//------------------------------//
// Mare in the Moon 
// Story: The Name is Spike 
// by SkyeSilverwing 
//------------------------------//

The Name is Spike
By Skye Silverwing
Chapter 1: The Mare in the Moon.
“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 Elder sister used her Unicorn powers to raise the Sun at Dawn, and 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 that 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 Sun and Moon, and Harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.”
Twilight Sparkled closed the book. “Hmm… the Elements of Harmony…” she said to no one in particular, “I know I’ve heard of those before, but where?”
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
Spike was sitting in the Library reading an old book on Equestrian prophecies. He referenced the thing a lot since Twilight had taught him to read in the funny symbol language that a lot of the older books seemed to be printed in, though he had been surprised to find many of them printed in English as well.
He was reading about how some trio of fillies were supposed to release a force of pure chaos when Twilight charged through the door. “Spike? Spike!” the purple unicorn called.
Spike looked down at her from the second level of the library. “What is it, luv?” he asked, “Thought you would be on your way to Moon Dancer’s little shindig by now.”
Twilight looked askance at the Dragon. “Come on, Spike, you know we don’t have time for that kind of thing.” She said, “Have you seen that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies?”
Spike rolled his eyes. “Figures.” He said, “Yeah I’ve got that old book right here.”
Spike held up the book and then gave a startled cry as Twilight used her magic to pull the book, and him as well, off of the upper level and down to her with a thud. Spike glared at her. “What is so bloody important that you gotta look it up on our day off?”
Twilight paged quickly through the book. “Elements, elements, E… E..” she muttered, “Aha, Elements of Harmony… See: Mare in the Moon?”
Spike’s head popped up. “Mare in the Moon?” he said, stepping up behind her. “I know that one. Powerful Pony who wanted to rule Equestria. Defeated by the Elements of Harmony and stuck in the Moon.”
Twilight found the entry in the book. “Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the Stars will aide in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal.” She read, alarm rising in her voice as she read it. “Spike, do you know what this means?”
Spike sighed, “Sounds like a vampire’s dream.” He said. “Let me guess, Summer Sun Celebration in two days is year one Thousand.”
Twilight nodded. “We need to let Princess Celestia know.” She said, “Spike, take a note, please.”
Spike nodded and produced a quill and paper. This had been one of his primary duties since he had been assigned as Twilight’s familiar. She would dictate, and he would write. It was better than getting brainwashed into killing people by the First, he supposed.
“My Dearest Teacher,” Twilight dictated, “My continuing studies of Pony Magic have lead me to discover that we are on the Precipice of Disaster. For you see, the Mythical Mare in the Moon is, in fact, Nightmare Moon, and my research indicates that she is about to return to Equestria, and bring with her endless night. Something must be done to ensure that this prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle.”
Spike finished writing and gave it a quick burst of flame to send it on its way. “There.” He said, “Done and sent. This sounds like Apocalypse stuff to me, so I figure she will get back to you right quick.”
Twilight nodded in agreement, and neither of them w surprised when Spike belched out the Princess’s response a few moments later. This was not a means of communication that Spike thought he would ever get used to, but he had to admit, it was surprisingly efficient.
Picking up the scroll in question, he opened it and began to read. “My dearest most faithful student, Twilight,” he said, “You know I value your diligence and that I trust you completely, but you really should stop reading those dusty old books. There is more to a young Pony’s life than studying, so I am sending you 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 blanched. “But… Nightmare Moon…” she said.
Spike rolled his eyes. “If this Nightmare Moon was the threat you make her out to be, do you really think that the Princess wouldn’t have dealt with it by now?” he said simply, “I mean, she does know a lot more about Magic than you do. And if it is not something she can handle, what makes you think proving it is going to do any good?”
Twilight had to give Spike that one. The Princess had been the one who had given her the book containing the story of Nightmare Moon to begin with. She probably had everything under control and dismissed Twilight’s concerns because it was not really an issue. “I suppose you’re right, Spike.” She said, “Though I don’t know why she is sending us to Ponyville and telling me to make friends.”
Spike looked at Twilight with a serious look on his face. “I’ll tell you this, Luv.” He said, “I knew my fair share of girls who had to carry the fate of the world on their shoulders, and the ones that survived it did because of the support of their friends.”
Not for the first time, Twilight Sparkle stared at the Dragon with a look of pure awe. “I suppose you are right Spike.” She said, “Maybe I am taking this Nightmare Moon thing a little too seriously.”
Spike narrowed his eyes slightly. “I never said that.” He said, “It might be the case that Celestia can’t stop the Dark Old Pony from showing up. If that is the case, we’ll probably need the Elements of Harmony to put the old Nag back down. Turns out, according to this book registry, there is a Reference Guide for them in the Ponyville Library.”
Twilight smiled. “We can check on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration as quickly as we can, and then check the Library to find out about the Elements.” She said proudly.
Spike nodded. “And don’t forget about making friends.”  He said.
Twilight looked at him. “Spike, I will check on the preparations first, as that is my duty as the Princess’s student.” She said, “The fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends.”
Spike rolled his eyes. “I’ll get my crossbow.”
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
The following day, Spike and Twilight took a Pegasus-drawn chariot down from the Mountain-side city of Canterlot down to the smaller community of Ponyville in the valley below it. As they landed, Twilight thanked the Pegasi for their assistance. 
Spike unloaded the few bags he and Twilight had brought that had not been sent ahead, and slung his crossbow over his shoulder unobtrusively. He had constructed the device by hand after arriving here, and was anxiously awaiting the chance to use it for something other than target practice.
He noticed the approach of a pink-coated Pony, what Equestrian Ponies would call an “Earth Pony”. Nudging Twilight, he indicated the pink Pony. “As long as you have the chance,” he said, “you might try the whole ‘making friends’ thing. Perhaps the Ponies here have something interesting to say.”
Twilight sighed, but approached to Pony in question. “Umm… Hello?” she greeted the Pink Pony, who seemed to notice her at that exact moment.
The Pony’s eyes widened slightly and she gave a surprised gasp, showing a look of utter shock before dashing off as quickly as her hooves could take her.
Twilight stared after the fleeing Pony, and then turned back to the Dragon. “Well, THAT was interesting all right.” She said.
