Sun, Moon and Stars

by FifthAlicorn

Rating: everyone
Tags: Princess Celestia, Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 21388

We all know how Twilight Sparkle defeated Nightmare Moon. We DON'T know how Luna felt about it all

Everypony knows the story about Nightmare Moon, and how she was defeated by the Elements of Harmony at the hooves of Twilight Sparkle and her five friends from Ponyville. What most ponies are unaware of, however, is how the situation unfolded from the point of view of Nightmare Moon and her counterpart, Luna of Equestria.

Published 2012-02-08 04:34:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-02-18 08:07:29 UTC

Part 2

Sun, Moon and Stars Part 2

Written by: Fifth Alicorn

This was it.The 1000th Summer Sun Celebration was the day after tomorrow. In two nights, both Luna and her Nightmare would be free, and would return with a vengeance that Celestia could only imagine. And the worst part was, despite her long studies into the Elements of Harmony, she was all but completely unprepared. Her research had revealed that the only way she would be able to call upon the Elements was if she found six ponies with traits that strongly resembled the attributes of the Elements of Harmony: Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty and Magic. Magic seemed to be the one around which the rest circled. Which was fortunate, because she had all her bits in her guess that Twilight was the pony who resembled that Element.

The only downside was that none of her plans were working. Try as she might, she simply could not get that lavender unicorn out of the castle library. The student was simply too studious for her own good and much preferred to stay inside her fortress of knowledge than to go outside and socialize for once. The Solar Goddess was afraid to expressly order Twilight to make bonds with other ponies, for fear that a friendship forged out of respect for her teacher’s wishes would somehow tarnish the link between those friends and compromise the Elements of Harmony.

She was beginning to feel desperate, though. Celestia had put all her eggs in this one basket and it looked like it was going to be dropped. The Keeper of the Sun paced quickly in her study, thinking through every possible solution when she was interrupted by a scroll appearing before her by way of green dragonfire. Not many knew her dragonfire line, only important diplomats and her faithful student, so she always made a point to read these messages right away. As it turned out, it was from Twilight Sparkle.

My dearest teacher. My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover, that we are on the prec- (There were a number of quill scratches here, effectively eliminating the last five words. Celestia chuckled despite herself. Many times, Twilight’s vocabulary exceeded her assistant’s spelling) -that something really bad is about to happen. For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Night Mare Moon and she's about to return to Equestria and bring with her eternal night. Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true.
I await your quick response.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle.

Celestia’s heart was a cold pit in her stomach. She had figured it out. Twilight knew that her sister was going to come back and destroy Equestria for good this time, because Celestia didn’t have a plan.

Or do I? The Princess was struck with sudden, desperate inspiration. Quickly, she summoned the itinerary for this year’s Summer Sun Festival, as well as the contributors. It was in Ponyville, an establishment within eyesight of Canterlot itself:

Miss Applejack: Sweet Apple Acres, in charge of providing nourishment for the Summer Sun Festival.
Miss Rainbow Dash: Head of the Ponyville Weather Patrol. In charge of maintaining clear skies so that it may please Princess Celestia.
Miss Rarity: Prominent dress-maker, owner and founder of Carousel Boutique. In charge of creating decorations for the ceremony.
Miss Fluttershy: Ponyville’s animal caretaker. In charge of leading bird-sung chorus for festivities.

Four ponies were involved in creating the atmosphere for the Ponyville celebration. Thinking rapidly, Celestia summoned her own parchment and quill and quickly sent her reply.

My dearest, most faithful student, Twilight,
You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely, but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books. My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony's life than studying, so I'm sending you 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.
Your loving teacher,
Princess Celestia.

Celestia knew her faithful student better than anypony else in this castle, and she knew that Twilight was not going to like this. However, this was one instance where she had to put the needs of Equestria above the needs of Twilight Sparkle. The Goddess only hoped that she wouldn’t break her promise to Twilight’s father in the process.

Her underlying plan was simple. There were a total of four ponies that Twilight would have to meet in order to ensure that the celebration would go smoothly. Celestia snorted. “Smooth” is the last thing this is going to be. The hope was that her faithful student would somehow make a strong enough bond with these ponies to represent the Elements of Harmony. Celestia was also aware that they would still be one pony short. Faced with a lack of choices, however, she could only wish that one of the organizers had a friend who was a viable candidate or, barring that, Twilight would somehow bump into a random pony on the street who, coincidentally, exactly matched one of the qualities of the Elements of Harmony. The odds of that happening, however, were astronomical. So improbable that to do so would break all known laws of math and science, including physics.

This was by no means a foalproof plan. So many things could go wrong, but with only two days left before the end of the world, there was not much left she could do. All she could really prepare for was what she would do when she was confronted by Luna and Nightmare Moon. She only hoped that she could talk them down...

******************************************************************************

It’s time.

“How can you tell?”

Sometimes, Luna, you just know. Something inside me can just... tell that the moment has arrived. Tonight, we are freed. Tonight, Equestria shall be ours, as it always should have been.

Luna understood the feeling. She could sense it too. It was a sort of pent-up anxiety, and yet, it differed from the same emotions she had felt during these past ten years that she had been forced to stay awake. She looked up, and saw that the four stars she had been keeping an eye on for all these years were so close that she thought she would be able to touch them without even flying up to greet them.

Yes. Nightmare Moon was correct. The time of reckoning was upon them.

Do you remember the plan?

“Nightmare, we share the same mind. If you remember it, I remember it.” During the past decade, the Nightmare Pair had had ample time to prepare. For what she had done to them, Celestia deserved nothing less than death, and that’s what she was going to get.

The stars were noticeably getting closer and closer. Soon, very soon.

Luna sighed, and looked to Equestria below. The lunar alicorn had been paying attention, and it seemed to be ten years exactly since they had forcibly been woken up. It was always easy to tell when another year had passed, because the landscape always seemed to be more lit up on this day than the others. Luna could only fathom why that could be.

Luna? Is something wrong?

She forced a smile in response. “No, everything’s fine. It’s just weird that this is all going to be over soon. It’s been such a long time, but we’re finally going home.”

No, we’re not. Your sister took our home from us when she banished us here. When we get back, when we take our revenge on Celestia, we will reshape Equestria in our image. Then, Luna, we shall truly be home.

Luna smiled wickedly. “Yes, you’re right. Finally, after all these years, we’re finally going to do what we should have done at the beginning.” She glanced up. It was time. “Time to leave, Nightmare. It’s such a shame we carved so many chunks in my moon.”

Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to pick up our mess when we leave. Then it happened. In a blinding flash, the magically charged stars smashed through the nearly insubstantial barrier that the Elements had put into place a thousand years ago. Filled with very much missed magical energy, Luna’s eyes flared white with power. Within seconds, she had switched places with Nightmare Moon, who in turn cast a simple spell which restored the moon to its former glory, and teleported towards where she sensed was the biggest concentrated source of magic in Equestria. It could only be one pony: Princess Celestia of Equestria.

******************************************************************************

Nightmare Moon reappeared an instant later and immediately spotted her target; A tall, alabaster alicorn. She faced a curtain, looking away from them, and appeared to be waiting for something. The ebon mare smirked. The Solar Mule clearly hadn’t sensed her presence yet. Horn glowing subtly, inky tendrils of dark energy whipped out and ensnared Celestia’s wings and horn, effectively rendering them useless. Now the traitor was in her clutches and she would neither be able to escape nor fight back. As an extra precaution, she charged up her horn and loosed another powerful spell; a precaution to prevent any possible intrusions.

Turning around to meet her, Celestia seemed utterly unsurprised to see her standing there. In fact, her face perfectly betrayed no emotion at all. She simply stared her in the eye and stated, “Nightmare Moon.”

Frustrated by Celestia’s seemingly utter lack of fear in her glorious presence, the shade replied hotly, “That’s all you have to say to us? You stuck us up on that wretched moon for one thousand years, Celestia. One thousand years! We always knew you were cruel, but this was wrong, even for you.”

Celestia’s poker face remained intact. “I was a foal back then. I was wrong not to see Luna’s torment and to loose the Elements of Harmony upon my own sister. I paid for that mistake every day of my life in the aftermath. But do not make me out to the villain here, Nightmare. It was you who corrupted my sister, and you were responsible for making Luna think those things when you possessed her.”

“You think I entered Luna’s body without her permission? Celestia, have you done no research since you betrayed us? I am a being made of very dark magic millennia ago, but it is impossible, even for me, to directly enter, much less influence, the body of another pony without my gracious host explicitly wishing for it. No, your sister wanted my help in destroying you, out of her hatred for you and your hideous sun-loving ponies. In fact, I think somepony would like to have a word with you.”

Nightmare Moon blinked a single time. The irises of her eyes, previously narrow and cat-like, expanded until they looked like those of a normal pony. When her mouth opened, instead of speaking like Nightmare Moon, Luna’s voice replaced it, sounding exactly like Celestia remembered it a thousand years ago, yet still dripping with venom and malice. “Hello, Celly.”

Celestia’s poker face shattered instantly, replaced by a mixture of fear and sadness. Visibly rocked by the harsh inflection that Luna applied to the formerly loving term, she could only whisper in reply, “L-Luna?”

“Oh, looks like somepony remembers me after all. I never thought I would see this day come! Barely anypony remembered the other Princess a millennium ago. They were all too busy loving their beautiful Princess who gave them their precious sun every day.” She began circling Celestia, taking in all the new features since she saw her last. “Love the new hairdo, sis. I can only assume it changed when you started moving my moon after our final battle. What, did you decide you still weren’t getting enough attention, so you had to get rid of me so you could move the moon too? You’re pathetic.”

“Luna, please forgive me,” Celestia pleaded, “I’m so sorry. I had no idea any of this would happen, and I never forgot what I did. I still love you, little sister.”

The younger alicorn snorted. “Save your lies, sister. I know you’re just trying to save your own flank, but it won’t work.”

“I meant every word. I organized this Summer Sun Celebration each year so that I would never forget when you would come back to me. And I made it at night so that everypony would be awake to see how beautiful it was. You were always the better artist, Luna. I could never match what you did with your night sky. Ever since I created the Summer Sun Celebration, so many branches in science began developing, all studying your night sky. I remember the royal astronomer being up for nights at a time studying those wretched craters Nightmare Moon made to grab my attention. It worked, Luna. But it also inspired other ponies to fall in love with it.”

“Really?” She shook her head. “Fine, so other ponies like my night. That’s great. But they’ll all be dead before long. Mortal ponies never pass the test of time. The pony who really matters still doesn’t care at all!”

“Sister, believe me, I care. I care more than you could ever know. After that night, I went up to my quarters and cried until the tears ran out. Ever since that night, I’ve worn this.” She lifted her breastplate with her magic, revealing a small, sapphire amulet beneath. “Remember when you made this for me? It was when we both raised the moon you created into the sky for the first time. You were so grateful for my help, you hugged me and gave me this necklace the next day. You told me you loved me and that I was the best sister ever. Do you remember?”

A single tear came to Luna’s eye as she recognized the necklace. A simple magical test was enough to verify her words, and she could easily detect the intricate magical weaves Celestia had placed around it, ensuring it never degraded over the centuries. She was telling the truth.

Sensing Luna’s weakness, Nightmare Moon quickly resumed control of her body. Her eyes contracting to the regular cats-eye, she sneered at Celestia. “Well, it appears you’ve bored Luna, because she was practically begging me to come talk to you again. Here I am, Celestia, and it’s time for our revenge. After all these years, Princess, it’s time for you to die.”

Having fully expected a fight, the Fallen Princess was shocked when Celestia bowed before her. “Then do what you came to do. I realize now that you somehow managed to slow time to a crawl. None of the ponies outside will come to my aide, and I wouldn’t want them to, anyways. For everything I did to Luna, I deserve to die.”

Nightmare Moon let out a hearty laugh. “Very good, Celestia! You figured it out. Spending so much time on the moon left us with so very little to do. In all that time, I was able to study the time-slowing spell that the Elements had used on us when they passed their ridiculous ‘judgment.’ And with somepony of my infinite talents, I was able to improve upon it until I could make us be together in this time dilation. We have more time than we will ever need, not that it is necessary anymore. Goodbye, Celestia. It was such a pleasure knowing you.” With that, Nightmare Moon began strengthening her horn with an ichor black, readying herself for the final strike.

Nightmare, wait.

“What?! I’m a little busy here.”

I had an idea. What if... what if we banished her to the sun instead of killing her?

“And why, pray tell, would we want to do that? In case you forgot, this is our time to get revenge on that miserable old cow for landing us on the moon in the first place!”

Exactly. Killing her would end it too quickly. We should make her suffer like we suffered. It seems only right.

