Ninja's Quest

The moon rose high into the starlit sky thanks to the assistance of the co-ruler of Equestria.

“Rest my sister,” Princess Celestia lowered her head in an exhausted manner, revealing cracked red eyes. “As always, I shall guard the night.” Luna, goddess of the moon assumed her royal duty of watching over the land of Canterlot at night. The night was as cold and silent as ever, and for a moment, Luna switched her sight from the all-seeing telescope to a small set of mountains out in the distance.

"I wonder where he is right now." Luna said to herself, wishing that a special somepony she once knew in the past was right beside her, before she was given her royal duty. “Besides Snowdrop, he was the only one who not only understood the importance of my night, but enjoyed it as well.” She breathed.

The moonlight shone on an old, deserted castle in the Everfree Forest. Shattered remains of a glass-like substance began to move. They gathered together under the moonlight and began to glow. After a short period of time, the pieces transformed into a dark glittering, purple smoke. A low, maniacal, witch-like laughter escaped for the substance and it headed straight for Canterlot Castle. Unbeknownst to the guards, the substance slithered into the castle walls and headed for Celestia’s bedroom. The sun goddess slept like a dove in its nest without a care in the world, unaware of the dark mist that was slithering up to her. Silently, the dark substance latched onto Celestia’s horn like a leech and began to suck out her magical energy. After several hours, Celestia’s internal alarm clock rang telling her it was time to raise the sun and relieve Luna of her position. The sun goddess rose from her cushion, trotted over to the telescope and tapped Luna on the back with her large wing. Luna let out a surprised yelp.

“Sorry, Luna,” She giggled. “Now you rest and I shall watch over the land.” The two goddesses shared a quick hug before switching positions. During their embracement, the dark substance on her horn, which had grown in size, altered into a mist form and flew out into the distance, hissing at the rising sun.

The snake-like mist flew deep into the Everfree Forest in search of a small ‘hut’. Inside the makeshift home, Zecora was mixing an herbal brew. “Why pay a fee, when I can make my own raspberry tea for free?”

When the hut was located, the vile substance dove like a lightning bolt full-blast at the tiny residence. In an instance, Zecora was blown away by the explosion. Getting back to her hooves, she scanned her ruined space for the cause of the incident. “Who dares attack my hut?! How would you like a kick in the……..… butt?”

Zecora didn’t know what she was looking at, but she knew it wasn’t good. The evil mist raced over to a small locked chest and squeezed in through the key hole. “Oh no!” gasped Zecora. The chest began to glow the same dark purple as the mist that entered. After a couple of seconds, the magic enveloping the chest changed from purple to red. A heartbeat later, the container exploded along with half of the hut. Once again, Zecora was blown away by an explosion. As she got up, a large black mare stepped fourth from the settling smoke. “Oh my Celestia!” thought Zecora. “She has the amulet!” The dark mare gave an evil smirk, then spread her wings and took off towards Ponyville, littering the skies with her laughter.

This was the start of a new day, and a new life for Twilight Sparkle, the newest and youngest princess of Equestria. She had spent the night at her old home in Canterlot, getting ready for her first day as a ruler of Equestria. Twilight stared at the mirror hoping she looked alright.

“Spike! How is my mane? Is this dress too wrinkled? Do you think I’m wearing enough make up? Ooooooh I wish Rarity were here.”

Spike laid on the bed, groaning in response to the multiple questions being thrown his way. “Twilight, you look fine!” he said.

“I have to be more than just fine!” replied Twilight, “Cadance and my brother will be here and I need to look my best.”

Spike moaned and rolled off the bed and approached the young alicorn. “Twilight, you’re fine, I doubt anypony else in the castle is as dressed up as you.” Twilight raised her brow in confusion. Spike shook his head and put his arm on Twilight’s shoulder. “Look Twilight, don’t waste time worrying about your appearance, because you look beautiful." "Not as beautiful as Rarity, but good." Spike silently added. Blushing at the comment, she hugged the baby dragon and decided that he was right, she shouldn’t waste anymore time.

