Phoenix

by Aleksandr Sherbet

Rating: teen
Tags: Dark, Alternate Universe, Human, Anthro, Romance, Adventure
Length: 12845

The role of princess is a huge role to everyone, everyone sees a princess as ladylike, smart and beautiful. Those qualities make the perfect princess right? Right? Well those people would be thoroughly disappointed by Dawn Luna Knight. [R63 Story]

Princess Dawn Luna Knight. A girl who usually doesn't like being serious and loves being a total joker. Someones gotta be around serious looking ponies, a former orphan now princess of Equestria. Her journey through Equestria shows how much she influence rose around her from her secretive origin to her world to getting the mare she loves. Things get complex as she now juggles a social life with many turns.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-11-02 04:20:01 UTC

1. Morning Dawn

Years Ago...

"Princess this is the child we were talking about, she's different from the others. As you can see she isn't pony or any other creature or species we've seen before." The orphanage caretaker informed as she showed Dawn to the princess.

Dawn shied away from the caretaker and princess looking to the corner as her hazel brown hair covered her face.

"May I speak to her." Celestia asked

"I'll see if she'd like to speak to anyone." The caretaker approached Dawn and crouched down next her.

"Sweetie the princess I told you about wants talk, would you like to speak to her?" Ms.Cookie Dough asked, Dawn stayed silent and looked towards princess and saw her gentle smile and soft gaze.

"I don't know, will she hurt me like the other ponies?" Dawn asks tears beginning to form as she clutched her hands.

"Don't be silly she won't I promise." Cookie Dough smiled and held Dawn's hand guiding her towards Celestia. Dawn looked down not wanting to stare at the princess, the princess looked at Dawn's attire it looked ragged and dirty as if she was sleeping in it for almost a few weeks.

Her dress was a dull purple with rips and tears near the end and mud on the end of the dress, her shoes were worse as they seemed nonexistent. She had a purple hair band that looked clean and pristine.

"Couldn't you offer the young girl some clothing?" Celestia asked

"Unfortunately we couldn't, the clothing we have doesn't fit her. And we don't have much money to buy her a new set of clothing." Cookie said with a slight sigh.

"If I get new clothing the kids here will get mad at me. They've been really mean to me since I've got here, they call me freak and disgusting. I don't want burden Ms.Dough either." Dawn looked down tears going down her cheeks.

"You're not a burden sweetheart I promise, Princess Celestia wanted to personally see you. She heard you came into the city a few days ago, and she wanted to talk to you." Dawn looked up with gasp and smiled wiping away her tears and letting out a sniffle.

"Um I don't have much to say Princess. I don't remember much about coming to the city, I only remember heard a weird old man voice saying 'I'll be back' and that's all." Princess Celestia frown and brushed Dawn's hair and kissed her forehead.

"Don't worry little one you're safe now." Dawn smiled and nodded.

Hours passed as Celestia left promising to see Dawn once more in the morning. Today Dawn had begun her days in the orphanage, everyone around her gave her looks of judgement which made her afraid, too afraid to even speak up when she wanted to play with the toys that the caretaker had given the children.

"Um excuse me." She says quietly as she approached a blue coated filly with a blue twin colored mane, she turned and smiled her smile was bright and wide.

"Hi!" She happily exclaims making her cringe and back up.

"Oh sorry. My sisters always tell me I'm too loud. I'm Sonata, what's your name?" She happily asks

"Oh I'm um Dawn Luna Knight." Sonata happily and nodded.

"What a cute name! Oh do you wanna play house?!" She asks in return Dawn nodded and smiled.

As the two began Dawn felt happy she felt as if she gained a friend, though the small moment of satisfaction didn't last as two boys approached the girls.

"Hey look at the freak playing with the nut!" One of the colts happily shouted making the other laugh.

"I'm not a nut." Sonata pouts making her frown as the kids began circle around you two.

"Leave her alone you jerks! If you got a problem with me it's fine, but don't call her names. At least she isn't a loser like you." Dawn shouts with anger.

"Haha the freak's protecting the nut!" Dawn stood there and didn't care if they calling her names, she only cares about her first friend, Sonata looked at Dawn with amazement.

"Kids that's enough!" Cookie Dough approached the children.

"Who started this!" She says with anger.

"The freak did!" The boy blamed Dawn, but again she didn't care she only protected Sonata as a friend and someone she'd want to be close towards.

"I find that hard to believe this young girl has only been around for a few days now this is a warning, anyone who tries to make fun of anyone in this orphanage will not get dessert am I clear." Cookie Dough warned

"Yes Ms.Dough." They all said with regret and walked away from the two.

"So your teasing name is nut? Why?" Dawn asks

"Foals around here think I'm too happy and say I'm nutty. You're called freak huh. I wish my sisters weren't sleeping they'd put a hurt on anyone who'd make fun us." Sonata happily making Dawn smile back.

"Cmon we're gonna share a bed, I don't trust other foals to not leave you alone, plus my bed's close to my sisters." Dawn nodded and held Sonata's hand and followed her towards the living areas of the orphanage.

"Here we are!" Sonata happily proclaims as she presents three beds that looked separate pushed together, the blankets and sheets had a color of pink and black both of which Dawn enjoyed seeing.

"My sisters and I sleep here and since the bed next to our huge bed is empty." Sonata began dragging the bed to right of her and pushing it next to the three. Her smile was widen making her increasingly excited as she sat and laid on the bed, Sonata did the same with the bed next to Dawn. "You sleep with us."

"If anyone kicks you out of that bed you can always share my bed." Sonata giggles making her smile and nod getting closer to her and hugged her, Dawn cried into her shoulder as she did the same. Her hug was soft as was everything that was meant to her. She earned a friend and by chance earned two sisters who'd be there for Dawn no matter what. Dawn noticed the older fillies waking up she presumed they were Sonata's sisters.

"What's with Sonny and why is she hugging that filly?" The purple coated filly asked

"I dunno maybe it's a new friend." The yellow coated mare informed smiling.

Later...

Dawn slept close to Sonata hugging her as she felt her warm body on hers. Dawn's dreams were always different since she first came to Equestria she'd be having odd dreams visualizing a scary dark coated stallion laughing manically everything about it was frightening. Her body wouldn't move as the dark coated stallion got closer and closer to her. Every time the stallion even got remotely close into touching her she'd wake up screaming and crying, but for some reason when the stallion got close to Dawn that night she only looked at her tilting her head in silence as he laughed.

"W-who are you?" She asks scared out of her wits.

"A nightmare my dear, a nightmare." He begins dissipating and appearing faraway.

"You have no idea why you are here? Living with that awful stallion before he told you to wait in the cave. I know him he's a rather mysterious being able to leave his prison every few years when ponies become too curious. Do you know his name? He is someone close to you, you'll meet him later in your journey." Dawn was scared and didn't want to hear anymore, she began crying and closed her eyes begging to let free of the dark dream she was having.

"Scrambling in fear is the right response my dear, I love it when young ones are too fearful to move an inch. The beauty of nightmares." With a snap of his fingers Dawn's dream began to dissipate.

Dawn gasped as she woke up her breathing heavy as she felt sweat drip from her forehead, wiping the sweat from her she looked around to see that it was late at night and the moon full. Getting out of bed she walked closer to the window and looked at the moon, it's glow illuminating the night sky. Looking around once more she went back to bed and laid there. Her mind on her nightmare and what it meant, with everything changing so fast Dawn couldn't just not do anything about it. She had to do something and quick, feeling a little weight on her chest she looked over to Sonata seeing her bring Dawn closer smiling as she did. With a sigh she laid closer to Dawn and with that Dawn began feeling much more comfortable.

Present...

