My Little Descendants

Chapters

Chapter Two: The Arrival
Chapter Three: Thieves in the Night
Chapter Four: School Day
Chapter Five: Black Magic
Chapter Six: A Date To Remember
Chapter Eight: Coronation
Chapter Nine: Not Over Yet
Chapter One: An Introduction
Chapter Seven: Family Day

Chapter Two: The Arrival

The Bargain Barn wasn't really a barn. In truth, it was a small castle-like building, moss growing up the walls of cracked stone. Other than it's dying-regal appearance, it was your average thrift store, selling everything from chipped cauldrons to now powerless relics. However, that's only the first floor. The second story was home to Nightmare Moon and her daughter. The dark mare entered her apartment followed by the four teens. Sombra stood in the far corner, sneaking gems under his ratty cape. Chrysalis reclined at the table, focused highly on a hoof-held mirror made of Changeling Crystal, the same stuff they used to make cocoons and hives. Sunset Shimmer leaned against a wall, adjusting a flowered tiara that sat atop her head. The children glanced around, shocked to see their parents together in one room.

"Now, let me tell you what's going to happen:" all attention turned to Nightmare, who'd sat atop an old chair she'd painted to look like a throne. "You four will attend this Equestrian school, you will remain inconspicuous, and you will get me what I WANT!" The mare ended with a shriek, slamming her front hooves down, further chipping the stone floor.

"Which is?" Nyx asked, bored. The older mare dipped her muzzle into a bowl, grabbing a dart between her teeth. Taking a moment to aim, she flung the dart towards a picture tacked on the wall. The photo, slightly yellowed with age, depicted the Mane Six. They were dressed regally, a sparkling aura surrounding them. They each wore there respective Element. This picture was a newspaper clipping from their coronation as Guardians.

Numerous darts littered the picture. The dart most recently thrown hit its mark in the center of star-shaped gem of Princess Twilight's crown. Nightmare Moon smirked wickedly at the torn picture. "I want that crown."

Nyx flicked her ear, suddenly interested. She gestured to the three teens around her. "What's in it for us?"

"Tell me child, don't you find enjoyment in watching the innocent suffer at your hooves?" Nightmare glanced coldly at the filly.

She nodded slowly. "Who doesn't?" she retorted.

"Then get me that crown!" the dark mare spat. "With it, I'll be able to rule the world, and all will bow to me!" She cackled.

"Us!" Chrysalis hissed.

"Yes, yes, they'll bow to us." Nightmare corrected, turning back to her daughter. "And if you refuse, you're grounded for at least a thousand years."

The filly glared at her mother, her eyes beginning to glow slightly. In an instant, her mothers eyes became blindingly bright. The stare down lasted only a few moments, ending with Nyx tearing her gaze away, rubbing her eyes in defeat. "Fine, whatever, but why not all the Elements? Why do you just want Twilight's?"

"Are you really that stupid?" Nightmare deadpanned. "Kindness, Loyalty, Honesty, Generosity, and Laughter can only be wielded by good. Magic, however, can be possessed by both sides. And, once I have that Element, my powers will be so enhanced, I'll be able to convert the others to the Darkness."

"Lady Bug!" Chrysalis called to her daughter. The Changeling filly buzzed over to her mother. "You just need make some stallion, a prince fall in love with you, one with magic! Now, your disguise." Lady nodded, donning her disguise with a burst of green flame, and her mother went to work on make-up. "Not the best, but I suppose it will have to do. Just promise me you won't end up with the children of Cadenza or ANY of those so-called 'Elements'. They're not true royalty"

"Of course, mother."

"Meanwhile, maybe I can do something about your sisters." Both Changelings glanced out a window down to the cobblestone streets. Outside a ten-year-old Changeling filly buzzed about carrying a three-year-old filly who was severely deformed, even by Changeling standards. Chrysalis glared at her younger daughters, while Lady Bug watched her sisters play with a fond smile.

"Now," she continued, pulling out a stopwatch "Let's see how fast you can transform." Lady began flashing in and out of her disguise as her mother kept a steady gaze on the timer. After a few moments, she stopped, now in her equine form, panting, wincing with each breath.

"Not bad. Not bad at all." her mother chuckled. "Remember my dear, beauty is safety." the filly winced once more. "And, it's also very painful."

Sunset beckoned to her son, who promptly, and rather fearfully, trotted over to her. She smiled at him, smoothing his mane. "Well, they're certainly not taking my little Flare! I'd miss him too much." Her hoof came around to cup his face.

"R-really?" the colt asked, shocked, his own hoof coming up to rest against his mother's.

"Of course!" she chirped, tearing her hoof away. She snatched the crown from her head, setting it on her son's still-raised hoof. "Who else would polish my crowns!?" Flare sighed, grabbing a cloth and shining the cool metal.

"Shade's not going." Sombra's gravelly voice spoke up. "I need him to keep my shelves stocked; both the ones in the store and at home." Sombra owned a used jewelry store, and counted on his son's raids to keep the supplies coming. He turned to his son. "What did you get?"

Shade began unloading his pockets, first pulling out the kettle. "For the house." he said, passing it over and proceeding to pull out various pieces of jewelry he'd snagged. Necklaces, bracelets, broaches, rings, and pins formed a pile in front of the former king. "And this," Shade pulled out a silver and red charm hanging from a black strap, "I stole from Trixie."

Sombra's eyes widened greedily, recognizing the familiar shape of the charm. "The Alicorn Amulet!" he growled, snatching the necklace from his son and fastening it around his own neck. He grinned, waiting to feel the magic seep into him.

"Dad." the colt laid a hoof on the stallion's shoulder. "I took it from around her neck. It's not the real deal." Sombra growled, ripping off the gem and pitching it against the wall.

Nightmare Moon clenched her teeth, growling. "What is wrong with you lot!?" She began pacing. "For twenty years, we've searched for a way off this miserable island, and now it's right there in front of us, and none of you will take it? This could be our chance for revenge." She turned to the Changelings. "Revenge on Cadence and her prince." The dark mare earned an angry hiss from Chrysalis. "On that 'Great and Honorable Spike the Dragon'!" Sombra's eyes glowed with malice. Nightmare directed her next sentence to Sunset Shimmer. "On Twilight Sparkle for taking away your place!"

"I WILL have my power!" the golden mare screeched.

Nightmare smirked at the riled up group.She sauntered her way over to the Changeling, snatching away her mirror. "And I, oh, I will finally get my revenge on that wretched white witch!"

"Mommy, who is Princess Luna?" Nightmare Moon turned to her young daughter, surprised.

"Where did you hear about her?!" she demanded.

"Shade told me that you killed her." the five-year-old said nonchalantly, "What did she do, huh?" the look of utter admiration the filly directed at her mother drove the story from the older mare's lips.

"Well, when I was a filly, I lived in Equestria. I met Luna when I was just about your age. Her parents were the king and queen of Equestria, and-"

"Isn't Equestria ruled by a bunch of kings and queens and princes and princesses?"

"Don't interrupt! It is now, but it wasn't back then. Anyway, she was the heir to the Lunar throne: The Princess of the Night. She shared my love of the nocturnal sky, and...she was my best friend."

"Don't you mean ally?"

"I mean what I say."

"But villains don't have friends!"

"What did I say about interrupting? Now, as I was saying, Luna and I grew very close. As she got older, she became distant, always mumbling about how she lived in the shadow of her older sister, Celestia. One day, she came to me with an unusual request: she asked me to kill her."

"Why?"

"Because, as a born Alicorn, she wouldn't be able to die naturally, and we can't take our own lives. She came to me, telling me the burden of raising the moon and forming the constellations had grown too great, for nopony ever saw her work. She trapped in the darkness of her sister's shadow. She could no longer take it, and wished to leave the mortal world behind. As her best friend, and the only one who ever appreciated her magnificent tapestry of ethereal beauty, I complied to her wishes, but I was furious. The night was too beautiful to go unnoticed.

"I, as a born Alicorn, possessed the same powers my friend had. When dawn arrived, I held the moon in place. I would show those foolish peasants what they'd been missing! And her sister, that wretched white witch, I would show her what happens when you mess with the Lunar beings! However, I was...thwarted...and banished. You know the rest, I'm sure."

Nyx blinked away the flashback, focusing on her mother.

Nightmare smiled at her reflection with a contented sigh. "Our day has finally, finally come." She turned to Chrysalis, returning the mirror. "Give her the mirror." she nodded to the filly.

"This," Chrysalis began, passing the mirror to her daughter, "is made from what's left of the cocoon I'd trapped Celestia in. I'm not quite sure how, but it somehow it was able to contain traces of her magic; her all-knowing power. When you pass the border, it should activate, and be able to show you anything." The filly grinned, snatching the green mass from her mother.

"Now, on the subject of gifts," Nightmare moved to a small chest, opening it, "I've a little something for you, Nyx."

"Really?" Nyx asked, surprised, as she wandered after her mother.

The older Alicorn lifted a purple and pink book with golden accents from the box and passed it to Nyx. "My mother gave this to me when I was your age. Of course, it didn't look like this. It remained in Equestria during my time on the Moon, and from what I understand, that Rarity had it for a while, and as you can see, she did quite a number on it. It has no power here, but, it'll work in Equestria." She rubbed the smooth surface of the cover. "So many memories. And now you'll be making your own. IF you do exactly as I say."

Nyx took the book, using every ounce of willpower she possessed to keep from squealing. "Yeah, cool. Thanks, or whatever." she said indifferently.

"Now, you four need to pack your things. A carriage will arrive for you at any moment!" The teens rushed around, stuffing items their parents had brought out for them. Nyx set her mulberry-black bag down before making her way to the balcony, watching as a elegant carriage approached the courtyard. If the pristine state of the transportation hadn't already given it away, the two ebony-coated stallions dressed in golden armor certainly showed the cart was Equestrian.

Flare slipped away from his mother, the black garbage sack that served as his suitcase clenched between his teeth. "FLARE!" the mare screeched, chasing the colt outside.

Ladybug stood still as Chrysalis set her pink jeweled saddlebags across her back. "And what do we say about colts?" her mother questioned.

"Love is weakness to those who don't exploit it."

"That's my girl!"

Sombra watched his son don a leather backpack. "Recite our mantra?" he asked, wanting to make sure the colt didn't forget.

"To gain all you desire, move swift as a shadow, alone and untouchable." The colt stated proudly. His father nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Get out of here. You'll make me tear up."

Nyx stood at the balcony, watching as everypony crowded around the carriage. She turned, flinching slightly at the sight of her mother standing next ot her. The older mare rested a wing around her daughter's shoulders "Look around you, Nyx. At all those ponies. They want freedom, and they need somepony to bring it to them. They need a leader. They need a queen. Our entire world, our future rests on your withers." She turned to face her daughter, her steely gaze cold and frightening. "Don't screw this up." The filly responded with a nod.

"One more thing," Nightmare passed a pair of purple-framed glasses to her daughter, "Take these. Enchant them, when you cross the border."

"For what purpose?"

"To hide your eyes, you imbecile. You want to remain inconspicuous, and those" the mare waved a hoof in front of her daughter's dragon eyes, a mirror to her own, "will not help you in the slightest." Rolling her eyes, Nyx snatched the frames and dropped them into her pocket. She lifted the bag and made her way outside.

"Do you really have to go?" the ten-year-old whined, clinging to her sister's leg.

"Oh, Larva." Lady Bug knelt down to scoop the filly into a hug, "I gotta go find a prince to get us off the Island."

"But why can't I come!" she pouted.

"Who would take care of Pupa?" the teen pulled the younger grub into the embrace. Pupa gurgled, drooling a bit as she buried her face in her eldest sister's mane. After a few moments of secretly transferring the love she'd harvested to her extremely underweight sisters who were too young to hunt for themselves, Lady pulled away and slipped into the carriage.

"FLARE!" Sunset screamed once again as she chased her son outside, stopping only when he'd leaped into the carriage. She shouted a stream of curses at the glimmering coach.

Shade walked around the side of the carriage, pocketing a few ornaments before sliding in.

Finally, Nyx emerged from the castle. She climbed in next to Lady Bug. The cart surged forward, headed towards the edge of the Isle.

"Bring home some crystals!"

"Bring home a bat!"

"Bring home a prince!"

They soon pulled too far to hear their parent's shouts. In only a few moments, the teens took notice of the assortment of candies, the boys diving in. Nyx stared out the window, watching the only world she's ever known pass by. She flinched, feeling stiff bristles slide across her cheek.

"We are about thoo meeth royalthy! We all muth look our beth!" Lady spoke around the brush she held between her teeth.

Nyx shoved the Changeling away. "Get off me!" she growled.

"Fine!" Lady dropped the brush, replacing it with a lolly pop, "But I could do wonders with your color." She turned away, pressing her face against a window, half-listening to the colts argue over which candy was the best. A shimmering caught her eye. "Look!" Lady bug cried in horror.

The carriage was nearing the barrier at pace that would surely kill them on impact. Screaming, the teens clung together, waiting for the fatal crash. After a few moments, they realized they'd passed through the barrier. Nyx looked outside, noticing a shimmering bridge formed underneath them as the hole in the barrier closed, courtesy of the shimmering horn of one of the ponies pulling the carriage. Biting her lip, nervously, Nyx tried to flare her horn. It sparked for a few moment before erupting with light. With her blue aura, she lifted the spell book from her bag, and the glasses from her pocket. Opening the book, the Alicorn found the spell her mother mentioned. With a deep breath, she enchanted the glasses before closing her eyes and slipping them on the bridge of her nose.

When her eyes opened, her sclerae had whitened, making her irises stand out more, and her pupils had widened. All in all, her eyes were normal. That, however, wasn't what shocked the teens; the magic had them in awe. The soldiers pulled the carriage off the bridge, bringing them fully into Equestrian territory. Nyx surveyed the faces of her companions, their expressions as surprised as she felt, before once again staring out the window. "Everything's different, now."

***

"Places, everypony, places!" Will shouted to the student body. Everypony had showed up to the welcome ceremony for the villain foals. He hoped they were there to, in fact, welcome the foreign foals, but a voice in the back of his head screamed that they wanted to see if he would actually go through with his proclamation. Students lined the road with signs welcoming the kids to Canterlot High, the band stood to the side of the courtyard ready to play the Equestria's national anthem, while Will stood in front of the fountain. He wore a dark blue coat over a white shirt.

Next to him was a pretty yellow mare, with long wavy hair, blue at the top before gradating to yellow, ending in red. Her eyes were a dark purple with long eyelashes. A spiraled horn rose from her forehead, while her wings were neatly folded against the soft fabric of her petal-pink dress. Pink blush added a light tinge to her cheeks, while blue eyeshadow arched over her eyes. A pale pink gloss lined her forced smile.

After a few moments, the carriage rolled up. The band began playing as the decorated coach came to a stop. Upon the end of motion, the door promptly opened, two colts tumbling from the interior. The music died away as the boys grunted in their fight. The yellow colt was over powered almost instantly, his back slamming onto the concrete ground with a purple cloth gripped between his forelegs. A silver colt, visibly a few years older, stood over him, a foreleg on the younger colt's chest. His horn glowed with a blood red aura, holding onto the other end of the cloth, trying to pry it from the red-head's grasp.

"You got everything else! Why do you even want whatever this is!?"

"'Cause you want it!" the older boy responded.

Two fillies then emerged, one sky blue with a dark mane, the other black as night with rich plum-colored hair. They hopped over the colts before taking in their surroundings. "Shade! Flare!" the dark filly snapped, the colts looking up at their respective names.

"We've an audience!" the blue girl growled, gesturing to the appalled crowd.

"We were just, uh, cleanin' up!" the older by, Shade, helped the smaller colt to his hooves.

"I appreciate the offer, but I'd prefer you to return it, and we'll take care of it later." all attention turned to a middle-aged lavender mare making her way to the group. She stopped next to the group, waiting patiently as Shade deposited the cloth onto one of the seats. "Everything." she emphasized, prompting the colt to empty his pockets.

At this moment, the yellow filly caught the eye of the young thief. He sauntered up to her, taking her front hoof in his own. "Hel-lo, there. Name's Shade." The girl let out an uncomfortable laugh as she pulled her hoof away and took a step back. The purple mare cleared her throat, again gaining the attention.

"Welcome to Canterlot High. I'm Twilight Sparkle, the headmistress, or as a few have so affectionately called me, The Warden." she eyed a few students in the crowd.

Nyx's ears twitched, her interest perked. "The Twilight Sparkle? As in 'Element of Magic' Twilight Sparkle?"

"Yes, but that was a long time ago. There's rarely need for the elements now."

Will spoke up, stepping forward slightly. "It is so good to finally meet you all! I'm Will-"

"Prince Good Will, future king of the Center Region." the yellow filly boasted snootily.

"Prince?" Lady sashayed up. "My mother is a queen, which makes me a princess." she bowed lightly.

"Chrysalis," the girl sneered passive-aggressively, refusing to use the mare's title, "has no royal status here, and neither do you."

"This is Sunrise." Will attempted to change the subject.

"Princess Sunrise. His marefriend! Right, Willy?" she cooed, wrapping a hoof around his.

"Will and Sunrise will show you all around, and you'll start classes tomorrow." Twilight turned to leave. "One more thing: the library hours are from seven to six, and curfew is at nine, so you better be in your dorms before then, capiche?" The four teens nodded, and the older mare made her way across campus.

"Today is a day of healing," Will started his speech, "a day marked in history where two divided worlds shall come together as o-"

"Or the day you show four ponies where the bathrooms are?" Nyx raised an eyebrow.

Will smiled at the girl's bluntness. "What, too much?" he teased.

The dark filly never missed a beat. "Oh yeah, way too over the top."

"Well, so much for a good first impression, huh?" The two held a stare for about three seconds before bursting into giggles.

Sunrise sneered as she stepped forward. "You're Nightmare's daughter, aren't you?" she didn't wait for an answer, "Ya know, I totally don't blame you for your mom killing my aunt. Oh, yeah, my mom is-"

"Celestia." Nyx hissed. "Yeah, I've heard the name." Nyx forced a smile, "And I totally don't blame you for your mother banishing my mother to the moon for a thousand years."

Sunrise let out a dry chuckle. "Water under the bridge."

The silence that followed the passive-aggressive exchange was nearly deafening, as the group stood awkwardly while Nyx and Sunrise glared daggers at each other through fake smiles.

"And, who is your mother?" Lady Bug flashed a flirty smile at Will.

Thankful for the change of subject, Will smiled warmly, oblivious to the swooning attempt. "Fluttershy."

The disguised Changeling's smile quickly turned to a scowl. "Oh." she said, turning back to her companions.

Will curiously regarded the filly, before shaking his head, clearing his thoughts. "Right, so, if you'll follow me," Will made his way further int the courtyard gardens, "We'll show you around a bit."

The villain foals followed the two royals to a fountain, stopping to stare at the statue. It depicted a Unicorn stallion, a warm smile on his face as he appeared to invite students into the welcoming building. Will smiled, lighting his horn. The statue's appearance morphed into that of a long, monstrous creature; a hodgepodge of different parts. It balanced on a horse and dragon leg, with a paw and talon trying to block an unseen blow, while it's head was slightly turned away. Flare squeaked at the change, ducking away.

"Relax, my father wanted this statue to morph from a Draconequues to a pony to show that everypony has the ability to lead a better life." Will sparked his horn again, changing the statue once again.

Shade raised a hoof. "Question."

"Answer." Will flicked his gaze toward the silver colt.

"This school belongs to Twilight, right? Why is there a statue of your dad?"

"While Twilight owns the school, the rest of my aunts and uncles, along with my parents, have made contributions. My parents donated the gardens and statue, Aunt Rarity design and makes the club uniforms, Uncle Braeburn delivers them to us and takes orders, Aunt Pinkie and Uncle Cheese designed the kitchen and help plan school dances, Aunt Applejack designed the dorms and helps out in the kitchen whenever she's here, Aunt Rainbow and Uncle Soarin donated the gym and sponsor the sports teams, and Uncle Flash is the head of security."

The group went inside, past a row of stain-glass windows depicting important moments in Equestria's history, from the Windigos' defeat to the day the Mane Six got their Elements back from the Tree of Harmony. "So, you guys have a lot of magic here." Nyx observed.

Will smiled at the filly, blushing slightly as she gazed at him. "Yes," he said after composing himself, "magic has been used to protect the kingdom since it's founding."

"This one's my favorite." Sunrise indicated the image of her mother defeating Nightmare Moon. She flipped her hair conceitedly. "This was the start of my mother's solo reign. My royal blood goes back for centuries!" she boasted.

'Not much of a legacy; your family is a single immortal being.' Nyx thought.

The group turned as a silvery-blue colt walked up. He wore a brown hat over blonde hair that fell into his green eyes, and a brown leather saddlebag laid across his middle. He hurried over to the group. "Hey, Will, Ah got them schedules ya wa-" the colt caught sight of the disguised Changeling, a faint blush rising to his cheeks as he stuttered. "I-I-I got them, uh, them schedules..."

"Ah, Doubloon!" Will, happy for the distraction, wrapped a foreleg around the colt. "This is my cousin Scifresh Doubloon. He'll be helping you all with your schedules, and he'll show you to your dorms. Now, I need to go, but if you need anything, anything at all, feel free to-"

"Ask Doub!" Sunrise butted in venomously, dragging her coltfriend away.

The four villain teens turned their attention to the colt, who's eyes were still nervously glued to the sky-blue filly. "Yeah, so I'm Scifresh Doubloon, Applejack and Silver Shill's oldest, uh, most ponies call me either just Scifresh or just Doubloon, or Sci, or Doub..." the colt rambled for a moment before finally composing himself. He reached a hoof in his bag and produced the schedules, giving himself something to focus on. "So, Ah've put the basics in here already, but you can change them later if ya want. But, the required classes are Equestrian History, Algebra II, Chemistry, and Intro Into Goodness." his deep voice squeaked as Lady leaned her head over his shoulder to read the papers. Her horn lit up as she passed each paper to her friends.

Scifresh cleared his throat, composing himself. "C'mon, I'll show y'all yer dorms."

***

Nyx and Lady entered their dorm. The room was light and airy, sunlight streaming through the windows. The canopy beds were white, one with pink sheets, one with purple. The room gave off the feel of a regal Canterlot dorm, while still being warm homey.

"This place is so a-" Lady started, before being interrupted by Nyx, the word 'amazing' dying on her lips.

"Gross." Nyx dropped her bag, flopping on the bed with purple sheets.

"-abominable. Absolutely repulsive." the Changeling set her stuff down, trying not to squeal over the room.

"It's way too bright in here." Nyx's horn lit up, pulling the curtains over the windows, darkening the room. "Much better." she sighed, leaning against a pillow. "We'll head to the boy's dorm tonight and come up with a plan. Then, it's bye-bye Equestria, hello Operation Revenge."

Author's Note

Sorry it's taken so long but here is chapter two! First of all I want to give a shout out to Feather Paw who is now editing this story, and second of all I want to give a big thank you to my friend for designing Sunrise and Sci!

Also, I DO NOT OWN LARVA OR PUPA! Larva belongs to Hasbro, and Pupa I'm pretty sure belongs to Magic Man.

Chapter Three: Thieves in the Night

Darkness fell across campus. Two figures moved silently through the school halls, shadows dancing as they moved. They moved quietly towards a door. With practiced silence, one opened the door, revealing a comfortably decorated room. Two beds stood side by side at the far wall, a table took up the center of the room, and a large television took up the left wall, different game consoles hooked up beneath it. A large case filled with hundreds of video games took up the right side of the room. All in all, it was a teenage colt's paradise.

