Chapters Something Awry
Hoof beats sounded off in the distance of a dark forest. A young unicorn was walking and lighting the way with her magic, but the bramble was getting thicker as well as the canopy. It was getting hard to see, but the unicorn continued her trek. She didn't know where she was going, but she let her hooves guide her. She came to a small clearing and started toward two small trees, but something stopped her. A shadow caught her eye, but before she could distinguish what it was, it shot into the dark. Without hesitation, she gave chase. The shadow was moving at an unbelievable speed, barely in sight, and then… it vanished. The unicorn slid to a halt and looked around. She saw trees, everywhere. And then, hoof beats sounded again. Only this time, they were louder, closer and coming right at her. They were hoof beats, it couldn't be anything else, but it didn't make sense. She wasn't sure how, but she knew that there shouldn't be anyone else in these woods.
“W-who’s there?” she asked shakily. She looked around trying to find the source of the sound, but the echo of the hooves made that impossible.
“Don’t come any closer. I-I don’t want to hurt you. I’m warning you!”
A snort came from behind her. Terrified, the young unicorn screamed and shrank back. She cowered in fear, not knowing who was behind of her. But a voice rang out, one that embarrassed her deeply.
“I thought you were smart enough to know that you’re in a dream. I expected better, Midnight Spark.”
“P-p-princess Luna?!?”
“Yes, Midnight, I came to see what you were dreaming about. But that is not important. I need to talk to you. Now could you please wake up?” Luna said softly.
Midnight was hit by a wave of relief, followed by worry. Luna didn't usually visit unexpectedly, so there must have been a reason. She jolted awake and saw Luna at the foot of her bed. Looking out of the window, she saw the horizon was still dark and turned to the princess.
“What time is it?” Midnight yawned.
“That is not important. Trouble stirs in Canterlot. My sister, Celestia, called an emergency meeting and insisted that all the princesses bring their students. So I came to collect you.”
“Wait, what? Is something wrong?”
“I don't really know right now. I'm as ill-informed as you, and I don’t want to be late. So, please pack a few things and get ready to go.”
“But what about Starry Skies? She needs me.”
“Fear not, dear Midnight. Your little sister is coming too. She is as much a student of mine as you are. Now, go get your sister and meet me outside. I have a carriage waiting for us.”
And with that sentence, the princess left.
* * *
Midnight Spark, now fully awakened, began to frantically pack a bag for herself. She packed a few books and some cloaks, and then she left her room. Midnight walked up to the door to Starry Skies room, and moved to open it. But it shot open, and the little filly ran out.
“Midnight, let’s go! Princess Luna needs us.” Shouted Starry Skies.
“But-… how did-… wait a minute. Who told you about this?” questioned Midnight Spark.
“Princess Luna did! I was having a bad dream, when all of the sudden I heard her voice. ‘Starry Skies, my little filly, don’t be afraid. Your dreams can’t hurt you. I am here for a reason; I came for your sister, Midnight Spark… and you. So I need you to wake up.’ And so I woke up and I ran to your door, and I heard you talking to Luna so I didn’t come in. Then when Luna was done talking, I ran back to my room an-…”
“Okay Star, I get it. Did you pack your cloaks and your journal?”
“Mmmm-hmmm!”
“Good. Now c’mon sis, Luna is waiting for us.”
Bittersweet Bickering
Midnight Spark and Starry Skies made their way out of the house. Luna was waiting next to a carriage pulled by pegasi of the Royal Guard.
"Are you two ready to go?" Asked Luna.
"Yes, Princess." Answered Midnight Spark.
The two sisters boarded the carriage, and the pegasi took off. Looking back at her house, Midnight Spark felt vaguely empty. Was it leaving her home that caused this? No, it was more than that.
"Take a good look at Manehattan, Star, because I have a feeling we might not see it anytime soon."
"What makes you say that, sis?"
"Just a feeling."
"Midnight, is everything alright?" Interjected the princess.
"Honestly, I don't know, Princess," Midnight responded "I wish it was, but all I can do is wait and find out if it is."
"Don't worry. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about."
