> Star Trek: Equestria: Starfleet Academy Season 1
>  by Captain_Cosmos
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Episode 1: Pilot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the year 2152, the United Equis had launched it's first ship. Since that time it has developed warp drive technology, made first contact with alien species, and has joined the United Federation Of Planets. Now, in 2252, 100 years after the launch of the Equis, UE's first space craft, it's time for Equis to send its first cadets to Starfleet Academy on earth.

On the planet Equuis, in the city of Canterlot, Princess celestia awaited the arrival of Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Moments later, she saw the nine ponies and spike gallop through the door. Twilight sparkle in the lead. 

"Princess Celestia, we got your message. What's the situation?" The gang stopped and bowed. Celestia smiled. 

"Rise my friends, there is no need for that." The gang rose. Celestia continued. 

"As to why I called you here. You all know that Equuis is now part of the Federation right?" Twilight nodded. 

"Of course, it's been a member for 15 years now." 

"And you all know about it's navy, Starfleet?" Sunset smiled and nodded. 

"Who doesn't know about the Federation's finest?" Everyone in the room giggled. Celestia continued again. 

"I have called you all here because I believe that the time has come for Starfleet to receive its first officers from Equuis." Starlight's eyes widened. 

"You want us to join Starfleet?" Rara arched an eyebrow. 

"Wait, wouldn't that mean we'd have to go through their academy? I heard that Starfleet had an academy that all who want to be officers have to go attend." Celestia nodded. 

"You heard correctly, it's a four year academy where you'll learn the skills needed to command a starship and explore the galaxy." 

"You mean we get to spend four years learning new things? Sweet!" The rest of the reactions were, more average, Rainbow had the most audible groan. 

"Oh come on, you're asking me to sit in class for another four years? I already went through grade school and wonderbolts academy. I'm not looking to spend another 4 years in school." Pinkie smiled and began hopping. 

"Come on dashie, it could be fun, we get to be with our friends, we get to go to another planet, and we get to make even more friends! Sign me up big time!" Everyone else voiced their agreement. Rainbow sighed. 

"Alright fine, I guess I'm in too. It would be cool to spend some time off world." Celestia smiled. 

"It is settled then. I shall send word to the academy and they should be here to pick you up in a week." The gang nodded. Applejack turned to her friends. 

"I reckon we all better split and say goodbye to anypony close to us. It'll be a while before we see them again." The others voiced their agreement.

Lightyears away, at Starfleet Academy on earth, a girl in a cadet uniform was walking the halls of the academy, tapping away at her iPhone when her combadge sounded. 

"Cadet cosmos, report to commandant Forrest's office immediately. He wants to talk." The girl tensed up as she responded. 

"On my way." The girl immediately put her iPhone in her pocket as she immediately made for the commandant's office. Within moments, she arrived at the door and pressed the doorbell. In a second. 

"Enter." The door opened and the girl stepped in. Stopping at the desk and standing at attention. 

"Cadet Jessica Cosmos reporting as ordered sir." The man behind the desk smiled. 

"At ease cadet, have a seat." Jessica eased up and sat in one of the chairs across from Forrest. 

"I suppose you are wondering why I called you here?" Jessica nodded. 

"If I may be frank sir, I was wondering if I had done something against regulations." Forrest chuckled. 

"That's usually why a cadet is called here. However, that's not why I called you here. So you can relax." Jessica inwardly sighed in relief. Forrest continued. 

"I called you here to tell you that we are getting some new cadets." Jessica arched an eyebrow. 

"This far into the semester sir?" Forrest nodded. 

"This particular group hails from one of the more recently admitted member worlds of the Federation, The planet Equuis." Jessica's eyes widened. 

"The planet inhabited by evolved ponies?" Forrest nodded. 

"Indeed. I just had a meeting with their princess of the night. Princess Luna, and we agreed that it was time that Starfleet received its first pony officers." 

"Now that's surprising. Considering Princess Luna is one of only two ponies to have traveled this far from their solar system before, the other being the galactic explorer Daring Do. Having a group of them here will be interesting to say the least." 

"And it could be frightening for the group, which is why, I'd like you to be their guide. Show them around, help them adjust, things like that." 

"Me?" 

"I've been following your record here at the academy, and not only is you're academic record astounding, but you're ability to diffuse a situation and make people feel welcome is exactly why I chose you for this job. Think you're up for it?" Jessica smiled as she stood up. 

"Sir, I'd be honored to welcome our new cadets to the academy." Forrest smiled. 

"I know you won't let me down." Forrest stood up and picked up a PADD. 

"To help you out. I compiled a complete list of the ponies making up the new cadets and included a full profile of each. This should help you help them adjust." Jessica took the PADD and smiled. Nodding her head. 

"This should be very helpful, I'll look this over immediately." 

"You have a week to familiarize yourself with them. That shouldn't be too difficult right?" Jessica shook her head. 

"Not at all. And even if it were, I'm not gonna say no to making new friends." Forrest smiled. 

"Then I wish you luck cadet. Dismissed." Jessica saluted, then turned to leave.

A couple hours later, Jessica was in her dorm, having plugged the PADD into her computer for better reading. 

"Alright. Let's see who's coming to the academy from pony land." She turned the screen on and started reading.

Twilight sparkle.
Species: pony
Subspecies: alicorn
Bio:
Twilight is a kind of neurotic perfectionist who loves reading and almost always has her muzzle in a book. She is a born leader and an intelligent and dutiful scholar who sometimes gets in her own way. She is currently one of the most powerful alicorns on Equuis. Her specialties include levitation, teleportation, and forcefields.

"A scholar huh? And one of her specialties is magical forcefields? That could come in handy for her away team. Next."

Sunset Shimmer.
Species: pony
Subspecies: unicorn
Bio:
Sunset was the protege of Princess celestia herself before twilight sparkle. Under celestia's tutelage she became an immensely powerful unicorn, sharing most powerful unicorn with Starlight Glimmer. She too is a born leader with specialties similar to twilight. She has a dark past that she's always trying to atone for, with the help of her friends.

"A reformed villain by the sound of it. This should be interesting." Jessica continued reading the ponies' profiles well into the night. Noting the wide range of diversity in this group.

One week later

Jessica speedwalked through the halls of the academy Friday morning. Normally she'd be headed to her first class, but commandant Forrest excused her from all her classes that day so she could spend as much time as she needed with Equuis gang to get them acquainted with the academy. it helped that she had the foresight to work ahead in her classes so she wouldn't fall behind. She entered a turbo lift and turned to face the door. 

"Shuttlebay." The door slid closed and the lift ascended. While waiting, Jessica lifted a small case she was carrying and opened it up, inside were 10 black cadet combadges that were cadet issue. Fresh from the replicator. 

"10 combadges. Check. Stick on version—" she flipped one of them over to make sure they had the sticky backing. 

"Check. Now to check in with uniform requisition." Jessica tapped her own combadge to signal uniform requisition just as the turbolift door opened to the shuttlebay. 

"Cadet cosmos to uniform requisition, mr. legington do you copy?" A voice came from her badge. 

"I copy Jessica. And again, you can just call me Harry." 

"Force of habit Harry, sorry. Anyway, our new cadets should be arriving any minute and we'll be headed straight to you. Are the new cadet uniforms ready yet?" 

"Yes they are, Thank god Forrest gave the new cadet's measurements, and only required them to where the top part of the uniform." 

"From what I'm told that's the norm on their world and Starfleet welcomes diversity." 

"That they do. Anyway, yes, 9 pony uniforms and one dragon uniform all done." Jessica saw the a shuttle landing. 

"Good, see you in a bit. They're here." Jessica cut the connection as she stopped in front of the landed shuttle. She stood as the rear hatch opened and the ramp extended. It was then that Jessica got her first in-person look at the new cadets, and it answered a few questions in her head. Not the least concerning housing. 'Well, that solves the problem of how they'll fit into the standard cadet quarters. They're just at belly level.' Jessica was brought out of her thoughts by the conversation she was hearing. 

"I still can't believe that a vessel this size can reach warp 6 speed, that's fast for a shuttle like this isn't it Twilight?" The pony Jessica recognized as Rara said to twilight. Twilight nodded. 

"Federation technology never ceases to amaze me. I mean, if a ship like this can reach warp factor 6, imagine what the larger ships can do." Jessica cleared her throat to cut in. 

"Right now, warp 6 is the fastest we can go." The ponies and dragon stopped and turned their heads to look up at the creature that just spoke. The one named twilight smiled and stepped forward. 

"Oh, you must be the cadet the pilot said would meet us here." Jessica nodded. 

"Yes. I'm cadet Jessica Cosmos, though you can just call me Jessica. On behalf of Starfleet and the United Federation Of Planets, I welcome you to Starfleet academy." The gang smiled as twilight spoke again. 

"Glad to meet you Jessica. I'm Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends..." Twilight pointed out each of her and they all voiced their greetings as they were pointed out. It was only then that Jessica noticed that one was missing. 

"...And finally, pinki...wait where's pinkie pie?" Everyone else noticed that the pink pony was gone. Jessica turned around to see if the pony was behind her anywhere, when she was hit with a blast of confetti coming out of nowhere, followed by the pink pony herself exclaiming. 

"Oh my gosh this is so exciting are you excited because I'm super duper excited this place is huge and full of so many potential new friends that I can't wait to meet Come on lets go!" Jessica stared as she saw the pink pony drop from the air and try to gallop off, only for a light blue aura to surround her and keep her still. 

"Pinkamena Diane Pie! What did I tell you about bombarding our new friends with your randomness as soon as you meet them?" Pinkie frowned. 

"But I wanted to throw a big welcome to Starfleet Academy party and invite everyone here." Rarity dragged pinkie back to the group. 

"I know darling, but first, we need to follow our guide today. Got it?" Pinkie nodded. 

"Good." Twilight turned back to Jessica, who only just then unfroze. 

"And That is pinkie pie, she's rather, unique." Jessica nodded.  

"I can see that. Anyway, it's nice to meet all of you. Again, welcome to Starfleet academy. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to get your new cadet uniforms." The Equuis gang nodded. 

"Lead the way Jessica."

In uniform requisition, Harry Leginton was surrounded by 10 new cadet uniforms, all designed for the ponies that were cadets. 

"Starfleet's first Equuis cadets. This will certainly be interesting. I wonder how they'll adjust to life on earth?" At that moment, Harry saw Jessica and the Equuis gang enter his workshop. 

"Ah, if it isn't Jessica and the Equuis cadets. Welcome to my workshop. I'm Harry Leginton, you got any issues with you're uniform, I'm the guy to talk to." Jessica faced the Equuis gang. 

"Harry here is the best tailor in Starfleet. He's made all your uniforms and there is an incredible chance that they'll fit perfectly. He's just that good." Rarity eyed the uniforms and arched an eyebrow. 

"Darlings, are you sure these are our uniforms? Because surely Starfleet wouldn't clothe their cadets in something so drab?" Harry and Jessica sighed and shook their heads. 

"Yeah, we know, not the most fashionable things ever." 

"But it's Starfleet regulations. Which we can't do anything about." 

"But if it's any mood booster Rarity, they don't say anything about hairpins." Rarity's ears perked up slightly. 

"At least I can work with hairpins." Twilight nodded. 

"Well, you can work with hairpins later Rarity, for now, Jessica, Mr. Leginton, can you two help us get into uniform?" Jessica and Harry nodded. Jessica turned to Harry. 

"Harry, you designed these things, whose is whose?" 

"Match the colors of the stripes to their fur coats, and for the dragon, the smallest one." Spike eyed Harry. 

"The name is spike, and yeah yeah you don't need to point out the obvious, I'm small." Sunset patted spike on the head. 

"Don't worry spike, you're still our friend despite your size. Now, lets suit up." Each pony then grabbed hold of their respective uniform and began slipping them on. Jesica and Harry helped get wings through. Within moments, all 10 were in uniform. And Rarity had changed her mind. 

"You know, I take back what I said about these things looking drab, now that I've put one on. I'd say I look gorgeous." Everyone in the room smiled at Rarity's assessment. 

"You look stunning Rarity." Pinkie nodded. 

"Yeah Rares, you look like a secret agent in training." Jessica and Harry giggled. 

"I guess Starfleet cadet uniforms do give off that impression." 

"But, there's still one piece missing." Jessica opened the case she was carrying and set it down on the floor for the ponies and spike to see, inside, they saw ten rectangles with what they were told was the Starfleet delta on them. 

"Uh, What are these things?" Jessica picked one of the badges up. 

"These, are your Starfleet cadet combadges. They signify many things. What year you are in, what career path you're taking, but most importantly, they're your way of communicating with each other, and anyone else in the academy." Starlight arched an eyebrow. 

"Communicating with each other? You don't use letters for that?" Harry chuckled. 

"We did away with paper communication LONG ago. No, now, the standard form of communication is satellite transmission." Jessica nodded. 

"To activate the communication function, simply tap the device, say the name of the person/pony you want to talk to, and it'll automatically route you to them." The ponies and spike looked at each other. 

"Federation tech never ceases to amaze huh twi? I second that." Jessica smiled. 

"Yeah, when they distributed the new combadges I too was amazed. Now, lets get these on you and you'll officially be cadets." Jessica passed out the combadges, spike getting the smallest one. 