Dawn let out a loud and unladylike yawn as she stretched looking towards the balcony windows Dawn chuckled and rose from bed, her pink PJ's felt warm against her skin as her feet touched the cold floor she let out a short eep. Before placing her feet back on the warm comfy bed.

"Stupid marble floors!" She shouted in anger.

Looking around for her slippers she saw that they were all the way near her doorway, puffing up her cheeks slightly she began to think and threw her covers on the ground and shuffled her way towards her probably icy cool slippers.

"Buck up or shut up Dawn. Mom's gonna kill me if I don't hurry shuffle faster stupid feet!" She said to her feet.

"But we just woke up!" Dawn replied in a dopey voice.

"I'll place you on the cold floor if you don't move dorks!"

"Yes ma'am."

Getting closer to her slippers, her feet began to get tied up only for her to fall to the ground avoiding an injury she out placed her hands to break her fall.

"Ouch!" She said aloud

"You betrayed me once more feet! I will have my revenge!" She says shaking her fist in the air as her face was planted on the cold marble floor. Just then the door opened as two lavender colored hooves entered.

"Dawn are you awa- why are you on the floor?" Dusk Shine asked glancing at the fallen girl, her brown hair splayed out not even neatly brushed.

"My feet have betrayed me once more! And I was just wondering in ways to punish them!" Lifting her brow slightly she sighed and shook her head.

"You're an idiot Dawn get up Princess Celestia says you're late for breakfast again."

"And I will! Once I gain feeling in my face once more." Dusk let out a sigh and used his magic to lift up the girl and place her on the floor.

"Cold! Cold! Cold!" She shouts in complete surprise as she jumps into his arms.

Dawn smiled and booped Dusk's muzzle only to roll him eyes as he carried her towards her bed and tossing her on, walking over to her closet she removed a red flannel short sleeve shirt along with a white T-Shirt, proceeding towards her drawers he removed a black bra and pair of panties throwing them to her and reaching once more in the drawer threw her a pair of skinny black jeans.

"Hurry up and get dressed!" He shouts as he exits her room.

"Rude." She pouts

Rising from her bed she proceed towards the shower getting ready for a day of fun.

A few minutes later...

Exiting her room she had button up four buttons on her short sleeved flannel shirt leaving plenty of room for slight bust to show, it was covered by her shirt so her cleavage never really showed.

Tapping the front of her black high top shoes on floor she proceed down towards the dining room.

A majority of Dawn's time was spent being a general nuisance to others, everyone always told Dawn to grow up that she wasn't a little girl anymore. Of course she'd always wave them off just because she was a young adult didn't mean she couldn't have fun.

Dusk Shine feared for his friend always thinking the worst could happen if she never grew up stating that the citizens of Equestria wouldn't tolerate a queen who thought nothing serious.

Dawn continued to skip through the castle humming as she passed by many butlers and maids who serviced her and her mother. Being the only child of a goddess she usually messed around with a few butlers and chefs in particular.

Walking downstairs and arriving to the dining room, she saw the massive plates of food. Either with fruits, pancakes, eggs, and something only she'd be able to keep down bacon and sausages. Running towards the dining room she took her seat and placed three flapjacks on her plate and neatly placed a few blueberries, strawberries and bananas on the pancakes. Taking the syrup she drizzled it on top covering the breakfast stuff in a incredibly sweet plate of food, and grabbed the massive tray of bacon and sausages next to her other plate.

"Time to eat!" She happily announces cutting into her pancakes with ease and wolfing down the delicious food.

"Glad to see you up and about." Turning her head she spotted a brother like figure to her, Shining Armor. Dusk's older brother and her mother's captain of the guard, often Shining would joke about Dawn's appetite and appearance that was less then ladylike.

"Oh hey Shining you hungry?" Dawn asks her mouth dripping with syrup as she swallows the rest of her food

"I wouldn't want to eat with you, if I even reach for a plate of food you'd bite my arm off." He says chuckling making Dawn blush slightly.

"Shining?! Was that a compliment? You wouldn't think of hitting me? Ugh a stallion of your attitude would stay loyal to his marefriend, but I wouldn't mind it." Dawn says giggling making Shining roll his eyes.

"You always liked messing with me." The two began laughing and filled the dining room with laughter. Dawn enjoyed times like these since she was still young, joking around was something she did often.

"In all seriousness have you hung out with Dusk at all? He's been locked up in his room for most of the week, honestly have no idea what he's up to."

"Oh he woke me up half an hour ago, I noticed he looked like he was in a hurry. Want me to check up on him?" She asks

"You'd do that? That'll be awesome." He happily admits with a smile

"Hey what's a little sister suppose to do? Just sit around and let her shut in friend not go out in the sun every once in awhile." Shining smiled and nodded letting Dawn continue shoving food into her mouth.

After breakfast Dawn walked over to Dusk's home outside of the castle and near the library of Canterlot where he'd constantly hanged out at, after knocking on the door a few times the door opened revealing Barb as she happily waved to her.

"Oh hey Dawn what's up?" She asks smiling as she stepped aside letting Dawn inside.

"Nothin' much I'm wondering what Dusk's up to? Shining asked me to check up on him." Barb nodded closing the door behind her, and walking upstairs with Dawn.

"Uh well that's kinda hard to say, he's been reading nonstop and only stopped when he went to wake you up. I guess that was a short break or something." Dawn only look at the room upstairs and proceeded up peering into the room to see Dusk quietly staring into a massive book, his eyes scrolling down the words of the book and taking in whatever info it had to offer.

"He looks so into that book, I wonder if he can hear us." She whispers to Barb who shrugs.

"I dunno, honestly I think his head's deep into that book to notice us." Dawn nods and approaches Dusk only for her to hit a pink bubble like shield surrounded him and his massive piles of books.

"Owwww that hurt!" Dawn mentions rubbing her nose as she shakes her head and begins knocking on the bubble trying to get Dusk's attention. Which was harder then it looked.

"Hey Barb can you hand me one of those Daring Do books." She looked at Dawn before shaking her head.

"No you're not going to." She only nodded as Barb's arms shook slightly as she hands her the book. Taking out her special zippo lighter slowly placing it near the flaming body closer and closer to the book, before the fire touched the paper Dusked closed the top of the lighter and glared daggers at Dawn.

"What do you think you're doing?" His glare was something Dawn saw not too often, the only thing that stopped her was the death glare he'd send her.

"Um I was uh-" She was only quieted when he hit her with a piece of rolled up paper on the nose, as if she was dog being disciplined.

"Owwww why is my nose being punished today!" She complains

"I'll be okay dearest Dawn, I have the strength of a bull." Dawn carcasses her nose as she gave her nose a rather manly sounding voice to it.

"Can you stop talking to yourself and tell me what you want? I'm a little busy at the moment." He asks letting out an annoyed sigh and looking towards Dawn with slight anger.

"Shining wanted me to check up on you, ya know to make sure you're okay and aren't passed out, hunched over your desk drooling like a brainless husk."

"As you can clearly see I'm fine and just dandy you don't have to worry about me, so are you done if so please leave." Dawn looked at Barb who shrugs and looks back at him.

"Fine I'll go. Just don't drool on yourself if you do go brain dead."

"Noted now if you don't mind." Dusk conjures a bit of magic and begins to forcefully remove Dawn from his room and placed her downstairs.

Dawn sighs and walks out of Dusk's home and began her way back to the castle, nothing much would happen as it was early morning. Deciding there wasn't much to do Dawn walks over to the park and have a short catnap.

"Might as well nothing's gonna happen today." Dawn sighs and closes her eyes letting the sun's rays lull her to sleep.

Later...

