> Starchildren
>  by Stratocaster
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Birth of the Starchildren
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Starchildren


by Stratocaster



Chapter 1: Birth of the Starchildren





Several Years Ago...


No wind blew over the barren moon, to rid the surface of its prisoner's hoofprints. After almost a thousand years, the once proud goddess of the night, now corrupted by hate and jealousy, still brooded over the fateful battle with her older sister so long ago. Nightmare Moon's confinement on the lunar surface only made her more resentful of the sun goddess Celestia, and the ponies of Equestria who shunned away the dazzling influence of the night. The dark alicorn paced furiously and glared at the earth, as it was bathed in the light of the morning sun.

"Confound you, Celestia." Nightmare seethed to herself. "And here I thought you would have regrets of confining me to this curse. I actually made myself believe that you would give in, and release me. Alas, you continue to control both night and day all on your own, as if you never even needed me in the first place. How ungrateful you are, sister."

She made her way over to a small area surrounded by dusty gray boulders, where she had carved numerous arcane symbols into the rocks. During her time alone on the desolate satellite, she kept her dark magic in check by practicing spells and enchantments using what little resources she had around her. Nightmare turned to a makeshift calendar she had made in the rock, that helped her keep track of time.

"Nearly a millennium since that day," she sighed. "And I still fail to break from this imprisonment every year. At this point, I will not have enough power to return to the mortal world on the thousandth year as prophesied." She then looked at an inscription she had made, after observing Celestia. "The Elements of Harmony." Nightmare said with disgust. "If my sister's plans come to fruition, then these ponies, whoever they will be, will surely thwart my return. It is clear to me now. I will not be able to bring about the endless by myself." Then, a thought came to her as she pondered on her own words. "Surely there is somepony in Equestria who would be able to carry out my revenge. If Celestia can use the power of other ponies, then so can I."

Firing up her aura, Nightmare faced the earth again and used a powerful clairvoyance spell to scan over the land of ponies. This clairvoyance was her only connection with Equestria, and for a millennium, she had used it to spy upon the work of her sister. Recently, she learned that Celestia had predicted the union of the Elements of Harmony, a team of ponies bound through the magic of friendship meant to keep the everlasting night from spreading on the thousandth Summer Solstice. This alerted the goddess of night to prepare herself for an attempt to fight back against this kind of power. But on such an empty place like the Moon, she had failed to amass enough magical energy to make her return while vanquishing the future Elements of Harmony.
But it suddenly occurred to her that, with the right focus of magic, she could manipulate ponies of Equestria to carry out her evil ways and cripple the Elements of Harmony. Only then would she have free reign to spread her beloved darkness through all corners of the mortal realm. Now, Nightmare took it upon herself to seek out the perfect ponies to be her agents of darkness. They would need to have the same amount of potential to spread eternal night, as the Elements of Harmony would have to defeat it. Before long, she found a sign.

"Yes...yes, I feel their presence." Nightmare uttered. "I sense two...no, three of them. A unicorn, a pegasus, and an earth pony. Hmm, they are but simple colts. Why would I have need of mere children to carry out my...Wait...Yes I feel it! These three are connected with the Elements of Harmony. It's all so clear!" She grew a devious grin. "I must have them."

After finishing her clairvoyance, Nightmare focused her energy on a new spell. It was a summoning spell she had worked on from time to time but never had enough magic aura to use it. But now that she had waited so long, she felt that it would be worth it. Nightmare concentrated her aura on the three points in Equestria where she had found magical potential. It caused her a great amount of strain to cast a summoning between the earth and the Moon, and she held her focus for several minutes. Finally, the rigorous spell was cast, and three forms were teleported from Equestria to the dusty surface of the Moon. As her aura receded, Nightmare relaxed from the magical strain and looked at her progress. Sure enough, three young colts, without even their cutie marks yet, sat before her and looked around in befuddlement.

"Wha...where am I?" one of them spoke, a bright white unicorn with a wavy blue mane.

"What happened?" another asked as he looked across space. "Is this the moon?!" This one was a blackish gray pegasus with a silvery mane shaped into a fin-like mohawk.

"I don't like this." The third, a scrappy red earth pony with an orange mane, shuddered with fear. "Where's my home?"

An insidious chuckle came from Nightmare as she approached the confused colts. "Ah, such innocence." She spoke almost soothingly. "How I miss seeing it in person."

The imposing demeanor of the dark sorceress frightened the boys, and they huddled together in fear. "Ah! Wh-who're you?!" stammered the pegasus colt

"Wait, are you...Nightmare Moon?" shivered the unicorn.

"But I thought you were just a myth!" the earth colt said.

"Oh I assure you, my little ponies," said Nightmare with a grin. "I am quite real. And you don't know just how lucky you are."

"What does that mean?" the earth pony quivered.

"I'm scared!" shook the unicorn. "I wanna go home!"

"I want my mom!" cried the pegasus.

The colts began to panic, and started crying in horror. Being transported to a desolate world only to meet the most terrifying face in Equestrian legend was too much for their young minds to bear. But then, a calming blue aura was cast over them. Immediately, their fear and dread seemed to completely vanish, as if they were in the presence of a loving parent.

"Do not fear the dark, younglings." Nightmare spoke as she enveloped them in her aura. "Your former lives under the delusion of the Sun will soon be forgotten. Only the embrace of night shall keep you warm and safe."

The three colts stared with walleyed expressions. Slowly but surely, the dark but soothing aura was draining them of their memories from their lives in Equestria. At last, the evil alicorn's magic was being put to good use.

"Give into the night, little ones." She continued. "You shall learn the powers of the Moon Goddess. For I am the one true giver and protector. Under me, you shall follow."

Finally, the aura lifted from their young heads. The colts stared frozen for a moment, then quickly returned to reality. At this point, they were even more confused than when they had first arrived on the moon not a few minutes ago. But now, they had absolutely no memory of anything from their past lives.

"Huh? What happened?" the earth pony scratched his head.

"Where am I?" asked the pegasus.

"...Who am I?" the unicorn shook his head.

Nightmare became quite pleased with herself, able to conjure so much magic in such a short time. Certain that her amnesia spell had worked on the little ponies, she knelt down and met them at eye level, in order to give them a better sense of security.

"My children, do not be afraid." She spoke softly. "You are home."

"This? This is our home?" the pegasus darted around in surprise.

"I don't remember living here." The unicorn said.

Nightmare quickly thought up a lie. "You were all struck by the effects of a spell cast by the wicked alicorn Celestia. It caused your memories to erase. But rest assured, you are safe now here on the Moon. And I will not let anything happen to any you."

"Are you...are you our mama?" asked the earth pony.

That took Nightmare by surprise. She never thought she would ever be called a mother, let alone be seen as a mother figure. But she figured if she was going to earn these young colts' trust, she would tell them anything they wanted to hear. "Of course. I am your mother."

"I don't remember you either." The unicorn clutched his forehead. "Why do I feel so scared?"

Nightmare gently wrapped her black wing over the white colt. "You have no reason to be, my child." She gave him a smile. "As long as the three of you are by my side, you will be as safe as possible."

"But I don't even remember my own name!" the unicorn frowned.

"Me neither!" said the other two.

Nightmare thought for a moment. She couldn't help the foals remember their names obviously since she never learned them. Instead, she would rename them herself. "Well, your name is...White Nebula."

"White Nebula?" the curious colt repeated, trying his new name out.

"What about my name?" urged the pegasus.

"You are...Dark Star."

"And me?" asked the earth pony.

"And you are Red Nova, of course."

"But...why do we live on the Moon?" asked the unicorn, now White Nebula.

Nightmare then wore an expression of remorse. "Because my sister, the evil Princess Celestia, Goddess of the Sun, banished us all here. She wanted to exterminate the night from the eyes of ponies, and imprisoned us here away from them. She is a wicked goddess who only wants to rule Equestria herself."

"So why don't you fight back against her?" asked Dark Star.

"In due time, my child." Nightmare continued. "Soon I shall unleash a night that will last forever, so that all ponies can rejoice under the dazzling beauty of the moon. But I will not be able to do so, without your help, my children. Only you have the ability to inherit the powers of the night."

"But I don't feel very powerful." Red Nova said, scuffing the ground.

With one more delve into her aura, Nightmare cast another spell. This time, the three colts glowed with magic energy, and seemed to gain auras of their own. Meanwhile, high above their heads, three stars shined with intensity, one blazing red, one shimmering white, and one in a shadowy blue, almost black. These stars connected each other in a glowing triangle, and their light seemed to rain down on the colts who were staring in awe. Within seconds, the spell receded. The stars maintained their prominent glow in the black sky, signifying that the young ones had been allowed the powers of the night.

"Now you will be able to learn from me the divine magic of the stars." Nightmare said to them. "And when you are ready, you will return to Equestria, where you will defeat the Elements of Harmony, and help me return to the mortal world."

"Will we able to live in Equestria then?" asked White Nebula.

"Of course." She nodded. "And we shall thrive in the nourishing beauty of everlasting night."

"That sounds amazing!" Dark Star beamed with excitement. "I wanna learn some of that dark magic now!"

"Soon, Dark Star," said Nightmare. "But I have already used much of my magic today to defend our home against the evil Celestia. I will teach you three tomorrow. But for now, I must rest." Nightmare was about to stand up to head to a shady spot to sleep. But she instantly stopped when she felt something lean against her. She looked down at her side to see Red Nova pressing up against her wing and nuzzling her. "What are you doing?" she raised a brow.

"I'm cold." Red Nova said, shivering. "Is it always this cold on the Moon?"

"I'm cold too." Dark Star added, as he rubbed against her on the same wing.

"Can we sleep with you, Mama?" asked White Nebula looking up at her. "Please?"

Nightmare was not used to being in the presence of children. But somehow, she found herself feeling relieved, and even a bit warmer with them by her side. To keep up the charade of being their guardian, she smiled warmly at them. "I will keep you warm, little ones, as only the night can."

Nightmare lifted her wing like a blanket and let the three young colts snuggle up against her. She lowered her head near theirs as they all drifted off to sleep. Although it only seemed like an act a moment ago, Nightmare suddenly felt at ease being their alleged mother. For the time being, the lives of these little colts would be the most important things to her. They meant her easy victory against Celestia and the Elements of Harmony. But they would soon mean a lot more to the lonely alicorn.

...


Present Day...


"Friends?" scowled Twilight Sparkle. "What does she mean make friends? Like I can't do that here?" The young pupil of Princess Celestia fussed about her study in Canterlot while packing her bags for Ponyville. She had been charged with the task by her teacher of travelling to the humble town to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration. However, the student saw no gain in managing a festival and socializing with complete strangers in another town, and she felt rather reluctant as she prepared for her trip.

"The Princess has a point, Twilight," said Spike, packing a suitcase full of gemstones. "You've been pretty secluded lately."

"Well I can't help it if I'm trying to study different spells for her." Twilight replied, organizing her books into a saddlebag. "How am I supposed to focus on my work during this big festival?"

"Oh lighten up." Spike rolled his eyes. "A little fun will do you good. You should be happy about leaving the city for once."

Twilight sulked as she stared at one of her oldest tomes. "It's not just that, Spike. To be honest, I'm a bit worried." She said. "This is the one thousandth Summer Solstice, ever since Princess Celestia defeated Nightmare Moon and imprisoned her away from Equestria. She told me that on the thousandth year, Nightmare Moon is destined to return to plunge the world into eternal darkness. What if this prediction comes true tonight?"

"Come on, Twilight," scoffed Spike. "That prediction is just a myth. If Nightmare Moon was returning to Equestria, we would've seen her coming by now, would we?"

"It's not that easy, Spike." Twilight said as she levitated a suitcase. "I haven't seen any signs of the prophecy coming true. Still, I have my suspicions." She then gave a heavy sigh.

"Something else wrong?" asked Spike.

"At times like these, I wish my brother was still here." She said, somberly. "I wonder if Shining Armor would know what to do about this. I miss him everyday. And yet I remember less and less of him."

"It just doesn't seem to make sense for your brother to disappear like that." Spike shook his head.

"No, but that was a long time ago." Twilight said reverently. "I shouldn't keep mulling over him."

"Hey, you still got me, right?" Spike tried to cheer her up.

Twilight couldn't help but smile at her little companion. "Of course, Spike." She gave him a hug. "You make a great brother too. Now let's get our bags outside." She headed toward the door. "Our chariot leaves in half an hour."

...

"Fluttershy!" called the voice of a young male pony. "Fluttershy! You gotta come out here!"

Fluttershy stepped out of the backdoor of her cottage, into her animal sanctuary. "What is it, Rumble?" she responded.

The gray pegasus colt ran up to her nervously. "Fluttershy, I was spreading mulch over the backyard like you told me to, but I looked in the chicken range and saw all the chickens went missing!"

Fluttershy thought for a moment. "Um, Rumble? Did you check inside the chicken coupe?"

Rumble stood with a pause, realizing the obvious. "Oh...right. Sorry about that." He scratched his head sheepishly. "I guess I wasn't really thinking straight."

"That's alright," giggled Fluttershy. "Maybe you've been helping me out with the animals too long. Why don't you come inside? I have lunch all ready for you."

"That sounds great!" beamed Rumble as he stepped inside. "Hey Fluttershy?" he looked up at her sincerely. "Thanks for letting me come over again and helping you out today. I hope I'm not bothering you too much."

"Oh not at all, Rumble!" she patted his head. "I really enjoy having you over. You can spend as much time with me as you want."

"Thanks, Fluttershy." Rumble gave her a hug then trotted off to chow down on a home cooked meal.

Fluttershy watched the friendly colt with adoration. She had grown quite close to Rumble ever since his parents moved to Ponyville several years ago. Back then, Rumble's older brother, Thunderlane had mysteriously vanished, and his family were beside themselves. The young Rumble became especially distraught, no longer having a big brother to look up to. On top of that, the news of Thunderlane's disappearance saddened Fluttershy as well. She had grown up with the strapping young pegasus in the same flying class and the two became dear friends; she would even admit to developing a foalhood crush on him. But before they could take their relationship further, Thunderlane was gone, and he was suspected to had run away from home. Later on, when she heard that Rumble's family was moving to Ponyville, Fluttershy took it upon herself to look after the lonely colt half the time, playing with him and letting him help with tending to her animals. Rumble quickly began to look upon his gentle friend as sort of an older sister, and in turn, Fluttershy felt that spending time with the colt was her remaining connection with her dearly missed Thunderlane.

Before she could join her little friend in the kitchen, Fluttershy heard a knock at the front door. She walked over and answered to see Applejack standing outside. "Oh, hi Applejack." She greeted. "What brings you by?"

"Did ya hear, Fluttershy?" said Applejack. "There's been word around town that some fancy Canterlot pony is comin' to manage the Summer Sun Celebration. And apparently she's a personal student of Princess Celestia herself."

"Wow, she sounds really important. Wait, she's coming for the Summer Sun Celebration?!" she gasped. "Oh my goodness, that reminds me! I still have to warm up my bird choir for the festival tonight."

"Well, if ya get any time," shrugged Applejack. "You should come by the farm later. I whipped up a whole buncha sweets to greet this Canterlot pony. You could help me make a good impression with her."

"Oh, thanks for the offer, AJ," said Fluttershy. "But to be honest, I'd be too shy to meet her. Plus I still have a little time with Rumble today before he goes back home."

"I understand, sugarcube." Applejack nodded. "How's little Rumble doin' lately, anyhow?"

"Oh he's just been a joy." Fluttershy smiled. "I think he's almost through with accepting his brother's disappearance after all these years. And being with him has helped me cope with it too."

"I reckon so," she replied. "I really feel for the little tyke."

"Is that because of Big Macintosh?" Fluttershy responded with sympathy.

"Yup." Applejack took a breath. "I still don't understand why he left all of sudden back then. It's hard goin' without your big brother."

"You know something, AJ?" Fluttershy gave her a warm smile. "I'm sure wherever Big Mac is, I'm sure he's doing just fine."

"I like to think that too." Applejack smirked. "In fact, I really hope I'll get to see him again one day. Gosh, no wonder Rumble looks up to ya, Fluttershy. You know just what to say."

"Anytime!" she replied. "I'll see you at the festival tonight, okay? Good luck with the pony from Canterlot."

"Thanks, Fluttershy. See ya later!" Applejack signed off as she left.

...

As the afternoon sun drew slowly across the bright sky, its master kept an eye on other matters. Celestia sat alone in her private study with the windows open to let in the warm summer air. But despite the lovely weather, the princess was anything but relaxed. She poured over rolls of parchment on her desk, some of them giving accounts of her ill-fated battle with her lost sister. Celestia knew very well that today was the day she predicted that Nightmare Moon would return to Equestria, and spread her dark curse throughout the land. And she hoped deeply that she was wrong.

Celestia looked over at an elaborate hieroglyphic painting of the former Princess Luna, with a heavy sigh. "I am saddened without your presence every year." She spoke, hoping somehow her sister would hear. "And yet, I also fear your return."

She then walked over to the window to stare out at the vast sky. Already, she could see the rim of the moon peeking up from the far horizon, as if itching to bring the night early. It was not uncommon for the moon to make itself visible in daylight. Yet there was something about the luminous satellite that seemed off to Celestia. Normally she could faintly detect the trapped presence of Nightmare Moon residing on the lunar surface. But something was different. The magical presence on the moon seemed to have increased in power, since last time she checked. It was as if there were somehow more than one soul inhabiting the white rock, with an unusual amount of magical aura abiding them. The wheels in Celestia's mind began to turn.

"What is happening on the moon?" she pondered aloud. "Could this be the sign of her revenge?" Then it suddenly occurred to her. "Oh goodness! I just sent my star pupil to Ponyville. If this is truly an omen of the prophecy, then it will surely affect Twilight there."

That's when she noticed another change in the activity on the moon. As Celestia increased her magical sight, she could make out three auras descending from the lunar surface, and drawing closer to the land of Equestria. Her worse fears were suddenly coming true.

"This isn't right." Celestia narrowed her eyes. "I must go to Ponyville before something terrible happens. For Twilight's sake, I hope I will not be too late." She then stepped up onto the windowsill and spread her graceful wings to soar off. It was then that she curse her own prediction for coming true.
> One New Face, Three Old
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2: One New Face, Three Old




Above the lunar sky, the triangulated young stars burned with increasing intensity, like three bright sigils in a mystical runestone. Far below, the curious little colts the stars represented had now grown up into strapping young stallions. The barren ground shook as a brotherly rivalry ensued between them.
Red Nova galloped through the lunar surface in pursuit of his targets, keeping an eye on every crag and crater. Suddenly, he stopped with a skid as a bolt of lightning zapped the ground near him. Nova looked up knowing full well where that kind of power came from. With a flight streak made of pure cosmic electricity, Dark Star zoomed overhead, casting deadly lightning down on the grounded earth pony. But Nova knew the perfect countermeasure for the pegasus's erratic flight magic. He summoned the dark powers granted to him by his adoptive mother and manipulated the gray ground to envelop him entirely. He was no safe from the effects of lightning underground.

