Element of Courage
Chapter 8: Chapter 8 - Lazy Sunday Flight
Previous Chapter Next ChapterOn this a lazy Sunday morning, Sunset dressed in her usual attire and went for a walk in the park, thinking about what Twilight said. How could she not remember about the tree of disharmony. She was there with me when Princess Celestia told us about it. There was also a great war, as well, but Celestia talked about that even less.
Sunset sat down on a bench near a small pond and remembered that this is where she met Kevin. Sure, she was still angry at him, but she also felt a bit of guilt for turning him down when he wanted to become more serious. How could I explain this to him? Oh, by the way, I am really a magical unicorn from another world in disguise and may have to go back some day. She thinks and looks at the water.
“I have to tell him the truth before I go, about me and Adagio,” She spoke out in a quiet voice to herself. Tossing a small pebble into the pond before getting up to leave.
Kevin’s Home
Kevin rolled in his bed, waking up to the sound of girls talking loudly in the next room. He turns over to his right side, looking at the empty pile of bedsheets that Adagio usually sleeps in. Slowly he rolled to the left and climbed out of bed standing shirtless, Kevin looked down, noticing that he only had his boxers on. Looking to his right, he saw women's bras & underwears on the floor.
Adagio always likes to sleep nude for some reason. Stretching his sore back, which cracked with a grunt. She really didn’t stop until late into the night. He thought, rubbing his unshaven face. This relationship feels too much one sided. He sighed, grabbing his robe, putting it on and opening the door to the hallway.
Going down the hallway, Kevin found Sonata walking around the house nude, wearing only her necklace and bracelet. She stopped in front of the TV, watching a music video and trying out the dance moves. Adagio was in the kitchen, at the table, eating some oat bran cereal and toast while reading the paper.
Kevin reached for the bathroom door, only to find it locked. He heard the sound of running water and Aria singing. Frustrated, he walked to the basement door on the other side of the kitchen.
“Sonata, please put on some clothes, this is still my house,” He said watching her bend over, as he reached for the doorknob.
Sonata stood up and turned around to look at him, with her arms crossed and still nude. “Where we came from, we didn’t need wear clothes,” She answered as she continued dancing.
“Too much information Sonata. Please get dressed, you don’t want to give Kevin any ideas.” Adagio said putting the paper down and looking at her and then at Kevin.
“Whatever,” Kevin answered as he opened the door and turned on the light. Slowly, he walked down the narrow stairs, into the cold basement where the spare bathroom was.
Sonata watched the door close and got an idea. Walking up behind Adagio, she laid a hand on her shoulder. “Can I please have a little fun with him?” Her gem glowed as she concentrated and with a flash of green energy her form changes to a copy of Adagio. But this Adagio had green eyes that she had to blink a few times before and the color changes to violet.
“Absolutely not, If he found out we would be kicked out onto the street,” Adagio answered, grabbing her clone’s gem then twisted it counter clockwise which caused her copy to return to normal. Sonata felt defeated and walked into hall into the spare bedroom to get dressed.
Aria opened the bathroom door and in a robe, she sat down next to Adagio with a yawn. “I need ear muffs, too much banging on the walls last night,” She said reaching for a cup of coffee.
“Oh, shut up,” Adagio said stretching her back.
In Equestria at Twilight Sparkle's castle located in Ponyville.
After Tirek’s attack on Ponyville, most of the important books were moved into the library in Twilight’s castle. Princess Twilight Sparkle is sitting down looking through some history books, hoping to find answers but she looks frustrated. “I don’t get it, Spike, there should be something in here about a Tree of Disharmony.” She said and closed the book with the glow of her magic.
Spike a young dragon carries a few more books and dropped them near her. “Maybe Sunset is lying, it’s not like she hasn’t before,” He said as he picked up the books that Twilight finished reading.
“She has changed Spike, I know you still may not trust her. But try to keep an open mind on this. We all may make mistakes and learn from them.” Twilight stood up, on all fours stretching out. Her wings spread out and knocked over a tea cup which breaks on the floor. “Oops, sorry.” She apologized quickly folding her wings.
