The Jedi Prince

Two months later

It was a beautiful day in Equestria. Cody was meditating, he took a deep breath through his nose so he could focus.

“I’m one with the Force and the Force is with me,” Cody said repeatedly to himself.

It had been almost half an hour since Cody had been like this, his overall goal was to hear the voices from the Jedi of the past. Sunset was keeping track of the time, she wore a leather jacket over a red-violet shirt with a shimmering sun design on it, and an orange skirt. She also now had E-cup breasts same as Twilight.

“Cody! Sunset!” Twilight spoke up.

Cody slowly turned his head to see none other than Twilight, standing next to him.

“Oh, come on, Twi,” Cody groaned. “Didn’t you notice I was meditating?”

“Sorry, Cody and Sunset, but we’ve got something big to work on,” Twilight said urgently.

“… Now?”

“Now.”

As the three of them stroll down the path, they soon found themselves blocked by the only other friends they had in Canterlot: Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine.

“Hi, Cody!” Lemon Hearts and Minuette greeted flirtatiously in unison.

“There you are, Twilight!” Twinkleshine said, “Moondancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come?”

“Is that today?” Cody asked, smiling. “I almost forgot! Don’t worry, we’ll be there for sure.”

“Oh sorry, girls. Sunset and I have got a lot of studying to catch on,” Twilight replied gently, “Plus, I think Cody is busy with Jedi training all day.”

Cody turned to his friend and crush with a glare.

“Twilight, wait!” Cody called out.

The girls just stood there as Cody dashed after Twilight and Sunset, barely catching up. But clearly, the three friends looked indignant as they watched the three of them disappear.

“Does that pony do anything except study?” Twinkleshine remarked, with a sigh. “I think she’s more interested in books than friends.”

“How does Cody even put up with her?” Lemon Heart added.

The two other unicorns just shrug silently.

“He’s so hot,” Minuette said. The three of them giggled.

Far along the courtyard, Twilight and Sunset busily dashed about the grounds at high speed, with Cody following close behind. They just crossed a bridge when Lyra Heartstrings waved to Twilight and Sunset, but the latter zipped by without noticing. Cody stopped to greet Lyra.

“Hey Lyra,” Cody said, quickly. “Sorry, can’t talk. Need to stop Twilight from skipping another party; can you tell the others we’re going to be late? Great, see ya!”

Cody took off at high speed once more, nearly blowing Lyra and the pony beside her away with a huge gust of wind, disappearing into the distance, then Lyra just swooned. It wasn’t long before he finally caught up to Twilight and Sunset, running beside them and not exactly happy.

“I know I’ve heard the Elements of Harmony,” She said aloud.

Cody rolled his eyes, as they continue to run back towards a tall, golden tower representing both her home and her research lab. Sadly, his words fell on deaf ears the moment they arrived at the entrance. Since Twilight was so determined to uncover what she searched for, she didn’t know until too late that Spike, now thirteen by human and pony standards, was making his way out of the tower with a package in his claws. She bashed him out of the way the instant she opened the front door. Spike also wore blue pants with a notch in the back for his tail.

“Ow!” Spike groaned.

Cody had rushed past Twilight and Sunset, then noticed Spike rubbing his head from the pain. Nonetheless, Cody helped him to his feet.

“You alright, little buddy?” Cody asked, concerned.

“Yeah, I’m good,” Spike answered.

“Spike! Spi-ike!” Twilight called. “Spike?”

She climbed up the steps to the research department of her home, not realizing she almost ran over her number one assistant, who only groaned in response.

“Down here! Thanks for asking!” Cody called out, in frustration.

“There you are!” Twilight called out. “Quick, find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies.”

It was then Twilight eventually noticed, while Cody and Spike climbed the stairs, that a bashed package was stuck to the end of Spike’s tail.

“What’s that for?” She asked.

“It was a gift for Moondancer, but…”

Spike yelped as the gift was set aside, as Cody looked down.

“Oh, how cute… You bought her a teddy bear.” Cody said.

“Well, giving it away mostly… Considering I’ve grown out of it,” Spike replied.

“Oh boys, you know we don’t have time for that sort of thing,” Twilight frowned.

“When exactly do we ever have time for anything?” Cody asked. “You’ve been cooped up in this library since last week, you work too much. Even I take a break from Jedi training when necessary.”

“Exactly, we’re on a break!” Spike added.

Twilight just ignored the two, as she used her magic, a pale, light grayish orchid aura, summoning a number of books before her, quickly looking them over one by one.

“No, no, no… No, no, no!”

Twilight grunted in frustration, seeing none of these titles showed the information she needed. Cody rolled his eyes, sighing while shaking his head.

“Spike!”

Spike just sighed, as he effortlessly heads toward another tall ladder, scanning another bookshelf before grabbing the book with ease.

Cody and Sunset caught something in their sight, and saw a book under a stool. He lowered himself, reached under the stool, and pulled out the book. Sunset then read the cover out loud, “Perfection: The Impossible Pursuit.”

“Twilight! This book has to go back to the Canterlot library by noon in three days!” Sunset said.

Neither Twilight nor Spike heard them, Cody turned to Sunset and asked, “Sunset, can you please take this book back to the library?”

“Right away, Cody,” Sunset replied as she dashed off to the library.

“It’s over here!” Spike called out, the book in his arms.

Just then, the book and the dragon were pulled towards Twilight. Cody noticed Spike quickly plummeting towards the floor and rushed forward catching Spike with the Force before he hit the floor.

“Ah! Elements, Elements…” Twilight said aloud, searching the pages.

