Equestria Fantasy Iby PumbloomChaptersPrologueOf Balloonships and Fair MaidensThe Summer Sun CelebrationPrologueA long long time ago there were two sisters; One whose hair was pink as a kitten's nose and skin pale as snow and another whose hair flowed like the starry night and skin as dark as sapphires. They were gentle and kind, living with their mother and helping their fellow villagers where they were needed. They were well respected and loved, their magical prowess above all those who were gifted with the Unicorn's Horn. One Sister could intensify the sunlight and make the crop grow while the other could dim the moon and help the restless sleep. It had been this way since they were children, their Marks of Cuterus coming to them so early it had almost been unheard of. As the sisters grew they became aware of the problems with the world, leaving their village to try and help those who needed them most. The older took the younger's hand and they left. Their journey was long, the individual stories lost to time itself, but all knew that they did nothing but good as they traveled the land of Equestria. They were overjoyed to do so much good, always helping, never hurting or upsetting. However all good things must come to an end. This end came in the form of Discord, a beast whose very existence made no sense. Confused they tried to expel him with their magics, but thwarted they were as quickly as they blinked. He rampaged on, the two girls upset and confused as their home destroyed. It wasn't long before they attempted to aide their fellow villagers, each attempt ended by Discord gruesomely. They had never seen so much hate, and for the first time the eldest sister grew upset. She raised the sun so high it burned the villagers skin and blinded Discord. The youngest sister responded with fear, raising the moon and flooding the village with the local rivers and fountains. Ashamed at themselves they fled, the moon staying where it stood in the sky. The Youngest illuminated the stars to help them navigate, Discord's roars echoing through the forest. It wasn't long before they came upon a tree, collapsing on it and crying together over their sins. They had hurt the ones they loved and failed to save the village, all the while failing to defeat a beast they had never seen before. The oldest begged and prayed for forgivness, the youngest apologizing and asking for her sister to calm. As they spoke the different tree began to glow white in the distance. The Sisters made their way to it, prepared for the end and broken. However they were greeted with light not death, a tree with gems the likes they had never seen. The eldest turned to her little sister and smiled, prepared to sacrifice herself on the tree; heart so heavy with guilt for what she had done she was ready to sacrifice herself for her people. "But you mustn't my dearest Celestia!" the youngest called, " Think of all the good we have done!" A gem lit up on the tree, but neither saw. "Yes but I hurt my people..." Celestia looked down and put a hand on the other's shoulder, " Oh Luna you were always so Loyal..." Another Gem illuminated itself. "Of course...I would never leave my sister! We cannot have light without darkness, no good without evil! Without us Discord would rule over the land. We must do something! We can do something! You're being irrational and stupid Celestia, and you need to stop!" Another Gem. "But our people..." "We have given countless blessings and gifts and help to others! This is just another obstacle! We can heal them...please..." The youngest began to cry, hugging her sister close. Celestia pet her Luna's head and llifted her chin, " remember that time we made mother upset by turning her pie into crows?" Luna laughed a bit, wiping a few tears, " Yeah? She was so mad..." Two more gems lit up as the sister's began to cry again. Their Embrace though made the whole tree glow like starlight, a final sixth gem appearing in the heart of the tree. They looked up slowly, blinded as magic engulfed them and imbued them with six objects in the form of crystals in their wrists and chests. Baffled they looked up at the now dimmed tree, Luna standing and looking at herself. " Come sister, we must defeat him..." They took themselves to the village where Discord lay in pain, their newfound magics engulfing him in stone. That was not the only thing it did, it healed the villagers and changed and fixed the village itself. Celestia stared on as she raised the sun once more, their fellow friends and family coming to them to thank them for all they had done. For a long time they once more ruled over their land, a castle built in their honor. The magic they had inherited changed them, Alicorns they were now called. The people praised that they were all three species of pony at once, their gifts proof of this. They were revered as goddesses, but the girls were more humble then that. For a long time they raised the sun and lowered the moon from their castle, their elements left on a pedestal for emergencies only. They ruled together for undress of years, their status as Alicorns leaving them with long lives, some even claiming immortal. However the long peace under their reign would not last long... One day though, Celestia came to her sister brooding at the window. "Luna? what are you doing up their so early, it is not time to raise the moon..." She took a step closer, a bolt of magic stopping her in her tracks. "Not another step..." "I don't understand...what's gotten into you lately. You've not been acting yourself..." "Did you really expect me to sit idly by while they all basked in your precious light!" "Precious Light? Luna...I" "There can only be one princess in Equestria, and that Princess. WILL. BE. ME!" and with that she smashed the guard on the pedestal; an effigy to the princesses together as equal.s The smash sent a crack up the wall until it shattered a window, the shards falling to reveal the moon rising way too early. Luna stood there with her hands raised, a her shadow raising and engulfing her into a ball of darkness. The woman that emerged from it was not her sister, but a monster. "Luna..." "I am not your precious Luna...I am more powerful then you will ever be!" "No..." Celestia tried to run to her sister's aide, halted by a powerful blast that sent her across the throne room. She was amazed and horrified, what could bring her sister to do this. As the creature that was now her sister flew through the window she looked up at the elements. The village below turned to great Luna, confused by the sudden raising of the moon, " Luna...Luna it is too soon for the night?!" "FOOLS!" She cried, obliterating the villager, " There will always be night, from now until the end of time; AND I NIGHTMARE MOON SHALL BE YOUR RULER!" A long Cackle sent the villagers scrambling to their homes as she raised herself high into the air. Shadows were spread to terrorize and punish, " you will regret sleeping through my precious night you peons! I will make you bed for forgiveness...beg for mercy!" Celestia lay there against the pedestal, crying slowly as she tried to gather herself. One by one the gems glowed, embracing her in a light. " There must be light...We cannot have light without darkness, no good without evil..." The words were barely a whisper, the transformed Celestia following her sister out the window. They say the battle between the two was short, the older over overpowering the younger. They say she cried as she begged her sister to ask for forgiveness and stop this silly game. In the end though she was forced to banish the youngest sister to the moon. It wasn't long before she abandoned her castle, finding a new home in a place called Canterlot. From their she continued her rule, training young unicorns and watching over the land. She raised the sun and lowered the moon all her own, the elements lost to her. They say there are nights where she cries to the moon, but to see such a sight is not spoken of, not even among the unicorn guard. Of Balloonships and Fair MaidensShe had been sitting in her quarters for hours, sighing heavily and looking around her quarters. She found books she had read already and failed potions she wish she could toss over the side of the airship. Standing Twilight began to look for Spike, whom she found curled up in a pile of blankets and warm potions. She scowled and yanked the blanket from him, magic holding up the potions to prevent breakage. The tiny