The Return of Nightmare Moon

by birdyluvmccool

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Nightmare Moon
Length: 5460

Nightmare Moon is back, and it is up to the Cutie Mark Crusaders to save Equestria.

The shadow pony that resides in the castle of the ancient pony sisters has gathered enough power to break free from the spell that keeps the remnants of Nightmare Moon's powers in the castle. The shadow pony has risen to become Nightmare Moon. Only the Cutie Mark Crusaders will be able to manage to save Equestria.

Published 2014-04-13 17:40:04 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-24 19:02:42 UTC

Eternal Night

Nightmare Moon gazes up at the sun, feeling the warmth on her face. I shall not fail this time. Night will REALLY last forever, she thinks. She flies into the sky, bringing the moon with her. The sky turns dark as the eclipse sits in the sky.

Princess Celestia is busy writing a letter to Twilight Sparkle when her darkens. She sits up, startled. She walks to the window and stares at the eclipse. She's back.

Princess Celestia teleports herself to Shining Armor's room.

"Shining Armor. You must use your magic to protect Canterlot. Nightmare Moon is back," she orders. Shining Armor's eyes widen and he nods his head.

Princess Celestia flies up into the sky and looks at the eclipse. This is the last time. 3 legendary ponies will stop you once and for all. You cannot change destiny.

Princess Luna notices the room getting darker. She sets down Coho Sak Tu Moone. She glances at the eclipse and gasps. Oh no. It's happening. She's back. My horrid powers are back. Luna gallops out of the Star Swirl the Bearded wing. Coho Sak Tu Moone glows brighter and brighter until it eventually fades away.

"She's done it again," says Scootaloo as she stares at the eclipse. The crusaders land and Sweetie Belle nods. Applebloom notices Scootaloo looks sad.

"What's wrong, Scootaloo?" she asks, worried.

Scootaloo hangs her head and replies, "I just realized that I WANT eternal night. Princess Luna comes into my dreams often. She has taught me to love the night. And I also don't want to defeat her. We all know that Nightmare Moon is really the dark side of Princess Luna. But I love Princess Luna too much."

"But you're still going to help us defeat Nightmare Moon, right?" questions Applebloom.

"Of course! I want to kick some butt!" replies Scootaloo.

Applebloom breathes a sigh of relief and says, "There's the Scootaloo I know!"

"Guys, hide! There's Nightmare Moon!" whisper-yells Sweetie Belle. Applebloom dives into the bushes.

"She's gonna get what's coming for her," says Scootaloo. She takes off, charging straight at Nightmare Moon.

"Scootaloo, STOP!" screams Sweetie Belle. She smacks her forehead with her hoof.

Nightmare Moon turns around and gasps. Scootaloo slams right into her face.

"Take that, Nightmare Moon!" she says. Nightmare Moon glares at her.

"Stupid little filly. Get off me, or I shall have to harm you. Stay back, and no one gets hurt," lectures Nightmare Moon. Scootaloo shakes her head and does not back down.

Nightmare Moon shakes Scootaloo off and rises. A flash of light comes from Nightmare Moon's horn and hits Scootaloo. Scootaloo falls to the ground, and Nightmare Moon flies off into the night. Applebloom dashes over to Scootaloo.

"Sweetie Belle, we need to take her to Ponyville Urgent Care. She's badly hurt," says Applebloom.

"Okay. Let's go," replies Sweetie Belle as she levitates Scootaloo. The crusaders gallop as fast as they can to Ponyville Urgent Care.

Applebloom bursts into the waiting room.

"Nurse Redheart! My friend Scootaloo is badly hurt. Nightmare Moon attacked her," says Applebloom, breathing heavily. Nurse Redheart looks startled.

"Did you say Nightmare Moon? That explains why it is night currently," replies Nurse Redheart.

Sweetie Belle bursts in, levitating Scootaloo. She sets Scootaloo down and sighs heavily.

Nurse Redheart grabs Scootaloo and rushes her into the wing. She examines Scootaloo, periodically writing notes on her clipboard. Soon, she turns towards the crusaders.

