Traveling with the Dwarves was interesting to say the least. Rainbow Dash found out that they didn't do things quietly, something they had in common. The way she found out was when they were being chased by creatures called Orcs riding on Wargs. They decided to shoot one that broke away from the pack and got near them with an arrow then kill it with an axe. The death roars attracted the whole horde of Orcs searching for them drawing them close. What she discovered about wizards was that they could plan something behind your back and seem to be completely ignorant. Point and case: Thorin, the leader, did not want to seek council with the Elves. Gandalf not only led them to the elves, though it wasn’t hard with the Orcs chasing them, but to ask for refuge. This led to a very unhappy Thorin who was ungrateful for an assistance and the Dwarves weren’t letting up either. Cassandra on the other hand took the assistance with grace. They were in Rivendell, a very peaceful place and Rainbow knew that if Rarity was there she would insist on knowing the latest fashion trend. Rainbow Dash just settled for dinner, it was nice to finally get some food in her stomach. Only problem was the Dwarves: They didn’t want to settle for salad, the music, and they were content on teasing Kili about one mistake. Normally the rainbow maned pony would have found it funny, now it just made her homesick. She finished eating what was on her plate before excusing herself knowing no one would really care. She walked out to the balcony and just sat observing the view. ‘Maybe I’ve gotten older.’ she thought watching the clouds drift by, she sighed before sitting down on a bench in front of it.

“Is everything alright Anduin?” a voice asked causing her to look over and see the Elf Lord, Elrond standing there. She didn’t know how to respond to the question.

“Not really.” she ended up saying as she looked at him, a habit she got into when addressing important figures in the Republic. “I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”

“Your missing friends I take it.” Elrond spoke causing her to startle. “Lady Pentaghast told me they went missing before she met you and Leif.”

Rainbow nodded her head and the two just sat in silence. Her fingers summoning up a strand, purple for Rarity and focused.

Celestia frowned as she listened to the Headmistress of the Seminar talk to Sara about hiring her on. She stated that a mere stranger from the streets couldn’t know much to teach the girls. That was when the Princess decided to pull out all the stops and ended up getting into a heated but polite debate with Miss Minchin about posture and which spoon to use when drinking tea. That gave her an in, now she had to prove herself more than an etiquette teacher. When she was being shown to her room she thanked Sara for helping her to which the girl replied. “You are interesting but your eyes tell of a knowledge within.”

Celestia chuckled under her breath as she said. “I do believe you and I will be great friends Ms. Crewe.”

She began moving down the hallway past a mirror with the young woman, her reflection watched her carefully turning into a man with glowing eyes that were bound by bandages. Sara looked back seeing the reflection return to normal.

Twilight listened to what Solas knew, they started with the history behind the magic he wielded. How his people had once drawn their power from all around them. The innate nature of their magic allowing them to become immortal. She learned about the cultures and wars that they fought during his time. Then came the darker part of the history, generals being raised up so much they were thought of as gods. Then these generals enslaved their own people. Solas had trouble getting to the end of the history and Twilight didn’t mind. Mythal even told him to finish the lesson later, so they moved on to the practical. It started with a basic barrier spell, she had to be able block his spells. It didn’t work out very well at the start. Mythal was having a better time teaching Spike about dragons than Solas did with Twilight’s barrier spells.

“You cannot be afraid.” he told her after a more, disastrous session. “Those who wield barriers are firm in their convictions. They do not waver no matter what happens.”

“Like you?” she inquired and he gave her a wry smile as Spike flew overhead racing Mythal. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” the bald elf replied with a chuckle as he messed up her hair. “Not like me,I wanted my people to be free so much that my convictions blind me. I’m talking about someone else, a beacon of hope during a dark time. Something I had also caused unfortunately.”

“You’re trying to make yourself out to be a bad person.” Twilight mused her eyes watching him carefully as she set her hand on his shoulder. “Solas, a truly bad person wouldn’t regret anything. If you had burned the whole world down and laughed about it we would have problems.”

“But I…” he didn’t complete that thought when Mythal landed and raised an eyebrow ridge at him as Spike moved quickly towards the Princess of Friendship. She knew this conversation wasn’t going to be over just like that. She was going to help this broken elf, no matter what.

Rarity was surprised on how much no one on the surface cared for those who lived underneath them. In fact they tried to scam her on many occasions but it didn’t work out so well. One time a pig tried to buy up the sweets and then resell them claiming they were his… right in front of her. Thankfully she had seen his thoughts and carefully brought the price up so he couldn’t afford all that he was trying to buy. She didn’t like it but it was to prevent a scene, these weren’t her items, her actions caused rumors to be spread about her.

