Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia and Starswirl the Bearded still dressed in their Nightmare Night costumes took to the skies on their way to The Castle of the Two Sisters all in an effort to save Princess Luna. They were transported by a Pegasus royal guard’s carriage that typically had four royal guards at the helm. But to ensure fast transport for the crisis at hoof there were eight pegasus royal guards at the helm. As the trio flew over Ponyville a familiar pegasus mare with giant wings flew in their path halting their advance. Twilight stared at the mare in shock and anger. “Starburst?” she said. “Why aren’t at the castle? It’s way past your curfew!”

“Now is not the time to chew me out, Mom,” said Starburst. “There are some ghosts on the loose and Princess Luna is in trouble.”

“We know,” said Princess Celestia. “That’s why we’re headed to our old castle to find the book that has unleashed them.”

“We’ve not another moment to spare,” said Starswirl sternly. “We must hurry before all of Luna’s magic is gone forever!” Starburst’s eyes went wide at the unicorn stallion’s words. Though she and the Princess of the Night never interacted as much, Starburst found Luna the most relatable amongst all of Equestria’s royals.

“Wait for me at the Canterlot Castle,” instructed Twilight as the carriagle pulled away from Starburst. Starburst looked on gravely as they made it over the Everfree Forest.

It took the carriage over twenty minutes to arrive between Canterlot and The Castle of the Two Sisters. After bursting through the entrance it took Twilight, Starswirl and Celestia about three minutes to find the library. Luckily for them the entrance to the private quarters where Nightlight found the book was still open. Sure enough the book where the spirits were unleashed was still flat on the floor. “Thank goodness we don’t have to rummage through any shelves to find the book,” said Starswirl as he levitated the book with his magic.

“We have about four minutes left,” said a panicked Twilight as she pulled out a watch.

“We’ll never make it back in time!” said a terrified Celestia.

“Our only chance is to teleport back to the Castle,” said Starswirl.

“Wouldn’t that drain our magical energy?” said Twilight.

“If our magical energy is drained we may not have enough magic to work the spell!” said Celestia desperately.

“With both of your teleportation abilities combined we can all arrive back at Nidra’s quarters under two seconds,” replied Starswirl. “I’ll work the spell.”

Celestia looked at Twilight with a grave expression. Twilight looked back at her counterpart and gave an assuring nod. Twilight and Celestia held onto Starswirl and both their horns glowed brightly. They all then disappeared in a flash.

Back at Nidra’s quarters Princess Luna’s coat was soaked with sweat as she tried to keep the female unicorn spirits at bay with her magical force field. Cadence was outside trying in vain to blast through the force field that engulfed the door. At that moment Twilight, Celestia and Starswirl appeared in a bright flash. Twilight and Celestia collapsed to the floor in exhaustion while Starswirl rushed to the door. “My magic can’t blast through this force field,” said Cadence.

“Luna, you must disable the force field around your daughter’s quarters!” said Starswirl.

“But if I do that I wouldn’t be able to keep these spirits at bay!” said Luna.

“It’s only way for me to get to you in order for me to capture them! You must trust me!”

“I do trust you!”

“We do it on the count of three!”

In unison both Starswirl and Luna started to count. On the third count Luna disabled her force field along with the force field that engulfed Nidra’s quarters. Almost simultaneously Starswirl shot a beam of magic blasting through the door. With Luna’s force field disabled the female unicorn spirits unleashed their wisps of magic going straight for The Princess of the Night. Before the magical wisps could touch Luna Starswirl stepped in between and created a magical shield. The wisps of magic deflected off the shield cracking it slightly. “Mucet riv erederge iger!” said Starswirl as he started to recite the spell. “Odnum coh tnalubma non ut te, et marom ibit tse supo non! Itsinev ednu, orter edni!” There was then a bright flash from the book and slowly the female unicorn spirits were sucked into the book. They screeched a piercing howl as they were sucked into the middle of the book in single file like dust being sucked into a vacuum cleaner. When the spirits were all sucked in the book slammed shut and fell to the ground. Twilight, Celestia, Cadence and Luna watched with wide eyes as smoke rose from the book. Starswirl then shot a bolt of magic at the book and it was engulfed in a box-like shield. Twilight, Celestia and Cadence rushed to Luna and they all held each other in an embrace.

