Pushing Towards Tomorrow

Chapters

Chapter 1: Memories
Chapter 2: Bravery
Chapter 3: Emptiness
Chapter 4: The Return

Chapter 1: Memories

One day while Twilight Sparkle was walking home from Zecora’s hut, to return a book she borrowed, she heard a soft moan coming from a nearby bush. When she went to investigate, she found an unconscious pony that looked like she had been on a long journey. Twilight tried to wake her up, but the strange pony would not move. She studied the worn out pony, her dirty dark purple coat, her teal and turquoise colored mane and tail, and the most shocking part was the lack of a cutie mark. When she was done examining the pony, she ended up picking up the pony with her magic and took her back to her tree house.

Three hours later, the strange pony finally woke up, she felt around for her glasses so she could see where she was. Half asleep, the pony looked around at the strange room she was in. Her heartbeat quickened, as she did not know where she was or who had snatched her up. The last thing she remembered... Then she realized she could not remember anything, who she was or where she came from.

She jumped as a voice broke her thoughts, “Glad to see you are awake, sorry I did not mean to startle you.” My name is Twilight Sparkle, what is yours?” She stared silently at Twilight before nervously saying, “M-my n-name is Luciana Midnight, w-where am I?” “Before we get to know each other we should go get you cleaned up.” Twilight points to the muddy hoofs that were clutching the blanket. Luci blushes and immediately apologizes about making Twilights bed so dirty. “It’s no problem at all Luci; I can easily wash those sheets.” Twilight said with a smile, as they walked downstairs to the bathroom.

On their way to the bathroom they pass Spike, “hey Twi who’s that pony; I’ve never seen her around before.” Luci hides behind Twilight startled by a creature she has never seen before. Twilight giggles “she reminds me of another shy pony we know. Anyway, this is Luciana Midnight; Luci this is my assistant Spike, he’s a baby dragon. Sorry Spike that we cannot stay and chat, but Luci really needs a bath so we will be right back.” After Luci finishes cleaning herself, she and Twilight sit down and get to know each other better.

“So, first thing is first you are located in Ponyville and this is where I stay. It also serves as this town’s library; do you like to read?” Luci eyes widen and she smiles for the first time, “I love to read, there are so many interesting titles in this library that I wouldn’t mind sitting down and taking a look at.” Luci looks around the library like a filly in a rainbow factory. “That’s great to hear Luci, but more importantly what were you doing that you passed out in the middle of the Everfree Forest? I’m glad I found you before a dangerous creature got to you.”

Luci stopped looking around the library and put her head down with a sad look on her face, “I… I… do not remember, I don’t remember anything about my past; other than I like to read and my name, nor do I know how I got here.” Twilight walks over to comfort Luci, “That’s awful, I’m sorry to hear; listen you can stay here with me until we can figure something out.” Luci looks up at Twilight, “T-thank you s-so much, but I w-wouldn’t want to impose.

I do have a quick question though; I noticed while I was looking into a mirror I have this thing on top of my head, what is it? Twilight giggles at the silly question, but notices that Luci was serious, “ahem, well that’s your unicorn horn, and you can use magic with it. For example, like mine; watch this.” Twilight uses her magic to grab a book and places it in front of Luci. “I can teach you how to use it later, but first we would have to start with a simple task and work your way up.” Luci was speechless at Twilights use of magic and couldn’t wait to try it for herself.

“I can’t wait to introduce you to my friends.” Twilight says with a smile. Luci gulps and suddenly gets really nervous “I… I… don’t do well around a lot of ponies. I’m s-sorry just the thought of being around a b-bunch of others bothers me.” Twilight gets an idea, “how about this, I’ll talk to the pony that I want to introduce you to first and then we will do this one at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed. In fact, we can go meet one of them today! Does that sound alright with you?” Luci gets nervous as she looks outside, “R-right now? B-but the s-sun is still up, and I have this feeling in my gut that the sun and I don’t mix very well.” “It’ll be alright, you’ll have me with you, and this won’t take very long I promise! Please!” Twilight begged. Luci heaved a sigh, “alright Twilight I’ll go with you, after all you have taken care of me this far.” Twilight cheers “Yay! Alright, you will be meeting a pony named Fluttershy. She is shy and timid like you, so I thought it would be best if you had someone you could relate with.” Luci smiles nervously, “I’ll trust your judgment.” Twilight giggles with excitement, “I’m sure you two will hit it off just fine, we should get going I’m so excited to introduce you.”

