Tale of Two Tyrants and the Eternal War

Chapters

Nightmare in Everfree
Shadowed Kindness
The Light of Day and the Scent of Burning Apples
Gemstones Aren't a Rarity
Blind Faith
Exile
Solar Flare
Nightmare Rarity
Extras, Extras, and More Extras!
Introduction
Sweet Bravery

Nightmare in Everfree

Twilight stood atop the tallest balcony in castle harmony as she scouted out her route through the dark and mysterious Everfree Forest. The moon hung high overhead, marking Nightmare's territory. She adverted her eyes down to the supplies spread out before her. She had her saddlebags, an empty matchbox, a thin blanket, a torn up scarf, a water canteen, a map, 5 necklaces, and a tiara. She would need to locate and bring together her friends, the bearers of the other 5 elements; Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, and Loyalty. Twilight threw her scarf around her neck, letting it hang loosely. She then affixed her saddlebags to her back and placed the remaining items inside.

A cloud of dust and leaves swirled as the princess descended, alighting before a crumbling stone staircase.

"It's now or never." Twilight slowly descended the staircase, weary of the castle's decaying state. She at last reached the bottom, the dirt frozen beneath her hooves. She began to trot towards the dark forest until she stopped. Come on body, move! She thought. She tried to open her wings, but they were clasped tight to her quivering body. Then she tried moving a leg, but they were planted firmly in place.

"The Everfree is alot darker then I remember…maybe I could use a light spell…?" Twilight's horn began to glow, then stopped when a growl sounded from the forest. Twilight you IDIOT!! You know that using magic in Nightmare's territory is suicide! Any form of light in here will get you killed! Twilight finally managed to move a leg so she could hit herself for being so dumb.

"Alright, let's try this again. And…MOVE!!" Twilight's legs suddenly snapped into overdrive, propelling her as fast as they could manage. The wind pinned her ears and mane back as she galloped along the narrow forest road. Then she tripped. She flew into the air and came down with a thud. Surprisingly, her saddlebags stayed on, but their contents were scattered.

"No no no no no no!!" Twilight rose to her hooves, cringing at the throbbing pain in her back left leg. She turned around, her tail brushing against an object on the side of the road. "What's that?" Twilight turned to the object and felt around a bit before her hoof came in contact with it. And it rattled. Twilight jumped back, poised to strike. But no attack came. She went back to it and felt it again. It was long and round, with many grooves. It was also hollow, like a skeleton.

"Is this…a ribcage?" Twilight moved her hoof to the side and felt a round object with 2 large holes in it, as well as rigid pieces, like teeth. "And a pony skull!!" Twilight screamed. She then felt the ground around it and came in contact with a metal object. She picked it up and examined it in the very dim light. It was a lantern. She shook it, and heard the sloshing of liquid. It had very little oil, so she would have to use it only when necessary. Now was necessary. Twilight needed to find her supplies, and fast. Who knows what kind of creature would come after her? She turned the knob, and a small orange flame sprung to life.

......................

"Saddlebags: check. Scarf: check. Blanket: check. Elements: check. Map: check. Canteen: check. Matchbox: check. Lantern: check." Twilight ran over her mental checklist to make sure she had collected everything. She had even found a half-full matchbox to replace her empty one. Now that she had everything, she needed to keep going. The Everfree was no place to linger in: she knew that from experience. Thinking back to her last journey, she instinctively brought a hoof to her cheek, where a long scar ran down her face and along her neck. Twilight blinked her eyes and shook her head, returning to her main goal: getting out alive. Twilight once again rocketed down the path, this time using her wings for balance as well as additional speed. Over logs and creeks, around bends and through tunnels, she didn't stop running.

Twilight skidded to a halt when she heard a twig snap behind her. She whipped around to see a creature lumbering towards her. It's massive paws were tipped with huge claws. It had the fur and paws of a Griffon, the build and size of a large Timberwolf, the wings of a Parasprite, and the eyes of a Dragon. It snarled, showing off its razor sharp teeth, which were tinted red from the blood of other creatures. Like all of the creatures in Nightmare's realm, it had her eyes. Teal, with the pupils of dragons. Twilight stood, paralyzed with fear. It let out a fierce roar, then began to charge. Twilight barely had time to move before its claws sunk into the tree where she used to be standing.

Twilight bolted and began to sprint blindly down the forest path. The creature was gaining on her. She used her wings to weave in between the trees bordering the road, being careful not to stray far. The creature paid no heed and continued to run in her direction. Twilight darted back onto the path. It was right behind her now: Twilight could feel its hot breath running down the back of her neck. Twilight bucked with all her strength, causing the beast to stagger. Now was her only chance at escape. She rounded a bend only to feel a pair of legs wrap around her and pull her into the shadows. A hoof clamped over her mouth, muffling her cries. She watched the road, and saw the beast slink back into the forest. With that threat gone, she already had a new one to face: her captor.

..............

Twilight awoke, yawning and stretching. She slowly sat up and observed her surroundings. She appeared to be in a small, windowless room. It wasn't much in terms of furniture: She sat on a bed made of wood and hay with animal pelts as blankets. A wardrobe stood next to the bed and a door was positioned at the opposing end of the room. A couple pieces of bent metal hung rom the ceiling, candles burning on the ends. It was then she realized: she had just been kidnapped. She needed to find a way out. She hopped off the bed and threw open the wardrobe doors. Her saddlebags were inside, their contents untouched. Twilight noticed something rather perculiar as she gathered up her saddlebags: the back of the wardrobe was slightly ajar.

Twilight gingerly slid the back to the side, revealing a simple staircase. Twilight descended it. The stairwell led into a tiny kitchen where a yellow Pegasus was peering into the brick oven. Something about this mare spoke to Twilight; she looked so framilliar. Her butter yellow coat, her long pink mane, and…her Cutie Mark. It was of 3 pink butterflies. Could it be? Was this…

"Fluttershy?"

Shadowed Kindness

"Fluttershy?" The yellow mare whipped around. Her hind legs came out from under her, casing her to bash her head against the brick oven.

"Fluttershy, are you alright?" Twilight started to gallop forward. A sharp bolt of pain shot up Twilight's leg, causing her to fall. Twilight got to her hooves and limped to where Fluttershy was slumped against the oven, a small trickle of blood running down her head.

"I-I'm aright, Twilight. Really." Fluttershy stood shakily. Fluttershy started to trot to a cabinet, but stopped and turned her head to Twilight, as if she was surprised. "Twilight!? How did you get here?" Asked Fluttershy, cocking her head slightly.

"I'll tell you as soon as we get you patched up. You're bleeding." Stated Twilight.

"I am? I didn't think hitting my head would make me bleed, it usually just leaves a bruise." Fluttershy touched her head and winced.