dragon was spun to the floor, yelling loudly as he did so. He rubbed his head and looked up at his disapproving master. "There is no time for sleeping Spike! We are in charge of the Summer Sun Celebration! The princess sent us here for an important reason besides IGNORING THE PROPHECY! Ugh..." and with that she collapsed back on the bed, the potions gently landing on the floor as Spike climbed up on her. She sighed and picked up the book again, Spike finding a spot to rest his head between her breast. His eyes stayed concentrated on her worried expression, wings expnding outwards to take the book from her. "Stop worrying about that so much Twilight, " He raised his head to get up and nuzzle her face, " Princess Celestia knows what she's doing, you know that! If not then she wouldn't have sent us! Calm down Twilight...please?" She smiled slowly and pet the side of his head, " I guess...I just can't help but worry y'know? All those stories...those legends...the book itself. This is more then fake...I really think-" "Will you stop?!" he spurted fire at her, his wings spreading to fly away immediately. That would earn him a good transformation spell if he did it wrong. "GAH SPIKE!" She cried, sitting up and flailing the fire away, " What have I told you about doing...THAT!" She really didn't have words for it besides sounds and exclamations. She was ready to chase him when Unicorn guard interrupted the chase and magic bath Spike was about to endure. They both stopped, Spike returning to her shoulders as she walked towards the guard. "Royal Mage Twilight Sparkle reporting!" She replied, bowing once and awaiting orders. "We are approaching the town of Ponyville, are you prepared to land Miss Twilight Sparkle?" His armour shined gold in the light of the rising sun, an arm going to his right shoulder to salute. "Yes! I am prepared and ready for my duties!" They bowed at each other as the guard walked away, the door shutting with a mechanical whir. She sighed and looked at Spike, " I don't want to go...I'd be more useful elsewhere..." She hung her head and sighed, Spikes reassuring nuzzle not even making her mood higher. With a turn on her hooves Twilight went to her books splayed about slowly packing them into the suitcases she had sprawled about the room. Potions were also packed with care, tightly in leather no less. The expression on her face was depressed, Spike having given up and laying down now on the bed with a gem to occupy his teeth...and appetite. ========== The ship was guided by ropes and pegasi, landed smoothly as could be for the Princesses personal vessel. The whole town was there, gathered to see who would be arriving so announced. Maybe the Princess herself was coming to inspect the celebration. A certain blue pegasi stood near the others, interested and taking advantage of her wings to get a better view. The front entrance whirred open as a ramp slowly ejected itself from the bottom of the vessel, the crowd collectively stepping back. Twilight Sparkle kept her hood up as she stepped down, her bags floating behind her entrapped in a magical aura. Spike took the opportunity to fly, spreading his wings and doing a few loops and turns around her. The crowd was in awe, to see a tamed dragon familiar was so rare and unusual. No one had words, no one but another Pegasi who was clearly hiding as far away from the ruckus as possible. Of course no one noticed she had not come to see the festival, she hardly socialized as it were. "Announcing the arrival of the Princesses' Personal Student: Twilight Sparkle of Canterlot!" The crowd cheered for her, Twilight just wanting to inspect and go home to study. She wanted nothing with these commoners, these...she didn't even have a word for them. The guard who announced her fell into line of her escort, leading her all the way to the old library where she would be staying. Once inside and by herself she looked around and found a book to read, curling up on the bed that had been prepared for her. Spike sat himself on her book and put his claws on the side of her head. The crowd outside was peaking in at her, Spike whipping his tail and closing the blinds. "Come on Twilight! We have to do as Celestia asked, these books will be here once we get back. Just a few hours ok? Besides, maybe making friends would be good for you?" "Friends?" She scoffed, " I have books, I don't need friends. Well and Shining Armor!" "Yeah that's a little out there, come on Twilight!" He opened his mouth and grabbed her tail, yanking her off the bed until she was dangling a few feet from the floor and away from the bed. She was screaming and flailing in protest as she was dropped on her face. "SPIKE!" "TWILIGHT!" He mocked back, handing her a parchment and quil. " Come on! You have a list of duties tot he Princess! Get going!" He nudged her right out the door without letting her reply. "We don't even know what these Ponies are like?! You saw how they stared at us? They'll probably be wanting autographs or something stupid..." "Or maybe they're really friendly! Country folk are always friendly and you know it!" "I don't!" "What about saying hi to someone..." He quipped, flying besides her. "Fine...just so you'll shut up..." Of course the first person she came across was as strange as strange could be. Decorated in bright colors and covered in weirdly runed holsters, the pink haired pink skinned woman stopped to stare at Twilight. She must have been an earth pony, she had no horn and no wings. However she was unusual, her aura oddly magical. They said Earth Ponies were magical, but exactly how was never explained nor known. "Hello..." Twilight smiled awkwardly, waving a bit to the other slowly. The response she received was a jump, a scree, and a sudden disappearance of the other. Twilight was left with a look of awe, turning her head to Spike and bopping him on the head. " Yeah, really friendly...ass." She grunted, walking away towards a farm that loomed on the high hill to the east of the town. "Hey! Princess Celestia ordered you to make friends any-" "Shut it Spike...I know what the letter said." She was walking faster away from this dragon by the second. Only wanting to get everything finished and sleep. She followed the path given on the map, going up the hill with a huff. The hill was steep and Twilight wasn't used to such terrain. Spike sighed and followed, noting a young woman around Twilight's age and a younger woman. With a jump in the air he went foreword to greet them. Twilight rolled her eyes and followed him, she wanted to avoid this at all cost. "Why hello there Ma'am! You must be the Inspector everyone's been a busyin' about!" She bowed to the other before shushing her sister away. " Would you like to come sample the food? We brought the whole apple family to help bake!" "That's nice? So nothing bad or any bumps in the road?" "We're not staying to try anything?" "Spike!" "Won't you miss?" Applejack piped in, " The whole family would love to meet you! I'm Applejack by the way! Nice to meet you!" and with that she wrapped an arm around Twilight and brought her to meet the family. This is not what she wanted, not at all. Oh great Celestia this is NOT what she wanted. She sighed as she was dragged along, the farm around her impressive and actually distracting for a moment. How on earth did they even get such wondrous apples to grow. She even saw ones that were in colors you don't normally see like blue and purple. "Well Howdy Lady!" Applebloom ran up to the two and waved at her. " I'm Applebloom!" She beamed as her sister shook her head. "Now now little Sister, what did I say about yer manners around the Royal Inspector?" She raised an eyebrow at her little sister, smiling a moment before pulling out the only chair visible for Twilight. "Why don't you sit down while we bring out the food." "Heh...sounds good..." She looked at Applebloom, turning her head a bit. Her skin tone matched Applejack's hair...how odd. That hair seamed to match a male who was coming behind Applejack with a whole slew of people. "Excuse me...Applebloom. Who are they?" "The Apple Family! They all brought you something!" "All brought me something? How many of you are there?" "You mean Apples?" Applebloom smiled wide, " Why there's hundreds of us!" She jumped a moment and was scolded by her sister again as Twilight SParkle was brought so many food items that by the time she was done she felt like a balloon ready to pop. Spike snickered as she