//------------------------------//
// S:01 E:01 - Friendship is Magic: Part 1 
// Story: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic - Silver's Adventure 
// by JS2002 
//------------------------------//

It was a beautiful day in Equestria. A pale, light grayish mulberry unicorn was laying on her stomach on the grass, near a crystal clear lake in the Canterlot Castle gardens, while she reading a book. She has moderate violet eyes and a dark sapphire blue mane with moderate purple and brilliant raspberry streaks. Her cutie mark is a sparkling purple star surrounded by five tiny white stars. Her name is Twilight Sparkle, and she is one of Princess Celestia's students.

"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 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 and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since." The mare read aloud, with interest. 

"Hmm... Elements of Harmony. I know I've heard of those before... But where?" Twilight asked herself, as she placed her hoof up to her chin and looked up to the sky.





Meanwhile, a grey unicorn stallion was sitting in the grass while doing his daily meditation, while a green aura surrounded him. With his hind legs crossed, his front hooves extended, and his eyes shut, he takes a deep breath so he could focus. He has a dark grayish phthalo blue mane with white highlights, while has a cutie mark a dark blue shield with a big white star. This unicorn's name is Silver, and like Twilight, he's also Princess Celestia's student.

Three days ago, the Princess had asked Silver to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville. At that, Silver decided to ask her if it was possible to move and continue his studies there. He said that he had the thought of leaving Canterlot for a long time now and that Ponyville is a great town to start a new life and to make some new friends there.

Princess Celestia smiles proudly at her student and said she will do whatever she can. The next day, she said that Mayor mare, the mayor of Ponyville, allows him to use the library to work as a librarian and as his new home. Silver was so happy about that and told the news to his old classmates, his big brother, Soarin, in Cloudsdale, and Twilight and her number one assistant, Spike. The last two were not only happy about their friend but also sad that Silver is leaving Canterlot.

Silver was also sad about leaving them, especially Twilight. The grey unicorn has a crush on her ever since he first meets her, but was afraid to tell her his real feelings for her. Silver shakes his head to get those thoughts out and return his focus on his meditation before he hears...

"Silver!"

A familiar voice makes Silver's moderate emerald green eyes instantly snapped open, making the green aura around him disappear.

Silver groaned, as he slowly turned his head to see none other than the mare of his dreams, Twilight Sparkle, standing next to him.

“Oh, come on, Twi,” Silver groaned. “How many times had told you not to do that while I'm doing my meditation, or then I am in the middle of a spell?”

“Sorry Silver, but I have got something big to work on and I need your help,” Twilight said, urgently.

“… Now?”

“Now.”

The stallion saw the look on her face, he sighs before he nodding his head. With that, Silver began to follow her, with only one thing in his mind. 'I wonder what in Celestia's name she wands this time. Then there's something in her head, nothing stopping her from doing it.'

As they stroll down the path, they soon found themselves blocked by three of their old classmates: Minuette, Lemon Heart, and Twinkleshine.

“There you are, Twilight!” Twinkleshine said. “Moon Dancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come?”

Silver rolled his eyes as he knows how it's going to end. Twilight, as always, is going to refuse so she could return to her studies. The only pony she spent her time with is him. Her only 'friend'.

“Oh sorry, girls,” Twilight replied gently. “I’ve got a lot of studying to catch on." With that, she dashed away.

The grey unicorn sighs as he uses his magic to summon a grey box with a dark blue ribbon. He gives it to Minuette before he said. "This is Moon Dancer's present. Please tell her that I sorry again for not being at her party."

The girls just stood there as Silver dashed after his crush, easily catching up with her. The three friends just looked indignant as they watched both unicorns disappear.

“Does that pony do anything except study?” Twinkleshine remarked, with a sigh. “I think she’s more interested in books than friends.”

“How does Silver put up with her?” Lemon Heart added. The two other unicorns just shrug silently.





Twilight busily dashed about the grounds at high speed, with Silver following right behind her. They just crossed a bridge when Lyra Heartstrings waved to Twilight, but the latter zipped by without noticing. Silver on the other hoove he stops and waved to Lyra and her friend before he starts running again. In no time, he was right beside her.

“I know I’ve heard the Elements of Harmony,” She said aloud. Silver eyes slammed open in shock from what she said.

' Did she just said the Elements of Harmony?!' he thought as they continue to run back towards a tall, golden tower representing both her home and her research lab. The princess had told him what happened between her and her little sister, Princess Luna. She told him to not tell anypony about this. Exeptialy Twilight. 'I have a bad feeling about this.'

As they arrived at the entrance, Twilight didn't notice that a familiar tiny little dragon was making his way out of the tower with a package in his claws. She bashed him out of the way the instant she opened the front door.

“Ow!” Spike groaned.

Silver had rushed past Twilight and noticed Spike rubbing his head from the pain. He has Moderate pistachio eyes, moderate harlequin spikes, light mulberry scales with a light spring budish gray underbelly, and light lime green ear fronds. Storm helped him to his feet.

“You alright, little buddy?” Silver asked, concerned.

“Yeah, I’m good,” Spike answered.

“Spike! Spi-ike!” Twilight called. “Spike?”