“Do you not even care that poor Spike almost face-planted on the ground?” Cody asked, in disbelief.

Once again, Twilight refused to acknowledge his question. She skimmed over the contents of the book, in deep concentration.

“E… E… E… Aha! Elements of Harmony, see: Mare in the Moon?”

Spike and Cody just sighed. Not only was their day-off ruined, now they were left cleaning up Twilight’s mess… Again. As a matter of fact, this wasn’t the first time she left the two boys on cleaning duty, specifically putting the books back in their proper place. The glares on their faces showed just how annoyed they were about it.

“Mare in the Moon?” Spike pondered.

“Mare… Mare… Aha!” Twilight exclaimed, finding what she was looking for.

“The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal!”

“Spike, Cody! Do you know what this means?” Twilight asked.

Cody’s eyes widened as if he knew who they were talking about, “It means my aunt will return tonight,” he muttered.

Of course, Spike was fighting not to lose balance on Cody’s shoulders as the two tried to balance themselves on a dangerously wobbling ladder. Cody tried to keep the ladder steady, but the number of books and Spike’s own wobbling made the task very difficult.

“No… Whoa! OW!”

Spike tumbled once more, but this time Twilight caught him in her magic with ease. Cody just looked from atop the ladder, relieved that Spike was alright but turned towards Twilight rather glumly.

“We’re not going to Moondancer’s party, are we?” He asked, in a bored tone.

“Take a note please, to the Princess,” Twilight asked Spike.

“Okie-dokie!” Spike said.

He grabbed a quill and some paper and got ready to write. Suffice to say, Spike had gotten good at writing as fast as Twilight could speak. Cody could do the same, but his penmanship was rather… Sub-par.

“My dearest teacher,” Twilight began, pacing about the room. “My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster!”

“Hold on,” Spike interrupts.

While Spike was a fast writer, sometimes Twilight had a tendency of using words far too… Complex for his caliber.

“Preci… Preci…”

“Threshold,” Twilight proposed instead.

“Threh…”

“Cody, are you going to help him out?” Twilight asked, annoyed.

“You could say please,” Cody points out.

“Uh brink?” Twilight proposed.

Spike was still struggling until Twilight grunted impatiently.

“Ugh, that something really bad is about to happen!”

That was more than enough for Spike, as he continued writing along.

“For you see, the mythical ‘Mare in the Moon’ is in fact ‘Nightmare Moon’, and she’s about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night! Something must be done to make sure that this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student Twilight Sparkle.” she said.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Spike replied slowly. “Got it!”

“Great! Send it!” Twilight replied excitedly.

“Now?”

“Of course!”

Spike was about to send it when he realized something important.

“Uh, I dunno, Twilight,” Spike replied, holding the letter. “Princess Celestia’s a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. And it’s like, the day after tomorrow.”

“That’s just it, Spike,” Twilight pointed out, in his face. “The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration! It’s imperative that the Princess is told right away!”

“Impera… Impera…”

“Important!” Twilight bellowed.

“Whoa!” Spike exclaimed.

The little dragon tumbled backwards toward a bookshelf. Luckily, Cody caught caught him with the Force before the impact. Spike sighed in relief, turning toward Cody.

“Thanks man.”

Cody smiled with a nod, before turning back to Twilight and regained his frown.

“You really need to take it easy, Twilight,” Cody suggests. “Let’s just calm down, think this over for a sec…”

“NOW!”

“Okay, okay!” Spike retorted.

Taking a deep breath, Spike blew a green flame over the letter as it magically disappeared into the sky.

“There, it’s on its way. But I wouldn’t hold your breath…”

“Oh, I’m not worried, Spike,” Twilight replied, confidently. “The Princess trusts me completely. In all my years she’s been my mentor, she’s never once doubted me.”

“Mom trusts me too, so does my father. You know Twi, there’s more to life than studying all the time,” Cody pointed out.

BELCH!

All of a sudden, Spike let out a loud belch and another letter magically appeared before them.

“See?” Twilight replied with a smile. “I knew she would want to take immediate action.”

“My dearest, most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle,” Spike read, mimicking a regal tone. “You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely…”

“Mm-hm!” Twilight nodded smugly, as Cody rolled his eyes beside her.

“… but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!” Spike finished.

Twilight gasped, as Cody chuckled to himself.

“Called it.” He said.

Soon enough, Cody, Twilight, Spike, and R5 were on a flying chariot pulled by two strong royal Pegasus pony guards. Behind them was another chariot carrying Sunset, the Thrace brothers, and Rex. The two guards were assigned to carry them towards their mission above the clouds. Cody clearly enjoyed the ride, while Twilight kept pouting while leaning over the edge of the chariot. Along the way, Spike continued to read the letter Celestia sent.

“My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony’s life than studying, so I’m sending you and Cody to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year’s location: Ponyville. And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete… Make some friends!”

Twilight sighed to herself, not looking forward to the mission at all. Mainly, the second half. Cody was much more enthusiastic.

“Well, under the circumstances,” Cody spoke to Twilight. “I always said wanted to get out of Canterlot. I could use a nice change of scenery myself, aside from my time on Lothal, Dagobah or Tatooine.”

“True,” Spike added. “Look on the bright side, Twilight. The Princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn’t that make you happy?”

“Yes, yes it does,” Twilight said, now smiling. “You know why? Because I’m right! We’ll check on the preparations as fast as we can, then get to the library to find some proof of Nightmare Moon’s return.”

“Then… When will you make friends, like the Princess said?” Spike asked.

“She said to check on the preparations,” Twilight retorted. “I’m her student, and I’ll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me, or us, making friends.”