"She is in stable condition, but she needs a lot of rest. Come back tomorrow and we'll see how she fares. Goodbye, little fillies," explains Nurse Redheart.

The crusaders leave the building.

"We need to speak to Princess Celestia now," states Sweetie Belle.

A Visit to Canterlot

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom board the Canterlot train.

"I'm really excited to meet Princess Celestia and Princess Luna," says Sweetie Belle.

Applebloom shakes her head and replies, "Princess Sweetie Belle, Princess Luna IS Nightmare Moon. You've already met her."

"Sorry. But why did you call me 'Princess Sweetie Belle?' "

"Because you are an alicorn for 3 days."

"Oh yeah!"

"We are approaching Canterlot," announces the conductor.

The two crusaders hop off of the train.

"Look. There's the castle. We need to get there as fast as possible," says Applebloom. The crusaders gallop as fast as their little hooves can carry them to the castle.

"HALT!" yells one of the royal guards.

"Please let us in. We need to see Princess Celestia as soon as possible. It is about Nightmare Moon. We've found out some information about Nightmare moon. You can follow us in if you want," explains Sweetie Belle. The royal guards look at each other, them move their spears. The crusaders enter, the royal guards close behind them. Two new guards fly in and close the doors.

"I've never been in the castle before. It's beautiful," says Sweetie Belle in awe. Applebloom nods her head, speechless.

The royal guards lead the crusaders to a door. Sweetie Belle magics open the door and walks in.

"Princess Luna! B - but Nightmare Moon is out there! How are you here? Where you defeated?" stammers Sweetie Belle. Princess Luna turns toward her.

"Sweetie Belle, I am not Nightmare Moon this time. She is someone else. And where is Scootaloo?" explains Princess Luna.

That makes NO sense whatsoever, thinks Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle lowers her head and replies, "You - I mean, Nightmare Moon attacked her. Scootaloo is in Ponyville Urgent Care right now." Princess Luna gasps.

"Is she all right? Should I come to Ponyville? I can go pack," Princess Luna asks.

Sweetie Belle replies, "Scootaloo is in stable condition. There is no reason for you to come to Ponyville. Unless you really want to, of course."

Princess Celestia turns away from the window. Her jaw drops open when she sees the crusaders' necklaces.

"Sweetie Belle, Applebloom? May I please see your necklaces?" asks Princess Celestia.

"Sure. By the way, Scootaloo has the red one," replies Applebloom. Princess Celestia magics the necklaces over to her and examines them. Her eyes widen.

"These are the Elements of Life. My little ponies, keep these on at all times. They shall help you defeat Nightmare Moon. They can also offer you a little bit of protection," explains Princess Celestia as she gives the elements back to the crusaders.

"Cool! Now we have elements just like our sisters did before they returned them to the Tree of Harmony!" exclaims Applebloom.

"Goodbye, crusaders. I wish you luck on your adventure," says Princess Luna.

"Bye, Princess Luna! Bye, Princess Celestia!" says Sweetie Belle. The royal guards escort the Sweetie Belle and Applebloom outside. The crusaders make their way to the Canterlot smoothie shop. They order their smoothies and sit down outside.

"The Elements of Life. They're so cool!" exclaims Sweetie Belle.

"Look at the time. It's past midnight," Applebloom points out. Sweetie Belle glances at the clock.

"We'd better catch the train back to Ponyville, or we'll be stuck her until the next train comes!" replies Sweetie Belle. The crusaders gallop to the train station and board the train.

"Good bye, Canterlot," says Sweetie Belle.

Explaining and More Explaining

Sweetie Belle hurries to Rarity's shop and bursts through the door. She flies straight into Rarity, knocking her over. Rarity stands up and dusts herself off.

"Sweetie Belle! Where were you? We have been looking ALL over Ponyville for you!" yells Rarity.

"I was in Canterlot, Rarity. I can explain-"

"No you CANNOT explain! You do NOT go off to Canterlot by yourself. I repeat - You do NOT go off to Canterlot by yourself!"

"I wasn't alone, Rarity."