She climbed up the steps to the research department of her home, not realizing she almost ran over her number one assistant, who only groaned in response.

“Down here! Thanks for asking!” Silver called out, in frustration.

“There you are!” Twilight called out. “Quick, find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies.”

It was then Twilight eventually noticed, while Silver and Spike climbed the stairs, with the abashed package stuck on the end of Spike’s tail.

“What’s that for?” She asked.

“It was a gift for Moon Dancer, but…” Spike yelped as the gift was set aside.

“Oh Spike, you know we don’t have time for that sort of thing,” Twilight frowned.

“And when exactly do we ever have time for anything?” Silver asked. “You’ve been cooped up in this library for the last two weeks! You work too much, Twilight!"

“Exactly, we’re on a break after all!” Spike added.

Twilight just ignored the two, as she used her magic, a pale, light grayish orchid aura, summoning several books before her, quickly looking them over one by one.

“No, no, no… No, no, no!” Twilight grunted in frustration, seeing none of these titles showed the information she needed. Silver rolled his eyes, sighing while shaking his head.

“Spike!”

Spike just sighed, as he effortlessly heads toward another tall ladder, scanning another bookshelf before grabbing the book with ease.

“It’s over here!” Spike called out, the book in his arms. Then the book and the dragon were pulled towards Twilight. Silver noticed Spike quickly plummeting towards the floor and rushed forward catching Spike on his back before he hit the floor.

“Ah! Elements, Elements…” Twilight said aloud, searching the pages.

“Don't you even care that Spike almost face-planted on the ground?” Silver asked, in disbelief.

Once again, Twilight refused to acknowledge his question. She skimmed over the contents of the book, in deep concentration.

“E… E… E… Aha! Elements of Harmony, see: Mare in the Moon?”

Spike and Silver just sighed. Not only was their day-off ruined, now they were left cleaning up Twilight’s mess… Again. This wasn’t the first time she left the two boys on cleaning duty, specifically putting the books back in their proper place. The glares on their faces showed just how annoyed they were about it.

“Mare in the Moon?” Spike pondered. "But that's just an old ponies' tale."

'Not exactly, Spike. This old ponies' tale is very real.' Silver thought to himself.

“Mare… Mare… Aha!” Twilight exclaimed, finding what she was looking for.

“The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal!”

“Spike! Silver! Do you know what this means?” Twilight asked.

Of course, Spike was fighting not to lose balance on Silver’s back as the two tried to balance themselves on a dangerously wobbling ladder. The grey unicorn tried to keep the ladder steady, but the number of books and Spike’s wobbling made the task very difficult.

“No… Whoa! OW!” Spike tumbled once more, but this time Twilight caught him with ease. Silver just looked from atop the ladder, relieved that Spike was alright but turned towards Twilight rather glumly.

"That she's definitely not going to Moon Dancer's party." Silver said to himself.

“Take a note please, to the Princess,” Twilight asked Spike.

“Okie Dokie!” Spike said. He grabbed a quill and some paper, hopping off Twilight’s back, and got ready to write.

“My dearest teacher,” Twilight began, pacing about the room. “My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster!”

“Hold on,” Spike interrupts. While Spike was a fast writer, sometimes Twilight tended to use words far too… Complex for his caliber. “Preci… Preci…”

“P-R-E-C-I-P-I-C-E.” Silver spelled for him.

“Thank you. Please continue.” Spike said.

“For you see, the mythical ‘Mare in the Moon’ is in fact ‘Nightmare Moon’, and she’s about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night! Something must be done to make sure that this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student Twilight Sparkle.” she said.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Spike replied slowly. “Got it!”

“Great! Send it!” Twilight replied excitedly.

“Now?”

“Of course!”

Spike was about to send it when he realized something important.

“Uh, I dunno, Twilight,” Spike replied, holding the letter. “Princess Celestia’s a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. And it’s like, the day after tomorrow.”

“That’s just it, Spike,” Twilight pointed out, in his face. “The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration! It’s imperative that the Princess is told right away!”

“Impera… Impera…”

“Important!” Twilight bellowed.

“Whoa!” Spike exclaimed.

The little dragon tumbled backward toward a bookshelf. Luckily, Silver caught the little guy in a magic bubble before the impact. Spike sighed in relief, turning toward Silver.

“Thanks, man.”

Silver smiled with a nod, before turning back to Twilight and regained his frown.

“You need to take it easy, Twilight,” Silver suggests. “Let’s just calm down, think this over for a sec…”

“NOW!”

“Okay, okay!” Spike retorted.

Taking a deep breath, Spike blew a green flame over the letter as it magically disappeared into the sky.

“There, it’s on its way. But I wouldn’t hold your breath…”

“Oh, I’m not worried, Spike,” Twilight replied, confidently. “The Princess trusts me completely. In all my years she’s been my… Er, Silver and I’s… mentor, she’s never once doubted me.”

“You know Twi, there’s more to life than studying all the-” Silver started talking before...

"BELCH!" Spike let out a loud belch and another letter magically appeared before them.

“See?” Twilight replied with a smile. “I knew she would want to take immediate action.”

“I knew she would take immediate action,” Silver mocked, silently. “Ooh boy…”

While the two ponies bickered behind each other’s flanks, Spike opens the letter and cleared his throat.

