Rewrite of MLP

by ShaD-23

Rating: everyone
Tags: Anthology, Main 6, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe
Length: 13543

In another time and another world, the lackadaisical Twilight is devoted pupil to Princess Luna.

Alternate universe. Lackadaisical protegee Twilight Sparkle joins up with a new cast to find the Elements of Harmony, learn the values of kinship and vital life lessons, and protect Equestria from scheming foes under the watchful eye of Princess Luna. Old friends and new faces will appear to lend a helping hoof and show no matter where you go, friendship will always be magic. #ReturnToEquestria

Rating may change. Title page by AleximusPrime

Published 2020-09-22 04:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-10-13 02:01:56 UTC

The Winking Sun

“Twilight? Would you wake up already”

https://youtu.be/bHUYqLyj6Lo

The purple mare gave a loud yawn and stretched awake, looking all around the old Canterlot observatory she called home. Rubbing her eyes, the young unicorn looked to see the tiny purple dragon that coaxed her awake.

“Oh, g’morning, Spike.” She said to her kid brother, feeling a little groggy. “I had a wild dream last night, you wouldn’t believe.” Spike rolled his eyes and gave her a smirk.

“You stayed up late to get the new issue of Power Ponies, didn’t you?” he asked.

“No, well, yes actually, but that wasn’t it.” She stammered as she climbed from bed. “I dreamed it was really hot, and there was a gigantic lunar eclipse, and everything was like a desert- GAH!” she shielded her eyes as Spike drew the curtains open, the morning sun lighting up the wide rotunda, lighting the stacked piles of books back to the bookshelves lining most the walls.

“You mean like the Tale of the Two sisters?” Spike said in a slightly mocking tone as he began to place the books back in their proper shelves.

“That’s just it, Spike” Twilight said as she powered her horn and seized a hairbrush, stroking at her dark violet mane. “It was just like that old story.” Finishing with her smooth mane, Twilight stepped toward the gigantic window and seized her telescope, sliding a thick protective lens on the front and looking at the orange glow of the sun.

“What’s up, Twilight?” asked the baby dragon as he came to her said. Twilight said nothing as she adjusted the dials of the telescope. Taking a moment to look at the lens, she saw it was clean, and that her eyes did not fool her.

“There’s a little black spot on the sun today.” She said as she took another look through the scope, Spike tilting his head curiously at this statement. Turning to her desk, Twilight raced over and rummaged through the pile of textbooks, comic issues, fables, and graphic volumes, Spike taking a brief look through the telescope. The Power Ponies, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Organizing for Dummies, The Travels of the Mystic, Secret Spells and Incantations, but then she finally found it. A musty old leather-bound volume full of old fairytales and forgotten stories.

“Hey, we’re gonna be late for Moondancer’s birthday party, Twilight.” Spike bemoaned as he joined her, the young mare flipping through the faded pages. Finally, she found it. The Tale of the Two Sisters, Spike looking over her shoulder. “Hey, that’s that old bedtime story.” He said with a raised eyebrow. “You got this giant book just for that?”

“Spike, this book is full of the original Grimm tales.” She explained. “It’s not like all those kiddie stories we were told growing up. These ones are dark and brutal and creepy and-“

“I get it.” He said with a huff. “What’s the big deal?”

“My dream reminded me of this story.” She explained. “I just have to give it another look.” Looking through the texts, Twilight read the old story she almost knew by heart at this point, Spike peering over her shoulder.

“… and took on responsibility of both sun and moon,” she read aloud “and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since… Elements of Harmony…”

https://youtu.be/0svaWddTit8

“I’ve heard of them before.” Spike pondered with his big sister. Turning to look at the shelves upon shelves of books, the two wondered where they should look.

“Let’s find that copy of Prophecies and Predictions, Spike.” She said, walking toward the P shelf. It did not take long for the duo to find the book neatly tucked into the shelf. Spike always had impeccable bookkeeping skills. Flipping through the folded and worn pages, Twilight and Spike looked unblinking at the indexes.

“Elements, Elements, E, E, E...” “Look there! Elements of Harmony, see: The Winking Sun? The old ponies’ tale?”

Twilight began flipping through pages again, feeling an odd chill rush over. “Winking… Winking…” she began to feel like this was becoming a more pressing matter by the minute. “Gotcha!” she exclaimed as she found the story in question “The Winking Sun, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned on the surface of the sun. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about a burning eternal day.” Stifling a tiny gasp, she looked up at Spike who looked perplexed with her. “Spike, remember what Moondancer said on the last report?”

“The one where she had to save you from a continuity error?” he asked, unable to suppress a smile.

“Yeah, that one.” She said with an embarrassed huff. “This year will be the one thousandth Festival of the Grand Eclipse.” Even the skeptical dragon got a slight chill at this. Maybe there was more to this than he gave her credit for.

“Hurry, Spike, take a note.” She said, the drake hopping to the desk and picking out his best quill and a roll of parchment. Inhaling, Twilight began to speak in a dignified tone…

“My dearest teacher,” she began“my continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster!”

“Hold on.” Spike sighed. “Precipice?” “Maybe threshold?” “Another big word.” “Uh, brink?”

“Better.” Spike sighed. “You use so many big words when it’s not school related-“

“Focus, please.” Twilight groaned, returning to her messaging tone. “For you see, the mythical Winking Sun, Daybreaker, she is about to return to Equestria, and bring with her an endless burning day! Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Twi... light Spar... kle…” Spike said aloud as he scrawled a signature on the scroll “Got it!”

“Great!” Twilight smiled. “Send it.”

“Now?” Spike asked, Twilight nodding. “Uh, I dunno, Twilight,” he went on “Princess Luna's a little busy getting ready for the Grand Eclipse. And it is the day after tomorrow-“

“That's just it, Spike,” she interjected “the day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Grand Eclipse! It's imperative that the Princess is told right away, especially before we go to Moondancer’s birthday.” Spike narrowed his eyes.

“Good to see you have your priorities straight.” He sighed, breathing a small swirl of magic flames over the rolled and fastened scroll, sending it away in a magical burst of smoke to Princess Luna. “So, now can we go before we’re too late?” he asked. "The Princess probably won’t get back to us until- URP!” was all he said before coughing up another scroll, Twilight promptly unrolling it.

https://youtu.be/7gJqAoonqhg

“It says…” she began excitedly aloud “We are trying to reach about your wagon’s extended warranty… junk mail.” She scowled, powering her horn and crumbling the letter, throwing it away as Spike belched up another scroll, unrolling it and giving it a read.

“Here we go, Twilight.” He announced, the mare racing to his side. Inhaling, he began to read out “My dearest, most faithful student Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely,” he narrated, Twilight’s face lighting up “but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books.” Immediately, Twilight’s jaw dropped and her ears drooped. Princess Luna didn’t believe her?

“Y’know, why don’t we just go meet up with Moondancer?” Spike suggested, sensing his big sister’s malaise at the response.

“Yeah, fine…” Twilight sighed as the two set off.

My dear Twilight, there is more to a pony’s life than studying. Therefore, I appoint you head of preparations of the Festival of the Grand Eclipse.

https://youtu.be/EV-jZpq3kno

These words echoed through Twilight’s head as she strolled into the busy streets of Canterlot with Spike. The Princess had sent her a list of specifics to tend to, and she and Spike were going to keep to it.

“So, where do we start?” Spike asked. “Do we start with the list or do you want to hit up Pony Joe’s before we get to work?” Twilight shook her head.

“I started there first. Here you go, your favorite.” Twilight smiled, levitating a folded bag for him as he excitedly dug into it. “So, who’s first on our list?” she asked as a steam engine pulled in at the nearby train station.

“Mmph! Muff mmump muuh.” Spike garbled through a full mouth before gulping down his doughnut. “Inspect the music and stage.” Spike recited. “Minuette, Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine are all on the events team, and they said they’ll be there yesterday.”

Making her way into the town square, Twilight saw the several platforms and stands being erected in around the giant mounted gold sigil at the center of Canterlot, ponies dressed in band uniforms and hauling various instruments to their assigned locations.

“Wow, look at them all.” Twilight gasped. True, she attended the Grand Eclipse nearly every year, but she never oversaw production, seeing how many musicians and technicians worked to make everything perfect, and even then, it looked like they were going the extra mile for the one thousandth celebration.

“Okay, woodwind over there, brass over there, and please don’t mix up the tuba and sousaphone players like last year.” Twilight and Spike turned to see a mare with a cream-colored coat nearby calling out to the assembled ponies. Moondancer was setting up the musical performers instead of them?

“Hey, Moondancer.” Twilight called hurrying to her side. “What are you doing here?” The mare turned to the approaching duo, peering at them through her taped glasses.

“Hi there. I’m just giving you a hand with the set up. It seemed like an awfully big workload,” she explained as she turned back to the many ponies taking to their spots “so I wrote to Princess Luna to see if I could take some of the workload.”

