It hadn't been long before I managed to make the comic levitate in the air, I found it rather difficult to keep it held steadily in place though.
“Dang it,” I muttered as the comic wobbled dangerously from side to side.
I had more than once lost control of the comic and had sent it spiraling into wall.
But I marched onward, I wasn't going to give this up so soon.
And what can I say? I had to admit, doing this had become fun! How could it be anything else?
After some time I manged it, slowly at first, but none the less I had achieved my goal.
“finally,” I muttered as I slowly brought the comic back down and carefully levitated it back over to Spikes basket.
I quickly scanned the room again, looking for something else to practice with.
Now was not the time to be satisfied, especially Nightmare Moon's inevitable arrival to worry about.
I quickly trotted back to the bed and began concentrating on the book, it had been too heavy at first, but I was feeling rushed, I needed to be able to use magic.
Apart of me knew that even if I managed to levitate the bed the bed all the way to Canterlot, I'd still wouldn't be strong enough to face her.
But that was where the elements would come in.
Though it was a little too opportunistic for my taste, but I hardly had any other options.
The warmth of magical light returned to my horn, as the book took on the same pinkish glow the comic had done before it.
I can do this, I thought as I held my breathe in the effort.
Slowly the book the book began to rise, I pushed, not backing down.
I knew what I was going to do, I would try to levitate the book over to the dresser.
Slowly the book floated upwards, gliding across the room with somewhat jagged movements, I was suddenly feeling fatigued.
The books glow began to flicker as it went out, causing it to fall with a loud thump.
I cursed under my breath as I wobbled over, back to the bed and threw myself in face first.
“Why's it so hard?” I cried, sobbing loudly into the pillow.
How could I do anything when I couldn't even do this? I was already a horrible Twilight.
There wasn't really any point to trying..... was there? I doubted it.
I rolled over onto my side, resting my head on the pillow as I looked out the window towards the moon. I could see the shape of a mare's face and knew it was Luna.
It was ironic how obvious the star were being as I watched them move slowly inward towards the her, promising freedom as the came.
It was almost too stupid that Twilight had been the only pony who had freaked out, even if the old legends had been mostly forgotten, there should have been at least a few ponies wondering about the strange movements in the night sky.
I couldn't look at it anymore, with a worn groan I turn away from the window.
I would rest for now, if this place was only a dream, perhaps going to sleep would take it away.
That thought scared me more than Nightmare moon did, I shuddered.
“I don't want to go back, I never want to go back!” I said, staring angrily into the bed sheets.
I would sleep for now....
suddenly I didn't care, if I woke back up in reality it would mean I wouldn't have to worry about Nightmare moon anymore.
Closing my eyes, I could already feel myself go in and out of consciousness as I blinked, finally everything went black.
Perhaps reality would be kind and allow me to forget....
*** *** ***
Darkness, nothing but pitch black as far as the eye could see.
“Hello? Are you there?” said a wispy voice.
I looked wildly about seeking the one who'd spoke, but saw no one.
It was just the same darkness, I looked around again, trying to find something in the void.
“Where am I?”
The dark surrounding began to change, slowly coming to light and changing to purple as white pin pricks formed themselves into stars.
The was no ground to speak of except a seemingly solid clone of the moonless sky.
“I knew I could do it, you're here!” came the wispy voice again.
“who are you?” I asked.
Silence.
A short distance away there was what looked like a pool of water being fed by a lone cloud over head, the droplets from the cloud showered down catching the dim light, sparking like fire as they splashed into the foaming water below.
kneeling just beside this was the silhouette of a pony, who was looking down into its depths.
It seemed as though she was looking for something deep within it's water.
Slowly I trotted towards her.
“Hello? Do you know where we are?” I asked calling out.
She stayed silent as if she could not hear me and strangely enough I could not see her except for a blurred outline.
I stood beside her, trying to see her, she would rapidly come in and out of focus as I searched her figure for an identifying feature.
“who are you?” she asked, still looking down into the pool.
I stepped back, my mind going blank as I tried to answer her question.
My name, I knew it but felt sick as it crossed my mind, I would not say it. I almost couldn't say it.
I had a few names though, you tend to acquire few new names when you go through life living on the internet.
I went through them one by one trying to decide which one I would use.
“Do you always take this long to introduce yourself?” she asked with a sigh.