"There are MANY dangers out there! Wait, are you an alicorn?"

"For three days I am."

"And is that a cutie mark?"

"It surely is."

"Oh, you are growing up so fast!" Rarity hugs Sweetie Belle and swings her around. Sweetie Belle wriggles out of Rarity's grasp.

"What happened to you being mad at me?" asks Sweetie Belle.

"I am still mad at you, Sweetie Belle. But I am just so happy for you that you got your cutie mark! Now, I would like you to explain why you went to Canterlot by yourself," replies Rarity.

"But you told me that I cannot explain- "

"JUST EXPLAIN!"

"Okay, okay! Sheesh! No need to yell! So you know how in the middle of the day, it was night?"

"No I did not notice. Oh, but that eclipse is beautiful!"

"Well, Nightmare Moon is back." Rarity gasps.

"But we don't have the Elements of Harmony! And Twilight is visiting Princess Cadance in the Crystal Empire! This is the WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!" Rarity magics a sofa over and faints onto it. Sweetie Belle rolls her eyes.

"RARITY! You and your friends don't have to do ANYTHING! You see this necklace right here? It is one of the Elements of Life. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle have the other two. The Elements of Life are the only things that can defeat Nightmare Moon. It is up to US to defeat Nightmare Moon. You have to stop being so protective of me!" lectures Sweetie Belle. Rarity's jaw drops and she stares at Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle continues, "I went to Canterlot with Applebloom to speak to Princess Celestia. Scootaloo was attacked by Nightmare Moon." Rarity blinks, then shakes her head.

"Sweetie Belle, I want you to get a good night's sleep. Then I want you to defeat Nightmare Moon for me," says Rarity. She smiles.

"Okay," says Sweetie Belle. She walks upstairs to her room. Rarity faints on the couch again.

Applebloom flies to Sweet Apple Acres and crashes into an apple tree. She pulls her head out from between two branches and falls on the ground.

Applejack hears a crash in the orchard. She gets out of bed and rubs her eyes. She pulls back the curtain and peeks outside. That could be Applebloom! She dashes outside and into the orchard.

"Applebloom! There you are! Ah've been lookin' all over fer ya! Ah was so worried! Where were ya, sugarcube?"exclaims Applejack. Applebloom stands up and rubs her head. Applejack gasps and says, "Are those - wings?"

"It was a spell. I was in Canterlot with Sweetie Belle," replies Applebloom.

Applejack gasps again.

"Why the hay were ya in Canterlot? Ya've got some explainin' ta do, young filly. And ya'll say it in fron' of me, Big mac, an' Granny Smith," Applejack scolds. Applebloom lowers her head. Applejack walks off towards the barn, and Applebloom follows.

"GRANNY SMITH! BIG MAC! AH FOUND APPLEBLOOM!" calls Applejack. Granny Smith and Big Mac walk groggily down the stairs.

"Applebloom, we've been worried sick about ya. Now yar gonna tell us why ya were in Canterlot," announces Applejack. Applebloom clears her throat.

"Ya'll know how it turned night in the middle of the day? Nightmare Moon is back. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and I saw light coming from the Everfree Forest, and we decided to explore. Nightmare Moon was in the castle of the ancient pony sisters. Sweetie Belle got her cutie mark by giving herself and me wings. Then Scootaloo got attacked by Nightmare Moon. Sweetie Belle and I went to Canterlot to notify Princess Celestia. We have these elements called the Elements of Life. They are the only elements that can destroy Nightmare Moon. It is our duty. You need to let me help defeat Nightmare Moon BY MYSELF," explains Applebloom.

Applejack walks up to Applebloom.

"Applebloom, ya gotta at least tell us where yar goin' first," she says.

"No, I DON'T! Now I'm gonna go get some rest. Big sis, you need to stop being so protective," Applebloom states. She stomps up to her room.

Nightmare Moon stands on the edge of a cliff and peers down out over Equestria.

"Soon, I shall destroy Celestia and Luna and take over all of Equestria!" she announces. She laughs evily and flies off into the night.