“That was awful nice of you.” Twilight smiled, but Spike raised a brow.

“Usually you keep to yourself during big events, Moondancer. Why the sudden change?” At this, Moondancer glanced at them nervously through the corner of her eye, her cheeks going slightly pink.

“To tell the truth,” she said slowly “this is a really big celebration this year… and you’ve had difficulty working with big projects in the past. I didn’t think you could pull it off on your own, Twilight, so I wanted to help you out.” Twilight opened her mouth to protest but reconsidered. She and Moondancer had been friends since magic kindergarten, and she knew her pretty well. Blunt as she was, Moondancer was right, this was a big celebration and Twilight didn’t even know if she was up to the task the day before.

“Well, thanks pal.” Twilight said, still feeling a little demoralized. “You want to meet at Donut Joe’s tonight? I’ll treat you for the help.”

“Only if you buy me coffee, too.” Moondancer said with a wink, Minuette waving to Twilight as she and Lemon Hearts assembled another music platform. Giving a wave with her hoof, Twilight started off once more with Spike

“Okay, Spike, what’s next?” she asked, making her way to the castle.

https://youtu.be/MfDfanSq3oo

“Make sure the courtyard and halls are properly done for the night’s celebrations.” He read as she made her way through the alabaster archways and into the well-kept gardens of the palace. The vibrant green groves were always neatly trimmed and ready for the high society ponies to mingle the night away. Twilight could never get into the formal events, they always seemed so stuffy and uptight. Looking here and there, she saw no scant trimmings or leftover scraps from the gardening ponies. They always did such a good job of keeping the yards clean. Turning to the ascending steps, Twilight walked inside the grand hallways, seeing a few maids tidying up here and there. Sure enough, the carpets were spotless, the windows glistened translucent and there wasn’t a speck of dust to be found on the sills or the adorned walls. It would seem Moondancer took on the hardest task.

https://youtu.be/U7ZScm44OsY

“Let’s split up and cover more ground while we check out everything.” She suggested, Spike hopping down from her back.

“You got it, Twilight.” He said with a nod. “Let’s meet back at the grand hall in an hour.” He added strolling off whistling to himself, his tune echoing throughout the quite halls. Giving him a wave goodbye, Twilight began to stroll through the halls, keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. Maybe Princess Luna was right. Maybe the return of Daybreaker was just her mind playing tricks on her. Looking this way and that, Twilight felt a swell of pride and wonder at the gorgeous castle. It wasn’t often she got to come here, Princess Luna often visited her instead. Nevertheless, she felt this was a good thing, as the beautiful castle was a treat she’d rather experience occasionally than grow accustomed to seeing it too often.

Rounding a corner, Twilight watched as the sun climbed higher and higher into the sky, Narrowing her eyes to see if there was still the obscurity she noticed the day before, but there was no way she could look on at its blinding glow for long. Giving her head a shake and blinking as her vision returned, Twilight set off once again through the hall.

https://youtu.be/Mu2ZWVVAbnk

“Excuse me, can you help me please?”

Turning, Twilight saw a little white unicorn filly in a black maid dress and white lacy apron, a frilled white headdress tied in her lilac mane.

“You’re awful young to be a maid here.” Twilight mused aloud, the filly blushing slightly. “What’s up?”

“I’m supposed to be at ballroom three, the Hall of the Stars.” The small pony explained, her vibrant green eyes looking nervously away. “I’m new here so I got lost from the other maids. Can you help me out?” Twilight nodded and motioned the filly to follow her, the two setting off.

“So, I’m Twilight Sparkle.” The mare introduced. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Sweetie Belle. I came here from Ponyville.” She explained.

“Ponyville… that’s an old village not far from here, right?” Twilight asked, remembering reading about it in history class. “I’ve never been there, what’s it like?”

“It’s a lot smaller than Canterlot.” Sweetie Belle explained. “There’s earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns all together there.”

“That’s pretty cool.” Twilight replied. “It’s mostly unicorns here in Canterlot. So, what are you doing all the way out here in Canterlot?”

“Well…” the filly apprehensively began “I just got my cutie mark.” She said, motion toward her flank. Twilight looked at it and saw a striped shield colored magenta, lilac, and purple, with a star and song note at the center. “My parents think I might be a performer of some kind, so they enrolled me in the Canterlot charm school… and I was assigned to be a maid for my preliminary class.” she said with a sigh.

“That sounds kinda cool.” Twilight replied. “So, what’s got you down?”

“Well, I’m just going to miss my sister and my friends back home.” The young pony explained. “Rarity, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo… I used to spend time with them all the time. We’re still writing to each other, but it’s just not the same, especially since my friends haven’t gotten their cutie marks yet.”

“You really wanted to be there to see it happen, huh?” Twilight asked, feeling sorry for the little maid. Sweetie Belle inhaled deeply as they rounded a corner.

“I just hope I can visit them back soon in case they get theirs, too. Rarity keeps saying she can’t wait to see me as a proper young mare when I come home.” At this, she smiled to herself. “I’m going to give it my all, for my big sister and my friends. I can’t let them down.”

“That’s the spirit.” Twilight smiled as they came to a grand ballroom. “Here we are, Hall of the Stars-“

https://youtu.be/6GMhDBiZ4sQ

“It’s about time you got here.” Both Twilight and Sweetie Belle jumped as an older, teal-colored mare dressed in a white maid dress trotted toward them. “Fancy Pants has booked this hall for his private party and it needs to be in order by tonight.”

“Yes, Madam Cinch.” Sweetie Belle said with a rigid bow, hurrying passed the head maid and getting right to work.

“Hello, Madam Cinch.” Twilight greeted. “Just helping that nice little filly find her way around the castle.” The head maid gave a snort and turned back to her work.

“Yes, yes, thank you, Twilight Sparkle, but we’re quite busy.” She said sharply, tending to the decorations. Twilight rolled her eyes and made her way to the grand hall. Madam Cinch was always strict and busy, so her abruptness didn’t bother her one bit. After strolling up and down a few flights of stairs, Twilight saw the tiny dragon assistant waiting for her at the massive hall that dominated the center of the castle.

https://youtu.be/p51AS0aKwYk

“It’s about time.” Spike breathed. “What took you?”

“A new maid got lost and I helped her find her way.” Twilight explained. “She was still just a filly, I didn’t know they could work here that young.”

“Mind blower.” Spike added as they descended the steps to leave the palace. “Next up, we need to check in with the royal guard to see if everything is in order. Patrols, standing at post, all that stuff.”

“Okay, then let’s- OOF!”

Twilight tumbled to the street as an orange figure walked straight into her. Rubbing her head, Twilight looked up to see it was a stallion, looking here and there on the ground.

“Hey, are you okay?” she asked.

"Watch where you’re going, man!” Spike snapped.

“Oh, sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.” He apologized, spotting a pair of round spectacles and putting them on, stroking his vibrant orange beard and fastening a forest green cloak around his neck. “Are you well?” he asked as he helped her back to her hooves.

“I’m okay.” Twilight replied. Spotting a book on the ground, she powered her horn and returned it to him. “What’s that you were reading?”

“Predictions and Prophecies.” He replied, dusting it off. “It’s a first edition I was able to find at the bazaar, I couldn’t pass it up.”

“Oooh, that must be super valuable!” Twilight marveled. “So, you’re in town for the festival?”

“Yup, just passing through. My name is Sunburst,” he said with a bow “just your average traveling scholar.” Lifting his head to look just a bit, he saw a scrape at Twilight’s knee. “Lemme fix that, it’s the least I could do.” Powering his horn, Sunburst lifted back his cloak and unfastened his saddlebag, pulling a few medical supplies out and cleaning Twilight’s wound, Spike watching the two with his eyes narrowed just slightly.

“Be careful with my sister.” Spike said defensively.

“Relax, Spike,” Twilight sighed “he knows what he’s doing. Sorry,” she said to Sunburst as he wrapped her knee with a bandage “Spike’s just really protective.”

“Well, it’s nice to have such a close friend.” The stallion mused as he snipped at the cloth and wrapped it snug. “Did he call you ‘sister’, by the way?”

“Oh, I hatched Spike from an egg when I was a little filly.” Twilight explained. “My mom and dad took him in and he became part of the family overnight.” Sunburst couldn’t suppress a smile at this story.

“That’s awful sweet.” He said with a slight giggle, seeing the young dragon blush. “Okay, well, I guess I’ll be off then. Nice to meet you, Twilight.” He said, wiping his brow as he started off into the town.

“He sure was nice.” Twilight smiled.

“He was a bit of a klutz, too.” Spike added, Twilight giggling at his bluntness.