Spike rolled his eyes. “Well, we might as well get started.” He said, pulling out a list of the things Twilight needed to check. “Looks like the closest Pony to talk to on this list is a Pegasus named… Rainbow Dash. She is in charge of keeping the sky clear of clouds.”
The two of them looked up into the sky to see numerous clouds all over.
Twilight sighed. “Well, she is clearly not doing a good job.” She said.
Spike had to agree. He scanned the skies for a moment and spotted a rainbow-maned Pegasus lounging on one of the clouds. “I am guessing that the rather colorful filly up there would be our girl.” He said.
Twilight looked at the pony in question and nodded, then raised her voice. “Excuse Me!” she called, “Are you Rainbow Dash?”
The Pegasus Pony looked down at the Unicorn and Dragon and hopped off the cloud and glided down, landing lightly on the ground in front of them. “The one and only!” She said, “Why? You heard of me?”
Twilight rolled her eyes. “I heard that you were supposed to be keeping the skies clear for the celebration tomorrow.” She replied, before introducing herself. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, and the Princess sent me to check on the preparations for the celebration.”
Rainbow smiled. “Yeah, yeah,” she said, “That will be a snap. I’ll do it in a jiffy. I was just about to start practicing my routine, first.”
“Routine?” Twilight asked, “Routine for what?”
Rainbow smiled broadly. “For the Wonderbolts!” she said, indicating a nearby poster and somersaulting onto a nearby cloud, “Their going to be performing at the Celebration, and I am going to show them my stuff.”
Twilight cocked an eyebrow skeptically. “THE Wonderbolts?” She asked, “The best fliers in all off Equestria?”
Rainbow leaned back against the cloud. “Yep,” she said, “That’s them.”
Twilight rolled her eyes. “Please.” She said, “They would never accept a Pegasus that can’t even keep the sky clear for one measly day.”
Rainbow glared down at the purple unicorn. “Hey.” She said flatly, “I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat.”
Twilight smirked at the Pegasus. “Prove it.”
Rainbow’s eyes widened as she realized that she was being challenged. Without another word, she proceeded to begin the fastest session of clearing the clouds that the Unicorn and her Familiar had ever seen. She swept clouds away, kicked them out of existence, and dispersed them with a high-speed loop-the-loop.
“Loop the loop around and- WOAH!” she said as she was finishing her final loop, only to see a grey Pegasus fly into her path, so intent on the Muffin in her hand that she failed to notice the rainbow colored pony bearing down on her at high speed.
Rainbow was moving far too quickly to stop, or even slow down much, so she had to fold her wings, turning her decent into an uncontrolled dive, narrowly avoiding the inattentive pony, and forcing her to flare her wings with inches to spare, turning downward thrust forward, barreling directly into Twilight, driving both of them into a nearby mud puddle.
Rainbow Dash shot a glare at the grey pony, who now looked sheepishly down at the two felled ponies. “Ditsy Doo, you Featherbrain!” she snapped, “Watch where you’re flying! I nearly took us both out! Sorry, Twilight.”
Rainbow moved to help the Unicorn to her feet, with mud matted in her coat and mane. Twilight glared at both Pegasi. 
Rainbow Dash smiled sheepishly. “Here, Let me help you.” She said, flying up and grabbing one of the clouds that remained. She placed it of Twilight’s head and proceeded to hop on it, causing all the rain inside to pour out, washing the mud from the Unicorn, but soaking her in the process.
Rainbow looked to check her work and saw a thoroughly soaked Twilight, glaring up at her. “Oops. I guess I overdid it.” She said, “Umm… How about this?” 
Before Twilight could respond, the Pegasus was flying in circles around her at high speed, forming a Rainbow colored whirlwind. “My very own patented, Rain-blow-dry!” a moment later, all of the moisture had been blown away, not only from Twilight, but the puddle as well, leaving Twilight standing on dry ground. 
“No, no, don’t thank me,” Rainbow said landing in front of the Purple Pony, “you’re quite welcome.”
Twilight glared at Rainbow Dash. She could not see it, but she could feel how her mane and tail were now twisted and curled into a horrible mess. This was confirmed when, in spite of herself, Rainbow Dash gave a strained giggle that erupted into a gale of laughter that sent to Pegasus rolling on her back. 
Spike, who had been watching the whole incident, maintained his composure, but chuckled slightly. “You alright luv?” he asked, the smirk on his face clearly evident in his voice. “You look a little… Sheepish.”
Twilight shot Spike a glare, and then turned back to Rainbow. “Nice job on the clouds.” She said, giving the Pegasus a moment to regain her composure. “And the landing.” She said, honestly. “I have seen some of the Wonderbolt’s shows, and I don’t think many of them could have pulled off that recovery, either.”
Rainbow Dash beamed and blushed at the praise. “Well, I am not really THAT good.” She said. “I will keep the clouds clear while I am practicing, I would never leave Ponyville hanging. Heh, heh, you should see your hair… You’re a riot, Twilight Sparkle, I can’t wait to hang out some more.”
With that, Rainbow took off to work on her routine in another part of town.
Spike watched the Pegasus disappear out of sight, then shot Twilight a smirk. “Nice bit if work, that one.” He said, “Good manipulation, there, luv. You baited her into clearing the sky like a pro.”
Twilight grinned back. “Thank you Spike.” She said, “Where to next?”
Spike smirked at her and put a clawed hand on Twilight’s tangled mane. “Might I suggest a hair dresser?” he suggested, mockingly. “That Pegasus really did a number on yours.”
Twilight glared at him. “We don’t have time for that Spike!” she snapped. “We have work to do, now what is next on the list?”
Spike produced the list and examined it again. “Looks like food, decorations, and music.” He said, “I think that is the Festival Hall there.” he said, indicating a grand building. “We might as well check on the decorations next, since the ponies in charge of food are outside town and I have bugger all idea where the Music director might be.”
Twilight nodded, and the Two of them headed to the Festival Hall. Inside, they found that the preparations for the celebration were well under way, with a number of Unicorns and Pegasi working to put up the decorations under the direction of a white Unicorn with a luxurious violet mane.
“Move that banner to the left!” she was telling a pair of Pegasus, “It needs to be centered between the windows just right! No, LEFT!”