Flare stood facing the screen, eyes glued to his game. It was some sort of street fighter game, filled with blood and some disturbing death scenes; in other words, the villain foal's type of game. The advanced technology of the game required the player to wear a brightly colored glove over each hoof, which matched the avatar's movements to those of the player. The girls entered the room, Nyx moving to Shade after setting her bag on the table. He stood next to what she assumed to be his bed. He was dumping the contents of a backpack onto the quilt.

"What are you doing?" she asked, peering over his shoulder.

"Stole all this stuff today, just checking what I got." he sifted through various accessories and electronic devices.

Nyx glared at the colt. "We're supposed to be keeping a low profile, remember?!"

"Relax, dude, no one saw! Besides, I think I can afford to have a little fun."

"Fine, whatever, but just leave it here, and we can pick it up when we take over the world." Nyx stated confidently.

Lady Bug chuckled lightly, setting her purse on the table. "You sound like your mom!" she mocked.

A robotic voice sounded from the television. "Finish him!" the voice demanded.

"Die, sucker!" Flare screamed. He whirled around, eyes still on his game, and sent a buck flying at the screen. His character mimicked each movement perfectly, connecting with the computer generated opponent's jaw, knocking his head clean off. He turned, eyes bright, to his roommate, ignoring the rest of the death scene. "Shade, you gotta try this!" he passed the gloves to the older colt before stepping out of the way. Shade was immediately thrown into a battle. Flare and Lady stood to the side, cheering him on as he beat back his opponent.

Nyx glared at the other teens. "Must I remind you three why we're here?!"

Shade rolled his eyes. "Twilight Sparkle, blah, blah, blah," he threw a punch, "magic crown, blah, blah, blah!" The three teens laughed at that.

Angry, Nyx slammed her forehooves against the ground before giving her wings a mighty flap, hovering in the air with her forelegs crossed. "This is our one chance to prove ourselves to our parents! To prove that we are deceiving!" Lady looked away, "That we are fearless!" Flare chewed on his bottom lip, "That we can steal anything!" Shade paused the game, "That we are evil! Right?!"

"Right." her friends chorused.

"Okay. Lady, mirror!" Nyx ordered. The blue filly sat at the table, pulling the green mirror from her purse. She sparked her horn, lighting up the green mass. A shimmering image of the crown formed across the smooth surface. "Zoom out."

Lady flared her magic once again, zooming out little by little, until a sign came into view. "A museum!" she breathed, "It's in a museum!"

Flare grabbed one of the laptops Shade had stolen, quickly finding the museum's address. "Great!" he started, writing the location down on a slip of paper, "Lady can disguise her self as Twilight, get the crown, and we're home free!"

"Yeah, except for the fact that I don't know how to disguise myself!"

"You're kidding, right?" Shade gestured to her obviously disguised form.

"All Changelings are taught at a certain age how to transform, but you need magic to do that, and since there's no magic on the Isle Of The Forgotten, I never learned." Lady explained, "However, Changelings are also born with a disguise they can transform into without the use of magic, like a pony form of sorts. It's a defensive mechanism, mainly used by foals whose magic ability has yet to form enough for them to be trained, or a hunting Changeling in the case of an emergency."

"Oh." the older colt stated sheepishly.

"Lets go!" Nyx interrupted, snatching up her bag, "We can figure it out when we get there!" She peeked out to the hallway. Seeing no one, she beckoned for her friends to follow her.

***

The teens moved quietly around the building. "Check the mirror." Nyx whispered urgently.

Lady Bug whipped out the mirror, peering at herself in the reflective surface. "Is my mascara smudged?!" she panicked.

Nyx rolled her eyes, responding with a sarcastic tone. "Yeah. Hey while you're at it, why don't you see where the crown is?"

"Oh." the blue filly flared her magic, pulling up the image of the sparkling tiara, "This way!" she said softly, leading the small group to the front entrance.

They peeked through a window in the door. Tapestries advertising different exhibits hung from the walls. A large map stood at the back wall. In the center of the room, on a raised platform, stood Nightmare Moon's armor, battered and dented.

"That's your mother's armor? Kinda dinky." the large silvery colt snickered.

"I'm sure it was much scarier with a bit of polish and when she was wearing it." Nyx defended hotly.

Flare pressed the screen of a phone he'd taken from Shade's stash. "Okay, according to the guards' website, there's only one guard on duty here. And this article says 'Due to a dispute over the hours worked by the Royal Guards, which many agreed to be too many, a petition was started to install electronic security systems in certain locations. The systems utilize cameras set up in specific locations and simply requires a single pony to monitor the footage. The change was approved by the Captain and has been put into place in the Canterlot Museum of Magical History as a test.

"'In an interview, Captain Armor stated, 'Machines will never replace hard working ponies, but I do agree that my soldiers need more time with their families, and utilizing this technology will give them that opportunity. The Museum is a good start because it houses several powerful relics, including the newest exhibit: The Elements of Harmony.''"

"And you read all this to us because?" Shade muttered sarcastically, earning an eye roll from the younger colt.

"Because cameras are a lot harder to hide from than actual ponies. But, one guard should be easy enough to take out." he pointed towards a door to the left of the front room. A faint glow of monitors shone from within. "I'll bet he's in there."

Nyx used her magic to pull her mother's spell book from her bag. She suspended it in front of her, flipping through pages until she came across the spell she needed. After reading over it a few times, she closed the book and returned it to her bag. Flaring her horn once again, she reached her magic under the door, slipping it slowly towards the armor, covering the pieces. They glowed for a few moments before the magic was cut off. The dark helm rolled to the side, falling from the platform with a metallic clank. Ducking down, the teens listened for the guard.

An armored pony poked his head from within the office. He looked around, confuse, as he approached the helmet. Cautiously, he slipped under the red velvet rope separating the display from the rest of the room. He poked at it with his hoof before lowering his head to examine the piece. Within seconds, he slumped over, fast asleep.

Nyx peered inside, motioning for the others to follow her example. "Not so 'dinky' now, is it?" she mocked. She pushed against the door, groaning when she found it locked.

Seeing a chance to redeem himself, the large colt backed up before rushing at the door. Nyx, not seeing the colt, used her magic to unlock and open the door, causing Shade to fall through the opening. She laughed, stepping over him as she entered. Lady, too, giggled as she passed the colt. Flare rolled his eyes, helping his friend to his hooves.

The youngest member of the group made his way to the office, earning a questioning glance from Nyx. "I'm gonna turn off the cameras. Don't worry, I can make it look like a virus." he whispered.

While Flare was doing that, Lady glanced over the directory. 'I bet the Elements are in the Hall of Heroes...' she thought. "This way!" she whispered, leading Nyx and Shade after her. Flare quickly followed suit.

The rushed down corridors, getting close, before stopping abruptly at a room called "The Hall of Villainy". The room featured nearly every foe Equestria had faced. Each child's gaze, however, was drawn to the wax figures of their own parents.

Chrysalis stood to the side. Her fangs were bared as if she was mid-hiss. She was surrounded by a wax army, each Changeling Made to look like they were slipping in and out of disguises. "Mommy?" Lady Bug whispered shakily, staring into her 'mother's' cold eyes.

Sombra posed with a hoof curled under himself on what appeared to resemble a crystalline balcony. A malicious sneer spread across his face, his hair seeming to wave in an invisible breeze. He wore a luscious red fur cape, not like the ratty, moth-eaten cloth he paraded around in now, and polished sliver armor. "Killer..." the stallion's son breathed.

Sunset Shimmer figure was a mirror, depicting her demon form, with her bat-like minions peeking from the sides behind her. She wore a demented grin, one arm out of the surface of the mirror, forming a pony leg. "I'll never forget Mother's Day again." the golden colt vowed.

Shade cleared his throat, backing up. "Okay, so, crown's not here. Let's go!" with that, he turned and bolted away, followed closely followed by Lady and Flare. Nyx, however, moved closer to the displays, mesmerized.

Nightmare Moon's tribute was front and center. The wax armor was coated in a metallic paint, giving it a glossy sheen. Her spiraled horn towered from her forehead, her wings raised it a dominant manner. A shining blue fabric rose from her head and rear end, wires around the edges giving it a billowing effect. Our entire world, our future rests on your withers. Don't screw this up. Her mother's voice echoed through her head as Nyx walked closer, singing softly to herself.

"Look at you, look at me

Not sure who I wanna be, Mother.

Is it wrong, is it right

To wish for eternal night, Mother?

Tell me what to do!"

With a sigh, Nyx's gaze turned to the floor. Though Nightmare had never been the maternal type, the filly still found herself seeking parental guidance from the mare. She felt a hoof curl under her chin, lifting her head. She gasped, stepping back a step when she found her eyes locked with her mother's. The wax figure was gone, replaced with a living, breathing mare. Nightmare chuckled, joining the song.

"I was like you, my foal,

slightly insecure.

Fought against the Darkness too,

thought being good was mature.

"Then, I put heart aside,

began using my head!

Now, I think it's time you learn

where evil gets you instead!"

The wicked mare tapped her daughter at the base of her horn, earning a flinch as she stepped past.

"Don't you want to be evil like me?

Don't you want to be mean?

And make mischief

part of your daily routine?"

She whirled around, her magic making her look physically older as she walked around, hunched over.

"Sure, you could spend your life

attending to the poor,"

The dark mare let out a mocking laugh as she straightened her back, giving her wings a menacing flap. Nyx cocked her head to the side, curios.

"but when you're evil,

doing less gets you so much more!

"Don't you want to be ruthless?

And rotten, and mad?"

She walked away, wing folded at her sides, a dramatic hoof pressed just beneath her horn. She paused a few feet away, turning her head ever so slightly to look at her daughter.

"And be so very, very good

at being bad?"

She disappeared, only to return behind her daughter, startling her and making her jump and turn to face her fearfully with her next verse. With each word, Nightmare took a step towards her daughter, forcing Nyx to take and equally large step back.

"I have worked my whole life long

to be the worst I can.

I pushed my way to victory,

and built my master plan.

"Now the time has come, my girl,

for you to take your place!"

Nightmare flared her magic, a set of armor identical to her own taking place of Nyx's leather clothes.

"Promise me that you will be

an absolute disgrace!

"Don't you want to be evil like me?

Don't you want to be cruel?

Don't you want to be nasty,

and brutal, and cool?

"When you grab that crown,

that's when our reign shall begin.

Who wants an evil queen

without her sack of sin?!"

The older Alicorn once again moved towards her daughter.

"Don't you want to be heartless

and hardened as stone?

Don't you want to be

hoof licking evil to the bone?"

With that, Nightmare Moon's almost happy demeanor changed to one much darker, much more somber. Her eyes glowed white as she flapped her massive wings, flying a few feet above the younger Alicorn.

"This 'tis not for us to ponder;

this was preordained.

You and I shall rule together;

freedom will be soon regained

"Mistress of the universe,

we're powerful and strong!"

She lighted down, eyes returning to normal.

"Daughter, hear me,

help me, join me!

Won't you sing along?!"

Nyx stalked towards her mother, joining the older mare in the song.

"Yes, we're gonna be evil, it's true!

Never gonna think twice!"

Nyx reached her mother, giving her a malevolent grin.

"We're gonna be spiteful!"

Nightmare returned the grin, her eyes glowing slightly. Nyx reflexively dropped her smile.

"Yes, spiteful!

Hmm, that's nice.

"In just an our or two,

our future shall be safe and sure.

This mother daughter act,

it's going on a tour!"

Nyx backed away as her mother began rising once again.

"If you want to be evil, and awful, and free,

then you should thank your lucky star

that you were born the mare you are!

The daughter of the Lunar Queen!

"That you were born like me!"

Nightmare held out the last note, ending with an evil laugh. Her mane billowed out behind her, lightning striking around her as she cackled.

"Nyx!"

Nyx blinked, shaking her head. She found herself staring at the wax figure of her mother, her own armor gone as she was once again wearing her own clothes. Shocked, she turned to see Lady bug beckoning to her.

"We found the crown, come on!" the Changeling disappeared down the hall.

Nyx looked once again at the wax figure.Had she really just imagined that whole thing? She shook her head again, clearing her thoughts before following the blue filly.

She found the other teens around the display that held the Elements. A soft blue light shone down on the jewelry. Something was bothering Nyx about the set up. She realized what it was just as Shade had his hoof out to grab the tiara.There was no glass protecting the Elements.

"Shade, don't you dare!" she warned. Thinking she wanted to be the one to get the crown, Shade rolled his eyes and, ignoring the bout of protests he elicited from the young Alicorn, reached his hoof out to the Element of Magic. The second his hoof touched the light, he was blown back by an invisible force. An alarm blared.

"Force field and an alarm?!" the silver Unicorn groaned as he pulled himself to his hooves, "That's just a little excessive, don't ya think?!"

Frightened, the teens bolted back the way they came, headed for the exit. As they passed Nightmare Moon's armor display, Nyx noticed the guard was gone, probably to check the alarm. 'Thank the Darkness we didn't pass him!' the dark Alicorn thought.

Flare raced into the security office, quickly turning off the alarm. The phone began to ring. Panicking, he answered. A voice he assumed to belong to the Captain spoke.

"What's going on, soldier?"

Flare rummaged around, quickly finding the instruction manual for the alarm set. "False alarm, sir! Malfunction in the LM 714 chip in the circuit board, sir!"

The Captain yawned on his end. "Alright, then, back to work." with that, he hung up.

Flare stepped from the office, seeing his friends exit the building. "You're welcome!" he muttered, following.

The teens ran as fast as the could towards the school, prepared to sneak back to the dorms.

"Great job, Shade!" Nyx chastised, "Now we get to go to school tomorrow!"

Author's Note

Something that bothered me with this scene in the movie was that there was only one guard, and that no one thought to shut off the security cameras.

Thank you to Rezio for the new cover art!

Now, I want to address a certain something.

As most of you probably know, Disney released a prequel book titled The Isle of the Lost, and is currently airing a series of shorts called Descendants: Wicked World. Also, a sequel to the book, and a sequel to the movie have been announced.

What I want to address is if and how this will be touched upon in my story.

And that depends on you guys. Do you want to see these other works ponified? Let me know in the comments!

Something else that I want to say is that I have something very special in the works for this story. I can't reveal what I'm hoping to do yet, but, if it will happen, I'll reveal it in this space of Chapter Five. Get ready, 'cause it's gonna be SO AWESOME! :rainbowkiss:

P.S. If you can guess what it is that I have planned, you will get a shout out in the reveal!

Chapter Four: School Day

The noon sun shone through the windows, illuminating the welcoming classroom. Anti-bullying, cheesy inspirational, and classroom rule posters littered the walls. A smiley-faced sticker adorned every desk. The room was built to accommodate at least thirty students, yet only four desks were occupied. This was Intro Into Goodness.

Twilight Sparkle stood at the head of the class in front of a blackboard, reading off questions. She levitated a pointer, pointing at each word as she read it. "Somepony passes you a crying foal!" she read enthusiastically, "Do you: A. Place a curse on it? B. Give it a bottle? Or C. Carve out its heart?"

Lady Bug's hoof shot in the air. Twilight's smile grew. "Yes! Lady!"

The Changeling lowered her hoof. "What was the first one again?" she asked, smiling.

The older mare's smile faltered but never faded. She sighed inwardly, knowing very well that the answers were written on the board. "Anyone else?" she asked hopefully, glancing around. Shade was attempting to steal Flare's pencils, while the latter was doing his best to keep them away from the older colt. On the opposite side of the room, Lady Bug twirled her mane airily around her hoof, and Nyx was busy doodling, hiding the picture behind her books. "Nyx?"

The black Alicorn glanced away from the rather detailed pencil drawing of the Element of Magic. "B. Give it a bottle." she stated.

Twilight let out a relieved breath. "Correct. Again." the mare chuckled lightly, circling the correct answer in chalk.

Flare turned to the filly. "You're on fire today."

Nyx rolled her eyes. "It's so easy! Just pick the one that doesn't sound like any fun." she earned a chorus of 'oh's from the other villains.

Suddenly, the door opened to reveal a young Unicorn. She was a golden orange in coat, with a cobalt mane that featured turquoise and magenta stripes down the middle, worn in a pixie-cut style, and purple eyes. She wore a simple hock-length green dress. She stepped in shakily, weakly gripping a few papers in a blue aura. The filly made her way towards Twilight, speeding up with a slight squeak as she passed the villain foals.

'Huh,' Nyx thought, 'kid's almost as bad as Mom said Fluttershy used to be.'

Twilight turned away from the blackboard, she smile brightening at the site of the filly. She lowered the chalk, finishing up writing the next question. "Hey, sweetie!" she said brightly. "Oh, you've been practicing your magic! You're doing so much better!" the mare encouraged as she stabilized the wobbling papers in her own magic.

"T-thank you." the filly stuttered, glancing fearfully over her shoulder as she released her magic. "Y-you need t-t-to sign for an early diss-smissal for Will's ceremony."

"Now, class, is the perfect time for me to introduce to you one of the best parts of being good." Twilight levitated a pen towards herself, signing the papers and passing them back to the filly. "Friendship!" she grinned, gently pushing the filly towards the group. "Everypony, meet my daughter, Super Nova!"

"Mom!" the filly squeaked, panicked.

"Nova, this is Flare, Shade, Lady Bug, and Nyx!" she gestured to each teen respectively.

The filly licked her lips nervously. "Um, h-hi. Uh, d-d-don't mi-ind me-e." she gulped. "As you w-were!" With that, she exited in the same fashion that she entered.

Twilight then let her smile fall. "Forgive her. I'm afraid I might have told her one-too-many stories about your parents..." she trailed off into a nervous laugh before clearing her throat. "Right then, let's continue! You hear of a royal wedding! Do you A. Crash the ceremony? B. Kidnap and/or impersonate the bride or groom?"

Nyx snickered and nudged Lady in the side. The Changeling grinned, knowing that her mother had done just that

"Or C. Calmly wait for an invitation." Flare and Shade waved their hooves frantically, wanting to be called on. Using their free hooves, they tried to push each others raise hooves down. Twilight smiled at colts' enthusiasm. She called on the older colt, having seen his hoof shoot up first.

"C!" He said smoothly, smirking as the smaller colt slumped down in his seat, "You calmly wait for an invitation."

"I was gonna say that!" Flare pouted.

"Yeah, but I said it first!" Shade wrapped a foreleg around the younger colt's neck, using his free hoof to noogie the top of his head. Nyx stared forward, her head cocked slightly with a 'see what I have to deal with?' expression. Twilight cleared her throat as the teasing escalated to a full on wrestling match atop the desks.

"BOYS!" she shouted, finally causing them to freeze. The colts sheepishly slipped back into their seats, the mare glaring at them all the while.

"Sorry Ma'am..." they muttered unanimously.

She sighed, shaking her head. "I'm going to encourage you two to burn off that energy on the hoofball field."

"Uh, n-no thank you." Flare said shakily.

Shade added, "Whatever that is, I think we'll pass."

"I know you two have Physical Education next period. I'll expect to hear of you both participating in tryouts."

***

The boys soon found themselves on a neatly trimmed field. Bleachers stood at either side, the bigger featuring a large light-purple-and-white banner that read 'GO CANTERLOT WONDERCOLTS' in a swirly gold font, and two yellow goal posts rested at opposing ends of the field. Shade and Flare made their way across the field, the former flashing flirty smirks at the cheerleaders who were lining up to practice, earning a glare from Sunrise, the head cheerleader. They walked slowly, speeding up when the coach blew a whistle.

"Alright, gather 'round everypony!" The white stallion shouted. He stood before two bins, one filled with thin yellow vests, one filled with blue vests of the same materials. "You all put on a yellow vest," he gestured to one half of the group of colts, "and the rest of you will wear blue. Yellow vests are offense, blue are defense. Get to your positions!"

Will, who wore a yellow vest, made his way to Shade and Flare. "It's really simple, guys. Just get the ball to that end of the field," he pointed to the side opposite of them as they lined up, "and don't get tackled by the guys in the blue vests."

The youngest colt's eyes widened. "T-tackled?" he squeaked. The coach blew the whistle and the play started. Flare was immediately taken down. Shade glanced around, he's thieving instincts kicking in.

'Get the ball and get it to the other side. Get the ball and get it to the other side! Just like getting jewels to Dad's store!' Shade's red-eyed gaze landed on the ball in the hoof of a yellow-vested colt. The mist around his eyes gained a more intense glow as he rushed towards the colts, barreling into his side and grabbing the ball. A white Unicorn colt with a yellow and blue mane galloped up. He wore a blue vest. Shade rotated his hips as the colt lunged, causing him to slide right off. Just a few more feet, and he'd crossed the goal-line. He slammed the ball down, twisting and jumping in a victory dance. The cheerleaders, all except for Sunrise, began cheering and flipping. Everypony stopped at the the shrill blare of the whistle.

"Get over here!" the coach shouted, prompting the colt to hurry over. A small crowd gathered, hoping that the coach would cut the Isle kids from the team. "I'm not gonna lie to you, kid; you've got a raw talent that I don't see in many ponies. Come find me later and I'll show you something you've probably never seen before: a rule book."

Will grinned, clapping the silver colt on the shoulder.

Flare finally made his way up, panting. The coach caught his eye. "You ever thought about joining the band?" he asked concerned, earning a chuckle from the silver teen. The yellow colt groaned, flopping on the grass.

Will helped the boy to his hooves. "I'll work with him! Don't worry!"

The stallion nodded. "Alright, let's run that again!"

Shade spun around to find himself face to face with the colt in the blue vest he'd tackled. The colt glared at him, not just from being tackled. Shade watched his expression, recognizing it quickly. It was the same looks he got from the ponies he'd stolen from on the Isle. He smiled, realizing what happened.He'd stolen the colt's position a 'Best Player'. He brushed passed, bumping the colt's shoulder as he walked. The white colt glared at the back of Shade's head as he walked away. When he thought the silver colt wasn't paying attention, he rubbed his shoulder, hissing in pain.

***

The day was slowly dragging on, with merely a few classes left. Nyx and Lady Bug stood in front of their lockers in the crowded hallway, Nyx switching her history books for her math books, while Lady was re-applying her mascara.

"What do you have next?" Lady asked, careful not to move the top half of her face too much.

"Math." The darker filly replied. "You?"

The Changeling filly glanced at the schedule she had put up on the inside of her locker door using a few small magnets provided by the school. "Chemistry. Ugh, it's on the other side of the school!" she pointed to the directions that had been printed next to the room number as she closed the mascara bottle.

"I better go. See you later, Nyx!"

"Bye."

The dark Alicorn continued to rummage in her locker, oblivious to the three ponies entering the hallway. Will had changed into a smart looking suit and tie, while Sunrise wore a white dress with a light blue cardigan. They were followed by the white colt, who wore a light purple and white letter jacked with golden trim. The smiles fell from the filly and white colt's faces as the caught sight of the dark filly.

"Those foals are trouble." the colt blatantly stated, earning an approving nod from the filly. Will gave them a hard look before glancing at the filly in question, his gaze softening.

"C'mon, Sil, give them a chance." he pleaded, turning back to his friend and marefriend.