groaned herself out of her chair, thanked the others and tried to escape as soon as she could. "I am done with this town...whose next?" She groaned as she stumbled along with a full belly. She prayed her next job was easier. "Weather...the weather Pegasi in charge is named Rainbow Dash." "Oh yay..." She was interrupted by a lightning bolt and a slip into a puddle of mud. With an angry grit of her teeth she stood up slowly and stared up at the sky, " Oh look...a slacker. Lovely. Glad to know this town has it's priorities straightened out..." "Hey!" The Pegasi quipped, slipping off the cloud she was on to get to her level. " I am not a slacker?! This is just too easy of a job" "Right? Let me guess you do it really fast right?" "Well...yeah...I...I'm a mechanic first alright? Of all the weather ponies they asked me! While I was working!" "You were sleeping on a cloud?" Twilight wanted to puke right about now, but she had to hold it in. "I was resting! Look...I can take care of the impending weather in ten seconds! Get off my back!" Twilight was about to get offended when Spike nudged her and piped in, " Prove it then! I'd like to see that." Rainbow Dash's face changed to one of supreme confidence as she jumped up, wings flapping, and suddenly there was nothing but flashes of blue. However in the end the sky was in fact clear. "Can you do this tomorrow morning if requested?" "Duh! It's easy...e.a.s.y." She crossed her arms and nodded. "Good! I'll see you later goodbye." Twilight was quick to walk off, she was in the mood for a local cafe she could barf at in the bathroom. Spike gave a better goodbye for her as she departed, Rainbow dash saluting and disappearing off elsewhere for the time being. Spike found Twilight puking her lunch up in the bathroom of a small coffee cafe, a spell cast to mask the sounds and smells it may have caused. " What..." She heaved a moment before continuing, " next?" "Decorations." "Ugh..." and with that she trudged her way out of the stall, flushing with her foot and exiting the cafe. She looked around, town hall was where she would need to be. Town hall wasn't hard to find either, slowly making her way towards it with Spike not too far behind with his list. The door to the hall was locked, something Twilight undid with ease. Opening it made way for the most gorgeous decorating Twilight had ever seen, and in the center was a woman so beautiful it made Twilight Question a few things... "Oh my GOODNESS there is no way you're walking around like that!" She exclaimed as she turned to see who had broken in. " You're covered in dirt and look like a stampede in a mud pile come here!" and it was here Twilight was forced to get herself a makeover, the other unicorn too attentive to her captor to allow the other to even ask about the Summer Sun Celebration. In the end though Twilight was happier to be less disheveled and more beautiful, thanking Rarity. "I'm sorry my dear but I simply could not allow such a pretty pony to walk around like THAT! Who did this to you anyway?" "Someone named Rainbow Dash!" She replied, admiring herself in a mirror. "Oh...yes...pranks are her...hobby...like her airships." She sneered and checked her nails, " I recognize you as the woman who walked out from that lovely airship. Who are you anyway?" "Twilight Sparkle, I'm here to inspect preparation for the Summer Sun Celebration. How is everything going for you?" "Wonderful! I'm almost done actually! Was that all? I could make you an outfit for tomorrow?" "No no...thank you but I'm fine! I have my duties to attend to..." She laughed nervously and looked for Spike, the dragon staring at Rarity in awe this whole time. " See you tomorrow then!" "I guess...good bye then sweety! Be careful of Rainbow Dash!" "Will do!" Twilight was overjoyed that went so much better, and with a makeover as well to go with it. Snickering at Spike she taunted him and he bantered back. They did this all the way to the forest where they met a yellow Pegasus who was conducting a bird symphony? "Hello?" The birds dispersed so fast as did the Pegasus. Twilight Sparkle blinked and realized she had to find this pony, " Hello? Miss..." she checked the paper, " Fluttershy?" "A DRAGON!" That voice was so squeaky it made her cringe, but it was also a lovely pitch period. Goodness, what a well kept Pony for someone who lived so far out here. "Yes...he is a baby dragon. My familiar actually! His name is Spike!" "I've never seen a baby Dragon before! How wonderful!" She pulled a treat to feed him from her pocket, petting him and cuddling him. "So...music is good?" "Y-yes..." The other Pony was so quiet Spike had to nod for Twilight to get it. It wasn't very long before he was yanked from her arms, given the " see you tomorrow" speech and dragged back to the library. He protested every foot they went, wanting to socialize more much to his liking. ================================================== The surprise party that she was greeted with by the pink pony was the last thing she wanted, as was the hot sauce cocktail she accidentally made. The night ended with Twilight Sparkle magically locking herself in her room, groaning and moaning about this tiny stupid town she was stuck in. She watched the moon, sighing once more, " Oh Celestia...please bring me back to Canterlot with you. I hate it here...I hate it here a lot..." The Summer Sun Celebration The dawn could not have come any faster for Twilight. The music down below ran rampant all through the night with the sounds of happy residents. Twilight Sparkle thanked Celestia when the time to rise came about, groggily sitting up and yawning. She felt as dead as a doornail, her eyelids heavy with unclaimed sleep. Gently shivering, her body begged for Twilight to go back down into the warm grip of her blankets, but alas she had a duty to her princess to uphold. The sounds of drunken ponies still lingering down below as she slid out of her little nest, the gentle glow of pre-dawn kissing her face. With each slow step her hooves brought her to her bathroom, her morning routine washing the sleep from her body like shed skin. When she emerged in her new robes her hair was done just right, her horn buffed and new bangles on her wrist. All this lavishness for the Princess, but any Canterlotian knew that to look regal was to be proper. Slowly she came down the stairs, ponies leaving through the door to go to the town hall. She found Spike curled up in his bed by a windowsill, a small smile curling her lips up. There were times she felt so motherly for her familiar, other times like a big sister with the patience of a bee. She found Pinkie Pie sitting on a chair with her legs crossed and her hands clasped around a mug of beer. Twilight was about to ask of she was legal to drink that, but then again this girl was so weird that she stopped caring at this point. "Hello Twilight! I see somepony missed the party last night!" Her perky attitude had no end it felt, the pink girl had a boundless container of spunk and emotion. Twilight uncrossed those thick legs of hers, stood up, and strode across the room to the other," What's with the duds Twilight?" "They're not 'duds' Pinkie, they're royal robes. In fact they're my royal robes that are traditionally worn for occasions like this..." Twilight Sparkle had no patience for this silly filly, but then again she was elated someone noticed that she was dressed up for the occasion. This strange girl was the only pony she had seen from yesterday, maybe now was a good time for questions as she got ready for the sunrise." So Pinkie, why did you gasp and run when you saw me?" A tea kettle was placed on the stove, Twilight motioning to Pinkie who nodded back as a yes to the tea. "Oh! That's because I had never seen you before! I just knew you were new from the moment I laid eyes on you!! I missed the airship landing, so I just figured you were the diplomat landing in Ponyville. I never thought you'd be so youthful though..." " Is that bad?" Twilight looked up from the cups she was putting the tea bags into. "No, just always thought that you were the assumption that anyone working for Celestia was old and wrinkly, not fun at all! Or gorgeous!!" Pinkie's face became attentive as she leaned forward to stare at the other. "O-oh? W-well thank you Miss Pie..." Twilight wasn't sure how to respond to that. In Canterlot the compliments were always generally just formal and polite, mostly because of her status as Celestia's personal