“You be nice.” She said, giving him a nudge. “Let’s get something cold to drink and go meet with the captain of the guard.”

https://youtu.be/lMU08Fe8DK0

The sun hung high, everypony in town helping themselves to cool treats and icy drinks to fight the heat of the day. This summer season was shaping up to be a scorcher, Twilight though as she and Spike made their way to the guardhouse. Coming to the doors, Twilight was greeted by a tall stallion dressed in golden armor.

“Hello, lieutenant.” She said with a bow. “We’re here to meet with the captain of the royal guard.” Spike handed the stallion the scroll with Princess Luna’s orders.

“We have written permission from her royal highness to inspect the proceedings of the festival.” He said, the stallion silently powering his horn and unrolling the parchment, reading it without a word. Powering his horn, he returned it to the little dragon.

“The captain is indisposed at the moment,” the lieutenant finally said in a gruff voice. “We are working on a modified schedule on account of the festival and the guard have just changed post.”

“Wait, what?” Twilight gasped. “The guard changed early? Then that means-“

https://youtu.be/oe6hYW8Mm18

“You’re wide open!”

Twilight had just a second to leap out of the way of a sailing water balloon, but her hooves slid in the muddy puddle nearby and she fell to her bottom, splashing murky water everywhere. Scowling, Twilight turned to see a white stallion with a shiny blue mane approach chortling.

“Humor in uniform.” Spike chuckled, having leaped off of Twilight’s back and caught the balloon.

“Shining Armor, we don’t have time for jokes or pranks.” Twilight growled. “We’re on official orders of the princess right now.”

“There’s always time for a laugh or two, Twili.” The stallion smiled as he came to help her up.

“Lieutenant, please.” The guard on duty said with a look of disdain. “Remain professional.” Shining Armor only waved him off with a laugh.

“I’m off duty, so I’m in the clear- GAH!” was all he managed to say before Spike threw the water balloon for the white stallion.

“Wide open.” Spike sneered, Twilight fighting to keep a straight face.

“Don’t worry, I’ll get you back, smart guy.” Shining Armor said mischievously as he wiped the dripping water off his shoulders. “Besides, it’s hot out and that felt nice and cool. So, you and Twili are handling the princess’s checklist today?”

“Orders from the top.” Spike nodded. “We’re on top of things today.”

“Good to hear.” The stallion replied, powering his horn and brushing mud off his still scowling sister. “It’s gonna be a real party tonight, and my shift just ended, so I’ll see you tonight, sis.” He said trotting off. Twilight shook her head and gave her mane a brush as she saw him disappear from sight.

https://youtu.be/kq9ZA0RRERU

Twilight left the steamy shower of her home, cleaned of the Shining Armor’s muddy prank, Princess Luna’s list completed. Drying herself with a fluffy towel, the pony made her way to the observatory window, Spike snoozing on his cot after such a busy day. Looking up at the sun, Twilight though it was odd that it hadn’t begun to set yet. After a moment more of pondering, she turned back to her room and decided it was best to get ready for the eclipse. Every year at sunset, Princess Luna would bring the moon between the Earth and the sun, casting a mesmerizing shadow over the land. It was always a spectacle to behold.

Brushing her mane smooth, she tied a pink ribbon behind her ear and looked herself over in the mirror. It looked pretty cute, she thought as she gave a twirl. Turning, she gave Spike a gentle shake, waking him from his nap. After minute or two, they were both ready and set off into town. Passing through the streets, she saw vendors, carts, displays and stands selling all manner of treats and goods. Pegasi and earth ponies visiting from other towns could be seen in the crowd of the usual unicorns that called Canterlot home. Everypony was out in full force despite the hot summer day. This really was shaping up to be quite the talk of Canterlot by the looks of this turnout.

Coming to the square, however, there seemed to be a bit of a fuss going on. Managing to force their way through the crowd, Twilight saw Shining Armor speaking to a rather flustered looking guard.

https://youtu.be/YEAwmHR6FG8

“What do you mean she can’t come out? It’s hot out here and the festival is starting to run late.”

“Princess Luna cannot come out yet, end of story!”

“What do you mean end of story? I’m a guard, too!”

“Shining Armor? What’s going on?” Twilight asked as she came to her brother’s side, the stallion turning to her.

“Twili? It’s the princess.” He explained. “She won’t begin the eclipse and it’s getting late, the sun isn’t beginning to set yet. Something is going on here.”

“Wait, the sun isn’t setting?” she breathed, looking to the sky to see the sun was still high in the center of the sky. It hit her almost instantly.

https://youtu.be/oFs2vkKNr54

“We’re too late…” Twilight breathed as the nearby guard began to shake nervously’ “She’s disappeared, hasn’t she?” Twilight asked him. His eyes going wide and sweat beading along his forehead, he nodded silently.

“Princess Luna is nowhere to be found.” He stammered, Spike and Shining armor gasping in shock. Before anypony could react, there was a gigantic explosion in the center of the town square, everypony shrieking and cowering away. As the smoke cleared, they saw her. A gigantic alicorn with a pure white coat stood before them, her pitch-black eyes aglow like fire, her mane and tail swirling with flames and her body covered in amber colored armor. One look at the fearful spectators and she smiled a wicked grin full of sharp teeth.

“Ponies of Equestria, it’s truly great to be back.” She hissed in a creepily echoing voice.

“You there!” Shining armor snapped, powering his horn and pulling a sword close. “What have you done with Princess Luna?”

“What is it to you?” the burning alicorn taunted. “Surely she’s not the only one deserving of your admiration. Or has the land forgotten me?” she said tutting. No doubt, she was savoring the shock and awe of those around her.

“I know exactly who you are!” Twilight called out, trying her best to hide how fearful she was. “You’re Daybreaker, the pony confined to the surface of the sun!” The ponies nearby gasped in shock at this revelation. Daybreaker, however, only chuckled darkly.

“In any case, changes are to be made immediately. I’ve got work to do, so if you’ll excuse me-“

“I don’t think so!” Shining Armor called, clamping the sword in his jaw and standing at ready. “Just what are you planning?”

“She’s going to parch Equestria in an endless burning day!” Twilight breathed as the sun grew brighter and hotter.

“Smart little girl.” Daybreaker mused with a nod. “Those who don’t wish to die of thirst come find me at my home.” Before the guard could close in on her, she flapped her flaming wings, everypony shrieking and diving away as she shot into the sky like a fireball, cackling wickedly as she disappeared over the horizon. Twilight could feel her heart race with dread. This was only the beginning.

Home

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiGH1nfvmyQ&ab_channel=GameOSTz2

Twilight gave a yawn as she stretched up from her bed. Looking out the gigantic window of the observatory, Twilight saw the giant sun shining across the land. It had been three days since the Grand Eclipse festival and the blazing sun had not moved once from the sky above Equestria. Exhaling deeply, Twilight wondered what she could do. All of Equestria was reporting drought and water shortage throughout the land. Things were looking bad.

“Twilight? You’re up?”

Twilight turned to see Spike walking toward her, an icy cup of coffee in his claws.

“Good morning, Spike.” She said with a small smile. He was always up before her. “Did you sleep good?” The dragonling only shook his head.

“I had a creepy dream.” He explained. “I was two alicorns fighting over a ruined castle. It looked like something out of a movie.” Twilight narrowed her eyes at this.

“A black pony and a white pony fighting in the sky?” she asked. Spike tilted his head at this. They could both tell.

“How many times have you had that dream?” Spike asked.

“Since Princess Luna disappeared.” Twilight replied, Spike nodding.

“Weird, the same dream.” Spike mused as he handed Twilight the cup of coffee. “Do you think it means something?” Twilight gave a shrug, doing her best to hide how uneasy this made her.

“So, Spike,” she said quickly “should we go get our rations for the day?” Spike gave a nod as the two took a sip from their frothy mugs in unison. Canterlot had really buckled down on keeping water and food at ready. Giving her mane a slick back and levitating a ribbon to her and tying it in her mane, Twilight drained her coffee as Spike started for the door, opening it and leading her into the hot day. The grassy hills outside the city were beginning to brown and the nearby steam was receding more and more each day.

“So, Moondancer is hosting a book club tonight.” Spike said as he climbed up on his sister’s back. “Wanna go?” Twilight smiled, knowing he was saying anything to ease her worries. Before she could answer, she bumped into a familiar green cloak.

“Oof! Sorry about that.” Sunburst said as Twilight took a step back. “You’re Twilight Sparkle, right?” he asked, the mare giving a nod.

“What are you up to… pal?” Twilight asked, trying to remember the bearded stallion’s name.

“I’m getting ready to hit the road again.” He explained, motioning to the saddlebags hanging over his flanks.

“You look like you’re doing pretty good.” Spike said, looking over Sunburst’s ensemble.

“All part of travelling the world.” He smiled, powering his horn and handing Spike an apple. “Gotta be ready to traverse any extreme environment. Besides, I need to see if I can figure out something about these odd dreams I’ve been having.” he said as he trotted off, both Twilight and Spike’s eyes going wide.

“Hey, what kind of dream?” Spike asked as Twilight hurried to catch up with him.

