My Little Pony: Return of the King and Queen

by HarryBuilder

Rating: everyone
Tags: Romance, Adventure, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Mystery
Length: 29557

Twilight has discover that her Family origins aren't what she thought they were, Now she and her friends must travel to the ends of Equestria to find the answers to her past as a great evil rises from shadows to destroy their peaceful way of life.

Twilight has come such a long, long way since she became Celestia's pupil. She has conquered become an Alicorn princess, found herself a student and has the best friends ever.

But what when she has a dream of a mysterious Alicorn couple she feels a deep connection with? It leads her to going to Canterlot to ask her fellow Princesses for advice, only to discover a startling and life changing secret about them, herself and Equestria itself: She was adopted.

Now she and her friends must journey across Equestria to find to truth of her past, learn the ancient history of the Alicorn race and the origins of the Elements of Harmony. And with an ancient evil rising from the shadows, the very being that ripped Twilight away from her family, She must harness the true power of Friendship within herself and achieve her destiny as the Heir to the Equestrian throne.

Get ready for My Little Pony: Return of the King & Queen.

This story is an alternate take on Season 7 of MLP.

Cover made by artist MelSpyRose.

Published 2021-08-01 18:30:00 UTC
Last updated 2021-10-16 23:37:40 UTC

Prologue (Edited by MelSpyRose)

Prologue: Birth of Princess

Once upon a time in the magical land of Equestria, there lived two Alicorn sisters who would protect the land and they would help keep everlasting harmony. To do this the eldest sister used her magic to raise the sun at dawn while the younger sister used her magic to bring forth the moon to begin the night. Together they ensured that the day and night were equally balanced and maintained peace for all types of ponies as well as other creatures.

But these sisters did not truly rule their kingdom. No, that honor belonged to their elder sister and her husband who were once known to all as the King and Queen of Equestria, who possessed far more power than the two sisters combined. The Queen and her King possessed the power to harness the very power of both the Stars and the Magic themselves and then use it to perform feats one would consider impossible, with this magic they granted special powers to six of their closest friends each attuned with the six elements of creation:

Voltwing, the Guardian of Thunder

Storm Heart, the Guardian of Air

Cliffbore, the Guardian of Earth

Gaia Evermane, the Guardian of Nature

Marina, the Guardian of Water

And Inferno Horn, the Guardian of Fire

Thus with these six elementals and the two sisters by their side, the Alicorn rulers ensured that both peace and harmony would live throughout the land from end to end. But soon that burden would be relieved even more. Because one day after many years of protecting their kingdom, the Queen declared that she and her husband would be having a new baby. The whole kingdom was filled with joy and anticipation for the birth of their future Queen and within a few months, the day of the young Princess’ birth was near, but little did her family and her guardians know that she would play a much bigger and grander role in their kingdom's future.

Deep within the Enchanted Forest lay the grand and beautiful City of Harmonius, with ivory buildings, violet roofs with gold details, silver stone paths, and at the center of it a shining crystal tree with a white crystal, the six-point star right in its center with colorful jewels growing from its branches and flowers, and decent plants and vines hanged all around it. Within this city ponies of all kinds walked and did their business while walking, talking, and enjoying each other’s company as all were connected by a powerful force known by many as friendship.

There were Earth Ponies doing construction, working on crops and running shops and market stands, Pegasi who was handling the weather, and Unicorns practicing spells and mixing potions but most of all there were Alicorns young and old, mares and stallions helping out the other three types or just doing their own thing.

Overlooking this fine city was a massive yet magnificent castle with walls and towers white as snow, its tower tops and roofs were a royal purple with their rims and details gold and in front of its gates, two regal Alicorn statues stood in front of it. This was the Castle of Harmony home of the city’s rulers and their council of harmony.

Within the halls of the Castle of Harmony walked the ruler of the land, King Cobalt Sparkle, he a magnificent stallion with a light blue coat, a dark navy blue mane, and a tail with a purple stripe running through them both blowing in a non-existence wind and he had a beard growing from the bottom of cheeks down to his chin and climbed up the sides of his muzzle forming somewhat of a mustache.

His light blue wings were grand and mighty and were tipped on the ends with silver with special golden wing armor and the rim of his wings. He was also dawned in golden regalia; his neck collar has blue oval jewels with a purple eight-point star on it with a collar on the back of it, his crown was regal with another eight-point star crystal held in the center.

His bare hooves were donned with golden horseshoes with tufts of fur flowing from them, He wore a purple shirt with tassel shoulder pads and a golden sash over his right shoulder, and over it, he wore a dark purple cape with a white and black-marked furry rim to it that draped over his back down to his back calves obscuring his Cutie mark a purple and white eight-point star over a swirling cloud nebula.

Walking alongside this king was a white Alicorn mare who was only a head shorter than he was, her coat was pure white, her eyes a lovely violet, her pink mane and tail also blowing in a non-existence wind like him. Her cutie mark of a golden sun with her golden regalia with cut amethyst crystal on her collar and crown. This was Celestia, princess of the sun and younger sister to Cobalt’s wife.

Celestia was currently magically carrying a yellow and orange egg with a fiery design on its shell and was practically gushing over it, “Oh my goodness I can’t believe I found an actual Phoenix egg, these birds are extremely rare!” She said looking at the egg with adoration. “Ooh, the little one's gonna love her new playmate, wouldn't you agree with me Cobalt?!”

Cobalt looked at his sister-in-law with amusement, ever since it was declared that her sister was pregnant Celestia had practically been singing up and down the towers from one side of the castle to the other about being an aunty. Luna was just as excited but she kept a lot more hidden than her elder sister. Though the excitement was understandable it did make him a bit concerned that his soon to be born child would be a bit spoiled by two loving aunties but he still trusted Celestia and Luna to look after his foal should on the off chance, anything were to happen to him or his wife.

“Hehe, yes I suppose the baby will,” He chuckled, as he raised a brow before turning Celestia, “‘She’ though? What makes you so certain it shall be a filly?”

Celestia chuckled as they walked into the gardens, “Well when it comes to royal Alicorns genetics we mares do outnumber you, males, by a bit.” She said as she kneeled and smelled the flowers.

Cobalt smirked and tilted his head from side to side complementing what she said. It was true that currently he and the guardians of Fire, Thunder, and Earth were the only male Alicorns in the kingdom of royal statues, the remaining others were Celestia, her sisters, and the guardians of Nature, Air, and Water but despite this, they all shared a strong friendship and family ship.

“Heh, I suppose that is true, to be honest, though I am hoping for a little filly.” Cobalt admitted before his face went from smiling to serious as he brought it close to Celestia, “But let me make this clear Celestia, you and Luna are not going to spoil MY child once she’s born.”

Celestia gave a faux gasp of shock as she brought a hoof to her chest, “whatever makes you say that?! I’m offended, why would you ever think so little of me?!” She declared in mock hurt.

“Hmhm, Celestia Solana you are too much sometimes.” The king chuckled as he and Celestia laughed. Then suddenly a guard donning purple and silver armor came running into the garden.

“King Cobalt! King Cobalt!” he called as the stallion and mare turned to the frantic guard as he caught his breath. “Sire! Thank goodness I found you! I have urgent news!”

“Easy there corporal, what is this news for me?” Cobalt asked as the corporal managed to regain his breath.

“Y-yes Sire! I-its, it's very serious news!” He said stammering, the king held up his hoof hoping to calm the poor fellow down, “Now, now son there's no need to be so unnerved just tell me what you have to report-”

“The Queen has gone into labor, they’ve just shipped her back to her room! Princess Luna ordered me to tell you immediately!” The guard interrupted him in one breath. While he panted Celestia's jaw dropped at what he just said and turned to her brother-in-law who had an unreadable expression. Before she could say anything Cobalt’s wings burst out and he shot up into the sky, flying toward his and his wife’s chambers.

Celestia and the guard were momentarily surprised by this action and looked at each other before Celestia spread her wings and flew after the king. As the two Alicorns flew they knew what was happening the moment the guard said the Queen was in labor.

The baby was coming.

Cobalt landed the loud THUD onto the ground and stared at the tower with a sense of uneasiness. His heart was pounding with excitement and fear, his wife had seemed just fine the morning, a little plump but still perfectly fine, to hear that she had gone into labor while he was talking to Celestia was truly a shock; he only hoped that both she and their foal would be alright.

He then trotted up the stairs toward the room he could see that practically every servant and guard in the castle was anxiously waiting outside looking directly at the large double doors of the royal bed chambers, the moment they saw the king however they immediately bowed and kneeled before him. Cobalt ignored them and just continued walking where he saw the seven other Alicorns waiting in front of the door.

The first one Inferno Horn, the guardian of Fire, was a stallion much like himself, almost equal to him in height, build, and size but had a pale red coat and a long red, orange, and yellow fading mane and tail, almost resembling fire. He wore a Dark brownish red coat with a dark gray with tattered coattails at the back and over it was a bronze rimmed-gorget with shoulder pads and on his head a bronze knight visor. On the center of his gorget was a golden medallion with the Insignia of a Flame on it. Under his coat was his cutie mark: A Roaring ball of fire.

The second one was Storm Heart, the guardian of Air. a Silver coated mare with her eyes bright red, her mane whitish-grey and in pigtails with steel clamps, she was decked out in silver and purplish-grey armor, with a wind styled head circlet on her head. Around her neck was a golden medallion with the insignia of a whirlwind on it. Passing his armored skirt, her cutie mark was a swirling storm.

The third one was a male like the first but was a head taller and much bulkier, his name was Cliffbore the guardian of Earth. he had a short dark brown mane and tail, and his coat was chocolate brown, on his serious-looking face were eyes colored a dark gray, and a goatee on his chin. He was decked in Viking armor, a fur vest, dark brown bandages around his forelegs, and had an orangish-brown bandana on his head and a gold medallion with the picture of a mountain on it, on his chest harness. His cutie mark was two rocks smashing into each other.

The fourth one was Gaia Evermane, the guardian of Nature. another female. Her coat was light minty green, her eyes a sky blue, and her mane was dark green and striped with jade green, long and wavy, almost touching the ground with flowers decorating it. She wore a yellow leaf laurel crown and a garland of different colored flowers and attached to it a cloak made from leaves that went right to the ground she wore it around her frame and at the center of the garland was a bright pink flower with a gold medallion with the symbol of a sporting plant. The cloak also hid her cutie mark, a rainbow flower blooming.

The fifth was another female named Marina the guardian of Water. Her coat was light blue, her eyes were a royal purple and her mane was dark blue with streaks of silver and tied in a ponytail with a seashell beret. She wore a silver and light blue dress with light pink shell clamps, she had a pearl and shell bracelet and necklace with her gold medallion with the mark of a water droplet. Her dress also obscured her cutie mark which was a cyan-blue tidal wave.

The sixth was another male, Voltwing the guardian of Fire. He was a bit smaller than Cobalt or the first stallion, his coat was pale yellow, his eyes were bright cyan, his mane was amber yellow, blown back with a cyan lightning bolt-like stripe running through it on both sides. He wore a dark Yellow vest with Bolt details, over a light tan shirt, rusty yellow shoulder pads, and a pair of brown framed goggles with blue lens wrapped around his forelegs were whitish bandages and around his neck was a collar with a gold medallion with a Thunder-cloud on it. Underneath his coat was his Thundering cloud of three bolts of lightning Cutie Mark.

The final and smallest Alicorn of the group was a cornflower blue with a lighter blue mane and teal colored eyes, she had blue glittery slippers and a black tiara on her head with a matching black chest plate with a white crescent moon that matched her cutie mark, a crescent moon atop a black splodge that was meant to act as the black night sky. This was Princess Luna the youngest of the three sisters and princess of the moon.

She and the guardians looked anxiously at the door in front of them. The Queen was behind that door with the newborn princess. Swallowing his fear and exhaling he approached his friends as Celestia followed closely behind, also feeling nervous. Cobalt cleared his throat causing the six to turn to him.

“Your Majesty,” Marine said with a prim and lady-like tone as she and the other guardian bowed down. Luna however just smiled gently and walked over to him and they gave each other a loving nuzzle. Cobalt moved from Luna and turned to the Guardians while the Moon and Sun princess spoke.

“How is she?” The king asked the obvious question first.

Cliffbore walked up to him, and spoke in a gruff but Caring voice, “She went into labor while we were roaming the castle halls,”

"It was completely, utterly, and the most unexpected, incredible, unanticipated, precarious turn of events! We brought her back to her royal chambers as quickly as an adolescent dragon flying quite far and fast from severely rudely awakened Flash bees to rest and recuperate for the delivery Sire, and we made sure she was as comfortably stable as we were conceivably capable of." Volt continued with a Humorous quick-tongued voice.

"Dr. Kindheart and Starswirl are with her right now, they cast a soundproof spell to avoid any of us losing our hearing. But he’ll make sure both she and the baby will be fine." Gaia said in a motherly and tender voice as she placed a hoof on the tense-looking King.

"Yep don't worry dude, they're both in good hooves." Storm said with an Upbeat, Flygirl tone, earning a smack on the head by Infernohorn. “Hey! Not cool Dude!” He exclaimed.

“Try showing some better maturity and respect towards his majesty! Especially at a time like this!” Inferno retorted with a commanding, serious tone.

Cobalt shook his head in amusement as the other chuckled at the two arguing as this was quite a regular thing in this castle. Then suddenly the argument between the Wind and Fire ended as the door opened, stepping out of it was an old dark gray unicorn with golden eyes a white swirling mane, tail, and most noticeably a long white beard. He wore a three-blue colored robe with a matching hat. Both had golden bells on the rim of them with a single bell at the top of the hat with a moon and star design on them. This was the most powerful and wisest Unicorn in Equestria and the royal wizard to the Alicorn royal family, his name was Starswirl the Bearded.

Cobalt held his breath as he walked towards his oldest friend as the other stayed behind him also anxiously waiting for the message the old unicorn would give. The king looked down at the wizard who had a neutral look on his face and asked, “Well, are you going tell us what happened or just standing resembling a statue.”

Starswirl closed his eyes and exhaled, “I just wish for you to know, I will not be your full-time foal sitter.” he said with a grin forming as Cobalt's face became one of shock as the others gasped in shock. Starswirl opened his eyes, moved to the side, and gestured for the Alicorn King to walk in, “Go on Cobalt, Dawn has something very special to show you.”

Cobalt was still and silent for a few moments before he moved automatically as the other Alicorns stayed behind, still stunned. That message from the bearded unicorn had given them had confirmed what they all had hoped.

The baby had been born.

He opened the door and walked into the purple white and gold-colored bedroom Inside to the left there was a fireplace with bookshelves around it and pictures and other objects above it including a big painting with him and an Alicorn mare standing next to him, to the front was a windowed wall with a door the led toward the balcony overlooking the city he ruled over.

To his right, he saw a large king-sized golden framed bed with purple drapes and canopy, with Alicorn heads and wings carved at the top of supports and lavender pillows and blankets. Next to it was a reddish-pink unicorn mare with a red mane in a white robe and glasses, she looked over a clipboard she held in light blue magic.

But she was not the mare Cobalt was focused on, it was the mare in the bed that had his attention. The Mare in question was an Alicorn with a light magenta coat and wings with the tips gold and orange, her mane was the same golden color on her wings with an orange and pink stripe running down it. This was the Queen of Equestria and wife to King Cobalt Sparkle Queen Aurora Sparkle. Her mane was messy and beneath her dark magenta eyes there dried up tears streaks but there was a bright and beautiful smile filled with nothing but endless happiness and love as she stared down at the bundle wrapped in a pink blanket she had in her forelimbs.

Aurora sensed a familiar magic signature that had entered the room and turned to see her beloved husband whose mouth was slightly open, his expression stunned. She still smiled, “Cobalt come here, meet our little star.” She said softly and slightly tired and gestured to him to come closer.

King Cobalt did as he was told, barely noticing Kindheart gasping and bowing her head in respect. Once he was next to his queen she moved her forelegs slightly to show him the bundle. Cobalt felt his breath being taken as he saw the most adorable little baby Alicorn filly sleeping peacefully. Her coat was lovely lavender purple resembling her mother, her mane was in a similar style to her mother's and had her stripes but it was dark navy blue like his and her stripes were purple and pink.

The young filly slowly squinted her eyes open and they shined like amethyst stars. She looked up at her father curiously as Cobalt smiled back at her as tears of joy built up in his eyes. He couldn’t believe it. His baby girl was finally here. Though he knew this day was coming he still wasn’t prepared for the raw emotion he felt.

This was probably one of the happiest days of his life.

He saw his daughter reaching and waving her hooves at her speaking baby gibberish happily. Cobalt understood what she wanted and leaned down towards her. The little one placed her tiny hooves on either side of his muzzle and giggled as her father nuzzled her and his beard tickled her belly.

Aurora giggled at the display before her, “I believe she is rather fond of you.” she said as Cobalt gave a good chuckle back at her.

“She’s perfect, Aurora.” Cobalt said looking back at his Queen, “You did well.”

Aurora merely shook her head, “we did good, Cobalt.”

The Alicorns leaned their heads together as their foreheads touched and their horns crossed, “I love you.” Cobalt whispered.

“I love you too,” Dawn replied as the two then gave a soft loving kiss. The young filly made curious noises as she watched her parents' lips connect.

The door then opened as Celestia, Luna and the guardians walked in. The sisters were the first to reach them and saw their niece. They gasped at the sheer adorableness of the baby as she looked at them with interest. “Oh, my Ancients! She’s the most precious little thing I have ever laid my eyes on!” “Ooh, I just want to eat her up! Look at her little face!” They squealed simultaneously, hopping in place and amusing the little filly who giggled at her aunties’ excitement while the royal couple chuckled as they knew this was a reaction they would get from the two mares.