“No thank you, I hear that you put in sharp objects.” one bunny said rejecting one of the hand carved toys made by the Láng brothers. Rarity sighed and the bunny noticed her head hitting the surface, the child next to her frowned.

“I don’t want to take that chance.” the mother told her son before he looked at her. “I… maybe next time.”

The rabbit left with her son and Rarity noticed a new mind approaching her but didn’t move. A large shadow stood over her and her head shot up. It was a panda looking at the hand carved dolls of the Furious Five.

“These are amazing.” he told her picking up a Tigress doll and looking over. “I made a few myself. With real movement range as well.”

“Thank you darling, I’m only selling them for a friend.” she told him pulling her hair up into a bun again. He was examining each of them and was trying not to squeal in excitement. He looked at the price before looking at the doll debating internally.

“Take your time darling.” the purple maned mare offered as she began straightening the shelves. “After all, there is no line.”

“Po.” he said with a grin as he held out a paw. “My name is Po.”

“A pleasure to meet you Po.” she replied shaking the outstretched paw as she moved around to the front. “Was there any others that caught your eye?”

“I was just seeing if you had any model weapons. Like a staff or a sword, you… are those legendary weapons?” Po moved over to the other side of the stand. Rarity chuckled as she shook her head watching him geek out. ‘The Láng brothers and him would get along.’ she thought before noticing Po’s pants and had to keep herself from fixing them. It wasn’t until the next day that she could sell her own wares.

The panda paid for the model weapons and headed off with a big grin on his face. She chuckled as she began to organize her stand again. A frown crossed her face as she looked to the side as she began to think about her friends again. She could locate most of them except for one, Fluttershy.

Clanging sounds through the air as a girl blocks a blow from an older man wearing armor. She winced slightly before pushing the sword to the side swinging her own knocking him back. Thom Rainier looked surprised at the motion before sheathing his sword.

“You did good today Cecilia.” he spoke to the girl as she removed her helmet and he messed up her hair. “I believe a break is in order.”

Fluttershy grinned before heading off to get some food and water. She knew after her break Brother Sammuel and Sister Anetta were going to teach her a healing spell. She walked into the Abbey and a look of pure happiness overtook her features.

“Anduin!” she greeted happily walking over to the boy with the blonde hair. “I am glad you are alright. I heard what had happened.”

“It was hard but at least everything was resolved.” Anduin admitted as they sat down. “Finding out your dad was kidnapped and when he returned didn’t remember what happened.”

“I’m glad you are all in good health.” she told him before looking around. “King Wrynn isn’t hiding around the corner is he?”

“No, he’s busy with the war… again.” the blond child replied with a sigh. “I miss spending time with him. Though he has inquired if you are still… concerned about harming others.”

“I don’t get why he’s concerned about that, I just don’t like hurting or killing others. I understand that there are times when harm is needed…” Fluttershy frowned as she spoke fiddling with her hair. “I think because we are friends he wants me to defend you if it required. And I would but I know you wouldn’t want me to get hurt.”

“And you wouldn’t want me to get hurt either.” Anduin pointed out and the two started laughing.

Cadence fell to her knees her hands shaking as they were taken away from Jedha. She couldn’t believe that all of those people were dead. Chiruut was quiet as a young woman named Jyn explained what she learned. The alicorn wasn’t listening she was just in shock at the needless death that was caused. She lowered her head in mourning as they flew away. Her fingers touched a small heart shaped cyan crystal. A young girl had given it to her after she helped her get some food, she had found it among the possessions of her late family. Now the little girl was gone, the entire city was gone. All she had left was this small crystal and her friends.

“I do not recognize you.” a mechanical voice spoke and all eyes were on her. The alicorn did not speak as she continued to stare at the wall.

“She’s a friend.” Baze said before placing a hand on her shoulder, it was comforting to say the least. Heavy footsteps walked away from her and she looked up at the heavy shooter. He had an understanding look on his face as he moved towards Chiruut. ‘What am I going to do now?’ she thought and the crystal glowed in her hands as the world around her turned into a forest. She let out a gasp as she looked around at the serene area. There was something magical about this place, a figure walked towards her. Tall with the bottom half of a stage and the top half of a human like creature. Though this was had antlers, long ears, purplish skin, and glowing eyes. His arms had what seemed to be vines and wood covering them.

“Greetings, chosen of the Naaru. I am Cenarius.” he spoke kindly as he approached her. Cadence tried to move as far as she could go not sure if he was friendly or not.

“Do not fear, I have chosen this moment to speak to you.” the large being told her halting his approach. “You and I have a similar gift, to peer into the hearts of others and know their true intentions. You can see their intents, their connections, who they are.”