"It does, if you hit it hard enough. Where do you keep your medical supplies?" Asked Twilight. Fluttershy pointed to a door at the opposing end of the kitchen. Twilight magically opened the door and levitated a first aid kit over. Fluttershy led Twilight into what must have been the living room. It was simple, just like the rest of the house. A square rug occupied the floor, and a couch and chair were stationed next to it. A small hearth was built into the wall. Fluttershy sat on the couch, followed by Twilight. After bandaging Fluttershy's head, Twilight began to tell her story.

"So you want to know, huh?" Asked Twilight glumly. Fluttershy nodded.

"I want to know what happened to you after we split up…" Squeaked Fluttershy.

"I'll tell you, but it's not pretty." Twilight sighed. "It started a bit like this…"

Twilight galloped up the spiral staircase and threw open the throne room doors. There stood Celestia and Luna, horns flaring and teeth bared.

"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna!! Something awful is happening in Canterlot! Me and my friends got separated, and we can't defeat the creatures until-" Princess Celestia whipped around to face Twilight, her eyes glowing a fierce red.

"I know that, Twilight!! Now leave!! This is between Luna and I!!" Celestia roared. Celestia then turned back to her sister.

"Celestia, it doesn't need to be like this!! I just want ponies to love and respect me!! Nopony cares about me, not even you!! I WILL BRING ON NIGHTTIME ETERNAL, AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO STOP ME!!" Luna cackled.

"SCILENCE YOU CUR!! I won't let you steal my throne and harm my subjects with your poisonous night!! MY SUN WILL SHINE FOREVER, AND YOU WILL FAIL!!" At that moment, the sisters transformed. Celestia was enveloped in a ball of blazing fire, as Luna was trapped in shadow. There was a large blast of fire and water, and the sisters' transformation was complete. Nightmare Moon took to the skies, but Solar Flare walked slowly to where Twilight was cowering.

"You MONSTER!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH CELESTIA!?" Twilight screamed, tears streaking down her face.

"Twilight, I'm no monster. I want to protect you from Nightmare's toxic night. I want to let you bask in the glorious day and never again hide in the dark. I want you to stand at my side. We can rule together. Just imagine it- a beautiful, sunny kingdom ruled by you and I. What do you say?"

"I'd rather die than join you! Bring back Princess Celestia NOW, you BITCH!!" Twilight yelled. She scrambled to her hooves, turned, and bucked. Solar Flare was flung back, but quickly regained her feet. Solar Flare charged forward. Twilight jumped, crashing through the window of her and her friends defeating Nightmare Moon. But not before Solar Flare managed to catch Twilight by her left hind leg.

"I'll give you one last chance, Twilight. Join me, or die." Solar Flare growled.

"No." Twilight hissed.

"Fine. You brought this on yourself." Solar Flare dangled Twilight out of the shattered window, then gave her leg a sharp twist. It made a sickening snap, followed by an anguished wail. Solar Flare then let Twilight go. Twilight felt the wind rush by as she plumbetted down to earth.

"Princess, WHY!!" Twilight wailed.

"Twilight, I'm so sorry…" Fluttershy wrapped her arms around Twilight in a tight embrace. They just sat there for what seemed like hours, Twilight finally reliving all her pent up grief and anger. Twilight finally brought her head out of Fluttershy's shoulder.

"You don't have to go on, I think I've heard enough." Said Fluttershy. Twilight nodded.

"The only way to defeat Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon is with the Elements of Harmony…I need you to come with me." Said Twilight, the fur under her eyes matted from tears. Fluttershy let go of Twilight, her face as pale as the moon outside.

"Fluttershy, are you ok?" Asked Twilight.

"I-I-I c-can't g-go with you." Stuttered Fluttershy.

"Why not? Isn't Harmony important to you? Is the saftey of Equestria, our friends, and the Princesses not important to you!?" Twilight narrowed her eyes.

"Of course it is!!"

"Then why won't you help me stop them!?"

"Because…I…I…I…" Fluttershy trailed off.

"You what?" Just then, the sound of crying came from another room. Fluttershy galloped to the bedroom before Twilight could further interrogate her. Twilight kept off the couch and limped after Fluttershy. What Twilight saw was unbelievable. Cradled in Fluttershy's arm was a pale green foal.

"Twilight, meet my daughter Flora." Fluttershy beckoned Twilight close. Flora was a pale green Pegasus filly with a dark green mane.

"Hi there, Flora. I'm your aunt Twilight." Twilight held out a hoof to the little filly. Flora looked up at Twilight with her teal eyes, then smiled and placed her tiny hoof in Twilight's. "She has your eyes, Fluttershy. She's beautiful." Twilight looked to her friend, expecting a smile. All she recived was a concerned look.

"Thank you, but do do you see why I can't go with you? I just don't want her to get hurt…" Fluttershy gazed at Twilight.

"We can take her with us. I know plenty of protection spells!" Encouraged Twilight.

"Maybe…" Fluttershy paused. "Twilight, I just can't do it! I can't risk my baby being hurt, or getting sick!" Fluttershy hugged Flora tightly.

"Fluttershy, I promise Flora will be alright."

"You promise not to let a single thing happen to her? Because if anything touches one hair on her head, so help me…"

"Everything will be fine. I Pinkie Promise." Twilight repeated the framilliar Pinkie Promise hoof motions.

"……Ok……I need to pack my things, then we can go." Twilight nodded.

....................

The Light of Day and the Scent of Burning Apples

"So, Fluttershy. How long have you been living in the Everfree?" The two mares were now making their way to Ponyville.

"Ever since we got split up. I ran back to my cottage, but it was being demolished by those…things. So I ran to the Everfree Forest and have been living there ever since." Twilight nodded in response. "How have you been ever since…the Princesses…" Fluttershy absently rubbed her leg.

"I've been doing alright. It took me forever to get all this stuff, especially the Elements. Now I'm finally putting my plan into action."

"Twilight…how do you plan on getting all of us together? You found me by chance, so how are you gonna find the rest of us?"

"Now that you mention it, I'm not really sure, but I know where to find Applejack. She'll be in Ponyville."

"How do you know that? She might be gone, and even if shes there, Ponyville isn't safe." Twilight gave Flutershy the "seriously?" look.

"Equestria isn't safe. And Applejack would never leave Ponyville, or Sweet Apple Acres." She sighed. Twilight could just barely make out a speck if light in the distance. "Fluttershy, look! Daylight!" Twilight began to trot faster, as did Fluttershy. Soon the trio arrived at the edge of the Everfree. Flora peeked out from behind Fluttershy's pink mane to take in the sunlight. The little Filly flapped her small wings and tried to fly over her mother. Fluttershy snatched Flora out of the air.

