The Day Before

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1: First Steps
Chapter 2: A Job Well-Done
Chapter 3: The Night After
Chapter 4: A Dance in the Dark
Chapter 5: The Right Kind of Guidance
Chapter 6: Just Before the Dawn
Epilogue

Prologue

Prologue: A Long Day

The sun beamed lightly into Manehattan, first light touching the buildings with a gentle splendor. One exposed window caught a ray, awaking the orange mare lying inside ever so peacefully. Jacqueline Apple stood up, stretched demurely, and greeted the day with a happy look over the city. All was quiet, just a few ponies making their appointed rounds, the day not about to pick up for another couple of hours. 'Old habits die hard,' she thought to herself, before returning gaze to her room. It was quite a mess, papers strewn about every which way, some important, some junk. Taking to the task of cleaning up after herself, she mused that this mess was a small price to pay for coming out ahead of schedule, even if her aunt would disagree. Still, it wasn't so much that she had to worry, and she put her files in order, one more look over the numbers.

Some time later, she headed out, once things got a bit busier. She bid a good morning to everypony who gave her the time of day, cheerfully accepting the attention and praise. Jacqueline was a rather popular figure around town, making her rounds in high society when she wasn't crunching numbers, even with a few potential suitors on her tail. She just had to turn them down for now. She just wasn't ready for such a commitment, even if Aunt Orange swore that she should marry in her prime. She pushed that as far from her mind as she could, for today, she would be meeting with a friend, and wouldn't be home all day.

A little cafe known for its quiet atmosphere, came into view, which she entered with a growing smile, giving an earth pony in red a soft wave, grabbing her "usual" apple tart and orange juice combination as she took a seat in the central part of the dining area. No sooner than she attempted to take her first bite was a high-pitched, biting voice from behind. "Tart for breakfast? I thought we were watching your figure!" Anypony else might mistake that for criticism, but she turned around to the source, motioning to a pink pony with an even pinker mane in fine curls, dressed in a black turtleneck and beret, to join her, offering a grin. "There's nothing wrong with a little sugar to start your morning. You should try it sometime," the back-and-forth began.
"Can you imagine me on a sugar rush, Jackie? Doesn't Manehattan have enough problems?" The pink earth pony quipped, taking of a simple white tea to start her day.
"This city could use a little shaking up, don't you think so, "Pink."?" She quipped back.
"Oh, honey, I wouldn't dream of it. This place is just boring enough, you can't help but get excited."
Jacqueline couldn't help but smile at that. She wasn't the only one who thought so, but it sounded a lot better coming from "Pink.". The pink pony rarely smiled, but she seemed to know how to make her smile, and never hesitated to try. Jacqueline often mused that "Pink." was happier than she seemed, it was just her way to not show it. They returned fire for a while, talking about nothing with the best of them, until the sun shone down high over Manehattan. That was about when "Pink." dropped a doozy of a topic.

"So, I heard you might be getting transferred," she began sipping at her sixth cup of tea. "Well," Jacqueline stammered, if only briefly, "Not exactly transferred... Uncle Orange was telling me that Sweet Apple Acres wasn't doing so well, they could use a keen eye." She wasn't doing a very good job of explaining it, the situation was complicated for her. She knew that her family back in Ponyville were all proud of her, but going back wouldn't be easy; what was she supposed to do on a farm? Who would she talk to? Surely all her old friends had forgotten her by now. Her head sank down just a little as the thoughts weighed heavily on her, until she received a sudden sting in her left foreleg. "Ow!" "Pink." had hit her, right out of the blue. "Don't get blue on me now... blue isn't your color. You're more of a green, and you know what has green? Apple trees; and apple trees are just what you need to get out of this funk," "Pink." stated, deadpan as usual despite the energy running. She was right, Jacqueline mused, there was nothing to be sad about. Maybe she could stand to go home again... that's what it was, after all: home. "Thank you, "Pink."," she spoke again, reaching over to embrace her dear, strange friend. "Don't mention it. Besides, it can't be all bad. I'll be down in Ponyville for the Summer Sun Celebration in just a few days. If it's good enough for me, it's good enough for you." Her ego came through a bit there, but it was all in good fun. Jacqueline 'hit' her back for earlier, still grinning brightly as she did so, before standing once again. "I should start packing... I think it will be... nice... to see my family again." "That's the spirit," "Pink." spoke up, a near-smile crossing the corner of her mouth, but not quite, "I'll see you there for the festival. Until then, work on your farm-girl look; I can't wait to see it."

The two mares parted ways earlier than expected, neither of them having need to procrastinate, knowing the other would be there. Jacqueline stared over her room that afternoon, packing what she considered essentials; abacus, files, pens, notebooks, hair brush, shampoo, conditioner, cosmetics, a dozen or so dresses and a necklace or two. Farm or no, she could still make herself presentable, she reasoned, and went down to catch her wagon. Her aunt and uncle were surprised, to say the least, thinking she would stay in Manehattan for a few more days, but she explained to them she was ready to go now and it would only get harder the longer she waited. They were quite understanding, and saw her off in person, the least they could do. She would miss them, and they her, but this was something she had to do. She wondered what life would be like in Ponyville, surely it wouldn't be all that different...

The town of Ponyville was in an uproar today, the princess would be coming the day after tomorrow for the Summer Sun Celebration, and there was still so much to do. The farm was lagging behind on provisions, word was the weather patrol would be running late, and no word whatsoever had come of decorations. The mayor stared in disbelief at the report thus far, trying to make sense of all these complications. She'd worked herself into a frenzy, making no sense whatsoever to anypony who would listen, and finally, her aide sent word out to the only pony who could help.

A white unicorn with a stern look arrived, her purple mane tied into a tight bun, eyes staring forward through small-framed glasses while a white coat draped over her dark blue vest; she had warned the Mayor previously of her stress, and to go unheeded was something she simply could not abide. She stormed past the reception desk without a word, immediately trudging right up to her quarry, slamming down a hoof in authority. "Miss Mayor," she began with a loud tone, bordering on yelling, "This simply must stop! You are only one pony, and I will not sit idly by while you work yourself to exhaustion-- again!" The Mayor turned her eyes to this intruder, actually quite intimidated past the initial shock; she may have been in charge, but when Dr. Rarity spoke, everypony listened. "I'm sorry," she choked out, covering her head with her hooves, "But everything is just... wrong. How can I host the Summer Sun Celebration when I can't make good on any of my duties? How can I face the Princess with this many complications? How will I ever--"

Rarity stopped her there. "There you go again, always 'I.' You are not Ponyville, and 'we' haven't failed yet!" A gleam in her eye warned the Mayor a plan was forming. "If I see to the decorations committee, and the food situation, will you just relax? You're starting to get bags under your eyes, darling, and you're not so far gone as to stop worrying about appearances yet." Mayor could never quite understand that string of vanity, and it slightly hurt to hear herself referred to as 'far gone' at all. Still, she had one last protest, "What about the weather team?" Rarity scoffed to that suggestion, turning aside with a flippant expression. "That is Cloudsdale's department, it's on their heads. I see no reason it should reflect on you... now, get some rest. We have a long day to come, and I would prefer my efforts have an element of surprise to them." Mayor finally calmed down a bit, swallowing a bit before giving a nod. Rarity was an unusual acquaintance, to say the least, but she did know what went on in town. Surely she was right, and maybe it would all look better after a nap... just a few hours...

The Mayor taken care of, Rarity stepped back into the morning sun, shielding her eyes as taking it all in. This widespread panic would have to stop, she mused to herself, or else every pony in Ponyville wouldn't even be awake for the celebration. She immediately began her path to town square, sidestepping a spilled melon cart without getting her hooves dirty. Her mission was the boutique on the east end, but would not benefit from tough love like before. She strode in the door with impugnity, walking past the disarray and chaos that dominated the showroom, leading herself to the back with practiced precision. There, she found a flustered yellow pegasus, her pink mane scattered all over her eyes sitting on an expensive couch in a state of despair. "Fluttershy?" There was no answer for just a second, the pegasus turning to Rarity, tears welling up in her eyes. "R-Rarity... I don't know what happened. It looked so simple, and then... and then...!" The poor pegasus began breathing shallowly, whimpering what sounded like they could be words, as Rarity strode to her side, rubbing her back gently. She worked a little rhythm in her efforts, to comfort her old friend and get her to breathe on her own. "There, there," she said in a softer tone. Let's just see what you have." Fluttershy nodded, slowly coming to her hooves and walking to her workshop.

She was right, the plans were simple. Too simple, Rarity surmised, her friend was better with fine detail than broad strokes. Standing firm, she looked back to Fluttershy, smiling to her genuinely. "We can fix this, sweetie. Here, I'll help you draw up some new plans, and you can follow those." Fluttershy brushed her mane out of her eyes then, tilting her head curiously, eyes still watery from her previous state. "Do... do we really have time for that?"

"No," Rarity shook her head. "But we will finish it all the same." Her horn sparked to life, taking of a pen that sat idle to a piece of paper as she started with a floor plan, and gently, she brought her pegasus friend to her side, to add her own little touches. This back-and-forth took only the better part of an hour, before Fluttershy was doing everything on her own again. Velvet flowers, silk butterflies, green ribbon everywhere, it all seemed so simple, when put into perspective. "The Princess is the sun... so Ponyville is the meadow she shines upon!" Fluttershy spoke gently. Rarity could only giggle at the metaphor, parting with just a light embrace to keep her oldest friend going. She still had another stop to make, after all, and not much time to do it.

Sweet Apple Acres came into view, the unicorn absolute in her resolve. She knew the orchard well, Granny Smith having not been in the best health for as long as Rarity could remember. She would often make house calls to the farm, something or another needing her attention, and though they warned her they couldn't pay for her services, she always offered the Apple family a gentle nod and went on her way. She couldn't believe how hard it could be to understand the concept of a free clinic, but maybe that was just their way of flattering her skills. No matter, she thought, today wasn't about her job, it was the joy of assistance. She looked about the orchards, seeing only a lone red stallion gathering apples.

"Big Macintosh! How can you be the only pony working the farm, today of all days!" She couldn't help but chastise him, it was no wonder they were behind. "Well, Rarity, ma'am," he stammered, "because of the Apple family reunion."
"Family reunion?"
"Eeyup."
"Well, then... WHERE ARE THEY?!"

Mac had never heard her raise her voice like that. Sure, he heard stories of when Rarity would lose her temper, but never thought he'd see it himself. He backed away slowly, turning his head away in shame. "They're... all 'round back." Rarity was about to chastise him again, but thought better; Macintosh never meant to be short with anyone, he just wasn't very good with words. She let out an exasperated sigh, before making her way back there herself. All these farm-hooves around, and they couldn't be bothered to offer some help? She'd have to give them a piece of her mind. It was then she saw what the fuss was about: in the middle of all these farmers was one who stood out, an orange mare with a blond mane kept in a stylish updo, clad in a fine green dress which brought out her eyes. Rarity was somewhat enamored, but no... she couldn't let herself be distracted. She strode up with focus on the task at hand.

"Excuse me, but what is the meaning of this?" She spoke out harshly amidst the many ponies gathered, illiciting many stares. She was used to a little attention, but it was the mare that had everypony's attention that caught her offguard. "No, excuse me. Who are you to disrupt an event among family in such an uncouth manner?" She quipped with a cold stare. Rarity was honestly aghast. She'd never been called uncouth by anypony before, and she wasn't going to stand for it. She met this pony head-on, eye-to-eye, inches from her face with a forceful stare of her own. "I am the pony who's been appointed to see everypony else is doing their job! And you are?" It was the city mare's turn to be flabbergasted this time. Her cheeks turned noticeably red, shrinking back from this confrontation only a moment before her composure returned to her, remembering who she was. "I am Jacqueline Apple, of Manehattan. And I will not be addressed like a filly caught in a spill."
"And I will not be brushed off by some spoiled 'lady' who can't be bothered to pay attention to the world around her. The Summer Sun Celebration is in two days, this is no time to be fauning over a new arrival, the supplies from Sweet Apple Acres are due tomorrow!"