“Ahaha, Now Celestia, Luna. Please try to contain your excitement, we don’t want to scare the little dear.” Marine said before turning her sights to the newborn, “D’aww, but she’s oh, so gorgeous.”

“Indeed, the sheer adoration and beauty within her minuscule but everso radiant visage is beyond any all cohort thought and comprehension.” Volt Summarized quickly as the filly looked at him curiously.

“Hmhm, Don’t worry about Voltwing little one, he has a tongue as fast as Lightning,” Cliff said as even his rock-solid defenses were broken by the sheer cuteness of the little princess.

“I have faith she will serve this kingdom and Equestria well in the future, Sire,” Infernohorn said to the king as he smiled down at the baby.

“Yes, I can see her to be a fair and kind queen to Equestria and to her people,” Gaia said, giving the baby her serene smile.

“Hoo boy, the castle is sure gonna be even better, with this little cutie around!” Storm declared, her wings flapping and releasing some yellow glow dust. One speck floated towards the foal who ‘ooh’d’ at them. She tried to touch but it landed on her nose and tickled. The adults saw her face scrunch up and then as she sneezed a beam of magenta magic burst out of her horn and hit one of the plants’ pots above the fireplace and then it turned into a frog crossed with orange as it let out a “Ribbit.”

The Alicorns all stared in shock at what they saw before turning to the newborn princess whose horn still glowed as she giggled, “We’re going to need to keep an eye on your magic little one.” Cobalt said, tapping his hoof gently on her horn, turning off her magic.

“I’m sure Starswirl and you two will be able to give her some magical guidance if Cobalt and I are too busy,” Aurora said, looking at her two sisters.

Celestia nodded eagerly, “Oh yes! Don't worry Rory, We’ll be the best Aunties/Magic teachers ever to this little one!”

Luna just shook her and walked to the other side of the bed, she was still incomplete in adoration of her new niece but unlike her older sister she managed to regain her composure, She turned to her brother-in-law and sister smiling, “Aurora, Cobalt. Aren’t we gonna give this little puffball a name or are we gonna spend the rest of eternity just calling her “The Little One”?”

Cobalt and Aurora looked at each other and then down at the little filly, "Well if we knew it was a boy we liked the name, Nova." Aurora said never taking her eyes off her little bundle of joy.

“But if it was a girl then we both knew exactly what to call her.” Cobalt said, tickling the little one’s chin with his feather, causing her to smile and giggle.

“And that would be?” Inferno asked, raising a brow. The Royal couple looked at each other and smiled before turning to their baby, saying her name jointly.

“Twilight.”

The Alicorns looked at each other, rolling the name around in their head, feeling that that fit the young one perfectly, “Princess Twilight Sparkle?” Celestia repeated before leaning her head down to her niece with a warm smile, “I think that’s a perfect name.” She spoke softly then kissed Little Twilight's forehead as she giggled.

Twilight didn’t know why everypony was giving her so much attention but she loved it, she knew these ponies were family by sight, by scent, and their love. She knew they would always be together.

“Now, my little Twilight, you must be careful growing up for I see great things in your future,” Aurora said to her baby girl, even though she knew Twilight didn’t understand. Twilight then let out a yawn that melted the adults’ hearts as she buried her head in her mother’s coat. “My beautiful little star.”

As they watched the little Alicorn fall asleep none of them realized that this little filly would grow up to be their kingdom’s greatest hero along with their very best friends.

Author's Note

Here it is, the first chapter of my AU of Season 7. When I first saw how season 7 went I thought it was, eh alright, but I wanted it to be something really special, And given how Twilight became the ruler of Equestria in Season 9 I decided I need to make season 7 give a bit more sense into how the works, an alternate origin of the Elements of Harmony and also why Celestia and Luna are only princesses and not queens.

So I thought Why not make it where Twilight was a princess born from the original King and Queen of Equestria and was the biological niece to her Mentor and her sister, as for the five elemental Alicorns I decided to include them to add a bit more pizazz into the story.

And for those wondering about My little Ninjago don't worry I came up with a sound system each half of every month I'll alternate between This story and that one, so expect the next My Little Ninjago chapter around mid-August.

As for those wondering 'If Twilight was born so long ago how can she be so young in the future or even be in the future at all' that question and any others will be answered in time but if you do have any please type them in the comment section down below.

But Next Time we jump back into the present where the girls are celebrating the Anniversary of Ponyville but as night comes Twilight is plagued by dreams of memories she doesn't remember. Or so she thinks and she is not the only one to have these dreams. Find out who that is by the end of August.

(This Chapter was edited and grammar fixed by my friend MelSpyRose. I added an Electricity guardian)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Follow me on Fimfiction.

stay cool, stay friends and I'll see you on the website.

Until then NNNNIIIINNNJJJJJAAA-GO!!!

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Anniversary Preparations and Dream Visions

In the humble two of Ponyville Princess Twilight Sparkle looks over her precious hometown with a smile enjoying the night breeze. It had been a week since Chrysalis and the Changelings attempt to take over Equestria by capturing and replacing her, Her friends, the princesses, Shining Armor, Cadence, and Flurry Heart and it looked like they were gonna get away with that is until Starlight Glimmer her student, Trixie Lulamoon Starlight's best friend, Thorax the rogue Changeling and Discord the Lord of Chaos lead they rescue party into the heart of the Changeling Hive, successfully saving everypony who was captured, turning the Changelings good apart from Chrysalis who escaped to places unknown and Thorax becoming their new leader.

Just two days ago, they had awarded the four rescuers with the Pink Heart medals of Courage and Starlight had officially graduated as her student but Starlight had decided to stay in the castle with her even though she was free to go where ever she pleased. She personally thanked Celestia (Quite Literally) for helping gather the courage she needed to let Starlight walk her own path after she explained how hard it was for her to send her to Ponyville to make friends. But now she was thinking about what would happen in a week for it was special for all the citizens of Ponyville.

In just a week it would the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of Ponyville. And since Ponyville was home to an Alicorn princess which was herself and some of Equestria greatest heroes the day had gotten pretty popular to ponies from the Crystal Empire to Appleloosa and would be flocking their way here to join in the fun, the celebration was so big it had to be held all over town meaning She and her friends had to get as much help as the could get to make this celebration by the time of the anniversary because even if it was a week away, Ponyville was still a big town so. a success Pinkie Pie really had her work cut for her, fortunately, Cheese Sandwich had heard that about the big party coming to Ponyville and decided to come by to lend a helping hoof.

Twilight had chuckled as she remembered how her party friend and practically pounced on Cheese when he arrived it was quite obvious to the girls that Pinkie had taken a real liking to the stallion and Twilight had to admit the two of them were perfect for each other which was especially funny since it was Pinkie who helped Cheese Sandwich become who he is when he stumbled into Ponyville during one her parties some years back. She chuckled did not go underheard when she heard a familiar voice behind her, "What's so funny."

Twilight turned to see a baby purple dragon with green spines and a pale green underbelly standing behind her with a scroll and quill in his hand. Twilight just smiled and said, "Sorry Spike, I was just thinking about Cheese Sandwich and Pinkie Pie."

Spike raised an eye-ridge, "What about them?"

"I was thinking how well they fit together, being party planning Pony, making ponies laugh, and ironically enough that it was Pinkie that made Cheese become a party pony himself." Twilight explained to the oblivious baby dragon.

"Yeah I did find that pretty weird when you told me about the last time he was here," Spike said as they both remembered how they turned Rainbow's Birthaversary into a Goof-Off. But he then tapped the quill against his chin and spoke again "But what exactly is so funny about that, Twilight? I don't get it." he shrugged.

Twilight just shook her head with an amused grin, 'Poor, sweet, naïve Spike' she thought as Spike failed to see the romance between Pinkie and Cheese. She decided to tell him more directly about this later as she believed that Spike would've only come here if it was to tell her something important, "So Spike did you want to tell me something or you just here to say hello."

Spike's eyes widened in realization as remembered and looked back at the scroll he was holding, "Oh right! I forgot!" He then cleared his throat read over the list, "Applejack has gotten her family, Mr. and Mrs. Cake and Sugar belle to take responsible for cooking the celebration's main banquet. Rainbow's got the Wonderbolts to have sky patrol to make sure we get perfect weather for the festival and plenty of freshwater. Rarity and her Fashion friends will be decorating the stage and supplying plenty of good outfits for any pony who wants something special to remember the day. Fluttershy has asked her bird Chorus, Octavia, Vinyl, and their musicians' friends to prepare the music for the dancing part of the celebration, Pinkie, Cheese, Party Favor, and their volunteers have finally decided on how they with the rest of the decorations and plenty of events and games around town. and finally"

Twilight let out a sigh of relief, glad to hear that her friends had gotten all the help they need to make the celebration a success, "That's great Spike, anything else."

Spike was about to say no before his cheeks puffed and then with a belch green flames burst out of his mouth which then turned into a scroll. Twilight recognized the seal on it and levitated it up to her face and read aloud what it said.

Dear Twilight,
I heard that Ponyville's Anniversary was coming up soon,

So I decided that it would be nice to come and try to help.

And don't you worry about the empire if you're thinking that,

Shining and I decided it would be good to take a vacation.

We'll be there tomorrow, once we got everything here under control.

Flurry's looking forward to seeing you and I bring a special surprise for you when we get there.

Love, your sister-in-law Cadance

Twilight smiled excitedly, Her brother, sister-in-law, and niece were all coming here to help her with the Celebration of the founding of her town. She also wondered if Princess Celestia and Luna would be able to come too, but that seemed unlikely with all the other responsibilities they had. But still having some of her family coming over was better than nothing. Spike was feeling happy that they were coming but then let a yawn feeling tired as all the exhaustion from checking the preparations for the Anniversary Celebration was finally catching up to him. So was Twilight as she yawned too, "Well Spike, I think that's enough preparing for today let's get some sleep."

Spike nodded, "Ok night Twilight." He waved and closed the door. Twilight let out a chuckle and trotted over her bed. She climbed in and pulled the covers over herself. She looked to her nightstand saw the picture of her and her friends at her coronation. She made a warm smile, feeling very lucky to have such great friends. After she turned off her lamp, she closed her eyes fell into a deep sleep.

Twilight opened her eyes and saw it was early in the morning and rushes out of a bedroom and heads out to the balcony and looked over a beautiful city of white, purple, and gold as the morning sun was just about to rise. What's more, Twilight noticed that she was looking through someone else's eyes, a foal's given how short she felt.

"What is this-" Twilight tried to ask but then she noticed two shadows standing on either side of her she looked to her left and up to see a big light blue Alicorn, with a dark navy blue & purple striped tail mane, tail, and mustache beard, bluish-green eyes and wearing a royal purple shirt with gold cuffs, tasseled shoulder pads, a purple king's cap, and gold regalia and crown, his Cutie Mark was a purple and white eight-point star over a swirling cloud nebula, strangely enough, she noticed that his mane colors were the same as his.

She then looked to her right and saw a pinkish purple alicorn mare with a golden mane and tail with a pink and orange stripe running through the dark magenta eyes, her wings started pink as her coat but faded to gold at the ends. She was donned in gold slippers, chest plate, crown, and around her forelegs were golden rings silk sleeves on them on each of her accessories was a magenta twelve-point purple. Her Cutie Mark was a purple twelve-point star with an orange and yellow inside of it. That's when Twilight also noticed her the mare's mane style minus the different colors was the same as her, it even had two stripes in like her too.

Also Twilight felt something funny as she looked at the two, something strange but familiar like she's known these two for a long time.' But why do I feel this?' She asked herself, but got no answer before the stallion spoke up.

"Look, Little Star. Everything the light touches is our kingdom," He said as Twilight looked and saw an enchanting view overlooking the city with the rising sun in view.

"Wow. You two rule all of that?" She heard a small voice asked sounding astonished, she figured it was the voice of whoever's body she was in.

" Yes, with some help from your aunts and the other guardians. But a King or Queens time as rulers rise and fall like the sun," The mare answered.

" One day, my Daugther, the sun will set on me and your mother's time here...," The stallion looking down at her.

" ...And will rise with you like the new queen," The mare finished smiling down at her.

" All of this will belong to me?" The filly asked as She and Twilight looked out of the kingdom in awe.

" It belongs to Nopony, my dear. It'll be yours to protect. A great responsibility." Corrected the stallion.

'Oof, glad I'm not in her shoes.' Twilight said, knowing that ruling an entire kingdom would not be easy for her.

" Everything the light touches? Those Trees? The Fields? And beyond those horizons?" the other voice asked looking towards the areas beyond the city.

"Those are grounds of the other creatures' Kingdoms You must not go there without their permission, Sweetie." The mare said firmly.

" But I thought a King and Queen can do whatever they want, Take any land." said the filly asked.

'There's more to being a leader than getting what you want all the time' Twilight said to herself, knowing that being queen meant showing fairness and compassion to your subjects and the leaders of other kingdoms.

" While others search for what they can take, a true leader searches for what he or she can give," The stallion answered as he and Aurora turned and walked off with Twilight following them.

Twilight then watched as they walked through the city, seeing ponies of all kinds talking, working, playing, and doing many other things. She saw Unicorns, Pegasi, Earth Ponies she even thought she a few Alicorns. The three eventually came into a nearby meadow.

" Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance," The mare started as they walked, seeing more Ponies playing with their friends and families.

" And as Queen, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures. From our kind to Earth Ponies, Pegasi and Unicorns," said Cobalt.

" Mommy, Daddy why do we help these other ponies in time in need? They aren't like us, right?" asked the filly as Twilight was surprised the filly would ask such a question.

" Yes, Twilight but let us explain. When we helped these ponies, they help us in return," The mare started.

" And when we work together, problems are solved. And So you see, we are all connected thanks to the most powerful magic of all: The Magic of Friendship," The Stallion finished. Twilight was amazed these two Alicorns thought so deeply of the Magic of Friendship as she did. She was glad that she and her friends weren't the only ones who believed in powerful friendship.

But then a cold, lifeless wind brushed past her, Twilight looked around and saw that the once beautiful meadow turned gray and dead, all the ponies who were playing in were gone and so were the two Alicorns and then black and red smoke started appearing around her swirling around. Suddenly Twilight no longer felt safe or unafraid, the black and red smoke carried a coldness she had never felt before, as well as something else.

Something Ominous. Something Powerful.

Something, evil.

She felt it strongest upwards then looked up where she saw the fog building up into a gigantic deep black cloud. Then appearing from the cloud was a pair of blood-red eyes with what looked like a long thin scar running through the left eye glaring right down at her filled with nothing but absolute hatred and malice. in its eyes she a reflection of herself, her face stricken with horror.

Twilight felt herself trembling in absolute fear, She stared down many terrifying villains and monsters before and back then even though she was pretty scared, she knew as long as she had her friends beside her she could overcome any evil. But when looking at these deathly red eyes. she could not find any bravery at all. As Twilight continued to shake in fear the cloud still looked like it was studying her, she heard it speak a deep and malevolent voice speaking to her.

"LISTEN TO EVERY WORD. BE AFRAID." Twilight stepped back a bit, as she could practically feel the power and evil in its voice, making her feel like a small foal. the dark cloud made no notice of this and just narrowed its eyes and continued, "YOU CAN TRY TO RUN. YOU CAN TRY TO HIDE. BUT I WILL FIND YOU. AND WHEN I DO I WILL FINALLY FINISHED WHAT I STARTED WITH THOSE BEFORE YOU AND CLAIM EQUESTRIA AND LANDS BEYOND IT, AS MY OWN!!!" It roared blowing her mane back before it charged straight towards her with a mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth, ready to devourer her in one bite!

Twilight screamed in terror and shot up from the covers. She hyperventilated realizing she was just asleep she looked around her bedroom seeing only her thing in their usual places. "It was, that just dream." She told herself, but the last part felt more like a nightmare in her opinion. "What did it mean?" She had dreams before, mostly about books, making Celestia proud, her friends but this dream felt very real and very powerful.

She looked outside seeing the moon still high in the sky, realizing that it was still late she tried to go back to sleep, "Maybe I should tell Celestia and Luna about my dream next time I see them." She mumbled, knowing that the two elder princesses might have the answer. And so the young Alicorn returned to sleep hoping she would not have another dream like that again.

Meanwhile In Canterlot Princess Luna was galloping through the halls with a worried expression on her face. She had sensed something she had not felt for many centuries, something she hoped to never feel again. She reached her sister's room and pushed the doors opened, shouting, "Sister! I fear we may have a-" Luna stopped herself as she saw Celestia sitting up in her bed and was panting softly. then Luna saw an emotion she had never seen on Celestia's face in years.

Fear.

Celestia turned to Luna, "Sister I just had the most horrible dream." She said as Luna approached with concern on her face.

"Celestia do not try to deceive me or yourself," Luna said as shook her head, "You know as well as I that was no regular dream but a sign." She then narrowed her eyes and spoke with a fair amount of disdain in her voice, "A sign that says he shall return."

Celestia exhaled and got up from the bed, "I had hoped if we had kept his name silent, we would never hear of that monster again." She said as looked out on her kingdom with a sense of dread. Luna walked next to her and raised a brow to her elder sister.

"Should we tell Twilight about this?" She asked but Celestia shook her head.

"No, we can't." She said, and walked away from Luna, "We must deal with this ourselves without risking her life."

Luna tried to protest, "But Tia! You know that Twilight and her friend have managed to defeat every evil that has ever endangered Equestria, surely they can-"

"And YOU know that if he sees Twilight, he'll do what he tried to do to her all those years ago! And this time we won't have them to save her!" Celestia interrupted, turning her head to Luna slightly wincing as she remembered the loved ones she and Luna had lost so long ago but she shook it off turned her back to Luna, "You and I both made a promise that we would do everything we could to keep her safe, and I intend to keep it." She held her head up high, sticking with her decision. Luna glanced to the side knowing that Celestia had good intentions but she didn't feel comfortable with keeping up this away from Twilight.

