Friendship is Magic - Real Episodes (1 & 2)

Chapters

An Old Pony's Tale
Preparations
Night Mare Moon
Through The Forest
The Elements of Harmony
A New Dawn
Equestria

An Old Pony's Tale

Part 1

Chapter 2: An Old Pony's Tale

Twilight briskly walked down the lane toward her home’s library, pondering where she heard of the Elements of Harmony before. Twilight’s favorite hobby was reading, spending nearly all of her time at the bookshelves. Being the most faithful and hard-working student of Princess Celestia, the older sister in the story of Equestria, she puts forth incredible effort in her studies of magic and academics all around. She was thinking about whether or not the she would have a book on the Elements of Harmony when she was stopped in her tracks by three young ponies she recognized from around town.

“There you are, Twilight!” a white-coated unicorn said to her excitedly, “Moondancer is having a little get-together in the castle courtyard. You wanna come?”

As she said this, all three ponies, the other two being yellow and blue-coated unicorns, looked at Twilight expectantly. Twilight looked a little surprised, and said, “Oh, sorry, girls. I’ve got a lot of studying to catch up on.” Having said this, she darted off on her way to the library.

The white-haired unicorn sighed, “Does that pony do anything except study? I think she’s more interested in books than friends.” The other two nodded in agreement and made their way to Moondancer’s party.

“I know I’ve heard of the Elements of Harmony!” Twilight said to herself with frustration as she continued running. Then, it hit her. A couple of ponies waved at her as she passed, but she ignored them.

Spike, Twilight’s assistant and brother of sorts, was carrying a wrapped gift in his hands with a pleased look on his face as he made his way out the door of the library. He was a baby dragon, with purple scales, green eyes, and slightly clawed feet. Unlike most dragons, he walked on two legs. Just as he was about to open the door, however, it was knocked open, throwing him off his feet.

“Spike! Spiiike! … Spike?” Twilight’s shouts turned to curiosity as she saw her assistant lying on the floor. Spike groaned. “Quick, find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies.” She told him as he got up. Seeing Spike’s gift now thoroughly impaled on his tail, she asked him, “What’s that for?”

“Well, it was a gift for Moondancer, but-“ he stopped when a stuffed teddy bear fell out of the crumpled box. He wore a disappointed look.

“Oh, Spike,” Twilight said exasperatedly, “you know we don’t have time for that sort of thing.” She started tossing books around, hoping to find Predictions and Prophecies.

“But, we’re on a break,” Spike half-complained.

Twilight ignored him. She started levitating books past her, checking them. “No. No. No, no, no!” She checked impatiently, “Spiiike!”

“It’s over here!” cried Spike, holing it up to show Twilight. She quickly levitated it toward her, with Spike still attached. He hit the floor with a loud “smack!”

“Ah!” she cried in excitement as Predictions and Prophecies floated over to a table. Spike followed grumpily, picking up fallen books. “Elements, elements, ‘e’, ‘e’, ‘e’. Aha! ‘Elements of Harmony- see ‘Mare in the Moon’?” Twilight read curiously.

“’Mare in the Moon’? But that’s just an old pony’s tale.” Spike said.

“Mare, mare, mare. Aha! ‘The Mare in the Moon- myth from old pony times, a powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal!’” Twilight gasped after reading this, and asked urgently, “Spike, do you know what this means?”

“No,” spike said before falling off the library ladder and landing, hard, on Twilight’s back.

Twilight gave him a scroll and quill, “Take a note, please. To the Princess.”

“Okey-dokey.”

“My dearest teacher, my continuing studies of pony magic led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster.” She dictated to her assistant.

“Hold on… preci-, preci-,” he struggled with the word, and looked at Twilight expectantly.

“Threshold.”

“Thre—“

“Uh, brink?”

Still no good.

“Uh! That something really bad is about to happen!” she said, annoyed. Spike quickly scribbled that down. “For, you see,” she continued, “the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Night Mare Moon, and she’s about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night! Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true! I await your quick response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Twilight Sparkle… got it!” He finished writing aloud.

“Great! Send it.” She said.

“Now?” Spike asked.

“Of course!”

“Um, I don’t know, Twilight. Princess Celestia’s a little busy getting ready for the summer-sun celebration. And it’s like, the day after tomorrow.” He reasoned.

“That’s just it, Spike. The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the summer-sun celebration. It’s imperative that the Princess is told right away!” she informed him with urgency.

“Imper-, impera-…” Spike started to write.

“Important!” she yelled at him.

“Okay, okay!” He drew a great breath, and blew green flames over it. It turned into a sort of dust, and flew immediately out the window to the Princess. “There. It’s on its way.” He paused, “I wouldn’t hold your breath,” he advised her.

“Oh, I’m not worried, Spike. The Princess trusts me completely. In all the years she’s been my mentor, she’s never once doubted me,” she said confidently.

Spike belched green flames, which immediately materialized into a return scroll.

“See, I knew she’d want to take immediate action,” she stated.

Spike cleared his throat, and began to read aloud, “Ahem, ‘My dearest, most faithful student, Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely.” Twilight looked pleased. “But you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!”

Twilight gasped.

Preparations

Part 1

Chapter Three: Preparations

Twilight and Spike were flying high in the air, inside a golden carriage being pulled by two pegasi. Hardly enjoying the scenic view of Equestria as they traveled, Spike read aloud another letter from the Princess. “My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony’s life than studying. So, I’m sending you to supervise the preparation for the summer-sun celebration in this year’s location: Ponyville.” Twilight looked grumpy as Spike read on, “And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete: make some friends.”

Twilight groaned.

“Look on the bright side, Twilight. The princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn’t that make you happy?” Spike asked.

“Yes, yes it does,” Twilight replied excitedly, “You know why? Because I’m right! I’ll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find some proof of Night Mare Moon’s return!

As they descended, and neared their landing, Spike asked, “And… when will you make friends like the Princess said?”

“She said to check on preparations. I am her student, and I’ll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends.” She said as they landed.

If only she knew then how wrong she was.

“Thank you, sirs.” She said to the pegasi with a courteous bow. They nodded their heads appreciatively.

Ponyville was different from Canterlot in many ways. Instead of majestic-looking towers and castles, it had simple wooden houses. It looked very cheery, like the place where everybody knew each other.

“Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about,” Spike said.

A very happy-looking pink-coated earth pony skipped down the road in their direction. She had a very curly, dark-pink mane that rested on her shoulders and dangled in front of her head. Her tail was very bushy, swinging along behind her. She had bright, blue eyes, and an expression that suggested she had never frowned. She had a cutie mark that consisted of three balloons, two blue, and one yellow.

“Come on, Twilight. Just try!” Spike urged her as the pink mare came within earshot.

“Um, hello?” Twilight said to the pony quietly.

The pink mare gave a great gasp as she jumped into the air. She quickly dashed off past twilight and spike.

“Well, that was interesting, all right.” Twilight said, somewhat surprised.

Spike sighed.

Twilight and Spike soon found themselves walking down a dirt road, hills and apple trees alike on either side of them. Spike read off a piece of parchment, “Summer-Sun Celebration Official Overseer’s Checklist; number one: banquet preparations, Sweet Apple Acres.

They walked through the open gate of Sweet Apple Acres, immediately noticing a large, rickety farmhouse, many different farm tools littering the ground, and hundreds of apple trees, miles around in any direction.