Nightmare Moon smirked. “I like the way you think, Luna. Alright, we’ll play it your way. I spent enough time on that wretched moon to learn how that barrier worked too. All it’ll take is a little transportation spell on Celestia and I’ll erect the barrier. It’ll sap most of our power, but with her out of the way, we won’t need it anymore.”

Addressing Celestia again, the spectre reported the new situation. “You’re in luck, Your Highness. It seems your sister has a better fate lined up for you. In order to truly experience what it was like to be banished upon your own celestial body, she wants to banish you to the sun instead of granting you the quick release of death. Personally, I think that’s a marvelous idea. Any last words?” She was greeted with only a cold glare from the Sun Goddess. “I guess not! Well, it’s been fun Celly, but I have a new country to run. See you in a thousand years.”

Nightmare Moon’s horn resumed glowing its sickly black. She noticed Celestia visibly flinch as she was ensconced by the dark grips of magic. Once the Princess had vanished, the Mare of Darkness imagined the sun, and erected a powerful barrier around it that she was certain Celestia would never be able to break. It was done.

******************************************************************************

Princess Celestia found herself on the surface of her own creation. However, due to her close magical connection to the sun, she only felt slightly warmer, instead of being burned to a crisp. Looking up, she could see the subtle crackles that indicated the presence of a barrier. I’ve done all I can. Twilight, my faithful student, Equestria is now in your hooves. I only hope I got through to Luna enough to make a difference. I’m sorry.

Then Celestia laid down, fire harmlessly licking her sides, and did the most difficult thing she could do for somepony in her position.

She waited.

******************************************************************************

Nightmare Moon was beyond elation. The War of the Night had finally, truly ended, and she had emerged victorious. The Sun Princess was out of the picture, and now nopony would ever be able to stop her. Her horn glowing, she stopped the solar cycle. With the alabaster alicorn severed from her connection with it, all it took was a thought. Luna’s moon froze in place, thus securing her long-awaited goal: nighttime eternal.

With that, she had won. Now, all there was left to do was subjugate an entire nation. Easy. And once she was finished with that, she would expand her empire, ensuring world domination all under the glorious banner of night. But first, she would start with those pitiful ponies on the other side of the curtain, stuck in the lapse of time while anxiously awaiting their beloved Princess. They would not see a princess, but a Queen. She broke the spell slowing the world around her, and listened.

“Fillies and gentlecolts!” a mare just outside the veil declared. “As Mayor of Ponyville (Nightmare Moon remembered Ponyville. It was around even during the War), it is my great honor to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration.” The crowd outside cheered in response to her words. It was strange; the Nightmare could sense another source of vast magical power just beyond the curtain. Not as potent as Celestia, certainly, but definitely something worth noting.

“In just a few moments,” the mayor continued, “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, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria, Princess Celestia!”

Seized with sudden inspiration, Nightmare Moon turned herself invisible as the curtain opened, amidst a fanfare of horns and birds chirping. The pony who pulled the curtain, an alabaster, purple-maned unicorn gasped in surprise, with the rest of the crowd following suit. With concern evident in her voice, the mayor attempted to soothe the ponies. “Remain calm, everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation.”

The same white unicorn inspected the area where Celestia should have been, before exclaiming, “She’s gone!” The Ponyvillians grew audibly more restless.

Sensing her cue, Nightmare Moon slowly began rematerializing where she stood, amidst a shroud of magic similar to what made up her mane of stars. Her growing form elicited a shriek from a pony in the audience, while the rest slowly looked on in awe. As she finally allowed herself to reform before the ponies, a baby dragon fainted off the back of a lavender unicorn in the audience. Curiously, this was the same pony from which she sensed the source of magical power.

“Oh, my beloved subjects,” Nightmare Moon began. “It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces.” It was simply delicious seeing how scared these Ponyvillians were of her. And rightfully so.

“What did you do with our Princess?!,” demanded a rather brash sky-blue pegasus with a technicolor mane. The foal actually attempted to rush her, apparently unafraid, or simply just too stupid to understand the emotion. She would have succeeded, had an orange earth pony not grabbed the pegasus by her rainbow-hued tail, muttering something at the same time.

Is something wrong with your sight, or is that Earth Pony wearing a Stetson? Luna wondered inside Nightmare’s head. The shade ignored her, cackling evilly at the pathetic attempt at aggression.

“Why, am I not royal enough for you?” Nightmare Moon demanded. Do you not know who I am?”

A pink earth pony standing next to the cowpony and pegasus, with impossibly bouncy hair, actually looked excited by the question. “Ooh! Ooh! More guessing games! Um... Hokey Smokes! How about Queen Meanie? No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty!” The same cowpony who had been restraining the pegasus somehow managed to stuff a cupcake into the mouth of the annoying pink one without looking, and still managed to pull off a slight grin while doing so. Luna lamented her lack of physical hooves, wishing to applaud such an impressive act.

You see, Luna? Nopony remembers us after all. Your sister lied, as she always has. Becoming infuriated by the lack of recognition, Nightmare Moon rounded on the frail-looking, cream colored pegasus to her left who had been directing the music. “Does my crown no longer count, now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” The birds flew away in fright while the mare simply cowered in sheer terror. She then whipped around to face the white unicorn from before. Slapping the unicorn’s face upwards with her magical mane, she continued. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?”

“I did!” The lavender unicorn, the source of great magical energy, had finally spoken up, and she was staring up at the Midnight Mare with defiant eyes. “And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon. Nightmare Moon!” The crowd around the unicorn gasped in surprise at this revelation.

Mare in the Moon, eh? What a fitting nickname. “Well well well,” she commented, genuinely impressed. “Somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here!”

The defiance quickly shrank from the lavender mare’s eyes. “You’re here to... to...” She trailed off.

The Mare in the Moon, as she was now called, laughed darkly. “Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last!” She charged up a magical maelstrom of energy and lightning. Flowing out of her mane and tail, she declared, “From this moment forth, the night shall last FOREVER!!” She continued laughing, magical lightning crackling all around her. In her mind, she could hear Luna sigh and mutter something about being “dramatic.”

This continued for several seconds before the mayor finally came to her senses. “Seize her! Only she knows where the Princess is!!” At her command, three pegasi guards, wearing the emblem of the sun and whom Nightmare Moon assumed were Celestia’s personal escort, charged her.

“Stand back, you foals!” With ease, she shot them out of the sky with her lightning and, sensing she had overstayed her welcome, she reverted back to what she called “smoke form” and whisked herself out the front door. She could hear the cyan pegasus from before shouting after her, but she paid her no heed and continued on her way, quickly flying out of range. She soon hovered high above the city proper, back in her alicorn body, wishing to watch as the chaos unfolded below.

Nightmare, wait, Luna started.

“What is it?”

I...don’t want to do this anymore. I want my sister back.

“What are you talking about, Luna? This is it! We’ve won! Why would you want that mule back? Do you want to be sent back to the moon?”

You’re right, we did win. Didn’t you hear Celestia? Ponies appreciate my night now. Everypony in that hall earlier is evidence of that. Really, that’s what I wanted all along. I just got so angry that I let you in to help me. I never seriously thought about wanting eternal night. It’s just something I entertained in my anger, and when I let you in, your influence made me want it more and more. I’m not ready to rule a nation without Celestia!

“She banished you to the one thing you loved above all else! Did you really believe that sappy story about how she never forgot about you?”

Yes, yes I did. And it’s still my body, Nightmare. I’m taking it back, and I’m releasing my sister. From within, Nightmare Moon could sense her body beginning to change back into Luna’s form.

“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that, Luna. I’ve waited too long to achieve my destiny of world domination, and I will not let it be thwarted by a weak foal like you!” Her horn glowing, she unleashed the secret weapon which she’d prepared just in case Luna got cold hooves.

Releasing the spell, she could immediately feel it take effect inside her head. Luna was suddenly surrounded by the magical equivalent of steel bars, effectively locking her into a prison within her own mind. Luna was trapped. While she could still see out of Nightmare Moon’s eyes and could speak, the spell prevented her from directly influencing any of her counterpart’s actions.

What... what is this?

“I’m sorry it had to come to this, Luna, but my destiny is finally within my grasp. There isn’t any room in my new kingdom for the weak. Now you get to watch, helpless, as I bring about an era of darkness and pain.” Below, she spotted a group of ponies galloping as fast as they could towards what appeared to be- (Is that a library in a tree? Luna asked. I can’t even comprehend any sort of practicality for that.) Upon closer inspection, Nightmare found it was the same group of ponies with whom she had interacted at the celebration, minus the intriguing lavender unicorn. Curious, she transformed back into her smoke form and stealthily followed.

Flitting near an upper window of the tree library, she looked inside to find the ponies gathered around the lavender one. She was reading aloud to them out of a book, although Nightmare Moon could only pick up the last bits. “-mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five Elements was in the Ancient Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters.”

Everfree, both Luna and Nightmare thought simultaneously. Hearing all she needed to hear, the spectral form of the Mare of Darkness slinked away, heading towards the chaotic expanse of the Everfree Forest. Nightmare Moon thought furiously as to what those six mares could be up to. Were they really trying to reunite the Elements of Harmony? Was such a thing even possible?

Is...is that it? Luna sounded awestruck as she gazed upon the forest, remembering when it used to be a sprawling metropolis, and the capital of Equestria. Now, it was just a flora-filled wasteland. Nightmare...look what we did. Everfree used to be filled with life, it was the capitol of Equestria! And now..this. Is this really want you want?

“Why, of course it is, Luna. You can’t make an omelet without viciously murdering a few eggs now, can you? Just wait, this is just the beginning. Once everypony recognizes my power, they will either surrender to me, or meet the same fate as the ones who stood here with Celestia, one thousand years ago. Now, care to enlighten me on what those ponies are planning? You should know, what with all the research you’ve done on the Elements.”

Luna remained silent in her head, but it was all for naught. With a little bit of concentration, Nightmare was able to gain access to Luna’s thoughts, one of the benefits of sharing a mind. “Interesting. Celestia may be cut off from the Elements, but that doesn’t matter because she’s on the sun anyways. But according to your brain, if six ponies perfectly represent the attributes of the Elements of Harmony, they can actually manage to harness it’s power by themselves? Well, I can’t let that happen. When they get here, I’ll be ready for them.”

She heard a rustle below. The six ponies from the library had reached the forest with surprising speed, and they were slowly making their way into the maw of the Everfree. Nightmare could overhear them trying to make conversation. The lavender mare was asking the party something, and the white one made a slightly hysterical reply. As they reached the edge of a cliff, a plan began brewing in the dark mare’s head, and she seeped her being into the cracks of the rocks upon which they were now standing. She could hear them clearly now.

“-ain’t natural,” the orange earth pony commented, likely about the Everfree Forest. “Folk say it don’t work the same as Equestria.”

The purple unicorn seemed confused. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Noooopony knooowssss,” interjected the sky-blue pegasus in a spooky voice, clearly attempting to scare the rest of the ponies. “You know why?”

“Rainbow, quit it!” ordered the cowpony.

Rainbow is her name? How fitting, thought Nightmare Moon.

“‘Cause every pony who’s ever come in, has never..come..OUT,” Rainbow finished.

Deciding that she would get no better line than that to spring her trap, she effortlessly crumbled the cliff edge, sending all but the pegasi into a rough tumble that would eventually lead to a fatal plunge to the forest flow below.

No!!! Luna was scared to watch as her last hope began their descent into death.

Rainbow barked an order to her pegasus friend, apparently named Fluttershy, and they made a desperate attempt to save as many as they could. They were going to be too late, though. The pegasi duo managed to save the pink earth pony and the white unicorn, but by the time they managed to get those two to safety, the lavender unicorn was already hanging on for dear life to the orange earth pony. It didn’t matter who died, as long as only one of them did.

Confident that she had already won before this foalish plan had begun, Nightmare hovered high above in her smoke form, watching.

“Applejack!,” the lavender mare exclaimed. “What do I do?”

The orange earth pony, Applejack, paused for a second before she finally seemed to realize that the unicorn was a lost cause, much to the displeasure of the mage. “Let go.”

“Are you crazy?”

“No I ain’t. I promise you’ll be safe.”

“That’s not true!” Nightmare Moon could barely contain her glee as she heard the panicked desperation in the mare’s voice.

“Now listen here,” Applejack explained. “What I'm sayin' to you is the honest truth. Let go, and you'll be safe.” The lavender unicorn stared back at her for a couple seconds, before finally releasing her grasp. As the unicorn screamed, Nightmare was delighted until she saw two blurs, one blue and one cream-colored, dart around and catch the mare only a few yards before hitting the ground. Fluttershy quietly offered an apology as the pegasus pair faltered under the weight of the unicorn. Applejack gracefully jumped down to ground level from multiple ledges in the rock face.