The two winged ponies both went in different directions, and banner pulled taught, causing them to spin around, and ultimately crash into the wall, the banner catching on the upper ledge at the last moment, as the two ponies came crashing down.
“Perfect!” the Unicorn said, “Oh, Rarity, you are outdoing yourself again.”
Spike eyed the downed Pegasi suspiciously; he certain he had seen that grey one before. As the pair of winged ponies left the Festival Hall, Spike followed. “Hey,” he called, getting the grey one’s attention, “You’re Ditsy Doo, right?”
The Grey Pony looked at Spike, her eyes, going slightly cross-eyed for a moment, and then she nodded. “Yep, that’s me.” She said, “Who are you?”
Spike smiled at the slow Pegasus. She reminded him of Harmony. Then again, he did  not like Harmony that much. “The name is Spike.” He said, “I work with Twilight Sparkle.”
Ditsy cocked her head slightly. “Oh,” she said, “she is the one Pinkie Pie was talking about, Right?”
Spike cocked his head. “Pinkie Pie?” he asked, “Don’t think we met her.”
Ditsy smiled. “She is over there at Sugarcube Corner.” She said, pointing to a nearby sweet shop. “She said something about a surprise.”
Spike sighed. As Twilight’s “Familiar” he was tasked with protecting her. This meant, in this case, that he needed to investigate this “surprise” and make sure it was not something dangerous. 
He motioned for Ditsy Doo to lead the way, and marched off to Sugarcube corner.
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
Meanwhile, Twilight approached Rarity, the Unicorn in charge of the decorations in the Festival Hall. “Hello!” she said, causing the busy Unicorn to turn toward her, her eyes still on the curtains she was busy placing, “My name is Twilight Sparkle…”
Rarity looked from the curtains to the Purple Pony before her. “How can I help yo-Oh, my stars! Darling!” she cried when her eyes took in the tangled and swirled mess that was Twilight’s Mane. “Whatever happened to your coiffure?”
Twilight stared at the look of horror spreading across Rarity’s face as she realized what the white pony was talking about. “Oh, you mean my mane?” she asked, slightly embarrassed, “It’s a long story. I’m just here to check on the decorations and then I’ll be out of your hair.”
Rarity stared at the Pony in stunned shock. “Out of my hair?” she asked “What about YOUR hair?”
With no more words, Rarity began to push Twilight out of the Hall, decorations could wait.
Twilight gave little resistance as the white pony pushed her out the door. “Wait, where are we going?” she asked, failing entirely to realize that her familiar was missing.
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
Spike entered the pastry shop called Sugar Cube Corner with Ditzy Doo tagging along behind him. Inside, the shop boasted one of the widest arrays of pastries that the former vampire had ever seen. Cakes, pies, doughnuts, cupcakes, and a thousand other confections that Spike could not even try to put a name to. Over in the kitchen, though, the Dragon spotted his quarry. 
As he had expected, it was that Pink Pony that had run off earlier. She dashed this way and that way, combining ingredients in a flurry of motion that Spike had seen before only in the Kitchens of the most experiences and skilled chefs.
The Pink Pony spotted the dragon watching her, and, with a swift motion that defied the laws of gravity, motion, and thermodynamics, she placed several items in the oven in one sweeping motion, closed it and vanished behind the counter, only to appear again from above him, landing lightly in front of him on her hooves.
She looked him up and down and smiled broadly. “Hi!” she greeted him in a bubbly, high pitched voice, “I’m Pinkie Pie, and I know you! I saw you earlier with the new pony when she came into town and I was all like <Gasp!> because I had never seen her before, ‘cause if I had never seen her before, she must be new, because I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville, and if she was new then that meant that she did not have any friends, and if she didn’t have any friends then she must be lonely, and that made me so sad, but then I thought that I could throw her a party and invite everypony in Ponyville, and then she’ll have lots of friends!”
Spike stared at the Pink Pony with wide eyes. “That had to be the most effective use of Willowbabble I ever heard, short of the genuine article.” He said, taking a moment to digest the babble. “So you are throwing Twilight Sparkle a surprise party, on account of her being new in Town?”
Pinkie Pie nodded happily. “Yeah!” she crowed, “I’m making the cupcakes and other treats right now. Where are you two planning on staying tonight? I need to set up the decorations. Could you keep her busy until sundown?”
Spike thought about it for a long moment. Celestia did specifically tell Twilight to make some friends, and while the violet pony was clearly putting some effort into it, it seemed to Spike that Pinkie Pie’s plan was the best way to get her some more.
The former vampire nodded. “Alright.” He said, “We are rooming at the town Library. I will see about slowing my girl down a hair, but in return, you make sure she gets a lot of friends, Alright?”
Pinkie Pie beamed. “Sure!” she said, and then turned to the Pegasus and pulled out a stack of envelopes. “Hey Ditzy, could you run these invitations around to all of the ponies in town for me?”
The blond Pegasus suddenly perked up. “Sure, Pinkie!” she said with a big grin. “Am I invited, too?”
Pinkie smile broadly at her. “Of course!” she said, “We want Twilight to have all the friends she can handle!”
Ditzy Doo nodded, and took the stack of Envelopes and flew off without another word.
Spike blinked for a moment. “How did you have invites already if you did not know where…” he started, but he suddenly realized that it was probably one of those things that he was just better off not knowing. He decided to ask after Ditzy “Are you sure she can get those delivered to every-pony in time? She doesn’t really seem like she has all her apples in her barrel, if you know what I mean.”
Pinkie nodded knowingly. “Don’t you worry, if there is one thing Ditzy is good at, it is delivering mail.” She replied, turning back to her cooking. “Any requests for party treats?”
Spike smiled. “Do you know how to make an onion blossom?” he asked.
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
The Carousel Boutique was a lovely little business, owned by Rarity. Within its workroom and showroom, she created and displayed fashions that would make the most elite ponies in Canterlot notice anyone wearing them.
Twilight stared into the mirror at the fifteenth outfit Rarity had forced upon her in the past hour. Sure, she was thankful for the Fashionista’s assistance with her hair, and she did not think her coat had ever managed to glisten as much as it was right now. She was, however, becoming aware of the movement of time as Rarity searched for yet another outfit, and she got the sense that the violet tressed pony might keep her here all night if she did not make her excuses.
