A World Without a Rainboom

Chapters

3. Rarity Rocks
4. Actress Applejack
Welcome Home, Jack
5. Nightmare Moon Returns
6. Nightmare Moon Returns to Canterlot
7. Hiding in Plain Sight
8. First Week of Night
9. Good Night to All and Nightmares to End All (Pt. 1)
10. Good Night to All and Nightmares to End All (Pt. 2)
The Rebellion Grows
Legion and Loss
The Apples Move On
Stronghold in the Everfree
The Elements of Harmony
The First Bearers
A Challenging Hour
The Show
Scootaloo's Night POV
Invite to Canterlot
The Battle into Canterlot
The Battle With Nightmare Moon (part 1)
The Battle With Nightmare Moon (part 2)
The End?
Rainbow Returns Home
The Trixie and Twilight Show
1. Rainbow Dash's Loss
2. Twilight Sparkle - Employee at Large

3. Rarity Rocks

"A rock?! That's my destiny?! What is your problem, horn?!" Rarity shouted as she looked up to her own horn, "I followed you all the way out here for a rock?! Dumb rock!" Rarity turned around and bucked the boulder, then began to walk away but stopped and sighed.

"Why a rock? Of all the things in Equestria, I'm dragged all this way to see a rock? Why?!" Rarity fell onto her flank and looked at the boulder and sighed. She got up, walked back to the rock and circled it, trying to find something special about it. "Nothing. It's a rock. A STUPID ROCK," she screamed.

"It's actually a boulder. Looks like 11 tons, and igneous in nature; however, its location is suspect. It was probably moved by magic since there isn't any significant disturbance around its base."

"Um, who're you, exactly?"

"My name is Maud. I like rocks. Rocks are cool. Do you like rocks?" she replied lazily.

"I don't know. It's a rock. It's not special, but I guess I'm supposed to be here. I just don't know why," Rarity sniffled.

"Well, you're looking at the boulder a lot, and it is special. The world is a big rock. Have you ever dug down into the earth? Ever notice how it's all dirt and rocks? We live on a rock made out of smaller rocks."

"Really?" she sniffled, "that's kinda interesting. But, I thought I was going to be a something exciting? Why would I be here?"

"Well, you met me coincidentally. Let me take you to my home. We have a lot of rocks. I live on a rock farm."

"A rock farm?" she asked indignantly, "how do you farm rocks?"

"It isn't easy, but it works. Follow me." Maud began ambling down the hill with a slightly less than excited Rarity behind her.

"Um, can we go any faster? It's been like an hour and I still see the rock you found me at."

"It's an igneous boulder, kind of like my father," Rarity raised an eyebrow at Maud, "we only go as fast as we have to. Rocks aren't in a rush to get anywhere, are they?"

"Well, I guess not," Rarity shrugged, stopping as she watched Maud take a slow step ahead. "Okay, I'll just follow you."

So, this is a rock farm? The sun is setting and we've walked a mile. Here I am looking at rocks. On a farm. A rock farm. Rarity sighed after her thought. "So, what do you do on this farm?"

"We move rocks and help them gather minerals that only our land has. When rocks are coated with a certain amount, we sell them to other farms who crush them and spread them on their farms or mix them into their meals for nutrients.

It increases the fertility of the ground without having to use chemicals or... Animal droppings," slowly a smile formed on Maud's face, "and it's healthier than the same for nutrients."

"You talk so slow, Maud. You could talk faster you know. And was that a joke? Anyway, so, that's what you do? Your family farms rocks to sell to ponies? That doesn't sound so bad."

"It is a lot of fun, because rocks are fun," Maud replied slowly. "Come on in, I'll introduce you to my family." Looking to the farmhouse Rarity sighed and rolled her eyes. She trotted beside Maud, scooped her onto her back, and trotted to the house.

Panting but proud to have arrived before moon rise, Rarity let her legs give out. "You're as heavy as a boulder," Rarity mumbled.

Maud slowly climbed over Rarity to open the door. "Hmm, boulder. I like that name. This is my home. And my family."

Looking inside, Rarity was ready to be greeted by the slowest family in Equestria. Instead, she was greeted by four emotionless faces, sitting around a dinner table. "Greetings, mine name beith Cloudy, and this, my husband, Igneous.

"You've met Maud, mine eldest, yet you have yet to meet our other daughters; Pinkamena and Limestone." They all nodded to Rarity as Maud walked into the kitchen while Rarity took a place at the table. "Our daughter, Marble, fares well though she is away on vacation. And thou art who to us? A friend of Maud?"

"Well, I'm Rarity. I guess I'm here to fulfill my destiny, or so says my dumb horn."

"Nay, we have no fortunes to offer," Igneous said as he scooped some mashed potatoes onto his plate, small pebbles colored the potato with grey dots that made Rarity wince as she realized the family was crunching them in each bite. "We could useth some help farming, though. Be thy interested in our offer?"

"Well, I guess I can give it a try."

"We start at sunrise and work 'til dinner. Lunch beith on in the fields at high noon. Eat up if thou art hungry, for we rest soon until the morrow's light."

Rarity smiled awkwardly and took a seat at the table, she looked around at the others eating their rock intensive meal and wondered why Maud was so slow compared to the rest of them. "Hi, Pinkamena, right? I'm Rarity. Wanna go play after supper?"

"I don't have time to play. I have to go to bed so I can move the rocks from the south west to the south east in the morning," Pinkamena replied between crunchy bites.

"Okay, well, what do you do for fun then?"

"Well, we sit and read sometimes," the pink filly sighed, gazing into her pile of potatoes, "we also have a day trading at the market once a week," Pinkamena stated flatly, looking a bit sad. "But, I don't go to market because I don't wanna leave my sister alone. She's really easy ta spook without me around."

"That, doesn't sound too fun. What about parties, or plays, or concerts, or parades?" Rarity asked, losing her excitement as she looked at the dull ponies around her.

"What are those things?" Pinkamena asked, looking from the potatoes to a pile of overboiled vegetables. "We only have work, sleep, and each other," Pinkamena replied, sighing, before taking another bite.

This is my destiny? Rarity thought, I said I'd give it a shot, so I will, but that doesn't mean I have to like it or stay.

Rarity took a plate and scooped a little of each; vegetables and potatoes. She did her best to eat around the rocks, spitting them out onto the plate or swallowing them when she couldn't.

The adults looked at the white coated filly and nodded to each other. "Iggy, doth we haveth a room she can stayeth in?" Cloudy asked.

"She can room with Pinkamena, they art becoming acquainted already." Each member of the family nodded once, then continued eating.

"Well, here we are on the southwest side. Over there is the southeast. We gotta move these rocks, over there," Pinkamena said pointing as she spoke sadly. With a sigh, she walked to a rock, about as big as her head, and began rolling it with her nose.

The morning sun was warm and Rarity knew it was going to be scorching hot in the arid, unshaded, dusty farmland. Rarity sighed as her horn began to glow, taking three rocks in her magic, she carried them behind her. "Hey, put those down! You can't carry them, you have to roll them."

"What? Isn't there a better way?" Rarity complained as she dropped all but one rock to save energy.

"Nope. This is how we've always done it and how it has to be done."

"How about if I do this?" Rarity lowered the rock to the ground and then rolled slowly in the dirt beside her as she quickly trotted a few paces. Stopping and turning around she looked at Pinkamena, who was slack-jawed with awe. "So, is that a yes?" she asked hesitantly.

"That is the greatest idea I've ever seen," Pinkamena said as she formed a weak smile as trotted to Rarity. "So, you're a unicorn? I've never seen one of you use magic before," Rarity scoffed at the statement, "I have to tell pa. You keep rollin', and I'll get him right now. Be right back."

Well, that was an unexpected reaction to a simple levitation. I'm not even good at it yet. Wait, never seen a unicorn?!

A few minutes later, Iggy and Pinkamena arrived and watched as Rarity demonstrated her magic, rolling a rock across the ground.

A slight smile crept across his muzzle. "Little unicorn, we needeth thy magic hither. What say thee to an accord of boarder for thy magic?"

"What? Just like that? I have a job, just like that?" Rarity tapped her hoof to her chin. Well, I don't need that much more schooling before I'm done, and it doesn't seem that education isn't that important here. Would you be willing to give me an allowance?"

"Done," he said raising a hoof, spit on it, then presented it to Rarity.

"Eeew, why'd you do that?" Rarity said with a disgusted look as she recoiled from the dripping hoof aimed at her.

"It's how we maketh an accord." Looking at her hoof, Rarity breathed in and did her best to spit, mostly she ended up drooling down her chin. Igneous chuckled, and Pinkamena looked at him awkwardly. "What's on thy mind, Pinkamena?"

"What was that noise you made just now?"

"It was a laugh, Pinkamena. As you get older, they'll happen more often." Pinkamena looked at the ground and coughed a couple times. "You can't force a laugh, it comes from inside you when something makes you feel happy."

"Oh," was all Pinkamena replied before her expression flattened again and looked at Rarity.

Wiping her hoof on her chin Rarity bumped her hoof to his, and they nodded.

"Six years now," Rarity hummed in a soft drawl as she rocked on a chair rested on the porch of the newly remodeled home she lived in. She inhaled the dry air and smiled as minerals tickled her trained nose.

"What's that about six years?" Pinkamena asked softly with a soft smile to match as she brushed her long flat mane from her face. She looked down at the sleeping Labrador beside her as she pet it.

"I've been here six years now. I can't believe how much hath happened. We're the largest rock and mineral farm in Equestria and life feels so perfect with thy here. Thy're the best sister I could ask for." Rarity smiled as she looked through her flat purple mane at Pinkamena and they shared a smile.

"I want to go see my parents next week, if that's okay; it's mom’s birthday and I want to see her," Pinkamena asked Rarity. A hint of knowing and confidence in her soft voice told Rarity she knew the answer.

"Well, I don't see why we can't take a trip; we have enough bits saved for us to go." Pinkamena smiled at the thought and nodded to Rarity. "Now, Pinkamena. Thy know not to give them any more funds, right? They retired and have a stipend from our sales to live off of."

"I remember, Rarity." Pinkamena got up and walked into the house leaving the door open and Rarity alone with the napping dog on the porch. With a thought, a glass of lemonade poured itself into a cup and leveled at her mouth. Tipping her head back with the cup, she swallowed and smiled.

"I never thought rock farming would be my destiny." Turning slightly, she looked at her cutie mark and smiled. Two igneous boulders; the same as the one she had met Maud at.

Maud is at school studying Rockology and was on her way to getting her Rocktorate, at the youngest age in the school's history. Limestone is at boarding school, taking classes in Art and Art History, and all our parents have retired. It's all thanks to me, and I couldn't be happier. I own my own farm!

With a giggle, Rarity hopped up on her rear legs and pumped her hoof before falling back into the chair and finishing her glass of lemonade with a smile and a refreshing sigh.

I will see my parents of the stone as well, as I owe everything I am and have to them. And, I think it's about time they see what a real party is like, all these years and not a single balloon or cake without rocks in it. This shalt be a party of the ages!

4. Actress Applejack

"Cock-a-doodle-doo... Oh, I wonder what Granny Smith and Big McIntosh are up to. I bet they're applebuckin' their way through the Red Delicious trees. Oh, what I wouldn't give for just one bite."

Celestia, give me a sign. I'm not happy here in Manehattan. I love my aunt and uncle Orange and thank 'em for takin' me in, but talkin' all proper and eatin' little vittles ain't sittin’ right with me. What should I do?

Watching the sky from her window, Applejack prayed for a sign. Looking in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres nearly two minutes passed before she turned away and went to get ready for the day. "Auntie Orange, what's the plan t’day?" she drawled.

"Now, Applejack. We speak properly in this home."

"I apologize, Auntie. I am working on it the best I can. How are the plans for the day coming along?" Applejack asked slightly slower than usual as she formed the words in her mind as she spoke them without her country accent.

"Much better. Now, today we have a meeting with the Grapes, wine with a few prominent ponies from across Equestria at lunch, a late meeting with a troupe from Las Pegasus, then time to meet with Fancy Pants for the photo shoot we’re going to sponsor. We have breakfast scheduled for an hour at the plaza, so we have to get you to the spa. Let's go, we can't be late," Aunt Orange stated, clapping her hooves twice.

Faking a smile, Applejack followed her Aunt from her room and her day began. Forty-five minutes of having four spa mares combing, clipping, and fluffing all over her body hurt and annoyed the filly, but she didn't fight it because she did admit that she looked and felt better once it was all over.

She looked as pretty as she felt with her braided blonde mane and pink bows holding them together, accented by a blue scarf she felt ready to take the day by the tail.

A taxi took Applejack and her family to their breakfast, the adults chatted, and Applejack did her best to speak as little as she could so she wouldn't embarrass herself like the evening before. A simple burp turned into a near uproar, and she still felt guilty about it.

Lunch was equally dull for the filly. The meal was the size of an apple and similarly disappointing for her appetite, yet she ate slowly and copied her aunt’s movements and bite sizes.

"Oh, your niece is so well mannered. I absolutely adore her, I want to just eat her up," a gryphon exclaimed after Applejack used a countryism accidentally.

There was a chorus of laughter at her full eyed expression. "Auntie, she's not really gonna eat me, is she?" She blushed and ducked her head. One more meal, one more party, one more ride, then I'm done. Ah'm headin' back to the acres.

"Oh my, if it isn't the Oranges. Darling, I haven't seen you two for months. Life in Las Pegasus is so exhausting: Work, work, work. Life is great, don't misunderstand, but sometimes I wish I had a simple life in the country compared to the rush of the big city," a mare said as she hugged Applejack's aunt and uncle. "And who is this quiet little darling?"

"This is our niece, Applejack. She's moved here from Ponyville, isn't that right dear?" Aunt Orange asked Applejack who nodded curtly.

"Ya betcha, Ah’m here from the countryside and it's a real treat livin' here, reckon you'd last an hour on the farm though. Did ya know the food here ain't nothin' but a bite of vittles and the hoity-toity clothes," she tossed the scarf to the floor, "and way Ah gotta wear my mane," she began fussing with her braids, "are as annoyin' as sittin' in the mud while the pigs play around ya," Applejack finished and pushed her aunt's hooves away.

Her aunt and uncle tried to excuse the well dressed and groomed filly’s outburst before the mare before them laughed jovially.

"Oh, dear I love her. She's the perfect filly for a role I'm casting and with my help she'll be a star in no time." Leaning in, the mare asked Applejack, "Would you like to be a star?" Applejack took a step back and tried to understand what she was being asked before slowly nodding her head with furrowed brows. "Great. I'll have my driver pick her up tomorrow morning and we'll go down to the recording studio for a voice over to see how well she is before I have my lawyer contact you with details. By the way, my name is Tell Vision." Tel Vision stated, standing tall and striking a dramatic pose while pursing her lips before she turned and moved to the snack table to gather some food.

"Uncle Orange? Is she really that important or is she a little unstable?" Applejack asked with her manehattan accent.

"I know she seems odd, but she is one of the most important talent scouts in Las Pegasus. If she says you have a chance, you have a chance. I can't believe that you had a feeling to use your normal voice at that moment! Are you sure you didn't plan that out?" he asked as Aunt Orange looked at the now disheveled filly.

"No, Uncle. I had no idea. No one said a peep about her to me, and I was just frustrated, as it happens. I apologize if I embarrassed you both," Applejack pawed the floor.

"Not at all, sweetie," Aunt Orange chirped and gave her a hug. "No one would guess your talking like that would get you a job offer at your age. Let's mingle and rub it in the faces of everypony we cross," she said proudly, "Our niece is going to be a movie star!"

"Miss Jack? You're needed on stage," a stallion called through her dressing room door many years later.

"Very well. I'm coming, tell the director I'll be there in a few minutes," Applejack replied.

She looked at herself in the full-size mirror and smiled. A nice suit, her mane was curled, and she was expertly groomed by some of the best in the business. Her voice was calm, eloquent, midwestern Equestria that held no posh or fancy tones in and of itself unless she wanted them.

Here we go Jack, time to start another one of these things. Smiling and straightening her body, she took a deep breath and began vocalizing different notes and keys, changed the tones of her voice across all the octaves she could make, and finally drank a whole glass of water. Turning to the door, she opened it and walked out into the hallway. Just another day; nothing to it. Just walk through the curtain, she thought still smiling. Don't be nervous.

The brown curtain neared and her heart raced. She shook her head and composed herself. Putting her smile back on she walked quickly through the curtain to a crowd of screaming ponies chanting her stage name. "Jack, Jack, Jack!"

Taking a seat next to four other ponies behind a clothed table, she sat at the end and waved to the crowd of various aged colts and stallions.