"I hope so, Princess, I hope so." Midnight stated wistfully.
* * *
The rest of the trip was quiet. Starry Skies was looking at the scenery as they flew by, Princess Luna had departed during the flight to finish her royal duties, and Midnight Spark sat lost in thought.
"What could the emergency be?" Midnight muttered to herself. "It must be important if we had to come along. What if it's a test!? No, it can’t be. But what if it is? I don't think Star is ready to showcase her skills to Princess Celestia."
"I am too!" Cried out Starry Skies, overhearing her sister. "You don't know what I can do, Midnight! I've got more talent than most unicorns in all of Equestria. No one can compare to me! You don’t know a thing."
"You may be talented, but you always seem to forget the one lesson that really matters. 'Pride is acceptable so long as it doesn't turn into boastfulness. Always act with grace and humility or you’ll drive even the closest friends away.' And do you really think you are ready to show your skills to Celestia? The Princess who trained the most talented unicorn turned alicorn princess, Twilight Sparkle?"
"But I... I..."
"Exactly. Your pride doesn’t let you see reason. You have a lot to think about, little filly!"
Starry Skies turn away furiously. Midnight didn't need a sign to know that she had just hurt her sister's feelings. Midnight realized that she had gone over the line. She didn't want her sister anymore upset so she just sat quietly. Uneasiness loomed, but the two sisters didn't talk. Midnight sat trying to find the right words to comfort her sister's broken Spirit. She walked over and sat down next to Starry Skies. Starry Skies turned away, but Midnight spoke anyway.
"Star, I... I just... Look. I wanted to apologize. I shouldn't have said what I had said." Said Midnight softly. Starry Skies turned to her with teary eyes.
"Why are you apologizing? You didn't say anything wrong. You're right, I'm always too proud, and always making bad judgment. I need to be humble, but I'm not. I haven’t learned anything that Princess Luna taught; I'm not fit to be her student. I shouldn't have come." Starry Skies murmured. She wept lightly into Midnight's shoulder. Midnight hugged Starry Skies, and looked lovingly into her sister's watery eyes.
"Star, you are a proud little filly, but you're still just a filly, silly. You still have so much time to learn to be a better pony. If anything, I'm glad you're here. You know, I never told you this but... I don't know what I'd do without you." Her voice broke. "I'm only Luna's student because you inspired me to be the best I can be. You sat with me through the hard times, and you are as much Luna’s student as I am. Star, you shouldn't give up on yourself. I do want you to be great, to be somepony. I always have, since... Since M-m-mom and Dad-"
"Oh, Mid!" Squeaked Starry Skies. She hugged Midnight as tightly as she could. They sat hugging and crying for a little bit. They exchanged smiles and sat for a moment. Midnight then pulled out her books and began to study, she had to be ready to meet Celestia. Starry Skies sat down next to her. Eager to prove herself, she studied along.
Off to a Rough Start
After the summit, everyone headed toward the armory to prepare for their quest. Celestia told them that there was something important for each of them. Steel Mustang led Princess Luna and the five ponies to the armory. But Midnight had an unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't take it anymore, so she pulled Luna aside.
"Princess Luna, did you know about the gravity of this emergency?"
"No, Midnight Spark. I am just as perplexed by this as you are. This is worse than I thought."
"Of course it is! But why? Why did she want us to do this? We're just students. I'm not saying that it's a lost cause, but I'm not sure we're ready as a team."
"Look at it this way. If this... Corrupt Island does have the power to leech the life out of Equestria, the princesses need to make sure order is maintained while you are off completing this task."
"What about Twilight Sparkle and her friends? What about the Elements of Harmony?"
"It is true. Twilight and her friends have control over the Elements of Harmony, but the Elements may not be useful in combating the magic of this cursed land. They can, instead, provide a protection to prevent the spread of such a scourge. Also, I know this might be a bit much, but I hope you can lead this team of ponies. Celestia believes that you have expressed a deep understanding of what I have taught you. You have potential, and this could be the means of finding it."
"Lead this team? If we don't know each other well enough to work together, how exactly do you expect me to lead it. For me to lead them, I'd have to know them better, and I don't want to know some of them."