“My dearest, most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle,” Spike read, mimicking a regal tone. “You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely…”

“Mm-hm!” Twilight nodded smugly, as Silver rolled his eyes beside her.

“… but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!” Spike finished.

Twilight gasped, as Silver chuckled to himself.

"Called it." He said.





Soon enough, the two ponies and Spike were on a flying chariot pulled by two strong royal Pegasus pony guards. The two guards were assigned to carry them towards their mission above the clouds. Silver enjoyed the ride, while Twilight kept pouting while leaning over the edge of the chariot. Along the way, Spike continued to read the letter Celestia sent.

“My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony’s life than studying, so I’m sending you to help Silver to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year’s location: Ponyville. And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete... Make some friends!” Twilight sighed to herself, not looking forward to the mission at all. Specifically, the second half.

“Look on the bright side, Twi." Silver spoke to Twilight. "The Princess arranged for you to stay with me in the library. Doesn’t that make you happy?”

“Yes, yes it does,” Twilight said, now smiling. “You know why? Because I’m right! I’ll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find some proof of Nightmare Moon’s return.”

“Then… When will you make friends, like the Princess said?” Spike asked.

“She said to check on the preparations,” Twilight retorted. “I’m her student, and I’ll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends.”

As they talked, the chariot descended into what appears to be an open street right in the middle of the town of Ponyville.

“Yeah? Well, I’m her student too you know!” Silver argued. “Least I’m willing to put down the books and make an effort at friendship!"

Silver didn’t argue any further when he heard the two royal guards give a horse-like whinny.

“Thank you, sirs,” Twilight replied.

The two stallions huffed in appreciation, as the two ponies and little dragon scanned about the town. Just then, a particularly pink pony with cotton candy style mane and tail, with balloons for a cutie mark on her flanks, approached them.

“Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about,” Spike suggested. “Come on, Twilight, just try!”

Twilight noticed the pink pony standing in front of her, trying her best to smile.

“Um… Hello?” She said, slowly.

"GASP!" The pink pony gasped in utter surprise, before zipping away at top speed. If Twilight hadn’t ducked, she’d have collided with her head and took her clean off.

“Well, that was interesting all right,” Twilight said, unamused.

"And random too." Silver added.





Eventually, the motley little group walked through an entire crop of Apple trees before eventually winding up on a large farm. Spike proceeds to take out the long checklist and began reading it off.

“Summer Sun Celebration official overseer’s checklist,” Spike read aloud. “Number One – Banquet Preparations: Sweet Apple Acres.”

“YEEHAW!”

The group turns to notice an orange pony, with a blonde mane and tail tied into ponytails. She also had a brown Stetson hat on her head and a cutie mark of three apples on her flanks. The pony proceeds to knock apples from a tree, by bucking the tree with her hind legs with incredible strength.

“Whoa!” Silver exclaimed, clearly impressed

“Let’s get this over with,” Twilight sighed.

They made their way towards the orange pony, who was admiring her work, all the apples she bucked neatly stacked in barrels.

“Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle—”

Just then, Twilight was caught off-guard as the orange pony began to roughly shake her hoof.

“Well, howdy-doo, Miss Twilight,” The orange pony greets, with a thick country accent. “A pleasure makin’ your acquaintance. I’m Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin’ new friends!”

“Pleased to meet you, Applejack,” Silver added, trying to introduce himself. “The name’s Silver.”

“Friends?” Twilight replied. “Actually, I… Er… We…”

“So, what can I do you two for?” Applejack asked.

Poor Twilight’s hoof still shook about, so Silver had to grab it with his magic to make her stop. Spike just snickered until Twilight glared at him, before clearing her throat.

“Well, we are in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration,” Twilight explained.

“And, from what we understand, you’re in charge of the food?” Silver finished.

“We sure as sugar are!” Applejack said, proudly. “Would you care to sample some?”

“Well, I am a little hungry,” Silver smiled.

“As long as it doesn’t take too long,” Twilight added.

Silver turned to Twilight, glaring at her. But before either could say anything, they heard a triangle ring.

“Soup’s on, every pony!” Applejack called out.

“Soup?” Silver asked.

Suddenly, they heard a loud thumping as Silver, Twilight, and Spike were whisked away by a huge mass of ponies and brought before a round table with a green checked colored cloth. All three felt rather frazzled, until Applejack sat nearby.

“Now, why don’t I introduce y’all to the Apple Family?” Applejack proposed.

“Thanks, but we really need to hurry—” Twilight began.

“This here is Apple Fritter—” Applejack began

She proceeds to introduce each family member, who each brought an apple treat to the table.

“—Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicous, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp..."

Applejack took a deep breath to regain some air.

“… Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith.”

On the last name, the trio turns to an elderly pony sleeping on a rocking chair. She had a light gray mane and a light lime green coat. She wore an orange scarf with white lacing around the edges with red apples for the design. On her flank is a cutie mark resembling a pie. This was Granny Smith, who unbeknownst to Twilight and her two companions is the patriarch of the Apple Family… And more.

“Up’n’attem, Granny Smith, we got guests!” Applejack called out.

The elderly pony woke from her slumber with a loud snort.