“It was a dream about two alicorns battling, wasn’t it?"

https://youtu.be/91ZOZyXbDOQ

The trio turned to see Moondancer approaching at a trot, a look of suspicion on her face.

“What’re you doing out here, Moondancer?” Twilight asked.

“I was going to ask you if you had a book about interpreting dreams.” She explained. “I’ve had the same dream since the princess disappeared.” Everypony could tell what the other was thinking.

“So what do we do?” Sunburst asked.

“First thing we do is get out of this heat.” Twilight groaned, wiping her brow.

“Let’s go to the royal library.” Moondance suggested. “We can see if there’s anything there.” Nodding in agreement, the four set off toward the city.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AicPHOPFZlE&ab_channel=RoxasHanson
The streets were deserted and the fountains were dry to conserve water. The town square where vendors were always selling food and goods only had a few carts peddling dried fruits. Looking here and there, Twilight could see gardens where rows of flowers once colored the streets were wilting and losing their colorful glow. She felt so cold inside despite the blazing endless day seeing what Daybreaker was doing to Equestria. Finally, they came to the royal plaza outside the palace walls. Looking here and there, Twilight saw the regal street was just as vacant as the town, everypony staying in out of the heat.

“There it is.” Moondancer said as they spotted a spired building.

“The Canterlot Royal Library looks so much more amazing than it does in the illustrations I’ve seen.” Sunburst mused as they walked inside.

“So what kind of book are we looking for?” Twilight asked, Moondancer looking along the rows of books.

“The dream had two alicorns fighting over a ruined castle.” Moondancer said in her analytical tone she had when in deep thought. “We should look up what we can about old castles in Equestria.”

“Good thinking.” Sunburst said as he followed close by.

“Moondancer’s always put things together fast.” Spike said. “She’s like a detective, almost.” The bookish pony blushed at the compliment as she led the way. Looking here and there, they saw old books of every kind lining the shelves.

“Hey, there, Twili.” They heard from behind, everypony turning to see Shining Armor walking for them with a smirk. “Studying even in a time of crisis? You’re so driven.”

“Where’d you come from, bro?” Spike asked. “Are you on patrol?” The stallion gave a nod.

“My shift is almost over.” He said. “And that’s good, because I haven’t been sleeping good since the attack at the festival, and not just because the sun is up all night. I keep having a dream about fighting alicorns, it’s driving me nuts.” Everypony stared in shock. Shining Armor was having the same dream?

“Excuse me?” Everypony turned to see a little maid approaching. “You said you had a dream about two alicorns fighting? Just like me?” Even little Sweetie Belle was having the reoccurring dream.

“This is crazy!” Twilight gasped. “Why are we dreaming the same thing?” It took a minute for the two to realize what was going on.

“What’s it mean?” Sweetie Belle said with a shudder. “This is starting to scare me.”

“Something like this isn’t normal.” Moondancer said slowly. “I’ve never heard about this sort of thing before, not even in all the books I’ve read.”

As the crowd began to chat back and forth wondering what this could mean, Twilight thought about the research she and Spike did before the festival.

https://youtu.be/UCV5NPy5HhE

“It’s Princess Luna.” Twilight interjected. Everypony stared at her. “Princess Luna is the protector of dreams. Wherever she is, she has to be sending us a message when we sleep. That has to be it.” Nopony said a word.

“So, what’s our next move?” Shining Armor asked. “The princess has given us a task, and we have to fulfill it.”

“A task? By the princess?” Sweetie Belle stammered in awe.

“Yeah.” Twilight nodded. “Princess Luna’s dream is telling us what to do. Alicorns fighting, just like the old story with the Elements of Harmony. Let’s start there.”

Everypony nodded in agreement.

=====

Twilight and her friends sat quietly in their train car, watching the parched landscape pass them by. It took them a day, but all the books they read pointed them in the direction of the old town of Ponyville. The Elements were last used there centuries before the town was founded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgnLdAijv1Y&ab_channel=Roxas13khw
Sweetie Belle gave a deep sigh as she saw familiar landscapes out her window. Any other day she’d be pleased as punch to go home but she couldn’t shake how unnerving this was. Having the same dream over and over. Sharing it with a bunch of strangers the same age as her sister. Being tasked by the princess. All she wanted to do was just go back to the simple days of playing with her friends and trying to earn her cutie mark.

The steam engine suddenly gave a whistle that sounded through the train car, jerking everypony from their thoughts.

“Now approaching Ponyville Station.” The conductor called as he strolled through the car, everypony watching as a small town began to materialize outside the window.

“Home, sweet home, right?” Twilight asked with a smile for her small friend. Sweetie Belle only gave another sigh in response. Gathering what little luggage they had, the six set off onto the platform, the sweltering sun greeting them.

“It’s a good thing my next shift isn’t for another few days.” Shining Armor sighed. “Let’s find these Elements and get this over with.”

“Oh c’mon, haven’t you played O&O before, bro?” Spike said with a smirk. “Quests like these take time, right Moondancer?”

“Wha- I w-wouldn’t know anything about that.” The cream-colored mare stammered as her cheeks turned pink. “I- I don’t play those silly tabletop games.”

“Hey, it’s okay if you’re an egghead.” Sweetie Belle said innocently. “Those games take a whole lot of smarts and reading, don’t they?” Everypony shared a chuckle at this as they walked through the old town, some ponies here and there tending to the town.

“So, where do we look to find the Elements?” Twilight asked, passing a dry fountain in the town square.

“My research said there was a book in the old library here in town.” Moondancer said as they walked on passed the town hall. “I think it was called the Golden Oak.”

With a nod, the crowd made their way through the town, Sunburst occasionally taking a look at his map. One or two ponies gave them a glance, but for the most part, everypony in town lethargically went about their duties. It seemed as though everypony everywhere was suffering.

“Oh my! Sweetie Belle!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV1RoCR85C0&ab_channel=Roxas13khw

Everypony turned to see a white mare with a bushy purple mane of curls racing for them.

“Whatever are you doing home?” she asked in surprise. The little unicorn shuffled nervously at this.

“The princess has given me a task, Rarity.” She explained, the older unicorn tilting her head in bewilderment. Twilight remembered the name ‘Rarity’ from when she met Sweetie Belle a few days before. This must have been the older sister she spoke of.

“What in Equestria are you talking about?” she asked.

“It’s a bit of a long story.” Spike said, stepping forward in a hurry.” My name’s Spike. I can tell you what’s going on if you want.” Rarity only tilted her head at him.

“A dragon?” she pondered aloud. Hopping, Spike hurried beside her.

“It all happened three days ago when we all started having the same dream, or really, five days ago when me and Twilight were doing some research, ‘cause Twilight had a dream, an…”

“You know, we can go for now.” Twilight said, noticing Spikes cheeks turning a little pink. “That’s the place right there, right?” she asked, motioning toward the enormous tree ahead. The four made their way to it as Spike and Sweetie Belle strolled off with Rarity, explaining what had happened the last few days in Canterlot.

The tree had a red door on the base and several windows carved here and there throughout the trunk and brambles. Approaching, they saw several additions were made to the enormous tree, including a balcony and a sunroom. The library looked old and derelict, several of the windows boarded up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGqxfYi2tFU&ab_channel=VGMDome
“So, this is the famous Golden Oak Library?” Sunburst asked, fishing out his scrapbook. “It looks so sad and neglected, such a shame.” He tutted as he spotted his bookmarked page that showed it in its former glory. “It’s a pity, old landmarks like this should be cared for and given the upkeep they deserve.” Powering his horn, Sunburst held the creaking door for his companions for them to go in before him. Illuminating their horns, the four unicorns looked all about the hollowed old tree, dust and cobwebs everywhere they looked. The main room was lined wall to wall with books on shelves, some stacks and volumes stacked here and there, an enormous carved bust on a large round table at the center of the room.

“Okay, do we start with ‘E’?” Twilight asked. Moondancer only shook her head.

“That would be too obvious-“ “Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide.”

The three stared in disbelief as Shining Armor pulled a leatherbound book free.

“Right here under ‘E’, ladies.” He said with a wink. As Moondancer gave an embarrassed scowl, Twilight flipped through the brittle pages, Sunburst lighting a candle he spotted on the nearby table.

“There are six Elements of Harmony,” she read aloud everypony gathered around, “but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery.” At this, the others exchanged looks. This was really something. “It is said, the last known location of the five Elements was in an ancient castle of the royal pony sisters.”

“The royal sisters? I knew that wasn’t some old fairytale.” Sunburst said with a satisfied smile. Twilight was relieved to know she wasn’t the only one who thought so.

“It says here the castle is in a place called the Everfree Forest.” Twilight added, looking over the faded page. “Where’s that?”

“It’s practically next door.” Sunburst said, fishing out his map and giving it a look. “According to this, it’s full of wild animals and magical creatures, and that the forest is constantly changing and moving on its own without ponies to help the environment, just like the regions outside Equestria.”