"That's enough flight practice for today, Flora. Mommy's not ready for you to start flying yet." Twilight looked over at Fluttershy and Flora, a small smile forming on her face.

"Are you two ready to go?" Asked Twilight. Fluttershy nodded, Flora cradled in her arm. The two mares then stepped out of the Everfree, letting the sunlight warm them. They trotted in silence, taking in the ruins of their hometown. The once bustling town had gone completely quiet: there were no ponies anywhere to be seen. The burnt wreckage of houses crumbled left and right, as the once lush green grass and colorful flowers were now shriveled and void of life. Fluttershy sniffed the air.

"Twilight…do you smell that?" Twilight paused and took a deep sniff.

"I do…it smells like…" Twilight trailed off.

"Burning apples." Fluttershy finished. Fluttershy and Twilight exchanged fearful looks, then galloped full speed to Sweet Apple Acres. As they approached, they saw a large portion of Apple Trees ablaze, the rest barren. The two slowed to a trot, then approached the farmhouse. Twilight gingerly knocked on the door.

"Who are ya'!?" A small voice peeped.

"Applebloom? Is that you?" Twilight asked. She attempted to open the door, but her attempts were in vain. It was locked.

"Ah said, who are ya', and what're ya' doin' here!?" The pony was more demanding.

"Applebloom, please open up! It's me, Twilight!"

"T-Twillight? Is that really you?" To Twilight's delight, the door opened a hair. Then, the door opened wider, revealing Applebloom. She wasn't the same, though. Her yellow coat was filthy, as was her mane and tail. And she was so thin…Twilight could see the shallow grooves of her ribcage. Her orange eyes were slightly waxy.

"And Fluttershy? Why're y'all here?" Applebloom coughed slightly.

"We're here to see Applejack. Is she home?" Asked Twilight.

"She's upstairs. Follow me." Applebloom turned and motioned for Twilight and Fluttershy to follow her. Twilight stepped inside, followed by Fluttershy. The door squeaked shut behind them.

"A- *cough* Applejack! Twilight and Fluttershy are here t' see ya'!" Applebloom called. Applejack appeared at the top of the stairwell. She looked worse than Applebloom. She was thinner, and her coat was dirtier. Her eyes were also slightly glossy, and there was a bloody bandage wrapped around her right foreleg.

"Twilight? Fluttershy? What brings y'all here?" Applejack wheezed. Twilight held up the Element of Honesty.

"This. We need you to come with us."

"Twilight, just look at her! She's in no condition to be traveling, she's starving and sick!" Fluttershy said defensively.

"Ah' ain't *cough* sick! Ah'm fine!" Applejack retorted, her legs wobbling slightly.

"No, you're not." Fluttershy demanded.

"Twilight, ah' wish ah' could go with ya', ah' really do. But I just can't. Ah' have to watch over mah' family." Said Applejack, completely ignoring Fluttershy. Twilight looked down at the floor beneath her. Dust bunnies resided in every nook and cranny, and muddy hoofprints were tracked everywhere. The entire house was coated in a layer of filth. Flies buzzed around the kitchen, and Twilight saw maggots writhing in the rotting food scraps strewn about. Broken glass lay scattered by the boarded windows.

"Applejack…I-" Twilight was cut off.

"Ah' don't need yer' pity, Twilight!! Ah' can *cough* take care of myself AND mah' family without your help!! Now, is there anythang else ya' want!?" Applejack roared. Twilight took a startled step back, shocked and hurt. A tear ran down Twilight's face and splashed on the floor. Twilight turned around and galloped at the door, slamming it behind her. Fluttershy looked up at Applejack, a blazing hellfire in her eyes.

"You know what, Applejack? You're not the only one with family!" Fluttershy held out her daughter for Applejack to see, then brought her close. "This is Flora, my daughter. At first I said no, but I ended up coming with her anyway because I cared about her, and I knew that if we succeeded, this would end and we would all be happy again!! I came because Twilight needs me, and so does everypony in Equestria! Countless lives depend on US, and you're part of that. So make a choice. I hope you're happy, you selfish bitch!!" Fluttershy spat. The yellow Pegasus then turned rudely and left in a huff.

Applejack just stood there for a moment, taking in Fluttershy's words. She had spent so much time looking out for herself and her family that she had lost sight of how many other lives were at steak. Applejack then turned to Applebloom, her face fierce with determination.

"Applebloom, you're the mare of the house now, alright? Be strong, and look out for Granny Smith when Big Mac's gone, ok? But Mac is still in charge, ya' got that? Ah' love you, Applebloom. Be strong fer' me. It'll all be ok soon, ah' promise." Applejack wrapped her arms around the quivering Applebloom in a tight embrace.

"Just promise me that you'll come back." Applebloom choked. Applejack looked into her sister's pleading eyes.

"Ah' love you, and that's all that matters." Applejack kissed the filly on her cheek, then galloped out as fast as she could.

.................

"It's alright, Twilight. We can come back when we find the rest of our friends." Said Fluttershy. Twilight gave a slight nod, then went back to her melancholy state. They both perked up when they heard Applejack's voice call out.

"Girls! Girls! Ah'm comin' with you!" Applejack galloped at top speed to catch up with Twilight and Fluttershy. "Twilight, ah'm so, so sorry! Can ya' ever forgive me?"

"I-I could never stay mad at you, Applejack." Said Twilight.

"Fluttershy, thank you fer' talkin' some sense into me."

"You're very welcome."

"Now let's end this thang!"

Gemstones Aren't a Rarity

"Who should we find next? I have no idea where the rest of us would be." Twilight sighed. The quartet sat on a large, sun-baked rock.

"I'm not sure, Twilight. Maybe Rarity?" Fluttershy suggested meekly.

"I'm not sure about findin' Rarity. She might not handle th' terrain well." Said Applejack, taking a bite of a half-rotten apple.

"I'm sure she can handle it. What do you think, Twilight?" Piped Fluttershy. AJ and Fluttershy turned their heads to Twilight in unison. Twilight's face was buried in her hooves.

"And how do you plan on finding her!?" Twilight snapped her head to Fluttershy, then Applejack, her left ear twitching. An insane smile spread across her face, and she giggled crazily.

"Twilight, please calm down…we'll find her." Fluttershy said reassuringly.

"DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!! Don't you get it!? We're all doomed. Hear me? DOOMED!! Now tell me, Fluttershy, Applejack. WHY SHOULD I CALM DOWN!!" Twilight snarled. A soft whimper came from Flora, followed by crying. Twilight quickly relaxed.

"Flora, I'm sorry…I didn't mean to scare you." Twilight held out her hoof, bit shrank back when Flora started crying louder.