Dawn had woken up an hour later, her mind refreshed and her arms aching. Returning to the castle she ran upstairs towards the northern tower near her mother's room and entered her own private room, unbuttoning the long sleeve plaided shirt she removed both white T-shirt and black bra, walking over to the bathroom she stared at herself and breasts out and about.

Dawn's breasts weren't too big but they weren't small either, they were average to herself, but they do become a nuisance from time to time, opening the medicine cabinet she removed a large roll of gauze and began to strap it around her chest, pushing her breasts against herself as her chest slowly became smaller until she only felt the flat and rough surface of the gauze. She exited her bathroom and walked over to her closet and began rummaging in it until she removed the combat uniform she kept in the closet of her room, which was leather top that protected her chest and leather leggings that made it better to move around in. Grabbing her hair she tied it into a ponytail wrapping it around with a black scrunchie. Her arms were bare until she put on leather wrist armor.

She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled, she looked cute and deadly her girly attitude not showing as she looked more like a fighter.

"You're going to join the men in sparring practice aren't you?" Shining asked as he entered the room.

"Yeah, I feel a lot better looking like this. It's eerily natural like I was meant to fight." Shining chuckles and crosses his arms.

"You're a mystery Dawn, Cadence always talks about how you're extremely girly and yet when I see you, you're nothing like she describes its odd but it's refreshing to know you're like that. Able to handle everything that a guy would have trouble with, hell you know exactly how to use naginata's without hitting your own leg not like most guys in squad." He says chuckling

"Naginata's have longer reach and with the bladed edge make it more than just a blunt weapon." She points out as she removes a imitation naginata its blade fake and plastic but its handle wooden and hard, from her closet begins to show him a few delicate moves showing how even a delicate fighter like her can pack a punch and by swing it hard down to the ground with perfect ease, before readjusting her hands and slashing it upwards as swoosh was heard near Shining. Her left knee was on the ground as the right leg was planted perfectly. The naginata was over her shoulder as rose from the ground smiling holding the weapon close to her chest in a cutesy style.

"Even when you fight you still find a way to make it adorable." Dawn blushed and looked down as she enjoyed the praise she got.

"We have time for one sparring practice, Celestia asked me to get you she said it was important." Dawn nods and holds her weapon with her right hand as she skipped alongside Shining.

Training grounds...

"Alright everyone! Who wants to help spar with the princess of Equestria!" Shining Armor shouts as he enters the training grounds, the recruits who were training with their trainers stopped and looked at the girl walking downstairs her weapon on hand. Nobody seemed to want to volunteer as they stayed silent and looked at her.

"Dawn front and center!" She walked up and stood there smiling as the recruits looked at her. "Please say a little of yourself as fighter."

"As you all know I'm the princess of Equestria I'm in charge of the night court while my mother works the day court. As a fighter I use a naginata, a bladed staff that has an extremely sharp end able to slice skin and fur with ease, but for training reasons I'll be using a imitation naginata. So who's wants to fight?" The guards looked at one another until a male guard approached.

"What's your name?!" Shining shouts

"Spin Record sir!" He shouts, Dawn focused on him and saw that he had a charcoal gray colored mane with a midnight purple colored coat, his eyes were a dark shade of red. He held what looked like a long sword.

"Enter the circle and prepare for battle!" Dawn and the stallion nod as she faced him and he did the same to her, holding the naginata in a delicate and feminine stance she readied herself and locked eyes with her opponent.

Circling the circle a loud airhorn blew as he sprint forward and slashed downwards, just as his blade was to hit Dawn she brought up her Nagi and blocked the weapon strike. Pushing him back he lost his balance, she stabbed down the ground. He began to scrambled to get back up kicking the weapon though before he could kick Dawn's hand she placed the weapon pole in his way and tossing his leg off her weapon and stabbing his back with the blunt end making groan in pain as the wind was knocked out of him.

He rolled out of the way and got back into a fighting stance, his back hunched over trying to find a weak spot as Dawn returned to her delicate stance, smiling Dawn twirled her weapon and smiled.

Taunting the solider as he hit Dawn's hands making her yelp as one of her hands let go of the weapon before she could recover the solider smacked her sides repeating hitting her ribs luckily the leather absorbed most of the damage.

Readjusting her weapon she ran forward blocked a hit the solider was going to deliver, his sword stopped by her pole. Pushing it forward she used both ends smacking each of his sides deliver one more hit she hit his chest making him cough up the last bit of wind Dawn smiled kneeing the stallions face as he fell down in pain groan as she pumped her fist into the air smiling before looking to the ground to see the hurt guard.

"Oops I think I went too hard." She says as she walks over to the recruit before slapping him a bit as his eyes slowly opened. The recruits who seemed reluctant were even more so, since she did beat up an aspiring guard with girly stances and tactics that most guards would know they didn't seem to want to even try.

"Princess, your mother." Shining informs as she nodded picking up her imitation naginata once more sprinting towards the throne. Passing through the gardens and past the courtyard and entering the main castle building and stopped just near the doors, placing both hands on the doors she let out a mighty shove. Quietly entering she looked forward to see Celestia, her elegant ivory coat that showed off a certain air of nobility of her. Along with her beautiful sparkling mane that flowed through the air like an endless wind. Your mother's ivory dress was rather elegant too, showing of plenty of her bust through a small window of the dress.

"Dawn what on Equestria are you wearing?" Celestia asks her 18 year old daughter.

"It's my training gear duh." She replies as if it was an odd question her mother asked.

"Sometimes I wish you were more like Cadence."

"Mom please, I know you don't like me fighting but it feels natural like its a stress reliever." Celestia sighs and nods.

"I understand you have your hobbies those make you, you. I just wished you would act like a proper lady and come with me to the tea social plenty of available Prince's for you to meet." She mentions with a giggle.

"Mom not this again, look if a prince who doesn't care if I burp in front of him and doesn't care that I like listening to rock rather than classical find me than I'll give 'em a chance. Until then nope." She says smiling. Celestia looked upset only for a second before giggling.

"You really have aged since I adopted you, such a spunky little girl you were, scratch that you are. I'm sure you'll find your Prince Charming."

"Or princess, mom you already know how I swing." Rolling her eyes she nods.

"I understand sweetie I haven't forgotten. Anyway I called for you today, it concerns Dusk Shine. I've noticed that he seems much more tired and less willing to go with you around the city. You two were inseparable, but now it seems like he's distracted."

"You noticed that too huh? Honestly I'm a little worried, he's usually a lot more lecture prone always break out into a lecture when I say or do something wrong. I miss those annoying speeches."

"I know you do so I arranged that he help at the Summer Sun Celebration taking place in Ponyville, and you're going with him. I understand if you don't want to leave but I'd rather have him protected seeing as you're a great brawler as my guards have said about your skills." Dawn blushed rubbing the back of her head.

"It's kind of a given. I mean the human spirit has no breaking point, but unfortunately the body does."

"I've sent Barb a message to give to Dusk, hopefully he won't get too distracted to read it." Dawn nodded and looked at herself as sweat began to accumulate under her leather armor.

"Well mom if we're finished I'm gonna shower and get ready to leave." Celestia gave her a nod and a wave as Dawn left the room and continued on towards her room.

Later...

Dawn began drying her hair, as she wore a brand new outfit. She wore a black pair of skinny jeans along with black and blue bra with a purple plain t-shirt. Before walking over to her dresser she swiped her zippo from her dirty clothes placing it in her pocket, though as she did her finger cut as blood seeped from her fingertip. Taking out the lighter she turned it on and began burning her finger though she felt no pain as the fire slowly began to heal her small wound. The golden flame dimmed down before kissing the zippo.

"Thank you mom and your holy flames." She says smiling before slipping it into her pocket.