“Yee-haw!” Both Twilight and Spike looked over to find an orange-coated earth pony, with green eyes, a straight blond mane and tail, and a cutie mark of three apples, running straight toward an apple tree that had five buckets spread out beneath its branches. A brown cowboy hat rested on top of her head. She skidded to a halt, a few feet from the tree, and quickly turned around. She kicked out her hind legs with surprising force, bucking every single apple out of the tree with one, swift blow. The apples fell precisely in the buckets, not one out of place. She examined her work, impressed with herself.

Twilight sighed. “Let’s get this over with.” She approached the pony, “Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle-" she said, but she stopped short when the orange pony started vigorously shaking her hoof.

“Well, how’dya do, Miss Twilight? A pleasure making your acquaintance! I’m Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like making new friends!”

“Friends?” Twilight repeated, still having her hoof shaken, “Actually, I-“

Applejack cut her off, “So, what can I do ‘ya for?” She gave her a friendly smile.

Spike chuckled. Twilight cleared her throat with an annoyed look at her assistant, “Well, I am actually here to supervise preparations for the Summer-Sun Celebration. And… you’re in charge of the food?”

“We sure-as-sugar are! Would you care to sample some?” She asked.

“Oh, as long as it doesn’t take too long…” but the last of her sentence was missed as Applejack immediately ran off and rang a rusty bell.

“Soup’s on, everypony!” She yelled.

Immediately, many stampeding hooves could be heard on the rough ground, and a crowd of at least twenty ponies immediately followed Applejack, Twilight, and Spike to a yellow-tableclothed table that sat in the shade of two apple trees.

Applejack merrily said to Twilight, “Now, why don’t I introduce ‘yall to the Apple family?”

Twilight said sincerely, “Thanks, but I really need to hurry-” but was cut off as Applejack started introducing her family members. As each was named, they dropped an apple treat that matched their name onto the table.

“This here’s Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apple, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp,” she drew a great breath, “Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith.” Big Macintosh was a tall, heavyset pony who had a half green apple as a cutie mark. Apple Bloom was a small, yellow-coated filly with red hair and no cutie mark. Granny Smith was a very old, wrinkly mare with a green coat, a white mane curled into a bun, with a tail to match, and a cutie mark consisting of an apple pie. She was sleeping on a rocking chair nearby. Applejack said loudly, “Up, and at ‘em, Granny Smith! We’ve got guests!”

Hearing this, she jolted awake, and walked over to the table, which was holding a dangerously tall pile of apple-related sweets, and mumbled inaudibly.

Applejack said friendlily, “Why, I’d say they’re already part of the family!”

Twilight spat out the fritter in her mouth in surprise. She gave a nervous chuckle, “Okay, well… I can see the food situation is handled, so we’ll be on our way.”

At this, Apple Bloom asked her, “Aren’t you going to say for brunch?” She looked genuinely sorry that Twilight wouldn’t stay.

Twilight looked uncomfortable, “Sorry, but we have an awful lot to do.”

The entire Apple family gave a great “aww”, and each and every one, including Applejack, looked sad.

Twilight, at this point feeling very guilty, said begrudgingly, “Fine.”

The whole Apple family started to cheer, happy again as if a switch had been thrown. They began to chatter amongst themselves as they served Twilight and Spike to lunch.

A while later, they walked back into the main town, Spike reading, “next is weather.”

Twilight lagged behind spike, groaning. “Uhh, I ate too much pie,” she complained.

“Hmm, there’s supposed to be a pegasus pony named ‘Rainbow Dash’ clearing the clouds.” Spike looked up, searching for the pony.

Twilight, looking up at all the clouds still in the sky, said to spike, “Well, she’s not doing a very good job, is she?”

At that moment, a multicolored blur smashed into Twilight, knocking her into a mud puddle some fifteen feet away. On top of her lay a light-blue coated pegasus, wings outstretched. She had an untidy mane and tail, though unlike most ponies, they were full of streaks of different colors of the rainbow. Her eyes were light purple, and her cutie mark was a cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt racing beneath it.

“He, he, he. Uh, excuse me?” She got up and bent over Twilight. She continued to chuckle. “Let me help you.” She raced off, and brought back with her a cloud about her size to an annoyed and exasperated- looking Twilight. She placed it over Twilight, and flew up and jumped repeatedly on the cloud, sending rain cascading down. Within seconds, Twilight’s coat was mud-free, although drenched in water.

The pegasus chuckled again upon seeing Twilight. “Oops, I guess I overdid it.” Still smiling, she said, “Um, uh, how ‘bout this?” She immediately began to fly in a tight circle around Twilight at breakneck speeds. “My very own patented Rain-Blow Dry!”

When she was done, she said, “No, no. Don’t thank me. You’re quite welcome.”

She looked pleased with herself until she saw Twilight again, at which point she and Spike rolled on the ground, beside themselves with laughter. Twilight’s mane was incredibly messy and frizzy, and resembled that of the pink pony she met earlier.

Twilight wasn’t laughing. “Let me guess. You’re Rainbow Dash.”

The pegasus stood up. “The one and only!” She flew over to Twilight. “Why, you heard of me?”

“I heard you’re supposed to be keeping the sky clear,” she said accusingly. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, and the princess sent me to check on the weather.”

“Yeah, yeah. That’ll be a snap.” She flew up and began lying back on a cloud about 20 feet in the air. She waved her hoof absentmindedly. “I’ll do it in a jiffy, just as soon as I’m done practicing.”

“Practicing for what?” Twilight inquired.

“The Wonderbolts!” Rainbow pointed at a poster pinned to a wall. “They’re gonna perform at the celebration tomorrow, and I’m gonna show ‘em my stuff!” She did an excited loop in the air, landing back on her cloud.

“The Wonderbolts?” Twilight asked skeptically.

“Yup.”

“The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?” She asked amusedly.

“That’s them.” Rainbow responded casually.

“Please, they’d never accept a pegasus who can’t keep the sky clear for one measly day!” Twilight said slightly snidely.

“Hey.” Rainbow was suddenly on the defensive. “I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat!”

Twilight glared at her with a slight smile. “Prove it.”

She launched into the sky, kicking clouds into nothingness one after another. She moved with astonishing speed. She whipped back and forth, leaving no cloud remaining. She landed back on the ground near Twilight.

“What’d I say? Ten. Seconds. Flat.” Rainbow chuckled lightly. “I’d never leave Ponyville hanging.”

Twilight’s jaw dropped. She was completely at a loss for words. Rainbow laughed at her expression. “You should see the look on your face,” she mused. “Ha! You’re a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. I can’t wait to hang out some more,” she said cheerily.

Rainbow flew away, and Spike said, “Wow, she’s amazing!” He laughed again at Twilight’s mane. She growled in annoyance, walking to their next destination. “Wait, it’s kind of pretty when you get used to it!”

They next examined the town hall, where the celebration would occur. “Decorations.” Spike declared. There were ribbons, bows, and great banners hung from various spots in the hall. Every aspect seemed carefully planned, and every decoration complimented one another. On the right side of the hall, a long, bright yellow banner hung, showing illustrations of the sun, and different markings and symbols. There was no question that appearance would not be a problem. Suddenly Spike’s voice was dreamy. “Beauuutiful.”

“Yes. The décor is coming along nicely,” Twilight agreed. “This ‘oughta be quick. I’ll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed.”

“Not the décor. Her.” He gestured to a unicorn with a bright white coat, curly and carefully trimmed mane and tail, blue eyes, and a cutie mark of three separate diamonds.

“No, no, no. Oh! Goodness no,” the white unicorn said to herself, levitating and examining different color streamers.

Spike looked dreamy. Standing behind Twilight, he asked, “How are my spines? Are they straight?”

Twilight rolled her eyes as she approached the unicorn. “Good afternoon.”