"I understand where you are coming from Tia but even if we keep this from her, he will still tear our kingdom apart until she finds her and he will destroy anypony who stands in his way." Luna said, as Celestia's head began to dip slightly, knowing she was right, "Also don't you think we have kept this from her long enough? Perhaps it's time she knows the truth about who she is."

Celestia turned to her sister with shock, "What?! Luna! If we tell her about that she'll be heartbroken!"

"And even more so if she learns the truth from somewhere that isn't from us." Luna argues, Celestia frowned and looked at the ground, Luna sighed "Look Tia, I understand you are feeling. I do but if we keep this from Twilight for longer than we have already we are only hurting ourselves and her when learns the truth on her own." Luna then placed her hoof on Celestia's shoulder, "Look how about once the founding of Ponyville celebration is over, we ask Twilight to come to Canterlot, and there we tell her everything."

Celestia mulled over this for a few moments. She too had always hated to keep such a secret like this from Twilight even if it was to just protect her. Perhaps it was time for the truth to be revealed, "Perhaps you are right Luna." She admitted, before looking over the horizon of her kingdom, knowing there was a great evil out there waiting for the right moment to strike, "I suppose we can just hope that he will not fully recover before then or we are all in great peril."

Luna Nodded and walked next to her sister, she leaned in closer as their discussion had brought back some memories of somepony very precious to her and Celestia, "I miss her so much." She whispered as she felt Celestia's wing wrap around her.

"I know Luna, I do too," Celestia assured her younger sister as the two held each other close knowing that dark times were on the rise.

The next morning Twilight woke up feeling a little better than she did last night. She got out of bed, showered and brushed, made herself breakfast her mane. But she was still tired and still a little shook from that dream.

"It just felt so real, That city was probably one of the most beautiful places I've seen but I've never read any books about any city like that, and that out-of-body experience with me being in the filly's body was pretty strange too." Twilight said to herself as walked through the halls, thinking about her dream, "And those two alicorns, I've never seen them before in any books, scrolls or anything, I don't there ever any mention of another Alicorn princess besides Celestia and Luna or even of a male Alicorn, then why did they fell so familiar" She then smiled for no reason she could think of as she thought about them again, "Still just the sight of them made me feel so, safe."

Then she grimaced as she remembered her most hated part of the dream, "And that black Fog cloud and those eyes, those terrifying red eyes and that horrible voice from it, I never felt that scared before in my life." She shivered but managed to push through the fear and still wondered about what it said to her and about her dream in general, but why was I so afraid? what did it mean when it said 'It would finish what it start'? And why did it talked like it knew me Is somepony after me or-"

"Twilight?"

"AH!" Twilight yelped at the sound of a voice. She thought for a moment it was the voice from her dream but as she whipped around she saw it was just Spike, "Oh Spike. It's just you."

"Sorry Twilight. I didn't mean to scare you." Spike Apologized and pointed to the hallway, "I just wanted to tell you someone's here to see you." Twilight looked to the hall and saw coming from it was...

"SURPRISE!" Shining and Cadence cheered as Flurry Heart giggled in between her parents. Twilight beamed brightly and sprinted over to them. Once she reaches them, Twilight throws her front legs around her brother's neck and hugs him close, "Shining! It's been so long! I've missed you so much!" She cheered.

“I know Twiliy, It’s so good to see you too.” The white stallion said to his little sister as he returns her loving hug with just as much love.

"Hey Don't Forget about me!" Cadence chimed in, Twilight turned to her foal-sitter and they greeted each other the only way they knew how:

“Sunshine, Sunshine
Ladybugs Awake!
Clap Your Hooves,
And Do A Little Shake!”

They sang their old filly handshake before laughing and pulling each other into a warm hug, "It's great to see you too!" They both said together, before giggling again. Twilight then heard baby sounds from below her and looked down to see Flurry holding out her tiny hooves to her, wanting to be hugged by her auntie. Twilight smiled and then lifted Flurry to her chest and hugged, "Ooh, it's good to see you too, sweetie." She cooed to the filly before hugging her.

After she put her down, she turned back to her brother who just shared and hoof/claw bump with Spike who went over gave Cadence and Flurry a hug each, "I'm glad you three made it here, just in time too."

"You didn't think we'd leave you hanging, LSBFF?" Shining joked calling Twilight by her old nickname.

"Of course not BBBFF," Twilight replied bumping him playfully. She then turned to Cadence and Flurry as the former helped the baby onto her back. "Well now that you're here, you wanna help us with the preparations for the Anniversary? The girls are probably working on them right now."

"Of course we would," Cadence answered with her sweet smile and Flurry gurgled in agreement. The five then walked towards the doorway to engage in the preparations but Twilight then turned back to her sister-in-law, "By the way Cadence, you told me, you were bringing a surprise for me in your letter, so where is it?"

Cadence was about to answer when she looked ahead and smirked, Shining and Spike noticed this and looked to where she was looking, Spike's eyes slightly widen in surprise while Shining mirrored his wife's smirk, "Well, as a matter a fact, here it comes right now."

Twilight then raised a brow as everypony but her stopped walking and she didn't look in front of her, "Huh? What do you-OOF!"

Twilight then bumped into somepony and when she looked up she saw a familiar orange, blue-maned Pegasus. "F-Flash Sentry?" She stammered, her cheeks turning pink.

Flash just smiled politely and helped her up, "We've gotta stop bumping into each other like this, Princess." Twilight just smiled back at him shyly while not noticing the smirks that were on Spike, Shining, and Cadence. "Ye-yeah, definitely need to stop making such a b-bumpy entrance!" She laughed nervously before clearing her throat, "So um, what are you doing here?"

"Well, after the incident with the Changelings, Princess Cadence and Captain Armor needed to have some guards to be with them and their daughter to keep them safe. When they explained to me they need to come to Ponyville they told me I'd be the perfect guard to lead them." Flash answered as Twilight's eyes widen, "They even told me you would appreciate it if I kept them safe."

Twilight narrowed her eyes and turned to the said couple with a fake smile, "Did they?" She strained out as Shining and Cadence smiled back at her, "How interesting." She then turned back to Flash with a more happy expression "Well, on behalf of Ponyville I welcome you and thank you for being willing to keep my family safe."

"It is my honor, Princess." Flash bowed to her not noticing her blushing. He then stood back up, "Well, I have to go check on my squad and make sure they didn't see anything suspicious. I'll let you know if we see anything." He saluted to his two superiors who nodded to him. he then turned and walked out of the door into the Town.

After Twilight was sure he was earshot he rounded on her brother and sister-in-law, "Okay, What's this about?"

Shining held up his hooves in innocence and said, "What're you talking about? We needed a commander for our guards and Flash fit the bill perfectly."

"And we figured he needs some time to work outside of the empire too," Cadence said innocently as well. Twilight just snorted through her nostrils, "Yeah right."

Cadence just sighed, "Okay you got us. We decided to bring Flash along and see if you two could bond."

"Cadence I already told you, I DON'T have a crush on him!" Twilight shouted with her cheeks red.

Shining just laughed and wrapped his foreleg around her, "Come on, Twiliy do you honestly think that I didn't notice all those long stares you gave him whenever you visited the empire?" His question caused Twilight to blush again.

"And don't think we didn't see how you blushed when you were talking to him just now." Cadence added walking next to her with Flurry giggling at how red her auntie's cheeks were getting, "You Twilight Sparkle are definitely in love!"

"I'm not in love!" Twilight retorted shaking Shining's hoof off her. She then took a breath and turned her back them "Look I admit, Flash is a good guy but a few stares and blushes don't mean I like him like that."

"But the fact you talk all lovey-dovey to pictures of him in your room, does," Spike added with a sly grin.

Twilight face turned bright red, "WHA-WHAT?! HOW DO YOU?!" She asked frantically.

Spike just shrugged and answered, "You really should make sure you're door is closed you know?"

Shining and Cadence then turned back to Twilight as she tried to find the right answer but couldn't. So she just groaned and stomped out of the castle with her head up. The three just looked at each other laughed, "So how long before she and he are?"

"Hmm, I give about two days until she accepts the truth and another four for her to confess to him, so I'd say just before the Anniversary," Cadence answered.

Shining just chuckled and walked towards the door, "Well when you told me about Twilight liking Flash, I had to admit that if there was one stallion in Equestria I would trust with my little sister it would be him." He then gestured for them to follow and they did.

Meanwhile in the sky above Rainbow Dash was clearing the clouds away so it would be bright and sunny, "Sky's cleared and ready for the festival!" she then turned to some other Pegasi, "Keep up the good work guys, we're making good time!" They saluted as she flew down.

On the ground level, Everyone was working hard to make the village ready for the Anniversary Celebration. By the stage, Pinkie was busy making balloon animals and had just blowing a red one and making it into a Discord balloon animal. Unfortunately, the air started leaking from its tail and was strong enough to push her back. "WAH!" She cried, as the balloon blew away and she chased after it.

Fluttershy was conducting an orchestra of birds until the balloon flew past her, and Pinkie chased after it, "Sorry, Fluttershy! Out of control balloooooon!" She shouted scaring the birds and Fluttershy was devastated. but she manages to comfort one of them, "I don't think it's the balloon that's out of control, Pinkie Pie." She said looking at the Pink pony slyly.

Walking over while carrying a cart of apple cider was Applejack who ducked out of the way of the balloon and Pinkie, "Hey, ya'll. Anypony up for some free samples of my family's apple cider?" She asked holding up a mug

Upon hearing that, Rainbow licked her lips and zoomed past the farm pony, snatching the cup, "Thank you!" she flew back giving her the empty cup, "Loved it!"

Rarity was adding a gem to a bow decorated around a huge stage, and being who she was, was making sure it looked just right and humming a little ditty as well. Applejack had to comment on her work, "Wow, Rarity. It's a fine job you're doin' there. 'Course it might not get done 'til after the celebration comes." she noted that the stage needed more decorations to be added as Rarity had barely started.

"Applejack, darling, anypony can do "fine"," Rarity began, before looking back at her work, "Twilight asked me to decorate the stage, so clearly, she's going for fabulous, and fabulous takes time."

"Fabulous takes forever!" Rainbow complained as she hovered above them, before smirking, "But "awesome"..." she then flew super fast around the whole stage, decorating fairly quickly. She flew past Fluttershy making her dizzy and accidentally wrapped her up and placed a gem on her nose, "Can get done in four seconds flat!" she said as they all noticed that all the bows were uneven and sloppily hung, "Faster if I do my Sonic Rainboom!" she was about to fly up until Rarity screamed.

"No, no, oh no! Don't you dare, Rainbow Dash! It looks wretched enough already." She stated as a diamond fell from one of the sloppy bows.

"Oh come on, it's fine!" the pegasus complained as Pinkie finally managed to catch her balloon.

"If you were raised in a barn!" Rarity's eyes widened when she realized what she said, and turned to A.J, "Ahem, no offense, Applejack."

"None taken. Especially since I wasn't raised in a barn," A.J began, as she kept filling up cups of apple cider that was being snatched by Rainbow, "My family just happens to have a barn. Where I was born. And... spent most of my formative years..." She finished confusedly as Rainbow answered for her.

"Raised in a barn!"

The girls then noticed Twilight walking toward them with a rather frustrated expression and her face looked a bit red. They looked to each other in concern before Rarity said, "Um, Twilight, darling. Are you alright?"

Twilight then looked up and saw her friends looking at her in concern. She then took a breath and said, "Yeah girls I'm sorry, I was just thinking about something."

"Thinking about what, exactly?" Rainbow asked, raising a brow.

Twilight was about to answer when from behind her somepony said, "She's just in denial about being in love!" The girls turned to see Spike, Shining Armor, and Cadence carrying Flurry Heart walking towards them. Twilight blushed again and shouted, "Cadence!"

"Oh come on Twiliy! You know you like him!" Shining teased as Twilight growled in frustration. Before she heard Rarity squeal and zipped right in front of her.

"Oh my goodness. Twilight you have your eyes somepony?! That's wonderful news! You simply must tell me the lucky stallion's name!" She shouted as Twilight backed away stammering. The other girls were looking at her eagerly as well

"Hold on now, This feller wouldn't happen to be that Flash Sentry we saw back in the Crystal Empire, is he?" Applejack smirked with a raised brow. Twilight blushed even more and tried to deny it.

"Uh, uh, No! It's not him it's, uh-"

"Oh yeah, it's him alright." Spike answered for her, telling the girls what happened early, "Twilight bumped into him and she started blushing and stammering once she laid eyes on him."

"Awww!" The girls cooed as Twilight moaned and blushed in embarrassment hiding behind her wings. Cadence just giggle pulled her sister-in-law's wing open, "Don't be so embarrassed Twilight, being in love with somepony is nothing to be ashamed of and it can lead to many great things. just Look at me and your brother, happily married and with a daughter." She stated as she nuzzling Shining as they both hugged Flurry. Twilight listen to what she said and she had to admit that being in love with somepony and marrying and starting a family with that pony did sound nice but she wasn't in rush for that just yet.

"Thanks, Cadence, but I'm not ready for that step at least not yet," Twilight said as Cadence nodded in understanding. She then turned back to her friends and asked, "So how's everything going?"

"Movin' along like clockwork!" Applejack confirmed, "The Apples just started catering the banquet."

"The music is going along just nicely," Fluttershy added, getting out of her ribbons, and held up her hoof for a bird to land on and tweeted sweetly.

"Weather's under control." Rainbow chimed in, gesturing to the sky.

"The decor is looking great!" Rarity cheered before looking at Rainbow's handy work and grimace, "Well great-ish."

"And the games and events are getting done in record time." She then bounded over Twilight getting close to her face, "Don't you worry Twilight we're making the party is gonna be a party to end all parties and not some big flop show where everything falls apart around us, the anniversary is ruined and you are forever remembered as the alicorn princess who messed one of the most important days in all of Ponyville!" Pinkie said in one breath, making Twilight even more concerned about everything than she was before. Until Pinkie bounced back as everypony gathered around her, "But You still have us to get it back on track!" Pinkie assured her gesturing to Spike, Cadence, Shining, Flurry, and the girls "So stop worrying." She beamed as everypony else nodded and smiled in agreement. This made Twilight relax a little knowing she had the support of everypony who cared about her to help make this work.

(Play We Got This Together from MLP The Movie here)

Applejack pulls Twilight closer as the latter yelps and the formers begin to sing.

[Applejack]
It's time to show' em what you've got,

Applejack dusted Twilight off as her crown starts to fall and Rarity takes over.

[Rarity]
It's time to go and get things done.

Rarity readjusts the crown and Fluttershy walks up to them sings next.

[Fluttershy]
But you don't have to do it on your own,

Pinkie then pops up and pulls all the girls into a big group with Twilight in the center.

[Pinkie Pie]
Cause you got friends right here to make it fun!

The group squeeze in closer to Twilight as the Alicorn was getting smooshed by her friends who just kept on singing.

[Mane 5]
We gotthis! Yougot this!We gotthis Together!

The group then separated giving Twilight a chance to breathe but it wouldn't be for long as Rainbow Dash grabbed her foreleg and the two blasted off into the clouds, and as they flew Rainbow continued the song

[Rainbow Dash]
Sometimes the pressure gets you down
And the clouds are dark and grey
Just kick them off and let the sunshine through

The two then pushed through the layer of clouds as Twilight stared at all the clouds blocking up the sky but Rainbow then pulled the corners of her mouth to make a wide smile.

And scary as it seems, more help is on the way
'Cause friends have friends that wanna help out, too

Spitfire, Soarin, and the rest of the Wonderbolts then came bursting through clouds and flew around the princess and their fellow Wonderbolt as they sang with Rainbow.

[Rainbow Dash and Wonderbolts]

We got this, you got this, We got this together!

They then burst into one big cloud revealing the sun. As Twilight was about to question it Rainbow rolled her eyes and pulled her back down.

As Twilight flew around the town the ponies were all getting ready with some of the out-towners pitching in with preparation.

[Crowd]

It's the Festival of Friendship
And we can get it done
A festival that they won't forget

Twilight then landed near Photo Finish and she took her picture which turned out to be great.

A party to be proud of
A day of games and fun
Just you wait and see
A magic day in perfect harmony

She then landed next to Fluttershy by her petting zoo with a bird on the pegasus foreleg and Angel Bunnie next to her.

[Fluttershy]
You got this

She Sung as the bird tweeted in the same melody.

[Bird]
[whistles melody]

Then suddenly Hairy the bear grabbed and hugged them while Twilight struggled to breathe, Angel didn’t seem bothered. Fluttershy and her bird kept singing.

[Fluttershy and bird whistle]
We got this together

Twilight then checked on Applejack and her family for the food preparations and Shining Armor was helping.

[Shining Armor]
With friends and family, you are never alone,
If you need help, we've got your back

He patted Spike’s back accidentally causing him to burn his scroll, While tasted the drinks but recoiled from the bitter taste and added some sugar.

[Applejack]
You can be honest, let your problems be known

The rest apples then set the tables

[Applejack and Apple family]
'Cause you got us to pick up the slack
We got this!

“Eeyup!” Big Mac cheered taking a bite of the pie.

[Apple family]
We got this together

Twilight then checked the stage for the music performance that was being decorated by Rarity and her fashion friends Sassy Saddles and Coco Pommel and Cadence and Flurry were there to observe

[Rarity]
Pay attention to the details
Every gem even-spaced
Make the colors perfect

Spike then snuck around and took a gem to eat.

[Spike]
Takin' one or two to taste.