ward. "Pinkie Pie! " The correction was quick and to the point, so curt for someone who was so high energy, although the formality of the moment was lost when she threw a party in the library. "Right..." Twilights response was quick, putting out the teacups and pouring the water for the other. The tea was hastily downed, Twilight keeping track of the time as she did spells to clean up her house. "Such a mess..." "Oh...yeah, sorry about that. I meant to clean up while you were at the summer sun celebration but being in your new house without your permission would be weird," she was too perky for having partied all night. Twilight felt like a rock...just how??? "Just a little, but I do appreciate the offer Miss...erm. Pinkie." Her gaze went up to her clock, her pace suddenly quickened. “Pinkie Pie the celebration is about to start! We have to go! I have to go! Ooooh!” She looked at Spike sleeping and decided he wasn’t coming, especially since he was still a baby and needed his sleep. Pinkie Pie was quick to jump up and exit the building before Twilight could grab the key to her front door. In the scramble she forgot to turn off lights and blow out candles, but she doubted that any real danger would come about. The candles were old and kept going out, in fact she was sure they were all almost extinguished. Her hooves pounded against the ground as her heart raced in her chest. How dare she be late for Princess Celestia’s raising of the sun, her most faithful student indeed… “Miss Twilight Sparkle!” A voice called to her, a colt with a white coat in heavy armor approaching her. “Your viewing spot has been reserved, please follow me.” and with that he walked through the crowd, cutting it like a warm knife in butter with Twilight following close behind. She watched the others speak in hushed voices and fawn over her, what Pinkie said coming to her mind. She blushed, feeling some kind of pride she had never felt before, was it a genuine emotion? She couldn’t be sure. Bumping into the guard she laughed a little and bowed, thanking him and taking her spot in the town hall. Her eyes went around the crowd, finding the people she had been introduced to; Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and even Pinkie Pie. All of them unique and just as colorful as the ponies back home which was surprising. She had expected dullness and awful education all around, stuff of gossip and general down speaking. Ponyville was the commoner’s village, where the races came to mingle and the poor and desolate settled down. Well...that’s what had been flown around her ears all her life between the general civilians and upper crusts of Canterlot. However, Celestia had taught her to be kind and open, loving and see oneself as equal to the peers around her. The advice still never really helped the prejudices burned into her personality throughout life. Even her parents and brother weren’t without some kind of dislike, her parents especially. The only thing that came out of Shining Armor’s mouth regarding such a thing was when he got incompetent guards in his squad. She giggled a bit thinking about it, images of childhood coming up as well. She would miss her brother while she was here, but perhaps she didn’t have to stay here too long. She desperately hoped not, but only because she couldn’t stand being here any longer. She did admit they were kind, but way too touchy feely for her to enjoy. The lights began to dim, the crowds hushed whispers going silent. Morning birds could be heard singing notes high and glorious to the sun that brought them great joy and light. There was a sudden scent on the air, the start of dew. That’s what it was, sweet dew and a little chill that came with that tome of the morning. When the earth got a good chance to cool off and take a breather from the warmth of the sun. There the Mayor took her stand, her grey mane waved so carefully and pinned in all the right places. She wore a suite that was pleasant to the eyes, a little green ribbon around her neck under the collar. Her tiny glasses were adjusted as she cleared her throat, the crowd looking up at her intently for news of the Princess. Every year all of Ponyville had hoped for a chance to hope the Summer Sun Celebration would be hosted right in there hometown. Every few years Celestia would move the party outside of Canterlot, and here she was. Everyone was so elated that several parties were thrown at once. Even the Mayor had been to them, seen undone and drunk for the first time in ages. “Ladies and Gentlecolts. Many of you, including I, are honored to have Princess Celestia herself in our presence. As many of you know this is a big step for Ponyville, and as a town we are honoured to have her highness in our presence. Let us all take a round of applause for our Princess! Everpony Princess Celestia!” She stood to the side as the curtains behind her drew and the spotlights focused where the Princess wa- Or Should be... The Mayor was the first to be alarmed, Twilight Sparkle the second. The guards were third as the crowd gasped right behind them, galloping to the stage and hustling ponies out of the way to investigate the area. Twilight Sparkle stepped forward, her eyes going up to the moon. No way...and the Princess wouldn’t listen to her. The other girls from earlier took notice to how she was reacting to this situation, coming forward to question her before the moon suddenly darkened, and a great shadow filled the room. The Shadow was unusual, like stars in a dark blanket. It was like the night sky in a wisp of smoke, a burden on the daylight that wasn’t coming. A great laugh echoed through the hall, the ponies quickly panicking and beginning to shout. The guards were huddled where it began to gather, their spears and swords out to defend themselves. The laugh grew and grew until it was a cacophony of sound equaling cannon fire. The mist formed to create the form of a beautiful woman in a gorgeous armor. It was both sexy and a little ridiculous with the design in mind for combat. There were long pieces of silk that flowed from all around, almost like a delicate cloud of elegance around her. Her skin was dark as the night, her eyes a regal blue, her teeth like shark teeth and her horn long and sharp. Her wings were folded at her side but clearly this Alicorn before them was not the kind Princess they all knew. “Well well well, what a wonderful gathering you have here…” She eyed around the crowd, “I’ve been gone for so long...I wonder how many of you know who I am? Hm??” she stood and scratched her chin, her slitted eyes settling on the Mayor as if she would know. She appeared to become angry as the seconds ticked on. Her arm raised before someone’s voice echoed above all the others. “Nightmare Moon!” Twilight Sparkle stepped forward once more. “Well now, finally someone who knows my name.” She cackled again and stared out the window, the sun setting as she laughed more. “It doesn’t matter, I have your precious precious Princess! You will never see her again so long as I’m around, there is no pony as strong as I!” She chortled again as the guards were thrown across the room. The crowd exploded in shrieks, the Mayor jumping over the balcony into the people below. She was caught with open hands who helped her to safety, Twilight Sparkle also being pulled back by the crowd. They wanted to keep everyone away from the beast at the platform above. It was clear that the alicorn before them was elated in this reaction, her chuckling erupting into heinous laughter. “I think I will be queen here for a long time, maybe I will move my castle outside the town instead of in Canterlot…” She felt that the fear in the air was enough for her...for now. “Well now, I will see you guys sometime soon, I wish to talk with the purple one about what she knows.” The lack of action against this newcomer was out of shock if anything, no one knew how to react to this. There were whispers and murmurs that elated into points at Twilight Sparkle. It wasn’t long before the five from before began to go quiet, a plan formulating amongst them through looks and nods. Twilight Sparkle was clearly getting flustered, her voice raising as she tried to defend herself. Slowly she moved towards the exit, finally her horn glowing as she winked out of the town hall. She appeared in her new living space, her heart pounding and her eyes filled with tears. She was frightened, frightened and upset. Where was her Princess? Why did Nightmare Moon Single her out? What was going on?
