//------------------------------// // Moonlight Stories P2 // Story: Moonburst Chronicles // by Code Breaker //------------------------------// Moonlight Stories Part 2 After leaving the cliff side behind the gang gets further and further into the forest which seemed to get darker every 20 or so feet until the group could only see what was in front of them or near them. “I’m not liking this one bit.” Coco said hiding behind Cheerliee. “Its going to be okay we just need to figure how to get out of here.” Cheerliee reassured patting her on the head. After the several minutes of walking the entirety of the group stopped as they seemed to come in front of a cave. Coco shivered as she looked inside seeing the vast darkness that encompassed the inside of the cave. “D-do we h-have to go in th-their?” Coco asked stuttering in her sentence pointing to the cave. Trixie took a few glances about to see if there is any other means of going forward, but there didn’t seem to be any. She let out a deep sigh and looked back to the girls. “Well it seems we have no choice but to go straight through this cave to the other side.” Trixie says as almost all of them prepare to go through. Coco’s legs were trembling when she said that they had to go into and through the cave. “Are you feeling okay Coco?” Lightning asked. “Well it’s just that… I don’t exactly do well in dark places.” Coco admitted as Trixie groaned in response to this. “Did anypony bring anything for light?” Sunset asked. “I thought we wouldn’t need it since we got two unicorns here that can light up an area for us.” Rainbow said with a shrug. “UGH! You should always pack the necessities when there needed!” Trixie yelled. “Plus using an illumination spell and keeping it lit takes both energy and concentration, and if we overuse our magic we run the chance of over-channeling.” Sunset finished. “Oh, hehe. I actually didn’t know that.” Dash says rubbing her neck with a hoof which could barely be seen. Trixie only sighed “Well unless we find another light source we are out of luck.” She said. Then they hear a sound coming from the cave that sounded like a roar of a lion or something that send chills down everyponies spine “What in the name of Equestria was that?” Dash asked trying not to sound scared. “I don’t know and don’t want to know.” Coco said cowering behind Cheerliee, but they were shortly answered by a figure coming out of the cave. The figure appeared to be an actual lion that had a dark blue lion mane and its mouth open drooling as it looked at the meal that was in front of it. “A lion in the Everfree, I heard of manticores but a lion!” Trixie exclaimed taking a step back along with the others. Every time the lion moved toward them it was slow and limp. Cheerliee took notice of its behavior and instead of moving backwards she started to approach it cautiously “CHEERLIEE!” they all yelled to her. “Something isn’t right here, if it were to eat us it would have already have done it minutes.” Cheerliee said and continued to move closer to it. When she got close enough to check on the lion it began to roar in her face, at first Cheerliee was worried thinking she was going to be a midnight snack but instead she kept her cool and began inspecting the lion. She found the source of the lions sudden limp leg after a few seconds close inspection. “Let me have a look at that paw there.” She said with a calming voice trying to calm its raging behavior. The lion stopped roaring and lifted its paw so it would meet her at eye level. She saw that lion had stepped on some thorns and was slightly bleeding. Cheerliee took a breath “Now this may hurt a bit but bear with me.” She said and began pulling each of the thorns out of the lions paw, each time she pulled one out the lion roared. “She’s going to get herself killed out there if she keeps this up.” Trixie said worried. “Well I’m not going to sit here and let her get eaten!” Sunset said and began charging at the lion. Cheerliee just finished pulling the thorns out and started placing disinfectant that she brought with her on its paw and bandaging up. “There, now doesn’t that feel better.” Cheerliee said and the lion began licking to death. “Now hey that’s quite alright. I just couldn’t leave you out here with all thorns in you.” Cheerliee began to walk away. “Everything’s okay everypony!” She called out making Sunset stop skidding forward and hitting a tree. Sunset looked up and at Cheerliee. “What, but that thing was going to eat us.” Sunset said pointing at the lion. “I think I figured out why this lion was acting this way in the first.” Cheerliee said taking out the thorns she kept and everypony gathered around. “These are paranormal thorns.” She states in a knowing tone. “Wait…aren’t Paranormal Thorns responsible for causing personalities to change if someone is even pricked?” Trixie questions as Cheerliee nods. “Yes, but these ones were only causing the poor dear pain.” Cheerliee finished. The lion approached the group and began licking Cheerliee again. “But how were you able to handle it?” Coco asked not as frightened anymore. “Well I help out around Ponyville and I had to take over for Fluttershy when she was sick. You have to be nice and it goes to show, kindness can go a long way.” Cheerliee said. The lion went back to its normal self and seemed to point with its tail in another direction before walking back into its cave grateful for the pain being gone. “She was so kind to it even though it looked so frightening and tried to eat us even I didn’t have the courage to even walk up to it, somehow I think I’ll get along with her just fine.” Trixie thought as they continued onward to the castle of the two sisters. Instead of going through the way Trixie thought was the correct path, the girls were now traveling down a rocky path. Everypony was silent until Trixie broke the silence clearing her throat. “Well I forgot to say this earlier but thank you Cheerliee for handling that lion back.” Trixie said making Cheerliee blush a little. “Yeah I mean you handle it without a hitch!” Dust complemented “Well I was scared at first from looking at it, and then I realized that it had to be in pain or something and I couldn’t just leave it