"They have a sticky backing so all you have to do is press it onto the left side of your chest and you're all set." The ponies nodded and stuck the badges where Jessica told them to stick them. Upon doing so, each badge lit up for a split second, then dimmed, indicating that all badges had been fully activated. Jessica and Harry smiled. 

"Ah, it's always so wonderful to see new combadges activate for the first time, in a way they kind of have their own story just like the cadet who wears it." Jessica nodded. 

"Just like every ship has its story, just look that the Enterprise. It's been on the front lines of history since the days of the first wooden sailing ships." Just then, a beeping sound came from Jessica's badge, loud enough that Fluttershy jumped. She started frantically looking around. 

"What was that? What made that sound?!" Jessica chuckled. 

"Calm down Fluttershy, it's just my combadge. It makes that sound whenever someone is calling me, it'll also make that sound for your guys' badges too." Jessica tapped her badge. 

"Cadet cosmos here." A voice came from the badge. 

"Cadet cosmos to commandant Forrest's office immediately, along with your tour group." 

"On our way. Cadet cosmos out." Jessica turned to the ponies and spike. 

"Come on guys, sounds like commandant Forrest wants to meet you." 

"Commandant Forrest? Who's he?" Harry answered 

"He's the man in charge of the academy. If you get into trouble, he's the guy you're gonna talk to, and probably get disinclined by." Fluttershy squeaked. 

"What did we do wrong? Did we break a rule without knowing it?" Jessica shook her head. 

"Unless pinkie pie seemingly breaking the laws of physics somehow got to him and that's not allowed, I'm guessing he just wants to meet you. Seeing as how you 10 are the first pony and dragon cadets." Twilight nodded. 

"So I'm guessing he has our class schedules, our dorm assignments, guidebooks, and other new cadet information." Jessica nodded. 

"That's probably it." Harry gestured towards the door. 

"Well then, you wouldn't want to keep commandant Forrest waiting now would you." Jessica nodded. 

"No we wouldn't. Come on guys," 

Commandant Forrest was skimming through multiple PADDs, making sure they were all loaded with the right information when he heard his bell ring. 

"Come." He looked up to see the door slide open to reveal Jessica along with 9 ponies and one dragon. He smiled and stood as they all filed in one by one. Jessica cleared her throat. 

"Commandant Forrest, allow me to introduce the new recruits..." she introduced and indicated everyone. 

"Cadets. This is commandant William T Forrest. Commandant in charge of Starfleet Academy." The ten new cadets snapped to attention and Twilight stepped forward. 

"On behalf of me and my friends, it's an honor to meet you commandant." Forrest nodded. 

"At ease cadets. I've heard a lot about you, welcome to Starfleet academy. I trust cadet cosmos is taking good care of you." The ten cadets eased up as spike nodded. 

"Yes sir, Jess—I mean, cadet cosmos, has been very helpful in our transition sir." Forrest eyed spike. 

"Son, I know you're new here and you've probably been taught how to address your higher ups, and I respect that. But, there's one thing you all should know about me. Unless you get sent to my office for poor conduct, I'm not one for formalities very often. Usually a salute and standing at attention until told otherwise is enough around me. Is that clear?" 

11 people bellowed out. "Sir yes sir!" Forrest smiled. 

"Now, for the reason I called you all here. One, so I can lay my eyes on the new blood myself." Forrest picked up the PADDs from his desk. 

"And two, because I got you're New Cadet PADDs right here. You'll find your class schedules, room assignments, academy handbook, and a map of the academy. In case Cadet cosmos here neglects to give you the full tour today." Jessica shook her head. 

"Never sir, I know this academy like the back of my hand, I'll make sure they all know how to get around." Forrest let out a soft chuckle. 

"Good. Perhaps you'd like to get started on that tour immediately?" Applejack nodded. 

"I reckon a tour would be helpful sir. From what we've seen from the balcony upstairs, it's easy to lose needle in this haystack." Forrest chuckled. 

"Now there's an analogy I've never heard before." Jessica nodded. 

"I have a feeling there's a lot more where that came from sir. Cadet pinkie pie seems to have a unique gift for breaking physics." Forrest arched an eyebrow at pinkie. 

"Breaking physics?" Rarity cleared her throat. 

"Let's just say that pinkie here has a tendency to literally do the impossible. And when I say impossible, I mean by Equuis standards." Pinkie nodded. 

"Yeah. Like my pinkie sense for example, I can sense when something big is about to happen—" pinkie started shaking like crazy. Rarity's eyes widened. 

"Oh dear, it seems as though her sense has activated." Jessica and Forrest arched an eyebrow. 

"What does it mean?" Twilight studied pinkie for a second, then turned to Jessica and Forrest. 

"Well, this reaction means something big's about to happen. Though no one can be sure what exactly until it happens. But don't worry, more often then not it's completely harmless and pinke'll be fine." Forrest eyed twilight. 

"Are you certain it's not a medical issue that we need to worry about?" Twilight shook her head. 

"Nothing medical. Believe me, I triple checked. This is just how pinkie is. Random, unpredictable, and a serious party planner." Forrest and Jessica looked at each other. Jessica shrugged and Forrest turned his attention back to the ponies and spike. 

"Well, Uhm, ok then. As long as it's safe I guess I can trust you." Twilight nodded. 

"Don't worry, Rarity's gotten very good at handling pinkie's randomness. We shouldn't have any problems." Forrest nodded. 

"I'll hold you to that. Now. The tour. Cadet cosmos, might I suggest you hit the mess hall first? It's nearly lunch time." Jessica smiled and nodded. 

"That's a good idea sir, I admittedly overslept a little this morning and only had something quick and light for breakfast, and, the dorms are on the way, we could stop by there and drop off your luggage." Sunset smiled. 

"That would be nice. My back is getting kinda sore, haven't worn a saddle for this long in a while." Jessica nodded. 

"Then it's settled, dorms, then we all get something to eat." Everyone voiced their agreement. Forrest smiled. 

"Then you all are dismissed." The 11 cadets saluted. Then turned to leave. Forest suddenly remembered something. 

"Wait, cadet cosmos, a word?" Jessica turned back after nodding for everyone to wait out in the hall. In a few seconds, only Forrest and Jessica were in the office. 

"What is it sir?" 

"You know how you have one of the few dorms that have space for three cadets." Jessica nodded. 

"I admit I was a little taken back to learn that I had the dorm to myself, but admittedly it's been nice not having to deal with other roommates. You know how roommates are sometimes." Forrest nodded. 

"Yeah. But more often then not roommates become the best of friends." Jessica nodded, but arched an eyebrow. 

"Sir, Where are you going with this?" 

"I've assigned cadets Sparkle and spike to your dorm." Jessica's eyes widened. 

"What?! You assigned them to my dorm?" Forrest raised an eyebrow. 

"Is that a problem cadet?" Jessica realized what she might've sounded like and shook her head. 

"Oh, no, of course not sir, I'm happy to share it with them, it's just, permission to speak freely sir?" 

"Always." 

"I don't handle surprises very well often. I'm a planner, I plan things all the time, I set schedules, things like that. And I'm not the best at handling something not on my schedule. Usually I prefer more of an advanced warning. When did you decide to assign them to room with me?" 

"The other day. Would you have liked me to have told you then?" 

"Yes sir. I would've liked the warning. But again, I'm not against the idea. I'll gladly welcome them into my dorm." Forrest smiled. 

"Good. Because I expect you to act accordingly to your new roommates." Jessica nodded. 

"Yes sir." 

"Dismissed." Jessica saluted then turned to leave. She stepped out the door and quickly found the gang engaging in small talk a few feet from the door. 

"Ok guys, lets go find your dorms." The gang smiled and followed Jessica.

The door opened and let Jessica and the Equuis gang into a hall with several doors on either side. 

"Alright guys. Now, you say that all your dorm assignments are on this floor?" Everyone except for twilight and spike nodded. 

"Yeah, plus, we're pairing up with our friends! This is amazing!" Twilight and spike frowned. 

"Maybe we should go back and see commandant Forrest again." 

"Because spike and I can't seem to find ours in our PADDs." Jessica arched an eyebrow. 

"Wait, you two mean your dorm assignments aren't loaded?" Spike handed his PADD to Jessica so she could look for herself. Much to Jessica's surprise, she couldn't find the dorm assignment. 

"Hm, now that's strange. I assumed he would've loaded it onto here with everyone else's." Twilight nodded. 

"Yeah. Jessica, do you know why he didn't with us?" Jessica shook her head. 

"Not definitively. But, it's not that much of a problem because I know exactly where you'll be staying." Twilight and spike perked up and smiled at Jessica. 

"You do?" 

"Where?" 

Jessica smiled. "You two are gonna be rooming with me in my dorm." Twilight and spike sighed in relief. 

"Oh, that's good, for a moment there, I thought commandant Forrest forgot about us." At that moment, pinkie seemingly exploded with confetti as she began bouncing off the walls. 

"That's it! That's what I was sensing! Twilight and spike are gonna a be rooming with our new bestest friend Jessica! This is so exciting! I've got to throw a party and invite everyone!" Rarity groaned and lit up he'd horn again, capturing pinkie in mid air with her magic. 

"Darling! There are other cadets on this level and they need not be disturbed by you! Am I really gonna have to keep you surrounded in my magic 24/7 while we're here?" Rarity turned to Jessica. 

"Please excuse pinkie Jessica. She gets overly excited way to easily." Jessica chuckled. 

"It's fine Rarity, truth be told, I'm very interested in seeing what kind of party pinkie pie can throw." Applejack chuckled. 

"Her parties are legendary on Equuis. She knows just how to make a pony feel welcome." Jessica nodded. 

"I don't doubt that. Anyway, how about we drop off the luggage then head down to the mess hall." 

"That sounds good Jessica. I'm starving." 

"Right. Come on everypony. Let's unload, then see what this place uses it's Apples for. I could go for a good apple pie right about now." The others voiced their agreement. Jessica smiled. 

"Sounds like we already know what we're ordering. Let's do it. Twilight, spike, follow me."

In the mess hall, a boy sat down with his meal at a table with fellow cadets. "Hey Luke, hamburger again? Don't you eat anything else?" 

Luke smiled. "Yes, but for lunch? Hamburgers every day." 

A cadet chuckled. "How does your sister put up with you? She's a vegetarian right?" 

"To each their own. Just because we're twins doesn't mean we need to have the same eating habits." Luke took a bite out of his burger hummed a satisfied noice. 

"Replicated hamburgers, there's literally no better food in the galaxy." Just then, from behind him, he heard his dear sister's voice. 

"2 large apple pies cut in fifths And a veggie burger." Luke arched an eyebrow at that because he never heard Jessica order 2 pies and a veggie burger at once. He turned his head and saw his answer. Jessica was with a group of ponies and one dragon in cadet uniforms. His mind raced as he remember his sister's job today. Luke smiled as he watched them go to a table and sit down. Luke turned back to his own table. 

"Hey guys, I'm gonna go sit with my sister and the new cadets." His friends all arched an eyebrow. 

"You mean the animals from Equuis? Don't you think a pony as a cadet is a little strange Luke?" Luke's smile faltered. 

"What do you mean? It isn't any weirder then any other alien at the academy." 

"But no other alien we know of walks on 4 legs, and has access to the supernatural." 

"You mean magic." His friends cringed at that. 

"Luke, don't call it magic." Luke eyed his friends. 

"Ok, I'm getting the vibe that you don't think ponies belong here." 

"Because they don't, they belong in stables and on farms, not sitting in class in a cadet uniform, with a dragon that can breath fire and burn us all alive." Luke picked up his tray and stood up. 

"You haven't even met them yet. From what Jessica told me the dragon has his fire breathing under control. I'll see you guys later." Luke walked off towards his sister and her new friends. As he got closer he heard the lavender pony say in an excited voice. 

"Not even a day here and we've already learned so much, I mean, turbolifts, combadges, PADDs And now the replicators? If every day is this packed with new things to learn, I might be in Elysium!" Luke chuckled as he spoke up as he approached. 

"I should think today would be informative for you guys. Seeing as how Jessica pretty much is an encyclopedia of whose who and what's what around here." Jessica turned her head to the new voice and smiled. 

"Luke, perfect timing, I'd like you to meet our newest recruits." Jessica turned to the ponies and spike. 

"Everyone, this is Luke. Luke, these are new cadets spike, twilight sparkle..." Jessica sounded off each of the ponies names for Luke.

"And pinkie pie." Luke smiled and held out a hand to shake with all of them. 

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you. It's always nice to see some new faces around here." Jessica scooted over a notch to make room for Luke to sit next to her while pinkie was smiling.

"Hiya Luke. Isn't this place awesome? So many new friends to make. Do you want to be friends? Because I'll totally be your friend!" Pinkie would've leaned in closer to luke, but was held back by Rarity, Luke smiled and nodded. 

"I'll never say no to making a new friend. So, yeah, of course I'll be friends with you Pinkie." Rarity nodded as she took a bite of pie. 

"So, Jessica, how long have you known Luke?" Jessica and Luke smiled. 

"Well, I was born 10 minutes ahead of Luke so I've known him since the ten minute mark of my life." 

"Jessica and I are twin siblings. The cosmic duet." 