As they talked, the chariot descended into what appears to be an open street right in the middle of the town called ‘Ponyville’.

“This is my royal duty too, since Mom asked you to accompany me in checking on the preparations,” Cody pointed out.

Cody didn’t say another word when he heard the two royal guards give a whinny.

“Thank you, sirs,” Twilight replied.

“Thanks for the smooth ride, fellas,” Cody added, taking out a bag of gems, “Here’s some gems for the road back, buy yourself something nice.”

The two stallions huffed in appreciation, as Cody, Twilight, R5, and Spike scanned about the town. Sunset, Rex and the Thrace brothers followed them. Just then, a particularly pink pony with cotton candy style mane and tail, with balloons for a cutie mark on her shoulders, approached them. The mare also had F-cup breasts and wore a white shirt with short blue sleeves and a pink heart in the center of the shirt, and a dark pink skirt.

“Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about,” Spike suggested. “Come on, Twilight, just try!”

“Sure, go ahead!” Cody added, “Some pony came to greet us, it be rude if we didn’t say hello.”

Twilight noticed the pink pony standing in front of her, trying her best to smile.

“Um… Hello?” She said, slowly.

“I’m Cody Ando,” Cody introduced himself. “And you are?”

GASP!

The pink pony gasped in utter surprise, before zipping away at top speed. If Twilight and Cody hadn’t ducked, she’d have knocked them over.

“Well, that was interesting all right,” Twilight said, unamused.

“Random too,” Cody added, nodding.

Eventually, the group walked through an entire crop of Apple trees before eventually winding upon a large farm. Spike proceeds to take out the long checklist and began reading it off.

“Summer Sun Celebration official overseer’s checklist,” Spike read aloud. “Number One – Banquet Preparations: Sweet Apple Acres.”

“YEEHAW!”

The group turns noticing an orange pony, with a blonde mane and tail tied into ponytails. She also had a brown Stetson hat on her head and a cutie mark of three apples on her shoulders, along with a white collared shirt with green shading near the collar underneath an unbuttoned red checkered shirt and daisy duke shorts. She also had an F-cup rack. The mare proceeds to knock apples from a tree, using her legs and front-kicking the tree with incredible strength.

Sal was enamored by her looks, as well as her strength and said, “What a woman!”

“Let’s get this over with,” Twilight sighed.

They made their way towards the orange pony, who was admiring her work, all the apples she bucked neatly stacked in barrels.

“Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle—”

Just then, Twilight was caught off-guard as the orange pony began to roughly shake her hand.

“Well, howdy-doo, Miss Twilight,” The orange pony greets, with a thick country accent. “A pleasure makin’ your acquaintance. I’m Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin’ new friends!”

“Good to meet you, Applejack,” Cody added, trying to introduce himself. “I’m Cody Ando, and this is my little brother, Rex and my droid, R5-G7.”

“Uh...S-Saladin Thrace, you can call me Sal, and this is my brother, Bucky,” Sal said whilst blushing.

“Friends?” Twilight replied. “Actually, I… Er… We…”

“So, what can I do y’all for?” Applejack asked.

Twilight’s hand still shook about, so Cody had to grab it to make her stop. Spike just snickered until Twilight glared at him, before clearing her throat.

“Well, we are in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration,” Twilight explained.

“And, from what we understand, you’re in charge of the food?” Cody finished.

“We sure as sugar are!” Applejack said, proudly. “Would you care to sample some?”

“Well, I am a little hungry,” Cody smiled.

“As long as it doesn’t take too long,” Twilight added.

Cody turned to Twilight, glaring at her. But before either could say anything, they heard a triangle ring.

“Soup’s on, every pony!” Applejack called out.

“Soup?” Cody asked.

Suddenly, they heard a loud thumping as Cody, Twilight, R5, Spike, and the others were whisked away by a huge mass of ponies and brought before a round table with a green checked colored cloth. All three felt rather frazzled, until Applejack sat nearby.

“Now, why don’t I introduce y’all to the Apple Family?” Applejack proposed.

“Thanks, but we really need to hurry—” Twilight began.

“This here is Apple Fritter—” Applejack began

She proceeds to introduce each family member, who each brought an apple treat to the table.

“—Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicous, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp...”

Applejack took a deep breath to regain some air.

“… Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, my parents, Bright Mac and Buttercup, and Granny Smith.”

Big Mac wore a plain white T-shirt, knee-length jean shorts, a brown belt, and a bright red jacket with a brown collar that had two green apple symbols. Bright Mac wore similar attire, only with a green jacket and white collar, while Buttercup wore a yellow flannel shirt and a Jean skirt.

On the last name, the trio turns to an elderly pony sleeping on a rocking chair. She had a light gray mane and a light lime green coat. She wore an orange scarf with white lacing around the edges with red apples for the design, as well as jeans and a yellow shirt. On her shoulders and imprinted on her jeans is a cutie mark resembling a pie. This was Granny Smith, who unbeknownst to Twilight, Cody, and the others is the matriarch of the Apple Family… And more.

“Up and at ‘em, Granny Smith, we got guests!” Applejack called out.

The elderly pony woke from her slumber with a loud snort.

“Wha…? Soup’s on?” She retorted. “I’m up, and here I come, I’m comin’…”

As Granny Smith slowly joins the family, her ankles cracking with each step, Applejack turns over to the family as they surround the three newcomers. It was then Cody noticed a green apple shoved into Twilight’s mouth, making him chuckle a bit.

“Why, I’d say you’re already part of the family,” Applejack declared.

Storm and Spike both smiled widely and happily, even began to speak to several of the Apple Family. Twilight, meanwhile, spat the now chewed apple from her mouth and gave a nervous laugh.

