”Once upon a time, in the enchanted kingdom of Equestria, two sister princesses ruled together and guaranteed harmony to all lands.”
“To do this, the older sister used her unicorn powers to raise the sun to the skies, and the younger sister brought the moon to start the night.”
“Thus, the two sisters maintained the balance of the kingdom and its subjects who varied various types of ponies.”
“But, over time, the older sister became arrogant. Ponies enjoyed and played during their day, but during the night they were tired and slept only during their little sister’s beautiful night. ”
“Until one day the older sister refused to move the sun and allow it to get dark. The younger sister tried to convince her, but her young heart turned her into a frightening unicorn of flames: Daybreker! She swore it would bring heat and the day would be eternal.”
“The younger sister, reluctantly, resorted to the most powerful magic known in the pony kingdom: The Elements of Harmony! Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her older sister and imprisoned her permanently in the sun. The younger sister took responsibility for both: Sun and moon. And harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations ever since.”
Starlight closed the book she had just finished reading. She sat on the bed in her castle room. The night was starry and the moon was full in the sky. Luna, her mentor, asked her to read this book, which talked about the Daybreaker story. And she did what was asked. She blew out a sigh of relief. The book was too long. The ears of Starlight Glimmer perked up at the sound of a door opening. She looked at the door to see who was entering her room.
The door opened, revealing Princess Luna, who was smiling at Starlight Glimmer. “Did you finish reading the book I ordered, Starlight?”
“Yes, Princess Luna,” replied Starlight Glimmer as she smiled.
Luna approached Starlight Glimmer. “Starlight, I would like you to read that other book,” she took the book that was in bed with her magic and handed over a book that had on the cover written, “Myths and legends of Equestria.”
Starlight took the book with her magic, placed it on the bed, opened it and started reading. Luna watched Starlight read before leaving the room with the book that Starlight had just finished reading.
“Starlight! Will you help me get up in bed?”
Starlight Glimmer looked down and saw Spike. She smiled. “Sure, Spike,” she took the dragon with her magic and placed it on the bed.
Spike realized that Starlight Glimmer was reading. He approached as he was curious. “What are you reading about, Starlight?”
Starlight Glimmer looked at Spike. “Myths and legends. Princess Luna asked me to read it. I just finished reading about the Daybreaker story.”
“Starlight, could you tell me the Daybreaker story, since I wasn’t here in bed with you to read along?” asked Spike.
Starlight Glimmer’s ears drooped and she looked at Spike sadly. “Spike, I would love to tell you. But I have to read this book that Princess Luna asked of me.”
Spike was saddened by the response he received. “...But I can tell you after I’m done,” said Starlight Glimmer, now with a smile.
Spike managed to smile a little at the words of Starlight Glimmer. “Okay, Starlight.”
“Would you like to read that book with me?” asked Starlight Glimmer.
“Sure,” replied Spike.
Starlight and Spike then started to read. To their surprise, the legends and myths were written in alphabetical order. It was like a dictionary, practically. They were having a great time reading together. But there came a time when the joy of Starlight Glimmer was changed to concern when she read about that the Mare in the sun would be released from the sun on the longest night of the thousandth year and she would bring heat and eternal day. Spike noticed the concern in Starlight Glimmer and raised an eyebrow.
“Starlight? It’s all right?” he asked.
Starlight Glimmer looked at Spike, still concerned. “Spike, did you read what I just read?”
“About the Mare in the sun being an old pony fable?” Spike tried to guess why Starlight was concerned.
“No, Spike. About Daybreaker returning on the longest night of the thousandth year,” replied Starlight Glimmer. “You read?”
“No. Why?” asked Spike, still confused.
“Spike, today is the longest night of the thousandth year! Daybreaker will return tonight to bring heat and an eternal day!” shouted Starlight Glimmer, in despair. “We have to warn Princess Luna!”
“Now?” asked Spike.
Starlight Glimmer’s concern changed to confusion. “Sure. Why?”
“I think it’s better not to do that. She must be busy preparing for the winter moon celebration,” replied Spike.
“But Spike, if we don’t do this, Luna won’t be aware of Daybreaker’s return,” said Starlight Glimmer as she got up from the bed. “I’ll be right back, Spike.”
Spike didn’t understand why Starlight Glimmer was so desperate. It was just a pony tale, nothing more. “OK. I wait for you here.”
“Thanks, Spike,” said Starlight Glimmer before running out.
Starlight looked everywhere, looking for Luna. But she was nowhere to be found. Where would Luna be? But luckily for her, it didn’t take long for her to find Luna. Luna was looking at a glass window.
“Princess Luna!” called Starlight Glimmer as she ran towards Luna.
Luna heard somepony calling her and looked at where the sound came from. “Starlight? Did you finish reading the book I ordered?”
Starlight Glimmer stopped running and responded. “No, princess.”
Luna was confused. “Then why did you come to me? Something happened?”
“Princess Luna, I read that in the legend of the mare of the sun, she would return in the longest night of the thousandth year to bring heat and eternal day! That is, tonight!” replied Starlight Glimmer. “You believe me, don’t you?”
Luna was surprised, but soon recovered and smiled. “Of course I believe you, Starlight.”
Starlight Glimmer was grateful that Luna believed in her. “Princess, what will we do to prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled?”
“Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled,” replied Luna, sadly.
Starlight Glimmer gaped at the answer. “But what about when she arrives in Equestria, princess? Don’t you have a solution that could prevent her from winning?”
Luna smiled. “Yes. There’s a way, my student.”
Starlight Glimmer was relieved and smiled. “And what is this solution?”
“The Elements of Harmony. They are located in Everfree Forest,” replied Luna. “You need to go to the Castle of the Two Sisters and activate them with your magic.”
Starlight Glimmer looked unsure. “Me? But couldn’t it be you?”
“Starlight, I am no longer connected to the Elements of Harmony since my sister was banished to the sun,” explained Luna. “You should go to Ponyville to check the preparations for the Winter Moon Celebration, make some friends and activate the Elements of Harmony.”
