The Element of Wisdomby Apple FrostChaptersComing to Equestria.Mare in the Moon.Elements of HarmonyThe Ticket MasterComing to Equestria.Stargazing. It was one of my favorite hobbies in life. Every night, I climb to my roof and just watching the night sky. Counting the stars, locating the constellations, finding new ones and even watching the moon slowly turn, to see the formations of the craters. I really love the night. To be honest, I've been rather lonely during the day. My family barely has time for me. And no-one wants to be friends with me, from school. I'm very smart for my young age, and the other children think I'm a geek or a teacher's pet for it. But, it's not true. Tonight was different. As I watched the night sky, some of the stars, near the moon, were moving around the moon in a circular motion. And the moon's craters were in the formation of a unicorn's head. I narrowed my eyes at the moon. The unicorn head turned and seemed to be looking at me. I continued to stare at the moon in curiosity and wonder. The unicorn's eyes and the ruby pendant on my black choker glowed and I felt something surge through me. Like a surge of power, or something that can make your heart race. Silver stardust and glitter surrounded me like a tornado. I was very lucky I was on top of the roof. The vortex started to make me feel dizzy and sleepy, as the silver turned gold and cyan. Was this stuff sleeping dust? My eyelids felt so heavy, I couldn't keep them open, or keep myself standing. I collapsed on the floor and closed my eyes, falling asleep. I'm only young. I really shouldn't be up so late. Now, I know why. *Dream* Within the darkness, I saw a floating, scarlet quill. A drop of black ink hit a page of paper and the ink performed mesmerizing things. (A/N: I'm not sure how to describe the dream sequence, so here's a link to give you a good understanding; youtube.com/watch?v=feDlkyYDRqM.) *Dream End* "Hey, you okay? Are you hurt?" I heard a young, female voice ask. I lightly moaned in pain. My head felt like it was hit by a football. What hit me? I opened my eyes and saw that everything was very blurry, but full of color. I rubbed my eyes and the blurs just got worse. I wasn't wearing my glasses. "You alright?" The voice asked again. "I'm fine. Can you help me find my glasses? They're black." I answered, the asked, searching the cold, tiled ground around me. After a few seconds of searching, I felt a pair of furry hands place my glasses ove my face. "Are these your glasses?" The voice asked. The blurred images cleared to reveal I was inside a classroom. Occupying the room were a small group of six... anthropomorphic unicorns? Five adults and one foal. Three females and three males. All of them different colors. I closed my eyes and chanted a mantra in my head; I'm dreaming. (A/N: I'd rather not go through the entire description of all of the ponies in the classroom. Since they only appear once in the comic. ^_^) "Uh... Hello? Hairless-Ape-Without-A-Name?" The voice called me. I opened my eyes and looked beside me. It was the filly. She was around the same height as me, being around 7 - 8 years old. Her fur was a light amber color. Her mane was mid-back length with a natural curl, and was red with yellow streaks. Her tail matched her mane. The color scheme kinda remind me of a sunset. She wore a light purple tank top with a light orange skirt. Her eyes were a normal cyan. "Yes, Giant-Talking-Unicorn?" I answered. "What the heck are you, and what's your name?" She asked. "My mother told me never to talk to strangers. So, I'm not giving my name, unless you tell me yours." I answered. The filly smiled, "Touché. My name is-" "Sunset Shimmer, what happened?" An older, more regal voice spoke from the other side of the classroom. The filly, Sunset Shimmer, and I looked at across and saw another anthropomorphic, very pale pink, almost white unicorn with large wings, walking toward us. An alicorn, no doubt. Judging by its figure, it was female. She was as tall as my father, which around 6 foot 5 inches. Her eyes were a pale magenta. Her mane was lower-back length, pastel-toned and was flowing, like there was an invisible wind. Her tail matched as well. The alicorn wore a beautiful Greek dress with a golden belt and trimmings. Upon her head was a golden crown with an amethyst in the center. Around her neck was a matching necklace. She also wore golden bracelets around her wrists and golden 'shoes'. Made her look like she was the Goddess of the day. "Princess Celestia." Sunset Shimmer gasped, standing still as a statue, "Please, I can explain." The alicorn, Princess Celestia, looked at me. Her eyes had a gentle, motherly feel to them. She was not cross, but surprised to see me. I guess she's never seen a human before. Princess Celestia looked at Sunset Shimmer, "There's no need. I just wish to know what happened." Sunset Shimmer looked at me, then looked at the Princess, "Well, I was casting the growth spell on the vine, and something came to my mind. And the growth spell became a summoning spell." She pointed to me, "Then this creature appeared and well, you came." I folded my arms and lightly glared, "It's rude to point. And I'm not a thing." Sunset Shimmer looked at me again, noticed my glare and stopped pointing. "Do you have a name, young human?" Princess Celestia asked me. I looked at her. She knows what I am, she must have seen one! I couldn't say nothing to her. I bowed in respect, "Eleanor May Henderson, Your Majesty. But, I also go by Ellie." "It's very nice to meet you, Eleanor." Princess Celestia greeted with a smile. She looked at Sunset Shimmer, "Sunset Shimmer, I have noticed that your studying has gotten quite rigorous. How would you feel if Eleanor could help you?" "Like a study partner?" Sunset Shimmer asked, then she smiled, "Of course. There must have been a reason why I summoned her." I smiled back. First few minutes of being in this world, and I'm already made my first friend. Maybe there is a reason why the moon sent me here. Who knows? This place might be not as bad as I thought. *The Next Day...* Sunset Shimmer and I got to know each other better, over time. The books she studied with were most fascinating. Magic, laws of physics, rules on how to use magic, even the history of this world, Equestria. I learned that this world was full of fantasy creatures. Dragons, griffons, and many others. But, mostly, ponies of three main races; Earth Ponies, Pegasi and Unicorns. The city I arrived in, Canterlot, are mostly Unicorns. Since I came to this world unprepared, Sunset Shimmer and I had to share clothes. Good thing we were the same size and age, despite Shimmer being unguligrade. Eh, I'm not complaining. I was dressed in a white shirt with pink sleeves and trimmings, under a red hooded poncho with a tribal design. Olive green combat shorts. Black socks and matching boots. Sunset Shimmer wore what she wore yesterday. Today was a nice summer day. Sunset Shimmer and I were sitting on a bench, reading some of the advanced spell books. Around us, Unicorns were enjoying the day and having picnics. Across from us, I saw a teenaged male unicorn and a teenaged female alicorn playing with a young female unicorn, around mine and Sunset Shimmer's age. They looked like they were having fun. "Sunset Shimmer!" A voice called. Sunset and I looked over and saw five young unicorn fillies. One was yellow with a curly blue mane and tail. She wore a light green t-shirt and darker blue pants. Another was in a full blue color scheme and wearing a pale blue dress. The third was in a pink color scheme with blue eyes. She wore a white shirt and a pink skirt. The fourth was a shade of cyan. Her mane was the a deeper color, but with a white streak, same with her tail. She wore a yellow shirt and matching green skirt. The last one had a combed, red mane and tail, with a two-toned purple highlights and dark purple eyes. Her fur was a light yellowish grey. She wore a pair of black-rimmed glasses and a very pale grey sundress. "That vine you made was amazing!" The blue one exclaimed with a smile. Sunset raised an eyebrow. "Really exquisite." The pink one added. The green one nodded and asked, "Would you like to come have lunch with us." She looked at me with a smile, "We can get to know your friend." I smiled and was about to answer, but Sunset Shimmer scoffed and walked off, dragging me along, "Hmph! Ellie and I have better things to do than socialize! I'm going to re-read 'Advanced Elemental Magical Practices', and then Ellie's gonna help me practice for my advanced summoning spells exams. What are you studying for? Nothing, that's what." I looked back at the unicorns. They looked hurt by Shimmer's words. The light yellowish grey one looked at me. I gave her a sympathetic look then turned to Shimmer. "Actually, Shimmer. I'd like to get to know some of your classmates. Practice Princess Celestia's lesson on humility." I told her. Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Fine. But don't take too long. We're study partners for a reason." I nodded and joined the other fillies. The light yellow filly regained her smile and we got to know each other over lunch. The all-blue filly was named Minuette. Lemon Hearts was the yellow and blue one. Lyra Heartstrings was the green one. The pink-schemed Unicorn was Twinkleshine. And Moondancer was the one in the sundress. *A Little Later, in Celestia's Castle...* Princess Celestia has called Sunset Shimmer into the main foyer, so she could talk to her. Shimmer insisted that I'd come along. Just in case something goes wrong. "Sunset Shimmer, I've heard that you're not getting along well with the other students." Princess Celestia told Sunset Shimmer, "We've talked about the fact that personal relationships-" Shimmer cut the Princess off, "Personal relationships? Who needs anypony? The most important thing in life is to be the best." I shook my head, "Shimmer, trying to make friends doesn't make you weak." Princess Celestia smiled and nodded at my words. Then she looked at Shimmer, "We've talked about friendship and its importance before, and we've discussed that you need to open yourself up to new friends." Then she lightly smiled, "And you remember that talk we had about humility?" "I remember how boring it was." Shimmer answered. "I enjoyed it. The other classmates don't think I'm weird, thanks to a chat about it." I answered with a small smile. Princess Celestia smiled at me, as she lead us to a small room with a strange mirror. There was something about the mirror, that made me feel uncertain. "Look into this mirror, and tell me what you see." Princess Celestia told Shimmer. "A beautiful pony that has nothing but power and potential." Shimmer answered, looking at her reflection and touching her face with a smile. I looked at my reflection. Behind me, I saw two adult ponies. A tall, handsome, dark unicorn stallion and a beautiful earth pony mare. Both of them were smiling and looking at me with loving eyes. I felt like I knew them, but I can't recall where or when. My reflection began to morph. Her black-streaked rosewood hair turned fully eerie black. Her hazel, near green eyes turned scarlet red. The human figure was replaced by a cute, light green, young earth filly, with fluffier ears and narrow eyes. She wore the same clothing I currently was. (A/N: A Bat Earth Pony. Since we have normal Bat Ponies, Bat Unicorns and Bat Alicorns, why not the third Pony Tribe? ^_^) The young filly looked happy where she was. Then the parents vanished into vapor. The vapor flew around the filly and took the shape of a group of 6 fillies; Two Pegasi, two Unicorns and two Earth Ponies. I smiled at the filly's smile. "I see a loving family. A group of friends. Happiness and smiles." I answered. Princess Celestia smiled at my answer, but turned to Shimmer, "Care to try that again with our talk about humility taken to account?" Sunset Shimmer growled under her breath and looked at her reflection again, "I see a pony, who isn't powerful enough. Somepony who could be great, powerful... Somepony that could rule Equestria." I looked at Shimmer's reflection and saw her as an Alicorn. But something felt off. The reflection smirked and morphed into a teenage human girl. Then she was engulfed in fire. I took a step back in fear, as I saw a pair of menacing eyes and draconic wings sprouting out of the flames. Princess Celestia must've noticed my fear and moved Shimmer and I away from it, "Maybe we better move on..." "Wait, what was that? I thought I saw-" Shimmer exclaimed, as Princess Celestia guided us away from the mirror. "Oh, it was probably a trick of the light. Our lesson is over for today. For tomorrow, I want you to reflect on the discussion we've just had." Princess Celestia answered. Sunset Shimmer kept her eyes on the mirror. I guess she doesn't know what the meaning of her reflection's actions meant. I shuddered, as the thought came to me. *A Few Weeks Later...* It's been a few weeks since the lesson with the mirror. It still worries me that Sunset saw what her reflection did. However, it seemed to have caught Shimmer's attention. Through the past few weeks, Shimmer kept asking Princess Celestia about it, and Celestia kept refusing. One day, during a windy picnic, Shimmer brought it up again, "You know what's fascinating? Mirrors. About that one in..." Princess Celestia had enough, "Sunset Shimmer. We've been over this, we will get to the mirror and many other lessons in due time. When you're ready." The windy weather turned into rain. Worried that this weather will turn into a storm, I cuddled close to Princess Celestia. Celestia saw me, and put her wing over my head. Dang it, I hate rainy weather. Celestia and I walked back to the castle. Sunset Shimmer made her own way back. With my strong hearing, I was able to catch Sunset Shimmer mutter under breath, "I am ready." I looked back at Shimmer, as she walked off. My heart sank, she's slowly turning into the demon I saw in the mirror. That's not good. *Later, that Night...* I was in my room, in the castle, laying on my bed, staring at the night sky. The moon was in the center of the sky. The moon's eye glowed. I heard a voice speak to me. "Protect your friend. She is following a path not destined for her..." With that, the moon's eye stopped glowing and continued its duty. I heard a rapid knock on the door. I walked over and opened the door. It was Sunset Shimmer at the other side. She was wearing her purple pjs and had a large grin on her face. "Shimmer? It's the middle of the night. We have exams in the morning." I whispered. "I think I've found something about that mirror. Why we saw what we saw." Shimmer answered. I sighed. This again? Shimmer is very persistent when she wants something. Whether it be magic or answers. "There's a section, in the library, that is about certain books on types of magic. I need your help to find it." She explained. I thought for a second and remembered what the moon told me. I looked at Shimmer and nodded. She smiled, grabbed my hand and lead me into the library. I hope I'm making the right choice in protecting Sunset Shimmer. Sunset Shimmer lead me to a door, that was locked tightly. The door said 'Dark Magic. No Entry'. A voice inside my head told me to go back to bed. But my gut told me I needed to stay with Shimmer. She needs me. With a simple lock-pick spell, Sunset Shimmer opened the door and we entered the room. I gotta say, there were a lot of books in this section. Why did Princess Celestia keep this room locked like a secret? 'Dark Magic'...... "Not ready? I'll show her not ready." Shimmer muttered under her breath, then she joked, "You'd think this place would be better guarded." I suppressed a giggle, then started looking through the books. Sunset Shimmer and read through a bunch of books. 'Crossing Over', 'The First Ponies', all sorts. "Nothing on the mirror yet, but a few of these spells will come in handy..." Sunset Shimmer said, as we read the books. I closed my book and set it aside. Then, another caught my eye. 'Canterlot Castle. A History. Vol II'. I picked up the book and started reading it. I smiled, "Shimmer, I think I found something." I gave the book to Shimmer and she started reading it. She smiled, "Well done, Ellie. You've got really good eyes." I smiled and pushed my glasses up, "Thanks to these babies." Shimmer flipped through the pages, "The Crystal Mirror... Every 30 moons, a portal will open to... Another world?" I shook my head, "I'm pretty sure it's not my world. I would've noticed something." "That's not really for you two to know, now is it?" A familiar voice asked from behind us. Sunset Shimmer and I turned and saw it was Princess Celestia and a couple of her guards. How did she know we would be here? Of course, the librarian. She must've slipped past us. The guards grabbed me and dragged me away from Sunset Shimmer. "Please, let me go." I asked the guard on my left, trying to struggle free. "I'm sorry. Princess' orders." He answered. "How dare you keep this kind of magic from me! You know that I'm ready for this, that I can be great!" Shimmer shouted at Princess Celestia. "You could be great." Princess Celestia corrected in a calm tone, "I thought I saw compassion and sincerity in you, but it was nothing but ambition. The compassion and sincerity came from Eleanor. You're being selfish, you need to step back and reflect-" In anger, Sunset Shimmer's horn glowed black with a cyan hue. Her eyes emitted a black haze. Oh no. She cut Princess Celestia off, "I'm selfish?" Her horn fired a strong beam of magic. I forced myself out of the guards' grip and pushed Celestia aside. Shimmer's beam hit me in the chest, where my heart was. A sharp pain struck my heart and my body was overwhelmed with pain. I fell to the ground, holding my chest in pain. I felt a pair of soft, furry hands over my shoulders. I looked up and saw Princess Celestia's deeply concerned expression. "That book, right there, says that I could become as powerful as an Alicorn Princess! I could rule here! It's selfish of you to keep me from my rightful place!" Shimmer continued, "I deserve to stand beside you and be your equal... If not, your better. Make me a Princess." "No." Princess Celestia answered in a low tone, "Being a Princess must be earned. I have been trying to teach you everything you need to know, but you've turned from it. Everytime you say you 'deserve' to get something without the effort just proves to me that you're not ready." Then she announced, standing up and held me close to her, "Sunset Shimmer. I am removing you from the position of my pupil. If we cannot get past this, your studies end here. You are welcome to stay in Canterlot, but you are no longer welcome in the castle." "We'll never get past this because you aren't seeing how great I deserve to be. Is that really all you have to say to me?" Sunset Shimmer asked with a sharp glare. "No. The guards will escort you out." Princess Celestia answered. With that, the guard walked beside Sunset Shimmer and escorted her out of the building, at the doorway Shimmer hissed, "This is the biggest mistake you'll make in your entire life." Once Sunset Shimmer was gone, Princess Celestia lowered her head with a sad look, "One of many." She turned her attention to me and helped me back to my feet, "Are you hurt?" I stood up and answered, "A bit sore, but I think I'll be alright." Then I looked at the regal Alicorn of the day, "Uh... Princess Celestia? Am I in trouble too? Are you gonna banish me as well?" I asked, as my mind raced with paranoid thoughts. Princess Celestia looked smiled and shook her head, "No, Eleanor. Like I told Sunset Shimmer, I see compassion and sincerity in you. You went out of your own way to help her. I even saw you with the other students. You can stay in the castle, and we'll find you a new friend." I regained my smiled. Princess Celestia and I entered the room, with the mirror inside. To our surprise, the guards were inside and were knocked out. Sunset Shimmer was nowhere to be seen. "Oh, Sunset Shimmer... No..." Princess Celestia grimaced. Celestia and I helped the guards back up their hooves. "Sir, what happened?" I asked. "She took us by surprise and just... Just... Jumped into the mirror. I don't know." One of the guards answered the best he could. "Shh. It's fine." Princess Celestia assured, then asked, "If you're feeling up to it, would you please help move the mirror to a safer place?" *The Next Morning...* While Princess Celestia and the guards were moving the mirror, Princess Celestia advised me to stay in my room and just wait. I laid on my bed and stared at the sky in sadness and wonder. Will I be able to see Sunset Shimmer again? Can she be forgiven for what she's done? Who will be the next pupil for Princess Celestia? Will she, or he, be as good as Sunset Shimmer? And what the heck is gonna happen to me? Mare in the Moon.*Many Years Later...* Eleanor's POV. Another day, another study. Oh! Hello, viewers. Long time, no see. Have to say, it's been years. So, I'll take this time to catch you up on what's happened to my study of magic and humility among Ponies. Well... same time after what happened with Sunset Shimmer, Princess Celestia gained a new student. Her name is Twilight Sparkle. Her color scheme is a dead giveaway to her name. I became her study partner. Surprisingly, Twilight is not like Sunset Shimmer. We don't study at the castle, we study in the castle library. Assisting our studies, Twilight used her magic to hatch a dragon's egg, to become Celestia's student. Once the dragon was old enough, he became our assistant. Twilight called him Spike, because it sounded cute. Since it's been quite a while since we've spoken to each other, dear viewers, I should tell you what's changed about me. Well, my hair has gotten longer, so I've tied it into a high ponytail. I've gotten a bit taller as the years passed. I'm now about 5 foot 6 inches tall. Since Twilight and I about the same size, but not the same height, we share the same wardrobe. Today, I am wearing a black t-shirt under a dark purple sweater with deep pink and dark red stripes near the trimmings. A pair of violet pants with pink stripes near the trimmings. And matching sandals. I've kept the poncho Sunset Shimmer gave me, as a memento of my first friend. On the left side of my sweater, near the seam, there's a patch of three purple wisps. Not sure how or why, but it must behave similar to a Pony's Cutie Mark. Anywho, Spike and I were about to get ready to leave the library, to attend Moondancer's birthday party. Spike was about a 5 foot tall baby dragon, with purple scales with a green underbelly, ears, spines and eyes. He wore a dark green t-shirt under a dark purple hoodie and blue combat pants. We finished wrapping our gifts for Moondancer and made our way to the door. However, the door flung open and threw Spike into me, "Ow..." The Pony that opened the door revealed to be Twilight Sparkle herself. Twilight was a Unicorn mare of 5 foot 5 inches tall. Her mane and tail were well-combed and were sapphire blue with pink and purple streaks. Her coat was a light mulberry purple and her eyes were violet. She wore a white collared shirt under a light purple sweater-vest with her Cutie Mark Patch of a pink star and six smaller white stars near the right seam. Dark blue pants and tie. "Spike! SPII-IIKE!" Twilight called, then she looked down at the floor, "Spike?" Spike sat up and recovered from the impact, as I rubbed my head. Twilight smiled, "There you are." She ran past us and started searching through the book, "Quick! Find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies." She looked at Spike and asked, "What’s that for?" Spike looked at his tail and noticed it impaled his gift for Moondancer. He removed it from his tail and answered, "Well, it was a gift for Moondancer, but…" An impaled teddy bear fell out of the wrapping and dropped to the floor with a squeak. I checked my present and noticed it was crushed by my big fat butt. Aw, man! Twilight sighed and resumed searching through her book, "Oh, Spike. You know we don’t have time for that sort of thing." "But we’re on a break!" I argued, getting back on my feet. Twilight ignored me and used her magic to grab some book from the top of the bookshelf nearest to her. She searched the books, "No…no…no…no, no, no!" She groaned in frustration and shouted, "SPIKE!!" "It’s over here!" Spike answered from another high self. Twilight used her magic to grab the book. But Spike still had hold of it. Spike fell off his ladder and flew toward Twilight. Twilight looked at the book and smiled, "Ah!" She dropped the other books and walked toward the nearest podium. I helped Spike back to his feet and we started picking the books Twilight dropped. "Elements. Elements. E, E, E…" Twilight muttered, then read in a clear voice, "Aha! 'Elements of Harmony'. See 'Mare in the Moon'?" I raised a brow as Spike spoke up from on top of a ladder, "'Mare in the Moon'? Isn't that an old ponies tale?" "Mare. Mare…" Twilight muttered, as she flipped through the pages, "Aha! 'The Mare in the Moon. Myth from olden 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.'" I closed my eyes and heard an evil laugh echoed through my head. In my black vision, all I could see was a pair of menacing turquoise eyes. Twilight gasped and asked, "Spike. Ellie, do you know what this means?" "No." Spike answered. However, he lost his balance and fell off the ladder. I caught Spike in my arms, before he hit the ground. "Take a note, please." Twilight instructed, handing Spike a parchment and quill, "To the Princess." Spike smiled and jumped out my arms, "Okey-dokey." Spike started writing, as Twilight paced and spoke, "'My dearest teacher, My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster.'" "Hold on." Spike spoke up, "Preci…preci…" He gives Twilight a lost look. Being a baby dragon, he doesn't understand large words. "Threshold." Twilight simplified. Spike tried again, "Thre…" But to no avail. Twilight raised a brow, "Uh…brink?" Spike gave her a look. She groaned in frustration. "Why not just say, 'We're on the edge of disaster'?" I suggested. Twilight and Spike looked at me. Spike wrote down my suggestion and nodded for Twilight to continue. Twilight returned pacing and continued, "'For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon, and she is 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.'" "'Twi-light…Spar-kle.'" Spike finished and answered, "Got it!" Twilight nodded and smiled, "Great! Send it." "Now?" Spike and I asked. Twilight nodded, "Of course!" "Uh…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." Spike shrugged his shoulders. "That’s just it, Spike." Twilight replied, "The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration. It’s imperative that the Princess is told right away!" "Impera…Impera…" Spike tried to write, but, again, didn't quite know how to spell the word. "Important!" Twilight shouted. The volume and force of the word threw Spike toward me and we rolled into the nearest bookshelf, "Ow..." "Okay, okay!" Spike replied, getting back to his feet. He took a deep breath, rolled up the parchment into a scroll and burned it with his green, magical fire breath. The cinders flew out of the window and toward the castle, "There! It’s on its way." "But I wouldn’t hold your breath, Twi." I warned. Twilight smugly smiled at me, "Oh, I’m not worried, Ellie. The Princess trusts me completely. In all the years she’s been my mentor, she’s never once doubted me." I folded my arms and looked away in thought. Spike let out a burp and his fire breath morphed into a rolled up scroll. Twilight smirked, "I knew she would want to take immediate action." Spike opened the scroll, cleared his throat and read, "'My dearest, most faithful student Twilight, you know that I value your diligence, and that I trust you completely.'" Twilight looked out the window and smiled. "3... 