The Magic Within

Chapters

A Princess is Born
Day of the Cutie Mark
A Memorable Birthday
Twilight's Nightmare
Once Upon a Time
Checking Preparations (Food and Weather)
Checking Preparations (Decorations and Music)
The Party and The Nightmarish Encounter
Battle of The Princesses and The Transformation
We have a Brother?
An Unrecorded History and The Mission
Some Friendly Princess Advice
A Family Reunited
The Rant of the Mortal Prince
Punishment of The Snob Prince
The Return of Chaos
Within The Fortress and Meeting The Brother

A Princess is Born

The day started out so normal, the sun rose in the morning and Cadence had met her mother, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, she had gone through her lessons with her teachers, just like normal, and just like she had done every other day for the last 11 months, she was in her room, playing with her dolls. But then something happened, the Captain of the Guard took her and escorted her personally to the Royal carriage. It either meant Canterlot was under siege, or it was time...

And when she saw her mother sitting on the seat, taking long breaths through her nose, she understood, it was finally time. And as Cadence found herself on the opposite side of the door, she found herself doubting her own preparedness in what happened next. Her mother was calm! She kept smiling, trying to calm down her firstborn filly during the ride to where they were now. Even though behind the smile Cadence could tell that she was not in the position to act so cheerful.

And as she wandered the opposite side of the room, like she was pretending to be like one of the guards who she was so familiar with, she wondered if she was ready. It happened so fast, mother was fine yesterday and throughout all of today! How could she have known? Cadence thought that she would have more time, or at least a warning a few days prior, that she was going to be a big sister...

But she didn't, and with every passing cry and moan from the other room, Cadence would have to get ready fast, because the foal was coming, and she had no way to stop it.

And for what seemed like the hundredth time, Cadence found herself walking across the room, moving from the soft cushioned seat over to the bench, sitting, but within a few seconds she was up again, only to walk past the door that two gold clad knights stood before, staring straight ahead and ignoring her understandable sense of urgency. Just then, the screams of her mother stopped, replaced with the wails and then giggles of a foal. The foal is here! Cadence was now a big sister and she heard a nurse who had been attending her mother come out of the room and say, “Princess Cadence, you may come in now.”

As soon as she heard this, she ran into the room to see if her mother was alright, as well as the foal. There on the hospital bed was her mother, Princess Celestia, holding a little lavender colored alicorn filly, all wrapped up and content in her mother’s forelegs and talking baby gibberish, wiping away any fears Cadence had of being a big sister as she watched the scene unfold before her eyes. “Come say hello to your baby sister, Cadence,” Celestia says.

Cadence approached them slowly as the doctors and nurses left to give them some private time and Cadence looked down upon her new sister. She smiled at the scene before her. The little filly was reaching for her big sister and Cadence soon realized the little lavender alicorn wanted to touch her big sisters face, so she slowly brought her face forward so not to scare her little sister. As soon as her nose touched the little filly’s hoof, she made raspberries with her mouth, making her sister giggle. “She likes you,” Celestia says as she chuckles at the site.

“She's so cute, what’s her name Mom?” Cadence asks.

“I’ve decided to call her Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia says.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle, I like it, it has a nice ring to it. I wish our Aunty Luna and Daddy were here to see her and me,” Cadence said, remembering the stories she had been told about her aunt, Princess Luna, and how she had been consumed by the element of jealousy and had turned into the dreaded Nightmare Moon, banishing her to the moon almost 1,000 years ago and remembering her father who was mortal and passed away 3 months ago from a battle with the Changeling Queen's minions, who's numbers dwindled now, thanks to his sacrifice and the Changelings knew better to stay away at this point.

Celestia smiled at her daughter and said “Maybe one day your aunt will honey, and your father will always be watching over us.”

Their attention turned to Twilight as she yawned and buried her face into her mother’s coat. “It looks like this little one had a big day."

Cadence chuckled at her mother's comment and simply watched the little filly sleep. After a few hours of Twilight's birth, the doctors and nurses were finished with making sure the baby and mother were okay. "I’ll let her lay on your back while I talk with the doctors, then we will go, okay honey?” Celestia asks.

“Okay Mom,” Cadence said as Celestia place her youngest filly on her eldest filly’s back.

Twilight slept contently on her sisters back as Cadence waited for their mother. Cadence nuzzled her little sister as she slept and the Twilight smiled her sleep, making Cadence smile as well. ‘You’re so cute little sis, I promise to be the best big sister I can to you, Twilight. Nothing will ever tear us apart,’ Cadence thought to herself again.

“Alright, we are ready to go,” Celestia whispered, trying not to wake her sleeping daughter.

Celestia gently levitates Twilight onto her back,trying her best not to wake her and they soon head out of the hospital and back towards the castle surrounded by their escorts, which Cadence found annoying. Word had soon spread about Princess Twilight’s birth, faster than they were walking. They were soon greeted by adoring eyes as ponies stopped their daily routines to get a glimpse of their newest princess. Cadence now understood why her sister was called Twilight, for the sun had set in the west when Twilight was born and it took Celestia a moment to realize that she needed to move the sun more to make way for the moon. Soon they were at the Castle and Cadence caught a glimpse of a colt she was familiar with. It was Shining Armor, her longtime friend. She smiled to see he had become an apprentice of the Royal Guard and was now in silver armor, for it was custom for all apprentices to wear, and the stallions who were full-fledged guards were in gold armor, as was custom as well. Shining Armor was heading for his barracks when he saw the Princesses and bowed. “Good evening your highness's,” he says.

“Good evening to you as well Shining Armor,” Celestia says.

“I see you’re an apprentice of the Royal Guard now,” Cadence says.

“Yes your highness, preparing to defend Equestria and its ponies. Congratulations on the newest member of your family your highness's,” Shining Armor says.

“Thank you Shining Armor, and congratulations on your apprenticeship,” Celestia says.

“Thank you, your majesty. I must be on my way to my barracks or my Commanding Officer will lecture me about being late to bed. I bid you farewell your highness's,” Shining says as he bows again.

“Goodnight Shining Armor, have a good day tomorrow,” Celestia says.

“Thank you Princess Celestia,” Shining Armor says bowing a final time and heading towards his barracks.

Cadence smiles as he walks off and Celestia notices her daughter looking at him and says, “Just think Cadence, one day he could be Captain of the Royal Guard.”

This broke Cadence out of her trance and she looked at her mother and quickly said, “Only time will tell mom.”

Celestia chuckled softly and looked back at Twilight who had stirred a bit in her sleep from all the talking. “We better get back up to our chambers if we want your sister to stay asleep,” Celestia whispered.

Cadence nodded in response. She didn’t want her sister to have a bad night on her first night of life. She then looks back at the moon in the sky and sees the Mare in the moon, which Celestia had told her was her Aunt Luna looking down on them. ‘I hope we see you one day Aunty Luna’ Cadence thought to herself.

She continued to walk with her mother towards their chambers that sat right next door to each other. Cadence’s had a heart at the top of her door frame that represented her cutie mark. The top of Celestia’s door frame was the sun, as was her cutie mark. Soon Celestia nuzzled Cadence and bid her good night, as did Cadence to Celestia. Cadence then went into her chambers and began to get ready for bed. She removed her royal jewelry and shoes and began combing her hair. As she did, she thought about all the fun she had planned for her and Twilight tomorrow, for tomorrow was Saturday. Soon she laid down her comb and shifted into her bed to get comfortable. She turned the lights of and was soon fast asleep dreaming of what tomorrow would bring.

Meanwhile in the other room, Celestia was nursing her youngest daughter after letting one of the maids change her diaper. As Twilight suckled from her mother, Celestia nuzzled her making Twilight feel warm, loved and protected. “I see great things ahead for you and your sister my little Twilight. You two are going to work great together when I hand down some of my responsibilities to the two of you,” Celestia said, knowing full well Twilight could not understand a word she said as she continued to nurse.

Soon Twilight had finished and gave a light burp, giving Celestia the sign that Twilight was ready for bed once again. Celestia then rocked her daughter to sleep, and Twilight yawned and buried her face into her mother's coat, while sucking on her hoof. Once Twilight was asleep, Celestia placed her in her crib and tucked her in, giving her a kiss goodnight. Soon Celestia followed Cadence and Twilight to the world of dreams, after removing her royal jewelry and shoes as well, and all three slept soundly through the night.

Day of the Cutie Mark

Five years passed since the day of Princess Twilight's birth. She grew into a playful young filly, keeping her caretakers on their toes when Celestia or Cadence were not around. Cadence herself had just reached her teenage years. Twilight and Cadence spent as much time with each other as they could when Cadence wasn't busy learning how to run the kingdom, should their mother fall, which seemed highly unlikely, seeing as Celestia was an immortal, which in turn passed down to her daughters.

Today was a Sunday and Twilight was looking for a way to earn her cutie mark. She had become a bookworm in a sense, and even though she was only five years old, she showed a big interest in the art of magic. She had studied a lot on whatever magic books her mother would bring her. Today though she was anxious about getting her cutie mark, since almost every pony else in magic kindergarten had earned their's. Twilight wondered what her special talent was, because it defiantly wasn't in reading.

For today, her sister was busy with her lessons in politics, so Twilight was being escorted by a royal guardsman and her hoof maid. She found it as annoying as her sister did to not have time alone to think or to make friends. She really was shy to make friends on her own, and every where she looked, she felt she wouldn't fit in with any pony's crowd. Even when she did try to talk to somepony, they would be too scared to speak themselves, due to the fact they didn't want to upset the guardsman. The only time she liked being escorted by a Royal Guard was when Shining Armor was escorting her. He now had become a fully fledged Royal Guard and was moving up in ranks fast. Twilight knew he seemed to have a fondness for Cadence, and she could tell early on every time Cadence and Shining Armor looked at each other, they had that gleam in their eyes. Twilight thought at first Cadence had used some sort of spell on Shining Armor, but soon learned that Cadence would never cast a spell on somepony just to get them to love her. In fact, often times Cadence would blush in Shinings presence.

Twilight was unlucky today however, and dealt with a stuck up Pegasus guard who seemed to show no emotion towards anything. Her hoof maid tried to please her in whatever way she could, which Twilight did not mind at all. Soon Twilight came upon a crowd of Earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns. They were gathered around something Twilight could not see at the moment. Twilight trotted over to the crowd and poked one of the pegasus mares while saying, "Excuse me miss?"

"Oh, your highness," the mare said and bowed.

This made the rest of the pony crowd jump in surprise, realizing they were in the presence of a royal family member. They all soon bowed to her and Twilight was all of the sudden a little nervous to ask her question. She soon mustered up the courage to ask, "What was everypony looking at a moment ago?"

"Well your majesty, it appears some foals found a dragon's egg, but have no idea where it came from. There are no Dragons around for miles right now, and the great migration of the dragons ended nearly four months ago. You're welcome to come look yourself your majesty," said the pegasus mare.

"May I Misty?" Twilight asks her pegasus hoof maid.

"Of course your highness, just don't get too close. I'm not sure how dragon hatching works," Misty says.

Twilight soon trotted up to the egg, and saw that it was green and purple. She did some reading on dragon eggs and thought she could take a closer look. She didn't get too close to the dragon egg, for she didn't want Misty to worry. She thought 'Maybe the dragon egg was dropped by accident from it's nest, but then how did it get here to Canterlot?'

"Where did the foals you mentioned find this egg ma'am?" Twilight ask the pegasus she had poked.

"Oh, please call me Spitfire. Wonder Bolts' Captain at your service. Boys, can you explain it to her please," Spitfire said.

Twilight had heard of Spitfire before, but had not recognized her out of uniform. Twilight had seen a few of her moves and hoped she could pull off moves like that when she gets older. Her attention was soon grabbed by a pegasus and a unicorn colt as the pegasus colt says, "My friend Forge and I found it just outside of Canterlot in a rose bush your majesty. We don't know how it got there though. We were going to bring it to whoever had a good amount of knowledge about dragon eggs when my Aunt Spitfire had spotted us while signing autographs. Oh, my name is Soarin' by the way your highness," Soarin' says.

"Well I know some things about dragon eggs and I know if there is not a dragon mother around to help it hatch, magic is another way to help a dragon baby hatch, have you tried to use magic on it Forge?" Twilight asked, now a little more comfortable to talk to the foals.

"Well no, I haven't your highness, though I doubt my magic is strong enough to make it hatch. It was hard enough to levitate it here your majesty. Those eggs seem to take a lot of magic when somepony is using it on them," Forge says.

"Hmmmmm, well I wonder if maybe I should give it a shot. Can't hurt trying right?" Twilight asks.

"I suppose not Princess Twilight," Forge says.

"I'm not sure if that's a good idea your highness. We have no idea how dangerous a baby dragon can be," the Royal Guard says.

"Oh honestly Silver Sword, you're overreacting. Now I don't know that much about dragons, but even I know a baby dragon is harmless. It's the teens you should keep your distance from, and dragons age a lot more slowly then ponies," Misty says.

Twilight was relieved, but also surprised by her hoof maid scolding Silver Sword for being stuck up and over protective. "You may go ahead and try hatching the egg Princess, but remember to mind your distance. I still don't know how hatching goes for dragons," Misty says.

"Thank you Misty," Twilight says.

Twilight proceeded to try use what magic she had studied in her books to see if it will hatch the egg. Everypony watches her as she desperately tried to make her horn glow in magic. She was getting a few sparks to come out of her horn, but her horn wasn't glowing. She kept trying and trying for a while but then almost felt she had reached her limit. She stopped, lowered her head to the ground and said, "I am sorry for getting everypony's hopes up."

Spitfire was about to go comfort the little princess when all of the sudden....

BOOM!!

A flash of rainbow appeared in the sky. This had startled Twilight so much that her horn glowed out of control and a surge of magic was aimed right at the dragon egg, hatching to reveal a purple and green baby dragon. Twilight's magic surge then became larger, engulffing her in a purple orb. Her magic began levitating some ponies, including Spitfire, Forge, Misty and Soarin', off the ground, and turning other ponies into random plants and animals, including Silver Sword. The baby dragon had become a massive dragon.

Meanwhile in their studies, Princess Cadence and Celestia had noticed a flash of purple light, immediately stopping what they were doing to investigate. They soon came upon Twilight, who was surrounded in her orb of magic with her eyes shining as bright as Celestia's sun. Celestia realized that her daughter needed to be calmed down in order to get her magic back in control as it had been with Cadence when she had earned her cutie mark. Celestia flew down and placed a hoof on her daughters shoulder calming the little pony down. The orb that surrounded her vanished and every pony had turned back into their normal selves and had their hooves on the ground once more. The baby dragon then was back to the size that it had been when it hatched now sucking on it's tail.

"Twilight," was all Celestia could say before her daughter burst out in worry.

"Oh mom, I'm so sorry, I......." Twilight was cut off when Celestia said, "You have a very special gift. Aside from Cadence and myself, I have never seen a pony possess such raw abilities, and at such a young age honey."

"Huh?" Twilight blurted out confused.

"But you need to learn to tame these abilities through continued focused studies dear. Much like what we've had you do already," Celestia continued.

"Huh?" Twilight blurts out once more.

"And I think it's time to enroll you as one of my personal students in my School for Gifted Unicorns. I'll be able to work with you and your sister more closely now," Celestia says.

"Huuuuuuh?" Twilight said in a high pitched squeal of surprise.

She had been overwhelm at the fact her mother was telling her she was gifted, and the best part there were witnesses to prove it. Cadence came up to her sister, put a hoof on her shoulders and says as Twilight looks at her with shock expression, "Just accept it already little sis."

"Yeeeeees! Oops, sorry mommy," Twilight says.

"It's alright honey. Cadence reacted the same way when I enrolled her," Celestia said chuckling at the memory of Cadence being enthusiastic about her enrollment.

"Oh, and one more thing Twilight," Cadence says as she points at Twilight's flank.

Twilight looks back at her flank and see's that she now had her cutie mark which had a big pink six-pointed star, surrounded by smaller white six-pointed stars. "(Gasp) My cutie mark, Yes yes yes yes yes," Twilight said excitedly hopping around her mother.

"Okay, calm down sweetheart, or you're gonna tire yourself out," Celestia says.

"Oh, sorry mom," Twilight said now blushing.

"Wow Princess Twilight, that was amazing. I never experienced magic like that before," Forge says.

Twilight blushed at Forge's compliment and tried to avoid eye contact. "I've flown before, but to be levitated was a fun new experience for me your highness, keep up the good work," Soarin' said.

"Thanks," was all Twilight said.