“Do you think I’ll make it, princess?” asked Starlight Glimmer. “I mean, I’m just a unicorn who’s your student. Not a hero or a princess of Equestria. ”
“Of course you will, Starlight.” Luna put a hoof on Starlight as she smiled. “I know you will.”
Starlight Glimmer managed to gain confidence with those words. “Well, if you think I can do it, then I’m going to go up to my room to take Spike with me.”
“Great. In the meantime, I’m going to get your carriage ready,” said Luna as she turned and started walking.
Upon arriving in her room, Starlight went to Spike. “Spike. Let’s get going.”
Spike was confused as he raised his paw in a confused way. “Where are we going?”
“We are going to Ponyville,” replied Starlight Glimmer. “Princess Luna is already prepared for the carriage.”
Spike smiled as he lowered his paw. “Ah. We’re going to watch the celebration in Ponyville?”
“Not only that, Spike,” replied Starlight Glimmer as she shook her head. “We also have to check the preparations for the celebration, make friends and go to the Everfree Forest to arrive at the Castle of the Two Sisters to activate the Elements of Harmony.”
Spike got out of bed as he said, “and do you think you can do it all in one night?”
Starlight Glimmer looked to the side, still unsure. “I’m not sure,” she looked at Spike, now with a smile as she lifted a front hoof. “But if Princess Luna thinks I can do it, then I’ll do it...”
The Starlight carriage was ready. The carriage was dark purple in color, and two Lunar guards were going to drive the carriage. Starlight, Spike approached the carriage. Luna was beside Starlight. Spike entered first.
Starlight Glimmer gave a farewell hug. “See you at the celebration, princess.”
Luna returned the hug while smiling. “See you at the celebration, too, Starlight.”
Upon leaving the embrace, Starlight was about to enter the carriage, but Luna stopped her. “Starlight! Wait!”
Starlight Glimmer looked back and saw Luna approach with a rolled scroll. “You will need this list to know what you have to check and who is responsible for each preparation.”
Smiling, Starlight Glimmer took the scroll with her magic. “Thank you, Princess Luna.”
“You’re welcome, Starlight.” thanked Luna with a smile.
Starlight Glimmer touched something. “Princess, where am I going to stay in Ponyville?”
“At Golden Oka’s Tree Library,” replied Luna. “I already told Mayor Mare that you would be staying at the library there.”
Starlight Glimmer smiled in relief. “Thank you, Princess Luna.”
Luna smiled at the phrase. “You’re welcome, Starlight. Now, you better go. You have a lot of work to do.”
Starlight Glimmer, still smiling, turned, went to the carriage and sat down. The Lunar guard closed the carriage door with a hoof. The lunar guards began to walk, until they flew. Starlight and Spike said goodbye to Luna with smiles. Luna did the same.
Starlight Glimmer looked ahead and opened the parchment to see what she had to check. “Hm. Let me see. Food, climate, fireworks and music.”
“Who are responsible for each task?” asked Spike as he was curious.
“Maud Pie is responsible for the food. Ember, the weather. Trixie, of the fireworks that will take place at the end of the celebration and Thorax is in charge of the music.” read Starlight Glimmer before getting confused. “Weird. Discord doesn’t have a celebration preparation to do.”
“And will you befriend as Princess Luna asked?”
Starlight Glimmer stopped looking at the parchment and looked at Spike. “Of course I will, Spike. I will befriend these five.”
The carriage was now in Ponyville. “I just hope Princess Luna will show up at the celebration,” said Starlight Glimmer.
“Me too.” Spike agreed.
The carriage landed on the floor. Starlight came out first, then it was Spike.
“Where should we go first, Starlight?” asked Spike.
Starlight Glimmer looked at the parchment. “On a stone farm.”
Suddenly, Starlight collided with a draconequus. She fell backwards. Lucky that the scroll was still being held by her magic.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t see you,” said Starlight Glimmer as Spike helped her to get up off the floor.
“No. I should be sorry. I should have swerved.” The draconequus apologized.
“If you insist ...” Starlight Glimmer and Spike started walking. But they were stopped by the draconequus who spoke.
“Hey. I’ve never seen you around here before,” the Draconequus approached Starlight Glimmer. Starlight and Spike looked at draconequus. “What’s your name?”
Starlight Glimmer, with a smile, turned to greet him. “Starlight Glimmer. And yours?”
“Discord.” Discord appeared as he greeted with a paw. “Are you going to the Winter Moon Celebration?”
“Of course I will, Discord,” replied Starlight Glimmer. “But first, I need to check the preparations and make friends with the others who are responsible for the preparations.”
“I can be your friend, if you want.” Discord offered his friendship to Starlight Glimmer.
“Of course I would like to be your friend, Discord,” said Starlight Glimmer.
"So ..." he snapped his fingers which resulted in a cloud of cotton candy and two cones with pink and white stripes, took some of the cloud of cotton candy and handed it to Starlight.
"See you at the celebration, Starlight," said Discord as he left with a smile while eating the contton candy.
"See you at the celebration." Starlight Glimmer started walking again while she ate the cotton candy. Her mouth got dirty. Spike followed.
Starlight and Spike noticed that the stone farm had many stones around it. They approached the small house. Starlight had already finished eating the cotton candy Discord offered. She knocked on the door with a hoof. The door opened, revealing a mare with yellow glasses, gray hair and dark green mane. The mare did not have a happy face.
Although Starlight seemed a little uncomfortable with the mare’s expression, she started to speak. “Hi, my name is Starlight Glimmer,” greeted Starlight Glimmer. “And I would like to know if Maud Pie is with you at home.”
“Maud is here, yes,” replied the mare, now no longer with a serious expression, but confused. “Why?”
“It’s just that I’m in charge of checking the preparations for the Winter Moon Celebration,” explained Starlight Glimmer. “And she is in charge of the food. Can I come in to see how she’s doing, lady?”
The mare smiled as she led the way for Starlight Glimmer and Spike to enter. “Of course you can. And my name is Cloudy Quartz. ”
Starlight Glimmer stopped walking and looked at Cloudy Quartz. “Where’s the kitchen for you and your family, Cloudy Quartz?”
Cloud Quartz hoofed the door and started walking. “Follow me. I will show you the way.”