“No, not really... it's just hard.” I answered awkwardly.
She sighed again, not looking at me.
“I thought that I managed it, but it seems I might have left your brain back in Equestria,” she muttered sarcastically.
She had brought me here? Where was here?
It looked like the place Twilight had become an alicorn.
“Do you ever take anything seriously? Are you really so content to give up?”
I was shocked.
Who did she think she was?
“isn't this just a dream though? Nothing bad will happen, even if I don't do anything. This place.... I'm not even here, reality is too unforgiving for it to be true. Coming to Equestria is too good of a thing to really happen.”
“how is this good?” she retorted, her voice twisting in angry.
I didn't know what to say... all I could do was stand there gaping. How in the world could coming to Equestria not be good? I had spent so many sorrowful nights staring into a computer screen wishing for it to be real.
There was nothing for me at home except for sugared lies and fake hope, but here.... here that could be different.
“what is your name? Surely you can tell me that,” she said, still looking down into the water.
The silence stretched onward, as I racked my mind, too stubborn to except my given name.
then one name did come to mind, a name I had often used in quiet places deep within my mind.
“Luck star,” I said softly, half hoping that she hadn't heard me.
“Lucky star, come and look into the water,” she said suddenly.
“why?”
“there is something I want to show you.”
I trotted forward and looked down into the pool as instructed, just when I was starting to think that there wasn't a point to this, colors began spinning around making me dizzy as they twirled.
Finally they began to slow and form an image, I gasped in amazement.
I was looking at a barren field covered in rocks, towards the center was the familiar image of the one and only, Maud Pie.
“Why are you showing me Maud?”
“You know her?” she asked in surprised.
“Well I know of her, if that counts,” I replied with a blush.
“What is she doing?” I asked, hoping she would move on.
“She's dreaming.” she answered simply.
I looked down at Maud, watching as she walked slowly about the field picking up each stone and looking it over before tossing it aside and going to the next one.
I couldn't understand why I was being shown this.
“She's looking for something special to her, something that she thinks she lost. Even though she knows that it is a dream she keeps looking.”
“Her pet rock?” I asked, even more confused and slightly fan girling.
The unnamed mare heaved a sigh before nodding her head and continuing.
“When you love something you will fight for it, even if you can't have it. And if you think it's a dream, at least in a dream you won't face the consequences of doing so.”
I suddenly knew what she meant, though why she used Maud to prove that point I didn't know.
If I really loved Equestria I would fight for it, even if it all turned out to be a dream.
For the first time she stood up and looked at me, her form suddenly becoming crystal clear in the light of the pool.
It was Twilight Sparkle.
“I hope I was able to convince you, so don't screw it up,” she said with a small smile.
“Wait!” I pleaded as I tried to trot to her.
My hooves refused to move as I struggled, calling out to her to wait.
Everything suddenly began to fade away into black again, and then it was gone.
“Good luck,” came her sighing voice.
*** *** ***
My eyes opened and I was back at the tree house as if nothing had happened.
My body felt like a ton of brick as I rolled over and tried to get up, my head pounded with each step I took.
The door came flying open as Spike entered, I almost screamed in surprise.
“it's time for Celestia to raise the sun, Twilight! Hurry up and come with us.” Spike said as he he left the room again.
Ignoring the my the pain in my eyes I followed him out and down into the library where the ponies from the party had gathered to wait for me so we could all walk to town hall together.
I wondered vaguely if Spike had convinced them to wait for me, as I hadn't made the best first impression at the welcome party.
I quickly trotted over to Applejack who was giving me an insistent wave with her hoof.
I gave her a smile as I stood beside her ready to go.
“you sure gave us an awful fright runnin outta the room like that,” said Apple jack with a laugh as she patted me on the back.
“I'm sorry for worrying you guys,” I said as we all trotted out into the cool morning air.
“think nothing of it!” Applejack replied.
As we trotted to Town Hall I threw a worried glance to the moon, there was still time left.
But I wasn't sure what I would do with it.... would it be worth telling Applejack? No, she wouldn't believe me. She would have to see it for herself, they all would.
As we trotted on, others joined us.
Ponies both young and old flooded the streets as our humble little group became a mob of ponies who were excited for the rare treat of seeing the princess with their own eyes.