“Thanks, Spike,” said Twilight. “Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“My pleasure... Princess Sparkle.” said Spike with a wink.

“Oooh, it’s going to take a while before I’m used to being called that,” Twilight murmured, “Well, I better get going, see ya later Spike, and don’t get into trouble.”

“Trouble? Me?” asked Spike in an astonished manner.

“Yes, you.” said Twilight with a raised brow.

“I promise, Princess.” replied Spike nobly.

“I'll see you later tonight.” said the young Princess. And with that, Twilight vanished in flash of light. When she reappeared, she was in Canterlot Castle. There was Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Shining Armor.

“Twily!” exclaimed Shining. The siblings rushed toward each other and shared a quick hug. “I can’t say how proud I am to be your brother,” he expressed, “You know, you out rank me now.”

Twilight giggled. “I still can’t believe all this happened so fast.” Twilight shifted her gaze toward her wings. “Haven’t really gotten accustomed to these yet, either.”

"Do not fret Twilight. You’ll be able to harness the gift of flight eventually.” Princess Luna stated.

“It will all come in time.” Celestia added while rubbing her forehead.

“Are you alright, sister?" asked Luna. "You’ve been rubbing your head a lot this morning. Do you feel ill in any way?”

“No, I’m fine.” said Celestia. She was determined not to let this ‘drained’ feeling hold her back from her duties. Twilight looked up at her former teacher.

“Princess Celestia, please tell me you’re not going to give me a kingdom of my own to rule. I’m nowhere near ready for that kind of responsibility.” Twilight begged.

The sun and moon goddesses chuckled. “Of course not, Twilight, I know you’re not prepared," said Celestia. "You still have to go through a lot before you’re ready for something like that.”

Twilight also noticed Celestia occasionally rubbing her forehead. “Are you sure you're alright, Princess?”

“Yes, it’s just a small headache.” replied Celestia.

"Here auntie, let me help.” said Cadance rushing up to Celestia.” She aimed her horn at Celestia’s and began transferring her sky blue magic into Celestia’s horn, removing every bit of pain.

“Aaahhhh, thank you Cadance, now I feel perfect.” said Celestia, relieved.

“My pleasure”, replied the pink alicorn.

“Now Twilight, for your first task as a princess I’m going to have you…..” Celestia trailed off as the sunlight completely faded to pitch darkness.

“Princess Celestia,” Twilight asked. “What happened to the sun?”

“I don’t know.” Celestia admitted. Everypony looked to sky and saw an enormous black sphere eclipsing the sun completely.

“What in the world?!” gasped Shining.

“ Is that the moon?" asked Cadance. "How can this be?”  Cadence then glanced at Luna.

“No," said Luna. “I'm not doing this.”

“I already know that.” said Celestia.

“Then who’s doing this? And who would have the power to do such a thing?” questioned Twilight.”

“I have no idea.” answered Cadance.

A second later, one of the royal guards rushed in. After a quick bow, he explained the situation outside. “Princess! We’ve spotted a dark figure flying over the castle and it’s heading straight for Ponyville!”

Twilight gasped. "My friends!"

“Go, Princess Twilight,” urged Celestia. “My sister and I will handle things here.”

“Thank you, Princess.” Twilight bowed to the goddesses and teleported herself back to her tree house home.

Meanwhile in Ponyville, everypony was panicking and fleeing from the approaching dark creature.

“What the hay is going on?!” yelled Rainbow Dash.

“I have no stinkin’ clue!” answered Applejack. Just then, a huge scream reached their ears.

“Rarity! Come on, Applejack!” said Rainbow.

“Right behind ya, Dash!” replied the farm pony. The two mares raced towards Rarity’s shop and found her outside on the ground.

“Rarity!” yelled Rainbow.

“You okay?” asked Applejack.

“No! I’m not okay! I couldn’t see in this blasted darkness and I fell in a mud puddle! In my newest dress! Just look at me! This is the! Worst! Possible! Thing!” The two friends' shocked expressions quickly shifted to annoyed ones.

