Chapter one: waking up

Chapter 1

I rolled around in my sheets, feeling more tired than I have ever felt in my whole life.

I couldn't remember entering my bed last night when it all came back to me.

I remembered the pain and falling to the floor; I immediately sat up in bed, looking around.

my blurred vision came into focus, and for an odd moment I thought I was looking into my computer screen. Yet then I realized that, in fact, my laptop was no where to be seen.

Thinking back on the ordeal now, it's funny to think that not having my laptop was what freaked me out the most when I was half asleep and finding myself in a small room overlooking the city of Canterlot.

I stumble out of the bed on all fours, stumbling more as I made my way to a wide window the made up most of the wall across from the bed I had been lying in moments before.

In awe I stared out across the tops of buildings and castles.

I had no idea what was going on, much less how I had ended up here.

Suddenly, I heard a voice from outside the door.

"Hey Twilight, are you up yet? I made breakfast if you want any..." Called the voice.

Oh God, I knew that voice! it was Spike!

Instantly freaking out, I jumped back into the bed and hid under the covers.

Oh no, he's looking for Twilight... what's he going to do when he finds me instead?

I imagined myself being dragged away by the royal guard.

I have to admit that the thought was both scary and embarrassing at the same time.

That's when I noticed my hooves; I had noticed that I had them, but had been too preoccupied with looking out of the window. My hooves were purple! I quickly threw off the blankets and looked back at my body. Sure enough, I saw Twilight's cutie mark.

Spikes voice came again, Twilight? We need to get going soon.

This has got to be a dream, I thought as, once again, I got out of the bed and trotted to the door.

I stood at the door for a moment before gathering enough courage to speak. "I'm awake Spike!" I said as my new voice filled the air. Dazed, I shook head to get myself focused.

The door opened as Spike entered, full of energy. He looked me up and down, and he commented "Wow Twilight! Did you get any sleep last night? You're an absolute mess!" He then grabbed me by the hoof and pulled me out of the room. He spoke again: "Don't you remember what the princess said in her letter? We have to get going soon. Yet, I suppose we might have time for cereal..."

I hardly listened to him, it was all going so fast for me. All I could really do was look around, dazed and confused.

Down a small flight of stairs was a small kitchen, where a fire crackled merrily in the hearth. I didn't realize how cold I had been until I felt its warmth. That being said, it was a welcome change from the bedroom which had been cool from the wind that had made its way into the tower window.

Slowly, I went to the table and looked down at the bowl of cereal. I thought of how Twilight would most likely use magic to make the spoon feed her. I, however, wasn't used to that luxury.

I concentrated for a moment, sparks flying from my horn. Unfortunately, the spoon remained still. I glanced over at Spike, hoping he hadn't seen that. Fortunately, he was still on the other side of the room, pouring himself a bowl of cereal as he talked vaguely about his plans for the day.

He must genuinely like to hear himself talk, that is, if he hadn't noticed that I was ignoring all of that! I thought, taking the spoon in my mouth. I put it aside and dove into it face first, gulping down the food greedily and lapping up the milk. Laughing, Spike sat beside me. "That's the spirit, Twilight!" he said, smiling.

I laughed with him in spite of myself. I must look ridiculous! I thought to myself.

We sat in silence for a while we ate. All the while, my mind became a bundle of questions.

I've read fan fictions like this before, where a brony gets trapped in the “My Little Pony” universe, but this seemed 'off' somehow...

I looked around the kitchen, wondering about the view from the window which had so obviously been Canterlot. I must have become Twilight from before the show started! Well, that's the only way I can think to explain why I'm here in Canterlot and not Ponyville... But why, though? why here? why now? I guess it would be a little rude to look a gift horse in the mouth... Or should I say pony? Oh God, I'm dead to me now... Heh, I spend too much time onli-

I stopped my self in mid thought. "Where is that letter, Spike?" I demanded.

Suddenly, I felt weirdly happy as Spike retrieved the letter from inside a cabinet.

That feeling of happiness didn't last as he approached and held it out to me.

I already tried making my spoon levitate moments before; luckily Spike hadn't seen, but I just foolishly put myself in a position where I would need to use magic to do something.

Smiling nervously, I looked around the room.

"Um... Spike, you wouldn't mind just reading that to me while I eat, would you? I'm sort of hungry..." I silently congratulated myself as he unrolled the scroll and began reading.

