My Little Pony Friendship is Magic: Royal Brotherhood

by HarryBuilder

Rating: everyone
Tags: Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Romance, Original Character, Spike, Comedy, Adventure
Length: 23686

Helios and Orion, twin alicorn brothers, join seven mare in adventures of friendship, danger and legend on their path to the throne.

In the magical Land of Equestria.

There were two brothers, so different yet very alike, born to the Ruler of Equestria.

Helios Solena, Prince of Light and Dawn.

Orion Storm, Prince of Darkness and Dusk.

They grew up alongside two unicorns mares, who would play a special role in their lives and their future of Equestria.

Join them in their journey with their best friends, fighting foes and solving friendship problems together as learn and grow go achieve their destiny of becoming the Twin Kings of Equestria.

(This story was made in honor of my good friend Prince of Darkness, with his OC as one of the main characters[i/])

Published 2024-07-06 00:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-08-10 00:59:45 UTC

Prologue: Growing up Princes

One night, In Canterlot Castle, the sound of two young colts laughing and galloping through the halls was heard. One colt had a blackish dark blue coat, a black mane that resembled a dark mist and Red eyes.

The other had a quartz white coat, a fiery red and orange mane, green eyes and a red scarf.

Both however were alicorns, laughing as they ran away from a larger, female alicorn with a white coat like the white colt, purple eyes and a rainbow mane moving in an invisible wind. She was also dressed in gold regalia.

“Come back here, you little stamps!” Princess Celestia called with a playful smile as she chased after the two colts.

“You’ll never catch us, mom!” The white colt called as the two colts darted into one room.

Celestia followed after them into the room, covered in toys, games and one or two scrolls and books and two beds that matched the colts colors. She noticed two two muzzles sticking out from under the bed.

Celestia giggled and walked in, looking around, “Orion, Helios. Come out, come out, wherever you are?” She sang, pretending she didn't know where her sons were as the colts poked their heads out and got ready to pounce.

“RAAWWRRR!!” The two boys growled and jumped on their mother’s back as she yelped in surprise and laughed as she fell to the ground while Orion and Helios attacked her with tickles and pulling on her hair.

“Gotcha, mom!” Orion, blackish dark blue coated colt, laughed.

“Did we scare ya? Did we scare ya?” Helios asked as his green eyes shone eagerly.

Celestia laughed, “You did. I see you've been practicing your Stealth skill,” she commented, proud of both of her boys, “You both make me very proud,”

“Hey, mom,” Helios started, “Ori and I were wondering, when we grow up, who's gonna rule Equestria? It's gonna be me right? I'm of the sun like you.”

“Hey, I could be a ruler too! Just because you look like mom doesn't make you better than me,” Orion retorted with a look, “Besides I'm the favorite.”

“No way. I'm the favorite, I'm the day and you're the doomy gloomy night,” Helios shot back as the two pressed their heads together angrily.

Celestia saw them fighting and she couldn't help but remember this very same argument thousands of years ago…between two sisters.

‘No. Not again! I won't let my sons make the mistake I made!’ She thought firmly before smiling and stood up while picking up her sons with her magic.

“Boys, let me tell you a story,” Celestia said, walking to the beds and placed them down, “A story that will teach you that with Day and Night and with siblings, there are no favorites,” She said.

“Yay, storytime!” Helios cheered as he held his stuffed dragon.

“What's it called, mom?” Orion asked eagerly.

Celestia sat down as her son's showed their full attention, “Once upon time, when I was a much younger mare, I ruled Equestria along my own sister,” She began, remembering the happier times.

“You have a sister?” Orion asked curiously.

“Yes, her name was Luna,” Celestia said, smiling at the memory of her little sister, “She was beautiful, wise and very kind. She was called the princess of the Night, responsible for raising the Moon and patrolling the realm of Dreams.”

“The realm of dreams?” Orion asked in surprise.

“What does she do there?” Helios asked.

“She ensures ponies have good dreams and battles back Night-” Celestia stopped as the word she was about to speak stirred up bad memories before she corrected herself, “I mean, bad dreams,”

“Oooh.” The two brothers said in unison while looking amazed by that info.

“Where is Aunty Luna now? Do you think we can visit her?” Helios asked, wanting to meet his aunt.

Celestia gave a sad frown as she looked up outside at the moon, where the pony face was shown as she had tears in her eyes. “If only we could, dears.” Celestia said sadly while doing her best to hide her tears and keep them in check.

Orion and Helios looked confused and concerned, “Mom?” Orion asked as Celestia continued.

“As your aunt Luna and I, raised the sun and moon respectively, the ponies at the time began to love and praise me for my beautiful day and warmth of the sun's light,” Celestia continued before turning to the moon, “But they shunned, slept and feared my sister's beautiful, starry night sky and her watchful eye that was the silver moon. More than that, some began to mutter and spew terrible and vile words and lies of Luna while my back was turned, blinded by the admiration I was showered in,” She said in deep guilt.

Helios and Orion looked saddened by this story as they gave sad looks to their mother. “Wh-What happened to Aunt Luna?” Helios asked in worry.

Celestia gave a sorrowful look. “She was consumed by what happened and it changed her into something she was not.” She explained as she remembered that fateful night like it was yesterday, “We fought in our old home before you two were born. I tried to reason with her but it was as if there was nothing left to reason with,” She said, Luna's twisted laughter ringing through her brain fiercely.

“But you saved her, right?” Orion asked hopefully.

Celestia just had some tears flowing out. “I couldn’t. So, I had to do the one thing to keep Equestria safe from her darkness. Banishment.” She said sadly.

“What does, ‘Banny-mint’ mean?” Helios asked confusedly.

Celestia looked at Helios with a slight chuckle, finding some comfort in her son's mispronunciation. “Helios, it’s ban-ish-ment.” She corrected him. “It means sending somepony away for a long time.”

“Oh.” Helios said in realization before he gave a giggle.

“So, will Aunt Luna ever come back?” Orion asked with a frown while Helios nodded.

Celestia just gave a sad frown before she looked up at the moon again. “Only time will tell, dears.” She said to her sons. “But the reason I tell you this is because when you become big handsome stallions, you will never forget how valuable your brotherhood is and will always be there for each other.”

Helios smiled, “Of course we will, after you know our catchphrase,” he started.

“Nothing can hurt us, as long as we're together,” Orion finished proudly as Celestia giggled and held her two boys close.

“So long as you never forget that, there is nothing you cannot overcome, and someday you will both take my place, as Kings of both Day and Night,” Celestia said warmly.

“Yes, mom,” Orion and Helios said in unison before yawning.

Celestia gave a small titter, “And now, I think it’s time for my twin Kings to lay down for bed,” She said, tucking them into bed, “Now remember to get up early. Tomorrow is Summer Sun Celebration and the day after are the entrance exams for the School of Gifted Unicorns,” she told them.

“Okay, mom.” The two brothers said in unison before Celestia gave them each a kiss on their foreheads.

“Sweet dreams, boys.” Celestia said as she blew out the candles that gave the room and exited from it as the two brothers looked at each other.

“I wonder who’s gonna be in the entry exam,” Helios asked in wonder. “You think it might be somepony with talented magic?”

“Maybe we can find a new friend there too,” Orion said before Celestia poked her head through the door.

“Boys?” Celestia said with a brow. “I thought I said bed time?”

“Sorry, Mom.” The two brothers said as Celestia smiled as the two brothers then went to sleep as she closed the door slightly. “Just like when Luna and I were fillies.” She said to herself fondly at her memories.

The next day

In the Canterlot Plaza, ponies from across Equestria had gathered for the Summer Sun Celebration as Celestia then step out from the balcony with her signature smile with her two sons behind her before Celestia then flew up high into the sky and raised the sun, which caused the crowd to cheer in awed and excitement from that.

“Mom is so cool.” Helios said with his eyes sparkling.

“And she knows how to make a show,” Orion said with a smile.

The princes then noticed in the crowd, a purple unicorn filly with an indigo and pink striped mane and an amber filly with a red and yellow curled mane. The two fillies were looking at Celestia with awed smiles while Helios and Orion blinked in interest.

Celestia saw her sons looking at the two fillies and smiled to herself, ‘I believe I have found the ones,’ She thought to herself, seeing these four had a great future ahead of them.

Later that day, at dinner, Celestia and the boys were eating some of their pancakes. As her sons were happily chewing Celestia sipped her tea while giving a small smile, “So boys, I noticed you had taken an interest in two particular young fillies,” She said teasingly.

The two brothers stopped eating as they looked at their mother in surprise. “What are you talking about, Mom?” Helios asked in confusion while Orion tilted his head.

“They seem like nice girls, don’t they?” Celestia said coyly.

“Yeah, meaning?” Orion asked while scratching his head.

Celestia chuckled at her sons’ innocence, “Oh nothing,” She said before changing the topic, “Also, the entrance exams are tomorrow morning, and the two fillies you saw are going to try and pass it.”

“Really?!” The two boys asked in unison.

“Yes, if you wish you’re welcome to oversee their exam,” Celestia started with a smile before her sons then surrounded her while flying around, exclaiming that they do want to oversee while Celestia gave small giggles at her son’s excitement. “Okay, boys. Calm down. It won’t be up until tomorrow.” She reminded them as the two boys sigh sadly with their hooves dangling as they floated back to their seats and continued eating their pancakes while Celestia gave a slight giggle.

The next day, the princes got up and raced to the testing hall of the School of magic, “I’m gonna get there first!” Helios boasted, flying past Orion.

“Not before you’re not!” Orion, running past him before they suddenly heard a loud boom and saw a ring of colors appearing in the sky from a window. “Whoa! What was that?!” He called out in shock.

“I don’t know, but it looks amazing!” Helios said with a wide smile.

Then they heard a surge of magic and looked to the testing hall to purple light flashing from the windows before a giant dragon head burst through the roof. “Whoa! A dragon!?” Orion asked in shock.

“Wow! I’ve never seen a dragon before!” Helios called before Orion gave a confused look.

“Uh, Helios, didn’t mom say that’s where the entrance exam is being taken?” Orion asked his brother with a nervous look.

Helios’s eyes widened in worry, “Uh oh!” He said before the two raised to the hall and burst through the doors and saw the judges floating around, two potted plants, the amber filly from yesterday, hiding behind a table while the purple filly was trapped in a bubble of her own magic, shooting bolts everywhere, “Wow!” Helios said in amazement.

“That is one strong filly.” Orion commented before he yelped as he barely dodged a magic blast. “But apparently has no control of her magic!”

“I’ll save her! You help the yellow one!” Helios raced towards the purple unicorn but bounced off her bubble. “Okay, that didn’t work.” He said while rubbing his head.

“Uh, yeah, how about we work together on this one?” Orion suggested. “Remember what mom told us, our magic are strong,”

“But it’s stronger when we work together.” Helios finished with a smile.

The amber filly then came over to them, “Wait, let me help! That's my friend in there!” She pleaded.

The princes looked at each other and nod to her as the three stood together as they focused their magic and put their horns. They then glowed brightly as their eyes then shined bright white as they then fired a beam of red and purple magic along with the fillies orange magic at the purple unicorn.

The magic bubble then deactivated as the Filly came down as the spells she cast were undone, as the judges were dropped, the potted plants turned into a unicorn stallion and mare, and the giant dragon turned into a baby dragon that sucked on his tail.

“Phew, that was close,” Helios said as he went over to the filly and held out his hoof to her, “Are you okay?” He asked with a friendly smile.

The purple filly looked at him for a moment before taking his hoof. “Y-Yes. Thanks.” She said with a nod.

Orion went up and helped the amber filly up. “We just came by and checked out your entrance exams, but this wasn't what we expected.” He said while seeing the mess the room was.

“Neither were we, I got past my entrance exam by showing my magic tricks but Twilight got unlucky having to hatch a dragon egg,” The amber filly said, looking to the purple filly..

“You hatched that dragon?” Helios asked Twilight in surprise.

“Well, yes, but I got startled and…” Twilight trailed off before she finally noticed Orion and Helios’ appearances as her eyes widened. “Wait, you two are Alicorns.” She said in surprise before Sunset noticed it too.

“Then that means, You’re the Prince Helios Solena and Prince Orion Storm!” Sunset exclaimed in shock.

“That’s us!” Orion said with a smile. “Glad that you two finally noticed.”

“I can’t believe it took us this long to notice!” Twilight said before she gave a bow to them. “Forgive us!”

Orion and Helios gave slight chuckles. “Oh, you don’t have to do that around us. We’re not that into formalities.” Orion said.

“Yeah, it's not like we're-” Helios tried to say before Sunset and Twilight gave panicked looked and pointed behind him and Orion as they looked up and behind them to see, “Mom,” Helios said in alarm as Celestia gave them a motherly smile.

“Boys,” Celestia started as Orion and Helios looked worried.

“Uh, Mom, we can explain!” Orion quickly said in panic.

“Yeah we didn't mean to-!” Helios tried to quickly explain as Celestia giggled.

“You both have truly amazed me.” Celestia said with a small smile. “I've always known you two had powerful magic but this exceeded all my expectations.”

“Huh?” Helios and Orion said in confusion.

“And Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer, you both have very special gifts,” Celestia said in amazement, “I don't think I've ever come across a pair of unicorns with your raw abilities.”

“Huh?” Sunset and Twilight said in surprised confusion.

"But you four need to learn to tame these abilities through focused study." Princess Celestia continued.

"Huh?!" The Four repeated again.

"Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer, I'd like to make you two and my sons my own personal proteges here at school." Princess Celestia said.

"Huh?!" The four said, still unable to process what was happening.

"Well?" Princess Celestia asked as Twilight finally put two and two together, she looked at her parents, who're nodding excitedly for her to accept.

"Yes!" Young Twilight cheered.

“You know I’m in!” Sunset cheered as she hopped around.

“Yau!” Orion cheered.

“Hooray!” Helios cheered with a wide smile as the four jumped for a high-hoof.

Celestia giggled at their reactions before raising a hoof. “One more thing, kids.” She said, garnering their attention.

“More?” The four ponies all said in unison before they flopped to the floor as Celestia pointed to their flanks, which they turned and saw their Cutie Marks, Twilight’s is a star with six around them, Sunset is a sun with half of it red, Orion's was a white Crescent moon over a black circle in a silver shield, and Helios’s was an orange circle with red flames and golden sword through it.