"Ya can't hide forever, dirt grub!" taunted Dark Star as he hovered above.

But waiting for the earth pony to surface again would prove to be foolish. After a few seconds, the spot where Nova plunged under erupted with a violent quake, and a spire of moon rock rose up like a rapid drill. Dark Star swerved away from the spire, but failed to see Nova jumped from the top of it and careen down on him. Nova dug an elbow into his brother's back, and the two plummeted back toward the ground with a slam. He then rose to deliver a final punch to his rival, who lay before him with a groan. But Nova was suddenly knocked to the side by an immense force. Standing among the other two stallions was White Nebula, who used his dark magic to control a supply of iron, which he formed into a large gauntlet. 

With a cough, Nova got back on his hooves and glared at Nebula. "Yer gonna pay fer that, glitter-head!" he growled. 

He then summoned several rocks to rise from the ground and shoot toward the unicorn. Expecting such an attack, Nebula transformed his metal into a coat of armor for his entire body, which the moon rocks simply bounced off of with barely a dent. Nebula then harnessed his magic to form a menacing sword and charged toward his brother. Nova used his earth powers to form a similar suit of armor. But as Nebula began to swing his blade, the stone quickly cracked under the strength of the magic metal, and Nova was quickly left exposed.
Nebula was ready to strike down and incapacitate Nova, but was quickly halted by a light shooting pain rushing through his body. Floating above, Dark Star conjured a streak of lightning from his hoof and zapped his unicorn sibling. However powerful, Nebula's metal proved to backfire as a high conductor for electricity. The unicorn collapsed to his knees, almost numb from the sudden shock. Nebula still managed to glower up at Dark Star, who circled over him in a teasing manner.

"That was a dirty trick, windbag!" he shook his hoof angrily.

"Oh please, like your powers are a fair advantage?" scoffed Dark. "Somepony's gotta keep you in check, White!"

"How the heck are you still up?!" barked Nova. "That pile-driver shoulda put you in a coma!"

"Your tricks are old, Red!" Dark laid back in midair casually. "Why don't you try thinking outside the box for once?"

"Why don't ya come down here an' say that to mah face, fly boy!" stomped Nova.

"Quick getting all riled up, rockhead!" Nebula confronted him.

"Stay outta this, magic nerd!" Dark taunted after landing.

The stallions continued to kick up moon dust and fling insults between each other. Then, they were encased in the familiar dark blue aura which froze their movement, and clonked their heads together. Nightmare Moon approached them with a scolding glare.

"If you boys are going to keep quarreling among each other," she scorned. "Then I do not know why I bother training you!"

"Sorry, Mother." The three of them said at once, as they rubbed their heads.

"I suggest you three save your energy for later." Nightmare Moon continued, inspecting her sons like soldiers in recruitment. "The ponies of the world below are celebrating the Summer Solstice. And it will be the perfect time for us to strike."

"Are you sure, Mother?" asked Nebula. "What if these Elements of Harmony prove to be fierce warriors?"

Nightmare Moon chuckled a bit. "The way you all fight each other, I assume they will be no match for you. Now listen carefully, my sons." She glanced over at the planet. "For the past several years, I have been building up for a spell that will transport you to Equestria in a town called Ponyville. Once there, there is a chance you will run into certain ponies who will mistake you each for a brother. No matter what, you must assume the identities that these ponyfolk give you. I feel my wicked sister Celestia will keep a sharp eye on the celebration, and I do not want you to raise suspicion."

"So how will we know when to open the seal?" asked Dark Star.

"When the longest day turns to night, and the moon is in full view." She said. "That is when Celestia is tasked to change the heavenly bodies. But you will be there to interrupt her, and use the summoning spell I have taught you through."

"We have to face Celestia?" Nova raised an eyebrow. "What if she sees us comin'?"

"My egocentric sister will be too busy boasting her presence at the Ponyville festival to notice." Nightmare Moon scoffed. "That is when the ponies will be least expecting my arrival. Not even the Elements of Harmony will be prepared for a spell of this magnitude."

"I...I don't know about this." Dark Star scratched his head. "Doesn't it seem kinda risky to open the seal right where Celestia and the Elements of Harmony are going to be?"

"Steel yourself, Dark Star." Nightmare Moon assured him. "I promise that once I am free, you will all become more powerful than you've imagined. You will become true guardians of the night. Nothing shall stand in your way."

"I like the sound of that." Nova said flatly.

"We will not fail you, Mother." Nebula said with determination. "We'll put an end to your suffering along with Celestia's rule. The night shall last forever."

The dark sorceress grinned with pride at her boys, satisfied that she had rubbed off on them. "I have trained you all well." She said. "You are now ready to face this challenge. Go forth unto the land of mortal ponies, and lead our glorious uprising. I have the utmost faith in you, my sons."

With that, the three stallions gave solemn bows to their beloved master and mother, as she charged the dark magic used to teleport them to the world below. Nebula, Dark, and Nova all knew that their lives had been leading up to this day. They would not let their mother's faith in them go mistrusted.

...

As dusk began to approach, the eager citizens of Ponyville gathered together around the town hall, reveling in the Summer Sun Celebration. And many of them found it to be the best celebration in years. From Rarity's elaborate decorations, to Applejack's delightful fair food, from Fluttershy's musical bird orchestra, to Pinkie Pie's popular party games, it was all a rousing success, all the while being kept dry thanks to Rainbow Dash clearing the skies. But all that was missing among the jubilant ponies was the much-talked-about student of Princess Celestia, who had earlier only been seen briefly by a few in public.

"So then I totally saved everyone in that hot air balloon," Rainbow Dash chatted with one of her friends by a drinks table. "And who else was aboard to congratulate me than a Wonderbolts scout!"

"Rainbow, we all know that never happened." Applejack rolled her eyes. "By the way, have ya seen that new mare from Canterlot around anywhere? She said she would be at the party."

"Oh yeah, what was her name again?" pondered Rainbow for a second. "Twist-tie Spackle or something?"

"No no, I think it was Twirl-bright Special?" Applejack scratched her mane.

"Twilight Sparkle?!" Pinkie Pie joined them, hopping in place from excitement over the festival's success. "Of course she's coming! I sent her an invitation, didn't I?"

"So breaking into a newcomer's house and throwing a surprise party is your way of inviting them?" asked Applejack.

"Well why do you think so many ponies came to your last birthday party?!" Pinkie said as if stating the obvious.

"Well I hope she comes soon." Rainbow huffed. "She seems like a nice gal, but she put a lot of pressure on us to get this whole thing up and running."

"Yeah! If she doesn't come, I am so throwing her a Don't-Be-Such-A-Party-Pooper party!" grumbled Pinkie, looking as angry as she could.

"Pinkie, maybe ease up on the punch a little bit?" Applejack tried to control her.

"I haven't had enough!" Pinkie said as she swiped another cup of cherry punch.

Meanwhile over by the game booths, Fluttershy strolled around the festival with Rarity. Rumble was allowed to stay with Fluttershy during the celebration and was having a blast winning prizes at every carnival game he could get his hooves on. Fluttershy ended up carrying an over-sized teddy bear as a result.

"You just watch, Fluttershy!" grinned Rumble, boastfully. "Next I'm gonna win ya that gorilla!" He then cantered off happily to another game booth.

"Rumble, careful about running through a corwd!" called Fluttershy.

"Isn't he the sweetest?" smiled Rarity next to her. "He's always so elated around you."

"He reminds me more of Thunderlane each day." Fluttershy nodded. "I guess it's a trait that brothers share."

Rumble ran through the crowd eagerly, but lost attention to the pony in front of him. He soon slammed into a purple unicorn mare who seemed unusually timid to be there in a time of celebration. Rumble landed on his back and kept his head from spinning. Then he felt himself being lifted back onto his hooves by a bright purple aura.

"Ooh, sorry about that." Twilight Sparkle said, helping him up. "I don't really know my way around. Can you tell me if this is the way to town hall?"

Rumble stared confused at her for a moment, then something clicked in his mind. "Hey wait, you're that Canterlot pony that Fluttershy mentioned, aren't you?"

"Fluttershy?" Twilight tilted her head. "You mean the pegasus in charge of the bird choir? You know her?"

"Oh yeah! And she's been wondering if you were coming to the festival at all." Rumble smiled with intrigue. "Why don't you come say hi to her? I'm sure she's dying to get to know you better."

"Oh that's alright, I'm really just here to-" Twilight tried to excuse herself, but Rumble immediately led her by the hoof. "Um, okay."

Rumble soon found Fluttershy again and spoke proudly. "Hey Fluttershy! I found that Twilight Sparkle lady you mentioned!"

"Uh, hello!...Again." Twilight smiled sheepishly.

Fluttershy hid behind her mane again, still bashful of the stranger from the big city. "...Um...hi..."

"Oh Miss Sparkle!" Rarity greeted by hugging Twilight like an old friend. "I do hope you forgive me for my brashness earlier. I should've known that your mane looks...just as beautiful the way it is!"

"Um, thanks?" replied Twilight. "I really like what you did with the decorations around here, Rarity."

"Oh you're too kind!" Rarity tossed her mane boldly. "It's just my job of course."

"Well look who decided to show up!" called Rainbow, as she swooped in and grabbed Twilight in a friendly foreleg grip. "Bah, I'm just kidding, Twilight. I knew you were cool enough."

"She's here she's here she's here!!!" Pinkie bounced around. "I told you all! I know a party pooper when I see one, and she's not it!"

Applejack joined the friendly huddle by stuffing a slice of apple pie into Twilight's mouth. "Boy, are all Canterlot ponies this skinny? Get somethin' in yer stomach, girl!"

Twilight managed to choke down the pie, feeling more and more nervous around the quirky group of mares. "Uh, look, you're all really sweet for welcoming me. But I really should get to town hall. Princess Celestia wants an accurate report on the festival of course." In reality, she was in fact worried about the prophecy of Nightmare Moon becoming a reality in a few hours.

"Ah come on!" insisted Rainbow. "Everything is going off without a hitch! Are you sure the princess didn't send you here just to have fun like everypony else?"

Twilight thought for a moment, remembering the other point the princess included in her instructions. She then sighed, feeling she shouldn't run from them any longer. "Well...the truth is, Princess Celestia wanted me to come here to make friends, as embarrassing as that sounds."

"And what is so embarrassing about that?" asked Rarity.

"I don't know." Twilight scuffed the ground, suddenly forming words she never would've thought to say to strangers. "It's always been hard for me to interact with others. I'm what you'd call a book nerd."

"Ya think just because yer a thinkin' type means we won't accept ya as a friend?" Applejack clapped her on the shoulder. "Now who do ya think we are?"

"Yeah, we don't discriminate!" grinned Rainbow. "Even if you're an egghead."

"Um, plus you seem really nice." Fluttershy spoke. "And not everypony gets to know a student of Princess Celestia."

"You guys really mean that?" asked Twilight.

"Of course, darling!" scoffed Rarity. "Come, join us in the celebration and take a load off!"

"Wow, you're all so much nicer than most of the ponies back home." Twilight smiled. She suddenly felt a sense of warmth that she never received from the stuck-up socialites of Canterlot, or the foals in her school. "Alright, let's party!"

"Now you're talkin' my language!" Pinkie swept Twilight up in a constricting hug. "Everypony boogie before the sun goes down!"

...

With the sun dipping lower and lower toward the horizon, the serene peacefulness of the Equestrian landscape was interrupted by a flash from a dark blue aura. Just as quickly as they departed the moon, the guardian sons of Nightmare Moon found themselves on the terrestrial world on a dirt road, ready to face whatever challenges lay in wait. But their sullen expressions quickly turned confused as they looked around at the rolling fields surrounded by the Everfree Forest.

"Son of a mule!" Dark Star kicked the dirt. "This doesn't look like Ponyville. She teleported us in the wrong spot!"

"Don't go blamin' Mother for this." Red Nova sneered at him. "You try aimin' a spell from 250,000 miles away!"

"Relax, guys," said White Nebula as he surveyed the fields. "According to what Mother taught us about the terrain, we should be a few miles outside of Ponyville. Let's just follow this road until we find it."

Only half-listening to his brother, Nova ran his hoof over the grass. In his mind, it was his first time feeling it. "So this is what the earth is like." He said flatly. "It's mighty beautiful. It's almost hard to believe this place is ruled by an evil sun princess."

"Yeah well don't get all sentimental on us, Nova." Dark scoffed. "Mother gave us a job and we're going to do it. And if that means tearing up this place and kicking some flank, then let's be prepared to do so."

"That is if your loud mouth doesn't give us away first." Nebula rolled his eyes.

Suddenly, before the trio could embark down the road, a looming shadow passed over them, as a magnificent white creature soared above. Nebula felt a strong magical presence with the power of his horn.

"Whoa, I didn't know the birds here were that huge!" Dark looked up curiously.

"You pin-head!" glared Nova. "That ain't no bird!"

In a whoosh of air kicking up dust, the graceful white alicorn descended from the sky and landed in front of the stallions. She looked upon the strangers with suspicion and slowly approached them, as the other three braced themselves for danger. There was something about their appearance, something familiar, that she couldn't shake.

"I have never seen you three around these parts before." Celestia spoke. "What business do you have in Ponyville?"

"Uh, what do you care, lady?" replied Dark rudely. "If you don't mind, we have a festival thingy to get to or whatever."

"Wait a minute," Nebula stared at the alicorn for a moment, his mind clicking. "You're her, aren't you?" he approached her. "You're Princess Celestia, the ruler of this land!"

Celestia raised a brow, shocked at coming off unrecognized. "Who exactly are you boys?" she inquired. "You seem familiar."

"You betrayed our mother." Nebula glared at her hatefully. "You shunned her away from the world and imprisoned her on the moon. You're the reason for her misery."

Celestia became even more surprised, upon hearing her sister's corrupted identity. "Nightmare Moon? Mother?!" Then, the familiarity of the unicorn finally struck her memory. "Wait, I know you. You're...Shining Armor! You're Twilight Sparkle's older brother who went missing. I spent years investigating your disappearance but found nothing."

"Quit trying to confuse us with lies, you giant bird!" called out Dark. "Mother told us you would try to stop us!"

"The power of the sun lies." Nova uttered, remembering his teachings. "The night shall last forever."

"Oh my word!" gasped Celestia with horror. "She brainwashed you. You've all become pawns in her revenge. I suspected my sister would return on this night, but never in a way like this."

"And when she does," said Nebula, as his brothers stood on either side of him. "You will be powerless to stop the eternal night from spreading. We will make sure of that."

"Shining Armor, come to your senses." She pleaded him. "Do you not remember your family in Canterlot?"

"My name is White Nebula, you witch." He scowled. "And my only family stands here beside me."

"I say we crush her now." Nova seethed. "The sun's almost down, and we gotta open the seal."

"Yeah, let's cut the chitchat and knock her crown off!" Dark cracked his hooves.

"I will not fight you three!" Celestia stood resolute. "Brainwashed or not, you are still rightful citizens of Equestria. You all have families who miss you everyday, and I will not let them worry a day longer."

"Enough of your lies, tyrant!" Nebula conjured a metal spear with his dark magic. "Your reign ends tonight!" With a pulse from his magic, Nebula launched the spear in the alicorn's direction.

Expecting the attack, Celestia used a magic shield to deflected the spear, but knew full well that they wouldn't stop there. She extended her large wings and rose back up through the air, narrowly avoiding an eruption of ground beneath her, cast by Nova. But before she could react in time, her wing was clipped by Dark Star, speeding toward her like a cannonball.

Dark Star turned around on a dime as he hovered in the air, his hooves bursting with electricity. "Time for a little less sun, and a little more storm!" he said cockily and zoomed toward her again. He conjured two broad waves of lightning from his hooves, making sure his foe wouldn't evade his assault.

Unable to dodge, Celestia hovered as the dangerous pegasus closed in. "Risking the lives of innocent ponies," she said under her breath with remorse. "This is low for you, Luna." With no other option, she charged up her defensive magic and harnessed the power of the sun. "Forgive me." She unleashed a ball of fire and aimed it at Dark Star, whose front was unprotected as he busied himself with fanning out electricity.

Dark gawked at the incoming fireball and swerved to try and avoid it. But the flame still managed to singe his fur and sent him hurdling to the ground. "Ugh! She's tougher than I thought!" he grunted as he lay in the dirt.

Suddenly, Celestia became under fire from a barrage of flinging rocks shaped into sharp points. Red Nova bombarded her with stones causing her to weave and duck. Then, as the princess returned her hooves to the ground, Nova slammed his two forelegs down causing a wave of earth to surge toward her. Relying on her strength reinforced by magic, Celestia broke through the rolling mound and charged toward the burly earth pony. Nova charged as well with a headbutt, but was quickly knocked aside by Celestia with a push of her shoulder.
Nova was not one to go down easily and immediately dug his hooves into the earth again, this time forming a pair of stone gauntlets. He swung his hooves at his alicorn nemesis with immense strength. But Celestia managed to match that strength as she blocked and deflected every attack. Although the princess rivaled the guardian of darkness in might, the latter held better endurance. Celestia began to feel strain on her body as the two locked hooves, both trying to throw the other down.

"Don't forget," she said, holding steadfast and controlling her breath. "I can counter all of your powers, whether earth, air, or magic."

"Yer still outnumbered, princess." Nova growled with narrowed eyes.

"But not outmatched!" Celestia then lunged backwards.

She quickly spun on her front hooves in a one-eighty and executed a devastating mule kick, which clocked Nova in the chest, sending him reeling back hard. But before she could make the next move, Celestia felt her wings being clamped down by a harsh force. She looked as Nebula morphed his spear into a long metal chain and ensnared her like an enraged bull. Although now unable to fly, Celestia gave him no quarter and unleashed a flurry of deadly magic bolts at the dark mage.
But Nebula relied on the teachings of his mother and cast a violet magic circle in the ground below him. The effects of the circle shielded him from the blasts as he focused his strength on holding the alicorn tight in his chain.

Celestia wriggled and jerked to escape the snare of the chain. But her attention was completely distracted as Dark Star came spiraling down toward her from the sky. Protected by the remaining effects of Nebula's shield, the flying hothead shot a large bolt of blinding lightning down upon Celestia. The princess screamed as the electricity coursed through her body for a few seconds. Then, she fell on her front knees, her muscles left cripplingly numb. But Celestia was far from surrender, and retaliated with a massive fireball from her hoof that rocketed upward.