The letter had been about the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville. Suddenly, I was happy again.

Though this time, I was sure to stay in character as Twilight. This may have been a dream, but I was going to try to be to true to the story. "What about my studies?" I asked, Looking down in my bowl with a hidden smile playing on my lips.

"The princess thinks this could be an opportunity to socialize with other ponies, Twilight." Responds Spike.

With an exasperated sigh, I agreed. Before I knew it, we were back upstairs packing.

I couldn't help watching Spike pack his comics into his basket.

He was too cute, but I knew I had books to pack. I had always loved to read, which was one of the reasons I related to Twilight so much. I like learning about history as well as different cultures, and being a Wiccan I had always loved magic, even though real world magic would never really compare to kind shown in the My Little Pony universe. I looked through all the titles, wondering which I should bring. They all caught my attention and were begging to be read. Finally, I decided to grab some random books, it would be easier than picking them based on content, since I would want to take them all anyways.

I made sure that that Spike wasn't paying attention as I grabbed them with my hooves and placed them in my saddle bag.

After Spike was finished, somepony was called to carry our luggage, and we headed to the edge Canterlot, where a chariot awaited us. Taking off in a chariot pulled by Pegasus was obviously nerve-racking, yet the ride after was rather smooth and somewhat relaxing. As I sat with Spike on the way to Ponyville it dawned on me again: Everything about this felt real, all too real. I thought about all that I had read about lucid dreaming, and how we dream every night even if we don't remember most of them. Could this, perhaps, be a lucid dream? Looking over the landscape, I watched the scenery passing by in a colorful blur as another thought dawned on me. What if we dream like this every night, but don't remember it? I don't want to wake up and forget coming here... Apparently time folds in dreams and, if I'm lucky, I could spend years here before I wake up. My mind suddenly went back to the first season trying to find anything that could be scary enough to wake me up.

One such thing came to mind: Nightmare Moon. I suddenly remembered the Summer Sun Celebration was the day of her return. What was I going to do? She wasn't so bad when this was just a cartoon, but the thought of actually have to face her was terrifying. It had been so long since I watched season one, and I didn't even remember where the elements of harmony were. What am I going to do? I thought, groaning inwardly and laying my head against the warm golden sides of the carriage.

The flight went slowly as I pondered my predicament, and all too soon our ride ended with a loud thud. My heart was hammering away in my chest, and I sat sat still for a moment before finally getting up and climbing to the ground, with one thought buzzing through my mind:

Bring it on.

The confidence gave way to confusion as I watched the team of pegasus set off for Canterlot. I knew what I needed to do. I was here to to help with the preparation of the Summer Sun Celebration. The question of where to start was the question I needed answered. "What should we do first Spike?" I asked, leaning over his shoulder and giving the letter another glance.

"It says here that a pony by the name Applejack will be doing the catering. Perhaps we should stop by?"

My brain nearly exploded. Applejack had always been one of my favorite ponies.

Nudging him playfully with my hoof, I replied with, "You just want to get some food, don't you Spike?"

"Well, what's wrong that?" He retaliated, following me as I trotted off towards town.

I knew that I wouldn't be able to find Sweet Apple Acres on my own, so the best solution would be to find somepony to ask for directions.

Walking in the crowd, I glanced around for somepony I recognized. Just as I rounded a corner, I spotted Mrs Cake.

I immediately started walking towards her, trying to figure out what I should say. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a blur of bouncing pink coming at me.

Suddenly, I was tackled and rolling on the ground. I found myself lying flat on my back looking up at the face of none other than Pinkie Pie. I was at a loss for words as I stared into her smiling face. She was obviously waiting for me to say something, but I honestly had no words for this situation.

Thankfully, Spike broke the silence. Running around to face me, he asked if I was okay.

I nodded as Pinkie got off of me, holding out a hoof to help me up.

"Sorry!" she said quickly, "I just excited when I see a new friend!"

"Friend..." I repeated, open mouthed.

I hadn't quite gotten over the shock, and was starting to think I would ever get used to meeting ponies like this. It hadn't been so bad with the other ponies, but this was one of the Mane Six standing before me.

"Sure!" She replied, "Everypony is my friend! Are you new here in Ponyville? Do you need directions? Or maybe a tour!?" She squeaked, jumping madly to a fro she went before us and stopping.

I looked down at Spike, who seemed to be enjoying himself as he looked back up at me.