2... 1..." I counted down. "'But you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!'" Spike finished. Twilight gasped, as I smiled, "There it is." "'I have given you an assignment for you outside of Canterlot.'" Spike continued reading, "'Spike and Eleanor will accompany you. You leave this afternoon.'" Twilight sighed. *Later, Flying over the Plains...* "'My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony’s life than studying. So I’m sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year’s location, Ponyville.'" Spike continued reading, as we were in a carriage, drawn by nonmorphic Pegasi, to our destination. I've heard of Ponyville. It's not as old as Canterlot or the Everfree Forest, but it's a heck of a town. Pegasi, Unicorns and Earth Ponies working together and living together as very close friends can get. Now I'm really excited about this assignment. "'And I have an even more essential task for you to complete; Make some friends.'" Spike finished reading Celestia's letter. Twilight just sulked and sighed softly. "Look on the bright side, Twilight. The Princess arranged for you to stay in a library." Spike tried to encourage, "Doesn’t that make you happy?" Twilight suddenly raised her head, "Yes. Yes, it does. 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 Nightmare Moon’s return." "What about making friends, like the Princess said?" I asked in a concerned tone. Twilight shook her head, "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." The carriage landed and the Pegasi whinnied, indicating we have reached our destination. Twilight, Spike and I exit the carriage. I gave the Pegasi a carrot each, and they returned to Canterlot. "Maybe the Ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about!" Spike spoke up, as an Earth Pony mare skipped toward us. The mare stopped in front of us and smiled. She was 5 foot 3 inches tall. Her fur was a light pink color. Her mane and tail were a darker shade of pink and were poofy and wild. Her eyes were a light shade of blue. Like she was made of cotton candy. She wore a white t-shirt with light blue sleeves and trimmings, under a pair of dark pink overalls with rolled-up legs. Upon the left side of the hip on her overalls, was a patch of three party balloons. Two blue and one yellow. "Come on, Twilight. Just try." Spike encouraged Twilight. Twilight looked at the mare and waved her hand in uncertainty, "Uh…hello?" The mare jumped into the air with a long gasp of surprise. Then she zoomed off somewhere. That was one odd Pony. Once calmed, Twilight noted, "Well, that was interesting, all right." With that, she walked off. Spike and I sighed and followed after her. This is not gonna end well at all. *Sweet Apple Acres...* Twilight Sparkle's POV. "'Summer Sun Celebration Official Overseer's Checklist. Number one, banquet preparations, Sweet Apple Acres.'" Spike read the Checklist, as we entered a large farm, full of apple trees. "Yee-Haw!!!" A pony shouted, startling Spike, Eleanor and I. We turned and saw an orange Earth Pony mare run and kicked an apple tree, with buckets around it. The apples fell in all of the baskets. Not one missed. The pony folded her arms and crossed her hooves proudly. She was 5 foot 10 inches tall. Her mane and tail were blonde and her eyes were green. Her mane and tail were in a low ponytail. She wore a cowgirl hat, a white tank top under a denim vest-coat, and a pair of matching shorts with a brown belt. Upon her vest-coat was a Cutie Mark Patch of three red gala apples in a triangular formation. I sighed, "Let's get this over with." I walked to the pony with a smile, "Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle." The mare grabbed my hand and shook it violently, "Well, Howdy-doo, Miss Twilight. A pleasure makin' your acquaintance. Ah'm Applejack. We, here, at Sweet Apple Acres, sure do like makin' new friends." She introduced herself in a very strong Southern accent. "Frie-e-e-ends? Actua-a-ally-y-y-y, I..." I tried to explain, but she let go of my hand. "So, what can Ah do yah for?" Applejack asked me with a kind smile. I was still shaking my hand, so I couldn't speak. Eleanor grabbed my hand and stopped it from shaking. Spike supressed a laugh. "Well, I am, in fact, here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. And you are in charge of the food?" I explained and asked her. Applejack smiled, "We sure as sugar are. Would yah care to sample some?" She replied, then asked me. "Well, as long as it doesn't take too long." I answered with an raised eyebrow. Applejack rang a loud triangle bell, then shouted, "Soup's on, everypony!!" On cue, a large group of ponies charged toward us and carried us to a round table. Applejack appeared beside us. "Now, why don't Ah introduce y'all to the Apple Family." She said, with a smile. "Thanks, but we really need to hurry." I tried to explain, but a pony with a plate of apple fritas stopped me. "This is Apple Frita. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious. Gold Delicious. Caramel Apple. Apple Strudel. Apple Tart. Baked Apples. Apple Brioche. Apple Cinnamon Crisp..." Applejack introduced the ponies, as each gave us their specialty. Leaving us with a large pile a apple related treats. She took a deep breathe, before she carried on, "Big McIntosh, Applebloom, and... Granny Smith." She finished, before putting an apple in my mouth. Big McIntosh was a large red stallion, with green eyes, orange mane and tail. He wore a plow gear around his neck, and he had a large green apple Cutie Mark Patch on the left pocket of his red collared shirt and he wore a pair of brown pants to match. Applebloom was a young, yellow filly, of 4 foot 8 inches, with a pink bow in her red mane. She wore a pale yellow t-shirt and a pair of denim overalls. She had no Cutie Mark yet. And Granny Smith was an elder pale green mare, with a white mane and tail, tied in a bun. She wore a green dress with an apron and red plaid shawl. She had a large apple pie patch on her apron. "Up'n'attem, Granny Smith. We got guests." Applejack woke the elder pony. "Wha..? Soup's on? Ah'm up. Here Ah come, Ah'm coming." She woke up and walked over to us. Applejack put her hoof over my shoulder, "Why, Ah'd say they're already part of the family." I spat the apple out, and gave them a nervous smile, "Okay. Well, I can see that the food situation is handled. So, we'll be on our way." "Aren't yah gonna stay for brunch?" Little Applebloom asked in the same Southern accent, giving us a sad look. "Sorry, but we'd an awful lot to do." I told her as gently as I can. Everypony sighed in sadness. I looked around, trying to find a way out of this, but I gave up, "Fine." Everypony cheered. *Later, in Ponyville...* "Food is taken care of. Next is the weather." Spike informed me. "Ugh, I ate too much pie." I moaned over my full stomach of apple pies and cakes. I'd admit, the food was good, but very filling on the first two servings. Spike and Ellie didn't look as bad as I did. Spike only ate some apple fritas, while Ellie ate two apple struddles and an apple cinnamon crisp. We had to leave early. "Hmm... There's supposed to be a Pegasus Pony, named Rainbow Dash, clearing the clouds." Spike told us. We looked up and the clouds were still around. "Well, she's not doing a very good job, is she?" I asked. The next thing I knew, Ellie pushed me aside, as something flew into her. The collision caused her to fall into the mud puddle with a Pony. Both the Pony and human were covered in mud. The Pony was a light cyan Pegasus mare, with spiky rainbow mane and tail. Her eyes were rose pink. I'm guessing she was Rainbow Dash. She was 5 foot 3 inches tall, wore a black tank top under a blue and white sports jacket and darker blue yoga pants. Her Cutie Match patch was a cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt on her left legging. The Pegasus mare got up and looked at Ellie, she giggled, "Um... 'scuse me?" Ellie got back up on her hoo- uh feet, but didn't look amused. Rainbow giggled again, "Here, let me help you." She flew off and returned with a small raincloud. She jumped on top of it a few times, making the cloud rain on top of the human. Rainbow looked at her result. Ellie was soaked, hair, clothes and skin. Her expression didn't change, but I bet she felt slightly embarrassed. "Oops. I guess I overdid it." The mare said, trying not to laugh. Then she suggested, "Umm... How about this?" She flew around my soaked study partner in great speed, creating a small tornado, "My very own, patterned, Rain-Blow Dry. No, no. Don't thank me. You're quite welcome." Rainbow said, as she landed and looked at the results. Ellie's hair was in a large mess. She looked similar to a sad clown. Rainbow Dash burst into laughter, as Spike followed her, when he saw her 'new look'. I kept my composure. "Let me guess. You're Rainbow Dash." I concluded, getting Rainbow Dash's attention. She stopped laughing and stood up, "The one and only." She took off into the air and looked at me, "Why? You heard of me?" "I heard you're supposed to be keeping the sky clear." I snapped, but I calmed down and smiled, "I'm Twilight Sparkle. And the Princess sent me to check on the weather." "Yeah, yeah. That'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I'm done practicing." Rainbow Dash told me, lounging on a cloud. "Practicing for what?" I asked. "The Wonderbolts! They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow. And I'm gonna show them my stuff." Rainbow explained, flying to another cloud. I smirked, "THE Wonderbolts?" "Yup." Dash answered. "The most talented fliers in all of Equestria?" I asked. "That's them." Rainbow answered again. "Please. They'd never accept a Pegasus, who can't keep the sky clear for one measly day." Ellie teased with a smile. "Hey! I can clear the sky in ten seconds flat!" Rainbow defended. "Prove it." Ellie dared. Rainbow Dash gave her a look, and began flying around, kicking out every cloud in the sky. She flew very fast, that the wind picked up whenever she fly past us. "Loop-de-loop around and wham!" She muttered, as she hit the last cloud. "What did I say? Ten seconds flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging." Dash gloated with a smile. Spike and I had our mouths open from shock, while Ellie smiled and clapped her hands. "You should see the look on your face." Rainbow Dash laughed, as she flew by behind me, "You're a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. I can't wait to hang out some more." With that, she flew away. "Wow. She's amazing." Spike was able to say with a smile. I gave him a blank look, as he began playing with the Ellie's messy hair, trying not to laugh. I looked at Ellie with a genuine smile, "Thanks, for pushing me out of the way." "It's no problem, Twi." Ellie replied, smiling back at me, then walking to the Town Hall. I followed Ellie to the Town Hall. "Wait. It's kinda pretty once you get used to it." Spike lightened as he followed us. As we entered the hall, Spike got the checklist out, "Decorations. Beautiful..." Spike said the last part love-struck. There were banners of ponies, the sun and the moon, colorful streamers and all sorts. It was very beautiful. "Yes. The decor is coming in nicely. This oughta be quick. I'll be at the Library in no time. Beautiful indeed." I said, as we looked around the hall. "I agree." Ellie said, with a small smile. "Not the decor. Her." Spike replied, pointing to a Unicorn mare. She was 5 foot 7 inches tall with an elegant build. Her fur coat was a very pale grey, nearly white. And her mane and tail were purple-blue, wonderfully combed with a natural curl. She wore light blue eyeshadow over her darker blue eyes. She wore a dark grey turtleneck and a pair of moderate grey pants. Her Cutie Mark patch was three diamonds located on her right hip. The Unicorn mare was using her magic to pick out a colored ribbon, "No. No. No. Oh goodness no." "How are my spines? Are they straight?" Spike asked, checking himself. I rolled my eyes, and walked to the Unicorn. "Good afternoon." I greeted her. "Just a moment, please. I am in the zone, as it were." The Unicorn told me, as she continued to looked at the colored ribbons. She smiled, and tied a red sparkly ribbon in a bow, around the pillar in front of her, "Ah, yes. Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent." She looked at me, "Now, um, how can we help yo-" She gasped in shock as she saw Ellie's messy hair, "Oh my stars, darling. Whatever happened to your coiffure?" I looked at Eleanor with slight concern, "Oh, you mean her mane? It's a long story. We're just here to check on the decorations, and we'll be out of your hair." I reassured Rarity. "Out of MY hair? What about HER hair?" Rarity asked, as she jumped behind me and started pushing Ellie to Carasol Boutique. Spike and I followed, of course Spike used his tail to fly. Silly love-struck dragon. *A little later...* Rarity sorted Ellie's hair, then got her trying her new outfits, for humans of course, as she judged them on her, "No, no, uh-uh. Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too... shiny." We stopped at a dress that made her look similar to a princess. "Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you're from." Rarity encouraged, as she tightened the corset of the last outfit. Ellie struggled to breath as she spoke, "We've... been sent from... Canterlot... to-" Rarity stopped pulling with a gasp, causing Ellie to fall forward and bump into me, "Ow..." "Canterlot? Oh, I am so envious! The glamor, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can't wait to hear all about it!" Rarity smiled with glee and stars in her eyes. She got a little too close to me and Ellie, as she continued, "We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I..." Then she looked at the emerald on the chest of Ellie's corset, "Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!" And she walked off. "Quick! Before she decides to dye my hair a new color!" Ellie told Spike and I, dashing out of the boutique. Spike sighed, as I picked him up and placed him on my back. *Outside Ponyville...* "Wasn't she wonderful?" Spike asked, still love-struck and thinking about Rarity. "Focus, Casanova. What's next on the list?" I told and asked Spike. Ellie was back in her casual outfit. Spike cleared his throat and looked at the Checklist, "Oh, uh, music. It's the last one." I smiled, then we heard a group of birds singing. Spike, Ellie and I went to investigate and saw a yellow Pegasus mare. Her back was facing us, so we couldn't see her face. She was 5 foot 2 inches tall with a delicate feel to her build, from what we can see. Her mane and tail were pink. She wore a light green sundress and matching fingerless gloves. Her Cutie Mark patch was three pink butterflies on a sash around her waist. So graceful and gentle. The Pegasus was conducting music with a bunch of birds. A blue jay was a little out of rhythm, so the Pegasus kindly told him. "Hello." I greeted, accidently startling the Pegasus, and scaring the birds away. The Pegasus looked at me and Eleanor. Her eyes were a light blue and were hooded, to add to her delicate figure. "Oh, I'm very sorry for my friend, here. We didn't mean to startle you." Eleanor apologised, "We're just here to check on the music, and it's sounding beautiful." The Pegasus landed, scuffed her hoof, and avoided eye-contact, not saying a word. I gave her a nervous smile, "I'm Twilight Sparkle." The Pegasus still said nothing. "My name is Eleanor." Ellie introduced herself in a gentle tone. "What's your name?" I asked. The Pegasus spoke in a soft, and very quiet voice, so I couldn't hear her. Eleanor nodded with a smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you." "I'm sorry. What was that?" I asked her, getting closer, so I could her hear her. She spoke again, but more quietly and backed away a little. "Didn't quite catch that." I told her. The Pegasus backed away again, and squeaked. The birds came back. "Well, um, it looks like your birds are back. So, I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work." I encouraged the Pegasus. She squeaked in reply. "Okay." I told her, walking off. Spike walked out of the bushes with a smile. "Well, that was easy." I told him with a smile of my own. I heard a gasp from behind me, "A baby dragon." The Pegasus charged from behind me and stopped in front of Spike, making me and Ellie fly a few feet away from them, "Ow..." "Oh. I've never seen a baby dragon before. He's so cute." The Pegasus said, staring at Spike with a sweet smile. "Well, well, well...!" Spike said with a cheeky smile, and crossed his arms. "Oh my, he talks. I didn't know dragons could talk. That's just so incredibly wonderful, I just don't know what to say." The Pegasus said cheerfully, hovering during the last part. Eleanor recovered and smiled, "Heh. I didn't know you had a thing for animals." The Pegasus smiled back at her, "Oh, yes. I love all animals. Big and small." I used my Unicorn magic to levitate Spike on to my back, "Well, in that case, we'd better be going." I began walking off, as Ellie followed me, by my side. But the pegasus followed to talk to Spike, "Wait, wait. What's his name?" "I'm Spike." Spike introduced himself. "Hi, Spike. I'm Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon. And what do dragons talk about?" The Pegasus, Fluttershy, introduced and asked Spike. "What do you wanna know?" Spike asked. "Absolutely everything." Fluttershy answered with a smile. I groaned in frustration and annoyance. "Well, I started out as cute little purple and green egg..." Spike began telling his story to Fluttershy. *Later, Outside the Library...* "...And that's the story of my whole entire life. Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?" Spike finished his story, then asked Fluttershy, who followed us all the way. "Oh, yes please." Fluttershy insisted. I quickly turned to face Fluttershy and faked a smile. "I am so sorry. How did we get here so fast? This is where I'm staying while in Ponyville. And my poor baby dragon needs his sleep." I lied to Fluttershy. "No I don't." Spike shot back, but I slightly kicked him off my back, making it look like he fell. "Awww... wook at dat. He's so sweepy, he can't even keep his widdle bawance." I said in a baby tone. Spike and Ellie gave a glare. Fluttershy picked Spike up, "Poor thing. You simply must get into bed." She flew into the library, but I stopped her and pushed her out. "Yes, yes, we'll get right on that. Well g'night." I told Fluttershy, as Ellie walked into the library. I slammed the door closed and locked. It was very dark in the library. "Rude much?" Ellie asked me. "Sorry, guys. But I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time." I explained to Spike. I realized how dark it was and began looking around, "Now, where's the light?" The light was switched on, and everypony was in the library yelling, "Surprise!!!" I groaned in annoyance. "Surprise!" The pink mare from before shouted with a large smile on her face. "Hi. I'm Pinkie Pie. And we threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh huh huh?" The pink mare introduced, then asked me, jumping all over the place. "Very surprised. Libraries are supposed to be quiet!" I told her, saying the last part in extreme annoyance. "Well, that's silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring!" The pony, Pinkie Pie started chatting, as I went off to get a quick drink. "Y'see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all "hello" and I was all... " Pinkie Pie took a deep gasp, then continued, "Remember? Y'see I've never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!" I groaned a little. I stopped at the drink table, and started pouring some juice, from the red bottle, into a cup. I think Eleanor was about to try and say something, because I heard her draw a blank. Pinkie Pie continued with her story, "And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went ...!" Pinkie Pie took a deep gasp again, "I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!" Suddenly, my throat and tongue felt very hot. I stopped drinking, and turned to see everypony. I tried to say something, but the burning sensation in my throat and tongue got hotter and hotter. "Are ya alright, sugarcube?" Applejack asked me. My mane and tail burst into flames, as I jumped into the air, from the heat in my mouth and dashed to the washroom. "Aww! She's so happy, she's crying." Pinkie Pie said with that huge smile plastered on her face. *Later, that night...* I was in my room, trying to get think of a way to convince Princess Celestia that Nightmare Moon is coming. But, Pinkie Pie's party's loud music was too distracting. I looked at the clock and moaned. I don't think Eleanor was taking part in the party, she was never a fan of parties, she is that shy. The door opened, making the music louder than it should be, and Spike entered my room, with a lampshade over his head. "Hey, Twilight. Pinkie Pie's starting 'Pin-The-Tail-On-The-Pony.' Wanna play?" Spike asked, lifting the lampshade so he can see me. "No!! All the ponies in this town are CRAZY! Do you know what time it is?" I snapped at Spike, then asked him, looking at my clock again. "It's the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Everypony has to stay up, or they'll miss the Princess raise the sun." Spike answered with a smile, then his smile faded, "You really should lighten up, Twilight. It's a party." After that, Spike left. I mocked his words in a squeaky voice, then sighed in frustration, "Ugh, here I thought I'd have time to learn about the Elements of Harmony but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!" Then, I heard a voice singing, coming from the balcony, "Ask not the Sun, Why She sets, Why She shrouds her light away. Or why She hides her glowing gaze, When Night turns crimson gold to grey...." I got out of my bed and looked out my window, to look at the balcony. I saw a shadow of a figure singing to the moon. Its voice was soft and pure. "For silent falls the guilty Sun, As day to dark does turn. One simple truth, She dare not speak, Her light can only blind and burn." The figure stopped singing and looked at me. It's eyes were glowing a scarlet red. I gasped, then it ran away. I sighed and looked at the moon. There was a shape of a mare's head, and four stars were circling around it, getting closer to the moon, as they circled. "'Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night.'" I read, as I looked at the moon again. "I hope the Princess was right... I hope it is just an old ponytale." I told myself. The door opened again and it was Spike again. "C'mom, Twilight. It's time to see the sun rise." He told me. As everypony left the party and ran to the Town Hall. *Later, inside the Town Hall...* Everypony gathered around the grand stage, as we waited for the mayor, Mayor Mare, to introduced the coming of the celebration. Pinkie Pie dashed right next to me. "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..." Pinkie took a deep gasp, then continued, "But I mean really, who can top that?" I noticed Ellie was staring at the moon. Like she was entranced by something. Fluttershy's birds sang their song, as a spotlight shone upon Mayor Mare, an adult, light brown pony with white mane and tail, wearing glasses and a business attire and tie. "Fillies and Gentlecolts. As the Mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration." The Mayor announced. Everypony cheered in joy. "In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year." The Mayor continued, as I looked at the moon. I saw the stars enter the moon, and the mare formation disappeared. I held my breath. "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..." The Mayor began the introduction of Princess Celestia. I saw Fluttershy look at her birds with a smile. "Princess Celestia." The Mayor finished, as Rarity pulled the rope, Fluttershy's birds sang, and the curtains revealed to show nothing. "Huh?" Rarity exclaimed, as she noticed and began to look backstage. "This can't be good." I told myself, as everypony began to mumble to themselves. "Remain calm, everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation." Mayor Mare told everypony, as they went quiet. Pinkie Pie jumped in excitement. "Ooh, ooh. I love guessing games! Is she hiding?" Pinkie asked, as she began looking around. Rarity returned with a shocked look on her face, "She's gone." Everypony gasped in shock and horror. "Ooooh. She's good." Pinkie said with a smile, until she yelped loudly. A mist of dark blue and stars appeared on the balcony. Everypony was tense and began muttering. I held my breath in fear. "Oh no." I grimaced, as the mist took the form of a young adult alicorn. The alicorn was black with evil turquoise eyes, night-like ethereal mane and tail, and wore an indigo Greek dress with dark blue armour. "Nightmare Moon." Spike gasped and fainted. "Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little, sun-loving faces." Nightmare Moon greeted, with an evil smile on her dark face. Ellie was the only one that didn't show fear. It was like she knew Nightmare Moon, or something like that. "What have you done with our Princess!!?" Rainbow Dash asked her in a 'demanding to know' tone. She dashed to fight Nightmare Moon, but Applejack caught her by the tail. "Whoa there, Nelly." Applejack calmed, with Dash's tail in her mouth. Nightmare Moon chuckled. "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Do you know who I am?" She asked with a serious look replacing her smile. "Ooh, ooh. More guessing games. Um, Hokey Smokes. How about... Queen Meanie? No. Black Snooty. Black Snoot-" Pinkie Pie guessed with a cheerful smile, but Applejack put an apple in her mouth, to stop her from talking. Nightmare Moon stared at Fluttershy, as she asked, "Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?" Then, she flew to Rarity, "Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?" "I did!" I spoke up, catching everypony's attention, including Nightmare Moon's. "You're the Mare in the Moon. Nightmare Moon." I finished. Everypony gasped in shock and fear. Nightmare Moon chuckled again, "Well, well, well. Somepony who remembers me. Then you must know why I here." "You're here to..." I tried to answer, but I couldn't bring myself to finish. "To..." I gulped in fear. "Remember this day, little ponies. For it will be your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon announced, laughing evilly, as thunder and lightning flashed and crashed. Her mane and tail flew upward, forming a small tornado over her head. To be continued... Elements of HarmonyTwilight Sparkle's POV. Nightmare Moon continued to laugh, as her mane and tail floated upward. "Seize her! Only she knows where the Princess is!" Mayor Mare told the royal guards. The guards took flight and dashed toward the evil, black mare. I gasped. "Stand back, you foals!" Nightmare Moon shouted, as her eyes glowed white, and lightning struck in between the guards and herself. The guards halted their charge, and Nightmare Moon laughed. She morphed into a mist of the night sky, and left the town. Rainbow Dash dashed after her, since Applejack's grip loosened. I picked up Spike looked at Eleanor, "We have to get back to the library." Ellie nodded and followed me, as I made my way back to the library. *At the Library...* I put Spike on to his bed, he slept for a second, then shouted, "We gotta stop Nightmare..." Then he fell back to sleep. I tucked him into his favourite blanket. "You've been up all night, Spike. You are a baby dragon, after all." I spoke kindly. Ellie and I sneaked downstairs, into the library. I began throwing books everywhere as I looked for the book about the Elements of Harmony. "Elements. Elements. Elements... Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon, without the Elements of Harmony?" I wondered, as I kept looking at more books. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash flew into my face, "And just what are the Elements of Harmony?" Rainbow Dash asked, in my face, "And how do you know about Nightmare Moon? Are you spies?" Applejack stopped Dash from asking anymore questions, by pulling her tail back, "Simmer down, Sally." She let go and looked at me, "They ain't no spies. But, they do seem to know what's going on. Don't yah, Twilight?" She asked me in a calm tone. I looked at the ponies. I looked at Ellie and she nodded. I sighed, "I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them, I don't even know what they do!" I explained "'The Elements of Harmony; A Reference Guide.'" Pinkie Pie read, looking at a bookshelf, close to the door. I dashed toward the shelf and stared at the book, accidently throwing Pinkie away. "How did you find that?" I asked, astonished. "It was under 'E'..." Pinkie Pie said in a sing-song voice, jumping around. "Oh." I simply said, as I used my magic to pick up the book and began reading. "'There are seven Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The sixth and seventh are a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the Elements was in the ancient castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. It is located in what is now--'" *At the entrance of the Everfree Forest...* "The Everfree Forest." Everypony grimaced in fear. I never understood why. It just looks like an old, dark, swampy forest. "Wheee! Let's go." Pinkie Pie encouraged, walking into the forest. "Not so fast!" I said. Pinkie froze in mid-step. "Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather do this on my own." I told them. "No can do, Sugarcube. We're not letting any friend of ours go into a dangerous place alone." Applejack told me. I froze, at the word 'friend'. Again with that word. "We're stickin' on yah like caramel on a candy apple." Applejack finished, as she and the others trotted into the forest. Everypony agreed. Pinkie Pie un-froze and jumped, "Especially if there's candy apple in there." Ellie and I stared at her in confusion. "What? Those things are good." Pinkie Pie said, as she followed the other ponies. "I think those Ponies have the right mind, Twilight. Sometimes, you just need a little faith." Ellie told me, as she followed the Ponies. I shook my head, sighed in annoyance, and followed the others, taking a slight lead. The moment I entered the forest, I began hearing voices whisper in my ear. "Ingonyama nengw' enamabala..." The voices chanted. I couldn't make out what they were saying. "So, none of you have been in here before?" I asked, as we walked down the forest. "Ugh. Heavens no. Just look at it, it's dreadful." Rarity answered, with slight fear in her voice. "And it ain't natural. Folk say it don't work the same as Equestria." Applejack included. "What's that supposed to mean?" I asked in curiosity. "Nopony knows. Ya know why?" Rainbow Dash said and asked, in a creepy voice, creeping toward Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity. "Rainbow, quit it." Applejack told Rainbow Dash, but she didn't listen. "'Cause every pony who's ever come in, has never come OUT!!" Rainbow spooked, jumping and shouting the last word. Suddenly, the cliff we were standing on gave out and everypony fell, except Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew to save Pinkie Pie and Rarity. Ellie and Applejack saved themselves by grabbing a nearby root, but I continued to fall, until I was hanging on to an edge. Applejack let go of the root and slid towards me, "Hold on. Ah'm a-comin'." She grabbed my hands, but she wasn't strong enough to pull me up. "Applejack, what do I do?" I asked her in a panic. Applejack looked up, then looked at me, "Let go." "Are you crazy?" I asked her. "No, Ah ain't. Ah promise ya'll be safe." She told me with a calm tone in her voice. "That's not true!" I told her, trying to help myself up a bit. "Now, listen here. What Ah'm tellin' yah is the honest truth. Let go, 'n' ya'll be safe." Applejack assured me. I looked into her eyes and there was no lying. As I looked, I felt that I could trust her. So, I let go and fell. I screamed for dear life, but I realized that my falling speed slowed down. I looked and saw Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash carrying me down. I sighed in relief, but suddenly the speed increased again for a second. "Sorry, girls. I'm not used to holding anything more than a bunny or two." Fluttershy explained. I watched Applejack and Ellie jump down from the cliff, by cliff-stones. We continued our way to the ruin, of course Rainbow Dash was telling the story of how she and Fluttershy were able to save me, "And once Pinkie and Rarity were saved, whoosh... Me and Fluttershy loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you right in the nick of time." "Yes, Rainbow, I was there. And I'm very grateful, but we gotta-" I gasped in shocked. A large Manticore roared loudly to catch our attention. A Manticore is a large lion with dragon wings, large teeth, and a scorpion's tail. They're very dangerous when disturbed or under attack. "A Manticore!" I identified, as it roared in anger and rage. "We gotta get past him." I told everypony. The Manticore aimed to attack Rarity, but Rarity dodged and kicked him in the chin, knocking him back a bit, "Take that, you ruffian!" The Manticore roared at Rarity. Rarity's mane was fluffed up and poofy, like Pinkie's but more wild. Rarity looked at her mane in dismay, "My hair!" Then she remembered the Manticore and ran. "Wait." Fluttershy tried to say, but she was too quiet for everypony to hear her. The Manticore chased Rarity, until Applejack jumped on to its back. "YEE-HAW!! Get along, little doggy!" She shouted, as the Manticore thrashed around, trying to get her off. "Wait." Fluttershy said again, but a bit louder. Sadly, she still couldn't be heard. The Manticore was able to throw Applejack off his head. "All yers, partner." Applejack told Rainbow Dash, as she flew past her. "I'm on it!" Rainbow Dash saluted, flying at full speed toward the Manticore. "Wait!" Fluttershy tried to shout again, but nopony listened. Rainbow Dashed used her Rain-Blow Dry to distract the Manticore. However, the Manticore used its scorpion tail to attack Rainbow Dash, causing her attack to stop and crash toward us. "Rainbow!" I called in worry. She landed in front of me and tried to get back up. I glared at the Manticore. He scuffed his right paw, as Applejack and I got into sprinting position. The rest of us charged toward the Manticore, until Eleanor jumped in front of us, "Stop!!!" We stopped a few feet from him. She looked at Fluttershy and nodded with a smile, "Go ahead, Fluttershy." Fluttershy nodded back, turned to the Manticore and smiled. She walked up to him. The Manticore roared and raised his right paw. "Eleanor, what are you thinking?" Rainbow asked the human. "Watch her." Ellie simply answered. "Shh... It's okay." Fluttershy told the Manticore in a kind tone. As she stroked his left paw, she assured him with a smile. The Manticore looked a little unsure, but showed Fluttershy a large thorn in his left paw. "Oh, you poor, poor little baby." Fluttershy said, showing sympathy to the Manticore. "Little?" Rainbow Dash asked in confusion. "Now, this might hurt for just a second." Fluttershy assured the Manticore, as she grabbed the thorn and pulled it out. The Manticore picked her up and roared. "Fluttershy!!" We called out of worry for the shy Pegasus. The Manticore purred in happiness, as he licked Fluttershy's face and mane in gratitude. She giggled, "Aw, you're just a little ol' baby kitty, aren't you? Yes you are, yes you are." We walked past the Manticore, but I stopped for Fluttershy. The Manticore put her down and she joined the rest of us. "How did you know about the thorn?" I asked her. "I didn't. Sometimes, we just need to be shown a little kindness." She answered with a smile. I thought for a second, then Ellie's words, 'have faith' echoed in my mind. I smiled and followed. "Ugh... My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck." Rarity whined, as we entered the darkest portion of the forest. The forest covered the moon, making it hard to see in front of our noses, "Well, I didn't mean it literally." "That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn't even know it." I told everyone. Everyone started shouting at each other, due to the darkness. "Oh wait. Ah think Ah stepped in somethin'." Applejack spoke up, as she lifted her hooves. Fluttershy must've saw something, because she screamed in fright. "It's just mud." Applejack told Fluttershy, until she saw what Fluttershy screamed at. She yelped and joined us. The trees glowed with scary faces. We screamed in fright, except for Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie was laughing at the trees, making funny faces and giggled. "Pinkie, what are you doing? Run!" I asked Pinkie, and told her with pure worry and fear. "Oh, guys. Don't you see?" Pinkie asked, until she started dancing. "When I was a little filly, and the sun was going down..." She sang. "Tell me she's not..." I grimaced. "The darkness and the shadows, they always make me frown..." Pinkie continued singing. "She is." Rarity answered. "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 all," "Then, what is?" Rainbow Dash 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!" As Pinkie laughed, the scary face disappeared in a poof of smoke. We gasped at the sight, then joined in the laughter. "So, giggle at the ghostly Guffaw at the grossly Crack up at the creepy Whoop it up with the weepy Chortle at the kooky Snortle at the spooky 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... hahahaha... heh... Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuugh!" We laughed the scary faces away, and continued to laugh out of joy and enjoyment. We laughed our way to the river, but we stopped to notice the waves were rapid and wavy. Impossible to swim across. "How are we gonna cross this?" Pinkie Pie asked. Suddenly, we heard a distant cry from down the river. We followed the river and saw a purple sea serpent, with an orange, combed mane, and half-a-mustache, crying in sorrow. Thrashing his tail, creating the wild waves. "What a world! What a world!" The serpent cried, as he threw his fists into the water. "Excuse me, sir. Why are you crying?" I asked the serpent as polite as I could. "Well, I don't know. I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this 'tacky' little cloud of purple smoke just wisped past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off." The serpent explained, before sobbing again, "And now I look simply horrid!!" He dove into the river, with his head laying on the bank, and the water splashed all over us. "Oh. Gimme a break." Rainbow Dash sighed in annoyance. "That's what all this fuss is about?" Applejack asked, not understanding fashion. "Why, of course, it is! How can you be so insensitive?" Rarity snapped, as she walked to the serpent, and stroked his chin. "Oh, just look at him. Such lovely, luminescent scales." "I know." The serpent said, sniffing a bit. "And your expertly coiffed mane." Rarity added with a smile. "Oh, I know. I know." The serpent smiled, stroking his mane. "Your fabulous manicure." Rarity continued. "Oh, it's so true." The serpent continued to smile, until Rarity's smile vanished. "All ruined without your beautiful mustache." Rarity finished. "It's true! I'm hideous!" The serpent shouted, covering his face. "I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected." Rarity said with determination. She ran toward the serpent, and ripped a scale off. "Ow! What did you do that for?" The serpent asked. "Rarity, What are you-" I was cut-off by Rarity used the scale to chop off her tail. All of the ponies gasped in shock, as the serpent fainted. Rarity used her magic to attach her tail to what remained of the serpent's mustache. The serpent laughed in joy and relief, "My mustache. How wonderful." "You look smashing." Rarity smiled. "Oh, Rarity. Your beautiful tail." I said sadly, at the sight of Rarity's new tail. "Oh, it's fine, my dear. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back." Rarity assured me with a small smile. I smiled back, then Rainbow Dash whispered to me, "So would the mustache." I rolled my eyes at her, then noticed the river has calmed. I began to cross. "We can cross now. Let's go." I told everypony. As I reached half-way across, something purple lifted me and the others from the water. It was the serpent. "Allow me." The serpent insisted. So, we jumped across his back and made it to the other side. As we trotted through the forest we came to a bridge with the ruin just on the other side. "There it is, the ruin that holds The Elements of Harmony. We made it!" I said with relief and happiness. I charged toward the bridge. "Twilight, wait for us." Applejack called, as she and the others followed me. "We're almost there!" I told everypony, until I felt no bridge under my hooves and I slipped. The chasm was very misty, so I couldn't see how far it went. I felt somepony grabbed my tail and pulled me back. I looked and it was Ellie. "What's with you and fallin' off cliffs today?" Ellie asked me with a joking smile. We all looked over the chasm. "Now what?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Duh..." Rainbow replied, as she twitched her wings, then flew into the chasm. "Oh yeah." Pinkie Pie said with a smile. Rainbow Dash's POV. I flew into the chasm and grabbed the rope. I crossed to the other side, and began to tie the bridge, but a female voice stopped me, "Rainbow..." "Who's there?" I asked, looking around. "Rainbow..." The voice said again. "I ain't scared of you! Show yourself!" I shouted, getting ready for a fight. "We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria." The voice told me. "Who?" I asked. Did it mean me? "Why, you, of course." The voice answered. I smiled, "Really? I mean... Oh yeah. Me. Hey, uh, you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would ya? 'Cause I've been trying to get into that group for like... ever." I asked the voice. "No, Rainbow Dash. We want you to join us." The voice told me, as three pegasi revealed themselves from the fog. They looked like the dark versions of the Wonderbolts. "The Shadowbolts." The middle, female said. I gave them a confused look. Shadowbolts? Never heard of them. "We're the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria." The female explained with pride, until she started flying around me. "But first, we need a Captain." She continued. I smiled. "The most magnificent..." "Yup!" I said. "Swiftest..." "Yes." "Bravest flier in all the land..." "Yes, it's all true." I chuckled in pride. "We need... you." She finished, with the 'you' whispered into my ear. I jumped into the air with joy, "Sign me up!" Then, I remembered the bridge, "Just let me tie this bridge real quick, and then we have a deal." "No!" The leader shouted, stepping on to the rope. "It's them, or us." I started to get scared. Until Twilight's voice broke my thoughts, "Rainbow! What's taking so long?" I looked at my friends, then the fog covered them, and muffled Twilight's words. I was stuck with a dilemma. Either tie up the bridge and save my friends, or fulfill my dream, as a Shadowbolt. As I thought, a voice sang to me. "Your journey has only begun..." The voice sang. This made me think clearer. "Well?" The Shadowbolt asked. I made up my mind. "You..." I answered. She smiled, but she didn't let me finish. "Thank you, for the offer, I mean." I told her, as I tied the bridge and took flight, "But, I'm gonna have to say no." And I flew to my friends. They cheered in joy and relief. Twilight Sparkle's POV. We cheered in joy and relief that Rainbow Dash tied the bridge, so the rest of us could pass. "See? I'd never let my friends hangin'." Rainbow told me with a smile. I smiled myself, as voices began chanting again. We entered the ruin and saw the Elements of Harmony upon the center altar. The Elements were fossilized gems, like they haven't been used for years. "Whoa." Applejack gasped in awe, as we saw the altar. "Come on, Twilight. Isn't this what yah been waitin' for?" Applejack asked me, as I looked at the altar. I smiled, "The Elements of Harmony. We've found them." Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew and picked up the Elements, one-by-one, and placed them in front of me. "Careful. Careful." I told them, not wanting to break the Elements. "One, two, three, four..." Pinkie Pie counted, then she drew a blank a little, "There's only five." "Where are the other two?" Rainbow Dash asked me, as Fluttershy put down the last one. "The book says: 'When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed. The seventh can only be found within the heart of a pure soul.'" I answered, as I examined the Elements. "What in hay is that supposed to mean?" Applejack asked, not understanding riddles much. "I'm not sure. But, I have an idea. Stand back. I don't know what will happen." I told everypony, as I closed my eyes and focused on a spell. "Come on now, y'all. She needs to concentrate." Applejack told everypony, as they left the ruin. As soon as they left, I heard the voice, from before, singing in the forest. It helped me concentrate. "The night, And the spirit of light, Calling. Oh, oh, iyo. Mamela. (Listen.) Oh, oh, iyo." I had the spell ready, until I gasped at a blue tornado appeared. I don't remember casting that spell. The tornado picked up the Elements and was about to take them. "The Elements!" I shouted, as I regained myself and jumped into the tornado. "And a voice, With the fear of a child, Asking. Oh, oh, iyo. Oh, mamela. (Listen.) Oh, oh, iyo." A few seconds later, I appeared in another room of the ruin, coughing from the teleportation. I looked up and gasped. Nightmare Moon had hold of the Elements, laughing at me. I glared at her and leaned into a sprinting position. "You're kidding. You're kidding, right?" Nightmare Moon asked me. I focused my magic and charged towards her. "Wait! There's no mountain too great. Oh, oh, iyo. Hear these words and have faith. Oh, oh, iyo. Have faith." She charged toward me. My magic was ready for the teleportation spell, and I activated it as soon as Nightmare Moon was close enough. I reappeared, feeling a bit dizzy, in front of the Elements, and focused my magic again. "Just one little spark. Come on, come on!" I said to myself, as I focused. The Elements glowed, and sparks flew around them. The sparks shocked me away from them, as Nightmare Moon appeared. "Hela hey mamela. (Hey, listen.) Hela hey mamela. Hela hey mamela." "No. No!" Nightmare Moon grimaced, as the Elements glowed. I smiled, but the Elements stopped glowing. "But... Where is the sixth Element?" I asked, as Nightmare Moon laughed and destroyed the Elements into shards with one powerful stomp. "You little foal! Thinking you can defeat me!! Now, you will never see your princess, or your sun. The night will last forever!!" Nightmare Moon laughed. "They live in you, They live in me. They're watching over, Everything we see. In every creature, In every star. In your reflection...." I felt hopeless, until I heard the voices of the others calling my name. Telling me that they were always by my side, no matter what. I gasped as something inside me sparked to life. It felt warm and magical. The Ponies were my friends. "They live in you..." The voice finished singing. I looked at Nightmare Moon, "You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony, just like that? Well, you're wrong. Because the Spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here!" I told her, as my friends arrived by my side. The shards glowed and began to circle around my friends. "What?" Nightmare Moon asked in confusion and shock. "Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the Spirit of Honesty." I started, as the orange shards circled Applejack. "Fluttershy, who tamed the Manticore with her compassion, represents the Spirit of Kindness." The pink shards surrounded Fluttershy. "Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the Spirit of Laughter." Blue shards circled Pinkie Pie. "Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the Spirit of Generosity." Indigo shards floated around Rarity. "And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire, represents the Spirit of Loyalty." I finished, as the light red shards circled Rainbow Dash. "The spirits of these five Ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us." I told her. "You still don't have the other two Elements. The spark didn't work." Nightmare said, looking around for something. "But, it did. I different kind of spark." I told her. I turned to my friends, "I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared for you. The spark ignited inside me, when I realized you all..." I turned back to Nightmare Moon, "Are my friends!" Suddenly, a light shone above my head. A fossilized gem, with a six-point star, appeared, floating above my head. Whilst a glowing, multi-colored light hovered over Ellie's heart, making both her eyes glow in rainbow colors. "You see, Nightmare Moon. When those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the hearts of us all, combined with Eleanor's pure heart, it creates the sixth and seventh Elements. The Elements of... Wisdom and Magic." I told her, as a bright light consumed me and my friends. The glowing shards created necklaces around my friends' necks, as the sixth Element created a tiara on top of my head. The magic of the Elements merged with the glowing light, causing Ellie to transform into a rainbow beam and create a tornado around Nightmare Moon. I opened my eyes to complete the spell, and the magic just finished in a flash. Everypony dropped to the ground in slight exhaustion, then recovered. "Ow. My head." Rainbow Dash said in slight pain. "Is everypony ok?" Applejack asked, looking around. "Oh thank goodness." Rarity shouted, getting everypony's attention. She was smiling, looking at her fully re-grown tail. "Why Rarity, it's so lovely." Fluttershy complimented with a smile. "I know. I'll never part with it again." Rarity said, rubbing her head against her tail. "No. Your necklace. It looks just like your Cutie Mark." Fluttershy simplified. "What? Oh?" Rarity asked, as she looked her necklace. It was gold with the indigo gem, in the shape of a diamond, just like her Cutie Mark. "So does yours." Rarity noticed Fluttershy's. Fluttershy looked and gasped with a smile. Everypony's necklace looked like their Cutie Mark. Even Ellie's looked like the wisps on her sash. "Look at mine. Look at mine!" Pinkie cheered, jumping around, looking at her necklace. "Aw yeah." Rainbow Dash smiled in pride of her necklace. I looked at my tiara and noticed, like the necklaces, a gem that looked like my Cutie Mark too. "Gee, Twilight. Ah thought you were just spoutin' a lot of hoo-ey. But, Ah reckon we really do represent the Elements of Friendship." Applejack smiled at me. "Indeed, you do." A voice spoke, as the sun rose from the mountains. From the light of the sun, an adult, very pale pink, almost white alicorn appeared. She had a golden crown with an amethyst in the center. Around her neck was a matching necklace. She also wore golden bracelets around her wrists and golden 'shoes'. She was 6 foot 5 inches tall with an elegant and slender built. And wore a beautiful Greek dress with a golden belt and trimmings. Her mane was lower-back length, pastel-toned and was flowing, like there was an invisible wind. Her tail matched as well. Her eyes were a pale magenta. Everypony bowed, except me. I gasped, "Princess Celestia." I ran toward her. "Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student." Celestia greeted me with a hug, "I knew you could do it." "But, you told me it was all an old pony tale." I reminded her. "I told you that you needed to make some friends. Nothing more." Celestia reminded me. As I thought back, she did say that. She must've said the 'dusty old books' part as a joke. "I saw the signs of Nightmare 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." She explained to me, as I looked at my friends, who smiled at me too. "Now, if only another will as well." Celestia added in a sad tone. We stopped smiling and followed her gaze. In Nightmare Moon's place, was a smaller, navy blue alicorn, with the same Cutie Mark as Nightmare Moon. Her mane and tail were turquoise, just like her eyes. And she wore a small, black tiara and a navy regal dress with black trimmings. "Princess Luna." Celestia greeted. The alicorn, Princess Luna, gasped awake from the sound of Celestia's voice. "It has been a thousand years, since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister." Celestia told her. "Sister?" My friends and I asked in unison and confusion. "Will you accept my friendship?" Celestia asked. We all leaned forward and held our breath. With tears in her eyes, Luna dashed into a hug with Celestia, "I'm so sorry. I've missed you so much, big sister." "I've missed you, too." Celestia said with tears in her eyes, and hugged Luna back. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie's sobs disturbed the reunion, and my epiphany. Then she stopped, "Hey. Do you know what this calls for?" *Later, at Ponyville...* "A party!" Pinkie Pie finished, as we began a large celebration upon our return. Eveypony welcomed us, including Spike, who gave me a large hug. As Celestia and Luna arrived, Luna looked a little upset, until two Pegasi gave her a necklace of flowers around her neck. Indicating that they don't see her as a threat anymore. Luna smiled at Celestia, but I felt very upset. "Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete, and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?" Celestia asked me. "That's just it. Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them." I told her with a sad look. Celestia smiled, "Spike, take a note, please." Spike got a paper and quill, and began writting Celestia's words, "'I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the Unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, along with the Human, Eleanor, 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.'" My friends gathered around me and cheered in happiness that I didn't have to leave them. "Oh, thank you, Princess Celestia. I'll study harder than ever before." I promised her with a smile. The Ticket MasterEleanor's POV. It was just before noon, in Sweet Apple Acres, as Applejack, Twilight and I just finished picking for the Golden Delicious apples. Of course, Applejack asked us and Twilight and I had no schedule today. Spike was looking through the apples, for a snack, "No. Nope. Nope--" "Thank yah both kindly, Twilight, for helping me out. Ah bet Big McIntosh Ah could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If Ah win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles." Applejack thanked, giggling on the last part, which caused me to giggle on the thought. "No problem at all, Applejack. I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry." Twilight said with a smile on her face. "I know, right?" Spike added, accidently throwing an apple over Twilight's head. Twilight glared at him. "Puh-leez, Spike, you've been lounging on my back all morning while we worked." Twilight pointed out, putting emphasis on the 'we'. As we walked back to the barn. "Exactly. You three are taking so long, I missed snack-time." Spike explained. I rolled my eyes at him, in humor. As Spike continued looking through the apples, Twilight's stomach growled in hunger. She laughed nervously, "Eh, I guess we better get some food." "Nope. Worm. A-ha!" Spike said as he searched, until he found a large, bright red apple. Twilight licked her lips at the sight of the apple, "Oh Spike, that looks delicious." However, Spike ate the apple. Twilight glared, "Spike!" Spike looked at Twilight, and swallowed before speaking, "What?" Then, he put his claws over his stomach and burped out a green flame, which transformed into a scroll. "It's a letter from Princess Celestia." Twilight identified as Spike opened the scroll. He clears his throat and read, "'Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce The Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda, yadda, yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.'" "The Grand Galloping Gala!" Twilight and Applejack shouted in excitement. I shrunk my head into my shoulders. I'm not very fond of parties. Including the annual Great Galloping Gala. High society Ponies mingling, talking about businesses, casting down the lower classes. *Shudders* "Woo-hoo!" Applejack cheered as she and Twilight jumped around together in joy. Spike silently gagged, then burped up two golden tickets from his fire breath, "Look, two tickets." "Wow, great! I've never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?" Twilight said, then asked Spike. "No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly, frilly, frou-frou nonsense." Spike answered, lying through his teeth. His lie made me giggle lightly and give him a look, "And who said it was girl-y and frou-frou?" Twilight smiled, "Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice." "Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice. Ah'd love to go." Applejack told Twilight, before going into her dream land, "Land sakes, if Ah had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles till the cows came home. Do yah have any idea how much business Ah could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip." Applejack returned to reality, "Why, Ah'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala." "Oh, well in that case, would you like to--" Twilight began to ask, before I felt tense and pushed her and Applejack back a few steps. "Ellie, what was-" "Whoa!" We heard Rainbow Dash shout, until she fell from the tree on the other side of the fence, and crashed on top of me. "Ow..." "Ugh. Are we talking about The Grand Galloping Gala?" Rainbow asked, putting landing on me behind her. "Rainbow, could you... Maybe... I dunno... GET OFF ME?" I asked Rainbow, struggling to breathe. Rainbow looked at me and quickly hopped off me, "Oh, I'm sorry. Ellie. You should've said something." I stood up, dusted myself off and glared at her. I said 'ow' and 'get off'. What else could I say? 'Quack'? "Rainbow Dash, you told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing, spyin'?" Applejack told and asked Rainbow, annoyed from her lying from before. "No, I was busy napping, and I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?" Rainbow answered, then asked Twilight with a huge smile on her face. I shook my head, knowing where this was going. "Yeah, but--" Twilight tried to answer, but Rainbow cut her off. "YES! This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at The Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now." Rainbow Dash went into her dream world, "Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on The Wonderbolts, but then in would fly, Rainbow Dash! I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut. Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, The Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member." Rainbow left her dream world and looked at Twilight, "Don't you see, Twilight? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me!" Applejack pulled Rainbow away from Twilight by her tail, "Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here." She spat Rainbow's tail out of her mouth before continuing, "I asked for that ticket first." Rainbow glared at Applejack, "So? That doesn't mean you own it." Applejack glared back, "Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket." With that said, Rainbow Dash and Applejack went to a tree-stump and locked hooves. Both struggled to overpower each other, but Twilight got in between them. "Girls, these are my tickets, I'll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?" Twilight told them. Applejack dashed in front of Rainbow, "Drummin' up business for the farm?" Rainbow dashed in front of Applejack, "A chance to audition for The Wonderbolts?" "Money t' fix Granny's hip." "Living the dream." Twilight got a little lost, "Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?" Her stomach growled again. She chuckled, "Listen to that, I am starving. I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach, so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?" Spike hopped onto Twilight's back, and we walked off to Ponyville to get some lunch. "Okay." Applejack and Rainbow agreed with a sad tone. Then, they resumed their hoof-wrestle. I felt Twilight look at me, "Why aren't you asking for the ticket, Ellie?" I removed my hood and gave her a light smile, "I don't want to go with just one of my friends, Twilight. If all my friends are going, I'm going too." Twilight smiled at me. Then my smile went serious, "But, I must warn you, Twi. Like the Leprechauns of my world, you're holding something everyone wants. Best to keep this quiet, until you make your mind up." Twilight nodded in understanding, and we continued to walk to the town. *Later, in Ponyville...* "So, who you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?" Spike asked, as we were walking down the town. "I don't know Spike, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry, so where should we eat?" Twilight answered, then stated thinking. I gasped, as I sensed a lot of pink, and pushed Twilight aside. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie dashed out of Sugarcube Corner and crashed into me. However, she caused me to crash into Twilight and Spike. The crash caused Spike to drop the tickets on to Pinkie's nose. "You really need to stop doing that." Twilight told me. I gave her an apologetic look, "Sorry. Force of habit." Pinkie noticed the tickets and screamed, "Gah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help!" She stopped and got a better look, "Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?! It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always, always, always wanted to go!" Pinkie went into her dream world and began singing, "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me Hip hip Hooray! It's the best place for me For Pinkie..." She began on the decorations and food, "With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Pony!" Then, she started singing again, "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me 'Cause it's the most galarrific superly-terrific gala ever In the whole galaxy Wheee!!" Pinkie returned to reality and began jumping around Twilight and I, "Oh thank you Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever." Pinkie batted her eyes rapidly. Spike picked up the tickets, as Twilight began to explain, "Um, actually--" Suddenly, we heard a gasp from behind Spike. It was Rarity, "Are these what I think they are?" "Uh--" Twilight was lost for words. I face-palmed and shook my head in annoyance. Here we go. So much for trying to keep the tickets quiet. "Yes, yes, yes! Twilight's taking me to The Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot." Pinkie answered with a large grin on her face. Rarity smiled in excitement, "The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamor! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet Him." "Him!" Pinkie joined, then got confused and asked, "Who?" "Him." Rarity explained, as she entered her dream world too, "I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, 'Who is that mysterious mare?' They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, 'Yes!' We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is..." She giggled, "What I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams." Rarity left her dream world and looked at Twilight, "Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can... party, and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you? Hmph." "Rarity, are you crazy? Prince Blueblood?" I asked in astonishment, "He's.... He's... He's..." I couldn't bring myself to finish. "Perfect? Yes, I know." Rarity smiled at me. "Hey!" Spike shouted, as a white rabbit, Angel, took the tickets from Spike's hand and took them to show Fluttrshy. Fluttershy gasped, "Angel, these are perfect." Twilight got her voice back and spoke up, "Uh, listen guys, I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to." "You haven't?" Pinkie and Rarity asked in unison. Pinkie was frowning, and Rarity was smiling. Fluttershy spoke up, catching everypony's attention, "Um, excuse me, Twilight. I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven't given it to someone else--" "You? You want to go to the gala?" Rarity asked in disbelief. "Oh, no." Fluttershy answered. However, Angel thumped her hoof, "I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of." She entered her dream world, "You see, it's not so much The Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!" Fluttershy returned to reality, floating in mid-air, and hugging Angel. This made me smile. Twilight looked very unsure, "Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds... beautiful?" I put my hands together with stars in my eyes, "I'd be more than happy to show you around, Flutters." "Wait just a minute." Rainbow voice broke the silence. We looked up and saw Rainbow Dash above our heads. "Rainbow Dash, were you following us?" Twilight asked, in pure annoyance. "No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody." Rainbow Dash asked, slightly lying through her teeth. "Wait just another minute." Applejack spoke up from behind us. "Applejack, were you following us too?" Twilight asked, as Applejack walked toward Rainbow. "No. Ah was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket." Applejack answered, with pure honesty. Of course, hissing the last part. "Your ticket?" Rainbow asked, putting emphasis on 'your'. Pinkie Pie joined in, "But Twilight's taking me." The ponies began to argue over the ticket, and who should get it. Getting louder and more into a riot. Twilight was feeling the pressure. She closed her eyes, put her hands over her eyes and curled up into a ball. Not wanting my best friend in this state, I shouted at the top of my lungs, "STOOOOOP!!!" Everypony stopped, except for Pinkie, "And then I said, 'Oatmeal, are you craz--' Oh." Pinkie stopped talking. "Girls, there's no use in arguing." I told everypony. "But Ellie-" Rarity began, but I cut her off, "Ah! This is Twilight's decision, and I'm gonna make sure she makes it on her own. And right now, she certainly can't think straight with all this noise..." Twilight stood up and smiled at me, then her stomach growled again, "Not to mention hunger. Now go on. Shoo!" Everypony left Twilight and I alone, grumbling a little as they went. Twilight tried to reassure them, "And don't worry, I'll figure this out... somehow." *Later, at a restaurant...* "Thanks for helping me back there, Ellie." Twilight thanked me with a smile. I smiled back, "That's what friends are for." "Spike, what am I gonna do? All five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala." Twilight summarized in great confusion, as she started picking petals from a flower, "Applejack, or Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity... Oh, who should go with me?" Her stomach growled again, so she ate the petals. "Have you made your decision?" The waiter asked, in a strong French accent. Out of frustration, Twilight shouted, "I CAN'T DECIDE!" "Twilight, he just wants to take your order." Spike clarified, pointing to his menu. Twilight blushed a little, "Oh. I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich." "Do you have any rubies?" Spike asked the waiter, but he got a glare. "No? Okay. I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy." The waiter looked at me. "Salad sandwich, s'il vous plait (Please)." I requested with a small smile. The waiter nodded his head, took Spike's menu and left our table. Twilight sighed, "What do you think, Spike?" "I think we have to try another restaurant. I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?" Spike answered, then asked in a rhetorical tone. "I mean about the gala and the ticket and who I should take." Twilight simplified. Spike pinched the bridge of his nose, "Oh. You're still on that?" "Spike, listen. How do I choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies. What if I--" Twilight began to panic, until our food arrived. "Ah, your food." The waiter delivered our orders. Spike began eating his hay fries. I quietly ate my garden salad sandwich. I have to say, the food in Equestria is not bad. "Oh thank you. This looks so good. I'm sure everything will be much clearer once I eat." Twilight said with delight. She was about to take a bite, but paused when she noticed the ponies running inside. "Em, madames? Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?" The waiter asked. "It's not raining." Twilight said, until she looked around. It was raining, but not on us. "What's going on?" She asked. "Hi there, best friend forever I've ever, ever had. Enjoying the sunny weather?" Rainbow greeted, then asked us with a big grin on her face, popping out of the hole, in the large rain cloud, right above us. "Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?" Twilight asked, getting annoyed. "Whaddya you mean? I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she could dine in peace, that's all." Rainbow answered with the grin plastered on her face. "You've got to be kidding..." I sighed in a deadpan tone. Twilight raised an eyebrow, "Rainbow, you're not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing me extra special favors, are you?" Rainbow played innocent, "Me? No, no, no, of course not." "Uh-huh." Twilight nodded. "Seriously, I'd do it for any pony." Rainbow admitted, but everypony was still running for shelter. "Heh heh, eh." Rainbow chuckled nervously. "Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now." Twilight told Rainbow in pure annoyance. Rainbow Dash sighed, "Ugh, fine." With that, she closed the hole. However, the cloud was still dark grey. Twilight smiled, "That's better." However, rain poured over her, ruining our lunch, and before she could take a bite. Twilight growled in annoyance. "Twilight, it's raining." Rarity arrived, under one of her umbrellas. "No, really?" Twilight asked in full sarcasm. "Come with me before you catch a cold." Rarity insisted, dragging Twilight to her shop. Spike and I followed closely. As we arrived, Twilight shook the rain out of her coat, but accidently soaked me and Rarity. "Heh heh, oops, sorry." Twilight apologised, chuckling slightly. Rarity looked annoyed and cross. I just laughed it off. Rarity calmed and smiled, "Oh no, it's quite alright. After all, we are... the best of friends, are we not? And you know what the best of friends do?" Twilight drew a blank, "Uh..." I flinched in knowing what's going to happen. "Makeovers!" Rarity called in cheer, as she and Twilight were hidden behind a changing door. I could hear Twilight mutter from all the noise, "Ugh, Rarity, ow, this really isn't fixing it. I mean, thank you but, ooh, that's too tight." Rarity removed the door to reveal Twilight wearing a light blue dress with a gem encrusted trim and a blonde lock for detail. "There. Oh, you're simply darling." Rarity smiled. Twilight looked at the saddle and smiled, "Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn't it?" I face-palmed and shook my head, and Spike gagged. Rarity looked at Spike with smile, "And you. Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent." Then, Rarity called the door again. "D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!" I heard Spike shout, from the noise. The door was removed again, to reveal Spike in a purple, Victorian squire uniform. Spike sulked. "Oh, Spike." Twilight giggled, along with me. "Now you just need a hat." Rarity added, placing a black hat with golden trimmings. Then she looked at me, "Ellie. I have just the outfit for you." I backed away and warned with a glare, "You stick one pin in me, and you'd wish you've never met me." Rarity nervously giggled and stepped away from me. "Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk, see you back at the library." Spike told us, rushing out of the store, leaving the outfit behind. Rarity laughed a little, "Oh, who needs him anyway." Rarity put a mirror in front of Twilight, before she continued, "This is all about you, and how fabulous you'll look at The Grand Galloping Gala." "Wait, The Grand--" Twilight began, but Rarity cut her off. "And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence. I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a T. We would be the belles of the ball, you and I. Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know, the most beautiful, most talented, most sophisticated pony in all of Equestria is Rarity the Unicorn." Rarity realised what she said, and nervously laughed, "Ah, and Twilight Sparkle, of course." Twilight stared at Rarity with annoyance and anger, "I see what's going on. You're just buttering me up so I give you the extra ticket. Well it's not gonna work. You're going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else." She took off the dress, before she continued, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch." Applejack appeared at the door, with a smile on her face, "Did somepony say lunch?" Applejack grabbed Twilight's hand and lead her outside. Where a large cart of apple treats were piled up in. "You've got to be kidding me!" Twilight smiled. "Ah got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, apple crumblers, and apple Brown Betty." Applejack enlisted, until she realised what she said last, "Uh, the dessert, not mah auntie. What do yah say there, best friend?" Twilight's stomach growled, and her smile turned into a look of pure annoyance. "Is that a yes?" Applejack asked. I tilted my head when I realised that Applejack's aura had little to no obsession over the extra ticket. "No. No. I don't know who I'm giving the ticket to, and all these favors aren't making it any easier to decide. In fact, I'm less sure now than I was this morning. Ugh!" Twilight shouted, and ran off. "So, that's a maybe?" Applejack asked in slight confusion. *Later, outside the library...* "Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating." Twilight moaned in annoyance. I nodded my head in understanding. I opened the door, and to our surprise, Fluttershy and some animals were cleaning the library. "Are you kidding me?!" I shouted in frustration. Twilight gasped, "Fluttershy, not you too?" Fluttershy saw us, "Oh, well, hello Twilight. I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you." "It's summer." Twilight corrected. "Oh, well, better late than never, right? It was Angel's idea." Fluttershy explained, as Angel was mixing a salad. "You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. "Oh no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friend. Right Angel?" Fluttershy replied, then asked Angel, who gave her a glare. "Oh, yes, we are just doing this for the ticket." She corrected. Twilight had enough, "No, no, no! Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but I'm not accepting any extra favors until I've made my final decision, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Twilight told Fluttershy, opening and pointing to the door. Outside was bunch of ponies, with Pinkie Pie. This isn't gonna end well. "SURPRISE!" The ponies shouted, as Pinkie Pie grabbed Twilight and began throwing her into the air. "Twilight is my bestest friend. Whoopie, whoopie!" "Pinkie..." Twilight said, trying to get the pony's attention. "She's the cutest, smartest, all around best pony, pony!" "Pinkie." Twilight tried again. "I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!" "Pinkie!" "She'll give her extra ticket to the Gala to me!" "PIIINKIIIE!!" I shouted, having enough of everypony harassing Twilight. The ponies let her drop to the ground. "Yes, Nellie?" Pinkie asked, batting her eyelashes. I helped Twilight up, as I answered, "At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket." "Wait, what ticket? What Gala?" A pony asked. I shiver ran down my spine. Uh-oh... "Oh, you didn't know? Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Pinkie Pie told the other ponies. "The Grand Galloping Gala?" The ponies asked in unison. All the ponies began giving us extra special favors, out of nowhere. "Would you like any help with your gardening?" A pony said, holding a plant. "I have a cartload of extra carrots." Another pony offered. The offers continued, and Twilight, Spike and I were surrounded. "What are we gonna do?" Spike asked in a slight panic. "We're... gonna... run!" Twilight answered, shouting the last part, then we dashed off. The ponies followed us all over Ponyville. We tried hiding behind Applejack's cart, but the ponies found us in two seconds. Twilight, Spike and I ran half-way through Ponyville, to get disguises to fool the ponies. Twilight was a mid-aged mother, Spike was a baby, in a crib, and I was the concerned, but very proud aunt. The ponies ran past us, without noticing. Twilight gave me a concerned look. My warning was right. I hate that! We ran the other directions, but the ponies found out in seconds. Twilight, Spike and I hid under the bridge. The ponies past us again, but Spike lost his grip and fell into the river. Twilight picked him up and we ran again. The spash caught the ponies' attention. We tried disguising ourselves as mannequins, but the ponies caught on after running past us again. They continued to chase us, until we were caught in an alley. The offerings just kept coming. The pressure was overwhelming. The pressure caused Twilight to teleport us back to the library, without warning. When we reappeared, Spike and I were all slightly burnt up, and a tad bit dizzy. Never teleported before. "Ugh, warn me next time you're gonna do that." He advised Twilight. "I didn't even know it was gonna happen." Twilight answered, then quickly ordered, "Now quick, lock the doors." We all did so. Twilight was blowing out the lights, as Spike and I locked every door in the library. Once it was dark and quiet, we relaxed in relief. Until I felt a tense tingle up my spine, as the lights were switched back on and our friends were of the windowsill, smiling. Twilight snapped under the pressure, "Yaaaargh! I can't decide, I just can't decide. It's important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you. And giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference, because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy and I can't, I just can't!" With that, Twilight curled up into a ball, with her hands over her ears, and tears welling up in her eyes. The ponies looked at Twilight in concern. I stroked Twilight's back and gave them a disappointed stare. They started this, now they fix it! Applejack was the first to speak up, "Twilight, sugar, I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you." She stroked Twilight's hair, "And if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad, I promise." "Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful." Fluttershy apologised. "And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends." Pinkie sulked. Rarity nodded, "Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did." Rainbow Dash smiled and cheered, "Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha ha!" She started dancing and singing, "I got the ticket, I got the ticket-" Rainbow noticed the rest of us giving her a look. I glared at her, "Rainbow..." Can she let go of her pride and think about others, for once? Rainbow thought for a second and spoke up, "You know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for The Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either." Applejack nodded, "We all got so gun-ho about going to the Gala that we couldn't see how un-gun-ho we were making you." "We're sorry, Twilight." The Ponies apologized in unison. Twilight got out of her little ball and smiled at her friends. She said to Spike, "Spike, take down a note." Spike got a pen and parchment and started writing Twilight's words, "'Dear Princess Celestia, I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful.'" She put the two golden tickets into Spike's scroll, "'So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to The Grand Galloping Gala.'" I smiled, while the other Ponies looked at her in confusion, "What?!" "Just like what Ellie said to me this morning, if my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either." Twilight answered with a smile. "Twilight, you don't have to do that." Applejack pleaded. Twilight shook her head, "Nope. I've made up my mind." She looked at Spike, "Spike, you can send the letter now." Spike opened the window and sent the letter with his fire breath. Fluttershy looked back at Twilight, "Now you won't get to go to the Gala either." Twilight smiled, "It's okay girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me." Overjoyed, the others huddled up in a group hug. "So I would rather not go at all." I smiled at Twilight, while Spike just silently gagged. Suddenly, he started to look like he was gonna barf. Applejack glared at Spike, "Well wallop my withers, Spike. Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment." My spine tensed in realization, "Applejack, duck!" As predicted, Spike let out a flaming burp. Applejack quickly ducked out of the way of the flame, "Whoa, Nelly!" The flamed rolled and transformed into a scroll. Twilight gasped, "A letter from the Princess? That was fast." Spike unrolled the scroll and read it out loud, "'My faithful student Twilight, I'm proud you listened to your friend's advise. Why didn't you just say so in the first place?'" Something gold come to view and Spike showed them to everypony, "Seven tickets to The Grand Galloping Gala." All the girls gasped, as Twilight smiled, "Now we can all go." The ponies cheered in excitement, until Twilight's stomach growled quite loudly. Twilight giggled nervously. A whole day of worrying and not a bite to eat. Hehehe. Rarity put her hand over Twilight's shoulder, "Allow us to treat you to dinner." Everypony else agreed and began leaving the library. As each pony left the door, they grabbed a ticket each from Spike. "What a great way to apologize." Rainbow Dash smiled, as she left the door. "And to celebrate. Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me." Pinkie cheered, following after Rainbow. Applejack and I were the last to leave. Applejack grabbed her ticket, then realised I didn't. So, she grabbed it and gave it to me. Spike pouted in disappointment, "How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?" Then he burped another letter. He unrolled it and read, "'And one for you, Spike.'" Spike came jogging out of the library, giggling like a little girl, and holding another ticket in his hand. He stopped and noticed Applejack and I folding our arms and smiling at him. "I mean, gross, I have to go too?" Spike corrected himself, walking past us. Then he dashed after the others and giggled. Applejack and I chuckled and followed after the others. This year is gonna be louds of fun in Ponyville. I can feel it.
