My Little Pony: The Element of Hope
Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria, a land filled with ponies, griffins, dragons, yaks and many more different creatures, was currently looking over documents given to her by her assistant, Raven. Then, a maid came into the room, "Um.. Your majesty?" she asked nervously with a shy, soft voice. Celestia stopped working and she gently ushered Raven away. "Yes Cotton?"
"Its' Moonshine again, your majesty. She's a bit fussy." Cotton replied to her majesty. Celestia smiled and she flew towards Cotton and landed in front of her. "I'll take care of it, Cotton, thank you."
Cotton nodded and Celestia exited her throne room and walked down the hall to her royal bedroom. She opened it to reveal her large bed with for posts covered with a decorative sheet and next to the bed was small crib with a small figure inside of it, whimpering. "Mama..! Mama…!"
Celestia smiled and she walked over to the crib and looked over it and she saw a small filly inside of it. The filly was no more than a few months old and she was white like she was and it had a pink and blue mane and tail. The filly spotted Celestia hovering over the crib and reached out to her, "Mama.. Mama…" she cooed, reaching up to Celestia.
Celestia gently levitated the filly into her arms, "Shh… its alright Moonshine… Mama's here…" Celestia cooed at her. The filly calmed down and cooed at Celestia. "Mama…"
Celestia smiled at Moonshine and nuzzled her, earning a giggle from the baby before the baby let out a sleepy yawn and revealed a pair of tiny wings that fluttered a little. The filly then fell asleep in Celestia's arms and she gently placed the filly back into the crib. "There…" she said quietly.
She quietly walked out of the door and closed the door before returning to her throne room. She passed by one of the stained glass window which had a picture of her and a unicorn who wore a blue cloak and hat with yellow bells on it. "Oh my love… where are you…?" she quietly asked herself before she looked at another stained glass window that held about picture of her blasting a tall mane with a dark blue mane and tail that was black with blue armor on her body. "Oh Luna….how I miss you so…" she whispered.
"Your majesty?" Celestia turned and saw Raven looking at her with a concerned look. "Are you alright?"
Celestia put on a brave face and nodded, "Yes I am alright, Raven."
"You miss them both terribly, right?"
"Yes… I do… but I have Moonshine now and I must provide for her."
"You're doing an excellent job caring for her already, your majesty."
"I know…. But still…."
Raven could see Celestia was distressed. Ever since she 'lost' her lover and younger sister, she took responsibility for both sun and moon and Moonshine. "You'll get them both back… one day, your majesty." Raven reassured.
Celestia smiled at her assistant and nodded at her. "Thank you, Raven…" Raven smiled back and nodded, "Anytime, your majesty. Now let's get you back to your duties."
Celestia nodded and she and Raven returned to the throne.
Months have passed and Moonshine had grown into a energetic young filly. Celestia would make time in her busy schedule to spend some quality time with Moonshine, which she adored very much. Moonshine and Celestia would play pretend with each other and Celestia would show Moonshine some basic spells too which she awed at with great interest.
"So when can I do magic like you mommy?" Moonshine asked in a soft voice.
"You can perform magic like me when you're a bit older." Celestia replied with a smiled.
Moonshine smiled, "I wanna be as good as you one day mommy." she hugged Celestia's right front leg and Celestia hugged her back.
"So can I levitate something, mommy?" Moonshine asked.
"Hmmm…" Celestia thought. "Well… I guess learning early can help you…" Moonshine cheered happily and Celestia placed a small apple in front of her. "Now remember.. Concentrate and remain calm…" she advised.
Moonshine nodded and she closed her eyes and stayed calm. Her tiny horn lit up in a yellow aura which engulfed the apple as it slowly levitated into the air. Moonshine opened her eyes and she smiled before she gently placed the apple down on the ground. "Great honey…" Celestia praised.
Moonshine giggled happily, "Yeah.. ! I did it! I did it!"
Suddenly, there was a large crash in the castle, "What was that?" Moonshine asked. Celestia looked out the window and saw spotted a large dragon that was purple with green spikes inside of the room where unicorns would perform an entrance exam for the School of Gifted Unicorns.
"Hmmm…" Celestia teleported herself and Moonshine into the room where she saw a purple unicorn filly with a dark blue mane and tail with a pink and purple stripe in it, struggling to control her magic which was sparking all over the place. Her eyes were completely white and Celestia flew over and placed her hoof on the small filly and her eyes turned back to normal and the magic stopped.
Moonshine looked and she saw a greyish unicorn with a grey mane with purple steaks in it and a blue unicorn stallion with a dark blue mane and tail.
Moonshine also saw a little purple baby dragon with tiny green scales.
"Twilight Sparkle." Celestia said to the young filly.
"I'm so sorry I didn't mean to-" Twilight stammered but Celestia continued. "You have a very special gift, I don't think I've ever come across a unicorn with your raw abelites other than my own daughter."
"Huh?" Twilight questioned.
"But you need to tame these abilities through focus study."
"Huh?"
"Twilight Sparkle, I'd like to make you my own personal protégé here at the school along with my daughter."
"HUH?!" Twilight exclaimed, jaw dropped.
"Well?" Celestia asked with a smile. Twilight turned to her parents who nodded at her, wanting to her accept the amazing offer. She leaped into the air, "YES!"
"One more thing Twilight." Celestia added.
"More..?" Twilight asked and she fell on the ground but Moonshine gasped and instinctively used her magic and caught her. "Woah…!" Twilight gasped. Moonshine came running over, "Oh, sorry." she apologized with a sheepish smile and she stopped her magic and Twilight landed on her hooves. Celestia chuckled and she pointed to Twilight's flank which now had a large pink star surrounded by six little stars. "My cutie mark! Yesyesyesyesyesyes!" she cheered, hopping around Celestia happily.
Her parents and Celestia chuckled at her behavior. Twilight soon stopped bouncing and Moonshine came up to her, "Hi, I'm Moonshine."
"Hi, I'm Twilight Sparkle. Nice to meet you. Are you the Princesses' daughter?"
"Yes." Twilight gasped, "Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, you're so lucky. You must know tons of magic."
Moonshine rubbed the back of her head with a sheepish smiled, "Actually, I only know basic levitation. Mommy says I'll learn more when I'm older."
"Well maybe our daughter could help teach you some more things?" The blue stallion offered to the Moonshine.
"Really?" Moonshine asked Twilight.
"Of course." Twilight grinned.
"Yeah..!" Moonshine cheered.
A week after the entrance exam, Twilight has helped Moonshine with studying magic. Twilight gave her a book filled with basic spell some unicorns learn before moving onto the more advanced spells. Moonshine understood about half of what she was reading and Twilight helped her understand the rest. Celestia gave assistance to the pair when she had time.
At first, Moonshine had some difficulty with teleporting so Twilight and Celestia had to teleport small inanimate objects like an apple, grape, banana and other fruit. “Remember, stay calm and think about where you want the Apple to go.” Twilight advised. Celestia was watching from the side.
Moonshine nodded and she lit up her horn and the apple. A small ball of white light shined from the tip of her horn and in an instant the apple disappeared and then reappeared near Celestia’s hooves. “Perfect!” Twilight exclaimed with joy.
“Well done, honey.” Celestia praised. Moonshine squealed with joy, “Yeah..!” Moonshine then tried to teleport the banana. Her horn lit up once more and the banana disappeared and then reappeared.... in Twilights book on teleportation. “What the-?!”
Celestia and Moonshine laughed.
