> Battle of the Moon and Sun
>  by EASTON
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot: Residential District
The door was busted down with great force alerting the two ponies that lived in it that they had been found out and the Night guard was coming for them.
"Halt! You are under arrest for high treason."

The couple attempted to escape but their efforts were in vain. Nopony had ever escaped from the Night guard who, unlike the Royal guard that was tasked with dealing with simple problem like a glorified police and were trained in defending, were trained to capture dangerous criminals.

As the guards were taking the arrested ponies out of the building a young colt watched as his parents were being taken away. When the guards left he entered the place that was his home. A bunch of questions wandered through his mind. 'What would happen to his parents?' 'To his younger sister?' 'Would she be okay?' 'He knew she ran away, but would she return?' 'What should he do now?'
In the end he just took as many of his parents' books and notes as he could carry and ran away never to return again.


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Canterlot Castle
Princess Luna sat in the castle's common room, a room for where only she and close family and friends could socialize and would only be disturbed by guards if there was an emergency, next to a crying filly.
After having waited a few minutes a pink alicorn showed up.
"Princess Luna. This room isn't usually a place for you to summon me, is something wrong?"
"Before anything else, this room is for private situations not formal. So I would appreciate it if you called me by my name ambassador."
Both mares shared a brief giggle at the statement and afterwards the younger one gave a little sigh.
"So what's the occasion Luna?"
The tall mare gave a nudge to the little filly so she would make herself present. The small infant stepped into view of the pink and gave a little smile to say hi.
"Cadenza, meet Twilight Sparkle. This young filly has lost her family and she will be staying in the castle from now on."
"So you've adopted her?"
"No. But I sensed strong magic deep within her, stronger than some adults, and since she wanted to enroll in the Academy for Talented Unicorns, I have decided to take her on as my personal student. Of course she will also attend normal classes at the Academy in hope she has a foalhood as normal as possible. However, I am not always available so, not as the princess but as a friend, I ask you. Will you help me raise her?"
Cadenza just gave a little smile and answered. "Oh, Luna. You know you can always count on me."
"Thank you Cadenza."

"Now, I have to do some paperwork regarding the matter. Could you take care of Twilight meanwhile?"
"Sure. No problem."

Once Luna had left the room Cadenza turned to see the little filly. She was small, had purple fur and had yet to receive her cutie mark.
"Well, hello little one. What's your name?"
"Didn't you hear the princess? My name is Twilight."
"Well twilight my name is Mi Amore Cadenza and I live in the castle just like you will. I hope we can become good friends."
"Nice to meet you miss, umm...? Sorry your name is a bit long and hard."
Cadenza just had to let herself giggle at the filly's statement. "You can just call me Cadence. And no 'miss' please."


----------


Canterlot Castle: Highest Tower Some hours later.
Luna sat in her balcony staring at the moon as she often did in the latest years when Cadenza arrived.
"I must say, that filly you've taken under your wings is quite something."
"Uh?... Oh, yes. After spending some time with her I noticed her peculiar personality."
"However; she will need a mother figure. It is essential on a foal's life. And no matter how much I do, I know me and at best she'll see me as a sister."
"Now, though I said I wouldn't adopt her, I will serve as a mother figure and should the future decide to change our relationship to the one you suggested then it will be so."
Having said that Luna returned to her previous activity.

"Is something wrong princess?"
Luna gave a look to the mare that had been her ambassador and advisor for the last 235 years. She knew she couldn't hide this fact for much longer as she had already noticed and even so she would have had to tell her eventually.
"Are you aware of 'the legend of the mare in the moon?'"
"Of course; everypony in Equestria is.


Two sisters once ruled over our land: one moved the sun and ruled during the day and the younger controlled the moon, ruled during the night and protected the dream realm. But eventually the elder one let the citizens of the land believe that her sister was responsible for the nightmares of the land and that the night was something to fear; and thus the alicorn of the night became known as Nightmare Moon while the other basked in the godlike glory the normal ponies had now put her in. But her tyranny would not be allowed for long, because if she had her way; it would lead to longer days until there was no more nights, so the two sisters fought in a battle for the throne and in the final moments, when the two mares had reached their limits, the mare of the night used the power of the gems known as the 'Elements of Harmony' and banished the arrogant alicorn in the moon where she would never see the light of her precious sun.


That is the tale of 'the mare in the moon'. But that is just a story. What's so important about it?"
Luna remained silent for a few montes before speaking. "The legend is true." To say that the statement shocked the pink alicorn was an understatement as she was completely speechless. "Before his death, Star Swirl discovered a prophecy:


On the thousand year, the stars will aide her escape.


And that will be on fifteen years."
"But, if she comes back, she'll ruin Equestria. We have to do something or... or..."
"Worry not Cadenza. For the last eighty-five years I have been preparing for this. And in five years, I will chose four unicorns (young, strong, and skilled in magic, that have proved their loyalty) to teach them spell to help me defend our land."
"But why young ones and not mages?"
"Mages are know for their skill in magic and ability to cast and create spells, but not their skill in combat. When she returns, battle will undoubtedly engage."
"I understand."  

After that no more words were said and both mare went to bed so Cadenza could sleep and Luna could do her duties as guardian of the dream realm under the disguise of 'Sandmare'.
One thing was certain for the future of everypony; peace would soon come to an end.
> Chapter 1 = The Commanders and the Admiral
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot Castle: Throne Room Fifteen years later
Princess Luna sat in her throne alongside her daughter Twilight Sparkle, awaiting  for the four unicorns she had chosen to help her on the crisis that would soon begin. Tomorrow her sister would return.

Meanwhile, Luna turned to se her daughter. She had grown in to a beautiful, strong mare. A year after her arrival, the two had developed a relationship of mother-daughter and a year after that everypony in Equestria was aware of it and referred to Twilight with the title of: 'Young Princess'.
Luna could still remember the day Twilight got her cutie mark; six months after the little filly became her student, Luna was at the Academy doing her yearly progress check before the young ones went on vacation for Hearth's Warming and when she reached Twilight's class the teacher had assigned them each a certain spell they had been taught in class and Twilight got tasked with transfiguration, a temporary spell that transforms one thing to another and she would have to turn a rock in to potted plant. When her turn came she was determined to do her best since all Luna had taught her was either theoretical or basic control, there had not been any actual spells and she wanted to show her progress to the princess; but when it came to it she had a hard time casting the spell until a loud explosion was heard scaring Twilight, causing her to misfire and hit her teacher turning her in to a tree. This caused Twilight to start worrying but Luna calmed her down and returned the teacher to her original form. Later at the castle the two had a conversation about how it had all been a accident and even if Luna had not been there, the spell was temporary and there would be no harm done. Luna, then told Twilight that the incident showed her great potencial for magic and she should be proud to which the little filly smiled and at the same time got her cutie mark; and after seeing it she started bouncing saying: 'Yes!'. Her mark was shrouded like Luna's but instead of black it was a dark blue like the former's fur, and the mark itself was six hearts of the colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple forming a hexagon, representing her desire to help other which was not unusual on fillies that had been abandoned or had lost their parents leaving them orphaned; and at the center was a six pointed star which Luna recognized as the element of magic rotated about 45 degrees.
Eventually she found out about Luna's sister and seven years ago she asked her mother to train her like the four unicorns she had chosen to help her. Luna was a little hesitant at first but she had know for quite some time that her daughter had Harmony magic flowing through her, a power that one in a million had and only a fraction of them had used it, much less master it. But she was confident in Twilight and decided to train her and teach her a spell that only somepony with Harmony magic could use. It was also declared that Twilight would be the highest ranking member of the Equestria military force, only under Luna herself, under the rank of 'Admiral'.

The four unicorns that had obtained the rank of 'Commander', showed up for the meeting that had been scheduled. Four mares under the names of: Moon Dancer, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer and Trixie all with a magic related cutie mark. Luna, not only had she sensed their potencial, but was quite aware of their acts of loyalty that some would not believe, not for their greatness but for their meaning.
Moon Dancer, a school-friend of Twilight, found out that two of her friends, Lemmon Hearts and Twinkleshine, had become members of a revolutionary group that called themselves the 'Solar Soldiers' and despite the great pain in her heart she reported them. The guards that took her report stated that she arrived in tears almost not wanting to confess, given the fact those mares were two of her closest friends.
Sunset, had displayed loyalty to the moon from a very early point in her life. The day she got her cutie mark, she arrived at open court in tears asking the princess to remove her cutie mark seeing that it had turned out to be a sun, a mark most ponies related to the mare that, according to legend, had been banished to the moon. Luna calmed down the small filly who then decided that her actions would not be decided by the sun on her flank.
Starlight showed loyalty when she travelled half the land on own just being a young filly to protect her friend Sunburst. The day he got his cutie mark, a solar flare, his parents showed themselves proud and told him it was his destiny and they would train him to overthrow the princess and that was why they put the word sun in his name. But he knew that was not right so he asked Starlight to save him from his parents and go tell the princess. During her journey she obtained her cutie mark and when she finally reached Canterlot she told the tale to the princess. Both of the young ponies were placed in an orphanage in Canterlot: there the two helped each other further their talents: Sunburst, magic theory and Starlight, spell casting; a perfect team, now a couple.
And Trixie had recovered an ancient artifact: the 'Alicorn amulet'. It was said that the mythical amulet was created by Celestia to give it somepony the power of and replace her sister with a mage so she could be only ruler.
Luna trained them and taught them spells to help them defend Equestria.

Twilight and four Commanders had each received a ancient spell that only the six mares and Cadenza knew about, and an epithet so that their every day life friends and family would not become targets.
Twilight: 'Daydream Spell' "Admiral Dreemur"
Moon Dancer: 'Midnight Spell' "Commander Crystal"
Sunset Shimmer: 'Demon Spell' "Commander Nova"
Starlight Glimmer: 'Phoenix Spell' "Commander Philomena"
Trixie: 'Knight Spell' "Commander Galacta"

Luna stood up from her throne and spoke, "Now it is time you receive your missions for tomorrow..." 
> Chapter 2 = Assignments
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot Castle: Throne Room Fifth hour
Luna stood up from her throne and spoke, "Now it is time you receive your missions for tomorrow.
"As you know tomorrow, we'll be celebrating the anniversary of my rise to the throne and during that time my sister 'The mare in the moon' shall be freed from her prison.
'We also have to deal with the 'Solar Soldiers' which have grown in troublesome in the last five years and have made clear that their goal is reinstate my sister on the throne and that can not be allowed.
'I will distribute you in the most important Cities and the main celebration point where most of the population will be located due to the festivities.
'Commander Philomena, you will be in charge of Cloudsdale; our main weather control hosting the Weather factory, location of the Wonderbolts HQ and home to the largest population of pegasi.
'Commander Nova, I will place you in our largest city Manehattan; a home to all three races, every kind of job and Equestia's biggest economic point. It will allow the Solars to move aroun easier.
'You will each be accompanied by three Night guards, one of each race. Your trains leave in one hour, the sixth hour and will be two hour trips so you will arrive at the eighth hour. Both of you are dismissed.
'Commander Crystal, I want you to go to the military HQ." The military HQ was located in a cave system in the mountain that the city had been placed on; it had formerly been a mine but after it was closed it was redesigned so the military could use it, however, since there hasn't been a need to use it only the prison sector was used where they held criminals of the highest level that did not receive the top punishment, but as of late only a few Solar Soldiers were there. "You are to make sure the Solars don't try anything on the prison, with security lower thanks to the celebration, they might try to free their comrades and that must not happen. That place has only had one breakout and we must not let that happen again. Dismissed.
'Commander Galacta, finally, your mission is to maintain Canterlot safe; as our capital it can not fall or it will spread panic across the entire country, it could very well be a major target for both the Solars and my sister so this is of the utmost importance. That will be all, you are dismissed."

