The Muneris Pony

Word of Night Wing and Cora's date spread across Ponyville like wildfire. Over the next week, the couple was greeted with warm smiles and "congratulations" as they walked through the streets. One day, as Night and Cora trotted for the Golden Oak Library, they were greeted by three fillies.

"Hi Night! High Cora!" the trio smiled up at them.

"Hi Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle," Night greeted the Cutie Mark Crusators with a warm smile.

"Hey, sport!" Cora smiled at the orange pegasus and gave her a hoof bump. "How's that scooter of yours?"

"It's great!" Scootaloo bounced in place. "Thanks for fixing it up for me!" she smiled at Night.

"You're welcome, Scoots," Night replied.

"You two goin' on another date?" Applebloom asked as she smiled at the two.

"Actually, we were going to see Twilight Sparkle at the library," Cora answered. "Night wants to do some research."

"About what?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Oh, you don't need to worry about it," Night said.

"Maybe we could help you with your research," Scootaloo offered.

"I don't think you can," Cora observed. "We've looked through those books a dozen times."

"It never hurts to have one more look," Night smiled. "Besides, you tend to notice things you missed the first time." Cora rolled her eyes.

"Twilight's not at the library anyway," Applebloom chimed in. Night and Cora looked at the little farm filly. "Applejack is on a picnic with Twilight and the rest of their friends."

"Yeah," Sweetie piped up. "Rarity's with them. She never misses a picnic date with her friends."

Suddenly, a familiar baby dragon rushed by the group.

"Wasn't that Spike?" Cora asked.

"You know any other purple, baby dragon in Ponyville?" Night asked.

"For him to be in a rush like that means Princess Celestia sent Twilight a letter," Scootaloo observed.

"Let's go see what's up," Night smiled at the three fillies. The Cutie Mark Crusators smiled at the pegasus before all five of them trotted after Spike. After a bit of a walk, they found the dragon with six mares gathered around a picnic. They all wore excited smiles on their faces except for Twilight, who looked frustrated.

"Hey gals," Cora chirped as they walked up to the group of mares.

"Hi Cora," Rainbow Dash smiled at the group.

"Applebloom, what're y'all doin' here?" Applejack asked.

"Night and Cora wanted to see Twilight," Applebloom answered.

"Then we saw Spike run out here," Scootaloo added.

"Yeah, what's up?" Night queried as she smiled at Twilight and the other mares.

"We've all been invited by the Princess to host a royal wedding in Canterlot!" Rarity cheered.

"Woah!" Cora blinked. "A royal wedding in Canterlot?"

"That's what she just said," Rainbow said with a big grin. "And I'm gonna do a Sonic Rainboom!"

"You mean, that stunt you pulled at the Best Young Fliers Competition?" Night asked with an excited smile on her face.

"You know it!" Rainbow cheered before doing an aerial backflip.

"That's awesome!" Night smiled at the group.

"Woah, hold on a minute!" Cora piped up. "What about--" Cora stopped short when she remembered the fillies were in the group. "What about Night and me? Aren't we all supposed to stick close for a while?"

"No need to worry about that," Crystal's voice came from behind them. They all looked up to find the Sirenum walking up with a warm smile. "I think we can spare a few days without Twilight around."

"But, I wanted to do some more research at the library," Night protested.

"What kinda research?" Scootaloo asked.

"It's alright," Twilight piped up. "You can use the library all you want while we're gone."

"But, what about--" Cora began to protest.

"Cora, relax," Crystal interjected. "I'm gonna be in town for a while."

"We're gonna be here too."

Night and Cora looked up to find Blazing, Zuro, and Angel walking up with warm smiles.

"Hey guys," Cora greeted the other pegasi.

"Crystal filled us in on the details," Blazing smiled.

"We're more than happy to help out," Angel added.

"Angel speaks for all of us," Zurro concluded.

"Is this about that Dusk character?" Applejack asked with a raised brow.

"Who's Dusk?" Applebloom piped up.

"He's an old friend of hours," Night smiled at the three fillies. "We're expecting him to arrive in Equestria any day now, so we wanted to do some research on different ways we can surprise him."

Cora smirked at her old friend. Night Wing did not lie often, but when she did, it was as if she did nothing but lie her entire life.

"We can help with that," Scootaloo bounced in excitement.