"For good reason too. Because we were rarely seen out in public without each other when we were younger. We were, and still are, inseparable." 

"Up top." Jessica and Luke fistbumbed. Twilight smiled. 

"You two seem to have a deep connection." 

"We're best sibling friends forever. Always have been, always will be." Twilight nodded. 

"I'm glad you two have such a wonderful connection. On Equuis, family's one of the most important things in the world. I think we can all say we have a deep bond with our siblings." Nods went around the table. 

"Yeah. Thank goodness spike's firemail has an unlimited range. Otherwise we wouldn't have any contact with our families while we're here." Jessica and Luke raised an eyebrow. 

"Firemail?" Twilight nodded. 

"Spike has the ability to send letters via magical ashes that will go to the other end of the link, Princess celestia." Jessica nodded. 

"Yeah, I've heard about one of the ruling princesses of Equuis, from what I've read she controls the sun in your star system right?" Everyone nodded. Luke rubbed his chin. 

"You know, I've always wanted to visit a planet like Equuis, imagine what I could learn there." Jessica giggled. 

"Luke here is studying to be a science officer. He wants to explain the science of Equuis magic." Luke gained a determined look on his face. 

"There's Nothing That can't be explained. Magic is no exception. And now that you're here, I can further that research. If you're willing of course, I won't force any of you to help me." Sunset and Starlight giggled. 

"Oh, you aren't the first one to set that goal Luke. I once knew a girl in another dimension that tried the exact same thing. But she never could, even with my help." Luke smiled determinately.

"Challenge accepted!" Jessica couldn't help but laugh. 

"Oh great, now you've done it. Now there's NO deterring Luke from his goal of explaining magic." Everyone else joined in the laughter. Spike in particular. 

"Oh, I know the feeling Jessica. Sometimes it's impossible to convince twilight to stop working." Rara chuckled as she nudged Applejack. 

"Try getting Applejack to stop working on the farm sometime. Even when she has a broken leg she refuses to sit still." Applejack smiled sheepishly. 

"I can't help it, it's just who I am." Everyone at the table stopped chuckling after a solid minute. 

"But. I think we all have that little fire in us that refuses to be put out. That's the kind of attitude Starfleet wants in its officers." 

"Definitely. So, I'm glad to see you all have that in you." Rainbow nodded. 

"Hey, on Equuis, we faced evil that would make anyone else flee for their lives. You bet we'll never surrender. Right guys?" Everyone nodded. 

"Right." Jessica chuckled. 

"Good. Because you'll need that attitude this weekend. Since you all started here late, commandant Forrest has asked me to get you up to speed." Twilight smiled. 

"You mean we're gonna spend this weekend studying? Awesome!" Rainbow frowned. 

"Wait, we're studying all weekend? Awe man! I was planning on performing this planet's very first sonic rainboom this weekend!" Luke sighed. 

"Sorry Rainbow Dash. But if you want to succeed here you can't be behind." Applejack nodded. 

"He's got a point sugarcube. If we don't do this now, we'll be completely lost later on." Jessica nodded. 

"That's right. You do not want to be behind around here. Especially during the exam period. Failure just isn't an option." Rainbow sighed. 

"Fine." Jessica gave her a smile. 

"But we can worry about that tomorrow. Today we can just relax and have some fun. After this, we can go see the rest of the Academy. The botanical gardens are a favorite throughout the academy." Fluttershy perked up at this. 

"Ooh, I'd like to go there. Do they have cute little critters there?" Jessica nodded. 

"Mhm. And the gardens are open 24/7, so you can go there whenever you want." Fluttershy smiled at that. 

"Can that be our first stop?" Jessica thought for a moment, bringing up the academy map in her mind. After a few seconds, she smiled. 

"Sure." She turned to Luke. 

"Hey Luke, you don't have classes the rest of the day right?" Luke nodded. 

"Right." 

"Care to join us?" Luke smiled and nodded. 

"Sure. After all, even you can't keep an eye on 10 fresh cadets on your own. Always good to have a fresh pair of eyes to make sure no one gets lost." Jessica playfully jabbed Luke in the ribs.

"Hey, I have the eyes of a hawk, no one, big or small, escapes my sight when I don't want them to." Sunset noticed somepony missing from their table.

"Hey where's pinkie?" Jessica's eyes widened as she realized they were missing pinkie. 

"What the, how did she slip away from us?" Rarity groaned. 

"Grah, I swear, I'm gonna have to keep her in my magic 24/7 if she keeps up this disappearing act!" Luke had an idea. 

"Well, fortunately you all have your combadges, meaning we can call her." Jessica nodded and tapped her combadge. 

"Jessica to pinkie pie. Pinkie, do you copy?" It took a minute, but Pinkie's voice came through. 

"Pinkie here. Wow, it's like your voice is inside my head Jessica." Rarity directed her gaze at Jessica's badge and nearly shouted. 

"Pinkie! Where did you go?!" 

"Exploring silly, I was finished with my pie and couldn't wait anymore. So I decided to get up and see what there is to see." Jessica rubbed her forehead in slight frustration. 

"Pinkie, were you not listening when we said that this place was massive and it was easy to get lost in?" 

"I was gone when you said that." Rarity groaned. 

"Ok, pinkie, stop right where you are and don't move from that spot, we're on our way, and please don't go off again unless you know where you're going." 

"Jessica and Rarity out." The connection was cut as Jessica pulled her phone from her pocket. 

"Thank goodness for my combadge tracker app. Just need to enter pinkie's name and..." the screen showed a map of the academy and a pink dot blinked on, on the opposite side of the map relative to their position. Everyone looked at the map and arched an eyebrow. 

"She's on the other side of the academy? How the heck did she get there so fast?" Rarity sighed. 

"When it comes to pinkie, I find it best not to question her seemingly uncanny ability to ignore physics." Luke arched an eyebrow. 

"Ignore physics?" Jessica nodded. 

"She can make confetti appear out of nowhere and she can seemingly fly without wings, if what I saw in the shuttle bay was any indication." Luke just stared at Jessica for a moment before responding. 

"Ok then." Rarity got up from her seat. 

"So, who wants to go rescue pinkie?" Everyone voiced their acknowledgement. Jessica's mind was racing. 'So, we got four unicorns, one of whom's my roommate, 2 Pegasi, a dragon, my second roommate, and 4 wingless and hornless ponies, one of which can break the laws of physics whenever and wherever she wants. Yep, there's no way things will get wacky on a weekly basis.’ A sigh escaped Jessica as she came to a conclusion. 

"Well, they said There wasn't a dull moment in Starfleet. Then again, I didn't join for its dullness. If I can't handle a little Equuis magic. Then clearly I should resign." She heard twilight chuckle. 

"Don't worry Jessica, we'll try to keep the weirdness to a minimum. And Rarity'll keep pinkie in check." Jessica nodded. 

"Speaking of that pink crazy pony, lets go see where she ended up." Jessica and twilight got up out of their seats and caught up with the rest of the group.

In a small house in the state of New York, a happy couple was having dinner when their computer sounded. "Message from Jessica and Luke cosmos at Starfleet academy." The couple smiled. 

"The weekly message." 

“About time, They're late." The woman tapped the screen and they heard their children's voices. 

"Hey mom, dad, it's me and Luke." 

"Hey mom, dad." 

"Sorry we're a little late on the message. We have a lot to tell you." 

"And we started recording this late because we were busy today." 

"Luke, wanna tell them about You're week first?" 

"Nah, ladies first." 

"I went first last week. And we agreed to take turns." 

"Alright fine." They noticed that the message cut. 

"There, now you guys can hear me without the noice going on in Jessica's room, she'll explain when she gets this recorder. Anyway, my week was good. Classes were good. Got an A+ on my first astrophysics exam. Gotta love having a genius twin sister whose always willing to help. Anyway, besides that, my week was pretty average. Right up until this afternoon when I met some new cadets. I won't steal Jessica's thunder because the new cadets are actually her assignment from the commandant of the academy himself and I'm sure she'll tell you all about it. What I will tell you, is that the new cadets are great and I'm looking forward to a great year with them. Anywho, gotta get this message recorder to Jessica. Darn these limited storage capacities. Anyway, I miss ya guys and I'll see ya when you visit in a few months. Love ya." The couple smiled as they heard their daughter's voice through the computer. 

"Hey guys, it's Jessica. My week was good. Great even because guess what, commandant Forrest himself asked me to welcome a group of new cadets to the academy. Can you believe that? But that's not all, these cadets are from Equuis, the planet inhabited by ponies and dragons with human level sentience. Oh, it's always a thrill when a new cadet trickles into the academy, but 10 cadets from a world where no cadets previously came from? My excitement over learning all about them and their planet is through the roof. And what's even better still, I have 2 of them as roommates. Twilight sparkle and spike. Twilight's a girl pony and spike is a dragon. Don't worry, spike's got his fire breathing under his complete control and he's actually a sweet dragon once you get to know him, which is what I've been doing since we got back from a tour of the academy. Twilight, spike and I have been having a get to know you're roommates session. Anyway, the rest of the new cadets seem pretty cool. I'm looking forward to hanging out with them more often. I mean, once Luke and I help them get up to speed in their classes. Which pretty much steals our whole weekend but we're not complaining. Anyway, I'm running out of storage so I better wrap this up. Luke and I are doing great, we miss you and we can't wait for your visit in a few months. We'll make sure to introduce you to the Equuis cadets then. Anyway, I love you and will send another message next Friday. Take care of yourselves." The message cut out. Leaving a smile on the couple's faces. 

"Well, sounds like they're doing good." 

"And it's awesome that they made new friends." 

"Yeah. Yeah it is." The couple smiled at the thought. Happy that their children were doing alright, and made new friends.

To be continued.
> Episode 2: Dorm Bonding
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darkness had fallen upon the academy as the turbolift opened and let out its occupants, the Equuis cadets and Jessica and Luke. Pinkie pie, who had somehow gotten free of rarity's magic, was burning off sugar rush level energy. 

"Oh my gosh that was amazing this place is so huge can you believe it I can't I can't wait to make friends with everyone here I know we need to throw a party and invite everyone!" Rarity facehoofed. 

"I am gonna have some words with that mare tonight. Jessica, these dorms can be soundproofed right?" Jessica nodded. 

"Voice activated." 

"Great." Applejack let out a yawn. 

"Well, I don't know about y'all, but I'm beat, and if we're focusing our energy into studying all weekend We're all gonna need some sleep." Rara nodded. 

"Yeah, Hey Jessica, what time do you want us all to meet in that study room you showed us?" 

"How does, 9:30AM sound to everyone?" Everyone voiced their agreement. Luke too. 

"Yeah, That sounds good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go fish out my study videos. Just in case some of us are more the movie types." Rainbow smiled.

"Yeah, that's my kind of learning." 

After a few more minutes of small talk, everyone headed to their quarters to turn in for the night. Leaving Jessica and her roommates at their door. They entered and were met with several boxes splayed out on the floor. Spike groaned. 

"Oh right, I forgot we still need to unpack. This is gonna take all night." Twilight rolled her eyes. 

"Oh come on spike, if we work quickly we'll be done in no time." Jessica nodded. 

"It's better if you just get it out of the way now spike. Otherwise you'll keep putting it off and it'll never get done. I still got a few posters of Galactic Explorer Daring do and and a few Star Wars posters that're sitting under my bed. I keep meaning to hang them up on the wall but other things like reading and stargazing take priority, along with a little guitar practice." Twilight beamed. 

"You're a daring do fan?" Jessica nodded. 

"Only ever since I could read. I've read every book, more then once, I've seen every movie, more then once, and I even met her at a book signing she did on the planet Risa." Twilight gasped. 

"Nice, I met her with rainbow dash one time she was having trouble finishing a story" Jessica chuckled. 

"So, you're a fan of her too huh?" 

"It's my favorite franchise in the galaxy. In my opinion it's the BEST franchise in the galaxy." Jessica shook her head. 

"While it is a good franchise, in my opinion NOTHING beats Star Wars. You ever heard of it?" Twilight and spike shook their heads. 

"Is that some sort of space movie?" 

"It's one of, if not the biggest franchise in the galaxy. There's an entire 9 movie saga about a family as they are constantly at the front lines fighting to save the galaxy from the forces of evil. It's a real good saga." Jessica reached under her bed and grabbed a rolled up poster, she got back on her feet and unrolled it, holding it up for twilight and spike to see. "I have a poster for every movie Star Wars has under its belt. From the original trilogy all the way to the grand finale. The rise of skywalker. Which comes out this winter." Twilight and spike studied the poster in curiosity. 

"Hm, it does look interesting. How extensive is this Star Wars franchise?" Jessica rolled the poster back up and put it on her bed. 

"Oh, it's very extensive. Do not even get me started on it if you want to sleep tonight." That got a chuckle out of everyone in the room. Spike used a sharp claw to cut the tape off a box. 

"Hey, how about we continue talking while unpacking, hey, Jessica, you don't mind if I hang up a few posters of my own right?" Jessica nodded. 

"Not at all. mi casa es tu casa." Spike and Twilight arched an eyebrow, it took a few seconds for Jessica to realize why. "It's Spanish for my home is your home." Twilight and spike nodded their understanding. Jessica moved over to the book case in the room. "Moving right along, you two can put your books in here with mine. Just, please keep the book case organized." Spike and twilight nodded. 