The next day, it was time for Twilight and Moonshines’ first day at the School of Gifted Unicorns. Moonshine had met up with Twilight and she was walking with her family; her brother, a white uniform with a blue mane and tail and blue hooves, Shining Armor.
Her mother, Twilight Velvet and her father, Night Light. Twilight had her Smarty Pants doll with her and she was excited for her first day. “Come on, were going to be late.” she called her to her family and Moonshine as she ran ahead.
“Twily, wait up!” Shining Armor called to her.
Moonshine and the Sparkle Family made it to the entrance to the School. There they saw Princess Celestia greeting the parents and other students. “Twilight Sparkle! Moonshine! How wonderful to see you both.”
Moonshine greeted her mother with a big confident child, “Hi Mom.” while Twilight was stammering, “Hello Princess-I mean your majesty-I mean-“ then Celestia leaned in closer to the two of them.
“I’m glad you’re both here. I have a special task for you both that I need to talk about.”
While the parents and student got situated outside, Celestia lead Twilight and Moonshine through one of the schools hallways. “A special task?” Twilight asked.
“What do you mean, Mom?” Moonshine added.
"Its something so important, so tricky, that I can only entrust them to my most promising students." Celestia stated as they stopped at a door and she opened it with her hoof, revealing a small room with some bookshelves on the side and a small crib.
"Twilight Speckle meet....your baby dragon.!" Twilight's eye bulged as she exclaimed, "B-B-BABY DRAGON?!"
"Yes, the dragon you hatched as part of your entrance exam." Celestia chuckled, knowing she would probably react that way. Celestia lead Twilight and Moonshine over to the crib where the little dragon was babbling and cooing at the sight of them.
"I've taken care of him ever since... but now that you're here, I thought you should help."
"TAKE CARE OF HIM?!" Twilight gasped. "Y-Y-You mean-"
"Well even thought he's a dragon he's still a baby." Celestia stated. "He needs care, love and attention. He needs somepony to feed him, put him to bed, make sure he's doing all right..." Celestia sighed and then lowered her head to Twilight's and placed an arm over her, "...and I'm afraid I simply don't have the time. I need your help Twilight."
"But... I don't know anything about taking care of babies." Twilight stated.
"I can help you learn. You wont have to watch him all the time-just when I'm too busy." Celestia reassured with a calm smiled. "Beside you'll have my daughter here to support you, Twilight. I wouldn't ask you to do this if I don't think you could handle it. I have faith in you."
Twilight looked at the baby dragon with a concerned look. Moonshine came up to her side and placed an arm around her.
"Don't worry, I'll help you take care of him, Twilight... by the way..." Moonshine turned to her mother, "Mom, what's my task? You did say 'them' in the hallway."
Celestia smiled, "Your task, Moonshine is to take care of..." suddenly Moonshine heard two barks from behind her and Celestia stepped to the side and two brown balls of fluff tackled Moonshine's neck.
"Hey! Hahaha!" Moonshine laughed. Moonshine took the balls of fluff in her magic and saw that it was two puppies... two brown puppies with dark brown paws, bent ears that had dark brown tips and they had a white collars with rocks in it and a large white curly tails.
"Woah..." Twilight gasped. "I've never seen puppies like these before. What are they, Princess Celestia?"
"These puppies are known as Rockruff. They are known as Pokemon or Pocket Monsters. Rockruff are very pony friendly pokemon and they like to run around alot to train." Celestia explained.
"Ruff.” They barked.
“Where’d you get them mommy?” Moonshine asked, having never seen them before with her mother.
“They both hatched from eggs a few weeks ago and I have been caring for them.”
"Okay... and..." Moonshine urged, wanting to know more. Celestia continued, "And I want you to take care of them, Moonshine."
Moonshine looked at the two puppy pokemon who barked at her, wagging their tails before she looked at her mother surprised, "R-Really? A-Are you sure, I've never had a pet before, mom."
"I know you will do just fine, Moonshine. In fact..." Celestia went over to one of the bookshelves and pulled out a book with her magic, "Here..." Moonshine took the book in her hooves as the Rockruff pokemon sat on either side of her, "Rockruff..!"
The book was titled 'Puppy Care'.
"This book should give you an idea about how to care for them and you might find they have a few surprises in store for you.” Celestia smiled before she winked at them. "I have to get back to greeting the students. I'll leave you five to get acquainted." Celestia left the room while Moonshine and Twilight looked at their new pokemon and baby drgaon.
The Rockruff pokemon leaped onto Moonshines' chest and nuzzled her. "Hahaha, hey that hurts. Hahaha." Moonshine chuckled. The two Puppy pokemon backed off and wagged their tails, "Rockruff..."
"Boy, you two sure are full of energy." Moonshine grinned. The Rockruffs smiled at her. Meanwhile Twilight looked at the baby dragons as it cooed at her.
"I suppose.... this can't be too hard." Twilight said while the baby dragon babble. "He's only a baby dra-" Suddenly, the baby dragon yawned and breathed fire onto Twilights' face, covering it in soot and her head fell on the table.
"Umm... Twilight...?" Moonshine asked, poking Twilight with worry.
Later that day, Twilight was in the library and she was at the checkout area. The librarian was shocked to see how many books she wanted to check out. They were all on baby care but.... "You don't have books on raising dragons?"
"Sorry, nopony has ever written one about it." the librarian replied and Twilight groaned. She checked out the books anyway and she returned to her room. The baby dragon was in the crib babbling as she read one book on her bed, "Okay, your crib has been made, I've got your toys, your books, your blankets, you've been fed, and you've had you nap-"
Suddenly, Moonshine burst into the room, "Twilight, its' almost time for class, come on!" she exclaimed and Twilight looked at her hourglass.
"WAH!" Twilight fanatically gathered her books in her saddlebag and the baby dragons and the two friends rushed over to their first class if the day which was Professor Inkwells' class.
The class was just about to begin when the two came in and took their seats. "Phew.." Twilight sighed wiping sweat from her head, "Thanks Moonshine."
Moonshine nodded and Professor Inkwell was about to start class when... two brown blurs burst into the classroom.
"What in the-?" Inkwell exclaimed. Moonshine gasped, seeing her two Rockruffs running around the classroom!
”Rockruff?!” Moonshine exclaimed in shock.
When they spotted her, they came bonding over to her and they came to her side. "Rockruff...!" they cried happily wagging their tails.
"Princess Moonshine, what is the meaning of this?!" Inkwell exclaimed, not pleased by the two puppies at all.
"Sorry, Professor." Moonshine apologized, "They must have broke out of my room."
"Well keep them under control." Inkwell stated. "The class is no place for foolery." Moonshine nodded at the Professor and looked at her two Rockruff, who gave her confused looks. Then Twilights' baby dragon started to cry and wail. The two best friends sighed.
During the first week of school, Twilight and Moonshine has their difficulties with the baby dragon and Rockruffs. For Twilight, the baby dragon kept crying all night long that it prevented her from sleeping at all, making her late for class and making her fall asleep during Professor Inkwell's class, much to her dismay. Whenever, Twilight tried to study in the library, the baby dragon would cry and wail and the librarian was forced to make Twilight and the baby dragon leave.
For Moonshine, the Rockruffs weren't as demanding as the baby dragon but they still required attention. In the library, after Twilight was forced to leave, the librarian heard two small barks and looked down and saw the Rockruffs smiling at her, wagging their tails, "Rockruff..!"
The librarian blinked before Moonshine came along and ushered them away, "Sorry ma'am, hehe.." she said sheepishly.
In her room, using the book her mother gave her, Moonshine learned that the two were fast learners, "Okay... sit." she ordered and the Rockruffs sat down. "Now... roll over.." the Rockruffs rolled over happily. "Now... jump up."
