Today was turning out to be the worst day, err, night in Equestria’s history. For starters, the Mare in the Moon, Nightmare Moon, had returned from her prison inside the moon. To make matters worse, Princess Celestia, the one pony with the power to stop her, had just vanished to who knows where.

As the ponies all stood there in shock and fear, Nightmare Moon was laughing sinisterly as her mane generated a bunch of smoke clouds above where she was standing.

“Seize her! Only she knows where the Princess is!” Ponyville’s Mayor Mare commanded the royal guards present to try and capture the evil mare of darkness.

As the guards rushed at her, Nightmare Moon looked annoyed rather than scared. “Stand back, you foals!” Nightmare Moon yelled before laughing once more. As she laughed, lightning started to come from her smoke clouds, startling the guards before the lightning blasted them back, screaming as they did so. Having grander plans for Equestria, and also being done here for the present, Nightmare Moon turned into a shadow specter and began to zoom off.

Around this time, Applejack’s grip on Rainbow’s tail finally was broken by the athletic pegasus and the pegasus began to try and chase Nightmare Moon. “Come back here!” The pegasus yelled as she zoomed outside…only to see that the mare was gone. As the mare was gone and with it, a lot of the hope of fixing things, a panting Rainbow showed some vulnerability as she noted with worry, “Nighttime? Forever?” Rainbow’s worry was interrupted, however, as she heard and then saw Twilight race off from town hall, with a sleeping Spike in tow. “Where's she going?” Rainbow wondered as she decided to follow Twilight, suspicious of what the mare was trying to do.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Uh... We gotta stop Nightmare!...,” A sleepy Spike tried to stay awake and help in spite of how exhausted he was. However, he fell asleep once more. Twilight, not wanting to push Spike any further, decided to use her telekinesis to place him into bed; a basket with a blanket and pillows.

“You've been up all night, Spike. You are a baby dragon after all,” After making sure Spike was comfy, Twilight left the bedroom and turned out the light. Upon doing so, she began to race across the library section of the room, looking through book after book to find more info on the wicked mare of darkness. “Elements, elements, elements... Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?”

“And just what are the Elements of Harmony?” Rainbow demanded as she had rushed into the library and flew into a scared Twilight’s face. While Rainbow had gotten a good first impression from the eggheaded brainiac, she was beginning to doubt that first impression. After all, how was she the only one to put together the truth about Nightmare Moon? Speaking of, Rainbow questioned further, “And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy?” Before she could continue, she was pulled back from Twilight by Applejack, who along with Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie, had also followed the purple unicorn to find out what was going on.

“Simmer down, Sally. She ain't no spy. But she sure knows what's going on. Don't you, Twilight?” Applejack patiently and gently questioned, wanting to be fair and let Twilight tell what was going on.

Twilight stood there nervously, unsure for a moment if she should say anything. However, after a moment, she decided to trust them with the truth. “I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them; I don't even know what they do!”

“"The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide,”” Pinkie Pie read from a book’s spine on a bookshelf.

“How did you find that?!” Twilight was dumbfounded as she rushed over to Pinkie, seeing the book was indeed there.

Pinkie Pie bounced up and down as she said in a sing-song voice, “It was under "E"!”

“Oh,” Twilight mentally facepalmed at having overlooked the book earlier. At this, she used her magic to grab the book and open it. As the pages fluttered, she looked for a page that would give her the answer needed. She eventually found it, reading, “There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty.” Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the six ponies, the dark smoke wisp that was Nightmare Moon was watching what was going on through the window. She had secretly followed after making her escape, not wanting to take any risks after learning that there was a pony that would remember her. She considered just destroying them..,but she decided she had a better, more fun, idea…using her magic, she secretly grabbed the Duel Disks that Twilight and Rainbow were given earlier and then left. Not noticing the magic abnormality, Twilight continued reading, “The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now…”
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“...The Everfree Forest!” The six ponies nervously said as they had arrived at the forest in question. Said forest was known in Ponyville and even in other parts of Equestria as one of the most dangerous places one could ever go. Weather patterns that were foreign to ponies as they controlled themselves and dangerous beasts almost as foreign to most ponies outside of books made this place among the scariest in all of Equestria…Not that everyone was fully afraid.

“Whee! Let's go!” Pinkie naively cheered, only for Twilight to stop her.

“Not so fast. Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'd really rather do this on my own,” Twilight warned, not wanting to get these strangers hurt saving the world.

“No can do, sugarcube. We sure ain't lettin' any friend of ours go into that creepy place alone. We're stickin' to you like caramel on a candy apple,” Applejack declined as the other ponies began walking into the Everfree, with Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy agreeing.

“Especially if there's candy apples in there. What? Those things are good,” Pinkie weirdly said.

Twilight Sparkle, meanwhile, sighed as she walked into the forest after them, not knowing that their help would not only prove instrumental, but even become welcome to her later on.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The path to the Elements was indeed very dangerous. When the six ponies first arrived in the forest, the ground on a cliff beneath them gave out and they needed Rainbow and Fluttershy’s help to save them from falling to their doom. Twilight wasn’t quite rescued as fast as the others and was close to falling off a ledge. Applejack caught her by her forehooves and was ready to try and save her…only to suddenly say she should let go, promising, in spite of Twilight’s protests, that she’s telling the truth and will be fine. Fortunately, Applejack wasn’t lying or being unreliable as Rainbow and Fluttershy both caught her and saved her, leaving Twilight to marvel at the farm ponies' honesty and reliability.

After that, they were confronted by a massive and furious manticore that wasn’t defeated as easily as they’d like at first. While they tried to fight him, Fluttershy kept on trying to stop the others, only for nothing to stop either party. Eventually, Fluttershy finally yelled and got in the others way, checking to see what caused the manticore to be mad…and found that he had a thorn in his paw. Fluttershy got the thorn out and the grateful beast licked her like a dog would. When asked about what made her notice the thorn, Fluttershy told Twilight she didn’t see it and was just being kind.

Shortly after this, the six ponies found themselves in a darker part of the forest, where many scary and potentially dangerous trees were found. Five of the ponies were scared, but Pinkie sang a childish, yet catchy, song to encourage them to face their fears and laugh at the trees. As weird as this was, the others did so after seeing it work for Pinkie and the ponies left this part of the forest having had a blast and left happier than when they entered.

Finally, the happy ponies found a massive water serpent, blocking their path as he was stirring up the water, wailing over how his precious mustache was ruined by a cloud of blue smoke. While most of the ponies were confused or annoyed, Rarity instead showed sympathy to the serpent and ultimately cut off part of her tail to replace his mustache half that was severed. Grateful at the unicorn’s generosity, he not only stopped stirring up the water but also helped them cross it.

