugh with me, not at me." Pinkie Pie protested.
"Oh really?" Discord said as he hovered near her and started to circle her, laughing at her.
Pinkie Pie tried to follow the balloon as the other balloons continued to laugh at her as well. Some turning into the faces of her friends as they laughed at her too.
"No! Stop it!" Pinkie Pie begged, feeling a bit dizzy as she cowered to the ground, but the laughter got louder.
Until, Pinkie Pie then heard a song that sounds angelic as she looked up and saw the image of a gypsy pony who happens to be Rose Lotus. The balloons turned to Rose Lotus with a glare.
"Rosey?" Pinkie Pie said to her daughter.
'Mom, remember when we first met?'
"Of course I remember, I found you at the castle in the Everfree Forest." Pinkie Pie answered. "You told me and my friends about you as a human from India, and living with your parents and traveling with them and the gypsies. And then, you lost everything and came here through the magic mirror which changed your appearance."
'I did lose everything and became a broken little filly with a broken heart. Until, you came along, you and your friends were able to mend the scar in my heart and I am truly grateful for what you did for me.'
Pinkie Pie just smiled, couldn't forget about her time spending with Rose Lotus. Of course, she also changed Pinkie Pie and it got her to the point that she cares and love for her daughter.
Discord is getting annoyed as he started to gather her and Rose Lotus with the balloons, surrounding them a laughter. Pinkie Pie then started to get angry as she grabs hold of the strings, pulling the balloons away from Rose Lotus.
"You think it's funny when Rose Lotus loses her family and her people?! You think it's funny when Rose Lotus and Djali were left alone in the Everfree Forest?!" Pinkie Pie growled angrily, leaving Discord frightened and meeting an angry mother glare. "For years, I've been taking care of Rosey! I made a promise that nothing bad will ever happen to her! Starting with you!?"
Pinkie Pie then quickly tied the strings and then throws a balloons over the hedge and right into the sky. Pinkie Pie then turns to her daughter.
"And I'm keeping that promise." Pinkie Pie said with a smile.
'Thank you. And Mom, I'm glad that I have you as a mother.'
"And I'm glad that I have you as a daughter." Pinkie Pie said as the image of Rose Lotus vanished when the balloons popped and she's left alone.
Both Twilight and Applejack found her right after Rose Lotus and the balloons had disappeared.
"Pinkie Pie!" Twilight exclaimed. "Are we glad to see you!"
Twilight and Applejack rushed over until Pinkie Pie turns to her.
"And I'm glad to see the both of you!" Pinkie Pie said happily. "Can't believe that Discord laughed at me and Rosey! It got me so mad, I'd throw him out in the air!"
"You too, huh?" Applejack asks with a smirk.
"Yep, Rose came and made me snap out of it." Pinkie Pie answered, and went past her.
Twilight can tell that Pinkie Pie got help as she and Applejack walked away. Discord was able to back at the labyrinth.
"Well, that's one the most scary moment I've ever made, and yet, the most infuriating!" Discord growled, but pondered. "But still, I don't remember making this magic mirror. I wonder if Solaris has something to do with it? Hmm, oh well, I'll think about it later. But right now, I still got other four ponies to find."
On the other side, Mario walked through with a cautious look as he look in every corner.
Then Discord appeared before him, making him go for the offense as he laughs maniacally.
"Well, Mario, it looks like it's just you and me." Discord said as he slithered himself around the unicorn stallion in a creepy way, but Mario turns himself into sand. "What?!"
Until, the roots snared Discord, wrapping him around.
"Nice try, Discord." Mario said with a smirk as he reappeared from the ground. "But I used chi instead of magic. And you never said about not using chi."
"True, but you will never be the Master of Nature." Discord said with a laugh, making Mario froze. "What a shame that you were being a failure for not saving Bolobo."
"You don't know about me!" Mario said, glaring at him.