Coming to Equestria.Stargazing. It was one of my favorite hobbies in life. Every night, I climb to my roof and just watching the night sky. Counting the stars, locating the constellations, finding new ones and even watching the moon slowly turn, to see the formations of the craters. I really love the night. To be honest, I've been rather lonely during the day. My family barely has time for me. And no-one wants to be friends with me, from school. I'm very smart for my young age, and the other children think I'm a geek or a teacher's pet for it. But, it's not true. Tonight was different. As I watched the night sky, some of the stars, near the moon, were moving around the moon in a circular motion. And the moon's craters were in the formation of a unicorn's head. I narrowed my eyes at the moon. The unicorn head turned and seemed to be looking at me. I continued to stare at the moon in curiosity and wonder. The unicorn's eyes and the ruby pendant on my black choker glowed and I felt something surge through me. Like a surge of power, or something that can make your heart race. Silver stardust and glitter surrounded me like a tornado. I was very lucky I was on top of the roof. The vortex started to make me feel dizzy and sleepy, as the silver turned gold and cyan. Was this stuff sleeping dust? My eyelids felt so heavy, I couldn't keep them open, or keep myself standing. I collapsed on the floor and closed my eyes, falling asleep. I'm only young. I really shouldn't be up so late. Now, I know why. *Dream* Within the darkness, I saw a floating, scarlet quill. A drop of black ink hit a page of paper and the ink performed mesmerizing things. (A/N: I'm not sure how to describe the dream sequence, so here's a link to give you a good understanding; youtube.com/watch?v=feDlkyYDRqM.) *Dream End* "Hey, you okay? Are you hurt?" I heard a young, female voice ask. I lightly moaned in pain. My head felt like it was hit by a football. What hit me? I opened my eyes and saw that everything was very blurry, but full of color. I rubbed my eyes and the blurs just got worse. I wasn't wearing my glasses. "You alright?" The voice asked again. "I'm fine. Can you help me find my glasses? They're black." I answered, the asked, searching the cold, tiled ground around me. After a few seconds of searching, I felt a pair of furry hands place my glasses ove my face. "Are these your glasses?" The voice asked. The blurred images cleared to reveal I was inside a classroom. Occupying the room were a small group of six... anthropomorphic unicorns? Five adults and one foal. Three females and three males. All of them different colors. I closed my eyes and chanted a mantra in my head; I'm dreaming. (A/N: I'd rather not go through the entire description of all of the ponies in the classroom. Since they only appear once in the comic. ^_^) "Uh... Hello? Hairless-Ape-Without-A-Name?" The voice called me. I opened my eyes and looked beside me. It was the filly. She was around the same height as me, being around 7 - 8 years old. Her fur was a light amber color. Her mane was mid-back length with a natural curl, and was red with yellow streaks. Her tail matched her mane. The color scheme kinda remind me of a sunset. She wore a light purple tank top with a light orange skirt. Her eyes were a normal cyan. "Yes, Giant-Talking-Unicorn?" I answered. "What the heck are you, and what's your name?" She asked. "My mother told me never to talk to strangers. So, I'm not giving my name, unless you tell me yours." I answered. The filly smiled, "Touché. My name is-" "Sunset Shimmer, what happened?" An older, more regal voice spoke from the other side of the classroom. The filly, Sunset Shimmer, and I looked at across and saw another anthropomorphic, very pale pink, almost white unicorn with large wings, walking toward us. An alicorn, no doubt. Judging by its figure, it was female. She was as tall as my father, which around 6 foot 5 inches. Her eyes were a pale magenta. Her mane was lower-back length, pastel-toned and was flowing, like there was an invisible wind. Her tail matched as well. The alicorn wore a beautiful Greek dress with a golden belt and trimmings. Upon her head was a golden crown with an amethyst in the center. Around her neck was a matching necklace. She also wore golden bracelets around her wrists and golden 'shoes'. Made her look like she was the Goddess of the day. "Princess Celestia." Sunset Shimmer gasped, standing still as a statue, "Please, I can explain." The alicorn, Princess Celestia, looked at me. Her eyes had a gentle, motherly feel to them. She was not cross, but surprised to see me. I guess she's never seen a human before. Princess Celestia looked at Sunset Shimmer, "There's no need. I just wish to know what happened." Sunset Shimmer looked at me, then looked at the Princess, "Well, I was casting the growth spell on the vine, and something came to my mind. And the growth spell became a summoning spell." She pointed to me, "Then this creature appeared and well, you came." I folded my arms and lightly glared, "It's rude to point. And I'm not a thing." Sunset Shimmer looked at me again, noticed my glare and stopped pointing. "Do you have a name, young human?" Princess Celestia asked me. I looked at her. She knows what I am, she must have seen one! I couldn't say nothing to her. I bowed in respect, "Eleanor May Henderson, Your Majesty. But, I also go by Ellie." "It's very nice to meet you, Eleanor." Princess Celestia greeted with a smile. She looked at Sunset Shimmer, "Sunset Shimmer, I have noticed that your studying has gotten quite rigorous. How would you feel if Eleanor could help you?" "Like a study partner?" Sunset Shimmer asked, then she smiled, "Of course. There must have been a reason why I summoned her." I smiled back. First few minutes of being in this world, and I'm already made my first friend. Maybe there is a reason why the moon sent me here. Who knows? This place might be not as bad as I thought. *The Next Day...* Sunset Shimmer and I got to know each other better, over time. The books she studied with were most fascinating. Magic, laws of physics, rules on how to use magic, even the history of this world, Equestria. I learned that this world was full of fantasy creatures. Dragons, griffons, and many others. But, mostly, ponies of three main races; Earth Ponies, Pegasi and Unicorns. The city I arrived in, Canterlot, are mostly Unicorns. Since I came to this world unprepared, Sunset Shimmer and I had to share clothes. Good thing we were the same size and age, despite Shimmer being unguligrade. Eh, I'm not complaining. I was dressed in a white shirt with pink sleeves and trimmings, under a red hooded poncho with a tribal design. Olive green combat shorts. Black socks and matching boots. Sunset Shimmer wore what she wore yesterday. Today was a nice summer day. Sunset Shimmer and I were sitting on a bench, reading some of the advanced spell books. Around us, Unicorns were enjoying the day and having picnics. Across from us, I saw a teenaged male unicorn and a teenaged female alicorn playing with a young female unicorn, around mine and Sunset Shimmer's age. They looked like they were having fun. "Sunset Shimmer!" A voice called. Sunset and I looked over and saw five young unicorn fillies. One was yellow with a curly blue mane and tail. She wore a light green t-shirt and darker blue pants. Another was in a full blue color scheme and wearing a pale blue dress. The third was in a pink color scheme with blue eyes. She wore a white shirt and a pink skirt. The fourth was a shade of cyan. Her mane was the a deeper color, but with a white streak, same with her tail. She wore a yellow shirt and matching green skirt. The last one had a combed, red mane and tail, with a two-toned purple highlights and dark purple eyes. Her fur was a light yellowish grey. She wore a pair of black-rimmed glasses and a very pale grey sundress. "That vine you made was amazing!" The blue one exclaimed with a smile. Sunset raised an eyebrow. "Really exquisite." The pink one added. The green one nodded and asked, "Would you like to come have lunch with us." She looked at me with a smile, "We can get to know your friend." I smiled and was about to answer, but Sunset Shimmer scoffed and walked off, dragging me along, "Hmph! Ellie and I have better things to do than socialize! I'm going to re-read 'Advanced Elemental Magical Practices', and then Ellie's gonna help me practice for my advanced summoning spells exams. What are you studying for? Nothing, that's what." I looked back at the unicorns. They looked hurt by Shimmer's words. The light yellowish grey one looked at me. I gave her a sympathetic look then turned to Shimmer. "Actually, Shimmer. I'd like to get to know some of your classmates. Practice Princess Celestia's lesson on humility." I told her. Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Fine. But don't take too long. We're study partners for a reason." I nodded and joined the other fillies. The light yellow filly regained her smile and we got to know each other over lunch. The all-blue filly was named Minuette. Lemon Hearts was the yellow and blue one. Lyra Heartstrings was the green one. The pink-schemed Unicorn was Twinkleshine. And Moondancer was the one in the sundress. *A Little Later, in Celestia's Castle...* Princess Celestia has called Sunset Shimmer into the main foyer, so she could talk to her. Shimmer insisted that I'd come along. Just in case something goes wrong. "Sunset Shimmer, I've heard that you're not getting along well with the other students." Princess Celestia told Sunset Shimmer, "We've talked about the fact that personal relationships-" Shimmer cut the Princess off, "Personal relationships? Who needs anypony? The most important thing in life is to be the best." I shook my head, "Shimmer, trying to make friends doesn't make you weak." Princess Celestia smiled and nodded at my words. Then she looked at Shimmer, "We've talked about friendship and its importance before, and we've discussed that you need to open yourself up to new friends." Then she lightly smiled, "And you remember that talk we had about humility?" "I remember how boring it was." Shimmer answered. "I enjoyed it. The other classmates don't think I'm weird, thanks to a chat about it." I answered with a small smile. Princess Celestia smiled at me, as she lead us to a small room with a strange mirror. There was something about the mirror, that made me feel uncertain. "Look into this mirror, and tell me what you see." Princess Celestia told Shimmer. "A beautiful pony that has nothing but power and potential." Shimmer answered, looking at her reflection and touching her face with a smile. I looked at my reflection. Behind me, I saw two adult ponies. A tall, handsome, dark unicorn stallion and a beautiful earth pony mare. Both of them were smiling and looking at me with loving eyes. I felt like I knew them, but I can't recall where or when. My reflection began to morph. Her black-streaked rosewood hair turned fully eerie black. Her hazel, near green eyes turned scarlet red. The human figure was replaced by a cute, light green, young earth filly, with fluffier ears and narrow eyes. She wore the same clothing I currently was. (A/N: A Bat Earth Pony. Since we have normal Bat Ponies, Bat Unicorns and Bat Alicorns, why not the third Pony Tribe? ^_^) The young filly looked happy where she was. Then the parents vanished into vapor. The vapor flew around the filly and took the shape of a group of 6 fillies; Two Pegasi, two Unicorns and two Earth Ponies. I smiled at the filly's smile. "I see a loving family. A group of friends. Happiness and smiles." I answered. Princess Celestia smiled at my answer, but turned to Shimmer, "Care to try that again with our talk about humility taken to account?" Sunset Shimmer growled under her breath and looked at her reflection again, "I see a pony, who isn't powerful enough. Somepony who could be great, powerful... Somepony that could rule Equestria." I looked at Shimmer's reflection and saw her as an Alicorn. But something felt off. The reflection smirked and morphed into a teenage human girl. Then she was engulfed in fire. I took a step back in fear, as I saw a pair of menacing eyes and draconic wings sprouting out of the flames. Princess Celestia must've noticed my fear and moved Shimmer and I away from it, "Maybe we better move on..." "Wait, what was that? I thought I saw-" Shimmer exclaimed, as Princess Celestia guided us away from the mirror. "Oh, it was probably a trick of the light. Our lesson is over for today. For tomorrow, I want you to reflect on the discussion we've just had." Princess Celestia answered. Sunset Shimmer kept her eyes on the mirror. I guess she doesn't know what the meaning of her reflection's actions meant. I shuddered, as the thought came to me. *A Few Weeks Later...* It's been a few weeks since the lesson with the mirror. It still worries me that Sunset saw what her reflection did. However, it seemed to have caught Shimmer's attention. Through the past few weeks, Shimmer kept asking Princess Celestia about it, and Celestia kept refusing. One day, during a windy picnic, Shimmer brought it up again, "You know what's fascinating? Mirrors. About that one in..." Princess Celestia had enough, "Sunset Shimmer. We've been over this, we will get to the mirror and many other lessons in due time. When you're ready." The windy weather turned into rain. Worried that this weather will turn into a storm, I cuddled close to Princess Celestia. Celestia saw me, and put her wing over my head. Dang it, I hate rainy weather. Celestia and I walked back to the castle. Sunset Shimmer made her own way back. With my strong hearing, I was able to catch Sunset Shimmer mutter under breath, "I am ready." I looked back at Shimmer, as she walked off. My heart sank, she's slowly turning into the demon I saw in the mirror. That's not good. *Later, that Night...* I was in my room, in the castle, laying on my bed, staring at the night sky. The moon was in the center of the sky. The moon's eye glowed. I heard a voice speak to me. "Protect your friend. She is following a path not destined for her..." With that, the moon's eye stopped glowing and continued its duty. I heard a rapid knock on the door. I walked over and opened the door. It was Sunset Shimmer at the other side. She was wearing her purple pjs and had a large grin on her face. "Shimmer? It's the middle of the night. We have exams in the morning." I whispered. "I think I've found something about that mirror. Why we saw what we saw." Shimmer answered. I sighed. This again? Shimmer is very persistent when she wants something. Whether it be magic or answers. "There's a section, in the library, that is about certain books on types of magic. I need your help to find it." She explained. I thought for a second and remembered what the moon told me. I looked at Shimmer and nodded. She smiled, grabbed my hand and lead me into the library. I hope I'm making the right choice in protecting Sunset Shimmer. Sunset Shimmer lead me to a door, that was locked tightly. The door said 'Dark Magic. No Entry'. A voice inside my head told me to go back to bed. But my gut told me I needed to stay with Shimmer. She needs me. With a simple lock-pick spell, Sunset Shimmer opened the door and we entered the room. I gotta say, there were a lot of books in this section. Why did Princess Celestia keep this room locked like a secret? 'Dark Magic'...... "Not ready? I'll show her not ready." Shimmer muttered under her breath, then she joked, "You'd think this place would be better guarded." I suppressed a giggle, then started looking through the books. Sunset Shimmer and read through a bunch of books. 'Crossing Over', 'The First Ponies', all sorts. "Nothing on the mirror yet, but a few of these spells will come in handy..." Sunset Shimmer said, as we read the books. I closed my book and set it aside. Then, another caught my eye. 'Canterlot Castle. A History. Vol II'. I picked up the book and started reading it. I smiled, "Shimmer, I think I found something." I gave the book to Shimmer and she started reading it. She smiled, "Well done, Ellie. You've got really good eyes." I smiled and pushed my glasses up, "Thanks to these babies." Shimmer flipped through the pages, "The Crystal Mirror... Every 30 moons, a portal will open to... Another world?" I shook my head, "I'm pretty sure it's not my world. I would've noticed something." "That's not really for you two to know, now is it?" A familiar voice asked from behind us. Sunset Shimmer and I turned and saw it was Princess Celestia and a couple of her guards. How did she know we would be here? Of course, the librarian. She must've slipped past us. The guards grabbed me and dragged me away from Sunset Shimmer. "Please, let me go." I asked the guard on my left, trying to struggle free. "I'm sorry. Princess' orders." He answered. "How dare you keep this kind of magic from me! You know that I'm ready for this, that I can be great!" Shimmer shouted at Princess Celestia. "You could be great." Princess Celestia corrected in a calm tone, "I thought I saw compassion and sincerity in you, but it was nothing but ambition. The compassion and sincerity came from Eleanor. You're being selfish, you need to step back and reflect-" In anger, Sunset Shimmer's horn glowed black with a cyan hue. Her eyes emitted a black haze. Oh no. She cut Princess Celestia off, "I'm selfish?" Her horn fired a strong beam of magic. I forced myself out of the guards' grip and pushed Celestia aside. Shimmer's beam hit me in the chest, where my heart was. A sharp pain struck my heart and my body was overwhelmed with pain. I fell to the ground, holding my chest in pain. I felt a pair of soft, furry hands over my shoulders. I looked up and saw Princess Celestia's deeply concerned expression. "That book, right there, says that I could become as powerful as an Alicorn Princess! I could rule here! It's selfish of you to keep me from my rightful place!" Shimmer continued, "I deserve to stand beside you and be your equal... If not, your better. Make me a Princess." "No." Princess Celestia answered in a low tone, "Being a Princess must be earned. I have been trying to teach you everything you need to know, but you've turned from it. Everytime you say you 'deserve' to get something without the effort just proves to me that you're not ready." Then she announced, standing up and held me close to her, "Sunset Shimmer. I am removing you from the position of my pupil. If we cannot get past this, your studies end here. You are welcome to stay in Canterlot, but you are no longer welcome in the castle." "We'll never get past this because you aren't seeing how great I deserve to be. Is that really all you have to say to me?" Sunset Shimmer asked with a sharp glare. "No. The guards will escort you out." Princess Celestia answered. With that, the guard walked beside Sunset Shimmer and escorted her out of the building, at the doorway Shimmer hissed, "This is the biggest mistake you'll make in your entire life." Once Sunset Shimmer was gone, Princess Celestia lowered her head with a sad look, "One of many." She turned her attention to me and helped me back to my feet, "Are you hurt?" I stood up and answered, "A bit sore, but I think I'll be alright." Then I looked at the regal Alicorn of the day, "Uh... Princess Celestia? Am I in trouble too? Are you gonna banish me as well?" I asked, as my mind raced with paranoid thoughts. Princess Celestia looked smiled and shook her head, "No, Eleanor. Like I told Sunset Shimmer, I see compassion and sincerity in you. You went out of your own way to help her. I even saw you with the other students. You can stay in the castle, and we'll find you a new friend." I regained my smiled. Princess Celestia and I entered the room, with the mirror inside. To our surprise, the guards were inside and were knocked out. Sunset Shimmer was nowhere to be seen. "Oh, Sunset Shimmer... No..." Princess Celestia grimaced. Celestia and I helped the guards back up their hooves. "Sir, what happened?" I asked. "She took us by surprise and just... Just... Jumped into the mirror. I don't know." One of the guards answered the best he could. "Shh. It's fine." Princess Celestia assured, then asked, "If you're feeling up to it, would you please help move the mirror to a safer place?" *The Next Morning...* While Princess Celestia and the guards were moving the mirror, Princess Celestia advised me to stay in my room and just wait. I laid on my bed and stared at the sky in sadness and wonder. Will I be able to see Sunset Shimmer again? Can she be forgiven for what she's done? Who will be the next pupil for Princess Celestia? Will she, or he, be as good as Sunset Shimmer? And what the heck is gonna happen to me?
Mare in the Moon.*Many Years Later...* Eleanor's POV. Another day, another study. Oh! Hello, viewers. Long time, no see. Have to say, it's been years. So, I'll take this time to catch you up on what's happened to my study of magic and humility among Ponies. Well... same time after what happened with Sunset Shimmer, Princess Celestia gained a new student. Her name is Twilight Sparkle. Her color scheme is a dead giveaway to her name. I became her study partner. Surprisingly, Twilight is not like Sunset Shimmer. We don't study at the castle, we study in the castle library. Assisting our studies, Twilight used her magic to hatch a dragon's egg, to become Celestia's student. Once the dragon was old enough, he became our assistant. Twilight called him Spike, because it sounded cute. Since it's been quite a while since we've spoken to each other, dear viewers, I should tell you what's changed about me. Well, my hair has gotten longer, so I've tied it into a high ponytail. I've gotten a bit taller as the years passed. I'm now about 5 foot 6 inches tall. Since Twilight and I about the same size, but not the same height, we share the same wardrobe. Today, I am wearing a black t-shirt under a dark purple sweater with deep pink and dark red stripes near the trimmings. A pair of violet pants with pink stripes near the trimmings. And matching sandals. I've kept the poncho Sunset Shimmer gave me, as a memento of my first friend. On the left side of my sweater, near the seam, there's a patch of three purple wisps. Not sure how or why, but it must behave similar to a Pony's Cutie Mark. Anywho, Spike and I were about to get ready to leave the library, to attend Moondancer's birthday party. Spike was about a 5 foot tall baby dragon, with purple scales with a green underbelly, ears, spines and eyes. He wore a dark green t-shirt under a dark purple hoodie and blue combat pants. We finished wrapping our gifts for Moondancer and made our way to the door. However, the door flung open and threw Spike into me, "Ow..." The Pony that opened the door revealed to be Twilight Sparkle herself. Twilight was a Unicorn mare of 5 foot 5 inches tall. Her mane and tail were well-combed and were sapphire blue with pink and purple streaks. Her coat was a light mulberry purple and her eyes were violet. She wore a white collared shirt under a light purple sweater-vest with her Cutie Mark Patch of a pink star and six smaller white stars near the right seam. Dark blue pants and tie. "Spike! SPII-IIKE!" Twilight called, then she looked down at the floor, "Spike?" Spike sat up and recovered from the impact, as I rubbed my head. Twilight smiled, "There you are." She ran past us and started searching through the book, "Quick! Find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies." She looked at Spike and asked, "What’s that for?" Spike looked at his tail and noticed it impaled his gift for Moondancer. He removed it from his tail and answered, "Well, it was a gift for Moondancer, but…" An impaled teddy bear fell out of the wrapping and dropped to the floor with a squeak. I checked my present and noticed it was crushed by my big fat butt. Aw, man! Twilight sighed and resumed searching through her book, "Oh, Spike. You know we don’t have time for that sort of thing." "But we’re on a break!" I argued, getting back on my feet. Twilight ignored me and used her magic to grab some book from the top of the bookshelf nearest to her. She searched the books, "No…no…no…no, no, no!" She groaned in frustration and shouted, "SPIKE!!" "It’s over here!" Spike answered from another high self. Twilight used her magic to grab the book. But Spike still had hold of it. Spike fell off his ladder and flew toward Twilight. Twilight looked at the book and smiled, "Ah!" She dropped the other books and walked toward the nearest podium. I helped Spike back to his feet and we started picking the books Twilight dropped. "Elements. Elements. E, E, E…" Twilight muttered, then read in a clear voice, "Aha! 'Elements of Harmony'. See 'Mare in the Moon'?" I raised a brow as Spike spoke up from on top of a ladder, "'Mare in the Moon'? Isn't that an old ponies tale?" "Mare. Mare…" Twilight muttered, as she flipped through the pages, "Aha! 'The Mare in the Moon. Myth from olden 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.'" I closed my eyes and heard an evil laugh echoed through my head. In my black vision, all I could see was a pair of menacing turquoise eyes. Twilight gasped and asked, "Spike. Ellie, do you know what this means?" "No." Spike answered. However, he lost his balance and fell off the ladder. I caught Spike in my arms, before he hit the ground. "Take a note, please." Twilight instructed, handing Spike a parchment and quill, "To the Princess." Spike smiled and jumped out my arms, "Okey-dokey." Spike started writing, as Twilight paced and spoke, "'My dearest teacher, My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster.'" "Hold on." Spike spoke up, "Preci…preci…" He gives Twilight a lost look. Being a baby dragon, he doesn't understand large words. "Threshold." Twilight simplified. Spike tried again, "Thre…" But to no avail. Twilight raised a brow, "Uh…brink?" Spike gave her a look. She groaned in frustration. "Why not just say, 'We're on the edge of disaster'?" I suggested. Twilight and Spike looked at me. Spike wrote down my suggestion and nodded for Twilight to continue. Twilight returned pacing and continued, "'For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon, and she is 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.'" "'Twi-light…Spar-kle.'" Spike finished and answered, "Got it!" Twilight nodded and smiled, "Great! Send it." "Now?" Spike and I asked. Twilight nodded, "Of course!" "Uh…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." Spike shrugged his shoulders. "That’s just it, Spike." Twilight replied, "The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration. It’s imperative that the Princess is told right away!" "Impera…Impera…" Spike tried to write, but, again, didn't quite know how to spell the word. "Important!" Twilight shouted. The volume and force of the word threw Spike toward me and we rolled into the nearest bookshelf, "Ow..." "Okay, okay!" Spike replied, getting back to his feet. He took a deep breath, rolled up the parchment into a scroll and burned it with his green, magical fire breath. The cinders flew out of the window and toward the castle, "There! It’s on its way." "But I wouldn’t hold your breath, Twi." I warned. Twilight smugly smiled at me, "Oh, I’m not worried, Ellie. The Princess trusts me completely. In all the years she’s been my mentor, she’s never once doubted me." I folded my arms and looked away in thought. Spike let out a burp and his fire breath morphed into a rolled up scroll. Twilight smirked, "I knew she would want to take immediate action." Spike opened the scroll, cleared his throat and read, "'My dearest, most faithful student Twilight, you know that I value your diligence, and that I trust you completely.'" Twilight looked out the window and smiled. "3... 