Finally, after quite a bit of time crossing the Everfree, the six ponies finally saw the Castle of the Two Sisters. “There it is, the ruin that holds The Elements of Harmony. We made it!” Twilight gleefully yelled as she saw the ruins, surrounded by a thick fog. Caught up in her excitement, she was quick to begin running.

“Twilight, wait for us!” Applejack called back.

“We're almost there,” Twilight was ecstatic as she ran…only to nearly fall off a cliff that was hard to see because of the fog. “Whoa!”

Fortunately, it turned out that Rainbow had grabbed her by the tail and pulled her up, saving her from falling off the cliff. “What's with you and falling off cliffs today?” Rainbow teased.

“Now what?” Pinkie sighed, as it looked as though the six of them were stuck.

“Duh,” Rainbow flapped her wings to remind the pink mare she could fly.

“Oh yeah,” Pinkie realized as Rainbow began to fly over to the other side of the gorge, grabbing the other side of the rope bridge below before flying to the other end and began to tie up the bridge to be usable once more.

However, before Rainbow could continue, she suddenly heard a voice, “Rainbow…”

“Who's there?” Rainbow demanded in confusion.

“Rainbow…,” The voice called once more.

“I ain't scared of you! Show yourself!” Rainbow demanded.

“We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flier in Equestria,” The voice, both soothing and sinister at once, answered.

“Who?” Rainbow asked in confusion.

“Why, you, of course,” The voice answered.

“Really?!” Rainbow was pleasantly surprised…only to put on the confident front once more. “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,” At this, the voice finally revealed itself to be a gray pegasus mare with a blue mane and wearing a purple flight suit. With her were two other ponies with a similar look. “We're the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria, but first, we need a captain,” The mare said as Rainbow gave a big and expectant smile. “The most magnificent…”

“Yep,” Rainbow took the compliment as the Shadowbolt mare flew around in front of the rainbow pegasus.

“Swiftest…”

“Yes.”

“Bravest flier in all the land.”

“Yes,” Rainbow chuckled. “It's all true.”

“We need... you,” The mare whispered to Rainbow.

“WOOHOO! Sign me up. Just let me tie this bridge real quick and then we have a deal,” Rainbow said as she was prepared to tie up the bridge for the others before leaving…only for the Shadowbolts to harshly deny this.

“No! It's them or us,” The leader demanded.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the bridge, Twilight was wondering what was keeping the athletic mare. “Rainbow, what's taking so long?” She tried to call out…only to see that Shadowbolt leader. Twilight began to realize this was likely a trap…only for the “Shadowbolt” to move the fog with an eye gesture and make Twilight harder to hear. “Oh no. Rainbow! Don't listen to them.”

“Well?” With no more interruptions, the Shadowbolt asked for an answer.

After only a second to think, Rainbow answered, “You... Thank you! For the offer, I mean, but I'm afraid I have to say no.” At this, Rainbow finished tying the bridge in place and flew back over to the other side to her cheering friends as the “Shadowbolts” disappeared into a cloud of smoke and flew off.

“See? I'd never leave my friends hangin',” Rainbow explained to Twilight as she flew at Twilight’s side as the ponies crossed the bridge.

Twilight was kinda amazed, to be honest. Throughout the day, these ponies at first seemed to just be a massive annoyance, getting in Twilight’s way of saving Equestria. But, not only were they instrumental in helping her get to the castle where the Elements were, but she was beginning to like them. Maybe even consider them…

“Come on, Twilight. Isn't this what you've been waitin' for?” Applejack asked as they entered the front room of the castle, some big spherical stones present.

“The Elements of Harmony, we've found them. Careful, careful!” Twilight warned as Rainbow and Fluttershy began to bring the stones off the pillars and onto the ground in front of the others.

“One, two, three, four... There's only five!” Pinkie noted.

“Where's the sixth?” Rainbow asked with confusion.

“The book said: when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed,” Twilight reminded the others of what the book said.

“What in the hay is that supposed to mean?” Applejack was confused.

“I'm not sure, but I have an idea. Stand back. I don't know what will happen,” Twilight warned as she began to light her horn with magic.

“Come on now, y'all. She needs to concentrate,” Applejack warned as the ponies left the chamber, but still staying close enough to see and possibly help Twilight.

Suddenly, as it looked like Twilight was about to create a spark for the Elements, a purple and blue tornado began to appear, enveloping the elements in it.

“Twilight!” The other ponies yelled in concern.

“The Elements!” Twilight, not wanting to lose their only chance at stopping the evil mare, jumped into the tornado. Eventually, the tornado did disappear…only for the Elements and Twilight to be nowhere to be seen.

As the five ponies began to worry about their friend, Applejack asked, “Twilight, where are you?”

“Look!” Rarity pointed to another part of the castle that had glowing bright lights coming from it.

“Come on!” Applejack yelled as she and the other four began to run over to help Twilight.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the distant tower…

Twilight was coughing as she recovered from being teleported by the smoke-like energy. “Wh-where am I?” Twilight asked as she looked around.

“Why, you’re in my old home, of course. Thanks for letting yourself in, but I’m afraid I no longer need your help,” A sweet, yet sinister, voice said.

“What do you mean?!” Twilight demanded.

“To put it simply, after your little acknowledgement of who I was back in that one hick town, I knew it would only be a matter of time before you went after one of the only things capable of stopping me. So I decided to follow and try to stop you from reaching the Elements. Or, failing that, destroy them for good so that they couldn’t be used against me,” The voice answered.

“Wait…I get it now! The cliff, the manticore, the trees, the river, and the bridge! I-It was all you, Nightmare Moon!” Twilight realized, trying to hide her massive fear all she could.

“Why, yes! It is me!” Nightmare Moon finally appeared at the back of the room with the five elements.

Twilight gasps as she sees the mare of darkness and the only thing capable of stopping her. Twilight began to think of another way to stop the mare, but began to struggle.

“Aw, what’s the matter? Ran out of ways for you and those pathetic sun-loving cretins to “save the day?” Well, I’m the one that is calling the shots and…I think I found a good way to settle this without making it completely in my favor!” Nightmare Moon sneered.

“A-And that would be?” Twilight asked. At this, Nightmare Moon generated two Duel Disks with cards in them, throwing one of them to Twilight. “Wait…this game? You know about it?”