Rarity returned, bearing a shiny gem-encrusted blue outfit that Twilight was certain cost more than her entire library back in Canterlot. Twilight was so distracted be the gaudy thing that she did not think to say anything before Rarity had it wrapped around her.
Rarity smiled at Twilight. “Now go on, my dear,” she said, reaching for the strings of the outfit, “you were telling me where you’re from.”
Twilight felt the outfit constrict as the White coated unicorn pulled the cords, tightening it around her. “I’ve… been sent… from… Canterlot… to…” she managed to wheeze, the constriction of the outfit forcing the air from her lungs.
Rarity gasped, releasing the cords, and sending both of them flying. “Canterlot!?” she exclaimed, a huge smile blossoming on her face. “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.”
She stepped closer to Twilight showing her new-found respect for the pony, but her eye was suddenly caught by the green gem on the very front of her outfit. “Emerald?” she said, in surprise. “What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!”
She turned to her work station to find more gems, and Twilight chose to run while she had the chance, discarding the eye-catching outfit as she fled.
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
Spike left Sugar Cube Corner cursing his failure to keep track of time. Pinkie Pie had revealed to him that she had never fried anything in oil before. They only used ovens and stoves to cook things at Sugarcube Corner. He had to explain how frying things worked, and then he had to show her how to fry an onion so as not to have it loose its shape. Then she asked about frying other things. She was frying up some cupcakes the last time he checked, breading the icing, frying the top and then adding another layer of icing on top of that.
He decided that he should go check on Twilight to make sure she was not heading to the Library before Pinkie could get there. After all, he and Twilight still had a job to do. All this frying was making him hungry though.
He spotted Twilight running toward him, her hair and coat looking more immaculate than he had seen them in a while. “Looks like you went to a hairdresser after all.” He joked.
Twilight glared at him. “Where were you?” she demanded, “I spent the last hour trying to escape from a crazy Fashionista. I was afraid she was going to die my coat a new color.”
Spike chuckled. “You know, I always wondered what you would look like in a burgundy.” He joked. “In any case, I’ve got no clue where to find the Pony in charge of music, so we should probably head out to the Sweet Apple Acres farm to find the Pony in charge of food.”
Twilight sighed and nodded. “Hopefully this one won’t take too long.” She said.
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
It took Twilight and Spike nearly a half an hour to reach Sweet Apple Acres, since Spike insisted on walking.
Twilight sighed, annoyed. “Really, Spike, it would be faster if you ride on my back.” She said, “You are still a very small dragon, and I just walk faster than you do.”
Spike rolled his eyes. “Faster, maybe.” He said, “But it would also be degrading for both of us, and that bloody well ain’t the impression I want to be making.” Sure, he could have been walking faster, but there were still over five hours until sunset, and he promised Pinkie to keep Celestia’s Student away from the Library until the party was ready.
Ahead, they saw the farm. It was a well stocked little hub of agriculture: Farmhouse, barn, and a huge apple orchard taking up almost as much space as the entire rest of the town combined. As they approached, they saw an Orange Pony with a cowboy hat, her long blond mane and tail tied loosely at the ends. She charged toward a tree, spun and delivered a solid buck-kick, sending a shock of force up through the tree, dropping the apples into the strategically placed baskets below.
Spike ground to a halt as though struck. 
It took Twilight a moment to realize the problem. “She… reminds you of… her?” she asked carefully. Spike had always been guarded about his history before he had been “born” into this world. One thing he had told her a little about, though, was a certain powerful blonde that had stolen his heart in the year leading up to his demise.
Spike shook himself slightly and set his jaw. “Let’s just get this over with.” He said, more emotion showing in his voice than he usually preferred.
Twilight nodded and walked up to the Orange Pony. “Good afternoon!” She said, “My name is Twilight Sparkle-“ 
She was cut off as the Orange Pony suddenly caught her hoof up and began shaking it vigorously. “Well, Howdy-do, Miss Twilight, a pleasure makin’ yer acquaintance.” She said happily, “I’m Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin’ new friends!”
Twilight was surprised to find the Earth Pony to be so instantly and aggressively friendly, and was barely able to respond to this.
Applejack released the other pony’s hand and winked at her. “So, what can I do for ya?” she asked with a grin.
Twilight willed her arm to stop shaking and looked the blond in the eyes. “Well, I am here supervising preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration.” She said, “You’re in charge of the food, correct?”
Applejack smiled broadly. “We sure as sugar are.” She said, “Would you like to sample some?”
Twilight’s stomach growled slightly. It was mid-afternoon, after all, and she and Spike had only had a light breakfast that morning. “Well, as long as it doesn’t take too long…” she said.
Applejack was already gone. She rang a dinner bell suspended from a tree nearby and shouted “SOUP’S ON, EVERYPONY!”
As if they were coming out of the trees themselves, a large number of ponies suddenly appeared from every direction, creating a small stampede, and the next thing Twilight and Spike knew, they were seated at a table situated amongst the trees. Applejack appeared at their side and smiled. “Let me introduce you to the Apple family.” She said, ignoring Twilight’s half-hearted attempt to excuse herself. “This here's Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apple, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp...” She paused for a breath, “Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith.” As she said each name, the named pony delivered their specialty to the table, though Applejack noticed that Granny Smith was napping. “Up and at 'em Granny Smith, we got guests.”
Granny Smith sat up in her chair and began head toward them at a slow geriatric gait. “Wha-? Soup’s on?” she replied, “I’ma comin’.”
Applejack placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “Why, I’d say you’re already part of the family!” she said happily.
Twilight looked at Spike, who was still looking broody, then giggled nervously. “Well, I can see that the food situation is handled.” She said, “So I guess we will be on our way.”
Twilight heard a slight whimper and looked down. There, Applebloom, a filly with a coat as yellow as Applejack’s mane and an apple-red mane tied back with a huge pink bow, stared up at her with huge, orange eyes. “Aren’t you going to stay for our late lunch?” she asked, looking like she might cry.
Twilight felt like she was going to break the poor filly’s heart. “Sorry…” she rationalized, “but we have an awful lot to do…”
All of the members of the Apple family seemed so disappointed. “Awe…” they said.