“For cryin’ out loud, Rarity!” yelled Applejack. “There are much more important things to worry about than some silly old dress!”

“Yeah, like what happened to the sunlight”, said a voice.

“Pinkie Pie?” asked Rainbow Dash. “Where’d you come from?”

“I don’t know.” admitted Pinkie. Suddenly, a bright flash occurred a few feet away from the four mares. As it faded, there stood Twilight without her formal attire. Once she spotted her friends, Twilight rushed over.

“Is everypony okay?” asked the Princess.

“Twilight!” said Pinkie as she embraced her friend.

“Hi, Pinkie,” said Twilight quickly ending the hug. “Are you all alright?”

“Yeah, we’re fine.” confirmed Rainbow Dash.

“All except one.” corrected Rarity.

“Forget that right now, we have bigger things to…” Applejack was cut short by a loud familiar scream.

“Fluttershy!” gasped Twilight. “Come on!” she ordered, and the five galloped toward the direction of the shriek, with the exception of Rainbow Dash who flew. They stopped in front of Fluttershy’s cottage only to find it all chained up. Twilight rushed up and knocked several times.

“Fluttershy! Are you in there?! Fluttershy!” asked Twilight. There was no reply.

“Stand back!” ordered Rainbow Dash as she flew a short distance away from the door and then flew at it full speed with her left rear leg extended out. Crash! As the others rushed in, they found Fluttershy huddled in a corner, in a petrified state; she was whiter than Rarity.

“Fluttershy! Fluttershy!” yelled Twilight, trying desperately to snap her friend out of her state of shock, but to no avail. For several seconds, Fluttershy didn’t respond to anything until Rainbow Dash got an idea. The Pegasus quickly looked around for Fluttershy’s pet rabbit Angel and found him hiding under a couch. Rainbow quickly scooped up Angel and brought him over to the traumatized Pegasus.

“Fluttershy! Angel’s hurt!” fibbed Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy instantly regained her sense and color. “Oh no! Angel!” Fluttershy stole the rabbit away from Rainbow and examined him carefully. “Thank Celestia you’re safe. Rainbow!” she said in a cross manner. “Why’d you lie to me?”

"Sorry, but we had to snap you out of it somehow.” replied Rainbow.

“Oh, I see.” said Fluttershy in an understanding tone.

“Are you okay?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“Yeah, what caused you to scream?” added Twilight.

Fluttershy retreated right back into her corner. “You don’t wanna know.” She said confidently.

“We need to know Fluttershy, please.” said Twilight.

Fluttershy took a deep breath and explained. “I was in town doing some shopping, when I saw the sky was getting dark. I said to myself, there’s no way its night time already! But then I looked up and saw the sun being covered by huge black ball. I was getting frightened, then I saw the shape of Princess Celestia. I rushed over to see her, and I found out,” she said in dark tone. “I-It wasn’t her.”

“Well then who in tarnation was it?” asked Applejack.

“I... don’t… know.” Fluttershy admitted.

A determined look fell over Twilight’s face. “Well whatever it was, we’re going to get rid of it.”

“W-We?” asked Fluttershy, “But how?”

“With the Elements of Harmony,” said Twilight. “Besides I’m not going to let you girls get hurt, you’re my best friends and I wouldn’t be a Princess without any of you.”

“That’s our Princess.” complimented Rainbow Dash.

“Well, what are we all waitin’ for?” asked Applejack.

“Let’s do this!” said Pinkie Pie in a commando like tone.

“Whatever that thing is, it’ll make sure it pays for ruining my dress!” exclaimed Rarity.

With that, Twilight transported herself and her friends back to Canterlot Castle in a flash of purple magic. No sooner after they had left, a frantic knock came at Fluttershy's cottage door. The door was then kicked open by a scared zebra.

“Oh no, I am too late. I hope they return soon, because this cannot wait.” said Zecora.

