Project Re-Do

Chapters

Many Questions Raised
Preparations
The Night Arrives
Into the Woods
The Trials of Harmony
The Confrontation
A Rather Unexpected Turn of Events
A Royal Party
A Royal Interlude
Talking
A Gilded Cage
Start from Day One
Decisions

Many Questions Raised

Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lemon Hearts walked down the road from Twilight's tower, a bit disheartened, but nonetheless optimistic. Each unicorn had a present on their back, which somehow remained perfectly balanced.

"Honestly, I'm shocked that she even left that tower," said Twinkleshine sarcastically.

Minuette's ears flattened. "Or she might be in there, and she's just decided to outright ignore us!"

Lemon rolled her eyes. "Calm down, Minuette, she's probably at the library or something."

"Yeah," agreed Twinkle. "She could also be with the Princess having a lesson. Though I think she didn't have one today?"

"Hey girls!"

Lemon, Twinkle, and Minuette all jumped, and saw Twilight trotting towards them with a pair of saddlebags filled with books, and her dragon, Spike, on her back. She picked up the pace, and was soon in front of them.

"THERE you are, Twilight!" exclaimed Twinkle. "Moon Dancer is having a little get-together in the West Castle Courtyard. Wanna come?" The three mares all leaned hopefully towards her.

Twilight giggled. "Actually, I was about to head over there. I was just running back to my tower to drop off these books." She tilted her head towards the saddlebags, one of which holding a large tome with a golden unicorn on the cover. "Tell Moon Dancer I'll be there in a minute or two!" That said, she galloped past them, leaving the three mares in total shock.

"Di-did she just-" said Twinkle unbelievingly.

Lemon stared after Twilight's retreating back in equal disbelief. "Yep. She just agreed to a party without any hesitation."

Minuette look worried. "AND she already knew! What happened to her?!"

"Maybe Spike told her?" suggested Lemon. "I told him yesterday when I saw him in the shopping district."

"What was he doing there?" asked Twinkle.

"He said he was picking up some extra quills, parchment, and ink for Twilight."

Minuette chewed on a forehoof. "Oohhhhh, I just hope she hasn't been replaced with a changeling or something!"

Twinkle rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Minnie. Nopony has seen those creatures around since the Princess banished them to the Badlands!"

The three mares looked back at Twilight's tower with varying degrees of worry, before shrugging off the incident and heading over to Moon Dancer's party.

Moon Dancer excitedly danced in place, awaiting her friends' arrival, especially Twilight's. As she hurriedly made sure everything was in order, a little voice in the back of her mind told her that it was pointless asking Twilight out to a party. She had always shown discomfort or even a little disgust whenever she was present in their group outings, and usually brought a book or two with her. However, Moon Dancer could not help herself from being optimistic, and excitedly looked forward to the party.

Lyra Heartstrings was the first one to arrive, bearing something small wrapped messily in wrapping paper.

"Sorry the wrapping's a bit messy," Lyra said apologetically. "I'm not the best wrapper." She placed the present gingerly on the table.

"You didn't have to get me anything," said Moon Dancer. "Besides, I can probably already guess what it is." She picked up the small present, and examined it. "Based on the small size, the rectangular shape, and the fact that you are an avid music-lover, I can make an educated guess that this is a harmonica!" She smugly looked at Lyra, who did her best to keep a poker face. "Anyways, have you seen Twilight, or the others?"

Lyra's neutral mask dropped somewhat, her eyes lowering. "I dunno about the others, but I saw Twilight and Spike run past me on my way here. I don't think that she saw me, and she was headed for her tower." Moon Dancer's face dropped, causing Lyra to hastily continue with, "I don't know if she's coming, though. She still might! Who knows, she might even have been picking up a little gift from her house! Please don't look sad, Moonie!"

Moon Dancer just sighed, and trotted over to the table that bore treats. She put on a hopeful smile, and cheered herself up by thinking about how nice the party would be. Soon, Minuette, Twinkle, and Lemon walked into the courtyard, also bearing gifts.

"Hey Moon Dancer," said Minuette cheerfully. "Look at this spread, huh?"

Moonie smiled. "Thank you so much for coming!"

"Of course!" exclaimed Twinkle. "We wouldn't miss one of our best friends' parties!"

"Is Twilight coming?" asked Moonie hopefully, looking around, as if Twilight would just suddenly jump out from behind a bush.

Minuette grinned. "Yeah! I couldn't believe it when she told us, but she's coming!"

Moon Dancer took a step back in surprise. "R-really?"

"Yep," said Lemon with a smile. "She's just dropping off some books she ordered at her tower. She'll be here soon."

As if on cue, Twilight suddenly ran into the courtyard, Spike still on her back. She collapsed onto the ground, tired from running all the way to and from her tower. Spike skillfully got off of her back, the present clutched safely in his claws.

"Hey Moon Dancer," he said nonchalantly. "Twilight just needs to rest for a minute. This is for you." He held up the present to Moonie, who almost snatched it out of his grasp with excitement. She carefully untied the ribbon from the package, and opened up the wrapping paper gently. She found a small, framed photograph of all six of them, sitting around a table.

Twilight, who had somewhat calmed her heart rate and breathing, slowly walked over to Moon Dancer. "I almost forgot that Spike had taken that picture." She smiled sheepishly. "I feel kinda awkward now, since I had my nose in that book instead of looking like I was enjoying myself!" The other four looked at her strangely, while Moonie covered her own confusion with a grateful smile.

"Thank you SO much for coming, Twilight. And thanks for the picture, too!" Moonie hesitated, then awkwardly held out a hoof for a hug. Surprising everypony, most of all Spike and Moonie, Twilight happily embraced her.

"Oh, and girls?" Twilight said when she stepped back. "I just wanted to apologize for the way I've been treating you. Not exactly how a friend is supposed to act, huh?

"I have to get going now," said Twilight after that unexpected message. "Lot of studying and researching to do! Later, girls!" She quickly grabbed Spike with her levitation, ignoring his yelp of surprise, and placed him on her back. She then turned around and trotted out of the courtyard, leaving her friends to deal with their shock.

"Did she just apologize for being antisocial," Lyra finally said, "or am I starting to hear things?"

"I still think she's been replaced by a changeling!" Minuette was keen to remind them.

As Lyra, Minuette, Twinkle, and Lemon began to talk about how strangely Twilight had been acting that day, Moon Dancer smiled so wide, it hurt. She wiped an eye to stop a single tear, and joined in on their musings.

Preparations

"Spike, take a letter, please.

"Princess- During my research today, it has come to my attention that the mythical Mare in the Moon is, in fact, Nightmare Moon. I have read that she was banished by you, using the Elements of Harmony, before she could shroud the whole world in eternal darkness. I have also read that on the longest day of the 1000th year of her banishment to the moon, she would return to Equestria. Coincidentally, this is the same day as the Summer Sun Celebration, the day after tomorrow. Something must be done to make sure that she does not try to do this again. I await your response. Yours, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight stood facing the floor-to-ceiling window of her tower, looking angrily at the tower of the royal castle which she knew to be Celestia's personal bedchambers. She heard distantly behind her the last few scratchings of Spike's quill.

"When should I send it?"

"Right now."

"Are you sure?" Spike asked uncertainly. "I dunno if we should be bother the Princess with an old pony's tale..."

Twilight whipped around. "Never forget, Spike, all legends are born from actual events. Who knows? This 'old pony's tale' could have been softened from actual history! For all we know, Nightmare Moon could have done much worse than just try to bring eternal ni-" Spike had cut her off by putting a claw to her mouth.

"Okay, okay!" Spike inhaled deeply, and breathed out his magical flame, sending the message to Princess Celestia. "There. It's on its way. But I wouldn't hold your breath."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I'm not worried, Spike. I'm certain that Celestia trusts me completely, and would never hide important information from me, ever." Spike raised an eyebrow at her sarcasm on that phrase, but was soon cut off by Spike burping out the Princess' response. "See? I told you."

Spike picked up the scroll, unfurled it, and cleared his throat. "My dearest, most faithful student, Twilight. You know that I value your diligence, and that I trust you completely. But you simply MUST stop reading those dusty old books!" Twilight let out a gasp at that.

"Oh, no she did NOT!"

"Umm... pardon?"

Twilight angrily stamped her hoof. "I cannot BELIEVE that she would just blow me off like that!"

"Twilight?"

"Yes, Spike," Twilight said through gritted teeth.

"There's more to the letter."

Twilight sighed. "Continue."

"I believe that it would do you good to get out of Canterlot for the weekend, especially because of the Summer Sun Celebration. Forgive me, but I cannot write much, since I have important business to attend to today. Please pack a suitcase for a weekend away. I promise that I will send more information in the morning. Yours truly, Princess Celestia."

Twilight let out a loud, aggravated groan. "This is just like her, acting all cryptic," she muttered to herself.

"What was that, Twi?"

"Nothing! I'm going to go pack."

"My dear Twilight. There is more to a young pony's life than studying. So I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location, Ponyville! And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete: make some friends!"

Twilight groaned, not at the message, but who had written it. Celestia had always been cryptic, and after knowing her for over a century, she could always tell when the Princess was playing chess master. However, Spike obviously did not translate the groan that way.

"Look on the bright side, Twilight! The princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn't that make you happy?"

Twilight sighed, but smiled gently. "Yes, I suppose it does. And you know what? I'm still right! I'll check on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration, and then I'll see what I can do about Nightmare Moon's return."

"Then, when will you make friends like the Princess said?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I'll obviously do THAT along the way. After all, the Princess told me to do so. Honestly, though, how in Equestria am I supposed to make friends in the span of a day?"

The pegasi pulling the chariot finally landed in Ponyville, allowing Twilight and Spike to hop off. She grabbed her bag and turned to the guards.

"Thank you, sirs." Twilight waved them off, and they kicked off, flying back to Canterlot.

"Maybe the ponies in Ponyville are easy to make friends with," said Spike, motioning towards a certain pink Earth Pony walking bouncily towards them. She was soon standing in front of them, smiling happily. "Come on, Twilight, just try!"

Twilight looked at the pony in front of her, and smiled as well. I'll never forget what happened when I first saw Pinkie Pie... "Hello, my na-"

Pinkie let out a humongous gasp, and began to dash off. Twilight panicked, and hastily grabbed Pinkie with her magic.

"WAIT!"

Pinkie immediately stopped struggling, allowing Twilight to gently place her back onto the ground. She studied Twilight carefully, a neutral mask on her face, making her somewhat nervous. Oohhhhhh, I hope she doesn't notice anything! She cleared her throat.

"Sorry about that, it's just that I wanted to introduce myself to somepony from this town. Y'know, to get a basic understanding of this town."

"Why didn't ya say that in the first place?!" asked Pinkie with mock incredulousness, soon regaining her happy-go-lucky attitude. " Welcome to Ponyville! I'm Pinkie Pie! What's your name? Where're you from?"

"My name's Twilight Sparkle, this is Spike, and we just got in from Canterlot. I'm here to oversee the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration."

Pinkie smiled even wider. "Oo, that's cool! It's so exciting to be having the festival in Ponyville this year! I almost EXPLODED when the mayor told me!!"

Twilight chuckled lightly. "I take it you like parties?"

Pinkie's face became serious. "Twilight, I LIVE for parties." She stared intently at Twilight, before breaking down into a case of the giggles that Twi was happy to join in. "So yeah, I'm the Official Party Thrower in Ponyville!" She paused for a few seconds, before smiling sheepishly. "To be honest, there wasn't much competition."