“Just a moment, please,” the unicorn held up a hoof. “I’m in the zone, as it were.” She spoke with a very polite and pleasant voice. She continued looking at different colors, and upon seeing a red, glittering bow, she said, “Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent,” she said to herself. “Now, um, how can I help you- aaah!”

She looked utterly horrified as she caught a glimpse of Twilight’s frizzy mane. “Oh, my stars! Darling, whatever happened to your coiffure?”

“Oh, you mean my mane? Well, it’s a long story. I’m just here to check on the decorations and then I’ll be out of your hair,” Twilight said.

“Out of my hair? What about your hair?” She rushed over and led Twilight over to a dressing room.

“Wait! Where are we going? Help!” Twilight panicked, confused. Spike followed dreamily, still admiring Rarity.

A few minutes later, Twilight was being put into outfits, her mane long ago fixed. Rarity was fussing over what looked good on the new pony. “No, no, uh uh. Too green, too yellow. Too poofy, not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too shiny. Ah, now go on my dear; you were telling me where you’re from.”

As she tightened a stunning white vest on Twilight, accented with gems, Twilight struggled to speak. “I’ve… been sent… from… Canterlot… to-” She could hardly get the last word out.

Suddenly, Rarity stopped pulling. “Huh? Canterlot?! I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! Ah, I have always dreamed of living there! I can’t wait to hear all about it!” She walked over to Twilight. “We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I!” She looked at Twilight’s vest in distaste. “Emeralds? What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!” She walked off to do just that.

“Quick!” Twilight started to run out the door. “Before she decides to dye my coat a new color!”

Spike just sighed, his eyes unfocused.

By late afternoon, Twilight and Spike were walking through the town park, on their way to their next destination, Spike sitting on Twilight, the vest thoroughly off of her back. “Focus, Casanova. What’s next on the list?”

Spike cleared his throat. “Music. It’s the last one.”

Twilight suddenly stopped. A harmonic birdsong could be heard. She moved toward the sound. There, on the other side of some bushes, a pegasus could be seen conducting a flock of songbirds, all sitting on a small tree, facing the pegasus. She had a yellow coat, a pink mane and tail, that curved gracefully downwards, and teal eyes. They would give one the impression that they weren’t unfamiliar with tears. Her cutie mark showed three butterflies, with blue bodies, and pink wings.

Upon hearing the birdsong, she said in a quiet, gentle voice, “Oh, my. Um, stop please, everyone.” She flew up to a blue jay. “Excuse me, sir? I mean, no offence, but, your rhythm is just a teeny tiny bit off.” She flew back to her original position. “Now, follow me, please. A one, a two, a one-two-three-“

“Hello!” Twilight said loudly to the pegasus, making her give a frightened squeal. The birds scattered. “Oh, my. I’m so sorry,” she said hastily, “I didn’t mean to frighten your birds. I’m just here to check up on the music and it sounded beautiful.”

The pegasus flew down next to Twilight and looked down, not saying anything. She pawed the ground uncomfortably.

Twilight gave an odd smile, “I’m Twilight Sparkle.” A pause. “What’s your name?”

“Um, I’m-” she barely whispered her name. She barely looked at Twilight.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Twilight tried to clarify gently.

“Um, my name is-” Again, she hardly said her name.

“Didn’t quite catch that.”

The pegasus told her, though it was more of a whimper, and couldn’t be heard.

“Well, um, it looks like your birds are back. So, I guess everything’s in order. Keep up the good work.” Twilight was feeling very awkward now. The mare whimpered. “Oookay,” Twilight said, walking away.

“Well, that was easy,” she said to Spike.

One look at Spike and the pegasus changed in an instant. “A baby dragon?!” She wore a huge smile, and rushed over to him, accidentally knocking Twilight out of the way. “Oh, I’ve never seen a baby dragon before! He’s so cute!”

“Well, well, well?” Spike said slightly gleefully with a look to a fallen-over Twilight.

“Oh, my,” she continued, “He talks! I didn’t know dragons could talk. That’s just so incredibly wonderful! I just don’t even know what to say!” She was hovering in the air in excitement.

“Well, in that case, we’d better be going.” Spike was suddenly levitated into the air and onto an annoyed Twilight’s back. The pegasus followed as Twilight deliberately walked away.

“Wait, what’s his name?” She asked happily.

“I’m Spike.” He said nicely.

“Hi. Spike,” the pegasus said, “I’m Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon! And, what do dragons talk about?”

“Well, what do you want to know?” Spike asked her.

“Absolutely everything.”

Twilight’s eyes widened, and she groaned. It was going to be a long walk.

“Well, I started out as a purple and green egg…”

And a long walk it was.

“… and that’s the story of my whole entire life!” Spike finished. It was already sunset. “Well, up until today. Do you want to hear about today?”

“Oh, yes please!” Fluttershy said excitedly.

Twilight spun around. “I am so sorry. How did we get here so fast?” she said sarcastically, though Fluttershy didn’t catch it. They were at the Ponyville library, a huge tree, three times as large as the neighboring buildings, with circular windows set at different spots. It was very randomly put together, though looked quite sturdy. “This is where I’m staying while in Ponyville, and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep.”

“No, I don’t-“

Twilight bucked her hips and Spike fell to the ground. Her voice was suddenly adoring. “Aw, look at that. He’s so sleepy he can’t even keep his little balance.”

Fluttershy swept him up into her arms, and said sweetly, “Poor thing, we simply must get him to bed.” Fluttershy carried him into the library.

Twilight rushed in. “Yes, yes. We’ll get right on that.” She pushed Fluttershy back out. “Well, good night!” And she slammed the door in her face.

Now in the dark, unlit library, Spike asked Twilight, “Huh. Rude much?”

“Sorry, Spike, but I have to convince the Princess that Night Mare Moon is coming and we’re running out of time! I just need to be alone and study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now, where’s the light?”

Just as she said that, the lights flicked on, and she found herself surrounded by about fifty ponies, all of whom yelling “surprise!” Streamers and balloons and party toys showered the scene, and Twilight gave an exasperated groan.

“Surprise!” Yelled the curly-haired pink pony from before, now right in front of Twilight. “Hi. I’m Pinky Pie and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were you? Were you? Huh-huh-huh?” She was jumping now jumping in excitement.

“I’m very surprised,” Twilight said in an annoyed tone. “Libraries are supposed to be quiet.”

Pinkie Pie giggled. “Well, that’s silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet?” she pestered Twilight. “I mean, duh! Boooring!” Twilight started walking toward the drinks table. “You see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all, ‘Hello?’, and I was all,” she imitated her previous gasp. “Remember? You see, I never saw you before, and if I never saw you before, that means you’re new! Cause I know everypony, and I mean, everypony in Ponyville!” Twilight let out a groan. “And if you’re new, that meant you haven’t met anyone yet, and if you hadn’t met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don’t have any friends, you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, and I had an idea! And that’s why I went-” again, she did her gasp. “I just throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville!” Twilight began pouring a drink.

“See?” she continued, as Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity joined her side, “And now you have lots and lots of friends!”

Twilight paused. She turned around with a very uncomfortable expression, as if she ate something very unpleasant. Except that she had tears in her eyes.

“Are you alright, sugarcube?” Applejack asked her.

Twilight’s expression got worse, and then she ran off upstairs.

“Aww, she’s so happy, she’s crying!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed joyfully.

Spike then examined a red bottle from which Twilight poured her drink. “Hot sauce,” he read. That explained Twilight’s expression and tears.

“Ooh,” Pinkie said. She took the bottle, poured it over a cupcake on the table, and ate it whole. “What?” she asked as the other four still there gave her disgusted and surprised looks, “It’s good!” she said through a mouth full of spicy cupcake. The other four then smiled in amusement.