there hurting itself.” Cheerliee pronounced. The girls continued on but they were stopped when they heard a loud squeal of excitement coming from Coco “What in the wide world of the Equestria was that for Coco!?” Dust asked as they all turned around to find Coco… clenching a wing shape gem in her mouth. She spat the gem out of her mouth and began to squeal like a little filly and was hopping in place. “Don’t you know what this is?” she questioned pointing to the gem and they all just blinked in confusion and she just facehooved and then continued in utter glee. “This is a Yellow Sapphire, they are a very rare gem.” Coco said taking a breath as she looked at the gem. “This would make a wonderful gift for Rarity.” Coco said picking it up and placing it in her saddle bag. “So you’re just going to take it?” Sunset questioned. “Better me than some rotten overgrown thief who would sell it on the black market.” Coco pointed out as they all turned back around and continued on their path to the castle. What they didn’t know that they were watched by a dark blue smoke and it traveled along until it found what looked like a giant tortoise but with varieties of gemstones on its back and one on its head. The smoke came up to the tortoise and removed the gem on its head cause it to yelped wildly. It looked at its head in the reflecting river which showed an empty spot and thus began to cry over the loss of its precious gem. As this happened Trixie and the others exited coming to a clearing in the forest and were now face to face with a raging river. “Unless somepony feels like building a raft for the none flyers I don’t think were crossing anytime soon.” Trixie concluded and the rest of the girls frowned at it and after a few seconds of silence they heard something that was in the water crying. “What’s that?” Coco asked “Who knows.” Dash replies “Well it can’t be worse that Nightmare Moon.” Trixie said taking lead as they walked in the direction of the crying eventually coming across a giant tortoise. The girls walked over to see what the problem. “Excuse me Mister but is something the matter?” Trixie asked but it was still crying as he looked to Trixie. “Well if you must know my beloved gemstone was taken from me that sat atop of my head. This…This empty spot makes me look hideous!” The tortoise said still crying up a storm and causing the water to rage on instead of flowing nicely. “Well I’m dreadfully sorry for your predicament…” Trixie started as an idea crossed her mind and she grinned widely. “Excuse me Mr. Tortoise, but would you mind allowing us a ride to the other side of the river?” She than asks. “You expect me to allow a ride when I’m in such a state? Have you no shame?” he whined as the rain of tears continued this time the tears seeming to land on Trixie drenching her. Trixie went back to the girls “Well there goes that idea out the window.” Trixie stated as Dash flew over to her. “What about me and Dust? We could fly you over.” Dash suggested as Trixie shakes her head. “Not to be offensive Dash, but I don’t think you and Dust could handle it.” Trixie said “WHAT!” Dash and Dust exclaimed as Sunset face hooves. “What she means to say is that it would be two trips across a long distance, and neither of you have the stamina to carry three grown mares and a slightly younger mare.” Sunset states and looks to Trixie. “I suppose that also puts teleporting out as an option to right?” She then adds as Trixie nods “Yeah. Without a clear view as to where to go we could end up teleporting right into the middle of the river. Also we need to conserve our magic a bit in case we run into Nightmare Moon at the castle.” Trixie states As they were talking Coco went closer to the tortoise and got a look at the shape of the gem that is supposed to be on its head. She let out a small gasp noticing its shape. Coco than brought the Yellow Sapphire out of her bag and looked between it and the tortoise. “It’s such a rare gem…I might never find one again, but…” Coco began to ponder but it didn't take long for her decision. She walked up to the crying tortoise and cleared her throat catching both the tortoise and her friend’s attention. “Excuse me? But I was wondering if you would accept this as a replacement gem?” asked Coco and tortoise stop crying for a minute and looked at the gem that was laid before him and his whole demeanor change “Oh my. It’s such a lovely gem, and the perfect color to.” he began to lean down to pick it up. “Please allow me.” Coco says placing the gem in which was a perfect fit. “Well I must say you look rather handsome for a tortoise of your stature.” Coco complemented. The raging water returned to normal as the crying stopped. “Your generosity is kind young mare. Allow me to repay you.” The tortoise said as he lowered himself deeper into the water allowing his shell to come closer. “Now please get on, but do be careful not to dislodge any of my gems.” He said. “Coco while I’m glad you did that, but weren't you going to give that gem to Rarity?” Trixie asked “Yeah, you know you’ll never find another Yellow Sapphire for a long time.” Sunset added. “There is much more to life than just taking things, and at some point you must give back so others can enjoy the same things you have.” Coco stated. “So she’s meaning to say you get more if you give, and by taking you only lose.” Trixie pondered as their journey continued on. After reaching the other side thanks to the tortoise, saying there goodbye and hope to meet again sometime, they have finally what seemed forever reach the bridge that will take them across to the castle of the two sisters. “Well this’ll be a piece of the cake.” Trixie said with confidence “All we have to do is cross this…” before she finished she almost fell off the cliff if it weren’t for Dash catching her first and dragging her tail back up. “You sure do like cliffs Trixie.” Dash states sarcastically. Sunset looked at the edge of the cliff. “Well sign me up and call me freckles, the bridge is out.” Sunset said. “How are we going to get across now?” Coco asked, but Dash cleared her throat and fluttered her wings a little to show she could go across. “Oh.” Coco responds embarrassed a bit. “I’ll go