"Be sure to learn control on your abilities your majesty, I can see you becoming a fine flyer too if you keep at it Princess Twilight," Spitfire said.

"I will do my best Miss Spitfire," Twilight says.

"That's the spirit young princess, and please just call me Spitfire your majesty," Spitfire says.

Twilight nods in reply."Well, I think it's time for us to head back to the castle. We will take the dragon with us. He is going to need a home," Celestia said.

Twilight nodded in response once again and Cadence then says, "Thank you all for helping watch our sister today. (She then gives a glance at Silver Sword for suspicion of him being over protective) We know you are all amazed to have witnessed her ability in her magic. You may go about your business now an enjoy the rest of your day."

The crowd soon dispersed with Spitfire and Soarin' flying away to find who made the sonic rainboom and Forge taking off back to his schooling. More Royal Guards soon joined Silver Sword as they escorted the Royal family, the hoof maid and the dragon that Cadence had levitated onto her back back to the castle. "Just wait until our cousin, Blue Blood hears about this. He will be so jealous about it," whispered Cadence to Twilight.

Twilight chuckled at the thought of her cousin's face once he heard the news. "So I see you have your eyes on a certain somepony," Cadence says loud enough for their mother, Misty and the guards to hear.

"Huh, what are you talking about sis?" Twilight asks.

"I saw the way you looked at that unicorn, you have a crush on him. What was his name?" Cadence asked.

"His name was Forge, and I do not have a crush on him," Twilight says, not really knowing what having a crush felt like and really didn't think she had a crush on Forge anyway.

"Riiiight," Cadence teases.

"Forge? That is one of the young colts that attends my school. Maybe you can see him once in a while for a date," Celestia says, joining in Cadences teasing.

"Moooooom, I just met him today, I don't even think he considers me a friend. Besides, you said I need to tame my abilities through focused studies," Twilight said trying to change the subject.

"Yes, but I didn't say you had to do it alone did I," Celestia said.

"Well, no but, can we just stop talking about it, please?" Twilight begged.

"Okay, we'll stop teasing you. So, what should we name this little bundle of scales?" Cadence says, gesturing to the baby dragon.

"How about Spike? His scales make him look like he has a spiky mane," Twilight says.

"Well Spike it is then," Celestia said.

Soon they were back at the castle and it was an hour after sunset once they had arrived. Celestia and Cadence walked with Twilight into her room to have some mother/daughter/sister time after the three princess's had dinner while Misty took Spike to have him looked after by one of the servants of the castle. Her door frame now had her Cutie mark engraved at the top of it. "Word spreads that quick, huh?" Twilight asked as she sat in her cushion and removed her shoes, while Cadence removed her small crown.

"Twilight, you're the subject of everypony who witnessed you earning your cutie mark. It was bound to reach the ears of everypony in the castle sooner or later," Celestia said as she combed her daughter's hair.

"But what does it exactly mean? My cutie mark I mean" Twilight says.

"Well that's something you'll have to find out for yourself honey, as does every other pony," Celestia said.

"Okay, but when will I know?" Twilight asked starting to feel tired.

"When the time is right, my little pony," Celestia said.

"But probably not tonight. You need your sleep little sis," Cadence says.

"Okay..... Can, can you read me a bed time story big sister?" Twilight yawns.

"Sure thing Twily," Cadence says.

Soon Cadence read Twilight a story about Star Swirl the Bearded as Celestia tucked Twilight into bed. Cadence was about half way through the story when she noticed Twilight was asleep hugging her doll Smarty Pants that Cadence had given her when she was four. Cadence and Celestia then kissed Twilight goodnight and soon made way for their own rooms after they bid each other goodnight as well. Another eventful day was over and soon most ponies were asleep as the moon moved across the night sky.

A Memorable Birthday

It has been three years since Twilight had hatched the baby dragon. At first her new classmates didn't think it was that impressive, but when another dragon egg had been this time given to the class by it's mother for teaching purposes, Celestia then asked one of Twilight's classmates if she could try to hatch the dragon egg. The classmate then tried to hatch the egg, but as hard as she had tried, her magic didn't even make a crack in it. The rest of the class was shocked for this filly was one of Celestia's top students in Twilight's age group. (Of course Twilight was one of them and not because she was a princess.)

Because Celestia knew how much her daughter didn't like to boast, She never called on her daughter unless Twilight had a question or she knew the class wouldn't mind. Twilight had become very focused in her studies and in flight and it was the two excuses she usually used to get away from everypony else to be alone. Forge had tried to talk to her once in a while about school, but every time she would simply ignore him, for she was at that age where she thought it gross to be around boys and to prevent another round of teasing from her older sister. As she finished her studies, she thought about what she should do now. She had read over the books assigned to her and, without the young princess knowing about it, Celestia had told the librarians to say the library was closed for repairs.

She didn't want to stay cooped up in her room all day doing nothing, and was wondering why most ponies in the castle were barely talking to her. It was her birthday after all and she had nothing to do. She had already had lunch so going to the dining hall was out of the picture. She finally decided to take walk around Canterlot. She knew she had to request one of the gaurds take her so she headed towards the Palace doors and to her luck there was Shining Armor, who had become a strong young stallion. She walked up to the white stallion and he bows saying, "Good afternoon your highness. How may I help you?"

Seeing this as an opportunity to get away from the stuck up stallions that usually escorted her she says, "Well I was hoping if you're not too busy, you could be my escort around Canterlot today."

From Shining's point of view, this was the perfect opportunity to get Twilight away from the castle, since nearly every pony inside was preparing for her surprise party. "Well I don't have anything scheduled, so I couldn't say 'no' to the Princess."

"Well at least somepony's not avoiding me like I'm a ghost," Twilight says, laughing with Shining at her joke.

Soon they were walking through Canterlot and Ponies left and right giving her comments like, 'Happy Birthday Princess' or 'Princess Twilight, a Happy Birthday to you today' and she replied with a thank you. They had made their way through and Twilight was taking in a deep breath, happy to get away from the worrywarts of the castle. She didn't realize that she wasn't looking where she was going until Shining yelled, "Princess, watch out!"

He had warned her a little too late for the next thing she knew, she had bumped into another pony carrying clothes and they hit the ground with an "Oof" and clothes landing on top of them.

The two ponies were on the ground dazed a bit, while other ponies gasped and rushed to help them up. "Oh your highness, please forgive me......" was all the pony could say before Twilight cut him off and said, "Relax Fancy Pants. I should have been more aware of my surroundings. No harm done."

"I say, how was it you knew my name ?" said the stallion of high class.

"Well it's hard not to know subjects of your stature while being taught how to help run a kingdom," Twilight says.

"I must say, they certainly don't let age get in the way of teaching royalty at the castle," Fancy says.

"Well I'll let you get back to your business Fancy Pants," Twilight said, stating to feel uncomfortable of all the eyes watching her.

"Why thank your highness and have a splendid birthday today," Fancy says as he bows and picks up his clothing rather quickly.

"Thank you very much Fancy Pants," Twilight replies.

Soon Twilight and Shining Armor were off once again, with Shining feeling embarrassed he had let her run into Fancy Pants. Twilight soon said, "Don't worry about it Shining. You have to admit it was a tad bit funny to see those clothes flying everywhere."

Shining smiled at her but was still red in the face with his embarrassment. "Yeah it was a little bit funny," Shining said.

Twilight was about to say something when she heard somepony say, "Halt you thief!"

She looked below them to another level of the city and saw a very small colt running from none other then Silver Sword. "I'll make sure you're put in your place, you pathetic mule," Silver Sword says.

The kid was panting and says, "No, you misunderstand sir."

"Silence, it's the dungeon for you boy," Silver Sword yells.

Twilight couldn't stand it any more, she had to help the little colt. She soon spread her wings and took off from the ground when Shining asks with worry, "Princess Twilight, what are you doing?"

"I have to help that little colt. You know how stubborn Silver Sword is," Twilight said.

"Can't argue with that your highness. I'll be down there as quick as I can," Shining Armor says.

"Thank you Shining," Twilight says.

Soon she takes off towards the colt as fast as her wings can carry her and she got there just in time. The Stallions that were with Silver Sword had the little foal up against a brick wall and were about to tackle him when they saw Twilight swoop in. They stopped dead in their tracks as she landed in front of the foal and says, "Put down your weapons, you're scaring the little colt."

"Princess Twilight, I request you step aside and let us take our prisoner," Silver Sword says.

"Did you not hear what I said. Drop your weapons and back off. You will not harm this little colt," Twilight says looking at the colt who was hiding his face with his hooves.

Silver Sword was surprised at Twilight's act of bravery, as was Twilight herself, yet she held her ground as everyone but Silver Sword had dropped their weapons. Silver Sword dropped his weapon as soon as he heard, "I would do as she says Silver Sword, or do I need to report you to the Captain of the Royal Guard about disobeying a direct order from a member of the royal family and demote you again."

Silver Sword did not argue with Shining Armor, for Shining now out ranked him highly. Twilight nods her approval to Shining Armor and then says, "Now, why were you chasing this colt Silver?"

"We saw him steal an apple from an apple cart, your majesty," Silver says.

"It's not true! I did not steal anything your highness," the colt says, still shaking in fear.

"Well the evidence is stacked against you. Did you pay for the apple?" Twilight asks the little colt.

"No but..." was all he managed to say before Twilight says, "That is considered stealing, unless......... could you lead me to the apple cart you took the apple from?"

"Y-yes y-your highness," the foal says, and soon leads her to the cart he had gotten it from.

When they got to the apple cart, Twilight recognized someone she had bumped into on several occasions. It was Granny Smith, famous for the legendary Zap Apple Jam. "Why Howdy Princess Twilight. Ah read somewhere in the paper somepony in yer family has a birthday t-day."

"Hm hm, hello there Granny Smith I was here to have this young colt here return the apple he took from you and say he is sorry," Twilight says.

"Aw shucks Princess. There ain't nothin' to apologize for. The apples themselves were free, everything else has a price tag on it. That's wut ah tried ta tell the guards, but they wouldn't listen. The apple's all his," Granny says.

"I thought as much, I'm sorry about the guards attitudes little colt. You can go about your day um....." Twilight stopped not knowing the colt's name.

"Oh please call me Pip, your highness," the young four year old colt says.

"Well you can go about your day Pip. Actually would you like to see me at the Castle later on with your family. I'm sure you could use a good meal," the young princess says, feeling sympathy for him.

"I, I really couldn't impose your majesty. It's your birthday after all," Pip says.

"That's why I am inviting you. I want you to come to dinner for my birthday," Twilight says.

"Well, I'll see what my mom says, your majesty, thank you," Pip says.

"No problem little pony," Twilight says.

Pip bows and soon runs towards home to tell his mother. "Princess Twilight, that's a sweet thing ya did for him. You remind me a lot about my eldest granddaughter," Granny says.

"Oh, and where is she?" Twilight asks, not even think about asking for a name.

"Went to Manehatten ta visit the Oranges and see how they live once again ta maybe bring a few ideas back to the farm. It's nice to know she wants to stay on the farm, but it makes me wonder wut she sees in the Oranges that's so great your highness," Granny says.

"Well I think I will buy an apple fritter from you today, seeing as you don't have any Zap Apple Jam this time round. Guess I should have come earlier, huh?" Twilight says.

"Feathers on the goat, if I'da known you were comin', I would've saved a batch. I'll be sure ta save a batch next time the Apple family comes, your majesty," Granny says as she hands Twilight the fritter.

"Thank you very much Granny, I'll see you next time you're in Canterlot," Twlight says.

"Lookin' foward ta it, your highness," Granny says.

Soon Twilight walks off while levitating her apple fritter and politely eating it as royals do. "That was a kind thing you did back there for that colt your highness," Shining said.

"Well the little guy was so cute, even when scared. I just couldn't help it but to invite him. He seems like such a nice foal, and kind of reminds me of myself," Twilight says.

"Really? How so Princess?" Shining asks looking down at her.

"Well he's very timid like I was, and still am, but he also had a kind heart. He didn't insult the guards when they were in the wrong," Twilight says.

"I see. Well we better head back to the castle. I better be there to let the rest of the guards know that Pip and his family are coming to dinner," Shining says.

"Alright, I wonder what's going on at the castle that everypony inside is so busy, they can't even talk to me," Twilight says.

"Beats me," Shining says, trying not to blow his cover.

They soon arrived at the castle and Twilight was hurried in for a bath. While Shining let the guards know Pip's family would be at the party. She was wondering why everyone was pampering her for a regular dinner, and being the brainiac she was, didn't even think Birthday Party. Soon the hand maids finished up and put Twilight's crown and shoes on. After they were through, Twilight headed downstairs towards the dining room. It seemed awfully quiet and all she saw were the guards in the hallway. Some of them seemed to be hiding a smirk Twilight could barely notice. Once she made it to the doors of the dining room, she took a deep breath and opened it. The next thing that happened caught her completely off guard.

"SURPRISE!!!!!" yelled everypony in the room.

Pip, his mother, all of the royal family, Pony Joe, the castle servants, Fancy Pant's, some of Twilight's classmates and even Shining Armor and his family were there. Spike was asleep at this time in the the room that the servants had arranged him to stay in. "Wa-was this what you were all preparing for today?"

"Yes Twilight, and we just needed to find someway to get you out of the castle so you wouldn't spoil your own surprise," Celestia says to her daughter.

"So that's what all that clothing Fancy Pants had carried was for, how did I miss that?" Twilight asked herself.

"Well we're quite thankful you didn't realize the clothing was for this party. And I was lucky enough to find a suit for Pip here and for his mother as well," Fancy Pants says.

"Yes, but now it is time for the party to begin, Cadence if you will," Celestia said.

With that Cadence went to a rope and pulled. Soon, balloons of all colors fell from the ceiling and Cadence says, "Let's get this party started."

Soon there was music and game being played and Twilight being the guest of honor, participated in all of them. Soon the Time came to blow out the candles on the cake and everypony sang 'Happy Birthday' to Twilight. She finally blew out her eight candles, and none remained lit. "Aw, no special somepony for my little sister this year," Cadence says.

"Cadence," Twilight said trying to get off the subject of boys.

Cadence merely chuckled. "So what did you wish for your highness?" Shining asked.

"Can't tell you, sorry Shining," Twilight says.

"Curses, I thought I'd get you this time Princess," Shining Armor said.

"Maybe next time," Twilight says.

Soon the party had ended and everypony headed back to their regular business, except the Princesses. Princess Celestia had pulled her daughters into her room, had them lay on her bed and said, "Twilight, I know It's been a while since you got your cutie mark, but I was waiting for the right time to give you this."

Celestia levitated a chest and set it down in front of Twilight and told her to open it. When Twilight did, the chest revealed a silver necklace that in the very middle had a gem of the pink star of her cutie mark inside it. She gasped as she saw it. "It has a special spell upon it so that as you grow, so does the necklace so it will always fit. It took us a while to find the gem to place in there. I hope you like it," Celestia says.

"Mother I love it. Now all three of us have a necklace with our cutie marks on it. Thank you so much," Twilight says as she hugs her mother.

"I knew you would like it. Now let's try it on," her mother says.

Soon Twilight soon levitates the necklace and walks over to the mirror to put it on. She had gotten it around her neck, but couldn't connect the end peaces. "Here, let me help," Celestia says as she chuckles.

Soon the ends were connected, and Twilight was admiring herself for a second before saying, "You're right mom, it does fit. (yawn) And I hope to wear it all the time."

"Well I certainly hope not all the time. Those would be very uncomfortable in bed," Cadence said, hinting it was getting late.

"Okay, not all the time. (yawn) Wow that party has me tuckered out. Better get some sleep for tomorrow," Twilight says.

Celestia nuzzles her daughter and says, "Well have a good rest my little pony. I love you."

"Love you too mom," Twilight says.

Cadence and Celestia exchange their good nights and I love you's while nuzzling each other and soon Cadence follows her sister out of the room. "Love you little sis, have a good night," Cadence says.

"I love you too big sis, and you have a good sleep as well," Twilight says.

The two princesses nuzzle each other and soon head to their chambers and take off their jewelry. Twilight had a little trouble, but soon got the hang of it after five minutes. and finally set her jewelry down and took her shoes off. Soon all three princesses were asleep and ready for what tomorrow would bring.

Twilight's Nightmare

It was a beautiful spring afternoon and Twilight was spending time with her sister. The pink Alicorn took Twilight on a picnic through the Canterlot royal gardens. They were having fun and Twilight says, "Cadence, let's do the song you taught me."

"Okay, here we go," Cadence says.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake," They say together and are soon on the ground laughing.