“Of course! Back in the past, my sister and I used to play this game all the time….Though we used to play with stone slabs rather than use up a ton of paper,” Nightmare Moon explained.

“B-But why play this game? Couldn’t you just zap me like the guards, but worse?” Twilight was scared, but also being cautious and suspicious.

“I could…but I’ve observed you for a while, and I can say that you are a smart cookie, maybe one of the best I’ve seen in some time. I would love it if you’d consider working with me,” Nightmare Moon suggested.

“Not a chance!” Twilight declined harshly.

“Ah, but it’s not your call. See, this game can do more than you think. It’s not just a fun child’s game. In Equestria, this game holds a magical power. Against threats even as powerful as me, I would be weakened if I lost, weak enough for you to possibly beat with the Elements…provided your magic is enough to make them work, that is. We’ll Duel right here and now. You win, I return Equestria’s sun and your precious Princess. I win, and Equestria is mine forever! So…Twilight was it? Shall we begin?” Nightmare Moon asked as she got on her Duel Disk and drew five cards.

“I-I-I,” Twilight was conflicted. Never for a moment would she have thought that this simple card game would have such a powerful magic associated with it that it could take energy out of the loser. She was under the impression it was just for fun. Still, she wasn’t convinced she could win. Heck, even if she did, Nightmare Moon could back out on their deal. Still, she had to do something. And it seemed like the only solution was obvious. “Fine. Let’s Duel.”

Nightmare Moon-4000 LP

Twilight Sparkle-4000 LP

“Perfect! And, to be sporting, I’ll even take the first move! I start by summoning my Lunalight Blue Cat in Attack Mode (Lunalight Blue Cat Attack 1600 LVL 4)! I’ll then end my turn with two cards facedown. Your move, Miss Sparkle,” Nightmare Moon made a simple first turn.

“I bet you’re very confident you’ll win based on being more experienced. Am I right?” Twilight asked.

“Hmm…more or less,” Nightmare Moon admitted.

“Yeah, well you’ll remember that I’m a very smart unicorn, and won’t be beaten easily! So, prepare for defeat! I draw!” Twilight cried out as she drew and looked at her starting hand. It consisted of Mystical Space Typhoon, Dark Magic Veil, Dark Magician Girl, Magic Cylinder, Magician's Valkyria, and Chocolate Magician Girl. “Wait…a spellcaster Deck? The princess got me a bunch of magic users for my starting Deck?! T-That’s…so thoughtful of her! Maybe I was being a bit too rash…but I can’t treat this game too lightly. After all, with one false move, Nightmare Moon will win and become unstoppable. Still, it seems I have an ideal first move…” “To begin, I’ll play the spell card Mystical Space Typhoon! With it, I can destroy one of your facedown cards! But since you have two, I’ll have to go and select one! And…I choose…the one on the left!” Twilight decided as a whirlwind destroyed the set card, which was revealed to be Mirror Force.

“Not a bad move for a rookie! When that trap is activated upon an attack being declared, I would have been able to destroy all your attack position monsters. And since monsters need to be on the offensive to attack, that would have been bad news for you!” Nightmare Moon explained with a cruel laugh.

“But since it’s gone, I don’t have to worry about it! I now play the spell card Dark Magic Veil! With it, by paying 1000 LP, I can now special summon a Dark Magician or Dark Magician Girl from my hand or grave without using my Normal Summon! (Twilight-3000 LP) Arise, Dark Magician Girl (Dark Magician Girl Attack 2000 LVL 6)! Next, I’ll use my Normal Summon to bring out Magician’s Valkyria (Magician’s Valkyria Attack 1600 LVL 4)! Now…I’ll have my Dark Magician Girl attack your Lunalight Blue Cat! Dark Burning Attack (Nightmare Moon-3600 LP)! Looks like I’m already taking the lead, Nightmare Moon!” Twilight noted, having some fun in spite of the stakes.

Much to the unicorn’s confusion and worry, Nightmare Moon was unfettered. I must thank you so much, you idiotic unicorn. You did EXACTLY what I wanted you to do! I play my trap card Lunalight Reincarnation Dance! With this trap, I am now able to add two different Lunalight monsters to my hand. So…say hello to Lunalight White Rabbit and Lunalight Purple Butterfly! It’s only the second move and I’m already ahead of you! Too bad, so sad!” Nightmare Moon mocked.

“W-Well…remember that this Duel has only just begun! Magician’s Valkyria, attack with Mystic Scepter Blast (Nightmare Moon-2000 LP)! I’ll then end my turn with a facedown. It’s your move, Nightmare Moon!” Twilight ended her move.

“And it’ll be one for the history books! I draw!” Nightmare Moon drew her card.

“This may be concerning. I don’t know much about this game or what Nightmare Moon’s cards can do. Still, as long as she can’t summon her stronger monsters, I still have a chance…” Twilight thought to herself.

“Still thinking you can win, right? Well…Not for long! I play my ultimate card Polymerization! I can use its power in order to bring out my ultimate monster! I fuse Lunalight Black Sheep with Lunalight Purple Butterfly! Now…by combining the fluttering fury of a nighttime huntress with the cunning covertness of a stealthy beast, I can create a new lunar legend! I fusion summon! Say hello to Lunalight Cat Dancer (Lunalight Cat Dancer Attack 2400 LVL 7)! Now…the real challenge is about to begin!”
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, the Mane 5 were on their way to the tower where Twilight and Nightmare Moon currently were. It only took a few minutes, but they were almost there. However, before they could make it there, they suddenly heard a familiar evil laugh.

“Eeek! W-W-What’s that?!” Fluttershy jumped back in fear.

“That wicked laugh…it must be…,” Rarity began.

“Nightmare Moon! That evil alicorn must have annihilated Twilight and now wants to destroy us! Well, I won’t let her!” Rainbow yelled, ready to run forward…only for Applejack to hold her back.

“Now, settle down there, sugarcube. We don’t know that. Though…her coming here likely doesn't mean anything good,” Applejack tried to remain calm.

“I’d say it’s half and half, my lovely backstabbing subjects!” The venomous voice said, scaring everyone but Pinkie.

“See, Rainbow? You were just overreacting!” Pinkie innocently said. “Wait…who said that?”

“Why, it was ME!” The Nightmare Moon yelled as she appeared in front of them.

“I-It’s…,” Fluttershy stuttered in terror.

“Nightmare Moon! I’ll avenge Twilight’s death right here and save Equestria!” Rainbow yelled as she rushed at Nightmare Moon…only for the mare to generate a force field around herself and to then blast at Rainbow, knocking her to the ground in pain.