2... 1..." I counted down. "'But you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!'" Spike finished. Twilight gasped, as I smiled, "There it is." "'I have given you an assignment for you outside of Canterlot.'" Spike continued reading, "'Spike and Eleanor will accompany you. You leave this afternoon.'" Twilight sighed. *Later, Flying over the Plains...* "'My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony’s life than studying. So I’m sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year’s location, Ponyville.'" Spike continued reading, as we were in a carriage, drawn by nonmorphic Pegasi, to our destination. I've heard of Ponyville. It's not as old as Canterlot or the Everfree Forest, but it's a heck of a town. Pegasi, Unicorns and Earth Ponies working together and living together as very close friends can get. Now I'm really excited about this assignment. "'And I have an even more essential task for you to complete; Make some friends.'" Spike finished reading Celestia's letter. Twilight just sulked and sighed softly. "Look on the bright side, Twilight. The Princess arranged for you to stay in a library." Spike tried to encourage, "Doesn’t that make you happy?" Twilight suddenly raised her head, "Yes. Yes, it does. 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 Nightmare Moon’s return." "What about making friends, like the Princess said?" I asked in a concerned tone. Twilight shook her head, "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." The carriage landed and the Pegasi whinnied, indicating we have reached our destination. Twilight, Spike and I exit the carriage. I gave the Pegasi a carrot each, and they returned to Canterlot. "Maybe the Ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about!" Spike spoke up, as an Earth Pony mare skipped toward us. The mare stopped in front of us and smiled. She was 5 foot 3 inches tall. Her fur was a light pink color. Her mane and tail were a darker shade of pink and were poofy and wild. Her eyes were a light shade of blue. Like she was made of cotton candy. She wore a white t-shirt with light blue sleeves and trimmings, under a pair of dark pink overalls with rolled-up legs. Upon the left side of the hip on her overalls, was a patch of three party balloons. Two blue and one yellow. "Come on, Twilight. Just try." Spike encouraged Twilight. Twilight looked at the mare and waved her hand in uncertainty, "Uh…hello?" The mare jumped into the air with a long gasp of surprise. Then she zoomed off somewhere. That was one odd Pony. Once calmed, Twilight noted, "Well, that was interesting, all right." With that, she walked off. Spike and I sighed and followed after her. This is not gonna end well at all. *Sweet Apple Acres...* Twilight Sparkle's POV. "'Summer Sun Celebration Official Overseer's Checklist. Number one, banquet preparations, Sweet Apple Acres.'" Spike read the Checklist, as we entered a large farm, full of apple trees. "Yee-Haw!!!" A pony shouted, startling Spike, Eleanor and I. We turned and saw an orange Earth Pony mare run and kicked an apple tree, with buckets around it. The apples fell in all of the baskets. Not one missed. The pony folded her arms and crossed her hooves proudly. She was 5 foot 10 inches tall. Her mane and tail were blonde and her eyes were green. Her mane and tail were in a low ponytail. She wore a cowgirl hat, a white tank top under a denim vest-coat, and a pair of matching shorts with a brown belt. Upon her vest-coat was a Cutie Mark Patch of three red gala apples in a triangular formation. I sighed, "Let's get this over with." I walked to the pony with a smile, "Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle." The mare grabbed my hand and shook it violently, "Well, Howdy-doo, Miss Twilight. A pleasure makin' your acquaintance. Ah'm Applejack. We, here, at Sweet Apple Acres, sure do like makin' new friends." She introduced herself in a very strong Southern accent. "Frie-e-e-ends? Actua-a-ally-y-y-y, I..." I tried to explain, but she let go of my hand. "So, what can Ah do yah for?" Applejack asked me with a kind smile. I was still shaking my hand, so I couldn't speak. Eleanor grabbed my hand and stopped it from shaking. Spike supressed a laugh. "Well, I am, in fact, here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. And you are in charge of the food?" I explained and asked her. Applejack smiled, "We sure as sugar are. Would yah care to sample some?" She replied, then asked me. "Well, as long as it doesn't take too long." I answered with an raised eyebrow. Applejack rang a loud triangle bell, then shouted, "Soup's on, everypony!!" On cue, a large group of ponies charged toward us and carried us to a round table. Applejack appeared beside us. "Now, why don't Ah introduce y'all to the Apple Family." She said, with a smile. "Thanks, but we really need to hurry." I tried to explain, but a pony with a plate of apple fritas stopped me. "This is Apple Frita. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious. Gold Delicious. Caramel Apple. Apple Strudel. Apple Tart. Baked Apples. Apple Brioche. Apple Cinnamon Crisp..." Applejack introduced the ponies, as each gave us their specialty. Leaving us with a large pile a apple related treats. She took a deep breathe, before she carried on, "Big McIntosh, Applebloom, and... Granny Smith." She finished, before putting an apple in my mouth. Big McIntosh was a large red stallion, with green eyes, orange mane and tail. He wore a plow gear around his neck, and he had a large green apple Cutie Mark Patch on the left pocket of his red collared shirt and he wore a pair of brown pants to match. Applebloom was a young, yellow filly, of 4 foot 8 inches, with a pink bow in her red mane. She wore a pale yellow t-shirt and a pair of denim overalls. She had no Cutie Mark yet. And Granny Smith was an elder pale green mare, with a white mane and tail, tied in a bun. She wore a green dress with an apron and red plaid shawl. She had a large apple pie patch on her apron. "Up'n'attem, Granny Smith. We got guests." Applejack woke the elder pony. "Wha..? Soup's on? Ah'm up. Here Ah come, Ah'm coming." She woke up and walked over to us. Applejack put her hoof over my shoulder, "Why, Ah'd say they're already part of the family." I spat the apple out, and gave them a nervous smile, "Okay. Well, I can see that the food situation is handled. So, we'll be on our way." "Aren't yah gonna stay for brunch?" Little Applebloom asked in the same Southern accent, giving us a sad look. "Sorry, but we'd an awful lot to do." I told her as gently as I can. Everypony sighed in sadness. I looked around, trying to find a way out of this, but I gave up, "Fine." Everypony cheered. *Later, in Ponyville...* "Food is taken care of. Next is the weather." Spike informed me. "Ugh, I ate too much pie." I moaned over my full stomach of apple pies and cakes. I'd admit, the food was good, but very filling on the first two servings. Spike and Ellie didn't look as bad as I did. Spike only ate some apple fritas, while Ellie ate two apple struddles and an apple cinnamon crisp. We had to leave early. "Hmm... There's supposed to be a Pegasus Pony, named Rainbow Dash, clearing the clouds." Spike told us. We looked up and the clouds were still around. "Well, she's not doing a very good job, is she?" I asked. The next thing I knew, Ellie pushed me aside, as something flew into her. The collision caused her to fall into the mud puddle with a Pony. Both the Pony and human were covered in mud. The Pony was a light cyan Pegasus mare, with spiky rainbow mane and tail. Her eyes were rose pink. I'm guessing she was Rainbow Dash. She was 5 foot 3 inches tall, wore a black tank top under a blue and white sports jacket and darker blue yoga pants. Her Cutie Match patch was a cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt on her left legging. The Pegasus mare got up and looked at Ellie, she giggled, "Um... 'scuse me?" Ellie got back up on her hoo- uh feet, but didn't look amused. Rainbow giggled again, "Here, let me help you." She flew off and returned with a small raincloud. She jumped on top of it a few times, making the cloud rain on top of the human. Rainbow looked at her result. Ellie was soaked, hair, clothes and skin. Her expression didn't change, but I bet she felt slightly embarrassed. "Oops. I guess I overdid it." The mare said, trying not to laugh. Then she suggested, "Umm... How about this?" She flew around my soaked study partner in great speed, creating a small tornado, "My very own, patterned, Rain-Blow Dry. No, no. Don't thank me. You're quite welcome." Rainbow said, as she landed and looked at the results. Ellie's hair was in a large mess. She looked similar to a sad clown. Rainbow Dash burst into laughter, as Spike followed her, when he saw her 'new look'. I kept my composure. "Let me guess. You're Rainbow Dash." I concluded, getting Rainbow Dash's attention. She stopped laughing and stood up, "The one and only." She took off into the air and looked at me, "Why? You heard of me?" "I heard you're supposed to be keeping the sky clear." I snapped, but I calmed down and smiled, "I'm Twilight Sparkle. And the Princess sent me to check on the weather." "Yeah, yeah. That'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I'm done practicing." Rainbow Dash told me, lounging on a cloud. "Practicing for what?" I asked. "The Wonderbolts! They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow. And I'm gonna show them my stuff." Rainbow explained, flying to another cloud. I smirked, "THE Wonderbolts?" "Yup." Dash answered. "The most talented fliers in all of Equestria?" I asked. "That's them." Rainbow answered again. "Please. They'd never accept a Pegasus, who can't keep the sky clear for one measly day." Ellie teased with a smile. "Hey! I can clear the sky in ten seconds flat!" Rainbow defended. "Prove it." Ellie dared. Rainbow Dash gave her a look, and began flying around, kicking out every cloud in the sky. She flew very fast, that the wind picked up whenever she fly past us. "Loop-de-loop around and wham!" She muttered, as she hit the last cloud. "What did I say? Ten seconds flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging." Dash gloated with a smile. Spike and I had our mouths open from shock, while Ellie smiled and clapped her hands. "You should see the look on your face." Rainbow Dash laughed, as she flew by behind me, "You're a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. I can't wait to hang out some more." With that, she flew away. "Wow. She's amazing." Spike was able to say with a smile. I gave him a blank look, as he began playing with the Ellie's messy hair, trying not to laugh. I looked at Ellie with a genuine smile, "Thanks, for pushing me out of the way." "It's no problem, Twi." Ellie replied, smiling back at me, then walking to the Town Hall. I followed Ellie to the Town Hall. "Wait. It's kinda pretty once you get used to it." Spike lightened as he followed us. As we entered the hall, Spike got the checklist out, "Decorations. Beautiful..." Spike said the last part love-struck. There were banners of ponies, the sun and the moon, colorful streamers and all sorts. It was very beautiful. "Yes. The decor is coming in nicely. This oughta be quick. I'll be at the Library in no time. Beautiful indeed." I said, as we looked around the hall. "I agree." Ellie said, with a small smile. "Not the decor. Her." Spike replied, pointing to a Unicorn mare. She was 5 foot 7 inches tall with an elegant build. Her fur coat was a very pale grey, nearly white. And her mane and tail were purple-blue, wonderfully combed with a natural curl. She wore light blue eyeshadow over her darker blue eyes. She wore a dark grey turtleneck and a pair of moderate grey pants. Her Cutie Mark patch was three diamonds located on her right hip. The Unicorn mare was using her magic to pick out a colored ribbon, "No. No. No. Oh goodness no." "How are my spines? Are they straight?" Spike asked, checking himself. I rolled my eyes, and walked to the Unicorn. "Good afternoon." I greeted her. "Just a moment, please. I am in the zone, as it were." The Unicorn told me, as she continued to looked at the colored ribbons. She smiled, and tied a red sparkly ribbon in a bow, around the pillar in front of her, "Ah, yes. Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent." She looked at me, "Now, um, how can we help yo-" She gasped in shock as she saw Ellie's messy hair, "Oh my stars, darling. Whatever happened to your coiffure?" I looked at Eleanor with slight concern, "Oh, you mean her mane? It's a long story. We're just here to check on the decorations, and we'll be out of your hair." I reassured Rarity. "Out of MY hair? What about HER hair?" Rarity asked, as she jumped behind me and started pushing Ellie to Carasol Boutique. Spike and I followed, of course Spike used his tail to fly. Silly love-struck dragon. *A little later...* Rarity sorted Ellie's hair, then got her trying her new outfits, for humans of course, as she judged them on her, "No, no, uh-uh. Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too... shiny." We stopped at a dress that made her look similar to a princess. "Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you're from." Rarity encouraged, as she tightened the corset of the last outfit. Ellie struggled to breath as she spoke, "We've... been sent from... Canterlot... to-" Rarity stopped pulling with a gasp, causing Ellie to fall forward and bump into me, "Ow..." "Canterlot? Oh, I am so envious! The glamor, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can't wait to hear all about it!" Rarity smiled with glee and stars in her eyes. She got a little too close to me and Ellie, as she continued, "We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I..." Then she looked at the emerald on the chest of Ellie's corset, "Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!" And she walked off. "Quick! Before she decides to dye my hair a new color!" Ellie told Spike and I, dashing out of the boutique. Spike sighed, as I picked him up and placed him on my back. *Outside Ponyville...* "Wasn't she wonderful?" Spike asked, still love-struck and thinking about Rarity. "Focus, Casanova. What's next on the list?" I told and asked Spike. Ellie was back in her casual outfit. Spike cleared his throat and looked at the Checklist, "Oh, uh, music. It's the last one." I smiled, then we heard a group of birds singing. Spike, Ellie and I went to investigate and saw a yellow Pegasus mare. Her back was facing us, so we couldn't see her face. She was 5 foot 2 inches tall with a delicate feel to her build, from what we can see. Her mane and tail were pink. She wore a light green sundress and matching fingerless gloves. Her Cutie Mark patch was three pink butterflies on a sash around her waist. So graceful and gentle. The Pegasus was conducting music with a bunch of birds. A blue jay was a little out of rhythm, so the Pegasus kindly told him. "Hello." I greeted, accidently startling the Pegasus, and scaring the birds away. The Pegasus looked at me and Eleanor. Her eyes were a light blue and were hooded, to add to her delicate figure. "Oh, I'm very sorry for my friend, here. We didn't mean to startle you." Eleanor apologised, "We're just here to check on the music, and it's sounding beautiful." The Pegasus landed, scuffed her hoof, and avoided eye-contact, not saying a word. I gave her a nervous smile, "I'm Twilight Sparkle." The Pegasus still said nothing. "My name is Eleanor." Ellie introduced herself in a gentle tone. "What's your name?" I asked. The Pegasus spoke in a soft, and very quiet voice, so I couldn't hear her. Eleanor nodded with a smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you." "I'm sorry. What was that?" I asked her, getting closer, so I could her hear her. She spoke again, but more quietly and backed away a little. "Didn't quite catch that." I told her. The Pegasus backed away again, and squeaked. The birds came back. "Well, um, it looks like your birds are back. So, I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work." I encouraged the Pegasus. She squeaked in reply. "Okay." I told her, walking off. Spike walked out of the bushes with a smile. "Well, that was easy." I told him with a smile of my own. I heard a gasp from behind me, "A baby dragon." The Pegasus charged from behind me and stopped in front of Spike, making me and Ellie fly a few feet away from them, "Ow..." "Oh. I've never seen a baby dragon before. He's so cute." The Pegasus said, staring at Spike with a sweet smile. "Well, well, well...!" Spike said with a cheeky smile, and crossed his arms. "Oh my, he talks. I didn't know dragons could talk. That's just so incredibly wonderful, I just don't know what to say." The Pegasus said cheerfully, hovering during the last part. Eleanor recovered and smiled, "Heh. I didn't know you had a thing for animals." The Pegasus smiled back at her, "Oh, yes. I love all animals. Big and small." I used my Unicorn magic to levitate Spike on to my back, "Well, in that case, we'd better be going." I began walking off, as Ellie followed me, by my side. But the pegasus followed to talk to Spike, "Wait, wait. What's his name?" "I'm Spike." Spike introduced himself. "Hi, Spike. I'm Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon. And what do dragons talk about?" The Pegasus, Fluttershy, introduced and asked Spike. "What do you wanna know?" Spike asked. "Absolutely everything." Fluttershy answered with a smile. I groaned in frustration and annoyance. "Well, I started out as cute little purple and green egg..." Spike began telling his story to Fluttershy. *Later, Outside the Library...* "...And that's the story of my whole entire life. Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?" Spike finished his story, then asked Fluttershy, who followed us all the way. "Oh, yes please." Fluttershy insisted. I quickly turned to face Fluttershy and faked a smile. "I am so sorry. How did we get here so fast? This is where I'm staying while in Ponyville. And my poor baby dragon needs his sleep." I lied to Fluttershy. "No I don't." Spike shot back, but I slightly kicked him off my back, making it look like he fell. "Awww... wook at dat. He's so sweepy, he can't even keep his widdle bawance." I said in a baby tone. Spike and Ellie gave a glare. Fluttershy picked Spike up, "Poor thing. You simply must get into bed." She flew into the library, but I stopped her and pushed her out. "Yes, yes, we'll get right on that. Well g'night." I told Fluttershy, as Ellie walked into the library. I slammed the door closed and locked. It was very dark in the library. "Rude much?" Ellie asked me. "Sorry, guys. But I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time." I explained to Spike. I realized how dark it was and began looking around, "Now, where's the light?" The light was switched on, and everypony was in the library yelling, "Surprise!!!" I groaned in annoyance. "Surprise!" The pink mare from before shouted with a large smile on her face. "Hi. I'm Pinkie Pie. And we threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh huh huh?" The pink mare introduced, then asked me, jumping all over the place. "Very surprised. Libraries are supposed to be quiet!" I told her, saying the last part in extreme annoyance. "Well, that's silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring!" The pony, Pinkie Pie started chatting, as I went off to get a quick drink. "Y'see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all "hello" and I was all... " Pinkie Pie took a deep gasp, then continued, "Remember? Y'see I've never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!" I groaned a little. I stopped at the drink table, and started pouring some juice, from the red bottle, into a cup. I think Eleanor was about to try and say something, because I heard her draw a blank. Pinkie Pie continued with her story, "And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went ...!" Pinkie Pie took a deep gasp again, "I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!" Suddenly, my throat and tongue felt very hot. I stopped drinking, and turned to see everypony. I tried to say something, but the burning sensation in my throat and tongue got hotter and hotter. "Are ya alright, sugarcube?" Applejack asked me. My mane and tail burst into flames, as I jumped into the air, from the heat in my mouth and dashed to the washroom. "Aww! She's so happy, she's crying." Pinkie Pie said with that huge smile plastered on her face. *Later, that night...* I was in my room, trying to get think of a way to convince Princess Celestia that Nightmare Moon is coming. But, Pinkie Pie's party's loud music was too distracting. I looked at the clock and moaned. I don't think Eleanor was taking part in the party, she was never a fan of parties, she is that shy. The door opened, making the music louder than it should be, and Spike entered my room, with a lampshade over his head. "Hey, Twilight. Pinkie Pie's starting 'Pin-The-Tail-On-The-Pony.' Wanna play?" Spike asked, lifting the lampshade so he can see me. "No!! All the ponies in this town are CRAZY! Do you know what time it is?" I snapped at Spike, then asked him, looking at my clock again. "It's the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Everypony has to stay up, or they'll miss the Princess raise the sun." Spike answered with a smile, then his smile faded, "You really should lighten up, Twilight. It's a party." After that, Spike left. I mocked his words in a squeaky voice, then sighed in frustration, "Ugh, here I thought I'd have time to learn about the Elements of Harmony but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!" Then, I heard a voice singing, coming from the balcony, "Ask not the Sun, Why She sets, Why She shrouds her light away. Or why She hides her glowing gaze, When Night turns crimson gold to grey...." I got out of my bed and looked out my window, to look at the balcony. I saw a shadow of a figure singing to the moon. Its voice was soft and pure. "For silent falls the guilty Sun, As day to dark does turn. One simple truth, She dare not speak, Her light can only blind and burn." The figure stopped singing and looked at me. It's eyes were glowing a scarlet red. I gasped, then it ran away. I sighed and looked at the moon. There was a shape of a mare's head, and four stars were circling around it, getting closer to the moon, as they circled. "'Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night.'" I read, as I looked at the moon again. "I hope the Princess was right... I hope it is just an old ponytale." I told myself. The door opened again and it was Spike again. "C'mom, Twilight. It's time to see the sun rise." He told me. As everypony left the party and ran to the Town Hall. *Later, inside the Town Hall...* Everypony gathered around the grand stage, as we waited for the mayor, Mayor Mare, to introduced the coming of the celebration. Pinkie Pie dashed right next to me. "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..." Pinkie took a deep gasp, then continued, "But I mean really, who can top that?" I noticed Ellie was staring at the moon. Like she was entranced by something. Fluttershy's birds sang their song, as a spotlight shone upon Mayor Mare, an adult, light brown pony with white mane and tail, wearing glasses and a business attire and tie. "Fillies and Gentlecolts. As the Mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration." The Mayor announced. Everypony cheered in joy. "In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year." The Mayor continued, as I looked at the moon. I saw the stars enter the moon, and the mare formation disappeared. I held my breath. "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..." The Mayor began the introduction of Princess Celestia. I saw Fluttershy look at her birds with a smile. "Princess Celestia." The Mayor finished, as Rarity pulled the rope, Fluttershy's birds sang, and the curtains revealed to show nothing. "Huh?" Rarity exclaimed, as she noticed and began to look backstage. "This can't be good." I told myself, as everypony began to mumble to themselves. "Remain calm, everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation." Mayor Mare told everypony, as they went quiet. Pinkie Pie jumped in excitement. "Ooh, ooh. I love guessing games! Is she hiding?" Pinkie asked, as she began looking around. Rarity returned with a shocked look on her face, "She's gone." Everypony gasped in shock and horror. "Ooooh. She's good." Pinkie said with a smile, until she yelped loudly. A mist of dark blue and stars appeared on the balcony. Everypony was tense and began muttering. I held my breath in fear. "Oh no." I grimaced, as the mist took the form of a young adult alicorn. The alicorn was black with evil turquoise eyes, night-like ethereal mane and tail, and wore an indigo Greek dress with dark blue armour. "Nightmare Moon." Spike gasped and fainted. "Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little, sun-loving faces." Nightmare Moon greeted, with an evil smile on her dark face. Ellie was the only one that didn't show fear. It was like she knew Nightmare Moon, or something like that. "What have you done with our Princess!!?" Rainbow Dash asked her in a 'demanding to know' tone. She dashed to fight Nightmare Moon, but Applejack caught her by the tail. "Whoa there, Nelly." Applejack calmed, with Dash's tail in her mouth. Nightmare Moon chuckled. "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Do you know who I am?" She asked with a serious look replacing her smile. "Ooh, ooh. More guessing games. Um, Hokey Smokes. How about... Queen Meanie? No. Black Snooty. Black Snoot-" Pinkie Pie guessed with a cheerful smile, but Applejack put an apple in her mouth, to stop her from talking. Nightmare Moon stared at Fluttershy, as she asked, "Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?" Then, she flew to Rarity, "Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?" "I did!" I spoke up, catching everypony's attention, including Nightmare Moon's. "You're the Mare in the Moon. Nightmare Moon." I finished. Everypony gasped in shock and fear. Nightmare Moon chuckled again, "Well, well, well. Somepony who remembers me. Then you must know why I here." "You're here to..." I tried to answer, but I couldn't bring myself to finish. "To..." I gulped in fear. "Remember this day, little ponies. For it will be your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon announced, laughing evilly, as thunder and lightning flashed and crashed. Her mane and tail flew upward, forming a small tornado over her head. To be continued...
