Light and Dark: Road to Redemption

by MXCDarkHorse2020

Chapters

Chapter 2: The Cutie Map Part Two
Chapter 3: Castle Sweet Castle
Chapter 4: Tanks for the Memories
Chapter 5: The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone
Chapter 6: Slice of Life
Chapter 7: Party Pooped
Chapter 8: Swearing Vengeance
Chapter 10: A New Plan
Chapter 11: Do Princess Dream of Magic Sheep?
Chapter 12: Made in Manehattan
Chapter 13: The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows
Chapter 14: Scare Master
Chapter 15: A Heart's Warming Tail
Chapter 16: What About Discord?
Chapter 17: Formulating a New Angle
Chapter 18: The Hooffields and McColts
Chapter 19: The Final Preparations
Chapter 20: The Cutie Re-Mark Part One
Chapter 21: The Cutie Re-Mark Part Two
Chapter 22: Equestrian Girls Part One (Rewritten 9/14/22)
Chapter 24: Equestrian Girls Part Three
Chapter 25: The Crystalling Part One
Chapter 26: The Crystalling Part Two
Chapter 27: Gauntlet of Fire
Chapter 28: No Second Prances
Chapter 29: 28 Pranks Later (Edited 9/14/22)
Chapter 30: The Times They Are Changeling
Chapter 31: Every Little Thing She Does
Chapter 32: Rainbow Rocks Part One
Chapter 33: Rainbow Rocks Part Two
Chapter 34: Rainbow Rocks Part Three
Chapter 35: To Where and Back Again Part One
Chapter 36: To Where and Back Again Part Two
Chapter 37: The Aftermath Part One
Chapter 38: The Aftermath Part Two
Chapter 39: A Flurry of Emotions
Chapter 40: A Royal Problem
Chapter 41: Fame and Misfortune
Chapter 42: Once Upon a Zeppelin
Chapter 43: Shadow Play Part One
Chapter 44: Shadow Play Part Two
Chapter 45: Preparing for the Invasion
Chapter 46: Midnight Strikes Part One
Chapter 48: Midnight Strikes Part Three
Chapter 49: Midnight Strikes Part Four
Chapter 50: The Beginning of the End Part One
Chapter 51: The Beginning of the End Part Two
Chapter 52: School Daze Part One
Chapter 53: School Daze Part Two
Chapter 54: Sparkle's Seven
Chapter 55: The Mount Aris Summit
Chapter 57: Marks for Effort
Chapter 58: The Mean Seven
Chapter 59: A Hearth's Warming Club
Chapter 60: Friendship University (Rewritten 9/27/22)
Chapter 61: School Raze Part One
Chapter 62: School Raze Part Two (Edited 9/23/22)
Chapter 63: The Awakening Part One
Chapter 64: The Awakening Part Two
Chapter 65: The Awakening Part Three
Chapter 66: Journey to Mount Aris Part One
Chapter 67: Journey to Mount Aris Part Two
Chapter 68: Truth and Consequences
Chapter 69: Between Dark and Dawn (Edited 9/27/22)
Chapter 70: Divide and Conquer (Rewritten 9/30/22)
Chapter 71: Legend of Everfree Part One
Chapter 73: Legend of Everfree Part Three
Chapter 74: Legend of Everfree Part Four
Chapter 75: The Ending of the End Part One
Chapter 76: The Ending of the End Part Two (Edited 10/17/22)
Chapter 77: The Ending of the End Part Three (Edited 10/20/22)
Chapter 78: The Ending of the End Part Four (Edited 10/31/22)
Chapter 1: The Cutie Map Part One
Chapter 9: Amending Fences (Rewritten 9/14/22)
Chapter 23: Equestrian Girls Part Two (Rewritten 9/14/22)
Chapter 47: Midnight Strikes Part Two
Chapter 56: Frenemies
Chapter 72: Legend of Everfree Part Two

Chapter 2: The Cutie Map Part Two

Chapter 2:

The Cutie Map Part Two:

From a safe distance, Twilight watched her friends being lead back into town and being locked inside a house guarded by two ponies so the five can learn to accept the ways and lives everypony has grown accustomed to.

Because that most of their talents and abilities relied on their cutie marks, Applejack and Rainbow Dash don’t have the strength to break down the door and Fluttershy can’t communicate with animals to get help.

Twilight does want to help them but doesn’t know how to without risking getting caught and stripped of her cutie mark. So she does the next best thing once she retreats to the nearby mountains so she can use her magic to teleport herself and appear inside the room the Mane Five are trapped in.

“In sameness, there is peace. Exceptionalism is a lie.

Free yourself from your cutie mark. Choose equality as your special talent.

Difference is frustration. To excel is to fail.

Be your best by never being your best.”

Starlight’s recorded voice spoke through a megaphone constantly non-stop.

“Oh, this is horrible!” Rarity cried out as tears streamed from her eyes.

“There, there, Rarity... It's not so bad...” Fluttershy tried to comfort Rarity as she placed a hoof on her shoulder to no avail.

“Yes, it is! Look at those drapes! I have no idea if they're tacky or not!” Rarity pointed out to the drapes hanging on the curtain.

“Well, I think they're nice.” Fluttershy complimented them as Rarity’s equal sign mark prevents Rarity from truly telling if they are or not.

“So do I!” Rarity again cried out in pain and sobs causing Fluttershy to back away from her seeing that her attempted efforts are in vain as a bird flies up to the window.

“Oh, thank goodness! Can you help us, little birdie?” Fluttershy asked the bird who simply tweets as her equal mark seems to be affecting her communication to her animal companions.

“Go on, now! Fly away and get us help!” Fluttershy further tried to communicate with the bird who simply chirps in response and flies away like it didn't understand a word she said without her cutie mark.

“Oh, even tweets don't make sense anymore!” Fluttershy sadly came to realize how badly this cutie un-marking is affecting her as Applejack tries to break down the door again but failed due to being stripped of her strength from her cutie mark loss.

“This door's shut tighter than a... summer of...” Applejack tried to comment while struggling for the words she was going to use as her loss of her cutie mark is affecting her ability to make countryisms anymore. “ ...uh, piglets in... shoot! I can't even make countryisms no more!”

“I don't know! Maybe it'll be super fun to be all the same!” Pinkie cheerfully tried to find the bright side to all of this before her expression turns dull as her lack of cutie mark keeps her from thinking cheerful thoughts “Sort of. More pleasant than fun, I guess...”

At that moment Twilight appeared and teleported inside of the room.

“Twilight!” The Mane Five exclaimed in delight to see her.

“Girls, are you all okay?” Twilight asked them out of concern.

“We’re fine sugarcube, but without our cutie marks we can’t bust our way out nor keep up being are usual self’s.” Applejack honestly answered.

“Oooh!” Pinkie exclaimed at Twilight’s brighter shade of color due to not being stripped of her cutie mark. “How come you are shiny and glowing like that Twilight?” Pinkie tried to happily ask before changing back into another dull expression. “Like anypony here cares.”

“Don't worry. Starlight and her town ponies don't know I'm here.” Twilight reassured her friends answered as she focused back on the more important issue.

“Then quit wasting time and just bust us out of here already so we can get our cutie marks back!” Rainbow Dash urgently demanded and explained a simple solution to her.

“As much as I want to, I can’t.” Twilight sadly replied.

“Why not?” Rainbow Dash irritably questioned of why that’s so hard.

“As much as I want to get you all out here, I can’t because well…” Twilight explained herself while trying to keep her composure as she talks. “Then that would just prove to everypony there that I was the pony that nearly took over Equestria.”

“Oh, come on!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed exasperated at her answer. “I’m sure anypony else in your hooves would understand why you broke us out from being forced into a philosophy and stripped of their true talents.”

“Actually, Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy interjected. “What she is trying to say is because Twilight has just reformed doesn’t mean everypony here is going to agree that she has changed overnight.”

“Exactly!” Twilight exclaimed with a raised hoof while thanking Fluttershy for understanding her point. “If I bust you all out of here then they’ll think I haven’t changed at all and I can’t save you or everypony else if they look up to Starlight more than me. If do that what kind of princess would that make me?” She explained as she began voicing her thoughts about Starlight. “The moment I saw her I immediately saw myself in her.”

“Like how she’s got a town of ponies rallied up under her cause with great charisma and is extraordinary talented with magic like you.” Rarity summed up why in an understanding tone.

“Yes.” Twilight honestly answered. “The last thing I need is ponies to believe that I’m just setting them up to back-stab again and never be able to prove to them that I’m a changed pony.” She explained as she started to tear up a little. “And be seen as the pony who tried to take over Equestria who is no better than Starlight.” She tearfully choked through her explanation as tears fall from her eyes. “Not to mention, how scared I am just seeing her.”

The Mane Five all look surprised seeing Twilight like this seeing that Starlight is another dark reflection of her past self and that busting them out would just prove that she is no better than her.

“It’s okay, Twilight.” Fluttershy tried to comfort her. “We all know you will figure out another way to get us all out of this.”

Twilight hearing this as well as seeing the encouraging smiles from her friends causes Twilight to regain her composure as she already has a plan to go on about this.

“Fortunately for all of you as a former mastermind, I already have a plan.” Twilight spoke positively and upbeat.

“But how, Twilight.” Rainbow Dash again asked in exasperation. “This door's not opening.”

“And I'm afraid the windows are much too small for escape.” Rarity added.

“But there is a third way out of this.” Twilight pointed out.

“Of course! Eventually the wind and the weather will wear down the walls until they start to crumble! Then all we have to do is wait for a big enough hole to form and we can just walk out! It's the perfect plan!” Pinkie happily and wildly guessed as she changed back into her dull tone again. “I guess.”

“You don't actually have to escape. They'll just let you out when they think you've accepted their philosophy!” Twilight explained her plan to them.

“But they're never gonna believe we switched over in just one night.” Applejack pointed out the flaw with that plan. “Especially considering that you are currently in that boat just like you said.”

“There's one of you they might believe.” Twilight pointed out as she smirks at Fluttershy who looks surprised at her friend smiling at her.

“Oh! Me?!” Fluttershy asked surprised and confused seeing the girls eye her.

“You've been saying how great this place is since we got here!” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“But that's because everypony's so nice and their village is so pretty, and, and... “ Fluttershy explained before realizing her point as she hung her head in defeat. “Oh, you're right. They probably would believe me. I hate to lie to them. They've been so welcoming and friendly... aside from locking us in here and trying to brainwash us into abandoning the things that make us special...“ She further voiced her doubts of going through with this before realizing what must be done. “Okay. I'll do it.”

“Woo-hoo! I mean, cool.” Pinkie Pie again cheerfully then dully commented.

“But what do I do once I'm out?” Fluttershy asked Twilight on what she does after being freed.

“You've gotta find a way to get their cutie marks back.” Twilight explained to her why pointing a hoof at the others.

“But what about you?” Fluttershy questioned Twilight of how she can help them from the sidelines.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy.” Twilight reassured Fluttershy as she floated down to place a hoof on her shoulder. “I’ll be watching and guiding you from afar, just like I did when I helped you all live up to your elements.” She referred to ability to hide in the shadows while nopony was watching. “Another plus from being a former villain who knows how to play and beat ponies at their own game.”

“Hey, what’s going on in there?!” A random pony questioned apparently having heard their voices.

“Gotta go, just look out for me when Starlight opens the door again and you wouldn’t have any trouble at all.” Twilight quickly instructed before teleporting away and out of the room and back to her hiding spot in the mountains.

The next morning Starlight voices through the mega-phone to address the imprisoned ponies. ”Oh, good morning!”

Immediately Starlight used her magic to open the door to greet the Mane Five.

“I trust you had a pleasant night? This way, please.” She greeted the five and instructed them to come outside who all glare at them with circles under their eyes from lack of sleep due to the annoying and agonizing words speaking all of the time in their confinement while smiling at Fluttershy to silently tell her. “You know what to do?”

“There are some friends who'd like to see you. Gather round, friends, gather round! We've come to ask if any of you are ready to join us! There are so many friends to be made once you realize you don't need your cutie marks or the talents that come with them.” Starlight offered them the opportunity to live freely as long as they have accepted their ways of living.

“We have a welcome ceremony for new friends! The whole village joins together to build you your own cottage—“ Double Diamond offered before being cut off by Rainbow Dash.

“Not interested!” Rainbow Dash immediately rejected. “You may have them now, but we're going to get our cutie marks back!”

“Y'all don't understand, do ya?” Applejack further retorted. “You can't force nopony to be friends! It don't work like that!”

“Please, join us!”A gray stallion pleaded with a smile

“We love new friends!” A mare with a pink mane and light blue eyes added.

“It's all right, everypony.” Starlight reassured everypony as she addressed them. “This is a perfectly normal part of the equalization process for those who haven't... quite seen the light yet.” She secretly smirked for a split second. “We'll try again tomorrow once you've had a bit more time to consider our philosophy!” She motioned to the ponies standing at the doorway to instruct the Mane Five back inside before being stopped by Twilight with a brief use of her magic to remind her of the plan as she gives Fluttershy a silent nod to carry it out like they planned.

“I'd like to join!” Fluttershy quickly spoke then covered her mouth with her hooves.

The ponies hearing this chattered in excitement seeing they have a taker.

“Fluttershy? How could you?!” Twilight spoke with her voice perfectly imitating Rarity's to make it sound like Rarity is calling her out on it causing her to sound a little exasperated at her exaggeration of her imitation.

“If giving up my cutie mark means I get to stay in this lovely village with these lovely ponies, then I'll do it.” Fluttershy answered while she and the Mane Five sounded a little confused as they know Rarity did not really speak those words before correctly seeing that this is part of Twilight’s plan after they spotted Twilight hiding from atop of the houses while winking at them as this is part of the plan before quickly ducking out of sight.

Starlight smiles seeing that her philosophy has worked for Fluttershy as she shuts the door with her magic.

“We have a new friend, everypony!” Starlight addressed everypony as they all gathered around Fluttershy to greet her now that she has ‘accepted’ their ways as Fluttershy nervously smiles.

“Now, there's one more order of business.” Starlight brought up as she walked up to Fluttershy as she continues in a faking sad tone. “It seems some in our midst might be... dissatisfied with the village life!”

The town ponies gasp at the very thought of it.

“Unfortunately, it's all too true, my friends” She addressed everypony before turning to Fluttershy. “Will you kindly tell us the names of those friends who so desperately miss their cutie marks that they would sneak around in the shadows talking to strangers about it? Just so we can be sure your intentions are indeed pure.” Starlight politely but ominously asked her as Night Glider, Sugar Belle, and Party Favor all smile very nervously realizing that they are all in major trouble right now.

Fluttershy nervously gulped at the thought of ratting out ponies who tried to help them before Party Favor called out to her so he can take all of the heat for this.

“It was me! It was only me! But I only wanted it back for a little while!” Part Favor confessed as she knelled before Starlight.

“And you're quite certain it was only you?” Starlight suspiciously asked with a smile as she placed a hoof on her chin.

“I just wanted to remember what it was like.” Party Favor assured her yes and why he wanted his mark back while ashamedly replying.

“And no thought to the pain you'd cause your friends. Such selfishness.” Starlight disappointingly commented as she instructed the town ponies to throw him inside with the four ponies as all of the ponies glare at him.

“I'm sorry, everypony! I never wanted to leave the village! I love all of—“ Part Favor apologetically told them before being cut off by Starlight shutting the door on him leaving Sugar Belle and Night Glider feeling guilty of what had just happened.

“Don’t worry.” Twilight whispered to them who is now invisible. “Just stay positive for the time being while I get to the bottom of this.”

“Huh?” Both ponies exclaimed in confusion hearing Twilight’s voice as she secretly follows Starlight and Fluttershy without being seen who is being greeted by multiple ponies.

“Gosh, you really are the nicest ponies I've ever met.” Fluttershy kindly replied.

“Come. All new friends stay with me until their cottage is completed.” Starlight instructed Fluttershy to follow her to her house. “Let's get you settled, and then you can enjoy all that our little village has to offer.” She spoke as she opened the door to her cottage as Sugar Belle and Night Glider smile and wave to her. Fluttershy returns the gesture before Starlight quickly motioned her to come inside as she closed door after her as she sports another smirk directed at them as if she already knows that Party Favor isn’t the only pony who knows the truth.

Later that night, Fluttershy makes her way outside through the chimney on top covered in smoke and ash causing her to cough when he finally makes it outside.

“Get the cutie marks back. That's all you've gotta do, Fluttershy.“ Fluttershy calmly assured herself to keep herself together as she started to fly off. Just sneak through the dark up to that spooky old cave with the scary magical staff and get the cutie marks back.”

“Don’t worry Fluttershy.” Twilight appeared in front of her to reassure her she is not alone. “I’m right behind you.” She replied with a wink before frowning. “But I already checked the cave and you and your friends cutie marks aren’t there.”

“But then where could they be.” Fluttershy worryingly questioned while sounding like she is going to panic at the thought of never having her cutie mark back ever again.

“There.” Twilight pointed out as she directed a hoof at Double Diamond who has brought their cutie marks to Starlight who takes them inside using her magic.

“Excellent work, Double Diamond.” Starlight commended Double Diamond for doing what she asked of him.

“Of course, but I don't understand why you wanted me to bring them here. Fluttershy is one of us now. Surely she can be trusted.” Double Diamond questioned her method.

Both Twilight and Fluttershy fly over to the window so they can spy on their conversation in the living room.

“Because they are friends with a princess.” Starlight answered. “This could be very important to our cause once she comes to accept our ways.”

“But if Twilight Sparkle becomes our friend, then why do we care about this old cutie mark?” Double Diamond questioned again as Fluttershy watches on nervously while Twilight looks at Starlight’s direction suspiciously especially her use of magic and brighter coat.

“I just want to keep them close until everything is... settled.” Starlight answered with another subtle smile. “You may go, Double Diamond.”

Double Diamond then left Starlight’s home even though he isn’t one hundred percent on board with Starlight’s approach to friendship as Twilight and Fluttershy quickly duck out of sight as he leaves Starlight’s home.

“Oh, dear. How are were ever going to get the cutie marks back now?” Fluttershy questioned Twilight with hooves placed on her shoulders as they watch Starlight take the cutie marks to a secret room.

Before Twilight could answer a crash from inside is heard.

“Ow!” Starlight shouted in pain.

The two girls immediately flew up to the window to see that Starlight has accidentally drenched herself with water as an empty bucket rolls over.

“Ugh! Starlight, you clumsy foal!” Starlight berated herself as she places the cutie mark jars on the nearby table before wiping herself dry with a towel while revealing that she still has her cutie mark on her flank and the equal sign was really powder and make-up covering it causing Fluttershy to gasp in shock seeing this while Twilight narrows her eyes in determination to stop her even more while unsurprised considering that she saw her perform magic before from close observation.

Starlight hearing Fluttershy’s gasp immediately looks out the window just as Twilight and Fluttershy quickly duck out of sight again. Fortunately, for the two of them Starlight was able to return to her usual business as she trotted away from the window.

“Oh, no...” Fluttershy spoke still in shock at this development while hiding under a roof top.

“It all makes sense now.” Twilight spoke her mind about all of this. “I knew there was something odd about that staff. I haven't studied Eastern unicorns as much as I should have, but I'm pretty sure Meadowbrook only had eight magical items, not nine. And I don't remember any of them being a staff. Turns out I was right.”

“But what are we going to do now?” Fluttershy asked Twilight pleading her to tell of what she has in mind.

“With this in mind here is the new plan…” Twilight reassuringly told Fluttershy as she whispered in Fluttershy’s ear to tell her what they are going to do now.

The next morning, Starlight has gathered everypony together ready to see if the remaining four ponies have changed their minds while Twilight watches from atop while nodding her head to silently ask Fluttershy that she remembers her plan who nods in response to answer yes.

“I've got a good feeling about today! So, do any of you have anything you'd like to say?” She asked the four ponies who all don’t respond as they look with her expressions of refusal and drained fatigue from getting little to no sleep. “Aw, pity. Well, let's try this again tomorrow, shall we?” She instructed the ponies to head back inside. “No new friends today, I'm afraid!” She told everypony.

“Wait! I'd like to lock them in.” Fluttershy spoke up.

“Marvelous, Fluttershy!” Starlight commended her. “That's the spirit!” Her smile turned into a sterner one as she addresses Party Favor inside. “Party Favor, will you join us, please?”

Part Favor immediately obliged to her request as he groveled before her.

“I'm sorry, Starlight! I'm sorry, everypony! I've seen the error of my ways! I” Party Favor apologized to everypony. “I never want to look at my cutie mark again!

“It seems there's cause for celebration after all!” Starlight happily announced to the crowd who applaud him for this.

“They tried to break me! They wouldn't stop talking about how different they are, and that somehow makes their friendship stronger!” Party Favor further explained his regrets over voicing his thoughts about his cutie mark.

“Such backwards thinking.” Starlight solemnly spoke.

“But I didn't listen! I knew what they were up to, and I didn't listen!” Party favor further added that they tried to get him to reconsider.

“Well done, Party Favor!” Starlight complimented Party Favor for turning himself around. “We welcome you back with open hooves!”

“Um, Starlight? I think we might have one more friend joining us today.” Fluttershy spoke to Starlight as she walked back outside.

“Really? And who might that be?” Starlight questioned Fluttershy as Twilight appeared in front of them.

“That would be me.” Twilight answered causing the crowd to gasp at the sight of her appearance

“Is this true?” Starlight suspiciously asked her to see if this is really happening.

“Yes it is.” Twilight confirmed with a nod as Fluttershy secretly sneaks away to get a bucket of water so she can expose Starlight. “But I just want to be sure before I do. If I agree to give up my cutie mark in the vault, will I really be happier?” Twilight questioned.

“Just look around! Equality has given us more happiness than you've ever known!” Starlight answered as she pointed out to every smiling pony in town.

“And you wouldn't let me just live here in the village with my old cutie mark?” Twilight further questioned her suspiciously as she looks at her cutie mark.

“Out of the question. A pony with a different cutie mark in our midst would destroy our entire philosophy.” Starlight immediately rejected the very idea as she happily faced everypony around her with a raised hoof. “We are all equal here!”

“Figures you would say that.” Twilight calmly reacted as if she expected that answer. “But you know there is a funny thing about life as destiny can be full of surprises.” She further added as Fluttershy has a full bucket of water ready to dump on Starlight’s flank ready to expose her while right behind them overhead.

“Fluttershy! NOW!” Twilight commanded as Fluttershy immediately dumped water on Starlight.

“I knew you couldn't be trusted!” Starlight angrily responded to both Twilight and Fluttershy as one of the ponies notice her exposed cutie mark and uses a towel to wipe to clean. “No! Get away!” She reacted in a panic as the crowd gasps at the revelation.

“Wha... What are you looking at?!” Starlight further panicked as she quickly tried to hide her cutie mark as she pointed a hoof at Twilight and Fluttershy as the former smirks seeing that she and Fluttershy have successfully exposed her and winks at Fluttershy as their friends who have all emerged outside. “They're the problem, not me!”

“How could you?” Party Favor asked with his voice filled with betrayal as tears form around his eyes.

“You said cutie marks were evil! You said special talents led to pain and heartache!” Double Diamond asked in the same tone.

“They do! Don't you see?! Look at them!” Starlight tried to explain herself to save face. “I mean don’t you all see what Twilight did do you all of you.” Starlight tried to mention Twilight’s past crimes as Midnight to sway the crowd in her favor to no avail.

“Then why? Why did you take ours and not give up your own?” Sugar Belle asked as she approached Starlight sounding hurt by what she has done.

“I... I had to, you fools!” Starlight hesitatingly then angrily answered in an attempt to justify her actions. “How could I collect your cutie marks without my magic?!

“But the staff has all the magic we need!” Night Glider interjected as Starlight gets up in her face with her composure unraveling.

“The staff is a piece of wood I found in the desert!” Starlight angrily responded as she loses more of her cool by the second. “It's my magic that makes all this possible! You'd all still be living your miserable lives thinking you're better than everypony else if it weren't for my magical abilities!” She continued to angrily rant as she yells in other ponies faces. “I brought you friendship! I brought you equality! I created harmony!”

“You lied to us!” Double Diamond responded with anger in his voice.

“So what?” Starlight tried to shrug off as if it’s no big deal. “E-Everything else I said is true! The only way to be happy is if we're all equal!” She tried to point out all of the good she has done as she turned away. “Not to mention all of the pain and suffering Twilight caused.” She again brought up Twilight’s past to try again at swaying the crowd in favor.

“Except for you. And at least for whatever Twilight has done she has proven she is better at looking out for everypony’s well-being than you.” Party Favor called out while defending Twilight causing Starlight to grit her teeth in anger as she readies her horn to attack him before being interrupted by Twilight who speaks her mind.

“Everypony has unique talents and gifts, and when we share them with each other, that's how rea—“Twilight further lectured Starlight until she interrupted her as she turned to face her.

“QUIET!” She shouted as the princess glared at her for having the nerve for doing so.

“You can't have a cutie mark, Starlight! Either we're all equal, or none of us are!” Sugar Belle glared at her demanding her really step up and proving she does really care about as Starlight sees everypony defiantly glaring at her as well.

Starlight immediately responds by quickly using her magic to clear an path for herself to escape as she retreats to her house.

“Come on! Let's get our cutie marks back!” Double Diamond announced as he lead the others to the cave where their cutie marks were being held hostage.

“Yeah!” The ponies all shouted in agreement as they immediately followed suit.

“Come on! Let's go get our cutie marks!” Rainbow Dash confidently spoke ready to follow suit.

“Our cutie marks aren't in the vault! They're in there with her!” Fluttershy quickly pointed out to her cottage.

Twilight immediately blasted the door down with her magic as she flies up to the cave.

“Then you all better go while you still have the chance.” Twilight immediately instructed to pursue Starlight while she turns to fly off towards the cave. “I’ll be with you all as soon as I help the others get their cutie marks back.”

Immediately after giving her instructions, Twilight immediately flew off to the cave while the Mane Five barged inside Starlight’s home.

Twilight quickly flew over the cave where everypony is banging on the glass futilely trying to break and free their cutie marks when she makes her way inside.

“Stand back everypony!” She commanded them to back away as she flew down and blasted the glass with her magic accompanied with Double Diamond tossing the staff at it causing the glass to shatter and immediately returned all of the town ponies’ cutie mark’s to them once they all regained their cutie marks all of their manes and bodies shined with brighter colors.

Everypony cherished as they all finally regained their special talents and abilities as they all quickly ran out of the cave where they see the Mane Five still slowly trotting up to just outside of town where they have walked through a secret passageway Starlight had created as she had an escape plan all ready to go still without their cutie marks.

“Look!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as they all witness Starlight running towards the mountains from afar.

Now that Party Favor has his cutie mark back he quickly makes a pair of binoculars out of party balloons.

“She's headed for the pass! If she makes it into those mountains, we'll never find her!” Party Favor observed Starlight from them

“These are amazing!” Pinkie took the moment to awe at the binoculars he created as she held them.

“There's a whole network of caves up there! Your cutie marks will be gone forever!” Sugar Belle spoke the now urgency of stopping her before she gets to the mountains.

“Then let's get moving, y'all!” Applejack instructed everypony as all of the ponies speed off ahead to stop them as Twilight used her magic to pick the Mane Five up so she can ensure they don’t get left behind seeing that they are trotting slowly unable to run or fly fast due to their lack of cutie marks.

“Oh, come on!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in frustration.

As Starlight runs off ahead she sees Night Glider closing in on her from her flight.

“Are you all so willing to give up everything because of these strangers?!” Starlight questioned her as she used her magic to make snow from a mountain above to fall on her stopping her in her tracks.

“We gave up everything for you, because we thought you were our friend!” Sugar Belle answered to her as she is next pony to try to follow suit as Double Diamond and Party Favor follow closely behind.

“I can't believe we have to count on these other ponies to save our cutie marks!” Rainbow Dash further complained at being helpless as Twilight is just calmly watching the scene from above. “Why aren’t you doing anything to stop her right now?!”

“Because if we hadn't come here to help them, they'd still be living under her rules!” Twilight pointed out. “Now it's their turn to help us!”

“And I know they can do it!” Fluttershy further vouched for them as she smiled confidently seeing that Twilight has also planned on them come to their rescue. “Looks like you have also planned for this as well.”

“Yes I have Fluttershy.” Twilight kindly smiled in response with a knowing wink that they will come to help them in return.

Starlight continues running off with the three ponies still close behind their as they all cross the bridge.

Now that Sugar Belle has her cutie mark back she uses her magic to hurl a pie made out of snow at Starlight’s direction.

“My newest recipe – snow pie!” She happily said as the pie crashed on Starlight causing her to tumble and lose her footing which causes her wagon to break and the jars to fall out from her destroyed cart as they fall to the ground from the ledge. Starlight was just able to save the jars from crashing into the ground just in time and quickly get herself back up to speed to keep her distance from her closest pursuers and destroy the bridge just before they could even cross it.

Thinking quick, Party Favor made a makeshift bridge made out of part balloons with Night Glider quick placing the bridge in place so every pony can hop up across.

“She's gonna get away!” Rainbow Dash pointed out as Starlight is getting closer and closer to the caves.

Just when the three are pursing Starlight Double Diamond stopped in his tracks when he noticed something familiar in the snow.

“Whoa! These are my old skis! This is where I first met Starlight!” Double Diamond remarked as he recognized them and got a closer look at them.

“Maybe you can reminisce another time! She's almost to the caves!” Night Glider urgently reminded them that time is in the essence here.

“Feel like an air drop?” Double Diamond spoke as he immediately has an idea in mind and together with Night Glider’s assistance in flying him in front of Starlight he was able to slide down the nearby slope causing snow to fall on her just before she reach the cave entrance causing her to buried under the snow and the jars containing the Mane Five’s cutie marks to fall onto the ground and finally break freeing them and allowing them return to the Mane Five.

Once Twilight sees this she immediately let go of the Mane Five so they can regain their cutie marks.

Once the Mane Five’s cutie marks were returned to them they all regained their color, talents, strength.

“Yee-haw! Finally, I can buck like a five-bit snake herder in an Appleloosa ranch house again!” Applejack happily exclaimed as she kicked up her hooves in excitement after regaining her cutie mark.

“And you got your countryisms back, too!” Fluttershy commented that to Applejack that she can speak her usual countryisms again as the Mane Six all run and fly over to catch up to the others and face off against Starlight.

Just as Double Diamond was about to be thanked by Part Favor, Sugar Belle, and Night Glider for coming through for the Mane Five, Starlight quickly emerged from the snow and attempted to blast them with magic in anger causing all four ponies to recoil in fear.

But before Starlight’s magic could harm them, Twilight came to their rescue by countering with a magic shield to protect them. After several seconds, Starlight’s magic gave out as she sees Twilight standing in front of them with her wings spread out protecting the thankful ponies for saving them.

“Wh– I studied that spell for years! How can you— “Starlight asked in disbelief of how Twilight was capable of matching and even surpassing her level of magic.

“I studied magic for years too!” Twilight responded in her hastily incomprehension as she stepped forward. “But what I didn't know then was that studying could only take me so far.” She further explained herself as the Mane Five catch up to them. “Each of my friends has taught me something different about myself! It was their unique gifts and passions and personalities that helped bring out the magic inside of me! I never would have learned that I represent the element of magic without these five!” Twilight continued to speak as the everypony smiles at each other as Twilight looks back at them. “And I certainly wouldn't be here to stop you now!”

“Spare me your sentimental nonsense! I gave these ponies real friendships they never could've had otherwise!” Starlight retorted evidently having none of Twilight’s speech. “And I can’t believe a former convict like you would even come back to save these ponies sorry flanks even though you had no reason to.”

“How do you know that?! You never even gave us a chance!” Double Diamond quickly retorted and shut down Starlight’s claim. “And at least this “former convict” cares about us better than you!”

Starlight finally seeing that she has lost uses her magic to teleport herself inside of the caves as she makes her escape as everypony shields their eyes from the glare it produced.

“She's getting away!” Rainbow Dash pointed from hearing her hoof steps from inside.

“We'll never find her in there!” Double Diamond pointed out that Starlight has now escaped.

“We just have to hope that when she's had a chance to think it over, she realizes that you all have taught her something.” Twilight responded deciding to let her go so she can properly think things through with the hope she will redeem herself in time.

“It's you who have taught us something.” Party Favor countered that Twilight was the one who truly taught them something. “We all came to this village because we were searching for something missing from our lives. We thought Starlight had given it to us, but now... now it seems it was in front of us all along. It's us!”

The four ponies would then hug each other at their newfound friendships with their true talents reawakened as Twilight smiles at the heartwarming sight.

“Listen.” Twilight began to speak while sounding hesitant at first to admit to her sins. “I know I have done those terrible things in the past that Starlight has already told you all about.” She started to explain as she took a moment to sigh to keep herself composed. “And I understand if you all don’t want to see me again because I truly still see that I have a ways to go if I want to prove to everypony that I’m truly am the Princess of Friendship. But I just want to let you know all that I’m sorry on behalf of everypony I hurt there.” She attempted to further reach to them as glanced aside still ashamed of herself. “Back when I was Midnight I thought I was doing what was best for every pony so much that I didn’t care who got hurt in the process. It wasn’t until recent events that caused me to open up my eyes to finally realize what I have been doing all this time and learn the errors of my ways.” She added as she turned away ready to fly away as she spread her wings. “I can only hope you’ll come that I truly have changed someday.”

Sugar Belle, Night Glider, Party Favor, and Double Diamonds all sounded touched by what Twilight had just said. She was just run out of town and even when they made it clear they don’t want to see her again she still comes back exposes Starlight helps restore their cutie marks back to them, and gave them a really heartfelt apology to show she really wants to be good now. After giving each other thoughtful looks Double Diamond spoke on behalf of the group.

“Wait!” Double Diamond spoke as he raised a hoof to plead with her not to fly away. Twilight turned around and saw the four ponies smiling at her. “Could you stay with us please?”

“What?” Twilight asked completely confused. “Why would you all still want me around even after everything?”

“Um yeah, because you help us regain our cutie marks and freed us from Starlight’s control.” Party Favor happily pointed out the good she has just done. “Even after we said we never wanted to see you again.”

“Yeah!” Sugar Belle kindly added. “It takes a lot of courage for somepony to admit when she has made a mistake and still come through in the end.”

“Plus if it weren’t for you, we and your friends would be living under Starlight’s rule never allowed to use our special talents again.” Double Diamond happily pointed out. “You have just proven that you definitely care about every pony even morseso than Starlight could ever hope for.”

“Awww….” Twilight happily said as tears fell through her eyes as she joined in on the group hug with the Mane Five joining her.

“Does that mean you'll stay in the village?” Twilight asked the four when they broke up from the hug.

“It's our home. I'm not going anywhere.” Night Glider happily answered.

“This is a chance for all of us to get to know each other again for the very first time!” Double Diamond happily added.

“And I finally have a chance to bake something besides terrible muffins!” Sugar Belle added in excitement now that she really do something with her reawaken talent as everypony laughs.

Later everypony made it back into town throwing a celebration for the success of regaining their cutie marks, true talent, and freedom from Starlight Glimmer. The town was decorated with streamers and balloons with Sugar Belle presenting pies, cupcakes, cookies, and pastries on the table for ponies to enjoy. Part Favor was playing with ponies by tossing an inflatable ball towards them who would pass it to each other.

“Now those are real smiles.” Pinkie happily noted seeing everypony partying.

At that moment the Mane Six’s cutie marks all shine repeatedly which they all take notice of.

“I'll never get used to that.” Applejack noted she finds this weird.

“I think it's divine.” Rarity admirably commented.

“Does that mean that the map is calling us somewhere else?” Fluttershy asked Twilight of what this means.

“I have a feeling it means our work here is done.” Twilight happily answered.

“Looks like you were right, Twilight.” Applejack noted as she points a hoof to the celebrating ponies. “The map did have a reason for sendin' us here. We brought real friendship to these here ponies. Guess that's why you're the Princess of Friendship and that you have definitely earned it with what you did today.” Applejack happily added with a wink directed at her.

“Thanks.” Twilight thanked Applejack for the compliment. “Even though it was a long and painful journey.” She added as she chuckled as she glanced aside. “But the map didn't send me. It sent us.” She added as she raised a hoof on her chest. “You're a part of me, all of you. And there's no doubt you're a part of my mission to spread friendship too.”

The Mane Six engage in a group hug laughing at the moments they can now cherish together.

“This feels like an ending!” Pinkie Pie asked. “It doesn't have to be an ending yet, right? Cause that Sugar Belle can bake!” She happily noted while asking Twilight if they can stay and join the celebration.

“Maybe we can stay a little while longer.” Twilight happily obliged. “Come on!” She told the others as they make their way into town to join in on the fun the town ponies are having.

“Even though the road is going to be tough and long.” Twilight thought to herself with a reassured smile to herself. “I know in time I will prove to everypony that I have changed and that I truly live up to my new role as the Princess of Friendship.”

Author's Note

In this chapter we have Twilight as always coming up with a plan to deal with Starlight as one of her past experiences as Midnight is Twilight knowing how to deal another pony who has great charisma and is very talented at manipulating other ponies for her own goals as she works with the others from the sidelines to help them get their cutie marks back and exposing Starlight with everything that had happened in the episode playing out exactly as planned showing that some old habits also do not go away overnight.

The reason for this is because if Twilight were to just bust them out that would only prove that she hasn't changed at all and would be no better than Starlight.

Thankfully for her, still coming through for everypony in the end is enough for all of the town ponies to welcome back with open arms especially after freeing them all from Starlight's rules and helping them regain their cutie marks.

The Season 5 opener is just the start of her redemption as this story will focus on her adventures and dealing with the aftermath of her actions as the story's Greater-Scope Villain Midnight Sparkle and how much they play a factor in various episodes throughout Season 5 with Starlight taking her place as the new Big Bad of this story.

Next up I will try to work on a rewrite of "Tanks for the Memories." as Twilight deals with Rainbow Dash's desperation's to stop winter to keep her pet turtle Tank from hibernating as well as (if any of you feel I should) "Castle Sweet Castle" with it's release dates to be announced when I feel it is ready to be published.

Also, please feel free to suggest other episodes which you feel would work into Twilight's redemption arc as I work along in trying to get this story together.

Chapter 3: Castle Sweet Castle

Chapter 3:

Castle Sweet Castle

Outside of Fluttershy’s cottage, Fluttershy was doing cleaning up her giving her animal companions pets with Twilight helping out as she is currently cleaning a muddy ferret by brushing water and soap onto him trying to make sure Fluttershy’s pets are squeaky clean just like Fluttershy asked of her while Fluttershy at the same time is giving a goat a bath too. Twilight then brushed Harry the Bear’s teeth clean before helping Fluttershy dry one of the pigs with a towel by rubbing his back clean with the two using their teeth to do it together.

Even though the two got covered in mud and dirt in the process they both managed to get the job done in no time and it was worth getting their fur and manes dirty over in the end.

"Phew!” Fluttershy said in relief as she wipes away the sweat from her forehead. “Thanks for helping me get them so fresh and clean, Twilight."

"No problem, happy to do it!" Twilight happily responded as she thought nothing of her good deed.

"You probably can't wait to get back to your castle and take your own bath, huh?" Fluttershy mentioned noting her fur and mane is all dirty.

Twilight's eyes widened hearing this before quickly changing her expression to a eager expression. "Aren't there more animals that need cleaning?"

Fluttershy arched an eyebrow at Twilight's eagerness to stay as she expressed an eager grin.

"I think you and I are the only ones left, and I can't wait to get the mud out of my mane." Fluttershy answered as she placed a hoof on her mane.

Twilight grew anxious wanting to stay a longer when she noticed Angel Bunny behind her and quickly pushed him into a mud puddle with her back leg. "

“Oh, no! Angel got dirty!" Twilight spoke with faux surprise. “I'd better stay longer to help give him a bath too!"

Twilight immediately tended to Angel with another eager smile as she began scrubbing the bunny behind the ears in the bucket of soapy water after placing him in the bucket of warm water and soap.

Fluttershy out of kindness and politeness could stand by and comply with her wishes after buying her lie although she does find something a little off with this.

By the time sunset falls down, Twilight is still muddy and cleaning Angel rubbing him squeaky clean with a towel while Fluttershy had the time to clean herself up.

"Thank you ever so much for staying to give Angel a bath too, but, um... I think he's dry." Fluttershy politely told her she can stop.

Twilight finally complied and removed the towel off of the annoyed bunny as his fur became as puffy as a result of the excessive drying. At this point, Fluttershy had to find a way to get Twilight to go home. As much as she hatted to admit it, the princess had overstayed her welcome just a bit too much.

"Goodness! It's gotten late! You really didn't have to stay all day. Not that we don't appreciate it. Isn't that right?" Fluttershy kindly appreciated Twilight’s help but was trying to insist that she leave feeling she has overstayed her welcome at this point.

The bunny only grunted in annoyance as Twilight not wanting to go back to her castle levitated a feather duster and started cleaning the bird houses inside the cottage.

Seeing that her message is not coming across to her Fluttershy decided to try a different approach.

“I for one am exhausted." She then faked a yawn "Plus, I really need to rest up for that big pancake breakfast tomorrow. And I'm sure you have to get the castle ready." Fluttershy added seeing that Twilight is still focused on sweeping the dust off inside the cottage.

Twilight suddenly stopped dusting and dropped the feather duster onto the floor immediately facing her to voice her thoughts about her new castle.

“No! The castle's... fine!” She immediately exclaimed as she briefly looked away. “But maybe I'd better see if Pinkie Pie needs help with the pancakes!” She then said with a smile as she flies ahead to meet up with Pinkie Pie.

As soon as she was out of Fluttershy’s sight her smile dropped to a frown as she voices her thoughts about going back to her new castle.

“I really don’t want to go back to that castle.” Twilight said to herself downcast feeling she doesn’t deserve it.

Ever since she got the castle she has been avoiding it not just because it doesn’t make her feel like she is at home but because she doesn’t feel like she has really earned it after everything she has done as Midnight Sparkle. To her, trying to help out her friends the best she could is her way of atoning for her crimes even if it means staying a long as she can.

She helped dig up fifty tree planting holes for Applejack even though she only needed ten but she said nothing just to be polite as the last time she yelled at her for making a mess at her farm during her first Winter Wrap-Up in Ponyville she ran off in tears feeling like a failure for all of her attempts just to try to help her.

She spent an entire afternoon at Rarity’s rearranging a single gem drawer much to Rarity’s dismay that she purposely took an entire afternoon to do so.

She also raced Rainbow Dash a hundred times by letting her win the first time around before winning the next race and just kept going with challenging Rainbow Dash with sharing victories in races even though she has been letting her win half of them before she finally ended it all when she won best of a hundred races.

She would then make to Sugarcube Corner to where she met up with Pinkie Pie so she can help prepare for their pancake breakfast in the morning. Just when they think they have found the right ingredient Twilight still wanting to buy as much time as possible insists that they make more to try to the point it took them all night until Pinkie decided to go with every berry and chip they had while her friends really enjoyed the pancakes she helped create she on the other hoof dozed off and feel asleep at the table due to a lack of sleep as she then fell face-first into her pancakes and rested her headed onto them like a soft pillow until she was woken up by Pinkie’s loud cheering as she celebrated finding a measuring spoon that got mixed up in the batter in her plate of pancakes.

“I win!” Pinkie exclaimed causing Twilight to awaken from her doze with a pancake on her horn.

“Huh?! I'm pancake! I mean, awake... “ She spoke with a smile in embarrassment as her friends look at her in concern.

“Uh, Twilight? Is there somethin' you wanna tell us?” Applejack asked first.

“You know how much we appreciate all you do for us…” Rarity kindly spoke next as she removed the pancake from Twilight’s horn to which Pinkie quickly junps up and eats. “…and we simply adore having you around... but... we worry you might be... ahem... avoiding something else?

“Oh, has it been that obvious?” Twilight commented as she looked away seeing that she has to tell the truth as the others nod in agreement. “I've been... the thing is... I know it's silly, but I... I've been avoiding... this place.” She hesitantly and honestly answered as she raised her hoof around the room.

Hearing this causes Rarity to gasp at Twilight for saying that.

“Why in Equestria would you want to avoid such a gorgeous castle?” She asked Twilight as she raised a hoof to around their surroundings.

“Yeah.” Pinkie added agreeing with Rarity. “This place has everything!” She said as she raised her hoof and jumped up into the air. “Big tall ceilings that make you feel tiny! Shiny new floors that are cold to the touch! Brrr!” She said as she looked at her reflection in the floor, placed the side of her head on the floor before shivering from its chills. “And it even has loooong empty hallways!” She added as her voice and last spoken word echoes throughout the hallways.

“The castle is amazing.” Twilight spoke not even denying its beauty. “But it just...” She added with a sigh as she briefly faced Pinkie “…It doesn't feel like home.” She finished as she laid her head onto the table looking a little depressed.

“Oh, is that all?” Rarity asked with an amused chuckle. ”Why, you simply need to decorate, darling. Make this space your own!”

“It’s more than that.” Twilight countered as she continuing speaking. “Another reason why is because…” She also hesitated to speak her next words “… To tell you the truth, I don’t think I really deserve any of this.”

“But why darling?!” Rarity spoke in shock. “Why would you say that?”

“Because of all of the things I did as Midnight Sparkle and even though everypony around me in Ponyville and Canterlot forgive me for the most part I still can’t get over I still need to work harder to prove it.” Twilight answered as she briefly looks at Rarity before looking away in shame and looking at her reflection in the table which briefly shows her reflection as Midnight in the table. “That’s why I stuck around as long as I can with all of you to help as much as I can to further make up for my mistakes.”

Hearing this this causes the others to react with saddened surprise hearing this from Twilight seeing that this is the reason why she wanted to stick around for as long as she can. As even though they made up she still doesn’t feel like she really deserve any of the praise she has received since then.

“So that’s what this here’s all about?” Applejack asked in surprise before continuing in a sympathetic tone. “But you’d already made things right when you saved our lives from Tirek.”

“Yeah!” Rainbow Dash agreed encouragingly and sympathetically. “You were willing to sacrifice your own life to save us. You don’t have to feel the need to excessively spend time with us to prove a point.”

“Remember those three parties I promised I throw for you.” Pinkie added as she recalled the parties she threw for her recently redeemed friend.

“I do.” Twilight acknowledged. “It's just so daunting! Look how big it is!” She further spoke as she raised a hoof to around the room again. “I-I don't even know where to start!”

“You can start by letting us do it for you.” Rarity suggested as she moved the plate of pancakes before she could bury her face into them again. “We will make this the castle of your dreams while you go to the Ponyville spa for some much needed rest and relaxation.” She further added as she pulls up a mirror for Twilight to look in. “I'm saying this with love, but... have you looked in a mirror lately? I've never seen you look this... mmmm...” Rarity struggled to find the right words to describe her current appearance.

“Frazzled?” Fluttershy spoke of what she thought.

“Yes! That is absolutely the word I was going to use.” Rarity agreed with Fluttershy.

“Ooh, I guess I do need a little help.” Twilight came to agree that she could use some rest and relaxation. “And so does my castle. And I just know you'll do a great job, because nopony knows me better than you.”

“We'll make this place feel cozier than hot cider on a rainy day.” Applejack reassured her with determination that they won’t disappoint her.

“There's gonna be cider?!” Rainbow Dash excitedly gasped at the mention of cider only to see that from Applejack’s glance towards her that she used it as an expression. ”Uh, I mean, let's decorate!” Rainbow awkwardly corrected herself as Spike enters the room while trying to wake himself up.

“Oh, no! Did I miss the pancakes?!” He exclaimed as he ran into the room as he dropped as Rarity doll on the floor. ”I sleep like a baby under that cold, cavernous ceiling.” He added as he eagerly was about to start chowing down on the pancakes until Rarity spoke up.

“Spike, I'm so glad you're here!”

“Really?” Spike asked as she faced her as if she meant she is really glad she is here as his heart briefly raced at her crush.

“Yes! You're taking Twilight to the spa!” Rarity answered.

“Great! I've been meaning to get my claws done!” Spike spoke as he chows down on a pancake but then sees her friends giving him the “come on Spike.” eyes.

“Oh, you mean now.” Spike realized when they really what him to do so as he stuffs his face with the other pancake in his claws.

Spike then shovels down two more pancakes while holding onto two more pancakes as he exits the room with Twilight following him.

As soon as Twilight and Spike left Applejack turned to the others with determination to lift their friend’s spirit.

"Come on, y'all we’ve got work to do!" Applejack said as they all walk out of the room and into the halls.

“Let's all work together

To make this castle shi-i-ine.”

Rainbow Dash sang as she raised a hoof in the air.

“Once we add some sparkle

It'll feel, it'll feel, it'll feel...”

Rarity sang as she shined one of the crystals on the wall as everypony sings together looking into the crystal’s reflection.

“It'll feel divine.”

“Crates of apples an' bales o' hay

Just makes ya feel at home.”

Applejack sang as she loaded a cart with a couple buckets of apples in tow.

“Furry friends and some popinjays

So she won't be alone.”

Fluttershy sang as looked over her critter friends with the intention of giving Twilight new animal companions to live with her in her castle.

“And we'll make, and we'll make, and we'll make

This castle a home.”

The Mane Five all sang together.

“There's nothing like balloons and confetti

To greet you every time you walk through the door.”

Pinkie sang as she slide down the stairs and gathered together a load of balloons on her way out.

“She'll need this and those

Posters of all my heroes

How could anypony awesome ever ask for more?”

Rainbow Dash sang as she gather her Wonderbolt trophies and posters and placed them into her saddle and looked at a statue in her house before taking her leave.

“And we'll make, and we'll make, and we'll make

A home she'll adore.”

The Mane Five sang as they made their way back to the castle.

“Bright curtains of flowing silk and lace.”

Rarity sang as she used her magic to place bows and new drapes on the curtains.

“This picture of me winning a race.”

Rainbow Dash sang as she hung up a picture of herself crossing the finish line victoriously.

“Party cannons to give her a surprise.”

Pinkie sang as she opened a surprise package of confetti as she placed presents and cupcakes on the table.

“Hoes and rakes and some more garden supplies.”

Applejack sang as she planting dirt onto the floor with flowers immediately growing and emerging from the dirt.

“Getting hugs from this nice, big, friendly bear.”

Fluttershy sang as Harry embraces her for a hug with some other animal companions he had in his right arm.

“Decorate with some gemstones bright and rare.”

Rarity sang as she decorated the walls with purple gemstones.

“More of this and that.”

Rainbow Dash sang as she hung up more Wonderbolt pictures.

“Don't forget the party hats.”

Pinkie sang as she happily hopped wearing multiple party hats on her mane, tail, and hooves as some of the animals follow her each wearing a party hat too.

“How could anypony awesome ask for more than that?

Applejack sang as she puts up a Spitfire trophy on a column as she twirled around in flight.

“Let's all work together.”

Applejack sang as she as rolled a barrel of oats for some of the animals to snack on.

“To show that we have shown.”

Fluttershy sang as she hung up a bird house.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Rarity sang as she levitated another drape.

“How we make, how we make, how we make

This castle a home

How we make, how we make

This castle a home

How we make, how we make

This castle a home!”

The Mane Five all sang together finish their touch-ups all in one room which all did not quite fit in as well as they imagined.

“Wow, girls! We did a... great job... together...” Applejack unconvincingly complimented their unsuccessful makeover while laughing nervously.

“We sure did... something.” Rainbow Dash awkwardly added.

“Together.“ Pinkie said in the same tone.

“All together.” Rarity also replied in the same tone.

“Fluttershy, I love that you brought so many animals.” Rainbow Dash unconvincingly complimented her

“Are these your trophies?” Fluttershy returned just as unconvincing as Rainbow flies up to her getting a look at them.

“I prefer to think of them as everypony's trophies but with my name permanently etched onto them.” Rainbow proudly commented as Fluttershy glances aside not sure if it is very ideal for Twilight’s vision of feeling more at home.

“My my, Applejack, bringing the outdoors inside, it's... earthy... “ Rarity unconvincingly complimented as she lifts up a rug sniffs at it while resisting the urge to throw up. “What a lovely touch! Are these quilts vintage?” She asked the farm pony.

“Nope, just old!” Applejack proudly answered as she shielded her eyes from the glare her shiny diamond coated drapes produced. “Unlike your sparkly window doohickeys which are... why, they're just swell!“ She complimented both nervously and unconvincingly.

“No one said anything about my hidden confetti cannons!” Pinkie happily noted that her touch-ups have got unnoticed before she remembered she hidden them. “Oh, right! They're hidden!” She giggled after reminding herself that.

“Hey guys, how do my claws look” Spike asked the Mane Five as he admired his cleaned up claws before reacting in shock to the mess they made. “Sweet Celestia!”

“Oh, Spike! Are you and Twilight done already?” Rarity quickly reacted to his immediate arrival.

“Don't worry, I ordered her the super-deluxe mane blow-out! She'll be a while.” Spike reassured her before turning his attention back to the room in question. “Man, this place looks terrible!”

“Phew!” The Mane Five all sigh in relief hearing that.

“Thank goodness somepony said something!” Fluttershy spoke relived that somebody spoke the truth.

“It's pretty bad, right?” Rainbow asked if everypony else is onboard with her thoughts.

“This place looks like a mishmash of knickknacks.” Applejack agreed not even denying they did a terrible job.

“Hmm, I suppose it is a little cluttered.” Rarity somewhat grudgingly admitted.

“What are you guys talking about? I think it looks super fun!” Pinkie questioned why as one of the hidden confetti cannons explodes startling the critters into running around in fright knocking down stuff in their panic.

“Whee!” Pinkie cheered as she joined in on the mayhem.

“Oh! Oh, no! Please don't do that! If you all just take a deep breath and calm down— “ Fluttershy tried to speak to them to stop panicking as one of the columns falls down in front of her as a couple of chipmunks grab ahold of one of the curtains.

“No! That bunting is embroidered by hoof! Don't you move one more paw!” Rarity warned the chipmunks not to even think of ruining her work only for it to prove futile as they use their claws to rip holes into them leaving their claw marks in it.

“Everypony, stop!” Rarity shouted which caused all of the critters to stop panicking including a wild running Pinkie as another banner falls down onto the ground.

“Okay, now it's a mess.” Pinkie finally came to agree that they made a mess of things as another confetti cannon explodes.

“What're we gonna do?!” Rainbow asked the others for a plan of how to deal with this mess.

“I dunno.” Spike honestly answered as he too doesn’t have a solution for this. “But Twilight's blow-out won't take that long. If she was avoiding the castle before, she'll never set hoof in here now!”

“Come on, guys, we've gotta do something! Twilight's counting on us!” Rainbow Dash spoke with determination to help her feel like she deserves her new castle.

“Spike, you've got to get back to that spa and stall her!” Rarity instructed Spike to keep Twilight busy. “Whatever you do, don't let her come home!”

“Like, forever? But we live here.” Spike confusingly replied and pointed out.

“Uh, yes, well, uh, maybe you could manage it 'til... sunset-ish?” Rarity awkwardly corrected herself of what she actually means by how long exactly as she pleadingly batted her eyelids.

“Anything for you, Rarity...” Spike lovingly agreed for his crush briefly floated into the air with hearts popping up in the air as he went off to do so.

“Okay, we all agree the castle is too cluttered, right?” Applejack spoke up.

“So why doesn't everypony take one of their own decorations out and we'll see how it looks?” She offered as everypony replies “Uh-huh.” in agreement.

Unbeknownst to them, Twilight who was currently getting her mane done at the spa was watching from her crystal orb. Even after being reformed, she still can’t help but keep tabs on everypony whenever she chooses or feels is appropriate to do so.

“While I do appreciate your efforts.” Twilight gratefully spoke to herself before sighing a little dejected at the thought of returning to her castle. “I’m not sure there’s anything that’s going to make me feel like I deserve living at the castle.”

As soon as she sees Spike come back she immediately puts away her crystal orb as she turns to face Spike.

“Spike, you're back!” Twilight immediately spoke in a cheerful tone as the blow-dryer comes off of her mane. “How do I look?” She asked as she showed her mane had been spiky style.

“Great!” Spike quickly yet nervously answered.

“And more importantly, how does the castle look?” Twilight inquired.

“Great?” Spike nervously lied to her.

“Well then, you just about ready to head on back.” Twilight asked as she got up ready to make her way back.