"Whoa!" Dark once again only half-avoided the fireball. It seared his left wing and sent him crashing to the ground again. "Ah come on! Why is it only me that keeps getting the fire?!"

At this point, Nebula's hold on the chain was beginning to falter. As if on cue, Nova shook off the blow from the mule kick and dug his hooves in the earth once again. This caused a slab of stone to come rising from the ground next to the crippled Celestia, and overlap her back like a heavy blanket. Now she was both numb and imprisoned.
Celestia realized her situation was dire, and prepared to cast a teleportation spell as a last resort. Nevertheless, Nebula expected such a tactic and cast a temporary cancellation spell over her horn. The princess was now all but incapacitated.

The three stallions gathered around to gaze down at their fallen foe. "Oh yeah, take that!" cheered Dark. "I can't believe we actually did it! We beat the goddess of the sun! We are awesome! That's for Mother, you giant bird!" He then sent another surge of electricity through Celestia's already weakened body, causing her to grunt in pain.

"That's enough, Dark!" ordered Nebula. "She can't be contained forever. We must dispose of her once and for all. I say we banish her to the heavens, just like she did to Mother. Make her feel her sister's pain."

"Yeah! Send her to the sun!" grinned Dark with a crazed look in his eye. "Burn, baby, burn!"

"Wait a second, Neb," said Nova as he pointed toward the darkening horizon. "The sun's almost completely gone. We don't have time to mess around with her much longer. Let's just wait until after we open the seal to the moon, then we'll figure out what to do with her."

Nebula stared down at the fallen princess with a scowl. Every moral sense inside him told him to seize the opportunity and avenge his mother, by punishing the hated sun goddess. But he knew full well that restoring Nightmare Moon to her former glory was more important, and couldn't waste anymore time. Despite his need for vengeance, Nebula chose to stick to his mission.

"Fine. Let's head to Ponyville." He said solemnly. "That's where Mother said the Elements of Harmony will most likely be. Hopefully they won't be too much of a threat."

"We can take 'em." Nova replied as they set off. "It's what we were trained for."

"Didn't Mother say there would be ponies who think we're their brothers?" asked Dark.

"If so, just act natural." Nebula told them. "We need to pretend we've been here all our lives. We can't leave any stone unturned."

Celestia watched from under her stone entrapment as the dark warriors cantered toward the town of Ponyville, while the last light of the sun began to fade. She struggled with all of her might to escape, but the stone, the numbness and the lock on her magic made any hope of escape impossible.
But then, she noticed something odd. The light of the sun wasn't disappearing over the horizon like she expected it to, and became momentarily confused. That's when she realized what was really happening. The lock that Nebula put on her horn negated all spells and automatic magic she controlled. That included the movement of the sun. It seemed that the dark-trained unicorn made a slight error in incapacitating the princess, as the sun still barely hung in the sky. It was a moment of relief for Celestia, knowing that her sister's seal could not be opened as long as there was some daylight left visible.
But that didn't alter the fact that Nightmare Moon's guardians were now entering Ponyville, where they would try to eliminate the Elements of Harmony, including her beloved student Twilight Sparkle. Celestia knew that the six ponies were still unaware of their destiny, and feared for their safety, especially since the dark trio actually had relation to them.

Celestia lowered her head in defeat as she lay helpless. "Twilight, please be careful." She prayed. "Do not be fooled by their ruse. Nightmare Moon must not return."
> A Tearful Reunion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3: A Tearful Reunion




"And so the butler said, 'Hoofball?! But that's my scuba mask!'" said Pinkie Pie.

The six mares cracked up in laughter as they sat around the picnic table in the middle of the festival. Over the past couple hours, the five Ponyville natives had already embraced the peculiar Twilight Sparkle as a new friend. And in turn, Twilight was finally beginning to feel accepted in the humble little town.

"Come on, sugarcube," said Applejack to Twilight. "I bet ya have some funny stories too."

"Hmmm, well..." Twilight pondered for a moment. "There was one time when I was studying this conjuration book by Starswirl the Bearded, and I noticed a huge typo." She began to snicker at the memory. "The passage said, 'Execute with wonder and whimsy.'" She struggled to keep back the hilarity. "But he misspelled it as 'eggsecute'!" Twilight finally burst into a loud snorting laugh. "Get it?! It's a play on words!" She banged her hoof on the table, unable to control herself.

The other mares barely responded with a courtesy chuckle.

"Who's Starswirl the Bearded?" asked Rainbow.

"What's conjuration?" Pinkie cocked her head.

Twilight sighed. "Never mind."

As the awkwardness of the joke settled in, Rumble approached the table by her side. "Hey Miss Twilight?" he said. "Do you know anything about the stars?"

"Oh do I!" beamed Twilight. "Astronomy is one of my favorite subjects! Why do you ask?"

"Well, do you think you know why they haven't come out yet?" he asked. "It's after Nine PM, and a lot of ponies are getting ready to stargaze. But there isn't anything up there."

"That's strange." Twilight wondered as she peered up at the sky, which was now stuck between a mixture of bright orange, pink, and deep blue. "There hasn't been a cloud in the sky all day. The stars should be visible by now."

"Come to think of it," added Rarity. "It looks like there's still a tiny bit of sunlight over on the horizon."

"You're right," said Fluttershy, gazing around. "It's as if the whole sky just froze in place. Why hasn't nighttime come yet?"

"Well it better come soon," scoffed Rainbow. "Because I am not missing that fireworks show!"

"Say, Twilight," said Applejack. "You know Princess Celestia personally. Since she's the one who controls night and day, do ya think ya know why she's been keepin' the sunset goin' for so long?"

"This is pretty odd." Twilight scratched her chin. "It's not like the Princess to shrug off her duties, especially during the day of the solstice. The only reason I can think of why she's stopped the change of the sky is that her magic suddenly was cut off somehow." She started to tense up with worry. "Oh gosh, I hope nothing bad's happened to her."

"Ah come on," shrugged Rainbow. "She's the most powerful pony in Equestria. What could possibly stop her?"

"Rainbow might have a point." Rarity said. "I'm certain our beloved Princess wouldn't let anything halt the Summer Sun Celebration."

"Maybe she's just busy with the celebration in Canterlot." Fluttershy suggested. "Oh! Or maybe we missed daylight savings!" she gasped. "Oh my goodness! Does that mean I've been feeding my furry friends at the wrong times?!"

"Fluttershy, I think you're overreacting." Rainbow discerned.

"Well I'm not taking any chances!" Fluttershy stood up. "I'm going back home right now to reset my clocks!" She then flapped her wings and hurried through the air toward her cottage. But in her rush, she failed to see the other pegasus in her way and bumped into him hard. "Oops! I'm so sorry!"

"Ouch! Watch where you're flying, lady!"

Fluttershy barely even heard the rude reply, as she was busy staring in disbelief at the other pegasus. "Oh my gosh..." she gasped with wide eyes. "Is it...is it really you?"

"What are you staring at?" said Dark Star.

"Thunderlane!" Fluttershy swept the blackish gray stallion into her hooves and hugged him tightly. She became overcome with elation. "I can't believe you're back! It's been so many years!"

"What the heck are you talking about?!" asked Dark Star, perplexed by the strange mare.

"Don't you remember? It's me, Fluttershy! My, you've grown so much! I almost didn't recognize you either!"

"Look sweetheart," said Dark Star. "I don't know who you think I am, but we have definitely never met before!"

Fluttershy looked concerned. "What do you mean? You don't remember me? Where have you been?" she gasped. "Oh goodness, you must have gotten amnesia!"

"Amnesia?" That's when Dark Star remembered what his mother said about blending in with the citizens of Ponyville. He realized he made a blunder after the female pegasus mistook him for a friend. But he quickly figured out that playing dumb would work around that blunder. "Uh, yeah, I guess I have amnesia! Um, whatever that is, strange mare. Who are you? Where am I?"

"Oh you poor thing!" Fluttershy frowned. "I can't imagine what must have happened to you."

"Yeah, me neither." He fibbed. "Uh, what did you say my name was again?"

"You're Thunderlane." She answered. "And my name is Fluttershy. We used to be best friends in school before you disappeared somehow. I've missed you so much."

"This is all so confusing to me. I feel so scared and alone." Dark Star piled it on the dramatics.

"Oh Thunderlane," Fluttershy hugged him again. "Don't you worry. I'm going to help you regain your life."

Dark Star felt unsettled by the fact of living the life of some pony he'd never heard of, but decided to stick to the plan for the sake of redeeming Nightmare Moon. "That would be nice. Thank you, Flittershoe."

"Fluttershy. But it's a start." She smiled warmly.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHH OH MY GOSH!" shrieked Pinkie from the ground below. She ran back to her friends' table dragging a pony, like a puppy on a loose leash. "Applejack! Over here! Look who I found!"

Applejack got up from her chair and became baffled, as she faced a tall, burly red stallion led by Pinkie. She stared for a moment in silence trying to comprehend the face. "Big Macintosh? Is it...really you?" she asked softly.

Red Nova pondered for a second, trying to think of a perfect response. "...Eeyup?"

"Lansanks, I don't believe it!" Applejack began to tear up from joy as she held her brother's face. "Big Mac yer actually here! Where've ya been?! I've been missin' ya every day!"

"Uh...I...er...well...um..." Nova struggled to come up with an excuse, but he had spent far more time preparing to fight than getting his story straight.

"Oh who am I kidding, I don't even care!" Applejack squeezed him. "I'm just happy to see ya again, big brother!"

Nova felt a bit of relief in his mind when she said that. He was thinking before that the pony he was impersonating was this mare's coltfriend or husband. He thanked himself for avoiding a big mistake.

"This is a miracle!" smiled Applejack. "Oh just wait till the whole family sees ya again! Granny Smith, lil' Apple Bloom, Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp,"

Nova began to sweat as the load of family information hit him so quickly. He was not excited to meet a whole kin of farmers who thought that he was one of them.

"Big Macintosh, you're back!" greeted Fluttershy. "Oh Applejack, I'm so happy for you!"

"Wait, is that who I think it is, Fluttershy?" asked Applejack, pointing to the male pegasus.

"It sure is!" she replied. "Thunderlane, I'd like you to meet my friends."

"Um...hello?" said Dark Star sheepishly.

"Whoa! Thunderlane!" Rainbow perked up and grabbed him in a rough friendly hug. "I can't believe you're back! I haven't seen you since flight school! Where the heck have you been?!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, Rainbow," said Fluttershy. "Thunderlane has amnesia, so he doesn't seem to remember a thing. Not even from when before he disappeared."

"Well then we'll just make this a welcome back/recovered memories celebration!" cheered Pinkie Pie.

"Is that even a thing?" asked Rainbow.

"Big bro! Big bro!" shouted Rumble as he barreled through the onlooking crowd and cantered towards Dark Star. He hugged his long lost brother's leg, burying his crying face in his fur. "I knew you'd come back!" he said, unable to contain his excitement. "I've been wishing for it every day!"

"Thunderlane," said Fluttershy, her heart melting from the shorter colt's joy. "This is your little brother, Rumble. I've been helping to look after him for the past few years."

"Really?" Dark Star looked down at the elated colt, still gripping onto him. His every intention was to peel him off, but knew that would make him look bad. So he tried his best to feign as much happiness as he could. "Um...it's good to see ya, uh, little bro." He patted the young one's mane.

"I can't wait to start playing with you again, big bro!" smiled Rumble. "We can have air races all the time! And you can finally show me how to play hoofball!"

"Uh, sure!" fibbed Dark Star. "Whatever you want...little man."

"You can even play with Fluttershy too!" said Rumble. "I know she's missed you just as much."

"Rumble!" Fluttershy blushed. "Go easy on him, he's trying to regain his memory."

"Wow, this really is a miracle." Twilight said to Applejack and Rumble. "What are the odds the both of you would reunite with your brothers on the same day? You must so relived." She tried to show support, while hiding her lament.

"You okay, Twi?" asked Applejack. "Ya don't look that excited."

"Oh trust me, I'm really happy for you." She explained. "It's just that, believe it or not, I also had a big brother who vanished a long time ago. I miss him constantly."

"Don't worry, Twilight," grinned Fluttershy, lending her a hoof. "If Rumble and Applejack can find their brothers again, I'm sure you'll find yours too someday."

"You really think so?" asked Twilight.

"Crazier things have happened." Rainbow added with a wink. "And if he's a brother of yours, I'm sure he's just as awesome."

"Thanks, guys. That means a lot." Twilight smiled again.

"Excuse me, is there a bathroom around here?" asked White Nebula.

"Oh yes, right next to the game booths." Twilight answered.

"Thanks." He walked away.

"So, Big Macintosh, is it?" resumed Twilight.

"Eeyup." Nova nodded.

"It's a pleasure to meet you!" she shook his hoof. "And welcome back. I'm Twilight Sparkle, from Canterlot."

"Canterlot?" Dark Star cocked his head.

"It's the capitol of Equestria." Fluttershy helped him. "My, your memory must be really shot."

"Don't worry," said Twilight. "Memory can be a tricky thing. Sometimes you can lose it over time. But other times it can come back to you in one quick moment of......" Twilight sprinted off. "SHINING ARMOR!!!" She ran into the white unicorn who passed her and wrapped her hooves around his shoulders. "Oh my gosh I can't believe it's you, big brother!"

"Little sis?" Nebula feigned surprise. "I knew I'd find you!" He returned the hug. As the more intelligent of the three brothers, Nebula had come more prepared to assume an identity. He played along with whatever the purple mare told him.

"Twilight, who is this?" asked Applejack.

"My brother, Shining Armor!" she said excitedly and squeezed Nebula again. "Oh I'm so happy, I...I don't know what to say!"

"So am I, Twilight." Nebula smiled, keeping track of names. "I missed you so much. I can't even remember the last time I saw you."

"Oh it was horrible when you left." She told him. "Remember? The day before, you had that awful argument with Dad about joining the Royal Guard. What happened to you then?"

"Yes that's right." Nebula improvised a story in his head. "The Royal Guard was my dream. I was so angry at Dad because he couldn't understand. So I ran away to enlist...but that was the biggest mistake of my life. I signed up in a recruitment office saying I had nowhere else to go, and soon found myself in a squadron of grunts. We were being sent out to stop a gang of bandits out in the Badlands. But it was more of an ordeal than we expected. A huge battle erupted and many of my squad mates got seriously hurt. I was captured by the bandits and forced to worked with them for the next few years. Eventually I escaped and tried to make my way back home. But the bandits caught up with me and beat me into a coma. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in a hospital years later, and I just had to get back home. And that's what brought me here."

"Oh Shining, that's terrible." Twilight wiped a tear away.

"Twilight I'm so sorry for leaving you." Nebula touched her face, keeping the emotion looking real. "I shouldn't have run away for so long. I don't think Mom or Dad will ever forgive me."

"It's okay, big brother." Twilight held him close. "All that matters is that you're safe. After all, you're my BBBFF."

"Big Brother Best Friend Forever!" Nebula grinned, taking a lucky guess.

Rarity's face was now streaming with tears. "Oh it's so beautiful!" she squeaked. "All this reunion is making me into a wreck! We simply must celebrate this!"

"Heck yeah!" shouted Pinkie, jumping with joy. "And what better day than on the Summer Sun Celebration! Let's make these boys the stars of the party!"

"Yeehaw!" cheered Applejack. "C'mon, Big Mac! Hope ya still know how to square dance!"

Rainbow joined next to Twilight as they all walked off to celebrate even more. "You must be stoked, Twilight!" she smiled. "What are the chances of three sibling reunions happening here on the same day? And during the solstice of all days!"

"Yeah..." Twilight's smile then turned into an expression of confusion. Despite the miracle of seeing her brother again, her mind still became awash with thoughts. "...It is pretty strange."

...

As the festivities continued in Ponyville, the six mares reveled in the return of the three lost brothers. In their mission to blend into their society, Nebula, Nova and Dark Star had actually become the centers of attention at the party. Ponies all around gave them warm greetings and even offered them food and cider. It felt odd to the brothers to be welcomed in a place they were sent to take over, like foreign conquerors setting hoof in a primitive native land. Eventually, they finally found some time to recuperate alone by a snack table.

"Man, these ponies are mighty weird." Red Nova said, looking around at the jubilant partygoers. "We show up out o' the blue and they give us the welcome wagon? I thought this would be more of a challenge."

"Hey, I ain't complaining!" Dark Star said with a mouthful of oat chips. "We're actually being treated like kings! It's intoxicating!"

"Well don't think it'll last long." Nebula advised them. "We still have to get ready to open the seal to let Mother through. We're lucky we managed to pass off regulars here. You two almost blew it."

"What makes you such a master of disguise anyhow?" sneered Dark.

"I actually took the time to get my story straight." Nebula boasted. "I just had to look for clues in the first pony to address me, and just work off of that."

"Pfff, I just played amnesia." Dark grinned. "These Equestrians are freaking gullible."

"Oh where's the creativity in that?" Nebula rolled his eyes.

"At least I wasn't like dunderhead over here!" Dark insulted his larger brother. "He didn't even think of an excuse!"

"Ya want me to give ya some real amnesia, boy?!" threatened Nova.

"Knock it off!" scorned Nebula. "In case you both have forgotten, we still need to perform the summoning."

"Well that would be nice, if the stupid sun would just go down already." Nova grumbled.

"Yeah what's the deal?" Dark looked at the bit of sun still barely hanging over the horizon. "How long is this longest day supposed to be? Doesn't Princess Birdlady know how to run a solstice?"

Suddenly, Nebula's mind clicked and he slapped himself in the face. "Oh crap! How could I have been so careless?!"

"I won't argue with that fact." Dark said. "But what are you talking about?"

"Celestia!" he explained. "She obviously has an automatic magical lock on the movement of the sky!"

"So what's yer point?" asked Nova.

"I put a nullification on her magic when we battled her. Without her aura, the sun can't move!"

Dark stared at his unicorn brother with a flared expression. "...You...stupid...sod!"

Nova thumped Nebula on the back of the head. "Because of you and yer magic, we can't summon Mother back!"

"Lay off me, alright?!" Nebula rubbed his head. "I was just trying to keep her under control!"

"Well what are we supposed to do now?!" complained Dark.

"Relax, hopefully that witch is still trapped where we left her." Nebula said. "I'll just go to her, release my lock on her magic, and try to get her to lower the sun."