“Wha…? Soup’s on?” She retorted. “I’m up, and here I come, ah’m comin’…”

As Granny Smith slowly joins the family, her ankles cracking with each step, Applejack turns over to the family as they surround the three newcomers. It was then Silver noticed a green apple shoved into Twilight’s mouth, making him chuckle a bit.

“Why, I’d say you’re already part of the family,” Applejack declared.

Silver and Spike both smiled widely and happily, even began to speak to several of the Apple Family. Twilight, meanwhile, spat the now chewed apple from her mouth and gave a nervous laugh.

“Okay, well,” She replied slowly. “I can see the food situation has been handled. So, we’ll be on our way…”

Twilight had just turned to leave when a small yellow filly with a red mane and big pink bow walk shyly up to her. Silver remembered her name being Apple Bloom.

“Aren’t you gonna say for brunch?” Apple Bloom asked quietly.

She gave Twilight and Silver the cutest little puppy dog eyes any pony had ever seen.

“Aw… How can we say no to that face?” Silver smirked.

In all honesty, he wasn’t in a big hurry to leave. But Twilight, on the other hoof…

“Sorry,” Twilight said, trying to minimize the damage. “But we have an awful lot to do…”

Every pony gave a long, disappointed sigh, until Silver stepped up and took the lead.

“Now hold up, every pony,” Silver spoke up. “Pay no mind to what she said. Why we’d be honored to share brunch with you all, as a gesture of friendship.”

The last word he growled quietly towards Twilight, as he shot her a glare. She glared back, as the two ended up in a standoff for the next few seconds. They kept their gaze locked, waiting for one of them to crack, until Twilight finally blinked and looked away with a huff.

“… Fine,” Twilight conceded.

Silver smirked in victory, while the Apple family cheered and invited their guests to the table to eat.





A couple of hours passed before Twilight and the boys finally left. Suffice to say, Spike and Silver felt very satisfied.

“Food’s all taken care of,” Spike said. “Next is the weather.”

“I say all the food was awesome,” Silver replied, happily. “If I didn’t love apples before, I’m starting to now! What do you say, Twi?”

Twilight, needless to say, lagged behind the both of them and moaned. Her stomach bulged greatly.

“Ugh…” Twilight groaned. “I ate too much pie…”

“Told you so,” Silver pointed out. “Sampling means taking ‘small’ amounts of everything. Not devouring everything shoved at you. But did you listen? No! Still, you always had the appetite of a horse.”

Twilight just grunted angrily, while Silver smirked for teasing her, as they kept moving. While they bickered, Spike examined a few clouds hanging over the sky.

“Hmm… There’s supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds,” Spike pondered.

“Well, she’s not doing a very good job, is she?” Twilight pointed out.

Suddenly, a blue Pegasus pony with a rainbow mane and tail came crashing down on Twilight. It should also be noted there was a cloud shooting a rainbow-colored lightning bolt cutie mark along her flanks. The initial impact sent Twilight flying into a giant patch of mud. She moaned angrily, coated badly in mud. The blue pony just laughed sheepishly.

“Uh… ‘scuse me?” She replied.

As the Pegasus hovered about, Twilight just gave a death glare while she just laughed.

“Lemme help you,” The blue pony offered.

She grabs a nearby rain cloud and made it downpour with her hooves hopping on the cloud. The rainwater soaked the unicorn, while the blue pony, from above the cloud, laughed sheepishly once more.

“Oops, I guess I overdid it,” She remarked.

“Oh, you don’t say,” Twilight retorted.

“Um, uh, how about this? My very own patented Rain-Bow Dry!”

She created a large wind tunnel around the mare unicorns, drying her off quickly.

“No, no. Don’t thank me,” The blue pony replied, before facing Twilight. “You’re quite welcome.”

It was then the Pegasus saw that her trick worked a little too well. While Twilight was dry, her mane and tail were now frizzy and poofy. The sight was too much, and both the Pegasus and Spike burst out laughing, falling onto their backs, while Silver trying himself to not do the same. Twilight just stood and glared.

“Let me guess,” Twilight retorted. “You’re Rainbow Dash.”

The Pegasus, hearing her name, stopped laughing and quickly got up, knocking Spike aside.

“The one and only. Why, you’ve heard of me?”

“I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear,” Twilight remarked with a sigh. “I’m Twilight Sparkle and this here is Silver, and the Princess sent us to check on the weather.”

Suffice to say, Rainbow Dash had made herself comfortable on a cloud above them. She didn’t seem the least bit motivated to actually do the job.

“Yeah, yeah, that’ll be a snap,” Rainbow waved off. “I’ll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I’m done practicing.”

“Practice for what?” Silver asked.

“The Wonderbolts!” Rainbow Dash said, excitedly.

She motions toward a nearby poster showing what appears to be a bunch of Pegasus ponies dressed in flight suits, which feature a shade of gold and aquamarine along with a ‘winged bolt’ logo.

“They’re gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I’m gonna show ‘em my stuff!”

"Good luck with that," said Silver. After all, his brother is a member of the team. And it wasn't easy for him.

“The… Wonderbolts?” Twilight asked, with a smirk.

“Yep!”

“The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?”

“That’s them!”