There were three sharp knocks on the door, she began walking towards the door wrapping her hair into a ponytail. Though before she could open the door it burst open showing an annoyed Dusk Shine with an exasperated Barb.

"C'mon Dusk it isn't that bad we're just going to Ponyville for the day and after the celebration we'll be back home no harm no foul." Barb had said smiling towards Dusk but his mood still sour as he turned away from her.

"Can you believe her? I can't just go off to a town I know nothing about, what are we going to do Dawn!" He shouts making her roll her eyes.

"We? What's with this we stuff? You didn't include me on what you're stressing on about."

"It's a we thing since Celestia informed me that you're helping me with the celebration."

"Right, anyway why are you stressing out again. It's only for a day just check things over on a checklist and after that watch my mom's speech then we're all done. You could go home and stress out about whatever you've got going on and I go back to my really really simple life." Dusk let out a sigh and nodded.

"I guess you're right, nothing good could come from complaining about one day lost. I'll tell you what's got me so worried after we're done with the celebration." Dawn smiled and nodded as she had finished getting ready.

"So now." Dusk opens the door and bows. "Princess Knight." Dawn feign a gasp and giggled as she exited the room.

"Oh and Dusk, try not to bring down the mood while we're there at least pretend you care about being in town." Rolling his eyes Dusk nodded as Dawn continued towards the chariots ready for Dusk and Dawn to leave.

Later...

It took half an hour to get to their destination, the trip there was silent with a few conversation from the three. All were related to what the town hosting the celebration would look like, though Dusk hoped whatever he was researching wouldn't go awry.

"Can't you tell me what you're researching, I promise I won't tell...or laugh." Dawn try using her puppy dog eyes trying to guilt Dusk into spilling the beans, but his will to finish whatever was stronger than his feelings for her.

"What I'm researching maybe important in the near future, and I still need more time in order to correctly estimate my theory."

"Uhhhhh." Dusk sighed and face palmed.

"I need more time before I tell anyone so I know it's not anything serious or if it is to properly estimate the reveal of said research point." Dawn smiled and nodded.

"That's actually a good plan, don't want to worry ponies over fake stuff." Dusk sighs and just keeps his mouth shut.

"Princess Dawn we'll be arriving in a few minutes please prepare to depart." The guardspony informed Dawn nodded as she smiles to herself knowing that the town was new gave her a spark of curiosity to her new surrounding. With a gentle touch down Dusk pushed open the chariot's door and exited along with Barb who seemed to be carrying a list. Following from behind Dawn exited and looked around in awe.

The small town surrounding made her smile as she felt the gentle breeze pass by along with the several sights of the small town. Looking towards the town's square she looked at the large statue and ran towards it, her butt sticking out as she seemed more and more enamored by her surroundings. The several small town houses along with the several shops, fewer than back home.

"Princess Dawn, if you need anything please send a message." The guards ponies informed making her giggle and nod.

"Don't worry I can handle myself." With a solid nod the guards ponies took off.

"So what's first on the list?" Dawn asks smiling

"First we find the town's food producer from there we inspect the food, and no we're not eating any of it." Dawn groaned as she nodded walking alongside Dusk.

2. Defeating Darkness

Years ago...

For the two months that Dawn has been living at the orphanage, her life has gotten slightly better, though she feels as if Ms. Cookie Dough has been playing favoritism to her since Celestia visited Dawn personally, often giving her more than the average sized slice of cake on her dinner plate when dessert came around.

Sonata was ignorant towards the favoritism and seemed happy for Dawn, while the other kids seemed a little annoyed by her. Though they never voice their opinion, as she had three loyal, good friends who'd protect her.

Dawn learned quite a lot about Sonata and her sisters. Sonata was more or less a bit dopey and often called a nut in front of the other kids. She does take offense towards the insult, but when Dawn defended her she didn't care whether or not they started laughing at her.

Aria was Sonata's older sister, she was really tough and brash, often protecting Sonata as she took great care of her little sister. Dawn was a bit scared of Aria, but she soon learned that Aria cared for her in a similar manner too, just like Sonata she was there for her too.

Adagio was the oldest sister and seemed like the one who cared for the group the most. As the temperature became colder when the season changed from fall to winter, Adagio would always cover her with another blanket when she looked like she was freezing and would hug her when she was near her. Adagio was always nice to Dawn and seemed happy when she defended Sonata. A good friend was something she often thought when she saw the young human girl and her little sister play.

Tonight was a normal night, the fillies and colts have all been sleeping and Dawn was with her friends who she considered family, were all laying on the beds in complete silence. The only one making noise was Aria, her snores made Dawn giggle as she was always the heaviest sleeper of the group.

For the past two months Dawn's sleep schedule has always been erratic, sleeping was always a struggle. Ever since she had the nightmare she has had rather odd dreams. Most were about an odd silhouetted stallion who seemed to appear in the dream and Dawn felt as if she knew him, though every time he did nothing but watch. Only stand there, but if something bad would happen, he'd just stay quiet and looked at her.

Tonight was the same, but instead, the odd stallion made a bag appear from thin air, as he rummaged through it and take out a small stuffed bunny, it's ears tied with a pink bow. He stretched out its arm and shook it slightly as Dawn slowly reached for it.

"Is this mine?" She asks nervously, the stallion nodded. Dawn took a hold of the bunny and she looked over it and grinned, giggling a bit as she moved its floppy ears, Dawn looked up towards the stallion and smiled.

"Thank you." She said. He nods and walks away from Dawn, slowly her dream began to dissipate and she held the bunny closer to her chest.

Dawn's eyes open and she looked around the room, seeing the fillies and colts sleeping reminded her that it was still late and the moon was still up high in the sky. As she turned to face away the window she held something close to her chest, feeling a soft feeling on her left hand she looked towards it and gasped.

The stuffed bunny from the dream had appeared near her, everything about it looked exact to the dream one.

Its button eyes were a light leafy green and its bow a bright pink, with a note attached to the side. Taking the note and holding the bunny in the other hand, she walked towards the bathroom, flipping the light switch so she'd have some light for herself. She looked down to the note and began reading.

'You may not know me, but I know you. I'm not here to hurt you, merely to protect you and provide you with gifts a young filly such as yourself deeply deserves. You'll achieve great things in your life, but I must ask you to do one thing. Please find a mirror and focus greatly on your eyes in the mirror.'

Staying quiet she walked over toward the bathroom sinks and climbed on the short step and peered over to see the mirror. Nothing happened for a few seconds, but Dawn then let out a gasp and startled cry. Her midnight blue eyes had a sickly green aura surrounding them, with a purple smoky shadow around the edges of her eye sockets. Dawn hugged the bunny as she began crying, her loud cries began waking up the children just then the door slammed open as Sonata, Aria, and Adagio bursted in looking at the young girl who held a bunny crying on the floor in the fetal position.

"Dawn! Are you okay what's wrong?" Adagio asks as she cradled her head and began stroking her brown hair and shushing her.

"Eyes, evil, nightmare." Dawn said in between paused breaths from her crying.

"Aria, go get Ms. Dough." Aria followed Adagio’s order and exited the bathroom while the rest of the children stood staring at Dawn. Adagio turned Dawn’s face towards her’s, “Don’t worry, Dawn. Everything is normal and there are no spooky eyes around here, focus on my voice and my voice alone.” She started humming a lullaby as Dawn quietly wept, slowly becoming more restful.

Sonata was scared for her friend, and only wanted reassurance that she'll be okay, but Dawn never knew what'll happen in the next few days. The ups and downs of the next week she would remember it all because of the nightmares she will see.

Present...