“I thought I was going to lose you again,” said Celestia to Luna with tears welling in her years.

“What were those things?” said Twilight as she turned to Starswirl.

“They’re Furies,” said Starswirl with a blank expression.

“Furies?” repeated Cadence with a look of confusion.

“They’re spirits whose sole purpose is to do combat with the enemies of Equestira,” continued Starswirl. “They possess tremendous magic to deal with foes who may threaten this land through magic as opposed to physical force. I have been researching on them for years as a means of a contingency plan should my magic or the magic of the Princesses of Equestria be insufficient. Yet, I never had the chance to experiment with them or work on a spell so that they may follow instructions instead of acting upon instinct. When Luna was consumed by the spirit of Nightmare Moon I have been working on a spell to enable The Furies to vanquish Nightmare Moon without bringing harm to Luna should The Elements of Harmony fail. But then I was pulled into Limbo without having the chance to experiment with the summoning spell.”

“So what will happen to The Furies now?” said Luna.

“The Furies aren’t the only spirits I have researched on,” said Starswirl levitating the book that was now encased in the box construct. “There are many spirits that can be summoned through this book. Spirits that could bring great peril upon Equestria should this book fall into the wrong hooves. It would be wise to keep it in a safe place where no one can reach it and where I would be the only one to know of its whereabouts.”

“I know just the place,” said Celestia as she held the book with her magic.

“Now that we managed to avoid a major catastrophe,” said Twilight. “I think we should have a little chat with our young ones.”

At Canterlot Castle’s throne room all of the Nightmare Night Party’s attendees were seated across the floor. At the front row were the children of The Elements of Harmony together with the children of The Princesses of Equestria and the children of The Cutiemark Crusaders. The party revelers’ elders stood in front of them still dressed in their Nightmare Night costumes “Absolutely reckless and irresponsible!” said Twilight as she paced in front of Nightlight. “What were you thinking? You of all ponies should know that you shouldn’t be messing with magical books without my guidance. Especially books from the Castle of the Two Sisters!”

“I didn’t mean for any of this to happen, Mom,” said Nightlight with his head bowed. “I guess when it comes to old books I can’t help myself.”

“I suppose it’s probably my fault for telling you about that time when I went to The Castle for the first time,” said Twilight as she cupped his chin. “Next time you come across an ancient book don’t read any lines. Bring it straight to me so that me and the other Princesses could determine whether it poses any kind of threat.”

“Yes, Mom,” said Nightlight.

“I must say, anyone who can flawlessly recite one of my spells has my full respect,” said a smiling Starswirl. He then considered Nightlight’s Nightmare Night costume. “I must also commend you for having my attire spot on,” he said. Nightlight stared at the unicorn stallion with a hanging jaw and wide eyes. Did The Great Starswirl the Bearded actually commend him? Nightlight smiled from ear to ear and stifled a squeal.

“By and by,” continued Starswirl as he turned to Twilight’s daughter. “Great job on your Flash Sentry costume.”

“Finally!” said Starburst throwing up her fore hooves triumphantly. “Somepony gets my costume!”

Api looked at the exchange with a chuckle. “What’s so funny?” said Twilight turning to the earth filly.

“For once I’m not the one getting chewed out this time,” said Api with a cheeky grin as she reclined in her chair. “I had nothing to do with this.”

“But you did sneak off into The Everfree Forest where you could’ve gotten killed crossing that tree trunk,” said Applebloom as she gave her daughter a stern look.

“The fact that you even went into the forest itself is bad enough!” said Sweetie Belle as she approached her daughter. “I almost lost you!”

“But you all used to go to The Everfree Forest when you were kids,” said Pixel innocently.

“That’s when the Everfree wasn’t infested with so many enchanted beasts as it is today,” said Scootaloo who was dressed in a jumpsuit that was similar to Evel Knevel’s jumpsuit. “I expected better from you, Echo.”

“Sorry, Mom,” said Echo sadly as she bowed her head.

“Honestly, having a party in The Castle of the Two Sisters?” said Flash Sentry glaring at his daughter.

“Sounds like my kinda party,” said Pinkie Pie as she bounced in excitement.

“Pinkie,” said Twilight as she glared at the party pony.