“That’s amazing.” Twilight gasped.

“Well, then let’s steel our nerves, everypony.” Shining Armor said as he started for the door. “Princess Luna wants us to go there, so that’s where we gotta go.”

“You’re the boss, lieutenant.” Twilight sighed as she followed close behind, the other two joining them. “Let’s go find Spike and Sweetie Belle.”

=====

https://youtu.be/IYW-vlv_6r4
It took some coaxing, but Twilight and her friends were able to convince Rarity to allow her sister to follow along into the Everfree Forest. Nevertheless, Rarity was very vocal about how they should stop by Sweet Apple Acres and stock up before they braved the forest.

“Sweet Apple Acres is where my friend Apple Bloom lives.” Sweetie Belle explained as they walked through the browning hills outside the town. “They have the only farm in town.”

“Gotcha. So, who’s Granny Smith?” Twilight asked as they saw the countryside growing greener, tall apple trees starting to appear here and there.

“Granny? She’s the one who owns the farm.” Sweetie Belle explained as they walked past a wooden fence, an enormous barn and farmhouse starting to appear between the hills.

“Howdy, there.” Came a call from afar, the six turning to see an orange pony wearing a cowboy hat approach. “Sweetie Belle, what’re you doing back so soon?”

“Hi, Applejack.” She called, waving to the mare. “We… we need to see Granny Smith.” Applejack’s face turned from a friendly greeting to a look of unimpressed suspicion.

“I had a feeling.” She sighed. “C’mon, I’ll take you to her.” Without another word, Applejack turned and made her way toward the farmhouse, everypony following behind her. This was clearly something she was both used to and not happy about. Leading them past the barn, they turned to see a little yellow filly with a smooth red mane tied with a big magenta bow, and a little red colt with an orange mane brushed forward just above his eyes.

“Hey! Apple Bloom, Little Macintosh!” Sweetie Belle called as she raced for them, both of them smiling and racing for her. “Still working hard?”

“Eeyup.” Little Macintosh said with a nod, Apple Bloom throwing her hooves around her friend.

“Are you done being a maid?” she asked her unicorn friend, Sweetie Belle giving her head a shake.

“They look so cute.” Twilight mused as the trio began to chat, following Applejack inside. It was awfully cozy inside, just like a nice old home out in the country should be, she thought.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NwqltJa0vY&ab_channel=MrGameSounds
“Granny, more coming for water.” Applejack called as a mare with a green coat and a blond mane tied into two long braids came through the nearest doorway.

“Hello, there.” Moondancer said with a nod. “We’re looking for Mrs. Granny Smith.”

“Oh?” she asked, her slightly aged face giving a gentle smile. “Well, then, look no further. Pleased to meet ya.” She said with a wink.

“Wait, you’re Granny?” Twilight asked. “But you look so young to be a granny.” At this, the aged mare gave a chuckle as Spike elbowed Twilight's side.

“Awful nice of you to say.” Granny chortled. “I was a young mom, but y’know, being young doesn’t last forever.”

“Ma’am?” Sunburst interjected. “We were told we could find water and provisions here?”

“Granny…” Applejack sighed, giving her elder a look of worry.

“It’s okay, Applejack.” She replied. “We have our own secret water supply, the least we can do is offer what’s needed to other ponies in need.”

“Oooh, like a secret underground lake?” Twilight asked excitedly, Applejack turning to her with a raised brow. “What’s it like? Where is it.”

“Well, if I told you that, it wouldn’t be secret, now would it.” Granny Smith huffed with a bemused smirk. With that, she disappeared off into the kitchen, rummaging around for supplies.

“So, are you from Canterlot?” Applejack asked as the three young ponies came in from outside. “What the hey are y’all doing all the way out here?”

“Sweetie Belle says the princess told her to go find the Elements of Harmony in the Everfree Forest.” Apple Bloom said, a look of worry on her face. Needless to say, Applejack was flabbergasted by this.

“The princess? The Everfree Forest?” she stammered. “What in Equestria are you talking about?”

“It’s a long story.” Twilight explained. “Princess Luna sent us a message in our dreams. The only hope to end this drought is to find the Elements of Harmony deep in the Everfree Forest.” Twilight wasn’t sure how anypony could believe such a story, and it showed on Applejack’s face.

“An’ you’re taking a young’un with you into the forest?” She asked in shock. “Can you even come up with a story like that? "

https://youtu.be/PsERTRz70CU
“I believe it.”

Everypony turned to see Granny Smith return carrying several flasks of water and a sack of apples.

“I’ve met Princess Luna only once before when I was a bit older than the twins.” She explained, Apple Bloom and Little Macintosh hanging on to her every word. “The most wildest of tales can be true when the princess of Equestria is at the heart of it.” Twilight and her party smiled at this, relieved that somepony finally believed them. “I can tell by the look in your eyes that you’re honest. So, go on, then, and do whatever it is Princess Luna has asked of you.” She said with a smile and a nod, Applejack giving a sigh and nodding, starting out the door.

“I’ll take you to the forest edge,” she said “but that’s as far as I’ll go. You all promise to stay safe.”

“You got it.” Shining Armor said as he flashed her as dashing smile. “As a royal guard, you can bet everypony will be safe under my watchful eye- OW!”

The stallion stumbled forward as Spike tossed an apple at the back of his head, everypony erupting in laughter. Even in these treacherous times, everypony had to value times like now.

=====

https://youtu.be/NZtCgmDhJuk
The air seemed oddly cooler at the edge of the Everfree Forest. As the hot sun beat down upon everypony, they looked unknowingly at the next step of their adventure.

“This is it.” Applejack said as she looked out into the dark forest. “I’ll be honest, I would come with you even though I’m scared, but if the princess sent for you six, I’ll leave you to it.”

“Thanks a lot, Applejack.” Sweetie Belle said as they began to inch closer to the edge of the woods.

“Hey, before you go, keep an eye out.” Applejack called for them, everypony turning back to her. “Rainbow Dash is the weather chief of Ponyville. She said she saw something funny over the forest and went to go investigate it.”

“She hasn’t come back?” Sweetie Belle asked sheepishly. Applejack gave her a nod.

“If you can find her, a lot of folk have been worried.” Applejack explained. “She’s been gone for three whole days.”

“You got it.” Spike called. “If we see her, we’ll bring her back.” Everypony else gave a nod, Applejack smiling at their resolve.

“Stay safe, everypony.” She whispered to herself as the six walked into the Everfree Forest. “I really mean it.”

Friendship Is Magic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PoDn7QECuc

The Everfree Forest was almost pitch black, spots of hot sunlight stretching through the forest canopy here and there as the six walked through the thick woodland. Everywhere around them, Twilight and her friends heard chirping, squeaking, buzzing and crunching. This forest was full of life, seemingly untouched by the stifling drought.

“So, how far do we have to walk?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Beats me.” Moondancer said, looking this way and that as they strolled onward. “This castle could be anywhere. Let’s try to go in a straight line.”

“Keep your eyes peeled, ladies.” Shining Armor added with his smug grin, Spike and Sunburst narrowing their eyes slightly at him.

“Do I have to hit you with another apple, Shining Armor?” Spike asked, a few of his companions snickering at his quip. They crowd continued to banter back and forth as they made their way deeper and deeper into the woods, the air growing damp as they did.

“This has to be where the water is going.” Moondancer noted. “It’s starting to feel cool and humid here”

“So… does that mean we’re gonna meet Daybreaker at the castle?” Spike asked as he gave a shudder. Sweetie Belle’s eyes went wide as she heard this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhaBDyaOYF0&ab_channel=VideoGameSoundtracks
“Don’t worry, I’ll hold your hand, baby bro.” Shining Armor taunted as he gave the tiny dragon a nudge.

“I- I’m not scared!” Spike snapped as he gave a small shake. “I- I c-can be brave!”

“I know you can, kid.” Shining Armor replied pulling him close. “Y’know I only joke ‘cause I love you.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Spike sighed, only for Shining Armor to jerk him closer.

“Say ‘I love you’ back, Spike.” He cooed to the struggling drake.

“No way- OOF!” In a flash, Spike’s face was buried in the white stallion’s shoulder as he threw his hooves around him. “No, lemme go!” Spike growled as he squirmed in his brother’s hug.

“Say you love me or else.” He sneered, the others giggling as they watched.

“Or else what?” Spike breathed, fighting to free himself, not seeing Twilight approach from behind.

“Or else,” she called in a singsong voice “I start hugging the baby dragon, too.” Spike shot daggers for her as he stopped struggling.

“Fine,” he sighed, the other three ponies unable to hide their amusement “I love you big bro, I love you big sis.” With that, Shining Armor released his disgruntled little brother, the scowling dragon’s cheeks red as he folded his arms.