Dawn and Dusk walked towards the trail towards the farm, where Ponyville’s main food producer was located. With Dawn tagging alongside Barb and Dusk, walking towards the farm was interesting, as a conversation brewed, most at Dawn's expense.

"Why do you eat so much?" Dusk asked with a brow raised, as Dawn had been talking about food for most of the trip.

"I dunno, it’s probably because of my species, but I think it's mostly from Celestia. I first got to the castle when I was younger and every maid and butler saw that I was really skinny and made so much good food that I became a little tubby bunny after my first month."

"And now you're curvy and pretty fit, so you have had moderation now?" Barb pitched in.

"Pretty much, but if some pony offers food and it looks good then I'll try it. I'm not a picky eater." Dawn replied. Dusk just nods as the two got to a large apple orchard. A large chatter was picking up close by as they entered.

"Sweet Apple acres huh, they sure got the family-friendly vibe going on." Dusk says as they walk into the orchard seeing rows upon rows of apple trees, far as the eye can see there was just nothing but apples.

"This place is super huge!" Dawn shouts in complete surprise, attracting the attention of a stallion with a Stetson hat.

"Ya like what ya see, huh? Howdy there, I'm Applejack." Dawn grinned and looked towards the orange coated stallion with a blonde mane and tail. He wore a pair of denim jeans with a white shirt along with a orange plaid long sleeve shirt.

"Hi I'm Dawn, that's Dusk, and Barb. Sorry if we're being a bother, but Princess Celestia sent us to get things ready for her visit later this evening, it's just a formality to make sure everything is fine when she arrives."

"Well shoot, that's great. If ya like, do ya wanna try to the food we're servin' at the festival? It’s all handmade and perfect for the occasion." As Dawn was about nod to his offer when Dusk stopped her.

"I'm sorry sir, but we can't stay, we're busy checking other places to get the princess's visit ready." Dusk said blatantly.

"C’mon Dusky, it's just sampling it's not like we're gonna stay here the whole day." Dawn complained as Applejack smiled. He put his hand on her shoulder and turned her towards a commotion that has been going since they entered.

"Shoot if yer hungry we got plenty for ya ta sample, sorry if it's gonna be a little crowded since we're actually in the middle of a family reunion."

"That's too bad, maybe when you're not too busy we could swing on by. Highly doubtful though." Dusk mumbles, but just as he was about to reach Dawn's hand, he saw ponies happily cheering either dancing or conversing with one another. Dawn's eyes widen as she saw the many family members of Applejack.

"Applejack there ya are! Yer missin' the reunion!" Looking down Dawn spotted a colt, he looked around 10 years old, his coat a soft, light yellow, with a red messy mane. The young colt wore almost the same attire as Applejack, but except he had a green short sleeved shirt along with a solid red cap. "Whoa, who are they?" But the colt only looked at Dawn, curiosity in his eyes as they went up and down the young princess, yet Dawn stood there smiling.

"Applebuck, it ain't polite ta stare." Applejack nudged, glaring at the young colt.

"S-sorry, she just looks...out of place." Applebuck said bashfully, tearing his eye away by staring at the ground.

"Sorry if mah little bro is bein' rude, but ah'm also curious at what ya are." Applejack said with a blush from embarrassment.

"I get that a lot, don't worry, anyway I'm a human. It's a little hard to describe since I, myself, don't know much and don't worry I won't bite." The small colt approached Dawn smiling, flashing her canines.

"Our family would love ta meet ya, c’mon. Oh, and ah'm Applebuck, the youngest of my Apple tree." Applebuck said with a thumb at his chest and a proud grin.

Dawn giggled and formally introduced herself too, "I'm Dawn Luna Knight, it's a pleasure to meet you too."

"It's cute seein' mah brother bein' curious about Dawn, so y'all friends?" Applejack asks both Dusk and Barb.

"Yeah, we've been friends since we were kids. Dawn's always been friendly to everyone, she's known to be like that. Hell, she's pretty good with kids too. Sometimes even playing with them at the park, usually hide-n-seek." Dusk said, reminiscing about the times he and Dawn played as kids in the castle grounds.

"That's cute, is she like a child at heart?" Applejack asked, pulling Dusk out of his thoughts, a bad habit he’s been having lately.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Unfortunately most ponies didn’t really talk to her when she was younger because of how she looked, that didn't stop her though. She just kept going until she finally got friends like me." Dusk said with a sigh, the thoughts of Dawn returned to his mind.

"And so far I've been a horrible friend to you, I'll make it up to you once this whole thing blows over." Dusk mumbles to himself.

"Hey, Dusk are you okay?" Barb asked, as she tugged on Dusk's pant leg.

"Huh, oh yeah I'm fine. Let's just get this over with." Walking towards the festivities, Dusk spotted Dawn happily talking to the relatives of the Apples, though they didn't know they were speaking to a princess they thought she was a joy to be around. Something most high class ponies would beg to differ, but seeing Dawn happily smiling and talking to the ponies on the farm made Dusk smile as it was a nice change of pace.

"Mah goodness, yer a joy ta be around, and just the cutest little mare ta speak ta. Ya must have stallions scrambling, just ta speak ta ya." One of Applejack's relatives said with a laugh as Dawn smiled a bit.

"Thank you, most ponies usually don't care for me. They think I'm irritable and my appetite should be like a proper lady, but screw that I'm eating till I'm full and then some if I like it." Dawn said with a slap of the leg and a hearty laugh. The ponies surrounding Dawn let out laughs as they seem to enjoy Dawn's presence.

"If a mare likes eatin', then that's okay with me. Ah’d marry a mare who can eat as much as me." One of the older stallions said with a laugh making Dawn giggle. "Heck if ah was 50 years younger ah'd speak ta ya everyday just ta get a kiss." Dawn surprised the old stallion and kissed his cheek making him blush and the crowd erupted in a laugh.

"Bold young mare, ya are, just don't let mah wife catch me flirtin' with such a pretty young thang." He laughs once more making Dawn happily smile.

After good hour of cracking jokes and participating in the reunion's events, Dawn felt happy that she was out of the stuffy castle she called home. Though she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty that Dusk was forced to be with her during the reunion, she also felt a little guilty that she had barged in a family event that she wasn't a member of.

"Hey Applejack, is it really cool if we're here? I mean we just sorta appeared and I feel weird that we're interrupting an event meant for family only." Dawn said, scratching her head and looking away. Applejack chuckles and shakes his head smiling slightly.

"It's fine Dawn, ah invited ya. So go ahead have fun, even if ya ain't family, every one of mah relatives like ya a lot. And heck ya beat every stallion in the pie eating contest. Ah’ll bet the Canterlot namby, pamby, ponies don't have this much fun in parties like this huh?" Applejack said mockingly. Dawn giggled a little and nodded.

"Yeah they're all focused on looking their best that don't even recognize that a party is suppose to be fun." Applejack smiled and nodded at her wisdom. "Anyway I just wanted to know is all. Dusk, Barb, and I gotta go. We still have a lot more places to check over make sure everything is good for Celestia's arrival." Applejack looked a little upset but smiled.

"Well ah hope ya get things ready for the princess, see y'all later." Applejack said with a wave of his hat.

"Bye everyone!" Dawn shouts, receiving a wide spread “Awww” throughout the audience, but give their farewells since they did enjoy her presence.

Smiling, Dawn caught up with her friends at the entrance, as the two seemed to be looking over the list of preparations.

"Next thing is a weather check, the forecast for Celestia's visit is to be clear with no cloud in the sky." Dusk let out a growl as Dawn and Barb looked up to see a fairly cloudy sky.

"I can't believe the weather ponies didn't get the damn memo and clear this out!" Dusk shouted in complete anger.