across and retie the bridge, Dust you stay here okay this won’t take long.” Dash ordered and Dust saluted as Dash took to the air grabbing the vine that was below the mist. As she made it to the other side and she began tying the knot for the bridge where her friends could see her she started to hear a voice calling her name “Rainbow Dash.” Said the voice in a soft feminine tone, this surprised Dash making her body go on the defensive as she stood her ground and wings flared out. “Alright who’s out there, come out! What do you want?” Dash called out raising her front hoofs waiting for any incoming threat. The voice continued “We want you Rainbow Dash.” Said the voice again but it was getting closer. “You do, who are you?” Dash questioned still maintaining her defensive stance. “Who are we? We…” the voice that she was hearing became three figures in what seemed like an athlete flying suit. All three of them were pegasus ponies like Dash, two of them were stallions that seemed to be the bodyguards, and the other was a mare that was the leader of the pack, there suits matched all three of their mane and tail which dark colors ranging from black to gray, the eye lenses were a bright yellow “Are the Shadowbolts. The fastest aerial stunt team in the Everfree Forest, and soon to be all of Equestria.” The mare announce with pride. Dash could only hop in glee. “So you guys are like the Wonderbolts right?” Dash question “We recent the Wonderbolts, and we are currently looking for new recruits.” She began flying and circling Dash. “Who have stamina.” She said “Check.” Dash replied. “Skill.” She said again “Check and Check.” Dash replied back “Somepony like…” She flew in close to Dash’s ear. “You” she whispered and Dash immediately jumped in the air. “OH YEAH SIGN ME!” she yelled out and then she went back to what she was doing. “Just give me a minute to tie this up and then…” before she could say another word. “NO!” The female shadowbolt barked out getting in Dash’s way along with her companions. “It’s either them or us.” The mare said letting Dash make the decision while on the other side Trixie and the other could see what she was doing. “DASH DON’T YOU LISTEN TO THEM!” Trixie called out. The leader of the Shadowbolts look back at the group, her lenses glowed for a second and the fog became too thick to look through. “Well Dash what’s it going to be, them or us?” she asked again. Dash thoughts went haywire as she was asked again. “What do I do, do become a Shadowbolt and forget my friends or stay with my friends and forget the Shadowbolts.” She thought, then a thought came to her mind. “What a minute I never heard of the Shadowbolts in the first place. What a bunch of phonies.” Dash thought finally making a decision “Thank you.” Dash says as the female shadowbolt grinned darkly thinking she won her over. “For the offer I mean.” She adds getting close the female shadowbolt before going back the bridge and finishing tying it. “But I never leave a friend hanging.” She finished as she flew off to meet back with her friends. As for the Shadowbolts they turned into three separate balls of dark blue smoke and then merging together and flee into the nearby path. The fog cleared and came from it Dash reappeared raising her front hoofs for a pose when she landed. Everypony cheered when she came back and then they continued onward. “I thought you were going to go with them for a minute there you know.” Trixie said with a concerned look. “Hey I never leave my friends hanging ever, and besides I can’t leave you girls. Who will save yah next time you fall off a cliff.” Dash joked as she flew ahead doing a few small stunts as Trixie watched her. “A friend that you could always rely on. I could never she could be so… loyal.” Trixie thought her head low as she lead on. A few minutes pass in silence as the daunting site of the castle grew ever closer. “Are you sure we’ll be able to fight her?” Coco said looking down her voice no higher than an audible whisper. “Oh come on, yeah she may look scary at first but I’m sure we can manage even if we are a little scared.” Lightning assured her. “I’m sure we can take her on!” Dash said puffing out her chest. “Yeah. As long as we are together we can handle anything she throws at us.” Dust said with a sly grin. The girls walked what seemed like ten or twenty minutes when they finally arrived at the gates of the Castle of the Two Sisters but to their dismay the drawbridge was up, that provided a dilemma for the girls. The castle itself was intimidating, some of the cement blocks have been either knocked out of place or half destroyed, the two towers were either missing a lot shingles from and the third destroyed. Dash and Dust took to the skies to see if there was a way to release the drawbridge. “I think there’s a way in but it’s going to take some time to actually find any lever in their!” Dash called out. “Okay just you two be careful in there you hear me!” Trixie called back. “Hey careful is my middle name.” Dash boasted. “I thought your middle name was Aurora.” Dust said with a chuckle. Dash face hoofed “It’s a figure of speech Dust, now come on let’s go!” Dash said before shooting off toward the big hole in the roof and Dust follows. They both entered inside the castle and just as bad as the outside it was bad on the inside too. The walls color had faded over time, most of the banners have been torn down or in a condition that would make Rarity faint. Several destroyed pillars were scattered about. The two mares looked around for a switch or a lever that would bring the drawbridge down. “This place is too scary for my taste. Let’s find whatever we’re looking for and get out of here.” Dust said in a more worried tone, which Dash nodded in agreement. They began flying around for a while. “Dash we’ve been looking around this place for like eternity.” Dust saying breathing a bit heavy. Dash was still looking and then saw something that looks like a statue and flew over too it. It was a statue of an alicorn with the horn straight and pointing at them. The statue looked identical to Celestia. “Hey isn’t this statue a little crooked.” Dust said and began turning the statue to the right until there was a click