Just up ahead I could see Big Mac carrying a tired looking Applebloom on his back.
Applejack said her goodbys and trotted over to join them.
Soon we were at town hall, a line had been formed to let us in one by one.
My heart pounded loudly in my chest, it almost felt like I was having a panic attack I waited in line with Spike, who kept giving me odd looks.
Slowly the line shortened and it was our turn to go inside.
Spike and I made our way into the crowd and found a place to stand while we waited.
Moments ago it had felt as if I would pass out given the opportunity to sit, but now I
couldn't do that as my body filled with adrenaline.
Just then Pinkie Pie appeared again with an excited gasp.
"Isn't this exciting? Are you excited because I'm excited I've never been so excited, well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went.” gasping she continued, “but I mean really, who could top that?”
Before I could respond, the singing of birds filled the room. Fluttershy's bird choir could be heard all around the room from there on the balcony.
Then the stage light lowered to reveal Mayor Mare, the music died down as she began to speak.
“Fillies and gentlecolts, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the summer sun celebration!”
cheers erupted from the excited ponies as the their calls of delight filled the room, Waiting a moment for them to quiet themselves, she continued her speech.
“In just a few moments our town will witness the magic of the sun rise and witness this, the longest day of the year.”
the moon was painfully visible as she continued, the stars had finally reached their goal as the moon sparkled with white light, the image of the mare in the moon disappearing.
“And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you, the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon everyday. The good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria, Princess Celestia!”
Rarity, who could be seen standing on the balcony pulled the rope with her teeth, opening the curtains and revealing an empty room.
The room filled with cry's of shock and dismay at the absent Princess.
“remain calm everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation,” came Mayor Mare's concerned voice.
“Ooh! Ooh! I love guessing games,” yelled Pinkie in excitement, “Is she hiding?”
“She's gone!” cried Rarity as the ponies below gasped.
“Ooh, she's good,” commented Pinkie.
My heart was thudding again.
It's too soon! I needed more time to think, but just as I started backing away to the exit Pinkie screamed.
A sparkling blue cloud had appeared and with a sudden burst of wind it parted to reveal Nightmare Moon.
“No, no, no,” I mutter somewhat hysterically as I backed away further.
Spike who had been riding on my back until this point, feinted and fell to the ground.
“Oh my beloved subjects,” said Nightmare in mock sweetness.
“It's been so long since I saw your precious sun loving faces.”
“What did you do with our Princess!?” yelled Rainbow dash a she attempted to fly at her, but thankfully Applejack held her back.
“Whoa there, Nelly!” mumbled AJ as she held her tail firmly with in her jaws.
Nightmare moon laughed as she watched.
“why? Am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?”
“Ooh! More guessing games,” said Pinkie excitedly.
She obviously didn't know what was going on.
I couldn't help but just stand there frozen to the spot as I tried to regain my composure.
“Um Hokey Smokes? How bout Queen meanie? No, Black Snooty! Black Snooty!”
thankfully AJ came to the rescue and shoved an apple into Pinkie's mouth from a bowl on the nearby table.
Closing in on Fluttershy, Nightmare continued her rant.
“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?”
With quick, fluid movements, she went to Rarity.
“Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?”
I didn't have many things going for me right now, but I did have one skill.
Even back in the real world when my mom and her drunk of an ex boyfriend would fight, I could always sound calm, even if I was scared and screaming on the inside.
I didn't like this, my heart felt like it was clenched in someones fist.
“I know who you are!” I called, my voice shaking slightly at first.
“You are Princess Luna, who was banished to the mo-”
suddenly Nightmare Moon became angry, screaming on the top of her lung as she brought her hooves down upon the balcony with a resounding crack as it fractured in the impact of her blow.
“I DO NOT GO BY THAT NAME ANY LONGER!” she bellowed!
“I AM NIGHTMARE MOON! How dare you refer to me by that name, foolish whelp!”
looking around the room she seemed to regain her composure.
“Well, it's good to see somepony remembers me,” she said as her mock sweetness returned. “so you also know why I am here?”
“you're here to.... to plunge the world in eternal night!” I answered.
Nightmare Moon laughed horribly.
“remember this day little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last FOREVER!”
She continued her mirthful laughter as magical clouds circled over her head, spitting out lighting as it did.