Jacqueline couldn't believe it... in all the confusion, she forgot one of the most important celebrations of the year. Defeated, she hung her head in shame, letting out a remorseful sigh. "You're right, of course... everypony, I shall have to make time for all of you later, right now, we have work to do." The city mare buckled down, standing proudly again as she sought to get her family organized in their efforts. That was all it took, a little nudge in the right direction, and the apples were well on their way. Jacqueline and Rarity took a moment to stare one another down, sizing the other up; Jacqueline thought Rarity a control freak, and Rarity considered Jacqueline spoiled. Wordlessly, they agreed to disagree, and went about their separate ways, hoping they would never see each other again...

Inside a cluttered, disorganized study in Canterlot, a purple baby dragon with green spines rushed in through the door, holding a letter with an excited look on his face. "Twilight," he shouted, "You're never going to believe this!" The purple unicorn pulled away with an annoyed look on her face from a rather thick book, staring in some disbelief to her assistant. "And just what could be so amazing that even I would be in disbelief?" She was short with him, but he took this as a good sign; if she were in a bad mood, as usual, she would have sent him away, but today he had her ear. He had to make the most of this, so he puffed up his chest before settling, taking in a deep breath as he began. "Rainbow Dash is going to Ponyville to attend the Summer Sun Celebration by Princess Celestia's side!" Twilight tilted her head, growing a bit more annoyed as she closed the book she had at ready. "And what's so amazing about that?" "I wasn't finished," Spike huffed with an indignant look of his own. "What's amazing is that she's going to arrive BEFORE the princess to oversee the preparations..."
"Cut to the chase!"
"...and she said we had to come!"

Twilight's head dropped to the desk she sat before with a groan. "Spike! Ponyville is a tiny speck on Equestria's map! It has no outstanding history, hardly any notable commerce, and no, I repeat, no magical significance whatsoever! I can't believe you interrupted my research into amniomorphic magic for that!" Spike approached her side a bit forlornly, leaving the note on her desk as he prodded his claws together. "Well, I've never been anywhere but Canterlot. I thought this would be a nice vacation, and..." A slam of one hoof on the floor made Spike cringe as she approached him more directly, visibly angry. "Vacation?! Genius doesn't take vacations, I've got too much to do to worry about some little festival! If that's everything, you can just--" "...and it wasn't a request." There was a noticable crack in her expression as she heard those last words. For once, Twilight was speechless; she attempted to form the words, in any number of faces, all culminating in a long moan lamenting her fate, her forehead finding the floor. "When do we leave?" She finally said, muffled by the state of her face. "Uh... in an hour."
"An hour! We don't even have time to pack, why didn't you tell me sooner?!" She just as soon began running about the study, her horn flashing to life as books flew into a hefty pile on the floor in front of Spike. He raised a claw in objection to this display. "She said she knew you didn't like to wait... and it's just a day or two, she said to travel light." "Light..." Twilight stopped in her tracks, her eyes staring off into nowhere. "I can do light. Light is good, nice and radiant, bright flashes..."
"Don't lose it, Twi! Everything's ready, all we have to do is make it to the chariot!"
"Everything? But everything's right here!"
"Exactly," Spike quipped, crossing his arms with an annoyed look of his own. "We're not going to study or experiment, we're preparing a celebration. Now get your rump out that door and to the chariot." Twilight scowled at her assistant's choice of words, but she had already been defeated once today, and with a heavy heart, she trudged to the door, grumbling things nopony should ever say in any company. Spike couldn't be more thrilled, but he needed a minute to breathe. He'd never traveled before, and could hardly wait.

A rainbow-maned pegasus stood by two gray ones mounted to a gold-plated chariot, attempting to engage them. "So, what can you tell me about Ponyville?" She asked. The two could only stammer a few disjointed words, looking between each other in an uncomfortable stare. Rainbow Dash was honestly tired of this treatment, like speaking to her was some sort of taboo outside the upper class. Still, she knew what they were waiting to hear, so she sighed and tried a different approach. "Skiff, Rider, brief me on our destination, post-haste." Immediately they sprang to attention, eyes forward with a nervous, prompt report. They gave specifications of the town itself, and a current population as per the previous census, but she wasn't satisfied with that. With a heavy sigh, she stepped onto the craft and sat herself down, a forlorn expression on her face.

She had everything she ever asked for here in Canterlot: new frontiers, endless contests and other opportunities to push herself, but she couldn't just speak with anypony except the princess. The working class avoided contact if they could help it, which was disconcerting, but high society sought her out only for ulterior motives, which was maddening. They would prod and implore for her to help them make connections, but they didn't really have anything to say to her. She was glad to go someplace she had only scarcely been heard of, even if only for a few days; now if only her traveling companion were here...

As if on cue, Twilight Sparkle ran as fast as she could to the chariot, Spike perched on her back with his arms wrapped around her neck, and hopped in unbidden, motioning forward with one hoof. "Alright, let's go! The sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave, am I right?" She cried out. Perking up a bit, Rainbow Dash had a slight laugh at her expense, which was greeted with a confused stare from Twilight, but Spike did his best to hold it back. "Twi," Rainbow said informally, "It's an all-night, all-day festival. We're staying the whole time. But you're right about one thing. Full speed ahead!" Giving the order, the two stallions took off with the mares in tow, promptly so as not to 'anger' their charge...

Chapter 1: First Steps

Arriving on the outskirts of Ponyville, the two Canterlot mares dismounted from their chariot, Rainbow offering thanks to their escorts, who still had yet to say a coherent word if they weren't commanded. She sighed sadly, moving to catch up to Twilight, who'd departed without so much as a congratulatory grunt. "You know, Twilight," Rainbow Dash spoke up, "maybe if you weren't so rude all the time, you might have some friends." Twilight just scoffed, staring ahead while she went over their checklist again. "Friends aren't going to enhance my career." Rainbow arched an eyebrow at that, but let it slide. She had better things to do than pick a fight with a stuck-up bookworm. "So, what's on the list?" She asked to change gears.

"Let's see... food, weather, decorations, music... what's this last one?" Twilight prodded her assistant, who rolled the scroll over. Spike smiled enthusiastically as it came into view, proudly reading off, "Make some friends!" Immediately, Twilight threw her head back with a groan. "Friends again! How can the princess be so unprofessional? She has a kingdom to run!" Rainbow Dash stopped her in her tracks at that moment, standing steadfastly. "You don't have the right to question her! She's looking out for us, not just ruling over us!" Twilight realized only too late that she hit a nerve; you don't speak ill of the princess in front of her protege. She stepped away, feeling a few inches shorter for having actually angered her companion. "Look," Rainbow began again, "she's not just the ruler of Equestria. She wants us to make the most out of this trip; the least we can do is talk to some of these ponies. Maybe things will be different here."

Just then, the two came upon an unusual earth pony, sporting a sweater in black and pink stripes that partly blended into her coat, mane kept in curled pigtails. Twilight forced a smile as they met eye-to-eye and opened her mouth to speak, but just as soon, the unknown mare darted off past her with nary a word. "You're right," Twilight quipped, "That was different. Usually I have to say something before they turn tail."
"No," Spike interjected, "That was super-extra different, if you ask me." Twilight glanced back to her assistant with some acknowledgement, nodding her head back to Rainbow Dash as they continued on their way. Dash contained a smile as thinking of how that encounter went, striding just a bit ahead so she could snicker in peace.

Already, the farm they strode for came into view, absolutely bustling with activity as far as the eye could see. 'So many of them,' Rainbow Dash thought to herself. It had been a while since she'd seen such dilligent work, she'd thought to stick around and see about lending a hoof. "I thought they were supposed to be behind," Twilight spoke up while still in transit herself. A Particularly small pony in yellow with a red mane, and the most perfectly-placed bow spotted them, trotting over with a big smile on her face. "Welcome ta' Sweet Apple Acres!" She started enthusiastically with a slight twang. "We got everythin' here ya'll could possibly want, an' so much more!" Twilight took a step back from the little one as if she'd just been approached by a snake. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, while Spike hopped down off Twilight's back to meet her. "Everything, huh?" He started, "Well, we did skip breakfast to get here on..."
"Easy, Spike," Dash stepped forward. "Excuse me, we're here to check up on the festival preparations. Do you know who we should be talking to about that?"

"Well, sure!" The small pony beamed all the wider as there was business to be had, and hopped over to an orange pony with a blond mane, dressed perhaps a bit too well for farmwork, currently discussing something among two others. "Jackie, the inspectors're here!" The orange pony turned the direction of this outburst, shaking her head with a little smile despite herself. "Apple Bloom, there is no need to shout, I'm right here." The mare waved the three over all the same, taking in the sight of them; a rainbow-maned pegasus with an air of dignity, and a purple-all-over sourpuss trudging behind her, to say nothing of the baby dragon eagerly hopping along.

"I hope we're not intruding," Rainbow began, "I'm Rainbow Dash, here on behalf of the princess. How have your preparations fared?" Her speech was somewhat forced, the city-mare surmised, but she thought little of it. She knew how appearances were key in such society, and merely moved on.

"I am Jacqueline Apple, and I will say, things were a bit slow to start... I take responsibility for that... but we should be right on schedule, barring any unforseen complications. And who, may I ask, are your traveling companions?"
"I'm Spike!" The dragon perked up first, smiling his head off before souring a bit, motioning to the purple unicorn at his side. "And this is Twilight Sparkle." Twilight mumbled a little, her eyes wandering anywhere but Jacqueline for the time being. Spike gave a little glare to his mentor, before walking up to Jacqueline, puffing up his chest and offering a sly smile. "So, uh... you doing anything at the Summer Sun Celebration?"

Jacqueline smiled demurely to that question, lightly kicking one hoof as she turned her head. "Oh, goodness, you are incorrigible." She took a moment to recompose herself, giving a little shake of her head. "I'm afraid I shall be working the entire morning, overseeing the banquet." Spike looked a bit disheartened, but he perked up again soon enough. Twilight knocked a hoof on his head as she stepped in front of him.

"Wipe that silly grin off your face," she commanded. She turned to Jacqueline herself, quite annoyed by her assistant's behavior. "Looks like you've got everything taken care of, so we really ought to be going. Things to take care of..."
"Aren't ya' gonna' stay fer brunch?" A tiny voice called out behind Twilight. She turned again, ready to enforce her opinion, but the sad, soulful eyes looking up at her caught her off-guard. She opened her mouth, looking for the words, trying to turn her down more gently than she would have otherwise, but Rainbow Dash stepped up more assertively.
"We'd love to," Dash spoke honestly. It wasn't often she was given an impromptu invitation, and she smiled around to all the Apple family around. "It'll give us a chance to get acquainted."
"Yay!" A resounding cheer arose from the clan, Twilight groaning in defeat as they were brought to the table.