“Uh, I'm not... quite ready to go yet.” Spike nervously and quickly answered as she pulled onto Twilight’s tail. “Uh, why don't we have a massage? I was really hoping to get, uh... this thingy!” He added as he pointed to something in the brochure.

“The 'Extra-strength-hot-stone-deep-tissue massage'?” Twilight read as she got a good look at what Spike is pointing at.

“Yep!” Spike nervously replied with a gulp.

“I think I'll just have a traditional massage, but you go for it.” Twilight settled for a simple relaxation as she nods at one of the working ponies to confirm it as another one of the working ponies walks into the room.

“Did somepony order massages?” The pink mare with a bright blue mane questioned as Bulk Biceps plows through the wall to make his entrance.

“Yeah! Let's do this, little dragon!” He eagerly shouted as he used his pecks to pick up Spike as he walks through the wall again making another hole in the wall.

“Oh, I hate it when he does that.” The mare voiced her annoyance at Bulk doing that before kindly gesturing Twilight to follow her. “Come with me, princess.”

While it was pretty clear that Spike was lying to her and the girls are having a hard time trying to redecorate the castle to her liking, she decides to roll along with it and take as much time as she can before they are ready for her return.

After getting her massage she actually feels much more relaxed with her muscles feeling less tense than before.

“Great suggestion, Spike. I feel totally relaxed.” Twilight thanked Spike as he tries to follow behind yet is awkwardly walking with cracking joints due to getting the excessive massage.

“Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow...” Spike said in pain as he limbed forward.

“You want to hop on?” Twilight offered seeing Spike in pain. “Maybe I can get us to the castle faster.”

Spike still trying to keep her busy instead quickly runs up in front of her to stop her.

“Ow!” He exclaimed in pain for the last time before quickly correcting himself. “I mean... how... nice is this day? I was hoping we could take the scenic way back.” He asked wanting to take the long way back.

“I don't know.” Twilight responded unsure as that meant visiting her destroyed library.

“Come on.” Spike insisted as he rubbed his still sore back. “Walking is good for post-massage circulation.”

“Really? I've never heard that theory.” Twilight skeptically spoke as she turned to the direction of the library still seeing through his lies as she makes her the destroyed tree.

“I really miss this place, Spike.” Twilight sighed as she revisits what was once the Golden Oaks Library. “We had so many wonderful memories here.”

“We did, didn't we...?” Spike spoke in the same sad tone. “At least you did a little longer.”

“Oh, Spike, I'm so sorry.” Twilight apologized as she brought him in for an embrace. “Of course losing the Golden Oak Library was hard for you too. Even after I became Midnight.” She then smiled as she thought of an idea. “I've got an idea. Why don't we have the girls add some things to make the castle feel more like your home as well?” She offered.

“Really?” Spike asked.

“Yep!” Twilight replied. “Any ideas before we head back to the castle?” She offered as she spread out her wings ready to fly off somewhere.

“It's a... well, I want a... it's... I kind of need a... a bed!” Spike struggled to come up with something time consuming until he ended thinking of something at the last second.

“I thought you said you sleep like a baby in the castle.” Twilight questioned him with a raised eyebrow of skepticism.

“Everypony knows babies are terrible sleepers.” Spike scoffed as he hoped onto Twilight’s back. “Let's go!”

With that Twilight immediately flew off in the direction of the mattress store while rolling her eyes and shaking her head in response to the words coming out of his mouth.

“Clearly he is trying to stall me.” Twilight thought to herself. “Well at least whatever the surprise is will be worth it.”

When the two got to the mattress store Spike looked at a number of mattress clearly stalling for time by lying on every mattress he comes across.

While Spike was looking at beds, Twilight secretly took a moment to herself to spy on the Mane Five through her crystal orb to see how their castle makeover improvement plan is going along where she sees that they are back to square one after having cleaned up their attempted efforts.

“Can't believe I let go of the portrait...” Rarity bitterly murmured to herself as she paced around. “If it had just been me…”

“What do we do? What do we do?!” Pinkie spoke in panic as she popped her face in front of Fluttershy and Pinkie. “If Twilight comes home now, she'll be like "What did you guys do?" And we'll have to be like "Nothing!" And then she'll be like "I was counting on you! Some friends you are!" And we'll be like... “ She concluded as she pretending to sound like she is crying and screaming.

“Well I’d be more disappointed than wanting to disown as friends.” Twilight commented her own thoughts to herself as she glances aside.

“Calm down, Pinkie.” Applejack reassured her that’s not going to happen. “We just need to figure out what we did wrong so we can make it right.”

“Well, I didn't do anything wrong! I did exactly what I would do if this were my home!” Rarity first insisted as she placed a hoof on her chest.

“But it's not your home. It's Twilight's home!” Rainbow pointed out to call her out for refusing admit what she did wrong.

“Where she keeps all her Rainbow Dash trophies?” Rarity pointed out that she is no better herself

“Touché.” Rainbow admitted.

“Maybe we're all a little guilty of making ourselves feel at home instead of Twilight.” Fluttershy admitted as they all hung their heads in guilt.

“No question about that?” Twilight commented bluntly to herself. “Doesn’t feel so good thinking about yourselves instead of others, does it?”

“Come on, y'all.” Applejack tried to get the others to think about how to fix all of this. “We just need to think about Twilight. What was it she'd loved about livin' in the Golden Oak Library?”

“Oh, everything! The books, the smell of books, the joy she felt from organizing books...” Fluttershy pointed out.

“That’s true.” Twilight nodded in agreement.

“Remember that time I crashed into all those books attempting my sonic rainboom after you guys just cleaned up?” She laughed as reminisced that memory. “That was good times.”

“Yeah, for you, maybe.” Applejack replied with an unamused frown.

“Took me a whole day just to clean it up again.” Twilight commented in the same tone as Applejack as she recalls the memory herself.

“Oh, and Applejack, remember when we were stuck having a sleepover there? That turned out to be so much fun!” Rarity recalled now enjoying the memory.

“Well at least while you two weren’t fighting half of the time.” Twilight commented in a mixture of delight and annoyance.

“Remember the time it got blown up to smithereens?!” Pinkie happily recalled as everypony lowers their heads at one of her most painful memories. Twilight watching glares at her for thinking that was the best memory. “Wait no that was the worst.” She immediately realized as she too hung her head for bringing up that memory.

“We had a lot of good memories there, though. That's what made the Golden Oak Library home.” Applejack smiled as the rest of the Mane Five reply “Yeah.” in agreement.

“That’s it.” Applejack immediately spoke as she got an idea of what they can do.

Having seen enough Twilight puts her orb away as she checks up on Spike so she can be surprised by what her friends come up with.

“How's that one? Too soft? Too hard? Too lumpy?” Twilight asked if Spike has finally found the right mattress he wants with a tone of bored irritation.

“Um... “ Spike hesitated before firmly answering. ”…Just right! I'll take it!

“Oh, thank goodness.” Twilight spoke relieved that he finally made up his mind. “I thought you'd never find one you liked! Let's find a salespony and get out of here.”

“Sounds good to meee—“ He happily spoke until he saw the Mane Five with shovels with Rainbow signaling Spike to continue stalling. “I... nn, um, uh, heh... did you hear that?” He mimicked squeaky springs. “Too squeaky! Better keep looking!” Spike spoke as he got off of the bed and walked off leaving Twilight groaning and face-palming at Spike for not making up his mind on what he wants.

Eventually enough time had passed as Spike finally made up his mind on what he wants allowing the two to finally return home.

“Hello? We're home!” Twilight happily called out as she and Spike entered the room.

“Welcome home!” The Mane Five welcomed her in the same tone.

“Oh, I, uh... love what you've done with the place.” Twilight commented while barely hiding her disappointment. “You did such a good job of... preserving the integrity of the original design.”

“Aw, come on!” Spike exclaimed annoyed that he stalled Twilight for nothing. “It looks exactly the same! Do you know how hard it was to keep her from coming back here?! I never want to see another dust ruffle as long as I live!”

“Well maybe it would have been easily if you had honestly told me that they were having trouble finding out how to make me feel more at home here.” Twilight bluntly told him causing the others to react in surprise hearing this. “Yeah, don’t think I don’t what’s going on when I’m not around.” She said as she gives them a knowing look.

After recovering from her shock Rarity nervously laughed as she responded. “Well, It did take a teensy bit longer than we thought.”

“What really makes home feel like home isn't what it looks like.” Applejack told her as she removed her hat at placed it onto her chest as she looks at the others. “It's the memories you make when you're there.”

“So we've made something that celebrates the memories we've made with you since you moved to Ponyville.” Rarity added as Rainbow and Fluttershy open the doors to the throne room to reveal a chandelier with the tree roots of the Golden Oaks Library tree on the ceiling.

“The ornaments on the chandelier are reminders of all the fun we've had together.” Fluttershy told Twilight as she and Rainbow flew up to the ornaments on the chandelier.

“That one shows your party at the Golden Oak Library welcoming you to Ponyville!” Pinkie showed Twilight one of the ornaments showing the memory of her “Welcome to Ponyville” party.

“The time we shared donuts after the Grand Galloping Gala!” Fluttershy pointed to another ornament showing them having donuts with Princess Celestia after their first Grand Galloping Gala together.

“And here’s the time that you saved all of us from Tirek.” Rainbow Dash pointed to another ornament showing her defeating Tirek and then at another ornament of her being officially crowned Princess of Friendship for her heroism that day.

“We were hoping that being able to look at your beautiful old memories would inspire you to make new ones.” Rarity explained as she raised her hoof as they all looked up at the chandelier. “To help you further move on from your villainous past and remind you that you don’t need to feel that you have to work harder to earn our forgiveness because you already have.”

“And the best part of it is, it's made from the roots of the Golden Oak Library, so you'll never forget where you came from.” Applejack further explained as Twilight steps forward towards the chandelier as the Mane Five worry what she is thinking about all of this.

“It's exactly what the castle needed.” Twilight responded with happy tears as she turned to face them and then hugged them. And thanks to all of you, I am ready to make new memories here as well move forward for a bright new future.”

“Then let's start right now with a new memory cake!” Pinkie cheerfully raised her hoofs up as she ran over to fetch a cake. “Seven layer what's-that-flavor mystery surprise! These might be chocolate chips or they might be super-spicy black beans!

“Let's go to the dining room.” Twilight offered as they made their way into the dining room. “It's a little sparse, but at least there's a table and chairs...Whoa!” Twilight exclaimed in surprise seeing the extravagantly decorated dining room. “What happened in here? Last I checked, this place was empty!”

“I couldn't help myself! It was just begging for the personal touch!” Rarity admitted that she decorated it in her taste.

“Truth be told... I couldn't either. Your kitchen might have some rustic farm decor, Twilight.” Applejack admitted her involvement in the matter

“And there may or may not be some Daring Do posters up in your library.” Rainbow Dash also admitted.

“And some stuffed animals in your bedroom.” Fluttershy admitted as she leaned in towards her ear when suddenly a confetti cannon explodes.

“What was that?!” Twilight asked in surprise hearing that.

“One of Pinkie Pie's confetti cannons.” Applejack answered as she turned to the grinning pink pony.

“What? It's not my fault I hid them so well!” Pinkie said in her defense causing the Mane Six to all laugh in amusement of Pinkie’s antics.

“Oh, Pinkie...” Applejack commented as she laughed.

Thanks to her friends helping her feel more at home with the recently created chandelier, Twilight herself is ready to further move forward from her villainous past as her friends reassured her that they forgive for her actions as Midnight Sparkle and doesn’t need to feel like she has to be over-helping to make a point.

Author's Note

After much consideration I decided to this chapter in my story to add further reasons why Twilight excessively wanted to help her friends like in canon. Because deep down until the Mane 5 create the chandelier of all the great memories they shared in the past to remind her "Yes they do forgive her." she doesn't feel she truly earned her castle and their forgiveness because of her past sins as Midnight Sparkle. But thanks to them she is now ready to move forward to make new memories for the bright new future ahead of her.

For this version I also added in bits where Twilight is aware of what the girls are up to but not the surprise they showed her in the end and that Spike was lying to her and stalling her the whole time to show that nothing fools her but said nothing until the end seeing that her friends are really making an effort to help her in return and wanted whatever they did to be a surprise.

Next up on my do list is "Tanks for the Memories." which I plan to have released sometime in the middle of the week.

Chapter 4: Tanks for the Memories

Chapter 4:

Tanks for the Memories

On another fine, Cloudsdale is settling its skies over Ponyville which means that it is the beginning of the winter season. Ponies’ participating in the Running of the Leaves all get to shake all of the leaves from the trees they run by while Twilight is flying by overseeing the Pegasus ponies pulling clouds in tow in preparation for winter’s arrival. While flying by she sees Rainbow Dash flying around with his pet turtle Tank close behind.

“Everything's looking great, don't you think?” Twilight happily asked Rainbow Dash as she approached her.

“Almost everything.” Rainbow Dash answered while sounding a little unsure at the moment. “Does Tank look alright to you?” She asked Twilight as she pointed a hoof at the turtle that had just yawned looking very sleepily as well.

“Well, he does seem to be moving a little slowly.” Twilight answered after observing him while rubbing her chin in an observantly manner.

“I know, right?” Rainbow Dash agreed as she placed both of her front hooves in Tank’s direction.

“And he looks kind of sleepy...” Twilight added as she further examined Tank.

“Totally!” Rainbow Dash agreed again.

“...just like he always does.” Twilight finished adding while shrugging in an attempted reassuring tone as she raised her hooves up as if it’s probably nothing too serious.

“Yeah, ha ha, I'm sure you're right.” Rainbow Dash somewhat nervously agreed as Twilight flies off.

As Twilight flies off, Twilight herself begins to think more about her knowledge of turtles she begins to think that there is something very abnormal with Tank if he is sleepier than usual.

Later that day, she meets up with her friends so they can all rake leaves together in order to do their part in preparing for the beginning of winter. While Applejack racks up the leaves, Twilight uses her magic to gather all of the leaf piles so she can bag them. At the same time, Fluttershy and Rarity are giving beavers winter hats which were made by Rarity herself.

“It’s nice to see that the preparations are all going smoothly in time of winter.” Twilight positively commented as she bagged up another bag of leaves.

“Speaking of which….” Twilight continued to speak as she turned to Fluttershy. “Is Rainbow doing okay because last time I saw her she seemed a little stressed over Tank’s well-being?”

“I don’t know.” Fluttershy responded unsure herself. “Even though I told her that Tank will be perfectly fine as long as he hibernates through the winter and it’s perfectly normal for tortoises to do so.”

“Well, I just hope Rainbow will come to see and accept that.” Twilight spoke sounding a little worried for Rainbow Dash. “Last thing we need is her doing something she might regret.”

“You mean like shattering the Crystal Heart?” Fluttershy asked while trying not to bring up old wounds for her friend.

“Yes.” Twilight solemnly answered at having that memory brought up again. But before she could further speak they were all interrupted by the commotion Rainbow Dash was making when she and Tank landed nearby.

"Don't say that word!" Rainbow shouted as she held Tank close, shielding him from Pinkie Pie.

"Which one? "Snuggly"? "Wuggly"? "Tankie"? "Hibernate"?" Pinkie asked.

"That one!" Rainbow answered while covering Pinkie’s mouth to keep her from saying anything else.

"I was just saying how cute he—" Pinkie tried to speak only to be cut off by the angry Pegasus.

"If you think hiber... – you know, that napping thing – is so cute, why don't you go do it?! Somewhere far away from here?!" Rainbow Dash yelled at Pinkie who quickly trots away.

Rainbow would then turn to the rest of her friends who are all watching in surprise seeing Rainbow yell at her like that.

"What are you looking at?! Pinkie Pie and I are just having a conversation!" Rainbow Dash angrily yelled at them.

"Look, Rainbow Dash, we all know how upset you are about Tank hiber—" Twilight stepped forward in an attempt to reason with her only for Pinkie to cut her off mid-sentence.

"Shhhh! Don't say that word! That's what started this all!" Pinkie warned Twilight as she hugged her for protection.

"We all know how upset you are about Tank. But you shouldn't take your anger out on your friends." Twilight further attempted to reason with Rainbow while avoiding saying hibernation.

"Who said anything about anger?!” Rainbow screamed in Twilight’s face. “I didn't say anything about anger! I'm not upset! And I am not angry! Do I look angry?!"

“Clearly yes.” Twilight bravely spoke as the others watch looking uneasy with Rainbow’s fury. However instead of further yelling at her Rainbow Dash turns away in a huff.

“Come on, Tank! Let's get out of here!" She spoke as she flew away at top speed with her pet, leaving the others in a mix of feeling conflicted, worried, and terrified for some.

“You don’t think she’s gonna do anything crazy do ya?” Applejack asked the others after seeing Rainbow’s outburst.

“Even though I think she needs time to come to terms with reality…” Twilight mentioned in response. “…I have a pretty bad feeling she is going to try everything she can to try to stop winter.”

Fluttershy grew horrified at the thought as she speaks up.

“But that would make things worse!” Fluttershy frantically exclaimed. “Animals hibernate because of the winter and their bodies have grown used to this every year. It wouldn’t be bad for just Tank. It would be bad for every animal that hibernates.”

“This is assuming that Rainbow Dash does try and stop winter. But I don’t think she’d be crazy enough to do that.” Applejack lightly commented as she continued raking up leaves.

“And I think those assumptions will happen and this is coming from somepony who used to be willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants.” Twilight brought up her past as Midnight to tell her that she thinks Rainbow would be crazy enough to try it.

“Well, Rainbow is not like Midnight and you are not like Midnight too.” Applejack once again dismissed the possibility of that to which Twilight didn’t take kindly to as she glared at Applejack. “In the meantime, let’s get back to work.”

With that said Twilight reluctantly decided to drop it in favor of getting the rest of Fall cleaned up in time for winter.

“But still, I think I’d better check up on her to make sure she doesn’t.” Twilight spoke up as she continued bagging up the rest of the leaves with her magic.

Even though Applejack thinks Rainbow Dash won’t, Twilight from her past experience as Midnight knows that Rainbow Dash is going to through with resorting to attempt to stop winter no matter what the cost is.

Later after finishing up cleaning the leaves she flies up to Cloudsdale where Rainbow Dash’s home is trying to get Tank to still awake.

"I need you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, not sleepy-eyed and scaly-tailed! Which... is exactly what you are. But get up anyway!" Rainbow Dash told her turtle pet as he yawned again.

Twilight having just arrived arrives at the door but then decided hide by a nearby window just out of Rainbow Dash’s sight

"You can't hiber– you know. What about all the primo things we're gonna do together this winter? Building snow ponies, starting snowball fights, sipping hot cider by the fire." Rainbow Dash further tried to reason with Tank who snores in response.

"Don't you wanna do those things with me?!" Rainbow Dash pleaded sounding like Tank doesn’t want to be with her anymore.

Tank awoke to briefly smile at Rainbow before going back to sleep.

“Of course he does Rainbow Dash.” Twilight spoke her thoughts to herself as she secretly eyes Rainbow heading towards her mirror. “You’re just going to have to accept the fact that he has to hibernate for the winter and it is only until the spring you spend time with him again and do whatever you want to do together.”

"Think, Rainbow Dash, think!” Rainbow Dash spoke to herself. “Tank's only hibernating because it's cold, right? Well, I'd rather have him awake in the heat than asleep in the cold..." She thought to herself as she then gasped as an idea came to her mind. A wonderful idea she thought as she evilly smiles and rubs her hooves together. Rainbow Dash has got a wonderful, awful idea up her hooves as she speaks.

“Oh, no.” Twilight spoke to herself as she ducked out of sight knowing that Rainbow Dash is indeed thinking and planning to try to stop winter from coming.

The following day, the Pegasus ponies were hard at work moving clouds in the sky. A female Pegasus with a blue mane and tail and yellow coat flew by, placing the clouds in a specific location in the sky as another male Pegasus with purple mane and tail and a dark teal coat approaches with another cloud in tow.

"So where do these clouds go?" The yellow Pegasus asked him.

"Over by Clear Skies." The male Pegasus answered.

"But there's clear skies everywhere." The yellow Pegasus pointed out as she stretched out her arms.

"Yo, Clear Skies right here!" The pink Pegasus pony with a purple mane told her as she flew up between them.

"But there's clear skies over there, too!" The yellow Pegasus responded while pointing to her left.

"That's Open Skies!" The pink pony told her as unbeknownst to the three of them Rainbow stealthily sneaks through the clouds and pushes one of the clouds away from behind their backs.

"There's open skies everywhere!" The yellow Pegasus exasperatingly spoke as she raised her hooves up again.

"I'm not everywhere. I'm right here!" The male pony told her sounding confused of what she means by that as Rainbow Dash secretly moves the second cloud away.

The yellow Pegasus sighed as they thought she was referring to them as opposed to the skies as Rainbow Dash moves away the third pony from behind their backs.

"Wait. So you're Open Skies, and you're Clear Skies. Then what's all that?" The yellow Pegasus told both ponies as she points to the direction of the skies around them.

"Open, clear skies!" the two ponies, Open Skies and Clear Skies said in unison much to the third pony's dismay.

"Hey, where'd our fluffy clouds go?" Open Skies asked wondering where the clouds they have just pushed disappeared to.

"Fluffy Clouds? He's over there!" Clear Skies responded as she pointed to a tall and skinny male Pegasus, with an orange bow tie and fluffy hair style and a goofy smile.

Rainbow Dash smirked as she shoved the clouds into a hole inside a hollow tree as Tank remains in flight by her side.

"Hah! Stopping winter is gonna be a breeze!" She smugly spoke as she and Tank flew off as one of the ponies nearby who was pushing a pile of leaves ended up coming across the clouds that exploded into a pile of snow on top of him leaving him surprised as Twilight who was secretly spying nearby melts the snow with her magic as she secretly trails Rainbow wondering how she is going to get through to her before she does something drastic.

As she watches Rainbow Dash trying her hardest to stop the inevitable from happening as Twilight could only roll her eyes at Rainbow’s attempts to stop it as she sings to a sarcastic tune.

“You're a villain, Rainbow Dash

You really are in denial

You're as cunning as a villain

You're as devious as a schemer

Rainbow Dash

You're an angry girl

With fiery tempered anger.”

She sang as she watches Rainbow Dash observes the Pegasus ponies make the clouds below them snow.

“You're sinking deeper, Rainbow Dash

You’re trying to bargain a way

You’re trying to prevent the inevitable

In your attempts to sabotage

Rainbow Dash

I wouldn't support you

Even if your plan actually succeeded.”

She sang as she watched Rainbow Dash break the ice off of the puddles as she skipped across and poor attempt to hide the skis underground.

“You're in denial, Rainbow Dash

You have anger clouding your judgement

You are just as stubborn

As an arrogant and rich Canterlot pony

Rainbow Dash

Given the choice between the two of you

I'd take the arrogant and rich Canterlot pony.”

She sang as she watched Rainbow bump the lead bird out of the way with a very poor disguise of a fake duke bill as she tricks the flock into going north instead of south for the winter and clearing all of the skies herself.

While Rainbow Dash was trying to clear the skies Twilight managed to quickly correct the flock’s flight direction back to south just as they were flying off north.

“You're a fowl one, Rainbow Dash

You're a nasty, wasty skunk

Your heart is full of uncolored rainbows

Your soul lacks of color

Rainbow Dash.”

She sang as she clears a spot for her and Tank to relax like its summer outside on the beach before focusing on the Pegasus ponies making it snow from above by giving them false instructions.

“The three words that best describe your plan

Are as follows and I quote, "Horrible, Horrid, Horrific."

She sang as she watched Rainbow Dash try to put the leaves back onto the trees one by one.

“You're a bargainer, Rainbow Dash

You're the queen of bad ideas

Your plan is doomed to fail

Inevitably with flying colors

Rainbow Dash.”

She sang as Rainbow used her quick speed to change a winter scene into a summer scene with nearby ponies much to their confusion.

"Your plan is terrible from start to finish

Filled with the most poorly thought out ideas possible

That are beyond impossible to achieve

Moreso than hatching an egg.”

She sang as Rainbow Dash is trying to dissipate every cloud in the sky.

"You‘re depressing, Rainbow Dash

With a depressing sense of self-assurance

You're still have yet to accept the inevitable

That you can’t stop winter.

Rainbow Dash.”

She sang as she watched Rainbow Dash embrace Tank who is still sleepy.

“And pretty soon you will have to come to accept it

With flying colors.”

She finished singing as Rainbow Dash landed on the ground with Tank who sees that her efforts in her vain as more snowy clouds are coming in and many of the fallen leaves from the trees are getting quickly raked up.

"Here comes the next shipment!" The yellow Pegasus instructed the other Pegasus ponies "Move those clouds over!"

Rainbow Dash took Tank to a cloud as she watches her attempts to stop winter have failed. "Ugh! For every hoof step back, they go three hoof steps forward! What are we gonna do?" She said as she laid her neck down on the cloud in defeat while Twilight watches from a nearby cloud.

“I’m afraid there is nothing you can do other than accept that winter is inevitable and that Tank is going to have to hibernate until spring.” Twilight answered from afar while trying to be sympathetic for her as possible.

Although when Rainbow Dash looks up at the many clouds being pulled by the Pegasus ponies from Cloudsdale as snow sprinkles down onto the ground she then gets another idea.

"Cloudsdale. That's it, Tank! If I can't stop winter in Ponyville, maybe I can stop it at the source!" Rainbow spoke up seeing there is another idea she can try as she flew in Cloudsdale’s direction.

“Another wonderful and awful idea that will never work.” Twilight commented to herself as she continues to secretly follow her.

Rainbow snuck her way into Cloudsdale towards the weather factory with Tank leashed up and with Twilight secretly following her from behind. She stealthily flew through asking her way through Cloudsdale’s clouds in order to avoid being spotted while making sure Tank was out of view as well as he yawned again. Twilight did the same from a distance.

At that moment a whistle from inside the factory building blew off and the pony workers exited the building all of them ready to take a break.

"Lunch hour! Perfect!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed seeing this plays out perfectly for her as she quickly ducks under the cloud they were hiding in as the Pegasus ponies walk by. Rainbow Dash quickly makes her towards the factory as she makes her inside.

Once everypony made their way outside, Rainbow made her way in. She snuck inside through the air vents and entered the locker rooms as she kicked a vent open after loosening the screws. Before she could venture forward she spotted two workers enter the lockers. She quickly hid inside one of the nearby lockers as the two entered the room. Once the coast was clear again, Rainbow Dash emerged wearing the uniform a white lab coat and a hard hat and so did Tank who conveniently had a uniform his size courtesy of the locker room somehow.

Once they were fully dressed the two made their way out of the locker room as Twilight continues to spy on them as she watches them from the locker room as she looks around until she sees a door with a picture of thunder, lightning, and rain pictured and approaches the room seeing that’s where she will try to stop winter there. She quickly dons a uniform as she teleports out of the locker room seeing what Rainbow Dash is going to attempt to do.

Once Rainbow Dash checks to see if the coast is clear she quickly makes her way inside and closes the doors after her only to have to quickly open the doors again realizing that she shut them without bringing a leashed Tank inside the room with a yank of the leash.

“The winter lab!” Rainbow Dash spoke outloud as she observes the room “We’re in Tank. Now we just got to figure a way to shut it down.” She added as she is ready to fly off to go on about it after she ties Tank to nearby snowflake-inspecting magnifying glass.

But, before she could figure out how to go on about it, Twilight appeared in front of her after teleporting inside.

“I’m afraid the only thing you’re figuring out is a way to figure your way out of here.” Twilight firmly told the blue Peagsus with her arms up.

“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“Stopping you from making the biggest mistake of your life.” Twilight responded still firm with her stance. “Do you not realize what you are doing?”

“Uh, stopping winter so me and Tank won’t be apart. Duh.” Rainbow Dash uncaringly responded.

“Rainbow Dash, I know you don’t want be apart from Tank but winter will happen regardless of the fact that winter is still going to happen even if you do shut this factory down.” Twilight still spoke firmly yet sympathetically to her trying to reason with her.

“So everypony comes to see that winter will never come so, big deal?” Rainbow Dash shrugged off as if this isn’t a big deal as she flies by and approaches the snowflake machine until for Twilight to quick teleport in front of her again.

“It is a big deal if it causes the factory to be destroyed and hurt many ponies all for the sake of trying to prevent the inevitable.” Twilight tried again to reason with her with her hooves up still up.

“And that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. Surely, you of all ponies would understand.” Rainbow Dash again flew by uninterested by her attempts to reason with her as she sees the giant water storage container while referring to her past as Midnight that she had no problems of doing the same. “Slam dunk! With no water, they can't make clouds or snow! They can't make winter!”

“That’s not the point!” Twilight exclaimed in exasperation that Rainbow Dash does still not understand the consequences of what she is doing and what her actions are about to inflict on Ponyville. “Even when being the pony I used to be I still had all of Equestria’s best interests at heart while you are only thinking of yourself.” She told her as she flew up to her again. “This is not the Rainbow Dash I know and befriended. Why should you be that pony?”

“I hate to do this to those weather ponies, but desperate times call for desperate measures!” Rainbow Dash again scoffed off Twilight as she turns the valve and releases the pipe attached to the water tank causing water to pour out of the tank and onto the floor.

“Oopsies!” Rainbow said with faux innocence as Twilight looks on dismayed by her behavior. “Looks like these were a little loose!”

She would then fly over as she kicked off another pipe attached to the tank causing more water from another end to fall out.

“And there goes winter down the drain!” Rainbow triumphantly spoke with an added pun as she pats herself on the shoulder for a job well done as Twilight gives her a disapproving look as she notices that Tank in his state of heavy drowsiness wanders off and accidentally flips a switch turning on the fans to which Tank gets sucked into.

“And a turtle down the tank.” Twilight seriously commented as she points to the fan Tank is about to fly into.

“What?” Whoa!” Rainbow Dash confusingly responded before reacting in shock seeing at what is happening.

Rainbow Dash quickly took notice and flew over to save him only for the magnifying glass to fall into the fan jamming it and to crash into a barrel filled with snow covering Rainbow in it with coal blocking his eyes.

“Uh, I can't see!” Rainbow Dash spoke as she tries to get the coal off of her eyes.

As a result of the impact Tank was sent flying across the room and accidentally opens a door resulting in a massive stream of wind being blown into the room sending Rainbow Dash flying into another room while Twilight was able to protect herself with a magical force field around her.

“Aaaaaah!” Rainbow screamed as she flew into the room as the door slammed shut after her.

“Well, I’m out of here.” Twilight spoke up with her hooves up in the air as she grabs ahold of Tank and teleports herself out of Cloudsdale.

Inside she rubs her head and groans as she immediately tries to recover from the impact as she sees she is in a room full of glass jars filled with lightning bolts as one of them rocks over and breaks sending Rainbow Dash flying out of the room through a lightning explosion that accidentally presses a big red button that leads to the clouds and lightning spewing up covering the factory room in smoke greatly worrying Rainbow Dash.

“I got to get out of here!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed seeing that this room is going to blow but to her surprise can’t find Tank anywhere. “Tank? Tank?! Where are you? Rainbow Dash frantically shouted as the magnifying glass broke off of the fan and sucked Rainbow Dash in causing her to be sucked in pipes into a steam vent as every pony from afar watches as the chaos just as Twilight teleports herself and Tank back down on the ground in Ponyville.

“What in the name of Celestia's goin' on up there?” Applejack asked Twilight as she points a hoof in Cloudsdale’s direction.

“Prepare yourselves, everypony! Winter is coming!” Twilight worriedly warned her and the rest of their friends as a giant snowball emerges from the factory.

“Everypony, look out!” Twilight further warned everyone pony to run as the snowball falls down towards their direction as Rainbow Dash is screaming as she flies down in high speed inside of the snowball as it lands onto the ground causing a huge explosion resulting in all of Ponyville being covered in snow.

As everypony emerges their head from the blanket of snow the Mane Six all groan as they recover from the impact as they rub their heads.

“Rainbow Dash! Are you alright?” Twilight asked Rainbow Dash out of concern as she lays her head onto the back of snow she was on in sadness.

“No...” Rainbow Dash depressingly responded as the rest of the Mane Six look at each other in concern for her well-being as Twilight places Tank right next to her who snuggles Rainbow in his attempted effort to comfort her even when he is more sleeper than ever.

Later back in Cloudsdale, Rainbow Dash has fallen into a state of depression as despite her best efforts she could not stop the inevitable from happening as winter has finally arrived in Ponyville as she lying on her bed with Tank by her side both wearing pajamas as the Mane Five all enter the room hoping to comfort her as Fluttershy opens the door being the first to enter her room as Pinkie enters by walking through the cloud wall.

“Knock, knock.” Pinkie cheerfully announced.

“How are you feeling, Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy kindly asked.

“Whatever...” Rainbow despondently responded not even looking at her earning a confused look from Twilight.

“The poor thing looks so sad! Just what are we going to do?” Rarity worriedly commented as she turned to face Twilight.

“I don't know what we can do. “ Twilight answered. “As for Tank there is nothing we can do.”

“Buck up, Sugarcube. You just ain't yourself these days.” Applejack tried to her hardest to comfort Rainbow as she walks up to her bed.

“Whatever...” Rainbow Dash responded in the same tone and manner.

“Uh, how can I say this tactfully...?” Rarity struggled to find the right words as she speaks. “You've lost your sparkle, Rainbow Dash.”

“I hate to say this, but, well...” Pinkie hesitantly spoke as she changed her tone into a hushed one. “…you've become...! A party pooper!”

“Didn't you hear me? I said 'whatever'.” Rainbow Dash responded as she finally turned to face her friends. “I don't know if you're here to cheer me up or what, but I'm fine.” She spoke up before turning away as Fluttershy turns to the other girls.

“Let me handle this.” Fluttershy told the girls as she approaches Rainbow Dash “Rainbow Dash, your winter is going to be pet-less.” She bluntly told her which causes Rainbow’s eyes to widen up who cries uncontrollably while holding onto Tank apparently not taking this very well.

“Whatever did you do that for?!” Rarity asked Fluttershy surprised at her approach.

“Because she'll never get past this until she lets it all out.” Fluttershy firmly answered as Rainbow Dash continues crying her heart out.

With a surge of magic Twilight pushes Applejack forward urging her to console her as Applejack glares at her to which Twilight responds with a look that says “Go On.”

“Uh... it's okay.” Applejack awkwardly tried to reassure her. “Tank'll come back in a few months.”

Unfortunately it did little wonders to help as Rainbow Dash can’t calm herself from her sobbing.

“Months?! I don't want him to go!” Rainbow continues sobbing feeling like months will turn into the rest of her life. “Not again.”

“Again?” Applejack questioned in surprise. “What do ya mean like that?”

“I don’t want to lose Tank I like lost her!” Rainbow Dash answers in between sobs.

“Who?” Applejack again questioned as Twilight steps forward having a pretty good idea of what she is talking about.

“Me?” Twilight answered as she got up onto her bed to sit right next her and placed a hoof on her shoulders. “That’s why? You feel that if Tank leaves it’s like when I left you to become Midnight and nearly lost my life from defeating Tirek.”

Rainbow Dash continued sobbing as the flashback from Twilight’s fight with Tirek played through her mind.

The Mane 5 had just rushed over to Twilight just after she lost consciousness after defeating Tirek.

“Twilight?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she flew over her. “Twilight?! Please wake up?!” Rainbow Dash pleaded as grabbed her by the head only to get no response resulting in her starting to panic. “She’s not responding.”

“It looks like that magic surge has taken a greater toll on Twilight than we realized.” Rarity answered as she placed a hoof on her forehead sounding just as worried as Rainbow. “She’s on the very verge of dying!”

“No!” Rainbow Dash cried in horror at this. “Why? Why?!”

“She did it to send Tirek away.” Fluttershy responded as she teared up. “She gave her life to save us.”

“She saved us. But who’s saving her if she is about to die?” Pinkie questioned as she teared up.

“Maybe there’s a way to save her.” Applejack hopefully brought up there is maybe a way to save her. “If we can get her to the hospital as quickly as we can before it’s too late maybe we can bring her back to life.”

“Well what are we waiting for?!” Rainbow Dash responded in determination as she lifts Twilight up holding her on one of her arms. “Come on, Fluttershy!” She commanded her to help her lift Twilight so they can her help before they truly lose her for good.

And just like that both Rainbow and Fluttershy with the latter managed to keep up with Rainbow Dash as they fly their way back to the Canterlot Hospital as fast as their wings would let them with Rainbow Dash trying to fight the urge to cry as tears fall through her eyes as she looks at Twilight in her unconsciousness state. “Hang on, Twilight! Don’t die on me. I don’t want to lose you. Not again!” She cried out in pain as the flashback scenes fades back to the present day as Rainbow Dash is hugging Tank in her arms.

“Not again.” Rainbow Dash repeated between sobs as Twilight pulls her in for an embrace allowing her to cry into her chest as she continues placing a comforting hoof on Rainbow’s back.

“Alright, alright. There, there.“ Applejack tried to comfort Rainbow again before facing Fluttershy and Twilight. “Nice going, Fluttershy, Twi.” Applejack sarcastically remarked in a hushed tone. “How do we get her to stop?”

“She's got to be about done by now. Can't be too much left in there.” Fluttershy responded as she got up on Rainbow’s bed and sat beside her. “Feeling better?” She asked as Rainbow Dash seemingly has calmed down.

“Uh-huh.” Rainbow Dash answered as she turned to face her. But then immediately she suddenly resumes crying burying her face into Twilight’s chest again as she calmly pats her on her back in comfort and continues hugging her.

“Oh, you poor, poor thing... “ Fluttershy sadly spoke unable to stand seeing Rainbow like this as she starts crying and hugged onto to both Rainbow Dash and Twilight who spreads her right wing open to bring her in on the embrace.

Rarity watching this starts to tear up herself.

“I can't bear to see Fluttershy cry!” She sadly spoke as she walked up.

“It's just heart-wrenching!” Pinkie tearfully added as she and Rarity join in on crying hysterically as Twilight moves her wing so they can join in on the group hug except for Applejack who bends her hat down in sorrow for her. While everypony was sobbing, Twilight herself silently sheds a few tears as she closed her eyes. She wasn't bailing hysterically like her friends well expect for Applejack but was still crying feeling very sorry for the pain she caused Rainbow Dash.

“You too?” Twilight asked the farm pony as she turned her attention to Applejack as she noticed she was the only pony not crying.

“Nope, I'm good.” Applejack calmly answered as Twilight turns her attention back at Rainbow Dash.

“Applejack cries on the inside, Twilight!” Pinkie tearfully responded to a confused Twilight.

“It's true.” Applejack confirmed with a nod.

“It's alright, Fluttershy. It's alright.” Rainbow Dash reassured her as she started to settle down a bit as Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie giving her space as they back up smiling once they knew she was now calming down as they wiped away their own tears. Applejack, on the other hoof, was still concerned.

“You think she's done or just getting a third wind?” Applejack asked Twilight who is still sitting by Rainbow’s side as she pokes her head up out of Twilight’s chest.

“I don't know...” Twilight answered unsure at that moment before turning to Rainbow to find out. “Rainbow Dash? Are you okay?”

“I think so. I feel better. Really, I do.” Rainbow answered as she calms herself down more as she faces Twilight who still has her wing on her back.

“I’m so sorry, Rainbow Dash.” Twilight apologized as she sheds tears of remorse. “I should have known that’s what this is all about.”

“No, I’m the one who should apologize.” Rainbow retorted that she is not at fault while she herself is ashamed for what has done. “I should have listened to you when tried to stop me from attempting to stop winter which was futile from the start. For I was so focused on trying to prevent the inevitable I ended focusing on what only I wanted instead of everypony else and became the villain myself in the heat of the moment. At least you had good intentions, Twilight, while I was looking out for myself.” Rainbow Dash tearfully added as she barely looked at Twilight before looking away as she cries while Twilight herself couldn't help but tear up too and barely look at her in return.

“Well even so I too wasn’t right as I did something much worse than blowing up a factory and that resulted in nearly dooming all of Equestria with a never-ending winter storm.” Twilight acknowledged the good in Rainbow’s intentions while at the same time acknowledging that even though her intentions were well-intended more so than her friend she was no better in fact was much more evil and heartless in the heat of the moment there and had no problems of potentially hurting a huge number of ponies with her attack at the Equestria Games as Rainbow gets up from her bed and places Tank onto the bed as both ponies get off of the bed.

“Thanks, everypony. I don't know what I'd do without you.” Rainbow gratefully thanked every pony especially Twilight for helping her through this as they all smile proudly at her as she turns back to facing her smiling and sleepy pet with tears still in her eyes ”Or him... “ She sniffled a bit as she placed her hooves onto her bed. “Oh, Tank... I'm sure gonna miss you.”

“Everything’s going to be okay, Rainbow Dash.” Twilight reassured Rainbow it’s not forever and it’s only until its spring again as they held each other’s hands for one final nose kiss and goodbye as she wipes away the remaining tears of her face.

A short while later, everypony is now enjoying themselves and having fun in the snow from sledding, to ice skating to which Spike is joining in on, to playing hockey, to throwing snowballs at each other as the Mane Six minus Rainbow Dash are now wearing their winter clothes are speaking to each other.

“Well, guess we're starting winter with a bang.” Twilight positively commented seeing everypony is having fun in the snow.

“The fun's come early!” Applejack happily agreed as she tosses a snowball up with her rear hooves as she bucks it. “Yee-haw!” She happily exclaimed as Pinkie barely dodged the snow ball as she feel onto her back.

“You think we could mess up winter every year? It's way less work!” Pinkie asked as she made snow angels on the ground.

“Uh, I don't think Rainbow Dash could handle it.” Twilight answered in a way that says no as the aforementioned pony arrives with Tank in tow.

“Riding that entire season from Cloudsdale to Ponyville was pretty awesome.” Rainbow Dash told her friends as Tank yawned. “I thought you guys might like to say goodbye to Tank. He's ready to hibernate.”

“Ooh, you're using the word!” Pinkie happily exclaimed noting that she is now calm with the very word being spoken again as she approaches Rainbow and Tank from behind. “Oh, she's using the word! And when Tank finishes hibernating, I'm gonna throw him the biggest welcome home party ever! Or wait. Should it be a 'welcome above ground' party? Or a 'happy wake-up' party? Maybe an 'it's about time!' party!” She happily added as she contemplated on what the party should be named.

“And I'll design him a very special suit just for the occasion, whichever one it ends up being.” Rarity warmly offered as she approaches them.

“I'm glad you're feelin' a little better, Rainbow Dash.” Applejack complimented on the improvement.

“Yeah, me too.” Rainbow agreed as she steps forwards and digs up a hole in the snow for Tank to hibernate through the winter to which Tank happily walks into and covers himself with dirt to make himself comfortable as her friends look on proudly. “So, you really wanna do this hibernating thing, huh?” Rainbow asked her pet one final time as she leans in to his eye level who nods in response.

“Goodbye, Tank.” Rarity told him.

“Happy winter.” Fluttershy said

“See you later, little feller.” Applejack said as she placed a hoof on her hat.

“Have a good sleep, Tank!” Pinkie happily wished Tank a happy winter.

“Goodbye, Tank! We'll miss you!” Twilight gave her farewell positively.

With all of the goodbyes all said and done, Tank smiled one last time before moving the dirt and hiding underneath it as the snow covered it up as Rainbow Dash tearfully watches as Twilight steps forward to place a comforting hoof on her shoulder to reassure her again that it’s only until the spring. Rainbow Dash then smiles and wipes away the tears as she silently thanks Twilight for her gesture as Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy all walk off ahead so they can enjoy the fun winter has to offer.

“Well? Ready for some winter fun?” Twilight cheerfully asked her.

“Uh, I'm gonna hang here and read to him a bit.” Rainbow Dash politely declined for the moment as she walks up to Tank’s sleeping place and pulls out a book from his bag. “That little guy can never get to sleep without a bedtime story. I'll be right there.” Rainbow Dash reassured her she will join them in a little bit.

Twilight understanding and accepting her reasons goes off ahead to join her friends on the winter fun while happy that she was able to help Rainbow through these painful memories and times the best she can. Happy that, she was able to get her to come to senses before she even started the descent to villainy like she did.

Author's Note

In this next chapter, while we have Rainbow Dash struggling to come to terms with reality as Tank is wanting to prepare to hibernate for the winter deep down the pain is much more than the thought of losing Tank as Twilight learns of how much Rainbow was greatly worried about her well-being just after she defeated Tirek and was left on the verge of near-death of her sacrifice seeing it very similar it is with Tank even though in this it's only for the winter. To her, it's like she is going through the same experience she felt when Twilight faked her death and then nearly suffered a real death. To show how much emotional impact it left on her.

Twilight before this, correctly knew from past experience that Rainbow Dash would try really hardest to stop winter from coming no matter what the potential cost is, trying everything she can to stop Rainbow from making the same mistakes she made as Midnight and wind falling down the road of darkness she previously sank to.

Here we have the roles reversed as Twilight is one trying to reason with Rainbow while she on the other hoof as she is assuming the brief villainous role for trying to stop winter with her own words as Midnight being echoed right back at her as Twilight echoes the words she received from Cadance when she tried to reason with her.

For this story I decided to do a parody of "You're a Mean One. Mr. Grinch." for this story's song in place of Rainbow's "I'll Fly" song because I thought it would be fitting and funny since Rainbow Dash was thinking and acting like the Grinch in his holiday episode.

So unless any of you have any suggestions of what episodes I should cover the next chapter then the next major chapter will be "The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone." which I'll post my announcement of when I'll publish it sometime later this week, with small chapters such as "Slice of Life." and maybe "Princess Spike." along the way.

Chapter 5: The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone

Chapter 5:

The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone

Ever since helping Rainbow Dash get through her crisis of having to come to accept that Tank was going to have to hibernate and overcoming the pain her near-death experience has impacted her including her faked death Rainbow Dash has avoided falling into the same dark path she once fell into.

Since then, she did go through great lengths in helping organize the Grand Galloping Gala which is the first since her reformation which proved successful even with Discord’s chaotic antics.

“Although, I wonder how could Celestia think all of the chaos that nearly ruined the Gala was all a good thing?” Twilight wondered to herself as she made her way into the throne room. “On the other hoof my friends did make a scene in the last Grand Galloping Gala while I was greeting the guests with Princess Celestia like last time.” She added as she shrugged it off since everything still went well regardless.

She then used her magic to open up the cutie map and see that two cutie marks Rainbow and Pinkie’s appear over the map and float over to area with rocky mountains where on top of one of the hills is a large tree. The place in question is Griffonstone where all of the Griffons reside as the two have been called to Griffonstone for a friendship mission.

Twilight is happy for them but at the same time wants to come to even though the map didn’t call her.

Soon enough, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie arrive to the castle with their cutie marks glowing on their flanks and come inside the throne room where Twilight is observing Griffonstone where their cutie marks are floating over the map.

“This is so exciting.” Twilight eagerly commented. “The map is summoning you to Griffonstone, the very heart of the griffon kingdom!” She added as she summoned a book with her magic. “I don't know if either of you have read "Bygone Griffons of Greatness", but griffons were known to be—“

“Rude, insensitive bullies?” Rainbow Dash interrupted as she rested her head on the arm of her throne chair.

“You mean Gilda?” Twilight corrected and noted knowing of who she was talking about as she faces her surprised by her tone.

“Yeah, I mean Gilda!” Rainbow Dash answered yes while still sounding upset over the way she treated her friends since her last visit. “When she came to Ponyville, she was a total jerk to all my friends, especially Pinkie Pie!”

“She was a bit of a party pooper.” Pinkie also noted while agreeing with Rainbow as she sat upside down on her throne chair.

“Mm-hmm.” Rainbow agreed with her in the same bitter tone as Twilight approaches her.

“So, maybe Gilda was a little rude.” Twilight understandably acknowledged Rainbow’s feeling towards her now former friend as she walks by with the book in tow. “You still get to go to Griffonstone, and according to this book, it has a rich, fascinating history!” She added as she opened the book to read from as Pinkie watches over her shoulder to see what is inside the book as she reads. “In ancient times, griffons were known to be as greedy as dragons, always hoarding their bits and other treasures.” Twilight narrated as she showed a picture of griffons hoarding piles of gold. “But all that changed when King Grover found the mysterious golden Idol of Boreas.” Twilight narrated as she showed said griffon holding up the aforementioned object. “Legend says the Idol of Boreas was made from the dust of golden sunsets, blown across the mountains by the north winds.” She narrated as she showed the picture of the object onto the table in front of the king himself. “Possessing the Idol of Boreas filled the griffons' hearts with pride. It's said that that one great treasure is responsible for turning Griffonstone into the most majestic kingdom of all the land.” She narrated as she showed the griffons living in peace and harmony.

“And why do you care so much about griffons anyway?” Rainbow Dash interrupted wondering why Twilight is into them anyways.

“It was actually Gilda's visit that made me curious. So I picked up "Bygone Griffons of Greatness", and I've been hooked ever since!” Twilight still positively answered as she sighed on the next part of her sentence. “And now... Now you two get to see Griffonstone with your very own eyes.”

“Huh? Just me and Rainbow Dash?” Pinkie asked confused by what she had just said.

“Hey, you can totally take my place if you want.” Rainbow offered as she yawned wanting to take a nap instead. “I still have half a nap to finish.”

“Why don't you just come with us?” Pinkie offered. “I mean, you are the Princess of Friendship.” Pinkie pointed out that just because she wasn’t called it’s not stopping her from accompanying them.

There Twilight then thought “That’s true. I may not be allowed to help them out with their mission but I suppose I could accompany them.”

“That’s true.” Twilight agreed. “Although this is your mission, what’s stopping me from visiting Griffonstone?”

“Exactly!” Pinkie cheerfully agreed. “What is stopping you from visiting a place you really want to go to?”

“Well…” Twilight started before making her decision with a smile. “All right, I’ll come.”

“Yipeee!” Pinkie happily exclaimed as she hugged Twilight and Rainbow. “We're going to have so much fun together going to Griffonstone!”

Rainbow Dash sighs still not enthusiastic as Pinkie about seeing Gilda again.

“Fine.” Rainbow said to make it clear that she is only going because the map called her and does have an obligation to this mission she and Pinkie have to do. “Even though I still feel like I going to regret this.”

“That’s the spirit!” Pinkie cheerfully said as she blew a party horn in excitement.

Shortly afterwards all three ponies got on the train as they make their way from Ponyville to Griffinstone.

As the train is currently traveling through the mountains, Pinkie eagerly excited as a cater pony wheels a cart of snacks consisting of apples, cupcakes, and candy, Rainbow Dash sitting across from her is reading a book looking very uninterested.

“Whatcha reading, Rainbow?” Pinkie curiously asked her.

“Twilight literally wrote a book on what we need to do in Griffonstone.” Rainbow answered with an annoyed sight.

“You mean like a guide on how to figure out what problem we're supposed to fix?” Pinkie corrected Rainbow as she helps herself to the treats from the cart.

“And then some.” Rainbow Dash added on to confirm it as she holds the book over her head. “It's like Twilight herself in book form. She further expressed irritation as she mimics Twilight complete with styling her mane similarly to her. "Always carry plenty of bits. The griffons are sure to help you as long as you share the wealth."

“Well at least you’ll know what to know while I’m touring Griffonstone since this is your mission.” Twilight spoke up as she approached from behind revealing that she heard and saw Rainbow’s imitation of her.

Before Rainbow could speak up in her defense she and Twilight both saw Pinkie handing the cater pony a huge bag of bits as she ended up buying out the entire cart of snacks.

After swallowing a cupcake she had just eaten she then nervously asks with a grin.

“Uh, can I borrow some bits?”

Both Twilight and Rainbow Dash roll their eyes in annoyance at Pinkie’s carelessness as they both face-hoof themselves that she just wasted her entire bag of money just to satisfy her sweet tooth.

“I think it’s for the best that I handle the bit business around here until we get back.” Twilight firmly replied no as she secured her bag of bits from her, much to Pinkie’s disappointment. “Besides you both need them as you have a very important mission to complete. I’ll be around to offer advice and guidance but I can’t help out with this mission since the map didn’t call me.”

Once they get to their destination at Griffon Gorge, the three ponies all saddle up as they prepare to head in the direction of the Hyperborean Mountains as Pinkie adds more luggage on Rainbow’s back much to her annoyance.

“Upon arriving in Griffon Gorge, be sure to pause and cast your eyes northerly, up the Hyperborean Mountains, taking in the breathtaking beauty of Griffonstone.” Twilight instructed them to follow her in the direction of the mountains as she pointed her hoof to their left. When they get to the mountains they all donned rounded hats with a pointed golden top and fur lining around them as they all walked uphill, well skipped uphill in Pinkie’s case.

“Once we are in Griffonstone proper, we’re going to go immediately to the palace and introduce ourselves to the king. “ Twilight further instructed as they climbed the mountains and crossed an arched bridge. ““Bygone Griffons of Greatness" was written a long time ago, and it ends with the coronation of the fourteenth king of the griffons, King Guto. I have no idea who's in charge now.” Twilight further explained with a shrug that even she doesn’t know everything which includes who exactly is in charge. “I’ll tell him the Princess of Friendship is here to visit while you two have been sent by me, and you're there to help with some sort of problem. If for some reason the king can't help, I'd try the Griffonstone library next.” She further suggested in case speaking with the king falls through as they leaped over a large gap between mountains before Pinkie happily pointed out that they are most at Griffonstone as they see it on top of a distant mountain nearby as she and Twilight eagerly trot forward in that direction. “It's a little known secret that if you befriend a librarian, you can usually find out anything. Plus, as a bonus, there's a statue of King Grover outside!” Twilight giggled as she continued giving her instructions Rainbow Dash drops his jaw at the distance they have to cover before actually reaching Griffonstone while faking a smile for Pinkie before frowning again as they move forward.

“Photo op! And don't forget to sample some famous griffon scones. They're supposed to be the best.” Twilight concluded as they finally reached the official entrance to the kingdom. An arch made out of pure gold with red feathers decorating around its corners, looking like wings.

“Finally, we made it!” Twilight happily celebrated their success as they walked under the arch.

“Told you it was a good idea to come with us.” Pinkie nudged Twilight with an “I told you so.” grin. “Now you can first-hoof see along with us that Griffonstone is…”

Immediately Pinkie stopped mid-sentence as she and Twilight both drop their jaws in shock at the sight they are seeing.

"…A total dump!" Pinkie finished as they witnessed that this was not what they had seen in the pictures back in Ponyville.

“What happened here?” Twilight spoke in shock seeing the state of Griffonstone.

Griffonstone was looking like the placed had recently just got trashed. The homes with golden hay on the roofs were broken with the roofs torn and beaten down beyond repair. There was garbage, twigs, papers, old items, all scattered around the place. Even though the place is a mess the residential griffons don't seem to mind at all. They just went about their business, not speaking to one another and not caring at all that their hometown is in complete disarray.

“Ugh. Maybe the map should've called Rarity instead of us.” Rainbow commented feeling she should have stayed back home in Ponyville.

“Rainbow, I know this place isn’t quite as ideal as we originally and whatever the reason the map summoned you and Pinkie is for you both to find out together.” Twilight told Rainbow while acknowledging “Yes. This place is a mess. But the map summoned you and Pinkie here for a reason.”

“Excuse me, sir?” Pinkie called out to a griffon in front of them. “This is Griffonstone, right?” She asked him as she got in his face who responds by grabbing her by the face and moving her aside before walking off.

“Well, that wasn't very nice.” Pinkie commented finding it a little rude.

“Well you did get right into his face and kind of insulted their hometown.” Twilight honestly and bluntly commented.

“See? These griffons are exactly like I'd thought they'd be.” Rainbow told Pinkie and Twilight in an “I told you so.” tone.

“How about we just head on other to the palace so we can ask the king what’s going on.” Twilight suggested that they move things along so that they can focus on their mission.

“We don’t have a king, losers.”

The trio turned around as they see a female griffon has landed right behind them as she spoke to them.

"Hello, Gilda." Rainbow Dash greeted the griffon with resentment in her voice.

"Dash." Gilda greeted in the same tone.

"Pinkie!" She happily exclaimed her own name as Gilda eyes Twilight.

“And who’s the pony with the wings and horn.” Gilda asked Rainbow as she points a claw at her who returns an unsurprised look considering the last time she was in town. Even though Twilight is aware who Gilda is, they have had little to no interaction with each other.