"Thanks, Scoots, but the less ponies know about it, the better," Night smiled.

"Aww," Scootaloo pouted.

"Hey, why don't you three try fishing in the lake," Cora suggested. "You might find your cutie marks in fishing!"

"That sounds like fun!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

"Fishing?! Are you kidding?!" Scootaloo countered. "Fishing is the most boring thing any pony can do! Why don't we try skateboarding instead?!"

"We tried that yesterday," Applebloom scoffed.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders began walking off as they conversed with each other on what activities to try next. "Hold on, you three," Twilight called out. The Crusaders stopped to look back at the unicorn. "The princess mentioned you three taking part in the wedding too. Why don't you all head back home to pack for a few days?"

"We're going to be in the wedding too?!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

"Yes, you're going to be the ring bearers," Twilight smiled.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders Ring Bearers!" the three cheered before bolting away.

"Those three are adorable!" Crystal cued as she watched them leave.

"Anyway," Cora said. "What are we supposed to do if Dusk shows up and you're not here?" Cora pointed at the six.

"Cora, I'm positive we can spare a few days without the elements," Crystal piped up.

"Are you sure?" Night asked.

"I'm sure," Crystal smiled.

"Pardon my curiosity darling, but how can you be so sure?" Rarity asked as she trotted up.

"I can see images of the future," Crystal answered.

"Really?!" Twilight perked up. "Oh, I have so many questions!"

"None of which will be answered here," Crystal stated with a friendly smile. Twilight opened her maw to continue, but Crystal raised a hoof. "Twilight, I think you and your friends have a wedding to plan."

"She's right, sugar cube," Applejack smiled. "I better get back to the farm and help Applebloom pack."

"As should I with Sweetie Belle," Rarity agreed. "She'll pack the whole house if I'm not there to help her."

"Shouldn't some pony go help Scootaloo too?" Fluttershy softly asked as she looked at Rainbow Dash.

"The pipsqueak can handle herself," Rainbow scoffed.

"It still wouldn't hurt to offer her a hoof," Night observed.

"I guess having me around could be a good influence on her," Rainbow proudly smiled before taking off.

"Who's getting married anyway?" Cora asked as the rest started trotting off.

"My brother," Twilight huffed as she trotted off.

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Night beamed as she followed with Cora and Crystal next to her.

"Yeah, so wonderful he didn't even bother to tell me about it," Twilight scoffed.

"Isn't your brother the captain of the royal guard?" Cora asked. "Maybe he didn't get the chance to let you know."

"Just get to the castle and everything will be made clear," Crystal offered with a warm smile.

"You and I are gonna have to get together for a talk later," Twilight observed.

"I look forward to sharing some tea with you," Crystal smiled. "In the meantime, I'm sure we all will have no trouble keeping an eye on the library for you."

"Twilight knows she can count on us," Blazing offered from behind the group. "I just wish I could join you all at the wedding."

"And it's not like other ponies won't be willing to help if we need it," Angel added with a warm smile.

"Thank you," Twilight smiled. "All of you. Now, I need to plan a wedding," Twilight said as she continued trotting off, "and give Shining Armo a piece of my mind."

"Don't be too hard on him," Night called after Twilight before looking at Crystal. "Why do I get the feeling that you're hiding something from us?"

"I'm not," Crystal raised her hooves in the air. "I promise you, I saw an image of all of them at a grand celebration. Celestia requested that I remain here with you during the wedding." Cora grabbed Crystal's shoulder in her claw to look her in the eye.

"If you're keeping anything from us, you'll have me to deal with," Cora growled.

"Calm down, Cora," Blazing urged as he rested a hoof on the griffon's shoulder. "We're all here together. We'll be ready for whatever comes our way."

"A bunch of pegasi with a couple of Muneris and a griffon," Cora observed. "What could go wrong?"

"We all have unique skills, Cora," Crystal smiled. "Blazing is a rare breed of pegasi with elemental powers. Angel's more of a fighter than you'd think. Zuro has a few tricks up his sleeve."

"Night can create things and I'm a griffon, yeah. Strength in numbers, I get it," Cora rolled her eyes. "None of this makes it any easier for me. Aria tynm od!"

"Cora, how many times do I have to tell you to watch your beak?!" Night huffed.

"What'd she say?" Blazing asked.