“My Cutie Mark!” Twilight cheered with a bright smile before jumping around excitedly chanting ‘yes’ repeatedly.

“We got our marks!” Sunset cheered while doing a little dance.

“We got our Cutie Marks, bro!” Orion said to his brother as the two look at their Cutie Marks.

“Best day ever!” Helios cheered as they did hoof bumps over the other before headbutting while their eyes spun.

Celestia watched the foals celebrating with a smile, knowing these four had a great future ahead of them.

Author's Note

This is the first chapter of my MLP rewrite, with my OC, Helios Solena, son of Celestia.

But with Prince of Darkness's untimely passing, I decided to include his OC, Orion Storm as the twin Brother of Helios in his memory.

Also, Sunset is in this story as Equestria Girls is unfortunately not Canon, and she earns her Cutie Mark by helping the princes save Twilight.

Also, since I couldn't get a clear picture of Orion Storm's Cutie Mark I tried to improvise by giving him a Moon Shield Mark while Helios had a Sun Sword to contrast his brother.

Next time, we go the point where Four's journey really begins.

Post in the comments on what you think what Helios and Orion's elements of Harmony should be.

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

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

Until then NNNNIIIINNNJJJJJAAA-GO!!!

Chapter 1: Friendship is Magic Part 1

Helios flew across the sky, feeling the wind in his mane as he did a few rolls, a loop-de-loop before diving down, “Yee-haw!” Helios cheered as he pulled up and glided across the river, before shooting straight back up, revolving around a tower with one hoof and taking off again, “Whoo!” He whooped.

The years had grown kind to Helios as he grew into a handsome young stallion, with power wings and still wore his signature red scarf.

As he flew around, he saw Orion, Sunset and Twilight hanging out in the park, the latter was reading through a book as usual, “Guys!” Helios said as soared down to them, “Sorry I'm late, was doing some new tricks in the air and lost track of time.” He said.

“Hehe, always with your head in the clouds, huh, brother?” Orion asked with an amusing smile.

“Hey, can you blame me? You're all about knowledge, but I'm an action colt!” Helios said with a smile and rearing up.

“Well, you didn't miss much,” Sunset said while gesturing to Twilight who was still reading, “Twi was just finishing up the Tale of the Two Sister,”

“Wait, that old story?” Helios asked in interest as he sat down next to his brother.

“Yep. And apparently, she’s way into the book to notice.” Sunset added with a small smirk while Twilight reads the book.

“From that day on, the elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.” Twilight finished reading with a curious look. “Hmm… Elements of Harmony. I know I've heard of those before… But where?”

Helios, Orion and Sunset looked at each other, “Uh oh, I know that look,” Helios commented.

“Here we go again.” Orion said with a rolled of his eyes as Twilight stood up and placed the book in her saddle bag.

“Come on guys. We got to research the Elements of Harmony.” Twilight said as she walked off.

“Twilight, it's the holiday. The princess told us to spend some time away from the Library,” Sunset reminded their friend.

“This will only take a sec,” Twilight promised as she trotted off.

“More like a century,” Helios snarked as the three followed after her.

As the four walked down the path they bumped into some their classmates from Magic School, “Minuette, Twinkle Shine, Lemon Hearts. It's good to see you,” Orion greeted.

“Hi Orion, Sunset, Helios, Twilight.” Minuette said with a smile.

"Moon Dancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come?" Twinkleshine asked with a smile.

Sunset then remembered, “Oh right, today's Moondancer's birthday,” She realized, “Sure, we'd love to-”

“Oh, sorry girls. We got a lot of studying to catch up on,” Twilight said nervously, gesturing to her book.

“What? But Twilight, Moondancer's throwing a-” Helios couldn't finish as Twilight raced off, “And there she goes,” He sighed while Sunset raised a brow while Orion shook his head.

Helios then turned to the three mares, “Sorry girls, you know how Twilight is,” he apologized.

“Ugh, yeah, but does that mare do anything besides studying?” Twinkleshine asked with a brow.

“I think she's more interested in books than friends,” Lemonheart commented, “I mean, why do you three still put up with her?” she asked.

“Well for one thing, it’s so that she doesn’t get lonely and trying to get her more social…” Orion said with a frown. “And also, we can’t let her keep having Spike do the heavy lifting at his age.”

“Don't worry, we'll get her to come,” Sunset promised as she and the princes ran after Twilight, “Tell Moondancer we’ll be there soon!” She called.

Twilight rushed down the path in full focus, “I know I heard of the Elements of Harmony,” she told herself as she passed Lyra and another unicorn but didn't stop to wave back at the former while her friends were behind her.

“Hi, Lyra!” Helios waved as he flew past her.

“Lovely day, huh?” Orion asked, flying by too.

“Sure is.” Lyra said before she gave a small chuckle. “Twilight’s going into study mode?”

“You know it.” Sunset said as she rushed past her. “See you at the Summer Sun Celebration!” She added.

“See ya!” Lyra waved to them.

The four then came to a tall, golden tower representing both their sort of clubhouse and their research station.

Inside, the baby dragon Twilight hatched on her exam, which she affectionately named Spike, was walking to the door with a red present bow with a gold ribbon. Until the door swung open and knocked him away while Twilight walked in.

“Spike? Spike?!” Twilight called before she saw Spike on the ground, rubbing his head, and gasped in worry, “Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I-I didn't see you there! You didn't break something, did you?” Twilight asked, frantically picking Spike up and looking him over.

“Um, Twilight?” Spike tried to say, after getting the cobwebs out of his head.

“Catch a fever? Get a hang claw?” Twilight asked, feeling his forehead and checking his claws.

“Easy, Twilight.” Orion said as he and Helios flew in through the window while Sunset walked in. The dark Prince then grabbed Twilight and gently pushed her away from Spike. “I think Spike is fine. Right, big guy?” He asked the baby dragon.

“Yeah.” Spike said while rubbing his head. “It’s a good thing dragons have thick scales. But it still stings from that impact.”

Twilight then pulled Spike into a quick hug, “If something happened to you, I don’t know what I'd do with myself,” She told the baby dragon.

“Hey, don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.” Spike assured as Twilight gave a small smile before putting him down.

“Good, now quick,” Twilight said, rushing to the Bookshelves, “Help me find that copy of Perdictions and Prophecies.” She requested, looking through the books.

“And she’s back.” Helios said with a dull look as Sunset noticed a box that was crushed.

“Uh, Spike, what was that?” Sunset asked.

"It was a gift for Moon Dancer, but…" Spike muttered as he kicked the gift aside, which gave off a squeak.

“It got crushed when Twilight slammed the door in your face, huh?” Orion asked with a brow.

“You guessed it.” Spike said with a roll of his eyes as Sunset place an assuring hoof on his shoulder while it specting the gift which was a teddy bear and picture of them, Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Heart and what looked to be a Twilight look alike, but was white with a red mane and glasses.

“You four know we don't have time for that sort of thing," Twilight frowned as she kept searching.

“But I thought we were on a break?” Spike asked.

“And Twilight, when do you ever have time for anything that doesn't involve books?” Orion asked with a brow.

Twilight didn't listen as she used her magic to pull out multiple books from the shelves, looking through each one, "No, no, no… No, no, no!" Twilight grunted in frustration, seeing none of these titles showed the information she needed.

“Are you even listening?” Helios questioned with a brow.

“Ugh! Where is it?!” Twilight yelled.

“Twilight, relax, Elements of Harmony, see: Mare in the Moon is right here,” Sunset said, bringing over the book with her magic. Twilight stopped as her eyes widened as she smiled and use her magic to take the book out of Sunset’s. “You’re welcome!” She said.

“Mare in the Moon?” Spike repeated in confusion, “But that's just an old ponytale.” He said.

“Not according to mom,” Helios said as he and Orion knew better about the legend.

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

"’The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal!’" Twilight reads while the others listen. “Guys! Do you know what this means?!”

“No.” Spike said with a brow.

“Yeah, it means you need to stop reading so many books.” Helios said while rubbing his head.

Sunset then thought for a moment, “Wait, the longest day of the year, that’s the Summer Sun Celebration, right?” She asked.

“Your right, and the Thousand year of it, is this year,” Orion added in thought.

“And hey, isn't the Summer Sun Celebration…” Helios stopped as their eyes widened. “Oh no,” He gasped in worry.

“Spike! Send a note to Princess Celestia!” Twilight instructed.

"Okie-dokie!" Spike said as he grabbed a quill and some paper. Suffice to say, Spike had gotten good at writing as fast as Twilight could speak.

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

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

"Threshold," Twilight proposed instead.

"Threh…"

“Oh, just give it to me!” Orion said in annoyance as he snatched the paper and quill from Spike and wrote it down. “For you see, the mythical 'Mare in the Moon' is in fact 'Nightmare Moon', and she's about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night! Something must be done to make sure that this terrible prophecy does not come true. We await your quick response. You’re sons and faithful students.” He said as he finished writing their names in and toss it to Spike.

“Now send it.” Twilight told the baby dragon.

“Wait, you mean right now?” Spike asked.

“Of course!” Twilight said.

Spike was about to send it when he realized something important. "Uh, I dunno," Spike replied, holding the letter. "Princess Celestia's a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. And it's like, the day after tomorrow."

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

"Impera… Impera…" Spike tried to repeat as Twilight, Sunset, Orion and Helios rolled their eyes.

"Important!" The four bellow bellowed at him.

"Whoa!" Spike exclaimed as tumbled backwards toward a bookshelf but Sunset caught him in a magic bubble before the impact.

“Sorry, Spike,” Sunset apologized.

“We really need to work on your vocabulary, bud.” Helios said with a cringe.

“Still, your concern is valid Twilight, but you can't assume everything from those dusty old books,” Orion told the Purple Unicorn.

“I am never wrong.” Twilight insisted. “Now send it, Spike.”

Taking a deep breath, Spike blew a green flame over the letter as it magically disappeared into the sky. "There, it's on its way. But I wouldn't hold your breath…"

"Oh, we’re not worried, Spike," Twilight replied, confidently. "The Princess respects our diligence and trusts us completely. In all our years she’s been our mentor,”

“And our mother,” Helios added.

“She’s never once doubted us, especially me,” Twilight continued as Spike’s cheeks puffed up and he blew out a scroll, “See, I knew she'd want to take immediate action,” She said smugly.

Sunset picked up the letter as she gave a smile, “My Faithful student Twilight, you know that value yours, Sunset Shimmer's and my son's diligence and I trust you complete,” She read the letter.

“Told ya,” Twilight bragged with a proud look.

“But you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!” Sunset continued with a smirk.

“What?!” Twilight asked in shock and slight insult.

Helios smirked, “Ooh,” He winced, flying over to Twilight, “Princess of the Sunburn,” He quipped, leaning his head to Twilight’s with a smirk.

Orion gave a slight chuckle. “Yeah, should’ve seen that coming, Twi.” He said as Twilight gave them a look.

Sunset continued, “My dearest Twilight, there is more to a young mare's life than studying, which is why I decided you must take an extended break and will not read anymore books or scrolls until further notice,” She read as Twilight gawked at this decision, “Instead, with your sudden interest in the Annual Summer Sun Celebration you, Sunset Shimmer, Orion and Helios will be sent to oversee the preperations in its decided location, Ponyville.”

“Ponyville, huh,” Orion said in interest. “The home of the very first Apple Family Orchard? I’m in.”

“Sounds like fun,” Helios agreed.

“Wait, there's more,” Sunset said as she read the rest of the letter, “You will be staying in the Golden Oak Library for your time there, and along with the preparations, you will also more importantly, make some new friends,” She continued, giving Twilight a teasing look.

Twilight’s eyes twitched as she stood there frozen, completely stunned by what Celestia just assigned them to. “I think she’s broken.” Spike said with a chuckle.

“I got this,” Helios said with a smile, as he brought over a bucket of ice water and dumped it on Twilight.

“GGYAAAHHH?!?!” Twilight screamed in surprise, as she snapped out of her trance, soaked and shivering as she panted while the others laughed at her while her mane and tail was soaked and wet. Twilight caught her breath and glared at Helios, “How many times have I told you not to do that?!” She demanded.

“Sorry, but it works to snap you out of your No Books Coma.” Helios said with a small laugh.

Twilight then paced around in confusion, “B-But, I don’t understand. Princess Celestia has always taken me seriously before! She has to know about Nightmare Moon! Why would she ban me from studying to make friends?” She asked herself.

“Because maybe she understands you need a break from that,” Orion stated, “Seriously, everything you do in life involves books.”

Twilight shot him a look, “What are you talking about? I don't spend all my days with books.” She retorted.

“Name one,” Orion challenged.

“Easy, there was that time we…” Twilight started but paused, realizing she couldn't think of one time she wasn't without books, even when they were playing as foals, Twilight always had something to read, “Umm, how about when…or what about when the…?” She stumbled around.

Orion, Sunset, Helios, and Spike gave Twilight deadpan looks while Sunset raised a brow. “Now you get it?” Sunset asked.

Twilight sighed in defeat, “Okay, maybe I do spend too much time reading,” she conceded.

“So she finally admits it,” Helios said with a smirk before it turned sincere and he walked over to her, “Twilight relax, we're not mad. We just think that a little time away from books will do you some good.”

“But Nightmare Moon-” Twilight tried to say, showing them the book before Sunset snatched it.

“Twilight, even if this book was legit, Nightmare Moon was banished a thousand years ago,” Sunset reminded her, “Do you think in all that time she might have known of her return, Celestia would just be sitting on her flank doing nothing?” She asked as Twilight thought for a moment.

“Mom would have had centuries to find a way to stop her if she returned. For all we know she might have stopped her already so she wouldn't return,” Orion pointed out.

Twilight took their words as she thought for a moment as she sigh. “Fine. I’ll give it a shot. But if things go bad, don’t say I didn't told you so.”

“We know you were gonna say that.” Helios said with a smirk as Spike gave a laugh, “Now, come on. Let's head over to Moondancer's party,” he said as he, Sunset and Orion walked to the door.

“Okay just let me grab a few books-” Twilight tried to say before she saw the looks her friends are giving her as she gave a sheepish look. “I mean, a present?” She said with a sheepish smile.

“Okay. But if it’s a book in there, we’re dragging you by the tail.” Sunset joked.

“Got it.” Twilight said with a nervous smile as they walked out with the others giving amusing looks.

A bit later, the group were now at the courtyard, with some presents, as they walked over to Moondancer at the table, “Hey, happy birthday, Moondancer,” Helios said, giving his gift to the Unicorn.