PrologueA long long time ago there were two sisters; One whose hair was pink as a kitten's nose and skin pale as snow and another whose hair flowed like the starry night and skin as dark as sapphires. They were gentle and kind, living with their mother and helping their fellow villagers where they were needed. They were well respected and loved, their magical prowess above all those who were gifted with the Unicorn's Horn. One Sister could intensify the sunlight and make the crop grow while the other could dim the moon and help the restless sleep. It had been this way since they were children, their Marks of Cuterus coming to them so early it had almost been unheard of. As the sisters grew they became aware of the problems with the world, leaving their village to try and help those who needed them most. The older took the younger's hand and they left. Their journey was long, the individual stories lost to time itself, but all knew that they did nothing but good as they traveled the land of Equestria. They were overjoyed to do so much good, always helping, never hurting or upsetting. However all good things must come to an end. This end came in the form of Discord, a beast whose very existence made no sense. Confused they tried to expel him with their magics, but thwarted they were as quickly as they blinked. He rampaged on, the two girls upset and confused as their home destroyed. It wasn't long before they attempted to aide their fellow villagers, each attempt ended by Discord gruesomely. They had never seen so much hate, and for the first time the eldest sister grew upset. She raised the sun so high it burned the villagers skin and blinded Discord. The youngest sister responded with fear, raising the moon and flooding the village with the local rivers and fountains. Ashamed at themselves they fled, the moon staying where it stood in the sky. The Youngest illuminated the stars to help them navigate, Discord's roars echoing through the forest. It wasn't long before they came upon a tree, collapsing on it and crying together over their sins. They had hurt the ones they loved and failed to save the village, all the while failing to defeat a beast they had never seen before. The oldest begged and prayed for forgivness, the youngest apologizing and asking for her sister to calm. As they spoke the different tree began to glow white in the distance. The Sisters made their way to it, prepared for the end and broken. However they were greeted with light not death, a tree with gems the likes they had never seen. The eldest turned to her little sister and smiled, prepared to sacrifice herself on the tree; heart so heavy with guilt for what she had done she was ready to sacrifice herself for her people. "But you mustn't my dearest Celestia!" the youngest called, " Think of all the good we have done!" A gem lit up on the tree, but neither saw. "Yes but I hurt my people..." Celestia looked down and put a hand on the other's shoulder, " Oh Luna you were always so Loyal..." Another Gem illuminated itself. "Of course...I would never leave my sister! We cannot have light without darkness, no good without evil! Without us Discord would rule over the land. We must do something! We can do something! You're being irrational and stupid Celestia, and you need to stop!" Another Gem. "But our people..." "We have given countless blessings and gifts and help to others! This is just another obstacle! We can heal them...please..." The youngest began to cry, hugging her sister close. Celestia pet her Luna's head and llifted her chin, " remember that time we made mother upset by turning her pie into crows?" Luna laughed a bit, wiping a few tears, " Yeah? She was so mad..." Two more gems lit up as the sister's began to cry again. Their Embrace though made the whole tree glow like starlight, a final sixth gem appearing in the heart of the tree. They looked up slowly, blinded as magic engulfed them and imbued them with six objects in the form of crystals in their wrists and chests. Baffled they looked up at the now dimmed tree, Luna standing and looking at herself. " Come sister, we must defeat him..." They took themselves to the village where Discord lay in pain, their newfound magics engulfing him in stone. That was not the only thing it did, it healed the villagers and changed and fixed the village itself. Celestia stared on as she raised the sun once more, their fellow friends and family coming to them to thank them for all they had done. For a long time they once more ruled over their land, a castle built in their honor. The magic they had inherited changed them, Alicorns they were now called. The people praised that they were all three species of pony at once, their gifts proof of this. They were revered as goddesses, but the girls were more humble then that. For a long time they raised the sun and lowered the moon from their castle, their elements left on a pedestal for emergencies only. They ruled together for undress of years, their status as Alicorns leaving them with long lives, some even claiming immortal. However the long peace under their reign would not last long... One day though, Celestia came to her sister brooding at the window. "Luna? what are you doing up their so early, it is not time to raise the moon..." She took a step closer, a bolt of magic stopping her in her tracks. "Not another step..." "I don't understand...what's gotten into you lately. You've not been acting yourself..." "Did you really expect me to sit idly by while they all basked in your precious light!" "Precious Light? Luna...I" "There can only be one princess in Equestria, and that Princess. WILL. BE. ME!" and with that she smashed the guard on the pedestal; an effigy to the princesses together as equal.s The smash sent a crack up the wall until it shattered a window, the shards falling to reveal the moon rising way too early. Luna stood there with her hands raised, a her shadow raising and engulfing her into a ball of darkness. The woman that emerged from it was not her sister, but a monster. "Luna..." "I am not your precious Luna...I am more powerful then you will ever be!" "No..." Celestia tried to run to her sister's aide, halted by a powerful blast that sent her across the throne room. She was amazed and horrified, what could bring her sister to do this. As the creature that was now her sister flew through the window she looked up at the elements. The village below turned to great Luna, confused by the sudden raising of the moon, " Luna...Luna it is too soon for the night?!" "FOOLS!" She cried, obliterating the villager, " There will always be night, from now until the end of time; AND I NIGHTMARE MOON SHALL BE YOUR RULER!" A long Cackle sent the villagers scrambling to their homes as she raised herself high into the air. Shadows were spread to terrorize and punish, " you will regret sleeping through my precious night you peons! I will make you bed for forgiveness...beg for mercy!" Celestia lay there against the pedestal, crying slowly as she tried to gather herself. One by one the gems glowed, embracing her in a light. " There must be light...We cannot have light without darkness, no good without evil..." The words were barely a whisper, the transformed Celestia following her sister out the window. They say the battle between the two was short, the older over overpowering the younger. They say she cried as she begged her sister to ask for forgiveness and stop this silly game. In the end though she was forced to banish the youngest sister to the moon. It wasn't long before she abandoned her castle, finding a new home in a place called Canterlot. From their she continued her rule, training young unicorns and watching over the land. She raised the sun and lowered the moon all her own, the elements lost to her. They say there are nights where she cries to the moon, but to see such a sight is not spoken of, not even among the unicorn guard.