sound. The drawbridge descended down to the rest of the girls that were waiting outside. The girls walked in where Dash and Dust were. “Man this place is messier than my house after a magic overload.” Sunset replied looking around at the mess. “I would agree. Though this place is a castle and its quite old if I don’t say so myself.” Cheerliee agreed. “Girls now is not the time to admire this place we need to find the elements and Nightmare Moon, so time is wasting.” Trixie said moving forward. The rest nodded in agreement following her. “Well do you know where Ms. Nightmare Moon is in this place?” Dash questioned raising an eyebrow making Trixie stop in her tracks. She rubbed her chin for a bit then a small sweat drop came across her face. “Uh…hehehe… no.” Trixie bluntly said causing the others to trip over themselves. “WHAT!” was what Dash said and flew up into Trixie’s face. “You said you knew how to get here and yet you don’t know where she is in this place!” Dash yelled out causing Trixie to backpedal a bit. “Hey, this is Trixie’s first time in the castle and Trixie wouldn’t know this places layout.” Trixie ranted, and then paused at what she was saying. “Thank you very much Dash, now you got Trixie speaking in third pony!” She yelled out and walked off to calm down and the others followed. Meanwhile in the throne room of the castle stood Nightmare Moon was on an old throne as she used her magic to watch the girls. She let out a sly grin. “So somponies think they can stop me. No matter by the end of this they will be bowing before me.” Nightmare Moon says as she began casting a spell. “Come my subjects of the night, come and dispose of these intruders from my sight.” Nightmare Moon chanted and six puffs of smokes appeared. Each buff of smoke began to transform into six darker ponies. Two unicorns, two earth ponies, and two pegasus ponies came out. The first one looked like Rainbow Dash but its coat was a darker cyan and its eyes were dark green, another was like Cheerliee but its coat and mane were very dark colored opposites of the original Cheerliee even the eyes were a dark magenta. The pony that looked like Lightning Dust, it’s mane was a dark purple with a streak of dark blue in it, coat is a dark turquoise, and her eyes were darken gold. The fourth transformed into a dark version of Coco Pommel with her mane two shades of gray, a dark amber tan coat; its eyes were a darker cyan. The fifth became a dark version of Sunset Shimmer with her mane a dark crimson with a dark gold in it, and its coat was dark brilliant amber with its eyes of a light cyan. The last had a dark azure blue coat with dark platinum mane, with dark magenta eyes. All of them appeared and were ready “Now go my subjects show these guests a good time.” Nightmare Moon commanded. “Yes. All hail to the nightmare!” they chanted and ran off to find the intruders that were within the castle. As they past there was another room that contained five stoned spheres unknown of what they do. In another part of the castle the girls stayed close together with Cheerliee, Sunset, Coco, and Trixie staying on the ground while Dust, and Dash stayed in the air in case to alert them of anything coming their way. The girls saw two big blue doors that looked like it led to another area of the castle. “Should we open it?” Coco asked hesitant as Trixie lets out a sigh stepping up to the doors. “Well I don’t see any other doors around and this looks like the only way we can go right now.” Trixie concluded as all the girls began opening the doors. The doors creaked open and revealed was a large area that looked like the ballroom of the castle. Along the entrance was a staircase, and two other doors; one leading straight ahead and another to the right. The girls were in awe of the sight when they entered. Sure the ballroom was empty but there was a hanging chandelier above them which lit up the room with six candles lit with purple flames. “This place is so gorgeous, patch it up and redo the walls with a little old hoof grease and it would look good as new.” Coco commented as the others looked at her with questioning glances. Coco blushed a little embarrassed at her own antics. “What you thought fashion had to do with just clothing?” Coco said in a deadpan voice. Trixie let out a giggle “Okay girls now all we have to do is figure out which way to take it either: the doors or the stairs?” Trixie looked at the girls to see if they could make a decision. “Well the stairs would make more sense, I mean if I were Nightmare Moon and want to make sure the elements were never found; I would hide them at the highest place possible.” Sunset deduced “Well it could be that simple, but if it was me I would hide the elements within this maze of a castle behind one of these doors.” Dash argued then Cheerliee chimed in. “Well both do sound good choices but we would have to find out for ourselves.” She added. “Well I could find out and if there is anything interesting upstairs.” Dust chimed in and sped toward it, but before she could get close she ran smack into… nothing. Dust pealed back and shook her head in surprise. “Huh?” was the only thing came from her mouth when a ripple effect came from what she hit. Trixie approached it and tapped her hoof causing it to ripple. “What in Celestia’s name is this?” Trixie said shock of this development. Then they heard what seemed like echoes of laughs from a group of mad mares that seemed to be coming from everywhere “So are you surprised about our force field spell little innocent pony.” A voice said. “Oh aren’t we going to have some fun today!” said another “Easy there, they are the intruders and they must be punished as such.” Adds a third voice “Can we just get this over with they look and seem boring to the sight.” A fourth chimed in bored. “I’m going to enjoy ripping them apart limb from limb.” A fifth said rather sadistically. “I think it’s only fair that we introduce ourselves to them shall we.” The final voice adds in a rather polite tone, but still sounded dark. “YEAH!” the other five voices shouted in glee. After that, six smokes came from the chandelier above them as the six candles flickered causing them to go out. It wasn’t