Sunrise scowled, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, Will, look, you're just too trusting!" she took her coltfriend's hoof in her one, adopting a sweeter tone. "I know that your mother fell in love with a mean, ugly beast who turned out to be a pony," she continued, oblivious to the tight-jawed look she was getting, "but in my mom's story, Nightmare Moon was just Nightmare Moon, the pony who, who murdered her sister! My aunt! Know who that was?" she pointed an angry hoof at the filly. "Her mother!"

"Exactly! Her mother did that, not her!" Will defended, "I think you're both wrong about them." The yellow filly huffed angrily and stormed away, the white colt leaving shortly after.

Will took a deep breath, making his way to the filly, stopping next to her as she shut her locker door. "Hey!" he said, a little too excited.

"Hey." she said, doing a better job at keeping her cool.

Will quickly regained his composer. "How's your first day been so far?"

"Super!" was the obviously sarcastic answer.

The yellow colt glanced at the filly's locker door, surprised to see the graffiti covering the surface; a silhouette of what he guessed to be Nightmare Moon, surrounded by star-filled blue smoke. 'Hmm, she must have gotten her cutie mark in art.'

"You should really take this talent off the lockers and into the art class." the colt suggested, "I could get you signed up if you want."

It was then that Nyx noticed Twilight's kid enter the hall. The younger filly didn't see her watching as she scurried towards the bathroom. She smiled at Will. "Yeah, if you want to take all the fun out of it." She smirked as she twirled on her heels, trotting away towards the bathroom.

Will stood frozen as a lock of purple mane swished across the tip of his nose. The scent of watermelon instantly clouded his senses, making him slightly dizzy. A small smile crossed his face as he pressed his back against the locker.

Nyx slipped into the bathroom, empty apart from the orange filly alone at the mirror. She stopped checking her mane when she caught sight of the villain foal approaching. She slowly turned around.

"Hey! It's Super Nova, right?" the filly asked, uncharacteristically peppy. "Can I call you Nova? I just love, love, love that name!"

"T-t-that's-s c-cool..." the filly began inching towards the doorway.

"Wait!" Nyx cried, causing the scared filly to freeze. 'Okay, so she doesn't like over-the-top friendly, let's try shyness.' She let her gaze fall to the floor, kicking at the tile with her hoof. "I'm sorry...I guess I was just, you know," she looked up again, "hoping to make a friend. But, you probably have more friends than you need, huh?"

"Hardly." the filly whispered sadly.

"Really? I mean, your mom's a princess; the Princess of Friendship, no less!"

The younger filly sighed, moving to the mirror and staring at her reflection. "Yeah, and I am too, technically, but it doesn't matter. Col- I mean, ponies," Nyx made a quick note of the slip-up, thinking it might be useful later. "ponies only seem to notice Sunrise, because she's an Alicorn and I'm not, because-"

"Because your mom is an Alicorn made, not born." Nyx filled in, "She doesn't carry the Alicorn gene."

Nova turned to the older filly, surprised. "That's right. How did you...?" she trailed off as the darker filly opened her wings, flashing a sympathetic look. "Oh..."

"But, c'mon, I mean, you have your unique style! That's gotta count for something!"

"It's not enough! I want to be pretty; to be an Alicorn, but my mom won't do any spells on me, and my magic is so weak! I could never do it myself!" the despaired filly cried.

Something clicked in Nyx's mind. She pulled out her spell book, flipping through the different spells. "I might actually be able to help with that...there!" she showed the spell to the orange filly briefly before turning the book back around, beginning to form the spell. There was a bright flash, and when it receded, Nova's mane fell around her shoulders, bangs reaching the top of her eyes.

Nova whirled around to face the mirror once again. She stared at her reflection. Was it even her? She looked mature, yet young and fun. She looked, dare she say it, pretty. "Woah..." she breathed, turning back to the dark filly. "I don't suppose you could..." she gestured to Nyx's wings.

"I can't do 'big' stuff yet. But maybe your mom-"

"I already told you; she won't do it! She says she'd need the Element of Magic to enhance her power enough to make permanent wings." her ears lowered as she adopted a sad expression.

"That's it!" Nyx shouted excitedly.

"Wha-"

"Pull a puppy face! And just look as if your heart's about to just shatter!" Seeing the confused look she was getting, Nyx pulled the face she was suggesting. Her lip protruded slightly, quivering, and she widened her eyes slightly, looking as if she was on the verge of crying.

Nova smiled. "That...might actually work."

Nyx returned the smile. "And hey, if your mom does decide to give you wings, could I maybe come watch? I've heard it's pretty cool."

"After this," the filly gestured to her new mane, "it'd be the least I could do. If I can convince mom, you are so there!" she grinned, hugging the older filly before exiting the bathroom and making her way to her next class.

***

Lady Bug stared dreamily at the white colt sitting across from her. He was handsome, with his shining gold-and-navy hair, and his ivory coat, and heart-melting smile. She leaned over to her lab partner. "Is he in line for a throne? Anywhere in line?"

Doub glanced up from his work his eyes landing on the colt. "Silver Stocking? He ain't in line for a throne, but he is technically a prince. Prince Blueblood's his dad, but his mama ain't royal. Her name's Blue Belle I think. He got his dad's looks, but he also got the arr-"

"He's so perfect!" Lady interrupted, mesmerized by the colt.

"Lady Bug," the teacher snapped, "it appears that this lesson is only review for you. Care to share with the class what the electron configuration of gold is?" the stallion gestured to the board.

Lady hid her nervousness behind a suave exterior as she made her way up, sneaking out her mirror. She lifted a piece of chalk in her magic, turning to smile at the class. "What is the electron configuration of gold?" she repeated before turning to the board, writing down what appeared on the surface of the mirror, reading it out as she wrote. "That, sir, would be 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d9." she subtly slipped the mirror back into her pocket as she circled her answer.

"I see...that is correct." the teacher muttered, "I suppose I shouldn't have underestimated-"

"A villain?" Lady filled in with a sweet smile. Her tone became a bit threatening. "Don't do it again." she tossed the chalk to the teacher, sashaying her way to her seat. As she passed him, Silver slipped a note to the Changeling filly. She slipped into her seat, opening the slip of paper under her desk.

'Meet me under the bleachers at the hoofball field after school?' it read in a curly font. The filly smiled, nodding at the colt.

Doubloon glanced at the note. After reading it, he scowled, grumpily resting his chin on his hoof as he continued to take notes on the lesson.

***

Will and Flare made their way towards the hoofball field. School had finally ended for the day, giving them an opportunity to work on the latter's lack of athletic skill. Will gestured to an unoccupied part of the field where he'd set up a line of cones.

"Why don't we start with speed? Just run from this end of the cones to the other, and I'll time you." he pulled a stopwatch from his pocket, readying it with his magic as the other colt got into position. "Ready? Go!"

Will clicked the watch as the younger colt let out a shrill yell and sped passed. Seconds later he clicked the watch, stopping it. He grinned; he'd never seen a pony move that fast on hoof before. He glanced up, excited to tell the colt, but Flare was gone.

"Flare?" Will called, looking around. He was answered by a fearful yell. His head whipped towards the golden colt who was rushing towards the forest that bordered the back end of the school campus. Confused, he gave chase. Entering the wooded area, he walked deeper, called out every now and again.

"Shh!" he heard a whisper coming from a tree. He glanced up to see two dark brown eyes peering at him from the leaves. "Don't. Move."

Concerned, Will complied, standing stock still. After a few moments, he heard a series of familiar shrill squeaks. Relieved, the yellow colt laughed as he let the baby bat land on his shoulder.

"What are you doing?! It'll kill you!" Flare shrieked in terror, "Bats a blood-sucking demons who want nothing more that to kill! It'll rip out your throat so you can't scream, then it'll drain your blood and-" by this point, the colt had curled into a ball on the branch, rocking himself back and fourth.

"Will narrowed his eyes, deeply concerned by the level of trauma being displayed by the younger teen. "Wait, who told you that?"

"M-my mother. S-she and h-h-her minions turned into b-b-bat-d-demons."

"You've never actually seen a bat, have you?" Will was quiet for a moment. He reached a hoof up to the little bat. "Berry, meet Flare. Flare, meet Berry. My mother opened a series of animal shelters as her first act as a Guardian. Whenever I can, I foster some of the animals, like she did when she was younger. Berry here, well, she's my current charge. She's not a fruit bat, but she was raised on fruit, and she seems to like berries the best, hence her name. Don't worry, you can come down; I won't let her hurt you."

After a few tense minutes, Flare slowly began to shimmy down the tree. He stood frozen for a few moments, then carefully reached a hoof out to touch the tiny creature. The bat gurgled as she leaned closer to the colt's hoof. Once she felt the tension in his hoof slack, she flitted over to stand on his shoulder.

"Hey, you...you wouldn't hurt anypony, would you." Flare whispered, losing his fear, "No, you, you're a good girl, aren't ya?"

Will smiled, feeling the familiar swell of pride he always got after pairing an animal with their perfect pony.

***

Lady Bug scurried towards the hoofball field. 'Which bleachers is it?' she asked herself, looking between the large stand and the tiny one.

"Hey, pretty filly!"The Changeling filly turned to the smaller stand, catching sight of the very colt she was to meet. Smiling, she made her way over.

"Hey. Sorry, got a little lost."

"That's totally fine! Big school, bound to happen." Silver flashed a flirty grin. He reached out to brush the filly's mane with his hoof. "Are all the fillies on the Isle as pretty as you?"

"I like to think I'm the prettiest. But enough about me," she cooed, "tell me more about you. You're Blueblood's son, right? He's Princess Celestia's nephew, isn't he?"

Silver chuckled, shaking his head lightly. "No, that's a common misunderstanding. My family tree traces back to Princess Platinum, who Celestia always said felt like a cousin to her. She mentioned that to my father when he was a colt, and he asked if that would make him her nephew, and some reported heard it, and now everypony think's we're related."

"Oh." Lady said, her face falling slightly, sad that she wasn't able to impress him.

Silver began to lean forward. "But that's okay...you're not the first to make that mistake..."

Lady bug could feel her heart pounding, closing her eyes as she, too, began to lean in. Mere centimeter's from her lips, Silver pulled away, stepping back as the filly, now embarrassed, opened her eyes.

"You know," the ivory colt began, "you totally nailed that chemistry problem earlier. You'll have all the nerds in love with you."

Lady began panicking as her mother's lessons began pouring through her head. 'You'll never get a stallion that way, you must rely on looks alone if you want to make it in Equestria!' her mother's voice taunted in her head.

"I'm not smart!" she said quickly, "Really! I cheated! Look!" the Changeling pulled the mirror from her pocket, "See! I can ask this anything and it will show it to me!"

"Seriously? Lemme see that!" the colt flared his magic, roughly snatching the mirror from the filly. His voice hardened. "Show me my cellphone!" he demanded. Lady Bug sighed, tapping him on the shoulder.

"It won't work for you, silly." she gently took the green mass back.

"That's fine, my father will probably get me a new one." he looked at her, feigning sadness, gesturing to the gold-colored back-pack he'd set in the grass, "I'd love to just stand here with you forever, just talk, but, I've got a ton of homework to do...unless..."

"Unless what?" the Changeling asked, a little too excited.

"Well, I was thinking, since you have that mirror and all, it wouldn't be too difficult for you to knock out my homework along with yours? Then we could...hang out..." his eyebrows jumped.

"Of course! It'd be no trouble at all!"

He gently pecked her cheek as he lifted the bag in his magic and dropped it heavily on her back. "Thanks, babe. You're a real peach." and with that, the colt made his way back to the school.

Lady Bug sighed happily as she watched him leave. A sudden voice next to her ear caused her to jump.

"Ah couldn't help but overhear y'all-"

Lady's gaze jerked up to see Doubloon staring at her from in between the slats of the bleachers. "Are you stalking me?!" she growled angrily.

"If you wanna be technical 'bout, eeyup. But, Ah'm here to ask you if ya wanted to sit by me at Will's ceremony. The whole school is gettin' to go." the colt climbed down, now standing in front of the filly, "Ah've got a good seat, since Will's mah cousin an' all, and you could meet mah mama and-"

"Why would your mother be there?"

Doub smiled, happy to have the filly's interest. "All the Guardian's gotta be there, and besides, it's the Representatives of the Elements who preform the ceremony."

Lady's ears pricked at this new information. "Are the actual Elements used?" she earned a nod.

"Mah mama an' mah aunts'll be dressed in their full regalia. So...will you? Be mah date to the coronation Ah mean?"

The filly scoffed as she walked away. "In your dreams, country boy."

***

"I cannot believe my mother!" Nova burst into Nyx and Lady Bug's dorm room. Lady sat at the desk, her sewing supplies spread out as she worked on a shirt, while Nyx was sketching on her bed.

Nyx glanced up with a raised eyebrow. "What happened to you?"

"My Mother happened!I did what you suggested, and you know what she said? She said 'If a colt can't see the beauty inside you and can only love you for your looks, then he's not worth you're time'! Seriously?! What dimension is she living in!?"

"Equestria?" Nyx offered with a snort.

Lady lifted the shirt she was working on, holding it up for the girls to see. "How's this look?"

Nyx barely lifted her gaze. "Cute. Matches your eyes."

"I'm never getting a coltfriend!" Nova ignored the blue filly, opting instead to flop down on the Changeling's bed, hoof dramatically placed over her forehead, just below her horn. "I'm gonna die alone!"

"Coltfriends," Nyx paused in her drawing to blow away some eraser shavings, "are totally overrated."

Lady Bug smirked at her roommate. "And how would you know that, N? You've never went out with anypony."

"That's 'cause I don't need to, L. If I was gonna take over the Isle, I wasn't sharing it with anypony. Besides, it's pointless."

A sudden look of panic crossed the Changeling filly's face. "I forgot to do Silver Stocking's homework! Oh no! No, no, no, no!" she squealed as she leaped to her hooves and began digging through the gold-colored sack.

"That is exactly what I mean." Nyx said, going back to her drawing as somepony knocked on the door. "It's open!" she called out.

A golden-brown coated Earth Pony filly walked in. She wore a pale pink blouse and a light blue skirt. Her bobbed mane was brunette, with a magenta streak down the back. Short bangs came down just above her eyes, smartly curled ever so slightly under. "Hey, you're Nyx and Lady Bug, right?" she asked with a slightly cold tone, "My name is Lollypop Swirl. I'm Pinkie Pie's daughter." she eyed the villains suspiciously.

"I imagined Pinkie's daughter to be a bit more peppy." Lady commented as she pulled a binder from Silver's back pack.

"I see..." she eyed the villains suspiciously, "Anyways, I really like what you did to Nova's mane, and I know you probably hate us, and, well, you're evil, but do you think you could help me out?" she reached a hoof up to touch her bob.

"Why should I?" Nyx scoffed.

The golden filly used her teeth to pull a small pouch from a pocket in her skirt. "I'll pay you fifty bits."

Lady flared her horn and took the bag. "Good answer; I need new materials." she waved a hoof at the impromptu sewing table. The blue "So I'm thinking we lose the bangs, layer it in the back and-"

"No, no, I want it...cool." Lollypop interrupted, "Like Nyx's."

Nyx raised an eyebrow.

"Really?" the blue filly snorted, "Complete with the split ends?"

The darker filly glared at her roommate as she used her magic to bring her spell book over to herself. She took a few minutes to find the spell she'd used on the young Unicorn. After mentally making a few changes to the spell, she began to perform it. There was a bright flare of light.

Once the light receded, the filly's mane had lengthened to her withers. The once board-straight locks now had a noticeable wave, the magenta streak much more noticeable, while her bangs grew out and curled upward slightly. Lolly quickly turned to the mirror. She frowned at her reflection.

Lady walked up, 'tsk'ing. "I know, it's hideous. Tell you what, let's cut it off a-"

"No!" the Earth Pony stopped her mid sentence, a smile forming, "I love it! It's just..." she stared hard at her reflection for a few moments before whipping her head around to grab the hem of her skirt between her teeth. With a loud 'rip', she tore a slit up to the bottom of her swirly-sucker cutie mark. She turned to her reflection with smirk. "Now I'm cool."

Nyx crossed her forelegs and leaned against her bedpost. "Cool as ice."

Nova squeezed past the fillies so she was in front of the mirror. Feeling bold and rebellious, she flared her light blue aura and grasped the hem of her dress, tearing a slit about half as long as the older filly's. She immediately dropped it, her eyes widening in horror.

"What did I do?!" she squeaked, looking around at the amused expressions on the older girls' faces. "My mother is going to kill me!"

***

Shade did as he was asked and met with the coach after school. The stallion did as he promised and gave the colt a copy of the rule book. After a few moments, the white stallion gazed thoughtfully at the colt. "I was really impressed with you today. You're really good at stealing the ball. You sure you've never played before?"

"Never seen a hoofball before today. But I did have to pull some pretty sick moves to get stuff for my father's store." he gestured at his flank, which bore an image of a red gem, "It's how I got my mark." he told the older stallion. But it was a lie.

In reality, Nyx had had a small gem lifted off her when they were younger. Normally something like that wouldn't have bothered her, but that gem was important to the filly for reasons the young colt didn't know or understand, and he'd spent nearly the whole day tracking it down and getting it back to her. Once he'd returned it, he felt an overwhelming sense of pride, and then the mark appeared. Nyx agreed to keep quiet, and if anypony ever asked, they were told he'd gotten it after accomplishing a near impossible heist. The mark's true meaning would cause him great danger had it ever been discovered on the Isle of the Forgotten.

"I see..." the coach began, "I could really use a tough guy on the team. Most of the others are too 'princely' to get rough."

"I know, right?" Shade put on mocking high-society accent "it's all 'Pardon me, ol' chap! Did I bump you?'" his demeanor suddenly changed, becoming dark, "Where I'm from, it's 'Be ready to die.' That's what my father says! The only way to make sure you win is to crush everypony else in-"

"Woah, calm down, son!" the stallion interrupted, concerned by the lessons the colt had been taught, "Let me explain what a team is. See, it's, well, it's like a family-"

"You don't want to be at my place at dinner time." the colt said darkly.

"Okay then, well, how about this. There was a land with three tribes; Earth Ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns. The Pegasi controlled the weather, and the Unicorns moved the sun and moon; both did their parts in exchange for food that could only be grown by the Earth Ponies. It worked, barely, for a while, but it wasn't until they worked together that the tribes truly began to thrive, and Equestria was born. A team is just a smaller version of that, a bunch of ponies working together to form something truly amazing." the stallion passed a folded shirt to the colt.

Shade looked at the fabric, a light-purple-and-white jersey, his own name written in gold with 'Wondercolts' above it and the number eleven below it.

***

Lady Bug, Nyx, and Flare were in the girls room when Shade burst in, whooping and showing off the jersey. Lady was busy doing two set of homework, while Flare was on the floor in front of a laptop with the little bat on his head, and Nyx was sprawled on her bed, flipping through the spell book. After he'd gotten his round of compliments, Shade turned to Nyx.

"Lady told me about your plan. Did it work? Is Nova taking you to see the crown?"

The dark filly gave him and icy glare, which was much more effective now that she'd removed her glasses. "If it had, would I be going through every. Single. Spell. In this book?!" she slammed the said book shut. "I'm completely out of ideas here!"

"Somepony's in a mood..." Flare muttered.

Nyx used her tail to smack him, nearly getting bitten by Berry in the process. "Well, excuse me, but my mother is kind of counting on me!"

"We can do this!" Shade shouted, gaining everypony's attention. His voice became softer. "We can do it if we stick together."

Nyx allowed herself to smile, "We won't back down until we do. 'Cause we're rotten,"

The other's joined in, "To the core."

"Oh, and I found out today that the Elements are used in Will's ceremony and we all get to go. I have absolutely nothing to wear, of course."

Nyx stared at her roommate slack-jawed. Before she could say anything, there was a knock at the door. "Hold that thought." she growled as she levitated her glasses onto the bridge of the muzzle, taking a moment to let the spell take effect. She climbed off of her bed, crossing the room and opening the door to see Will on the other side.

He brightened when he saw her. "Hey, Nyx! I just came by to make sure that you all were settled in okay, see if you needed anything?"

Nyx glanced back into her room, and, seeing everypony shaking their heads, replied, "No, I think we're okay. But, is it true that we all get to go to your coronation?"

"Yes! Yes, the whole school gets to go!"

"Really? That is so exciting!" she smiled, suppressing a smirk, "Is there any way we can stand in the front row so we can have a better view of all that...goodness?"

The colt looked as if he was about to confirm her request, when his face fell as if he remembered something important. "I...I really wish you could, but, up front it's just me, my parents, the Elemental Representatives, and my marefriend."

"Your marefriend?" the filly questioned, earning a nod, "I see. Well, thanks anyway. Bye!" and shut the door in the colt's face.

She used her magic to set her glasses down and bring the spell book over to her. "I think it's time that 'Willy' got himself a new marefriend." she flipped through the spells for a few second before stopping on a single page, "And I have a love spell."

Author's Note

It's still December, shut up. :twilightangry2:

But seriously, I hope you all had a merry/happy Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate!

Whoo, 6,653 words. I've never written a chapter this long before.

So, due to popular demand, I can confirm that the Wicked World shorts WILL be written in this universe. I can't say anything for the other works as of yet, but I'm feeling optimistic about it. :twilightsmile:

No one has managed to guess what I have in store for the fifth chapter yet. Good, you'll be more surprised, but if you do want to take a stab at it, be my guest.

Now, on to the characters introduced in this chapter:

Yes, she's a Pegasus in the picture and a Unicorn in the story, but that's only because I forgot to mention to my friend what species she was, and she just went with it.

Also, I was bored and designed Will!

Comments make me happy! They cure writers block!

Chapter Five: Black Magic

Light bled under the door of the school kitchen. Movement could be heard from within where four students bustled about, a faint scent of peanut butter wafting from the space between the hinges of the door and the wall. faint voices could be heard coming from within the room. Though muffled by the closed door, if one listened hard enough, they could make out what appeared to be debating.

"Okay, the recipe calls for a tear of unadulterated equine despair." Nyx tapped the flour-flecked pages of her book, "Of course, I don't think any of us have ever cried. I haven't, at least."

Shade rolled his eyes as he munched an apple and flared his horn, tossing an onion from a basket towards the two fillies gathered around the full mixing bowl. The colts had been banned from that side of the room after staring a flour fight with each other. "There," he sighed, flicking a bit of flour from his mane, "chop that. You'll cry; problem solved!"

Flare shook his head, absentmindedly stroking the little auburn-colored bat on his shoulder with the tip of his hoof. "Won't work. A reflex tear isn't the same thing."

"Yeah, while they both have enzymes and antibodies, a reflex tear has less protein-based hormones than one triggered by emotion." Lady Bug agreed, measuring out and then dumping a teaspoon of vanilla into the mixture.

The dark Alicorn smiled, giving her roommate a friendly nudge. "Well, well, well, look at you!"

Shade coughed uncomfortably. "Totally knew that."

"Did not!" Flare laughed, kicking at his friend.

All head snapped towards the door as the sound of the nob turning seemed to echo in the room. Nyx divided her magic, using part of her blue aura to stir the dough and another part to drop a towel over the open spell book, while a third slipped her glasses, previously lying all but forgotten by the sink, onto the bridge of her muzzle.