After the four mares had left the room and only the two royals were left Luna turned to her daughter. She would be taking what would most likely be the most dangerous assignment and would probably have to meet her aunt and that would end in a fight no doubt. "Are you sure you want to do this Twilight?"
"I've told you mom, I want to help. You took me in when I was left alone, and even if it was only as your student due to my strong magic, I want to help you. Not as a debt, but as your daughter. You've even trained me so I could help."
"I know. But you're going to Ponyville. The place closest to the Everfree forest and the Castle of the two sisters. What if your aunt shows up and takes you away from me... forever?"
Twilight saw the concern her mother had for her, the fear in hear heart. "Don't worry mom. I promise, I will return safe and sound and I will make sure to do my part."
Luna then looked at Twilight proudly remembering the small filly from all those years ago and saw how she had become a strong dependable mare she was proud to call her daughter. "Alright. But please be careful."

Twilight was already aware of what she had to do. She would head to Ponyville to oversee the preparations for the 'Lunar Ascension Celebration', it had been chosen for the only reason of being close to the Castle of the Two Sisters, where Twilight would go after the main event in order to retrieve the Elements of Harmony.

Both mother nd daughter embraced each other in a hug, then, Luna spoke, "Good luck." Then the pair released the hug and looked at each other smiling. "You will be taken to Ponyville by two pegasi Night Guards that will meet up with you outside of the astronomy tower in half an hour. The four mares that have been placed in charge of each task has been investigated so you wont have to worry about that and to assist you on the supervision of the celebration I have assigned a local Night Guard to help you; I'm sure you will remember her."
"I'll do my best. For your subjects."
"Not mine. Ours." As Twilight was leaving the room Luna said softly, "You will make a fine ruler someday."


----------


Canterlot: Astronomy Tower Half hour later
Twilight had arrived at the tower where the two guards would meet up with her. She made sure to bring along her royal regalia and her armor that showed her rank as Admiral. Her regalia consisted of deep purple stars for her shoes and collar and a silver crown with a white jewel in the shape of a star. As for her armor, it had a similar look to a Royal Guard armor, but the differences were obvious so ponies could tell her apart. Not too long after she arrived the two pegasi arrived with a carriage and bowed. "Your Highness. We are here to take you to the town of Ponyville, I hope we did not keep you waiting."
"Do not worry, you did not. Now unless there is a reason to not go just yet, we should go." And with that all three took of leaving Twilight with just one question 'Who was the guard that was waiting for her at Ponyville.'


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Canterlot Castle: Royal Gardens Same time
Cadenza arrived to accompany Luna in a private part of the garden that held the same rules as the Common room. It was decorated with flowers like; Evening Primrose, Night Bloom Water Lilies, Moon Flowers, Night Gladiolus, Casablanca Lily, Nottingham Catchfly, Four O’ Clocks, Dragon Fruit Flowers and Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus. The entire Royal Gardens were filled with Night-blooming plants but the private one had the loveliest ones.
"Hello Luna"
"It's good that you're back Cadenza. How was Griffonstone?"
"All well. But I'm guessing you want to talk about something else."
Luna had to give it to Cadenza, she knew her very well. "Tomorrow my sister will return, and it worries me."
"Before you say anything else, remember. You prepared for this moment for one-hundred years. So for now relax and let's see how things turn out before we start acting."
Luna just gave a little smile and nodded, and so, their conversation ended.
> Chapter 3 = Minuette
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville One hour later
Twilight's chariot arrived at the small town where the main festivities would be held. When Twilight got down from her ride she addressed the two guards that had brought her to her destination. "Thank you for your assistance. Now, I want you to head to the town hall and meke sure the crystal communication system is functioning properly. After that head to the library and make preparations for our stay. Should somepony present themselves let them in and make sure that at least one of you is watching."
"Yes your highness."

Following her command the two guards left for town hall, she then turned to a pink pony that was near by. "Excuse me." The pink pony then gasped and suddenly she just ran and disappeared. "What an odd mare." After that she turned to an orange pegasus filly riding a scooter. "Excuse me, little filly. Could you point me to Sugar-Cube Corner, I'm supposed to meet somepony there."
"Sure thing mam. I was just heading there myself, maybe you can tag along. Name's Scootaloo."
"Well you can call me Twilight."And with that they both made way to sweet shop.
Twilight managed to see that the small filly had for a cutie mark a red wheel centered blue just like the ones on her scooter with a yellow wing behind it. "So, Scootaloo, could you tell me anything about a pink mare with fluffy mane? I just talked to her and she ran off."
"You must mean Pinkie Pie. She always hyperactive and whenever she meets somepony new she reacts like that."
"I guess tomorrow she's going to do a lot of running with all the tourist and all."
"I wouldn't worry. She knows how to behave and Mayor Mare asked her not to acting like that tomorrow."
"I see, that's good."

Shortly after the two ponies arrived at their destination. "Thank you for bringing me here Scootaloo."
"No problem mam."

"Now, the town's letter said to meet up with my guide/helper here..." She was then interrupted by a tap on her shoulder. Twilight couldn't believe it, she recognized the pony. "Minuette!"
"Hi Twilight."
"It's been soo long. I haven't seen you in two years. What are you doing here?"
Minuette was wearing the special horseshoes that were worn by the night guard marking her as one, but she wasn't wearing neither the armor nor the helmet which meant she was off duty. Understandable since twenty-five percent of the Night Guard and thirty-five percent of the Royal Guard were given the time off due to the celebration. 
"Well, as you can see from my horseshoes, I am a Night Guard. After I found out about Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts, I decided to do my best so that no more friendships were affected by the Solars. So I enrolled in the guard, managed to be assigned to the Night division, got assigned to Ponyville and now I'm in charge of helping you through out the festivities."
"Wow, Minuette that's great."
"Yea. So, YP, where to first?"
"Well, we should check on the food catering first. According to the info I was provided a mare named Applejack should be in charge of that. Do you know where I can find her?"
"YP, I know where to find anypony in this town; it's my job. We'll find her at the heart of Ponyville: Sweet Apple Acres."
"Well then, let's go."


----------


Everfree Forest
"Is everypony ready for our strikes tomorrow?" The white stallion, leader of the Solar Soldiers, had been preparing for this day for the last five years and now he maintained contact with his strongest and most trusted comrades spread out across Equestria. "Good. Once the mare in the moon is released, Equestria should return how it should be."

Fifteen years ago, his parents were taken away from him. Ten years ago he joined the Soldiers. And five years ago he became the leader of the group. Now he would defeat the 'Princess' and her daughter the Admiral.
The only disadvantage he had was that he had never seen the Admiral and he knew nothing about her appearance but he knew which was her cutie mark so that would be enough to identify her.
He knew it was his destiny to set things right and he would do everything in his power to put the sun mare back in the throne.


----------


Moon
She could feel it. The magic that was holding her prisoner on her sister's domain, would soon fade and she would be free. After a thousand years, she would go back to Equestria, defeat her sister and set things as they should be.


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Canterlot: Academy for Talented Unicorns
Sunburst walked through the halls of the currently empty school. Only a few staff and faculty members would be here since due to the celebration young ones would be given three days off school. It was like that every year; the day before to the day after.He was here to pick up something requested by the Princess herself.
He eventually reached the room he was heading for: the storage room. The only door to it was in the faculty room and it was always protected by a royal guard.
The ponies there paid no attention when he entered the room but when he approached the door he guard stopped him. "Halt. What do you need Mr. ...?"
"Sunburst." He them showed the guard a document given to him by Princess Luna. "I'm here to take the dragon egg under the request of Princess Luna."
> Chapter 4 = Apples
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville: Sweet Apple Acres Fifteen minutes later
"So, why is this place called the heart of Ponyville?" As always Twilight had curiosity so a bit of culture would make her ask questions until she got an answer.
"Well, about fifty years ago, the Apple family began moving all over Equestria so they could have a better business and since they were a large clan they literally spread across the country. Sometimes the farms were the only thing that stayed but in this case, it attracted ponies so much that they built their houses here and it became a town."
"What was that attracted them so much."
"Have you ever had zap-apple products?"
"Of course. It's soooo good, mother always sends some pony to buy them when the season presents itself."
"They only grow in this orchard."
"I guess that explains it."

After walking a little further into the orchard the two saw an orange mare bucking apples from the trees with little to no difficulty. She wore a large Stetson and had three red apples for a cutie mark.
Minuette knew exactly who she was. "Hey AJ."
"Well, if it isn't our town's favorite night guard. Ah see you've gotten the special celebration break, that's mighty nice. What can I do for ya'?"
"Since I don't exactly have the time off, I have to help the supervisor from Canterlot oversee the preparations for the festival. So maybe you could help me by showing her."
"Greetings, my name is Twilight Sparkle."
As soon as Twilight finished her sentence the farmpony started shaking her hoof with all her spirit. "Well, howdy do Miss Twilight. I'm Applejack. Pleasure making your acquaintance, we here in Sweet Apple Acres sure do like making new friends." She then released twilight from her grip yet the purple mare continued shaking. "So, what can I do for y'all?"
Minuette then stopped Twilight's hoof giggling a little after seeing her shake her hand like that. "As my friend told you, I'm here to check up on the pony in charge of the food in order to make sure it will be ready for tomorrow's main event."
"Well I can asure ya' that we Apples have it all under control so maybe you two might wanna stay for brunch and sample some of the food."
Twilight gave it a little thought; it was only the seventh hour, she had plenty of time to spare and it would probably be best she sample the food all the ponies traveling for the anniversary of her mother's coronation would eat. "Sure why not."

Applejack then rang an old rusty triangle. "Soup's on everypony." A stampede of ponies suddenly appeared out of nowhere dragging both Twilight and Minuette to the front of the barn where a large table that could handle just about everypony in town was set up. "Meet the apples.
"This here's Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp, Big McIntosh, and Granny Smith."

To say Twilight was impressed was a bit of an understatement. "Wow. Is the entire apple clan here?"
"Almost. One of my cousins is out town helping in what will be Equestria's newest settlement, a small town under construction that will receive the name of Appleloosa. As for the fillies, they've gone off to play somewhere in town."