"Do you think mom will be able to find time to play with us today?" Twilight asks.

"Mom always finds time, be it in an hour or later tonight. Don't worry, she'll see us some time today," Cadence says.

"Okay," Twilight says.

They walk through the gardens, hearing birds chirp, and watching little squirrels and bunnies chasing each other. Everypony seem to be having a splendid day, and Twilight was enjoying the company of her big sister. They played some board games, had time on the swings, and even did some flying around the castle. It seemed that the day had gone by a little too quick though. That's when Twilight realized something, the animals seemed to be hiding and everypony seemed to have gone indoors. The Lavender filly was starting to feel scared and asked, "Cadence, what's going on?"

Cadence didn't answer, and Twilight looked at her with concern. The pink princess had her eyes focused on the sky at the moment. Twilight looked at the point of origin that her sister's eyes were fixed and saw a figure she had only read about in a story book, but couldn't remember which. It was Nightmare Moon decending from the sky, a mare who had been banished to the Moon nearly 1000 years ago, and from what she had been told, was also who used to be her aunt before her corruption. "Cadence," Twilight said with worry.

"Twilight run," Cadence said with haste.

"But," was all Twilight said before Cadence yelled, "RUN!"

Twilight took of towards the Castle but noticed Cadence stayed behind and saw a flash of light as her sister started to try and fight off Nightmare Moon. Twilight took off from the ground and start flying as fast as her wings could carry her as she kept seeing flashes of light being made from behind her. She was not far from the castle when the flashes appeared to stop, she hoped that she could find her mother in enough time to help her older sister. She finally made it to the doors where the guards didn't seem to be standing their post. She didn't bother asking herself where they were and barreled right through the door. For some reason, the castle appeared to be darker then usual. Twilight finally made it to the thrown room doors and hoped to find her mother inside. What she saw was somepony else entirely. She came face to face, with the one mare she fear most in Equestria. "Why, if it isn't Princess Twilight Sparkle, the (calls Twilight something that sounded muffled to Twilight ), I've been waiting for this day for a long time," Nightmare Moon says.

"What have you done with my mother, Nightmare?" Twilght says with horror and hate in her voice and sees Shining Armor lying unconscious on the ground.

"Why bother telling you? You'll never see her or your precious loving sister ever again. From now on the night will last forever," Nightmare Moon says laughing menacingly.

"NO!" Twilight yells as she runs towards the dark alicorn.

She Tried to tackle Mare in the Moon to the ground, but soon the fight was over and Twilight was being held down on her back by Nightmares hoof. "You honestly thought you could beat me dear niece. You are sadly mistaken. I will not allow you to fulfill your destiny," Nightmare Moon says.

The Alicorn of the night started to make her horn glow and had it aimed right at Twilight's chest. Just as the magic burst from the Mare in the Moon's horn........

"Aaaaaaah," Twilight screamed, sitting upright in her bed and feeling a cold sweat all over her fur as she panted heavily, realizing it was a bad dream.

The door to her room was swung open and the light turned on as her mother and sister came rushing into the room. "Twilight, are you alright, what happened?" Celestia asked as she sat on Twilight's bed next to her and hugged her.

Twilight proceeded to cry into her mother's fur and told her family the whole dream as Celestia and Cadence rubbed her back. "Shhhh, It's okay honey. There is nothing to worry about. Nightmare Moon can't harm us and won't be coming to take over Equestria any time soon," Celestia says.

What she was telling Twilight was partially true. Twilight hadn't read the book that had told them Nightmare Moon's escape was nearing and Twilight was going to need to prepare. But for now she just need her mother and sister to comfort her. Cadence then said, "Twily, you know that mom and I would never let Nightmare Moon take over Equestria. And I'm sure when your old enough, you might even have the means to stop her yourself, should she some how return of course, which is likely not to happen, ever."

She winked at her mother, and Celestia smiled, knowing her eldest daughter understood what she had planned for Twilight's future. "Thanks, BSBFF," Twilight said as she wiped her tears.

"No problem, LSBFF," Cadence said and both of them laughed.

"There's my brave daughters I know and love," Celestia said as her daughters look at her and smile.

"How about we get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow," Cadence says.

"Okay, but can you sleep with me tonight?" Twilight asks.

"No problem little sis," Cadence says.

"Mom, do you want to as well?" Twilight asks, not wanting to leave her mom out.

"I think that this is something for sisters only. I don't want to intrude on that," Celestia says, remembering a time when she comforted her sister, and that this was special moment for sisters alone.

Cadence smiled at her mother and Twilight says, "Okay, as long as you're sure."

Celestia comes and nuzzles her daughter and kisses her goodnight. Soon Cadence got under the covers with her little sister and wrapped her forelegs around her, making twilight feel safe and secure. Celestia soon shut off the light and smiled as she headed back to her room as she thought about how much Cadence and Twilight loved each other, as sisters should. Nothing could tear them apart, not even the jealousy that had torn Luna away from her. But she worried, Twilight always seemed to stay indoors with her books, barely ever talking to anypony. Sure, Twilight knew some ponies, but none were actual friends with her. She needed to do something to help her daughter when it hit her. Her daughter would make some friends, but it would be a while til she did. With this thought in mind, she climbed into her bed and soon fell asleep, thinking of what the future held for her daughter.

Once Upon a Time

Six years had passed since Twilight's vision of nightmare moon. She was now a respectful, but sometimes rebellious Alicorn teenager. she was about the size of most ponies her age, maybe towering them by an inch or so, but it wasn't too noticeable, compared to her mother and sister. She had become a very gifted unicorn and was so focused in her studies that she would sometimes find some extra studying to do. Today though she thought she would read an old book that had the face of a unicorn on it. She found a secluded spot where she could be alone with her thoughts and studies near a tree sitting next to a lake near the castle grounds. She laid on her belly and placed the book gently in front of her after pulling it out of her bag. She opened the book and began to read.

The Banishment of Nightmare Moon

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

"Hmmm, Elements of Harmony. I know I've heard of those before. But where?" The lavender pony asked herself.

As she thought about this she figured best place to start looking would be in the Canterlot royal library. She packed up the book along with her other supplies she had taken with her and started heading towards the castle. It didn't take long before she was stopped before she was stopped by three ponies that knew her pretty well and one said as the three ponies bowed in respect, "There you are Princess Twilight. Moondancer is having a little get together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come your highness?"

The three look at her with a pleading stance and Twilight said, "Oh, Sorry girls. I've got, uh, lot of studying to catch up on."

She gives them a smile to try and get herself out of any more questions and makes a dash past them. "Does Princess Twilight do anything, except study? I think she's more interested in books then friends," the same pony said.

As Twilight ran towards the library, she said to herself, "I know I've heard of the Elements of Harmony."

She passes ponies that either bow or give her a wave and soon makes it to the steps leading to the library, where her assistant Spike, who was now old enough to walk and talk but still a baby dragon, was putting away the books that needed to be shelved. She soon made it to the doors, opened them and yelled, "Spike? Spiiiiiike? Spike?"

She saw him dazed on the floor and said, "There you are. Quick find me that old copy on predictions and prophecies. (she saw a banged up gift on his tail). What's that for?"

Spike looked at his tail, pulled of the gift and said, "Well, it was a gift for Moondancer, but."

She cut him off and said, "Oh Spike, you know we don't have time for that sort of thing."

"But we're on a break," Spike argued.

Twilight was being stubborn and sparked up a spell to start puling the books off the shelf. "No, no, no, no no no no, rrrrr, SPIKE!" the little Princess yells.

"It's over here," Spike said.

He was about to climb down, but with Twilight being impatient, got pulled off the ladder with the book. "Ah," was all Twilight said before taking over to a pedestal to read and began flipping through the pages.

"Elements, elements, e, e, e, e, ah ha. Elements of Harmony, see Mare in the Moon?" Twilight questioned wondering why it said that.

"Mare in the moon? But that's just an old pony's tale," Spike stated.

Twilight flipped through the pages once more and said, "Mare, mare, ah ha. The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria. Wait, my mother told me this tale when I was younger. This is not a myth. That's the story about Nightmare Moon, the pony who once was my Aunt Luna. She is no old pony's tale Spike. But I think I'll read on. 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 night time eternal. (Gasp) Spike, Do you know what this means?"

"No," the little dragon admited.

He then began to fall from the ladder he was using to put away the books Twilight had pulled out and dropped. He then landed on her back and Twilight said, "Take a note please, to my mother."

"Okey dokey," Spike replied.

"My dearest mother, my continuing studies in pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster" Twilight started.

After a few mishaps with wording they finally finished the letter.

"Send it," Twilight commanded.

"Now?" Spike questioned.

"Of course," Twilight responded.

"I don't know Twilight, your mother is a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. And that's like the day after tomorrow," Spike informed her.

"That's just it Spike. The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration. It's imperative that my mother is told right away," Twilight stated with urgency.

"Impera? Impera?" Spike mumbled.

"Important!" Twilight shouted, knocking her assistant backwards.

"Okay, okay," Spike said, a little annoyed at Twilight's response.

He took a deep breath and blew his magic flames to send the letter. "There it's on it's way, but I wouldn't hold your breath," Spike said.

Meanwhile Princess Celestia and Princess Cadence had just received Twilight's letter and were busy reading it. Celestia gasped and asked, "Cadence, you know what this means, right?"

"It's time isn't it?" Cadence asked, wishing the answer would be no.

Celestia nodded and Cadence gave a sigh. "Well, hopefully this will free our Aunt Luna from her dark form," Cadence said.

"She will succeed, but we must find a way for her to make friends, without giving away the fact that without them she won't be able to defeat Nightmare Moon," Celestia said.

"I know one way, but this is going to sound a little harsh and make her think we feel she's overreacting," Cadence said.

"And how do we do that honey?" Celestia asked.

Cadence proceeded to pull out a sheet of parchment, as well as a quill and a bottle of ink. She wrote down the message and showed it to her mother. Celestia read the message and then said, "You're right, that is a little harsh, but I can't think of a better way to get her to do it right now."

Celestia the signs her name on the parchment and sends the message via magic. Once it reaches the library, Spike belches up the letter and reads it out loud to Twilight. The lavender mare was a little shocked at her mother's response and soon took off towards her room to prepare for her stay in Ponyville. 'Well at least I might bump into old Granny Smith. She's always a treat to have conversations with,' Twilight thought, and laughed at her own irony in it when she was finishing her packing the next morning.

"Hello there Twilight," said a familiar sisterly voice.

"Oh Cadence, I didn't hear you coming," Twilight responded.

"Well, I came in to check on you to see how you are doing," Cadence said.

"I'm a little stunned at mom's response to my letter. I wasn't expecting what she told me," Twilight told her elder sister.

"Well, you are the best at looking over things to make sure their in order. I don't think she would have given you the job if you weren't up to the task," Cadence said.

"But it just seems like such a menial task anypony could take care of," Twilight argued.

"Trust me Twilight, every job is important, no matter how small it may seem. And you should have seen what we had to go through on your 8th birthday without your help," Cadence said.

"Was it that bad?" Twilight asked.

"Worse," Cadence said and they both started laughing.

"Well, I'm finished with the packing," Twilight stated.

"Why don't I see you off. Mom has arranged a chariot pulled by two of our finest pegisi to take you to Ponyville," Cadence stated as they walk out of Twlight's room, and the servants following with Twilight's luggage.

"Well, they better be, or I will be giving the Captain of Guard, Shining Armor a peace of my mind if I'm stuck with Silver Sword on the trip there, and at least I'll get the chance to get away from escorts all the time," Twilight commented.

Cadence chuckled and then said, "Well, I hope you have a good time. Mom has arranged for you to stay at the library. I hope that makes you happy."

"It does, after I'm done making sure preparations are in order, I'll head to the library and see what I can find out there about the Elements of Harmony," Twilight said.

"Well, don't spend too much time in the books. Remember mom's other assignment she has for you to complete," Cadence pointed out.

"Sis, I don't think the fate of Equestria rests on me making friends," Twilight said.

"It just might one of these days, little sis. You never know how powerful a bond of friendship can be," Cadence said, trying not to give away the real reason for sending her there, for she needed to discover the power within her on her own.

"Well I guess it's time for me to get going," Twilight said, as they arrive at the chariot for Twilight's departure.

"Let's do the song one more time sis, just for one last sisterly memory before you go," Cadence pleaded.

"Alright, here we go," Twilight said.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake," The two princesses said and laughed like little fillies once more.

"Well, see you later sis, tell mom I'll miss her," Twilight said as she nuzzled her sister.

"I will, don't get into too much mischief while you're down there," Cadence said as she pulled out of the nuzzle and winked at Twilight.

"I would never" Twilight joked.

"I'll be down to visit you soon," Cadence said.

"You better," Twilight demanded.

Soon the chariot took off with Twilight and Spike and she waved goodbye to Cadence one last time as the alicorn of love waved back. Soon she was out of sight and Spike started to lecture her the same bread and butter that Cadence had about halfway to Ponyville.

Checking Preparations (Food and Weather)

Later that afternoon, while the Twilight and Spike argued about Twilight making friends, Ponyville came into view. As the city was preparing for the Summer Sun Celebration, they caught a glimpse of the youngest Princess as the pegasi pulling her carriage finally landed. Twilight and Spike soon stepped off and Twilight thanked the two Stallions for the ride. Spike then said, "Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about."

Soon a pink earth pony started to walk up to them. "Come on Twilight, just try," the baby dragon pleaded.

The young princess looked at the pink pony and said, "Uh, Hello."

The pony with the balloons on her flank gasped and dashed off at an unknown speed making Twilight and Spike duck in the nick of time. As Twilight straightened out her crown she said, "Well, that was certainly new. Don't usually get that reaction when subjects see me. Usually they bow and then run off."

"I'll say, she nearly knocked your crown clean off," Spike replied.

"Well onto the preparations," Twilight said.

They were soon off and were greeted by many ponies bowing in respect, with a few giving a shy response to her. Twilight kindly gestured back and walked on once they had gotten near the outskirts, Spike said, "Aright, time to take care of the first item to the check list: Food Preparations at Sweet Apple Acres."

"Well, this should be a treat. Maybe we'll see Granny Smith while we're here," Twilight said as they walked onto a farm that had many Apple trees planted on it.

"Yeah, Granny Smith is always nice when she visits Canterlot," Spike adds.

"Yeeeee ha," said a voice.

Twilight and Spike look in the direction they had heard the voice to see an orange earth mare with a western style hat bucking apple trees. "Well, guess there's no Granny Smith today. Let's get this over with," Twilight says.

They headed over to the orange pony, who bowed in respect and Twilight said, "Good afternoon, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle."

The next thing that happened had taken her by surprise as the pony took her hoof and shook it very fast as she said, "Well how do ya do Princess. A pleasure makin your aquantence. Ah'm Applejack, we here at Sweet Apple Acres, sure do like makin new friends."

Twilight replied in a shacky voice, "Friends? Actually I..."

"Oh forgive me your highness. Ah sometimes get carried away when meeting new ponies, Ah shouldn't of done that," AppleJack said as she stopped shaking Twilight's hoof realizing her mistake in the presence of royalty and Spike stopped Twilight from shaking it like crazy.

"It's okay, I'll say that was quite a firm hoof shake you have," Twilight says, trying not to embarrass the apple farmer.

"So, what can Ah do ya for, your majesty?" Applejack asked.

Twilight took a breath, cleared her throat and said, "Well I am in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. And you're in charge of the food?"

"We sure as sugar are. Would ya care ta sample some your highness?" Applejack asks.

"Well as long as it doesn't take too long," Twilight replies.

"Thank you your highness, now if you'll kindly excuse me for a moment," Applejack said.

"Go right ahead," Twilight said wanting to get it over with.

Soon Apple jack sped off towards the barn and Twilight and Spike heard her ring a triangular bell as she yelled, "Soup's on everypony!"

Twilight had just enough time to spread her wings and fly up as she saw ponies running in her direction, but just as she cleared them, Spike grabbed a hold of her tail. Spike however, didn't make it clear of the ponies and was dragged forward, taking Twilight with him. Soon they land next to and outdoor table, both feeling a little dazed by the stampede that had taken them by surprise.

"Sorry bout that your highness, a lot of mouths ta feed today," Applejack said.

"Well, I can certainly say you have an exciting lifestyle down here," Twilight commented still trying to gain her barrings.

Once Twilight's and Spike's senses came back into focus, Applejack introduces them to the Apple family. There was a long list of ponies and she finished off as she said, "Big Mackintosh, Apple Bloom, Aaannd...."

"Granny Smith," Twilight said, as she spotted the tired old pony.