Unable to stand hurting the feelings of these nice ponies, Twilight gave in. “Fine.”
The Apple family cheered.
Spike sat back against a tree, lost in thought. It wasn’t the first time that something or some pony had brought her memory back to him, but it still hurt. The hurt of not being able to see her again never seemed to diminish, not that he wanted it to. He figured it was his penance for not being good enough for her. He supposed it was better than being in some egg-hell for all eternity. 
Not much better, but it was what it was.
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
It was nearly three hours later when Spike and Twilight made it back to Ponyville. 
Spike had regained his demeanor and smiled at his companion. “So the food is all taken care of, then?” he asked, a hint of mischief coloring his voice.
Twilight groaned. “I ate too much pie…” she said, sourly.
Spike grinned. “Alright, that leaves music.” He said, “Last thing on the list. Though I still don’t know where…”
He tailed off as the sound of birds singing the Royal Introduction March- a tune typically reserved for announcing Princess Celestia herself- reached his ears. He and Twilight headed toward the sound and, in a small clearing, they found a Pink-Maned Yellow-furred Pegasus Pony, hovering in front of a tree full of birds, directing them as they sang. 
As they watched, the Pegasus called a halt to the singing, singling out a single blue jay on one of the higher branches. “Excuse me, sir,” she said, “I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny tiny bit off.” The bird seemed to understand and nodded. 
The Pegasus drifted back to where she could address the whole group and was about to start again when Twilight stepped up to speak with her. “Hello!” Twilight called, startling the Pegasus and causing the birds to flee in several directions. “Oh, my, I am so sorry; I didn’t mean to frighten your birds.” She said, concerned, “I’m just here to check up on the music, and it sounded beautiful.”
The Pegasus landed on the ground and immediately began studying the ground at her feet, occasionally glancing at Twilight as she fidgeted nervously.
Twilight, uncomfortable with the silence, smiled slightly. “I’m Twilight Sparkle.” She said, trying to coax the pastel pony into speaking to her. Another long, uncomfortable silence later, she tried a little more. “What’s your name?”
The Pegasus lowered her head slightly, and mumbled something too low to hear, not making eye contact with Twilight.
Twilight, failing to hear, asked for clarification. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
Again, the yellow pony sank into an even more submissive posture and barely whispered in response.
Twilight had a disbelieving look on her face as she probed once more. “Didn’t quite catch that.” She said.
The Pegasus whimpered in response, looking away.
Twilight stared at her in disbelief for a moment and then noticed that the birds had returned. “Well,” she said, “Looks like your birds are back. So, I guess everything’s in order. Keep up the good work!” She smiled as the Pegasus Pony whimpered a little more under her attention.
From his spot behind the bushes, Spike silently cursed. There was still over an hour before Pinkie would be ready, and Twilight would want to take the most direct route to the Library as quickly as possible. He needed something to slow her down or Pinkie would not be ready.
Twilight sighed and walked back over to Spike. “Well, that was easy.” She said as he stepped over to her, entering the view of the Pegasus behind her.
The winged pony’s eyes widened. “A BABY DRAGON!” she cried, charging over to take a closer look and bulldozing Twilight in the process. “Oh, I’ve never seen a baby dragon before! He’s sooo cute!”
Spike chuckled. “Well, I suppose.” He said with no little trace of pride.
The Pony’s eyes widened even more. “Oh, and he talks!” she said, “I didn’t know Dragons could talk. That’s just so incredibly wonderful, I just don’t know what to say!” As she spoke, she began to lift herself into the air. 
Spike felt the tingle of magic as Twilight lifted him and placed him firmly on her back. “Well, in that case, we’d better be going.” she said, beginning to walk away, more than a little annoyed that Spike had drawn the mare out of her shell where she had failed.
The Pegasus stepped up behind her, though. “Oh, wait!” she said, “What’s his name?”
Spike assumed as dignified and tough a posture as he could, balanced on Twilight’s back as she attempted to walk away. “The name is Spike.” He said.
The yellow Pony smiled at him. “Hi, Spike.” She said, “I’m Fluttershy. Wow, a talking Dragon. And what do dragons talk about?”
Spike smirked, seeing his opportunity. “We talk about whatever we want, luv.” He said, “You want me to tell you a story?”
Fluttershy beamed. “Oh, yes, please!” she said.
Twilight looked questioningly at the Dragon and raised an eyebrow.
Spike smiled to himself. He was always evasive when it came to his life before being an egg. He had only mentioned a few things to her, never revealing too much. A story would be just the thing to slow the bookworm down. Twilight would want to listen to this story even more than Fluttershy.
Spike stood up on Twilight’s back. “Long ago, in a distant place, there lived a man by the name of William.” He began, “William fancied himself a poet, but truth be told, he was not very good at it. He lived with his mother, and loved a young woman.”
As Spike spoke, he could feel Twilight slowing down, little by little, and he knew she was listening as well. 
Fluttershy smiled. “Oh, I do love romantic stories.” She said.
Spike frowned slightly. “Sorry, Fluttershy.” He said, “But this is not about her. William tried and tried to prove his love for his lady, but she spurned his affections. He wished he could find a way to be stronger, more dangerous, so he could make her love him. Unfortunately, he found what he was looking for, in the form of another woman. Drusilla.”
He said the name softly, but with such power and emotion that both ponies felt a chill run down their spines.
Spike looked from Fluttershy to Twilight, who he noticed had stopped entirely. He hopped off the Violet pony’s back and stepped away where he could turn and face them both. With both of their attention riveted on him, he continued.
“Drusilla was a dark, evil creature. A Vampire. She knew what William desired, and she gave it to him. The strength, the power, and the will to use it. The only catch was that it would cost him his soul, and all the goodness he had in him. Drusilla made William into a Vampire, and together, they traveled the world in the night, consumed by the Darkness, and did a great deal of evil for hundreds of years.”
Fluttershy looked like she was about to cry.
Spike smiled softly and continued. “Fortunately, William met a girl with a golden heart. A powerful woman who was determined to stand against such evil. The Slayer. William and the girl tested each other time and again, and they learned to respect each other’s strengths. There were greater evils, and William and the Slayer fought them together, until there came a day when William realized that he could not fight her anymore. She drove him to become a good man once again, and she drove him to get his soul back. In the end, the greatest evil of all came for the girl, determined to pull her and all she cared for down into the darkness. When they faced it, William faced the light of the sun, and with Celestia’s power, he drove the Evil and all of its minions back into the depths and seal it away once and for all.”