Half hour later
Twilight had been enjoying a nice brunch along with the Apples while they all told stories of fortunes, misfortunes and business, she really enjoyed hearing about the life ponies were having and passing some simple time as a normal pony. She eventually decided to slide a little bit away from the larger group to relax a little and avoid eating too much pie. However the old mare Applejack referred to as Granny Smith decided to join her. "So, we pass inspection?" She said joking.
"With flying colors. Thanks for the invitation Mrs. Apple Smith."
"'Twas nothing, and you can call me Granny."
Twilight then thought about what Minuette told her about the founding of the town. "So, Granny, Minuette tells me this orchard founded this town. Could you perhaps tell me more about it?"
"Sure thing missy. Me and my family were pilgrim pony folk, back when I was a little filly. Oh, we ventured far and wide, collecting new seeds and sellin' the old. But my pa was the finest seed collector in all of Equestria. Then, one day, the Smith family found themselves in the most brilliant, most grand, most magnificent of all cities. A place called... Canterlot. Well, I bet your hooves to hindquarters I had never seen anything like it before nor since. And as if the beauty of that city wasn't enough, suddenly, she appeared. Princess Luna, the most regal of all ponies. When lo and behold, she stopped to look at my pa's seed collection. Then Princess Luna saw that we were plumb-tuckered and hankerin' to find our forever home. And bein' a royal Princess and all, she knew exactly the place for us to lay down our stakes. My pa gave the Princess a mighty thanks. We quickly found that land near the Everfree Forest, and we built our first home. Next, we planted our first orchards. But an orchard don't grow overnight, and we were getting mighty short on food. Now mind you, we were cautioned about the forest, and we knew that it was not fit to enter. But I knew there was critters livin' there. There must be somethin' to eat. It was dark and musty, and I won't lie, it was scary. But every inch was covered in plant life, and before I knew it, wasn't I standin' in front of the most incredible apple trees! I had never seen anything that bore this kind of colorful fruit! Oh I started picking apples quick as a whip! I turned, and there before me stood the timberwolves! I've never run so fast in my life. I did the only thing I could think of. My pa and I planted those special apple seeds, and before our eyes they grew like wildfire. Why, we had full grown trees faster than you could say 'lickety split'. Then each year, I paid close attention to the signs of the zap apples' special harvesting times. How the weather affects the Everfree Forest, how the timberwolves howl when the zap apples first start growing, and how they zapped away if you didn't pick 'em all in one day! And the fruits of our labor were the best fruit we ever tasted. Soon enough I was mixing up batches of zap apple jam. Just like harvestin' the zap apples had its special rules, so did makin' zap apple jam. I learned that you gotta be extra friendly with the bees, otherwise their honey won't taste rightly sweet to mix in with the zap apples. Who'd'a thought that glass jars needed talkin' to? Or that zap apples like pink polka dots? But magic is as magic does. Just funny that way. Then ponies started comin' to our farm from far and wide just to get a taste of my zap apple jam. Some of them decided to stay, like Stinkin' Rich. Matter of fact, the first thing he ever sold was my zap apple jam. And before we knew it, we had ourselves a nice little town, bustling with all kinds of ponies. And that is how Ponyville was founded."

Twilight was amazed at the story the old mare had just told, but she soon realized that time would not last forever. "Thanks for the tale Granny, but I best be going." She turned to Minuette so she could signal her on the matter but she then heard the laughter of fillies. She then saw two young ponies, a brown filly and a yellow filly both with red mane. The first one had a pair of scissors decorated like an apple; the other had a potion vial marked with an apple puffing sone green smoke, the vial was crossed behind with a hammer, a rather odd cutie mark.
When the two young ones saw twilight the yellow stopped running and headed towards the house. The brow one was surprised to say the least. "Apple Bloom, where are you going!?" She then turned to Twilight to greet the mare. "Sorry about that mam, she doesn't usually act like that. I'm Babs Seed. I guess you're the inspector for the 'Night Crown Celebration.'"
"Indeed I am. So, who was that?"
"She was my cousin Apple Bloom and one of the four ponies in charge of this farm."

Twilight joined the group only to tell Minuette about the fact that it was time to leave but when she reached the group the young filly named Apple Bloom approaching but she was wearing something, a Night Guard armor. She was only wearing the armor and no shoes or helmet, so that marked her as a recruit. "Recruit Apple Bloom reporting for duty."
Applejack saw her younger sister in the uniform and reproached her. "Apple Bloom what have we told you about bragging?!"
"But I wasn't bragging. I'm supposed to present myself in uniform in front of the princess."
"Wait what?"
It was at that point that Minuette intervened. "You hadn't noticed? Twilight is the young Princess of Equestria."
Everypony in the Apple family stared blankly and nopony broke the silence until Apple jack spoke. "We're so sorry Young Princess. We don't have no fancy food or anything, and we didn't bow properly. Please forgive us."
Twilight just gave a little giggle at how the Apples reacted. "Don't worry. If I wanted that kind of attention I would have made a formal announcement with guards all over the streets and all that. Today I'm just Twilight."
"Even so, we should have recognized you. We're sorry."

Twilight then turned to Apple Bloom who was still saluting. "At ease. So, Apple Bloom, you're a Night Recruit. I didn't know we had a descendant of Johnny Appleseed in our ranks."
"I'm kind of new. I joined about a month ago after I got my cutie mark."
"I see. And may I know what talents you include our forces with?"
"Well first there's potion making. I can brew any potion in Equestria and Zebstrika. I can also make just about anything, from clothing, as long as it's not fancy or complicated, to buildings. The tool shed in this barn was made entirely by me."
"Well it's good to know the soldiers of the future can be well counted on."

Twilight then signaled Minuette that it was time to leave. "It was nice meeting you everypony and I appreciate your hospitality, but I best be going." And with that all the Apples waved goodbye to the to ponies.

Once out of Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight took out her checklist and checked to see what was next. "Now, the next pony should be Rainbow Dash, she's in charge of the weather."
> Chapter 5 = The three mares. (Part1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville: Park Eighth hour
Twilight and Minuette were walking through Ponyville Park in search of the pegasus that was in charge of clearing the sky for the Night crown celebration, a mare named Rainbow Dash, and according to Twilight, she was a poor choice since the sky was still filled with clouds.
"So how exactly does this mare look like?"
"You'll know it's her once you see her." It was the only answer Minuette gave.

Suddenly a cyan pegasus crashed into Twilight pushing causing them both to land in a mud pit. When the pegasus rose up she gave a nervous laugh and then apologized, "Excuse me." She then laughed once again much less nervously. "Let me help you." She then grabbed a nearby cloud and made a small shower over Twilight completely soaking her. "Oops. I guess I over did it." She then tried to come up with a solution which turned out to be a small tornado, "How about this, my very own rainblow-dry. No, no. Don't thank me. You're quite welcome." However the due to the rapid dry, Twilight's mane was left all puffy and frizzled causing her 'benefactor' to fall down laughing in a mocking tone and even Minuette was giggling but obviously holding a laugh just as intense.
Twilight noticed the mare's most obvious trait, her rainbow mane. "Let me guess, you're Rainbow Dash"
The pegasus then stopped laughing and stood with pride. "The one and only. Why? You've heard of me?"
"I've heard you are supposed to be keeping the sky clear. *Sigh* I am Twilight Sparkle and I'm here as the royal inspector for the 'Night Crown Celebration' and I would like to know the status on the weather."
"Yeah, yeah. That'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy, just as soon as I'm done practicing."
"Practicing for what?"
"The Wonderbolts!" The Wonderbolts were a team of Equestria's most talented flyers but it was also a part of the military and even though they have their own ranks among them, should they be required to participate in military acts they would receive special ranks: recruits/reserve members were given the special rank of Shadow, which was between Recruit and Royal Guard; actual members got the rank of Bolt, standing between Royal Guard and Royal Captain/Night Guard; the leader was given the rank of Wonder, placing him or her at an equal to the Lieutenant and Night Captains. "They're going to perform at the celebration tomorrow and I'm going to show them my stuff."
"Please. They would never accept a pegasus who can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day."
"Hey. I can clear this sky in 10 seconds flat."
"Prove it."
As soon as Twilight said this Rainbow Dash put on a determined look, she would not be underestimated. She then started dashing around the sky with some very complicated maneuvers, and in exactly 10 seconds the sky was clear of clouds. "See. What I'd say? Ten seconds flat. I never leave Ponyville hanging." Twilight was left speechless, even some wonderbolts couldn't do that. "You should see look on your face. You're a laugh Twilight Sparkle. I can't wait to hang out some more." And with that she left.

Minuette then approached the still speechless Twilight. "I can see you're surprised, but you shouldn't be, after all she's a Lieutenant."
"Wait what!?"
"You've heard me. She's a Lieutenant which means she's part of the Gem Soldiers. One of the two in Ponyville."
"Wow. But then, why does she want to join the Wonderbolts?"
"She doesn't care about rank. Her dream is to become one of them, after all, her special talen is flying. She joined so she could help Equestria if needed."
"I see. Well we best be going to town hall so I can check on the decorations, according to the list that should be assigned to a unicorn named Rarity."
Minuette flinched upon hearing the name. "Maybe we should fix your mane first."
"No need. Now let's go."
> Chapter 6 = The three mares. (Part2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville: Town Hall One hour later
"Are you sure you don't want to fix your mane? This is your last chance." Minutte had gone about telling Twilight she should fix her mane ever since she heard the name Rarity.
"For the last time NO."
"If you say so. But I'll tell you now; you're gonna regret it."
Twilight just rolled her eyes unable to imagine a way she would regret something like a hairstyle.

When Twilight entered the place she noticed it had been decorated with a large variety of ribbons. "Yes, the décor is coming along nicely. This ought'a be quick. I'll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed."
She then spotted a white mare with light-violet mane and three diamonds for a cutie mark working on the ribbons. "No, no, no, oh! Goodness no."
She then approached the mare she assumed was Rarity. "Good afternoon..."
"Just a moment, please! I'm 'in the zone, as it were. Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help yo..." The moment Rarity looked at Twilight's mess of a mane she froze. "Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!"
"Oh, you mean my mane? Well, it's a long story. I'm just here to check on the decorations, and then I'll be out of your hair."
"Out of my hair? What about your hair?!"
Before she knew it, Twilight was being dragged out of town hall to who know where. "Wait! Where are we going?! Help!"


----------


Ponyville: Carousel Boutique
Rarity had taken Twilight to her shop to fix her mane but every time she trie hairstyle she would also give her a dress to go along with it but she was working so fast she cloud not give a single word and only her Rarity's opinion on the style. "No, no, uh-uh. Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too... shiny." Eventually she found something of her likening that went along with Twilight's original hairstyle. "Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you're from."
Twilight waned to answer but she was being fitted with a corset leaving her unable to breathe. "I've... come... from Canterlot... to..."
"Huh?" Rarity hen released her grip on the corset causing Twilight to crash. "Canterlot?! Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can't wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I..." When Rarity looked at Twilight's outfit she stopped talking and analyzed it. "Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!"
Once she was out of the room Twilight decided she best leave "I better go quick! Before she decides to dye my coat a new color!"

Outside she found Minuette calmly waiting for her. "You knew about this." Minuette only answered with a smug mile causing Twilight to glare at her. "Don't say it!"
"I told you so."
Twilight responded then with a small grunt. "Let's just do the music and get this over with."
> Chapter 7 = The three mares. (Part3)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville: Outskirts Of Town One hour later
The outskirts of town were so calm and well kept one could easily mistake them for a park, there were even some benches around.
"So, next on the list we have music. The last one but it doesn't say who is in charge."
"Well we had to provide the list two weeks ago and that was decided a week ago so it was decided to just select a location and send the list."

As they were walking they heard a distant birdsong fanfare. By the sound of it Twilight thought it might have to do with what she came here to do, after all, that birdsong was much too coordinated to be natural.

When she got closer she saw a yellow mare with pink mane and three equally pink butterflies for a cutie mark talking to the birds. "Oh my. Um, stop please, everyone, umm. Excuse me, sir? I mean, no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off." Twilight had seen enough, she was without a doubt the one in charge. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one two three..."
"Hello!" Her greeting caused the to give a yelp and the birds to fly of. "Oh my, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to frighten your birds. I'm just here to check up on the music and it's sounding beautiful." She got no answer. "I'm Twilight Sparkle." Again, no answer. "What's your name?" 
She very quietly responded "Um... I'm Fluttershy." 
"I'm sorry, what was that?"
She now answered even quieter "Um... My name is Fluttershy." 
"Didn't quite catch that." At this point the yellow pegasus was just squeaking. "Well, um, it looks like your birds are back, so I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work!" The only answer she got was more squeaking. "Oookay."

When she returned to Minuette, who had been watching from afar all she could say was, "Well, that was easy."
Minuette gave a small giggle to her friend's statement. "She's Fluttershy. The shyest pony you'll ever meet."
"That explains a lot."

After that all Minuette had to say was, "Lunch?"
> Chapter 8 = Bonbon /  Sweetie Drops
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville: Restaurant Eleventh hour
Twilight and Minuette were now enjoying lunch in a simple restaurant to just take some time off from their duties.