"Shh, Flora. It's alright, aunt Twilight didn't mean it. It's ok." Flora's crying turned into a whimper. "Hush now quiet now, it's time to lay your sleepy head, hush now quiet now, it's time to go to bed…" Fluttershy sang softly. Flora quieted. Twilight just sat, petrified.

"Twilight, are you ok? You've been kinda…off." Said Applejack.

"To be honest girls…I'm not ok. And I don't think I'll ever be ok again. Too much has happened…I just can't." Fluttershy and Applejack exchanged worried glances.

"C'mon, Twilight. Lets just go." Applejack ushered the girls away from Ponyville. Too many painful memories here.

"Twilight, we need you to think. Where could Rarity be? She dreamed of working in Canterlot, she designs dresses, and she loves gems." Said Fluttershy. "That's it!!"

"What's it?" Asked Applejack and Twilight.

"I know where Rarity is! She's in the gem fields! Follow me!!" Fluttershy cheered. She then started to gallop down a narrow trail, Applejack and Twilight at her heels.

...................

Fluttershy stopped at the edge of the gem fields, hidden by the underbrush. She scanned the vast plain, and saw a freshly dug hole, still filled with gemstones.

"Girls, over there!" Fluttershy galloped to the hole and carefully studied it. "By the looks of it, this was hoof-dug. The dirt is still cool, so not long ago." Fluttershy looked around. She trotted over to a nearby thorn bush, and removed a torn strand of purple hair. She trotted back to the girls, and held up the hair for them to see.

"That looks like Rarity's." Stated Twilight. Applejack nodded. Fluttershy motioned for them to follow. The quartet made their way across the fields, following strands of hair, and drops of blood. Their trip ended at a tall hill, with a large broken rock at the top. The silhouette of a pony stood out. Twilight trotted up the hill. A white unicorn sat at the top, her purple and pink mane blowing in the breeze.

"Hello? I'm Twilight Sparkle, and-"

"Twilight? Is that you?" The mare turned around. Twilight immediately recognized her. It was Sweetie Belle. Claw marks ran across one of her pale green eyes, and they both were glossy and blank.

"It's me, Sweetie Belle."

"Twilight? Where are you? I can't see anything!" Sweetie waved a hoof in front of her. Twilight trotted up to the now grown filly, and held her close.

"I'm right here, Sweetie. Do you know where Rarity is?"

"No, I don't. Not since we were attacked…" Sweetie sighed.

"Attacked? Where?"

"A little bit east of the fields. Something jumped out of the bushes and attacked us. It took Rarity, so I made my way here. I could barely see, and now I can't see at all. Go find Rarity." Said Sweetie.

"Sweetie Belle, it's not safe. I can't just leave you here alone."

"Twilight, go. I'll just slow you down."

"No, Sweetie. Come with us."

"I said no. Rarity needs you. Now just leave me."

"You're coming with us. And that's an order. You can't deny a Princesses' order."

"…Ok…I'm only coming because you ordered me…"

"Alright. Lets go find Rarity." Twilight led Sweetie Belle down the steep slope to where Fluttershy, Flora, and Applejack were waiting. "Girls, here's Sweetie Belle. She's been blinded by a creature that attacked them at the eastern edge if the fields. That's our best lead. Understood?" The two mares nodded in unison.

"Alright then, lets go find ourselves a Rarity."

.................

The 5 arrived at the eastern edge of the gem fields, where the attack took place. Bits of fur and hair were strewn about, as well as blood splatters, and a storm gray feather. Twilight levitated the feather, then put it in her saddlebags. It was a feather all right, but Twilight couldn't tell what bird it came from. Twilight led the troupe through the thin woods. Twilight tracked the mystery bird until they reached the bottom of a steep mountainside. Flora pointed to the top of the mountain and squealed. Fluttershy looked to where the filly was pointing.

"Twilight, Applejack, look at this." Said Fluttershy, pointing with Flora. Twilight's jaw took a trip to the ground, and Applejack just stared.

"What in tarnation is that?" Asked Applejack.

"I don't know, but it looks promising." Twilight gaped.

"It's all we've got. Good job, Flora. Mama's so proud!" Fluttershy nuzzled Flora.

"Mama!"

Blind Faith

"I can walk, Twilight." Sweetie Belle stated. Twilight reluctantly let go of Sweetie Belle's hoof. They were making their way up the mountain.

"How much longer, Twilight? Climbin' and bein' sick don't really mix." Said Applejack.

"Well, climb no more, because we're here." Twilight gestured to the large stone wall in front of them.

"What is it?" Asked Fluttershy. "Look at the markings on it."

"It looks like…a door." Said Twilight. It was indeed. The door was carved of stone, and had 6 slots in the center. One was an apple, one was a butterfly, one was a diamond, one was a lightning bolt, one was a balloon, and one was a star. Sweetie Belle trotted up to Twilight and felt the stone door.

"These slots feel like the shape of the Elements." Said Sweetie Belle.

"The Elements?" Twilight dug through her saddlebags, then pulled out the Elements of Harmony. Twilight handed them to Sweetie Belle, who pulled out the gems. She started with the balloon, dragging it across the door until she found the right slot. To their surprise, it fit perfectly. Sweetie repeated the process with the other 5 gems, then handed the empty necklaces and tiara back to Twilight. With all 6 Element gems, the door rumbled, then slowly slid open.

"It's now or never, girls." Twilight led the troupe inside. The entrance was a spiral staircase. The stairs led into an underground cathedral. The back wall was completely gone, and the rest were carved of crumbling, wet stone. Stone benches lined the sides, and vines crawled on the walls and floor. At the end of the walkway was a large stone statue of Celestia and Luna. There were pictures carved into the walls. One was of Commander Hurricane, Private Pansy, Chancellor Puddinghead, Smart Cookie, Princess Platinum, and Clover the Clever. Another was of Starswirl the Bearded and Clover the Clever looking at 6 gems.

Yet another was of Celestia and Luna as fillies, raising the Sun and Moon to create the first Solar Eclipse.

"What is this place?" Asked Sweetie Belle. She felt along the walls, piecing together an ancient picture in her mind.

"I don't know…but it's amazing." Twilight gasped in awe.

"This, little ponies, is your tomb." A voice echoed from the end of the walkway. The ponies turned their heads to see a tall, black-coated mare with a long purple and white mane, and blue dragon eyes.

"Nightmare Moon! What have you done with Rarity!?" Demanded Twilight, spreading her wings.

"Nothing really, I just borrowed her body. I promise I'll give it back." Said Nightmare, her voice velvety.

"Give her back to us. NOW!!" Bellowed Twilight.

"If you want your precious Rarity back…you'll have to take her!!" Growled Nightmare, firing a bolt of blue magic at Twilight. Twilight jumped, dodging the projectile by an inch.