Spike finished speaking with a note of finality to indicate that he was done.
Fluttershy stared at him. “W-what happened to them after that?” she asked.
Spike looked at her. “That is a tale for another day.” He said, looking at the sun, now sinking on the horizon. “We have places to be.”
Twilight seemed to realize for the first time since she had stopped, that she had, in fact, stopped. “Spike is right; we need to be getting to the library.” She said, “We have to rest up for the celebration tomorrow.”
As Twilight turned to walk away, Spike waved Fluttershy closer to him. “Are you coming to the party Pinkie Pie is throwing tonight?” He whispered, drawing a nod from the yellow Pegasus. “Good. I need you to fly there ahead of us and let Pinkie know we are on our way.”
Fluttershy smiled at Spike and giggled and then nodded, and flew off.
Twilight watched as the Pegasus Pony vanished from sight and then turned to her companion. “William died, didn’t he?” she asked in a tone that conveyed a deep sorrow.
Spike looked pointedly at her for a moment, and then nodded. “Celestia’s Sun is deadly to a Vampire.” He said, “But the Princess works in mysterious ways.”
He walked on, refusing to elaborate.
In no time at all, they had arrived at the Library, a decently sized building that was, for some reason, shaped like a tree. 
Spike looked at the building for a moment. “This is it?” he asked, “Who is supposed to live in that? Winnie the flippin’ Poo? What kind of Architect builds a house shaped like a tree, anyway?”
Twilight rolled her eyes. She never really understood when Spike started ranting like that. Probably his old life coming through. She opened the door and walked into the dark building. “Come on, Spike.” she said, “We need to find that book so we can be prepared for what’s coming. Now, where is that light?”
As if on command, the light came on, revealing dozens of ponies of all shapes, colors and forms. “SURPRISE!” they all shouted.
Twilight’s jaw dropped in shock.
The Pink Pony she had seen earlier that day suddenly popped up in front of her. “Surprise!” she yelled, “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you!” She began to hop. “Where you surprised? Where you? Where you? Huh? Huh? Huh?” she bounded easily over Twilight’s head, to land lightly on the other side.
“Very surprised.” Twilight admitted, “Libraries are supposed to be quiet.”
Pinkie Pie laughed. “Well, that’s silly.” She said, “What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh. Boring. You see, I saw you when you first got here, remember, you were all ‘Hello’ and I was all <gasp!> Remember? You see, I never saw you before and if I’d never saw you before than that means you were new, cause I know everypony, and I mean EVERYpony in Ponyville, and if you’re new then you haven’t met anyone yet, and if you haven’t met anyone yet, then you must not have any friends, and if you don’t have any friends then you must be lonely, and I had an idea! And that’s why I went <Gasp!> I would throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See, and now you have lots and lots of friends!”
As Pinkie Pie spoke, Twilight made her way slowly across the room and picked up a slightly odd looking cupcake. As Pinkie finished her soliloquy the other four ponies that she had met over the course of the day- Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy- stepped forward to count themselves amongst Twilights new friends.
Not exactly sure how to respond to their show of friendship, Twilight took a bite out of the Cupcake to cover her reluctance and give her a moment to think a good response. A moment later, her face turned several shades more scarlet, and tears began to well in her eyes.
Applejack, who was standing nearest to Twilight, noticed the alarming change in her coloring. “Are you okay, Sugarcube?” she asked as Twilight suddenly gasped and grabbed a nearby soda and then fled up the stairs at the far end of the room.
Pinkie Pie smiled “Awe,” she said, “She is so happy she is crying!”
Spike picked up the remains of the cupcake and sniffed at the suspicious red liquid that was oozing out of it. “Pinkie, did you, by any chance, fry hot sauce into these cupcakes?” he asked incredulously. 
Pinkie Pie laughed and picked up another of the cupcakes in question and munched it down. “Yep!” she said, happily, and then looked at the rest of them, who were looking at her funny. “What?  They’re good!”
Spike just shook his head. Knowing her, that little mishap would likely keep Twilight unsociable for the rest of the evening if he did not come up with something to get her back out here. Perhaps if he found her the book she needed, then she could get the information she wanted and maybe socialize some.
He looked around, aware that there should be a large book to serve as a directory, and a registry of all the books in the library. Not seeing it, he moved over where Pinkie Pie was setting up a game of Pin-the-Tail-On-the-Pony.
The Pink furred Pony noticed Spike’s approach and smiled. “Hey, Spike.” She said, “Is Twilight coming back? It wouldn’t be much a party without the guest of honor.”
Spike sighed. “I been thinking about how to get her back out here, Pinkie, but to do that, I need to find the Registry book.” He said, “It’s a big book that lists all the books in the library, and their locations. You seen it?”
Pinkie Pie thought for a moment then smiled as she remembered. “Oh!” she exclaimed, “I remember! There was a big book on that table over there, the one with all of the snacks, ‘cause I saw that table when I came in, and I was all like, ‘That table would be great for snacks’ but there was a book there, so I had Ditsy Doo move it so we could put the snacks there.”
Spike nodded, and searched the room for the blond Pony. He found her at the refreshment table, smiling and talking to a frustrated appearing Rarity. 
The Violet Maned Unicorn glared at the Pegasus and groaned in exasperation. “You can’t just go double dipping the chips in the dip, Ditsy!” she was saying. “It is not sanitary. Honestly, you almost might as well put your whole face in the dip bowl.”
Ditsy Doo cocked her head at the white furred Unicorn. “But don’t we all put our faces in the bowl to dip the chips?” she asked, “I mean, we are ponies, so it’s not like we can… Oh, hi Spike.”
Spike rolled his eyes. “Hello, Ditsy Doo. Hello… um… Rarity, was it?” he asked. Twilight had told him of her ordeal with the elegant white Unicorn during their walk to the farm.
The White Mare looked him over. “Indeed.” She said, “You were with Twilight, correct? What are you, to her? A pet?”
Spike glared at her. “Who the hell are you calling a pet, you insufferable nag?” He demanded.