"You'd better." Nova seethed. "'Cause if I have to spend one more minute with these yokels, I swear I'll-"

"Big Mac!" called Applejack from afar. "Get over here an' show Twilight how many bales o' hay ya can lift!"

Nova took a long inhale and returned to character. "...Eeyup!"

...

Nebula slipped his way out of the public eye and hurried along the dirt path out of town. He returned to the clearing where his battle against Celestia occurred. Sure enough, the disgruntled princess was still imprisoned under the giant slabs of stone left by Nova. More angry at himself for causing his blunder, Nebula kept his anger aimed at the sun goddess as he approached her with a scowl.

"So, you finally realized your mistake." Celestia looked at him smugly as she circled her hoof in the dirt. "You should have practiced your cancellation spells more."

"Spare me, traitor." Nebula replied, looking down at her menacingly. "All I need is for that last bit of sun to disappear and our mother will finally put an end to your tyranny."

"Go ahead, Shining Armor, or whatever you call yourself now." Celestia narrowed her eyes. "Even if you release your nullification, I'll still keep the sun visible, and the moon on the horizon. You still won't be able to bring back your so-called mother."

"Is that so?" Nebula kept his scowl. "And just how long do you plan on keeping the sky frozen?"

"How long do you plan on keeping my sister waiting?" she rebutted.

"Your bluff is pathetic." Nebula said. "We both know that you'll have to end the day at some point. What will your precious subjects say about you messing up the thousandth Summer Sun Celebration?"

"It's a sacrifice I'm willing to take." Celestia held firm. "All I need is until tomorrow to keep the sky frozen. After all, my prophecy said that your mother will only be able to return on the solstice. Afterwards, you'll be at a loss. And I'm sure the ponies I love, who you call my 'subjects', will understand my reasons. You, my dear, have already failed."

Nebula growled with rage, as he charged up his magic ready to cause harm. "I could kill you right here and now, you hag!"

"Shining Armor!" Suddenly, Twilight came cantering up the path, having spotted Nebula. "Why did you run off like that?" She then slid to a halt and gasped at the sight of Celestia. "Princess Celestia?! Wh-...what's going on?"

"Twilight!" jumped Nebula. "Uh, er, um, it's...not what you think!"

"Don't listen to him, my little pony! He is a minion of darkness!" Celestia called urgently. She pretended not to know Twilight to keep her safe. But it was already too late for that.

"Wait a minute," said Nebula, looking at the young unicorn with suspicion. "You know the princess?"

"Well yeah," shrugged Twilight with confusion. "I'm a student of hers."

"Twilight, no." Celestia said under her breath.

"Princess, what happened to you?" Twilight hurried to the trapped alicorn's side. "Is this why the sun isn't moving?"

"Student?" The gears in Nebula's mind began turning again. Suddenly, the little mare who mistook him as her brother had some value to her. He now had leverage against the stubborn princess.

"Twilight, please listen to me," said Celestia. "You're in serious danger. He isn't the brother you remember anymore. He's the one who did this to me."

"What are you talking about?" frowned Twilight. The situation was starting to become scary to her. "Why would my brother- AAAGH!" Just then, she was swiftly lifted up by a magic aura.

"Twilight!" shouted Celestia.

Nebula levitated Twilight and violently cast her aside, making her skid across the dirt. "Look like I have the advantage again."

Twilight sat up, her face smeared with dirt. "Shining Armor! What are you doing?!" she panicked.

"Run, Twilight!" pleaded Celestia. "His memory has been altered! He's become a minion for Nightmare Moon!"

"Nightmare Moon?!" gawked Twilight. "You mean the prophecy is true?!" Her body seized up as the magic aura held her frozen again. She looked at her brother, unable to accept what was happening.

"I'm afraid your student has unknowingly betrayed you, Princess." Nebula stared at Twilight with a sinister grin. He then conjured his magic steel, forming it into a sharp knife. He held it to Twilight's neck as he spoke. "Time's running out, Celestia." He threatened. "Our mother will be summoned before the end of the night. Or else your beloved apprentice here will pay for your selfishness."

"Big brother, please stop!" cried Twilight. "What's happened to you?!"

"You monster!" shouted Celestia. "You have no right! She's innocent!"

"You can still save her." Nebula persisted, holding his knife close enough to shave the unicorn's fur. "Either you get rid of the sun and bring out the moon, or Twilight dies."

Twilight's heart shattered at the sound of her brother's voice saying those words. She was too horrified to speak.

Celestia stared at her dear apprentice in fear for her life. In that moment, she had the fate of Equestria just one word away, and knew that her efforts would have been all for naught if she let Nightmare Moon reenter her world. But she couldn't bare to lose her most trusted student and leader of the Elements of Harmony, especially not to the stallion who used to be her brother. Ultimately, Celestia knew in her heart that she valued Twilight's life more than keeping Nightmare Moon imprisoned. She found herself with no other choice.

"Alright, alright!" she pleaded. "I'll do what you want! Just please don't hurt her, I beg of you!"

Nebula grinned. "Wise choice."

He put away his weapon and released Twilight from his binding spell. He also released the nullification from Celestia's horn, and sure enough, the automatic spell was back in motion. The last light of the sun finally vanished out of sight, and the pinkish orange sky dissolved into a gloomy dark blue. The full moon drifted slowly towards the center of the sky, like a looming ship from an alien world. The solstice was over, and the night had arrived at last.

Twilight trembled in fear as Nebula started on his way. But he stopped. Something occurred to him. It seemed that Celestia was quickly eager to risk the safety of Equestria to spare the life of one student. That's when he thought that perhaps the young mare was more than just a student. Nebula looked at her inquisitively and stalked back towards her.

"You're one of the Elements of Harmony, aren't you?" he spoke.

"Elements of Harmony?" repeated Twilight, remembering reading about the legend.

"Oh dear no!" gasped Celestia.

With his magic charged up again, Nebula aimed his horn at his captive. A deadly spell was cast, releasing a green beam of destructive magic energy. Twilight screamed in pain as the spell coursed through her entire body like an electric current. The princess watched in terror as her apprentice toppled to her side, and quickly began to slip from consciousness. With a stoic expression, Nebula turned away and headed back towards Ponyville.

"You're the one who's already failed, Princess." He said as he passed her. "This is just a taste of what's to come."

Once again alone, Celestia stared with tears pouring from her eyes at the stricken body of her beloved student. She was suddenly overcome with guilt. She realized that her quarrel with the sons of Nightmare Moon had gotten Twilight caught in the crossfire. Instead of preserving the fate of Equestria, she had somehow only put it in more jeopardy. She wanted to make it right again.

"Twilight, please forgive me." Celestia sobbed, as she charged up every ounce of magic within her.

...

The ponies of Ponyville cheered with relief as the sky finally plunged into darkness. Now that longest day was over, the nighttime activities could begin. A crowd gathered on a hillside waiting to see the delayed fireworks show. Families sat on picnic blankets or danced to live music, couples cuddled together under the romantic starlight, and foals played with flashlights and sparklers. It was a packed event, but a few ponies were not yet ready to start the show.

"Where did Thunderlane go?" asked Rumble, glancing around the hillside. "He's gonna miss the fireworks."

"Beats me, little tyke," shrugged Applejack. "He musta gone off with Big Mac too. I don't what could keep 'em from watchin' this."

"And on top of that," said Rarity. "Twilight still hasn't returned with her brother either."

"We didn't just hallucinate those boys showing up, did we?" Pinkie scratched her head.

"Pinkie, don't be stupid." Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"I'm sure they're still socializing with other ponies." Fluttershy said optimistically while spreading out a picnic blanket. "After all it was quite a shock how they showed up out of the blue. And besides, at least the sun finally went down. Now we can enjoy the fireworks."

POP!

"EEEP!" Fluttershy dove beneath the blanket with her tail sticking out, cowering at the sound of a firecracker.

"Why did I see that comin'?" Applejack said, hiding a chuckle.

"Welcome mares and gentlecolts!" announced Mayor Mare through a microphone, as she stood in front of the launching zone. "The longest day may be over, but the celebration is far from it! Tonight, we praise our beloved Princess Celestia, who gives us night and day, and preserves peace and order for us all. It is said that exactly a thousand years ago, as the old legend goes, that the Princess vanquished the vile Nightmare Moon, and banished the dark sorceress to the surface of the moon. It may be dark now, but we honor Princess Celestia for restoring the light, with some lights of our own! And so, let us start the countdown to our magnificent fireworks display!"

"Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One!"

BOOM!

The pyrotechnics would not be seen. A loud crack of highly charged energy split the air. A bright flash of light erupted from the ground in front of the launch zone. Everypony gasped in awe as White Nebula stood behind a large arcane circle in the ground, depicting a cryptic symbol of the moon in vibrant purple light. Dark Star and Red Nova stood at his sides, as magic light glowed from their eyes, inhibiting the powerful circle. As the light crackled, it then surged upward in a thick beam from the circle. The beam hit the face of the moon, which had now reached the peak of the sky, and caused its already luminous surface to glow even brighter. The observing ponies were dumbfounded, not just by the spell, but by who was casting it.

"What the?!" gawked Rainbow. "Hey isn't that Twilight's brother?!"

Applejack gasped. "And Big Mac! What the heck is he doin' up there?!"

"Thunderlane is there too!" Fluttershy pointed.

"Fluttershy?" Rumble looked up at her anxiously. "What's going on?"

"Citizens of Equestria!" Nebula's voice boomed throughout the hill. "The reign of the sun is over!"

"Reign of the sun?" repeated Rarity with shock. "What does he mean?"

"We are the noble sons and protectors of the rightful ruler of Equestria, Nightmare Moon!" Dark took over. "We have been charged with the task of guaranteeing her return to your world."

"You have all been living under the blissful lies of the usurper Celestia." Nova bellowed. "For a thousand years, she has blinded you all with the harmful fire of the sun."

"Now she will pay for imposing her rule on you." Nebula concluded. "Our mother will soon bring forth a new era of peace and order, under the tranquil beauty of the moon! She will return, and the night will last forever! Bow before your goddess!"

Rumble looked at the trio of stallions with disbelief. "Big bro?" he quipped.

"I don't like this one bit." Applejack said somberly.

Suddenly, a dark silhouette descended from the moon and down through the beam of light, like a falling meteor. When the shadow hit the circle on the ground, the light exploded, blinding the onlookers, and soon dissipated. A dark swarm of black clouds swirled around the area, obscuring the circle and the three stallions at first. To add even more shock, every house, every street lamp, even all the flashlights flickered in distress before simultaneously losing power; even candles and sparklers were snuffed out.
Then, a pair of eyes pierced out of the darkness. They glowed with an icy blue, that sent chills down the spines of every stallion, mare, and foal. A looming figure arose, standing in the magic circle like a statue coming to life. Two enormous black wings unfurled, sending out a gust that cleared away the dark clouds. The innocent ponyfolk watched in fear, as a cackle was heard from the haunting figure.

"Surprise!" The Goddess of Darkness had returned.
> Moonrise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 4: Moonrise



"Mmph...agh...erm...huh? Wha...What happened?"

Twilight stirred awake with blurry vision. She found herself lying on her side in the dirt and slowly sat up. The last thing she remembered was leaving Ponyville in the middle of an apple bob to find Shining Armor. But as she gazed around at her surroundings, Twilight gasped at the sight of Princess Celestia lying under a tomb of stone, pushing the brink of exhaustion. Suddenly the memory of being struck by her brother came to her with dread. She quickly regained her composure and rushed over to the downed princess. What she didn't realize was that Celestia had used up whatever remaining magic energy she had to revive Twilight from the deadly destruction spell.

"Princess Celestia!" she cried as she knelt down beside her. "Are you alright?"

Slowly, Celestia reopened her eyes and raised her head enough to look upon her student. "Twilight, I'm glad you survived." She said weakly. She decided not to tell her about the revival spell, not wanting her to feel guilty.

"What happened?" asked Twilight, fearfully. "That pony who attacked me, that couldn't have been Shining Armor, right?"

Celestia grunted, trying to stay in focus. "Twilight, I'm sorry. It was in fact Shining Armor. But he wasn't the brother you remember."

"What do you mean?"

"He's been corrupted by the wicked forces of Nightmare Moon."

Twilight stared in awe. "So it's true. Nightmare Moon was supposed to return on the solstice. But what does my brother have to do with her?"

"I rushed over to Ponyville when I found out." Celestia explained. "Some time ago, Nightmare Moon captured three ponies from Equestria and erased their memories. She then molded them into powerful guardians with dark magic and sent them here to help reawaken her and spread eternal night across Equestria."

"So that's how Shining Armor went missing all those years ago?" frowned Twilight.

"I'm afraid so." Celestia said. "And it appears the same has happened to Thunderlane and Big Macintosh."

Then, Twilight gazed up at the sky. The full moon shone with blinding brilliance as a mass of black clouds swirled around it. The familiar mark of the dark goddess's face on the lunar surface had now vanished.

"I think we may be too late to stop her." Twilight said sullenly. "The seal of Nightmare Moon has been broken. We're doomed."

"Not yet." Celestia replied. "Twilight, do remember reading about the Elements of Harmony?"

Twilight thought. "Yes. The Elements of Harmony were what banished Nightmare Moon in the first place."

"And they will be needed to save Equestria once again." Celestia said. "I wish it were a better time to tell you this, Twilight, but you are the key to the Elements of Harmony."

"Huh?" stammered Twilight. "What does that mean? What are the Elements anyway?"

"The prophecy states that when Nightmare Moon returns to Equestria," explained Celestia. "Six ponies will be called upon to wield the Elements, in the form of magical jewels. Each of these Elements represents a different aspect of friendship, which is the force that binds them, and all of Equestria, together. Honesty, Loyalty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter, and of course Magic which is the key Element to reawaken the rest. And that Element is you, Twilight. You are destined to lead the Elements of Harmony."

Twilight gawked in disbelief. "Me? Why me?! I'm not anything special."

"That is not true." Celestia smiled. "Few ponies in history have shown the same magic potential as you. That is why when I learned you were the Element of Magic, I wanted to train you and prepare you to carry on the responsibility as a protector of Equestria."

"But what about the other Elements?" she asked. "How am I supposed to find them?"

"Why, you have already found them." Celestia said. "I said that I sent you to Ponyville to prepare the festival and make friends. But that was only half of your mission. Because those friends you make will be more important than you realize."

"You mean Applejack?" Twilight gasped. "And Fluttershy and-"

"I see my advice was well taken." Celestia sighed as she laid her head lower.

"Princess, you're not well." Twilight knelt down. "I can't just leave you here, I have to get you some help."

"Don't worry about me, my student." Celestia assured her. "My energy will regain eventually. But you must not waste any time." She pushed herself to stay awake. "Twilight, you and your friends must travel to the Castle of the Two Sisters. It is there where you will find the amulets that contain the power of the Elements. Be weary, for Nightmare Moon's sight reaches far and she knows well of the prophecy. But only through the unity of friendship can you and the others defeat her."

"But Princess, I...I don't think I can handle this." Twilight trembled. "I'm so scared, I don't know what to do!"

"I know this is a heavy burden, my child." Celestia clutched her hoof. "But I have watched you grow and learn so much these past years, and I can easily say that you have the strength and wisdom to conquer any challenge. And as for your brother, do not fret. He, Thunderlane, and Big Macintosh can still find themselves, if you can break Nightmare Moon's hold of them. As long as you have the Elements on your side, and the friendship that binds you, everything will be alright."

Twilight wiped a tear from her eye as she knelt down to hug her beloved mentor. "Promise me you will be too."

"Of course, Twilight." Celestia smiled as she laid her head down, slipping into unconsciousness. "I have complete faith in you, in the Elements, and in the fate of Equestria."

Twilight watched with anguish as her dear teacher fell into a comatose state, drained of her magic vitality. Learning about her destiny with the Elements of Harmony, combined with knowing that her brother had become a brainwashed guardian of darkness, was too much for the young unicorn to bear. At that moment, all she wanted to do was cry. But she knew better than to put aside a responsibility given by the Princess. Deep down, she knew that she had to pursue this mission for the good of ponykind. And so, Twilight cast away her sadness and galloped off back to Ponyville, to rally the Elements of Harmony.

...

The dark mass continued to shroud Ponyville as she stood in fearsome might. Nightmare Moon gazed around at the crowd of mortal ponies staring back in awe, reveling in the attention. It had been a thousand years since she had been in the company of so many.

"Ah, how I've missed the mortal kind." She said softly. "So innocent. So naive."

The ponies froze and shivered in fright at the goddess's imposing presence. "Nightmare Moon?!" gawked Rainbow Dash. "I thought she was just a myth!"

"How ghastly!" shuddered Rarity.

"My children!" Nightmare Moon's voice echoed throughout the countryside. "I have returned after a long and grueling millennium! Do not be frightened by my appearance, little ponies. I did not wait all that time to cause harm to innocent souls. I am simply here to relieve you from the misguided ways of my tyrant sister. The sun has blinded you from the universe, and from what is virtuous, and forced you to worship its deadly fire. Well I will not impose my rule on you, dear ponies. You will be free to live the lives you want, in peace and order. As long, of course, as you give praise to my everlasting night. For only darkness can comfort you."

"What the heck is she talkin' about?!" blurted Applejack.

"Thunderlane! Thunderlane!" Rumble charged through the crowd toward the center where the goddess stood.

"Rumble no!" called Fluttershy. "What are you doing?!"

The young colt ran up to the trio of dark guardians, his face filled with panic and desperation. "Big bro! What's going on?!" he called out. "Why are you with this monster?"

Dark Star sneered down at him. "I ain't your brother, kid." He said harshly. "And the only brothers I have are right here."

"Thunderlane...I don't understand." Rumble began to cry. "What's the matter with you?! You're scaring me!" he reached out for his brother's hoof.

But Dark Star responded with a kick of his front hoof. Rumble fell far back from the painful impact.

"Rumble!" shouted Fluttershy as she rushed to the colt's aid. She looked up at the corrupted pegasus as she cradled Rumble. "Thunderlane, how could you?"

Nightmare Moon chuckled to herself. She could already sense the familiar power within the young mare. "I am surprised you could not see our ruse, Element of Harmony. Did you honestly think the pony you knew so long ago would just reappear this suddenly? Your defeat will be easier than I imagined."

Fluttershy cowered with a squeak under the goddess's intimidating stare.

"I'm afraid you and your allies will not be able to witness the rise of my glorious night." Nightmare Moon continued. "I must not let the defenders of Celestia stand in my way. And so, you will be terminated."

Pinkie Pie darted her head around. "Is she talking to us?"

"Listen, lady!" Rainbow hovered and jabbed her hoof in Nightmare Moon's direction. "If you got a problem with us, we'll make sure you won't set one hoof in this town!"