“Okay, well,” She replied slowly. “I can see the food situation has been handled. So, we’ll be on our way…”

Twilight had just turned to leave when a small yellow filly with a red mane and big pink bow, and wearing a light green shirt, and blue jean shorts walk shyly up to them. Cody and Rex remembered her name being Apple Bloom.

“Aren’t you gonna say for brunch?” Apple Bloom asked quietly.

She gave Twilight and Cody the cutest little puppy dog eyes any pony had ever seen.

“Aw… How can we say no to that face?” Cody smirked.

In all honesty, he wasn’t in a big hurry to leave. But Twilight, on the other hand…

“Sorry,” Twilight said, trying to minimize the damage. “But we have an awful lot to do…”

Every pony gave a long, disappointed sigh, until Cody stepped up and took the lead.

“Now hold up, every pony,” Cody spoke up. “Pay no mind to what she said. Why we’d be honored to share brunch with you all, as a gesture of friendship.”

The last word he growled quietly towards Twilight Sparkle, as he shot her a glare. Twilight glared back, as the two ended up in a standoff for the next few seconds. They kept their gaze locked, waiting for one of them to crack, until Twilight finally blinked and looked away with a huff.

“… Fine,” Twilight conceded.

Cody smirked in victory, while the Apple family cheered and invited their guests to the table to eat.

A couple hours passed before Twilight and the others finally left. Suffice to say, Spike and Cody felt very satisfied.

“Food’s all taken care of,” Spike said. “Next is the weather.”

“I say all the food was awesome,” Cody replied.

Twilight Sparkle, needless to say, lagged behind the both of them and moaned. Her stomach bulged greatly.

“Ugh…” Twilight groaned, “I ate too much pie…”

“Told you so,” Cody pointed out, “Sampling means taking ‘small’ amounts of everything. But you just had to devour everything you saw. You’ve got the appetite of a Hutt. No offense.”

“None taken,” Twilight said unamused.

Spike examined a few clouds hanging over the sky.

“Hmm… There’s supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds,” Spike pondered.

“Well, she’s not doing a very good job, is she?” Twilight pointed out.

Suddenly, a blue Pegasus pony with a rainbow mane and tail came crashing down on both Cody and Twilight. She also wore a a white T-shirt with a rainbow colored lightning bolt design on it, a dark blue athletic jacket, and light magenta and white workout shorts. It should also be noted there was a cloud shooting a rainbow-colored lightning bolt cutie mark along her shoulders. The initial impact sent Twilight and Cody flying into a giant patch of mud. They moaned angrily, coated badly in mud. The blue pony just laughed sheepishly.

“Uh… ‘scuse me?” She replied.

As the Pegasus hovered about, Cody and Twilight both gave a death glare while she just laughed.

“Lemme help you,” The blue pony offered.

She grabs a nearby rain cloud and made it downpour with her hooves hopping on the cloud. The rainwater soaked the two of them, while the blue pony, from above the cloud, laughed sheepishly once more.

“Oops, I guess I over did it,” She remarked.

“Oh, you don’t say,” Cody retorted. “Might as well just throw us in a lake.”

“Um, uh, how about this? My very own patented Rain-Bow Dry!”

She created a large wind tunnel around the two of them, drying them both off quickly.

“No, no. Don’t thank me,” The blue pony replied, before facing the two. “You’re quite welcome.”

It was then the Pegasus saw that her trick worked a little too well. While Twilight was dry, her mane and tail were now frizzy and poofy. Cody’s hair resembled a disco style, while Twilight was in no better condition. The sight was too much, and both the pegasus, Spike, and the Thrace brothers burst out laughing, falling onto their backs. Sal rolled over until he was accidentally on top of the mare. Cody and Twilight just stood and glare.

“Let me guess,” Twilight retorted. “You’re Rainbow Dash.”

The Pegasus, hearing her name, stopped laughing and quickly got up, knocking Spike aside.

“The one and only. Why, you’ve heard of me?”

“I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear,” Twilight remarked with a sigh. “I’m Twilight Sparkle and this here is Cody Ando, and the Princess sent us to check on the weather.”

Suffice to say, Rainbow Dash had made herself comfortable on a cloud above them. She didn’t seem the least bit motivated to actually do the job.

“Yeah, yeah, that’ll be a snap,” Rainbow waved off. “I’ll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I’m done practicing.”

“Practicing for what?” Twilight asked.

“The Wonderbolts!” Rainbow Dash said, excitedly.

She motions toward a nearby poster showing what appears to be a bunch of Pegasus ponies dressed in flight suits, which feature a shade of gold and aquamarine along with a ‘winged bolt’ logo.

“They’re gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I’m gonna show ‘em my stuff!”

“The… Wonderbolts?” Twilight asked, with a smirk.

“Yep!”

“The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?”

“That’s them!”

“Pfft! Please! They’d never accept a Pegasus who can’t even keep the sky clear for one measly day.” Twilight said.

“Or crash lands into others!” Cody added.

When the two friends started talking, Rainbow Dash was very cross over their choice of words.

“Hey, I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat!” Rainbow retorted.

“Prove it!” Twilight and Cody challenged.

The latter pulled out a stopwatch and the moment he pushed the button, Rainbow zoomed high into the sky, bucking off the remaining clouds in a rapid session. Both Cody and Twilight were agape, same with Sal and Bucky, as Rainbow returned with a whoosh.

“Loop-de-loop around, and wham!” Rainbow Dash said, finishing up. “What’d I say? Ten… Seconds… Flat. I’d never leave Ponyville hanging.”