"Oh, come now, Mario." Discord said as he disappeared and reappeared himself. "You are just so naive to put your friends in danger, just like he did when Orochimaru caught his guard down and killed him in a blink of an eye. What's the point of making somepony proud when you are just a weak little coward? You don't have what it takes. You are doomed to fail as you have always fail yourself and others."
"You don't know what you're talking about!" Mario snapped angrily.
"What's the point of resisting yourself?" Discord remarked deviously. "I'm sure all of your friends would be disappointed in you along with your family. You don't stand a chance."
Mario glared at Discord before he thought of something as he pretended to be grim.
"Yeah, but not like you. You don't have anyone to be friends with, you're just an insensitive jerk." Mario said as Discord stopped laughing and looked at him with annoyance.
"Oh, so grim. Just like Celestia, you're no fun." Discord said with a bored look.
"Yeah, and neither are you!" Mario said and...
POW!
"D'oh!" Discord flung back a bit as he held his nose in pain again.
"You're not a good comedian, I'll tell you that!" Mario said with a smirk as punched Discord in the face.
"OW! What?!" Discord asks surprisingly before glaring at him. "I am a good comedian!"
"And you always whine! 'Always me, no one understands me!' What a sick joke!" Mario said as he uppercut Discord to the chin.
"Huh?!" Discord said, confused. "I do not whine! What's wrong with you?!"
"And you're sloppy!" Mario said, ignoring him as he palm strikes Discord in the face, making him yelp in pain.
He then punched Discord in the face. Discord tried to get Mario back, but he dodged him and attacked him.
"You always make fun of ponies to trick them, but deep down you're just being jealous because we're better than you!" Mario said. "Face it, Discord! You're just a sad draconequus!"
Mario then kicks Discord in the face.
"OW!" Discord yelps as he tried to use magic on Mario, but it didn't work. "I. AM. NOT. SAD!"
POW!
Mario finished it with a somersault to the chin as Discord was slammed against the hedge. He tried to manipulate Mario, but it didn't work because Mario was too smart for him.
"You know, Discord." Mario said with a smirk. "If there's one thing you gotta learn about me, it's that I don't intend to be fooled."
Discord pried himself up as he glared at Mario.
"You win this round, Mario, but I'll get you back." Discord said as he disappeared along with the wall, revealing Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie.
"Mario!" Twilight said as she galloped to him happily.
"Twilight!" Mario said happily as they embraced each other warmly.
It got Pinkie Pie and Applejack watching the scene, giving them a teased smirk.
"Looks like somepony has a bit of a crush." Pinkie Pie said teasingly.
"Got over it, huh Mario?" Applejack asks.
It got Mario and Twilight separated the hug with a blush on their faces.
"I-It's not like that!" Twilight protests. "I'm just worried...and I'm glad he's okay!"
"Sure, Twi. Whatever ya say." Applejack teased. "If ya really wanna date with mah brother, you could've asked."
"APPLEJACK!?" Mario yelled with embarrassment.
Applejack and Pinkie Pie just laughed as they continued on.
Meanwhile, Rarity was just walking around the garden in a snooty manner.
"I was expecting an audience with the Princess." Rarity said to herself. "Not outdoor sports. Augh! Oh my..."
Rarity then came to a stop as she saw a rather large wall with three diamonds on the center of it. Discord appeared in the reflection of all three diamonds.
"Welcome to your luck day, Rarity." Discord said. "You've found the one thing in Equestria that could rival my face for sheer beauty. What do you think? You like?"
A bright light began to flash before Rarity.
"Yes...I like very much." Rarity said as she allowed herself to be corrupted, but stopped herself and shook her head to snap out of it. "No! No, I shan't succumb to such fabulousness. Must...get to the center...to meet the others."
Rarity dragged her hooves to fight the temptation, but in the end, she gave into it, turning grey and becoming corrupted.
"Mine!" Rarity said as she used her fore-hooves to dig and break down the wall.
By the time she had finished, the wall was in ruins and she's very dirty.