The Rockruffs barked and leaped into the air..... and suddenly launched rocks at Moonshine, "WAH!" she dodged the rocks which made a small explosion in her room.
"Cough cough... that was new...and definitely not in the book." Suddenly, another book popped in front of her, "What's this?" Moonshine took the book in her magic and read the title, "Pokemon Handbook: Everything you need to know about Pokemon." the book had a small note from he mother too.
I figured you'd might want this book as well, honey. Good luck
Mom
"Hmmm..." Moonshine opened the book and tuned to the page that had Rockuffs on it. "Rockruff, the Puppy Pokemon. A Rock Type. Rockruff have lived with ponies since ancient times. They trained themselves by running around."
"Oh... so that's why you two run around so much." Moonshine realized. "Now... what about the rocks...?" She skimmed through the moves that Rockruff could learn and she found, "Rock Throw. This move launched rocks at its opponents."
"Hm... interesting..." Moonshine thought. The Rockruffs barked happily, wagging their tails. "Guess you two are full of surprises." Moonshine grinned. The Rockruff then tackled her and rubbed their rock collars against her, "Hey that hurts, stop! Hahahah!" she laughed.
After that, Moonshine went to check in on Twilight, she stopped at her door which was cracked open a bit and she heard her talking, "Princess Celestia gave me this assignment because she has faith in me but... I don't have faith in me. I'm not sure I can handle everything. I want to show the Princess what I can do... but I don't know if I can do it!" Moonshine winced, hearing how stressed Twilight was because of the assignment. "Anyway, thanks for listening to me." Twilight added before she hugged her Smarty Pants doll, "You're a good friend, Smarty Pants." she then leaped off of the bed and opened the door and saw Moonshine, "OH! Moonshine... how long have you been... standing there...?" Twilight stammered.
"Long enough... I know this isn't as easy as we both thought but mom trust us to take care of the dragon and Rockruff. She trust you, Twilight and so do I." Moonshine reassured.
Twilight sighed, hoping her friend was right.
As the semester went on, Twilight was extremely stressed and it began to show vividly. She was starting to fall behind in all her classes, especially Professor Inkwells. In Professor Inkwells' class, Twilight had to try and teleport a flower. Her mane was messy and she had bags under her eyes, showing how tied she was. She grunted as she tried to perform the spell, but she just couldn't. Inkwell came up to her and placed a hoof on her shoulder.
“That's enough Miss Sparkle. You can return to your seat now."
Twilight nodded and she returned to her seat, feeling ashamed. When the class was over, the students began to leave but, "Miss Sparkle, can I speak with you for a minute?" Inkwell called. Twilight stopped and she tuned to her teacher. Moonshine noticed this and came to her friends side,
"Y-Y-Yes Professor Inkwell?"
"Miss Sparkle. Twilight. The Princess recommended you highly and you have obvious magical talent, but... well you're not living up to your potential." Twilight lowered her head in shame. "Now I'm willing to let some things slide, but I can only help you as a teacher. And it seems like what you need... is a friend.."
Moonshine placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder, "Don't worry, Professor. She has one..."
Twilight dismissed this and exited the class with her head down, "Thank you Professor Inkwell. I'll be fine. I just need to rest that's all." Moonshine and Inkwell watched as she left.
“Keeping looking after her Princess.”
“I will.” Moonshine promised and she exited the classroom. She caught up with Twilight. “Hey Twilight...” Moonshine said.
“Hi...” Twilight replied in a dejected voice.
“Do you want any help to take care of the baby dragon?” Moonshine offered.
“No no no, I couldn’t ask you to do that, Moonshine.” Twilight immediately responded.
“But Twilight...”
“I can... handle it..” Twilight quickly trotted way, leaving Moonshine worried.
After another week, Twilight, her family and Moonshine attending the annual Royal High Tea, a small party in the castle where students and parents can chat with each other and meet their students teachers. Twilight was wearing a simple pink dress and her mane and tail were neatly combed with flowers in them.
Moonshine wore and purple and pink dress with white fur in the ends. The ponies gasped in awe at her, being that she was Princess Celestia’s daughter. Her mane and tail were neatly braided as well. Twilight and Moonshine both had the baby dragon and Rockruff with them. Night Light and Twlight Velvet were exited.
"Oh I can't wait to meet your teachers, Twylie." Twilight Velet stated.
Twilight laughed nervously, "Ha ha... yes..! My teachers. I'm sure they'll... love to meet you."
"And the Princess. I can't wait to talk to her." Night Light added with a smile. Twilight gave a big smile while sweating nervously.
"Well, um.. I think she's going to be very busy," Twilight replied nervously, unaware that the baby dragon was unzipping the sack she was carrying in him.
"Um... Twilight." Moonshine called but Twilight didn't listen and continued, "So you might not have time to talk to her.." then the baby dragon jumped out of the sack, "Bah!" but Twilight caught him in her magic. "Woop!"
"No, no, bad dragon." Twilight scolded. "I need to keep an eye on you today, baby dragon." The baby dragon gave her a bored look as Twilight placed him back into the sack and zipped it up again.
Moonshine and her Rockruffs looked at each other, "This won't end well."
Then Princess Celestia came up to the family, "Welcome Miss Twilight Velvet and Mister Night Light. How lovely to see you both! And its always a pleasure to see you Twilight and Moonshine, honey."
"I'm glad we could be here, Princess." Twilight Velvet replied with a smile.
"If you two will head to the parents room, I'll join your shortly. Feel free to mingle with the other parents and teachers." Princess Celestia advised. Twilight's parents nodded and headed into the parents' room while Princess Celestia spoke with Twilight and Moonshine,
"Twilight, Moonshine why don't you two head to the students room? Spend time with some of your friends."
Moonshine nodded while Twilight was very nervous, "Uh... yes.. My friends! Of which I have many! Many Many friends!" she cried out, earning a facehoof from Moonshine. "I'll take her there, mom." Moonshine then pushed the freaked Twilight into the students room, but before they could go in.
"On second thought, would you two like to go into the parents' room? I’m sure everypony would love to meet you baby dragon and Rockruffs."
"Okay mom." Moonshine agreed and Twilight just gave a frantic nod. Soon the three entered the parents room and found all the students parents talking with their teachers. Twilight Velvet and Night Light were at a sepreate table.
"Twilight, Moonshine.." Twilight Velvet called and the two came over with Princess Celestia. The three of them sat down. "So Twilight, Why don't you tell us about you classes. Your letters have been a little... short."
"Um... they're... good..." Twilight stammered nervously.
"Can you be more... specific?" Night Light asked as Twilight Velvet sipped some tea. "Well... History of Magic with Professor Abra is very.. interesting.." as Twilight talked she didn't notice the baby dragon unzipping the sack again! "I really like Magic Theory and Equestrian Politics, and we're just starting a new unit in Griffion Literature." Moonshine's two Rockruffs saw the baby dragon crawling away and they gasped and quickly rushed after him. "We started reading the Element of Magic by Galaxy- Oh! and we're studying basic magic transmutation and transformation in Professor Inkwell's class... except I'm still having trouble with her basic spells."
The baby dragon went to a table cloth and started pulling on it, much to the Rockruffs horror!
"Actaully I have to retake her test next week. I've just been so stressed taking care of the dragon, I haven't had time to study!" Twilight continued on, earning worried looks from her parents and the Princess. Moonshine, on the other hand, just sighed and facehooved. She saw this coming from a far.