“Oh, right,” she said flashing a sheepish smile. She then turned to Cotton Candy. “Very reckless and irresponsible, like Twilight said,” said Pinkie sternly.

“You told us that you were going to Cotton Candy’s place!” said Twilight with her tone increasing in volume as she furrowed her eyebrows at Starburst. Starburst simply folded her hooves. She was not in a mood for another one of her mother’s lectures. “The Castle of the Two Sisters is laden with secret doors and traps,” Twilight continued. “You could’ve gotten hurt!”

“We’ve been scoping out the place two months ago,” said Starburst with a sigh. “That’s how everyone was able to avoid the traps.”

“And where do you get off doin’ a mind controllin’ doohickey on me?” said Applejack as she pointed a stern hoof at Illusion.

“It seems as though the student has surpassed the master,” said Discord as he whispered in his son’s ear and gave him a friendly nudge.

“Haven’t ah taught you nothin’ ‘bout bein’ honest, Del?” continued Applejack turning to her son. “That’s the kinda things that happen when yer dishonest!”

“What can ah say, Ma?” said Del with a remorseful expression. “I’m sorry.”

“And don’t think fer a second that yer gettin’ any of our zap apple pies!” said Applejack turning back to Illusion. Illusion sunk in his chair with a sheepish expression.

“Don’t worry,” whispered Discord to Illusion. “I’ll work something out.”

“And how did you even managed to get in a big kids’ party anyway,” said Rainbow Dash turning to Icy Storm.

“Prism promised me,” said Icy motioning over to Prism with a look of fear. Prism’s eyes widened. He was well aware of his mother’s harsh way of motivating so he was in for the tongue lashing of a lifetime.

“Way to throw me under the cart,” said Prism under his breath.

“Promised what?” said Rainbow Dash sternly as she turned to her oldest son. Prim sunk in his chair trying to mentally prepare for what was in store when he made his revelation. “I kinda ripped Dad’s Wonderbolt jacket,” he said after a pause. Soarin’ eyes went as wide as dinner plates and all the air was sucked out of his body. He then rushed up to his oldest son with a fierce look. “You…RIPPED MY WONDERBOLT JACKET?!” screamed Soarin’.

“I’m very disappointed in you, Annie,” said Fluttershy who was the only parent not dressed in a Nightmare Night costume. “I expected better from you. Those Furies scared all of my animals now they’re all on the loose in my cottage.”

“I’m sorry, Mom,” said Anthea sorrowfully.

“But must commend you for protecting my daughter from those awful spirits,” said Fluttershy proudly as she turned to Turquoise.

“Does that mean that we’re out of trouble?” said Turquoise hopefully.

“Not in the slightest,” said Rarity sternly. Spike stood next to Rarity with an equally stern demeanor. Claire looked on and made a hard, audible gulp.

“You have no idea the type of drama you caused with that stunt you pulled,” said Princess Luna turning to Nidra. “We almost lost of our kitchen staff because you refuse to show gratitude to a chef that has always exceeded your cooking expectations. It would seem as if I cannot trust from this day forth.”

“So your mother and I will spend the rest of the morning planning your punishment,” added Supernova.

“That’s not fair!” protested Nidra. “I’m already grounded!”

“Would you like to be grounded for the rest of the year?” said Luna glaring at her daughter? Nidra responded by folding her fore hooves and letting out a huff.

“Can we not have a peaceful ball without someone mucking it up?” groaned Discord.

“Says the one who brought a schmooze to The Grand Galloping Gala that flooded the ballroom with slime and almost had one of Fluttershy’s friends banished to another dimension,” said Celestia snidely. Discord simply responded with a grumble.

“I think it’s best that we all get some sleep,” said Twilight. She then looked at her daughter sternly. “Our next generation needs all the rest they could get if they’re going to spend the rest of the week on their punishment,” continued The Princess of Friendship.

Starburst looked back at her mother with fear and let out a gulp.

The next day all the children of The Elements of Harmony, together with the children of The Princesses of Equestria, the children of The Cuitemark Crusaders and much of the revelers of the previous night’s Nightmare Night party were all across Ponyville helping clean up the damage caused by the Furies. They cleaned up debris and repaired damaged buildings. Prism Bolt and Icy were busy hammering nails into a damaged building when they were joined by Whirlwind. “Hey, Dubs,” said Prism with a cocky grin.