An earth pony with a cream coat and dark blue mane approached the two, "Good time. I'm Savoir Fare and I will be your waiter. May I take your orders?"
Both mares answered in unison, "I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich." Savoir took the order and left.

Twilight gave Minuette a look. "Same order uh? Just like old times."
"Yea. Lyra, Moon Dancer, me and you would always order the same thing."
"Except when we went to 'Doughnut Joe's.'"
"Speaking of Lyra; she moved here about the same time I joined the guard."
"Really?"
"I swear. And she's even got a special somepony."
"Ooo, do tell. Who is the lucky stallion."
"Actually she went for a mare, her name is Bonbon."
Twilight was a bit surprised by the last statement bot she simply surged it off. "Maybe tomorrow we can drop by and give Lyra a surprise visit, and probably I could get a chance to meet this Bonbon."


----------


Everfree Forest: Somewhere Near Ponyville Same time.
The leader of the Solars was making sure the preparations for tonight were ready; a meeting place, emergency escape, and anything else they could need. However he had to leave it to his three comrades due to an unexpected visit from one of his elite undercover members. "Sweetie Drops. What are you doing here?"
"I want to participate in tonight's plan. Please let me face the Admiral."
"We have worked so hard on your cover, and getting you close to one the Admiral's close friends was extremely hard. If you do then you will be exposed and all of that will be for nothing."
Needless to say Sweetie wasn't happy about this. "The entire purpose of this was so I could then get close to the Admiral. When, and not 'IF', I succeed then we won't need any of it."
The stallion turned to face the pony he called an ally only to see the determination in her eyes, in the end all he could do was sigh. "Promise me you will not be reckless or carless."
"I won't." Se responded.
"Good. Wait here until Lemmon Hearts and Twinkleshine arrive, then you will make preparations for the attack, update yourself on the plan and once the time comes leave for Ponyville."
"How long could that take?"
"A few hours"
"What if somepony notices my absence."
"You already said it does not matter. If you doubt yourself them I suggest you leave now and stick to your cover."
Those words sounded in her head over and over for what seem like hours while in reality it had been mere seconds, she joined for a reason, she worked up the courage to ask, no demand, to be included in the operation. It was not the time to back down. "I understand. I will wait." After that she remained silent and followed her captain to their destination, the 'Castle of the Two Sisters.'


----------


Ponyville Residential Area One hour later.
Twilight and Minuette had luckily met up with Lyra on the way to the library and had begun chatting. The three friends had reunited after a few years. They told Lyra how Twilight was staying at the library.
"So, Lyra. Minuette tells me you now have a special somepony."
At that moment Lyra blushed and froze at Twilight's comment. "Minuette!" The blue unicorn just answered with by suppressing a giggle with her hoof. "It's nothing serious yet." She said while shying away.
"Sounds like you like 'her'."
Lyra's face turned as red as a tomato and she turned to Minuette, "YOU TOLD HER THAT TOO!"
Minuette gave a small shrug before answering, "Why wouldn't I?"
"Ugh. So yeah, I'm a fillyfooler." Lyra admitted wile covering her eyes.
Twilight smiled at her friend. "Well I don't see how that changes our friendship."
"So you don't mind?" The last statement had left Lyra completely puzzled.
Minuette gave the mint pony a small elbow push. "Told you they wouldn't mind."
"So when can I meet this Bonbon?" Asked Twilight.
"Well she's out running some errands and preparing somethings for the celebration and she told she would be back home around the eighteenth hour."
"That kind of sounds as if you're living together."
"They are." Answered Minuette.
"Uhm, on another subject. Maybe you can meet her party that is happening later at the library." "Hopefully that will distract those two from the previous subject."
"There's going to be a party on the library? Why hasn't anypony told me about this?"
Minuette glared at Lyra and then avoided eye contact with Twilight. "Oh, you'll see."
> Chapter 9 = Party at the Library
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville: Golden Oak Library Thirteenth hour
Twilight and Minuette had arrived at their destination: the Golden Oak Library. Here Twilight, Minuette and the other two guards would spend the rest of their time until the celebration.
When they entered the room was all dark. "Uhm?" Twilight was confused as to why there was no light in the building, "Hello, guards?"
Then the lights came to life at the same time some confetti guns went off, "Surprise!" When Twilight saw who was the pony responsible for the act she noticed it was the pink mare that ran away from her earlier. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie and I set up this party just for you. Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya?"
"Well it's not much of a party if there's only five ponies around is it? And yes I was surprised." Twilight turned to the two guards that had accompanied her, "Care to explain?"
One of the guards opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by Pinkie, "Oh, pick me, let me. I can explain." The pink mare approached Twilight with a clear disregard for personal space. "Y'see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all 'Excuse me' and I was all *gasp*, remember? Y'see I've never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville! And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went *gasp*! I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville!"
Twilight once again turned to her guards for an explanation. "We did the background check you requested for anypony suspicious and when we saw Lieutenant Pie was a member of the Gem Soldiers we thought there was nothing to worry about."
Twilight gave a short glare to the two pegasi then turned to Pinkie. "First: I do have friends, Minuette and Lyra. Second: you're a Lieutenant?"
"You don't have to call me that, call me Pinkie. I know I may not seem like it but when it's needed I can be very profesional and serious. Any way, maybe you already have some friends, but this is your chance to make more, after all, you can never have too many friends. Ponies will start coming for your welcoming party soon so let's get ready."


----------


Eighteenth hour
According to Minuette, nearly half the town had shown up and Pinkie kept saying that more ponies would arrive as time passed. Twilight had gotten a chance to meet some of the town's residents and even meet up with the four mares that had been in charge of the celebration arrangements. However Twilight needed a little break and entered the balcony. The party was fun and all but she knew that tomorrow would not be the day civilians were expecting, she looked up at the moon and saw that the three stars were almost aligned with the moon.

The moment didn't last too long though. Minuette entered the balcony following Twilight. "What's up? What are you doing out here and not inside enjoying the party?"
"Oh, I junst needed a breather."
Minuette answered in a joking tone, "Don't tell the Young Princess only likes fancy parties."
To answer Twilight used the most fancy accent she could come up with, "Why, Miss Minuette, what ever do you mean?" Afterwards they both shared a laugh.

Minuette then looked up at the sky. "Beautiful isn't it, a perfect sky for the celebration. I can hardly believe it's been a millennia since the defeat of the sun alicorn."
"Believe it, and it has been that long since my mom became ruler of Equestria."

Suddenly the door opened and the pony to enter the balcony was Lyra. "Hey girls." She then chuckled nervously, she was worried no doubt. "Uhm, Minuette, you wouldn't happen to have seen Bonbon around have you? I'm kind of worried, we were supposed to meet back at our place three hours ago TOPS."
"Sorry Lyra I haven't"
Twilight noticed how worried her friend was and thought maybe there was a small chance she saw her during the party. "Maybe I've seen her, how does she look like?"
Lyra turned to her friend, the chances were slim but it was worth a shot. "She has a cream colored coat and a blue mane with a pink streak in the middle, her cutie mark is three pieces of candy."
Twilight thought back to ponies she had seen around town and during the party but none seem to mach the description. "Sorry, can't think of anypony like that."
"It's okay."
Minuette then went over to confort her friend. "Don't worry maybe she just got held up and is now at your place or maybe she saw the party and is somewhere around here. She's bound to turn up eventually, so lets just enjoy YP's party."
Lyra looked at Minuette and smiled "Yea, you're right." And thus the three ponies went back inside to enjoy the party.


----------


Hour zero
It was at that moment the stars aligned with the moon setting the ancient alicorn free causing the mare in the moon to disappear. And at the castle of the two sisters she returned.
> Chapter 10 = The return
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everfree Forest: Castle Of The Two Sisters Hour zero (Midnight)
Princess Celestia appeared on the throne room of the ancient castle and began looking around only to see it had not changed since her battle with Nightmare Moon. "She must have gotten herself a new castle. Not surprising." Soon out of one the hallways came out a white stallion with blue mane, he was wearing a cloak held by pin with a sun emblem, copper horseshoes and a helmet that appeared to be part of a changeling's armor. "Who art thee?" She took stance ready if this was an attacker sent by her 'sister'.
"Don't worry your highness, I am not your enemy. My name is Shining Armor."
His speech was different than what she was used to, understandable after a millennium, but she could still understand him "Then what is thy purpose in this castle?"
"I have come here to welcome you back to Equestria and to support you in defeating the princess and restore harmony to the land."
Celestia analyzed the stallion and saw no reason to doubt him. "We art my most humble apology for leaving the land in the clutches of Nightmare Moon for the last millennia and we within this wall of flesh, there is a soul that counts thee its creditor for thy holp."
However, upon hearing this the stallion recoiled and put up a defensive stance. "Did you say Nightmare Moon?"
"Aye I didst. I can see the situation is not what I bethought twas, please pray pardon me the reason that name causes thee to loseth faith in me."
"Every single record and the Princess herself all say that the real name of the moon royal is Luna and that Nightmare Moon is nothing but a fabricated name with the only purpose of causing fear among the civilians. If you refer to her as such then the writings are wrong and Princess Luna is right, you are the enemy."
Celestia was shocked to hear that her sister was being call Luna and not the name she used during their battle, Shining noticed this and could tell something was wrong.
"That name is forsooth a fabrication and is not real, but the one who hath made that name wast mine sister under the influence of dark magic and twas fist hath said ere our battle one thousand years ago. And if 't be true thee art wondering what caused that lady to beest driven to those evil powers if 't be true wast that lady suffering caused by the ponies that didst not understandeth that lady and therefore ignoring that lady and dismissing that lady as a princess"
Shining analyzed what the princess was saying, it matched with what he had learned. "So the prophecy is true?"
"May I asketh what prophecy thee art referring to?"
"It goes like this:


Once did a pony who shone like the sun 
Look out on her kingdom and sigh 
She smiled and said, "Surely, there is no pony 
So lovely and so well beloved as I" 

So great was her reign and so brilliant her glory 
That long was the shadow she cast 
Which fell dark upon the young sister she loved 
And grew only darker as days and nights passed 

Soon did that pony take notice that others 
Did not give her sister her due 
And neither had she loved her as she deserved 
She watched as her sister's unhappiness grew 

But such is the way of the limelight, it sweetly 
Takes hold of the mind of its host 
And that foolish pony did nothing to stop 
The destruction of one who had needed her most 


That is the prophecy."
When Celestia heard those words she began to cry remembering all of her mistakes. "Tis forsooth true. All of t and twas mine fault mine sister becameth corrupted by Nightmare Moon." She stayed there crying for a few moments when she finally composed herself she turned to Shining, "The Nightmare Moon I knoweth would nev'r wend by the name of Luna, thither is forsooth something odd about this situation. Please has't a little patience while I useth a spell to see the magic in the land."
Her horn glowed and five strings of magic started spinning at the tip and when it stopped glowing Celestia put up a face of fear. "Princess? What's wrong?" Shining was concerned since this was clearly not a good sign.
"Something's wrong, the energies I hath felt wast neither Luna's nor Nightmare Moon's. those gents belonged to somepony that wast both of those folk at the same time." After recovering from the shock she looked at the stallion, "By any chance would thee befall to has't a spell so I can see the form of the pony who standeth at the Equestia's throne?"
"I don't have a spell but I do have something that was invented while you where away, it's called a photo." He then materialized a photo holding the image of princess Luna. This made Celestia's nerves could not bear it and she almost fell to the ground. "Your highness?"
"What is going on? What's wrong? What hath happened? The shape of that mare's body is that of Nightmare Moon's, that lady coloration is Luna's and the power the lady holds is that of the two combined."
It was obvious for the two that the situation was not what either of them expected.