completely dark but it wasn’t bright enough either but just enough to see. The six smokes took on theirs forms and as they did one by one the girls were stunned as what they were seeing in front of them. “But that impossible.” Trixie said taking in a breath. “What in the hay is going on?” Dash says stunned, Dust just hovered in place at the sight before Cheerliee spoke up scared to death. “B-But h-how” She stuttered a bit. Coco was too scared to even move. While Sunset got into a fighting stance. As the smoke cleared the dark versions of the 6 had finally taken physical form. “Are you surprised? Why of course you are.” The leader who looked like Trixie remarked before continuing “We are the servants of the Moon deity herself. I am Shadow Moon.” She introduced “I’m Shadow Dash.” Said the other “I’m Shadow Dust.” “Call me Shadow Shimmer.” “I am Shadow Liee” “And finally I am Shadow Pommel as in I’m going to pummel you into dust.” She laughed in sadistic tone. The leader spoke up “We only serve the mare of the night and those who oppose her will be…” Shadow Moon made an imaginary line below her neck with her hoof. “Eliminated.” She finished with a sadistic grin as S. Pommel clapped her hooves in delight. The girls were still stunned at what they were looking at basically themselves in a way, but twisted to suit the mare of the night and serve as the best shot at possibly stopping them. “Well this is a predicament.” Trixie thought sweating. “And don’t think of running away this forcefield we keep you here as long as we wish it.” Shadow Sunset said and got into her fighting stance which was similar to Sunset’s. “So who would like to go first eh?” Shadow Pommel asked as the rest of the dark counterparts got into their own fighting stances. That got the rest of the girls out their trance they were in after she said that. Sunset stepped forward and looked back to the other girls. “Okay girls if we’re going to get to Nightmare Moon we are going to get past these fakers first. As a friend of mine said ‘It’s time for an applesauce kicking hoedown!’” Sunset stated as she began running toward her fake self. “Yeah come on let’s show these fakers who the real ponies are!” Dash stated as sped toward her fake self. Cheerliee regained her composure “Well if it must be done, then so be it.” She said as she charged at her dark self. Trixie, Coco, and Lightning Dust nodded as Dust and Coco charged at the other while Trixie fired a blast of magic at her dark half. The battle began between the originals and their dark halves. Shadow Dash and Rainbow Dash were already having a knockout drag out fight with their hooves going back and forth trying to hit each other. Dash took a right hoof to the side of her jaw causing her to spin and land on the ground. Dash rubbed her jaw to make sure it wasn’t broken. “C’mon is this all that the so called fastest flyer in all of Equestria can do?” S Dash taunted hovering over RD. Dash got back up and cracked her neck as she looked at S Dash and gave a sly grin. “Nope I’m just warming up!” She shouted and took to the air again. While her fight was happening Sunset and S. Shimmer fight was heating up as both were literally horn to horn at each other. “Do you think that we could be beaten easily? Well you have another thing coming!” S Shimmer taunted pushing back making Sunset walk back. “I’m…not giving…up…yet.” Sunset said as she tried to push back, but it was not working at all. “She’s just too strong.” She thought. While Sunset continues her strength match Lightning Dust was focusing dodging S. Dusts hooves from hitting her. “Slacker. Clown. Party Freak.” S. Dust said these with every hoof she thrown only to miss Lightning until her forth hoof punch made contact with the right side of her jaw. “Do you think that anypony is actually going to like you because of your fooling around? You’re nothing but an annoyance to all ponies.” S. Dust replied and LD answered back quickly with a counter hoof to her side of her skull. “Everypony loves me back home. All I’m doing is being me and nopony is going to tell me otherwise.” She stated and began her counterattack on S. Dust. Cheerliee was having difficulty fight off Shadow Liee which the only thing that see was outmatch was Shadow Liee speed on the ground and striking Cheerliee with quick but accurate strikes causing her to fall on her side with S. Liee standing over her. “Now do you see it is pointless to fight us and now this castle will become your tomb.” S. Liee stated but Cheerliee quickly got back up and bucked her with her hind legs in the dark mare’s teeth. “Not yet, I’m not going to die today.” Cheerliee stated calmly with a glare at her dark half. Coco was backed into the force fields corner and scared out of her wits trying to get away from her dark half after sustaining some blows from her all to her lower and upper body but all what Shadow Pommel did was just grin wildly. “Well are you finally going to give in yet?” S. Pommel smiled and licked her lips at the scared pony. “What do I do, I can’t fight to save my own flank, I’m just too scared to fight back.” She thought “Should I give up?” she questioned herself shaking in fear. Another moment passed as she closed her eyes in defeat as she closed her eyes to let her mind wonder off only for her mind to recall something that had been told to her in the past. “We all can’t control our fears but only you can conquer your fears than there is nothing that you can’t do.”Coco eyes shot back open from what the voice said. “Well I guess it’s time to put you out of your…” Before S. Pommel could finish her sentence she was full on head tackled by Coco with surprising strength enough to throw S. Pommel to the ground. “Do you ever shut up?” She said now standing above her dark self despite the splitting headache she just gave herself. Trixie was having a duel of magic with her dark half and both of them were even in both power and technique but the only thing that Trixie was lacking is stamina so she could only able to make small bursts of magic. Shadow Moon saw this as an opportunity for her to strike at her. S. Moon increased the output of her magic to push Trixie back a ways toward the force field. “You are only delaying