“Pfft! Please! They’d never accept a Pegasus who can’t even keep the sky clear for one measly day.”

When the unicorn started talking, Rainbow Dash was very cross over her choice of words.

“Hey, I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat!” Rainbow retorted.

“Prove it!” Twilight challenged.

'This is going to be interesting.' Silver thought.

Rainbow zoomed high into the sky, bucking off the remaining clouds in a rapid session. Silver was impressed. Twilight was agape as Rainbow returned with a whoosh.

“Loop-de-loop around, and wham!” Rainbow Dash said, finishing up. “What’d I say? Ten… Seconds… Flat. I’d never leave Ponyville hanging.”

Twilight, Silver, and Spike stared with their jaws dropped. She began to laugh at their initial shock as she flew around them.

“You should see the looks on your faces,” Rainbow laughed. “Ha! You’re a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. You too Silver! I can’t wait to hang out some more.”

"Cool!" said Silver once he shook off his shock as Rainbow Dash zoomed away. 'She will have a bright future if she joined the Wonderbolts.'

“Wow, she’s amazing!” Spike said, with a laugh.

“… Yeah, you’re right,” Silver admitted.

It was then Silver turned and noticed Spike playing with Twilight’s still puffy mane. Twilight growled at the fact her mane was still a mess when she felt two eyes watching her. With a roll of her eyes, she turns to Silver.

“What?!”

“You know Twi,” Silver said. “I always find frizzy manes beautiful.”

Twilight sent a heated glare towards her friend, before walking off. Silver, on the other hoof, just smiled.

“I meant what I said,” He replied, softly.





Their next leg of the trip leads the trio into a large building with a round dome. It was apparently supposed to be where the main ceremony would take place later tonight.

“Decorations,” Spike said, in awe. “Beautiful…”

“Yes, the décor is coming along nicely,” Twilight nodded. “This ought'a be quick. I’ll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed.”

“Not the décor,” Spike said, clearly dazed. “Her!”

Silver and Twilight turn ahead and before their eyes was a marshmallow-coated unicorn, with a beautiful curled dark purple mane and tail. Along her flank appear to be three blue gemstones on each side. She was apparently deep in thought, shuffling through some ribbons with her magic.

“No, no, no, oh!” She exclaimed. “Goodness no.”

“How are my spines?” Spike asked, worried. “Are they straight?”

“You’re fine, little buddy,” Silver said, patting the dragon’s back.

Twilight just rolled her eyes, before stepping forward.

“Good afternoon—” Twilight tried to address.

However, the other unicorn seemed far too focused to acknowledge the newcomer.

“Just a moment, please!” The Unicorn replied, continuing her work. “I’m in the zone, as it were. Oh yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help up-AAAH! Oh, my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!”

Twilight looked puzzled until she looked up. Silver's eyes had already looked at her mane when Rarity said that. He had studied French.

“Oh, you mean my mane?” Twilight clarified. “Well, it’s a long story. I’m just here to check on the decorations, and then I’ll be out of your hair!”

“Out of my hair?” Rarity exclaimed. “What about your hair?”

Rarity began pushing Twilight out of the building from the flank.

“Wait! Where are we going?!” Twilight called out. “Help!”

Silver just casually walked beside her, while Spike was too mesmerized to be of any help.

“I think she’s taking us to that building there,” Silver pointed out. “Is that a boutique?”

“That would be right dear,” Rarity replied. “My humble abode, I own and operate the place myself.”

It was then Rarity realized something as she pushed Twilight along.

“Oh dear, I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch your name.”

“Silver’s the name, Miss Rarity,” Silver said.

“Well, it’s lovely to meet you,” Rarity smiled. “Ah, here we are!”

It wasn’t long before Twilight stood in the center of what was indeed a clothing boutique Silver had visited plenty of boutiques in Canterlot when the other girls would drag him along for one of their shopping weekends. And of course, being the only guy in the group, he was the one who carried all the bags. He sometimes wishes he had more male friends back in Canterlot. Also, something about this particular boutique carried a certain charm, as Silver looked around. All the while, Rarity shuffled through various outfits for Twilight.

“No, no, uh-uh,” Rarity said to herself. “Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too… Shiny…”

“Considering how bright the sun is, what good’s a dress if it blinds every pony who looks at you?” Silver said.

“Silver!” Twilight sneered.

“What? I’m just saying!” Silver replied, innocently. “You hang out with Lemon Heart as I do; you learn a thing or two about fine couture.”

Just then, Twilight was garbed in some form of cyan-colored dress with a large emerald up front, as Rarity proceeds to tie the back straps, roughly pulling them against Twilight’s chest.

“Now go on, my dears,” She continued. “You were telling me where you’re both from.”

Twilight strained to answer, since the dress was a tad tight from all the tugging, but she did her best.

“I’ve… That is we… Were sent… From Canterlot… To—”

“Huh?” Rarity exclaimed.

Rarity suddenly released the straps, sending Twilight tumbling forward.

“Canterlot!? Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can’t wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I…”

Rarity held Twilight close, though the latter was uncomfortable. Suddenly, Rarity noticed the broach on the dress.

“Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!”

Rarity dashed away, as Twilight used a nearby screen to quickly remove the dress.