Upstairs, Twilight lay in her bedroom. It consisted of three walls, the other looking down over a room full of bookshelves and work desks. There was little decoration other than a couple of horseshoes and a bust of a unicorn. A telescope pointed out of a large window opposite the open part of the room. Her head was buried under a pillow, trying to drown out the noise of the party happening below. She raised her head and looked at the clock, then groaned loudly.

Spike chose that moment to barge in the room downstairs, letting more noise in. He wore a lampshade on his head, with streamers resting on top. “Hey Twilight!” he shouted, “Pinkie Pie’s starting pin the tail on the pony! Wanna play?” He asked, raising his lampshade to look at Twilight.

“No!” Twilight shouted in frustration, “All the ponies in this town are crazy!” She sounded seriously angry now. “Do you know what time it is?”

“It’s the eve of the Summer-Sun Celebration. Everypony has to stay up, or they’ll miss the Princess raise the sun!” Spike explained. “You really should lighten up, Twilight. It’s a party.” With that, Spike turned around, lowering his lamp shade once more, and went to join the other ponies.

Twilight mumbled his words in a high-pitched mumble, then, out of greater frustration than before, curled herself up in her pillow. “Ugh. Here I thought I have time to learn more about the Elements of Harmony. But, silly me,” she said to herself, “all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!” She turned on her side, looking out the window. She saw the moon, and got up, walking to the window. She repeated, “Legend has it that on the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night. She looked at Predictions and Prophecies, which seconds before, lay on the ground near the window. “I hope the Princess was right. I hope it really is just an old pony tale.”

Again, Spike barged in, bringing with him more loud music from below. “Come on, Twilight! It’s time to watch the sunrise!” he told her loudly and happily.

Night Mare Moon

Part 1

Chapter 4: Night Mare Moon

All the ponies in Ponyville found themselves in the town hall, eagerly awaiting the moment when Princess Celestia herself would arrive and raise the sun. Pegasi floated in the air, while unicorns and earth ponies stood in the middle of the hall, or on slightly raised balconies on the left and right. Rarity’s decorations glimmered in the moonlight from the hall windows.

Down in the middle, Twilight and Spike stood waiting. Pinkie Pie rushed up to her.

She started talking in a rushed voice, words spilling out of her mouth one after another. “Isn’t this exciting? Are you excited? Cause I’m excited! I’ve never been so excited! Well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went” for the third time, she did her gasp, “but, I mean, really? Who can top that?”

Immediately, many trumpets started playing and birds, conducted by Fluttershy, started singing. The Summer-Sun Celebration was starting.

A grey-maned tan pony walked onto the stage. She had a warm, motherly look to her, though painted over with a very businesslike appearance. Her cutie mark was a scroll, tied with a blue seal. Suddenly, she was in the spotlight. “fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer-Sun Celebration!” She declared with a Canterlot accent.

Great cheers erupted from the entire audience. Nopony could wait. Spike was now on Twilight’s back to get a better view, being hardly two and a half feet tall.

Once the cheers died down, the mayor continued, “In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year!” Everypony looked up to the bright yellow banner. Twilight looked at the moon through an open window. Something was wrong. It looked different. Disturbed. Deadly.

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

Fluttershy turned to her songbird chorus. “Ready?” she asked quietly, smiling.

“Princess Celestia!” Trumpets blared, birds sang, and Rarity pulled a rope, opening curtains on the raised balcony on which she was standing. The spotlight swiveled to the space between the curtains.

But it did not illuminate Princess Celestia.

She was not there.

Rarity gasped. Twilight looked up with a terrible unease. “This can’t be good.”

The mayor settled the confused and murmuring crowd. “Remain calm, everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation.”

Pinkie Pie piped up, jumping up and down, “Ooh! Ooh! I love guessing games! Is she hiding?” She began looking around.

Rarity walked out from where the Princess should have been, and said in a scared and confused voice, “She’s gone!”

The entire hall gave a collective gasp of shock and bewilderment. How could this happen?

“Ooh, she’s good,” Pinkie said, still looking around. She then gave a great shriek, her eyes up on the balcony.

A violet mist, glittering with hundreds of tiny white sparkles, came up on the balcony. Everypony gasped yet again. Rarity had the good sense to remove herself from the presence of this mysterious phenomenon, and joined the ponies on the ground.

“Oh, no,” Twilight said quietly, Spike still on her back.

Out of the mist appeared a tall, thin, jet black pony. She had both a horn and wings, spread out frighteningly. Her eyes were a light blue, though somehow resonated darkness. On her head was a curved blue helmet, stretching down on either front or back of her head, and on her chest was a curving blue piece of metal. On it was a c-shaped symbol. Both her mane and tail wavered superiorly, made of the same substance as the violet mist. Her cutie mark: violet covering her flank, with a single crescent moon.

Night Mare Moon.

Twilight whispered the name, scared, but not surprised. The same could not be said for Spike, who fainted and fell off of Twilight’s back.

“Oh, my beloved subjects,” the younger sister said with a happy Canterlot voice, though every word dripped venom. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious little sun-loving faces.” Many ponies recoiled slightly. Applebloom and two other fillies cowered.

“What did you do with our princess?!” Rainbow Dash shouted at the mare, not afraid at all. She started to fly at her, but was stopped by Applejack, who caught Rainbow’s tail in her teeth and kept her from doing something foolish.

“Whoa there, Nelly,” she said through clenched teeth.

Night Mare Moon laughed. “Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don’t you know who I am?”

At this point, in an act of sheer foolishness, Pinkie Pie started saying, bouncing up and down, “Ooh, ooh! More guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about, Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty-” she could not continue for Applejack, still holding Rainbow’s tail, had the good sense to shove an apple in Pinkie’s mouth, stopping her monologue. Pinkie continued to try to talk, but only made quiet muffled noises, then stopped.

“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” She asked, turning to Fluttershy, who cowered, her birds scattering. She turned to Rarity. “Did you not recall the legends? Did you not see the signs?”

“I did.” It was Twilight who spoke up. “And I know who you are.” Everypony was quiet, and her voice traveled easily. “You’re the Mare in the Moon, Night Mare Moon!” Nopony else had figured this out, and because of it gasped again.

“Well, well, well. Somepony who remembers me,” she said, satisfied, to Twilight. “Then you also know why I’m here.”

“You’re here to… to…” she gulped, straining to say what she knew she didn’t want to admit was true. She simply couldn’t.

Night Mare Moon chuckled. “Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last.” She was now speaking with terrible power behind her words. “From this moment forth, the night, will last, forever!” Great bolts of lightning cascaded down on either side of her, while a great swirling mist started to consume her.

She laughed loudly into the night.

Twilight looked on in shock.

Through The Forest

A/N: For anyone interested in more of these types of stories, make sure to watch me or follow me. Other episodes will be under different stories.

Part 2

Chapter Five: Through the Forest

“Seize her!” the mayor shouted. “Only she knows where the Princess is!”

Three royal pegasi, donned with golden armor, hidden before, suddenly took off toward Night Mare Moon. She did not take kindly to it. “Stand back, you fools!” Her eyes shined a bright teal, and bolts of lightning knocked the pegasi back.

She took the form of the violet mist now encasing her, and snaked her way across the hall and out the front doors into the night. Applejack lost her hold of Rainbow’s tail, and the pegasus chased after the mist.

“Come back here!” she shouted angrily. As she said it, however, the mist was already too far to pursue. Her voice grew worrisome. “Nighttime? Forever?” Looking down back to the hall doors, she saw Twilight rushing out after Night Mare Moon. “Where’s she going?” she asked herself.