“Seize her! Only she know where the Princess is!” shouted the mayor as Guard ponies responded to her orders, flying toward the dark mare only to be knocked back to the ground by the magical lightning.
“Stand back you fools!” shouted Nightmare Moon as her clouds enclosed her once more where they contorted and became a wispy tendril that dove down through the audience and out into the night.
Just then Applejack lost her grip on Rainbow Dash, who flew after nightmare.
“COME BACK HERE!” she screamed!
*** *** ***
with a desperate bout of levitation magic, I managed to get Spike onto my back again before fleeing out of the door and running towards the library.
I knew what I needed to do next.
I would go to the library and put Spike to bed and search the library while I waited for the rest of them to meet me there.
Though it was almost painful to wait on them since I already knew where the elements were.
I couldn't afford for something to go wrong just because I went out of order.
Entering the library I hurried up the stairs into the bedroom and upset Spikes basket, the comics spread across the floor in a colorful mess.
Carefully I brought the basket back up and laid Spike into it, his soft groans fighting me with each sound.
“you need to go to sleep Spike, I promise that I'll fix this.”
Spike was already asleep by the time I finished, his feint from earlier was still taking it's toll on the his young body.
As quietly as I could manage I left the room and went back the library where I frantically began to take books off of the shelves, and searching through the ones that looked relevant.
Though I already decided to fake this part, I was more or less making it as I went along, and I didn't know if the book would have some useful information or not.
The books of Twilight’s library lacked any form of title on the bindings, heck, they didn't even have stickers to mark them in some from of order.
Last year during my senior year I Had shadowed a librarian for work study, so I had to learn how a library was organized so I could shelve books. That knowledge was no help to me here where I found myself running back and forth pulling out random books, as I tried to figure out where the E's were.
“DAMMIT!” I cursed after having tripped over a book in my haste and landing hard upon the ground.
Just then the front door swung open as Rainbow dash came flying in.
“Who are you? How did you know so much? What are you, some kind of spy?” shouted Rainbow accusingly.
Applejack came running in too where she jumped up and grabbed Rainbow and pulled her to the floor.
“She ain't no spy!” AJ yelled, her voice suddenly going soft as she turned to me, “but she does know something.”
“isn't that right, Twilight? Please tell us something.”
I sighed looking to the floor.
“yes I do know something. The legend of the mare in the moon has finally come true and we need the power of the elements of harmony to stop her from taking over.”
“And how do you even know this!?” shouted Rainbow.
Suddenly annoyed, I shouted “I saw it on T- I mean, in a book!” I said shouting back at her as I fumbled over my words.
“okay,” said Applejack, as she made her way to where I stood, “now, where are these elements?”
“their at the castle of the two sister's,” I answered slowly.
“and where is that?” asked Applejack as she probed for information.
“the Everfree Forrest,” I said finally.
“The Everfree Forrest!?” repeated Applejack in horror, “we can't go in there-”
“yeah!” interrupted Rainbow, “It's filled with monster's and who know what else!”
“Well it's either that or bowing down to the new Princess, which do you prefer?” I asked Rainbow, challenging her to argue more.
We stared each other down as silence filled the room, the only sound that could be heard now was Fluttershy who had hidden herself by the door and was muttering “oh my, oh my,” as if it were a chant.
Applejack went between us, shoving us away from each other.
“Now is not the time to fight, ya two dirt for brains!” she shouted.
“you're right, Applejack” I said, backing away from her outreached hoof.
Rainbow moved back away from her too, throwing her an apologetic look before turning to me, “Don't let that make you think that I trust you yet! I'm gonna keep my eyes peeled for any funny business.”
“In any case, we need to head out to the Everfree forest and get the element's,” I said with more confidence than I really had.
Pinkie Pie came jumping around the room, “yeah! Let's do this thang!” she shrieked in misplaced excitement.
“how do we know she's not leading us into a trap?” asked Rainbow, ignoring Pinkie's outburst.
“we don't know,” Applejack answered, “but she's the only hope we got.”
together we headed through the door, Rainbow shouted behind her as she flew.
“come on, Fluttershy!”
“I think that I'll just stay here and tidy the library, Rainbow...” replied Fluttershy meekly.
“Now, Fluttershy,” called AJ sternly.
“oh, okay then, if it's okay with you....”
*** *** ***
The Everfree Forest was dark, too dark as we stoop at it's edge staring into it's inky blackness.
