The Unsung Heroes

Chapters

Ego
Sliding Scale
Keeping Time To The Music
The P-Team
The Good Doctor
Fog of Night Clouds Memories
Out from Shadows
Feathered Friend
Media Nox Termina
Do Not Fear The Darkness, But What Your Mind Puts In It
A Light In The Tunnel
Are We Not Ponies?
Wibbley Wobbley
Tweet, Tweet, Go To Sleep
The Games Ponies Play
Welcome To Die!
Big Damn Ponies
Out Into The Wilds Of Friendship
As Different As Day And Night

Ego

This was going to end terribly. She just knew it.

With Rainbow Dash's leave of absence to reconcile her feelings, the other ponies began to deteriorate. The bearers of the Elements of Harmony were tearing themselves apart with grief, sadness, and blaming themselves. The nexus of all this, was Twilight Sparkle and her power beginning to spiral out of control.

Princess Luna knew they could overcome this obstacle. But what terrible thing would have to happen to reunite them? She didn't want to wait that long. Something had to be done.

Knowing Celestia had her hooves full with trying to tend to the six and keep things under control for now, Luna knew that the outcome was up to Twilight herself to fix. She just couldn't idle while Equestria fell apart around them and possibly, worse.

Therefore, Luna enacted a plan. She knew that she would have a bit of trouble pulling it off. But it was worth it for the contingency prepared for the worst case scenario. Just like her sister did to save her. She didn't have the cunning and deceitful nature of her sister, but she did have more motivation, and a bigger circle of true friends.

But who would be chosen to form this special group? Not every pony would even take the time to hear her out. The whole "Eternal Night" thing left a lot of trust issues with even the most common of pony.

Perhaps...perhaps she could connect with the ponies in her situation? Those who are looked at differently or generally ignored.

Yes! That's it!

Luna took off with a gallop, praying that this would work, and praying even harder that it didn't need to at all.

"THAT IS ALL TONIGHT FROM THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!" the sky blue unicorn announced, taking a bow. The audience oohed and ahhed at her feats of magic. They were so impressed that they didn't even question why a unicorn would use her magic to perform parlor tricks.

Trixie smiled contentedly as she eyed the audience. It was nice to get a fresh start in a new town that didn't know her from anypony. No one to mock her after that...humbling incident back in Ponyville, she thought she could never show her face again.

After gathering up the 'generous' donations of coins and any errant roses tossed by the obsessive, the unicorn went inside her trailer to sleep and get ready for the road again tomorrow. With a flick of her horn, she carefully hung her giant wizard hat and matching cloak on the hangers, and crawled into bed. Her new trailer was a bit roomier than her old one, so she was secretly kind of glad for it getting destroyed so she'd have an excuse to upgrade.

But she still despised Twilight Sparkle and her ways. From what she heard from those two stupid ponies that clung to her, Twilight was afraid of one upping her because she would be ridiculed the same way. Yet when she finally did, she got praise for it! It was a mystery even someone as great and powerful as her couldn't solve.

"Trixie..." a voice whispered in the darkness.

The unicorn shot upright, glancing around to find the source. Was someone outside the trailer? She looked out the window. No one was there.

"Trixie..." the voice called again, a louder whisper this time.

"Who dares disturb the Great and Powerful Trixie from her slumber?"

Princess Luna appeared before her.

Instantly dropping the act, she knelt. Partially out of respect for her royal title, but mostly out of fear for what she had done in the past.

"No need to fear me any longer." Luna reassured.

Trixie stood, her knees shaking slightly.

"You are aware of my plight, and of my defeat by Twilight Sparkle."

The unicorn swallowed hard and nodded, her eyes wide but her pupils tiny with fear.

"Despite what she did to me, I thanked her. She made me see the error of my ways. Now, she needs my help to return the favor."

"W-what do you mean, Princess..." Trixie croaked, her act and bravado gone.

"I need you to see the light as well! The Elements of Harmony are in disarray, and I am seeking new vessels in case something terrible happens during this dark time."

"I...I don't think I can handle such a responsibility..." Trixie admitted, trying to hide her face with her bleach white mane.

Luna smiled. "You are on the first step already. You're enlightenment from Twilight's actions parallel my own. Beneath that arrogance, lies a scared little pony. Just like I was. As such, I christen you to be one of my new chosen."

Trixie smiled slightly. Everything the princess said was true.

"I will do my best." Trixie bowed once again. Though she couldn't guarantee it would be an easy transition.

"That is all I ask." Luna replied, then she disappeared.

"Great..." Trixie rolled her eyes.

Sliding Scale

Another day, another successful delivery. Which meant it was time to treat herself to her daily reward. She licked her lips as she stared at the muffin, holding it up into her view. One golden eye wandered off to look at nothing in particular, a habit she couldn't control.

Bubbly Delight prided herself in being the best mailpony in Ponyville. But she was also extremely humble about this achievement, because she couldn't speak about it anyway. Poor Bubbly Delight was born as a mute. No one knew why, she just was. This, coupled with her lazy eye, led to that insufferable nickname she despised. Being a Pegasus meant she could be above all that, literally. But she couldn't escape that name.

Fortunately, her shift ended late, which meant that most of Ponyville was asleep, and therefore, couldn't bother her with such hurtful names. She had the night to herself, one of the few Pegasi to stay up late, since she didn't get into the weather business like her brethren. Sure she helped every once in a while, like during Winter Wrap Up, but her calling was being a mailpony.

Strolling through town, taking her time, she admired all the objects in the store windows, waiting for the day when somepony would purchase them. Ponyville seemed like a different place at night. She noticed there was still a light on in Sugarcube Corner, but didn't pursue investigating. She had seen a very upset pink pony enter the place earlier today, and couldn't get that image out of her thoughts. She hated seeing others upset.

She stopped at her favorite spot in the park, where she could see the stars in the sky, and began to relish in the silence. No taunting, no name calling, just her and her thoughts.

"Bubbly."

The Pegasus looked around, wondering where the voice came from, and more importantly, who would use her real name?

Princess Luna appeared before her, leading to the Pegasus to bow formally.

"I have selected you, Bubbly Delight, to be one of my chosen. You're perseverance in the face of adversity shows me you have the will to take up the task."

Bubbly looked away, her face showing she was unsure.

"Do not worry. I know what it feels like to be judged by appearance. But unlike myself, you press on and don't let their words hurt you. Perhaps I could learn from you." Luna smiled.

Bubbly smiled back, and the princess disappeared.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Luna returned to her chambers, ready to locate the next pony. Finding them was easy, and recruiting them seemed even easier. But would they get along with each other once assembled? That was the biggest task for them to overcome.

All this teleporting around was beginning to sap her power. She hadn't utilized her abilities for so long, her body didn't know how to react to these experiences. It was a side effect of her suspended animation in the moon. Luna hoped that her sister would be more forgiving towards Twilight, as no pony deserved such a fate, no matter how dire the situation.

Fortunately for her, the next in line was right here in Canterlot. At a prestigious musical academy where the finest of court musicians were taught the intricate compositions of Sebastian Buck and Trot-aikovsky. This time, she would fly there on her own.

The campus of the academy was quiet, save for a few stray sounds of ponies practicing to get an edge. The regal building before Luna was unchanged since she first saw it over a thousand years ago. But she knew, much like herself and her sister, that though the outside was the same, its what's inside that changes.

She had no problem finding the dorm where her next chosen resided, and the guard pony let her through unquestioned.

"Octavia." Luna called, stirring the ashen brown pony from her sleep. She rubbed her eyes and looked up at her visitor to see the princess before her.

"Princess." She knelt. "I trust you are here to evaluate our performances?"

Luna let out a slight chuckle. "No. I am here for more important business. I am recruiting ponies much like myself, in case something terrible I foresaw happens."

The earth pony with the treble clef cutie mark brushed her black mane from her eyes. "What will happen?"

"Nothing yet. But I want to make sure. My sister can only do so much. So I have chosen you. You share my desire to fit in, yet feel you need to dedicate your time to your work. You're a lot like the pony who saved me from my fate."

"You mean Twilight Sparkle? I've heard stories of her on campus, but, I don't think I could accomplish such a feat."

"If you put your heart into it, like you do for your music, you can accomplish anything."

Octavia nodded, a smile on her face. "I accept, princess." she knelt once again.

"Thank you, Octavia. I shall be in touch."

The earth pony smiled. Won't the others in her class be jealous!

Keeping Time To The Music

Dr. Whooves, the brown colt with the strange hourglass Cutie Mark, turned and left his spot where he was observing Pinkie Pie. He had never seen anypony so sad, let alone her. He didn't know her that well, true, but knew enough that this wasn't the same “premire party pony” they tell him about.

He couldn't deny that there was also a strange feeling in the air. A sour vibe that he couldn't explain. For a moment, he thought the entire time-space continuim was falling apart, but that was just overexaggeration on his part.

As he strolled away from the unsettling scene, a voice caught his attention.

“Doctor...”

He glanced around until his eyes fell on the dark blue Alicorn before him. He bowed, knowing that this was the Princess Luna that the others worshiped alongside Celestia.

“I come with an offer. The Elements of Harmony are in disarray, and I am seeking new keepers if things go astray.”

Dr. Whooves didn't believe in all this magic stuff, really. He did know of these Elements of Harmony from his brief times with Twilight Sparkle on matters of importance. He helped her in her studies of the immense cosmos, and she related to him the nessecary behaviors to “fit in” in Ponyville as one outsider to another. Only she knew who he really was, and that was a secret that he had no choice but to keep.