“Quick!” Twilight called out. “Before she decides to dye my coat a new color!”

Spike was too dazed, but somehow used his smitten feelings to hover with his tail, as Twilight scooped him up and dashed away with Silver right behind them. By that point, all three were outside the shop and continued their way down the path.

“Wasn’t she wonderful?” Spike asked, out of the blue.

Silver turned to Spike and smirked, he could tell the purple dragon had been struck with Cupid’s arrow. He knew that feeling very well.

“Focus Casanova,” Twilight joked, sarcastically. “What’s next on the list?”

Spike quickly recomposed himself, before checking the list.

“Oh, uh, music!” He answered. “It’s the last one!”

It was then they heard a multitude of birds singing. Hiding in a bush, they saw all the birds gathered into a large tree and apparently conducted by a yellow Pegasus with a soft pink mane and tail, complete with butterfly cutie marks on her flanks. During this mesmerizing rehearsal, something caught her attention.

“Oh my,” She said, very softly. “Um, stop please, everyone, umm. Excuse me, sir? I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one-two-three—”

“Hello!”

Twilight called out at the worst possible time. All the birds were startled and flew away, even the yellow Pegasus gave a frightened yelp before turning around. From the look on her face, Twilight soon realized her mistake.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry,” Twilight apologized. “I didn’t mean to frighten your birds. We’re just here to check up on the music and it’s sounding beautiful.”

The yellow Pegasus said nothing, but turn away shyly, rubbing a hoof upon the ground.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight continued. “And this is Silver.”

“Afternoon,” Silver greeted.

Again, the yellow Pegasus said nothing. She seemed to grow shyer.

“And… What’s your name?” Twilight asked, trying to be friendly.

“Um… I’m Fluttershy,” The Pegasus replied. Of course, her voice was so quiet, Silver was surprised even ‘he’ could hear her name. All the same, the name suited her perfectly.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Twilight asked, unable to hear.

“Um… My name is Fluttershy,” She replied again, more softly.

“Didn’t quite catch that,” Twilight added, feeling awkward.

“She said Fluttershy.” Storm said. As he said that, the birds had returned. Which Twilight took notice.

“Well, um, it looks like your birds are back. So, I guess everything’s in order. Keep up the good work.” Fluttershy only just squeaked.

“Oookay…” Twilight replied uneasily, turning to Spike and Silver. “Well, that was easy.”

The moment Spike appeared Fluttershy instantly turned around, wide-eyed and smiling.

“A baby dragon!” Fluttershy exclaimed, more audibly.

Her sudden outburst made the birds fly away as she raced towards Spike, bucking Twilight out of the way.

“Oh, I’ve never seen a baby dragon before. He’s sooo cute!”

“Well, well, well…!” Spike smiled.

Twilight glared over being pushed, as Silver went over to help her.

“You alright, Twi?” He asked.

“What do you think?” Twilight grumbled.

“Oh my, he talks!” Fluttershy exclaimed again. “I didn’t know dragons could talk. That’s just so incredibly wonderful, I, I just don’t even know what to say!”

By then, Twilight used her magic to scoop Spike onto her back and started walking.

“Well, in that case, we’d better be going,” Twilight said.

The unicorns started walking back to town for the library, with Fluttershy started to follow them.

“Wait, wait! What’s his name?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m Spike,” Spike replied.

“Hi Spike, I’m Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon! And what do dragons talk about?”

“Well, what do you wanna know?”

“Absolutely everything…”

Twilight groaned, as she continued her way towards the library with the rest following close behind.

“Well… I started out as a cute little purple and green egg…” Spike began.





It was sunset, even then Fluttershy and Spike were still in conversation, while Twilight’s mood couldn’t get any sourer. Silver had purposely lagged behind to hear the conversation, even adding his own two bits once in a while. All the while, Fluttershy listened attentively.

“…And that’s the story of my whole entire life!” Spike concluded.

By then, they finally arrived at the front of a grand oak tree that marked the town’s library.

“Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?”

“Oh, yes, please!” Fluttershy replied happily.

Just then, Spike was startled when Twilight did a fast one-eighty.

“I’m so sorry, how did we get here so fast?” Twilight said plainly. “This is where I’m staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep.”

“No, I don’t… WHOA!” Spike was taken aback again, as Twilight sent him flying off her back and onto the ground with a thud.

“Aww, wook at dat,” Twilight said in baby talk. “He’s so sweepy, he can’t even keep his widdle bawance!”

Silver just rolled his eyes, while Spike glared. But somehow, Fluttershy actually believed Twilight.

“Poor thing,” She replied, scooping him up. “You simply must get into bed…”

Fluttershy opened the door to tuck him in, but Twilight interrupts and shoves Fluttershy out. Silver just watched this entire scenario completely shocked.

'Seriously?! Did she had to be that rude!' Silver thought.

“Yes, yes,” Twilight replied quickly. “We’ll get right on that. Well, g-night!”

Twilight then pulls Silver inside, slamming the door behind them.

“Huh, rude much?” Spike pointed out, with a glare.

“I’ll say,” Silver added, clearly not happy for his 'friend' behavior with the yellow pegasus.

“Sorry guys, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we’re running out of time!” Twilight replied.