“Twilight, this is Gilda. Gilda, this is Twilight.” Rainbow grudgingly introduced the two to each other.

“Hello.” Twilight greeted with a smile. “Nice to meet you. Although I did see you the last time you were here.”

“Whatever.” Gilda brushed her off as Twilight’s smile faded by that gesture.

“What are you doing here?” Rainbow asked Gilda in the same bitter tone.

“Uh, I'm a griffon?” Gilda bluntly answered she lives here. “What's your excuse, dweebs?”

“Hey! These 'dweebs' are here to help Griffonstone!” Pinkie defended as she got up in Gilda’s face and rose up a hoof.

“Help it what?” Gilda asked as she lowered her hoof down.

“Well... we're not really sure! But it involves a map and our cutie marks and a problem, and—“ Pinkie awkwardly at first at a loss for words to describe it before explaining what they have now.

“What Pinkie is trying to say they have been summoned here to fix a friendship problem.” Twilight finished for Pinkie as Gilda walks by uninterested.

“Bored now!”

“Well if you don't have a king, could you at least tell us where the Idol of Boreas is?” Pinkie asked still hopeful of completing their mission.

“Ha-ha! Don't tell me you really believe in that thing.” Gilda scoffed as she turned to face them dismissing it is tall tale.

“You'd better believe in it!“ A bald aged griffon spoke from the window as he coughed from the dust in his house fell down the stairs to come out of his house.

Twilight can’t help but notice that the old griffon was blind in his left eye with a scar over his eye.

“What happened to him?” Twilight expressed with Pinkie and Rainbow as he emerged from his house unharmed.

“It was the best thing to ever happen to us griffons!” He further spoke his mind.

“Oh, great. Now you got Grampa Gruff started!” Gilda responded as she rolled her eyes annoyed.

“I'll tell you the whole tragic tale…” Grampa Griffon laughed and offered as he held up his claw expecting something. ”...for a couple of bits.”

Twilight gives Pinkie an “I told you so.” look with a raised hoof to silently reprimand her for her careless spending as she and a reluctant Rainbow Dash each give Grampa Griffon a bit while Pinkie grins embarrassed that she came up short-changed.

Grampa Griffon examines the bits and bites into one of them to make sure they are real. Once he is 100% certain they are real he places them on his head under his fez hat.

“The first griffon king, King Grover, united our kind like we've never been united before or since! And he did it all with that incredible Idol of Boreas.” Grampa Gilda started his story as Pinkie giggles at Griffon mimicking him from behind.

She quickly turned away looking like she was minding her own business as Grampa Gilda glares at her.

As Pinkie resists the urge to the laugh, Twilight quickly uses her wing to slap her while unable to resist finding it funny too as Rainbow just looks at Pinkie unamused.

“That idol brought pride to the heart of every griffon that saw it!” Grampa Griffon further told the story as he led them all to an abandoned palace as Twilight looks on with great interest hearing this while feeling sorry for them. “From one king to the next, Griffonstone had our golden idol. We were the envy of all other species. It held us together – it gave us an identity – right up until the reign of King Guto. That's when Arimaspi came to steal our griffon treasure! King Guto tried to fight him off, but Arimaspi managed to get away with the idol! They say when our treasure fell into the Abysmal Abyss, our pride went with it. King Guto was the last king of Griffonstone, and we all lived miserably ever after. The end!” Grampa Griffon concluded.

“That was the saddest story ever!” Pinkie sadly exclaimed as she teared up hearing that.

“Aw, well...” Grampa sympathetically at first told her until changing to a more harsh tone. “Tough tailfeathers! No refunds!” He yelled at her and flew off.

“No wonder your book ended with the coronation of King Guto.” Pinkie told Twilight as she was in the middle of writing down everything he had just said. “Who would want to record a history that sad?”

“It's not sad!” Gilda retorted as Grampa Griffon flew back down on the ground behind her and crawled out through the hole in the wall behind her. “Do we look sad to you?”

“Well to be honest, yes.” Twilight bluntly commented. “Seeing that this whole place is not exactly an ideal place to spread friendship all around.”

“Exactly!” Rainbow agreed immediately while thanking Twilight for saying something about it out of disgust towards Gilda before turning to face Pinkie after looking at the tree stump in the center of the room and thinking of an idea.

“Pinkie, I think I know why the map sent us here. We need to find the Idol of Boreas and bring glory and pride back to Griffonstone!” Rainbow told Pinkie of what they need to do as Gilda laughs it off.

“Ha-ha. Here we go – typical pony hero complex. None of us care about that dumb old idol. Don't you get it? We don't care about anything, and that's the way we like it!”

“This sound’s familiar.” Twilight thought to herself as Gilda’s words strike a chord of her past through her ears.

“I think Rainbow Dash is right! The map sent us here to fix some sort of problem!” Pinkie commented as she managed to get onto Gilda’s back without her noticing much to her irritation.

“The only problem Griffonstone has is you!” Gilda yelled at her as she ejected Pinkie off of her back and flew off in a huff. Fortunately, Twilight caught her mid-air before she could hit the ground.

“Well, I don't care what she says.” Rainbow responded immediately shrugging off Gilda’s words. “We're gonna find that treasure, make Griffonstone cool again, and get back to Ponyville! Come on!” Rainbow instructed Pinkie to follow her as she flew off ahead.

“Wait, Rainbow Dash. What about Twilight's advice?” Pinkie called out just before Rainbow could take off.

“What, taking a bunch of pictures?” Rainbow asked in confusion as Twilight rolls her eyes annoyed at her answer.

“She mentioned finding answers at the library.” Pinkie brought up as Rainbow throws the guide book at her face as Twilight glares at her for that.

“Knock yourself out.” Rainbow responded she doesn’t care. “But when you get bored with Twilight's tour book, I'll be at the Abysmal Abyss finding the Idol of Boreas.” With that she immediately took her leave and flew off.

“Just let her go.” Twilight advised Pinkie as she picked up her guide and handed it to Pinkie before she could pursue the speedy Pegasus. “She’ll see of how you both have to together in order to complete this mission.” She added as they walked out of the palace and in the direction of their library. “But I am more than happy to help you out with your research.” Twilight added a little giddy at the thought of seeing what awaits in their library.

Twilight and Pinkie traveled around looking for the library when Pinkie sees Gilda carrying a cart from behind and decides to ask her for directions.

“Hey, Gilda! Word on the street is that Griffonstone has an amazing library chock-full of answers!” Pinkie cheerfully greeted the bitter griffon.

“Word on what street?” Gilda irritably asked her.

“Okay, maybe not this street…” She corrected herself “...But on other streets, your library is the talk of the town.”

“The library's right there, so why don't you go inside and leave me alone?!” Gilda complied with her question as she pointed in the direction of the library if that meant Pinkie leaving her alone before yelling at her with her wings spread out at that moment before walking ahead.

As soon as Twilight caught up with Pinkie she gasped in horror at the sight of what she was seeing.

A library that’s completely destroyed with books scattered around and knocked over bookshelves.

“What in the name of Celestia is all of this?” Twilight exclaimed sounding a little devastated as she held up some of the books with torn pages.

“Maybe you were better off that you didn't come at all…” Pinkie commented as she felt guilty for talking her into accompanying them as she eyes a statue of King Grover with a book on its face. She then climbed up to the statue like she is talking to the king himself. “It's sad what happened to your town, King, but Rainbow Dash can't be right. This can't all be because of a missing hunk of gold.” She spoke her thoughts as she removed the book off of the statue’s face and played with the statue’s lips like he is talking to her. “You are right, Pinkie! And you've got amazing hair!” She spoke mimicking King Grover’s voice. “Aw, King Grover, you old charmer!” Pinkie spoke flattered at her own comment.

Twilight on the other hoof was too distraught seeing the state of the library to even chastise Pinkie for toying with statues of important ponies and griffons as she sits down eyeing the torn books.

She then looks around and sees Pinkie eyeing a couple of griffons who bumped into each other and glare at each other as they walk by.

“I know what Griffonstone needs!” Pinkie expressed with a smile after she gasps with an idea in mind.

“Fewer ponies?” Gilda bitterly commented as she placed pastries on display in her cart.

“A song!” Pinkie answered as she jumped up in the air. “I've got a super song about smiling that sure to make even the most grumpy griffon grin!” She added as she got up right in front of her as she inhaled ready to sing yet is quickly stopped when Gilda places a claw over her mouth.

“Can't sing here!” Gilda told Pinkie as she pointed to a sign to a picture of a griffon singing, and a red circle with a slash on it, as proof that’s a rule here.

“Wow.” Twilight commented at the sign with sarcastic surprise. “That’s a shock. Makes me wonder what else you have banned here.”

“But how do you break into uplifting musical numbers with no singing?” Pinkie questioned Gilda with her hooves raised up in the air.

“Yeah, that's Griffonstone's biggest problem – lack of uplifting musical numbers.” Gilda replied just as sarcastic as Twilight as she continued arranging the pastries.

“Well if I can't sing, how about a party? If there's one thing these griffons need, it's a good cheer! Where's your party store?” Pinkie asked offering new ideas to cheer her up yet is met with simple stoic look from Gilda.

“Wow, this is sure bringing back memories.” Twilight said to herself noting that she shares with the stoic and bitter personality from her time as Midnight.

“No party store? Uh, how about cake? Nothing cheers folks up like cake! Where's a bakery?” She further offered as Gilda groans annoyed.

“No singing, no party store, no bakery?! What is this place?!” Pinkie further questioned as she briefly grabbed Gilda and screamed with her hooves in the air.

“You're welcome to leave at any time!” Gilda yelled at Pinkie in response sending Pinkie flying back a few feet into a stone wall from her outburst.

“Look, Gilda.” Twilight politely spoke to Gilda in an attempt to reason with her. “I understand that you are still bitter over what happened the last time you came to Ponyville but all Pinkie is just trying to do is help.”

“Whatever.” Gilda scoffed uninterested in hearing what she has to say.

“Well, that just takes the cake. Wait, no! It can't take the cake 'cause there is no cake! Or muffins! Or griffon scones!” Pinkie spoke in complete disbelief that there is not a lot of cheer in Griffonstone.

“Oh, we got griffon scones. That's my specialty.” Gilda pointed to the pastries on her cart.

“I'll buy one!” Pinkie offered as Gilda picks up a pastry from her cart and quickly pulls the pastry away to keep Pinkie from chomping into it without paying for it first.

“Bits first!” Gilda told her with a raised claw expecting payment.

Twilight stepped forward as she pulled a single bit from her saddlebag as she has took full control of her bits not loaning a single bit for Pinkie so she can waste it on something.

Once she handed the bit to Gilda she stuffs Pinkie’s face with the scone. She tried really hard to chew on it, but the scone was too hard and stale.

"Well?" Gilda asked as she waited to hear her thoughts on the treat. "What, you like it? That's my Grampa Gruff's secret recipe."

Twilight winced when Pinkie yelled out in pain.

"Ow! I think I broke a tooth!" she said as a tooth flew out of her mouth.

"Well, whatever. No refunds. I don't even care anyway.” Gilda spoke in a tone she figures she would say that as she turned away. “I just want to sell enough of these so that I can leave this lousy town.”

“I can help you with that!” Pinkie happily offered with a smile with her mouth showing she has lost some teeth from trying to eat that scone.

“I can help you find a dentist when this is all over.” Twilight cringed at the sight of the teeth she had just lost that are now in her hooves as she has just gathered them and placed them in her bag for safekeeping.

Later Pinkie is sampling another scone yet this time with much less difficultly as she just takes a smaller bite this time.

“Grampa Gruff's recipe is good, but it's missing one important ingredient.” Pinkie commented her kind and honest thoughts about the recipe.

“Don't tell me. "Friendship"?” Gilda sarcastically as she waved her claws around in the same manner.

“No, magic.” Twilight responded just as sarcastic as Gilda as she waved her hooves up mimicking Gilda’s movements with the griffon eyeing her with an annoyed glance at her direction.

“Uh, no. Baking powder.” Pinkie replied in a tone that says not all of the time before presenting a can of baking soda. “Lucky for you, I never leave home without it!” She then adds baking soda to the scones before placing them with acorns on top in the oven. “Now just pop those in the oven and you'll have griffon scones worth their weight in gold!” She concluded her baking instructions as she accidentally tosses her oven mitten in Gilda’s face.

As the new scones baked one of the griffons stopped mid-flight to bask in the smell of the scones as another griffon who wasn’t watching where he was going bumped into her and caused her to fall onto the ground.

“Greta!” Gilda responded in shock as she helped her up who coldly shrugs it off before walking away without even a simple thank you.

“Aha!” Pinkie exclaimed. “I saw that, Gilda! You may act like a gruff, grumbling griffon, but inside you're gracious and great!”

“What are you talking about?” Gilda tried to act like it never happened as Twilight gives her a sly smile that tells her “You can’t fool us, Gilda.”

“You just helped your friend up when she got knocked down.” Pinkie pointed out

“What, her?” Gilda briefly scoffed as she watches Greta walk inside of her house. “Greta's just some griffon I know. We don't have friends here!“ She sighed as she changed her expression to a sad one. “I did have a friend once, but you saw how that turned out.”

Pinkie’s sad expression turned into a realizing expression as her eyes slide apart in opposite directions before snapping to attention. “Oh, my gosh, I gotta go find Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie exclaimed in realization as she ran off on her own.

“See ya.” Gilda groaned seeing Pinkie leave leaving her with Twilight as she focuses on watching over her scones.

“Look, Gilda…” Twilight started as she walks up to her as they both watch over the cooking scones. “I know you and Rainbow Dash don’t see each other as friends but it’s not too late to rekindle your friendship with her.”

“Why would I do that when she made it clear she doesn’t want to be my friend anymore after the way I treated you and your friends.” Gilda scoffed at the very idea.

“Because even with our ups and downs we always make up and forgive each other in the end even if it takes years for it to happen.” Twilight positively replied. “Believe me when I tell you I know that for a fact because I’ve done worse before.”

“Really?” Gilda skeptically replied with a glance. “And how so?”

“Well for starters you’re looking at the pony that used to be known as Midnight Sparkle.” Twilight answered as Gilda seems to have memories ringing back to her at the mention of her name.

“I’ve heard about you.” Gilda spoke as she recognizes her former villainous self as she points a claw at her. “You’re that pony who shattered the Crystal Heart at the Equestrian Games.”

“Yep, that’s me.” Twilight replied and sighed as she looks aside as she is not proud of it.

“Wow!” Gilda spoke amazed of what she’s accomplished as she slightly nudges Twilight on her shoulder. “That’s pretty impressive. Who would have known you’d be capable of doing something so cold and heartless.”

Even though Gilda is not mad at her as she chuckled at the thought of ponies cowering before her, Twilight isn’t taking the compliment in stride.

“Well, point being even though I successfully took over Equestria, I never felt happy deep down as the sting from being abandoned and disowned by my friends and family was still felt deep down in my heart.” Twilight further explained wanting to focus more on her point to Gilda. “It wasn’t until I came to finally realize what I have been doing that I finally had a change of heart and came to forgive them.”

“Wait, after your brother, friends, and the princess all walked out on you like that, you eventually came around to forgive them?” Gilda asked in surprise and taken aback that she would do that even after everything they said and did to her.

“Yes I did, and they forgave me even after everything I did as Midnight Sparkle.” Twilight replied with a nod. “I may not have gone through what you have and I went through and did things much worse than lashing out at other ponies, but I understand what it is like to have felt like the friendship you once had only to be broken up after an argument.”

Hearing this causes Gilda to express some silent sympathy for the alicorn as she ended going through worse yet was able to mend fences in the end as her expression soften as she places a claw on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry to hear that, Twilight.”

“It’s okay and thank you.” Twilight reassured her it’s no big deal know while gratefully acknowledging her sympathy. “I still have a ways to go before everyone’s finally ready to see that I am truly a redeemed pony deep down.” She then turned to face Gilda with a curious expression as Gilda retracts her claw from Twilight hesitatingly and surprised as for once somebody didn’t give her the cold shoulder for showing kindness.

“Can I ask you how you and Rainbow Dash became friends?” She asked the griffon who hesitates to answer at first before replying with a reluctant sigh as she looked aside as she sadly recalled the memory as she first arrived at Cloudsdale’s flight camp when she was a very young griffon carrying a green suitcase.

Back then she was shy and felt out of place being the only griffon at flight camp.

As a young Rainbow Dash flies back three other Pegasus ponies fly over her ready to give her a hard time.

“Doesn't that griffon know she's supposed to fly at the Junior Speedsters Flight Camp?” The brown Pegasus rudely commented as Rainbow blows a cloud in her direction.

“Maybe she just doesn't want to make you look bad!” Rainbow defended as she flew forward literally leaving them in the dust as she flies down to Gilda. “Hey there, I'm Rainbow Dash! And you are...?” She introduced herself.

“Uh... G-G-G-G-Gilda.” The shy griffon nervously replied.

“You sure about that?” Rainbow Dash replied as she crossed her hooves confidently causing Gilda to feel touched by the comfort she was giving her. “Stick with me, Gilda, and those guys won't give you any more guff.” She reassured her as she grabbed her claw to get her to join her in flight. “Whoa! You're awesome!” She complimented her as she was able to perform neat flying tricks such as twirling around in flight and keeping up with her.

“You too, Rainbow Dash!” Gilda returned the compliment as they flew around the skies much to the three bully ponies shock.

“Well, Gilda, let's show these guys how it's done!” Rainbow confidently told Gilda to follow her lead as they fly in towards the trio and plows through scattering them across the sky like bowling pins.

“Junior Speedsters are our lives.” Gilda chanted as she stretched her arms and clenched her claw.

“Skybound soars and daring dives.” Rainbow chanted as she twirled around in flight.

“Junior Speedsters, it's our quest to someday be the very best!” Rainbow and Gilda chanted as they placed their arms on each other backs.

Back in the present, Gilda’s eyes briefly teared up as she recalled the memory of what their friendship was like until the last time they met as she quickly regained her composure.

“Back then she still had a big heart to open out to you whether you were a griffon or a pony.” Twilight spoke complimenting Rainbow’s kindness back then. “That’s definitely true friendship there.”

“Whatever.” Gilda shrugged as if it was nothing but still feels nothing came make up for her behavior back then. “But now she wants nothing do with me and she never will.”

“I’m sure if you told her that you still care about her and you’re sorry for the way you treated her and Pinkie, I’m sure she’s willing to give you another chance and forgive you.” Twilight reassured her as she placed a hoof on her shoulder.

At that moment Gilda focused on checking on her scones and after putting on her oven mittens pulls them out of the oven seeing that they have been cooked long enough.

Both Gilda and Twilight sampled the scones and were both delighted of how much better they tasted than before.

“Mmm.” Twilight spoke delighted by the taste. “Looks like Pinkie got your scones in the right direction in taste.

“Eh. At least I can sell enough of these so I can leave this dump.” Gilda responded as if it was nothing.

Before Twilight could voice her input Pinkie came up to them sounding like she needs Gilda’s help.

“Rainbow Dash is stuck on a ledge in the Abysmal Abyss, and I need your help to save her!” Pinkie frantically spoke as she trotted in place.

“Not my problem.” Gild refused as she turned away.

“Of course it's your problem! She's your friend!” Pinkie pleaded again to reconsider.

“Used to be.” Gilda bitterly remarked.

“Come on, Gilda.” Twilight urged her to help Rainbow. “I understand if you don’t want to be friends with her anymore but I think saving her is the least you do for her.”

Remembering what Twilight had just told her she relented as she replied and got into Pinkie’s face.

"Fine. I'll help her. But that doesn't make me her friend." Gilda firmly spoke of her decision.

“Duly noted.” Pinkie replied in an understanding tone as Gilda walked ahead. “Except it does!” Pinkie spoke to Twilight in a sing-song tone.

“I know.” Twilight replied in the same sing song tone as they ran after Gilda to where Rainbow is trapped on a ledge down in the gorge.

Once Gilda donned climbing gear and made sure she was tied up and secure to a nearby boulder she carefully climbed down the cliff so she can save her.

“Hang on, loser! I'm coming!” Gilda called out as she climbed down as Twilight and Pinkie watch from above.

“What took you so long, doofus?!” Rainbow Dash jokingly replied while pleased that somebody was coming to rescue her.

The strong caught forcing her to hang onto the ledge with her strong talons. The ledge underneath Rainbow finally crumbled and gave way completely causing her to scream as she is falling to her doom down below into the abyss.

“Rainbow Dash! I'm coming for you!” Pinkie called out as she tied herself up with the rope as she leaped down into the gorge in an effort to save her. But by doing so, she untied the rope securing Gilda causing her to be literally dragged down by her.

“Pinkie wait!” Twilight raised a hoof out alarmingly but it was too late to stop her as her words fell on deaf ears as she has already leaped down into the gorge.

All Twilight could do now was watch and hope that they all come out alive.

After minutes of pacing around in worry whether or not they will make it out alive or have fallen to their dooms, Twilight thankfully sees Gilda climb back up the cliff with Rainbow and Pinkie in tow.

Once they were a safe distance from the ledge Twilight immediately embraces her friends in a tight hug.

“Rainbow! Pinkie!” You’re both okay!” Twilight exclaimed in relief and joy that they didn’t die.

“Yeah, thanks to Gilda who pulled us to safety after I was able to slow down Rainbow’s fall but ended up stumbling upon and losing the Idol of Boreas in the process.” Pinkie rapidly explained to Twilight as she tightly hugged her in return.

“So it’s Gilda to the rescue, huh?” Twilight slyly smiled at the griffon as she looked away trying to hide her embarrassment. “It’s a good thing your friendly instincts kicked in.”

“Don’t push it.” Gilda warned Twilight still presenting her prideful and tough appearance even though Twilight still isn’t fooled by her attempts to shrug it off.

The four then made it back to Griffonstone safely as Rainbow Dash stays in flight to keep herself from putting pressuring on her injured leg.

“I'm really sorry about how I treated you two.” Gilda sincerely apologized to Pinkie and Rainbow.

“Thanks, Gilda.” Rainbow acknowledged.

“Apology accepted.” Pinkie also acknowledged.

“And I'm just sorry we didn't get your idol back. Now we'll never be able to solve Griffonstone's problem.” Rainbow Dash glumly returned as she hung her head in failure.

“That's what I was trying to tell you!” Pinkie finally explained to Rainbow much to her surprise. “The map didn't send us here to find the lost Idol of Boreas. It sent us here to replace it with something better!”

“Nothing's better than gold to a griffon.” Gilda said confused of what Pinkie means by that.

“That's because you don't have friendship!” Pinkie responded as she wraps Gilda around her arm. “If you can learn to care about each other again, Griffonstone could be a mightier kingdom than it ever was before! And you don't need some golden idol to do that. You just need each other.”

“Exactly!” Twilight happily replied with a warm smile.

“Whoa, Pinkie. That was... really sappy.” Rainbow spoke sounded amazed before frowning at her response.

“Eh, what can I say?” Pinkie replied with a shrug. “That's how I roll. Go on, Gilda! Go make a friend!” Pinkie urged her to try to reach out to Greta as she and Rainbow pushed her forward in Greta’s direction with a tray of freshly baked scones.

“I don't know, Pinkie. You really think these griffons are up for this? We aren't exactly in Ponyville, you know.” Rainbow Dash asked unsure if spreading friendship outside of Ponyville will work as they watch Gilda and Greta’s conversation.

“Okay, so she was really weirded out until I gave her the scone. Then she tried it and said it tasted good! That's the first nice thing any griffon's ever said to me!” Gilda reported her success of befriending Greta now genuinely smiling as she seems happy for the first time in a while.

At that moment Pinkie and Rainbow’s cutie marks glow to signal that they have succeeded in their mission.

“Whoa, Pinkie. I guess that really was the problem we needed to solve.” Rainbow spoke now sounding impressed with Pinkie for figuring out the real problem.

Pinkie then suddenly appeared in an old film reel quality with baking powder next to her. “Baking powder makes baked goods and friendships fluffy and delicious!” She spoke with a squee in the end.

“Well, we'd better be heading home.” Rainbow Dash told Gilda who reacts in surprise spreading her wings hearing that they are leaving.

“What? Y-Y-You want me to spread friendship here by myself?! How am I supposed to do that?! I haven't even made one single friend yet!” Gilda reacted sounding completely unsure and pressured by this.

“No, you haven't. You've made two.” Rainbow told her with reassurance.

“Three.” Twilight added that she is her friend too causing Gilda to feel really touched hearing this from the Princess of Friendship.

“Hugging! Hugging now!” Pinkie teared up as she brought all four into a huddle.

“But you'll come back and visit, right?” Gilda asked hopeful they will.

“Just try and stop us!” Rainbow jokingly told her “Yes.” In her own way as Gilda politely pulls Pinkie off of her.

“Besides, Griffonstone’s library could really use some renovations.” Twilight politely pointed out to the open book shelves. “And feel free to message the Princess of Friendship as your new pen pal and I’ll happy come by and visit in a flash and help you spread the magic of friendship here in Griffonstone.” She concluded her offer as she handed her an envelope with a pen to which Gilda kindly accepts before they went their separate ways.

“See ya later, you old charmer.“ Pinkie spoke to a statue in front of Gilda and Greta continuing to bond over scones.

“Uh, Pinkie? Who are you talking to?” Rainbow Dash asked her confused of what she is doing.

“Nopony!” Pinkie quickly replied to which Twilight rolls her eyes amused as she knows what she was really doing. “Come on, let's go home and see how Gummy did with Granny Pie's marjolaine recipe!” Pinkie told Rainbow and Twilight as they approached the arch on their way out.

“Wait you put Gummy in charge of the baking?” Twilight asked in surprise hearing this.

“Yep!” Pinkie happily replied.

“Well then let’s hope Sugarcube Corner is still standing by the time you get back.” Twilight couldn’t help but sarcastically quip knowing that Gummy most likely hasn’t done a thing since she left which unbeknownst to her is actually proven correct as Gummy is still holding the roller and is exactly where Pinkie last left her.

Pinkie couldn’t help but laugh at Twilight’s sarcasm. “Oh, Twilight. You are such a kidder.”

Twilight could only smile and giggle not even denying how funny it is as they walk under the arch while pleased with herself that she managed to convince Gilda to make amends with Rainbow and Pinkie and felt much better seeing that friendship is now being spread across Griffonstone thanks to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie’s successful mission.

Author's Note

In this chapter, you'll see I have included Twilight accompanying Rainbow and Pinkie to Griffonstone for two reasons.

One, just because the map didn't call her shouldn't stop her from going to Griffonstone as long as she doesn't interfere with Pinkie and Rainbow's mission. So like in the Cutie Map, Twilight is once again helping from the sidelines with her advice and guidance.

Two, considering Gilda too has a burnt bridge in friendship between her former friend Rainbow Dash since her visit in Ponyville back in Season 1, it proves a perfect opportunity to help Gilda by getting her to make amends with both Rainbow and Pinkie by telling her of her past experience as the villainous Midnight to show that she can earn their forgiveness and even their friendship if she apologizes for what happened in the past as Twilight herself has done worse than what Gilda which allows Gilda to bond with Twilight from this conversation (which for the record I tried really hard to get their characterization done right when creating this new scene.") as former antagonists really find common ground from their past experience.

Up next will be a short chapter as "The Slice of Life." is next on the list focusing on the wedding of Cranky Doodle Donkey and Matilda and maybe "Princess Spike." if I find something worth focusing on her redemption arc about unlike "Make New Friends but Keep Discord."

Chapter 6: Slice of Life

Chapter 6:

Slice of Life:

On a fine day in Ponyville, Twilight is in her castle going through her mail with her checklist in tow as reads the invitation for Cranky Doodle Donkey and Matilda’s wedding which was scheduled for today.

Fortunately, for them Twilight was ready to step up and take care of the preparations. As she herself has always been capable of organizing every important matter in Ponyville even during the time she was Midnight and even when it’s short notice. Pinkie is all set to be the wedding planner while Rarity is set to have the dresses for the wedding to be ready today too.

While Twilight is confident that she will successfully complete this task she personally is a little uneasy at the thought of preparing a wedding as this is the first wedding she is planning since both Canterlot Weddings to which Chrysalis and her changelings nearly took over for the former, and when Twilight when she was Midnight took over Canterlot and Ponyville with her staged changeling attack and gained the Nightmare Moon like form and powers to go to launch a terrorist like attack at the Equestrian Games to take over Equestria. Not to mention her brother and the other Princesses are also coming to the wedding to which Twilight is a little uneasy of facing them even after they forgive her for her actions as Midnight Sparkle as well as everypony in attendance fearing she is just one slip-up away from being cast out of town.

Just before Twilight could carry out her preparations for the wedding Spike came running up to her with an urgent message from Princess Celestia.

“Twilight!” Spike called out to her as he entered the throne room.

“What is it, Spike?” Twilight asked he approached her.

“I just got word from the princess that a bugbear has been spotted near Ponyville.” Spike urgently reported as he panted to catch his breath.

Twilight took a moment to process all of this and after thinking it over she made her decision.

“Okay! Tell the princess me and the girls will take care of it!” Twilight spoke of her decision.

“Are you sure?” Spike asked her a little surprised that she is more than willing to do this. “But what about the wedding?”

“If the bugbear is said to be nearby then that means that it could attack and wreak havoc on all of Ponyville.” Twilight explained. “By the time the princesses arrive they won’t be able to get here in time. I know this means I won’t be able to assist with the wedding preparations and I know how much this day means to Cranky Doodle Donkey and Matilda but somepony has to stop him before he ruins their big day. After all Equestria was nearly taken over once on the day of the wedding.”

“Ok.” Spike relented understanding Twilight’s reasons as she writes up a quick message to Princess Celestia of Twilight’s response and then sends it to her by blowing fire at it. “What should I do in the meantime?”

“Tell the mayor that the girls and I will be unavailable to help out with the wedding due to dealing with an upcoming bugbear attack.” Twilight instructed Spike as he wrote down her instructions on another piece of paper. “But tell her that we will be able to attend the wedding today. Got it?”

“Got it!” Spike replied as he went off to carry out his task while Twilight runs off in the opposite direction so she can fetch her friends for their help in dealing with this last minute problem.

“Looks like somepony else is going to have to deal with the preparations this time around.” Twilight said to herself annoyed that there is always some trouble arising at a wedding. “First wedding since the one in Canterlot and there is trouble already brewing.” She continued with a sigh as she recalled the challenging invasion from the first wedding and the staged invasion from the second wedding. “Oh, well, at least I didn’t have anything to do with this mess unlike the last two weddings I’ve been too.”

She then rushed to Rarity’s boutique and immediately knocked on the door to which Rarity immediately responded.

“Twilight!” Rarity reacted in surprise and seriously asked. “What’s the emergency?”

“There have been reports that a bugbear has been spotted nearby Ponyville.” Twilight urgently told her.

“What?!” Rarity spoke in shock. “On the same day as the wedding, but I have got to prepare wedding dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids. They are already counting on me to have them ready by today.”

“I’m afraid whatever plans you have before the wedding are going to have to be put on hold because I need your help in dealing with this.” Twilight firmly and apologetically told her what’s more important to deal with. “I’m sure they’ll understand that you couldn’t make time to do it and that you had to deal with an important emergency from the Princess herself. It’s better to have ponies who know how to fight off and deal with these creatures than have a wedding crashed by an attack during the middle of the reception.”

“That’s true.” Rarity acknowledged. “If that beast were to destroy my shop I’d have more orders I can’t fulfill because he wrecked my place of inspiration for beauty and fashion. Ok. I’m help.”

“Great! I’m going to go get Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy while you fetch Applejack and Pinkie Pie. We will need their help as well.” Twilight instructed Rarity on what she needs her to do first. “Have them meet us in front of the bowling alley.”

“Will do Twilight!” Rarity immediately obeyed as they both ran off in separate directions with Dr. Hooves arriving at the boutique a minute after they had left.

Later after the Mane Six all gathered together in front of the bowling alley Twilight is giving her friends the brief-in of what’s about to happen while they were talking a bunch of ponies nearby watch them as they talk during their group huddle including Big Mac, Cheerilie, and the Cutie Mar Crusaders.

“All rights girls. As you all have heard by now there have been reports that a bugbear has been spotted nearby Ponyville.” Twilight started off their group huddle conversation.

“Yep, and on the day of the wedding.” Rainbow Dash irritably pointed out. “Of all days this creature had to choose today?!”

“Well, regardless.” Twilight spoke immediately to focus on the upcoming threat. “Whatever plans we have today have to be put aside in favor in dealing with this threat before it causes even more damage. So Applejack you think you can try to lasso and bring that bugbear down?”

“Agreed.” Applejack nodded on board with what they need to do.

“Rainbow Dash you on board too? Can you use your speed to your advantage to slow him down in case he tries to fly off and hurt other ponies?” Twilight questioned her.

“I’m in.” Rainbow Dash spoke in agreement too as Pinkie is leaning in toward Twilight popping head around her as she speaks.

“What about you, Fluttershy? Can you try to tame him?” Twilight questioned while pointing a hoof at her.

“Got it!” Fluttershy replied.

At that moment the bugbear in question roars from a small distance having just arrived in Ponyville.

“And here it comes now.” Twilight spoke up as she and girls spot the bugbear in the distance.

As soon as the bugbear has got everypony’s attention the Mane Six immediately assume fighting positions with Fluttershy being a little reluctant and dead serious on fighting him like her friends.

The bugbear immediately goes in for the sting as he charges at the six ponies but they all effortlessly dodged the attack as Twilight flies in and blasts a beam of magic at him as Rainbow Dash swoops in to swat him on the back of the head.

He then gets up and attempts to charge at the Mane Six as they lead them away from everypony gathered around at the bowling alley.

The bugbear is putting up a tough as he has already knocked Fluttershy and Rarity away and took Pinkie Pie hostage as Twilight and Applejack try to figure out how to bring him down.

Rainbow Dash attempts to quickly charge at the bugbear only to be swatted away and into a house and just barely dodging him as he destroyed that house in an attempt to attack him.

The Mane Six regrouping all circle the bugbear from a safe distance as Rainbow tries to attack him by continuing to fly around it quickly as she can before Applejack lassos the bugbear down to the ground in an attempt to bring him down.

Even with all of Applejack’s strength alone she could not stop him from breaking free from her lasso as he manages to free himself and get back up and flying again.

The bugbear then flies off with Rainbow Dash in hot pursuit as she tries to fly in stop him from destroying another house as Twilight flies in to attack it with more magic as Rainbow flies around it with super speed successfully managing to slow it down long enough for the others to catch up to him as they regroup around the bugbear again as Pinkie is now balancing spinning plates while riding in place on a unicycle before Twilight attacks with magic again while Rainbow Dash lands some punches to the bugbear’s stomach side as Applejack and Fluttershy follow them as they make their way to Rarity’s boutique store.

The bugbear then uses his stinger to sting Rainbow on the back which knocked him out of the fight briefly as she tries to fly in for another super speed attack.

“Aaah!” Rainbow Dash cried out in pain as she fell down to the ground on her stomach.

The bugbear then take Rarity hostage much to her dismay as she pouts and crosses her arms in annoyance as Twilight and Rainbow Dash still try to bring down with magic and super speed combined as Applejack tries to get a good opening on trying to lasso him again after the speedy Pegasus was able to shake it off like it didn’t cripple her super speed.

After battling the bugbear for hours now he is finally tiring himself up and weaken from Twilight and Rainbow Dash’s attacks as he ends up letting go of Rarity due to losing his strength after suffering a good number of blows as Applejack was able to tie him up with her lasso as Twilight delivers the finishing blow with her magic.

Together, The Mane Six has finally defeated the bugbear as it lies on the ground unconscious.

“Phew! I glad that’s all over.” Applejack spoke in relief.

“Me too!” Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement in the same tone. “That bugbear really did a number on my back with that sting.” She added as she pointed to her upper back where the bugbear stung her.

“Don’t worry Rainbow Dash. We’ll get you all healed after we deal with this bugbear so sit tight while I drop him off in Tartarus.” Twilight reassured her as she grabbed the bugbear with her magic and then teleported straight to Tartarus where she placed him in an empty cage and placed a magical lock on the cage door to prevent him from ever escaping again without a unicorn or alicorn using magic to unlock the lock.

Once the job was done she immediately teleports back to Ponyville back to where her friends are.

“Now let’s get you all healed up so we can all attend the wedding.” Twilight happily told the others as she placed a hoof on Rainbow Dash who flies up in the air as they head over to the castle so they can get some ice and lotion and to bring down the swelling of the sting.

Fortunately for Rainbow Dash, the sting wasn’t too bad although it still hurts when pressure is applied to the sore spot.

The Mane Six eventually made their way to town hall as quickly as they can as the wedding is about to start.

“Well, is everypony here?” The mayor asked everypony in attendance as the Mane Six make their way to town hall.

Just before Derpy could shut and lock the door, Twilight quickly used her magic to stop the door from closing shut allowing the girls to enter the room.

“We do now!” Twilight announced as she took a moment to catch her breath. “Sorry everypony, but as you may have seen we had to take care of a bugbear that somehow got loose.”

“No trouble at all.” The mayor kindly replied as she gestured them to take their seats in the back of the room to which they all did so as instructed.

“Now that everypony is here.” The mayor then begin the reception. “We gathered here today for…” The mayor begin the ceremony only to cough repeatedly.

“Everything okay Mayor?” Cranky asked out of concern.

“Yeah I’m fine it’s just a little cough.” The mayor spoke between stronger coughs as she tried to reassure him as her voice sounds weaker.

“Mayor, I think you might be losing your voice.” Matilida spoke in concern hearing the mayor trying to speak but unable to voice a word at the moment due to her coughing much to the crowd’s concern.

“Well this is just great!” Cranky bitterly commented. “Of all times to lose your voice it has to be now.”

“Now dear, no need to be hard on her.” Matilda scolded Cranky. “We can find somepony here to marry us.” She reassured her soon to be husbands as she looked around the crowd looking for a suitable replacement until she locked her eyes on Twilight.

“Twilight.” Matilda called out to her in the back causing her to be surprised when called out. “How about you marry us?”

“Me?” Twilight asked in shock at being given this honor. “I don’t know if I the best pony for the task…” She tried to talk her out of it nervously with an awkward grin until Matilda spoke up again.

“Come on, Twilight.” Matilda encouraged her to come up with a gesturing hoof. “You can do this. What better pony to marry us than the Princess of Friendship who had just saved Ponyville from a bugbear attack with her friends.”

At first Twilight thought about further trying to talk her way out of this, but after looking around and seeing her friends, tearful brother, and the alicorn princesses giving her encouraging “Go on.” looks and hoof gestures to her but then relented as she sighed in her response.

“Okay. I suppose it is the least I could since I missed out on the preparations.” Twilight conceded in defeat as she got up from her seat as she used her magic to have her flashcards so she can remember what she is going to say when she marries Cranky and Matilda.

As she made her way put she nervously gulped as sweat falls from her face to which her friends took notice of seeing she is going to fumble in her speech.

Once she got up on the altar and in between Cranky and Matilda where the mayor once stood as she stepped aside and watch behind Twilight as she got her notecards in order.

Twilight took a deep breath to try to calm her nerves a little as she is still sweating and feeling like she is going to bomb this as she tries to urge herself to speak to the crowd as she conjured a towel wipe her forehead clean as she starts to speak.

“Deary beloved…” Twilight tried to speak yet can’t help but stop mid-sentence as she continues wiping the sweat from her forehead.

The crowd gives concerned looks as Twilight is starting to struggle and freeze in the process of trying to marry a lovely couple for the first time.

“Oh my goodness, Twilight’s not doing very well up there.” Fluttershy spoke to her friends seeing Twilight nervously gulp as she freezes up mid-sentence overwhelmed with having this responsibility thrust on her so soon.

“What should we do?” Rainbow Dash asked the others seeing she needs help.

At that moment, Spike whistles as she tosses Rainbow Dash Twilight’s crown as he makes his way up to the altar with her necklace and slippers to which Spike had handy in case Twilight needed them for this important occasion. Rainbow Dash seeing what Spike wants her to do has Fluttershy join her in carrying Twilight’s crown as Spike walks up and places the necklace and slippers around her neck and hooves. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash fly up and delicately place her crown on her head as the three non-verbally tell her that she has earned this privilege and she can do this as they make their way back to the seats.

Once Twilight gets the message her friends are giving her, she regains her composure she wipes off the last of the sweat off of her forehead as she confidently speaks to everypony after clearing her throat.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join these two in mare-trimony. As I look around this room, I can only imagine how uncomfortable Cranky must be.” Twilight announced as the crowd laughed as the groom tugged onto his collar, already sweating himself now.

“Uhh…” Cranky nervously expressed as Twilight reassures him with a wink that it’s nothing to worry about as she continues.

“But I also see so many ponies from all trots of life, brought together by love.” She further continued her speech as she sees Shining Armor and Cadance lovingly embraced each other and smile at her very proud of her. “Cranky searched all across this great land of ours to find Matilda, and no matter what obstacles kept them apart, love would finally bring them together.” Twilight further spoke as Celestia and Luna hold each other’s hooves so they can silently apologize to each other for their brief argument over a misunderstanding over a wedding gift. “Just as it has brought all of us together now. Believe me, when I tell you all I know that for a fact.” She further spoke as she jokingly giggles with a blush. “It's remarkable to me how a story like Cranky's search for Matilda could fill this room with such a unique collection of ponies! It makes you realize that everypony is the star of their own story. And it's not just the main characters in our stories that make life so rich! It's everypony – those who play big parts and those who play small. If it weren't for everypony in this room and many more who couldn't be here today, Cranky and Matilda's lives wouldn't be as full and vibrant as they are.”

Even though Twilight was referring to the couple, her friends and everybody else could tell she was also addressing to all of them and recalling her past experience as Midnight showing how much they all meant to her and how much they all meant to each other. Stephen the dragon who was watching from the open window cried tears of joy as he hugged Bulk Biceps much to his surprise.

“And so, in front of all these loved ones... Cranky, do you take this donkey to be your lawfully wedded wife?” Twilight asked Cranky as she faced her.

“You bet I do!” Cranky confidently replied.

“And do you, Matilda, take this donkey to be your lawfully wedded husband?” Twilight asked Matilda the same question as she faced her.

“I do!” Matilda happily replied with tears of joy in her eyes.

“Then I'm proud to say, I now pronounce you jack and jenny!” Twilight announced as she officially marries the couple as they approach each other and kiss each other.

Everypony cheers and claps for the married couple and for Twilight for successfully completing the honor of the marrying the happy couple.

Suddenly, some brightly colored balls started to glow and rise up something to which Dr. Hooves watched attentively they activated. In a dazzling display, the bright balls that turned out to be fireworks went up, exploding indoors in a variety of sparkle and color, amazing everypony.

Dr. Hooves laughed with joy and hugged Rose and grabbed her by the cheeks.

"Of course! They need love to ignite! How could I have missed it?!" He exclaimed in excitement as he creation goes off wonderfully.

Matilda and Cranky happily and proudly watched the display as the fireworks go off. Twilight herself produces tears of joy as she sees of how the wedding went off no problem this time and thanks to her friends she was able to gain the courage to officially marry a lovely couple for the first time. No arguments, no fallouts, no pony descending into darkness and turning evil as a result of heartbreak from major mistake as everypony in Ponyville demonstrated of being able to quickly and efficiently organize the wedding while they deal with a potential threat to Ponyville.

Near sunset, at the reception outside, Everypony happily chatted with one another, talking about how beautiful the wedding was and what a happy couple Cranky and Matilda made as Twilight still wearing her crown and princess accessories watches the happy married couple lovingly embrace each other from the entrance to the back door of town hall as her friends approach her from behind.

“You know something, girls?” Twilight spoke up as she continued to watch the couple she had just married under the sunset. “We are so lucky to live in this town.” She added as she turned to face them and bring them in for a group hug. “I love you all!”

“Ow! That's where the bugbear bit me!” Rainbow winced in pain from Twilight’s hug.

“Sorry!” She apologized and moved her hoof a little lower so she can still hug her without aggravating her sore spot.

For Twilight getting the honor and accomplishment of marrying a happy couple who have overcome a lot of ups and downs and still love each other after everything that has happened is another big step forward in her road of redemption for her sins as Midnight Sparkle.

She would then fly over to where the married couple are dancing as she grabs a microphone with her magic as she addresses everypony.

“If I could have everypony’s attention once more I would like share a song that will help inspire our married couple that no more what hurdles they face they will always stay together in the end.” Twilight announced to everypony as she starts to sing as music began to play.

“Love is the bloom

“A beautiful bride, a handsome groom.”

She sang as she fell over the dance floor and crowd admiring her performance from down below.

“Two hearts becoming one

A bond that cannot be undone because.”

She sang as she locked her eyes on Princess Cadance who dancing with her husband Shining Armor.

"Love is in a bloom”

A beautiful bride, a handsome groom.

She sang as she flew over her as she looked on at her sister-in-law very proud of her seeing how far she has come in her road to redemption.

“I said love is in a bloom.

She sang as the other Princesses embrace each other remembering the sisterly bound they share deep down despite their disputes.

“You’re starting a life and making room.

For us. (For us. For us...)

She finished singing as everypony applauds her for her inspiring speech and song for Cranky Doodle Donkey and Matilda who will see her past actions and experience as a way that their bound will remain strong through and through no matter with the bright light always emerging from the darkness it is buried in deep down.

Author's Note

[For this chapter, I decided to write about what the Mane Six were doing why everypony was focused on preparing for the wedding which I tried really hard to write down how it played out off-screen and forgive me if I missed something or made some errors in this story so feel free to add suggestions of what I should add on as I move forward with this story.

I also rewritten the wedding scene to where the Mane Six get see the wedding too because to be honest I didn't like the way they were treated even after they had just defeated a bugbear that could have done some serious damage if no pony stepped in to stop it.

So instead, I rewritten it also to have Twilight officially marry the couple instead because I felt it was fitting for her to have this honor as it not only reminds her of the love that brought her back from becoming the villainous Midnight who briefly took over Equestria but it also allows her to make the next big step in her redemption arc as Cranky and Matilda's love for each other further reassures her that love and friendship will remain strong even with all of the ups and downs that come and go.

Since this is the 100th episode of Friendship is Magic I after much thought decided to do Love is in a Bloom tsimetjimg that she sang at the canon Canterlot Wedding and the wedding that happened when she was Midnight in this version where Twilight this time sings it as herself and how love always blooms no matter what ups and downs a happy couple faces but pulls through in the end.

So next up on the calendar is "Party Pooped." which will definitely will have Twilight struggle with her pursuit to make new friends with the Yaks and their Yakyakistan prince which will put Twilight's patience and politeness to the test.

Chapter 7: Party Pooped

Chapter 7:

Party Pooped

In recent days, Twilight has been stepping up to her role as Princess of Friendship. She successfully managed to organize and put together her first princess summit in Canterlot even when she took it upon herself to work three straight days without sleep in order to ensure everything from the preparations goes perfect. Something that required her to sleep during the day prior so she will be ready to attend the welcome reception.

Thankfully, Spike her #1 assistant was able to make sure she gets the rest she deserved by watching over her as she sleeps and checking outside with a couple of guards in front of her room making sure ponies know that Princess Twilight is unavailable to help ponies out with their problems.

Ever since reforming Twilight has always made sure Spike knows that she is the best #1 assistant and son she could ask for as they share a mother-son like bond together.

Although today wasn’t like preparing for the princess summit as today she and her friends are meeting with the Yakyakistan leaders in order to further stretch out their friendship to all of the yaks in Equestria. Twilight herself while calm and collected is deep down nervous and sweating a little as she paces in front of her friends because this is an extremely important visit that has to be perfect every bit down to the tee. Otherwise everything will go south from there which could lead to things going down badly for Equestria if that were to happen.

“You’re not still nervous are you darling?” Rarity asked Twilight as she continues to pace around.

“Me? No, no of course not! There's no reason to be nervous. Nothing to worry about. Everything's gonna be fine!" Twilight somewhat still nervously replied with a wide grin that says otherwise as from the look of her face tells she is on verge of completely losing her cool at having to deal with stressful event.

"Twilight, tell those butterflies in your tummy to beat it! Making new friends is always fun." Pinkie Pie reassured her as she placed her hoof on her chest.

“Oh!” Twilight replied as she placed a hoof on her forehead still not feeling self-assured it will work out like her friends said.

"They're probably just as nervous as you are." Fluttershy also attempted to reassure her as she approaches her.

"You've been plannin' this shindig for weeks." Applejack added. "You know everything about these fellers. It's gonna be dandy.

Twilight then performed Cadance’s breathing technique in an attempt to calm herself with little effect.

"You're right." She now calmly started. "Remember, Equestria and Yakyakistan haven't opened their borders for hundreds of moons. In fact, Yakyakistan is so far north of the Crystal Mountains, nopony's even been there!” She then exclaimed as she widen her eyes at the thought now starting to feel on edge again. “Imagine the look on Princess Celestia's face when she finds out we made friends with a yak prince especially after reforming!" She further exclaimed wide eyed as she laughed nervously. "I'm calm! I'm calm…"

Spike blew the trumpet as he stood by the doors to which Twilight reacted in panic at hearing that the visitors have arrived as the doors opened as a long red silk carpet rolled onto the castle floor. Two large yaks walked into the room, before standing to side the prince of the yaks Prince Rutherford steps forward.

"Ponies! Greetings, ponies!" Prince Rutherford spoke in a powerful voice.

Twilight then teleports over in front of Prince Rutherford as she moves to greet them.

"Prince Rutherford, your Majesty. On behalf of all of us, we welcome you to Equestria." Twilight greeted them as she bowed to them with respect with her wings spread out.

"Me honored." The yak prince responded. "Yaks hope for great friendship between ponies and yaks. Friends for a thousand moons!" He shouted into Twilight’s ear causing her to place a hoof into her ear to make sure her hearing is still working in that ear.

“So far the introduction is going good so far and maybe…” Twilight thought to herself. “Maybe things will work out after all.”

"You must be hungry after a long journey.” Twilight spoke and offered as she had Spike push forward a large table, filled with an assortment of foods, not normal for Equestrian ponies but did come from the yak's homeland. Or at least, what they read about. "We've prepared a banquet of traditional yak foods."

Prince Rutherford inspected the kind offering, but it was hard to tell if he likes it or not. "If things not perfect, yaks get mad. Yaks always get mad when things not perfect!"

Twilight then nervously gulped now hoping this meal would really be living up to their liking.

“Uh-oh!” She said in whispered tone before nervously smiling again.

Prince Rutherford sniffed a rounded sampling sprinkled with green spices. He took a bite, chewed on it and then spit it right out in disgust.

"This no taste like yak food! Fake pony food make yaks mad!" Prince Rutherford angrily spoke with wide open eyes as Twilight sees that things are starting to go wrong already just when things were looking up.

In a fit of range, the yak prince tossed the table over with his horns and his fellow yaks joined in. The others watched in horror as they tore the palace apart, beaching the walls and tearing down the curtains like they owned the place.

Twilight watching their rampage is now really starting to sweat again as they just managed to get things started on the wrong side of the fence.

“Is it okay to be nervous now?" Pinkie asked Twilight as they watch their rampage.

“Mm-hmm.” Twilight replied with a nod as she continues watching the destruction the yaks were laying in her castle.

Later after the yaks left the Mane Six got to work cleaning up the mess the yaks had made. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash fixed the tapestries and the curtains, while Applejack hammered the broken rails of the indoor balconies, Spike swept up the broken shards, and Rarity tried to glue the broken vases together.

"Them yaks sure have a funny way of sayin' "howdy." Applejack said as she hammered a nail in place.

“They're different, that's all." Rarity optimistically said while she glued the vase back together and placed it on the pedestal sounding disappointed with how the introduction played out. "Very… different."

"I think they broke my record for most stuff broken in under a minute." Rainbow Dash commented. "I mean, they even broke the trophy." She added as she showed them the already broken trophy, which literally crumbled to pieces on her hoof.

Fortunately, Twilight so far seems to have a back-up plan in place as she speaks up with regained composure.

"All we have to do is show them how great it can be to have friends before Princess Celestia arrives for the friendship party tonight." Twilight explained as she approached them. "Now, who read the seven-volume cross-indexed history of Yakyakistan I recommended?"

Most the group cringed, unable to look her in the eye or answer her question while telling her “No, they didn’t.”

"Um… I-I had a thing…" Rainbow Dash awkwardly tried to come up with an excuse to get around saying no.

The only pony who didn't look nervous was Pinkie Pie, who was hopping up and down in excitement as she spoke up.

"I did, I did! Did you know they live so far north of the Crystal Empire that it's cold all the time? Yaks have yak fur to keep them warm." Pinkie answered as she placed a hoof on Fluttershy and then wrapped her head in Fluttershy's mane.

"Pretty sure that's what fur's always for, Pinkie Pie." Applejack replied yet finds herself startled when the pink pony suddenly appeared from underneath Applejack's hat. "I know! Yaks are so cool!"

Because of Pinkie’s unexpected appearance, Applejack dropped the hammer she was holding, which crashed into the originally glued together vase Rarity had just placed causing her to look up annoyed at Pinkie’s antics.

“Pinkie Pie, can show them around town?” Twilight kindly asked her. “I know you have to plan the friendship party too, but it would really help make them feel welcome."

“Don't worry.” Pinkie confidently replied. “They'll be in good hooves with me.”

“Remember, we want to make sure Equestria feels like home. That means doing everything we can to make this place feel like Yakyakistan.” Twilight instructed the girls as she paces in front of them.

“No problem!” Pinkie firmly answered she’s got this again.

“Good. Let's get out there and make some new friends!” Twilight then spoke confidently ready to try again at their task.

All six ponies place their hooves in together before raising them up in the air as they head out to try to succeed in achieving their friendship.

Unfortunately, things are still going south as they attempts to make them feel home just result in them smashing things in a frenzy just because things weren’t perfect to their liking.

First they trash Applejack’s barn just because they didn’t have actual hay. Then, they trashed Fluttershy’s picnic just because they didn’t have Yakyakistan animals and had Fluttershy’s critter friends dress up like them. Then they trashed Rarity’s shop just because her fabric wasn’t to their liking or tasting in this case. Aand last but not least they rampage through the snow just because it wasn’t Yak snow. Well at least they weren’t destroying somebody’s property that time around.

Later the Mane Six all regrouped in the throne room so they could discuss their struggling efforts with trying to make friends with them as they all voice their thoughts about the situation.

“Y'know... it's goin' okay.” Applejack positively commented through an obvious lie.

“Satisfactory, I'd say.” Rarity replied in the same tone

“It could be better.” Rainbow Dash more honestly commented there’s room for improvement.

“It's not very good.” Fluttershy honestly replied quietly.

“It's a disaster!” Pinkie exclaimed out loud accurately voicing Twilight’s thoughts on the situation.

“Pinkie Pie, tonight's Yakyakistan theme party is more important than ever!” Twilight told Pinkie nervously while sweating again. “You'll make them forget all about this afternoon, right? Please?” She begged the pink pony she’ll pull through someway somehow with a clenched smile. “Because if it's not perfect, they're gonna smash everything! And I'm not sure how much more smashing this visit can take!”

Twilight at this point is practically begging Pinkie to pull through for her where it matters the most because she is just about to really lose it at this point.

“I definitely will! I think. Maybe...?” Pinkie replied just as nervously as Twilight.

“You're the best gosh-darn party planner in Equestria.” Applejack supportively complimented.

“You'll show 'em a good time!” Rainbow Dash encouragingly replied.

“You can do it!” Fluttershy reassured her she’s got this with a smile.

“We have absolute confidence in your abilities, Pinkie Pie.” Rarity also reassured her with a smile.

“It's going to be my most happy-tacular party ever! I hope!” Pinkie reassured her friends once again that she’s still got this even though she now just as nervous and wide-eyed as Twilight while darting her eyes around.

“Why are your eyes darting around like that?” Rainbow questioned it as she took notice of it.

“It's what I do when I'm not nervous!” Pinkie Pie rapidly spoke as she kept up a forced smile and laughed hysterically as she too is looking like she is going to lose it too to which Twilight took notice of as she approached her.

“Pinkie Pie, you sure about this?” Twilight asked out of concern recomposing herself for the moment. “I mean I don’t mean to put this much pressure on you but-“

“Don’t worry! I said I got this! Gotta go!” Pinkie immediately exclaimed and ran right out of the room leaving her friends concerned and worried for her as much as Twilight.