The three royal overseers lost track of time, Rainbow Dash enjoying a chat with Jacqueline as she introduced every member of the family: Apple Fritter, Apple Bumkin, Apple Dumpling, Apple Bloom, Big Macintosh, Apple Brown Betty and Granny Smith. It was exhausting, being the center of attention of so many, but Dash thoroughly enjoyed it, to be able to have a casual chat among equals. They did have to go sooner or later, however, as she was fairly certain any more apple-themed names were going to cause Twilight to grind her teeth down, and Spike probably never would have left Jacqueline's side, if not reminded they had business to attend. "Weather," Spike rattled off from the list. That was to be their next stop as they got back into town. Twilight's eyes immediately darted to the sky, noting perhaps an excess of clouds, for a celebration of the sun. "Someone should really tell those ponies to get to work," she muttered.

"I think that's why we're here," Spike chimed in without hesitation. Twilight shot him yet another look, certain this one might just be the one to burn through his skull, but he just grinned back to her, thoroughly enthused by their trip thus far. "But it could be worse, at least it's not..."

Spike was cut off by a very abrupt downpour, which as the three looked around, noticed it wasn't happening anywhere except above their heads. They were all thoroughly drenched before they had a chance to get out from under the single, tiny cloud that hit them. "Raining?" Twilight sneered to Spike before working her gaze up. There, she saw a pegasus- or at least half of one- on the cloud, stuck head-first underneath its surface, tiny and orange, a scraggly purple tail flitting about as they struggled to remove themselves. "Swell," Twilight huffed as she focused on this figure, her horn sparking to life, tugging the pegasus out of the cloud.

As the filly was set to the ground, she shook a veritable beard of cloud from her chin, grinning sheepishly to her three bystanders. "Heh, sorry about that." She spoke with embarrassment in her folly, looking as innocent as she could to each of them. "Guess it kinda' got away from me."

"I'll say," Twilight shook her head. "Aren't you a little young for weather patrol?"

"Well... if you wanna' get technical," The pegasus said coyly, the others closing in on her.

"Who roped you into this one all on your own?" Rainbow Dash stepped forward, peering over the intrepid weather-pony. She began to respond to Dash, but as soon as her eyes greeted her, she just stuttered and stammered, seemingly without end. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, this being all too familiar territory for her...

"Scootaloo!" A voice called out from above, a pink pegasus with a blue mane setting down in front of the group, two blue lightning bolts marking her flank. "I am so sorry," She apologized with a sheepish little grin, "I thought she could handle just a little on her own."

Twilight was not amused by that explanation, her wet mane absolutely covering the disdain in her eyes. "I'm guessing you're weather patrol here," She piped up with further annoyance dripping off of her... or it could have just been more rain.
"Yeah... Firefly at your service, and this is Scootaloo. You must be the overseers from Canterlot, don't worry, we'll have this done in--"

"In one hour!" Twilight shouted now, not able to take any more delays. "I don't know how you run things here in Ponyville, but in Canterlot, weather is kept on a tight schedule. We're already behind, no more distractions, got it?!"

Firefly just stared in awe at that outburst. Scootaloo was about to pipe up, but she found her mouth covered by a pink hoof, Firefly just nodding in defeat. "We'll get right on it," she started without a fight. "C'mon, Scoots. You'll be dancing on air before you know it." The smaller pegasus hopped onto Firefly's back, and soon they were off into the sky again, working with vigor despite Twilight's best efforts to bring them down. Rainbow Dash looked between herself, Spike and Twilight a moment, had a small laugh at their respective appearances, and headed for the next building down, a small boutique with a sign reading 'Violet Studio.' "Hey, they were supposed to be in charge of decorations, right?" She strode forward unbidden regardless any answer that might form between the two. Spike didn't have the heart to tell her that their list was destroyed in the downpour, but Twilight pressed him forward as taking the lead, hoping to get through with this stop as fast as possible.

Chapter 2: A Job Well-Done

Inside the building, everything seemed to be kept in an organized disarray, various mismatching displays right next to each other, with small charms to tie the contrasting elements together in between. It was hard to figure out where exactly one was supposed to look, if they were a customer, but Twilight didn't seem to give it a second look. Spike got distracted by a few jewel-encrusted necklaces, but Dash pushed him forward before his drool could hit anything. At a far-off location, a yellow pegasus adorned with a pink mane could be found napping on a sofa, sprawled out with a small pile of ribbon acting as a pillow. Twilight actually hesitated waking her for a moment, she seemed so serene... but they had a job to do, and she rather bluntly nudged her with one hoof. This caused the pegasus to jar awake rather suddenly, shrieking rather softly for such a start, and jumping behind the couch to hide. "Uh... hello?" Twilight peered over the furniture to find her cowering, her head hidden under her hooves, though she soon looked up slowly.

"I... I'm sorry..." She stuttered a bit, crawling out from her hiding spot. "I didn't... that is... you..." Try as she might, the timid pegasus couldn't find the words, edging away bit by bit even as she attempted, and failed, at making eye contact. Once again, Twilight was annoyed, but something held her back from her normal response, and she looked away herself. They all stood in silence for a minute or two, the shop's resident only breaking the silence to whimper as she dropped to sit on the floor. Spike coughed into his claw as an attempt to bring something up, but he sat down as well, waiting for something- anything- to happen. It was Rainbow Dash's turn to be forceful, stepping up more directly. "Hi, we're here on behalf of Canterlot. We wanted to know how the decorations were coming."

"Oh... they're..." Their quiet host peered up slowly, but she suddenly looked on with curiosity, standing up and approaching her. "Dash? Rainbow Dash, is that you?" Puzzled, Dash nodded, wondering internally if she should know her. "Junior flight camp... I... fell..." She seemed embarrassed to mention it, but she did maintain a steady gaze this time. Suddenly, Rainbow felt a small spark, perking up in surprise.

"Oh my gosh, you're...!"

"...Fluttershy."

"Wow... hey, looks like you're doing pretty well these days."

"Oh... no," Fluttershy blushed, turning her head. "It's nothing special, I didn't even come up with the name..."

"You kidding? Look at this place, it's got everything! Don't sell yourself short... and don't hold me in suspense! How've you been?" Rainbow Dash was ecstatic, finding a familiar face in town. Fluttershy seemed to be taking it well, too, opening up more and more as the two went at it.

'Two hours.' That's all Twilight could think. 'Two hours! How can two ponies go on for so long about nothing?!' "Remember the time..." "And then..." "How about the..." "You used to wear your mane..." it just went on and on. She was amazed she put up with it as long as she did. Finally, Twilight set her hoof down loudly, shocking Fluttershy behind the couch again. "Well, this has all been very interesting! Now can we please discuss your plans for the decorations?!" Dash and Spike both gave Twilight a strange look for a moment, as if she had just grown a second head.

"Twilight," Spike uttered, "You just said 'please.'" Twilight had nothing to say to that, pouting a bit before turning about with a huff.

"Anyway," Rainbow Dash interrupted, "Fluttershy's been finished for a while now. She just got back when we came in, the hall's ready to go. Which you would have known, if you hadn't zoned out on us." Dash nudged Twilight a bit playfully, clearly still caught up in the moment. She turned back to Fluttershy after that, nodding with a more serious glance. "We probably should get going, in any case. See you at the celebration?" Fluttershy just nodded to the question, coming down from her previous enthusiasm, her head turning demurely to one side.

"I'll... be around... you know, if you want to stop by..." She trailed off a little, finding herself edging back to her sofa as the three departed. Spike trotted up to her with a wiggle of his eyebrows, puffing his chest up in the same gesture.

"It won't be the same without you," He said, trying to make his voice deeper. Fluttershy tilted her head to one side, more in confusion than anything else, staring at Spike curiously. "Well, uh, you know, if you wanted to--" He faltered endlessly until Twilight reached over, dragging him by the fin that passed for an ear on his head. Fluttershy's blank stare never once left them until they had exited proper, too perplexed by the dragon to be depressed or tired.

"Are you going to be like that the whole trip?!" Twilight chastised her assistant, utterly embarrassed by his behavior.

"No!" Spike huffed, crossing his arms. "Just around the real pretty ones!"

"Whatever... music's next, right? This should be short." Twilight rolled her eyes, just wanting this whole day to be over. As they walked, they couldn't help but hear singing in the distance. 'Well, that was easy,' Twilight mused to herself on approach, and sure enough, there was a small choir of ponies and birds gathered around a fountain, all quite young, but working in relative unison. Their conductor, a small white unicorn with a lavender and pink mane, did her best to keep them in time while an older pony watched over the scene unfold, in a state of dress one might not associate with such an activity. Rainbow Dash was the first on the scene, nonetheless, in time for the small conductor to call a break.

"No no no no, Snips, Snails, you have to sing from the diaphragm! Like this," She started, before projecting out through a simple arpeggio scale.

"Sounds good to me," Dash interrupted, shocking the unicorn out of her reciting. She looked a little embarrassed, having gotten an audience ahead of time, while her miniscule troupe stared on, awaiting further instruction. "Don't mind us, we're just checking up. Looks like you've got everything taken care of."

"That she does," Their overseer spoke up, trotting beside her ward, immediately offering an encouraging hug. "I told you, Sweetie Belle, you're perfect for the task."

"Yeah... but why couldn't I be the one singing?" The smaller of the two seemed a bit disappointed in her position, though blushing all the same at the praise.

"Because then you would steal the show, Sweetie. Now, you just tighten up that chorus," The older urged her on, and she perked back up with her group, going through the motions once more. The purple-maned unicorn turned back to their trio of onlookers, straightening up before addressing them. "Forgive me, I am Rarity, local physician. I presume you are the envoy from Canterlot?"

"Correct," Dash strode forward, "This is Twilight Sparkle, that's Spike, and I'm..."

"Rainbow Dash, correct? Everypony who's anypony knows who you are," Rarity spoke up out of turn, leaving Rainbow herself a little cold at her mention. Noticing this, Rarity amended her statement a little. "Not that you're infamous, dear. We're all very happy to have you."

"She has a problem with her reputation preceding her," Twilight interjected with a smug look. "Sounds like we've got nothing to worry about here, so we'll just move on."

"I don't know, Twi," Spike walked up, "I think I'm feeling faint." He dropped himself on Rarity's side, earning a surprised look from her. "Better check my temperature. I might be coming down with something." She backed off from him, letting him fall onto his side as she straightened out her coat.

"I would perscribe a cold shower. Wherever are you staying, while you're here?"

"I was told the library was vacant, do you know the way?" Rainbow Dash looked about curiously, Rarity quick to direct her.
"Right this way," She spoke up, leading the trio along, Twilight visibly glad they could be out of there promptly. She kind of liked this unicorn, if only because she didn't waste their time. All too glad to be out of the town's mane, as they arrived at the library, she opened the door herself, trudging inside, only to be greeted by a hideous sight: an unknown monster just in the door, all jagged edges and gnarled mass, waiting just for her. Without further ado, she promptly fell over, blacking out.

Chapter 3: The Night After

"Twilight?" A voice called out from the dark. "Twilight, can you hear me?" Slowly, Twilight's eyes opened again, finding herself laid out on a couch, surrounded by rows and rows of books... but more pressing were the ponies surrounding her: Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Jacqueline, and that pink pony she ran into when they first got into town. They all looked down around her with concerned, or in the case of the unknown one, indifferent expressions, as she rolled onto her stomach, rubbing her head.

"That's nothing, dear," Rarity spoke aloud, "You didn't take that far a fall." Nonetheless, Twilight looked back to the door. That monster was still there, but now she had a better look at it: it was some mass of branches, clay and miscellaneous pieces, all centered on the head of a pony-shaped bust.

"What is that thing?" She groaned out, still a bit fuzzy despite focus coming back to her.

"That's you, of course," The pink one spoke up at last. "When I saw you in town, I just had to make it. I like your mane, it makes me smile." She looked back to Twilight with a flat tone, her expression never shifting.