“Hey, it’s okay, you can laugh, Spike.” Shining Armor said, giving him a nudge. Spike huffed and turned his head. Shining Armor knew what needed to be done. “Would it make you feel better if you threw another apple at me?” he groaned, smirking as Spike suddenly stood upright. “I won’t dodge, I promise.” He said, Spike turning excitedly as Twilight levitated an apple for his scaly claw.

“Okay, smile for the birdie.” Spike grinned as he wound up a pitch. Shining sighed and stood at ready, his eyes closed tight. With a squishing sound, Spike hurled an apple perfectly onto his white horn, Shining’s cheeks going pink as everypony laughed.

“Feel better, Spike?” Shining asked, glancing at the apple on his forehead as it began to dribble slightly down his face, Spike chortling and giving a nod. “Good. Now, let’s get back- OOF!” Everypony laughed as Shining stumbled forward, Twilight having thrown another apple at him from behind.

“Sorry, big bro,” she laughed as the white unicorn scowled back at her “but I owed you one.” Shining sighed and inched the apple from his forehead.

“Yeah, yeah.” He said with a slight chuckle. “Let’s get back on the clock.” Every pony nodded as he took the lead, making their way into the forest once more, everypony’s spirits definitely lifted.

=====

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foAVk_HbtZM&ab_channel=AlkahestAlkahest
As they trotted onward, suddenly something seemed off. Sunburst started looking all around at the forest and saw there were trees with great chunks ripped through them, some even overturned.

“Something charged through this area.” He said, giving his beard a stroke. “It looks like it was recent, too.”

“Wh-what could have done this?” Sweetie Belle stammered as she hid behind him. Both Shining Armor and Sunburst looked to the forest floor, hoofprints everywhere.

“We weren’t the first ones through here, it seems.” The lieutenant observed, only for Sunburst to give his head a shake.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZO1yinBXq4&ab_channel=mariutunio
“These prints are too big, and a bit deep. Whatever made these was bigger than any pony." Before anyone could say another word, the ground began to shake, everypony turning to see a shape approach at high speed. A few of them gave a shriek as they all scattered, a hulking horned mass racing by on thundering hooves. Turning, the beast glared with glinting yellow eyes and steaming nostrils, every inch of it looking like it had struggled greatly.

“It’s an auroch!” Sunburst called as they ran to evade it as it roared and charged them again.

“What’s an auroch?” Spike called as he and Sweetie Belle jumped to climb a nearby tree, Shining Armor firing a few blasts of magic for it.

“It’s like a gigantic cow.” Twilight explained as she raced behind it, firing with her brother for the beast. With another roar, the auroch turned its horns for her and charged, Twilight diving out of the way just it time as it ran headlong into a large tree, knocking a giant burst of splintered chips from its side.

“Okay, you asked for it.” Shining Armor said with a razor-sharp glare, drawing his sword and clenching it in his teeth. The two lowered their heads and the bull began to scuff its hooves at the ground, readying another charge.

“Wait!” everypony heard as they saw a shape shoot out from the woods just as the bull charged. Before anypony could react, the figure slung a lasso around the racing auroch’s head and giving a mighty pull, the beast toppling into the mud. Enraged and snarling, the beast almost rose to its hooves when they saw a little cow leap to its side and deliver and almighty kick to its face with both her hind hooves. Bewildered, everypony gathered around to see the calf inspect the fallen auroch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ-f3SxAXJ0&ab_channel=WorldSquareEnix
“I’m sorry.” The calf said as she turned to them, her vibrant green eyes full of worry. “My paw disappeared into the woods looking for food and I just had to find him. I never thought he’d go plumb crazy the way he did.” Coming closer, the six saw she wore a red scarf and had tiny horns just beginning to grow out from her head.

“It looks like he might be suffering from dehydration and malnourishment.” Sunburst explained as he looked the huffing auroch over. Powering his horn, he pulled his canteen out and gave it to the little calf who immediately uncorked it and poured some water into her father’s gullet.

“What’s your name?” Twilight asked, inching closer as the giant bull still lay on its side.

“Oh, where’s my manners?” she stammered. “My name’s Arizona. My paw an’ I came from the prairies looking for food an’ water when the sun stopped setting an’ this draught began.” Everypony frowned at this reminder of the struggles outside of the towns they had been to.

“You can keep that.” Sunburst said, motioning toward the canteen he handed her. “And here, take these.” He added, powering his horn and pulling three apples from his pack from when he and the other ponies had divided up their stock.

“Oh, how kind of you, sir.” Arizona exclaimed, holding an apple for her father’s snout, the bull sniffing at the plump red fruit.

“But Sunburst.” Moondancer interjected. “That’s so much of your portion. We still may have a long way to go.” Sunburst only waved her off.

“It’s perfectly fine.” He assured her. “I’ve traveled the world outside of Equestria for a few years, now.” Smiling, he turned to his friends. “Trust me, I know all about surviving on modest provisions.” With that, he turned back to Arizona, the downed bull having taken the apple she offered him.

“Do you think you’ll be alright?” he asked her as she took her lasso from his horns and rolled it up neatly.

“We’ll be fine.” She said with a smile and a nod. “My paw’s rock-hard head has taken harder hits than this.” Everypony was certain they could hear a deep laugh escape the fallen auroch, his face now showing a slight smile. “Thank you, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your help.” She said as they started off once more.

=====

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icGuKqDz4rY&ab_channel=Mihn
An uneventful few hours had passed as the six trekked further and further into the thick woods Sweetie Belle sighed as her hooves were beginning to ache, but she knew she had to press on. The princess was counting on them. After some time, however, they saw the trees beginning to thin, a clearing materializing up ahead. Shielding their faces as they were greeted by the blazing sun, they looked to see they had come to a massive gorge, the grass still vibrant and bright green around them.

“Strange, this field is still fertile.” Moondancer observed. “What could be keeping everything so rich and healthy in this heat?”

“It’s a mystery.” Twilight mused as she took an apple from her pack and chomped into it. “So, what do we do now?” she asked as she looked at the far cliffside. “There’s no pegasi, so we can’t fly across.” Before anypony could reply, they jumped at a loud crash of thunder. Looking up, they saw a large black cloud glide at an unnatural speed for them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g29X3YcZquo&ab_channel=BlueKunaiSoundtracksBlueKunaiSoundtracks
“Look out!” Shining Armor called as a blast of lightning shot from it, everypony diving out of the way.

“Heh heh heh… come a long way, interlopers?”

Looking up, they saw a pegasus dressed in a tight purple suit, her eyes hidden behind shining yellow goggles and her messy rainbow-colored mane hanging down her shoulder.

“You wouldn’t be coming to bother her royal highness Daybreaker, would you?” she smirked, everypony narrowing their eyes at this. “Dear me, the poor princess just can’t be shown an ounce of respect, can she?” the mare taunted in a haughty voice. “I guess I gotta teach another bunch of punks some manners.” She immediately began to stomp and kick at her cloud, sending great bursts of lightning for them.

“There, a bridge!” Twilight called as she raced to a nearby rope bridge, everypony hurrying behind her, Shining Armor and Sunburst firing for the stormy cloud as they covered from behind.

“Spike, hurry!” Shining Armor called as they little dragon ran as fast as his stubby chubby legs could go. As he came closer, Sunburst and Shining Armor both raced across the bridge, Spike still brining up the rear. Just as he came to the bridge, however, he was knocked back as a bolt struck the ground before him, cutting the bridge loose, Shining Armor and Sunburst leaping for the cliff’s edge as it collapsed. Gasping, the five ponies stared in shock as Spike waved for them from across the gorge.

“Awww,” cooed the attacking pegasus “poor little dragon all alone without your pony pals.” Shaking, Spike turned to see her flying just before him. “If you and your friends pledge loyalty to her highness, I might just let you off the hook.” Spike’s insides turned to ice as he shook like a leaf, but after a moment, he narrowed his eyes.

“I’m only loyal to my friends!” Spike snapped, breathing a burst of fire for the pony as she swooped out of the way. In a flash of magenta and purple, Twilight appeared beside him. “Go, I’ve got this!” Spike breathed as the pony leaped to her cloud and shot back into the sky.

“But Spike,” was all she said before their attacker sent another blast of lighting for them, knocking them both over the cliff as the other ponies screamed for them. Twilight just barely managed to grab onto a ledge and pull themselves up(Spike having seized her tail), but their relief was short lived as their attacker swooped for them, Twilight ducking while Spike breathed another wall of flames for her.

“You gotta go through me to get to my friends, fly girl!” Spike called, surprised at his newfound courage.

“No problem!” the mare sneered, rounding back to the two and smacking into Twilight’s side, shooting into the air with her, Spike clinging to his sister’s mane.

“I don’t think so!” spat the dragon as he hauled off and punched the pegasus in the face, knocking her goggles from her face as her wings went limp, the three plummeting downward and crashing on the other side of the gorge before the four ponies. Groaning and straining, Twilight and Spike slowly climbed up as the other pony lay motionless nearby.