“I just hope she doesn’t lose it like me.” Twilight wondered to herself feeling she is asking too much of Pinkie like of how the Yaks are asking too much of her.

She would then later attempt to try to smooth things over with the Yaks with a trip to the Sugarcube Corner where she has arranged to have the traditional Yakyakistan cake made for them.

"And this is Sugarcube Corner." Twilight showed the yaks the bakery up ahead. "They're working hard to make your traditional Yakyakistan cake."

"Vanilla extract balance very tricky." Prince Rutherford said as the other yaks agreed with his statement.

Twilight could feel herself sweating again out of nervousness.

"Do you mind, um, waiting here for one moment?" Twilight politely excused herself as she used her magic to teleport herself to Pinkie's room.

"How's tonight's party coming? I'm doing what I can, but it's really up to you at this point!” She asked Pinkie of how things are coming together but to her surprise Pinkie isn’t here in her room “...Pinkie? Where are you?!” She exclaimed desperately calling out to her.

Seeing that Pinkie has gone AWOL she has her friends try to find her before the Yaks decide they don’t want to be friends with them or worse.

Twilight literally bit on her hooves, trying to keep herself from having a breakdown when the rest of their friends arrived.

"Did you find her?" Twilight asked them if they had any luck.

"Angel and I searched the forest, but…" Fluttershy sadly replied as she shook her head in no.

"Aerial recon turned up nothing either." Rainbow Dash reported she came up empty-hoofed too.

"I searched the farm inside and out." Applejack reported as she briefly removed her hat. "No Pinkie Pie. But I did find a set of Granny Smith's dentures under the house, so... not a complete loss."

"She's simply vanished!" Rarity exclaimed horrified.

"But the party! It's all we have left! What are we gonna do?!" Twilight exclaimed in the same tone as Rarity as she was at the end of her rope.

At that moment Gummy landed on Twilight's head who spits out a note from his mouth to which Twilight levitates to her eye level with her magic.

"Don't worry. I'll be back in time for the party. Love, Pinkie Pie." She read out loud.

Twilight would place both the letter aside and Gummy back down as she turned to her friends. "

“If Pinkie Pie says she'll be back in time for the party, she'll be back. We have to trust her. Right? No reason to freak out!" Twilight's exclaimed as her wings spread out while sporting another wide eyed clearly not looking forward to another yak smashing episode.

“Don’t worry, Twilight.” Fluttershy reassured her that she’ll pull through in the end.

"When it comes to parties, I think she knows what she's doin'." Applejack confidently added.

Twilight quickly performed her deep breathing exercise again as she slowly seems to be calming down for the moment.

"You're right. Let's just focus on keeping the yaks happy 'til she comes back." She spoke feeling things are going to be fine.

"Piece o' cake.” Rainbow Dash added confidently.

But at that moment, a realization dawned on Twilight as she realized something.

“The cake!” She exclaimed in horror as she teleports back to where Mrs. Cake is but by the time she teleported back to her it was too late as she had already served them a slice to which Prince Rutherford bites into the whole slice in one bite.

“Hmm...” He spoke as he tasted only to shout. “Ponies too heavy on vanilla extract!“

Prince Rutherford and Yaks would then engage in another rampage as they destroy the cake and trash up Sugarcube Corner much to Twilight and Mrs. Cake’s fright.

“We've never needed a party so badly.” Twilight said to herself seeing that nothing is going right as all of the attempts to befriend are horribly backfiring on them.

In an last and most desperate attempt to keep the yaks distracted for a bit longer, the girls had Spike play a private concert for them. He played a large wooden piano for them on a stage. The yaks were touched at Spike’s ability of creating beautiful melody, wiping away their tears and blowing their noses with tissues.

"Music beautiful." Prince Rutherford spoke really touched. "Much soul."

Twilight wiped away the sweat from her brow with her wing and sighed in relief seeing that the yaks have finally calmed down for now and can at least appreciate classic music.

Once Spike finished playing, he took a bow.

"When Twilight told me to stall— I-I mean, entertain you, I thought there's no way I could—" He fumbled a little in his words until being interrupted when the piano started to play…all by itself.

This took the yaks by surprise when they opened the back of the piano and found that it was self-playing piano and that they have been tricked.

“Spike?!” Twilight exclaimed exasperated that he would choose now of all times to trick somebody like that.

"Piano play itself?! Music a lie!" Prince Rutherford spoke enraged at the revelation.

The yaks leaped into the air to destroy the self-playing piano. Spike was flung into the air from the chaos but was safely caught by Twilight. Once the dust cleared, the piano was trashed just like everything else they had smashed.

"We demand party! Party now or yaks no friends!" Prince Rutherford demanded.

"No! Just a little longer!" Twilight pleaded as they marched towards the train station.

"No more longer! Princesses out of time! We leave now! Yak go to train, return with more yaks! We declare war!" Prince Rutherford yelled in her face. “This visit waste of time! You proved that you no better than that evil and deranged princess Midnight who only cares about herself."

The moment Prince Rutherford made that hard hitting comment caused Twilight to snap hearing that over-sensitive remark at being unfavorably compared to her villainous self as her eyes widen in rage as her panic turned to fearless anger as she grits her teeth enraged as well. Twilight's nice, kind, and polite demeanor that she had kept up to this point completely vanished as she used her magic to get Spike off of her back and onto the ground safety while she flew up into the air over the yaks and transformed into her Midnight Sparkle form, her wings now black again, her fur dark purple, her mane is black with her pink streaks, with the aura her horn glowing a mixture of dark purple and black, and her eyes glowing pure white as she spoke in her authoritative and deep Midnight voice Canterlot style as she hovered over the yaks who are now intimidated by her.

"That it's, Prince! I have had enough of your behavior! All day we have been trying to welcome you here into our home with open hooves and have even went as far as working so hard in trying to make everything right just for you! But no matter what we do you always respond by trashing everything just because one tiny thing is not to your liking! Honestly, How much pettier can you yaks be with that fiery temper of yours! If you go through with starting a war on all of Equestria, you’re going to have to answer to me! If I can take over Equestria alone than I can easily take over and terrorize your hometown in return. Is that something you want?! Tell me!! If not, then I suggest you all get the hey out of here and never return until you thought about what you all have done! Understand!"

Spike was really taken aback at Twilight's incredible outburst as he never imagined that Twilight would turn into her Midnight Sparkle form as her mane and tail briefly turned into dark purple and black flames as she roared fire into the sky to which the rest of the Mane Six minus Pinkie took notice of, but not as much as the yaks who are now terrified seeing that they have pushed Twilight too far this time.

To them a small alicorn is capable of turning to her powerful and dark form to take on an entire Yak army, completely enraged and speaking in the most powerful, and terrifying voice they had ever heard.

Even though Twilight would never follow through with her threat unlike what her past self would have done, but she couldn’t take their behavior anymore especially after the yak prince went as far to make a very sensitive remark about her past self which led her to finally have the courage to tell them off for their behavior. The yaks, immediately, started to freeze and shake completely terrified of her outburst and threat as Twilight slowly lowered down as her mane turns back to normal as she glared at them.

"No." Prince Rutherford could only respond mortified by his own behavior as Twilight’s words really got to her. "Yaks sorry."

Hearing this touched Twilight’s heart as she feels she is regretting losing her temper like that as she reverts to her normal alicorn form.

With their heads lowered in shame, the yaks walked away, feeling terrible for their ill-treatment to the ponies who were only trying to be kind by smashing and trashing their belongings in a fit of rage.

Twilight then rushed over to them desperate to stop them remorseful and mortified of what she said and did too.

"Prince Rutherford! Please! I never meant to say any of that!"

"Yaks no mad at ponies. Yaks no good for ponies." Prince Rutherford responded while telling her that he doesn’t harbor any resentment towards her or any pony and that they themselves are the ones who should be ashamed of their behavior as they walk off.

Twilight would then lower her head in shame as she gazed at her reflection in the pond above her which showed her in her Midnight Sparkle form in her reflection to which Twilight could only feel she herself is to blame too.

"What have I done?" She said to herself as she flew off ahead while fleeing the vision of Midnight. Even when she tries to make new friends and let the past be the past and move forward she still can’t escape her own shadow and because of it the yaks will only think and remember her for her actions as Midnight Sparkle for thousands of moons to come.

Twilight flew around Ponyville at top speed hoping to find Pinkie Pie so she can apologize to her for putting pressure on her. Twilight then arrived at SugarCube Corner, where she found the rest of her friends covered in paint, balloons and confetti.

"No Pinkie Pie? What's this?!" She asked seeing the sight of this.

Applejack who was trying to paint a banner with her hooves as she nervously explained to her while Fluttershy struggles with blowing up party balloons.

"Heh-heh. We panicked and tried to plan our own party."

Rainbow Dash rolled down from the roof, wrapped and trapped in party paper.

"It's sort of panic-themed." She further explained.

"The yaks are going home! This is awful!” She exclaimed in despair. “I wanted to surprise Princess Celestia. Now the only surprise is that I may have just caused a permanent wedge between our homes all because of my past mistakes.”

She would then fly off to Pinkie’s room where would she then look herself in the mirror unable to feel that she will ever be able to prove that she truly is the Princess of Friendship now that the bridge between ponies and yaks is now burnt beyond repair in her eyes.

Her friends concerned for her and wondering what went down between them rushed inside as they approach Twilight who is viewing Midnight in the mirror with her magic.

"Twilight? Are you okay, sugarcube?” Applejack asked her from behind.

“No, I’m not.” Twilight sadly replied not even looking back. “I ruined everything. Pinkie is completely pressured to throw a perfect party she ran off for that’s not going to happen now that the yaks no longer wish to seek our friendship because of me.”

“Why not?” Rainbow asked what happened that lead to that

“Well…” Twilight hesitantly began to explain as she used her magic to replay the moment she lost her temper with the yaks.

"We demand party! Party now or yaks no friends!" Prince Rutherford demanded.

"No! Just a little longer!" Twilight pleaded as they marched towards the train station.

After showing the remorseful yaks leaving as they head off to the next train back to Yakyakistan with Twilight feeling just as remorseful and mortified that she lost control and raged at them like that as she stops playing the flashback for them.

“Whoa!” Rainbow Dash first responded looking surprised at what Twilight had just showed them.

“They declared war on us?!” Rarity asked in shock.

“Yep.” Twilight simply replied.

“And you turned into Midnight in heat of the moment?” Rainbow asked just as surprised.

“Yep.” Twilight simply replied again.

“Finally knocked sense into them but now doesn’t want to seek out our friendship anymore?” Applejack asked just as surprised as Rainbow Dash.

“Yep.” Twilight simply replied with a sigh. “And now all they are going to remember of me is my dark side taking over in the heat of the moment.” She added as she briefly transformed into her Midnight form before changing back into her normal form as she turns to face the window unable to look at her friends feeling like a failure right now. “Even when I try to prove that I am a changed pony I can’t help but feel I am unable to escape Midnight’s shadow.”

“But if you hadn’t done so those Yaks would be on their way back here declaring war.” Applejack comfortingly pointed out. “You stopped them from doing something they would have regretted, sugarcube.”

“Exactly!” Rainbow Dash pointed out. “It was about time they had sense knocked into them before they destroyed all of Ponyville.”

“But by doing so I made them feel terrible.” Twilight retorted as she briefly faced Rainbow Dash. “Me of all ponies to have the big mouth that burns the bridge between Equestria and Yakyakistan with one uncontrolled tirade.”

Twilight looked out the window as she rested her hoof onto her face feeling ashamed of herself and feeling like a failure for some time as Pinkie Pie still hasn’t shown up while her friends are unable to think of something to help cheer her up.

“How could she be so late to the party? This isn't like her." She wondered and noted.

"I'm sure she's trying her best." Fluttershy replied with faith in Pinkie.

"Pinkie Pie's tougher than she looks." Rainbow Dash confidently spoke of her faith in her.

"I know you're right, but... I wish she was here. I put too much pressure on her. I let everybody down.” Twilight still speaking her guilt for asking too much of Pinkie Pie and her tirade as Midnight. “And Princess Celestia will be here any minute and see that I haven’t made new friends and instead burnt bridges all because of my inability to escape the pony’s shadow who was nearly consumed by darkness.”

Twilight would then lay her head against the cupcake shaped decoration on the stairs which disassembled as it seems Twilight has activated something when she leaned her head against it. She backed up just as a trapdoor opened causing her and her friends to fall down through the floor.

They ended up going downwards until they crashed when hit the bottom of a very dark and hidden basement.

“Ugh. Is everypony alright?” Twilight asked the others as they all got up.

“I can't tell if my eyes are open or closed.” Fluttershy spoke up unable to see anything in the dark.

“I think I can see a little bit.” Rainbow commented as she tried to make her way through the room only to crash into something. “Gah! Nope.”

At that moment the lights for the room flickered on as they awe at their surroundings. A room filled with party accessories, presents, treats, with a disco ball hanging from the ceiling.

“Look at these! Pinkie Pie's made files for everypony in town!” Applejack commented as she looks at her filing cabinet.

“With exactly what kind of parties we like.” Fluttershy added as she looked through one of the files

“Pinkie Pie has a secret party-planning cave?! How cool is this?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in excitement as Fluttershy reads out loud the file she was holding.

"Twilight Sparkle likes vanilla ice cream, red balloons, dancing..."

Fluttershy took out a file and started reading out loud, "Twilight Sparkle likes vanilla ice cream, red balloons, dancing..."

"That's right!" Twilight happily said seeing that’s correct.

"But she's afraid of quesadillas." Fluttershy further read causing Twilight to slightly flinch hearing this.

"No, I'm not! They're just so... cheesy." She shuddered.

As they explored the cave unbeknownst to them Pinkie had just returned and heard them chattering inside her hidden party cave. She would then make her way down the slide leading down to her party cave and then quickly ducked behind the nearby party balloons to avoid being spotted.

"Looky here." Applejack said as she showed everyone a list she had in her hooves

"It's notes for the party she wants to throw for her folks' fiftieth anniversary. But they ain't nearly that old! Huh. She's already plannin' their one-hundredth too. And their five-hundredth?" Applejack spoke surprised that she has plans in advance for very special occasions to come.

"I had no idea she worked so hard on her parties." Twilight responded in amazement of Pinkie’s hidden depths.

"She may be more organized and know more about ponies than you, Twilight." Rainbow Dash told Twilight with a nudge.

"Let's not get carried away." Twilight replied as she briefly thinks of her hidden basement where she has files that’s contains every bit of information on every pony including their secrets she has stashed away during her time and research back when she was Midnight deep down below the castle grounds in Ponyville.

"I just wish Pinkie Pie were here so we could tell her how much we all appreciate her hard work." Rarity spoke her thoughts wishing Pinkie knows that.

Pinkie sneaking up on them while hiding behind the balloons is really touched hearing this.

“Thank you! Thank you! I love you too! All of you!” She cried out happily.

“You're back!” Twilight happily spoke as Pinkie hugs her.

“I tried to go to Yakyakistan so I could bring something back for my party. But at the last second, I made a mistake.” Pinkie explained as she then sighed and then lamented as she sat down feeling sad. “I worked harder on this party than any party ever. But I'm still just a big failure.”

“Pinkie Pie, you're not a failure.” Twilight sincerely reassured her she’s not.

“What matters is how hard you tried.” Fluttershy comfortingly added as she placed a hoof on her chest.

“Who else would've gone all across Equestria to plan one party?” Rainbow Dash comfortingly added as she placed her hooves on her shoulder.

"You know...” Pinkie started as she thought of something. “…the trip was really hard. But everybody I met along the way was so helpful. I just wish the yaks could see how friendly and wonderful and great Equestria really is!" Shen then gasped when she immediately got an idea. "It's not too late!" Pinkie said with a smile.

"It’s too late. The yaks left on the last train." Twilight sadly replied as she hung her head in shame.

"Um, no, they didn't." Pinkie reassured her that they still have a chance to fix everything. "Trust me! There are a whole lot of sheep out there!" She happily slide backwards up the slide while the others just looked on with confusion.

Fluttershy asked looking confused. "So, um, do we walk back up the slide or... or what?"

“I think so.” Twilight answered as she made her back up the slide by flying upwards. “It’s not like there is another way out of here.”

After making their way of Sugarcube Corner they made their way to the train station they find that thanks to Pinkie Pie having sheep block the train tracks to prevent the Yaks train from leaving.

"Yaks stuck here?! Why trains not work?!" Prince Rutherford yelled at the train conductor and seemed ready to tear him apart until he heard voice Pinkie Pie.

"I never thought I'd say this, but... thank you, sheep!" Pinkie Pie happily cheered that she came through to get the Yaks attention again. "And if it’s okay with you, it's party time!" Pinkie added leading to the Yaks feeling confused by what she has in mind as she puts on sunglasses.

“Yak not sure about that after trouble we caused.” Prince Rutherford replied unsure about it as Twilight approaches them.

“Come on, please?” Twilight asked of them to at least hear her out as she continues. “I know that I lost my temper back there and did and said something I shouldn’t have. And for that I’m sorry, and I’ll understand if you don’t want to seek out friendship after what I did as Midnight Sparkle in the past.” Just before Twilight could turn away Prince Rutherford stopped her by placing a hoof over her shoulder.

"Pony have no reason to feel bad. All ponies tried to do is try to please us. Yaks sorry for trashing Ponyville. Yaks needed to be yelled at like that." Prince Rutherford spoke up of his apology to Twilight.

“I know Yakyakistan isn’t like Equestria, but I’m sure on behalf of all of Equestria that this place is worth a friendship worth thousands of moons if you see what it is really like to feel at home here in Equestria.” Twilight spoke her honest opinion of the friendship spread over Equestria. “That is of course if you are willing to give us one more chance to show you all that.”

“Okay.” Prince Rutherford replied. “Yaks give ponies another chance with no smashing this time.”

Hearing this causing Twilight to eagerly grin hearing this from the Yak prince as she and her friends made their way back into town.

In a short amount of time Pinkie was able to put together a fabulous party that every pony in town showed up for just in time for Princess Celestia’s arrival. Everypony in town were enjoying the balloons, booths with fun games, with the folks Pinkie met up with on her journey managed to show up as well. Cherry Jubilee got to sell some cherries. The Wonderbolts were able to sign autographs. The yaks were having a wonderful time, eating, laughing, and playing ball with Applejack’s sister as Applejack, Rarity, and Princess Celestia watch as the latter enjoys the yaks company.

"Wow, Pinkie. This came together quick, even for you." Twilight expressed her amazement at Pinkie’s abilities.

"What can I say? I'm good at what I do." Pinkie replied with a shrug as she walked over to the yak princes, "Prince Rutherford, every time we tried to make something in Equestria feel like Yakyakistan, we couldn't get it right. When I got back from my adventure, I realized something. We shouldn't try to make Equestria feel like your home. We should try to make you feel at home in Equestria."

Prince Rutherford looked all around him seeing many ponies getting along despite their differences and how much everypony cared for one another as he sees them having fun at the party. Even if the ponies may have made a mistake in trying to please them, their hearts were still in the right place. And the yaks have come to see that they have been in the wrong for smashing everything just because they didn't like something that was a teeny bit off, and declaring an unnecessary war, the ponies still gave them a chance even after everything that had happened.

The prince wiped away his tears as he spoke from his touched golden heart deep down. "Ponies work hard to make yaks feel at home. Now yaks happy. No declare war on dark alicorn princess."

Hearing this causes Twilight's to breathe a sigh in relief that everything worked out in the end. But then nervously grinned when remembered that Princess Celestia is right behind.

“What is he talking about, Twilight?” Princess Celestia asked her confused of what he was talking about.

“It’s a long story.” Twilight nervously replied with a giggle as she grinned at her as Prince Rutherford grabbed her so he can give her a big tight hug.

"Yaks thank you for scaring yaks straight. Help yaks see how out of line yaks were. Help stop yaks from making huge mistake that yaks would have regretted. And you pony princess are a great princess even better than Midnight!" Prince Rutherford gratefully thanked her for knocking sense into her.

"I'm just glad we were able to work things out in the end." Twilight responded as she thought nothing of it as she was released from the hug.

"Ponies and yaks... friends?" Prince Rutherford asked Pinkie hopefully.

"For a thousand moons?" Pinkie also asked hopefully.

"For a thousand moons!" Prince Rutherford confirmed

Everypony cheered happily hearing this as they all exclaim “Yes.” In a victorious and celebratory manner.

"I am very impressed, princess." Princess Celestia complimented Twilight.

“Just doing my best to spread friendship.” Twilight nervously giggled in her reply.

“And you did a wonderful job. You and your friends.” Princess Celestia further commended.

“Yeah.” Twilight absentmindedly agreed as she looked on at the celebration. “I guess it wasn’t such a bad thing that I briefly turned into Midnight and told them off when they threaten to declare war after all.”

“You did what?!” Celestia spoke in surprised shock hearing this come out of her mouth.

“Oops.” Twilight sheepishly spoke as she place a hoof over her mouth after realizing she said that out loud. “Well at least they had sense knocked into them to pave way for a stronger friendship to come.” She then added with a giggle as Celestia looks at her dismayed for a bit that she actually turned into her evil counterpart in the heat of the moment before lighting up when she could tell she was trying her hardest to be polite and reasonable with them up until that point and did make amends with them immediately afterwards.

"And yaks thank Pink pony for party. You understand yaks now."

"Aww, come here, you!" Pinkie Pie hugged the prince, but then stopped when he didn't hug back thinking that he is not a hugger. But to her surprise he hugged her back tightly moreso than Pinkie’s hugs.

"Wow! Too strong! Okay, okay, okay!" She exclaimed in surprise and amazement at the yak princes’ strength and soft side.

Friendship even with ups and downs like today always prevail in the end as Twilight had successfully managed to form a friendship with the yaks while preventing a war from breaking out even if she did turn into villainous counterpart in the heat of the moment. For Twilight it was another win and major step taken in overcoming and emerging from the shadow of Midnight Sparkle towards her path to redemption.

Author's Note

In this chapter we have Twilight like in canon trying her hardest to keep herself calm and collected in dealing with the Yaks visit to Ponyville even when they rampage just because something wasn't perfect and to their liking up until they declared war on Ponyville.

Twilight was barely able to keep herself from losing it in this episode up until Prince Rutherford unfavorably compared her to her villainous self Midnight Sparkle which led to her turning into her Midnight form in the heat of the moment as she hits her Rage Breaking Point and tells them off their behavior.

In her mind, Twilight was trying to take the next big step in her redemption by spreading friendship to Yakyakistan which proved very difficult with the Yaks destroying things just because it wasn't perfect and was trying her hardest in tolerating it up until the Prince went as far as pressing her Berserk Button as being compared to Midnight is a really sore spot for her as she is trying to prove that she is not like her evil counterpart and has done nothing but trying to please them from the start.

Which lead to Twilight even though she stopped a war before it even happened, feel remorseful herself as she turned to Midnight in the heat of the moment and feeling like because of it (even though they don't harbor any ill feelings towards her for knocking sense into them) she will never be able to escape Midnight's shadow and be forever remembered as the pony who is willing to resort to ruthless and extreme measures to get what she want's in taking over Equestria. At least up until they made amends in the end.

Next up on the agenda is an episode focusing solely on Starlight Glimmer after her defeat in the Season 5 opener as she swears vengeance on Twilight Sparkle for exposing her and destroying her control over her hometown followed by "Amending Fences." as we focus on how much Twilight's actions affected her Canterlot friends more specifically Moon dancer.

Chapter 8: Swearing Vengeance

Chapter 8:

Swearing Vengeance

“Each of my friends has taught me something different about myself! It was their unique gifts and passions and personalities that helped bring out the magic inside of me! I never would have learned that I represent the element of magic without these five!” Twilight spoke to Starlight after she stops them from harming the three ponies who helped get the Mane Five’s cutie marks back. “And I certainly wouldn't be here to stop you now!”

“Spare me your sentimental nonsense! I gave these ponies real friendships they never could've had otherwise!” Starlight defiantly retorted in response to Twilight’s speech. “And I can’t believe a former convict like you would even come back to save these ponies sorry flanks even though you had no reason to.”

“How do you know that?! You never even gave us a chance!” Double Diamond quickly defended Twilight. “And at least this “former convict” cares about us better than you!”

Starlight seeing that she has lost uses her magic to make her escape inside the caves as nopony could tell where she went as she runs through the dark caves steaming with anger after losing and being outsmarted by Twilight Sparkle at her own game as she navigates using her horn’s magic as a flashlight.

“I can’t believe this?!” Starlight said to herself in disbelief as she makes her way through the caves. “Outsmarted by that goody four hoof princess who believes in the ways of friendship. She ruined everything for me!”

Starlight as she makes her way out of the tunnel leading to the back of the mountains would think back at when she first heard about said pony when she took over Equestria.

Following the Equestrian Games, Starlight was reading today’s paper where the headline reads “Midnight takes over Equestria. Darkness triumphs!” with a picture of Midnight holding the Crystal Heart as everypony bows to her with the story of Midnight’s attack at the games being read like this.

“At the end of the Equestrian Games, an alicorn named Midnight with the appearance of Nightmare Moon shows up with the Crystal Heart in tow threatening to shatter it if the princess’s refuse to surrender Equestria to her.” Starlight read out loud from the paper.

“That’s devious!” Starlight remarked finding Midnight herself very impressive in terms of villainy as she continued to read from the paper.

“She carried through her threat and shattered the Crystal Heart when Princess Celestia refused leading to a never-ending winter storm that ravaged through the Crystal Empire. Despite Princess Celestia, Shining Armor, and the Elements of Harmony trying to stop her, she ended up defeating them in the end and took over Equestria after repairing the Crystal Heart herself.” She continued reading from the paper.

“Oooh!” Starlight remarked now mildly impressed with how far she is willing to go to achieve her goals. “That is devious, evil, and heartless!”

Starlight would then put the paper away as she went outside as she sported an evil smirk as she looks on the town of ponies she has had stripped of their cutie marks and following her utopia of a perfect ideal town of equality and sameness while secretly awed and inspired by her and personally seeking to someday follow in her hoofsteps and become her protégé as she goes off to the mountains to secretly practice and improve her magical abilities so she can one day impress her on the day they meet.

Back in the present she is practicing her own magic unleashed very furious filled blasts as she blasts rocks from the cave ceilings trying to fall on her just managing to nail and dodge every single rock she comes across as she makes her way to outside of the cave where she stops running seeing that she gave Twilight and the others the slip.

She would then use her magic to produce an aura that allows her to see Part Favor, Sugar Belle, and Double Diamond embracing each other with Twilight included as they have forgiven Twilight for her crimes as Midnight making their way back into town to celebrate their new found freedom after regaining their cutie marks.

Starlight watching the scene unbeknownst to them growls and grits her teeth fuming in fury wondering how could a pony she was as her idol wanting to become a prodigy in magic under her tutelage and maybe being a princess ruling Equestria alongside with her with a lot of potential accomplishments they could do together as she thinks back to when she learned about her defeat and reformation.

Shortly after Tirek’s attack she would read today’s paper with the headline reading “Former evil alicorn saves all of Equestria and is rewarded as Princess of Friendship for her actions.”

“What?” Starlight read in shock reading that said alicorn saved all of Equestria and gave up her control over Equestria just after taking over as she looks at the picture of Twilight Sparkle at her coronation waving to everypony and another picture of her flying around happily.

“Princess Midnight turns out to be Twilight Sparkle who orchestrated the train accident that took a number of ponies and disguised herself as Midnight Sparkle secretly building her way up into power by taking over Canterlot and Ponyville with a staged changeling attack at Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza’s wedding.”

Starlight in angered dismay throws away the paper before reading the part of Twilight’s speech at her coronation and why she gave up her control over Equestria and reformed.

“How could a conquering pony like her just give up everything she worked hard for just when she actually succeeded in achieving her goals?!” Starlight wondered to herself as she hears somepony at her front door.

“Starlight, we have some new visitors.” Double Diamond told the pony inside as all eight ponies walk inside.

Starlight quickly peeks from the other room and sees that said princess is here with her friends.

“Well this should be interesting…” Starlight said to herself as she teleports to the dark room so she could greet them as she emerged from the shadows as she sported a forced cheerful smile.

“Welcome! I'm so pleased to have you here.” Starlight happily greeted the Mane Six.

“This is Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight Sparkle.” Double Diamond introduced the Mane Six to Starlight as she inspects Twilight closely who grins nervously again while shaking her wings a little.

“Forgive my bluntness, but I'm assuming its Princess Twilight Sparkle? We don't get many Alicorns around here.” Starlight questioned Twilight who still grins nervously.

“Yes, but "Twilight" is fine.” Twilight humbly and nervously responded as unbeknownst to her Starlight knows who she is and what she has done but decides to save bringing up that for latter when she reason to believe she is threat to her plans.

“So! How did you hear of our little village?” Starlight eagerly questioned while still smiling a little creepier this time.

“It's kind of a long story. Let's just say we found it on a map.” Twilight explained the short and straight to the point way.

“Technically, it's a Tree-chest-castle-map!” Pinkie Pie happily added before her face turned back to her suspicious face as she moved away from Starlight.

“Well, however you found us, we're happy to have you! We're happy to have anypony who wants to experience true friendship for the first time.” Starlight spoke with pleasure in her voice as the Mane Six eye each other in confusion by what she meant.

“Say what?” Applejack questioned out of confusion.

“Oh, indeed. That's what's so unique about our village, you see. Around here, we don't flaunt our special talents because we don't have any special talents to flaunt.” Starlight explained as she moved towards a nearby picture of an equal sign cutie mark and correctly readjusted it perfectly to her liking.

“Is that why you all have those cutie marks?” Twilight questioned as she points a hoof at the equal sign cutie mark on her flank.

“Perhaps it would be easier to understand if I gave you a tour of the village!” Starlight happily and politely offered with another bright smile as she stepped forward towards the door as she addresses everypony in town.

“I think I can make this work to my advantage.” Starlight thought to herself as she has an idea in mind. “I can get ahold of their cutie marks and hold an alicorn princess under my control and get her to accept our ways of life and equality. And perhaps maybe even remind of her accomplishments as Midnight Sparkle.”

Later when she is walking through town and overseeing everypony’s happiness she overhears the Mane Six secretly talking to Party Favor, Double Diamond, and Sugar Belle.

“I'd love to have my special talent back even just for a day! Make something besides those disgusting muffins...” Sugar Belle spoke hopeful of having her cutie mark returned to her.

“So what's stopping you? Go get your cutie marks back.” Rainbow Dash responded wondering why it’s so hard to do so.

“Daydreaming is one thing, but you mean actually having it put back on? That seems extreme.” Party Favor answered as he spoke.

“I'm not sure Starlight would like that. She wants us all to be happy in our sameness.” Sugar Belle mentioned.

“How do you take somepony's cutie mark anyway?” Twilight asked.

“The cutie unmarking is a beautiful experience!” Night Glider answered and recalled. “Starlight uses the Staff of Sameness to magically take them away and replace them with these.” She explained as she pointed towards the equal sign marks on her and the other’s flanks.

“But nopony should keep you from your cutie mark. It represents such an essential part of who you are.” Twilight spoke from experience.

“Oh, we're not kept from them.” Night Glider quickly responded. “They're in the vault up in the caves. We can visit them any time we like to remind us of the heartache of a life with special talents.”

After a moment of thinking Twilight asked them. “Can we visit this cave?”

At this moment Starlight frowns as she realizes that Twilight now knows too much and is now a threat to her plans as she makes her downstairs so she can use Twilight’s villainous past as Midnight Sparkle to have her leave her town in shame taking some silent satisfaction at seeing get glared at by many disappointed ponies as she flies off crying.

“That should take care of her no problem.” Starlight said with a smirk as she turns back to lead her friends into her trap at her cutie mark cave where she would strip them of their cutie marks thinking that Twilight will be flying back home to Ponyville.

What she did not expect was Twilight to have retreated to the nearby mountains where she would hear and witness her stripping the Mane Five of their cutie marks and was helping them without her realizing it until it’s too late when Twilight showing up to join them was really a ploy to distract her so Fluttershy could expose her cutie mark or the fact that Twilight is just as powerful as her as she stopped her from hurting Double Diamond, Party Favor, and Sugar Belle with her magic by conjuring up a magic shield to counter her attack.

Back in the present day, she would then make her back to the cave entrances where she last saw Twilight and her friends as she made her way back to her home village where she witnesses what has been happening since the moment she disappeared after her secret has been exposed by Twilight as well as losing her control over them.

She then watches the Mane Six celebrating their success of their successful friendship mission and the towns’ ponies celebration over their freedom from Starlight and being able to do whatever they can now that they have their cutie marks back with their true talents and gifts reawaken from afar and on top of the nearby mountains.

“Go ahead and enjoy today Twilight Sparkle, because one day I will return and have my revenge against you for ruining what I built over these ponies.” Starlight swore her vendetta against her as she runs of ahead to as she sets out to plan her revenge against the Alicorn princess. “You may have outsmarted me this time, but nothing lasts forever as the true winner of this game always triumphs in the end and I will come on top. As from this moment on, I won’t stop until I have you begging for mercy under my hooves.”

Once she speaks her own personal vow she runs off into the distance and into Ponyville’s direction to gather research on how to carry out her new plan so she will come on top the next time she and Twilight meet face to face ready to do whatever it takes no matter what the cost is as she evilly smiles with a newfound determination.

Author's Note

Like "Slice of Life." this chapter is admittedly one of my shorter works compared to most episodes I have covered as this chapter is an episode solely focusing on Starlight Glimmer after her defeat in "The Cutie Map."

Before meeting Twilight herself she has heard about her actions as Midnight Sparkle through the papers to whom she admired her for her cunning, deviousness, ambitiousness, and ruthlessness in her villainous deeds and schemes much like how Twilight looked up to Princess Celestia up to wanting to someday become her protege and and a princess ruling Equestria alongside her.

At least until she reformed and settled to become the Princess of Friendship leaving her unable to comprehend how she could give up everything she worked hard for and succeeded in flying colors because she didn't allow herself the time to read the part about her speech of why she did what she did.

In addition to showing her to the best of my ability of what I think would have happened after her defeat as she secretly watches Twilight and her friends from afar before trotting off in Ponyville's direction as she carry's out a new plan to get revenge on Twilight in this little Villain Episode it also further showcases that aside from different circumstances that lead to their Starts of Darkness of how much Starlight and Twilight are alike especially when the latter was the villain herself both are very talented and skilled with magic and fighting abilites while looking up to an Alicorn Princess (Celestia for Twilight, Midnight for Starlight) while having their faith and admiration to them shattered and seeking vengeance on them. Starlight being Twilight's Evil Counterpart and Shadow Archetype is like Twilight when she became evil and before she became an alicorn.

Next up on the calendar is "Amending Fences." as we get back to Twilight atoning for her mistakes and sins as Midnight Sparkle with some tugged heart strings to come in this episode.

Chapter 10: A New Plan

Chapter 10:

A New Plan

Starlight makes her way to Ponyville by catching the next train to Ponyville as she made her way towards the dead end of the tracks leading up to the nearby village. Once the train makes it to the dead end stop she immediately boards it as the train backs up to head towards Ponyville’s direction. Inside the train she is now pondering how she is going to get revenge on Twilight Sparkle for outsmarting her and taking away her village.

Ever since losing her village to Twilight and her friends, Starlight has been living on the road. She has been renting herself an apartment in Ponyville which is similar to her house back in her hometown and with a good close view of Princess Twilight’s castle from the back patio on the second floor so she can be able to live in Ponyville so she can be able to get herself closer to Twilight so she can secretly observe her from the shadows and figure out how to get back at her when they meet again.

Every day she has lived at her apartment she has witnessed Twilight and her friends come in and out of the castle just happily gossiping and talking among one another yet nothing using or vital to use to her advantage.

One night when she was looking at Twilight’s castle from afar she sees Twilight flying off towards Canterlot’s direction at top speed like she is in a hurry.

“Well, well, well.” Starlight commented as she smirks seeing Twilight fly off ahead. “Where are you headed off to at this hour?”

Seeing this as an opportunity to try to find any weaknesses on her new arch-enemy she trots out of her apartment and catches the next train from Ponyville to Canterlot seeing that she is going in that direction.

She takes a nap on the train ride during the nighttime ride and by the time she woke up her train had just arrived in Canterlot with the sun just rising.

“Wow!” Starlight said in amazement of how it’s morning already as she gets off the train. “Time really flies by fast. I really needed that sleep after two sleepless nights of watching Twilight from the windows. If I had gone another night without sleep I would’ve been really delirious.” She said to herself as she made her in the streets of Canterlot. “Last time I went that long with sleep I nearly exposed my secret in front of a few ponies that just happened to be walking by the windows.”

She then thinks back to when she had just gotten back in her home at her old village walking inside looking like she is about to sleep as she wobbles inside.

“Oh… what a night. Now I just a quick…” She stopped mid-sentence to yawn as she loses balance as she crashes into a nearby table with a pitcher of water on it as she falls to the ground with the water just barely avoiding her and exposing her cutie mark.

Sugar Belle who had witnessed that along with Party Favor and Double Diamond quickly rush inside to see Starlight recovering from the impact of the hit while looking very dizzy and dazed nearby the knocked over table and spilled pitcher of water.

“Starlight, are you okay?!” Sugar Belle worryingly asked her.

“Yeah I‘m fine.” Starlight spoke up with her eyes spinning around. “Just need a quick nappkyins.” She spoke as she tried to make her way to her bedroom upstairs. “Just tell the townsponies I’ll…” She spoke as she fell asleep as she lost her balance again and fell asleep on the floor.

“It’s okay, Starlight?” Sugar Belle reassured her as Double Diamond and Party Favor helped her up and escorted her to her bedroom. “We’ll help you up so you can get some rest.”

In just a quick trip up the stairs, Starlight was tucked in her bed no problem at all and Starlight was comfortably getting well-deserved after she had been awake three straight days of welcoming ponies into her village, stripping ponies of their cutie marks so they can come to accept her philosophies and ways of equality, locking them in her equality house until they learn to accept her ways.

To her, even though she was able to pull it off, going through sleepless nights to get the job done had not been easy.

“There, there Starlight you get some rest.” Party Favor told her as he tidied her mane a little.

“We’ll make sure no pony disturbs you till further notice.” Double Diamond also told her as he turned to Party Favor. “Let’s watch the front door and tell other ponies that Starlight is unavailable to talk to right now.”

“No need for that.” Party Favor reassured him with a smile as he held up a sign that says “Do Not Disturb.” and placed on the front door. “I think others will get the message when they see this sign.” He added as he trotted off ahead.

Double Diamond while silently agreeing with him decides to stick around himself just to make sure Starlight gets her well-deserved rest as she now smiles as her eyes fell more relaxed and healthier deep down. Even though they don’t know the truth about Starlight she had some ponies looking out for her well-being back then.

But now that the past is past now that everypony now knows the truth about her, Starlight focuses on trying to find Twilight so she can continue to spy on her to see if there is anything to go on about her new revenge scheme deciding it’s time to start observing Twilight more closely.

She searched around the streets of Canterlot looking for a familiar purple alicorn as she made her way to the Canterlot Castle thinking she’d be around there where she found Twilight making her way to the observatory room with Moon Dancer walking alongside of her. She quickly ducked for cover in the near bush and then tip toed her way to the observatory building hiding behind the bow to avoid being spotted by Twilight in case she looks out the window.

Once she sees Twilight and Moon Dancer she uses her magic so she hear what they are talking about from outside.

"What is this place?" Moon Dancer asked as she looked around.

"This is where I used to live. “ Twilight answered to Moon Dancer ass he spotted a familiar book on a shelf. “You mean I never had you over?” She asked with regret on the last part.

“Really explains a lot about her. This girl really likes to keep busy with her research.” Starlight commented as she watched and listened. “So do I.”

As the two make their to the various bookshelves around the room Starlight quickly levitates to another nearby window she could continue observing them while carefully moving around and avoiding making noise and contact with the window to avoid being caught.

"Wow! A first edition of Principles of Magic!” Moon Dancer positively commented on the book she pulled with her magic. “Hey, didn't I give this to you?" She turned to Twilight suspiciously as if that book was very familiar.

"Maybe?" Twilight replied while looking aside nervously.

Moon Dancer then opened the pages of the book with her magic as she inspected it.

"I did! Look, I even wrote something! "To my friend, Twilight Sparkle. Thanks for introducing me to the classics."” Moon Dancer confirmed as she read it. “I can see by the fact that you left it here that it meant a lot to you." She sarcastically commented as she put the book back onto the shelf.

“Interesting.” Starlight commented as she sees the rift between the two ponies.

"Look, I didn't bring you over here for even more poignant reminders of what a bad friend I was.” Twilight walked up to her to keep things back on track. “I brought you here to give you this." She added as she levitated golden key with an hourglass shaped handle for Moon Dancer. "You can come here whenever you want and study to your heart's content."

"Really?" Moon Dancer asked speechless at this generous gift as she graciously accepted the key while levitating it with her own magic and adjusting her glasses.

"But first, you've gotta do something for me." Twilight added that there is a catch to the deal.

"What?" Moon Dancer wondered suspiciously.

"Have dinner with our old friends tonight. I made reservations at the best restaurant in Canterlot. What do you say?" Twilight spoke of her terms and offered.

"I can't. I'm reorganizing my biology scrolls." Moon Dancer refused as she drops the key onto the floor and turns away.

"I've been spending a lot of time with Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lemon Hearts since I've been back. They really miss you." Twilight continued to reach out to her as she placed a hoof onto her shoulder as Moon Dancer shrugs it off.

"Look! I already told you! The last thing I need is a bunch of ridiculous friend-making keeping me from studying!" Moon Dancer again refused as she walked away and towards the door so she could leave.

"Moon Dancer, wait!” Twilight again tried to reason with her as she made her way down the stairs to the exit. “A wise pony once taught me that there's more to life than dusty old books!"

"I tried friendship and it's just not for me. Now, if you'll excuse me…" Moon Dancer still refused as she continued walking away.

“Believe me, I’ve been there too.” Starlight said to herself with a mixture of sympathy and sarcasm as she quickly ducks to her hiding bush just barely avoiding being spotted by Twilight.

"What if I taught you Hayscartes' method?" Twilight offered with a smile.

And just as she predicted Moon Dancer stopped in her tracks just before she could step one hoof outside with the offer getting her attention as she turned back.

“Oh, I’m in for dinner as well.” Starlight commented with another evil smile as she pops her head out from her hiding bush as she watches Twilight and Moon Dancer make their way to the restaurant. “If that means figuring out a way to destroy you.”

Later than night, Twilight, Moon Dancer, Twinkleshine, Minuette, Lemon Hearts and Spike all sat together in a single large table finally all getting together for the first time in years while Starlight sits by a nearby table and sticks her head in the menu keeping it up to make it look like she is pondering her dinner choices while avoiding being spotted by Twilight.

"So, uh, what are you studying these days?" Minuette spoke first as she asked her.

"Science, magic, history, economics, pottery, human world history, engineering. Things like that." Moon Dancer stoically answered as she placed her hoof on the table for each subject mentioned.

"Yowza! You planning on being a professor or something?" Minuette positively replied and asked her what her career is going to be.

“No.” Moon Dancer replied not interested in sharing her interests.

"So you're just... studying. "Really? That's cool!" Minuette asked her awkwardly now seeing this is not going the direction they had hoped it would go.

“Awkward.” Starlight sarcastically commented as she watched and eavesdropped on their conversation.

“Can I go now?” Moon Dancer as sounding like she is ready to leave.

"Moon Dancer, please." Twilight insisted she stay as she raised a hoof up to stop her.

"It's all right, Twilight." Minuette assured Twilight that everything is fine. "We're having a good time. Right, everypony?"

Twinkleshine simply shrugged not knowing what to say to make things better and Lemon Hearts chuckled nervously unable to come up with a response as well. Minuette then tried to start another topic of conversation.

"So, uh... Spike, tell Moon Dancer that story 'bout how Twilight had to read a book about doing a sleepover!" Minuette asked Spike in an attempt to keep the positive flow of the conversation going.

Spike raised his finger to let her know he’ll answer once he swallows his food but was stopped by Moon Dancer as she immediately answered.

"Slumber 101? I've read that." Moon Dancer answered completely unimpressed.

"There's really a Slumber 101 book?" Starlight wondered to herself sounding impressed that there actually is a book for first-time slumber party hosts. "Makes me wonder if Twilight has a book for everything?"

Twilight chuckled nervously seeing that approach isn’t going anywhere "Oh! Really? Well, uh, did you know Lemon Hearts here works at the Canterlot palace?" She brought for another attempt to spark her interest.

"Uh, yeah. It's true. I do the big events mostly. State dinners, that sort of thing." Lemon Hearts awkwardly agreed as an awkward silence loomed over them as they chuckled nervously.

Moon Dancer having had enough, irritably groaned having completely lost interest in this dinner conversation, and stood up from her chair, heading towards the exit. Twilight seeing this quickly teleported herself outside, calling out to her trying to stop her from leaving.

“And just like that this conversation is now going south for the winter.” Starlight commented as she watched Moon Dancer leave with Twilight and Spike following behind her in an effort to stop her from leaving to no avail.

Seeing that Twilight and Spike have chased after Moon Dancer, Starlight places the menu down once she sees that the coast is clear as she smirks seeing she has found something to go on.

“Interesting!” Starlight commented as she sees Twilight walking off in tears following Moon Dancer rejecting Twilight’s attempts to reach out to her and become friends with her again. “Twilight wasn’t kidding when she said friendship is magic and what leads to her winning every time in the end.” She said to herself referring to one of her friendship speeches from the last time they met. “Maybe if I could work around breaking apart her friendship with her friends I can take away her greatest strength and ensure that this all never happened.”

She then turned to face the waiter who approached her ready to take her order.

“Have you decided what you like to order?” The waiter kindly asked her having not noticed her sneaky and subtly devious smirk.

“Yes, yes I have.” Starlight kindly answered as she looks aside with another devious smirk as she successfully figured out a way of how go on exacting revenge on Twilight with a new plan on her mind.

Author's Note

In another Starlight episode, we have a brief glimpse of what Starlight has been doing since losing her village to the Mane Six as she has been living on the road until she founds somewhere nearby the castle to live so she can secretly spy on Twilight. It wasn't until learning the potential havoc that a broken friendship can have does she get an idea of what kind to plot of vengeance to execute on Twilight until she sees Twilight's friendship with Moon Dancer at the time strained.

Also I added in a flashback of a sleep-deprived Starlight after going through sleepless nights of running a equality-promoted town of stripping cutie marks and forcing them to accept her ways of life with Double Diamond, Party Favor, and Sugar Belle helping make sure she is well rested while almost coming across Starlight's secret as a reference to Twilight in "Princess Spike."

Chapter 11: Do Princess Dream of Magic Sheep?

Chapter 11:

Do Princess Dream of Magic Sheep

One night when Twilight is sleeping in her castle she is sound asleep in her bed at least until she started groaning uncomfortably.

Inside her dream she is currently dreaming of her in her library happily reading her books inside as random books fly from their shelf placements to her table and back when is ready to begin reading them and when is later done reading them. Then suddenly a cloud of blue smoke appears from one of the books she was just pulling out catching Twilight’s attention in the process.

Her confusion turned into shock and surprise when the creature then took the form of Midnight Sparkle as she evilly cackles as she transforms multiple books into bats trying to move in and attack her. Twilight was able to dodge and avoid every incoming back as Midnight evilly laughs as she flees from the bat-like attack on her. She effortlessly was able to out-fly them until she gets cornered by Midnight herself who then catches her by the wings and then teleports them to the Crystal Empire where she holds up the Crystal Heart with everypony in attendance.

“Gotcha.” Midnight exclaimed as she caught Twilight. “Trust me.” She said as she used her magic to shatter the Crystal Heart.

“NOOO.” Twilight screamed out in horror as a winter snow storm starts pouring in on everypony at the stadium who all start to succumb to hypothermia and start slowly dying from the freezing weather especially the princesses and her friends.

“Let me go!” Twilight demanded as Midnight still grasps onto her while evilly laughing again as she summons her magic to make a live quesadilla appear in front of her.

“No! Anything but that! Please they’re too cheesy!” She struggled to break free as the quesadilla approaches her trying to get into her mouth.

Midnight using her magic forces Twilight’s mouth open as she screams for the inevitable to come as it is now inches away from her mouth.

At that moment, Twilight immediately woke up with sweat dripping from her face with panicked deep breaths as she awakens from the shock from her nightmare.

Seeing that she isn’t going to be able to sleep well tonight she just gives up and heads down to the kitchen to get herself some coffee so she can stay awake for the night as she sits down to read a book on her desk.

The next morning she went over to Rarity’s boutique so she can groom Owlowiscious along with the rest of her friends who are also grooming their pets as well.

“Ooh, this is amazing!” Pinkie Pie said as she hoped around the shop.

“Yeah, Rarity. Thanks for setting all this up.” Rainbow Dash happily added.

“A grooming day for our pets really was a great idea.” Fluttershy added in the same tone as Twilight tries to act like everything is fine.

Her friends were able to sleep fine last night although Twilight was the only who clearly didn’t get enough sleep last night as she is the only one with dark circles and bags under her eyes but had enough control over her magic to gently comb Owlowiscious.

But during her daze she ended up stumbling backwards a little and accidentally fell into the bathtub where Tank is taking his bath in. Rainbow Dash quickly caught Tank as he flew out of the tub from the splash Twilight accidentally made. She groaned as she poked her head up and out of the tub as she tries to wake herself up a bit as her friends run up to her to make sure she is okay.

“You okay, sugarcube?” Applejack asked her in concern.

“Oh, yeah, I’m fine.” Twilight told Applejack while half-awake. “Sorry, Rainbow Dash.” She turned to face Rainbow Dash with an apologetic look. “I just didn't quite sleep well last night.” She then explained herself followed by a yawn.

“It’s all right, Twilight.” Rainbow Dash reassured her it’s no biggie. “Did you have a nightmare or something keeping you up last night?”

“Well, maybe one.” Twilight tried to recall off of the top of her head as she placed a hoof on her chin as she yawned again.

“Like what darling?” Rarity asked her wanting to get an idea of what she dreamed about.

“Well…” Twilight started hesitatingly as if she doesn’t want to talk about it.

“It’s all right, you can tell us.” Fluttershy reassured they won’t judge her.

“Well for starters it was definitely scary.” Twilight then started to explain. “I was reading my books until this blue smoke monster appeared in one of them and...” she then stopped when her friends all stared at her with shock "...what?"

“A blue smoke monster?” Pinkie exclaimed in shock.

“That doesn’t sound good.” Applejack noted with concern as she helped her out of the bathtub. “Has this happened here before?”

“No it hasn’t.” Twilight replied as Spike hands her a towel to dry herself off with.

“I wonder what could have given you this kind of a frightful nightmare.” Rarity wondered seeing that this very alarming.

“I don't know. I couldn't tell." Twilight said unsure herself "But I do know who might. Spike, could you send a scroll to Princess Luna?"

"Sure!" Spike happily replied as he placed the towels down and grabbed a paper and quill as Twilight finishes drying herself off. "All set!"

Twilight spoke up as Spike writes down every word, "Dear Princess Luna, last night my friends and I all dreamt of a creature made of blue smoke. I'm sure you're very busy, but" she briefly stopped to yawn, "when you have the chance, please let me know if you have any idea what it could mean. Yours," she yawned again before continuing, "Princess Twilight Sparkle. You can leave out the yawns."

Spike scratched off the 'yawns' he had written with a “heh-heh” grin before rolling up the scroll and breathing fire to magically send it to Princess Luna.

The door immediately flew open as Princess Luna arrived…in just two seconds flat as she immediately burst through inside.

"Which of you saw the creature of blue smoke in your nightmare?!" Princess Luna immediately asked with worry and concern in her voice.

"Wow. That was fast." Fluttershy said in amazement of her quick arrival.

“I did, Princess Luna.” Twilight spoke up as she stepped forward. "So you've encountered the smoke monster too?" Twilight asked wondering if this is very familiar to her too.

Princess Luna walked into the boutique, looking at them all with a face of pure regret as she looks aside ashamed that this happened to her. "The Tantabus is a creature of my nightmares. It escaped from my slumbers yesterday."

"But how did it get Twilight’s?" Fluttershy asked with worry and concern. “Just how serious is this?”

"The Tantabus is like a parasite. My dreams must no longer be enough for it. Now it seeks others to infect and corrupt. It must have learned of you from seeing you in my dream."

“Whoa-whoa-whoa. So what you're saying is... you dreamt about her, and not the rest of the girls and including me.” Spike asked and then sadly whimpered.

“Uh, so Smokey gave her bad dreams. No biggie.” Rainbow Dash said as she points a hoof at Twilight in the tone saying that she is immediately blowing the concern out to the sky to which Luna sadly nods it is in fact a very big deal as she continues to explain.

“I saw that the Tantabus had grown more powerful, but I did not realize that power was enough to enable it to escape my dreams. If its power grows, it could very well find a way to escape into the real world. It could turn all of Equestria into a living nightmare!” She fearfully spoke as she turned around to look out the window leaving all of the girls threatened by the danger it possesses.

“Okay, okay, okay, I take it back! That does sound bad! Really bad!” Rainbow Dash immediately spoke now fully grasping the severity of the situation.

“The only way for me to stop the Tantabus is if I enter your dreams Twilight Sparkle.” Luna spoke as her friends eye Twilight who is now looking uneasy at the thought of her dreams being visited.

“Okay.” Twilight accepted as she sweated a little sounding nervous of all this while emitting a small nervous gulp. “I’ll have everything ready by nighttime.” She then said as she quickly masked her discomfort.

“Good.” Luna nodded in approval of Twilight’s corporation as she turned to leave. “We’ll meet at your castle in your bedroom at night.”

As soon as Luna flies off, Twilight quickly fetches Owlowiscious as she makes her way out the door as well in her haste to immediately leave.

“Wait, Twilight! What about your dream?” Rainbow asked her as she is leaving in a hurry.

“Sorry, can’t talk, gotta go, must get things ready for tonight! Bye!” Twilight quickly and rapidly responded with a forced smile as she hastily ran out of the boutique and flew off back to her castle leaving her friends surprised by her sudden departure.

“Twilight! Wait up!” Spike called out to her as he ran after her wanting to be able to catch up with her.

“Ok. What the hey was that all about?” Rainbow Dash spoke flabbergasted by Twilight's quick departure.

“Maybe there was something more to that dream that Twilight doesn’t want to talk to us about.” Fluttershy voiced her thoughts on what could be the reason.

“But we’re her friends!” Pinkie exclaimed finding it off that she didn't want to talk to them about it. “Twilight always tells us what’s bugging her deep down.”

“You’re right darling that is strange.” Rarity spoke unable to make out Twilight’s deepest fear and secret she is hiding.

“Yeah!” Applejack agreed as she nodded in her head. “And tonight we’re gonna find out what in tarnation is bugging her.”

As Twilight makes her way back to her castle in flight with Owlowiscious in tow she immediately closes the castle doors and retreats to her room as she quickly preps her room up for Luna’s visit as she watches over her dream with a forced smile on her face. Once she has everything all prepped up she drops her forced smile as she sighs in relief.

She then goes to and through the castle hallways as she looks out the window to see Ponyville from afar before retreating to her room and sitting at her desk as she hangs her head feeling scared deep down that her deepest fears are coming up the surface and unable to talk to anypony about them.

By nighttime, Princess Luna arrived just as she promised.

“I’ve prepared everything exactly as you requested.” Twilight told Luna as they make their way through the halls and into her bedroom.

“Good. As you slumber here, I will pursue the creature into whichever of your dreams it infests.” Luna spoke as she hovered over the room, ready to act the first sign of trouble.

“Ooh! It'll be like a princess sleepover!” Pinkie excitably spoke as she and the other entered the room.

“Girls?!” Twilight exclaimed in surprise. “What are you all doing here?”

“Wondering why you are acting like this, sugarcube.” Applejack firmly answered. “You’d been avoiding talking about this faster than a vampire bat going in for the kill.”

“What are you talking about?” Twilight asked wondering why they are making a big deal out of this as if she is being interrogated. “It’s just a nightmare.”

“But from the way you’ve been dodging talking about your nightmare tells us there is something more about it which you are not telling us.” Rainbow Dash told her as she crossed her arms having none of Twilight’s excuses to talk her way out of this.