“Helios, guys. Glad you could make it.” Moondancer said with a smile. “I thought you wouldn’t arrive because Twilight is studying.”

“Oh she was, but she got a royal sun slap to the face that burying yourself in books is no kind of life,” Sunset said with a grin.

“By Celestia, seriously?” Moondancer asked with an amusing smile.

“Yep.” Orion said with a chuckle. “She practically put Twilight on reading probation.”

“Ouch, that must've stung.” Moondancer said with a laugh.

“Oh, it did.” Twilight said while giving her friends a look, which they shrugged off innocently. “Anyway, happy birthday. I wish we could hang out more after this, but Celestia just assigned us to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville tomorrow.”

“Wow, that’s an honor.” Moondancer said with a smile.

“And Celestia also said to make sure Twilight stay away from books and make some new friends.” Sunset added with a chuckle.

Twilight gave a look, “Yeah, that,” She said before turning to Moondancer, “Anyway, I don’t know how long we'll be gone so I hoping you could watch my library while we're gone.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep it in good condition.” Moondancer promised.

“It's settled then,” Orion said with a nod, “Now, let’s have some fun. This is a party after all,”

“So let’s roll!” Helios cheered as they all rushed to the party while Twilight sighed, knowing that there’s no way out of this as she walked after her friends.

The next day

The group are now on a chariot with the Pegasus Guards pulling as they flew across the sky to Ponyville as Twilight was leaning back from behind. “Come on, Twilight. You know better than to listen to what Celestia say.” Sunset said.

“I know, but still, I can’t shake off the feeling that something bad will happen.” Twilight said.

“I'm sure mom's already taken care of this Mare in The Moon thing. Let's just focus on getting things ready for the Summer Sun Celebration and making some friends,” Helios encouraged.

“Well we won't have to wait long,” Orion said, “Ponyville is just ahead,” He said, pointing to the humble town ahead.

The chariot descended into what appears to be an open street right in the middle of Ponyville as they exited the chariot as the two guards gave whinny sounds. “Thank you, sirs," Twilight replied.

“left you a few bits in the back,” Sunset told them.

“Tell the miss’s, and the kids we said ‘hey’,” Helios said as the guards saluted and took off with the chariot.

“I’ve always wanted to go into Ponyville someday. And now Mom just made that dream a reality.” Orion said with a smile as he looked around.

"Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about," Spike suggested as a Pink Mare with a poof magenta mane came up to them.

“Hey, I heard of you,” Helios said to the mare, “You're famous in this town for putting together the best parties, Pinkie Pie, right?” He asked.

“Aaah! You know my name!” Pinkie cheered before she rushed off, leaving the group a bit weirded by that.

“Okay, that was random.” Orion said with a brow.

“What’s up with her?” Sunset asked with a brow.

“Don’t know, but it is interesting all right.” Twilight said in unamused by this outcome while raising a brow.

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

"Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist," Spike read aloud. "Number One – Banquet Preparations: Sweet Apple Acres." He said as they reached a large farm area with arces of Apple trees.

“Interesting note: It was this very Apple farm that founded Ponyville in the first place,” Twilight told them, having read the history of Ponyville.

“Whoa, seriously?” Helios said in wonder.

“It says so on the history books.” Orion said with a smile. “This place is like a natural landmark for Ponyville.”

"YEEHAW!"

The group turns noticing an orange pony, with a blonde mane and tail tied into ponytails. She also had a brown Stetson hat on her head and a cutie mark of three apples on her flanks. The pony proceeds to knock apples from a tree, by bucking the tree with her hind legs with incredible strength.

“Wow. She got good kicks.” Sunset commented.

“That’s one way to get some apples down.” Helios said with a smile as Twilight sighs.

“Let’s get this over with.” Twilight said as they walked up to the mare. They made their way towards the orange pony, who was admiring her work, all the apples she bucked neatly stacked in barrels. "Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle—"

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

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

"Friends?" Twilight replied. "Actually, I… Er… We…"

"So, what can I do you two for?" Applejack asked.

Poor Twilight's hoof still shook about, so Helios had to grab it with his magic to make her stop. Spike, Orion, and Sunset just snickered.

“Okay, for one thing, that’s a strong grip you did there.” Helios commented. “And second, name’s Helios Solena.”

“I think you mean, Prince Helios Solena,” Spike corrected.

Orion nudged Spike. “Spike, we’re not here for formalities.” He said to him.

Applejack gasped when she saw Helios and Orion's wings, “Well boy howdy! Your majesties,” She bowed while taking off her hat and put it to her chest.

“It’s fine. We’re not very formal. No need to bow.” Helios assured with a smile.

“R-Right, sorry, Sugarcube.” Applejack said, putting her hat back on.

“Anyway, I’m Helios Solena.” Helios continued. “This is my twin brother, Orion Storm.” He introduced as Orion nodded. “And you met Twilight Sparkle. Our other friends here are Spike and Sunset Shimmer.”

“We are in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration," Sunset explained.

“And we take it you’re in charge of the food, right?” Orion asked.

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

“Well, we are kinda hungry.” Sunset said with a shrug.

"As long as it doesn't take too long," Twilight added.

But before either could say anything, they heard a triangle ring. "Soup's on, every pony!" Applejack called out.

"Soup?" Orion asked.

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

"Now, why don't I introduce y'all to the Apple Family?" Applejack proposed.

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

"This here is Apple Fritter—" Applejack began

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

"—Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicous, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp..." Applejack took a deep breath to regain some air. "… Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith."

On the last name, the trio turns to an elderly pony sleeping on a rocking chair. She had a light gray mane and a light lime green coat. She wore an orange scarf with white lacing around the edges with red apples for the design. On her flank is a cutie mark resembling a pie. This was Granny Smith, who unbeknownst to four ponies and baby dragon is the patriarch of the Apple Family… And more.

"Up'n'attem, Granny Smith, we got guests!" Applejack called out.

The elderly pony woke from her slumber with a loud snort. "Wha…? Soup's on?" She retorted. "I'm up, and here I come, ah'm comin'…"

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

“Nice apple cheeks, Twilight.” Helios quipped while poking at Twilight’s cheeks, which she gave him a look.

"Why, I'd say you're already part of the family," Applejack declared.

Orion, Sunset, Helios, and Spike smiled at the words, ven began to speak to several of the Apple Family. Twilight, meanwhile, spat the now chewed apple from her mouth and gave a nervous laugh.

"Okay, well," Twilight replied slowly. "I can see the food situation has been handled. So, we'll be on our way…"

Twilight had just turned to leave when a small yellow filly with a red mane with big pink bow, Apple Bloom, walked up to her. "Aren't you gonna stay for brunch?" Apple Bloom asked quietly as she gave the group the cutest little puppy dog eyes any pony had ever seen.

Twilight struggled to say no to such a cute face before Orion took over, “Listen, we are honored you want us to be part of your family tradition, but as princes, we must put our duty before fun,” He explained as the Apple Family gave solemn looks, “But once the Summer Sun Celebration has passed, perhaps we can still partake in some of your culture,” He offered as the family immediately cheered.

“Thanks for the save.” Twilight whispered to Orion. “I thought I might break.”

“That’s my brother. Finding a loophole in situations.” Helios said with a smile.

A bit later, the group were then walking down the streets of Ponyville. “I wish we could’ve taken some of the food. It would’ve been good.” Spike said while holding the list.

“For a dragon diet, but for us ponies, we would’ve gotten bloated if they made us eat so many pies.” Sunset commented. “We were lucky Orion saved our stomachs.”

“So, what's next?” Helios asked Spike.

Spike examined a few clouds hanging over the sky. "Hmm… There's supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds," He pondered.

"Well, she's not doing a very good job, is she?" Twilight pointed out.

“Wait, what’s that sound?” Helios asked while hearing some whooshing sounds becoming more and more louder before a blue Pegasus pony with a rainbow mane and tail came crashing down on Twilight. It should also be noted there was a cloud shooting a rainbow-colored lightning bolt cutie mark along her flanks.

The initial impact sent Twilight into a giant patch of mud. She moaned angrily, coated badly in mud. The blue pony just laughed sheepishly. "Uh… 'scuse me?" She replied.

As the Pegasus hovered about, Twilight gave her a death glare while the others just came to her, Sunset and Spike gave amusing chuckles while the two brothers snickered while the pegasus just laughed.

"Lemme help you," The blue pony offered as she grabbed a nearby rain cloud and made it rain with her hooves hopping on the cloud. The rainwater soaked Twilight while the blue pony, from above the cloud, laughed sheepishly once more. "Oops, I guess I overdid it," She remarked.

“You think?” Orion questioned with a brow.

"Um, uh, how about this? My very own patented Rain-Bow Dry!" She created a large wind tunnel around the lavender unicorn, drying her off quickly. "No, no. Don't thank me," The blue pony replied, before facing Twilight. "You're quite welcome."

It was then the Pegasus saw that her trick worked a little too well. While Twilight was dry, her mane and tail was now frizzy and poofy. The sight was too much, and both the Pegasus and Spike, the two brothers and Sunset burst out laughing, falling onto their backs.

“That look's working for ya, Twi!” Sunset laughed.

“You should where it more often!” Orion snorted.

“I expected better from you guys.” Twilight said with a glare.

Helios stood up while wiping tears of joy off his eye. “I’m sorry, Twi. But you have to admit, it’s a bit funny.” He said to her.

"Let me guess," Twilight retorted. "You're Rainbow Dash."

The Pegasus, hearing her name, stopped laughing and quickly got up, knocking Spike aside before Sunset caught him as she and Helios regain their bearings. "The one and only. Why, you've heard of me?" Rainbow said.

"I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear," Twilight remarked with a sigh. "I'm Twilight Sparkle and this here are Sunset Shimmer, Spike, Orion Sorm, and Helios Solena and the Princess sent us to check on the weather."

Suffice to say, Rainbow Dash had made herself comfortable on a cloud above them. She didn't seem the least bit motivated to actually do the job. "Yeah, yeah, that'll be a snap," Rainbow waved off. "I'll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I'm done practicing."

“What practice? Cloud napping?” Helios questioned in wonder.

"The Wonderbolts!" Rainbow Dash said, excitedly as she motions toward a nearby poster showing what appears to be a bunch of Pegasus ponies dressed in flight suits, which feature a shade of gold and aquamarine along with a 'winged bolt' logo. "They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show 'em my stuff!"

“The Wonderbolts? As the best flying team in Equestria?” Sunset asked with a brow.

"Pfft! Please! They'd never accept a Pegasus who can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day." Twilight scoffed.

When Twilight started talking, Rainbow Dash was very cross over her choice of words.

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

"Prove it!" Twilight challenged as the others looked a little concerned. Helios pulled out a stopwatch and the moment he pushed the button, Rainbow zoomed high into the sky, bucking off the remaining clouds in a rapid session. Both the group were agape, as Rainbow returned with a whoosh.

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

The four ponies and Spike stared at the sky with their jaws dropped. The blue Pegasus wasn't exaggerating, she meant it. Speaking of which, she laughed at their initial shock as she flew around them.

"You should see the looks on your faces," Rainbow laughed. "Ha! You're a laugh, Twilight Sparkle, you three too. Can't wait to hang out some more!" She said as she then flew off.

“Did she even realize that she was talking to Royalty here?” Orion first broke the silence.

“I think she was lost in her ego to even notice.” Sunset commented.

“I wonder how long before she realizes?” Orion questioned.

Twilight was still stunned silent as Helios said that. “Twilight?” He asked as he waved his hoof to her face, but she wasn’t reacting as he sighs. “If I had another ice water bucket, I would splash you out of it.” He said, which got Twilight out of it.

“I heard that.” Twilight said as Spike started playing with her mane. She growled at the fact her mane was still a mess. “Let’s just keep moving.” She said as they walked off to the center building of the town.

Later, the five came to Town hall as it was apparently supposed to be where the main ceremony would take place later tonight.

"Decorations," Spike said, in awe. "Beautiful…"

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

"Not the décor," Spike said, clearly dazed. "Her!"

The four ponies turned ahead and before their eyes was a marshmallow-coated unicorn, with a beautiful curled dark purple mane and tail. Along her flank appear to be three blue gemstones on each side. She was apparently deep in thought, shuffling through some ribbons with her magic.

"No, no, no, oh!" She exclaimed. "Goodness no."

"How are my spines?" Spike asked, worried as he fixed himself up. "Are they straight?"

“You just met her, Spike.” Sunset said with a brow.

“Just look at her, she's beautiful.” Spike said in amazement.

Helios rested a wing on Spike, “Slow down Spike, I don’t think you and her would even get off the ground,” he said gently.

Spike then slumped a bit, “Because I'm a dragon?” He asked solemnly as Twilight leaned down and tilted his chin to her.

“Oh, it’s not that. But it’s because, well, you’re a bit too young for her, Spike.” Twilight said to him. “I'm sure if you were around her age you would have a chance, but she looks to be around mine and Sunset’s age.”

Spike still looked very crushed, “Don't worry, she’s just one mare. There will always be another.” Twilight said to Spike, “promise me, you won't let this get to you?” She asked.

“Okay,” Spike said with a small smile as Twilight nuzzled him.

Helios then walked up to the unicorn. "Good afternoon—" She tried to address.

However, the other unicorn seemed far too focused to acknowledge the newcomer. "Just a moment, please!" The Unicorn replied, continuing her work. "I'm in the zone, as it were. Oh yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity Belle, you are a talent.” She said to herself before turning to the five, “Now, um, how can I help up-AAAH! Oh, my stars, your highnesses, Prince Helios and Prince Orion!” She exclaimed before promptly bowing down, “Oh, please excuse my uncouth disrespect Sires! A pair of princes like yourselves should never be spoken to in such a manner!” She apologized pleading.

“At ease, Rarity Belle,” Orion said, waving his hoof, “We don't fault you for getting caught in your work. Though, I do admit, I admire your craft.” He said, looking at the decor around the hall.

Rarity's eyes sparkled at the praise, “Oh, thank you, your highness I-” Rarity paused when she saw Twilight’s hair, “Oh my goodness, Darling! What ever happened to your Coiffure?” She asked in shock.

Puzzled, Twilight looked up at her mane. The others were looking confused by this, after Rarity said that.

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

"Out of my hair?" Rarity exclaimed. "What about your hair?" She asked, jumping down and pushed Twilight out the building from the flank.