No one noticed as Rarity continued to sing and Sassy gave her a basket of gems.

[Rarity]
Inside and out, beautiful throughout
Generosity is what we're all about

Just before Spike could take another gem, Rarity passed the basket to over him letting him take a snack.

[Spike]
[mouthful] You got this.

Rarity then levitated the centerpiece with Twilight’s help onto the stage.

[Rarity]
You got this,

[Rarity and Spike]
We gotthis together

Twilight and Cadence, carrying Flurry on her back, flew up higher overlooking all the preparations for the festival.

[Twilight Sparkle]
Today needs to be perfect, it all comes down to me
I don't know if I'm ready
For all the things they need me to be.

Cadence noticed the nervousness on her Sister-in-law's face and smiled while grabbing her hoof and flew the three of them down the streets and sang.

[Princess Cadence]
But you are the Princess of Friendship
And that is more than just a crown.

The three Alicorns then flew over a lake with Twilight at her reflection and glanced at Cadence & Flurry before mirror their smiles.

[Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadence]
It's a promise to bring ponies together
And never let anypony down!

They then spun around and splashed the water before flying upwards. Meanwhile, Pinkie was working up a sweat peddling and a giant egg beater mixing up a bunch of cake ingredients in a giant bowl

[Pinkie Pie]
We've got an awful lot to bake,
Each pony needs a piece of cake,
Oh, wait! There's something better we can do!

She then Noticed The Trixie and Starlight were practicing the fireworks, then Cheese Sandwich wheeled in some building materials and took over.

[Cheese Sandwich]
We're gonna need some more supplies,
To make a really big surprise,
She'll be so shocked—she's sure to love it, too!

The Two-Party ponies started building something big that help makes the biggest cake for the celebration.

[Pinkie and Cheese Sandwich]
You got this!
We got this together!

Before long everypony in Ponyville was getting into the swing of things as the Mane 6, Spike, Shining Armor, Cadence, and Flurry Heart looked over at everything going.

[All]
It's the Time of Friendship.
Together we are one.
A day we will never forget,
And now everything is ready
So when the day is done

The Wondebolt cleared the skies.

[Rainbow Dash]
The weather,

The Apple family, checked the food.

[Applejack]
The banquet,

Rarity and her Fashion friends posed for the cameras.

[Rarity]
The style,

Fluttershy and the bands practiced their music.

[Fluttershy]
And music.

Soon the everyone was dancing to the music as Twilight flew upwards.

[All]
All will be in perfect harmony!

They suddenly a large blue cannon shot a large five-layer pink and white cake into the air. Twilight saw it and just barely moved out the way as it landed on the ground with each layer landing on each other with a splat before it melted in a pink puddle. Twilight looked down at the mess before she turned to the cannon, "Pinkie!" She shouted.

Said pony climbed out of the barrel and saw the mess, "Oopsie! Guess My easy bake confetti cake cannon needs a little bit more fine-tuning!" Pinkie grinned, as Twilight just sighed and looked out over all of the citizens of Ponyville and then saw all the work they had done with a smile. She then turned to the ponies below and spoke, "Mares and Gentlecolts, It gives me great joy to see you all hard at work to make sure the anniversary of our town goes perfectly and though it may be still a few days away I have faith that we will, will...will" Twilight suddenly felt a wave of tiredness wash over her, causing her eyes to roll back and her wings stop as she went under. Unfortunately, this also meant she stopped flying and she dropped like rock right straight for the lake below.

The Ponies below gasped in horror as they watched their princess crash into the lake with a splash, Her friends and family in particular screamed, "TWILIGHT!" Not missing a beat Rainbow dove into the lake after her and after a few minutes she pulled herself and Twilight out and she dropped her alicorn friend on the ground gently. Shining immediately ran to her and started shaking her, hoping to wake her up.

"Twiliy?! Twiliy Wake up! Twiliy Please open your eyes!" He cried as Cadence, Spike and the girls gathered around Twilight hoping she was awake and would wake up soon. Unaware that inside Twilight's head she was having quite the encounter.

Twilight found herself walking in a starry blue void, where there was nothing to see, but white sparkling stars all around her. She remembered that she was in a place like this before when she completed Starswirl's spell and was brought to this space where Celestia had made her into Alicorn. She looked left and right hoping to find her former teacher or somepony or at least something that could tell her where she was.

"Hello? Is anypony there?" She called out as she continued walking around still seeing nothing but black.

Until...

And red and orange ball of Fire appeared right to her on her left. Twilight shrieked and backed away from the fireball, not wanting to be burned. But the ball's fire was not a heat to stay back from but a warmth to come closer, as the warmth of the fireplace during a cold winter's night. Inside the fireball was the image of a Volcano with the stone face of an alicorn at its base.

As Twilight questioned whether or not to approach she suddenly felt a gust of wind to her left. She turned only to an orb of silver streams of wind about the same size as the fireball. Twilight felt like the wind from the orb was like a gentle spring breeze that would calm even the most anxious soul. Within its center was the image of a cloud temple with a carved Alicorn on its front. Twilight felt four other surges of powers behind her, so she spun around and saw on her left a swirling ball of rock and dirt with the image of a cave at the bottom of a canyon with another alicorn head, on her right was a blue bubble of water and smaller bubbles with the image of seafloor cave with another alicorn face and straight ahead of her was a yellow sphere of electrical energy with small bolts of lightning along with the image a magnetic floating pillar, bellowing with lightning with an Alicorn head on top of it's main gate, and right behind her was a green sphere of leaves, plants and small vines and inside of it was the visual of a giant tree with yet another Alicorn head carved into the trunk.

Twilight now found herself surrounded by these five orbs that represented the five elements of Creation: Fire, Earth, Thunder, Water, Air and Nature. But why were they here? Were they trying to tell her something, "What is this?" She asked herself. Then suddenly the balls started shaking Twilight looked at them in concern, thinking they were about explode. But instead they started spinning around her, they started off slowly before speeding up and soon they were too fast to see. Soon Twilight was surrounded by spinning flames, bubbles, leaves, bolts, wind, and rocks, the spinning caused her mane and tail to blow upwards.

Twilight was then levitated into the air causing to her yelp, "What's happening?!" She didn't get her answer as the swirling elements turned into a tornado, blowing her higher and faster into the blackness above but the young princess didn't feel scared, she felt as if she had nothing to fear in this tornado of elemental magic. Twilight looked around seeing the spinning colors of red, brown, blue, silver, yellow and green around. Then up and saw in darkness two bright lights one bright blue and the other a bright magenta. They shun like stars they danced around her and Twilight almost became hypnotized by the stars as she felt a sense familiarity to them, like she had seen them before. Then something came into focus as the two stars began swirling, the image was of a magnificent, gold, purple and while castle with two alicorn statues in front of it with the image of a six point star in between them.

'What does this mean?' She wondered as the image then began to change, it now showed a baby pony wrapped in a blanket, crying and sitting on a slab of rock, under an oak tree, surround by a small body of water, with flames and wind dancing around it. The foal had a purple coat with a blue, purple and pink mane.

She reached out her hoof to the image and just as she was about to touch it. There was a huge flash of light and...

"*GASP*" Twilight took in some air as she shot up. She whipped her head around and she saw she was in her room in the castle. Before she could register what happened she felt a pair of hooves wrap around her, "Oh thank goodness your alright!" Said a worried voice.

Twilight turned to her left and saw her mother Twilight Velvet hugging her tightly as tears of relief and joy trailed down her cheeks. She then looked to her right and saw her father Night Light, Shining Armor and Cadence looking just as relived.

"M-Mom? Guys, Wh-what happ?" Twilight tried to say as she couldn't remember anything.

Cadence approached her, "You past out in mid-flight back in ponyville, you landed in the lake but Rainbow managed to pull you out, you were knocked out so we decided to bring you back to the Castle to rest," She then gestured to Night Light and Velvet, "When your parents heard what happened they ported her from Canterlot to check on you, your friends and Spike are back outside overseeing the preparations and Flash is watching Flurry."

"Are you alright, dear? A fall like that could've seriously hurt you." Night Light asked his Daughter as Velvet finally managed to calm down and let go of her but still stayed close.

Twilight nodded her head before she gasped as she remembered her dream, "Mom, Dad! You won't believe the dream I just had! I was in the starry void where balls of Fire, Wind, Water, Leaves and Rocks appeared around me and showed me these places and they turned into a tornado that blew up towards two stars that showed me this city and-" She explained hurryingly as Shining Armor walked to her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa! Slow down there!" Shining tried to ease her but Twilight went on.

"And then it showed this image of a foal sleeping under a tree on rock surround by a pond, flames and wind blowing all around it. I don't know what it means?" Night Light and Velvet looked shocked when Twilight said that and looked at each other in concern.

"Mom, dad?" They then turned to their children and Cadence who noticed they're looks, "Is everything okay?"

Night Light sighed and turned to his wife, "Velvet?" He said expectingly.

Velvet nodded hesitantly, "Yes dear, it's time."

"Time? Time for what?" Shining said raising a brow. Velvet sighed and sat down next to Twilight and looked at her and Shining, "Twiliy, Shiny. there's something your father and I have been keeping from you." She then looked directly at Twilight, "Well you mostly dear."

Twilight raised a brow, "What is it?"

Night Light stepped closer to Twilight and said, "We always wanted to tell you the truth but there was just no light way to say it," He then took a breath and looked Twilight straight in the eye, "Twilight that baby you saw in your dream was...you."

Twilight, Shining and Cadence gasped, "What?!" Twilight shouted as her father closed his eyes and recounted the events.

*Flashback*

A younger Night Light clad in gold armor was marching near the forest in Canterlot, as his present self told the story "Years ago when I was still in the royal guard and Shining was a his boot camp I was patrolling near the forest when suddenly I heard the sound of crying coming from within it." Night Light turned to the trees where the noise was coming from. He galloped through the trees following the sound when he screeched to a halt,

"When I found what it was I was shocked by what I saw: There under a great tree, surround by a stream, laying on a rock with flames and wind blowing around it was you all wrapped up and alone with only the the name 'Twilight'." Night Light saw the filly and as soon as she saw him she calmed down and wave her forelegs to him. Night Light following his duty leaped over the stream, through the flames and grabbed the filly before rushing back out of the forest

*Flashback ends*

"It was remarkable, there was nobody around, no note or anything and despite the flames, wind and sound of the forest you didn't seem frightened it almost seemed like they were protecting you." Night Light went on as the younger three were listen to the tale in awe.

"You, you found me it the forest alone? What was I doing there?" Twilight asked as she was greatly confused about all this

"We don't know, your father didn't see anyone go in or out of the forest so it was mystery how you got there." Velvet explained as she saw the gears in her daughter's head-turning so she decided to take over the story, "When your father brought you back home I was just surprised to hear about what happened.

"We knew from that moment you were no ordinary pony Twilight." Night Light finished. Twilight eyes were wide with surprise at this revelation but then her ears folded back and tears began to built up in her eyes as she realized what all of this meant.

"But if what your saying is true, then that means," Twilight whimpered as tears began to slide down her cheeks. Shining and Cadence soon came to the same Realization and Shining jaw dropped and Cadenced covered her mouth with her hooves.

Velvet now seeing Twilight that knew what this meant, took her daughter's hooves in her own, "Yes Twilight." She then closed her eyes and said the three word that changed everything.

"You were, adopted."

Author's Note

Dun-Dun-DUNNNNN!!!!!

There you have it folks the first Chapter of MLP Return of the King and Queen is out and boy did it turn out big! You can thank my best friend Dinoman213 for helping write some of the text for it.

Also, there is some good news and bad news I'd like to share with all of you. I've gotten so used to writing and planning chapters for this story that I've run out of ones for My Little Ninjago: When Realms Unite so unfortunately I can't work on that story like I promised until I get my inspiration for it back. :twilightsheepish:

But the good news is that while I'm waiting I'll continue working on this story adding a new chapter now and then, so hopefully you'll be seeing some updates occasionally.

Anyway on with the story summary. As you may have guessed this all happens a week after the events of 'Celestial Advice' and the girls and the citizens of Ponyville are preparing for the Anniversary of their town. But it seems that Twilight is plagued by strange dreams and visions of mysterious truths and horrible things.

And it seems the royals sisters Have sensed an approaching evil they are familiar with but this time Celestia feels she shouldn't tell this Twilight and it looks like she and Luna are hiding something from.

As for the song part of the story, this was the first time I did something like that before so if anyone has any ideas for any other songs that could be used in this story please post them in the comment section.

And it looks like Twilight is now having visions of a past she never knew and her family lineage isn't what she thought it was too.

Also, that little Flashlight moment is a bit of a teaser of more to come so keep your heads up.

Anyhoo Next Time, As Twilight comes to grips with the fact that she is adopted, strange things are happening around town, and when she travels to Canterlot seeking answers from her former teacher she discovers that an old foe of Equestria is melting a comeback and that she and her friends are off on another adventure. Find out how she reacts to this in September.

Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Follow me on Fimfiction.

stay cool, stay friends and I'll see you on the website.

Until then NNNNIIIINNNJJJJJAAA-GO!!!

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Darkness on the Rise

"You were adopted." Velvet said with a tinge of regret as she could practically see the heartbreak in her daughter's eyes. Shining Armor and Cadence just looked at the purple Alicorn in shock and Night Light also looked at his 'adopted' daughter with some regret of his own.

And Twilight herself looked like she was about to break down right there and then, "So this means I'm not a real part of this family." She said as she covered her eyes as she silently weeps. Velvet frowns at her daughter's obvious pain, "Oh Twilight." She then tried to hug Twilight but the young princess just pushed her 'adoptive' mother away and continued weeping.

She had been a life that was nothing more than a lie. Her parents weren't her real parents, Shining Armor and Cadence weren't her real siblings and worst of all; Flurry Heart wasn't her real niece. She then turned back to Night Light and cried out, "You-you adopted me why, why didn't you ever tell me or Shining?!"

Night Light glanced over to Shining and his son gave him a look saying that he wanted some answers too. The older stallion sighed then stood up from the bed and explained, "We were going to honey, we always intended to tell you once you were old enough to fully understand. We were planning on telling during the 1000th Summer Sun Celebration." He admitted as Twilight eyes widen at the revelation before he continued, "But as you know with Celestia sending you to Ponyville, Nightmare Moon, Discord, the Changelings and you becoming a princess and all that, everything just became so crazy that,"

"The perfect moment just didn't come up," Cadence finished, finally speaking after recovering from the big revelation as Night Light nodded, confirming what she said was true.

"We never wanted to deceive you for so long sweetie," Velvet said as she held Twilight's cheeks, thankful she didn't pull away this time, "And don't think for a moment we only took you in out of pity. When your father came home with you in his hooves I was surprised but when he let me hold you and then you snuggled into my coat I immediately fell in love with you. It didn't matter to me if you were my blood or not, you are and always will be my daughter." She then kissed Twilight's forehead to seal the deal. Twilight then made a shaky smile as tears continued to trickle down her cheeks and then she hugged her mother tightly and Velvet gladly returned it. Night Light smiled as well and hugged Twilight from the other side.

"I love you, mom and dad," Twilight whispered, Night Light and Velvet's smiles just became wider as tears formed in their eyes.

"We love you too, Twiliy." They said in unison.

Cadence and Shining watched the mother and daughter moment with teary smiles. Shining Armor then walked up to the three and turned to Twilight, "Hey Twiliy?" He said, getting Twilight's attention as she and her parents broke their hug, "I don't know what's gonna happen from here on but I want you to remember that no matter what," He then placed a hoof on his shoulder, "You'll always be my Little Sister Best Friend Forever."

Twilight smiled at him and hugged him too, "And you'll always be my Big Brother Best Friend Forever." She said to the stallion as hugged her even tighter.

Cadence then walked up to the family with a relieved smile, "Thank goodness for that. A romantic relationship breaking I can handle but a family relationship is something I will not allow." She turned to her fellow Alicorn as she and Shining Armor pulled apart and her smile became more sincere, "And Twilight if I might add even before Shining and I were married I always thought of you as my little sister, and I always will." Twilight smiled in gratitude and she and her old foal sitter hugged one another warmly.

Once they broke apart Twilight's doubts about being a true part of this family were washed away, but she was still bothered by something, "Twilight, what's wrong?" Night Light asked as the rest of Twilight's family looked at her in concern.

"I know, that this doesn't change that you are all my family but," She then turned to her parents respectively, "Do you know who my real-er I mean my birth parents are, or where they are?" She said, almost saying 'real' instead of birth.

Night and Velvet looked at each other before looking at Twilight apologetically, "I'm sorry Twilight but I'm afraid we don't who your birth parents are or where they are right now." Twilight ears flattened.

"Your father and searched the archives and the birth records for anything with your name or anything that would help up lead to where you came from but we found nothing." Velvet lowering her head.

Twilight's head drooped, as she was disappointed that her parents didn't have the answers she was looking for but she shook it off and got up from her bed. Her family stepped aside as she looked down on Ponyville as the preparations for the celebration continued. She then looked on to the horizon knowing that somewhere out there was her birth family, and they were waiting to meet her or who knows what else. She couldn't do anything right now though she had something more important to do right now.

"Well, We can't worry about where my birth family is," Twilight said, turning to her adoptive family. "We still have a celebration to prepare for."

The four nodded and Twilight walked away from the balcony. But before she was more than a foot away from the railing,

Twilight

Twilight whipped back around when she heard something that sounded like a mare's voice calling her name. She moved her eyes left and right trying to see what it was. "Twiliy? What is it?" Shining asked as he, Cadence, and his parents noticed the purple Alicorn.

"I thought I heard," Twilight started, but shook her head, "nevermind, it was nothing, let's just go." Twilight then trotted out of the room. Her family shrugged and followed her.