"Probably best not to repeat it," Zuro answered.

"You speak Arish?" Crystal queried.

"With my family, you tend to pick up a few things, even if it's rare," Zuro answered. "I'm sure you understand why with your ability to see the future."

"Well, it's a bit more complicated than that, but true," Crystal observed.

"What's Zuro's story?" Cora asked.

"I'll let him tell you when he's ready," Crystal answered.

"Do you know?" Cora looked at Blazing. "You've been friends with him longer than we've known him."

"I never bothered asking," Blazing replied.

"Of course you haven't," Cora sighed.

"Come on, guys," Night piped up. "I want to find out more about this fusion business."

"What do you know about fusion, Night?" Crystal asked as they all trotted toward the library. Night explained everything she learned about the subject from Twilight. By the time she finished, they arrived at the library. "Well, that's just about it," Crystal observed.

"There's gotta be more to it," Night protested.

"Why are you so intent on learning about fusion?" Crystal asked.

"Well, I..."

"Night Wing, you're not considering trying to fuse with Dusk, are you?" Crystal stared Night down as the black pegasus rubbed a hoof on her foreleg.

"Night?!" Cora screeched.

"Night, this is not a path you want to explore," Crystal warned. "The risks are far too great to take any chances."

"But--"

"Night, think about it. You could be lost forever. Everything about you could be erased from existence and all that would be left is Dusk." Crystal stepped forward to look Night in the eye.

"There's no guarantee of that," Night protested.

"Is it worth making it so you'd never see Cora again?" Crystal asked as she pointed a hoof at the griffon. "How do you think she'd feel if she lost you? Or, what if the situation was reversed and she was lost forever? How would you feel without her?"

Night Wing hung her head as she contemplated the thought of losing Cora. She found Cora as an egg and cared for her ever since. Many ponies would think of her as Cora's mother, but she never felt that way about her in her entire life especially after Cora took her out on their first date not too long ago. The chances of never getting that opportunity again welled in her heart. She enjoyed every minute of thinking of Cora as a lover, not just a friend. If that feeling were to vanish, what would she do then? What could she do?

"Okay," Night sighed. "I'll drop it." Cora pulled her into a tight hug.

"If you even think about trying to fuse with Dusk, I'll kill you," Cora growled.

"Okay," Night chuckled. "I promise, you're not gonna lose me."

"Okay, love birds," Blazing chuckled as he approached the Golden Oak Library door. "Until that Dusk character decides to show up, we have nothing to worry about."

The door swung open and Twilight trotted out with Spike on her back and a saddlebag dangling at her side. "Alright, time to go," Twilight said. She stopped short when she noticed the group gathered outside. "Oh, hey guys!"

"I figured you'd have already left," Cora observed.

"Twilight wanted to make sure we had everything we needed before we left," Spike observed.

"Are you sure we got all the quills and scrolls for the checklists?" Twilight asked.

"Check 'lists'? As in multiple lists?" Night raised an eyebrow.

"Twilight, If you keep fussing over everything, we're gonna miss the next train to Canterlot!" Spike urged.

"Right," Twilight shook her head. "You'll all take care of the library, right?" Twilight asked the group.

"We gotcha covered, Twi," Angel smiled at the unicorn.

"Thank you," Twilight beamed. "Alright, off we go!" Twilight trotted off toward the station.

"Ladies first," Blazing offered as he stood to the side with a warm smile on his face. Night, followed by Cora, then Angel, and finally Crystal trotted into the library. When the girls were inside, Zuro trotted in and Blazing followed. "Twilight sure does keep everything organized in here," Blazing observed as he looked around.

"That's Twilight for ya," Angel smiled as she perused the shelves. "Oh! I love this one!" Angel cheered as she pulled out a book to read.

"Remember where you got that from," Night urged. "We promised to take care of the library for Twilight."

"That doesn't mean we can't enjoy a few good stories while we're here," Angel countered as she found a place to sit while she read.

"Well, I'm hungry," Cora observed. "Anyone up for some pizza?" Everyone smiled at the suggestion.

~~)oOo(~~

Night put another book away after reading through its pages. Night took every chance she could get to read books on magic both new and old. She wanted to study everything she could on fusion, but she also had a genuine curiosity about the history of equine magic.

The book Night just put away left a sour taste in her mouth. "That was horrific," Night observed.