----------


Canterlot Castle: Tower Bridge Same time
Princess Luna stood in the middle of a bridge that connected the two towers closest to the entrance staring at the moon when Cadenza came running. "Princess! Princess! The mare in the moon is gone, that means..."
Cadenza was cut off when Princess Luna raised her hoof. "I know. My sister has returned." "I'm ready Celestia. I have been preparing for this even for a whole century, let's see what you can do. YOU WILL NOT STOP THIS ETERNAL NIGHT!
> Flashback + Nightmare Moon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Castle Of The Two Sisters: Throne Room 1000 years ago
"Not, another step!" Princess Luna stepped out from behind her throne, "Did you really expect me to sit idly by while they all basked in your precious light?" She the proceeded to the small balcony between the two thrones, "There can only be one princess in Equestria! And that princess... will be me!" She stomped the ground causing the entire ground to shake, breaking the balcony and cracking the wall until she shattered the window. Once that was done she raised the moon and then she was engulfed in a sphere of dark magic and once it dispersed her shape had changed; she was taller, her wings had a different form, the eyes she displayed looked like those of a dragon and her teeth became razor fangs. After her transformation she let out a maniacal laughter. She then used her magic to start destroying the castle.
Celestia flew up but was quickly forced to land when she was attacked by a magic beam that ended up destroying the ceiling revealing the moonlit sky. "Luna, I will not fight you! You must lower the moon! It is your duty!"
"Luna? I am, Nightmare Moon! I have but one royal duty now: to destroy you!" She then shot a beam of magic that was quickly dodged by Celestia by flying upwards into the sky, "And where do you think you're going?" She then took to the sky as well and continued to shoot beams destroying even more sections of the castle. Eventually she landed a hit on Celestia causing her to fall to the throne room while she laughed away at her opponent.
However, Celestia was not about to give up and she got up. "Oh, dear sister. I am sorry, but you have given me no choice but to use these." She used her magic to activate a panel on the floor that revealed the Elements of Harmony. She took them with her magic and wielding them she stood up against Nightmare Moon.
Upon seeing Celestia using the elements, Nightmare Moon drew all her magic and shot a blast of magic against her. But Celestia, in tears, counterattacked with the power of the elements.
The elements easily overpowered Nightmare Moon's magic and once both energies subsided the elements fell to the ground. However when Celestia looked up she saw: not Luna, not a statue like Discord; but Nightmare Moon and next to her an orb of magic. "Did you really think I would not be prepared for that trick? Now I hold in this orb the power, not only of the magical blast I just used, but the power of the elements as well." She then applied magic on the orb causing all of the power stored within it to be shot straight at Celestia.
The alicorn tried to defend herself but the pain from the magical beam shot at her, plus the burden of using the elements (that were clearly made to be used by more than one pony at a time) all by herself, had taken its toll and she could do nothing but take the power of the orb. And just like that, Celestia, disappeared.
Nightmare Moon returned triumphantly to the castle and there she noticed the elements had turned into stone spheres, probably due to the fact that they had just been used in the unintended way of channeled through a single user. There was nothing that could stop her; but something was wrong, the moon had a different vive to it and when she looked up she noticed that the moon now had a crescent shadow in the shape of a mare, "Celestia. Of course, the elements are not a force of destruction."

Suddenly the doors of the castle opened revealing Star Swirl and all the royal mages. "Well, well, well... Star Swirl. Why are you here? Heve you come to defy me?" Star Swirl scanned the room looking for Celestia but no luck. "If you are looking for my sister, she has already been defeated. Don't believe me, then look up at the moon." All of the mages turned their eyes to the moon and witnessed the new shape that had appeared on it. "She has been imprisoned there. Anything to say Star Swirl?" The old unicorn simply remained silent. "Thought so." She then turned to the rest of the mages. "And all of you, what have you got to say for yourselves?"
One of the mages stepped forward and spoke, "We followed elder Star Swirl when he told us Princess Celestia needed our assistance, but we knew nothing of the situation."
Nightmare Moon glared at the lead mage, "Leave, Star Swirl, as of now you are no longer part of the royal mages and you permit for spellcasting anything other than the basic levitation spell is officially revoked."
Star Swirl, admitting defeat, simply lowered his head and walked out the door stopping right outside. "On the thousand year, the stars will aide her escape." And after that he was only seen entering his home only to come out for his funeral.
Nightmare Moon did not oppose him for that, after all, that was not a threat, he was only speaking an undeniable truth, it was a warning and if anything, it would only help her.

After Star Swirl was out of sight Nightmare Moon was left in the beat down castle with the mages and explained the situation, eventually she was approached by the youngest of all of them, "Excuse me, Princess." She calmly responded by turning around and putting up a stoic face. "I understand why you raised the moon out of time, but if the moon stays up forever, the flora will not survive and by consequence Equestria will perish."
Nightmare Moon closed her eyes and analyzed the situation, after all, that much was true. When her eyes opened she lit up her horn and lowered the moon." This is what will happen, all mages will still be free to work on their projects but you all must also work on making sure Equestria can survive night eternal, and in case you think of not making any progress on purpose then remember, whether you succeed or not, eternal night will come, so all of you are to return to Canterlot and do as you must." She then turned to a young male mage. "Diana," the aforementioned had a regal-black mane and tail, turquoise fur and lavender eyes; his cutie mark was crystal in the shape of a five pointed star glowing like an aurora, "did you manage to finish the crystal communication system?"
"I have, Princess."
"Good. Prepare it for tomorrow, I will give the statement of today's event first thing at sunrise tomorrow. Make sure to send messengers so the town leaders know what's happening."
"Will do. And thank you for making my project possible, when I did a request with your sister she refused without reason."
"She had a reason, but her worries had no reason to be. She feared progress and refused it if it brought upon a bad memory. Somepony like that should not rule."


----------


Canterlot Palace Next day
All the ponies had gathered at the palace balcony where they would receive an explanation of yesterday's events, and so would every settlement in Equestria since all of them had equal gatherings at their main plazas. Eventually a crystal began glowing and one alicorn stepped out to the balcony, but it was one they had never seen before. "My subjects, you may be wondering who I am, well, I will tell you; I am Princess Luna. Perhaps you failed to identify me due to my appearance change, but all will explained soon." In Canterlot nopony noticed, but the crystal was transmitting the message to all of the land. "Yesterday my sister and I were forced to battle against each other with I standing victorious. But worry not, as this will not change much from the lives you have lived up to this point, but there will be changes nonetheless." This caused some fear amongst the civilians. "First of all, and I assume it was obvious, there will only be one princess from now on and it shall be me. Second, to avoid this event repeating itself, until I see it needed you will refer to me by my battle name: Nightmare Moon." These statements eased the citizens, after all the only change was the one of Princess Nightmare Moon. "Thirdly, Canterlot has been our capital for quite some time but the castle that hosted the throne has always been in its current location so given the fact that it is to much of a hassle to travel from the castle to the palace for any thing that is not court and the fact that it has suffered heavy damage from yesterday's battle, I decree that Canterlot Palace be turned in to Canterlot Castle." And with that all fear that had originally been formed within the crowds disappeared. "Fourth and lastly, every ten years; day will be cut shorter by one hour so that in 120 years days will be no more. The royal mages have begun preparations so that this change does not cause trouble to our land. That will be all." She then returned without another word to the place without another word. The crowd had mixed feeling about the last announcement but the odd thing was that, due to the previous ones, none of them had fear.


----------


Canterlot: Castle Courtyad 880 years ago
Today marked the last 'Night Crown Celebration' that would have a sundown as part of their schedule, today would begin the eternal night. Almost an hour ago, the Princess raised the sun for the last time and the festival began; but now everypony was gathered at the stage that had been set for the celebration.
Eventually Princess Nightmare Moon stepped up to the stage and the crystal communication system (or CCS as most often called it) activated. "My subjects, on this 'Night Crown Celebration' we mark the beginning of a new era in our history, today we enter a state of night eternal. We must all be thankful to all of the royal mages for making this possible and now I will lower the sun and lift the moon so it holds it's rightful place in the sky" The crowd cheered at their ruler's words, and as she lit her horn with her magic and brought upon sundown the cheers grew louder. Nightmare Moon could not believe it, an event feared two centuries ago was now being acclaimed. Eventually sunset became twilight and finally the whole land was covered in moonlight.
From then on the party was really at it's peak and the Princess watched from her balcony alongside an old stallion by the name of Diana. "I'm glad I got to live to see this day, I just wish Twilight Sun had been here to see it with me."
The princess looked at the mage that had replaced Star Swill as head mage, his friend, his confidant. "Time always claims the lives of the ones we car about, everyone dies eventually, even beings like me with eternal youth can die and will die eventually by one reason or the other." The frase thought true had changed the mood so she decided to change topic. "How is your daughter, Twilight Song?"
"She recently had a daughter, Twilight Moon. She tells me the foal has lavender eyes like her grandfather."
Nightmare Moon smiled at this. "Your a lucky stallion Diana, but I must ask; why did you marry a mare with the tradition to name their first born daughter 'Twilight'?"


----------


Canterlot Castle: Princess Bedroom 500 years ago
Court had just finished and Nightmare Moon had retreated to her bed chambers to meditate something that had come up in her mind a few days ago. 'Should she return to being Luna?' The thought came up when she noticed that the magic that once changed her eyes and teeth was no longer taking effect and they had become just how they were before the battle with Celestia. Eventually a maid informed her that dinner was ready.
The ones that held their meal at the royal table were the Princess, group heads, guard captains when the situation called for it and the occasional guest. Tonight it was just the Princess and head mage: a unicorn named Dark Crow; a rather unfitting name since he had royal-blue fur, velvet eyes and the only black trait he had was his jet-black mane, his cutie mark was the outline of a cat with a witch hat.
Their meal was quiet one but it didn't stop her from think at the fact that the pony in front of her trusted her and was completely loyal. She didn't need to scare him into doing what she wanted. Ponies all over Equestria now saw her as somepony different. "Crow," The mage looked up when his name was called, "I have an announcement to make later before the end of the hour cycle. Please, prepare the CCS when you have finished with your meal."
After the unicorn was done he retreated and did as instructed and one hour later Nightmare Moon was ready to speak to her kingdom. "My dear subjects, as I once said five hundred years ago I would go by my battle name, Nightmare Moon, until I was sure fear was not necessary to maintain peace and so now I hold to that promise. I will once go by the name of Princess Luna." When her statement finished she used her magic on herself causing the colors of her body to return back to normal.

And thus Nightmare moon was no more.
> Chapter 11 = Night Crown Celebration
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everfree Forest Fifth hour
During the past five hours Shining had introduced Celestia to some of his comrades; a zebra that lived in the forest: Zecora, a griffin named Gilda and a changeling named Thorax that had deserted his hive in hope of finding better ways of action for them to feed. He managed to get the Princess's trust and got her to drink a potion brewed by Zecora so that she would have no trouble speaking modern equestrian.
But now he found himself running after her. He had told her about how the government changed but he had yet to tell her the way society changed and the military structure because as soon as she found out there was a village nearby she took off. She obviously expected to be welcomed back as a long awaited savior and unfortunately that was not the case; instead she was headed straight to village with Night Guards and the Admiral herself.
He needed to hurry before something bad happens, but Celestia was much faster.


----------


Ponyville: Town Hall Fifteen minutes to the sixth hour
Almost all of the town, as well as the tourists that had arrived about an hour ago to be present at the main point in the celebration, had gathered already and was waiting for the Young Princess to begin the celebration, this would be the first time she would start the festivities and nopony wanted to miss it.
However there was one mare that could not relax; Lyra had yet to find Bonbon and she was getting worried, she hadn't seen her in almos a day. Maybe in another situation she wouldn't worry but given the circumstances she should have already seen her.

Without much notice, three cloaked ponies arrived at town hall.