"Hey!" a slightly peppy voice called out. Lollypop Swirl trotted into the kitchen. She wore a fluffy lime green button-up shirt dotted with yellow smiley-faces, matching bottoms, and cotton-candy pink bunny slippers. "Nova said she saw you four heading in here, and I really needed to talk to you. Look, I'm really sorry I was so mean before. I judged you before I got to know you, and I shouldn't have done that. It's like my pop says, 'Don't judge a cake by it's frosting'" she snorted at the words, earning raised eyebrows and amused looks from the Isle foals. She cleared her throat. "Anyways, it was wrong of me, and I am very, truly sorry."

"It's fine, really." Lady offered a smile, trying to keep up a good appearance, "I mean, we probably would've done the same thing if we were in your hooves."

The golden filly smiled sheepishly. "My Aunt Limestone says I take after her greatly in that I act harshly on instinct, and ask questions later. Still, I hope we can be friends?" She reached out to the blue filly.

The disguised Changeling reached out an clasped the other girl's hoof in her own. "Of course."

Lolly's smile brightened as she turned to Nyx. "Everypony loves what you've done to me and Nova's hair. A lot of the other fillies want you to do their manes!" She grinned before taking a deep sniff. "What're you guys making? Smells great!"

Before anypony could stop her, Lolly had pulled her hoof from her slipper, swiping the tip across the gooey surface of the mixture before popping it into her mouth. She closed her eyes, twisting her face into a look of concentration.

"Peanut butter...sugar...vanilla...flour... You guys are making cookies!" the filly's eyes shot open. Her grin faded at the sight of the panic written across the villain foals' faces. "What?" she asked, confused, before rolling her eyes. "C'mon, my hooves are clean! I'm not gonna double dip!"

Nyx was the first to regain her voice. She shook her head lightly, clearing it. "Yeah, I know. Um, how is it? Is it, I don't know," she paused before pressing, "missing something?"

Shade recovered next, scrambling over in front of the mare. He flicked his head, flipping his mane so it fell in his eyes. "Hey." he said, flashing a flirty grin.

Lolly leaned her head away, slowly backing up towards the pantry. "Yeah, okay..." she glanced at Nyx as she pulled the pantry open, "What you need is chocolate chips!"

The four villains slumped where they stood, Nyx beginning once again to stir the batter. "What are those?" she asked.

The golden filly trotted towards the table, dropping a full bag on its surface. "Only the most important ingredient for any baked dessert." she ripped the bag open and dumped a sizable amount into the bowl, grabbing the spoon from Nyx and stirring for a few moments. "There!" she set the spoon to the side. She glanced at the teens as they each tried some of the chocolate left in the bag. "Didn't your moms-"

"I don't have a mom." Shade said nonchalantly as he stuffed the chocolate in his mouth.

"Okay, uh, dads?" the filly earned a nod from the silver colt and faint grimaces from the others. "Didn't your parents ever make cookies for you? Like, when you've had a bad day, and nothing's going right, and they fix you a warm glass of milk and everything just seems, you know, better?"

The Isle teens had their eyes glued anywhere but on the Earth Pony filly. None of them would admit it, but her words had struck a chord within each of them.

Lady found her voice first. "Where we're from, foals are raised a bit differently."

"Yeah, but c'mon, even villains have to love their..." Lolly trailed off, eyes widening, "I didn't-that came out wrong! Of course your parents love you! I mean, all parents-" she stopped herself after catching sight of the forlorn looks the new teens were wearing. Her eyes widened in shock. Having grown up in a family centered household, Lolly couldn't imagine a mother or father not caring about their child. The faces of the teens before her, however, revealed that on the Island of the Forgotten, that was indeed the case. "I-I'm so sorry." she whispered, eyes welling.

Nyx's eyes widened and she flared her horn, gathering the filly's tears in her aura. "Oh, don't cry! We're fine, really." she released her magic, pretending to dispose of the tear when in reality she'd dropped it into the mixing bowl. "Now, we'd love to chat, but we need to get these done before curfew, and you should probably get back to your dorm." the dark Alicorn pushed the filly out the door.

"G'night!" Lollypop said quietly as she walked away, still shocked by her revelation.

Nyx slammed the door shut, dropping her glasses and using her magic to divide the dough into small circles. "Let's get these in the oven!"

***

School was letting out early the next day. The Wondercolts were facing their arch rivals from Fillydelphia, and the staff and students were always to antsy at that prospect to concentrate. Shade hurried towards Nyx's locker, where he knew she was waiting for Will. He sidled up beside her.

"Hey, you feelin', I dunno, weird about this? I mean, being here isn't the worst thing ever-"

Nyx cut him off by using her magic, though it was a bit weak after performing the hair-changing spell so many times that day alone, to shut his mouth. "Are you kidding me?! You can't wuss out on me now! Where's the Shade I know? You are wicked; you are a shadow!" she shook his face lightly, "Wake up!"

The silver Unicorn managed to pull himself from the mare's mystic iron grip. "I needed that." he rubbed muzzle. "You sure this is gonna work?"

"It has to. We're out of options. Now go, play it cool."

The Unicorn gave her a curt nod before making his way to a group of giggle fillies sporting new mane styles.

Nyx pretended to rummage around her lock, tuning her hearing onto the conversation of the two ponies entering the hall.

"You don't think that they actually paid for...those, do you?" Sunrise's snobbish tone was easily picked up over the idle hallway chatter, "She did it to Nova's mane too, and Twilight is not happy with it. Will," she grabbed the colt's hoof in her own, "Nyx used magic on another student. Isn't that against school code?"

Will suppressed an eyeroll, opting instead to just remove his hoof from his marefriend's grasp. "It's just hair, Sunny. No real harm done."

The filly scoffed. "It starts with hair, and then what? Soon they're altering their physical features! And then what?!"

"Look, Sunrise-"

"I don't have time for this! Listen, I'll see you at the game. I'm gonna be late for my dress fitting. I want to look good at the ceremony. Bye, Willy!" the princess air-kissed the colt's cheek before trotting away.

Nyx chuckled lightly to herself as she levitated a brown paper sack from her locker. She slammed the door shut as she turned on her heels to face the pale yellow colt. "Hey Willy!" she cooed, teasingly faking Sunrise's girly tone.

The colt turned, startled, before breaking into a grin and trotting closer. "Hey!"

She fluttered her eyelashes behind her glasses. "I made some cookies last night. Want one?" she shook the bag.

"I do, believe me, but it's bad luck to eat before a game." Will patted the filly's shoulder lightly, "But next time, I'll definitely-"

Nyx reduced her smile, giving herself a slightly hurt expression. "Yeah, I know, 'Be cautious of things offered by Isle foals.'"

Will's smile dropped, afraid he'd offended the purple haired filly. "What? No! No, that's not it at all!"

"No, it's okay really! Smart, actually. Brains like that will keep you safe on the Island." she shrugged nonchalantly, pulling a cookie from the bag.

Will flared his own magic and grabbed the cookie, biting into it. "See!" he defended as he chewed, "I totally trust you!"

Nyx smiled a little, flicking her mane to signal Shade, along with Lady and Flare who'd just entered the corridor. The other teens joined the Alicorn, suppressing smirks as they made their way towards the filly and colt.

The yellow Unicorn quickly finished the cookie. "Really good! Was that peanut butter?"

"Yeah. And chocolate chips."

"I love it!" Will grinned enthusiastically. Slowly, however, his smile faded, giving way to a more serious expression. He stared intently into the dark filly's eyes. His own eyes flashed pink for a moment before returning to their orange-red color. "Nyx...h-have your eyes always shined like that?"

Shade took that cue to wrap a foreleg around his teammate's shoulder. "You okay dude?"

"Never been better..." the colt shook his head "See you guys at the game." and rushed away.

Flare and Shade trailed after him, as they too needed to get ready for the game. Lady stayed behind, having already promised to walk with Nyx when the student body was called down to the field.

"Think it worked?" the Changeling asked.

"I guess we'll find out later."

***

"Forty-five seconds left to the game, the score is tied at fourteen, and with one of their star players now out for the count, things are not looking too good for the Wondercolts!"

Despite the announcer's cheery voice, the words cast a grim shadow across the home side of the field. The cheer squad continued their chats, though not at the same luster they had began with.

"Shade! You're up!" the coach called out.

The silver colt jumped to his hooves. He began towards the field, but stopped and looked at his read-headed friend. The Earth Pony, after working with Will, had been able to impress the coach just enough to land himself on the team. Shade, however, knew it was very unlikely he'd made enough of an impression to actually get in the game.

"Coach," he began, turning to the white stallion, "remember how you told me about the tribes? Well, I'm a Unicorn, and I have a pretty strong fight instinct. And Flare, well, he's and Earth Pony, and he's my common sense. I'm gonna need him out there with me."

The coach stared at Shade for a few moments before breaking into a proud smile. He called another player out, sending the two Isle foals into the game. -Shade had a immediate effect on the crowd, ponies jumping and squealing. Flare, terrified, followed the older colt to the field.

The play started with the ball landing in the hooves of a blue Pegasus. The colt dashed down the field, passing it to Silver Stocking, who then dodged a big colt from the opposing team. The white colt threw the ball to Will who quickly got the ball to Shade. The silver colt ran hard towards the goal. As fast as he was, two colts began gaining on him; he knew he couldn't get to the end zone. Almost as if reading his mind, Flare got to the edge of the field. Shade threw the ball before quickly evading to the right, narrowly dodging the two colts. Flare caught the ball before galloping down the last few yards. The buzzer ending the game sounded milliseconds later, with the final score being fourteen to twenty in favor of the Canterlot Wondercolts.

Nyx and Lady jumped in the stands, their voices heard clearly over the racket the crowd made. The team rushed out, lifting Flare to their shoulders, chanting his name.

"Well, what an exciting game folks! Who would have thought that two villain kids would be the team's saviors? Now, as much as I would like to continue, a member of the team asked me beforehand to give him the mic after the game; seemed like he had something important to say." A hush fell over both crowds at the announcers words, "Fillies and gentlecolts, I give Prince Good Will, of the Center Region!"

Ponies clapped as the colt in question made his way forward and took the mic in his magic. "Thank you. Um, there's something I really need to say..." Confusion passed over the populace of the game. Will seemed almost unprepared, and unnatural occurrence for him. The colt looked around for a moment before locking his gaze on a pair of turquoise eyes. A grin spread across his face.

"Give me an 'N'!" he shouted into the microphone. He balanced himself on his back hooves. He had his forelegs set in a zig-zag pattern, forming an 'N'.

"'N'!" the crowd screamed, copying the movements.

"Give me a 'Y'!" His smile grew as he formed the letter. The crowd once again copied him.

The turquoise eyes widened in realization behind a glass barrier.

"Give me an 'X'!"

"'X!"

"And what does that spell?!"

"Nyx!" the name was yelled once, then repeated several times in murmurs that constantly grew louder as the realization dawned across the student body.

Will was still calm, a gentle smile now on his face. Red-orange eyes still locked with turquoise.

"I love you, Nyx." the colt stated as if it were a well known fact, "Didn't I mention that?"

The crowd went wild. Lollypop, who stood by the mare in question, hugged Nyx as she jumped up and down, squealing. Lady joined in on the embrace. Nyx's eye flitted briefly away from the yellow colt, landing on the daughter of her mother's enemy. The girl looked shocked for a moment, then her face contorted in rage. She growled in frustration, her voice getting lost in the cheers, and she threw her pom-poms down, stalking away. The purple maned girl smirked in victory.

Will's grin returned. Adrenaline pumped through his veins, giving him an adventurous edge. He turned his attention to the band. "Give me a beat!"

Nyx's eyes widened, suddenly mortified. "He's not-"

The band began playing a catchy tune.

Lady laughed. "He is!"

"Did I mention

that I'm fallin' for you?"

The colt began tapping is left front hoof to the beat.

"And did I mention

there's nothin' that I'm able to do?

"And did I happen to say

you're on my mind everyday?

Lemme shout out loud

if that's okay."

The rest of the team joined in the dancing, singing every now and then.

"I've met a mare who rocks my world

like it's never been rocked.

Now my heat's beatin' just for her,

and it ain't ever gonna stop.

"I never guessed that it would happen

for a colt like me,

yet, look at what ya done,"

Will grinned, falling to the ground and crawling forward towards the stands.

"Got me beggin' on my knees!"

He jumped up, bouncing around in a crazy dance.

"'Cause my love for you? It's ridiculous!

Never knew that I could feel like this!

My love for you? It's ridiculous!

"My love is r-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s!"

"It's!"

"Ridiculous!"

The crowd responded, joining in on the song and bouncing to the beat, clapping their hooves.

"Just!"

"Ridiculous!"

Will stood on his hind legs, leaning back so far that he was almost upside down.

"And I would give my kingdom up

for just one kiss!"

The team lined up, marching to the beat in the directions of the stand.

"Did I mention

that I'm fallin' for you?

And did I mention

there's nothin' that I'm able to do?

"And did I happen to say

you're on my mind everyday?

Lemme shout out loud

if that's okay."

Will stopped, the other colts moving to for a group behind him. They began twisting their hooves, dancing from side to side.

"Don't know what way to go.

Girl, gimme a sign!

Show me that you're only ever

gonna be mine!

Can't go another minute

livin' without you.

If your heart ain't it

can't tell what I would do!

He leaned back as the Wondercolts crowded around him before tossing him in the air. He twirled in the air, landing on his back hooves.

"'Cause my love for you? It's ridiculous!

Never knew that I could feel like this!

My love for you? It's ridiculous!

"My love is r-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s!"

"It's!"

"Ridiculous!"

"Just!"

"Ridiculous!"

"And I would give my kingdom up

for just one kiss!

"C'mon now!"

The hoofball team continued with their synchronized choreography, while Will simply tapped his hoof to the music break. He pulled off his jersey, leaving him wearing his purple athletic shorts and the safety padding he wore underneath his uniform. He grinned, tossing the swath of fabric into the stands.

Nyx, who'd been hiding her face in her hooves, surprised herself by leaping to catch it.

Will walked towards the bleachers.

"'Cause my love for you? It's ridiculous!

Never knew that I could feel like this!

My love for you? It's ridiculous!

"My love is r-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s!"

"It's!"

"Ridiculous!"

"Just!"

"Ridiculous!"

"And I would give my kingdom up

for just one kiss!

"C'mon now!"

The yellow colt stopped moving when he was standing directly in front of the mare he was serenading. He gave her a goofy grin, his heart pounding. Nervousness, fear, excitement, happiness. The emotions buzzed in his head. He leaned closer.

The dark Alicorn's eyes widened as the colt leaned ever closer. Realizing what was happening, she lifted the jersey she clutched in her magic, blocking Will with a squeal.

Will let out a laugh, wrapping a foreleg around the girl's withers. "I love you, Nyx. Didn't I mention that?"

A pale pink aura ripped the microphone from the colt. All eyes turned from the prince and the villain's daughter to the seething yellow filly and the white colt behind her. Sunrise looked almost feral, with her face red from anger and her mane wild from where it'd fallen from her high ponytail. When she spoke, however, her voice was not hard; it was almost taunting.

"Silver's my coltfriend now. And I'm going to the coronation with him. I'm not wasting my time on a pity date with you." the filly whirled around to peck the navy-and-yellow maned colt on the lips.

"Nyx," all attention turned to the yellow colt and black filly, "will you be my date to the coronation?"

Nyx gave a grin, playing the part of the love-struck teenage filly. "Of course!"

Deafening cheers erupted from the student body, the din only broken when the coach called the team for pizza. Nyx let out a laugh as she watched the colts walk away, proud of her friends for winning the game and proud of herself for pulling off the plan. She turned to Lady Bug. The Changeling's eyes were glued to the yellow princess and ivory prince. She wore a neutral expression, but Nyx could see the pain behind her eyes.

"I feel bad for Sunrise." Nyx adjusted her glasses.

"You what?" Lady asked in surprise.

"I think that if she had some talent, something about herself to be proud of, she wouldn't need some guy to make her happy. Know what I mean?"

A small smile spread across the blue filly's face. "Yeah, I think I do."

"Good!" Nyx draped a wing over her roommate's back, "Now, I believe I heard something about pizza."

Author's Note

Chapter title was inspired by this song.

And so the plot thickens...

So, this story is now more than halfway over. I want to give a shout-out to Stardom Freedom and Skye Mist who have commented on every single chapter and interacted with nearly every blog post. thank you two so much! :twilightsmile:

Now the moment you've all been waiting for...the chapter five announcement...

Click here for information regarding the official MLD audio drama.

Chapter Six: A Date To Remember

Lady Bug hummed quietly to herself as she trotted down the hallway. She sighed happily as she swapped her Algebra binder for her Chemistry binder. She glanced at the back of the locker door at the multi-colored display of sticky notes. Each one featured a hastily scribbled note with little reminders of important events. One such note was circled, telling her of a test in her next class. She groaned inwardly. The native students had been preparing for this test for weeks, while she'd only had the few days she'd been at Canterlot High. The blue filly reached a hoof into the purse hanging off her shoulder from the strap across her withers and chest. She felt the smooth surface of her mother's mirror and breathed a sigh of relief. She had a chance.

Somepony roughly bumped into her side, nearly knocking the binder from the Changeling's grip. "Oh, terribly sorry, princess! I didn't see you there!" an arrogant, snobby voice cut through the idle hallway chatter. "Don't worry, won't happen again!"

The filly raised an eyebrow Silver as he made his way down the hallway, smirking in her direction. She watched him as he disappeared down the hall. 'What is he up to?' she asked herself before slamming the locker shut and mimicking the colt's path to class.

Moments later, Lady was seated in the science lab, staring blankly at the test paper in front of her. 'Okay, let's see...a mixture of peroxide and water can be separated by A. evaporation, B. sublimation, C. decantation, or D. distillation. What the heck is this?!' the disguised Changeling snarled at the paper. She stared at the paper for a few moments before silently sliding her hoof into her purse. She felt around for a few moments, confused before glancing down. Panic rose as she began searching more frantically. Her mind screamed as she shoved her hoof around, all too aware of the absence of a specific object.

The sound of her teacher clearing his throat cause the filly's head to jerk up. "Do you need a pencil, Miss Lady Bug?"

"N-no, sir." she lowered her bag, fidgeting under the stallion's disapproving gaze.

"Well, if it's not a pencil you're looking so diligently for during a test, then what, pray tell, could it be? This, perhaps?"

Lady's heart stopped as she watched the stallion pull a mirror, her mirror, from his pocket. It was then, as she gaped, trying to form a coherent sentence, that her eyes locked with Silver Stocking's smug gaze. Her mind flashed to their exchange in the hall, when he bumped into her. She mentally slapped herself. How could she have been so stupid? She grew up on the Isle of the Forgotten; she should've seen it coming.

"It's my recommendation that you're expelled." her teacher's voice broke the filly from her thoughts.

"Now, Mr. Pedagogy, ain't ya being just a bit rash? She has a mirror, along with nearly every filly in this school. What's the big deal?"

The three ponies turned their surprised gazes to Scifresh Doubloon.

"The 'Big Deal', as you so inadequately put it, is that this villain's child used this magic mirror to cheat on school related work." Pedagogy glared daggers at the filly.

"And ya know this how?" Doub prompted.

"Mister Stocking approached me before class and explained the situation to me."

The country colt repressed a snort. "Did he manage to prove the mirror was magic? Activate it somehow?"

"Well," the stallion gained a frazzled look, "no, he said the magic only worked for her, but-"

"Were there any witnesses, other than Silver?"

"No, but-"

"So all ya have in terms of evidence is a mirror and the word of a known liar? Sorry sir, but that just don't sound like something that's gonna hold up against the school board." the stallion moved to argue, but was once again interrupted by the colt. "And, if Ah recall, ya caught Silver himself with a cheat-sheet last week, for the fifth time this semester alone, and ya only gave him a week of detention."

"Yes, because he's not-"

"A villain's foal?" the colt leaned forward, daring the stallion to deny the words, "Why, Mr. Pedagogy, I didn't take ya fer a bigot."

A round of 'ooh's' arose from the class as the older stallion turned a deep shade of red.

"Yes, well," he fought to compose himself, "it's still under suspicion. I'll hold onto the mirror, and if Miss Lady Bug can pass the test without it, she'll get her mirror back and I'll drop the whole matter."

"Fair enough."

The Changeling filly gawked at her lab partner, the colt she'd so rudely rejected barely two days before. The colt she'd been so heartless toward, had just saved her sorry hide. It wasn't until said colt nudged her and gave her a pointed look that she plopped unceremoniously in her seat, still staring dumbfounded with shock at her paper.

***

The sun shone brightly in the late afternoon sky. Nyx was walking back to the girls dormitory after her final class for the day. Surprisingly enough, her teachers hadn't given out any homework that day, leaving her free to study her spell book and come up with a battle plan for the coronation. She glanced around, realizing her path had taken her to the school gardens. She snarled her nose at the brightly colored plants. Must everything in this kingdom be so frilly and happy?

"Hey, Nyx, wait up!"

The filly froze, her breathing speeding up at the sound of the voice. Out of habit, she reached her hoof up to make sure the spelled glassed were in the correct position on the bridge of her nose before turning to face the yellow Unicorn.

"Will, what's up?"

"Nothing much, just headed back to my dorm. Mind if I walk with you?"

"Nothing's stoppin' ya." Why was her heart speeding up? She blamed it on fear of getting caught.

The colt cleared his throat, stopping as if he were about to say something important. He caught Nyx's hoof, stilling her movement. "Nyx, I wanted to apologize for putting you on the spot yesterday. I had it in my head that I needed to make this gigantic romantic gesture to get your attention, and I didn't even think how you'd feel with everypony watching you.

"So, I was wondering, if you were doing anything later. Because, I want to take you somewhere special, where we can get to know each other before my coronation. Not as a villain's foal and Equestrian prince, but as just us: Nyx and Will."

The filly stared at the colt, briefly wishing he really meant the words he spoke, wishing he wasn't under a spell. She quickly banished the ridiculous thought from her head. "Sure, sounds good."

The colt grinned. "Great! See you in an hour?"

"Mmhmm!"

With that, the two separated, headed to their respective dorm buildings. Nyx made her way to her room in a daze. She dropped her bag to the floor as soon as she entered, flopping on her bed with a sigh. She stared at the ceiling for a few moments, a smile slowly spreading, her earlier, wishful, notions of a non-enchanted colt reentering her mind. She levitated a pillow over her face as she let out squeal. After a few moments she sat back up, adjusting her glasses and trying to regain her dignity. The dark Alicorn glanced across the room towards a mirror hanging on the wall.

Her hair was parted weirdly. Her clothes fit wrong. Had her coat always looked so ruffled and shaggy?

"I need to find Lady."

***

School had finally ended for the day, leaving students with a few hours to do whatever they please until curfew. Many students sat in the picnic area, some waiting for friends and significant others, while some, like Scifresh Doubloon, sat studying on the many benches littering the area. The southern colt stared intently at his textbook, writing down what looked like important pieces of information on a scrap of paper.

After a short while, he felt somepony walk up behind him. He dropped his pencil and turned around to face the pretty blue filly. He smiled at her, scooting over and motioning for her to sit down. Lady Bug quietly lowered herself next to the colt. Her horn was enveloped in a purple aura as she levitated a paper before her eyes. Slowly, she set the paper down in front of the colt. He glanced down at it, her graded test.

"B plus." he read, turning his grinning gaze to the filly, "Ya did it."

"Why did you help me?"

Doub blinked in surprise. "What?" he asked dumbly.

"I was so awful to you. I barely knew you, and all I did was shoot you down." she stared him hard in the eyes, confusion clouding her face, "And then you defended me. No one else stood up, they watched me flounder. But you helped me. Why did you help me?"

