Chapters Chapter 2: Return to Equestria
The next morning, Burst woke up and texted Gold, Ace, and Sunset. It read: "Meet me and Moon at CHS. I think it's time we took a short trip." Burst smiled as the text was sent, and went to wake Nightmare up. "Wakey, wakey sleeping beauty." Nightmare's eyes slowly opened and she smiled at Burst.
"I take it today's that little surprise you had planned for me?", she asked as she stretched.
"Uh huh. I also decide to bring along Ace, Gold, and Sunset. Hope you don't mind, but I wanted the three of them in on this.", Burst replied.
"So what's the big surprise you have planned?", Nightmare asked.
"You'll find out once we get to CHS.", Burst said with a smile. "But before that, we'd better fuel up for the day." The two of them ate breakfast, got dressed, and were soon off to CHS. Once they arrived, Gold, Sunset, and Ace were waiting for them. "Glad you could all make it."
"So why'd you call us out here Burst?", Gold asked. "And why'd you ask to meet us at the statue?"
"Isn't it obvious? We're taking a trip to Equestria! Moon was a little homesick, so I figured a visit back to her home would do her some good. Also, it'll be coming back home for you two also.", Burst answered with a smile.
"So why invite me too?", Ace asked. "I don't see where I fit in."
Burst shook his head. "Ace. You're dating Sonata. A former siren from Equestria. I thought you might like to see her world."
"Oh. Then I'd better get her in on this action too!"
"Ace. Sonata won't be able to go back to Equestria.", Nightmare said sadly. "She didn't come here freely like Sunset or me. She and her family were banished." Ace's smile quickly vanished and was replaced with a frown. "HOWEVER. Maybe you can put in the word that she and her family have changed, and they've gotten a better life here. I'm sure Celestia and Luna would be willing to hear you out." Nightmare smiled warmly, and Ace's mood lifted a bit.
"Thanks Moon.", Ace said.
"Well everyone, let's not delay any longer!", Burst said as he stepped through the portal and the others soon followed suit.
"So Sunset? How did you wind up meeting Twilight?", Starlight asked.
"Well it all started earlier this year.", Sunset said as her mind recounted the event of how her life had gotten to this point. "One night, I returned to Equestria from the human world. I had come to see what had changed since I left, and I saw that Princess Celestia had replaced me with a new personal student. Twilight. When I was Celestia's personal student, I was greedy and power hungry. And I threw fits when I didn't get what I wanted or if things didn't go my way. So during my brief return, I stole Twilight's element of harmony and took it back to the human world and replaced it with a fake. Sure enough, Twilight caught on and followed me to the human world. She won back her crown by being voted as the Fall Formal Princess. However, I was a pretty sore loser back then. So I threatened to smash the portal to Equestria if she didn't hand it over. A struggle broke out to get the crown, and I wound up putting it on my head. But I couldn't control its power. It turned me into a monster, and I tried to raise an army of teenage zombies by enslaving students with my magic. However, Twilight and her friends' counterparts in the human world managed to stop me by awakening their own magic. After that night, everyone saw my true colors. It wasn't easy, but I managed to move past that and soon enough I began to have friends again. Aside from Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, or Fluttershy, no one would even look at me. But there was one who decided to talk to me."
"Really? Who?", Starlight asked.
"Burst. You know, the alicorn with dragon wings. Everyone seemed to think less of him for it, but he still talked to me despite it. He believed no one deserved to be alone. Just like Twilight's friends.", Sunset said with a smile. "Soon enough, everyone began to like me. And eventually I found my special someone." Sunset then nuzzled Gold. "Isn't that right Mr. Rise to the occasion? Turns out he's from here too." Gold smiled.
"That's my line.", he said as he nuzzled her back. "And since we've met, things have been a lot brighter."
"That's so sweet!", Starlight beamed. "By the way, have you run into my counterpart yet?"
"Uh huh." Sunset nodded. "Our Starlight was being manipulated by a bad guy called Paradox Truth. Fortunately, Burst and the guys put a stop to him. AND your counterpart scored a boyfriend in the process. His name's Shadow Thunder."
"Shadow...", Starlight thought with a smile before her mind snapped back to reality and she had a light blush on her face. "Anyway, I suppose it's my turn. I was the head of a village that had given up cutie marks. And using my magic, I replaced their cutie marks with equal signs that also repressed their personalities. Twilight and the others investigated, and I also took away their cutie marks too. They had discovered what I had done, and the villagers soon turned against me. A chase happened and Twilight and her friends got their marks back. But I escaped and plotted revenge. I made my way into Twilight's castle and stole a time ravel spell to prevent them from ever getting their cutie marks. All because I lost a friend because he got his own cutie mark and left me behind. But I was selfish. Each time I altered the past, Equestria suffered a horrible future. One where we were at war with King Sombra, one where the changelings had taken over, and..." Starlight then turned to Nightmare. "One where you won. The point is, I made things worse for everyone just to hold onto my own happiness. Then Twilight showed me the future that awaited because I altered the past. There was nothing left of Equestria. Twilight showed me how I was wrong, and since then I've been her student." Starlight was then interrupted by Nightmare blowing her nose.