Of Balloonships and Fair MaidensShe had been sitting in her quarters for hours, sighing heavily and looking around her quarters. She found books she had read already and failed potions she wish she could toss over the side of the airship. Standing Twilight began to look for Spike, whom she found curled up in a pile of blankets and warm potions. She scowled and yanked the blanket from him, magic holding up the potions to prevent breakage. The tiny dragon was spun to the floor, yelling loudly as he did so. He rubbed his head and looked up at his disapproving master. "There is no time for sleeping Spike! We are in charge of the Summer Sun Celebration! The princess sent us here for an important reason besides IGNORING THE PROPHECY! Ugh..." and with that she collapsed back on the bed, the potions gently landing on the floor as Spike climbed up on her. She sighed and picked up the book again, Spike finding a spot to rest his head between her breast. His eyes stayed concentrated on her worried expression, wings expnding outwards to take the book from her. "Stop worrying about that so much Twilight, " He raised his head to get up and nuzzle her face, " Princess Celestia knows what she's doing, you know that! If not then she wouldn't have sent us! Calm down Twilight...please?" She smiled slowly and pet the side of his head, " I guess...I just can't help but worry y'know? All those stories...those legends...the book itself. This is more then fake...I really think-" "Will you stop?!" he spurted fire at her, his wings spreading to fly away immediately. That would earn him a good transformation spell if he did it wrong. "GAH SPIKE!" She cried, sitting up and flailing the fire away, " What have I told you about doing...THAT!" She really didn't have words for it besides sounds and exclamations. She was ready to chase him when Unicorn guard interrupted the chase and magic bath Spike was about to endure. They both stopped, Spike returning to her shoulders as she walked towards the guard. "Royal Mage Twilight Sparkle reporting!" She replied, bowing once and awaiting orders. "We are approaching the town of Ponyville, are you prepared to land Miss Twilight Sparkle?" His armour shined gold in the light of the rising sun, an arm going to his right shoulder to salute. "Yes! I am prepared and ready for my duties!" They bowed at each other as the guard walked away, the door shutting with a mechanical whir. She sighed and looked at Spike, " I don't want to go...I'd be more useful elsewhere..." She hung her head and sighed, Spikes reassuring nuzzle not even making her mood higher. With a turn on her hooves Twilight went to her books splayed about slowly packing them into the suitcases she had sprawled about the room. Potions were also packed with care, tightly in leather no less. The expression on her face was depressed, Spike having given up and laying down now on the bed with a gem to occupy his teeth...and appetite. ========== The ship was guided by ropes and pegasi, landed smoothly as could be for the Princesses personal vessel. The whole town was there, gathered to see who would be arriving so announced. Maybe the Princess herself was coming to inspect the celebration. A certain blue pegasi stood near the others, interested and taking advantage of her wings to get a better view. The front entrance whirred open as a ramp slowly ejected itself from the bottom of the vessel, the crowd collectively stepping back. Twilight Sparkle kept her hood up as she stepped down, her bags floating behind her entrapped in a magical aura. Spike took the opportunity to fly, spreading his wings and doing a few loops and turns around her. The crowd was in awe, to see a tamed dragon familiar was so rare and unusual. No one had words, no one but another Pegasi who was clearly hiding as far away from the ruckus as possible. Of course no one noticed she had not come to see the festival, she hardly socialized as it were. "Announcing the arrival of the Princesses' Personal Student: Twilight Sparkle of Canterlot!" The crowd cheered for her, Twilight just wanting to inspect and go home to study. She wanted nothing with these commoners, these...she didn't even have a word for them. The guard who announced her fell into line of her escort, leading her all the way to the old library where she would be staying. Once inside and by herself she looked around and found a book to read, curling up on the bed that had been prepared for her. Spike sat himself on her book and put his claws on the side of her head. The crowd outside was peaking in at her, Spike whipping his tail and closing the blinds. "Come on Twilight! We have to do as Celestia asked, these books will be here once we get back. Just a few hours ok? Besides, maybe making friends would be good for you?" "Friends?" She scoffed, " I have books, I don't need friends. Well and Shining Armor!" "Yeah that's a little out there, come on Twilight!" He opened his mouth and grabbed her tail, yanking her off the bed until she was dangling a few feet from the floor and away from the bed. She was screaming and flailing in protest as she was dropped on her face. "SPIKE!" "TWILIGHT!" He mocked back, handing her a parchment and quil. " Come on! You have a list of duties tot he Princess! Get going!" He nudged her right out the door without letting her reply. "We don't even know what these Ponies are like?! You saw how they stared at us? They'll probably be wanting autographs or something stupid..." "Or maybe they're really friendly! Country folk are always friendly and you know it!" "I don't!" "What about saying hi to someone..." He quipped, flying besides her. "Fine...just so you'll shut up..." Of course the first person she came across was as strange as strange could be. Decorated in bright colors and covered in weirdly runed holsters, the pink haired pink skinned woman stopped to stare at Twilight. She must have been an earth pony, she had no horn and no wings. However she was unusual, her aura oddly magical. They said Earth Ponies were magical, but exactly how was never explained nor known. "Hello..." Twilight smiled awkwardly, waving a bit to the other slowly. The response she received was a jump, a scree, and a sudden disappearance of the other. Twilight was left with a look of awe, turning her head to Spike and bopping him on the head. " Yeah, really friendly...ass." She grunted, walking away towards a farm that loomed on the high hill to the east of the town. "Hey! Princess Celestia ordered you to make friends any-" "Shut it Spike...I know what the letter said." She was walking faster away from this dragon by the second. Only wanting to get everything finished and sleep. She followed the path given on the map, going up the hill with a huff. The hill was steep and Twilight wasn't used to such terrain. Spike sighed and followed, noting a young woman around Twilight's age and a younger woman. With a jump in the air he went foreword to greet them. Twilight rolled her eyes and followed him, she wanted to avoid this at all cost. "Why hello there Ma'am! You must be the Inspector everyone's been a busyin' about!" She bowed to the other before shushing her sister away. " Would you like to come sample the food? We brought the whole apple family to help bake!" "That's nice? So nothing bad or any bumps in the road?" "We're not staying to try anything?" "Spike!" "Won't you miss?" Applejack piped in, " The whole family would love to meet you! I'm Applejack by the way! Nice to meet you!" and with that she wrapped an arm around Twilight and brought her to meet the family. This is not what she wanted, not at all. Oh great Celestia this is NOT what she wanted. She sighed as she was dragged along, the farm around her impressive and actually distracting for a moment. How on earth did they even get such wondrous apples to grow. She even saw ones that were in colors you don't normally see like blue and purple. "Well Howdy Lady!" Applebloom ran up to the two and waved at her. " I'm Applebloom!" She beamed as her sister shook her head. "Now now little Sister, what did I say about yer manners around the Royal Inspector?" She raised an eyebrow at her little sister, smiling a moment before pulling out the only chair visible for Twilight. "Why don't you sit down while we bring out the food." "Heh...sounds good..." She looked at Applebloom, turning her head a bit. Her skin tone matched Applejack's hair...how odd. That hair seamed to match a male who was coming behind Applejack with a whole slew of people. "Excuse me...Applebloom. Who are they?" "The Apple Family! They all brought you something!" "All brought me something? How many of you are there?" "You mean Apples?" Applebloom smiled wide, " Why there's hundreds of us!" She jumped a moment and was scolded by her sister again as Twilight SParkle was brought so many food items that by the time she was done she felt like a balloon ready to pop. Spike snickered as she groaned herself out of her chair, thanked the others