The colt let out a small smile. "When mah mama met mah daddy, he wasn't a good stallion. He'd hit a hard patch in life, and he'd started workin' with these two con artists. Mama showed him the good in life, helped him get on an honest path, and they raised me to see the light in others. There's a light in you, and Ah sure as heck ain't gonna let it go out."

Lady stared in shock at the colt before her. With no hesitation, she leaned forward and wrapped her forelegs around his neck, pulling him in a tight hug. The colt could hear the smile in her voice. "Thank you, for everything." she whispered.

"Lady!"

The two teens pulled away, turning to see Nyx trotting towards them. She had a frantic expression written across her face, her wings spread half-way in a worried manner.

"What's happened? Are the guys okay?" Lady stood up, panic rising.

"What? Oh, no, they're fine, I've been looking for you everywhere!"

"Okay, Nyx, sweetie, calm down. Deep breath," the Changeling tried not to laugh at her friend's flustered expression, "and let it out. Good! Now, tell me why you've been looking for me."

"Will asked me on a...a date."

"Well then," Lady grinned, "let's get you ready!"

"See you later, Lady. Good luck, Nyx!" the colt said kindly as the girls turned to leave.

"Hey, Sci?" the blue filly asked. The colt in question turned in surprise at the little-used nickname. "If you still need a date for the coronation, I'm free that day." the two shared a smile, ending with the filly turning back to her friend. "Okay, did he say where you guys were going?"

"No! He just said he'd pick me up in an hour, and that was, like, thirty minutes ago!"

"Okay, dressy casual it is then. You're looking really dark today."

"No, duh!"

Scifresh laughed as he listened to the conversation fade away.

***

"Thank you for doing this." Nyx said to her roommate as the Changeling added a subtle pink to the dark Alicorn's cheeks.

Lady smiled, reloading the brush. "My mother taught me how to do this before I could talk, and I'd do Larva and Pupa's make-up all the time."

"Mom wasn't really any help with make-up tips, and I never had a sister."

The brush was replaced with a tube of lip gloss. "Well, now you do. We'll need all the family we can get if we can't pull this off; villains aren't the nicest ponies if they're disappointed."

"Especially if it's by their own kids." Nyx added dejectedly.

"Okay," Lady shook the miserable thought away, "mirror time!" The fillies moved from the bed to the lavish wall mirror.

Nyx stared at her reflection. Her mane was teased to add a slightly larger height to the natural wave she possessed. Her bangs were expertly curled, flaring out from a sea-foam headband with a darker, swirly design on the side. Her eyes looked normal, thanks to her glasses, and were framed by curled lashes and dark purple eye shadow. A clear gloss coated her lips, and a pale pink added color to her cheeks. She wore her mauve leather jacket over a hock-length green dress. Black combat boots studded in gold completed the look.

"Woah. I-I look..."

"Say it!" Lady singsonged from behind her friend.

"Less disgusting than usual."

"Not the words I was looking for, but I'll take it!"

Nyx turned to her roommate with a smile. "Thank you, Lady." she hugged the girl tightly, before taking another glance at her reflection. A knock sounded from the door. The Alicorn took a deep breath before making her way to the door. She opened it to reveal the yellow Unicorn.

Will was dressed simply in a navy button-up and white slacks. His jaw dropped at the sight of the filly in the doorway. "H-hey." he said once he'd regained the ability to speak, "Ready to go?"

"Mmhmm!" the girl nodded, following the colt away.

Lady smiled, closing the door.

"So, where are we going?" Nyx asked.

"You'll see!" came the answer as they exited the dormitory.

***

They'd been walking only fifteen minutes, and Nyx was ready for the earth to open up and suck her down as her mother told her it would if she didn't obey. She was tensed up, half-expecting this to be some kind of joke. If she hadn't known Will was under the influence of a spell, she'd be preparing herself for a glob of slime to fall on her head, a common form of revenge between teens on the Island.

Soon, however, the colt guided the filly towards the forest. It was in the shade of the trees that Nyx was finally able to relax. The shadows danced across the path in front of her, reminding her of the woods on the Isle. However, the forests on the Isle resembled the Everfree, menacing nightmare fuel. This woods reminded her of the ones in the torn postcards that found themselves in the mounds of garbage delivered to the island on a weekly basis. The sun broke through the trees overhead, spilling light in fractals across the ground. The leaves had already begun turning various shades of red and orange, signifying the approaching season that the heated air failed to show.

Will watched as Nyx visibly grew more comfortable the deeper they went in the forest, turning almost giddy as she used her wings to hover lightly above the ground when a breeze swirled leaves overhead, laughing as she mimicked their twirls, a halo of light wrapping itself around her. Will made it his personal mission to get her to laugh as much as possible, if only to hear that musical sound.

"Tell me something you've never told anypony." he said once she landed.

Nyx, taken aback by the request, surprised herself by answering. "My full name is Nyx Mare Moon."

"Nyxmare? Like, one word?"

"Nope, separate. You know what Nyx means, right?"

Will nodded slowly, wondering what the girl was getting at. "It means 'night', doesn't it?"

"He's smart, too." she joked, "So what's my name? Translated."

"Night Mare Moon." he said, shock covering his face.

Nyx nodded, amused. "My mother literately gave me her name."

"I...I'm sorry."

"Why?" the filly gave a genuinely confused look, "She was the greatest villain there ever was. On the Isle, it's a great honor to have her name."

"Oh, well in that case, I'm happy for you!" the colt said. His mind recoiled at the thought. The filly was already a visible carbon copy of her mother; was she expected to be her mother in every way? Was she not allowed individuality? He pushed his musings aside, using his magic to move a branch, waving his hoof dramatically. "Voila!" he grinned.

Nyx's jaw dropped at the sight. There was a break in the trees and foliage, forming a large, flower filled meadow. Water spilled over a cliff high above them, feeding into a large lake towards the back of the area, large rocks perfect for climbing surrounding the water, blocking her view of where the overflow naturally drained. Closer to the two, a blanket had been spread out. A wicker basket sat invitingly in the middle.

Moments later, the teens were dining on the spread held within the basket. Nyx had taken off her jacket, and it now rested beside her on the blanket. Will struggled to suppress a grin as he watched the filly as she chomped down inelegantly on her sandwich. "Is this your first?" he asked.

Nyx paused for a moment. She adjusted her glasses as she spoke, taking care not to let them slip down far enough to deactivate the spell's hold. "We don't actually date-date on the Island. It's more like, you have a pony who you least wanna kill, and you go on raids together, gang activity, crap like that."

Will's smile faltered slightly. He inwardly winced at the filly's detached description of the Isle of the Lost's twisted version of love. "I meant, 'Is this your first daisy sandwich?'" he corrected himself.

The filly finally took notice of the breadcrumbs clinging to the front of her dress. A slight blush creeped up from her neck, tinging her coat in red. She quickly dusted herself off. "Well, I guess you can dress me up, but you still can't take me anywhere." she joked with a nervous laugh.

"You uh, you got a little..." Will leaned close and gently used the tip of his hoof to brush a daisy petal from the corner of her mouth. Even after the white petal was gone, he let his hoof linger against her face.

Nyx's heart seized up in her chest. She could feel his breath on her face, he was that close. Her eyes flicked down to his lips before locking back on his gaze. Will leaned ever closer.

"U-um, y-you should te-tell me something. T-that you...you've never told anypony. B-because I told you..." Nyx tried to pull together a coherent sentence. She felt a twinge in her heart when Will leaned away. She shook it off, focusing on the colt's easy smile.

"What if show you instead?"

"What? Show me? What do y-?"

There was a bright flash as a ball of light collected atop the colt's horn. The light swept across his body, melting away his unicorn disguise. His head remained the same, but his coat got thicker at the base of his neck. His left front leg turned to a furry lion's paw, the back right leg doing the same. His tail thinned out, his yellow coat stretching down before erupting in a black tuft at the end. Two wings materialized on his back, one a normal wing of yellow feathers, while the other was a gray color, similar to that of a wyvern.

"When I was young," he started after his transformation was complete, "I took to wearing a disguise, to make the ponies of my family's region more comfortable. You're the first pony other than family to see the real me."

Nyx was still unable to wipe the shock from her face. She was, however, able to speak. "That is so stupid! So what if you don't look like everypony else?! W-why should you have to hide your appearance to make them comfortable?!"

"Why not? You do it, too."

The filly stared at the colt, shocked and confused. "W-what are you taking about?"

Will raised his hoof. A pair of purple-framed glasses appeared on his hoof. His horn hadn't even lit up. It only took a second for her head to make the connection. Her leg instinctively shot up, wrapping around her eyes. A strong hoof settled on the bend of her leg, gently pushing it down.

"Nyx, look at me." her eyes remained tightly shut, every fiber of her being screaming in panic. "Please, Nyx. Let me see."

Maybe it was the gentleness of his voice. Maybe she just really wanted to open up to him. Her eyelids slid back, revealing her dragon eyes. She stared at him, terror raging across her face.

And he smiled. A pure, joyous smile spread across his lips. "I've never seen anypony like you, Nyx. Thank you, for trusting me, and for teaching me the difference between pretty and beautiful."

Never in her life had she been so confused. 'You want to remain inconspicuous, and those will not help you in the slightest.' Hadn't that been what her mother said about her eyes? She was so lost in thought, she almost missed the colt's words.

"What?" she asked, surprised at the colt's phrase.

"Yeah, right now. Let's go swimming!"

Her mind screamed. "Actually, I think I wanna stay here and eat, uh," she grabbed a random container, ripping it open, "this! What is this?"

"Celery soup." Will laughed.

"Celery soup! I've never had celery soup before!" she grabbed a plastic spoon in her magic, taking in a mouthful of soup. Her eyes widened. She dropped the spoon and began drinking to soup straight from the container.

"Well, alright then." Will laughed at the girl's love struck face. "Enjoy yourself." he took off towards the water, howling as he dove into the crystal-like surface.

Nyx stared out after him, laughing at his childish antics. Soon, however, the look of mirth was replaced with pain. Her head told her she needed to get a grip; it was just a spell, only for convenience. But her heart...

"A million thoughts runnin' through my head

Could I let my heart keep denyin' it?

'Cause up till know, I've stayed in line.

Nothing lost, but there's something missing."

The Alicorn slowly stood up.

"I can't decide

if it's wrong or right.

Which path should I choose?

"If only I could hear what my heart's telling me!

It's new, what I'm feeling, could it be just a dream?

If only I could read the signs in front of me,

find a way to who I'm meant to be!

"Oh, if only!"

She swayed slowly, letting the breeze tug at her hair.

"With every step,

With every word,

With every second,

I'm fallin' deeper in.

"It's so brand new,

It's all so brave!

Now I'm someone I have never been."

The filly began pacing, fear once again taking hold.

"I can't decide

if it's wrong or right.

Which path should I choose?!

She paused, wings spread as she poured every emotion into her ballad.

"If only I could hear what my heart's telling me!

It's new, what I'm feeling, could it be just a dream?

If only I could read the signs in front of me,

find a way to who I'm meant to be!

"Oh, if only! Yeah!"

She grit her teeth, folding her wings halfway as she backed up, shaking her head furiously.

"I must be crazy!

But, maybe,"

She let a small, hopeful smile emerge.

"We could happen?"

Pain once again gripped her face. She looked off towards the water, her voice barely a whisper.

"Will you stay with me

Once the magic has all run out?

"If only I could hear what my heart's telling me!

It's new, what I'm feeling,"

Her voice raised, the passion returning to the song.

"could it be just a dream?

If only I could read the signs in front of me,

find a way to who I'm meant to be!

"If only, yeah!

If only, yeah!

If only, if only."

Her voice trailed away, her gaze lowering to her hooves. She could hear the water lapping against the bank. 'Will hasn't surfaced in a while.'

Nyx's eyes shot open. "Will?" she shouted. Her wings shot open, propelling her over the water. "Will?!" she screamed, panic rising. She caught sight of a motionless pony-shaped shadow under the water.

She barely noticed her body passing through the surface of the water. She felt her heart stop; she felt her wings lock up. She felt the absolute terror tighten in her chest when she couldn't touch the soft mud at the bottom. She felt her lungs ache with the need to breathe. She felt her muscles grow weak as her thrashing slowed. She felt her vision go black.

She also felt two strong legs wrap around her middle, pulling her to the surface.

She took in a deep breath as she came up, choking out water. Will's forelegs kept the filly firmly pressed to his chest. His wings propelled them through the water, then hovered them over to the blanket.

"You scared the hay outta me!" the filly yelled, punching Will in the chest once he'd set her down, "I didn't see you come up, then I saw that shadow-"

"You think I wasn't terrified?!" the colt interrupted, visibly shaking as he wrapped her up in the blanket, "You actually weren't moving! Why didn't you tell me you couldn't swim?! I never would've-" He trailed off, settling down next to Nyx. He cupped her face with his paw.

They stared at each other for a long moment, both winded from the experience.

"Nyx," Will started, "You know that I love you, but you've never said how you felt about me." he whispered.

The filly broke away her gaze, her voice barely audible. "I've never known what love felt like."

Will could hear the pain and vulnerability in her voice. It broke his heart. He used his hoof to turn her face back to his. He wrapped his wings around the both of them, pulling her closer as he played with her mane.

"Then maybe I could teach you."

Author's Note

This song was blasted in my ears while writing this chapter. I think I found Nyx and Will's theme song.

So, who else was freaking out at the most-likely-unintended Bride of Discord reference while watching the movie for the first time? I know I was! :pinkiecrazy:

There's still roles available in the audio drama to audition for, and I still need artists and musicians!

I love comments! They Cure writers block!

Chapter Eight: Coronation

School passed in a blur, and soon, much to Nyx's dismay, it was time for the students to ready themselves for the coronation that afternoon. The filly made her way to her dorm, going over the plan in her mind. Eventually, her mind wandered to thoughts she'd never stopped to think: what might happen next?

Once they had the crown, they'd book it to the island to release everypony, and then she'd come back to free Will from the spell's hold. But then what? She thought back to when she was younger, to the stories her mother would tell her of her plans for Equestria.

'We'll enslave Equestria, I suppose.' Nyx thought, 'Sombra will have the Crystal Empire, and Shade won't have to steal anymore. The Changelings will have more love than they can eat, and Lady won't have to scramble around to make sure she and her sisters don't starve. Sunset will have all the power she wants, so maybe she won't hurt Flare anymore. Mother will have eternal night, and she'll finally avenge Luna, and we'll have Equestria to rule. And everything...everything will be okay.'

Nyx stepped into her room to find a flurry of activity. Lady was scrambling around putting the finishing touches on the clothes she'd made for them to wear after realizing they had no coronation-worthy clothes.

"Oh, good, you're here!" Lady breathed once she noticed her roommate standing in the doorway, "Thanks for hurrying, by the way." she muttered sarcastically.

"I got held up at my locker. Those crowded hallways are a nightmare."

The Changeling filly sighed. "Whatever. Just put on your dress while I run these to the boys, then I'll do our hair and makeup when I get back." she waved a hoof at the other filly's bed.

Lady had already donned her dress. The floor-length backless gown had a navy bodice with a heart-shaped chest piece. The skirt was layered with ruffled green fabric on the bottom, navy just above it, and a gold tulle bit with sparkling swirls in design flared over the blue.

As she slipped her front hooves into green flats, the blue filly levitated two racks above her head; one held a black tuxedo and a red bow tie, while the other held a burgundy blazer and a crisp white shirt. She pushed past Nyx and was gone.

The Alicorn moved to her bed. She used her magic to lift the fabric from her mattress, holding it up to admire it. The bodice was purple, no surprise there, as was the poofed skirt, with lighter purple sparkles. The bodice had a stripe down the middle of the same color as the sparkles. Peeking under the skirt was a layer of sky blue fabric with white star-like images sewed on. There was two strips of fabric that she assumed would be tied around her neck.

Nyx split her magic, using a small portion to remove her glasses and set them on the nightstand next to the plastic container that held the cupcake she'd made the night before while she carefully pulled on the dress, carefully slipping her wings through the holes on either side of the gown. She turned to the long mirror, watching herself tie the fabric strips. She moved to the vanity, sitting down and lifting a brush and running it through her mane, removing tangles to make the styling process easier on her roommate. She sighed, dropping the brush and resting her chin on the table. The filly reached a hoof up to rub at her eyes. 'I look tired.' she thought.

Hearing hoofsteps approaching her room, the filly leaped up and hurried once again to the long mirror, pretending to have just put the dress on.

The door opened as the Changeling filly walked in. Without a word, she stepped over to her friend, using her magic to tug and straighten the fabric. "There!" she smiled looking over the Alicorn's shoulder to smile at her in the mirror. "All done! Except for..." she undid the tied fabric, sticking out her tongue in concentration as she meticulously tied a large bow, taking care to make sure the loops were even.

Moments later, makeup was done, and hair was curled in expert styles. Lady's large curls were piled atop her head, with a few locks trailing down her face and neck. Nyx's wavy hair was draped down, a few small curls here and there, with a wavy lock down her face and a curled tuft on the crown of her head, a large piece curled against the side of her face. As a final touch for herself, Lady clasped a gold chain around her neck, a large, pink, heart-shaped gem hanging from the chain.

Nyx then turned to the few items they'd decided to take with them. She flipped through her spell book for a few moments before setting the book among the bags and lighting her horn. Seconds later, the bags and book had disappeared.

"I ran into Shade on my way back from the kitchen last night." Nyx began after seeing Lady's questioning gaze. "He figured we wouldn't have time to run our things down to the carriages before the ceremony, and we definitely wouldn't when we were trying to get away. He found a bush that was big enough to hide everything and took his and Flare's things down. And I've just sent our things there."

"Alright then." Lady nodded, glancing at the clock, "We need to get going. You ready?"

"Let's get this party started."

***

The cloudless blue sky smiled down on the ponies lining the streets to the cathedral on the grounds of the Canterlot Castle, which had previously hosted events such as the wedding of Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor, or the coronations of the Elemental Representatives. A red carpet stretched the stairs outside, cluttered with Will's family and classmates, the honored guests, reporters snapping photographs as they made their way into the grand hall. A cheer rose from the crowd as an open-top carriage slowly rolled into view. The lavish cart was ivory white with swirling gold accents. It was pulled by two armored guards.

Sitting in the carriage, waving to the throngs of ponies, was Will, his marefriend at his side. He wore a deep blue suit, complete with bronze buttons and gold epaulets on his shoulders. A silver ring rested on his horn. Nyx smiled nervously as she waved to the right side of the street. Her hoof lowered to rest on the plastic container by her hip.

"Don't be nervous." she turned to find Will staring at her, a wide smile on his face. He took her hoof in his own, rubbing it gently. "All you have to do is smile and wave." He paused, looking her over. "You look gorgeous, by the way."

"Thank you." the filly whispered hoarsely, looking away, her hoof tracing a circular pattern on the blue lid of the plastic box.

The colt furrowed his brow, concerned. He looked back at the crowd. His horn lit up as he removed the ring. He stared at the symbol that decorated the silver circlet, a circle of arrows pointing in all directions. He took a deep breath before turning back to the filly.

"Nyx?" she turned to face him, "Will you wear my ring?"

Her eyes widened. "W-what?"

"It has my family crest on it. I'm supposed to wear it, but it would mean more to me if you would."

Nyx shook her head quickly. "N-no, you should wear it. I-I don't think it would fit me anyway." She felt a pang in her chest at the colt's disappointed expression, but shook it off. She steadied her breath. Things were moving fast, too fast for her. 'I have to do this now, or I don't think I'll ever be able to.' She flared her horn, using her own magic to pass the plastic container to Will. "I have something for you."

The colt took the box, opening it and peeking in. "A cupcake?"

"I know how much you love my baking." she smirked, "I figured you might get hungry later."

Will nodded, a smile pulling at his lips. "You're right, I do love your baking. In fact, I don't think I can wait."

Nyx's heart dropped as the colt quickly pulled the wrapper from the cupcake and took a large bite. She waited fearfully for his eyes to harden, for the 'We're done' every teen dreads hearing. The colt finished the cupcake, licking a tiny bead of frosting from his lip.

It was then that he noticed the filly staring. "What?"

She blinked. "H-how was it?"

He nodded slowly, "Pretty good, but let's give it a minute. I've heard that potions leave a bit of an aftertaste."

"What?" Nyx breathed, blinking in disbelief. A playful smile spread across the colt's face. "Y-you knew?" she whispered.

"Yeah. The spell washed off in the Enchanted Lake."

"'Enchanted Lake'?"

"Did I forget to mention that?"

Nyx licked her lips nervously. "I can explain-"

"You don't need to. You liked me, but I was with Sunrise, and you didn't know what else to do, right?"

"Uh, right..." she gulped, "So what, you've been playing along since then?"

Will used his magic to slide the silver ring onto Nyx horn. His hoof came up to lightly trace a swirling pattern on her cheek. He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss at the base of her horn, just below the ring. He pulled away, gazing into the girl's hopeful eyes. He smiled. "Everything I've said is true."

Nyx couldn't find words to reply, the ability to speak having left her. Her mind was reeling. It was real, it was all real.

'Well, that certainly complicates things, doesn't it?'

The carriage came to a stop in front of the cathedral. Will exited the cart, then put out a hoof to help Nyx. They made their way up the stairs, hoof in hoof, stopping before Fluttershy and Discord. Nyx bowed before the older ponies.

"About yesterday-"

"I want to apologize," the stallion interrupted, "for my stiff behavior."

Nyx cocked her head, confused.

"I failed to see how somepony raised by evil could have anything in their heart but that. But I understand, now, thanks to Will, that even the children of villains can change."

The filly forced a smile and nodded. "Thank you, sir." she smiled her coltfriend, "He's pretty great."

Discord turned to the colt. "It's like I said before, you'll make a fine Guardian."

"Just keep listening to your heart." Fluttershy rested a hoof on her son's shoulder. "And you," She turned to Nyx, "thank you," she whispered, hugging the girl. "I have never seen my son smile as much as he does when he's with you."

"Excuse me!" the ponies turned to to the approaching potbellied stallion. He gestured to the colt. "I'm here to escort the prince inside."

Will nodded to his parents and nuzzled his marefriend's cheek before following the short stallion into the cathedral and into a waiting room.

"Come on, dear." Fluttershy said kindly to the filly, "Discord and I will show you where to need to be."

***

Nyx glanced around the crowded cathedral. She stood on a step leading up to the raised stage area. On the stage stood the Elemental representatives in their full regalia, with Discord standing next to his wife. Normally, the Region Coronation and Guardianship Ceremony would be two separate programs, with their own rules; the Coronation would be performed by Fluttershy and Discord, the retiring Queen and King, and the Ceremony would be performed by the Elements and any other current Guardians. However, Will didn't want to have to worry about two big celebrations, and had chosen to combine them into one program.

Will's family had seats close to the front. Nyx caught a wink from Lady Bug, who was seated next Scifresh Doubloon. A glance at an overlooking indoor balcony showed Shade and Flare near the railing. She sent a curt nod to the colts.

The floor-to-ceiling doors glided smoothly over the carpet as two magic-wielding guards opened them. Will's head was held high as he made his way down the red carpet marking the path to his elders. A hush fell over the previous chattering of those in attendance. He was supposed to keep and expression of poise and dignity, but that didn't stop Will from flashing a smile at a certain filly as he passed her on the steps.