Out of nowhere, Pinkie gasped quite loudly, debatably louder than the first one. "I ALMOST FORGOT WHY I GASPED THE FIRST TIME!!!!!!!!! You see, I've never seen you before, and if I'veneverseenyoubeforethatmeansyourenew! BecauseIknoweverypony, and I mean EVERYPONY, in Ponyville! Andifyourenewitmeansyouhaventmetanyponyyetandifyouhaventmetanyponyyoumustnothaveanyfriends! Andifyoudonthaveanyfriendsthenyoumustbelonelyandthatmade me so sad. So THAT'S why I went ****HHHWWWUUUUUAAHHHHH**** I MUST throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And then you'll have lots and lots of friends!"

Twilight and Spike stood in shock at just how much Pinkie could say on just one lungful of air. Twilight was the first to recover.

"Thank you very much, Pinkie. You really don't have to go through all that trouble just for me."

"Oh but I DO, Twilight!" Pinkie gave her a pitying smile, as if Twilight was a filly failing to understand something. "Just tell me where you'll be staying, and I'll take care of the rest!"

"Well, I'll be staying at th-"

"NO NO NONONONO NNOOOOOOOOO nevermind! I'll just do it by myself. ThatwayitwillbeasurpriseandILOVE SURPRISES! Gotta run!" Pinkie dashed off back to wherever she had wanted to go originally, leaving Twilight and Spike coughing in the cloud of dust. Once the dust had cleared away, Spike turned to Twilight.

"Hey Twi?"

"Yes Spike?"

"Maybe making friends will be easier than we thought."

Twilight giggled, and then laughed heartily at that statement. She calmed herself down, and said, "I don't doubt you there, Number 1 Assistant."

Spike gawked at her. "N-numb-number 1 Assistant?"

"Of course, Spike! You've helped me for a long time, almost five years now!"

"Thank you Twilight."

"Anything for you, Spike," Twilight said, pulling him into a hug. He froze for a second, before awkwardly accepting the hug.

"Oh! We need to get back to the preparations!" Spike pulled out a map of Ponyville that Princess Celestia had given them, and they soon found the road to their first destination. He then pulled out a checklist that she had also sent to them.

"Summer Sun Celebration Official Overseer's Checklist," Spike read. "Number One: Banquet Preparations: Sweet Apple Acres!"

"YEEEEEHAW!"

Twilight's and Spike's attentions were drawn to their right, where another certain Earth Pony, this one orange, was running towards an apple tree that had multiple buckets under it. She did an about-face, and bucked it with tremendous force. All the apple fell into the baskets neatly, and the orange mare proudly smiled, placing her right forehoof over the other.

Applejack... I am not looking forward to this hoofshake! Twilight walked over to her, smiling graciously. "Good afternoon! I'm Twilight Sparkle, and I'm-"

Before she could finish her sentence, Applejack grabbed her hoof and began to shake it vigorously. "Well, howdy do, Miss Twilight! A PLEASURE making yer acquaintance! Ah'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like making new friends!"

"Fr-r-r-r-r-r-rien-n-nd-d-d-dssssss?" Twilight stammered out. "It-t-t-t-t-t'ss n-n-n-nice t-t-to m-meet-t-t-t y-y-y-you."

AJ suddenly let go of her hoof, and stood back. "So, whut can Ah do ya for?" She tried not to giggle as Twilight tried to stop her hoof from shaking.

Twilight cleared her throat. "Well, I'm here to check up on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. I take it you're in charge of the food?"

"We sure as sugar are! Would ya care tah sample some?"

"Of course," said Twilight.

Applejack galloped over to a large triangle with a metal stick. She clanged it loudly against the triangle, exclaiming, "SOUP'S ON, EVERYPONY!!!" There was a sudden stampede of ponies, which somehow carried Twilight and Spike to a table underneath some trees. Applejack suddenly appeared next to them. "Now, why don't Ah introduce ya'll to the Apple Family?"

Twilight smiled. "Thank you, but there seem to be a lot of ponies here-"

"This here's Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apple-" The rest of the names became a blur to Twilight, who could barely keep track of the many ponies and ever-growing pile of apple-related treats. AJ gasped very loudly, inhaling as much as she could. "BIG MCINTOSH, APPLEBLOOM, AAAAANNNNNDDDDDDD-" she shoved a Granny Smith apple into Twilight's mouth- "Granny Smith." An old mare sitting in a rocking chair was snoring peacefully. "Up an' attum, Granny Smith! We got guests." Granny awoke with a start, mumbling incoherently, but slowly walked over to Applejack.

Twilight, who still had the entire apple in her mouth, attempted to smile, but found it rather difficult due to the large amount of apple in her mouth. She really did not want to spit it out, since that would be rude, but saw that there would be no other option when AJ started to speak again.

"Why, Ah'd say that yer already a part of the family!" AJ gently put her hoof on Twilight's back, accidentally pushing on the latter's neck. Twilight was forced to spit out the apple, but surprisingly, nopony reacted.

Twilight smiled apologetically. "Well, I see that the food situation is under control, but I'm afraid that Spike and I must continue with the preparations."

"Aren't ya gonna stay fer brunch?" Twilight saw little Apple Bloom with the most adorable pouty face, and nearly broke down at the cuteness.

"Are you sure I can stay?" Twilight asked Applejack uncertainly, knowing all too well what the response would be.

"Of course ya can," AJ said happily. "This here's just a sampler of whut's gonna be at the banquet!"

Twilight giggled, and was soon chatting and eating happily with the Apple Family. She tried to ignore the questioning glances that Spike kept shooting her, and instead tried her best not to overeat this time.

Once the brunch was all over, Twilight said her goodbyes with AJ, waving back to her as she and Spike left the farm. As they left, Spike pulled out the checklist again.

"Food's all taken care of, so next is weather."

Twilight trailed a bit slower behind him. "Mmmmm that pie was delicious! I kept having to stop myself from eating more."

Spike laughed, before frowning. "Hmmm... There's supposed to be a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds..."

Twilight looked up at the sky, which still had yet to be cleared. Okay, If I remember correctly, Rainbow will come from the left right... about... NOW! She quickly jumped back just in time as a rainbow blur shot right past her. She suddenly remembered the large puddle to her right, and winced sympathetically as Rainbow crashed into it.

Rainbow shook her head vigorously, examined her mud-covered body, then looked up at Twilight.

"'Sup?"

"Oh my gosh," said Twilight worriedly. "Are you alright??"

Rainbow shook out the mud, causing Twilight to erect a small shield in front of her and Spike to protect them from getting dirty. Rainbow nonchalantly began to preen her wings. "Nah, I'm fine. I've had worse."

Think Twilight; the first time you met her, you were way too rude to her. This is a brand new start. "Would you happen to be Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow abandoned her wings, and instead hoofed her mane to the other side of her neck with grace that Twi had never expected to see from the rainbow pegasus she had met. "Heh. Guess that my reputation precedes me, eh?"

Twilight smirked. Yes, yes! I suppose it won't hurt too much to stroke her ego, right? "I guess you could say that I've heard about an amazing flier in Ponyville. However, that's not the reason why I came here. You're in charge of the weather here in Ponyville, correct?"

"Yeah,I guess I am," said Rainbow with a bit less enthusiasm. "I don't really care for the paperwork, but since I'm the fastest pegasus in Equestria, it's easier to clear the clouds."

"Um, I don't mean to seem rude, but shouldn't you have cleared the sky by now?"

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I have to, but I had to get in extra practicing today, since I'll be too tired tomorrow, what with staying up all night."

Ah yes, now I remember. Applejack got particularly annoyed when she found out. Said something about Rainbow not having any responsibility. "Practicing? For w- Oh, are you interested in joining the Wonderbolts?"

Rainbow's attention was securely hooked this time. "Of course I want to join the Wonderbolts! Do you like them too? I would ask if you wanted to join, but-" she pointed at Twilight's back- "no wings."

Oh, don't be so sure of that, Rainbow Dash! " Well, Rainbow Dash, I heard that the Wonderbolts really admire ponies with skill, determination, and reliability. They'd probably be really impressed if you cleared the sky in just 10 seconds."

Rainbow snorted. "I like the way you think, Twilight Sparkle. I think that you and I will get along awesomely. But not as awesome as THIS!" Rainbow kicked off of the ground, and began to clear the sky with amazing speeds. Twilight and Spike sat back and watched, the latter staring with an impressed look on his face. Rainbow reclined in the air. "See? 10 seconds flat.

"I guess that crosses the weather off from our checklist," said Twilight wryly.

Rainbow giggled at that. "Great sense of humor, Twilight. I can't wait to hang out more!" She did a loop in the air, and sped off farther into town.

"Wooowww! She's AMAZING!"

Twilight giggled as Spike went on and on as they trotted towards the Town Center, which was a short distance away. Oh Spike, if you thought THAT was amazing, just wait until we meet Rarity! She then frowned softly to herself. Of course, there is your crush on her... No, I'll think about that later. Right now, I'm meeting Rarity again, and this time, with much less messy mane!

Twilight entered into the large building, smiling nostalgically as she recalled all of the events she would partake in and around this building. As of now, all of the banners had been put up and hung from the ceiling. There was also large flower arrangement above the balcony where Princess Celestia would greet Ponyville, with large bolts of fabric stretching from balcony to balcony. However, the most stunning part of it was the white unicorn with the stylish purple mane checking out the decor of the interior. She had her back to the two, smaller ribbons floating around her as she inspected each one.

"Decorations... beeautifulll!"

"Yes," Twilight said, "this all looks amazing!"

"Not the decor," said Spike, shaking his head. "Her!"

Rarity turned around, still inspecting the small ribbons. "No, no... no- OH, GOODNESS no!"

Spike was lovestruck, and examined himself. "How are my spines? Are they straight??"

Twilight giggled. "They look lovely, Spike." She walked up to Rarity, who had turned her back on them once more. "Good afternoon-"

"Just a moment please! I'm 'in the zone,' as it were." Rarity finally found the perfect ribbon, a sparkling red one. "Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help you, Miss...?" She turned to Twilight, her gentle smile never fading.

"Oh! I'm Twilight Sparkle, and this is my assistant, Spike." Upon hearing his name, Spike snapped out of his lovestruck stupor, and made an attempt to introduce himself. Rarity giggled softly at his actions, causing him to blush further. "You're Rarity, right? In charge of decorations?"

Rarity stretched out her mane luxuriously. "The one and only! Why do you ask?"

Twilight giggled. "I'm here to oversee the preparations for the festival tonight, and I must say, the decorations look beautiful."

"Oh, thank you, Miss Sparkle! I've never seen a dragon before, though! Where do you two come from?"

Twilight cringed inwardly. Oh, feathers, I am not looking forward to where this conversation is heading... "Spike and I are from Canterlot-"

"CANTERLOT?!?! Oh, I am SO jealous! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can't wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I..." Rarity began to daydream, leaving Twilight somewhat amused at her reaction.

"Are you sure about that?" Twilight said sardonically. "I've lived there all my life, and trust me when I say that it's not that great."

Rarity froze, but waved a hoof dismissively. "Of course every town has its undesirable parts, but we're talking about CANTERLOT! The beating heart of our nation, the crowning jewel of Equestria! Canterlot is the capital, darling, and anypony who's anypony lives there!" Rarity suddenly started. "Oh, but where HAVE my manners gone?! I have a pot of tea backstage. Would you care to join me in a cup or two?"

"I'd love to, Rarity," said Twilight graciously. The three of them chatted pleasantly about the festival and Canterlot, Twilight trying to help Rarity lower her expectations for the city, but failing in the end. After a few cups had emptied, Twilight and Spike said their goodbyes to Rarity, and headed on their way to see how the music was going.

"Wasn't she wonderful?" Spike asked dreamily.