"Actually, we're looking for Sweet Apple Acres. Could you show us the way?" He asks.

She jumped up and down excitedly. "Could I? Of course I can! Applejack just happens to be a good friend of mine!" She replies with glee.

With that, she turned and started bouncing toward the edge of the town with us giving chase.

She bounced along, rattling on about the citizens of Ponyville. I was transfixed; it certainly wasn't an everyday occurrence.

She told about Mr and Mrs Cake, who made all the sweet things this town had to offer.

She was just starting to tell a story involving a cider cannon when she stopped and turned around to face us once again.

"Oh darn..." She said, disappointment in her voice. "We're here already, and I hadn't even gotten to the best part! Oh well, I promised to help Rainbow Dash with something, so I really should get going before she notices I'm not there..." She says.

Before we could thank her, she had already bounced away into the distance.

Chapter Two: Apples and Rainbows

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Seeing Pinkie Pie in person... or in pony... Oh, to heck with it... As you can no doubt see, there were still bits of terminology that had me confused. Finally, after watching Pinkie disappear in the distance, we turned towards the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres. The smell of apple blossoms were heavy in the air as we made our way to a barn-like structure that was the Apple abode.
As we continued on, my head went back and forth; I was making sure to give every thing a good looking at, though there wasn't anything much to see.

Sweet Apple Acres was a typical farm, not that I'd ever been to many farms as a human.
Near the house we found Applejack; who, upon seeing us, ran towards a tree, spun on her front hooves, and bucked the tree. Apples rained down behind her and into the waiting baskets below.
'This display was certainly much more impressive when seen with ones own eyes!' I thought, giving the now-posing Applejack a small round of applause.

Applejack quickly trotted up to me, grabbed my hoof, and gave it a vigorous shake.
"Well, whats your name stranger? We're always happy to meet a new friend here in Ponyville!" Applejack inquired with a grin on her face.
"The names Twilight," I said with a nervous smile, "Twilight Sparkle."
“Well howdy, miss Twilight. 'Tis a pleasure meetin' your acquaintance." She says.
Suddenly nervous, I got to the point I needed to make.
"Actually, we've come from Canterlot. We are here to see about the catering for the Summer Sun Celebration." I stammered.
"Is that so? Would you like to sample some?!" Applejack asked with excitement.

Before I could reply, she galloped over to a triangle dinner bell and gave it a loud ring.
"SOUPS ON, EVERYPONY!" she yelled. Suddenly, a herd of ponies came charging in our direction.
I almost fled in fear of being trampled by them as they made their way past us.
Before Spike and I knew it, we were sitting at a table with members of the Apple family trotting by and setting out dish after dish of food.

We watched as they sat down each dish, calling each family member by name.
I hardly paid attention as I tried to identity the food as it was sat in front of us.
"Apple fries, Apple muffins, Apple cake, Apple fritters, applesauce...
that's not even mentioning our famous apple cider!" Applejack said with excitement.
"So..." she said in an elongated tone and coming around the table to face us, "What do you think?"
'Well...' I thought, looking around the table. It all looked delicious, and that was saying something; I had never really enjoyed apples, you see.

I turned towards Applejack, who was patiently awaiting my answer.
"The food looks amazing!"
Suddenly feeling nervous as the Apples surrounded Spike and I, I continued to speak.
"Well, since the food seems to be covered, Spike and I will be on our way."
Suddenly the timid voice of Apple Bloom's filled the air. "Aren't ya' gonna stay for brunch?"
I looked at her for a moment, then to Spike, and then to the rest of the Apple family.
"Alright, fine. We'll stay."

I must say that I had never eaten so much in my entire life, as as I did on that day. Pie of all kinds were sat out to all of the hungry ponies. The organized ordeal soon became a free for all as everyone crowded around the table and grabbed at their desired pastries. No one was disappointed as plates were emptied. With guts full, Spike and I wished them all a good day. We then went about our business, heading back to Ponyville.
I heaved a sigh, feeling sicker by the minute as we passed the first houses at the edge of the small town.

"Ugh..." I groaned, making no attempts to hide the pain in my stomach. "I ate WAY too much pie..."
"Me too, Twilight..." Spike moaned as he unrolled Celestia's letter.
"What's the next thing on the list, Spike?" I asked, attempting to hold back a belch.
"Well, it says here that a pony named Rainbow Dash should be clearing the weather..."
I looked up to the sky, which was filled with small clouds.