"Hey look somepony's tail is sticking out of the cloud, maybe they could tell us what's up with cloud filled sky." Barb points out, making Dusk let out a annoyed grunt.

"Hey you up there! The one sleeping on the cloud, you awake!?" Dawn shouts as the pony's body shifts. "Wake up dude ya know where we can find the weather captain so we could order them to get off their lazy ass and clear the skies?"

"I'll get to it sooner or later, just let me relax a bit. Plus, the princess isn't scheduled to be here for awhile anyway so I got plenty of time." The pony said lazily and rolled over onto his stomach.

"You've got to be kidding me, it takes at least a few hours to clear one section of the sky, and clearing the entire town will take a least a day. I'm guessing you're a lazy weather captain."Dusk said with slight venom. The cyan colored stallion let out a soft chuckle before letting out a hysterical laugh.

"Hahaha oh boy you have no idea who you're talking to, I can clear this whole sky in under ten seconds." He boasted.

"Yeah, right, I'd like to see you try. I’ll see to it that your superior hears about this." Dusk says shaking his head. Just as Dusk stopped shaking his head, a rainbow trail passed by the three as the clouds were all destroyed one by one each only taking half a second to dissipate.

"Ten...seconds...flat." Both Barb and Dusk had their mouth's agape surprised by the cyan pony's speed.

"That was awesome! Did you two see that! This guy just few by us with ease and clouds poof away I can't believe that he had that kind of speed!" Dawn exclaimed. The cyan pony chuckled crossing his arms as he floated above them.

"So what're your names? Mines Rainbow Blitz." The cyan colored stallion wore a pair of black jeans with a short sleeved baby blue jacket underneath that was an undershirt. His mane was short in length and rainbow flurry of colors that looked really cool if looked at it long enough.

"Dawn Luna Knight." She happily says with admiration.

"Dusk Shine." He says with an annoyed sigh.

"Barb." She happily says with a smile.

"Cool, cool, anyway you're here for the princess visit? You guys from Canterlot huh?"

"Yeah, we're just here to oversee everything in Ponyville. Only the best for the princess."

"Ya know even if I'm a little lazy doesn't mean I wouldn't clear the skies for Celestia. Anyway no clouds will appear in the sky at all, promise." He puts his hand on his heart before landing down on the ground.

“Alright, I’ll trust you. And I will stick with what I said about your superior, you did good.” Dusk said, his distrust slowly melting.

"Anyway, you guys look cool enough why don't we hang out later. Hell, I could show you more moves Dawn. You're pretty interested in my speed." Blitz said with a grin. Dawn gave a giggle and nodded and with a mighty flap Rainbow flew off leaving the three in complete silence.

"So how you enjoying our outing from the castle?" She asks Dusk as they walk off.

"Still an annoying adventure that shouldn't have even happened in the first place. Let's just get this over with."

"Fine mister grumpykins, let's keep at it." Dawn said skipping, as she, Dusk, and Barb continued on.

"Ya know what we should do when we get back to Canterlot! Have a party! Remember when we were kids and we'd usually just ask the chef and butlers to bring plates of food and I'd usually finish off anything on the plate. We should do that again!" Dawn said as she hopped in front of them. Dusk let out a chuckle.

"Sure. After this I promise." Dusk said with a nod. Dawn let out a squee and giggled.

"Let's go to the next place which is the stage and decor of the town square!" Dawn said, taking his hand and Barb’s. Dawn happily ran towards town hall and bursted through the doors. As they did, Dawn spotted a white coated unicorn mare, her mane curly and a bright dark elegant purple mane made her stand out brilliantly amongst the decor.

What she wore was stunning in a simplified way, a long black skirt that hugged her sides in every complete way with a white short sleeved blouse. She had a pair of red glasses on her as she held a clipboard close to her chest.

"Wow she's cute." Barb happily admitted as she looked at the mare in front of the three.

"Uh, do you happen to be the decorations coordinator? We're here at Princess Celestia's request." When she turned, Dawn and Barb were both astonished by the mare's beauty, Dusk Shine on the other hand didn't seem to care all that much.

"Princess Celestia, you say? Why yes, I am the coordinator. Only the very best can be shown to our benevolent princess." She says with a smile.

"Yeah, of course. It is an important job to show appreciation for the princess. Anyway we just came to see how things were going, if there's anything out of place." Dusk said hurriedly. The mare nods and looks at Dawn who still had her mouth agape.

"My goodness and who pray tell are you or more uncouth it is to say, what are you." She asked

"Oh u-uh I'm Dawn Luna Knight. Imma human what's your name?" Dawn said, slurring some of her words.

"Oh me and my rudeness, your sudden appearances just made me lose my manners. My name is Rarity." Rarity said with a flourish.

"I'm Dusk Shine." Dusk says looking around the building.

"H-hello I-I'm Barb." The young dragoness says smiling. Rarity turns back to Dawn and circles her making Dawn a little weary of the mare.

"Is something wrong?" She asks

"Hmmm? Oh no, I'm just looking you over. You have such a unique body, a mare of your measurements would surely be able to wear something both mundane and stylish along the lines of prestige. You just have this air of being someone who can fit perfectly in a small village, yet close to nobility, as if you were raised to it." Rarity said with a giggle and smiled.

"I'd say you're almost right. Most of my life was spent just going from orphanage to orphanage, that is until an orphanage in Canterlot took me in." Dawn spoke so nonchalantly about being an orphan that she didn't notice Rarity slightly upset look, almost if she was scolding herself for asking such an inappropriate question.

"I'm awfully sorry for my outburst. I should've never said a thing." Rarity looks down apologetically before Dawn hugs her smiling as she does.

"You don't know much about me, so it's okay, plus I could never stay mad at anyone. That just isn't me." Dawn said, quietly in bliss as she held her. Rarity gave her a small smile and a giggle before stepping away.

"You're like a calmer female version of Bubble Berry." Rarity said with joy. Dawn tilted her head confused.

"Well I've surveyed everything in the Town hall and I could say that this is fit for the princess's arrival. I'm sure she'll be impressed when she sees it herself." Dusk informed as he approached both Dawn and Rarity. "It was nice meeting you Ms. Rarity."

"Oh it was a delight, listen if you plan on staying longer in Ponyville be sure to come over to my boutique, I have many fabulous, fashionable, and affordable selections for you, Dawn and your drooling friend there." Rarity said with a small giggle as Barb wiped her mouth.

"We'll do that." Dawn said as the three turn Dawn continues skipping happily admiring the new ponies she met so far, all of them extremely friendly and happily inviting them to where they came from. It wasn't often normal ponies would come and talk to her, where they either didn't know what she was or were too afraid to speak to her because of her given title. Either way it was a relief for a girl like her to finally be treated normally.

"So where to next, oh clipboard manager?" She asked with a laugh.

"Well, Miss Friendlylots, the music for the event, it's near here actually." He mentions as he walks towards the outskirts of town.

"Why are we leaving town?" Barb asked, noticing the lack of buildings.

"Well, we gotta go out of town, the music is composed by birds and the composer is an animal tamer. Whoever the pony we're looking for is, must have birds, animals or anything remotely different around that pony." As they all continued walking towards the outskirts of town, Dawn began hearing a soothing sounds of a song. Looking around the area Dawn looked towards a yellow coated mare orchestrating a flock of birds in tune.

"Uh, hello do you happen to be the composer?" She asks as the Pegasus gasped and turned, scaring the birds away, as the mare looked at Dawn.

"Oh, oh my. Y-yes." She says shyly making Dawn stand there in complete silence as the Pegasus wouldn't say another thing.