Back at the castle, the Princesses and Shining Armor were lighting every candle they could find and everypony was issued a flashlight. Suddenly, a flash of energy occurred and there stood the wielders of harmony.

“Twilight! Thank goodness you and your friends made it back.” expressed Celestia. The six mares bowed to their ruler.

“Princess Celestia, we’re ready to wield the Elements!” said Twilight.

“I know, my little ponies." replied Celestia. "Once we saw this dark storm, Luna and I brought them here awaiting your arrival.”

“Let’s do this!” cried Rainbow Dash. Luna magically disputed each element to its wielder.

“Is everypony ready?” asked Twilight. Everypony nodded except Fluttershy who gulped.

“Hold on, Twilight.” ordered the sun goddess.

“This time my sister and I are coming with you,” The six mares couldn’t believe their ears. Princess Luna also looked surprised. “I’ve never seen anything like this before and I believe you girls are going to need all the help you can get.” explained the white princess.

Fluttershy gave a sigh of relief.

“Princess Cadance, can you handle the Crystal Empire on your own for a while?” asked Celestia.

“Of course.” replied Cadance.

“Why alone?” asked Shining Armor.

"Because,” explained Celestia “I need you here to guard the castle during our absence. Can you do that?”

“Yes, of course, you’re highness.” promised Shining.

Celestia then turned to her sister. “Luna, this is a very dark enemy and no one knows more about dark magic than you. Will you assist us?” begged Celestia.

Luna gave an affirming nod. “Of course, sister!” she promised. “Now let us go!” Luna then transported herself and the other seven ponies to Ponyville. As soon as they had gone, Shining casted the same protection barrier around the castle, as he had at his wedding.

"Good luck Twily, and be safe." He prayed.

Right as the eight ponies arrived, they were greeted by a blast of pure oil colored energy.

Applejack was the first to get to her hooves.

“How dare ya’ll blast our Prin……?” Applejack’s body turned dead white as she stared at the being responsible for the attack. There stood a replica of Celestia, except for few minor details. Her coat color was blacker than a raven, her eyes and armor were blood red, her mane color started with red and slowly faded to black. Her cutie mark was a skull and cross bones and she wore a familiar amulet. The sun goddess stood breathless in front of the concocted reflection of herself, but the black alicorn shifted her sight over to Luna.

“Hello, old friend.” She said in low, wicked voice. Luna gasped at the sight of a familiar figure that she never wanted to see again, Nightmare Moon!

“I am no friend of yours, you vile creature!” cried the moon goddess.

“Actually, you’re more like my mother. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t exist!” said Nightmare Moon in laughter.

“Don’t listen to her, Princess Luna!” ordered Twilight. “This is not your fault.”

“You’re right, young ruler.” said the dark being. “It’s her sister’s fault for keeping such pathetic security!”

“Enough of this!” ordered Celestia.

“How did you find the alicorn amulet?” interrupted Twilight.

“Simple,” explained the dark mare. “I followed the amulet’s aura of power. Once I located it, I simply took it from that tough little zebra friend of yours."

“Zecora!” gasped the purple alicorn. “If you hurt her, I’ll….”

“Oh don’t worry,” Nightmare Moon interrupted. “I didn’t harm her… too much.”

All the ponies gritted their teeth in anger.

“Anyway, look on the dark side.” said the evil mare in a jokeful tone. “Now you get to sleep in as much as you all want, because I and my nocturnal nightmares will permanently stain this world with eternal…"

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” interrupted Rainbow. “Let’s just fast-forward to the part where we beat you and get back to our lives.”

Pinkie and Applejack chuckled. “Good one, Dash.” said the orange earth pony. Pinkie Pie continued to laugh.

“Alright girls, let’s do it!” Twilight ordered. The six ponies gathered together and each of their respective elements began to glow. Twilight’s irises were replaced by a bright white light as all of them slowly rose in the air. Then, when all of their powers combined together, they fired their rainbow of purification. As the spiraling aurora flew toward the dark mare, she simply scoffed and held up a single hoof. A clear force field was created instantly and blocked the rainbow like rain on an umbrella. The girls were dumbstruck; Nightmare Moon blocked their most powerful attack like it was nothing!