"You're not the only one with magic, Nightmare!! Girls, get to safety!" Twilight instructed. Twilight's horn flared, then a ball of blazing fire was launched at the dark mare. Nightmare swiftly dodged it, then Twilight was entangled by brambles. Nightmare strode up the aisle like a bride on her wedding day. She then clasped her hooves around Twilight's neck.

"You're more of a pathetic weakling than I thought." Cackled Nightmare. Twilight narrowed her eyes.

"That's just what I want you to think." The brambles released Twilight, then wound around Nightmare, binding her. Twilight shoved Nightmare off, then got to her hooves. "Now, lets try this again. Give us Rarity, or else!!" Nightmare laughed. Twilight punched Nightmare, a tooth flying out of her mouth. "Give. Me. Rarity."

"Or what? You're gonna hit me again?" Nightmare smiled, blood seeping out of her nose and mouth.

"I'll do much worse if you don't surrender!!" Snarled Twilight.

"Oh, how cute. Little miss Twilight's gonna hurt me! Well I'll tell you now, this isn't the last time we'll be seeing each other. I've got plans for you, Twilight Sparkle." Nightmare turned into a wisp of purple smoke, then flew out of the cathedral. Twilight stood, dumbfounded. Twilight galloped up the stairs to outside, where the others were waiting.

"What happened? Is Rarity with you?" Asked Sweetie Belle.

"I'm sorry Sweetie…Nightmare Moon is possessing Rarity, and she said she had plans for me."

"Plans? That doesn't sound good." Said Sweetie.

"In the meantime, we still need to find Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie."

"Alright then, lets go!!" Sweetie galloped back down the mountain path, the rest of the group struggling to keep up. Upon reaching the bottom of the mountain, a rainbow umbrella hat lay torn up in the dust. Twilight levitated it, and closely examined it.

"Is that…" Fluttershy trailed off.

"Pinkie Pie's." Finished Applejack. Thunder rumbled in the distance, and the group gazed up at the quickly gathering storm clouds. Twilight gaped, and her eyes grew wide.

"Girls…"

"Yes, Twilight?" The group asked in unison.

"If Nightmare Moon is possessing Rarity…than that means that Princess Luna is out there somewhere." Twilight turned to face the girls, the tattered hat in her hooves. "Luna is the only one sane enough, and the only one with the knowledge to help us put an end to this war."

"Can she help us save Rarity?" Asked Sweetie hopefully.

"…We'll try as hard as we can, Sweetie Belle." Twilight reassured. Sweetie nodded.

"Where would Princess Luna even be?" Asked Fluttershy. Twilight gazed back up at the stone door, and the twinkling stars in the sky above it.

"I have an idea." Twilight fanned her wings. "Girls, we're going to the Moon!!"

Exile

"THE MOON!?" The group yelled in unison.

"It's our best shot at finding Princess Luna."

"But how in tarnation do we even get up there?" Asked Applejack.

"You girls have to stay here. Only Alicorn can survive on the Moon." Stated Twilight, giving her wings a test flap.

"Twilight, you can't go up there by yourself! I'm going with you." Sweetie Belle demanded.

"Sweetie Belle, you can't. You'll die up there." Said Twilight.

"Too bad, Twilight."

"Alright…" Said Twilight. Twilight's horn lit up, and a magenta bubble was around Sweetie Belle's head. "An air bubble, so you don't suffocate."

"Excuse me…Twilight?" Peeped Fluttershy.

"Yes, Fluttershy?"

"I think we left the gems in the door, just so you know…"

"We did?" Twilight thought, then her expression darkened. "We left the Elements." Twilight said glumly, then pulled the empty necklaces and tiara out of her saddlebags. "We did. Fluttershy, you've got wings. I need you to go get the Elements." Fluttershy nodded.

"Are you ready, Flora?" The filly squeaked happily. "Ok, then, lets go!!"

...............

Fluttershy alighted before the group, a fearful look on her face.

"I think we may have a problem…" Squeaked Fluttershy.

"What?"

"The Element gems…they're gone!"

"WHAT!? How can they be gone!? Princess Celestia put a spell on them!!" Twilight's voice cracked.

"You ever think that she just cast the spell on the necklaces, and not the gems?" Suggested Sweetie Belle.

"Sweetie Belle, you're a genius!! Nightmare Moon must have stolen them, and hid them away somewhere!! C'mon Sweetie, lets go!!" Twilight's horn flared, and the pair were cast off to the Moon.

...............

A cloud of razor sharp lunar dust flew up as the two mares appeared. Twilight stumbled, then fell, dizzy and tired.

"Twilight? Did it work? Are we on the Moon?" Asked Sweetie.

"Ahaah…" Nodded Twilight. Twilight got to her hooves and shook her head, starting to adjust to the lunar landscape. "Alright Sweetie, lets find Luna." Twilight trotted forward, Sweetie holding on to her tail. They trotted around for what seemed like hours. "This was just a waste of time. Luna's not here." Twilight sighed, then prepared another teleportation spell.

"TWILIGHT SPARKLE!! HALT!!" Twilight's horn stopped glowing. That voice belonged to none other than the Princess of the Night, Luna.

"Princess Luna?" The Princess galloped over to Sweetie and Twilight, her eyes filled with terror.

"What art thou doing here? This place is not safe, especially for normal Unicorns." Luna motioned for the girls to follow her.

"I should be asking you the same thing." Said Twilight. "Are you that oblivious to what's going on in Equestria!?"

"We know of the crisis in Equestria, we helped create it. We are ashamed of what we have done, and are trying to stop it." Replied Luna.

"And how does roaming around on the Moon help stop it?"

"When thou destroyed Nightmare Moon, the Nightmare Forces that now possess your friend came here. Nightmare Rarity visits here often, for this is her "home base". We know she has built a dungeon here, where she interrogates ponies on the standings of the war to better her chances of slaying Celestia. We have located it, but have yet to enter. Now that thou art here, we can commence our operation!!" Luna said proudly.

"We'll help you, Luna, on one condition." Said Twilight.

"Yes, miss Sparkle?"

"You'll help us find the Elements of Harmony, and save our friends." Twilight held out her hoof. Luna looked at her, then shook her hoof.

"Follow us!"

...............

"GO GO GO!!" Shouted Luna in the Canterlot Voice. Twilight, Sweetie, and Luna charged forward, breaking down the weak door. Prison cells lined the wall, most empty.

"Sweetie Belle, there's another door at the end of the hall, see if you can open it! Luna, come with me!" Twilight instructed. Sweetie galloped to the end of the hall, while Luna and Twilight struggled to open the cell doors. All of the cells were empty, except for 2. In one, a pink Earth Pony was curled up in a tight ball, motionless on the ground. In another was a cyan Pegasus, also laying still. Twilight finally managed to open one of the cells. She ran up to the Earth Pony, and started to shake her. Nothing happened.