Pinkie then started ranting to some random tourist next to her, "Isn't this exciting? Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited." The nervous tourist just smiled and nodded.
Eventually the CCS activated and Fluttershy's birds started whistling and Mayor Mare stepped up to the platform. "Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Night Crown Celebration!" Every pony cheered to the announcement. "In just a few moments, our town will host the magic of the night which, as always, will be signaled by filling the sky with the beautiful stars and their constellations." The birds then started singing to present the royal. "And now, it is my great honor to introduce you to the Young Princess of the land, daughter of the ruler of our land, Princess Twilight Sparkle." Rarity opened the curtains to the small balcony and there stood Twilight with her full regalia.
My loyal subjects I am honored to not only having the privilege of, for my fist time, starting the celebration that marks the beginning of spring and my mother's rise to the throne, but also the one that celebrates a millennia of peace under our Princess's rule." After her speech the pegasi in the room withdrew the curtains from the windows and the unicorns removed the top of town hall so everypony could see the sky. "Now, as tradition goes, I will fill the sky with the constellations that decorate it."

"You're not doing anything!" Everypony turned their attention to see who had said that, the answer was a pony with a cloak held by a pin with sun and copper horseshoes, behind her were two others dressed in equal manner. Every pony slowly walked back not daring to get close, they knew who they were, the Solar Soldiers, they had been a major cause of trouble for the last five years in their attempts to overthrow 'Nightmare Moon'. These ponies were part of a group that had believed Celestia's lies and for generations passed on said lies as if they were true leading to the current generation that had mysterious leader who had the ability to organize the group that was formerly a bunch of scattered ponies into an army.
Twilight used her magic to levitate herself off the balcony and her two Night Guards flanked her. "Solars. Not surprising you would try to ruin this celebration. Reveal yourselves!"
The head of the group gave a small 'tch' and the three removed their cloaks. Upon seeing the mares all the locals gave a collective 'gasp' as, while they didn't recognize the two unicorns, they recognized the cream colored earth pony that was wearing a pair of darkglasses, a local mare Bonbon. Twilight recognized the other two mares as her former 'friends' Lemmon Hearts and Twinkleshine.
"So," Twilight said as she faced the unicorns, "one time in the dungeons wasn't enough for you and you have come back. No problem, I will make sure you two go back along with your new ally."
Lemmon and Twinkleshine cringed at Twilight's words. The cream colored mare that Twilight didn't recognize stepped to the front. "They're not going anywhere and neither are you."
"Hmm. And who might you be?"

It was then when Lyra headed to the front of the crowd. "Bonbon? Is that really you? Why are you doing this?"
"I'm sorry Lyra, maybe in other circumstances we could've been friends. But now, I'm here to do what needs to be done. My name is Sweetie Drops."
Lyra recoiled in tears at those words, how was she supposed to react she thought she was her mare friend. Twilight eyes went from a calm an collected look to one of anger. "YOU!... How dare you treat my friend like that! You lied to her and used her! She trusted you and cared for you! Earlier she was worried about why you hadn't showed up. Now, you're going to pay for what you've done!" She then turned to the two pegasi beside her. "Guards, capture the two escapees. I'll deal with this jerk."
Sweetie responded, "We'll see who deals with who."

The two pegasi Guards took to the air while the two unicorn Solders shot magic beams that were easily maneuvered through by the two sky ponies. Meanwhile, Sweetie Drops charged against Twilight tackling her and throwing her back but Twilight quickly recovered and shot a beam of magic at her opponent. While this was happening the other pairs had begun hoof to hoof combat. Eventually the two unicorns were victorious against their opponents and turned to Twilight who was overpowering the earth pony by using ability enhancer spells; the two charged their horns and just before the royal landed a blow on their comrade, they fired their spell. It wasn't an offensive spell, but rather, a trapper spell leaving Twilight tied up in two magic rings.
Once Twilight was fully subdued against a wall Sweetie Drops pulled out a locket that was hidden in her robe and when she opened it, inside was a charm that would trap her in a small bubble and freeze her in time. "You seriously didn't think you could defeat us that easily, did you? We have been making preparations for this day for half a decade and even if I had failed then at least my comrades sent to defeat the Commanders would have reduced the number of enemies. You had no chance to begin with, and when only Luna is left it won't be long until the sun rises once again."
Twilight remained calm and simply closed her eyes. "It seems you are underestimating your opponent." She then opened her eyes which were now lit white and a wave of magic crossed the room causing the two rings that were restraining her to disappear.
Sweetie turned around to see that Lemmon Hearts and Twinkleshine had fallen to the ground and when one of them tried to touch their horn, which were now glowing red, she immediately removed her hoof as the slightest touch on the horn stung like if they had broken a bone. "What did you do to them?"
"I jus used an inhibitor spell. Now they wont be able to use their magic for at least a day." Twilight then proceded to lift the earth pony off the ground using her magic leaving her unable to do anything. Meanwhile the two pegasi proceeded to arrest the unicorns.

Sweetie had to give it to her, the Solars had most definitely not prepared for this. It seem that the Admiral had never used all her magic arsenal in the previous encounters against her. It was all beginning to look hopeless when a loud voice suddenly overtook the Town Hall.
"EVERYPONY STOP!" The voice came from none other than Celestia herself.
> Chapter 12 = Twilght vs. Celestia
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville: Town Hall Sixth hour
"EVERYPONY STOP!" All present turned their heads only to see a white alicorn with a multicolored ethereal mane. "You need not fight anymore for I have returned to stop the age of Nightmare Moon. You need no longer pretend to like her for my precious sun will rise once again." To say everypony was terrified at her words would be an understatement, they were all slowly walking back trying to get away from her.
Twilight, who was the only one that had gone unsurprised and thus did not turn around, released Sweetie leaving her on the ground unable to stand up due to the fact that she had been seriously beaten up and the fact that she was almost choked to death. "Celestia. It would be better if you just simply stopped and surrendered. Nopony is going to believe your lies anymore."
"Lies? What I say is the truth. I may have lost against Nightmare Moon in the past but this time I will defeat her and make sure everything goes back to the way it used to be."
"Enough! Stop trying to lie, you're just embarrassing yourself. And if you call my mother by that wretched name again, so help me I will end you."
Celestia briefly analyzed what the mare facing her had just said and she quickly put two and two together. "Nightmare Moon is... your mother?
"I told you... That. IS NOT. HER NAME!" Twilight said using the royal-voice. Her horn then began glowing, her eyes became white and her body became engulfed in light. "My mother's name is Luna and I will not tolerate you calling her that way." She then began glowing so bright that everypony had to cover their eyes and when they opened her eyes Twilight had taken a slightly different appearance; her eyelids were now a darker shade and is seed as if she wore a facemask of the same deep-purple color as her mane, she also now had a longer horn about the same size as the one the alicorn in front of her had but was purely made of light and she had also grown two wings made out of pure magic.
Everypony was amazed a what they were seeing, Twilight new form was even more beautiful, none hade ever seen her that way and some of them could even feel her magic. Celestia however was the most surprised out of all of them, she recognized the spell: the 'Daydream spell' a spell that could only be used by a pony with Harmony magic. Harmony magic was a special type of magic that flowed through those ponies that could wield the Elements of Harmony. She had felt a few ponies in the building with that very same power, but one that could use it was certainty unexpected.
The situation was completely opposite of what she had expected. Everypony feared her, a harmony wielder was going against her and she was being portrayed as the villain. Clearly Nightmare Moon had somehow, during all these years, turned the population against her and had also made preparations for her arrival.

"Celestia, I will defeat you here and now. You will never stand on a throne again." She then blasted a magic beam striking down the white alicorn. Celestia knew full well that she was not at her full power right now but she could probably take on the mare standing before her, the problem was that she had to hold back most of her power or she could risk hurting a citizen; and filled with determination she stood up taking an offensive stance. "So, you choose to fight. Foolish." This time Twilight flew full speed against her opponent using her horn as a spear but the attack was parried by the older mare who then proceded to thrust her entire body against the young unicorn.

As Sweetie Drops watched the battle she came to realization that she had never really stood a chance, the Young Princess was much to strong; nopony had ever seen her using all this power and if they had they probably never got to tell the talle, whether it was by dungeon or death. She then came to wonder if her comrades in charge of taking down and capturing the Commanders would have the same issue.

Meanwhile the battle continued spell after spell, charge after charge. It seemed as if both mares were equaled in strength. At that moment Twilight fired a spell with all her power and in defense Celestia did the same. However she wished she hadn't, if this continued then the beams would create an explosion and while she could easily survive that with a simple shield the innocents wouldn't, if she increased her power she would hurt the other mare and she didn't want that either and if she lowered her power then Nightmare Moon would never be defeated; her options were running out she was cornered. At that moment the clash of energies destabilized and went off like a raging dragon. Not able to put up a shield in time she had been hit with the full force of the explosion dazed as a result.
As she came to she could only see smoke, the ground had become a crater. Eventually a shape formed from behind the smoke and when it stepped from the shadows it was the lavender pony, unharmed. "You let all those ponies die." Said Celestia in a nervous tone.
"Of course not!" Answered Twilight who then blew a gust of wind to clear the smoke revealing that the two of them were inside a bubble shield cast by her. "I am not like you, and will not let innocents suffer the consequences of battle."
Celestia knew at that moment that she had underestimated her opponent, not only was she strong enough to face her but she could also protect others at the same time, harmony would not return easily.

She then tried to stand up but fell instantly, her injuries were too severe. Twilight then closed the distance between them, "It is all over." She then began charging up a spell but was suddenly bucked hard in the face causing her to hit her head heavily against the ground. When she opened her eyes she saw the mare with the darkglasses, her former opponent. "YOU!" The strike had been strong and due to the fact that it took her by surprise she was slowly loosing her transformation.
Meanwhile Sweetie Drops risked ignoring the Admiral to help the alicorn stand. "Princess Celestia, we have to escape."
Celestia looked up and saw that the unicorn had recovered from the hit, she knew she was in no condition continue fighting, she was berly staying up with the help of this cream colored mare. So she charged up a spell that when she released an extremely bright light filled the room.

When the light disappeared, both mares had vanished leaving Twilight with an angry glare. "Guards," Both pegasi saluted as soon as they were addressed, "gather all the local military regardless of rank and group and meet in front of the Town Hall in half an hour. We must stop Celestia before she raises the sun."


----------


Everfree Forest: Entrance
Shining had just arrived at the main road when a bright light appeared in front of him revealing the Princess and Sweetie Drops. "What happened?"
Sweetie looked up to see the leader of the Solars. "We can talk in the way back to the castle. We have to flee NOW."
> Chapter 13 = Regrouping
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville: Library Sixth hour, fifteen minutes
Twilight has contacted her mother, Luna, through her transponder crystal, a miniature version of the CCS that could be carried around unlike the crystals used for broadcast, it had the advantage and also disadvantage that it was limited to only being able to contact ONE other transponder crystal or TC for short. She had made contact to inform her of the events that had transpired. "Thank you for calling me Twilight. It seems the attack of the Solars was coordinated as they also sent teams of three to Cloudsdale and Manehattan as well as a team of six for Canterlot."
"The result?"
"The Commanders captured six of them and one of the ones that escaped is very unlikely to survive. Now, how will you proceed."
"The elements are the key. I've already instructed that the Ponyville forces be mobilized but as far as they know, our main goal is Celestia."
"Please be careful my daughter."
"I will."