A few minutes later, Twilight's Friends and Spike along with Starlight had taken a break from the celebration preparation, as they were worried about their friend after they saw her drop like a rock into the lake for no reason until Spike noticed Twilight, Shining Armor, and Cadance coming and the older unicorn couple close behind. Spike was surprised to see Twilight awake and well and cheered " Twilight!". He then rushed towards and jumped up, hugged her neck as Twilight giggled and hugged her brother/son back.

The Mane 6 turned when Spike yelled Twilight's name and saw Twilight awake and very well. Soon, they raced towards the alicorn and they all gather around her in a group hug, as Shining, Cadence, Velvet and Night watched happily. Especially Pinkie Pie who was still hugging her as the others departed. But Pinkie let her go and smiled. "We're so glad your okay Twi!" She said, nuzzling her friend as Twilight nuzzled back.

"Ya scared us pretty bad there Sugarcube." Applejack said bumping her hoof on the princess's shoulder.

"Maybe next time you decide to take a nap wait until you're on the ground first." Rainbow joked as everyone laughed at it.

But then they noticed that Twilight wasn't smiling but rather looked glum and so they stopped their laughter.

"Is everything okay, darling?" Rarity asked.

"You look like something's bothering you," Fluttershy added.

"I'm fine. It's just," Twilight trailed off as she turns to her family more specifically her parents, wondering if she should tell them what she had learned earlier.

Shining Armor and Cadance looked at each other wondering if Twilight should tell them and turned to the older couple for their opinion. After some thinking, Night Light and Twilight Velvet looked to their daughter and nodded their heads, saying she can tell them if she wants to. She gave a small, sad smile back turned to her friends, steadying her nerves, "There's something I need to tell you."

"Well, what is it?" Starlight asked, wondering what she wanted to tell them.

Twilight took a deep breath and said " I know we have come a long way since we met, and that we've been through many things both good and, bad." She slightly winced remembering the incident at the Canterlot wedding but chose not to push it back into her mind and continued, "Which is why I feel like I can tell you about something that I just learned."

Spike and the Mane 6 turned to each other. They were confused at what Twilight was saying.

"Which is what exactly?" Rainbow Dash wondered, Scratching her head.

"See, after I passed out, I had this strange dream and it was unlike any dream I ever had. But when I woke up, my parents told me something that shocked me," Twilight explained.

"What did they tell you, Twilight?" Spike asked approaching her cautiously.

"Spike, do you remember when you hatch and I took you in and raised you as part of our family?" asked Twilight recalling the time when she hatched Spike, one of the happiest times of her life.

"Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?" Spike questioned, not able to connect the dots.

"Well, it turns out you weren't the only one who was taken in," Shining Armor spoke up, as he stood next to Twilight.

"Wait, what are you guys saying?" asked Pinkie Pie not getting what they are talking about and the others weren't fairing any better.

Twilight sighed and answered, " I was also...adopted,".

"WHAT?!" The Mane 5 and Spike gasped in shock hearing this unbelievable truth. Spike was the most shocked, for the pony he assisted and was raised by as a brother and son was an adopted child just like him.

"But then that's means...," Rainbow started as the rest of Twilight's friends came to the same conclusion.

"I know, my family was not the one I was born from, I was just as shocked too when they told me," said Twilight as she turned away in sadness, as her mother winces from behind as Night Light hugged her gently.

Spike, moved his eyes left and right before turning back to Twilight with a smile, "Well, it doesn't change anything to me, no matter who your really related to Twilight you'll always be my family." He said proudly.

"And my teacher." Starlight added, walking up to them.

"And our very best friend, darling." Rarity finished while the other girls voiced their agreements.

Twilight's eye shined with unshed tears, and then pulled her friends in for a hug while the three unicorns and Alicorn watched from behind with a smile. After they concluded the hug the girls returned their thoughts on their questions.

"But Twilight, how were you found? Where did you come from?" asked Fluttershy, holding her hoof on Twilight's chin.

"My Dad told me that he found me on a slab of rock surrounded by a stream, fire, and wind and under an oak tree back when he was still an active royal guard. He brought me home and then he and my mother raised me as their own," said Twilight explaining the story she was told of how she was found.

"A slab of rock?" Rarity repeated in confusion.

"Surrounded by a stream, fire, and wind?" Rainbow added, scratching her mane.

"And under an Oak Tree?" Applejack finished with a raised brow.

Twilight nodded for they are correct in putting the pieces together.

"But, Twilight, if you're parents have found and adopted you? Wouldn't that mean they may have known your birth parents?" Pinkie asked.

"That's the problem, they don't know who Twilight's birth parents were nor do we," Cadance answered, as she joined by Twilight's side as well.

"Um, I might have an idea." Everyone turned to the yellow pegasus, "We could go ask Celestia and Luna? Maybe they might have the answers on Twilight's parents" Fluttershy suggesting her idea. Twilight thought for a moment before realizing that just might be the answer.

"I guess we could give it a try. They've lived for centuries. They just might know where I came from, Who I truly am," said Twilight thinking it might work.

Rainbow flew into the air with her classic grin and said, "Well then, what're we waiting for let's head for Canterlot right n-"

But before she could finish, Flash Sentry came running to them with Flurry Heart flying alongside him and said " Captain Armor! Princess Cadance! Emergency"

"Flash, what is it?" asked Shining Armor noticing Flash's worried expression and the way he was breathing heavily as Flurry Heart flew into Cadence's hooves.

Flash caught his breath and said, " You gotta come with me, quick. It's the trees, their leaves are changing colors and falling off!".

"What?!" said Everypony in unison, before they dashed off, as Velvet and Nightlight hanged back to overlook the preparations.

They followed Flash to where he saw the trees and saw them for themselves. They gasped in confusion and shock as the leaves turned from bright and healthy spring green to autumn red, orange, and yellow. It was something they have never seen before.

"Why are these leaves changing in this early in the year? I thought they only change color during fall?" Rarity shouted in bewilderment.

"They do! This doesn't make sense!" Twilight cried, unable to understand how this was possible.

As they were all wondering this, they then saw Angel the bunny hopping towards them in such a hurry and with a very worried expression on his face.

" Angel? What are you doing here? What's wrong?" Fluttershy asked her furry friend, seeing the distress on his face.

Angel started doing some hand gestures, hopped up & down frantically, and animal sounds which Fluttershy understands what he's trying to tell them.

"Oh no!" said Fluttershy in shock.

"What is it Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash asked her old friend.

"We need to get to my cottage, now!" said Fluttershy as she and the others ran to her cottage.

When they got there, they were in for a shock. All of Fluttershy's animal friends are acting a bit strangely, as in frantic, scared, even slightly hostile. They were running around, grunting, squeaking, and making other noises. Fluttershy tried to reason with them but they just chirped, squawked, or growled at her and some of them even swat her away like a fly. Twilight and her friends were surprised, they've never seen this kind of behavior with Fluttershy's animals before or since.

"What is happening has gotten into them?" asked Rarity wondering.

"I'm not sure. I have never seen my animal friends act this hostile before in my life," Fluttershy said, worryingly feeling hurt, her critters just pushed her aside like a sack of flour. "The only thing I could make out from them was from them was 'He is coming'."

"'He'?" The other repeated in confusion.

"But who is this 'he'?" Cadence asked.

"And what does that have to do with animals acting like this?" Shining added

"And the trees changing color?" Pinkie jumped in, popping from behind Shining.

"Any ideas of why this is all happening, Twi?" asked Applejack as she turned Twilight.

"I don't know. But I think I know somepony who does. Come on," said Twilight as she turns and dashes off with the others following behind her.

Meanwhile, at the Castle Of Canterlot, Celestia and Luna were in the throne room, Luna was sitting on her throne while Celestia was pacing back and forth with a worried expression on her face. She was still worried about the dangers of the old foe from the past returning but what worries her the most is that she might have to tell Twilight something she should've told her a long time ago.

Luna noticed Celestia's expression and asked her older sibling, "You're worried about Twilight, aren't you Sister?".

" I would be lying if I said I wasn't," Celestia replied with a sad sigh.

"Well, you sure did a good job trying to protect her, and she knows how much you love her already. So she might not be too mad." Luna said with a reassuring smile.

"I know. It's just I don't want to lose Twilight the same way we lost her," Celestia answered back, recalling how they lost the pony who meant so very much to them.

"And we never will," said Luna placing a comforting hoof on Celestia's shoulder.

As Celestia looked at Luna with a smile, when suddenly a guard came in and said "Your Majesties, you have some visitors,".

"Visitors? Oh, well then. Send them to come in," Celestia answered.

The guard opens the other door next to him to reveal Twilight, her friends, Shining Armor, and Cadance as they rushed in.

"Twilight? Why are you and your friends here and not in ponyville preparing for-." Celestia asked before the younger ponies screeched to a halt.

"Princess We have a situation!" Twilight shouted.

"What? What is it?" Luna asked with a raised brow.

"Well, while we were preparing the Founding Of Ponyville festival, we began to notice some strange changes," Twilight explained as the others caught their breath.

"What kind of strange changes?" asked Celestia wondering what she means.

"Well, first we saw some trees starting to change color like they thought Fall had come early," said Rainbow Dash explaining the leaves changing colors.

"And then we went to my cottage and my animal friends were acting strangely hostile towards me. It was like they don't even know me anymore nor I know them either," Fluttershy added explaining her animal friend's strange behavior.

"Leaves changing colors early in the year?" Luna asked as she turned to Celestia with a hit of worry.

"Animals acting strange and hostile?" Celestia asked as she shared her sister's worried gaze.

"They also said something about 'He was coming', whatever that means." Rarity pointed out, as both princesses' faces became somewhat pale and the worry on their faces changed into fear.

"Princesses?" Twilight spoke getting their attention, "Is there something wrong?" Twilight asked wondering if they know what is going on.

Celestia turned to Luna who nodded to her. Celestia then took a breath and gestured for everypony to follow her. They then trotted to an unknown part of the castle as Celestia spoke, "I fear we now face a very grim situation my little ponies. For it seems an ancient enemy of Equestria, one who I hoped we'd seen the last of has returned," They then passed a stained glass window and Twilight noticed the light reflection on the floor she looked up but then her eyes shrunk, "His name, is Lord Erebus the Dreaded." She heard Celestia say, and saw on the window was a dark red alicorn with jet black mane, giant bat-like wings, dark armor, and blood-red eyes, standing on his hind legs.

Twilight flinched when Celestia said the stallion's name as she felt something fearfully familiar about that name and quickly walked back over to her friends as Celestia continued her story, "Erebus was, is a monstrous horrific, ferocious dark Alicorn whose heart was as black as his mane. When the ponies of Equestria had finally fully settled into this land Erebus rose to power to accomplish his terrible goal: complete domination of Equestria." She said, looking over to a window that showed Erebus smiling cruelly down at earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi who could merely run and scream fear of his terrible power.

"He used his dark magic to decimate the many settlements of the ancient Equestria, creating terrifying creatures to serve him and to spread his destruction, such as Timberwolves, Hydras, and Chimeras, among others," Luna said gesturing to a window showing Erebus creating monsters and creatures that ravaged and destroyed everything they saw. "It seemed that there was no limit to the mayhem and destruction he was capable of, it was as if the sheer power of Erebus's anger and hatred was what fuelled his dark magic."

"I don't think I like this story." Fluttershy whimpered, as she, Spike, and Rarity felt very terrified by the tale of this alicorn. The other girls along with Cadence and Shining weren't as scared but they were pretty worried. Twilight seemed to be the most scared, but for that reason, she didn't know.

"If Erebus continued to have his way, soon all of Equestria would be turned into a lifeless wasteland. But there was a band of mighty warriors who stood up against him and in earth-shattering battle, they managed to defeat him by a slender thread and banished him to the Dark Realm." Celestia went on with the story as Luna arched her brow in confusion and looked to her sister as that was not how she remembered how it happened. Celestia glanced over to Luna, there was a silent conversation between them that the other didn't notice as Rainbow shot into the air with a victory whoop.

"Aww yeah! Take that Blacky!" She cheered as the other smiled in relief at the thankfully happy ending, but Cadence and Twilight felt that this victory was premature.

"It was indeed a great victory, but it came at a heavy price." Luna took over the story, deciding to play along with Celestia's half-truth, "The land was devasted through Erebus's madness but with the help of Starswirl things slowly began to return to normal, for the time being."

"Huh?" The others said.

"What do you mean for the time being?" Spike asked.

Celestia exhaled, "Though we managed to drive the darkness back, it didn't mean it was truly defeated." She then gave the younger ponies a serious gaze, "Right before Erebus was banished he made a frightening promise that one day he would return to finish what he started."

The ponies gasped in shock. Twilight felt herself trembling when she understood what that meant, "And you think that today is that "one day"?"

Celestia nodded, "I fear so. The Land would show signs of the day he began his return, the life from trees and plants would be drained and their colors would change and animals and other creatures would become hostile." She listed the signs on the first day.

"That's what happening now." Starlight realized as everypony realized the evil Alicorn had begun his return and Fluttershy remembered something and slapped her forehead.

"Of course! Creatures like cats, dogs, and mice can sense approaching disasters, my animal's friends must've sense Dreadmane beginning to stir." She said.

Celestia nodded, "Indeed, and now that Dreadmane's rise back into power has come we must prepare."

"Prepare Auntie?" Cadence asked, raising a brow.

"Yes, Cadence." Celestia nodded, and looked to the mane 5, Shining Armor and Starlight, "I want you seven to each journey to the major cities of Equestria and warn the ponies thereof the darkness coming, tell the leaders there that you must speak to everypony in each settlement." she then handed each of them a silver medallion with a vortex symbol on it, "Use these Transportal Medallions, just think of where you want to be and they will create a portal to that location." she explained.

The girls and Shining bowed their heads and answered, "Yes, your majesty!"

"Um, what about us, Princess?" Twilight asked on behalf of herself, Cadence and Spike.

"I need you three to stay here and search the royal archives for something, anything about Erebus we might be able to use against him," Celestia answered as Luna once again raised her brow. "I fear it as has been such a long time since either or Luna have thought about Erebus I fear even our knowledge has already ebbed away."

Twilight gave a determined look as she, Cadence, and Spike nodded, "You got it!" She then turned to her friends and brother, "You guys had better get to the major settlements and warn them of what's coming."

Rainbow saluted, "On it! Cloudsdale is where I'm going!" She then tapped on her medallion and then a blue portal appeared in front of her. She spread her wings and zoomed through it, to Cloudsdale. It closed once she was through.

Rarity then flipped her hair, "I shall head to Manehatten. I happened to know some ponies in high places there." She declared, then tap on her medallion as a white portal appeared to her, before she went through, however, she turned to Spike, "Now you be careful while I'm gone Spikey-Wikey!" She cooed giving him a pat on the head as the little dragon blushed.

"Y-yeah. Y-you too." He mumbled as Rarity elegantly stepped through her portal and it vanished too.

Pinkie suddenly sprang out of nowhere, "Ooh, ooh, ooh! I'll go to Las Pegasus! Lots of pony goes there! It's like a giant party, so for sure they'll listen to a super party pony like me!" She cheered, before she slammed her hoof on her medallion, and as her pink portal to the resort opened she hopped, skipped, and jump through shouting, "GERONIMO!!!"

Pinkie's shout faded out as the portal closed. Applejack rolled her eyes before she held up her medallion, "I know where I'm goin'. Appleloosa, my family there have gotta know what's comin'." With that, she hit her medallion, and then she jumped through her orange portal without hesitation before it closed like the others.

Fluttershy fidgeted her hooves a bit, "Um I think I'll go back to Ponyville and warn them. I-if that's okay with everypony else?" She asked as they all gave her small smiles, She then gently tapped on her medallion, as a yellow portal appeared before spooking her. Once she calmed down she stepped through and was on her way back home.

Starlight then thought for a moment before she said, "I think it might be best if I head for some of the smaller towns, like my old village, and warn the ponies there about Dreadmane. I mean we can't just leave them for dead, can we?" The others thought over what she said, and they all agreed that they had to help as many ponies from as many towns, villages, and cities as they could.

"Well said, Starlight Glimmer. Now go, we don't know how much time we have before Erebus makes his move." Starlight nodded, and then with a tap on her Medallion her portal to her first stop opened. She then jumped through it, and it closed as she was transported to her old village.

"I'll head back to the Crystal Empire. I won't let another power-mad pony take it away from us!" Shining said, before tapping his forehead with Cadance's, "I know you two will find a way to stop him."

"Thanks," Cadance replied, giving Shining a kiss before the stallion pulled Twilight into a hug. Then with a tap of the medallion, the portal to the Crystal Empire opened before him and he jumped through it.

Once the princesses and Spike were alone, Twilight remembered something, "Oh right, Princess?" She asked as Celestia turned to face her, "Once this is all over do you think we can look through the archives for birth records."

Celestia raised a brow, "What for Twilight?"

Twilight ears, drooped, "Well you see, during the preparation, my parent came and told me the truth about something."

"What truth?" Luna asked, however she and Celestia had an idea what it was.

"I'm adopted." Twilight answered as the two sisters gasped, "I know it was a shock for me too. But it doesn't change the fact that my parents loved me and so does the rest of my family." She looked at Cadance and Spike smiling and they smiled back. She turned back to the older alicorns, "But I'm hoping that, once we get past this Dreadmane situation we can find any leads to my birth family."

Celestia and Luna looked at each other with concern. They both had the answers Twilight sought and her family was a lot closer than she thought. Celestia shook her head and gave her former student her usual serene smile, "Well, I think we may be able to help but let us focus on the current crisis at hoof, hmm?" She asked, hoping to not reveal something.