"Ah, I see at least one of you is willing to fight." Nightmare Moon scoffed. "I suppose the time is right." She then hailed her guardians. "My sons, you have made your mother proud and have proved your worth. But now is the time for your biggest task yet. Defeat the Elements of Harmony and wipe out all traces of Celestia's order. And to aid in your endeavor, I shall bestow upon you the true strength of guardians of the night."

With a glow from her horn, she enveloped her sons in her aura. Up in the night sky, the three stars that glowed with her sons' power, one white, one red, and one dark blue, illuminated with the intensity of massive suns. The silhouettes of Nightmare Moon's apprentices glowed with the same brightness, until the aura whisked away. The guardians of night had taken on their ultimate form.
White Nebula looked in surprise, finding himself dressed in a suit of articulated steel armor, complete with protective horseshoes, and a helmet with a blue-haired crest. Dark Star received a similar suit, but with a sleeker, more aerodynamic design, with pointed ends and sharp blades strapped to his wings. As for Red Nova, his armor was much more heavy and blockier, and included a horned helmet, clobbering boots and a warhammer attached by a chain.

"Your new magic armor shall enhance your strength in battle." Nightmare Moon. "There is no telling how these Elements of Harmony will try to defend themselves, but they should be no match for your ultimate power."

"Thank you, Mother." Nebula smiled. "It will serve us well."

Rumble stirred after nearly falling unconscious. A black bruise was left on his cheek. "Fluttershy?" he looked up.

"Rumble, listen to me," urged Fluttershy. "You have to run. Find your parents and get to somewhere safe."

"But what about you?" quivered Rumble.

"I'll be fine, sweetie." She said, trying to reassure him with a smile. "And so will your brother." Suddenly, Fluttershy gasped as a purple glow formed around her body. She looked to see that Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity and Pinkie were all glowing with the same border as well.

The glow came from an indicator spell used by Nightmare Moon. "The Elements stand before you, my sons!" she commanded. "Make their demise swift!"

"Yes, Mother." Red Nova said deeply as he and his brother marched toward their targets.

"Go, Rumble! Run!" said Fluttershy.

With much hesitation, Rumble decided to escape the ensuing danger, but not before hugging his virtual big sister's leg. "Please be okay, Fluttershy. You and Big Bro." He cried before Fluttershy urged him off.

The citizens of Ponyville entered a state of panic and quickly vacated the hillside in a frenzy. The five remaining mares froze in fright as the three armor-clad stallions prepared to terminate them. Applejack broke from her friends and stepped up to the warriors.

"Big Mac! Snap out of it!" she pleaded. "Don't you recognize yer own lil' sis?"

"I have no sister." Red Nova said flatly.

"How can ya say that?" frowned Applejack. "Yer not you anymore!" She looked over at Nightmare Moon with a scowl. "You witch! Give me back mah brother!"

"Accept your fate with dignity, minion of Celestia!" scorned Nightmare Moon.

"Hey, Neb," murmured Dark Star. "Don't you think this is a little too easy? I mean, these dumb mares look like they don't even know what's going on."

"We have no choice, Dark," said Nebula. "If we don't take care of them now, they'll just try to stop us later. It's better to eliminate them when they're least powerful."

"Let's just get this over with." Nova grumbled.

Pinkie stared blankly as they approached. "Um, I hate to break the drama, buuuut..." She then lifted up Fluttershy over her head and shouted. "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!"

Rarity ran after Pinkie, but was slowed down as she grabbed Rainbow's tail in her teeth and dragged her along.

"No! Lemme at em!" Rainbow tried to fly off from her grasp. "I can take em all single-hoofed!"

"Will you please have some common sense, Rainbow?!" retorted Rarity.

Applejack was not ready to leave her brother, still confident that there was at least a shred of his old self still in him. But in that moment, she knew well that he was possessed by something beyond her understanding, and now her life was in danger. With a final saddened look at her brother, Applejack fled with her friends.

"Hmph, like I said, too easy." Dark Star smirked as he unfurled his bladed wings and sprung off toward the escaping mares. As he glided through the air, he summoned a current of lightning through his hooves and prepared to stun the lot of them. But before he could get the chance, his attack was interrupted by a flash of bright purple light. "What the crap?!" Dark Star stopped in midair. To his amazement, the mares had completely disappeared.

"Huh?!" gawked Nova. "Where'd they go?!"

"I'm not crazy, right?!" Dark Star darted his head. "They were just here, weren't they?!"

"You idiots," sulked Nebula. "That was a teleportation spell."

"Agh! I knew we shouldn't have been stalking dramatically!" groaned Dark.

"It would take a unicorn with some pretty strong magic to cast a teleportaion spell for multiple ponies." Nebula pondered.

"Maybe it was that white mare who wined a lot." Nova said. "Although she didn't look that powerful for an Element of Harmony."

"No, there is another." Nightmare Moon approached them. "A sixth Element has been hiding nearby and must have used that spell to save the other five. I sense her presence, and it seems her magical power could be enough to rival my sister's."

Nebula's eyes shot wide with realization. "No. It can't be."

"What?" asked Dark.

"It's Twilight Sparkle," he explained. "The one who thought I was her brother. I faced her when I went to order Celestia to lower the sun. She was a personal student of Celestia, and I could somehow tell she was an Element of Harmony. But there's no way she can still be around! I eliminated her myself!"

"And yet she is still alive." Nightmare Moon said with clairvoyance. "Do not blame yourself, White Nebula. If I am correct, my conniving sister made a last attempt to revive this Twilight Sparkle. Such a spell would completely exhaust her in the state you put her in during your battle. And I can sense that Celestia's magic has waned dry. At least she is out of the fight."

"So where are they now, Mother?" asked Dark.

Nightmare Moon closed her eyes to try to hone in on the Elements' souls. "Hmm, their presence is shrouded. The pony named Twilight Sparkle is more clever than I expected. But I may have an idea of where these mares might be headed. My sons, you must travel to the Castle of the Two Sisters. It is a castle that my sister and I shared before my banishment, in what is now the Everfree Forest. The prophecy states that the Elements of Harmony will find the source of their power in that castle. You must stop this from being fulfilled at all costs."

"You can count on us, Mother." Nova said.

"Take head, my sons." Nightmare Moon advised. "The Everfree Forest is home to many dangers and oddities. Still, it will be nothing compared to your powers. But the Elements are weak and may fall prey to these dangers. Use the darkness of the forest to your advantage, halt the Elements in their tracks, and do all you can to erase them from history."

"We will not fail you, Mother." Nebula bowed. "The Elements of Harmony will be vanquished."

"May the majesty of my eternal night protect you, my sons." Nightmare Moon grinned.

...

"Holy cow!" shouted Pinkie, suddenly finding herself lying in front of a curious cow staring back at her.

"Uh, what just happened?" Rainbow darted her head around, after she and her friends had suddenly been transported to a wide open cow ranch a short distance away from Ponyville.

"Ah! I knew it!" Rarity shrieked, being held in Applejack's hooves in a cowardly manner. "Those brutes attacked us with magic!"

"Hey, mah brother ain't no brute!" Applejack dropped her.

"I don't think that blast came from any of those three." Fluttershy scratched her head.

"Sorry about that." Twilight Sparkled appeared among them. "I saw that you guys were in trouble, so I had to teleport you as far away as I could. Are you all okay?"

"Oh Twilight!" said Fluttershy. "It was horrible! The evil Nightmare Moon returned! And she made Thunderlane attack us! And Big Macintosh too! And...oh, I'm afraid your brother joined them as well."

"Yes, I know." Twilight lowered her head, still accepting the truth.

"Wait, you knew?!" Rainbow sneered. "How could you have known your brother is working for Nightmare Moon?"

"Princess Celestia told me everything." Twilight explained. "When Shining Armor, Big Macintosh and Thunderlane went missing, it was really Nightmare Moon who captured them. She trained them to sneak into Equestria and resurrect her on the evening of the Summer Sun Celebration."

"So...they were kidnapped?" shuddered Fluttershy.

"The Princess told you that?" came Rainbow. "Well where is she?"

"Yeah, ya think she'd be able to stop all this whacko doom and gloom stuff from happening here!" added Pinkie.

"She tried to fend off the boys when they arrived." Twilight said. "But they were too powerful. She's okay, but her magic was depleted before Nightmare Moon showed up."

"Celestia defeated?" gasped Rarity. "That just doesn't sound likely!"

"Yeah, I don't really buy it either." Rainbow said.

"I don't like it either, but that's what happened." Twilight told them. "But don't worry, there's good news too. We can still drive away Nightmare Moon."

"You're right!" Pinkie lit up. "We take every light we can find and shine them at her! Then she'll think the sun is out and she'll get scared and go away! It's so simple!"

"Uh, not exactly." Twilight continued. "The key to saving Equestria lies within you guys."

"What does that mean?" asked Fluttershy.

"This might sound crazy," she said. "But Princess Celestia told me that the six of us represent the fabled Elements of Harmony, the forces of friendship that protect Equestria. She told me that if we locate the magic amulets that contain the power of the Elements in the Everfree Forest, then we'll have enough combined energy to end the eternal night."

The other five mares stared back at her dumbfounded. "You lost me at 'this might sound crazy'." Pinkie said.

"One moment," Rarity shook her head. "You're saying that the six of us just happen to be these so-called Elements?"

"I know it sounds a bit ludicrous," said Twilight. "But Princess Celestia told me herself."

"And how are we supposed to believe that?" asked Rainbow.

"Because I'm her student!" urged Twilight. "Look, I'm telling you all the truth. And the more time we waste discussing it, the more we risk Nightmare Moon beating us to the Elements."

"You'll have to forgive me, Twilight," discerned Rarity. "But I find it hard to trust your word on this."

"Yeah," added Rainbow. "Especially since you showed up on the very same day that Nightmare Moon did."

"But I knew about Nightmare Moon's legend before coming to Ponyville." Twilight retorted. "I even suspected that the prophecy of her return would come true during the celebration."

Applejack looked at her with suspicion. "So you were expecting this to happen, but didn't do anything about it?"

"Well...I mean...that's not exactly what I'm saying." Twilight stammered.

"Ya know what I think?" Rainbow stalked toward Twilight, interrogative. "I think you were in on this whole thing! I think that you and your brother were minions of Nightmare Moon from the beginning, and somehow got Big Mac and Thunderlane involved to plan her return!"

"What?!" Twilight was taken aback. "That is downright ridiculous! Why would I, an apprentice of the Princess, help to bring about devastation to all of Equestria?!"

"I bet Nightmare Moon placed here in the beginning to get on Celestia's good side." Rainbow glowered. "That way you could get close enough to bring her down! Which is why she hasn't arrived to save the day!"

"It is a bit of a coincidence, you being here." Rarity added. "And how do we know you're not just leading us into the forest for some kind of trap? If we really are the Elements of Harmony, surely you must be trying to get rid of us."

"How can you say that?!" replied Twilight. "I'm trying to help you guys!"

"Save it, liar!" Rainbow glared. "After what we've just seen, why should we trust some brainiac we just met?!"

"You can't seriously think I would deceive you!" said Twilight.

Applejack approached her. "Twilight, I may not fully understand what's goin' on, but I want nothin' to do with it. All I saw back there was pure evil. And if my brother's return in too good to be true, then I don't know what to believe anymore."

"Applejack, you have to believe me," pleaded Twilight. "We can save your brother."

"No, that wasn't the Big Mac I know." Applejack said sternly. "I wish I can trust and understand what yer sayin', Twilight. I wish I can help ya try to end this craziness. But I can't. I just don't know who to trust now."

"So if you'll excuse us, 'Student of Celestia'," huffed Rainbow as she walked away back toward Ponyville. "I think we'll be better off at the mercy of eternal night."

"I suppose we'll just have to suffer like the rest of Equestria." Rarity sighed as she followed her.

Applejack solemnly joined them without another word.

"But...but I'm not...Ugh!" Twilight clasped her hoof over her face in sorrow. She had already failed to carry on Celestia's mission to rally the Elements and set out to defeat Nightmare Moon. It seemed that by revealing the truth about the prophecy, she had only put more fear and distrust in their minds. Twilight had never felt more hopeless.

"Now just hold on one minute!" Fluttershy called after the three departing mares, standing firm and forceful.

Rainbow, Rarity and Applejack quickly spun around, surprised at the shy pony's objection.

"How can you call Twilight a traitor, after what has happened?!" said Fluttershy. "If anypony here knows a thing or two about the prophecy of Nightmare Moon, it's her. I say she was sent here on this day to help Equestria, not destroy it. I know you're scared after what we've just seen. I'm scared too. Thunderlane was a dear friend of mine and I was crushed to see him controlled by Nightmare Moon. But is that any reason for us to turn on each other? I say we trust Twilight the best we can. Not just because she was sent by Princess Celestia, but because she's our friend. We all said so. So if there's evil spreading across Equestria, who else can we trust than our friends?"

Rarity frowned out of guilt. "I suppose I was a bit rash."

Applejack sighed and walked back. "Twilight, I'm sorry." She said. "I just don't know how to react with what's goin' on."

"I know, Applejack." Twilight replied with sincerity. "To be honest, I'm just as scared as you are. I know it might be hard to trust me now, but I promise you, we will make things right. And we will get our brothers back."

"In that case, we will follow you anywhere, Twilight." Rarity smiled at her.

"Are you in too, Rainbow?" asked Fluttershy.

Rainbow sneered, hating to be wrong. But a part of her mind knew that she was better off putting her trust in the strange unicorn from Canterlot. "Alright, let's do this." She said with a sulk. "But I still have my doubts."

"I understand." Twilight grinned with a shrug. "If I was in your position, I would probably think I'm lying too."

"Well what are we waiting for?!" Pinkie sprang with excitement. "Let's head into the spooky woods and get those Elements!"

"Let's do this for Princess Celestia!" rallied Twilight.

"And for our boys!" added Applejack.

"And for the sun of course!" said Rarity with a flourish. "I look better in the light!"

"Yeah! I'm ready to kick some serious moon-butt!" Rainbow cracked her hooves.

"Um, how spooky are these woods?" quivered Fluttershy, as the six mares headed off to liberate Equestria.
> The Trials of the Everfree
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 5: The Trials of the Everfree



The shimmering full moon shone down from the bleak sky like an all-seeing eye, watching the intrepid six mares' every move as they wandered the Everfree Forest. Twilight and her friends had been walking for nearly an hour and yet the time remained at midnight, guided only by magic light from Twilight and Rarity's horns. Few citizens of Ponyville had ever ventured into the mysterious thicket. There was no set map to the lost Castle of the Two Sisters, or any noticeable landmark for that matter. Every which way seemed like the same curtain of trees obscuring any view of the horizon.

"Lansanks, this place gives me the creeps." Applejack said, staying close by the magic light. "Why did this darn ol' castle have to be in the middle of the woods?"

"What's the matter, AJ?" teased Rainbow, hovering overhead. "Scared of the dark?" She then flew straight into a high branch, clonking her on the head.

"No, but at least I watch where I'm goin'." Applejack rolled her eyes.

"Oh gosh," quivered Fluttershy. "I can only imagine what kind of spooky creatures lurk around here at night."

"What about raccoons?" asked Pinkie Pie, hopping merrily next to her.

"Oh except those, they're cute." Fluttershy corrected herself.

"And possums?" asked Pinkie.

"Well, possums are cute too."

"And bats?"

"I do like bats, yes."

"And owls? And ferrets? And deer? And skunks? And hedgehogs? And porcupines? And flying squirrels? And badgers? And koalas? And tarsiers? And golden marmosets? And silver-backed gorillas? And-"

"What I think Fluttershy means," interrupted Rarity. "Is that there might be monsters that inhabit this dreadful forest."

"Oh!" exclaimed Pinkie. "You mean like timberwolves? And hydras? And cragadiles? And Ursas? And cockatrices? And bugbears? And chimeras? And lions and tigers and bears and-"

"Please stop!" squeaked Fluttershy.

"Don't worry, girls," said Twilight, leading the way. "It looks like there's a clearing just up ahead."

Sure enough, the trees gave way to a more open space, as the mares pushed aside the overgrowth in their way. But as they cleared the edge of the thicket, expecting a wide field, they immediately stopped with a jolt. They found themselves overlooking a fragile cliff, dropping over a hundred feet into a rocky ravine. Only a tiny path between the edge and the trees circled its way to the left and around a steep mountainside.

"Okay, when this is over," Twilight glowered over the cliff. "I'm getting a hot-air balloon."

"Well, no use in stayin' here all cockeyed." Applejack started off for around the cliff. "Time's a-wastin'."

"Yes, I'm quite eager to get to this castle before facing certain peril again." Rarity remarked.

"Oh goodness, oh goodness, oh goodness!" Fluttershy shook as she inched along the winding cliff, struggling to keep herself from looking down into the ravine.

"Fluttershy, just use your wings!" said Rainbow.

"Oh right." Fluttershy sheepishly flapped her wings and rose into the air. But it was then that she glanced down over the cliff and gained a sense of just how high she was. "Oh goodness!" She quickly returned to the ground, clutching onto Pinkie's back.

"Ooh!" Pinkie looked down, cocking her head in curiosity. "Everything gets all wunky when you look down!"

On they skirted across the skinny cliff, over the fear of falling to their demise, save for Rainbow Dash who proudly flew over and led the way. The silence of the Everfree wilderness was only permeated by the sounds of a soft wind blowing down from the mountainside, and the ponies' careful hoofsteps. Despite the danger, all was still and silent on the mountainside, not even any movement from the bushes. But suddenly, as the mares made half way through the narrow pass, teh silence was gone.
A thundering crack roared up from somewhere in the ravine, and the world began to move. The mountain shook violently, causing boulders to tumble down across the path. The cliff began to crack and crumble away piece by piece.

"Earthquake!" shouted Pinkie.

"Back into the forest!" called Rainbow.

The ponies attempted to turn around and gallop back into the woods. But they barely even moved before the ground beneath them gave way. A large chunk of the cliff broke off, sending most of them tumbling over the edge. Rainbow quickly swooped in to catch Rarity as she fell over, and Fluttershy gently grabbed Pinkie before she could slip away too. But Twilight was still dangling by her front hooves, only being supported by Applejack, still on the cliff.

"Hang on, sugracube!" grunted Applejack, unable to get a good grip to hoist her up.

"Applejack, I'm slipping!" cried Twilight.

"Oh my goodness!" gasped Fluttershy. "What could've caused this?!"

...