"Please, wake up! Please!!" Twilight screamed. The mare still remained motionless. Twilight levitated the mare, then galloped out to meet Luna, who had the Pegasus on her back. Sweetie Belle arrived, Element Gems in hoof. Luna's horn lit up, and they were back in Equestria.

"Twilight! Sweetie! Luna! Thank heavens you're safe!" Fluttershy gave them all a loving hug.

"What happened up there?" Asked Applejack. "And who's that?" Applejack pointed to the two still ponies. Luna and Twilight gently laid them on the ground. Fluttershy gasped.

"That can't be…can it?" Asked Fluttershy meekly.

"Sweet Celestia…" Applejack gaped.

"What? Who are they, Twilight?" Asked Sweetie. The Earth Pony slowly opened her eyes, then smiled brightly. She slowly got to her hooves, but quickly fell.

"Hiya girls…it's me, Pinkie Pie." Pinkie coughed. The Pegasus remained still.

"Pinkie…I missed you." Fluttershy hugged Pinkie tightly.

"I missed you too, Shy." Pinkie looked down and saw the tiny Flora. "Who's this cutie?" Asked Pinkie.

"Pinkie Pie, this is my daughter Flora."

"Aww, she's so cute! I'm auntie Pinkie Pie, and you're the cutest little filly ever! Pinkie held Flora in her arms and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Pinkie handed Flora back to Fluttershy, then stood up. "Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack, Sweetie Belle, and Princess Luna!! I'm so, so happy to see you!!" Pinkie cheered. Pinkie then looked down at the Pegasus next to her. "Hey Dashie, wake up!!" Pinkie's expression darkened. "Dashie, you can wake up now. Dashie…" Pinkie trailed off.

"It's ok Pinkie, she just needs some time." Fluttershy said reassuringly. Pinkie nodded.

"I'll sing for you, Dashie. Would you like that?" Asked Pinkie.

"I think she would, Pinkie." Replied Fluttershy.

"Can I sing with you, Pinkie?" Asked Sweetie Belle.

"Of course, Sweetie Belle!!" Cheered Pinkie. "Sometimes I feel like nothing, mhmm, I like to think of us and, mhmm, you know that shadows always fa~ade. Open your heart, that's where we start~

Take my hand, and we can walk together, cross' this land, all places we've been never, I can't stand, when darkness takes your light away~ I'm here no matter what they say~

Some like to speak like tigers, and try to scratch your soul, I like to sew like lighters, and get you feeling whole. I get all your crazy wa~ays, open your heart, that's where we start~

Take my hand, and we can cross' this land, all places we've been never, I can't stand, when darkness takes your light away~ I'm here no matter what they say~

Only your eyes, can see light, start to shine, I hear your song, and your heart, mixed with mine~!

Take my hand, and we can walk together, cross' this land, all places we've been never, I can't stand, when darkness takes your light away~ I'm here no matter what they say~ we'll sing the melody our way~ together everything's okay!!" As Pinkie Pie and Sweetie Belle sang, Rainbow Dash's eyes slowly opened.

"Hey, Pinkie. You alright?" Dash said warily.

"DASHIE!!"

Solar Flare

"Rainbow Dash! We're glad you're here!" Cheered Twilight.

"Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, Applejack, Twilight, Princess Luna, AND Pinkie Pie? Am I dreaming, or am I dead?" Fluttershy and Pinkie exchanged glances.

"Neither, Dashie! We're in Equestria!!" Said Pinkie, bouncing gleefully despite her injuries. She had a back eye, and a terrible nosebleed. But nothing can stop Pinkie from smiling.

"What? Wait…WHAT!?" Dash exclaimed. "Oh Celestia…I'm just- what?" Rainbow groaned loudly.

"Nevermind, Rainbow Dash." Said Twilight, patting Dash's head.

"Twilight!" Dash shoved Twilight's hoof off her head, her cheeks a rosy pink.

"What?" Asked Twilight, a smirk on her face.

"Don't do that! Anyway, where are we going, Princess Luna?"

"We are not the leader of this mission. That would be miss Sparkle." Replied Luna, gesturing at Twilight. Dash facehoofed, then yawned loudly.

"Alright then. Twilight, where are we going?"

"Canterlot."

"Wait WHAT!? Why are we going there!? Isn't that where Solar Flare lives!?" Dash yelled, almost knocking Twilight over.

"Yes, it is." Replied Twilight, her tone unchanged.

"Well shit." Said Dash, pretending to shoot herself.

"Um…Twilight?" Squeaked Fluttershy.

"Yes, Fluttershy?" Replied Twilight, cocking her head.

"I'm not so sure about this…" Fluttershy whispered, her pink mane covering her face. Twilight walked over to Fluttershy, then brushed her mane away from her face. Twilight draped her leg over Fluttershy's shoulder.

"Hey, it's ok, it's ok. We'll figure this out together, ok?" Twilight said comfortingly. Fluttershy nodded, then continued to trudge onward. The gray clouds above them started to shower the troupe with rain. Cold, hungry, and hopeless, they trudged onward. Even Pinkie Pie bore a depressed look. Her bright pink mane had turned from fluffy and bouncy into straight and wet in 2 minutes. They eventually reached the Ponyville train station, then piled into the small passenger car.

................

"So, Twilight. What's your brilliant plan?" Asked Rainbow Dash sarcastically.

"We don't have all the Elements. Solar Flare may be a wicked, cruel tyrant, but on the inside, Princess Celestia is still there. I plan on reminding Solar Flare who she really is, just like I did with you." Explained Twilight, flapping her sopping wings.

"That'll work like a fucking charm, now won't it?" Replied Dash bitterly, crossing her arms.

"Unless you have a better plan, I suggest you shut up." Growled Twilight. Dash narrowed her eyes, a snarl on her face.

"Make me." Dash spat.

"Girls, please! Can't we all get along? We just met, for pony's sake!" Pinkie huffed.

"Too late for that, Pinkie. Dash just crossed the line." Twilight replied crossly.

"Whatcha' gonna do, Twi? Talk me to death?" Rainbow brought her face up to Twilight's, her teeth bared.

"Say that again." Twilight hissed.

"Whatcha' gonna do? Talk me to death?" Dash repeated. With that, Twilight tackled Rainbow Dash, then brought a hoof down. The blow connected. Dash smirked, then launched Twilight into the trains' wall, rocking the car slightly. Dash flew over to Twilight, pinning her to the ground. Rainbow gave Twilight a swift punch, followed by another, then another. Rainbow Dash continued to strike Twilight, her hoof now covered in the Princesses' blood. Pinkie, shocked and disgusted, barreled into Rainbow Dash, sending them both sprawling across the floor.