"Well we're here on behalf of Princess Celestia, and we're wondering if you have any songs you'd be performing at the celebration. Just as a tip is all." The mare nods and looks at her once more curiously tilting her head.

"Is something the matter?" She asks.

"Oh I'm sorry I didn't mean to stare, I just never knew what you were is all." She says blushing looking down scolding herself.

"Uh it's fine, look I'm human and my name Dawn Luna Knight. What's your name?" She asks

"Fluttershy." She mentions quietly as she rubs her arm in awkward silence.

"Um could you speak up?" Dusk tried.

"Fluttershy." She mentions once more only a tiny bit louder.

"Rrrright, anyway as Dawn explained we're here to oversee things for Princess Celestia. Um do you have any particular song you'll be playing for her arrival?" Dusk asked, but again she didn't say a word. The silence was thick and not a word more was said.

"Well this is getting us nowhere." Dawn mumbled as Barb stood by her.

"Maybe a small push will-" Barb was quickly quieted as the mare who was quiet around both Dusk and Dawn now in front of Barb's face.

"Uh can I help you?" Barb asks.

"You're a baby dragoness aren't you! Oh I've never seen a creature like you before, your scales look so bright and shiny it's so cute!" Fluttershy happily admits with a squee.

"Y-yeah I lived with my friend there Dusk, he raised me since I was egg. Well he hatched me too, w-with magic! Not sitting on me like a bird." She mentions with an awkward chuckle. “I can tell you more when we have the chance.” Without a second thought Fluttershy took Barb into her arms hugging her.

"Well now we know how to get this girl to speak up, just push Barb over to him." Dawn mentions as the mare hugged Barb.

"Well it's been fun miss, but we really have to go." Dusk then manages to get Barb out of her grasps as the three began walking towards the library.

"Wait! There's still so much I don't know about baby dragons, like your favorite foods, best times for nap time, and if you'd get along with other animals!" She shouts as she catches up with the three, Barb who seemed to get use to the attention happily climbing onto Dawn's arms as she began chatting with the mare.

"Well if you wanna know more I guess we can talk now. I'll be happy to provide you with answers to any of your questions." She said giggling a bit as she begins telling Fluttershy the many "facts" of baby dragons. Which were basically bullshit that she'd provide that made it believable to ponies who never dealt with dragons before.

Dusk who seemed to get annoyed by Barb's constant answers stayed quiet and looked forward.

Later...

"Well this our stop!" Dusk happily says as he takes Barb in his arms.

"Oh bother, and things were going so well. Um, maybe we can talk more Barb and I'm interested in your species too, Dawn. Goodbye." The Pegasus mare turned, but as she did Dawn felt a little guilty and took her hand.

"Maybe we could talk a little longer, it's just the library, if we don't yell then it'll be alright." Dawn's perky smile made Fluttershy giggle slightly before nodding while Dusk seemed extremely upset even by his standards, though it was turned away by both Barb and Dawn as they didn't care if he was. It was a new adventure for the two and they were going to enjoy it. As they all entered the library the cover of darkness was around.

"I'll go turn all the lights." Dusk mentions as he fumbles around in the darkness and flipping the switch near the entrance, Dawn's nose was touching a pink coated stallion's nose. His smile large and almost mind controlling.

"Surprise!" He shouts happily as he bounces around Dawn. Most of the townsfolk were in the library, looking at the three new ponies in town. "I saw you guys enter town and I just thought what would a day be if I didn't introduce myself and threw a little party for you all!"

"You did this for us? Awww you're so thoughtful." Dawn happily admits with a giggle.

"Of course! It's a huge town meet n greet. And I'm your host Bubblini Davinci Berry, or Bubble Berry for short. What's your name?" He asks smiling.

"I'm Dawn Luna Knight and those are my friends, Barb and Dusk Shine." She points towards the stallion and baby dragoness. As the two wave making Bubble smile and nod.

"Oh you're a really different looking pony, maybe you'll enjoy talking to everybody c'mon I'll introduce you!" He mentions as he takes Dawn's hand and continuing on towards the party epicenter.

Dancing, talking, and eating were many things Dawn did at the party in the library. The night ended so perfectly that Dawn felt as if it wouldn't end, but sadly everything has an ending and today would come soon.

Passing through the many ponies in the library she caught up with Barb who was walking towards the back room of the library.

"This was amazing huh?" Barb asked Dawn as she smiled.

"Yup yup yup! I wish it didn't have to end though, I wish it could go on a little longer. Everybody in town was so nice I just wish it would continue to be that way when we get back in Canterlot."

"Still hung up on being made fun of back home?" She asks

"A little even if I'm a princess there are still ponies who believe that I'm just freak and nothing more. They say I should just leave the city, I know I should just ignore them but it's hard when you constantly hear it."

"It's even harder being a girl when you try fighting huh? Most of the recruits wouldn't dare fight you cuz they think you'll end up crying." Barb say patting her on the leg. Dawn sadly nods and looks down.

"I just wish they wouldn't treat me like that, I could handle myself and I don't need anyone looking after me. Sorry if I'm getting like this but you're like my little sister, I could tell you anything and you would listen not like Dusk who's too busy to even hang out with me or tell me what's wrong with him." She nods and looks over to the raging party as she pushes Dawn forward.

"Go and party for a bit longer, the celebration doesn't start for another half hour." Smiling sadly she continued on and walk through everyone. She pushed open the door to the entrance of the library and exited.

Dawn walked over to a small open field to see the moon high in the sky, her hands behind her head as tears ran down her cheeks.

"Is being independent something I really want? Should I just be somepony who depends on someone? Am I just kidding myself on who I am?" Dawn asked herself, she couldn't stop crying her tears kept going as she heard a drop next to her.

"Hey is something wrong?" She turns to see Bubble Berry slightly frowning as he looks Dawn over.

"Huh oh n-no I'm fine." She mentions wiping her tears away and sniffling a bit.

"Hey cmon you don't need to hide anything." Bubble said smiling at her.

"It's nothing really, just thinking about life choices, ya know like most ponies." She sighs as Bubble nudges her slightly, making her turn.

"I heard you talk with Barb and I think you shouldn't worry about other ponies. I like you because you're fun to be around. It's great to have somepony like you around." He mentions with a smile.

"Really? Thanks, it's good to hear that I'm liked. But it's not anything about being liked, it's more like my mom, my sister everyone thinks I'm just not a girl. What does it mean to be a girl. Honestly, I'm not all that girly, I like fighting, I like eating foods that are fattening, and I like wearing whatever just to get me through the day. I dunno if I'll find the answer, but I hope I'll find it soon." Dawn says with determination. He smiles and nods before looking over to the library.

"Oh hey ponies are going to town square! We should go!" He happily says taking Dawn's hand and the two continue towards town square.

Dawn looked around the town to see the many ponies she met so far, Applejack, a great stallion who was perky and happy making her giggle a bit, he was of course a great friend. Rainbow Blitz, the highflier and awesome looking stallion who was great to be around.

Rarity, the beautiful fashionista a mare who's just sweet and friendly even if she was a bit like the Canterlot pony. Fluttershy, the cute, soft spoken mare even if Dawn didn't know her that much she could say one thing about her, beautiful.

And finally Bubble Berry, a perky and hyperactive party planner who just likes having a good time even to those he doesn't even know. Just then, trombones and trumpets began to play as ponies looked up to the balcony ready to see the princess and Dawn to see her mother.

"Ladies and gentlecolts, please welcome Princess Celestia!" The curtains open revealing the dark blue color stallion from Dawn's nightmare, backing away from the area she looked up to see the worst possible stallion she'd even see.

His dark smile curled as he step forward laughing manically almost straight out a hero action movie, though it wasn't a movie and what Dawn was seeing was something and someone she feared the most.