"Wait! Where are we going?!" Twilight called out. "Help!" She called out to the others from behind.

“Uh, what was that about?” Sunset asked.

“Something tells me she’ll do more than just fix Twilight’s mane.” Orion guessed.

“Come on, let's see for ourselves,” Helios said as they followed after the unicorns.

It wasn't long before Twilight stood in the center of what was a clothing boutique while the others watched from behind. All the while, Rarity shuffled through various outfits for Twilight.

"No, no, uh-uh," Rarity said to herself, judging each outfit for Twilight. "Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too… Shiny…”

“I’ve never seen somepony put Twilight into so many dresses before.” Helios commented in surprise.

“You have to admit, it is a bit entertaining.” Sunset said with chuckles.

“Though I have to give this mare credit, she has style.” Orion commented.

Twilight was then fitted into a white and blue jewelry corset with white ribbons. “Now that is perfect, my dear," Rarity said happily.

“I have to admit, that one looks tailor made for you, Twi,” Helios admitted with a smile, trotting around Twilight.

“Th-Thanks,” Twilight said with a light blush.

"Now, just to fasten this in,” Rarity then grabbed the straps with her teeth and started roughly pulling them against Twilight's barrel. Twilight strained, since the dress squeezing her tight.

‘G-Guys… Help… Me…” Twilight squeaked with a single tear leaving her eye.

Orion, Helios, Sunset, and Spike winced when they saw Twilight’s face turn blue. “Uh, I think that’s a bit too tight for her.” Spike said with a claw raised.

“Almost…got it.” Rarity mumbled before she let go and she and Twilight were sent flying. The four flinched when they crashed as Rarity stood up and flung her mane gracefully. “Ah, that’ll do. What do you think?”

“A bit tight but other than that…” Twilight started as she took deep breaths as she could breathe again. “It's not bad, thank you,” she said.

“And as for you Daring,” Rarity said to Sunset, before rushing off and coming back with a black rough texture jacket, “I believe this Faux Weather jacket will suit you wonderfully,” she said.

“Wait, wha--” Sunset was cut off before Rarity sped around her and she gave a yelp before she spun and stopped before shaking her head to regain her bearings and turned to the mirror of her jacket. “Huh not a bad fit.” She said with a smile.

“It definitely suits you, Sunset.” Orion commented.

“Thanks, Orion.” Sunset said.

Rarity then went up to the two Royal Brothers. “I must say, to be in the presence of Celestia's two twin princes is truly an honor.” She said while giving the two brothers a flirting smile while batten her eyelids.

Orion and Helios blushed a bit with a nervous look. “Uh, thanks?” Orion said awkwardly.

“Y-Yeah, thanks.” Helios repeated while Sunset and Twilight looked at Rarity with looks from her flirting with them, which made them felt weird all of sudden.

“Perhaps we could discuss royal attire for the two of you, over lunch perhaps?” She said suggestive.

Twilight and Sunset then teleported in-between them, “As fun as that sounds, I'm afraid we're on a very tight schedule,” Twilight told Rarity.

“Yeah, we need to go finish up overseeing the Summer Sun Celebration.” Sunset added.

Rarity blinked for a moment before looking between the four as a small smirk came to her, “Oh, I see. Please excuse me, your majesties. I wasn't aware these two were already your bethroths.” She mused.

This made the four ponies flinch and gave huge blushes as they stammered. “They’re not… We’re not… She/He’s not even…” They both stammered while Spike chuckled at their reaction.

“Oh, that’s funny!” Spike said through his laughter.

“Oh, hohoho, darlings please. I know the perfect couple when I see it and from what I see,” Rarity started before going to Twilight and Helios, “An intelligent mare is perfect for a Stallion of action who’s warm heart illuminates her world,” She described while Helios and Twilight looked at each other before looking away with huge blushes.

“And a mare with such a rough exterior compliments perfectly with a down to Equss stallion, who is able to calm her mind in times of strife.” Rarity added to Sunset and Orion, who just stammered while giving sheepishes looks.

“Uh, thanks for the compliments but, uh, we’re not like that.” Helios said with a nervous look. “Out of here!” He called before he took off out the door at high speed.

“Um… me too!” Orion said as he rushed after his brother.

The three mares and baby dragon watched where the two Alicorns ran off to while Rarity gave a slight chuckle. “Gets the stallions everytime.” She said.

“Uh, Rarity, can we go now?” Sunset asked with an embarrassed look.

“Of course Darling, and do hurry and approach them,” Rarity advised, “You never know when some other mare will swoop them up from under you.” She warned.

“We’re not like that!” Both Twilight and Sunset called with huge blushes while Rarity giggled as they and Spike rushed out of the door after the two boys.

Somewhere in Ponyville, after finding the two Royal Brothers, they were walking down the park while looking at each other with awkward looks while everything was silent. “So, that happened.” Helios spoke first while rubbing his head.

“Yes, I mean, I admit I do value your friendship Sunset but,” Orion trailed off, while looking away, not wanting to insult her.

“Yeah I get it, we’re just friends, the four of us.” Sunset muttered while giving a sheepish chuckle.

“Uh, Spike, what’s next on the list?” Twilight asked, wanting to change the topic.

Spike quickly recomposed himself, before checking the list. "Oh, uh, music!" He answered. "It's the last one!"

It was then they heard a multitude of birds singing. Hiding in a bush, they saw all the birds gathered into a large tree and apparently conducted by a yellow Pegasus with a soft pink mane and tail, complete with butterfly cutie marks on her flanks. During this mesmerizing rehearsal, something caught her attention.

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

"Hello!" Twilight called.

But that caused all the birds to be startled and flew away, even the yellow Pegasus gave a frightened yelp before turning around. “Twilight, that was a bad time to introduce yourself there.” Helios said with a sheepish look.

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

The yellow Pegasus said nothing, but turned away shyly, rubbing a hoof upon the ground.

"I'm Twilight Sparkle," Twilight continued. “this is Helios Solena, Orion Storm, and Sunset Shimmer.”

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

“And you are?” Helios asked.

"Um… I'm Fluttershy Breeze," The Pegasus replied in a whisper.

“Sorry, but what was that?” Orion asked.

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

The four ponies looked at each other before Sunset spoke up. “I think she’s just a bit shy.” Sunset said to them.

“But I think she’s saying she’s Fluttershy. Which makes sense.” Orion commented.

"Well, um, it looks like your birds are back. So, I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work." Twilight said, but Fluttershy only squeaked again.

“Twilight, let’s not make her nervous. I don’t think she’s used to new faces.” Helios said.

“Yeah, let’s just give her some space.” Orion said. “But, at least we know the music is taken care of by her.”

“Sounds right to me.” Spike said as he walked up to them.

The moment Spike appeared Fluttershy instantly turned around, wide eyed and smiling "A baby dragon!" Fluttershy exclaimed, more audibly as her sudden outburst made the birds fly away as she raced towards Spike, knocking the others away "Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before. He's sooo cute!" She cooed.

"Well, well, well…!" Spike smiled.

“Well, at least we know she got a thing for animals.” Helios groaned while he and the others were on the ground.

"Oh my, he talks!" Fluttershy exclaimed again. "I didn't know dragons could talk. That's just so incredibly wonderful, I, I just don't even know what to say!" She said excitedly.

“How about, hello?” Sunset suggested.

By then, Twilight used her magic to scoop Spike onto her back and started walking.
"Well, in that case, we'd better be going," Twilight said.

"Wait, wait! What's his name?" Fluttershy asked.

"I'm Spike," Spike replied.

"Hi Spike, I'm Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon! And what do dragons talk about?"

"Well, what do you wanna know?" Spike asked.

"Absolutely everything." Fluttershy said.

The others groaned as they continued their way towards the library with Fluttershy following close by.

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

“It’s gonna be a long walk.” Orion muttered.

It was sunset, even then Fluttershy and Spike were still in conversation, while the four ponies’ moods couldn't get any more sour.

"…And that's the story of my whole entire life!" Spike concluded by then, they finally arrived at the front of a grand oak tree that marked the town's library. "Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?"

"Oh, yes, please!" Fluttershy replied happily.

“Okay, can we please stop.” Helios said as he turned to Fluttershy and Spike. “You two have been going at it all day, it’s starting to get annoying.”

“Yeah, as much as we like you two getting along, I like to keep my sanity.” Sunset said in agreement.

Twilight then saw they had arrived at the Golden Oak Library “Well, this is where we’re staying while in Ponyville.” She said.

“A library? Of course.” Orion said with a chuckle. “No matter where we go, books follow you.” He joked.

“No comment.” Twilight said with her head up.

“Uh, couldn’t we just chat a bit m--” Spike tried to say but Helios grabbed him and covered his mouth to keep him from talking.

“Yeah, no.” Helios muttered before he turned to Fluttershy. “Well, it’s been nice meeting you, Fluttershy, but we best be going inside now.” He said with a small smile. “See ya, tonight.” He said as the four walked inside and closed the door.

"Huh, rude much?" Spike pointed out, with a glare as the inside was completely dark.

“Said the baby dragon who likes to talk about him so much.” Sunset shot back.

“Spike, I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time!" Twilight replied.

“Twilight, when are you gonna at least admit that there may not even be a real threat?” Helios asked with a dull look.

“It might be true if we study about her. We just need to grab some books and study more on them if we are to stop her!” Twilight said.

“Celestia specifically said no books until further notice,” Sunset told her as she looked around, “Now where's the light switch?” She asked.

“Could be on the doorway.” Orion said as they look around in the dark, but then the lights turned on and the trio found themselves surrounded by numerous ponies. The place itself was heavily decorated. And they all jumped as a honk went off.

"SURPRISE!" The ponies shouted, blowing kazoos.

Twilight just groaned, while the others were still in shock.

"SURPRISE!" Before the group was Pinkie. "I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh-huh-huh?" Pinkie asked excitedly.

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

"Well, that's silly!" Pinkie Pie answered. "What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! Y'see, I saw you when you two first got here, remember? You were all “Pinkie Pie right?" and I was all, “You know who I am!”” Pinkie renacted, “Remember? Y'see I've never saw you five before and if I've never saw you before that meant that you're both new, 'cause I know every pony, and I mean every pony in Ponyville!"

“Very impressive,” Orion commented as they walked over to the snack table.

"And if you're new," Pinkie Pie continued. "That meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went,” Pinkie gave a loud gasp as Twilight poured herself a drink and started drinking, “I must throw you a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!" She said as Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy joined them.

“Did she have so much sugar in her meal?” Sunset whispered to the others.

“I think so.” Helios whispered before they saw the other five mares they met earlier. “Hey, it’s you again.” He said while Twilight seemed to tune them all out and sipped her drink. Suddenly, she lifted her head, turned around, and her cheeks puffed out as her face went deep red while she teared up. “Uh, Twi, are you okay?” He asked as Twilight said nothing, her mane, tail caught fire, as she jumped in the air, kicking her legs frantically with steam erupting from her ears. “Okay, not fine! Water! Who’s got water?!” He called.

“I got water!” Sunset called as she went up to a jar of water as she tossed it to Helios, “Here, Helios!”

“Thanks!” Helios called as he caught the jar, opened Twilight’s mouth and dumped the water down it.

Twilight’s hair returned to normal as steam came out from her head as she fell to her haunches and sighed in relief. “Oh Thangs, Helioth,” Twilight sighed with her tongue out.

“Anytime, Twilight.” Helios said while rubbing Twilight’s back before turning back to the drink she had. “What was in that stuff?” He questioned as he inspected it and saw a bottle of hot sauce. “Who put hot sauce next to the punch?!”

Just then Pinkie Pie dumped a large dollop of it atop a cupcake and gobbled it up. The others made faces from that. "Ooh…!" Pinkie Pie remarked, as she ate it. "What? It's good!"

“I think I need to lie down for a while,” Twilight said, looking a bit worn out as she sluggishly tried to stand as the hot sauce drained her.

“Here, let me help,” Helios said, hoisting Twilight up. “Where is the bedroom?” He asked the mares.

“Uh, upstairs, second door, sugar cube.” Applejack said while pointing to the stairs.

“Thanks.” Helios said as he then carried Twilight to keep her steady. “Come on, Twilight. Let’s get some rest before the sunrise.”

“If it doesn’t make us get held up on study.” Twilight muttered as Helios rolled his eyes as he guided Twilight upstairs.

“So, did you all enjoy the party?” Pinkie asked with a cheerful smile.

“Oh brother.” Sunset muttered while Orion and Spike looked at each other with shrugs.

In the sleeping section of the library, Helios decided to skip the party to make sure Twilight gets her rest, knowing that she tends to study even when she’s stubborn to get some sleep.

The two were currently looking up at the stars, “Beautiful Night, isn't it?” Helios said, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yeah, a great night. If Nightmare Moon tries to do something about it.” Twilight muttered.

Helios wanted to tell Twilight off before he noticed four stars surrounding the moon imprisoning his aunt. “The elder sister became blinded by pride of the praise the ponies showered her in for their love of her day,” He began, recalling the story his mother told him and Orion as foals.

“What was that?” Twilight asked.

“The story about Aunt Luna mom told me and Orion about back when we were colts.” Helios said to her while looking up at the moon. “Aunt Luna became bitter and angry at the ponies one thousand years ago, never respecting her, called her slanderous things and mother did nothing to help her.” He revealed. “All she wanted was the love and praise mother had.” He said before he frowned and closed his eyes with grief. “But she never got it.”

Twilight was surprised by this as she never heard of that story before. “W-What happened to her?” She asked.

Helios gave no answer and pointed with his wing upwards to the moon, which Twilight realized what he was saying as she gasped. “It’s in the history books. Just… not in a way she wanted to be remembered.” Helios said sadly.

“I-I didn’t even know about that. Or about Luna.” Twilight said as she looked at Helios in sympathetic.

“Mom said she didn’t have the heart to put in Aunt Luna’s name when she first became Nightmare Moon.” Helios said with a sad look. “It was bad enough she was banished to the moon when she just wanted to be loved and appreciated. Mom felt guilty for what happened to her. Whenever she looked up at the moon, she saw the ghost of her past haunting her.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Twilight asked in wonder.

Helios turned to her and looked at her intently, “Because I trust you. Which is why I am asking you this,” He said, “Is there a way to save my aunt?” He asked her.