"It doesn't seem like she started yet..." I said in confusion.
"It makes one wonder... Maybe we should look for her?" Spike Suggested as we continued forward.
Rainbow Dash was unpredictable when compared to the rest of the Mane Six, and I wasn't sure where she would be found. So, to start our search, we headed to the town's center near Town Hall.
I was just noticing how muddy it was when I was hit by what felt like a ton of bricks. I proceeded to flip through the air and fall down into a large, particularly mud-filled patch of ground.
Looking up, I saw the pony we'd been looking for: Rainbow Dash. Still feeling sick from the earlier meeting, I got up annoyed. I turned to face her with just enough time to hear her mutter something before flying off and bringing back a cloud.
"W-wait," I stammered, "that won't be neces-" I was obviously way too late. With a few jabs from Rainbow’s hoof, the cloud emptied its contents over me. I grumbled, annoyed.
"Heh heh, sorry... I guess I over did it..." she said, smiling.
"How about this?" She called, jumping into the and beginning to fly around me so fast that she became nothing but a rainbow colored blur. The wind was harsh, and my hair flipped madly about, drying and becoming frizzled.
Suddenly, the wind stopped. I began to spin around, feeling dizzy.
Finally, I got a hold over my self. I looked over at Rainbow, who had yet to see what she had done to my mane.
"No need to thank me," she boasted pompously as she landed not far from where I stood.
Suddenly seeing her handiwork, she starting laughing again, not even bothering to try and hide it.
Spike joined her as they both fell to the ground, shaking in the hilarity of the moment. Not seeing much to do, I stood there and waited for them to get over themselves.

"So you're Rainbow Dash?" I said, grumbling.
"That's the name, don't wear it out." She says. She began flying once again into the air and stopping in front of me, "So you've heard of me?"
"Well, I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear. I'm Twilight Sparkle." I said, gesturing with my hoof, "and the princess has sent me to check up on the weather; do you mind explaining to me why the job hasn't been done yet?"
"Oh, that stuff is easy." Bragged Rainbow Dash as she settled onto a nearby cloud. "That stuff can wait 'till I finish training for the Wonder Bolts. They're gonna be here in town, and I'm not missing a chance to show off my skills."
"The Wonder Bolts?" I asked.
"Yeah." Rainbow replied.

I looked up at her. She was lounging as if her job held no importance.
"Well," I said, "I don't think the Wonder Bolts would want a pony who couldn't keep the skies clear for a single day."
I knew from the show that she would take the bait and do the job. What I wasn't prepared for was how strong the wind became as she flew back and forth busting cloud after cloud with bucks, kicks, and jabs.
With every pass she made, Spike and I were hit with a powerful gust of wind.
All I could do was look into the sky and try to see where she had gone. Unfortunately, she was too fast to be seen from where we were.
Her job done, she stopped to admire her handiwork. "See?" She said, "Ten seconds flat!" She then looked towards us, and laughed.
"You should see your face!" She laughed
As she flew around, she stopped. "I can't wait to hang out again, Twilight." She says.
Open mouthed, Spike and I watched her fly away. I wasn't really surprised to at how fast she flew or at her behavior, but it certainly was a different experience to witness it firsthand.
"Wow, she's amazing..." said Spike as he grabbed a hold of my mane. He began laughing once more as he felt it. My face expressionless, I headed towards our next destination with Spike following close behind.
The next pony on the list was Rarity, and this time I didn't need to search since I could see the familiar sight of the Carousel Boutique in the distance, which was easily the most recognizable structure thus far, aside from Twilight’s tree house, which I had already seen a few times from afar.
With a few breaths to steady myself, Spike and I entered, ready to meet Rarity.

Chapter Three: Sweetie Belle and Rarity

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Opening the door, I poked my around looking about for Rarity who was nowhere to be seen, stepping in I called out.

“Rarity? We're here to see about the decorations for the summer sun celebration,
are you in?”

Just then we heard a noise coming from the back room, just then a young filly came out.
It was Sweetie Belle!

“If you're looking for Rarity, she's at the town hall getting ready for the celebration," she said as she trotted up to us.

"who might you be?" Spike asked.

“I'm her sister, Sweetie Belle,” she answered with a grin.

And then looking up at me, she began giggling.

“What's happened your mane?” she said covering a laugh.