“How did she do that?!” asked Rainbow Dash, astonished.

“I can’t believe it!” echoed Fluttershy.

Twilight also couldn’t believe her eyes. “How is that possible? Nopony’s ever been able to withstand the power of the Elements of Harmony, let alone deflect their power!”

“Wait!” said a familiar voice.

“Zecora!” announced Twilight. “Please tell me you’re okay.”

“I’m alright, but with the amulet, her powers have reached a new height.” said Zecora.

“Yeah, no kidding!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

Applejack galloped over to the zebra. “Zecora, thanks for the heads up, but this ain’t the best place to be right now. Ya’ll better find somewhere safe, while we deal with this… monster.”

“I understand. But please be careful, for this time, our foe is twice as powerful.” Zecora then galloped off to find refuge.

“Enough of this!” announced Luna. “I’m sending you back to where it is you came from, forever!”

“Please,” countered the darker mare. “What makes you think you can defeat me, when I have all your best powers!” Luna didn’t care, she fired her most powerful blast at her former doppelganger. With a single hoof, Nightmare Moon slapped the blast away into the distance. “Told you.” mocked the black mare.

“Stand down sister,” ordered Celestia. “I’ll handle this.”

“Be careful, Princess.” begged Twilight.

Celestia gave her former pupil an affirming nod and stepped forward. The sun goddess prepared to fire, but as she locked onto her target, nothing shot from her horn. She gasped in horror, while Nightmare Moon gave a menacing smile. Celestia tried as hard as she could, and not even a spark escaped her horn. “How can this be?” she asked.

Nightmare Moon chuckled at the clueless princess. “Oh I forgot, while you slumbered, I snuck right past your wonderful guards, and sucked out every bit of your power down to the very last drop!” Realization struck the snow white princess like a boulder. So she’s the reason I felt so weak!

"How dare you do that to our Princess, you wicked beast!” yelled Twilight.

Nightmare Moon gave the small alicorn a venomous glare. “What did you say?” she asked in a threatening voice.

Twilight tried not to flinch, “Wicked… beast!” she repeated.

The dark mare roared louder than a manticore and fired several laser-like beams at the group of ponies. The beams exploded upon contact and sent the girls and goddesses back several feet. The eight mares laid cut and steaming; each wore a large bruise indicating the strike of the beams. Rainbow laid her hoof over her bruised chest and to her surprise, felt no jewel-like object.

“What the hay?” gasped Twilight. “What happened to my necklace?” The other ponies began to recollect themselves.

“Oh! Look at me!” cried Rarity, “Now I look worse than my dress!” She then froze as she tried to feel for her elemental pendant. She looked down and saw nothing but a large bruise mark. “My necklace, it’s gone!” “

"So is mine!” squeaked Pinkie.

“So’s mine!” said a befuddled Applejack.

Fluttershy’s gasp indicated that hers was also missing.

Once Celestia and Luna came to, they looked at their bruised horns and saw no crowns; even Celestia’s breast plate was missing.

Twilight finally got to her hooves. “What have you done with our elements?” she demanded.

Nightmare Moon cackled manically. “Look around you, ‘Princess.” She taunted.

Twilight alternated her sight from left to right and found nothing. She then spun around and her mouth fell open at what she wished she hadn’t seen: the shattered remains of the elements. “The Elements of Harmony! They’re… they’re…” she stammered.

“They’re destroyed, forever!” said the evil mare in place of the purple princess.

“I can’t believe this,” breathed Celestia. “The Elements are the most powerful objects to ever exist, and she destroyed them like they were nothing!”

“They were nothing! For me anyway, thanks to your power, Celestia.” reminded Nightmare Moon. “How ironic, the very magic you use to protect all of Equestria is now the source of the power that will extinguish the light FOOORRREVVVVVEEEERRRRRRR!!!!!!!”