The announcer spoke up on the PA system. "Welcome and thank you for coming to the convention! Here is our panel of voice actors for our show 'Myths, Facts, and Fiction'. You all know Jack, who voices 'Europa,' next we have Rhyme Lyric who voices "Plum,' Mill System who voices and 'Jacob,' and last, but not least, Time Watch, who voices the lead character 'Mark.'

"All are well-known voice actors for various animated shows and TV spots. Jack is the member of the Apple Orchard Alliance which donates fresh fruits and vegetables to disaster victims and orphanages across Equestria."

The crowd cheered, stomped, and hollered as Jack waved to the crowd. Leaning to the mare next to her she whispered. "I get tired of all this sometimes. Don't you?"

"I wish I could have half what you do. You even know the Princess! I'm so jealous," Rhyme whispered back and smiled.

Great, she's star-struck, too.

"So, I'll leave the floor to you ponies to ask your questions; then afterward we'll have photos and signatures!" The announcer shouted over the chants of Jack's name.

Walking into her dressing room, Jack walked to a nearby chair and fell into it on her side. "I swear, if I have to answer another nerd’s questions about goblins, or humans, or if puppies are really reverse aging dogs I'm gonna scream at them to get an encyclopedia," Jack stated in frustration.

"Oh, you don't want to do that. You have a reputation to uphold," a stallion said from behind her. Without moving Jack greeted him.

"Big Mac, how'd ya get in here, and why are you here?"

"I'm your manager, and it's my job. Plus I'm your brother, and I love you. If you feel stressed, you can take a vacation. You're one of the-"

"Yeah, yeah. One of the most popular ponies in Equestria. The whole nation knows me, and I have meetings with the Princess and blah, blah, blah. Ya know, BM, I love what I can do fer the ponies, foals, and critters of the world but," she sighed. "I wonder what life woulda been like if I'da stayed on the farm."

"Well, ya didn't, and don't call me 'BM.' Ya got famous and used the money to buy the farm a full time staff. Ya let me go back to school and you-"

"Shut up, Mac. Ya talk too much," she said with a sigh. "Sorry, I'm just tired and hormonal. I could use a break. When's my next break between shows, conventions, movies... All of it?"

Rifling into his saddlebag he pulled out a schedule book and moved next to Jack as she laid on the chair. "Looks like you have an opening for three days in 7 months." Moving her head up she looked at him in disbelief.

"Really? Why'd I get so much scheduled?"

"It's not all work. You have to file reports and check on new hires to your executive staff. Visit orphanages and speak at donation meetings, fundraisers. The list goes on."

"That sounds like work to me. Too much of it," she said laying her head back. "I hate hard work right now, I guess it's good I'm not back on the farm. It'd kill me." Smiling, she looked at Big Mac and they shared a laugh.

"Big Mac?"

"Yeah, Applejack?" She smiled to hear her old name.

"I think I need a vacation on the farm. See Granny Smith, mom, dad, and Applebloom; it's been a long time."

"Eeyup."

Welcome Home, Jack

"Well Whoo-Whee! I ain't seen ya for too long sis! C'mere and gimme a hug, unless yer too important to hug yer little sister?"

"Just try and stop me A.B.," Jack said as she ran to embrace her sister, "Hey Ma, Pa. I missed ya so much. Is Granny okay?"

"Oh, she's fine and dandy, just takin' another nap. Ya know how she is these days. Her hips actin' up too so don't hug her too tight when she gets up, alright?"

"Alright ma. Now gimme a hug," Jack embraced her parents into a family hug as Big Mac stood back and smiled.

"How's life in the big city for my big girl?" her father asked as he walked the family to a picnic area setup for their visit.

"Well, its great overall. However, I have so little free time I had to take a week off and delegate my work to others. Ya taught me to do my own chores and I do 'em, but it gets so hard after a while. Everything I do is scheduled and planned out. If it wasn't for Big Mac I think I might go crazy," she laughed and leaned on her brother.

So, over the next few hours they laughed, told stories, and encouraged Applebloom to keep trying for her cutie mark with her friend Scootaloo.

"I miss the farm and Ponyville. Mind tellin' me whats new round here since I left last?" she asked her mom.

"Oh, same ol' same ol'. Oh dear. Remember that odd hermit mare?" Jack laughed at the memory of bumping into her once before she left to Manehatten and smelling like mushrooms until she took a shower that night.

"Oh yeah. Mushroom Head. What's up with her? Move? Pass on? Win the lotto and move into a fancy cave?" She laughed while the others chuckled.

"No, she's actually almost a normal pony now."

"What? That crazy mare is normal? Ya gotta explain that ta me," Jack said, her old accent coming back as she sat upright and she and Big Mac leaned closer to mother.

"Well, a few months ago another Pegasus with only one wing came and cleaned her up. Now she's flying and has a job delivering for the bakers. Oh, ya have to see her she's a gem. She's actually a brilliant blue and her mane is almost every color of the rainbow! Once she learned to talk and be social she turned into a wonderful mare."

"Learned to talk? What about that mare with her?" Asked Jack.

“She still lives in town here. The old cottage was fixed up in no time cuz that yellow mare is super rich and they live in it now. It's really nice and they take care of all kinds of local animals as part of Rainbow Dashes therapy," her father added.

"Rainbow Dash?"

"That's the hermits name. We don't call her the hermit no more though," Applebloom said taking a sip of juice.

"Well butter my biscuits. I gotta see this," Jack said with a bit of disbelief in her humor.

"Tomorrow dear. Today is about family."

"So, where's this reformed hermit?" Applejack asked her mother as they walked through the market.

"Actually, she's not a hermit, she was just hurt and confused," a mare at a stand commented as they walked past.

"Ah know, Ahm going to introduce 'em right now, sorry for her; she's from the big city," her mother apologized not stopping. "Now, don't ya go spoutin nonsense bout ponies ya don't know," her mother scolded her quietly, "Rainbow is a great addition to our community and she's a great pony with a great heart. I'll ask if I can show ya her new cottage outside town. Here we are, now git in there first and don't say anything rude," her mother said sternly pointing to Sugarcube Corner.

"Yes ma'am. Sorry 'bout that before, I'll watch what I say," Jack said using one of her basic character imitations that easily convinced her mother of her false sincerity.

"Hi Mr. and Mrs. Cake. This' my Applejack all grown up. Remember her when she was just this big?" Mother made a motion from the floor as she raised her hoof from the floor indicating her height, "She was so cute, eatin' fritters by the plate full," she giggled.

"Call me Jack," Applejack stated smiling extending a hoof in greeting.

"Hiya Applejack. I've seen you in a few movies and magazines. You're doing great, I don't even have to ask. Are you here to sample something? We have fresh cupcakes and an apple tart you might just like," Mr. Cake said with a suggestive smile as he returned the shake.

"No thank you, sir. I'm here to meet the hermi- I mean new delivery girl," Applejack smiled as she asked. Always be professional. You're the face of helping 20,000 ponies a year across Equestria.

"Well, she's upstairs waiting for the next delivery to be ready, I'll go get her," Mrs. Cake said.

"Cup, can you grab the slicer while you're up there?" Mr. Cake called behind his wife who agreed as she crested the stairs. A moment later she returned with a box on her back and Rainbow behind her.

Rainbow was smiling as she followed Mrs. Cake then sat at the bottom of the stairs. They've got a puppy it looks like.

"How can I help, Mrs. Cake?" Rainbow asked. Her voice a little cracked and raspy but she was happy and eager.

Yeah, she's a puppy.

"Rainbow, this is Jack, you already know her mother," Mrs. Cake said. Looking at the matron Apple she nodded then looked at Jack and screamed in excitement.

"Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh. You're Jack. The Jack. I can't believe I'm seeing you in real life! Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh."

Great, another fan. And it's a reformed puppy-hermit. "It's always great to meet a fan. I hear you were rehabilitated recently? I remember you from when I was a filly. How're you doing?"

"Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh. Mrs. Cake! The Jack is asking me about my life. Maybe she'll make a movie about me!?" Rainbow squealed as she trotted behind Mrs. Cake and hid like a shy child but had the exuberance of a fangirl, "Okay, well. I'll start at the beginning. To you. JACK," Rainbow giggled again as she peeked from behind Mrs. Cake.

"I was in a race and I lost and my best friend fell from the clouds and I found her on the ground in the forest then I ran away and lived in that tree cottage and then she showed up and helped me get better and a job and learn to fly even though she can't fly anymore and now here I am talking to you," taking a deep breath she giggled again and hid behind Mrs. Cake.

"You'll have to excuse her. She doesn't talk much but when she does, it's a doozy," Mr. Cake said with a cheerful voice.

"Wait, y'all mean to tell me that ya were a filly when you moved into that cottage and lived there alone for all them years?" Jack questioned with surprise in her voice, her accent back and her eyes widening as she looked at the blue mare blushing behind Mrs. Cake. With a nod from Rainbow Jack smiled and laughed. "I think there IS a movie in that story. Let me have my people call on ya. Where d'ya live so I can get the address?"

Rainbow started a giggling fit as a customer walked in the door to buy some desserts.

"Don't mind her, she's having a moment," Mr. Cake said to the customer.

"Don't worry, it's great to see her happy and full of life finally. To think a year ago..." the customer trailed off as the adults became lost in thought for a moment. "Anyway, 12 cupcakes to go please."

"Right away." -- "Have a great day and we'll see you soon."

"So, your name's Jack now? Well Jack, she lives in the same cottage she used to live in. It's all fixed up and she lives with the mare that saved her," Mrs. Cake said restocking the cupcake slot in the display.

"Yeah! Her name is Fluttershy and she's shy but really smart and helpful and she fixed my house and now it's a real house not a rotting tree that tried to kill me seven times and made me sick a lot and was sad. Now it's a real cottage with windows and a real door and furniture that is clean and comfy and doesn't hurt to lay on. Oh yeah it also has a real shower so I can clean every day or more if I want. Can I show them, Mrs. Cake? Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease?" Rainbow asked bouncing excitedly.

"Wow, I don't think I've ever seen you this excited Dashie. Sure, you can go," Mrs. Cake said as Rainbow jumped with glee and galloped to the door, "Just don't hurt yourself; you know you're learning to fly still."

"I won't, thanks mom!" Rainbow shouted as she left the shop. Mrs. Cake smiled and sighed. "I think I'd make a great mother, don't you Carrot?"

"Cup, you make the best everything. You two should hurry and catch up. She'll forget you're behind her and keep talking until she gets there."

With a quick farewell the Apples galloped out the door and chased to catch up to Rainbow who was telling a story as she flew just a heads height above the ground in the street. She's a reformed puppy-hermit-Pegasus that's afraid of heights. This could be a million bit movie in the making.

"Here's my home, see it? It's right there! And Fluttershy! Look! She's okay and now she's making animals better too! FLUTTERSHY? FLUTTERSHY! I'M HOME," Rainbow shouted as she flew a few feet above the ground straight to Fluttershy who was pulling weeds in front of the cottage. Fully restored the cottage looked bright and comfortable. Much of the tree had been removed and new windows, doors and plants graced the exterior making it into somewhere Jack wanted to go into. It was a completely different sight than what she and her friends gawked at when she was a filly.

The yellow mare greeted Rainbow with a smile and a light hug before looking at the ponies walking down the road to their home. With a single motion Fluttershy released Rainbow and walked to the house with a quickness. "Rainbow?" Jack asked when she arrived, "Did we do something to upset her? It looked like she ran away when she saw us."

"No, her name is Fluttershy. She's shy around new ponies at first. Except me. She's my best friend again! She taught me to fly again and I'm an awesome flier. Watch this!" Rainbow flapped her wings and flew over the cottage carefully with a lot of effort in her expression. Flying back around the cottage she beamed with pride. "See that. I'm the most awesome flier in the city! Jealous?"

"Oh yeah. If I could fly I'd never top that," Jack said to the excited Rainbow Dash. "Can you show me the inside of your new home?"

"Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh. Jack wants to see my house! Fluttershy? I have guests!" Rainbow called as she opened the door and closed it behind her. There's something about her... Almost like she's still... Oh my gosh, she's still a filly! She never had to grow up mentally living alone all those years. Make that a 2 million bit movie!

"Come in, come in! This' my new house! Look at it! Isn't it great? The ceiling isn't trying to hurt me and," Rainbow was running around pointing to various spots on the floor and ceiling. She took a deep breath in through her nose and exhaled through her mouth then smiled gleefully. "It doesn't hurt to breathe anymore! I have a home, all my own. Oh, with Fluttershy."

"That's, great darlin'. I'm taking mental notes so I can tell my friends."

"Oh my gosh, I can't believe it. Fluttershy? Come in here and meet the Jack. She's the coolest friend I've ever had."

Peeking from the kitchen Fluttershy slowly walked into the room and up to the new mares. "H-hello. I'm Fluttershy," was all she said as she turned her head so her mane covered one of her eyes that faced the two.

"Well, it's an honor to meet you. I've heard what ya did for Rainbow here and I think you're amazing," Jack said softly. Fluttershy looked at Jack with a smile and stood up taller, but not fully. Raising a hoof she awaited the standard greeting. With a slow motion Jack returned the gesture bumping Fluttershy's hoof and smiling. "So, what kind of work do you do?"

"I'm a psychologist. I received my bachelor's degree last year and found Rainbow a few months later. She's made amazing progress but still has a long way to go. Mentally she's still a filly." Fluttershy whispered as Rainbow talked about a nick-knack she had found in the background. "She has had a difficult life but she survived, now I'm teaching her how to live. Because she's physically an adult she can perform many tasks that she still considers astounding that we take for granted. With a few more years of work she'll be on her own and I'll have my PhD," Fluttershy said with a certain meek pride Jack had never seen before.

"Oh, my that's some good news ta hear," Jack's mother said with a smile. I'm gonna check out that tree I gave ya last month, I'll leave y'all to talk. I already know what's what," she said excusing herself and exiting the room quietly closing the door behind her.

"Jack, Jack! Wanna see my room? Fluttershy, can I show her my room? Please?"

"Yes Rainbow, you may."

"C'mon! This way. It's upstairs. I never went upstairs until Fluttershy fixed it. Thanks Fluttershy," Rainbow said happily as she galloped upstairs.

"Don't run in the house!"

"Sorry mom!" Rainbow called back.

"Mom?" Jack asked.

"She's still a filly, remember? She needs a mother figure like we all do, she abandoned her entire life when she thought, oh... You don't know the story."

"She gave me an idea earlier. I'm gonna go before she has a heart attack from excitement. Wait, you know me right?"

"Of course. You're one of the most famous mares in Equestria."

"Aren't you gonna ask me for my autograph or something?"

"Why? You're just a pony like me behind the fame. I know I'd hate that life, so I can only imagine how stressed you must be." Applejack regarded Fluttershy as she passed by her and went upstairs. Upstairs was even brighter than the ground floor from so many windows as Rainbow fluttered around the floor.

"This is my room! I share it with Fluttershy and sometimes bunny. His name is Angel. He's outside right now but he's my best animal friend in the world. He was there when I was sad and made me happy," she said as she ran around the room trying to find something. Looking under one of the two beds in the room she gasped and reached under it. Pulling out a small box she carried it carefully to Jack and opened it. There was a small necklace, several pieces of paper and a few photos. "Look, my treasure! This is the deed and this is a rent lease so Fluttershy gives me bits to live here and I can buy candy and cake and dinner vegetables and soup and stuff! This is a picture of me when I was found and then when I got my cutie mark and then when I moved into my home!"

"Wait, you didn't get your cutie mark until after you were found and cleaned up?" Jack asked with surprise.

"Nope, I got it last month when I was flying with other Pegasus' and they helped me go really high and I touched a cloud and it was rainy and I jumped on it a lot and it went boom and it scared me at first, but then I did it again cuz I'm so awesome at it and it went boom again and I laughed. Then this showed up and I was so happy I fell asleep and woke up at home. I guess that's what happens when a cutie mark shows up. It makes you go to sleep and wake up at hom. I don't know how I got from the clouds to home but magic is fun like that!"

Looking at Rainbow's cutie mark she wasn't impressed. It was a dead tree with a white cloud over it, however the cloud had the rainbow colors striped through it. "That's the best cutie mark I've ever seen! It's way better than mine! See, it's a movie reel, microphone and pen. It's what I got when I knew I was going to be in the movie business."

"That's so cool. Oh my gosh, Jack is in my room and likes my cutie mark! This is the second best day of my life!" Rainbow squealed holding her hooves to her mouth.

"What was the first?"

"Finding Fluttershy was alive, duh," she replied replacing the photos and closing the box before replacing it under the bed. "So, what do ya think? Pretty coolies, right?"

"I think everything about you is cool! Look at this room, these toys are great! Is that a ball! Oh Celestia I love those," Jack said acting like a young filly. To Rainbows delight she jumped onto the ball and kicked it to Jack starting a small game of catch.