Dark Star sailed over the top of the forest, far ahead of his brothers. He had decided that the three of them would go their separate ways through the Everfree in order to slow down the pursuing Elements of Harmony. Shrouded by the cover of night, Dark was now closer to the Castle of the Two Sisters than anypony else, scouting the area for his brothers to catch up. He hoped that the immense earthquake was enough to at least halter the six Elements.
After flying a considerable distance, he landed by a wide river and sat on the bank, letting his wings rest for a while. He lowered his head to take a drink from the fresh running water, wanting to keep his strength up. But as he relaxed, the river was disturbed by a huge figure rising from the depths. A rush of water sloshed against the banks as a gigantic reptile emerged from the river, reaching over fifty feet long with dark purple scales, a head of orange hair and a magnificent mustache. The monstrous sea serpent looked down at Dark, and gave a disgusted sneer.

"Good heavens!" the serpent spoke in an effeminate voice. "How dare you disturb my beauty sleep! Do you know how much work it is too look this good in such a dank place?!"

Dark Star stared back up at the serpent with a mouthful of water. He replied simply. "Who...the buck...are you?"

"Well if you so rudely ask," replied the serpent. "I am the guardian of this river, and not a soul crosses this river without my permission! And since you interrupted my rest, I shall have to ask you to turn back! I can't be bothered to deal with mere ponies! The stress alone will give me crow's feet!"

"Oh really?" scowled Dark. "So I guess it wouldn't matter to you if I said I was working for the almighty Nightmare Moon?"

"Honey I don't care if you're the mailpony," snapped the serpent. "If you want to cross this river, then talk to the claw!"

"And just how are you gonna stop me?" challenged Dark.

"Then I will be forced to insult you about every crime to fashion you have made!" said the serpent. "Starting with that ghastly manestyle of yours. Honestly, have you ever even heard of conditioner?!"

Dark rolled his eyes and flew up to pass the catty water dragon. "Get out of my way."

The serpent immediately blocked his path. "Don't be fooled by my glorious appearance!" he spoke. "I am not afraid to unleash my full wrath and give you such a...wrathing!"

For a moment, Dark simply gave the serpent a bemused stare. Then, in a fraction of a second, he darted directly upward.

"Hey! Come back down here you ruffian!" the serpent shook his fist. "Don't think just because you can fly means I won't-"

Just as quickly as he soared up, Dark plummeted back down and tackled the serpent straight in the chest. With tremendous strength, he pinned the sassy reptile to the riverbank, holding down his claws and staring him down menacingly. The serpent quivered in fright, preparing for a world of pain. Dark then raised his wing, attached with a pin-sharp blade, and prepared to bring it down into the creature's neck. But instead, with a quick swipe, he severed one half of the serpent's mustache. The serpent himself looked in shock at the fallen facial hair.

"You're not worth my power." Dark growled in his face before taking off again, continuing his race to the castle.

"AAAAAHH!!!" shrieked the serpent. "My mustache! My beautiful mustache! You foul beast! How could you!" He slumped on the riverbank, weeping dramatically over the scar upon his good looks.

...

Red Nova stalked through the forest further back, stomping in aggravation. He was disappointed in himself that the Elements of Harmony had somehow survived the violent rock slide he caused with his earth magic. It became apparent that he would have to think further outside the box in order to thwart the annoying mares.
Nova traversed the ravine ahead of where the Elements now were, and came upon a wide cave entrance. As he passed the cave, a pair of blaring eyes appeared from the dark opening. Before he could react, Nova was ambushed by a large creature, unusual to the known wildlife of the Everfree. A manticore, with the body of a giant lion, the wings of a bat, and the barbed tail of a scorpion, roared in anger at the trespasser in its territory and pinned him down.
Without fear, Nova dug his back hooves into the beast's stomach and kicked it off, sending it reeling back. The manticore huffed and came in for another pounce. But with quick reflexes, Nova slid out of the way and responded with a jump onto its back. The manticore roared and bucked madly, trying to whip off the stubborn pony, until it finally managed to fling Nova into a nearby brier patch.

"Damn!" grunted Nova, standing up to brush off the prickly thorns. Clearly, this manticore was no pussycat.

The beast turned around and instantly ran toward Nova, ready to sink its fangs into his flesh. But the mighty earth pony was not yet ready to stand down. He quickly wielded the hammer chained to his armor and stood his ground. Focusing on his earth magic again, he stomped his hoof into the ground, causing a wall of stone to rise up between him and his attacker. As the manticore stopped itself from running into the barrier, Nova leaped over the rock wall and gave the beast a harsh kick to its cheek.
The manticore roared with even more rage as it turned away, and Nova once again straddled its back. This time, he strung out the chain of his hammer and wrapped it around the creature's neck in a choke-hold. With howls of agony, the manticore thrashed and shook to free itself from the ensnarement. Then, after tying the chain all the way around its neck, Nova grabbed a firm hold of the crude leash and used his incredible strength to pull the animal's body side to side, disorienting it. Finally, with a mighty yank, he forced the manticore into the brier bush, immersing its body completely. As he slackened his hold on the chain, the manticore slowly crawled out of the brier, dizzy and covered in sharp thorns, a particularly large sliver dug into its paw. That's when Nova gained an idea.

"So yer hungry, huh?" he spoke. "I got some better prey for ya."

Nova procured something he had gathered after pursuing the Elements back in Ponyville. It was a few locks of fallen hair he gathered from the mares, which he planned to use to track them down. Carefully, he approached the wounded manticore and held out the piece of mane to its face. Out of curiosity, the manticore sniffed the blonde hair. Just as Nova planned, the predator began to associate the scent of the mares with the pain of the briers and quickly started to pick up the trail.
With a snarl and a roar, the beast tugged at the chain, wanting to run free. Satisfied that he was no longer the manticore's target, Nova released the chain and the creature stormed off down into the ravine, with the scent of the Elements piquing its appetite.

"Hmph, that should slow 'em down." Nova said as he lifted his hammer and continued into the dark woods.

...

Flying onward, Dark Star looked ahead toward the direction of the castle. Sure enough the sight of the ancient ruins were just on the horizon, with the black magic smoke of Nightmare Moon surrounding them above like a nightmarish dust storm. Dark congratulated himself, happy to make it to the castle first, and picked up his speed.
He sailed over a wide gorge, that descended into a bottomless pit filled with swirling fog. Only a rickety rope bridge connected both sides of the gorge, swaying and creaking in the cold breeze. Dark observed the perilous rift in the earth and thought back to the mares who were after the same place as him. Immediately, he lowered himself down to the exit of the narrow bridge and pulled out the supports keeping the rope in place. With a snap, the bridge slipped away like an exhausted snake and dangled along the other side of the gorge. But just as he finished with his little obstacle for the Elements, he realized a mistake.

"Hmm, oh well." He shrugged nonchalantly. "Neb and Nova will get over somehow." He paused. "Then again, those two pegasus mares could just fix the bridge. Maybe not that shaky yellow one, but that annoying blue mare definitely could. I gotta find a way to slow her down too. Think, Dark, think."

As he stood by the cliff pondering, something manifested in front of Dark. The black smoke emanating with his mother's magic stretched out to his location, as a spell was cast in deep purple light. Dark watched in wonder as shifty-looking figures emerged from the smoke. Three ponies, all pegasi, stood at the ready and grinned at him. They wore black coverall flight suits and matching goggles, and their manes were slicked back for speed. Dark's instincts told him that they were enemies, possibly minions of Celestia aiding the Elements.

"Who are you?!" he ordered, spreading out his bladed wings. "Are you working for Celestia?"

"Far from it, Dark Star." The middle pegasi spoke in a mare's voice. "We are the Shadowbolts."

"Shadowbolts?" repeated Dark with a sneer. "Never heard of them. What are you some kinda racing team?"

"We were." The stallion on the left replied. "Back before her banishment, we were the dark princess's personal exhibition team. Now we are no more than the spirits of the ponies we once were."

"You mean...ghosts?" Dark lowered his weapons. "Did Mother summon you?"

"Exactly." The stallion on the right answered. "She was kind enough to sacrifice some of her magic to bring us into visible form. We've been summoned to help you and your brothers defeat the Elements of Harmony."

"How's a bunch of ghosts gonna help beat the Elements?" Dark scoffed.

"The blue one with the multicolored mane," said the mare with a devious grin. "She is filled with desire for fame and glory. She wants only to be among the greatest champion flyers in Equestria, the Wonderbolts. Obviously, she is living a pipe dream. But we will tempt her desire by telling her we are the best flying team in the Everfree Forest. We'll tell her we want her to be our captain, because she is the greatest flyer in all of Equestria."

"What makes you think she'll fall for that crap?" asked Dark.

"She doesn't seem too bright to begin with." The right stallion replied. "She'll be easily tempted."

"Unfortunately, as spirits, we are unable to do physical harm to the Elements." The left stallion added. "But once we have swayed the blue pegasus to join us, they'll have lost their best flyer and muscle. If one Element falls, the rest will."

"Hmm, that seems like a long shot." Dark said. "But I don't think Nova would be smart enough to think of a plan like that. Alright then, you guys stay here in case the blue one arrives. I'll be in the castle."

"At once, guardian of the night," the mare bowed as they began to disappear in smoke. "We shall test the Element of Loyalty."

...

Elsewhere, in the denser region of the forest, White Nebula hacked his way through with a magically conjured machete. The prickly branches and thorn bushes were beginning to get on his nerves. He wanted badly to fell the entire overgrowth before him, but he knew that would only leave an obvious trail for the meddling Elements of Harmony to follow. Nevertheless, he pressed on through the brush, remembering the direction to the fabled castle, and ready to fend off any monstrous creature lurking in wait.
As he trekked through the dark trail, an idea came to Nebula. He knew full well from their first attack that the Elemental mares were easily frightened, especially the yellow pegasus. Hoping that they would cower away, Nebula used his magic to alter the environment around him. His aura enveloped the crooked trees, twisting and bending them into hideous forms and carving demonic faces into the bark. His plan was to turn the Everfree Forest into a land of nightmare.

"Who are you, stranger?" came a mysterious voice. "Do you not know this path leads to danger?"

Nebula spun around quick, alerted by the deep female voice. From out of the brush came an alluring creature, not a pony exactly, but exotic to him all the same.

"Why do you contort the trees into an ugly mass?" she spoke lyrically. "This is my home that you have trespassed."

"A zebra?" spoke Nebula with curiosity. "Mother taught me about your kind. I would've expected you to be dwelling in such a desolate place. Ponies of the bush, are you not called?"

The zebra glared at the pompous unicorn from under her hood, unamused by his judgement. "You see me as a witch, I presume?" she replied. "Like the rest of Ponyville who wrongly assume. What makes you brave enough to come all the way out here? Does my presence not grip you in fear?"

"I'm not afraid of anything in this savage land." Nebula sneered. "I'm a guardian of Nightmare Moon. Your voodoo is nothing in the face of my pure magic."

"A minion of darkness, you I find." The zebra spoke as she paced around him. "Yet darkness only makes the world blind."

"You don't know the extent of my power, witch." Nebula replied. "I am just one of three brothers who will help our mother Nightmare Moon guide Equestria to a new future."

"The fate of Equestria is not for you or me to decide." The zebra continued. "But your future, and your past, I can surely see inside. For me a simple witch you mistook, but rest assured my dear, I can read you like a book."

"You know nothing about me!" snapped Nebula.

"I know that you were of this earth," she said. "A unicorn of Canterlot, you've been since birth. You had a mother and father, and a sister as well. But later on in your youth, to the magic of night, you had been compelled. Your memory erased, no older than a boy, you soon became the dark princess's toy."

Nebula's temper flared as he levitated his machete, pointing it in her direction. "Enough of your foul tongue, witch!" he barked. "You're not the first one who tried to turn me by feeding me lies! I've defeated the traitor Celestia, and what I did to her will be ten times as effective on you!"

"My clairvoyance tells only the truth." The zebra said, turning away from him to collect a bundle of poppies. "But you refuse to accept it, my dear youth."

Nebula lowered his weapon and scoffed. "I don't have time to waste with you." He turned away to continue on the trail.

But the zebra immediately placed a hoof on his shoulder, seeming to be in a trance-like state. "I see it, the future you face." She spoke dismally. "A battle you will fight in a forgotten place. Between sons of darkness, and daughters of light. But only you will fall to friendship's might. And yet, out of the dust you create, you will be brought out from all of your hate. The lost sons will once again be home, and the lonely goddess will no longer be alone."

For a slight moment, Nebula stood in silence, contemplating the cryptic words of the mysterious mare. But once again, he refused to listen to her premonition, and wiped off her hoof. "I don't need to listen to the mad babbling of a witch." He grumbled as he walked off. "I've wasted enough time already."

"Take heed, Shining Armor, and beware," called the zebra. "The future ahead may be too much to bear."

Nebula stopped in his tracks and quickly spun around. "What did you call me?!"

But when he turned to threaten the zebra again, she was nowhere in sight. Not even a rustling of the bushes signified her departure, as if she had never been there to begin with. Nebula stood puzzled. The thought crept into his mind that maybe he had been hallucinating, or that perhaps it was a trick of the tail from the Elements of Harmony. Nonetheless, he quickly put these thoughts out of his head, and continued toward the castle, where the final decision would be made for the fate of Equestria, and his own.
> Of Brothers and Sisters
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 6: Of Brothers and Sisters



Doom was the feeling that emanated from the mass of black clouds that shrouded the Castle of the Two Sisters. Claps of thunder shook the very air and yet no rain poured. Where once was plant life was now barren and dry, devoid of the gentle shelter of nature. And the castle itself was dilapidated, its stone walls crumbling with each long passing year and being invaded by spindly vines and fungus. In a bygone time, this would have been a place of majesty and sovereignty. But now, the castle was a dead and forgotten ruin, a hollow shell of an era of peace, before the fall of Princess Luna and the birth of Nightmare Moon. And yet, after a thousand years, it would once again serve as the location where the fate of Equestria would be decided.

Twilight and her friends approached the crumbling castle, after narrowly making it across the rotted rope bridge. The six of them sat and gazed in awe at the haunting structure, letting the reality of it all unfold before them.

"Well, this is it." Twilight said.

"I don't know about this, Twilight," shivered Applejack. "That castle looks mighty dangerous."

"I'm sure it's not so bad." Rarity winced at the depressing sight. "It probably just needs some tender love and...uh...disinfectant."

"Well we don't have much of a choice." Rainbow glowered. "Nightmare Moon is probably in there right now waiting for us to kick her sorry flank!"

"It's not as easy as that, Rainbow." Twilight replied. "We don't know where the boys are either. As long as we find the Elements of Harmony, we'll have a better chance at fighting them."

Fluttershy quivered in fear behind her comrades, dreading to step hoof into the castle. Then, she suddenly jumped into Applejack's hooves after hearing a noise some distance behind her. "Eeep! What was that?!" she shrieked. "There's something in the bushes!"

"Ah relax, sugarcube," assured Applejack. "It's probably just a squirrel."

The quivering pegasus returned to her hooves, breathing frantically. "I don't know if I can do this, you guys." She frowned. "I'll only slow all of you down."

"What do you mean?" Twilight looked at her.

"I'm...I'm not strong enough." Fluttershy lowered her head in shame. "I'm not as brave as any of you are."

"Of course you are, Fluttershy." Twilight smiled at her reassuringly. "As long as we have the Elements of Harmony on our side, we can conquer anything."

"But what if we don't?" Fluttershy winced. "What if we can't defeat Nightmare Moon? What if something terrible happens to us? What if...what if we end up like Thunderlane?"

Twilight hesitated, not having an answer for that.

"Believe me, I care about Thunderlane just as much as Rumble does." Fluttershy welled up. "It broke my heart seeing his own big brother turning on him like that. I want to save him badly, but..." she wept softly into her hooves. "I just can't do it!"

The other five mares looked at her sympathetically. The truth was that they were all scared of the impending danger, of the consequences of losing to Nightmare Moon. But Fluttershy was taking the truth harder than anypony.

"Hey," Pinkie Pie sat next to her weeping friend and placed a hoof around her. "Remember what I said back in the forest?"

Fluttershy looked up at her wiping tears away.

"All you have to do is laugh, silly!" Pinkie looked at her sincerely. "When bad stuff gets in your way, nothing can stop you as long as you smile. Does this face ever lie?"

Fluttershy sniffled. Something about Pinkie's contagious smile always had a way of lifting her spirits. She made a small grin and squeezed her friend in a tight hug.

"I think that's exactly what we all need." Twilight said determinedly. "We can win this, everypony. There will always be happiness in the end. I can just feel it."

...

The corridors were absolutely silent, apart from the echoes of cautious hoofsteps. The six mares entered the main hallway of the ancient castle, illuminated by Twilight's and Rarity's horns, and marveled at the eeriness of the crumbling relic. Adorning the stone catacombs were artifacts from a thousand years ago. Colorful paintings of angelic mares in ornate gowns. Statues and busts of ancient philosophers and war heroes. Elaborate tapestries depicting myths and legendary tales, from harrowing adventures to stories of romance and lust. Now surrounded by moss and erosion, these masterpieces brought beauty out of the desolate and deformed ruin. It was difficult for Twilight, especially as a lover for history, to accept that such a place of elegance and knowledge would be a center of chaos and destruction.

Eventually, the troupe found their way to a large central chamber, which once contained a vast collection of sculptures and pottery. But now this art chamber was home to only one exhibit. In the center of the room was a large pedestal that held six pieces of dazzling golden jewelry, five necklaces and one tiara. The assorted-colored jewels on them began to glow with magic energy, immediately as the mares set eyes on the artifacts.

"Is that them?" asked Applejack. "The Elements of Harmony?"

"There doesn't seem to be any other explanation." Twilight said.

"Ooh!" beamed Rarity. "They are absolutely stunning! Just look at those gemstones!"

"Is it just me," spoke Fluttershy. "Or do those gems look oddly similar to our cutie marks?"

"Cool! They're personalized!" jumped Pinkie.

"And right there for us to take!" Rainbow grinned.

"Yer right." Applejack looked around. "There's no sign of Nightmare Moon. We must've beaten her here!"

"Well what are we waiting for?!" Rainbow zoomed off to grab the jewels.

"Wait a second!" Twilight called after her. "This is too good to be true!"

But Rainbow didn't heed her warning, and instead sped straight toward the pedestal. Before she could make a grab at one of the jeweled necklaces, a blinding flash of white light filled the chamber and she suddenly felt a jolt of pain rush through her body.

"Rainbow!" shouted Twilight.

The blue pegasus fell to the stone floor with a thud. A searing scorch mark blemished her right wing, a result from a violent electrical shock. Rainbow rolled and moaned in pain, her wing now irritably numb. If the shock had hit her an inch closer to her body, the attack would have been fatal. Immediately, a set of jet black hooves landed beside the collapsed Rainbow, ready to beat her into submission.