your end little pony. Why don’t you make it easier on yourself and surrender to the Nightmare.” She taunted as she increased her magic output more pushing Trixie now to the edge of her shield. “She’s too strong even for me to handle but I need to create an opening or I’m going to be knocking on the gates of the afterlife.” Trixie panic at her thought as she looked around at everypony who were having their own trouble. “Everypony is counting on me to get through and everypony is doing their best too, so I can’t let them down.” Trixie thought as she slowly walked her way toward S. Moon. “Well it seem you still have some fight left in you after all, but you effort will be all for naught. You are nothing but a weak pony who doesn’t deserve to live.” S. Moon said. “You’re saying like you know me.” Trixie stated. “Oh we the servants of the moon know all of you before you even know about yourself.” S. Moon said with a wild grin. “Did she really just...” Trixie thought then came up with an idea. “If you know me well…” Trixie began as she broke the connection with their magic which now hit the shield and sprinted toward Sunset and S. Shimmer who were still locking horns and Trixie tackled S. Shimmer. “Let’s trade partners!” she finished and Sunset picked up on what she was doing and sprinted toward S. Moon. As soon as Trixie and Sunset traded places everypony got the same idea the others. Dash went after S. Dust; Lightning Dust went after S. Dash, Cheerliee went after S. Pommel, Coco sprint and proceed to head butt S. Liee. With the tables turned it was only a matter of minutes before the Shadows were pushed back towards their own force field. “Hey this is no fair!” S. Pommel shouted out as she was getting forced back by Cheerliee “How could they?” S. Dash getting literal aerial tackle by Dust. “We got to retreat everypony!” S. Moon stated surprised by this turn of events and all of them turned into six puffs of smoke and disappeared. After they have retreated there was the sound of glass shattering as the force field that had been put up shattered with the ones who put it up now gone. “Is everypony alright? No injuries?” Cheerliee asked limping a little. “I’m good but my horn is going to be sore for a month after this.” Sunset stated. Coco slowly walked up but was favoring her front right hoof and rubbing her skull. “I’m little beaten but it’s could’ve been worse.” Coco said. Trixie was just panting probably tried from her fight with her dark self and with S. Sunset. “Just…need…to rest.” Was all she could say before collapsing, luckily Lightning Dust was there to support her so she didn’t fall on the solid ground. “I’m alright, even though that mean me definitely gave me a sore jaw.” Dust said as she popped her jaw back into place stifling a scream. “Same here, but it doesn’t hurt as much.” Rainbow Dash said until her jaw was poked by Sunset’s hoof. “OW OW OW! SUNSET WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!” Dash shouted putting a hoof on her sore jaw. “Doesn’t hurt as much hmm?” She raised an eyebrow at Dash. “Okay so it hurts doesn’t mean you have to go poking at it!” Dash replies frustrated as Sunset only giggled at her. “Okay girls with Trixie out of it and Coco’s hoof we may have to carry them, Dust you carry Trixie and Sunset will carry Coco.” Cheerliee said still limping a little from her back left leg “And what about you, you don’t seem in best condition either you know.” Dash stated pointing at Cheerliees limping hoof. “Oh it’s nothing really.” Cheerliee fake smiled as she tried putting pressure on her back hoof only for her to retract it back. “AH! Looks like it is a little more tender than I thought.” She blushed in embarrassment. “I guess you can carry me Dash for a little while until the aching in my hoof stops.” She said as Dash scoped her up on her back along with Dust carrying Trixie and Sunset carrying Coco. “Okay everypony let’s get going.” Sunset announced as they began walking straight ahead to hopefully to confront Nightmare Moon. Meanwhile in the throne room of the castle where Nightmare Moon stood along with her six servants “Thou have asked of you to do one simple little job and yet… YOU FAILED AND HAVE DONE QUITE THY OPPOSITE.” Nightmare Moon shouted at her servants. “We beg of you mistress to give us another chance and we will destroy them.” S. Moon pleaded. “SILENCE!” She shouted again as she cast a spell that returned them back into puffs of smoke. “ONLY THE GATES OF THE AFTERLIFE AWAIT THOSE WHO FAIL ME!” Nightmare Moon then proceed to blast all of them with six lightning bolts to make they would never to be given a second thought and with that they were gone. She sighed “It’s really hard to find good servants these days.” She states extremely annoyed as she prepares for her backup plan(s). With the girls 10 minutes had passed and despite injured hoofs and recovering from what could only be described as a major headache in the case of Sunset and Trixie all of them were moving onwards. Trixie woke up to notice that she was being carried by Lightning Dust. “Wh-What’s going on?” She asked “You kinda passed out Trixie so I’m carrying you for a bit.” Dust explained. Trixie looked around to see that Coco and Cheerliee were also being carried and looked at them with concern. “They were injured during the fight but they’ll be okay.” Dust reassured her only for Trixie to let out a sigh of relief. “Well you don’t have to carry me anymore Lightning Dust I can walk just fine.” Trixie said as she got off her back, stumbling a bit but was okay. “Just call me Dust or Lightning that I’d prefer.” She said as they were getting closer to their location. After everypony recovered from their wounds the group came across a large room that wasn’t all ruined like the other rooms they’ve came to, there was also a large tree statue having five stone spheres on each branch. “Five stones, these have to be the Elements of Harmony I just know it.” Trixie said to herself as she saw them. Dust and Dash went to grab each of the stone spheres. “Gently we don’t won’t them to bust to pieces.” Trixie says cautiously as all the spheres were placed in front of her. “Have any bright ideas?” Cheerliee asked “Well now