I had never been in any type of forest at night, and just looking at it scared me.
Though it was a bit comforting to not have to do this alone, even though it had been made clear that I was not to be trusted, even Applejack had show her doubt.
Not that I could blame her for it, I mean it was odd that I just happened to know all of this.
Finally Rainbow made the first move, running straight in! The rest of us had no choice but to follow in suit.
It wasn't so bad after our eyes adjusted to the unnatural dark that filled the place.
And soon we had calmed down enough to begin talking amongst ourselves as we went.
“my Granny used to tell us stories about this place when I was a filly that'd turn your mane white with just the mention of this place,” Applejack commented.
“I heard that when ponies go in, their never seen again!” exclaimed Rainbow in the spookiest voice she could muster.
“well I heard that there are monster's in this ole place that'd eat ya as soon as look at ya.”
I couldn't help but be cheered up by their banter and without thinking I turned to Rarity, “well I heard that this is where fashion goes to die.”
Rarity looked at me with shock, “this is a forest, dear, not Applejack's closet.”
“hey! Oh forget it,” came AJ's voice.
“To be honest I was thinking more along the lines of mud.... but it wasn't that good of a joke,” I replied, trotting faster than before.
I knew I was going to embarrass myself somehow, I just knew it!
I had just enough time to register the sound of scraping when the rock slide hit, and being lucky old me, I was the only one hit by it, having trotted so far ahead.
I slid down the hill scrambling for anything to latch onto when the ground disappeared under me, I grabbed a hold of the ledge screaming as I dangled helplessly over the cliff.
Oh no! This was how it was going to end? Dreams always end when you fall off of something, I'd had dreams that ended with me falling off a chair, and now...... I scrambled trying to pull myself back up but I wasn't strong enough.
“Hold on! Ah'm comin to get ya.”
Applejack slid slowly down to me and took my hooves in hers and tried to pull me back up. But it was pointless, she soon found that the act would cause us both to fall.
“you're goin to be alright,” said Applejack.
“no, no, no, I'm not” I said, freaking out.
I could already feel myself falling and.... waking back up at home...
tears of fear and disappointment were running down my cheeks.
“I don't want to wake up yet,” I cried incoherently.
“Now listen, sugar cube, do you trust me?”
“W-what!?”
“I said, do you trust me?”
I looked up into her big green eyes for a moment, and for the first time since coming here I realized that I did, I did trust her.
I slowly nodded, “yes.... I d-do.”
“then I need you to let go.”
Everything was still for a moment as we looked into each others, and sighing slowly I did as I was told.
For a brief moment I felt weightless as I fell through the air, and just as I felt wind rushing past, I fell into the waiting hooves of Rainbow and Fluttershy, knocking the wind from my lungs.
Though I must admit it was better than hitting ground.
Rainbow left me to Fluttershy, and she carried me through the air and back to safety.
“don't move too much, I'm not used to carrying anything heavier than a bunny or two,” she cautioned.
Then we were on the ground again, I was so relieved that I threw myself at Applejack, hugging as I laughed.
She returned it and was soon laughing with me.
“Are we gonna get going anytime soon? We got a world to save ya know,” asked Rainbow who was flying in place just above.
“Yeah, you're right, we should keep movin,” Applejack replied, letting go of me and trotting forward.
I followed and as I did I turned to Fluttershy, “thanks for helping me back there.”
“It's okay, I'm just happy you're safe.”
we continued on silently for some time, we had manged to get out of that rocky area and it seemed to be smooth sailing from there until we heard something coming our way.
Out from the bushes came a manticore.
I knew how this was gonna end in advance, but I couldn't very well tell them as each of them went forward fighting with all their might, tagging each other in.
Rarity got to show off some brute strength, which was fun to see at least.
And just as I knew it was going to happen, Rarity came running to me.
I ran past her, not bothering to think, and dodged the beast as it slid to a stop trying to follow me.
Run in zig zags, I thought furiously! Run in freaking zig zags! did that even work for this situation? I didn't know. Just as I was running out of space to trot, I turned and ran towards it.
I knew what I'd do, it seemed so perfect in my mind. Just as it was coming at me I would dodge again and it would hit the trees!
But just when I was about to dodge, Fluttershy jumped in front of me.