Twilight chuckled. "Focus, Casanova. We have to check up on the music, now." As the two continued along the path, the distant sound of birdsong became louder. They soon came upon a small clearing with a thin tree in the center. Many birds were sitting on the thin branches, chirping beautifully. A yellow pegasus with pink hair was leading them, her back to them.

Fluttershy... The first time I met her, I scared her too much. I never would have been able to properly meet her if it hadn't been for Spike! I have to be more careful this time. No sneaking up on her! Twilight slowly and quietly made her way towards Fluttershy, Spike not following for whatever reason. I wonder why? Maybe he didn't want to bother her?

A bluejay suddenly stopped singing in sync with the other birds, causing Fluttershy to fly up to him.

"Oh my. Um, stop please, everyone, umm." Flutters quieted the other birds, and then turned back to the blue jay. "Excuse me, sir? I mean, no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off." The jay nodded, and Flutters flew gracefully back to the front of the tree. By this point, Twilight had gotten quite close to her, but remained quiet for the time being. "Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one two three-" A few birds suddenly chirped, causing Fluttershy to stop in confusion. "Huh? Somepony behind me?" She turned around, and let out a tiny, frightened yelp.

"I'm sorry," said Twilight. "I'm just here to check up on the music for the celebration tonight. It sounds wonderful!" Fluttershy merely blushed, and turned her face away. "My name is Twilight Sparkle. You're Fluttershy, right?" Flutters did not respond, and retreated into her mane. Twilight's smile wavered, but she gasped lightly. "Oh, I almost forgot!" She grabbed Spike out from behind the bush, and placed him down beside her. "This is Spike, my assistant!"

The transformation was immediate. "A BABY DRAGON!" Fluttershy darted over to Spike, almost knocking Twilight over in her rush. "Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before. He's sooooo cute!"

Spike turned to Twilight smugly. "Well, well well!"

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

Twilight rolled her eyes as Fluttershy continued to dote on Spike, as he continued to shoot her smug looks. Whatever, Spike. I never really did like ponies doting all over me much, anyways. Besides, if it was Rarity doing this, you would be putty in her hooves! Spike then asked the question that Twilight was dreading.

"Well, what do you want to know?"

"Absolutely everything!"

Twilight let out a small groan at this expected response, but smiled maternally, knowing that Spike would have fun.

"Well, I started out as a cute little purple and green egg-"

"Wrong, Spike," interrupted Twilight with a smirk. "I hatched you from a purple egg. No green to be found at all." She giggled as Spike shot her an annoyed look. Fluttershy just looked at her with astonishment.

"You hatched a dragon egg?! I didn't know that was possible either!"

"It certainly wasn't heard of before," Twilight said, "but it's not like it didn't take effort. I had a random magic spurt, and it gave me just enough power to crack the egg open."

"Wow," said Fluttershy admiringly.

Spike grunted. "Can I keep talking now, Twilight?"

"Whatever His Majesty asks," said Twilight with a giggle, placing him on her back. As the three set out for Golden Oaks Library, Spike made sure that there was absolutely no silent moments whatsoever.

"...and that's the story of my whole entire life! Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?"

"Oh, yes please!"

Oh, feathers please no! Wait, there's the library! Thank C- NO NO THANKING HER. Thank Luna we're finally here! "I'm sorry," said Twilight a bit forcefully, "but the time seems to have flown by so fast! This-" she gestured at the large tree "-is where Spike an I are staying while we're in Ponyville."

'Aw, c'mon Twilight," pleaded Spike.

Twilight shook her head. "Sorry, Spike." She turned to Fluttershy. "Do you wanna come in? The sun's setting, and it's starting to get dark."

Fluttershy smiled. "Oh, thank you, Twilight. I'd love to!" Twilight held open the door, and entered after the timid pegasus. "Oh my," was Flutters' first sentence when entering.

"Why is it so dark in here," muttered Twilight, playing ignorant. "I'll try to find a light switch."

"SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!"

The lights suddenly flicked on, revealing an innumerable amount of ponies in the library. Their extremely loud shout startled all three, Fluttershy especially.

The Night Arrives

"Surprise!!! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh huh huh?"

Pinkie Pie bounced excitedly in front of Twilight.

"Yes, Pinkie, I was." Twilight looked around the library. "You really didn't have to go through all of this just for me. Thank you!" Twi spotted the rest of her future friends around the punch bowl, Rainbow placing an open bottle of a red liquid next to it. So THAT'S who put it near the punch bowl! Rrrggggggggg, Rainbow Dash! She trotted over to Rainbow, and cleared her throat. Rainbow jumped, making the other mares giggle at her expense.

"H-heya, Twi."

"Why were you putting that bottle of hot sauce so close to the punch bowl?" Twilight asked suspiciously.

"Nothing!"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Let me guess: you were hoping that somepony would just blindly pour a random liquid into their glass of punch?" She shook her head. She picked up the bottle with her magic, and with a poof, it was gone. "Honestly, if you want the punch to be spiked, you should spike it yourself." The other four laughed as Rainbow groaned with embarrassment.

"Hey, at least I'm not an egghead living in a LIBRARY."

"What's wrong with livin' in a library?" AJ asked.

Rainbow stared at her. "Uhh, it means you're an egghead, obviously."

Rarity raised an eyebrow at that. "I was not aware that enjoying a good book or two was suddenly the worst possible thing."

"Ooo! I LOVE reading," exclaimed Pinkie excitedly. "Especially cook books and fantasy stories and howtoplanpartybooksand-"

"I actually like to read animal-care books," said Fluttershy softly, as Pinkie continued to ramble on, "and some ro-" she suddenly stopped and blushed somewhat "umm, I meant, uh, I like animal books." Rarity shot her a knowing look, which caused her to blush further. Rainbow dragged a hoof down her face.

"Ugh, whatever. Just know you'll never catch ME ever reading a book in the history of forever."

"Are you sure about that?" Twilight asked. "I'm sure I could find you a good adven-"

"La la la la la," sang Rainbow obnoxiously, "I can't hear youuuu!"

AJ rolled her eyes. "Sorry, Twi, but there's no use tryin' to talk some sense into her. Ah personally believe that the only thangs she's ever read and ever will read are weather reports, and even then, she barely glances at 'em."

Twilight giggled. "Oh, that's alright." She whispered in AJ's ear, "Besides, I bet I can get her into the Daring Do series at some point." When AJ looked at her uncomprehendingly, Twilight followed up with, "It's an adventure genre series by A. K. Yearling, and I think that she would like it, if she gave it a chance."

Rarity cleared her throat, regaining Twilight's and AJ's attention. "Regardless of Rainbow's opinions about reading, I would like to get to know you a bit more, Twilight." The other five mares turned to her interestedly.

"Yeah, me too!" Pinkie bounced excitedly. "All I know is thatyourefromCanterlotandyouliveinthislibrarybecauseyou OBVIOUSLY like books!" SHe suddenly gasped dramatically. "OH MY CELESTIA!!! I never asked you when your birthday is!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Actually, it's December 3rd."

"Thank ya, Twi-Twi!" Pinkie then preceded to grab a notepad and pen out of her mane. She held the notepad with the tip of her curly mane, and began writing with her mouth. Once finished, she inserted both items back into her mane, leaving everypony else completely confused.

"Ummm, Pinkie?" asked Rarity cautiously. "How exactly did you-"

"Do what?" Pinkie looked at her innocently, confusing them further.

"N-nevermind, it's not that important anyways." Rarity turned back to Twilight. "Do tell us about yourself, darling."

Twilight looked at the excited faces of her friends. Rainbow looked mildly interested, contrasting Pinkie's exited look. She began to tell them about her life; her life as the protegé of Celestia, her friends in Canterlot, etc. She then got to her cutie mark.

"...and I would have failed too, if it hadn't been for that sonic boom..." Twilight adopted a fake ponderous look, as the other five suddenly started.

"D-did you see a rainbow??" Rarity asked shakily.

Twilight tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I didn't see it at the same time, but there was a beautiful one when I looked out the window."

AJ gasped. "Ah saw a rainbow pointing back to home!!" When the others looked to her in confusion, she further explained herself. "Ah was livin' with mah Aunt and Uncle Orange in Manehatten for a few days, an' Ah wanted tah go home, but Ah couldn't remember the way. Ah was looking out mah window when day when Ah saw the most beautiful rainbow Ah ever did see pointing back to Ponyville." She took off her Stetson hat and placed it over her heart. "Ah knew that Ah was meant to help run Sweet Apple Acres, and Ah got mah cutie mark soon as Ah got back."

Fluttershy tapped her chin. "Now that I think about it, I heard a giant explosion and saw a rainbow right before I got my cutie mark too."

"OOOH OOH OOOOOOH!" shouted Pinkie excitedly. "I saw one too!! And a sonic BOOM made my hair all poofy!!! I threw a party for my family, and I got my cutie mark!!!!!"

"I had lost all hope until that sonic boom and rainbow happened..." Rarity added. "It burst open this giant rock, and inside there were hundreds of beautiful gems! I just knew that I had to add them to the outfits I had made for the school play, and voilà! My cutie mark appeared!"

Rainbow tossed her mane proudly. "Weeellllllll, I was losing a race - crazy, amirite? - and then I suddenly got this HUGE burst of speed and performed a SONIC RAINBOOM!!!"

Twilight gasped. "But that move hasn't been done in over a thousand years! The last pegasus to actually do it was Commander Hurricane!"

"Heh-" Rainbow spread her wings and put a hoof to her chest - "I'm just that awesome."

Pinkie gasped, and threw herself onto Rainbow. "We all owe our cutie marks to you!"

"Do you realize what this means?" Fluttershy smiled warmly at the whole group. "All of us had a special connection before we even met."

Rarity giggled. "I guess we've been fated to become friends!"

Pinkie grabbed all of them into a large group hug, Rainbow blushing and Rarity grumbling about her mane. Twilight looked over to Spike, who was awkwardly standing off to the side. She smiled at him, and motioned for him (as best as she could while in a Pinkie Hug) to join in. He blushed heavily as Rarity scratched his head spines affectionately.

The rest of the party was spent chatting about themselves, and playing all sorts of fun games. Pinkie pretty much destroyed them all during Pin the Tail on the Pony. After her 10th win, Rainbow threw her blindfold onto the floor with an aggravated yell (and there was much rejoicing). However, it was soon 4:30 am, about half an hour before Celestia would raise the sun. The mares, now becoming fast friends, all made their way towards the Town Center, as Spike slept lightly on Twilight's back. Once they had got into the building, Rarity and Fluttershy departed for their posts for the ceremony, and AJ headed over to the snack area to look after it, Rainbow, Twilight, Spike, and Pinkie following her.

Pinkie bounced around, giddy with excitement. "Isn't this EXCITING?! Are youexcited'causeImexcitedIveneverbeensoexcited-- well, except for the timethatIsawyouwalkingintotownandIwent-" she gasped very loudly - "but I mean really, who can top that?"

Pinkie was cut off by Fluttershy leading her bird chorus into a fanfare. The mayor stepped onto the platform on the floor, and began her short speech.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" The ponies gathered let out an excited cheering at this statement, stamping their hooves. "In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year!" Twilight looked nervously up at a window, and witnessed the Mare in the Moon suddenly vanish from her place in the moon.

Okay, I can do this. It'll be easy, much easier than the first time...

"And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria..."

She's not that great, Twilight thought irritatedly.

Fluttershy turned to her birds. "Ready?" she whispered.

"...Princess Celestia!"

Rarity pulled back the curtains to a burst of bird fanfare, revealing the empty balcony that was inevitable. She did a double-take on the empty area, letting out a "huh?" of confusion. The ponies in the throng began murmuring nervously to each other, but Twilight remained silent, staring at the balcony, waiting.

The mayor looked nervously around the room. "Remain calm, everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation!"