Twilight nodded and trotted towards the door, "Your right," She then turned back to Spike and Cadance without even noticing the door opening, "Come on guys, we better start looking through the archives for something useful because who knows when Dreadmane is gonna show-" She was cut off again when she bumped into somepony again. She looked up and saw it was Flash again. Twilight felt her cheeks heat up as she looked into his gleaming blue eyes.

Flash just grinned at her and helped her to her hooves, "We got to stop bumping into each other like this." He quipped.

Twilight laughed nervously, playing with her mane, "Ehehehe, y-yeah. Need to stop with the always bumping." She stammered with a snort, earning a chuckle from the Pegasus.

"Well sorry for dropping by unannounced but apparently somepony wanted to see you." Flash moved his head to the side, revealing Flurry Heart. Once she saw her aunt she zipped off of Flash and to Twilight and the older Alicorn giggled as her niece nuzzled her. Flash smiled at the scene before it dropped and he raised a brow, "So what exactly are we up against princess."

Twilight looked at Flash, wondering if she should tell him. A part told her that she could trust the guard and she listen to it, "I'll explain later Luitenent, meet us in the Library and I'll tell you everything." She then gave a shy smile and rubbed one foreleg on the other. "And please just call me Twilight."

Flash blinked but smiled and nodded, "Sure but only if you call me Flash."

Twilight smiled back, "Deal." Flash, cheeks turned pink as he saw her smile he then saluted and walked to the library. Twilight sighed dreamingly but before she could fall into her dream world and a cough broke her daze. she turned to see Cadance, Spike, Celestia, and Luna smirking at her, clearly seen the lovey-dovey moment.

Twilight narrowed her eyes, "Not one word!"

"Okay, how about three words" Cadance teased, then clasp her front hooves together, "Someponies in Love~"

The others laughed as Twilight groaned as Flurry joined in on the giggles, 'This is gonna be a long day.'.

Author's Note

So sorry for the delay everybody. But I decided to speed up production by making both the second and third chapters, which is why it took me some extra time.

Credit for a large majority of the text goes to my friend Dinoman213.

As we now know Twilight is adopted, and strange things are happening around Ponyville. The princesses now realizing that the great evil called Erebus is coming the ponies must prepare for the fight to come.

Can any you think of why I chose each city for the Mane 5? Tell me in the comments below.

Next time Two enemies form an alliance to defeat Twilight and her friends while the Mane 5 each warn the ponies of what's coming but then have a mental meeting of elemental proportions. Meanwhile Twilight and Cadence search the library for anything that could help them against Dreadmane...

But as they do, they discovered something else, a long-buried secret that the two sisters have kept for centuries, which would change everything for Twilight.

*Note; I renamed Dreadmane Erebus since he's one of the only original MLP Characters who did not have a Gen 4 counterpart.

Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Follow me on Fimfiction.

stay cool, stay friends and I'll see you on the website.

Until then NNNNIIIINNNJJJJJAAA-GO!!!

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Plot Thickens

Meanwhile, somewhere in the Badlands, Queen Chrysalis was still roaming badly trying to plot a way to seek revenge on both Starlight and the Mane 6.

“Just you wait Starlight Glimmer, sooner or later, I will have my revenge on you, Twilight Sparkle, and your friends for corrupting my subjects, and robbing me of my rightful place!” Chrysalis swore, talking to herself as she paced back and forth.

“Revenge, Hmm?” A deep raspy malevolent voice suddenly spoke, as Chrysalis felt a very strange gust of wind she has never felt before. It felt cold, lifeless, and evil. Chrysalis backed up a little in fear until a huge black and red cloud appeared in front of her. And appearing in the cloud were angry blood red eyes with a long thin scar on their left eye. Chrysalis was more terrified than she ever was in her life. The cloud then spoke to Chrysalis, “ I think I can help you with that,”

“Who...who are you?” Chrysalis stuttered in fear.

“I am who you see before you,” The cloud answered, mysteriously.

Chrysalis gulped in more fear and said, “I don’t understand. Who are you, really?”

“I go by many names. But you may call me...Lord Erebus,” the voice answered, introducing himself.

Chrysalis gasped, “The Lord Erebus? “The Dreaded Alicorn Lord Of Darkness”? I thought you were only a legend.”

“Yes, and I can assure you that I am very real. At least I used to, Queen Chrysalis,” Erebus confirmed.

Chrysalis gasped when Erebus said her name.

“How did you know my name?” Chrysalis asked, wanting a straight answer from him this time.

“I know more than just your name. And I also know that you are wanting to get revenge on Starlight and her friends for what they did to you,” Erebus said as he chuckled evilly, circling around the former queen.

“Well, you guessed correctly. Because of that pesky Starlight Glimmer, I lost my citizens and my hive and now I am out there trying to live and out of sight, while trying to find a way to exact my revenge,” Chrysalis growled.

Erebus somehow knew there’s more to Chrysalises’ defeat so he asked her in interest “Hmmm, Chrysalis tell me more about Starlight Glimmer. Who is she, friends, with?”.

“I don’t know much about the five idiots personally. But I do know that she’s just the second pony to have ruined my plans,” Chrysalis growled.

“And who is this other pony?” Erebus inquired.

“During my first invasion in Canterlot during the wedding of Princess Cadence and Captain Armor, it would have been succeeded if it weren’t for that sly and clever unicorn, Twilight…,” said Chrysalis.

“Did you say, Twilight? As in Princess Twilight Sparkle?” Erebus asked with a hint of anger, empathizing with the princess and Sparkle, part of Twilight’s name.

“Wait, you know her?” asked Chrysalis, surprised to see that Dreadmane actually knows Twilight Sparkle.

“Unfortunately, I do. It is because of Sparkle, that I am trapped in this wretched state of being,” Erebus replied, blaming Twilight for making him what he is now.

“How exactly did you end up in this form because of Twilight?” Chrysalis wondered.

“Not young Twilight specifically but rather somepony of her bloodline." Erebus explained before he began to tell his story, “I was once a powerful Alicorn, an Alicorn who could accomplish many things others couldn’t. But unfortunately, somepony stood in my way of completing my quest, and because of her, that is how I ended up being in this form,” he finished his story to Chrysalis.

“So now what are you going to do? Because as far as I know, Twilight Sparkle is probably becoming stronger and stronger every day now,” said Chrysalis.

“True, after many years, I see that young Twilight has become very powerful. But even that won’t save her, especially when I know of a way that can restore me to my original form. That is if you are interested to listen,” said Erebus, wondering if Chrysalis will join him.

“You want me to help you?” asked Chrysalis.

“Yes, and in return for your assistance, I will satisfy your thirst for revenge on this Starlight Glimmer and the rest of the princess’s friends. So do we have a deal?” asked Erebus.

After some careful thinking, Chrysalis made her decision and with an evil smile said “Indeed we do,”.

“Excellent. But if this is going to work, we will need is a little more help,” Erebus remarked as his eyes glowed, showing his works of magic to Chrysalis.

Erebus uses his magic to create darker forms of Chrysalis’s changelings. When he was done, Chrysalis noticed that these Changelings were much different from her subjects. Besides the fact, they are darker colors, they seem to lack some personalities and hearts.

“Erebus, these forms are not like my citizens. They don’t have hearts nor any personalities. Are you sure they can help us?” Chrysalis asked, wondering if Dreadmane knows what he’s doing.

“While it is true they have no hearts or personalities, these forms actually do have minds and are vastly obedient,” Erebus assured.

“ You mean they will follow any order I give them without hesitation?” Chrysalis asked, hoping for a yes.

“Yes, they will. No free wills, no place for disobedience. Now then my first order to the beginning of our revenge is to find the means to restore my power, the six Alicorn Guardians,” the dark lord answered.

Chrysalis' eyes widened as she heard of these ponies, said to be forces of nature themselves. and nodded but had to ask “Where do I find them?”

“The changelings, I have given you will lead you to their temples once you find them, drain their magic with this!” Erebus then gave her a very powerful artifact she recognized,

“The Alicorn Amulet! How did you-” She tried to ask but Dreadmane just narrowed his eyes making her shut up, she then turned to her new soldiers, “You heard our master, Find those temples!”.

With that said, the darker Changelings nodded and they flew up and went off in separate directions to find the Guardian temples for Dreadmane. One swarm flew to buffalo plains, the second towards the ocean, the third moved towards a stormy region, the fourth headed for the dragon lands, the fifth flew up into the clouds, the sixth group flew towards a jungle in the distance. Dreadmane then turned his attention to Chrysalis.

“Follow them and once they have found the temples use the amulet, Chrysalis,” said Erebus.

“But when we do have the power, what are you going to do with it?” asked Chrysalis.

“With the powers of the guardians and the Alicorn Amulet combined, it’ll help me finally restore my original form. And when I’m restored…,” said Erebus.

“All Equestria shall fear and cower underneath me!” Chrysalis smiled wicked, before she noticed the unamused glance from Erebus, making her rephrase her statement, “Um, of course under your leadership oh Lord Erebus,” said Chrysalis with a nervous smile.

“Of course Chrysalis. Now go and charge the amulet and when you do, bring it to me immediately,” said Erebus as Chrysalis nodded in response and flew off after her minions.

When she was out of range, Erebus chuckled evilly to himself and said “ The fool. Once I’m restored to my proper glory, I will simply dispose of you Chrysalis and then you and everything you love...Twilight Sparkle. When I’m through with you, Twilight, there will be nopony or creature to even mention your name or your race.”.

“EREBUS IS COMING FOR YOU ALL!” Erebus yelled as he howled with laughter and vanished with red lightning was flashing across the sky and thunder crashed.

Meanwhile, at Starlights’ Old Village, Starlight was warning her friends about the upcoming threat of Erebus. Everypony gasped in fright from the news Starlight gave them.

“Lord Erebus? An Alicorn of Dark magic!?” Sugarbelle asked not believing what she’s hearing is real and true.

“Yes,” said Starlight not denying the facts.

“But I thought Erebus’s just an old mare’s tale,” Night Glider said thinking she might be joking.

“That’s what I thought too. But I’m afraid the Legend Of Erebus is real and I have a feeling we’re all in grave danger,” Starlight said.

“What are we gonna do now, Starlight? With the threat of Erebus coming, there’s no way we can stand a chance against him,” Party Favor said with concern.

“I know. That is why Twilight is at Canterlot finding some answers on how we can defeat him. In the meantime, we should all gather our belongings and evacuate the village until the danger has passed,” Starlight said as everypony nodded in agreement and went off to do so. “And so warn the neighboring Villages about what’s to coming.”

“Starlight, do you think there might be hope for Equestria?” Double Diamond asked.

“I don’t know, Double Diamond, but I do know that if Erebus plans to destroy and take over all of Equestria, we better be prepared for whatever comes our way,” Starlight said.

“I just hope Twilight and her friends are able to stop him,” Sugarbelle said with great concern as she, Double Diamond, Night Glider, and Party Favor went on ahead to gather their belongings for the evacuation.

“Me too,” Starlight said in the same tone as Sugarbelle as she looks out to the horizon, hoping that Twilight might have found the answer by now.

At the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor, now in his armor, was telling everypony of the Crystal Empire the same news about the oncoming danger of Erebus. But unlike Starlight’s friends, some of the crystal ponies were shocked but there are others who don’t believe what Shining Armor is telling them. One crystal pony walked up to Shining Armor and said in disbelief, “Wait a minute, the only pony who has ever threatened the Crystal Empire was King Sombra. How is this Erebus different from him?”.

“Because Erebus will not stop at just the Crystal Empire. His magic is far more powerful than Sombra’s ever was and he’ll alienate anypony who gets in his way and tear down all Equestria to get whatever he wants!” Shining Armor replied.

Some of the Crystal Ponies gasped in fright while others just laughed thinking that Shining Armor was joking. Suddenly everypony stopped laughing when they heard a deep voice saying “Lord Erebus’s different from Sombra alright. And he could do much more than that old shadow pony,”.

Shining Armor and the crystal ponies turned to see a strange pony figure wearing a dark brown cloak sitting on a bench. Nopony could see his face for his hood was covering his eyes and only his snout was showing. The hooded pony was a darkish gray-colored stallion. The hooded pony then continued as he motioned his hoof around the Crystal Empire and said "Look around, you’re in a city of glass,”.

Everypony looked around to see The Crystal Empire still in its beautiful glory.

“Glass gonna break, come crashing down on you, and no way out,” said the Hooded Pony.

The crystal ponies were then shocked and gasped as they imagined the Crystal Empire turning into a lifeless wasteland by Erebus's magic. “What are we gonna do?” a Crystal Pony mare asked.

“Although, there is a solution to this. The six elemental Guardians, the ones who defeated Erebus so long ago. If you can find them they can help you,” the Hooded Pony said.

The crystal ponies were chattering and whispering to each other for some of them had heard about the Alicorn Guardians as they were around the time of the legend before they were banished by King Sombra as a Crystal Pony said “ I’ve heard legends of those ponies,”.

“However, you all could try to fight Erebus on your own. But I warn you that Erebus’s magic is far more powerful than even Princess Celestia’s and Luna’s magic combined. Try that and you’ll be risking your own life. Because when Lord Erebus enters the fight, he’ll set this whole land ablaze...BOOM!” he yelled.

The crowd gasped in fright as one Crystal Pony fainted.

“There is some good news if you don’t find the Guardians, though.” That caused them to relax a bit, “The more of you fall the more fear I have to feed off of.” He smirked wickedly.

The crowd gasped lightly as a Crystal Pony collapsed again.

“I didn’t say it was good news for you,” said the Hooded Pony as he then disappeared in front of the crowd without leaving a trace.

“He’s one weird pony I’ll say,” said a Crystal Pony to another in a whisper.

“Captain Shining Armor, should we try to take the fight to Erebus?” asked one of the Guards.

Shining Armor was thinking carefully about the situation, and what the Hooded Pony said really got to his head but he just might be right about Erebus being more powerful than both Celestia and Luna combined. But then he remembered he said that there were five powerful alicorns that just might be able to help.

He made up his mind and turned to the ponies, “I’m going back to Canterlot to tell the princesses what I’ve learned” He told them and then turned to his men, “Until I return everypony stays within the Empire, no pony goes in or out. Understood?”.

“Yes sir.” The guards saluted. Shining Armor then tapped on his medallion and hopped through the portal and back to Canterlot.

While Shining Armor was warning everypony in the Crystal Empire, and Starlight was warning her village, the Mane 5 were warning the other ponies of the major cities.

Rainbow Dash is in Cloudsdale warning every pegasus about the threat of Erebus. Everypegasus was in complete shock and fright to hear of this Dreadmane and was on his way to destroy their homes and families. But Rainbow quickly assured them that the princesses were finding something to stop him. After she was done, Rainbow Dash was starting to head back down until she suddenly heard a voice that sounded like a mare calling her name “Rainbow Dash,”.

Rainbow whipped around “Who’s there?” but there was nopony there. The voice came back and said “Rainbow Dash,”. Rainbow Dash was getting confused, where is the voice coming from? Rainbow Dash raised her hooves in a boxing style ready to pummel whoever was stalking her “I ain’t afraid of you? Show yourself!” she demanded.

“Whoa, whoa, no need to get so defensive there Ms.Dash. I mean you no harm,” said the voice, in an easy-going, confident tone.

Rainbow then noticed a sudden change in the wind current as it was swirling lightly around her. Still feeling a little cautious, Rainbow asked, “If you don’t want any trouble, then tell me who you are?”.

“name's Storm Heart, The Guardian Of Air,” replied the voice introducing herself.

Rainbow Dash gasped and said, “No Way! I heard about you from an old legend Daring Do told me. You’re that Elemental Alicorn gal! It was said that one flap of your wings could create the mightiest hurricane.”.

“You got that right, but as much as I like to chit-chat we don't have the time for that. I need your help, Rainbow Dash,” Storm said.

“Wait, my help. Why?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Because flygirl, me and my pals have sensed that a great evil has returned to finish what it has started,” Storm Heart replied.

“'We?'. You mean there are others like you?” Rainbow Dash asked in the guardian in surprise.

“Yup, but right now I must ask you for your help,” She asked sounding very serious and now, reminding Rainbow of Spitfire.

“What’s the trouble? Well if it’s Erebus don’t you worry, I can handle that old geezer,” Rainbow declared cockily, doing a few mock jabs.

“Ugh, you really don't get it do ya? Here, let me to show you,” Storm informed.

“Wait what do you mean by that-,” Rainbow Dash said as her eyes then suddenly glowed white, from Storm Heart’s magic.

Rainbow Dash then had a sudden memory vision of this ancient temple. After the vision was played, Rainbows’ eyes were back to normal as Rainbow Dash then gasped in realization and said to herself “I gotta head back to Canterlot and tell Twilight and the Princesses about this,”. Then Rainbow Dash zoomed off to head back to Canterlot.

At Manehattan, Rarity was telling everypony about the upcoming rise of Erebus. At first, everypony thought Erebus was just a myth but after Rarity gave them a little more detail of what’s happening, they all began to panic and scream. But Rarity spoke up, “ Please everypony remain calm,”. And everypony stopped as Rarity continued “I know this sounds bad but right now, Princess Twilight is finding a way to defeat Erebus once and for all. In the meantime, it’s perhaps best that everypony must head for safer ground until further notice,”.

Everypony in Manehattan wasn’t happy at first about evacuating the city but they did as they were told. Everypony packed their belongings and got on horse-powered taxis. Meanwhile, Rarity was doing a headcount to make sure everypony was getting out of Manehattan safely. Then she stumbled upon a puddle in front of her and said “oh my goodness, almost stepped in that,”. As Rarity was about to walk over the puddle, she then noticed something strange was happening with the puddle. Ripples began to mysteriously appear as Rarity looked down at the puddle only to see her reflection as it rippled.