"Well, Rarity, it took forever, but it was worth it." Rarity told herself. "Who knew three little gemstones would turn out to be this handsome hunk of a diamond?"
Then before Rarity was a diamond the size of a full grown stallion.
"Now, to get you home." Rarity grunted as she used all of her strength to lift the diamond on her back.
The rubble then disappeared as Mario, Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie arrived.
"Rarity! Are we glad to see..."
Before Twilight could finish her sentence, they noticed that Rarity was actually holding a boulder.
"What in tarnation are you doin'?" Applejack asked, raised her eyebrow. "And why are y'all dirty?"
"Or better yet, why are you carrying a humungous boulder?" Twilight adds in confusion.
"What do you mean, 'boulder'?" Rarity said as she put the giant boulder down and rubbed a fore-hoof on it. "This big beautiful bedazzling is a diamond! And it's all mine!"
Rarity then got into Twilight's face.
"Keep your envious little eyes off it! I found it and it's mine, fair and square!" Rarity shouted as she lifted the boulder and carried it away.
"Is it me or is Rarity actin' strange?" Applejack asks.
"It's not you, Applejack." Mario told his sister. "But I've got a feeling that Discord has something to do with it."
Twilight, Mario, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie just looked at Rarity, worried as they walked by without another word.
As for Fluttershy, she's timidly trying to find her way through the maze as she popped out one of the hedge and made her way through another, her teeth chattered fearfully.
"Okay, I can do this." Fluttershy said, trying to motivate herself. "I can...EEEK!"
Fluttershy then was frightened as three pink butterflies appeared and dived back into a hedge wall with her back end and tail sticking out. But then turned around and smiled excitedly.
"Oh, wait a minute...butterflies?" Fluttershy said excitedly as she took off after them. "Wait! Don't leave me here!"
It wasn't long before she lost sight of them. The three butterflies reappeared before her, now showing they have the same facial features as Discord.
"Fluttershy, looks like you've been left behind by your so-called friends, huh?" One of the butterflies said.
"Oh no." Fluttershy said. "I'm certain they're doing their best to me."
"Well, it must be upsetting to know how weak and helpless they think you are." The butterflies said.
Until, the image of Winter Breeze was revealed from behind, earning Fluttershy and Discord's attention.
'Mom, those butterflies aren't what you think they are.'
"Winter?" Fluttershy said surprisingly.
'Discord is trying to take advantage of you. He's trying to get you to be angry with his words.'
Discord then has enough as he turns himself into an original appearance.
"Oh for goodness, I've had enough of you meddling with my fun! Just like those brats meddled in between Applejack and Pinkie Pie! I'm just gonna make you disappear!" Discord snapped as he was about to snap his fingers to make the Icelandic filly disappear when Fluttershy gets into his face.
"Don't. Even. Think About It!" Fluttershy growled with anger. "If you ever try to make my little snow fairy disappear, I'll make you regret it!"
Discord can tell that Fluttershy isn't playing around when she looked at him in an angry mother look on her face. He then snapped his fingers, making himself disappear. Fluttershy then turns to her daughter.
"Sorry you have to see that, Winter." Fluttershy apologizes.
'Don't be, you're protecting me. Thank you.'
"You're welcome, Winter." Fluttershy said with a smile. "I don't want Discord having you disappear because you're my daughter and you're the whole world to me."
Winter Breeze replied with a nod as she vanished when the other ponies arrived.
"Fluttershy! I'm so glad to see a friendly face!" Twilight said happily as she, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Mario approaches her. "This awful labyrinth is getting to Rarity."
"Really? How?" Fluttershy asks surprisingly, turns to them.
"Long story." Applejack said indignantly when she points at Rarity, who's carrying a boulder. "Discord got Rarity greedy over for the diamond with was obviously a boulder."
"Oh." Fluttershy said.
"All that's left is Rainbow." Pinkie Pie said as she bounces away.