Pinkie, however, was quite unperturbed by this sudden change in events. "Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games! Is she hiding?"

Rarity, who had gone further back, behind the balcony, came back into view. "She's gone!" Everypony let out a shocked gasp. Pinkie turned back to Twilight.

"Ooh, she's good." However, Pinkie's happy-go-lucky attitude quickly evaporated as soon as she saw a blue mist climbing onto the balcony. She let out a startled yelp. The ponies gasped again, this time with more fear.

Here we go... Twilight thought, bracing herself.

The blue mist suddenly grouped together, forming a black alicorn with the blue mist acting as her hair, and with silver-blue armor upon her. She spread her draconic wings, and looked down upon the gathering of ponies.

"Nightmare Moon," Twilight whispered to herself. She felt Spike suddenly leave her back with a fainting sound.

"Oh, my beloved subjects," said Nightmare with a mocking tone to her voice. "It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little sun-loving faces."

"What did you do with our Princess?!" Rainbow went to fly up to her, AJ just barely grabbing her tail.

"Whoa there, Nelly..." she said, muffled by Rainbow's tail.

Nightmare let out a chuckle. "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?"

"Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, BLACK SNOOTY-" Pinkie was cut off by AJ shoving a cupcake into her mouth, her muffled voice still proclaiming this phrase.

Nightmare went over to Fluttershy, her mane scaring off the birds. "Does my crown no longer count now that I've been imprisoned for a thousand years?" Fluttershy cowered. She then turned to Rarity, the tip of her mane brushing Rarity's chin. "Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?"

"I did!"

Nightmare was startled by Twilight's sudden outburst, and turned toward her. Everypony else stared at her as well.

"And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon! Nightmare Moon!"

Into the Woods

"You're the Mare in the Moon! Nightmare Moon!"

Everypony gasped at Twilight's outburst.

"Well, well, well." Nightmare looked amused. "Somepony who remembers me." She then narrowed her eyes. "Then you also know why I'm here."

Twilight gulped, and put on a nervous face. "Y-you're here to bring forth... eternal n-night."

Nightmare chuckled evilly. "Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" She gave way to a full-on laugh, her mane and tail spiraling crazily above her, letting out bolts of lightning. Twilight kept her nervous face, but was calm inside.

Don't be too sure of that, Nightmare Moon, she thought to herself.

The mayor finally got hold of her shock. "Seize her!" she yelled at the guards present. "Only she knows where the Princess is!"

Three guards stupidly flew forward, attempting to attack Nightmare.

"Stand back, you FOALS!!!" Nightmare's eyes glowed, and she shot lightning at them while laughing mercilessly. The guards fell back onto the floor, unconscious.

Idiots...

Nightmare suddenly enveloped herself in her starry blue mist, and flew out the doors of the building.

Applejack, who had somehow been able to keep hold of Rainbow's tail without pulling out any hairs, finally lost her grip on it. Rainbow dashed off after Nightmare angrily.

"Come back here!" Rainbow panted to herself, and hovered in place. "Night time... forever?" She then got a glance at Twilight, Spike replaced on her back, running out of Town Hall. "Where's she going?"

Twilight deposited Spike into his basket as soon as they got home. He fitfully slept in it for a few seconds, before he suddenly woke up. "We gotta stop Nightmare!!" However, he was still exhausted from the party, and fell back on the pillow. Twilight hastily tucked him in with a blanket, reminding herself to buy him a proper bed. She looked at him worriedly.

"You should sleep, Spike. You've been up all night. You're only a baby dragon, after all." Twilight went downstairs into the library, and began to look for the book about the Elements. Part of her wondered whether or not Pinkie would still find it. She probably would. Suddenly remember what had happened this fateful night, she began to speak to herself. "Rggh, how am I supposed to beat her without the Elements of Harmony??"

"And just WHAT are the Elements of Harmony?!?!" Rainbow had burst through the door, and now had her face aggressively close to Twilight's. "And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh??" Twilight backed away, but soon had her back against a wall. "Are you a spy?? WOAH!" She was suddenly yanked back by Applejack, who had followed after Twilight.

"Simmer down, Sally. She ain't no spy." She looked at Rainbow with annoyance. "We jist became friends with her, and we shouldn't jist accuse ponies blindly. But she sure knows what's going on. Don't you, Twilight?" The rest of the girls had followed after Twilight as well, and came into the library, looking at her expectantly.

"I read about the prediction of Nightmare Moon in a book about old predictions. She was banished by Princess Celestia, who used the Elements of Harmony. But... I don't even know where those are, or what they really do, anyways."

"The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide!"

Twilight ran over to where Pinkie was, and soon found the book she was looking at.

"W-what??" Twilight acted confused. "But I looked all over for something like this!"

"It was under E!" she sang happily.

Twilight pulled out the book, cleared her throat, and began to read. "'There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery.'" As she read, nopony noticed a tendril of blue mist lurking outside the window, listening in on Twilight's reading. "'It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now-'"

"-THE EVERFREE FOREST?!?!"

The group, except Twilight and Pinkie, looked at the entrance to the dark and forbidding forest with fear.

"WHEEE!" Pinkie squeed, quite unperturbed. "Let's go!" She began to hop forward, but Twilight put a gentle, restraining hoof on her back.

"Wait a minute, Pinkie." She turned to the group. "Are you all sure you want to come with me? It could be dangerous."

"No can do, sugarcube," AJ said. "We sure ain't lettin' any friend of ours go into that creepy place alone. We're stickin' to you like caramel on a candy apple." The rest of the group nodded, and began to trot forward.

"Especially if there's candy apples in there!" When nopony responded, Pinkie followed up with, "What? Those things are good!"

The Trials of Harmony

As they all ventured forward, Twilight looked back on their fearful looks. They're all so scared... and most of that's because the weather and environment in here is natural! Ponies don't come in here because they're scared of the monsters, discouraging pegasi from controlling the weather, so when it happens naturally they're scared?! "So... I'm guessing none of you have been here before?"

"Ugh, Heavens no! Just look at it - it's dreadful." Rarity's voice was also laced with fear.

"And it ain't natural," added AJ. Nopony saw the blue mist seeping into the ground below them " Folks say it don't work the same as Equestria."

Twilight stopped, and looked back at her. "What in the hoof is that supposed to mean?"

"Nopony knows. You know why?" Rainbow flew ominously out of shadows, scaring Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie. As she began to crawl creepily towards them, AJ glared at her.

"Rainbow, quit it."

"'Cause everypony who's ever come in has never come out!" As if on cue, the cliff then broke away, Rainbow and Fluttershy only missing the fall as they had instinctively flown up into the air.

"Fluttershy, quick!!" Rainbow dashed after the other four.

" Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!" Fluttershy nervously repeated to herself, flying after her. Rarity let out a scream. Rainbow scooped up Pinkie, and Fluttershy grabbed onto Rarity's tail, slowing her fall. Applejack managed to get a hold of a tree root, but Twilight had slipped to the edge of the cliff, just barely holding on. AJ, seeing this, let go of her root and slid down to Twilight.

"Hold on! Ah'm a-comin'!"

Even though she knew she would be safe, Twilight still felt a panic rising up inside of her. "A-applejack, help!!"

AJ grimaced, as it was hard to hold on to Twilight while staying put on the cliff. Then, she subtly looked up, and back to her. "Let go."

How in Tartarus is that supposed to help me?? I still don't really understand how this whole thing even represents Honesty in the first place. The first time, it was more along the lines of unfounded trust! "WHAT?! Are you insane?!"

"No, Ah ain't. Ah promise you'll be safe."

"How do you know that?!"

"Now listen here. Rainbow and Fluttershy's hooves are free again. What Ah'm saying to you is the honest truth. Let go, and they'll catch you. You'll be safe."

Twilight's eyes softened. "What about you?"

"Ah'll be fine."

Twilight hesitated, and then let go. She let out a scream as she fell, but was soon caught by Fluttershy and Rainbow. However, Flutters accidentally lost her grip on Twilight, causing all three of them to plummet a bit more.

"Sorry girls," Fluttershy said. "I'm not used to holding anything more than a bunny or two." As they descended more slowly, AJ began hopping down the steep cliff by using niches along its edge.

Out of the corner of her eye, Twilight noticed a blue mist flying away from the cliff to something off in the distance. She faintly heard a roar in the distance, but nopony else seemed to hear it. The group once again set off for the old castle.

"And once Pinkie and Rarity were saved, whoosh! Me and Fluttershy loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you right in the nick of time." Rainbow landed, and began walking next to Twilight.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Okay, Rainbow, I get it. I was there, remember? Now, we have to fo-" She suddenly gasped, as the manticore finally made its presence known. As it roared, it revealed a thorn stuck tightly into his left paw.

"Oh no, a manticore!!"

The monster suddenly leapt at Rarity, but she bucked him in the face with surprising strength.

"Take that, you ruffian!" Unperturbed by her attack, he simply roared in her face, messing up her hair. "My hair!" She ran away from it, not noticing Fluttershy's weak cry for them to wait.

Twilight noticed this, and yelled out, "WAIT!!!"

Applejack, who had just jumped on top of it, stared at her in confusion. The manticore, too, seemed to be confused, and merely shook her off his back. Twilight turned to Fluttershy, who walked calmly up to him. He let out a growl, and pulled his arm back for a strike, causing the rest of the group to flinch and look away. However, instead of cries of pain, they were greeted by Fluttershy's gentle voice.

"Shhhh... it's okay." She gently nuzzled his left paw, calming him down. He revealed the thorn in his paw to her. "Oh, you poor, poor little baby."

"Little?" Rainbow snarked.

"Now this might hurt for just a second." Flutters tore out the thorn causing him to roar in pain, holding her up to his mouth.

"FLUTTERSHY!!!"

However, the manticore merely began to happily lick her mane, giving her a very large cowlick (a manticorelick, really). She giggled as he began to purr like a cat. "Aw you're just a little ol' baby kitty, aren't you? Yes you are, yes you are!" Everypony else smiled at the adorable moment, and walked past the manticore.

"You saw the thorn in his paw when he reared up, didn't you?" Twilight asked when Fluttershy had been placed back onto the ground.

"Actually, I didn't," Fluttershy admitted. "I was just going to try to calm him down at first. Sometimes we all need to be shown a little kindness." As the two trotted to get back with the group, the thorn lying harmless upon the ground transformed back into blue mist, and flew up ahead of them.

As they began to get even deeper into the forest, Twilight began to think about the next trials.

Okay, so the next one is Pinkie's. I'm still kinda embarrassed over the way I acted. Honestly, what kind of challenge is scary trees? It may be startling, yes, but not really that scary. I would be more worried if they somehow came to life, or something. I just jinxed myself, didn't I?

Rarity startled her out of her thoughts, as she began to complain about the "icky muck" in the forest. They then went underneath a heavy canopy of trees which blocked the moon's light, making it difficult to see.

"Well, I didn't mean that literally."

"The ruins of the castle could be right in front of us, and we wouldn't even know it," Twilight complained. Pretty soon, everypony began to bump into each other, muttering apologies.

"Oh wait, Ah think Ah stepped in somethin'"

Fluttershy chose that exact moment to let out a terrified, high-pitched scream.

"It's jist mud..." She then noticed a large tree with a slightly demonic face etched into it. Everypony besides Twilight then began to promptly scream, terrified by the not-that-scary trees (and let's go to a commercial break for a cliffhanger that's not a cliffhanger because "scary" trees are not suspenseful). Twilight merely rolled her eyes, and instead turned to Pinkie, who had begun giggling and making funny faces at the trees.

Pinkie then turned to the rest of them. "Oh girls, don't you see?" She then began to tell them about how her grandmother had told her to laugh at scary things instead of be scared. Twilight still wasn't completely sure how that was supposed to work, but instead laughed at the tree she had been so scared of the first time. Soon enough, they all were curled up on the ground, laughing merrily together.