Pain and Heartache

Applebloom yawns and sits up. She gets out of bed and flaps her wings. She walks quietly down the stairs. Suddenly, Applejack pops up.

"Hey, Applebloom! We decided to cook you an appletastic breakfast! Eat up, sugarcube!" greets Applejack. Applebloom sighs. She gobbles up her food and gallops out the door. Applejack runs after her.

"Ya need anythin' else, Sugarcube?" Applejack asks. Applebloom whips around, a scowl on her face.

"I DO NOT NEED ANYTHING! You are SO protective. I would appreciate it if you would just BACK OFF! I hope I NEVER see you AGAIN!" yells Applebloom, stomping her hoof. With that, she flies off, leaving Applejack in the dust.

Tears well up in Applejack's eyes.

"Mah own sista," she says. She runs off, crying.

Applebloom lands outside of Rarity's shop and rings the doorbell with her hoof. Rarity magics open the door.

"Good morning, Applebloom! Sweetie Belle is still asleep. I tried to wake her, but to no avail. Maybe you can manage to wake her," greets Rarity,

"Morning, Rarity. I'll try," replies Applebloom. She flies upstairs and crashes into Sweetie Belle's room. Sweetie Belle sits up, startled. Applebloom shakes her head and stands up.

"C'mon, Sweetie Belle. We need to go check on Scootaloo," says Applebloom. The two crusaders race out of Rarity's shop towards Ponyville Urgent Care.

"Is Scootaloo okay?" bugs Applebloom. Nurse Redheart nods her head and brings the crusaders into the wing. Scootaloo is sitting up in bed.

"Sweetie Belle! Applebloom!" she calls. She jumps off of the bed and hugs her friends.

"Scootaloo, take it easy," says Nurse Redheart as she wraps a bandage around Scootaloo's hoof.

"What happened, Scootaloo?" asks Sweetie Belle.

"Apparently I sleep walked last night and I tripped over something. It's just a tiny sprain, that's all. Nurse Redheart, when can I take this bandage off?" replies Scootaloo.

"Tomorrow. Have fun, cutie mark crusaders!" says Nurse Redheart, "and remember, Scootaloo, no galloping today!" The crusaders fly off.

"Scootaloo, we wished you were with us yesterday! We went to Canterlot and got to see Princess Luna and Princess Celestia!" exclaims Applebloom.

"Princess Luna? Was Nightmare Moon already defeated? Did I actually miss it?" asks Scootaloo.

"Princess Luna is not Nightmare Moon this time," explains Sweetie Belle.

"Oh. Do you guys know where Nightmare Moon is right now?" says Scootaloo.

"No," replies Applebloom. The crusaders land, and Scootaloo rubs her hoof. "Are you okay, Scootaloo?" Scootaloo stands up.

"Yeah, I'm okay. It just hurts a little bit to land, that's all," replies Scootaloo. Applebloom pokes Scootaloo's hoof and Scootaloo winces.

"How about you rest for a little bit, Scootaloo. We all need to be in tip top shape to defeat Nightmare Moon," says Applebloom. Scootaloo plops down on the ground. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle exchange looks. Scootaloo lays down and falls asleep. Applebloom motions with her hoof to Sweetie Belle to follow her. They walk to a quiet spot next to some trees.

"Sweetie Belle, don't you think that something is wrong with Scootaloo? She's acting differently," says Applebloom.

Sweetie Belle nods her head and replies, "You're right. Scootaloo says that it is just a tiny sprain, but it seems like it is really painful. Also, I have never seen a pony fall asleep that fast before."

"Remember when Scootaloo got attacked by Nightmare Moon? That beam of magic seemed pretty deadly to me. I think it might have something to do with that," suggests Applebloom.

All of the sudden, and ominous creaking sound erupts from behind Sweetie Belle, and a tree starts to come crashing down. Sweetie Belle screams. Applebloom instinctivly lifts up her front hooves and holds up the tree like a weight. A cutie mark of a barbel appears on Applebloom's flank.

Sweetie Belle stops cowering when nothing hits her. She stands up and stares at Applebloom in awe.