"Got it." Jessica smiled as she finished making sure her books were all to one side of the case. 

"So, aside from Daring Do, what else do you guys like?" Twilight's horn lit up and several books came flying out of one of the boxes and into the air. 

"Well, when I'm not hanging out with my friends, I usually can be found reading a good book. If it's not Daring do, it's something about Starswhirl the Bearded, astronomy, or anything magic." Spike giggled. 

"Yeah, and she likes to stay up late to read. So don't be surprised if you wake up and see a light purple glow." Jessica chuckled as she backed away from the case. 

"I'll keep that in mind. Ok twilight, um, float them over, I guess." Twilight sent the books flying onto the bookcase beside Jessica's books. Jessica was able to read each of the book titles as they settled in the bookcase. She took note of several of them being about astronomy. "You sure brought a lot of books on astronomy twilight. By any chance do you stargaze a lot?" Twilight nodded. 

"Yeah. I do, and I am so excited to start doing it on another world, I can't wait to see all the new constellations, and that lookout you showed us earlier today is the perfect spot, thanks Jessica." Jessica chuckled. 

"It's open for cadets 24/7. I've already logged several days worth of time up there stargazing myself." Twilight beamed.

"Hey, maybe we could stargaze together sometime. You could help me identify constellations." Jessica nodded. 

"Sure. I'm always happy to have a stargazing buddy. Usually it's my brother. Though he is not a night person, usually the night ends with me having to carry him back to his dorm." Twilight and spike chuckled. 

"Let me guess, he falls asleep when the clock hits 9:00pm?" Jessica nodded. 

"At the latest. There are times when I catch him sleeping at 7:00pm and most cadets stay up until 11 either having fun or studying. And no, that doesn't mean he's an early riser. I'm sure that if he could, he'd sleep all the time." Twilight chuckled. 

"Spike's the same way, he just loves to sleep." Spike rolled his eyes. 

"I'm a baby dragon twilight, what do you expect?" Jessica arched an eyebrow. 

"Wait, baby dragon?" Spike nodded. 

"By dragon time, I'm only a toddler." Twilight nodded. 

"Dragons have a lifespan of hundreds of years, so it takes longer for them to grow then most others." Jessica nodded. 

"So, if he's a baby by dragon time, and you two were assigned together to the same dorm, spike does that mean twilight's your legal guardian?" Twilight and spike looked at each other, then back to Jessica. 

"Well, she did hatch my egg, she's taken care of me my whole life, so I guess in the strictest sense, yeah. Yeah she is my legal guardian." Twilight nodded. 

"But really its always been more of a brother/sister relationship then anything else." Jessica smiled. 

"Well it's still very sweet of you Twilight to look after spike. It must not have been easy." Twilight and spike laughed. 

"Oh, you don't know the half of it. There have been plenty of times spike made me want to pull my mane out. Mainly because he always has his nose in those power ponies comics of his." Spike chuckled as he pulled out a poster from a box and unrolled it. 

"They're only the greatest team of ponies ever assembled. 6 mares, facing off against countless bad guys, and saving the day with the power of friendship! Seriously, I was in nerd heaven when we got teleported into the comic, uh, Jessica, do you have any fasteners." Jessica nodded walked over to her desk and pulled out a small box of fasteners from the drawer. 

"Help yourself." She tossed the box to spike, who nodded. Jessica's thought for a moment. "Actually, spike, toss me a bundle from in there, since I'm thinking about it, I'll finally put up my own posters." Spike reached in and pulled out a ball of magnets, which he tossed into Jessica's hand. "Thanks spike." 

"No prob. You need a bundle twi?" Twilight shook her head. 

"Nope, didn't bring any posters. Just some books, my telescope, and some stars charts, plus some personal hygiene supplies." Jessica giggled. 

"Bare minimum type of packer huh?" Twilight nodded.

"Yeah. The brochure said to pack light. And since those fancy PADDs are the paper and quills around here, I didn't need to pack a year's worth of ink and parchment." Spike chuckled. 

"Oh yeah, if we brought that, there wouldn't be any room to put all those boxes." Jessica nodded. 

"Unless the ink bottles were very small." Spike waved it off. 

"That wouldn't make a difference. Twilight goes through a hundred bottles of ink a week. Letters, essays, research notes, our basement in our treehouse back home is filled with scrolls written by twilight." Twilight rolled her eyes. 

"It's something we scholars do spike. Oh, by the way, Jessica, how much data can one PADD store?" Jessica chuckled. 

"Definitely more then a basement's worth. I'm not sure how much exactly, but you shouldn't have a problem with storage." Spike snickered. 

"We'll see. I'm just waiting for next Friday when she starts getting nervous because she's used up all the storage." Twilight grabbed a pillow with her magic and threw it at spike. 

"Just finish unpacking spike, we got a wonderful study weekend ahead of us." Jessica nodded. 

"Right twilight. We got 4 weeks worth of material to cover. Hopefully we can pack it all into 2 days." 

"Don't worry, I'll make sure we do." Jessica nodded.

In their quarters, Rarity had surrounded pinkie in her magic and plopped her on a bed. "Computer, be a dear and soundproof this room." A beep came, followed by a computer voice. 

"Room soundproofed, no one will hear what is said in these quarters." Rarity nodded while pinkie cocked her head a little. 

"Why did you soundproof these quarters? We shouldn't be too loud right?" Rarity sighed. 

"Darling, you and I need to have a talk, and I soundproofed the room just in case I raise my voice to a less than desirable level." Pinkie arched an eyebrow. 

"Why would you be yelling?" Rarity ignored her question. 

"Listen, darling, this isn't Equuis, and this certainly isn't Ponyville." Pinkie smiled. 

"Well course it isn't silly. We're at Starfleet academy in San Francisco on earth." Rarity nodded. 

"Yes. That's where we are. And as such, people around here, well they don't know you as well as I do." Pinkie nodded. 

"Well duh. I've never been here before. And I can't wait to make friends with everyone here!" Rarity nodded. 

"I know Pinkie. But your unique method of making friends might be a little too crazy for the locals here." Pinkie arched an eyebrow. 

"Too crazy?" Rarity nodded. 

"Listen, I get you're excited and probably would love the chance to throw a party, but, do you think you can tone it down a bit? At least for the first few weeks?" Pinkie gained a sad expression on her face. 

"You want me to change who I am?" Rarity shook her head. 

"Oh heavens no darling, you're perfect just the way you are. All I'm asking is that you tone it down to a, hm, pinkie, show me what a 1 on the Pinkie excitement scale looks like please?" Pinkie remained still and her sad expression went unchanged. 

"You're looking at it.” 

"Ok, then, ah, tone it down to a 4 when we're out there, can you do that for me, please?" Pinkie smiled, grabbed Rarity, and pulled her into a hug. 

"I'd do anything for you rares." Rarity smiled as she returned pinkie's hug.

"Thanks cupcake. I love you. You know that right?" Pinkie nodded. 

"Of course I do, and I love you just as much." Pinkie pulled away from Rarity just enough to plant a kiss on her lips, which was immediately reciprocated. And they stayed like that for a long time.

Starlight and sunset were sending objects flying around in their shared quarters, putting things How they wanted them, Sunset let out a chuckle. "You know, its funny. I thought I was done with school when I graduated CHS and moved back to Equestria, and here I am, about to go through another 4 years of school." Starlight smiled. 

"But we're doing it so we can explore the galaxy in a high tech spacecraft that's more advanced then anything we've got back home. That's got to offset it right?" Sunset nodded. 

"Of course! In that alternate universe this was a old time TV SHOW! Imagine my surprise when I learned that in this dimension, it's reality." Starlight chuckled. 

"Yeah, I remember when we were watching the show at your place. I never stopped to think that it would be real in this dimension." 

"Yeah. Come to think of it, starlight isn't that how we got together? By bonding over a sci-fi show?" Starlight nodded. 

"Yep. Star Trek brought us together, and now we're LIVING the show! Is this awesome or what?" 

"Totally awesome!" Starlight and Sunset high-hoofed. 

"Should we let the others know we know what this is?" 

"Nah, I think we should invoke the prime directive, and let them believe this doesn't resemble anything, at least until this weekend if Jessica asks us if we’ve heard of the prime directive." 

"Agreed." 

"Hey Starlight?" 

"Yeah?" 

"I love you to the ends of the galaxy." Starlight smiled as she leaned in and kissed Sunset on the cheek. 

"I love you too, my little center of my galaxy."

Down the hall, rainbow dash and Fluttershy were getting ready for bed, deciding to unpack the next day. "Ok, how in Equestria did I let you talk me into going to a school that has an aerial speed limit? Seriously, I was looking forward to doing earth's first sonic rainboom. Now I can't because of safety regulations? Are you kidding me?" Fluttershy nuzzled Rainbow. 

"Come on dashie, it's not that bad, at least now I don't have to worry about you getting hurt." 

"Fluttershy, you know how I hate going slow." 

"I do, but I also know that I would hate it if you got hurt. Remember the last time you got hurt?" 

"How can I forget, you stayed with me the whole time I was in the hospital, and right around the time I got out, you confessed your feelings for me." 

"I was so terrified that you wouldn't reciprocate, but after nearly losing you, I couldn't stand the thought of never telling you how I felt anymore." Rainbow sighed. 

"I also seem to remember having to come find you and coaxing you out of the closet before asking you out on a date." Fluttershy blushed hard. 

"I was too scared to see how you'd react." 

"And yet there was nothing to be scared about. Speaking of, think you can handle being here? On another planet?" Fluttershy took a deep breath, then let it out. 

"I've already convinced myself that this is just school, nothing scary should happen here, right?" 

"We're training to be Starfleet officers in a spaceship roaming the unknown. That's the scary part I was talking about." Fluttershy nodded. 

"With you by my side, I'll be perfectly fine." Rainbow smiled. 

"And even though this is gonna sound completely sappy and cliche. I'll always be here for you. After all, we're in the same classes, save for our career specific classes. You're a medical major while I got pilot classes. But that shouldn't be a problem right?" Fluttershy nodded. 

"I was basically a vet back on Equuis so medical school should be exciting, and the botanical gardens Jessica showed us? I can't wait to make friends with all the little critters there." Rainbow chuckled. Of course Fluttershy would find the botanical gardens the best thing outside of class. She was crazy for that kind of stuff. 

"Knowing you, you'll probably drag me there every time you go." Fluttershy shook her head. 

"Not every time, just the first time so you can be friends with the critters too, and on occasion when our dates just happen to be there." 

"Alright flutters, only for you." Rainbow nuzzled Fluttershy on the cheek.

At the end of the hallway, Applejack was confused. "Now, I get that there's a mess hall, but why is there no kitchen space in here? Surely the mess hall can't be open 24/7, so what's a cadet to do when that's not an option?" Rara spotted something on the wall. 

"Well, it looks like they installed those replication devices Jessica showed us earlier, my money is on that being our kitchen." Applejack studied the replicator. 

"Looks to me more like a hole in the wall, and that apple pie from earlier, sure it was tasty, but it just wasn't real." Rara wrapped a foreleg around Applejack. 

"Ok AJ, I get it, you're used to doing things for yourself and all the manual labor that it requires." Applejack nodded. 

"I'm a farm girl, it's who I am." Rara nodded. 

"And there's nothing wrong with that, I'm simply saying that you should give this place a chance, I mean, if you think about it, things like the replicator are really just streamlined versions of what we've got back home." Applejack nodded. 

"I guess so, I think it's still gonna be hard for me to adjust though. Also, now where are we supposed to put the kitchen supplies I brought under the assumption that we would have a kitchen in here?" Rara chuckled. 

"I'm sure we can mail them back to sweet Apple acres at some point. I mean, technology couldn't have replaced EVERYTHING, right?" 

"I suppose not." 

"Then tomorrow, we'll ask Jessica about the mailing system and we'll ship your kitchen materials back to Equuis. Ok?" 

"Alright sugar. Now, lets get on to bed. I reckon Jessica's not gonna tolerate any sleeping in class over the weekend." 

"Yeah, And twilight being the egghead she is, she'll probably cast some sort of spell on us all to keep us awake no matter what." AJ and Rara chuckled. 

"You got that right Rara." The chuckling died down. 

"Right, well, time for bed." They got ready for bed and settled down on the mattresses. 

"G'night sugar." 

"Night AJ."

To be continued.
> Episode 3: Starfleet Academy Crash Course
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the dorms of the Academy, Jessica slept in her bed, having a particularly pleasant dream when the sound of an alarm clock woke her up. She woke up instantly, reached over, and pressed the snooze button on the clock. She sat up and stretched her arms over her head. "Morning jessica." Jessica jumped a little at the voice and turned her head to see spike standing at the end of her bed. Jessica shook off the slight startle. 

"Spike, you're up, and, ready? When did you wake up?" A voice came from the bathroom. 

"I woke him up and helped him get ready for the day. Morning Jessica." Jessica slid out of bed and walked towards the bathroom, stopping just before she was able to see inside. 

"Morning twilight. Uh, you're not doing anything in there that you wouldn't want others to see right?" 

