Princesses through the looking glass

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together, and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon.

She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to pony kind: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility...

...for both sun and moon...

“...and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since. Hmm... Elements of Harmony. I know I've heard of those before... but where?” I looked up at the sky. I picked up the book with my magic and put it in my bag. I head back to the castle.

“ There you are, Bloom! Moondancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come?” A another unicorn, Twinkleshine asked, she was with 2 other friends.

“ Oh, sorry, girls... I've got a lot of studying to catch up on.” I grinned and galloped off

“Does that pony do anything except study? I think she's more interested in books than friends.” I heard Twinkleshine say to her friends

“I know I've heard of the Elements of Harmony.” I muttered to myself. I burst into the library” Kiko! Ki-ko! Kiko?”  I looked down and saw my dragon friend looking a little dazed. “ There you are. Quick, find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies.” I saw he had a gift “What's that for?”

“Well, it was a gift for Moondancer, but...” A teddy fell out when he picked it up.

“Oh Kiko, you know we don't have time for that sort of thing.” I sighed and began looking through the vast collection of books.

“But we're on a break!” Kiko muttered

“No, no, no... no, no, no!” I looked through all of them “Kiko!”

“It's over here!” Kiko waved the book, I levitated it over.

“ Ah!” I set it down on the table and began flicking through the book.” Elements, Elements, E, E, E... Aha! Elements of Harmony, see: Mare in the Moon?” I looked confused

“Mare in the Moon? But that's just an old ponies' tale.” Kiko was picking up the books.

“ Mare, mare... aha! The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal!” I gasped “Kiko! Do you know what this means?”

“No, whoa!” Kiko fell from the ladder, He landed on my back. “Ow.”

“ Take a note please, to the Princess.” I said as he got off my back

“Okie dokie.” Kiko got some paper and began to write

“My dearest teacher, my continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster!”

“Hold on. Preci... preci...” I looked at Kiko

“ Threshold?”

“Threh...” Kiko looked at me

“Brink?” He looked confused.” Ugh, that something really bad is about to happen! For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon, and she's about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night! Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student, Bloom.” I said

“Bloom. Got it!” Kiko smiled

“ Great! Send it.” I nodded

“Now?” Kiko asked

“Of course!” I said

“Uh, I dunno, Bloom, Princess Celestia's a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. And it's like, the day after tomorrow.” Kiko said

“That's just it, Kiko. The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration! It's imperative that the Princess is told right away!” I told him

“ Impera... impera...” Kiko tried to write it.

“Important!” I yelled

“Okay, okay!” He sent it with his fire breath. “There, it's on its way. But I wouldn't hold your breath...”

“ Oh, I'm not worried, Kiko. The Princess trusts me completely. In all the years she's been my mentor she's never once doubted me.” I smiled, as if on que, a letter from the princess came. “ See? I knew she would want to take immediate action.”

Kiko cleared his throat “My dearest, most faithful student Bloom. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely.”

“Mm-hm!” I smiled proudly

“ ...but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!” Kiko said, I gasped.

A little while later, we were on our way to the place the summer sun celebration was taking place.

“My dear Bloom, there is more to a young pony's life than studying, so I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location: Ponyville. And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete: make some friends!” I sighed “Look on the bright side, Bloom. The Princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn't that make you happy?”

I took a deep breath. “Yes, yes it does. You know why? Because I'm right! I'll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find some proof of Nightmare Moon's return.”

“Then... when will you make friends, like the Princess said?” Kiko asked

“She said to check on preparations. I am her student, and I'll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends.” I said, We land in ponyville, “ Thank you, sirs.” I thanked the guards

“ Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about. Come on, Bloom, just try!” Kiko said, a bright pink pony bound over to us.

“Um... hello?” I asked, The pony gasped and raced off. “Well, that was interesting all right.” Kiko gasped. We walked off

“Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist. Number one, banquet preparations: Sweet Apple Acres.” Kiko read, we were at an apple farm.

“Yehaaw!” and orange pony with a cutie mark of 3 apples, kicked a tree, apples fell into baskets.”

“Let's get this over with... Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle-” I walked over to the pony.

“Well, howdy-doo, Miss Bloom, a pleasure makin' your acquaintance. I'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like making new friends!” The pony began shaking my hoof.

“Friends? Actually, I-” I tried to speak, when she let go, my hoof was still going up and down, Kiko had to stop it.

“So, what can I do you for?” AppleJack asked

I cleared my throat “Well, I am in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. And you're in charge of the food?”