I have to see if I can cause some sort of reaction.” Trixie stood by the stones. “But it will take time for to work.” She added and began casting a spell on the stone elements. “C’mon girls let’s give Miss Trixie some space so she can concentrate.” Coco said motioning to every other pony to move away. Trixie continued casting her spell to maintain it trying to remake the elements. A giant flash interrupted her seemed like a hoof hit her knocking her back a few feet. What appeared in front of her was none other than the dark alicorn Nightmare Moon. Trixie grind her teeth together looking at Nightmare Moon who looked rather displeased. “Naughty pony don’t you know it’s rude to enter ones home without permission.” She said shaking her hoof in disapproval. “And do you know that it is rude to bring eternal night to Equestria.” Trixie countered. Nightmare Moon began to stir up a small tornado with her mist and lifted the five spheres up to her and began to teleport. When Trixie realized what she was doing she jumped into the small tornado teleporting her with Nightmare Moon. When the girls saw the flash they came rushing only to find that Trixie had disappeared from the room. “Where’d she go?” Sunset asked looking around for Trixie. “Well c’mon then let’s get a move on girls!” Dash roared as they all ran or flew to find Trixie as fast as they can. The small tornado appeared in the throne room; Trixie was thrown from the tornado and was knocked back a few feet while Nightmare Moon stood next to her throne and behind her was the five stone spheres that she was guarding. All that Trixie could do was stare her down “Ooh ponyfeathers now what I’m I going to do when she has to elements over there? What would Dash do right about now?” Trixie thought it over then came to a single crazy decision. “Looks like I got no other choice.” She concluded. Trixie took a charge position and lit up her horn. “You have got to be kidding me.” Nightmare Moon said as if she was joking, but got her answer when Trixie began to charge at her, and Nightmare Moon responded by charging at Trixie horn pointed toward her. Before Trixie and Nightmare collided, Trixie had teleported behind Nightmare and ran straight toward the elements and continued where she left off. “C’mon just one little spark please.” Trixie practically begging her spell to work. Nightmare Moon realized what Trixie did and glances back and her eyes flash in anger. “You imprudent mare how dare you trick me!” Nightmare scoffs and teleports in front of Trixie knocking her away from the elements, but it seemed that her spell did have an effect on the elements because they were starting to spark in light. “NO! That is impossible!” Nightmare said in fear of the elements reawakening. Unfortunately the spark of the elements didn’t last long as it faded from them. That made her grin in joy. “Well it seems that you have failed my little pony. The darkness is here to stay!” she laughed as she reared up her front hoofs and brought them down on the elements, shattering them into pieces. Trixie could only look on in horror as they were destroyed. Nightmare laughed in glee as the only thing that could defeat her was now far out of reach. The rest of the girls came running in having finally managed to find her. “Trixie!” they all shouted then they all froze when Nightmare Moon was in there sights. “You’re too late my little ponies.” Nightmare Moon states as Trixie looked at the broken pieces of the elements. “The Elements of Harmony are no more, and the moon shall stay as I rule over all!” she added. All hope for them were lost without the elements there was no chance. Trixie thought it over about the elements and the book she read about them “There are six elements of harmony: laughter, kindness, generosity, honesty, and loyalty. The sixth elements is unknown but it only reveals itself when one is worthy of it.” Trixie recalled “Worthy?” she whispered as a small spark within each element began to react as Trixie recalled the events of tonight. How she felt about the ones who she first thought of unnecessary baggage. A bright light erupted in the room from where the elements were at. “What is the meaning of this trickery?” Nightmare Moon said in confusion shielding her eyes from the bright light. “I think I’m starting to understand the meaning of the elements, and…of what they really mean!” Trixie states as shards of the elements began to circle about the everpony except for her. One turned into a brilliant orange sun “Sunset an honest pony who is willing to give up her life to save another.” She began as Nightmare howled in anger and tried to get at them, but a strong barrier seemed to be protecting them repelling Nightmare Moon. Another transformed into a light blue lightning bolt accompanied with a star “Lightning Dust always keeps everypony happy and smiling in the face of fears itself.” Nightmare Moon continued to bash at the barrier as a sense of fear began to take hold. What she feared most was coming to pass. Another began to take shape of a pink daisy “Cheerliee, she showed that nothing big or small is to always show a little kindness because kindness can always go a long way.” The barrier held firm at this statement and let out a small shockwave knocking her onto her flank. The forth transformed into a purple feather “Coco Pommel she showed that generosity can sometimes come at a price but you always feel good inside knowing that you helped somepony no matter who they are.” The dark alicorn rose and let out a blood curdling scream as she charged the barrier with all her might. The fifth one turned into a red lightning bolt “Rainbow Dash, her loyalty to her friends means the world to her and she would never…” she looked towards Dash “Ever leave a friend behind.” She says as Dash puffs out her chest proudly. Another shockwave stronger than the last repelled Nightmare Moon at this statement. It was strong enough to render her to the ground. The five shards were placed in the shards but then there was a sixth flash, and in the flash appeared a crown embedded with a purple five pointed star with a crescent moon around it. “The spark...the spark is friendship itself! It is something that is