Slightly disgruntled at her temporary setback, her irritation was quickly forgotten as she spotted a much better way to destroy the six ponies. Darting past the party, the smoke form of Nightmare Moon beelined straight for a manticore lounging nearby. Attempting to possess the body, the beast roared angrily as it refused entry to the Mare of Darkness. Right, Nightmare Moon rebuked herself. I still need permission to take direct control of a body, even a stupid creature like this. An idea sparked. But that doesn’t mean I can’t influence it’s decisions.

One of the advantages to her smoke form was that she could shape-shift while in that mode. This was why she preferred to travel as such, instead of merely teleporting everywhere. For this occasion, she twisted her body into a rather large thorn, and she promptly stuck herself into the manticore’s paw.

She could hear the six ponies approaching. From what she could make out, Rainbow was rather arrogantly re-explaining to the lavender unicorn precisely how she and Fluttershy had saved her. “And once Pinkie and Rarity were saved, Whoosh! Me and Fluttershy loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you right in the nick of time!”

So Pinkie Pie is that white pony, right?

Nightmare ignored Luna’s quip, and began to feed dark thoughts into the manticore: “These ponies are your enemies. They are here to hurt you. Do not let them.” The creature quickly accepted these thoughts as its own, and obliged them by taking a menacing step towards the party.

The purple mage broke her reply to Rainbow and exclaimed, “A manticore!” The creature took this time to let loose a mighty roar. Instead of cowering in fear, as Nightmare expected, the unicorn was suddenly emboldened and ordered, “We’ve got to get past him!”

“Attack!” The mindless beast leapt at the unicorn called Rarity, taking a swipe at her with its claw. Rarity swiftly ducked under it, turned around and answered with a hard buck to the chin.

“Take that, you ruffian!” Unimpressed, the manticore screamed its defiance in her face, boggling Rarity’s eyes and ruining her mane to disastrous proportions. Rarity shrieked, “My hair!” She then stared back at the manticore, entirely unimpressed with her offensive attack. With a slight “eep,” she began to ran away. The manticore pursued, until it felt somepony, inexplicably, riding it rodeo-style.

“Yee-haw,” crowed Applejack. “Get along little doggie!” As the manticore furiously tried to remove the earth pony, Nightmare Moon was dimly aware that the timid pegasus was standing at the sidelines, trying to say something, but the ebon mare was too caught up in the battle to hear what.

Finally extricating the cowpony from it’s head, Applejack soared past her multi-colored friend. “All yours, pardner.”

“I’m on it!” The cyan pegasus then began a barrage of color and motion, rapidly spinning around the manticore until all it could see was rainbow. Disoriented, the manticore staggered around until a lucky smack of the tail grounded the multi-hued mare.

“Rainbow Dash!” The lavender mare exclaimed before taking an aggressive stance. Pawing at the ground and snorting violently, the unicorn began to rally a charge with Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rarity. The manticore readied itself to meet the charge, until their path was blocked by a sudden scream.

“WAAAAIIIIIIITTTTTTT!”

It was Fluttershy, and it seemed she had finally found the ability to speak up. The entire battle stopped for a moment, astounded that the quiet mare was even capable of such volume. The pink-maned pegasus turned on the manticore with large, teal and caring eyes. As she approached it, the manticore snarled and raised a claw to attack, but Fluttershy shushed it gently.

Despite Nightmare Moon’s frenzied instructions to viciously maim the foolish pegasus, the manticore refused to attack as the pegasus gently nuzzled the same paw which contained her thorn. The Mare in the Moon could rapidly feel her control over the beast slipping, which should have been impossible. There had to have been other powers at work. Nightmare could only watch as the manticore presented the cursed thorn to Fluttershy.

“Oh, you poor, poor little baby.”

Little? Luna thought incredulously. Rainbow Dash reciprocated her thoughts nearby.

“Now, this might hurt for juuuuust a second,” Fluttershy warned, as she picked up Nightmare Moon in her mouth. The Mare of Darkness was suddenly overcome with a wave of complete calm and tranquility as she came into contact with the tranquil pegasus, a feeling she wasn’t even aware she had. She was quickly dropped, however, when the manticore quickly grabbed the pegasus and roared in pain at the removal of such a dark, not to mention pointy, object.

“Fluttershy!!” her friends yelled in concern. But the pony was fine, being affectionately thanked by the manticore.

“Aw you're just a little ol' baby kitty, aren't you?” Fluttershy giggled as the manticore repeatedly licked her mane. “Yes you are, yes you are.” As the party passed the strange couple, the purple mage waited behind.

“How did you know about the thorn?” she asked.

“I didn’t,” Fluttershy replied, her mane freshly styled in a manner that somehow resembled a cowlick. Luna was suddenly very much in the mood for some delicious alfalfa. “Sometimes, we all just need to be shown a little kindness.”

Slowly growing more irritated at how easily her brilliant plans were being thwarted, Nightmare Moon materialized back into her smoke form and whipped away. Arriving in a part of the forest as dark as she was, she suddenly came up with a new plan.

“I’ve got it,” she smirked. “Those foals clearly aren’t afraid to put up a fight when they’re scared, but what if I gave them an enemy which they can’t fight? They’ll run back to Ponyville like little filles, and then nopony will be able to stop me!” She looked around. As she expected, the forest was populated by trees. Perfect. “What I’ll do is enter these trees myself, and make really scary faces at them, until they get so frightened that they won’t go any further. It’s genius!”

Inside her mind, Luna burst out laughing. Wait, really? THAT’S your master plan?

“What are you talking about?” the shade retorted.

Oh, no, nothing. Nothing at all. You’re right, it’s foolproof. Go ahead, Nightmare, show me up.

“Silence! This plan is simply so brilliant, you can’t wrap your feeble little mind around it. And wipe that grin off your face!”

I can’t have a grin on my face, Nightmare, Luna replied innocently. You took my body away from me remember. I’m trapped up here, alone and woefully bodiless.

“I can feel that goofy smile plastered all over face, even if it isn’t real!” She could hear the six ponies approaching. “Watch and learn, Luna. This is how a true Master of Darkness operates.”

Nightmare Moon split her form and allowed her essence to enter the surrounding trees, reshaping the wood until they formed sinister faces with sharp, pointy teeth. She heard Applejack mutter something about stepping in mud when Fluttershy let loose a shrill scream.

“It’s just mud!” protested Appejack, before she noticed the possessed tree in front of her. Applejack yelled in fright and jumped away to rejoin the group. They began noticing more and more of the terrifying trees, and huddled close together in an attempt to protect themselves.

Told you, Nightmare gloated to Luna. Luna was silent.

The ponies screamed in continued terror until they noticed Pinkie Pie standing away from the group, laughing and making silly faces at one of the trees.

“Pinkie!” the lavender unicorn exclaimed. “What are you doing? Run!”

Giggling, Pinkie Pie looked to the party and cheerfully said, “Oh girls, don’t you see?” Inexplicably, music began playing out of nowhere and Pinkie started singing. The clearing itself somehow brightened, as if in response to her overwhelming cheerfulness.

When I was a little filly and the sun was going down

“Tell me she’s not...” thought Nightmare Moon, dumbfounded.

The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown

She is, Luna replied, astonished.

I'd hide under my pillow from what I thought I saw

But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way to deal with fears at all

“Then what is?” Rainbow Dash asked, only for Pinkie to continue in song.

She said: Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall, learn to face your fears

You'll see that they can't hurt you, just laugh to make them disappear!

Pinkie Pie stared at a tree and simply went, “Ha, ha, ha!” Immediately, Nightmare felt her essence get ripped from that same tree. She recognized the sensation. She was being forcibly expelled from the tree, a feat only possible by a force of higher magic. But that should have been impossible, Pinkie Pie wasn’t a unicorn. There was definitely another power in play here, Nightmare Moon was now certain of this. And she was also, for the very first time, feeling slightly nervous about what that could be.

The rest of the ponies gasped in astonishment in response to the de-spookified tree. Galvanized by the victory over the evil being of wood and dirt, and Pinkie’s continued singing, the party joined in the laughter.

So, giggle at the ghostly

Guffaw at the grossly

Crack up at the creepy

Whoop it up with the weepy

Chortle at the kooky

Snortle at the spooky

With every phrase of the song, a pony laughed, and with every laugh, more and more of Nightmare’s essence was violently extricated from the trees. For the Midnight Mare, it was absolute chaos. For the Lunar Princess inside, it was awesome. Soon, there was only one tree left, which Pinkie had perched herself in.

And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna...(She began laughing hysterically)

LAAAUUUUGGGGHHHHHH!

All around, the six ponies fell to the ground, laughing, as the random, yet somehow completely necessary, song ended. Nightmare quickly flew away from the scene in her smoke form, desperate to get away from the source of mirth and merriment. Nearing a river, she spotted a purple sea serpent with, somehow, what appeared to be an expertly maintained mane and mustache.

You leave home for a few centuries, look what happens, Luna joked. And by the way? Told you so.

Infuriated, the spectral form of Nightmare Moon lashed out towards the serpent, determined to cause some pain tonight. The serpent turned seconds too early, however, and the magical cloud only managed to clip him as she passed by. However, the Nightmare heard a shriek of the utmost agony behind her as a result of her actions. “He...it sounds infuriated enough to be able to present some sort of obstacle to those foals. How convenient,” she thought with some satisfaction, and continued forwards.

She saw it soon after: the ruins of the Castle of the Ancient Pony Sisters. Luna said nothing, shock into silence as she comprehended the sorry state of her ancestral home. Nightmare couldn’t sense any sign of the Elements of Harmony, so she began her search in the largest structure still standing. As she attempted to cross the threshold, however, she was met with a very familiar barrier.

“I found you”, she thought triumphantly. Inside, she could see five stone spheres, all on their own pedestal. She materialized back into her alicorn form, and attempted to blast her way through the barrier with a strong jolt of lightning. As with what happened a thousand years ago, though, it was to no avail. What’s more, Nightmare Moon found herself strangely weakened by the blast. What is going on?

It’s about time you realized it, Luna replied smugly.

“What are you talking about?” Nightmare Moon demanded out loud.

I’ve been blocking your magic regeneration ever since you locked me in here. I’m not as foolish as you want me to believe, Nightmare. I spent a lot of time in here during the War. I know my way around. Your silly spell may have prevented me from directly influencing your actions, but not indirectly. And after you banished my sister to the sun, I can’t imagine you have very much magic left.

“You FOAL! Believe me, once I deal with those ponies, I’m going to deal with you!” The ebon mare spat pure venom, almost literally, as she realized the truth of her counterpart’s words. Suddenly, she heard another shriek from the sea serpent and a thunderous crash. “They must have defeated that petty excuse for a dragon. I need more time. There was a bridge leading to the castle, wasn’t there?. I can cut that down, and that should slow them down.”

Luna’s reply sounded almost mocking. You do know they have a pegasus, right? Two, even.

The Nightmare swore. She didn’t have enough magic anymore for a surefire killing blow, and she wanted enough magic just in case her opponent wasn’t knocked out. She shifted forms again, returning to ethereal mist, and darted towards the rickety old bridge, severing the ropes and watching as the structure fell into the gorge below. She then conjured a heavy fog and waited within, waiting to see which Pegasus would come across to re-tie the ropes. All she needed was to capture or sway one of the party’s number. Five ponies were not enough to represent the Elements of Harmony.

She didn’t have to wait long. She heard Rainbow Dash say something across the gorge, and then she took off. Nightmare Moon smirked. Too perfect. That brash pegasus was almost as arrogant as she was, but without cause. All she had were a few flashy moves and a whole lot of talk. Inspiration flashed through her mind. Such characters were easily swayed by promises of power and glory. She knew of the perfect group that could offer Rainbow Dash both.

A millennium ago, the Shadowbolts were Nightmare Moon’s elite aerial fighters. Whatever Celestia’s pitiful Wonderbolts could do, her Shadowbolts could perform with better speed and precision. Keeping this memory fresh in her mind, Nightmare Moon split her smoke form into three, each taking on the form of one of her spectacular Shadowbolts.

Rainbow had retrieved the ropes from the chasm and had brought them up to their proper place on Nightmare’s side of the gorge. Just before she began to tie them, Nightmare Moon began whispering “Rainbow...Rainbow...”

Rainbow Dash immediately assumed an aggressive, boxing stance. “Who’s there?” she demanded. “I ain’t scared of you. Show yourself!”

From the mist, Nightmare replied, “We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flier in Equestria.”

Rainbow appeared confused. “Who?”

Nightmare Moon’s eye twitched slightly. “Why, you, of course.”

Rainbow Dash’s face quickly switched to a look of joy. “Really?! I mean... Oh yeah, me. Hey, uh, you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would ya? 'cause I've been trying to get into that group for, like, ever.”