“Look as much as I want to argue about this, I already arranged for Princess Luna to handle things from here so if you all want to watch to find out why then be my guest.” Twilight irritably told them she is in no mood to argue right now while letting them watch over them as she makes her way to her bed.

“Fine by us as along as we learn the truth about all this.” Rainbow Dash agreed while still firmly crossing her arms.

“Speaking of princesses, aren't you gonna ask Celestia for her help as well?” Twilight asked Luna as she turned her attention back at her.

“There is nothing my sister can do. She has no power in the realm of sleep. Only I can move from dream to dream. I am afraid nopony can help me tonight.” Luna answered as she turned away.

"Even us?" Applejack asked.

“Especially you. For I do not want this creature infesting any other pony’s dreams and risk the Tantabus escaping and I already have caused Twilight to suffer so much because of me. She needs only slumber while I hunt the Tantabus in her dreams." Luna explained as Twilight gave a mixed expression towards her of why she feels she is to blame for her own actions as Midnight

At that moment she felt someone tug on her mane and saw it was Spike as she turned her head in his direction.

“I know you said nopony can help, but I'm no pony! I'm gonna stay up and watch over her just in case!” Spike said as she crawled up onto Twilight’s night stand as he used his claws to keep his eyes open.

“Aw, thank you, Spike!” Twilight said with a warm smile as she fully tucked herself in her bed and fell asleep.

Seeing Twilight is now asleep the Mane Five and Spike all watch as Princess Luna spreads out her wings and activates her magic. The lines of her horn glowed to reach the very tip. One glowing neon white stream appeared, attaching to Twilight’s forehead of the ones deep in slumber. A soft wind surrounded Luna as she began traveling into Twilight’s dream.

There she sees Twilight touring Ponyville with the Yaks from Yakyakistan where a nervous Twilight is trying to keep the Yaks from destroying Ponyville by using her magic to freeze them so they could stop.

“Yaks demand meaning of this?!” Prince Rutherford yelled at Twilight. “Yaks want to know why pony princess is doing all of this?!”

“Prince Rutherford, please I’m sorry for doing this but this is not the way to treat other ponies who have done nothing but being good to you for this entire visit.” Twilight apologetically told the Yaks as she unfroze them with her magic.

“Yaks not satisfied with visit. Yaks declare war!” Prince Rutherford declared as prepared to charge at Twilight.

Just before Prince Rutherford could approach her the dark blue smoke appeared in the sky with Midnight Sparkle appeared before them bellowing them.

“Not on my watch!” Midnight yelled out to the yaks with a stern expression on her face as the Yaks are now horrified to see her but had no time to react as Midnight uses her magic to grasp them in the air and then roared fire at them sending flying back into the mountains leaving them potentially burned and killed from the fall and impact.

Twilight could only look on just as horrified seeing Midnight destroy the Yaks as she flies down to her.

“Join me Twilight!” Midnight told her terrified counterpart with an offering hoof. “Together we can destroy the threat of those ungrateful yaks before they can even attack first.”

Twilight sweated as she gulped and backed away in fear of her as Midnight menacingly approaches her.

“No, I won’t. I’m not like you.” Twilight retorted.

“Aren’t you.” Midnight replied with a smirk as she held up the princess’s crowns to remind her of the extreme lengths she was willing to go to secure her power on all of Equestria.”

Just before Midnight could use her magic to force the transformation Princess Luna flew in between them glaring down at the evil alicorn as she uses her magic to try to hold her at bay.

“Luna.” Twilight expressed in relief to see her come to her rescue.

Princess Luna tried her hardest to try to crystallize the Tantabus in Midnight’s form but Midnight had proven herself too powerful for her to handle as she manages to break free from her crystal prison.

Midnight evilly laughs as she swoops down towards Twilight who screams in horror as she is facing darkness and defeat consuming her again.

At that moment Twilight woke up gasping in deep breaths as sweat drips from her face.

“What happened? What’s wrong?” Spike asked her as she brought her a towel to wipe the sweat off of her face as she was still breathing heavily to borderline hyperventilating still shaken up from her nightmare.

“Can’t talk about it! Too terrifying!” Twilight spoke in between breaths with tears forming around her eyes.

“But did Luna at least catch it. Didn’t she?” Spike asked.

"I am so sorry, Twilight. I failed. It will be back to infect your dreams the next time you sleep." Luna regretfully told everyone as she floated down from the ceiling as Twilight eye twitches hearing this development.

“Oh, no!” Fluttershy trembled as she placed her hooves over her mouth seeing that it’s only going to get worse from here.

"Yeah. I reckon I could live without seeing that thing if it’s as terrifying as what Twilight says it is." Applejack said sounding relieved that she is not in Twilight’s hoof steps right now as she hands her a glass of water to which Twilight graciously accepts as starts drinking from it.

“Thanks.” Twilight told Applejack with a warm smile.

“But poor Twilight will again and again, every night, until it grows powerful enough to infect the waking world! All thanks to me!” Luna said as she looked out the window with deep regret. “After what I did as Nightmare Moon, the fact that I am once again responsible for harming others is more than I can bear.”

“You’re not the only one.” Twilight spoke as she confessed as she hung her head with deep regret. “After what I did as Midnight Sparkle she’s been haunting me ever since I’ve reformed and ever since then I can still feel her evil spirit creeping back inside of my heart.”

“So that’s why you’ve been avoiding talking about all of this?” Applejack first asked with surprise while being sympathetic to her plight.

“Yeah.” Twilight sadly answered still unable to look at anypony at the moment. “But even so, I always still feel that I’ll never be able to escape her shadow especially after learning of how much I have truly hurt every pony like I just did to Moon Dancer, the Yaks, and all of you for what I have done as Midnight. For a pony who’s brought on so much pain and suffering to everypony because of the actions of few what kind of a princess does that make me?” She added as she started tearing up. “Just seeing what I allowed myself to become even scares me.”

Everyone in room was completely stunned seeing Twilight this vulnerable for the first time since she had reformed as even when everypony is forgiving her she is really learning of how much damage she truly has caused as a result of her actions leaving her feeling very remorseful and guilt ridden as she cries.

“Aw, Twilight.” Fluttershy said as she climbed onto her bed and wrapped her hoof around her shoulder as she hugged her. “We’re so sorry that to hear that. But it will be okay.”

“Yeah Twilight! It'll be okay! Everypony makes mistakes!” Pinkie also reassured her.

“Even us darling.” Rarity sincerely added. “For we walked out on you in a time of need which lead to this domino effect to happen in the first place.”

“Yeah. Loyal friends like us should have had your back all the way through back then.” Rainbow Dash added to tell Twilight that she is not to blame entirely for what she did as Midnight Sparkle.

“Especially since this is really my fault.” Luna regretfully spoke seeing that she contributed to Twilight’s increased suffering.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked in confusion of what she is talking about. “You weren’t there when my friends walked out on me at the wedding rehearsal.”

“I mean it’s because I created the Tantabus to give myself the same nightmare every night...“ Luna clarified as she started to tear up too. ”...to punish myself for the evil I caused as Nightmare Moon!”

“Say what now?!” Applejack asked in surprise.

“But why would you do that?!” Fluttershy asked just as surprised.

“To make sure I never forgave myself for how much Equestria suffered because of me! But it seems I have not learned my lesson, for now I have only made you suffer more!” Luna further explained as she cried as Twilight gets an idea of how to deal with it but it also involves doing something she doesn’t want to do as well.

“But that means you might just be the key to stopping all this!” Twilight spoke up of her solution while sounding just as uncertain as Luna.

“How?” Luna asked wondering what Twilight is thinking of.

“Well I didn’t dream of any other pony other than Midnight so that means the Tantabus is only in my dream.” Twilight said to explain that the Tantabus is only amplifying her nightmares. “So you can still catch in my dream again as long I don’t dream of any other pony.”

“That’s true.” Luna agreed with Twilight’s point there. “As long as you didn’t dream of any other pony the Tantabus can’t get any stronger. So I should be able to catch as long as I focus on just one dream.” She added as she flew up to the ceiling again. “All right. I am now willing to do anything to end this, including accept your help. I cannot allow the Tantabus to escape into the real world. So Twilight must now go back to sleep and hope that I can stop it there.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Twilight spoke as she tucked herself back in her bed ready to face her Midnight Sparkle nightmare again even when she deep down doesn’t really want to do again.

“We’re coming too.” Rarity spoke up vouching to sleep alongside with Twilight.

“No, girls.” Twilight firmly but politely declined. “This is something I have to do alone.”

“But Twilight…” Rarity tried to speak not to be cut off by Twilight who raises her hoof to stop her from talking.

“Sorry, Rarity.” Twilight again declined her input. “The Tantabus is only in my dreams right now and if let the rest of you join in then we risk it escaping form the dream real and into the mortal realm which could put all of Equestria at stake.” She explained her reasons why she can’t have the others dream alongside with her.

“I’m afraid Twilight is right.” Luna agreed with the younger alicorn. “I have already caused Twilight to suffer more than she deserves and I can’t afford to allow any other pony to suffer because of mistakes. This is something that I must stop alone before it gets any worse.”

“Who says you have face this alone, sister?” Princess Celestia spoke her input as she flew inside the room much to the others especially Luna’s surprise.

“Sister? What are you doing here?!” Luna asked in surprise of seeing her here.

“I’m here to help you and Twilight.” Celestia calmly answered. “I sensed you feeling troubled when you flew off in a hurry so I followed you shortly after you left tonight and listened in on your conversation. I’m sorry for spying on you but it was the only way I could find out what’s troubling you.” She then approached Luna as she continues. “And I thought by now you would tell me when these things happen.”

"I'm sorry, sister.” Luna apologized to her big sister. “But I couldn't let you get involved. This was my mistake, something that I have to do alone, You and everypony else have already suffered enough because of me."

Hearing this has Twilight really see that she is going through the same course of action she is currently taking after hearing her words echo from Luna’s mouth.

“Luna, if this creature is as powerful as you say it is, something like this requires all the help you can get even from your family and friends.” Celestia somberly said. “And if it means helping you my sister and Twilight my most faithful student then I’m all in for catching him with you. You’re not alone now and you don’t need to face this alone.” Celestia calmly assured her as she places a hoof on her shoulder as she turns to Twilight. “And that applies to you and your friends, Twilight. You don’t have to face Midnight in your own dreams alone.”

Twilight initially hesitant on allowing her friends to join her in her dreams with her until Applejack spoke up.

“Come on, Twi.” Applejack encouraged her let them help her. “It’s the least we can do for you. After all, we walked out on you when you needed us the most which lead to this all happening. But now things here are different and we’re here for you now.”

After seeing her friends giving her the pleading puppy dog eyed looks Twilight relented after she sighs.

“All right fine.” Twilight said as she used her magic to make separate beds for each and one of them to appear in. Immediately every pony got in their beds ready to sleep alongside Twilight including Spike.

Even though she is encouraged to accept help from her friends deep down she feels she is going to regret this.

Once everypony was all tucked in bed and getting to sleep Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both activate their magic to recreate Luna’s ability to access dreams of other ponies. Even though this is something Celestia has had little to no experience in she was able to quickly pick up and follow her sister's lead and be able to use the same magic Luna is using as a bright light flashes around them.

In Twilight’s dream, Twilight is walking around Ponyville at night getting a good look at her surroundings.

“So far so good.” Twilight said to herself as she comes across her friends who approach her. “Girls! You’re here!”

“Of course we are sugarcube!” Applejack happily responded. “So we can have your back this time around just like we promised.”

As Twilight smiles at their gesture she is then called out to by a familiar voice.

“Ponies.” Luna called out as she and her sister hovered over the Ponyville dream with their horns glowing individually in a forcefield.

“There’s not much time.” Luna warned the six ponies and young dragon. Then she reacts in horror when she sees what’s in front of her. “No! It is already here.”

The Tantabus appeared in front of everypony which has now gotten bigger in size leaving the Mane Six, the alicorn sisters, and Spike surprised to see its massive size.

The Mane Six, the alicorn sisters, and Spike also get a much bigger and horrified surprise as Midnight Sparkle appears overhead chuckling evilly as she looks down at every pony below her.

All eight ponies could only show mixed reactions of horror of seeing Twilight’s villainous counterpart take a separate form on her own as Midnight swoops in and grabs Spike with her hooves as she flies back up in the air.

“Spike!” Twilight exclaimed in worry with a raised hoof.

“Twilight! Help!” Spike cried out as he raised a reaching hand to Twilight's direction as Luna watches in distress feeling worse at what she had done to Twilight.

“I am so sorry! I brought this upon you!” Princess Luna apologized as her regretful face turned into a much more determined expression. “But I will end it now!”

"Luna, wait!" Princess Celestia called out with a raised hoof to stop her from what she was going to do but it was too late as Luna went ahead as she shot a white beam at both the Tantabus and Midnight in hopes of destroying them once and for all but to no avail as her magic did no damage to either of them as Midnight easily shrugs off the attack like it was nothing. Luna was left exhausted from the attempted attack as sweat dripped from her forehead as the Tantabus began terrorizing Ponyville while Midnight continued to hold Spike hostage in her magical grasp.

“Is that all you got, Princess?” Midnight laughed off. “Your sister can throw better punches than you and she's Equestria's biggest joke of a princess.”

Hearing these insults get to Luna as she looks on in despair has Celestia looking on at Midnight fierce determination and with slow-burning anger boiling up inside of her.

“Don’t you dare insult my sister, Midnight!” Celestia defiantly told off the alicorn as she used her magic to take a shot at Midnight. But even when landing a more powerful attack on Midnight it is still not enough to have her let go of Spike as she able to endure the attack and be able resist being blasted off.

“Hmm.” Midnight thought to herself as she pondered sadistic ideas to torture him. “What to do with you little dragon?”

Twilight watching this wants badly to help him and is sweating and looking on in fear of Midnight again.

“Don’t let her strike fear into your heart, Twilight!” Luna called out to her.

“But how?!” Twilight asked as she trembled still unable to face off against Midnight who is torturing Spike with his worst nightmares by replaying his memory of seeing the duplicate Twilight die in the train explosion. “I can’t even face her head on!”

“No, don’t make me look!” Spike cried out as he shielded his eyes from the flashback.

“Yes you can!” Luna firmly replied. “In a dream anything can happen. And in real life as long as prove yourself you are the stronger pony nothing can stand in your way. You are fearless in the face of danger, Princess Twilight” She further encouraged Twilight she can face on her worst fears head on and why she is stronger than Midnight as she groans from her strains.

“Princess, what's wrong?” Twilight asked Luna.

Luna grunted as both she and her sister struggled to keep the Tantabus at bay. "It… is taking all our strength just to hold this massive dream together! You children will have to stop it! I truly wish I did not have to ask this of you!" Luna added with regret.

"Then you're in luck." Twilight with complete confidence.

“Yeah! We're already on it!” Rainbow Dash added in the same tone.

“You girls try to hold the Tantabus at bay as long as you can while I deal with Midnight.” Twilight instructed them as she spread her wing out and flew off towards Midnight with a powerful magic blast right at her face causing Midnight to struggle with shielding herself with the attack and dropping Spike after losing her grip over the young dragon.

“AAAHHH!” Spike yelled out as he fell from the sky and towards the ground.

Acting quick Twilight was able to fly down and catch Spike onto her back just before he can hit the ground.

Spike immediately hugs Twilight upon being saved by the pony he served for most of her life and who he looks up to as a mother as Twilight flies back up into the air with a determined expression as she glares down at Midnight who is ready to throw down and fight her as Spike holds on tight to her.

Midnight charges her magic up and releases another powerful blast at Twilight who counters with a magic beam of her own as the two beams make contact with each other with both ponies trying to gain the edge over one and another. Midnight then starts gaining the edge has her beam moves closer to Twilight’s horn as Twilight begins to struggle.

“Accept your destiny!” Midnight told Twilight as she is about to overwhelm her. “There is no other choice!”

But Twilight remembers Luna’s previous words echo through her mind.

“As long as you prove yourself you are the stronger pony deep down, nothing can stand in your way. You are fearless in the face of danger.”

“Of course.” Twilight said to herself just as she was about to be overwhelmed by Midnight’s magic as she looks on with a more confident and determined expression as she gives her magic a push to send Midnight’s back right at her sending her back a few feet.

Midnight recovers and she Twilight lands another blast right at her chest causing her to groan in pain.

“No, you’re wrong Midnight!” Twilight retorted as Midnight angrily glares at her for attacking her. “I do have another choice! You may be able to knock me down and strike fear into my heart but I going to get back up again and again! And as long as I am still standing I will never stop trying to defeat you for you have no power over me!”

Midnight retaliated by charging at Twilight to punch her in the face and then tries to send magic at Twilight only for her to quickly dodge the attack and hit the Tantabus instead who shrieks in pain from the attack.

Twilight then after quickly recovering uses her magic to freeze Midnight with her magic just before she attack her again just inches from her face as she then uses her magic to sending fly backwards again after delivering a punch right back at her face.

The two would continue blasting magic at each other fighting each other to a standstill until Twilight finally puts an end to it by freezing Midnight again who now struggles to break free from Twilight’s grasp while defiantly refusing to beg for mercy from her by glaring at her.

“It’s over, Midnight, you’ve lost! The nightmare is over!” Twilight firmly told Midnight as she launches a powerful golden magical light right at her which vanquishes her into nothing after she is consumed by the bright golden light.

With a single burst Midnight imploded into nothing but a cloud of gold stars that fly into the nighttime sky.

Twilight watching this smiles in satisfaction that she overcome her own nightmare as Spike watches in complete amazement at what Twilight had just did.

“Wow!” Spike expressed in amazement. “Sometimes I wonder how I keep forgetting of how amazing you are Twilight!”

Twilight smiles to show she appreciates the compliment but the compliments about her victory are interrupted when she sees the Mane Five struggle to keep the Tantabus at bay.

Rainbow Dash transforms into her Power Pony costume as she flies around the Tantabus at great speeds to form a tornado to try to subdue. But the Tantabus with little struggle was able to break free and emerge from the tornado.

Seeing that they need help Twilight immediately uses her dream magic to make her destroyed library come back to live as she sends flying books and quesadillas at the Tantabus’s way while Applejack transforming into her Power Pony costume sends her golden lasso at the same direction too.

The books and quesadillas all swarm around the Tantabus as it struggles to move around which buys Applejack time to lasso the Tantabus up to keep her with going through the portal into the mortal realm which she tore an opening through in the sky to which Rarity quickly uses her magic to sew up.

Fluttershy manages to summon and tame a giant creature to send in the Tantabus’s way to keep it at bay.

While Luna and Celestia are trying to keep the dream together, Luna is starting to struggle as tears stream from her face

“I cannot hold this dream together much longer! Equestria will fall because of me!” Luna cried out as she is straining from the excessive magic use.

The Tantabus then managed to shake off all of the attacks and grow bigger to size of a very huge giant about the size as Tirek.

“Am I crazy, or did it just get even bigger after Luna said that?” Spike asked Twilight if he just saw what he saw correctly.

“No you’re not because it did.” Twilight reassured Spike he is not only one who took notice of that.

“I think it's feeding off your guilt, Princess Luna!” Twilight told Luna as she flew down towards her.

“If that is so, then perhaps that is how it grew strong enough to escape from my control the first place!" Luna came to the conclusion as she sees the Tantabus taking the form of Luna as she slowly steps forward towards the recreated opening to the mortal realm.

“There is a way you can stop her, Luna.” Twilight told her Celestia helps Luna onto her hooves. “Which is something that only you can do to yourself.”

“How?” Luna tearfully asked.

“By forgiving yourself and coming to terms with your redemption.” Twilight explained.

“Yeah!” Rainbow Dash spoke getting the idea Twilight’s trying to send to Luna. “If it gets strong because you feel bad about what you did as Nightmare Moon, then you just gotta stop feeling bad for what you did!”

“How can I forgive myself?” Luna asked while still crying. “I am no better now than I was then. My creation is turning your life into a living nightmare and as soon all of Equestria as well!”

“My dreams were already nightmares ever since I reformed. And it is you of all ponies who gave me the courage to face off against my evil counterpart when I doubted myself and felt all hope was lost. Now it is my turn to give you the courage to make everything right again.” Twilight firmly said while trying to reach out to her heart-to-heart.

“She’s right sister!” Princess Celestia agreed as she placed one of her wings on Luna’s chin to have her look at her in the eyes. “Even when I sent you off to the moon for a thousand years I took no pleasure in having to do that even when it was necessary as I have missed you every day and night since then. And I ended up making the same mistakes again which lead to Twilight becoming Midnight Sparkle when I didn’t give her the comfort she needed.”

“We all made mistakes that we have come to regret.” Twilight added that even she, her sister, and her friends are not immune to making them. “But look at what you're doing! Nightmare Moon would've wanted the Tantabus to turn Equestria into a nightmare! You're doing everything you can to stop it! Don't you see? That proves you're not the same pony you were then!” Twilight spoke to her heart form heart. “Everypony who knows you knows that Nightmare Moon is in the past! We all trust you, Luna! Do you trust us enough to believe we're right?”

Luna looked up seeing that the Tantabus was halfway through the portal, but then she looked upon the reassuring and comforting looks and forgiving eyes of her dear friends as well as her own sister, who gently wrapped her arms around her sister holding her in an embrace.

"I'm sorry." Luna apologized as she returned the embrace.

"I'm sorry too. Can you forgive yourself now?" Celestia also apologized while asking her sister if she can forgive herself now.

"…I do!" Luna calmly replied as she smiled.

The Tantabus then was pulled back into the dream as it suddenly lost the power to escape the dream world after hearing the very power of forgiveness weaken her. To its horror, the Tantabus found itself shrinking as the portal closes up completely. Luna stood up as the unicorn-shaped Tantabus walked towards her. The creature merged back into Luna's body as it entered through her necklace.

Luna then took in a sigh of relief, smiling in gratitude to all those who believed in her as the tantabus was now finally defeated.

"Thank you. Thank you all." Luna gratefully told all of her close friends.

The next morning, Twilight found herself waking up back in her mortal realm seeing that everything is now all right.

“Luna did it!” Twilight happily told her friends who were just waking up.

“She sure did!” Applejack said although not one hundred percent sure what had just happened. “Only... I'm not exactly sure what she did.

“Luna created the Tantabus to punish herself! The worse she felt, the more power it had! But once she finally forgave herself for what Nightmare Moon did... “ Twilight explained as Spike finished with a…

“Poof!”

“Shh!” Celestia gently asked them to keep their voices down as she wrapped her wing over her sister. “Let her sleep. She really needs this.”

“Huh. Wonder what she's dreaming about now.” Spike curiously asked as she watches Luna sleep peacefully.

“Must be a very peaceful and well deserving one after everything she has been through.” Twilight answered with a warm smile.

As Twilight shifts her focus from Luna for a moment she thinks of something she could do to.

The next night before going to sleep, Twilight goes outside to her castle balcony where she goes up and looks around to make sure no pony is around and watching. Once she was certain she was alone, Twilight has her horn’s magic activated and then placed it onto her heart where she would carefully and slowly pull out the very little and remaining dark magic that was residing in there ever since she reformed from being Midnight Sparkle.

Once she got every last bit of dark magic out of her heart she stops focuses her magic as the dark magic floats away into the sky.

Twilight then wipes away the sweat that had formed on her forehead feeling a little fatigued from performing that spell on herself but is now feeling happy that Midnight is no longer haunting her dreams and is gone from her life as she trots back inside so she can go to sleep…

…Or so she thought as the dark magic that had floated into the sky has taken the form of a familiar alicorn in shape and size as it flies away from Ponyville to parts of Equestria unknown…

Author's Note

This chapter honestly required some deep thought and revising to make this fit into this story more but with further ado...

For starters, I changed the episode a bit to have Twilight being the only pony suffering nightmares and sleepless nights because of her dreams involving Midnight Sparkle her villainous counterpart which are only more so amplified by the creation of the Tantabus getting into her dream. Ever since her reformation, Midnight's spirit has been haunting in her dreams which have also gotten worse with her recent actions from her dealing with the Yaks and Moon Dancer having come to see just how much damage her past self has deeply inflicted on them. While at the same time like in canon, Luna is still feeling pain and suffering from her past actions as Nightmare Moon.

In some of these scenes Twilight and Luna can definitely both relate as they help each other in the dream realm as Luna helps Twilight defeat Midnight by reminding her that she is strong and powerful deep down and is fearless in the face of danger while Twilight helps her by getting Luna to forgive herself for her past actions as Nightmare Moon.

I have also added Princess Celestia in this episode as she helps Luna in the dream realm since there were people who were thinking she should have been included in the episode's climax who like Twilight also helps her come to terms with her self-forgiveness as she too feels guilty for the domino effect that lead to the rise of Nightmare Moon and later Midnight Sparkle.

And finally there is that little cliffhanger involving that leftover dark magic that has been inside of Twilight ever since her reformation. For that little bit, that will play a major role later on in this story so something to keep an eye on as this story goes into the second half of Twilight's redemption arc.

Chapter 12: Made in Manehattan

Chapter 12:

Made in Manehattan:

On a quiet day in her castle library, Twilight for once is not in a book-reading mood as she has formed a six-level pyramid of books and is currently sitting at a table where she has two six-book stacks beside her she pulls a gray book from one of her shelves hoping for something interesting but sighs since she already read that and blows a raspberry at the book’s direction as she placed it on the book pile on her left.

She then pulls a purple book from the stack on her right but like the last one she groans and stacks in on top of the pile as she places a hoof on her forehead.

She sighs as she slightly spreads her wings as she had clearly managed to read every single book she has in the library.

“I’m bored.” Twilight glumly expressed.

“But you’re reading?” Spike questioned as he read his comic book.

“I’ve read all these books already.” Twilight said as she spread her arms out in the air and placed her left hoof on her chin.

“And…” Spike asked as he rolled his eyes unsympathetic to Twilight’s plight.

“And I’m bored I want to do something.” Twilight answered as she slammed her hooves onto the table with her wing spreading out for a second again. “Things have been so slow around here and I just—“

Suddenly, Twilight is interrupted when she heard a voice call out to her.

“Twilight! Twilight!” Rarity called out as she immediately flew and ran over to the castle throne room “Ooh, Twilight, darling! Oh, thank goodness! It seems that my—“

At that moment Applejack came running in the throne room as he finally stopped to allow herself to catch her breath and wipe away the sweat from her forehead.

“Whew! Got here as fast I—“ Applejack said before being interrupted by Twilight who takes notice of Applejack and Rarity’s glowing cutie marks.

“Please tell me my cutie mark is glowing too.” Twilight pleaded her friends as she looks at her cutie mark.

“Sorry, Twilight.” Spike regretfully pointed out as he shook his head that her cutie mark isn’t glowing.

Twilight groans in disappointment and boredom at being excluded from another friendship mission…again.

“Where do you think—“ Applejack asked before being cut off by an excited Rarity as the cutie mark images float up and down towards an area the Rarity recognizes.

“Manehattan! We've been called to Manehattan! Oh, I've simply been dying to go back for a visit! And now I return... with a purpose!”

“Hmmm.” Twilight said as she examined the map. “It looks like you've been summoned to this particular neighborhood here.“

“We're off to solve a friendship problem in one of the busiest and most vibrant cities in all of Equestria!” Rarity excitedably wrapped a hoof around Applejack nearly strangling her in her hold. “Isn't this exciting?!” She asked with another squeal as she got right in her face practically begging and insisting this is something worth seeing.

“Seems a hair odd, though, don't it? Map callin' me to a big city like Manehattan?” Applejack noted while gently getting Rarity out of her personal space.

“You may be more of a country pony at heart, Applejack, but the map picked you two because you're the best ponies to tackle this particular mission.” Twilight encouragingly told her.

“But how will we even know what our mission's supposed to be? That neighborhood probably has twice as many ponies as all of Ponyville.” Applejack still couldn’t help but wonder with many questions in mind.

“Pff. Kch. Ts!” Rarity blew a raspberry as this is no big deal. “More like three times! Why, it's not only home to the Haypacking District – it's also home to the Fashion District!” Rarity excitably said as Twilight frowns sadly at being left out at another friendship mission to which Rarity takes notice of.
“Hmm. Shame you weren't called as well, though, darling. You did end up quite a fan of the hustle and bustle of Manehattan on our last visit even if it was under different circumstances.” She added with a giggle as Twilight slightly blushes since she had a different agenda while at Manehattan.

“It's such an exciting city, and there's still so much I'd like to do there.” Twilight expressed her thoughts of Manehattan as she then spread her wings and flew up in the air. So many museums and historical landmarks to visit. Not to mention all the libraries!” She happily expressed her thoughts as she placed her hooves together. “But this is your mission. Heh-heh.” She said as she lowered herself to the ground. “Although, I would be very grateful if I could join you two on your trip and I promise I won’t interfere with your mission but will be around for advice if you need it.” She hinted at the two to allow her to tag along and promises she will be on her best behavior with an eager and pleading smile with buttoned up eyes.

“Well…” Rarity started to speak as she finds herself overwhelming by Twilight’s adorableness like her younger sister pleading to spend time with her. “I suppose we could do that.”

“Yes. Yes.Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.” Twilight happily and excitably bounced around the room “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thank you.”

Next thing both Applejack and Rarity know they are both immediately tackled and hugged tightly by her. For them Twilight is very strong considering she has recently been doing a lot of workouts and that alicorns do have earth pony strength.

“You’re welcome sugarcube.” Applejack responded with a supporting smile despite being nearly crushed by Twilight’s strength. “And I can’t think of any way to help you find something exciting to do.”

“Mm-hmm.” Rarity said in agreement before gasping at something that had just popped up in her head. “I just remembered something! The Sisterhooves Social!”

Applejack placed a hoof on her forehead seeing that this has come at a bad time for them.

“We'll have to miss it.” Applejack sadly decided deeming this mission more important. “No tellin' how long we'll be in Manehattan. I sure hope Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle aren't too upset.”

“Hopefully, they’ll at least come to understand when they see of how very important it is to help out on an important mission with regards from the Princess of Friendship.” Twilight said in a way “Probably a little. But will come around eventually at worst.”

“True.” Applejack acknowledged with a nod. “Beats lying to her and getting her hopes up for nothing.”

After packing their belongings of what they need and after Applejack and Rarity broke the bad news to their siblings, Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack all boarded the Friendship Express train to the Manehattan train station.

When they all made it outside, Rarity wasted no time jumping onto and spinning around a lamppost, flipping her mane marveling at being back in the big city again.

“Oh, Manehattan, what you do to me!”

Applejack simply rolled her eyes while she carried the unicorn's big chest on her back annoyed at Rarity’s over-excitement as she wasn’t exactly in love with it as much Rarity. She always preferred the comfort of the country side but still accepted the necessity of coming here if the map calls upon it.

“Such a huge bustling community

And there's always opportunity

To do the friendly thing.”

Twilight sang in a sing-song tone part of Rarity’s song from the last time they were in Manehattan causing Rarity to laugh amused seeing that she is just as excited as Rarity to be here too.

Rarity then saw Applejack who was looking anxious at the crowded roads in front of her and nervously gulped and discomfort.

“Darling, are you all right?” Rarity asked the quivering farm pony.

“Ponies move so fast here. Not at all like back home.“ Applejack honestly replied as he trotted forward towards the crosswalk still having not yet adjusted to the big city. “Eyes peeled, ears open. Eyes peeled, ears open." She said to herself as she absent-mindlessly walked in between a couple waiting to cross.

A police officer blew his whistle signaling ponies to cross. Applejack found herself immediately left behind an unable to move or cross the streets because of the Manehattan ponies walking at faster pace than what she is used to.

“Remember, Applejack, you're in the big city now. No moseying. You've gotta walk with speed and confidence!” Rarity told her as she and Twilight walked up to her for assistance.

The police officer blew his whistle again signaling another opportunity for ponies cross. Rarity started off by crossing the street easily and smoothly bypassing the incoming ponies.

Twilight took her turn as she walked across effortlessly dodging incoming ponies in a little more zigzag pattern but made it across just as easily as Rarity.

“Yoo-hoo!” Rarity called out to Applejack to come across.

Applejack after snorted and taking a running stance runs out into the street only to accidentally and nearly run into a gray pony.

“Move it!” The gray pony shouted.

“Sorry 'bout that.” Applejack briefly turned back to apologize before continuing only to bump into another pony.

“Ah, get outta my way!” A light blue pony with a red mane shouted

“Sorry.” Applejack apologized again.

“Watch it!” Two more ponies shouted as Applejack struggled to make it across.

“Hey— Oh, dear.” Applejack apologized as she made her way across and landed on the ground in front of Twilight and Rarity. “Butter my biscuits.” She groaned to herself. “I can barely cross the street in this town. How am I supposed to help solve a—“ She complained before being interrupted by Rarity who gasps in shock at something.

“There!” She exclaimed in shock at the sight of a light purple furred pony with a turnip cutie mark wearing a green hat.

“Yes, I think this is the one.” The pony said ready to give the salespony a bit for it.

“No! No.” Rarity immediately intervened slapped the bit away.

“Excuse me?” The pony responded confused of what she is doing.

“That hat clashes with your mane, not to mention it's far too large and will undoubtedly obstruct your vision.” Rarity kindly explained as she removed the hat as she examined the other hats on the stands. “Oh, dear, none of these will do. Oh, Applejack! What good timing!” She happily commented as she and Twilight caught up with her.

Rarity opened her chest on Applejack’s back lifting the lid onto Applejack’s head much to her annoyance as Rarity hummed looking for the right hat for her.

“Here. This will do splendidly.” Rarity said as she levitated a nicer looking and more fitting purple hat.

“Oh, it's lovely! How much would you like for it?” The pony complimented as she very much agreed that this is much more fitting to her liking as she looked herself in the mirror provided by Rarity again.

“Oh, no-no, please, please, keep it. I can always make another.” Rarity insisted it’s no big deal.

“Thank you!” The mare happily thanked her as she trotted off ahead as Rarity watches on satisfied.

“And you thought we wouldn't discover our purpose here!” Rarity told Applejack proudly. “Pff. Kch. Ts!”

Applejack and Twilight were both not convinced even if it was a kind and generous gesture.

“Yeah, I'm pretty sure that wasn't it.” Applejack commented unimpressed.

“Unless you count stopping crimes against fashion as one.” Twilight dully and sarcastically commented just as unimpressed as Applejack.

“What? We just saved that poor pony from committing a terrible crime of fashion.” Rarity responded in surprise and tried to smile as Applejack and Twilight both raise arched eyebrows not buying it. “Well, she could've been meeting a friend who would've laughed at her new hat, and then their friendship could've been ruined forever! And... mmm... it's possible.”

“Did your cutie mark glow signifyin' a job well done?” Applejack dryly asked.

“Ye— No. I suppose it didn't.” Rarity honestly answered as she looked at her flank. “Still, a disaster was averted!”

“Averted? You just lost me a paying customer!” The salespony angrily retorted for causing him to lose a potential sale.

“Oh, my! Oh, I-I-I-I-I'm s-so sorry. I never meant to—“ Rarity tried to apologize.

“Beat it!” He yelled with a raised threatening hoof.

Immediately, Twilight stood in between the two to protect Rarity with her horn glowing leaving the salespony intimidated by the princess.

“We’re going. No need to threaten hoofs over one small sale.” Twilight firmly told the salespony to ease off her anger towards Rarity as Applejack drags her away with a forced smile.

“Uh, please accept my sincerest apologies for the misunderstanding, and might I add, what a lovely establishment you have here!” Rarity apologized as she is being dragged away.

“And if I were you I’d think twice over threatening other ponies going forward because if I get word ponies are hurt and feeling threatened because of you you’re going to have to answer to me. Understand?!” Twilight sternly warned the salespony against engaging in this behavior again in her ice-cold tone.

The sales pony nodded yes as he retreated behind his stand as Twilight returned to join up with her friends as Applejack has released Rarity as they both walk together.

“You're right, Applejack, Twilight.” Rarity cleared her throat and sighed seeing the problem still lies elsewhere. ”The search continues.” She said confidently as she trotted forward while Applejack expresses some uncertainty it will be easy.

“Well, I think I’m going to go off and venture Manehattan on my own and get a look at those museums, landmarks, and libraries I’ve been waiting to see since we got here.” Twilight spoke up as she flew up into the air. “Feel free to call me if you need advice and don’t let me get in the way of your mission.” She called out to them as she flew off to sight see Manehattan.

She would then fly off to where the town’s nearest library is. Once she got inside the library she then gasp in amazement at the size of the very library and how many unread and new books the place has to offer.

“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” Twilight said in excitement as she marveled at the site. “It is always like I dreamed! So many books! So many ancient historical artifacts.”

“Are you okay?” The librarian asked her from the front desk having caught attention of Twilight’s eager excitement.

“Yes.” Twilight calmly replied as she blushed in embarrassment a little from being seen overly-excited about something. “Just a little excited for a first time visitor.”

“Well as long as you rein it in a little feel free to look around and read to liking.”

“Yes ma’am.” Twilight replied with a nod as she walked off to a nearby bookshelf. Once she was sure she was alone she then squeed with giddy glee as she uses her magic to pull out a handful of books from the shelves before making her way to a nearby table as she sat down and began reading them one by one with an eager smile on her face. As much as she wanted to voice her excitement she still is bound to the number one in the library “No talking.”

She read so many books by the time the library closed she had read a bookshelf worth of books on Manehattan history.

“Just want to let you know we are about to close so please finish up whatever you’re reading.” The librarian politely told Twilight who was just finishing up her last book.

“Closing time? Already?” Twilight asked in surprise. “What time is it?”

“8:55, which leaves you enough to time to finish up and leave so we can lock up for the night.” The librarian answered as she looked at her watch.

“Wow, time really flies by fast when you’re learning a lot about Manehattan History.” Twilight giggled to herself amazed that the library managed to keep her busy for the whole afternoon. “Thanks for the heads-up. And don’t let me delay you from getting home after a long day of running a massive library. Take care” She said as she waved goodbye while waving her right hoof.

“You have a good night.” The librarian kindly waved her back. “Feel free to come and read some more if you have time. We’re open all week.”

“We’ll see.” Twilight answered as she made her outside where she greets herself to the nighttime sky in Manehattan.

Taking flight she would fly up into the air where she would look around for Rarity and Applejack hoping she can find before it consumes her entire night.

She would fly over buildings and streets with hopes to find her friends in the city for the next hour with no luck until she eventually spotted the two headed towards a residential apartment within small sight as a flyer flew right into her face. She quickly snagged it with her magic and read it wondering what is on it.

"Please help us restore our long-lost but beloved tradition, the Midsummer Theater Revival. There's a guest performance by a local theater troupe, the Method Mares, as well as games, food, and much, much more. This event promises to bring our broken neighbors together and restore our sense of community but there's so much to do and we need your help." She read outloud. “Coco Pummel. Interesting I haven’t seen her since my last visit here.”

Last time she was in Manehattan back when she was Midnight setting her visit up so she can obtain the key to the element of generosity and during the moments where her good side emerged helped Coco gain the courage to stand up to her former boss Suri Polomare. Deep down Twilight still had good in her looking out for over pony’s well-being even when she was evil.

“I wonder if Applejack and Rarity have found their friendship problem yet?” Twilight wondered to herself as she flew over the apartment arriving in time as the two reached the doorstep.

“Applejack! Rarity!” Twilight called out as she caught up to them.

“Hey Twilight!” Applejack called out as she landed. “How was your afternoon.”

“Pretty great!” Twilight said sounding pleased with herself. “Just spend the entire time reading a bookshelf full of Manehattan history. It kept me so busy the library was about to close by the time I finished. I am so glad I came. So many unread books and national artifacts I got to see while I was there.”

“Nice to hear you’re have a great time darling.” Rarity complimented and satisfied that Twilight has had a successful time out. “We on the other hoof weren’t so lucky.”

“I take you both haven’t figured out what the friendship problem is.” Twilight correctly deduced.

“Yep.” Applejack replied with a solemn nod. “We’ve searched about the entire neighborhood looking for the problem but have found nothing.”

“But we hope that visiting Coco Pommel might be the answer to our problems.” Rarity hopefully said as she knocked on the door.

“Let’s hope so.” Twilight smiled in support for her friends as Coco opened the door to greet them.

“Rarity!” Coco happily said as she and Rarity hugged. “It’s so good to see you.”

“It’s great to see you too darling.” Rarity replied as she turned her attention to both Applejack and Twilight. “You remember these two don’t you?”

“Of course!” Coco said as she approached them. “Applejack the Element of Honesty.”

“Pleasure to meet you again.” Applejack greeted as she briefly took her hat as she re-introduced herself.

“And Twilight Sparkle.” She said with a bow to her. “The Princess of Friendship, your majesty. It is my pleasure to greet you into my home.”

“And it’s a pleasure to meet you as well.” Twilight kindly told her as she helped her back on her feet. “Although we did meet once before.” She added as she slightly moved her hoof around on the ground feeling a little awkward reintroducing herself.

“That’s right.” Coco remembered of what she was talking about. “You were the same pony that helped me stand up to my former boss Suri. I really owe big time for giving me that encouragement otherwise I’d still be pushed around by that copycat.”

“Yep, that’s me.” Twilight also acknowledged as she placed a hoof on her chin as she awkwardly recalls the memory. “So anyways, mind if we could in to talk more?”

“Not at all.” Coco happily replied as she gestured the three ponies to come inside. “So what brings you all the way out here.”

“Well, darling. Me and Applejack came here to find a friendship problem around here and we just happened to come across your flyer.” She told her friend as she presented the flyer for Coco to take and read for herself.

“I can't believe you found my flyer. Quite a coincidence, don't you think?” Coco remarked as she read the paper Rarity presented her as she, Applejack, and Twilight sat themselves down on her couch with the offering of tea and sandwiches for them to which Twilight helped herself to a sandwich and a cup of tea to which she has placed on separate plates for a show of good manners like what Rarity taught her.

“Applejack and I were specifically summoned here to be of service, and you, my dear friend, are in need of help.” Rarity explained as she took a sip from her tea and as Applejack took a bite from one of the sandwiches as she bent downwards and used her teeth to grab it. “It's no coincidence, darling. It's fate!”

“This Midsummer Theater Revival – what is it, exactly?” Applejack asked as she took another bite from her sandwich.

"An outdoor play held at the community park." Coco explained as she pulled up a nearby photo album from beside her chair. The first picture depicted a lovely park with a pony performing before a group of ponies sitting on the stands.

"Many moons ago, local theatre troupes would perform, and ponies in the neighborhood would help make the costumes, and design set pieces…” Coco explained as she showed pictures of young fillies backstage helping an elderly pony by putting on their own costumes with another showing Coco as a filly helping out with the painting. “…prepare food to share during the performance." She added as she showed them pictures of ponies serving food.

“Y'all do look like you're enjoyin' each other’s' company. Kinda reminds me of Ponyville.” Applejack said as Rarity levitates the photo album so she could take a personal look at some of the photos.

“It sounds lovely, darling.” Rarity kindly complimented too.

“It was, up until several moons ago.” Coco said as her happy mood faded as she looked aside.

“What happened?” Applejack asked as she Rarity and Twilight gave each other surprised and curious looks of this south-going conversation.

“That's Charity Kindheart. She was a well-known costume designer on Bridleway.” Coco explained as she showed them a picture of her with a group of fillies. “She started the Midsummer Theater Revival as a way to share her passion for theater with the neighborhood. No matter how busy she was, she always made time for the Revival.” She added as she showed them more pictures of her including her with a young Coco who places a flower on her head.

“Sounds like you two were pretty close to each other back then like a grandmother-granddaughter bond.” Twilight noted seeing the kindly grandmother-like gestures she gave Young Coco.

“We were.” Coco happily confirmed that their bond was like that as her happy tone shifted into a sad one as she closed her photo album. “Which is why she eventually decided to move away to be closer to her grandfillies. But after she moved away, the neighborhood lost the special tradition she had started, and worse, the sense of community it fostered.” She sadly lamented as she made her way to her balcony as she looks outside to see an elderly pony make her across the street as taxi-pony screeches to a sudden halt to avoid crashing into her.

“Hey, I'm trotting here!” The elderly pony crankily told off the taxi-pony who looked irritated for not letting him even apologize as he ran off.

“Nopony else stepped up to take over for Charity?” Applejack asked Coco as Rarity took a bite from her sandwich.

“I've been trying to. But I've just gotten a last-minute request to alter costumes for the cast of My Fair Filly, and I'm afraid I haven't made much progress.” Coco sadly replied as she walked back inside and closed the doors after her. “Oh... There's just so much to do to bring back the Midsummer Revival, and my flyers haven't attracted a single volunteer!” Coco added as she looked like she was going to freak out.

For somepony who is deathly afraid of failure to the point she is the verge of a nervous breakdown, Twilight could silently relate to her plight as she observed her brief moment of panic.

“Say no more!” Rarity reassured her as Applejack walks up to her. “You finish up your work, and by this time tomorrow, you'll be up to your mane in ponies who want to lend a hoof. Applejack and I will make sure of it!”

“You will?” Coco asked hopefully with a wide eyed grin.

“You bet your boots we will!” Applejack confidently replied as she swung her left hoof around.

“Oh, I don't wear boots. I find they chafe my calves when I walk.” Coco commented as she took it literally.

“It's just an expression.” Applejack dryly told her as Coco blushed and looked aside embarrassed that she didn’t get the joke until now.

“So while Applejack and Rarity help attract volunteers, I’ll help you out finish your work.” Twilight explained the plan and offering her help to Coco.

“Really?” Coco asked astonished at Twilight’s offering her hoof of assistance. “Oh, I couldn’t possibility ask for your help.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t mind.” Twilight assured her it’s no big deal.

“But I thought you said you can’t interfere with this mission.” Applejack questioned her.

“While the mission is specifically for you and Rarity is to solve the friendship problem. Doesn’t say I can’t help out like I did with Rainbow and Pinkie.” Twilight told them of what she can technically do. “Besides it’s the least I can do for her after lying about who I really was at the time.”

“I’d be so honored to accept you help Princess Twilight.” Coco gratefully told her as she kissed her right hoof.

“Please, Twilight is fine.” Twilight politely told her she doesn’t have to treat her like royalty all the time. “We’re all friends here.”

“Right, sorry.” Coco blushed again as she apologized and let go of her hoof.

The next morning, while Applejack and Rarity set off to distribute flyers and attract volunteers, Twilight on the other hoof stayed behind to help Coco finish the alternations for the Fair Filly by assisting her by giving her the fabric and supplies she needs to do so while she works her own magic on what she knows best. Despite Coco managing to make progress on her work, she still felt completely nervous that things will work out. Even more so, when Applejack and Rarity come back empty-hoofed.

“This is a nightmare.” Coco sadly hung her head in defeat as Twilight placed a comforting hoof on her back.

“Oh, not at all, darling. It's quite lovely.” Rarity complimented as she levitated the hat she had just made.

“I think she was talkin' about the Midsummer Theater Revival.” Applejack clarified of what Coco meant.

“I finished the alterations for My Fair Filly, but I've barely started the costumes for the Revival, and the Method Mares are coming to the park tomorrow for a costume fitting and rehearsal!” Coco voiced what other troubles are arising aside from having zero volunteers.

“Well, I could help you with the costumes.” Rarity offered.

“But what are we going to do about the rest? The park is in desperate need of repairs, and the sets still need to be built!” Coco added that there’s more problems that just dealing with costumes and dress rehearsals.

“Well I know a thing or two about buildin' and fixin' things. It's kinda, well, my thing. Could be the reason the map called me here!” Applejack reassured her as she stepped off of the couch and beginning to see why she has summoned here.

“You see, dear? We went out looking for volunteers when all the help you need is right here.” Rarity also reassured her with a smile.

“Uh-huh.” Applejack replied as she walked over to Rarity.

“The map wouldn't have chosen just Applejack and me if it was more than we could handle.” Rarity said with a smile.

“You’ve got great friends and support.” Twilight added her assurance as she still has her friends by her side. “Everything is going to be just fine!”

“Perhaps I spoke too soon...” Twilight then spoke as she looked at the horrors of the park’s current state with her previous tone taking an immediate 180 degree turn for the worst.

Tall, wild, and overgrown growing plants and weeds covering the area, the benches and statues all rusted and old from little use and care over the years. The old theater is also an old worn down mess looked like it had seen better days than today. Considering the park’s size this is a lot of work for the earth pony more so than he thought it was.

“Oh, dear, you're right.” Coco said fearing the same thing. “Are you sure you can manage this by yourself?” She asked again if this is still manageable.

“Well, there's a lot to do, but Rarity's right. The map wouldn't have called us here if we weren't up for the challenge.” Applejack answered it sure is a lot of work but thinks she can still manage it.

“You two go on and take care of the costumes. I'll see you at the dress rehearsal.“ Applejack waved Rarity and Coco off as they trotted off to do so. “Twilight, you’re with me.” She addressed the alicorn.

“Okay, Applejack.” Twilight complied as she used her magic to have gardening tools on hoof for the two of them to use as Applejack gulps at the massive clean-up they are facing.

With the supplies Twilight produced, the two got straight to work even though Applejack silently questions Twilight preferring to do this the hard way.

Applejack pushed a wheel barrel as she focused on pulling the weeds from the ground. She managed to pull the weeds and roots from the ground and place them onto the barrel. So far, she had managed to successfully remove a large portion of the weeds enough to fill the barrel…but still had a ways to go.

Twilight did her part by mowing the lawns working tirelessly on trying to mow down every over-grown blade of grass. She was so focused on mowing she

Twilight continued moving the lawns, only to accidentally trip and loses control of the lawn mower which ran over Applejack’s hat as it fell off of her head from being snagged by a nearby tree branches. The accidental mow created holes in Applejack’s hat. Applejack while disappointed that her special hat was ruined doesn’t get mad at her over it as Twilight gave her an apologetic look pleading her not to get mad at her for that accidental mistake.

Applejack tried to yank another pesky weed from the ground, but this weed was really strong and stubborn. She pulled hard on it with her teeth but it snapped off, causing her to tumble backwards into one of the statues. She quickly rolled out of the way before it fell on her, crushing her hat in the process as it fell off of her head again. Applejack could only sigh again as her signature hat suffered more damage.

After several hours, all the weeds were gone, and Twilight finally managed to clean up the remains and mow down all of the overgrown grass. Both were clearly exhausted from the back-breaking labor. Twilight’s face was all sweaty and both she and Applejack received bruises and scratches from all of the times they tripped and fell. Applejack would then place her hat on one of the benches as she caught her breath, only for the bench to crumble underneath due to it being incredibly old and worn. At least her hat didn’t get further ruined in the process this time. But it is amazing that so much age would cause a simple hat light as a feather cause a bench to fall apart.

After several more hours, the park was nearly perfected but It still needed a bit more work but it looked far better than before. Even though the two had successfully mowed the entire park lawn and removed all of the weeds they had yet to prepare the stage and the benches, which is a complete mess of disrepair.

By the time the two were painting, Coco and Rarity had just arrived with the finished costumes as both Twilight and Applejack had paint spots over the fur coats.

"I know it looks bad, but we're movin' as fast as we can." Applejack spoke on behalf of he and Twilight just as she stepped forward and accidentally got her hoof stuck in the pain bucket much to her tired frustration.

“Don't worry, we've still got plenty of time." Rarity said even though she questions why Twilight didn’t just use her magic to zap the problem away "Everything's going to be-"

"Ehm, excuse me?" A voice called out attracting the four ponies attention.

One of the four ponies that had called out was one the Method Mares actors and actresses that Coco had asked to perform at the revival.

"Is this where the Midsummer Theatre Revival is supposed to be, perchance?" The head stallion asked as he adjusted his dark shades so his eyes are visible.

"We're here for the dress rehearsal.” The female pink-furred pony wearing a French hat said.

"Oh, yes!" Coco said putting on a smile. "We've just put the finishing touches on the costumes."

The Method Mare on the female pony’s right whispered to her.

"At least those look professional."

"We'll do a dry run of the play first, and then the fitting." The pink pony said as she approached the stage. But the stage is something both Twilight and Applejack hadn’t gotten a chance to fix as a result of fixing up the rest of the park.

"No, wait! I haven't gotten a chance to-" Applejack called out in a late attempt to stop her.

Once she stood on the stage, the roof above her began to crumble. Twilight quickly rushed over and pushed the pony out of the way, shielding her from the collapse. Once the dust cleared up the stage was now in complete shambles and completely destroyed leaving everypony in shock.

"…reinforcing the stage yet."

Coco could look on devastated as she looks over the park from her balcony. After all the hard work they did, it seemed liked it was all for nothing. The Midsummer Theater Revival couldn't go on without a stage. Now the costumes and the spark created to try to make this all happen would all go to waste.

“I just wanted to live up to Charity's example, to bring my neighborhood together again. But the park is still a mess, we haven't even thought about what refreshments to serve during the performance, and even if we had, we don't have a stage for the Method Mares to perform on! It's hopeless... Just hopeless!” Coco said in despair that her hopes seem to have come to an end now.

“But how could this place still be a mess when you had somepony who knows how to uses magic?” Rarity wondered as she turned to Twilight with a raised eyebrow. “Twilight? Why didn’t you just use your magic in the first place?”

“Well for starters…” Twilight said as she raised both of her hooves in defensive manner. “I’m not using my magic to help Applejack with cleaning the park or helping out with her chores, not after last time. And secondly and most importantly, I have a gut feeling that magically zapping the problem won’t help you two solve the real friendship problem. Hence, depriving you two of completing your mission.” She said in emphasis on you two twice.

“But why?” Applejack asked wondering the same question. “I mean, I can at least see why Rarity’s here – Coco's her friend, and she has an eye for costumes and all – but me? I was never gonna be able to finish a project this big even with your help. You on the other hoof with your past as Midnight had some motivation and reason to help Coco.“

“I’m afraid the answer to that question is something for you and Rarity to solve.” Twilight replied to tell her that her hooves are tied in this matter and this something the farmpony and fashionista have to figure out for themselves.

“We'll return to Ponyville as failures! Why must this be, Applejack? Why? Why?! Wh—“ Rarity said dramatically feeling like a failure as she briefly fell into Applejack’s arms and cried until being interrupted from her freak out by Applejack with a hoof to her mouth.

“Now hold on there. I'm not suggestin' we pack up and go home.” Applejack interjected.

"Then what are you suggesting-" Rarity said muffled with Applejack’s hoof still on her mouth before removing it "Ptoo! Then what are you suggesting?"

“I'm suggestin' we stop worryin' about what we can't do and start doing what we can.” Applejack explained as she, Twilight, and Rarity joined Coco on the balcony. “I think I've got a plan. It won't be anythin' big or fancy, but it'll be somethin'. And somethin's gotta be better than nothin', right?” She told Coco as she wrapped her hoof around her

“I suppose so...” Coco responded still downcast

“That's the spirit! Sorta...” Applejack replied with great confidence…mostly.

“Definitely!” Twilight corrected the farm pony. “And if there is one thing I can help you with is with this one bit of advice. Trying looking at this at from a different angle. Think smaller.” She told her friends who give puzzled looks of what she meant by that.

The four ponies worked on building a new stage and by the time they finished as Applejack hammered the last nail in place with Twilight by her side supplying the nails it was already late in the afternoon. The new stage anything big or exciting and was far more humble and modest in design, but it would still get ponies' attention as it was positioned at the entrance of the park.

"Alright y'all, it's ready!" Applejack said as she nailed down the last nail and put the hammer back on her tool belt.

Coco's eyes sparkled as she smiled brightly as it looked exactly as it did when Charity was still around. For her it was like revisiting the past there.

Once Applejack and Twilight got off the stage, the Method Mare's leader poked his head out from behind the curtain.

"Should we go ahead and start?"

Coco nodded her head as the curtain opened to start the show as all four ponies sit down in front of the stage.

The Method Mare's leader played the role of a business pony behind his desk with a cash sign note to cover his cover mark as part of the play, while the aged female Method Mare approached, playing the role of Charity Kindheart complete with a note of Charity’s cutie mark over her flank.

"Excuse me?" The aged female pony said in an elderly voice, "I'm Charity Kindheart, I'm here about the open design position! I brought some samples of my work. I'm sorry I'm late. I had the hardest time finding my way here!"

As the play went on, Coco was looking on amazed when a pony with light blue fur and a pink-reddish mane walked by and had took a moment to notice the play and sat down deciding to watch it. She was already starting to enjoy it.