"Thanks for letting me visit, Fluttershy. I hope to see you again soon and I was serious, I want to talk movie about this story. You'll pay for all your schooling a dozen times over if it works out."

"Thank you for the offer but, money isn't really a problem for me. You should donate it to a cause that's more needy."

With a wave Jack gathered her mother and returned to the farm, with a small tour of the hamlet as she went along.

"Ma, that might be the saddest and most moving thing I've ever heard... I'm gonna make a million bits just from advertising."

"Applejack, ya know you shouldn't just try to make money off others misery. I taught ya better than that."

"I know ma. Think of it, a million bits going into a dozen fundraisers. I can replace a dozen run down orphanages with new ones and hire staff that really cares. Gardens and just think of how much food I can have shipped to those in need. It's a blessing to have this opportunity, ma. I can't waste it."

"Applejack. Why do ya care so much about orphans?"

"I don't know, ma. I just feel the need to help 'em and all the ponies I can. Ya know I told ya fame ain't forever and I wanna leave this world a better place. If I can help a filly or colt realize their dream to become the next mayor of their city, make their own town or find love and start their own clan then I'm gonna make sure they have the chance like I have."

"Applejack. You've grown into the greatest mare, but you haven't started your own clan yet."

"Ma, I'm pregnant." Her mother stopped and stared at her daughter for a second before screaming and hugging her tightly.

"I'm so proud of you AJ. How long've ya known? I can't believe you didn't tell me sooner! We have to tell everypony and plan the foal shower, meet the father, names! We hafta get a few names ready! AJ, why aren't ya jumpin' for joy? This is great news!"

Applejack smiled then shook her head. "Ma, I don't know who the father is and I don't know... I'm worried. I work so hard; what if I can't be a good mother."

"Applejack. You're gonna be the mother you have to be. Ah see so much love in you and I know you're gonna be a fantastic mother. I've never known you to be a quitter and you care so much for other young'ns you're going to do 'em right. Now, let's get home and get you a few pies and a lunch in ya." Jack giggled at her mother and hugged her back. A tear left her eye as they held each other for a moment in the street.

"Ma, thanks for everything. I shoulda told ya sooner but I was scared until just now. I honestly believe I can be a good mother. As good as you if I'm lucky."

"AJ, have I ever lied to you? I taught you the meaning of honesty and how important it is. You teach your foal the right way to live and you'll be better than I was."

"Ma, let's get home. Ahm getting hungry and now ya know why I ate so much for breakfast. The summer sun celebration is next week, I'll stay 'til then. It's good bein home, and I think I should get to know Rainbow and Fluttershy better before I decide if it's a movie or not."

"That's my girl."

5. Nightmare Moon Returns

"Fluttershy? Fluttershy! It's time to go. We have to get to the party at Bonbon's and eat LOTS of candy and cake and there'll be red punch! My favorite. I'm going ahead, you can catch up, right?" Rainbow rambled excitedly before she turned and began flying away before Fluttershy answered.

"Oh, yes. I can finish feeding my animals quickly, then I'll be right behind you. Have fun and fly safe!"

"Okay mom," Rainbow said flapping harder and reaching tree height before starting to fly to town.

Fluttershy felt a blush forming at the thought of being called a mother, even if it was by a patient.

Gathering in the town hall after a long night of parties, candy, and celebrating, the mayor introduced the great Alicorn Princess Celestia. Appearing in a bright yellow light the regal mare appeared from behind a curtain.

Mayor Mare stood and addressed the crowd of ponies. "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."

The ponies in attendance watched in awe as the curtains opened to show their Princess Celestia in her glory. Celestia opened her wings and spoke loudly, yet compassionately. "Greetings, my loyal subjects. I am pleased to see you all and I am honored to be here to raise the sun before you. As you know, 1000 years ago I began the tradition of raising the sun to honor the moon and begin a new season, for without the moon, we would have no light at night.

"So, without further ado." Closing her eyes, her horn began to glow. Rearing up and opening her wings she began to hover and the moon began to set; the sunrise and colors of dawn and dusk began to fill the sky as the celestial bodies passed each other. Then they stopped almost parallel to each other in the sky. Turning from the windows that showed the moon and sun, they looked to their princess to see why she had paused the cycle and gasped.

Celestia was still hovering, but differently. Her body and horn weren't glowing and her wings laid limply behind her. With a motion she flew forward and tumbled from the balcony to the floor as ponies scattered, dumbfounded at what they were seeing. With a heavy thud Celestia impacted the floor and she groaned in pain. Stallions and mares screamed and backed away from Celestia who trembled in pain.

A dark blue mist appeared on the balcony and Nightmare Moon appeared, laughing loudly. "Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little sun-loving faces. Have thee been relaxing and sleeping all night, waiting for the sun to rise so you could begin living? Behold; as the mare you love and worship, that hath controlled you, and nature itself, lay dying on the floor before you. I will tell ye the truth she hath kept from you for all these years; A goddess she is not, she simply doesn't age as all Alicorns are blessed as such, but she can die."

Rainbow Dash screamed and flew to the far side of the room, as far away as she could and found Fluttershy hiding under a folding chair. "Fluttershy!" Rainbow whispered loudly, "Who is that and is this part of the ceremony? It's really scary, don't understand."

"No, Rainbow. This is horrible!"

"Ya bet it is," Jack said from in front of them without turning around.

"JACK!" Rainbow called loudly making several ponies and Nightmare Moon look into their direction. "I didn't see you there. Is this a movie or play?"

With a wicked laugh Nightmare Moon leapt to the floor standing over Celestia, placing a hoof on the mare's back, applying pressure making Celestia groan in pain as blood began to seep from a wound near her shoulder. "I won't let her die a martyr, my little ponies. I'll let her live as a prisoner in my castle in Canterlot; for all eternity, as my pet," she said with a sneer, "I am Nightmare Moon, and the night. Shall. Last!" she bellowed in a Royal voice.

Nightmare Moon moved to Celestia's front and looked at her. "Thy have lost and will remember this for all the rest of thy years." She raised a leg and brought it down with massive force onto Celestia's horn; shattering it and knocking Celestia unconscious as her head smacked the floor. Blood leaked from her mouth as her horn laid in pieces around her head. Ponies screamed and ran out of the hall into the town and waited panting and gasping in fear as Nightmare Moon levitated Celestia beside her. Closing her eyes the sun fell and the moon rose. Then she was gone in a swirl of blue magic, taking Celestia with her.

6. Nightmare Moon Returns to Canterlot

Appearing before the castle gates, Nightmare Moon levitated Celestia beside her. Terrified guards readied their spears and spells, preparing to fight the unknown Alicorn before them that held their Princess Celestia. "Put down thy arms or suffer a fate worse than thine Princess of the day hath." The guards kept their weapons at the ready, trembling in their grasps. Three guards were levitated, then smashed into the ground with enough force to dent their armor and make the ponies within shout in pain.

Other ponies charged and others cast magic. With a motion Nightmare Moon's horn glowed and pulled the spell casters forward. The ones on the roof or posts fell, several never to rise again. The charging ponies had their spears dissolve before they were thrown back into the walls. With no opposition Nightmare Moon opened the main door and entered, sneering into the main lobby illuminated by Celestia's magic. With a stomp of her hoof the marble floor cracked and the lights changed from sun yellow to dark blue.

More guards appeared from numerous doors and hallways, ready to fight. With a thought, five unconscious or dead guards flew into the hall, flying several feet before Nightmare Moon as she tossed Celestia in front of herself grinning with carnivorous teeth. Celestia rolled to her side, Finally waking up, she looked at her royal guards and spoke wearily. "Guards, stand down. Your lives are precious, and should not be wasted this way," she said, gasping softly as pain shot through her chest.

"Your highness, it is our duty to sacrifice our lives for you!"

"Shining Armor, protect the civilians, that is your new order." With a moment’s thought Shining looked at Nightmare Moon, then the injured guards before her that followed his command.

"Troops, fall back. Regroup and guard the city," he shouted loudly as his troops left. Standing fast he waited to see what Nightmare Moon would do next.

"Where is Celestia's apprentice? I demand thee bring her before me."

"Rising Tide isn't going to cower before you. He is more than enough to best you, Nightmare Moon."

"Thou knowest of me? Finally some recognition," she said smugly before she raised an eyebrow. "Rising Tide? Thou speak a fool’s name. He hath no power comparable to mine."

"You will not win, monster," Shining said backing up. "You will be defeated and peace and the sun will return." With that he turned and ran down another hall to join his troops.

"Celestia, thou hath a new student with such a foolish name? Where is his home, Seahorse Island?" She chuckled, then picked Celestia up with her magic as she continued to the throne room. "Thy hath the same building style now as thou did then, sister. The throne room will be ahead, while the barracks will be in the east wing, the meal hall in the south, and your room third from the top. Always respecting the old ones before us, I see."

"L-Luna, please. You don't have to-"

"I am not Luna! I am Nightmare Moon. The night shall reign for all time; and I will be loved or they will perish."

"Nightmare Moon, you don't understand, without the sun, they will perish. There needs to be a balance for life to exist in Equestria."

"Thou only wish to confuse me in my triumphant moment, sister. Thy words fall on deaf ears." Nightmare Moon opened the doors to the throne room and entered, walking to the throne; dropping Celestia as she walked. "At long last, Equestria's true queen hath arrived!"

As she turned to lay on the throne a bright blue bolt of energy struck her in the back, between her wings. Shouting in pain, she looked for the source. Nopony was there. "Thy think I am a fool, Rising Tide? I know thou art hiding in the shadows. I see thy body gliding through them, come before me and meet thy end!" Looking around the room she believed that he believed her lie. After a moment she galloped beside Celestia, "If thou attack me, would thou risk harming thy Princess?"

"She would rather die than kneel to you, witch." His voice came from the corner and Nightmare Moon blasted an energy beam at it, shattering the marble walls in a bright blue light before dimming. "You are too slow in your old age, grandma." Blasting at the ceiling she smiled as rubble fell and clattered to the floor. No body.

"Confound it, coward. Thou are a master of hiding and striking from the dark. Shall we, turn up the lights?" Raising her hoof she was hit in the postern with a blast of ice magic that made her fall over chest first into the floor.

"You can't get rid of me that easily, Duchess."

Jumping to her hooves, Nightmare Moon roared into the dim light her magic had created. "I AM QUEEN OF EQUESTRIA. I will kill thee with thy own horn."

"Not on my life, you mewling quim," he shouted from several spots.

A blast of energy sparkled towards Nightmare Moon and she flew into the air, charging the source. A pair of yellow eyes blinked before she could see the stallion that had them; then he was gone. Another bolt from behind her struck her left wing and she cried in pain as she fell to the floor.

With a roar she spat onto the floor and stood tall fanning her wings. "First thou insults me, and now thou tests my patience, coward. This game ends now."

She cast a spell that blanketed the entire room in a thick magical darkness. The room was pitch black. With a few yards of visibility around her she slowly walked ahead. No sounds of clopping left her as the magic nullified sounds as well.

In this unnatural darkness and silence even the mightiest ponies can't find their way. Closing her eyes Nightmare Moon took a breath in and held it. The sound of her heartbeat filled her ears as she turned into to mist and flew around the room looking for him. She found him quietly sneaking against a wall feeling for anything before him. A tall slender stallion with a blue coat, black mane, and yellow eyes. The eyes that she had come to hate over the past five minutes.

Taking her true form again she landed behind him and began smiling as she watched him grope forward in the darkness. Raising a hoof she stomped his tail then turned to mist again. He spun around and cast a lightning spell at the air behind him. Nightmare Moon giggled to herself through the darkness as she saw fear building in his face. I think I'll play with him for a moment before I end his life.

She took her true form again and was about to strike him when he looked right at her through the darkness and cast the lightning spell again. She fell back several feet and screamed in pain as her armor conducted the energy to her very core. The mystic darkness faded.

"I couldn't see you, Nightmare Moon, but your tactics are out of date. Greetings, you relic," he said proudly, "I am Rising Tide and Celestia is my teacher." He bowed slightly as his horn began to glow.

Pain wracked Nightmare Moon's body but she turned to mist before he could cast his spell again. Darkness overtook the room but she left the sound and cast a ventriloquist spell. Having her voice come from several places at once she began taunting him.

"Thou thinkest me a fool and mewling quim,” she sneered angrily, “yet thou follows Celestia blindly not knowing the truth behind her power? Her power is the same as mine, only I am not controlled by it. I don't need the love and loyalty of others to survive. I can live eternally on magic itself and I am free to kill if I wish it so."

She dispelled her darkness as she fell with her true form onto his back smashing him to the floor with heavy cracking sounds. Stepping off Celestia's student Nightmare Moon shook her forelegs and kicked some blood from her hoof at Celestia. "Thy chooses proteges like thou chooses places to defecate sister, and they always carry the same quality. This insulting pest is done with and none shall grace your presence ever again."

Celestia winced as she turned away from her pupil. Nightmare Moon walked around Celestia twice, casting several spells. A mystic ward appeared expanding several feet around Celestia, binding her to the floor.

"Tia, thou art bound inside this ward. Magic is useless and escape would prove deadly, even to thine immortal flesh. Enjoy the night, for I have won. Thou have lost." Nightmare Moon levitated Rising Tide before Celestia and laid him before her. "Remember this day, for it is the last thy sun will rise."

"Nightmare Moon, I may have lost for now. However you will lose in the end. The world needs both day and night or it will die. You will rule a dead dark world in a few centuries and I will be here to watch you lose your mind to loneliness."

"I will kill thee before I allow thee to see me suffer loss like thine has," Nightmare Moon hissed through clenched teeth. "Thou defeated me last time thanks to thy infernal gems of harmony. I will destroy them so none may use them ever again. I shall return shortly, sister."

Returning to a mist she flew through a window near the ceiling, and headed to her old castle in the Everfree forest. She quickly smashed the Elements of Harmony, giving the shards a venomous smile before returning to the palace.

"I leave and return to find thy in the same place sister. How does it feel to be powerless for the first time since we were fillies? Since our parents taught us to raise the gorgeous moon and that blinding sun? What have ye to say?" Celestia took a deep breath and sighed, still looking at Rising Tide. "Sister, if he is that much of a distraction then I will dispose of him."

"No, wait!" Celestia called as Nightmare Moon raised the dead stallion through the window she had left through earlier. Celestia sat up and winced from her already healing wound and glared at Nightmare Moon.

"Ah, I see thy healing is as good as ever. I knew enough to not aim for thine heart, lest you die a martyr for the people. Thou shalt be my prize pet in my throne room."

Taking her seat on the throne Nightmare Moon smiled and began using her magic to look across what would be her kingdom, forevermore.

"Twily, Mom, Dad?! Nightmare Moon has taken the castle and princess Celestia hostage. We can't stay here, we have to leave Canterlot," Shining shouted as he burst into his childhood home.

"Shining? Are you serious? Is that why the sun didn't rise?"

"Yes mother. Get packed quickly with whatever you can but travel light. We have to leave immediately!"

"But Shining, where'll we go? I have my jobs in Maneapolis and I can't-"

"This is more important than work, sis. We have to start a resistance and if you're here then you're going to be hurt as collateral damage. Please, we have to go now. Get on the train and take it to any stop; hide until I find you. Nightmare Moon can't know about my family or she'll use you against me." Galloping to his room upstairs, he gathered some personal items and a saddle bag, then rushed his family to do the same. Escorting them to the train, which was over full capacity, he used his magic to levitate them to the top. With a nod to the conductor the train pulled away from the station.

Author's Note

Props to Rancor.

This chapter with it's many uses of middle English were a nightmare (moon) for him to fix.

7. Hiding in Plain Sight

"Ponyville, get off if you need to, we’re leaving in 15 minutes and we're taking no passengers," the conductor shouted to the ponies waiting to board.

"Hey, what the buck? Why can't we get on? I've been waiting here for three hours just to get home and now I have to walk!?"

"Orders from the royal guard, ma'am. Trains begin running again in 36 hours, until then we evacuate Canterlot," the conductor replied.

"Evacuate Canterlot? Nightmare Moon has returned for real!" a mare shouted, causing a panic as ponies scattered from the depot, clearing the area and letting the refugees disembark. Only a couple dozen left, but it made room for others to sit and rest finally, after several hours of standing and being pushed together.

"Mommy, daddy? This is Ponyville? What a dump!" Twilight said as she looked around, "The houses are ancient and uneven. It smells like apples, but that's the only good thing so far."

"Twilight, we're hiding here so be respectful. We don't know for how long or where we'll stay so we have to make friends."

"I don't need nor want local friends, and I know exactly how long I'll be here. 36 hours. Then the train'll take me home where I can get back to my life."

"Now, you may be an adult but you can't talk to us like that. Besides, what if Miss right is just down that block?" Night said. Twilight blushed and puffed her cheeks, then turned and walked into town.