“No, Rainbow Dash. We want you to join us, the Shadowbolts!” Nightmare Moon the Shadowbolt came skidding out of the mist, flanked by two of her doppelgangers. “We're the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria! But first, we need a captain.” Rainbow Dash’s eyes lit up at the prospect, as an utterly dopey grin graced her face. “The most magnificent--”

“Yep.”

“Swiftest--”

“Yes.”

“Bravest flier in all the land.”

“Yes, it’s all true,” Rainbow Dash complimented herself.

Her plan was working excellently. She could see that Rainbow was getting slowly drawn in with each word she spoke, stroking the cyan pegasus’ already enormous ego. “We need...you”

Rainbow Dash sprang up into the air. “Woo-hoo!” she cheered. “Sign me up! Just let me tie this bridge real quick, and then we have a deal.”

“NO!” Nightmare Moon shouted, stopping Rainbow mid-motion. “It’s them or us!”

It was then that she heard a voice call from across the chasm. “Rainbow! What’s taking so long?” The Shadowbolt’s eyes flashed with power, and her magically conjured fog quickly obscured all view and sound from the opposite side of the gap. Meanwhile, Rainbow was still deciding.

“Well?” she pressed.

Rainbow looked her doppelganger dead in the eye and said, “You.” Nightmare Moon reared up, a look of triumph on her face. She had won! But then Rainbow continued, “Thank you, for the offer I mean,” the pegasus secured the rope bridge before she finished, “but I’m afraid I’m going to have to say no.” With that, she flew away to rejoin her friends.

Defeated once again, Nightmare Moon forcibly restrained all desire to lash out in rage before she finally dispelled the shapeshift and departed the area. Low on magic thanks to Luna’s foul play, the Mare in the Moon only had one last shot to prevail before the party of six could unite the Elements of Harmony against her. However, she knew precisely what she must do.

Nightmare Moon watched from above as the ponies entered the ruined antechamber containing the Elements of Harmony. Gently testing the threshold, she found that it had vanished, probably a result of the six entering before her. Finally, something had gone right in her plans. She listened patiently as the party below examined the stone orbs on their pedestal, the pegasi bringing them down to ground level. She overheard Applejack call the purple unicorn “Twilight,” (“So that’s what her name is”) and Twilight seemed to be the only pony amongst the six who actually knew what the Elements of Harmony were. From what the shade could hear, the lavender mage seemed to believe that, although there were only five Element Spheres present, a “spark” would arrange for the Sixth Element to be revealed. Luna was silent through this entire ordeal.

Twilight knelt down to attempt something, and requested space from the other five. As her horn began to glow, Applejack led the others outside, so that Twilight could concentrate. Now is my chance!! Nightmare thought frantically.

Snaking around the architecture of the antechamber, Nightmare Moon closed on the Element Spheres. Twilight didn’t even notice, as her eyes were closed in concentration. Beginning to spring her final trap, the ebon mare began to whip them the Spheres up into a magical hurricane, preparing to teleport them away with her. With a gasp of fright, Twilight realized too late what was happening, and attempted to stop the teleportation spell by leaping into it. With a flush of triumph, Nightmare Moon managed to complete the spell, taking with her both the Element Spheres and Twilight.

When Nightmare Moon reappeared, she knew it was over. She had finally won With the Element Spheres dancing around her, captured in her magical mane, and Twilight coughing before her as a result of the sudden teleportation, it was a scene of dark perfection. Unable to contain her mirth, she cackled darkly, summoning lightning to flash around her.

Twilight gasped in fear. Then she managed to garner the last of her willpower and took on an aggressive stance, similar to that of what she used against the manticore. Backed into a corner, the lavender unicorn was going to charge Nightmare Moon.

“You’re kidding,” she asked in disbelief. “You’re kidding, right?” Twilight’s horn glowing, she let her actions speak for herself. The lavender mare running forward, Nightmare Moon was taken aback at such a bold move, before matching Twilight’s charge with her own.

Her eyes narrowing in concentration, she thought. This is it. I don’t even need magic to kill this foal like this. All that stupid pony needs to do is skewer herself on my horn. Here she comes. Victory is mine! Just before she reached Twilight, however, the lavender mare’s horn glowed brightly, and she disappeared from sight mere milliseconds before collision. Infuriated, she skidded to a halt. She can TELEPORT?!?

Whipping around, she saw a dazed Twilight shake off the effects of the teleportation. The mare lowered her head and her horn began to glow. Shortly after, the Element Spheres began to glow with her. The unicorn had managed to activate the Elements.

No! Nightmare Moon exclaimed mentally. Transforming into smoke mode, and expending the last of her magic, Nightmare slipped like quicksilver towards the mage. But she was too late. As the shade reappeared in front of Twilight, magical electricity coursed between the Elements, resulting in a shock that blasted the mare back twenty feet, and safely away from Nightmare Moon’s clutches.

“No! No!” the ebon mare shouted as the Spheres crackled with potent energy. But all of a sudden, the current of magic stopped, and the purple glow around them simply vanished.

Twilight gasped in disbelief. “But... where’s the Sixth Element?!”

Nightmare Moon laughed triumphantly. Twilight’s feeble attempted had failed! Rising up on her hind legs, she brought her forehooves down with a mighty quake, shattering the Element Spheres in their place. Twilight looked on in shock, the shards of the Spheres landing all around the Queen of the Night. “You little foal! Thinking you could defeat me?” Twilight cowered before her, terror evident in her eyes. “Now you will never see your princess, or your sun! The night will last FOREVER!” Nightmare’s mane and tail flowed out behind and above her, further emphasizing her superiority over the lavender unicorn who dared to dream. Lost in the throes of victory, Nightmare Moon laughed victoriously.

She gloated so loudly, however, that she did not notice Twilight turn around, her attention caught at something the Mare of Darkness could not hear.

“You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that?” Somehow, Twilight Sparkle had regained her confidence, and was speaking with the air of somepony who knew exactly what she was talking about. “Well you’re wrong, because the spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here!” Twilight’s friends had managed to catch up with them, and with their appearance, the shards of the Element Spheres began to glow with an energy the likes of which Nightmare Moon had only felt once before.

“What?” she asked, simultaneously mystified and terrified.

She knows, Luna stated.

What are you talking about? What does she know?

Something you were always too arrogant to figure out, Nightmare. The Elements are more than just some relics of power that once bested us. They’re actual, sentient beings, or at least as close to that as they possibly can. They can’t be stopped simply by destroying their carriers, because the spirits and essences of Harmony are everywhere around us. Power will always be more than just skin-deep, and with all your self-proclaimed wisdom, you were never able to learn that. Now, I believe somepony is talking to you.

“-a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the Spirit of...Generosity!” As Twilight spoke the virtues of the Elements, the shards of the respective Sphere encircled the new bearer. Nightmare noticed that Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had already received theirs. “And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire represents the Spirit of... Loyalty!” The last of the shards rose to encompass the multi-hued pegasus as the lavender unicorn continued her speech. “The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!”

One last chance. “But you still don’t have the Sixth Element!” Nightmare Moon bluffed. “The Spark didn’t work!”

“But it did! A different kind of spark,” Twilight turned her back on Nightmare to face her friends. “I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all,” she turned back to confidently face the Midnight Mare, “are my friends!”

“Gag me with a toaster, Twilight,” Nightmare Moon thought sardonically.

At Twilight’s declaration, however, a brilliant flash of light erupted over the head of the lavender mage. The source of it was what appeared to be a sixth Element Sphere. Finally, the Sixth Element had revealed itself. The light was so strong, the magic so pure, that Nightmare Moon was forced to recoil. “You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: the element of... magic.”

With those words, the entire room was flooded with a light that made the appearance of the sixth Sphere look like a dying candle in comparison. The Element Shards became imbibed within their ponies, and took on the forms of necklaces representing their respective cutie marks. Twilight, however, received a large golden tiara, topped with the same six-pointed star as when Celestia once bore it, except that the gemstone was now purple to match Twilight’s coat.

It’s over, Nightmare Moon, Luna thought. You’ve lost. We both have. But this time, I’m going to make sure we stay wherever the Elements send us. I’m not letting you hurt my sister ever again.

A rainbow erupted from the six ponies. It rose in a majestic arc, before it came crashing back down upon Nightmare Moon. “Nooo!” she shrieked. “Nooooo!”

As with before, the Rainbow of Light completely encompassed the Mare in the Moon. As with before, she was filled with the feeling of warmth, yet still sensing the displeasure of the Elements of Harmony. And as with before, Nightmare Moon’s head was filled with the voice of the Elements, and time slowed to a crawl.

“Nightmare Moon. You have been accused of usurping the Throne of Equestria, and attempting to bring about an era of eternal night. You have been judged guilty, and we shall once again bestow upon you the harshest punishment allowed us.”

Elements of Harmony, Luna replied. On behalf of us both, we acknowledge your punishment and we accept.

“Luna of Equestria, you shall be judged in a different light. You were once accused of consorting with a being made of darkness, allowing it to enter and manipulate your body, and attempting to overthrow your sister. We ask you this question once again: do you feel regret for your actions?”

Yes! she exclaimed immediately. Yes I do. All I ever wanted was for somepony to appreciate my night, and now ponies do! I don’t want to hurt my sister anymore or force eternal night. I just want to go home!

“We have scanned your heart, and we find your words to be true. Luna of Equestria, you are hereby restored to your title of Princess of Equestria. As such, your celestial tie with your moon has been restored. Welcome home, Princess Luna.”

“As for you, Nightmare Moon. You were brought to this planet through dark rituals and black magic. As such, you are not considered to be a full-fledged citizen of this planet. Therefore, we shall use our power to dispel you, and finally release this world from your influence. Our judgment has been passed. Let it be so.”

Time sped up to normal as the Rainbow of Light sped faster and faster, purging Nightmare Moon from Luna, and dividing their essence. Twilight’s eyes opened, and the brightest flare yet shot forth from them, purifying everything in the room as Nightmare Moon’s form peeled away from Luna. And from the brightness, black followed.

The newly restored Night Princess of Equestria was dimly aware that other ponies were talking around her. Luna could only assume that Twilight and the rest of her friends were alright. Meanwhile, she lay there, slowly regaining consciousness. She was cold, hungry, completely devoid of magic, and above all, tired.

She soon realized that natural light had begun flooding the room, and with it, a very regal, very familiar voice. Luna managed a small smile to herself. Good, Celestia’s free. Everything’s...back to normal. She began to drift back to sleep.

“Now if only another will as well. Princess Luna.” Luna’s eyes snapped open in shock. Will what? Was Celestia still angry at her? She had every right to be. She glanced up to look at her approaching sister. But Celestia spoke gently, not with rage or malice. “It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this.” Suddenly, her elder sister had laid down next to her, meeting Luna’s turquoise eyes with her own periwinkle ones. “We were meant to rule together, little sister. Will you accept my friendship?”

Luna closed her eyes bracingly. She half-expected Nightmare Moon to return. Was she even worthy of her sister’s forgiveness? Could she ever fully trust herself again? She could barely meet Celestia’s eyes. Her sister had no reason to ask that question, it was all her fault. Finally springing up, she leapt to where her sister was once again standing. “I’m so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister.” She felt tears welling up, but she didn’t care. She detected warm moisture on top of her head, and knew that Celestia was crying too. Just standing there, in her sister’s embrace, Luna knew that after a thousand years, she had finally come home.

There was a loud blubbering as the pony she recognized as Pinkie Pie loudly burst into tears, and somehow managed to produce a handkerchief. But as quickly as she had started wailing, she had stopped, and was acting like she had never even been crying. “Hey!” she exclaimed. “You know what this calls for? A party!” And she quickly dashed off to prepare, Luna assumed.

Twilight chuckled to herself and glanced back at the reunited sisters, before rallying her friends to follow and allowing the pair alone.

“Celly, I’m so sorry,” Luna sobbed. “I never meant for any of this to happen!”

Her big sister shushed her soothingly. “I know Lulu, I know, and I’m sorry too. I should have realized your pain instead of brushing you aside like it wasn’t important. It was, Luna, but I never knew how to show it.”

“It’s okay.”

Celestia drew herself up, smiling slightly. “Now, we should probably make an appearance at this Ponyville party. It can’t be too big, considering how little notice that pink one has, but we need to let everypony know that everything is okay.”

Luna smiled up at her big sister. “Okay. And Celly? I-I love you.”

The Solar Princess looked like she was about to start crying again. “And I love you too, Lulu. I never stopped, and I never will stop. I promise.”