Now, here was one of this world's royal figures, selecting him for some mighty task. He was certain that someone as all powerful as her, or her sister, knew his secret as well. If they did, however, she had a good poker face about it.

“Well, Princess...” the colt began. “I am truly honored to be selected.” He knew he had wound up here for some reason, and this was probably it. Another adventure to save a world.

Luna smiled. “I am glad to hear that. I have only one more to contact. Then we will all meet here.” With that, she vanished.

“Blimey...” Dr. Whooves mumbled, shaking his head.

Luna knew the best place to find the last pony wasn't open until night came. It was good to see ponies out more often to appreciate her work.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The blaring, thumping music from the club made the Princess fold her ears against her head. Was this the kind of music fillies listened to nowadays? Where's the culture? The refinement?

Granted the entire concept of night clubs was forgien to her. Her royal status got her in no problem, but that didn't protect her from the unexpected assault on her senses. Flashing lights, pounding music, smells of herbs that she had a feeling wern't medicinal. Celestia would be appaled at such behavior! But Luna knew her sister well, and wouldn't doubt if she snuck to places like this while she was...away.

There, at the DJ booth, was the last pony. She was the life of the party, just like Pinkie Pie, only she was way more subdued. Unlike the pink pony however, when the party was over, she just kind of melded into the crowd.

Vinyl Scratch, aka DJ Pon-3, was certainly a unicorn that knew how to get the place moving. But her normal life outside her job was pretty uneventful. Not only does she suffer the occasional scorn of ponies who object to her....”preferences” if you will, but life was also cruel enough to take her sight from her as well.

Granted this lack of vision made her more adept at hearing the nuances in music that most others wouldn't appreciate, but ironically, her taste in music could lead to hearing loss.

After announcing that she was taking a break, Luna seized this chance to speak with her.

“Hello? Who's there?” Scratch asked, her ears perking up at sensing someone in the room with her.

“It is me, Princess Luna.” the Alicorn announced.

“Princess.” Scratch bowed.

“I have come to choose you. The Elements of Harmony are in disarray, and I am seeking new vessels in case something goes wrong.”

Scratch nodded. “I figured Rainbow Dash was acting strange when she came to me.” the unicorn muttered to herself. “But, why choose me?”

“Because you are one of the few who do not judge by appearance.” Luna admired.

“Well, yeah. It's kind of hard to do that when you're...”

“I didn't mean it like that.” Luna apologized. “I meant that it is in you're nature not to judge others. You would be perfect for the element of Loyalty.”

Scratch shook her head. “I don't know...I've seen the pressure that it puts on Dash. I'm not as loyal as she is.”

“You stuck with her though her problems, did you not?”

“Yeah...I did...” Scratch smirked. “Okay, Princess. I'm game!”

“Excellent. We will all meet tomorrow night, after I have tended to my duties.”

The P-Team

“You've got to be KIDDING me!!” Trixie bellowed as she saw the four other ponies in front of her. “No way in Pony Hell is The Great and Powerful Trixie working with this....these.....FREAKS and WEIRDOS!”

“But you have to, to save us all.” Dr. Whooves spoke up.

Trixie rolled her eyes. “Oh, let the COLT make all the orders! Typical sexist pigs!” Her stare fell on Vinyl Scratch and 'Derpy'. “There is no way I'm working with these....inferior ponies! These....CRIPPLES will cramp my style and only get in the way!”

Scratch's nostrils flared at the word. She was ready to rip that unicorn's throat out. Bubbly on the other hand, began crying.

“You're being unreasonable. I'm sure everypony will warm up to each other if...” Octavia was cut off by Trixie's stare.

“Look, egghead! You're as bad as that Twilight Sparkle! Acting like a know it all around somepony who DOES know it all!”

“Looks like I'm gonna have to kick some filly...”

“ENOUGH!” Scratch was cut off by a booming voice. Princess Luna appeared before them. “I chose you to help save Equestria in it's time of need! Not to be at each other's throats!”

“You can't just toss five random ponies together and expcet them to get along. And you REALLY can't put me the likes of THEM and expect it to work any better!” Trixie explained. “I thought this was a solo gig!”

“I chose all of you because you each suffer the same burdens I did, and still do...” Luna hung her head. “I thought...that making you temporary bearers of the Elements if something goes wrong, would graduly make everypony trust me again. Believe that I want to do the right thing. But you're attitude will ruin all that, and doom Equestria to the coming darkness.”

Trixie wanted to explain how she is nopony's tool, nor would she risk her ego and image working with the likes of the others for Luna's own trust exercise with the masses. But she knew that wouldn't fly with royality, no matter how great and powerful she was.

“So this is basically a public relations stunt?” she finally asked, deciding on a question instead of a command.

“NO!” Luna was shocked. “This is serious! Perhaps...maybe I made a mistake with all of you.”

“I don't know about her, but I want to help save Equestria.” Scratch spoke up.

“Me too.” Dr. Whooves added.

“We're willing to work together, even without Trixie.” Octavia explained.

Bubbly nodded, a smile across her tear stained face.

“Well FINE then!” Trixie snapped. “I didn't want to work with you lowlifes anyway!” and with that, the unicorn began to walk off.

Scratch smiled a mischevious grin. “Well, I guess Trixie knows she's not powerful enough to help us. Or better yet, she's SCARED!”

The unicorn froze, and glared at the other over her shoulder.

“Sure would be a shame. Declining an offer as prestegious as being in service of Princess Luna.”

Trixie was now face to face with Scratch, her breath hot on her muzzle. Scratch kept smiling.

“I know you're blind, dear pony, but obviously you misheard the GREAT and POWERFUL part of my name. Don't tell me you're deaf too!”

“Don't know, I think everypony else heard that last part too.” Scratch smirked.

“Why you little....”

“STOP!” Luna commanded. “Are you joining us or not?”

Trixie glared at Scratch one more time, gritting her teeth. “Yes, I the GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE,” she yelled into Scratch's ear, causing the other unicorn to flinch, “will join such a prestegious honor as to serve you, mighty Luna.”

“Very well, but you better mean it.” Luna said warily.

“Oh I do.” Trixie gave a horseapple eating grin.

“Then let us be on our way.” Luna commanded, and the others followed her lead.

“Such a shame you won't be able to SEE my magic in action!” Trixie sneered at Scratch, then marched off with her nose held high.

Scratch frowned. “Something tells me that she worships Princess Luna for all the wrong reasons. I have a bad feeling about this.”

“Well, if anything does come up, we can handle her. I've dealt with worse.” Dr. Whooves admited.

“Really? When?” Octavia asked.

“Oh, long ago.” the colt rolled his eyes and smiled knowingly.

The Good Doctor

The cold wind from Luna's night swept through Ponyville. While everypony else had returned to their homes, Trixie was left to sleep in her wagon. Not that she cared, but the breeze cutting through her made it slightly annoying.

Taking another gulp of the wine she clutched between her hooves, she sighed as she waited for the warming effects to kick in. After finishing the whole bottle, she snorted in fustration and slumped into bed. Soon she was drifting off to sleep.

“Why do you put up with them? You're capable of so much more.” a voice, calm yet unerving asked.

“Who dares address the Great and Powerful Trixie in her dreams?!” the unicorn demanded. Not even somepony as great as her could dreamwalk, let alone communicate.

“I am but a humble servant of someone who can grant you the power you so deserve. All you have to do in return, is sabatoge the others in their goal.”

“No one commands the Great and Powerful Trixie to do anything!”

“Doesn't look that way to me. After what that Twilight Sparkle did to you.”

Trixie began to remember the times after her last visit to Ponyville. How the audicences laughed and mocked her. How word of mouth led to lowering her ticket sales, loosing bookings, and almost fading into obscurity. She was lucky the backwards natives of Zanzebra were impressed with her tricks, otherwise she would be in the poor stable by now.

“She took more from you than she ever thought she could, and didn't even give a second thought.” the voice continued.

Trixie sat and listened to what the voice had to say now.

Meanwhile, Dr. Whooves was up all night tinkering, as usual. He didn't know exactly what they were going to be in for, but he figured it had to have been some sort of abomination or time anomoly. He wound up here for a reason, and now that reason was beginning to make itself known.

He thought back to when he and Twilight would exchange stories. She would tell of her battle against Nightmare Moon, which is how he knew who Princess Luna was. He would tell of his fights against numerous things and creatures.

In the back of his mind, he knew that whatever force they were preparing to fight, was responsible for him winding up here. If it was powerful to reach that far into time-space, he shuddered to think what else it could be capable of.

That was it then. Tomorrow he would have to make friends with the other four. Otherwise, this evil would win, and possibly set it's sights on other worlds. That could not happen.

It seemed that the only pony that would be difficult to befriend was that Trixie. She had her reasons to be such a....well...he didn't know what they called her type in this world...but she was the embodiment of that word. He was conifident that if he could convice somepony as skeptical as Twilight of what he was, then he could convince someone as concieted as Trixie to be nice for a change. All he's been through, nothing was too momentous to undertake now.

Leaving Twilight's basement and his mode of transport behind, he took to the park to address that unicorn personally, without Scratch's snide remarks to fan the flames. He was sure all she needed was a little kindness despite her brash attitude, and everything would be right as rain.

He slowly approached the wagon, not liking the feel in the air. He also could've swore he saw Twilight Sparkle herself, meandering back to her home. She looked confused as to why either of the two ponies were in the park, but shrugged it off and kept walking. He would have to iron things out with her later.

Knocking on the door of the wagon, he noticed the uneven gold star painted slopply on the door, along with THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE somehow crammed into the small space.