Later, Spike awoke from his restless sleep. “We’ve got to stop Night Mare!” he shouted. However, he soon fell back asleep.

Twilight walked across the library bedroom, throwing a blanket over the dragon, who was now snoozing in his basket. “You’ve been up all night, Spike. You are a baby dragon after all.” She clicked the light off, and made her way to the library, searching for information on the Elements of Harmony.

“Elements, elements, elements,” she searched. “Ugh! How can I stop Night Mare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?!”

“And just what are the Elements of Harmony?” Rainbow Dash suddenly entered the library, confronting Twilight. Her voice was accusatory. “And how did you know about Night Mare Moon, huh? Are you a spy?” She was now floating in the air, her nose inches from Twilight’s, anger etched on her face.

Rainbow’s tail was jerked back by an upset-looking Applejack. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy had come in too. Applejack let go of Rainbow’s tail. “Simmer down, Sally. She ain’t no spy,” she said, “but she sure knows what’s going on. Don’t you, Twilight?” Rainbow, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rarity all looked at Twilight with concerned faces, looking for an answer.

Twilight closed her eyes. “I read all about the prediction of Night Mare Moon. Some mysterious beings called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her.” She looked out at the moon. “But I don’t know what they are- where to find them. I don’t even know what they do!”

“The Elements of Harmony: a Reference Guide.” Pinkie Pie read the name on the side of a book, resting on a shelf across the room. Twilight rushed over, knocking Pinkie out of the way.

“How did you find that?!” she asked in bewilderment.

“It was under eee,” she explained in a singsong voice.

Twilight looked slightly embarrassed. “Oh.” She levitated the book closer. It was dark red, with golden-colored pages and spine stripes. On the cover, painted in gold, was the head of a unicorn, surrounded by a blue ring, six golden squares resting on it. Twilight found the page she was looking for, and read aloud. “’There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known. Kindness, laughter, generosity, honesty, and loyalty’,” she read aloud, “’The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements, was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now the Everfree Forest.’”

After reading that, a certain violet mare lurking outside knew exactly what she must do.

The Everfree Forest was a dark place. With thick foliage, animal noises carrying into the night, and the unknown waiting around every corner, all six ponies standing outside of its entrance had a reason to be scared. All except Pinkie Pie.

“Whee! Let’s go!” she exclaimed merrily. She started to skip in, until she was addressed by Twilight.

“Not so fast,” she told her, “I appreciate the offer, but I’d really rather do this on my own.

“No can do, sugarcube.” Applejack’s voice was confident. “We sure ain’t letting any friend of ours go into that place alone. We’re sticking to you like caramel on a candy apple.” She trotted bravely into the forest, followed by Fluttershy, Rainbow, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, who sounded even happier than before.

“Especially if there’s candy apples in there!” She saw Twilight’s confused gaze, then followed the others. “What? Those things are good!”

Twilight sighed, and made her way in.

Minutes later, walking through the forest, Twilight asked the others, “So, none of you have been in here before?”

Rarity shuddered. “Heavens, no. Just look at it,” she said nervously, eying the trees, “it’s dreadful!”

“And it ain’t natural,” Applejack added. “Folks say it don’t work the same as Equestria.” Beneath her, a blue mist was seeping its way through the soil under their feet.

Twilight sounded scared. “What’s that supposed to mean?” They stopped, coming to a cliff edge, wondering where to go next.

“Nopony knows,” Rainbow said spookily, a mischievous smile spread on her face. “You know why?”

“Rainbow, quit it!” Applejack said. They were now at the edge, peering for a way down.

The smiling mare continued, “Cause everypony whose ever come in, has never. Come. Out!” She said the last word loudly, making everypony jump. It echoed up and down the cliffside, and an ominous vibration could be heard, but not just heard, felt.

A terrible cracking, and the section of cliff they were all standing on broke apart, and all six ponies started to slide down the cliff. Rainbow and Fluttershy instinctively took to the air. The other four would not survive if they slid much further, for an overhang in the slope led straight into nothing, only ending hundreds of feet below. Behind them, the violet mist darted out from the place where it broke, unnoticed.

“Fluttershy, quick!” Rainbow was surprised, yet acted quickly. Leaving a rainbow-colored trail behind her, she raced after her falling friends.

Fluttershy took a second to register what had happened. “Oh, my goodness. Oh, my goodness!”

Rainbow had caught Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy had caught Rarity. Applejack and Twilight were still sliding down the cliff. Seeing her chance, Applejack grabbed a root coming out of the earth with her teeth, but Twilight was still sliding.

The purple unicorn continued sliding until she reached the edge, at which point she was dangling. Her life depended on her two front hooves.

Applejack saw this, and after letting go of the root, carefully slid down toward Twilight. “Hold on, I’m a comin’!” Upon reaching Twilight, she took her hooves.

“Applejack!” Twilight was scared. “What do I do?” Their hold was slipping.

Applejack looked pained. They almost couldn’t hold on anymore. With certainty and care in her voice, she said to Twilight, “Let go.”

“Are you crazy?!” Twilight couldn’t believe her ears.

“No I ain’t.” Applejack said. “I promise you’ll be safe.”

“That’s not true!”

“Now, listen here,” she said quietly. “What I’m sayin’ is the honest truth. Let go, and you’ll be safe.”

Twilight put all of her trust into Applejack, and with one meaningful look, let go.

She was falling through the air. Surely she wouldn’t survive the terrible fall. She screamed at the top of her lungs, waiting for the impact.

But it didn’t come. She was fifty feet in the air, being held by Rainbow and Fluttershy.

“Phew.” She was extremely relieved. Their hold slipped a little, but they recovered. Fluttershy spoke up.

“Sorry, girls. I’m not used to holding more than a bunny or two.”

Looking back to the cliff, Twilight could see Applejack hopping down on various rocks to the bottom. She looked quite pleased.

Twilight had trusted her life to Applejack, and she had not let her down.

Behind them, a violet disembodied mist moved forth, its plan not yet foiled.

“… and once Pinkie and Rarity were safe, whoosh! Me and Fluttershy looped-de-looped around and wham! Caught you right in the nick of time.” Rainbow Dash’s voice carried loudly to the other ponies continuing their path. Twilight wasn’t fond of her bragging.

“Yes, Rainbow. I was there.” She sounded annoyed. Her tone softened, though. “And I’m very grateful, but we got to-” She gasped. Everypony stopped in their tracks.

Standing before them was a terrible beast, with the body of a lion, reptilian wings spread out on either side of it, and a fat scorpion’s tail, arched over its back, looking deadly. It’s wings, tail, and mane, were all deep red. It was three times the size of anypony.

“A Manticore!” Twilight yelled. It reared on its hind legs and gave a great roar, murder in its eyes. She sounded confident now. “We’ve got to get past him!”

Everypony stood prepared to attack when necessary. Everypony except Fluttershy, who hovered toward the back, fear in her eyes. The Manticore swiped at Rarity, who dodged it, then kicked with her hind legs. The force of the kick would make Applejack’s buck look mediocre. The Manticore was launched onto its back. “Take that, you ruffian!”

It roared right in front of the unicorn, sending back her hair, and any bravery she had in her. She darted away.

“Wait!” Fluttershy said, though too quietly for anypony to hear.

The Manticore tried to follow, but was stopped as it felt a thud on its back. The thud was Applejack.

“Yee-haw!” she held onto its blood red mane. “Get-a-long, little doggy!” The Manticore bucked with all its strength, trying desperately to get Applejack off.