Twilight and Luci start walking to Fluttershy’s house. While they were walking Twilight began to understand why Luci did not want to go out while the sun was still up. Luci was having trouble keeping up to a walking pace, like the sun was draining her energy the longer she was exposed to it. Twilight had to use her magic to use a cloud to block the sun from hitting Luci. By the time they got to their destination the sun was almost down, and at that moment Fluttershy was catching the hens to put them all back in their pen. Fluttershy hears the sound of hoofs behind her and turns around to see Twilight, and happily hovers over to her not noticing Luci hiding behind Twilight.

“Oh hi Twilight, how are you?” Fluttershy asked. “I’m doing well; sorry for visiting so late I just wanted you to meet a new friend I met today.” Luci slowly popped her head up from behind Twilight, and looks at Fluttershy with a nervous grin. Startled by seeing Luci’s head suddenly pop up from behind Twilight; Fluttershy let out an “eep” and flew up in a nearby tree. Luci ducked her head behind Twilight, also being startled by Fluttershy’s reaction. Twilight giggles, “oh you two are perfect for each other, now come on out and properly introduce yourself.”

Fluttershy and Luci slowly walk towards each, until they were in hoofs reach, and stared at each other quietly waiting for the other to talk first. Twilight rolled her eyes at the two shy ponies, “ahem! Someone say something.” Snapping out of her trance Luci takes a quick breath “my name is Luciana Midnight, and Twilight wanted me to meet you.” Fluttershy calmed down, “Luciana is a beautiful name, but what were you doing in a scary place like the E-everfree Forest?”

Luci started to tear up remembering once again she doesn’t remember a majority of herself, “I…I… don’t remember.” A tear slides down Luci’s cheek. Fluttershy eyes grow soft on the pony; she walks over and wipes the tears away with her wing and says in a gentle voice “You poor thing, no need to cry everything will be okay, we will just have to make new memories. Isn’t that right Twilight?” “Of course, Luci you are our friend and we will stay by your side until we can get your memories back together.” Luci over-whelmed by happiness cried harder and held on to Fluttershy tightly, she couldn’t understand why they were being so nice to a pony they just met, but she enjoyed the warm fuzzy feeling she felt in her chest.

For the rest of the night Twilight and Fluttershy told Luci stories of adventures they have had in the past laughing, smiling, and making fond memories; while under the bright starry sky. Twilight yawned, “We had a good time ponies, but Luci has had a long day and I should get her back home so she could rest. Thank you Fluttershy I knew you were the right pony to come to.” Fluttershy blushes, “It’s no problem Twilight I’m just happy I could help.” Twilight and Luci say their good-byes and head back to the tree house.

They arrive at the tree house and Twilight goes through the door, but Luci did not follow her inside. Twilight yawns again “Is everything alright, Luci?” “The moon, it looks gorgeous tonight. I just want to stay out a little bit longer don’t worry I’ll be inside shortly.” Twilight nods and walks inside to get in the bed, Luci smiles as she stares at the moon wondering what the future has in store for her.

Chapter 2: Bravery

Luci woke up bright and early, wanting to do something special for Twilight, so she decided to cook breakfast. Twilight woke up to the wonderful aroma of hay bacon strips and eggs. Twilight walked downstairs to see a table of food prepared, “wow Luci I didn’t know you knew how to cook.” Twilight said with an impressed look on her face. “Oh it was nothing, just something simple, like hay bacon strips and eggs. I just wanted to try and repay you in some way for you being so kind to me.” Luci smiled, “Eat up I’m sure you have something planned for us today.”

Twilight ate the delicious looking food and was surprised of how good it came out, “this is the best breakfast I have ever tasted!” Twilight exclaimed. After Twilight finished she began to tell Luci about the day ahead of them, Okay Luci, today we are going to visit the apple’s family. Your amazing cooking reminded me of their delicious baked goods. How does that sound to you?” Luci looked at Twilight nervously, “Does it have to be the whole Apple family?” Twilight reassures her that they were only going to meet one pony in particular, and her name is Applejack. With that being said they made their way over to Sweet Apple Acres.