The blue unicorn, unhappy of being awakend at this hour, stuck her head out of the window. “WHAT?”

“Ms. Trixie...”

“GREAT AND POWERFUL Trixie.” she corrected.

“Ms. Trixie,” he continued, unphased. “I request that you come down from your ivory tower, or whatever you think you're perched in, and help us.”

“I can do this myself!” Trixie protested.

“Ms. Trixie, I can claim that I have delt with far more stubborn creatures than you. I can also assure that you don't want to know how I did so.”

The unicorn didn't know how to exactly take that threat, so she just snorted and slammed the window closed.

“Well, fine. If you want to do it the hard way.”

Fog of Night Clouds Memories

Princess Luna stood among the remains of the castle her and her sister had called home when they were just foals. Bestowed with such great power, held such great futures. Until the jealously came.

Luna closed her eyes, and tried to imagine the castle as it once was, before the fight. She remembered the harsh words.

“You can raise the sun and the moon! Why do you need me?!”

“Because you're my sister. I want it to be where we rule side by side.”

“You only gave me that positon to make me feel special! I hear what that group of ponies say about you, sister. While I don't agree with their methods, I want to tell them how right they are!”

“How can you say such things?”

“Ponies love and adore you! They all forget about me! When the night I work so hard to make comes, ponies hide indoors and act terrified! Like all I bring is evil and destruction!”

“They're not terrified of your night, sister. They're afraid of what happens at night. That is not your fault.”

“No! It happens because it's YOUR fault! And I'm the one who suffers for it!” Luna stamped a hoof.

Celestia was silent. She could never be mad at her sister, no matter how harsh the words. But something about the bad things at night that happened because of her, hurting her sister's pride and breaking her heart, made the alicorn realize that her reach was further than she thought.

“I'm sorry. If anything I have done causes things to affect you, then I am sorry. I only wanted us to rule side by side. Show everypony how we care for them, just as much as they adore us.”

“I don't see any Pony Tales about me.” Luna snapped. “All I see is Celestia this, and Celestia that. I'm sick of it! If you want us to rule side by side, why not convince the ponies to acknowledge me as your equal?”

“It is not my place to dictate what they think and do. I am a Princess, not a tyrant.”

Luna bit her tongue, trying not to say anything that could widen the rift any further than it was. She knew Celestia better than anyone. She knew she could be manipulative, rather it was for sinister purposes or not, she still could be.

Was she doing that now? Was she only telling her sister what she wanted to hear?

Luna's eyes snapped open before the memory could continue, and wiped the tears from her eyes. That was a far as she could remember. After that, it was all a blank.

“Did I really do those things? Did I really try to bring about eternal darkness?” she asked herself. The memories between those events were still faded, and painful to try and dechiper. Could it be, that Celestia wanted her...

No! How could she ever think of her sister like that? With a final sigh, she quit trying to file her memories, and instead began cantering through the halls. She saw the room where she was defeated, still a mess, the broken stone orbs representing the Elements of Harmony still littered the battlefield.

Celestia talked a lot about the Elements of Harmony. Luna thought it ironic that they had such useless artifacts. Sure they had a few friends, like the head of the royal guard, and their caretaker when they were foals, but nowhere near enough to actually make the things work as they should.

All the ponies rush to kiss Celestia's feet and worship the ground she walks on, yet they never take the time to get to know her. Just, casual conversation, her viewpoint on things that didn't need to be taken as law.

Sometimes, it felt downright tolitarian, especially when that group of ponies would pull their little propoganda stunts. She could tell her sister hated enforcing such laws, but deperate times...

After her return from her sentence, and to her normal self, Luna couldn't help but wonder what happened to those ponies, especially that cute blue unicorn that was the supposed leader. A lot had changed in a thousand years, which to her was a blink of en eye. Like waking up from a bad dream. Celestia had ascended to the throne, she raised both the sun and moon, and Luna was left to fade with the memories of the old pony tales that did mention her.

Most of the tales written about Celestia after Luna's banishment, forgone mentioning her entirely, except for that one story.

The pony who was once destined to rule side by side with her sister, had been reduced to an opening chapter.

That hurt her on a level more than ignoring her night did. She didn't even want to bother with attending the Gala, figuring everypony would stare at this foriegn alicorn. The ones that grew up only hearing that one story, would see her as a monster. Those that didn't would view her as an outsider.

There was only one alicorn ruler now, and it would take a lot of adjustment to accept two. Not only on the trust level, but the political, eceonomical, and all the pointless minutia. She was a burdden to her sister even when repentant. She had to stay strong, for both their sakes. Celestia gave her love to each and every pony, and as such, she feels their pain. The six who are tied to the Elements must be anguishing to her.

No...all the personal matters would be saved for later. After this oncoming storm was suppressed, and Celestia was in better spirits. The last thing she needed, was a repeat of before.

Out from Shadows

Crowded into a booth at Sugarcube Corner, sat three ponies who looked just as ordinary as the others who came and went. But these three, had much more going for them.

“So somepony actually asked me to play something by the Rockin' Beats! I told them that was sooooo totally 80s!”

The other ponies laughed at Scratch's story. Even Octavia, which surprised the unicorn.

“I kind of like their old hits.” she admited, blushing slightly.

“Really? I never figured you the type.” Scratch mused.

“What's that supposed to mean?” the ashen pony asked, a fake look of anger.

“Just I thought all you court musicians didn't go for that kind of stuff.” the unicorn shrugged.

“Just because I'm training to be a court musician doesn't mean I'm a snooty Canterlot pony.”

“That's not what I meant...” Scratch frowned.

“I know.” Octavia giggled, playfully tapping Scratch on the shoulder.

“Oh. You had me going there for a while. Hard to see sarcasam.”

The others laughed at the irony of the joke, but were cut short by somepony who was laughing even louder.

“Hard to see scarsam! BRILLIANT! Oh, I got to remember that one!”

“Hey, Doctor.” the others said in unison, Bubbly with a smile on her face.

“We were beginning to wonder if you were going to bail on us.” Scratch said, a smirk on her face.

“Nah! I wouldn't 'bail' on you ponies! I'd take all you with me!” The Doctor beamed.

“Couldn't get Trixie on board, huh?” Octavia asked, staring at her coca.

“Unfortunately no.” The Doctor sighed. “But I did manage to get some information from Twilight about what we're up against.”

“And that would be?” Scratch quirked a brow.

“Not good.”

“You think Luna knows all this too, and just isn't telling us for our own good?” Octavia asked.

“No idea. But if that's the case, all the more reason to be afraid.” he glanced over to see Bubbly cringe slightly at the notion.

“Well then, let's start being friends.” Scratch replied. “If we can get these Elements up and running, we might stand a chance.”

The Doctor nodded. “So, what's on the agenda?”

“Well, we could meet up with Luna and see how she's doing.” Octavia suggested.

“No. She needs her time to think.” the Doctor shook his head, his brown mane flying about. “She said that we would come to her when we were ready. So we got to do something friendship like.”

“How about a movie?” Scratch interjected, a smile on her face.

The Doctor stilfed a laugh, trying not to be offensive but at the same time realizing the irony that the unicon obviously saw too.

“How about you all go see one of my shows? Paying of course!” a voice interupted the cammeradie.

Everyone turned to see Trixie standing in the doorway.

“Finally decided to join us, huh?” Scratch smirked.

“Why do you care?” the blue unicorn snapped, her words more bitter than usual. Her voice sounded like she was trying to hold back tears, but she gave no indication of wanting to cry.

“Is it me, Doctor, or does Trixie seem a bit more....well...” Octavia whispered.

The Doctor nodded. “Yes there is something wrong here. I'll see what I can do.”

“I don't need this!” Trixie spat, her words felt as if they were taking form and hurtling towards the others, sharp and ready. It was strange alright, even for her. With a huff, she turned and stomped off into the night.

The Doctor ran out after her, but she was gone. No hoof prints, no signs of fleeing. She just vanished into the dark.

“Not good...” he muttered to himself.

Feathered Friend

There was a myriad of things that she didn't understand in this life. Even more than she realized herself. But the one true thing that she did know, was that she managed to destroy the only good thing she had going for her.

Despite all the harsh words, all the misunderstandings, she knew that deep down, none of those words that Rainbow Dash had said she actually meant, and in her heart of hearts, she knew her words in return were just as empty. They may have been from a sharpened beak, but there was no intent to wound.

Now her friendship lie in tatters like so many broken prey at her talons. Optimisim began to creep in as she began to believe it was an easy fix. A few well placed apologies, and everything would be alright again. But she knew it would never be that simple. Like anything else, what takes years to build, takes only seconds to destroy.

The guilt left a nasty feeling in the pit of her stomach. She remembered it was the same kind of feeling she got when Dash got in trouble for something in flight camp for something she had organized. The same feeling she got when she saw Dash comforting that crying, yellow Pegasus. Could that one she made cry back in Ponyville be....

She shook her head. Retreating back to her new “home” as it were, she sat in the trees lost in thought. Here she was, in exile among the other monsters that the ponies feared. Outcast from her own homeland, homesick in Cloudsdale, and no longer desired in Ponyville, she had resigned to her fate in the darkness of the Everfree Forest. That is until that group of ponies had come along. She had decided to follow them, found the castle ruins she had flown over many times before, and heard an interesting story in the process.

She also remembered brief mentions about Rainbow Dash. Was she in trouble? Could this be her moment to make ammends? From the sounds of it, that dark unicorn was attempting to seek the same forgiveness. Rather the other ponies in the group were also seeking such approvals, she didn't know. But, it wouldn't hurt to see if they had an opening, as it were.