"Sweetie Belle! Run! I can't hold this much longer!" grunts Applebloom, sweat streaking down her face. Sweetie Belle gallops away. Applebloom lets go off the tree and runs. The tree lands with a thud.

"Applebloom! Your cutie mark! It's a barbell!" exclaims Sweetie Belle. Applebloom spins around and around, trying to get a glimpse of her cutie mark.

Meanwhile, high in the sky, Nightmare Moon glares down at the crusaders.

"That should've killed them," she whispers. She flies off, plotting ways to destroy the crusaders.

"SCOOTALOO! WAKE UP!" yells Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo jolts awake and sits up, startled.

"Look at my cutie mark!" says Applebloom. Scootaloo yawns and trudges over to Applebloom. Her eyes light up when the cutie mark comes into her field of vision.

"Cool! A strength cutie mark!" exclaims Scootaloo. She flies into the air and does a flip, wincing when she lands. "How did you get it?"

"A tree fell on us, and I decided to try and hold it up," explains Applebloom.

"Applebloom, you should go show Applejack! She'll be so proud!" suggests Sweetie Belle.

Applebloom thinks for a moment, then replies, "I think I will. I'll be right back. You guys stay here." She takes off towards Sweet Apple Acres.

Scootaloo falls on the ground, exhausted.

"I'm just going to take a little nap," announces Scootaloo. She falls asleep. Sweetie Belle looks at Scootaloo worridly. Oh Celestia, PLEASE let Scootaloo be okay.

Applebloom trots into the house.

"Hey, Applejack!" she calls. Applejack ignores her. "Applejack? Is something wrong?" Applejack begins to walk away. "APPLEJACK! I'm sorry about what I said earlier today. I didn't mean it!"

Just ignore her, thinks Applejack.

Tears come to Applebloom's eyes. She turns around and flies off, crying.

Ah shoulda just forgiven her. She's mah sista, afta all, thinks Applejack. She falls to the floor, sobbing.

Applebloom lands next to Sweetie Belle, tears streaming down her face.

"Applebloom, what's wrong?" asks Sweetie Belle.

"I told Applejack that I never wanted to see her again this morning. I apologized, but she won't talk to me. My own sister. I really regret it," confides Applebloom. She sobs loudly. Sweetie Belle places her hoof on Applebloom's shoulder.

"It'll be okay, Applebloom. She'll forgive you sooner or later," consoles Sweetie Belle. Applebloom sniffs and looks up at Sweetie Belle.

"I hope so," replies Applebloom. The two crusaders hug each other.

Scootaloo rubs her head and sits up.

"What did I miss?" she asks. Sweetie Belle looks at her.

"Scootaloo, are you SURE you're okay?" asks Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo shakes her head vigorously and replies, "I'm POSITIVE that I'm okay." Sweetie Belle sighs and shakes her head.

A dark shadow passes over the crusaders. They look up and see the dark, glowing eyes of Nightmare Moon. She laughs ominously.

"Scootaloo is right. I think she's okay - NOT!" Nightmare Moon laughs again. "You are in no shape to fight me. Come on, just fight me! I haven't got all day!"

"I have to do this," says Scootaloo firmly. Sweetie Belle gasps.

"But you can't! You're hurt!" she says.

"I have to, Sweetie Belle," replies Scootaloo. She takes off and flies at Nightmare Moon, her necklace glowing. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom brace themselves.

A beam of magic shoots out of Scootaloo's necklace and hits Nightmare Moon in the side.

"OW!" she yells. Scootaloo flies higher and higher into the sky until she stops. Now, for my grand finale. She dives towards the ground with tremendous speed. Suddenly, a sonic rainboom occurs. Scootaloo puts her front hooves out and slams right into Nightmare Moon. Nightmare Moon screams as she crashes into a cliff. Scootaloo pulls up at the right moment and avoids the cliff altogether. She lands on three legs next to Sweetie Belle and Applebloom.

"Come on, you guys! Use your elements and we can finish her off for good!" screams Scootaloo. But Sweetie Belle and Applebloom remain frozen in place, their mouths wide open. Scootaloo slaps her forehead with her hoof.