“Relax, you sun-loving child! Twilight’s still alive…for now. I wouldn’t kill ponies that I believe would serve as great minions to me. On the contrary, I want all of you to join me!” Nightmare Moon revealed her endgame.

“Uh…no offense, but that seems like a dumb move!” Rarity shook her head.

“Yeah! Especially since we’re here to put a stop to you and save the Princess and Equestria!” Rainbow yelled in agreement.

“So…I’d suggest y’all put a stop to yer plans right now!” Applejack warned.

“Uh huh! So, stop with all the meanie games! Or you’ll be dealing with us!” Pinkie challenged.

“Yes, and hopefully Twilight is still alright after we fight you and get the Elements back!” Rarity demanded.

At this, Nightmare Moon laughed once more. “Really, my little ponies? You think you stand a chance against me? Well…no dice! Besides, the me you see before you isn’t even the real me. Hay, the real me is still dealing with that traitorous unicorn. Also, you wound me by saying I’m an irredeemable monster.”

“But…isn’t that what you are?” Rainbow was confused.

“Of course not! I can be reasonable when I want! In fact, I’ll prove it! I am kinda great at this one game. If you win, I’ll let you try to put a stop to my plans and save the traitor. Lose, and you become my minions for the rest of your lives!” Nightmare Moon gave her ultimatum.

“S-Sounds scary!” Fluttershy was wary.

“Yeah! What makes you think we can even trust y’all, anyway?” Applejack asked.

“Well…I guess you’ll just have to learn to trust me,” Nightmare Moon answered.

“W-What do you girls think? I mean, she doesn’t seem to be exactly trustworthy. But at the same time…this could be our only way past her copy,” Fluttershy reminded.

“Yes…and depending on the nature of the game it could be easy!” Rarity said.

“Ah wouldn’t be so easygoin’. After all, if she thinks she’s great at it, she probably believes we wouldn’t stand a chance,” Applejack warned.

“Then we’re gonna need a master at playing games if we plan on taking down that nightmarish mare!” Rainbow yelled.

“Oh! Oh! Maybe I can try! The game could be fun for all we know!” Pinkie raised her hoof gleefully.

Looking at the pink mare and realizing that she was their best bet at winning, they decided to accept.

“Okay, we agree Nightmare Moon! So…what is the game Pinkie will be playing then?” Rainbow asked.

“Now, now…I never said you’d get to choose the player…Rainbow Dash the future Shadowbolt!” Nightmare Moon said in a false nice way.

“Wait! How did you know…wait! I get it! You were that Shadowbolt trio, or at least were connected to them!” Rainbow realized.

“But of course! I needed a way to keep anyone from the Elements of Harmony. When weakened by my game, they’re the one thing capable of stopping me! So…Rainbow Dash…let’s get ready to Duel!” Nightmare Moon said as she summoned her Duel Disk and one for Rainbow; the same one from earlier that night.

“W-Wait! A Duel?!

“Yes…I Duel is exactly what is going…wait. Where are we? And who is that massive pony doing over there?” The red and yellow eye was confused as it popped out from the Duel Disk.

“She’s Nightmare Moon, and we need to stop her or night will last forever!” Rainbow answered.

“True…but who are you talking about, Dashie?” Fluttershy asked in confusion.

“It appears ta be her Duel Disk,” Applejack noted.

“Strange, though. It looks like the one I gave her. But there wasn’t any fun and adorable friends in there for me!” Pinkie was sad.

“Thanks! Also, if this situation can be decided by a Duel, perhaps now would be a good time to get used to it again, Rainbow. After all, if we’re going to work together, we need to forge a bond,” The eye said.

“No! No, I won’t! C-Can’t you have someone else play this eggheaded game?!” Rainbow tried to counter.

“But Rainbow Dash…,” The eye was concerned.

“Sorry, but your random voice and you will be the only ones playing tonight, Rainbow! Now…let’s Duel!” Nightmare Moon yelled.

Nightmare Moon- 4000 LP

Rainbow Dash- 4000 LP

“W-Wait! But I didn’t…!” Rainbow’s protests were immediately ignored.

“It’s my turn! I draw! I summon Hunter Dragon in Attack mode (Hunter Dragon Attack 1700 LVL 3)! I then end my turn with a facedown. It’s your move now, Miss Dash!” Nightmare Moon ignored the mare.

“Well…we have no choice but to Duel now, Miss Dash,” The eye said.

“Great! Just what I needed! To be forced into my biggest fe–er…lame dislike of all time!” Rainbow badly lied.

“Hold on there, Rainbow. Ah could tell there’s something else botherin’ ya. What is it?” Applejack asked, trying to be supportive.

“Yeah…I know Duels are not your thing, but even so, there must be a reason to be against them so strongly other than disinterest. Are you afr-?” Fluttershy asked only to be interrupted.

“No! I am not scared! I am the bravest pony in all of Equestria! I’ll save us all and Equestria too! I just wish it didn’t have to be through a weak game!” Rainbow denied.

“So…you’re finally going to Duel, Rainbow?” The eye asked, seeming pleased.

“But of course! Though don’t bother me about it afterward because this will be a one time thing! I draw! First…since you control a monster and I don’t, I can special summon Vice Dragon from my hand, though his attack and defense will be cut in half when I do (Vice Dragon Attack 2000->1000 LVL 5)! Next, I’ll sacrifice my Vice Dragon in order to Tribute Summon my amazing Strong Wind Dragon (Strong Wind Dragon Attack 2400->3400 LVL 6)!” Rainbow began.

“Whoa nelly! I never thought y’all would be able to bring out a monster this strong on the first move!” Applejack was amazed.

“Yeah, and one so simply gorgeous to boot…But wait. Why are his points so high?” Rarity asked.

“Simply put, Strong Wind Dragon, when Tribute Summoned by using a Dragon, his points increase by half their attack!” Rainbow explained.

“Wow, Dashie! For a rookie at the game, you sure did pull off an awesome combo there!” Pinkie cheered.

“Of course I did! I did this all the time as a filly!” Rainbow boasted.

“Looks like you still have love for this game, Rainbow,” The eye noted as Rainbow realized what she said.

“Right…Well, don’t get used to it! I now play the spell card Double Summon! With it, I can now perform a second Normal Summon this turn! Now…arise my tough and speedy buddy, Speed Warrior (Speed Warrior Attack 900 LVL 2)!” Rainbow cried out.

“Wow! Not a bad play! You managed to bring out a second monster on your first move! It’s almost like you’ve used this Deck before!” Pinkie noted.