Nyx watched as the coronation was performed. Will's parents gave a speech, quick retelling of his childhood and his studies, then Fluttershy removed her husband's crown and placed it on her son's head.

Discord backed away as the butterflies in Nyx's stomach rose. The Guardians moved to position s surrounding Will in a half-circle, with Twilight, the only Alicorn, at the head. Her heart pounded as each mare said something about Will's character or his deed of bringing villain children to Equestria. Soon, soon Will would move to turn around, at last a king and a Guardian, and she would have a clear shot at Twilight's Element. She felt sick. Two voices clashed in her head.

'Maybe I could teach you.'

Twilight finished her speech.

'Our entire world, our future rests on your withers.'

Will gave his pledge.

'Everything I've said is true.'

The Elements began to glow, they neared the end of the ceremony.

'Don't screw this up.'

Now.

A shriek rose from somewhere in the crowd as a blue aura ripped the crown from Twilight's head.

All eyes fell on the golden orange filly with the destroyed pixie cut. The Element fought against her weak aura, jerking around as it rejected her magic.

"Nova, what'd you think you're doing?!" Twilight screamed to her daughter as she dodged a beam of magic as it shot from the out-of-control Element.

The filly grunted as she fought to tame the crown. "If you won't turn me into an Alicorn, then I'll do it myself!" she shrieked.

Without any further hesitation, Nyx rushed forward. She flared her horn, gripping the crown in her own magic. A bright flash filled the room, a sound similar to lightning ringing in the ears of all in attendance. The dark Alicorn blinked as the light receded. Her eyes met Nova's terror filled gaze. The younger filly's horn sparked a few times before her magic died. She backed up, her eyes wide in horror, tears clinging to the corners, her mouth slowly moving even though she couldn't form words.

Nyx stared at the retreating filly in confusion. She felt a dull ache under her eye, followed by a tickling sensation running underneath the aching patch of skin. Instinctively, she raised her hoof to rub at the offending area. She glanced at her hoof, shocked to find a few drops of blood clinging to her fur. It was then that she noticed the tiny, almost invisible shards of glass on the floor in front of her. Realization hit when the murmurings of the crowd reached her ears.

"...Those eyes..."

"...Truly Nightmare's daughter..."

"...She is a monster..."

"Nyx..."

Wait, that voice she knew.

Nyx looked up, fear shining through her purple frames, now bare apart from the shards of glass still clinging to the edges. A glance thrown over he shoulder showed the other villain foals fighting their way through the crowd. She stared forward once again, eyes locked with an approaching Will.

"Nyx," he said again, "Nyx, give me the crown."

"Get back." the filly shakily warned.

He chanced another step. "It's oka-"

"Will, I said 'stand back'!" Nyx's magic sparked for a few seconds before glowing intensely, the crown amplifying her power.

"I told you, Will!" Sunrise pushed her way forward, "She's nothing but a-" her words died in her throat.

"Alright," the darker Alicorn turned towards the yellow filly, her eyes glowing with a burning intensity, "I have had just about enough of you!"

Sunrise staggered backwards and the crowd fell silent. Lady, Shade, and Flare broke through and rushed up behind Nyx, the latter now once again facing the new king.

"Nyx, we gotta go!" Flare shifted his weight nervously.

"Revenge time." Shade spoke through gritted teeth as he glared at the back of the filly's head.

"Nyx," Will tried again, looking hard at the dark Alicorn, "is this really what you want?"

She shook her head. "You just don't get it Will! My mother-"

"I don't care what your mother wants! What do you want?"

Nyx froze, unable to answer. Behind her, her friends were waiting for her to do what they'd come for. But in front of her, Will was begging her to change her mind. "I don't know..." she squeezed her eyes shut, "I think...I think..." her eyes opened. Something clicked in her mind. Her face hardened as she turned to her friends.

"We don't have to do this."

"Nyx, what are you talking about?" Lady waved a hoof, "We don't have a choice!"

"But we do!" Nyx explained. She stepped forward. "Think about it, none of us were really happy there."

The others still looked doubtful.

"Things are better here! Shade, you won't have to steal to make ends meet. You can be a part of a team and have a real family." the colt let a small smile creep across his face as the filly turned to the golden colt, "Nopony will hurt you here. You won't have to be a slave to somepony who's supposed to take care of you." Flare bit his lip. And finally, Nyx faced lady, her voice laced with tears, "And you...you don't have to play dumb to get ponies to like you. There are so many ponies here who love you for who you are; you won't starve." The Changeling grinned, tears rolling down her face.

"And I...I want to stay here too. I want to go to school and make something of myself; choose who I want to be! And, I wanna stay with Will." The colt in question raised his head in surprise. The filly turned around, tears glistening in her eyes, a grin splitting her face. Light pouring through a window landed on the ring at the base of her horn. "Because Will makes me really, really happy." She faced her friend once again. She put her hoof out. "I'm going good, guys."

Lady glanced at Shade before placing her hoof against Nyx's. Shade reached out, along with Will. Flare hesitated a few moments before breaking into a smile and joining the gesture. Nyx looked at the smiling faces surrounding her. She leaned her head on her coltfriend's shoulder. Things were definitely starting to look up.

It was then that indigo smoke began seeping under the door. It swirled around, raising screams from the crowd before collecting and swirling just behind the five teens. In seconds, the smoke dissipated, leaving a tall, dark mare in it's place. Her smoky mane flowed on an invisible breeze. Her piercing eyes flitted over the crowd. A cruel chuckled escaped her lips.

"I'm back."

Nyx took a brave step forward. "Why are you here Mother?" she growled.

"Why, can a mother not visit her daughter? And on such a special occasion."

"Go back to the Island, Nightmare!" Twilight glared at the taller Alicorn.

The mare turned to the mortal Alicorn. "Let me think...hmmm...no!"

The other Elemental Representatives crowded closer to Twilight. "Go back of your own accord, or we'll send you back! Nyx!"

The filly flung the crown towards Twilight, only for her mother to intercept it's path. Nightmare turned to her now terrified daughter, shaking her head and clucking her tongue. "Nyx, Nyx, Nyx, didn't I teach you not to disobey me?" Her horn flashed as the six mares and stallion behind her lunged forward. They froze in midair, falling to the ground with a thud. "Wait," she muttered as she stepped towards the stallion, "who are you?" She pressed her horn to his and the equine disguise melted away. "Discord!" she laughed, "Y-you, oh that's rich! These ponies and their friendship mumbo-jumbo made you such a pansy!" she wiped away a tear before turning a glare to her daughter.

"Now, you four collect the necklaces, and I might let this little lapse in judgment slide." she sighed happily as she lowered the crown atop her head.

"No, Mother."

Nightmare raised and eyebrow. "No? Oh...I see how it is." there was a flash and suddenly stood nose to nose with the filly. "Do you really think that goodness can give you more than darkness can? They've warped your brain, my dear, but fret not, I shall cure you of their disease. I will strip you of everything you think you know, starting. With. This!" Her horn flashed again, ripping away the ring her daughter wore and flinging it far out of reach. She whirled around, stalking over towards the frozen mares.

Nyx bit back tears as she glanced around the room at the cowering ponies. She had a dangerous idea. "You've got ten seconds to get lost in the crowd." she whispered to the colt at her side as she lowered herself to a crouch.

Will mimicked her movement. "No chance." he replied, "Whatever you're planning, I've got your back."

She flashed a smile and watched her friends lower themselves into attacking positions. She nodded to them. Her magic flared and a shimmering wall of magic began shooting up at alarming speed.

Nightmare turned to her daughter, the necklaces she'd been levitating clattering to the floor. "What do you think you're doing?!" She seethed.

"Lady!" a cry rose from the crowd as a blue-grey colt leaped over the rapidly rising wall.

"Sci?!" she stared slack jawed at the glaring colt as he galloped to her side, "What is wrong with you!?"

"Ah had a chance to protect you before and Ah didn't; Ah ain't makin' that mistake again."

Beads of sweat gathered on Nyx's brow as she strained to build the wall. seconds after the spell started, it was completed by the sides of the wall formed a domed roof over their heads, effectively protecting the ponies in the cathedral, including the Guardians, but trapping the teens in an impenetrable magic bubble with a powerful assassin.

"This is incredibly immature, Nyx." Nightmare took a few steps forward, "Now, I understand you'd want the power for yourself, but after today, I don't think you're ready for this level of villainy." She glanced at the teens ready for a fight. "Oh what, you think you could take me?"

Nyx stood tall. "Don't you get it, Mother? I am not like you! I don't want to be a villain! I don't want to be a monster! No matter what you try to do to me, and what these ponies may think, I am not, and never will be, the next 'Nightmare Moon'! As long as there is still breath in my lungs, I will protect these ponies. And if I have to fight you to do that," she flared her horn, throwing way the remains of her glasses, "then so be it."

Lady saw a flash out of the corner of her eye. "Nyx..." she breathed, pointing at the glow coming from under the Alicorn's skirt. The filly turned, eyes widening at the light as she lifted the fabric. Her once bare flank was now adorned with a dark blue shield outlined in turquoise, with a crescent moon shape of a lighter blue on the side.

Nightmare ground her teeth together. "Enough!" she screeched, "No daughter of mine speaks like that! No villain's child has a cutie mark such as that one! You're dead to me! And as soon as I get my hooves on you, I'll make that a reality!"

Nyx flared her horn, tearing the crown from the older Alicorn's head and placing on her own. The older mare transformed herself to smoke and shot towards the filly.

"Guys, I'll take care of her, get the other Elements!" Nyx shouted over her shoulder as she took off at a dead run to the other end of the dome.

"We're on it!" Shade shouted back.

"What do we do with them?!" Flare grabbed at and necklace with a balloon-shaped charm.

"Put them on!" Will shouted as he grabbed his mother's Element. He watched as Nyx spread her wings and took flight, leading the cloud of indigo smoke towards the roof of the dome. "We might can use them to help Nyx!"

Doub grabbed his mother's Element while Lady and Shade grabbed necklaces with purple and red gems respectively. They all jumped as a shriek pierced the air. They turned to see Nyx crash to the floor.

Will reached her first. "Are you alright?" he asked as he helped his marefriend to her hooves.

Nyx wiped her cheek, discovering quickly that her cut was bleeding more heavily that before. "I'm fine." she grunted as she steadied herself.

"Look!" Flare cried out, pointing at the cloud of smoke as it shot towards them at alarming speed. The teens crowded together. Nyx stepped forward and the smoke came to an abrupt stop mere centimeters from her muzzle. Eyes a mirror to her own materialized in the smoke, staring her down. She glared with equal ferocity. Nightmare's eyes began to glow. Nyx could feel her friends staring along with her, giving her strength.

The teens' eyes began to glow with a brighter intensity.

Nightmare squinted.

The teens strength grew.

Nightmare blinked.

There was a flash of light.

Author's Note

How much do you guys hate me? :trollestia:

Well those of you who have seen Descendants probably aren't that mad, as you pretty much know what happens.

Or do you?

I mean, I did say something about a "big, ground breaking twist" a while back, and there's only one chapter left... :duck:

Also, did anyone see the two major references in here?

I love comments! They cure writers block!

Chapter Nine: Not Over Yet

Unshed tears burned her eyes. Her wings drooped in a manner of one not possessing the strength to hold them at their side. The torn tips of her feathers brushed against the cold, filthy floor that served as her bed. Her dull, matted coat clung tightly to her bones. Her tangled mane was glued to her neck and face by sweat and grime. Her head hung limply, her blurred vision stationed on the ground.

She was the picture of death, kept alive by sheer refusal to die.

Slowly, painfully she lifted her head, rising from her sitting position and wobbled to the crack in the wall that served as a window. The crack, which had once been the size of a bit, barely big enough to see out of, had widened considerably throughout the years of weathering, though not enough for her to escape her prison, though that didn't stop her from trying. She collapsed before the opening and fought to hold her head high enough to look at her bleak view of the outside world.

How long had it been? How long had she been locked away? How many times had she beaten herself bloody trying to shatter these crumbling walls? How long had it been since time stopped? Since the days began to blur together? Since isolation began to take it's toll?

How long had it been since she'd lost the fight?

She turned away from the widow and slid back into a sitting position with her back pressed against the wall. She weakly raised a hoof to wipe away tears she refused to let fall. She let out a deep sigh that quickly turned into a racking cough. Catching her breath, she turned her eyes to the door to her prison that hid in the shadows.

"I know you're there." she rasped, "Come in, already. What am I gonna do, stop you?"

A loud creaking emitted from the door as it was opened, followed by a quiet click as it was closed. Hoofsteps echoed on the stone walls.

"Hello." the newcomer said softly. "I felt like visiting today." she said at the weak mare's blank expression.

"What do you want?"

"I wanted to see you."

A bitter chuckle came from the sitting mare. "No really, why are you here? And don't give me some crap about wanting to see how I'm doing. You know what happens here. You make sure of what happens."

"I do. But still, am I not allowed to speak to you?"

"Not after everything you've done! Everything that's happened!" the mare struggled to stand. She jabbed the visitor with a chipped hoof. "You. Destroyed. Everything." she growled.

The visitor slapped the hoof away. "You did this to yourself." she snapped. "Everything you did, ever, lead to this! The final straw was leaving the Isle. That's what landed you here!"

The mare raised her head defiantly, a stony expression written across her dirt-smeared face. "Don't pin anything on me. This only happened because you can't accept defeat."

A sneer spread across the visitor's face as she whirled around and delivered a buck to the younger mare's chest and neck that sent her to the floor. The girl groaned as she curled into a ball, gasping in pain.

"Now, is that anyway to speak to me?" the visitor asked as she moved to exit the room, "After all, I am still your mother."

The mare whimpered as the door slammed shut. She ground her teeth in agony as pain rippled from the bruises already forming under her coat. She dragged herself to warped floorboard in the center of the room. She pried it up and reached her hoof into it and pulled out a tattered bag made of purple leather. It had been a miracle she'd been able to get the bag and it's contents. She peeked inside. An auburn colored bat crawled out.

"Hey Berry." she whispered, "I'm sorry you had to go in there, but who knows what would've happened if she found you."

The aging bat crawled onto her head, pretending to not notice the swollen bruises visible through the mare's thinning coat.

The mare reached into bag an pulled out a faded purple-and-white jersey. Clutching the fabric to her chest, she reached back into the bag and removed a cracked mirror made of green crystal. Tears filled her eyes as she peered at her reflection.

The little bat whimpered.

"I know." she said shakily, "I miss them too." She laid down on her side. She reached into the bag once again. When she pulled her hoof from the bag, a silver ring with a circle of arrows symbolized on the front rested in the center. She closed her eyes. She could almost hear his voice.

***

"Nyx. Nyx, wake up."

The filly jumped as her eyes shot open. Her gaze met the eyes of the colt hovering over her. His face lit up, a wide grin spreading across his features. He pulled her into a tight hug.

"Oh, thank Celestia! You passed out, and, and I didn't..."

"Shh, I'm okay." she nuzzled into her coltfriend's neck, shaking off the nightmare. Will broke the hug and turned to the ponies surrounding the Guardians who were once again able to move. Everyone had been too fixated on the battle transpiring within the dome, which had shattered behind the spell that had ended the fight, to try and help the frozen royalty. The colt nuzzled the filly a final time before hurrying over to his parents.

Nyx turned to her friends as she reached a hoof to her cheek, discovering quickly that her cut had been healed. The villain foals had picked themselves up and made their way over to the young Alicorn. They shared a gaze before wrapping each other in a group hug, tears welling in their eyes. They'd done it. They'd defeated Nightmare Moon. They were free.

"Excuse me?" Nyx turned to the voice behind her. Twilight stood there, a warm smile on her face. A silver ring floated in the mare's pink aura. "I believe this is yours."

Nyx smiled as the ring changed auras. She caught Will's eye as she slipped in back on, where it rested perfectly at the base of her horn. The colt started over to her. The filly then lit her horn again and removed the tiara she realized she still wore. "And, I'm pretty sure this belongs to you."

Twilight took the crown. She stared at it for a moment, her smile growing. "No," she said fondly. She turned the tiara so that the filly and the teens crowded around her, the Isle foals, Doub, and Will, could see the gem. In place of the pink six-pointed star that once adorned the gold band was a blue gem carved into the shape of a shield. The filly stared, shocked, at her reflection in the gem. She turned her gaze up to her teacher. Twilight had tears in her eyes as she set the crown on the filly's head. "It belongs to you now."

"Woah, check it out!" the teens' eyes turned to Flare and the necklace he still wore. The blue balloon gem had turned into a flame of an orange color.

Slowly, the four remaining teens lowered their eyes to their own necklaces. Lady's, which had been a purple diamond, was now a pale red beetle spotted in grey. Shade now wore a triangular gem of a slightly darker shade of red. Will's had transformed into a half-pink-half-brown heart, and Doub's had become a pale pink heart with two little gold colored circles at it's base. They turned to Twilight who only smiled and nodded before walking away muttering something about talking to her daughter.

"So, we're the Elements now?" Shade asked, comparing the gem to the image on his flank.

Lady rubbed her hoof over her own necklace. "I guess so." she whispered. She rested her head on Doub's shoulder, gazing up at him with a smile.

"Wait," Flare drew the group's attention, "What happened to Nightm-"

"Luna?!" a voice rose from the crowd. All eyes turned to the ivory Alicorn as she galloped down the path cleared by the parting crowd.

It was then that gazes fell on the pale blue mare sprawled on the floor. Her delicate wings were spread open, and a long sharp horn rose from her forehead. Her eyelids slid back to reveal bright turquoise irises. She looked no older than nineteen.

The ancient mare skidded to a stop before the girl. She leaned down, breath heaving, eyes wide in disbelief. Tears sprung to her eyes as she looked over the young mare. She reached a hoof out to help the girl up. She let out a laugh as she pulled the younger Alicorn into a hug.

"Oh, Luna, I missed you so much!"

"You...missed me? Really?" the young mare whispered, hesitantly returning the hug.

Celestia pulled away slightly to look at the girl. "Of course I missed you." she breathed, brushing her sister's mane back with her hoof, tears streaming, "You're my baby sister."

Luna grinned and pulled her sister into a crushing hug. "I missed you too, sister!"

"I don't understand..." Nyx whispered under her breath, more confused than moved by the scene before her, "you were dead."

The pale blue mare glanced up, locking eyes with the dark filly. Surprise and some unknown emotion spread across her features. "You." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Nyx gulped fearfully. She took a step back. "I-I'm not who you think I am." she said shakily as the young mare broke away from her sister and advanced slowly towards her, all too aware of her likeness to Nightmare Moon. If her mother had lied about Luna's death, wouldn't make sense for her to have lied about their friendship, and Luna's supposed request?

The blue mare reached the dark filly. Her wide eyes scanned the filly's face. "You..."

Nyx tensed her legs, ready to run should the mare try to attack, and she could feel her friends doing the same.

"You look so beautiful."

Her mind reeled. "I'm sorry, what?"

"You don't know me, Nyx, you've never really met me, but I know you." the mare breathed shakily, "I'm your mother!"

The filly stared at the mare barely older than she was. "That's impossible, Nightmare-"

"Is the mare who raised you." Luna finished gently. Her face hardened slightly. "But you are my daughter." her eyes softened. She reached a hoof to touch the filly's face. Nyx flinched away, causing tears to spring to the mare's eyes.

"She hurt you, didn't she? She hurt all of you, everypony, didn't she? I'm so sorry, I never should have left you with her, never should have asked her to..." she began crying, "I missed seeing you grow up! I d-didn't get to teach you to fly, or use your magic! I didn't g-get to, to take you to a park, or play dress up! I mi-issed your birthday, I missed Hearth's Warming!" she took a shaky breath before finishing with a whisper, "I missed everything."

"I still don't understand." Nyx said gently, pushing the crying mare away slightly, "I mean, I'm sixteen, and you were, well, oh, how do I put this?"

The mare sniffed and wiped a her eyes. "I've been dead for the past millennium, I know." she said bluntly. "I was twenty-two when I last spoke to Moon, when, well, I'm sure she told you."

"But that was centuries ago! I'm only sixteen!"

"I know." Luna said gently, "I can't remember...anything since that night, apart from having you, and that you were born on an island." she finished quietly.

Nyx opened to speak again, but was interrupted by the mare. "I don't how I'm here now, or why really, but I promise you," she paused, taking a breath, tears threatening to fall once again, "I promise that I will make it up to you."

The filly stared dumbfounded as her 'mother' was escorted away by her sister. She almost didn't notice her friends coming up beside her. "You...you guys saw that too, right? That actually happened?"

Shade slowly nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, that was real."

"That doesn't answer my question!" Flare winced as Lady Bug gave him a hard nudge in the ribs, "Okay, that was a bit insensitive, but still! You don't think we," he gulped, "killed her, do you?!"

"No." Nyx said quietly. She cleared her throat and spoke a bit louder. "No, the Elements can't kill, only bring justice. Maybe...maybe since Luna died prematurely, the Elements brought justice by bringing her back and sending my moth-um, Nightmare back to the Island. Yeah, yeah that's probably what happened." Nyx tried her best to sound convincing. In truth, she had no idea what had happened.

Nyx glance up at a break in the crowd. "I'll be right back. I need to...fix something."

"What were you thinking?! You could've hurt somepony! Not to mention yourself!" Twilight scolded.

"I know, but-"

"No, Nova, I don't think you do!" Twilight sighed, "I've told you time and time again that the Elements won't accept just anypony! It's dangerous to try and use them without knowing what's happening! When used by the correct pony, the Elements are only harmful to the unjust, but when used by somepony who isn't connected to it, it can be lethal! Is wanting to be an Alicorn really important enough to risk not only your own life, but the lives of everypony in this room!?"

"Um, Twilight?"

"What?!" the mare screamed, her anger getting the best of her.

Nyx winced at the harshness of her teacher's voice but brushed it off, knowing the anger wasn't really directed at her. 'Now,' she thought, 'time to save the one it is directed at.'

"If I may interject?"

Twilight sighed, cooling off. "Yes, of course. What is it?"

"Don't be mad at Nova, okay? It wasn't her fault."

"Excuse me?"

The dark filly took a deep breath. "I admit, my friends and I were sent here with the intention of stealing the Elements of Harmony for our parents. One of the plans we had come up with to do so was using Nova to get it. I, well, cornered Nova in the bathroom and convinced her that your Element would be the best way to get what she wanted, in hopes that I could get close to it and grab it. In other words, I'm the one who put all that crazy stuff in her head. And..." the mare and teen turned to the younger filly's rat nest of a mane, "I'm also the one who did that."

Nyx directed her attention to Nova. "I'm sorry, by the way. For everything."

"It's okay." the timid filly said quietly, "I saw your mom. I don't think you had much of a choice."

The older filly chuckled. She turned to look at her friends before speaking again to the mare. "I think I speak for us all when I say that my friends and I apologize greatly for everything we've done, and we'll gladly accept our punishments."

Twilight nodded slowly. "I should hope so. I'll see you in Saturday detention on tomorrow morning."

Nyx's eyes widened in confusion. "T-that's it? That's all we get? Weekend detention?"

"No, you, Nyx, get weekend detention for bullying a fellow student." the mare gestured to her daughter, "For attempting to steal the Elements, the punishment is a bit more severe...however, you did save Equestria from Nightmare Moon, and any villains she'd had alliances with..." she smiled gently, "What's say we call it even?"