“You’re being punished too, huh?” said Icy.

“It’s no big deal,” said Whirlwind. “At least I get a little time off from the hard training from The Wonderbolts.”

“I managed to hook up with a hot hippogriff last night,” said Prism. Whirlwind let out groan. The last thing she needed was to hear her ex bragging about the many girls he smooched since they broke up. “Her name’s Sunny Horizon,” continued Prism. “Who did you hook up with last night?”

“Nopony,” said Whirlwind with a defeated tone.

“Ya don’t say,” said Prism triumphantly.

“But I did make a very good friend,” Whirlwind looking at Icy with a smile. Icy looked back at the Pegasus mare blushing profusely while Prism looked on with confusion. Whirlwind then ruffled Icy’s mane. Icy simply looked back at her with a warm smile.

Gold Delicious was busy hammering planks into a wooden building when he was approached by Creme de la Creme who looked at what he was doing with awe. Del sensed her presence and took note of her facial expression. "So this is what repairing a house is like!" said Creme with wide eyes.

"Uh...yeah," said Del looking at her in confusion.

"I've heard Mom and Dad talk about the kind of stuff ponies did in Ponyville," said Creme. "It's one thing to hear about it but to see the process with my own eyes is amazing."

"You mean you never saw a building goin' up?"

"My mother always had me on the road and modeling since I was six years old. Can I try?"

"Uh...sure." Creme then walked over to Del's side and Del went over with her on how to hammer a plank perfectly in its place.

"Are you sure you don't need my help?" Anthena asked Turquoise and Cotton Candy as they were busy putting up bricks for a concrete house. The pony/dragon hybrid and the grey earth pony mare looked at each other with trepidation. They did not want to offend their friend by saying that her blindness would prevent her from doing a good job on repairing a brick wall. Turquoise let out a sigh. "How do I say this, Annie?" he said with a cringe. "This is the kind of job where you need to make sure that every block is stacked up perfectly."

"So what?" said Anthena with a shrug. "Princess Twilight's been teaching me a few spells for the job."

"What Turquoise is trying to say is that this job is pretty strenuous," said Cotton Candy with a nervous smile. "It might be tough given your condition."

"My "condition"?" said Anthena in shock. "What's that supposed to mean?" Turquoise and Cotton Candy locked eyes and they both broke out in cold sweats. Just then Claire came trotting towards them and stood right next to the pink unicorn. "Hey, Annie, instead of helping build up walls you could help me gather up the animals at the cottage," said the female pony/dragon hybrid. "I know you could hold your own but tending to the animals might be easier for you given your blindness." Turquoise and Cotton Candy let out relieved sighs knowing that Claire got them out of the uncomfortable situation of explaining why Anthena should not be laying bricks. "Given my blindess?" said the blind unicorn mare with furrowed eyebrows. "You think I can't put up bricks?" With those words Anthena turned to the pile of bricks next to her and levitated them off the ground. She then levitated a mound of wet cement and carried them over to the area where Cotton Candy was working. Each brick covered Cotton Candy from the neck down plastering her to the building. Anthena then shot a beam of magic towards the bricks hardening the wet cement rendering Cotton Candy trapped. A smile appeared on Anthena's face as she waited patiently for praise to come from Turquoise, Claire and Cotton Candy for another job well done. Instead she got nothing but stunned silence from the pony/dragon siblings and a helpless whimper from Cotton Candy. What stood before them was a lopsided mess that Cotton Candy was caught in the middle of. Anthena wore a frown. "It's upside down, isn't it?" she said sheepishly. She then let out a defeated sigh. "I'll go help Claire with the animals," said the blind unicorn mare as both she and Claire trotted away.

Illusion, Nidra, and Valient Heart were busy painting a building. Each of their parents decided that they should help with the construction efforts in Ponyville without their magic so as to not use shortcuts to finish their tasks. So Illusion, Nidra and Valiant Heart had to do their tasks in their alternate forms. Illusion was the form of an earth pony named Coal, Nidra was in the form of Pegasus named Jet Stream and Valiant was in the form of a unicorn named Awestruck. “It could be worse, guys,” said Valiant as he levitated a paintbrush.

“Speak for yourself,” groaned Illusion has he held the paintbrush in his mouth. “You have unicorn powers.”