"You're talking about Sunset Shimmer, aren't you? Please be cordial with her. If there's anything that I've learned about you, it's that you're very vindictive. Remember, friendship can come from anywhere, but you have to be willing to accept a person's past. I know that she did some bad things, but Sunset Shimmer has changed; she isn't who she used to be. You have to forgive and let go, or these feelings could hinder you from completing your mission."
"Okay, Princess. I'll... try."
"Thank you. And don't worry, you'll be fine Midnight. Besides, Steel Mustang will be there to protect you and guide you, if you need help. Now let's hurry, everypony will be wondering where we went."
* * *
They arrived at the armory, only to find it locked.
"How are we going to get in?" Starry Skies asked Steel Mustang.
"This special armory has a magical lock that opens every hour on the hour, child. We'll just wait here; it'll open in a moment. Luna you should go, Celestia wanted to speak to you."
"Very well Steel Mustang, remember what I said Midnight." Midnight Spark nodded and Luna walked away.
Luna left the ponies alone. Steel Mustang stood near the door. Midnight retracted herself from the group to think. The two pegasi were whispering to each other. For a group that's supposed to work together, they were all apart. Midnight was still finding it hard to believe that they were to take on a force of immeasurable evil, but she had to continue searching for a way to unite these ponies under her. She looked up and saw the first step to her solution. Starry Skies. The little filly's vivacious personality lashed out to others, making them want to be friendly. Her little sister began a conversation with Sunset Shimmer. Despite her feelings, she allowed it. Midnight decided to take advantage of the situation and listen in.
"So you're Sunset Shimmer, right? I'm Starry Skies, one of Princess Luna's students. I'm from Manehattan. Where are you from? How did you get here? I came here on a carriage. Are you Princess Twilight's student?"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down dear, one question at a time."
Midnight smirked and waited to see what would happen next.
"Okay, let me start over." Starry Skies took a deep breath and then exhaled. "I'm Starry Skies."
"Hello, Starry Skies. I'm Sunset Shimmer."
"I came here from Manehattan with my sister, Midnight Spark. We're both students of Princess Luna."
"Really? Manehattan... interesting. I'm from Canterlot, and yes, I am Princess Twilight's student."
Twilight's student. Twilight's student? Midnight thought about it. Why would Twilight choose to take Sunset Shimmer under her wing? That no good pony tried to dismantle the Elements of Harmony! Midnight's anger just sparked. She kept listening to the conversation.
"Wait. You said you're from Canterlot, but you were late. How is that?"
"I was with Twilight Sparkle in Ponyville. She lives there."
"Oh, okay. And when did you become Twilight's student?"
Midnight couldn't restrain herself any longer.
"Yes, when DID you become Princess Twilight's student? When and why? Why you? I figured you'd be the last pony Princess Twilight would teach, considering what you've done."
Midnight walked up and continued glaring at Sunset Shimmer. Sunset Shimmer, taken aback by this, was trying to think of something to say.
"T-that was a long time ago. I didn't think-"
"What? You didn't think anyone would remember?"
"Midnight stop!" shouted Starry Skies
"Or did you just think that what you did wasn't that bad? The thief of an Element of Harmony, threatening to not only disrupt order in Equestria, but also to rule over it by overthrowing Celestia. Don't make me laugh."
“That’s enough, Midnight Spark.” interrupted Steel Mustang.
Now Sunset Shimmer was no longer reeling back. She had found her voice, as well as her anger.
“I've changed Midnight, I’m not who I used to be. Twilight took me under her wing because she knew that I could be better. The real question is why Luna chose you. You aren't special.”
“She chose me because… because…”
“Face it. She chose you because there wasn't a more pathetic unicorn in all of Equestria.”
“Lies!”
“I think not. From what I hear, your little sister is more talented than you. Luna only teaches you because you’re Starry Skies’s sister and you two are inseparable. If you weren't, she wouldn't have even bothered to know your name.”
That was it, the crushing blow. Midnight couldn't believe that she actually believed Sunset. Was what she said true? I didn't matter, she could no longer fight the tears streaming down her face. She had to leave, immediately.