"That's the saddest story I've ever heard.", Nightmare said as she cleared her nose.
"Yeah. What you've done makes out stuff pale in comparison.", Sunset said. "But in the end things got better for you right?"
Starlight nodded. "I guess that's true."
"I guess I should tell my story next.", Nightmare said.
"Speaking of your story...HOW ARE YOU ALIVE?", Starlight asked. Nightmare let out a small giggle.
"My story begins at my second defeat. When I was separated from Luna."
"Whoa whoa whoa! SEPARATED? I thought you were destroyed by the Elements of Harmony?!", Starlight asked.
"I was getting to that. The Elements have the power to seal and purify, but they can't destroy. After that night, I was little more than a pile of magical mist. I felt like I had been torn away from my mother."
"Wait. You see Princess Luna as your mom?", Starlight asked. Nightmare nodded.
"I was born from her jealousy of Celestia, and her magic made me come into existence on that fateful day one thousand years ago. I wanted Luna's subjects to love her, and to have her gain the same love as Celestia." Nightmare's ears then folded. "But I ended up only hurting the both of them. I caused Celestia to lose her sister for a thousand years, and Luna to be all alone on the moon. She wouldn't even talk to me during our time on the moon. Back to the story. One day, Burst and a friend of his got sucked into Equestria by overloading the portal. Twilight showed the tow of them around Ponyville and they even met with the princesses. It was only a day, and Burst and Inferno soon returned to their world. However, Burst had no idea that I had picked up on his power. And when he left, he left behind quite the amount of residual magic behind. Not to mention it was incredibly strong. I decided to follow them and absorbed the residual magic. When I arrived in the human world, a duel monsters deck materialized. I decided to pick up where I had left off, and I recruited a duelist who had a grudge against one of Burst's friends. I even showed up in Burst's dreams once, but he was asleep there. I had him to thank for my new life. So I sought to make him mine. I planned to bring eternal night to the human world and to have Burst by my side. I hadn't expected to run into him the next morning. I also enrolled in his school, and got close to him. However, my ally Dark Ice attempted to destroy Burst and his friends when they foiled on of his plans. Thankfully, Burst stepped in just in time and I gave him quite the scolding for trying to destroy them. But after that, he told me a truth I had been blind to. If I did bring eternal night, everything would wither away and freeze without the sun. The world would become a barren ice ball and everyone would be sentenced to a slow and horrible fate. At that moment, I realized Equestria would have suffered that fate as well. Celestia KNEW that would happen, and that's why she used the Elements to imprison me and Luna on the moon. Gold gave me some advice to try and make a new life here. I was reflecting on his words while I returned to Burst's home. I was living with him at the time. He and Ace had defeated Dark Ice, and Burst returned home. I was glad to see him safe. But later that night...I had nightmares."
Tears began to fall from Nightmare's eyes. "Nightmares about what would have happened if I had won, but the worst one was the one I had when Luna and I returned from the moon. I tried to talk to the ponies there, but they all ran away from me. The final part of the nightmare was that I was alone on the moon. I screamed that I was sorry! That I didn't want to be hated, that I didn't want to be alone! It felt so real that I was crying and screaming what I said in my sleep and woke up Burst. He snapped me out of it and woke me up. I decided that he deserved to know the truth. So I told him about my past, why I had come to his world and how I was revived. After that, I was sure he would hate me. How could he love a monster like me? But then...he did the opposite. He held me tight and said that he didn't hate me. That he didn't care about my past and that I could start over in his world. But the thing that touched my heart the most was that he told me that as long as I had him, I would never be alone. I didn't feel like sleeping on my own, so Burst let me share his bed. And from then on, I've had sweet dreams. Ever since, I've loved him. He was the first one to not be afraid, and the first to love me as well. Not to mention Celestia and I both have the pleasure of having him.", Nightmare finished with a smile. She then noticed Starlight bawling her eyes out.
"Th-that's so beautiful!", she sobbed. "I've never seen a deeper love than that. But I have to ask. How did you originally plan on snagging Burst?"