******************************************************************************

As it turned out, the Ponyville celebration almost rivaled that of the Summer Sun Celebration, not only in terms of sheer attendance, but also in regards to freshly made and prepared food. A string quartet was even playing a tune entitled “The Sisters’ Requiem.” Apparently, Pinkie Pie could throw together massive parties at the bat of an eyelid. Nopony could quite understand how she had managed all of this.

Luna arrived at Canterlot Castle several hours later, trotting tiredly alongside her sister. The castle servants stared in awe at the appearance of a second alicorn, but the Lunar Princess was too exhausted to acknowledge them with more than a small smile. She was even too tired to announce her presence using the traditional Royal Voice.

Celestia showed her to where she would be sleeping until the carpenter ponies would be able to build one more suited for Luna’s wishes. As she headed straight for the comfy-looking bed that wasn’t a crater, she caught her reflection in the mirror. Backtracking, she gave herself several look-overs in the mirror before turning to her sister.

“I look different than how I used to look before I... left, don’t I?”

Celestia smiled. “You look exactly like you did before you made the moon and the night sky, when your mane and tail transformed into that beautiful starry field.”

“But I’m confused. Why do I look like this?”

“I can only guess, but when the Elements of Harmony stripped Nightmare Moon from you, they were forced to take away all your residual magical power in order to ensure a complete purge. After all, you two were joined for over one thousand years. All that time on the moon together may have intertwined your spirits rather tightly, and I’m sure they didn’t want to take any risks with that...thing. But don’t worry, I’m sure that once your power begins to return and you’re able to move the moon again, you’ll begin to fill out back into your old self.”

Luna seemed pleased with this answer. At the very least, she was too tired to question it further. Everything would work itself out in time. Now thoroughly exhausted, she collapsed on the plush bed. So much better than that miserable crater.

“Good night, Luna. I love you.”

“I lovvvve youuu tooo, Celly,” the younger Princess mumbled as her sister turned off the light.

Before lapsing into blissful unconsciousness, Luna gave a contented sigh. Finally, after everything, after the War and Nightmare Moon and the banishment, it was over.

She was home.

END

A/N Wow, I’m finally done. As I mentioned in Part One, this was my first crack at actual writing, and this was seriously looking to not make it into the light of day. Shyness and all that. I have to admit something here. When I first drew this story up, I submitted Part One to Equestria Daily, and it was denied. Disgruntled, I didn’t look at it for around a month, and focused more on my edits, until I remembered FiMFic. I thought I would try my luck here and see how it went. So you guys were kind of my guinea pigs, sorry about that!

But still, I really want to thank all the people on FiMFic who read this story. Seriously, you guys are awesome, and really inspired me to take another crack on EqD. Just remember, you saw it here first!

My plans are as this. After this is submitted, I’ll get caught up on my edits and other stuff. Please, rate and comment! I have an inkling of another idea for a fanfic, but it all really depends on how this is received. Peer pressure and all that. Also, I’m going to start running a blog on FiMFic, mostly about all my other fic-related projects, although most of them are just my jobs as editor, but it’ll be useful if you’re looking for something good to read!

Right, I’ve officially begun rambling. Don’t judge me, it’s 2AM here! Seriously, though, thanks so much for taking the time to read this, and I sincerely hope you enjoyed it. Please, rate and comment!

My very best,

~Fifth Alicorn

Part 1

Sun, Moon and Stars

Written by: Fifth Alicorn

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn. The younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects: all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon. She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: The Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of The Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon, and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.

~The Legend of the Royal Alicorn Sisters

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A loud clamor resounded throughout the Great Hall within the Castle of Canterlot. A golden tiara sporting a large gold star as its centerpiece dropped to the ground.The headpiece representing the Element of Magic and containing the unbridled power of the Elements of Harmony suddenly whisked away of its own accord, as if disgusted by the deed it had been forced to commit.

“Sister...” whispered Princess Celestia of Equestria, the caretaker and most recent user of the Elements, as she watched their departure. “Why did you have to push me so far? What happened to you? No... this is my fault. I should have seen the signs. I should have realized just how angry you were becoming. I-I’m so sorry, Luna!” Wracked with grief and guilt about what she had just been forced to do, the regal alicorn sobbed as uncontrollably as a newborn filly.

Taking a deep breath, Celestia slowly regained her composure through sheer willpower. “It’s finally over, though...” she sighed. “After everything we went through... after what that... thing... did to Luna... to my subjects... it’s finally over.” She felt tears threatening to return. “But- even after putting an end to all that violence and bloodshed I just feel... empty.” She took a few hesitant steps back. “It’s done,” she said again, somehow feeling the need to reassure herself. “Victory is mine.”

Victory, but at what cost? Celestia wondered as she gazed into the night. She sighed quietly and closed her eyes. Concentrating, she extended her magic outward into the leylines of the universe, and searched until she found the familiar strands of magic she recognized as her sister’s. Her horn began to glow a bright yellow, until she eventually managed to set Luna’s moon back into the motion which had been interrupted when this whole tragedy began. She stared into the receding night, lost in thought, until she was interrupted by the doors slamming open. Through the doorway galloped Feather Stride, a member of her personal guard who had complete elation plastered all across his face.

“Your Highness! The moon, it’s setting! Does this mean that you’ve wo-”

Celestia transfixed him with a glare that could easily have blasted the door from which he had just entered off its hinges through sheer will alone. “Thank you, Feather Stride. I am aware of the situation. Kindly return to your post and await further instruction.”

“Y-yes Princess.” Feather Stride, his previous expression cleanly wiped and replaced with a look of barely contained fear, gave a trembling bow and exited the room as quickly as his soldierly instincts allowed him without outright sprinting.

The alabaster alicorn returned to the window as she guided her sun into the sky. Luna, can you ever forgive me?

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“How dare she?!” Luna’s horn glowed a ghastly dark, brimming with potent magic, as she cleaved a nearby moon-mountain in two. “How DARE she?!” she roared again. Another flash of black, and the terrible power of the Moon Goddess blasted a large crater in her celestial creation. “Trapping me on my own moon, the only pony to EVER appreciate it?! Celestia, I knew you were a horrid monster, but you’ve really outdone yourself this time!” Luna reared back and loosed an arc of lightning straight into space.

Nightmare Moon, the Mare of Darkness responsible for the near-defeat of Celestia and subsequent takeover of the world, had receded back into Luna’s mind after being ravaged by the Elements of Harmony, changing Luna back into her original form in the process. While she had committed many horrible deeds during her illustrious reign, even she was slightly intimidated, but also proud, by the pure, unadulterated rage the younger alicorn was displaying.

Luna, dear, perhaps we should conserve our power. We don’t know what effects were placed on the moon when the Elements... placed us here. Need I remind you that my fate is inextricably tied to yours? I wouldn’t want us to run out of energy and be rendered helpless for the rest of eternity.

Luna snorted. “Whatever. I made this thing, didn’t I? No stupid gemstones are going to prevent me from leaving my moon.” Taking a few breaths to calm herself and concentrate, Luna spread her wings and took off. As she got further off the surface, she grinned arrogantly at her counterpart’s stupidity “See? Piece of ca-AHHHHHHH”

Just as Luna reached the edge of the moon’s gravitational pull, the alicorn was met with an electrical current. Yelling in unexpected pain, Luna was subsequently sent rocketing back down to the moon, leaving a sizable crater upon her impact. Slowly recovering, she rubbed her head with a hoof. “What the hay was that?”

It appears to be some sort of barrier that the Elements put in place to keep us here,Nightmare replied. Problematic.

“What a bunch of horsefeathers. I can’t believe that-” Luna stomped down with her hoof. “No, you know what? I’m not going to do this. It still feels just too weird talking to myself and having somepony else respond. Hang on...” Luna’s horn glowed again, and the outline of a pony drifted from it. In a flash of light, the image of Nightmare Moon appeared.

“Interesting,” the Midnight Mare commented approvingly as she looked over her newly materialized body, “I must admit, it does get kind of cramped in there.”

“I noticed,” Luna replied. “When I was in there, I mean. Back in Equestria. We were so close. But stupid Celly,” Luna stammered and corrected herself, “um, Celestia had to go and use the Elements and banish us. I can’t imagine they’re too pleased with her right now, either. I used to study the Elements back before... everything happened. They’re fascinating, really. They may look like just a bunch of gems, but truly they’re so much more. It’s like they’re actually alive.”

“Alive?” Nightmare Moon interjected. “They’re just a force of power. Even more powerful than me, apparently. How can they be alive?”

“They’re so much more than that, though!” Luna explained excitedly. “It’s like they’re all one collective mind. They want exactly what their name implies, harmony. Peace and all that. And if you can correctly tap into their power, the Elements can do amazing things.” Luna’s face fell as she remembered their predicament. “As you can see. But she still used them as a weapon. I doubt they’re happy.”

Nightmare Moon grinned maliciously. “Well then. Let’s get back down there and see just how much they abandoned that pretty little princess. Let me out.”

Luna blinked once in response. Her teal eyes, normally filled with black irises, constricted until they resembled more those of a cat. Luna’s horn then glowed softly, the aura slowly growing in intensity as her body began to change. Her midnight-blue coat began to turn black as night. Her limbs grew longer until she matched her sister in height, and her horn in turn grew and sharpened until it bore a razor-like point. The mane of stars grew in length and darkened in color, the change mirrored by her tail to complete the transformation. The Creator of the Night had disappeared, and in her place stood Nightmare Moon.

Now what? Luna asked, safely stored within the recesses of Nightmare Moon’s mind.

“Now, my dear Luna, we test just how strong of a barrier that awful rainbow placed us in. We hold much more power in this form, as you of course know, so we’ll have a better chance of breaking out.”

Just remember your own words and try to conserve energy. We might need it.

“See how much more rational you are when you’ve calmed down, Luna?” the ebon mare snipped as she gathered dark energy in her horn. Let’s try something simple first, she thought to herself, channelling her power into a new spell.

Whoa, I heard that thought. Weeeeiiiirrrrd.

Nightmare hushed her as she began to charge a simple dispel, while still reinforcing the magic as much as she could. All she saw was black for a few seconds while the spell did its work. When the spell completed, Nightmare reached out into space with her awareness.

“No good,” she muttered to herself. “I can still sense that infuriating barrier. Perhaps a more direct application of power?” Charging her horn again, Nightmare released an immense blast of lightning, her personal weapon of choice, straight into the barrier. As the destructive magic reached the edge of the moon’s gravitational pull, the resulting explosion produced a spectacular light show as the concurrent energy spread across the confines of the barrier.

Would you judge me if I said that the magical barrier that’s forcibly holding us against our will for possibly all of eternity looks pretty in this light? Luna asked.

“Yes,” her dark counterpart replied simply. Squinting up at the explosion, it eventually began to die down. “Hmm. Used a lot of power on that one. Hopefully it worked...”

As the corona of destruction finally died down, both Luna and Nightmare Moon stared expectantly at the magical veil.

No way.....

“Impossible!”

Far from being torn asunder as Nightmare Moon had hoped, ot even the magical equivalent of a scratch had appeared on the surface of the barrier that the Elements had erected above them.

“Well. That’s... unfortunate,” the Nightmare remarked dryly. “I hit it with all of my considerable power, and we’re not any farther than when we started. I’m tired, Luna. I’m coming back in.” She began the familiar process of transformation, and soon the Regent of the Night was back in her own body.

“So that’s it, then?! We’re stuck here? Nightmare, when you promised to give me enough power to defeat Celestia, you never said this would happen. You said I would finally be happy, free from everypony rejecting my night, and NOW LOOK WHERE WE ARE!” Luna shouted into space, tears welling up in her eyes. “I... I just want to go home.”

Luna, dear... I’m sorry. This was never meant to happen. Even I didn’t think that Celestia would use the Elements of Harmony on her own sister. We underestimated that mule, and now you’re paying the price along with me. I’m sorry, Nightmare Moon said sincerely. Despite being a Mare of Darkness, she had begun to enjoy Luna’s ever-present company during the War of the Night. Luna, if you don’t mind, I’m going to rest. Both the battle back in Equestria and trying to tear the barrier have left me exhausted. We should probably try to conserve as much energy as we can for now.

Nightmare Moon summoned what little magic was available to her in her current position and effectively powered herself down, a luxury afforded to her as she resided in Luna’s mind.

“Nightmare, wait! Don’t...” she cried out desperately. But there was no response. The only friend she had was ‘asleep’, and Luna was now more alone than she had even been in Equestria. “She’s right. I may be up here for the rest of my life. I need to save my energy, for whatever may come...”

Luna located the very crater she had left when she impacted her moon, and curled up inside. She then began weaving a simple spell around herself that would allow her to be cast into a deep sleep. The alicorn yawned as she felt the spell begin to take effect, and she suddenly remembered a song she had once made up for a tiny filly who had been brought by her mother to Night Court. A tear rolled down her cheek as she sang softly to herself:

“Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to lay your sleepy head.

Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to go to bed.

Rest now, slumber now, it’s time to fall asleep, my love.

And know that the stars shall protect you from above”

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Luna glared at her sister through Nightmare Moon’s eyes as the final battle took place in the Great Hall of Canterlot Castle. Celestia, grinning sadistically with eyes full of hatred, charged her horn with magic and a giant rainbow burst from her tiara, which Luna recognized as an artifact of the Elements of Harmony. The Lunar Princess gasped as the rainbow crashed down on Nightmare Moon, and herself, who tried futilely to escape

All time seemed to slow. “Princess Luna of Equestria. You have been accused of consorting with a being constructed of dark magic, allowing it to enter and manipulate your body of your own volition, and employing said being in an attempt to overthrow your sister and bring about a time of eternal night. We have judged you guilty, and we shall place upon you the harshest sentence allowed us. Princess Luna, we ask you this question: do you feel regret for your actions?”

As the curiously warm Rainbow of Light fully enveloped Nightmare Moon, the enraged Luna heard the voices all around her“Never! I knew exactly what I was doing, and I would do it again. That mule never loved me OR my night! So do your worst, Elements.” If the Fallen Princess could spit derisively, she would have.

“So be it.”

The lack of emotion in that single sentence made Luna cringe inwardly. “You senseless things!” she shouted in defiance. “Who do you think you are to judge me?!”

The voices were unperturbed. “Luna, we hereby strip you of your magical connection to the moon and your title of Princess of Equestria. You shall be banished to the moon, where you will never again bring harm to Equestria or its denizens. Our judgment has been passed, let it be so.”

As time seemingly sped back up, Luna was forcibly reverted back to her original form, with Nightmare Moon being shoved back inside her mind. The strange warmth of the Elements wore off, quickly replaced by an unnatural cold. Luna cringed and opened her eyes, revealing to her the very distant continent of Equestria...

Luna abruptly broke from her magic-induced sleep. A quick scan of her surroundings confirmed her nightmare as reality. That final battle in Canterlot really had happened, and she was stuck here. Forever. “How long was I asleep for?” She wondered.

“You have been asleep for nearly two hundred years, Luna.” came a swift reply.

Odd, that didn’t feel like it came from inside my head... “N-N-Nightmare? Is that you?” She asked aloud.

Luna felt a noise inside her head that she could only assume was that of a yawn and the crack of a non-existent spine. I’m right here, Luna. Is something the matter?

“Wait, you just woke up too?” Luna asked. You didn’t say anything?”

I didn’t say anything, Nightmare replied, confused. Why? Is somepony here?

“Or something, yes.” Luna‘s voice held a bit of fear, (what if Celestia had come to finish her off?) but also intense curiosity. Who could have known she was asleep for nearly two hundred years? She had to find out. “Hello? Is anypony there? Answer me!”

“Worry not my Queen. You have nothing to fear from me.”

Luna started at this in confusion. What pony could possibly be on the moon and be calling her Queen? “Just who are you?”

“Not who, but what. I am the vessel of night upon which you stand. I am the object which you yourself created, Princess Luna of Equestria.”

“W-wait. Am I talking to... my moon? How is this even possible?”

“When you created me, it required a titanic effort of magic. Due to unforeseen circumstances relating to your imprisonment here, I am able to harness this magic in order to speak with you. I will not be able to do this for long. Please, listen and take heed.”

Interesting. Very interesting. You’re actually speaking to a product of your own creation. Even I, in all my power, never thought this would be possible. Luna, cast that spell again and let me out, please. Luna’s horn glowed, and the image of Nightmare Moon appeared again. The spectre wandered off in an attempt to collect data on this phenomenon, while Luna asked the moon to continue.

“When you were sent here by the Elements of Harmony, nearly two hundred years ago, both you and your other half believed that you would be stuck here forever. However, that is not the case.” Nightmare Moon looked up, startled, at hearing this.

“What do you mean ‘not the case’,” Nightmare Moon demanded, “I tookthat blast from that tacky rainbow straight in the muzzle. It sure felt permanent.”

“While the Sun Goddess may have intended that the effects of unleashing the forces of Harmony be permanent, the limits of the Elements prevent them from effectively erasing a being off the face of the planet on which they reside. While your Celestial Sister used as much power as possible in banishing you, the spell will only last for a total of one thousand years.”

“And just how do you know this?” Luna inquired.

“The barrier which prevents you from leaving is intimately tied with the same magics that you used to create me. While the decline is gradual, I can detect that the strength of the shield is slowly waning.”

Nightmare Moon cantered back to where Luna was standing. “So what? This really isn’t permanent? We just have to wait about...”

“Approximately eight hundred years remain until the end of your sentence. However, there is a slight complication.”

The Mare of Darkness rolled her eyes. “Figures. There’s always a catch. What is it?”

“A side effect of the barrier that the Elements of Harmony placed upon me is that it very slightly drains the magic of all organic beings caught within it’s grasp, and also prevents those beings from regenerating any spent magic. I believe that my creator has already begun to feel the effects.”

Rounding on her counterpart, Nightmare Moon discovered that Luna was blushing slightly. “It’s true. I felt a little weakened after I cast the spell to make you appear out of my head. And I can sense that my inner store of magic hasn’t refilled itself since we fell asleep... apparently two hundred years ago.” Luna shook her head in irritation. “And after the fight with Celestia, the transformations and trying to break the barrier, not to mention the draining effect, I know that my reserves must be under half.”

“That’s just fantastic,” the shade muttered, “So even when we get out of here, we won’t be able to do anything to get revenge on that cow because of this stupid snag.”

“That is incorrect.”

This elicited a frustrated groan from Nightmare Moon. “Listen, um, moon!” She turned to Luna. “I don’t want to call that thing just ‘moon’. Can’t we name him? Like, Bob, or Tom?”

“No!” Luna exclaimed.

“Why not?”

“Nightmare, I refuse to let you call my prized creation ‘Bob’!”

“Fine.” She replied, perhaps a little foalishly. She turned away from Luna to speak again to the moon. “Listen, first you say one thing, and then you go and say another. Would it trouble you to make up your mind?”

“Be at peace, and listen well, for I must save enough energy to secure the answer to your problem. When the barrier lifts, you will likely be left with little to no power. However, that does not mean that you shall be without assistance. As with myself, Luna also used her magic to create the night sky, and with it, the stars. As such, we all share a link with each other.”

“While my ability to speak to you does not yet wane, I will be able to transfer the rest of my available power to the nearest plausible stars through this bond we share. When the barrier is at its weakest, these stars will intervene and shatter the barrier and, in turn, transfer their remaining magic to you, my Queen. By doing this, you should be left with sufficient power to exact your revenge upon the Keeper of the Sun. This is my gift to you for bringing me into existence.”

A wicked smile danced across Nightmare’s features. “Well well, Luna, looks like we may have a second shot at eternal night after all.”

Luna mimicked her darker side’s grin. “Moon, thank you for your work. Please go about your business and know that you have made your Queen very happy.”

“It is my honor to serve. I shall begin the transference of magic. This is the last time we shall speak. All glory to the night, and it’s Harbinger.”

Silence again fell across the landscape, leaving Luna to reconsider the new development “Excellent. We won’t be stuck up here forever after all, and in eight hundred years we shall escape and find our revenge on my sister.” Luna’s face distorted into a sinister smirk. “I just had an idea. Let’s not let Celestia forget where she put us. So that every time she looks up into the night sky, my night sky, she’ll remember what she did to us and know that we’re still watching, waiting.”

“Luna darling, that is deliciously devious,” Nightmare Moon replied and smiled cruelly. “What do you have in mind?”

Luna didn’t answer. Instead, she walked over to where she created the crater nearly two hundred years ago and with her horn glowing, created another one overlapping the first. Smirking, she said, “You’ll see. Now, get flying and help me out. This needs to be perfect...”

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As her sister’s Nightmare was finally whisked away by the Rainbow of Light, Celestia began to feel the tiara which rested upon her head slip and fall to the ground. Time seemed infinitesimal, the headpiece very slowly falling as if reality itself had slowed. Suddenly, she began to hear a voice

“Princess Celestia of Equestria.” the voice said, sounding warm and yet... displeased. “You are guilty of employing the Elements of Harmony for destructive purposes. By using us, you have all but removed a life from the face of this planet.” Celestia started to object, but stopped as the Elements continued. “As your reasons were ultimately selfless, thinking in benefit of the land and ponies which you protect and govern, we shall pass no punishment upon you. However, let it be known that Princess Celestia of Equestria, Goddess of the Sun and Bringer of the Day, will forever be severed from her connection with the Elements.”

Celestia did not know how she was hearing the Elements of Harmony inside her, what she had always thought was just an inanimate set of magical jewelry. Her sister had always been more fascinated with the relics than she was. However, she somehow knew the proper way to respond to them. “But there was nothing left I could do,” she protested. “I had to destroy that thing. Didn’t you see what it had done to my sister?”

“Your personal feelings are irrelevant.” the Elements said, forestalling whatever answer she could have devised. “You attempted to destroy a life with our power. Our decision stands, and you shall no longer have access to us. Until we are again wielded by bearers whom we deem worthy, we shall return back to our ancestral home, the Castle of Everfree.”

“Everfree?” Celestia replied, shocked. “But...that place got utterly destroyed in the War!”

“It is where we belong, Princess, and is where we shall remain. Goodbye.” Time resumed toas normal as the tiara finally struck the ground. Almost instantly, it reverted back into magic and whisked away of its own accord.

Princess Celestia was left to deal with her grief...alone.

In her room high in Canterlot Castle, the Solar Goddess’ eyes snapped open. She sighed in frustration. She’d had that dream before many times, as if it was permanently burned into her memory and she was being forced to relive it. Even asleep, I can find no solace. Is this my punishment for doing what had to be done?

It was time to lower the moon and begin a new day. As she approached the balcony, she gazed upon her sister’s creation, and immediately noticed something... new. Terrible and new. It looked almost like the face of a unicorn, created by a concentrated area of craters on the surface on the moon.

The regal alicorn sank to her stomach, devastated by the intangible proof of her actions. Luna, what have I done? I’m so sorry.

However, her sadness and regrets didn’t matter right now. She had a country to run, decisions to make and meetings to attend. Her horn glowing a bright yellow, she went about the usual motions of setting Luna’s moon and rising her sun. Stepping back into her bedroom, she took a moment to visit her vanity and apply her makeup. Even after two hundred years, she marveled at her mane. Ever since she had taken on responsibility for both sun and moon, her originally pink hair had been replaced with something different. In its place was something that could only be described as pure magic; a flowing mane resembling the aurora borealis, slowly fluttering in the invisible breeze of the solar wind.

As the rest of the ponies who remembered what had happened in the War of the Night eventually passed away, soon nopony but Celestia herself knew that she had not been born with such regal hair. In fact, nopony knew that Celestia was not the only alicorn currently alive anymore, but with the current changes in the moon, Celestia suspected that would soon change.

Indeed, her suspicion was proven correct within the hour. As the Sun Goddess was eating her breakfast, a compilation of different fruits and vegetables, her personal steward Gilded Carafe approached. “Princess,” he whispered. “One of the staff has requested to see you. He didn’t say why, only that it was...urgent.”

Finishing up her meal, the Guardian of the Day followed Gilded Carafe into the private meeting room, where Celestia was surprised to see one of the more reclusive castle scribes waiting for her. Her attendant waited outside as the Princess greeted her subject. “Keen Eyes,” the princess said in welcome, “what can I do for you?”

“Princess,” the dark blue unicorn started, looking greatly troubled, “I had a dream last night that awoke me with chilled sweat and a thudding heart. I made sure to write it all down and report it to you after the sun had risen and I was sure you were awake.

“As honored as I am that you came to me about a simple nightmare, Keen Eyes, why do you think it is important enough to bring to my attention? If I recall correctly, you prefer to stay near the library and rarely leave, except to eat and sleep.”

“Normally, Your Highness, that is very much the case.” He glanced at his cutie mark, a looking glass. “My special talent involves what most would call clairvoyance. Limited foresight into the future.”

“I am familiar with the term, my little pony,” Celestia smiled.

Keen Eyes blushed slightly. “Y-Yes, Princess, of course. I didn’t me-” He paused to collect himself. “What I mean by all this is that, while I am rarely greeted with views of the future, when I do, they come in the forms of dreams, and they are very distinct.” Celestia noted with some degree of humor that he was trying very hard not to sound depressed about his ability, although she couldn’t imagine why. “In addition to that, as opposed to any normal dream, I am also able to take away a secondary meaning from them. Something easily transferable to writing. Normally, I keep them locked away in a trunk up in my quarters. They usually aren’t very important, and will occur long after I will pass away. The other scribes... pester me occasionally for having such a seemingly useless special talent.” He cleared his throat before continuing. “This one, however, I feel is important and, while this too will happen long after I am gone, I felt that it should be brought to your immediate attention.”