“I just moved here, and I keep getting mixed up by the street names! I had a map, but I dropped it in a puddle, which only made the street names harder to read!” The aged female pony continued as she spoke acting sad and whipped up some tears.

“I see.” The Methord Mare said.

An earth pony and her Pegasus son were walking by when the little filly tugged on his mother's tail.

"What is that?" he asked catching attention to the show.

"I dunno, sugar, looks like some kinda play." The filly’s mother replied.

"Well, can we stay and watch it please? Please, can we, can we?" The filly pleaded as he briefly got in her face.

"Oh alright, I suppose we could stay for a minute." The mother reluctantly but kindly obliged as she gently pushed her filly out of her personal space. The two walked over and sat down so they could watch the play.

“Excuse me, but your next appointment is here.” The other male pony addressed the lead pony.

“Alright. Send him in.” The Method Mare addressed him before turning his attention back to the Charity actress.

"I'm sorry, but based on these samples, I just don't think this is the place for you." the Method Mare actor said, making the Charity actress gasp dramatically.

"Don't get me wrong, these clothes are all exquisite, and well-made, but more theatrical than avant-garde.” He gently told her it’s not all bad.

“Have you considered costume design? I have a contact on Bridleway! If you're interested, I can put you in touch with him.” He said as the Charity actress sounded pleased hearing this. “And scene."

The curtain closed and at that point more and more ponies took notice of the play and smiles of interest immediately appeared on their faces as they all gathered around. The four ponies all look at each other smiling seeing that the play is attracting more and more attention.

The play carried on to the next scene, showing the story of how Charity came up with the idea for the Midsummer Revival.

"Charity, dear, is that you?" The other elderly actress asked, dressed as an elderly mare.

"Hello, Mrs. Pearblossom!" The Charity actress greeted. “I didn’t see. Oops.” She said as she accidentally tossed out onto the ground a pink blanket.

"Are these the costumes you've been working on?" The other mare asked.

"Yes, I was supposed to be finished by now, but there's just so much to do, and I still have a few last-minute alterations to make before opening night!” the Charity actress said as she pulled out a blue piece of fabric as stage prop birds floated across the stage. “I'm sorry I couldn't get enough tickets for everypony in the neighborhood. I hope Mr. Pearblossom wasn't too disappointed. I know Trotter on the Roof is one of his favorites."

"Oh, my dear filly, don't worry about that. We're so proud of you! We shall be with you in spirit!" The other elderly mare reassured the Charity actress.

"Thank you! You've all made me feel so welcome here, and have become like family to me! I just wish I could share this experience with you and the others!" The Charity actress gratefully told the other actress.

Charity's story was truly a heartfelt and inspirational one which most certainly reached the hardened hearts of many Manehattan residents of the town.

A construction worker pony walked by, curious as to what was going on.

"Eh, what's goin' on?" he asked a pink-furred mare with a blonde colored mane beside him.

"It's the Midsummer Theatre Revival." she replied with a bright smile. "The Method Mares are performing!"

"The Revival. Mhm, yeah, my pop used to bring me." The worker pony smiled as he removed his hat and sat down beside the female pony as he relieved his childhood memories.

Later that afternoon it was about to get dark as the sun is now setting upon the city and the stars began to make their presence known as the play is now entering its final scene as the actress playing Charity Kindheart and the actress playing her elderly are now reenacting the story and how Charity had found a way to bring so many ponies together.

"So nice of you to put on this play for the neighborhood." said the actress playing the elderly pony.

"I couldn't have done it without everypony's help!" said the Charity actress as she sewed her cloth on the prop sewing table. "I know it's not Bridleway, but-"

"Oh, pish-tosh! It's perfect, dear!" The elderly responded that it’s great the way it is.

Twilight couldn’t help but chuckle a little as she eyed Rarity to recall she said something exactly like that earlier as Rarity rolled her eyes amused.

An elderly pony in the audience tried to find a good spot and a male pony right next to her kindly moved aside, allowing her to take her spot.

"Oh, you're such a dear, thank you! This is so nice. Haven't seen the neighborhood this friendly since Charity moved away!" She kindly complimented the pony’s gesture.

Coco blushed upon hearing this seeing that she finally did it. She accomplished her goal in bringing back the spirit of family and community that Charity had started long ago. Rarity, Applejack, and Twilight all smiled proudly at their friend, congratulating her on a job well done as the three ponies hoof pumped each other.

Once the play ended, the audience clapped and cheered. The Method Mares bowed before the audience and their leader spoke up.

"Thank you, fillies and gentlecolts. Please give a warm welcome to the one who made this entire event possible, our neighbor, Coco Pommel!"

Coco couldn't help but awkwardly grin at the applause she was getting as the audience lifted her up and towards the stage. She stood before them, smiling very happy with herself for what she has accomplished before she cleared her throat as she prepares to deliver her speech to the audience.

"Thank you all so much for coming. The Midsummer Theatre Revival was always something that meant so much to me, and it seems it means quite a lot to all of you as well. I really can't take all the credit, though. My dear friends Rarity, Applejack, and Princess Twilight Sparkle helped me ever so much."

The three friends waved at the audience who clapped loudly for them as they walked up to the stage. Rarity humbly bowed Twilight felt comfortable while humbly waving to the audience while Applejack blushed shyly as she waved to the audience too.

"Oh darling, please, it was just a few costumes." Rarity humbly said.

“I’m just more than happy to help ponies the best I can.” Twilight said just as humble as Rarity.

"Aw shucks, I just happen to be good with a hammer, is all." Applejack said as she blushed and addressed the audience. ”To be honest, we had much bigger plans to start. When those fell through, we decided to simplify. This was the result."

"Oh, don't be so modest." Rarity replied. "Coco and I were lost."

"You bet your boots we were.” Coco echoed the expression back at Applejack with a wink and smile, which Applejack returned.

After the play was over, the Method Mares and various other ponies happily chatted with each other as they were all making new friends and sharing how much they loved the play itself. The worker pony got a date with the lovely female pony he met out of it.

While Twilight was speaking with Coco who was with a few ponies asking for pictures and autographs of Coco with Twilight to help further promote the theater play for future performances.

Rarity and Applejack all watched as they see the rekindled neighborhood friendship as they see everypony getting along.

The business pony who declined Applejack and Rarity’s offer to assist, as well as the pony whom Rarity gave her hat to when they arrived, approached the group.

"We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the Midsummer Theatre Revival, and how much it inspired us!" The female pony said.

“Oh yeah.” Applejack said.

"I used to think that to help my community I had to do something big, heh heh. And let's face it, in this day and age, who has the time for such a commitment? But here, you did something as simple as building a stage and putting on a play, and, heh, look at how it's brought everypony together."

"I saw Coco's flyers for volunteers but didn't think anything I'd have time to do would be that useful." The female pony said sounding a little surprised seeing what somepony can do can change all of that. "Now I wish I'd offered to help, even if it was just pulling a few weeds, or planting a few flowers."

Applejack smiled as she extended her hoof showing them the park and the stage which showed that there is still some work needed to be done to make it really beautiful.

"Not sure if you noticed, but the park is far from bein' fixed up. I imagine if you look around, you'll find there's lots of little ways for you to get involved in changin' this place for the better."

"And I will!" The female pony said with positive determination.

"And I don't think we'll be alone!" The business pony vouched his newfound support as the two trotted off to speak with their new friends.

Rarity and Applejack felt a tingle and heard a ringing sound. They turned to their flanks they witnessed their cutie marks glowing brightly to notify them that their mission is complete now.

"Yee-hoo! We did it!" Applejack cheered as she hugged Rarity who returned the gesture.

"Wait, I think I understand now! It all makes perfect sense!" Rarity gasped in realization.

"Huh?" Applejack replied in confusion as Rarity galloped ahead as she leviatated her old hat off of her head and tossed it into the trash. She purchased a new hat from a nearby stand with the same business pony they encountered earlier who treated her with much more kindness as she hands him the bits.

"I know why the map called you two here!" Rarity told Applejack as she levitated two hats in her magic.

"You do?" Applejack asked as Rarity placed a new and identical hat similar to her old one on her head.

"If Twilight had used their magic to fix the park, it wouldn't have fixed the real problem, which is that these Manehattan ponies didn't think they had time to do something for their community!” She explained as she briefly adjusted Applejack’s hat and extended a hoof to the crowd of Manehattan ponies.

“But by building that stage and making sure the play went on, you showed them that just by doing something small, you can make a big difference!"

“Well I’ll be.” Applejack waved her hoof around seeing that it makes sense and no sooner she said that it was instantly confirmed.

“Exactly!” Twilight’s voice called out to them as she approached the two with a proud smike. “Congratulations. Now you understand why the map chose you two for this particular mission especially you Applejack.”

“Seems like you figured it out on your own and wanted us to figure out ourselves.” Applejack chuckled a bit in realization as she sees Twilight giving her a knowing sly smirk.

“Yep.” Twilight replied feeling upbeat going forward. “And I can’t wait until the day the map finally calls me to solve a friendship problem and see that I am ready for the challenge.”

“And someday it will come darling.” Rarity reassured her it will before turning her attention back to Applejack.

"Seems you have more in common with the Manehattan ponies than you thought!" Rarity told Applejack as she placed a hoof onto her chest.

Applejack laughed as she politely removed her hoof from her chest.

"Heheh. But, all the same, I'd sure like to head back to Ponyville on the next train. I want to check in with Apple Bloom and find out how the Sisterhooves Social turned out." Applejack told Rarity as they walked down the street.

"Oh, absolutely, my dear." Rarity complied with Applejack’s wish as she suddenly gasped and spotted something just across the street. "Just as soon as I stop that pony in the shop over there from purchasing that dreadfully hideous scarf!"

Rarity galloped as fast as her hooves could carry her as she crossed the street.

"Stop! You're making a terrible mistake!" She called out to the pony.

Applejack and Twilight laughed as their friend went off to prevent yet another crime against fashion.

“Some things never change about that pony.” Twilight replied with a shrug.

“Not when it comes to crimes against fashion.” Applejack replied shrugging too as they both chuckled.

“Well I think I’m going to stick around a little longer while I take the long and scenic way back.” Twilight said as she spread her wings and flew up. “Besides for me this is well-deserved since I too helped Coco out again as Twilight this time. And I still have a number of historical landmarks and museums I have yet to see.” She added cheerfully as she flew off as Applejack laughs to herself seeing Twilight’s adorableness as she sang some of the lyrics of Rarity generosity song.

"Oh, Manehattan, what you do to me

Such a huge bustling community

And there's always opportunity

To do the friendly thing

If some are grouchy, pay no mind

Surprise instead with something kind

Lo and behold, you may just find

A smile is what you bring.”

She sang as she flew off to the Mare Statue so she can observe it full glory.

Author's Note

For this chapter, I decided to include Twilight in Applejack and Rarity's friendship mission to Manehattan because like with my version of "The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone." just because she wasn't called for the mission doesn't mean she can't accompany them thus giving her the opportunity to do the things she dreamed of doing there such as spending a whole afternoon in one of the libraries and later in the end the historical artifacts and museums she has also been dreaming to see as well.

Twilight has figured out what the friendship problem is but only provided assistance with Coco's theater whom she helped out and saw it as a way to make up for lying to her back when she was Midnight. (FYI the pony who provided her the key of generosity to the elements of harmony back in "Rarity Takes Manehattan."

Which is Twilight choose to help clean the park up manually rather than use her magic to zap the problem away thus taking away a valuable lesson for her friends to learn.

Next up is "The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows." which will start setting things up as Twilight looks to complete her redemption arc in the second half of Season 5.

Chapter 13: The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows

Chapter 13:

The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows

In recent days, things have been going smooth for Twilight ever since she overcame her nightmares from Midnight Sparkle. She got to sightsee Manehattan and visit many of the places she has dreamed of seeing when she visited, and she also managed help Coco Pummel out in reviving the play she has always dreamed of seeing being one of the main attractions in Manehattan.

When she got back from Manehattan, The Cutie Mark Crusaders have finally earned their cutie marks to which she, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were very excited and proud of them for being able to find their true talents after multiple attempts of trying to find their purpose in life.

Speaking of other princesses she had just got a letter from Princess Cadance that she and Shining Armor are coming over to visit tomorrow. A very special visit which should be interesting. Aside from the wedding and the Princess Summit, Twilight hasn’t seen them recently. Not to mention, she hasn’t visited the Crystal Empire ever since the Duke and Duchess’ visit. Even though knowing full well that the past is in the past and she is more than welcome to visit the Crystal Empire and her brother and sister-in-law whenever she feels like it and it’s convenient she hasn’t put any thought of doing so because it is also the site of where she committed her greatest and biggest sin as Midnight Sparkle, shattering the Crystal Heart leading to the grand fight against her brother, friends, and mentor, while carrying out a terrorist-like attack at the Equestrian Games.

Because she had revealed her true villainous self to everypony there at the games and unleashed a winter storm that could have killed everypony, Twilight could never work up the courage to be able face the Crystal Ponies after backstabbing them and hurting them like that after saving the Crystal Empire from King Sombra a crisis that she too set up so she could set up her ultimatum in the first place.

But with that in the past now, the letter from Shining Armor and Princess Cadance informs her that they are coming to visit tomorrow. They are planning to come in via the Friendship Express instead of the Crystal train in order to attract little attention when they skip town come to visit. And from the sounds of their voices she pictured in her head sounds like they have something special they plan on telling her when they get here.

Twilight grinned in excitement hearing this and then calls the rest of her friends over to her castle so they can get started on the preparations for their upcoming visit.

Once everypony was gathered inside the castle throne room and seated in their throne chairs Twilight spoke up as she made her announcement.

"Great! Everybody's here." Twilight said looking especially happy today as Spike unfolded the scroll she received earlier as Twilight levitated it. "Now I don't have to wait any longer to tell you all the wonderful news! Somepony special is coming to visit Ponyville, and I need your help getting everything ready!"

Her friends all cheered in excitement hearing this.

"It's…"

"Shining Armor and Princess Cadance!" both Pinkie Pie and Twilight said in unison, which surprised everypony else in the room.

Twilight expressed confusion at Pinkie’s eager excitement but continued

"Yes, and they're coming—"

"Tomorrow!" the two said in unison again. Pinkie grinned wide-eyed leaving her friends registering confused looks at her for somehow knowing all this in advance.

"Yes, on the—" Twilight then tried to speak as she rubbed her hoof on her chin.

"Friendship Express rather than the Crystal Empire train so as not to cause too much of a scene when they skip town to come visit?" Pinkie correctly and rapidly said as she squeed in excitement.

"Yes." Twilight responded, rather unsure and confused of how Pinkie Pie already knew all of this. Pinkie then got right up and into Twilight’s face hoping that there is more to it than that.

"Annnnnd?" Pinkie asked in anticipation.

"And that's it." Twilight simply answered.

"Oh." Pinkie responded in disappointment.

"Uh, how did you know all that?" Rainbow Dash asked her suspiciously with a raised eyebrow.

"Uh… Pinkie Sense?" Pinkie laughed nervously as she sat back on her throne as Twilight eyes her suspiciously too in the same manner as Rainbow Dash.

"So, you said you needed our help with something?" Rainbow asked as the alicorn leads the way.

"Follow me." Twilight flapped her wings with Rainbow Dash doing the same and leads the group to her to an upstairs bedroom, which she had decorated with some unusual items. On the floor was a toy train set complete with railroad track, with an assortment of boy-themed toys such as action figures, toy armor and several comic books, an ant farm on the counter, and a few posters of action hero ponies.

“Sweet posters! Is that Smash Fortune?” Rainbow Dash asked as she got a good look at one of the hanging posters.

"It sure is! When Shining Armor said he wanted to come to the castle and visit, I started collecting things he liked when he was a colt as a surprise!" Twilight replied.

"Surprise?!" Pinkie Pie's head popped out from the toy chest, wearing a warrior's helmet on her head. Once she saw Rainbow eying suspiciously again she laughed nervously before covering her face and mouth with the helmet by turning it around.

“I’ve been so excited she just couldn't keep it to myself!" Twilight explained to her friends.

"I have no idea what that's like!" Pinkie said with her voice muffled a bit because she is wearing the helmet in reverse.

"Aww, look at the cute little ant farm!” Fluttershy admired the ants in said ant farm to which one of the ants got scared at the sight of Fluttershy’s buttoned up eyes.

"And check out all these old comic books!" Spike said as he held up one of the old books, which were all in mint-conditioned bags.

"Be careful, Spike!" Twilight quickly warned him. "They're mint-in-bag!"

Spike blew off some of the dust from the cover…only to accidentally burn it with his fire. The dragon whistled nervously as he placed the burned remains into one of the plastic packages to which Twilight quickly levitated away from Spike’s claws.

“I’ll just quickly dispose of this when I get the chance.” Twilight said as held it up with her magic before sternly eyeing Spike for not being careful enough. “And I think it is best that you just stay away from them before you burn the whole collection. I don’t need another repeat from when you attempted hide the book you accidentally burnt a while back.”

“Of course.” Spike nervously grinned as he went off to do something else in the room. Even though Twilight has forgiven her for that, she hasn’t completely forgotten about the fact that instead of telling her the truth right away she lied to her about to which it took Owlowiscous finding it to force the truth out of him.

"What's this?" Pinkie asked as she held a toy through rummaging the toy chest.

"This is Brutus Force. Shining Armor used to carry him around like his baby!" Twilight answered.

As soon as Pinkie heard that particular word she fumbled it around in her hooves. She nearly dropped the toy before placing it back into the chest.

"Yeah! Really cute!" She laughed nervously as Twilight eyed at her friend with a suspicious look.

"It is a bit juvenile for castle décor, but it is very sweet of you." Rarity said as she observed the room.

"I'm sure Shining Armor will love it." Fluttershy said in agreement.

"Me, too. But there's a few more things I'd like to add before he gets here, and I could really use a hoof collecting them." Twilight said in response.

"Whatever you need, sugarcube, we'll help you get it." Applejack said as she placed a hoof on her chest as the other ponies vouched their immediate support.

"Thanks, everypony!” Twilight thanked her friends. “I just can't wait 'til they walk in and see everything!"

"Totally understandable." Rainbow Dash said. "Watching somebody else be surprised with something is almost better than being the one who's getting the surprise!"

"But… eh…" Pinkie Pie stammered as she crawled out of the toy chest "What if the surprise is something so incredibly exciting that a pony can't keep it in any longer, and she has to tell the pony standing next to her what it is or she might explode?! She exclaimed frantically as she Fluttershy tight around the neck and nearly choked her friend into unconsciousness.

"I would say... no." Fluttershy responded through the tight choke-hold.

"The pony who ruins a surprise for somepony else has to live with that guilt forever!" Rarity said as she crept up towards Pinkie.

Pinkie Pie laughed nervously at Rarity’s warning delivered right up to her face.

"Gotta bounce!" Pinkie said as she literally did so by rolling herself into a ball and bounced around the room like a ping-pong ball before crashing into the wall of the castle and running off. The others looked on in confusion and Rainbow Dash spoke up her concerns of Pinkie’s odd behavior.

"So, I know the bar is set pretty high, but does anybody else think Pinkie Pie was acting weirder than usual?" She asked the others as Twilight placed a thinking hoof on her chin.

"From the looks of it. It looked like she was hiding something." Twilight said as she observed Pinkie rush off somewhere. “And I think I might have an idea of what she is hiding from me.” She whispered to herself as she smirked to herself.

The next day, The Mane Six worked at organizing the castle for Shining Armor and Princess Cadance’s visit. Applejack is currently sweeping up, Rainbow Dash was hanging up flowers in the castle room, Fluttershy is just finishing cleaning and shining up the table as Rarity puts a pot of flowers on the center of the table.

Twilight is currently going over her checklist as Spike carries the sheets with Rarity carrying plates.

Pinkie Pie then came inside the room with two trays of vegetables consisting of baby carrots, celery, broccoli, baby tomatoes, and cucumbers.

"Those look yummy, Pinkie! Let me help you!" Twilight complimented the trays Pinkie brought over as she used her magic to levitate them onto the table. "But we better cover them up so they don't get spoiled." She told her before covering them with two lids.

“Why would they get spoiled?" Pinkie asked wondering what she meant. "We're all gonna eat them super soon!"

"Oh, didn't anyone tell you? Shining Armor and Cadance got held up so they won't be here 'til Saturday." Applejack explained to her who immediately sprung up into the air anxious.

"Whaaaaaaaaaat?!" Pinkie Pie screamed as she landed onto the branches of the tree root chandelier of the castle and is now hyperventilating.

"You mean…" Pinkie breathed in. "I have…" She breathed in again. "to wait…" and again. "another whole day?!” She screamed in terror.

"I don't know if I can!" Pinkie cried out while holding onto the branch.

"Pinkie Pie do you have something you need to say?" Twilight asked from below as she and the others watch her very concerned of what she is hiding from them. "You seem like you've been keeping something in." Pinkie yelled hysterically before covering her mouth.

"It's okay. We're here to listen." Fluttershy sympathetically said to her as she flew up to her but Pinkie still shook her head refusing to speak.

"Well, go on then, sugarcube." Applejack encouragingly said from down below.

"We're not going to judge you, darlings." Rarity said in the same tone.

"You'll feel so much better once you get it off your chest!" Spike pleaded with puppy-dog eyes.

Pinkie Pie began blowing on a balloon as she was hyperventilating again and so hard that it popped.

"Whatever it is, you can tell us. We're best friends." Rainbow Dash comfortably told her as she placed her hooves on Pinkie’s arms.

Twilight watching this is looking rather amused at Pinkie’s panic with her amused smile turning into a sly smirk seeing that she is cornered.

"Okay, okay, you win!" Pinkie yelled in defeat as she inhaled a deep breath to rapidly confess. "Shining Armor and Cadance are gonna have a—"

"An awesome weekend with the best little sister in all of Equestria!" Shining Armor interrupted as he arrived with Cadance appearing at the doorway with luggage as he held a hoof around his wife, who giggled upon entering.

"Hi, everypony." Cadance greeted them.

Pinkie Pie exhaled in great relief, causing her to fall from the tree and hit the ground in a thud as she fainted.

"Shining Armor, Cadance! You're early!” Twilight eagerly greeted the couple. “I thought something had come up and you weren't gonna make it until Saturday!"

"So did we." Cadance explained, "Turned out we weren't needed in Maretonia until next week. And the summit we were supposed to attend today had to be rescheduled, so... we got here even sooner than planned!"

"Surprise!" Shinning Armor said as she playfully ruffled his little sister's mane and hugged her tightly.

"It's wonderful to see you all again!" Cadance said as the rest of the Mane Six gathered around happily to greet her.

"I'm so glad you're here!" Twilight said to her brother as she trotted ahead to the redecorated room. "I have a big surprise for you!"

"Oh, yeah?" Shinning Armor curiously grinned as the rest of the Mane Six and Cadance all join her as they walk down the hallway.

Twilight smirked to herself seeing that everything went according to plan as she truthfully had lied to them that Shining Armor and Cadance weren’t coming in until Saturday but really informed her in the morning that they’d be coming in today. Just so she can corner Pinkie into nearly confessing what she is hiding from her only to be saved by their timely arrival.

The group walked down the hallways, the girls all giggling while catching up with one another while Pinkie Pie and Shining Armor were catching up with Shining Armor several steps behind them while Spike carried the luggage.

“Shining Armor.” Twilight called out to her brother as she approached the door to the redecorated room.

“Yes, Twily?” Shining Armor asked with an eager grin.

“You ready for the surprise?” Twilight asked with an arched eyebrow ready to surprise him as she is ready to open the door.

“What is it, Twily?” Shining Armor wondered with an arched eyebrow.

“The surprise in question is right in this room.” Twilight answered as she opened the door and entered the room with Shining Armor following her a few seconds later.

“Okay, so what’s the surprise Twily…?” Shining Armor wondered as he entered the room only to stop mid-sentence as he looks in surprise just as he was halfway into the room.

He then gasped in amazement at seeing the room Twilight has prepared for him.

He tapped happily on the ant farm, he used to love when he was a foal, he hugged Brutus Horse, and happily spun himself and his little sister spun around like he used to do to her when she was young. He was such a happy pony of having his past memories and items from his childhood brought back to the surface of the present day.

“Thank you so much, Twilight!” Shining Armor told his little sister as he put her down. “I love the surprise!”

“Speaking of surprises…” Twilight brought up. “So what’s the surprise you have in mind for me.” She asked with an intrigued eyebrow.

“The surprise in question is something that’s in the town square.” Shining Armor grinned as he explained.

“Really?” Twilight eagerly said with a grin just as excited as Shining Armor when he got his surprise.

“You girls go on ahead.” Shining Armor told her as he walked back to his wife. “We got something we need to take care of first. But I promise you the surprise will be well worth the wait.” He added with a wink.

“All right.” Twilight while hoping he’d tell her the surprise respectfully obliges to his wishes as she trots outside of the room and towards the entrance.

“Come on girls!” Twilight called out to her friends as they all follow after her.

After the royal couple got settled into the castle, The Mane Six make their way walking towards the town square where they said they would meet their guests as Shining Armor said he had something planned for them, which really got Twilight's interest. Knowing her brother, he wanted to make something special just for her.

"So, do you think Shining Armor liked his surprise?" Applejack asked Twilight.

"Didn't you see him? He couldn't stop raving about it!" Twilight giggled at the memory of her brother going absolutely insane with all of the wonderful toys from his childhood.

"Where did Shining Armor and Cadance say they'd meet us?" Rainbow groaned as her stomach rumbled. "I'm starving!"

"In the town square." Twilight replied as they crossed the nearby bridge. "I wish they'd waited to walk over with us, but they said they had something to take care of first!"

"They're gonna have a lot more to take care of soon…" Pinkie said to herself through gritted teeth.

"What?" Twilight asked her wondering what exactly she said.

"Nothiiiiiiing!" Pinkie Pie immediately sped away from the others before anything else slipped out of her mouth. The others simply shrugged while Twilight looked on the speeding pink pony with narrowed eyes not fooled her one second. The Mane Six arrived at the fountain that had a statue of a pony but that was it. The prince and princess weren’t anywhere around like they said.

"That's odd." Twilight said looking around surprised by this sighting. "Usually they're quite punctual."

Rainbow Dash groaned while gripping her stomach and hitting the head of the statue impatiently.

“Ughhh! I need a hayburger in my belly right now!" He tapped the statue on each of the last two words her spoke.

"What's this?" Twilight asked as she levitated the scroll that was in the statue’s mouth to her eye level and opened it up.”

She read it and then gasped in excitement once she read the contents of it.

"What does it say?" Rarity asked her curiously.

"A scavenger hunt! Shining Armor used to set these up for me when I was a filly!" Twilight answered as she approached her quickly and then walked off.

"At the end, there was always a big prize, like a new book, or several new books, or—"

"We get the picture! You like books!" Pinkie rudely interrupted and yelled in her face with accidental spit.

“Rude!” Twilight somewhat irritably told her as she slapped the paper on her face.

"So what's the first clue?" Applejack asked.

"I hope it's something about eating lunch!" Rainbow whined with crossed arms.

"You've got a scroll, you're on a roll, why don't you take a peek where young ones spend their week? A piece of paper will continue this caper." Pinkie read from the scroll.

Twilight placed a hoof on her chin as she thought about the riddle before smiling as she figured it out.

“I've got it! "Where the young ones spend their week."” She told her friends who eye her in confusion.

“I’m not quite followin'.” Applejack replied still confused.

“You’ll see.” Twilight assured her as she trotted off somewhere. “Follow me!”

After walking through town they made their way to the Schoolhouse where the school bell is currently ringing.

“It’s the Ponyville Schoolhouse.” She answered as soon as they arrived.

“Good enough for me! Now where's the next clue?” Pinkie asked before she began panting and sniffing the ground like a dog.

Pinkie Pie then dug her nose into a bush as she searched before sneezing. She then scratched her ear with her back leg like a dog earning some confusion form Twilight and Fluttershy.

"Extra, extra! Get your Ponyville news! Read it in the paper!" Featherweight the young newsboy called out as he walked by while carrying stacks of newspapers.

"A piece of paper will continue this caper." She said to herself out loud before repeated before gasping in realization "It's in the Foal Free Press!" Twilight galloped happily as she asked Featherweight for a paper to which he happily gave her and waved goodbye as he walked forward. She opened the article and the rest walked in on her reading up so they could help find the next clue.

"Ooh, look at that dress Mayor Mare is wearing in the social report! Why, it's stunning!" Rarity commented as she pointed her hoof to one story in the paper as both Twilight and Applejack both register deadpan looks at Rarity getting off-track here.

"Uh, didn't you make that, Rarity?" Applejack asked the unicorn.

"Yes, what is your point?" Rarity answered as she flipped her mane.

"Focus, everybody!" Pinkie Pie's head popped right through the paper, surprising everybody, before she continued searching for the clue herself.

“You know, there's really no time limit on these scavenger hunts, Pinkie." Twilight told her while somewhat amused at seeing Pinkie go crazy in the head. She would think to herself with an aside glance and smile to herself. “This is sure working out nicely for me.”

"Aha! There!" Pinkie exclaimed as she pointed her hoof and tapped on the paper once she found the next clue.

"Though this hall is rather small, in it you'll find files of all kinds. Take a look on the back of the birth certificate of Applejack." Twilight read leaving her friends confused by this.

"I don't like where this is goin'." Applejack said unsure about the idea of her personal information being looked at.

Nevertheless, the Mane Six made their way to City Hall where Mayor Mare is pacing just outside waiting for them.

She waved and smiled upon their arrival as Pinkie Pie the first to arrive raced inside while the others took their sweet time as they make their way inside.

The Mayor was galloping in place like she was excited about something as she gestures them to come inside. It seems pretty clear to Twilight that she too knew about the secret judging from her excited expression.

Once they were in, Twilight briefly heard the Mayor voice out.

"Baby! A royal ba—!" As she was silenced when Pinkie Pie covered her mouth.

"A-hem?" Pinkie sternly warned the Mayor who could only grin nervously as she just barely able to contain her excitement.

“Could it be true?” Twilight wondered to herself having clearly heard that before turning her attention back towards her friends.

"Does anypony know where the birth certificates are kept?" Twilight asked.

"Ooh! I do, I do!" Pinkie replied as she rushed back in to show the others the way.

"Go down that hall, then you take a left, then a right, then another right, then a slight left, and it's the third door from the right!"

"Wow, Pinkie. I never knew you knew so much about town hall." Fluttershy complimented impressed that she somehow knows all that.

Pinkie's eyes widened in realization of what she had just said.

"There's a lot of things I know! That you don't know I know!” Pinkie quickly explained as she sucked in her lips and rushed off to the room where the next clue is to avoid being questioned and found out.

“And it’s pretty clear to me that Pinkie Pie knows it as well.” Twilight thought to herself as she sports a devious smirk as they make their way to the room Pinkie is in. “I wonder how much longer I can keep this going."

The rest of the Mane Six walked towards the room where Pinkie is and once they arrived Pinkie pulled out the folder which had Applejack's birth certificate and depicted a beautiful image of her when she was a newborn to which Twilight held up with her magic.

"Awwwww!" Twilight and the others couldn't help but gush over how adorable Applejack used to be when she was a baby.

Applejack herself blushed at their reactions and just turned the paper over to which they found the fourth clue just so they could get on with the scavenger hunt. Once she saw the next clue Twilight read the words out loud.

"This next place is where you can buy a table or chair, or some comfy beds to rest little heads?"

Pinkie clearly knowing what the answer is immediately rushes off ahead as Twilight ponders of what the next clue meant clearly trying to stall her.

"Ugh, really? None of you?“ Pinkie said in exasperation as she shoved the group towards their destination. "It's obviously the furniture store!"

"Go in, go in, go in!" Pinkie hopped up and down wanting Twilight to hurry up and search for the next clue.

"I don't know…" Twilight still pondered in another attempt to stall her.

"Daagh, fine!" Pinkie frustratingly responded as she went in and caused a rumbling commotion from inside the store. Once she came back outside she presented a baby crib as she stood on it. Pinkie Pie then pointed to the piece of paper tapped onto the crib with a clearly annoyed expression on her face.

"Wow, you guys scary good at this." Rainbow commented very impressed while Twilight just looks at Pinkie amused seeing that she is struggling to keep herself from spilling the beans.

Pinkie Pie looked down at the clue and read it quickly.

"It seems we've saved the best for last. We hope that you have had a blast. Now it's time to take a break where you can get a slice of cake!"

"Sugarcube Corner!" Everypony expect Pinkie all said in unison.

"That was an easy one." Pinkie replied with an unimpressed scoff.

The group then made their way to the bakery, to where they are greeted by the sight of the place decorated with party decorations.

"Surprise!" Shinning Armor said to the Mane Six standing in the center of the room as they walked in with Cadance by his side both sporting eager grins.

"Twily, did you like the scavenger hunt?" She asked his little sister as he ruffled her mane.

"It was perfect! Just like old times, except even better because this time I got to share it with my best friends!" Twilight replied with a smile as she looked at her smiling friends as Pinkie entered the room with a very eager smile as she rudely pushed Applejack and Rarity aside much to their annoyance.

"There's just one thing missing, isn't there?" Twilight brought up as she looked around the room.

"What's that?" Shining Armor asked.

"Mmmm, the book prize at the end!" Twilight prodded as she placed her head on his chest.

Shining Armor laughed as he placed a hoof on Twilight’s back as he gently backed her up a little before he began to continue his explanation.

"There's still a prize, but it's a little different this time."

"Oh. I don't understand." Twilight asked in confusion.

"All the places we sent you today had something in common." Cadance answered as she walked up to her husband.

Twilight began thinking over all the clues they had uncovered so far from their fun little adventure trying to piece together and find a bigger clue in what happened during the scavenger hunt.

"First we went to the schoolhouse…" Twilight began. "And then we read the Foal Free Press...” She continued as she felt Pinkie’s presence and struggle to hold it in behind her. “After that we found Applejack's birth certificate... And then the last clue was under a crib."

Twilight clearly sensed that Pinkie was about to explode as she briefly held the cake twins behind her back and decided to draw it out just a little longer as she processed all of the clues.

"Hmmm… School... foal... birth certificate... and crib…" She thought to herself until she then gasped realizing what she thought she heard was true.

"Can it be? Are you two…?!" She asked Cadance and Shining Armor who both stepped aside in order to reveal a large cake, decorated with a baby bottle with pink bows, a baby rattle, and a crib-toy ornament at the top.

"We're having a baby!" They announced as they revealed the cake.

"A baby, Twilight! It's a baby! Woo-hoo!" Pinkie exclaimed as she cheered in excitement for her friend and she longer has to hold it in seeing that the secret is finally out as she happily bounced all around the room like a pingpong ball, cheering happily at the news.

Twilight had her jaw dropped shocked at hearing this even though she managed to figure on her own.

"You mean... I'm going to be an aunt?!" Twilight spoke as the revelation sunk into her mind. Her brother is going to become a father, and she was going to be the aunt of a new beautiful little foal coming into the family soon. She is now seeing her family was growing much better than before and the royal couple did all of this because they knew it would be a much better gift than any book she could ever dream of.

"This is the best prize ever!" Twilight exclaimed with joy as she spread her wings. Both Shining Armor and Cadance laughed as Twilight hugged her siblings.

"Oh, I love you guys! And I can't wait to meet your little foal!"

"Neither can we." said Shinning Armor. “And we want you to be around and take part at her first Crystalling just after when she is born.”

“What really?” Twilight asked in further surprise. “Are you sure they are ready to see me again?”

“Definitely, Twilight!” Cadance kindly replied with a nod. “You have definitely earned this!”

Twilight couldn’t believe what she is hearing. She is learning she is becoming an aunt with a newborn baby coming soon and that she’ll be returning to the Crystal Empire when the royal couple shortly after they have their new baby.

“I just hope by then the crystal ponies will just as happy to see again.” Twilight replied as she sees how her day is getter better and better. “It has been awhile since I’ve last been there.”

“I’m certain they will.” Cadance assured her with a wink. “After all you did save the Crystal Empire early on from King Sombra and later all of Equestria from Tirek.” Twilight looked aside with a blush but still smiling as she thought nothing of it.

The rest of the Mane Five and the Cakes all gathered around them as they congratulate Twilight's brother and sister-in-law.

“I did it, I did it, I did it, I did it!” Pinkie cheerfully exclaimed at her own success before she literally fell apart. ”Go, Pinkie.” She said to herself briefly raising her hoof.

The Cakes congratulated the couple as the celebration party commenced. Shining Armor and Mr. Cake were both chatting with each other, while Rarity and Fluttershy chatted with each other at a table, Rainbow Dash and Twilight were both enjoying cake as Princess Cadance hold up another slice.

She gives the slice to Pinkie Pie who sitting by herself at another table.

“You did it, Pinkie Pie! You kept it a surprise! Thank you!” Princess Cadance congratulated her with a hug. “Was it much trouble? She asked her as she placed the cake slice on the table for her to enjoy.

“Piece of cake!” Pinkie replied with an intended pun.

“Really?” Twilight mischievously smiled as she walked by. “Even after all I put you through once I put the pieces together already?”

"Wait, WHAT?!” Pinkie exclaimed in realization of what Twilight had just said to her as she rushed up to her. "You figured it out already?!"

"Yep!" Twilight simply replied as she turned back to Pinkie as Princess Cadance is also surprised at what she is hearing. "Consider that something so that you'll think twice before forcing me to keep a secret that could easily solve a friendship problem going forward." She added as she took another bite out of her cake. "Nothing sweeter than giving somepony their just desserts."

As Pinkie had her jaw dropped in shock at the revelation that Twilight had deliberately invoked karma onto her as both Twilight and Cadance both laughed finding the former's pun funny.

For Twilight, things are now getting better and better as soon she will become an aunt to a new addition to the family and be soon returning to the Crystal Empire where she will be welcomed back in open hoofs.

While everypony in Sugarcube Corner was celebrating, the mist of dark magic is currently and secretly spying on everypony celebrating the wonderful news before flying off into the distance to unknown parts of Equestria as the Crystal Heart back in the Crystal Empire glows neon purple in the void room where it's held.

Author's Note

In this chapter like in canon we have the news that Shining Armor and Cadance are having a baby which works wonders as Twilight sees things getting better and better for her by the day as not only will she soon become an aunt but be revisting the Crystal Empire for the first time since the Equestrian Games even though she was welcome to visit whenever she felt like it. To her, she feels she is better of waiting until she feels the Crystal Ponies are ready to see her again.

In this version, I written it so that Twilight did know of what Pinkie was hiding from her but kept to herself and deliberately stalled her and did everything she can to drive Pinkie crazy all to get back at her for forcing her to keep a secret back in "Green Isn't Your Color."

Isn't karma sweet when somepony gets their just desserts. Wouldn't you agree?

Next up is "Scare Master." where Twilight spends Nightmare Night with her friends.

Chapter 14: Scare Master

Chapter 14:

Scare Master

Tonight was another Equestrian holiday in Equestria, and the holiday itself is Nightmare Night. Something that Twilight and her friends are usually excited about dressing up in costumes in partaking in the very fun activities the holiday has offer. A holiday that the Apple Family helps out with every year in setting up a fair-like attraction with games and a new scary maze for later in the night.

Well, all but one of them, Fluttershy. Every year on Nightmare Night, Fluttershy is just too scared to come out to join in on their friends in partaking in the fun and spirit of the holiday. She would keep herself holed up in her cottage and make sure she is well stocked up so she doesn’t have to worry about needing to go on and get something out at night.

Unfortunately for her this year, she forgot to get carrots for Angel leaving Fluttershy no choice but venture outside to get some and it proved quite difficult for her as she immediately runs off terrified just at the mention of the maze’s attractions.

For Fluttershy, she is usually more scared than at this time of the year but this year was concerning even by Fluttershy's standards as she finds herself scared witless of everything and anything related to the holiday very easily.

She then settled for heading over to Twilight’s castle in hopes she has some lettuce she could give her where she was greeted by Spike wearing a two-headed dragon costume who encouraged Fluttershy to join them in celebrating Nightmare Night with them.

The two make their way to the castle to the room where the rest of the Mane Six are. There are listening to each other tell each other ghost stories and trying to spook each other out.

By the time Fluttershy got up to the room where her friends are it was Pinkie’s turn to tell a ghost story as the room was very dark with only a lantern lighting the place up in the library.

“… And then it got very, very quiet and suddenly they realized the balloons had never been inflated!” Pinkie spoke of her scary story.

All but Pinkie Pie scream at the very frightful thing before laughing of how funny it really is.

“Did I ever tell you about the night that the mannequin came to life and haunted all the costumes?” Rarity spoke up taking a turn at telling a story as she held up the lantern with her magic.

“What happened?” Rainbow Dash eagerly asked much to Rarity’s annoyance.

“I just told you, darling. A mannequin came to life and haunted all the costumes.” Rarity simply answered in a tone that Rainbow should have figured it out by this point.

Pinkie, the only pony who found it scary, squealed in fright and fell onto her back.

“Hi, everypony.” Flutttershy greeted them and made her presence known as she turns on the lights causing everypony to react in surprise seeing her here on this day.

“ Fluttershy, what are you doing here? Is everything okay?” Twilight asked her as she walked up to her and Spike.

“Everything is fine. In fact, it's more than fine.” Fluttershy reassured them. “I've decided to join you in your Nightmare Night festivities.”

Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash all return surprised looks at Fluttershy’s decision.

“Seriously? You? Out? Tonight?” Rainbow Dash scoffed at the idea only to give a forced grin as Rarity nudges her for her rudeness and lack of support for their friend.

“Every Nightmare Night, I shut myself in my cottage and refuse to come out until morning. But it's just like when I was afraid to sing in front of anypony. If I hadn't given it a try, I never would've found out how much I enjoy it.” Fluttershy explained her reasons why as she takes up new and attempted confidence to join in on the festivities.

“And we'd have missed out on how great you sound.” Applejack said to which Fluttershy blushed at the compliment.

“Fluttershy with us on Nightmare Night? Why, that's positively the most wonderful news I've heard in ages!” Rarity said in delight.

“You can get dressed up in a costume with us and play Nightmare Night games with us and eat candy apples with us!” Pinkie happily said as she hopped around the room.

“Don't forget the best part. Goin' through my family's corn maze!” Applejack said as she wrapped an arm around Pinkie Pie.

“Oh, right. The maze.” Fluttershy said now having her enthusiasm burst with that reminder.

“Uh, only if you're up for it.” Applejack added as she placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder and reminded her she has the option to back out of it if she doesn’t want to after seeing that she unintentionally burst her bubble there.

“Oh, I am! I am ready to take on Nightmare Night!” Fluttershy asserted her confidence that she can handle it this year.

Her friends all cheered for her when Fluttershy tells them she is in this year… while seeing that she is ducking on the ground taken aback by the immediate cheering.

"Just practicing." Fluttershy reassured them with a nervous laugh.

While Twilight knows she is going to have to let her take baby steps into this since this is her first NightMare Night, she can’t help but notice that Fluttershy deep down is very nervous about something, and that there might be something more to it that is buried deep in her mind.

After everything is all settled all six ponies head on over to Rarity’s boutique store so they can get into their costumes.

Pinkie Pie is wearing a light blue t-shirt, purple shorts, has purple eyeshadow in the shape of a lightning bolt over her left eye, with light blue roller skates and a headband with hair knots to give herself an appearance of a roller disco dancer.

Rainbow Dash was wearing a white astronaut costume with green boots and glass space helmet.

Applejack was wearing a lion costume while Twilight herself was wearing a golden armor, with golden shoulder and knee pads, with a golden helmet for the appearance of one of the royal guards of Canterlot.

Rarity was wearing a blue mermaid costume with seashells on her tail-fin.

“Hoo-wee, we're gonna have the best time!” Applejack excitably said as she raised her front hooves up in the air as Fluttershy stepped out of the dressing room, having settled for a simple long elegant black dress. The others studied her wardrobe choice and were quite confused of what exactly her costume is.

"Hey, Fluttershy, where's your costume?” Rainbow asked her.

"I'm wearing it." Fluttershy simply answered while smiling sweetly. But the others were still not quite on board on what exactly she is going for.

"I get it! You're a robber escaping into the night!" Pinkie Pie gasped of what she thought the answer as she skated around but Fluttershy shook her head. "You're a ninja escaping into the night!" Pinkie asked again, while doing karate posesas Fluttershy shook her head no again. "You're black licorice escaping into the night!" She exclaimed as she skated right up to her face.

"Close. I'm going to a masquerade ball. Without the mask." Fluttershy answered as she pushed Pinkie out of her personal space as skated in reverse and onto her back as she fell.

“Oh, that's great! Isn't it great?” Twilight honestly and sweetly replied while nudging Rainbow to show some support.

“Oh, yeah.” Rainbow Dash awkwardly complimented.

“So creative.” Pinkie Pie complimented as awkwardly as Rainbow Dash.

“Great costume.” Applejack complimented in the same tone.

Even though they knew Fluttershy would want to try something too fancy, they all felt she should have been more creative with her choice of costume than something simple but nevertheless continued their support for Fluttershy.

Once everypony has settled in their costumes they all head over to Sugarcube Corner to partake in the fun Nightmare Night has to offer.

First, they played pin the tail on the pony Nightmare Moon.

Rarity wearing a blindfold during her turn managed to pin one on her neck. Once Rarity took off the blindfold, Pinkie put another one over Rainbow Dash’s eyes since it is now her turn at take a shot at the game.

“I figured I'd save the really scary games for next year when Fluttershy's more used to it.” Pinkie told her friends.

When Fluttershy hears those words she blushes in embarrassment feeling bad and feeling her friends are really missing out on the real fun because of her to which Twilight takes notice of and places a comforting hoof on her back to reassure her no harm is done with her joining in on the fun as Pinkie Pie spins Rainbow Dash really fast.

“Round and round and round you go, where you stop nopony knows!” The Mane Six minus Rainbow chant as she spins around.

“Okay... go!” Pinkie told Rainbow as she stops spinning.

Rainbow then does a flip then a spin then gets up on two hooves as she places the tail on Nightmare Moon’s mane on the top of her head.

“Good luck beating that, Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash challenged Fluttershy to top that as she put her helmet back on. But Fluttershy seemed very hesitant in partaking in that activity.

“Well, um, it's just that if I'm blindfolded and somepony were to leap out in front of me, I'd never have the chance to defend myself.” Fluttershy nervously explained her hesitation.

“That's fine, darling. You don't have to do anything you don't want to.“ Rarity assured her it’s no big deal as she pushes Pinkie aside.

“We're just glad you're here.” Twilight added as she placed her comforting hoof on Fluttershy again.

“We don't have to finish that game. I have another one I know you'll love! Bobbing for apples!” Pinkie added as she skated over to get a bucket of apples and placed them in a bucket of water. But even with another easier activity Fluttershy is still hesitant to partake in that activity.

“Fluttershy, what's wrong?” Twilight asked having taking notice of it.

“It's just that, um... What happens if, when my head is deep down in the water, some kind of scary monster appears? How would I even hear to know I was under attack?” Fluttershy nervously explained again as she briefly looked in the bucket of water causing Pinkie to give her a surprised look as if she is seeing something scary in the water.

“Something seems very off here.” Twilight thought to herself as she scratched her chin seeing that Fluttershy is still acting abnormally scared this year.

“Time for candy!” Pinkie happily announced.

“It is?” Fluttershy asked as she presented the candy bags with comically designed faces on the bags on the counter.

“I made candy bags. Each bag has been made with each of you in mind, complete with each of your favorite candies!”

Everypony walked up to the counter so they can receive their Halloween gifts.

“Ha! Awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as he received his bag as Fluttershy is still hesitant to even enjoy Halloween candy.

“Here. Take it. Take it! What are you waiting for?” Pinkie Pie again offered her bag of candy.

“Well, it's just... What if when I'm eating one of these chewy taffies, my mouth becomes glued shut and I can't scream for help?” Fluttershy nervously wondered as Pinkie pushes aside the bag of candy as the others watch her very awkwardly and confused as Twilight puts her candy bag aside. “Oh, goodness. We've only just started to celebrate Nightmare Night together, and I'm already taking all the fun out of it, aren't I?” She then spoke feeling guilty feeling responsible for sucking the fun out of NightMare Night out of her friends.

“You're not taking out all of the fun.” Pinkie told her otherwise as she made her way to the door.

“Just, like, ninety per—“ Rainbow bluntly commented as Twilight flings a piece of candy at Rainbow complete with a glare for her insensitivity again. “ ...Some of it.” Rainbow corrected herself.

“I really wanna do this. But there's just so many things that terrify me about tonight. I couldn't possibly predict what might upset me.” Fluttershy honestly expressed that she really wants to join in on the fun as Twilight thinks of an idea then smiles when she thinks of something.

“Unless... you were the one doing the scaring!” She offered.

“Her scaring us?” Rainbow Dash scoffed and laughed at the idea. “Oh. You're being serious.” Rainbow Dash asked in a surprised tone seeing the glares she is getting from her friends for her constant mean remarks towards the shy peagsus.

“The thing you hate is being scared, but if you're the one doing the scaring, then...“ Twilight further explained as she raised a hoof so Fluttershy will get an idea.

“Then I can help you all have fun and I can still be a part of Nightmare Night!” Fluttershy then smiled as she got what Twilight is getting her to acknowledge.

“So you like that idea?” Twilight asked.

“I think I do! And I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I think I have the perfect idea for how I'm gonna do it!” Fluttershy agreed thinking she already has an idea.

“Really? Oh, this is so exciting!” Pinkie cheerfully spoke as her friends gave her encouraging smiles.

“Meet me at my cottage in an hour.” Fluttershy told her friends in a spooky voice as she evilly smirked as she backed her way out of the door before changing back into her normal voice while popping her head back inside briefly. “Oh, I'm excited to see everypony soon!”

As soon as Fluttershy left, Twilight still can’t help but wonder how strange Fluttershy has been acting during the party.

“Something’s seems very off with you, Fluttershy.” Twilight wondered to herself. “And I think I need to find out why.”

After waiting an hour the five ponies all make their way to her cottage where Twilight knocks on the door where it slightly opens.

“Welcome to Fluttershy's tea party!” Fluttershy’s voice in attempt to sound eerily spoke as the group sees a darken room with tea cups on the table.

“Did she just say "tea party"?” Rainbow asked Twilight if this is Fluttershy’s idea of scary in a “You’ve Got to be Kidding.” tone.

“It sounds like it's a scary tea party?” Twilight responded trying to be hopeful and supportive of it as Rainbow sighs correctly feeling this is not going in the direction they had hoped she promised as they all make their way inside.

“Have a seat.” Fluttershy’s voice spoke again as they make their way to their seats. “Don't be scared of what awaits you. Go on. Pass the sugar.” Rarity used her magic to do so with the cup meant to carry the sugar only to see there is none as Applejack flips the cup upside as nothing came out. “Oh, no! There is none! You're a terrible host! Rarity, put your coat on!”

“Why would I do that?” Rarity skeptically questioned.

“You need to cover up because no one has complimented your dressssssss!” Fluttershy answered as Rarity rolled her eyes in annoyance rather than freaking out. “Pinkie Pie, look to your left and ask your best friend to pass the cucumber sandwiches!” Fluttershy told Pinkie as she looked are confused.

“Huh? I can't. There's nopony there.” Pinkie responded still very confused.

“That's right. Because she didn't care to show uuuuuup.” Fluttershy responded back.

“What?” Pinkie asked still confused.

“A friend who didn't come through. That must scare you to the coooore. Quick, everypony, look behind you!” Fluttershy spoke as something dangles from the ceiling.

“Uh, what are those?” Rainbow Dash asked as they all see cardboard drawings of ponies.

“They're unplanned guests. Your woooorst nightmare. You don't have enough food for them!” Fluttershy spoke as a toy kitten bounced across the table while Rainbow continues to be very unimpressed with this sad display. “Oh, no! There's a tiny kitten that needs a home! But you are over-scheduled right now. You don't have time to help!” Fluttershy continued as everypony eyes each other very confused at the weak attempt until they spotted Fluttershy hiding behind the couch. “I said, "You don't have time to help!" This should appear to scare you!” Fluttershy attempted to keep up the act as she spoke through a tin can until she gave up and popped her head back up. ”Why don't you look terrified? You showed up to a party and everypony was extremely disappointed in you. Can you imagine anything more upsetting?” Fluttershy wondered why her idea didn’t work.

“It was a really good try, darling, but the scares at Nightmare Night are of an entirely different nature.” Rarity kindly complimented her efforts while telling her that it takes much more effort into really scaring somepony.

“It was really creative, though. I never would have thought of... all this.” Twilight complimented her for her efforts as one of the drawings falls from the ceiling.

“Oh, I'm just not cut out for this. Just go on without me.” Fluttershy sadly lamented in defeat that she is not a pony who can get into the holiday spirit.

“Oh, no. We couldn't possibly.” Rarity insisted otherwise.

“You have to. This is the night you look forward to all year.” Fluttershy responded not wanting to spoil the fun all because of her timid nature.

“We could... stay here?” Pinkie offered still insisting that they wouldn’t leave her.

“It's okay. I really want you all to have fun.” Fluttershy again insisted as she made her way to the door and opened it for her friends to leave. “This is how I spend every Nightmare Night. Please go. I'll be fine.”

With much hesitation, the others finally did what Fluttershy asked of them.

“Eh, it's funny. I actually thought she had an idea for something really scary for a second there.” Pinkie noted to Applejack as she gently pushed her outside.

“She definitely tried her hardest.” Applejack noted that she did put effort in trying.

As Twilight is leaving she decided now is a good time to get to the bottom of this.

“You girls, go on ahead.” Twilight told the others as she prepared to teleport back inside Fluttershy’s cottage. “I catch up with you at the maze.”

With a flash, Twilight teleported back inside Fluttershy’s cottage just as Fluttershy closed the door after her.

“Ah!” Fluttershy screamed in surprise.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you there.” Twilight immediately apologized.

“It’s okay.” Fluttershy glumly reassured her she’s used to that as she looked away. “I mean, I did try my hardest.”

“We all know you did.” Twilight gently returned. “But I got to ask you something.”

“Like what?” Fluttershy wondered.

“I know that you usually not a Nightmare Night pony but I’ve noticed that you have been a little more scared than usual.” Twilight answered as she placed a hoof on her chin as she thought of the right words to describe her concerns for her friend.

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked of what she meant by that.

“Well, it’s just that you usually enjoy this kind of fun when it’s during the day.” Twilight honestly explained. “Such as the games and activities at the Ponyville Foal and Filly Fair day. And you usually enjoy Pinkie’s goodies on a good day. But tonight you’re super worried over the tiniest little thing.”

“Oh, have I?” Fluttershy asked as sees what she means. “Wait! How do you know I enjoy the Foal and Filly Fair?”

“From my time as Midnight Sparkle.” Twilight answered as she looked aside when mentioning it before quickly getting to her point as Midnight’s name sent a chill through Fluttershy’s spine to which Twilight took notice of. “Aside from that, my point being is I feel that there is something more to this that you’re not telling anypony. Did something in particular make you take a big step backwards back when I was Midnight?” She asked wondering and figuring what she did as Midnight caused her to hide something traumatic.

Fluttershy nervously gulped as she hesitated to explain why but then decided to press forward seeing that best friends are open with each other about other’s secrets.

“Well um, you see…” Fluttershy nervously explained as she looks aside ashamed to come forward. “The reason why I have been super scared today is because of you.”

“Me?” Twilight asked somewhat surprised. “You mean back when I was Midnight?”

“Yes.” Fluttershy meekly answered. “From when you turned me into Flutterbat and got me to nearly kill my friends and replayed that awful memory to me.” Fluttershy trembled as tears started forming around her eyes.

Twilight after hearing this now knows what she is talking about as she thought back to when they were watching over the Apple Farm. In order to teach Applejack a lesson she tricked Fluttershy into performing the stare against the bats and used a spell to reflect their desire for apple’s and pony blood onto Fluttershy and drove them into nearly killing them until she decided to undo the spell herself. Then when she took over Equestria she forcibly replayed the memory of Flutterbat leaving the timid peagsus terrified and left a sobbing wreck.

“Oh, Fluttershy.” Twilight spoke in remorse seeing that she is responsible for her trauma. “I’m so sorry."