Ponies were either inside their homes or gathered in the streets trying to make sense of what just happened. Nightmare Moon had returned and the fact was gaining traction making everypony uneasy.

"Eternal night? How will we survive without the sun?" One group began asking each other while others wondered if this was an elaborate test of loyalty by Celestia. Pegasi were in the sky flying scouting patterns as they were required to do, if able, in the event of attack or danger. More experienced unicorns were preparing defense spells while earth ponies were helping to fortify town hall against attack from unknown attackers.

"Mommy, are we gonna be okay until Celestia returns?" a colt asked. His mother smiled and nodded but sadness filled her eyes.

"Mom, I think we should get to the hotel before it gets all booked and we have to sleep in the street."

"This is a hamlet, darling. We'll be lucky if they have an inn."

"An inn? What is this place? A theme park? Whatever, let's just go."

"Sorry Miss, we booked up two days ago. We were supposed to have rooms but Nightmare Moon's return changed that. Ask around town, see if you can find a family to take you in, and stay safe," the innkeeper said. The lobby was full of ponies that had been turned away or had already doubled up in their rooms, so with little options, they left and walked down the street.

"Mom, I know I've been complaining a lot, but, I'm scared..."

"We are too, Twilight. I don't know what we'll do or where we'll go, but, it'll be okay because we're a family."

"Except for Shining Armor. He's planning war against Nightmare Moon and could die, and we'd never know." Night Light stopped in his tracks and growled.

"Don't think like that, Twilight. He'll be fine and he'll help Celestia bring the sun back." His wife placed a hoof on his shoulder calming him down. "I'm sorry, Twilight. I'm not ready to sign him off as dead until I have to. I believe in him and his leadership and by Celestia he'll defeat that witch."

"Excuse me, did you say you know a pony that's gonna defeat Nightmare Moon?" Rainbow Dash asked with wonder. "I totally saw her be all scary in the town hall and I was scared but my best friend Fluttershy and Jack helped me calm down before I passed out and fell into a mud puddle that was under me. Fluttershy? Come say hi to the ponies that know this other pony that's gonna defeat Nightmare Moon and kick his butt back to the moon."

"Excuse me, but Nightmare Moon is a mare and who are you, exactly?" Twilight asked.

"Her name is Rainbow Dash. I'm Fluttershy, and I apologize for her... enthusiasm. She's been very excited since I came back," Fluttershy said standing behind Jack. "Also, this is Jack." Jack nodded at Twilight then groaned as Rainbow landed on her back.

"Yeah, this' Jack and she's gonna make a movie about me and how I lived in a tree and it's gonna be soo cool! Fluttershy's my best friend and she's not hurt so I can't be sad anymore ever again!"

"Well, you are very enthusiastic and it's nice to meet you Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Jack, I know who you are and it's nice to meet you," Twilight said. "You're the reason I got rid of two of my jobs in Maneapolis. So, thank you."

"Well, I'm always glad to meet a happy pony I've helped. How many jobs do you have?"

"Four now."

"Four? That's too much for any pony. C'mon back to my farm and have supper with me and a couple other refugees I'm helpin' out and we'll talk about getting you down to just one." Jack smiled at the group in front of her and began walking to her farm.

"So, Jack, you have a farm in town here? Do you just own stuff all over Equestria or what?"

"Twilight, that's a rude question to ask, apologize right now."

"No, it's okay," Jack said calmly, "I actually was born and raised right here in Ponyville on an apple orchard before I moved to Manehattan, then got a lucky chance to get into a commercial. My life changed that day, but my family here is the reason I am so philanthropic. I help ponies across Equestria because mama taught me about generosity and papa taught me about hard work. Big Mac is back at home, he's my brother, and he's been with me since my first movie. Always keep your friends close and your family closer, right?"

Night Light smiled in agreement and began a conversation with Jack as they walked back.

Everything's gonna be fine with Shining Armor in Canterlot. This'll be over by tomorrow.

"Troops! Attention! We are the Royal Guard of Princess Celestia and will follow her orders. Do I have your loyalty?"

"Yes, Shining Armor, Sir!"

"You thirty three are my most trusted and faithful soldiers and you will aid me in leading a resistance against Queen Nightmare Moon. She has enchanted several soldiers and they now do her bidding. Our task, our order from Princess Celestia, is to protect the citizens. We will do that by any means necessary to slow Queen Nightmare Moon without any collateral damage or injury to any pony that isn't enchanted."

"Sir, how will we know who is enchanted?" a soldier asked from the middle of the formation.

"Excellent question. First of all, they will be wearing standard armor with black rank insignia. Second, their eyes are going to look normal, but when you get close you'll notice swirling magic in their pupils. Lastly, they will try to kill you on sight the moment they have a suspicion you're an enemy. We have a lot to do soldiers, and less time than we would have liked.

“Our primary objective is freeing Princess Celestia. Only her magic comes close to Nightmare Moon’s. Second objective, disrupt her influence and power, free any ponies you can that have been imprisoned, captured, or enchanted. We will find a way to disenchant them someday, so don't kill unless you have to. I see many of you are uncomfortable with killing. That is understandable. We are trained to fight, to injure, to protect, to keep the peace, and to die. To kill is another matter altogether.

“We as a society aren't killers or beasts and we don't end lives often, however, if you have to make the choice in two seconds between taking the life of an enchanted soldier, who was your friend and is about to kill you, then your family, then all the other ponies in this room; the decision becomes easier. Are there any questions?"

The room was silent for a few seconds before a mare spoke up. "Sir, what about our families? If we die or are captured."

"In the highly unlikely event you are captured you will be interrogated and your families will be used against you as pressure. It's a common tactic. It's a choice you will each have to make. The same goes for me and my family. I will die and watch them... die, before I let you or this kingdom fall to a tyrant that controls the moon and sun. Take my word on this, if you fall, take your own life before they do. If you die before they question you or find out your clan they can neither harm them nor use them against any other.

Tell them nothing about our plans and only I will pass information along to trusted sources throughout Canterlot and the rest of Equestria as needed. Any more questions?"

"Sir, what will we do from now until we sabotage her plans?"

"Another great question. Live. Live your lives and don't talk about our resistance to anypony. Ever. You will not be spared and they will not be kind if you turn on each other. Go about your days... nights, like you normally would. Talk, party, laugh, gossip, and spread rumors like every other pony does, just mention nothing about us. That also means no alcohol or drug use." Several ponies groaned and whispers began amongst the ranks.

"Soldiers. ATTENTION! I didn't give you the order to rest. Maintain discipline or I will smoke you like a new recruit," Shining said in a demanding military voice. "Now. When you drink you become honest, when you become honest you tell secrets. No drinking. I have eyes across the city and there WILL be a pony watching each of you at all times. One drink and I will personally buck the drink from your hand and put you in the brig for a week with nothing but dry oats and water.

Do you understand me?!"

"Sir, yes sir."

"Very well. Unicorns, you will be divided into three groups. From each group one of each of you will decide on Defense, Offense, and Assist. Choose three pegasi and five earth ponies and those will be your squads. Any squad that loses a member for any reason will report to me. Any squad that is taken into custody will have an idea as to who turned them in, and any squad that completes a mission will receive marks toward promotions or raises once Celestia is back in control. Good luck and good hunting. I will tell each squad leader where your meeting location is and when to expect a letter and how you will each be in contact of each other.

"Platoon! Dismissed."

The ponies gathered into groups and separated until squads were formed and leaders were chosen. After a brief meeting with Shining Armor everypony left the warehouse they were in. The resistance had begun.

8. First Week of Night

"Ma, I'm gettin' worried. The apple trees are gonna be dyin'n we keep seeing these unicorns castin' spells around the acres. Are we gonna have enough food for winter?" Apple Bloom asked her mother. Her mother sat and looked into the fire her husband had made in the fireplace to warm the house. "Pa, what're we gonna do tomorr-later?"

"Apple Bloom, I-I just don't know... Without the sun, I just don't know." Apple Bloom, Applejack and Big Macintosh laid by the hearth and looked at the fire.

"I remember when I was a filly and I left for Manehattan. It was so warm and the apples were ripe for the buckin'. Night was for dinner parties and having fun with classy socialites in their hoity-toity clothes and manes done up all fancy. They'd talk about their plans for the next day, week, month. But now? If it wasn't for the town clock and the mail, I wouldn't even know what day it is. This' the worst Tuesday ever!"

"Jack, it's Wednesday morning," Big Mac said. Applejack sighed and laid down her head.

"It's okay, young'ns. Everything'll work out. Somepony will talk with Nightmare Moon and get her to raise the sun for a little each day at least, right?" The room sat silent. Nopony knew what the future held.

In Canterlot Nightmare Moon stood atop a tower and looked out at the world before her, blanketed in darkness, but didn't smile.

"This is the world I had dreamed of for 1003 years. I finally have it and no pony is pleased yet. I think I'll see Celestia and ask her advice." Fifteen royal guards with black eyes and heavy enchanted body armor stood guard around the room. They didn't respond or move from their assigned positions but Nightmare Moon knew they understood their mission... She trotted to the center of the room and looked at Celestia, who was sitting nobly in a magic ward. "Celestia, sister. What have thou to say tonight?"

"It is morning, Nightmare Moon, I am not your sister, and you must raise the sun. That is what I have to say, for the ponies of Equestria."

"Oh, Tia. Thou are a fool to believe I will be swayed so easily. Thy sun will stay set until I see fit, not a moment before. I have come to speak to thee as a fellow immortal, not as my pet. Celestia, why do they enjoy your day and hate my night? I have watched them for these past few nights and none are pleased. Fear grips them now at all times’ why? My night was rarely a cause for concern except among the sick, insane, or youth. Celestia, have thou corrupted them further? Thou have, haven't thee? Thou art a coward who knewest of my return and corrupted the ponies to fear and hate my night in preparation for my return!"

Shouting as her mind created stories, Nightmare Moon stomped her hooves in anger while Celestia sat still in the circle, not moving, her eyes closed. "Thou use thy sun to spread poison among their fragile minds, filling them with fear of the darkness! Thou wilt not succeed! I will fill them with nightmares of the day until they revel in my night and forget about thy sun!"

"Nightmare Moon, filling them with fear will only make them fear you more. You will drive some insane, and others to harm themselves or others, while others will simply gather to fight you to end the dreams you give them. Raise the sun once a week, for just a few hours, to earn their respect and trust. Show them the beauty of the night instead of -"

"Silence, coward! Thou tryeth my patience with thy lies and deceptions. I was a fool for trying to speak with thou, for thou art without honor. Farewell, deceiver. Enjoy the night until I return, I have nightmares to create." With that, Nightmare Moon opened her wings and laughed until she had flown out of the room. Exiting the ceiling window, she looked at the decaying body of Rising Tide and growled at him. "Thy princess misses thee, Rising Tide, I believe she should see thou again.

Raising him with her magic, and catching a piece of him that was falling off, she levitated him into the window and dropped him. A second later Celestia's screams echoed from the throne room as Nightmare Moon smiled and flew to her balcony.

"Sigma squad. Our mission is to stop a train carrying weapons to Canterlot castle. The mission is the same as the last few: get there, blow the tracks, destroy the weapons, then get the flock out. Understand?"

"Yes ma'am," her squad said as she kept her stern face and turned to lead them to the next victory. Galloping ahead she led the group of three unicorns, four earth ponies, and two other Pegasi into position.

"We're gonna do this one for Verse Part, he died with honor and we will avenge him," a stallion said to the others with pride.

"We're almost there, just around that bend is the depot, we set our charges, then hide in our positions. Ready, GO!"

The ponies galloped faster than they had in years getting to the tracks, laying explosives, timing them to detonate in a few minutes, before separating into groups of two and hiding. The train arrived on time, as always, just as the explosives detonated and exploded the central cars, sending the train off its tracks and stopping shortly afterwards.

Galloping to the train, they boarded it and went to the weapons car, planting explosives, then fleeing as they, too, detonated. Destroying a brigade's worth of spears and knives was enough for them to shout and cheer at the fireball that climbed into the sky. Nightmare Moon appeared on a hill above the train and was noticed by a rebel who called her name. The ponies scurried and galloped in every direction trying to escape. With a shout in the royal voice, she pierced the night as she shouted.

"Thy fools have not halted my advance and thine efforts are without fruition. I will kill you if I must to keep the sun from ruining my night."

Galloping after two of them her speed was unbelievable, easily racing behind the two earth ponies before whisking them into the air as she opened her wings and flew back to the castle, with them shouting insults at her along the way.

Regrouping at their hideout later they debriefed each other. "So, we've lost Light Foot and Digger. Fantastic. We're losing more than any other squad. I'll relay our progress to Shining. Go home and don't let this get to you. We saved thousands of ponies by destroying those weapons, regardless of what that witch says. This hideout is black. I'll let you know the next red I have. Celestia be with you."

The remaining squad separated and went their own ways, leaving the squad leader alone in the hideout. Finally alone she let her resolve fall and broke down into tears, collapsing on the floor. "Light Foot, I'm so sorry. If I had any idea or even a feeling... Darn that witch."

"Dangit! We've lost six soldiers since this operation started. What the spell am I doing wrong?!"

"Shining, please calm down. You don't think right when you're angry and you have a rebellion to finish. Nightmare Moon can't win, and with you here, she won't."

"Thanks, Cadence. If I didn't have you... I don't know what I'd have done two days ago when I heard Nightmare Moon had destroyed my old home. She's randomly destroying every royal guards home, occupied or not, as an example. I can't keep moving them, dear. I don't know how many I can save."

"All you can do is the best you can do, my love. As long as you have me and keep me hidden with you then there's still hope for Equestria."

"Cadence, don't talk like that. Celestia will be fine. I have reports she's healed already and testing her prison."

"And her magic?"

"Her horn is still destroyed, and when it begins to regrow the guards remove the new growth. If we want to get Celestia back we have to find a way to get her out and hide her for at least four days for her horn to grow back to the point she can cast spells again. What will Nightmare Moon do during that time, and how can we keep her hidden from a dream watcher?"

"I can go five days without sleep. I can hide her from everypony until she's healed, then we can go on the offensive with the sun goddess at the front."

"I can't let you do that and you know it. The risks of losing my filly-friend and my princess in the same day would be too much for even me. Let's concentrate on the sleeper cells in smaller cities we have. There's two in Ponyville, 35 in every major city and even hints the Changelings may be on our side."

"We will never work with Changelings! I'm sorry I yelled, dear. What I know is they are masters of deception, and will turn on us the second both sides are weakest. No royal guard, no enchanted troops, little resistance from Nightmare Moon, and untrained ponies in the middle. It's worse than a worse case scenario. It's a total loss and failure for all ponies while Changelings take over. Then we have a whole new enemy. Let's worry about Nightmare Moon."

"Okay, I understand, I was only saying the rumors were-"

"No, no rumors. Only facts."

"Sorry, I'll focus better," Cadence said hanging her head.

"Cadence, we have to move again soon. I'm sorry but, can you pack quickly?"

"I don't unpack anymore, love. I won't until I know we're in a safe place."

Shining left the makeshift table and his map of Equestria marked with mystic runes that indicated attack plans. Sitting next to Cadence he laid his head on her back and sighed. "I can't wait to sleep with you again in a real bed, in a real home, the sun in the sky warming us. That day will come soon. I promise." Cadence sighed. She had hopes for the best but didn't expect the war to end soon. "Nightmare Moon is a tyrant and she's destined to lose."

"I hope so, honey. I hope so."

"All hail Queen Nightmare Moon," the enchanted ponies in the throne room called to Nightmare Moon as she arrived with the two stallions. One she kept by her side; the other she tossed to three guards who shackled his legs and carried him out with magic. "All hail Queen Nightmare Moon," they said as they left.

"Shut up you enchanted fools. Don't you know what she's doing to the world? Don't worship the false queen."

"False queen?! Thou dare to insult me? We shall see what thou sayeth after thou look into my eyes, Nightmare Moon lowered herself inches from the defiant stallion’s face. He shut his eyes and his ears rang, he felt his stomach tremble from the vibrations as he fell to the floor. Nightmare Moon grabbed him by the chin and pulled his muzzle close to hers and whispered an enchantment. He opened his eyes and looked into hers and felt his mind being magically suppressed.

"Hail, Queen Nightmare Moon, how may I serve you?" Celestia lowered her body to the floor and listened as the interrogation began, again. She wasn't happy with the mind control, but at least the soldiers and their families were left alive.

"Hm, yes. That is much better. Thy queen wishes to know thy name, knave."

"Your highness, my name is Light Foot. I am at your command."

"Tell me who the commander is and where he lays his head."

"Shining Armor was my commander. He moves his hideout every few hours. No pony knows where he is, my queen, he contacts us."

