My Little Pony: An Unexpected Return

Even after two hours of counting sheep, drinking at least a half-gallon of warm apple cider, counting her gems ten different times, and meditating for another half hour, Rarity couldn't even get a yawn to come from her mouth. The story Luna and Moonshadow told them was still on her mind.

It was only a legend that Rarity was told when she was a filly where she heard of Queen Galaxia and King Cosmos. True, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had to have had parents, but nopony knew who they were.

At least now she had a straight answer.

Now, about sleeping...

Perhaps a walk would help me fall asleep, Rarity thought as she climbed out of bed. Hanging up her robe and taking off her slippers, she combed her mane and soon walked out of her room, closing the door softly behind her.

Upon turning, however, Rarity noticed Moonshadow walking down the hall ahead of her. Despite the silence, which multiplied any sound by a ridiculous amount, his hoof steps were impossibly silent.

Taking a step forward, the unicorn froze when he stopped and turned his head to see her.

"Couldn't sleep?"

"No, not really..." Rarity looked down, gathering her thoughts before looking up at him again. "What about you? New location unfamiliar to you?"

"First of all, I lived here for a good amount of my life," Moonshadow stated bluntly, leaving Rarity speechless. "Secondly, ever since I've become an alicorn, I never had to sleep. It's confusing, but I guess it makes sense, being the Prince of Darkness... I don't know. It confuses me sometimes, as well."

"Oh... I see. Well, since we're both up, might as well keep each other company, if you that's alright with you."

"Are you saying I wouldn't be?"

"Well...no...but - "

"Well, sounds like you are."

"N-No, that's not what I meant. I-"

Moonshadow laughed. "I'm just messing with you. Come on," he said, turning towards the door that led to the Royal Garden. "I've heard this has updated quite a bit.. I want to see it."

As they walked towards the door, Rarity looked at her friend and couldn't help but smile. Not even twenty-four hours, and she has another dragon friend... or at least, a half-dragon.

"Moonshadow? Do you know a pony by the name of Autumn Blaze?"

"Autumn Blaze?" Moonshadow looked at her in confusion. "No, the name doesn't sound familiar. Why?"

"Nothing big, really, but..." Rarity looked at his horn. "It's just that, well, Autumn Blaze is a Kirin, kind of like a nature pony, and her appearance is very similar to yours. I was thinking... It';s probably silly, but-"

"You were thinking I could be a Kirin as well."

She nodded.

"Well, I am most certainly not a Kirin, but this Autumn character sounds like a good friend to have on your side. I'd like to meet her sometime in the near future."

"I'll tell you one thing, darling, the Kirins are absolutely gorgeous!"

"Rarity!"

As soon as Rarity looked ahead of her, she ran headfirst into the garden door.

"Oof!"

Moonshadow couldn't help but laugh as he helped her up. "maybe have an eye out for objects ahead of you next time... especially major ones."

"Ha, ha, very funny," Rarity said, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Well, if you don't want my company..." She finished with a huff, then turned to leave.

"Wait."

Rarity turned to see Moonshadow looking guilt-stricken. "I'm sorry. Really. I didn't mean to laugh and hurt your feelings. Please stay... It gets awfully lonely by myself."

Rarity smiled kindly. "Apology accepted, darling. Plus, I was just messing with you - I wanted to see how you reacted. I must say, it was worth it." She giggled as her companion stared at her, completely lost at words. "Come on, let's open the doors."

Moonshadow nodded, then pushed open the doors. "Whoa..." he gasped.

"Oh, my goodness!" Rarity cried in horror.

The garden itself would have been beautiful. It was full of blossoming roses, lilacs, lavenders, and every kind of flower imaginable. It was truly breathtaking, but what ruined it was what was scattered all over the garden. It was full of Crystal Empire Guards, some already lost, but most still breathing.

"Moonshadow?"

The dragon-pony ran towards a dark-blue guard laying by the fountain. "Lazuli? Hold on, we'll get help, just-"

"Now...time," Lazuli groaned, his breathing becoming strained. "Sombra...too...strong...getting ready... to...attack...Canterlot..."

Rarity and Moonshadow looked at each other in shock. "What can we do?" Rarity asked.

"Seek...Psykari...only...he...can...help..."

His breathing began to slow down.

"Lazuli, stay with me!" The Dark Prince roared, voice cracking in worry.

"Good....luck....old friend...."

The Crystal Pegasus took a long, shaky breath, then...

"Is he..." Rarity whispered.

"No." Moonshadow lowered his head, his horn almost touching his friend's chest. Using his magic, he healed the wounds as best he could, allowing Lazuli's breath to become more steady.

Rising, Moonshadow looked at Rarity wearily. "Healing magic was never my skill, but he should be fine for now.." Suddenly, he collapsed by his old friend.

"MOONSHADOW!" Rarity cried, galloping towards him. She could see his chest rising faintly, and realized he was just resting from using the healing magic.

She sighed in relief, then looked at the dragon-pony in worry.

Rest easy, Moonshadow... You're going to need it...