Twilight looks at Helios while giving a thoughtful look at his question for saving his aunt from who she’s become if she ever returned as she looks up back to the moon. “I-I don’t know if there’s a way.” She honestly said before turning back to Helios. “But, if there was a way, I promise we will save her.” She said with a small smile.

Helios gave a small smile at her. “Thanks, Twilight.” He said with a smile as they continued to watch the moon as Twilight gently placed her hoof over his, which surprised him as he turned and saw her giving him a small smile as he returned the gesture as they looked at the moon. “Hang on, Aunty. We’ll save you from your torment.” He promised.

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

"Isn't this exciting?" Pinkie asked, out of the blue. "Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited—well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went,” Pinkie gasped, “But I mean really, who can top that?"

“Okay, easy up, Pinkie.” Orion said with a wave of his hoof.

“Yeah let’s just enjoy the festivities” Sunset said in agreement.

“Okay!” Pinkie cheerfully said as a cream-colored mare with a whitish mane, tail, a scroll tied in a blue ribbon for a cutie mark, and glasses upon her nose appeared. This was the Mayor of Ponyville known as… Well, 'Mayor Mare'. As soon as Fluttershy's birds performed their opening number, she took center stage.

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

All the ponies cheered proudly, stomping their hooves at the start of the upcoming arty. But while she spoke, Twilight and her friends looked up and saw the stars approaching the moon and the Mare in the Moon's silhouette disappeared from the moon's surface. This made Sunset and Twilight rather nervous while Helios and Orion gave a serious look, having a feeling of what’s coming as the Mayor continued on completely blissfully.

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

"Ready?" Fluttershy asked her birds, who simply nodded.

"… Princess Celestia!" Mayor Mare announced.

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

"Huh?" Rarity said, shocked.

The rest of the ponies chattered quietly and nervously in the background. "This can't be good," Twilight said.

“Where’s Mom?” Orion asked in concern.

“I have, an idea,” Helios said grimly, looking to the moon as the mare in the moon reappeared but had a blue, green and purple sheen.

“Uh, why does the mare in the moon have a blue, green, and purple color on the spot where the mane is?” Spike asked in confusion.

Rarity searched the area where Celestia was supposed to be, but all she could say is… "She's gone!"

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

"Ooh, she's good!" Pinkie Pie remarked.

Just then, she gave a great yelp as every pony gasped once when, a dark, cloudy mist appeared on the podium.

"Oh no…" Twilight panicked, quietly.

“Is that…” Sunset asked worriedly.

“It’s her…” Orion said grimly.

“She’s here…” Helios finished with a step back.

They all watched fearfully, as the mist slowly took form, morphing into the shape of a tall, dark alicorn in light blue armor.

“Nightmare Moon!” Both Sunset and Twilight exclaimed.

“Aunt Luna.” The Royal Brothers said in unison and in dread at seeing their aunt for the first time.

Spike was scared he fainted and fell off Twilight’s back. “Oh my beloved Subjects. It’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious little sun loving faces,” Nightmare Moon mused as the ponies looked at her in shock and terror.

“What’ve you done with out Princess?!” Rainbow demanded as she charged at Nightmare Moon but was stopped dead in her tracks by the alicorn’s magic, “Hey, wha?” Rainbow asked before her limbs were pulled and then she was flung hard into a wall.

“Child’s play,” Nightmare Moon chuckled but then her expression quickly changed. "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?" She asked angrily.

“They clearly didn’t read the tale.” Helios whispered to the others in shock as they nodded in agreement.

The dread silence and blank expression on every pony's faces showed they clearly didn't. "Ooh, ooh, more guessing games!" Pinkie remarked excitedly. "Um, Hokey Smokes! How about… Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty…"

Pinkie Pie was quickly shushed, as an apple cupcake was shoved down her throat.

Suffice to say, Nightmare Moon was furious, She glared angrily, turning to Fluttershy, who couldn't look her in the eye, "Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?" Nightmare Moon demanded as she turned to Rarity. "Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?" She asked, using her mane to flip her chin.

“We did.” Sunset’s voice spoke up as she, Twilight, Helios and Orion stood in front of the crowd with determined expressions.

“We know who you really are, Mare in The Moon,” Orion said, narrowing his eyes, “Or should I say, Princess Luna?” He questioned.

Nightmare Moon was surprised before she glared, “Luna? That name means nothing to me! I am only Nightmare Moon!” She announced as the crowd gasped at the mention of the name they heard from the pony tale of their foalhood, “Though I am curious, how are you aware of this, Colt? I was certain Luna was long since dead in Equestria,”

Helios then stepped forward, flaring out his wings, “I’m Prince Helios Solena and he is my twin brother, Prince Orion Storm!” He announced.

“We are the Sons of your Sister, Princess Celestia!” Orion finished, flaring his wings as well.

Nightmare Moon’s eyes widened in complete shock at seeing the two Alicorn brothers while the crowd then cheered the two royals on. But then her face turned to amusement, “Well, well, well, so my dear sister spawned while I was away,” She said in amusement while Helios and Orion just glared at her.

“Wait, you two are this freak’s nephews?!” Rainbow asked in shock before Applejack nudged her.

“Be quiet, Rainbow!” Applejack whispered harshly.

“Well, if you truly are who you claim then you must also know that my revenge against your mother is only half the reason I am here, my dear nephews,” Nightmare Moon said with a glare.

“We know what you’re trying to do.” Helios said with a serious look.

“You’re planning to plunge Equestria into darkness and keep the sun from rising again.” Orion added. “For the night to be eternal!”

Nightmare Moon gave a sinister laughter. “You assume correctly, my dears!” She called as she then turned to the crowd. “Remember this day, little ponies.For it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" She laughed maniacally, as the thunder clashed alongside her.

Helios and Orion glared hard at Nightmare Moon while Twilight and Sunset looked on in worry, knowing they had to stop Nightmare Moon and save Celestia and Luna, before Equestria would never see the light of day again, literally.

Author's Note

And with that the first offical episode of MLP FIM is up.

I might want to note most chapters will not be carbon copies of the original episodes with added characters saying things or replacing already existing character's lines, and a few episodes might not even get a chapter, we may even have a timeskip or Original Chapter here and there. This will add more uniqueness, filling in Plotholes, fix some issues many of you had with how episodes were done or how some characters were treated.

But also remember, some of these negative points or mistakes, (Canterlot Wedding for Example) were necessary for character development and plot, so we may not be able to fix all of them.

Anyway, one issue I fixed here was that Twilight had much more care and concern for Spike, rather than disregarding his well-being and treating him like a son. We will see more development of their relationship going forward. Also, I decided that Spike and Rarity won't be happening (Apologies Sparity shippers) simply because I think Spike is too young for Rarity but I already know who to use instead.

Next time, Twilight, Sunset, Helios and Orion, along with their new friends, will venture out to find the Elements of Harmony and defeat Nightmare Moon, paving the way for Familiar Tales and New Adventures.

Remember to post in the comments what Elements would best fit the Two Princes and what kind of challenges and obstacles will they encounter that will put their elements, as well as Sunset's Empathy, to the test.

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

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

Until then NNNNIIIINNNJJJJJAAA-GO!!!

Chapter 2: Friendship is Magic Part 2

Nightmare Moon continued to laugh as thunder and lightning crashed and everypony backed away nervously while the Royal Brothers give glares.

"Seize her!" Mayor Mare shouted, "Only she knows where the Princess is!" A group of several guard pegasi flew up to try and prevent Nightmare Moon from escaping.

"Stand back, you foals!" Nightmare Moon demanded as her eyes glowed white. She then laughed as she generated thunder bolts to knock back all the guards. She then turned into Blue Smog and flew out of the Town Hall leaving everypony to run around in panic.

“Ergh!" Applejack groaned as she tried to hold Rainbow back, but the blue Pegasus had finally broken free, sending Applejack flying backwards as Rainbow tried to pursue, but the mist was far too fast for her and disappeared into the night.

"Come back here!" Rainbow panted and then realized what Nightmare Moon had said, "Nighttime? Forever?" It was just then Twilight who was carrying Spike, Sunset and the brothers dashed out of the Town Hall as fast as their hooves could go. "Where're they going?" she demanded from above, "They know something..."

Once they made it back to the Golden Oak Library, Twilight placed Spike in a basket bed as he tried to stay awake. “Uh...we gotta stop the Nightmare!..." Spike pointed out before he conked out again and was fast asleep. Twilight just smiled as she tucked Spike into his basket for the night.

"You've been up all night Spike," Orion pointed out as Spike continued to sleep, "You are a baby dragon after all."

“Besides, this might get messy, and the last thing we need is Aunt Luna using you as a Pony, err, dragon shield,” Helios said with a small smile.

“You just catch some Z’s little buddy,” Sunset told the baby Dragon, “We’ll handle Nightmare Moon,”

Twilight then kissed Spike’s forehead, “We’ll be back,” She promised as the four walked out of the room and turned off the light. Once they made it to the library Twilight took a breath, “So, that was your aunt and the Princess’s sister,” She said to the two brothers.

“Yes,” Helios and Orion nodded.

“Okay, no offense, but I don’t see the resemblance. She really sends chills down your spine.” Sunset commented with a shudder.

“Well, she wasn’t always like that before she became Nightmare Moon from what Mom’s pictures told us.” Helios said, pacing around a bit. “And according to her story the only chance we have of stopping her is with the Elements of Harmony,”

“Which apparently, were lost to the ages.” Orion added while pacing around while rubbing his chin. “Our mother used to have them, but she lost them after our aunt was sent to the moon. Where would she leave the Elements of Harmony?”

"And just what are the Elements of Harmony?" Rainbow demanded, pushing her face right into Twilight's and causing the unicorn to back up nervously, "And how do you four know about Nightmare Moon, huh? And how is NIghtmare Moon your aunts?! Are you four spies?”

Helios and Orion glared as their horns glowed a bit before they gave Rainbow a yell. “BACK OFF!!!” They both yelled, which created a huge gust of wind that made Rainbow’s face pushed back before she was sent flying.

“Whoa!" Rainbow was soon pushed back as Applejack appeared and caught her while giving her a brow.

“Rainbow, I think you’d know better than to be a rattler around two Alicorns.” Applejack said with a brow.

“Yeah, I see that now.” Rainbow said with a sheepish and nervous smile while rubbing her head before taking flight again as Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie entered the library.

“And for one thing, we’re not spies. Who thought of that crazy idea?” Helios said with a look as Rainbow gave a sheepish look. “And our aunt wasn’t always like this.”

“You mind telling us what the hay is going on, then?” Applejack asked the four ponies. “Because it seems like you four know more than you do.”

“We should tell them, Twilight.” Sunset said to her best friend. “This could be bigger than just the four of us.”

Twilight nodded before turning to Helios, “I think they should know the true story of Nightmare Moon,” She told the prince.

Helios sighs as he nodded before he turned to four five mares. “Nightmare Moon’s true name is Princess Luna. She was our mother’s younger sister. They rule together in Equestria, but everypony was so only giving the attention to our Mom, Luna got jealous and upset and that eventually turned to jealousy and bitterness, she used dark magic to raised the moon, blocking the sun to make it eternal night so that ponies would finally learn to appreciate her night forever.” He stated with a solemn look. “But it came at a price, the Dark magic transformed our Aunt’s envy and bitterness into pure evil and warped her body into a reflection of that.”

“My word!” Rarity said in shock, as were the other mares. “That’s just horrible!”

“And a bit sad for her.” Fluttershy added.

“You don’t know half of it.” Orion said with a solemn look.

“Our mother and aunt then fought for the throne, so our mother had no choice but to use the Elements of Harmony to banish her to the moon for a thousand years.” Helios continued with a serious look. “Her story was passed down through bedtime stories as the mare of the moon. But after tonight, she has returned to accomplish her goal.”

“But, how did you four knew about her?” Rainbow questioned with a brow.

“We read about it through my studies back in Canterlot and about the Elements of Harmony.” Twilight answered.

“And our mother told us when we were little.” Orion added as he took out a picture of Celestia and the two brothers. “We were told to keep it a secret from everypony else. Knowing that Luna shouldn’t be remembered as a monster.”

“We’d hoped that when she returned, Mom would have some kind of plan to change her back but clearly that’s not the case.” Helios said before he gave a frown and kicked a loose book, which knocked one over from a shelf. “After a thousand years, she didn’t find the answer. And with her on the moon, how can we stop Luna?”

“What we need is the Elements of Harmony to beat her again.” Twilight spoke up as Sunset shook her head.

“Twilight, did you forget that the elements were never found again after Celestia used it on her sister?” Sunset questioned. “They could be anywhere in Equestria.”

“Maybe this book would help?” Pinkie asked as she picked up a book. “Elements of Harmony: Reference Guide.” She added before Twilight pushed her aside and held her book.

“How did you find it?!” Twilight asked in amazement as Pinkie hopped by cheerfully.

“Helios knocked it down when he kicked the book!” Pinkie cheerfully said as she hopped.

“Huh, weird coincidence.” Helios commented as Twilight then opened up the book and start reading it.

“There are Seven Elements of Harmony, but only six are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honestly, Empathy and Loyalty. The seventh is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the nine elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters." Twilight red as it was during this time that mysterious black mist had returned and was watching the seven ponies outside the window before zipping away. "It is located in what is now-"

“The Everfree Forest?!” They all exclaimed as they were now in front of the overgrown creepy forest that is just outside of Ponyville.

“That’s where the elements are?” Sunset asked in shock.

“Heh, in a place that is unpredictable and a bit dangerous, seems like it.” Helios said with a shrug.

“Wee! Let's go!" Pinkie Pie said eagerly and bounced forward.

"Not so fast," Twilight as she stopped her, "Look, I appreciate the offer, but...Helios, Orion, Sunset, and I can handle this alone…”

"No can do, sugarcube," said Applejack firmly, "We sure ain't lettin' any friends of ours go into that creepy place alone. We're sticking to you four like caramel on a candy apple." The rest of the girls gave an agreed "hmph" as they ventured forward minus Pinkie Pie.

"Especially if there's candy apples in there," said Pinkie Pie, earning some stares at the four ponies "What? Those things are good." Twilight just sighed as Sunset stifled a chuckle while Helios and Orion gave an amusement look.

But while the two mares walked ahead the two stallions stayed put and looked at the woods in concern. “Are you girls sure you want to risk your lives for this?” Helios asked in concern.

“Yeah, this could get dangerous.” Orion said to them.