Using his magic, he produced a piece of parchment and drifted it over to the Princess. Ensconcing it into her own magical grip, she began to read:

“Centuries ago in a time lost to tomes long forgotten, Nightmare Moon, the Queen of the Night, Mistress of the Ebon Sky, and Ruler of the Lunar Shadow, did rise up in all her power and glory to bring about night eternal. She did call forth the War of the Night, and amassed an army of thralls to follow in her wake to bring about that which she most desired: dominion over the land and sky.

To defend the land and all those ponies who fled in fear of the Goddess of the Moon, Celestia, Queen of the Day, Lady of the Dawn and Keeper of the Sun called upon the most potent magical force known to all ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. With the power of Loyalty, Generosity, Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, and Magic, Celestia did banish her tyrannical sister to the moon, where she would serve her eternal sentence until the time of the final days.

Nightmare Moon’s power could not be contained however, and she quickly fed her essence into the void of the night to the stars. There they heard the plight of their mistress and with her power promised her thus: on the thousandth night of her imprisonment, when the world below had all but forgotten her name, and the sun looks away from the moon, shall the stars aid in her escape from her lunar prison so that she may resume her conquest of earth and air, to make all bow before the perfection of her night and bring about nighttime eternal.

Though the stars plan to end the tyrant’s isolation, the greatest star of them all, the Sun, knows all too well of the looming shadow that waits in the deep dark. Celestia will call upon the Elements of Harmony once again, when the darkness has reached its apex in the world, to do battle against the darkness of her twisted sister, and to finally decide the fate of Equestria and the world.”

For the second time in a very short period, the ruler of Equestria was brought to her knees in shock, and this time, it felt that her heart and turned to ice and sank down into her stomach to join her.

“Princess? I’m confused. What does this mean?” The scribe genuinely seemed worried about her after seeing her reaction.

“I... can’t talk about this right now, Keen Eyes. However, you deserve to know more than most ponies for bringing this to my attention.” She turned around and opened the door, to where Gilded Carafe stood waiting. “Will you join us for a moment, please?”

“Certainly, Princess.”

“Take a note.” She waited as her steward readied his parchment and quill. “In my station as Monarch of Equestria, I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the scribe, Keen Eyes, be elevated to the position of Mystical Advisor to the Princess. As such, he shall be granted new quarters in the Princess’ Tower amongst his advisor peers, and a salary befitting his station. Additionally, he shall be granted full compensation for any costs required for producing a compilation of his various prophecies.”

Keen Eyes’ jaw dropped to the floor. “T-thank you, my Princess? But may I ask what for?”

“Just consider it... for services rendered to the Crown,” she winked. “That will be all, Gilded Carafe.”

As the blue scribe watched the steward trot back into the hall, he was struck with sudden realization. “Are you paying me to keep my mouth shut about this whole Nightmare Moon thing, Princess Celestia?”

“Not exactly, Keen Eyes. I will meet with you in your new chambers tonight to fully explain why, as the circumstances behind Nightmare Moon’s imprisonment are still painful to recall. However, the truth must get out. Ponies must be warned, if they are learned enough to go digging through books of myths and legends.”

“So... you would like me to include it in this book, just stripped down to the bare details?”

Celestia smiled at his quick grasp of the situation. “Yes, please. And thank you.”

Keen Eyes bowed. “Anything for my Princess. Now, I shall return to my quarters and prepare to move into my new lodgings.” He bowed again. “Thank you again, Princess.”

The life of the Princess never holds an empty day, but this particular day seemed to be out to get her. Exiting the meeting room, she looked to her assistant. “What is first on the schedule for today, please?”

“Day Court, your Highness,” Gilded Carafe promptly replied.

“That’s just fantastic,” Celestia grumbled. “The very thing I want to do today, of all days, is listen to the petty squabbles of Canterlot ponies.”

Gilded Carafe grinned. One of the perks of his station was seeing the lesser-known sides of the Princess. “Shall I fetch the powdered wig, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia smiled back despite herself. “You know as well as I do that I retired that thing six years ago. And I would appreciate it if you would stop reminding me of that horrid thing just for spite.”

“No can do, Princess. Guess you’ll just have to dock my pay. Besides, you know that every so often, someponies still remember that court is meant to settle actually serious issues, like territory issues or grievances with the law. And it isn’t all bad, I notice you sometimes manage to make Court entertaining for yourself.

Celestia’s eye glinted as she remembered two snobby mares that came before her, shrieking at each other because they had both grabbed the last hat in a recent blow-out sale at the local fashion studio.

“I have made my decision!” Celestia declared dramatically. I have decided that....you shall split the hat down the middle, and you each shall receive one half. That seems to be the most rational decision.” She scratched her powdered wig, she swore that thing had bugs in it even if the cleaning staff never found any, and wished she had a gavel to bang decisively.

One mare nodded violently. “Yes! Give me my half of the hat!! Maybe I can make a...a doily or two out of the thread. Plus, this way, that other mule won’t win either!”

Her headgear adversary made a choking noise that sounded suspiciously like a strangled shriek of terror. “Forgive me, Princess, but are you sure? To destroy such a beautiful hat, it’s a crime of fashion! Please, if that’s going to be your final decision, please just give it to her, just to save the hat!”

Celestia smiled at the second mare, genuinely impressed by what she said. “Wait!” the Princess declared again. “I have changed my mind. After seeing the selflessness of this mare, I have decided to grant her the full rights to this hat, for it is evident that she is meant to be the true owner!” Deciding that she wanted a gavel after all, Celestia summoned one with magic and knocked it three times on the chair on which she was sitting. The victorious mare looked elated, but also very confused, as she pranced away with her new prize. The Princess then directed a level gaze at a pair of guards snickering uncontrollably in the corner. They flinched once they realized she was watching them, and proceeded to amble off in opposite directions.

Snapping herself out of her reverie, she responded to Gilded Carafe. “Thank you, Gilded Carafe, for restoring my faith in ponykind. But now on to business. Anything of importance I should know about today?”

The steward visibly flinched at the question. “Actually, Princess, there is. There have been many rumors amongst the farmer ponies who wake up even earlier than you do to tend their farms. Something about the head of a unicorn being present in the moon early this morning, in the form of craters. They have already begun calling it the ‘Mare in the Moon.’ If my reports are correct, these rumors quickly spread to the rest of the ponies gathered in Court. My humble recommendation is a public address, Princess, before it begins to stir nationwide panic.”

Celestia allowed herself a frustrated sigh, a luxury to which she rarely treated herself. Like good things, apparently bad things came in threes as well. “Yes, you are correct. I’ll cut Day Court early and make a public statement.” Once again, she grinned despite herself as she realized that she would be cutting Day Court early.

“Very good, Princess. I’ll have one of the scribes begin drawing up your speech.”

“Not this time, Gilded Carafe.” She took a deep breath, bracing herself in advance for what she would have to tell her country in the next few hours. “Today, I’d like to address Equestria using my own words. Many of my ponies are undoubtedly scared, and if they’re not now, they will be. I’m the only one who really knows what’s going on. They should hear it from me.”

“As you wish, Your Highness.”

Celestia nodded. “Indeed. Now, let’s get this over with...”

******************************************************************************

“Nine hundred and ninety years.” Celestia sighed as she looked at the moon. “It’s been nine hundred and ninety years since I sent you to the moon, sister. And in just ten more, you will be back.” Her eyes roamed the land of Equestria, visible under the moonlight and stars as she pondered. “I am... I’m scared, sister, no- I’m terrified of what you, of what Nightmare Moon will do, upon your return-.” She shuddered. “The Nightmare is so powerful... will I be able to defeat you once more? Can I bring myself to do it?” Celestia shuddered. Nightmare Moon was somehow more powerful than her, and she was the ruler of an entire country who commanded a fiery heavenly body.

That horrid moon didn’t make her life any easier. Thankfully, the common ponies eventually accepted and believed that it was a natural phenomenon, as the ponies who originally witnessed it surfacing eventually died and the tale gradually became an “old pony’s tale.”

“Damn you, Nightmare Moon,” Celestia cursed. Only you could think up something so vile and twisted. Luna, I can’t even imagine what you could be going through right now, having to deal with that thing for nearly a thousand years. And it’s me who put you there. I’m so sorry...”

When Keen Eyes had first told her of that prophecy, over half a millennium ago, Celestia was determined to be prepared for Nightmare Moon’s inevitable return, and the first step to preparation is expectation. The lifetime of an alicorn is but one step down from endless, and as such, one’s perception of time might get a little muddled. And as the last thing the Solar Princess wished was to forget the exact year when the prophecy would come to pass, she created the one thing she would absolutely not be able to forget.

A celebration.

With the combined assistance of Keen Eyes and the Royal Astronomer of the time, the Goddess was able to determine exactly how many years remained until the return. Using that data and her authority as Princess of Equestria, she declared the next longest day of the year the official “198th Summer Sun Celebration.” Naturally, the townsfolk were very confused as to what happened to the other 197 of these Summer Sun Celebrations. However, Celestia kept her reasons to herself and insisted that the festivities continue. Eventually, they all just learned to accept it and, like with the origins of the Mare in the Moon, the true discrepancies regarding the Summer Sun Celebration were eventually lost to time. While the Guardian of the Day hated deceiving her ponies like that, she nonetheless felt that some secrets were not meant to be shared.

Now with a mere ten years to go until the return of the biggest threat to Equestria since Discord himself, Celestia was forced to do something that one would never expect of somepony of her station.

Beg.

Celestia sighed as she weighed the options available to her. As much as she hated even considering unleashing the Elements of Harmony once again upon Luna, she was afraid it would be the only option if she couldn’t reason with her sister. While she loathed the possibility, it couldn’t hurt to be prepared, could it?

But what choice do I have, really? That prophecy, that horrible prophecy, told me that I’ll have to wield them once again. I just....don’t know if I could do that to Luna again. Celestia shook her head. No, I have to be ready, for whatever may come. And that means I have to start now.

Her day began like any other, by raising her sun. Following that chore, she exited her bedroom to find her steward, Bee Barb, awaiting her. “What is on the schedule for today, please?” Celestia asked.

“Several meetings, your highness. One with the agricultural board, and the builder’s committee wished to meet with you for specifications regarding this year’s Grand Galloping Gala,” Bee Barb replied. “Also, you asked me to remind you that another set of prospective students for your school will be here to receive their entrance exams today.”

“Postpone those meetings, please. I have royal business to attend to today, of a more personal nature.”

“As you wish, Princess.” Bee Barb bowed and went about following her orders.

Turning around, Celestia re-entered her bedroom, stepped out onto her balcony and teleported back to a place she hadn’t seen in almost a millennium.

Reappearing outside of Everfree Castle, the first thing she saw was- “Spirits...” Celestia whispered to herself. “After the battles that took place here during the War, I expected it to be a little worse for wear. But this...” She trailed off. Despite what she thought she had seen when fleeing Everfree, the Princess had never fully realized just how much it had been annihilated. Barely anything from her ancestral home was left, and whatever structures remained were infested with vines, moss, and other forms of foliage. Just a dilapidated section or two was all that was left of the once extravagant fortress, the place that was once called the Capital of Equestria, and had been her home since she was born.

And Luna’s.... Left with little other choice, the Princess forced her way towards the closest of the remaining structures. Wait. I know this place. This is....this is the vault where the Elements of Harmony were kept. I can’t believe it’s still standing after everything this place has been through. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that the Elements are here, but I didn’t expect it would be this easy...

As she attempted to cross the threshold into the holding chamber, however, she was met with a barrier that denied her access with a gentle, yet firm, rebuke.

“What just happened?” Confused, Celestia tried again, only to meet the same result. Becoming quickly irritated, she charged up her horn to cast a dispel upon it. Following the ensuing flash of light, she confidently stepped forward once more, only to find nothing had changed.

With nopony around to hear her, the Regent of Equestria spat a word very unbecoming of royalty.

How can this be? she thought furiously. Nopony should be able to cast a barrier that I can’t do away with! Nightmare Moon has to be behind this, but how?

“Nightmare Moon is not responsible for this barrier,” came an all too familiar warm voice she could only hear in her mind. “We told you once that you are barred from our power, Princess Celestia of Equestria. We do not forget.”

I don’t understand, she replied in still the only way that felt correct to talk to the artifacts. You put up this barrier? Why?