"An old tactic, indeed. If no pony knows where he is I'm certain that his family will be close by. Who is his kin? Wife? Wenches? Concubines? Parents? Slaves? I need to know them all."

"Only parents and a sister, my queen. They left the hour you returned to Canterlot, their location is unknown to even Shining Armor."

"Knave, thy knowledge is useless, however, I will make thou the Captain of my Moon Guard. Thy charge is to stop factions of rebellion and to recruit others to my cause. I have children of the night in the southern continent. Gather them for me."

"You highness? There is no continent to the south, it ends at an impassable gorge."

"Thou art as foolish as thou art handsome. So to say quite a bit." Nightmare Moon touched his nose and smiled at him. "Go, but return hastily. I have plans for us."

"Now, Celestia. Now that I know the stallion that leads this rebellion, I think it is time for a plague of nightmares to spread. I hope thou enjoy thyself when thou sleepest."

Celestia said nothing and closed her eyes and drifted to sleep, the first victim of Nightmare Moon was ready.

9. Good Night to All and Nightmares to End All (Pt. 1)

The sounds of howling and screaming filled the realm where Nightmare Moon would watch dreams. The doors were varying shades of red or black denoting the type of dream. The darker the color, the darker the dream. A cutie mark on the outside of the door indicated who was dreaming and the color of the cutie mark denoted if they enjoyed it: green, or disliked it: brown. They were nearly all brown. The few psychotic ponies who enjoyed the dreams immensely were recruited to join Nightmare Moons legion of soldiers.

Three nights of beautiful nightmares about the day. None sleep without them and none wake without remembering them. Soon, I will find Shining Armor’s dreams and I'll destroy his mind one dream at a time. I have an eternity to toy with him, I can take all the time I need.

Wait, what's this my eyes see?

Nightmare Moon grinned darkly.

"AAAA!, MAMA, MAMA!" Applebloom screamed so loud everypony in the house woke up and scrambled to her room.

"Another nightmare, that's all it is, sweetie, it was just another nightmare. Calm down, it's okay..."

"I swear, Big Mac. No pony's gotten a good sleep in a while. Two, three days? I can't close my eyes without remembering some of them and I know you're as bad off. What's the reason she has to do this to us?"

Big Mac shrugged and looked at Jack with tired and exhausted eyes. "Uhm. I dunno. Can't sleep, can't think. Don't wanna sleep no more, Jack."

"Big Mac?" Jack asked concerned, "How long ya been without sleep?" Big Mac shrugged but stumbled slightly. "Ya fool, you ain't slept since that first nightmare! I knew you were hard headed but this is crazy. You'll go mad if ya don't get sleep, nightmares or no."

Big Mac resisted his sister pushing him into his room and onto his bed. As soon as he laid down he fell asleep whimpering. Jack felt her head throbbing as she left the room with her big brother whimpering in his nightmare as some monster or disaster tormented him. She hadn't slept for almost two days herself but was more used to it with her work schedule. She couldn't hold it off for long though, and once she fell asleep she'd return to the dream she had three times in a row.

Her family burning to death in a fire in front of her in the den while she was pinned in the kitchen. Listening to screams and shouts as her loved ones’ flesh charred and blistered before they died. Always the same nightmare. Why me? Why us? Everypony else has different ones, is Nightmare Moon just that uncreative?

"I'm so tired of this nightmare stuff, Fluttershy. I think the magic only works on land, we're Pegasi, let's go try to sleep on a cloud."

"Uh, Rainbow, I don't like heights and sleeping on a cloud at night..."

"I promise I won't let you fall. Never again. I promise you. I need sleep and so do you. We have to try something." Fluttershy was extremely reluctant but eventually gave in.

Rainbow picked her friend up and flew to a cloud just above the treeline. "Okay, let's try this one?"

"Rainbow, this is too close to the ground, ponies in Canterlot are having nightmares and we're still lower than them. If we're going to try and sleep, I think we should go higher, just a couple levels."

"Are you sure Fluttershy? You're really scared of heights."

"I need sleep, Rainbow. You know I do. I'm so afraid of what'll happen from extended sleep deprivation, I'm willing to try anything once. If it works then we can get other ponies up here to sleep in cycles." Rainbow smiled and picked up Fluttershy and they quickly found a very large cloud to rest on. "This'll do, Rainbow. We can't get much higher and this one's big enough for six Pegasi." With a loud yawn they giggled and laid down in the center and tried to sleep.

Seven minutes went by without either of them dozing. "Rainbow Dash?"

"Yes, Fluttershy?"

"I want to thank you again. You know. For saving my life. I owe so much to you and I can't thank you enough." Rainbow sat up and looked at Fluttershy who was trying to sleep but her body just wouldn't let her.

"Fluttershy, I love you. You're my best friend, when I saw you that day at my door I didn't want to die. I wanted to believe that I had a reason to do something finally."

Fluttershy sat up and yawned followed by Rainbow, then smiled with sleep tugging at them both. "Rainbow, I love you too." She reared up to give Rainbow a hug then stumbled back and fell on her haunches. She giggled excitedly and Rainbow walked over and giggled with her. "Rainbow, I'm gonna go to bed, okay?" She looked into Rainbows eyes and smiled and laid back. Rainbow's expression fell as Fluttershy tumbled over the edge with a faint gasp. Time stopped for a moment as Rainbow saw Fluttershy's rear legs dipped below the cloud line and Rainbow lunged to grab onto any part of her.

No. NO. NOO! "NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! NOT AGAIN! I won't lose you again Fluttershy," Rainbow screamed as she tried to catch her friend who was seconds ahead of her. Tears from Fluttershy began to splash against Rainbow Dash’s face as she tried to catch up to the falling mare ahead of her in the night. I'll die if she does. I won't stop until our bodies are touching. I can't lose her again. I can't lose my life in that tree again.

Pushing herself faster than she ever had before she saw the ground approaching quicker than she had ever seen it before and still she pushed faster until she realized she was too slow. Fluttershy slammed into the ground and before Fluttershy's body could finish impacting, Rainbow smashed into the ground head first right next to her.

"AAGGHH" Fluttershy and Rainbow fell out of eachothers arms and to the floor by their shared bed; panting, sweating and starting to cry. "Fluttershy, I had the dream again."

"M-m-me too," Fluttershy choked out as she curled into a fetal position and held her tail like a foal with a security blanket.

"I haven't slept in, like, forever Fluttershy. How much longer are we going to share the same nightmare? How long till we sleep?!" Fluttershy didn't answer. Rainbow crawled to Fluttershy and laid behind the terrified mare and wrapped her wings around her. "I won't ever let you fall, Fluttershy. I promise." I will die with you.

10. Good Night to All and Nightmares to End All (Pt. 2)

Pinkamena woke up, stretched, and groaned happily as she rolled out of bed. "Hey Rarity. Didn't you sleep at all?"

Rarity looked at Pinkamena with bloodshot eyes. Her breathing was raspy and she was trembling as she drew a cloud over and over and over. "I haven't slept in days, or. nights, or... No, I haven't slept since the nightmares started. Can't sleep. Can't see it happen again," Rarity returned to her clouds muttering 'can't sleep.'

"Well, I see you're going a little crazy, so I'm gonna see mom and dad. Should be breakfast time, I think. Want anything, Rarity?"

"SLEEP! Can't sleep. Can't sleep..."

"Mom, Dad. I feel great. I had the best dream and I feel so refreshed. Oh! Maud and Limestone are gonna be here tomorrow. Or, today. Tonight? Sometime in the next 20 hours, I guess. Oh, is it time for breakfast?"

"Pinkamena? You seem unusually happy and your mane is still permed. I think it's a nice look on you, dear. I don't know what time it is, I think it's about noon, or five? If you're hungry can you cook something yourself? I- I don't feel well enough to cook right now."

Pinkamena stroked her chin then smiled wide. "I dreamed I became a baker. I'll make muffins and some cupcakes, those make everyone happy."

"Mom, have you gotten any word from Shining yet? I'm worried about him leading a rebellion against Nightmare Moon and all that."

"Twilight, when we know something, you will. Shining is the captain of the royal guard, he can handle himself. Have you found your special somepony yet?"

"Mom! I am so not even thinking about that right now!"

"Well, your mom has a point. Just find a mare who likes long walks on the beach under the moonlight and you're set!" Both her parents launched into a laughing fit that Twilight didn't want to be a part of.

"No pony has slept good in days and nightmares haunt us all and all you can do is laugh at my sex life?!" Her parents stifled their laughing for a moment before her mom spoke.

"PMS?" Twilight stormed to the bathroom amidst a hailstorm of laughs. Looking into the mirror she held an internal monologue.

I'm so tired of the jokes, and no sleep, and nightmares and... Blast the night time! If I had the choice I'd blow up the moon, just 'Blew, Kapow, bang' and then there would be... Nothing. Drat. No sun, no moon. Darkness. Like that Nightmare Moon. What a mean mare. Making it so I can't sleep. I have to admit, Nightmare Moon has a nice- NO. Twilight put her hooves to her head and groaned. I must need sleep. I can't think of an evil nightmare inducing tyrant as a lover.

"Light Foot, thy return. Doth thou bring word from the south?"

"My queen, I traveled south and found the land shrouded in the eternal night you spoke of."

"Fantastic! Glorious tidings indeed," Nightmare Moon laughed with glee, "And what of the ponies? Have they built grand cities as a testament to my night?"

"There are almost none left, your majesty. Those that remain are living in destitute homes and eating insects and weeds to survive. No plants grew there."

"Light Foot, surely thy jest!"

"I- I couldn't stay long. Some were crazed with hunger and killed and began to eat one of my escorts. I had never seen such an act, we ran and didn't look back. My queen, please, forgive me."

Nightmare Moon stood over him for a moment looking at him as Celestia began to chuckle. "Nightmare Moon, you setup the land I had advised you not to 1000 years ago, and they died. Those that didn't die from the darkness went crazy, what else must you see to understand that balance is needed. If I were to keep my sun out for even three days time life would begin to burn to death. With your moon, starvation will begin. Raise the sun, Luna. Don't have the rest of Equestria become your hidden kingdom."

"Light Foot, go stand by the door." He complied and galloped to the door where he turned around to face Nightmare Moon. "It's so nice to have ponies that will do what one says, doth thou agree sister?"

"I ask them and they have the choice to do something or not. Rarely do I tell them to do anything."

"That is why it's so easy to enchant them. There are many reasons my country fell: Disease. Famine. A secret attack from you after I was banished? The reasons are many." Nightmare moon began circling Celestia inside the ward, "You could have known from the first night I began collecting orphans, homeless and the few that worshiped my night. Is that how you did it? Sent in a virus that killed the plants? Or did you-"

"Nightmare Moon stop. Just, stop. Listen to yourself and think about me. You've known me your entire life; have I ever killed for vengeance, spite, or anger?"

"No, thou wouldn't have then. Time changes us though. Look at me, no longer am I a tiny filly always trying to earn thy respect and attention. I recall watching every pony sleep through my beautiful nights. I made stars just for their festivals, and they never looked up to them. I made sure they had the best dreams, and they never said 'thank you.' Curse thy daytime and thy ponies' sweet dreams. If I must raise the sun to earn their respect I shall do so."

With a thought Nightmare Moon’s horn glowed dark blue and the moon fell in the sky and the sun rose to its rightful place in time of day. "Doth thou see the sunlight? Doth thou feel the warmth on thy coat? Smell that? It's nature changing shifts so all your day creatures can enjoy thy sunlight. Listen, sister. Can you hear it? The faint cheering in the distance? Listen, shhh." No pony in the room moved or breathed, the sound of cheering was audible in the distance. Celestia smiled at Nightmare Moon.

"Thank you, Nightmare Moon. Your compassion will earn you the love of the ponies." Nightmare Moon’s horn glowed again and the sun moved to midday and stayed there.

"If thine subjects want the sun so much, shall I leave it in place forever in the moon’s stead? Shall I work the eternal mechanism? Shall I do thy job and maintain the balance for the sake of thine day loving ponies? Or," the sun fell and the moon rose in its place, "shall I just keep the night? I care not what thy think. I have a rebellion to quell, then I'll decide the next course of action. I do appreciate thee entertaining me these past few minutes, my pet. Now, lay down and I shall have you fed before thy nightmares return."

Nightmare Moon turned away and walked to Light Foot. She opened the door, then stopped at the threshold before she exited the room and spoke without turning around. "You are mistaken, Celestia. My children of the night are not dead, I have found many in their dreams; hiding in plain sight within cities and even this castle itself. I will have them gather and spread the message of my glorious night!"

Far across the land within a network of caves outside a nondescript town in the east, a gathering was taking place. The participants wore light cloaks and hoods of various dark shades and each carried a small torch to light their path to a main cavernous chamber carved from the rock with magic. Intricate etches were carved along the smooth sections while more basic glyphs and runes were chiseled into the rougher parts.

"Mistress Night Lead. Our queen has returned, what news have you about our nightmares? Will Queen Nightmare Moon end them?"

"Already done. I spoke with her in a nightmare during my last sleep. She is pleased to know we left the southern islands and continent and lived. She is truly resplendent in her beauty and she is as majestic as any horse from legend. You may sleep and enjoy the most delicious dreams of your lives, family. Soon, we will be with her again."

The cavern and caves roared with cheers of joy. Lowering her hood Night Lead exposed her face. A yellow unicorn with yellow mane and eyes. Casting a spell she made a bright light in the room and the cheering stopped; but the mood in the room was joyful. "My little ponies, tonight begins the greatest time of our lives and the lives of our children, and their children and...so on. Go home to your cities, towns, and families and you may share the joy of the truth of night with them.

“They will understand, for Queen Nightmare Moon is truth in the night."

"Night Lead?" a stallion’s voice called from the crowd, "I- I thought Princess Luna was the messenger we were waiting for." The crowd murmured as Night Lead looked around them.

"I understand your concern, and I wondered the same thing. Nightmare Moon is Princess Luna. She had to take a stronger form to fight her sister, Celestia."

"They're sisters?!" The crowd gasped and side conversations began. With another spark of light silence fell.

"1000 years ago, a lot happened. Princess Luna bid us farewell as the history says, and that was the last we saw of her. We have a single page in the book of the past about a pony fighting Celestia, then the mare in the moon appearing. That was the reason Princess Luna didn't return. For us, for the night, for all of Equestria she fought her corrupted sister and waited for her revenge. All will be fine, let's just say the prayer and remain calm."

For all of time the moon shall shine, from day to night we won't fear any light.

Celestia's moon is a lie and the day is not true, for Luna's moon shall be here soon.

Thy day and thine night are Luna's toys and are no cause for fright,

Pray to Luna for a glorious life.

"That concludes this gathering. Go home and spread the love of the night. Queen Nightmare Moon and I will contact you all shortly. Go in peace."

The ponies left the cavern taking different caves and routes out of the network and returned to their homes across southern Equestria while Night Lead stayed behind. One more gathering in the north and Queen Nightmare Moon will have thousands of her true loyal citizens by her side.

"Long live the night."

The Rebellion Grows

"Tonight, Queen Nightmare Moon, we, your faithful children, gather before you. Please, show yourself to us!" Night Lead called to Canterlot from the base of the mountain. Thousands of ponies were with her, wearing dark cloaks and hoods; waiting silently as the moon moved quickly in the sky. In a bright flash Nightmare Moon appeared in front of Night Lead making her stumble back onto her haunches and gasp. "Queen Nightmare Moon, I, we are so immeasurably pleased to meet and to serve you." She and every pony bowed as low as they could without getting a muzzle full of dirt.

"Thou art my Children of the Night? Thou hath grown vastly in numbers, and I see loyalty is not an issue. How have thee fared since we last spoke in thy dreams, Night Lead?"

"My Queen. We're the best ponies in Equestria. Few have slept as much as us and we have your night to nourish us. How may we be of service?"

"Thy loyalty is enough for now. The battle ahead will be easily won; however I wish to know of thine history over the past 1000 years. Thou art more important to me than some meek cowardly ponies with bombs. Come, Night. Inform me of the past so I may prepare for the future."

Night called for a pony to bring their history book, and, setting it on another ponies back as a podium, she read to Nightmare Moon about their past.

'Delta squad,

I'm glad you have this message and I wish you the best of luck. A caravan of Zebra are making a trade offering to Nightmare Moon for sleep. Your mission is to sabotage their wagons and open a dialogue with them to see if they will join our cause. Map coordinates G159 x E25 x T309 is on their path and they will arrive by 4PM two days from now.

It has been a long month since we began our mission and we have all suffered losses of friends, family and neighbors. However, Nightmare Moon has not made the progress she wishes she had and that is thanks to you. For those that have fallen, we will fight for you in our hearts and make sure every one of Nightmare Moon’s legion knows your name!