"I was going to lure him. Slowly but surely until neither of us could stand the waiting anymore. Then I'd seal it with a kiss and make him mine. All under the ale glow of the moon.", Nightmare said with a mischievous smirk. "But I've got to say, the way it actually unfolded was much more romantic."
"I can imagine that being a scene out of one of Rarity's romance novels.", Sunset said with a giggle. The group shared a laugh.
"Speaking of Burst. I wonder how he and Spike are doing?", Starlight asked.
"So Spike. The last time I was here I heard you were the hero of the Crystal Empire.", Burst asked as he took a swig of his soda.
"Well not to brag but...I DID get rid of King Sombra just when things were at their worst. Heck! Every time I'm there the crystal ponies hoist me into the air! But I don't let it get to my head of course.", Spike said with a grin. "So what sort of adventures have you and Blue Eyes had? What kinds of cool stuff can he do?" Burst let out a chuckle.
"Well my first big adventure was in Duelist Kingdom. It's also how I forged my bond with Blue Eyes. My friends and I entered the tournament because someone was trying to conquer our world and Blue Eyes'! As we fought our way through the tournament, we found out who was trying to rule the worlds. Our own version of Sombra! And he was probably just as mean as your version."
"Wow. Wonder what bad things he did."
"After he defeated a duelist, he sealed off their bonds with their monsters. In short, they could never duel again."
"That's awful!", Spike gasped. "A deck is the heart of a duelist! Losing the connection to your cards...that's a fate no one should suffer." Burst nodded.
"He beat Rarity and Sunset with almost no trouble, and I faced him in the final. However, he pushed me into a corner. One more direct attack, and I'd have been toast. However, Blue Eyes appeared to me at that moment! He reminded me of why I was fighting and who I was fighting for. Two new cards materialized, and I used them to end the duel and summon out the ultimate form of Blue Eyes! Blue Eyes Absolute Dragon."
"Whoa.", Spike said in awe. "How strong was he?"
"He can be summoned by sending Blue Eyes White Dragon from my hand, field, or deck, or by banishing Blue Eyes from my graveyard. He's got five thousand base attack and defense points, is unaffected by card effects, and can't be destroyed by battle. Also, any effect that deals me damage increases my life points instead and he gains three hundred attack points for every monster in my graveyard. And he looks just as cool as he sounds! He's more humanoid in build and wears platinum armor. And with this form, I beat Sombra and destroyed him! Spike? You okay?" Spike's jaw had dropped after Burst had finished his story. "Heh. I take it that all sounded pretty awesome?"
"You bet it did!", Spike nearly shouted! "Man. Any other cool things you've done?"
"Well there was defeating Tirek and reuniting him with his brother Scorpan at Battle City, getting trapped in a video game, my first visit to Equestria, getting Celestia and Moon as girlfriends, fighting Malefic versions of legendary dragons, beating Fluttershy who was possessed by a vampire spirit trapped in a necklace, putting on the most EPIC duel at CHS, defeating my evil step-brother, me and my friends meeting our gender-swap counterparts, and saving Christmas. All in all, Blue Eyes and I have had some pretty awesome adventures.", Burst said with a smile. "Oh! And then there was the time an army of fangirls tried to storm CHS. Blue Eyes and I still have flashbacks of that day."
"Man. Your world makes our seem calm by comparison. And we have to deal with a threat to the kingdom almost once very month! So...how's Rarity's counterpart doing?"
"She's fine. She's dating my best friend Inferno Flare. The two of them seem to really like each other."
"Oh.", Spike's ear fins folded down a little. "That's nice."
Burst took note of Spike's nosedive in mood. "Hey now. Just because my world's Rarity is taken doesn't mean yours is." Spike gave him a small smile.
"Thanks Burst. But how do I get her to like me as more than a friend? I mean, you've saved the world and warmed the heart of a mare who was only seen as a monster. Me? I've got a crush on a girl older than me and who doesn't seem to even notice how I feel for her." Burst put a hand on Spike's shoulder.
"Listen Spike. Blue Eyes said he sensed great potential in you. And you know what? I see it too. Not just potential to be a great dragon, but also to be the guy of Rarity's dreams. You're loyal, kind, and you're currently at your peak of adorableness."
"Thanks. But Rarity only goes ga-ga over stallions who are considered gentlemen or are in nobility.", Spike said with a pout.
"Has she ever tried dating one of these 'gentleman'?"
"Once. At the gala. But from what she told me, he was the polar opposite of a gentleman with how he treated her.", Spike answered. "Inferno must be the most well-mannered guy if your Rarity is dating him." Burst let out a small laugh.