Once again, Silver rolled his eyes and said. “You’re seriously still hung up on all this, Twi? You’ve already sent your letter to the Princess, who I believe wrote back to tell you to, oh I don’t know… Chill out and make some friends!”

“Right,” Twilight added. “I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now, where’s the light?”

Before Silver could say more, the lights turned on and the trio found themselves surrounded by numerous ponies. The place itself was heavily decorated. And they all jumped as a honk went off.

“SURPRISE!!!” The ponies shouted, blowing kazoos.

Twilight just groaned, while Spike and Silver were still in shock.

“SURPRISE!”

Before the trio was the pink pony they just met, before taking off earlier that day.

“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh-huh-huh?”

“Looks like some pony had her fair share of sugar today…” Silver thought to himself.

“Very surprised,” Twilight said. “Libraries are supposed to be quiet.”

“Well, that’s silly!” Pinkie Pie answered. “What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! Y’see, I saw you when you two first got here, remember? You were all “hello” and I was all (GASP), remember? Y’see I’ve never saw you two before and if I’ve never saw you before that meant that you’re both new, ‘cause I know every pony, and I mean every pony in Ponvyille!”

“O-kay…” Silver said, uneasily.

Twilight just groaned, as she approached a table with all the cups and sodas for a quick drink.

“And if you’re new,” Pinkie Pie continued. “That meant you haven’t met anyone yet, and if you haven’t met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don’t have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that’s why I went (GASP)! I must throw you a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!”

Silver had a tough time keeping track of what Pinkie Pie said, but soon noticed the five other girls he and Twilight met today. As he went over to converse with them, Twilight seemed to tune them all out and sipped her drink. Suddenly, she lifts her head, turned around, and her cheeks puffed out as her face went deep red.

“Are you all right, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

Twilight said nothing, as flames erupted from her mane, tail, and her mouth before she rushed off. Once the flames fizzled out, she dashed upstairs without another word.

“Aww, she’s so happy, she’s crying!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Silver rolled his eyes, as Spike examined the soda bottle Twilight drank from.

“Hot sauce,” Spike read on the label. Silver just sighed with a head shake.

“What in Equestria is that doing with the soda?” He asked.

Just then Pinkie Pie dumped a large dollop of it atop a cupcake and gobbled it up. Silver and the others made faces.

“Ooh…!” Pinkie Pie remarked, as she ate it. “What? It’s good!”

“If…you say so…” Silver said, with a face hoof. Losing his appetite, Silver looks up sadly toward the staircase leading to what was apparently Twilight's bedroom. Rarity noticed his body language and stood beside him.

“You seem worried about Twilight,” Rarity observed. “Why not go check up on her?”

“Eh… I don’t know what good it will do…” Silver said. “Twilight’s not exactly the most social pony, and I speak from experience.”

“Well, why don’t you tell us more about yourself, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

“Sure, why not? I’m an open book. You can ask me anything you want, while I get to know you girls a bit. After all, this 'is' my new home.” he said, as he starting talking with the girls about himself. Then he said that his older brother is one of the Wonderbolts, the five mares were shocked. But not more than the blue pegasus.

"What?! Your brother is a Wonderbolt?!" Rainbow Dash yell. "This. Is. Awesome!"

As she said that, Silver and the others couldn't help but start laughing at how she reacted.





It was well into the night when he and Spike finally decided to visit Twilight. Twilight groaned from all the noise and loud music downstairs, practically burying her head underneath a large pillow as she sat in her bed. Suddenly, the doors burst open as Silver and Spike came in. The little dragon had a nightshade over his head.

“Hey, Twilight!” Spike called out. “Pinkie Pie’s starting ‘Pin the Tail on the Pony’! Wanna play?”

“Yeah, come on down and have a little fun.” Storm said.

“NO!” Twilight barked. “All the ponies in this town are crazy! Do you know what time it is?!”

“It’s the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration,” Spike answered. “Every pony has to stay up, or they’ll miss the Princess raise the sun! You really should lighten up, Twilight. It’s a party!”

“You really should lighten up, Twilight,” Twilight imitated, mockingly. “It is a party!”

Spike just left, while Silver stood on the rails with his hoofs folded, a disappointed look on his face. He finally had enough of her attitude today and decided something had to be said.

“Twilight, in all seriousness, you’re really missing out on all the fun,” Silver said. “Celestia said to make new friends. I’ve already made five since we’ve been here, and there could be more since every pony here enjoys chatting with me. Spike and I are having a great time, but I really hoped you’d join in. But if you’d rather sit here and pout the whole night, then go ahead.”

Twilight remained silent, neither saying a word nor turning to him. Silver just sighed, before closing the door, with one last look at her before turning around to join in on the party games. Twilight just stared at the ceiling, hugging her pillow close.

“Ugh, here I thought I’d have time to learn about the Elements of Harmony but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!”

And yet, despite all the frustration, Twilight couldn’t stop remembering the last thing she read.

“Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night.”

“I hope the Princess was right…” Twilight said, worried. “I hope it really is just an old pony tale…”

It wasn’t long before Silver walked back into the room, with Spike on his back.

“C’mon, Twilight!” Spike called out. “It’s time to watch the sunrise!”