While Starlight and Spike followed the mare. They wondered what Maud Pie did for the celebration. What would Maud Pie’s family cookery look like? Upon entering the kitchen, they saw that there was a table with a gray towel and on top of it had cupcakes, apples, water, muffins and cake. Near the stove was a gray mare, a purple mane, and a gray blue rag. Cloudy left the place she was.
Starlight Glimmer and Spike approach of the mare. “Hi. My name is Starlight Glimmer.”
The mare looked at Starlight. Her expression was neutral. “Hi. My name is Maud Pie.”
“I came here to check the food,” said Starlight Glimmer. “Were all these foods on that table made by you?”
“Yes. I did it myself,” replied Maud Pie. “Would you like to try some of the food I made?”
“Yes. But it will be just one.” Starlight Glimmer took a strawberry cupcake with her magic and took a bite. Her pupils increased.
Spike was concerned. “Starlight? What happened? Didn’t you like it?”
Starlight Glimmer swallowed the cupcake and looked at Spike with a smile. “No. I loved it. Would you like to taste it?” she offered Spike the cupcake.
“No thank you. I prefer those cupcakes that have jewels,” replied Spike.
Starlight Glimmer looked at Maud Pie. “Well, it seems that for food everything is under control. See you at the celebration?”
“Yes. See you at the celebration. I can’t wait for the celebration to start,” Maud Pie took a small stone out of her pocket. “Boulder can’t wait either.”
Starlight, smiling, left the kitchen, along with Spike.
“Let me see ... now is the weather,” said Starlight as she looked at the parchment. “Ember is responsible for this.”
She looked at the sky to see if there were any clouds in the sky. And to her surprise and joy, there was no cloud in the sky.
Starlight Glimmer looked at Spike. “Ember did a great job with the sky. Don’t you think, Spike?”
“Yes. Sure.” Spike agreed with a smile.
Starlight looked up at the sky, looking for Ember, but didn’t find it. “I wonder where Ember would be.”
“Did I hear somepony call my name?”
Starlight and Spike looked to the side and saw a light blue female dragon. The blue-colored female dragon smiled at them both.
“Are you Ember?” asked Starlight Glimmer as she and Spike approached the blue female dragon.
“Yes. My name is Ember,” replied Ember. “And yours? And your dragon friend? What is his name?”
“My name is Starlight Glimmer, Ember,” introduced Starlight Glimmer. “And my dragon friend is called Spike.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” said Ember with a smile. “Where you are from?”
“I’m from Canterlot, Ember,” replied Starlight Glimmer. “And you?”
“I’m from the Land of Dragons,” replied Ember. “But I spend most of my days here in Ponyville.”
“How did you manage to clear the sky?” asked Starlight Glimmer as she was curious.
“Simple. With my wings,” Ember flapped her wings, but she didn’t leave the ground. She looked at Starlight Glimmer. “Did you come to Ponyville to celebrate the longest night of the year too?”
“Yes, Ember. I can’t wait to see Princess Luna at the celebration,” replied Starlight Glimmer with a smile.
“I'm going. You’re kind of cool, Starlight. I hope we can see each other more often.” Ember went flying.
Spike looked at Starlight Glimmer. “She is awesome!” he said, admired.
“Yes. Now let’s see where we should go,” Starlight took her scroll to read. “Ah! We need to go to the city hall. Trixie will be out of the city hall, setting off the fireworks,” she closed her scroll and started walking towards the city hall. Spike followed.
Starlight had to confess. She was excited to see this and befriend Trixie. She has always liked magic tricks since she was a filly. Maybe she might be Trixie’s magic assistant?
Suddenly, they heard the sound of fireworks. The two looked at each other before approaching where they saw the sound. They realized that there was a light blue unicorn with a blue and silver mane with a cape and a purple hat with stars on top of a stage causing fireworks to appear and explode. Starlight and Spike decided to approach the mare with smiles on their faces.
“Hi!” The mare stopped what she was doing, looked at where the voice came from and saw Starlight and Spike looking at her.
“I just wanted to say that you are very good at your magic,” said Starlight Glimmer with a smile. “Can you do other tricks besides fireworks?”
The mare smiled. “Of course yes. The great and powerful Trixie knows several magic tricks,” the mare touched something. “Trixie never saw you around here. What’s your name?”
“My name is Starlight Glimmer,” presented Starlight Glimmer. “And yours?”
“My name is Trixie Lulamoon! The great magic of Ponyville!” Trixie let out fireworks.
Starlight Glimmer couldn’t help but notice that Trixie was a unicorn who was very good at magic. “You're very good with your magic, Trixie.”
Trixie stopped fireworks and smiled in praise. “Thanks. Thanks. Trixie is grateful that she is the best unicorn in all Equestria! No pony praised Trixie’s magic tricks. Would you like to see Trixie launch more fireworks?”
“I would love to. But one last item is missing for me to check for the celebration,” replied Starlight Glimmer.
“Trixie understands. But will you be at the celebration?” asked Trixie.
“Of course I will. I can’t wait to see Princess Luna.”
Trixie smiled in return. “Trixie is also looking forward to seeing Princess Luna. Trixie has been practicing setting off the fireworks since this afternoon.”
“Well, I’m going, Trixie. See you at the celebration?” asked Starlight Glimmer.
“See you at the celebration,” said Trixie.
Starlight Glimmer turned and started walking. Spike followed. When they did, Trixie returned to setting off fireworks.
“What’s left, Starlight?” asked Spike.
Starlight Glimmer took the scroll to check. “Music. It’s the last one on the list.”
Suddenly, they heard a song. They looked at each other in surprise and decided to follow the sound. They found that the sound came from a changeling who was sitting near the oak tree house playing a guitar with its hooves. They couldn’t deny that for a changeling, he played quite well. They decided to approach the changeling.
The changeling heard footsteps and saw Starlight and Spike approaching him. “Hi. My name is Starlight Glimmer,” Starlight introduced with a smile.
The changeling smiled and greeted himself with a hoof. “Hi, Starlight. My name is Thorax.”
“You know, Thorax. I never imagined seeing a changeling play the guitar,” said Starlight Glimmer. “I also never imagined seeing a changeling in Ponyville.”