“Did you get into a fight with a weather pony?”

Spike began laughing again as he told her about the run in with Rainbow Dash.

As I waited for them to get over themselves, I looked around.
The boutique was just like the show, I could smell something though, like some kind of perfume, which made the whole room smell of flower's.

“Well, it was nice meeting you, but we should head to Town Hall and talk with Rarity.”

“Oh, that's too bad, I'm sure she'll be back any minute if you'd like to stick around.”

“No, that's alright,” I said nudging spike back out the door as he waved his goodbye's.

“See you ponies later!” Sweetie belle called.

Spike and I looked over the princess's letter again before heading to the Town Hall, which wasn't all that far away and being the tallest building here, was quite easy to find.
I must tell you, it was a nervous affair, meeting Rarity which became even more so after having gonna to the wrong place.

“What do you think she'll be like?” spike asked.

“I can't say that I know, Spike.”

Having seen the show I knew exactly what she would be like, but Twilight hadn't met her at this point and I was being careful not to let on that I knew more than I should.
Even if this turned out not to be a dream, I would definitely try to keep my self from being revealed until I figured this whole mess out.
I had day dreamed about this on this kind of situation before, so I already had a plan, but I had never accounted for having to learn magic.
When I had finished checking with the preparation’s, I would head to the library and see if I could find a book for young unicorns learning magic and get some practice in. I would certainly have to do it in secret.
I groaned inwardly, this was not going to be an easy affair after all, especially with the return of Nightmare Moon to worry about.
But for now I would just have to keep going and try not to worry, easier said than done.

Finally we arrived at town hall, once inside we saw a spacious room, with a stage at the far end, and there stood the one and only Rarity.
She was fussing over decoration's and hadn't heard us come in.

“Oh, how marvelous! No, not this, how about this, no...” she commented flustered, “Perhaps another color...”

As she turned to get another clump of streamer's from the box behind her, she saw us approaching, I began to greet her.

“Hello, my name is Twili”- before I could finish she called out, aghast.

“Oh my stars, whatever happened to your coiffure?”

Resistance was futile as Rarity dragged me from the building back towards Carousal Boutique, for what was apparently a dire emergency.
I called out to spike, who was trailing slowly behind with hearts in his eye's.
I had forgotten how smitten he had been so early on in the show and it was all I could do not to shout for help.
I had never been one for personal contact even though it was the Rarity doing the touching.
I'm was embarrassed and letting out my inner Flutter Shy

We arrived again at the boutique once again, as Rarity went off to fetch a hair brush.

“I'll be back in a moment, darling,” she said, ducking under a curtain and heading to the back room.

After she left I took a step back towards Spike.

“What should I do Spike?” I asked shaking with worry.

Spike shook himself into to focus and answered, “well, don't you think it's nice of her to help fix your mane? I can't see there being much to do besides wait.”

“I guess your right”, I said sinking to the floor.

I was just over reacting, I'd already dealt with Pinkie pie with out embarrassment, but that had been so sudden. I hadn't had the time to think about it, and here I was about to get a makeover from Rarity.
Before I had much more time to stew on this, Rarity had returned and I was being brought forwards towards a sink and having my mane moistened with a spay bottle as she began running a brush through it.

“well now, one really must wonder how you got your mane in such a horrid state, my dear.”
Suddenly Spike rushed forward ready to offer up the story, but I wasn't giving him the pleasure of it this time around.

“Oh, you know what this windy weather can do to a mane.”

“I certainly do, I'm just happy I was there to help you,” she said kindly.

It became quiet as she continued running the brush through my mane, I wasn't really sure what to say to her.

Finished with her task, Rarity floated the brush over to a nearby drawer and began pushing me over the back room.
It can't be helped, it can't be helped, it can't be helped, I thought over and over as outfit after outfit was thrown over my head.

“No,” said Rarity tossing one over onto a pile of clothes.

“These certainly won't do at all”

she retreated over to a large trunk and began rummaging through it.
What in the world could she possibly be trying to get? I wondered glancing around.
From the corner of my eye I could see Sweetie belle hiding behind one of the mirror's, upon seeing my notice she beckoned with her hoof.

Glancing back to Rarity, I made sure she was still busy before trotting over.

“What is it, Sweetie Belle?”

“I just wanted to know if you asked about the decoration yet.”

“I've seen them, though I haven't really gotten to the asking part.”