"You-you're sure?"

"I think it's more than fair. Now go, before I change my mind!" the mare chuckled playfully.

Nyx started to walk away, but stopped, gesturing to Nova's mane. "Twilight? Do you mind if I...?"

The mare sighed in defeat at the puppy eyes directed at her by her daughter. "Go ahead."

The young Alicorn flared her horn. The tangles in the young Unicorn's mane receded, split ends disappeared, and the hair grew to her shoulders, bangs coming down just above her eyes. As a final touch, a slight inward curl was added to the ends of the mane and bangs.

"Don't think this means that you're not in trouble, young lady!" Twilight glared slightly at her filly, "You are still grounded for that stunt you pulled!"

Nova sighed, a pout forming on her face. She shook the look away. "That's fair, I guess. I can live with that."

"Good." Nyx smiled at the filly before heading back to her friends.

"Is Nova okay?" Flare asked as the Alicorn approached.

"A little shaken up, but I think she'll be fine."

"Good."

A nudge in the side brought Nyx's attention to the blue Changeling at her side. "Don't look now. Here comes trouble."

The dark Alicorn glanced up to see a golden filly in a pink gown heading their way. "Nyx." she said simply, giving a nod of acknowledgement to the other teens.

"Sunrise."

The yellow Alicorn used a hoof to brush a blue lock of her mane back into the tight bun she wore. She cast a glance to her mother and the blue mare she called 'sister'. "So...I guess we're..."

"Cousins." Nyx said bluntly.

"Yeah..." Sunrise kicked lightly at the tiled floor, cracked from the battle.

Nyx reached a hoof out, a small smile forming. "No hard feelings?"

The yellow filly stared blankly at the filly, then at the offered hoof. She slowly returned the smile, reaching her own hoof out. "I totally don't blame you for...whatever happened between Nightmare Moon and my aunt." she said jokingly.

"And I totally don't blame you for your mother banishing my...Nightmare to the moon for a thousand years."

"Water under the bridge."

They shared an awkward laugh and a genuine smile.

"I, uh, I should go." Sunrise gestured towards her mother, "I...need to talk to my mother." she headed towards the ivory Alicorn.

"Hey." Nyx turned to see her coltfriend at her side. He gestured towards the mares Sunrise was walking towards. "I had a few things to sort out. I thought I'd have at least a day to celebrate before they threw me into my kingly duties." he joked.

Nyx smiled gently as she looked towards the mares. Her smile faded as her gaze locked onto the blue Alicorn.

Will set a hoof on the girl's shoulder. "How are you holding up?"

"I..." she took a deep breath, "I'm okay."

Will raised an eyebrow.

"I'll be okay."

"Hey, Nyx?" The teens turned to Shade, "Hate to interrupt, but..." he flared his horn, lifting the bent frame of the girl's shattered glasses. Nyx frowned, taking the frames in her own magic.

"Are you gonna be okay without those?" Will asked as the girl peered at the ruined frames.

The filly smiled, using her magic to make the frames disappear. "Yeah. I don't need them. I'm through hiding." she turned to smile at the colt.

Will took a deep steadying breath. He stepped away from the filly, earning a confused look from the group. He flared his horn, the magic spreading across his body, enveloping him in light. When the light receded, his Equine form had gone with it, leaving Will as his true half-pony-half-Draconequus self. Shock was written across the faces of all who saw the transformation, excluding Nyx who remained confused.

"If you're going to be yourself," he smiled, "then I will too."

The filly grinned, nearly knocking the colt over as she hugged him. She pulled away a short time later, using her magic to knock the young king's crown sideways on his head, earning a laugh from their little group.

"Not that this isn't awesome and all, but," Flare spoke up, "now what?"

"Yeah," Shade added, "we didn't exactly check to see what was happening after the coronation."

Will smiled and draped his wyvern-like wing over his marefriend's withers. "There's an after-party set up in the gym. It should be starting soon."

Lady Bug grinned as she looked at the other villain foals. "Well, I'd say we're dressed for a party." she smoothed out a wrinkle in her dress.

Shade punched the air. "Let's have some fun!"

***

Strobe lights reflected off the clouds emitting from the smoke machines. Ponies crowded the floor, swaying and swinging to the music blaring from the hanging speakers, shouting out the lyrics as they danced.

"Let's set it off!

Oh yeah!

We could make it happen!

Ohay, ohay, hey!"

Will jumped to a clear spot on the floor, mouthing the words to the song.

"Don't you know that it's our time to shine?

Shout it out; story of our lives!

Now here we are,

Taking back the night!

Ohay, ohay, hey!"

He reached a hoof out to his marefriend. She skipped over, taking his lead as he spun her around.

"Break the spell,

Yeah, we were born this way!

Just be yourself and forget the DNA,

Everypony raise your hooves and say!

Ohay, ohay, hey!"

A mirthful laugh came from a few feet away where Doub was trying to teach Lady to line dance. She twirled, clicking her heels against the wooden floor as she sang the next part.

"Sound it out, get on your feet!

Time to set it off and rock this beat!

Dance till your heart beats wild and free!

Ooh, oh, oh!"

Doub grinned, deciding that she had gotten the hang of the dance. He joined her, both in dancing and singing.

"Feeling powerful, let it all out,

Gotta like what you see in the mirror, shout!

We got the keys, you know this kingdom's ours!

Ooh, oh, oh!

Ohay, ohay hey!"

Everypony joined in the song as they danced, hearts beating as one.

"Let's set it off!

Oh yeah!

Let's start a chain reaction,

And we'll never let it stop!

"Let's set it off!

Oh yeah!

You know that we can make it happen!

With everything we got!

"Let's set it off!

"Get ready, set it off!

We got to set it off!

I said, get ready, set it off!

We got to set it off!"

Flare took a deep breath and marched towards the orange filly nursing a cup of cider. "Hey." he smiled, reaching a hoof out, "Wanna dance?"

Nova raised her eyebrows. "Uh, s-sure." she set her cup down and let the colt lead her into the crowd.

"Yo, it's time to set this thing off,

And make it happen now!

We're make our own future, ignore all their rumors,

And show 'em how passion sounds!

"They all told me I should turn around

Judgin' me 'cause of my background

Thinkin' 'bout changing my path now

'Cause I ain't gonna be like that now!"

Shade turned at a tap on his shoulder and found himself being dragged away from the food table by a surprisingly strong Lolly. He raised an eyebrow at her as she began swinging her tail to the beat.

"C'mon, I didn't drag you over for you to just stand there! Live a little!"

"'Live a little?!' Please, I'll show you fun!" he grabbed her hoof to twirl the curly-haired filly.

"Feeling powerful, let it all out,

Gotta like what you see in the mirror, shout!

We got the keys, you know this kingdom's ours!

Ooh, oh, oh!

Ohay, ohay hey!

"Let's set it off!

Oh yeah!

Let's start a chain reaction,

And we'll never let it stop!

"Let's set it off!

Oh yeah!

You know that we can make it happen!

With everything we got!

"Let's set it off!

"Get ready, set it off!

We got to set it off!

I said, get ready, set it off!

We got to set it off!"

Nyx smirked at Will. "You dance pretty good for an Equestrian."

"Why, thank you." the colt winked. "You know, you're not so bad for a villain foal."

They stopped dancing for a moment. Will leaned in.

"Three, two, one, oh!"

Nyx turned her head at the last second, the kiss landing on her cheek.

"Tricky." Will muttered in mock annoyance.

"You know it!" the girl laughed smugly.

"Let's set it off!

Oh yeah!

Let's start a chain reaction,

And we'll never let it stop!

"Let's set it off!

Oh yeah!

"Let's set it off!

"You know that we can make it happen!

With everything we got!

"Let's set it off!

"Get ready, set it off!

We got to set it off!

I said, get ready, set it off!

We got to set it off!"

The music faded away as the song ended. Bright flashes brought everypony's attention to the window, where fireworks were set off by somepony outside. Cheers rose from the crowd of ponies as they rushed to the windows, their excited faces bathed in the colored light. A slow song whispered from the speakers, and a few ponies left the windows in favor of dancing.

Nyx and Will gazed at each other as they swayed to the music. They pressed their foreheads together as the calming melody guided their movements. The young Alicorn turned to look at her friends, both from the Isle and Equestria, as they continued to marvel at the colorful display.

'Hard to believe what can change in a week.' she mused, 'Has it really only been a week? So much has happened; it feels like it's been ten months! So much has happened...but it's gonna be better here. Things are looking up.'

Nyx rested her head on Will's chest. She closed her eyes. She was happy.

Author's Note

I'm honestly crying as I write this. We've come a long way. So much has happened.

I never pictured this story going as far as it has. I never pictured it getting as much love as it has. I never pictured falling in love with these characters. I never pictured making the friends I have through this story.

I never thought that this story would end up meaning so much to me.

I want to thank you all for sticking with me through every set back, every plot twist, through every sad scene, through every broken heart, through every cliffhanger.

I love you all.

"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason...Who can say if I've been changed for the better, but because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

You didn't think this was the end of the story, did you?

Chapter One: An Introduction

Once upon a time, about twenty years ago, everything in Equestria changed. Twilight Sparkle united with her new found friends and defeated Nightmare Moon, the, ahem, 'murderer' of the young Princess Luna, and returned her to the moon. They went on to save Equestria from countless villains, but one of the most famous stories was the classic tale of Fluttershy and Discord. The kind spirited mare tamed the beast, and a new friendship was kindled. Over time, friendship turned to romance, and the couple said their vows in front of the entire Equestrian population. Yeah, pretty big cake. Anyway, Discord, in an effort to pay for his crimes, proposed a way to create a peaceful utopia. The kingdom was divided among the Mane Six and Princess Cadence, depending on each region's needs, which allowed Princess Celestia to relax more, and gave her the first chance in a thousand years to mourn her sister. The ancient mare did, however, keep her title. To maintain the peace, Discord rounded up all the villains his new wife and her friends had faced, even going as far as finding banished villains and bringing back dead ones, and dropped them all on an island in the middle of the Eastern Sea, with a barrier keep them there. Magic removed, eternal famine and poverty, and no. Way. Off.

Or so we thought.

I suppose they were hoping the ponies of the Isle of the Forgotten, as it was dubbed by the residents, would receive their due punishment worse than death, and eventually all die off. What they didn't expect, however, was that the villains would take it upon themselves to raise a new generation. That's right; villains have foals. And that, dear reader, is where we come in. But, if you're going to hear our tale, I better start from the beginning.

***

The sun shone brightly over the kingdom. For twenty years, peace and prosperity reigned over Equestria. That reign would continue with the colt currently staring out the window of his dorm in the school located in the Canterlot Castle. The school had once been Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, but had long since been turned into a prestigious high school open to all of Equestria's youth. The colt stared out over the land, in the direction of the Eastern Sea. Though he couldn't see the water, or the island somewhere in the middle, he knew they were there.

The colt was jarred from his thoughts by an annoyed grunt from the stallion tailoring his suit. With a sigh, he turned his head away from the window, allowing the tailor to work on the collar. Suddenly the door opened to reveal two ponies. The mare had a soft yellow coat and a delicate pair of wings, with a pale pink mane that trailed to the floor and kind teal eyes. She wore a simple pale pink dress. The stallion at her side was brownish-grey with a short, dusty black mane and reddish eyes, and a horn towering from his head. He wore a modern brown suit. Both displayed matching smiles. They were the King and Queen of the Center Region

"Oh, Will." The mare sighed, "I can't believe you're about to take over our Region! You're only a baby!"

The stallion laughed at his wife's statement. "He's sixteen, my darling." he said, placing a kiss on her cheek.

"I know, but he's still my baby!" The mare replied, ignoring the eye roll she earned from the teen. "But, you won't be able to join us a Guardian of Equestria until you perform an act to better the society."

There was a custom put in place after the villains were banished. To become a Guardian, one must prove their worth among two tasks: saving the kingdom, or bettering the lives of the less fortunate in an extreme way. While all the current Guardians had saved Equestria at least once, many also performed the latter task. For example, Applejack organized a group that provides food and shelter to the poorer areas of the kingdom, while Rainbow Dash discovered a cure for Pegasus Scoliosis, giving many disabled Pegasi the chance to fly, and Twilight opened a school.

"Well," the colt began, "I actually have an idea..."

"Go on." his father said, a proud smile spreading across his face.

"Iwanttogivethevilliankidsachancetolivehere." he spoke in one breath. Judging his parents confused expressions, he spoke slower. "I want to give the foals of the Isle of the Forgotten the chance to live here in Equestria."

"You want to WHAT!?" his father shrieked. The stallion burst into flames, his equine appearance melting away to reveal his true Draconequus form. "The children of our enemies living among us!?" He visibly calmed when a yellow hoof rested against his shoulder. The flames dissipated, but his beastly look remained.

"Discord, the least you can do is hear him out without losing your head." the mare turned to her son, motioning for him to continue.

Will smiled at his mother before walking to the window, much to the annoyance of the tailor, who finally gave up for the moment. "Every day, I look out there and I wonder what's happening to them. If the villain's are truly as evil as you say, who knows what horrors their foals are facing." he turned to his father with a brave face. "I believe they should be given the chance to attend Canterlot Prep, to receive an education better than the one they might or might not be currently getting. To finally be taught right from wrong, and all in all, live a better life. For even though their parents have committed unspeakable crimes, the foals are innocent."

"They were raised by those criminals. How different can they truly be?" Discord asked.

"I gave you a chance, when you were a villain." seeing her husband's still stubborn expression, she tried a lower blow. "Suppose everypony decided that you hadn't received your just punishment, and sent you to the Island for a while. Will would have to go with you."

"Fluttershy!" the Draconequus gasped in shock, "Why ever would you suggest such a thing?"

"You are his father, and you did take part in raising him..." she trialed off, inwardly smirking at her husband's flustered expression.

The beast sighed, transforming himself back into a pony. "I suppose...foals are innocent. But, they all can't come at once; we couldn't keep an eye on all of them."

Will grinned at his father, glad that they now were on the same page. "I was thinking the same thing. I figured we could start off with four?" the colt gauged his parents' reactions before continuing. "I've already chosen them."

"I see...and who are their parents?"

The colt kept a brave front, though he was slightly worried. This undoubtedly would be the hardest thing to get his parents, his father mainly, to agree to. "Sunset Shimmer," not even a flinch, "Sombra," Fluttershy's eyes widened momentarily, "Chrysalis," Discord clenched his jaw. Will paused for a moment. They wouldn't like this. He licked his suddenly dry lips before continuing. "And Nightmare Moon."

"Nightm- are you sure you want her kid here? I mean, she killed a born Alicorn. Do you realize how much power that takes?"

The colt stood resilient. "Yes, I do, but I also realize that they should not be condemned for their parents crimes."

The stallion stared into his son's eyes for a few moments before allowing a small smile to spread across his face. "You'll make a fine Guardian." Will released the breathe he didn't know he was holding as he watched his father exit the room.

His mother flapped her wings, gently gliding and hovering in front of him. She smiled, brushing a bit of his black mane from his light red eyes. "So kindhearted." she whispered before hugging him. "Well done!"

***

The Isle of the Forgotten was a dark, grungy place. Shadows stretched across graffiti-covered walls; pain-filled wails and cackling echoed throughout dark alleyways. A dark-coated teen, dressed in leather of varying shades of purple and black, stood in front of a red brick wall. She was busy using the spray can she held between her teeth to finish up her mural. The painting depicted the silhouette of an Alicorn surrounded by an indigo cloud of smoke. 'For Night Eternal!' was written in purple across the bottom. She whirled around, her deep purple mane flaring around her before settling at her shoulders. Her turquoise, dragon-like eyes sparkled evilly as she began to sing.

"They call me trouble,

and say I'm bad.

Call me evil,"

She started walking, shoving over some random pony that happened to be in her way.

"But that makes me glad!"

As she walked past a dirty wall, a colt poked his silver-colored head over the top, black tresses curtaining over his gaze. He wore a black leather jacket. His red eyes glowed malevolently, a purple mist rising from his lime sclerae as he rolled on his shoulders across the top of the wall, before somersaulting off the side, landing on a ladder which he promptly shimmied down.

"A dirty no-good,

I'm bad to the bone.

A wicked nightmare.

Ya can't take me home!"

He sang in his suave voice as he walked away. Passing a tarp tacked up on the side of the wall as he disappeared down a dark alley, he turned his head momentarily, just long enough to grasp the tarp between his teeth. He ripped the tarp, the two halves falling limply to reveal his own graffiti. At first glance, it appeared to be a side-profile of his own image, but if one looked closer, you could see the coat and purple eye mist were darker, the horn longer and sharper as it darkened to black before seeping to a blood red, and the black mane flowed on a non-existent breeze. 'My Crystal Slaves' was written in black demonic letters across the bottom of the navy crystal-like design of the background.

A teenage filly strutted down the trash filled street. She was gorgeous in nearly every sense of the word. A plush, pale blue coat, with glossy jet-black hair that trailed to her hooves, and large, sparkling pink eyes. Her lacy black dress was barely long enough to cover her cutie mark. She caught the eyes of every colt she passed, whether it be from her appearance or her melodious singing.

"So I got some mischief

in my blood.

Can you blame me?

I never got real love!"

She cut away from the street, escaping the eyes of the colts, and meeting up with her purple-maned friend.

A colt with a buttery-colored coat poked his head out from an attic window. His vest was a dark burgundy color. He smiled mischievously, dark brown eyes glowing as he shook his shaggy red mane from his eyes. A dark yellow lightning-like streak ran across his hair.

"They fear my callousness,"

He climbed from the window,

"say I'm a low-life hood.

I feel so useless."

and rolled across and then off of the roof.

"Misunderstood!" he shouted upon landing on four hooves on the cobblestone streets before taking off at a gallop, running into the silver colt.

The two fillies sauntered down the street, laughing to themselves before continuing their part of the song.

"One thing's as certain

as summer fades to fall:

That we're the baddest

of them all!

"Welcome to our wicked world!"

The colts joined in, meeting up with the fillies in front of a chain-link fence.

"Wicked world!"

The combined force of kicks from the three horned ponies and a swift buck from the one Earth busted a section of the fence to smithereens. Pieces of metal flew in all directions, startling the ponies trying to wash their clothes.

"We're rotten to the core!

Rotten to the core!"

The teens sprinted around, raising havoc, laughing all the while.

"Rotten to the core,

who could ever ask for more?"

They kicked over tubs of water and dumped soap on ponies' heads.

"Ain't nothing like the kids next

like the kids next door!"

The sliver colt kicked over a basket of laundry, sending the moderately clean clothes flying into the mud.

"We're rotten to the core!"

Rotten to the...

Rotten to the core!"

They each grasped a stick between their teeth, hitting pipes as they ran through a tunnel.

"Call me a schemer,

or a freak,"

The purple-headed filly sang out as they entered a market place, the four separating momentarily. She turned her head around to the belt around her waist, grabbing one of the spray cans from it's holder. She sprayed a giant 'N' with the deep purple color over a curtain before quickly putting away the can.

"How could you say that?

I'm just unique!"

She pushed the curtain open to reveal a pony attempting to sneak a few rotted apples from a crate. She flared her wings, rearing up with a terrifying whinny. The pony shrieked, sprinting away. The filly laughed, taking a few apples before heading to look for her friends.

"So I'm a traitor?

Ain't got your back?"

The silver colt slunk up to two ponies trying to have tea. He grinned at them, lifting the pot in an offer to pour them some.

"We're not friends?

What's up with that?"

He laughed as he jumped over the table, shoving the pot into a pocket inside his jacket. The ponies leaped from the table, chasing the younger colt. They gave up, however, once he'd shimmied up a drain pipe and began running over rooftops.

The blue filly trotted into a rundown shack that served as a second-hoof clothing store.

"So, I'm a misfit.

So, I'm a flirt."

She flashed a shy, flirty smile at the colt stocking shelves as she leaned on the counter. She watched him gulp and squirm under her gaze. She walked up to him, pretending to browse while she not-so-subtly let her hoof brush against his. She then briskly turned and walked past him out the door, letting her long black tail run underneath his chin. Once outside, she pocketed the jewelry she'd slipped from the counter and the flowery top she'd lifted from the rack while she'd had the poor sap distracted.

"I broke your heart?

And made ya hurt?"

"The past is past;

forgive forget!"

The yellow colt dashed around a large warehouse, a basket of stolen food hanging from his neck as he ran from the angry stall owner. He laughed, kicking over crates and boxes to slow the stallion down. He leaped atop a table, running across it before soaring onto a passing hay cart. He kicked some straw into the shopkeeper's face as he rode away, enjoying some stale bread.

"Truth is:

Ya ain't seen nothin' yet!"

The teens once again met up, laughing as they galloped down the street, singing together.

"One thing's as certain

as summer fades to fall:

That we're the baddest

of them all!

"Welcome to our wicked world!

Wicked World!"

They each skidded to a stop in a dark alleyway. Loud music blared from a beat-up boombox. Teens swarmed, dancing to the beat. The newcomers joined in, finishing up their song as they danced.

"We're rotten to the core!

Rotten to the core!

Rotten to the core,

who could ever ask for more!?

"Ain't nothing like the kids next

like the kids next door!

We're rotten to the core!

Rotten to the...

Rotten to the core!"

With that, the music ended. The purple haired teen flapped her massive wings, letting them hold her aloft as let out a wicked cackle. The ponies below her cheered as she lighted down next to her friends on a raised concrete platform. Every pony burst into laughter as the dark filly lifted a hoof to reveal a dirty lollipop she'd snatched from a now terrified filly who'd wandered to close to the teens' hangout. Soon enough, laughter turned shrieks as the teen populace ran for cover. The filly turned around, eyes landing on the three Pegasi who'd sneaked up behind her and her friends.

The three winged ponies each wore matching attire of black and purple full body suits. The two stallions were dark grey with cobalt manes, while the mare was of a slightly lighter color scheme. They each wore dark purple goggles with gold-tinted lenses. The black filly smirked at the sight.

"Hello, Mother." she sneered, addressing the black Alicorn towering over the Pegasi. The mare looked exactly like the filly, except for the star-filled indigo smoke that served as her mane and the silver-painted cardboard armor she wore.

"Stealing candy, Nyx?" the mare questioned, her dragon-like eyes blazing. "I thought better of you."

The teen removed the sucker from her mouth, passing it to the older mare. "It was from a filly." she said hopefully. Her face fell as her mother let the candy fall to the ground, crushing it under her hoof.

"How many times must I tell you that it's the deeds that separate the mere bullies from the truly evil? At your age, I'd killed a born Alicorn!" the mare lectured. She then sighed, wings drooping in defeat. "I just want you to learn what's truly important: How to be like me."

The filly sighed. "I know. And I will. Just kinda hard, with petty theft being literately the worst crime you can pull here." this statement earned a sneer from the mare.

"Which reminds me, I've come bearing news. You four have been chosen to go to a new school. In Equestria."

The silver and yellow colts turned to flee while blue filly dropped her equine disguise in order to use her insect-like wings to buzz away. They were quickly restrained by the Pegasi who they just noticed had wandered behind them. Nyx raised a hoof to her friends, signaling them to stop.

"No, there is absolutely no way I am going to some boarding school with a bunch of over dressed snobs!"

The Changling filly sighed dreamily, suddenly thinking of Equestria's close-knit communities. "Or all the delicious love!" she cooed, earning a glare from the black filly.

"Hey, now, I don't do uniforms." the silver colt snapped.