“We sure as sugar are! Would you care to sample some?” AppleJack asked

“As long as it doesn't take too long...” I said, AppleJack rang a bell

“Soup's on, everypony!” She called. Before Kiko and I knew it, we were sat at a table surrounded by a large number of ponies. “Now, why don't I introduce y'all to the Apple family?”

“ Thanks, but I really need to hurry—“ I began

AppleJack clearly wasn’t listening “This here's Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin.   Red Gala. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp... [deep breath] Big McIntosh , Apple Bloom and Granny Smith. Up'n'attem, Granny Smith, we got guests.” An old pony woke up and hobbled over.

“Wha..? Soup's on? I'm up, here I come, ahm comin'...” She slowly join us.

“Why, I'd say you're already part of the family!” AppleJack smiled

“Okay, well, I can see the food situation is handled, so we'll be on our way.” I laughed nervously

“Aren't you gonna stay for brunch?” AppleBloom asked

“Sorry, but we have an awful lot to do...” I said The apple sighed sadly. “ ...fine.” They cheered

“Food's all taken care of, next is weather.” Kiko said a while later, we had left sweet apple acres

“ Ugh... I ate too much pie...” I groaned

“ Hmm, there's supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds.”

“Well, she's not doing a very good job, is she?” I looked up at the clouds in the sky. Someone flew into me. We landed in mud.

“Uh, 'scuse me?” A pegasus sniggered, I glared at her “ Lemme help you.” She flew off and go a cloud. She jumped on it, causing it to rain on me.”Oops, I guess I overdid it. Um, uh, how about this?” She flew around “My very own patented Rain-Blow Dry! No no. Don't thank me. You're quite welcome.” My mane was a complete mess, the pony and Kiko burst out laughing.

“Let me guess. You're Rainbow Dash.” I said

“The one and only. Why, you heard of me?” The Pegasus grinned

“ I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear.” I sighed “ I'm Bloom, and the Princess sent me to check on the weather.”

“Yeah, yeah, that'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I'm done practicing.” Rainbow said

“Practicing for what?” I asked

Rainbow Dash pointed at a poster. “The Wonderbolts! They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show 'em my stuff!”

“The Wonderbolts?” I repeated

“ Yep!”

“The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?”

“That's them!”

“ Pfft! Please. They'd never accept a Pegasus who can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day.”

“Hey, I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat.” Rainbow glared at me

“Prove it.” I grinned

“Loop the loop around, and wham! What'd I say? Ten. Seconds. Flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging.”I gasped, Rainbow had clear it in 10 secounds flat.” You should see the look on your face. Ha! You're a laugh, Bloom. I can't wait to hang out some more.”

“Wow, she's amazing!” Kiko said, than laughed at my mane. I growled. “ Wait! It's kinda pretty once you get used to it!”

We went into the town hall “ Decorations. Beautiful...” Kiko said

“Yes, the decor is coming along nicely. This ought'a be quick. I'll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed.” I smiled, it was glorious.

“Not the decor, her!” Kiko pointed to a white unicorn.

“No, no, no, oh! Goodness no.” She was going through ribbons, I approached her

“How are my spines? Are they straight?” Kiko asked

“Good afternoon—“ I began

“Just a moment, please! I'm 'in the zone', as it were.” She said “ Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help yo—“ She yelped “ Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!”

“Oh, you mean my mane? Well, it's a long story. I'm just here to check on the decorations, and then I'll be out of your hair!” I smiled

“Out of my hair? What about your hair?!” She gasped

“Wait! Where are we going?! Help!” The unicorn pushed me forward

She took me to her shop, she was fruffing me up “No, no, uh-uh. Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too... shiny. Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you're from.”

“I've... been sent... from Canterlot... to—“ I gasped for breath

“Huh?” Rarity gasped “Canterlot?! Oh, I am so envious! The glamor, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can't wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I... Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!” She trotted off

“Quick! Before she decides to dye my coat a new color!” I said and ran off.

She had got away

“Wasn't she wonderful?” Kiko sighed

“Focus, Casanova. What's next on the list?” I asked

“Oh, uh, music! It's the last one!” Kiko said, looking at his list

We saw a yellow Pegasus leading a birds song.

“ Oh my. Um, stop please, everyone, umm. Excuse me, sir? I mean, no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one two three-“ The Pegasus said

“Hello?” I called, the Pegasus yelped and the birds flew off. “ Oh my, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to frighten your birds. I'm just here to check up on the music and it's sounding beautiful. “ there was a pause. “I am Bloom.” Another pause” What's your name?”

“ Um... I'm Fluttershy.” The Pegasus whispered

“ I'm sorry, what was that?” I asked

“Um... My name is Fluttershy.” She was even quieter.