"Huh, who, wha?" Granny replied as she wakes up.

"Wait, you know my Granny, your highness?" Applejack asked.

"Yes as a matter of fact I do. It's a bit hard to ignore the only mare who sells zap apple jam every time she's in Canterlot. She saves my family and I a special batch each visit," Twilight said.

"Darn tootin, Howdy your majesty," Granny Smith said.

"Good afternoon Granny Smith, pleasure to see you again," Twilight said.

"Well Ah'll be, and here Ah thought Ah was the only Apple Family member in Ponyville who knew important people. Ah suppose that makes you an honorary member of the family Princess," Applejack said.

Twilight laughed nervously and said, "Well, I see that the food situation is handled, so Spike and I will be on our way."

"Aren'tcha gonna stay fur brunch, your majesty?" Apple Bloom asked, putting on her pleading face.

Twilight replied as apologetically as she could, "Sorry, but we have an awful lot to do."

"Awwwwwwwwwww," the Apple family says in unison.

Twilight felt she would regret leaving now, for she didn't want to make her subjects feel down and said, "Oh, alright, we'll stay."

The Apple family immediately cheered and the feasting began. It took Twilight and Spike a good while to finish with the food and soon they were on their way to check on the next thing on the list after the Apple Family gave them a polite farewell. "Alright, food's all taken care of, next on the check list is weather," Spike said.

As they walked Twilight said, feeling a little stuffed, "Oh, I ate too much pie."

Spike said as he looked at the sky, "There's supposed to be a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds."

Twilight looked up at the sky and said, "Well it looks to me that she isn't doing a very good job."

Out of no where, a flash of rainbow hits the princess landing her in mud. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh. Please forgive me your highness, I didn't mean to, I'm sorry," the pegasus said.

"It's okay, really," Twilight said.

"I was trying to pull of an air maneuver, but it didn't quite work. I honestly didn't know you were here in Ponyville your highness," Rainbow Dash said.

"Well concerning your flying, all I can say is keep practicing like I do, on another note, seems you have something you were in a hurry for," Twilight said.

"I was, but here, let me help you your highness," the pegasus says.

"I don't think that's," was all Twilight said once she walked out of the mud and the pegesus brought a rain cloud and started bouncing on it to release the water right over the lavender princess.

By the time the cloud became white, Twilight was drenched. "Oops, I guess I overdid it. Sorry your highness, um."

"Before you do any thing else, I'll just shake it off," Twilight said.

She removed her crown and started shaking her body off. By the time she had finished, her mane became very frizzy as she place her crown back on. As Rainbow Dash looked at her, she said, "Forgive me your highness, but, (snicker), but, you may need (snicker) to go to the mane salon here in Ponyville," Rainbow Dash said trying to keep herself from laughing at the princess's presence, but spike couldn't help but laugh.

"Well I'll keep that in mind. Let me guess, you're Rainbow Dash," Twilight said.

The pegasus corrects her stance and said with pride, "The one and only. Why, ya hearda me your highness?"

"I heard you were supposed to be keeping the skies clear. My mother has sent me here to check on the weather for the celebration," Twilight said, with some annoyance.

"Oh the weather, that'll be a snap your highness. I'll do it in a jiffy, right after I'm done practicing," Rainbow Dash said.

"Practicing for what?" Twilight asked.

"The Wonderbolts. They're going to be performing at the Summer Sun Celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show em my stuff your highness," Rainbow Dash said with enthusiasm in her voice.

"The Wonderbolts?" Twilight said getting an idea.

"Yep," Rainbow Dash replies.

"The most talented fliers in all of Equestria?" Twilight asked.

"That's them, your highness" Rainbow Dash said.

"Pfft, please, they'd never except a pegasus that can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day. I should know, I know Spitfire and Soarin'," Twilight said.

"You know their captain and her right wing pony your majesty?" Rainbow Dash asked, interested and shocked at the same time.

"Yes, they visit Canterlot Castle from time to time and I know Spitfire would not be too impressed by a whole bunch of clouds sitting in the sky during their flight," Twilight said.

"I don't mean to brag your highness, but I can clear this sky in ten seconds flat," Rainbow Dash said defending herself.

"Prove it," Twilight demanded with a sly smile on her face.

Rainbow Dash didn't want to disobey direct orders and also didn't want to damage her pride, so she took off at speeds that Twilight had never seen. Twilight and spike watched in awe as Rainbow Dash went left, right, up, down and all around clearing every cloud she could. Like she said she could, she finished in ten seconds flat. Twilight was jaw dropped, and Rainbow Dash said, "What'd I say? Ten seconds flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hangin your majesty. (She looks at Twilight's expression) No offence your highness, but you should see the look on your face. You're almost as funny as Pinkie Pie, Princess Twilight, and that's a compliment to point out, I can't wait to hang out some more."

Rainbow Dash soon took off and Spike said, "Wow, she's amazing."

He looked at Twilight's frizzy mane and snickers. Twilight soon walked off towards their next destination annoyed and Spike said, "Wait, it's kinda pretty once you get used to it."

Soon they were approaching the town hall and were preparing to take care of the next item on the list.

Checking Preparations (Decorations and Music)

Note: Some of these upcoming chapters will be following the lines of the first episode as close as they can and I give full credit to the makers of My Little Pony for that. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

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Checking Preparations (Decorations and Music)

Twilight and Spike were soon in town hall where the celebration was to be held and Spike was checking off the last bit of the check list concerning the weather. He then said, "Alright, next item on the list: decorations. (He catches sight of a white unicorn mare) Beautiful."

Twilight thought he was referring to the ribbons and banners and said, "Yes, the decor is coming along nicely. This ought to be quick, I'll be at the library in no time. Yes, beautiful indeed."

"Not the decor. Her," Spike said pointing at the white unicorn.

The unicorn was deciding on which ribbon she should use and Spike asked, "How are my spines? Are they straight?"

Twilight walked closer to the unicorn and was only able to say, "Good afternoon."

Not even looking behind her the unicorn said, "Just a moment please. I'm in the zone as it were, ah yes. Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why Rarity, you are a talent."

She turns around to Twilight and said, "Now, how can I, wah, your highness. (frantically bows) Oh please forgive me for my rude behavior a moment ago, and whatever happened to your coiffure?"

"Please there is no reason to apologize. You were just doing your job. As for my mane, it's a long story. My assistant and I were just here to check on the decorations and then we'll be out your hair," Twilight said.

" Out of my hair? What about your hair, your highness? You must come with me at once your majesty," Rarity said wanting to help her.

She directing the princess toward the exit and Twilight asked, "Wait, where are we going?"

"To my boutique, your highness. There's none better in all of Ponyville, and I have some of the top styles in all of Equestria, your majesty," Rarity said.

"I'm sure my mane can wait, I have to take care of the preparations," Twilight said.

"Forgive me your highness, but your mane cannot wait another minute. We simply must have you look presentable for the day. I would not wish for anything less then to have one of our princesses treated properly during their visit your highness," Rarity said.

"Alright, alright, just make it as quick as you can," the lavender princess insisted.

"This will require the right amount of careful handling and delicacy, especially for a Princess of Equestria, but I will do it in a timely manner," Rarity said.

"Thank you," Twilight said.

They were soon at the boutique and Rarity was deciding the best look that would suit her princess. It had taken longer then the young princess hoped, but she had finally made a decision on an outfit, Spike still in a trance, having followed them all the way saying nothing. "You know, I sometimes am envious of most ponies that come from Canterlot your higness, but not you of course. You deserve nothing less, with all the glamour, the sophistication. I've always dreamed of living there. I can't wait to hear of all your experiences there, your higness, well all that didn't reach all over Equestria that is. I think you and I will be the best of friends your majesty.......... Emeralds? What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies," Rarity said.

As she hurries off, Twilight sought this opportunity and said running off, "Quick, before she decides to dye my coat a new color."

Spike was still out of it and Twilight had to swoop him up and make a run for it. Soon they were out the door and did not stop to see a certain pink earth pony stop by the boutique. When they were a good distance away form the building, Spike said, "Wasn't she wonderful?"

Pulling him out of his trance, Twilight said, "Focus Casanova, what's next on the list?"

Spike cleared his throat checked off decorations and said, "Music, it's the last one on the list."

Soon, both of them heard a faint sound birds, which seemed to be chirping in rhythm. They soon find the source of the sound as the see a yellow pegasus conducting a chorus of birds. Everything seemed to be going well until one bird seemed to be off pitch. The yellow pegasus flew up to him and said"Oh my, um, stop please everyone, um, excuse me sir? I mean no offence, but, your rhythm is just a tiniee tiny bit off. Now follow me please, a one , a two, a one two three..."

"Hello," Twilight said.

"Ahh," the pink maned pony screams as her birds fly off.

"Oh my, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to frighten your birds. I'm just here to check up on the music with my assistant and it's sounding beautiful," said Twilight.

The yellow winged pony lands and shifts her hoof shyly after bowing to her princess. Twilight was feeling a bit uneasy herself by the silence and said, "I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle... What's your name?"

"Um, I'm Fluttershy," the pegasus said lightly.

"I'm sorry what was that?" Twilight asked.

"My name is Fluttershy your highness," Fluttershy mumbled.

"Didn't quite catch all that Miss," Twilight says.

"Fluttershy," Fluttershy squecked nervously.

Seeing that she wasn't going to get the pegasus to say her name loud enough, she sees the birds and said, "Well, um, it looks like your birds are back, so I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work."

Fluttershy mumbles something no pony could make out and Twilight said as she turned away to her assistant, "Okay, well that was easy."

"Huh, a baby dragon," Fluttershy exclaimed.

She skidded up next to the Princess and said, "Oh, forgive me your highness, I have to say, I've never seen a baby dragon before. He is so cute your majesty," Fluttershy said.

"Well, well, well," was all spike said.

"Huh, he talks. I didn't know baby dragons could talk your highness, that's just so incredibly wonderful, I, I just don't know what to say," Fluttershy said.

Grabbing Spike with her magic, Twilight said, "Well in that case we better be going."

"Wait, what's his name your majesty?" Fluttershy asked.

"I'm Spike," Spike said.

"Hi Spike, I'm Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon, and what do dragons talk about?" Fluttershy asked, who was unable to notice the princess's annoyance.

"Well what do want to know?" Spike asked.

"Absolutely everything," Fluttershy said.

"Oh dear," Twilight exclaims.

"Oh, I mean if that's alright with you, your highness, I mean," Fluttershy said.

"No it's fine really. I just hope you have time on your hooves, because we need to get to the library and by the time we get there it will be his bed time," Twilight said.

"Oh goodness, we must hurry then," Fluttershy said and they soon walk off.

Spike looked at Twilight suspiciously, but then said as Fluttershy listened intently, "Well I started out as a cute little purple and green egg."

The Party and The Nightmarish Encounter

"And that's the story of my whole life.... Well up until today. Do you want to hear about today?" Spike asked.

"Oh, yes please," Fluttershy said with her enthusiasm.

All of the sudden they were at the library and Twilight seized the opportunity to get some alone time and said as she whipped herself around to face Fluttershy, "I am so sorry. How did we get here so fast? As you may recall, this is where we are staying while here in Ponyville, and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep."

"No I don't, wah oof," Spike said as Twilight made him slip off her back.

"Aww, wook at that. He's so sweepy he can't even keep his wittle bawance," the lavender princess said in a babyish tone and gave Fluttershy an awkward smile.

Fluttershy then swooped over, picked up spike and took him inside as she said, "Poor thing, you simply must get him to bed your highness."

Twilight galloped in after her said, "Yes yes, we'll get right on that. Well, goodnight."

Twilight shuts the door after waving to her, not even giving her time to bow.

"Hmpf, rude much?" Spike asked rhetorically, annoyed at Twilight's behavior.

"Sorry Spike, but I have to convince my mom and sister that Nightmare Moon is coming and we're running out of time. I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now where's the light?" Twilight asked as she looked around for the switch.

All of the sudden, the light came on by itself and like her eighth birthday party, there were many ponies all around who all said at the same time, "SURPRISE!!!," making the young princess and Spike jump in surprise.

After Twilight calmed herself she sighed thinking 'oh no, more distractions'. The Pink earth pony came up to her and said as she bowed, "Surprise. Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you your highness. Were you surprised, were you were you, huh huh huh?"

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

"That's silly, what kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet your majesty? I mean duh, boooooring. See I saw you when you first got here your highness, remember. You were all 'Hello' and I was all 'Huuh', remember?" Pinkie Pie said as Twilight started to walk towards the snacks and drinks.

Pinkie Pie continues, "You see, I've never seen you arrive here before, and if I've never seen you arrive here before, then you must be here for the first time, because I've seen everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville your highness. So that meant that you were new around this area, and didn't know many ponies from here, and if you don't know any ponies then you must not have any friends around here. And if you don't have any friends around here then you must feel lonely without your other friends here, and that made me so sad. So I had an idea, and that's why I went 'huuuh'. I'd just throw great big, ginormous,super duper, spectacular welcome party and invite everypony in Ponyville. See, and now you have lots and lots of friends your highness," Pinkie Pie finished.

Twilight hadn't realized she had drank hot sauce and turned around holding her breath. "Are you alright there your highness?" Applejack asks.

Twilight then felt as if her entire body had caught fire, including her mane and tail. She made a bolt for her bathroom upstairs to wash it down with water. Pinkie Pie watched with the rest of her friends and said, "Awww, the princess is so happy she crying."

As twilight made it further up the stairs, Spike grabbed the bottle she had poured and said, "She drank hot sauce."

Pinkie Pie poured it on a cupcake and ate it, and said with her mouth full "Whath, it'sth good"

Many hours later, Twilight was resting on her bed as she tried to block out the noise, and felt it would be rude to try and stop the music. Not to mention making her not very well liked if she sent all the ponies home, but she thought that all the ponies staying around this late was getting a tad ridiculous. Just then Spike opened the door and said, "Hey Twilight, Pinkie Pie's starting pin the tail on the pony, wanna play?"

"No, all the ponies in this town are CRAZY! Do you know what time it is?" Twilight asked in her annoyance.

"It's the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration, everypony has to stay up, or they'll miss your mom raising the sun. You really should lighten up Twilight, it's a party," Spike said as Twilight mocks him while closes the door behind him.

"Here I thought I'd have time to learn more about the Elements of Harmony, but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend making has kept me from it," Twilight said thinking there's no time left to study.

She stared out the window at the moon as she tried to vent her anger, but as soon as she caught a glimpse of the moon she got up and started saying, "Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night. I hope my mom and my sister were right. I hope I am just overreacting."

Just then, the dream she had as an eight year old filly flashed in front of her eyes, and she said, "Uh, and I hope that dream I had a while back was nothing more than a dream."

Just then the door swung open again and Spike said, "Come on Twilight, it's time to watch the sunrise."

Soon the ponies make their way to the town hall and the royal guards bow to Twilight as they see her walk in. Many other ponies bow to her as they offer her a spot up front for the ceremony. Soon all of the ponies whispering about their excitement to see Princess Celestia raise the sun. Pinkie Pie skidded over to the princess and said "This is so exciting, are you excited your highness, cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited, well, except for that one time I saw you walking into town and I said 'huuh', but I mean really who could top that your highness?"

Soon Fluttershy signals her birds to anounce the mayor's arrival. "Fillies and Gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it's my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration."

All the ponies cheer and the mayor continues, "In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise and celebrate this, the longest day of the year."

Twilight looked out the window at the moon and watched in fear the mare in the moon disappear, and not leave her mark as the Mayor continues, "And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, mother of princess Twilight Sparkle herself, the very pony who give us the sun and the moon each and every day. The good, the wise, the binger of harmony to all of Equestira...."

Fluttershy signaled her birds to be ready as the Mayor said, "Princess Celestia."

Rarity pulled the rope to draw back the curtains and once they did, nopony was there as Rarity said, "Huh?"

"This can't be good," Twilight said.

"Remain calm everypony. there must be a reasonable explanation for all of this," the mayor said.

"Oo, oo, I love guessing games your highness, is she hiding?" Pinkie Pie asked, staying calm as always.

Rarity came out where every pony could see her and said, "She's gone."

This in turn made everypony gasp, and Pinkie Pie said, "Ooh she's goooood. Waah!"

Everyponies attention turned back to where a blue mist of some kind had formed. "Oh no...... Nightmare Moon," Twilight exclaimed, crouching in fear at the sight of her aunt's evil form that had over taken her.

Spike faints at the site of the mare as the dark Alicorn said, "Oh, my beloved subjects, it's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun loving faces."