“Again, to fully deny you access to us. If you do not recall, you misused our power in an attempt to erase a life from this world. Attempting such an act of disharmony by our power cannot be forgiven, regardless of your personal feelings and motivations. However, as you ultimately acted for the good of your subj-”

Yes, I know. Celestia sighed remorsefully.You told me last time, and I never forgot what you said that night, nor shall I ever. She looked at where the barrier stood, eyes watery. Is it not good enough for you that I feel nothing but remorse for what I’ve done? That I’ve spent many nights this past millennium crying myself to sleep, wishing my dear sister was here to rule with me? That every time I look up at that moon, with that awful face in it, I remember exactly where Luna is, and exactly who put her there?

“We do not doubt that you regret your actions, Celestia of Equestria. However, we must still withhold our power from you.”

I don’t think you get it, the Princess replied testily. In ten years, Nightmare Moon is going to return from exile and come back straight for me. I won’t stand a chance, and I don’t think I’ll want to fight my own sister again anyways. I couldn’t. And after I’m gone, Equestria won’t stand a chance!

“We are aware of the situation,” the Elements said. “We are the ones that gave the scribe Keen Eyes the information by which you know this.”

You were? Celestia replied, genuinely surprised. How is this possible?

“Due to circumstances regarding Luna of Equestria’s banishment which even we did not anticipate, she was provided with this information when she was not meant to. We sensed this, and it caused an imbalance. We felt we had to rectify the imbalance.”

But why give the prophecy to him? Why not directly to me?

“We needed an appropriate vessel to bestow the information upon,” The Elements informed her. “The scribe Keen Eyes showed an affinity for “prophecy,” as you call it. You do not. We detected other viable candidates within the country; however, we felt that Keen Eyes would be the best solution, given his proximity to you. It was the best we were able to do.”

I understand, Celestia nodded gratefully. And I thank you for the information. But there is one more thing I do not understand. If what you say is true, and you delivered the prophecy to Keen Eyes, then why did you say that I am meant to use the Elements of Harmony once again to defeat Nightmare Moon?

“We did not claim that you were meant to once again wield the Elements of Harmony, Princess Celestia. You misinterpreted our meaning, a folly of the pony species. In truth, we stated that you were meant to only call upon the Elements of Harmony, not use them yourself.”

I don’t get it, Celestia objected, forcing down a feeling of panic. How am I supposed to call upon the Elements without using them?

“We apologize. That is a question you are meant to find on your own.”

Celestia was beginning to even panic more now. But why can’t you tell me?

“To divulge such information would force another imbalance in the flow of time and destiny. One that would have to be rectified by divulging similar information to the Fallen Princess. Information that could possibly turn the tide permanently in her favor. Is this what you wish?”

No! Celestia’s eyes went wide at the thought of this. Anything but that! I’ll figure it out myself.

“We are glad you understand. As you are held by your laws, so are we inextricably bound to ours.”

I... think I understand. She gasped and realized she had been holding her breath.

“Good. Now, we sense there is nothing more you wish to discuss.”

It wasn’t a question. No, there isn’t. The Princess sighed. Thank you for your time. The Elements of Harmony didn’t reply, and Celestia could sense the warm presence receding from her mind. Although the Sun Princess enjoyed that presence, she also did not like how the Elements seemed to be able to read her deepest thoughts and feelings while their minds were joined.

Celestia treated herself to an explosive sigh. She had been depending on using the Elements again to stop Nightmare. Now she didn’t know what to do. She sighed again. Her only solace was knowing that she had ten years to figure out the riddle of the prophecy. For now, it was time to return to Canterlot. Royal business called, as always.

Teleporting back into the Canterlot proper, she began to make her way to her first meeting of the day. For the rare few ponies capable of performing such a feat, teleporting directly into a conference room was severely looked down upon in Canterlot. Many saw it as parading one’s power around to those not able to perform such difficult magic, and it was altogether quite rude.

Trotting across the square, she not only heard, but also felt a rather loud explosion coming from behind her. Celestia whipped around, her horn glowing in preparation for an attack, only to freeze as she witnessed a sight she had not seen since before the War of the Night, yet one that could not be mistaken anywhere: a sonic rainboom. She stopped in her tracks, staring in awe at the vision of pure beauty and perfection. Even as she watched, she could feel a tear begin to glisten in her eye. Faced with the threat of Nightmare Moon, and the stress given to her by the Elements of Harmony, it was unexpectedly comforting to know that such a majestic sight still existed in this world.

She was quickly snapped out of her reverie, however, by a rather loud crashing noise very close to her. “What?!” Looking up sharply, she was greeted with a rather unusual sight. A very large, very purple dragon head with green scales had somehow managed to crash through the roof of one of her buildings. The very building she knew to be where the entrance exams for her unicorn school were taking place. Disregarding all thoughts of Canterlot social protocol in the interest of safety, she quickly teleported into the auditorium.

Reappearing inside, Celestia immediately noticed the source of the strange anomaly. A lavender unicorn filly, wriggling in the grasp of what she immediately recognized as a severe magic overload. This little filly had literally had lost control of her magic, and it was affecting everything it could reach. For her magic, even in the state it was now, to affect a dragon this much was nothing short of astonishing. Taking a quick glance around, Celestia also noticed that her four test examiners were also caught in the magical maelstrom, rendered helpless, and for some reason a cactus and a potted plant were sitting very close to the unicorn.

I need to calm her down... Celestia carefully approached the out-of-control filly and gently placed her hoof on her back. When the unicorn whipped around to stare at her, eyes shining a brilliant white of pure magic, the Princess put on a tranquil, motherly smile.

Almost immediately, the filly began to reign in control of her power, her eyes dimming until they revealed a set of lavender eyes which perfectly matched her coat. Instantly realizing what she had done, she bowed her head in shame as the magical effects began to wear off around them.

The examiners were released from their captivity, the towering dragon currently peering at the gathering crowd outside quickly turned back into a newly-hatched dragon with a quick pop, and the cactus and plant were reverted into a unicorn couple, presumably the filly’s parents.

Didn’t see that one coming. Such a transformation at her young age, and so many? Remarkable! In a flash, Celestia recalled her notes from this morning before she set out for Everfree Castle, and remembered that the school would be testing a Twilight Sparkle at around this time. She matched the description in the notes. Surely, this must be that filly. “Twilight Sparkle-”

“Oh, I’m so sorry!,” Twilight Sparkle interrupted, looking fearfully at the Princess standing before her. “I didn’t mean-”

“You have a very special gift,” Celestia continued, smiling kindly. “I don't think I've ever come across a unicorn with your raw abilities.” Not for a very long time, anyways.

The unicorn filly looked confused. “Huh?”

“But you need to learn to tame these abilities through focused study.” Wait a minute, maybe I do understand the Elements’ riddle.

Now Twilight looked thoroughly dumbfounded. “Huh?!”

“Twilight Sparkle, I’d like to make you my own personal protégé here at the school.” And it all starts with her.

This time, the lavender unicorn’s jaw dropped farther than Celestia thought possible. “Huh?!?”

The Sun Princess barely contained her smile. This little filly was adorable. “Well?”

Twilight Sparkle glanced back at her parents in askance, who were violently nodding their heads yes, looks of utmost joy on their faces. Jumping up in the air, Twilight screamed excitedly, “YEEESSSSS!”

Chuckling, Celestia noticed a purple six-pointed star, surrounded by several smaller, whiter stars, materializing on the unicorn’s flank. “One other thing, Twilight.”

Twilight’s eyes grew to the size of dinner plates as she comically seemed to freeze in mid-air. “More?” She quickly came crashing down to the floor. While Twilight lay there dazed, Celestia pointed a single hoof to Twilight’s newly formed cutie mark. Twilight’s features shifted from a look of shock to surprise rather quickly.

“My cutie mark!” She then began bouncing in circles around her new teacher, exclaiming cheers of “yes!” in very quick hops.

Celestia allowed herself a private smile as she let the unicorn celebrate with her parents. She reminds me so much of Luna when she was young. So many years ago...

Smiling, Celestia approached Twilight’s parents. “Don’t worry, Mister and Missus Sparkle. Unlike being a regular student here at the school, becoming my personal student is completely free of charge. It is something that is very rarely offered. Why, I believe that the last time I took on a personal student was a little over two hundred years ago. However, there is one slight catch.”

Twilight’s father cleared his throat. “A-and what would that be, Your Majesty?”

Now for the hard part.... “Part of the teaching requires the student to live at Canterlot Castle. It’s the best way we can ensure everypony’s safety in case the student ever loses control, much like your daughter did today...” she raised a hoof comfortingly, “not that she could do anything to stop it,” she assured them. “Here, she will be taught how to control her magic and be able to shape it to do extraordinary things. I've seen unicorns with a talent for magic before, but none with nearly the raw ability young Twilight has shown here today. The possibilities before her are nearly endless. However, all this means that she has to leave her home.” Celestia paused to let her words sink in. “I understand if you wish to decline my offer after hearing this.”

Mr. Sparkle glanced back at his wife for a second before answering. “No, we accept your offer, Princess Celestia. This is what is best for Twilight. And living in the castle? Why, it’s more than we could have ever wished for our little filly.” He bowed at her feet, his wife following his lead.

Twilight had ceased her bouncing, and was now prodding a nearby plant curiously, probably searching for any signs of higher intelligence.

The Princess and both parents chuckled before returning their attention to each other.

Mr. Sparkle spoke again. “Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you for giving her this opportunity. She’ll still be able to contact us, correct?” He looked up, hopefully.

Celestia smiled gently. “Of course. I could never be so cruel as to completely take a filly away from her parents.”

“Thank you again, Princess. That’s all we could ever ask. We’ll bring Twilight home, explain everything to her and then pack her things. We’ll have our Twilight back to you by tomorrow.” He looked.towards his wife, hesitated, and looked back to gaze up at Celestia with imploring eyes. “Y-You’ll protect her, won’t you? Our Twilight... she’s all we have, and she means the world to us.”

Princess Celestia put on the most comforting face she possibly could. “Mister Sparkle, you have my word that I will do everything in my power to prevent any harm from coming to your daughter.” She could see the relief wash over his face when she spoke those words.

“That means more than you could know, Princess. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, Mister Sparkle. Now, I have business to attend to regarding enrollment of your daughter, and general issues of royalty besides. I shall leave you to your daughter. And Mister Sparkle? The paperwork may take a litte longer than usual. Aforementioned royal business and all that. I insist, spend a few more days with your daughter before you bring her back.” She gave him a friendly wink as his face lit up in joy.

Celestia watched Twilight’s parents call her over to them, and reflected on what had transpired today. Interesting. First the Elements tell me that I will be unable to directly use their power, and now I’ve just met a filly who possesses more unbridled power than I’ve seen in centuries? I’ve long since stopped believing in coincidence, so where does that leave me? Celestia now knew what she had to do, of course. Indeed, everything that happened today all led down to what she planned to be doing for the next few days. Something she should have done centuries ago. What Luna did.

I need to study the Elements of Harmony...

******************************************************************************

Luna stirred awake from her spellsleep. Glancing up, she noticed that the moon was directly above what she knew to be Equestria. But... it couldn’t be. There were so many lights on the surface. Not enough to emulate the day, of course, but certainly a stark contrast to what she had seen nearly eight hundred years ago, when she had last enchanted herself to sleep.

“Look at all those lights,” she whispered, awestruck. “Does this mean... ponies are enjoying my night?”

Her question was answered by a loud yawn inside her head. Nightmare Moon had woken up with her. Mmmm. What’s that, Luna?

“I don’t have enough magic left to let you out anymore. You’ll just have to look through my eyes. But look at the lights! That means ponies are awake during my night! I wonder if Celestia had anything to do with this...”

You mean the same Celestia that stranded us here because she didn’t want anypony enjoying your night? Come now, Luna, I would have thought that being up here would have reminded you of that fact.

Luna sighed, dejected. “Yes, I know. You’re right, Nightmare.”

Of course I am, Luna. Now, because we’re awake, does that mean that the spell is about to break?

Luna glanced upwards at her night. “I don’t think so. See those four stars, shining brighter than all the rest? Those are the stars that the moon filled with it’s power. It doesn’t look like they’re close enough. But soon, very soon.”

Well then, why are we awake?

“I don’t fully know. But I’m guessing that when that stupid barrier drained the remainder of my magic, it disrupted the spell keeping us asleep.”

So we’re going to be awake until the stars set us free, then? How long will that be?

“I don’t know.”

Well, horseapples. Any ideas on how to pass the time?

“Well... do you know any word games?

No. And I know what you’re thinking next. It’s no.

“How about-”

Still no. Just try and sleep the normal way, alright? We’ll be out of here soon.

Luna, Keeper of the Night and the Creator of the Moon and Skies, pouted. “Fine.”

END OF PART 1