"And I'm so worried about not studying that I can't take care of the dragon. And then I couldn't levitate the flowerpot even thought I know how to do levitation and I just know I'm going to fail the transformation exam next week and I haven't even started studying for my history of magic test-" Suddenly, there was a cloud crash and everypony turned and saw a table cloth on the floor, two Rockruffs to the side and baby dragon covered in food. "WEH!"
"AAAGGGGH!" Twilight suddenly screamed before she grabbed the baby dragon in her magic and ran away. "Twilight, wait!" Moonshine called but Twilight already too far away.
"Oh dear... I had no idea she was under so much stress." Twilight Velvet said with worry.
"I tried to helped her with the baby dragon as well as my Rockruffs but she kept refusing, saying she could do it herself." Moonshine explained.
Night Light sighed, "Independent behavior, just like her brother."
Celestia leaned down to Moonshine, "You better go and check on her."
"Of course, mom." Moonshine said. "Come on, Rockruffs."
"Rockruff.!" Her rockruffs followed her as they made their way to Twilight's room where they entered and found her yelling at the baby dragon which was cuddled against a blanket.
”I can't believe you did that! You- You caused all that mess! And annoyed the Princess! And you make me look like-" Twilight started to shed some tears, "Like a bad caretaker! A bad student! And a bad daughter! I've had it with you- you nuisance -snf-You're stupid and you can't behave and you can't help me!" Moonshine and her Rockruffs looked at each other worry.
"Why can’t-Why can't you be like Smarty Pants!" Twilight then burst into tears and put her head down on the bed and started sobbing. Moonshine's Rockruffs whimpered and came over to her and nuzzled the sobbing purple unicorn as Moonshine came to her side and comforted her.
Then...
"Ike... Smuh-puh.!"
Twilight looked up at the baby dragon, "D-Did- Did you just say something..?" she asked, having never heard a word from the baby ever since she started taking care of him. "Smuh Puh! 'ike. Smuh pah!" the baby said again.
"You... you're talking! You're trying to saying 'Like Smarty Pants', aren't you?" Twilight asked.
"'ike Smuh-Puh.." the dragon said again and then Twilight realized, "You... You're not like Smarty Pants...You're not a doll. You're not a nunsicne. I thought Princess Celestia was trying to give me a responcibility but... she was trying to give me a friend, wasn't she?"
"I suppose you can't keep calling him 'dragon' forever. He needs a proper name." Moonshine suggested.
The baby dragon babbled again and said, "Suh Pah ike. Suh Puh."
"Hehee. No I can't call you Smarty Pants. That's Smarty Pants' name."
Then the baby dragon said. "ike
"Suh Pah ike..." Twilight repeated. "That kinda sounds like..." then Twilight Velvet and Night Light came into the room, "Mom, Dad."
"Are you alright, dear. You ran out of the tea party, quite upset." Twilight Velvet said with a worried look.
"Look I'm sorry about running out so suddenly, but-but something really important happened." Twilight showed her parents the baby dragon. "I want you to meet somepony. Meet Spike...."
Twilight Velvet cooed at the baby dragon. "He's adorable... when he's not covered in food." Twilight and Moonshine laughed.
Moonshine's Rockruffs barked happily, wagging their tails.
"And who are these two puppies?"
"They are my Rockruffs." Moonshine smiled with pride.
"Do you wanna go back, Twilight?" Twilight Velvet asked.
Twilight nodded, "I want everypony to meet Spike." and so the Sparkle Family and Moonshine and her Rockruffs headed back to the party with a new member in tow.
Many Years Later....
Moonshine, Twilight, Spike and the Rockruffs has grown significantly in those years.
Moonshine and Twilight we’re now the same age; young mates and their names and tail had grown longer as well as their magic. Moonshine’s wings had grown too and her mother had help her learn to fly with them as well. At first, she was a bit rusty but she soon got the hang of flying as well. Her mother had increased her study load a little bit and her Rockruffs had grown stronger during the years as well.
Now Moonshine knows they can perform the moves, Rock Throw, Bite and Tackle, but one of them knew Fire Fang whole the other knew Thunder Fang, two of the many eggs moves Rockruff can learn.
As Twilight had got older, Princess Celestia had increased her study load. It went to the point that she had even allowed Moonshine and Twilight their own space in one of the high towers. The place was off limits to all but a select few so they could focus on their studies in peace. But Moonshine still went out and made some friends like Twinkleshine, Lyra Heartstrings, Moon Dancer and Lemon Hearts while Twilight was more focused on her studies than making friends.
Now Moonshine and her Rockruffs were heading back to the tower after some more training when they found Spike carrying some suitcases.
“Hi Spike. Whats with the suitcases?” Spike has grown in the years. He was at the height of Twilight’s legs now and his green spikes had grown a bit too. He could walk without a problem too.
“Oh Twilight’s panicking out some evil pony mare that is said to come back on the Summer Sun Celebration and bring an enteral night to all of Equestria.” Spike replied.
“Woah..” Moonshine said.
“But when she tried to warn your mother, she decided theories more to her life than studying so she’s sending all of us to look over the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville and she has an additional task for her to complete; make some friends.” Spike added. Moonshine nodded, “I already packed your things in the chariot and these are the last of Twilights things. Come on.”
Moonshine nodded and followed the baby dragon to the chariot that was going to be pulled by two of Celestia’s solar Pegasus guards. Twilight was in the chariot and Spike loaded the last of the bags into it. “Alright that’s everything.” He said as he, Moonshine and the Rockruffs climbed in. The guards took off into the sky. Twilight was still slumped in her seat.
“Twilight, it’s not that bad.” Moonshine reassured.
“Moonshine’s right.” Spike agreed. “And look on the bright side, Twilight. The Princess arranged for you both to stay in a library. Doesn't that make you happy?.”
Twilight then perked up, “Yes, yes it does. You know why? Because I'm right! I'll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find some proof of Nightmare Moon's return.”
“Whose Nightmare Moon?” Moonshine asked.
“According to the book I read. She’s was Princess Celestia you get sister, but overtime she grew jealous of her and that jealousy turned her into a wicked mare of darkness, vowing to put Equestria into an Eternal Night. Luckily, Celestia used some artifacts called the Elements of Harmony to banish her to the moon. But it is said that on the longest day of thousandth moon, the stars will aid in her escape and she will bring about ever lasting night.”
“Woah...” Moonshine said. “So... technically... Princess Luna would be my Auntie, then?” Twilight facehooved at her question.
“Yes Moonshine.” she grumbled.
“So when will you make friends like the Princess said?” Spike asked.
“She said to check on preparations. I am her student, and I'll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends.” The chariot landed in Ponyville and Moonshine unloaded the bags from the chariot. Twilight thanked the guards.
“Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about.” Spike suggested and they all saw a pink earth pony with a pink fluffy mane and tail. Her cutie mark were three balloons; two blue and one yellow.
“Come on, Twilight, just try!” He urged as the pony stopped in front of Twilight and Moonshine.
“Um... hello?” the pink pony let out a prolonged gasp before she dashed away. “Well, that was interesting all right.” Twilight grumbled.
Spike sighed. After that, the group came to a part of Ponyville that had a large farm with an apple orchard all around. “Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist. Number one, banquet preparations: Sweet Apple Acres.” Spike announced.
“Woah... that’s a large orchard..” Moonshine commented.
“Yeehaw!” The group turned and they saw an orange Earth pony with yellow mane and tail that were braided on the ends. Her cutie mark was three red apples. The earth pony ran over to an apple tree and bucked it, making the apples fall into a basket below.
Twilight sighed as she and Moonshine went over to her with Spike and the Rockruffs.