In Celestia's light, be safe.

Leader of the Children of True Light

"Squad. We have our orders, we leave in seven minutes. Grab your gear and move out."

"Yes, sir!"

Lilac looked at his squad with a certain pride. He was easily the most militant of the squad leaders directly under Shining Armor, and had only one casualty: a Pegasus named Vanilla Bean who was hurt when she flew into an overhead beam in a warehouse they were stealing from. She healed fine and got a nickname she hates, but at least she's alive to hate it.

"Lookout, you're on watch. Get up there and scout ahead," he shouted to a Pegasus who shot him a dirty look.

"Yes, sir. The name's Bean, sir."

"I understand that, Lookout. Get going." With a snort, she took to the air and left the broken barn they had met in. She may hate the nickname, but in my experience she's become the glue that holds this team together. If she's hurt, they'll avenge her. If she's killed, they'll tear a dozen enemy encampments apart with their bare hooves to find the killer. If she gives a dirty eye toward another pony on a mission, that pony will wish they had never joined Nightmare Moon, at least. She'll be my second in command in a few missions if she keeps her head on.

"Sir, team two has achieved altitude and I don't see any Pegasi in the skies."

"Copy that team two. Team three, ground recon?"

"Team three copies team one. Ground is quiet, holding position. Keeping comms open."

"Copy team three. Team four, preparations ready?"

"Team four copies team one. Defense and offense spells charged and ready. Awaiting command."

"Copy. All teams ready and in position. This is a modified smash and grab. We blow their wheels, round them up. I tell them about the true Nightmare Moon and let them know the resistance is real and a way to contact ops, then we get the spell out." The squad chuckled at his wording. "Troops, I may be an earth pony, but my wife is a unicorn. I'm doing this for her and our twin foals at home. It's not a laughing matter to me. Remember who you joined for and why."

The silence resumed as they waited for the caravan to approach. Hours passed as they began to distract themselves with flying patterns or counting leaves. Even commander Lilac began to let his mind wander. A sudden gasp from the communication stones brought them all back into their senses as Lookout whispered, "Sergeant, I have four carts traveling south/south east at 5.2 knots. They'll be in position in 4 minutes and 13 seconds. I say again, 4 minutes to target."

The soldiers rustled and got ready for a quick take down, spells charged and weapons at the ready, they waited until the Zebra had entered the mission area. Lookout released a lightweight enchanted rock from her grip, then flew to her secondary point as the rock smashed into the ground and exploded into a blinding white flash that affected all the Zebras. The unicorns cast a spell that warped the wooden wheels on the lead cart while the other teams pushed the Zebra into a single group.

"Another successful mission!"

"Silence on the comms. The mission isn't done until we're in bed at home." Lilac directed his attention to the Zebra before him. "Do any of you speak Celestian?"

The Zebra looked at each other confused then spoke in their native language. One of them raised a foreleg, "I speak the words you need, I can help you indeed. You have taken us from our trade, I pray you have no reason to consider us for treason."

"I heard y'all were rhymers. I hope you're okay to talk with a pony that can't put three words together like that. You're going into a trap, dealing with Nightmare Moon will not end with your freedom, peace, sunlight or anything ya want."

"You say these things and they may be true, but look at her and look at you. You break our carts and burn our eyes, scare us to death and say she's full of lies?"

"Darn rhyming. Polta, get over here." A unicorn ran over and saluted Lilac. "Polac here is a mare of many skills. One of them is a level of patience I do not have." Lilac turned and paced a few lengths away and began issuing orders to the other members of the unit.

"Um, hello. I'm Polta. I guess I'm gonna, uh…. Sir, what'm I supposed to do?"

"Tell them about how Nightmare Moon is an evil witch," he snapped.

"Um, what’s your name, mister Zebra?"

"My name is long and fair, but I will say it's Angel, so there. Why do you speak for the stallion over there, does he not have the guts to bear?" Lilac grunted in their direction but didn't move. His expression was as grizzled and firm as ever during a mission.

"He's a really great stallion, and if he represents all ponies, then you're in the best hooves in Equestria. You see, ponies here are really scared and some have had it worse than others. Do you sleep anymore?"

"Sleep is the reason for this trade, we have not slept well for days. Many have gone crazed with madness and to sleep one night will bring them much gladness."

"We're the same here, Angel. The whole world is at odds right now. Only ponies are affected by nightmares and the only way to be free of them is to join Nightmare Moon’s army. What she won't tell you is that she'll enchant you and take over your minds so you won't ever sleep again." The zebra gasped and spoke among each other. "I thought you couldn't speak our language."

"I said we cannot speak, not we cannot hear. Why do you think we wear these in our ears? Often ponies speak as though we are not knowing we always hear. Many fear what they don't know, and we listen so we can show."

"Show?"

"Show that we… can be different, Polta. Rhyme is the... way of our... people and... culture. I... have learned... to not rhyme so I... don't insult you, or Nightmare Moon. We, in my land, are... fearful, of... hurting more. We are sent here to... beg for mercy."

"Angel, you can't beg a witch and expect gold. We won't stop you, rob you or hurt you, we're going to leave now, actually. The choice is yours to join us, or her. Here, take this, it's a way to contact us if you want to join us."

"It would be tragic if you gave us this and it needed magic," Angel rhymed.

"It's a basic spell scroll. You can use it twice and only the receiver will know you've activated it. Sometime after you've used it we'll contact you with a location; questions?"

"What if... we betray you? You would… trust us…. with this?"

"Angel, stick to rhymes. It's easier to understand you that way. May Celestia's light guide you." With that, the squad scattered and regrouped. "Sir, I think that went better than we hoped it would. Their loss was four wheels and we may have saved their lives. 'uh, um, wha-'," Polta laughed. "And 'Polta?' Sir, couldn't you make up a better name?"

"Tulip, I love you honey, but don't question me on the battlefield," Lilac smiled and laughed with the rest of the squad, "Okay, let's go home and hope we don't hear of a contingent of Zebra joining Nightmare Moon’s ranks. Mission complete. Fallout."

Shining Armor sat in the back of a covered wagon with Cadence by his side as they looked at a lantern before them swaying, held in place by magic. "Shining, I heard we have a new faction forming in the castle walls," Cadence said quietly.

"I know. I keep trying to stop them but they are too ambitious. They'll be caught and join her before the day is over. Fools, driven mad by nightmares. I can only pray they are released peacefully."

"Shining, there is also a report from Alpha squad..." Cadence hesitated.

"Well? What is it? More bad news?"

"Well, there are reports of a resistance in Ponyville based out of the Everfree Forest. That's all I have so far, but if it's true they have the perfect place to hide. The forest is the culmination of millenniums of curses and enchantments that make it defy all the laws of nature and weather we know. If they don't die from something in there and have found a safe place then we could have a stronghold."

"Don't get your hopes up, honey. We can't afford such hope when we're just beginning to make headway. This is the part of any battle where the attacked become aggressive. She'll try to find us, me, by any means until she slows our mission, since killing me would turn me into the martyr Celestia couldn't be she won't risk that. What she'll do is try to find my cohorts, friends, and family first. Then-"

"Enough talk about war, let's talk about our wedding. I hear Maneapolis is a nice place, or some town near there. It's a bit chilly but I don't mind that; the ponies are supposed to be very skilled in many different things, that may prove useful when we build a house there."

"Hey, I never said I wanted to move there. I'm still captain of the guard, why can't we live in Canterlot? Plus all my friends and family will be back there once this is over."

"Yes, yes. Celestia will perform the wedding and blah blah blah. All that matters is that our families are there and well rested."

"Ah, I can't wait for a full restful sleep. I think I'll take a nap at lunch for a few days once Celestia is in control again. In the southern lawn, with the squad leaders. I think a promotion is in order for all of them and their troops."

"Have you heard from Twilight lately? It's been almost 6 weeks, I'm a little worried."

"Cadence, I haven't contacted anypony since this began. I know she's in an inn in Ponyville and she's safe. That's all that matters."

"Shining, send her a letter at least letting her know you're alive. She must be worried sick by now, and your parents were with her too, right? Send one letter saying 'I'm alive and well,' just so they know."

"You know, you'd make a terrible soldier."

"But I make a great everything else, so do it," she scolded him with a look that burnt to his heart.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied smiling but with frustration in his voice. "You can't always do that to me."

"Yes I can, because I love you and you love me. That's why you'll win."

"MOMMY, DADDY! I got a letter from Shining Armor!" Twilight screamed as she looked through the mail. "He sent it last week; it says..." She almost ripped it trying to open the letter. "I'm fine. I love you all. I miss you all. Stay safe. -Shining Armor P.S. Find a fillyfriend before I win or I'll find one for you." Everyone laughed and hugged as they looked at the letter. "Even at war he's teasing me. Thank Celestia he's okay!"

Walking down the hall a pony passing by heard the shouting and commotion and galloped from the inn to the local guard station. "The reward is 1,200 bits for information leading to Shining Armor? I'm here to collect!"

Legion and Loss

The guards wasted no time sending several letters via different methods to Nightmare Moon. The ones sent via magic appeared in front of her immediately while she was almost halfway through the history of the Children of the Night. After reading the letter quickly, she roared and reared, and the weather turned to a storm as she landed. "Thy first mission in nigh. Get thee to Ponyville. and destroy the Inn and a few other buildings to send a message to Shining Armor; if he is there he will perish and his rebellion with him, if he is not he will know the pain of loss."

"Yes mistress. Um. We don't really know about killing a pony, though."

"Thy loyalty is false!?" Nightmare Moon screamed in her royal voice, lightning flashing across the sky and the temperature dropped significantly quickly.

"Nay, Queen Nightmare Moon, we will do your bidding."

"Thou must go now, leave my sight and do not return without results." Nightmare Moon opened her wings, took the book in her magic and flew back above her to the city.

Arriving at Ponyville after a long trek at what would be 2 AM the Children of the night looked around the town. The ponies in town were used to the schedule and slept their usual hours again; often screaming awake, audible from outside their homes.

"There's the Inn, scatter across the town and when you see the fire here, start your own. Okay?" Night Lead whispered and the word spread as she went to a safe distance in front of the inn. Twenty minutes later a horse whinnied in the distance. Charging her horn she and two others cast a fireball spell into the entrance door several times until their heads began to ache from excessive magic usage beyond their level.

Turning Night Lead galloped out of city limits back in Canterlot’s direction. Screams began to sound behind her from the locals as her other ponies joined her in fleeing. Stopping a mile away they turned to see several fires burning within the city and commotion increasing. "We've done our job, let's go!" a stallion Pegasus called from above.

"No, we have to see if they... died."

"We don't even know who they are, or were. Let's go before we're caught."

Turning the Children of the Night began galloping back to Canterlot to escape the horror of what they had done.

"Mommy, daddy? I can't breathe, where are you?!" Twilight awoke coughing violently in her bed to black smoke filling the room, "Mom? Daddy? I can't see you, are you here?" When she didn't see any movement she laid on the floor and crawled to the door and tested the knob. Cool, I can open it, but slowly. Those books weren't totally useless, I guess.

Crawling across the hall she turned the corner and out the front door, fire engulfing the house behind her as she got up and galloped into the street. The Inn burnt like kindling thrown into an already roaring flame. Several houses were burning from the roofs as ponies, Pegasi and unicorns fought the blazes. Looking around Twilight didn't see her parents and became worried until she saw her father exiting the Inn with her mother on his back and a shield around them.

"Mommy" Twilight ran to her parents and looked at them, they had small burns all over and her father collapsed and dispelled the shield as soon as he was outside the Inn a safe distance away. Her mother was unconscious and her breathing was raspy and short. "Medics! Help! Help!"

"T-Twilight, don't bother. We'll live and there are too many ponies injured more. We... we have to stay together. Promise us you'll stay close."

"I promise, daddy. Please, don't go anywhere, I'll be right back to see if anypony is in the Inn. I won't go in!"

Twilight ran around the burning building and only saw fire inside or jumping out every window. Returning to her parents; her father was sitting beside his wife now checking her pulse. He smiled.

What'll we do? Shining, where are you?

"A.B., smells like mama's cookin' breakfast. Must be morning. Wanna get up and see what's on?" Applejack said with Applebloom wrapped in her legs. Applebloom moaned and yawned before scooting out of bed and going to the door.

"OWOWOWOW! HOT HOT HOT! Applejack, the doorknob burnt my tongue, what's goin' on?" Applejack jumped out of bed and took a deep breath in, her eyes widened then, she galloped to Applebloom.

"Fire! We gotta get out. I'll buck the door down, then you get out, if you see a fire, run right back to me if you can't get out." Applejack bucked the door at the knob and it swung open, slapping her in the rump and making her step forward as Applebloom raced down the hall, heavy smoke filling the room quickly. "Crawl, A.B., don't gallop! I forgot about that!"

Crawling to the other rooms, Applejack got Big Mac and her parents out of their beds and they crawled downstairs. The smoke was blinding and burnt their lungs when they coughed and breathed. Applejack felt somepony in front of her and kept on their trail as she became disoriented, she knew the house inside and out from her fillyhood, but playing in the darkness of night versus the choking burning smoke of a fire are significantly different.

She lost the pony in front of her and began to panic, trying to find anything to orient herself she scampered ahead and bumped into something, "What is this?" she called out. "Ma? Pa? I'm at the fridge! I'm here, can ya hear me?! I'm turning left to the door, follow me!" Coughing she crawled to the door and feeling it was closed she took in a deep breath and held it, burning as it was, then hopped to her hooves, turned and bucked the door down.

Cold air rushed and covered her body from her rear legs, offering a second of relief as the fire rushed past her from the front, pushing her out the door. Letting her air go she screamed as the fire consumed her as she tumbled out of the house. Feeling pain across her body she tried to stand but the pain was almost too much. She felt herself leave the ground and the air sting her body as the air rushed around her.

"We got another one! Hurry, medics, stabilize her with the others. Miss? Miss. Can you hear me? Can you tell me your name? What day is it? What color is my mane?" Applejack coughed and opened her eyes. It burnt so much to see and to open and blink her eyes.

"It, it hurts everywhere. My name's Applejack. This' my family farm. Where's ma, pa? Applebloom! Big Mac! Granny?!" Applejack tried to move but she noticed a green aura around her. Magic? "Who are you?"

"I'm Nurse Tailor, We're going to put you down and look for any other survivors. Please, do. Not. Move." Nurse Tailor turned and Applejack noticed Nurse Tailor was a Pegasus mare, then she shut her eyes. Where's my family?

Applejack felt a poke on her rear leg and moved it away, wincing from the pain in her burnt body. "AJ?"

"Applebloom!? I-I can't move, how are you? Are you okay? Do you see anypony else?"

"I." Applebloom went silent.

"What, Applebloom?"

"I don't know. I ran out the front door and then I was screamed for help, then these ponies came to help. They told me to wait over there but, I saw you get out and... Only you so far."

"Oh, A.B., c'mere. Lemme see you."

"Applejack, I don't think..." Applejack started to move and clenched her teeth through the pain as she tried to turn to Applebloom. "Okay, okay. Lay down, please. Look, here I --”

“Oh, Applejack," Applebloom gasped.

Applejack started to open her eyes as another nurse came over and splashed medicine on her face and eyes. "Wait to open your eyes, you've had serious chemical burns and they need to heal. This will help with the pain but you have to keep your eyes closed until the doctor looks you over. He'll be here soon, hopefully. I have to go, but, Nurse Tailor will be here to care for you, okay?" Applejack nodded and tried to open her eyes a little but the pain was higher now than it was before.

"Darn you magic users, I was using my eyes a minute ago! Fix me up with your healing spells and get me moving again, darnit!"

"Excuse me!?" the nurse stopped and regained her composure, "Miss, you have to stay calm and wait. Other ponies are hurt too, I have to make sure they don't die. Please, wait here." With that the nurse galloped off.

"Applebloom, how do I look? Is it bad? It hurts a lot. All over my front mostly."

"I-I-I don't..."

"Buck it, just tell me!" Applejack scolded, squeezing her eyes closed and regretting it.

"You're coat is black all over and you're face is red and puffy. I-I see... red stuff on your side. It's not blood... I, don't know what it is but it's really bad. I don't know what to say, sis. You're burned real bad."

"She had third degree burns to almost half her body. Second degree to her face and her sides have signs of a fourth degree burn to her chest. It's a miracle she's alive, but she's an earth pony so that helped a lot. I'm Doctor Ball. You've been stabilized and the nurse gave you a topical cream that will aid the healing exponentially. You were the first to receive it so you were the luckiest, now we have less for the rest of the town," he said in a sullen tone.