“Not if I have anything to say about it,” said Luna galloping over to Twilight’s side. “Twilight!” she began. "Let us try combining our powers into a single beam. I hope it will do something." she thought.

“Great idea, Princess!” replied Twilight as she began to gather power.

“Good luck to you both.” said Celestia in an admiring tone.

“Yeah, you go Princesses!” encouraged Rainbow Dash.

“You can do it!” added Applejack. The three remaining mares all said various words of inspiration. The two princesses mustered up as much magical energy as possible and prepared to fire; Nightmare Moon watched the two as if she was watching an entertaining play. Once the two rulers had gathered as much power as they could handle, they gently clashed their horns and fired the combined beam of magic at the black mare. Suddenly, feeling intimidated, the dark mare fired a beam of her own right at the charging beam of power. CLASH! The two beams collided with a force that was immeasurable. The resulting wind blew hard at the five little mares. Celestia immediately rushed over and shielded the younger ponies with her immense wings and body.

“Thank you very much, Princess.” said Fluttershy.

“You’re welcome, young one.” replied Celestia as she was battered by the winds. The two princesses tried as hard as they could, but eventually Nightmare Moon overpowered them and sent the mares flying.

Nightmare Moon laughed in victory. “I told you,” She said mockingly. “Now that I possess the power of both the sun and moon, I’m invincible!” Celestia and the others quickly ran over to their wounded princesses.

“Twilight, Twilight!” called Pinkie.

“Twilight! Come on wake up!” cried Rainbow.

“Luna!” called Celestia as she bent over her younger sister. Both ponies slowly opened their eyes.

“Girls?” said Twilight weakly.

“Sister.” said Luna echoing Twilight’s level of tone. The five young mares immediately pulled Twilight into a warm embrace.

“Oh, Twilight we were so worried.” expressed Applejack.

“Are you alright? Oh, please tell me you’re okay!” begged Rarity.

Twilight managed to get to her hooves. “I’ll be alright.”

“Thank Celestia.” said Fluttershy trying not to cry.

“How’s Princess Luna?" asked Twilight.

“I’m fine.” said the moon goddess.

“Thank goodness.” breathed Celestia she pulled her sister into a hug.

Nightmare Moon laughed maniacally. “With Celestia’s magic and the amulet, I am now the most powerful being in the world!” She looked down at the eight mares. “Better get a sweater, it's going to get pretty cold from here on end, oh and a scarf, because you’re never going to see the light or ‘life’ of day again!” And she fired a large beam of magic right at the eight mares. Luna immediately gathered all the energy she had left and transported herself and the others back to Canterlot Castle. “Blast, missed,” spat the dark being. “Oh well, it’s not like they can stop me now. Now, I think it’s time for a little remodeling.”

The evil mare transported herself to Tartarus. The three-headed guard dog Cerberus instantly growled at her. “Stupid mongrel.” hissed the evil sorceress. Using her magic, she shrank the canine down to the size of a puppy. Frightened by her intensive power, the tiny guard dog scampered away, leaving the gate of the underworld exposed. All of the dark creatures immediately clamored to the doors, desperately trying to escape.

“You want out?” asked Nightmare Moon. “Very well...” The sinister alicorn fired a beam of magic at the gate’s lock shattering it like glass. The monsters then poured out like lava. They had multiple horned heads, bat-like wings, reptilian eyes and fangs, whip-like tails and razor-sharp claws instead of hooves. “This is just the beginning.” said the vile beast.

Back in Canterlot, Shining Armor was doing everything he could to keep everypony in the castle under control. He was managing well so far, lighting candles and giving out jackets, scarves, and blankets. Suddenly, a bright flash occurred and there stood the three princesses and their five friends.

“Princess! Twily!” he immediately galloped over to his sister and shared a brief hug. “Are you alright, sis?”

“I’m fine, but the Princess isn’t.” Princess Celestia immediately collapsed on the marble floor.