While on the way there they run into Pinkie Pie, who didn’t recognize Luci, and immediately tried to get to know the new pony. “Twilight, who’s your new friend and why is this the first time I'm seeing her?” Pinkie asked excitedly. “Oh hi there Pinkie, this pony’s name is Luciana Midnight and I’m taking care of her until we get her on her hooves. She’s also very shy, so I’m trying to let her get to know our friends so she can be somewhat comfortable in Ponyville.” Twilight explained, Pinkie obviously too excited to pay attention, “why not throw her a party and invite everypony, so she can get to know them all?!” Twilight was getting impatient “Pinkie, listen to me! Luci is shy and would be overwhelmed with so many ponies around. I’m sorry we can’t stay and chat, but we have to meet up with Applejack soon.” “It w-was nice m-meeting you Pinkie.” Luci said before trotting off after Twilight.

Already somewhat late they pick up the pace toward Sweet Apple Acres, and after some time they arrived. Applejack notice Twilight coming towards her, “Hay there Twilight, what can ah do ya fer?” “I wanted you to meet a friend; I’m introducing her to you guys, so she can have someone to rely on during her stay in Ponyville if I don’t happen to be around.” Applejack looks around, “sounds like a wonderful pony, but where is the little sugar cube?” Twilight signals for Luci to come out from behind the apple tree. Luci slowly walks up to Applejack and in a soft voice introduced herself, “M-my name is Luciana Midnight, pleased to m-meet you.”

Applejack with a shocked look on her face blurted out, “you haven’t found yer cutie mark yet?” Luci blushed and hid behind Twilight. “Well you see Applejack, I found her unconscious in the Everfree forest with no memory of who she is or how she got there.”, “Ah, I am mighty sorry Luci.”, “I-Its okay Applejack you didn’t know.” Luci replied. The three ponies took a tour of Sweet Apple Acres, and Luci even got to meet the rest of the Apple family; Except Applebloom, who was probably off with her friends somewhere.

Eventually, Luci began to get really weak from being in the sun for so long, and she fell over from exhaustion. Twilight and Applejack rested Luci in the shade of an apple tree. “Luci is unique; she can’t stay out in the sun for too long. So, we’ll let her rest here for now, because I wanted to ask you a huge favor.” Applejack put her hoof around Twilight, “ask away Twi, I would do anything to help out a friend.” Twilight smiled at Applejack, “I can always count on you Applejack, anyway right now Luci is staying with me and I wanted to do something for her.

So, I was wondering if you would be okay with building a house for Luci. Kind of like a “we care about you, welcome to Ponyville”, kind of thing. Don’t worry it won’t just be you building it alone I’m sure the others would be willing to help out.” Applejack takes a few moments to think before answering, “Twi, Luci seems like a sweet pony, but we know nothing about her. I mean she passes out from staying out in the sun too long, is that not weird to you?” Twilight frowned, “I understand Applejack, I just feel sorry for her, you know? She wakes up with no memory about herself, and has no clue where she is.” “That’s very sweet of ya Twi, but you found her in Everfree Forest and nothin’ good comes from that place.” Twilight heaved a sigh and nodded at Applejack, after their conversation they started to walk back where they left Luci.

When they arrived to the spot they had left Luci she had disappeared. Luci had woken up while Applejack and Twilight were talking; she looked around a bit, but had no idea where they could have gone. After sitting under the tree for awhile, her eyes wandered over towards The Everfree Forest and felt drawn to the ominous forest. Luci ended up walking towards the forest, feeling drawn deeper and deeper into the depths of the dark forest.

After wandering through the forest for awhile Luci ran into two out of breath fillies. Luci jumped behind a bush, frightened by the two fillies. Scootaloo still trying to catch her breath tries to ask Luci for help, “please you –gasp- have to –gasp- help us!” Luci pokes her head out of the bush and stares at Scootaloo, “I feel like I know that pony, but I’ve never met her before.” Luci thought. Getting impatient Scootaloo yells, “come on! We don’t have much time Apple Bloom is in terrible danger.” Recognizing the name “Apple Bloom” Luci snaps out of her thoughts, “huh? A-Apple Bloom is in t-trouble? W-Wait here I w-will go get Applejack.” Before Luci could run off Scootaloo grabs Luci by the tail and tells her there’s no time, and pulls her to where Apple Bloom is.