This made the foals in the room huddle together or hide behind their parents. "What have you done with Princess Celestia?" Rainbow Dash asked.

She was about to attack the mare when Applejack held her back and said with a mouth full of Rainbow Dash's tail, "Hold it Nelly."

The Alicorn laughed wickedly and asked, "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?"

Pinkie Pie then said, "Oo, oo, more guessing games. Um, Hockey Smokes, how about Queen Meany, no, Black Snooty, Black Snooty, (mumbling sounds as an apple was shove in her mouth and Applejack tries to play an innocent smile)"

"Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend, did you not see the signs?" Nightmare Moon asked as she continued to make the ponies cringe in fear.

Twilight then gathered her courage and said, "I did, and I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon. Nightmare Moon."

This in turn made all the other ponies gasp once more and Nightmare Moon said, "Well, well, well. A descendant of Celestia's bloodline still remembers me. Then you must know why I am here, dear niece," Nightmare Moon said.

"You're here to...to," Twilight couldn't even finish her sentence as she gulped in fear looking at her Aunt.

The dark mare of the night laughed once again and said, "Remember this day little ponies, for it was your last, from this moment forth, the night will last forever. Ahahahahaaha. And you, my dear niece, you and I will have our own little quarrel soon."

Her magic soon started encircling the the room and the mayor said, "Seize her, only she knows where Princess Celestia is and she's threatened Princess Twilight."

The royal guards began to close in on her as she said, "Stand back you fools."

Using her magic, she swatted them away like flies knocking them unconscious, and soon disappeared in her mist and flew through the doors as they opened. Rainbow Dash finally breaks loose from Applejack's grip and flew after the mist while she yelled, "Come back here!"

She didn't get very far and the mist was too fast for her. "Nighttime, forever?" she asked to no pony in particular.

She then watched as Twilight bolted out of town hall and soon took to the sky with Spike on her back. "Where is she going? And what was all that talk of her being that ponies niece?" Rainbow Dash asked herself as she followed the lavender Alicorn.

Soon Twilight was back at the library and she laid down spike in a basket as he was still asleep from fainting. He woke up with a start and said, "We gotta stop Nightmare."

As soon as he had jolted awake he was out cold again. Twilight placed a blanket over him and said, "You've been up all night Spike, you are a baby dragon after all."

She soon shut off the light and closed the door. She then started trashin the book shelves looking for a book on the elements of harmony. "Elements, elements, elements. Oooh, how am I supposed to stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?" Twilight asked herself.

"And just what are the Elements of Harmony, your majesty? And how did you know about Nightmare Moon? Are you a spy disguised as Princess Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked as she vented, not knowing what she was doing.

She was soon pulled back to reality as Applejack pulled her tail once more and said, "Simmer down Sally, she ain't no spy and you should know better then to treat Princess Twilight like that."

Rainbow Dash realized how ridiculous she had sounded and soon said, "I'm sorry your highness, please forgive me, that was completely out of line."

"It's alright Rainbow dash, I forgive you. You were just needing to let some anger out. Just try to let it out on something like a cloud next time," Twilight replied.

"I'll keep that in mind your highness," Rainbow Dash said.

"Thank you," Twilight says.

"Ah reckon ya'll know what's goin on you majesty," Applejack says.

Twilight was a bit nervous to answer but summed up her courage and said, "There's two things you all need to know. The first thing, Nightmare moon is my aunt, Princess Luna. Darkness overtook her long ago before any of us were born and she transformed into the wicked mare you all witnessed. The second thing you need to know is that there are some mysterious objects known as the Elements of Harmony that are the only things that can stop her. But I don't know what they are, where to find them. I don't even know what they do."

Everypony in the room turned their attention to Pinkie Pie as she said, "The Elements of Harmony, a reference guide."

Twilight skidded into Pinkie Pie accidentally knocking her away as she asked, "How did you find that?"

"It was under 'Eeeee'," Pinkie Pie said as she bounced around the room.

Twilight felt a little foolish and said, "Oh."

She soon brought the book down and showed it to the five other mares as she read out loud, "There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known, kindness, laughter, generosity, honesty and loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said that the last known location of the five known elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters of day and night. It is located in what is now..(Scene change like in the show to the Everfree forest)"

"The Everfree Forest," All the ponies say together.

Battle of The Princesses and The Transformation

Note: I noticed from recent comments that many readers seemed to start getting bored with me following the episodes as closely as I could, so I hoped this chapter might spice things up a bit. And for anyone wondering, the story will not stop at the defeat of Nightmare Moon. I intend to send Twilight into more challenges. Some, the may involve her sister. So please stay tuned.

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Battle of the Princesses and The Transformation

The six mares made their way through the Everfree Forest, each faced with a different challenge that Twilight had started to take notice to how they handled it. The mares had made it to the other side of the top of the canyon and saw the old ruins of the sister's castle. "There it is, we're sure to find the Elements of Harmony inside," Twilight said.

They had begun trotting there when, out of nowhere lightning flashed making the ponies stop in their tracks. Before anypony had time to react, Twilight was swooped up in a dark blue mist and she screamed. "Princess!" her five new friends yelled in unison.

They jumped up to grab her, but before they could even reach her hoof Twilight had vanished. Twilight saw blackness for a second and then felt herself crash onto the stone cold floor of what she could only assume was somewhere in the ruins. "You really thought you could defeat me with these mere stones? The Elements of Harmony may have imprisoned me before, but now that they are in my grasp, and I now have the power to stop them from foiling my plans. Did you think I would make the same mistake twice? I was prepared for this moment. A thousand years I have waited to plot my revenge. You will not be enough to stop me," Nightmare moon said.

"My mother taught me how to duel with magic, and I hoped I would never have to use it, but if it may be enough to stop you then so be it," Twilight said as she took a stance, forming a plan to lure Nightmare Moon away from the stones.

"You're kidding, You're kidding right?" Nightmare Moon asked unimpressed.

Twilight charged Nightmare with her horn glowing and in turn Nightmare charged her. When they were inches away form each other, Twilight teleported herself to where her aunt had left the stones unattended. She kept thinking to herself, 'just one spark'. She was not quick enough, for her aunt knocked her away, causing Twilight's crown upon her head to fall off. Twilight watched in horror as Nightmare Moon caused the stones to shatter. "Now you shall never see your precious mother or your sun again," Nightmare Moon said as she laughed menacingly.

Twilight was now filled with rage, for to hear she would never see her mother again was infuriating. She held back no longer and launched a beam of purple magic at her aunt. Nightmare Moon had only little time to dodge the the spell her niece had cast at her, and she soon shot back a beam of dark blue. The two princesses kept on trying to aim a magic spell at each other and some had grazed their fur.

Meanwhile, still outside in another part of the ruins Twilight's friends were searching frantically for her when Rarity said, "Look," pointing at the flashes of light that were being caused by the two princesses battling.

"We gotta help Princess Twilight, she needs us," Rainbow Dash said.

"Well what are we all waitin for, let's get movin," Applejack saind and the five ponies started heading for the room the princesses were battling in.

Back in the room, Twilight was starting to feel her limit being reached as she thought to herself, 'She's a lot more powerful then I thought, but we can't have eternal night, I have to do this for my subjects. But how can I stop her if she deflects or dodges almost every spell I cast at her? Oh, if only my mother could have told me something that could have helped me.'

Just then her thoughts were interrupted as Nightmare cast a spell that sent Twilight flying back. Soon Nightmare moon started to walk towards her. "Seems that you will not be able to fulfill your destiny that your cutie mark has set for you, little princess," Nightmare Moon says, thinking she was victorious.

"What destiny? I-I don't understand, what is it that makes me such a threat to you?" Twilight asked, as she struggled to get back to her feet, but was soon knocked down again by a less powerful but still strong spell.

"Why bother telling you dear niece. You will not fulfill it, and I will see to that," Nightmare Moon replies.

Then Twilight heard something that gave her a sign of hope. Her new friends were calling her name. "Princess Twilight," Rainbow said.

"Hold on sugar cube, we're on our way your highness," Applejack said in the distance.

"We're coming darling, do not worry your majesty," Rarity said.

"Well, how touching, your friends are here to share your defeat. Not that I care, without your precious Elements of Harmony, no pony can stop the night ruling forever," Nightmare Moon said.

It was at that moment Twilight had an epiphany and thought, 'My friends, what they did for each other and me in the Everfree Forest, they were the Elements of Harmony in a way I have only just realized. Maybe that's what mom meant in her letter. Maybe we can still defeat Nightmare, together.'

Twilight once again wobbled to her feet as she said, "You think that destroying the stones stops the power of the Elements of Harmony? Well you're wrong, because the Spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here."

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity all came to her aid and Applejack asked, "Are you alright sugar cube?"

"I'll be fine," Twilight said as they all face the Mare in the Moon.

All of the sudden the stones that had been shattered start to glow as Twilight said, "Applejack, who reassured me when I doubted myself, represents the Element of Honesty. Fluttershy, who tamed a manticore with her compassion, represents the Element of Kindness. Pinkie Pie, who vanished fear in the face of danger, represents the Element of Laughter. Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the Element of Generosity. And finally Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own hearts desire, represents the Element of Loyalty. They're spirits got us through every challenge you threw at us."

"But you still don't have the sixth element, the spark didn't work," Nightmare Moon said, still trying to convince herself more then Twilight that she was victorious.

"But it did. A different kind of spark. A spark that everypony feels inside when you realize you have true friends to stand by your side. I felt it the moment I was happy to hear all of you, to see you. How much I realized I cared about all of you. That spark ignited in me when I realized that you are all my true friends," Twilight said as she turned to Nightmare Moon and a flash of light formed over her, revealing the sixth element stone.

Nightmare Moon saw the stone and asked to no pony in particular, "But, how is that possible?"

"You see Nightmare Moon, when the spark that resides in all of us has lit the flame of friendship, that reveals the sixth element. The Element of Magic," Twilight said as the stone and fragments glowed and engulf all six ponies in light.

Soon the light settled to reveal a new crown of silver atop Twilight's head with her cutie mark upon it, and silver necklaces around her friends with their cutie marks upon them. The six ponies then each aimed their jewels at Nightmare Moon and fired their magic, yet it seemed to do nothing when fired individually. "So the elements formed into jewels, they still won't be enough to save you. I'll pick you all off one at a time," Nightmare Moon said as she laughed again.

Twilight then told her friends to aim their magic at her crown and it may send a single beam strong enough to defeat Nightmare. They all agree and Twilight said as they began to aim their magic at her, "We won't be coming for you one at a time."

Soon the magic was released and aimed at Twilight's crown which she powered up the magic within her crown and her eyes shined as bright as day as A rainbow of magic was sent in an arc as Nightmare yelled, "Noooooooooooo!"

The moment the wave of magic struck her, Nightmare Moon cried out in shock, "Impossible!" She rose up in panic, desperately trying to tear her way out of the rainbow cyclone. Her screams of fury and fear however were soon drowned out by the immense power of the Elements.

Soon the magic was gone and all ponies were lying on the ground. "Oh my head," Rainbow Dash said.

"Everypony okay?" Applejack asks.

Rarity was happy to see her tail back and Fluttershy mentions that they all had necklaces with their cutie marks upon them. "Ah thought you was talkin a lot of hooey your majesty, but Ah reckon, we really do represent the Elements of Friendship."

"Indeed you do," said a voice, which sounded all too familiar to Twilight.

Soon Princess Celestia appeared before them. Twilight's friends bowed as she ran to her mother and said, "Mom, you're back."

"Twilight, I'm so proud of you. I knew you could do it," Celestia said.

"But, you and Cadence told me I was overreacting," Twilight said.

Cadence then appeared in the room and said, "What we said was you needed to make some friends, nothing more."

"That's right, Cadence and I had begun to see the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and we knew it was you who had the magic within to defeat her. But you could not unleash that power until you let true friendship and it's trust into your heart, like you displayed by uniting the elements powers as one. Now if only another will let true friendship into their heart as well," Celestia said.

Twilight and Cadence knew what she meant as they looked upon an alicorn pony that looked far more gentle then Nightmare Moon. "Princess Luna, It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this, and the first time my daughters have been able to see your true form. It's time to put our differences behind us, for we are all meant to rule together little sister. Will you except our friendship?" Celestia asked.

Luna looked down feeling guilty for what she had done. She then stood up and nuzzled her elder sister and said, "I'm so sorry. I missed you so much my sister."

"I've missed you too," Celestia said as she and Luna formed tears of joy in their eyes.

Celestia then said, "Luna these are your nieces, Princess Mia Mora` Cadenza, or, as we like to call her, Princess Cadence."

Cadence walked up to her and nuzzled her aunt. "And Princess Twilight," Celestia said as Twilight took a step towards her aunt.

Luna did not hold back and brought her youngest niece into a large embrace while she said, "Thank you for freeing me my dear niece. I was so lost within that monster you encountered. I don't know how I can ever repay you or your friends for saving me from that cloud of jealousy that had consumed me. The six of you have my undying gratitude dear niece, I mean that quite literally."

Twilight then returned her embrace as she had a moment with her long lost aunt she thought she would never see. Her five friends had a moment of silence and shed tears of joy as they watched Twilight get reacquainted with her Aunt Luna when they realized their necklaces began to glow. Celestia then said as she noticed them glowing, "You have just about fulfilled your destiny Twilight."

"What do you mean mother?" Twilight asked as she pulled of her Aunt's embrace.

Her aunt was a little confused herself at first, but then saw Twilight's cutie mark and understood. "Step this way dear," Celestia said as she guided her daughter to a center point between her friends.

"The Elements of Harmony have one last thing they must do before their powers go to sleep till they are needed again," Celestia said.

"And what is that?" Twilight asked curiously.

Before she could receive a verbal answer, the elements burst so much power towards Twilight, no pony had any time to react. A white orb of light had engulfed her and began to lift her off the ground. This sent a sensation through her enire body as she began to transform before the eyes of everypony in the room. When the orb had faded, Twilight hovered slowly to the ground, landing slowly and soon saw everypony in the room staring at her in aw, including her aunt and sister. Celestia smiled and said, "Congratulations my little one, well, I guess you're no longer that little anymore."

Twilight realized she was as tall as her aunt and sister and that her horn and wings had become longer as well. But that was not what baffled her most. Her mane now flowed like her mothers and Princess Luna's, who's mane was flowing again as well. "You have fulfilled your destiny my dear," Celestia finished.

"I don't understand. What is my destiny?" Twilight asked.

"You are now 'Princess of the Stars'. While your Aunt Luna has control over the moon, You will now have control over the stars at night," Celestia said.

"Congratulations my niece. That will actually lift some strain off my mind. All in all this is a great honor," Luna said.

"Way to go little sis," Cadence said.

"Your not jealous or mad Cadence?" Twilight asked.

"Twily, I couldn't be prouder of you. Of course I'm not mad or jealous of you. Each one of our destinies has an important meaning, I figured that out a long time ago sis. Just hope cousin Blue Blood can do the same one of these days," Cadence said, as if she thought he would get old before that happened and it made everypony laugh.

"Way to go Princess Twilight," her five friends said in unison as they bowed.

"Thanks girls," Twilight said.

"Hey you know what this calls for? A party," Pinkie Pie said with enthusiasm.

Soon, all the mares were off towards Ponyville as the were given royal chariots to ride upon. Pinkie Pie had soon sped off her chariot after they made it out of the Everfree Forest and headed towards town to tell everypony the wonderful news. When the Princesses and other four ponies arrived, ponies were waiting in the street to greet all of them and were amazed at Twilight's transformation. They all soon dismounted the chariots and everypony was asking Celestia and Luna how the entire event had played out. Twilight was watching and all of the sudden felt sad, Cadence and Celestia notice her mood and Celestia was the first to ask, "Why so glum my daughter?"

"Yeah aren't you happy that you fulfilled your destiny and can return back to Canterlot with us?" Cadence asked.

"That's just it, just when I realize how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them," Twilight said.

Her friends realize how she feels and begin to feel the same way. Just then Cadence whispered something to their mother and Celestia said soon after, "Spike, take a note please."

Spike grabbed his parchment and quill and wrote while Celestia said, "I, Princess Celestia, here by decree, that my daughter, Princess Twilight Sparkle is free live in Ponyville and to travel between Canterlot and Ponyville at whatever moment of her choosing or when time deems it necessary, taking on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship and must report to me on her findings whenever she learns something new about friendship from her new home in Ponyville."

The crowd cheers and her friends all come to her side giving her a hug of approval. "Oh, thank you mother, I'll study harder then ever before," Twilight says.