Anything to help the only friend she had.

Nodding to herself in finality, the mighty griffon gave a flap of her wings, and took off towards Ponyville once more. A new job had presented itself, and she was determined to see it through.

Elsewhere, the Doctor stared into the darkness outside, still mulling over what had gotten into that Trixie. They needed six ponies to make the Elements of Harmony work, and now they were down to five.

Before anymore thoughts could be made, the Doctor saw a circling shadow in the sky. Whatever it was, it was pretty good size. With a peircing hawk-like cry and a flourish, the tan pony stared in awe at the mighty griffon before him.

“Oh, BRILLIANT!” he exclaimed. “Look at you, eh? Very dashing! The whole mythological aspect going on there.”

“I'm as real as you are, dweeb.” Gilda snorted.

The Doctor paused for a moment in his observations. Great, another one. Why did he always attract the ones with the bad attitudes?

“Well, what brings you here, miss...”

“Gilda.” she replied, sternly. “I'm here to,” she began tracing a claw on the ground nervously. “I want to help....for a friend...”

The Doctor looked into her eagle eyes, and saw the hurt behind them. It was then he knew that she was nothing like Trixie. Her facade was just that, an act. Unlike Trixie, who genuinely believed her lies.

“Well, I don't know...we seem to be a pony only club.” he thought. Could the Elements of Harmony work on anyone? This was something he must explore further.

“Please...” the griffon whispered, her face showing that sounded a bit more pathetic than she wanted it too.

With no choice, the Doctor gave a solemn nod. He had to inform Luna of the change in plans. He turned to go back inside the shop, and glanced over his shoulder to see Gilda looking off, as if lost in thought. He cleared his throat to get her attention, and gave a nod to follow.

Walking inside the shop, which was oddly enough, spacious enough for even her, the other ponies looked in confusion and fear.

“Everyone, this is Gilda. Since Trixie seems to be a lost cause at the moment, I vote we recruit her.”

“I remember her.” Scratch sneered. “The way she acted at Pinkie's party was totally uncool.”

“I know.” Gilda replied. “And...I'm sorry...” her eyes widened at how easy that had come out. She was showing way more cracks in her armor than she wanted to, but had a feeling that tan pony could already see all of them anyway. It hurt her ego to be so pathetic, yet at the same time, it felt good. The feeling in her heart at wanting to help her friend, despite the harsh words. Dash had not only taught her the finer arts of getting in trouble, she also taught her the art of loyality. A lesson the griffon was now in remiss for fogetting so easily.

The white unicorn had heard the sorrow in the griffon's apology, and eased up. Octavia could only look on in awe, as she had never seen something like her outside of stories. Bubbly, on the other hand, shrank like a violet, trying to avert her wandering gaze.

“Well then, I guess it's settled! Looks like we're a new group now! Allons-y!”

Media Nox Termina

“On my kingdom...shine the light of justice.”

Luna remebered those words Celestia spoke, as she banished Nightmare Moon to her slumber. As if it was a cruel joke, whatever had made her become such a monster, allowed enough of her consciousness to slip through to hear those last words.

Now Luna had found herself in darkness. Her element. But something was different about it. The castle was whole once more, flickering torch lights from the windows indicated signs of activity inside, and the moon...

There was her moon, as close to the land of Equestria it has ever been, full, bright, and almost....leering at her?

I shall consume...consume everything...

It was unsettling to say the least, but she pressed on to see who was within the castle. When she approached, a group of ponies, all with emotionless expressions, turned to face her.

“Who are you?” the leader asked, his face obscured by a cloak.

“I am Princess Luna. Sister to Princess Celestia.” Luna answered, confidence in her voice. Why wern't these impudent ponies bowing to her?

“Celestia? HA!” the pony scoffed. “She is unfit to rule. She only has one sister, and that is Nightmare Moon!”

“What?” Luna was taken aback.

As if to answer her question, her eyes drifted to the stained glass windows that depicted her and Celestia when they were foals. The face of the Luna image was gone, a hole in it's place, showing the moon outside, which appeared to have drawn closer.

“No....no...this cannot be...” she began to panic, her hooves scrambling for footing.

“Your true face! What kind of face is it?” the pony asked. He commanded the others to gather.

“WE, THE CULT OF THE MOONDREAMERS, WELCOME NIGHTMARE MOON'S DARKNESS! TO CAST ASIDE THE LIGHT THAT BLINDS US TO THE TRUTH, AND BESTOW UNTO US TRUE FREEDOM!”

Before Luna's eyes, Nightmare Moon manifested, causing the ponies to bow before her. She sneered at Princess Luna, then a smile spread across her face.

“When a body is used by another, it can be called nothing but a puppet. This one has served it's purpose.”

Luna had managed to stumble back outside the castle, her breathing frantic and ragged. This isn't right....she thought to herself...this isn't right...

“You shouldn't have done that...” the pony's voice whispered. Luna glanced up to see her moon, her lifes work and prison, plummeting towards the surface. She was helpless, powerless to stop it's descent.

With nothing left to do, she screamed as the moon made it's final approach.

Burry your wasted into the moon....I hope it melts into the earth soon....

Luna awoke, screaming louder than she realized. Her cry echoed through the remains of the castle and managed to stir some of the sleeping life in the forest in the process. Her heart was pounding like never before, and a cold sweat covered her body.

After ragaining her breath, and her heart returning to a normal rate, she glanced over to see none other than the Doctor, flanked by a mighty griffon that looked a bit nervous.

“Oh, sorry...Perhaps we've come at a bad time?” the Doctor nodded.

“No...no....just....repressed memories I'm still trying to get in order.” Luna replied dryly, standing on wobbly hooves and attempting to shake the cobwebs from inside her skull.

“I see...um...well...” the Doctor glanced at the griffon. “We...kind of have a change in plans.”

“What do you mean?” Luna asked, quirking a brow.

“Well, it would seem that Trixie is lost to our cause. Not that she was much of a use anyway.” he cleared his throat when he noticed Luna's unamused expression. “So, I found this repentant griffon who wishes to take her place in our little group. If that's okay...”

Luna nodded, obviously exhausted by her nightmares. “Fine...whatever you feel needs to be done.”

“Are you okay, Princess?” the Doctor finally asked. “You seem out of sorts.”

“I'm fine...nothing that some rest wouldn't fix. I'm not really used to sleeping at night.” she mustered a half-hearted smile.

“I see. Well, come then Gilda. We've got work to do.”

The griffon turned to follow the Doctor, stopping to glance back at the tormented alicorn. She turned back and spoke.

“Princess...I....I know what it's like to seek forgiveness. If you want to talk, I....I'm here.”

Luna nodded, her smile now more meaningful. “I would like that, Gilda.”

“Allons-y!” the Doctor called, making Gilda scowl in his direction for being called like a dog.

“Coming!” she answered, and walked off.

Do Not Fear The Darkness, But What Your Mind Puts In It

Trixie huddled in her trailer, the blanket wrapped tightly around her. Her head throbbed, and she felt ravenously hungry. She had already kicked out the lamp, as the light hurt her eyes, which now had bags under them.

She felt almost anemic. Maybe it was a bad reaction to the wine? She knew she shouldn't have drank that much, but it helped to stop those memories and terrible thoughts. Unfortunately, those were beginning to surface too.

Sure, Trixie wasn't always as arrogant and the braggart she is now, it took time, and a lot of experience, both good and bad, to shape her into the maleable form that she is today. The struggle of rising from obscurity, the road to success, the reality crashing back, all of it played a minor role in her life. Now it was taking a turn for the worst.

A long time ago, no one would suspect the little filly standing on the street corners of Hoofington, peadiling her parlour tricks and such to the ponies who idly walked by. Some saw her as an attention horse, others an annoyance. A few did give her a few bits for her trouble, but it was nowhere near what she had hoped for.

Soon she began making up stories to attract more customers. She even began hustling ponies out of their bits, and didn't feel the least bit guilty for it. She had to survive too. Then one day, she had gotten that hat and cape from her mother. She wore them with pride, and ramped up her ego even more to match. Eventually, she had enough to buy a stage, and some cheap fireworks from Longguo dragons, even if she couldn't read the instructions. After a few mishaps, she was on a roll, and eventually made her fateful stop in Ponyville.

She would've had it made if it weren't for those two idiots. She didn't even remember their names. Why is it she always attracted the stupid followers? Then to make matters worse, she bravely stood up to that Ursa, put her life on the line, and no one acknowledged that. Twilight got all the praise.

Trixie's eyes snapped open at the sudden revelation. In this little game of one upmareship, Twilight was the role of Celestia, who could do no wrong. While Trixie was the role of Luna, who no one trusted.

She facehoofed at the sudden realization. It all made insanely logical sense. But that didnt' explain her current condition though. Was this what Luna went through before she became Nightmare Moon? Despite all the side effects, she did feel more powerful. But it seemed that using such power also worsened her physical state.

It was then she noticed that it was darker than usual in her wagon. She blinked a few times to see if it was just her eyes needing adjusting, but it wasn't that. A thick cloud of darkness hung before her. Hesitating, she reached out a hoof, and found the darkness to actually be a tangeable object.

This was a curious discovery. It felt warm and slimy, yet at the same time, cool and thick. The touch of the dark overwhelmed her senses and emotions, and unlocked doors in her mind that she kept locked. In the dark, the only fears are what you make them.

The darkness grew closer, snaking and slithering like smoke, wrapping around cannons and fetlocks, holidng the unicorn in a helpless position. Her touch had signed an unseen pact. She had agreed to the power it would bestow, but did not know how it would happen. Now she got her answer.