----------


Everfree Forest: Main Path
Shining Armor had now explained to Celestia the entirety of the situation and all the changes that had occurred in her absence. "So that's why they all reacted like that. I, however was most surprised at the fact that she had a daughter."
"We'll head back to the castle for now to meet up with other teams that had been sent across Equestria." "Although if their situation is anything like the one in Poniville we might not see them again." Shining thought. "NO! You can't think like that besides, remember who you're doing this for." Shining Armor had failed to save his parents the night they were arrested and that day his sister had gone running out of the house and he never saw her again; he was not only determined to complete his parents' goal but to find his sister, wherever she was.


----------


Ponyville: Town Hall Entrance Sixth hour, thirty minutes
Twilight arrived at the Town Hall and apparently most ponies had chosen to stay in the building. Twilight turned to face the two guard that had been left in charge and were guarding the two unconscious prisoners. "Why is everypony still here?"
The pegasus saluted to signify that he had heard her. "We're sorry mam, but the locals refused to leave."
His partner then stepped forward, "We have already gathered all the local forces. Unfortunately they are not many."

Twilight analyzed the team and confirmed what they had already told her, the town's military was small. It consisted only of the two Gem Soldiers, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, Lyra (a Night Guard) and the young Night Recruit Apple Bloom. "Lisen the five of us will cross the Everfree forest and head to the Castle of the Two Sisters. Further instructions will be provided depending on the situation when we arrive. Now please activate the illusion gem on your armor."
That order was directed at both Lyra and Apple Bloom touched the small gem on their armor activating the spell put on them by Princess Luna: the spell made their appearance change by giving them a dark-gray coat, tufted ears and cat-like vertical slits for pupils; their manes and tails also changed to take a similar appearance for that of bat wings and if they had been pegasi their wings would have change to bat wings. The only thing the spell didn't change was the color of the eyes and it did not hide the cutie mark.
As for Pinkie and Rainbow Dash, their uniform consisted of battle suits that were made to be extremely light (if not weightless) and movement agile as if they weren't even using clothing but they were as strong and resistant as steel.

"Wait!" Twilight turned to see her friend Lyra crying in front of her. "Please, let me come too." Her tears didn't stop.
Twilight knew her friend well, she was well aware of why she wanted to come so she reached to her, not as the Young Princess but as her friend. "I'm sorry Lyra, I can see that this whole deal with Bonbon or Sweetie Drops or whatever it is, but I can't let you come. Please understand."
Lyra then looked Twilight in the eyes and noticed the empathy she felt for her, she was showing her emotions in public just for her, this caused her to start crying even harder in Twilight's chest. "Twilight, I can't take this anymore. First my friends and now the one I love. How many ponies in my life will I lose before they are stopped." She said as she continued crying.
She then felt two hooves wrap around her. It was Twilight giving her a hug. "Lyra, I promise that you won't loose any pony else." Lyra then resumed her crying but this time out of happiness rather than sadness. She saw that Twilight was looking out for her friend to the point she had began acting as if she was an ordinary pony instead of the important mare she was.
"Thank you Twilight." However as soon as she finished the frase her pupils shrank as she came to a realization of what she had just done. "*gasp* I just called you by your name in public! I'm so sorry."
However Twilight just gave a light smile. "Don't worry, it's alright. I don't mind."

After the two friends finished their conversation the two guards that had accompanied Twilight addressed their superior. "We're sorry to interrupt mam, but it seems you're not including us for the mission for the Everfree Forest."
"That is because I need you to stay here to hold the two prisoners and protect civilians in case another enemy shows up."

Then from the crowd three ponies that Twilight recognized as the ponies from the preparations stepped forward. "Excuse me Princess, but we want to help y'all." Applejack.
"I agree, we can't just sit back an do nothing. Even a proper lady has to get her hooves dirty when it's needed." Rarity.
"I may not be much help, but I want to do some thing... If it's not too much trouble." Fluttershy.
Twilight could feel that she could trust them, but she couldn't let civilians come along. "Well, you can help by making sure everypony stays indoors and keeping them calm. It may not seem like much. But keeping things peaceful can be more important than you think."

As this exchange was taking place the two prisoners commented on the revelation that Lyra had so carelessly given them. "Did you know her name was Twilight?"
"No I always called her YP."
"This is bad. You don't think she could be..."
"Let's hope she's not."
> Chapter 14 = Solar Soldiers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everfree Forest: Castle Of The Two Sisters Sixth hour, forty-five minutes
The small three pony group arrived at the castle to be greeted by their comrades.
"What happened? How did everything go?" Asked Thorax, worried for the others.
"We're fine." Answered Shining." Has anypony else arrived?"
"Only me." Celestia turned her head and saw a pony like creature that could only be a Kirin. "Greetings your highness. My name is Oroshi."
"A kirin, can't say I've ever met a member of your kind in the past."
"Well, I'm the only one who was brave enough to cross the dangerous path which connects Equestria to what you know as the 'Undiscovered West'"
"Sorry to interrupt you Oroshi," Said Shining, "but; did you find them?"
"Only five of them." He levitated five stone spheres.
When Celestia looked at them she recognized them as none other than... "The Elements of Harmony! Wait... why...?"

"Shining!" Oroshi interrupted the alicorn, but she could tell it was something important so she let it slide. "Allies approaching but only three of them."
Tree ponies burst through the door revealing them to be a pegasus mare with turquoise coat and amber mane, a female unicorn with a pink coat, a violet mane and tail with a floral lavender streak, both of them carrying an orange pegasus with blue mane who was heavily injured. The ponies that had been waiting for them rushed to aide the small group of arrivals.
Shining was the most surprised one of all of them and Celestia wondered why as he had told her that he had sent out four other groups of three so she couldn't understand his reaction; that is, until he spoke. "What happened to the others?"
The unicorn was the first to speak. "Nova took the three members of my group by surprise before we could even make our movement. As a result, Flim and Flam got captured. Same thing happened to Lightning Dust's group."
"It's true." Answered the turquoise pegasus which Celestia took to be the aforementioned Lightning Dust. "We didn't even stand a chance against Philomena. Both Flitter and Cloudchaser were unable to escape. Appearantly all the Commanders had a spell that made them stronger as well as the ability to fly. At least from the experience of both Amethyst and Flash."
Shining turned his attention to the orange pegasus, Flash, who was being treated of his injuries by Thorax and Zecora. "Flash, wh... where are the others?" Asked the unicorn with obvious fear of the answer.
Flash was weak, but he still forced himself to answer. "When we attempted escape, both Timber and Gloriosa were captured by Galacta. I on the other hoof stayed to fight Crystal so that Surprise, Twinkle and Firefly could escape. They were fine the last time I saw them and well on their way out of Canterlot so hopefully they are still out there. I..." He then collapsed due to the damage his body sustained.
Zecora then spoke. "I'm sorry Shining, he is dead." Silence creep over the room as the ponies mourned the death of his comrade.

Celestia approached the small group carefully. "Sorry to interrupt this hard moment but there is something that has been on my mind. If the rest of the country believes I am the antagonist of the tale, then why are you all aiding me?"
Shining understood that the question was quite valid and saw only fit he answered her. "Our previous leader was part of a family that knew and remembered the truth and thus passed down the story through the generations. He then started recruiting others, though it wasn't easy, after all, most ponies are ignorant to the true history. However we all have some reason to hope for something better than what we currently have."
"I see. And may I ask what yours, as the leader, is?"
Shining was a bit taken back by the question, after all, everypony in the Soldiers already knew his story so he hadn't talked about that in a while and the story had a bit of a burden on him. "*Sigh* Very well. You see, my story begins fifteen years ago...



...and that is why I will not stop until harmony returns to this land."
"I see. Your motivation is something that is worth fighting for, and I hope one day you are reunited with your sister."

Oroshi cleared his throat indicating that he wanted to speak. "Sorry to interrupt, but I think we've spent enough time here. It's only a matter of time before the admiral arrives, and I don't think we're in any condition to fight her."
"But we haven't found the element of Magic." Argued Thorax.
"Oroshi is right." Said Gilda, "We better head to Foal Mountain and meet up with the rest."
"Besides, upon studying the elements I discovered a phrase: 'When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed.'" Answered Zecora.

"OK, so we all agree on leaving?" Questioned Shining with all nodding in agreement. "Then let's hurry, we haven't got much time."

Zecora and Sweetie took Amethyst and Gilda carried Lightning on her back and headed to a small door behind Luna's former throne. Celestia remembered the days the Castle was under construction, "One of the secret paths!"
Thorax took notice and approached the Princess, "Once we discovered them we modified that one so that instead it was an emergency exit leading to the Rumbling Rock Ridge."

Unfortunately Celestia's mind was troubled. "Maybe I shouldn't but... I want to know if the journal is still here.
> Flashback + Shining Armor (Part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot Outskirts Fifteen years ago
His parents had just been arrested, his little sister ran away after a fight between them; Shining didn't know what to do.
After her sister ran from their fight, Shining futilely chased after her but that fight would be the last time he saw his sister even to this day. By the time he returned home, a group of guards were taking his parents away. When he recovered from the shock and assumed it was safe he went in to his home and took some of his parents books and research notes and papers, put them on a small wagon he owned and took off.
Now he was in the outskirts of the great city he found a small cave opening in the mountain which he used as a hiding space so he would have a place to sleep until tomorrow.

After having a few hours of sleep he peeked out and saw that the clock-tower indicated that it had been a full twelve hours since the fight with his sister. Jut twenty-four hours ago he was having breakfast with his family and they were all laughing and smiling, now that seemed forever ago.
He was hungry but wasn't sure how to get something. "Maybe I should have taken some bits as well." He decided to take a look at  his parents work and discovered a secret abut history; the legend of Nightmare Moon, the prophecy of the elder sister and a prediction by Starswirl.
Eventually he found some notes that spoke of a group called the 'Solar Soldiers.' It even had a map with the location of a base in the same isle where Trotingham was and a secret password. It may not have been much but it was something.

During the rest of the clock-cicle he packed up his stuff and went to the train station. His stomach was growling and he noticed that the next train to Baltimare included a free meal for all passengers. One to Manehattan would have been closer to his needs, but he was hungry and it was still heading east.
Once the train arrived he sneaked in to the caboose and waited until the conductor had made his rounds across the train asking for tickets and he seated himself in one of the velvet chairs. After about an hour arrived a group of ponies with trolleys and started handing out lunch. Once he was don he continued going through the notes he got at home until dinner arrived. When the train arrived at hour zero he snuck out just to make sure he didn't get in trouble.He then looked for a safe hiding place and drifted off to sleep.
At the sixth hour he headed to Horseshoe Bay in hope that he found a ship headed for Trotingham with no luck as the only ships for the isle departed from Manehattan and only one every four months from Baltimare but not for the public. He knew he couldn't just stay on the streets for months, he needed a way to say in good condition until he could reach the island. His only current option was to explore the city.

Eventually he came across an orphanage in which he registered with the simple lie that he ran away from home and when tried to go back his home wasn't there. He then was assigned a room got three meals a clock-cicle and helped the pony in charge, who everypony simply called Mama, so he could get an allowance. And so three months passed and when the next ship was to leave he packed everything he would need while hiding on the ship and once he reached destination. However, that very night Mama called Shining and told him and told him that they would be receiving a filly from Canterlot that had recently lost her parents and was being sent here so she could get away from the memory; Mama referred to the filly as Sparkle.
Sparkle. Could it be? Nothing indicated otherwise. But if he stayed he would undoubtedly miss the boat and if it wasn't his sister and just a coincidence it would have all been for nothing. However he knew that even if there was a small chance that it was her, as a big brother, he would never forgive himself if he left her alone.