and tried to escape as soon as she could. "I am done with this town...whose next?" She groaned as she stumbled along with a full belly. She prayed her next job was easier. "Weather...the weather Pegasi in charge is named Rainbow Dash." "Oh yay..." She was interrupted by a lightning bolt and a slip into a puddle of mud. With an angry grit of her teeth she stood up slowly and stared up at the sky, " Oh look...a slacker. Lovely. Glad to know this town has it's priorities straightened out..." "Hey!" The Pegasi quipped, slipping off the cloud she was on to get to her level. " I am not a slacker?! This is just too easy of a job" "Right? Let me guess you do it really fast right?" "Well...yeah...I...I'm a mechanic first alright? Of all the weather ponies they asked me! While I was working!" "You were sleeping on a cloud?" Twilight wanted to puke right about now, but she had to hold it in. "I was resting! Look...I can take care of the impending weather in ten seconds! Get off my back!" Twilight was about to get offended when Spike nudged her and piped in, " Prove it then! I'd like to see that." Rainbow Dash's face changed to one of supreme confidence as she jumped up, wings flapping, and suddenly there was nothing but flashes of blue. However in the end the sky was in fact clear. "Can you do this tomorrow morning if requested?" "Duh! It's easy...e.a.s.y." She crossed her arms and nodded. "Good! I'll see you later goodbye." Twilight was quick to walk off, she was in the mood for a local cafe she could barf at in the bathroom. Spike gave a better goodbye for her as she departed, Rainbow dash saluting and disappearing off elsewhere for the time being. Spike found Twilight puking her lunch up in the bathroom of a small coffee cafe, a spell cast to mask the sounds and smells it may have caused. " What..." She heaved a moment before continuing, " next?" "Decorations." "Ugh..." and with that she trudged her way out of the stall, flushing with her foot and exiting the cafe. She looked around, town hall was where she would need to be. Town hall wasn't hard to find either, slowly making her way towards it with Spike not too far behind with his list. The door to the hall was locked, something Twilight undid with ease. Opening it made way for the most gorgeous decorating Twilight had ever seen, and in the center was a woman so beautiful it made Twilight Question a few things... "Oh my GOODNESS there is no way you're walking around like that!" She exclaimed as she turned to see who had broken in. " You're covered in dirt and look like a stampede in a mud pile come here!" and it was here Twilight was forced to get herself a makeover, the other unicorn too attentive to her captor to allow the other to even ask about the Summer Sun Celebration. In the end though Twilight was happier to be less disheveled and more beautiful, thanking Rarity. "I'm sorry my dear but I simply could not allow such a pretty pony to walk around like THAT! Who did this to you anyway?" "Someone named Rainbow Dash!" She replied, admiring herself in a mirror. "Oh...yes...pranks are her...hobby...like her airships." She sneered and checked her nails, " I recognize you as the woman who walked out from that lovely airship. Who are you anyway?" "Twilight Sparkle, I'm here to inspect preparation for the Summer Sun Celebration. How is everything going for you?" "Wonderful! I'm almost done actually! Was that all? I could make you an outfit for tomorrow?" "No no...thank you but I'm fine! I have my duties to attend to..." She laughed nervously and looked for Spike, the dragon staring at Rarity in awe this whole time. " See you tomorrow then!" "I guess...good bye then sweety! Be careful of Rainbow Dash!" "Will do!" Twilight was overjoyed that went so much better, and with a makeover as well to go with it. Snickering at Spike she taunted him and he bantered back. They did this all the way to the forest where they met a yellow Pegasus who was conducting a bird symphony? "Hello?" The birds dispersed so fast as did the Pegasus. Twilight Sparkle blinked and realized she had to find this pony, " Hello? Miss..." she checked the paper, " Fluttershy?" "A DRAGON!" That voice was so squeaky it made her cringe, but it was also a lovely pitch period. Goodness, what a well kept Pony for someone who lived so far out here. "Yes...he is a baby dragon. My familiar actually! His name is Spike!" "I've never seen a baby Dragon before! How wonderful!" She pulled a treat to feed him from her pocket, petting him and cuddling him. "So...music is good?" "Y-yes..." The other Pony was so quiet Spike had to nod for Twilight to get it. It wasn't very long before he was yanked from her arms, given the " see you tomorrow" speech and dragged back to the library. He protested every foot they went, wanting to socialize more much to his liking. ================================================== The surprise party that she was greeted with by the pink pony was the last thing she wanted, as was the hot sauce cocktail she accidentally made. The night ended with Twilight Sparkle magically locking herself in her room, groaning and moaning about this tiny stupid town she was stuck in. She watched the moon, sighing once more, " Oh Celestia...please bring me back to Canterlot with you. I hate it here...I hate it here a lot..."
The Summer Sun Celebration The dawn could not have come any faster for Twilight. The music down below ran rampant all through the night with the sounds of happy residents. Twilight Sparkle thanked Celestia when the time to rise came about, groggily sitting up and yawning. She felt as dead as a doornail, her eyelids heavy with unclaimed sleep. Gently shivering, her body begged for Twilight to go back down into the warm grip of her blankets, but alas she had a duty to her princess to uphold. The sounds of drunken ponies still lingering down below as she slid out of her little nest, the gentle glow of pre-dawn kissing her face. With each slow step her hooves brought her to her bathroom, her morning routine washing the sleep from her body like shed skin. When she emerged in her new robes her hair was done just right, her horn buffed and new bangles on her wrist. All this lavishness for the Princess, but any Canterlotian knew that to look regal was to be proper. Slowly she came down the stairs, ponies leaving through the door to go to the town hall. She found Spike curled up in his bed by a windowsill, a small smile curling her lips up. There were times she felt so motherly for her familiar, other times like a big sister with the patience of a bee. She found Pinkie Pie sitting on a chair with her legs crossed and her hands clasped around a mug of beer. Twilight was about to ask of she was legal to drink that, but then again this girl was so weird that she stopped caring at this point. "Hello Twilight! I see somepony missed the party last night!" Her perky attitude had no end it felt, the pink girl had a boundless container of spunk and emotion. Twilight uncrossed those thick legs of hers, stood up, and strode across the room to the other," What's with the duds Twilight?" "They're not 'duds' Pinkie, they're royal robes. In fact they're my royal robes that are traditionally worn for occasions like this..." Twilight Sparkle had no patience for this silly filly, but then again she was elated someone noticed that she was dressed up for the occasion. This strange girl was the only pony she had seen from yesterday, maybe now was a good time for questions as she got ready for the sunrise." So Pinkie, why did you gasp and run when you saw me?" A tea kettle was placed on the stove, Twilight motioning to Pinkie who nodded back as a yes to the tea. "Oh! That's because I had never seen you before! I just knew you were new from the moment I laid eyes on you!! I missed the airship landing, so I just figured you were the diplomat landing in Ponyville. I never thought you'd be so youthful though..." " Is that bad?" Twilight looked up from the cups she was putting the tea bags into. "No, just always thought that you were the assumption that anyone working for Celestia was old and wrinkly, not fun at all! Or gorgeous!!" Pinkie's face became attentive as she leaned forward to stare at the other. "O-oh? W-well thank you Miss Pie..." Twilight wasn't sure how to respond to that. In Canterlot the compliments were always generally just formal and polite, mostly because of her status as Celestia's personal ward. "Pinkie Pie! " The correction was quick and