"That's good to hear honey, Though I think we'll have to stay here with you while you learn how to control bringing the stars out at night," Celestia said.

"Oh, almost forgot about that," Twilight said.

Soon the Princesses and Twilight's friends head off to Sugar Cube Corner to enjoy the Party that Pinkie Pie had set up.

We have a Brother?

We Have a Brother?

It was early in the morning on a winters day. It had been a long tie since Luna had taught Twilight to bring forth the stars at night. At first, Luna had to help her out, but about a week or so of training, it became second nature to her. Once Her family felt they had a handle on things, they took off to Canterlot and told her to visit when she could. Since then, she and her friends had experienced many trials that taught them the value of friendship and helped them face new challenges, and of course Twilight had told them to start calling her twilight rather then addressing her formally.

One trial was when Twilight had been invited with her friends to the Grand Galloping Gala after a bit of deciding on who should go until they all got tickets. Another trial came when twilight had been convinced Zecora was an evil enchantress , when all she really was doing was making a cure for poison joke that they had fallen victim to. Even another trial was when a mare named Trixie had boasted about her magic, claiming she was great and powerful. Many other trials followed, but the six friends and their fellow townsponies got through them together.

Now in these months of snow and ice, everypony was doing their best to make it enjoyable, but as of recent, an unforeseen blizzard that was out of the pegasi's control had recently hit, making some jobs for winter a bit harder for everypony to deal with, but it was of no surprise to them, for these had been common occurrences in Ponyville for generations. They had thought nothing of it and went along with the extra hassle the winter had brought, till they discovered this blizzard proved to extend to many parts of Equestria, baffling many ponies. Twilight thought some Magic beyond her and her families power to control was the cause of it and didn't worry too much about it.

She made her way to Pinkie Pies Place at Sugar Cube Corner, where her friends were waiting for a winter get together. As soon as she walked in the door her friends greeted her with a warm welcome. "Hey Twilight, do want to try this new type of hot chocolate I made?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Maybe another time Pinkie Pie, I just want the regular type you usually make," Twilight says, remembering last time she tried one of Pinkie Pie's new recipes, she ended up having upset stomach for three days, no matter what she made to help it go away.

"Oki doki loki," Pinkie Pie says as She and Twilight head into the room to talk with their friends.

The girls were having a great time chatting about things that happened over the past few days, when all of the sudden Pinkie Pie started shuddering big time. Twilight knew from past experience at Froggy Bottom Bogs that it meant there was a doosy on the way about something no pony would expect, and she said, "I wonder what those shudders were all about?"

"Don't know, but it's gonna happen, (another shudder and a gasp) when you go to Canterlot Twilight," Pinkie pie Said.

"I wonder when that's gonna happen," Twilight asked rhetorically.

Just then, Spike clenched his stomach, before burping up a letter. "Well, that was fast, and a bit ironic," Twilight says.

"What's it say Twi?" Applejack asks.

"Well let me read it so we can find out," Twilight says.

"Here you go Twilight," Spike says, handing her the letter.

"My dear daughter Twilight, your aunt and I have some urgent news that you and Cadence must know about and I must ask you to do something that is important. I also must ask that you come alone. Your friends and Spike will be told in due time of what news you will hear about, but this is a private matter you and your sister must find out first before it is known to any other pony. Your Aunt Luna and I will await you and you sister in the family quarters later this afternoon, I have a ticket for you to board the next train taking off in thirty minutes after you read this letter. We are all looking forward to seeing you today and hope you have been well. I hope you can forgive me for the sudden urgency to summon you here to Canterlot. Your loving mother, Princess Celestia," Twilight read and her friends are all in a state of shock at this.

"Ah wonder what so urgent that both your ma and aunt need ta see ya. Ah sure hope it's nothin bad," Applejack said.

"Oh I do hope they don't make you stay in Canterlot for some reason Twilight. That would be so uncouth of them to do such a thing," Rarity added.

"Nah, my Pinkie senses would sense it right away. What if they have a party for you back home?" Pikie Pie asked.

"Uh, if they were holding a party, I'm sure they would have you planning it Pinkie," Rainbow Dash pointed out.

"Maybe they need you to do something dark and sinister," Fluttershy says.

"Girls, I'm sure it's nothing bad, but it will be unexpected with the way Pinkie Pie's senses went haywire a second ago," Twilight said.

"Well lets get our stuff packed," Spike said as he was beginning to walk out the door.

"Sorry Spike, but the letter said I need to go alone. You'll have to stay here with one of the girls," Twilight said.

"Count me out," Rainbow Dash said.

"I'll take care of him for you, Twilight," Rarity said, before the others could get a word in.

"Are you sure?" Twilight asked.

"Of course, he can help me gather gems that are buried in the ground so I have them for my latest fashion designs, and I have spare bed for him to sleep in so we'll be fine," Rarity said.

Spike was blushing furiously, for the one pony he had a crush on was letting him stay at her place. "Alright, well I better head home and get my stuff packed," Twilight said.

"No need for that, it's already done your majesty," said a familiar stallion's voice walking into the sweet shop.

"Shining Armor, what in Equestria are you doing here?" Twilight asked.

"Your mother sent me and a few of my guards I command early this morning to fetch you and make sure you didn't miss the train your highness and we went to the library while you were out and packed your belongings. We are sorry to pull you away like this, but your mother's being quite serious that you come your highness," Shining Armor said.

"I understand, sorry about this girls, but I have to get going," Twilight says.

"No worries your majesty, we'll be fine till you get back. Just make sure your back in one piece, if you know what I mean Twi," Applejack said, remembering a few times Twilight had a few gears wound the wrong direction.

"Don't worry, I will. I'll see as soon as I can girls and you too Spike," Twilight said as she headed out the door with Shining Armor.

"Bye Twilight," All her friends say in unison.

Twilight felt sad about leaving her friends, but was happy she was able to see her family that she had not seen since Princess Luna's first Nightmare Night in Equestria three months before. After a long train ride and a chit chat on how Shining Armor's and Cadence's relationship was going, the train finally made it's stop in Canterlot, many guards awaiting her on the platform. "Wow, didn't expect this many guards," Twilight stated.

"Your mother wants to avoid the press asking you a pile of questions that she is sure are to happen. With you coming into the city unannounced, it will interest them most likely. We didn't want to risk it or the trip to the castle would take longer your highness," Shining Armor says.

"I believe it. Well let's get going," Twilight says.

The guards soon escort Twilight to the castle and once inside the castle walls, Shining Armor escorts her to their families private quarters, where the rest of the family is waiting for her. Once Shining Armor took his leave and Twilight trotted inside, Cadence said as she entered, "Twiliy. It's so good to see you again."

"Cadence," Twilight exclaimed.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake," they chanted and laughed together before they hugged each other.

"Great to see you too big sis, I've missed you all. But I know that this isn't just a family get together, and is something of great importance, isn't mom?" Twilight asked.

"Yes it is, I hope you forgive me for pulling you out of Ponyville so suddenly," Celestia says to her youngest daughter.

"Don't worry mom, I forgive you. As far as everypony knows back in Ponyville, I'm here for political reasons or something of the nature," Twilight says.

"Well you and you sister will want to set yourselves down for this," Celestia says to her children.

"What has happened that you are keeping secret form everypony else right now mother, if you don't mind me asking?" Cadence asks.

"Yes, what is this urgent news?" Twilight adds.

"I didn't want to tell the two of you this before, for I didn't know how you would take it, and I feel even now you will feel hurt hearing this and may not want to talk to me for a while," Celestia started.

"Mother, if it is something that was important to keep from us, we will understand the reasoning, we promise," Twilight said and Cadence nodded in agreement.

"Well, this may be hard to believe, but, the two of you have an older brother," Luna said.

"What?" Twilight and Cadence asked in unison.

"There is another Alicorn in this family who is not here right now and we have only just discovered he is alive," Celestia said.

"W-what's his name mom?" Twilight asked still recovering from her initial shock.

"His name is Glacies, the prince of ice, or prince of winter if you prefer," Celestia said.

(note: Glacies means ice in Latin)

"Why have we never seen, heard or read about Glacies before mother?" Cadence asked, as her and Twilight were curious to find out more secrets about their family's history.

"Well, this story may take a while so I'll have the maids fetch us some food for some snacks," Celestia said.

Soon she heads to the doors and tells the maids to bring her and her family their favorite dishes for their snack to have some family time and the maid soon takes off with a few other castle servants to fetch the food. Soon Celestia laid down in the circle with her family and began the story of her son Glacies.

An Unrecorded History and The Mission

An Untold History and The Mission

Once Everypony was situated Celestia began her story and said, "Twilight, Cadence, more then a thousand years before either of you were born, our land was a dark and treacherous place. Due to the draconiquise, Discord, the ponies stood divided, brother fighting brother, sister fighting sister and so on. Those who seeked to restore harmony to our now chaotic land turned to us two alicorns as a last resort. But their request had come a fraction too late. All though we alicorns were powerful, we had grown weak from a recent battle with Discord and did not have the strength to take him on."

"Wait hold on. I thought we alicorns couldn't be drained of magic," Cadence said.

"Rest assured, we do have magic that will always dwarf that of any other pony, but we can be weakened, as Twilight found out, battling Nightmare Moon," Celestia said.

"Okay, okay, continue," Twilight said.

Celestia then said, "To continue, when they had first found your aunt and myself, we were in a weakened state and did not have the strength at the time to defeat Discord. Many ponies who sought us out had left, thinking all hope had been lost. But six ponies stayed by our side and brought us back to full health. During their time of caring for us, one unicorn and I grew closer as friends. He was a powerful unicorn, one that was as powerful as you father. For a while we stayed together and one night we took our relationship farther. The following month, I felt a presence of magic that I had never sensed before. It soon dawned on me that I was to have a foal soon. Whether he would be an alicorn or not, it was unknown to me. After 11 months of carrying him within me, your brother's life finally began in Equestria as the third alicorn.

As the years passed, he had become very powerful and his magic was beginning to equal the power of Luna and myself when his teenage years were coming to an end, he was especially strong in the works of ice and snow, and his cutie mark was that of a group of snow flakes and he became known as Glacies, prince of ice or prince of winter, to everypony in secret, but his power was still weaker than ours at the time. We kept him safe as long as we could and searched for other solutions to stop Discord, for I did not want to put your brother in danger, just as I would not want to put you two in danger, but with Nightmare Moon, I knew you, Twilight were the only one who could stop her and it made my heart feel torn to put you through that."

Tears started to form in her eyes as Luna and Twilight put their hooves on her shoulders to calm her down and tell her it was alright. The maids soon came in and handed them their snacks before walking out once more. "Back to the story, we knew that one day Celesita, Glacies and I could stop Discord on our own without help, however, your brother's magic could not go unseen by Discord forever and one day Discord had sensed him. Discord knew if Glacies ever reached his full potential, Discord's reign of chaos would come to an end by the three of us," Luna took over for a brief moment.

"But it did come to an end," Twilight pointed out.

"True, but I haven't gotten to that part yet," Celestia said and continued, "Now as I was saying, It soon became clear to Discord he would have to do something to stop my son in order to ensure his reign continued, and he followed your brother's magical presence to find him. Luna and I realized that Discord was coming for us and we had to face him. Your brother knew it was up to us to finish off Discord, but he did not want to put anypony else in danger. He took off to face Discord on his own. It was on that day Luna and I had learned about the Elements of Harmony and how to use them. By the time we were able to wield their power together, we only then noticed your brother had taken off to face Discord and I still scold myself to this day for that.

We flew as fast as we could after him, but by the time we had gotten to him, he and Discord were already putting up a ferocious fight. As we arrived, victory seemed near for Glacies, but Discord had one more trick up his sleeve. He cast a spell at your brother that would do no more than play a prank on him. And as he was preoccupied with blocking what he thought was an attack, Discord teleported himself behind your brother and cast another spell. By the time Luna and I had been able to see what was happening, it was too late. We tried to reach your brother in time but the spell hit him, and he vanished. I thought I had lost my only son to the magic of Discord forever and was filled with rage. Had it not been for Luna's presence however, I may have lost my ability to wield the elements in my anger.

We knew what we had to do as we stayed calm and in harmony, and when Discord least expected it, we rose up, and put him in his prison of stone, which now sits in the Canterlot gardens under our careful watch. Since Discord's imprisonment, whatever records were kept of what happened before and after Discords defeat, I made sure the historians left out the part of my sons existence, for I did not want to have to be reminded of his defeat and supposed death through books. It was enough for the winter to remind me of him, and it still does today. Most of that wound healed over time, for I knew your brother would not want me to stay devastated in his absence, but it has never fully healed."

"So how was it you found out Glacies was still alive?" Cadence said.

"Well as thou may have noticed, there is a blizzard that has stretched to nearly every part of Equestria," Luna said.

"Yes we did realize that Aunty, and what have we said about using the traditional language around us?" Twilight asked.

"Sorry, got carried away. Well, anyways when we were still raising your brother, your mother and I told him to send us the most obvious sign that could tell us he was in trouble. He knew a mere snow storm in one area, even if it were summer, would not be enough. But if he sent a blizzard powerful enough to effect all of Equestria, we would know he was in trouble, and in this case still alive," Luna said.

"That's right, once we realized his magical presence was there as well, I cast a location spell to find him. And every time I was met with the same direction. It appears your brother Glacies is located north of here, almost at the top of our world, and he needs help. I can barley hear his voice through telepathy so I can't figure out what he has been trying to tell me aside from the fact he needs help. That is another reason I have summoned you here. I can think of nopony better then my own two daughters to go and help their older brother," Celestia said.

"Wha- mom, surely there must be somepony more qualified for the job," Cadence said.

"Saving Aunty Luna was one thing, but enduring the dangers of the north is completely another mom," Twilight said.

"I understand you are feeling afraid and I don't blame you. But there is nopony else powerful enough to save him then the two of you. Luna and I must keep order in the kingdom, and either one of us going would cause an uproar and your cousin, of course would fight to have his way if he were to find one of us was gone and one of you filled the spot. If we send the two of you however, there may be curious rumors to your absence, but politics would go on as they should for the kingdom. We will be sending Shining Armor and his most trusted guards with you. His second in command will stay here to fill in the spot for him until you have returned," Celestia said.

"But, what about my friends and Spike, will they come too? I'd hate to leave them behind like that, after all we went through," The lavender princess said.

"I'm sorry dear, but as amazing as your friends are and how much strength they have shown in using the Elements of Harmony, and not to mention all you have been through together, they will have to sit this one out. I'm sure they would do anything to help you, but this is something that you and Cadence must do together, nopony else," Celestia said.

"Look at the bright side little sis, we get to spend family time together," Cadence exclaimed trying to cheer up her sister.

"Hmhmhm, I guess you're right big sis, and we have Shining coming with us as well. It could be fun in a sense. We'll do it," Twilight replied.

"Thank you so much my daughters, and already plotting against Shining Armor and his fellow stallions I see," Celestia said chuckling.

"Exactly," the two sisters say in unison.

"Well I love you both and this will certainly prove to bring our family closer together. Now tonight we will need to arrange for you the proper things you will need for the trip to the frozen north tomorrow and then Luna and I will see you both off," Celestia said.

"Uh, one more thing mother, when will my friends know about this?" Twilight asked as they walk out of the family quarters.

"They will be told once you and Cadence have taken off," Celestia said.

"Okay," Twilight said as they take of to the let the castle staff know, along with the guards.

As they spent the rest of the day together Twilight and Cadence were given a clear description of what their brother looked, which would be an alicorn with a sky blue coat, a mane white as snow, eyes of dark purple and a cutie mark that was a group of Snow flakes, situated in a circle with a large one in the middle like Twilight's star.

The next morning the young princesses prepared for what would certainly be a long trip to the frozen north and had packed proper gear. They knew they would need extra clothing for the north and would need plenty of food and water. They felt it was unnecessary and annoying to have the number of guards assigned to them come with them, but with their mother worrying about them, they went along with it. They knew the guards were more then eager to take care of any small issues they could handle on their own. It was the bigger problems they might run into that made the two young royal sisters worry about the guards coming with them. Once every thing was packed and the guards were ready to pull the princesses sleigh, Princess Celestia gave her daughters one last long nuzzle as they stood outside the front doors of the castle. "Now you two be careful up there. Any sign of a major threat, get yourselves and the guards out of there," Celestia said with urgency in her voice, knowing no matter how bad she wanted somepony else to go, it would have to be her daughters.

"Don't worry mom, we will, and we'll bring back our brother safely," Twilight said as she and Cadence pulled out of the nuzzle.

"We won't let you down mother," Cadence said.