Trixie writhed in fear, finding that her strength had increased as well. She attempted a light spell from her horn, but nothing came out. Her power was only darkness now.

The cloud shifted her position, began to slowly pull her hind legs apart. She swore she saw a smile somewhere in the fog, but wasn't certain. Her conversion would be complete soon enough.

Elsewhere, the Doctor was getting to know Gilda a bit better, and found he sympathized with her somewhat. It seemed the griffon, Luna, and himself, were the three really seeking forgiveness. Of couse, he knew that he could never be forigven for what he had done, and not just because it didn't happen here.

“Well, I see that we have more in common than I thought.” the Doctor mused. “Never thought I'd relate to a griffon.”

“So we have to become friends, to get these Elements of Harmony to work, or else the world will be destroyed?” Gilda asked, appearing somewhat unimpressed by the story.

“Indeed.”

“What about Rainbow Dash?” she finally asked.

“Well, I'm afraid I don't know her personally. But from what I can gather from other sources, she is not here. In fact,” he stamped a hoof. “Her absence is partially what is causing all these events. Apparently your friend is more important than you realized.”

“Yeah...” Gilda replied, hanging her head and looking away.

Was she really the cause of all this? It certainly shed new light on the Pegasus. She wished she had seen it sooner. Her new friends are feeling the same way as she did when Dash dumped her. But because of their responsibilities, their sadness is shaping events to be as grim as they are now.

Now was the time to show Dash, she's not the only one capable of loyality.

A Light In The Tunnel

Lying on her stomach on the cold floor of the castle ruins, Princess Luna attempted some form of sleep once more. Her nightmares would just have to be ignored.

A scroll appeared before her, in a whisp of flame that didn't belong to a dragon. Curious, she snatched the scroll with her magic, and brought it forth to read.

Dear Princess Luna,

I can't help but notice that there is something very wrong going on here, and I have a feeling that you know as well. I would ask Princess Celestia, but I currently have my doubts that she would tell me everything.

If at all possible, I request an audience with you. I know we've had our differences in the past, but now isn't the time to bring up such things. I need your help.

Your Faithful Friend

Twilight Sparkle

Luna couldn't help but smile at that last line. Twilight Sparkle really did consider her a friend. She bit her lip, indecisive on rather she should explain what was going on in great detail. She didn't even fully know herself.

But, if it was an audience she wanted, Luna couldn't deny. She needed someone to talk to herself, and who better than the pony that almost went down the same path that she did? They were more alike than Twilight realized, but had two very different outcomes. As repayment for her salvation, Luna couldn't say no to lending a hoof when possible.

Summoning her quill and a blank parchment, she began writing her reply.

With that done and out of the way, she returned to her fitful slumber, confident that her night would maintain itself for now.

Meanwhile, the ragtag group of ponies...and one griffon...continued to forge the friendship needed to be successful. Gilda would recount all the times she and Rainbow Dash got in trouble. Vinyl Scratch would talk music, and Octavia would try to instll some culture into the unicorn with what she knew.

The Doctor had the strangest stories of all. But given the current situation, nothing seemed to unbelievable anymore. He even offered to invite them all along on an adventure sometime, as long as they promised not to touch anything, of course.

Bubbly stood there, a smile on her face as she listened intently. The Doctor noticed this, and approached the gray Pegasus.

“Here now, what's with all the silence?”

“She's a mute.” Vinyl Scratch explained.

The Doctor nodded, and returned his gaze to the blonde pony. “Is that so? Or you just don't have anything to say?”

Bubbly glanced away, unsure of herself.

“Come then, you're among friends! Can you speak?”

Bubbly nodded.

“Then say something!”

After a momemt of silence, Bubbly opened her mouth, and spoke to her new friends for the first time.

“Muffin....”

“BRILLIANT!” The Doctor exclaimed. “Well, now that we've gotten that out of the way, tell us a little about yourself.”

Bubbly glanced up at Gilda, who was staring back at her. Though her face showed a scowl, the griffon was also curious about what her new “friend” had to say. Bubbly didn't realize this, and shrank back.

“Oh come now! Gilda isn't going to hurt you! Tell us about yourself.”

“I don't remember.” Bubbly replied, her voice tinged with sadness.

“Oh....oh dear. Well, I can fix that if you want.” the Doctor offered.

Bubbly nodded slightly, not sure if she wanted to remember. Maybe there was a reason she forgot.

“We can all help.” Octavia added.

The Doctor nodded in agreement. Something purple caught the corner of his eye, and he looked out the window of the candy shop to see Twilight Sparkle walking through the dark, heading towards the Everfree Forest. What could she be doing out at such an hour? And going there of all places!

“Tell you what, Bubbly. All of you come meet me at the Ponyville Library tomorrow, and I'll see what I can do.”

“You sure Twilight won't be mad about us coming over uninvited?” Scratch asked, a frown on her face.

“She has more important things to worry about. We'll be fine.” the Doctor reassured, waving a passive hoof. “Besides, she's the only one who knows how to work that contraption of her's in the basement.”

That was a lie, of course. He knew how to use all that machinery in Twilight's basement. It was an impressive set up to be sure, for an otherwise magic based society. The perfect place to store his own devices. But, any excuse was better than none.

After a moment of thought, the others nodded in agreement. The Doctor nodded in approval. Won't Twilight be surprised at all his new companions!

“Very well then, see you all tomorrow! Allons-y!”

The three ponies and the griffon all left Sugarcube Corner, leaving the Doctor to think about how to spring this on Twilight.

“You could say it's a party.” a voice grabbed his attention. The Doctor turned to see Pinkie Pie once more, still as depressed and flat maned as ever.

“Sorry?”

“You could say it's a party, and that's why they're coming over.” the pink pony repeated herself, her stare from the darkened kitchen unsetteling.

“Yes...I suppose that could work.” he mused.

“How did you get in here after hours anyway?” she asked, picking up a large cake knife with her mouth.

“Uh....the door was open...”

“Oh.” she paused for a moment. “Well, guess I'll see you around.”

“Sure...?” the Doctor was confused. Pinkie still appeared depressed, yet was slowly regaining her personality back. Perhaps this was a sign things were going to look up.

“Want a cupcake?” she asked.

“Uh...no thank you...”

Elsewhere still, Trixie knew she had to have looked like a wreck. After that terrible dream with that dark cloud doing unplesant things to her, she felt dirty and somewhat guilty. It was strange, feeling guilt over something that didn't really happen. But in her gut, she had a feeling that it did, her brain was just trying to deny it.

Forcing herself out of bed, she trotted over to the mirror, and gasped in horror at what she saw.

Are We Not Ponies?

Trixie didn't know why she felt compeled to enter this part of the Everfree Forest. She had heard the stories about it, of the criminals that get banished there to survive or sucumb to their fates. Celestia couldn't bring herself to execute anyone, so let nature run it's course instead.

Suddenly, a filly walked out in her path. She was young with a gray coat and blonde mane and tail, and bore a magnifying glass cutie mark. The eye contact with the distant child was signal enough to follow her.

Soon, she found herself in a large clearing, where the remains of a formerly prosperous village stood. The eerie silence amplifying the looming meanace of the forest, actually gave the sky blue unicorn a headache.

“She has the mark.....” a voice croaked.

Trixie was too terrified to bask in this random praise. More voices ominously cried out, deriding her for daring to bring a mark into their village.

“He's watching you, you know.” the filly spoke up. “This village was punished by Celestia, now *HE** keeps us alive and constantly reliving our punishment as an insult to her.”*

“Who...” Trixie couldn't speak as she saw the ponies the other voices belonged to. They seemed to rise from the ground like oil, or ooze from the shadows.

“He feels that we are the ultimate example of Celestia's tyranical ways. We suffer for eternity until she finally dies.” the filly continued.

“Who...why....” Trixie's knees were banging together, and her spine locked up in fright.

“He hates Celestia most of all. Whereas she is the light that gives life, he is the darkness that reveals all.”

“I thought....Luna....was the darkness....”

“No...Luna is the night. The darkness *HE** is, is the kind where anypony can reveal their true selves, because everypony can hide....”*

“She has the mark.....” the shadow ponies continued to drone.

Trixie finally felt the invisible grip on her release, and she took off in the opposite direction. What in pony hell was going on?

The Doctor backed his way out of Sugarcube Corner, declining anymore cupcakes from the pink party pony, and turned only to collide with Trixie.

“What's got you in such a fright?” he asked, untangling himself from her limbs. She looked terribly sleep deprived. Has she looked in a mirror since then?

Without any words, she got up and retreated back to her trailer. Huddling under the covers for the rest of the night.

Back at the castle ruins, Princess Luna sighed as she closed the last of the books brought to her by Twilight Sparkle. Her magic allowed her to absorb the knowledge within them rather quickly, and she was up to speed on what had happened while she was...well...gone.

But she knew that public records were never complete, especially when it came to matters of royal importance. Then she realized, that she could convince her sister to help explain to Twilight more of what she wanted to know.

Using her magic to produce a scroll and ink, she began writing.

Dear, Celly

Your student, Twilight Sparkle, had come to me with questions of dire importance. If her accouts are correct, I fear that a problem we felt we have solved so long ago, has returned.

Unfortunately, due to my lapse in memory, I am unable to help her. Please, provide her with any knowledge you feel she must know. I have faith that whatever secrets you keep, are with good reason. I wasn't to happy about what we had to do that day either.

In the meantime, I will be here, at the remains of our fillyhood home, in an attempt to further fill in the gap in my memories. This is something I must do on my own.