"Spike. I'll let you in on a little secret. Inferno is by no means a gentleman, but he's a really good guy. In fact, he's defended Rarity's honor on one occasion. But he's not stuck-up or born from a high-class family. Even if his dad is a former rock star. The point is, Inferno isn't the man Rarity wanted him to be. He's the man she needs. And that's why she's so happy with him. Be the man your Rarity needs Spike. Not the one she wants."
"Thanks Burst.", Spike said with a big smile.
"No problem Spike." Burst said as he took another sip of his soda. "Anyway, Twilight told me you were once Dragon Lord."
"Only for a few seconds.", Spike said with a laugh. "Although I think Ember might've gotten a strong impression from me..."
Chapter 6: Meeting with Royalty
"So this is your world's Canterlot...", Ace said as he took in his surroundings. This city was far grander than the one he knew back home. And the ponies here all seemed to be uptight elites. "Sure isn't anything like the one back home."
"Yeah. It is pretty grand.", Twilight answered with a smile. "I should know. I've lived here most of my life. We'll be coming up on the castle soon. You nervous?"
"Considering the counterparts to my principal and vice principal are princesses who can move the sun and moon? Yes. I'm freaking out on the inside. In fact, I think droplets might be falling off my ice wings right now!", Ace said with a chuckle. Twilight giggled.
"Don't worry. Princesses Celestia and Luna are pretty friendly! You should have no problem talking to them."
"I just hope they're willing to listen..." Ace and Twilight soon arrived at the castle, and made their way to the throne room. "Here goes nothing." The guards opened the door and the two of them went inside.
"Hello Twilight.", Princess Celestia greeted. "Pardon me for asking, but who is your friend?"
"You might remember me when I had dragon wings?", Ace asked. "The name's Arctic Ace." Ace then bowed.
"Pleased to meet you again.", Luna said. "So is there something my sister and I can do for either of you?"
"Actually, there is.", Ace said nervously. "It about...the sirens."
"What about them? Have they made another attempt to take over your world?", Celestia asked.
"What? No! No, nothing like that! I'd just like to update you on them. Adagio and Aria now have boyfriends."
"Oh. Well that's lovely.", Celestia said with a smile.
"Not to mention they got their voices back because of the love of their boyfriends.", Ace replied with a smile. "Which brings me to why I tagged along with Twilight. Is there a way to lift their banishment?" Celstia's smile fell.
"Ace. The most powerful wizard in history used the spell to banish the sirens. A spell that rivals even me and my sister's power. Even if we were to try and undo it together, there's no guarantee that it would work. I'm sorry." Ace's heart sank, but Twilight had an idea!
"Wait...maybe there is a way! If we can add my power AND Starlight's it just might work! I have alicorn magic, so that gives us a huge advantage! And Starlight has enormous magic power too! I know because she was able to perfect a time-travel spell! So if we all pool our magic, it should lift the banishment spell!"
"That could be ludicrous enough to work!", Luna cheered.
"Luna. There could be the risk that it might overload our magic. We could be out of commission for weeks!", Celestia cautioned.
"Oh, shush Tia!", Luna said with a smirk. "Besides. The stallion is going to this length for his marefriend! I say we give it a shot!" Celestia sighed and then smiled.
"You always were the one to take risks. Well then. Let's begin!" Twilight teleported to fetch Starlight and informed her of the plan. The two of them returned while Celestia and Luna fetched the banishment spell Starswirl had used.
"Here we go. Ready Starlight?", Twilight asked. Starlight gulped.
"As ready as I'm going to be...", Starlight said as she, Twilight, Celestia, and Luna readied their magic! A blinding flash of light enveloped the whole throne room! When the light faded, three earth pony mares lay on the floor.
"Nnnh. No more tacos before bed...", Sonata moaned.
"Sonata!", Ace cried. Sonata and her family woke up fully after hearing Ace, and were amazed to find their old bodies. Sonata however, was more concerned with her boyfriend.
"Ace!", Sonata ran up to Ace and held him tightly! "You came to Equestria!" Sonata then looked at the princesses and Starlight. "Did they undo our banishment?" Ace nodded.
"I told them about how you and your family changed and they agreed to help. Now you three can visit your home."
"That was sweet of you Ace. But my home is anywhere Adagio and Aria are. And more importantly..." Sonata loosened her grip on him and kissed him. "It's wherever you're with me too."
"Awwww! So cute!", Luna cheered.
"I'd be lying if that wasn't adorable.", Celestia said.
"That's Sonata for you.", Adagio added. "She just oozes adorableness."
"So...what's next?", Aria asked.
"I'll talk with Pinkie Pie. She'll have a field day with your party.", Twilight replied. "But something tells me she already knows and is getting the other girls to prepare the castle. Let's go!"