“You said I was the Chosen of the Naaru, what are you talking about?” the princess asked a frown growing on her face. “I was just a baby pegasus found by Earth Ponies. I became an alicorn after showing immense love and helping another. I do not know what a Naaru is.”

“The Naaru are beings of pure light created at the beginning of the universe.” the mysterious creature explained. “You were chosen by them, unlike your sister-in-law who was chosen by the one you call Celestia you were teleported to her. A light transformed you into what you are now.”

Cadence went quiet as she thought about it carefully before looking up at him saying. “Let us say that I believe you, where do we go from here? Why are you talking to me?”

“Because you need help, you are from a world that has not been affected by the Legion or the Old Gods. Therefore you do not know how to deal with what is trying to force its way in.” Cenarius replied and she drew closer as he began to explain. A feeling of calm was washing over her, like she was safe here.

Luna let out a breath as she stood on the deck of the ship, the salty sea air brushing past her face. She had awoken only a few days prior when those who had rescued her had docked to find someone. There were questions by the crew but an order from their prince and they left her alone for the most part. They did keep an eye on her making sure she didn’t try to hurt any of them. A young human boy spent most of his time questioning on why she was in the water in the first place. The younger princess didn’t answer him and didn’t talk to most of the people. Lucy, a young woman who seemed to have the respect, would often be by her side any time she would seem to be in pain. The princess frowned as she thought about it her hands moving in the motions of how she used to carry her weapon.

“Felan.” a familiar voice spoke to her and she turned around the moon shining down upon her as she saw a familiar figure walk forward.

“Malfurion.” she breathed out quietly as she took a step back. “How are you here?”

“I have searched for you ever since I had to lock Illidan away.” he told her and she looked away guilt spreading across her face. “Felan, I do not blame you for what had happened. It was Illidan’s own decision to do what he did.”

“It is not that.” she said quietly looking away from him shrinking in on herself her eyes dropping downwards. “I….”

Malfurion frowned a little as he took a step forward watching her keep her distance from him. This was something he had seen before, something he had felt before. When he had to lock his brother away, the feeling of guilt.

“Felan.” he whispered seeing her flinch and he moved forward wrapping his armors around her. “My friend, what has happened to you? Why are you weighed by the burden of guilt and shame?”

Luna bit her lower lips as tears welled up in her eyes as clouds moved in front of the moon and Malfurion vanished. She sank to her knees letting out a quiet sob placing a hand over her mouth.

“I can’t believe him!” she growled as she went towards the direction of the farmlands to get some work down. Gideon had wanted her to start right away and she was going to do just that. She looked off to the side seeing the vast countryside before her. Yet the fact that Flash Sentry had lied just to get a place to stay angered her. They could have held back apart about being ponies and they would still have a better chance about telling the truth about who they were. She was lost in thought that she didn’t see a large figure walking up behind her. A large had grabbed her shoulder causing her to turn around ready to punch who did that only to find a really large man with an eyepatch.

“Sorry, you were about to walk into the shed.” he told her and Applejack looked in front of her seeing a wall an inch from her face.

“Er, thanks.” the blonde told him feeling very sheepish for not paying attention to her surroundings. “I’m... “

“Don’t worry, I know who you are.” he explained and she looked really confused at that and he led her inside the shed. “The name is the Iron Bull, and I know you are a pastel pony with a knack for telling the truth. Even when when honesty isn’t the best policy.”

“How….” she started before he grinned at her, the feeling of familiarity came over her. “Yer, you’re the one who was in the eyepatch Rainbow gave me.”

“Correct.” he told her as he held gather the supplies needed. The farm pony thought about it for a bit before asking. “Why me?”

The Iron Bull laughed before explaining why he switched from Rainbow to the Bearer of Honesty.

“Star Shaper are you sure these are where the monsters were seen?” Pinkie asked as she looked around the area. “I mean I’m not sure I’m seeing any Vices around here.”

“We are not fighting Vices, Pinkie Pie.” replied Star Shaper as he prepared his weapon and the pink pony looked at him. “Whole Eaters, and not just the normal two. They have been appearing in larger and larger groups.”

“And since the Shinra cooperation can’t be bothered to help them out down here they came to us.” she repeated as she pulled out her daggers twirling them around as she closed her eyes. Using her talents she began to seek out the locations of these monsters. Cole was keeping an eye out while they did this so they were ambushed.

“We have a problem.” the spirit spoke up and Pinkie opened her eyes to see the monsters they were seeking surrounding them. Shivers ran up her body as she turned her gaze away to a pile of junk seeing green flames vanish behind them. The creatures being there was no accident, they weren’t prepared for this amount of monsters.