Twilight, Cody, and Spike stared with their jaws dropped.

“You should see the looks on your faces,” Rainbow laughed. “Ha! You’re a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. You too, Cody Ando! I can’t wait to hang out some more.”

By the time Cody shook himself out of shock, Rainbow Dash zoomed away.

“Maybe don’t slam us into the ground next time, and we’re good!” Cody called out.

“Wow, she’s amazing!” Spike said, with a laugh.

“… Yeah, you’re right,” Cody admitted.

“Whoa, now that’s a girl with a need for speed,” Sal said.

It was then Cody turned and noticed Spike playing with Twilight’s still puffy mane. Twilight growled at the fact her mane was still a mess when she felt two eyes watching her. With a roll of her eyes, she turns to Cody.

“What?!”

“You look cute with a frizzy mane,” Cody said.

Twilight sent a heated glare towards her friend, before walking off. Cody, on the other hand, just smiled.

“I meant what I said,” He replied, softly.

Their next leg of the trip lead the quintet, plus R5, into a large building with a round dome. It was apparently supposed to be where the main ceremony would take place later tonight.

“Decorations,” Spike said, in awe. “Beautiful…”

“Yes, the décor is coming along nicely,” Twilight nodded. “This ought’a be quick. I’ll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed.”

“Not the décor,” Spike said, clearly dazed. “Her!”

Cody and Twilight turn ahead and before their eyes was a marshmallow-coated unicorn, with a beautiful curled dark purple mane and tail, as well as a G-cup rack. She wore a pale blue shirt, a dark purple belt, and a purple skirt, along her shoulders and skirt appear to be three blue gemstones on each side. She was apparently deep in thought, shuffling through some ribbons with her magic.

“No, no, no, oh!” She exclaimed. “Goodness no.”

“How are my spines?” Spike asked, worried. “Are they straight?”

“You’re fine, little buddy,” Cody said, patting the dragon’s back.

Twilight just rolled her eyes, before stepping forward.

“Good afternoon—” Twilight tried to address.

However, the other unicorn seemed far too focused to acknowledge the newcomer.

“Just a moment, please!” the unicorn replied, continuing her work. “I’m in the zone, as it were. Oh yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help up-AAAH! Oh, my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!”

Puzzled, Twilight looked up at her mane. Cody’s eyes were already locked onto hers, after Rarity said that. He had studied Prench back in Canterlot Grade School and that was one word he knew.

“Oh, you mean my mane?” Twilight clarified. “Well, it’s a long story. I’m just here to check on the decorations, and then I’ll be out of your hair!”

“Out of my hair?” Rarity exclaimed. “What about your hair?”

Rarity began pushing Twilight out the building from the flank.

“Wait! Where are we going?!” Twilight called out. “Help!”

Cody just casually walked beside her, while Spike was too mesmerized to be of any help.

“I think she’s taking us to that building there,” Cody pointed out. “Is that a boutique?”

“That would be right dear,” Rarity replied. “My humble abode, I own and operate the place myself and it was given to me by my mentor, Snow Pearl. She used to live there.”

“Snow Pearl? She designed my clothes, and modified my father’s Jedi robe and made his swimming trunks,”

It was then Rarity realized something as she pushed Twilight along.

“Oh dear, I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch your name.”

“Name’s Cody Ando, Miss Rarity,” Cody said, “And this is my droid, R5-G7.”

“I’m Saladin Thrace, you can call me Sal, and this is my brother, Bucky,” Sal added.

“Well, it’s lovely to meet you all,” Rarity smiled. “Ah, here we are!”

It wasn’t long before Twilight stood in the center of what was indeed a clothing boutique Cody had visited plenty of boutiques in Canterlot, when the other girls would drag him along for one of their shopping weekends, especially the one owned by Snow Pearl. And of course, being the only guy in the group, guess who carried the bags? But something about this particular boutique carried a certain charm, as Cody looked around. All the while, Rarity shuffled through various outfits for Twilight.

“No, no, uh-uh,” Rarity said to herself. “Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too… Shiny…”

“You call that shiny?” Cody asked.

Just then, Twilight was garbed in some form of cyan-colored dress with a large emerald up front, as Rarity proceeds to tie the back straps, roughly pulling them against Twilight’s chest.

“Now go on, my dears,” She continued. “You were telling me where you’re both from.”

Twilight strained to answer, since the dress was a tad tight from all the tugging, but she did her best.

“I’ve… That is we… Were sent… From Canterlot… To—”

“Huh?” Rarity exclaimed.

Rarity suddenly released the straps, sending Twilight tumbling forward.

“Canterlot!? Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can’t wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I…”

Rarity held Twilight close, though the latter was uncomfortable. Suddenly, Rarity noticed the broach on the dress.

“Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!”

Rarity dashed away, as Twilight used a nearby screen to quickly remove the dress.

“Quick!” Twilight called out. “Before she decides to dye my coat a new color!”

Spike was too dazed, but somehow used his smitten feelings to hover with his tail, as Twilight scooped him up and dashed away. By that point, all six, including R5, were outside the shop and continued their way down the path.

“Wasn’t she wonderful?” Spike asked, out of the blue.

Cody turned to Spike and smirked, he could tell the purple dragon had been lovestruck. He knew that feeling very well.

“Focus, Casanova,” Twilight joked sarcastically, “What’s next on the list?”

“You’re not the only one, Spike. I noticed how Sal looked at Applejack, and possibly Rainbow Dash, too,” Cody remarked, turning to Sal with a smirk.

“What? Applejack is gorgeous, and so hot, Rainbow’s kinda hot too and she’s got a need for speed like I do,” Sal replied.

