//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 - Friendship is Magic, Part 1 // Story: Guardian of Legends - Unity // by The Hero of Harmony //------------------------------// Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon. She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both... "...the sun and moon..." The young lavender unicorn read aloud in a storybook she has been reading, with interest. "...and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since. Hmm... Elements of Harmony. I know I've heard of those before... But where?" The young mare asked herself, as she placed her hoof up to her chin and looked up to the sky. The Badlands - Mysterious South A Day before the Summer Solstice The Badlands... A region southeast of Equestria, part of the Mysterious South, where nothing but barren wasteland lies. The nearest form of civilization is northwest, where Appleloosa and Dodge Junction lie. Just east of the Badlands, across the South Celestial Ocean, the Dragon's Lair, home of the dragons, lie. Almost nobody has made a dwelling here, except for a lone house made of stone, just on a small rocky alcove overlooking the main road that stretches across the land. It is home to a lone Earth stallion, who has been living alone in solitude for the past five years. The earth stallion left his home of Canterlot to become stronger, in body and mind, so that he would not fail to save the life of the next pony he would care about. Silver just looked out at the barren landscape he has been in for five years, seeing the sun slowly make its way toward the horizon. He just kept a calm, and stoic, expression as he stared out. "...The Summer Sun Celebration is in two days, yet I can't help but shake the feeling something bad is going to happen." Silver muttered to himself. He has been thinking long and hard about this. He hasn't been anywhere, outside Appleloosa for supplies and making excursions to the Dragon Lands east in his early years of training to spar against the dragons to toughen him, but he has a strong feeling Equestria is in for a surprise in two days. "...It's time to go home..." He said softly as he goes and packs up his saddlebags with supplies for the trip: food, water, maps, the like. He grabs a tattered gray cloak he bought a few years back when the winds were strong to create a dust bowl. The fact its tattered and torn shows how much use it got. It was fastened by a cyan colored gemstone, something he's been researching for use. And lastly, leaning against his nightstand, was his Mythril Sword. He obtained this blade during his visit to the Dragon Lands a couple years back. He knew that while dragons were rather seclusive and didn't want to be in the affairs of ponies or other races, they were rather good in the art of blacksmithing. Some dragons craft very fine pieces of armor and weapons that are of equal, if not slightly better, quality over weapons used by the Royal Guard in Canterlot. The sword was made from a rare metal known as mythril, which is stronger and more durable than steel, yet it is still an easy weapon to handle, even for a pony. He always fancied himself as a swordspony, though using his mouth to strike attacks can be rather... Tiring, which is what the gemstone that acts as his fastener is for. Silver is not just a hardened Earth pony, but he is also an avid reader and studied during his childhood as he was home-schooled by his mother, when she was off from her job as one of Canterlot's finest jewelers and was able to spend time with her son. Living in Canterlot, the only place of education was Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, which he wouldn't been able to enroll at due to being an earth pony. However, Silver is special in a way, as while he was born as an Earth pony, deep inside him lays unicorn magic, dormant, waiting to be used. But because he has no horn, he isn't able to tap into it and thus had to rely on his earth pony magic to get around. He has been trying to find a way to use a crystal or gemstone as a conduit, in order to tap into his unicorn magic, however even after all this time, he hasn't been making much head way. The only way he could get more knowledge into this matter was to return to Canterlot, and seek help there. Besides, he knew he owed his mother a long overdue visit. He checks his blade, seeing that is nice and polished. Rarely he had to use it, but considering where he was, it was better to have added protection from any creatures that would find him as pray. Once he learned how to tap into his unicorn magic, he'd have an easier time wielding the simple one-handed weapon. He proceeds to sheath it into its scabbard, which was red leather surrounded by gold with a small symbol that was his cutie mark in the center of it. He trots to the door as he looks back at his small abode he took shelter in for these past few years, and knew in time he would return here, but not long term. As far as he was concerned now, this was more or less a safehouse, as his real home was, and always been, Canterlot. He smiled softly as he goes out the front door and closes it behind him, as his journey back to society began, as he made his way to Dodge Junction to catch the