Twilight looked toward the moon one last time, the silhouette of Nightmare Moon’s face remained on the surface and several stars shined around it, but nothing seemed to change. She crawled off the bed and found Silver waiting for her. While his face remained stern, he still offered her a hoof. Twilight just stares at him before placing her hoof on top. Silver smiles approvingly, before escorting her out of the library towards the main building for the ceremony.

The building itself wasn’t particularly large, but somehow it fit every pony who came to see the sunrise, with plenty of room to spare. Twilight was still worried as she stood beside Silver waiting for the ceremony to begin. Just then, Pinkie Pie swooped in from nearby.

“Isn’t this exciting?” She asked, out of the blue. “Are you excited, ‘cause I’m excited, I’ve never been so excited—well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went (GASP) but I mean really, who can top that?”

Twilight just gave Silver a curious, yet annoyed look.

“If you drank five bottles of soda and a bottle of hot sauce, you’d be hyper too,” Silver whispered.

Twilight just rolled her eyes when Mayor Mare, a cream-colored mare with a whitish mane, tail, a scroll tied in a blue ribbon for a cutie mark, and glasses upon her nose, appeared. Silver had a chance to speak to her during the party. As soon as Fluttershy’s birds performed their opening number, she took center stage.

“Fillies and gentlecolts,” She announced proudly. “As Mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration.”

All the ponies cheered proudly, stomping their hooves at the start of the upcoming arty. But while she spoke, Twilight looked up and saw the stars approach the moon and the Mare in the Moon’s silhouette disappeared from the moon’s surface. This made her rather nervous, as the Mayor continued completely blissfully.

“In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! 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 each and every day, the good, the wise, and the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria…”

“Ready?” Fluttershy asked her birds, who simply nods.

“… Princess Celestia!” Mayor Mare announced.

A spotlight appears where the Princess is set to arrive, and Rarity opens the curtains… But she wasn’t there.

“Huh?” Rarity said, shocked.

The rest of the ponies chattered quietly and nervously in the background.

“This can’t be good,” Twilight said.

“Remain calm, every pony,” Mayor Mare replied, keeping the peace. “There must be a reasonable explanation!”

“Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Is she hiding?”

Rarity searched the area where Celestia was supposed to be, but all she could say is…

“She’s gone!”

Every pony gasped, the news of Celestia’s disappearance hitting them like a boulder to the chest.

“Ooh, she’s good!” Pinkie Pie remarked.

Just then, she gave a great yelp as every pony gasped once more. Only this time, a dark, cloudy mist entered the hall. They all watched fearfully, as the mist slowly took form, morphing into the shape of a tall, dark alicorn in light blue armor.

“Oh no…” Twilight panicked, quietly.

“Nightmare Moon!” Twilight and Silver said, in unison.

Spike was so shocked, he practically fainted, falling off the seat of Silver’s back. Nightmare Moon laughed menacingly before the ponies surrounding her.

“Oh, my beloved subjects,” She said, boldly. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious little sun-loving faces.”

For the moment, most ponies were afraid to say a word. They did nothing but look at her fearfully. Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof…

“What did you do with our Princess?!” She demanded angrily.

The Pegasus tried to confront Nightmare Moon herself, only for a certain cow pony to hold her back by the tail.

“Whoa there, Nelly…” Applejack muffled.

Nightmare Moon chuckled at the gesture, but then her expression quickly changed.

“Why, am I not royal enough for you?” She asked angrily. “Don’t you know who I am?”

The dread silence and blank expression on every pony’s faces showed they clearly didn’t. Even Silver himself felt uncomfortable know that no pony else, minus Twilight and himself, knew exactly who she was.

“Ooh, ooh, more guessing games!” Pinkie remarked excitedly. “Um, Hokey Smokes! How about… Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty…”

Pinkie Pie was quickly shushed, as an apple cupcake was shoved down her throat. Suffice to say, Nightmare Moon was furious. She glared angrily, first to Fluttershy, who couldn’t look her in the eye, and eventually turned to Rarity.

“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” She demanded. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?”

“We did.”

Nightmare Moon turned as Silver stepped forward, followed by Twilight Sparkle.

“And I know who you are,” Twilight said. “You’re the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!”

All the other ponies gasped, knowing that an ancient story they’ve been told as foals and colts was suddenly real. And a once mythical figure now stood before their eyes.

“Well, well, well,” Nightmare Moon said. “Some ponies who remember me. Then you two also know why I’m here.”

“You’re here to… To…” Twilight gulped.

Either she had forgotten, or she was afraid that the next thing she’d say would make it worse for all the town ponies. Either way, she felt a twinge of regret.

“You’re here to snuff out the light forever,” Silver growled. “And bring about eternal darkness…”

Nightmare Moon just chuckled, all that was on her mind was that she had successfully made a triumphant return.

“Remember this day, little ponies,” Nightmare Moon declared. “For it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!”

Nightmare Moon laughed manically, as the thunder crashed alongside her. Every pony, especially Twilight and Silver, could only watch in pure horror. Nightmare Moon had returned and the only pony who can stand to her, the princess they all need the most, had vanished. But even after all of that, even after an age-old prophecy had been fulfilled, the worst was still to come.

To be continued…