The other two trials past on pretty uneventfully. Rarity helped Steven Magnet by giving him a mismatching mustache, which Twilight thought looked unpleasantly asymmetrical, but whatever. Then Rainbow managed to resist being the fastest pegasus in the bucking Everfree Forest, where competition was nil, and fixed a bridge. They were soon at the ruined castle, and entered into the main chamber of the castle, where a large pedestal held the Elements of Harmony, encased in stone.

Fluttershy and Rainbow helped to get them down, gently placing them on the ground in front of Twilight.

"One, two, three, four..." Pinkie counted. "There's only five!"

"Where's the sixth?" Rainbow asked, looking around.

"The book said: 'when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed.'"

"What in the hay is that supposed to mean?" asked Applejack.

Twilight was silent for a moment. I know what the spark is, this time. But maybe we can avoid a confrontation with Nightmare, and use the Elements as a back-up plan... I'm not too sure, though. There are so many possible outcomes if we manage to talk to her, who knows who drastically it could change our future?

"Is something wrong, darling?"

Twilight snapped herself out of her thoughts. "No, no, I was just-" She paused. "I was just wondering what the spark could mean. It could be anything, like a spark of magic, or maybe even fire. I'm going to try to use my magic, first."

AJ, Rainbow, Rarity, Flutters, and Pinkie all stepped back, allowing Twilight more room to work with her magic. However, as she began to light up her horn, a starry blue mist swept into the chamber. It swept angrily around the Elements, and created a towering tornado. Twilight cried out, and jumped into the vortex just as it teleported with a flash.

"TWILIGHT!!!"

The room became eerily silent.

"Twilight?"

"What???"

"Where did she go?"

"What happened?"

"What's going on?"

The Confrontation

Twilight poofed into a random tower, purple mist shrouding her and causing her to cough. When she looked, up, she saw Nightmare standing on a pedestal, the Elements floating around her, chuckling evilly. Lightning flashed around her once more, making her look even more ominous.

I have no idea if this 'peace negotiation' plan will even work. She could kill me right on the spot, she could listen to me and then kill me, she could start to listen to me but then Rainbow or Applejack suddenly stampede in and attack her and make her think it's a diversion, or maybe... maybe she could actually believe me. Whatever the outcome is, I have to focus on that last one. Even the tiniest glimmer of hope that that could happen is vital to me, and to Luna!

"NIghtmare Moon," Twilight said somewhat shakily, "I don't wish to fight you."

Nightmare's eyes widened just a bit, before she let out a short bark of laughter. "That's what they all say as they cower at my hooves, begging for mercy."

Twilight hastily shook her head, paling a bit. "No, no, no no no no, that's not what I meant! I only wish to negotiate some kind of peaceful terms with you." Nightmare raised an eyebrow, but remained silent, so Twilight continued. "You see, I am the personal student of Celestia."

"And how exactly is that supposed to help your case with me?"

Twilight paled more at Nightmare's glare, and also turned slightly green. "I know that you think that me being her student means that I follow with her every order unquestioningly, but I don't. To be more specific, I don't anymore. Recently, I've come to... disagree with her methods." She could feel the old rage inside her building whenever she thought of Celestia's lying, her manipulation. However, while being angry at her would probably get Twilight on Nightmare's good side, it would not do much to aide in getting the sun back. "Regardless, I assure you that Celestia has no idea that I even am talking to you right now. She assumed that I would use the Elements to either purify you or re-banish you."

Nightmare smiled wryly. "I see that I have underestimated you, my subject. Because I am rather bored right now, I will allow you a chance to 'negotiate' with me. Be warned, though. You do not want me to get bored, or else I might want to have something to do..." Her sharp teeth glistened terrifyingly as she laughed.

Twilight gulped. "Un-underst-stood-d." She cleared her throat. "F-first off, I would like to thank you."

Nightmare could not stop her jaw from dropping. "W-what?!"

"I said that I'd like to thank you. If my cutie mark wasn't a tip off, I've always loved stargazing at night. I remember my mother and father taking me to the most popular stargazing area in Canterlot, because of the Swirling Comet, which only comes every 25 years. There were countless other ponies there as well, enjoying the amazing sight. I was so sad when my mother revealed the 25 years bit, but I cannot wait until it comes back."

Nightmare was silent. "And when is that?"

"In 17 more years."

Nightmare cleared her throat, but Twilight could tell that she had gotten to her somewhat. "And just what does that have to do with your 'negotiations?'"

"Oh, I just wanted you to know that the majority of the population adore the night, nowadays. There's also something else I'd like to tell you." Nightmare raised a questioning eyebrow. "I have an older sibling too, and I know how it feels to be jealo-"

"Do you know how it feels to be ignored, even feared by your subjects?" Nightmare asked coldly.

"No, of course not. But I do know that my older brother would constantly impress my parents, family, and friends with his advanced magic, whereas I struggled daily with the simplest of tasks. I got so jealous and irritated, that I actually attempted to mess with his magic at one time. Thankfully, my dad caught me before I could do anything serious that could potentially hurt my brother or me. He had a long talk with me, and he also had me talk to my brother."

"Just what is your point?"

Twilight smiled warmly. "I was jealous of my older sibling too. But we managed to talk it out, and we both apologized; him for showing off and ignoring my anxiety about my magic, and me for getting angry at him over magic. My point is that even though your sister may have done bad things in the past, and even now in the present, ponies should be able to discuss their issues with each other without coming to blows about it. Especially friends and families."

There was a long silence as Twilight allowed that information to sink in."Anyways, there are some problems with your 'nighttime eternal' plan."

"Oh, and what is that?"

"Well, for one, without sunlight, all of the plants would die out, leaving no oxygen left on Equus (except for the area completely opposite to this, which would get too much sunlight, therefore killing all of the plants as well). All of your subjects would die, and you probably would too, assuming that you could survive without food, oxygen, and a slight lack of Vitamin D, which the sun helps to supply."

Nightmare stood in a stupor, gazing in shock at Twilight's neutral mask.

"Another problem is that you have been gone from the planet for 1000 years, so saying that you're out of the loop is an understatement."

Twilight was about to continue when she heard her new/old friends coming closer and closer to the chamber.

Oh, buck! I forgot all about them! Tartarus knows what could happen now!

Rainbow was the first to enter the large chamber, and quickly noticed Twilight and Nightmare facing each other. What she failed to notice, was Nightmare's shocked look and total lack of any fighting going on between them.

"TWILIGHT!!!" Rainbow dashed forward, ignoring Fluttershy's fearful cries for her to come back.

"Rainbow, NO!!" But Twilight's cries were all in vain. Rainbow hurtled towards Nightmare, who just barely was able to repel her back. Rainbow landed at Twilight's hooves, groaning and rubbing her left wing.

"Rainbow..."

"I never should have thought that you would actually mean any of what you said!" Nightmare had a terrifying anger look in her eyes, now. "To think, that you would stoop so low as to trick me with sweet talking?! I guess you were right when you said that I was behind the times!" WIth an angry stamp, she instantly destroyed the five Elements.

The rest of Twilight's friends gasped in horror as they saw the shattered remains of the Elements fall to the floor. However, Applejack suddenly pawed the floor with her hoof, and began to charge forward.

"APPLEJACK, NO!!" Twilight hastily grabbed onto AJ's tail with her magic, fearful of what could happen to her if she attacked Nightmare.

"Lemme go, Twilight! This here monster done hurt Rainbow!" Applejack turned pleadingly to Rarity, Flutters, and Pinkie. "C'mon, gals! We ain't about to let some hussie hurt our friends, or our land!" However, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie merely cowered behind Twilight, and Pinkie's mane had also lost its poofiness after Rainbow had been hurt.

"Applejack," Twilight looked into Applejack's eyes, "there's no way to beat her through violence. The Elements of Harmony are our only hope, but she destroyed their physical states. If we can just-"

"Enough of these games!!" Nightmare's booming voice reminded Twilight of her threat. "I grow bored of your pathetic attempts, and I have a kingdom to be running." Her eyes lit up, and her horn began to glow a dark black. A loud rumbling was heard, and then Applejack was struck by a lightning bolt, sending her across the room. She remained on the floor, unconscious, but still breathing.

"APPLEJACK!!!!" Twilight now had tears in her eyes, and her remaining three friends all hugged each other, trembling. Rainbow groggily sat up, and looked at Nightmare with a fire in her eyes.

"She wants to fight, I'll give her a fight!" Rainbow attempted to fly into the air, but fell back on the ground with a cry of pain. She held her left wing, which looked dislocated. Nightmare laughed again. Twilight glared at her.

"If you want the love of your subjects, spreading fear and pain is NOT the way to acquire it! Please, stop this!"

Nightmare smirked, and suddenly, Twilight was enveloped in her black aura. She was levitated in front of the dark mare, who looked her over.

"You know, mayhaps I might bring your precious princess back on Equus for a while, just so she can see her personal student tortured and killed before her very eyes." Nightmare brought a hoof up to her face in mock thinking. "Yes, I think I might do that. But first, your friends!" She chuckled evilly, and began to charge up her horn for a final attack.

NO! I have to stop her! Twilight looked to the Elements, scattered over the floor. It took the spark of our friendship last time. I still feel it to this day, and it HAS to work! But... it would be all in vain. Nightmare would kill them first... Tears came to her eyes once more as Her friends grouped together in a hug.

"Say goodbye to your precious friends!"

The lightning arced down upon them, creating a bright light that blinded both Nightmare and Twilight. When the light had cleared, it revealed the five mares huddled together under a dome of purple magic. Nightmare stared at it in shock, and then realized that Twilight's horn had just stopped glowing. Her friends too looked surprised, and marvelled at it as it disappeared.

"Looks like I underestimated your power, little unicorn." Nightmare placed Twilight on the ground, and then cast her gaze at the five mares, who continued to stick close to each other. Nightmare let out a snort. "These weaklings mean nothing to me. Those two troublemakers will soon learn their places, and the other three cowards will not accomplish any destruction." She lit up her horn, but nothing appeared to happen, except for the five looking confusingly around them, and moving their mouths, but making no sound.

"W-what happened to them?"

"I cast a simple spell on them. They shall neither hear, nor see us now." Nightmare idly pawed at the shattered Elements, before turning back to Twilight. "Perhaps you could be an asset to me, unicorn. Your diplomacy was surprisingly good, and you seem to have a great potential with magic, defending against an extremely powerful lightning bolt with ease." She narrowed her eyes. "However, your loyalties may still lie with your beloved Princess. You will have to learn your place as well."

Nightmare turned her back on Twilight, and gazed out upon the dark forest, and the bits of land beyond it visible. She sighed with contentment.

"Ah, look at how beautiful Equestria looks under my moonlight." Nightmare continued to gaze out the ruined window. She then lifted up a wing in a gesture for Twilight to stand beside her and look outside as well.

Twilight stepped cautiously closer, and looked out the window. Nightmare was right: the world did look amazing under the moon's glow. However, it was supposed to be daytime. She did not know the horrible consequences her actions would cause. Or, even more terrifying, she knew, but did not care.

This was a horrible mistake, thought Twilight miserably. I failed Luna, I failed the people of this planet, I failed my friends, I- She felt conflicted as she said the next words. I... failed Celestia...

"So, what do you say?" Nightmare looked down upon the stricken unicorn. "Care to join me?"

Twilight was in turmoil over what to do. Take the easy road out, and become Nightmare's pawn, or possibly die trying to stop her?

A Rather Unexpected Turn of Events

"WHAT?!"

Nightmare stared in shock at Twilight's resolute face.