“do you need any help?” Sweetie Belle asked with a smile.

“I do need to get out of here.. do you think you can help with that?”

Without a word Sweetie disappeared around the corner and into the other room.
Sighing I turned back to Rarity who was trotting up levitating an unfamiliar garment in front of her.

“what is that thing!” I asked filled with uneasiness.

“haven't you ever seen a corset before?” Rarity asked with surprise.

Just then Sweetie Belle's voice came from the other room, and not a moment too soon.

“Hey Rarity! How many eggs do you want with dinner!?”

Rarity's expression filled with panic as she rushed from the room.

“oh no, Not again!”

Seeing my chance, I nudged Spike from the room,

“come on, we need to get to the next thing on the list.”

“Awe, can't we wait around for a bit?” Spike begged as he began walking with me towards the door.

“We can always come back later,” I replied.

We were outside! Home free I thought as we returned our attention to the list.
The next pony was Flutter Shy and just as if it had been planned that from the beginning, we heard the sound of birds singing in the distance.

We were finally almost done, so with out further ado we headed towards the sound.

Chapter four: Flutter's And Pain

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Fluttershy was standing by an old bird filled tree, whose leaves had long fallen.
We quietly approached as we listened to the sound of her bird choir. Oh, what beautiful sounds they had made, I only wish that you had been there to hear it.

Apart, these birds had twittered cutely, but together with the training of Fluttershy, they had become a symphony as their twittering voices merged.

It was no wonder how she had been put in charge of the musical entertainment.

The excitement was too much for me as I trotted forward leaving Spike behind.
Just as the song was reaching it end, I called out.

“Hello there!” I said, continuing as the birds flew off.

“That music is amazing! however did you manage it?”

Fluttershy turned to me, a sudden look of panic had spread across her previously peaceful face.

“Well... I....” the rest of what she said faded into mumbles as her talking ceased.

“What's your name?” I asked, trying to break the silence that had fallen.

“Um... my name is Flutter” again her words had trailed off into mumbles.

“Fluttershy?” I asked even though she hadn't finished it, if anything she would think that I had good hearing.

Fluttershy nodded.

“Well anyways, my name is Twilight and we came to see how the music is coming along.”

“We?” she asked looking around and suddenly seeing Spike.”

“Oh my!” she said excitedly as she flew over to him.

“I've never met a baby dragon before! What's his name?”

“The names Spike,” he said with a smile.

“Oh, a talking dragon,” said Fluttershy with a voice of sugar, “and what do dragons talk about?”

“Lots of things,” Spike answered, “what would you like to know?”

“Everything,” said Fluttershy is awe.

This meeting with Fluttershy had not gone the way I had always imagined it, spike was being such a glory hog.

After a few minutes of hearing them talk I grew annoyed and got spike onto my back and headed towards the library where we would be staying.

Even with all that was going on, I couldn't suppress my excitement to see the place up close!

Fluttershy followed closely behind as she continued to question Spike about the ins and outs of a dragons life.

“And what do dragon's eat?” she asked.

“Treasure,” answered Spike, “Mostly gems and crystals. It's the main reason why the bigger dragons hoard the stuff.”

“Oh, I didn't know that,” commented Fluttershy with a sigh.

As we approached the front door of golden oak library, I stopped and turned back to Fluttershy as Spiked jumped down from my back to stand beside me.

“Oh that's too bad, we're already here,” said Fluttershy who was visibly disappointed by the fact.

Feeling badly for her I asked if she would like to come in, it would make a good distraction for Spike while I looked for the right book to help with my magic.

At the mention of staying, a small smile spread across her face.

“I would like that very much, yay!” said Fluttershy quietly.

Only Fluttershy could say the word yay in her normal speaking voice and still make it sound genuine.

She had also spoken directly to me, she must have grown used to my presence while she talked to Spike.

Thank you Spike, I thought happily!

I couldn't help but smile at this as the three of us turned to the door and entered.

I reached out with a hoof and pushed the door open, when much to my surprise I heard the shouts of

“SURPRISE!”

How could I forget that this was going to happen?

After we got in, Fluttershy and Spike went away to get some punch leaving me to greet the awaiting ponies.

I quickly found that I recognized a fair few of them as background ponies and supporting characters.

I easily spotted my favorites from the throng, Derpy, Miss Cheerilee, Mr' and Mrs' Cake were the first I noticed before seeing that familiar ball of pink bouncing towards me.