"You're Good Jessica. Come on in." Jessica nodded and walked the rest of the way, finding twilight brushing her teeth, and combing her hair simultaneously. She noticed both hygiene utensils being surrounded by a purple aura that matched the aura around twilight's horn. She proceeded to the sink and picked up her own toothbrush. 

"Do you use your magic every morning when getting ready for the day?" Twilight nodded. 

"Mhm, it saves valuable time which could be spent doing something more important. Like learning the ins and outs of Starfleet academy. Ooh, I'm so excited. A whole weekend dedicated to studying! How fun." Jessica chuckled. 

"I can definitely see why people call you a scholar. Your IQ must be through the roof." Twilight giggled. 

"I don't know about that honestly, but my IQ is pretty high, what about you?" 

"Last I took an IQ test I had an IQ Of 150 over a span of 13 dimensions of intelligence." 

"Impressive. Let me guess, top of our graduating class here?" Jessica nodded. 

"I don't brag about it very often, but it is fun to put those hotshots in their place on occasion." Twilight nodded. 

"I can see why Commandant Forrest wants you to catch us up in our classes." Jessica smiled as she spat out the toothpaste in her mouth. 

"He wants to make sure you ponies and dragon get all the right information, and between me and Luke, you'll get that and probably a lot more." Twilight smiled. 

"I can't wait." Spike nodded, speaking from outside the bathroom. 

"Meanwhile I can't wait much longer, think you girls can hurry up in there? This dragon needs to go." 

"We'll be finished in a minute spike." Jessica put down her hairbrush. 

"Hey twilight, this might sound like a dumb question, but spike is potty trained right?" Twilight nodded. 

"Yes. His body might develop slower then normal, but his mind is that of a 20 year-old so he understands a lot for his age in dragon years." Jessica nodded. 

"Then he should be able to keep up with the curriculum here." 

"Yes, he should." Spike rolled his eyes. 

"I'm right here guys." Jessica and twilight chuckled.

Commandant Forrest was in his office, having a sip of tea when his doorbell beeped. 

"Come." The door opened and one of the commandant's staff entered. 

"Commandant, just got a notice from the phaser range, they've gotten everything ready and the phaser saddles for the hornless and handless cadets from Equuis are there waiting for them." Forrest smiled. 

"Good, get the notice to Cadet Cosmos immediately." 

"Sir, permission to speak freely?" 

"Always." 

"I've caught a glimpse of the profiles of some of the new cadets, are you sure giving them weapons is a good idea?" Forrest nodded. 

"I trust that cadet cosmos will instruct them in the proper use of Starfleet issued weapons. Besides, weapons are to either be in the range or in the armory at all times. That includes weapons mounted on saddles." 

"But sir, we don't have a way to store them beyond throwing them on the floor." 

"Not yet, but I already notified mr magnus to whip up a stand for them." The officer nodded. 

"Of course, magnus can whip up anything." 

"That he can. Anywho, get the notice to cadet cosmos as soon as possible." The officer saluted. 

"Yes sir." The officer turned to head out the door.

In the study area, a cadet with pointed ears was sitting in one of the chair reading something off a PADD when she heard the door open. The cadet looked up from her pad to see a good friend that made her smile, and secretly made her heart skip a beat whenever she saw him. "Do my eyes deceive me or is Luke cosmos in the study area for the first time this semester?"

Luke looked up from the computer he had just signed into and his eyes went wide at the sight of his Romulan friend and fellow cadet, and secret crush. "T'Nea! You're, here, in the study area." T'Nea giggled. 

"My roommate was making too much noise this morning. So, in an effort to get some peace and quiet, I figured I'd head here because logically, what cadet spends their Saturday morning here?" Luke chuckled.

"Well, it's not gonna be quiet for long, my sister is on her way with some new cadets that she and I are tutoring to catch them up in the four weeks they missed." T'Nea nodded.

"Yeah, you guys told me and Ivan about the new cadets from Equuis. I take it you've met them?" Luke nodded.

"Spent the afternoon with them yesterday. They're a nice group." T'Nea smiled.

"I'm sure coming from a planet priding itself on friendship and harmony."

"Yeah. Oh, and also, since we need to focus on getting the new cadets up to speed, Jessica and I can't make it to band practice tonight." T'Nea frowned.

"Aw, Ivan's is gonna be bummed. Open mic night is next weekend and we can't really go out there if we don't practice." Luke sighed.

"I know. That's gonna be Cosmic Harmony's first ever gig. But, orders from Commandant Forrest come first, you know that." T'Nea sighed.

"Yeah. Still, I just, want us to make a good first impression, you know?" Luke nodded as he placed a comforting hand in T'Nea's shoulder.

"Hey, it's gonna be fine. I know it's hard being the only Romulan at the academy. But you have just as much right to be here as anyone else. Heck, if evolved quadrupeds can be here, there's no reason why you can't be here too." T'Nea sighed.

"Thanks Luke. I'm grateful that you can look past my species where I'm concerned." Luke chuckled.

"It helps that you act nothing like the rest of them. You're trusting, positive, and more xenophile. Plus you have a sense of logic that they don't." T'Nea chuckled at that last one.

"Yes. They are completely illogical towards everyone else." They both stood there chuckling until they both heard the door open. T'Nea turned around to see Jessica step in with a pony and a dragon following suit. "Hey Jessica." Jessica stopped, surprised to see her friend.

"T'Nea. I didn't expect to see you here." T'Nea nodded.

"I was looking for some peace and quiet because my roommate was making a lot of noise. Though it seems like I'm not gonna find it here because class is about to start. And who do you have with you? Two of the new cadets?" Jessica nodded as she gestured towards twilight and spike.

"These are my roommates twilight sparkle and spike. Guys, this is T'Nea, the first Romulan to ever join Starfleet. And the third member of Cosmic Harmony." T'Nea nodded as she shook hands with twilight and spike.

"Nice to meet you T'Nea."

"So you're the third member of the band that Jessica wouldn't stop talking about last night." T'Nea nodded as she suppressed a giggle.

"Yep, that's me. I'm on the Keytar. With Luke as lead guitarist and vocalist, Jessica on bass and our fourth member, Ivan, on drums, we're the group that get'll the party going next weekend." Whilst she was saying that, the door opened again and the rest of the Equuis gang stepped through, pinkie instantly hearing the word party.

"Did someone say party?" Pinkie beamed at the prospect of a party. Jessica twilight and spike smiled.

"Hey guys."

"How was your nights?" Rarity gave a small yawn.

"It was a delightful evening, surprisingly I slept just as well as back home." Rarity only then noticed the stranger in the room. "Oh, hello dear, are you a cadet here too?" T'Nea nodded while Jessica cleared her throat.

"Guys, this is one of my friends T'Nea. T'Nea, this is Rarity..." Jessica sounded off the names of the ponies while T'Nea shook hands with them. "And pinkie pie, the resident party planner as I'm told." T'Nea nodded.

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you. Welcome to Starfleet Academy."

"Thanks. This place is nice."

"So much more advanced than anything we have on Equuis." T'Nea nodded.

"Yeah, when I first got here, I was blown away simply by the food replicators. There was nothing even close to that in the Romulan Star Empire."

"Yeah, all this has been a new experience for us, but we're happy to be here." 

"Yeah Yeah Yeah. Anyway, T'Nea, I heard that there's a party planned?" T'Nea nodded. "It's more of a get together then a party, has anyone heard of open mic night?" Everyone nodded.

"Mhm. We have those on Equuis." T'Nea smiled.

"There's one scheduled in the mess hall next weekend. Everyone's invited." Pinkie smiled.

"Ooh, we should go to that! It'll be an awesome opportunity to make friends!" Before pinkie could get too excited, Rarity placed a hoof on her shoulder.

"As much as I love a good get together, we won't be doing any of that unless we get caught up in our studies." Jessica nodded. 

"Right Rarity, you girls, and dragon, need to get caught up so you can succeed here. T'Nea you are welcome to join us." T'Nea smiled.

"I won't say no to a refresher course." Jessica nodded.

"Alright, everyone find a seat, because class is in session." Pinkie smiled and bounced to her seat.

"Cue spontaneous musical study montage!" T'Nea, Luke and Jessica all just stared at Pinkie for a second. Twilight covertly signaled them to just roll with it. 

'I swear, that pinkie continually baffles me.' Was what went through Jessica and Luke's minds.

'Something about pinkie pie seems a little, off, I'm gonna have to ask Jessica and Luke about that later.' Was All T'Nea could think At that moment. Shaking her head, Jessica turned the big screen on.

"Alright. Now, lets get the boring stuff out of the way and go over the rules regs and everything else in the Starfleet Academy handbook." Jessica was met with a couple groans from her class. "I assure you it's not gonna take long at all."

The rest of Saturday went off without a hitch, the Equuis cadets were understanding the material just fine, with only a few blemishes that were easily cleared up. Sunday went the same way, right up until the afternoon when it was time for Phaser training, which found everyone at the phaser range. Jessica grabbed 2 phaser pistols and gave one of them to spike, T'Nea grabbed a rifle, and Luke was helping the ponies into their phaser saddles. Rainbow was grinning like an absolute dork.

"Aw yeah, now this is tutoring I can get behind, look out evil, because rainbow danger dash just got a lot more dangerous!" Jessica giggled as she pressed a few buttons and several targets descended from the ceiling.

"Well, don't get too excited danger dash, these things are not not allowed outside the phaser range. Mainly because of their lethal potential if handled incorrectly." Everyone nodded as Luke finished helping Fluttershy. "Alright, all phaser saddles are good Jessica." Jessica nodded.

"Alright. Now, you all did well in the written portion of the Academy crash course, now it's time for the more practical portion, phaser training." Jessica did twirled the phaser in her hand for a second, then she and T'Nea both aimed their weapons and fired a beam of energy that hit the targets square in the middle. The sound from the shots spooked Fluttershy, causing her to hide behind her mane. Rainbow saw this and immediately drooped a wing over her. 

"It's ok Fluttershy, it's nothing to be scared about." T'Nea nodded.

"Yes, there's nothing to worry about. So long as you don't find yourself on the business end of these things." Jessica nodded.

"Yes. These things can be extremely dangerous if in the wrong hands/hoofs/claws. Which is why we are first gonna go over how to turn these things onto safety mode whenever you aren’t using them.” Starlight raised a hoof.

“Uh, not to question your knowledge, but, do you know how our saddle phasers work? Because while You clearly know how to work a normal phaser, I doubt there were any phaser saddles before today.” Jessica nodded.

“Your right Starlight. You guys have the very first phaser saddles ever made. Fortunately, the engineering team which built the things left a manual.” Jessica pulled out her PADD and Called up said manual. “Right, Uh, Luke, do you want to take spike and work with him while T’Nea and I work with the ponies?“ luke nodded. 

“Sure thing Jessica. Come on spike.”T’Nea grabbed a phaser and tossed it to Luke as spike nodded.

“How cool is this? I get to learn how to be a sharpshooter! This is so amazing!” Twilight and her friends chuckled.

“Yep, mind of a 20 year old, but he can still act childish sometimes.” Jessica chuckled.

“Yeah, though typically you don’t want that when handling these types of weapons, they have enough power to utterly vaporize anything they hit.” T’Nea nodded.

“Indeed. Which is why by default all phasers have a safety mode which automatically activates when you holster it.” Jessica began looking through the manual on her PADD.

“And for you ponies, the safety is triggered whenever you stomp your hind right leg. Hind left to take it out of safety. And forelegs for switching between stun and full power.” Rara smiled. 

“That sounds simple enough. What about actually firing?” 

“Says here that if you want it to fire manually, you simply blink and the phasers fire whenever you’re looking directly at a target through those targeting glasses.” Starlight smiled.

“So that’s why we have these things on, that’s genius.” T’Nea nodded.

“Yes, Starfleet engineering never ceases to amaze me these days.” Jessica nodded.

“Yeah. They can come up with some pretty wacky stuff. Now, lets get firing on some targets. Line up side by side.” Everyone, including spike and Luke, got into a line standing side by side. Luke glanced at Spike.

“So, think you’re ready for some target practice spike?” Spike nodded.

“Betcha I can get a bullseye before you do.” Luke chuckled.

“Well someone’s confident in his aiming skills.”

“You’d be surprised how good I am at aiming.” Jessica cleared her throat.

“Ok, everyone ready?”

“Ready!”

“Alright. Safeties off!” While Jessica, T’Nea, spike, and Luke flipped a switch on their phasers, the ponies stomped their hind left legs and instantly were met with HUD on their glasses, as well as a computerized voice.

“Heads Up Targeting System, engaged.” The ponies began looking around through their glasses, noticing that their reticles followed their actual eye movements.

“Wow!”

“This is incredible!” Jessica chuckled, the Equuine cadets’ reactions the technology have been priceless all weekend.

“Alright, lets let’em rip.”

At that, 13 beams of energy began firing at the dozens of targets mounted on the far end of the range. 99% of them hitting the targets, and of that 99%, 85% made the bullseye. It was overall a good session. At the end, they put their phasers away and the excitement wasn’t dying down yet.

“That was awesome! Did you see that triple bullseye I pulled with my phaser saddle and horn? That’s gonna be so useful in combat.”

“I suppose your horns could be registered as weapons, they are just as much offensive as they are defensive tools.” Starlight nodded.