Nightmare Moon collects herself and walks unsteadily towards the crusaders.

"This is not over. I am not defeated yet!" gloats Nightmare Moon. She laughs and flies off. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom finally come to their senses.

"Scootaloo, that was AMAZING! A sonic rainboom! And you even got your cutie mark! A blue lightning bolt!" exclaims Applebloom. Scootaloo turns around to look at her flank and smiles.

"Awesome!" she exclaims. Then Scootaloo rips the wrapping off of her ankle. "And I feel so much better now! I guess a fight with Nightmare Moon was just what the doctor ordered."

"You should go show your parents. We're going home now to rest up for tomorrow. Bye, Scootaloo!" says Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom fly off.

Scootaloo looks down at the ground. They don't know that I have no family.

Scootaloo's Family

Scootaloo flies up to Rainbow Dash's house and knocks on the door. Rainbow Dash opens the door.

"Come on in, Scootaloo," she says. Scootaloo had been adopted by Rainbow Dash a few weeks ago. Neither Rainbow Dash nor Scootaloo had told their friends. Scootaloo hasn't told Sweetie Belle or Applebloom because she doesn't want them to know that she has no family. Scootaloo begged Rainbow Dash not to tell her friends because Applejack or Rarity might tell their sisters about it.

"Look at my cutie mark, Rainbow Dash! I did a sonic rainboom!" exclaims Scootaloo. Rainbow Dash peers at Scootaloo's cutie mark.

"Awesome! It's a lightning bolt, just like mine!" exclaims Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo smiles. "So have you defeated Nightmare Moon yet?"

"Sadly no, not yet," replies Scootaloo.

"Well, keep trying Scootaloo. Got get some rest. Goodnight, Scootaloo," says Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo flies up to the room Rainbow Dash fixed up for her and falls asleep.

Author's Note

Sorry for the short chapter. I couldn't think of any way to lengthen it.

The Underworld

Nightmare Moon flies to Canterlot and uses her magic to make a hole in Shining Armour's magical shield. She flies into the castle.

Finally. Now I shall be able to destroy Celestia and Luna and take over all of Equestria! I shall send them to the darkness of the Underworld, an unescapable place in Tartarus! Nightmare Moon sneaks into Princess Celestia's room, her horn surrounded by a black aura. Goodbye, Celestia. No one will be able to save you now. Princess Celestia wakes up just as a beam of magic strikes her. She screams as she disappears.

Luna gallops into the room.

"TIA! Nightmare Moon! What have you done with Tia?" screams Princess Luna. Nightmare Moon laughs.

"I have sent her permanently to the Underworld. And I shall do the same to you!" replies Nightmare Moon, forming the aura around her horn. Princess Luna flies into the air and shoots a beam of magic at Nightmare Moon. Nightmare Moon deflects it with her magic and shoots Luna with magic. Princess Luna slowly fades away. Yes! I have FINALLY defeated Celestia and Luna! And how surprised they will be when they wake up and find themselves in the Underworld! Now the night will truly last forever!

A royal guard runs into Princess Celestia's room, but Nightmare Moon is already gone.

Princess Celestia opens her eyes. She gasps as she looks around her. Everything is dark and humid. Dead trees hang over her, and a dark fog surrounds everything. Oh no. Nightmare Moon has banished Luna and I to the Underworld. There is no escape. We are stuck here forever.

"Luna! Wake up!" demands Princess Celestia. Princess Luna stands up.

"Tia? Where are we?" asks Princess Luna.

"Luna, we have been banished to the Underworld. Forever," replies Princess Celestia. Princess Luna's eyes widen.

"What are we going to do?" asks Princess Luna, worried. Princess Celestia sighs.

"I don't know of anything we can do to get out of this predicament," replies Princess Celestia. Princess Luna stares out into space. I'm so sorry, Luna.

"SCOOTALOO! WAKE UP!" calls Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo yawns and sits up. Rainbow Dash is standing at the door, panting like a dog.

"What's wrong, Rainbow Dash?" asks Scootaloo.