Luna thought for a moment. She didn't want Celestia's interference due to the potential for her to block out more memories than recover. She trusted her sister, but not when it came to telling the whole truth.

Do not worry about me, sister. Twilight needs your help now more than I do. As long as I make the night come on time, there is nothing to fret.

Sincerely, your loving sister

Luna

With a flash of her horn, the message was on it's way. She then turned her gaze to the horizon, seeing the sunlight slowly rising. Luna knew she was awake now, and would get her message. She got to her hooves, and began the ritual of lowering the moon once more. She had to keep her appointments too, after all.

With the morning light came some uninvited guests to Twilight's abode. Pulling herself from bed at the sound of banging hooves on the front door, she trotted downstairs to see what the noise was about. The Doctor had beat her to the door, and answered it with a warm smile.

“Ah! Brillaint! You all came! Onward and upward then! This way! To the basement!” he began directing the group. Twilight couldn't help but stare in shock at the scene playing out before her. There was that unicorn from the fashion show, and that cross eyed Pegasus that seemed to be everywhere.

Then there was that ashen colored pony, with the trebel clef cutie mark and chocolate mane.

And last but not least, of all the ones to attend this strange party, Gilda, who looked surprisingly calm and almost sad.

The Doctor had slid up next to the startled unicorn. “Terribly sorry, Twilight. Party and all of that.”

With those words he was off, leaving a very confused unicorn alone in her study.

Wibbley Wobbley

It wasn't too long a trip, and the grey Pegasus in his care was finally at peace, sleeping soundly. The Doctor witnessed it all. The rise and fall of Tirek, the banishment of Nightmare Moon, everything. It was purely for research purposes of course. He had to know the history in order to understand what he and the others were up against. Though his rule of not interfering in historcal events kind of went by the wayside when he found that poor Pegasus. His reading of her memories shown him what had happened, and it broke his heart.

The Pegasus awoke from her slumber, and yawned, her lazy eye drifting off to nowhere in particular. Once she saw where she was, curiosity took over, and she wanted to touch everything.

“You're just as bad a Twilight!” the Doctor sighed. The ship lurched violently as it came to a halt. Were they there already?

Things were vastly different. In fact, if one didn't know their history, it would seem nothing bad happened at all.

“Whoa! Radical trick, dude!” a voice exclaimed. The Doctor saw a light pink unicorn, with a flowing mane and tail of white and purple. Her flanks were covered in numerous stars.

“Ah! A fellow resident! Brilliant! And your name is?”

“Twilight.” She answered.

She didn't look like Twilight. She had the bookish charm, the color scheme, though slightly off. But the Doctor couldn't quite place what was going on.

“Twilight...what, exactly?” he asked, hoping for a clearer answer.

“Oh, just Twilight! I go by one name, ya know? Like Maredonna!”

“Of course...” the Doctor facehoofed.

“Hey! I thought we were going to the school dance!” another voice called. This one belonged to a marroon colored pony who obviously took the fashion at the time too seriously. Her mane and tail were crimped and held in place by copiuous ammounts of spray, and she sported forlock warmers like she thought she was Ocracoke-Newton John. The lighting bolt earrings, checkered flag neckerchief, sunflower cutie mark and braces only added to the nonsensical look.

“Oh, hey Cheerilee! I was just talking to this neato magic pony!” Twilight nodded to the Doctor.

“Hey, now! You don't want HIM to get jealous, do you?” Cheerilee nudged Twilight.

“Who? Oh, you mean Cresent Sparkle? Come on! You know I'm not ready for a relationship!”

“Just one look at him and you know you want to have his foal!”

“Cheerilee! You're embarassing me!”

It was then the Doctor realized his mistake, he didn't go forward enough! “Yes, well. I must be going...” he replied, and bowed curtly.

“Aw! So soon?” Twilight asked.

“Yes. Oh, and one more thing. Crescent Sparkle is a good colt! He'll take care of you.” With that, he went back inside of his ship and with a brilliant flash, disappeared.

“Wow...” Cheerilee gasped.

“Told ya.” Twilight smirked, though she couldn't help but think of what he said about Crescent Sparkle.

Cheerilee glanced down. “Aw! He forgot his kid!” she frowned at the grey Pegasus.

“Don't worry! I know a place we can take her!” Twilight smiled.

“Well that was terribly akward.” the Doctor muttered to himself. He glanced around and noticed that the Pegasus was missing. He smiled and sighed. “Ah well, wibbley wobbley, timey wimey.”

Finally his ship came to a stop once more, and he cautiously stepped out. Everything looked the same still, so this must be the place.

After stepping out entirely, he was rapidly approached by a midnight blue unicorn colt with a moon and star cutie mark. The Doctor opened his mouth to greet him, but was cut off when a cigar was stuck into his mouth.

“It's a girl!” he exclaimed. “It's a girl! I'm a father!”

“Drat, still not far enough! Blasted thing! Ah well, least I got this out of the deal.” he mused, moving the cigar in his lips so he could get a better glance at it. After spending a few minuets pondering how ponies could roll them with hooves, and why they have tobacco in the first place, he shook his head. He had to get back to the present before anyone knew he was missing and began asking questions!

With a sigh, he got back into his ship once more, hoping that the third time would be the charm.

Tweet, Tweet, Go To Sleep

“Are you sure you remember the way to the castle?” Scratch asked, casually stepping around and over any obsticales her cane pointed out to her.

“I'm sure of it! I'm the only one that paid attention, really. The Doctor was staring off into space.” Octavia smirked. She was a bit unsettled by the feeling in the forest, and the oppressive darkness. She sort of envied Scratch for not being able to see the potential terrors.

Bubbly remembered, and flew up to survey the area. She pointed a hoof in the direction of the castle, and the others followed.

Luna saw them approach and smiled. “I see you are ready. But where is your griffon friend?”

“She had a personal matter to tend to. We all agreed to wait for her.” Octavia explained.

“I see.” Luna nodded. “And the Doctor?”

“He said he'll be here soon.” Scratch added. “Said he had to do some research.”

Luna nodded again, growing a bit impatient. Her thoughts began to wander back to when her and Celestia were on better terms, and she could barely remember the Doctor walking around Canterlot prior to the events that would unfold.

She shook such nonsense out of her head. She picked him herself, no way he could be the cause of all of this.

Is there?

“There's no use in hiding it, you know.” a nasialy voice spoke, snapping the Doctor from his thoughts.

He turned to see a Pegasus with the same color scheme and mark as him, smirking a confident smirk.

“What do you want...” the Doctor muttered, wondering how he could be here and now.

“His power makes me be. He brings out the darkness in all of us...Doctor.” the Pegasus replied.

“Look, I don't have time for this right now. So come back later, when I'm a bit more depressed.”

“I liked you better in a fez. What happened to you? Why are you a pony now? Am I a pony too?” he looked at his reflection in a mirror nearby. “Gads! I am a pony! Such tawdry taste! I never figured you for a little girl...”

“I'm very busy here, can't hear you! Got to stop evil forces and all that, you know the drill.”

“I'm not here because of Tirek.”

The Doctor stopped and now gave the Pegasus his undivided attention. “It's him...isn't it?”

“The darkness in us all can only be revealed in the darkness we create, Doctor. You're fate will soon befall everyone else.”

“Everypony else, actually.”

“What?”

“See, in this world they say....well, never mind....point is....that's not possible.”

“Oh but it's very possible. Just as relics from the old universe can survive, so too can the darkness before it's creation. Face it, Doctor, you're in over your head on this one.”

“No...no I always figure out a solution! Allons-y!”

“Forever the optimist, aren't you? That will become annoying when I'm stuck with you for eternity.”

“Well, better cue up the theme music then!” the Doctor mused, returning to his busy work.

The Pegasus sighed. “You have to sleep sometime you know.”

“Maybe I already am. You taught me that.” the Doctor winked.

“Such insufferable nonsense. I don't see how some...pony who has a conscience like me, can be so carefree! It's madness!”

“Madness...?”

“Don't start.”

“Maybe my robot dog can beat you at chess!”

The Pegasus gave a fustrated sigh, and disappeared.

The Doctor let out a relieved sigh, and began to realize how dire the situation was. He had to find Trixie, rather Twilight helped him or not. If she was in sercvice of him now...there may be no hope for her.

Anypony who saw Trixie now, would be slightly horrified at what she has become. She was now a raving pony, constantly scribbling arcane symbols in the dirt and muttering to herself, her horn trying to conjure magic but getting nothing. She curse to herself angerly, and repeat the process, over and over and over again.

Gilda had seen this strange behavior on her way to Appleloosa, and decided to drop in to try to help. The Doctor did tell her to be a better person, whatever that meant.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT SPARKLE! WHERE IS SHE?”

“Uh, last I saw her she was in the Ponyville library. Not that I hang out there or anything...” Gilda shook her head slightly to ruffle her head feathers produdly.

Trixie didn't respond with her normal vitrol, but instead, laughed and shoved her way past the griffon.

“What a lame-o.”

The Games Ponies Play

Even if he knew the truth, the rules forbade him to say anything. Especially to Twilight. She had been through enough as it is, and still had her lingering doubts. But to tell her, that she was being lied to even more than she knew, all because of him....well, that was unacceptable.

It pained him to have to let her find out on her own. But she probably wouldn't believe his frantic warnings anyway. She had been told enough false truths, even by Celestia herself. But the Princess didn't know any better. She was just another pawn.

Now here he was, at the steps of Canterlot castle, to confide in the Princess about the current situation. She happily accepted his request, and the Pegasi guards let him in and led him to her chambers. As he walked the gilded halls, he saw strange paintings. One shown Twilight and her friends defeating Nightmare Moon. But others, shown a far different story.