Twilight then embraced Fluttershy in a hug as she sobbed her heart out in her chest.

“I was so terrified!” Fluttershy cried out in tears. “I felt so helpless!”

“It’s all right, Fluttershy. The nightmare is over.” Twilight reassured her Midnight Sparkle is all in the past now.

“You… You were right.” Fluttershy weeped. “I’ve been scared this whole time I’ve never felt like this before and I don’t know what to do.”

“Admitting your fears is the first step to overcoming them.” Twilight further comforted her as she continued to cry in her chest. “And it is always great that you have someone close to you to so you can open up about it.”

“I just wish I could be able to enjoy Nightmare Night like the rest of you instead of holing myself up in my cottage every year.” Fluttershy wished there was some way she could overcome this as she tried to wipe away her tears.

“Maybe there is…” Twilight offered with an encouraging smile. “And I think I know how to pull this off if you are interested.”

“Really?” Fluttershy asked in surprise. “But you don’t really have to.” She tried to insist she doesn’t have to help her out.

“I’m afraid I do since this is my fault that you’re traumatized like this. “ Twilight refused with a raised hoof to let her know she doesn’t have a choice in that matter. “After all, if it means a perfect opportunity to make it up to you. I’m taking it.”

Fluttershy would then warmly smile seeing that Twilight really wants to help her through this as Angel Bunny hopes on over with an idea too with a mischievous smile on her face.

As Fluttershy and Twilight listen to what Angel Bunny has to offer, Twilight would then smile to herself in a devious manner as she formulates a scare prank up her hooves.

“Oooh! That will definitely scare them straight!” Twilight said impressed with the bunny’s devious prank suggestion. “I like the way you think!” Twilight added while patting Angel on the head. “So with that decided, here’s what we’re going to do…” Twilight instructed Fluttershy and Angel as she continues to slyly smile with what is about to happen.

Unbeknownst to them the mist of dark magic secretly is observing them from the nearby window eavesdropping on their conversation as the mist listens intently with a plan of its own.

Later that night, Twilight caught up with Applejack and the others just as they arrived at the corn maze.

“Hey, I’m here. Sorry I’m late.” Twilight told them as she approached them.

“Nothing to worry about Twi.” Applejack reassured her it’s no big deal as she leads the others to the maze entrance. “You came here at perfect timing as we were just about to enter this here maze.” He then turned to the rest of their friends. “Everypony's linin' up for the corn maze, y'all! Let's go!”

“Oh, yeah!” Spike exclaimed in excitement. “I can't believe we're finally doin' this!”

The group was then stopped by a pony wearing a horse’s head causing the group to scream in shock then laugh of how funny it is as the pony gestured them to enter the maze.

“It's a good thing Fluttershy isn't here because she would never be able to handle this!” Rainbow Dash said feeling pleased as they entered the maze.

The group would then make their way through the maze as Twilight spots Fluttershy from a distance on a tree. Twilight winks at her to give her the signal to put the scare prank in motion as Fluttershy flies off to do so.

They then hear a pony approach them from behind catching them by surprise which turned out to be Big Mac in a mummy costume.

“Boooo... Eeyup.”

The group laughed as Big Mac walks off a little disappointed that it didn’t get any good scares.”

“Maybe next time.” Twilight gently told him before catching up with the others again.

As they walked they heard crunching sounds as they walked.

“What. Is. That. Sound?” Rarity asked startled.

“It looks like... bones!” Pinkie exclaimed in fright as they all scream in fright.

“Looks like a bunch of dried sticks painted white to me.” Rainbow Dash noted as he observed them closely.

“Hey, try to keep up the illusion, would ya?” Applejack told Rainbow that this part of the attraction as the moved forward.

Next they approached and walked through a dark tunnel where they could hardly see anything in there.

Rarity used her magic to create a nightlight as they see hanging fake eyeballs hanging around leaving the group spooked once again.

As the others laugh it off as they run out of the tunnel, Twilight stuck behind following from a distance as a mysterious shadow catches her by surprise and pulls her back in the darkness.

“What? Whoa…!” Twilight exclaimed as she dragged back inside the tunnel leaving the others surprised by her disappearance.

“Agh! What was that?” Applejack wondered as she spun around and saw nothing around her. “Where did Twilight go?!”

“Don't you know?” Spike wondered just as worried.

“Uh, o-of course I do. It was, uh...” Applejack tried to reassure them as they regrouped as three ghosts appeared right in front of them. The group immediately dashed away and ran for their lives screaming trying to outrun them.

As the group tries to outrun the ghosts Rarity tripped because of her mermaid costume. Spike quickly came to her aid and helped her get back on her hooves.

“Fluttershy had a point with the layers on the dress.” Rarity came to see why Fluttershy didn’t want to wear anything like that during Nightmare Night.

The group would then make their way to through the maze where they all end up falling through a hole in the ground.

As the ghosts approach the hole Twilight flies over smiling as she sees the plan is working so far. She then flies in towards the hole to prepare for the next part of the prank.

“What is this? Is it a tunnel? Where does it lead?!” Rarity wondered as she looked around as the hole closes up courtesy of Twilight’s magic.

Rarity then used her horn to create a nightlight again seeing that they are surrounded by complete darkness.

“Which way are we supposed to go now?!” Rarity asked Applejack wanting to know what is going on while scared out of her mind.

“Uh, I don't know! I don't know what's goin' on!” Applejack answered just as confused and scared

“What do you mean? Didn't you help plan this?” Rainbow asked confused by her reply as she struggles to move the boulder blocking the hole.

As Applejack nervously backs up she sees somepony in a creaking chair.

“Whew. There's Granny Smith. Not that I was ever scared, 'cause I wasn't.” Applejack sighed in relief seeing a familiar face while denying that she is scared. “I'm a pretty good actress when I wanna be. Granny?“ She asked what she thought was her grandmother but was really a skeleton as its head fell off.

Applejack immediately panicked and ran for her life with the others following suit screaming as they ran away.

“Applejack, didn't you know about any of this?!” Spike asked in a panic.

“Alright, I got to admit I didn't know about any of this, but maybe they're just tryin' to make it interestin' for me, too! I'm sure Granny Smith or Big Mac is behind this.” Applejack admitted while thinking Granny Smith and Big Mac has made some last minute changes to the maze.

“Are those peeled grapes or eyeballs starin' at ya from beyond the grave.” Granny Smith’s voice spoke from above as she cackled.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said as the Cutie Mark Crusaders playfully screamed.

“That's what we were supposed to do!” Applejack exclaimed seeing that they didn’t plan on any of this as he sweated and chittered her teeth. “I don't know why we're down here! This is really scarin' me now!”

Pinkie Pie would also join by Applejack’s side as she chattered her teeth in fright too as they hear footsteps approaching them.

Emerging from the shadows was a giant green skinned monster with red scales chasing her.

“How did that get down here?! Pinkie exclaimed the absurdness of that happening as the monster roars loudly.

“RUUUUUUUUUN!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she and the others ran off ahead and away as fast as they can with Spike quickly grabbing onto Pinkie’s tail to drag her along with them seeing that she is frozen in fear of the giant. They ran until they ended up crashing into a spider web.

They all struggled to break free finding themselves stuck to the sticky web to no avail from their attempted struggles.

"I can barely move!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she struggled to free herself. "It's like glue!"

They heard the roaring of the beast coming closer and closer, its mouth wide open ready for the attack as he approaches them fast. Unbeknownst to them Twilight watching from the shadows as the creature approaches them fast, used her magic to instantly teleport her friends out of the web, leaving the beast to get tangled up in it instead. The beast broke apart the web, roaring back at them as they ran out.

They finally managed to finally exit from the tunnel once they saw the nighttime sky in front of them. They all managed get out and find themselves on the edge of the cliff with the maze down below the hill.

Unfortunately for them it was not over yet as they heard cackling from above a nearby tree.

The creature was revealed to be a half bat-half woman creature with dark yellow wings ears and glowing red eyes and a black dress with spider webs. The creature hissed, revealing her long sharp fangs before zooming down and ripping the dragon head from Spike’s costume off.

The creature hovered before them, her wings flapping and her silhouette could be seen perfectly with the moon right behind her leaving the group backing up in fear as they bumped into someone else it was another creature that looks just like her except with dark purple fur and a black mane and wings much like Midnight Sparkle as she evilly cackled too.

They all huddled together completed terrified as they see two flying bat-like creatures hovering over them ready for the kill.

The other creature roared in the air before going in for the kill as they all screamed in terror and braced themselves for the worst but to their surprise it missed them as it turns away at the last moment and flies back up into the air.

The yellow bat-like creature's frightening expression softened upon looking down at their terrified faces.

"Oh, my!" Fluttershy said with remorse as she flew down to the ground and stepped out into the light to reveal herself. "I'm so, so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"

“Fluttershy” Applejack asked in surprise.

“It was you the whole time.” Rainbow Dash asked in the same tone. “I can’t believe it.”

“That... was...” Rarity said with her eyes wide open with a smile on her face.

“THE BEST THING EVER!” Pinkie shouted completely amazed out of her mind with a squee.

“It was way more terrifying than the most terrifying thing I could have thought of!“ Rainbow Dash said just as amazed as Pinkie as she twirls around Fluttershy.

“You out-nightmared the scariest part of the corn maze!” Applejack complimented.

“How did you do all this?!” Rarity asked.

“After you left, I realized that I wasn't ready to give up on Nightmare Night. So I asked Granny Smith if I could try to make the maze even scarier for my friends.” Fluttershy explained as she walked opposite from them before turning her head back to them.

“You came up with all of this?” Rainbow Dash asked in surprise

"I had some help." Fluttershy said as she revealed the ghosts that chased after them earlier appeared were really Fluttershy's bird friends hiding underneath glow in the dark bed sheets. Angel wearing a Dracula cape hoped onto her shoulder. "Angel was the scary figure that kept scurrying after you in the maze."

Angel bowed before them as a spider climbed over Fluttershy's shoulder "Fuzzy Legs made the sticky wall that made it difficult for you to see and move." The spider gave a salute, to which Applejack saluted back in return.

“Harry was the especially scary monster.” Fluttershy said as Harry arrived on the scene and revealed himself as he removed his mask.

“But what about Twilight?” Spike asked wondering about her after she disappeared.

“Helping Fluttershy from the shadows.” Twilight answered as she revealed herself as she lowered down to the ground.

“So it was you who came with this plan.” Applejack asked in surprise at this revelation as the mare transforms back into her brighter colors in a flash.

“Not just that. Although Fluttershy came with the ideas and I formulated them together to make this prank work out.” Twilight admitted with a shrug. “And even I was impressed with the ideas she came up with. I backed out during the tunnel of eyes because of course my unfazed reactions would spoil the act.”

“True.” Rarity agreed with that notion without second thought.

“After disappearing I took the liberty of watching over all of you as the plan unfolded, from closing the hole you all fell into, to freeing you all with my magic from the sticky web, to of course being one of the vampire bats.” Twilight explained her role aside from putting together the plan.

“Wow! That was inspired!” Rarity complimented. “For once your devious antics were scaringly thrilling!”

“You have to do this every year!” Pinkie recommended as the others nodded and spoke in agreement.

"We could celebrate Nightmare Night together every year." she said as she removed the fake. "But the truth is I really don't want to."

"You don't?!" Pinkie asked surprised by her response as sat on her tail.

"But you've done it." Rarity said as she briefly and lovely looked at Spike. "You found a way that we can all have a fabulous time together."

"Yes, but I've also realized something.” Fluttershy said as she took off her bat wings. “You all may love Nightmare Night and I may be good at being a part of it, but it's no fun for me to see my friends feel like they're in danger, even if I know they're not. I really don't like it. It's just not my cup of tea."

"Spoooooooooky tea?" Pinkie Pie jokingly and spookingly asked as she held a flashlight over Fluttershy’s eyes.

"No. Just regular tea.” Fluttershy kindly responded as she turned off the flashlight and gently pushed Pinkie away. “We do lots of fun things together, but I'm afraid this just isn't gonna be one of them. Actually, I'm not afraid. I'm perfectly fine with it."

"Then we are, too." Twilight reassured her that she and the others respect her decision as Harry scoops them all up for a group hug. “I’m just glad I was able to help the best I could.”

“And I appreciate that.” Fluttershy sweetly replied, thankful of Twilight’s efforts to make up for scarring her back when she was Midnight.

At that moment that dark magic mist appeared from behind and stealthily passed through Fluttershy’s body causing her to feel surge of magic flowing through her body.

“Oooh…” Fluttershy said as she wobbled a little as the dark magic mist quickly ducked out of sight before being spotted.

“Fluttershy, you okay?” Twilight asked in concern as she caught her by the arms before she could fall over.

“Yeah I’m fine. Just something went right through like some strange magic.” Fluttershy answered as she struggled to stand back up and her normal ears turned into real bat-like ears to which Twilight took notice of now looking worried for her as she has a bad feeling of what’s about to happen as Fluttershy got up to her feet and licked her teeth which caused her feel her fangs as she starts to feel something is wrong.

“Oh? Huh?!” Fluttershy wondered as she is starting to get anxious as she looks at her fangs then feels and sees her ears and wings have transformed. “What the?! What’s going on?!” Fluttershy asked in a panic as she looked at her reflection in Twilight’s armor so she can see what she is transforming into. “AAAHHH!” She screamed as she flew around in a panic. “This wasn’t supposed to happen! Help! Help! Somepony help!” She cried out as tears fall from her eyes. “I’ve been framed! Help!” She then flew down to Twilight on her knees begging for help. “Please you gotta help me! Get this magic out of me! Do anything!” She pleaded as the dark magic pulled her away from Fluttershy as she cried out in pain as the vampire-bat transformation is taking its full hold on Fluttershy as she hissed her fangs out and flew in with intent to kill them all.

Fluttershy now Flutterbat again then flies in to actually try to kill them as they all watch terrified but just narrowly avoided being bitten by her and she hovers around them again but before could bite them as she flew down towards them again Twilight quickly flew in tackled her to the ground and after tumbling around for a few seconds used her magic from her horn to restrain her as Flutterbat hissed at her.

“Fluttershy, what has gotten into you?! Stop!” Twilight exclaimed as she continued to restraint her until she gets a grip. “This is not part of the plan!”

“Twilight?! What is going on here?” Applejack asked in confusion and fear of what’s happening.

“I don’t know!” Twilight replied just as uncertain and more fearful for Fluttershy’s life as she focused on keeping Fluttershy from escaping her grasp. “For one thing I did not expect Fluttershy to turn into Flutterbat all of a sudden.”

The dark magic mist that blasted flew in and whipped Twilight aside knocking her down causing her to lose her grip on Flutterbat as she over and towards the corn maze.

“She’s heading for the corn maze!” Spike exclaimed in horror.

“But that’s where Granny Smith, Apple Bloom and Big Mac are!” Applejack exclaimed just as horrified.

“Squirt!” Rainbow Dash screamed remembering that Scootaloo is down there too.

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity screamed at the thought of her sister in danger.

“We gotta stop her!” Twilight exclaimed as she and Rainbow Dash flew ahead after Flutterbat to stop her as the others followed after her.

Flutterbat would make her to the corn maze where should hover over every pony in the corn maze with her appearance hidden in a silhouette behind the moon’s shadow.

“What is that?!” Apple Bloom said in fright seeing her appearance.

“Is it part of the scare?!” Scootaloo questioned just as frightened as Flutterbat looks at them ready to literally seek out their blood with her scary glare and fangs opened up.

“Run!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she ran off ahead with the others following right behind her.

The girls all bolted in separate directions hoping that Flutterbat doesn’t bite them. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were able to shake Flutterbat as they quickly turned in different directions to throw Flutterbat off their trail, Apple Bloom wasn’t so lucky as she wound up running into a dead end as Flutterbat flies over her.

Never has Apple Bloom been so scared in her life until now as she quivered in fear.

“Somepony Help!” Apple Bloom screamed out seeing she has nowhere to go.

Flutterbat then flew in towards Apple Bloom as she covered her eyes embracing herself for the worst until Applejack quickly jumped in front of her and kicked Flutterbat away right in the face sending her flying away into another part of the maze.

“You okay Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked her sister as she embraced her in a hug.

“I’m fine now thanks to you!” Apple Bloom thankfully told her big sister. “Why did Fluttershy try to kill me?”

“I’ll explain later but right now we got focus on bringing her down before she does more harm!” Applejack responded as she navigated through the maze with Apple Bloom following her.

Flutterbat after being recovering from a different part of the maze then hisses when she sees Sweetie Belle who immediately runs in the opposite direction to get away from her as Flutterbat flies after her.

Flutterbat is able to close in Sweetie Belle as she readied her fangs for the bite on the helpless little unicorn but is then greeted to a magic blast to the face by Rarity who fiercely stands in front of her.

“You leave my Sweetie Belle alone!” Rarity yelled at Flutterbat as she sent Flutterbat flying away with another magical blast.

Rarity would then tightly hug Sweetie Belle as they both cried tears of relief.

“Thank you for saving me, Rarity.” Sweetie Belle sobbed in Rarity’s chest.

“I’m just glad you are safe now.” Rarity also returned as she sobbed in return.

Flutterbat would then after recovering from the attack fly over to where Scootaloo who immediately dodges her as she flew in to attack her. With little time to run or attempt to escape Scootaloo could only charge forwards as she jumped up onto and off of a charging Flutterbat as she tries to escape but find herself quickly cornered by Flutterbat who immediately flies right in front of her.

Scootaloo is really scared out of her mind right now seeing she has no way of escaping her as Flutterbat circles around her. Flutterbat then flies in towards Scootaloo ready to attack only to be tackled by Rainbow Dash at top speed.

The two peagsus ponies would then tumble onto the ground where they faced off each other as they flew back up in the air.

Even though Rainbow Dash was bitten with a deep bite they last time they faced off, Rainbow wasn’t about to let the pony she views as a sister get bitten and hurt by Flutterbat.

Flutterbat would then make the first move by flying in to bit Rainbow as she dodges the attack. Flutterbat would quickly turn around to try to fly in to attack again yet Rainbow manages to evade the attack no problem. Flutterbat tried again as she narrowly bit Rainbow that time just an inch from her wing.

Flutterbat would then try to make a move on Rainbow as she immediately flew in to try to bite her again but Rainbow Dash thinking fast takes off her helmet and hurls it right at Fluttershy’s head leaving her head stuck inside of it as she crashed and created a small burrow in the ground.

As Flutterbat struggled to remove the helmet, Twilight uses this opportunity to magically levitate Flutterbat as she removed the helmet from her head and focused her magic so she can perform a reverse spell on her in order to remove all of Fluttershy’s vampire-bat abilities for good.

It took a strenuous effort as Twilight grunted a little as she focused really hard on her magic but she managed to pull it off and return Flutterbat back into Fluttershy as she fell back to the ground feeling exhausted as Rainbow Dash catches her before she could hit her head.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders and the rest of the Mane Six all regroup where Rainbow comforts a sobbing Fluttershy of what she had almost done again as if nearly scaring her friends half to death wasn’t bad enough she nearly killed them as Flutterbat again.

“How is she?” Applejack asked Rainbow as Fluttershy cries her heart out.

“She’s fine and has all of her Flutterbat traits removed for good. But she still very shaken up about what had just happened.” Rainbow Dash answered as she embraces Fluttershy in a hug she definitely needs.

“I don’t get it.” Rarity wondered very confused by this frightening scene. “She was fine after the first time. How could she have transformed back into Flutterbat all of a sudden?”

“Would you have any idea, Twilight?” Applejack asked her as she looked in the opposite direction completely focused on something on the ground. “Twilight?”

“I honestly don’t know.” Twilight answered with a sigh. “But I swear I didn’t force this upon her again like last time.”

“Are you sure you’re telling us the truth here?” Applejack suspiciously questioned her as she turns to face her.

“Yes I am.” Twilight assertively responded. “Otherwise everypony here would be dead by now. While my past self would have done this, I on the other hoof would never even think of wishing death upon every pony.”

“Then why did Fluttershy turn into Flutterbat all of a sudden?!” Pinkie accusingly asked her as she got in her face.

“Because back when I was Midnight there were some possibilities that there were some tiny bits of dark magic allowing Fluttershy to keep her vampire-bat like traits that were not removed from when I first performed the reverse spell on her until now that this.” Twilight calmly answered as she pushed her hoof aside and out of her face. “At least Flutterbat is finally gone for good this time.”

“But now she is a sobbing wreck because of it.” Rainbow angrily told off Twilight. “And now she is going to spend every Nightmare Night holed up in her cottage because of you!”

“While I know that nothing excuses my actions as Midnight, at least I am doing the best I can to make up and atone for my mistakes since I went as far as helping Fluttershy with the scare prank because of what happened back then traumatized her.” Twilight somewhat defensively replied and acknowledged not even denying her indirect role in this. “As for Flutterbat reemerging, some nearby dark magic acting on it's own had caused this to happen. And that’s the part I am trying to figure out how that’s even possible since I purified myself of it when I reformed.” She added as she turned away and focused her attention back at the symbol in the dirt. “I can’t help but feel something strange in the mist that is behind all of this.”

The others minus Fluttershy who is still sobbing now believing Twilight’s innocence knowing full well Twilight would never do something like this give each other questionable looks trying to wonder the true culprit behind all of this.

“But who if you didn’t?” Fluttershy asked in-between sobs as she looked at Twilight as she examines the ground which has writing and a strangely marked symbol.

“That’s what I need to know and find out?” Twilight answered as she too doesn’t know the answer to that question either. “But from the looks of this writing and symbol I got a feeling there’s a sign of terrible evil lurking around Equestria somewhere.”

The writing itself showed a symbol of a big star with the message:

“Until next time as this is only the beginning…”

Twilight read as the others got a good look at what Twilight was seeing leaving many ponies worried and wondering what it means.

While everypony observes the writing and symbol on the ground the mist of dark magic would then fly off to another part of Equestria. Clearly whatever this mist of dark magic has a mind of its own with no way of knowing when it will strike next.

Author's Note

In this version of "Scare Master." we have Fluttershy finally going out in her first Nightmare Night which plays out like in canon, although as it turns out it's mainly because of her trauma as a result from when Midnight transformed her into Flutterbat.

Twilight in this version was able to get down to the bottom of this on her own and even helped out and came up with the scare that Fluttershy pulls off feeling obligated to due to her role in creating Flutterbat back in "Bats." and together everything seems like everything is working out fine now...

...Until that dark mist that was created from the last episode caused Flutterbat to emerge from within leading to near deadly scene at the corn maze until her friends came to their sister's rescue with Twilight going through great lengths to make sure Flutterbat is gone for good with her extra strengthen reverse spell.

Even with Flutterbat defeated, Fluttershy is left more traumatized then before but at least everypony knows that Twilight didn't have anything to do with this as this mysterious mist of darkness looms around Equestria leaving a message to Twilight that they will meet again.

So it will definitely be interesting to see where this goes during this version of the second half of Season 5.

Until then, the next chapter will be "A Heart's Warming Tail."

Chapter 15: A Heart's Warming Tail

Chapter 15:

A Heart's Warming Tail

It’s that time of the year for everypony! Hearth’s Warming is upon them! A time where everyone gets to spend time with their families and bond with each other as they share and care for each other as they please. Twilight Sparkle like every year plans on spending it with Spike but this year she plans on having her friends from Canterlot come over to spend the holidays with them which really excited her for this year because she sees this a wonderful bonding opportunity to be able to further catch up with them and make up for all of the times she has blown them off in favor of her studies especially Moon Dancer.

They all didn’t have anything else do to during Heart’s Warming Eve and they were very excited and eager to accept Twilight’s invitation to come over if that meant spending time with her. Even Lyra Heartstrings was coming over to spend Heart’s Warming with them this year.

Twilight and Spike had spent the last two days getting everything ready for their party and they already had the castle decorated inside and out. Twilight was just getting the holiday desserts onto the table while Spike was shaking and feeling the wrapped up presents trying to get an idea of what they are inside.

Spike usually is so excited for that part of the holiday he literally could not wait to open his gifts so they decided to start their own tradition of opening gifts on Heart’s Warming Eve instead of Heart’s Warming Day.

Just as Twilight is getting everything ready for her friend’s arrival she heard noises coming down from the chimney. Both she and Spike turned around to see it is Pinkie Pie covered in sooth after having crawled her way down through the chimney.

“Happy Hearth's Warming Eve!” Pinkie greeted them as she landed on her head while carrying her light blue saddlebag on her back.

Both Twilight and Spike laugh as Applejack walks inside after her silly friend while admiring the place.

“Shucks, Twilight! Y'all done it up nice and cozy in here.” Applejack complimented as she looked around the room with her green saddlebag on her back.

“We're about to hang our Hearth's Warming dolls if you wanna join us.” Twilight offered as she held up hoof-crafted said dolls of herself and Spike.

“Oh, that's mighty sweet of you, but we're just stoppin' in to wish y'all a happy Hearth's Warmin' before we go.” Applejack politely declined as Pinkie walks up beside her.

“I think it's sweet that your families are spending the holiday together.” Twilight complimented as she placed the dolls up over the fireplace as Pinkie places a hoof around her orange country pony friend.

“Picture the most fun-tacular thing you can think of. Now multiply that times infinity! Whoo! It's gonna be great!” Pinkie cheerfully expressed her excitement as she tightly hugged Applejack.

At that moment they heard a train whistle blowing it’s horn from the distance. That meant their ride was about to depart from the station.

“That's us. See you later!” Applejack said as she separated herself from the hug and then made their way to the train station first with Pinkie bouncing her way out after her with Twilight and Spike waving them off.

“Now can we open presents?” Spike eagerly asked Twilight catching Applejack’s attention.

“But tonight is Hearth's Warming Eve. Everypony knows you don't open presents 'til tomorrow.” Applejack briefly stopped and turned back to remind of them how Heart’s Warming tradition works out with a confused and bewildered expression.

“When Spike and I spent our first Hearth's Warming Eve together, he couldn't wait all night to open his presents!” Twilight explained as she rubbed the baby dragon's scales as he then rubbed the back of his neck looking embarrassed as if he was thinking about the first time he did it. “Ever since then, we've always opened them the night before!”

“It's kinda like our tradition!” Spike added.

“That's not how our family does it, and I reckon it can't be how Pinkie's does it.” Applejack spoke of her disagreeing opinion before turning to Pinkie as she briefly popped her head back in the room. “Is it?” She asked to make sure.

“No sirree!” Pinkie cheerfully answered.

“To each their own, I suppose.” Twilight accepted her response and that every pony has their own way of celebrating the holidays. Just then the train whistle is heard blowing it’s whistle again from the distance.

“Agh! Gotta go, bye!” Pinkie quickly and urgently said as she dragged Applejack with her so they can quickly catch their train ride before it leaves the station in just mere seconds.

Twilight rolls her eyes in amusement as Spike strains as she climbs up onto Twilight’s back to try to reach the wrapped present over the fireplace to which Twilight quickly helped him by levitating the present to him.

Twilight nods at Spike to assure him it’s okay to open it to which Spike eagerly opens it and to his surprise it’s a book as Twilight eagerly awaits of his excitement of his gift.

“Just what I always wanted! A book...” Spike said as he lifted his gift with a forced grin as Twilight happily smiles at him.

“Read what's inside of it.” Twilight instructed him while still smiling to indicate to him that there's more to the book that at first glance.

Spike does and as he reads it his eyes widen in amazement a what he is reading.

"Whoa." Spike exclaimed. "It's a book all about gems and their wonderful and unique flavors! Oh, boy this is the best book present ever!" Spike then said in excitement. Normally he is not a fan of books, but this time Twilight came up with a way to make looking forward to it worth the wait. "Oh, is this a rainbow set of gems!" Spike asked as he held up the bag of gems inside of the book.

"Yes it is!" Twilight happily told Spike. "Just thought I step up a little but not too much." She added with caution as they both silently recall the time Spike turned into a greedy present hungry giant before continuing with the preparations.

In short time, Twilight and Spike had just finished all of the preparations for Heart’s Warming Eve as by the time the last decoration has been hung up their holiday guests have arrived at the front door and knocked on it.

“Oooh! There’re here!” Twilight galloped in place in excitement seeing that they have arrived. She quickly rushed over to the front door.

She opened the doors to see Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, Moon Dancer, Lyra Heartstrings, and Moon Dancer’s sister all at the door with gifts wearing winter coats with warm smiles.

“Happy Heart’s Warming!” The girls all happily said together in unison.

“Girls!” Twilight happily exclaimed as they all walked inside. “Welcome! So glad you all could make it!”

“We’re so glad you’ve invited us to come. I mean look at this place you’re really living the dream!” Minuette excitably said as admired the inside of the castle.

“Well it is just a castle nothing more.” Twilight humbly said with a blush.

“Are you kidding? Look at this place! It’s amazing.” Twinkleshine commented with a raised hoof. “How could you not say you are living the dream, Princess?”

“Now, now, Twinkleshine?” Twilight replied with a raised hoof. “Just because I’m the Princess of Friendship doesn’t mean I’m not the same pony you all know me for. Like many friends around me you know to call me simply Twilight.”

“That’s true.” Moon Dancer agreed as approached Twilight as two hugged. “Good to see you again Twilight!”

“Good to see you too, Moon Dancer.” Twilight happily replied as she returned the hug. “And I see you’ve neatened up since the last time we saw each other.” Twilight added referring to her mane which is about the same but much neater and less unkempt as it was in the past.

“Oh, yeah.” Moon Dancer aside blushed as she placed a hoof on her mane. “Ever since you visited I decided to take better care of myself.” She said as she removed her coat to reveal a red holiday sweater over it and undone her hair knot which turned her mane into one similar to Twilight’s.

Her friends all marveled at her new cleaned up appearance. A sign to show how much more friendly and happier she has become since rekindling her friendship and coming to take big steps in forgiving Twilight for her sins as Midnight Sparkle.

“Wow! Very nice! And so very much like me!” Twilight complimented while taken aback a little by how very similar her appearance is to hers.

“Nice makeover, Moon Dancer.” Lyra complimented. “Just like your friend, Twilight.”

“And it’s nice to see you could make it as well.” Twilight said as she embraced her friend she hasn’t seen in a while.

“And it’s nice to be able to finally get together after all this time.” Lyra responded as she returned the hug.

“Well I do owe you and the other girls big time to catch up on how our lives have been and what better time to get together to do so than Heart’s Warming.” Twilight said as she turned back to Moon Dancer’s makeover. “Especially those who were close to me in the past seeing how much I see myself in the mirror in them.”

“Well I did help her out with her makeover and she does remind me a lot like you.” Moon Dancer’s sister said as she wrapped a hoof around her somewhat protectively.

“And you remember my sister?” Moon Dancer told her as she motioned to her with a raised hoof.

“I sure do!” Twilight happily replied as she offered her hoof for a hoofshake as her sister simply crosses her arms in response.

“I hope you’re not seeking to further hurt my sister like you have in the past are you?” Moon Dancer’s sister sternly said to Twilight.

“Aw come on! We all know Midnight Sparkle is all in the past now.” Twilight responded seeing through it with a cheeky grin at her who still frowns in her direction.

“Knock it off.” Moon Dancer told her sister who laughs as she shook the alicorn's hoof even though she was serious about what she had just said.

The rest of the girls all take off the coats and all hand them to Spike who takes to the nearby closet where he neatly puts them away before joining the others who are happily laughing and chatting amongst one another.

“So what do you girls want to do first?” Twilight asked as they made their way to the kitchen to enjoy some holiday treats to snack on.

“Well I was thinking we could explore the castle some more.” Minuette brought up as she helped herself to a cup of cider. “I really would like to see more of what living here is like. How about you the rest of you?” She asked the others.

“Sounds great!” Twinkleshine eagerly agreed to the idea as Lemon Hearts nodded in agreement.

“Would that be okay with you, Twilight?” Lemon Hearts politely asked of her.

“Feel free to explore as long as you avoid my science lab.” Twilight kindly approved of the girls request.

“Why?” Lemon Hearts asked confused. “Afraid we might blow up your castle? We may not know as much about science as you but we're not lethally dumb enough to tamper with chemicals we don’t know anything about.”

“No.” Twilight assured her it’s not for that reason as she resisted the urge to giggle with what she was about to say next. “It’s just so you don’t get your head stuck in another beaker.” Twilight couldn’t help but throw in as the girls minus Lemon Hearts laughed finding the joke funny.

“None of you are ever going to let me live that down are you?” Lemon Hearts asked in embarrassment with an annoyed frown.

“Sorry.” Twilight apologized. “But it’s rare that I find somepony even managing that.”

“True.” Lemon Hearts accepted that as she turned to the others. “Come on girls, let’s go!”

After the girls ran off in excitement to explore the castle Twilight, Spike, Lyra, Moon Dancer, and her sister all remained behind.

“And how about the rest of you?” Twilight asked the others.

“I was thinking we could tell some nice Heart’s Warming stories in your library.” Moon Dancer brought up with a raised hoof. “And I think I’ve got just the story to tell for the holiday.”

The four ponies and young dragon all made their way to the library where Moon Dancer pulls out a book from her saddle bag as Twilight and Spike sit next to each other on a couch with Moon Dancer and her sister sitting on chairs on the other side of the table. On the table are separate cups of hot cocoa on the table for them to sip on as they listen to the story.

“This is a story I have read every Heart’s Warming.” Moon Dancer explained as she held up the book with her magic. “And to this day it is still one of my favorites and I think you might like it as well, Twilight.”

“Well, if it’s as great as you say, Moon Dancer, let’s hear it!” Twilight responded with intrigued interest wanting to see if it lives up to her friend's claims as she starts reading from the very first page.

“This is the story of a powerful unicorn named Snowfall Frost, who hated Hearth's Warming Eve. It all began many moons ago in Canterlot. Every home in Canterlot was filled with holiday spirit.” She narrated as it shows a decorated town except for one dark-colored house which serves as Snowfall Frost’s house. “Every home... except one. It was said of Snowfall that she was almost as studied as Star Swirl the Bearded. Almost, since everypony knows that Star Swirl was an expert at everything from transfiguration, dimensional calibration, teleportation.” Moon Dancer read from her book as Spike interrupted.

“We get it. Star Swirl's awesome.” Spike acknowledged in annoyance with rolled eyes. “Geez, it’s no wonder you and Twilight are so much alike.”

“Right.” Moon Dancer carried on with the story as she further narrated.

“The point is Snowfall was also a powerful unicorn. She wanted to be perfect. Anything that got in the way of that was a waste of time.” She narrated as she briefly eyed and hinted at Twilight “Kinda like you in the past.”

“Oh, really?” Twilight asked wondering if she really is like her.

“Well, not right now of course.” Moon Dancer honestly answered. “More like Midnight. Your past and evil self.”

“Hmm.” Twilight calmly nodded as she raises a hoof to motion her to continue reading. “Go on.”

Snowfall appearing in her home was lifting a lump of coal with her magic after weighing to make sure it balances out on her scale on her desk she brings it to her book where she looks up a spell to use her magic to turn it into gold. Snowfall herself while having Twilight’s appearance when she was Midnight wore a black coat with a matching top hat, and matching spectacles. She then levitated the rock in front of the fireplace as she tried to use her magic to perform the spell. She strained a little as she makes progress as she solely concentrates on turning the coal into gold. But just before she could complete it her focus was interrupted by the ringing of bells from outside which caused her to drop the coal on the ground causing it to break apart.

"Well, that batch is ruined," She irritably said to herself as she watches the group of ponies who interrupted her focus before she shouted for somepony. "Snow Dash!”

"Snowdash was Snowfall's loyal assistant" Moon Dancer narrated as she briefly addressed everypony. "And yes like your friend Rainbow Dash to the T.”

"What do you need?" Snow Dash asked her immediately after arriving on the scene as Snowfall pointed to the floor where the pieces of the broken coal.

“Get this mess cleaned up, now if you please. Those foolish ponies were ringing those blasted bells outside the window again and I lost my concentration!" Snowfall instructed Snow Dash as she levitated a broom on over to her so she can clean it up with.

“Whoa, ponies actually enjoying Hearth's Warming Eve. Where did they get that crazy idea?” Snow Dash grumbled under her breath.

“Today is nothing to celebrate. Hearth's Warming Eve is a menace. A dangerous day for all of Equestria.” Snowfall grumpily told Snow Dash as she makes her way back to her desk to place another rock on her scale.

"Dangerous?! It's awesome! It's the day we remember how unicorns, pegasi, and Earth ponies came together in friendship to defeat the windigos!"

"That silly old legend is the problem! Telling everypony that 'singing songs and being nice' will solve anything? I've spent years studying magic, and that's not how it works." Snowfall dismissed it as nonsense.

"I think you might be missing the point there, boss." Snow Dash responded not agreeing to what her boss had just said as she teleported herself in front of Snow Dash.

“Work hard, learn, and use your skills to better Equestria. That's a worthy goal for any pony.” Snowfall shouted in Snow Dash’s face before turning back to walk over to her desk. “But, by all means, if you want to go home early, ignore all of the work you have, and spend the rest—“ She sarcastically spoke as Snow Dash takes the opportunity to interpret this as being giving the blessing to go home.

"Sweet!" Snow Dash exclaimed as she dropped the broom and dust pan and immediately left the house causing Snowfall to grunt in annoyance.

“I was being sarcastic.” Snow Frost grumbled as she turned her attention back at her desk.

She then looks out her window to see Snow Dash take off in a flash as many ponies are all enjoying the holidays.

“I hate Hearth's Warming Eve! All of Equestria would be better off if we just forgo-ed the holiday altogether.” Snow Frost exclaimed in frustration as she then saw her candle shaking and trembling all of a sudden.

“What in the world?!” Snow Frost said in confusion as smoke emerges from the candle with a mysterious figure emerging from the smoke with glowing eyes and looking very tall and thin.

"Surprise!" The ghost said in response as he evilly laughed as he emerged from the shadows as he briefly stretched his legs and muscles as he groaned a little. “Oh boy, even when you’re dead you still have to find yourself stretching your muscles.” The spirit answered as he turned his attention back at the unicorn.

“Who are you?!” Snow Frost asked as she recovered from her shock. “Have we met before?” Snow Frost asked as he inspected the ghost closely as if she saw him before in the past.

"You mean, you don't remember me, Snow Frost?" The spirit asked sounding a little hurt. "Oh, I'm heartbroken, really. Well, I suppose I can't blame you, it has been years since last we seen each other." He added as he made clothes appear on himself. The spirit now wore a finely tailored suit and tie, complete with a top hat and a cane.

Once she saw the clothes on the spirit Snow Frost immediately recognized the figure as her eyes widen in realization.

"Daniel Dancord? Is it really you?" She asked wondering if this is all really real as it was all coming back to her.

"In the ghostly smoke and dust." Daniel casually answered as he stepped forward. As he did so he revealed that his arms and legs are chained up, and weighed down by a heavy chest. "Wonderful to see you again, Snow Frost."

"But how is this possible?!" Snowfall exclaimed in disbelief that he is actually appearing to her. "You disappeared a long time ago and that was the last anypony ever saw or heard from you! No note nothing!"

"Well that’s what happens when you decide venture out for a business trip out into the blizzard alone with no sense of direction." Daniel explained. "I apologize for the spooky welcome and to be fair this is not what I imagined our reunion would turn out like."

"Well that’s unfortunate." Snowfall responded with no change in tone or expression indifferent to what he just said. "But why are you here now of all times you had the chance to see me?"

"I thought you'd never ask, Snow Frost," Daniel answered as he approached her with the rattling and clunking of his chains following after each footstep. "I've come to warn you because you're about to head down a dark path, one from which there is no going back. But it's not too late to save yourself, if you act now it may be possible to change your future."

"What are you talking about?!" Snowfall retorted seeing she is doing nothing wrong. “How is seeking to better Equestria going down this dark path with a point of no return? She questioned skeptically.

"Well if these chains could help explain things better then so be it.” Daniel responded as gestured to them as he rattled them around a little. “You remember how as your partner I listened to your beliefs and methods without ever questioning them?"

“Yes.” Snow Frost replied still a lost there.

"Well these chains are the reason why I have these attached to my wrists and ankles, for the many sins of darkness and heinous acts committed in the pursuit of ambition and control! Multiple and countless atrocities added on to the weight I’m carrying after all these years. A fitting punishment for me knowing of all the damage I’ve done in the past." Discord further explained.

"Please? How exactly would doing what I think is best for everypony more harmful than good?" Snow Frost scoffed as she blew the concern to the sky as Daniel still tries to get through to her now sounding very annoyed as he crosses his arms irritated.

“The point of this is that these chains represent all of your sins and all of the weight of the pain and suffering and the damage won't go away so easily considering what’s to come! My chains represent my sins and regrets for all the trouble I caused. All of the ponies I hurt that truly didn’t deserve what I did to them along the way. And as a result I am doomed to carry the weight and pain of remorse and guilt for the rest of my afterlife and while it’s too late for me you still have a chance to save yourself if you turn yourself around now!" Discord explained to Snow Frost in a way to take it seriously as he gets to the point.

"I think I doing just fine on my own, thank you very much.” Snow Frost again scoffed in response sounding a little amused by this as she makes her way back to her desk. “I don’t have anything to be sorry about, I’ve done nothing wrong.”

Daniel glared at the unicorn as he continuing speaking to her as she focuses on looking up a particular spell.

"Well, since this is obviously going nowhere I will now go." He told Snow Frost. "But be warned Snowfall Frost! Because before this night is through you shall be visited by three more spirits!"

"Oh no.” Snow Frost dryly and sarcastically commented as she paid no attention to him. “I’m so scared.”

"If I were you, I'd listen to what they have to say because if you don’t there is not hope for you to save yourself as my fate will soon be yours. Expect the first very soon and if my appearance should tell you'll know when they’ll show themselves to you!" Daniel gave his final warning as he vanished with smoke surrounding him and returning back to the candle returning the room back to the way it was before he appeared.

Snow Frost simply rolled her eyes in annoyance still not seeing that what she is about to do is doing more harm than good as she sing to a tune.

“Happy Hearth's Warming, they say in the street

Happy Hearth's Warming, they think they're so sweet.”

She sang as she closed her curtains to her windows.

“Words said so often that they lack any meaning

Why should I join in when I could be intervening?”

She sang as she walked up and down a small staircase of books and grabbed ahold of two bottles from a shelf and three more bottles from another shelf.

“Everypony loves this cursed holiday

But would they be better off with it out of the way?”

She evilly sang as she pushed the scale off and everything else she had on the table to make room for the new experiment she plans on making by mixing a concoction of yellow, green, and purple chemicals together which created a puff of green smoke.

“Well, okay

Say goodbye to the holiday.

With my magic, I'll erase it

The greatest gift that I give today

And everypony will have to face it

No more little games for you to play

After you say goodbye to the holiday.”

Snowfall sang as she stole some Heart’s Warming decorations with her magic and levitated them back to her home to be thrown in the cauldron.

“Goodbye, Hearth's Warming, you had a good run

Goodbye, Hearth's Warming, it's over, you're done

Finally set free from your forced celebrations

No need to reply to your trite invitations.”

She sang as she blew away the images of the Heart’s Warming decorations appearing in the green smoke.

“Calendar shorter by a single day

Is my magic up to the test?

Time to see, I can't delay.”

Snowfall sang as she rips a piece of paper with a wreath on it from her notebook and gathers together four big potion bottles and flips through her book for her desired spell.

“Say goodbye to the holiday

Prepare the spell, no hesitation

All memory shall fade away

See Equestria's new transformation.”

She sang as poured the contents of the four potions with clouds of blue smoke with two ponies circling the room in the air.

“No more shall anypony say

Happy Hearth's Warming... “

Snowfall sang as she evilly smirked and chuckled sinisterly a little.

“...after today!"

"After today... “

She concluded her song as she directed her attention back at the cauldron.

“Once the spell is cast, all of Equestria will be better off, and they'll have me to thank for it!” Snowfall proclaimed.

“So let me get this straight.” Twilight politely interrupted with a raised hoof. ”Snowfall doesn't like Hearth's Warming Eve so she decides to cast a spell to get rid of it altogether? That’s definitely extreme and something Midnight would do.”

“Says the pony who engineered a train explosion to fake her own death shattered the Crystal Heart in order to take over Equestria.” Moon Dancer’s sister commented under her breath although her remarks were clearly heard by Twilight.

“What was that?” Twilight questioned with a raised eyebrow. “Is there something you’d like to say to me because I’m right here and can hear from over there?” She added as she narrowed her eyebrows wanting to know if there is something she is keeping from her.

“I’m just saying. Considering your past as Midnight you’re lucky this town is very forgiving towards you after everything you did.” Moon Dancer’s sister bluntly commented.

“Are you trying to make a point here?” Twilight calmly asked while clearly angered by her remarks.

“Oh, no, no.” Moon Dancer’s sister further kept up the snide and sarcastic remarks. “I’m just saying you’re lucky you’re even in the position you are now because most ponies would be either in jail or banished from Equestria.”

“Hey, my friends in Ponyville weren’t exactly innocent themselves.” Twilight remarked in defense seeing why she is verbally attacking her like this. “While I acknowledge I am responsible for my own actions my friends aren’t exactly innocent considering they’re the reason I became Midnight in the first place.”

“So you’re blaming your friends for simply abandoning you? That’s certainly saying something.” Moon Dancer’s sister further remarked unconvinced by her sincerity. “Sure doesn’t sound like you have changed quite a bit for a psychopath.”

Twilight’s eyes widen in rage as Moon Dancer, Lyra, and Spike are all looking at each other worried and uneasy with their friends argument as Twilight gets up from her chair with gritted teeth and her horn lit up as Moon Dancer’s sister lights her horn up too as the two glare at each other from opposites ends of the table.

Before either pony could lay it out, Moon Dancer quickly intervened and teleported herself right in between them.

“Enough! Both of you! If there’s one thing I wouldn’t tolerate is fighting on this very holiday!” Moon Dancer said as she places her hooves on both her best friend and sister. “Sister, I’m aware of what Twilight has done in the past but I have forgiven her because she truly is remorseful for her actions. So you have no right to judge her like that.” She scolded her sister before turning to Twilight. “Twilight, I apologize for what my sister said but I also would appreciate if you didn’t try to kill off the only family I have left over a little dispute.” She firmly yet fairly spoke to her friend before turning back to her sister. “I think what Twilight is trying to say is that everypony has their reasons for doing things including herself and even Snowfall. And if I could continue the story, we might just find out what they are.” She added as she glared at both her sister and Twilight.

“Go forth.” Twilight calmly answered as she made her way back to her chair without further dispute as she and Moondancer's sister still return daggers at each other as if looks could kill someone.

“Proceed.” Spike said as he took another sip from his hot cocoa.

“Anyways…” Moon Dancer continued to read as she and her sister sat back in their respective chairs. “Snowfall was all set to cast her spell that would erase Hearth's Warming Eve for all time when a voice from the hearth caught her attention....”

“You sure you wanna go through with this?” A voice called out to Snowfall.

“Huh?! Who's there?!” Snowfall responded in shock and surprise hearing this voice as she looked around the room wondering where it came from as an apple shaped bubble rose from the cauldron, followed by the appearance of the ghost taking the appearance of a pony dressed up in cowpony attire.

"The Spirit of Hearth's Warmin' Past, that's who. And you and me have got to have us a little chat." The spirit spoke, rising out of the cauldron and appearing in front of Snowfall.

“A spirit?!” Snowfall exclaimed in surprise before eyeing and inspecting the spirit suspiciously. “I didn't cast any spirit summoning spell. What are you doing here?

“You don't think a spell like that would get by without some powerful forces noticin'? You've got our attention, Snowfall Frost, and we've got some pretty strong opinions on this spell of yours.” The spirit calmly responded as she casually walks right through her causing Snowfall to feel a chill up her spine as she walked up to the window.

“"We"?“ Snowfall asked confused by what she meant by that.

“They'll be along in a bit. For now, it's just you and me.” The spirit said as she opened the window and placed her top hat on her head. “Let's get a move on. We got a ton to see and barely any time to see it.”

“I'm not going anywhere. I've got a spell to cast, and I don't need a history lesson about Hearth's Warming Eve.” Snowfall laughed off as she turned back to her cauldron.

“We aren't goin' to the past to learn about the holiday. We're goin' to learn about you.” The spirit clarified as she used a lasso to rope Snowfall so she can literally force her along the trip as she yelps as the spirit forcibly drags her in the sky.

“Sounds a lot like Applejack to me.” Twilight noted as she sipped her hot cocoa with Spike.

“As a young thing, life sure is somethin'

You go makin' choices large and small.”

The spirit of Heart’s Warming past sang as she teleported through the sky into another time in the past to a village in the mountains.

“Always growin' like a seedlin'

And playin' is like dreamin'

And before you know it, big and tall.”

She sang as the spirit circled around a tree to turn it into a baby seeding and as they walked through the outskirts of the nearby town.

“And every little bitty choice you make

Sends you down a path to who you are today

So let's take a little trip down memory lane

And see just what the past has to say.”

The spirit sang as the two walked into the village and watched as little fillies ran around cheerfully playing and running around as a couple run up to a young Snowfall who is much more cheerful and happier wearing a pink school outfit.

“Aw, look how cute you were. Looks like you're not too upset it's Hearth's Warming Eve either.” The spirit of Hearth’s Warming past noted as she sees Young Snowfall helping put up the decorations.

“The seeds of the past

They grow pretty fast

Just look at who you were back then.”

The spirit of Hearth’s Warming past sang as they see a Young Snowfall handing every pony presents before trotting off with the Hearth’s Warmings decorations in tow with her grownup-self looking a little downcast at seeing her happy days drowned out with bitterness.

“The seeds, as they grow

Look what they can show

Reveal the truth time and again.”

She concluded her song as they teleport to the classroom where Young Snowfall is carrying the decorations into as she starts setting up the decorations just as a gray unicorn with a matching mane wearing a black sweater walks in as Young Snowfall accidentally hangs a star ornament on his horn.

“Just what do you think you're doing, Snowfall?” He bitterly and grimly asked of her.

“Decorating the classroom for Hearth's Warming Eve, Professor Flintheart!” Young Snowfall kindly answered as her professor lifts the ornament off of his horn.

“You said you wanted to learn to be a powerful unicorn, did you not?” He grumpily asked the young filly.

“I do!” Young Snowfall brightly answered.

“And what is the way that one becomes a powerful unicorn?” He asked her sounding a little sharper than before startling Young Snowfall a little.

“Work hard, learn, and use your skills to better Equestria.” Young Snowfall positively answered with a bright-eyed grin.

While watching this, the spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past eyes the grown-up Snowfall who grins in embarrassment seeing that she wasn’t always a unicorn who cared very little for the holidays as they watch the scene unfold.

“And how do these help you to learn magic?” Professor Flintheart scoffed at the thought that this bright-eyed filly actually thinks that celebrating the holiday is worth the time and effort.

“I want to be strong enough to stop windigos and help ponies!” Young Snowfall still positively replied.

“That's just a story we tell little ponies. Real magic takes time to learn.” Professor Flintheart bitterly scoffed again as he shatters the ornament with his magic saddening Young Snowfall by his lack of holiday spirit as he places the bow back in the box. “It's your choice. Spend your time learning to become a powerful unicorn or play with your toys and make nothing of yourself.” He callously disregards the decorations and Young Snowfall’s feeling with a simple kick aside to the box of decorations leaving Young Snowfall feeling hurt and crushed by his hurtful words.

“Then some distress, words so careless

Standin' there, you don't know what to do

Feelin' helpless, you can't make it hurt less

So you go and change your point of view.”

The spirit of Hearth’s Warming past sang as Young Snowfall makes her way to the nearby window where her friends are playing. They all take notice of her as they run up to the window seeking for her to play with them.

“And in that moment, though you didn't know it

Your defenses set up walls you built to last

Leading to the pony you've become today

And the spell you're about to cast

It all comes from your past.”

The spirit sang as Young Snowfall bitterly closes the curtains in refusal to have fun with them and tosses the decorations in the trash before gathering her books at her desk so she can study surprising the ponies outside by sudden cold attitude.

“The seeds of the past

We grow up so fast

Some hurts never go away.”

Snowfall sang as solemnly and tearfully sees the sight of her younger self doing the same with regret and pain.

“The seeds, as they grow

This we can't let go

All tied to this one holiday.”

The spirit of Hearth’s Warming Past solemnly sang as they backed away from the now bitter filly as she focuses on her studies.

“Well at least neither you nor me were disheartened to the part we dropped celebrating the holiday all together.” Twilight noted as she felt sympathy for Snowfall there as Moon Dancer nodded in agreement as she continues with Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine all joining in on listening as walk up and watch peering over the couch Twilight and Spike were sitting on.

The next thing Snowfall knows she is back in the present day in the very same room she was in looking at her boiling cauldron over the fireplace.

“Spirit? What am I supposed to—“ Snowfall said out loud as she looked around for the spirit of Hearth’s Warming past when she is suddenly greeted to the sight of a large present following by the sound of confetti launching with another pony figure appearing from emerging from the opening present.

“Snowfall Frost! It is I, the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents!” The spirit ominously told with a smile on her face.

“Um, don't you mean "Present", like the time?” Snowfall corrected her.

“No! Toys, Hearth's Warming doll... Here, want a cupcake?” Pinkie responded as she offered Snowfall a toy, Hearth’s warming doll and cupcake in that order as Snowfall grabbed ahold of it with her magic.

“Fine, "Presents". All of the pointless things ponies waste their time on.” Snowfall begrudgingly replied as she tossed her offered gifts in the nearby trash can.

“Oh, Snowfall, it's not what the gift is that matters, it's what the gift means!” The Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Present replied as she retrieved the presents from the trash bin.

“It doesn't mean anything. It's just stuff!” Snowfall replied with a face-hoof to herself sounding a little annoyed at this point.

“Exactly! Sometimes a cupcake means "I love you!"” She said as she hugged the cupcake. “Or a toy means "Hi, how're you doing?"” She said as she holds up the toy. “Sometimes a book means "Your mane looks amazing!"” She said as she held up the book and tossed it over her head. “And sometimes a scarf means... Well, a scarf usually means you look cold. That one's easy.” She added as a light blue scarf fell onto the back of her neck.

“I don't understand anything you're saying.” Snowfall commented still sounding confused with little interest.

“Whoa! Whoa!” The spirit exclaimed as she trembled around.

“What's happening to you?!” Snowfall questioned the spirit.

“My Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents Sense is going off! That means a song is coming on!” The Spirit cheerfully exclaimed as she pushed a reluctant Snowfall out the door.

“That sure sounds a lot like Pinkie Pie to me!” Minuette happily said as she listens to the story and turns to Spike as he takes another sip from his hot cocoa. “At least this means if you got a book that means your scales are amazing.” She said to the young dragon who gives a smile as he leans his head on Twilight’s shoulder as she kindly strokes his scales as Moon Dancer continues reading.

“Take a look at everything around you

All the smells that surely will astound you

Open up your heart, it will surround you

In the magic of Hearth's Warming Eve.”

The spirit of Hearth’s Warming Presents as she showed her the presents and baked goods being prepared for the holiday and then showed her the decorations being set up all around town before hanging a wreath around her neck to which Snowfall gives her an annoyed look in response.

“The little things that make it better

Little ponies spreading cheer.”

She sang as she showed Snowfall one pony giving a cold and a homeless pony hot cocoa and fillies singing carols for an elderly pony at the doorstep.

“Give a toy, a hug, a sweater

Memories that last all year.”

She sang as the town ponies all danced around and stopping Snowfall from backing away from the crowd.

“The present's always filled with presents

Large, medium, and small.”

She sang as she showed large, medium, and small sized wrapped boxes in that order.

“Sometimes the most important things

Aren't very big at all.”

She sang as she magically replaced a little filly’s crutch with tap-dancing shoes as they both tap-dance to the beat before Snowfall finds herself facing another decorated house.

“What a party, there's so much to see here

Can't believe you didn't want to be here

You'd have had a blast, I guarantee here

This is the spirit of Hearth's Warming Eve.”

She sang as they witness the party Snow Dash is at who is happily spending time with her friends on Hearth’s Warming Eve.

“Cider's flowing, this is living.”

She sang as she toasted a cup of cider with another pony.

“Come on and feel the beat.”

She sang as she danced on the stage where the band is playing their music.

“Life is better when you're giving

Each time you do it feels so sweet.”

She sang as she helped deliver presents to the growing pile of presents in the center of the room.