“You know what? I don’t need this!!! Let someone else do this, I’m out of here.”
"Midnight, wait!" pleaded Starry Skies
Midnight stormed into the dark with tears in her eyes and Starry Skies on her tail. Sunset Shimmer stared angrily after Midnight Spark, but as her anger began to subside, she glanced around. Starry Skies came back slowly. She was out of breath and crying. It was clear that she couldn't catch up to Midnight Spark. The look that Steel Mustang cast at Sunset Shimmer was full of castigation as he tried to comfort Starry Skies. The black pegasus was sitting with a very disapproving expression on his face. The other pegasus just looked staggered by the events that had just unfolded in front of her. She flew off with the most confounded look on her face. Realization began to sink in, as the biting comments flew around in her head. Midnight was gone, and the others resented her. She had just made new enemies. Sunset had to fix this, but where would she start. She clearly had to begin with Starry Skies. The real question was, "How?".
“Starry Skies, I’m so sor-”
“D-d-don’t talk to me. I c-can’t believe you’d say those things! Y-you’re awful, j-j-just awful!”
“Mustang, you have to believe me! I didn't-”
“That was over the line. I was prepared to address Midnight Spark for her remarks, but you completely undermined me. Even worse, you might have just disbanded this team. You have a lot to think about, Sunset.”
Steel Mustang walked with Starry Skies into the gardens. Sunset turned to the black pegasus. He gave her a blank stare. It took him a minute to put the some words together.
“Man… just… wow.”
That was all that he could say. He then turned to look to the other pegasus, but she was already gone. He took off without another word, probably to search for his companion. Now alone, Sunset Shimmer was left to think. She had had some bad times, but she had never felt more alone in her life.
* * *
Midnight Spark walked down the darkened streets of Canterlot. She played back the argument with Sunset Shimmer over and over in her head. Her words ripped into Midnight like bullets, leaving her more than disheartened. She was devastated by it. She just couldn't handle all of these feelings, so she sat down on a bench and started to cry.
"Why me?" she cried, "Why do I stuck dealing with this? Why... why did Luna choose me?"
She couldn't believe what she was saying. Midnight had begun to doubt herself! Maybe she wasn't the right person for this job. Maybe Sunset Shimmer was right...
"Midnight?"
"Huh?"
Midnight lifted her head and found herself face to face one of the pegasi from the summit.
"Do you want to talk about it?" asked the pegasus sincerely.
"Talk about what? There's nothing wrong." persisted Midnight.
"C'mon Midnight. If there wasn't anything wrong, would you be sitting here and crying?"
"Okay." she took a deep breath, "It's just... difficult, having so much responsibility. So much is expected of you and you don't want to let anyone down. But I don't think I can do this."
"It does seem like a lot, but I believe the Princesses chose you to do this for a reason. They see something in you, and that's all that matters. You shouldn't let anyone tell you different, not even Sunset Shimmer."
"Sure, that's easy for you to say. You don't have the weight of Equestria riding on your shoulders."
"But I do, Midnight. We all do. When we accepted this mission, we took it upon ourselves to carry the same weight you do. It is true that you are expected to lead us, but you need to stop seeing us as kids that need babysitting.”
“I don’t!”
“Yes you do. I see it in your eyes… I want you to promise me something. Promise me that you will stop worrying about us, we can take care of ourselves and help you. Also, I want you to stop being so hard on yourself. You have so much to offer, but you have to be willing to take on this difficult task and not doubt yourself.”
“I…”
“Promise me.”
“Okay. I promise.”
“Thank you, Midnight.”
“No, thank you. It was great to talk to someone. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come along. By the way, I didn’t get your name.”
“It’s Dusklight Dancer. Now come on, we need to get back to the armory.”
The two ponies started toward the armory. Midnight couldn’t explain it, but this pony had something about her, something that made Midnight want to be friendly. She somehow gave off a warm feeling of friendship. Dusklight Dancer was the key. If Dusklight could make her feel that warmth, maybe she could make the other ponies feel it. Only one way to find out. Finally, a glimpse of light on this journey that was already off to a rough start.