“Hey, Equestria is at risk. Of course we’re sure.” Rainbow said with a boastful smirk as the girls nodded. “Now come on. We’re wasting time.” She said as the girls walked off into the forest while the two Alicorns looked at each other.

Sunset saw this and walked over to them, “I know you two are worried about doing this. That you're worried that even if we find the elements we won’t be able to save your aunt,” She told the two princes, “But she needs you, the princess needs you, the ponies need you.” She paused and gestured to the group, “We need you. I promise we will do everything we can to save Princess Luna, so keep your heads up, I know we can do this.”

The two brothers looked at each other before giving a smile. “We’ll try, Sunset.” Orion said with a smile.

“I just hope there’s still a bit of light left in our aunt.” Helios hoped as they then ventured into the forest after the rest of the mares.

After a bit of walking, they found themselves in the deeper parts of the forest Twilight broke the silence. “So, none of you have been in there before?" Twilight asked.

"Ugh, heavens no!" Rarity answered as she surveyed all the marsh, "Just look at it - it's dreadful!" She whimpered before they had started approaching a large cliffside.

"And it ain't natural," Applejack added, it was then the dark mist appeared below them. "Folks say it doesn't work the same as Equestria."

“In fact I’ve heard rumors that the forest has a will of its own,” Orion told them as the smog seeped into the cracks of the clips

“What's that supposed to mean?" Twilight asked.

"Nopony knows," Rainbow said, lowering her voice to make it sound like she was telling a ghost story, "You know why?" Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttery began to shiver nervously.

"Rainbow, quit it," Sunset scolded, knowing exactly what the blue Pegasus was trying to do. “This no time for ghost stories.

"’Cause everypony who's ever come in has never come OUT!" Rainbow finished as the three flinched.

“Could you say that a little louder? I don’t think this cliff instability heard you,” Helios commented sarcastically.

“Wait, this cliff is what now?” Rarity asked nervously as sSuddenly there was a loud crash and the ground beneath them gave away and everyone screamed. Only Fluttershy, Helios, Orion, and Rainbow Dash were able to avoid sliding down the steep slope.

“Oh smooth move, Clown mane!” Helios exclaimed with a glare.

"Uh, can we talk about this later! The others need us! Quick!" Rainbow shouted as she swooped down.

"Oh my goodness, oh my goodness," Fluttershy panicked before joining Rainbow. Both Twilight and Rarity screamed as they tried to slow their fall down the slope, which led towards a large drop off. Rainbow scooped up Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy grabbed Rarity's tail to slow her down. Orion then flew down and grab Sunset

Applejack managed to use her teeth to stop her sliding but then she saw Twilight was losing ground fast and was soon dangling over the edge of the cliff. "Hold on!"I'm a-comin'!" Applejack called as let go of her branch and gently made her way towards Twilight and grabbed her front legs to keep her from falling.

"Applejack, what do I do?" Twilight asked in fright, kicking the cliffside to get more ground. Applejack just held her tightly before she looked up and saw something and then looked at Twilight.

"Let go," Applejack said simply.

"Are you crazy?" Twilight retorted.

"No I ain't," Applejack said assuredly, "I promise you'll be safe."

"That's not true!" Twilight protested in fear.

"Now listen here," Applejack said firmly, "What I'm sayin' to you is the honest truth. Let go, and you'll be safe." Twilight hesitated before she let go.

"YAAAAAAAAAAH!" Twilight screamed before she was caught by Helios as Twilight looked up at him as he looked down at her.

“Hey, nice of you to drop in,” Helios quipped with a small smile.

Twilight gave a light blush and a sheepish chuckle while feeling relief that Helios saved her before they suddenly dropped a bit. “Whoa!” She yelped.

“Oop, sorry Twi,” Helios apologized, regaining control, “Not used to carrying so much weight,” He said.

“Are you calling me fat?” Twilight asked with a brow.

“No, just heavy,” Helios replied with a grin as he and Twilight laughed before flapping slowly to the ground as Twilight just watched Applejack hop her way down and smiled, grateful that she had trusted her new friend. “Is everyone alright?” He asked.

“We’re good.” Sunset spoke up while waving her hoof while next to Orion.

“We’re fine, sugarcube.” Applejack said as she joined them.

“Good,” Helios said as he looked over the forest and saw something in the distance, “Hey, I can see some ruins from up here. That’s gotta be the old castle.” He said with a smile.

“Huh, lucky,” Pinkie commented as Helios and Twilight landed on the ground and the former let the latter down.

“Alright, let’s keep moving,” Orion told them as they started walking again.

Twilight walked close to Helios and nuzzled his neck, “Thank you, Helios,” She said softly with a smile.

Helios gave a slight blush while giving a small chuckle. “W-What are friends for?” He asked as Twilight walked off as Helios followed behind her. What they didn’t see was the smog that flew towards an unknown creature which then roared loudly.

As they ventured forward, Rainbow just couldn't stop talking about it. "And once Pinkie and Rarity were saved," Rainbow said excitedly, "Whoosh...Me and Fluttershy loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you in the nick of time." Twilight, Helios, Orion, and Sunset looked indignant.

“A-Hem!” Helios faked coughed loudly, not allowing Rainbow to steal all the glory.

“And uh, Helios and Orion came swooping in to save Sunset and Twilight as well.” Rainbow said with a sheepish smile.

“That’s what I thought.” Orion said with a look. “You fly as good as you flap your lips you’d already be one of the Wonderbolts,”

The mares all giggled while Rainbow gave a look from that. “Are you saying I talk too much?” She questioned.

“Wow, that’s gotta be the longest time you’ve kept quiet, Dash.” Applejack joked with a chuckle.

“Orion and I have our moments.” Helios said with a smirk. “Sometimes we do the same to Twilight when she sometimes brag of being right at times.” He added with a teasing tone.

“Oh, haha, very funny.” Twilight said with a brow. “And I'm very grateful, but we gotta GASP!" Suddenly, a creature that was a hybrid between a lion and a scorpion appeared before them.

"A manticore!" Orion exclaimed as the manticore roared at them, "We've gotta get past him!" He said while Fluttershy noticed one of its paws was off the ground.

The manticore tried to attack, but Rarity gave him a good buck in the face to make him flinch back.

"Take that, you ruffian!" Rarity called out confidently. The manticore gave a loud growl, messing up Rarity's mane and making it become poofy and messy. "My hair!" She cried out before noticing the manticore just glaring at her, "Woop-" She just barely missed getting swiped and dashed away.

Wait," Fluttershy said in her soft tone, but the manticore roared again as Applejack landed on top of him.

"YEE-HAW! Git along, little doggie," she called out trying to ride the manticore like a wild bull.

"Wait," Fluttershy repeated, more firmly, but her voice was still too soft as Applejack was tossed away.

"Whoa!" Applejack called out and saw Rainbow dash above her as she was still in the air, "All yours, partner."

"I'm on it," said Rainbow as she tried to dive at manticore.

"Wait!" Fluttershy called out a little louder, but Rainbow was already on the offense. Until the manticore’s roar blew her away, causing her to scream.

"Rainbow!" Twilight called out as the manticore grunted at them. The rest of the ponies minus Fluttershy o began digging her hooves into the dirt. Twilight snorted with determination before the five girls began to charge at him all at once. Well four charged and Pinkie bounced toward the manticore. They were within attacking range when Fluttershycut them all off.

"WAIT!" Fluttershy called out to bring them all to a stop. The manticore even stopped charging as well and roared. Fluttershy simply approached the manticore. The Manticore raised his hoof, ready to attack while The others flinched nervously, “It’s okay,” Fluttershy said softly, making them open their eyes and see Fluttershy nuzzling the Manticore’s other paw.

The Manticore calmed down and gave a sad whimper, revealing that he had a very thick thorn in his paw, "Oh, you poor, poor little baby." Fluttershy said to it.

"Little?" Rainbow replied, stunned.

“You call that little?” Sunset questioned as the other's watched with interest, the manticore gave a rather sad look at the yellow Pegasus.

"Now this might hurt just a second," Flutershy told him gently and quickly used her mouth to pull the thorn out. The manticore roared and brought Fluttershy towards his face.

“Fluttershy!” The others yelled in panic but were then surprised to see the Manticore licking Fluttershy affectionately.

"Aw, you're just a little ol' baby kitty, aren't you?" Fluttershy replied sweetly as he continued to lick her mane and then set her down. Everyone gave her a cheer as the manticore set her down and went on his way.

Twilight was most impressed. "How did you know about the thorn?" she asked.

"I saw him limping and knew right there something was wrong," Fluttershy said as she walked by, her pink mane still sticking upward from the licking, "Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness."

Twilight smiled in impression as they continued on while Fluttershy took the lead, “Come on, Manny said that there’s a shortcut to the castle this way,” She pointed to the trees ahead.

“Then let’s move,” Helios said as they press on, not noticing the thorn Fluttershy pulled out turned into the purple smog that followed after them.

The group continued forward before Rarity soon groaned, "No, my eyes need a rest from all this icky muck," She said and then all their vision went black. "Well, I didn't mean that literally," She added.

“We must’ve entered the darkest part of the Everfree Forest.” Orion spoke up, seeing nothing but darkness.

“Definitely dark. It’s pitch black.” Sunset added as the purple smog slithered past them.

"Is whittle pony afraid of the dark?" Rainbow teased.

“You know I’m older than you, right?” Sunset questioned with a brow.

“Okay, you’re no fun.” Rainbow said with a disappointed tone."

“Those ancient ruins could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn't even know it," Twilight pointed out as the purple smog entered some trees while the others started talking amongst themselves. Twilight then bumped into Helios, “Ow, Helios!”

“Sorry, I think I stepped in something.” Helios said, holding up a muddy hoof.

“AAAHH!!” Fluttershy screamed in terror.

“Oh calm down, it’s just mud,” Helios retorted with a brow.

“No, AHHH!!” Fluttershy pointed behind him.

“What?” Helios asked before turning to see a tree with a monster face on it, “Whoa?!” He yelped in surprise. Then there was an ominous growl from one of the trees. Then another, then another and soon they were all surrounded. They all screamed, including Mario, who stood in front of them on guard despite being terrified himself. The trees growled again and they screamed once more...except for Pinkie Pie. Who was apparently...laughing?!

"Huh?" everyone said in surprise. Pinkie was too busy just laughing and making faces at the scary tree.

"Pinkie, what are you doing?!" Twilight asked fearfully, "Run!"

"Oh girls, don't you see?" said Pinkie Pie. And then she...started to sing.
When I was a little filly and the sun was going doo-ow-ow-n..."

"You gotta be kidding me..." Sunset replied with dread.

"Tell me she's not..." Twilight added before Pinkie popped up from above them and then again upside down.

The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me froo-ow-ow-n

"She is," Orion replied dully.

"Aye, yi," Helios muttered while Pinkie continued to sing as she bounced around the group.

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 as all

"Then what is?" Rainbow asked as Pinkie got into her face.

She said, "Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall
Learn to face your fears
You'll see that they can't hurt you
Just laugh and make them disappear."
Ha! Ha! Ha!

As if by magic, the once scary tree turned into a normal tree with no face on it. Even the darkness around it had disappeared. The ponies then gasped.

"Well...in that case..." Orion asked with a smile of his own. Pinkie continued her song as they others laughed the scary trees away.

So giggle at the ghostly
Guffaw at the grossly
Crack up at the creepy
Chortle at the kooky
Snortle at the spooky

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...hahahaha...heh...

Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!

Soon all the scary trees had disappeared and the rest of the ponies were just on their backs, laughing themselves silly.

They continues to laugh and hop happily until Pinkie came to sudden stop and they all collided into each other. That was when they noticed before them was a wide stream dividing the forest. While it appeared to be rather shallow, the water was actually raging violently.

“Okay, I’m sensing a pattern here,” Helios noted, seeing how they seemed to be running into a lot of bad luck.

"How are we gonna cross this?" Pinkie Pie asked. Before anyone could answer, they suddenly heard the sound of someone crying in the distance. "Huh?" She remarked as they all turned to see a rather large and long purple sea serpent with orange hair, crying to himself in the middle of the water.

"What a world, what a world," he sobbed dramatically.

"Excuse me, sir," Orion called out, trying to be polite, "Why are you crying?"

"Well I don't know," The serpent replied as he faced the seven ponies, "I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisked past and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off, and now I look simply horrid and infront of Royalty no less!" He wailed as he slammed back into the water, creating a massive wave of water that was coming at the ponies, much to their irritation.

“Oh, give me a break," Rainbow muttered annoyingly.

"That's what all the fuss is about?" Applejack asked is disbelief.

“Seriously pal? It’s just a mustache,” Sunset told him with a brow.

Rarity gave a gasp. "Just a Mustache? Sunset darling, shame on you," She replied for the serpent as she stepped forward, "How can you be so insensitive? Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales."

"I know," The serpent sniffled.

"And you're expertly coiffed mane," Rarity added.

"Oh I know, I know," The serpent replied as he ran his fingers through it.

"You're fabulous manicure," Rarity pressed on.

"It's so true!" The serpent answered as he looked at his fingers.

"All ruined without your beautiful mustache," Rarity finished with sympathy in her tone.

"It's true, I'm hideous!" The serpent cried dramatically.

"I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!" Rarity said with determination, a clear mare with a mission. Before the serpent could say anything further, Rarity pulled off one of serpent's scales, making him yelp.

"What did you do that for?" he asked. Rarity said nothing as she held the rounded part of his scale in her mouth. the sharper end gleaned in the moonlight as she raised it into the air.
"Rarity, what are you-" Twilight tried to asked.

SWIPE!

Everypony's eyes shrunk with shock and the serpent fainted, but fortunately he didn't splash them with water again. Rarity's now long beautiful tail had been cut, leaving just a short remainder of purple. Using her magic, she picked up the cut up part and carefully tied it into the remains of the serpent's cut mustache. He woke up and saw that his mustache had been restored...for the most part.

"Oh-hohohoho!" The serpent exclaimed with glee, "My mustache. How wonderful."

"You look smashing," said Rarity before returning to the group.

"Oh, Rarity, your beautiful tail..." Twilight said. Rarity just looked at her now short tail with a sad look before smiling.

"Oh it's fine dear," said Rarity bravely, making the best of it, "short tails are in this season. Besides...it'll grow back." She said with an uneasy smile.

"So would the mustache," Rainbow muttered before Helios elbowed her. “Ugh! Hey!”