"But... you're not smiling."

"That's one pony's opinion."

"Wait... my mane's not that bad!" Twilight stood up with her returning strength, moving toward the sculpture, if one could call it that. She circled around it, growing a bit more annoyed, even angry, as it all came into perspective.

"No, it's not bad at all," Her new acquaintance said, stepping along with her. "That's why I made it."

"It's kind of pretty, when you get used to it," Spike piped up from one corner, barely able to contain a chuckle. Twilight looked back at her assistant, noticing he wasn't looking at the statue, but her. Perplexed, she looked up, seeing another lock of hair out-of-place more than usual. Sneering, she reached up a hoof, ruffling her mane to its normal disheveled state before sitting in her own corner.

"It looks like two trees having an argument," She huffed, turning away from everyone else. Spike shrugged, leaving her to that while approaching the sculptor, leaning in with a suggestive strut.

"I'm Spike... I was just wondering, do you do handsome, dashing dragons, miss...?"

""Pink."," The pony in pigtails responded flatly, making quotes in the air with her front hooves to emphasize the point. She didn't seem to have any intention of answering the question, scrutinizing the statue itself a bit instead. "Think it needs more split ends? Like the model." Twilight's gaze looked back at that, wanting to be mad, but all things considered, she wasn't sure what "Pink." meant by that. Instead, she gave another look around, taking in the crowd within the library.

"What are they all doing here, anyway?"

"Well," Dash intervened, ""Pink." had to show off her sculpture, Jacqueline knew where we were staying, Fluttershy was going to see me, and Rarity urged her to follow through with it." That covered everypony, it seemed, but Twilight was still a mess with all these faces around. She spun around to take them all in, but she just couldn't focus on any of them; they were all so different, yet they carried on between one another so easily.

"I think I'll just go to bed, if you don't mind," Twilight piped up again. Rainbow Dash headed her off at the stairs before she could retreat, shaking her head adamantly.

"Now, now, tradition is you stay up for the rising of the sun."

"And besides," "Pink." interjected, "You just got up."

"Now go out there and mingle a little. Wouldn't want to be a bad host," Dash finished. Twilight knew what Rainbow Dash really meant; it wasn't good hosting she was interested in, she could do that herself. No, this was punishment, for being too professional. For being more interested in the job than wasting time. Regardless, she no longer had any say in the matter, bowed her head and walked into the bunch, mumbling smalltalk as best she could.

The chatter went on for the entire evening, Twilight putting her best face forward, though every word just made her want to retreat even more; Jacqueline's mane care tips, Rarity's social aspirations, Fluttershy's obsession with miniscule accessories, "Pink." going on about... whatever she was going on about. 'All of these ponies are crazy!' She thought to herself, eventually their words just drowning themselves out. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying it, probably to spite her, Twilight mused, and somewhere along the way, Spike fell asleep on the couch. 'That's not fair,' she thought, 'He gets to sleep.' She did remember, however, he was still very young, a fact she often forgot, and did need his sleep. Sighing, she rummaged around in between guests, grabbed a blanket and tucked him in right there. She received a collective "Awww" from everypony else, to which she shot a glare back. 'Just a few more hours,' she reminded herself. 'Then it's all over, and we go back home.'

Finally, in the wee hours of the morning, it was time to make their exit. Heading for town hall, Twilight lingered behind them all, a bit heavy in her step as she found them all quite exhausting. Finally, the end was in sight, and she looked onward to the building, everything ready to unfold. They all made their way inside, the lack of children striking a bit of jealousy in Twilight's mind. 'They didn't have to come,' her brain lamented, but she made certain to carry Spike inside, he was the most enthusiastic about the trip. She found a secluded corner, resolving to stay there the entire day, away from anyone who might approach. This worked well, up until the moment of truth, Celestia herself ready to make her grant appearance.

"Thank you all for coming," The Mayor spoke out from a balcony adorned in velvet flowers. "The first day of Summer is a momentous occasion for all of ponykind, and today, we honor the one who gives us such warmth and prosperity!" She seemed to drone on for some time, and Twilight was this close to shouting out they get on with it and raise the sun already. Rainbow Dash seemed to sense this, clamping a hoof over her mouth before a word could escape. Spike, at least, had finally awoken, looking on in anticipation as the Mayor pulled a rope, seizing the curtains, to reveal...

...no one. The princess was nowhere to be found. The room was filled with surprised gasps, everypony in town focused on this sight, only to have their thoughts drowned out by a loud, bellowing laugh, dark and powerful. A swirl of blue smoke engulfed where the princess herself would stand, dissipating to reveal a black alicorn, mane and tail as smoke, mad eyes staring from behind a fitted helmet. "Your princess has arrived, Equestria," She spoke out with a powerful projection.

The black alicorn stood firm where the princess should have been, glaring down to the populace who stared in quiet awe. "Does my crown no longer count?" She questioned them all in a haughty, self-aggrandizing tone. "Or have you all forgotten me in my absence?"

Twilight peeked out from the crowd, shocked at what she saw that the others didn't. "The Mare in the Moon," she whispered to herself. She could hardly believe it, that an old ponies' tale would be standing right in front of her. The alicorn's eyes turned her way with a devious smile, having heard her it seemed.

"You shall call me Nightmare Moon, your great and terrible queen," She laughed out, staring down at Twilight in particular before Rainbow Dash stepped in front of her.

"Mare in the Moon, Nightmare Moon... it doesn't matter, release our princess!" Dash spoke out forcefully, showing no fear in the face of such opposition.

"And who are you to give such an order? Some lackey of Celestia... no, perhaps she has taken you in. How precious, you think that gives you authority even now, in a world of eternal night."

Rainbow Dash charged Nightmare Moon, her wings spreading wide as she flew forward with all her strength. The alicorn vanished into blue smoke just before she made impact, reforming behind her again with a haughty laugh. "Surely, the chosen of Celestia can do better than that?" Dash turned before crashing into the pillar behind her, landing briefly on it and flew again for her target, in a more erratic pattern. Nightmare Moon's gaze turned one direction, Dash flew the other, and came up underneath, striking with her back legs to the jaw, at which point she reeled back with her helmet flying off, out through a window. Her essence seemed to fade into nothingness, Rainbow Dash proudly congratulating herself, only to hear a loud, echoing voice outside.

"You foals... my appearance here was only a taste of things to come, and you dared to strike me!" Of course it couldn't be that easy, but Rainbow Dash leapt out to meet this threat, through the very window she sent the helmet crashing. Five other ponies and a familiar baby dragon followed through the door, staring onward in fear, but they wouldn't back away. Nightmare Moon appeared even larger before them, her eyes flashing white as black clouds gathered overhead in a spiral, leading directly to town hall. "For your insolence," She bellowed out again, "You shall never see your friends for as long as I rule!" Those still inside scrambled to escape, but some force sealed them in the building, as the cloud engulfed it and trailed up toward the full moon in the sky. In an instant, it was gone, with everypony in it.

"Big Macintosh! Granny Smith!" Jacqueline called out in despair, collapsing at the site so empty now. Rarity and Fluttershy, too, stared on in shock, their loved ones swept away just like that. "Pink." only glared still to Nightmare Moon, while Twilight, unable to comprehend how this had happened, dropped her head to the ground; her own antics distanced her from others, but she never wanted to see them hurt. Rainbow Dash was speechless, dropping back to ground level as her wings drooped beside her.

"This is on your head, Rainbow Dash. Know that they are gone because of you," Nightmare Moon gloated over the fallen ponies, especially the princess' rising star. Dash's eyes turned back to the alicorn, too ridden with guilt to maintain rage.

"What do you want from me?" She spoke, barely above a whisper.

"You silly child. To think I would display such power for gain... no, I want nothing from you I do not already have. Equestria is mine, and forever it shall remain." Nightmare Moon faded into the aether, vanishing before their eyes as her trail led into the woods beyond. Dash was ready to collapse, even give up, until...

"Jackie? Where is everyone?" A small, sweet voice uttered from behind them all. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stood, confused and scared. Dash couldn't choke out an answer, but Jacqueline and Rarity ran to them, holding their sisters close; it was all they could do. Seeing Scootaloo, all alone, Dash stood up again, forcing back her anguish.

"I don't know," she spoke with a renewed strength. "But I'll bring them back." She reached around Scootaloo, holding her close for that moment.

"You mean 'we'll' bring them back," Rarity piped up, releasing Sweetie Belle.

"All of us," Jacqueline joined in as well.

"If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me," "Pink." said stoically.

Fluttershy said nothing, but nodded all the same, standing as tall as she could. Twilight, in seeing all this, swallowed for an instance, joining Dash's side with the first smile she'd managed since arriving. "Spike, you stay here and watch the fillies. We have work to do." Spike didn't argue, heading to the young ones to keep them company, as the others turned to the woods.

"The Everfree Forest," Twilight uttered. "Nopony has come out of there in a hundred years."

"Superstition's never stopped you before, Twilight," Rainbow Dash spoke with authority. "We'll just have to be the first." She wanted to be excited about this journey, an adventure into the unknown, seeing things never seen before, but the stakes were too high. All she could do was take the first steps, with the others soon to follow...

Chapter 4: A Dance in the Dark

The pace into the forest was a brisk one, the six ponies looking dead ahead toward the ominous woodland. Twilight couldn't believe this was happening, despite having just been there. Fluttershy fought every urge in her body to turn back, somehow thinking it was even scarier in Ponyville, with what happened. Jacqueline stayed focused on her family, reasoning that if Nightmare Moon took them away, she could give them back just as easily. Rarity wished they had done more preparation, all she had time to grab were a few vials and a basic first aid kit. "Pink." thought that everyone reading their thoughts should stop peeking.

Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, was actually getting a little excited; this was a challenge the likes of which she'd yet to experience. She might never get this kind of adventure again, and though she knew this was serious, she couldn't help but find it kind of... cool. She didn't know if they would succeed, something told her their chances were slim, but there was no choice, and she liked it. Around others, she kept her enthusiasm hidden, taking point with the group while giving them a concerned look. It was already too late to change their minds, but she thought again how she should do this on her own. Could she do this on her own? 'No,' she thought, 'I already failed once. This is bigger than me, they have every right to be here.' That thought didn't hit her as heavily, as she looked back with a smile. 'I won't let anything happen to them.'

The path leading into the forest seemed straightforward enough. It looked like it formed naturally between the trees, as if the plants themselves knew the way they should take. The foliage around them seemed so strange, untamed and unkempt, unlike anything any of them had seen before. Haunting, is what it was, made worse by several unidentified cries in the as-of-yet-unending night. The rustling of leaves and snapping of branches caused Fluttershy to jump to Rarity's side.

"Something's following us!" She squeaked out, barely audible to anyone else. Rarity reached a hoof to the frightened pegasus, keeping her close with an encouraging smile.

"We'll be fine, dear," She consoled Fluttershy softly, "As long as we're together, we can fend anything off."

"Oh, please," Twilight spoke out with a roll of her eyes, "That's no comfort. We're a large group, and that will just attract even bigger predators." Fluttershy's eyes went wide at that, visibly trembling. "What?" Twilight glanced back curiously. She soon noticed Fluttershy wasn't looking at her, but something above. She turned only too late, wandering into a thin, sticky barrier which everypony else had stopped in time to see. "What is this?!" She cried out. Twilight struggled to remove herself, but it was far stronger than the thickness of the material would suggest, and just tangled herself up even more. "Get me out of here!"

"Sit tight, Twilight," Rainbow Dash reassured her, looking over her companion's predicament. "We'll get you out of... whatever that is. It almost looks like some kind of..."