"I can't believe the Shadowbolts couldn't beat a ditz like you." Dark Star seethed, as he unfurled his bladed wings. His body surged with deadly magical lightning.

"Thunderlane!" cried Fluttershy. "Don't hurt her!"

"Heh heh, you want a taste too, sweetheart?" mocked Dark Star. "I seem to have that effect on mares."

"Stand aside!" ordered Twilight, charging up her horn. "You are no match for the light side of magic!"

"Not alone, anyway." Another male voice came, as a heavy chain cast out and ensnared Twilight's rear legs, pulling her face to the floor. White Nebula stalked toward her with a menacing grin. "I assure you, we're quite capable of beating your flimsy magic."

"You better not touch her, ya coward!" Applejack bellowed as she ran to kick Nebula away from her friend. But she was halted in her tracks by a wall of stone that rose up from the floor and encircled her. Darting her head in confusion, Applejack looked up to see Red Nova standing atop the stone trap looking down at her with barely any emotion.

"Don't make us do our worst." He uttered gravelly.

"You see, Sparkle?" taunted Nebula as he tightened the chain around Twilight's legs, causing her increasing pain. "We already drained your beloved princess of her energy. What makes you think you'll be any more of a challenge? That old prophecy is wasted on you and your weak friends. The old order is dead, and now there is no room for those who stand in the way of our mother. You were already too late from the beginning."

"Nothing...is too late!" Twilight grunted. "Rarity! Now!"

In an instant, Rarity unleashed a burst of energy from her horn directed at Nebula. The stallion managed to deflect the beam with his own horn, but failed to realized it was simply a distraction. Twilight unleashed her own magic and levitated Nebula off of her, immobilizing him in midair. The ensnarement was only brief, as he managed to slowly dissolve the purple aura around him and returned to his hooves. He gritted his teeth as he faced off Twilight and Rarity, who were combining their magic into a single aura.

"Remember, Rarity," said Twilight. "He's still my brother. Our combined auras may be able to stop him, but we have to be careful not to do any lasting damage."

"I wouldn't dream of it, Twilight." Rarity replied, bracing herself.

As the unicorns squared off, Applejack jumped and bucked, trying to escape the stone barrier that trapped her. But it was to no avail, and Red Nova was ready to put her under for good with a raise of his magic-infused hammer. Fortunately, Applejack was saved as Nova was blinded by a shred from one of the old castle's banners.

"You can't hit a pinata without a blindfold, silly!" Pinkie taunted as she jumped onto Nova's back and held the rag over his eyes.

The mighty stallion thrashed and bucked aggressively, trying to shake off the tricky pink mare. But she gripped on like a monkey on his back, until Nova finally slipped off the edge of the stone enclosure and fell on his side. Pinkie rushed back to the top of the wall and reached down to pull Applejack up.

"Thanks a bunch, Pinkie!" smiled Applejack.

"You betcha!" she winked. "Now let's show this big brute what we're made of!"

"Uh, Pinkie, he is still mah brother after all."

"Right, I knew that!"

Meanwhile, Fluttershy cowered as Dark Star stalked toward her, with his outstretched wing blades and a grizzly smile. Fluttershy badly wanted to save the stallion she once knew, but was too in fear for her life to speak a word. She never would have imagined meeting her demise at his hoof. But Dark Star stopped suddenly and looked backward in anger. His rear hoof was caught by a pair of blue front ones.

"Get away from her you creep!" Rainbow hissed, as she quickly recovered from her wound.

Dark raised his wing blade to strike her down. But Rainbow proved faster and gripped him by the hoof, and with a mighty heave, hurled him into a nearby wall, causing stones to crumble over him in a heap.

"Rainbow! Are you alright?" asked Fluttershy, concerned.

"I'm fine." She panted, her numb wing hanging like a limp drape over her side. "But I can't beat this guy without flying. I need your help, Fluttershy. We can take him down together."

"But...but I can't hurt him!" she stammered. "He's...I..."

"I know, but listen to me." Rainbow touched her shoulder and urged. "He's too dangerous to reason with. If you really want to save him, you'll have to weaken him. You got that?"

Fluttershy could feel more tears welling up. But instead of cowering in sorrow again, she mustered up whatever courage she had and nodded to her friend. "Okay, Rainbow. I'll help you."

The pile of rubble burst as Dark Star stood up and growled with rage. He charged at the two pegasus mares hoping to tear them to shreds. But Fluttershy quickly ascended up to the ceiling, holding her grounded friend in her hooves. Immediately, she dived back down toward him with Rainbow extending a punching hoof. Dark instinctively sped out of the way, his speed still superior over Fluttershy's. And yet, he knew that the two mares combined would prove somewhat of a challenge.

Over the next several minutes, the hollow castle roared with the sound of battle. The chaos only hastened the decay of the ancient relic, crumbling walls and breaking up the very floor beneath their hooves. Bright flashes of light swept the huge chamber as Twilight and Rarity pitted their magic against Nebula's. The ground shook as Nova tried to trounce Applejack's own strength and Pinkie's trickery. The air swirled as Rainbow and Fluttershy continued their dogfight with Dark Star. And all the while, none of the mares gave any thought as to why Nightmare Moon had yet to appear. Yet still, they were not alone.

It wasn't long before White Nebula began to grow irritated from his close match with the two unicorn mares. "So tell me, Sparkle," he panted as he stood. "Is your magic really so weak that you need this drama queen as a support?"

"How dare you!" glared Rarity. "I may not be as powerful, but at least I have the courage to aid my dear friend!"

"You certainly can nag better than you can perform a spell." Nebula taunted. "Maybe you should take a breather for a while." With a cast of his magic, he summoned a sheet of metal that appeared under Rarity's hooves.

"Huh? What is this?" Rarity gasped as the magic metal gradually crept up her legs and began to envelop her body. "AAAH!" she shrieked. "Twilight help me!" Unable to move, Rarity quickly became encased in a metal statue, freezing her in motion.

"Rarity, hang on!" Twilight looked around the bizarre spell trying to find a weakness. "I'll try to reverse it!" Carefully, she focused her magic to remove the dark metal. Slowly but surely, the metal sheet began to dissipate around Rarity's mouth, giving her air to breathe. But that was as far as Twilight could get in rescuing her friend.

"Too easy." Nebula smiled as he summoned a sharpened sword and raised it above Twilight from behind.

Twilight had only a fraction of a second to notice his shadow as she tried to remove the rest of the metal sheet. She lunged to move out of the way, but the sword still managed to nick her shoulder. "Agh!" She fell to the floor and rolled onto her side. Fortunately, the slice did not cut away anything important, but it did draw blood from her shoulder. And the pain was enough to distract Twilight from focusing on her magic. She could only struggled to get back up, before Nebula towered over her with sword at the ready.

"Ready to join your princess?" he spoke with blood lust.

"Oh no!" gasped Pinkie. "It looks like Twilight and Rarity are in trouble!" But before she could race over to help her unicorn comrades, something wrapped itself around her neck.

Red Nova used the chain on his hammer to grip her in a tight stranglehold, using the hammer itself as an anchor. He pulled on the chain, increasing the squeeze on Pinkie's neck. She could only let out a short airy cough before her airway began to close.

"Big Mac, don't!" cried Applejack, forgetting her composure. "Let her go!"

"Surrender, if you want her safe." Nova commanded her.

Applejack froze in hesitation. All she wanted was for Pinkie to be unharmed. But she knew standing down would jeopardize their battle against the stallions. Even Pinkie, despite gagging on the choking grip of the chain, waved at Applejack as a gesture to not worry about her, and carry on with the battle. But the heart-strong farm pony knew she wouldn't let that happen.

"Alright, fine." She sighed with capitulation. "I'll back off."

With a last yank, Nova slackened his grip on the chain and let the choking mare go. But the sudden cutoff from oxygen left Pinkie feeling faint, and she fell to the floor letting in loud gasps, her mind becoming hazy. Then, as soon as he released the chain, Nova grabbed his heavy hammer and slammed it into the already weakened stone floor. With a quake, the stone foundation suddenly rose up from around Applejack and formed into a ring of spikes angled up to her neck, barely poking her. Applejack was now imprisoned, unable to break from the stone, and Pinkie was too delirious to help.

Nova approached Applejack and spoke directly to her face. "Like I said, don't make me do my worst." He growled.

Applejack frowned in despair, feeling absolutely helpless. The situation was also beginning to look dire for the two pegasus mares facing off against Dark Star. It appeared that carrying Rainbow in flight was taking its toll on Fluttershy.

"Rainbow," she said, as she slowed to a crawl in the air. "I...I don't think...I can go...much longer." She panted hard.

"Yes you can!" urged Rainbow. "At least until I get the feeling back in my wing!"

"I'm trying, Rainbow!" strained Fluttershy. "I honestly am!"

"This is just embarrassing." Dark Star snorted as he decided to stop playing easy. He conjured a ball of sparks in his hoof and thoroughly cast it in their direction.

"GAAAAAHH!!!"

Both Fluttershy and Rainbow were struck with a painful amount of lightning, and immediately dropped to the floor, like a pair of birds who had suddenly lost their will to fly. The added electricity managed to knock out the already wounded Rainbow into a comatose state. But miraculously, Fluttershy struggled to lift her head from the stone tiles, the effects of the electricity numbing her body and blurring her vision. She could barely make out Dark Star's intimidating figure holding his wing blade to her chin.

"It's a crying shame to waste such a pretty face." He taunted, as he poised himself for the final bloody blow.

"THUNDERLANE!!!"

All three stallions broke their attention at once, from finishing their long-awaited mission, to a new arrival in the castle. Only they, Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy could see who had entered the central chamber, and all of them were left dumbfounded. But it was Dark Star who reacted with the most surprise, as the colt jumped onto his back.

"Don't do this! Please! Just stop it!" Rumble cried as he gripped onto the stallion's shoulders and dug flimsy punches into his back.

Dark Star flared his nostrils and quickly grabbed the scrappy colt by the scruff of his neck. "You little PEST!" He harshly threw Rumble into the cold floor, and kicked him far off to the side like a discarded weed. His could barely contain his rage as he approached to land a punch in the innocent colt's face.

"Rumble!" gasped Fluttershy in tears. "Oh please no!"

"Dark Star, stop it!" barked Nova. "He's just a kid!"

But his reckless brother didn't listen and raised his hoof to beat the living daylights out of the young one. Then, something caught his eye. A paper object had fallen out of the tiny bag strapped to Rumble's leg. It was a photograph. It was something that Dark would never even compute in the middle of his unbridled rage. And yet, he froze for a condensed eternity, staring down at the insignificant object. He slowly picked up the photo, baffled by what was in it. He stared down at Rumble's smiling infant face, with himself as a child.

"That's enough, Dark!" Nova rushed over to restrain his brother, but stopped short when he noticed the photo as well.

"What...what is this?" was all Dark could mutter.

"You remember...don't you?" Rumble sat up against the wall, wiping blood from his nose. "The day I was born. When Mom and Dad brought me home from the hospital. They said you were so excited to see me. You've always wanted a little brother to play with."

"This...can't be real." Dark said absent-mindedly.

"That's not all." Rumble grunted as he reached into his bag. He retrieved an entire stack of photos. "I found one of you showing me how to fly before you went off to the academy. And collecting candy on our first Nightmare Night together. And that time where I got a scrape on my knee and you put a whole bunch of bandages on the both of us."

"I don't believe it." Dark sifted through the other photos of him. "I know it's not real but...it looks so-"

"It's not!" Nebula approached him with a scowl. "Don't you get it? Somepony obviously had these photos doctored. He's trying to tug at your emotions and weaken you!"

"You're wrong, Shining Armor." Another voice appeared.

Nebula scowled at the newcomer. "That name..."

"Spike?" uttered Twilight, at the sight of her assistant.

The little dragon helped up Rumble as he spoke bravely to the unicorn stallion. "They're real, and so are the ones of you."

"What are you talking about, lizard?" demanded Nebula.

"After Twilight and the girls took off into the Everfree Forest," explained Spike. "I ran into Rumble while trying to hide from Nightmare Moon. He had an idea and told me to help find some pictures. It took a while without her spotting us, but we got plenty. I wanted to send them to Twilight through my fire magic, but it would only tip off Nightmare Moon. So we followed the mares' trail into the woods. We knew that they would tell us to just go home if they spotted us, so we had to move in secret. But it was worth it to give you these." Spike then handed another stack of photos.

Nebula levitated them over and looked skeptically. But amazingly, his scowl slowly disappeared. He stared at photos of his younger self, spending time with Twilight and her parents. There was one of the two of them reading together, playing as make-believe knights in an impenetrable fortress of pillows, and opening presents on Hearthswarming Day. Nebula was completely baffled. He couldn't find anything in the photos that would give them away as phony. The proof not only looked real, but felt real.

"That...that stocking..." he said, looking at the Hearthswarming photo. "It says...Shining Armor..."

"And don't forget about you, Big Macintosh!" Spike boasted even more photographs.

Nova hesitated, but took the stack of photos. Sure enough, he was overcome with amazement just like his brothers. He gawked at photos of his colt self and an even younger Applejack, playing in the mud, helping her Granny Smith whip up a batch of apple crumbles, and one of him giving a stetson hat to the little filly, much to big for her head. That last one even seemed to tug a chord inside him.

Nova turned back to the mare he had entrapped in stone. "You remember this?" he asked.

"Big Mac, those memories are as real as they are in my heart." Applejack smiled with teary eyes.

Hearing the name Big Mac seemed to stir a feeling of empathy in Red Nova. With one more look at the happy photos, he stomped his hoof into the ground and released the stone barrier from around Applejack.

"What's happening?" called out Rarity, still only freed from the metal encasing by a mouth. "I can't see! Is somepony there?"

After nursing the wound in her shoulder, Twilight regained her composure and released Rarity from the entrapment. She then used her magic to revive Fluttershy, Rainbow and Pinkie from the brink of unconsciousness. All of them watched in awe as the three menacing stallions lowered their guard.

Dark Star remained in a state of disbelief. "Why..." he uttered, clutching his head in confusion. "Why are you showing me this?"

"Because it's the truth, Thunderlane." Rumble approached him. "I don't care what you call yourself now. And I don't care how many times you try to hurt me. You're still my big bro, and I know you still remember that deep down. You just gotta remember!" he clung to the older pony's leg and dug his face in his shoulder. "Please, Big Bro. Please remember."

Dark stared down at the trembling colt with uncertainty. He no longer had any urge to inflict an attack on him or anypony else. He had never experienced this level of emotion, and it made him tremble as well.

"No...no I don't believe it!" Nebula shook his head in denial. "It's all lies, every last bit of it! I refuse to believe that I was born in Equestria! I am a child of Nightmare Moon! I always have been!"

"Is that what she told you?" Twilight finally spoke behind him.

Nebula turned back to the mare, but hesitated before speaking. "Well...of course!" he snapped. "Why would she lie about that?! She is our one true mother!"

"Do you even remember being born to her?" interrogated Twilight.

"She said that the evil Celestia wiped our memories as colts." He argued.

"And does Nightmare Moon have any proof of you being with her before that?" Twilight raised her tone.

Nebula quickly grew nervous. "Well...I...she..." he stammered.

"Do you honestly believe that Nightmare Moon created you during her imprisonment?" continued Twilight. "That you're an immaculate product of her power? Just to help her take over Equestria?"

"Stop it." Nebula breathed heavily. "Stop talking! No more lies!"

"How do you know your so-called mother hasn't been feeding you the lies?!" she pressed.

"Shut up!" he shouted, his magic swelling with rage. "I don't want to hear any more! It's not true! It's not true! It's..."

Before he could unleash his magic in a blind fury, Nebula's anger was suddenly quelled. Twilight wrapped her hooves around the white stallion and held him tight. He froze as something in his mind snapped. The comforting hug seemed to melt away the cold feelings of hate that fueled his dark magic, and replace them with a mix of rejuvenation and sorrow.

"It's okay, Big Brother," said Twilight softly. "You don't have to be afraid."

"...Twilight..." he said, shaking.

In that instant, a peculiar light emitted from the center of the room. Everypony gazed as the large tiara, representing the key Element of Harmony, glowed in a brilliant white aura from the pedestal it sat on. Twilight approached it with curiosity.

"The Element of Magic," she said in awe. "It's awakening."

After admiring the radiant energy emanating from the jewel, Twilight carefully lifted the gilded tiara. Immediately, she could feel a tremendous amount of magical power flow through her body upon contact, strengthening her aura. It was a joyous sensation, her energy and spirit being revitalized by the limitless powers of the sacred relic. It was then that she knew just what to do with it.

Placing the tiara on her head, Twilight turned back around and faced the other ponies. "Brothers..." she spoke in a calm yet resonating tone. "You shall be free."

With a cast of her magic, aided by the powerful properties of the Element, she enveloped the three stallions in a brilliant purple aura. Nebula, Nova, and Dark all stood anxiously as the young mare's magic surrounded them. Suddenly, they froze in a mindless stare as something emanated from their bodies. A dark, midnight aura, reminiscent of the black mass that surrounded the castle, flowed from their eyes, as if all thoughts of darkness and derision were being pulled from their very souls. The other mares watched in anticipation as every last drop of hatred and vengeance left their spirits and dissolved into nothing. Soon, the amplified aura returned to Twilight's horn and the stallions dropped to their knees.
The mares, Rumble and Spike all gathered around them, waiting for a reaction. They were physically unharmed, but whether their memories had been changed was still up to debate. Then, Nebula's slowly pushed his body off the floor, followed by the other two. He lifted his head up and spoke in a choked up, but still audible voice. In that instant, there was no longer any use for the name White Nebula.

"Twily?" Shining Armor spoke as his little sister hugged him in elation.

"It's alright, Shining Armor," Twilight wiped a tear away. "It's all over."

"Ugh, what..." mumbled Thunderlane as he rose dizzily. "What happened?"

"Big Bro!" Rumble jumped onto his brother's shoulders.

"Rumble?" Thunderlane looked in surprise. "What are you doing here?!"

"Big Mac?" asked Applejack. "Are ya back too?"

Big Macintosh stared into his younger sister's eyes with realization, then responded with a wide grin. "Eeyup!"

All of the mares cheered with joy as they swarmed the redeemed brothers in a group hug. And the stallions themselves were overcome with happiness, the memory of their former lives flooding back to their minds, and their hearts. They held their younger siblings tightly, shedding tears of rejoice after the years of delusion that had corrupted their souls. The memory curse of the evil moon goddess had been lifted from them for good...But there was still a curse present among them.