Luci, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Bell arrive at the scene where they see the helpless filly hanging onto a rope for dear life. Below Apple Bloom was a raging river and a another cliff she could of swung on too, but the rope couldn’t handle any more stress and was close to breaking. “H-How... did t-this happen?” Luci asked studying the situation, “Well, we thought we would get our cutie mark in rock climbing, but we realized that it’s a lot harder than it looks. But we found a unicorn like you, so you can use your magic to save her right?” Luci remembers what Twilight said about the horn on her head. With a sad look on Luci’s face she shook her head, and explained why she couldn’t use magic.

Scootaloo felt sorry for her, I’m sorry, I didn---“ Apple Bloom interrupts, “Sorry for interrupting your lil chat, but the rope is breaking, so stop standing around and HELP ME!” Luci’s emotions were shot... she didn’t know what to do, but a sudden surge of determination swelled up inside her; she had to save Apple Bloom. Luci looked around for anything that would help in this situation, but couldn’t find anything in particular. She noticed the cliff right below the taller one where she could catch Apple Bloom. Luci galloped towards the lower cliff’s edge hoping to get there before the rope snapped.

Just as she got to the ledge, the rope gave away, with not much time to think Luci stretched out her body and barely grabbed Apple Bloom by the tail. “Pull me up! Pull me up!” Apple Bloom said panicking, but Luci had used up most of her energy galloping to the edge. Luci struggled for awhile, focusing on keeping her balance and not letting Apple Bloom fall, but Luci was determined to save the little filly even if she put herself in danger. With the last of her energy she swung Apple Bloom on the ledge next to her, but before Apple Bloom could say thanks to the mysterious mare that had saved her Luci had fallen over the ledge.

As Luci was falling a small smile had appeared on her face, “I did it” she whispered to herself before being consumed by the river. Apple Bloom watched in horror as the raging river threw Luci up against rock after rock like a rag doll. Meanwhile, the cutie mark crusaders galloped as fast as they could to tell someone what happened. They finally ran into Applejack, “there y’all are, have you seen a dark purple pony, with no cutie mark and wears glasses?” They all looked at Applejack with tears running down their face as they explained the situation to Applejack. Before they could finish Applejack rushed off to find Twilight, she found Twilight talking to Rainbow Dash.

“Twilight! Ah have some bad news to tell ya.” Applejack explains the story to Twilight, “Alright ponies she could still be alive, lets find that river and rescue her! Rainbow Dash, could you get Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity to come help us? We don’t have much time, so we need to work fast! We will meet in front of the forest, now go!” All the ponies meet up and go to the cliff where Luci fell, “Alright girls we are looking for a dark purple pony with a teal and turquoise colored mane. We will travel down the river in three groups of two, spread out so we can cover more ground. A pony is in need of our help lets’ move out!”

Applejack called out to Twilight before they started to head out, “Twilight, I just wanted to say sorry bout being skeptical about Luci, but she risked her life to save my lil sis. I would be more than happy to help build her a house.” Twilight smiled warmly at Applejack and gave her a hug, “thanks” she said in AJ’s ear, “now lets’ go find Luci.” Hours went by with no sign of Luciana Midnight. It was really dark; the moonlight was being blocked by large clouds, making their search for Luci harder. Most of the group was tired and worn out and had to go home, but Twilight and Applejack were determined to find her.

Twilight used the magic from her horn to help light the way. The two searched for hours looking for Luci, but they themselves were starting to lose hope. Twilight started to quietly sob; sad that she would never be able to see Luci again. Applejack joined her as she wouldn’t be able to thank the pony who saved her sister. They sat there in the dark crying into each other shoulders, and then they heard rustling from a bush from nearby. They began shivering; scared that they were found by a vicious beast of the Everfree Forest. To their surprise they saw a shadow slowly pull itself out the bushes, Twilight used her magic so they could see what it was and to their surprise it was Luci.

Luci had blood coming from her head, and several cuts around her body. She was unsightly; twigs and dirt filled her mane and tail, one of her back legs made a trail in the dirt, like she had been dragging it. Luci looked at both of the crying ponies with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes. She had been dragging herself around the forest for a long time looking for help. The sound of the two ponies crying caught her attention.

“Luci!” Twilight and Applejack screamed, “We are so happy you found us!” the two ponies were so excited they didn’t realize Luciana had passed out from exhaustion. “We need to get her to a hospital immediately!” Applejack nodded and carried Luci on her back to the hospital where Luci was treated. It had been days before Luci woke up.