“Hey! Remember me from earlier? It's me Pinkie Pie! I thought I should throw a party for you, since you're new in town! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya?” said Pinkie pie in excitement as she continued bouncing in place.

“Um, yes I was surprised, Pinkie,” I replied with apparent distaste.

Pinkie however did not notice it and continued on showing me all that had been say out for the guests to eat.

I however was still feeling sick from the feast at Sweet Apple acres, and had declined the offer of cupcakes.

I was so nervous, I was never good with crowds, I wanted to look for the book I needed but could not with all the ponies crowding around the bookshelves, where they all stood passing idle chit chat and gossip.

It was apparent that most of them had simply come because of Pinkie Pie's partying know how, since beyond shouting surprise and welcoming me in, they hadn't paid much attention to me.

Which was a good thing, don't get me wrong.

I would simply have to wait for the party to die out a little bit before I gave the library a proper search.

I sighed as I headed over to a nearby table for a beverage and was startled and I felt a hoof slap my back hard.

“Nice ta see ya again, Miss Twilight! How are you enjoying the party?”

“Applejack? I didn't know that you were here, “I said smiling, it was a relief to see her.

“Yeah, I heard that Pinkie was throwing you a welcome shindig and decided to stop by for a bit.
Applebloom sure was happy that you decided to stay for brunch,” said Applejack as she walked with me over to the punch bowl.

“I was happy to stay, all that food was delicious, and Applebloom is such a little cutie," I said grabbing a bottle of juice and pouring myself a glass,

“She sure is,” said Applejack with pride, “she's got smart's too, she our little Pride and joy over at Sweet Apple Acres.”

I smiled and nodded my head in agreement as I brought the glass to my lips and took a swig.

It was like liquid fire sliding across my tongue, chocking I ran from the room with Applejack calling out after me.

Chapter Five: Practice, Practice, Practice!

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Up the stairs I went, trotting quickly out of sight as I heard the concerned calls from below.
How could I forget the hot sauce joke in episode one?

I couldn't believe that I'd fallen for it after having known about it in advance.

But it had been so long since I watched season one, it wasn't difficult to believe that I'd miss a few details.

I didn't even know where to find the elements...

I racked my mind as I trotted up the stairs to the little bed room, I could see that out luggage had arrived safely from Canterlot.

Heaving a sigh, I threw myself onto the bed.

Suddenly it came to me, the only place the elements could be was at the castle of the two sister's.

It'd been so obvious but my mind had gone blank before when I tried to figure it out.

I looked about the room as I rolled over into a sitting position, this was the first time I had been alone since waking up back in Canterlot.

I could still hear the sound of the ponies below, but I was finally in a place where I could just be alone with my thoughts and I was relaxed by this fact.

Suddenly the door opened and Spike came in sporting a lamp shade for a hat.

“Are you okay, Twilight?” he asked with concern, “You rushed away from the party so fast that I got worried.”

I carefully got up out of bed and trotted up to him.

“I'm sorry for worrying you Spike, it's alright, I just drank some hot sauce by accident.”

“Hot sauce? Why was there hot sauce?”

“I honestly have no idea, Spike. I thought it was juice when I saw it,” I replied with the ghost of a smile playing on my lips.

“Really Spike, I'm okay. I might come back down later.”

“Oh okay, if you need anything I'll be down stairs. The summer sun celebration only comes once a year so I'm gonna party till dawn!” said Spike with a grin.

As he turned to leave one thing came to mind.

“Wait, Spike could you do me a favor and bring me a book from the library?”

Spike turned to look at me, “I thought you were just taking a moment to clear your head? What happened to coming back down to the party?” he asked with a sudden frown.

“It's really important, Spike,” I pleaded as my eyes betrayed my fear.

“Alright, what kind of book do you need?” asked Spike who then heaved a sigh.

In a state of relief I described the kind of book that I needed.

“It's got to be a book on basic magical skills, preferably one for young unicorns learning magic for the first time. Can you get that for me, Spike?”

Spike gave me an odd look before nodding his head and leaving the room to get what I'd asked for.

Alone once more I turned and got back up onto the bed to wait for Spike.

The sun was almost down and I was running out of time, I needed to at least try to work magic.
What would happen if I couldn't? What if Nightmare moon took over?

I was suddenly very afraid as I thought about what would happen.

“Calm down!” I said to myself, isn't this just a dream?