“That really hurt.” Twilight moaned as everypony raced to her side. “Spike, you did great.” She said as he smiled weakly, climbing to his feet. Turning, Twilight glared as the rainbow maned pony shook her now exposed head, her purple suit torn away in places to reveal her blue coat underneath.

“What… what just happened?” she asked herself aloud, brushed dust out of her magenta eyes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0qQSY0mMkw&ab_channel=BlueKunaiSoundtracksBlueKunaiSoundtracks
“Rainbow Dash!” Sweetie Belle called as she raced to her side. “It was you the whole time?”

“What was what the whole time?” the blue pony asked, giving her head another shake. “Hey? Sweetie Belle? What are you doing here?”

“Wait, that’s Rainbow Dash?” Shining Armor breathed. “What gives, you tried to kill us!”

“I what?” said the confused mare. “I… I didn’t, I couldn’t have.” Rainbow Dash’s eyes were wide and began to shimmer as she massaged her head.

“Hold on.” Moondancer said as she stepped forward, a stern look on her face but still speaking with a gentle tone. “Tell me, what do you remember last happening?” Rainbow Dash inhaled deeply.

“I remember, I saw a big flash over the Everfree Forest.” Rainbow Dash explained. “I went to go see what it was and… then I saw a white pony. I think it was an alicorn.” The others all exchanged looks, Twilight and Spike coming over to join the crowd. “That’s all I remember.”

“A likely story.” Shining Armor growled, Rainbow Dash going stiff. “I’ve grilled tougher than you.”

“Wait, I buy it.” Spike said, holding up the broken goggles for everypony to see. Gathering around, they saw glowing markings around the frames that looked like old runes.

“Definitely ancient Ponish.” Sunburst said slowly as he looked them over. Rainbow Dash breathed a sigh of relief.

“Looks like your story checks out.” Shining Armor said in a tone that still held suspicion. “You’re free to go.” Almost on cue, Sweetie Belle raced over and pulled her canteen free, wetting a cloth and nursing Rainbow’s wounds.

“Hey, like, weren’t you all mad at me a second ago?” Rainbow Dash asked as the little unicorn tended to her.

“You didn’t know what you were doing, Rainbow Dash.” She said with a smile. “Besides, everyone needs someone to show them a little kindness, even if they were hypnotized into doing something a little on the mean side.” Rainbow Dash blushed as the filly cleaned her last scrapes and scratches.

“So, what’re you all doing all the way out here?” the pegasus asked.

“Princess Luna summoned us.” Chirped Sweetie Belle. “We have to find the Elements of Harmony and save Equestria.” The young mare only raised an eyebrow at this.

“Okay then… so d’you want help out there?” she asked. “It’s the lease I could do.” Sweetie Belle only shook her head.

“Princess Luna tasked us six and us six alone.” Twilight said. “We would truly appreciate the help, but we have our orders.” Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to protest but reconsidered. She had never met the princess, but she knew whatever she wanted was probably for the best.

“Okay then.” Rainbow Dash said flatly. “But if things get hairy, come find me. I’ll repair the bridge before I go in case you need to come for help.” She said as she looked to the gorge. Bidding everypony farewell, Rainbow Dash hopped off the cliff edge with her wings outstretched, everypony turning back toward the forest.

“If we got attacked like that, we must be close.” Shining Armor said with narrowed eyes. “Daybreaker wanted to keep us out, and bad.”

“Well, let’s remember to be polite and knock.” Spike smirked as he lifted a fist. The crowd was off again, the forest becoming thicker and more untamed. Stepping through the variable jungle, they could see a stone formation materializing in the openings through the bramble and vines.

https://youtu.be/yjtlazyum6o
“We’re almost there.” Spike said as they pressed on. Coming up to a clearing, however, the ground began to shake violently, everypony turning to see trees and plant growth barreling over as a rockslide came for them.

“Look out!” They shrieked as they raced out of the way of the oncoming boulders. Diving this way and that, everypony was flung about as a wall of fallen rock came to form in the forest. Rubbing his head, Spike looked up and waved the dust from his face, looking around.

“Everypony okay?” he asked as he saw shapes emerging in the stones.

“I’m okay.” Shining Armor grunted, climbing through the rocks.

“I’m okay.” Sweetie Belle breathed, shaking her head as she climbed up.

“All good.” Moondancer said as a shimmery barrier faded, some stones falling around her.

“I found my glasses.” Sunburst cheered as he climbed down from a big boulder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwCPyY5LsLQ&ab_channel=SilverHawkKohaku
“Okay… Twilight?” Spike asked as he looked around. No response. “Twilight?” he asked again, this time louder. “Twilight!” Everypony grew worried and looked all about for their friend.

“I’m down here.” Came a coughing voice, everypony racing to see a small opening in the fallen rocks. Peering down, they saw the purple illumination of Twilight’s horn, the young mare trapped in small grotto.

“Twili!” Shining Armor called to her. “Are you okay?” Twilight nodded.

“I’m stuck but I’m not hurt.” She called through the little hole.

“C’mon, you can make your way out.” Shining Armor called as they began to pull rocks away. “It looks like it’s more on your end.” Twilight powered her horn and gave the rocks above her a push, but it felt so heavy.

“It’s really hard.” She said, giving another push with her magic. “Nopony can see another way out?”

“We got nothing, Twilight.” Spike called to her. “You gotta give it some oomf.”

“But I can’t.” Twilight cried, giving another shove with her magic. “Look, go on without me, we’re close enough.”

“No way.” Sunburst called. “We need you.”

“No, you don’t.” Twilight bemoaned. “You’re already there, just get the Elements and stop Daybreaker.” The purple mare sighed and curled up. “I’ll just get in the way.”

“You’re right.”

Everypony turned to Moondancer. What was this?

“You know, you are a pain.” She huffed. “You always slack off, you’re always getting in the way and you always need one of us to save you.”

“Wait a minute!” Spike said defensively as Shining Armor tugged him back

“But you know what?” she went on. “You’re our heart. You’re always there for us even if we don’t want you there. You meddle and need to be a part of the fun when you should be studying and turning in assignments, you realized what our dreams were about when we had different ideas, you always pressed on whenever it would have been easier to just go home and try to ration water and food.” Twilight looked up at her ranting friend as the two began to smile. “You got us into this mess because you’ve got the heart for this sort of thing. You’ve always had more heart than brains, Twilight.” Moondancer sighed. “So, buck up and press on with us. We need you, and that’s the truth.”

Inhaling, Twilight powered her horn once more and pushed with all her magic power, the rocks rising upward and running here and there as Twilight slowly forced her way free, everypony cheering.

“Twilight, you did it!” Spike cheered, throwing his arms around his sister.

“Well, all it took was some tough love.” She sighed, Moondancer giving her friend a wink as they brushed her clean of the dust and stones. “Well, it looks like we’re here.”

https://youtu.be/Vjb7SbeSKBc
Turning, everypony saw a grandiose alabaster form before them. The massive Castle of the Two Sisters shone in the glistening sun as if it were just newly built. Beautifully engraved pillars and arches lined the lush green courtyards, covered in flowering vines, perfectly symmetrical fountains and pools stretched along the white cobblestone road and the spire adorned towers glistened like mammoth prisms, several bearing gigantic spinning windmills. What really caught everypony’s eye, however, was water they saw around them. Great snakes of water stretched and coiled through the sky, coursing down into a brilliant shimmering ball of water spinning slowly in the sky above the castle, a glistening rainbow mist falling down from it into the waterways.

“This is incredible.” Twilight breathed as they walked slowly into the courtyard.

“It feels so cool here.” Sweetie Belle said, staring in awe at the brilliant water formations.

“So, what happens now?” Shining Armor asked as they stepped toward the massive door to the palace.

“We improvise” Sunburst said as they opened the gate to the grand hall. Looking here and there, they saw stretches of shining white halls lined with pristine red carpets, bowls of flowering lavender stretching down from the archways.

“We stick together no matter what.” Spike said, a slight shudder to his voice.

“Yeah, it’s not safe.” Moondancer added, sounding slightly nervous as well. Walking through the stretches of hallways, they looked everywhere for a trace of life, but saw or heard nothing. Coming to a great spiral, they proceeded up it, wondering what this place must have been like in its days of glory. After a few more stretches and stairwells, they came to what looked like a planetarium.

It was a gargantuan rotunda with a dormant display at the far end of the room. Looking it over, they saw five round stones on extending pedestals with a single larger sphere at the middle. Coming closer, however, they jumped back as a brilliant burst of fire erupted before them, Daybreaker cackling with delight as they looked in apprehension.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvtKlIGaeTA&ab_channel=PoloGeist
“You really have outdone yourselves,” she taunted. “Braving the forest, navigating the castle, even finding your way to the Elements of Harmony. You must tell me,” she said, her smile fading “who sent you?”