Spike grumbled and starts picking up the pieces of the broken teacup. Suddenly, almost involuntary he lets out a burp of magic flame. A message scroll appeared with Princess Celestia seal.
“At last, maybe Princess Celestia will have the answers I am looking for,” Twilight said as her horn glowed pulling the scroll closer and unrolling it. Then she reads it out loud.
“Dear Princess Twilight. So good to hear from you again. I understand your concern about the crystal mirror, please do not fret over it. I and my sister are doing our utmost to keep the crystal mirror intact until Sunset Shimmer returns. As for your other question, unfortunately, I do not wish to disclose that at this time. Trust in your friendship with Sunset. - Princess Celestia” She finished reading from the scroll and rolled it up.
“I was hoping for a better answer than that.” Twilight sighed wishing she could do more to help Sunset. “Maybe I should go out and talk to some of the oldest ponies in Ponyville. Hopefully, one of them knows something I don’t about that tree.” She said walking to the door and then looked back at Spike who was reading a comic book. “I wonder what Rarity is up today? Maybe she needs help with something.” Twilight said watching Spike's ears point her way as he put the comic book down.
“Oh please, can I go and visit Rarity today?” Spike asked, licking his hand and then strokes back his green head crest like a mane.
“Sure, just be back by dinner ok.” She opened the door with her magic and the young dragon ran off heading toward Rarity's place.
Smiling she put out the remaining candles with her magic and leaves the castle into the bright outdoors. Twilight squinted her eyes adjusted to the sunlight. Looking down the hill she was still a good trot away from Ponyville. She looked up at the sky watching out for any stray clouds, Rainbow Dash has been after her recently. Ever since she started flying all she wants now is to race her and can't seem to take no for an answer. After few minutes she started to relax walking towards a patch of trees when all of a sudden.
"Got Ya!" Rainbow yells jumping from a tree branch landing in front of Twilight on all fours.
"Aaahh" Twilight yelled out in surprise as she reared up with a jump and fell backward.
"Think you can escape me, I am everywhere. Muahaha." Rainbow laughed proudly sitting on down watching as she brushed some of her rainbow mane out of her face with her hoof.
"Very funny Rainbow, you got me again, try to give me some warning next time," Twilight said she rolled back on her hoofs and shook the dust and grass from her fur. Looking up she noticed that her combed mane was now a mess. "So what are you up to?" She asked knowing the answer.
"What's the point of having wings of you doesn't use them Twilight. The sky is clear, no wind or rain to worry about, it's time to fly no excuses this time." Rainbow sitting in front of Twilight with her front hooves crossed.
Twilight felt trapped now and trying to think of a way out of this. "HEY LOOK IT’S WONDERBOLTS!" She yelled out, pointing in a random direction in the sky.
"WHAT! Are you sure?" Rainbow asked and took off with a burst of speed zipping around in the sky looking in all directions.
Twilight took this chance to escape and galloped away at full speed towards Ponyville before her friend realized.
Rainbow stopped looking knowing she was ticked, hovering by flapping her wings, then her eyes lock in on a lavender colored alicorn who was kicking up a cloud of dust. "If you were this good at running as in flying, I would not be trying and teach you!" She yelled out and flew after her.
Fluttershy was busy sweeping the fur away from her backyard and finished with the last fluff of fur. Satisfied she grabbed the broom handle with her teeth and dragged it into the storage room. “Another fine task completed, what else is there to do Angel?” She asked her bunny who made a motion of stuffing his face.
“Hungry again, I clearly remember giving you a Carrot a few mins ago," Fluttershy said as she walked into her house and bumped face first into Twilight side. Just a Fluttershy was going to squeal Twilight put her hoof on her mouth, making Shhh motion with her other hoof.
“I am hiding from Rainbow,” She said in a quiet voice. Using her magic she gently closed the front door.
“Is Rainbow is trying to get you to race again?” Fluttershy asked in her normally quiet voice.
“Yes, but I don’t want to today, help me out here please.” Twilight pleaded as she heard something landed on the roof. Her eyes looked up at the ceiling following the hoof steps.
“Ok, but I still don’t understand why,” Fluttershy asked watching Twilight as she looked for a hiding spot, finding an open closet door she tries to squeeze in.