“Wait!” Fluttershy said a little more assertively, though was still unheard.

The beast proved stronger than Applejack anticipated, and succeeded in throwing her off.

Upon landing, she said to Rainbow, “All yours, partner.”

“I’m on it!” she said determinedly. As she rushed toward it, Fluttershy spoke even louder this time.

“Wait!” Still nothing.

Rainbow spun in circles around the Manticore, with the same style as she used on Twilight. Her rain-blow-dry. It was confused for a moment, but lashed its tail out, sending the pegasus launching back to the others.

“Rainbow!” Twilight called out, seriously concerned for Rainbow’s safety. Upon landing, however, she seemed for the most part unfazed.

Twilight, now personally angry at the Manticore, glared at it. She prepared the charge. As did her friends. As did the Manticore.

Five ponies began to race to the Manticore, finishing what they started. They were stopped by a desperate-looking Fluttershy.

“WAIT!” She screamed. Loudly enough to stop everypony. The Manticore waited, preparing to strike, though Fluttershy had her back to it. She gave her friends an ‘I’ve-got-this’ look, and walked up to the beast, not a trace of fear or uncertainty in her eyes.

The creature reared, its paw raised, ready to go for the kill. All five ponies looked away, unable to watch what they knew would come next.

Fluttershy’s voice was quiet and peaceful. “Shh. It’s okay.” She nuzzled its lowered paw, care on her face. The Manticore looked pained, then opened its left paw to show the yellow pegasus a large purple thorn stuck right in the middle.

“Aww, you poor, poor little baby,” she said lovingly.

“Little?” Rainbow asked, astonished.

Fluttershy ignored her, speaking instead to the Manticore. “Now, this might hurt for juuust a second.” She put her teeth around the thorn, and pulled.

The creature gave a great roar, surprised from the sudden pain. It lifted the pony into the air.

“Fluttershy!” Twilight and Applejack yelled.

Fluttershy, still in the air, drew smiles to the other five pony’s faces. She was being hugged tightly by the Manticore, who seemed to enjoy such caring company.

“Aww, you’re just a little baby kitty aren’t you? Yes, you are!” She spoke adoringly. “Yes, you are!”

The other five ponies walked right past the Manticore now releasing Fluttershy. When she caught up with them, Twilight asked her, “How did you know about the thorn?”

“I didn’t. Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness.”

Twilight smiled..

The thorn, now forgotten on the ground, transformed into a curious substance that moved toward the walking ponies.

Continuing their trek, Rarity complained, “Ugh, my eyes need a rest from all this icky muck!” They walked under many thick trees, blocking out all moonlight. “Well, I didn’t mean that literally.”

“That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn’t even know it!” Twilight said.

“Ah, wait. I think I stepped in somethin’,” Applejack said, eyeing the mud on her hooves. Fluttershy shrieked. Applejack gave her a look. “It’s just mud!”

She turned around and realized why she shrieked. Before them stood a brightly glowing tree, its features altered to look like monstrous beings. She jumped back, yelling herself. Surrounding them were many trees like the first, faces and limbs made out of the various parts. Though stationary, they scared everypony into panic.

Again, everypony except Pinkie Pie. She was pointing and laughing at a tree some two feet in front of her, returning funny-looking faces. With each face, she made a quite silly sound.

Twilight couldn’t believe what Pinkie was doing. “Pinkie! What are you doing? Run!”

Pinkie sounded amused. “Oh, girls, don’t you see?” She adopted a rhythmical voice.

“When I was a little filly, and the sun was going dooown,”

“Tell me she’s not,” Twilight said.

“The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frooown.”

“She is,” Rarity said.

“I’d hide under my pillow, from what I thought I saw,

but Granny-Pie said that wasn’t the way to deal with fears at aaall.”

“Then, what is?” Rainbow asked.

“She said, ‘Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall. Learn to face your fears!

You’ll see that they can’t hurt you, just laugh to make them disappear!’

Ha. Ha. Ha.”

She said the last words confidently, and as suddenly as it appeared, the tree she looked at returned to its original state. She smiled at her other friends, who gasped as they saw what happened.

“Sooo, giggle at the ghostly, guffaw at the grossly,

crack it up with the creepy, whoop it up at the weepy!

Chortle at the kooky, snortle at the spooky!”

As she sang, everypony laughed, chortled, and giggled at the trees, and as a result, each and every face began to disappear, returning to their ordinary form. Pinkie sang the next part as one run on sentence.

“And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he’s got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna…

Laaaaaaaaugh!”

Everypony laughed amongst themselves, both at their success, and at Pinkie’s song.

Still giggling, the six ponies came to a wide river, violent waves crashing upon one another. They all paused, smiles wiped from their faces, and looked at their obstacle. Although it was hard to tell, the water was about a foot deep, though the waves would render anypony crossing to be swept away into the raging current.

“How are we gonna cross this?” Pinkie asked.

They heard an agonized wailing from somewhere near them, and followed the sound.

Sitting in the water was a giant purple sea serpent, different parts of its body thrashing about in the water. It had a head similar to a pony, with bright orange hair and eyebrows, both appearing to be expertly groomed. On its snout was a curved mustache, orange like its owner’s hair, with light yellow streaks running down it. It would look perfect if it weren’t for the fact that half of it was missing.

The creature cried into the night with a voice much like a pony, though it reverberated pain. “What a world! What a world!” It continued thrashing around, causing more waves around it.

Twilight spoke up. “Excuse me, sir. Why are you crying?” she asked slightly bluntly.

“Well, I don’t know,” the serpent told them, “I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whizzed past me, and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off!” he wailed, “And now, I look simply horrid!” He threw himself into the water, splashing all six ponies.

“Oh, give me a break.” Rainbow said.

“That’s what all the fuss is about?” Applejack asked, slightly annoyed.

Rarity sounded shocked at the other’s reactions. “Why, of course it is!” Her tone was sharp. “How can you be so insensitive?!” She approached the serpent, who was now resting his head on the shore. “Aww, would you look at him? Such lovely, luminescent scales!” She rubbed her hoof on his chin.

The serpent sniffed. “I know.”

“And your expertly coiffed mane.”

“Oh, I know, I know!” the serpent said, rubbing his mane in adoration.

“Your fabulous manicure!” Rarity recognized.

“It’s so true!” the serpent was flattered at the unicorn’s words.

“All ruined without you beautiful mustache,” she said pityingly.

“It’s true! I’m hideous!” It covered its head with its arms, hiding the “hideous” shame.

Rarity sounded determined. “I cannot possibly let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!” She reached her head and pulled out one of the serpent’s scales.

“Ow! What did you do that for?” it asked, hurt.

Rarity ignored it. With the sharp scale still in her mouth, she brought it swinging down. The other five ponies gasped.

She sliced most of her tail clean off, and, throwing the scale aside, levitated the hair up to the serpent’s snout. She affixed it to the torn part of its mustache, and stood back, happy with her work. Where a stub of a mustache half used to be, there was now a purple set of hairs, contrasting yet complimenting the other half.

The serpent laughed gleefully. “My mustache! How wonderful!”

“You look smashing,” Rarity said fondly.

Twilight looked concerned. “Oh, Rarity! Your beautiful tail!”

“Oh, it’s fine, my dear. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it’ll grow back.”

Rainbow leaned in toward Twilight. “So, with the mustache…”

Twilight gasped, then began to make her way through the water. “We can cross now! Let’s go. Whaa!” She was lifted up out of the water, standing on a section of serpent body.

“Allow me!” it said with a courteous bow. Raising sections of its body up, the ponies used them as stepping stones to cross the river without getting any wetter.