"My sons..." a familiar spiteful voice echoed through the castle chamber, as the black mist began to swirl inside. The dark sorceress finally manifested herself, and looked down at the ponies with a deathly stare. "...You have failed me."
> Fall of the Starchildren
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 7: Fall of the Starchildren


And there she stood. In just a few short hours, the corrupted goddess Nightmare Moon had spread her dark magic across Equestria, plunging the land into eternal night. Amidst the darkness, the six mares who represented the Elements of Harmony set out in search of the Castle of the Two Sisters to find the only source of power able to defeat Nightmare Moon, with nothing more than faith in Princess Celestia's prophecy. Now the elemental gems were just a within the grasp of Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Their efforts were nearly wasted by the three guardians of the dark goddess, who were now lifted of their false mother's curse and redeemed their true identities. But the salvation of Shining Armor, Thunderlane and Big Macintosh only infuriated Nightmare Moon, and now she prepared to unleash her full power. It fascinated Twilight how much could transpire in just one night.

"My sons," Nightmare Moon's voice resonated sinisterly. "You have allowed yourselves to succumb to the lies of these false heroes. I have trained you for years and yet your are still not strong enough to carry out the beauty of the night. You will be punished for your failure."

"Nightmare Moon?!" gawked Shining Armor. "I thought she was just a myth!"

"What the heck is going on here?!" Thunderlane looked around frantically. "Where are we?!"

Big Macintosh caught a glimpse of himself in a reflective glass pane and simply stared with wide eyes. He was shocked and confused as to how much bigger and older he looked.

Shining Armor broke his attention away from Nightmare Moon and to his sister. "Twily, what's happened to us?"

"You've been brainwashed, Shining, all three of you." Twilight laid a calming hoof on his shoulder. "Nightmare Moon abducted you years ago and raised you to help her return and bring eternal night. Princess Celestia told me everything. The prophecy of Nightmare Moon's revival was true."

"But what are we doing in a place like this?"

"This is the Castle of the Two Sisters." Rainbow said. "We came here with Twilight to get the Elements of Harmony. It sounded crazy to me at first but it's all real."

"Those gems have the only power to banish the eternal night from Equestria." Rarity added.

"This is insane!" Thunderlane held his head in bafflement. "I feel like I'm still trapped in some bad dream! This is just a dream, right? Tell me this is just a dream!"

Big Mac reached back and yanked a hair from his tail then winced in pain. "Nope."

Shining Armor thought for a moment. "No...no they're right." He stared in realization as memories flooded back rapidly. "I remember everything now. The argument I had with Dad about joining the Royal Guard. I stayed awake in my room all night. There was...there was a thunderstorm outside and a bolt of lightning flashed and...I was...on the moon?"

"What are you talking about?" Thunderlane looked at him skeptically. "How could anypony appear on the...the moon...Wait...it's coming back to me! You were there with me! On the moon! I was so cold and scared I...I don't know what happened to me before then."

"You disappeared at the Flight Academy." Fluttershy said solemnly. "Your bed was empty and you were nowhere to be found."

"And you didn't come home either." Rumble added. "Mom and Dad were devastated."

"And you vanished on that same night, Big Mac." Applejack told him. "Granny Smith and Apple Bloom and I still hoped you would come back someday."

Big Mac frowned in disbelief, looking again at his reflection.

"Were we really gone for that long?" asked Shining.

"It was the most painful memory we had," said Twilight. "Just not knowing where you all went tore us apart. But now you're safe," she smiled. "And you can finally return to your old lives."

The three stallions look amongst each other, without a clue of how to react to the situation.

"None of you shall have lives to return to!" Nightmare Moon boomed as she charged the malevolent magic within her horn. Her dark aura encased the Elements of Harmony preventing anypony from retrieving the magic gems. "If you boys will not help me destroy the Elements of Harmony and conquer Equestria, then I shall do it myself!"

Shining Armor looked back at the wicked alicorn. More memories came rushing back to his mind, but now these were regretful memories. The years spent on the desolate lunar surface. The intensive training and discipline in dark magic. The devotion he paid to Nightmare Moon, looking upon her as his one and true mother. The name White Nebula rang in his head like a haunting death knell. It reminded him of a life based on nothing but lies. And the cause of all of it was standing in front of him ready to do harm to his little sister. Shining Armor became filled with rage.

"You'll pay for robbing us of our past!" he bellowed at her while charging up his own magic. "We will no longer be your slaves!"

Thunderlane joined next to him and spread his wing blades. "That's right!" he grinned with determination. "And if you want these mares, you're gonna have to go through us first!"

Big Mac followed suit and brandished his hammer. "Eeyup!"

"Foolish traitors." Nightmare Moon hissed. "You underestimate the severity of my magic! Do you honestly think you can defeat me, when my power is at its zenith?!"

"We learned from you, didn't we?"

Immediately, Shining Armor released a magical blast of energy from his horn aimed at the domineering alicorn. But Nightmare Moon absorbed the projectile with her own horn as she readied to retaliate. As she released a flurry of magic bolts around Shining, Thunderlane circled above her looking for a point of attack. He angled his wings back and dove in toward her back. Quickly, Nightmare Moon sidestepped, avoiding the swoop, and bit down on Thunderlane's tail before he could pull back up. With great strength, she snapped her head and hurled the stallion off to the side and then launched off her hooves to strike him in the air.
But her attack was cut short as a chain wrapped around her rear hoof. She fell to the floor as Big Mac wielded the hammer that came with his armor. He pulled hard on the chain trying to keep the mighty alicorn from escaping. However, Nightmare Moon's strength proved to outmatch his and she shattered the chain with her free rear hoof. Turning around with a sneer, she began to charge toward the disarmed Big Mac preparing to grind him into the stone. But as she sped toward the defenseless stallion, Shining Armor returned leaping through the air, wielding an antique iron staff that was part of the castle's war gallery. Nightmare Moon caught the unicorn in her peripherals as he descended upon her and unleashed a large black aura which froze Shining in midair in a restraining spell.
Suddenly, Thunderlane collided into Nightmare Moon's side, which was only enough to push her a few feet. With an enraged growl, she spread her wings and chased after Thunderlane who had already retreated through the air. Eventually, she released another black aura and entrapped the pegasus the same way as Shining Armor. Still not willing to give in, Big Mac now charged after his foe, quickly dodging her magical blasts. As he approached closer, Nightmare Moon slammed her hoof into the floor and shook the very foundation of the castle, causing Big Mac to trip and fall to his side. She then gave one more blast of the magical restraint to keep him down.

"I grow tired of these petty games." Nightmare Moon seethed. "I shall deal with you failures soon enough."

"Twilight, we have to do somethin'!" gasped Applejack, not wanting to lose her brother again.

But Twilight's attention had turned elsewhere. As she watched her own brother facing imminent peril, she noticed something that restored hope to her mind. While Nightmare Moon had pinned down the three stallions, she had completely lost focus on the restraining spell held over the Elements of Harmony. The jewels sat on the far side of the chamber entirely unguarded. What's more, she was not the only one who had noticed.

With a bold look of determination, Twilight stepped up to the wicked alicorn. "You will not take our brothers away from us again, Nightmare Moon!" she called. "This ends now!"

Nightmare Moon scowled at the young mare. "And what makes you so sure, Twilight Sparkle?"

"Spike! Rumble! Now!" shouted Twilight.

In an instant, Spike grabbed all six of the jewels from their pedestals, after sneaking around unnoticed by Nightmare Moon during her squabble with the stallions. He tossed the Elements up to Rumble hovering in the air who then flew over the mares and dropped the jewels down to them. Twilight's friends caught the gilded necklaces according to the symbols on them that matched their cutie marks. Twilight placed the tiara representing the Element of Magic upon her head, and unleashed a long-awaiting power.

Nightmare Moon stared in shock. "No! This can't be! You will not defeat me!"

Twilight and her friends stood together as they became enveloped in a mystical light. "It is you who has failed, Nightmare Moon. The magic of friendship will prevail."

...

"PARTYYY!!!"

Pinkie shouted as she cast a load of confetti throughout the Ponyville Library and her friends cheered along with her. Hope for Equestria had been restored. Thanks to the valiant efforts of the six young mares, the Elements of Harmony had been restored and the most powerful force of magic in the land had driven away the dark curse of Nightmare Moon. What's more, the three lost brothers had been freed from their mind-control under the the evil alicorn and aided the Elements in their battle against her. It seemed that when Twilight and her friends unleashed the magnificent light of friendship upon Nightmare Moon, her black aura that had been devouring the land immediately washed away like poison from water. The entire town of Ponyville was cleansed of the surrounding dark mist, and the spirits of the fearing ponies were suddenly lifted. And in that moment, the hopeful light eve reached Celestia, restoring her magical energy as she hurried to the Castle of the Two Sisters. When she arrived, Nightmare Moon was no more.
But instead, lying on the floor, was the little sister she had lost too many years ago. Princess Luna, awakening at last from her hate-filled alter ego, broke down in front of her older sister nearly inconsolable, begging for her forgiveness and mercy. But of course, Celestia simply smiled and let her beloved Luna know that there was nothing to forgive; she was just elated to be reunited with her.
After returning from the Everfree Forest, despite the rising sun, Celestia decreed to the citizens of Ponyville that the Summer Sun Celebration was to be continued for another day, in commemoration of the Elements of Harmony for their heroism. As the festival was revived well on into the night, Twilight decided to hold a party of her own just for her new friends in the library, as well as Celestia, Spike, Rumble and the three redeemed stallions. The mares cheered happily for their victory and the preservation of Equestria, especially for Twilight who they agreed brought them all together. They also celebrated the return of Shining Armor, Thunderlane and Big Macintosh, drinking rounds of cider in their honor.

"Oh man, Thunderlane!" said Rumble, jumping with excitement. "Mom and Dad are gonna flip when they see you!"

"Hey take it easy, little bro," Thunderlane rustled the colt's mane. "I'm still trying to get used to a lot of things already."

"You're still gonna teach me how to race, right?" smiled Rumble.

"You bet, Rumble." Thunderlane was then interrupted by a kiss on the cheek. With blushing cheeks, he turned to see Fluttershy, looking at him from the veil of her pink mane.

"Um, I'm...I'm really glad you're back, Thunderlane." She said sweetly. "You've, uh, really grown."

Thunderlane looked back at her with a grin and a wink. "You haven't changed a bit, Shy. I can't thank you enough for looking after this little punk. That means a lot."

"Oh, it was my pleasure." She smiled, blushing. "He always reminds me a lot of you."

"Oh get a room already!" shouted Spike.

"Yeah don't get all gross in front of us!" gagged Rumble.

"Rumble!" shouted both Thunderlane and Fluttershy, looking at each other coyly.

Over by the snack table, Big Macintosh wasn't doing much socializing. He was busy still staring at his reflection with a staggered look, this time in a wall mirror. Applejack walked over to console him.

"Still not used to havin' changed so much?" she asked him, placing a hoof on his shoulder.

Big Mac only let out a heavy sigh as he nodded.

Applejack smiled warmly. "I know what'll help." She removed the stetson hat from her head and placed it on her brother's. "I've been keepin' it warm for ya this whole time."

Big Mac touched the brown hat, which was now a bit too tight due to his large stature. Nevertheless, it immediately brought him back to his foalhood, and reminded him that he was still the same colt from a lifetime ago. He turned and grappled his little sister in a strong hug, holding back manly tears of joy.

Applejack spoke despite the crushing hold on her. "Granny and Apple Bloom are gonna be so happy!"

"I couldn't be more proud of you, my faithful student," said Celestia, conversing with Twilight nearby. "You've taken your first step in learning the magic of friendship."

"I couldn't have done it without your guidance, Princess." Twilight said. "I don't think I'll mind living in Ponyville after all."

"I suppose I should also congratulate your brother." Celestia looked around. "Where is he anyway?"

Twilight frowned. "Oh, Shining's upstairs. He's still upset about the whole experience. I tried to cheer him up, but he hasn't budged. I'm starting to worry about him."

Celestia pondered for a moment. "I think I know how to help."

The Princess walked upstairs to the room Twilight had moved into. It was on the outdoor deck under the clear night where Shining Armor leaned on a railing looking sullen at the moon, the place where he had unknowingly spent roughly half his life. Celestia spoke as she approached him. "Aren't you going to join your friends?"

Shining sighed as he looked away. "How can I enjoy anything anymore? I missed out on half my life and I can't even remember it."

"That doesn't mean you can't continue living the rest of it." She stood next to him.

"Can I?" he replied remorsefully. "When I was a kid, all I ever wanted to do was become a royal guard. But instead I became an agent of evil and nearly killed the ruler of Equestria. I don't know how you can even look at me, Princess."

"It was not your true self who attacked me, Shining Armor." Celestia lent him a comforting hoof. "Just as it was not my true sister who betrayed me a thousand years ago. I have forgiven you both just the same."

"But I can't forgive myself." Shining looked down in shame. "I turned on you, and my own sister. I don't deserve redemption."

With a nod of understanding, Celestia looked up at the bright full moon alongside him. The night sky was given a new sense of innocence without the scar of Nightmare Moon upon the lunar surface. The moon now looked pure and serene, no longer associated with a looming feeling of doom and misery. It made Celestia's heart sing knowing that it meant her sister had been reborn. If the night itself could be redeemed, then she knew that anything was possible.

"I remember visiting your family from time to time, when you were still with us in Equestria of course." She said, harking back to pleasant memories. "Little Twilight was always so ecstatic to see me. She wanted me to teach her every spell in the book. But you were a bit more indifferent towards me. Every time I came to your house, you were playing outside with a wooden sword. But I realized that you weren't just playing. I saw ambition in you. I saw a strength unlike other colts, both in body and in spirit. Your parents told me that you were unusually interested in magic for a unicorn, and that the Royal Guard was all you could think about sometimes. I knew for sure that you would make it someday. That is why I was saddened to hear of your disappearance."

Shining sat back on his haunches, thinking about the pain his family must have gone through without him.

"I may have taken Twilight as my apprentice." Celestia continued as she touched his cheek. "But you, Shining Armor, I knew without a doubt that you were destined to lead Equestria to a bright future. And I intend to see that happen."

Shining looked up at her in wonderment.

"That is why, by royal decree, I shall have you enlisted for training in the Canterlot Royal Guard!"

With a gawk, Shining stood up. "Are you sure, Princess? Will they even let me in?"

"I don't see why not, even if it wasn't by my order." She winked. "And if you still feel you must redeem yourself, then serving your duty in the Guard is the best way to do it."

Shining exhaled in amazement. After all that he had been through, after all the years he had missed, after all the trouble he had unwillingly caused, he was given a ray of hope. He was given a chance at his foalhood dream by the very princess he had briefly tried to defeat. Overcome with relief, Shining dropped to his knees and bowed. "Thank you, Princess Celestia." He trembled. "Thank you."

"Oh come now." Celestia gestured him to stand back up and wrapped her hooves around him in a hug. "You have no need to bow. Except of course if I knight as captain. Do you think you can achieve that, Shining Armor?"

The elated stallion smiled up at her. "I will not you down, Princess."

After the heartfelt moment, Celestia and Shining returned downstairs where the entire gathering dog-piled the latter in an excited group hug. Having felt the warmth of friends, Shining then turned separately to Twilight and hugged her tightly.

"Promise you won't disappear again?" she said, holding him tight.

"I don't think I'll be going very far." Shining replied, deciding to wait on telling her about his fulfillment in the Royal Guard.

But as the festivities were about to continue, the front door opened. Everypony slowed down and watched as the former Nightmare Moon entered the library. Princess Luna approached them meekly, with an expression of hesitation and embarrassment. After the chaos had ended back at the castle, and she had reverted back to her true identity, Luna had flown off suddenly despite receiving her sister's blessing. Nopony was sure if she would return for the party at Twilight's home. She still seemed filled with regret and sorrow as she entered, but even so, everypony was relieved to see her. It wasn't everyday seeing the revival of a long lost princess.

Celestia approached her sister welcoming. "Luna, I'm glad you made it!" she smiled. "We shall celebrate your return as well."

But Luna gave no reply, and only looked away from her older sibling. In truth, she had accepted Celestia's forgiveness deep down. But there was still one burden she had yet to relieve of herself. A long moment of cold silence passed before Luna faced the three stallions, awaiting her voice in anticipation. They quickly realized the awkward reality of meeting her.

Luna took a deep breath, barely willing to face them. "Nothing I can do or say could repay what I have done to the three of you." She spoke softly. "I have taken years from you, I have fed you lies, and I have risked your lives for my own gain, all because of my hatred and jealousy. All day I had been pouring over my actions and my life for the last thousand years. And I had hoped deep inside that you would look fairly on me. But now I realize I do not deserve it. Thunderlane, Shining Armor, Big Macintosh, while I apologize to you with every meaning in my heart, I do not expect your forgiveness."

As they listened to the saddened words of the new alicorn, the stallions looked amongst each other before agreeing that they all had the same thought in mind. After looking upon Luna soberly, all three of them knelt down on one knee. The action brought back a chilling memory to Luna of White Nebula, Dark Star and Red Nova pledging their allegiance to Nightmare Moon. But this was much different.

"We were not ourselves when we helped to bring about eternal night." Shining spoke. "And you were even further from yourself. In reality, all four of us became subjects of dark magic. And yet we have managed to conquer it. That is why we do not resent you for what you've done. Nor do we forgive you. Because it simply was not you who abducted and controlled us. Instead, we welcome you back, Princess, as an honored ruler of Equestria, and as a friend. We may have served under the evil Nightmare Moon. But we have yet to live under the rightful Princess Luna."

"We forgive you, Princess," added Thunderlane. "And so does all of Equestria."

"Eeyup!" Big Mac grinned.

Luna stood in disbelief. Despite her resent of herself for succumbing to dark magic, and drastically affecting the lives of these young stallions, there was no resentment to be seen from anypony. She had asked not for forgiveness from the brothers, and yet they knew it was right to give it to her regardless. The last burden Luna felt in her spirit had been lifted by their strength. And now she was finally ready to return to her old life as they were to theirs. Weeping tears of rejoice, she grabbed the stallions in a hug as everypony else joined in to welcome the return of their beloved Princess of the Night.

"Now I am honored to know you for the first time." She said to them happily.

And with Luna's revival, in body and soul, even the stars themselves showed their relief. The three stars placed in the sky many years ago, bearing white, red, and dark blue, began to recede in their blinding light. The magical energy connecting them, which had been generated by the dark curse, disintegrated as the stars fell back into the same light as the mosaic of stars that dotted the night. The starchildren had not died, but instead were reborn, just as the moon shined on clear and bright.


THE END