“Let's get this over with... Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle—“ Twilight was cut off when the pony grabbed her hand and started shaking it rapidly.
“Well, howdy-doo, Miss Twilight, a pleasure makin' your acquaintance. I'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin' new friends!”
“Friends? Actually, I—“ then Applejack noticed Moonshine, “And whose this?”
“Oh, I’m Moonshine, nice to meet you.” Moonshine greeted. Applejack noticed her wings and gasped, “Well I’ll be darned. You’re an alicorn!”
“Yeah.. hehe..” Moonshine said with a small blush.
“You wouldn’t happen to be Princess Celestia’s daughter, would you?” Applejack asked again.
“Haha. You bet she is.” Spike praised. Moonshine rubbed her leg, sheepishly.
“Well it’s an honor to meet you, Princess.”
“Oh you don’t have to call me, Princess. Just Moonshine is fine.” Moonshine replied.
Moonshine, even as a filly, she didn’t really like it when other ponies called her ‘Princess’. Yes, she was Princess Celestia’s daughter, but she didn’t want to feel more important than other ponies.
“So, what can I do you for?” Applejack asked.
“Well, I am in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. And you're in charge of the food?“
“We sure as sugar are! Would you care to sample some?”
“As long as it doesn't take too long...” Then Applejack ran over and she rang a bell, yelling. “Soup's on, everypony!“
Moonshine quickly grabbed the group in her magic and flew into the air, avoiding the large amount of ponies running over.
Moonshine lowered the group down underneath a small gazebo.
“Now, why don't I introduce y'all to the Apple family?“ Applejack suggested.
“Thanks, but I really need to hurry—“ Twilight tried to decline but Applejack continued. “This here's Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp...“ she took a deep breath before she got to her immediate family, “Big McIntosh, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith. Up'n'attem, Granny Smith, we got guests.“
Granny Smith woke up in her rocking chair and came over. “Wha..? Soup's on? I'm up, here I come, ahm comin'...“
“Why, I'd say you're already part of the family!“
“Okay, well, I can see the food situation is handled, so we'll be on our way.” Twilight said.
”Aren't ya’ll gonna stay for brunch?” Applebloom asked, giving them the ‘puppy dog’ eyes.
“Well... I guess we could stay for a bit.” Moonshine said, earning a nudge from Twilight and a cheer from the Apple Family.
After that, they were walking through Ponyville, “Food's all taken care of, next is weather.” Spike said, looking at the checklist.
“Hmm, there's supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds.” Twilight looked at the clouds that were still in the sky.
Well, she's not doing a very good job, is she?” Twilight asked.
Suddenly, “Lookout!” Moonshine grabbed her and flew into the air, avoiding a blue, rainbow maned Pegasus pony. The pony skidded to a halt and trotted back.
“Hehe, sorry about that.” She apologized.
“Let me guess, you’re Raimbow Dash?” Twilight asked.
“The one and only. Why, you heard of me?” Rainbow asked.
“I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear.” Twilight sighed. “I'm Twilight Sparkle and this is Moonshine and the Princess sent us to check on the weather.”
“Woah woah woah, as in Princess Moonshine! Princess Celestia’s daughter!” Rainbow exclaimed with excited eyes. Moonshine groaned again in embarrassment.
“It must be so cool being the Princess’ daughter. How many air tricks do you know?”
“Well... only a few but-“
“Can I see them?” Rainbow pleases but Twilight interrupted the two. “Aren’t you suppose to be clearing the sky?”
“Yeah, yeah, that'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I'm done practicing.
“Practicing for what?” Moonshine asked.
“The Wonderbolts! They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show 'em my stuff!” Rainbow said.
“The Wonderbolts?”
“Yep!”
“The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?”
“That's them!”
“Pfft! Please. They'd never accept a Pegasus who can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day.”
“Hey, I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat.” Rainbow defended.
“Prove it.” Rainbow narrowed her eyes and she zipped through the sky as fast as lightning kicking the clouds and clearing the sky in a flash. The wind from her flying kinda messed up Moonshine's mane. “Loop-de-loop around, and wham! What'd I say? Ten. Seconds. Flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging.”
Twilight was jaw dropped at the sight while Moonshine was impressed. Rainbow laughed, “You should see the look on your face. Ha! You're a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. I can't wait to hang out some more. See ya Moonshine.”
“Wow, she's amazing!” Spoke stated, earning a growl from Twilight, "Rrgh." and she stomped away.
"Wait! It's kinda pretty once you get used to it!"
Next, the group went to Town Hall to look over the decorations for the Celebration. "Decorations. Beautiful..." Spike gasped in awe.
"Yes, the décor is coming along nicely. This ought'a be quick. I'll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed." Twilight stated.
"Not the décor, her!" Spike said looking at a white unicorn with a purple curly mane and tail. Her cutie mark were three blue diamonds. She was looking over some fabric.
"No, no, no, oh! Goodness no."
"How are my spines? Are they straight?" Spike stated, earning a playful looked from Moonshine. Twilight and Moonshine went over to her, "Good afternoon—"
" Just a moment, please! I'm 'in the zone', as it were. Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help yo—" she turned and yelped seeing how messed up Moonshines' man was, "Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!"
Moonshine looked up and she noticed her messed up, frizzy mane.
"Oh my mane. Must have gotten messed up when Rainbow was clearing the clouds."
"Hmph, that mare has zero knowledge of fabulous." she grumbled. "Anyway, my name is Rarity darling."
"'I'm Twilight Sparkle and this is Moonshine. We're just here to check on the decorations, and then we'll be out of your hair!"
"Out of my hair? What about your hair?!" Rarity said, pushing Moonshine forward.
"Wait! Where are we going?!" Moonshine exclaimed.
"We're going to my shop of course, darling." Rarity said, guiding Moonshine, Twilight, Spike and her Rockruffs to her shop, Carousel Boutique. In the shop, Rarity had fixed Moonshine's mane was now trying on different outfits that she made for her.
"No, no, uh-uh. Too green." she went to another yellow dress. "Too yellow." she went to the next one. "Too poofy." and the next one, "Not poofy enough." and the next one. "Too frilly." ... and the next one.."Too... shiny." finally, she found a dress that was crystal blue with white gems on it, "Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you're from."
"Um... well.. I'm from Canterlot and I'm Princess Celestias' daughter and-" Rarity gasped in awe, " Canterlot?! Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! And you're the Princesses' daughter! Oh my stars! I can't wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I..." Rarity then looked at her dress' gems. "Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!" she dashed off and Twilight grabbed Moonshine in her magic.
"Quick! Before she decides to dye your coat a new color!" she exclaimed before the group dashed off.
Spike sighed with a heavenly experssion on her face, "Wasn't she wonderful?"
Moonshine giggled at his behavior while Twilight snapped him back, "Focus, Casanova. What's next on the list?" Twilight asked.
"Oh, uh, music! It's the last one!" Spike stated. Then the group heard some distant birdsongs.
Not far away, they saw a yellow pegasus pony with a long pink mane and tail in front of a small tree with some birds on it. Her cutie mark was three pink butterflies.
"Oh my. Um, stop please, everyone, umm. Excuse me, sir? I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one two three-"
Unknown by her, Twilight and Moonshine walked up to her. "Hello." Twilight greeted, sppoking her and her brids.
"Eep." she squeaked and the birds flew away
"Oh my, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to frighten your birds. I'm just here to check up on the music and it's sounding beautiful. I'm Twilight Sparkle and this is Moonshine. What's your name?"