"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are gone," says Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo gasps. She flies out of the house and speeds towards the ground. She performs a sonic rainboom and rockets off towards Rarity's shop. Rainbow Dash stares at the ground.

"I thought she was just joking about the sonic rainboom," she says.

Scootaloo bursts through the door.

"Sweetie Belle! We need to go now!" yells Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom walk down the stairs.

"Applebloom? What are you doing here? And where are your wings?" asks Scootaloo, confused.

"I'm here because I didn't want to face Applejack," replies Applebloom.

"And it's been three days. I have to do the spell again," says Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle performs the spell just as Rarity walks in the room. She stares at Sweetie Belle in awe.

"Wow, Sweetie Belle! You are amazing!" exclaims Rarity. Sweetie Belle blushes.

"Thanks, Rarity," she replies.

"Guys, we need to get to Canterlot," says Scootaloo.

"Right. Let's go board that train," replies Applebloom.

Princess Luna attempts to use an illumination spell, but her horn does not produce any light.

"Tia, this is such a simple spell. Why can I not do it?" asks Princess Luna, frustrated.

"Magic rarely ever works down here. Luna, pretend that you do not have a horn," replies Princess Celestia. Princess Luna sighs. Her hoof falls into a hole, and she slams into the ground. Thorns wrap around her hoof.

"Tia, this is torture. Are we really stuck her forever?" asks Princess Luna. Princess Celestia nods sadly. Princess Luna kicks the thorns off of her hoof and stands up. Princess Celestia peers at the vine.

"This same type of vine grows in the Everfree forest," says Princess Celestia. The ponies trudge onward.

Suddenly, Princess Luna hears a hiss behind her. She whips around and comes face to face with the skeleton of a pony.

"Uh, Tia..." says Princess Luna nervously. Princess Celestia turns around. The skeletons surround them.

"Ah, the princesses of Equestria," says one.

"I wonder what they did in life to deserve such a horrible fate?" says another.

The biggest one steps forward.

"Come with us," it says.

The First Cutie Mark

"I can't believe that we STILL haven't gotten our cutie marks yet," complains Applebloom as she paces around Fluttershy's yard, kicking a rock. She accidentally kicks the rock too hard, and it smacks Sweetie Belle in the face.

"Ow, Applebloom!" she yells. She magics the rock over the fence.

"You okay?" calls Applebloom. Sweetie Belle smiles and nods.

"Whoa! Look at that!" exclaims Scootaloo, pointing her hoof towards the Everfree Forest. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle turn around a see light in the distance. "Let's go check it out! Maybe we can get our cutie marks in adventuring!" suggests Scootaloo.

"Are you sure? Don't you remember the last time we went in there?" asks Sweetie Belle.

"Of course I remember! But that was last time. This is this time," replies Scootaloo.

"If you say so," says Sweetie Belle. The Cutie Mark Crusaders step into the Everfree Forest and start walking towards the source of light. Scootaloo bounds ahead, whereas the other crusaders lag behind.

"Come on, slow pokes! We're almost there!" exclaims Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom gallop to catch up. Scootaloo pushes away the last few branches and comes face-to-face with the castle of the ancient pony sisters.

"Look! The light is coming from in there!" exclaims Applebloom.

"Well, let's see what's going on!" says Scootaloo. She gallops onto the bridge.

"Wait, Scootaloo! I don't think the bridge is safe!" calls Applebloom, but she is too late. Scootaloo's front hooves fall through a crack and get stuck.

"Help!" cries Scootaloo, terrified. Applebloom gallops over to where Scootaloo is and grabs her by the tail. Applebloom yanks Scootaloo out of the hole. Unfortunately, they both go flying off the side of the bridge. Scootaloo's protective instinct kicks in, and she flaps her wings as hard as she can.

Sweetie Belle runs over to the cliff and attempts to levitate Applebloom. Then she magics Applebloom up onto the cliff. Scootaloo flies up and lands softly.

"Scootaloo, this happened because you didn't think ahead! Let's walk across the bridge SLOWLY this time," yells Sweetie Belle.

"But I learned to fly!" protests Scootaloo.