"Hello, my dear subjects, many of you have probably not heard of me." He says happily as the ponies began cowering in fear, she knew that fear and ever since she was little she still had that fear.

"N-nights-shade C-Cres-cent." Dawn began to shake out of fear as the stallion smiled and appeared next to her as ponies around her ran away in complete fear.

"Dawn, it's a pleasure to meet you outside of your nightmares. And here I thought it would take a lot longer to even see you. Ahh, I remember the nightmares I gave you as a child and I'm sure I can give you even more, it'll be such a delight." Dawn cried as she felt the same fear from when she was a child. The feeling of isolation and the feeling of having no one with her during the difficult period.

"Leave her alone!" Dusk shouts as his magic manages to hit Nightshade making him growl as he looked towards Dusk.

"Ugh, you little peasant! Do not come in between me and my godchild!" He shouts as he disappears from view leaving the shocked girl hugging herself trying to calm her mind down.

"Dawn! Are you okay?" He asks as he brush the hair from her face, Dawn looked towards him tears in her eyes as Dusk backed away seeing her drastic change in eye color. The sickly green back once more along with the purple haze. Waving his hand a bit before pointing towards her eyes making them turn back to normal she approached her and hugged her.

"I promised that no one will call you freak ever again, and I'm keeping that promise." Dusk gets Dawn up to her feet as the ponies they met during their day in Ponyville came towards the two.

"What in the heck was that! Did you know him Dawn?" Rainbow asks, Applejack punched Rainbow glaring at him.

"Don't be askin' stupid questions like those ya idiot! Sorry for Rainbow, he just doesn't know when ta keep his mouth shut." Applejack apologized to Dawn, but she didn't respond and looked down.

"Is she going to be okay?" Fluttershy asks with worry.

"I'm not sure Dawn stay in the library, I'm going to beat Nightshade I promise." Dusk said, holding her hand tightly. Dawn nodded and was walked back to the library with the boys she met at each of the highlights of her visit. They all seemed worried about her wanted her to be okay.

After leaving Dawn back at the library, the six ponies who took her there left, hoping to find a way to end the reign of Nightshade.

Dawn felt as if her nightmare had became a reality, Nightshade was a true terror that Dawn has felt since she was a little girl. Her sanity only protected by another, unknown, being in her dreams.

The library was barren of life, with only trash from the party that had started only a few hours ago. Dawn walked around the library and felt an incredible feeling of dread, she knew Nightshade was powerful, but still didn't know that he was what Dusk was studying. Dawn approached a couch in the living quarters of the library and laid down, as she did her eyes slowly closed as darkness crept around her.

"I thought you knew better than to sleep, child." Nightshade said with a laugh.

"Where are you!? Show yourself you coward!" Dawn shouts as she turns all around in the dream.

"A nightmare can appear anywhere, my dear, I am everywhere and I am GOD in the dream realm!" A thunderous laugh was heard as the realm began shaking as she tried running. Her footsteps were heard loud and clear, as if it were like an endless hall, yet there was nothing but darkness. Dawn continued running, her breaths becoming shallower and shallower until she finally stop to a invisible wall, hitting it hard and making her stumble back.

She laid there, motionless as she just wanted Nightshade to leave her alone. She couldn't handle having the pony who tormented her be with her controlling every possible obstacle in the dream she was having. It was more like a living nightmare and the only way out was waking up.

"Waking up will only reveal you to even more nightmares, my dear. I have a physical form now, not just something you can wish and dream away. I know you, Dawn Luna Knight. The little filly afraid of seeing the truth that is in front of her, a being who has never belonged here. A freak is what you are!" Dawn's tears were the only thing heard in the room as they fell from her cheek and trickled down onto the ground.

Just as Dawn was giving into the words Nightshade had said to her, the mysterious being she had stopped talking to when she was younger, appeared. The silhouette was of a stallion as it approached the figure, he had dark foggy-like body parts. It approached Dawn and brought a silhouetted shape forwards, bringing it closer to Dawn. As she looked at it, her eyes turned into sickly green shade and the eerie, purple like mist around her eyes came back.

Running her hand over her eyes and sniffling a bit, she grasped the hand and was pulled off the ground, slowly the shadowy like silhouette transformed into a Naginata. She grasped the pole arm with all her might and she had fought back her tears.

"I'm not a little girl anymore! You can't hurt me! You can't! I'm not afraid of your lies and I'm not afraid of what you are. Leave me alone!" She shouted with a stomp of her foot and the dark inky area around her began retreating the darkness being replaced with the white floors with a midnight blue, starry sky above them.

Nightshade appeared from the darkness and glared, his eyes burning with hatred at Dawn.

"All you had to do was accept it! But no he had to ruin it, just like last time! HE is what is wrong with the world, HE doesn't deserve you!" He shouts at her with the pain of old wounds. Gripping her weapon, Dawn charged forward, keeping the blade lower to the ground and slashing upwards as Nightshade backstepped, yet the attack still scratched Nightshade's face. Blue smoke simmered out of the wound and he clutched his cheek.

"Agh! I am your nightmare! I will always be your eternal nightmare!" He shouted. Dawn began breathing grew lighter, she knew that Nightshade had no grip on her and with every acceptance, he'd grow stronger. But no more, she was going direct her own destiny even if it meant beating her fears.

She rushed towards Nightshade with her staff and with a powerful jab, she thrusted the pole arm forward, impaling Nightshade in the gut. As she did every single bad memory began pouring out of Nightshade's body bombarding her with the hoard of past nightmares.

She cringed and closed her eyes before feeling her chin being grasped by an unfamiliar hand and pushed forward to see every possible memory. To leave the past behind, she had to confront it, the silhouetted stallion knew that and made her realize that. She steeled herself as she looked forward and stared fear in its eyes.

Slowly Nightshade began losing form as his body sank down into a smoke, pulling out the nagi, it disippated from her hand and she saw true form of Nightshade was an alicorn, like her mother. He was almost as tall as her, his mane a bleak azure and his coat a lightest of dark blue. He wore a black crown and looked absolutely tired, his outfit looked like a military outfit without the cleanliness and pristineness, it was dirty and tattered.

"Thank you." He says smiling as the dream disappears as Dawn woke up to see herself floating on air before dropping down with the stallions and mares she met in Ponyville.

"Dawn! What're you doing here?" Dusk asks as he runs up to her and gives her hand.

"Where, where am I?" She asked, scanning the surroundings.

"In the ruins of the old castle of the princess, how'd you get here?"

"I don't remember, it was all a blur." She mentions, rubbing her head as she looked up to the guys and girls in the group. All six of them sporting new accessories. "Oh hey cute necklaces."

"Cmon they aren't cute, they’re cool." Rainbow mentions blushing a bit.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend your ego." She laughed, looking down before she felt a hand on her shoulder to see them all smile a laugh a bit. Dawn looked up to see her mom approach the stallion on the floor. She leaned forward and limped a little as the stallion was the same one she saw in her dream.

"Artemis, I'm so happy you're okay." Celestia says crying as she hugs the stallion’s head, tears welled up in the stallion's eyes as he buried his face into Celestia's shoulder.

"I-I'm s-sorry C-Celly. I never meant to hurt anyone." He sobs as Celestia brushed his mane and shushed him.

"It's okay sweetheart, you're okay, and I'm happy you're safe." Everyone in group looked at the two and brushed off tears of their own, Rainbow looked as if he was trying not to cry, but failed as Dawn heard a few suppressed sobs along with Applejack who had his hat down crying a bit, Dawn smiled as she saw Bubble Berry along with both Fluttershy and Rarity who were openly crying, you and Dusk looked at each other and smiled.