"Um... I'm Fluttershy." the pegasus said in a quiet voice.
"I'm sorry, what was that?" Twilight asked.
"She said her name is Fluttershy." Moonshine stated, getting a nod from the mare. "Well, um, it looks like your birds are back, so I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work!" Then Fluttershy spotted Moonshine's Rockruffs and gasped, "Ooh, puppies! They are so adorable."
She sipped right over and her Rockruffs barked happily, "Rockruff..!"
"Oh I've never seen puppies like these before. They're so cute!"
"Well, in that case we'd better be going." Twilight stated.
"Wait, wait! What are they called?" Fluttershy asked.
"They're called Rockruff." Moonshine replied. "I can tell you more on the way back." Twilight groaned at Moonshines' offer.
"Oh please." Fluttershy asked.
Then the group was walking back to Ponyville with Fluttershy in tow towards the Golden Oak Library. Twilight opened the door and she sighed as she ushered the group, except for Fluttershy inside the house,
"Well it was nice meeting you, Fluttershy but her little puppies need some rest." Twilight stated before slamming the door in Fluttershys' face.
"Hmph. rude much." Spike grumbled.
"Sorry, Spike, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now, where's the light?" Twilight asked, wondering why the lights were off.
Then the lights came on and they all saw the library filled with ponies. "Surprise!" everypony said and Twilight groaned.
"Surprise!" said the pink pony from before.
"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh huh huh?"
"Very surprised. Libraries are supposed to be quiet." Twilight grumbled.
"Well, that's silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! Y'see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all "hello" and I was all [deep gasp], remember? Y'see I've never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everyponyin Ponyville!"
Twilight groaned as they walked though the crowd."And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went.” She gave a deep gasp.”I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!"
"Hehe... yeah..." Moonshine stated with a nervous smile.
Later into the night, Twilight was up in her room with a pillow over her head. She looked at her clock and groaned. Then the door opened and Spike came in with a lamp shade on his head,
"Hey Twilight! Pinkie Pie's starting "pin the tail on the pony"! Wanna play?"
"No! All the ponies in this town are crazy! Do you know what time it is?!" Twilight exclaimed.
"t's the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Everypony has to stay up, or they'll miss the Princess raise the sun! You really should lighten up, Twilight. It's a party!" Spike advised. "Even Moonshine is doing it." Spike then went back to the party while Twilight mocked Spike's voice. She turned onto her bed.
"Ugh, here I thought I'd have time to learn about the Elements of Harmony but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!" She turned back over and she saw the moon with the image of a mare in it. "Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night." I hope the Princess was right... I hope it really is just an old pony tale..." Twilight hoped and then Spike came back in.
"C'mon, Twilight, it's time to watch the sunrise!" He called.
Soon, everypony was gathered in Town Hall.
"Isn't this exciting? Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited— well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went but I mean really, who can top that?"
Then the fanfare was heard and the Mayor of Ponyville, Mayor Mare came before everypony. "Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" the ponies cheered happily.
"In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land," Twilight looked at the moon and saw the image of the mare disappear! "the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria...Princess Celestia!" the curtains opened... and Celestia was gone!
The ponies chattered in confusion, "This can't be good." Twilight said.
"Remain calm, everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation!" Mayor Mare stated but Moonshine's Rockruff started barking and growling just as blue mist came into the room and onto the balcony.
"Oh no..." Suddenly a tall mare that was black as night wearing blue armor with a large blue flowing mane and tail appeared, "Nightmare Moon!" Twilight gasped.
"Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces." Nightmare Moon said.
"What did you do with our Princess?!" Rainbow Dash growled. She was about to fly up to her but Applejack held her back by the tail.
"Whoa there, Nelly..."
Nightmare Moon chuckled, "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?"
"Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty—" Applejack stuffed an apple into her mouth.
"Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?"
"I did. And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!" Twilight said.
Ponies gasped.
"Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here."
"You're here to... to..." Twilight stammered but Moonshine finished for her.
"Bring eternal night to all of Equestria." Moonshine growled.
"Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon laughed as lightning came from above.
"Not on my watch!" Moonshine growled before she flew right at her, "Moonshine NO!" Twilight exclaimed.
"Little Fool!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed and blasted Moonshine but she created a shield around her and blasted her back. "Agh! Who do you think you are?!"
"I'm Princess Celestia, daughter! That's who!" Moonshine exclaimed, earning surprised gasped from everypony.
"Well, well, well, this just got interesting..." Nightmare Moon hissed with glee before her eyes glowed white and she sent a blast of blue fire at Moonshine but her Rockruff intervened with Rock Throw. "Agh...!"
"Seize her! Only she knows where the Princess is!" Mayor Mare ordered and three pegasus guards flew towards Nightmare Moon.
"Stand back you foals!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed and she unleashed lightning onto the three guards, sending them to the ground and she turned into blue mist before flying out the door as ponies screamed and ran away. Rainbow broke free from Applejack.
"Come back here!" she cried but she was long gone. "Night time.. forever.." Rainbow stated before she spotted Twilight and Moonshine racing out of Town Hall. "Where are they going?"
At the library, Twilight put Spike to bed and she frantically searched the library for anything on the Elements of Harmony. "Elements. Elements. Element. Agh! How am I gonna stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?"
Suddenly, Rainbow got in her face, "And just what are the Elements of Harmony? And who's you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy? Woah-" she was pulled back by Applejack.
"Settle down, Sally. She ain't know spy.." Applejack said and Pinkie, Fluttershy and Rarity came in. "But she sure knows what's going on. Don't ya Twilight?"
Twilight nodded. "I've read all about the story of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her. But I don't know what they are, where to find them. I don't even know what they do." she said.
"Easy, there are six elements but only five are known; Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity and Loyalty. The sixth is a completely mystery. Legends says that when all five elements are brought together then the sixth element will be revealed. There is also legend of a seventh Element. It is said that the last known location of the Elements are in the Everfree Forest, at the Castle of the Two Sisters." Moonshine explained, earning shocked looks from the girls. "How do you know that?" Twilight asked.
"Princesses daughter, remember?" Moonshine pointed out.
"Right.." Twilight said. "Well looks like we're going into the Everfree Forest, Moonshine."
"No can do sugarcubes, we're not letting any friends of ours go into that forest alone." Applejack stated. "Especially since your friend here is Celestia's daughter. Nightmare Moon might wanna get her too."
"How bad can that forest be?" Moonshine questioned. Her answer came when the girls arrived at the entrance of the forest.
"Alright then... let's go." Twilight said. The girls nodded and they soon started walking through the forest. "So none of youh have been in here before?" Twilight asked.
"Of course not. It's ghastly." Rarity replied. Moonshine's Rockruffs sniffed around the area for any sign of danger. The group came to a cliffside. "How come ponies don't come in here?" Moonshine asked.
"Nopony knows.." Rainbow said in a scary voice. "Because anypony who comes in..." she stalked towards Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy. "Rainbow, quit it!" she scolded. "has never come.. OUT!" Suddenly, the cliffside collapsed and the girls were sent down the cliff side. Rainbow, Fluttershy and Moonshine flew up. "Fluttershy, Moonshine, quick!" Rainbow called as she swooped down.
"Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness..." Fluttershy whimpered.
Rainbow grabbed Pinkie Pie while Fluttershy grabbed Rarity by the tail. Moonshine grabbed her Rockruffs in her magic and Applejack grabbed a branch but she saw Twilight sliding down and she grabbed onto the edge of the cliff.
"Hold on.. I'm comin." Applejack slid down and grabbed her hooves.
"Applejack, what do I do?" Twilight whimpered.