Spike quickly recomposed himself, before checking the list.

“Oh, uh, music!” He answered. “It’s the last one!”

It was then they heard a multitude of birds singing. Hiding in a bush, they saw all the birds gathered into a large tree and apparently conducted by a yellow pegasus with a soft pink mane and tail, plus a G-cup rack, complete with a butterfly cutie mark on her shoulders. She also wore a white tank top and a light green skirt that had her cutie mark on it. During this mesmerizing rehearsal, something caught her attention.

“Whoa, she’s pretty,” Bucky said enamored by the sight of the pegasus.

“Oh my,” She said, very softly. “Um, stop please, everyone, umm. Excuse me, sir? I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a ‘teeny-tiny’ bit off. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one-two-three—”

“Hello!”

Twilight called out at the worst possible time. All the birds were startled and flew away, even the yellow Pegasus gave a frightened yelp before turning around. From the look on her face, Twilight soon realized her mistake.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry,” Twilight apologized. “I didn’t mean to frighten your birds. We’re just here to check up on the music and it’s sounding beautiful.”

“Beautiful like you are,” Bucky muttered.

The yellow pegasus said nothing, but turn away shyly, rubbing her left hand. Cody couldn’t resist a smile; he was always a sucker for shy girls.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle, and this is Cody Ando,” Twilight continued. “What’s your name?”

“Good afternoon,” Cody greeted.

Again, the yellow pegasus said nothing. She seemed to grow more shy with each passing day.

“Um… I’m Fluttershy,” The Pegasus replied.

Of course, her voice was so quiet, even though Cody could barely hear her name. All the same, the name suited her perfectly.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Twilight asked, unable to hear.

“Um… My name is Fluttershy,” She replied again, more softly.

“Didn’t quite catch that,” Twilight added, feeling awkward.

“I think she said ‘Fluttershy’,” Cody said.

Fluttershy just squeaked as the rest of the birds returned to the tree.

“Well, um, it looks like your birds are back. So, I guess everything’s in order. Keep up the good work.”

Fluttershy only squeaked again. This time, Cody knew it was Twilight who startled her.

“Oookay…” Twilight replied uneasily, turning to Spike, Cody, and R5. “Well, that was easy.”

The moment Spike appeared Fluttershy instantly turned around, wide eyed and smiling.

“A baby dragon!” Fluttershy exclaimed, more audibly.

Her sudden outburst made the birds fly away as she raced towards Spike, bucking Twilight out of the way.

“Oh, I’ve never seen a baby dragon before. He’s sooo cute!”

“Well, well, well…!” Spike smiled.

Twilight glared over being pushed, as Cody went over to help her.

“You alright, Twi?” He asked.

“What do you think?” Twilight grumbled.

“Oh my, he talks!” Fluttershy exclaimed again. “I didn’t know dragons could talk. That’s just so incredibly wonderful, I, I just don’t even know what to say!”

By then, Twilight, Spike, Cody, and the Thrace brothers started walking.

“Well, in that case, we’d better be going,” Twilight said.

The unicorns started walking back to town for the library, when Fluttershy started to follow them.

“Wait, wait! What’s his name?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m Spike,” the dragon replied.

“Hi Spike, I’m Fluttershy.” the yellow pegasus greeted, “Wow, a talking dragon! And what do dragons talk about?”

“Well, what do you wanna know?” Spike asked.

“Absolutely everything…”

Twilight groaned, as she continued her way towards the library with the rest following close behind.

“Well… I started out as a cute little purple and green egg…” Spike began.

It was sunset, even then Fluttershy and Spike were still in conversation, while Twilight’s mood couldn’t get any more sour. Cody had purposely lagged behind to hear the conversation, even adding his own two bits once in a while. All the while, Fluttershy listened attentively.

“…And that’s the story of my whole entire life!” Spike concluded.

By then, they finally arrived at the front of a grand oak tree that marked the town’s library.

“Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?” Spike asked.

“Oh, yes, please!” Fluttershy replied happily.

Just then, Spike was startled when Twilight did a fast one eighty.

“I’m so sorry, how did we get here so fast?” Twilight said plainly. “This is where I’m staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep.”

“No, I don’t… WHOA!”

Spike was taken aback again, as Twilight sent him jumping up with her magic and onto the ground with a thud.

“Aww, wook at dat,” Twilight said in baby talk. “He’s so sweepy, he can’t even keep his widdle bawance!”

Cody rolled his eyes, while Spike glared. But somehow, Fluttershy actually believed Twilight.

“Poor thing,” She replied, scooping him up, “You simply must get him to bed…”

Fluttershy opened the door to tuck him in, but Twilight interrupts and shoves Fluttershy out. Cody and the Thrace brothers just watched this entire scenario in complete shock.

“Yes, yes,” Twilight replied quickly, “We’ll get right on that. Well, g-night!”

Twilight then pulls Cody inside, slamming the door behind them.

“Huh, rude much?” Spike pointed out, with a glare.

“I’ll say,” Cody added.

Even in pitch darkness, Cody’s bitter look could be seen in the dark.

“Sorry guys, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we’re running out of time!” Twilight replied.

Once again, Cody groaned and rolled his eyes, “You’re seriously still hung up on all this, Twi? You’ve already sent your letter to the Princess, who I believe wrote back to tell you to, oh I don’t know… Chill out and make some friends!” he said.

“Right,” Twilight added. “I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now, where’s the light?”

Before Cody could say more, the lights turned on and the quintet found themselves surrounded by numerous ponies. The place itself was heavily decorated. And they all jumped as a honk went off.