“Rainbow, no one likes a smart flank.” Helios said with a look before turning to Rarity. “But, Rarity, that was very generous of you to sacrifice your tail for him.”

“Well, I have to. I couldn’t let somepony suffer because of how they look.” Rarity said with a smile.

Twilight then gasped. "We can cross now," She told everyone as she walked through the now shallow water, "Let's go. Ah!" She was startled as she found herself on a hump in the serpent’s long body.

"Allow me," The serpent said as he created a set of platforms for them all to use to cross.

“Thanks, Mr. Serpent.” Orion said as the group hopped across the river.

After a while walking through the forest, Twilight recognized what they were looking for. "There it is, the ruins that hold The Elements of Harmony. We made it!" Twilight said excitedly as she took off.

“Twilight, wait for us!” Applejack called as she and the others raced after her.

"We're almost there," Twilight called out and then nearly tumbled down a large gap, but managed to dig her front hooves against the side of the cliff to keep herself from tumbling over. Helios quickly rushed over and grabbed Twilight by her tail and pulled her away from the cliff as she laid on her stomach.

“Ever heard the phrase look before you leap?” Helis questioned Twilight with a brow. “Because that’s like the second time you almost fell to your doom.”

"What's with you and falling off cliffs today?" Rainbow jokes, but Twilight just looked shell-shocked and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thanks, Helios. Again.” Twilight said, ignoring Rainbow’s question.

“Just try and slow down before you go ahead, Twilight.” Helios said to her.

“Didn’t they hear what I said?” Rainbow questioned with a brow.

“It’s all fun and games until somepony falls to their doom, Rainbow.” Sunset said with a brow. “At least try and be sentimental.”

“Even I don’t laugh when one of my friends nearly fell to their doom.” Pinkie added as she and the rest of them walked forward. "Now what?" He asked with a sigh.

"Duh," Rainbow remarked, as she flapped her wings to get herself up in the air.

“Oh yeah,” Pinkie realized.

“Maybe Orion and I can go with you.” Helios suggested.

“Nah. I got it covered.” Rainbow said as she then searched for the rope that held the boards to the bridge in place and flew back up to the opposite side.
"
Rainbow..." A mysterious voice said, causing the blue Pegasus to drop the rope before she could tie it.

"Who's there?" Rainbow asked, standing on her upright hoofs an using her wings to stay balanced.

"Rainbow..." The voice said again.

"I ain't scared of you!" Rainbow said bravely, pushing her front hooves in front of herself, "show yourself!"

"We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria," The voice said in tone that was deviously persuasive.

"Who?" Rainbow asked curiously.

"Why, you, of course," the voice answered.

"Really?! I mean...oh yeah, me," Rainbow stuttered, "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, "said the voice and before her appeared three Pegasus wearing some darker blue and black flight suits and goggles appeared before her, "We want you to join us, The Shadowbolts. 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." Their leader began to flying around Rainbow Dash, stroking her ego more and more.

"The most magnificient-"

"Yep" Rainbow agreed.

"Swiftest-"

"Yes"

"Bravest flyer in all the land."

"Yes" Rainbow chuckled, "it's all true."

"We need...you," said the leader.

"WOOHOO!" She shouted excitedly, "Sign me up. Just let me tie this bridge real quick and we have a deal." Rainbow grabbed the rope in her mouth and began to tie it when the leader charged next to her, making her drop the rope from her mouth.

"No!" she barked, "It's them or us!" Rainbow suddenly felt like she was in tight spot.

"Rainbow, what's taking so long?" Twilight called out. That was when she saw the Shadowbolts and gasped, "Oh no, Rainbow!" The Shadowbolt leader's eyes glowed, creating a thick fog that drowned Twilight out.

"Dash, don't listen to them!" Twilightcalled out, but was soon muted by the fog. She tried to shout again when Helios raised a hoof to stop her.

“Don’t worry, she’ll come back, I know it,” Helios said confidently.

Rainbow was unsure of what to do as she looked between the Shadowbolts and her friends.

"Well?" The leader asked.

Rainbow closed her eyes before opening them, “...You,” The Shadowbolts were left stunned. "Thank you," She clarified as she secured the bridge, "for the offer, I mean, but I'm afraid I have to say no." Rainbow zipped away. The leader and her two Pegasus gritted their teeth before turning back into the dark mist and floated away.

The rest of the ponies cheered as Rainbow arrived back at the other side and they began to cross. "See?" Helios told Twilight with a smile before turning to Rainbow, “You could’ve taken their offer and became leader of the greatest team of flyers in Equestria.”

"Hey, even I got a chance to become a Wonderbolt, I'd never leave my friends hangin'." Rainbow said as her friends smiled as they crossed the bridge.

Helios then realizes something. “Wait a minute.” He said as he stopped, as did the others.

“What’s wrong, Helios?” Applejack asked.

“Have any of you noticed something fishy about this whole trip?” Helios questioned.

“Fishy how?” Pinkie asked.

“The things that have happened there are just too convenient,” Helios said suspiciously. “First a landslide that just happened on a perfectly stable cliff.”

Orion then got what his brother was saying. “Yeah. And did anypony wonder how that manticore suddenly just leaped on us when it only had a thorn that just happened to be in its paw?” He questioned.

“Now that you mention it, the darkness did cover the area of the forest where we saw those trees that just happened to have monster faces that only disappeared when we laughed.” Twilight remembered.

“Yeah and come to think of it, didn’t seem it seem convenient that serpent was having a bad hair right the river we crossed?” Sunset questioned.

“And now that I think about it, those Shadowbolts were giving me a bit of a bad guy vibe.” Rainbow added while gesturing to the spot the Shadowbolts were.

“All these little obstacles.” Helios said while giving a serious look. “This can’t be just a coincidence.”

“Obstacles?” Rarity asked in confusion. “What are you trying to say, darling? That we’re suddenly competing in some sort of game show?”

“No.” Helios shook his head. “But, what if these were no accidents?” He said to them seriously.

“What in the sam hill are you talking about?” Applejack questioned in confusion, “We’re in Everfree Forest, nothing here works like it does in Equestria,”

“But what if there’s a reason it happened?” Orion suggested as they turned to him, “Think about, each obstacle we happened upon one of you girls showed a certain trait when we were about to bite it.”

“Right, Sunset empathy helped us get our confidence, Applejack’s honesty saved Twilight, Fluttershy’s kindness stopped the Manticore and tamed it after removing a splinter, Pinkie’s laughter helped us face through the dark, Rarity’s generosity helped made that serpent look good again, and now Rainbow’s loyalty of turning down the Shadowbolts for us to get across.” Helios said while saying each of their obstacles they went through to get here.

“Wait, Empathy, Loyalty, Laughter,” Sunset listed off before turning to Twilight, “Twi, aren’t those…”

Twilight’s eyes widened, “The names of the six Elements, it might mean the Forest is trying to see if we’re worthy of the Elements!” She realized with a smile.

The rest of the girls were surprised by this, “Wait, so it was all one big test?” Rainbow questioned, “Those trees, the Shadowbolts, the Landslide, that Manticore?” She listed out while Helios put a hoof to his chin.

“The Serpent’s mustache being cut by purple smoke…” Helios said before his eyes widened. “Oh no.”

“What is it, Helios?” Orion asked as the others turned to him.

“Think about, the serpent said that his mustache was cut by purple smoke.” Helios said to them. “And ever since we entered the forest it seems that everything was trying to keep from reaching the Castle,”

“Yeah, So” Fluttershy asked.

“So, who can turn into Purple Smoke? Who else would know about the Castle? And who would go to all the trouble of turning everything in the forest just to stop nine ponies from reaching it?” Helios questioned with a serious look, already knowing what or who was behind this.

And immediately the others knew as well, “Nightmare Moon!” They all gasped.

“We have to get to those Elements before Nightmare Moon or she'll destroy the only thing that can stop her, come on!” Helios said to them as they raced into the castle.

As they approached the ruins, they soon stopped before a large stone structure that held some orbs around it that looked similar to a planetarium. “Whoa!" Applejack said as she turned to the four ponies, "Come on Twilight, Sunset, Orion, Helios! Isn't this what you've been waiting for?" Twilight looked at the statue and gasped.

"The Elements of Harmony," Twilight said in awed.

“Ah, there they are.” Orion said in awed while looking at the orbs.

“We found them.” Sunset said in amazement.

“And they’re still here.” Helios said in relief as he, Orion, Rainbow, and Fluttershy brought the orbs down. “Easy, easy now.” He said to them as they gently placed the Elements on the ground. “Mom must’ve sealed the Elements away in these stones to protect them and disguise them.”

“She’s definitely clever. As always.” Orion said as he looked at one of the Elements.

“One, two, three, four, five, six… there’s only six!” Pinkie exclaimed after counting them.

“Then where’s the seventh?” Rainbow questioned.

"The book said," Twilight explained, "When the six are present, a spark will cause the final element to be revealed."

“What the hay does that suppose to mean?” Applejack questioned.

"I'm not sure," Twilight said, "But I have an idea, but it’s gonna take some alicorn magic,” She explained, looking to the two brothers.

“You got it, Twilight.” Helios said with a nod as he and Orion walked forward. “Stand back. We don't know what will happen.”

“So expect something bad like an explosion.” Orion added.

"Come on now, y'all," said Applejack as she guided everyone out of the room, "They need to concentrate." As Twilight and the brothers continued to concentrate, the dark mist had arrived and began to circle around the elements as they were trying to create a magical spark. Soon they both opened their eyes to see a huge blue cyclone before them.

"Aah!" Twilight shouted as they saw the cyclone.

“What the?!” Helios and Orion called in unison.

"Twilight, Helios, Orion!" the girls shouted in unison as they rushed back inside as the Whirlwind picked up the elements.

“The Elements!” The three shouted as they dove into the funnel of the cyclone and it magically disappeared, taking them both with it. The other five ponies began to talk over each other.

"Twilight?" Fluttershy called out.

“Helios? Orion?!” Sunset cried out.

"What?" Applejack exclaimed.

"Where did they go?" Rarity asked.

"What happened?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"What's going on?!" Rainbow Dash finished. All of them minus Sunset began to dash about, wondering where their three friends were.

"Twilight, Helios, Orion, where are you?" Sunset asked, worried.

"Look!" Rarity called out as a nearby run down ruin where there were some glowing lights nearby.

"Come on!" Applejack called out as they all rushed out as fast as they could.

Meanwhile, the blackish blue mist had proofed Twilight and the brothers into a new location, where they were coughing and spluttering from all the dust. There before them was Nightmare Moon, who laughed at them evilly. Twilight gasped as she, Helios, and Orion gave her a glare.

“Aunt Luna!” Helios called with a glare.

“It’s Nightmare Moon!” Nightmare Moon retorted with a sinister smirk.

“We knew you had to be close by!” Orion said with a serious look, “Just give us the elements and we can help you,”

“Ha! Like how your mother dearest said she would to help me only to betray me even further by banishing me to the moon?!” Nightmare Moon questioned with a glare. “I will not be deceived a second time!”

“Boy, somepony’s got issues.” Orion muttered with a brow.

“If you won’t give us the elements, then we’ll have to just fight you for it.” Helios said with a serious look. “We will stop your eternal night, Luna.” He declared.

“No matter what.” Twilight finished as she, Helios, and Orion then pawed their hooves down, ready to charge as they light up their horns, preparing to fight.

"You're kidding, you're kidding right?" Nightmare asked. The three just glared before they charged at her. Nightmare moon came right at them. Then at the last moment, Twilight used her magic to make them disappear. Reappearing in the middle of the elements.

“Outsmarted you!” Orion taunted with a smirk while Twilight felt a little woozy from the teleportation before Helios caught her incase she fell.

“We’ll work on teleportations later, Twilight.” Helios said to her as Twilight shook her head as they turned to the stonify elements. “But now we need that last element.”

“Just one spark.” Twilight groaned, still a bit dizzy but kept her focus as she and the two brothers then focused their magic onto their horns and aimed them at the elements. “Come on, come on…” She muttered.

But then Nightmare <oon turned back into mist, sending an electrical blast that sent them both flying backwards and landing on their backs. However, the elements seemed to have charged somewhat.

"No, no!" Nightmare Moon cried out in panic while Twilight and the boys smiled...until the charge fizzled out.

They went agape, “It didn’t work?!” Helios exclaimed.

“But, but why?!” Orion questioned in shock.

“Where’s the seventh Element?!” Twilight wondered.

Nightmare Moon laughed triumphantly as she lifted her front hooves and stomped down around the orbs, causing them to shatter into pieces. Twilight and the two princes were in shock. Their only weapon against her...destroyed.

“You little foals!" Nightmare Moon sneered, "Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your princess, or your sun!” She declared before smirking, “The night will last forever!" She laughed evilly again, creating a great dark blue storm above her. Twilight and the two princes felt like it was over until they heard some familiar sounds behind them, talking over to each other.

"Don't worry, guys, we're here!" Pinkie called out.

"Don't worry we'll be there!" Applejack added. Twilight and the two princes waited for them to arrive. It was then that something clicked and a special spark appeared in both their eyes. They exchanged looks, giving a quick smirk before turning around to face Nightmare Moon.

The three smiled and turned to Nightmare Moon, “You’re wrong Aunt Luna, your night won’t last forever!” Helios told her.

“And you didn’t destroy the Elements of Harmony!” Orion added.

“Because they’re right here!” Twilight finished as their friends.

"What?" Nightmare Moon exclaimed in worry.

“Sunset, our first friend who lifted our spirits up when we’re down, represents the spirit of… empathy!” Twilight announced as green gems circled around Sunset.

“Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of...honesty!” Helios announced as orange gems circled around Applejack.

“Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of...kindness!” Orion announced as pink gems circled around Fluttershy.

“Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of...laughter!” Twilight added as light blue and yellow gems circled around Pinkie, who is on her hind hooves tapping on the ground in excitement.

“Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of...generosity!” Helios continued as purple gems circled around Rarity.

“And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire, represents the spirit of...loyalty!” Orion finished as red gems circled around Rainbow.

"These Seven ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!" Twilight declared with a smirk.

"But you still don't have the seventh Element!" Nightmare Moon protested, "The spark didn't work!"

“But it did!” Twilight said and faced the other eight, "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." Twilight smiled as a single pair of tears escaped her eyes.