“I know you are here Twilight!” Rainbow said in a loud voice as head looked through one of the windows upside down and saw her friend. “Oh, hello Fluttershy have you seen Twilight?” She asked.
“Um, no… she is not here, I have not seen her.” Fluttershy’s eyes looked at the broom closet, which clearly showed Twilight tail sticking out of the bottom of the door as it is slowly being pulled inside.
Rainbow pulled her head up and then landed right side up on the ground outside. Fluttershy went outside and closed the door behind her.
“I will tell her you are looking for her since she is not here at this moment in time.” Her eyes didn't look Rainbow directly.
“Hmm, ok then I will keep looking Some, Place, Else.” Rainbow talked loudly towards the door and then flew off with a rush of wind.
Fluttershy sighed and opened her door again walking inside. She noticed that the closet door is open and Twilight is laying on her side with a bucket on her head. Her horn making a rattling noise as it thumps against bucket sides.
“A little help here Fluttershy,” Twilight said as she stood up, Fluttershy grabbed the bucket with both hooves and popped it off her friend's head.
“Thank you.” She says, nuzzled Fluttershy and turned around to use her magic to clean up the mess she made.
“You know I could go flying with you, just the basics and not too high off the ground.” Fluttershy offered and remembered something walking to the kitchen. She pulled out a carrot and gives it to Angel who happily sits down and munches on it.
“Really Fluttershy that would be wonderful. Maybe if learn with you than Rainbow would back off and let me learn at my own pace.” Twilight said gently unfolding her wings halfway.
“I know a place not far from the Everfree forest, that has no trees in the way.” Fluttershy leads her friend outside stretching out her wings.
Equestria Canterlot Castle
Celestia is finished with her daily duty of raising the sun and is enjoying her morning cup of tea. She is sitting at a small table near the balcony outside of her bedroom. The cup floats with her magic and gently landed on the plate. There is also an untouched piece of cake next to the cup. She considers eating it, but her thoughts are bothering her this morning. Maybe I should have told Twilight more, but that would only raise more questions. Once Sunset Shimmer returns I will lift the memory spell on Twilight, and hope that she will forgive me. Celestia sighed and looked at the top of the fireplace mantel. With her magic, she opens a hidden compartment to reveal a small chest with Sunset’s cutie mark and there is a keyhole on the front that is in the shape of Celestia’s locket. She stood up and approached the chest, but stopped as there was a knock at the door. She quickly closes the compartment to hide the chest.
“Yes?” She asked, looking to the large door.
“Excuse me, princess, a letter has just arrived for you.” A royal guard answered.
“Come in please,” Celestia said as the door is opened by two guards. The third one in the middle is a Pegasus and passes the scroll to her. The guards bow and close the door as they leave. She looked at the scroll and notices that it has a Cadance’s seal on it. Celestia quickly opens the scroll, hoping for some good news and reads it out loud to herself.
“Dear Aunt Celestia. First of all, it is nice to hear from you again. All is well in the Crystal Kingdom, the repairs are complete and we have begun to build some new structures. Now I have been looking through the crystal library at your request. Based on what I have read the crystal mirror was given as a gift to royal sisters of the Everfree forest. The gift was from the previous royal family of the Crystal Kingdom. This, of course, was right before the kingdom was overthrown by a King Sombra.”
Celestia stopped reading at the mention of that name. As much as she tries to love and care for every pony, there are only a small select few she does not. King Sombra was on the top of her list, right up there with Lord Tirek. Some of the objects and furniture in her bedroom started floating in the air. Calming down everything fell back into place, she clearing her throat she continued to read.
“Because of the great distance between kingdoms. The Crystal Mirror was to be used as a way to communicate and teleport to and from the Crystal Kingdom by connecting to a mirror here. But the second mirror in the Crystal Kingdom is missing or was never created. At this time, unfortunately, I do not know of a way to repair your mirror. The creators are no longer here, but I will continue to investigate Celestia. -Cadence”
Celestia rolled up the scroll and then looked at the piece of cake and stuffed herself with it eating it quickly. Wiping the icing from her mouth, she walked up and open the compartment and removed the chest. Reaching for her locket she uses it as a key to open it. Inside the chest was a light green gem with black roots coming out of it. Her horn started to glow as she looked at it.