Applejack held on and she looked up and told Twilight "... Let go."
"Are you crazy?!" Twilight exclaimed.
"No I ain't. I promise you'll be safe."
"That's not true."
"Now listen here. What I'm sayin is the honest truth. Let go.. and you'll be safe." Twilight looked into Applejack's eyes and she trusted her and she let go. "YAAAAHHH!" then she stopped falling and saw Moonshine had her in her magic,
"Got'cha." she smiled. Twilight looked and saw Applejack hopping down some small ledges down to the bottom.
Moonshine placed Twilight on the ground and her Rockruffs came up and nuzzled Twilight, "Thanks Moonshine." Twilight thanked. Moonshine nodded and the girls continued walking unaware of a blue mist moving into the forest and an animal roaring.
The girl continued walking though the small ravine when Moonshine's Rockruffs started growling. "Rockruff, what is it?" Moonshine asked and suddenly a large animal with the body of a lion, the tail of a scorpion and the wings of bat appeared in front of the girls. "A manticore!" Twilight exclaimed. The manticore roared at them. "We gotta get passed him."
The girls lunge forward and Rarity kicked the manticore in his face, "HA! Take that you ruffian!" then the manticore roared in her face, messing up her mane. "My hair!" she wailed and remembered the manticore and dashed away, not hearing Fluttershy saying, "Wait.." in a quiet voice.
The manticore roared and noticed Applejack on its back. "Yeehaww. Git along little doggie!" she exclaimed and the manticore bucked around and tossed her off, "Woah..! All yours partner." she said to Rainbow Dash, who saluted.
"I'm on it." and lunged forwards ignoring Fluttershys' "Wait' call again.
She circled around the Manticore, agitating it and it smacked her with its tail. "YAH!"
"Rainbow!" Twilight cried in horror. Rainbow landed on the ground but she got up. The manticore growled and the ponies scurffed the ground and charged the manticore but Fluttershy got in between and yelled, "WAAAAAIIIIT!" the ponies stopped and she looked at the manticore and went up to it. The manticore growled at her, "Sh.. its alright.." Fluttershy cooed, nuzzling its paw.
The manticore saw her kind eyes and it showed her its paw. The paw had a large thorn in it. "Awww, you poor thing. I'll get that out." Fluttershy said and she pulled the thorn out of the manticore's paw. The manticore put pressure on it and smiled happily before licking Fluttershy, "Aw you're just a little ol' baby kitty, aren't you? Yes you are, yes you are." the girls used this to get passed the manticore.
The manticore let Fluttershy go and she joined the others, "How did you know about the thorn?"
"I didn't. Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness." Fluttershy replied.
Then, the girls entered a dark part of the forest, "No. My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck. Well, I didn't mean that literally." Rarity complained.
"That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn't even know it." Twilight stated.
Rarity then bumped into Moonshine, "I didn't see you there, my apologies."
"It's alright." Moonshine said. Her Rockruffs sniffed the ground for any strange and they suddenly growled, "Rockruff?"
Then the girls heard Fluttershy and Applejack scream and they looked around and saw the trees with scary faces on them. The girls except for Moonshine screamed, until they heard.. laughter. "HUH?" they turned and saw Pinkie Pie laughing at one of the trees and making funny faces back.
"Pinkie, what are you doing? RUN!" Twilight replied.
"Oh girls, don't you see?" Pinkie asked before she broke into a song.
(Pinkie Pie)
When I was a little filly and the sun was going down...
Twilight Sparkle: Tell me she's not...
(Pinkie Pie)
The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown...
Rarity: She is.
(Pinkie Pie)
I'd hide under my pillow
From what I thought I saw
But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way
To deal with fears at all
Rainbow Dash: Then what is?
(Pinkie Pie)
She said, "Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall
Learn to face your fears
You'll see that they can't hurt you
Just laugh to make them disappear."
Ha! Ha! Ha!
The tree she laughed at turned back to normal.
Ponies: [gasp]
(Pinkie Pie)
So, giggle at the ghostly
Guffaw at the grossly
Crack up at the creepy
Whoop it up with the weepy
Chortle at the kooky
Snortle at the spooky
The ponies and Pinkie laughed at the trees and they all turned back to normal as Pinkie sang her song.
And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna... hahahaha... heh...
Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!
Soon, all of the ponies were laughing together as one.
Pinkie lead the way, after that, with the ponies following after her. She suddenly stopped and the ponies looked, "How are we gonna cross this?" Pinkie asked. There was a large river in their way and the waters looked too rough to swim across.
"What a world, what a world." a wailing voice came. The girls turned and they saw a large purple serpent crying,
"Excuse me, sir. Why are you crying?"
"Well, I don't know. I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisked past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off, and now I look simply horrid." the serpent stated and he collapsed into the water, sending water towards the ponies but Moonshine shielded them.
"Oh, give me a break." Rainbow grumbled.
"That's what all the fuss is about?" Applejack asked.
Then Rarity came up, " Why, of course it is. How can you be so insensitive? Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales."
The serpent sniffled, "I know."
"And your expertly coiffed mane."
"Oh, I know, I know."
"Your fabulous manicure."
The serpent gasped, "It's so true!"
"All ruined without your beautiful mustache."
"It's true, I'm hideous!" Rarity narrowed her eyes then, "I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected.
"What did you do that for?" the serpent asked and Rarity grabbed a sharp piece of wood.
"Rarity, what are you-“ Twilight asked before a slicing sound was heard.
"Oh-hohohoho!" the serpent moaned and the group saw that Rarity... cut her tail! She thew the wood to the side and she used her magic to attach the tail to the serpents' missing mustache. "My mustache. How wonderful."
"You look smashing."
"Oh, Rarity, your beautiful tail..." Twilight whimpered, seeing it gone.
"Oh. It's fine, my dear. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back." Rarity said. Moonshine looked at it.
"Let me try something.." she concentrated and her horn lit up and she magically regrew Rarity's tail.
"Woah...!" Rainbow gasped.
"Oooh!" Rarity squealed with joy. "Thank you darling." Twilight then saw the river was calm now.
"We can cross now. Let's go." then the serpent lifted her up, "Ah!"
"Allow me." the ponies leaped across the serpents' body to the other side of the river. "Thanks." Moonshine called.
The serpent nodded before going back to the water.
Then the ponies approached a foggy area and saw the ruins of the Castle of the Two Sisters. "There it is, the ruin that holds The Elements of Harmony. We made it!" The girls walked forwards and they saw that there was a small cliff inbetween them and the ruins. There was a bridge but one side of its wasn't attached.
"Now what?" Pinkie asked.
"Duh." Rainbow said, referring to her wings and she flew to the other side and started to attach the rope when she heard something calling her name.. "Rainbow...."
"Who's there?"
"Rainbow..."
"I ain't scared of you! Show yourself!" Rainbow called, ready to punch somepony. Out of the fog came three shadowbolts.
"We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria."
"Who?"
"Why, you, of course."
"Really?! I mean... Oh yeah, me. Hey, uh, you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would ya? 'cause I've been trying to get into that group for like, ever."
"No, Rainbow Dash. We want you to join us, The Shadowbolts. We're the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria, but first, we need a captain. The most magnificent-"
"Yep."
"Swiftest-"
"Yes."
"Bravest flyer in all the land."
"Yes," Rainbow chuckled, "it's all true."
"We need... you."
"WOOHOO! Sign me up. Just let me tie this bridge real quick and then we have a deal." Rainbow said but the Shadowbolt leader stopped her, "No! It's them or us." Then, Rainbow heard Twilight's voice.