“But that can’t be! After all, she just got this Deck, right?” Rarity noted.

“Well…to be honest…I remember Rainbow-,” Fluttershy began only for Rainbow to interrupt.

“That doesn’t matter! All that does is that Nightmare Moon is going down! I now will attack Hunter Dragon with Speed Warrior!” Rainbow cried out.

“But he only has 900 Attack Points! What’s she thinkin’?” Applejack was confused.

“When this monster attacks, he can gain a grand total of 900 points if he was Normal Summoned this turn (Speed Warrior-1800 Attack)! Go, Hyper Sonic Slash!” Rainbow cried out as Speed Warrior sliced the dragon in two (Nightmare Moon-3900 LP). “Now…for the big blow! Strong Wind Dragon, slice at Nightmare Moon’s Life Points (Nightmare Moon-500 LP)! So, you regret challenging me to this Duel now?”

“Of course not! I can still win!” Nightmare Moon was completely assured of her victory.

“Oh, I know I’m awe- wait what?! But you barely have any Life Points left!” Rainbow was confused.

“True…but any Duelist with the right cards can turn the Duel around in their favor, regardless of their current Life Points,” The eye said.

“Save the egghead junk for later! I have a Duel to win!” Rainbow brushed off the eye.

“Yeah, but you may want to consider-,” The eye interrupted.

“Consider what? How the world will be saved by me and my friends? Don’t worry! I got this! I’m gonna win this game on my next turn. In fact, I’m wondering why I even cared about this game in a bad way. I mean, I’m winning without even fully trying after all!” Rainbow interrupted the eye.

“Oh, Rainbow…,” The eye looked on in concern.

“I end my turn with a single facedown. Your mo-,” Rainbow ended her turn…only to see that her Warrior went back down to 900 Attack points. “What the hay?! How did my monster get weaker?!”

“I didn’t feel the need to remind you, but Speed Warrior only gains double the power on the turn he’s summoned. After that, he goes back down to his original Attack points. Maybe you still need my help after all?” The eye suggested.

“Not a chance!” Rainbow denied.

“Well, you’ll see that I’m more than capable of winning!” Nightmare Moon drew her card and grew a sadistic and cruel smile. “And I got just the card to turn things in my favor! I play my facedown card Call of the Haunted! With it, I can revive my Hunter Dragon! Next, since I control a Dragon monster on my field, I can Special Summon my mighty beast Assist Dragon (Assist Dragon Defense 1600 LVL 4)!” Nightmare Moon special summoned a bronze dragon with whiskers that resembled a massive hand. “Finally, I’ll tribute both of my mighty dragons in order to Tribute Summon your demise! Say hello to Tri-Horned Dragon (Tri-Horned Dragon Attack 2850 LVL 8)!”

Rainbow went from calm to frozen in an instant.

“You lose!”

The massive dragon began to rise from the ground.

“You lose!”

The claws pulled the dragon up and onto two massively clawed feet.

“You lose!”

Finally, the dragon roared as Nightmare Moon laughed wickedly.

“You lose!”

“So, I see you’ve met one of my biggest pets? Next to my Lunalights, this dragon is my absolute favorite beast and minion! But…that’s not the only reason I’ve played him, isn’t it Rainbow Dash?” Nightmare Moon mocked.

“What does she mean, Rainbow?” Applejack wondered as the cyan pegasus stood, still frozen with a look of terror on her face. “Rainbow? Sugarcube? Are you all right?”

“Yeah! You look sick, and not in the cool way!” Pinkie noted sympathetically.

“Rainbow?” The eye asked as Rainbow began to shiver. “Are you okay?”

Rainbow didn’t know how to respond. Heck, she barely even heard the others. All she knew was one feeling. Fear.

In that fear, there was nothing she could do other than to let out a terrified scream.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“This can’t be good. If Nightmare Moon thinks that this monster will win her the Duel, it must be powerful! And I still don’t know what kinds of abilities it may have,” Twilight worried.

“Correct you are! But you won’t be kept worried for long! I summon to my field Lunalight White Rabbit (Lunalight White Rabbit Attack 800 LVL 2)! I use her ability in order to return a Spell or Trap on your field for each Lunalight I control. So…that useless trap of yours will be going back to your hand!” Nightmare Moon laughed as Twilight groaned in annoyance. “Next, I’ll play my Lunalight Cat Dancer’s ability! I can tribute a Lunalight monster I have out in order to allow my graceful warrior to Attack every monster you have out twice this turn!”

“B-But how?! As Spike told me, a monster will be destroyed when attacked if they are weaker!” Twilight yelled.

“True, but Lunalight Cat Dancer can allow an attacked monster to survive the first hit! So, let’s get back to business! Lunalight Cat Dancer, attack Dark Magician Girl and Magician’s Valkyria twice each (Twilight-2600->2200->1400->600 LP)! I play one card facedown and end my turn. So, Miss Sparkle, what is your next pathetic move?” Nightmare Moon mocked.

“I-I’ll show you! I draw!” Twilight drew her Dark Magician. “Great! I had to draw a monster stronger than Nightmare Moon’s that I can’t even use! How in Equestria can I win?! The only monster I can bring out is Chocolate Magician Girl and she’s weaker than-wait…her effect! Maybe this can still work out!” “I summon to my field Chocolate Magician Girl in Attack Mode (Chocolate Magician Girl Attack 1600 LVL 4)! Next, I’ll use her ability in order to discard a Spellcaster! I discard a monster…and then I draw one card!” Twilight drew Shrink. “I then place two cards facedown and end my turn.”

“Good for you! Giving up would be a bore! Defeating you outright will be much more fun! Time for that victory to come! I draw! First, I’ll remove your ability to play traps by playing my Trap Stun! With it, I can prevent you from playing the effects of Traps for the rest of this move. So, whatever you were planning, it won’t work! Next, I play Graceful Charity! I can now draw three new cards from my Deck in exchange for discarding two! So…I’ll do just that!” Nightmare Moon drew Lunalight Crimson Fox, Lunar Barrier, and Pot of Greed, discarding the former two. “And…I’ll use the effect of one of the cards I discarded! Lunalight Crimson Fox can reduce a monster’s Attack to zero if sent to the Graveyard by an effect! So, say goodbye to your monster’s Attack Points (Chocolate Magician Girl Attack 0 LVL 4)!”

“Hold on! If you had a monster like that in your Deck, why not play it sooner, like with Reincarnation Dance? Unless…you’re not taking me seriously!” Twilight realized.