"Web," "Pink." spoke out. "It's a giant spider web. It's probably coming for you right now."

"You've gotta' be kidding me!" Twilight fought that notion, trying to back up and stretching the filmy strands out. "Giant spiders overhunted their prey centuries ago, and went extinct!"

"Then what's that?" "Pink."'s words of choice were perhaps the most disconcerting of all she could have chosen, all eyes following as her hoof pointed upward. Sure enough, a collection of long, hairy legs descended from above, carrying a bloated body and a head containing eight beady eyes, flicking out its mandibles in rapid movements. Each leg expertly placed itself along the almost-invisible strands, descending for Twilight rather directly, the creature soon being close enough to gauge. It was easily the size of eight or ten ponies in the abdomen alone, but that was hardly the worst of it. Their gaze being locked on the being, Fluttershy pointed now, past it, and several more climbed from the forest canopy in tandem. The gang was frozen in place, all except Rainbow Dash, which rushed to the occasion, drawing attention by plucking at the web from a higher point. Twilight, having sense enough to know what she was doing, stopped moving, remaining perfectly still as they all followed along.

"That's right, come on!" Dash taunted the arachnids, readying herself to fight. Leaping beside her, however, Fluttershy floated in front of her, between her and the spiders.

"Wait," she implored, no more, no less. She fluttered over to the first spider they saw, which paused as they came into reach of one another. Fluttershy made eye contact, for what that might mean with such beings, and they just stared at one another, perfectly still except for the beating of her wings. Rarity in particular was intrigued by this display, wondering what would possess Fluttershy to face such a terrifying creature. Then she turned her sights above, noting several sacs in the webbing. At last, she tested parts of the web herself, and began climbing up to meet her friend. Fluttershy, at this point, approached the spider, stroking a hoof over its back as it let out a strange, chittering purr. "It's okay... we didn't mean to intrude. We didn't see the signs."

The spider was not wholly satisfied, but certainly not hostile. Rarity got up to the web sacs she saw, investigating them for the moment. "They're starving," she realized aloud, looking to the other spiders as they approached.

"Can't we do something?" Fluttershy implored, leaving Rarity to ponder.

"Twilight, you were right about one thing," Rarity spoke up. She opened one of the sacs carefully with her horn, letting shriveled plant matter fall from it. "They did overhunt their prey..."

"But... nature found a solution!" Fluttershy interjected, her joy subdued by the pain of the spiders' plight.

"That... that doesn't make any sense," Twilight stammered, as she spotted the fallen beans. "Look at them! They're predators!" The spider hanging over her gave her a look, sad as one could ever imagine from such a creature. As her eyes met its own, she faltered, balancing fear, confusion and pity in her head. The evidence was all there, staring her in the face both literally and figuratively. "What... what do we do?" Twilight hung her head in shame, so sure of everything she'd read until she made it this far. The first spider turned back to Twilight, climbing down and untangling her at last. She shuddered at the touch of the long appendages, but after another look at Fluttershy and Rarity, she got a crazy idea; she reached a hoof out, brushing the arachnid's leg with hers, and it returned the gesture, dropping to meet her on the ground. 'It is kind of cute,' she mused to herself, 'For a humongous, creepy bug, anyway.'

Rarity smiled, breaking into the emergency rations she had readied, setting some soy supplements on the web. It seemed silly, but the spiders closed in, taking them in their mandibles gently, Rarity looking at their non-expressions for any sign of what was to come. Twilight couldn't believe her eyes, seeing them actually eating the protein bars, even splitting them up between one another methodically. "That should keep them going, at least for a little while," Rarity explained, climbing down to meet the others.

"How did you come to that conclusion?" Jacqueline spoke up, working up the nerve ever since the spiders descended.

"Um..." Fluttershy murmured a little, but relaxed as one of the spiders gave her a gentle hug. "I didn't do anything special. Everyone needs a little kindness sometimes."

"Ah," Jacqueline seemed satisfied in her, then moved onto Rarity. "And what of our supplies? Not that I'm saying they didn't go to a good cause, but what will we use?"

Rarity just smiled, reaching around Fluttershy as moving on. "We'll find a way... just like they did."

The arachnids stood back, the one on the ground moving ahead of the ponies with a motion to follow it. The being drew them through thin, nigh-invisible webbing into much thicker concentrations, then through a veritable spire of silk. Twilight marveled at the intricacy, nothing like this had ever been described in any book she'd read. Nonetheless, they found themselves led through to another path, which they started on again. Twilight wondered if they would be coming back this way, as farewells were offered.

Back on the road again, "Pink." began humming a familiar song, starting with that line. Twilight wasn't sure why, but she felt like decking her, as if she'd just made some terrible joke. It seemed like such a long road, and that humming wasn't making things any easier. She edged away from the pink companion a little, in turn separating from the rest of the group. She closed her eyes, nodding in triumph, as she could no longer hear that song. All was peaceful, and quiet, and she could focus on moving forward.

That wasn't meant to be, however, and soon she ran out of level ground, a sudden incline causing her to fall, stumble and crash. She soon achieved some semblance of stability, but she was still descending, her eyes going wide as she saw the cliff the fall ended in. She instinctively dug her hooves into the ground, getting as much resistance as she could, only barely escaping falling over the edge.

Rainbow Dash noticed somepony was missing, doing a brief headcount of her traveling party. "Hey, which way'd Twilight go?" She implored them each. Only one seemed to have an answer.

"Oh, we lost her at that last fork in the road," "Pink." answered in utter monotone.

"And you didn't stop her?!" Rainbow Dash was shocked, that she would know and did nothing.

"I guess she didn't like the music," "Pink." shrugged, moving on. Jacqueline patted Dash's shoulder, giving her a reassuring nod.

"You go look for her. We'll keep going this direction, you can get her back."

"Thanks," Dash smiled, immediately taking off into the canopy. She didn't want to waste any time going over the forest, so she ploughed through, doing her best to keep an eye out below for where the other path led.

Twilight hung onto the cliffside with all her might, whimpering as the sharp rocks bruised her sides. Her weight was shifting faster than she could compensate for, and there was nothing to hold onto but the cliff itself. It had happened so fast, and nopony knew where she wound up; they were separated by the thick trees and the incline. She could feel her heartbeat in her throat as her eyes wandered sideways, seeing the long drop ahead of her. There was nothing down there, nothing at all, her eyes told her as vertigo set in. She would fall, and that was the last thing she would ever remember happening; only a very strong flyer could get her out of this horrible fate, and her mind went blank, screaming out the only name that seemed to matter. "Rainbow Daaaaaaaaash!!!"

Rainbow was lost amid the leaves and branches of the thick canopy, some unknown force knocking her down. She'd spun so many times she couldn't tell one direction from the next, and barreled straight now, surmising no matter which way she went, she would be free of this brush eventually. And indeed, she broke free of the foliage, tumbling down to the earth with a hard landing on her side. She'd managed to clear her wing of the impact, but in doing so felt the air knocked from her chest, struggling to breathe for a moment. Only when she opened her eyes did her breath leave her again, as she looked over a tall, mighty stallion in dark blue armor, covered from the neck down, giving way to his black coat and violet mane. He offered a hoof to her to help her up, and after a second, Rainbow silently accepted the gesture. He, too, said nothing for the moment, bringing her hoof up to his chest level, leaning down and planting a soft kiss to it. It was only then that he spoke, in a quiet, but projecting voice, very deep without being gravely; "Such beauty one hardly finds within Everfree. Might I have the lady's name?" Rainbow Dash visibly flushed, averting her eyes with a barely contained smile coming to her lips. Oddly, though she had been called 'lady' many times, this was the first time she truly felt like one.

"Rainbow Dash," she spoke out demurely, "My name... is Rainbow Dash." It was all she could say, especially as her eyes turned back to his, feeling her heart skip a beat. He was gorgeous, strong yet gentle, welcoming yet mysterious.

"Well, Rainbow Dash, how does such a fine young mare find herself in these woods? Seeking adventure, are we?" As he said that, Rainbow softly nodded, not even aware of the gesture. It was true, that's why she really came, wasn't it? Looking forward, to the new and exciting, venturing toward the unknown, why else would she be chasing such a lofty goal as saving Equestria? The unnamed stallion laughed a little, not the false, humoring laugh of Canterlot, but a genuine one, that she had only heard from herself in so many years. "Then by all means, one should go and find it. There's a wide world out there, a lady such as yourself should see it all." There was that word again, 'lady.' It pleased her to hear from his lips, and she could only focus on his voice for the moment.

"But," she spoke, "Isn't that an awful big place to be all alone?" She stepped back, realizing her tone. Did she want something from this pony, like all those in Canterlot wanted from her? No, it was him she wanted. He Laughed again, that glorious, boistrous laugh, and nodded to her.

"That it is, and far too big a world for just one pony. So many things to see..."

"So many things to do..."

"So much left unsaid..."

"So many ponies to say it to."

"Rainbow Daaaaaaaaash!!!" Rainbow snapped to, with that sudden interruption. She recognized the voice, but pushed it back in her mind, returning to the subject at hoof.

"Never mind her, she's probably just mad about something," the stallion quipped, smiling slyly to Rainbow Dash.

"Yeah, you're probably..." Rainbow stopped herself. "No. Twilight is a blowhard and a fool, but she doesn't call out for anypony, for any reason. I have to go back." Her current companion was aghast as she turned away from him. "I must move on... I will not be here, when you come back."

"Then I apologize. Twilight has caused me nothing but trouble since I met her; she's alienated everypony I tried to speak to, always demanding inordinate tasks, and constantly flaunting Equestrian law, sure to drag me down with her..." Rainbow shook her head, and then smiled, already beginning her way back. "But she's my friend. I can't just leave her behind, not for all the world." Without another word, Rainbow Dash took off, above the trees, and toward the voice she heard. Immediately, she saw her friend, dangling for dear life, lose her grip and plummet into the chasm. Without one thought, she dove below her, swooping in fast as she could with the trees in the way, the two of them once again tumbling, though on the other side of the ravine, and together.

Twilight stared in quiet awe to Rainbow Dash, mane in her eyes, finally able to breathe again. There was so much she wanted to say, to do, to show her appreciation, but she found herself brushing her coat off, turning away with a huff. "Took you long enough," she said with a huff. Rainbow was speechless, staring in disbelief at that, but soon, her confusion gave way to a small smile. She stepped up beside Twilight, patting her on the back with one hoof before heading back up the hill.

"Yeah, I'm sure when you come to save me, you'll be a lot faster about it." She was a pain in the flank, but Rainbow Dash could take it; somepony had to. Twilight was puzzled herself, her head tilting as wondering where their spirited banter went just then. She realized they had to get going again, and rushed behind Rainbow.

"Wait up!" She cried out, as it occurred to her about another facet of their journey. "Where do you suppose the others went?"

Rainbow Dash looked back through the trees, trying to remember all the twists and turns she took to get to this point. "I don't know," She finally responded, "But we're going to find them. I can promise you that."

Chapter 5: The Right Kind of Guidance

Four of the six that had left Ponyville broke through the forestry at last, finding where that blue smoke had trailed next. An old temple, by the looks of it, ravaged by the ages and constantly growing plantlife tearing it down even further. Regardless, in the middle stood five pedestals, seemingly untouched by time itself, each with an orb with a strange symbol adorning its surface. The four looked up in some awe, even "Pink." dropped her facade a little, something about this seeming bigger than herself.