The doors opened, and Celestia sat upon her throne, her face baring a look of concern and trouble. Luna was there too, siting on the floor nearby, her task with the ponies done and mobilized. Perhaps Celestia was troubled by the news of more innocent ponies getting involved in her troubles.

“I appreciate you taking the time to see me, Princess.” the Doctor bowed formally.

“I will help however I can, but I can't promise you much.”

“You're audience is all I ask. As you are well aware, the looming threat of Tirek is approaching ever closer. Yet I can't help but notice that you're not responding as if it were an actual emergency. Not to question your authority or anything.”

“Shall I tell him, sister?” Luna asked, casting a pleading gaze.

“No. He told us not to, no matter how much he begged.” Celestia replied.

“Who told you?”

“You did.”

The Doctor facehoofed. Why did he always have to play games with himself.

“Well, that still doesn't explain why you're not mobilizing against the threat.”

“Because the threat you perceve is not the real threat.” Celestia couldn't help but smirk.

“What?”

“You told me you'd be confused. But unfortnately, you said, and I quote 'the very balance of the time space continum will be destroyed if you tell my past self anything that I have told you.'.” Celestia raised a hoof for effect, and tried to mimic his accent.

“You're having too much fun with this.” the Doctor scowled.

“Sorry. But in these dire times, I need a laugh to raise my spirits.”

“So when will I find out what my future self told you?”

“I don't know. But you can be rest assured that we are aware of the actual threat, and are preparing accoridingly.”

“Ah. I get it now. You're preparing for Aerebus.” the Doctor remembered his conversation with his 'other self' about that thing.

“Well, yes...and no.” Luna replied. “We're actually....”

“Luna, shush!” Celestia scolded.

“This is getting me nowhere! I thought you were going to help me! But I guess the universe will be destroyed then! Allons-y!”

“I know you're worried, Doctor. But trust us, it's for your own good.”

“You know...” the Doctor turned, his eyes narrowing at the alicorn. “I'm beginning to agree with Twilight about you.”

“Think of me what you must. But in due time, you'll regret those words. In the meantime, I suggest you find Twilight. She needs you right now.”

“How do you know this?”

“You told me.”

The Doctor stomped his hooves and sighed. “Fine then. I just hope you know what you're doing.”

The Doctor turned and stormed out of the chambers, leaving the two alicorns alone to talk.

“He's kind of funny when he's like that.” Luna observed.

Celestia shook her head. “This is no laughing matter. I just hope he catches on before it's too late.”

“So it's all true then? Tirek isn't returning?”

“No, sister. I'm afraid that one of the Doctor's problems has become our problem. Making my problems into poor Twilight Sparkle's. I hope she's okay.”

“And what of Trixie? She seems to be under some heavy dark magik. I've never seen anything like it.”

“Yes. It's a good thing Ididn't mandate all ponies use magic in defense. Who knows what she could've done.”

“How will we be able to save her? I know you don't want to....well....”

“No. I don't. But if it's power she desires, then I guess we'll have to give it to her.”

“What do you mean, sister?”

“You said yourself the Elements of Harmony are useless without any friends. Trixie has none, therefore she'll only believe she has power when she has none.”

“Won't that have adverse effects?”

“It's a risk I'm willing to take. We have to keep Trixie occupied until a way is devised to save her. That is, if she even wants to be saved.”

“If she doesn't?” Luna cocked her head.

“Let's hope it doesn't come to that, sister.”

Welcome To Die!

All that fun going on out there, and he wasn't invited. Not like it mattered, it seemed they were getting along fine without him. If anything, the chaos being sewn right now made him all the more stronger. He hadn't had a feast like this in a long time, and he began itching for the chance when he would be free to play once more.

It sapped a lot of his stored energy to bring his agent of chaos to Equestria, but it was worth it for the rewards. He got more than he barganed for on the returns. He just hoped that pony saved him some action when he was free.

Until then, he would bide his time. After all, it was difficult to play games if the pieces kept running away from you. It was a challenge Discord was willing to accept.

It seemed like only yesterday that he was the mad conductor over a war that would plunge Equestra into a darkness far worse than the sun going down. One mired in political machinations, pony slavery, and pollution. Celestia had her hooves full when she came to power, no thanks to the last leader and the war with the dragonkind. Guess that's what happens when you got someone like Discord as an advisor.

Nonetheless, he didn't like Celestia. Not because she was the opposite of him, or because he was obligated to hate her. No, he disliked her because she was far better at manipulation and lies than he could ever hope to be! It was maddening, really. Where did she learn such a skill?

Needless to say, this went over about as well as expected. That was when he noticed that despite all she had done, she continued to talk down to her sister. She made up stories and explanations that her 'young mind' could process because it was for 'her own good'.

It was an opportunity he couldn't pass up, but given the events afterwords, he felt that perhaps he acted too soon. He had become impressed with Celestia and her Machiavellian tactics, and it stood to reason that with Luna by her side to talk down too and feel superior, she would've gotten bored and became just like him. She turned such an adorable shade of pink when she was really angry.

Instead, he made it to where Celestia had to do the hardest thing in her life. After Luna's banishment, he didn't recognize her anymore. Soon after, he was banished as well, to where he rested now, waiting for his unofficial emissary to give him all he needed to break free.

In the end, he still found humor in the whole affair, even if he was jealous the Dragon King got the 'benefits' of the solution to the war. But, being immortal meant you had time to reflect, and Discord had plenty of stories to do so. His power reached other universes besides this one, and if he wasn't messing with the expatiations of civilized primates by messing with their desired hobbies, he was bothering civilized primates in a far flung future full of optimism and hope.

All this time confined by someone more skilled at tricks than he was, was also humbling. Some might say his brand of humor was 'juvinile' and 'immature' but at least he was honest about it. Celestia had single hoofedly manipulated the birth and life of an unsuspecting pony all in the name of being her failsafe and possible successor.

He could see this end result, and knew right then she didn't have the heart to be as cold and calculating as her mentor,. She just wanted to belong and have everypony love her despite her flaws. Oh, her mind will be so sweet to test and trick. Her friends looked equally amusing. He couldn't wait.

But to his horror, he could also see that his emissary was going a bit too far...

Big Damn Ponies

The pain was unbearable. She needed to feed. She needed fear. Twilight was no longer a viable source, and she didn't know if she could withstand another attack, even in her new state. She didn't need that mentally disturbed egotist anyway, there were far more juicier morsels out there in Ponyville.

For example....the little unicorn filly playing with an abacus. She had the same colors as Bubbly, but still didn't have her cutie mark. She was splayed out on the floor of the quaint little cottage near the edge of the forest, almost on the opposite side of where Fluttershy's house was. Why she was alone was anypony's guess, but Trixie didn't care, prey was prey.

Silently, on stealthy hooves, she began her approach. She didn't have to worry about her shadow giving her away, as she no longer had one. Not that the place was bright enough to cast shadows anyway. A floorboard creaked, causing the filly to pause and look around.

“Mommy? Is that you?” she asked.

Trixe smiled and licked her fangs. This was going to be too easy. She grew closer, and the filly shuddered at the sudden chill she got down her spine. It had gotten cold all of the sudden, and she thought it was a ghost, or at the very least, an open window. She turned to stare into the violet eyes of Trixie. Though they were the same color as Twilight's they lacked any emotion behind them, and almost seemed to glow.

The scream echoed into the forest, where Bubbly was busy being distracted by some of the Glo Friends that made their home there. The glowing worms scattered at the scream, which caused Bubbly to jerk her head up and narrow her eyes in determination. She dashed back to the house, her motherly instinct kicking in as she barged through the door, causing Trixie to release the filly who had been suspended in the air in a bubble of black energy.

Trixie snapped her head around and scowled at Bubbly. “You!”

“Get away from my daughter!”

“Oh really, DERPY?! And what are you going to do if I don't?”

The Pegasus' wings flared as she snorted. This unicorn needed to be put in her place. With an uncharacteristic charge forward, Bubbly proved that she wasn't as innocent as ponies thought. Trixie was surprised by this sudden change of character, and prepared to fight.

“Well, Twilight...I certainly hope that you haven't gotten yourself in any....” the Doctor paused as he peered through the bushes and saw the scene at the castle ruins. Twilight was struggling against being chained to a stone altar, while a pony loomed over her, smiling evilly. “....trouble....”

As he observed the scene, he couldn't help but bring his stare back to the evil pony. He looked so familiar...that bow tie...that blonde mane....those eyes....

Those eyes.....

“No! Nononononononono! This is not good! How did he find me? Wait a minuet! He's supposed to be dead! He did regenerate! I'm not the only one left!” he stopped his subconscious hoping when he realized what he was doing. “Oh, right. He's evil, and I got to save her. Allons-y!”

He dove into the crowd of cloaked ponies, who all recoiled in fright at the sudden intrusion. The pony snapped his gaze to the commotion and smiled. “Ah, Doctor! I knew you'd come!”

“How did you come back, and how did you find me here?” the Doctor seethed, showing anger Twilight had never seen before.

“Oh, you like stories don't you? You think these ponies are brilliant and capable of so much more! You think they should be spared because all I want is you? Typical. No, this pony right here, is destined for so much more. Her power will be mine.”

“You're about to kill someone I like. That's not a good place to be standing right now.”

“I'm not going to kill her. In fact, the lunar eclipse should be happening right about....”

Both looked up at the moon, the edge beginning to be obscured by a shadow. “...now.”

“No...”