“Speaking of defense and offense. That was a great idea Twilight, testing whether or now phaser shots could go out of a shield, but not in.” Everyone else voiced their approval. Twilight smiled.

“Well, I figured we’d have to test that theory at some point, and we were at the range, it just made sense.” Luke nodded.

“Yep, it made a lot of sense, I—“ Luke’s phone went off and he immediately checked it, what he saw caused him to grin. “Jessica, T’Nea, Ivan just invited us to pizza in the mess for dinner. You two in?” T’Nea nodded.

“I’m in.”

“Me too. Anyone else in?” Jessica looked around. Everyone was nodding.

“I could go for some grub right now.”

“Yeah. I haven’t eaten since lunch. I’m starving.” Luke smiled.

“So I’ll text Ivan and tell him we’re all on our way?” Everyone nodded.

“Yes, Tell him we’re bringing the new cadets too.”

“Got it.”

The group came to an intersection and Jessica shifted a PADD she was carrying. “I’ll meet you guys in the mess hall, I gotta go to Commandant Forrest’s office and let him know that the Equuine cadets are caught up and cleared for class.” T’Nea nodded.

“Go on ahead Jessica, see you in the mess.”

“Right.” Jessica began jogging off.

Commandant Forrest was packing up his PADDs for the night when his bell rang. “Come.” The door opened and Forrest saw Jessica step through. “Cadet. Little late isn’t it?”

“I’m sorry if I’m delaying you getting off duty sir, but you did request that I let you know when the Equuine cadets were all up to speed and ready for class as soon as it was the truth.” Jessica handed the PADD she was carrying to Forrest. “All 10 cadets have completed the crash course and scored well on the end exam.” Forrest smiled.

“Good. Thank you for your help with them cadet. I knew I could count on you.” Jessica nodded.

“Always sir. Starfleet officers are supposed to count on each other. It’s in the job description.” Forrest chuckled.

“That it is. Good work cadet. Dismissed.”

Jessica saluted and exited the room. Smiling. ‘Yep. Definitely made the right choice joining Starfleet. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.’ At that thought, Jessica proceeded to the mess hall, where her friends, both new and old, were hanging out.

To be continued.
> Episode 4: First Day jitters
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was early Monday morning as several alarm clocks were about to go off in the dorms of Starfleet Academy. On the top floor, the Equine  cadets and their bipedal friends were all fast asleep. Most had smiles on their faces, but Jessica was frowning at something in her dream.

"Battle stations, report!"

"Shields at maximum captain."

"Weapons armed and ready sir."

"Klingon birds of prey decloaking on all sides."

"Evasive pattern delta 5, helm, get us clear for warp!"

Suddenly, Jessica's field of view looked to get wonky as the bridge she was on suddenly looked Like it warped away without her leaving her in a black void, it wasn't space because there weren't any stars, and there was gravity.

"What the? Where am I?" Jessica suddenly heard chuckling from behind her. She turned around and what she was caused her eyes to widen.

In front of her was what looked like a pony, but very tall. The pony had a jet black coat and blue armor, it's eyes were green and it's hair was blue fire, completing a look that Jessica could've sworn she'd seen before, but couldn't place. Jessica could feel the power radiating from the creature as it smiled wickedly.

"So, you are the Starfleet cadet that's showing the elements of harmony around this strange new land. I must say that for all I've heard about you, your mind was easier than I expected to infiltrate." Jessica arched an eyebrow. Before she could speak however, a tendril sprang out of the ground and immediately wrapped around her, holding her in place.

"Hey! What the? What's going on?! What are you? Why do you look familiar?" The creature laughed.

"I go by many names, but most famously, I am known as Nightmare Moon!" Jessica...drew a blank At that name but found that it was familiar. The expression on her face was evident. Nightmare Moon growled.

"You May not have heard of me yet! But don't worry, we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other." Jessica squinted.

"Why's that?"

"Because I am going to stick around for awhile. And when I'm good and ready, you, the elements of harmony, Equestria, and the universe, will feel the wrath of eternal night!" Nightmare Moon laughed maniacally. Which was earsplitting to Jessica. Nightmare Moon continued to laughed as she, and everything else around Jessica vanished.

Jessica woke up in a start to the alarm clock buzzing. Looking over to it, she hit the snooze button and gathered her thoughts. 'Ok, what the heck was that? And, why the heck did it feel so real? And that thing said it's name was Nightmare Moon? Why does that name sound familiar?' Jessica was brought out of her train of thoughts by the sound of flushing coming from the bathroom. No doubt one of her new roommates had already gotten up and was in there freshening up. Jessica looked over at her clock, which read 0800hrs, and groaned

"Darn it, I forgot to set my alarm for weekdays last night." Jessica shook her head and sighed. "I'll just brush my teeth, comb my hair, then pick up something quick from the mess before class." At that moment, the bathroom door opened and Jessica saw spike step out. Spike saw that Jessica was up and smiled.

"Oh, morning Jessica. How'd you sleep?"

"Fine." Jessica replied 95% truthfully. "You?"

"I slept alright. Though I was woken up by a screeching alarm that I don't remember packing." Jessica chuckled.

"Twilight probably did for you." Spike nodded.

"Yep. Though she could've told me she'd do it. How did I not see her plug it in last night?" Jessica chuckled.

"You were asleep when we got back last night. Remember? The dinner that turned into a pizza party?" Spike nodded.

"Oh, right. Heh heh." Spike rubbed the back of his head while Jessica noticed soothing missing.

"Hey spike, where is twilight?" Spike shrugged.

"Probably in the Academy library getting in some reading time before class. Meaning we'll have to stop there before class so she isn't late." Jessica chuckled.

"This is gonna be a problem every weekday isn't it?" Spike nodded.

"Probably. There are books in that library that she's never seen before. It's gonna be tough go get her to leave." Jessica giggled.

"I'm sure we'll manage. You go on ahead. I'll catch up in a minute." Spike nodded and left the dorm, Jessica's smile faded as she launched into thinking mode whilst she was brushing her teeth and combing her.

'Ok, whatever I just went through a few moments ago, it wasn't an ordinary dream. If you could call it that. Was it a figment of my imagination? And if so, what caused something like that? And if it is real. What the heck is going on here. And seriously?! Why does Nightmare Moon sound so familiar?!' Jessica set down her brushes and reached for her hairpin, a Federation emblem that tied her back hair into a ponytail. She effortlessly tied her hair up as she pondered even more. 'Whatever that thing was, it mentioned Equestria, where my new friends are from...' Jessica shook the thought out of her mind. 'No, they already have enough to deal with this week With their actual first week of classes, they don't need another worry on their list that could turn out to just be no big deal.' Jessica finished up and turned to grab her bag and stepped out of her dorm, somehow fearing that this, Nightmare Moon would be a bigger deal than she could possibly imagine.

Twilight was at a table in the library with a decently sized pile of books resting on the tabletop. One of which she was reading. "In 1945, the most devastating war at the time came to an end, but Earth did not enjoy the peace humanity believed would come. Wow. Earth sure had a lot of Wars in its earlier centuries. I wonder when humanity realized that in the end, they all wanted the same thing?"

"Twilight." Twilight looked up from the book to see spike dashing towards her.

"Spike? How did you know I was here?" Spike gestured around him.

"We're in a library, full of books that you've never read before. It was pretty much a foregone conclusion that you'd end up in here on the morning." Twilight giggled.

"I'm that predictable huh?" Spike nodded.

"It helps that I've known you my whole life. Anyway, we need to get going, we got our first class coming up fast." Twilight frowned.

"Wait, what time is it?" Jessica came walking fast to meet them.

"It's 8:45 right now. And it's gonna take time to get to our first class of the day. Morning twilight."

"Morning Jessica." Jessica only then just noticed the giant pile of books on the table.

"Twilight, why did you take all these books off the shelf? The checkout limit is 4 and there was no way in the universe you would've been able to finish all these in one morning." Twilight arched an eyebrow and thought.

"I, I honestly don't know. I guess it was just a habit I picked up back on Equuis. Before I moved to Ponyville I, didn't really have the best social life." Spike snickered.

"Translation, I was her ONLY friend." Twilight shot him a glare.

"I had over friends, I just, preferred reading to spending time with them...Anyway, changing the subject. We better get to class." Spike nodded. 

"Right. If I remember correctly, astrophysics is on the 3rd floor of the Archer building, right Jessica?" Jessica nodded.

"Right spike." Twilight nodded.

"Got it. Thanks Jessica. Come on spike." Spike shook his head.

"I got linguistics class with Jessica first thing. Didn't you see my schedule?" Twilight smiled sheepishly.

"I skimmed through it. Anyway. Make sure you pay attention spike." Spike nodded. 

"Of course twi. I for one don't plan on failing." Twilight nodded as she galloped off. Spike turned to Jessica.

"So, ready to get to class?" Jessica nodded, but remembered something.

"Yeah, you go on ahead, I'll catch up in a minute." Spike nodded.

"Ok." Spike walked off while Jessica slowly made her way into one of the aisles in the library. Specifically the H-M section.

"Ok, where's that Equestrian History. Equestrian history, Equestrian, aha!" Jessica found just the book she was looking for. She reached up and pulled the book off the shelf, reading the title. "History Of Equestria. 2000 years of magic... Volume one of four?!" Jessica quickly looked up to see that there were three other books just like the one in her hand on the shelf. She quickly located the volume editions and they were indeed the other volumes. She opened the book in her hand to see if there was a table of contents, and much to her surprise, there wasn't one. "Darn it, if this one doesn't have a TOC, the other ones probably don't either." Jessica groaned. "Fine. I'll just start at the beginning." She quickly located a checkout scanner hanging on the bookcase and grabbed it, scanning volumes one and two of the book. "There had better be something on nightmare moon in these. If I have a virus in my mind I need to know as soon as possible." After returning the scanner to its holster, Jessica put the books into her bag. "But that can wait for later. Right now it's time for class." Jessica nodded and sped off after spike.

It was a beautiful day as Rainbow Dash was headed for the shuttlebay of Starfleet academy, where her first class was meeting. Smiling like a filly. "I never thought I'd be excited to learn. But I get to learn how to fly starships and shuttles. Ooh, maybe I'll even learn some maneuvers I can use when flying via wings. That'd be 20% more awesome!" Rainbow did a quick loop the loop in the air before landing on the floor of the shuttlebay, where she found a group of cadets. Smiling, she trotted over to them. 

"Um, excuse me, hi, uh, this is where basic flight class meets right?" A few of the male cadets looked her way and smiled. One of them gestured towards the turbolift.

"You must be lost, because the stables are in the quad outside, don't worry, all the other horses are friendly though." That caused the cadets within earshot to snicker, while rainbow arched a confused eyebrow. She didn't see any stables in the quad she was literally just flying over a few seconds ago, for that matter, What was a stable?

"Uh, What is a stable? Jessica didn't point that out when she was giving my friends and I the tour last week." One of the cadets rolled her eyes.

"Typical Jessica. Doesn't point out where we're supposed to keep the horses. Why Commandant Forrest chose her to show the new, "cadets", around is beyond me." While the other cadets muttered their agreement, and snickered, rainbow caught on the the clear insult, as well as the apparent fact that these cadets didn't think she and her friends belonged in the academy, recognizing it due to her experience with this type at junior flight camp when she was a filly. 'So that's how it's gonna be. Oh just wait until I get into the air. My wonderbolts training, and the sonic rainboom, will make anything you hotheads can do in the air look like foal's play.' Rainbow smiled, enjoying the thought of upstaging all of them when she heard a voice from behind her. 

"Ah, I see our newest pilot has decided to show up for class." Rainbow turned to see a bearded man who she recognized from her orientation PADD file as flight instructor Riker walking towards the group.

"You must be Professor Riker." Riker nodded.

"And you must be rainbow dash, our newest pilot." Rainbow Dash nodded with a smile and saluted.

"Cadet Rainbow Danger Dash Ready to fly sir." Riker nodded.

"I see someone is eager. You think you're fast cadet?" Rainbow nodded.

"Yes sir. Fastest recorded flyer on Equuis sir." Riker smiled.

"Then how about using those wings of yours and showing us what you're made of." Rainbow's eyes widened.

"Are you giving me permission to break the speed limit sir?" Riker nodded.

"Get in the air maggot." Rainbow smiled.

"Yes sir. And I recommend you cover your ears if you've never heard a sonic rainboom before." Riker nodded as rainbow spread her wings out. Just as she was about to take off however.

"Wait a minute, shouldn't someone mount the Pegasus so they can ensure it doesn't crash into anything?" That comment came from one of the other cadets, and was met with a lot of snickering. Riker turned to the cadets and gave them a stern look.

"Oh, you all think that's funny do you? Well listen here maggots! Don't think I didn't hear the conversation going on before I said anything. Cadet Dash has as much right to be here as any of you. And I expect you to treat her as such. Understood?" The cadets all jumped back a little from the shouting, but nodded. 

"Yes sir!"

"And if I hear a word of negativity towards cadet Dash again, it's straight to Commandant Forrest's office for all of you, understood?" The cadets nodded again.

"Yes sir!" Riker smiled.

"Good. Cadet Dash, take flight." Rainbow nodded and prepared to launch. "Watch and learn rookies." Rainbow took off at top speed and proceeded to do her best wonderbolts routine in the air, she flipped and turned and rolled and looped high above the ground. The sight from the ground was jaw dropping for the other cadets.

"Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?"

"That Pegasus can really fly can she?" Riker eyed the cadets.

"Still think she doesn't belong here? She could teach you maggots a thing or two." Up in the sky, rainbow dash was currently in a nosedive. Rapidly gaining speed.

"Just a bit more..." her combadge beeped and riker's voice sounded.

"Cadet, what are you doing?" Rainbow smiled.

"Just watch sir, and everyone on the ground, cover your ears if you haven't seen a sonic rainboom before." Rainbow cut the line. From the ground the cadets and Riker watched as all of a sudden, what looked like a rainbow ring exploded from rainbow dash and rainbow  started leaving a rainbow trail behind as she pulled up. Beginning to circle the shuttlebay. After a few laps, Rainbow loop the looped and landed on the ground, folding her wings and letting out a deep breath. "And Do earth's very first sonic rainboom, check." 

Riker shook himself out of his shock as the cadets picked their jaws up and began slowly clapping, and it picked up speed.

"Wow."

"That was amazing!"

"You're definitely Pilot material." Rainbow smiled at that last one. Riker nodded.

"Cadet, in all my years of instruction I have never seen flying like that. With the right training, you have a promising career ahead of you." Rainbow nodded.

"Thank you sir. Now, can we get to today's class?" Riker nodded.

"Right. Fall in cadet." Rainbow trotted up and stood with the other cadets. Riker regained his drill instructor demeanor.

"Alright! Now that cadet Dash is finished showing off! It's time to see how well you maggots handle flight simulators! Dash! You've handled a simulator before!" Rainbow nodded.

"Sir Yes sir! Cadet cosmos walked me through over the weekend sir!"

"Then all of you get in a simulator and wait for further instructions!" All the cadets shouted in unison.9

"Sir Yes sir!"

Several hours later, it was dinner time.

“2 veggie tacos and a glass of milk, chilled.” The requested food items phased into a tray that Jessica took out of the replicator and carried over to a group of tables that her friends were occupying. Sitting herself down next to Luke. Who chuckled. 

“You’re really serious about your vegetarian diet.” Jessica nodded.

“Yeah. I just don’t see how people can eat animals. It’s gross.” Jessica shivered as luke giggled.

“A Shame really, do you know how many times I wanted to share a good pepperoni pizza with you? I’m telling you, you’re missing out.” Jessica smiled and shook her head.

“I don’t think I am.” Jessica turned her attention to the equine cadets. “So, how was Your guy’s first day of class? Anything interesting?” The Equine smiled.

“I finally got to do a sonic rainboom, my flight instructor wanted me to show my stuff, so I got to show off, and prove to them that I could keep up with them.”

“After linguistics, history and calculus was ok.”

“Starlight and I had fun showing our Astrophysics class what we knew.”

“Yeah Twilight. We really showed them.”

“Sunset, Applejack, Rara and I had major fun in shop class. The instructor there was very nice. And she let us make a circuit board.” Sunset chuckled.

“Even though pinkie here wanted to make a party cannon instead.” Rarity chuckled.

“Well I’m glad it didn’t come to that. I do not want to find my marefriend in detention. As for me and psychology, I’m definitely seeing a career as a starship counselor.” Fluttershy nodded.

“Yes, psychology was interesting. As was medical basics. I’m finding that my knowledge in being a vet transfers over. So I had little difficulty understanding the material.” Jessica smiled at all the replies.

“That’s Great you guys. Though, rainbow, did you imply that cadets were apprehensive?” Rainbow nodded.

“I didn’t pay it any mind but I knew what they were talking about.” Jessica nodded.

“Well just remember not to listen to them. You all have as much right to be here as we do. Got that?” Everyone nodded.

“Don’t worry Jess, if someone gives us a hard time, we’ll just remind them that we’re just one of many species here at the academy.” Jessica smiled.

“That you are.”

“Hey Luke, Jessica, everyone.” Everyone turned to see Ivan and T’Nea join them.

“Well howdy Ivan, T’Nea, hows it going?”

“It’s going good. Just glad that Monday is over, now my brain can function properly the rest of the week.” Ivan nodded.

“Yes. It would seem that many individuals here find it hard to function early in the week.” Luke chuckled.

“That’s because it’s the end of the weekend bud. Everyone hates Mondays. It’s a fundamental part of being alive.”

“It would seem so.” T’nea nodded.

“So. How was everyone’s day? No one gave our Equine friends any trouble I hope.” Everyone shrugged.

“Eh, a few words here and there but nothing more.” T’Nea smiled.

“Good. Because remember the old saying. Sticks and stones...”

“...can break you’re bones...”

“...but words can never hurt you.”

“A logical and wise saying coming from beings refusing to suppress their emotions.” Luke patted Ivan on the back.

“It means ignore words of negativity Ivan. It doesn’t mean suppress emotions. I know, I know, you’re a Vulcan, but the rest of us aren’t.”

“And I would not have you any other way.” Jessica Luke and T’Nea smiled.

“Aww, and we love you for you too buddy.” Luke and T’Nea huffed Ivan While Jessica fistbumped with him.

“Now, lets dig in shall we?”

“Yeah.” Everyone dug in to their meals.

To be continued.
> Episode 5: Let the Journey Begin
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"And so, thanks to the advancements made by scientists of the early 21st century, Planck was able to determine that the universe is 14 billion years old, and still has many billions of years left. Thank you." Jessica's astronomy class applauded as she finished her presentation about the age of the universe. The professor nodded.

"Bravo cadet. Another job well done." Jessica nodded. 

"Thank you professor Kidman." Jessica returned to her desk next to Twilight  as Kidman took center stage again.

"Alright cadets. We are out of time so here's your assignment over the weekend. It's supposed to be clear skies Friday Saturday and Sunday so here's a challenge. See how many different constellations you can see by Monday." The bell sounded, signaling the end of the period. "Have a good weekend everyone, I look forward to seeing what you come up with next week." The cadets got up to go. Twilight nodded towards Jessica. 

"Great presentation there Jessica. I had no idea the universe was that old." Jessica chuckled.

"Realistically it'll only ever be an educated guess. The only true way to know is Through time travel, but nothing good ever comes from that." Twilight shivered.

"Believe me, I know." Jessica smirked.

"I'm sensing you probably dabbled in it before." Jessica and twilight made their way out to the hall and started in the direction of the dorms. Twilight nodded.

"Let's just say time travel is something I never want to do again, ever. Because bad things." Jessica chuckled.

"Don't worry Twilight, I'm sure the Federation won't be able to develop time travel technology until well after we're all dead." Twilight nodded. 

"And I destroyed the only known written record of the time travel spell so we shouldn't have any problems on that front." At that moment, they both heard an explosion coming from the door they just passed. They both whipped their head around just in time to see Starlight, Sunset, and Pinkie gallop out of the room, followed by several other cadets. A professor called out to them. 

"Cadet Pie! From now on DON'T MIX RANDOM CHEMICALS WITHOUT MY AUTHORIZATION!" Pinkie nodded. 

"Oki doki Loki." 

"And it's Professor Odin! Don't call me by my first name!" The three ponies spotted Jessica and twilight and smiled. "Oh, hya twilight, Jessica. How was class?" Jessica and twilight arched eyebrows.

"Uh, Good?"

"But what happened in there?" Starlight coughed smoke out of her mouth before answering.

"As you might've heard just now, pinkie here managed to get her hands on some, volatile chemicals." Sunset nodded.

"Don't ask why, but long story short, boom." Jessica and twilight nodded.

"We heard."

"No one got hurt right? Everyone's ok?" The three ponies covered in smoke nodded.

"Everyone's fine. Just covered with smoke."

"Hey Jessica, the supersonic shower should clean all this off right?" Jessica nodded.

"Of course. A supersonic shower can wash off anything."

"Good. Because I for one do not want to be covered in smoke for tonight." Pinkie nodded.

"Of course not, we want to be all nice and—" a horrid scream interrupted pinkie.

"Pinkie! What in Equestria happened to you?!" Everyone turned to see Rarity dash towards them, with Fluttershy coming up behind her. Pinkie smiled.

"Oh, hi Rarity, how was..." Before pinkie could continue, a duster appeared right in front of her and started dusting her off. The duster being held in Rarity's magic. 

"Sweet celestia, you three look like you've been through the junkyards of Manehattan." Starlight nodded.

"Yeah Rarity, we know."

"Pinkie here managed to create a chemical explosion in chemistry class." At that, rarity's eyes widened.

"Explosion?! Why ever would you do such a thing Pinkie?" Pinkie shrugged.

"I don't know. To see what happened I guess?" Rarity shook her head.

"Please Tell me you only got off with a warning." Pinkie nodded.

"Yeppers, just a warning." Rarity sighed in relief.

"Thank celestia. I was worried you'd miss Open-Mic night tonight." Pinkie shook her head.

"Never Rarity. I wouldn't miss that party for the world." Pinkie chuckled. Sunset and Starlight sighed.

"Oh yeah. Thanks to the explosion we need to head back to our dorm to clean up beforehand." Rarity nodded.

"Indeed. Come pinkie. I shall assist you to makes sure you get every spot." Pinkie nodded.

"Oki doki loki." Rarity, pinkie, Sunset and Starlight trotted off. Leaving Fluttershy twilight and Jessica.

"Ok. So that happened." Twilight chuckled.

"Yep."

"There are gonna be more explosions before we graduate aren't there."

"Probably."

"That pinkie pie is just random like that."

"So I've seen, multiple times this week." The girls shook their heads out of their shock and began walking towards the dorm. Jessica checked the time.

"Hey twilight, that stargazing assignment? Wanna tackle that together this weekend?" Twilight nodded.

"Yeah, that would be great. Two pairs of eyes are better then one." Jessica nodded.

"Yep. Anywho, I'll catch you girls later. I gotta run over to cosmic harmony practice." Twilight and Fluttershy nodded.

"Oh yes, have fun Jessica."

"Um, im looking forward to hearing you guys play tonight." 

"You'll love it. See ya." Jessica jogged off leaving twilight and Fluttershy to continue on.

"So, Fluttershy, you planning on singing tonight?" Fluttershy nodded.

"Rarity and I are performing "find the music in you" with pinkie acting as the musical accompaniment, and Rara Applejack and spike backing us up." Twilight smiled.

"That's Great. Tonight should be a blast, what with Jessica's band and the ponytones performing and all."

"I'm curious as to what kind of music they play."

"When Jessica and I were talking earlier today, she said something about, any kind of music." Fluttershy smiled.

"Oh, then I'm curious as to which kind they'll play tonight." Twilight nodded.

"Me too. There are so many different kinds of music, it'll be near impossible to predict which one they'll do tonight." Twilight and Fluttershy giggled as they headed back to the dorms.

Halfway across the academy, T'Nea and Luke were in the practice room of the academy, getting their instruments tuned.

"Thank goodness we could get one last practice in before tonight. You excited T'Nea?"

"Of course I am. Cosmic Harmony's chance to make a smashing first impression. It has to be perfect." Luke chuckled.

"And it will be. Considering how much we've been practicing one song. Seriously, maybe we should've been practicing more songs in the event of an encore." T'Nea shrugged.

"Eh, we can do that next time. Open-Mic nights are typically one song per performer." Luke nodded.

"That they are." At that moment the door to the room slid open and Ivan and Jessica stepped through.

"Whose ready to rock and roll?"

"Oh yeah. Let's do this!" Ivan nodded.

"Yes. Let us create harmonious music from 4 instruments that seemingly can't work together first glance." Ivan sat himself down behind the drums and Jessica readied her guitar. Though as she was doing it...

"Ooh, musical entertainment for yours truly? You must really like me being in you're mind cadet."

Jessica ignored the voice.

'Just ignore the voice Jessica. It has no power over you.'

"Not yet, but it's only a matter of time"

Jessica froze for a split second. Whoever was rooting around inside her head can read her thoughts! Jessica shook her head. Pushing that to the back of her mind as Luke went for the mic.

"Ok, 'let the journey begin', take, whatever number we're on because I lost count." Luke's band mates chuckled a bit. "Ivan, count us in." Ivan tapped his drum sticks 3 times in the song's rhythm and Sonic Harmony launched into the song.

Later that evening, the mess hall was nearly filled to capacity with cadets and faculty, all of them there for the entertainment that was Open-Mic night. Some of the attendees had instruments, lyric sheets, and at each table was a PADD. Including the table Sonic Harmony and twilight and spike sat at. 

"Ooh, my first Open-Mic night offworld. This is the perfect opportunity To see how different races define music." Jessica giggled. 

"I for one am looking forward to seeing what Fluttershy and the ponytones come up with. Up til today I've never heard music from Equuis." Spike laughed.

"Oh, then you're in for a treat Jessica. The ponytones are Ponyville's top A cappella group. There's just no topping them." T'Nea eyed spike.

"Oh, is that a challenge? Because we put a lot of work into our performance, right Cosmic Harmony?"

"Right." The 6 of them sat in silence for a second, then all burst out laughing, save for Ivan the Vulcan.

"Did my Romulan pride just compel me to inquire about a challenge when talking about something as casual as Open-Mic night?" Luke nodded, still chuckling.