"That's the spirit my little ponies, now go on, don't keep your brother waiting," Celestia said.

"Be sure to give that nephew of mine a good bonk on the head," Luna said.

"For what Aunty Luna?" Twilight asked curiously.

"For waiting so long to ask for help from his family," Luna said.

"I'm sure he has his reasons Aunty, but we will be sure to let him know," Cadence said as she and Twilight imagined the look on their brother's face and giggled.

"Well we shouldn't keep you waiting any longer, the day is still young and the sooner you accomplish this mission, the sooner you can get back and I know all of you are safe," Celestia said.

"Mom, your overreacting, don't worry, we can take on any surprises from the north," Cadence said.

"Yeah, and besides Shining Armor is with us, and he's a powerful unicorn in his own right," Twilight said.

"I know, but I'm your mother. It's my job to worry about you," Celestia said.

"And it's your job to worry about our brother mom. The sooner we get him out of the north, the sooner we can get him home and safe with his family, where he belongs," Cadence says.

"Good luck you two, be brave and be safe," Celestia said.

"We will, good bye mom, bye Aunty Luna," Cadence said as she and Twilight head to the sleigh and climb aboard the interior that had been enchanted to keep them warm.

"We'll be sure to write as often as we can," Twilight said as they waved to their mother and Aunt.

"You better," Celestia said she and Luna waved back.

The sleigh soon took off into the distance and Luna said, "You certainly have remarkable daughters my sister, makes me wonder if I should ever settle down with a special somepony and have foals of my own."

"Maybe one day you will Luna, I'm sure your special somepony is out there, you just haven't found him yet," Celestia said.

"Hm, still I worry about my nieces, do you really think they are ready for this task?" Luna asked.

"I know they're ready little sister, I wouldn't have sent them if I had any doubt. I'm just so happy that they will get to meet their big brother and I will be with my son again, and you your nephew," Celestia said.

"For the first time in a thousand years and then some, my favorite alicorn nephew is coming home," Luna said.

"Luna, he's your only alicorn nephew," Celestia said as she smirked widely at her sisters comment.

"There's a difference?" Luna asked in a joking manner, making her and her sister laugh.

Soon the Alicorns of day and night walked back into the castle to take care of the day to day politics. Twilight and Cadence were soon swapping conversation about how much they had done over the past months as their sleigh pulled them farther and farther north. Twilight told Cadence of the many adventures she had in ponyville, and was settling in to the idea of silence of Ponyville compared to the hustle and bustle of Canterlot. Very soon, their slay disappeared from Canterlot's view and Canterlot disappeared from their's as the sleigh pulled them closer towards their long lost brother, not knowing if any major dangers lied ahead.

Some Friendly Princess Advice

Our dearest mother and aunt,

We are on day forty nine of our journey and I feel we are getting close. Frequently we have been getting telepathic messages from our brother Glacies, who was a tad shocked to find out he had two younger sisters, then again, he has only woken up as of recent and did not know until we told him how long he has been there. He is eager to meet us all the same and we have learned that he has been imprisoned in an ice chamber, but it is impossible to break free from the inside. We asked how he wasn't able to contact anypony in the past, but then it hit us that of course, he had been asleep. Glacies told us it was part of the spell Discord had placed on him and could not be broken until the beginning of winter one thousand and ten years later, so we understand that your transformation was not due to just jealousy, but heartache as well Aunty Luna and we sympathize with what you were going through as well as you mother.

So far we've had no major events play out, aside from the recent encounter with some arctic wolves, which were soon chased off. It's gotten a bit colder, but the enchantments placed upon the sleigh and guards keeps everypony from freezing to death. We hope to see our brother soon for we can feel his magical presence very strongly now, meaning we are close to seeing him and soon we will be on our way back with our brother in hoof, maybe even sooner, for it seems we are close to what looks like a fortress, but no ponies guarding it from what we see through our telescope. Should take us another day to be there and then we'll be able to free our brother. We hope this letter is of good news to both of you and hope to see again soon and be sure to let the girls and Spike in Ponyville know we are okay.

Your loving daughters and nieces,

Cadence and Twilight

P.S. We'll be sure to bonk Glacies on the head for you Aunty Luna. He should know better then to be sleeping on the job as prince of winter.

Soon the letter Cadence and Twilight put together was sent via magic as their sleigh pressed on. The guards had been taking turns pulling it in order to keep the journey going and no one stallion would tire out. Cadence and Twilight had only one issue the entire trip and that was Silver Sword. He had been complaining the entire way on the trip and very soon everypony had it with his bickering, Shining Armor placed a silence spell on him taking away his voice and yet even in silence he proved to be a hassle for the trip, as he tried to fly off only to be stopped by his fellow guards. Shining Armor soon told him that he would be processed out of the Royal Guard and put in prison for three years for insubordination, abandoning the princesses and his brothers in arms, and insulting the royal family.

They pressed on as the weather eased up, but then, they felt the ground shake. It was as if the hoof steps of a giant pony were in the vicinity and it put everypony on edge. As the sleigh stopped and the two young sisters felt the ground tremble as well, Cadence said, "Shining, what's going on?"

"I don't know Princess Cadence, I advise you stay in the sleigh your highness's," Shining Armor said to both of them.

Just then a load roar broke through the sky. Approaching them was what looked like a manticore, but it was all white the tail wasn't that of a scorpion's, but a lion's. It then dawned on everypony that this was an arctic lion that had been told by ponies who dared to travel this far north in the summers past, though the roar didn't sound like one that was meant to terrify them. As the arctic lion came closer, the guards stood at the ready, even Silver Sword. It was then Twilight noticed that the lion didn't seem angry, but in pain. "Wait, don't hurt him," Twilight demanded.

"Beg your pardon your highness?" the Captain of the Royal Guard asked.

"I've seen that look before on a manticore, back in the Everfree forest, when Nightmare Moon was defeated. He's not wanting to attack, he's in pain," Twilight said.

"Twily, how can you be sure he is in pain, what if he wants to eat all of us?" the older princess asked the younger with concern.

"Just trust me on this big sister, I know what I am doing," the lavender princess said as she stepped out of the sleigh.

"Princess, you should stay in the...." Shining said before he was cut off.

"Just let me do this Shining. I'm sure this big guy means no harm," Twilight replied.

She walked up to the arctic lion and said a little nervous, "Hey there, um, big guy. Is there any thing we (gulp) can help you with?"

The arctic lion looked at her as if he knew what she was trying to do and knew he was scary looking to them and he soon showed his left hind leg. There, the saw a very sharp ice sickle lodged into his leg. "Oh dear, um Cadence, I'm gonna need your help," Twilight said.

Cadence nervously approached and saw what her sister was talking about. "Alright, let's do this together little sis," Cadence said.

Soon the two princesses flew up to where the ice sickle was and landed on the lion's back. "Okay mister lion, this might hurt just a teeny tiny bit," Twilight tells him.

Soon the two princesses use the magic to pull out the ice sickle and the lion roars, making the two princesses glide down from his back. Just as soon as the roaring started, it stopped and the lion turns to the two princesses and does something no pony expects. "Thank you," he said.

A lion just spoke to them, leaving them all shocked. Finally snapping back to reality Cadence said "You're welcome sir. I did not know you could talk."

"Not many ponies do. Few ponies ever venture up here, even fewer make it back to wherever they live. May I ask what brings you ponies up to this part of the world your highness?" the lion asked them as he realized they had the crowns of the royal alicorn family.

"We are here looking for our brother, he's been imprisoned up here and we came to set him free of his icy prison," Twilight said.

"Oh, you mean the pony who's been here for a millennium and ten years," the lion asked.

"Yes, how did you know?" Cadence asked.

"He has been under my ancestors and my care since he first appeared all those years ago. We were not sure how it happened, but it was not in us to kill ponies, or royals for that matter, we are not like that. He is in the icy fortress you see in the distance. I can escort all you ponies there. There are some beasts out here that don't give a second glance when they want food. I'm sure you ran into a few, but just in case, I can help," the arctic lion said truthfully.

"Excuse me your highness's?" Shining Armor asked.

"What is it Shining?" Cadence asked.

"Are you sure we can trust this creature? I mean, he's a carnivore, and ponies could be on his menu tonight if we let him come along," Shining armor said.

"I know he is a little strange, but no pony told him about our brother before this or how he got here, or how long it has been since he was imprisoned. The way I see it, he would easily have eaten us all by now and I saw the truth in his eyes. He's no pony killer and if he knows where to find our brother, he may know how to avoid obstacles along the way and he seems eager to help. We don't have many options, so I say we trust him and let him go with us," Twilight said.

"As long as you're sure your majesty, but we will keep an eye on him," Shining Armor said.

"Oh, Shining you worry too much, but that's one thing I like about you," Cadence said, catching herself too late.

Shining was in a bit shock and disbelief as Cadence thought, 'Good going Cadence, you blew it now.'

"Um, let's go tell the lion he can come along Cadence," Twilight said to try and save her sister's flank from embarrassment.

"Okay," Cadence replied and quickly trotted to Twilight's side.

Once they get in front of the lion Twilight said, "Sir, we will let you come with us, provided you promise not to harm or eat anypony."

"Your highness, that thought never crossed my mind, besides, I can only eat fish. Arctic lion stomachs aren't built to stand other types of meat, in fact, it makes us sick. You're safe from me and my kind eating you your grace. And by the way, call me Ice Fang your highness," Ice fang said truthfully once again.

"All right Ice Fang, you may help us find our way to our brother," Cadence said, relieved to hear he was only a fish eater, as was everypony else.

"I could actually have you all there in the next ten minutes if every pony was to hop upon the contraption you have there.

"Well we were going to stop for a lunch break if you wouldn't mind Ice fang," Twilight said.

"Not a problem your majesty, we have plenty of time to get there, I can be a look out as you all have you meals, I've already had my lunch," Ice fang said.

Everypony agrees and soon set up the equipment to have a meal. As lunch was being cooked Twilight trotted over to Shining and asked, "Can I talk to you for a moment Shining?"

"Of course your majesty," Shining Armor awnswered.

Soon Twilight situated herself next to Shining Armor and Shining Armor asked, "So, what is it you want to ask me your highness?"

"I want to know, and answer this truthfully, do have feelings for my sister?" Twilight asked in a serious tone.

"Well I, um, I," Shining Armor stuttered and couldn't bring himself to say it.

"So you do have a crush on her," Twilight said as she saw right through Shining's serious, emotionless face.

Shining sighed, for he knew he was beat and said, "Yes, I have had feelings for her for a while now your majesty. Your sister is amazing, and don't get me wrong, so are you, but your sister is a certain kind of amazing. I want to ask her out, but, I don't think it would work your highness. She's a princess, like you, and I, under this armor, I'm just a commoner. I don't think your mother, Princess Celestia would allow it to happen between us your highness."

"Don't be so sure, I think she would, as would my Aunt Luna. Listen, go and ask my sister, see what she says, and when we get back, if my mother does not approve, I'll see to it she changes her mind. Trust me," Twilight said.

"Are you sure your highness, I mean what if she says no?" Shining asked worried.

"You won't know until you try Shining, go, I'm right behind ya," Twilight urged him.

He soon got up and Twilight followed him and once they reached Cadence, Twilight said, "Cadence, Shining has something he wants to ask you."

"What is it Shining?" Cadence asked as Twilight backed off some.

"W-well your majesty, I, um, I've known you for a while and well I was wondering," Shining says nervously.

"Yes?" Cadence asked, and thought in her head 'Is he really going to ask me?'

"Would, would you.... like to.... b-be my m-marefriend?" Shining Armor asked, expecting the worst to come.

'He did ask me. He does like me that way' Cadence thought and finally said, "Shining, I thought you might never ask me. I was afraid you didn't like me that way, of course I'll be your marefriend."

Shining Armor was relieved but then asked, "But, what about your mother? Won't Princess Celestia disagree to this."

"We'll have to wait and see Shining," Cadence said.

She then looked to Twilight and said, "You knew he liked me all this time, didn't you Twi?"

"Well, it was kind of obvious, but where's the fun if you don't let ponies find out themselves?" Twilight asked.

"You know, your right Twilight," Cadence said, remembering Forge back home and how Twilight and him acted around each other before she took off for Ponyville, and how Twilight was oblivious to how she acted around him.

"Your highness's, captain, lunch is ready," one of the guards said, drawing attention away form the conversation.

Soon everypony settled in for lunch having celery soup and hot tea, along with some cooked carrots. The two princesses knew there would be a lot of changes once they freed their brother and were back in Canterlot, especially in the political, family and romance area.

A Family Reunited

It was a couple of days later when the ponies and Ice Fang finally reached a safe distance back to Equestria. Twilight, Glacies and Cadence had sent word once they were on the move again with Ice Fang that they would be home sooner than expected and during the trip, Twilight and Cadence informed Glacies to refrain from using the Royal We and the Old Royal Canterlot Voice once they were back in Canterlot, which Glacies was happy to hear for he was sick of using them in the first place. Once the sleigh halted, Twilight soon stepped off with her brother and sister and spoke while the guard removed the harnesses from Ice Fang, "Thank you so much for your help Ice Fang, I don't know how we can ever repay you for your service."

"Knowing that I helped all you ponies get home safely is good enough for me, your highness. Besides, my kind cares not for trinkets. Last time that happened, one of our own kind took it a bit too far, getting far too greedy, nearly pushing our kind to the edge of oblivion. We don't want that to happen again. I hope you have a fine trip the rest of the way home your majesties," Ice Fang said.

"Thank you Ice Fang. We'll be sure to try and drop by if we ever travel that far north again" Cadence said.

"And you have my gratitude for your kind watching over me while I slept" Glacies said.

"Think nothing of it your highness. I best be off now. If I stay here much longer I'll start to feel a bit too warm. I know it's winter time, but my kind are not used to being this far south for long periods, especially in the summer. I bid you farewell your majesties" Ice Fang said.

"Goodbye Ice Fang" the royal siblings said together.

Soon Ice Fang took off, disappearing beyond their eyesight after a few minutes. "Well, we best not keep Mom and Aunt Luna waiting. I know they are anxious to see you" Cadence said.

"Yeah, I would like to see their reaction to you and Shining Armor dating" Glacies said.

"Well, only one way to find out" Twilight said.

Soon the three siblings were back on the sleigh and off towards Canterlot, and Shining Armor thought to start Silver Swords punishment, he would be hauling the luggage in as soon as they got back. It didn't take long for the sleigh to enter Canterlot and as soon as it did, many ponies stopped to look at them, speaking comments like "Look Princess Twilight and Princess Cadence are back," and/or, "Who's that riding with them to the palace? I've never seen him before."

Luckily the press were a little too late to catch wind of the two young sisters and their unknown older brother had returned. Soon, the carriage pulled up to the front doors of the castle and the three royals once again dismounted and began to head indoors as Silver Sword unloaded the heavy luggage and the other guards the lighter. Shining Armor was asked to accompany the royal family as they headed to Princess Celestia's study where the servants of the castle said she was currently dealing with weekly politics. Soon the four of them were outside the door and Twilight knocked. "Please enter" Celestia beckoned in her elegant tone from the other side of the door.

Twilight was the first to walk in as they entered. Celestia turned her head up from her work and smiled as Twilight walked in along with the others. "Twilight, Cadence! Oh it's so good to see you two again. I missed you dearly!" Celestia said excitedly leaping from her desk, happy to see her daughters back in Canterlot.

"We missed you too mom" Twilight and Cadence said together

"But where's…?" was all Celestia said before Glacies walked up and said, "Hello mother."

Celestia looked at him and was completely shocked to see her son for the first time in a thousand years. She slowly walked toward him, her fore hoof extending toward him "Glacies it's really you."

She brings him into a tight embrace as he said, "Of course it's me, who else would it be?"

"I'm just so happy to see you alive!” She turned her head “And Cadence and Twilight, I can't thank you enough for helping him get home," Celestia says, pulling her daughters into a group hug.

They stayed this way for a while, enjoying the family embrace, until Cadence realized they had forgotten Shining Armor was in the room. Cadence was the first to break away and speak up "Mom, there is something I have to tell you."

"What is it dear?" Celestia said as the rest of the family broke out of the group hug.

"Well, I found a special somepony" Cadence said.

"Really? Do I know him?" Celestia asked, having a good guess of who it was and hoping it was him.

"Yes, you could say that" Cadence said.

"Well who is he?" Celestia asked.

"Promise you won't be angry?" Cadence asked.

"Yes, I promise" Celestia said.

"It's Shining Armor" Cadence said, as she pointed at her coltfriend.