"I said, 'no.'" Twilight glared at her. "If there's still an ounce of dignity and free will inside of me, I won't bow down to a tyrant." Twilight jumped off of the pedestal, and got into an aggressive stance. "I will fight for my friends until the very end! I won't let them die in some wasteland!!"

At that, the shattered Elements of Harmony started to glow with different colors around Nightmare's hooves. They started to hover above the ground, and drifted lazily over to Twilight, swirling around her.

"W-what?! But I destroyed them!" In her shock, she accidentally let the spell on Twilight's friends fall, finally letting them see what was happening.

Twilight also stared at the shards in shock, utterly confused as to why they had suddenly started to glow and float. Her friends gazed with wonder at the phenomenon, although Applejack provided the distraction of finally getting up, rubbing her head and groaning. At the sight of this, Twilight felt a sudden spark of an idea.

Maybe it was my thinking of them? Who knows? All that matters is that they're responding to me! Twilight hesitantly lit up her horn, and the shards seemed to go crazy, as they began to circle her faster and faster. Suddenly, the orange group of shards shot over to Applejack, making her shout in confusion and fear. A set of pink shards flew over to Fluttershy, making her jump up into the air in alarm. Blue shards began to circle around Pinkie, making her hair go poof! once more as she began to giggle and turn in circles. Shards of a purple color surrounded Rarity, who looked at them wonderingly. Finally, Rainbow stepped back in wonder as red shards dashed around her.

Twilight looked back at Nightmare with newfound confidence. "Just because you broke the physical states of the Elements of Harmony doesn't mean that they won't work! Their spirit still lives on in its Bearers!" She went on to describe her friends' trials, and how they had proved themselves worthy of their respective Elements. Nightmare began to look desperate.

"B-but you don't have the sixth Element! They won't work properly on their own!"

"Of course they cannot work on their own," said Twilight. "Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, and Loyalty are good values by themselves, but lack the direction needed for them to work properly. One may be powerful by itself, but needs the others to be even more harmonic. It is a delicate system; removing one removes them all." She turned to her friends. "I used to to think of only Honesty and Loyalty, and even then, I hid them from most everypony. But then I became friends with ponies, and I met you five. I realize now that a life without these important traits is a life without trust, joy, and love. These are the feelings that anything that has ever had the chance to be friends with someone, to love family, and to love a partner.

"Nightmare, I know you must have loved your sister at one point, but you let your jealousy take over. Everyone in this world was never meant to fight each other. Rather, we were meant to love each other, and to spread love around the world. That friendship, that love, is the spark for the Elements. Without it, there could never be Magic!"

A glowing white orb suddenly materialized above Twilight's head, her tell-tale six-pointed star etched onto it. It began to glow once more, and so did all of the shards circling around her friends. They materialized into necklaces for them, and a tiara for Twilight. As they began to float together in a group, Twilight began to cry again, this time with joy. A bright and beautiful rainbow shot out of their glowing group, and arced high into the air, then down on Nightmare. Twilight flinched just a bit as Nightmare screamed, hoping that it was not painful to her at all.

Suddenly, Twilight felt a strange feeling, one that felt extremely familiar. The blinding bright white continued to fill her vision, hurting her eyes. ALl of the sudden, she heard her friends crying out in confusion.

"Twilight!!"

"Whut's goin' on?!"

"Oh dear oh dear oh dearohdearohdear!!"

What's going on?!

Then, she saw nothing.

Twilight attempted to open her eyes after an indefinite amount of time. Her vision was blurry, but as it cleared, her panic started anew, and even more so this time. All around her was an expanse of a starry, blue-purple sky. She shakily stood up on a floor made of stars, a long pathway of it stretching into the distance. She began to walk forward, looking around nervously for Celestia.

How could this have happened?? This isn't supposed to happen until I finish Star Swirl's spell!! The images of her speech to Nightmare, along with her past actions (... from the future...) began to appear, reminding Twilight of everything that she had accomplished, and everything that she and her friends had accomplished together What will Celestia say?! She'll obviously see that I'm from the future if she sees these images! She stopped, and looked behind her for signs of Celestia, but saw none. She then turned to the image in front of her. It depicted her and her friends fighting Tirek with their new powers, and banishing him back to Tartarus. She smiled nostalgically, and gazed longingly at the events that had led her up to this moment.

Twilight finally reached the end of the pathway, and glanced back at her happy memories, tears coming to her eyes. This is a new start for me, for my friends. I'll help them become better ponies, help them realize their dreams sooner, and I'll help them live out their destinies She looked at her still wingless back, and chuckled in spite of herself. Right now, I've got to drastically change the outcome of our future.

Magic the same color as her magical aura came out of her heart, and began to swirl around her. Twilight felt full of warmth, love, and happiness as she felt her familiar wings reappear on her back once more.

Celestia paced nervously as the five other mares continued to badger her with questions. Where was Twilight? What had happened? Celestia had had a younger sister? Why had Twilight disappeared?

"Calm thyself, big sister."

Celestia looked down at Luna, who gazed nervously up at her.

"Forgive me, Luna. I'm just worried about what could have happened to Twilight. This never happened to us when we first used the Elements against Discord..."

"Do not worry," Luna said with a gentle smile. "We have faith that thy p'rsonal student shall be in perfecteth health, Celestia. Giveth her another minute or two."

They all waited with bated breath for a while longer. Then, a ball of white light appeared at the top of the ceiling above them. Twilight's cutie mark suddenly appeared in its place, and gently floated down to the floor. It glowed brightly, making everypony present shield their eyes. Once the light had cleared, it revealed something completely shocking:

An alicorn Twilight.

A Royal Party

Twilight shifted uncomfortably in her chair as she sat on Celestia's left side.

I really wish all these ponies would just leave me alone! I'm getting tired of answering their questions all day long!

It was nearing evening now, and the party celebrating the return of the Sun, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna was still in full swing. The ponies attending this celebration were obviously not blind, and were quick to notice Twilight's wings. Celestia had placed her on her left side (along with the new Element Bearers), which did not really help stop the whispering. Luna, whose place was at Celestia's right, had long abandoned her seat to mingle with the ponies, and was currently happily dancing with a group of foals.

Celestia turned to Twilight and smiled reassuringly at her. Twilight forced a smile back at the alicorn, hoping that Celestia would not notice the lack of empathy in it. Luckily, she did not (most likely still caught up in the joy of having her sister returned, and the remaining shock upon seeing Twilight's alicorn status), and merely placed another bite of cake in her mouth. If she was aware that her future plans for Twilight and Equestria had possibly been broken, she did an impressive job of covering it up. She certainly looked much more relaxed than she had in the ruined castle...

"T-Twilight?" Celestia murmured, looking quite shocked.

Twilight looked around at her friends and the princesses, each in a total stupor at the stunning revelation. However, Twilight felt neither shock, nor panic. She felt only one thing:

Fear.

Not to say that she was terrified, but there was some fear in her mind as she ran through all of the possible outcomes of this drastic change. In the serenity of the Celestial Plane, her mind had been an ease, and even accepting of it. However, now that she was back in the real world, the old panic began to surge back - the kind that used to occur back before she had first ascended - even though she had gone through extremes to douse it.

"W-what happened to me??" Twilight asked fearfully. In truth, she already knew what had happened, and even had a pretty good idea for why.

Luna (whom seemed to be the least shocked out of all of them) blinked, and smiled bemusedly. "T'would seemeth that thou has't becometh an alicorn, Honored Twilight. We bethink t'is most obvious, as thou currently has't wing protruding from thy back."

Twilight froze, and turned to Luna in confusion. "'Honored Twilight??'"

"We bethink it an appropriate name for thee, Honored Twilight, as thou hath played a significant role in our redemption." Luna tilted her head. "Is that no longer the way of things hither in our beloved Equestria?"

Celestia chuckled lightly. "I will make sure to get you better acquainted with the modern world once the nobles have calmed down, Luna."

Luna smirked. "Ah, t'would seemeth that the nobles still prefer to has't everything wend smoothly, and by their own ways. Pity; I desired that those gents might becometh wiser after an aeon."

Pinkie scratched her head in confusion. "Desired whaaaa? Can you speak Equuish??"

Luna started. "I am quite certain that I speaketh our tongue with the highest of enunciation and pronunciation, Honored Pinkie. I was well taught in all matters of knowledge as a small filly, and mine tutors would chastise me most annoyingly if't be true I spake without a trace of eloquence." She bowed her head. "However, I am quite apologetic if't be true I erred in speaking, and humbly asketh for thy forgiveness."

"I believe I understood most of what you said, Princess Luna," said Rarity hesitantly. "I must say, I do like the old style of speaking. It sounds more... polite, and quite graceful!"

"If we are done talking about Equuish," interrupted Twilight tersely, "I would enjoy some information on my current situation!"

Celestia nodded. "Indeed. The matters of Luna's transition into modern Equestria will have to wait a while." She turned to Twilight, and smiled reassuringly to her. "You may ask me and Luna any questions you have."

"Will I outlive my friends and family?"

Twilight already knew the answer. She did not care. She wanted to hear Celestia's answer, even though she already knew what she would say.

"You will not outlive your friends and family," said the Sun Tyrant Celestia without hesitation. "Only natural alicorns - that is, ponies born alicorns - live eternally." Luna frowned at her older sister, and began to speak up, but was cut off by Celestia. "What else do you wish to know, my faithful student?"

Twilight wanted to attack her right then and there. Her only restraint was thinking of what her friends would think, especially so soon after becoming friends. She really was not surprised that Celestia lied to her, and it had hurt far more when she first realized that the beloved Princess had lied to her. Luna's beginning to object to the lie, however, pleased Twilight immensely.

In the past (or future, depending on where you stood), Luna had been the only one to support the broken mare. Twilight had been alone after her friends... left, and her husband had died during a seige upon Canterlot by griffons. After her brother had finally beat back the griffons, and effectively winning the war, Shining Armor had succumbed to his wounds and died in bed. His death had traumatized Cadence, who became a shell of her old self. However, her mantle was Love, and she never even thought to look on anyone else as she had on Shining Armor. She too, soon died a month later, leaving the Crystal Empire to be once again ruled by one of their own kind.

Luna had literally been Twilight's only friend, and had attempted many times to snap her out of her mad depression. She had known nothing about Twilight's time travelling plans, but most certainly would have disapproved. Twilight considered telling her now, but quickly decided against it. If she ever did reveal her plans to anypony, it would only be somepony she completely and truly trusted (the only reason why she would not tell her friends was because it would ruin said plans).

"Will I have to rule a kingdom?" Twilight knew the answer to that as well, but did not care for it. Her reign as a Princess of Equestria had been extremely like Cadence's before she moved to the Crystal Empire, as there were no real places for her to rule, effectively making her more like a Duchess.

Celestia chuckled. "I don't think so, Twilight Sparkle. That is a matter for another day. However, should you ever want to, you are always free to ask." She then remained silent for a moment, inviting Twilight to ask further.

"I think that's all I want to know at the moment," said Twilight. "Other questions can wait."

Pinkie suddenly jumped to her side, startling Twilight. "Well, if we're all done talking, y'know what this calls for?!?!"

Luna cocked her head. "We admit that we dost not knoweth. Pray telleth, what doth thee speaketh of, Honored Pinkie?"

Pinkie took a sharp intake of air, causing the rest of her friends to cover their ears in fear.

"A PARTY!!!"

The party continued until sundown, at which Celestia invited Luna to raise her moon for the first time in a thousand years.

"Art thou quite sure, sister?" asked Luna, tears of joy shining in her eyes. Celestia nodded, and nudged her forward gently with a wing.

Blinking back tears, Luna took to the sky, and guided her moon into the sky. The ponies gathered below her let out "ahhs" of delight at the spectacle. Luna lowered herself to the ground, tears flowing freely down her face.