Rarity’s eyes widened. “NAG?” she grated. “How dare you, you poor excuse for a Purple Handbag lining!”
“Purple haired clown-horse.”
“Spiney Lizard.”
“Prissy Porcelain Pony.”
“Tiny Dinosaur.”
“High-Brow Country Tailor.”
Rarity’s eyes widened. “Well, I Never!” she said, turning and stalking off, fuming.
Ditsy looked from Rarity’s retreating back to Spike and back again. “I…don’t think that was such a good idea, Spike.” She said, concern coloring her voice. “Rarity is nice, usually, but she is not so forgiving when she is angry.”
Spike chuckled. “I think I can handle one angry Unicorn.” He said confidently, “In any case, you’re the one I wanted to talk to. Pinkie Pie said that you moved the large Registry book from that table over there. I need it.”
The Pegasus-Pony thought for a moment and then smiled. “I put it over there on the shelf.” She said, indicating the large book sitting on the top shelf far above where Spike could hope to reach it.
Spike looked up at the book and rolled his eyes. “Great.” he said, “So the Registry book is all the way up there on the top shelf. I don’t suppose I could ask you to fetch it down for me, Ditsy?”
Ditsy smiled and saluted the small dragon. “No problem.” She said spreading her wings and lifting into the air to retrieve the book off the shelf.
Rainbow Dash, who had been engaged in some boasting on the other side of the room, spotted Ditsy tugging on the book on the top shelf and immediately saw the trouble. “Ditsy Doo, What are you doing?” she called, “That isn’t such a good¬-” 
The Rainbow-Maned Pony did not manage to finish her sentence, as upon hearing her name, Ditsy Doo turned to look at her, inadvertently pulling the book from the shelf as she did. Sure enough, the book was far heavier than the hovering Pegasus had expected, swinging in her hooves and causing her to go into a spin. At the far end of the spin, the book slid from her hooves and fell.
Spike stared transfixed as the train wreck of an accident happened. He stared as the clumsy Pegasus pirouetted through the air, and he stared as the book slipped and fell. He watched the trajectory and speed of the projectile as if sailed through the air, and he could not move, even while every ounce of his old self told him he could still get out of the way. He just could not stop watching.
“Oh, Bugger.” He said, as the large, four-inch-thick, hard bound volume slammed into his thick dragon skull. His vision flashed, he fell backward, and the last thing that he recalled was Fluttershy crying his name.
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
Spike awoke. The soft blanket on which he lay felt warm against his pale skin. The Lair that his newly restored Drusilla had chosen after his injury was not the most comfortable place in the world, but he had slept in worse. 
He shifted slightly and was immediately reminded of the injuries he had sustained in the battle against Buffy Summers and that other Slayer. He and Drusilla had come out of that battle remarkably well, considering that they had been up against two Slayers and Angelus as well.
The ritual had been a success, and his beloved Sire had been restored to her former glory, and that they had killed the newer Slayer was merely icing on the cake. The battle had, however cost Spike the use of his legs, and though he knew that the injury was not permanent, he did not like feeling like an invalid around Drusilla.
As if summoned by his thoughts, the darkly lovely Vampire swept into the room, smiling when she saw that he was awake. “Hello Spike, my Darling.” She said, “How are you feeling, my sweet?”
Spike sighed. “I feel the same as I did Yesterday.” He said sourly. “I hate being stuck in this bed, unable to move, having to have my meals brought to me. Mostly, though, I am bored, Love.”
Drusilla looked at the white haired Vampire. “I see.” She said, “How about I tell you a story, then? One that Darla told me long ago?”
Spike sighed and nodded. Anything was better than sitting around staring at the blank walls. He pulled himself into a seated position and gave Dru his full attention.
Drusilla smiled. “A long, long time ago, before even the Great Master awoke to terrorize this world,” She began, “there were a pair of Princesses, one of light, one of dark. The Princess of Light ruled over the Day, and all of those who dwell in the light. The Princess of Dark ruled the Night, and all of those that Dwelled in the Shadows.”
“One night, it is said that the Princess of Dark became unhappy and jealous of the Princess of Light, because of how her followers rejoiced in the light and slept in the Dark, where the Princess of Dark’s followers were driven back by the light of day. She refused to lower the Moon, and swore to bring endless night for her people.”
“In order to preserve her own followers, The Princess of Light used the greatest power she could find, to seal her sister away inside the Moon, where she has been trapped ever since.”
“Legend says though, that when the greatest darkness is buried, and the Old Ones are no more, the Great Princess of the Dark shall return, to enshroud the world in endless Night once again.”
Drusilla smiled at Spike. “Oh, Spike,” she said wistfully, “Wouldn’t that be wonderful, to never have to worry about having the Sun come out again?”
Spike smiled. Then he frowned. He felt like he had heard a story like that somewhere before. As he began to realize this, the room became indistinct and blurred. A moment later, it was gone.
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
Spike stirred and opened his eyes, groaning slightly as he did so.
“He’s awake!”
He turned at the sound of Fluttershy’s voice, and looked through bleary eyes to see the timid pony as well as Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Ditsy Doo, and even Rarity all watching him with genuine concern in their eyes.
Twilight moved to Spikes side and gave the dragon a hug. “You had us so worried, Spike.” She said, “I was so afraid when they told me you had been hit with that book. I was terrified you were seriously injured.”
Ditsy Doo approached, looking very ashamed of herself. “I’m sorry Spike; I didn’t mean to hit you with it.” She said.
Spike rolled his eyes. “Of course you didn’t mean it, Ditsy.” he said. “It was an accident. Now, how long was I out?”
Pinkie Pie stepped up. “Too long!” she said, “Not that the party went on without you or anything, after all, Parties tend to end when people get hurt. But still, we only have a few minutes left before the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration! We need to get going, or we’ll miss the Princess raising the Sun.”
She and the others wasted no more time in hurrying out the door, with Twilight and Spike trailing behind.
Twilight looked at Spike with more than a little concern. “Are you feeling okay to come along?” She asked. “If you want, you can stay behind and rest some more.”
Spike caught up his travel sack, containing the few things he called his own. “I’m fine.” He said, waving off her concern. “Besides, I wouldn’t miss the Princess doing her thing for anything.”