“It’s because since I was declared a threat to the hive, Queen Chrysalis kicked me out of the hive just because I was a good changeling. Now, I live in Ponyville. When I have free time, I play the guitar or spend time with my friends.” explained Thorax.
Starlight Glimmer felt sorry for Thorax. “Are you the only changeling around here?”
Thorax looked away as he was sad. “Sadly, yes.”
“And how did the ponies here welcome you?” asked Starlight Glimmer.
“In the beginning, they didn’t accept me. So, I had to disguise myself as a pony. But unfortunately, I was discovered when I started feeling hungry,” replied Thorax, sadly. “But when I explained my story, I gradually gained the trust of the ponies.”
“And now? How are things for you?” asked Starlight Glimmer.
“Now, as it has been years since I came here and I hadn't sucked any love from them, everypony knows that I am different from the other changeling, and I have even won friends,” replied Thorax with a smile. “Would you like to hear me play music?”
“Well, Spike and I have finished checking the preparations for the celebration, so I think we can hear you play music, yes.” Starlight Glimmer and Spike sat on the floor.
“Great!” Thorax started playing the guitar.
When Thorax finished, he noticed that the ponies were going to the city hall. He stood up and put away his guitar. “Come on, Starlight. The celebration will begin.”
Starlight and Spike got up from the floor and followed Thorax to the town hall. Upon entering, they noticed that there were quite a few ponies inside. Starlight and Spike decided to stay very close to the stage to see Luna’s arrival. Thorax was flying to the left side of the balcony that Luna would appear. Starlight saw that Trixie was on the balcony that Luna would appear on. Starlight really expected Luna to show up and not Daybreaker. She just hoped that there was time for Luna to arrive and that everything would work out.
Luna was in the throne room. Sitting on the throne, waiting for the Daybreaker arrival. She knew that Daybreaker would appear at any moment. There was no one in the place, but her. She had asked the lunar guards to leave her alone in the throne room, the lunar guards, despite not understanding why, they did what was told by their princess.
The door to the throne room opened, revealing Daybreaker, who smiled wickedly when she saw Luna as she approached Luna. “Luna, Luna. How long since we haven’t seen each other, have we? Are you ready to be destroyed?”
Luna rose from the throne. “Sister. You don’t have to do that. I know you want your day to be enjoyed forever. But believe me, if you do that, the ponies will not be able to enjoy the day properly because the sun will be always in the sky and it will be very hot everyday.”
Daybreaker was angry at Luna’s response. “Lie! You’re saying this because you’re jealous of my day, and also because is more appreciated than your night!”
“Celestia, I’m not jealous of you,” said Luna. “Equestria needs the night too so that ponies can rest and see the stars after a busy day. Equestria needs to have balance so that ponies and creatures live in harmony.”
“Who needs balance when you can have power over everything?” Daybreaker started laughing wildly.
Luna’s ears went down, but she looked sad. “Please, Celestia. Stop this. Go back to rule with me. I miss you.”
“Why should I go back to my weak form and come back to rule with somepony who is weak like you? I am the best, the most beautiful version of Celestia!” said Daybreaker with a crazy smile. “I can do what I want. But you’re on my way. And you must be destroyed!” she cast a fire spell on Luna.
Luna quickly defended herself with a shield. She never imagined that even though Daybreaker had been banished to the sun for a thousand years, Daybreaker showed no regrets. When Daybreaker stopped casting the fire spell, Luna removed the magic shield.
Daybreaker prepared her magic. Luna, seeing that there was no other way, also prepared her magic, but what Daybreaker didn’t seem to notice, was that Luna was crying. The princesses’ two spells collided. Despite Luna’s magic being strong, Daybreaker’s magic gained control, until it reached Luna’s horn. Luna fell backwards while she had her eyes closed. Daybreaker approached her ex sister with a smile on her face.
Luna opened her eyes, and saw Daybreaker approaching her slowly. “For now, I will leave you stuck on the moon, when I declare myself the new princess of Equestria and destroy those damn Elements of Harmony, I see what I will do to you,” she used her magic on Luna.
When Daybreaker opened her eyes, she saw that on the moon, she had a silhouette of a mare. She smiled, before turning into a fire and flying away. “Now, time for the ponies to see their true princess.”
Thorax started playing his guitar, until he stopped. “Fillies and gentlecolts! It is with great pleasure that I announce the Winter Moon Celebration!” said Mayor Mare. Everypony celebrates. “And now, we will receive the arrival of the princess of Equestria. The one that brings night and day! Princess Luna!”
Trixie pulled a rope with her magic. But Luna didn’t appear. Trixie was confused.
Starlight Glimmer started to panic. No. This could not be happening! She could only be dreaming.
The ponies began to whisper among themselves. “Stay calm, everypony. I’m sure there must be a reason why the princess hasn’t arrived yet,” said Mayor Mare, trying to calm everypony down.
Trixie looked inside the balcony, but didn’t find Luna. “She's gone!” Everypony gasped in surprise.
“Starlight, look at that,” said Maud Pie as she pointed to the balcony. Starlight looked out over the balcony and saw a fire approach. She was worried. No. This couldn’t be happening.
The fire expanded and Daybreaker came out, smiling at the pony crowd. Spike passed out on seeing Daybreaker because he couldn’t believe that Daybreaker wasn’t a pony tale.
“Hello, my dear subjects. It’s been so long since I haven’t seen my sun lovers,” said Daybreaker with a smile. The ponies were all scared and shaking.
“Who are you?! And what did you do with Princess Luna?!” shouted Ember angrily and wanting to go to Daybreaker as she pointed at Daybreaker.
Daybreaker laughed at Ember’s two questions. “Don’t you know who I am? Please, I’m… Daybreaker! And your beloved princess of the night was banished on the moon.” Starlight Glimmer was concerned. Luna was banished to the moon? She looked at the moon to be sure, and saw the moon with the silhouette of a mare. She knew that Daybreaker would return, but she was hopeful that Luna would appear at the celebration. But it seens that she was wrong.