Meanwhile at the Castle of Friendship...
Sunset heard a knock at the door. "Huh. Wonder who that is?" Sunset opened the door and found Pinkie and the others outside.
"Hi Sunny!", Pinkie chirped. "No time to explain! We've got a party to setup!" Sunset and Gold let the girls in, but froze when they remembered a crucial fact. Nightmare was in the main room.
"Oh no...", Sunset and Gold panicked as they rushed off to prevent the girls from discovering Nightmare! But they were too slow. Pinkie opened the door and led the girls inside, and they all froze at the mare before them. Nightmare however, was less surprised.
"Ummmm, hi?", she said. The girls however had an entirely different reaction.
"NIGHTMARE MOON!"
The whole castle stood still as the rest of the Mane 6 and Nightmare stared at each other. Nightmare was the first to try and break the silence. "So how are you-?" Nightmare was interrupted by a rainbow-colored blur zooming towards her! Nightmare dodged Rainbow's kick just in time! "Hey! That's not very nice!"
"Neither are you! Try an' rope her up AJ!", Rainbow Dash retorted as she got ready to make another run at Nightmare!
"On it Rainbow!" Applejack threw her rope towards Nightmare, but she caught it in her magic!
"You know this REALLY isn't the best way to say hello to new ponies! Can we PLEASE talk this out?", Nightmare pleaded. "I don't want anypony here to get hurt!"
"Coming from the mare who caused Princess Luna to be separated from her sister for a thousand years!", Rarity scoffed. Pinkie then fired a blast of cake batter from her party cannon that hit Nightmare dead-on! Nightmare then licked the batter off of her.
"Mmmh! Tasty! Could use a little bit less frosting though."
"Hey! And thank you!", Pinkie snapped. Meanwhile, Gold and Sunset were trying to disable their friends without harming them.
"All of you please stop!", Sunset pleaded. "Nightmare's not here to hurt anypony! Applejack, you're the element of honesty! Cant' you tell she's telling the truth?!"
"Sorry Sunset! But a mare like her is mighty good at hidin' the truth! Now step aside! Ah' don't wanna hurt you!" Nightmare on the other hand was firing off many warning shots of magic to keep a distance between her and the Mane 6. Meanwhile, Burst and Spike noticed the flashes of magic going off in the castle!
"Looks like trouble. Let's move Spike!" Burst hoisted Spike onto his back as he flew towards the castle and busted open the doors! Spike then got off of Burst's back as they ran to the main room and found the ruckus going on.
"Burst! Thank Celestia! Maybe you can give her a run for her bits!", Rainbow cheered as she pointed at Nightmare. "She's also got some sort of spell that's controlling Sunset and...who are you?"
"Golden Rise. Call me Gold.", Gold replied. "And we're not under a spell!"
"Give 'er the what-for Burst!", Applejack shouted. Burst then turned to Nightmare and walked over to her.
"This is gonna be epic!", Rainbow Dash said as she anticipated the epic showdown! Burst was less than a foot away from Nightmare. Then he leaned in and kissed Nightmare! Rainbow's wings shot up, Applejack hid her blush under her hat, Fluttershy hid her face with her wings, Pinkie just smiled, and Rarity's jaw dropped!
"You look cute with frosting on your face.", Burst said as he pulled out of the kiss and licked some of the frosting off of Nightmare before nuzzling her. "Hope I didn't keep you waiting Moon."
"You really know how to talk to a mare my sweet coltfriend.", Nightmare said with a smile as she nuzzled Burst back.
"COLTFRIEND?!?!?!?", the girls screamed. Meanwhile Twilight, Starlight and the princesses had just arrived.
"Did we miss the party?", Luna asked. The rest of the Mane 6 then looked at Luna, then at Nightmare. Twilight had surveyed the situation and facehoofed.
"Girls, you might want to sit down. This is a LONG story." The sirens then poked their heads in as well as Ace. "A REALLY long story." Twilight explained how Nightmare had survived and how she had met Burst and how the banishment was undone with the Dazzlings. "And that's the story."
"....I'm gonna throw my biggest party yet!", Pinkie chirped as she began to get the decorations ready.
"Aheh! Sorry for trying to kick you earlier!", Rainbow Dash said sheepishly.
"It's fine. But you all know I DID ask if we could talk things out? How did that not tip you off?"
"AJ and I kinda got hair-triggers. Sorry Nightmare."
"Call me Moon please.", Nightmare said with a smile.
"I must apologize for my crude remark as well Moon.", Rarity said with a small bow. "I had no idea that you saw Luna as your mother. And I must say, you and Burst DO make a lovely couple."