Elements of HarmonyTwilight Sparkle's POV. Nightmare Moon continued to laugh, as her mane and tail floated upward. "Seize her! Only she knows where the Princess is!" Mayor Mare told the royal guards. The guards took flight and dashed toward the evil, black mare. I gasped. "Stand back, you foals!" Nightmare Moon shouted, as her eyes glowed white, and lightning struck in between the guards and herself. The guards halted their charge, and Nightmare Moon laughed. She morphed into a mist of the night sky, and left the town. Rainbow Dash dashed after her, since Applejack's grip loosened. I picked up Spike looked at Eleanor, "We have to get back to the library." Ellie nodded and followed me, as I made my way back to the library. *At the Library...* I put Spike on to his bed, he slept for a second, then shouted, "We gotta stop Nightmare..." Then he fell back to sleep. I tucked him into his favourite blanket. "You've been up all night, Spike. You are a baby dragon, after all." I spoke kindly. Ellie and I sneaked downstairs, into the library. I began throwing books everywhere as I looked for the book about the Elements of Harmony. "Elements. Elements. Elements... Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon, without the Elements of Harmony?" I wondered, as I kept looking at more books. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash flew into my face, "And just what are the Elements of Harmony?" Rainbow Dash asked, in my face, "And how do you know about Nightmare Moon? Are you spies?" Applejack stopped Dash from asking anymore questions, by pulling her tail back, "Simmer down, Sally." She let go and looked at me, "They ain't no spies. But, they do seem to know what's going on. Don't yah, Twilight?" She asked me in a calm tone. I looked at the ponies. I looked at Ellie and she nodded. I sighed, "I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them, I don't even know what they do!" I explained "'The Elements of Harmony; A Reference Guide.'" Pinkie Pie read, looking at a bookshelf, close to the door. I dashed toward the shelf and stared at the book, accidently throwing Pinkie away. "How did you find that?" I asked, astonished. "It was under 'E'..." Pinkie Pie said in a sing-song voice, jumping around. "Oh." I simply said, as I used my magic to pick up the book and began reading. "'There are seven Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The sixth and seventh are a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the Elements was in the ancient castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. It is located in what is now--'" *At the entrance of the Everfree Forest...* "The Everfree Forest." Everypony grimaced in fear. I never understood why. It just looks like an old, dark, swampy forest. "Wheee! Let's go." Pinkie Pie encouraged, walking into the forest. "Not so fast!" I said. Pinkie froze in mid-step. "Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather do this on my own." I told them. "No can do, Sugarcube. We're not letting any friend of ours go into a dangerous place alone." Applejack told me. I froze, at the word 'friend'. Again with that word. "We're stickin' on yah like caramel on a candy apple." Applejack finished, as she and the others trotted into the forest. Everypony agreed. Pinkie Pie un-froze and jumped, "Especially if there's candy apple in there." Ellie and I stared at her in confusion. "What? Those things are good." Pinkie Pie said, as she followed the other ponies. "I think those Ponies have the right mind, Twilight. Sometimes, you just need a little faith." Ellie told me, as she followed the Ponies. I shook my head, sighed in annoyance, and followed the others, taking a slight lead. The moment I entered the forest, I began hearing voices whisper in my ear. "Ingonyama nengw' enamabala..." The voices chanted. I couldn't make out what they were saying. "So, none of you have been in here before?" I asked, as we walked down the forest. "Ugh. Heavens no. Just look at it, it's dreadful." Rarity answered, with slight fear in her voice. "And it ain't natural. Folk say it don't work the same as Equestria." Applejack included. "What's that supposed to mean?" I asked in curiosity. "Nopony knows. Ya know why?" Rainbow Dash said and asked, in a creepy voice, creeping toward Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity. "Rainbow, quit it." Applejack told Rainbow Dash, but she didn't listen. "'Cause every pony who's ever come in, has never come OUT!!" Rainbow spooked, jumping and shouting the last word. Suddenly, the cliff we were standing on gave out and everypony fell, except Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew to save Pinkie Pie and Rarity. Ellie and Applejack saved themselves by grabbing a nearby root, but I continued to fall, until I was hanging on to an edge. Applejack let go of the root and slid towards me, "Hold on. Ah'm a-comin'." She grabbed my hands, but she wasn't strong enough to pull me up. "Applejack, what do I do?" I asked her in a panic. Applejack looked up, then looked at me, "Let go." "Are you crazy?" I asked her. "No, Ah ain't. Ah promise ya'll be safe." She told me with a calm tone in her voice. "That's not true!" I told her, trying to help myself up a bit. "Now, listen here. What Ah'm tellin' yah is the honest truth. Let go, 'n' ya'll be safe." Applejack assured me. I looked into her eyes and there was no lying. As I looked, I felt that I could trust her. So, I let go and fell. I screamed for dear life, but I realized that my falling speed slowed down. I looked and saw Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash carrying me down. I sighed in relief, but suddenly the speed increased again for a second. "Sorry, girls. I'm not used to holding anything more than a bunny or two." Fluttershy explained. I watched Applejack and Ellie jump down from the cliff, by cliff-stones. We continued our way to the ruin, of course Rainbow Dash was telling the story of how she and Fluttershy were able to save me, "And once Pinkie and Rarity were saved, whoosh... Me and Fluttershy loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you right in the nick of time." "Yes, Rainbow, I was there. And I'm very grateful, but we gotta-" I gasped in shocked. A large Manticore roared loudly to catch our attention. A Manticore is a large lion with dragon wings, large teeth, and a scorpion's tail. They're very dangerous when disturbed or under attack. "A Manticore!" I identified, as it roared in anger and rage. "We gotta get past him." I told everypony. The Manticore aimed to attack Rarity, but Rarity dodged and kicked him in the chin, knocking him back a bit, "Take that, you ruffian!" The Manticore roared at Rarity. Rarity's mane was fluffed up and poofy, like Pinkie's but more wild. Rarity looked at her mane in dismay, "My hair!" Then she remembered the Manticore and ran. "Wait." Fluttershy tried to say, but she was too quiet for everypony to hear her. The Manticore chased Rarity, until Applejack jumped on to its back. "YEE-HAW!! Get along, little doggy!" She shouted, as the Manticore thrashed around, trying to get her off. "Wait." Fluttershy said again, but a bit louder. Sadly, she still couldn't be heard. The Manticore was able to throw Applejack off his head. "All yers, partner." Applejack told Rainbow Dash, as she flew past her. "I'm on it!" Rainbow Dash saluted, flying at full speed toward the Manticore. "Wait!" Fluttershy tried to shout again, but nopony listened. Rainbow Dashed used her Rain-Blow Dry to distract the Manticore. However, the Manticore used its scorpion tail to attack Rainbow Dash, causing her attack to stop and crash toward us. "Rainbow!" I called in worry. She landed in front of me and tried to get back up. I glared at the Manticore. He scuffed his right paw, as Applejack and I got into sprinting position. The rest of us charged toward the Manticore, until Eleanor jumped in front of us, "Stop!!!" We stopped a few feet from him. She looked at Fluttershy and nodded with a smile, "Go ahead, Fluttershy." Fluttershy nodded back, turned to the Manticore and smiled. She walked up to him. The Manticore roared and raised his right paw. "Eleanor, what are you thinking?" Rainbow asked the human. "Watch her." Ellie simply answered. "Shh... It's okay." Fluttershy told the Manticore in a kind tone. As she stroked his left paw, she assured him with a smile. The Manticore looked a little unsure, but showed Fluttershy a large thorn in his left paw. "Oh, you poor, poor little baby." Fluttershy said, showing sympathy to the Manticore. "Little?" Rainbow Dash asked in confusion. "Now, this might hurt for just a second." Fluttershy assured the Manticore, as she grabbed the thorn and pulled it out. The Manticore picked her up and roared. "Fluttershy!!" We called out of worry for the shy Pegasus. The Manticore purred in happiness, as he licked Fluttershy's face and mane in gratitude. She giggled, "Aw, you're just a little ol' baby kitty, aren't you? Yes you are, yes you are." We walked past the Manticore, but I stopped for Fluttershy. The Manticore put her down and she joined the rest of us. "How did you know about the thorn?" I asked her. "I didn't. Sometimes, we just need to be shown a little kindness." She answered with a smile. I thought for a second, then Ellie's words, 'have faith' echoed in my mind. I smiled and followed. "Ugh... My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck." Rarity whined, as we entered the darkest portion of the forest. The forest covered the moon, making it hard to see in front of our noses, "Well, I didn't mean it literally." "That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn't even know it." I told everyone. Everyone started shouting at each other, due to the darkness. "Oh wait. Ah think Ah stepped in somethin'." Applejack spoke up, as she lifted her hooves. Fluttershy must've saw something, because she screamed in fright. "It's just mud." Applejack told Fluttershy, until she saw what Fluttershy screamed at. She yelped and joined us. The trees glowed with scary faces. We screamed in fright, except for Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie was laughing at the trees, making funny faces and giggled. "Pinkie, what are you doing? Run!" I asked Pinkie, and told her with pure worry and fear. "Oh, guys. Don't you see?" Pinkie asked, until she started dancing. "When I was a little filly, and the sun was going down..." She sang. "Tell me she's not..." I grimaced. "The darkness and the shadows, they always make me frown..." Pinkie continued singing. "She is." Rarity answered. "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 all," "Then, what is?" Rainbow Dash 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!" As Pinkie laughed, the scary face disappeared in a poof of smoke. We gasped at the sight, then joined in the laughter. "So, giggle at the ghostly Guffaw at the grossly Crack up at the creepy Whoop it up with the weepy Chortle at the kooky Snortle at the spooky 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... hahahaha... heh... Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuugh!" We laughed the scary faces away, and continued to laugh out of joy and enjoyment. We laughed our way to the river, but we stopped to notice the waves were rapid and wavy. Impossible to swim across. "How are we gonna cross this?" Pinkie Pie asked. Suddenly, we heard a distant cry from down the river. We followed the river and saw a purple sea serpent, with an orange, combed mane, and half-a-mustache, crying in sorrow. Thrashing his tail, creating the wild waves. "What a world! What a world!" The serpent cried, as he threw his fists into the water. "Excuse me, sir. Why are you crying?" I asked the serpent as polite as I could. "Well, I don't know. I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this 'tacky' little cloud of purple smoke just wisped past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off." The serpent explained, before sobbing again, "And now I look simply horrid!!" He dove into the river, with his head laying on the bank, and the water splashed all over us. "Oh. Gimme a break." Rainbow Dash sighed in annoyance. "That's what all this fuss is about?" Applejack asked, not understanding fashion. "Why, of course, it is! How can you be so insensitive?" Rarity snapped, as she walked to the serpent, and stroked his chin. "Oh, just look at him. Such lovely, luminescent scales." "I know." The serpent said, sniffing a bit. "And your expertly coiffed mane." Rarity added with a smile. "Oh, I know. I know." The serpent smiled, stroking his mane. "Your fabulous manicure." Rarity continued. "Oh, it's so true." The serpent continued to smile, until Rarity's smile vanished. "All ruined without your beautiful mustache." Rarity finished. "It's true! I'm hideous!" The serpent shouted, covering his face. "I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected." Rarity said with determination. She ran toward the serpent, and ripped a scale off. "Ow! What did you do that for?" The serpent asked. "Rarity, What are you-" I was cut-off by Rarity used the scale to chop off her tail. All of the ponies gasped in shock, as the serpent fainted. Rarity used her magic to attach her tail to what remained of the serpent's mustache. The serpent laughed in joy and relief, "My mustache. How wonderful." "You look smashing." Rarity smiled. "Oh, Rarity. Your beautiful tail." I said sadly, at the sight of Rarity's new tail. "Oh, it's fine, my dear. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back." Rarity assured me with a small smile. I smiled back, then Rainbow Dash whispered to me, "So would the mustache." I rolled my eyes at her, then noticed the river has calmed. I began to cross. "We can cross now. Let's go." I told everypony. As I reached half-way across, something purple lifted me and the others from the water. It was the serpent. "Allow me." The serpent insisted. So, we jumped across his back and made it to the other side. As we trotted through the forest we came to a bridge with the ruin just on the other side. "There it is, the ruin that holds The Elements of Harmony. We made it!" I said with relief and happiness. I charged toward the bridge. "Twilight, wait for us." Applejack called, as she and the others followed me. "We're almost there!" I told everypony, until I felt no bridge under my hooves and I slipped. The chasm was very misty, so I couldn't see how far it went. I felt somepony grabbed my tail and pulled me back. I looked and it was Ellie. "What's with you and fallin' off cliffs today?" Ellie asked me with a joking smile. We all looked over the chasm. "Now what?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Duh..." Rainbow replied, as she twitched her wings, then flew into the chasm. "Oh yeah." Pinkie Pie said with a smile. Rainbow Dash's POV. I flew into the chasm and grabbed the rope. I crossed to the other side, and began to tie the bridge, but a female voice stopped me, "Rainbow..." "Who's there?" I asked, looking around. "Rainbow..." The voice said again. "I ain't scared of you! Show yourself!" I shouted, getting ready for a fight. "We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria." The voice told me. "Who?" I asked. Did it mean me? "Why, you, of course." The voice answered. I smiled, "Really? I mean... Oh yeah. Me. Hey, uh, you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would ya? 'Cause I've been trying to get into that group for like... ever." I asked the voice. "No, Rainbow Dash. We want you to join us." The voice told me, as three pegasi revealed themselves from the fog. They looked like the dark versions of the Wonderbolts. "The Shadowbolts." The middle, female said. I gave them a confused look. Shadowbolts? Never heard of them. "We're the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria." The female explained with pride, until she started flying around me. "But first, we need a Captain." She continued. I smiled. "The most magnificent..." "Yup!" I said. "Swiftest..." "Yes." "Bravest flier in all the land..." "Yes, it's all true." I chuckled in pride. "We need... you." She finished, with the 'you' whispered into my ear. I jumped into the air with joy, "Sign me up!" Then, I remembered the bridge, "Just let me tie this bridge real quick, and then we have a deal." "No!" The leader shouted, stepping on to the rope. "It's them, or us." I started to get scared. Until Twilight's voice broke my thoughts, "Rainbow! What's taking so long?" I looked at my friends, then the fog covered them, and muffled Twilight's words. I was stuck with a dilemma. Either tie up the bridge and save my friends, or fulfill my dream, as a Shadowbolt. As I thought, a voice sang to me. "Your journey has only begun..." The voice sang. This made me think clearer. "Well?" The Shadowbolt asked. I made up my mind. "You..." I answered. She smiled, but she didn't let me finish. "Thank you, for the offer, I mean." I told her, as I tied the bridge and took flight, "But, I'm gonna have to say no." And I flew to my friends. They cheered in joy and relief. Twilight Sparkle's POV. We cheered in joy and relief that Rainbow Dash tied the bridge, so the rest of us could pass. "See? I'd never let my friends hangin'." Rainbow told me with a smile. I smiled myself, as voices began chanting again. We entered the ruin and saw the Elements of Harmony upon the center altar. The Elements were fossilized gems, like they haven't been used for years. "Whoa." Applejack gasped in awe, as we saw the altar. "Come on, Twilight. Isn't this what yah been waitin' for?" Applejack asked me, as I looked at the altar. I smiled, "The Elements of Harmony. We've found them." Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew and picked up the Elements, one-by-one, and placed them in front of me. "Careful. Careful." I told them, not wanting to break the Elements. "One, two, three, four..." Pinkie Pie counted, then she drew a blank a little, "There's only five." "Where are the other two?" Rainbow Dash asked me, as Fluttershy put down the last one. "The book says: 'When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed. The seventh can only be found within the heart of a pure soul.'" I answered, as I examined the Elements. "What in hay is that supposed to mean?" Applejack asked, not understanding riddles much. "I'm not sure. But, I have an idea. Stand back. I don't know what will happen." I told everypony, as I closed my eyes and focused on a spell. "Come on now, y'all. She needs to concentrate." Applejack told everypony, as they left the ruin. As soon as they left, I heard the voice, from before, singing in the forest. It helped me concentrate. "The night, And the spirit of light, Calling. Oh, oh, iyo. Mamela. (Listen.) Oh, oh, iyo." I had the spell ready, until I gasped at a blue tornado appeared. I don't remember casting that spell. The tornado picked up the Elements and was about to take them. "The Elements!" I shouted, as I regained myself and jumped into the tornado. "And a voice, With the fear of a child, Asking. Oh, oh, iyo. Oh, mamela. (Listen.) Oh, oh, iyo." A few seconds later, I appeared in another room of the ruin, coughing from the teleportation. I looked up and gasped. Nightmare Moon had hold of the Elements, laughing at me. I glared at her and leaned into a sprinting position. "You're kidding. You're kidding, right?" Nightmare Moon asked me. I focused my magic and charged towards her. "Wait! There's no mountain too great. Oh, oh, iyo. Hear these words and have faith. Oh, oh, iyo. Have faith." She charged toward me. My magic was ready for the teleportation spell, and I activated it as soon as Nightmare Moon was close enough. I reappeared, feeling a bit dizzy, in front of the Elements, and focused my magic again. "Just one little spark. Come on, come on!" I said to myself, as I focused. The Elements glowed, and sparks flew around them. The sparks shocked me away from them, as Nightmare Moon appeared. "Hela hey mamela. (Hey, listen.) Hela hey mamela. Hela hey mamela." "No. No!" Nightmare Moon grimaced, as the Elements glowed. I smiled, but the Elements stopped glowing. "But... Where is the sixth Element?" I asked, as Nightmare Moon laughed and destroyed the Elements into shards with one powerful stomp. "You little foal! Thinking you can defeat me!! Now, you will never see your princess, or your sun. The night will last forever!!" Nightmare Moon laughed. "They live in you, They live in me. They're watching over, Everything we see. In every creature, In every star. In your reflection...." I felt hopeless, until I heard the voices of the others calling my name. Telling me that they were always by my side, no matter what. I gasped as something inside me sparked to life. It felt warm and magical. The Ponies were my friends. "They live in you..." The voice finished singing. I looked at Nightmare Moon, "You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony, just like that? Well, you're wrong. Because the Spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here!" I told her, as my friends arrived by my side. The shards glowed and began to circle around my friends. "What?" Nightmare Moon asked in confusion and shock. "Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the Spirit of Honesty." I started, as the orange shards circled Applejack. "Fluttershy, who tamed the Manticore with her compassion, represents the Spirit of Kindness." The pink shards surrounded Fluttershy. "Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the Spirit of Laughter." Blue shards circled Pinkie Pie. "Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the Spirit of Generosity." Indigo shards floated around Rarity. "And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire, represents the Spirit of Loyalty." I finished, as the light red shards circled Rainbow Dash. "The spirits of these five Ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us." I told her. "You still don't have the other two Elements. The spark didn't work." Nightmare said, looking around for something. "But, it did. I different kind of spark." I told her. I turned to my friends, "I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared for you. The spark ignited inside me, when I realized you all..." I turned back to Nightmare Moon, "Are my friends!" Suddenly, a light shone above my head. A fossilized gem, with a six-point star, appeared, floating above my head. Whilst a glowing, multi-colored light hovered over Ellie's heart, making both her eyes glow in rainbow colors. "You see, Nightmare Moon. When those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the hearts of us all, combined with Eleanor's pure heart, it creates the sixth and seventh Elements. The Elements of... Wisdom and Magic." I told her, as a bright light consumed me and my friends. The glowing shards created necklaces around my friends' necks, as the sixth Element created a tiara on top of my head. The magic of the Elements merged with the glowing light, causing Ellie to transform into a rainbow beam and create a tornado around Nightmare Moon. I opened my eyes to complete the spell, and the magic just finished in a flash. Everypony dropped to the ground in slight exhaustion, then recovered. "Ow. My head." Rainbow Dash said in slight pain. "Is everypony ok?" Applejack asked, looking around. "Oh thank goodness." Rarity shouted, getting everypony's attention. She was smiling, looking at her fully re-grown tail. "Why Rarity, it's so lovely." Fluttershy complimented with a smile. "I know. I'll never part with it again." Rarity said, rubbing her head against her tail. "No. Your necklace. It looks just like your Cutie Mark." Fluttershy simplified. "What? Oh?" Rarity asked, as she looked her necklace. It was gold with the indigo gem, in the shape of a diamond, just like her Cutie Mark. "So does yours." Rarity noticed Fluttershy's. Fluttershy looked and gasped with a smile. Everypony's necklace looked like their Cutie Mark. Even Ellie's looked like the wisps on her sash. "Look at mine. Look at mine!" Pinkie cheered, jumping around, looking at her necklace. "Aw yeah." Rainbow Dash smiled in pride of her necklace. I looked at my tiara and noticed, like the necklaces, a gem that looked like my Cutie Mark too. "Gee, Twilight. Ah thought you were just spoutin' a lot of hoo-ey. But, Ah reckon we really do represent the Elements of Friendship." Applejack smiled at me. "Indeed, you do." A voice spoke, as the sun rose from the mountains. From the light of the sun, an adult, very pale pink, almost white alicorn appeared. She had a golden crown with an amethyst in the center. Around her neck was a matching necklace. She also wore golden bracelets around her wrists and golden 'shoes'. She was 6 foot 5 inches tall with an elegant and slender built. And wore a beautiful Greek dress with a golden belt and trimmings. Her mane was lower-back length, pastel-toned and was flowing, like there was an invisible wind. Her tail matched as well. Her eyes were a pale magenta. Everypony bowed, except me. I gasped, "Princess Celestia." I ran toward her. "Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student." Celestia greeted me with a hug, "I knew you could do it." "But, you told me it was all an old pony tale." I reminded her. "I told you that you needed to make some friends. Nothing more." Celestia reminded me. As I thought back, she did say that. She must've said the 'dusty old books' part as a joke. "I saw the signs of Nightmare 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." She explained to me, as I looked at my friends, who smiled at me too. "Now, if only another will as well." Celestia added in a sad tone. We stopped smiling and followed her gaze. In Nightmare Moon's place, was a smaller, navy blue alicorn, with the same Cutie Mark as Nightmare Moon. Her mane and tail were turquoise, just like her eyes. And she wore a small, black tiara and a navy regal dress with black trimmings. "Princess Luna." Celestia greeted. The alicorn, Princess Luna, gasped awake from the sound of Celestia's voice. "It has been a thousand years, since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister." Celestia told her. "Sister?" My friends and I asked in unison and confusion. "Will you accept my friendship?" Celestia asked. We all leaned forward and held our breath. With tears in her eyes, Luna dashed into a hug with Celestia, "I'm so sorry. I've missed you so much, big sister." "I've missed you, too." Celestia said with tears in her eyes, and hugged Luna back. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie's sobs disturbed the reunion, and my epiphany. Then she stopped, "Hey. Do you know what this calls for?" *Later, at Ponyville...* "A party!" Pinkie Pie finished, as we began a large celebration upon our return. Eveypony welcomed us, including Spike, who gave me a large hug. As Celestia and Luna arrived, Luna looked a little upset, until two Pegasi gave her a necklace of flowers around her neck. Indicating that they don't see her as a threat anymore. Luna smiled at Celestia, but I felt very upset. "Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete, and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?" Celestia asked me. "That's just it. Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them." I told her with a sad look. Celestia smiled, "Spike, take a note, please." Spike got a paper and quill, and began writting Celestia's words, "'I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the Unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, along with the Human, Eleanor, 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.'" My friends gathered around me and cheered in happiness that I didn't have to leave them. "Oh, thank you, Princess Celestia. I'll study harder than ever before." I promised her with a smile.