"Rainbow, what's taking so long?" then she spotted the three Shadowbolts. "Oh no. Rainbow!"
The Shadowbolt leader made the fog cover up the path, "Well?"
Rainbow thought about it and she finally said.
"You... " the Shadowbolt smiled but Rainbow continued, "Thank you! For the offer, I mean," the Shadowbolts were shocked as Rainbow attached the bridge together, "but I'm afraid I have to say no." she flew away and the Shadowbolts turned back into blue smoke and went away.
Rainbow appeared and the ponies cheered and started crossing the bridge. "See? I'd never leave my friends hangin'." she said to Twilight who smiled.
"The Castle of the Two Sisters... woah..." Moonshine smiled. Her Rockruffs suddenly growled and dashed ahead into the castle ruins. "Rockruff!" Moonshine chased after them along with the girls and they all gasped seeing Nightmare Moon, holding five stones in her magic.
"The Elements!" Twilight gasped.
"Hahaha!" So you managed to get past my tricks, huh. Clever." Nightmare Moon hissed. "But it won't be enough to beat me."
"Let the Elements go!" Moonshine exclaimed.
"Why?" Nightmare Moon snapped. "So you can bring back your precious mother?" Moonshine growled and her Rockruff charged forth. "Rockruff no!" Moonshine gasped. Nightmare Moon laughed and blasted the two Rockruffs hard, sending them crashing to the ground.
Then she laughed evilly before she slammed the Element stones on the ground, causing them to break into pieces. "NO!" Twilight exclaimed.
"You little foal! Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your princess, or your sun! The night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon declared as she laughed evilly.
Moonshine growled, "I don't think so!" she exclaimed. One of her Rockruffs stood up and let out a large howl before it was consumed in a bright blue light.
"Rockruff...!" Moonshine gasped.
"What the-?" Rainbow exclaimed.
"What's wrong with it?" Fluttershy gasped.
Rockruff grew larger in size and turned bipedal in the moonlight. When the light was gone, there was a slouched, bipedal wolf or werewolf. It has short red fur with white on its lower legs, and a white streak that covers its face, underbelly, and tail. It has pointed, button ears with black tips, three large tufts of fur on each side of its face, a triangular black nose, and a mouth full of sharp teeth. While the sclerae, irises, and pupils of its eye are visible, they all glow a pinkish red and no distinctive colors are visible.
A mane of fur covers its back and shoulders, sweeping forward over its head to form a crescent moon shape. On either side of its body, just below the shoulders, two small rocks resembling claws poke out of the mane. A single, bigger stone projects out of the front of the mane over its head. Each of this form's paws has three black claws, and it has a stubby tail covered in long fur.
"Roooooo!"
Everypony gasped while Moonshine smiled, "Lycanroc! Alright!" she exclaimed.
"Lycanroc?" Twilight gasped.
"The evolved form of Rockruff with three different forms; Midday, Midnight and Dusk. He evolved into the Midnight form." Moonshine explained.
Moonshines's other Rockruff barked happily for its sibling. Lycanroc smiled before it howled and punched the ground, creating a string of large, glowing, blue rocks that stuck Nightmare Moon and sent her cashing into the wall.
"Awesome, you learned Stone Edge!" Moonshine gasped in awe. Nightmare Moon got to her hooves.
“Impossible, you should be able to stand up to me?!"
"Yes, we can Nightmare Moon. Even on the darkest day. There's Hope!" Moonshine exclaimed and when she did, the stone piece started to glow and shimmer.
"What?"
"Moonshine is right." Twilight added. "And you can't destroy the Element like that. Because the spirit of the Elements of Harmony, are right here!
"Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of... honesty!" some of the stone pieces circled Applejack and as Twilight continued, the other pieces did the same thing. "Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of... kindness!
Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of... laughter!
Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift represents the spirit of... generosity!
And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire represents the spirit of... loyalty!
The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us."
"You still don't have the sixth or seventh Element! The spark didn't work!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed.
“But it did! A different kind of spark. I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all... are my friends!" Twilight declared and suddenly a bright light appeared above her, revealing another elemental stone.
Then, Moonshine's chest glowed and she floated into the air and into the center of Twilight and the girls. "You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: the element of magic!
And Moonshine.... giving me comfort and reassurance even when I was at my lowest, represents the seventh Element.. the Element of.. Hope!"
All of the Elements revealed themselves and created necklaces for Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy while Twilight and Moonshine both gained crowns on their heads and the Elements magic combined together and consumed Nightmare Moon in its magic.
"Nooo! Nooo!"
Suddenly, a large flash filled the castle as the magic worked.
When the light was gone, the ponies were all laying on the ground. "Ugh.. my head.." Rainbow groaned.
"Everypony, okay?" Applejack asked. Moonshine and the girls nodded and looked at their Elemental necklaces and crowns that matched their cutie marks... except for Moonshine.. who didn't have a cutie mark like the other girls. Her element crystal was a rainbow colored heart.
"Gee Twilight, I thought you were just talking a lot of hooey, but you were right. We really to represent to Elements of Friendship." Applejack stated.
"Indeed you do." a familiar voice came. The ponies looked and saw the sun rising in the sky and ball of light appeared and came into the ruins which revealed itself to be Princess Celestia.
"Mom!"
"Princess Celestia!"
Moonshine and Twilight trotted over to her and nuzzled her.
"Moonshine, Twilight Sparkle, I knew you could do it."
"But you told me it was just an old pony tale." Twilight stated.
"I told you that you needed to make some friends." Celestia corrected. "Nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moons' return and I knew it was you two who had the magic inside to defeat her. But you couldn't unleash it until you let true friendship into your hearts." Twilight and Moonshine smiled at their friends.
"And into one's life as well." Celestia walked over to a small dark blue pony with a flowing blue mane and tail like Celestia's. She wore a black crown on her head and she wore a black necklace with a crescent moon in the center. She also wore silver shoes on her hooves, "Princess Luna.." Luna awoke and gasped, seeing her elder sister.
"It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this." Celestia said as she sat down in front of her sister, "Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together little sister."
"Sister?" Rainbow and the others gasped.
"Will you except my friendship?" Celestia asked Luna. Luna smiled and then hugged her elder sister, "I'm so sorry. I missed you so much big sister."
Celestia let loose some tears as well. "I've missed you too… and I want to introduce you to somepony.." Celestia brought Luna over to Moonshine. "Luna… this is Moonshine… you're niece."
Luna smiled at Moonshine and Moonshine smiled back and the two hugged each other. "HI Auntie Luna.." Moonshine greeted.
"H-Hi… Moonshine."
Pinkie Pie started crying before she stopped, "Hey you know what this calls for?" she asked and soon everypony was back in Ponyville. "A Party!"
There was a huge party in Ponyville for the return of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Celestia and Luna entered the town and the ponies bowed to her. A pair of fillies gave Luna a necklace made of flowers. Luna was surprised but she smiled thankfully at her sister.
Twilight and Moonshine were happy for them, but suddenly, Twilight looked sad, "Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot."
"That's just it. Just when I've learned how wonderful it is to have friends. I have to leave them." Twilight said sadly.
"Spike, take a letter." Celestia stated and Spike started taking a letter. "I, Princess Celestia hereby decree that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle and the my daughter, Moonshine will study the Magic of Friendship. They must report to me their findings from their new home in Ponyville.'
The girls gathered around them and cheered while Lycanroc and Rockruff smiled happily. "Oh thank you, Princess Celestia. I'll study harder than ever before.."
All of the ponies cheered happily as they now had two more residents to add to their town.