Nightmare giggled. "You should see when Burst is between me AND Celestia. That's the closest I've ever seen hem come to fainting from being with both of us. He's so cute when he's nervous. Now...IT'S PARTY TIME!"
Before the party fully began, Burst took a brief trip to the human world to bring in Venus Bloomer and Night Fang to Equestria so they could meet their girlfriends. "They still look just as beautiful as their human forms.", Venus said with a smile as he and Fang walked over to the Dazzlings. Adagio smiled as she nuzzled Venus.
"And you look adorable as a pony.", she said. Meanwhile, Aria was rubbing Fang's belly.
"AHAHAHHAHA! Aria! Please, stop! It tickles!", Fang cackled.
"I can't help it. You look too adorable as a wolf pony. Who's a good boy?", Aria said with a smirk.
"HAHAHAHAH! I am! I am!"
"Now if that's over with...LET'S PARTY!", Pinkie shouted. And the party went into full swing! Everypony was dancing, and having a good time! The Dazzlings even put on a spectacular performance during karaoke. Meanwhile, Rainbow was chatting with Ace and Gold about their unique wings.
"Wow Ace. You've literally got cool wings. But how is Gold not melting yours?"
Ace shrugged. "Magic? That's the only logical answer either of us can give to that."
"Just wait until you see my Phoenix Wave.", Gold said with a smile. "It's probably as cool as your sonic rainboom. Except it uses fire. Needless to say, it's probably a good idea to do it in an empty area."
"If they did decide to live here again, all of Equestria's pop stars would be out of a job.", Rarity remarked. "Those voices are simply heavenly."
"Don't we know it.", Fang said with a grin. The music then changed to a slow song. "I think we know what to do next. Right Venus?" Venus nodded as he, Fang and Ace went over to their respective marefriends. Burst went over to Nightmare.
"May I have this dance?", Burst asked with a smile.
"You don't even need to ask.", Nightmare said with a smirk as she and Burst danced and held each other close. "You know, I bet Celestia's had dreams of romantic moments like this."
"Maybe we can share this with her in her dreams once we get back.", Burst said with a smile.
"You're so sweet.", Nightmare said as she leaned her head down and kissed Burst. Celestia and Luna looked at the sight with wide eyes.
"Sweet FAUST they're so romantic.", Celestia remarked. "I can only imagine him, Moon, and my human counterpart dating." Luna smiled.
"We could just tail them and spy on one of their dates.", she said with a mischievous smile.
"Shouldn't a mother not try to spy on her daughter's date?", Celestia countered.
"Hmph. You always see through me.", Luna said with a pout. The party soon winded down and Burst and his friends prepared to go home. But before they left, Luna had a few words for Nightmare. "Moon?"
"Yes Mo-err...Luna?"
"Just remember. You'll always have a home with me and my sister here.", Luna said with a smile. Nightmare rushed up to Luna and hugged her tightly. "My daughter."
"Thanks Mom!" Nightmare rejoined the others as they returned to the human world through the portal. Once they were back in the human world, Burst had an important question for Nightmare as the others headed home.
"Moon? Do you think I should break up with Celestia?" This caught Nightmare completely off-guard.
"What?! Why would you say that?!"
"Well...Princess Celestia is your aunt back in Equestria. So dating her AND you is kinda awkward. Also, my world's Celestia has a significant age gap from me. I don't want my love life to mirror prequel Anakin Skywalker." Nightmare let out a giggle as she held Burst tight.
"As far as I can tell, we're making this triple-ship work. Also, I don't want you to give up your happiness just for my sake. And neither would Celestia. I could never be that selfish. That would only hurt you as well as me." Burst smiled as he held Nightmare tight too.
"Let's head home Moon.", he said. "Just invite Celestia on our dream date, and we'll all have sweet dreams tonight." Nightmare smiled as she and Burst headed home and went to bed. She invited Celestia on a dream date, and they found themselves at a dance. Both Nightmare and Celestia were wearing gorgeous dresses.
"So how do we look Burst?", Celestia and Nightmare asked with a wink.
"You both look out of this world. Now how about we get to the best part of the evening." The three of them danced the night away in their shared dream. However, they soon had company.
"So this is your dreams Moon.", Luna said with a smile as she and Celestia walked over to the three of them.
"Mom!" Nightmare rushed up to Luna and bent down to hug her. "Nice of you and auntie to visit!"
"Pleased to meet you your highness.", Celestia said as she bowed to Princess Celestia.
"You as well.", Princess Celestia said with a smile. "I must say, you're certainly lucky."
"Why's that?"