train to his first destination: Ponyville. Canterlot A Day Before the Summer Solstice The young unicorn mare was trotting back to the ivory tower, a place located at Canterlot Castle where she has been residing since becoming Princess Celestia's student. The back of her mind was still on the storybook she read earlier, mostly the Elements of Harmony is what is been stewing in her mind. As she continued down the road, she was snapped out of her thought when two familiar unicorn mares approached her, One of which called out to her, surprising her. "There you are Twilight!" The light goldish gray unicorn, known as Twinkleshine, yelled out, smiling brightly. "Moon Dancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come?" She asks, as both her and Lemon Hearts lean in awaiting for their friend's answer. Twilight simply frowns. "Oh, sorry, girls... I've got a lot of studying to catch up on." Twilight replied, giving a large, sheepish grin, before galloping off, leaving the two mares behind, watching her go. Twinkleshine just sighs and frowns, before looking at Lemon Hearts, "Does that pony do anything except study? I think she's more interested in books than friends." Lemon Hearts just gave an assuring smile, "Don't worry Twinkleshine. You know how Twilight was back in magic kindergarten... Well both her and Moon Dancer. I'm sure Moon will understand if she asks why Twilight didn't come..." Twinkleshine thinks and shrugs, "Well, I suppose. But still, I don't get why she wants to study when the Summer Sun Celebration is coming up and we all get some time off from studies." "It's okay. She'll come around, now let's go meet up with Minuette and head to the party.~" Lemon said in a sing-song voice. Twinkleshine nods as they begin their way to find their other friend, Minuette, whom waved at Twilight just as she gallops past her, not paying attention, only focusing getting back to her tower. "I know I've heard of the Elements of Harmony..." Twilight uttered to herself. Eventually, she reaches the castle, and begins her way up the stairs of the ivory tower. Inside, a small purple dragon, was preparing to leave the tower, with a small present, along with a teddy bear. Just as he was about to reach the doors, they suddenly slam open, sending the small dragon flying back. "Ow!" The baby dragon yelled, landing on the present he just had in his claws. Twilight sees him there and then asks him to come up to find an old copy of a book known as Predictions and Prophecies, all the while protesting that they were on a break from studies and should head to Moon Dancer's party instead. Eventually, they did find the book Twilight as searching for, and began to search for information on the Elements of Harmony, before being directed to the topic on the Mare in the Moon. "Mare in the Moon? Come on Twilight, that's just an old ponies' tale." Spike said with a confused expression. Regardless, Twilight searched for the page on the Mare in the Moon, learning that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid her escape and return to bring about eternal night, much to her shock. She then requests to Spike to take a letter to Princess Celestia, warning her about Nightmare Moon's return on the day after tomorrow, which was the day of the Summer Sun Celebration. Spike sends the letter, doubting Twilight that because she was busy preparing for the Celebration, she wouldn't reply right away. Confident that Celestia trusts her 100%, Twilight simply waits for a response, which sure enough comes as Spike belches out green flames that turn into a scroll. Spike opens the scroll and began reading it. "My dearest, most faithful student Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely. " Spike read aloud, with Twilight smiling brightly as she nods in agreement. Spike then read the other half, which simply made her gasp, "...but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!" Twilight couldn't believe her ears. Princess Celestia just told her to get her head out of her books? Why would she write that to her. Her dearest student? "Oh come on Twilight, you know the Princess still trusts you. But, all you've been doing is nothing but studying and haven't really spent anytime with your friends..." Spike said, patting her hoof, trying to give a comforting smile. "Oh but Spike, with the eventual return of Nightmare Moon on the horizon, we can't afford to lose anytime! If she was taking me seriously, she would've told me how we should prepare for her arrival! She will bring about eternal night, and my mentor tells me to just get my head out of the books!" Twilight said in an overacting tone. Spike simply sighed, as he looked at the letter. "Oh wait, there was more." He added as he continued. "Please do not think of me ignoring your plight, my dearest student. I trust and believe what you claim, but for now, it is best to try to keep a positive mindset and not worry. Which is why I have a task for you. In about five minutes, a chariot will arrive in front of your tower and take you to where you and Spike need to go. You shall receive the instructions to your task shortly. For now, await for the chariot outside." He finished reading. "A task? What could she want us to