My Little Pony: An Unexpected Return

"Princess!" The Royal Guards at the Canterlot Castle door cried in panic as the chariot landed, releasing the injured Celestia. "What happened?" They paled as they realized that Moonshadow was landing next to Flash, Twilight, and Princess Luna. As they raised their spears, the dragon-pony released a snarl and his horn began to glow.

"Who are you, and what have you done to Princess Celestia?!" The guards cried in defiance, but the group could see their eyes filled with fear.

"Relax, soldiers, this is - " Luna started.

"At ease!" Moonshadow cried, and suddenly the guards froze, then looked at each other in shock and backed down. "You're jobs are to protect the Royal family, not attack any member of the family - no matter how strange they look. Understand, soldiers?"

The soldiers stood in complete shock before answering firmly, "SIR, YES SIR!"

"Good. Now go back to your positions."

"Uh, sir... Pardon our rudeness, but we - "

"It's fine, soldier. I haven't been here in a thousand years... It's understandable that I wouldn't be recognized at first sight..." He sighed. "Anyways... Follow your instructions. Where are you supposed to be?"

"Oh - Right!"

As they walked back to the door, Rainbow Dash looked at the newcomer with a new light of respect. "Now that, was something I wasn't expecting... Yet so AWESOME!!!"

"Yes, Moonshadow is quite the pony," Luna replied, which got a smirk from her son. "Anyways, I want to apologize for not arriving earlier to help. I was checking on the Crystal Empire when I was told that I was needed in Canterlot."

"It's all good, Princess," Rarity stated, giving her mane a flip. "I will admit, though, your appearance was quite exquisite."

"Well... Now that all of you are here, let's get you all back into you're rooms, and then... Moonshadow, if you're willing?"

":Sure, Mom," Moonshadow said. "I have to admit, though, it's hard to tell a story on an empty stomach. Does anypony have any spare gems I can eat? I'm starving..."

The ponies turned to look at Spike, who was polishing a sapphire he held in his hand - next to the giant pile of gems he had just recently dug up. He looked up to find them staring at him.

"What are you - Wait, no - Oh -" He slapped his palm onto his scaly forehead. "Alright. Fine. But only a little bit..."

...

There was a knock on the door, and Princess Luna poked her head into the bedroom. "Moonshadow? Can I come in?"

"Hm? Oh, yeah..." The dragon-pony sighed, looking up from his bed. "Yeah, sure. The door's open, i guess..."

Luna sighed, then stepped through the door and began walking towards the bed. As she did, she looked around the room. Luna had hoped Moonshadow would've liked the door, being his old room when he stayed in Canterlot. Instead, his ears drooped upon the news, muttered a thanks, then walked into the room and closed the door behind him - the reaction his mother didn't expect.

'Moonshadow? Look, I'm sorry about the room, if you want to move - OW!" She winced as she stepped on shattered glass. Looking up, she was shocked to see the stained glass window on his high wall was completely shattered. "Wh-What happened?"

"Long story..." Moonshadow sighed again. "And the room's fine, Mom. It's just... I was gone for as long as you were - longer, in fact. A thousand years, give or take, banished from Equestria. I had no idea where I was, but I heard what happened when you were banished. It was almost scary, you know, not being able to do anything about your punishment... especially when you... Oh, I don't even know anymore!"

Luna wrapped her wings supportively round her son. "Look, child, the past is in the past. Now, you've come home, and you must forget what has happened. Instead, focus on what's happening right now. Now, Sombra has returned, and we need you're help to defeat him once more."

"Wait, did you say Sombra? As in the Shadhavar?!" Luna backed up quickly as Moonshadow' s eyes glowed red for the second time today. The dragon-pony began pacing back and forth his voice slowly rising in anger. "I thought he was gone for good! I remember SPECIFICALLY beating him to a pulp so you and Celestia could -" Suddenly he stopped. "Celestia..." he snarled.

"Moonshadow? Worry about that later. Why don't we meet with the Mane 6? Maybe telling them your story will help you think straight." She gasped to see her son's fury turn towards her. "Moonshadow?"

His eyes faded back to normal, and he fell against his mom's grasp. "Aggh..." He looked at his mom gratefully, then sighed. "Y...You're right, Mom... Let's go. I have a feeling they're gonna be on the edge of their hooves."

They're not the only ones... Luna thought as they walked to the Royal Chamber.