Twilight nodded, and the pair followed the others.
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
Even Spike had to admit that when it came to the decorations in the Festival Hall, Rarity had outdone herself. The entire building sparkled, swathed in curtains and tapestries of a thousand brilliant hues. The sky, clearly visible through the Hall’s windows, was completely clear of clouds, proving that Rainbow’s task was completed, and a table full of a stunning array of apple-based treats dominated one side of the room, fruit of Applejack’s efforts. 
Fluttershy hovered in front of a small stand whereupon her feathered performers were perched, ready to sing as instructed, and Rarity stood on the balcony, ready to open the curtain to reveal the Princess, who had, according to certain sources, had arrived quietly in the night and was preparing in her dressing room alone.
Everything was in place and all was in order as the Ponies filed in talking animatedly amongst themselves.
Pinkie Pie appeared at Twilight’s side. “Isn’t this exciting?” she exclaimed, “Are you excited, cause I’m excited. I’ve never been so excited- Well, except for that time I saw you walking into town and I went <gasp!>, but I mean, really, who can top that?”
Applejack and Rainbow Dash shared a glance and a smirk at Pinkie’s antics as the Music began at Fluttershy’s direction, announcing the Mayor’s cue to introduce the Celebration and the Princess.
Spike chose to hang back, carefully fingering the crossbow concealed in his bag. Something bad was coming. He could tell. 
The Mayor stepped into the spotlight and smiled at her constituents. “Fillies and Gentlecolts,” she began, “As mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!” This drew a chorus of cheers from the assembled ponies. “In just a few moments,” the Mayor continued, “our town will witness the magic of the Sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest Day of the Year.”
As the Mayor spoke Spike noticed Twilight’s gaze suddenly going to one of the windows. Following her gaze, he saw the Moon, hovering ominously there, in the sky. He could clearly see the series of shadows that they called the “Mare in the Moon” as well as several stars that seemed to be moving alarmingly toward the Moon itself. A moment later, the Stars vanished behind the Moon, and the “Mare” suddenly faded out. Not a good sign.
“And now,” the Mayor continued, uninterrupted, “it is my great honor to introduce to you the Ruler of our land, the very Pony that gives us the Sun and Moon each and every Day, the Good, the Wise, the Bringer of Harmony to all of Equestria, Princess Celestia!”
Rarity pulled the rope, opening the curtain, and Fluttershy had her birds sing. The Spotlight turned and revealed an empty space behind the curtain where the Princess should have been. A collective gasp spread through the room, as they realized that she was not there.
Twilight looked at Spike, who narrowed his eyes. “This can’t be good.” The Purple pony said.
The Mayor was clearly as confused as everyone else. “Remain calm, Everypony.” she said, “There must be a reasonable explanation.”
Pinkie Pie started hopping up and down excitedly. “Ooh! Ooh! I love guessing Games!” she said. “Is she hiding?”
Rarity, who had gone to check the Dressing Room, returned with a concerned look on her face. “She’s Gone!” she declared.
Pinkie looked around. “Oh, She’s good.” She said, but then she gave a startled cry as a mysterious sparkling black mist began to gather on the balcony where the Princess should have been.
The cloud of black particles built up and then separated, revealing a Solid black winged Unicorn with a Moon cutie-mark and a midnight blue headdress and collar. Her mane and tail were composed of the Sparkling black cloud that had brought her here, and she stared disdainfully down at the assembled ponies with her Midnight blue eyes. 
“Nightmare Moon.” Twilight said, terrified in the knowledge that she had been correct.
Nightmare smiled haughtily. “Oh, my beloved subjects.” She said, “It has been sooo long since I have seen your precious little sun-loving faces.”
Rainbow Dash was first to recover. “What did you do with our Princess?” she demanded, attempting to fly up and confront Nightmare Moon directly, but her tail was caught by Applejack, who stopped her from endangering herself.
Nightmare Moon laughed. “Why?” she asked, “Am I not Royal enough for you? Don’t you know who I am?”
Pinkie Pie smiled broadly. “Ooh, Ooh! More guessing games!” she said, “Umm… Pokey Smokes! How about Queen Meanie? No! Black Snootie! Black Sn-ummph!”
Pinkie cut off as Applejack shoved an apple into her mouth.
Nightmare Moon turned to Fluttershy, who cringed in terror. “Does my crown no longer count, now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” she demanded, then turned to Rarity. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?”
Twilight Sparkle stood up as tall as she could and faced the Dark Princess. “I did.” She said, drawing Nightmare’s gaze. “And I know who you are. You’re the Mare in the Moon: Nightmare Moon.”
This drew a gasp from the assembled Ponies.
Nightmare Moon looked down at the small Purple Pony and smiled evilly. “Well, well, well,” she said, “Somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I am here.”
Twilight’s strength withered under Nightmare Moon’s gaze. “You’re here to… to…”Was all she could get out.
Nightmare laughed evilly. “Remember this day, Little Ponies, for it was your last.” She said, “From this moment forth, the Night will last FOREVER!”
Spike stood toward the back of the Hall, crossbow in hand. He had been watching up to this point, waiting to determine if this Pony was the threat he expected. Now, he stared defiantly at the Dark Princess before him. “Not if I have anything to say about it!” he declared, leveling the crossbow on her and pulling the trigger.
.o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o. .o0o.
A.N. Ah, yes, a lovely little Cliffhanger. 
Before anyone asks, yes, I am aware that there is an “Angel” in both series as well, and I would be lying if I told you I was not thinking about it.
If Spike seems a little out of character, it is because he has been living in Equestria for something like five years at this point.
For those of you wondering why I changed up the order of the meetings, it is because this Spike had both a reason to want to go faster, and the intelligence to notice that Sweet Apple Acres is outside of Ponyville, and thus out of the way, where as the rest were in town.
I am going with “Ditsy Doo”, as the name of that Pegasus, because, to be honest, I hate the name “Derpy”. My apologies to Derpy fans.
Those who are hoping for SpikeXRarity: Sorry. It is unlikely. Spike is far too much of a Human at heart to fall in love with a pony, and even if he was more acclimated, to the extent that the idea would be open to him, Rarity is not Spike’s type.
As always, constructive criticism is happily accepted.