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. The Time Between: "Come Back"
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. The Summit
Finally, the carriage arrived at its destination. Starry Skies peered out of the window, and what she saw bedazzled her. The royal city of Canterlot! It was such an amazing sight, even in the middle of the night. The two sisters got off and began walking toward the castle. The streets were emptied and barely lit. This happened to cast an eerie glow over everything, but the city still retained its regal beauty. At the end of the market street, the two ponies could see Princess Luna waiting, so they quickly galloped over.
“Princess!" They both shouted.
"Hello, girls. You arrived just in time. Now follow me, Celestia is waiting for us at the castle."
"So, is there anything else you can tell us, Princess?"
"No, Midnight Spark. I'm afraid everything will have to wait until the Princess Summit."
* * *
They continued onto the castle. The silence of the night was strangely soothing to Midnight's nerves. She felt relaxed as she walked through the doors into the meeting chamber. Midnight looked around and saw Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. Behind them, stood two pegasi. The black pegasus stood tall behind the two, while the other pegasus stood timidly behind them. Luna led them to her side of the table where they could see everyone clearly.
"Welcome Luna," announced Celestia, "and hello to your students as well."
"Thank you, sister. Is Twilight Sparkle not here yet?"
"I'm afraid not, but don't fret. She was meeting with her friends and will be here shortly." Luna nodded in response. "Now, I've obviously called you here for a reason. But, I'm not the one to deliver the information to you. Mustang!"
In walked a tall and stout stallion. His coat was a pale grey, and his eyes were a steely blue. He walked up to the table and cleared his throat.
"Good Evening, everyone. My name is Steel Mustang, and I'm here because an eminent danger has risen in Equestria. An ancient island has risen to the west. In olden pony times, this isle was known as the Corrupt Island. Long ago, the evil of that one island leached the life out of Equestria. Life was at the brink of destruction with no hope of survival. With only one chance left, a group of high elders known as the Lustrous Purifiers cast a spell that banished that small island into the depths of oblivion. The spell was supposed to keep this island contained forever, but the spell was broken by a force of pure evil. This is very serious as this spell was supposed to be unbreakable. This evil now threatens to consume the land in darkness as it once did long ago. If we do not find the source of this malevolence and destroy it, life as we know it will perish."
Steel Mustang finished his briefing. Midnight's mouth was agape as he stepped aside. She quickly closed her mouth and looked around. She saw the same astonished look on everyone's face, except for Celestia's.
"I have little knowledge of this land, and I fear that the Elements of Harmony won't be enough to contain it. I have summoned you all here to-"
"Sorry I'm late, everypony!"
"Twiley! Where were you, kiddo?" Shining Armor piped up.
"I was sending my friends out to inspect a few things. When I was done, I met up with Sunset Shimmer and rushed here."
"Your arrival is most fortunate Twilight. Come in, I must inform all of you."
Princess Twilight Sparkle walked into the chamber, followed by Sunset Shimmer. Midnight saw the unicorn and was suddenly filled with anger. She sat as quietly as she could while Twilight Sparkle and her student, Sunset Shimmer, came to the table.
"As I was saying," Celestia continued, "I have summoned all of you students to travel to the Corrupt Island to face this peril and neutralize it. I wouldn't have call upon you to complete such a dangerous task unless there was another way. The last thing I want is for my subjects to befall harm, but the fate of Equestria hangs in the balance. I ask for your aid. What say you, ponies? Will you help me?"
"I will gladly accept this mission." spoke out Midnight Spark.
"As will I." stated Sunset Shimmer. Midnight gave her a scowl.
"I'd love to" exclaimed Starry Skies, as she bounced around Midnight.
"I speak for both myself and Dusklight Dancer. We will join in this quest." said the black pegasus behind Shining Armor.
"What will you have me do, Princess Celestia?" interrupted Steel Mustang.
"Steel Mustang, as the captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard, Special Services Division, I want you to accompany and protect these ponies on their mission to protect Equestria."
"I will do my best, Princess. You have my word."
"Very well. This summit is adjourned. Dismissed"