"However, you will have to rest here until I can get you to the PV clinic and treat you. I'll be honest, it'll be a little while before we can get you in, there are ponies worse off than you. Little filly, you're her sister?" Applebloom nodded as Applejack tried to take a deep breath in unsuccessfully, coughing roughly. "Stay with her and keep her awake and when the nurses or medics come by tell them this: Code yellow, 32, phase 1. Repeat that."

"Uh, Code 32-"

"Code yellow."

"Code yellow, 32 phase 1."

"Again."

"Code yellow. 32. Phase 1."

"Good, I've got a city to check, please, stay calm. See you soon." With that he galloped away.

"What's with all these doctors gallopin' away? Applejack, you feel okay?"

"Yeah, I'm gonna be fine. How about you? You hurt at all?" Applebloom didn't answer. "A.B.? Ya there?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. I got a little burn but, they said I'd live."

"That's great to hear, A.B. Do ya think I'll be going back to acting anytime soon?" She mused, trying to smile only let a cracking sound and a wince leave her as she began to realize she was really badly burnt.

"Yeah, sis. You'll be amazing in no time."

"Mommy, Poppa! There's a fire next door! We must get out!" Rarity called as she was running downstairs. Pinkamena and her parents had fallen asleep in the living room and sprang to life when Rarity called to them. She rushed by and out the door to the sounds of panic and confusion of the town.

"Is she having another nightmare, Pinkamena?"

"No, smell it? That's fire smoke! Let's get out! Quickly before we get cooked!" Pinkamena shouted as she ran out.

"Quick, Iggy. Get the scrapbooks and I'll get the letters." Dividing they ran around the house quickly and then outside with two saddlebags each full of various memorabilia as they gawked at the burning around them. "What's going on here?"

"I don't know, mother. Let's get out somewhere safe. Where's a safe place?!" Rarity screamed in a panic hopping around frantically as she looked at the fire on the neighboring houses.

"Rarity, calm down. You're sleep crazed. Just relax. We'll go to the city hall. There are spells and unicorns there that are trained to fight fires and heal minor injuries." Rarity turned and galloped her fastest to the town center bumping into other ponies as she went. "She needs sleep, I don't know how much longer she can go on," Cloudy stated with worry.

"Rarity hasn't slept for three days… nights... whatever. She has the worst nightmares, she says. I wonder what they're about," Pinkamena said as she smiled slowly and stroked her chin before shrugging then skipping after Rarity with her parents close behind in a trot.

The Apples Move On

Author's Note

This is a scene added thanks to Ebony Nightwing. With a suggestion I chose to fill in some back story and leave it open for maybe others to spin-off.

The Apples Move On

It’d been a week since the fire and we was in our room just gettin’ ready ta go out. “Apple Bloom, ya gonna keep lookin in that mirror or ya gonna get ready to go out with me?”

I sighed and felt a tear trying to leave my eye. I blinked hard and looked to my big sister Applejack. Her name was Applejack now; again. Mom had told me a bit about her, but most of her life was public knowledge. TV, movies, books, fanficions, voice over work, clop -whatever that is… She had a followin’ fer sure.

“Sis, I ain’t feelin’ ready to go out. Ah, just don’t know. Ah don’t…”

“Now, Apple Bloom,” she said softly and came over to me, placing a hoof on my blank flank. I lowered my head but kept my gaze on my reflection. I let my gaze focus on my sis and my heart hurt. Ah kept doing my best to not look at her; ta not stare at her scarred face and body, her bandages that were tight and colored yella from somethin’ in her blood, and the cloth she kept ‘round her neck to cover her face when she went out.

“You have to believe in yourself. When you exude an aura of confidence, then no pony will be able to counter their attitude with your confidence.”

“Ya sound like a noble, Applejack.” I looked at her with my eyebrow raised; or what was left of it; “Doncha start using that fancy talk on me, just tell me like it is; we burnt up in a fire and we gotta live with it,” I said, looking to the floor. She pressed my flank and turned me to face her. I had to look at her, but it was so hard to do it.

“Apple Bloom, you don’t have to lookit me but you should listen. When I left all those years ago to go to Manehattan it was to get away from all this.” She motioned to the room, but I know she meant the farm. “I wanted to do something different with my life and not live the simple life. I was ready to call it quits and come home when fate had it set for me to meet a showpony.

“The rest everypony knows, pretty much. Only thing I don’t tell anypony that I’ll tell you.” She leaned in close and I got kinda excited. A secret between sisters, finally! Eleven years and my first sister secret. “I hate my life.”

I reeled back a step and bumped into the mirror. “What the? Ya mean me and...”

“No no no, I don’t hate anyPONY. Only my choice to leave.” She sat and sighed. “If I’d have stayed I know the simple life woulda been, well simple. The life I got was fulla stress and pain and so many bad choices.” She looked to her belly. Ah forgot she was pregnant.

“If I’d made better choices when I was your age I’d be happy with my life. Or, that’s what I tell myself almost everyday. Now I’m back and,” she leaned in and opened her forelegs. Ah took a step, then another and she pulled me into a hug, she’s so warm and soft but, her burns are bumpy and make me sad.

“Now I feel happier than I have in years. I was nine when I left you and the family. You were a foal not more than a few months old and learnin’ to talk and you galloped after me on my path out. Ya hugged my leg and said ‘bee-bee’ and I cried.”

“Ah don’t remember that,” I said softly as she let me go.

“We all did. Ya were adorable but I had ta try and find my way and I didn’t think apples was it.” She looked to the window and the dark moon in the sky lit the apples into dark shades, not all pretty like when the sun was out. A unicorn was walking through the orchard just checkin’ the quality of the fruit.

“Applejack, you’re great no matter what cuz yer mah sis,” Ah said without thinking. She pulled me into a hug even tighter than before, then I heard her sniffle.

“Apple Bloom, ya know just what ta say. Let’s go shopping and get some orange juice.”

“Orange juice?!” I screamed in shock, “Is it cuz of Aunt and Uncle Or-”

She laughed really loud and let me go, I fell back and bumped the mirror again, lookin’ at her all confused.

“Ah was jokin’. We make the best apple everything, I wouldn’t bring orange juice here on my life.”

“Oh, well that wasn’t very funny. Oh, maybe I’ll run into my friends out in town today,” Ah said happily, getting up and trotting to the door.

“Oh, and who might they be?”

“A couple business partners of the farm. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Diamond’s dad runs a shop and he said she had ta be nice to me. Maybe Ah’ll get my cutie mark in shopping!” I said, looking to my blank flank, then to her, all excited like. “C’mon sis! We gotta go get mah cutie mark and do some shopping.”

Ah ran outta our room in the barn and to the path and looked back. We made the barn into a nice little home and all it took was a few walls. Ah, Ah looked to the house, or what was left of it, and turned away. Ah hate Nightmare Moon and her Children of the Night. Ah hate them more than any pony could know, but until I get the chance to kill one of them for each member of my family they took Ah’m just gonna keep smilin’ and plotting.

Ah found a place under the barn that Applejack doesn’t know about, and if I plan it right… Ah think I could do some revenge down there, but I gotta be careful ta not get caught. They’re the evil ones, not me. Ah’m just gonna do some justice.

“Apple Bloom, you’re in your own world again,” Applejack called to me from down the path. Ah smiled and trotted to catch up and our evening, always evening, started.

Stronghold in the Everfree

"First, we have to find a place to make a secret stronghold. That's a building or cave or place to hide while we prepare attacks. Because it's night time always almost any place will do; however, it has to be strong and out of the way. Any ideas?"

"Mister Shining?"

"Captain Shining Armor, fool," a soldier yelled into the crowd of 150 ponies that had joined the rebellion. Shining grunted and the soldier backed down.

"Sir, I apologize for my compatriots response. Mister Shining is fine. Continue."

"Uh, Mister Captain Shining Armor?" Shining smiled as he realized there was no military experience in this stallion’s voice, or the faces of the dozens of scared, yet determined, ponies before him. "My cousin and me once went into the Everfree on a dare when we were young. We got lost and ran until we found a castle hidden in the middle. We stayed there overnight and found a map by the entrance door; that's how we got home. I remember the way, I think."

The crowd murmured as Shining spoke. "Sir? Come forward, please." A light blue unicorn stallion with a dark blue mane stepped forward, a cutie mark of music notes on his flank. "Sir, can you take me there? Right now?" The stallion nodded enthusiastically. "What is your name, fine sir?"

"Noteworthy, sir. When do we leave?"

"Right now, sir. Lead the way," Shining said as he trotted to Noteworthy with two dozen of his soldiers in tow. Noteworthy hesitated, then turned and trotted toward the forest. Stopping at the boundary he stopped as Shining went to his side. "Are you okay, Noteworthy?"

"Yes sir. Just, walking into the shadows, you feel it. It's... well, you'll see. Step into the Everfree, sir." Shining took a step forward and as his rear legs entered the shadows of the Everfree he felt the dark magic wash over him as he trembled and felt a fear in his heart he couldn't dispel. "It's the dark magic, I asked and a mystic said it messes up the magic in us, so unicorn magic takes a little more energy sometimes and less at others. Pegasus and Earth ponies too, but I don't know about them. Stay on guard, sir. There're plenty of monsters in there too."

"I understand. Troops, let's move out. Noteworthy, stay two soldiers behind us. I'll take point and you tell us where to go." Marching into the forest he looked back as his troops entered and shivered as they passed the boundary. "Rough step, troops. Don't trip yourselves before we get there," he called without looking behind him.

"Keep going straight and that's about it. We'll get there in about an hour or two," Noteworthy said proudly with a slight sing to his words.

"You're in good spirits suddenly, Noteworthy. Care to share? We can use a good story," Shining asked.

"Ya see, I always wanted to try my hoof at being a soldier, but my calling was music and that's what I've done; even though I've had a dozen jobs, I can't get music out of my life no matter what I try. So, I think of a song that makes me happy and it helps me not be afraid or negative. Ladies love it, too," he said, singing the last part.

Shining laughed and started singing a positive military song; before long the platoon behind him joined and sang in chorus. Noteworthy just beamed and smiled as he bounced and bobbed his head before he tripped over a root and landed into a small mud puddle. The singing stopped as soldiers laughed and their moods were joyous as they helped him up. Five soldiers lined up next to him on either side and they resumed their trek quickly, singing as they went. The time flew by as songs changed while the scenery stayed the same.

Stopping and holding up a hoof Shining's troops fell silent and waited. "Soldiers, we're here." Standing at the top of a hill he pointed his hoof ahead of him as the troops went to his side and looked down at the castle before them. An old broken stone castle from generations ago stood before them and they felt proud to be in its view. "It looks like it's from the fourth age, that's almost 1500 years ago. They knew how to build 'em back then. Let's move out. Weapons ready, Royal defense formation, normal pace and maintain intervals of three meters."

"Sir, yes sir." his troops shouted. Their call echoed through the forest as they rearranged themselves, pushing Noteworthy to the center. "Mr. Noteworthy, stay next to us. If anything happens it's our job to protect you with our lives. Okay?" He nodded and gulped as he walked in pace with the platoon. As they descended the hill they felt the dark magic leave them and their fear lifted. A soldier whispered, "The castle must be a good place; I don't feel like I'm in the forest anymore." A few other soldiers nodded as they scanned the area for dangers.

Entering the castle they changed their formation slightly into a set of four columns. "Well, that was thankfully uneventful. Troops, fallout and group up into fours, standard search deployment. Lieutenants, Noteworthy, you're with me. We'll go to the throne room, maybe we'll find a tapestry of who lived here."

Without a word the soldiers formed into teams and took separate passages searching for dangers, safe areas or any valuable information. Shining led his group upstairs and through a couple turns before entering the throne room. He and the others gasped as they looked around to see images of Luna and Celestia on banners, artwork and stained glass. "This, this is an old royal palace! Officers, search the area for any trace of how to defeat Nightmare Moon. She was banished to the moon in this very room!” Scattering to all the walls, side rooms and adjoining corridors, the officers took several paces into each and looked around before returning.

"Captain, we didn't find anything of importance. What're you looking at? Did you find something?" Shining was standing by a giant globe with six holders, and shattered rocks on the ground.

"These may have been how she was defeated. They look like they were rocks with a gem in the middle; each is shattered and it was recent. There's almost no dirt or dust on them and there are still hoof marks on the ground here, over there and over there. The dirt on the globe has been disturbed like a Pegasi flapped near it, too. I think we found how she was defeated, and she beat us here to destroy them." The mood in the room turned sad as they gathered around the smashed gems mixed with rock and looked at them. "Gather each of these, don't mix them up. Every spec of dust. Every shard of gem. We may be able to repair them."

The group sighed as Noteworthy backed up and looked at the globe. "It's of the world, but there are six holders. We have a Sun and a Moon, why are there six of these things?"

"Honestly, I don't know and right now, I don't care about that. We have to make sure this castle is safe and who we can get here if it is. In secret. I thank you and you can rest over there if you want."

"On the throne?! I can't do that, the Celestial sisters sat there, it'd be heresy. If they found out I'd be imprisoned for life."

"It's okay, you've earned it and we won't tell. Take a seat just once. Tell me how it feels." Noteworthy smiled and galloped to the base of the throne and looked back to the officers, walking up the stairs he placed a hoof on Luna's throne. Screaming as he touched it he started trembling and shaking as Shining galloped to Noteworthy.

"GOT YA!" Noteworthy shouted at Shining who was half way up the stairs. Stopping suddenly Shining scowled at the blue pony as laughter filled the room. "Oh, you should see your face, priceless." The officers Shining had brought were laughing loudly as Shining blushed and sighed in defeat.

"Okay, great one. You had me fooled. I owe you one, Noteworthy." Shining began to chuckle at the joke as well. Turning his laughter to the throne Noteworthy climbed up and sat on Luna's throne. He smiled as wide as any pony can and Shining bowed before him. "My, liege, how may we be of service?" The other officers bowed as well.

"Wait, why're you bowing?"

"You took the throne, you're royalty now. How may I serve you, Prince Noteworthy?" Noteworthy's smile fell and was replaced by a look of awe.

"Are you serious? You're not joking?"

"I can not make fun of royalty."

"Then, get me a drink."

"What would you like, my lord?"

"Do we have any cider? The good kind?"

"Certainly, Tail Ward! Get our king cider, now," Shining shouted to a Unicorn officer who bolted from the room as the bowing resumed.

"Oh, Celestia. I really am royalty!"

"You mean, 'Oh Noteworthy,' my liege." Noteworthy giggled and fell back on the throne. Getting up he hopped off the throne and strolled to Shining.

"King Noteworthy has a better ring to it."

"Actually, your highness, I think Princess is in order."

"What? How dare you talk to royalty like that?"

"Look, your highness. The throne turned you into a mare! ALL HAIL QUEEN NOTEWORTHY!" Looking under him Noteworthy screamed and tumbled down the stairs.

"Wha? Where? Oh, I'm cursed. Please, Shining, help me! I can't live as a mare! I don't know, I can't," Noteworthy started to cry, "I don't want to carry a foal!" He burst into tears as Shining and the officers laughed until they fell over. Shining trotted down the stairs and leaned in close to Noteworthy.

"Gotcha."

Tail Ward came around the corner with her horn glowing laughing as loud as she could before cancelling her spell. "Oh, I think, you'd make a great mother. You already... cry more than... any mare... I know!" she said between laughs, making the others roll on the floor. Two groups of soldiers came rushing into the room to see what the laughter was and saw their leadership rolling on the floor with laughter as Noteworthy laid on the floor looking between his rear legs.

"Troops, it's with great spirits I announce that we have a permanent base!" Shining called to the crowd of select ponies and soldiers gathered at Sweet Apple Acres' barn. Cheers and hugs went around as Shining finally raised a hoof silencing the crowd. "Now, we have a lot of planning to do and supplies to get there, so I'll let my officers take you into groups and delegate who will do what. We'll meet here before the Unicorns begin teleporting supplies and repair personnel there. Thank you to Applejack and Applebloom for letting us meet here and, on behalf of all of us, we're sorry for your loss and welcome you into your new family. The Children of the Sun will do all we can for you."

"That ain't gonna bring back our family, we just wanna kill Nightmare Moon," Applebloom screamed over the crowd. Applebloom had scars across her back from the fire and was missing part of her mane that was burnt off, never to grow back. Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Mister Shining, sorry. We're upset and ya know how it feels; most of us do now. We'll do what we can and thank you for your assistance. We're just bein' neighborly is all."

"Miss... Jack, right?"

"Jack is my stage name, and, since I ain't gonna be on stage ever again lookin' like this... I'm Applejack." Applejack had scars that deformed half her face, most of her coat was gone and what was left was permanently gone. Her neck from behind her ears to her middle back was wrapped in layers of bandages. "And, we're both members of The Children of the Sun until we kill Nightmare Moon, or die trying."

Stomps and cheers of approval resounded through the barn, Shining let it continue until it subsided on its own. "Thank you everypony. Group up and get to work, I want everything started with the hour."