“STOOOOOP!”
“can't you see that you're frightening this little guy?”
I quickly went to joins the others who were gathered not too far away.
“Frightening him?”
“Little guy?”
slowly Fluttershy approached the manticore.
Thank goodness, I thought silently.
“oh Ah can't bare to watch this,” said Applejack who lowered her hat over her eyes.
The manticore raised it's big claw filled paw to strike but just before he did, Fluttershy gave his paw a nudge with her nose.
It lowered it's paw down as she began talking to it with soft cooing words.
Finally she was able to find out that it was a thorn that was causing it to behave this way and pulled it out. The manticore grabbed a hold of her and brought her to his gaping mouth, upon seeing this I got worried but all it did was begin licking her mane.
Soon we were on our way again, and one by one AJ, Rainbow and Pinkie breathed a sigh of relief for Fluttershy having succeeded in the task at hoof.
We eventually found ourselves in a part of the forest that was particularly dark, and without warning the tree's illuminated in a dismal read light, each tree appeared to have a snarling face upon it's truck.
We ran in shock and fear, but everywhere we turned there was another tree with the same gaping maw, threatening to swallow us whole.
We found ourselves huddled together, surrounded on all sides.
This was when we noticed Pinkie Pie wasn't with us, she was standing someway off laughing.
“Pinkie, Ruuun!” I shouted, adrenaline pounding in my ears.
“Oh girls,” said Pinkie turning to us.
“when I was a little filly and the sun was going down, the darkness and the shadows they would always make me frown,”
“She's singing!” I said excitedly.
“I'd hide under my pillow
from what I thought I saw
but granny pie said that wasn't the way
to deal with things at aaaalll!”
“she sure is,” commented Rarity factually.
Off she went singing and laughing at each tree, and as she did the snarling faces began to fade away.
“And tell that big, dumb, scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna- hahahahaha- Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuuugh!”
Pinkie had taken away our fear and we were now rolling on the ground laughing.
All the laughing didn't make me feel any better when I remembered that I knew the tree's were harmless in advance and had gotten carried away. But they didn't know that.
Off we went, confident that we would make it through the next obstacle.
As we trotted on, we began hearing the sound of running water.
We followed it until we reached a wide river, filled with white rapids.
“How are we gonna cross this?” Pinkie asked aloud.
From somewhere down stream there came the sound of sobs.
We followed the sound and came across a large serpent, who thrashing wildly in the water as he cried woefully.
I'd seen the clip of this scene more times than I could count and I knew that all I had to do was ask it what was wrong and Rarity would take care of the rest.
“what a world! What a world!” the serpent cried as he held his head between his claws.
“excuse me, why are you crying?” I called up to him.
“Well I don't know, I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when a tacky cloud of purple smoke came out of nowhere and just whisked passed me and tore half of my beloved mustache off!” he answered dismally.
“And now I look simply horrid!” he yell as he threw himself into the water sending a wave of water onto us.
“oh, give me a break,” Rainbow muttered.
“so that's what all the fuss was about?” asked AJ confusedly.
Rarity was outraged! “why of course it is! How can you be so insensitive?” she asked as she trotted up to the gentle giant.
“Just look at him,” and giving his scales a pat she went on, “such lovely luminescent scales!”
“I know...”
“your expertly quaffed mane!”
“Oh I know, I know!”
“your fabulous manicure!”
“It's so true!”
“all ruined without your beautiful mustache.”
“it's true! I'm hideous!” cried the serpent sobbing again.
“I simply cannot allow this crime against fabulocity continue uncorrected!”
With a quick movement, Rarity came forward and took one of his scales in her teeth and tore it off! Much to the serpent's dismay.
Wielding the scale like a sword she held it up and brought it down to strike her target with a quick and efficient blow.
The serpent fell down in shock.
Rarity's tail fluttered to the ground and she turned and levitated it over to the serpent's face where it joined with what was left of his mustache.
Laughing with pure joy he rose up, thanking Rarity for her generous gift.
Turning back to us she saw the expressions on our faces, nopony could believe she did what she did.
“Oh, don't worry everypony, short tails are in this season and besides, it'll grow back.”
“so would the mustache,” said Rainbow with an aggravated groan.
With the obstacle tackled, the serpent allowed us to use his back as a bridge to cross the river, and we were finally heading to our goal which soon became visible as we crossed the next hill.