“Well, it's not like anyone in Equestria has the ability to beat me! At least this way, I gave you a chance to survive! Now… I’ll play my Pot of Greed in order to draw two cards! And then I revive my Lunalight Blue Cat with Lunalight Perfume (Lunalight Blue Cat Attack 1600 LVL 4)! And with her revival, I’ll play her ability to double the power of a Lunalight since she was Special Summoned! So I’ll double my Cat Dancer’s power (Lunalight Cat Dancer 2400 Attack->4800 Attack)! Finally, I’ll Tribute my Blue Cat in order to allow Cat Dancer two Attacks! Which I will use to end you! Lunalight Cat Dancer, end things with Full Moon Mayhem!” Nightmare Moon yelled.

“It’s not over yet! I play the ability of my Chocolate Magician Girl! When she’s attacked, I can revive a Spellcaster from my Graveyard in order to redirect the Attack to it! And then…the Attack moves on over to the new monster! And…the icing on the cake is your Cat Dancer’s current Attack Points are halved!” Twilight cried out.

“Predictable! You plan on summoning Dark Magician Girl in a desperate last chance to save yourself. The problem is…I can attack you more than once and wipe out your remaining points on the next attack!” Nightmare Moon mocked.

“Who said I was going to summon Dark Magician Girl?” Twilight asked with a grin as Nightmare Moon looked shocked. “I’ll revive the card I discarded last turn; Dark Magician (Dark Magician Attack 2500 LVL 7)! And, remember…you have to attack him before any other monster! Dark Magic Attack (Nightmare Moon-1900 LP)!” Dark Magician sent out a purple energy blast that proceeded to wipe out Lunalight Cat Dancer. “Looks like I’m gonna win now, Nightmare Moon!”

“Are you sure? I play my spell Monster Reborn! With it, I can bring back out my Lunalight Cat Dancer (Lunalight Cat Dancer Attack 2400 LVL 7)! And then…I’ll banish my trap card Lunar Barrier!” Nightmare Moon cried out as a trap showing Lunalight Cat Dancer surrounded by a moon-like barrier was banished. “With it, I can now save my monster from being destroyed by your next attack! And…the next time you’d try to use a trap, it’ll be negated! Lastly, it lets me add a spell from my Deck to my hand! So…I’ll add a second Lunalight Perfume! On my next turn…”

“Let me guess; you’ll play the card to revive Blue Cat and double Cat Dancer’s power to attack and win?” Twilight asked, looking worried.

“But of course, my brilliant little unicorn. I’ll end my turn. Go ahead and make it. It’ll be fun to see you struggle a bit more before I win!” Nightmare Moon laughed.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Rainbow Dash! Are you okay?!” Pinkie cried out in worry.

“Of course she isn’t! After all, when you use one’s own fear against them, it’s easy to control them!” Nightmare Moon sneered.

“W-What do you mean?!” Rarity was confused.

“Yeah! The monster doesn’t look that scary! I thought Rainbow’d see it as cool!” Applejack agreed.

“M-Maybe?!” Fluttershy agreed…before looking at the dragon again and cowering in fear. “O-Or not…”

“I guess she kept quiet about it. But I know. See, during my time trapped in the moon, I wasn’t able to just do nothing. I was able to look into the dreams of all the sun-loving brats of the land of Equestria. I saw many sickeningly sweet happy dreams! But…I also saw and enjoyed many nightmares! One of the greatest was, of course, Rainbow Dash’s here!” Nightmare Moon revealed.

“B-But why would she be scared of this? I mean, shouldn’t she just giggle at the ghosty again?” Pinkie offered up.

“I-I-I…,” Rainbow stuttered only for the monster’s roar to scare her. “N-No! Please just go away! Not this! Anything but him!!”

“Rainbow Dash, please calm down!” The eye pleaded.

“Aw, but with a fear this intense, she can’t hear you. Now, time to end this move! I play my Equip Spell Axe of Despair! With it, I can increase my dragon’s power by 1000! (Tri-Horned Dragon 2850->3850 Attack) Then, I’ll equip a second Equip Spell Tri-Bladed Claws!” Nightmare Moon played a spell that showed Luster Dragon with red claws. “With it, for every 1000 Attack Points my monster has, he can attack one time this turn! With three attacks, I can more than wipe out your Life Points! Now…Attack her Speed Warrior (Rainbow-1050 LP)! Next up…wipe out her Strong Wind Dragon (Rainbow-600 LP)!” Nightmare Moon laughed.

“Rainbow!” Everyone, including the eye, yelled.

“Now…say goodbye to your Life Points and this Duel! Tri-Horned Dragon, attack this pathetic foal directly! Bye bye!” Nightmare Moon laughed.

“Rainbow! Snap out of it!” The eye yelled.

Rainbow barely was able to gather enough energy to play a card. “I play my facedown Scrap-Iron Scarecrow! With it, once a turn, I can negate one of your Attacks! L-L-Looks like I’m still in this!” Rainbow cried out.

“For now…but not much longer. I’ll end my turn. But I’ll be back for more next turn!” Nightmare Moon sneered.

“P-Please! N-No more!” Rainbow pleaded.

“I did even more pain than I thought! You aren’t even able to Duel me now! Too bad I don’t accept surrenders, because otherwise I’d give you some mercy!” The alicorn sneered.

“Rainbow! Please, snap out of it!” Fluttershy pleaded.

“I-I would…but…,” Rainbow could still feel the electric shocks right now. “What’s the point? I should just give up…let her beat me next move and let one of your guys give it a shot.” All the other ponies were immediately shocked by this.

“No! I won’t let you, Rainbow! Giving up is something you should never do!” The eye protested.

“B-But how do I win?! I mean, she knows my greatest fear and they’re so powerful too!” Rainbow cried out.

“I know you’re scared, but it’s not because of the monster, is it?” The eye asked.

“I g-guess…but…,” Rainbow was still reluctant.

“I know so. You are a part of me and vice versa. I know your fear is because of what he represents; the Lost Incident and how you lost so much because of it, including your parents. But if you give up now, not only will there be no hope of saving your home, but you won’t be able to do something that’s also important,” The eye said.

“Yeah, and what’s that?” Rainbow asked with some annoyance.

“Moving on from it. You need to let go of the power that monster has over your mind! Find a way to make peace with what happened. Yes, it won’t be easy. Yes, there will be setbacks, but you still can if you try. And you won’t be alone. I’m here for you, and so are your new friends too! And Theodore…,” The eye said.

“R-Really?” Rainbow looked touched as a tear rolled down her cheek.