“SURPRISE!!!” The ponies shouted, blowing kazoos.

Twilight just groaned, while Spike, Cody, and the Thrace brothers were still in shock.

“SURPRISE!”

Before the trio was the pink pony they just met, before taking off earlier that day.

“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh-huh-huh?” the pink pony greeted.

“Looks like some pony had her fair share of sugar today,” Cody muttered to himself.

“Very surprised,” Twilight said. “Libraries are supposed to be quiet.”

“Well, that’s silly!” Pinkie Pie answered. “What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! Y’see, I saw you when you two first got here, remember? You were all “hello” and I was all (GASP), remember? Y’see I’ve never saw you two before and if I’ve never saw you before that meant that you’re both new, ‘cause I know every pony, and I mean every pony in Ponvyille!”

Pinkie also got in the faces of Sal and Bucky as she greeted them, hugging the latter tightly that he blushed from her contact.

“O-kay…” Cody said, uneasily, “Good to meet you, Pinkie. This is my droid, R5-G7.”

Twilight just groaned, as she approached a table with all the cups and sodas for a quick drink.

“And if you’re new,” Pinkie Pie continued. “That meant you haven’t met anyone yet, and if you haven’t met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don’t have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that’s why I went (GASP)! I must throw you a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!”

Cody had a tough time keeping track of what Pinkie Pie said, but soon noticed the five other girls he and Twilight met today. As he went over to converse with them, Twilight seemed to tune them all out and sipped her drink. Suddenly, she lifts her head, turned around, and her cheeks puffed out as her face went deep red.

“Are you all right, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

Twilight said nothing, as flames erupted from her mane, tail, and her mouth before she rushed off. Once the flames fizzled out, she dashed upstairs without another word.

“Aww, she’s so happy, she’s crying!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Cody rolled his eyes, as Spike examined the soda bottle Twilight drank from.

“Does that look happy to you?!” Cody said in Pinkie’s face, pointing to Twilight.

“Hot sauce,” Spike read on the label. Cody just sighed with a head shake.

“What is that doing with the soda?” He asked.

Just then Pinkie Pie dumped a large dollop of it atop a cupcake and gobbled it up. Cody and the others made faces.

“Ooh…!” Pinkie Pie remarked, as she ate it. “What?” It’s good!”

“If you say so,” Cody said uneasily, with a face palm.

Losing his appetite, Cody looks up sadly toward the staircase leading to what was apparently Twilight’s bedroom. Rarity noticed his body language and stood beside him.

“You seem worried about Twilight,” Rarity observed. “Why not go check up on her?”

“Eh… I don’t know what good it will do…” Cody said. “Twilight’s not exactly the most social pony.”

“Well, why don’t you tell us more about yourself, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

“Me? Well, sure! I’m an open book. You can ask me ‘anything’ that pops in your head, while I get to know you girls a bit.”

The girls beckon Cody and the Thrace brothers, along with R5 to join the party as he began to share parts of his life story with them and he also told them about the Clone War, the Force, the Jedi, the Sith, and Equestria’s place in the galaxy. While he had to do his best to make things interesting, seeing the girls intrigued by his story made him feel slightly better. Either way, for the first time in a while, Cody and the Thrace brothers enjoyed themselves.

It was well into the night when he and Spike finally decided to visit Twilight. Twilight groaned from all the noise and loud music downstairs, practically burying her head underneath a large pillow as she sat in her bed. Suddenly, the doors burst open as Cody and Spike came in. The little dragon had a nightshade over his head.

“Hey Twilight!” Spike called out. “Pinkie Pie’s starting ‘Pin the Tail on the Pony’! Wanna play?”

“Yeah, come on down and have some fun,” Cody urged. “I did a singing duet with Rarity, tried some awesome candy from a mare named Bon-Bon, who apparently swooned at me, and just won my first dance contest! And all I had to do was perform the limbo by staying exactly one inch from the ground leaning back. The girls had to pin Rainbow Dash down since she kept demanding a rematch. Yeesh… Not like losing’s the end of the world, you know?”

Twilight, on the other hand, was clearly irritated.

“NO!” Twilight barked. “All the ponies in this town are crazy! Do you know what time it is?!”

“It’s the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration,” Spike answered. “Every pony has to stay up, or they’ll miss the Princess raise the sun! You really should lighten up, Twilight. It’s a party!”

“You really should lighten up, Twilight,” Twilight imitated, mockingly. “It is a party!”

Spike just left, while Cody stood on the rails with his arms folded, a disappointed look on his face. Cody finally had enough of her attitude today and decided something had to be said.

“Twilight, in all seriousness, you’re really missing out on all the fun,” Cody states. “Mom did say we were to make friends. I’ve already made five since we’ve been here, and there could be more since every pony here enjoys chatting with me. Spike and I are having a great time, but I really hoped you’d join in. But if you’d rather sit here and pout the whole night, go right ahead. Just don’t ask me to watch.”

Twilight still remained silent, neither saying a word nor turning to him. Cody just sighed, before closing the door, with one last look to her before turning around to join in on the party games. Twilight just stared at the ceiling, hugging her pillow close.

“Ugh, here I thought I’d have time to learn about the Elements of Harmony but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!” she remarked.

Despite all the frustration, Twilight couldn’t stop remembering the last thing she read.

“Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night.”

“I hope the Princess was right…” Twilight said, worried. “I hope it really is just an old pony tale…”

It wasn’t long before Cody walked back into the room, with Spike on his back.

“C’mon, Twilight!” Spike called out. “It’s time to watch the sunrise!”