But we found our path blocked yet again, this time by a broken bridge.
“Now what!?” asked Pinkie pie.
“um, duh,” said said Rainbow as she gave her wings a flap.
“oh.”
Rainbow flew down into the gorge, grabbing the rope bridge and carried it to the other side to find a lace to tie it, but as she got there a magical fog began to block her from view.
Not knowing what else to do we waited, after several minutes we began discussing a course of action.
“Maybe Fluttershy should fly over and see what's taking her?” AJ suggested.
But Fluttershy could not be convinced to fly into the fog.
Losing patience I called out, “Rainbow? What's taking you so long?”
I looked into the fog and for a brief second I it parted and I saw her talking to the Shadowbolts.
“Don't listen to them!” I yelled, unsure that she heard me or not.
I was growing steadily uneasy as we continued to wait, but I worried for nothing as Rainbow came back and told us it was safe to cross.
“thank goodness,” I muttered.
Crossing the bridge, we headed down the hill and cheered. For we had finally made it to the castle of the two Sister’s!
*** *** ***
I knew this, we would go in, I would attempt to give the elements a spark of magic, Nightmare Moon would interrupt and try to teleport the elements away.
I would need to jump at her and force her to take me with her, then the others would join us.... and the elements would be used.... after a speech? Was it that simple......? I didn't really know how this would work, and I couldn't believe it could be so simple.
But it was all I remembered from the show.
None the less I repeated the steps I knew over and over in my mind, I would have to try and if I failed.... if I failed at least there wouldn't be any consequences, just like Twilight said earlier.
The great doors of the castle creaked slowly open as we pushed our way in, the pedestal holding the elements in sphere form was just ahead.
Together we all took an element and arranged them in a circle.
“We should all head back outside so Twilight can concentrate,”said Applejack as they headed back towards the door.
“wait! You should all stay here in case I need you,” I said.
For this to work they needed to see me teleport with Nightmare moon and follow us up to the tower, plus I didn't wanna be in this creepy place alone.
I quickly knelt down onto the floor, I could already feel my horn glowing with magical light, it was coming faster and faster each time I did it.
Getting a spark to come from my horn had been literally the first thing I could do back when I woke up in Canterlot, so now all I had to do was try and repeat it.
But I realized that trying for a spark and getting a spark were completely different things.
It didn't matter though, my time to try this had run out. For Nightmare moon had come at last.
Nightmare laughed evilly as her tendril's from her magical cloud came down from her wrapping the elements and pulling them towards her.
I only had one shot at this so I took it, running and jumping at her!
Suddenly everything went black and cold, I could feel anything and for a moment I thought I'd died.
But all sensation and light suddenly returned as I was thrown away from Nightmare and landed hard upon the ground.
The elements came too, falling on the ground, only to be stomped and shattered by Nightmare's hooves.
“You little fool, thinking you could defeat me! Now you will never see your Princess or your sun. the night will last forever!” she screamed laughing hysterically.
Suddenly from behind us, voices could be heard coming up the stairwell.
My eyes widened as something came over me, it was like my body was filling with light.
And that light took over as they came into view.
I was seeing this place clearly for the first time.
It was suddenly like I was the smartest person in the world, like a voice was in my mind speaking for me.
I turned to Nightmare Moon and I wasn't afraid anymore.
“you think you can destroy the element's of harmony just like that? Well you're wrong, because those elements still exist, and their right here!”
the shards began to move and float upwards.
“Applejack, who comforted me when I was in doubt, represents the element of Honesty!”
the shards went to her and began to circle her.
I didn't understand what was going on, it was if two voices ringing in my mind.
“Fluttershy, who healed the beast with her compassion, represents Kindness!”
more shards rose up from the ground these went to Fluttershy and began going around her too.
“Pinkie pie who shunned fear by smiling in the face of danger, represents Laughter!”
again the shard flew up and repeated the same process with Pinkie.
“Rarity, who calmed a woeful serpent with a thoughtful gift, represents the element of Generosity!”
“and Rainbow Dash who could not abandon her loved ones to for her own pursuits. Represents the element of Loyalty!”
“the spirits of these five ponies got us through everything!” I shouted with triumph!
“But you still don't have the sixth element, the spark didn't work!”