"Umm, P-princess Lun-na?" Fluttershy's timid voice reach out to Luna. "Are you alright?"

Luna rubbed away her tears. "We - I has't nev'r experienced such joy in far too long of a time, Honored Fluttershy."

As everypony celebrated, Twilight stood off to the side, watching the happiness occurring. She put on a smile for all to see, but it took all of her willpower to keep the hatred inside her from showing up. Luna may have begged forgiveness from her elder sister, and even granted forgiveness to Celestia for the cruel punishment, but Twilight would never forgive the Sun Tyrant.

She would never forget what she had done to her.

A Royal Interlude

Luna sat next to Celestia, happily covered by the latter's wing. However, one thing kept plaguing her mind, and she reluctantly shed the comfort to look questioningly at Celestia.

"Celestia, wherefore didst thee forswear so readily to thy faithful student, Honored Twilight?"

Celestia stopped smiling, her posture stiffening. "I can't tell her such a thing in front of them. It would be too great a burden on all of them, Twilight especially."

"We bethink that thee would knoweth better, lief sister. A harsh truth is preferable to a comfortable forswear, especially since that forswear wilt eventually beest hath found out." Luna frowned in disapproval. "Honored Twilight wilt has't a large temper once the lady findeth out what thou has't done."

Celestia sighed, and rubbed a hoof down her face. "I know, I know. But I don't wish to see her suffer with the knowledge for the rest of her life." She grimaced, and then added in a whisper, "Part of me almost wishes that she dies before them, so she does not have to outlive them."

"Sister, such things should nev'r beest spoken!" Luna replied in a harsh whisper.

"Luna, I don't want to talk about this right now." Celestia once more put a wing around Luna, who looked slightly uncomfortable. However, she leaned back into her elder sister. "I promise that I'll tell the truth to Twilight in the future.

"For now, let's just go home."

Talking

Twilight flicked agitatedly through her book, not even recognizing the words on the pages. It had been hard enough to act "natural" around Celestia, but it would be difficult (possibly even worse) to act so around Spike. Thinking about him caused her tense and hardened face to soften somewhat, and the pages of the book turned less violently.

Spike...

It had not been easy for him either, all those lonely years. He had been good to her, exclusively loyal to her alone after he went berserk... She remembered the days, months, years she had spent visiting him in his horde at the Everfree Castle, where he guarded the Tree of Harmony on her command. Only her visits broke through his feral mind, and she felt a cold wave of guilt fall over her, though, when she realized that in the future, he was all alone, as she had came back to her old life. He did not deserve just a fate, and she shuddered to think what he could do if she suddenly disappeared without a trace...

"Hey Twilight?"

Twilight snapped out of her thoughts with a startled cry, her wings fluffed out, and her horn glowing, ready to cast some sort of offensive spell. She calmed down, however, once she saw Spike standing in front of her, a slightly worried look on his face.

"You looked kinda sad, so I was wondering what was wrong?"

Twilight just stared at him. She thought over the ways she had neglected him during this state, however minor they had been. Making him sleep in a basket for a full year; not ever telling Rarity to stop abusing his crush on her; not destroying his jealousy when she had adopted Owlowiscious; or making him stay up late with her to reshelve books purely for her own pleasure. Tears came to her eyes, and she embraced him, her wings covering him like a blanket.

"T-Twilight??" Spike exclaimed, startled. "What's wrong?"

Twilight began to cry freely. "I'm so sorry, Spike..."

Spike reluctantly pushed away from Twilight, and looked at her with great concern. "For what?" He suddenly looked fearful. "If I did anything, I'm so sor-"

Twilight held up a hoof to silence him. "I haven't been a good mother to you all these years. There have been times where I've treated you horrendously, as if you could be replaced by another assistant." She stretched out a wing, inviting him into another embrace.

"M-mother?!" Spike yelped.

Twilight giggled. "Well, I did hatch you, didn't I?"

"Oh right," said Spike sheepishly. "I never really thought about it that way..." He looked at Twilight's inviting stance, and accepted the hug. "Does that mean I have to call you 'Mom' now?"

Twilight chuckled. "Only if you want to, Spike." She hugged Spike just a smidge tighter, but soon released him. "It's getting late, Spike. You should go to bed." She suddenly started. "That reminds me! There's only a basket for you to sleep in upstairs." She smiled apologetically. "Do you mind sleeping in it just for tonight? I promise that we'll go out together tomorrow to buy you a proper bed."

Spike nodded excitedly. "Sure thing, Twi! Good night!" He started up the stairs, but then turned around to look back at Twilight. "By the way, I'm sorry I interrupted you while you were reading that book. You were so absorbed in it! It must have been really good. What is it?"

Twilight smiled, blushing a bit, and looked at the cover of the book. It was a good thing that her back was to Spike; he would have seen all of the happiness and warmth drain from her, replaced by a cold distaste. She resisted the urge to scream, throw the book, and incinerate it. She was also fortunate that Spike noticed nothing amiss in her voice as she answered him.

"It's 'The Life of Our Glorious Celestia', as written by the Order of Sol Invictus."

A Gilded Cage

"Thank ya kindly, Princess, for helping me out. Ah bet Big McIntosh Ah could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If Ah win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles!"

Twilight winced at her statement. "I thought I told you all to not call me that, AJ."

Applejack giggled nervously. "Sorry, sugarcube. It's just... when Ah saw them wings on ya-" she gestured to Twilight's "new" appendages -"Ah thought for sure that ya'll were some secret princess the Princess had hidden, and had been pretendin' to be a normal pony to see what it was like!" She stopped walking for a minute. "That and it would be mighty hard to go and make friends when yer a princess."

Spike nodded at that. "No kidding. The ponies from the Sol Invictus place worship Princess Celestia like a goddess, not to mention the old Nightmare Cult."

Twilight sighed. "I guess I'll have to get my own cult, or group of obsessed ponies someday..."

Spike smirked. "At least you'll have loyal servants to help you with your crazy magic experiments!"

Twilight and AJ giggled, but before the former could respond, her stomach growled loudly.

"Fergit somethin', sugarcube?" AJ asked with a chuckle.

Twilight rubbed her stomach sheepishly. "I may have not eaten very much for breakfast..."

Spike dug through the basket of apples Twilight was carrying, and fished out a shiny gold apple. "Sweet! Snack time!" Before he could sink his teeth into the delicious treat, Twilight snatched it away in her magical aura. "Hey!" cried Spike indignantly.

Twilight took a huge bite out of the apple, swallowed, and stuck her tongue out at him. "Sorry, lazy bones, but I was the one working while you sat around doing nothing!"

Spike began to retort, but was once again cut off this time by belching. A scroll formed out of his fire, and floated gently down. Spike grabbed it.

"That must be from Celestia," Twilight said, her grin fading somewhat.

"Ah wonder whut she has ta say," AJ wondered.

Spike cleared his throat. "Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce The Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest!"

Applejack gasped. "The Grand Gallopin' Gala?!"

Oh, sweet Maker... Twilight thought. I need to find a way to stop this mess before it happens!

"You'd want to go?" Twilight asked AJ.

AJ stared at her. "Land sakes, sugarcube. Of course Ah'd want ta go!"

Spike belched again, and two gilded tickets appeared. "Look, two tickets!"

"Have ya'll ever been to it?" AJ asked Twilight and Spike.

"Nah," began Spike, "Twilight was always locking herself in her tower, and I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense."

Twilight bumped him lightly on the head. "Now, Spike, don't say things like that. The Gala's mostly a political event, anyway." She turned to AJ. "I'm assuming you'd like to go?"

"Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala!"

Twilight groaned internally. "Do you think you c-"

"Whoa!"

Twilight and AJ let out little startled shrieks as Rainbow suddenly fell out of a tree next to them, and landed on top of them.

"Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala??"

"Rainbow Dash!" AJ exclaimed angrily. "You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?"

"No, I was busy napping." She gestured up to the tree she had been in, and hovered off the ground, upside down."And I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?" She grinned.

Twilight sighed. "Yes, and I-"

"YES! This is so awes-" Rainbow's shout of delight was cut off by Twilight forcing her lips closed with her magic, who rolled her eyes.

"Please let me finish." She let go of Rainbow's mouth, who landed on the ground, disgruntled. Twilight turned to face the both of them. "I want you two to go find Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy, and bring them back to Golden Oaks. Can you two please do that?"

"Sure we can," AJ said, "but why do ya want us all there?"

Twilight waved a hoof impatiently. "I'll tell you all later. See you girls then!" She hoofed the basket of apples she had been carrying over to AJ, grabbed Spike, placed him on her back, and galloped towards the library.

"You're all probably wondering why I asked you to come here." Twilight was answered with five confused nods. She inhaled deeply, and exhaled the same way. "You see... I've received two tickets for the Grand Galloping Gala."

Unsurprisingly, all of them became excited, even AJ and Rainbow, who already knew.

"You probably all want to go..." Twilight turned to AJ as they all nodded eagerly. "Well, let's hear all your reasons."

They proceeded to tell their stories, some weaker than others. Applejack wanted to sell her wares at a place with free catering. Rainbow wanted to be an atention whorse and crash the Wonderbolts' show. Pinkie had probably never been to a party that she herself did not throw. Rarity wanted to get with a stallion whose horrible reputation was known to almost all mares everywhere. Finally, Fluttershy wanted to hang out in a garden with animals who lived around the Canterlot nobles (enough said, really).

Twilight sighed. "I suppose it would be upsetting to you all if I told you I want to refuse the tickets?" They all gasped, which was also unsurprising to Twilight. She held up a hoof to silence them. "I'm really, really sorry, but considering your answers, the Gala may not be the best for you girls.

"Applejack, you're telling me you want to set up a food stand at a party with catering?"

AJ's face fell, but she soon chuckled. "Ah guess Ah didn't exactly think that through. But Ah could always offer to cater as well!"

Twilight thought for a moment. "You could, but it would be difficult, seeing as how the Gala is planned a whole year in advance, and it's only a few months before this one. But... seeing as how I'm the Element of Magic, AND the newest alicorn, I could pull some strings!"

Applejack beamed widely. "Th-thank ya so much, Pr- Ah mean, Twilight."

Twilight turned to Rainbow. "Rainbow, I'm pretty sure that if you crashed the Wonderbolt's show, they could have you arrested. Also, I doubt that they'd look on you favorably if you showed them up like that." She felt relief, seeing Rainbow merely look disheartened. She had feared her being all defiant and stubborn.

"Don't worry, Twi! If I ever get locked up, I'll make sure it's because of something awesomer!"

Twilight giggled and rolled her eyes, focusing on Pinkie. "Pinkie, what do you think the Gala will be like?"

Pinkie's face lit up. "Ooooohhh, I bet it'll have streamers and balloons and a pony band and ponies singing and dancing and havingallsortsoffunandtheylllovemeandinvitemetoplaygameswiththemand-"

"Yes, yes, I got it," Twilight interrupted, cutting Pinkie off before she went on for hours. "While I've never been to an actual Gala, my older brother is in the Royal Guard, so he's been to almost every single one single one since he officially became a guard."

"Wai-wai-wai-wai-wait, you have a BROTHER??" Rainbow asked.

"Yes, his name's 'Shining Armor.'"

"Not really surprising, with that name!" Pinkie joked.

"What rank does he currently hold in the Guard?" Rarity asked, a suspicious gleam in her eyes.

Twilight rubbed the back of her neck. "Well, he's kinda the Captain..."

The mares all gasped, causing Spike to roll his eyes. "What did you expect? He's the brother of Twilight Sparkle! The greatest unicorn ever!"