The buttery yellow colt shivered, thinking of his mother's stories of the bat-like demon creatures she and her minion's had turned into. "Uh, I-I heard ab-b-bout, uh, b-ba-ts in Eque-esst-ria..." trying, and failing, to subtly voice his fear.

The mare rolled her eyes at the complaints. "Enough of that. Come, we've much to discuss." With that, she signaled the group to follow her as she navigated the crowded streets of the Isle of the Forgotten.

Author's Note

So, I noticed a lot of similarities between Descendants and My Little Pony, and decided that it would be my next parody. My normal updating schedule applies to this. If you want more insight as to what the teens look like, just check out this video I posted on my channel after the movie premiered.

Chapter Seven: Family Day

Nyx gazed out the window, absently picking at the smiley sticker on the corner of her desk with her hoof. She watched the clouds drifting lazily over the sun, with only the sounds of pen on paper to disrupt her thoughts. She'd already turned her completed test in, and was simply waiting on the other villain foals to complete theirs. Bored with the fluffy vapor, she flipped open her binder and plucked out a sheet of plain white paper and a half dull pencil. She gripped the tip of the eraser between her teeth, rolling the pencil around in her mouth while deciding what to draw. Most ponies, she quickly discovered after arriving in Equestria, found her writing habits a bit odd for one possessing magic. What they seemed to forget, however, was that she'd grown up in a place where magic was either a distant memory or a foreign concept. Yes, she had magic now, but old habits die hard. Still pondering what she wished to sketch, Nyx let her mind wander to the previous afternoon.

After they'd dried off, Will had walked her back to her dorm. 'I...had a really great time.' she'd said quietly before shocking both of them by wrapping her forelegs around his neck in a tight hug. 'Thank you,' she'd whispered, 'for saving me.' She'd slipped into her room after that, leaving him dumbfounded at her door.

Now, sitting in Intro Into Goodness, the dark Alicorn replayed the events in her head. Something about Will brought out a side of her she'd never known existed. Save from keeping a terrifying air, she'd never cared about her physical appearance, she'd giggled and danced, something she'd never done before, and she'd never told anyone about her full name. She had felt her heart speed up when he talked, gotten flustered when he'd leaned close, she'd blushed for the first time in her life. He wasn't afraid or disturbed by her eyes, and he'd opened up to her about his half-equine-half-Draconequus appearance.

And later, Will had gone swimming and she hadn't seen him resurface. Looking back, Nyx couldn't remember a time she'd ever been that scared, apart from a few childhood incidents. Flying over the lake, and seeing a shadow in the water, it was that same terror that caused her wings to lock up, sending her falling into the water. She was sure she would've died there, had Will not found her, pulled her above water. She had let herself act upon her fear, yelling at him for disappearing. He'd fired back with how terrified he'd been to see her actually motionless under water.

She'd told him she didn't know what love felt like, and he'd promised to teach her.

The filly shook her head, breaking her train of thought. In the few minutes that had passed, she'd created a beautifully detailed pencil image of her and Will, after the incident at the lake. In the picture, she wasn't wearing her glasses, and he was without his disguise. She had her head laid on his shoulder, while he appeared to be playing with her mane. His wings were wrapped around her.

Trying to hide her blush, Nyx quickly, but carefully, slipped the drawing into her binder. Just as she closed the folder, her friends finished and turned in their tests. Twilight stood from her desk at the head of the room as the teens retook their seats. The mare lit her horn and used her magic to set a laptop on the podium in front of the board before turning back to the four students that made up the class.

"Alright! I have a bit of a surprise for you four!" the teens looked to their teacher, slightly interested. The mare motioned for the foals to gather around the laptop, to which they willingly complied. "Now, as you know, Sunday is the annual 'Family Day' for our students, where parents get to come on campus to view projects, check out the facilities, and just catch up with their children." her smile faltered for a moment, "I'm...sorry to say that it won't be possible for your parents to attend, but me and some of the other teachers have come up with a little something to make up for it." she turned to the computer and powered it up, tapped a few keys, and then stepped back to reveal a video chat feed had been set up.

Fear gripped at the foals behind their stony gazes at the sight displayed on the screen. Nightmare Moon was seated front and center, with Sombra and Sunset Shimmer to her left and right respectively. Chrysalis leaned over the dark Alicorn's shoulder.

"Oh, there they are!" the Changeling pointed at the screen.

Nyx was the first to recover her voice. "Hey! How are you gu-"

"Speak up child, I can't hear you!" the filly's mother spoke.

The filly raised an eyebrow. She leaned closer to the monitor. "Mother? Can you hear me now?"

"What is wrong with this wretched machine?!" Nightmare scowled and tapped the screen with her hoof, "Your mouth is moving, but I can't hear a sound!"

The sound of a single key being tapped repeatedly came through the speakers. "You need to turn the volume on, you imbecile!" Sombra's voice quickly followed, "I'm nearly a hundred years your senior, and even I know that!"

"Can you hear us now?" Lady Bug regained her ability to speak.

The former queen leaned over Nightmare's shoulder so that her face occupied the whole screen. "Ah, is that my daughter I hear? Oh, why, you look almost presentable for once!"

"Uh, thanks?"

A squeal sounded from the background, followed by a buzzing sound and a child's voice. "Lady Bug!" A young Changeling popped into view, pushing Chrysalis out of her way. She held a smaller Changeling in her forelegs.

"Larva! Pupa!" Lady anxiously leaned closer to the screen. She'd been so worried that without her there to hunt and care for them, her sisters would wither away to nothing, yet they looked almost better than they had when she'd left.

Larva shifted the filly in her forelegs so that she could see the screen. "Say hi to sissy, Pupa!" the tiny, malformed filly reached out a slobbery hoof to touch the screen, gurgling happily as she recognized her sister.

"Hey, baby!" Lady cooed as she reached to touch her sister's face through the screen.

"Larva! You get yourself and that filthy excuse for offspring out of here this instant!"

Larva clutched her younger sister protectively to her chest. "But Mommy, I wanna show Lady my disguise!" the filly quickly transformed herself in a flash of sickly green flame. Her disguise sported a pale pink coat and a mane a few shades lighter than Lady's. Unlike her sister, her disguise portrayed her as a Pegasus. Her cutie mark was a red heart surrounded by purple lace.

"Can't you see Mommy's talking?!" the elder Changeling growled, aiming a smack at the child's direction. Larva let out a squeak, curling herself around the younger filly as she rolled away, her mother's hoof grazing the spot beneath her wing. Tightening her grip on Pupa, she bolted away. Chrysalis leaped up in pursuit. There was a flurry of sound, ending finally with the sound of a slamming door. Seconds later, the former queen plopped back in her previous seat, muttering under her breath.

Twilight glanced about uncomfortably, clearing her throat quietly. Nightmare narrowed her eyes.

"Ah, Twilight Sparkle, is that you?"

The lavender Alicorn forced a smile. "Hello, Nightmare. How are you?"

"As well as I can be. And what happened to you? You look terrible! Still running senselessly towards villains?"

Twilight flushed a deep red. "That was one time!"

The villains each gave her a raised eyebrow look, their children mimicking the gaze.

The lavender mare coughed. "Okay, maybe two or three...I'm going to grade papers..." she scurried to her desk, out of site of the camera.

"So, Nyx," Nightmare began, giving her daughter a pointed look, "how has school been?"

The younger Alicorn understood the meaning behind her mother's words. How was the plan coming? "Pretty good, so far."

"That's so nice to hear! So, As much as I love, love, love talking to my daughter through a mechanical screen, I'd love it even more if I could see you in person. When can that happen?"

"Um..." Nyx mentally kicked herself as she glanced over at Twilight, "Uh, there's this thing on Monday, so I think sometime after that."

"Good to hear." Nightmare let a smirk play on her face.

A muffled squeak emitted from Flare's coat pocket. Twilight's head shot up. "Flare," she set down the papers, "I certainly hope that's not Berry in your pocket. We allow pets in dorms and on the outdoor parts of campus, but you know they're not allowed in the educational buildings."

"N-no, miss, it's not...because that would be-" a small, furry head popped from the colt's pocket, "Sorry, Miss Sparkle." he said dejectedly.

"Flare!" Sunset cooed as she leaned closer to the screen, "Is that a bat?"

"Uh..."

"He's so tiny! He'd be a very inconspicuous minion!"

Flare's terrified gaze hardened to a stiff glare. "He is not a minion! He's my friend!"

"Excuse me?!" Sunset seethed, "Is that any way to speak to your mother?!"

"You had minions for like two seconds before being defeated! Why do you even care so much about it?!"

"He...does have a point..." the yellow mare turned her rage to the only stallion in the room.

"Don't you have some over-priced toilet brush to sell, Mr. Pawn Shop?!"

"Don't you have some demented gibberish to be spewing, Miss 'I'm Totally Mentally Sound'?!"

"How about you take that toilet brush and shove it up-"

The window holding the video feed suddenly shut down. Four pairs of eyes turned to Shade.

"WiFi must've dropped." he said quietly, a red mist near his horn being the only indication of what he'd done. He turned a small smile to Twilight. "Thank you for the treat."

The mare opened her mouth to apologize. Shade looked especially stung that his father hadn't spoken to him. How do you apologize for something like that? "You're welcome." she whispered hoarsely instead, "Class dismissed."

The foals mechanically gathered their stuff and prepared to leave.

As they headed for the door, Lady whispered what they each were thinking. "What're they going to do us if we can't pull this off?"

"I think," Nyx gulped before continuing, "that they will be disappointed, but they'll understand that we tried are best."

Shade raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Really?"

"No." the young Alicorn whispered ruefully, "No, they're going to kill us."

***

The noon sun stood high above campus, shining down at the ponies milling about in the gardens. Students and parents alike were dressed in their Sunday best, clothes crisply pressed and manes expertly styled. Will lead the choir, who all had donned horn-and-antler headbands, in a cover of a song he'd heard from one of his father's stories about wanting a drink, which roused a chuckled from many parents.

It was as the song ended the the newest students made an appearance. Standing at the school entrance, they surveyed the area, hoping fear didn't betray their stoic expressions. It was one thing to go to school with ponies who had heard stories of their parents crimes, but it was another thing entirely to mingle with the ones who experienced firsthand the horrors their seniors had dealt out. Taking a shared breath, the teens made their way to the garden.

Like everypony else, the villain foals were dressed in their best clothes. Lady wore a short gran-and-blue dress, with a sparkly silver headband sitting atop her mane which had been expertly curled. Nyx was dressed in a glittery dark blue blouse, her mane teased to amplify her natural waves. Flare's wild mane had been tamed with a comb so that it fell neatly over his eyes. He wore a maroon button up with a Berry-sized pocket on the chest and a black bow tie. Shade had dressed in a black blazer over a crisp white shirt and slicked his mane back.

The teens made their way to the food tables. Shade and Flare bolted for the fountain spilling over with chocolate while the girls opted for the trays of bite-sized sandwiches.

"Hey!" Nyx looked up at the voice, smiling when she saw who it belonged to.

"Hey Will." she replied, turning to give him a quick hug, "The choir sounded great."

"Thanks." the colt's grin grew.

"The headbands were a nice touch." the young Alicorn added with a smirk.

Will let out a laugh. "Yeah, that was Doub's idea. Speaking of which," he directed at the Changeling, "he was looking for you, Lady." he hadn't even finished the sentence before the filly had taken off.

"Gee, it almost looks like she wants to see him!" Shade muttered sarcastically, his mouth coated in chocolate. Flare looked up, his face fairing similar conditions.

"Yeah, I think she mentioned something about wanting to meet his parents." the Earth Pony replied, having missed the sarcasm.

"On the topic of parents," Will said to Nyx, taking her hoof, "I'm gonna go catch up with mine, then I'd really like you to meet them, okay?"

The filly gulped silently, choking down her nerves. "Sure."

The colt smiled, giving the hoof he held a quick squeeze before hurrying away.

"Will!" Fluttershy wrapped her son in a hug once he walked up.

"Hey Mom." he smiled, returning the embrace. Once he was able to break away, he turned to his father. "Dad." he grinned, offering a hoof bump which the stallion accepted.

"How's life treating you?" Discord asked, clapping his son's shoulder.

"You mean in the few days since you've last seen me?" Will laughed before going over what'd happened in the past week.

"Sound's like a busy few days." the mare commented after a while.

"It has. But, there's one more thing. I have a new marefriend."

"Oh, thank heavens you and Sunrise broke up!"

"Discord!"

"What? You didn't like her either!"

"No, I guess I didn't" Fluttershy conceded, "She was so full of herself. And rude! So, who's the lucky girl?"

Fluttershy and Discord watched as the colt looked towards the food tables and motioned for somepony towards them. A pretty dark filly made her way forward. Will moved forward to hug her. After the embrace, he walked her back to his parents.

"Mom, Dad, this is Nyx Moon. She came here from the Isle." he eyed his temperamental father as he tightened his grip on the filly protectively, "She's my marefriend."

"Hi." the filly whispered, hoping her voice wasn't as timid as she felt.

The yellow mare smiled warmly. "Hello, dear. It's very nice to meet you."

Discord gave a polite smile, though it almost looked a bit strained. "Yes, quite. So, we'll be eating lunch soon. Would you and your..." he looked up at the colts, still eating from the fountain, and Lady, who was standing next to Scifresh, "friends care to join us?"

"Um, sure, that'd be great. I'll just go let them know."

Will flashed his father a grateful smile, then walked away, foreleg still wrapped securely around her withers, nuzzling her mane.

"I'm proud of you." Fluttershy laid her head on her husband's shoulder, "For not blowing up."

The stallion sighed. "He had to pick a villain's daughter, didn't he?"

"I think she'll be good for him."

"How so?"

"Look at him. Have you ever seen him so happy?"

***

Nyx took a sip from the plastic cup she held in her magic. Lunch had been a bit strained and awkward, resulting in Nyx using the punch bowl as an excuse to escape. She looked back at the table. Fluttershy's hoof rested on Will's shoulder. The colt's mouth moved with words unheard to her. Discord leaned closer to his son, as if to better hear whatever story the yellow colt was telling. Moments later, he grinned, gently clapping his son's back as he laughed. Nyx's smile faded as she watched the scene with a pang in her chest, one she was unfamiliar with.

"Excuse me," the young Alicorn turned to see a white mare with a long multi-colored mane standing behind her, "have we met?"

The filly shook her head. "No, I don't think so."

"Oh. I'm sorry to bother you, but, you look so familiar, but I can't put my hoof on where I've seen you before"

"I know what you mean..." Nyx's eyes narrowed in confusion, "I don't recognize you, but you seem so familiar."

"Mother!" a yellow filly bolted towards them, placing a hoof on the mare's foreleg once she reached them. "Mother, trust me, you do not want to be talking to this filly."

"Sunrise, don't be rude." the mare reprimanded, "Why, she seems perfectly..." the mare turned back to the dark filly, her voice trailing away as she gave Nyx a once over. "You..." she breathed finally, fear spreading across her face.

The mare stepped closer. "You, you look just like her...apart from your eyes...you could be her."

"Princess Celestia," Will greeted warmly as he wrapped a foreleg tightly around his marefriend's withers, "Is there a problem here?" Nyx could feel the tension in the hug. Was he worried?

The mare didn't seem to hear the colt, her attention solely on Nyx. "But how could that be? Unless...you're her..." it was when Lady, Shade, and Flare walked up that the mare made the connection. Her head jerked up as she stepped back.

"Princess, are you okay?" Will asked, concerned. By now, everypony had grown quiet, staring.

"How could she be a mother?" Celestia's eyes squeezed shut as she ranted under her breath. "She's not fit to be a mother. Sh-she killed...she killed my sister...Luna! I should've paid more attention...Moon was just an imaginary friend...not real, just imaginary...I should've realized..." tears began streaming down the mare's face.

"I'm so sorry-" Nyx moved to rest a hoof on the mare's shoulder, shrugging off Will's hoof as she stepped forward.

Sunrise stepped in the filly's way, jabbing her hoof in Nyx's face. "Now look what you've done!" she turned to comfort her mother, still glaring at the dark Alicorn.

"What? This is hardly my fault!"

It was at this moment that Silver Stocking stalked up. "Save it!" he growled.

"Silver." Will's voice hardened, "Don't."

"Will, wake up!" the white colt punctuated his sentence with a stomp, "What did you think would happen?" The four Isle foals crowded together. "They're the sons and daughters of villains! It's in their DNA! They. Are. Monsters!"

"That's enough." Flare growled threateningly as he stepped forward.

"Or what?" the white colt countered. He shoved the younger colt.

"Back off!" Shade slammed his shoulder into the colt's side, knocking him sideways.

Lady, without thinking, flared her horn. Instead of an aura, her horn was enveloped in crackling green lightning. She fired at the white colt. His eyes spun wildly in their sockets, then settled into a dazed look. The colt shook his head vigorously, shaking off the effects of the spell, but the damage had been done.

Shade helped the red-headed colt to his hooves, pushing him and the girls towards the building. "Go, go!" he whispered hoarsely.

Will moved to follow them. "Guys wait!"

"I was afraid something like this would happen." the yellow colt turned towards his father.

"Dad, it's not their fault." he whispered.

"No," Discord turned away, surveying the shaken ponies bored looking back at his son, his disappointed gaze boring into the colt's skull, "no it's not."

***

"Hey, there you are." Will found the Island teens at a table outside. They were surrounded by a ring of empty tables, getting the stink eye from the cliques seated far away. The colt came to a stop behind Nyx, settling a hoof on the filly's shoulder. "Hey, look, just, just forget about today, alright? It's okay, everything will blow over soon, I promise, everything...everything will be okay."

The teens stared at their plates, refusing to respond.

Will sighed quietly. He leaned down near his marefriend's ear. "I gotta go look over some things for tomorrow, but I'll see you later, okay?" he nuzzled the top of her head then stood back. "Bye, guys."

"Lady, Ah am so sorry." the Changeling's head shot up to meet familiar green eyes. "Ah saw what happened, and Ah shoulda said somthin' but Ah didn't, and Ah'm really sorry."

"Wanna join us?" Lady asked, scooting over.

"Doub!" gazes turned to the white colt at a table across the garden.

The blue-grey colt turned back to the filly, regret ringing in his voice. "Ah kinda promised Silver that Ah'd sit with the guys today."

"It's my fault, I cast the spell." Lady whispered as the colt started away. "Please..."

"Doub!" Silver yelled again.

"Sci..." she begged.

"Ah'm sorry." and he was gone.

Lady pushed her tray of untouched food away with a mumbled "M'not hungry."

Sunrise passed the Isle teens' table, Nova at her side. "How long do you think it'll last?" she raised her voice for them to hear.

"Not long, I'm sure." Nova added with uncharacteristic cruelty, "He's just living out some adolescent bad-girl fantasy."

Nyx stared hard at her plate. 'Keep quiet. Speaking now won't help.'

"Well duh!" Sunrise smirked, tossing her mane, "She's a villain! Definitely not queen material. He'll realize that soon enough."

The fillies laughed as they made their way to another table, joining the other fillies in their class. Nyx took a sip from her juice box, flaring her horn. There was a gasp from the clique of fillies. Nova's hair had reverted back to the original pixie-cut style, but the ends were uneven and jagged, the whole thing a frizzy mess. The filly's face turned a deep red as the others began whispering and pointing.

"This is just a warning." Nyx stood up, eyes blazing behind her glasses.

"Who do you think you are?!" Sunrise screeched at the filly.

"Somepony you don't want to mess with." she seethed. She stepped forward, sending the other teens scrambling away. She huffed, turning to her friends once they were gone. "Come on. We have tonight to come up with a plan. Then we can be done with this place."

***

Sketches and diagrams of the Elements and the Canterlot Cathedral, where, like most important royal events, Will's ceremony was being held, were spread out on the table in the colts' room. Different colored X's represented each of the teens and where they would be.

"Okay, so I will be here with Will, his parents, and the Representatives of the Elements." Nyx tapped a purple X with her hoof.

Lady pointed at three X's, blue, black, and red. "We sneak out here to the carriages, and I use my magic to knock out the guards,"

"me and Flare hook ourselves to the carriage," Shade added.

"and then you get the crown, and we get the heck outta dodge." Flare finished.

"Okay, good. So, we'll just get our stuff and head back to our room." Nyx began gathering papers while Lady organized everything into files and bags. "Go ahead and pack up your stuff tonight. We're getting out of school early for the ceremony so we won't have time tomorrow."

Shade nodded, grabbing a bag and opening his drawers. He stuffed a few jackets and electronics into the bag before stopping at his hoofball jersey. He ran a hoof over his name before carefully folding it and settling it into the bag.

"Think I could take Berry?" Flare rubbed the little bat's head.

"Um, have you met your mother?" Nyx looked up.

"Yeah," Lady added, "do you really want Berry near her?"

"No...no I guess not." he said quietly.

"Okay, so we'll see you guys tomorrow." Nyx said as she and Lady exited the room.

As the girls headed to their dorm, Nyx pulled her spell book from her bag, opening to a marked page. Lady peeked over her roommate's shoulder.

"Nyx..." the Changeling stopped walked, reaching out a hoof for her friend to do the same, "you're going to break Will's love spell?"

The filly lowered the book, glancing at her hooves as she pinned her ears back. "Uh...y-yeah. After the ceremony."

"Why?"

"I just think, that when we free everyone from the Island and they come to destroy Equestria, I'd rather see Will's reaction to having been duped and having him know that he did it to himself by bringing us here than have him blindly be in love with me while the world is falling apart."

Lady put a hoof on her friend's shoulder. "He really cares about you...we both know he does."

"Yeah, he has to. He's under a spell." Nyx deadpanned.

"N..."

The girls stopped outside their door. "Look, I'm headed to the kitchen. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Nyx opened the door and dropped her bag inside before trotting away.

Lady Bug sighed as she entered the room, closing the door behind her. She packed her things, leaving out what she would need for the next day. She went over to her desk glancing over to see if she had missed anything. A paper head with a large 'B+' caught her eye. She used her magic to lift it up from the desk as she moved to sit on the edge of her bed. She gently slid it into her bag before climbing under her covers.

***

Alone and lonely in the kitchen, Nyx stirred the batter with the wooden spoon held in her magic.. Her glasses were set safely out of the way. The spell book was open beside her. The potion to break the spell recommended a cupcake. She stared down, dazed and absent. Putting her front hooves up on either side of the bowl, she took in a shaky breath.

"A million thoughts running through my head

I can't let my heart keep denying it."

The young Alicorn stopped stirring, leaning heavily on the counter. She thought of Will. His smile. His laugh. His voice. The way her chest fluttered whenever she saw him. She hadn't wanted to lie to her roommate, but she couldn't admit the truth to herself, let alone to the Changeling girl.

"I know it's time

for me to say 'good-bye'.

But I can't seem to let go."

A strangled cry escaped the filly's mouth. She felt something wet trickle down her face and drip off her chin. She slowly sank to the floor, her back against the counter as she buried her face in her hooves.

For the first time in her life, Nyx allowed herself to cry.

Author's Note

So...I'm sad now...

Anyway, scenes were out of order from the movie in this chapter. In the film, Mal made the cupcake before family day (Sunday), but the coronation was the following Friday. I think it makes more sense for her to make it the night before.

Also, did anyone recognize Lady's spell?

The role of Sunset Shimmer is still up for grabs. Still needing art and music.

I love comments! They cure writers block!