The next thing Celestia said surprised everypony in the room. "Finally!!" Celestia exclaimed in a sigh of relief.

"You... You wanted this to happen mother?" Cadence asked.

"Cadence, I knew you two were made for each other ever since you were little foals, just learning how to walk and talk properly. I even caught something you two don't even remember at that age" Celestia said.

"And what was that?" Cadence asked.

"The first time the two of you kissed each other" Celestia said.

Twilight and Glacies snickered, trying to hold back their laughter as Cadence and Shining Armor looked at each other in embarrassment. "Don't be so embarrassed about it, in fact the way it happened was kind of cute" Celestia said.

"Well how exactly did it happen? If you don't mind me asking your highness" Shining Armor said.

"Well, I had just invited your parents Night Light and Twilight Velvet to a Hearths Warming Eve party to celebrate, and no there is no relation between you and them Twilight.” She added. “They brought you along with them Shining Armor, since I said little fillies and colts were invited as well. It was during the party your parents found their way over to me. I was currently attending to Cadence who asked for a piece of cake and I had to be strict, giving her a small piece, which you gobbled right up Cadence,” she said as she gave Cadence a sly smile before continuing, “They were talking with me about their opinons on the various politicians that bothered them, who in turn are actually bothering me, when all of the sudden I noticed you Shining Armor, were standing behind your mother's leg, looking a bit shy. I saw you looking at Cadence and asked if you would like to say hello to her. You nodded in a shy manner, but soon introduced yourself. Your mother then insisted that you go and at least bow in front of her and kiss her hoof like a gentlecolt. It was then I realized, as you walked towards her, my tail had accidentally slipped in front of you and with no time to move it out of the way, you tripped over it. What happened next was too cute. You had tripped right into Cadence and before we knew it, the two of you were in a kiss. You quickly pulled away, but had received plenty of gasps and some aww's from the crowd, including myself and your parents Shining Armor. It was after that day that you two seemed to really like each other, and I knew those feelings would grow stronger as time passed. And now here you are, dating" Celestia said.

"Aw, that's a sweet story" Twilight said.

"Way to sweep my little sister off her hooves Shining Armor, I salute you" Galcies said, as he saluted the Captain of the royal guard.

"Thank you your highness" Shining Armor said almost blushing in embarrassment.

"Just remember, you break her heart and I'll buck your flank all the way to the moon" Luna said as she walked in to greet everypony.

"Luna, how long have you been standing there? And how much did you hear little sister?" Celestia asked.

"I stood here long enough and heard enough. Looks like some rules have changed or will be changed. I don't want to see my own niece unhappy" Luna said.

"Well that is good to hear little sister" Celestia said.

"Now, where is that sneaky nephew of mine?" Luna asked to nopony in particular.

Glacies popped out of nowhere and said, "Behind you."

Luna jumped and was attacked by a loving hug. "Smooth and silent as always" Luna said returning the embrace.

"I better be, you and mother taught me" Glacies said as they let go of their embrace.

"Yes, well, we're a little out of practice, ever since your disappearance" Luna replied somberly.

"Well, looks like I have a few things to teach my sisters since I'm back" Glacies said.

"And maybe remind your mother and I what we have become rusty at." Luna said as she turned to look at her nieces. “And you two…”

Twilight and Cadence look at each other and then back at their aunt as the brought them into another hug. "It's good to see you two home safely with your brother. I missed the two of you" Luna said.

"We missed you as well Aunty Luna" Twilight replied.

"Oh, we haven’t even sent out the letters to let your friends know your back Twilight" Celestia said.

"Well we can send them out now so that they can be here tomorrow to meet my brother" Twilight replied.

"Yes and I would like to hear more about the adventures you had while I was away Twilight" Glacies said.

Soon the family sent out the letters to let the other five element bearers know to come to Canterlot and continued on with the day. "We still have a lot of construction left on your new room you will be sleeping in, so until then, you'll have to sleep in one of our royal guest suites. I'm sorry it isn't finished yet" Celestia said.

"That's alright, I'm sure it will be a lot more then I would have expected during the time of Discords reign, just thinking about it gives me the shivers" Glacies said.

"Well, I don't think we will need to worry about him anytime soon. He is still imprisoned in stone, and I don't know of any force that can set him free besides the Elements of Harmony which I doubt Twilight and her friends want to use to release him any time soon" Luna said.

"Well, if he fools me once, shame on him. Fools me twice, shame on me," Glacies said.

"Well after lunch it will be time to make the public announcement to Canterlot. They will all be wondering who Glacies is and the press will want to be all over it" Celestia said.

"Are you sure it is wise to let everypony know now sister?" Luna asked with a hint of hesitation.

"Yes, because the longer we wait, the more chance we have of losing trust in our subjects. If we tell them now and tell them why he was not in the history books, they will more than likely understand. Sure, we will have a few ponies that will be a little over reactive about this, but we would only gather more if we wait" Celestia explained.

"I can believe that. I know for sure Blue Blood will have his own rant about this," Cadence said.

"Who is this Blue Blood character I keep hearing about anyways," Glacies asked before the door was shut and the room was encircled by a soundproof barrier so unwanted ears couldn't listen in.

"He's one of our mortal cousins. He is royalty like us, and does a poor job of showing it. He trots around treating almost everypony below his rank in society like dirt beneath his hooves and is always complaining about how society doesn't respect him more, when he basically does nothing for them to earn it. I honestly think he is no better than a greedy teenage dragon. He definitely showed it when he found out about Twilight's feat and her transformation along with Aunt Luna's return into co-ruling Equestria. I honestly would like to throw him in a dungeon cell, but that would make our family look bad" Cadence said.

"Well I would certainly understand why you would want to do it your majesty" Shining Armor agreed.

"Alright Shining, if you’re going to date my daughter, you can skip the formalities, along with the rest of us. Your parents are allowed to as well" Celestia said.

"As you wish Pr- I-I mean Celestia" Shining Armor said making the whole royal family chuckle.

"Let us make our way down to the dining hall, I'm sure you are all famished, and Shining, you are welcome to join us" Luna chimed in.

"Thank you Pr-er-Luna" Shining said, trying his best to stray away from the formalities.

Soon the six ponies made their way down to the Dining hall and had the servants bring them their favorite dishes as Shining informed them about Silver Swords behavior and the actions he made during the trip. Celestia was more than willing to carry out his punishment for abandoning her daughters and insulting the royal family along with some other penalties. Once they finished lunch and their conversation, Celestia led the family to the balcony outside the throne room, where she made all her public announcements and had presented her two daughters the day after their births. As soon as they were there, one of the guards blew the horn so that other Ponies could gather for the special announcement.

Soon all of the Canterlot ponies were gathered around as Celestia spoke in her most regal tone "My beloved subjects. I am here today to announce today that we have a long lost addition to the royal alicorn family."

All the ponies gasped as Celestia continued "My son, Prince Glacies, whom I previously thought to have passed away after a battle with Discord, has returned to us. I know many of you are wondering why you have not heard of my son, and I regret to announce that is my doing. When I believed my son had been struck down by Discords magic, I was already devastated. I requested historians to not keep a history of him, for that would have prolonged my sorrow.

But a little over a month ago, My sister and I detected his presence for he had only been cursed to sleep for one thousand and ten years, making his magic undetectable until that particular day. My daughters and some of our brave soldiers of the royal guard, bravely volunteered to free him from an icy fortress Discord had imprisoned him in, and they succeeded without any loss of life.

We understand everypony's opinion in this matter’s, but we only ask that you try to understand why these events have happened. We will not force anypony to agree with our decision of past events and will leave everypony to decide for themselves on the matter. So without further ado, I present to you, the Prince of Winter, Prince Glacies."

What happened next surprised the royal family as Glacies stepped forward. The ponies of Canterlot cheered as they saw their newest prince wave down to them. Glacies put forth his statement as he said, "I know I have much to learn, but I hope that soon I can fit in to this modern society after being asleep for over a thousand years. I apologize for my absence and hope that now I can help my family lead Equestria into an even more promising future for everypony. I hope I get to know everypony from all over Equestria and will do everything in my power to help keep everypony safe and secure. Thank you everypony for your support and any future support you may offer."

The Crowd cheered again and soon everypony went about their day as the royal family trotted back inside. "Well, that went much better than I would have anticipated. But we can't be too careless. Threats have always been made against our family and this will only add to some of those threats. I wouldn't worry too much though. Our guards are more than capable of taking care of any suspicious activities" Celestia said.

The family nodded in agreement as they trotted onward to enjoy the rest of the day with each other. Twilight was looking forward to seeing her friends and hearing how they reacted to the news of her long lost brother. They would be here tomorrow and Glacies would be able to hear more about what happened while he was away.

The Rant of the Mortal Prince

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Punishment of The Snob Prince

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

The Return of Chaos

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Within The Fortress and Meeting The Brother

It didn't take long to get to the fortress, for Ice Fang had kept his word and had them there sooner then anypony had anticipated. Soon they were at the front doors of the fortress and Twilight said, "Thank you Ice Fang, you were a really big help."

"My pleasure your highness, I'll be waiting for you out here," Ice Fang said.

"You're not coming with us?" Cadence asked.

"My body is too large to fit through those doors your majesty. Even though the fortress is made mostly of ice, I wouldn't even be able to penetrate the door or any other part of it. my father already tried long before and lost a few of his claws in doing so. Seems who ever built this place definitely didn't want something getting in," Ice Fang said.

"Or didn't want somepony getting out," Twilight muttered to Cadence.

Cadence nodded, knowing it was more then likely Discord made sure Glacies couldn't escape on his own. "Well, we'll be back as soon as we can, once again, thank you for your help," Cadence said.

"Anytime your majesty," Ice Fang said.

Soon the group of ponies walked up the steps leading to the icy doors of the fortress. Before They headed in however, Twilight said telepathically, 'Glacies, can you hear me?'

'Yes little sister I hear you,' Glacies replied.

'We are here at the fortress. We're just outside the doors and are on our way in,' Twilight tells him.

'Be careful on your way through. Some of the area's are, ironically enough, very slippery, so watch your step little sisters' Glacies said.

'We will, and will be sure to tell the guards as well,' Cadence said, joining the telepathic conversation as they walked through the doors into the fortress.

"Watch your step gentlecolts," Twilight said.

"This place can be a bit slippery," Cadence adds.

The guards nodded and made their way through the chambers of the fortress. Cadence then spoke up and said to lighten the mood, "Kind of makes you wish you came to the north more often, huh Twily?"

"Hehe, not me, I just want to find our brother and get back to Canterlot before we find anymore trouble," Twilight said.

"Speaking of trouble, we should have run into some by now," Cadence said.

"What do mean?" Twilight asked as they walked down a hallway.

"You know, a Guard, an ambush or a....." Cadence's sentence was cut short as they felt the ground beneath their hooves move, causing everypony to think 'uh oh'.

Soon the floor gave way and Twilight yelled as they started sliding downwards, "Booby Trap!"

Everypony screamed as they slid down what appeared to be a spiraling ice slide. After about two minutes of sliding down they finally reached the bottom and everypony was laughing. "You know what, I retract my previous statement Cadence, I do wish I came to the north more often."

"Anypony up for round two?" Cadence asked sarcastically, making everypony laugh again.

'Hey little sisters what's all that commotion, I hear laughing close by,' Glacies said telepathically.

It dawned on them they were close and Twilight responded ironically, 'We must be close to you then.'

'Hang on, I just remembered mother's location spell, she taught it to us. We can use it to find you. Why didn't I think of that before?' Cadence said as she mentally facehoofed herself.

'Well cast it, the sooner you find me and free me, the sooner we can see each other and get out of here,' Glacies said.

'Keep your horseshoes on big brother, we're coming,' Twilight said.

Cadence then cast the location spell and her horn pointed to her left. "Well, let's get a move on everypony, our brother is waiting," Cadence said.

"You know where he is Ca- I mean Princess Cadence?" Shining Armor asked.

"Yes, I cast a location spell to find him, he's this way. Now mind where you step. We don't want to caught off guard by anymore surprises this place has to offer," Cadence said.

"I second that," Twilight agreed.

The guards nodded and soon they cautiously made their way down the chambers of the fortress and soon came upon another ice door that led right to where Cadence's location spell was pointing. "Well, our brother must be somewhere on the other side, ready to meet him?" Twilight Asked.

Cadence nodded and made her way next to the door. They used their magic to open the door and it slowly opened to what appeared to be a dungeon and many cells that were empty. At the end of there appeared to be a special cell and within it, was their brother. "Glacies," Twilight and Cadence exclaimed.

Glacies looked up and saw them and said, "You made it. Wow, mother must of met a fine stallion to give me such cute looking little sisters."

"Now is not the time to be flattering your little sisters, Glacies. Right now we have to get you out," Cadence said.

Twilight and Cadence used every spell they could try until Glacies said, "Those spells won't work, trust me. I've tried every complicated spell I can remember and it wouldn't budge. There's and inscription above the door, I can't read it from my point of view. Do you think you can?"

"Well mother gave us a few lessons in ancient language texts. I'll see what I can make out of it," Twilight said.

It was a lot easier than Twilight had thought, as she read the ancient text to herself, 'Simply command it through thought and magic to let them go and the door will open and set them free.'

This confused her, so she tried to open it, as the words had told her, yet nothing happened. "What, but I did what it said, why won't it open?" Twilight asked to nopony in particular.

"You're sure?" Cadence asked.

Twilight nodded and told everypony what it said. Everypony simply sat around and thought for a long while. It was about three hours later when Twilight had an epiphany, It was ancient text, so that must mean, you would command it in ancient tongue. "Cadence, what's the ancient way to say 'let our brother go'?" Twilight asked.

Cadence thought about it for a second and then said, "Sino nostra frater vado."

(Note: 'Sino nostra frater vado' is Latin for 'Let our brother go')

Twilight and Cadence then said the words in her heads as they cast their magic together and the door finally opened. Glacies was finally able to walk out. He then embraced his two younger sisters, who appeared to be his height, but his muscles were more toned as he hugged them you could surely tell the difference in his build, compared to his sisters. "So, we finally get to meet each other, huh little sisters," Glacies said.

"Yep," Twilight said and then bonked him on the back of the head.

"Ow, jeez, what was that for?" Glacies asked.

"For sleeping on the job, and for not asking for help sooner. A little something we promised Aunty Luna," Twilight said.

"Ah, Aunty Luna, she never ceases to amaze and be funny in the most unpredictible ways," Glacies said as he chuckled.

"Well, on another note, it's great to finally meet our big brother," Twilight said.

"And we are not losing you after we just found you," Cadence said.

"Well I don't plan on leaving you two anytime soon, but I suggest we get moving. We only have a limited amount of time before this place probably collapses," Glacies said.

"Why would it do that?" Twilight asked.

"If I know any of Discords tricks, he probably has this place set to keep me here, should I break free of that prison he put me in," Glacies said.

"Well let's get moving then, I'll use my location spell to set us on a safe path," Cadence said.

Soon the group of ponies was on the move, and were led to the doors while avoiding anymore booby traps as they galloped through the chambers. They were just about to the doors when they felt the ground start to rumble once again. "Get to the doors!" Glacies yelled and everypony kept moving.

Glacies was the last one out, and he looked back inside to see the interior of the fortress begin to collapse. Soon everypony got down to the sleigh and climbed aboard. "Ice Fang, get us out of here," Shining Armor commanded with a sense of urgency.

"Can do," Ice Fang said, wasting no time speeding off as the exterior and some of the ground surrounding the fortress collapsed into the pit below.

Once they were a good distance away, Ice Fang finally slowed down and everypony caught their breath. "A little more fun then I'm used to," Glacies said, and his sisters nodded in agreement.

"Thank you for helping us out there Ice Fang," Twilight said.

"No problem your highness," Ice Fang replied.

"Would it be too much to ask if you could stay with us a bit longer and get us home a lot quicker? We live in Canterlot," Cadence said.

"It would be my pleasure your majesty, and I know where that place is, and for me it's two days travel while pulling all of you, well that is, a distance to that city, to a point where I won't attract attention in the winter, which is about fifteen miles. If your all prepared I can take off right now," Ice Fang said.

"Thank you so much Ice Fang," Twilight said.

"No problem your majesty," Ice fang said.

Soon the sleigh was off, which had been extended and restrengthened through magic to give everypony some space, and Twilight and Cadence, along with Shining Armor, gave Glacies a rundown on how things changed while he was asleep for a thousand and ten years after sharing a long embrace with their long lost brother. They only made a few brief stops to have dinner, including Ice Fang and Glacies, and to rest for the night.