to the point, so curt for someone who was so high energy, although the formality of the moment was lost when she threw a party in the library. "Right..." Twilights response was quick, putting out the teacups and pouring the water for the other. The tea was hastily downed, Twilight keeping track of the time as she did spells to clean up her house. "Such a mess..." "Oh...yeah, sorry about that. I meant to clean up while you were at the summer sun celebration but being in your new house without your permission would be weird," she was too perky for having partied all night. Twilight felt like a rock...just how??? "Just a little, but I do appreciate the offer Miss...erm. Pinkie." Her gaze went up to her clock, her pace suddenly quickened. “Pinkie Pie the celebration is about to start! We have to go! I have to go! Ooooh!” She looked at Spike sleeping and decided he wasn’t coming, especially since he was still a baby and needed his sleep. Pinkie Pie was quick to jump up and exit the building before Twilight could grab the key to her front door. In the scramble she forgot to turn off lights and blow out candles, but she doubted that any real danger would come about. The candles were old and kept going out, in fact she was sure they were all almost extinguished. Her hooves pounded against the ground as her heart raced in her chest. How dare she be late for Princess Celestia’s raising of the sun, her most faithful student indeed… “Miss Twilight Sparkle!” A voice called to her, a colt with a white coat in heavy armor approaching her. “Your viewing spot has been reserved, please follow me.” and with that he walked through the crowd, cutting it like a warm knife in butter with Twilight following close behind. She watched the others speak in hushed voices and fawn over her, what Pinkie said coming to her mind. She blushed, feeling some kind of pride she had never felt before, was it a genuine emotion? She couldn’t be sure. Bumping into the guard she laughed a little and bowed, thanking him and taking her spot in the town hall. Her eyes went around the crowd, finding the people she had been introduced to; Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and even Pinkie Pie. All of them unique and just as colorful as the ponies back home which was surprising. She had expected dullness and awful education all around, stuff of gossip and general down speaking. Ponyville was the commoner’s village, where the races came to mingle and the poor and desolate settled down. Well...that’s what had been flown around her ears all her life between the general civilians and upper crusts of Canterlot. However, Celestia had taught her to be kind and open, loving and see oneself as equal to the peers around her. The advice still never really helped the prejudices burned into her personality throughout life. Even her parents and brother weren’t without some kind of dislike, her parents especially. The only thing that came out of Shining Armor’s mouth regarding such a thing was when he got incompetent guards in his squad. She giggled a bit thinking about it, images of childhood coming up as well. She would miss her brother while she was here, but perhaps she didn’t have to stay here too long. She desperately hoped not, but only because she couldn’t stand being here any longer. She did admit they were kind, but way too touchy feely for her to enjoy. The lights began to dim, the crowds hushed whispers going silent. Morning birds could be heard singing notes high and glorious to the sun that brought them great joy and light. There was a sudden scent on the air, the start of dew. That’s what it was, sweet dew and a little chill that came with that tome of the morning. When the earth got a good chance to cool off and take a breather from the warmth of the sun. There the Mayor took her stand, her grey mane waved so carefully and pinned in all the right places. She wore a suite that was pleasant to the eyes, a little green ribbon around her neck under the collar. Her tiny glasses were adjusted as she cleared her throat, the crowd looking up at her intently for news of the Princess. Every year all of Ponyville had hoped for a chance to hope the Summer Sun Celebration would be hosted right in there hometown. Every few years Celestia would move the party outside of Canterlot, and here she was. Everyone was so elated that several parties were thrown at once. Even the Mayor had been to them, seen undone and drunk for the first time in ages. “Ladies and Gentlecolts. Many of you, including I, are honored to have Princess Celestia herself in our presence. As many of you know this is a big step for Ponyville, and as a town we are honoured to have her highness in our presence. Let us all take a round of applause for our Princess! Everpony Princess Celestia!” She stood to the side as the curtains behind her drew and the spotlights focused where the Princess wa- Or Should be... The Mayor was the first to be alarmed, Twilight Sparkle the second. The guards were third as the crowd gasped right behind them, galloping to the stage and hustling ponies out of the way to investigate the area. Twilight Sparkle stepped forward, her eyes going up to the moon. No way...and the Princess wouldn’t listen to her. The other girls from earlier took notice to how she was reacting to this situation, coming forward to question her before the moon suddenly darkened, and a great shadow filled the room. The Shadow was unusual, like stars in a dark blanket. It was like the night sky in a wisp of smoke, a burden on the daylight that wasn’t coming. A great laugh echoed through the hall, the ponies quickly panicking and beginning to shout. The guards were huddled where it began to gather, their spears and swords out to defend themselves. The laugh grew and grew until it was a cacophony of sound equaling cannon fire. The mist formed to create the form of a beautiful woman in a gorgeous armor. It was both sexy and a little ridiculous with the design in mind for combat. There were long pieces of silk that flowed from all around, almost like a delicate cloud of elegance around her. Her skin was dark as the night, her eyes a regal blue, her teeth like shark teeth and her horn long and sharp. Her wings were folded at her side but clearly this Alicorn before them was not the kind Princess they all knew. “Well well well, what a wonderful gathering you have here…” She eyed around the crowd, “I’ve been gone for so long...I wonder how many of you know who I am? Hm??” she stood and scratched her chin, her slitted eyes settling on the Mayor as if she would know. She appeared to become angry as the seconds ticked on. Her arm raised before someone’s voice echoed above all the others. “Nightmare Moon!” Twilight Sparkle stepped forward once more. “Well now, finally someone who knows my name.” She cackled again and stared out the window, the sun setting as she laughed more. “It doesn’t matter, I have your precious precious Princess! You will never see her again so long as I’m around, there is no pony as strong as I!” She chortled again as the guards were thrown across the room. The crowd exploded in shrieks, the Mayor jumping over the balcony into the people below. She was caught with open hands who helped her to safety, Twilight Sparkle also being pulled back by the crowd. They wanted to keep everyone away from the beast at the platform above. It was clear that the alicorn before them was elated in this reaction, her chuckling erupting into heinous laughter. “I think I will be queen here for a long time, maybe I will move my castle outside the town instead of in Canterlot…” She felt that the fear in the air was enough for her...for now. “Well now, I will see you guys sometime soon, I wish to talk with the purple one about what she knows.” The lack of action against this newcomer was out of shock if anything, no one knew how to react to this. There were whispers and murmurs that elated into points at Twilight Sparkle. It wasn’t long before the five from before began to go quiet, a plan formulating amongst them through looks and nods. Twilight Sparkle was clearly getting flustered, her voice raising as she tried to defend herself. Slowly she moved towards the exit, finally her horn glowing as she winked out of the town hall. She appeared in her new living space, her heart pounding and her eyes filled with tears. She was frightened, frightened and upset. Where was her Princess? Why did Nightmare Moon Single her out? What was going on?