Out Into The Wilds Of Friendship

There it stands....a monument to your sins.

Luna was more surprised than the others of the group at the castle ruins in the Everfree Forest. She could sense that this place was left as untouched by magic as it was when her and Celestia lived here. But as consequence, that meant Celestia didn't use her power to keep their fillyhood castle standing for her return.

So there it stood, an open wound. Ravaged by a battle that no one should've witnessed, and fallen into disrepair. Luna didn't know why she felt compelled to come back to this place. Maybe it was the nostalgia of the better times, before all the jealously and lies. It was where the Elements of Harmony were found after all. Perhaps this is where they are summoned?

“What's everypony gasping about?” Scratch asked, acting coy about the whole blind thing, as she always did.

“This castle is enormous!” Octavia gasped.

“What's left of it.” Trixie snorted, smirking at her own joke. Nopony paid her any attention.

Dr. Whooves had seen worse in his travels. Sure the architechure was impressive for a species with hooves, but it was just old ruins. He tried to act impressed however, for Luna's sake.

“This place...was where Celestia and I grew up. It...it saddens me to see it like this.” Luna hung her head. Back when they were fillies, before they had the power and position they had now, this was their home. If it wasn't for the ruin and decay, Luna's unchanged appearance from those times would fit right in.

Painful memories came flodding back with every hole, every scortch mark she could observe and remember. The battle, the banishment. Not even Luna herself could remember the entirety of what happened that night. All she knew was she was upset, then everything went black, and next thing she knew, she was awake and crying at her sister's hooves one thousand years later.

To have that big of gap in your memories is frightening to anybody. But it was even more terrifying to her. Not only had her sister grown considerably, and gained a position of power and a fancy new castle in Canterlot, replete with royal guards and servants. But it also seemed, that everypony, including Celestia, had forgotten about her.

Now here she was, on a crazy mission of redemption to earn the trust of a generation on ponies who only know her for her misdeeds, if at all. Sure they still bow to her because of her alleged status, but that didn't mean they knew who she was. Most of them never even made the connection that she was Nightmare Moon, as they wern't there.

Maybe this was more out of seeking self approval than anything. No one knew Celestia like she did, and any reckless ideas that others might think would win her good graces, she knew wasn't going to accomplish much in the grand scheme. The fact that she was still foggy on the exact events between Nightmare Moon's manifestation and her freedom by Twilight Sparkle, didn't help her indecision any.

But now wasn't the time to think such things. There would be time for questions, and answers, later. Right now, she had to do something to keep Equestria from falling to something far worse than anything Nightmare Moon could conjour.

“So...what do we do now that we're here?” Octavia asked, noticing Bubbly nudging a rock absent mindedly.

Luna snapped from her thoughts. “In order for the Elements of Harmony to activate, you need to have the bond of friendship.”

“So, just get to know each other then? Sounds easy.” Scratch nodded. “Most ponies should be familiar with me.”

“As with me.” Dr. Whooves smiled.

“EVERYPONY is familiar with the GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!” the blue unicorn added, making sure her voice echoed nice and loud.

“Yes, but nopony likes you.” Scratch replied.

Luna hung her head and sighed. Maybe this was a mistake?

“Look, now that you all know where this place is, I will return you to your lives. If you want to stay in touch, and feel that you want to come back here. I'll be waiting.”

“You'll be here all this time?” Octavia asked, concern in her voice.

“I have faith you will all return when you're ready. But for now, I must let your friendships grow naturally. I have...” Luna glanced around at the ruins of the castle. “Other matters, to tend to at the moment.”

“So you're just going to toss us away, just like that?!” Trixie snapped. “Where's the adventure I was promised?!”

“Four of you ponies are already on the path to forging the friendship needed for the task at hand. The fifth...” she glanced at Trixie, “Needs a little more time.”

Before any objections, Luna had teleported them all back to the center of Ponyville. It was then Trixie realized, her wagon was miles away.

“HEY! What about my stuff?” she yelled, hoping Luna would hear her. As if on cue, her wagon appeared, right on top of her.

The other ponies chuckled. Scratch now thought Princess Luna was one cool pony.

As Different As Day And Night

“Turning me to stone, then going evil yourself! Such a hypocrite!”

Princess Luna shot awake at the whisper that filled the darkness of her chambers. That voice sounded familiar, and dripped with sarcasm and malice. She glanced at the massive doors that led to the palace halls, wondering if perhaps the unicorn guards outside were slipping in their duties. But the door shown no signs of being tampered with. Jerking her head to view the opposite side, she only saw deep purple curtains flowing in the morning breeze.

“But then again, it also doesn't make any sense!”

The alicorn's eyes widened at that phrase. Now she knew who it was.

“How did you escape?”

“Oh I haven't escaped yet, but there's more than enough chaos going on to free me if the time comes. Did you know that your ponysonia is now in the possession of The Great and Powerful Trixie?”

“That arrogant little unicorn?!” Luna was taken aback. She climbed out of bed, figuring that movement would snap her out of this dream. The cool morning breeze traveling through her starry mane, and the feeling of tile beneath bare hooves only confirmed she was indeed awake and aware.

“It burns you up, doesn't it?” that voice continued, echoing in the chamber as if he was physically there, and also giving her a headache. “She idolized you as Nightmare Moon, now she's favoring herself over your sister. Most of all, favoring herself over...YOU.”

“If anything, I feel sorry for her. No pony should have to suffer the way I have.” she shook her head, her eyes closed as if this would make it all go away.

“Oh come now, Luna. Don't tell me you didn't appreciate the power you had? The respect? The followers? Not to mention you finally had the upper hoof on your sister, who all but lied to you throughout your life because she thought you were to simple minded to understand what was really going on.”

“That's not true!” she stomped a hoof on the floor, an audible echo off the marble walls.

“But it is! Did you know, that if Twilight was never born you'd still be on the moon? You really should thank her.”

“I've had enough of your lies!” the alicorn snapped. This commotion caused the unicorn guards to burst into the room, magic holding spears and halberds at the ready.

“What is wrong, your majesty?” one of them asked, his voice deep and rough with experience.

“It was nothing...” Luna sighed, hanging her head. “Just a bad dream.”

The guard nodded and ordered the others to leave. Luna glanced down at the floor, the elaborate tiles reflecting her watering eyes back at her. Her reflection then began to warp and twist into Nightmare Moon, laughing at her. Her bare hooves slid on the tile as she scrambled back from her still laughing reflection, and a glance at the doors shown that only she could hear the mockery.

Up against the wall, she glanced out the window to see the blue sky was now obscured by the moon, with the same ugly, leering face it bore in her nightmares. The more she stared, the more she realized it was inching closer.

Luna closed her eyes and began muttering to herself. Spells, prayers, anything that could make it all go away. The laughter subsided and the feeling of dread in the air broke away like a fog. She slowly opened her eyes to see everything was undisturbed, and the sky was once again sunny and beautiful.

Then she wept...

Not to far down the hall, Princess Celestia felt a pang in her heart. Her poor sister had never really been the same after that whole sordid affair, and she always had a feeling that Discord had a claw, or paw, or whatever, in Luna's fall from grace. But in the end, that heartbreaking event only made her stronger in resolve and spirit. If she could overcome that, she could overcome anything, and an indomitable leader was what the ponies needed.

Sure, she never WANTED to rule over the entire land of Equestria, but she really didn't have a choice. She was groomed since birth to be prepared for such a responsibility, mainly because after the madness Discord had started with his puppet alicorn ruler, Equestria needed somepony to steer them on the right track.

In a twisted sort of way, Discord saved her from becoming bored and content in her power, thereby turning her into him. This allowed her to save Twilight from herself, to save Luna from herself. It was a cosmic connection that even she couldn't fully understand, and she had a hoof in Twilight's birth.

Her depressing thoughts were broken by the door to her chambers opening, allowing more sunlight in to mingle with what already poured through the floor to ceiling picture windows. Celestia glanced up to see Luna slowly walking in, as if a child in trouble and awaiting punishment.

“What's wrong, Luna?”

“There's....there's somepony here to see us. I was going to come talk to you, but he kind of got in my way and wanted to see you as well.”

Celestia nodded, her face wearing a look of confusion at this uninvited guest. The guards didn't even notify her. She used her magic to place her royal adornments, and followed her sister to the grand throne room. Standing there, pacing around, was the Doctor, and a giant blue box.

“Doctor, what brings you here uninvited? You could get in serious trouble sneaking in like this.” Celestia warned.

“No time for formalities unfortunately, your highness! There is a threat coming, and you must mobilize!”

“We are aware of the threat of Tirek.” Luna replied.

“No. Not Tirek! The Master! He's an old friend...well....enemy of mine. He's going to attempt to bring back an enetity known as Nightmare Moon, and use Twilight's body as the vessel!”

Celestia heard her sister gasp, but didn't look to see if she was okay. “Are you certain?”

“Positive.” he nodded. “But the only problem is, I need a means to remind myself to come here to warn you when I get back to the future.” he began glancing around the palace for something of use.

Luna trotted past him, her crystalline shoes clattering on the tile as she approached the thrones. She lowered her head behind hers, and began looking for something. Soon, she emerged with an abacus in her teeth. She trotted back to the Doctor and gently placed it on the floor.

“This is my favorite toy from when I was a filly. It has my name on it. Let it serve as a reminder.”

“I can't take this.” the Doctor replied.

Luna shook her head. “I insist. Nightmare Moon is my construct, and I have sacrificed much in my efforts to cope with the damage she had done. This is only one more.”

The Doctor nodded. “You truly are a testament to your people....er.....ponies.”