inside all of us.” Trixie stated as herself and the others floated in midair. Trixie’s eyes began to glow as a double helix rainbow shot up and shot down towards Nightmare Moon hitting her. “NOOOO! I AM NIGHTMARE MOON, THE PENICLE OF DARKNESS! YOU WILL NEVER BE RID OF ME!” She yelled trying to fight back but it was no use as a dark smoke began to leave Nightmare Moon’s body and vanish without a trace. The bright rainbow vanished and the six ponies landed on the ground. All of them were huffing after that event with the necklaces they were wearing. “Did… it… work?” Coco panted between words. Her question was answered by a slight groan coming from where Nightmare Moon stood except it wasn’t Nightmare Moon. The pony that was unconscious was about a little bit bigger than the rest of them, her horn was about half as long as a regular unicorn, her eyes were no longer green catlike but more dark cyan with normal pupils as a normal pony and her wings were that of a normal pegasus instead all vampire like, and her cutie mark was a white crescent moon surrounded by a night scene. She also wore a small armor piece in front of her with a crescent moon mark as well, her mane and tail was that of night itself, and her coat was a dark sapphire blue. The ponies were shocked at first seeing this new pony in fact an alicorn pony. “Do not worry, she is not a threat anymore.” A motherly voice said from behind them, when they looked behind them, a pony that was three time there size with a horn that was also three times longer than an average unicorn, wings that were that expanded longer than a pegasus, her coat is a silk white, her cutie mark was almost similar as Sunsets but with a yellow and a brilliant orange color, her mane was mixed with light magenta, light green, and light blue and seemed to flow whenever she walks, her eyes were a dark pink color and wore a armor piece in front that covers her chest with a crest of the burning sun. “P-P-Princess Celestia!” Trixie yelled out in surprise. “Yes.” She answered. “Are you okay Princess?” Sunset asked. “Yes I am, but thank you for worrying.” She answered in a motherly tone. “Whoa hold everything, what do mean she can’t harm us anymore?” Dash questioned “Because when you used the Elements of Harmony it purified her from her darkness.” Celestia said as she looked toward the pony “Isn’t that correct… sister.” Celestia said catching everypony off guard. The pony flinched as if she was going to be hurt or worse by her sister who was standing over her. What came as a surprise to her was her elder sister to her hoof and wrapped it around her neck “I’m glad that you are not hurt Luna.” She said as she comforted her confused sister. “But dear sister it was thy that was blinded by jealousy and rage that thy couldn’t stand living in the shadows of thou dear sister of the sun.” Luna said. The others were both shocked and confused at the same time. “Whoa! Whoa! Hold it!” Dash shouted making everypony look toward her. “So all this time we were fighting your sister!” Dash exclaimed. “And you didn’t tell us!” Trixie finished getting only a nod from Celestia. “Yes my dear student, I’m afraid that if I would have told you who Nightmare Moon was you would be to focused on stopping her, and not realize the true reason I sent you here.” Celestia said. Trixie was speechless from Celestia’s words but could only give a slight nod in agreement. Celestia turned back to her sister. “Rise up dear sister, let us return to Canterlot and prepare properly.” Celestia said, but her sister still confused “Dear sister what about thy judgment sister, after all transpired today, would thy deserved forgiveness from thee, good sister?” Luna questioned “All can be forgiven dear Luna; Though my council will be wanting to know about the events that transpired today.” She says with a chuckle as Luna chuckles. “Thy is surprised that thou still keeps a council.” She states. Celestia and Luna returned to Ponyville to resume the celebration where it was interrupted. After Celestia raised the sun, she and her sister were prepared to leave back to Canterlot. Trixie watched as Celestia and Luna walked in the chariot with the guard pegasi preparing to take to the skies. “What troubles you my dear student?” Celestia asked. “Well princess, I don’t know what to do I mean your letter that you sent me.” Trixe starts as she brings out the letter. “And this troubles you how?” Celestia asked. “Well… it’s just that… it doesn’t say about staying here.” Trixie said. Celestia pondered what Trixie was trying to tell her and then realized. “If I’m not mistaken you are wanting to remain here in Ponyville, is that what your trying to ask me.” Celestia said only to make Trixie bolt up in surprise. “Well yes, and it’s something else that was said in your letter. For me to make some friends, and well I don’t want to leave them now that I’ve meet them. I would like to request to stay here in Ponyville.” Trixie asked waiting on her decision. She pondered that question for a minute and noticed out of the corner of her eye the five that had been with Trixie. “So you have made some good friends here I see.” She said looking towards the other five. “Yes I have. They maybe unorthodox, and maybe strange, but that’s what makes us a unique group.” Trixie stated. “Then you have my permission to stay in Ponyville, but of course there is a small condition.” Celestia said with a small smile. “I would like you my dear student to send me reports about your discoveries on the magic of friendship as you stay here.” She says. Trixie nods while bowing “Thank you thank you thank you! Trixie is most grateful.” She said as Celestia chuckles “You are doing it again my student.” She says as Trixie blushes in embarrassment. Nearby her friends watched this and let out a good natured laugh. “You know with Trixie here I think things are going to be more exciting.” Dash states as the others nod in agreement. “Yeah, but everything will be just fine.” Sunset says. -Meanwhile Somewhere Else- “All they want out of me is some trophy. Nopony actually loves me.” A pony thought “That can be changed…” A dark voice says in the pony’s head. Hours later a dark laughter echoed throughout Canterlot.