Satisfied with themselves, they came to a ridge. On it was a broken wooden bridge, with ropes as support on either left or right. It was not affixed to the other side, however, and hung limply off the two pegs in the ground nearest the ponies. Across the bridge stood an old and crumbling ruin.

“There it is!” Twilight shouted. “The ruin that holds the Elements of Harmony! We made it!” She ran forward, and, distracted by the ruin, had not yet seen the ridge. She stopped as soon as she could, both front hooves dangling over the edge into nothingness below, shock on her face.

Rainbow grabbed her tail and pulled her back. “What’s with you and falling off cliffs today?”

They all stood at the edge. Pinkie sighed, “Now what?”

“Duh,” Rainbow said, fluttering her wings. She took off, grabbing the end of the bridge not yet fixed, and began to tie it to the other pegs.

“Oh, yeah,” Pinkie said.

“Raaainbow…” A ghostly mare’s voice called out to the pegasus.

“Who’s there?!”

“Raaainbow…” Suddenly, Rainbow was being surrounded by thick white mist, blocking the other ponies from view.

“I ain’t afraid of you!” Rainbow shouted. “Show yourself!”

“We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria.”

“Who?”

“Why, you, of course!”

“Really?” she asked eagerly. “I mean, oh yeah, me. Hey, you wouldn’t mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would ‘ya? Cause, I’ve been trying to get into that group, for like, ever!”

“No, Rainbow Dash. We want you to join *us…*” Three black pegasi approached Rainbow. They had blue manes, grey wings, and wore purple flight suits with lightning borders and yellow goggles. “…the Shadow Bolts!”

Rainbow looked surprised.

“We are the greatest areal team in the Everfree Forest,” a mare spoke from the middle, a stallion on either side. “And soon we will be the greatest in all of Equestria.” She hovered to Rainbow. “But first, we need a captain.”

Rainbow smiled.

“The most magnificent…”

“Yup!”

“…swiftest…”

“Yes!”

“…bravest flyer in all the land!”

“Yes, it’s all true!” Rainbow said happily.

“We need,” the mare said softly. She hovered to Rainbow, and barely whispered the next word. “You.”

Rainbow sprang into the air. “Whoo-hoo! Sign me up!” She flew over to the bridge pegs. “Just let me tie this bridge real quick, and then we have a deal.”

“No!” the mare shouted. “It’s them or us.”

Rainbow said nothing.

“Rainbow!” Twilight shouted. “What’s taking so long?”

The mare’s goggles glowed, and the fog toward the other ponies condensed, blocking sound, but not before Twilight could say, “Don’t listen to them!”

“Well?” the mare asked.

“You.” Rainbow said. The mare’s wings extended as she smiled. “Thank you, for the offer, I mean.” She went back to the pegs and tied the bridge. “But, I’m afraid I have to say no.” She took off back toward her friends, a rainbow colored trail following in her wake.

The Shadow Bolts looked angry as they saw the pegasus fly away, then transformed into a cloud of violet mist and took off to the ruin.

Her friends cheered Rainbow as she returned across the bridge. “Good job, Rainbow!” Twilight said.

“See? I’d never leave my friends hangin’!” Rainbow said happily.

Twilight watched her float ahead, thinking about all the obstacles they conquered on their way to the ruin.

They were there.

The Elements of Harmony

A/N: For anyone interested in more of these types of stories, make sure to watch me or bookmark me. Other episodes will be under different stories.

Part 2

Chapter Six: The Elements of Harmony

Upon entering the ruin, Rainbow uttered a single “Whoa.”

They were standing in a large cathedral-sized room, most of the ceiling and walls open to the outside. Vines coated the brick walls and worn stone floor. In the center stood a large stone structure. It was about twice as tall as any of them, and looked more like a pedestal of sorts, with five shelves jutting out the sides. Sitting on each one was a stone spherical object, each with markings on the outside.

“Come on, Twilight. Issun’ this what you’ve been waitin’ for?” Applejack asked apprehensively.

Twilight walked forward, smiling broadly. “The Elements of Harmony. We’ve found them!”

Rainbow and Fluttershy flew up and down, bringing with them an Element of Harmony and setting them on the ground at Twilight’s feet. “Careful, careful.”

Pinkie Pie counted them. “One, two, three, four, there’s only five.”

Twilight looked worried, as Rainbow asked, “Where’s the sixth?”

“The book said said that when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed.

“What in the hay is that supposed to mean?” Applejack asked with a frown.

“I’m not sure, but I have an idea.” She warned the others, “Stand back. I don’t know what will happen.” She lowered her head, and closed her eyes in concentration.

As Twilight’s horn glowed, Applejack said to the others, “Come on now, y’all. She needs to concentrate.” The other four ponies followed Applejack out the door.

With her eyes closed, Twilight was oblivious to the fact that a violet mist surpassed her, and with a rain-blow-dry affect, started scooping up the elements. The noise, however, caught Twilight’s attention. “Ah!”

Hearing her yell, the others rushed into the room. Twilight yelled “The Elements!” She launched herself into the mist and the mass of swirling orbs. They were being raised into the air, and before anypony could reach it, it disappeared, along with the mist, and Twilight, into thin air.

The others all asked where Twilight went and how such a thing could happen, though nopony had answers.

“Twilight, where are you?” Applejack asked.

“Look!” It was Rarity who said it. She pointed out the window to an adjacent building whose windows glowed brightly.

“Come on!” Applejack and the other four darted out the door.

Twilight was teleported into a ruin much like the previous one, only larger and instead of a pedestal in the middle was a slightly raised platform at the end, on top of which Night Mare Moon stood. The Elements of Harmony rested at her feet. She laughed, lightning echoing around her.

Twilight gasped, then wore an angry expression, no fear at all, and prepared to charge.

“You’re kidding.” The mare said amusedly at Twilight’s pathetic move. “You’re kidding, right?”

The unicorn’s horn shined bright as she ran toward Night Mare Moon. The younger sister charged, an amused smile on her face. The two mares were face to face, though no impact came. Twilight teleported right past Night Mare and to the Elements behind her. Night Mare looked surprised.

“Just one spark!” Twilight said to herself as she lowered her head to the Elements. “Come on, come on!”

Night Mare raced up to the platform, though too late. Twilight sparked the Elements, and was knocked backwards. The moon goddess looked down at the Elements, now sending sparks from one to another. “No… no!”

Twilight grinned, but stopped as the electricity that was once dancing from orb to orb was now gone, Night Mare Moon standing triumphantly above them. Twilight gasped. “But, where’s the sixth element?!”

The black mare laughed at Twilight, stomped both hooves on the ground, and shattered all five Elements to pieces.

Twilight watched as every shattered piece landed with a chink to the ground.

“You little foal, thinking you could defeat me?!” Night Mare Moon asked angrily. “Now, you will never see your Princess, or your sun! The night will last forever!” She cackled madly, mist swirling high above her head, her wings splayed out imperiously.

Twilight looked heartbroken, her ears lowered in defeat, until she snapped her head back to the ruin entrance. She heard the voices of Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy, all calling her name. Her eyes widened.

Spark.

She turned to Night Mare. “You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that?” She gestured to the ground at Night Mare’s hooves. “Well, you’re wrong, because the spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here!”

On either side of her, her friends stood by her, facing Night Mare Moon. Not a trace of fear in any, not even Fluttershy. The fragments of all the shattered Elements rose up, surrounded by multicolored magical auras.

“What?” The goddess said, perplexed.