“The present's always filled with presents

So come on, open your eyes.”

She sang as she stood on top of the tower as Snowfall comes inside.

“Spend time with ponies just like you

And watch your spirits rise

The present's always filled with presents

Take a look around the reason for the holiday.

Is quite easily found.”

She sang as she slided down from the tower of presents before giving every pony their presents including Snowfall as the spirit emerges from said present.

“Yes, the reason for the holiday

Is quite easily found

And the reason is to be with your friends!”

"And the reason is to be with your friends!" Twilight sang to the song as she mimicked Pinkie Pie. When she had stopped, she noticed her friends were eying her suspiciously with amused smirks.

"What?" She asked.

“You know you're doing your Pinkie Pie voice, right?" Moon Dancer’s sister told her with a knowing smirk.

"I was not!" Twilight denied as she blushed and grinned in embarrassment and looked away as Spike couldn't help but giggle himself.

“Sure you were.” Lyra sarcastically commented as she futilely tried to hide her embarrassment.

“Yes you were Twilight!” Minuette giggled along with Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts seeing through her attempted denial.

“So, what happens next?" Twilight asked hoping to get back on track with the story.

“Well the party was---“ Moon Dancer began as Spike suddenly interrupted.

"Wait! Can we take a quick break? I need to refill my cocoa."

Twilight groaned but relented to his request.

"Fine.” She obliged as Spike ran off to do so. “But hurry up! We're almost to the best part!" She called out to him as he ran off ahead.

Fortunately for everypony, Spike wasn't gone for long. He returned shortly with a full mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows.

"Okay, I'm ready." He said to Twilight as she and Moon Dancer rolled their eyes with Twilight’s more amused than annoyed as the latter cleared her throat ready to narrate.

"The party was in full swing. And all Snowfall Frost could do, was watch."

As the party went on, Snow Dash was seemingly like the only pony was wasn’t having any fun as she stands with a cup of cider in her hood.

“Snowdash!” A mare wearing a red holiday dress called out to her with a Pegasus pony wearing a light green dress walks beside her.

“Hey, Merry.” Snow Dash said with a sigh.

“Why, whatever is the matter, darling?” The unicorn inquired.

“Was it the eggnog? Oh, I knew I put in too much cinnamon!” The Pegasus worryingly wondered.

“Oh, no, the eggnog was awesome, Flutterholly.” Snow Dash reassured her before crossing her arms as she focuses on what’s really bugging her. “I'm just mad at somepony who was complaining about how awful Hearth's Warming Eve is.”

“I don't suppose that pony's name starts with "Snow"?” Merry asked.

“And ends with "Frost"?” Flutterholly finished.

“She said Hearth's Warming Eve is just an excuse to party, and we would all be better off spending time working to make Equestria a better place.” She voiced her disgust as the crowd boos at said unicorn’s distaste for the holidays after having heard what Snow Dash said leaving Snow Frost taken aback by their jeering as the spirit of Hearth’s Warming Presents gently nudges at her.

“What does Snowfall think a better Equestria looks like?” Merry asked wondering what her vision is.

“Ponies working hard, learning, and using their abilities for the benefit of Equestria.” Snow Dash answered as both her friends giggle at seeing what Snow Frost solely focuses on spending her time seeing it as a waste of time leaving Snow Frost looking hurt from hearing that as she sees a snowball land in front of the window. She turned and saw a group of fillies having a snowball fight as they completed creating a snowpony.

“It looks like we've got everything on Snowfall's list right here.” Merry told Flutterholly as they looked out the window.

“I think a perfect Equestria looks a lot like a Hearth's Warming Eve party.” Flutterholly said in agreement as they closed the curtain leaving Snow Frost tearing up hearing them say that Equestria would be better off without her or if she never existed at all.

“Me too! Too bad it's going to be the last one ever! Ever! Ever! Ever!” The spirit of Heart’s Warming Presents sympathetically said before ominously disappearing in the fog that had just appeared.

“Spirit? What do you mean? What's going to happen?!” Snow Frost wondered as she tried to follow after her yet finds herself in the middle of a frozen tundra with snow all around the area as she finds herself facing a giant spirit with a horn on her head covered in darkness as the wind blows around her.

“Who are you?” Snow Frost questioned as she nervously backs up a bit.

“I am the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Yet to Come.” The spirit answered as she spread out her wings to reveal she is an alicorn spirit similar to Princess Luna.

“Are you here to show me what future Hearth's Warming Eves are like?” Snow Frost nervously asked as she is facing the very strong winds as snow falls down onto the ground.

“No, for there are no more Hearth's Warming Eves for me to show.” The spirit grimly answered.

“Why not?” Snow Frost wondered why.

“You will succeed in erasing the holiday, as you wished.” The spirit answered as her head emerged from the shadows.

“And what happens?” Snow Frost asked what she means by that.

“I see a cold wind blowing through

I see days neither fun nor free

I see a future caused by you

I see a path not meant to be.”

She sang as she showed Snow Frost the frozen tundra while pointing an hoof at her direction as Snow Frost backs herself up on the edge of the cliff as the blizzard grows stronger.

“The future should be filled with magic

Dreams and wishes brought to life.”

The spirit Hearth's Warming Yet to Come sang as she showed an image two ponies happily having a good time dancing together.

“But the days ahead are dark and tragic

No time for hope when all is strife.”

She sang Snow Frost walks up as the spirit makes the image disappear into thin air before directing facing Snow Frost.

“Whatever might have been

All the dreams that ponies share

Because of you, Snowfall Frost

Now the future is a cold nightmare.”

She sang as the Windigos floating blew by with the wind.

“Windigos?! They aren't real! It's just a little filly's story!” Snow Frost exclaimed in surprise trying not to believe what she had just saw.

“They are all too real, Snowfall.” The spirit firmly told her that the Windigos are in fact real. “And your actions will allow them to return. The future of Equestria shall be bathed in a blanket of eternal snow!” She warned Snow Frost as she disappeared into the darkness and the blizzard.

“No! I never meant for this to happen! I didn't understand! I didn't see how important Hearth's Warming Eve was!” Snow Frost protested as she laid down onto the snow covering her eyes pleading for forgiveness. “Please, spirit! I haven't cast the spell yet! Is there still time?! I'm sorry!” She exclaimed in tears as she covered her eyes from the horrible future.

After another bright flash of light, Snow Frost opens and uncovers her eyes to see she is back in her home. She opens the nearby window to her balcony in relief to see that the terrible future she was about unleash hasn’t happened yet seeing ponies gathering around one who is ringing a bell seeking charity donations.

“There's still time!” Snow Frost exclaimed in relief and happiness as she rushes off to do something while she still can.

Back at the party Merry and Flutter Holly answered the door when they heard a knock. They both answered the door where they are greeted with a face they never expected to see at all.

“Oh, my.” Merry exclaimed in surprise.

“Snowfall Frost?” Flutter Holly exclaimed just as surprised.

“I was hoping I wasn't too late for the party? I brought gifts.” Snow Frost humbly explained herself as she levitated wrapped presents with her magic. The music abruptly stopped upon everypony seeing her along with Snow Dash doing a spit-take from his cup of cider upon seeing her.

“Boss?!” Snow Dash exclaimed in surprise at her unexpected appearance as she walks inside.

“I was wrong earlier, about Hearth's Warming Eve. It's not all about singing and presents. The singing and presents are all about celebrating the ponies in our lives. The ponies we should listen to more often: our friends.” Snow Dash explained her apology as she approached Snow Dash.

“Wow.” Snow Dash commented in astonishment as Snow Frost levitates every pony gifts.

Snow Dash opens her gift with her teeth to reveal a bottle of some kind of potion.

“Dragon toenail? Uh... thanks?” She awkwardly and politely thanked her boss.

“I was in a hurry. I'll do better next time.” Snow Frost responded sounding a little apologetic for her hasty gift giving.

“Ha. You kidding? No one's ever given me dragon toenail before!” Snow Dash expressed her great appreciation for her boss’s gift to her. “It's awesome! Now come get some eggnog!” She motioned Snow Frost, Merry, and Flutter Holly to follow her so they could go get some eggnog.

“And from then on, it was always said of all the Hearth's Warming Eve celebrations, Snowfall's was the Hearth's Warmingest.” Moon Dance narrated as Snow Dash gives Snow Frost a cup of eggnog to which she graciously accepts. “The end.” Moon Dancer concluded as she closed the book. “Well, Twilight, what did you think?”

“That was pretty amazing.” Twilight complimented. “Like a holiday version of my past self learning her lesson before she committed the biggest mistake of her life right down to her biggest sin.”

“And that’s why I figured you would love it.” Moon Dancer said as she levitated the book to her. “Consider this your Hearth’s Warming present, Twilight.”

“Really?” Twilight asked sounding touched by her offering. “Gosh! Thanks!” She thanked her friend as they embraced each other for a hug. “And I can assure you that this will be a book I will definitely be reading every Hearth’s Warming every year going forward!”

“Me too!” Spike eagerly spoke up as he finished his hot cocoa. “That was a great story! By the way, were some of the characters from the story inspired by Twilight’s friends because their names were awfully similar to theirs?”

“Yes, Spike they were.” Moon Dancer simply answered as both she and Twilight eye at him as if he was asking a trick question while Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Lyra all chuckle amused at Spike being clueless.

Moon Dancer’s sister approached Twilight with a look of regret on her face.

“Twilight...” Moon Dancer’s sister began as she nervously rubbed her hoof on her other front hoof as Twilight watches intently. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry what I said to you earlier. I shouldn’t have made those unfair remarks at you.”

“It’s all right.” Twilight shrugged it off as it’s no big deal. “But I gotta ask was it because you are still stinging from what I did to you and Moon Dancer’s parents?”

“A little of both.” Moon Dancer’s sister ashamedly answered as she briefly looked away. “It’s just that when you became the Princess of Friendship I felt you were left off easy for your crimes as Midnight.”

“Truthfully I thought so too when my friends forgave me for what I did. And even though I became the Princess of Friendship and all is forgiven I still have to answer for my crimes such as giving personal apologies to every pony killed from that train explosion and attending their funerals as well as for lying to every pony for pretending I was dead at the time.” Twilight acknowledged Moon Dancer’s thoughts as she speaks.

“But why did they forgive you?” Moon Dancer’s sister asked the alicorn.

“Two reasons.” Twilight began with a raised hoof. “One, because I saved all of Equestria from Lord Tirek. And two, because the girls felt they were to blame too.” She explained as Moon Dancer’s sister listens while trying to follow what she was saying as she recalls the wedding flashbacks. “Because they walked out on me in a time of need after my brother banned me from the wedding after rightfully accusing Princess Cadance who was really Queen Chrysalis of being evil which was only confirmed when she sent underground. It was a miracle that she didn’t kill me when she had the chance.” She said as Moondancer’s sister now looks at Twilight sympathetically. “Even though I didn’t handle it well by not providing solid proof to back up my accusations they weren’t in right too as they should have at least heard me out. If they hadn’t been so focused on the wedding the whole crisis could have been averted and even so in the end we all made mistakes on our parts and made amends in the end.”

“I’m so sorry.” Moondancer’s sister apologized as tears formed around her eyes now feeling guilty for lashing out at Twilight like that. “I never knew you went through so much pain back then.

“It’s okay.” Twilight assured her it’s no big deal as she hands her a tissue with her magic. “Point being everypony made a mistake that lead to dark times happening and that true friends forgive each other no matter what.”

Moondancer’s sister then was brought in for a hug by Twilight to let her know that she forgives her for bringing up her past harshly like that to which she returns.

“Like sister, like sister.” Twinkleshine said as she and the others watch the touching reconciliation scene.

“You said it.” Lyra said in agreement.

“A heartwarming scene to behold.” Lemon Hearts agreed to as Minuette spoke up.

“Speaking of heartwarming.” Minuette brought up happily. “How about we go to the kitchen to make some cinnamon buns and gingerbread cookies.”

“Sounds like a great idea!” Twilight immediately voiced her support of the idea. “How about the rest of you?” She asked who all nod their heads, up for it.

“Let’s go!” Minuette raced of ahead with Twinkleshine, Lyra, and Lemon Hearts following after her as the others.

“Thank you for inviting us over for Hearth’s Warming, Twilight.” Moon Dancer thanked the alicorn. “This is the most fun I had in years.”

“You're welcome.” Twilight replied as she turned to her sister. “And thank you for finding it in your heart to forgive me.”

“Well, it’s like what you taught me.” Moon Dancer’s sister replied with a shrug. “Forgive and let go. Turn the other cheek. Listen to both sides of the sorry before passing judgement.”

“And that’s the Twilight everypony knows and loves.” Spike added with a raised finger as everypony in the room laughs as they heard some clutter from downstairs in the kitchen and some muffled screaming as Lyra runs into the library.

“Girls?!” Lyra exclaimed as she ran inside the room in an urgent manner.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked wondering what the commotion is all about.

“Nothing expect for the fact that Lemon Hearts got her head stuck in a measuring cup.” Lyra explained with a bewildered expression on her face.

The girls and Spike all have varying reactions of surprise on their faces as they all wonder how she even managed that...again.

“Don’t worry I’ll help her out.” Twilight responded with an amused expression as she rushed over to the kitchen by flying over the railing as the other girls laughs as they follow after her.

“Some things never change.” Moon Dancer sarcastically said as she rolled her eyes as the other girls laughed as they all made their way down the stairs as fast as they could so they could help her out of her predicament too.

Author's Note

For this chapter, while including the "Hearthbreakers." opening I decided to use the Season 6 story for this version with Twilight's Canterlot friends coming over for Hearth's Warming.

For Twilight's Canterlot friends coming over it was what I thought a nice opportunity for them to get together again soon and making good on Twilight's promise to see Moon Dancer soon.

As for the Heart's Warming Tail, I felt it was a nice plot for Twilight's Hearth's Warming since like Snow Frost and Starlight (initially) they have the beliefs that they are doing what's best for all of Equestria. with Moon Dancer reading the story to Twilight for the first time and giving it to her as a Hearth's Warming gift to show how and where Twilight got her interest in that story.

So having said that getting into the story I had Twilight as Midnight complete with the latter's voice and appearance prior to becoming an alicorn being Snow Frost in this version of the story with the rest of the story being similar in canon with the added bit of Discord as Jacob Marley who I named Daniel Dancord to where he warns Snow Frost to which would have been included in this story if there was more time allowed in the actual episode. (Who I FWI made an attempt to make a similar and creative name fitting for him in the canon story. So feel free to offer suggestions for alternative names.) Aside from that the rest of the story plays out like it did in canon.

For Moondancer's sister, (Who FWI also didn't have a canon name. At least not what I found. So again feel free to offer alternative names) because she honestly didn't feel Twilight deserve the forgiveness she was being given giving has been giving her a hard time throughout the party and it is only when she learns what she went through and that she didn't entirely get off scot-free as she had to attend a lot of funerals and give a lot of apologies to the ponies she hurt and killed from her train explosion stunt.

Next up is "What About Discord?" with some personal readjustments to make the bizzaro episode more fitting in this version of this story.

Chapter 16: What About Discord?

Chapter 16:

What about Discord?

In the castle library, Twilight and Spike removed every book from every shelf as Twilight prepares to re-organize the library again.

"Didn't we just shelve all the books in the library a few months ago?" Spike asked as he looked around the three mountain-sized piles of books on the floor.

"Yes, but that was because we needed to!" Twilight Sparkle answered as she levitated a book from Spike's claws in order to place it neatly on the empty shelf next to her along with a couple more.

"This is just because I want to! I call it my "book-sort-cation"! Three uninterrupted days of reorganizing books. Can you think of anything more relaxing?" Twilight said in excitement.

"Well, claw massages, back rubs, bubble baths…" Spike answered as he counted a number of things of what he thinks are more realizing than reorganizing the library but stopped mid-sentence when he realized Twilight wasn’t responding as she was more occupied with placing the books on the shelves. "You weren't really looking for an answer, were you?"

"I've even devised a better system for organizing them. It decreases the amount of time it takes to find a book you're looking for by nearly three quarters of a second!" Twilight said still excited for her book-sort-cation.

"Whoa. That much?" Spike asked completely deadpan as Twilight picks him up with her magic to bring him in for a hug as she gestures them to all of the books in the room.

"Look at them all. Why, there must be at least twenty thousand books to organize!"

Owlowiscious observed from above and hooted as she watches Twilight and Spike from above.

"Best long weekend ever!" Twilight jumped with eager glee as she let go of her magical grasp on Spike until she saw the young dragon’s less than enthusiastic expression as unlike Twilight he wasn’t as much as a fan of books as her but is still supportive of her just to keep her happy. "I'm sure we can make some time for a claw massage and a back rub too." she told Spike with a smile as she leaned in towards his eye level gave Spike more of a reason to be excited for the weekend.

"Yes! Best long weekend ever!" Spike happily replied as Twilight simply rolls her eyes in amusement as it is the only thing on Spike’s mind is his reward for helping her out.

The three days all came and went through in a breeze and by the time the weekend was over Twilight had just finished up her reorganization of the library. All that time organizing books was such an amazing stress reliever. For Twilight it was an amazing way to relax and relive the stress she’s had to dealt following her reformation as Midnight aside from studying spells to improve her own magic, flying around the city so she can self-practice her flying abilities, and going outside to exercise and improve her fighting techniques because from all of the apologies and many gestures of having to deal with to all of the families she hurt from her stunt at the train station to her princess duties she really needed that. By the time the weekend was over she felt more relaxed than she had been in a while and felt better than before.

She exited the castle’s main entrance as she took a deep and relaxing breath as she walked down the stairs.

Spike was close behind her as he then squinted and shielded his eyes from the bright glare the sun produced as it shined above him.

"Whoa! That strange yellow orb in the sky! What is that?" Spike asked as he briefly looked away from the sun.

"Alright, alright, so it's been a little while since we've seen the sun." Twilight said in response as she and Spike made their way into town.

"A little while? We've been in that library for three straight days!" Spike retorted as he caught up to her.

"Yes, but they were three very productive days! Even if you did take that two-hour claw massage break." Twilight replied with an amused grin.

"Hey, you promise a claw massage, I'm getting a claw massage." Spik responded somewhat defensively

"Come on, it's not like we missed anything." Twilight replied back as they continued walking to where the two are greeted by two comet like objects hurling towards them at top speed one was rainbow colored and the other was checker plaid colored.

Acting quick, Twilight quickly grabbed hold of Spike and they both ducked to avoid being struck by the incoming objects. When the dust settled the two turned around to find that the two objects were really Rainbow Dash and Discord standing before them.

"Hello, Twilight! Hi, Spike!" they greeted simultaneously while waving their hoofs and hands in perfect sync.

"Hi, Rainbow Dash. Good to see you, Discord." Twilight politely greeted them.

"Did you rehearse before you found us?" Spike asked sounding rather annoyed by their antics that could have seriously injured or worse killed had they not ducked in time.

"What makes you think we practiced?" both Rainbow Dash and Discord replied in perfect sync.

"Come on, Rainbow Dash. What's going on here?" Twilight asked wanting to know what this is all about finding it very off that Rainbow Dash and Discord are getting along in perfect sync together.

Rainbow Dash couldn't contain her amusement as she bursted out laughing as she flew upwards, wrapping one arm around Discord.

"Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Sorry. Me and Discord are just messin' around. Ha, ha! Like we do." she said with a wink directed at Discord.

"Really? Since when?" Twilight asked more curiously at this surprising development since Rainbow is not the pony Discord would get along well with. That’s usually Fluttershy’s job.

"Oh, Twilight. We simply had a momentous time together these past three days. You could say it was... "hiss-terical"! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!" The Draconequus said as he shape-shifted his body to resemble that of a snake, a rattlesnake, making Rainbow Dash laugh out loud as well getting the joke.

"Ha, ha! Ha, ha, ha,! Sneaky snake! Ha, ha, ha!"

"Oh, oh! Just snaking around!" Discord laughed along as he "shed" his snakeskin and reverted back to his original form.

"Good one, Discord!" the pegasus said as she and the Draconequus high five one another further surprising the princess even more.

"It is?" Twilight asked, not fully understanding what the joke was supposed to be about.

“I mean get the jokes but why was Rainbow laughing like it was the funniest thing ever. How in the hay are they are getting along so well all of a sudden?” Twilight thought to herself.

"Kind of an inside joke from this weekend. You wouldn't really get it unless you were there." Rainbow Dash explained to her as flew down to her for a moment.

"Oh. Okay.“ Twilight said with a forced smile to try and avoid the inner awkwardness she was feeling at the moment.

“Cool. Well, uh, catch you later, Twilight!” Rainbow told Twilight as she flew off in a flash.

“Catch you later, Twilight.” Discord playfully yet somewhat sinisterly told her as got into a running start before disappearing in a literal flash leaving Spike literally in a pile of dust and rubble.

“That was strange, right? Since when have Rainbow Dash and Discord had inside jokes?” Twilight asked Spike as they later walked through town still confused by what she had just saw.

“Since sometime in the last three days, I guess.” Spike replied with a deadpan shrug as he bumps into Twilight’s tail as she abruptly stopped hearing that.

“Hey! Nopony made you join me on my book-sort-cation.” Twilight brought up he had the option not to stick around the whole weekend with her but did so anyway.

“I'm jokin', I'm jokin'!” Spike quickly and apologetically told her as they continued walking forth.

The two made their way to Rarity’s boutique store as Twilight opens the door with the bell on top of the door ringing to let Rarity know she has a visitor.

“Rarity?” Twilight called out to the unicorn as she turns her head towards her who gasps upon seeing her.

“Twilight!” She greeted the alicorn as she took off her reading glasses. “You've returned from your book sorting sabbatical! All that organizing has done wonders for your complexion!” She figured it did wonders to her mood ever since she reformed.

“Thanks! It was very relaxing.” Twilight said in agreement while Spike rolling eyes to the side says he didn’t find it relaxing. “And we were able to clear a shelf for those old-fashioned books you wanted to donate.”

“Oh, pfft, they're not old, darling. They're vintage, and they're over there!” Rarity replied feeling the need to correct her as she directed her attention to the said books she set aside. “I've even included my favorites by former Canterlot designer to the stars Rococo Froufrou!” She added as she brought the bag over and held up the book with said star on the front cover.

“Oh, I love her!” Spike marveled at the sight of him.

“Him.” Rarity corrected Spike that Rocco is a guy as she levitated the bag to him leaving Spike embarrassed that awkward moment.

“Both.” Spike said awkwardly.

“Twilight!” Discord called out from the doorstep as he and Fluttershy walked inside. “This makes twice I'm seeing you in one day! Aren't I lucky?”

“Weren't you just with—“ Twilight tried to bring up that he was just with Rainbow earlier before being interrupted by Fluttershy.

“Hi, Twilight! Hi, Spike! How was your book-sort-cation?” Fluttershy happily greeted the two.

“It was good!” Twilight answered as Fluttershy giggles

“Orange you glad you did it?” Fluttershy asked with an intended pun as she, Rarity, and Discord all laughed together.

"Orange you glad"! Oh, Fluttershy, you're a card!” Rarity laughed finding the joke funny.

“Oh, please. You'll make me blush.” Fluttershy sheepishly responded.

“You do seem to be turning a shade of...” Discord said as he gasps as he literally turned Fluttershy into a “…orange!”

Both Fluttershy and Rarity laughed again at the orange joke as Discord pulls the steam as the orange layers peeled off of Fluttershy returning her to her normal form leaving both Twilight and Spike still confused that both Rarity and Fluttershy are laughing along with Discord’s jokes even the old ones that have run their course.

“Oh, sorry, darling. You see, we were at Sweet Apple Acres and, uh, ooh, how to explain...” Rarity apologized and struggled to explain what they did over the weekend.

“Well, let me try and paint her a picture, dearest.” Discord offered to explain to the unicorn.

“"Dearest"?” Spike responded with hints of jealousy and crossed arms as Discord with the appearance of Bob Ross paints a picture of Sweet Apple Acres.

“You see, we were all at Sweet Apple Acres, and I ended up turning the trees into the most— “ He explained before turning back into his normal tone of voice and bumped the painting away with his tail. ”Oh, who am I kidding? I simply can't do it justice. You really had to be there.”

“We would've invited you to come along too, but we didn't want to interrupt your organizing. We know how important it is to you.” Fluttershy apologetically told the alicorn.

“And I'm sure it was much more important than the fun that we had.” Discord added with false reassurance as he hugs Fluttershy and Rarity.

“I appreciate that...” Twilight still calmly and politely shrugged it off to assure them there are no hard feelings. “Speaking of books, I should get these on the shelves.”

Twilight was about to leave when Discord used his magic to have apple and oranges float around in a circular formation to make it look like he is juggling them as Fluttershy and Rarity laugh at his antics leaving Twilight and Spike still confused.

As Twilight and Spike walk through town, Twilight wonders to herself what happened over the weekend that is leaving room for her friends bonding with Discord more so than usual. Could they have done something very great something that Twilight cold never ever imagine?

“Hmm. Rainbow Dash bonding with Discord, Rarity finding something he did genuinely funny... Must've been some weekend.” Twilight said to Spike feeling a little left out.

“Somepony sorry she missed it?” Spike asked with a hinted smile that she is jealous.

“Of course not.” Twilight simply answered although she knows the answer is yes but not the way Spike thinks as they hear Applejack and Pinkie Pie laughing from inside Sugarcube Corner.

Wondering what’s going on she quickly heads over there and sees them laughing and rolling around on the ground.

“What's got you two in hysterics?” Twilight asked them as Discord appears again just after eating a cupcake.

“Oh, we were just reminiscing about the best weekend ever!” Discord answered.

“He's everywhere today, isn't he?” Twilight told Spike in a hushed tone.

“Oh, now where was I?” Discord recalled. “Ah, yes, we had just finished our soup, and then Applejack said…” Discord explained as he turned his head into Applejack’s head. “"Peanut butter hoof? Yuck, not even with jelly!"”

Both Applejack and Pinkie laugh at Discord’s antics while Twilight still looks confused not getting the joke.

“Eh, I don't get it.” She said still lost at the sight.

“It was hilarious! I wish we'd taken a picture for you!” Pinkie replied as she approached her.

“Oh, well, this should do!” Discord responded as he tap-danced wearing peanut butter jars as shoes causing Applejack and Pinkie Pie laughing again at his antics.

“I guess that's funny?” Twilight said with a forced small smile while secretly looking aside downcast.

“Well, seems this has become quite the... sticky situation” Discord joked again as he looks at his peanut butter coated feet with Applejack and Pinkie Pie both still laughing.

“Sticky situation!” Pinkie Pie laughed.

“Aw, shucks, Twilight. We haven't even asked how your weekend went.” Applejack said as she addressed her at getting over her laughing.

“It was fine!” Twilight simply replied while hiding and masking of how she truly feels about their fun with Discord.

“And yet you look so glum.” Discord noted as he looked at her upside-down for the upside-down smile. “Does somepony need a huggy-wuggy?” He asked her in a mock baby-like tone as he hugged her and stroked her mane and horn.

“I am not glum. I'm glad! I'm glad you all had such a good time together.” Twilight politely replied as she broke up Discord’s affectionate gesture. “Having inside jokes can really create a lasting bond between friends.”

“I'm just sorry that all this bonding happened while you were holed up in your castle.” Discord replied in a sad tone although Twilight could see through his act.

“Heh. Oh, don't you worry about Twilight.” Applejack reassured her as she gently nudged Discord to stop giving her a hard time. “Bet you were in hog heaven organizin' all them books. Again.”

“I'm sure I had just as much fun as the rest of you.” Twilight replied as she calmly lied through her teeth as she turned to leave.

"I can't believe I missed out on all that bonding!" Twilight voiced out in disappointment once she got back to her castle.

“Everypony was getting along so well with Discord and they understood his jokes perfectly while I didn’t.” Twilight voiced her thoughts out loud as Spike eats red gems. “Sure it was something I had to be there in order to understand the joke but they all had fun without me.”

Twilight couldn’t help but wonder to herself why was she feeling this way? They are her best friends who have no problems spending time with her and have the best of times together but during the time she was reorganizing her library they managed to have fun without her on the same level much like when she was away plotting the takeover of Equestria when she was Midnight.

"I knew it! You are jealous!" Spike called out feeling his thoughts on what Twilight is feeling is correct.

While Twilight knows that he is right about her being sad about being left out. Jealousy wasn’t the answer.

"Spike, I'm the Princess of Friendship. If I was feeling upset about missing out on an experience would've helped me with my Princess of Friendship duties, jealousy isn’t the answer for that." Twilight calmly replied as Spike tossed another gem into his mouth.

"Come again?" he asked with his mouth full and looking confused and deadpan himself.

"If our friends could enjoy three full days with Discord that much, it must have something to do with the specific things they did together!” Twilight thought as she thought of an idea of how to get the answers of what happened. “If we could find out what those things were, it could be a real breakthrough in the science of friendship!"

“I guess so.” Spike responded as he was about to eat another gem before being interrupted by Twilight teleporting right in front of him.

“I know so!” Twilight replied with a bright smile. “You thought our book-sort-cation was fun? This is gonna be even better!”

Spike could only look on with disinterest with whatever Twilight has in mind to find out the answers she seeks.

The princess later stood on top of a bench in the middle of the park where her friends gathered together while Spike who is standing by her side held a clipboard and quill ready to write down some notes.

"Thank you for coming. I wouldn't have asked you here if it wasn't important." Twilight told everyone in attendance.

"I love important!" Pinkie Pie happily replied.

"I just want to know how these funny moments you shared came to pass. I can use this data to help advance friendships all over Equestria." Twilight explained to them while hiding her true motives.

"Well, I like the sound of that!" Applejack said sounding eager as the others voice their immediate agreement to the idea.

"Perfect. Let's start with the snake." Twilight began her project as she turned to Rainbow Dash and Discord who both try and fail not to burst out laughing to no avail.

"I don't know if I can get it out! It's too funny!" Rainbow Dash said in-between laughs.

"Oh, but we must! It's for the greater good!" Discord told Rainbow before calming down so he can narrate the events. "It started when we were helping Granny Smith with her garden..."

“Uh, I reckon you mean my sister Apple Bloom.” Applejack corrected him.

Eh... All you Apples look the same.” Discord just shrugged off the correction seeing no different from any pony in the Apple Family before continuing. “And then Rainbow Dash saw a snake!”

“I think it was a garden hose.” Fluttershy giggled as she recalled the memory.

“It was a hose snake. Super deadly.” Rainbow Dash explained.

"I recall it being a large stick that looked like a hose that, in turn, did in fact resemble a snake." Applejack voiced her thoughts as she recalled the memory.

"Point is, we galloped away." Pinkie said as she got close to the bench Twilight and Spike were standing on.

"And it chased after us!" Rainbow said as she flew downwards bumping into Pinkie causing her to fall onto the ground from the impact.

“So let me get this straight.” Twilight politely interrupted as she tries to piece together what they are saying. “You were all helping out at Sweet Apple Acres…” She said as Applejack nodded yes to confirm it. “…Then Rainbow Dash saw what she thought was a snake but was really a large stick that looked like a snake and a hose.” She said as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash nod to confirm it.

"We literally trotted for our lives. Isn't that hilarious?" Discord explained to her seeing that Twilight seems to have now gotten it.

“Oooh!” Twilight said in realization. “I think I get it now.”

"I guess you had to be there." Fluttershy admittedly told her as she walked up to her as Twilight got an idea in her head.

"It’s all right, Fluttershy I think I get it now.” Twilight explained as she thinks over another idea of how it makes more sense. But I think it would help if I was there so I can understand more about what happened over the weekend."

"But you weren't." Rarity told her confused of what she meant by that. "And it's already happened." Rarity’s eyes widen at what she thinks Twilight’s is suggesting. "Ooh, are you suggesting…"

"Time travel?!" Pinkie smiled with glee while wearing an orange jacket, sunglasses and a watch around her wrist.

"Absolutely not!" Twilight firmly shot down the idea to confirm that’s not what she had in mind. "Time travel is not something to be messed with. We simply need to recreate everything that led to these jokes."

"Oh, what a brilliant idea!" Discord immediately supported the idea. "Shall we begin with the lunch date that kicked off the glorious weekend you missed out on?"

“Yes, let’s.” Twilight said with a smile thinking she is now going to get more of the answers she seeks.

Back at the cafe in town, Twilight examined the table they had eaten lunch at the start of their weekend wondering if it was exactly where they all met wanting more precise results and answers.

"Are you sure it was this table?" Twilight asked her friends.

"Uh, does it really matter?" Rainbow Dash asked as if one small thing makes a difference.

"When it comes to science, everything matters. One change to the equation could ruin the experiment." Twilight replied yes it does.

Discord pondered for a moment before teleporting to another table.

"Ohhhhhh… it was this table here."

Twilight simply shrugged as she and the others made their way to the table Discord is at.

Everypony all sat around the table together with Discord kindly pulling the chair for Fluttershy to sit before taking his seat. Twilight was the last to take her seat.

"Alright, so you sat down at the table, and then what happened?" She asked her friends as Rariry spoke up as she levitated the menu with her magic.

"Oh, well, first I expressed my displeasure with the design of the menu. It—"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I just noticed something." Discord interrupted.

"Yes?" Twilight asked.

"The tablecloth. It isn't the same color as the one the restaurant used on the day in question."

"…Really?" Twilight asked to make sure he is telling the truth.

"He's right!" Rarity confirmed as she remembered. "The tablecloth was red! I remember because it clashed with the font on the menus."

"I don't suppose that means we're gonna need to get a new tablecloth, does it?" Applejack asked seeing a potential time-consuming task before they can properly recall the events to Twilight.

"Oh, most definitely." Discord answered as he touched the cloth to make it magically change from white to red in just a matter of seconds.

“Ok.” Twilight simply replied with a shrug while impressed by his magic trick.

"One change to the equation could ruin the experiment. Twilight said so herself." Discord repeated Twilight’s words as he briefly appeared with Twilight’s mane, horn, and wings on his head before changing his appearance into one where he wears a lab coat. "Anything stand out as being different? Anything at all?" He asked the others as Twilight looks on deadpan hoping to move forward with this.

"Um, I've noticed a couple of things." Fluttershy spoke up with her hoof raised in the air.

"Me too!" Pinkie Pie added.

"Excellent!" Discord exclaimed as he magically had a notebook and quill appear in front of Twilight so she can use. While a little annoyed at Discord for dragging this out she still smiled in satisfaction that she will at least get what she wants out of this.

Rainbow Dash would work on moving a specific cloud that was over them on the day they had their lunch just so everything about the sky is precise.

"A little to the left! No, my left!" Discord instructed Rainbow using orange sticks while wearing goggles and an orange vest while Twilight takes notes as Pinkie makes her observations of the scene. "A little bit more... Oh, no, no, no, no, no, a little more right!"

"The cloud over our table looked like an ice cream sundae!" Pinkie Pie pointed out to Discord who simply stretches out the cloud, transforming it into the ice cream form that it was that very day.

"Perfect!" Pinkie Pie's exclaimed as she slightly stuck out her tongue stuck to the side of her face.

Next, Discord inspected the temperature of the soup with a thermometer.

"No-no-no-no-no, this is barely room temperature! Garçon! Garçon, over here!" He called out to someone as a Discord duplicate exited the cafe, dressed as a waiter while Twilight still carried on taking notes.

Finally, everything was in perfect order as they reenacted each and every moment from their weekend, up to the moment when Discord started tap dancing on jaws of peanut butter. But even when learning everything she got out of it, Twilight still couldn't find the humor in any of this as she was completely deadpan by his antics even though the rest of her friends were finding the humor in it

"No? Nothing?" Discord asked her when she showed no reaction.

"Oh, no. I think I get the jokes now.” Twilight reassured him with another forced smile it’s not the case as she speaks her thoughts as she looks aside for a moment before turning back to the others. ”Although, are you sure there's not something you've missed? Some other detail about your lunch together that you're forgetting? I just want to make sure I got everything."

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel we've been pretty exhaustive in our attempts to recreate every single detail of our previous encounter." Discord told Twilight as the rest of the group agreed with him.

"Yeah, Twilight. If you don't get it by now, I don't think you're ever gonna get it." Rainbow Dash told her as she flew over to her.

"But it is really important that I figure this out. It's for the good of all Equestria!" Twilight responded that there has to be something more to this still feeling this is not adding up right.

"Well, perhaps we should have another look at the data we've collected." Discord said as he examined the magically collected data with a ticker tape machine and wearing professor-styled clothing from the long paper that came out of the machine.

"Of course! There is one last variable that we haven't accounted for." Discord gasped in realization as he slapped his forehead.

“What?" Twilight asked with a hopeful smile.

"You!" Discord replied with an ominous smirk

"Me?" Twilight looked at him in confusion as she spots his expression.

"You weren't there observing us. No matter how hard we try, we can't possibly recreate our weekend of fun exactly as it happened because you'll always be watching, and you weren't there." Discord told her with the rest of her friends seemingly in agreement with him.

"He makes a good point." Pinkie Pie agreed with Discord which didn't really help Twilight at all.

"If there is anything this experiment has proven it's that moments of levity and bonding between friends simply cannot be recreated so that others might share in the experience.” Discord further explained to Twilight.

"He makes another good point." Pinkie Pie agreed with again.

"Oh, don't worry, darling. I'm sure there will be plenty of other chances for you to share in the kind of frivolity we had with Discord while you were away." Rarity tried to comfortably reassure her as she and the others walked off.

"Yeah, and I'll bet they'll be just as hissssss-terical!" Rainbow added as she moved her arms like a snake before laughing her way along.

“Absolutely!” Fluttershy said in agreement as she and Discord walked away together.

As she watches her friends walk off she sees Discord secretly smirking again at her direction as he sees through the facade she is putting up to hide the truth from her friends.

Back at the castle, Twilight looks over her notes and even looks at the exact events that transpired while she was away from her crystal orb in secret but she still couldn’t piece everything together.

“Could it be possible that they really don’t value me as a friend anymore?” Twilight asked herself as she put her crystal orb away back in her room as she makes her way to the throne room. “No, no it can’t be that!” Twilight then said as she still firmly refuses to believe it.

Twilight herself knows that her friends do forgive her and value her as one of their best friends but it seems that they were able to befriend Discord in a simple heartbeat like her friendship to them didn’t really matter.

“I'm not buying it. Not for a second. There is definitely something else going on here, Spike!” Twilight told Spike as she paces around in the throne room while he eats up more red gems.

“Or maybe there isn't, and you should just drop this whole thing and admit that you're a little jealous!” Spike suggested that there are just some things that can’t be explained.

“Even if I'm not able to laugh at what happened, I should be able to figure out why they find it funny. Why they think they had this amazing and hilarious time together. But I can't figure it out! It doesn't make sense!”

“Some things just can't be explained.” Spike could only say to Twilight in response the best he can.

“Our friends think something great happened to them while I was away, but no. It was something awful!” Twilight angrily responded causing Spike to drop the gem he was about to eat as she comes to one last idea up her hooves to confirm her suspicions are true or not. “If we don't break the spell they're under, who knows what terrible things could happen?!

“Spell?” Spike asked in confusion.

“Come on, Spike! There's no time to lose!” Twilight urgently told Spike as she forcibly dragged Spike away with her magic but quickly came back to grab the bowl of gems for Spike to snack on while on the way.

Twilight would then make her way to Zecora’s hut for her help in seeking a potion that would help uncover the truth.

“Zecora, what do you think? Can you undo Discord's magic?” Twilight asked Zecora as she watches her add ingredients to a bright neon green liquid chemical in the cauldron.

“In what way can you tell that they are indeed under a spell?” Zecora asked.

“Nothing really other than they're having fun with Discord.” Twilight honestly explained. “I get that they are just having fun with him but I still can’t help but feel something is off.”

“Ah. A friendship with Discord is truly a shock. But who says it is something that we must block?” Zecora calmly replied.

“Nopony.” Twilight again honestly replied. “I just want make sure that this is all real.”

Without question Zecora goes to one of her shelves and hands her a tall bottle of potion to which Twilight obtains with her magic.

“Alright. This potion will break the spell, then you will be able to tell.” Zecora told Twilight as she examines the bottle.

“Wait. If that's the potion, then what's brewing in your cauldron?” Spike questioned pointing to said cauldron.

“It ties the room together and emits a warm glow. But if I am to be honest, it's just for show.” Zecora simply replied as Twilight smirks amused by that.

“Hopefully, this will answer all of my questions to whether the friendship is true or not.” Twilight said to herself as she secretly smirks to herself.

The next day, the Mane Six minus Twilight gathered together around the map table.

"I wonder why she asked us here so bright and early." Applejack wondered as she yawned.

"Another map adventure, perhaps?" Rarity asked.

Pinkie after examining her own cutie mark, examined the other ponies cutie marks and even lifted up Fluttershy up to inspect her cutie mark and accidentally caused her to bump her face into the map.

"Nope. No glowing tushies here.”

”Or maybe it's more of a non-adventure. Maybe she just wants to tell us how last night's slumber went?” Fluttershy proposed as Twilight cheerfully walks in.

“Hey, gang!” Twilight happily greeted her friends.

“Ooh, you look excited!” Pinkie said with a smile.

“I am excited! We're gonna have fun today!” Twilight trotted over to her.

“Yes!” Pinkie exclaimed with a raised hoof as Twilight places empty cups in front of every pony.

“But before we do I want to try out a new lemonade I made last night.” Twilight told them as she presented the bottle of potion as she pours a cup load into each cup.

“Oooh!” Pinkie eagerly said in excitement as Twilight pours her a cup of the potion. “This is looks delicious!”

Once every pony takes a sip of the potion, Twilight examines their reactions to see if anything magical emerges from it to let her know that Discord did cast a spell on her. After giving it a good minute, nothing happens other than giving approving nods that the “lemonade” she made was really good.

“Not bad darling.” Rarity complimented after taking a sip from her drink. “So what inspired you to make this?”

“Yeah, this is really good! Got any more of that stuff?” Pinkie replied as she chugged her drink down and then grabbed more of the bottle so she chug it all down.

“What?” Twilight said to herself in a stunned whisper seeing that her friends truly weren’t under a spell as she directed her attention back at them.

“Oh nothing more than simple lemonade ingredients with some sparkling magic.” Twilight simply and solemnly replied. “I’m just glad you all liked it.”

Before her friends could question her the doors opened once more and Discord entered wearing a fishing outfit with a fishing pole in tow.

"Hi, Twilight! The gang mentioned we'd all be hanging out together today!" Discord greeted her and every pony.

""The gang?"" Twilight asked as Pinkie Pie continued to chug down the bottle full of potion.

"Yeah! The peanut-butter-hoof gang!" He replied as he started tap dancing on his the jars of peanut butter once more which only made the group laugh once more. Especially Pinkie Pie as she finished drining down the entire bottle

"It's still funny!" Pinkie laughed in response to Discord’s antics as she and the others joined Discord in laughing on their inside jokes while Twilight could only look on devastated and hurt feeling that what she feared most is true.

"But how?” Twilight asked saddened. “How is it funny!"

"It's funny if you were there." Rainbow Dash simply replied noticing Twilight’s saddened tone and expression.

"But I wasn't there!" Twilight then angrily replied causing the laughing suddenly to die down after her sudden outburst as everypony eyes the saddened alicorn as she tears up and angrily releases her repressed emotions as Spike backs away slowly seeing that now isn't the time to be near her.

"I wasn't included! Maybe it's my own fault for staying in and having a book-sort-cation when I could have been making jokes and memories and having a great time with my friends! But I didn't do that, did I?! You all did! You were all there but—!" The princess paused for a moment before taking in a deep breath to pull herself together to wipe away the tears. "I wasn't there. I missed out. And seeing you having all these jokes I wasn't a part of and couldn't understand made me…"

“Jealous?” Spike finished as he walked back over to her seeing that she has let it all out.

“No… more than that.” Twilight replied as she still looked away with her back now turned. “Left out and lonely.” She said as she hung her head sadly as she continued. “After rekindling our friendship I felt we were once again best friends again having the best of times together. But after seeing you all have a great time and having as much fun with Discord without me had me feeling that our friendship means nothing like you are all able to get along fine without me like I wasn’t there.” She explained as her friend’s give her surprised and apologetic looks that they unintentionally made her feel left out and unwanted. “Like how you all managed when I became Midnight by doing the exact same thing by planning the takeover of Equestria when I too could have been making jokes and memories and having a great time with you all too but instead spent all that time being and feeling lonely.”

The girls could not believe what Twilight is saying. It wasn’t the feeling of jealousy that Twilight’s been keeping to herself but the feeling of being left out and alone from when she was Midnight. Without realizing it until now they unintentionally made her feel worse and feel like they managed just fine without her like she was when she was abandoned at the rehearsal or when she was secretly plotting from the shadows when she was evil.

“Wait?” Discord also exclaimed in surprise. “What did you say?”

“Really, darling?” Rarity first spoke up from her stunned silence. “But of course our friendship meant a lot, in fact it is much better now you’re our friend too.”

“We're sorry if we made you feel left out.” Fluttershy apologized. “We didn’t mean to make you feel like you weren’t really our friend.”

“You didn't do anything wrong. You're allowed to share things that don't include me even when I was evil.” Twilight assured them they did nothing wrong as she turned back to face them.

“And we’re glad you reformed when you did Twilight.” Applejack assured Twilight back as she took off her hat for a moment. “Because the truth is that things really weren’t the same when you became Midnight as we spending every day and night hoping we could find the keys to access the Elements of Harmony all the while hoping we could get you to come to your senses.”

“And we truthfully felt all hope was lost saving you when it seems the dark magic took over her heart when you took over Equestria. And the point being, nothing was all fun and smiles without you and you're allowed to tell us if we were honestly hurting your feelings deep down. You just have to be able to admit that that's what you're feeling so you can let it go.” Rarity also vouched Applejack’s truth in that things weren’t really all happy smiles without her.

“And, you know, not try to make us recreate everything that happened when you weren't around.” Rainbow Dash added hoping she doesn’t have them go through all that in the future again.

“Thanks, girls.” Twilight told them with a heartwarming smile feeling much better now. “I guess I just really needed to be reminded that not being around one gathering doesn’t make me feel like the pony I used to be.”

“So just wondering you were feeling left out because you felt your friendships with the girls didn’t mean anything not because you were jealous?” Discord questioned the princess.

“Yeah.” Twilight replied. “Also because I truly wanted to be friends with you too, something that I didn’t get to do these last three days.”

“Really? Even if what I did to you?” Discord said in disbelief. “I don’t believe this?” Discord exclaimed astonished that Twilight still wants to be her friend. “Even after I ruined all your hard work in taking over Equestria?! And even after convincing your friends not to invite you in the first place?!”

“Wait?” Twilight asked in surprise hearing this. “They wanted me to be there? And you convinced them to not invite me?”

“Yes, because after Tirek betrayed me I felt guilty for ruining everything you worked hard in taking over Equestria. Even after you forgave me, I wasn’t certain you would want to bond with me even after everything I did.” Discord confessed. “So I convinced your friends not to invite you.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t just to make me feel jealous like you intended.” Twilight suspiciously asked Discord with an arched eyebrow with hints of anger in her tone of voice.

“Well maybe a little.” Discord honestly answered. “But it was never my intent to hurt you like that.”

"What?” Twilight calmly but furiously asked him.

"Wait a minute. You didn't agree to reenact everything from last weekend because you wanted to make her feel left out, did you?" Applejack asked Discord sternly as she and the others are looking unhappy at his actions towards Twilight.

"Of course not. That whole attempted jealousy thing was just a backfired accident. But I think we're all missing the big picture and what’s important here.” Discord tried to lighten the mood and change the subject. “Certainly we can all agree that Princess Twilight learned a valuable lesson here in that even she can express her hurt feeling and that she should recognize said feelings rather than trying to pretend that she doesn't have them. And what's important here is that it was never my intent to make Twilight feel jealous. That's something that the old me would have tried to do. Orange you glad I've changed?”

With the snap of his fingers he made an orange appear, in an attempt to make the others laugh once again but to his surprise nobody did. Not even Pinkie let loose some giggles.

"I said, Orange you glad I've changed?" Discord repeated as he magically made the ceiling rain oranges in an attempt to make the joke funnier to no avail.

"Orange! Like the ones at the island! I-I mean, from this weekend!” Discord desperately tried to get them to remember the joke. ”…No? Nothing? Really? I thought you'd find this hisss-terical!"

He attempted to humor them once again as he turned into a snake, shaking the rattle at Rarity, who gently shoved the rattle away.

"…Yes, no. Discord, I think these jokes have run their course."

"Only way we'd find them funny now is if you put us all under some kind of spell!” Pinkie Pie humorously said.

“Come on, you'd have to be a complete crazy pony to think he'd do something like that! What are you gonna say next, Pinkie? That we all have to drink some weird potion to break the spell like I just did to all of you?” Twilight said in the same tone which got everypony laughing expect for Discord who didn't quite understand what was going on or what the joke was.

"W-W-What's so funny?" Discord asked in confusion.

"Come on, Discord, do we really have to spell it out for you?" Rainbow Dash laughed at the joke she just made with her friends all continuing to further leaving Discord out of the loop for not getting the joke.

"I-I-I don't get it. Somebody want to tell me what's so hilarious? Anybody? Hello?! I'm talking to you! You! And-and you and you! W-W-What's funny about spells? I mean, really, I don't get it, I feel left out and I feel really bad about that…" Discord desperately tried to get the others to explain it to him and get their attention as he knocked his claw on Pinkie head as all six ponies continue laughing.

Discord feeling hurt then began to shrink down to size now feeling really small right now.

"Sorry, buddy. Guess you had to be there." Spike smugly told the shrunken chaos creature leaving Discord further feeling he deserved that and that trying to mess around with Twilight's feelings wasn't such a good idea after all even when she is no longer the evil mastermind that conquered Equestria.

His disappointment turned into surprise when a tiny little orange suddenly appeared in his hand, courtesy of Twilight Sparkle.

“Gotcha.” Twilight replied with a smirk. “And no hard feelings.” She assured him she holds nothing against him.

Discord then reverted back to his normal size and wrapped everyone all together for a group hug, laughing alongside them. Even if he didn't really get the joke.

“So you really tricked us into drinking a potion to tell if we were under a spell or not. So that's what that there lemonade really was” Applejack suspiciously asked Twilight who nervously grins in response.

“Well I just wanted to be completely and over one hundred and twenty percent certain that it was all real.” Twilight replied awkwardly while giggling with a shrug. “It’s all in the past now. Forgive and forget.”

While Applejack rolls her eyes in annoyance she joins in on laughing when Twilight starts to and so does everypony else as they all forgive and forget of what happened in the past to which everyone can press forward by doing so.

Author's Note

In this story I have decided to include "What About Discord?" after some personal consideration. Although, this is indeed one of those bizarro episodes that really could have used some work and readjustments.

So for this version, I rewritten it a little so that Twilight wasn't really jealous as intended by Discord but it really was more about feeling left out and that her friendship is very little to them even after she had reformed.

To her, she felt her friends were getting through life just fine without her only backed up with Discord managing to have fun with them, just as much as they did with Twilight with the innocently insensitive remarks her friends made further fueling it and having her feel like she really missed out back on all the fun when she was Midnight even though the truth is things weren't really the same between them after Twilight became evil.

As for Discord, he intended to make her feel jealous, but his plan backfired moreso when it lead to the aforementioned result Twilight really felt and also feeling guilty for setting the whole thing up because truthfully he didn't think Twilight would want to befriend him even after ruining her control of Equestria to which was something she worked hard for before she had a change of heart.

Next up is another much-awaited Starlight chapter focusing on her from "Amending Fences." to this chapter as she tries to figure out of how to wreck the Mane Six's friendship and achieve her revenge against Twilight Sparkle.

Chapter 17: Formulating a New Angle

Chapter 17:

Formulating a New Angle

Outside in an open area in the fields outside of Ponyville early in the afternoon, Starlight Glimmer is out practicing her magic. She is currently blasting multiple beams of magic right at a dozen wooden targets. All of them have images of her arch-enemy Twilight Sparkle to which she manages to nail each and every one of them right on Twilight’s face.

All twelve shots all shot perfectly and right what she aimed for. Starlight smiles in satisfaction at the sight of seeing her archenemy’s face being blown off even if it was a drawn image on wood. She would then blow the magic and smoke of her horn as she uses her magic to make twelve more wooden targets of Twilight appear in front of her so she can repeat the process again for the rest of the afternoon but mixing it up with various teleportation so she can catch her targets off-guard in a flash.

By the time it was nearly sunset, Starlight was ready to repeat the process again one more time before dark. Only time she is using her levitation spell to float around to nail each target in an attempt to make it harder since unlike Twilight she doesn’t have wings. She levitated herself high and low at great speeds moving around left and right as she quickly uses her magic to nail every one of her twelve targets. By the time she nailed the twelfth target she levitated back over to the middle of the field her horn was steaming with fresh magic as she once again blows the smoke from her horn again as she turns back to see her targets. Each and every one them the wooden picture of Twilight’s head were all blow off again each the entire top of the wooden targets were all burnt off and reduced to ashes.

“Perfect!” Starlight said to herself with a satisfied smile as she uses her magic to send a powerful burst of magic to burn the remains of the wooden targets to the ground leaving a huge burnt scorch mark with an image of her face evilly smirking on the ground.

She would quickly teleport away to avoid being spotting by anypony destroying and burning up part of the forest.

Unbeknownst to her, just behind the trees where she left her scorch mark on the ground in a slightly deeper part of the forest is the burnt trees and scorch mark Twilight left behind when she was Midnight with her evil smirk still remaining. The images of Midnight and Starlight’s faces evilly smirking are both just an acre of unburnt trees separate from each other as the mist of dark magic looms over the image before flying away.

Later that night, she is currently reading books on learning new magic with the purpose of being able to go toe to toe with Twilight for the next time they see each other again. Ever since she lost her village to her, Starlight has been dreaming and thriving to improve herself for the better by greatly focusing on her personal studies.

“I now know that if I can break apart Twilight’s friendship with her friends I can take away her greatest source of power and with that the Power of Friendship is no more.” Starlight said to herself as she read more on teleportation and levitation spells. “But the question is how?”

“Maybe if I observed Twilight a little more closely with her friends around this time I might have better answers on how to do that.” She thought to herself as she rubs a hoof on her chin with a devious smirk as she plans on spying on Twilight once again as she goes outside to her balcony to see Twilight’s castle from a distance where she is able to spot Twilight and her friends from Canterlot laughing as they make their way down the hallway celebrating Hearth’s Warming Eve.

“Ugh.” Starlight groaned in disgust as she hears somepony singing Heart Warming Carols and singing from outside of the castle.

Down below are the apartment residents gathered outside exchanging gifts and sipping hot cocoa as they all dance and sing around the Heart’s Warming Tree they decorated just outside.

As if seeing the entire building except for hers is decorated in Heart’s Warming decorations wasn’t bad enough to the point she even crumbled every single decoration placed on and in front of her doorstep up into small balls before shattering it with her magic.

She herself is not a pony who enjoys the holidays because now since has moved on from her hometown and she is no longer welcome at the town she enslaved an entire group of ponies and stripped them of their cutie marks now that ponies know the truth about her.

“Hearth’s Warming Eve. A time for ponies to be all happy with their friends and families.” Starlight bitterly groaned. “Well not for me since I’m the only pony around here who isn’t happy about the holidays and I don’t have any friends or family anymore to celebrate with. Not since the day my only friend left me.” She said as she closed the curtains.

She then make her way back to her desk where should continue reading her book at her desk as she put on earmuffs to mute out the singing and music from outside. Her expression of disgust for the holidays turns into a content smile as she learns more about teleportation and levitation skills to which she can use to practice her fighting skills on.

Following the holidays, Starlight with her saddle bag in tow secretly and stealthily makes her way through town while secretly spying on Twilight and Spike from leaving the caste to the park where Twilight has gathered her friends and Discord who Starlight silently thinks of him as a creepy silly creature who has a weird taste in humor.

Regardless of what she thinks of Discord she focuses solely on her task as she hides behind the tree behind Twilight to avoid being spotted by her while she spies on her.

"Thank you for coming. I wouldn't have asked you here if it wasn't important." Twilight told everyone in attendance.

"I love important!" Pinkie Pie happily replied.

"I just want to know how these funny moments you shared came to pass. I can use this data to help advance friendships all over Equestria." Twilight explained to them.