“oh but it did! A different kind of spark, it ignited when I saw you come up the stairs. When I realized how happy I was to see you, that you weren't just some characters in a story to be gushed over, but living and breathing beings who... had become my friends!”
suddenly a blinding light appeared over head, Nightmare attempted to sheild her eyes but there was no point, it was already too late for her.
“You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the..….. the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element, the element of.... magic!” I said finally, saying the words as they flowed into my mind.
Suddenly my vision was filled with a blinding white light as I felt myself be lifted up by an unseen force, and just then I heard the cries of Nightmare Moon.
“Noooooo!”
*** *** ***
I opened my eyes..... had I been knocked unconscious? The last thing that I remembered clearly was..... jumping at Nightmare Moon.
I quickly sat up, feeling the weight of the crown on my head as I did. Wait, crown? we... we did it? We did! I got up and cheered.
The rest of the group was already admiring their elements when I came to.
I quickly ran over to them, “isn't this amazing?” I asked beaming.
“Gee, Twilight, I thought you was just spouting a bunch of nonsense, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship,” said Applejack thoughtfully.
“Indeed you do,” came Celestia's voice as the sun rose in the east and the ball of light came closer and closer until finally bursting through the window and taking the form of the Princess.
The ponies all fell to their knee's at Celestia's appearance except for me, who fan girled with every movement as I ran to stand before her.
“Princess Celestia!” I said filled with sudden admiration.
“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student, I knew you could do it.”
I stopped, this praise was for Twilight. I wasn't Twilight.... “but this is just a dream” said a little voice in my head.
“that's right,” I muttered.
But for some reason I couldn't bring myself to look at her....
“why so glum, my faithful student?” asked Celestia with the warmest smile I'd ever seen.
“um... but you said... that this was all an old ponies tale..?” I answered, lying through my teeth.
“I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more.” replied the princess with a maternal smile.
“I saw the signs of Nightmare Moons return, and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart.”
The friends she spoke of gathered behind me, I smiled at them. Looking at them made me feel strange, like my heart was smoking something illegal.
I laughed out loud as the comparison crossed my mind.
“And now if only another will as well,” continued the Princess.
“Princess Luna, it has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us, we were meant to rule together, little sister.”
“sister!?” gasped the ponies behind me.
“Oh gawd you two are giving me too many feels.” I said backing away to stand beside Fluttershy,
Holding her hoof out to Luna, Celestia went on, “Will you except my friendship?”
All was deathly quiet as we waited to hear Luna's reply, and without warning she jumped and ran to Celestia.
“I'm so sorry, I missed you so much big sister!”
the two princess embraced one another, crying tears of joy.
“you know what this calls for!?” shouted Pinkie pie, “A party!”
*** *** ***
And just as Pinkie said, there was a great celebration to welcome back the princess of the moon, well... it's not like they would go through the trouble of decorating to not throw a party!
All through the festivities I knew what I would have to say, and as the time to leave got closer it became more and more difficult. You're probably thinking that I told Celestia everything, waking up here, the dream about Twilight in the stars, but no.
At the time I was content on believing that this was all a dream, instead I was to tell her that I couldn't leave my friends now that I had them, just like Twilight had done.
She reacted in much the same way as she had in the show, saying that my new duty was to stay here in ponyville and learn about friendship.
Spike and I watch their chariot until it disappeared into the distance and together we went back to the tree house where we went to bed.
As I lay there I was completely happy for the first time in a very long time, and with a resounding realization, I knew that sleep would not be coming anytime soon.
Looking over to Spike I saw him stretched out in his basket, and watched the gentle rise and fall of his chest. When I was sure that he was asleep I quietly sneaked from the room and went down into the library, where I looked at the books.
I recognized the binding of a book that I'd seen earlier but had been to busy to give a proper look at.
I trotted over and let the magic fill my horn with light again, the book began to glow and slowly glided off of the shelf before falling to the ground.
I wasn't annoyed this time, I just went over and slid the book right side up and opened it before laying on the ground.
It was the first book in the Daring do series, and I was going to read it! Haha!
My mind began to wander as I looked the book over, looking at the cover art first.
“what if this is a coma dream like in that sappy creepy pasta for Pokemon?” I said suddenly think aloud.
That would explain the last memory I have before coming here, I thought to myself.
I wasn't even close.