“Princess Celestia!” Shining and Luna each got under the white ruler’s wings and helped her to a makeshift bed. “What happened?” he asked.

“Nightmare Moon somehow absorbed all of my sister’s magic and power," explained Luna. "Now she has none.”

“What?” The white stallion’s jaw dropped to the ground. “Nightmare Moon?! I don’t understand. Princess Celestia, are you sure it was her?"

“I'm afraid so,” answered the snow white alicorn in a somber tone. “Thank you Shining Armor, for keeping the castle safe.”

“It is my honor and my duty Princess.” replied the Captain.

“Why is it so c-c-cold?” interrupted Applejack, shivering.

“Without the sunlight, there’s no heat to warm up the land, or the air,” explained Luna. “And I’m afraid that’s not all.” Luna levitated the remains of the shattered Elements over to the white stallion.

Shining’s eyes shrank to the size of peas. “That…. thing… did this?!”

“Yes,” answered Celestia with her head down. “She also has the Alicorn Amulet, so her power has increased dramatically.”

“What are we supposed to do now?” asked the white Prince.

“I do not know at the moment.” admitted Celestia.

Everypony froze at the sound of her words. “You’re kidding, right Princess?” asked Twilight in a begging tone.

“I’m afraid not Twilight." answered the white ruler.

Twilight felt as if she was going to faint, until she heard soft hoof steps behind her.

“Twilight?” asked Pinkie Pie, the humor and optimism wiped clean from her face. “What are we going to do?”

“First off, we keep calm.” answered Twilight.

“Keep calm?!” asked Rainbow. “How are we supposed to stay calm at a time like this?! The Elements are gone, Celestia’s power been taken, Nightmare Moon has the amulet, and all of Ponyville is covered in darkness!”

“Silence!” ordered Luna. “We need to send to send a message to the Crystal Empire.”

“You’re summoning Cadance?” asked Twilight.

“Indeed I am," As soon as she finished, the lunar princess transported the emergency note to the Crystal Empire. "I hope she gets it soon, the longer she keeps that amulet, the more powerful she becomes.” thought Luna.

Cadance had her own hooves full, trying her best to keep the crystallized citizens of the Crystal Empire calm and warm. “Attention everypony!” the pink ruler announced from her tower. “At the moment, we do not know what is causing this eclipse!” All the assembled ponies’ faces contorted with fear. “But I have made contact with Princess Celestia and she is currently assessing the situation!” Some of the sparkling ponies began to relax. “The Princess will contact me the second she has any information! Until that time, everypony go home and do whatever you can to keep warm!” As the assembled ponies began to disperse, Flash Sentry rushed over with Luna’s letter.

“Princess Cadance, I have a letter from Princess Luna.” said the Pegasus.

“Princess Luna?” wondered Cadance. “Thank you.” Using her telekinetic power, she unrolled the letter and read it carefully. "Princess Cadance, We have found the source of this mysterious eclipse. Unfortunately, it’s an old adversary of ours. Cadance’s iris shrank as she read the enemy’s name. Nightmare Moon and now she has a life of her own! Still she forced herself to continue on. Also, I don’t know how she found this charm, but she has the Alicorn Amulet. Princess Twilight and her friends have tried the Elements of Harmony and Nightmare Moon destroyed them!" Cadance lost her breath as she read those words. "To make matters worse, she somehow absorbed all of my sister’s magic and power, so Celestia currently has none. Twilight and I even combined our magic together and still we couldn’t defeat Nightmare Moon."

Without realizing it, Cadance dropped the letter before she could finish. “This can’t be. I-I thought that Luna was…” she paused as she realized there was more to be read. Lifting it with her magic, she read the remains of the letter hoping there was so good news. “We need you to come to Canterlot to see if you can help Celestia regain some of her powers. Twilight is currently bringing Shining Armor back to watch over the Empire in your absence. Come as fast as possible. Signed, Princess Luna."

