So, the day went pretty well. There was a party. I’m glossing over it as our hero(es?) didn’t have too much of a prevalent role, and I’m not completely sure how to write NM’s actual return ANYWAY

Just after the party

Everypony was panicking, which was understandable, as the literal incarnation of nightmares had just appeared before them. The only ponies who were somewhat sane were Red, who was sitting in a corner thinking, as trying to calm the crowd wouldn’t work, Purple was trying it anyway, and Twilight had run off somewhere, as informed by Green, who had been watching outside. Orange was yelling something about smashing Nightmare’s face in, Yellow was hyperventilating, Blue was screeching incoherently, and Indigo was unconscious again, after stating that “Nightmare Moon looks hot. I want her-“ And getting no further.

Eventually, Red managed to calm everypony down, and directed the 11 ponies to Twilight’s house, where they found her mumbling about the Helements of Armory or something like that, and how they were the only thing that could stop Nightmare Moon. Red walked in casually, before asking, also casually, “Why do you need them to stop the cranky old horse? What even are they? And now I’m curious, how did you even learn about Bad Moony in the first place?”

“Well, the Elements of- Wait. Bad Moony?” Twilight began to lecture, before cutting herself off with a confused expression.

“Well, yeah. Did you honestly think you were the only one who had ever read that dusty old book?”

“But… That was in Celestia’s personal library…”

“Girl, I have been picking locks and breaking and entering since before my first birthday. You leave the bloody windows open, for Faust’s sake. Anyway, this is getting us off track. Green, found the book yet?”

“Ooh! Ooh! Here it is!” Called out Pinkie Pie, pointing to the book in the pegasus’ outstretched hoof.

“Wh-What?! How did you find that?!” Twilight asked, bemused.

“Twilight, Green’s amazingly perceptive. She could probably read a grounded book from a cirrus cloud if she put her mind to it.”

“I, uh, wouldn’t go that far…” The mare in question replied sheepishly, before handing (hoofing?) the book over to Twilight. So, they read about the Elements, went into the Everfree, and things progressed mostly as they did in canon, though RD’s part went a lot faster thanks to Indigo creeping the Shadowbolts out enough for Orange to punch them in the faces. Also, since it’s a bit difficult to put one necklace on seven ponies, the Element of Loyalty kind of just floated in the middle as they hovered in a circle. So, we return to the story at: Just after Bad Moony’s defeat.

“Well, that hurt.” Blue muttered to herself as they got up after the lightshow.

“So, Twilight, Ah guess you were right. Ah thought it was all just a load o’ hooey, but now… Ah guess we really are the elements o’ friendship.” Quoted Apples. “Indeed you are.” Came a voice, as the sun rose outside. Red’s only comment was “Oh, look. Spontaneous Starbutt.”

As expected, Twilight’s reaction was one of “Star-“ Before breaking off with incoherent squeaks. Celestia, who had spontaneously appeared in the room as predicted, merely laughed, as everypony but said sassy stealer bowed. “And how are you doing, Red? Any new ‘salvage’?” The literal sun goddess asked, as if she were speaking to an old friend.

“Not much of importance.”

Twilight broke out of her stupor long enough to question “Wait, do you know each other?”

“Yeah. As I said earlier, I get around. Also, Starbutt can apparently see everything her sun touches, should she so wish.”

“Yes, I can. But, enough chatter. I must speak to Luna.” Celestia said, still smiling.

“Yeah, go sort things out with Moony. We’ll be here when you’re done.”

And things did what they did in canon.

THE END

Of episode one.

Author's Note

Yeah, I rushed this. I'm planning to go back on it at some point and clean it up.

Anyway, I'm planning to design this story a certain way. I'll write a Rainbow Corps twist on a canon episode every now and then, but what about everything in between? So, I have decided: You guys/girls/unspecified give me ideas for what antics they might get up to, or which episode I should twist, and I'll see if I can work them in. Good idea?