Equestria near the Everfree forest
Fluttershy stopped in the middle of an open field not far from the edge of the Everfree forest. Twilight followed her but is still was on the lookout for Rainbow. Fluttershy smiled softly which calmed her down.
“Ready when you are,” Twilight said watching her friend. Fluttershy does not fly often because of her fear of heights. But decides to try for Twilight thinking it may also help her conquer her fears.
“Ok, I will start with normal stretches. Wings can only lift and push you forward, but you still need to use the rest of your body to steer.” Fluttershy stretched out her body looking slimmer and twisted her torso left and then right.
Twilight tries to copy her but finds it difficult as she is not as flexible as a normal Pegasus. “Ouch!” She said as her joints make popping noises when she pushes a little too hard.
“I think that is enough, alright I will go first then." Fluttershy stepped back and unfolded her wings which seem to expand and grown looking almost twice as wide as her.
“Wow, ok my turn,” Twilight said with a grunt as she tries to open her wings as far as she can. They only open to half the size of Fluttershy’s wings.
“Try again please.” Fluttershy folds her wings and opens them again for Twilight to copy.
This time, Twilight wings fully open making her look bigger and more like Celestia.
“Well done Twilight you are looking more like a princess now.” Fluttershy starts flapping her wings as her body slowly lifts off the ground.
Twilight tries to do the same and lifts off the ground. Unlike the battle with Tirek which she pushed herself beyond her limits. This time, she felt more in control and calm. Fluttershy watches her friend flying in front of her. Twilight looked down at the grass at her hoof prints where she was standing and then starts to fly along the edge of the forest for a short distance. She then gently steers back with some effort, stilling working out the basics. Twilight reached out with her front hoof letting it brush against the tall grass and then meets up with Fluttershy who is still in the same spot.
“With practice, this will come naturally just like walking,” Fluttershy said feeling happy to be flying with her friend. Maybe today is the day that she will get over her fear.
“Want to fly with me?” Twilight asked Fluttershy slowly flying around her.
“Alright, but not too high or far.” Fluttershy answer letting Twilight lead as they start by flying near some buildings in Ponyville.
Some of the residents wave looking up at them. One tossed an apple that Twilight caught in her teeth. She eats the apple as Fluttershy moves in front and slow steers them over the Golden Oak Library or what is left of it. Twilight feels a bit of sadness looking at her old home. Sure, she has her own castle but most of the time it feels big and empty. Maybe I should convert some of the extra rooms in a hotel. Or a bed and breakfast. She thought as they continue flying. Then they make one pass over sweet apple acres and looking down they can see Applejack working away. Fluttershy was doing really well, but she is starting to look tired and motions her to turn around.
A few more mins and Twilight notices someone on top of Fluttershy home. As they get closer she noticed rainbow colored pony. “OH NO!” Twilight screeches to a halt the best she could in midair.
“BUSTED! I knew I would find you.” Rainbow flies up with a zoom and stops inches from Twilight’s muzzle and then turns to Fluttershy. “YOU… you got Twilight off the ground?” She asked knowing the answer.
Fluttershy quietly nodded, now feeling that may be staying on the ground, would have been a better idea. She slowly backs away watching both of them.
Rainbow now has a smirk, rubbing her chin with a hoof and turns back to Twilight. “Well, now that you got the basics out of the way, let’s see how high and fast you can go. I’m itching for a race, just me and the new princess.” She said ready to go.
“Let me think about that. OH IS THAT SCOOTALOO? LOOKS LIKE SHE NEEDS HELP!” Twilight yelled and pointed to a random bush.
Rainbow zoomed down to the bush only to stop half way. “Hey wait a minute, you are not going to fool me again!” She yelled looking up as Twilight grabbed Fluttershy in midair and with a flash of purple magic they disappeared. “MAGIC NO FAIR!”
Sweet Apple Acres
Right above Applejack’s farm, there is a flash of purple and Twilight appears holding Fluttershy and with an “Eek!” they fall down into a bale of hay with a thump.