Rarity was confused at first. But as she took a closer look, Rarity then started hearing a prim and lady-like voice of a mare “Hello, Rarity,”. Rarity shook her head thinking she must be hearing things. “Do not be afraid, my dear. I am an ally,” the voice said coming back.

Rarity now knows she is not hearing things. Feeling the need to know who was speaking, Rarity asked, “ But I don’t even know you, darling. Who are you supposed to be, anyway?”.

“My name is Marina, The Guardian Of Water,” the voice said, introducing herself.

Rarity gasped and said “Marina? The Marina? The Alicorn Guardian of Water of Legend? I thought you were a myth!" Rarity she then changed her tone, "However I am still honored to meet or rather hear you, I’ve heard your beauty was as eternal as the ocean itself.”

“The pleasure is all mine, dear Rarity and I am indeed real but thank you for the compliment anyways. But right now we must discuss something very important with you,” Marina, infomed.

“ Whatever is it, darling?” Rarity asked.

“You see my dear, there have been signs that a great danger is on its way to plague Equestria. My comrades and I have felt it on the horizon,” Marina explained.

“ Comrades? You mean the other Alicorn Guardians Of Legend are real as well?” Rarity asked being surprised when Marina told her about the other guardians.

“Indeed, and we desperately require your aid, Rarity,” Marina said.

“This is threat is Erebus isn't it? But how can I help, Marina?” Rarity, wondered, feeling concern.

“Allow me to enlighten you,” Marina answered, and then suddenly Rarity’s eyes glowed a bright white, as she saw something, a magnificent temple. Her eyes returned to normal as she felt Marina’s presence was gone, she looked down at the puddle below her, contemplating everything she learned, and then she spoke. “I must tell Twilight what I’ve learned.” She tapped on her medallion and hopped through the portal.

Meanwhile, in Las Pegasus, Pinkie Pie wasn’t having as much luck with warning everypony about Erebus as her friends. Since she was known for being totally silly, some ponies started laughing at her thinking she’s just joking while others didn’t even bother listening. Pinkie was starting to feel disappointed in herself, she then gave up, turned away, and started walking away from the crowd. While Pinkie was walking she began talking to herself, “I don’t get it, I used the right words and I even told them that Erebus’s real. So why don’t they believe me? Is it just because everypony thinks I’m just a crazy pony who can’t be taken seriously?!”.

“Well, if they made their decision, fine! They’re history!” Pinkie Pie said as she stomped her left front hoof on the ground hard, and then she passed a Lightning bolt neon-light sign.

That was until Pinkie Pie heard the quick-tongued voice of a stallion.

“Hello there, young Pinkie Pie?” The voice said.

“Huh? Who’s there?” Pinkie Pie asked looking around to see where it came from.

"Whoa now, please exercise steady calmness now my young, energetic, enthusiastic friend.” the voice eased in one breath. Pinkie felt the voice was coming from the lightning sign, through the glass battery but was speaking to her in her mind.

“ Um, hiya?” Pinkie Pie asked, feeling nervous.

“Now there is no need to feel your mind and heart with unnecessary worry Ms.pie. I can assure you that I am a trusted and reliable comrade to all, stallions, mares and all creatures alike,” the voice assured her, making her relax and smile.

“Really? Great! But wait, how do you know my name is Pinkie, Mister mysterious voice in my head?” She asked, raising a brow.

The voice chuckled, “Ms. Pie I have been carefully observing you and your beloved friends for an extended long period of time.”

“But who are you then?” Pinkie asked.

“I young lady, am the incredible, marvelous, electrifyingly fantastical Voltwing!” He announced, long and dramatically.

Pinkie gasped loudly, “Blaze Horn! Ooh, I heard about you! You’re one of the six elemental Alicorn from the bedtime story my parents read to me. I’m a big fan of yours, I heard you made arcs of thunder and bolts of lightning across the sky making everypony really happy and have fun creating cool gadgets and doodads.”

“you are absolutely correct! I along with my incredibly sensational electricity displays of great abundance and pride were very real and the most pleasing and greatest thought-out the land of Equestria!” Voltwing said proudly but realized he was getting off-topic, “I could go onwards and forwards about my electrical exploits however we are very short on time at this very unfortunate moment, Ms.Pie for I fear we may have upon ourselves a slight complication of cataclysmic consequences.”

“Complication? What do you mean complication of catty-cliffment consquences?” Pinkie asked, tilting her head.

“What I am trying to express to you is that we have an oversized tribulation of great worry and danger,” Blaze Horn said.

“It wouldn’t have anything to do with an evil Alicorn who goes by the name of Erebus, does it?” Pinkie Pie asked with a nervous smile.

“I am afraid so, which is why you mustn't give up the lives and safety on these innocent ponies, once Dreadmane brings down his dreadful wrath upon them all they shall be doomed with extreme presidencies!” Voltwing shouted quickly.

“But I already tried to warn them, and they didn’t listen. They just think I'm a crazy pony!” Pinkie pouted, crossing her hooves.

“Pinkie Pie my dear girl, from what I've observed from you and your many adventurous exploits, you are a, what you call a crazy pony, just merely a pony who possesses a great talent for gaining the attention of others for grand celebrations and enjoyment. So go and use those attention-grabbing skills to show the denizens of Las Pegasus that they are truly grave and terrible danger!” Voltwing encouraged. "Would you really feel proud with yourself knowing that were those with the inability to protect themselves suffering and feeling as if all hope for their survival was lost."

After hearing those encouraging words, Pinkie now knows that she has come too far to give up. So she took a deep breath and gaining all the determination and confidence she had, Pinkie Pie zooms back to the ponies and started doing what she does best...Getting ponies’ to notice her.

She pulls out her party cannon, then loads a round-shaped package, with the words 'The Big Boy' on it. Then with a manic smile and rubbing her hooves together, she pulled the trigger string, and then covering her ears and ducking down, her cannon blasted a cloud of confetti into the air.

That definitely got the ponies’ attention as they turned to her in shock as the confetti rained down.

Pinkie Pie then leaps up onto the top of her party cannon and shouted for everyone to hear her, “Everypony, You have to listen to me, because I’ve got some big news for all of you”.

Everypony turned to Pinkie Pie giving her their full attention. Pinkie smiled as she continued her speech, “ Now I know that I’m usually a funny pony who likes to throw parties. But for the first time in my life, I’m being serious now. And I got some pretty bad news to tell you. A big scary Alicorn called Erebus is on his way back after a really really long time, and he’s got a bone to pick with all of Equestria which means only one thing...IT IS THE END OF EQUESTRIA AS WE KNOW IT!” She shouted, waving her front hooves in the air.

Everypony gasped in fright from that news as they now started to panic and wondering what they should do. Pinkie, now seeing they were listening and were very afraid knew she had to calm their fears.

“But have no fear Mares and Gentlecolts, right now the princesses are finding the answers to this problem. So in the meantime, you ponies better get out of here. Gather up everything precious to you and families and move out,” Pinkie Pie declared as everypony now understood began doing as she asked.

Pinkie smiled before she went back over to the Neon sign, "Bravo, BRAVO Ms.Pie! That was an absolutely incredible, amazing, stupendous and magnificent display of letting ponies know that they are in tremendous amount of danger!" Voltwing complimented.

“Thank you so, so, so much for the help Mr. Voltwing. And I Pinkie-Promise I’ll pay you back any way I can,” Pinkie thanked the fire guardian before doing her Pinkie promise motions, “Cross my Heart, hope to fly, Stick a Cupcake in my eye!”

As Pinkie was about to head back out, “Hehe, Well, if that’s the case.” Voltwing chuckled. suddenly her eyes started glowing a bright white, courtesy of Voltwing. It was then until Pinkie saw the image of what appeared to be an ancient temple. “Wait a minute, is that what I think it is?” Pinkie wondered. Pinkie’s eyes were then changed back as Pinkie had a look of realization on her face, “I got to tell Twi about this!” She then tapped on her medallion and the portal to Canterlot appeared and jumped through it.

Applejack was at Appaloosa doing the same as her friends, she even told the Bisons about the threat of Dreadmane. Since she was a trusted member of the Apple family and known for never lying, the ponies and buffalo listened to her. Soon everypony and buffalo started to evacuate and moved toward the buffalo camps to wait out the coming danger.

Applejack watched them moving out on top of a rock, she sighed, “I hope Twilight and the princess find an answer soon. This place has been a huge part of my family for generations, I can’t let that Varmint Erebus take it away.”

“A very noble stand, young Apple.” A gruff and serious voice spoke, causing Applejack to jump.

“Who’s there?!” Applejack demanded, whipping her head around, trying to find who spoke.

“There is no need to be defensive, Farmmare. I mean no harm,” the voice spoke again.

Applejack just frowned, not letting down her guard “Well then yall better tell me who and where you are?”

“Ah, yes forgive me. I am Cliffbore the Guardian of Earth.” The voice introduced himself.

Applejack’s eyes widened, “Cliffbore?! Well, I’ll be. My Granny told me stories about ya and those other Alicorn guardians. I heard you were so strong you could crumble an entire mountain with just one stomp of yer hoof.” She said, “But I thought you were just an old mare's tale.”

“Well, girl. Sometimes legends have more truth than you realize.” Cliffbore answered her, as Applejack sat down, “Unfortunately, I did not come here to confirm my existence but to ask for your help.”

“My help?” Applejack asked.

Cliffbore sighed, “Yes, I fear my siblings and I have sensed the rising of an old foe.”

“Siblings? Wait, you mean the other Guardians? They’re real too?” Applejack asked in shock.

“Yes, and now we are in dire need of your help Applejack, I feel you and your other friends may be the only ones who will be able to stop Erebus, once and for all,” said Cliffbore.

“Me? But how, Cliffbore? I’m only just a Farm Pony. Sure me and the gals saved Equestria from some other varmints a few times but I don’t know if I can help much,” said Applejack feeling unsure from this.

“I can understand what you are feeling, Applejack. But from what I’ve seen in you is a pony of great honesty and strength. with those talents, you and your friends may be able to beat Dreadmane,” said Cliffbore.

“Well, I don’t know, Cliffbore. But I’ll try...I will try,” Applejack answered with a hint of confidence in herself.

“Good, that’s all I can ask for. Before I go, there’s something I need to show you, and remember, 'A great warrior stands up for themself, a greater warrior stands up for others'.” said Cliffbore.

“What?” asked Applejack as her eyes suddenly flashed white, due to Cliffbore’s magic, and what Applejack saw was an ancient temple. Then her eyes went back to normal as Applejack shook her head to recover from what she saw. “Twilight’s gotta know about this,” said Applejack as she tapped on her medallion and jumped through the portal back to Canterlot.

Meanwhile, in the town of Ponyville, everypony was still getting ready for the 60th anniversary of the Founding Of Ponyville, being unaware that Erebus is coming to wreak havoc across Equestria. Fluttershy has been trying to get their attention, but since she’s a shy and timid pony, nopony was listening to her or even looking at her. And no matter how many times Fluttershy tried, she just can’t seem to find her voice.

A few minutes later, Fluttershy had given up trying to warn them and decided to take a little stroll as she stopped under a large willow tree near the edge of a pond and looked down at her reflection in sadness. Fluttershy felt so ashamed that she was such a chicken, her friends trusted her to warn the ponies of their town what was coming and she just couldn’t speak up. “Why do I always have to be the scaredy pony?!” She asked herself, whimpering.

As Fluttershy continued to whimper, a motherly voice of a mare called to her “Is that what you believe or what others tell you, Fluttershy?”.

“EEK! Who’s there?!” Fluttershy squealed, shaking in fear as she heard the voice, looked left and right frantically to see who it was.

“Do not be afraid, Fluttershy. I would never harm you, nor any other innocent creature great or small.” The voice assured the frightened pegasus.

Fluttershy still felt a bit scared but calmed herself down but still moved her eyes around, “W-well, if it’s not any trouble, c-could you at least tell me your name?” She asked, meekly.

“Of course my dear.” The voice answered, compassionately. “I am The Guardian of Nature, Gaia Evermane.”

Fluttershy gasped and then while beaming, she said “The Gaia Evermane? I’ve heard some amazing stories about you from my animal friends, they say that you have compassion for all living things unlike anything before or since that the sound of your rosy sweet voice could calm even the most terrible of beasts.”

“Your animals' stories are correct, young pegasus and they just so happened to speak very highly of you and your kindness.” Gaia complimented, making Fluttershy blush, “But unfortunately I did not come here to congratulate you but to plead for your help.”

“M-my Help?” Fluttershy squeaks, her fear returning.

“Is there something wrong, Fluttershy? I sense great anxiety within you.” Gaia asked as she felt Fluttershy’s fear.

“I’m sorry Gaia, But I’m not sure if I can help you at all. I can’t even warn the ponies in Ponyville about Dreadmane. I just feel so...scared,” Fluttershy said, hanging her head down in shame.

“I understand how you feel, Fluttershy, fear is an emotion we all feel from time to time,” Gaia said, sympathetically.

“Really? But you don’t sound or seem scared to me,” Fluttershy said.

“Even the mightiest Warriors can lose themselves to fear, Fluttershy. But only when we desperately care about our family and loved ones, can we overcome it.” Gaia explained.

“But I’m not a warrior, I’m just a cowardly pegasus,” Fluttershy retorted, sadly.

“The same cowardly pegasus, who calmed an injured Manticore, stared down the stone gaze of a Cockatrice AND talked to a mighty dragon ten times her size so firmly he cried?” Gaia remarked.

Fluttershy remembered all those times and she remembered in all three of those moments she didn’t feel even a twitch of fear at all, “Yeah, I guess I was pretty brave in those instances.” She realized.

“And what drove you to be so brave?” The guardian asked. Fluttershy thought for a moment and then it hit her, “I, wanted to protect my friends.” She gasped.

“Exactly, that is what a true warrior or protector thinks when they have to be brave,” Gaia declared as she went on, “And do you not want to protect the people of your village and your animal friends.” Fluttershy looked to the town, filled with innocent ponies and creatures that would be at the mercy of a monster. She then narrowed her eye in determination and stood up tall.

“No, I do want to protect them. I am gonna protect them no matter what it takes. And if Dreadmane ever dares to threaten the innocents of my home, he’s got another thing coming,” Fluttershy said with much more bravery in her voice.

“Then go back there and give them your warning and just breathe your courage in and your fear out, and have faith in yourself, remember these words, my dear,” Gaia instructed.

Fluttershy nodded with a smile and headed back to Ponyville to do so. As Fluttershy got back, she headed straight to the Town Hall where Mayor Mare was standing on the porch looking over the decorations until she noticed Fluttershy coming. “ Oh, hello Fluttershy, is everything alright?” The Mayor asked.

Fluttershy got up on the porch and said, “Not exactly, which is why I need to tell everypony something very urgent.”

Mayor Mare raised a brow but nodded “Excuse me everypony! may I have your attention please?” She announced as everypony turned their attention to the two mares on the porch. “While I am impressed by all of your hard work I believe Ms. Fluttershy would like to say something.”

Everypony turned their attention to the said pegasus. Fluttershy started to feel her fear coming back but then, she steeled herself and remembered Gaia's words “Just Breathe Your Courage In and Your Fear Out,” She chanted mentally, breathing in and out slowly.

After taking her breaths, Fluttershy spoke up, “Everypony, I must tell you something very important. I’ve just been informed that we are all in great danger. An ancient evil is coming and is plotting to destroy everything in his path, His name, Lord Erebus.”

The ponies gasped in fright, though they’ve never heard of Erebus. They knew that if one of the Elements of Harmony was warning them about this pony, he had to be dangerous. But in the crowd, everypony heard what sounded like someone spitting their drink, they turned to see it was Discord, clearing his throat while holding a glass of chocolate milk, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Did you say Lord Erebus?” He asked, flying above the crowd towards Fluttershy, “As in 'The Dreaded Alicorn Lord of Darkness', Lord Erebus?!”

“Yes, Discord, The very one, I’m afraid,” Fluttershy replied.

“Excuse me,” Discord then took another sip of his drink again and then spit it out again in shock, “What?!” Hearing that Erebus was back brought back some unwanted memories for the Lord of Chaos.

“Um, Mr. Discord, do you know this Erebus?” a Unicorn Filly asked, as Discord suddenly looked nervous.

“Well, I don’t know him personally, but what I do know is that he is a very dangerous Alicorn. Some even call him “The Living Nightmare Alicorn”,” Discord replied, causing some to shiver but Fluttershy felt Discord wasn’t being completely honest.

“ Discord, is there something you’re not telling us?” Fluttershy asked in suspicion, thinking that her friend was hiding something.

Discord gulped nervously in fear and embarrassment. He really doesn’t want to tell Fluttershy about his history with Erebus, especially in front of all of ponyville. But since Fluttershy is his best friend, Discord knows that he has to tell the truth, since Honesty is one of the Elements of Harmony. So taking a deep breath, Discord said “I tell you later, but not in front of everypony.”

“ Alright, that’s all I can ask,” Fluttershy nodded.

Discord felt better after she said that. Then an Earth Pony stallion spoke up and asked “ But Fluttershy, what are we gonna do when this Dreadmane comes?”.

Fluttershy knew that this would sadden the citizens but she knows that it’s the only way for everypony to be safe. So breathing in and out slowly, Fluttershy said “ I’m afraid the only thing we could do is that hold off on the preparations for the anniversary of Ponyville and head to Canterlot until the danger has passed.”

“You think the princesses might have the answer for this problem?” a Pegasus mare asked.

“I can only hope they do. In the meantime, we better get ourselves ready to head to Canterlot,” Fluttershy.

“ Okay, you heard Fluttershy, gather up your families and belongings and let us move out,” Mayor Mare said as everypony went off to do so. While everypony was heading home to gather their stuff, Angel was hopping towards Town Hall as Fluttershy noticed him and said “ Oh, Angel, thank goodness you’re alright. Listen I need you to go and tell the other animals to meet us at Canterlot.”