“I’m not supposed to be doing this,” said Nidra tearfully as she held the paintbrush in her mouth. “I’m a princess!”

Just then Princess Flurry Heart joined them carrying a paint bucket in her mouth. Unlike the other royal children, she was still in her alicorn form. Valiant looked at her shock. “What are you doing here, Sis?” he said.

“As Princess I have an obligation to serve my subjects,” said Flurry. “It’s the least I could do.”

“But you’re still in your alicorn form,” said Illusion.

“Hey, maybe you could use your magic to help us finish this menial task faster,” said Nidra hopefully.

“You’re outta luck, guys,” she said sheepishly. “Mom had a feeling that you would want me to do you a solid so she took all of my alicorn powers before I came.” Illusion, Valiant and Nidra all let out a collective groan.

Nightlight was busy loading debris into a small cart that was attached to his back. Twilight decided that it would be a fitting punishment for him to help with the reconstruction efforts in Ponyville together with being banned from reading the books in the library or any library in town. As he picked up a few brinks Pixel approached him. “Hey, Nighty,” she said.

“Hey,” said the unicorn colt sadly.

“Your mom really did a number on you, huh?” continued the unicorn filly.

“No books for the month is nothing compared to no magical practice,” replied Nightlight. “I guess I deserved it.”

Pixel looked on in sympathy as the prince continued his duties. “Even though me and the girls could’ve stayed much longer at that party,” began Pixel. “We had a great time.” Pixel then cupped Nightlight under his chin catching him off guard. “My favorite part was spending time with you,” the unicorn filly. “Thanks for saving me off that bridge.” Nightlight’s eyes widen at her compliment. Suddenly Pixel gave him a slight kiss on the cheek. The unicorn colt’s cheeks flushed red and his jaw dropped. Pixel then gave Nightlight a warm smile and rejoined Api and Echo. Nightlight looked on as she trotted away. A smile then appeared on his face and he trotted away in shaky steps.

Api, Pixel and Echo trotted around with small carts attached to their backs. Pixel used her unicorn powers to pick up whatever small debris they found. Api looked around spotting changelings, griffons, dragons, hippogriffs and yaks repairing damaged buildings. Soon she had an idea. “Look around you, girls,” said the earth filly. “I see lots of inspiration.”

“Inspiration for what?” groaned Echo.

“There are a lot of creatures looking for coltfriends and fillyfriends,” said Api with a smile.

“Don’t you remember what your mom said?” said Pixel. “Don’t meddle in someone’s love life. Love takes time.”

“Time is something we don’t have if we want our cutiemarks,” said Api. “Take this down, Pixel.” With those words Pixel took out a notepad and pencil. Api then started dropping the names of all the creatures she knew while Pixel wrote down the names on her pad.

Starburst didn’t mind indulging in hard work. It was simply more exercise to prepare her for The Royal Guard. She was busy hammering nails into a damaged building when he sensed someone joining her side. She turned to her right and there was Fletcher in the process of hammering a wooden plank into the building. Starburst considered the scene in shock. “Hallo, Fletcher,” she said in Fletcher’s native tongue.

“Oh, hallo, Starburst,” replied Fletcher.

“You’re being punished too?” said Starburst in English.

“My parents didn’t know that I would be at that party last night,” replied Fletcher in English. “That’s because I didn’t tell them.”

“You snuck out?” said the pegasus with wide eyes.

“We don’t really celebrate Nightmare Night in Norhay,” said Fletcher. “My mother doesn’t like those kind of horror themed things. She’s very superstitious.”

“It probably sucks having to do all this manual labor, huh?” groaned Starburst.

“It’s not a problem really,” said Fletcher. “Farming and construction is a way of life for most ponies in Norhay. Plus, this kind of work will help me in my training for The Royal Guard.

Starburst stopped hammering and looked at the young earth pony stallion with shock. Apart from her dad, her uncle and her older cousin Valient Heart Starburst never thought she would have so much in common with someone outside of her family. “You’re training for the Guard?” said Starburst.

“I plan to join next year,” said Fletcher with a nod.

“I’m training for the guard too!” said Starburst excitedly. “I’m joining first thing next year.”

Fletcher looked back at the Pegasus mare with look of surprise. He then nodded his head and a smile came across his face. “Det ser ut til at vi har mye til felles (It seems that we have a lot in common),” said Fletcher in his native tongue.