Instead of doing her usual deep breath remedy, Cadance began pacing around like a race horse. “This can’t be possible!” she exclaimed. “Nothing is more powerful than the Elements of Harmony. Nothing! Besides Luna and Nightmare Moon are, or were, one and the same. How can she all of a sudden be two different ponies? And how in Equestria did that monster ‘suck’ out Auntie Celestia’s magic? UUUGGGHHH! None of this makes any sense. Wait. What am I doing?” she asked herself. “I shouldn’t be pacing around like this. I have to be positive. Besides, I’m sure Twilight has a backup plan,” she hoped. No sooner after she finished her sentence, a bright flash occurred behind the pink Princess. As she turned she was greeted by her husband and sister in law. “Shining Armor! Twilight!” she quickly gave each of them a hug, then looked at. “Twilight, is all this for real?”

“I’m afraid so, Cadance,” she admitted in a defeated manner. “That’s why we need your help. You need to come with us and try and restore some of Celestia’s power.”

The taller alicorn pondered for as second, then breathed. “I don’t know if I can restore all of her magic, but I promise, I’ll do what I can.”

“Thank you!” expressed Twilight as she embraced her sister in law.

“Cadance,” said Shining. “Please, be very careful.”

“I will.” Cadence promised.

“Oh! And I love you.” added the Prince.

“I love you too Shiny,” She giggled as the two shared a brief kiss. “Alright Twilight, let’s do this.” she breathed.

“Right.” replied Twilight. Shining Armor gave the two mares a worried wave as they teleported back to Canterlot Castle.

Back at the castle, Luna was doing what she could to help Celestia by transferring what energy she had to spare to her sister. “I’m sorry it’s not much sister, but it’s all I have left after that battle.” Luna explained.

“Don’t apologize, Luna,” breathed Celestia. “I can’t thank you enough for what you’re doing. Now I feel like I can get to my hooves.” On unsteady legs, the alicorn Princess managed to stand up. She took a deep breath and made an effort to walk, but she stumbled and fell to her knees.

“Celestia!” cried her sister. “Don’t over exert yourself.”

Rainbow Dash hovered over to her rulers. “Is there anything any of us can do?”

“Help keep everypony warm.” ordered the fallen princess.

“Yes, you’re highness!” just as Rainbow was about fly back to her friends, a sudden flash occurred and there stood Twilight and Cadance.

“Princess Celestia!” cried the pink alicorn as she rushed towards her aunt. “How is she?”

“I’m alright," said Celestia. "Luna has given some of her magic, so I can walk a little.”

“A little.” reminded Luna.

“Leave the rest to me.” replied Cadance as she connected the tip of her horn to Celestia’s. Cadance then began transferring her healing magic into the snow colored goddess. After a while, Celestia’s eyes began to glow white, as did the rest of her body. Once the glow faded, Celestia stood tall and strong once more.

“Thank you, Princess Cadance.” said Celestia.

“You’re welcome, auntie,” Replied the pink crystal ruler as she embraced the taller alicorn. Cadance then turned her attention over to Luna. “You’re not hurt are you, Luna?”

The moon goddess gave her niece a reassuring look. “Not to worry, I am fine and all my magic is intact.”

“Thank goodness.” breathed Cadance and the two alicorns shared a quick hug.

“Thanks, Cadance.” said Twilight in a low voice.

“Twilight! Is it true the Elements of Harmony were destroyed?” asked Cadance.

Twilight looked at the floor. “Yes, Nightmare Moon destroyed them with the help of the amulet.”

Cadance’s eyes grew wide with fear. “So what are we going to do?”

“I believe I have a solution,” answered Luna. Everypony turned toward the moon goddess. “You must seek out an old friend of mine.”

“An old friend?” asked Twilight.

Celestia smiled in understanding.

Luna's cheeks turned a small shade of pink as she spoke. “A dear and loyal friend from my mare years, before Nightmare Moon robbed me of my life.”

“Who is it?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“His name is…Ninja.”