Angel saluted as head off to do what he was told. As Angel went back to the cottage and the citizens of Ponyville were gathering their belongings, Fluttershy smiled for she had succeeded in not only warning the other ponies, but she had gone over her fear by using Gaia’s breathing technique. Feeling thankful, Fluttershy said “Thank you, Gaia Evermane for helping me. I wish there was something I could do for you in return.”

“Well, there is something.” Gaia answered, confusing Fluttershy, “What?” Fluttershy asked.

That’s when Fluttershy’s eyes suddenly flashed white, due to Gaia using her magic, and what Fluttershy saw was an ancient temple located somewhere in a distant jungle. After that, Fluttershy’s eyes were then changed back to normal as Fluttershy gasped in amazement and got an idea. “ I need to head to Canterlot right away. I’ll bet Twilight might have some answer about this,” Fluttershy said as she began to fly back to Canterlot.

Discord noticed her leaving, “Hey! Wait for me!” He shouted, before taking off after her while holding six suitcases, two in each hand and two in his tail. Meanwhile, a mysterious pony was watching the two fly off. The only noticeable thing about her besides her golden coat was the black jacket she wore. She then turned towards the train station and walked to it.

Meanwhile, at the library of Canterlot, Twilight, Cadance, and Spike were reading every book to find something that could help them defeat Erebus. But so far, there hasn’t been any useful information they could use nor any books that told about how Dreadmane was defeated the first time. Spike and Cadance were getting frustrated not finding the one book, but the one pony who was the most frustrated was Twilight. Being the smart and clever bookworm she is, Twilight has read every book on Equestrian History but even that didn’t help her either. But for some reason, Twilight’s mind couldn’t stop thinking about Erebus, there was something about him that nagged at her, something familiar.

Twilight’s thoughts were then interrupted when Flash Sentry walked next to her with Flurry Heart riding on the stallion’s back. “Hey, find anything yet?” Flash asked, Twilight fought to keep the blush off her face.

“No, we’ve looked in every scroll, book, and passage in this whole library and found squat!” Twilight retorted, slamming her head on the table.

“We can’t give up, Twilight. I know we will find something that can help us,” Cadance said.

“But what? We’ve searched through everything and nothing fits the bill! It’s not like the answer is gonna drop right into our-” Spike complained, reaching for a book, only for it to make a clicking noise and the shelves moved revealing an old and dusty book hidden behind it.

“Huh? What’s this?” Twilight asked as she used her magic to lift the book up from the shelf and bring it over to her.

Twilight placed the book down on the table and blew off all the dust on it. When the dust was blown off they saw that the book was colored navy blue with gold details and titled 'The Legend Of The 6 Elementals' in gold letters. Spike and Cadance have never seen this kind of book before, but Twilight was the one to be surprised to ever know that a book like this existed. “The Legend Of The 6 Elementals? I never heard of this book before,” Twilight said reading the title.

“Neither have I. And by the looks of how much dust is collected, it must have been abandoned for centuries,” Cadance said.

“The Legend Of The 6 Elementals? You know, for some reason I feel like I’ve heard about them somewhere before. I just can’t remember where, exactly,” Spike said trying to recall where he may have heard that title before.

“You think this book might have the answers we’re looking for?” Flash asked.

“Only one way to find out if it does,” Twilight said as she opened the book to the first pages.

“Once upon a time, when Equestria was very young, there were six powerful ponies, each in command of different elements that gave the kingdom life,” Twilight said as she started reading the book.

“Elements? Like the Elements of Harmony?” Spike asked thinking that the book might be referring to the Elements of Harmony.

“I’m not so sure, from what the book describes, it’s probably talking about a different set of elements,” Twilight said.

“But what other elements do you think this book could be talking about?” Flash asked.

“Maybe if we read more of the book we might just find out what they are,” Cadance suggested.

Twilight nodded in agreement as she flipped to the next page, “The Five Elements were as followed: Fire, Earth, Wind, Water, Thunder, and Nature. Together with these elements, the Sux Alicorns became the guardians of Equestria protecting it and its people from those who would do them harm.” She read, showing pictures of the five ponies, A red stallion surrounded by flames, a brown stallion standing atop a mountain, a silver mare soaring through the clouds, a blue mare swimming through the sea, a yellow stallion flying through arches of lightning and a green mare sitting underneath many trees. In the final picture, it showed all 6 of them standing together. What really struck them was that they were all alicorns.

“Wait, the Six Guardians were, Alicorns?!” Twilight gasped, double and triple checking the book.

“B-but that can’t be!” Cadence said feeling surprised and confused, “Auntie told me that you, me, her, Flurry, and Luna were the only alicorns in existence.” They were all very confused now. Were these 6 other Alicorns real and if they were, was it possible that there were even more of them?

“Maybe there’s a good explanation for this. I mean maybe whoever wrote this book probably just made that part up.” Spike suggested, trying to come up with an answer to their question.

“But Spike this book is showing us the picture of them and they look like they could be real,” Twilight said, showing Spike the picture to prove what she’s talking about.

“Ok, that is pretty convincing but-,” Spike tried to rebut, but nothing came up. Cadance just took a breath and spoke.

“Keep reading Twilight, there has to be more to this legend than that.”

Twilight turned her attention back to the book and continued reading what’s next on the page “The six succeeded in protecting Equestria for many years, United in friendship and under the guidance of, the King and Queen?” Twilight read the next part but her confusion returned.

“'King and Queen'?” The others repeated.

“Okay, this book has got to be a fake. Everypony knows that Equestria was ruled by the royal sisters and they were 'princesses'!” Spike pointed out, stating that in ancient times Equestria was under the rule of Celestia and Luna.

“That’s right, I’m not even sure if there ever was a king or queen,” Cadence added.

Flash then noticed the next page, “Look a picture.” They all saw the said picture and saw it was the five Guardians along with what looked like a younger Celestia and Luna, surrounding two other alicorns in the center. One was a stallion with a light blue coat and darker blue mane and the other was a mare with magenta coat and golden and orange, pink striped mane and both wore golden regalia that looked much more impressive looking than the royal sisters.

“Who are they?” Spike asked, pointing to the alicorn pair in the center.

“That must be the King and Queen the book, mentioned.” Flash reasoned. Twilight was strangely quiet as she stared at the picture, she recognized the alicorns, they were the same ones from her dream last night. ‘They were real? But then, who was that little filly I was?” She wondered.

“Wait, look at this it says their names,” Cadance said, once again snapping Twilight out of it. She looked to the side-note and read it, “The five guardians, Princesses Celestia and Luna and-” She gasped, noticing something about the last two names.

She backed away slowly. “It, it can’t be.” She said, hauntedly.

“Twilight? What’s wrong?” Flash asked as Flurry gurgled in concern.

“Twilight, what did it say?” Cadance asked as Twilight began to hyperventilate.

“This can’t be true? This is just a trick! Or a sick prank from Discord it-it has to be!” Twilight shouted, gripping her head.

Spike approached her, feeling very worried, “Twilight what are you talking about? What can’t be true?” He asked. But Twilight didn’t answer she shook her head and then ran out of the Library. Spike called out for her, “Twilight, wait!”

Flash watched as she disappeared down the halls, “What in Equestria was that about-”

A loud gasp of shock and horror interrupted him and the two boys turned to see Flurry Heart looking at the page with innocent curiosity while her mother had her hooves over her muzzle.

“Cadence what is it?” Spike asked, Cadance turned her gaze to the boys then shakily lifted the book into their view and pointed to the side note. Flash and Spike narrowed their eyes at the last part and their jaws dropped at what it said. Cadance seeing their shock read the part aloud, “King Cobalt and Queen Aurora Sparkle.”

Twilight was racing through the halls, her mind overloading with confusion, and fear. The King and Queen of Equestria, the ponies from her dream. Had her last name. How could this be? Were they just her distant ancestors? Was possible that they were-

‘No, no, no! they can’t be them! They’re thousands of years old! My great-grandparents probably weren’t even born yet!’ Twilight tried to reason. But from what she could tell the stallion definitely had her mane colors and the mare had her coat, eyes, and hairstyle and from what she remembered from her dream, the pair had referred to the filly she was seeing the dream from, as their daughter.

She shook her head again, refusing to accept, no matter how much her heart desired to know who her birth parents were, this wasn’t what she wanted. She knew that there was only one mare who could confirm it, a mare she had come to love and trust like a mother. She pushed through a double doorway and shouted, “Princess Celestia!”.

Celestia and Luna looked with shock to see Twilight burst into their throne room. “Twilight is something wrong?” Celestia asked in concern.

“Oh, you bet your crowns there’s something wrong! The others and I were just at the library. And I just so happened to have found an old book that told me about not only the 5 Guardian Alicorns but also about an Alicorn King and Queen!” Twilight said, with distraught and anger.

“Wait, did you say, King and Queen?” Luna asked, with a hint of fear hoping she misheard what Twilight had said.

“Yes! And did you two happen to know their names are Cobalt and Aurora Sparkle?” Twilight demanded, gesturing her hoof out.

The princess’s eyes dilated as Luna bit her lip and Celestia’s face turned more of a ghostly shade of white than her usual pearl color. Celestia tried to come up with an excuse but seeing that there’s no way for them to get out of this, she and Luna knew it was time they tell Twilight the truth. So taking a deep breath and gathering up her courage, Celestia was the first to walk up to Twilight and spoke.

“Twilight, come with us. There’s something I should’ve told you a long time ago.” Celestia said as she walked off with Twilight following behind her. Luna was the last to follow them as they leave the throne room.

Celestia and Luna brought Twilight to the hallways where Twilight sees the glass windows with pictures telling the history of Equestria. But then she sees something ahead of them. It appears that in front of them are two tall doors but they are a much different color than the others. Twilight also noticed there’s a lock on the doors, which means this must be a forbidden chamber of the castle.

Celestia and Luna joined their magic together to unlock the lock and then opened the door. Celestia gestured for Twilight to enter the chamber first. Twilight was hesitant at first, but gathering up her courage, she entered the chamber with the royal sisters following behind her. As they entered, Twilight saw that the chamber was filled with glass windows with a much older history of Equestria. As Twilight continued looking around in awe, she saw something familiar in one of the windows. In that glass window, is a picture of the 6 Alicorn Guardians, the Princesses, King Cobalt, and Queen Aurora Sparkle. “I never knew this place was even here,” Twilight said in surprise and amazement.

"This city holds many secrets of Equestria's past, though there are some parts of its history that are best left to be forgotten,” Luna said.

“But Celestia, just who are King Cobalt and Queen Aurora?” Twilight asked her former 'Teacher'.

Celestia sighed, and told her, their story. “Cobalt Sparkle was the first ruler of Equestria, he was one of the greatest spell casters in the land and was loved and admired by all.” She gestured to the window on her right, showing Cobalt sitting on a throne with ponies kneeling before him, then continued “While Aurora was the previous Element of Magic before you were born, making her raw power incredibly strong. She was the Seventh member of the Elemental Guardians as they wielded the other Elements of Harmony.” Gesturing to the window to her left showed Aurora standing alongside the other six alicorns.

Twilight listen with wide eyes, shocked to hear that this King and Queen were so powerful, “What’s more Aurora was our older sister and when she married Cobalt and became queen, Tia and I were dubbed princesses alongside her.” Luna explained, “This is why we have always held the title of Princesses, for the honor of being a queen belongs only to our sister.”

“I suppose that makes sense but it still doesn’t answer why this King and Queen have my last name?” Twilight asked. She turned to Celestia, her expression pleading, “Princess, I have a very strong feeling I know why but please tell me I’m wrong. Please, Please tell me that they aren’t who I think they are.”

Celestia sighed because she knew this will probably hurt Twilight more than anything before, but she knows it was time for her former “Faithful Student” to know the truth. “ Twilight, I’m afraid your instincts are correct. They are indeed...your true parents,” Celestia said sadly, pointing to the picture of the King and Queen.

At that moment, Twilight’s whole world came crashing down, she walked over to the window, placing a hoof on it and looked up seeing The King and Queen of Equestria. Her parents. “I knew it. I knew that’s what they were.” She whimpered, as tears built up in her eyes then realized something else, “Wait, if Queen Aurora is my mother and your older sister, then that means...you two are my, my,” Twilight hesitated, backing away from the two sisters.

Celestia and Luna drooped their heads in shame but nodded. Twilight put her hoof over her mouth with a gasp and tears were starting to fall down her face as she felt the life she had lived thus far was nothing but a sham. First, she learned she was adopted, then she learned that her birth parents were an Alicorn King and Queen, and now she has learned that Princess Celestia and Luna are her aunts the whole time.

She felt so betrayed, angry, and upset at her ‘aunts’ for deceiving for so long, mostly her elder one, “You lied to me. About yourself, my family, the elements! Everything!”

Celestia could sense what was about happen and tried to defuse the situation reaching out for her niece, “No, Twilight wait! Just let me explain-”

“DON’T TOUCH ME!” Twilight screamed, slapping away the princess’s hoof, before glaring at the two with absolute hatred, “You two were just stringing me along this whole time! You could've raised me yourself but you let some random couple do it for you!” She accused her words of piercing the sisters’ hearts.

“No, Twilight. We didn’t even know-” Luna tried to explain but Twilight cut her off again.

“You probably wanted Night Light to find me, didn't you Celestia?! You wanted him and Twilight Velvet to raise me so you could just sit back and relax on a throne that didn’t even belong to either you or Luna!” Twilight shouted at the Sun princess, too upset to call the unicorn couple who adopted her mom and dad anymore. looking very ashamed for lying to Twilight for so long. But then Twilight gasped, “But then that also means you didn’t just make me your student and sent me to Ponyville, so I could get your sister back, you just did to make sure I was as far from my place on the throne as possible!”

The two sisters were horrified that their niece would even consider them so heartless, “No! NO! Twilight you have to believe me! I-I always intended to give you the throne once you were ready!” Celestia stammered out her answer, and Luna nodded in agreement.

“Well guess what?! You can keep it!” She then turned her flanks on the two sisters and ran out of the Chamber, “Because I don’t want anything to do with either one of my families! Birth or Adopted! Especially you two!” She cried out, as tears streamed down her cheeks.

“TWILIGHT!” Celestia called for her, reaching her hoof out. But it dropped as she watched the young mare disappear down the hall, Tears then built up in her eyes. “Twilight,” She wept, and fell to her knees and sobbed. She had failed. She had failed Equestria, her sisters, her brother, Herself, and most of all, her niece.

She felt Luna sit beside her. She nuzzled her neck as her own tear dripped from her eyes, “It will be okay Tia, I promise.” She whispered to her heartbroken sister.

“I’m a terrible aunt.” Celestia sobbed, clenching her eyes.

Luna shook her head, “No, you were only trying to shield her from something terrible. Yes, she does resent us now but I know she will return to us.” Celestia just leaned her head down on Luna’s and exhaled.

“I hope you're right Lulu.” She said softly, looking back at the window of her, Luna, Aurora, Cobalt, and the other guardians together, “I so desperately hope for your right.”

After she ran out of the chamber Twilight, retreated into her room and placed as many locking spells on the door as she could. She then proceeded to scream, thrash and kick at everything and anything she could. Soon her room was a mess and she flopped onto her bed.

She just glared angrily at the picture of her, her friends, ‘adoptive’ family, and her aunts all smiling, just a reminder she was living a life of lies. “They’re all liars. My adoptive parents, the princesses. Even my friends.” She said bitterly, remembering how they all selfishly abandoned her at the Canterlot wedding.

“They never cared about me. They just used me to get what they wanted! Everypony around me are Li-” Twilight rant ended abruptly as she felt a wave of tiredness, the same one she felt this morning, “Wh-what? Why is this happening now...”

Twilight’s eyes closed as she went under, entering another deep sleep.

Author's Note

Well, here it is. The third chapter of the story. And Let me tell you writing two chapters was not easy.

Now you are probably wondering why I decide to do two chapters, well since you've all been so pushy about me finishing this story and get back to My little Ninjago I figured I speed up the process. But now I'm exhausted. So I'm taking a break from writing and focus on my real life for a time.

I want to make It clear to all of you that I and every other author here on Fimfiction aren't robots that fulfill their master's command. We're living people who get tired and have lived on the other side which is more important than this, so please just be patient when I or any other are working on a new chapter.

Now with that out of the way, on to the Summery. Again all credit for the Text belongs to Dinoman213. We've now seen that Chrysalis has formed an alliance with Dreadmane and he has somehow gotten a hold of the Alicorn Amulet and plans to absorb the Guardians' powers for his revival.

Meanwhile, Starlight and Shining have warned the ponies of Erebus and it seems we got a mysterious pony who seems to know about Dreadmane and the guardians. Speaking of which the Mane 5 after spreading the warning of Dreadmane the 5 alicorns speak to them, asking for help, but for what exactly? And it seems Discord is hiding something about Dreadmane from Fluttershy.

What's more, Twilight finally learns the truth about her true Family heritage from Celestia and Luna. And is overcome with anger, distrust, and sorrow of her Aunties for keeping this secret from her. Forgive me if this reveal was too soon but I felt it would be the best outcome.

Next time, Twilight has a dream therapy session with an ancient Sorceror and wakes just in time to see an old friend who drops by to join the adventure.

Will Twilight overcome her Anger and resentment toward the Royal sisters or continue to hold on to it? Who were the ponies in the Crystal Empire, and Ponyville? And what kind of help do the Guardians need from the Mane 6? Put your guesses in the comments below and find out what the answers are in the next chapter.

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Until then NNNNIIIINNNJJJJJAAA-GO!!!