"What do you suppose this chamber was for?" Jacqueline was the first to speak up. The others looked at her curiously, as if she had said something inappropriate. She shook her head a moment, restating herself in response. "Look, this is an obvious landmark, and we need to regroup; it doesn't hurt to have something to discuss while we wait."

"Be that as it may," Rarity stepped up to the occasion, "We have no way of understanding its significance. It must have been centuries since this room was last used."

"One thousand years, to the day," A voice piped up from another corner. Rainbow Dash strode in amongst the others through a collapsed wall; Twilight Sparkle dropped down onto a step beside her, obviously worse for wear from the trip. "This is the site of the old palace, back when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna ruled side by side."

"Twilight, Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy leapt up, meeting them both enthusiastically. She wanted to ask them if they were alright, but she just stood close by, a soft smile marking her joy to see them again. 'Rainbow, mostly,' Twilight thought to herself, spotting this happiness on her face.

"We don't have time for this," Twilight spoke up, standing slowly, but weakly, pressing on to leave immediately. Rarity stopped her in-place, her horn sparking to life as a bottle of water floated from her pack for her consumption.

"You say that a lot," "Pink." interrupted. She gave the pedestals another look, before staring back to Twilight blankly. "I'd say we have all night." Twilight wanted to retort about how the night wouldn't end if they didn't do something, but was dumbstruck, realizing that's exactly what she meant.

Twilight needed something to focus on, so she turned to one of the pedestals herself. She blinked, checking the old inscription, a dialect nopony anywhere spoke anymore. "Laughter," she muttered, remembering her studies in dead languages. She scoffed a little at the notion, wondering how that could have warranted such a lavish display. Idly, she read on. "Honesty, Loyalty..."

"Wait a second," Rainbow Dash stepped up to the display herself. "Kindness and Generosity, right?" Twilight just nodded at her assertion. She was too tired to ask more questions. "Those are the Elements of Harmony. You knew about The Mare in the Moon, right?"

"I, uh..." Twilight trailed off, embarrassed about one thing or another, "I skimmed over that story." Rainbow Dash sighed, sitting down as she gave Twilight a disbelieving look.

"Anyway, the Elements of Harmony are supposed to be the one thing that can defeat the Mare in the Moon, when the six of them are brought together."

"There are only five here," Jacqueline pointed out. "What about the sixth?"

"I... don't know," Dash relented, dropping her head. "I don't think there's anypony alive who does know what it is, except for the princess, and..."

A gust of wind picked up through the ruin, the orbs set atop the display swept off as blue mist dragged through, each of the five spheres vanishing deeper into the remnants of the palace. "Pink." was first to pick herself up, charging after them. Her progress, however, was stopped by a set of tall, gnarled roots, the barrier meaning nothing to those that rode on the wind, but she lacked the agility to bypass it. Rainbow Dash flew forth ahead, but was stopped by branches reaching into her path, as they could hear voices echoing through the air. "Halt!" One deep, grainy voice called out.

"No one passes without paying the toll!" Another, more melodious tone rang from another direction.

"Toll? What are we going to do with money? We're supposed to hold out for proper tribute!"

"That's what I said!"

"No, you said 'toll,' and that specifically denotes monetary gain."

"There you go again, with your definitions... what are you, a dictionary?"

"I'll make you a dictionary!"

The six ponies looked up, spotting where the voices were coming from. The two trees, cradling the entrance they sought, each had a face, old, wrinkled and very, very cranky it would seem. Frankly, the bunch seemed utterly dumbfounded, like they'd walked onstage in the middle of a play. "Um," Rainbow Dash spoke first, "Excuse me, what seems to be the problem here?"

"You hear that?" The masculine tree gestured out with a stripped branch to Rainbow Dash. "Even they know we have a problem. This is all your fault!"

"My fault?!" The daintier of the trees rang out. "You've been on my case for three hundred years! I don't know why I ever agreed to plant roots with you!"

"Well, maybe you shouldn't have! In fact, why don't you pick those scrawny things up right now?"

'Well,' Twilight thought to herself, 'That WOULD get them out of our way.' "Pink." took initiative at that, climbing up the conjoined roots partway, anchoring them together. "Actually, why did you?" She asked, looking stoically to the two plants.

"Don't get me started," The female tree crossed her branches with a mighty 'harumph.' "He hasn't appreciated me once since we were transplanted!"

"You're not answering her question," The male started up again. "And I can hardly recall myself!"

This back-and-forth seemed hopeless, every word they were saying just sprung up another argument. "Pink." dropped down from their roots, pacing with a more determined look on her face. Jacqueline knew that look, and inched away a little in preparation for what was likely to occur. 'No, not this time, narrator,' "Pink." thought, hardly alluding to what that might be. She strode over to Twilight, proceeding to put her hooves in the unicorn's mane. With a rather rapid series of strategic shakes, she reproduced a familiar shape the others recognized from the previous afternoon. Everypony stared at this recreation, then their mouths went agape as they looked back at the trees, certain this wouldn't end well. "Pink." whistled for their benefit, directing attention, showcasing Twilight's head for their discretion.

There was a long pause, tension filling the air. Each of the trees looked back to one another, pointed as if for confirmation, followed by utter silence. The feminine tree stifled a small snicker, her companion suddenly doing the same. In an instant, this elevated to full-blown laughter, Rarity, Jacqueline and Fluttershy following suit. Rainbow Dash kept a big grin on her face as Twilight shot her a look, but Dash could only shrug, only barely stopping herself from doing so as well.

"Oh my gosh, is that what we look like?" The male tree coughed out, edging away from the path a little.

"You look like a weed that just rolled out of bed!" His partner called out. The ponies suddenly went silent, as the male suddenly shot back to attention, staring her down. His stern expression dropped as he had a playful grin, leaning in a branch like an elbow for a nudge.

"And you look like a daffodil with a mustache!" He quipped back, which caused them both to laugh loudly again, embracing one another in their branches. Twilight couldn't help but think that this plan had backfired somehow, glancing back to "Pink.", wondering why she'd done that in the first place. She would soon have her answer.

"I wouldn't feel too bad about it," "Pink." spoke up, pre-empting any discussions of what clods the trees had been, "We all need to know how ridiculous we look sometimes."

"Are you saying I look ridiculous?" Twilight interrupted, trying to brush her hair down again. The trees' eyes were on her again, and they both pointed with another laugh. Twilight could only blush, hiding her face as whatever she did seemed only to make her mane come out even worse. Peering between her hooves, however, she spotted the two's roots had parted, to which she inched toward slowly.

"Excuse us, ladies," The feminine tree spoke out, "We've held you up long enough. We've a lot to talk about... in private."

"Private?" Her companion asked, "Our neighbors are gonna' hear all about it! We're turning over a new leaf!" A mixture of groans and polite laughs came from the ponies, but "Pink." just turned her head outward, as if facing someone nopony else could see.

"Don't worry, folks," She assured her company, "We won't have any more of those puns after this scene."

The six companions were soon out of earshot, traveling down a small staircase into a part of the castle left still standing. The remaining walls were overgrown with moss, but seemed to remain strong, as they ventured further down. Fluttershy had stuck close to Twilight for now... very close, in fact. She had managed to distract herself from the foreboding darkness by way of her mane, gently easing it down into a more manageable state. Twilight was grateful for that, at least, but she didn't stop there. Once her hair was straight, Fluttershy began to apply a long curl, starting with a wrap around her foreleg. "Could you hold that, please?" She asked sweetly to Twilight, who sighed and used a little magic to keep the shape in such a way it would hold.

"You're looking better already, dear," Jacqueline spoke up with a soft smile. Her eyes soon turned forward, as the stairs came to an end. There was a long, lengthy hallway ahead of them in much better condition than the rest of the ruin, though they couldn't see the end. Jacqueline took point now, as all they could do was press on. Jacqueline's expression dropped in composure a little as they kept going; something was wrong, she could feel it in her bones. She held out a foreleg in front of the others as she looked back to them. "Wait a moment. We need to get our bearings."

"What are you talking about?" Twilight balked a little. "We've been walking down a straight hall! What bearings are there to get?" Jacqueline then pointed upward. Twilight's eyes turned that way, and she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Now that they'd stopped moving, the hallway had seemed to somehow loop over itself without their noticing. Looking back ahead, things seemed to go from bad to worse; now, there were winding forks in the road ahead, equally twisted in their construction. "Uh... what happened to the straight hall?"

"It's just as straight as it ever was," "Pink." retorted, more wondering where the ceiling went. Twilight fought with what that was supposed to mean, why she didn't bring it up earlier or-- "We weren't supposed to see it yet."

'Well, that explained everything,' Twilight thought. She looked between the halls a moment, looking up, over and back the way they came. "The route back hasn't forked," Jacqueline spoke up, interrupting her train of thought. "That can't be a coincidence."

"I was just thinking the same," Twilight responded, turning 'forward' again. "I think we can keep following one route, if we can just find the existing pattern."

"Perhaps a spell to predict a course?"

"Of course I do! What kind of magic student do you take me for?" Twilight sprung into action, turning her head down to the floor, focusing her energies into her horn. A spark signaled the beginnings of a plan, and before too long, a purple mist shot out in a trail, pointing down the largest of the split paths. They all looked on with some curiosity, almost dumbfounded they didn't notice the prominence before.

"Of course," Rarity proclaimed, "It's so obvious!" She began striding forward with that direction in mind, though Jacqueline stopped them again, before going too far.

"Yes," Jacqueline shook her head, "Too obvious. Remember, the hall we entered was heading downward."

"Yeah, so?" Twilight asked with a condescending tone.

"So," Jacqueline continued, "Nightmare Moon has a fondness for the night sky... and you saw her gloating in town hall. Why would she make base underground? Wouldn't she want to revel in her eternal night?"

"What do you propose we do?" Rainbow Dash strode up at that time, looking over the tangled halls again. "I'm not even sure which way up is, in this mess."

"We could each take a different path," Rarity suggested.

"That would take too much time," Jacqueline interrupted that line of thought.

"And we don't want to get separated again," Fluttershy peeped out from behind Twilight.

"Why don't we try messing up Twilight's hair again?" "Pink." asked, her hooves already making her way over to Twilight's head. Fluttershy lightly tapped her hoof away, standing more on guard of the purple unicorn.

"Don't you dare," She spoke out, a bit more forcefully, but just as quietly as ever. "She's had a hard enough day." Jacqueline, meanwhile, was growing more anxious, trying to make sense of the road ahead. Finally, taking a step forward, she compared each wound trail, forcing logic back a little as she closed her eyes.

"I'm going in," That was all Jacqueline said, before rushing forth, aiming for a side path which looped around several times, but always in the same direction. She pushed back all logical thought, forcing herself to forget everything she knew was wrong about this action, trusting the one thing that just felt right. Rainbow Dash was the first to follow after her, followed by Fluttershy, "Pink.", Rarity and Twilight in that order.

"Do you even know where you're going?!" Twilight cried out, extending her stride.

"No!" Jacqueline answered, but didn't stop. "Just trust me!" That was all she could say, the twisted road seeming to level out as she just stopped thinking about it. None of the others questioned this anymore, her guidance seemed just as reasonable as any other. They didn't know where she was leading them, but it had to be better than where they were.

Their fears were pushed aside as they arrived at the base of a staircase leading upward. Each of them looked back, and the turns the corridor had before were nowhere to be seen. Catching her breath, Twilight was the first to Jacqueline's side, looking up to where the stairs led now. "How did you do that?" She asked.

"Well," Jacqueline began, a bit out of breath herself, "That passage was meant to confuse us. To guide us off-course, possibly into a trap. So I just... didn't give it the satisfaction."

"Huh?"

"Stop listening to the lie... and you can find the truth for yourself."