Luciana woke up to a room fully decorated with thank you cards and baked goods, she even had a banner running across the ceiling in big words that said, “Luci our little hero!” She sat up slowly to get a better look at the room and saw Twilight in the corner of the room asleep with flowers in her lap. Luci chuckled at the passed out pony, she reached over to grab one of the baked goods, but was met with excruciating pain. She noticed a clipboard on the table and attempted for the first time to use her magic to pick it up. She focused really hard and little sparks came out of her horn but nothing moved. She tried one more time and manages to get a soft glow coming from her horn; the clipboard slowly lifted itself off the table and made its way towards Luci.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t use her magic for very long and dropped the clipboard with a loud “bang!” The sudden noise made Twilight jump out of her sleep, “No I didn’t steal the cookie!” Twilight said still half asleep. Then she noticed that Luci was awake, “Oh thank Celestia your finally awake! We were so worried about you, how are you feeling?” Luci stared at the apple fritter on the table next to her, “hungry, but I’m alright just my leg is in a lot of pain.” Twilight handed her an apple fritter and picked up a clipboard, “yeah... you had a broken leg, and because you were still dragging it around some of the bone shards were cutting into you.”

The doctor walked in when Twilight finished explaining, “Alright Miss Luciana, it’s time for your painkillers. I know you just woke up, but this will make you sleepy again.” Luci nodded at the doctor. “Well, I have to go back home and get cleaned up, ill visit you again when you’re awake again. And… thank you for everything you did for Apple Bloom the Apple family really appreciates it and sends their regards; that’s where all the food came from.” Before, Luci knew it the painkillers kicked in and she fell right back to sleep.

Chapter 3: Emptiness

Three days later, Luci was released from the hospital. She had to stay off her hooves until her leg fully healed. When she was released Twilight sent Spike to pick up Luci. “T-Thank you S-Spike for coming to get Me.”, “it’s no problem Luci; it’s the least I can do for a hero like you.” Luci blushed and sat there quietly until her and Spike arrived at the tree house.

“Welcome home Luci! Glad to see your feeling better, the doctor told me how you need to stay off that leg, there are plenty of books to keep you company and if you need anything Spike is here to help you. I’m off to go hang out with the others and I shall be back later.” “Umm… T-Twilight can I ask you for a favor?” Luci said with a nervous look on her face, “C-Can you teach me how to use m-magic?” Twilight looked at her for a moment, “Of course I can teach you! I suggest reading these books to help give you an idea. Anyway, I’m off, when I get back we can start with your training.”Twilight ran out the door looking forward to teaching Luci to use magic.

Twilight met up with Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie, “Alright girls I invited you all out here to talk about our new friend; Luciana Midnight. I know some of you haven’t met her yet, but I swear on Celestia she is the sweetest pony I have met. As you know she risked her life to save a filly she has never met before. So, I was thinking we do something that helps her feel at home, here in Ponyville. For those that don’t know, I found Luci unconscious in Everfree Forest. She has no memory of who she is and where she is from. So far what we do know is she doesn’t like the sun, prefers to be out at night, loves the moon, gets nervous around large groups, good cook, brave, and loves to read. So, I was thinking that we should build her a house to make her feel at home.”

Applejack stood up to speak next, “Ah fer one am with Twi on this one, and if any pony wants to help come down to Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow. I have a plan for the house already drew up.” “I will be in charge of the decoration of the house.” said Rarity, “and I’ll be sure she gets the coolest looking house ever!” cheered Rainbow Dash. “Yay!” Pinkie Pie jumps up and down in excitement, “and I’m sure she’ll want a special welcome to your new house party!” Pinkie screamed. “I-I w-will help, you know... if you need me.” Said Fluttershy quietly. Twilight stood up in excitement, “Great! Operation: make Luciana feel at home is a go! Thanks girls for being such amazing friends, I have to get back to the tree house and keep Luci company.” Twilight gave every pony a hug and hurried back to the tree house with a wide smile on her face.

While Twilight was galloping back home she noticed flashing lights coming from the tree house, “I wonder what’s going on?” she thought. Twilight barged through the door, only to find what she could only describe as Discord paying her a visit. Books were flying around, bouncing off of walls, Spike was being held down by a lamp, and water from the faucet was flowing in every direction; leaving a still stream trail behind it. Twilight frantically looked around, but could not find Luci. “Luci!? Luci, where are you?!” Twilight screamed while dodging the magic infused objects. “T-Twilight helllp!” Luci screams, “I-I’m up here!” Luci was walking on the ceiling of the tree house with her horn shining brightly and out of control.