“It was Princess Luna, the guardian of dreams!” Twilight called, stepping forward. “We’re not scared of you, Daybreaker. That’s why Princess Luna sent us.”

“Bah, she’s sealed away where nopony will ever find her.” Sneered the white alicorn. “But to come for such a powerful weapon as the Elements? You really are ambitious.” Powering her burning horn and pulling the six stones before them, Daybreak grinned nastily as she crumbled them before everypony, dropping the debris all over the floor before the mortified six.

“Now, I make you the same offer I made the pegasus.” Daybreaker glowered. “Swear your loyalty to me and thrive in my garden, or you will be my slave.”

“I don’t think so!” Shining Armor roared.

“We’ll never be loyal to such a cruel pony!” Sweetie Belle snapped.

“You’ll never be a true ruler.” growled Moondancer.

“We’ve come to far too give up to you.” Sunburst said with a stomp.

“Yeah, we don’t answer to you!” Spike called. Daybreaker only smirked.

“You really think you’ll stand a chance?” the alicorn mused. “Don’t make me laugh!” With that, she sent a blast of fiery magic for them, Twilight racing forward and catching her spell with her horn. She already knew they were invulnerable now. Shaking away the blazing inferno, Twilight smiled as Daybreaker stared in absolute shock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVPVA7NUG-g&ab_channel=Scottyyy77kh
“I know the final Element.” Twilight said triumphantly. “Friendship really is magic when you think about it.” Daybreaker roared out and sent another blast for her, but Twilight knocked the barrage away with ease, she and her companions glowing brilliantly.

“Shining Armor kept us laughing and cheerful from the start.” She went on, her brother unable to hide his smile. “Sunburst generously gave his food and water to those in need.” The bespectacled pony blushed as she spoke. “Spike loyally stood before a threat that challenged us, in turn saving somepony else who was just as loyal.” Spike gave his sister a thumbs-up at this. “Sweetie Belle kindly came to the aid of somepony who needed kindness when everypony else was wary and suspicious of her.” The little unicorn smiled to herself, feeling quite accomplished. “And Moondancer told me the honest truth when I felt like giving up.” She finished, her childhood friend nodding to her with pride.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_CL18i1ZOE&ab_channel=DayTimeDork
Striding closer, they watched as Daybreaker shrank away, the fragmented Elements of Harmony swirling and forming together around everypony.

“Friendship is what binds them together and makes the final Element Magic.” Twilight said proudly, the fragments forming into golden necklaces around everypony as a grand diadem formed on her head. Drifting into the air, the six felt immense power course through them as Twilight lowered her horn to the screaming alicorn, Daybreaker thrashing as a swirling rainbow formed around her like a gigantic twister, pieces of the planetarium walls crumbling and tearing away. There was a giant burst before their eyes, and then nothing.

=====

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0qQSY0mMkw&ab_channel=PoloGeist
Her ears ringing and head spinning, Twilight stretched and looked up to see the full moon shining down at them from a hole in the clouds that had gathered in the night sky, a gentle shower falling over everypony. The rain felt so refreshing and cool after three days of endless hot sunlight.

Looking around, she saw that she wasn't outside but still in the Chamber of the Elements, the roof having been blown away by the grand explosion. Her senses returning, she saw her friends were also climbing up, each of their necks adorned with a beautiful gold necklace bearing a jeweled pendent in the shape of their cutie marks (except for Spike whose Element bore a big heart). After a moment, Twilight turned to see her. Everypony smiled with delight as the tall form of Princess Luna smiled at them, her glowing blue mane straightened under the falling rain.

“You’ve done such an amazing job, Twilight Sparkle.” She said, the six bowing to her. “You and everypony have worked so selflessly and bravely to save Equestria from danger. We all owe you so much.” Twilight brushed her eyes of tears as Luna gave her a nuzzle. “But more so, you have reunited me with my older sister?” she said, everypony’s eyes going wide at this statement.

“Your sister?” Moondancer breathed. Luna smiled as she looked to a fallen white figure nearby. Strolling to her, Luna nudged a white alicorn with a long pink mane.

“Celestia? It’s time to wake up.” Luna said as the fallen alicorn stirred awake.

“Sister?” she said weakly. “You… you’ve come for me?” she asked with a quivering voice. Luna nodded, her eyes welling as Princess Celestia rose to her hooves and nuzzled into Luna’s side.

“I’m so sorry I did such terrible things.” She cried. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness-”

“No more words, sister.” Luna sniffled as she put a hoof around her elder sister. “I’m so happy you’re here by my side again.”

Everypony around could not hide their tears at the reunion of the sisters. This was the true mission Luna entrusted them with. They could tell.

=====

https://youtu.be/AaV5YQ_Dgvw
By the next morning, the rain still had not ended, albeit it was still a light drizzle. At the Ponyville town hall, Princess Luna had decided to hold the festivities of the Grand Eclipse.

“And, without further ado,” Luna said as the ponies of the town smiled in wonder at the two princess alicorns “we honor these six brave souls whom, without their devotion to all lives everywhere, not only saved Equestria from an endless burning day and brought the sun back into rotation across all lands, but also saved my beloved sister, Princess Celestia, from the torment of Daybreaker, healing her soul and restoring her love and care for everypony everywhere.”

The ponies cheered happily for Twilight and her friends, and even cheered for the meek Celestia (who now had a flowing mane of bright colors) as she sat watching with a tiny smile. And with that, everypony danced and feasted and chatted happily, some of the local fillies and colts coming to marvel at the white alicorn.

“So, are you hitting the road like you said?” Twilight asked Sunburst as she and Spike held plates piled high with sweets and desserts.

“I was going to,” he explained “but I’ve decided to stay in Equestria for a time. I wanna fix up the Golden Oak Library and restore it to its former glory. It looks like it would make a nice home.”

“That’s a fine idea.” Luna said as she came to his side.

“Your majesty!” he gasped with a jump, quickly bowing to her, only for her to chortle and wave him off.

“No need to be so formal here.” She explained. “As a matter of fact, I’ve come to you because I’ve noticed something about you six.” At this, Shining Armor, Moondancer and Sweetie Belle came to the trio’s side.

“You truly do understand kinship and what it means to have a bond uncommon from others.” Luna beamed. “And so, I task you with the duty to study friendship and comradery. Find and understand what it truly means to share a bond and send your findings to somepony who needs to know there truly is someone out there who cares.”

Celestia beamed as well as she approached them, Twilight immediately understanding Luna’s words.

“Study the magic of friendship and send what you learn to Princess Celestia.” Luna said with a nod. “I know you two will share a loving bond for the ages.”

Twilight felt a great swell of pride at this. They all did.

“Princess Luna,” Twilight said proudly. “we will not let you down.”

Prelude

Author's Note

This reunion is for anyone and everyone who found happiness and kinship in Equestria. I thank you all who choose to venture back to the land of friendship and hope with me.

Prelude

https://youtu.be/VQm2dO0qI5g

Once upon a time in the land of Equestria, there were two magical alicorn sisters who ruled with compassion and love for the land they called home. Like the unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies, they cared for Equestria with their grandiose powers. The elder sister, with her mighty horn, guided the sun as it glided through the Equestrian sky, keeping the land awash in golden warmth that yielded luscious harvest. The younger sister, with her gentle horn, coaxed the moon smoothly through its phases, shining its healing glow down on Equestria’s land, waters, and ponies. For many years, it was good for all.

Peaceful as Equestria was, there was strife and danger in many other lands, and the royal sisters were often called to defend their home from envious invading forces. Endless chaos and calamity. Darkening hatred and rage. Destructive appetites of power. Fierce as these battles were, the alicorn guardians rose to meet each challenge and save Equestria from doom and ensure the peaceful harmony would continue. Alas, this peace was not to last.

Over time, the elder sister began to grow resentful and jealous of her younger sibling. While the ponies cherished the cool night as a time of calming recovery and marvels that hid from the daylight, the ponies worked and toiled through the hot day, completely ignoring the golden beauty the elder worked so hard to make just right for everypony. Finally, she could take no more. Coveting the adoration the ponies gave her sister and her night, the elder sister’s heart gave into the thoughts of envy and she transformed into a wicked mare of burning fury, Daybreaker.

Challenging her sister, Daybreaker’s powers had grown strong with her rage, and she used her burning horn to hold the sun in place over Equestria, parching the land in its boiling heat. The younger sister’s heart grew heavy as she realized this was all her doing. She did not show her sister the love she so deserved and now her dearest friend had become her greatest foe. Tearful, the younger sister used the most ancient and powerful of Equestria’s magics, the Elements of Harmony, and sealed away the broken-hearted mare on the surface of the sun. From that day on, the younger princess took on the duties of both guiding the moon and guiding the sun. So it has been for almost one thousand years, her victory commemorated by the Grand Eclipse festival every year since.