“Of course!” The eye reassured. At this Rainbow started to get back up, a task that was harder than it looked. But…it was something she needed to do. “Now…let’s win this!”

“Of course! I draw! I start by playing the spell Pot of Greed! This will let me draw two cards! Next, I summon my Tuner monster Junk Synchron (Junk Synchron Attack 1300 LVL 3)! When this monster is summoned successfully, I can revive a monster that is Level 2 or lower from my Graveyard by negating his effects! Arise, Speed Warrior! Now…I’ll tune my Junk Synchron with my Speed Warrior! From two weaker monsters comes a power never seen before! I Synchro Summon Junk Warrior (Junk Warrior Attack 2300 LVL 5)!”

“Woohoo! Dashie is finally back in this game!” Pinkie cheered.

“And with her favorite monster, to boot!” Fluttershy was excited, though was still quiet.

“Wait..if she’s new to this game, how does she have a favorite?” Applejack was confused.

“W-Well…as a filly, she used to play the game a lot. Heck, many of the cards she’s using are ones she used back then. But then…,” Fluttershy looked sad all of a sudden.

“But then what?” Applejack asked.

“Uh…we can discuss this later,” Fluttershy decided.

“Strange. This is a weird way of expressing your fear,” Nightmare Moon was confused.

“It’s because it isn’t fear! I activate my spell Monster Reborn in order to bring back Strong Wind Dragon! Finally, I play Synchro Gift! With it, Junk Warrior loses all his points, but my Strong Wind Dragon will gain them (2300->0/2400->4700 Attack)!” Rainbow cried out.

“T-This can’t be!” Nightmare Moon was outraged.

“Attack, Strong Wind Dragon! End this Duel!” Rainbow cried out as her dragon reduced Nightmare Moon’s Life Points to zero. In an instant, the copy faded out of existence.

“We did it! We beat that evil mare!” Rainbow cheered.

“Of course! Looks like you’re beginning to calm down, too,” The eye noted as he popped out of the disk as a small humanoid figure with red shades as colors.

“Maybe…Aw, who am I kidding?! Of course! I was able to crush Nightmare Moon like it was nothing!” Rainbow boasted.

“I’m not sure if I’d say that…but with time your skills and confidence will grow. One day, we’ll finally move on from what happened long ago. But…for now, we have more important matters to attend to,” The eye reminded.

“Ya mean stopping the real Nightmare Moon? Of course…whatever you are!” Applejack said.

“Right! As nice as that was, we still need to help Twilight!” Rarity agreed.

“So, let’s go!” Pinkie agreed as the group all ran for the room where Twilight was.

“By the way, what is your name weird eye guy?” Rainbow asked.

“My name is…,” The eye then made some weird beeps. “But you can call me Flame.”

“Flame, huh? Cool…but we can work on making it cooler later, friend,” Rainbow said as her mind, while still troubled, was calmer than it had been.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“It’s my move…I draw!” Twilight cried out as she drew her card, which turned out to be Dark Magic Expanded. “Perfect! I play my spell Dark Magic Expanded! With it, I can give my Dark Magician an extra 1000 Attack points since there is at least one Dark Magician or Dark Magician Girl on the field or in the Graveyard (2500->3500 Attack)! Now…I’ll have my Dark Magician attack your Lunalight Cat Dancer! Dark Magic Attack!”

“Good try, young unicorn. But I’ll still have Life Points left to end you on my next turn!” Nightmare Moon mocked…only for Twilight to still look confident.

“There will not be a next turn! I play my facedown Shrink! With it, I can reduce your monster’s power by half, meaning your monster will not only be destroyed, but your Life Points will hit zero! End this, Dark Magician!” Twilight cried out as Nightmare’s Life Points hit zero. In an instant, Nightmare Moon began to be drained of some of her power, being weaker than when she started. “Looks like you weren’t kidding about losing energy. But…while I did have some fun, I believe it’s time you keep your end of the deal and give us back Princess Celestia and our sun!”

Nightmare Moon began to laugh sinisterly. “I’m afraid not. Just because I lost doesn’t mean I’ll be giving up my two biggest strengths. I mean, even weakened I’m stronger than you and wouldn’t gain anything from surrendering. Duels do have power, but it doesn't mean I have to give up stuff when I lose!”

“So you lied. Well then…I guess I’ll just have to use the Elements to defeat you!” Twilight proclaimed.

“Good luck with that! I still have them after all and can easily destroy them! The best part being there is nothing you can do about it!” Nightmare Moon laughed. Suddenly, Twilight looked ready to rush at the powerful alicorn. “You're kidding. You're kidding, right? Fine! I could use a bit more entertainment before I destroy these horrible rocks!”

At this point, both ponies rushed for each other. However, just as Twilight was about to be hit by Nightmare Moon, she teleported out of the way and near the Elements, groaning due to not being used to the spell. She quickly turned to use her magic on the Elements, hoping to activate them. “Just one spark. Come on, come on.” At this point, Nightmare Moon returned and knocked back the young unicorn, but not before magic began to course through the Elements.

“No, no! I just got back! I can’t lose yet!” Nightmare Moon screamed in genuine fear as the Elements glowed…only for the power to disappear.

Twilight Sparkle gasped in fearful confusion, not knowing why the spark field. “But... where's the sixth Element?!”

Nightmare Moon broke out into twisted laughter. “You little foal! Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your princess, or your sun! The night will last forever!” Nightmare Moon proceeded to slam her hooves near the Elements, breaking them into pieces in an instant, much to Twilight’s horror.

Twilight couldn't believe it. After everything that happened. After all the work she and the others took to try and stop the wicked alicorn, she still failed to stop Nightmare Moon. She had won…

Then, Twilight began to heard voices…of the ponies she had come her with…Of her friends…

Twilight gasped as a sparkle appeared in her eyes for a second. “You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that? Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here!” Twilight proclaimed as her friends appeared right behind her.

Nightmare Moon was confused by the statement. “What?”

As Twilight began to continue, the broken Element shards began to circle around the Mane 5, who began to float in the air. “Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of... honesty! Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of... kindness! Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of... laughter! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift represents the spirit of... generosity! And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire represents the spirit of... loyalty! The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us.”

“You still don't have the sixth Element! The spark didn't work! Without that last Element, you stand no chance against me!” Nightmare Moon reminded.

“But it did! A different kind of spark. I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all... are my friends!” Twilight said as she tearfully looked at the Mane 5. Suddenly, a sixth gray sphere appeared with a star on it. “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!”