The Ticket MasterEleanor's POV. It was just before noon, in Sweet Apple Acres, as Applejack, Twilight and I just finished picking for the Golden Delicious apples. Of course, Applejack asked us and Twilight and I had no schedule today. Spike was looking through the apples, for a snack, "No. Nope. Nope--" "Thank yah both kindly, Twilight, for helping me out. Ah bet Big McIntosh Ah could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If Ah win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles." Applejack thanked, giggling on the last part, which caused me to giggle on the thought. "No problem at all, Applejack. I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry." Twilight said with a smile on her face. "I know, right?" Spike added, accidently throwing an apple over Twilight's head. Twilight glared at him. "Puh-leez, Spike, you've been lounging on my back all morning while we worked." Twilight pointed out, putting emphasis on the 'we'. As we walked back to the barn. "Exactly. You three are taking so long, I missed snack-time." Spike explained. I rolled my eyes at him, in humor. As Spike continued looking through the apples, Twilight's stomach growled in hunger. She laughed nervously, "Eh, I guess we better get some food." "Nope. Worm. A-ha!" Spike said as he searched, until he found a large, bright red apple. Twilight licked her lips at the sight of the apple, "Oh Spike, that looks delicious." However, Spike ate the apple. Twilight glared, "Spike!" Spike looked at Twilight, and swallowed before speaking, "What?" Then, he put his claws over his stomach and burped out a green flame, which transformed into a scroll. "It's a letter from Princess Celestia." Twilight identified as Spike opened the scroll. He clears his throat and read, "'Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce The Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda, yadda, yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.'" "The Grand Galloping Gala!" Twilight and Applejack shouted in excitement. I shrunk my head into my shoulders. I'm not very fond of parties. Including the annual Great Galloping Gala. High society Ponies mingling, talking about businesses, casting down the lower classes. *Shudders* "Woo-hoo!" Applejack cheered as she and Twilight jumped around together in joy. Spike silently gagged, then burped up two golden tickets from his fire breath, "Look, two tickets." "Wow, great! I've never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?" Twilight said, then asked Spike. "No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly, frilly, frou-frou nonsense." Spike answered, lying through his teeth. His lie made me giggle lightly and give him a look, "And who said it was girl-y and frou-frou?" Twilight smiled, "Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice." "Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice. Ah'd love to go." Applejack told Twilight, before going into her dream land, "Land sakes, if Ah had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles till the cows came home. Do yah have any idea how much business Ah could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip." Applejack returned to reality, "Why, Ah'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala." "Oh, well in that case, would you like to--" Twilight began to ask, before I felt tense and pushed her and Applejack back a few steps. "Ellie, what was-" "Whoa!" We heard Rainbow Dash shout, until she fell from the tree on the other side of the fence, and crashed on top of me. "Ow..." "Ugh. Are we talking about The Grand Galloping Gala?" Rainbow asked, putting landing on me behind her. "Rainbow, could you... Maybe... I dunno... GET OFF ME?" I asked Rainbow, struggling to breathe. Rainbow looked at me and quickly hopped off me, "Oh, I'm sorry. Ellie. You should've said something." I stood up, dusted myself off and glared at her. I said 'ow' and 'get off'. What else could I say? 'Quack'? "Rainbow Dash, you told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing, spyin'?" Applejack told and asked Rainbow, annoyed from her lying from before. "No, I was busy napping, and I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?" Rainbow answered, then asked Twilight with a huge smile on her face. I shook my head, knowing where this was going. "Yeah, but--" Twilight tried to answer, but Rainbow cut her off. "YES! This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at The Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now." Rainbow Dash went into her dream world, "Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on The Wonderbolts, but then in would fly, Rainbow Dash! I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut. Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, The Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member." Rainbow left her dream world and looked at Twilight, "Don't you see, Twilight? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me!" Applejack pulled Rainbow away from Twilight by her tail, "Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here." She spat Rainbow's tail out of her mouth before continuing, "I asked for that ticket first." Rainbow glared at Applejack, "So? That doesn't mean you own it." Applejack glared back, "Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket." With that said, Rainbow Dash and Applejack went to a tree-stump and locked hooves. Both struggled to overpower each other, but Twilight got in between them. "Girls, these are my tickets, I'll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?" Twilight told them. Applejack dashed in front of Rainbow, "Drummin' up business for the farm?" Rainbow dashed in front of Applejack, "A chance to audition for The Wonderbolts?" "Money t' fix Granny's hip." "Living the dream." Twilight got a little lost, "Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?" Her stomach growled again. She chuckled, "Listen to that, I am starving. I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach, so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?" Spike hopped onto Twilight's back, and we walked off to Ponyville to get some lunch. "Okay." Applejack and Rainbow agreed with a sad tone. Then, they resumed their hoof-wrestle. I felt Twilight look at me, "Why aren't you asking for the ticket, Ellie?" I removed my hood and gave her a light smile, "I don't want to go with just one of my friends, Twilight. If all my friends are going, I'm going too." Twilight smiled at me. Then my smile went serious, "But, I must warn you, Twi. Like the Leprechauns of my world, you're holding something everyone wants. Best to keep this quiet, until you make your mind up." Twilight nodded in understanding, and we continued to walk to the town. *Later, in Ponyville...* "So, who you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?" Spike asked, as we were walking down the town. "I don't know Spike, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry, so where should we eat?" Twilight answered, then stated thinking. I gasped, as I sensed a lot of pink, and pushed Twilight aside. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie dashed out of Sugarcube Corner and crashed into me. However, she caused me to crash into Twilight and Spike. The crash caused Spike to drop the tickets on to Pinkie's nose. "You really need to stop doing that." Twilight told me. I gave her an apologetic look, "Sorry. Force of habit." Pinkie noticed the tickets and screamed, "Gah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help!" She stopped and got a better look, "Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?! It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always, always, always wanted to go!" Pinkie went into her dream world and began singing, "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me Hip hip Hooray! It's the best place for me For Pinkie..." She began on the decorations and food, "With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Pony!" Then, she started singing again, "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me 'Cause it's the most galarrific superly-terrific gala ever In the whole galaxy Wheee!!" Pinkie returned to reality and began jumping around Twilight and I, "Oh thank you Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever." Pinkie batted her eyes rapidly. Spike picked up the tickets, as Twilight began to explain, "Um, actually--" Suddenly, we heard a gasp from behind Spike. It was Rarity, "Are these what I think they are?" "Uh--" Twilight was lost for words. I face-palmed and shook my head in annoyance. Here we go. So much for trying to keep the tickets quiet. "Yes, yes, yes! Twilight's taking me to The Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot." Pinkie answered with a large grin on her face. Rarity smiled in excitement, "The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamor! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet Him." "Him!" Pinkie joined, then got confused and asked, "Who?" "Him." Rarity explained, as she entered her dream world too, "I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, 'Who is that mysterious mare?' They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, 'Yes!' We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is..." She giggled, "What I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams." Rarity left her dream world and looked at Twilight, "Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can... party, and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you? Hmph." "Rarity, are you crazy? Prince Blueblood?" I asked in astonishment, "He's.... He's... He's..." I couldn't bring myself to finish. "Perfect? Yes, I know." Rarity smiled at me. "Hey!" Spike shouted, as a white rabbit, Angel, took the tickets from Spike's hand and took them to show Fluttrshy. Fluttershy gasped, "Angel, these are perfect." Twilight got her voice back and spoke up, "Uh, listen guys, I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to." "You haven't?" Pinkie and Rarity asked in unison. Pinkie was frowning, and Rarity was smiling. Fluttershy spoke up, catching everypony's attention, "Um, excuse me, Twilight. I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven't given it to someone else--" "You? You want to go to the gala?" Rarity asked in disbelief. "Oh, no." Fluttershy answered. However, Angel thumped her hoof, "I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of." She entered her dream world, "You see, it's not so much The Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!" Fluttershy returned to reality, floating in mid-air, and hugging Angel. This made me smile. Twilight looked very unsure, "Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds... beautiful?" I put my hands together with stars in my eyes, "I'd be more than happy to show you around, Flutters." "Wait just a minute." Rainbow voice broke the silence. We looked up and saw Rainbow Dash above our heads. "Rainbow Dash, were you following us?" Twilight asked, in pure annoyance. "No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody." Rainbow Dash asked, slightly lying through her teeth. "Wait just another minute." Applejack spoke up from behind us. "Applejack, were you following us too?" Twilight asked, as Applejack walked toward Rainbow. "No. Ah was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket." Applejack answered, with pure honesty. Of course, hissing the last part. "Your ticket?" Rainbow asked, putting emphasis on 'your'. Pinkie Pie joined in, "But Twilight's taking me." The ponies began to argue over the ticket, and who should get it. Getting louder and more into a riot. Twilight was feeling the pressure. She closed her eyes, put her hands over her eyes and curled up into a ball. Not wanting my best friend in this state, I shouted at the top of my lungs, "STOOOOOP!!!" Everypony stopped, except for Pinkie, "And then I said, 'Oatmeal, are you craz--' Oh." Pinkie stopped talking. "Girls, there's no use in arguing." I told everypony. "But Ellie-" Rarity began, but I cut her off, "Ah! This is Twilight's decision, and I'm gonna make sure she makes it on her own. And right now, she certainly can't think straight with all this noise..." Twilight stood up and smiled at me, then her stomach growled again, "Not to mention hunger. Now go on. Shoo!" Everypony left Twilight and I alone, grumbling a little as they went. Twilight tried to reassure them, "And don't worry, I'll figure this out... somehow." *Later, at a restaurant...* "Thanks for helping me back there, Ellie." Twilight thanked me with a smile. I smiled back, "That's what friends are for." "Spike, what am I gonna do? All five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala." Twilight summarized in great confusion, as she started picking petals from a flower, "Applejack, or Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity... Oh, who should go with me?" Her stomach growled again, so she ate the petals. "Have you made your decision?" The waiter asked, in a strong French accent. Out of frustration, Twilight shouted, "I CAN'T DECIDE!" "Twilight, he just wants to take your order." Spike clarified, pointing to his menu. Twilight blushed a little, "Oh. I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich." "Do you have any rubies?" Spike asked the waiter, but he got a glare. "No? Okay. I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy." The waiter looked at me. "Salad sandwich, s'il vous plait (Please)." I requested with a small smile. The waiter nodded his head, took Spike's menu and left our table. Twilight sighed, "What do you think, Spike?" "I think we have to try another restaurant. I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?" Spike answered, then asked in a rhetorical tone. "I mean about the gala and the ticket and who I should take." Twilight simplified. Spike pinched the bridge of his nose, "Oh. You're still on that?" "Spike, listen. How do I choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies. What if I--" Twilight began to panic, until our food arrived. "Ah, your food." The waiter delivered our orders. Spike began eating his hay fries. I quietly ate my garden salad sandwich. I have to say, the food in Equestria is not bad. "Oh thank you. This looks so good. I'm sure everything will be much clearer once I eat." Twilight said with delight. She was about to take a bite, but paused when she noticed the ponies running inside. "Em, madames? Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?" The waiter asked. "It's not raining." Twilight said, until she looked around. It was raining, but not on us. "What's going on?" She asked. "Hi there, best friend forever I've ever, ever had. Enjoying the sunny weather?" Rainbow greeted, then asked us with a big grin on her face, popping out of the hole, in the large rain cloud, right above us. "Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?" Twilight asked, getting annoyed. "Whaddya you mean? I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she could dine in peace, that's all." Rainbow answered with the grin plastered on her face. "You've got to be kidding..." I sighed in a deadpan tone. Twilight raised an eyebrow, "Rainbow, you're not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing me extra special favors, are you?" Rainbow played innocent, "Me? No, no, no, of course not." "Uh-huh." Twilight nodded. "Seriously, I'd do it for any pony." Rainbow admitted, but everypony was still running for shelter. "Heh heh, eh." Rainbow chuckled nervously. "Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now." Twilight told Rainbow in pure annoyance. Rainbow Dash sighed, "Ugh, fine." With that, she closed the hole. However, the cloud was still dark grey. Twilight smiled, "That's better." However, rain poured over her, ruining our lunch, and before she could take a bite. Twilight growled in annoyance. "Twilight, it's raining." Rarity arrived, under one of her umbrellas. "No, really?" Twilight asked in full sarcasm. "Come with me before you catch a cold." Rarity insisted, dragging Twilight to her shop. Spike and I followed closely. As we arrived, Twilight shook the rain out of her coat, but accidently soaked me and Rarity. "Heh heh, oops, sorry." Twilight apologised, chuckling slightly. Rarity looked annoyed and cross. I just laughed it off. Rarity calmed and smiled, "Oh no, it's quite alright. After all, we are... the best of friends, are we not? And you know what the best of friends do?" Twilight drew a blank, "Uh..." I flinched in knowing what's going to happen. "Makeovers!" Rarity called in cheer, as she and Twilight were hidden behind a changing door. I could hear Twilight mutter from all the noise, "Ugh, Rarity, ow, this really isn't fixing it. I mean, thank you but, ooh, that's too tight." Rarity removed the door to reveal Twilight wearing a light blue dress with a gem encrusted trim and a blonde lock for detail. "There. Oh, you're simply darling." Rarity smiled. Twilight looked at the saddle and smiled, "Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn't it?" I face-palmed and shook my head, and Spike gagged. Rarity looked at Spike with smile, "And you. Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent." Then, Rarity called the door again. "D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!" I heard Spike shout, from the noise. The door was removed again, to reveal Spike in a purple, Victorian squire uniform. Spike sulked. "Oh, Spike." Twilight giggled, along with me. "Now you just need a hat." Rarity added, placing a black hat with golden trimmings. Then she looked at me, "Ellie. I have just the outfit for you." I backed away and warned with a glare, "You stick one pin in me, and you'd wish you've never met me." Rarity nervously giggled and stepped away from me. "Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk, see you back at the library." Spike told us, rushing out of the store, leaving the outfit behind. Rarity laughed a little, "Oh, who needs him anyway." Rarity put a mirror in front of Twilight, before she continued, "This is all about you, and how fabulous you'll look at The Grand Galloping Gala." "Wait, The Grand--" Twilight began, but Rarity cut her off. "And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence. I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a T. We would be the belles of the ball, you and I. Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know, the most beautiful, most talented, most sophisticated pony in all of Equestria is Rarity the Unicorn." Rarity realised what she said, and nervously laughed, "Ah, and Twilight Sparkle, of course." Twilight stared at Rarity with annoyance and anger, "I see what's going on. You're just buttering me up so I give you the extra ticket. Well it's not gonna work. You're going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else." She took off the dress, before she continued, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch." Applejack appeared at the door, with a smile on her face, "Did somepony say lunch?" Applejack grabbed Twilight's hand and lead her outside. Where a large cart of apple treats were piled up in. "You've got to be kidding me!" Twilight smiled. "Ah got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, apple crumblers, and apple Brown Betty." Applejack enlisted, until she realised what she said last, "Uh, the dessert, not mah auntie. What do yah say there, best friend?" Twilight's stomach growled, and her smile turned into a look of pure annoyance. "Is that a yes?" Applejack asked. I tilted my head when I realised that Applejack's aura had little to no obsession over the extra ticket. "No. No. I don't know who I'm giving the ticket to, and all these favors aren't making it any easier to decide. In fact, I'm less sure now than I was this morning. Ugh!" Twilight shouted, and ran off. "So, that's a maybe?" Applejack asked in slight confusion. *Later, outside the library...* "Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating." Twilight moaned in annoyance. I nodded my head in understanding. I opened the door, and to our surprise, Fluttershy and some animals were cleaning the library. "Are you kidding me?!" I shouted in frustration. Twilight gasped, "Fluttershy, not you too?" Fluttershy saw us, "Oh, well, hello Twilight. I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you." "It's summer." Twilight corrected. "Oh, well, better late than never, right? It was Angel's idea." Fluttershy explained, as Angel was mixing a salad. "You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. "Oh no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friend. Right Angel?" Fluttershy replied, then asked Angel, who gave her a glare. "Oh, yes, we are just doing this for the ticket." She corrected. Twilight had enough, "No, no, no! Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but I'm not accepting any extra favors until I've made my final decision, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Twilight told Fluttershy, opening and pointing to the door. Outside was bunch of ponies, with Pinkie Pie. This isn't gonna end well. "SURPRISE!" The ponies shouted, as Pinkie Pie grabbed Twilight and began throwing her into the air. "Twilight is my bestest friend. Whoopie, whoopie!" "Pinkie..." Twilight said, trying to get the pony's attention. "She's the cutest, smartest, all around best pony, pony!" "Pinkie." Twilight tried again. "I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!" "Pinkie!" "She'll give her extra ticket to the Gala to me!" "PIIINKIIIE!!" I shouted, having enough of everypony harassing Twilight. The ponies let her drop to the ground. "Yes, Nellie?" Pinkie asked, batting her eyelashes. I helped Twilight up, as I answered, "At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket." "Wait, what ticket? What Gala?" A pony asked. I shiver ran down my spine. Uh-oh... "Oh, you didn't know? Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Pinkie Pie told the other ponies. "The Grand Galloping Gala?" The ponies asked in unison. All the ponies began giving us extra special favors, out of nowhere. "Would you like any help with your gardening?" A pony said, holding a plant. "I have a cartload of extra carrots." Another pony offered. The offers continued, and Twilight, Spike and I were surrounded. "What are we gonna do?" Spike asked in a slight panic. "We're... gonna... run!" Twilight answered, shouting the last part, then we dashed off. The ponies followed us all over Ponyville. We tried hiding behind Applejack's cart, but the ponies found us in two seconds. Twilight, Spike and I ran half-way through Ponyville, to get disguises to fool the ponies. Twilight was a mid-aged mother, Spike was a baby, in a crib, and I was the concerned, but very proud aunt. The ponies ran past us, without noticing. Twilight gave me a concerned look. My warning was right. I hate that! We ran the other directions, but the ponies found out in seconds. Twilight, Spike and I hid under the bridge. The ponies past us again, but Spike lost his grip and fell into the river. Twilight picked him up and we ran again. The spash caught the ponies' attention. We tried disguising ourselves as mannequins, but the ponies caught on after running past us again. They continued to chase us, until we were caught in an alley. The offerings just kept coming. The pressure was overwhelming. The pressure caused Twilight to teleport us back to the library, without warning. When we reappeared, Spike and I were all slightly burnt up, and a tad bit dizzy. Never teleported before. "Ugh, warn me next time you're gonna do that." He advised Twilight. "I didn't even know it was gonna happen." Twilight answered, then quickly ordered, "Now quick, lock the doors." We all did so. Twilight was blowing out the lights, as Spike and I locked every door in the library. Once it was dark and quiet, we relaxed in relief. Until I felt a tense tingle up my spine, as the lights were switched back on and our friends were of the windowsill, smiling. Twilight snapped under the pressure, "Yaaaargh! I can't decide, I just can't decide. It's important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you. And giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference, because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy and I can't, I just can't!" With that, Twilight curled up into a ball, with her hands over her ears, and tears welling up in her eyes. The ponies looked at Twilight in concern. I stroked Twilight's back and gave them a disappointed stare. They started this, now they fix it! Applejack was the first to speak up, "Twilight, sugar, I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you." She stroked Twilight's hair, "And if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad, I promise." "Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful." Fluttershy apologised. "And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends." Pinkie sulked. Rarity nodded, "Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did." Rainbow Dash smiled and cheered, "Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha ha!" She started dancing and singing, "I got the ticket, I got the ticket-" Rainbow noticed the rest of us giving her a look. I glared at her, "Rainbow..." Can she let go of her pride and think about others, for once? Rainbow thought for a second and spoke up, "You know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for The Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either." Applejack nodded, "We all got so gun-ho about going to the Gala that we couldn't see how un-gun-ho we were making you." "We're sorry, Twilight." The Ponies apologized in unison. Twilight got out of her little ball and smiled at her friends. She said to Spike, "Spike, take down a note." Spike got a pen and parchment and started writing Twilight's words, "'Dear Princess Celestia, I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful.'" She put the two golden tickets into Spike's scroll, "'So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to The Grand Galloping Gala.'" I smiled, while the other Ponies looked at her in confusion, "What?!" "Just like what Ellie said to me this morning, if my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either." Twilight answered with a smile. "Twilight, you don't have to do that." Applejack pleaded. Twilight shook her head, "Nope. I've made up my mind." She looked at Spike, "Spike, you can send the letter now." Spike opened the window and sent the letter with his fire breath. Fluttershy looked back at Twilight, "Now you won't get to go to the Gala either." Twilight smiled, "It's okay girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me." Overjoyed, the others huddled up in a group hug. "So I would rather not go at all." I smiled at Twilight, while Spike just silently gagged. Suddenly, he started to look like he was gonna barf. Applejack glared at Spike, "Well wallop my withers, Spike. Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment." My spine tensed in realization, "Applejack, duck!" As predicted, Spike let out a flaming burp. Applejack quickly ducked out of the way of the flame, "Whoa, Nelly!" The flamed rolled and transformed into a scroll. Twilight gasped, "A letter from the Princess? That was fast." Spike unrolled the scroll and read it out loud, "'My faithful student Twilight, I'm proud you listened to your friend's advise. Why didn't you just say so in the first place?'" Something gold come to view and Spike showed them to everypony, "Seven tickets to The Grand Galloping Gala." All the girls gasped, as Twilight smiled, "Now we can all go." The ponies cheered in excitement, until Twilight's stomach growled quite loudly. Twilight giggled nervously. A whole day of worrying and not a bite to eat. Hehehe. Rarity put her hand over Twilight's shoulder, "Allow us to treat you to dinner." Everypony else agreed and began leaving the library. As each pony left the door, they grabbed a ticket each from Spike. "What a great way to apologize." Rainbow Dash smiled, as she left the door. "And to celebrate. Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me." Pinkie cheered, following after Rainbow. Applejack and I were the last to leave. Applejack grabbed her ticket, then realised I didn't. So, she grabbed it and gave it to me. Spike pouted in disappointment, "How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?" Then he burped another letter. He unrolled it and read, "'And one for you, Spike.'" Spike came jogging out of the library, giggling like a little girl, and holding another ticket in his hand. He stopped and noticed Applejack and I folding our arms and smiling at him. "I mean, gross, I have to go too?" Spike corrected himself, walking past us. Then he dashed after the others and giggled. Applejack and I chuckled and followed after the others. This year is gonna be louds of fun in Ponyville. I can feel it.