"Over my long life, I've had many suitors. But none of them are anything like Burst. He's humble, kind, and from what Moon said he's an excellent kisser." Principal Celestia lightly blushed after hearing Princess Celestia's compliment. "You and Moon are truly blessed to have someone as loving as him."
"And he's blessed to have us as girlfriends.", Principal Celestia said with a fond smile. Meanwhile, Nightmare was chatting with Luna.
"I thought you weren't going to pop-in on my dates Mom.", Nightmare said with a slight pout.
"Would you rather I silently watch over you like a stalker?", Luna asked with a smirk. Nightmare giggled.
"Okay. Point made. So why'd you decide to drop in?", Nightmare asked.
"Just making sure my daughter's coltfriend is making her happy."
"You don't have to worry about that." Nightmare smiled fondly. "Burst knows how to take good care of me and his world's Celestia."
"Indeed he does.", Celestia added as she and Nightmare walked over to Burst. "And we'll take good care of him too." Burst blushed as Celestia and Nightmare's bodies pressed against him.
"You look so cute when you're nervous Burst!", Nightmare whispered in his ear as she and Celestia kissed him.
"Well it was nice visiting, but we'd better leave you three to your night.", Luna said with a giggle. "Farewell!" And with that, Princesses Luna and Celestia left in a swirl of light.
"So where were we?", Burst asked with a smile. Celestia and Nightmare smirked as they put Burst against a wall. Celestia was behind him while Nightmare was in front.
"Right about at the make-out session.", Celestia said as she, Burst, and Nightmare made-out.
'Hard to believe all this craziness has only been going on for one year. ', Sunset thought with a smile. 'The Fall Formal, the Battle of the Bands, The Friendship Games. Then there's all the duel madness that went down with Burst and the others. Duelist Kingdom. Battle City. And who would have guessed that the former mare in the moon would wind up dating Burst. Not to mention... ' Sunset looked to Gold as they lay together watching the clouds. 'I found someone else who left from Equestria. One who makes an exceptional boyfriend. Come to think of it, it's been so long since I've thought of home. ' Gold then noticed Sunset thinking.
"Something up?", he asked.
"Not really. Just thinking about...well, home. Our real home.", Sunset replied. "I guess after all we've been through, it's been the last place on my mind. Gold? Do you ever miss Equestria?" Gold was silent before he answered.
"...There's nothing there for me anymore.", Gold said as he sat up.
"Did...something happen?", Sunset asked.
"Let's just say Pegasus is my only family now.", Gold replied with a sad smile. "And with him, I've really not felt any sort of longing for my old home." Sunset sat up and wrapped her arms around him.
"I'm sorry. I probably shouldn't have asked..."
"It's alright Sunset. Besides, I also have you with me. And with you around, my life's a bit brighter.", Gold said with a smile. Sunset giggled at hearing this.
"That's so sweet of you Gold. A little bit cliché, but sweet." The two of them shared a kiss. "So where were we?"
"We were about to head to Sugar Cube Corner.", Gold offered her his hand as he helped her up. "I thought you'd like a treat as sweet as you are."
"Then let's be off.", Sunset said with a smile as the two of them headed off to Sugar Cube Corner. Time passed, and night soon fell over Canterlot. At Burst's house, Nightmare was looking at the moon as her mind drifted off into memories.
'It's only been a few months. And it feels like so much longer. ', Nightmare thought to herself. 'Despite my past, everyone was willing to accept me. And because of my past.... ' Nightmare stared at Burst as he entered the room. 'I'd have never met Burst if it had never happened. He was the first one to not be afraid of me. Not to mention he gave me a new life almost literally. Without him, none of this would be possible. And he was also the first to love me. But somehow.... ' Nightmare then looked back at the moon. 'I still can't help but miss Luna and Equestria. I wonder how she'd react if I ever showed up again? ' Burst noticed Nightmare deep in thought and walked up to her.
"Something on your mind?"
"I guess you could say I'm a little homesick.", Nightmare replied. "I like this world and all, but I can't help but miss Equestria just the tiniest bit."
"It was a really nice place. I DID enjoy my brief stay there. Plus it's where you first saw me." Burst wrapped his around Nightmare. "You know, I think I've got just the cure for your homesickness Moon."
"Really? That's great!" Moon hugged Burst tightly! "Thank you!"
"Moon. You're welcome. But you're kinda squeezing me!"
"Oh! Sorry! So what did you have in mind?"
"You'll find out tomorrow." Burst shared a kiss with Nightmare before going off to bed. "Goodnight Moon."
"Sweet dreams Burst.", Nightmare said as she and Burst drifted off to sleep. 'I can't wait to wake up tomorrow... '
Chapter 3: Familiar Faces
Burst and the others opened their eyes and found themselves in their new and old bodies respectively. "Huh. Feels odd being on hooves again.", Sunset said. However, there was something else prominent about her pony form that Gold noticed.