Upon Twilight’s words, the shards turned into gold necklaces with colored gems, red for Loyalty, blue for Laughter, orange for Honesty, purple for Generosity, and pink for Kindness; based on the cutie marks of the Mane 5. Twilight’s, meanwhile, turned into a massive crown with a light purple multi pointed star. Incredibly powerful energy generated from the Elements that proceeded to turn into a rainbow stream that shot out at Nightmare Moon. “Nooo!” The evil alicorn cried out in worry. In a last ditch effort to stop the Elements, she tried to form a barrier around herself, but with her magic drained from the Duel, the barrier failed and the magic enveloped her. “Nooo!” Twilight’s eyes glowed white upon opening them, holding untold power in them.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the magic faded, the six ponies had briefly fallen back to the ground. Upon recovering, they began to get back up.
“Ugh, my head,” Rainbow groaned.

“Everypony okay?” Applejack took responsibility, making sure the other mares were fine.

“Oh, thank goodness,” Rarity cooed as she saw her cut tail had been restored.

“Why Rarity, it's so lovely,” Fluttershy kindly said.

“I know! I'll never part with it again,” Rarity said, thinking Fluttershy meant her tail.

“No. Your necklace. It looks just like your cutie mark,” Fluttershy corrected.

“What? Ooh. So does yours,” Rarity was in awe upon seeing her necklace before noticing and pointing out Fluttershy’s as well. The yellow mare gasped in awe upon noticing her own necklace.

“Look at mine! Look at mine!” Pinkie bounced in glee upon seeing her necklace.

“Aw yeah,” Rainbow admired her cool necklace. “We did it! We beat Nightmare Moon and beat her good! See? There never was a doubt we’d win!”

“Weren’t you scared just a bit ago, however?” Flame reminded/

“N-No! I wasn’t!” Rainbow denied.

“Yeah…we did win…wait! Who is that?!” Twilight was shocked and confused.

“Oh, how rude! My name is Flame, the Fire Ignis. We can acquaint ourselves more later. For now, we just need to finish things up here…,” Flame said.

“He has a point. Anyways…Gee, Twilight! I thought you were just spoutin' a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship,” Applejack said.

“Indeed you do,” A soothing and kind voice said as the sun rose outside. From the sun, another light appeared in the middle of the room. In an instant, the princess herself, Princess Celestia, was back! Upon seeing her, the six ponies bowed.

After finishing bowing, Twilight Sparkle gasped and ran toward her mentor, “Princess Celestia.”

“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student,” Celestia said as she nuzzled next to her student before continuing, “I knew you could do it.”

“But... you told me it was all an old pony tale. And also wanted me to play Duel Monsters for fun…No that it isn't, but at he time…,” Twilight began until the princess interrupted.

“I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart,” Princess Celestia said as she and Twilight looked over the Mane 5.

“Yeah…I did,” Twilight warmly said.

“And we saved you, Ponyville, and Equestria because of it!” Rainbow cockily said.

“Rainbow, not now!” Applejack whispered warningly.

“It’s quite alright,” Celestia reassured.

“So, I do have one question about the card game Duel Monsters. Did you want me to play it because you knew Nightmare Moon would be weakened from it or to make friends or…?” Twilight asked as Celestia gently put a hoof below her student’s mouth to motion to stop.

“A bit of both. I also wanted you to learn to have fun with your new friends, and it seems you are doing so right now. If only another will as well. Princess Luna!” Celestia called out as the group saw that in Nightmare Moon’s place was a small alicorn pony with lighter shades of blue than Nightmare Moon had.

Princess Luna, the pony gasped in shock and fear of what would happen now.

“It has been over a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister,” Celestia said warmly as she approached the mare.

Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash both replied, “Sister?”

“Will you accept my friendship?” The sun princess offered.

The six ponies watched in anticipation, hoping that things would end well. After all, these two, since they were sisters, should be getting along, not fighting and hating each other. Still, they didn’t know what Luna would say, given the bitterness that had closed off her heart.

As they watched, Pinkie fell over from leaning forward too far. “Whoa!”

Finally, the small alicorn, with teary eyes, got up and nuzzled up against her older sister. “I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!”

“I've missed you, too,” Celestia said back.

The six ponies looked on the happy scene warmly, with Pinkie Pie blowing her nose and crying tears of joy. Very quickly, however, the mare went back to bubbly and happy. “Hey, you know what this calls for?”
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“A party!” Pinkie cheered later as they had arrived back to Ponyville. All the ponies had ran to see their princesses at town square, ready to celebrate the new age for the kingdom. As everyone had arrived, two young pegasus fillies flew over to Luna and placed rings of flowers around her neck, the alicorn looking touched yet confused by the gesture.

The party lasted for a good while, with things seeming happy, until…

“Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?” Celestia asked her faithful student.

“That's just it. Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them,” Twilight explained sadly as she looked over Spike and the five ponies.

At this, Celestia smiled before saying, “Spike, take a note, please. I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville.”

At this point, the ponies cheered, including her new friends, who all surrounded the unicorn.

“Oh thank you, Princess Celestia! I'll study harder than ever before,” Twilight thanked her mentor.

“Isn’t this the best?! We get to hang out more!” Rainbow cheered.

“We’ll be able to spend time talking about ourselves and our homes,” Rarity agreed.

“We can read books together!...oh. If you don’t mind,” Fluttershy suggested meekly.

“And we can have Duels all the time, too!” Pinkie cheered.

“Now, settle down, girls! We need ta give her some space. Still, it’ll be nice ta see more of you, sugarcube,” Applejack said warmly.

“Uh huh. Oh, and Pinkie?” Twilight asked.

“Yes?” Pinkie looked on expectantly.

“We can Duel each other,” Twilight decided.

Author's Note

Assist Dragon
Attribute: WIND Type: [Dragon/Effect] Attack 500 Defense 1600 LEVEL 4
If you control one or more Dragon monster(s) on your field: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. You cannot Special Summon from the Extra Deck or Tribute Summon for the rest of this turn except Dragon monsters.

Tri-Bladed Claws Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a Dragon monster. The equipped monster gains one attack for every 1000 Attack Points the equipped monster has.

Lunar Barrier Normal Trap Card
You can banish this card from your Graveyard: If a Lunalight monster would be destroyed, it is not. Then, you can add a Lunalight Spell from your Deck to your hand, but it cannot be activated this turn. If this card was banished: You can negate one trap activation and destroy it.

Sorry it has taken so long to finish this chapter. I hope to develop a much better writing schedule in order to get out more chapters sooner.
Anyways, next up will be the Ticket Master. But in a few chapters. I plan on partly moving the setting to the human world. Until then, have a great time!