The next clock-cicle, Shining was waiting at the front of the orphanage so he could receive the newcomer and giver the tour as well as assigning her a room. At the ninth hour a pair of royal guards appeared in a small carriage. "Young stallion, we would like to see the pony in charge. We came here to deliver a filly."
"I know, I help her as an assistant so she asked me to receive her." Said Shining.
Both guards had already been informed that all they needed to do was deliver the young one and then they would return so they took the luggage and put it at the front door and once that was done they opened the door of the carriage to let the passenger down. That was when Shining first took a look at the filly and while she wasn't her sister she definitely resembled her. She had pink fur with a silver mane with one lavender streak styled the same way as her sister's. "Hi, my name is Twinkle Sparkle."
So it wasn't his sister but he had taken a choice and it would have been best to allow himself to stay incase it was. "Hello there, my name is Shining Armor. Come with me, I'll show you around."

Shining took her luggage and placed it inside and afterwards they went around the orphanage as he explained the rules, Twinkle smiled when she saw the playground but for her the highlight of the tour was the library even it was small, only a room big. To Shining it became apparent during the tour that this filly had more in common with his sister than just looks. Eventually they reached the end of the tour. "So, this will be your room. They put us in rooms as we arrive and since I was the new kid before you, we'll be neighbors, so feel free to come over for anything you need."

As the month went on the small filly started getting attached to shining. She had been spending time with him and when Shining suggested she make some friends she replied that she had never had a friend before and didn't know how. One clock-cicle she asked Shining for a favor: "Could you please teach me magic?"
"You want ME to teach you magic? Wouldn't it be better to ask your teacher to teach you instead?"
Twinkle then started to avoid Shining's eyes. "Well my teacher only does theory and doesn't allow us to perform spells because it could be dangerous but since I've seen you use magic to help others here in the orphanage I thought that maybe you could teach me."
She began doing those same puppy eyes Twilight used with his dad and he understood why he could never say no. "Alright I'll teach you."

The next month passed by with Shining teaching Twinkle all he could about magic and nearing the end of the month she got her cutie mark; five purple stars forming a pentagon with another one in the middle. Mama organized the first cuteceañera the orphanage had had in years since most of the ponies that arrived already had their marks. At that that party Mama approached Shining and told him something he hoped it did not come to pass. "You know Twinkle really sees you as her big brother of sorts." He knew he would leave next month but since Twinkle saw him as somepony special to her it just seemed that leaving her alone would simply be cruel.

Then came the clock-cicle before the one he would leave and unfortunately for him Twinkle burst in while he was packing causing the small filly's eyes to tear up. "Shining, are you leaving?"
He couldn't lie to her so he decided to tell her the truth. "Yes Twinkle, I'm leaving."
She then gave a weak smile that could not hide her sadness. "I guess that means you got adopted, right?"
"No Twinkle I didn't." Not looking her in the eyes for a second.
Her fake smile disappeared and her face showed true sadness. "Then why are you leaving?"
He knew that could never look her in eyes. "Because I have to."
Twinkle clinged on to Shining and started to cry. "Please tell me Shining, I have to know. You're like my big brother."
These words stabbed at Shining filling him with guilt and so he decided to tell her the truth, the entire truth. When he finished his story Twinkle insisted on coming with him but he refused because he knew she would not be able to manage on a cargo ship but there was no way that he could convince her to stay if he was leaving. So the next clock-cicle they both sneaked out before anypony was awake. "Listen Twinkle, since you're tagging along we can't go on the ship so we'll have to take the long road so well walk to Manehattan. Of course well first have to go to Fillydelphia and that should take us a year. I brought some bits so we can buy provisions for the first few days but after that we're going to have to tough it out like true campers."

And so their journey began.
> Chapter 15 = Everfree
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everfree Forest: Main Path Sixth hour, forty-five minutes
Twilight had lead the group through the main path of the forest as it was the safest route to the castle given that it was easier to spot an oncoming danger. Unfortunately this was also the long path as it didn't go on a straight line.

Eventually they came across a cliff they would have to climb down or find a ledge they could walk down; that is if they hadn't two unicorns capable of levitating an a pegasus.
As they continued down the path Lyra noticed something that would have paralyzed most ponies through fear. "Manticore at 10."
Twilight had already began formulating a plan to battle the beast when rainbow said, "So, lets just walk past it." As if it was the most casual thing ever.
"Are you crazy." Retorted Twilight. "All six ends of that thing could kill you just by coming into contact with your flesh."
Rainbow knew she wasn't a genius but she hated when they undermined her intelligence just because she was the alethic type and not very fond of reading. "Yea. And I also know that these tings don't attacked unless provoked and we'd be better off leaving it alone."
Of course Twilight was cynical. "And how do YOU know that."
"My best friend, Fluttershy, is an expert on animals and can handle any normal animal and as for magical creatures she's learned how to deal with the ones in Everfree and near Ponyville."
Twilight decided to try Rainbow's advice and sure enough they were able to pass the creature without any trouble.

Following the road they entered a section of the forest where the trees had no leafs but despite that fact it was actually darker that the previous sections of the road. The small group dare not let their guards down for a second so that if a beast or enemy approached in this environment they would not be unprepared.
Eventually something touched Apple Bloom she jumped in surprise causing the others to react as well changing from a defensive to an offensive stance. "Recruit, what happened?"
"Sorry Admiral. I felt a touch and saw some faces. Maybe there's a creature nearby."
After she finished her report Pinkie gave a loud snort trying to contain her laugh. "May I ask what is so funny Lieutenant Pie?"
Pinkie calmed down and stopped giggling to answer. "Sorry it's just that those seem to be trees."
The small group looked around and sure enough there was nothing but trees.
"So what I saw only looked like a face. Sorry." Sheepishly replied Apple Bloom.
Twilight gave a simple smile in return to the young filly. "There is nothing to apologize soldier. You saw a threat and prepared yourself for the outcome. A false alarm is still an alarm and in situations like this one the unexpected could be just around the corner." The small Recruit's eyes lit up at the fact of being praised by Equestria's second highest authority.

Finally they proceded until they reached a small river which was surprisingly tranquil for being in the Everfree Forest. After that they reached a chasm; beyond it, was the castle.
"Wait for me at the front entrance." Ordered Twilight. The small group looked at the Admiral with confusion. "There is only one way to stop Celestia; the Elements of Harmony." She then cast a spell that dispersed the fog covering the bottom of the chasm revealing stairs leading to a cavern. "And the most important of them is down there."
The small group started crossing the bridge while Twilight climbed down the stairs. Once she reached the cavern she saw it just like her mother described it; the Tree of Harmony. In front of it was a pedestal holding a stone orb with a six pointed star; the Element of Magic.
As soon as Twilight touched the orb it started glowing and once the light stopped the element had returned to its respective gem form. Around it, started materializing a golden necklace that, once it had finished forming, put itself around Twilight's neck. She could feel the magic flowing through it, but it alone would not grant her victory.

Afterwards she joined the rest of the squad at the main entrance. "Is everypony ready?"
The team saluted as they answered. "Yes Mam!"
"Then let's proceed."
> Flashback + Shining Armor (Part 2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Near Fillydelphia Fourteen years ago
Shining and Twinkle had been traveling through the forest leading to their destination for the last few months. Admittedly, not bringing a compass had not been the brightest of ideas as they had gotten lost various times. If Shining hadn't learned to guide himself through stars they wouldn't even be close to their destination.
"We should be only a few hours away from Fillydelphia, let's camp out and rest for a while." Said Shining.

After they were all set up it became clear that Twinkle had something on her thoughts. "Shining, I don't think we should leave Fillydelphia immediately."
"Why do you say that."
"These las few months were pretty hard. Perhaps we should stay a while and get a job to at least get a map and a compass; some supplies if possible."
Shining wanted to get to Trottingham as soon as posible, but Twinkle had a point. So maybe staying in town for a few months wouldn't be such a bad idea. They could recover and be better prepared for their trip. "All right. But we'll only stay for half a year tops."

Two nights later they found a job at a simple store where they worked on the counter 'after school' along with a pegasus named Firefly. She had pink fur, blue mane and two lightning bolts matching her mane color. Firefly worked doing deliveries given her speed and increased mobility as a pegasus.

About a week later she started asking questions like; at which school they went to, where they lived and so on. After three weeks it seemed that she had given up in trying to get info from them, but at the end of the month she decided to confront them. When their shift ended Firefly flew and grabbed Twinkle causing Shining to chase after her.
When he finally reached her they were nearly outside the city in some abandoned building. "What's all this about Firefly?"
"You two always act suspicious whenever I ask you something, almost as if you're afraid to tell me, so either tell me or I might have to report a suspicious pair to the guards."
Realizing that they wouldn't get out of this without telling the truth Shining decided to tell her everything. "All right, but you have to promise to tell anyone." To which Firefly agreed.
The next hour was spent with Firefly listening to the story of the two unicorns. "So you guys are runaway outlaws for high treason." The pair gave a slow nod not bothering to hide their nervous and scared faces. "Well, I gave you my word and I'm not going back on it." She then gave them a warning. "But if you do cause trouble for me or the boss you're going down."

During the next months they became friends with the pink pegasus and learned that she herself was an orphan but unlike her she had never known her parents since she was left at the doorstep of a local orphanage. The place had to close down after the city budget forced it to pay for it's own needs. The kids were transferred to other cities but those who had already gotten their Cutie Mark were given the option of staying and living on their own if they thought they could do it. In the end she was the only one who asked to do so; nopony had shown interest in adopting her anyway.
Since Firefly found out they just stay at some different random location each night she invited them to stay over at her place since she lived alone in some dumb boring apartment.

They lived like that for the next five months until a week before Shining and Twinkle were due to leave. The duo had already purchased supplies and other things they would need in their travel. In the early hours of the clock-cycle the owner of the store arrived with an object none of the three employees recognized.
Firefly decided to question the boss as to what the object was to which he replied, "This is a dial, it was used to mesure time before clocks were invented." The object seemed harmless enough, but little did they know of the trouble it would cause.

The cock-cicle after that the trio of workers were at back taking inventory when two Night Guards arrived. "We hear that there has been trading of illegal magic artifacts in this store, so we are here to investigate."
The boss had been resupplying the shop so he was facing at the stands behind the counter and refused to turn around. "Well... you won't find anything here; but feel free to investigate."
The group searched the place carefully as not to hurt the business of the owner should he be innocent. Eventually another Guard showed up but this one had a badge with a simbol marking him as a Captain. "Have you two found anything."
"There seems to be nothing out of the ordinary, Sir."
The Captain used his magic to scan the area in order to make sure anyway. "There is some sort of pedestal with magic embedded into it." Once he reached the object he noticed it was a sun dial. "Quite a lovely historical antique; too bad it has some sort of hex." The owner of the store threw a blade at the captains direction but unfortunately he caught it in his magic. "The info we had was that you sold anything to anyone as long they paid. You are under arrest for contraband." The owner of the store threw a smoke bomb and tried to escape but when he did so the two guards accidentally stabbed him. "YOU TWO, be more careful next time. As for you, if you die it's your own fault; without that futile escape attempt you wouldn't have been injured." After one of the two had taken the store owner the Captain turned to his other subordinate. "Find out if he had employees and if so investigate them."

Unbeknown to them is the fact that the three employees had witnessed the whole event. Obviously this caused Twinkle to worry. "Shining we need to get to the house and get out of the city as soon  as possible."
"I agree. We don't wanna cause Firefly any trouble."
But as the two were about to leave Firefly stopped them. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Are you really going to head home now. It's most likely that you'll get caught if you go there right now."
Shining knew that full well. "But if we don't go then you'll also be found guilty just because you live there."
"Then we'll all leave town before the clock marks the last hour."
Both of the unicorns looked confused at the statement. "WE?"
"Well, yea. If I stay then I'm going to get in trouble and if I leave I also get in trouble. At least with you I don't go to jail and I can keep my friends. So... what do ya say?" And so the trio left town with noting except the stuff Shining took from his parents home as he never left without them just in case something like this happened.