Twilight looked toward the moon one last time, the silhouette of Nightmare Moon’s face remained on the surface and several stars shined around it, but nothing seemed to change. She crawled off the bed and found Cody waiting for her. While his face remained stern, he still offered her a hand. Twilight just stares at him before placing her hand on top. Cody smiles approvingly, before escorting her out the library towards the town hall for the ceremony.

The building itself wasn’t particularly large, but somehow it fit every pony who came to see the sunrise, with plenty of room to spare. Twilight was still worried as she stood beside Cody waiting for the ceremony to begin. Just then, Pinkie Pie swooped in from nearby.

“Isn’t this exciting?” She asked, out of the blue. “Are you excited, ‘cause I’m excited, I’ve never been so excited—well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went (GASP) but I mean really, who can top that?”

Twilight just gave Cody a curious, yet annoyed look.

“If you drank five bottles of soda and a bottle of hot sauce, you’d be hyper too,” Cody whispered.

Twilight just rolled her eyes when a cream-colored mare with a whitish mane, tail, a scroll tied in a blue ribbon for a cutie mark, and glasses upon her nose appeared. She also wore a golden blouse under a white suit, and a gray short skirt. This was the Mayor of Ponyville known as Ivory Scroll. Cody had a chance to speak to her during the party, and while she did flirt with him, they did share a friendly chat. As soon as Fluttershy’s birds performed their opening number, she took center stage.

“Fillies and gentlecolts,” She announced proudly. “As Mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration.”

All the ponies cheered proudly, stomping their hooves at the start of the upcoming arty. But while she spoke, Twilight looked up and saw the stars approach the moon and the Mare in the Moon’s silhouette disappeared from the moon’s surface. This made her rather nervous, as the Mayor continued on completely blissfully.

“In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, and the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria…”

“Ready?” Fluttershy asked her birds, who simply nods.

“… Princess Celestia and her husband, Prince Blaze Ando!” Mayor Ivory Scroll announced.

A spotlight appears where the Princess is set to arrive, and Rarity opens the curtains… But she wasn’t there.

“Huh?” Rarity said, shocked.

The rest of the ponies chattered quietly and nervously in the background.

“This can’t be good,” Twilight said.

“Maybe… She’s running a little late?” Spike asked, nervously.

“I don’t know, Spike. I sense the dark side of the Force at work here.” Cody replied.

“Remain calm, every pony,” Ivory Scroll replied, keeping the peace. “There must be a reasonable explanation!”

“Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Is she hiding?”

Rarity searched the area where Celestia and Blaze were supposed to be, but all she could say was, “She’s gone!”

Every pony gasped, the news of Celestia and Blaze’s disappearance hitting them like a boulder to the chest.

“Ooh, she’s good!” Pinkie Pie remarked.

Just then, she gave a great yelp as every pony gasped once more. Only this time, a dark, cloudy mist entered the hall. They all watched fearfully, as the mist slowly took form, morphing into the shape of a tall, dark alicorn in light blue armor, and a bluish-black royal robe with slits on the sides showing off her legs, black arm bracelets and slippers. She also had a G-cup rack.

“Oh no…” Twilight panicked, quietly.

“Nightmare Moon!” Twilight and Cody said, in unison.

Spike was so shocked, he practically fainted. Nightmare Moon laughed menacingly before the ponies surrounding her.

“Oh, my beloved subjects,” She said, boldly. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious little sun-loving faces.”

For the moment, most ponies were afraid to say a word. They did nothing but look at her fearfully. Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof…

“What did you do with our prince and princess?!” She demanded angrily.

Rainbow tried to confront Nightmare Moon herself, only for a certain farm pony to grab her by the tail.

“Whoa there, Nelly…” Applejack said.

Nightmare Moon chuckled at the gesture, but then her expression quickly changed.

“Why, am I not royal enough for you?” She asked angrily. “Don’t you know who I am?”

The dread silence and blank expression on every pony’s faces showed they clearly didn’t. Even Cody himself felt uncomfortable know that no pony else, minus Twilight and himself, knew exactly who she was.

“Ooh, ooh, more guessing games!” Pinkie remarked excitedly. “Um, Hokey Smokes! How about… Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty…”

Pinkie Pie was quickly shushed, as an apple cupcake was shoved down her throat. Suffice to say, Nightmare Moon was furious. She glared angrily, first to Fluttershy, who couldn’t look her in the eye, and eventually turned to Rarity.

“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” She demanded. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?”

“We did.”

Nightmare Moon turned as Cody stepped forward, followed by Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer.

“And we know who you are,” Twilight said. “You’re the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!”

All the other ponies gasped, knowing that an ancient story they’ve been told as foals and colts was suddenly real, and a once mythical figure now stood before their eyes.

“Well, well, well,” Nightmare Moon said. “Some ponies who remember me. Then you two also know why I’m here.”

“You’re here to… To…” Twilight gulped.

Either she had forgotten, or she was afraid that the next thing she’d say would make it worse for all the town ponies. Either way, she felt a twinge of regret.

“You’re here to snuff out the light forever,” Cody growled. “And bring about eternal darkness…I can tell you’re strong with the Dark Side.”

Nightmare Moon just chuckled, all that was on her mind was that she had successfully made a triumphant return.

“Remember this day, little ponies,” Nightmare Moon declared. “For it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!”

Nightmare Moon laughed manically, as the thunder clashed alongside her. Every pony, especially Twilight and Cody, could only watch in pure horror. Nightmare Moon had returned and the only pony who can stand to her, the princess they all need the most, had vanished. But even after all of that, even after an age old prophecy had been fulfilled, the worst was still to come.