“Vi gjør faktisk (We do indeed),” replied Starburst in Fletcher’s language with a smile.

At Pinkie Pie’s house Cloudy Skies trotted towards the bedroom that she shared with her twin sister. She pushed the door open and on the bed was Sugar Rush with her mane in her wavy style together with a huge container of a wide assortment of candy. Cloudy’s jaw almost dropped to the floor. She then rushed to her sister’s bed. Sugar then took note of Cloudy. “Oh, hi, Cloudy,” she said as she bit off a piece of chocolate.

“You got so much candy!” said Cloudy.

“Really?” replied Sugar with feigned surprise. “I haven’t noticed. There’s your loot.” Sugar Rush pointed to a plastic bowl that was the same size as Sugar’s container. In it was an equally huge amount of candy. Cloudy flew over to her bed and popped a piece of hard candy into her mouth.

“This is awesome, Sugar!” said Cloudy through a mouthful of candy. “How did you do it?” Sugar jumped off her bed and trotted over to bedroom window. She stared out the window and got lost in thought.

The night before after the threat of The Furies were vanquished Sugar Rush joined the rest of her family at the Canterlot Castle. She was still bummed over not getting enough candy during her house to house candy search. She was especially bummed for having to donate most of her candy to the Nightmare Moon statue. As she sulked Starswirl the Bearded found her on her haunches in the hallway all by herself. By then she had discarded her Celestia wig revealing her real flat mane. “What’s the matter little filly?” said Starswirl with concern.

“I didn’t get enough candy for Nightmare Night,” said Sugar without looking at him.

“That’s a shame,” said Starswirl sitting next to her.

“Well, I got a great haul earlier,” Sugar continued. “But I had to donate almost all of it to Nightmare Moon’s statue.”

“Oh,” said Starswirl with a thoughtful nod. “But you did a good thing donating your candy.”

“How is that a good thing?” said the unicorn filly looking up at the unicorn stallion with a look of outrage.

“Now there is an abundance of candy for those who were not able to celebrate Nightmare Night,” replied Starswirl.

Sugar Rush’s expression turned into one of shock. For as long as she remembered the reason why the candy never remained at Nightmare Moon’s statue was because she ate it all up. “I thought Nightmare Moon would eat all the candy?” said Sugar giving Starswirl a confused look.

“Actually, there are royal guards who snatch it away before that horrid creature could have one bite of it,” said Starswirl with a chuckle. “The royal guards then donate all of the candy to children’s’ hospitals and orphanages.”

“Really?” said a beaming Sugar Rush.

“The candy you have given to the statue is for a good cause,” said Starswirl. “But let’s keep that between ourselves. Do you promise to keep it a secret and not tell anyone?”

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” said Sugar Rush waving her hoof and putting it to her eye.

“What’s that?” said Starswirl looking at her in confusion.

“It’s a Pinkie Promise,” explained Sugar Rush.

“I see,” said Starswirl chuckling. “Because you have given so generously for Nightmare Night, you deserve a reward.”

With those words Starswirl shot a bolt of magic before Sugar’s hind hooves and appearing before her was a giant container filled with all sorts of candy. Sugar Rush looked at the huge container with wide eyes and a slackened jaw. She then scooped up some of the candy and laughed widely. Soon her mane inflated back to its wavy style. “Share it between your family,” said Starswirl as he patted her on the head. “But don’t tell them how you acquired it all.” With those words Starswirl trotted away.

Back in the present, Sugar smiled as she fondly remembered the previous night. “What can I say?” she said. “I’ve got friends in high places.” Sugar then spotted a familiar unicorn stallion with a bushy white beard, pointy hat and cape that was adored with golden bells trotting away from the house. Starswirl looked up at Sugar Rush’s direction, smiled and waved. Sugar Rush smiled and waved back as the unicorn stallion trotted away in a distance.

END

Author's Note

In case you're wondering Starswirl's reversal spell is Latin spoken backwards. It goes like this: Inde retro, unde venisti. Non opus est tibi coram te, et tu non ambulant hoc mundo! Regi egredere egredere vir tecum!

English Translation: Back from whence you came. Your presence is no longer needed and you will no longer prowl this world! Away, away with thee!