“Starting today, I will be the new ruler of Equestria! And the day will last forever!” Daybreaker started laughing wildly. Everypony could only look in shock at the words Daybreaker said. Mostly Starlight.
Daybreaker continued to laugh. “Arrest her! She knows where the princess is!” shouted Mayor Mare. Three Lunar guards approached Daybreaker.
Daybreaker cast a damage spell while laughing wildly, before turning into a fire and flying away.
Starlight ran out of the town hall with Spike on her back. She needed to go to Golden Oka’s Tree Library for Spike to take care of the library while she was away. The friends that Starlight befriended today watched them leave. They were confused. Where was Starlight going? And why did she run from the city hall? They intended to find out.
Starlight opened the library door and went inside. She took Spike with her magic and placed him on the floor. Spike was still trying to recover after seeing Daybreaker.
“Spike, I’m worried,” said Starlight Glimmer as she was nervous.
“But with what?” asked Spike as he was confused.
“I am concerned that I will not be able to be a good leader to save Equestria.”
“But why do you think that?”
“I’m very insecure about leadership,” replied Starlight Glimmer. “And Princess Luna is counting on me. But I’m afraid I’m not a good leader.”
“Starlight, Princess Luna has always supported you. She knows that you will make it. ”
Starlight Glimmer still looked uncertain. “I know. But what if… ”
“Starlight. Why did you run from the city hall?”
Starlight and Spike looked at the door, and saw Trixie and the others enter the library together.
“I ran out of city hall because I needed to return to the library so that Spike could take care of the library while I was away,” replied Starlight Glimmer.
“But you know what’s going on, don’t you?” asked Thorax.
“Yes I know. I read in two books that Princess Luna asked me to read: one spoke of the Daybreaker story and the other said that Daybreaker would return on the longest night of the thousandth year,” replied Starlight Glimmer. “I need to enter Everfree Forest to reach the Castle of the Two Sisters to activate the elements of Harmony.”
“Are you going alone?” asked Trixie to make sure as she lifted a hoof.
“Yes. Why?” Starlight Glimmer wanted to know why Trixie asked that.
“Everfree Forest is very dangerous, Starlight,” replied Trixie. “There are very dangerous creatures living there. You cannot go alone. As you are Trixie’s new friend, Trixie will accompany you there!”
“I’m going too!” said Thorax with a smile.
“Me too,” Maud Pie took Boulder out of her pocket. “Boulder is excited to help save Equestria.”
“Don’t forget about me!” said Ember with a smile as she flew in the air.
“Me too! But before we go...” said Discord before snapping his fingers and showing expedition backpacks on everypony’s back. Ember had fallen to the floor because of the weight of the backpack, but she soon stood up as she glared at Discord, who didn’t seem to notice Ember’s angry expression.
“Well, are we going?” asked Discord with a smile.
“Yes!!” everypony shouted except Starlight Glimmer.
Suddenly, the entrance door was covered with fire, just like the window. Everypony was frightened by this.
“But what?!” shouted Discord.
“Where did that fire come from?” asked Trixie. “Trixie wants an answer!”
“How are we going to leave the library now with the exit blocked?” asked Ember.
Maud started thinking about a solution until she had an idea. She went to Starlight.
“Starlight. Use your magic to get us out of here,” said Maud Pie.
Starlight Glimmer looked unsure her ears were down. “But how can my magic help us get out of here?”
“Use a teleportation spell,” replied Maud Pie.
“But… I never learned that spell before… I don’t know if I should take any chances. What if it doesn’t work? What if we’re still stuck here?” asked Starlight Glimmer.
“You will, yes, Starlight. Trust me. Boulder believes in you too.”
Starlight Glimmer still looked uncertain. Should she try? Like, she never teleported before. But Maud believed her. She had to at least try. She closed her eyes as she used her magic. Suddenly, there was a flash. Everypony had to close their eyes. When they opened it, they realized they were outside the library. Everypony celebrated, except Starlight who was recovering after using her magic.
Maud Pie went to Starlight. “Starlight. You did it.”
“I did it?” Starlight Glimmer looked around and realized she was no longer inside the library, she smiled. “I did it! I did it! I managed to teleport all of us out of the library!”
“Saw? You just had to trust me,” said Maud Pie.
“You’re right, Maud. We better get going to the forest.” Starlight Glimmer was still unsure about being a leader to save Equestria, but she tried to prove herself to be a good leader. “Ok, everypony, dragon, changeling and draconequus, we are now going to Everfree Forest. I lead the way.” she started walking. The others followed.
As Starlight walked, she wondered if that was really what a leader would do. She was never good at things that involved leadership.
Starlight and the others were now inside the forest. As they walked, Starlight started to think about Luna. Would she be able to save Equestria from Daybreaker? She was nervous of not being able to because of not being able to lead well. She was sweating nervously as she bit her lip. She knew that Luna believed her, but she feared she wasn’t a good leader to save Equestria.
Suddenly, a Manticore got in the way of Starlight and the others. “A Manticore!” shouted Starlight Glimmer.
“How are we going to get past her, Starlight?” asked Trixie as she looked at Starlight Glimmer.
Starlight was unsure her ears went down. “Well... maybe, could somepony try to talk to her and try to find out why she’s like this?” suggested Starlight Glimmer as she raised a hoof nervously. She didn’t know if that was what a leader would do.
“Leave it to me, Starlight.” Thorax approached the Manticore. The Manticore rose as she roared.
Thorax took his guitar and started playing a song. The Manticore smiled as she started to close her eyes, until she fell to the floor.
Starlight and the others took advantage and passed the Manticora. Starlight looked at Thorax. “I didn’t know you could play lullabies on a guitar.”
“Yeah, I know. The best way to beat an enemy is through kindness,” said Thorax. Starlight smiled, because she agreed with what Thorax said.
Starlight and the others were now in a very dark part of the forest. She used her magic to light the place, as she led the way. What they didn’t realize was that a fire passed between them, and entered a tree.
“It looks like I stepped on something.” Maud lifted a hoof that was dirty with mud.
Starlight shouted at what she saw. “It’s just mud, Starlight.” Maud Pie looked ahead and saw that a tree was on fire.