Applejack was busy bucking an apple tree when she saw the flash of purple from the other side of the barn. "What in tarnation is going on?" She said stopping and then moved quickly to the barn where the extra haystacks were.
Twilight's head out popped out of the hay pile and looked down at Applejack. "Oh, hi AJ don't mind us we are just passing by," Twilight said as Fluttershy head also pops out of the hay below hers.
"Sorry, I did not mean to drop in like this. Fluttershy said and chewed on some hay in her mouth.
"Get out of there ya two." Applejack reached up and tried to pull out Fluttershy by her head but she was not able to get a grip. "Fluttershy grab mah tail." She said turning around and flicked her tail up. Fluttershy chomped down on it holding on with her teeth. “Ouch!” Applejack yelled out and walked forward pulling her out.
Fluttershy popped out of the haystack falling to the ground with Twilight on her back. After getting back on their hooves, they both sit down still covered in bits of hay and dirt.
“Oh, my we are a mess now,” Fluttershy said as she tries to brush some of the dust and hay from her fur.
“Care to explain how ya both ended up in mah hay?” Applejack said sitting down.
“Well umm, I and Fluttershy were flying back to her place…” Twilight starts to explain and then got interrupted.
“Wait a minute ya and Fluttershy flying together. Now that is somethin' ya don’t see every day.” Applejack said looking at Fluttershy who was blushing, feeling a little embarrassed.
“Just a small flight around town, not too high off the ground,” Fluttershy said hoping that’s all she needed to say.
“Rainbow has been chasing me all week she wants to race and does not take no for an answer. I accidentally teleported here with Fluttershy trying to escape,” Twilight finished and then helped her friend clean up some more.
“Well that explains it, care to stay for lunch? Granny Smith is making some apple pie” Applejack asked and lead them to her home.
Once inside they sat down at the table and had a nice meal of oats and carrot soup. Then a piece of fresh apple pie. Fluttershy helped Applejack clean up the table and clean the dishes.
Twilight spotted Granny Smith in her rocking chair with her eyes closed rocking back and forth. She walked over and sat nearby.
“Oh, Miss Smith? Hello, Granny can I ask you a question? Twilight asked but Granny did not respond, so she tried again. “GRANNY!?”
“I’M UP, I’m up whar’s th' fire?” Granny said as she woke up startled and smacked her lips before looked at Twilight. “Well now young'n good see ya again when did ya get here?”
“I have been here for an hour Granny. Your apple pie is the best.” She answered and moves closer so Granny could hear her better.
“So sweet of ya child. What can ah do for ya?” Granny holds a hoof to her ear.
“Do you know anything about the tree of disharmony?” Twilight asked her.
“The tree of harmony? Ya already know that one dear.” Granny answered misunderstanding.
“No the tree of ‘DIS’harmony” Twilight emphasized the word.
“Why do ya ask me about this child?” Granny’s normally happy face dropped to one of sadness.
“Because I am worried about a friend and think it has something to do with that evil tree,” Twilight said looking concerned.
“What I know is only, what I was told by mah grandparents. Stories can change over the years ya known. Tierk that evil scoundrel tried to make his own tree with evil elements. Then a war started between him and our great Princesses Celestia. Many pony lives were lost until Celestia banished him to Tartarus.” Granny said looking even older now laying back in her chair.
Twilight was going to ask more, but Granny put her hoof on her shoulder. “Somethings are best-forgotten dear. Please do not ask again.” She said, leaning back closing her eyes.
Kevin’s Home
At the table, Kevin trying to pour some cereal into his bowl but only gets a few small pieces. He shook the box some more but came up empty. Grumbling he then poured the milk but was only able to get half a cup before running out. With a thump of his palms on the table, he pushed himself up, went to the fridge and opened the door. Looking inside he noticed that it is almost empty, but luckily he finds two eggs left. Kevin takes them out and uses a frying pan to cook what little he has left.
The Dazzling are in the living room. Adagio is on the couch, laying back with the laptop in her lap checking out social sites and the latest fashions as she stops to scratch at her bracelet. Sonata and Aria are looking at the TV using NextBox One with microphones, playing a game called Karaoke Rush.