"Bwuh?" Twilight just stared blankly for a moment, "Pink." walking to her side with a gentle nudge with one hoof.

"We were thinking too hard," She added, trotting up the stairs confidently. Twilight gave that a bit of consideration. Nonetheless, she began the trek up herself, fighting the urge to ask more questions for fear it might happen again.

All of them at the top of the stairs, they came to a truly massive set of stone doors. Rainbow Dash knocked on the surface, checking the density, before pushing a little. She strained fiercely, but to no avail, eventually dropping back down, sprawling out exasperatedly. "We're not getting in that way," She huffed.

"Oh, yes we are," Twilight perked up, focusing with determination on the doors. Without hesitation, she focused her magic on the doors, a glow emitting from her horn and them for a moment. They could hear the stone grinding against the floor as they gave way, but as they opened just a crack, a blue smoke erupted forth, knocking Twilight back before engulfing her. She didn't have time to fall before it pulled her right inside, through the doors as if they were never there at all, the portal closing itself just as soon.

"Twilight!" Rainbow Dash called out, pounding on the doors again. It was no use trying to force their way through, they weren't opening without some powerful force to break through. Dash fell to the floor, feeling utterly defeated. There was nothing to be done on this side, but none of them could bear to leave; their target was so close, it wouldn't be any better to turn back now...

Chapter 6: Just Before the Dawn

Twilight shook her head as coming to, not exactly sure what happened, only that she was trapped behind the doors she sought to open. She wondered how long she'd been out, or even when she lost consciousness, but first thing was first, she brought herself to her hooves, standing slowly. She headed to the door, reaching out with one hoof as to push, but remembered it was far too much for her, or any pony, to move. Immediately, she gathered her thoughts, focusing her energies into her horn to force it open again, when a voice called out from behind her. "That won't work again, little one."

Twilight turned around to face the source, Nightmare Moon standing at the opposite end of the chamber. Now that she had a clear view, she could see a mural of the night sky on the ceiling, numerous etched pillars holding it up with stained glass windows all around. This room was pristine, not touched at all by the ages. Twilight pushed her questions about the chamber behind her, stepping forth to her foe.

"Why am I here?" Twilight asked plainly. "If you wanted to stop us, all you had to do was keep the door closed."

"Perceptive, aren't you?" Nightmare Moon laughed. "No, I did not wish to keep you out. Your little spell was actually quite impressive, simple as it was. I wanted to know more of the unicorn who could manage it." Twilight swallowed emptily as Nightmare Moon stepped in closer. Her smoky mane billowed in wind that came from nowhere, her eyes pierced into Twilight's soul, it seemed, and her superior size made it all complete. Despite her pride, she couldn't help being intimidated; this was an Alicorn, thousands of years old, likely having forgotten more about magic than she would ever learn. Nightmare Moon smiled wickedly, stopping after a certain point. "You are right. Your own prowess is as nothing, compared to my own. Even your simple thoughts are an open book to me."

"And you wanted to gloat some more?" Twilight did her best to put on a brave face, standing firmly in place. Not that she had anywhere to go.

"Glass houses, little foal," Nightmare Moon turned her head, glaring at Twilight out of the corner of her eye. "You are no stranger to pride, either. Ever since you were enrolled in school, you've sought recognition for your superior abilities. Surely, after your years of rejection, you would wish to celebrate your accomplishments."

"I..." Twilight bit her lip, dropping her head. Soon after, she fell to the floor again, cradling her chin in her hooves. "I've wanted acknowledgement for a long time. Nopony understands, I can't help that they aren't up to my level."

"And now that you're here," Nightmare Moon took another step closer, "In front of your better, you feel so insignificant."

"Like none of it even matters," Twilight forced back a tear.

"Oh, but it does. You have much more to offer than those tiny ponies in Ponyville or Canterlot could ever imagine. I can show you. I have access to untold secrets, the likes of which you will never find anywhere in Equestria." Nightmare Moon accentuated her claim, producing a tome from thin air and presenting it to Twilight. The cover opened, showing her diagrams of things she never dreamed to comprehend. Other worlds like Equestria, distant yet familiar danced on the pages, only for it to close again. Nightmare Moon relinquished the volume, where it vanished into her mane as though never there at all. "All you have to do is ask."

Twilight looked up in wonder, taking in the alicorn's visage again. She was even closer now, but the unicorn didn't edge away. "Ask what?" She questioned, showing doubt in her captor's sincerity.

"For my guidance, of course," The dark being before Twilight chuckled. "I could make great use of a pony with your talents at my side. Far more than Celestia ever gave you credit for." Twilight winced at that mention. Everything she'd done to impress, nothing ever seemed good enough for the princess. She was always overlooked, in favor of another who couldn't even use magic. 'Why did she even open the School for Gifted Unicorns if she wasn't going to acknowledge its brightest student?' Twilight thought in frustration. Nightmare Moon took another step, lowering her head to better meet Twilight's gaze. "You can do better than that silly school. Surrounded by peers and self-appointed 'superiors' who couldn't handle your greatness. I could show you--"

"I've always been better on my own," Twilight got the nerve to interrupt. The black alicorn was visibly surprised, not a small gesture for one who had been reading her mind this entire time. Twilight slowly stood again, facing Nightmare Moon directly. "No teacher could ever give me the guidance I sought. What makes you any different from them?"

"Pride," Nightmare Moon scoffed, "Is a grand trait. There are lessons that cannot be put to words, and I offer them to you."

"Why?" Twilight inquired more forcibly. "With all your power, you have nothing to gain in indulging me."

"Except for your power, added to mine." The tension in the air grew, another step forward from the alicorn. "It is a better offer than those 'wizards' in Canterlot ever gave you. Turned away at every door, all because you sought results." Twilight shook her head, inching a little closer herself. The condescending leers of school and the days afterward echoed in her mind, she pushed them back as this opportunity arose.

"I just don't know," Twilight spoke again. "What kind of world is it, that has no sun? How will everypony survive without its light?"

"Is that what's stopping you? The lives of other ponies?" Nightmare Moon seemed rather amused, finding the concept quaint. "The same ponies who laughed at your expense not an hour ago? The ones who left you alone in your time of need?"

"Answer the question!" Twilight demanded, growing more angered by these jabs. For a moment, it seemed she had forgotten who she was talking to. Her dark mistress edged ever-closer, seeming all too entertained by this show of backbone.

"If I must. It all seems so hopeless to you, because you cannot imagine a sunless world. In the absense of a natural resource... life will find a way." That phrase struck Twilight, as she recalled earlier those same words.

"I suppose it will," Twilight smiled at last. Her eyes grew more confident, facing Nightmare Moon in this way. "But how will the world see me, having turned my back on everypony in it?"

"You've never been one to linger on reputation, Twilight Sparkle," Nightmare Moon laughed, another step still taken. "You don't need anypony else, as long as you are at my side."

Suddenly, Twilight stepped back, a little surprised. A thought occurred to her, and there was silence. Nightmare Moon didn't respond to it, which left her even more curious. "Why are you so insistent about this? What do you really have to gain from me?" It was the alicorn's turn to back away, shocked even, by this question. She had no answer for this question, and this steeled Twilight's resolve as she strode up herself. "We both know you don't need my magic, anything I can do, you're better than I am. Why would you reach out to anypony at all?"

"Silence, foal!" Nightmare Moon flapped her wings, forming a barrer of wind around herself to keep Twilight back. Her resolve destroyed, the alicorn was visibly angered, but Twilight was sure she saw more than that. "I did not escape the cold moon to be lectured by a peon who cannot accept a gift!"

"Gift?" Twilight tilted her head aside. She looked past her captor a moment, the Elements of Harmony sitting behind her. "Seems to me you've taken more than you've given."

"I have only taken what was due to me!" Nightmare Moon's voice cracked in that exclamation. It was Twilight's turn to hit a nerve, it seemed. "My sister had everything, given to her before I! I was every bit as deserving..."

"And you had plenty, Princess Luna," Twilight spoke out a name only known to ancient texts. "You each shared a world, two sides of the same coin. Like..." She paused again, hesitant to use the term. "Day and night. You harp on the cruelty I faced, but you have a different problem, don't you?"

"Quiet!" Nightmare moon cried out, driving herself even further back. The vortex she shielded herself with faltered, Twilight stepping through the wind unharmed, closer than the two had been in this exchange. "You know nothing! Only what you've read in books..."

"You were right about one thing," Twilight smirked, recalling what she'd been through, and how alien it all was. "I have a lot to learn, but not from you. The ponies I traveled with showed me solutions to problems I'd never have come to on my own."

"Those same ponies who aren't here for you now?" Nightmare Moon grasped at whatever straw she could find, but Twilight's confident stare told her it wasn't enough. Twilight's horn sparked to life, not even looking back as the doors sealed behind her opened wide, with hardly any resistance. The others poured in, all taking different sides, looking on in awe at not Nightmare Moon, but Twilight, whose eyes seemed to be glowing.

"You mean these ponies?" She smiled, not in any cocky way, but a pleasant one, moving in again. "I've been alone for a long time, but now I know I don't have to. What about you, Luna?" The others stared on, but Fluttershy touched down beside her first. Facing Nightmare Moon, the fear she felt before faded away to pity, soon to be replaced by a knowing smile. One of the Elements hovered above the floor, shattering into uncounted pieces, flying around the yellow pegasus, forming an unusual necklace. She didn't seem to notice, striding right up to Nightmare Moon, leaning on one of her forelegs.

"It's okay," Fluttershy spoke softly. "We all get lonely sometimes." Twilight thought to comment on how simplistic her grasp of the situation was, but as the alicorn stared down at this invader of her personal space, surprised and a little panicked, she knew it was as good as any other impression. Rarity soon followed, not being quite so forward, but one could see that same pleasant approach in her eye. Another of the Elements shot out, as she was adorned with a gem-encrusted garb of her own.

"That's right," Rarity said calmly. "But no sacrifice is too great, for those we care about." Rainbow Dash was the next to come closer, setting down next to Twilight, glancing back to her with a smirk. All that anger she built up faded away in the face of her companion, and she turned back to their quarry. Once again, another orb broke apart and headed for her, producing similar results.

"No matter how difficult," She added simply to Rarity's statement. "We'll always be there." "Pink." looked between all of them, ending on Nightmare Moon as she strode inward. Her expression flat as always, they were nonetheless greeted with an encore from yet another Element.

"Because even in our darkest hours," "Pink." spoke plainly, "We can find a way to smile together." Twilight looked at her again, her own smile widening; she couldn't help it, something just clicked right then. Finally, Jacqueline moved alongside Twilight on her opposite side from "Pink.". The last of the spheres broke out as she spoke, joining with her existing necklace.

"You just need to be honest when you have a problem," She offered, "And you don't have to face it alone." All of these ponies surrounding her, Nightmare Moon broke down herself, quivering all over as she backed herself into a corner. It was Twilight's turn again, she reasoned, approaching the confused and scared alicorn. She didn't have any words of wisdom anymore, she just held one hoof out expectantly. Nightmare Moon stared on, hesitating at first, but she soon did the same, joining with Twilight's. All at once, a spark of energy emitted from that little contact, twisting and twirling around them both. On impulse, Nightmare Moon reached around Twilight in an embrace, a light engulfing them from within, her shadowy mane and tail seeming to fade away first, the two lost in a blinding radiance.