"What's that?" Angel asked as she stood next to Night.

"Is that really how rainbows are made?" Night asked as she pointed at the book. Angel looked at the book in question.

"Oh, that's just fiction," Angel hummed. "I'm actually surprised Twilight even has a book like that."

"What book?" Zuro asked as he stepped up. "Oh, yeah," Zuro said as he spotted the book. "There's no way that'll ever happen. That's just some pony's twisted imagination."

"So, rainbows aren't made that way?" Night asked.

"Not a chance," Zuro smiled. "Celestia would never allow it."

"I'd be happy to take you to Cloudsdale so you can see how rainbows are actually made," Blazing offered as he stepped up.

"How can we go to Cloudsdale when Night can't walk on clouds?" Cora asked as she munched on some snacks.

"Twilight could help with that," Blazing smiled. "She knows a spell to make non-pegasi interact with clouds. She used that spell on herself and her friends so they could watch the Best Young Fliers Competition."

"Well, I guess first-hoof experience is better than the books," Night observed as she glanced back at the book she just read. "As long as it's not anything like that."

"Trust me, it's not," Blazing reassured. "If that were the case, we wouldn't know Fluttershy."

"Wait, you talkin' about that 'rainbow' story?" Cora asked as she walked up. "Yeah, she'd be long gone if that story was true."

"Well, that makes sense," Night observed. Cora pecked Night's cheek.

"Let's get your mind off that story," Cora said. Night smiled at the griffon.

"Zuro and I will keep an eye on the library," Angel offered with a warm smile. "You two go enjoy yourselves for a while."

"Thank you, Angel," Night smiled.

Night and Cora went to the door where they found Crystal walking in. "The Cakes have prepared a treat for you two," Crystal smiled as she walked by the couple.

"How did--" Cora began.

"I saw you two at Sugar Cube Corner, so I planned ahead," Crystal smiled. "You two deserve some relaxation with a treat you both can enjoy."

"Thanks," Cora said. "We won't be long." Night and Cora smiled before leaving the library. As they walked through the streets, they saw Blazing Feathers flying laps around the town.

"He's been doing that a lot, lately," Night observed as she watched Blazing make another pass.

"I think he wants to be able to compete with Rainbow Dash," Cora said.

"You think he wants to be a Wonderbolt?" Night asked.

"Maybe," Cora shrugged.

The couple soon arrived at Sugar Cube Corner, where they were warmly greeted by Mrs. Cake. "Hello, dearies!"

"Hi, Mrs. Cake!" Night greeted. "Crystal said you had something for us?"

"Oh, she's such a nice pony," Mrs. Cake observed as she went to pick up a simple yet pretty cake that matched Night and Cora's colors. "We all thought you might like some cake. Help ease your nerves."

"That sounds lovely," Night smiled. Cora took the cake and carried it to a table.

"So, I heard Twilight's brother is getting married in Canterlot Castle," Mrs. Cake said as she walked up and placed a couple of forks on the table for them. "I didn't even know Twilight had a brother."

"We've had the pleasure of meeting him," Night smiled before taking a bite of the cake.

"Oh, have you?" Mrs. Cake smiled.

"He's some captain in the castle," Cora explained.

"Oh! The princess' personal protege and sister to a captain!" Mrs. Cake beamed. "It's a wonder Twilight's not royalty herself!"

"Nah, she's just a bookworm," Cora observed. "She's no monarch."

"But she is a good leader," Night smiled. "She's well organized, takes charge, quite talented with magic."

"Geesh, if you think so highly of her, why don't you marry her?" Cora scoffed before taking a bite of the cake.

"I could, but then I couldn't be with you anymore," Night smiled at Cora, whose cheeks turned red at the thought.

"Maybe you two should get married," Mrs. Cake suggested with a warm smile.

"Oh, no. We couldn't do that," Night said with a bit of a frown.

"Why ever not, dear?" Mrs. Cake asked.

"Muneris don't wed others outside their species," Night explained.

"Well, you're not in your home country now," Mrs. Cake stated firmly. "You're in Equestria."

"You ever hear of interspecies relationships?" Cora asked with a raised brow.

"I've made wedding cakes for all kinds of marriages," Mrs. Cake answered. "Earth ponies and unicorns. Pegasi and unicorns."