Everypony except Discord sat on the floor and they hugged each other in fear. But they heard Discord’s laughter. They looked at Discord and saw that he made a bucket of water to put out the flames and replaced the tree with an apple tree, and increased the size of the apples.
“This is so fun,” he said as he wiped away the tears that came out of his eyes from laughing.
“Discord, why are you laughing?” asked Starlight Glimmer as she was confused. “The forest is on fire!”
Discord, still laughing, looked at Starlight Glimmer. “Starlight, try to laugh at the situation. Look at this!” he snapped his fingers and made a cloud of cotton candy appear, it started raining chocolate milk, picked up six glasses, filled each glass with chocolate milk that came out of the cloud and handed it to his friends.
Everypony was confused. Why wasn’t Discord afraid? Like, the surrounding forest was on fire.
“Discord, why are you not afraid?” asked Starlight Glimmer, still confused.
“Starlight, try to see the bright side,” he drank some of the chocolate. “I am the Lord of Chaos! I can make the most hideous situations become the funniest!”
Starlight seemed uncertain about what Discord said. “Are you the Lord of Chaos?”
“Yes. I’ve been alive for over a thousand years,” replied Discord with a smile as he drank the chocolate, but when he realized he had no more he threw it away, resulting in it exploding. “I can make the most impossible things happen. Watch.”
Discord snapped his fingers and caused all the fires around the trees to be replaced by giant popcorn. Starlight was surprised by this. She never saw any of that in her life. She looked at Discord.
“Do you know just how to make things chaotic around?” asked Starlight Glimmer.
“No. Of course not. I can tell jokes and make jokes,” he snapped his fingers and a microphone appeared on his paw. “Would anypony like to hear a joke or see me do antics?”
“Discord, we cannot stand here. We have to keep walking,” said Starlight Glimmer as she got up from the grass.
“Maybe later then?” suggested Discord.
“Yes. Later.” Starlight Glimmer started walking. Those who were sitting on the floor stood up. Discord made his microphone disappear before continuing to follow his friends.
As they left the darkest part of the forest, they stopped when they saw a large river. Unfortunately, the river was full of waves.
“How are we going to cross the river like that?” asked Starlight Glimmer.
“Trixie has an idea. But unfortunately I only have a teleportation bomb,” Trixie looked a little sad, but then she smiled. “But if it is to help your friends, then Trixie will do it,” she dropped a magic bomb on the floor and smoke occurred. Nopony could see nothing.
When the smoke cleared, everypony, except Trixie realized that they were now on the other side. Ember approached Trixie, looking surprised. How did Trixie do this? She needed to know!
“Trixie! How did you manage to do that?” she asked.
Trixie looked at Ember with a smile as she put a hoof close to her mouth, as if it meant for her to be silent. “Shh. Trixie cannot tell you its secrets. Why else, it won’t be magic anymore.”
“Let’s go, guys.” Starlight Glimmer motioned for the others to follow her. They followed Starlight.
While Starlight led the way, she couldn’t believe that she managed to get through all the obstacles so far. Well, she didn’t do it all alone, of course. They came with her and helped her. She just hoped to be a good leader and save Equestria from Daybreaker. At the time, she wasn’t sure if all she did was what a real leader would do.
Starlight and the others were walking until they saw the Castle of the Two Sisters from a distance. Starlight stopped when she saw the castle.
"The Castle of the Two Sisters!" shouted Starlight Glimmer in an excited tone. "We managed to find it!"
“Starlight! Look!” Maud Pie pointed to something.
Starlight looked at Maud confusedly before looking at where Maud was pointing, and her joy fell to sadness. The bridge to the castle was broken. They approached the bridge.
“How are we going to get across now?” asked Starlight Glimmer as she lifted a hoof. She couldn’t believe it. After the efforts she had. When she was about to arrive at the castle, the bridge was broken. And now?
“Don’t worry. I’ll fix the bridge,” said Ember, before flying to where the side of the broken bridge was and going to the other side to tie. Starlight was relieved about that. She had even forgotten that Ember had wings.
When Ember was about to tie the final knot, she heard something. “Ember...”
Ember stopped what she was doing. “What was this?”
“Ember...” said the mysterious voice.
“I know you’re there, Daybreaker!” Ember made a fighting stance. “You may appear!”
“Why, we were waiting for you, Ember,” said the mysterious voice.
“Waiting for me?” asked Ember, now confused.
“Why, you. Of course.”
Ember smiled. “Really? Gosh. I don’t even know what to say. Hey! But could you show up?”
“Yes,” in the fog appeared a group of pegasus in red uniforms. “We are... the Firebolts.”
Ember was confused. “We are the guardians of Everfree Forest,” explained the female pegasus. “We have been watching you, and we must confess, you’re very brave and determined for a dragon.”
Ember smiled at the compliment. “Thanks. But why were you watching me?”
“We were watching you because we are in need of a leader, and we were thinking of you being our leader, since you’re a dragon that most ponies and creatures admire.”
“Really?” asked Ember with a smile.
“Yes. Join us,” said the pegasus mare.
“Ember! Why are you taking so long?” asked Starlight Glimmer.
Hearing Starlight’s voice, Ember remembered what she had to do.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept it.” Ember tied the rope, flew and went to her friends.
The trio of pegasus were not happy, they jumped and turned on fire.
Upon reaching where her friends were, she watched them cross. Ember went to Starlight.
“I would never abandon my friends,” she said. Starlight smiled at what Ember said.
Upon entering the old castle, Starlight noticed something that caught her attention.
“The elements! We found it!” she said.
Discord and Ember went to the petrified elements and placed them on the floor. Nothing happened.
“And now?” asked Discord, now confused. “Was something supposed to happen or...?”
Starlight sat on the floor as she looked at the petrified elements. “Princess Luna told me that I should try to activate them.”
“So when they activate does it mean that we will have defeated Daybreaker?” asked Discord to be sure.
“I think so,” replied Starlight Glimmer. “Stay behind. I don’t know what can happen,” she closed her eyes as she started using her magic on the petrified elements.
“We will wait outside. Starlight needs to focus,” said Trixie as she left the castle. The others, with the exception of Starlight, followed.