For a moment, all was silent, serene, even, as the light dissipated around the two at the center of the disturbance. When all was cleared, Nightmare Moon was no more. In her place was a smaller alicorn possessing a grayish blue coat, her mane and tail in a luxurious blue. She pulled away slowly from Twilight, staring down at her with a soft smile, laden with a weak smile. There were no words, but Twilight returned in kind, slowly releasing as well. Finally, the alicorn looked to the others, still staring in awe, at which point she pulled away, some residual sadness and fear overtaking her. They moved closer, their shocked expressions dropping, to be replaced with more pleasant smiles, which gave her the strength to give that much back.

A new light emerged from high above, this one even brighter, as a white alicorn with a rainbow mane descended below. Twilight was the first to look, noting the mural on the ceiling had gone, leaving Princess Celestia in its place. She looked down over the ponies one and all in quiet judgement for a moment, before approaching the scene herself. "Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, "Pink.", Jacqueline Apple," She rattled off names, giving each of them a nod along the way. "You've done Equestria a great service this night, but now that night must end. Princess Luna." The smaller alicorn flinched a little, turning her head as if expecting the worst. "I have not seen you like this in one thousand years. I have but one question to ask of you."

"Yes?" Luna looked up, in fear it seemed, of her elder. Celestia smiled at this humble response, closing her eyes for but a moment.

"Will you join me in Canterlot, so we might rule together once more?" Celestia's question rang true to her target, and Luna rushed up to her with a whole-hearted hug. Celestia returned the gesture without hesitation, nuzzling her nose against Luna's neck reassuringly. Luna did her best to choke out some kind of apology, anything that would convey her regret, but Celestia would hear none of it. "It's alright, sister. We can start again."

"Pink." watched on in this scene, a single tear forming on her cheek as her lips quivered briefly. A smile finally broke as she looked on, Which she would assure would never be seen again in her mind, in case anyone was still peeking. Jacqueline joined her side, playfully punching her shoulder, as she'd had done to her before. "Let's go home," She suggested, leading the way through the doors again. It was a long walk back, but everypony knew everything would be just fine now.

Epilogue

The uncomfortable silences of the trek into the forest were broken with the rising sun, the six ponies whisked away on the wind back to Ponyville. It was a lively few minutes, the magic under their hooves carrying them the whole way, courtesy of Celestia, but it was speaking so freely between them that truly made the trip brisk. It was as if a heavy load had been lifted off all their shoulders. Nonetheless, they touched down on the outskirts of town, to walk the rest of the way. They lost sight of the princesses some time ago, but they elected to head into town, only too soon seeing them standing in the square.

The first thing they noticed, of course, were four figures on the edge of town, waiting for them. Three fillies and a baby dragon, all in a row, stood in front of them, the yellow earth pony leaping into action immediately, heading straight for Jacqueline.

"Jackie! Yer alright!" The small earth pony squealed out, not stopping as a heartfelt embrace followed. Apple Bloom practically crawled all over Jacqueline, who giggled excitedly at her estranged sister's wiggling embrace.

"Apple Bloom," She smiled, "Why aren't you back at the farm?" She tried to sound stern, but couldn't keep from being overjoyed herself. She leaned over, letting Apple Bloom slide off her back, where she could give her a proper embrace.

"They wanted to be right here when you got back," Spike interrupted, stepping forward himself. "I couldn't stop them, so we stayed right here all night." He tried to keep his cool around the lot of them, until Twilight strode up. He immediately slumped down, staring up in fear; she was going to reprimand him for not taking charge of the situation, he just knew it. Instead, she dropped her chin on his shoulder, drawing herself closer in the gesture. "Twilight? Are you okay?"

"I thought I'd never see you again," She choked out. Spike couldn't see her tearing up from this angle, but he could hear her voice crack. Spike couldn't remember ever seeing her like this, and it scared him even more. So much, he held onto her neck, not wanting to let her go.

"I'm your assistant, Twi. You couldn't get rid of me if you tried," Spike joked best he could, but he could feel Twilight getting heavier, her legs giving out on top of him. He could bear this burden for a moment, but finally gave up, lying down beside her. It was Sweetie Belle's turn, coming up to Rarity, doing her best to keep it together. Rarity looked down on her proudly, putting one hoof on her shoulder. She didn't say anything, just moved beside her, ready to head home right then. Sweetie Belle didn't budge, however, and Rarity rethought her decision, sticking around just a while longer.

Rainbow Dash, however, looked past all of these, to Scootaloo. She sat completely still, looking away with a scoff. Dash wondered about that only for a moment, walking up to her directly. "Hey," she began simply enough. "How're you doing?" Scootaloo stayed silent through the pleasantries, peering up to Dash, trying to play it cool. The filly felt just as awkward, though, and stood up to meet Rainbow Dash with a bow. Dash was a little surprised by that reaction, but smiled, placing a hoof on the little pony's shoulder.

"Can I be your squire?" Scootaloo piped up at last, leaving Rainbow Dash speechless.

"I'm... not a knight," Dash worked out after an uncomfortable silence. Scootaloo stared up at her hopefully with large eyes. "But I can teach you what I do know," she finally relented. She reached a hoof under Scootaloo, propping her onto her back as leading the way toward town proper once more. The others were soon to follow, their party larger than ever.

As they worked their way down the street, they came to a large procession of ponies in the square. All was silent around them, the road they took clearing as they arrived. Rainbow Dash looked straight ahead, spotting Celestia and Luna sitting in front of town hall, right back where it belonged. The three fillies took a cue from the princess' gaze to depart into the crowd, and she rose a hoof in signal as they stood on their own. Immediately everypony in town cheered loudly for their heroes. Fluttershy winced at the noise briefly, but soon eased into a more natural stance, even beaming a little to the audience. Everypony else was a little quicker to take it in, "Pink." offering a little wink back the way they came. Once they made their way up, Celestia lowered her hoof, and the cheers subsided in a wave of silence.

"My loyal subjects," The princess of the sun began, "Standing before us are the bravest of us all. They ventured forth into the unknown, faced things nopony has seen for centuries, and brought my sister back to me." She paused for effect before stepping down to meet them directly. "Pink," She started a moment, but was cut off by the pony she addressed.

"That's "Pink.". Always capitalized, always punctuated." The artist gave Celestia a little glare while everypony around balked, but the white alicorn only giggled slightly.

"Very well... "Pink."," Celestia minded the pause this time, putting a little more emphasis on her name. "In honor of your services, I wish to display your sculpture of Twilight Sparkle right here in Ponyville, if you would allow it."

"Sure," "Pink." shrugged, looking back to Jacqueline. "I was thinking of moving anyway. Manehattan's awfully boring, if the pony everypony should know is somewhere else." Jacqueline blushed at the mention, waving a hoof dismissively. Celestia, meanwhile, turned her gaze onto Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash, my dear friend," She began again, standing at full attention. "Step forward." As Dash did so, she instinctively knelt before her princess, as was customary. She was surprised, however, as Celestia lowered her horn to each of her shoulders in ceremony. "You have nothing more to learn from me. You may hereafter live your life any way, and anywhere, you so choose."

"Thank you, Celestia," Rainbow Dash answered informally as she rose. "I'd like to stay here... with my friends." The princess smiled, nodding to Jacqueline, Fluttershy and Rarity all at once. This did, however, leave just one more matter to attend.

"Twilight Sparkle," Celestia called again. "I understand my sister made an offer to you." Twilight only nodded, sinking down a little as reminded how tempted she was. Celestia paid it no mind, instead turning to Luna with a small smile. "I have an offer of my own. With Rainbow Dash no longer under your tutelage, I would ask you turn your attentions to educating Princess Luna."

"What?!" Both Twilight and Luna belted out in surprise, staring in disbelief at Celestia.

"With all due respect, princess," Twilight spoke up, "What could I possibly teach her?" Luna made no such objection, but her gaze beckoned her sister to explain herself.

"You have spent most of your life in the pursuit of knowledge and self-betterment," Celestia refuted, "But only this previous night have you looked outside of yourself for it. My sister has been alone for so very long, much like you. Will you accept my offer, and remain by her side?"

Twilight didn't know what else to say. She turned eyes back to Luna, who met her gaze in turn, all too happy to hear this suggestion. With newfound resolve, Twilight turned back to the sun princess, nodding. "I accept," she said simply enough. She was welcomed by the princesses' sides, and the cheering began again. This time, it included the other five ponies, Spike as well, though Twilight shushed him as he was doing so right into her ear. This was the dawn of a new day, one they thought might never come, and Twilight was looking forward to the days to come.

Two weeks later...

Twilight walked through the palace halls at a slow pace to Luna's room, Spike by her side with a few homemade treats. It wasn't much compared to the royal chefs, but Luna had previously complimented his efforts before, it was all the encouragement he needed. He hurried along ahead of Twilight, eager to arrive, but she just plodded along, trying to keep her head up, but just didn't find the energy.

They arrived at the princess' chamber, a routine knock from Twilight's own hoof. The door opened with a soft blue glow as Luna welcomed them both inside. "Twilight Sparkle, Spike," She said enthusiastically. "Good day. I trust you are well?"

"I'm fine," Spike started first, remaining informal, "But Twilight's been a little slow lately." Directing his attention to Twilight again, Luna's soon followed with concern.

"I see," Luna sighed a little. "I understand it is customary to ask if one 'wants to talk about it?'" Twilight looked up with a weak smile, nodding as she set herself down.

"I guess," Twilight hesitated, "I'm not happy to be back in Canterlot."

"Was it something I have done or said?" Luna cocked her head to one side curiously, looking as though she were ready to blame it all on herself right then.

"No! No... it's just... here I am, the moon princess' tutor, in a role the envy of everypony in Canterlot... and nothing's changed."

"I understand. You are... isolated?"

"Yes," Twilight conceded. "It's just the way I left it. Nopony will give me a second look, I try to reach out, be polite, and nothing."

"You do not belong here," Luna answered suddenly.

"Excuse me?" Twilight's confusion was marked just as much by offense, hurt that Luna would say such a thing.

"You miss your friends in Ponyville, is that right? You should return, for their sake and your own."

"You know I can't do that, Princess Celestia charged me with your studies... and I'd be leaving you behind," Twilight hung her head at the thought. Luna only smiled then, adjusting her stance in a more official manner.

"Spike," Luna spoke out authoritatively, "Take a letter." Immediately, Spike rose to the opportunity, producing a scroll and quill.

"Dear Sister,

I hereby request that Twilight Sparkle, my faithful tutor and good friend, be sent to Ponyville at once, as the town's head librarian. She will continue to provide my lessons through correspondence, and enriching them with her own experiences. This request shall repeat until it is approved, every morning, noon and night.

Your grateful sister, Princess Luna."

The letter was sent via dragonfire before Twilight could protest. All said and done, she broke down a little, rushing up with a close embrace to Luna. "Thank you," She choked out, Luna patting her back with a gentle hoof. "I'll miss you, but I promise to write every day."

"Every week," Luna objected. "Think of Spike, having to send all those letters. I am not your only friend." Twilight nodded as releasing Luna, looking up with a somewhat sad smile. Already, however, Spike belched out another scroll, opening it to read aloud.

"Luna,

Youir request is approved, for both of your sakes. Next time, just ask me in person, our rooms are right next to each other.

Your loving sibling, Princess Celestia."

"Oh my gosh," Twilight gasped, "I have to go pack right now! Thank you again, princess--"

"Please, Twilight," The alicorn spoke softly, "It is simply 'Luna' to you."

"Right... Luna, thank you for everything. I'll never forget this, I promise." With that, Twilight and Spike were off to their chambers, to take what they could in preparation for a new life. Luna let a single tear drop, shaking her head as looking out a window. It was true, she wouldn't see her friend for some time, she knew that, but the least she could do was see she would be alright.