Princess Luna, who had watched the whole thing, helped Twilight to her hooves. Twilight wiped the blood off her face with her scarf, then looked over at Dash and Pinkie. Pinkie got to her hooves, then shook the water off her coat and mane. Pinkie trotted over to Twilight.

"You're welcome." Pinkie growled. She then walked over to Sweetie Belle and Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash also got up, then shoved Twilight as she made her way over to the rest of the group. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, Luna, Twilight, and even Flora looked at her with disdain. Rainbow blushed, then grumbled something under her breath. The train screeched to a halt, and the doors opened. Twilight could have sworn she heard the ground sizzle as the rain hit.

The group made their way through the winding streets of Canterlot until they reached the crumbling Palace. Before anypony else could even take a step, Twilight was already at the top of the stairs. She burst through the doors, almost knocking them off their hinges. On the throne sat Solar Flare, a scowl adorning her face.

"Twilight Sparkle. Why am I not surprised?" Solar Flare got up, then stalked down the red carpet. "Come to die?"

"No, I haven't. I've come here to remind you of who you really are. Princess Celestia."

"Hahaha!! Your little "Princess Celestia" is GONE!!" Solar Flare cackled.

"No, she's not!" Twilight conjured a ball of water, then splashed it in Solar Flare. Solar cringed. Twilight ran forward and knocked Solar off her feet. "Princess Celestia isn't gone. She's in there somewhere, I know it!" Solar Flare began to heat up again, then grabbed Twilight before she could back away. Solar's mane of fire snaked around Twilight, slowly burning her flesh.

"OW!! Princess, stop!! This isn't you!! You're kind, sweet, and are Equestria's leader. We need that leader back! Princess, please come back to us! You're not like this, and I know it! Princess…Princess…" Twilight's vision faded as her core temperature heated drastically. Solar Flare idly tossed Twilight's limp, smoldering body aside, then turned back to her throne.

"HEY!!" Solar Flare turned around to see 6 ponies standing proudly in the doorway.

"And you must be Twilight's little crew. Well guess what. Twilight Sparkle is dead." Solar Flare stated coldly, a smug smile creeping onto her face. The 6 exchanged saddened looks as the scent of cooked meat filled the air.

"We won't give up, even if Twilight's gone! She never gave up on us, and we won't give up on her. She fought for Harmony, and we will continue to fight, no matter the cost!!" The mare who spoke was Rainbow Dash, a fierce determination in her eyes. "Princess Celestia, we know you're in there! Look at what you've done! Your selfishness has cost Twilight, and Equestria, their lives. You can't fix it, but you can still salvage what's left. Do this for Equestria, for Twilight!!" The group said Twilight's name in unison. Solar Flare bore an expression of shock, sadness, and disgust. She closed her eyes, and a single year streaked diwn her face and splashed on the marble floor.

There was a flash of blinding white light, and Princess Celestia stood before them. She gazed down at her shoed hooves, disgusted.

"What have I done?" Celestia gazed at Twilight's body, then ran over to it, crying. She knelt down over her student. "WHAT HAVE I DONE!?" Celestia wailed. "Twilight, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Celestia sobbed. Luna stride forward, then knelt down by her sister. Luna draped a wing over Celestia's back. "Sister?" Asked Celestia, her eyes red from crying.

"Yes, it is us." Luna placed a hoof on her sister's, and gazed into her magenta eyes. "Sister, it wasn't your fault. You couldn't control yourself."

"How can you say that!? I killed my most faithful student, destroyed Equestria, and why? Because I was too selfish to pay any attention to you!!" Celestia cried out. "Equestria deserves better than me." The group gathered around Twilight, heads bowed.

"I'm so sorry, Twilight." Celestia removed her crown, then placed it on Twilight's head. "This was all my fault."

Nightmare Rarity

Princess Celestia tore off her golden necklace and threw it against the wall, shattering the purple Amethyst inside.

"NO!! TWILIGHT, NO!!" Celestia screamed, banging her front hooves into her temples. The rest of the group walked out, leaving the broken Princess to grieve. Only Luna stayed.

"Come on, girls. We still need to finish the mission Twillight started." Said Rainbow Dash, leading them down the Palace steps. Dash led them back to the train station, where they piled into the passenger car. Fluttershy started to sob quietly as the train chugged along the iron tracks. Pinkie Pie sat next to her and gave her a comforting hug. Eventually, the train stopped at Ponyville station. The girls climbed out, soaking and filled with grief. They walked slowly through Ponyville, then through the gem fields, getting covered in mud. Through the woods, and up the mountain. They halted in front of the stone door, then entered the cathedral. Nightmare Rarity was waiting for them.

"What do you want with us!!" Pinkie snarled.

"What do I want? I want the night to last forever!!" Roared Nightmare. Tears welled up in Sweetie Belle's eyes.

"But why!? Why!? Why did you do this to us! What have we done to deserve this? Why did you take Rarity away from me?" Sweetie Belle sobbed, tears running down her cheeks. Nightmare seemed to look saddened, and even more surprising, she seemed to genuinely care.

"Sweetie Belle?" Nightmare choked. The dark mare then closed her eyes and shook her head.

"ENOUGH!! Now it's your time to die!!" Nightmare sent a blast of magic at Sweetie Belle. Sweetie's horn lit up with a pale green aura. There was a large blast, and when the smoke cleared, Sweetie Belle lay on the ground, unconscious.

"Looks like your little Unicorn used all her strength to put up a magic shield." Nightmare chuckled. Applejack was the next to take a stand. She shot forward and swiftly bucked Nightmare in the side. There was a sharp crack, and Nightmare stumbled slightly. She then used a spell to bind Applejack with sharp, thorny brambles. One by one, the ponies tried to defeat the demon Nightmare Moon, but they all failed, save two. Fluttershy cowered in the corner, Flora in her arms. Nightmare slowly approached, then charged up another magic blast. But no blast came. Fluttershy cracked open one of her eyes to see none other than Celestia and Luna, fending off the beast. The Princesses charged up a spell, then out their horns together, combining their power. Rays of both light and dark struck Nightmare Rarity, but not before she could fire a bolt of Arcane lighting at Fluttershy. Flora jumped out of her mother's arms, putting her right in the lightning's path. Flora fell to the ground. Fluttershy picked up her daughter.

Nightmare's magic dispelled, releasing the ponies. Sweetie Belle recovered, shakily rising to her hooves. Rarity lay bleeding on the wet stone. The group rushed forward, but stepped back for Sweetie Belle. Rarity opened an eye, then opened the other at the sight of her friends and sister. Rarity threw her arms around Sweetie's neck, tears of joy streaking down her bloody face.