“Luci, you have to calm down, and don’t worry I’ll catch you when you fall.” Twilight coached. Twilight could see Luci was nowhere close to calming down. Luci had tears streaming down her face, visibly shaking, and too frightened to move. Twilight tried to use magic to bring her down to the ground, but Luci’s magic was too out of control that it canceled out Twilight’s magic. Soon enough Luci’s body couldn’t keep up with the constant strain of using magic for so long, and started to get weaker.

Twilight started to get worried, “she could re-injure herself, if she doesn’t calm down.” Twilight thought. At that moment Luciana passed out, unable to take the stress of using that much magic for so long. Twilight used her magic to gently bring Luci down to the ground, “Luci? You okay?” Twilight said in a concerned voice. Luci slowly opened her eyes, confused about what happened, and then the pain she felt made her realize what happened. Luci couldn’t look Twilight in the eyes, ashamed that she had not followed Twilight’s instructions. “I… I’m sorry; I just was so excited to use magic that I couldn’t help myself. Before I knew it I had lost control,” Luci said tears sliding down her face.

She slowly got up and started limping towards the door, in pain from her over-use of magic. Twilight tried to stop her, “Whoa, where are you going in that condition?” Luciana stared at the ground, “I just want to be left alone right now,” she said with a whimper. Twilight felt sorry for the mare, but didn’t want to get in her way, so she left Luci alone and started to clean up the mess.

Luciana was unhappy with herself about losing control of something she felt like she should be able to control. She sought for the comfort in the quiet stillness of the night and the beautiful light of the moon. As she slowly walked toward a lake she like to sit beside, she tried hard to think of something about her past but could not. Frustrated she couldn’t remember anything about who she once was, “Was I special? Was I loved? Why can’t I remember?! Why do I feel that I don’t belong here? Or deserve such great friends…” She thought to herself, while weeping silently. Feeling like nothing can fill the emptiness inside; she begins to wonder if she should leave Ponyville. Negative thoughts start clouding the mare’s mind, leaving her to feel more and more depressed. Luci ended up crying herself to sleep.

Luciana began to dream of a different world, but it was too blurry to make out the details. While she was wandering around her dream, she saw many people but could not recognize their faces. She wander aimlessly hoping to find one person whose’ face she could see clearly. Her dream was reflecting how alone she left on the inside, unable to feel a connection to anyone, even though she had such great friends.

While she was wandering around, a pony she has never seen approached her. The pony had a dark blue coat, with a moderate sapphire blue mane, moderate cyan eyes, and a moon for a cutie mark. It was none other than the princess of the night, Princess Luna. Luciana has never seen such beautiful pony before. Luci couldn’t take her eyes off the new pony, but she wondered why she was different from everyone else. Luna was not blurred and she could make out her details with ease.

Luciana pulls herself together and asks, “W-Who are you?” Luna looked surprised, “Why I’m Princess Luna, by how much you go out and gaze at the moon I thought you were loyal to me. I’ve been watching you little Luci.” Luciana was shocked, “A princess? You have been watching me? And... how do you know my name?”

Luna laughed, “I’m in your dream aren’t I? My job is to raise the moon, and watch over the night. During the nights you sit out and gaze at the moon, so I observed you. I’m not a pony, I am an alicorn, and a alicorn is a pegasus unicorn.”

“I’m sorry p-princess I was found unconscious in the Everfree forest with no memory of who I am or where I come from.” Luna was taken aback by what Luci said, "I see, so why were you crying on this beautiful night?” Luci’s head slinks down, “I feel as though I don’t belong here, there’s so much I don’t know that I feel like I should know. For example, I don’t have a cutie mark, I didn’t know I was a unicorn, I didn’t know I could use magic, and now apparently there’s a beautiful alicorn that is the reason the moon rises and I’m just learning about it. I’m tired of being in the dark, I’m tired of not knowing who I am, and I’m tired of not knowing what my future holds! It’s just so frustrating!” Luci said with a stomp of her hoof.

Luna gives Luciana a soft smile, “I know how you feel little Luci, but it’s not the past that defines a pony it’s how she moves towards the future. Do not forget your friends who will help you along the way. You cannot change your memory, but you can push forward, learn, and make new ones along the way. Now, I believe you have someone waiting for you little Luci, you must not make her worry.” “W-Wait! Thank you princess!” Luna giggles, “please, call me Luna and I’ll always be watching over you. Well, at night anyway.” Luna takes her leave, and when she left Luci woke up.