Climbing from the upper loft he joined his family. "Twily, I'm gonna need you to be on the restoration team. You can be co-leader alongside Fix It. He's unicorn like us and a master builder. You can learn a lot and take that back to Maneapolis with you. Mom, dad, you're coming too. I need moral support and you can stay in the fortified area of the castle with the rest of the families. Cadence is so excited to see you all, she talks about it all the time now."

"I can't wait to see my old foalsitter. Can't you take us there now?!"

"Sorry Twi, it's a lot harder than you think to teleport. Besides, I'm not going to take you there alone and have you wait a day before you see another pony. Just wait, it'll be okay."

"What do you mean, son?" Night asked. "You mean no pony is there?"

"I mean we're still making sure it's safe and creating magic wards that will make sure it's hidden from the false queen and her minions. One mistake and we lose it. It should have been done two days ago, but I've had the best unicorns recasting the spells again and again to make sure every area is covered twice over. I'm not going to risk one single life. Not even if I have to, I won't lose any more ponies to that witch."

"Well said, dear boy!" a voice came from their side. A stocky blue unicorn stallion with light grey mane approached them with his left foreleg in a sling and a pen scribbling on paper beside his head to the right. "My name's Ink. Nice to meet you up close and personal. I've been taking notes on everything that's happened since the fire was put out three days ago. From the gathering to you leaving for the forest to now. I'd like to be your royal scribe. Future generations have to know about what happens as it happens, before history becomes polluted by stories and opinions; my brethren and I are ready to write the truth."

"So, you're a scribe? Your cutie mark agrees, but what do you mean brethren? How many are in your clan?"

"Well, personally only seven in my clan, but I'm part of an order of historical writers. We find a cause, then document it from our perspective. That way, we and others can compare how events took place and then." Ink sighed. "Normally, we'd turn in a book to Princess Celestia and she'd read it and file it away in her archives; so that if a certain event arose she could see different views on how to prevent it from happening again. This time, she's a prisoner, so if we finish our task we may have to report to..... Her."

Shining thought for a moment before his eyes lit up. "You mean there's a scribe taking notes with Nightmare Moon right now?! Can I talk to him? Is he on our side or hers? When-" Ink held up a hoof and used his telekenisis to close Shining’s mouth.

"It's not going to happen. Sorry sir, but we're an order of neutrality." Ink released Shining’s mouth and continued, "We don't take sides. We document. If I die before I complete my report, it's lost. Simple as that. We don't communicate once we choose our subjects until the conflict is resolved. It's been that way since The Old Ones." Everypony was looking at Ink.

"Old Ones? And who're they?" Twilight asked skeptically.

"You don't study your history, do you? It's in the Canterlot library for anypony to read. You should look it up next time you're there. So, Shining, may I be your scribe?" The pen was still scribbling notes on paper then stopped as he looked at Shining waiting for a reply. The pen scribbled a few words in the silence.

"Very well. You may accompany us. However, if you turn out to be a spy or traitor, death will not be merciful when I catch you," Shining said, as he turned and walked away, leaving his family with Ink. The pen was scribbling quickly as he took notes on the events as they transpired around him.

"Well, you know my name, what're yours?"

"I'm Night Light, this is Twilight Sparkle and my wife Twilight Velvet."

"Two Twilight’s? So, you're Sparkle or you're Velvet. How's it work?"

"I'M Twilight, my mommy is Velvet. So, Ink, where are you from?"

"Canterlot, silly filly. And you? Are you all from Canterlot, here to hide and join the rebellion?"

"No, Ink. Shining is my brother and I'm from Maneapolis. In Manesota. Heard of it?"

"Twilight, stop being rude," Velvet scolded. "Sorry about her, she's a bit PMS-ing."

"MOM!?" Ink chuckled as the pen scratched quickly then made several punctuations. "What was that? Did you make a note of that! Give me that paper, let me see!" Twilight ran to grab it with her teeth but he raised it above him as the writing continued. "Stop! Daddy! Make him stop! I'm not PMS-ing!" A few ponies started laughing at the sight as Twilight looked over and felt herself blushing. Turning she started to cry as she ran out of the barn.

"I know I have no place to say, but she's very emotional, isn't she?" Ink stated lowering the pen and paper to his side again.

"Yes, she's been through a lot and isn't taking all this too well. We're not better off, but we tease her to make her feel like life is normal, if she had to live life as it is right now. I know her, we know her. She'd give in to the night and go crazy. She's not as strong as she acts. None of us are, but, we have to be strong for the others around us, right?"

"Mrs. Velvet, that is a quote that may outlive us all," he said as he finished the sentence and the pen dotted then lowered before him to read. "Ah, yes. A truly rare quote that may come in handy tomorrow, or generations from now. Thank you." He turned and trotted to where Shining Armor had left and vanished outside the barn door, pen and paper in tow.

"Night, if I just made history, remember that I was talking about our kids, alright?"

"Twilight Velvet, you made history the second you had them."

The pen scribbled words as fast as Ink could think and see the sights around him. So many ponies galloping around with tools, equipment, and saddlebags full of various items and food. The castle was in serious disrepair but he couldn't imagine what it looked like a week ago when he learned of its existence. The hall he was in had tapestries as high as the ceiling and wide as two houses side by side depicting the Celestial sisters' fight with Discord and the rise of Canterlot in the same place as Discord's defeat.

"What is he writing? The words don't even make sense," a pony whispered to another from behind him, thinking he didn't hear.

"It's an ancient language that only elder Alicorns and their predecessors spoke and read. It makes our language sound pitiful and barbaric, but it's easier to write more details in less space," Ink said, without turning back as he tried to read the tapestry and translate, then scribe it.

"Well, our language is better than most others," one of the ponies, a mare, spoke up. Ink turned around and looked at the two standing before him. Giving his best disapproving look at them he shook his head.

"You think words are what make up better language? You have a lot to learn. I hear there's an ancient library here. Read up; then insult history." Ink turned around as the two tried to argue with him. He used his magic to block the noise from his ears as he wrote the tapestries’ story.

"Captain Shining, the reports are in from the last five raids and scouting missions," a soldier announced as she dropped a file on his desk in the barracks headquarters.

"Can you give me a summation, corporal?"

"Yes, sir. All the raids were successful, zero casualties to troops and to civilians. The scouts report Nightmare Moon has used magic to transform several ponies into Alicorns and others into, somethings." Shining pressed his hoof to his forehead and sighed.

"Great, so now we have Alicorns helping an Alicorn and 'somethings,' can you elaborate?"

"Sir, the reports and from what I understood... she... Nightmare Moon, is turning some ponies into monsters that do her bidding. They look like larger ponies but, they have black coats, white manes and red eyes. They appear to all be earth ponies, but the magic could mean anything."

Shining grunted as he pressed harder. "Great, magic pony monsters with unknown abilities and several Alicorns at her side, not to mention the 2,000 ponies she had worshiping her in secret for the last 1000 years. Can this get any better?"

"Well, sir....."

"What the spell. Seriously, I was being rhetorical. What now?!" Shining shouted as he slammed his wooden desk with both hooves, startling the young soldier.

"Um, we found a ton of Cider in a storage room in one of the basement rooms, sir," she said as she trembled, staring at him as he glared at her.

"That's…" Shining smiled and leaned back in his chair, looking at the ceiling, and the bricks he'd counted a dozen times already. "That's actually better. Thank you. I apologize for yelling." He looked at the trembling soldier before him as he got up and walked around his desk. "Let's get a mug, you deserve it." He left with her right behind him. "Close the door, corporal."

She stopped and turned to close the door. The scent of old wood filled her senses as she took the knob in her mouth and pulled it closed. The heavy click told her it was secure. She nodded at the lock then turned to rejoin Shining to get a cup of extremely aged ale. "Sir, do you think it's safe to drink 1000 year old cider?"

"Corporal, if it isn't safe I'll make you a sergeant before morning," he laughed. She forced a laugh as she tried to understand what he meant. "Corporal, this castle amazing. Not only because it's a haven for our cause, but because it's where Nightmare Moon was defeated once and she's being fought from again. The history in this castle has not only helped us as soldiers, but the ponies; our families are safe here. The foals have school and are learning from books older than they can imagine. Scholars and mages are learning old spells lost to time and stories that were never known.

“Since coming here a knowledge revolution has begun, to such an extent that even if we fail, the knowledge of what we've accomplished and done will be remembered for generations. You're one of those too, an immortal memory that will be known for generations. Are you ready for that?"

Shining stopped as he heard her hooves fall silent. Turning around, he saw she was crying; her helmet had been pulled down to cover her eyes as she sniffled. Shining walked over to her and lifted her chin. "Corporal, you're going to tell your grandfoals of this war, as you picnic under the noon sun, in the warmest spring day. Don't forget that. Now, let's go. Okay?" She nodded and shook her head to get tears off her helmet before walking forward, leading him to the find.

Author's Note

*Rough step is a military marching term that denotes walk at your own pace and be mindful of your surroundings while maintaining your position in a formation to the best of your ability. Soldiers in the back are watched by soldiers in front of them who change pace to make sure they stay close enough together to help each other yet far enough apart so they don't get hurt by enemy attacks.

The Elements of Harmony

"Captain Shining, Captain Shining!" a pony shouted as he galloped into the room and almost into a group of three others drinking cider by the door, "Captain, we know how to defeat Nightmare Moon!" Everypony’s eyes widened and Shining dropped his cider as he galloped after the pony.

The library was in poor shape but the books were enchanted to resist aging. Dozens of ponies were scouring books and taking notes, including Ink. When Shining entered, a Pony called "Officer on deck!" as the soldiers in the room stood at attention in respect. "At ease, how do we defeat her? Where's the weapon? Spell?" he shouted excitedly as he galloped to a table with five scholars reading books. "Do you know how?"

"Mister Shining, sir? Um, I think I found how, if you don't mind, well..," a quiet voice said from behind him. It was short yellow pony he didn't notice before.

"Yes! How?! What did you find?" he shouted as Fluttershy cowered back and tried to shuffle behind a stack of books she was by. "I'm sorry, miss. I didn't mean to scare you."

"She's a scaredy filly! Her name's Fluttershy and she's my BEST friend," Rainbow's shout echoed through the library, "She's, like, super smart and a great helper and you wouldn't believe how great she is at making dinner. I'm so happy she's here! You wou-"

"Okay Fluttershy," Shining said loudly at Rainbow who was leaning out of one of the open slots on a stone bookshelf, "I'm really sorry I was loud, but I'm very excited. What have you found?"

Fluttershy took a deep breath and spoke almost to soft to be heard. "The elements of Harmony."

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy. What was that?"

"Um. Well, I said The Elements of Harmony. You see, it’s six jewels that focus the positive energies of an Alicorn into a beam of energy that attacks evil."

"That's amazing!" Shining shouted as he suddenly stared into space and smiled. "We may have them. We may have them! What else does it say? Wait, come with me, we have to see my high mages; please, miss Fluttershy, will you come with me?"

Fluttershy stood up a little taller as Rainbow fell and stopped inches from the floor with a beat of her wings. "Anywhere she goes, I goes. Ya got that, big head?"

"Oh, Rainbow Dash. Please, don't speak that way. It's not very nice; his name is Mister Shining Armor."

"Actually, Shining is okay, Miss."

"But, Fluttershy, his head is huge," Rainbow said, gesturing with her wings. Ponies across the room chuckled at Rainbow’s honesty.

"All the better to plan and fight. Would you like to be an honorary soldier for the day?" Shining asked, standing tall and looking down at the mares. Rainbows eyes narrowed and she nodded slowly. "Very well, I hereby dub thee Miss Private Rainbow Dash, congratulations." He saluted her. "Your first mission is to quietly guard Fluttershy from the air, can you do that?"

Excitedly Rainbow nodded and was about to say something but closed her mouth. "Yes sir, Mister Big Head, sir," she whispered, as she beat her wings and hovered near the ceiling.

"Shall we go?" He gestured to the door. Fluttershy nodded and followed him carrying a book in her mouth as they walked.

"Um, well, you see, sirs..."

"We're not sirs, we're mages. What've you found? It'd better be useful, not like that last pony who brought us a recipe for muffins written in Alicornese."

"Um, well, I found this book and there's something called the Elements of Harmony. Six gems that focus the positive energies of an Alicorn. It was used to defeat Discord and turn him to stone, also Dorek the Tormentor, Nightmare Moon and Forash the Soul Stealer. Celestia was the user so she might be the only one who can use them all at once, but it says here," she opened the book and flipped pages, stopping in the middle of the book. "This part I can't read, but it shows the gems and words in Alicornese."

A mage grabbed the book from under Fluttershy's forelegs and she fell to the floor as the book landed in front of the mage. Others gathered around him to read the book as Rainbow Dash flew into the casters back and started kicking. "Don't hurt my friend." Shining's horn glowed and pulled Rainbow away screaming violently at the unicorn that had taken the book.

"You find out what you can, I'll take them out," Shining shouted over the noise she was making as he levitated Rainbow out of the room, Fluttershy behind him.

"Rainbow, I'm fine, look. I'm okay, come here," Fluttershy called as Shining released her from his telekinesis. Rainbow trotted to Fluttershy and hugged her tightly, a tear leaving her left eye.

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I should have been faster, are you sure you're okay? Let me see." Pulling back, she leaned in and looked at Fluttershy's chest and examined her forelegs. "Yup, you're okay. Hey, Big Head. Why didn't you stop that horn guy from trying to hurt Fluttershy?"

"Miss Fluttershy, can we speak in private for a minute?" He looked at a room with a wooden door he knew was a storage closet. She nodded and followed him in. "Rainbow, stand guard, if anypony tries to get in, tell 'em to get lost. But, only if they try to get in, not if they walk by, okay?" Rainbow smiled and turned her back to the door as he closed it. He cast a light from his horn that filled the room. The room was small, but held a lot of cleaning supplies and a stack of wood against the back wall, with shelving along the side walls that held paint, repair equipment and tools.

"How can I help you, Mister Shining?"

"Well, what's with Rainbow Dash? She seems overly protective and unstable. Should I be worried about her?" Fluttershy shook her head and told him the story.

"Well, that's quite the tale. So, that's why you..." he hesitated.

"Have one wing? Yeah. It's okay though. Like I said, we're both alive and that's all that matters. Plus, I'm gonna get my Masters degree once this war’s over."

"If you need a recommendation, let me know. If you've found a way to defeat Nightmare Moon, then you're going to be a war hero. You may have a hospital named in your honor," he said with pride for her. "Now, let’s get out of here, it smells like mold. Can't be good for us." He smiled as he opened the door to Rainbow’s back. "She sure is dedicated."

"Yes sir, Big Head, I'm gonna keep Fluttershy safe," Rainbow said, spinning around quickly.

"Yes ma'am, I know. You're a great soldier; I'm making you the official officer in charge of Fluttershy's safety. You can't attack anypony, but you can tell them to back off and they'll have to listen. Does that sound good to you?" Rainbow smiled wide and giggled as her hooves covered her mouth.

"I'm so proud of you, Rainbow Dash. From private to officer in an hour. What an honor! This is quite the day for us all," Fluttershy said as she walked to Rainbow Dash. "Let's get a cupcake to celebrate from the dining room, does that sound good?" Rainbow jumped into the air and squealed. "Wait for me, Rainbow Dash, slow down," Fluttershy shouted as she galloped after Rainbow.

They're a great pair, they were destined to be together it seems. I'd better check on the mages.

"Gentlemen, what've you learned?" he asked, reentering the room. Seeing smiling faces he knew it was good news.

"Sir, these are the elements of harmony. It says here they each represent a positive emotion:

Laughter

Honesty

Loyalty

Generosity

Kindness

And a sixth that isn't documented. Possibly the key to activating them all. Now, as a hoofnote here, it says the elements are subject to change along with a user’s distinct personality. What we figure is that Honesty could change to, say, forgiveness, for example. As long as it's a positive emotion that doesn't overlap the others, it should work.

The only downside, is it takes a massive amount of magic and these link to specific users. We're not able, and we still have to repair the gems."

"That's a lot to have learned in fifteen minutes, gentlemen. Are you making any of this up?"

"No, sir. I'm reading mostly from the text. They were very descriptive, and a little mystic logic fills in the rest. We're not able to wield them because we're none of the above. We're high mages, not saints. We've done things that most ponies would go to prison for to attain our titles and powers. We need pure souls and kind hearted individuals. So, let's try to figure out who will fit the criteria."

"Well, that sounds like a start. We have enough time, and I have good news for you too. I'm getting reports the nightmares have stopped. Get some rest and we'll see how we feel in the morning." Shining smiled and left. I'm going to sleep for twelve hours if I can. A well rested army is as good as an army with a full belly.