A fire entered the castle and approached the elements and began to spin around. Starlight, sensing a wind very close to her, she opened her eyes. But when she opened it, she screamed. Unfortunately, she didn’t have time to react, because the fire went out just in time.
Starlight froze. This couldn’t be happening. And now? How would she activate the Elements of Harmony without them around? She started to get nervous.
“OK. Calm down, Starlight. You haven’t failed Equestria and Daybreaker certainly hasn’t won yet.” she said to herself in the hope of to calm down.
Suddenly, she felt a light. She looked out the window and saw that in one part of the castle it was glowing white through the windows. Starlight smiled. Perhaps the Elements were there. But that would mean that Daybreaker must also be there. Probably waiting for her to arrive. She was nervous about it. Although she wanted to defeat Daybreaker, she wanted to try to talk to Daybreaker and understand why Daybreaker was like that. She took a deep breath and ran. What she didn’t realize was that those she befriended, entered the castle, probably because they heard the cry of Starlight.
As Starlight ran down the hall, she noticed some tapestries by Luna with a white alicorn with a pink mane. She didn’t even have to think straight, because she knew very well who this alicorn was. When she was chosen as Princess Luna’s student, she noticed that her mentor was sad and was crying about something. Concerned about her friend and mentor, she had asked why Luna was crying. Luna explained that she missed Celestia. At first, she was obviously confused. Did Luna have a sister? Luna told her entire story. From foalhood until she and Celestia started to rule Equestria. But when Luna started to tell that Celestia started to become arrogant, getting to the point of not wanting to lower the sun and become Daybreaker, Luna cried even more when she said she had to banish her own sister to the sun. Starlight comforted Luna. But as the days went by, with her keeping Luna company, she noticed that Luna started to feel happier and less sad.
Starlight stopped when she saw a closed door. It was now. That was the time. She would have to confront Daybreaker. But she would try to use the words, to see if Daybreaker would surrender. She just hoped that all the efforts she has made so far wouldn’t be in vain. She courageously opened the door, but her courage changed to fear when she saw Daybreaker sitting on the throne, playing with the elements with the mane of fire.
Daybreaker looked at Starlight and smiled. Starlight’s ears went down. Daybreaker dropped the petrified element and approached Starlight.
When Daybreaker got very close, she said, “well, well, if isn't my sister’s dear student...”
Starlight was surprised her ears went up. How did Daybreaker know she was a student of Luna’s?
“How do you know I’m a student of hers?” she asked.
“Simple. When I noticed that it was you who were leading the way here with other species, I knew you were somehow related to her,” replied Daybreaker. “Since you and she want balance and harmony,” she stuck out her tongue as if disgusted by it.
Starlight decided to try to use the dialog. “But Daybreaker, Equestria needs balance and harmony for species to continue to do well. With the day being eternal, everyone would die of heat. ”
“Why would they die of heat?” asked Daybreaker. “My sun brings warmth and everypony can enjoy the day to do whatever they want.”
“Yes. But with the sun every day without the night, no one could rest, watch the stars after a long day,” said Starlight Glimmer. “And everypony needs to rest at night so they can wake up the next day with energy.”
“My sun can bring the rest they need so well,” Daybreaker looked at Starlight, not taking her pride off her face. “They are the ones who are not used to resting during the day.”
“Daybreaker, this can be true. But twenty-four hours with the sun in the sky is not good,” said Starlight Glimmer. “Especially for nocturnal animals.”
Daybreaker laughed. “Is it too much? Poor ponies and nocturnal animals. They should know that the day is much better and more important than the night!”
“I know you want your day to be enjoyed forever, Daybreaker,” said Starlight. “But don’t you think it’s better to go to Princess Luna and apologize?”
“Apologize? For that weak Princess?” Daybreaker asked before she got angry. “Never! And don’t try to reform me and make me be that weak princess of the past! Because I wouldn’t go!”
Starlight Glimmer was surprised. “How did you know that I was going to try to reform you?”
Daybreaker smiled wickedly. “Simple. You’re probably talking to me now because you want me to surrender and return to rule with my ex-sister, without you having to use the elements on me.”
“How do you know that?” asked Starlight Glimmer.
“I’ve been watching you and your army since you left the city hall with your dragon friend,” replied Daybreaker. “And now, you’re at my mercy. With no one to save you.”
Starlight looked down. She couldn’t believe that she failed Equestria. Wait. Why was she surrendering to Daybreaker? She couldn’t let Daybreaker win. She teleported. Daybreaker was surprised. Where Starlight was it? She looked where the elements were and saw Starlight using her magic on the elements to activate. Daybreaker was angry. She couldn’t afford it. She turned on fire and went to Starlight.
Starlight was still trying to activate the elements, but so far, nothing. What she didn’t realize was that Daybreaker got to where she was. Suddenly, Starlight was thrown back by a fire, she cried out in pain as she fell to the floor. Upon rising, she saw the Elements of Harmony shining.
Daybreaker was surprised. This couldn’t be happening. This cheeky filly couldn’t have managed to activate the most powerful weapon.
“No ...” whispered Daybreaker. “No!!”
Starlight smiled hopefully. She did it! But her happiness changed to concern when she saw the elements stop shining.
“What? But why didn’t it work?” asked Starlight Glimmer as she was confused. Why didn’t it work? Luna told her to activate the elements, but even then, the elements didn’t activate. Why?
Daybreaker started laughing madly as she lifted the hooves and hit the hooves on the ground, resulting in the petrified elements becoming fragments. Starlight couldn’t believe this was happening. She led everypony to come here to activate the elements, and now, when she was about to defeat Daybreaker, the elements decide not to activate. She looked sideways guiltily. She was a terrible leader. She failed Equestria and mostly, her mentor.
Daybreaker noticed Starlight’s expression and silence, and decided to say, “Are you speechless? Because you really should be. After I finish decorating my new castle, I’ll see what I should do with you.”
Starlight felt like crying. Yeah. She really failed Equestria. She didn’t understand why she failed. She did everything Luna asked her to do. She checked the preparations, made friends and tried to activate the elements. But even so, she failed. She was about to get up to leave the place, but she heard a voice calling to her.