Feeling rejuvenated by her dream, and no longer in pain, she takes one last look at the moon and continues back toward the tree house. Luciana walks through the door of the house to see Twilight still up waiting for her to come home. “Oh there you are! I was worried sick about you! How are you feeling?” Twilight asked with an exhausted look on her face. “I’m sorry for being out so long, but I’m feeling much better.” Twilight yawned, “That’s good.” Misty chuckled,” Let’s go to bed you’ve had a long day.”

Chapter 4: The Return

The next couple of days Luciana enjoyed her time spent with Twilight and friends. Luci learned more about the land of Equestria, and even learned to control her magic. During this time Luciana’s house that Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity worked so hard on was finished. Rarity takes another careful look at the house, “Do you think she’ll like it?” “Of course she’ll love it!” Rainbow Dash said confidently. “Alright y’all lets go tell Twilight so she can bring Luciana,” said Applejack.

With that, they started walking towards Twilight’s tree house. They arrive at the door, and Twilight greets them at the door. Twilight already knows what they are here for and brings out a blindfolded Luciana. “Uhh… Twilight, the sun doesn’t bother my eyes that much anymore,” Luciana said. Twilight giggled, “It's not for the sun silly, we have a surprise for you,” “A… Surprise?” Luciana said nervously, “don’t worry I made sure it was awesome!” rainbow dash assured. “Come on girls I want her to see her surprise!” Rarity said anxiously.

They began to make their way towards the newly built house. After a short amount of time they arrive at their destination, and then they took off Luciana’s blindfold and yelled, “Surprise!” Luciana looked in awe at the adorable little house that was built for her. The stars that were placed on the dark blue background, made it seem like the night sky, with two full moons on each side of the slanted roof. Luciana was speechless at how they took all this time to create this house that had her favorite thing in the world to look at.

Luciana was quiet so long, the other ponies became worried, “well, Luci what do you think?” Twilight asked? Luciana’s eyes started to tear up, “I…I… can’t think of the words to describe how I feel right now, but to put it simply, I LOVE IT!!” Luciana jumped up and down in excitement about her gift, trotting around to everyone and giving them a big hug, “Thank you thank you thank you, I can’t thank you enough for this wonderful gift!”

Rainbow Dash hovered in the air, "Luci; we all thought you deserved this. You proved it to us by saving Apple Bloom, and risking your life in the process. Plus, we wanted to also build this as a foundation for your future. We know you don’t remember your past, but we hope that this house would be a symbol of our friendship and the bright future we will share… together!” “Well said Rainbow!” Rarity cheered, “Well do you want to go inside?” rarity said nudging Luci.

Luciana slowly walked into the house admiring every detail and piece of furniture that went into making this house into everything Luciana dreamed of. The night sky ceiling, the star shaped lamp and bulbs, and even the furniture were shaped like a crescent moon or star pattern. Rarity walked behind Luciana, “Twilight told us how you would go out and just look up at the night sky for long periods of time, so I thought this décor would be appropriate. I hope I didn’t go overboard.” Rarity said with an uneasy look on her face. Luciana turned around quickly with the biggest smile on her face, “Are you kidding? This is absolutely amazing Rarity!

Luciana walked in on Pinkie still trying to prepare the welcome party, “Oh Pinkie! We said to have the cake ready by now!” Twilight sighed. “I know I know but I had to make it extra special for our extra special friend! Plus, what are you talking about? I am done!” Pinkie Pie pulled out the star shaped cake with all the ponies name on it. “Let’s get this party started! Pinkie cheered. The ponies proceeded to have an amazing time, they sang, they danced, and best of all they had the most fun they had in a long time.

The party was going great, until Luciana tripped over Gummy and hit her head on the edge of the table, knocking her out for a couple of minutes. Everypony stopped what they were doing and rushed to Luciana’s side. “Luci! Are you okay? Twilight screamed. Luciana woke up moments later dazed and confused about what had happened, and then... suddenly everything came back to her, who she was, where she came from, and all the information about her universe.