Kevin cringes as they frequently sing out of key. It’s like living with my bratty sister again, but now I got three of them. He thinks eating his sunny side eggs with a half cup of milk and cereal. Kevin grabs a pen and started writing out a list of things needed. Minutes later he gets up and walks in front of the TV holding the list.
“Hey, get out of the way,” Sonata said, trying to look around his legs.
“We can’t see the lyrics.” Aria says also trying to look between his legs.
Adagio looked up from her laptop to see Kevin holding a paper and closed the computer. "What is it, dear?” She said with a strained voice.
He gives her a paper with a list on it.
“What is this?” She asked, looking at the paper.
“A grocery list!” Kevin answered loudly.
“What am I supposed to do with it?” Adagio said as if she didn’t know.
“Take Sonata, Aria out and get us some food. Unless you want stale bread for dinner.” Kevin said, pointing to the empty fridge.
Sweet apple acres
Applejack finished putting away the clean dishes and looked over to Twilight who is walking back to the table looking a bit down.
"What's on yer mind Twilight?" Applejack asked and sat down at the table with her.
"I think there was another element tree. The strangest thing is that I think I already knew about it. Not sure how to explain it. Like that time, when I had a vision of the tree of harmony." Twilight answered rubbing her head.
"Sounds like another tree would be a good thing. Then there are more elements that can help." Fluttershy said walking up to Twilight.
"Not this one Fluttershy. That tree was created by Tierk and it caused a war." Twilight explained which caused Applejack and Fluttershy to gasp.
"If there is an evil tree out there then it needs to be cut down." Applejack insisted.
"The tree is already destroyed I think. The problem is the elements that it created. Sunset thinks that one of the elements is where she is. So she is trying to recover it by herself. I want to help but I feel useless here." Twilight said, looking at her friends showing her frustration.
"Now Twilight from what ya told us Sunset was Celesta's student. She should be able to get that evil element back on her own. Ah, am sure she'd ask for help if she needs it." Applejack said and rubbed Twilight’s back.
She nodded, feeling better and stood up from her seat and headed to the door. "You know you're right, thank you Applejack and for inviting us to lunch. Fluttershy would you like to fly with me back to your place?" Twilight asked as she reached the door.
"If it is alright with you I would like to walk home." Fluttershy answered still feeling tired and walked up to the door.
Twilight opened the door to find Rainbow standing right there waiting and she was not even surprised now.
"Ah, Ha found you!" Rainbow said with a big grin as Twilight ignored her at first as walked by with her friend.
"I will see you later Fluttershy, there is something I need to do right now." Twilight said and waved goodbye to her friend and then turned around to face Rainbow.
"You want to race? I'll show you a race! AJ can you please?" Twilight said and looked at Applejack who quickly knew what to do next.
Both Twilight and Rainbow lined up behind to two hay stacks one on the left and the other on the right. Applejack reared up on her hind legs and lifted her right front hoof. “On mah mark!" She yelled out.
"Race you to the castle, the loser has to cook dinner," Rainbow said with a smirk and leaning forward with her wings out.
"That's just because you are a lousy cook." Twilight said and also leaning forward ready to go.
"Ready and GOOO!" Applejack lowers her hoof and both Rainbow and Twilight took off in a streak of rainbow and purple.
“AAA!” Applejack yelled as she is blown back by the blast of wind. When the dust settled Applejack's her head popped out of one of the stacks with a mouth full of hay.
Sunset’s home
“And they're Off!” The TV announcer said as the doors open with a ring of a bell letting all the horses out running. Sunset is at home watching a horse race on TV with Frank. For a brief moment, she thought that she just heard Twilight yelling something, she looked around, but no one else was there. I wonder what this week is going to be like? Thinking as she relaxing on this lazy Sunday with a smile.
Next Chapter: Chapter 9 - Working, Scheming and a Picnic Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 41 MinutesAuthor's Notes:
Hope you enjoyed a trip back to Equestria not a flash back this time.
I wanted to write about something other then Sunset for this one.
Dreagknight has been busy with his own projects so I have been trying to fix my own writing until he gets back.
As always there may be some minor corrections if any errors are found.
Thanks for reading.
Any suggestions are appreciated.