“Pinkie, the distraction.” ordered Star Shaper and Pinkie pulled the string attached to her arm and confetti went flying into the air. “Wrong distraction!”

“That was it!” she yelled her stomach beginning to feel hard, something had sabotaged them. They weren’t enough, they were going to… an idea popped into her head she formed a mental image of a mirror. “And into her reflection she stared. Yearning for one whose reflection she shared. And solemnly swearing not to be scared…”

“Pinkie now is not the time for riddles!” shouted her companion as he began to fight them off, Pinkie’s eyes snapped open as she finished. “At the prospect of being, doubly mirrored.”

Her eyes glowed as part of her split off forming another Pinkie Pie. It wasn’t a perfect copy, this one having longer hair than the original. The two grinned before launching forward their movements perfectly in sync. Star Shaper looked confused for a moment before going to fight as well, his weapon being a staff. The door to a nearby building opened up: A young man and a young woman walking out only to pause at the fighting. The male, having spiked black hair, moved forward a large sword drawn as he began to help. It took a while before the monsters were cleaned up and Pinkie almost regretted banishing her clone. The male, who introduced himself as Zack Fair, was talking to Star Shaper about the infestation.

“They normally don’t group up like this, they’re not pack creatures.” Zack said as he looked around at the bodies. “Something or someone provoked them into getting their numbers bigger. Making them even more aggressive because of the increased numbers.”

Pinkie pondered about the figure she saw vanishing as they parted with words of farewell. They were paid for a job well done and settled down for the night.

“Pinkie, what was that?” asked Star Shaper and the party pony looked at him saying. “I don’t know. It was just a feeling I had that I could do that.”

“She wanted to come out, the darkness aided you but couldn’t come to your side as planned. Instead it was another you.” Cole spoke as he sorted out the money not even looking up. “She hasn’t decided on a name yet and was happy that you were taken away before you could get hurt.”

Pinkie grinned at the thought that her darker half wasn’t swayed to be entirely evil. After all anger wasn’t evil, it was just an emotion. A feeling dawned upon her as an image of the male they had met earlier flashed in front of her eyes. She knew that they were going to meet him again. There was a knock on their door and Star Shaper opened it up.

“Hey, I wanted to see if you were alright.” a familiar voice spoke and Pinkie saw Zack at the door with Aerith holding a basket.

“Yes, a few scratches, nothing more.” spoke the mysterious stallion, his guard up. Zack nodded his head before Aerith said. “We brought some food.”

“Goody!” Pinkie squealed almost flying over her companion to get to the food. “Come on in! It’s great having more people here!”

“How are you doing that?” asked Zack looking up at her and the pony tilted her head to the side as she landed on Star Shaper’s shoulders. The stallion shook his head stepping to the side as the two people entered the room.

“Are you… living here?” inquired Aerith her eyes glancing as Pinkie hopped off saying. “For now, I was planning on opening up a tavern. You know a cross between an inn and a bar.”

“That sounds amazing.” Zack told her as Cole cleared off the table helping setting up the food. “And expensive.”

“It is.” the pink party pony said a frown forming on her face. “Especially when we have to keep buying potions, materia, and food.”

“Good point.” the black haired male mused before an idea popped into his mind. “What if I help you? I already have free room and board at my job and most of my money isn’t touched. Except when I’m spending time with Aerith.”

“I think that’s a great idea.” the brown haired female spoke up and the two ponies looked at each other before saying. “If you want.”

“Nice.” Zack sat back as the began to eat. “I mean you can’t stay in this hotel forever.”

“That will be all for today.” Celestia spoke as the girls stood up and gave her a curtsey before leaving. The princess sighed as she looked out at the snow watching it drift down. It was going to be a cold winter, turning around she headed out of the classroom. A lot had changed since her stay there, Sara’s father had passed leaving her penniless and in the care of Ms. Minchin. The horrid woman, seeing only the fact that she wasn’t getting paid, turned her into a maid. Having worked underneath Ms. Minchin the princess knew she couldn’t say anything without being turned out on the streets herself. The princess walked to her room the thoughts muddling her mind. She was worried about Sara, she wouldn’t accept any help from anyone. The princess opened the door to her room passing by the mirror not quite noticing her reflection once again watching her.

“I know you are there.” she spoke before turning around facing her reflection.

Twilight took a deep breath as she tried to calm her thoughts. It had been a few years since she was sent here. She could tell her magic has grown due to her training as did her relationship with Spike. Solas and Mythal were good company as well, both caring and cautious. Twilight could have discussions about arcane theory with him in the hours between their training. Spike had gotten used to flying through the sky with his wings. On his free time he would listen and share stories about embarrassing stories about their closest friends. The two older elves knowing the day would come soon when they had to send their students out to learn the lesson they had been sent their for.