"Little help here!" Rarity called, feeling exhausted from carrying her 'diamond'.
"Don't look at me, Ah ain't helpin'." Applejack told her as Mario and Twilight goes to help her.
"Thanks Twilight." Rarity said.
"You're welcome-"
"But don't get any ideas about my gem!" Rarity warned before Twilight can finish. "I know where you live."
Twilight and Mario just flinched away at her tone before they moved on. Discord then reappeared.
"Note to self: Do not make the momma ponies mad when it comes to kids. Sheesh, guess I made another mistake and yet, a third time of that brat interfered." Discord said. "I still tricks under my sleeves, just you wait...you meddling kids!"
Rainbow Dash was just making her way through the area in a stealthy but quick manner, zooming from one hedge intersection to another. It was then she heard some thunder clash and saw a paper thin cloud shooting rainbow lightning bolts from it.
"I've got you now, Element." Rainbow Dash said as she chased after the cloud.
She was then brought to a stop when she saw Discord lounging between two trees, using some clouds for a hammock.
"Oh, I can see why you like these clouds so much." Discord remarked, stretching himself. "Very plush."
"Get off there and put 'em up!" Rainbow Dash said, standing on her hind legs and readied her fore-hooves. "Come on! Let's go!"
"Hey, I'm here to deliver a message!" Discord said as he climbed off of the hammock.
"I've got a message for you too!" Rainbow Dash retorted, still giving jabs with her fore-hooves.
"Listen carefully, this is important." Discord said in a serious tone. "A weighty choice is yours to make: a right selection of a big mistake. If a wrong choice, you chose to pursue, the foundations of home will crumble without you."
The paper thunder cloud began to spin, showing Rainbow Dash a vision of Cloudsdale crumbling into ruins and other Pegasus ponies fleeing for their lives. Rainbow Dash gasped in horror as the corruption began to take effect as Discord presented her with a box.
"That box contains your wings." Discord said. "You can take them and leave the game, or you can carry on aimlessly wandering the maze. Your choice."
Rainbow Dash just stood stiff when she heard a voice.
'Mom! Don't do it, mom! That's what Discord wants!'
Rainbow Dash snapped out of her thoughts when she turns to her son, Storm Hawk.
"Storm Hawk!?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
'Mom! Listen to me, Discord wants you to believe that Cloudsdale is crumbling! But it's all an illusion! You've got to find the Elements! My friends and I were able to figure it out of where it's at!'
"Where, son? Where are the Elements?" Rainbow Dash asks.
'It's in the...'
"Oh I'm sorry, I can't have those meddling kids interfere with my game!" Discord said, snapped his fingers as he then opens the box.
As for the rest of the group, they're just making walking around quietly as Twilight was left in the back, carrying Rarity's boulder alone.
"Must...find...Rainbow Dash." Twilight said, heavily panted while trying to stay positive. "As a team...we're unstoppable. Rainbow Dash won't let us down."
"Um, Twi, you might wanna look up." Applejack suggested, points up.
Twilight and the others look up, noticing Rainbow Dash was flying away into the sky.
"How can that be?" Twilight exclaims in shock.
"Only one guess." Mario said.
There was a clash of thunder as the entire garden lowered itself into the ground, leaving nothing but a large shallow valley where the labyrinth once stood. Discord then appeared before them as he snapped his fingers, corrupting Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack.
"Well, well, well, somepony broke the 'no wings, no magic' rule." Discord said as he then snapped his fingers to return Twilight, Mario, and Rarity's horns, along with Mario's hammer, and Fluttershy's wings. "Games over, my little ponies. You didn't find your precious Elements and your meddling brats have interfered long enough. Looks like we might be due for a big old storm of chaos!"
Discord then laughed maniacally as the thunder and lightning clashed behind him as he opened an upside down umbrella. Twilight just looked at him fearfully while Mario just glared at him angrily.
TO BE CONTINUED!
That's for the 1st chapter of the 2nd volume of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.