"Sweetie Belle!! I missed you, my sweet little sister!" Rarity wheezed.

"I missed you too, Rarity." Replied Sweetie. Rarity broke the hug, then looked her sister up and down.

"Sweetie, what happened to you? Your eyes look simply awful!" Asked Rarity, her gentle voice filled with concern.

"It doesn't matter. I'm just glad you're back." Said Sweetie.

"Me too." Replied Rarity. The Princesses smiled softly.

................

"How are they, Doc?" Asked Dash, crowding around the doctor along with everypony else. The doctor pushed up her glasses.

"Rarity is suffering from 5 broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a broken nose, and a concussion. It was tough, but she'll pull through. Sweetie Belle's eyes were permanently damaged, however. I'm afraid there's nothing we can do. Applejack had a severe case of cholera. We'll do everything we can." Replied the doctor.

"Ms. Redd, how's Flora?" Asked Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy, I wish this weren't true, but Flora now has a serious heart condition, and has to be on oxygen at all times. She also will never be able to fly, or…walk." The doctor replied sadly. Fluttershy started to sob quietly. Her Flora, her precious little Filly, had given up everything to save her.

"May I see her?" Asked Fluttershy.

"I'm not really allowed to do this, but come in." The doctor led Fluttershy inside, then magically pulled back Flora's curtain. She was nestled in a crib, a heart monitor on a rack next to it, and thin plastic tubes connecting to an oxygen tank, and to Flora. Flora looked up at her mother, and smiled.

Extras, Extras, and More Extras!

Extra no. 1: Meanwhile

Note: this is taking place while the mane group is going after Nightmare Rarity.

Princess Celestia wiped her tears, stood up, and turned to face her little sister.

"Do you think they bought it?" Asked Luna.

"Heh. I know they bought it." Replied Celestia, her expression and voice void of emotion. Celestia levitated her crown off of Twilight and placed it back on her head. "Now, you better get out of my sight before I snap your neck, Nightmare."

"Oh please," Luna scoffed. "You? Break my neck? All you could do was send me to the Moon. And don't forget about the pony of shadows, Solar."

"I sometimes envy that little pest of yours, you know." Celestia gazed down at Twilight's corpse.

"It may seem like a pest to you, considering you don't have one. Ha ha." Taunted Luna, batting her eyes.

"Shut up. At least I'm not a selfish attention whore, like you."

"Well then, you're going that route, are you? At least I'm not desperate enough to resort to name calling."

"I should just break your legs and rip your heart out, but we need to deal with how to war each other without those meddling idiots noticing again."

"You're so simple, Sister. Can't you see it? It's the most obvious thing, I can't believe- well, thinking of you, maybe I can."

"Just spit it out already!!"

"Temper temper, Solar Flare. We just kill off anyone who opposes us and then we kick start the war again. I could feed them to the Nightstalker or have them ripped to shreds by the Thunderbird, or-"

"While I do admire your creativity, I'd like to keep then alive and have then watch their world be torn apart, piece by piece."

"I differ. I must go now, and I can't wait to kick your ass."

"Kick my ass? Ha! I beat you 1000 years ago, and I'll beat you again. You and the intoxicating Moon will fall, don't fret." Said Celestia. With that, Luna flew out of the shattered window, and back to the Ancient Castle in the Everfree.

end

Introduction

"Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, two regal sisters spread harmony throughout the land with their power over the Sun and Moon.

But as time passed, each sister became consumed by darkness; the younger sister, who raised the moon and brought forth night, grew jealous of her older sister, for the ponies relished and played in the day, but slept and shunned her night.

The elder sister, who raised the sun and created day, became consumed by her desire to protect her subjects from any and all threats. She eventually came to see her sister's night as the largest threat of them all. She wanted her sun to shine for eternity, so her subjects would never again have to hide in the dark.

The elder sister responded to the younger's want for respect with suspicion, and the younger sister responded to being her sister's shadow with bitterness. Words were spoken that could never be taken back, mistakes made that could never be fixed, wounds cut that could never be healed. Their hatred and resentment grew, until the day it all came crashing down. The sisters' dark desires consumed them, turning them into wicked mares of darkness: Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon!

Both vowed that they would not rest until the other was slain, and the Sun or Moon was in the sky, forever. Yet, as they each had the same power, they could not prevail over the other.

For the next millennium, they fought a never ending battle for dominance. The world would be trapped in a nightmare stalemate, divided between the blistering, scorching desert ruled by Solar Flare, and the dark, frozen wastelands under the thrall of Nightmare Moon.

All of Ponykind would know short, brutish, and tortured existence under the rule of these two tyrants. When not used as soldiers, chess pieces, and expendable armaments as the dark goddesses would wage their eternal war, they would fall prey to dark magic, as well as the horrific creatures of day and night that had overrun the ravaged land."

"Harmony is dead. Evil, suffering, and madness is everywhere. There's no hope, no peace, no respite, only an eternity of carnage at the hooves of the gods…"

At the ancient ruins of Castle Harmony, a lavender Alicorn stands strong, a tiara on her head and 5 necklaces in her hooves. This mare is Twilight Sparkle, harbinger of harmony. And this is her story.

Sweet Bravery

13 YEARS LATER

Fluttershy pushed Flora's wheelchair gently, a golden leaf landing on her nose.

"Mom, where are we going?" Asked Flora.

"Someplace very special." Replied Fluttershy. Flora looked around, then spotted a stone sign. It read "Ponyville Cemetery".

"The Cemetery?" Asked Flora.

"Mhm." Fluttershy nodded. She continued to push the wheelchair along the path until they reached an elaborate tombstone. In graves in its weathered surface were the words "R.I.P. Princess Twilight Sparkle, A faithful student, leader, and true friend. 1980-2008".

"Twilight Sparkle…my aunt Twilight!" Flora gasped.

"Flora? You remember me?" Flora turned her head to see Twilight, wings spread and covered in burn marks. Twilight walked over to her, and placed her hoof on Flora's. "How are you these days?" Asked Twilight.

"Stuck in a wheelchair." Replied Flora. Flora was 13 years old now. Her dark green mane was put up in a ponytail, and her "swooshed" bangs were clipped to perfection. She had dark circles under her eyes, and the customary tubes on her face.

"That's not so bad." Said Twilight.

"Easy for you to say. You can walk wherever you want, and you can fly."

"That's not as true as you say, Flora."

"Why not?"

"Because I can't go anywhere without my gem." Twilight gestured to her tombstone, where her Element gem was embedded into the stone.

"Really? You mean that you'll be here, all the time?"

"Yep. I'm not going anywhere." Twilight hugged Flora lovingly. "You can visit me anytime." Twilight vanished.

The End