“Hi Rarity!” Po greeted walking up to examine the goods for the day. “Nice spread today.”

“Oh thank you.” she replied as she straightened some of the clothes. “I’m hoping that one day I would be able to set up a business inside of a building.”

“I’m sure you’ll get there.” he told her as the Furious Five flew over head his eyes watching them. “I wonder where they are going?”

The pale grey mare wondered that too before shaking her head, she swore she wasn’t going to spy on them. Last time she did that they switched bodies by accident. She decided to use suggestive selling to get Po to buy a formal outfit for a special occasion.

“I’m good.” he replied giving her a friendly smile. “I don’t think you have one big enough for me.”

“Po, darling, you know that I can tailor one for you.” she said as a little rabbit girl reached for a stuffed doll of Oogway. Her mother paid and they carried it away.

“I’m glad your business is doing better.” the panda told her and Rarity smiled saying. “Yes, I never got to thank your father for helping me out.”

“He thinks that you’ll do the same for him, get him to expand his business.” chuckled the panda as he looked at the items. “Can I have a hat?”

“Of course.” she told him as she levitated one down for him accepting payment and waved as he walked off. She sighed as she saw the sun was setting and moved to pack up.

“You are doing much better when last we spoke.” a voice told her and she turned around to see the old turtle. “Do you mind if I go with you?”

“Of course not Master Oogway.” she replied and they began to walk together enjoying the silence and the sunset together. Both having formed a deep friendship together.

Fluttershy was doing much better in her training becoming better and handling a sword and shield. It was making her teachers proud, Athelstan was just glad she still refused to fight unless the circumstances called for it. The young pegasus had become writing friends with Anduin as they could not see each other as often as they could. There was also her secret friend, an old imp by the name of Degmur. He had appeared wounded one day and she took care of him. At first he didn’t speak to her and would often avoid her gaze but stare at her when she wasn’t looking. He would never tell her why but would often sneak her out of the abbey to show her the world. They went to many places and met many people, trying the different foods. He had to disguise her as Horde members in order to sneak her into their cities but it was fun making new friends. One day he suggested that they go to the Outlands, as he had something to show her. The young pony accepted and they were whisked away in bright green flames.

Cadence’s luck didn’t get any better after Jedha, they went and found Jyn’s father only for him to die. Then she was stuck with the rebellion while they left to get the plans for the Death Star. She was not with them, nor was she allowed off the base. And then the worst feeling overcame her: Loss. Chiruut and Baze were gone, they were all gone. She had slipped into a coma after that the connections being severed so suddenly.

Luna was almost tired of the adventures they were going on, each time they stopped they found a new trouble. Yet despite her attempts she found kinship in Lucy’s brother, Edmund. He too had made a mistake that nearly got his family killed. Something that still weighed heavily on his mind. He did say that forgiving himself was the hardest thing he had to go through. Despite what everyone said, he felt he had to live up to his elder brother. Something else they found they had in common. Malfurion still tried to talk to her but she would avoid him. She didn’t want to tell him that she felt like Illidan was right, she did abandon them.

Pinkie, with the help of Zack, managed to open her tavern. Though the SOLDIER did not return from his last mission despite his promise to come to the opening. She was going to use her clones to check on him but was stopped by both Cole and Star Shaper. They told her that if anyone saw her it wouldn’t just put Zack in trouble but them as well. So she just decided to improve it, she could go from making an exact copy to changing it up so it would still look like her but with shorter hair or different eye colors. She could only change one thing with each clone, also when the clone died she would gain their memories. Something she also tried to use but was told that the more clones she had it seemed the less control she would have over it. It was reasoned that they would be able to start their own family and having to destroy them would end a life. Pinkie didn’t use her abilities for a while after that.

Rainbow Dash had to leave the elves and travel with the dwarves leaving messages for her friends with the Elves. It was just incase one of them was in the same world as she was. She was betting on Twilight or Fluttershy as they were the two she couldn’t contact. She was constantly at odds with Thorin as her group wasn’t a part of the company. Though the other dwarves didn’t mind so much, most were friendly towards her, Cassandra, and Inkwell. Especially the quiet one, Ori, he liked to hang around Cassandra a lot always inquiring about how she did things. He even managed to get her to wear one of his knitted goods. Despite the tensions they were becoming good friends.

Author's Notes:

I do not own MLP, any of the mythological characters, or any of the other series mentioned/referenced/brought into the fanfic.