“Oh thank Celestia you’re awake!” Twilight said with a worried look on her face. “Luciana stared at Twilight for a moment before saying, "Twilight… I… Remember… Everything." “You do? That’s great to hear! So tell us!” Twilight said excitedly. Luciana takes a deep breath, “Well, I don’t know where to start, so I’ll begin here. I’m not from Equestria, in fact, I’m a human. In the human world I wasn’t very popular at all, I didn’t have many friends, and I wasn’t very social. Actually, there was one person that was nice to me, Scoots, and that’s why I felt a connection to the Scootaloo in this world. In the human world I also read a lot of books and studied magic tricks, because I wanted to be a magician when I grew up.”

Then... out of the blue a magic flash blinded everyone momentarily and a pony appeared in front of everyone followed by a voice, “That’s why I brought you here, because you looked so miserable in that world. I watched everyday as you sat by the statue at night and cried as you looked up at the moon, hoping for a better life,” Luci recognized the familiar voice, “Luna?” “Yes it is I, your princess of the night, and I brought you here for a reason... to show you that you are someone despite what you struggle with in your thoughts. That if you opened yourself up to others you could feel the joy that you always wished for. One night you sat down by the statue and I used my magic to pull you through and tried to show you a life you have always dreamed of, but I didn’t think about the consequence of my actions. By pulling you from your world... I caused distress in your family and your best friend Scoots.

So, unfortunately now that you have regained you memory, not from knocking your head unto the table, but by finding the love and the joy you have always been looking for.” Luciana stared at Luna horrified that she would have to go back to the world she despised so much, “No… I can’t go… I finally belong somewhere and your asking me to throw that all away... I... I can’t!” Luciana gallops out the door sobbing. Twilight chased after the mare, hoping to be able to calm her down.

She finally caught up to Luci, sitting by the lake she always sat by when she was upset. “Luci? Can I talk to you?” Twilight asked. Luciana looked up at Twilight, “Oh hey Twi… do… do I really have to leave? I can’t... I don’t want to go back to that miserable world.” Luciana started to cry again, “Luci... I don’t understand how you feel at the moment, but I feel that you have grown from a shy and timid pony to a brave, loving, and outgoing one. Listen to me, you are not the same person you use to be... you’re amazing... and smart and I’m glad to have met you, but what about the people over there that love and miss you? What about your best friend Scoots? Luna told us that Scoots came to the spot where you left that world and sits there every night looking at the sky like you do. Luci... Scoots needs you and you need her. I’m sorry you feel this way, but I’m positive the way you are now you can make a lot of friends. If it makes you feel better there are people exactly like us in your world, you just have to open up and find them.” Luciana dried her eyes, “Really?” “Yes, Luci you are special and unique and I’m sure they would love you, just like we love you here! It’ll feel like you never left Equestria.” Luciana hugged Twilight tightly, “Thank you… so much for everything you have done here and thank you for being such a great friend.

Luciana, Twilight, and the rest of the gang went to Canterlot to say their last farewell to Luciana Midnight. Luciana stood before the portal that led to her world and took one last look at everyone before jumping in, “I will never forget any of you, you all showed me how much potential I have, and how I should always be looking forward towards the future trying to improve. Most importantly... you taught me not only the magic of friendship, but how the past does not define a pony and how focusing on it kept me from enjoying the present.

All the ponies looked back at Luci with tears in their eyes, but proud look on their faces, “Don’t worry about your house we’ll be sure to take care of it for the next time you come back.” Twilight said and with that Luciana jumped through the portal. Luciana woke up in her world lying on the ground facing the sky. She sat up and turned around to look at the statue where she fell from, “man I’m going to miss using magic,” She thought. “Luci?” said a familiar voice, “Oh my… Luci! I’m so happy your back!” Scoots said while running over to her friend to give her a big hug. “Where did you go?? I was so worried about you, and I missed you so much!” Luciana was smothered by her friend, “ha-ha... I’m sorry I was gone, I just had to get my mind together, and I’m sorry I worried you but I promise to do better from now on” She said confidently. “Whoa... you seem different Luciana, what happened to you?” Scoots said looking over her friend, “did aliens do weird experiments on you?” Luci giggled, “No, but I learned a lot about myself. Come on... Let’s go home.”

The next day, she went to school like nothing had happened. During school she accidentally bumped into a girl named Rarity, “Ooo... I like that outfit I see you have an eye for fashion. I think you would be perfect to model my dresses for me. Please meet me after school in the drama club and we’ll get to know each other better. “Wow she is really similar to the Rarity in Equestria,” Luciana thought. Luciana smiled at Rarity and said, “Yeah... I’d like that.”