do that is more important than the return of the mare that nearly took over Equestria a century ago?" Twilight asked in a confused manner. "Just breath, Twi. Let's just go outside, and wait for the chariot she is sending." Spike said as he began walking downstairs, heading outside. Twilight just frowned, and wondered if the Princess was right. She sighs as she follows Spike outside. Outside Canterlot The chariot, being pulled by two Royal Guards, carry Twilight and Spike away from Canterlot. They just received the instructions from Celestia, as well as reminding Twilight that there is more to life than just studying, thus sending her and her assistant to oversee the preparations of the Summer Sun Celebration being held in a town located just south of Canterlot known as Ponyville. She also tells Twilight in the letter to not just oversee the preparations, but to try to make some friends. Twilight, having Nightmare Moon's return still fresh in her mind, just grunted at the prospect of trying to make friends, seeing it as unnecessary when she needs to learn more about the Elements of Harmony and figure out how to prevent the Mare in the Moon's take over of Equestria. Dodge Junction - South Equestria At the same time as she and Spike arrive in Ponyville, twenty-five miles southeast the Friendship Express has just pulled out of Dodge Junction, with Silver Guardian sitting quietly by himself on board. It was already after 3:30 in the afternoon by the time he arrived in Dodge Junction, and he was exhausted. He was happy to finally sit and rest after the long trek from the Badlands, though learned it would be after dusk by the time he got to Ponyville. He had his hood up, and his Mythril Sword resting beside him on his seat. He knew there wouldn't be any trouble on the ride so he just relaxed while the train made it's way to his destination. After tonight, however, his life, as well as Twilight Sparkle's life, will change forever. Ponyville - Equestria Twilight's time in Ponyville has been eventful, so much to her disdain. Ever since she arrived, she just wanted to check to see if the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration were all taken care of, but in the unicorn's mind: this town is pretty crazy. First, the moment she and Spike arrived, the first pony they meet is a rather hyper pink Earth pony named Pinkie Pie. When Spike suggested that the ponies in town have interesting things to talk about, as a means to get her to talk to another pony and try to make friends, and upon the mare saying 'hello', the pink mare just leaped in the air, gasp loudly as if she just realized she left the oven on, and just darted off in a blur, leaving a rather disappointed Twilight and confused Spike behind. She then visited Sweet Apple Acres, where she was to meet the pony in charge of the banquet preparations: an orange Earth mare named Applejack, who welcomed Twilight with open hooves. Or rather, shaking the poor mare's arm so much she was going to shake her arm off her socket. She introduces Twilight to the Apple Family, all here for the Celebration and to help with the food. They all offered Twilight samples of their delicious apple-related delights, and while they tasted amazing, Twilight only wanted to leave and move onto the other tasks so she could get to the library to study up on Nightmare Moon some more, however was forced to stay for brunch when Applejack's younger sister, Apple Bloom, gave her the puppy dog stare. Next, after being full from so much pie, Twilight and Spike met a cyan colored pegasus mare named Rainbow Dash, who true to her name, had a rainbow colored mane and tail. She was in charge of clearing the clouds out of the sky around Ponyville, and after commenting how poor of a job Rainbow Dash did clearing them up, the fastest flyer in Equestria blew the unicorn's mind when she was able to clear all the clouds around town in ten seconds flat. Quite literally. Amused by her reaction, Rainbow Dash flew off to go practice more tricks so that one day, she could join the Wonderbolts, and hoped that she and Twilight would hang out more. Next, they meet the one in charge of decorations at Town Hall. A gorgeous, white unicorn mare named Rarity, whom Spike immediately falls smitten for. Upon seeing Twilight's mane a mess after her encounter with Rainbow Dash, the fashionista wished to fix her mane up, as well as have her model some dresses at the Carousal Boutique, Rarity's clothing shop. She nearly freaks out when she learns Twilight is from Canterlot, and while Rarity was distracted, she and Spike, much to his disappointment, sneak out of there before she tried to color Twilight's mane. Lastly, the two met the pony in charge of music. A butter colored pegasus mare named Fluttershy, who was try to have a group of different birds rehearse for the Celebration, before Twilight and Spike arrived. True to her name, she was shy and quiet when Twilight tried to talk to her, and before she and Spike could leave feeling that all was good here, the quiet mare immediately ran over, knocking Twilight out of the way to see Spike, never once thinking she'd meet a baby dragon, much to Spike's delight. He then begins telling the mare his life