I looked about the room again, it was all so real.
I could smell the warm summer air drifting in through the open window, hear the crickets beginning to sing outside, feel the softness of the blanket underneath me.

None of this was giving off dream vibes at all, I was scared and there might not be anything I could do about it.

I turned my attention back to sounds coming from the party downstairs, it seemed like the welcome party had turned into a before party for the summer sun celebration.

I thought of Derpy and Miss Cheerilee, I wanted to go down there and meet them, to talk with them.

But the importance of the situation had glued me to the spot, all I could do for now was wait for Spike to return with the book.

The door opened quietly as Spike returned, carrying a leather tome in his purple claws.

“I got it,” Spike said as he walked it ever and sat it on the bed beside me.

“this wouldn't have anything to do with that old ponies tale you were obsessing over back in Canterlot, would it?” Spike asked as he jumped up onto the bed and sitting down.

Of course Spike would know about Nightmare moon, though the conversation he spoke of had happened before I arrived.

“Aren't you worried Spike? What if it turns out to be true? What would you do then?”

“But it's not going to happen, Celestia said it herself in the letter she wrote. I believe in Celestia, I thought that you did too.”

“I do, I really do believe in Celestia, but I know that I'm right.”

“Well in any case, I hope you come back down to the party soon.”

I nodded to Spike as her turned and left the room.

Heaving a sigh, I turned to the book and with a bout of hope I concentrated, trying to get the book to open with a levitation spell.

I could feel warmth spread through my horn and knew that it was glowing, I concentrated on the cover.

“Come on... Open...” I murmured.

Slowly the book cover began to glow with a soft pinkish light and began to raise up by an inch.

I gasped with excitement, but had ruined the concentration I had built up, the glow disappeared and the book fell closed once more.

This was going to be way harder than I ever thought, I commented as I wearily threw myself back onto the bed, attempting to catch my breath.

After a few moment's I rolled over onto my stomach and reached out with my hoof and slid it closer and opened it to the first chapter.

All things considered, I had done better than I thought I would.

I'd managed to move something, if not for just a moment.

The first page of the chapter was illustrated with a picture of a young filly who was merrily levitating her toys about as two ponies (supposedly her parents) watched with proud smiles playing on their lips.

I groaned when I started reading and realized that it was mostly explaining fun facts about magical history, it was all very interesting, but I needed it to tell me something useful in learning magic, not the achievements of Star Swirl the bearded.

If I hadn't been in such a hurry I might have stopped to read it, instead I skimmed through the pages, flipping through the book until I finally found a page titled “Useful tips and tricks.”

“Finally,” I muttered with a sigh.

Apparently it was better to practice with the whole object then to focus on a specific spot, something small.

That had been the most useful thing the book had said so far beyond stating the importance of practice every chance it had.

The book went on to give example of something that might be good to practice with.
Something light, like a Teddy Bear or a Doll Filly, but I had none of these things.

I quickly scanned the room for something that might be light enough for the job.

Finally my eyes caught the sight of Spikes basket, which was filled with comics.

A comic was thinner and far lighter compared with the book that I had tried to practice on earlier.

I quickly trotted over to spikes basket and grabbed the first one I saw between my teeth and brought it over to the bed where I sat it down.

I looked to the comic and concentrated, the warmth returned to my horn more quickly than it had the last time and I was pumped and ready for action!

I watched the comic as it began to glow, my brow furrowed with the effort of the task at hoof.

Slowly, but steadily the comic began to rise, one inch, three inch's, and with a final push of effort I made the comic fly up to the ceiling before it came falling back down onto the bed with a quiet slapping noise.

I jumped for joy! Laughing aloud before remembering the ponies downstairs.

I immediately quieted myself, and trotted forward again, ready to try the spell again.

Again and again I tried the spell, over and over the comic flew towards the ceiling before dropping back down, sometimes on the bed and sometimes on the floor.

It didn't matter, I wasn't going to stop until I could levitate it in place for more the a few seconds.

And facing a full night of practice,

I welcomed it in.

Chapter six: Luna of the moon

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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.

Becoming Twilight

by Lucky Stars 0135

Chapter one: waking up

Chapter Two: Apples and Rainbows

Chapter Three: Sweetie Belle and Rarity

Chapter four: Flutter's And Pain

Chapter Five: Practice, Practice, Practice!

Chapter six: Luna of the moon