Twilight began to correct Spike, but was cut off by Rarity. "So you're telling me that you-" she pointed at Twilight -"are the Princess' personal protégé, the most powerful unicorn of her time, an alicorn, AND you have a brother who is the Captain of the Royal Guard?!" Rarity conjured up a fan and began to fan herself.

"Regardless," Twilight continued, "that wasn't what I was trying to talk about." She turned back to Pinkie. "Pinkie... the Gala isn't like the parties that you throw. It's largely a big political event that the Canterlot elite use to show off how much better they are than others." She cringed slightly as Pinkie's face began to fall. "Besides, the Gala is much... calmer than the parties you throw. It usually has an orchestra or chamber music, and the only dance ponies will be dancing is the waltz." She felt horrible. Pinkie looked absolutely heartbroken.

However, there were still two to go. Twilight straightened her spine, and turned to Rarity. "Rarity, haven't you ever heard in the tabloids AND newspapers about Prince Blueblood?"

Rarity started. "How did you know??"

"There's only one nephew of Celestia," Twilight said.

"Oh..." Rarity cleared her throat daintily. "Anyway, yes, I have heard about him in the news, but surely those reporters were exaggerating, dirtying his image?"

Twilight was saddened by Rarity's hopeful smile. "Rarity, I've met Blueblood. Hay, I practically lived with him, since I lived in the castle. And those things they've said in the tabloids, they're true. Not all of them," she added hastily when she saw Rarity's disgusted and horrified face, "he'd never harm a fly. It's just that... he has all those stereotypes of the typical snobbish noble. Not to mention that he's kept notches on his bedpost, if you know what I mean..."

Rarity looked completely disappointed, but to Twilight's surprise, she smiled! "While it does disappoint me that the Prince is not at all what I dreamed him to be, I should never build up somepony I've never met that much! Thank you for saving me before I fell, Twilight."

"Anytime, Rarity." Twilight turned to the last of them: Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, the animals that live in the castle gardens are scared of everything but the animal caretaker who lives there." She winced at Fluttershy's crestfallen look. "I'm sorry, but they've never really liked the Canterlot nobles. They only trust the pony that feeds them..."

Fluttershy looked down, but raised her head with a little, hopeful smile. "I'll have to visit, then, someday, to help become more comfortable around ponies."

Rarity cleared her throat daintily. "While we've all said our two bits, Twilight darling, you haven't said much about what you would have liked to do at the Gala." The others nodded, and looked at Twilight expectantly.

Twilight blinked. "Well... when I was a little filly I wanted to stand by Princess Celestia and talk with her." She kept her face a careful, neutral mask. "I've learned, however, that she usually spends most of her time greeting the hundreds - if not thousands - of guests." She sighed. "It's silly, anyway; I used to talk with her almost every single day as her personal student."

The group was rather silent for a while, but Pinkie spoke up.

"Since all of our own original ideas are shot, why don't we all go as a group?"

AJ looked at her. "Whut do ya mean? From what Twi told us, sounds like we woudn' have much of a hootenanny."

"We could just hang out!" Pinkie said in a patient, yet with her perpetually happy, tone. "We could swipe some food off the buffet, chatter, and have fun as friends!"

Rarity rubbed her chin. "That does sound more appealing..." She turned back to Twilight. "Is it possible to make some suggestions to the Princess?"

"Like what?" Twilight asked, a bit apprehensive. "We can't change much about this Gala - they're always planned almost a year in advance."

"No, no, no, not this one," Rarity waved a hoof idly, "just for the next one. Mayhaps an option for more... casual dance? Or foods from places other Canterlot and occasionally Fillydelphia."

"That's actually not a bad idea!"

Pinkie bounced excitedly. "OOOoo!! Maybe I could do the Pony Pokey!"

Rainbow snorted. "Yeah, the prissy nobles up in Canterlot will tooooooootally wanna do the Pony Pokey."

"Of course they will!"

"Dear Princess Celestia,

"I write to you today to ask for five extra tickets to the Gala for my five new friends (Spike will take the extra one).

"I also want to ask a question:

"Why send only two tickets when you clearly know that I now have five wonderful friends?

Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle."

Celestia reread the letter again, poring over the passive-aggressive-esque words on the parchment.

"Doest something trouble thee, lief sister?" Luna looked at Celestia over her book, worry in her eyes.

Celestia looked up at her younger sister, their brief conversation about Twilight ringing in her ears. She looked back at Twilight's letter, put it down, and smiled at Luna.

"No, it's nothing. I just need to go find or make an extra five tickets for Twilight's friends."

Luna watched her sister leave their private sitting room, still worried. She glanced at the letter, which had been left on Celestia's writing desk. She half got up from her cushion, before changing her mind and going back to her reading.

T'would beest rude of me to behold through Celestia's belongings without permission...

Start from Day One

Twilight Sparkle wearily lifted her head from the pillow. She blinked her eyes rapidly, adjusting to the darker lighting. Once her eyes had adapted, she observed her surroundings. Suddenly, she jerked out of her bed, her face alight with excitement.

"It worked, it WORKED!!!" Twilight jumped into the air and crashed onto the carpeted floor. "Oh right," she said, rubbing her muzzle. "No wings..." She slowly got up, and looked around her, smiling nostalgically.

She was about to go walk around her old - well, not old right now - home, when she heard a yawn come from the foot of her bed. She turned around, her mouth forming a huge smile.

Spike was waking up, probably because of the noise Twilight had been making. He rubbed his eyes, and blearily looked at her.

"Mornin', Twilight." Spike yawned. "I guess you woke up?"

Twilight laughed. "Yeah, sorry Spike. I had a dream about something, and I guess that it made its way into reality." If only I could tell you...

Spike stretched his arms above his head. "That's good to hear," he said as he crawled out of his basket. "I'm going to go make breakfast. Pancakes sound good?"

"Yes, thank you Spike." Spike walked towards the door. "Oh, and Spike?" Twilight called out to him before he disappeared. He stuck his head back through the doorway.

"Yeah, Twilight?"

"Nothing, nothing," Twilight said. "Just wanted you to know that I love you." She hesitated for a second, then gave him a quick hug, and closed the door softly. Spike stood speechless outside of her room. He shook himself out of his stupor, giving a worried look to the door. He cautiously took a step backwards, before turning around and heading down the staircase.

Twilight opened up the curtains of her large bedroom window, allowing Celestia's sun to spread its light over the room. She frowned momentarily, sighed, and began to look around for a quill and parchment. She successfully located a roll, her old (well, not old anymore) quill, and a fresh pot of ink. Soon, the room was filled with the sounds of the quill scratching out a quick checklist. Once she had finished, she looked down the list, checking off each box that was finished.

"Re-create Star Swirl's time travel spell... check! Become my past self... check! Figure out what day I landed on..." Twilight paused for a minute, but shook her head impatiently. "I'll just ask Spike. 'Discover' the book about the Elements and Nightmare Moon... I have to wait for the day two days away from the Summer Sun Celebration. Re-live my past life but fix every problem... I'll get to that. Find a way to make my friends immortal..." She slowly lowered the quill and placed it next to the pot of ink. Sighing heavily, she rolled up the parchment tightly and hid it under her bed.

"Twilight!" came Spike's voice from downstairs. "Breakfast is ready!"

Twilight smiled brightly again, but attempted to not look so gleeful. "No, I have to maintain my old personality. I'll just make it more cheerful. Say that I just feel in a good mood today or something. At least I might still have time for Moon Dancer's party..."

Moon Dancer. It had been hard when Twilight had found out about her. Minuette had been the only one besides Moonie left, and had sent an urgent message to Twilight when she found out about her passing. Twilight had felt so guilty that she had not been there with Moonie for her last days, but this time, she would be with her, and she would fix their friendship before it became a problem!

Twilight trotted down the curved staircase, smiling as she breathed in the delicious aroma of Spike's pancakes. I really have to start cooking at some point... Spike was just placing some fluffy stacks onto two plates when she walked into the kitchen.

"Oh, Spike, these look delicious!"

Spike blushed. "Thanks, Twilight!" He grabbed the maple syrup bottle and poured an ample amount onto his stack. Twilight frowned.

"Now, Spike, don't put too much on there. If you have too much sugar you could get sick!"

Spike paused for a minute, looking uncertainly at Twilight. "Okay, Twilight..." He placed the bottle back on the table, where it was picked up by her. She narrowed her eyes, and carefully poured a circle onto the top-most pancake. She stuck out her tongue as she used her magic to mold it into a perfect circle. Once she was satisfied, she snuck a quick peak at Spike. She was relieved to see that his suspicion had gone away from that little move, and happily bit into her forkful of pancake.

"WOW, Spike," she said enthusiastically, "this is AMAZING!" Twilight sloppily ate the rest of her stack, further easing Spike. She had long since learned how to control her messy eating, but played it up a little as she ate. She shuddered inwardly as she thought of how long it would take to get the sticky maple syrup out of her coat, but she had to act naturally.

Once the two were done eating, Twilight attempted to wipe her face with a napkin, but it became stuck to the syrup. She smiled sheepishly, and went over to the sink to clean her face. "Spike, what's the schedule for today?" she asked once she was finished.

Spike ran into the main room of their tower home, and came back with a very short scroll. He unfurled it, and began to read off the checklist.

"Let's see... it looks like we just have to go to the bookstore and pick up an order of books. I'm pretty sure there was something else though..." Spike scratched his chin. "Oh yeah!" he exclaimed, snapping his claws. "Moondancer is throwing a party later today! I've actually been working on something to give her." He looked at Twilight, smiling hopefully.

Twilight sighed with a slight groan, struggling to contain her joy. YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!Okay, I need to do this correctly, or else my plan could alter the timeline drastically. "I dunno, Spike, I need to keep studying, or the Princess might get upset with me!" Spike's face dropped, his hopeful smile replaced with a look of sad acceptance. She sighed again, and smiled sadly. "But, since you worked hard on whatever gift you made, it would be a shame to put that time to waste." Spike stood flabbergasted at her response, causing Twilight to giggle. She trotted over to him and gently placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Don't think we're going to stay long, though. We'll just drop off the present, say 'hi' to everyone, and then we're going to come back here."

"Thanks Twilight! I'm sure Moondancer will love it! Do you wanna see it?" Spike was snapped out of his shock, and he clasped his hands together with a pleading smile.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "How can I say 'no' to that face?" She trotted out into the main room, not noticing the still slightly confused look on Spike's face.

Decisions

"Care to join me?"

Twilight's thoughts battled each other as the seconds seemed to go agonizingly slow. She had never expected this outcome to her plans, and cursed herself for ever trying to negotiate with Nightmare. However, what was done was done, and there was no way she could fix them now. The only solution for this huge problem was to wing it: no future knowledge to help her get out of this sticky situation.

"Well?"

Twilight began to panic just a bit more at that expectant question.

WHAT DO I DO, WHAT DO I DO?!?! ..... Focus, Twilight! Panicking won't help you at all. Twilight looked over to her friends, who still looked nervously in hers and Nightmare's direction unseeingly. It won't help them, either. I'm so sorry, girls. I've doomed you to a shorter life, one shrouded in darkness. We'll never get to experience those happy moments with you, the ones where we cried, or even the ones where we fought with each other. You'll never fulfill your dreams, overcome your fears, your doubts, and never be happy... Twilight began to feel hot tears streak down her face. Today, I've only brought despair to your lives. I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry... She could feel the tears dropping off of her face, landing on the shards of the broken stone.

Twilight never noticed the sparkle come off of five shards.

"Make a decision!"

There's no other option left. If I'm going to die sooner or later, She didn't finish the thought. She breathed in deeply, trying to calm herself. She wiped the tears off of her face, and then looked up into Nightmare's face. She uttered a single word.

"No."