story, and before he can talk about what he did that day, Twilight tried to get out of it by saying Spike needed to get to bed since he was tired, which Fluttershy bought easily. With that, the two ran off, and much of daylight was gone because of Spike telling his life story. By the time they were done and made it to the library, it was already dark out. Twilight finally wanting to get some time to herself to research more on Nightmare Moon without a lot of crazy ponies trying to bother her, but that all falls flat on her face, when the lights come on, and a large group of ponies surprise Twilight and Spike with a surprise party, with Pinkie Pie the one behind it, much to Twilight's annoyance. Twilight simply went to her new room, wanting to be alone, while everyone in the library partied the night away, leaving Twilight frustrated and upset that all of her time was wasted and couldn't even begin her research into the Elements of Harmony Spike tells her that everyone has to be awake all night so they do not miss Princess Celestia raising the sun, and that she just needs to lighten up. All the while this goes on, the Friendship Express finally makes its stop in Ponyville. Several ponies get off, eager to watch the sun rise for the Celebration. The last to get off was the stallion from the Badlands, Silver. He looks around, noticing how quaint Ponyville looks. Silver just went along with the other ponies, as he looks up at the moon. He realized something was off, and not the fact that there was the image of a mare on it. He read about the myth of the Mare of the Moon when he was colt, and often passing it off as just a legend, like everyone else. However, he noticed how four bright stars began to slowly move toward the moon. He raised a brow, as the image of the mare on the moon, disappeared. "..." He just remained silent and blinks, before hasting his pace to the Town Hall. He was sure that wasn't supposed to happen. Inside, everyone awaited for Celestia to appear, but upon the curtains opening, everyone were just in shock when she wasn't there. "This can't be good..." Twilight said to herself, with worry in her face. "Everypony, please remain calm! I am sure there is a reasonable explanation for this!" The Ponyville mayor, Mayor Mare, said, trying to get everyone in the hall to calm down. Pinkie just grinned brightly, "Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games! Is she hiding?" Rarity checked behind the curtain that was further behind where Celestia was suppose to be, but yelled in a panicked tone. "She's gone!" Everyone in the room gasped and were now worried. Pinkie on the other hand. "Ooh, she's good..." But then a flash startles everyone in the room, as a large, black alicorn, donning baby blue armor, with a flowing purple mane and tail that shimmered with stars, and cat-like eyes appeared in the balcony. Now everyone was in a panic. Twilight's eyes widened, her with a look of fear. Outside, Silver was peaking through a window, and witnessed the same thing. He couldn't believe he was seeing this. At that moment, both him and Twilight uttered the same phrase quietly. "Oh no... It's Nightmare Moon..." Nightmare Moon simply chuckled maliciously, grinning wickedly as she looks down at everyone, "Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces..." Rainbow Dash immediately tried to fly at her, but Applejack grabbed Rainbow by the tail with her mouth. "What did you do to our Princess?!" Rainbow demanded. "Woah there, Nelly!" Applejack muffled. Nightmare Moon sees these and just cackles, "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?" She frowned as she stomped her hoof down. Pinkie just started spouting out random names, thinking this was a guessing game still. "Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty--" Pinkie was cut off by Applejack, shoving her hoof with a cupcake on it, into the pink mare's mouth. Nightmare Moon, on the other hand, was not amused. She looks at Rarity, who just stared at her in fear as her wispy mane blankets itself around the smaller mare, "Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?" "I did." Twilight spoken up, catching everyone's attention. Silver, looked as well upon hearing her voice. "Wait a minute... Isn't that...?" Silver asked himself. "And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!" Twilight finished, leaving all the ponies inside gasping. What they thought was an old ponies' tale, was real. Nightmare Moon lets Rarity go, and simply looks at Twilight, grinning. "Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here, hmm?." She replied. "You're here to... to..." Twilight just gulped, unable to finish her sentence. The dark colored alicorn simply chuckles, as she turns her attention to the crowd. "Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon cackles and laughs hard, as thunder around her claps loudly. Twilight could only stare at her in fear, along with everyone else. Silver, though, just looked at Nightmare Moon with glared at her. He mutters to himself, "...Not if I have a say in it." He then backs away from the window, and away from the Town Hall. He needed to come up with a plan. This was going to be a long night for everyone...