"What about ponies with other creatures like griffons or dragons?" Cora scoffed.

"I have to admit, those are more rare," Mrs. Cake sighed. "But, the majority of creatures in Equestria are equines. So, finding interspecies relations like yours is less common. But, that doesn't mean you two can't be happy together. And I'd be more than happy to bake the perfect cake for you two."

"That's much appreciated, Mrs. Cake," Night smiled. "We'll keep you in mind if we ever get to that point in our lives." Mrs. Cake smiled at Night before trotting off.

"You really think we could do that?" Cora asked as she watched the black pegasus.

"You know the law as well as I," Night sighed as she stared at the half-eaten cake. "We just can't do it."

"Vex'g ryq!" Cora growled. Night glared at Cora. "No!" Cora snarled. "Don't you tell me to watch my beak! Not this time!" Cora stood up and looked Night directly in the eye. "Night, I love you! I've always loved you. And I don't want that love to become a scar. So please," Cora took Night's hoof into her claws as she looked the pegasus deep in the eye, "... Night Wing... Will you marry me?"

Night stared into Cora's eyes for several long, silent seconds before her eyes started to water. Her lip twitched with a mix of joy and confusion. The laws against interspecies relationships were clear back at home. Friendships were more than okay, especially in a situation like Cora. However, marriages were strictly prohibited. Anyone found guilty of breaking this law would be forever banished from their land and never to return.

After several long seconds, Night Wing cracked a smile as a single tear slid down her cheek. Night opened her lips before a crash came from outside. Night and Cora looked out the window to find Blazing Feathers pulling himself out of a creator in the street. Night got up and rushed outside to help him as Cora followed after her.

"Blazing, are you alright?!" Night asked as Blazing stood up with a groan. Blazing muttered something under his breath as he huffed.

"What?" Cora asked as she used the fluff of her tail to brush the dust off Blazing's shoulders.

"It's him!" Blazing huffed as he looked up. Night and Cora followed Blazing's gaze to find the figure of a dragon carrying an equine in its arm hovering over the town. The dragon slowly descended to the ground, kicking up dirt as he landed. His scales were white and he had black spines down his back. His eyes were red as an apple and he wore a smirk on his face.

The equine dangled in the dragon's arm. When Night took a closer look, she saw the equine was Fire Fly. His body was covered in dust and bruises like he just picked a fight with a bunch of flying rocks. Fire weakly looked up with half-lidded eyes. "Night Wing," Fire groaned. "Run!"

"Now, now, Fire Fly," the dragon smirked. "We don't want things to end too fast now, do we?" Night watched the dragon as a flash of green flames revealed a pony instead. Fire flopped on the ground with a heavy thud.

"Dusk," Cora hissed.

"In the flesh!" Dusk replied with a polite bow of his head.

"I'll go get Twilight!" Blazing huffed as he spread his wings.

"Don't bother," Dusk said. "As we speak, Canterlot Castle is being overrun by changelings!" Night looked toward the castle to find visible smoke rising from the capital. "Your precious elements won't be able to save you here!"

"You won't get away with this!" Cora growled as she lunged at Dusk. The Sinerum quickly shifted to an ursa minor and smacked Cora away. The griffon landed with a hard thug and skidded to a halt next to Night.

"Cora!" Night cried out as she rushed to Cora's side. Cora groaned as she pulled herself up.

"That hurt," Cora groaned as she rubbed the back of her head. Night glared at Dusk, who chuckled.

"What do you want from me?!" Night asked.

"Let me show you what I want," Dusk replied as he stepped toward Fire. Dusk grabbed Fire's cheeks to look him in the eye with an evil grin. Dusk pressed the gem on his forehead against Fire's and a bright light shined from the connection. The light enveloped the two Muneris. Night, Cora, Blazing, and everyone else nearby shielded their eyes however they could, be it with their forehooves or their wings. The light soon faded away and everyone gathered looked to where Dusk and Fire stood only to find a single pony standing there.

The pony stood about as tall as Princess Luna. His coat was white with a faint hint of red shining against the sunlight. A red gem sparkled beneath a long, curved, crystal-like horn atop his head. His black hair sparkled gold and red here and there, almost like fire sparks crackled from his head. He opened his eyes and smiled at Night Wing.

"It's time for a new age," Dusk said in a deep voice. "My age!"