"The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all...were my friends," Twilight said proudly, "You see Nightmare Moon, or should I say, Princess Luna, when those Elements are ignited by the...the spark, that resides in the heart of us all. It creates the seventh element: the element of...magic!" It was just then the sixth orb appeared, revealing the seventh element as it descended above Twilight. This was when the shards of the other elements began to restore themselves, creating special gold necklaces with each element residing in the center. Twilight's was more special. It created a special tiara with the element of magic shining triumphantly on her head.

“No! This is not possible!” Nightmare Moon yelled out, “I will not be defeated again!” She said as the Elements shot out a powerful Rainbow Laser aimed at Nightmare Moon. But then she channeled her power and shot a laser back at the Rainbow, managing to pierce right through it and strike the seven mares as they yelled in pain.

“Girls!” Helios and Orion yelled in panic as the girls were caught in Nightmare Moon’s magic.

“It didn’t work!” Helios exclaimed.

“But how, last time…” Orion tried to say as Nightmare Moon chuckled.

“The I of now absorbed their power through the magic of the past. What may have been defeated a thousand years ago, no longer will!” Nightmare Moon declared as she slammed the seven mares in front of the princes, “And now, once the Elements are no more, there is nothing to stop my blackened reign to come to fruition.”

“We can’t let you do that!” Orion called as he and Helios jumped in front of the girls. “You’ll have to go through to get to them!”

“And trust us, Aunty! Even if the Elements didn’t work, we’ll knock some sense back into you!” Helios declared as he and Orion got into ready stances.

“So be it,” Nightmare Moon said with a smirk as she lit up her horn and got into a ready stance. The two princes then did a similar manner before they then charged at each other as the girls watched them.

The three alicorns charged as their horns then clashed with each other, creating a spark from their magic clashing together before Nightmare Moon managed to push them back with a magic blast, causing the two brothers to separate and skid to the ground but still hold their ground.

Nightmare Moon shared a laugh as the two brothers turned to each other and nodded as they lit up their horns again and then flew in separate directions as they then started firing their magic at Nightmare Moon. She growled in frustration as she then send a charge at Helios, who barely dodged it as he jump up high before Orion then charged at Nightmare Moon to give her a kick to the side, but she grabbed him and kicked him back.

“Orion!” Helios called as he growled and charged at Nightmare Moon, who looked at him with a smirk as the two then exchanged blows through magic and kicks while Helios did the best he could to avoid Nightmare Moon’s, but she was more experienced than him as he jumped back. “Okay, clearly your time on the moon didn’t dull your skills.” He said with a glare.

“And clearly you have Celestia’s stubbornness!” Nightmare Moon growled.

“Yeah, I get that a lot!” Helios said as he charged at Nightmare Moon but soon found himself caught in her magic, “Aw shoot.” He said before Nightmare Moon slammed him across the walls.

“Helios!” Twilight called in worry as Orion got up and glared at Nightmare Moon.

“Put him down!” Orion ordered.

Nightmare Moon smirked, “If you insist,” She said before dropping Helios hard on to the ground as he gave a yell before Nightmare Moon kicked him hard as he slid to the wall as he hit it with a grunt.

“Helios!” Orion cried before he looked at Nightmare Moon with a glare as the mare of the moon gave a sinister laugh. Orion charged at her as he deliver some magic blasts, but Nightmare Moon simply blocked them as he tried to punch her, but Nightmare Moon either dodged or block them before catching one of Orion’s hoofs before tossing him away from her as he landed on his back with a grunt.

“Why persist on this foolish stand my boy?” Nightmare Moon questioned Orion as the young Stallion got onto his hooves, “Are you tired of feeling second to your brother, feared and labeled slanderous things when your back is turned to those you swore to protect?”

“What are you talking about?” Orion questioned while holding a hoof. “I know my brother. Helios would never do that.”

“Oh, I have experienced it before, my dear nephew and I can sense deep in your heart you know your brother is loved more than you.” Nightmare Moon said, which made Orion a bit conflicted, knowing that it was true from what his mother told him and his brother as Nightmare Moon stepped forward to Orion and placed a hoof under his chin to make him face her. “Once you two are crowned, you will be cast aside while your brother takes the glory. Like Celestia before you. But we can change that, join me Prince Orion and together we will show all why we are more deserving of respect than your brother or my sister,”

Orion felt a bit conflicted as he always felt afraid of being cast aside to the shadows like how his aunt did with his mother, being overshadowed by his own brother since he was the more likable one growing up and was the first before him.

Helios heard this as he slowly got up with a groan. “That’s never gonna happen!” He called out, which caused everyone to turn to him. “Even if we rule Equestria one day and I do become the more loved one than my brother, I would never abandon him! I don’t care what Equestria will see him! I rather have my twin brother right beside me through everything we go through! And nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever get in the way of our family!” He declared with the most intense glare he could muster while flinching in pain since he still felt sore from the hits Nightmare Moon gave him.

Orion looked at his brother in shock, realizing how foolish he was for even considering the idea his brother would abandon him. Nightmare Moon scowled before lighting her horn and rearing up. “I will silence you forever boy!” Nightmare Moon declared before firing a powerful laser directly at Helios.

Helios shielded himself from impact but the hit never came as he opened his eyes and saw Orion creating a magic shield, blocking the laser but straining to hold it back.

“Bro,” Helios said in awe as Orion grunted and looked to Helios.

“Nothing can hurt us! As long as we’re together!” Orion declared with a strain smile, which made Helios feel touched as he returned the smile to his brother.

Orion still struggled to keep his magic shield up as it started cracking. He turned and saw Helios offering his hoof with a determined smile, which Orion returned as he accepted his brother’s hoof as the two princes stood together as two shining lights appeared before them, which got everyone’s attention.

“What?! What’s happening?!” Nightmare Moon questioned in complete shock as the two lights lowered themselves to the princes while each one circled around them. “What is the meaning of this?!”

The girls looked awed as the two lights shined bright on the princes before they then went for their hooves. Helio’s light then glowed as it showed a gem with his Cutie Mark as he then had a golden sword with some royal details and a Crystal Sun on its hilt, while Orion’s light showed a gem with his Cutie Mark that had a golden shield with a crystal Crescent moon in its center.

“Whoa!” The two princes said in awed at their new weapons while the girls were amazed by this while Nightmare Moon was in complete shock.

“When the will to protect those you care about and the courage to be willing to lay down your life for one and all are made one,” Orion started with a smirk.

“It creates two new elements that increases the power of the other seven,” Helios finished with a smirk as well as Nightmare Moon looked worried.

“The Elements of…Initiation and Determination!” The Two princes declared as the seven mares stood together with them as the Elements resonated stronger than ever as they shot another, even stronger, Rainbow laster right at Nightmare Moon.

"Nooo! Nooo!" Nightmare Moon screamed as the rainbow power consumed her. The power of the element continued to become brighter until Twilight opened her eyes, her own eyes were now glowing as well before the brightness consumed them all.

Once the bright light had faded, everyone was now laying on the ground, clearly spent from being exposed to all that power.

"Ugh, my head," Rainbow groaned as she sat up.

"Everypony okay?" Applejack asked as the rest got back on their hooves.

"Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity cheered as she looked behind herself. Apparently, the magic of the elements had restored her beautiful tail.

"Why Rarity, it's so lovely," Fluttershy pointed out.

"I know!" Rarity said, trying to give her tail a cuddle, "I'll never part with it again."

"No, your necklace," Fluttershy corrected, "it looks just like your cutie mark." Rarity looked at the gold necklace.

"What?" Rarity exclaimed as she saw the purple diamond in the middle of it and then looked at her cutie mark, "Ooh. So does yours!" Fluttershy looked at her own necklace and smiled.

"Look at mine! Look at mine!" Pinkie said excitedly as the others looked at theirs.

"Aw, yeah," Rainbow said proudly as she looked at her own.

“Styling.” Sunset said with a smirk at her necklace.

Twilight, Helios, and Orion then admired their own elements, “Sweet,” Helios said with a smile.

“Very well balanced,” Orion added, looking at his shield.

"Gee fellars," Applejack said as she walked up to Sunset, Helios, Twilight, and Orion, "I thought you four were just spoutin' a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements the friendship."

"Indeed you do," A Majestic voice. Everyone felt a warm light enter the ruins of the castle. As a very familiar golden orb of hope and light filled the once dark sky. Another light made its way before them and there appeared before them all was Princess Celestia herself. All but Twilight, Sunset, and the two princes bowed before her, mainly because they were too happy to see her.

“Princess Celestia!” Both Sunset and Twilight cheered.

“Mother!” Both Helios and Orion cheered in joy as the four rushed up to Celestia as the four then shared a warm hug with her, which Celestia returned with a smile.

“Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, and my sons,” Celestia said warmly, nuzzling each of them, “I knew you could do it,”

“Wait, you knew this would happen?” Orion said in surprise.

“So, this was your plan this whole time?” Helios asked.

“But you told us that it was a pony tale.” Twilight said in shock.

"I told you four that you need to make some more friends, nothing more," Celestia corrected as the other ponies stood up, minus Fluttershy but that was because of her shy nature, "I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return and I knew that it was you both who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart. And the willpower and determination to protect those and always be there for one another." She spoke directly to Twilight and the two princes, the former for that last part since she was the one who not only discovered that her friends represented the elements while the two latter for their willpower and determination to protect the ones they cared for and always be there for one another. They turned to the other ponies, giving them a grateful smile.

"Now if only another will as well," said Celestia, calling the attention of the seven ponies as she made her way towards what was left of Nightmare Moon, or rather her true form, "Princess Luna!" There sitting in the remains of the now useless pebbles and shards was a lighter blue alicorn with an even lighter mane and tail. The paleness of her coat and mane was a clear sign that she had been clearly drained of her magical power and was much smaller in size. She gasped when she heard her name and looked up at Celestia fearfully.

"It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this," said Princess Celestia, "It is time we put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister. "Will you accept my friendship?" He offered, raising a hoof towards her. The other ponies leaned forward with interest and anxiousness, waiting to see what Luna would do. Pinkie, however, leaned too far forward.

"Whoa!" Pinkie called as she lost her balance and fell forward.

"I'm so sorry!" Luna sobbed as she burst into tears and hugged Celestia, "I missed you so much, big sister!"

"I've missed you, too," Princess Celestia said as tears formed on the bottoms of her eyes and she held Luna close. Helios and Orion then walked up to their mother and aunt as they went up to their aunt specifically.

“Aunt Luna.” Helios spoke up as Luna turned to her nephews, a bit nervous for what she did as Nightmare Moon. “We’re glad to finally meet you, the real you,” Helios said with a smile which Orion shared.

Luna then started whimpering. “I-I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for what I did to you both. I-I couldn’t control myself. I let my emotions get the better of me to hurt my own family! I-I d-didn’t mean to--”

“We know.” Orion said as he placed a gentle hoof on Luna’s shoulder. “You were being controlled. And we know that you wanted the pony's attention as well as your sister. But we know that was not you, that was Nightmare Moon.”

“And know that it doesn’t matter who you became or what happened. What matters is that you’re family.” Helios said as he placed his hoof next on Luna’s other shoulder. “And families stick together, look out for one another, no matter what. So, how about we start fresh together?” He finished with a smile.

Luna teared up as she gave a smile before she quickly wrap her hooves around her nephews, catching them in a hug as she cried on their shoulders as Helios and Orion smiled as they wrapped their wings around their aunt as Celestia joined in and wrapped her sons and sister around her wings as her family is was whole as the sun shines bright on them.

The girls were touched by seeing the family reunion, while Sunset and Twilight smiled at Helios and Orion, wanting not only to have their mother back but also to finally meet their aunt and return her to the family.

That was when Pinkie burst into tears and sobbed...for a few seconds before blowing her nose. "Hey do you know what this calls for?" She asked all suddenly with her cheerful smile.

“A PARTY!” Pinke cheered as they were back in Ponyville as several ponies cheered and the celebration for the return of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had begun while Helios and Orion were with their mother and aunt. Spike was there to give Twilight a warm and relieved hug welcome. Luna seemed unsure about being here until two young Pegasus foals presented her with a beautiful necklace of roses, which she gave Celestia and her nephews a teary smile.

Twilight however looked down solemnly, which Celestia noticed. Why so glum, my faithful students?" Princess Celestia asked gently, "Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?" She questioned.

"That's just it," Twilight said, "Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends. We have to leave them." She said as Sunset, Helios, and Orion came up.

“Yeah, mom,” Helios said with a sad look. “I mean, it’s great that Aunt Luna is back, but now we have to leave our new friends here in Ponyville.”

Celestia however smiled with her eyes closed, “Spike take a letter,” She said as Spike nodded and took out a scroll and quill. “I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorns Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer, as well as my sons, Helios Solena, Prince of Light and Dawn and Orion Storm, Prince of Darkness and Dusk, shall take on a new mission for Equestria. They must continue to study the magic of friendship. They must report to me their findings from their new home in Ponyville."

The four smiled excitedly at each other as the rest of the ponies cheered and their friends all gathered around them for a group hug.

"Oh thank you Princess Celestia!" Twilight said happily, "We'll study harder than ever before!"

“We will have fun with our friends! Sunset added with a wide smile.

“You’re the best mom ever!” Both Helios and Orion cheered as they got out of the group hug and hugged their mother tightly, which she chuckled and returned the hug with her wings as the ponies cheered once more.

"Isn't this exciting?" Pinkie burst out, "Are you excited cause I'm excited I've never been so excited, except for the part when I went GASP, but I mean really-” Anything more Pinkie would say won’t be heard as this story might have come to an end, there are more adventures for our heroes right around the corner. “Hey! What do you mean nothing more will be heard, Harry?! I still have so many more things to say-Hey where’re you and Jesus going?” She questioned as everything went pitch black as the chapters ends.

Author's Note

And here is Chapter 2. Gonna be honest this one was a lot longer than I thought it be.

Also incase you missed it, Helios and Orion's Elements are Initiation and Determination, and they're completely new elements created to increase the power of the other Seven.

Now, I want to address that there will some fluff between Twilight, Sunset and the Royal Brothers but nothing majorly romantic till after the Canterlot Wedding. Also if anyone has any suggestions for some original chapters to fill in between the canon ones, please put them in the comments.

Next time, Twilight, Sunset and the brother will face an almost impossible challenge: Choosing one over the others.

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Until then NNNNIIIINNNJJJJJAAA-GO!!!