"Uh, Sunset? You might wanna watch it with your sides.", he said. Sunset was confused.
"My sides? What...?" Sunset then noticed a pair of yellow wings on each of her sides. "Oh. My. Gosh....I'M AN ALICORN!" Sunset could barely hide her joy! "This is amazing!"
"Welcome to the club Sunset.", Nightmare said with a smile. Ace was taking in his new body as well.
"I guess I've literally got a cool pair of wings.", Ace said as he admired his ice wings. "And since I'm minus a horn, I'd say I'm a Pegasus."
"Hey Gold? How do your wings not set off a smoke detector?", Burst asked.
"Magic?", Gold asked with a shrug. "I never really figured that out either. I must say, it is kina nice being back home." Gold had a smile on his face as he took in his new/old surroundings. "So where did the portal land us?"
"Princess Twilight's castle. Hmmm. I wonder how bad she'll freak when she sees us."
"I think we're about to find out...", Nightmare said as the doors to the mirror portal opened. Twilight, Starlight, and Spike stepped through, and were reasonably surprised to see their group of visitors.
"Sunset! Burst!", Twilight cheered as she rushed up to hug them. "It's good to see you all! I can't wait to..." Twilight froze when she saw Nightmare with them. "Oh. I didn't expect to see you Moon."
"Twilight, are you crazy?! That's Nightmare Moon!", Starlight screamed.
"Uh, Twilight? Maybe you should've informed Starlight about some events back in the human world.", Spike said.
"Oh. Right! Starlight, you might want to sit down for this...." Twilight then explained how Nightmare had made it to the human world, and how she had fallen in love with Burst. "And that's why she's here now. So can you PLEASE not run screaming into Ponyville?" Starlight nodded. "Good. Well since you're all here, I think Princess Celestia and Luna will want to know you're here."
"Um, Twilight?", Ace asked. "If you plan on heading to Canterlot, can I come with? I've got a question regarding Sonata and her family."
"Well I was going to just have Spike send a letter, but I guess if it's about the Dazzlings I guess we should see the princesses in person."
"Thanks Twi!", Ace beamed. "Well, I guess we'd better get going as soon as we can."
Twilight nodded. "Starlight. I'm sure you can get some bonding in with Sunset and Moon." Starlight smiled at Sunset, but looked nervously at Nightmare.
"Um...if you say so!"
"And Burst?", Twilight asked.
"Yeah?"
"I'm sure you can keep Spike occupied with stories about you and Blue Eyes. See you all later!" Spike was grinning.
"So what kinda cool things have you and Blue Eyes been up to?", Spike asked.
"Spike. I have SO much to tell you. Wanna hear it over a soda?"
"Sugar Cube Corner, here we come!" Burst and Spike went off to Sugar Cube Corner while Sunset, Nightmare, Gold and Starlight had reign over the castle.
"Sooooo, how did all of you meet Twilight?", Starlight asked. Sunset and Moon giggled.
"It's an interesting story...",Sunset said.
Starlight woke up with a smile. "Man. Yesterday's party was amazing. I think that was one of Pinkie's best yet." She then looked out the window. "Sure is a nice day out. Might as well go for a little walk." Starlight went out of the castle and took a short walk around Ponyville. However, she received an unexpected surprise from above.
"Look out below!", a pegasus screamed as he was hurtling toward Starlight! Starlight put up a shield just in time! Once the crisis was averted, she rushed up to see if he was okay.
"Are you alright?", she asked.
"Nnnnggghhh! Note to self: NEVER do that again.", the pegasus muttered. His coat was navy blue and his mane was black, and he was wearing a black beanie cap on his head. "I am SO sorry that happened."
"Shadow!", an earth pony called out. He had a grey coat and white mane. "Anything broken?"
"Ice. YOU'RE the one who convinced me to try that crazy trick in the first place!"
Ice let out a chuckle. "Yeah. It was a pretty stupid idea."
"Still...", Shadow then looked at Starlight. "I suppose I wouldn't have met this pretty mare today!" Starlight blushed! Then she remembered what Sunset had told her.
"Oh..thank you! By the way, your full name wouldn't happen to be Shadow Thunder would it?"
"It is! How'd you guess?", Shadow asked.
"Lucky guess. Anyway, are you doing anything later?", Starlight asked.
"I'm free for lunch if you are!"
"Great! See you then!"
"It's a date!", Shadow said with a wink as he and Ice went off. Starlight smiled as they left.
'Looks like this day is going to be even better than I thought... '