“ Didn't quite catch that.” I said, she just squeaked. “Well, um, it looks like your birds are back, so I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work!” I said, she just squeaked “ookay.” I re-joined Kiko “ Well, that was easy.

“A baby dragon!” The Pegasus gasped, she flew over, knocked me to the ground. “Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before. He's sooo cute!”

“Well, well, well...!” Kiko was smug

“Oh my, he talks. I didn't know dragons could talk. That's just so incredibly wonderful I, I just don't even know what to say!” The Pegasus smiled

“Well, in that case we'd better be going.” I picked up Kiko with my magic and put him on my back and began to head to the library.

“Wait, wait! What's his name?” The pony followed

“I'm Kiko!” Kiko smiled

“Hi Kiko, I'm Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon! And what do dragons talk about?” Fluttershy asked

“Well, what do you wanna know?” Kiko looked at her.

“ Absolutely everything.” Fluttershy smiled, I groaned

“Well... I started out as a cute little purple and green egg...” Kiko began “ ...and that's the story of my whole entire life! Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?”

“ Oh, yes, please!” Fluttershy nodded, I stopped.

“I am so sorry, how did we get here so fast? This is where I'm staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep.” I said

“ No I don't-- whoa!” I knocked kiko of my back.

“ Aww, wook at dat, he's so sweepy he can't even keep his widdle bawance!” I smiled

“ Poor thing, you simply must get into bed...” Fluttershy picked him and flew him inside.

“Yes, yes, we'll get right on that. Well, g'night!” I pushed her out and closed the door.

“Huh. Rude much?”

“Sorry, Spike, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now, where's the light?” I looked around in the pitch black. A light switch on.

“ Surprise!” ponies cheered a kazoo blows. I stood half shocked, than groaned.

“Surprise!” The pink pony from early said “Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh huh huh?”

“Very surprised. Libraries are supposed to be quiet.” I told her

“ Well, that's silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! Y'see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all "hello" and I was all , deep gasp, remember? Y'see I've never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!” I groaned and walked over to a table with drinks. “ And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went [deep gasp]! I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See?” I poured myself a drink and began to drink.  “And now you have lots and lots of friends” my mouth was on fire. I turned to the ponies, my eyes began to water.

“Are you all right, sugarcube?” AppleJack asked, my mane was like fire, then I stormed upstairs.

I lay in my bed, a pillow covering my ears.

“Hey Bloom! Pinkie Pie's starting "pin the tail on the pony"! Wanna play?” Kiko came up.

“No! All the ponies in this town are crazy! Do you know what time it is?!” I growled

“ It's the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Everypony has to stay up, or they'll miss the Princess raise the sun! You really should lighten up, Bloom. It's a party!” Kiko went back down. I mocked Kiko and the door closed.

“Ugh, here I thought I'd have time to learn about the Elements of Harmony but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!” I spoke to myself, I picked up a book "Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night." I looked up at the moon “ I hope the Princess was right... I hope it really is just an old ponytale...”

“C'mon, Bloom, it's time to watch the sunrise!” Kiko came back up.

Everypony gathered in the town hall. Kiko was on my back. Pinkie stood next to me.

“ Isn't this exciting? Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited-- well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went [deep gasp] but I mean really, who can top that?” Pinkie smiled, there was a fanfare

“Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!” Mayor mare said, ponies cheered “ In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria...”

“Ready?” Fluttershy asked her birds

“ ...Princess Celestia!” Mayor mare smiled, the curtin was pulled, but Princess Celestia wasn’t there.

“Huh?” Rarity gasped. Ponies talked nervously.

“This can't be good.” I whispered

“Remain calm, Everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation!” Mayor mare called

“Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games! Is she hiding?” Pinkie asked

“She's gone!” Rarity said, everypony gasped

“Oooh, she’s good.” Pinkie said, than she yelped, a shadow pony appeared

“Oh no... Nightmare Moon!” I gasped Kiko gasped too.

“ Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little sun-loving faces.” Nightmare Moon said

“What did you do with our Princess?!” Rainbow yelled, she went to fly at Nightmare, but AppleJack halt on to her tail.

“Whoa there, Nelly...” AppleJack said, he voice muffled

“Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?” Nightmare asked

“ Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty—“ AppleJack stuffed a cupcake into Pinkie’s mouth muffling her voice.

“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?” Nightmare asked everypony

“ I did. And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!” I said angrily. Ponies gasped.

“Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here.” Nightmare asked me

“You're here to... to... .” I gulped shrinking back.

“ Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!” Nightmare laughed, thunder sound. I looked at Nightmare horrified. What now..?