"I leaned mah own strength, and you learned your magic abilities! Although, I was super scared. Thanks for saving me, Sweetie Belle!" Applebloom adds while hugging Sweetie Belle. The crusaders make their way across the bridge and stop in front of the castle.

Scootaloo gulps and says, "We're here. No turning back now." The crusaders step carefully into the castle. The floor creaks, and Scootaloo screams. She takes off and flies straight into Nightmare Moon. "N - Nightmare M - Moon!" stutters Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom come running in.

"Scootaloo, are you o- N - Nightmare Moon!" says Applebloom.

"Ha ha ha ha ha. Stupid little fillies. Trying to trespass in MY castle?" sneers Nightmare Moon. She flies off, leaving the crusaders in the dust.

"GET HER!" screams Scootaloo.

"Wait, Scootaloo! We can't fly! I'm going to try a spell. Princess Twilight Sparkle told me that it is really hard, and that she only did it once. Remember when Rarity had wings?" says Sweetie Belle. Applebloom and Scootaloo nod their heads. "That is the spell. But I'm going to try to make feathered wings. Stand back," finishes Sweetie Belle. She braces herself and grunts. Magic comes to her horn, and she and Applebloom start floating off the ground. Suddenly, a flash of blinding light is emitted from Sweetie Belle's horn. Light curls around them. Suddenly, it all vanishes. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom fall to the ground.

Applebloom stands up and rubs her head. She realizes that she has wings. Real feathered wings.

"Sweetie Belle! You did it! AND you got your cutie mark!" cries Applebloom. Sweetie Belle stands up and stares first at her wings, then at her cutie mark.

"It's five blue stars! A magic cutie mark! But who cares about cutie marks? We have Nightmare Moon to deal with!" exclaims Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah!" replies Scootaloo.

"WAIT! Look at those three necklaces! They're diamonds. One is blue, one is yellow, and one is red! Let's put them on!" says Applebloom.

Sweetie Belle magics the the necklaces over and says, "I'll take this one. It's blue, like my cutie mark." Applebloom puts on the yellow one, and Scootaloo takes the red one. Then the crusaders fly out of the castle and head back to Ponyville.

The Legend of the Shadow Pony

Deep in the Everfree Forest lies the castle of the ancient pony sisters. Princess Celestia lived there before Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon and destroyed the castle. After Celestia banished Nightmare Moon to the moon, remnants of Nightmare Moon's power remained. Every night, these remnants come together and form the Shadow Pony.

Luna hears a knock on the door outside the Star Swirl the Bearded archive. She uses her magic to unlock the door and Twilight Sparkle steps in.

"Hello, Princess Luna! You said you needed me?" says Twilight.

"Yes. I need help finding a book," replies Princess Luna. Twilight gasps and looks around the room. Books and papers are strewn across the floor and shoved in every nook and cranny. "It's a dark blue book, and it has a moon on the cover. I don't exactly remember the name of the book, though," explains Princess Luna.

"I'm on it!" replies Twilight Sparkle. She dashes around the room yanking books off of shelves until she finds the correct book. "Found it!" cries Twilight Sparkle, "There's no title on the cover, though."

Luna magics the book towards her and stares at the cover. "There's a title right here, Twilight," says Princess Luna. She points her hoof to a blank area on the cover.* Twilight trots over and peeks at it.

"There's no title there, Princess Luna. Are you okay?" says Twilight. Luna glances at her quizzically.

"The question is, are you all right, Twilight Sparkle? The title says Coho Sak Tu Moone. It's in one of the languages that Star Swirl the Bearded made up. I hope that the rest of the book is not like this, since I have no idea how to translate it," says Princess Luna. She flips through the pages. Little does Luna know that the title is actually a spell to release the Shadow Pony.

Back at the castle of the ancient pony sisters, the shadow pony is hit with a beam of darkness. After all of the smoke clears, the shadow pony stands up and looks around. It realizes that it is not a shadow any longer and magics a mirror over to it and looks. What it sees is Nightmare Moon.

* The title of the cover is only visible to Luna herself.