Twilight spoke with certainty. “Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of Honesty!” Orange-lit fragments moved to Applejack, and spun around her. “Fluttershy, who tamed the Manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of Kindness!” Pink shards surrounded Fluttershy, who was floating above her friends. “Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of Laughter!” Blue pieces revolved around Pinkie Pie. “Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of Generosity!” Purple fragments spun around Rarity. “And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for own heart’s desire, represents the spirit of Loyalty!” Red shards rotated around a hovering Rainbow.

Twilight continued, “The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!”

Night Mare looked concerned. “You still don’t have the sixth element!” she said. “The spark didn’t work!”

“But it did.” Twilight explained. “A different kind of spark. I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you. To see you. How much I care about you.” She looked at the others, who smiled back happily. “The spark ignited inside me,” she said with tears in her eyes, “when I realized that you all,” she finished as she turned to Night Mare, “are my friends!”

An orb, just like the others before they were shattered, materialized above them. It shone brightly, moving down to the tip of Twilight’s horn. “You see, Night Mare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the… the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth Element. The element of Magic!” The Element shined brighter than ever, and all six ponies closed their eyes. A bright flash, and the shards surrounding Fluttershy, Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rarity moved to their necks, and formed golden necklace-type objects. On each one was a unique symbol resting on the pony’s chest. Above Twilight, still shining, the Element came to rest on her head. The moment it came into contact, if formed a brilliant golden diadem, a purple star resting on the top.

The six ponies were raised into the air, engulfed in pure light, their silhouettes barely visible. Out of the mass came a brilliant rainbow, that shot into the air. It split apart, rising into the air while coiling around itself. Upon reaching the top, the two halves met. There was a deafening blast, and the rainbow shot itself right at Night Mare Moon.

“No!” she cried, but too late. The rainbow hit the ground at her feet, and begun to spiral around her. “Nooo!” The rainbow engulfed her.

The six ponies hovered in the air, eyes closed and smiling. Twilight faced Night Mare and opened her eyes, brilliant white light hiding her pupils. Light filled the room, and the ponies fell to the floor.

A New Dawn

A/N: For anyone interested in more of these types of stories, make sure to watch me or bookmark me. Other episodes will be under different stories.

Part 2

Chapter Seven: A New Dawn

The six ponies opened their eyes. They were lying on the floor, directly underneath where they hovered seconds previously. Rainbow groaned, “Ugh, my head.”

Applejack asked quietly, “Everypony okay?”

“Oh, thank goodness!” Rarity said aloud.

“Why, Rarity. It’s so lovely!” Fluttershy complimented.

“I know! I’ll never part with it again!” she cried, waving her regrown tail back and forth.

“No,” Fluttershy said, “your necklace.” She gestured to the garment around Rarity’s neck. “It looks just like your cutie mark.” Looking down, Rarity saw that in the middle of her necklace, a purple diamond rest on her neck.

Rarity looked at Fluttershy’s. “So does yours!” Sure enough, on Fluttershy’s chest lay a pink butterfly, made of shining gem. Fluttershy gasped, admiring it.

“Look at mine! Look at mine!” Pinkie said, gesturing to her balloon-shaped, blue gem. Next to her stood applejack, whose gem resembled an apple.

“Aww, yeah!” Rainbow said, puffing out her chest, wings extended, and admiring her red lightning bolt.

Twilight looked up at her diadem, eyes back to normal, and observed that on either side of the purple star, small blue gems bordered the headpiece.

“Gee, Twilight. I thought you were just spoutin’ a lotta hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship.

“Indeed you do.” The voice came from a window to their left. Looking out, they saw a brilliant yellow sun rising over the horizon, just behind some mountains in the distance. Its bright light filled the Forest, the room, and their hearts. It was a truly beautiful sight. A ball of light entered the window, and with a flash, a tall white pony stood before them.

She was twice as tall as any of them. She had both a horn and wings, and her multicolored mane and tail swayed, though there was no wind. They were like those of Rainbow dash, though less saturated and more peaceful. Her eyes were purple, and above them rested a simple golden diadem with a purple diamond, much less flashy then the one on Twilight’s head. On her chest rest a necklace with a purple diamond, much like the one on her head, and like Rarity’s. On her flank was an orange and yellow sun.

Five ponies sunk into a respectful bow, but Twilight gasped and ran forward. “Princess Celestia!”

“Twilight Sparkle,” she spoke with a motherly, yet powerful voice. “My faithful student.” Twilight moved up and Princess Celestia nuzzled her affectionately. “I knew you could do it,” she said, rising to her full height again.

“But, you told me it was all an old pony tale,” Twilight said confusedly.

“I told you that you needed to make some friends,” she explained, “nothing more. I saw the signs of Night Mare Moon’s return, and I knew it was you, who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart.” Twilight looked at her friends, all of whom stood happily. “Now, if only another will as well.”

She moved over to the front of the room, where Night Mare Moon was defeated, smoldering chunks of her helmet laying on the ground. Next to those, an unconscious pony lay, looking similar to Night Mare, though shorter. Her mane was not mist, but a deep blue. As was her tail. On her head stood a crown like Celestia’s, though without a gem, and completely black. On her neck rest the same armor, though lighter.

“Princess Luna,” Celestia said. Luna opened her eyes with a start as she saw her sister standing above her. She looked fearful. “It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this.” Luna covered her head with her hooves. Celestia kneeled down in front of the now saddened-looking moon goddess. “Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister.”

“Sister?” everypony except Twilight said aloud.

Celestia continued, “Will you accept my friendship?” She stood up. Everypony looked on eagerly.

Luna bowed her head, then rushed up to Celestia. “I’m so sorry!” She hugged her. “I missed you so much, big sister!” she cried, tears falling freely.

“I missed you too,” Celestia said, with tears like Luna’s.

Pinkie sobbed, then stopped and said loudly, “Hey! You know what this calls for?” She sounded eager. “A party!”

Everypony in Ponyville stood gathered in the town square, happy at the return of the dawn. Luna and Celestia stood side by side in an open-topped pegasus-drawn carriage. They dismounted in the town square. Five ponies stood before them, and each gave a respectful bow to the two Princesses.

Two pegasus fillies came forward and rested a necklace of roses around Luna’s neck. She smiled to her sister. Twilight stood off to the side, her head bowed with a sad expression. Celestia approached her. “Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your studies are complete, and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?”

“That’s just it,” she said, five ponies and one dragon now standing near her, listening to her. “When I learn how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them.”

Celestia smiled. “Spike, take a note please.” Spike pulled out a quill and parchment. “I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree, that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle, shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings, from her new home in Ponyville.”

Twilight smiled brightly as her friends ran up and hugged her, hearing such good news, and knowing that goodbyes were not going to occur. “Oh, thank you, Princess Celestia! I’ll study harder than ever before!”

Great cheers erupted from everypony in the town square.

Twilight was among new friends now. She had done the impossible. She had discovered a whole new type of magic.

She was with her friends.

Equestria

Part 1Chapter 1: Equestria

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together, and created harmony along the land. To do this, the eldest, used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn, the younger, brought out the moon to begin the night.

Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one’s heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness, Night Mare Moon!

She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponykind. The Elements of Harmony! Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon, and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.

Twilight Sparkle finished her reading outside, laying down in the sun, under a shady tree in Canterlot. She was an average sized unicorn, with a lightly-colored purple coat, and a deeper purple, relatively straight mane. There were two lighter streaks of color, accenting her hair. Her tail matched her mane. She had purple eyes, and a slightly sophisticated look to her. Her cutie mark consisted of a large pink star, with smaller white ones dotted around it. “Hmm, Elements of Harmony,” she repeated thoughtfully, straining her mind, “I know I’ve heard of those before, but where?”