“Starlight!”
Starlight was surprised. A sparkle appeared in her eyes. She started to feel something about her. She finally understood. She looked at Daybreaker as she got up. While she was doing this, who she befriended earlier came into the room.
Daybreaker heard footsteps. She looked back and saw that now there was only Starlight in place. She smiled.
“Do you know very well what these five here in this room represent?” asked Starlight Glimmer. But there was no time for Daybreaker to respond. “That’s right. The spirits of the Elements of Harmony!”
The fragments that were on the floor, began to shine. Daybreaker looked incredulous.
“What?!” shouted Daybreaker.
“Maud Pie, who told me the truth when she told me that I could get us out of a difficult situation. It represents the spirit of honesty!” said Starlight Glimmer. The fragments of the element of honesty went to Maud Pie and formed a necklace with a jewel with a gray stone design. She gave a small smile.
“Thorax, who calmed a Manticora by playing a song with his guitar instead of using violence. It represents the spirit of kindness!” said Starlight Glimmer. The fragments of the element of kindness went to Thorax. He was a little scared at first, but when it formed a necklace with a jewel of a light green heart, he calmed down.
“Discord, who laughed at the danger and made us no longer afraid. It represents the spirit of Laughter!” said Starlight Glimmer. Discord smiled as the fragments of the element of laughter went to him and formed a necklace with an umbrella jewel up. He started to dance in place.
“Trixie, who sacrificed her last teleport bomb to take us to the other side. It represents the spirit of generosity!” said Starlight Glimmer. The fragments of the element of generosity went to Trixie and formed a necklace with a jewel from a crescent moon. Trixie smiled proudly with the necklace.
“And Ember, who hasn’t given up on her friends, not even for an offer to be a leader. It represents the spirit of loyalty!” said Starlight Glimmer. The fragments of the element of loyalty went to Ember and formed a necklace with a jewel from a red fire. Ember looked at Daybreaker determinedly.
“The spirits of these four species were able to pass through whatever challenge we were given,” said Starlight Glimmer with confidence.
Daybreaker laughed, but was forced. “You don’t even have the sixth element! How do you expect the spark to work?”
Starlight’s confidence waned with those words. She didn’t know it had a sixth element. And now? But she started to feel something approaching her head. Her confidence has returned. She knew very well what it was.
“You see, Daybreaker... when all the elements are together, the sixth element is created... the element of Magic!” Starlight Glimmer closed her eyes when she spoke the last sentence. The brightness increased until it formed a crown with a pink star, just like her Cutie Mark. She and the others started to float, until it formed a rainbow and went to Daybreaker. Daybreaker started screaming in pain. Starlight opened her eyes and a flash appeared.
When the flash disappeared, Starlight and her friends were already on the floor and with their eyes closed. Thorax and Ember were side by side, Discord was on the left side of Starlight, Trixie on the right side of Starlight, and Maud was isolated.
Starlight opened her eyes. Did she do it? She stood up and looked at where Daybreaker was before. In the place of Daybreaker was an white alicorn with pink gum mane, beside it was the broken orange armor. She was about to go over there to see how the alicorn was doing. But she stopped when she heard a benevolent voice.
“You did well, Starlight.” Starlight and her friends looked at the window and saw a flash. The day had turned to night, and from the moon, a light came out that was approaching to the ground. Until there was a glow again. Who was in front of them now was nothing more than Princess Luna, who smiled at her subjects.
Everypony bowed to Luna, except Starlight who went to her mentor. “Princess Luna!”
“Starlight Glimmer! My dear student!” said Luna. When Starlight got really close, she hugged her student with a hoof while Starlight hugged Luna back with a hoof too.
They came out of the embrace. “I knew you would be a good leader,” said Luna with a smile.
“Do you really think I was a good leader?” asked Starlight Glimmer, still unsure.
“Of course, Starlight. You did really well. You not only made friends as I asked, but you also demonstrated your ability to lead,” replied Luna with a smile. “I’m proud of you.”
Starlight Glimmer smiled at her mentor’s words. She never imagined that she would be able to lead. If Luna thought she led well, then it would mean that she would be a good leader when more threats arise in Equestria.
Luna looked over to where the old throne was and saw Celestia on the floor, eyes closed. She realized that Celestia’s powers were weakened because she lost half of her power through the Elements of Harmony. She approached her sister.
Celestia heard footsteps. She opened her eyes and saw Luna approaching her. Celestia looked away, ashamed of herself.
“Since I banished you to the sun, I expected one day to see you like this again,” said Luna as she sat on the floor. Celestia looked back at Luna. “Now that you’re back to normal we can continue to rule Equestria together, big sister.”
“Sister?” asked everypony, except Starlight Glimmer and Discord.
Luna got up as she said, “Celestia, would you like to rule again with me?”
Celestia looked at the floor while she thought. Starlight and their friends waited nervously for an answer.
Celestia went to Luna as she was crying. “I’m sorry, Luna! I’m sorry for letting my ego take the best of me and trying to destroy you! Could you forgive me?”
“Of course, Sister,” said Luna.
Starlight approached Luna. “Princess Luna.”
Luna stood up and looked at Starlight Glimmer with a smile. “Yes, Starlight?”
“Is it okay if I live in Ponyville?” asked Starlight Glimmer. “It’s just that I would like to spend time with my new friends.”
Luna started to think. It was going to be difficult for her. Since she considered Starlight to be a daughter to her. Starlight managed to cheer her up and keep her company all these years after she chose Starlight as a student. But since Starlight had made new friends, and as far as Luna could see, Starlight had become attached to them. As much as she liked Starlight as a daughter, she knew that if she didn’t let Starlight stay in Ponyville, she knew that Starlight probably wouldn’t be so happy without her new friends. She knew what she had to answer, but she knew it was going to be difficult to her.
“Of course you can, Starlight,” replied Luna with a smile.
“Thank you, Princess Luna. Thank you so much,” said Starlight as she was now smiling with joy.
Author's Note
Now, just because this fanfic has ended, it doesn't mean that you can't write fanfics for this universe too. Join this group and write stories about this alternative universe too.
The Swapverse
Twilight Star
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