"It's fine T'Nea, humans often make competitions out of the simplest things." Twilight nodded.

"Not just humans, when spike and I first met rainbow dash, she initially turned anything we were doing together into a competition." Spike nodded.

"And it wasn't just us either, she was probably the most competitive pony ever back then." Jessica chuckled.

"Try living with Luke when we were kids, he was so convinced that he was the best at everything." Luke chuckled.

"Hey, I thought we agreed to never mention that phase again." Jessica patted him on the back.

"Just teasing Luke." The laughter died down as pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rara, And Applejack arrived.

"Well howdy there y'all, Everyone ready to sing your heart out?" Everyone nodded.

"Yeah, it's awesome that the Ponytones are gonna perform tonight. I can't wait to hear what you guys do." Rarity held her head high.

"Well, to not spoil the performance, all I'll say is that you darlings are in for a treat."

"So we've been informed." Suddenly, a new voice came from behind the group.

"So, whose ready to shake their groove thing tonight?" Everyone looked over to see Harry approaching.

"Harry, this is quite a surprise. I hadn't seen you since last Friday." Harry chuckled.

"Makes sense. I'm mainly in Uniform Requisition fixing cadet uniforms. But tonight! I'm hosting Open-Mic Night. Anyone here itching to sing?" Twilight nodded.

"Cosmic Harmony and the Ponytones are planning on performing tonight. Should be great." Harry beamed.

"Yes, it should. Anywho, lets get this thing started!" With that, Harry rushed up on stage and tapped the microphone. Gaining the attention of everyone in the mess.

"Alright everyone, welcome to open mic night, whose ready to have some fun?" Harry was met with cheers from the crowd, widening his smile. "I'm Glad to see you all are itching for entertainment. Now, for those of you who don't know here's how we do open mic night here at Starfleet academy. At each table there is a PADD, all connected to this one right here." Harry held up a PADD he was holding for everyone to see. "If anyone wishes to come up and perform, simply tap your name, band or otherwise, into the PADD and you'll be added to the queue. I will handle the signaling and all that. There is no time limit on the acts so don't worry about choosing a short song. So, without further ado, whose up first?" Almost instantly, Harry's PADD started going off as the queue quickly filled with submissions. Hardy smiled at the result as he began to speak again. "Well, this should be a fun night with this many acts, and to kick off the night. We have, all the way from Equuis, the Ponytones!" There was clapping as Rarity and her A Cappella mates smiled.

"Well, that's our cue."

"Break a leg you guys." Fluttershy nodded as the Ponytones made their way to the stage pinkie carrying about 10 instruments at once. Once they were on stage, Rarity took hold of the mic with her magic.

"Thank you mr legington. Hello everyone. My name is Rarity. Here with my friends Fluttershy, Applejack, Rara, Spike, And pinkie on musical accompaniment. Together we are the Ponytones! Hit it Pinkie!" Pinkie nodded and played a note on her harmonica, which started the song.



By the time of the song's end, everyone was bopping their heads to the beat. When the last note was played and the song ended. The entire mess hall erupted in cheers and applause. Cosmic Harmony and their Equine friends the most.

"Wow. Just, wow. Who knew ponies and a dragon could sound so good together."

"And pinkie, she was playing 10 instruments at once, HOW?!" Ivan's brows furrowed

"From what I could determine throughout this week, there is no rhyme nor reason to her." Twilight chuckled.

"That's pinkie pie for you. Physics breaker, fourth wall breaker, and can do the impossible. Like playing 10 instruments at once." They turned back to the stage as the Ponytones bowed and vacated the stage as Harry took the mic.

"Wow. And who says ponies and dragons can't give a smashing performance am I right?" The entire room chuckled as Harry looked down at his PADD again. "Ok. Next up, we got another full on band. Now, this one, you may have heard playing before, I know I certainly have, and these guys are amazing in their own right. So, join me in welcoming, Cosmic Harmony!" Clapping followed as the members of Cosmic Harmony got up from their table and headed to the stage. Twilight called after them as the Ponytones took their seats next to her.

"Good luck you guys!" Spike nodded.

"Yeah, break a leg." Jessica shot them a thumbs up as the band made their way onto the stage. Luke took the mic as they got set up on their instruments.

"Hello Starfleet academy! Whose ready to rock?" Several people loudly voiced their answer. Luke nodded. "Alright, then you guys are in for a treat. On drums we have Ivan, our Romulan friend T'Nea handling the Keytar, And with my sis Jessica on bass, we call this little number,'Let the Journey Begin'! Ivan, count us in!" Ivan tapped his sticks to he best of the song a few times before the band launched into the song.


Imagine them saying Starfleet instead of Pokémon.

Twilight and her friends watched the show in utter amazement. Rara the most amazed at their musical ability. "Wow. They sure can play can they?"

"They sure can. They're doin things with those instruments I've never seen before. It's almost bringin a tear to my eye." Twilight nodded in agreement.

"It is amazing to see how music can sound so similar, but come by completely different means." Twilight had been to many concerts on Equuis, and while all the acts were talented in their own right, the way Cosmic Harmony were playing their instruments was on a level that she had never before seen. And their singing only added to the show. 'Not even the rainbooms over in the alternate dimension could match this level of talent.' Twilight Just sat there and listened as Cosmic Harmony played on. Definitely seeing why they were called Cosmic HARMONY.

To be continued.
> Episode 6: Starlight, Starbright
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun had just set upon the academy as Jessica and twilight got ready for their stargazing session that night. Jessica picked her telescope case out from under her bed and set it on top. Opening it to put her stargazing PADD in it. From the other side of the room, she could hear twilight barely trying to contain her excitement. "I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait!" Jessica giggled softly. Twilight's childlike excitement about stargazing was something she could relate to, having displayed similar excitement on multiple occasions. And twilight, despite already having done it every night that weekend, was still just as excited as the first night.

"So twilight. How many constellations do you think we'll see tonight?" Twilight way her telescope into her saddlebag as she thought.

"I hope we get to see a whole bunch. Maybe we'll get to see a constellation that can be seen from Equuis." Jessica chuckled.

"Doubtful, but I wouldn't mind seeing one. It'll give you a chance to educate me on a constellation." Both girls chuckled. It was true that their stargazing sessions so far have been more like Jessica helping twilight identify constellations, which happened frequently due to the Alicorn's thirst for knowledge on this subject from earth's perspective.

"Seriously though, it's been fun twilight. It's nice to have a stargazing partner who actually knows what I'm talking about, even if that partner needs to be brought up to speed on certain things." Twilight nodded.

"I'm just happy I don't have to stargaze on my own anymore. Granted before I moved to Ponyville, I was fine with that, but then I met my friends." Jessica snickered.

"Yeah, friends do change you don't they."

"And I've never been happier to have met them." At that moment, twilight's combadge beeped and spike's voice came through.

"Twilight, is it ok if I spend the night in Luke's quarters? We're in an intense Mario Kart 100 circuit and we really don't feel like stopping." Twilight rolled her eyes and smiled.

"Have you finished your homework for the weekend?"

"Yes. I have. I'm not a baby anymore twilight, I know when I need to work and when I get to play." Twilight thought for a minute before sighing.

"Alright, as long as luke is ok with it, you can, just don't stay up too late, I'm getting up extra early to make sure you're up. Because we got classes tomorrow."

"Right. Don't worry Twi, I'll go to bed at a reasonable time."

"Not spike-reasonable."

"I know. Again, I'm not a baby anymore. And why are you talking to me about finishing homework? You haven't finished yours yet." Twilight just rolled her eyes.

"Stargazing can only be done at night, so can you really blame me? Plus the assignment needed 3 nights of stargazing to finish."

"Yeah yeah. Anyway, thanks Twi, see you tomorrow." The connection was cut. With twilight rolling her eyes.

"Hey Jessica, you said your brother usually goes to sleep by 9 right?"

"At the latest. You thinking that should be spike's bed time?" Twilight nodded. Jessica tapped her combadge.

"Luke, this is Jessica."

"Hey Jessica what's up?"

"Heard you and spike are having a sleep over tonight."

"Yeah, it's gonna be a blast."

"Just as long as you make sure spike's in bed before you go to sleep. It's a school night after all."

"Yeah yeah, I'll make sure the little guy gets his sleep. Since when did you become mom?" Jessica chuckled.

"The minute I had to carry you back to your quarters the first time because once you fall asleep, there's no waking you for hours. And I wasn't gonna leave my brother out in the open like that." Luke chuckled.

"Ok, 'mom'. I'll make sure to get spike to bed at a reasonable time. Have fun on your stargazing date with twilight." Both twilight and Jessica froze, blushing like mad when he said that. And then they both heard laughter from Jessica's combadge.

"Luke! It's not that kind of thing!" Luke calmed down enough to talk again.

"Oh I'm sorry Jessica. But that was too perfect of a teasing opportunity. you know which way you swing, and your roommate is quite the eye catcher." Jessica groaned, then smirked.

"Oh really? And I'm supposed to pretend like I don't know who you're crushing on? Maybe T'Nea could be getting a tip-off sometime in the very near future." Luke stopped laughing entirely.

"You wouldn't."

"Oh yeah? How bout I beep her right now."

"No! Don't do that! I'm sorry!" Jessica smiled.

"That's what I thought. Now, have fun tonight." With that Jessica cut the signal and took off her badge, dropping it onto her desk with an exasperated sigh. "I love my brother, I really do, but man oh man can he be a pain in the butt sometimes. Sorry about that twilight." Twilight, who had just then unfrozen and returned from her state of shock, shook her head.

"It's fine Jessica. Siblings tease siblings right?" Jessica chuckled as she picked up her telescope case.

"Can't be siblings without a little teasing. It's a fundamental part of family law." Twilight put on her saddle as she chuckled.

"Can't argue with that. Now, what's going on with T'Nea and Luke?" Jessica giggled as they headed out the door.

"Oh, now that's a story as old as their friendship." Twilight arched an eyebrow in curiosity.

Over in Luke's dorm, he had just gotten off the com with Jessica as he and spike went back to playing Mario kart 100 on Luke's PlayStation 50.

"Alright little dude, the girls want you in bed before I go to sleep so after this race, we should go get ready for bed before we forget."

"Got it. BTW, guess what?"

"What?" Spike pressed a button on his controller and his Kart in the game blasted ahead of Luke's, straight over the finish line.

"I just blasted my way into first place." Luke just kept staring at the screen.

"How?! You didn't have a speed boost power up, did you?" Spike shook his head.

"No, but I did find the built in speed boost button for that particular Kart."

"Darn it. And I intentionally left out that part because no other Kart has that power." Spike chuckled.

"What's the matter luke? Upset you were beat by a rookie?" Luke shook his head.

"Nah, you won fair and square, or, at least as fair and square as Mario Kart allows." Spike chuckled.

"Yeah." Luke got up from his beanbag.

"Alright, time to get our teeth brushed and all that." Spike and Luke made their way into the bathroom.

"So, Luke, if you don't mind me asking, what was all that about with Jessica?"

"Oh, just two siblings taking jabs at each other. Nothing that hasn't happened before." Spike chuckled.

"Oh yeah. Twilight and I tease each other a lot too. Lately she's been teasing me about how I miss my marefriend back on Equuis." Luke arched an eyebrow.

"Marefriend? Is that the equivalent of a girlfriend on earth?" Spike nodded.

"Yep. Or at least, that's what I've learned since coming here—" spike's face suddenly crunched up as a little rumbling sound started coming from him. Luke eyes him.

"Spike, you ok?" Spike Just flapped his wings and backed away from Luke, just as he opened his mouth and in a burst of fire, a scroll spat out of his mouth and fell onto the floor. Luke jumped back a little.

"Dude, what was that?!" Spike sighed in relief.

"Sorry about that Luke, that's what happens when someone sends fire mail to me. I start to look like I'm sick and then I spit out a letter." Luke sighed.

"Oh thank goodness. I thought you were actually sick for a moment. Twilight and Jessica would've gone nuts." Spike chuckled.

"Nah, twilight probably would've just never allowed you anywhere near me again." Both Of then chuckled as spine picked up the letter and examined the seal. Once he got a good look at it, he beamed. "Oh, speaking of my marefriend, this is from her!" Luke smiled.

"Ooh, I bet it's probably a letter all about how she misses you." Spike chuckled.

"And probably asking when I can come and visit." Spike unrolled the scroll and read.

Dear Spike,

How's it going? Is that big fancy academy treating you well? Because if not, they'll have to deal with me. Ha ha. The crusaders and I miss having you around. It's just not the crusaders without its 6th member. And it's also not spikeybelle without My Spikey Wikey. Aw well, we'll just have to wait until shining armor and princess Cadance visit. They're bringing me and the rest of the crusaders along with us so we can hang out with our sisters! I'm so excited I can't wait! You have to show me what you've been up to! Anyway, just wanted to see how you were doing, and to tell you about my visit. I'm not gonna say when because I want that to be a surprise. See you when I see you, be it when you come to visit or when I visit.

Love you always,

Sweetie Belle.

Spike chuckled as he rolled the scroll back up. Luke giggling a little.

"Sounds like she misses you a lot" Spike nodded.

"Yep. And it looks like the next time I'll see her is when she comes to visit with twilight's brother and sister in law." Luke's eyes widened.

"Wait, you mean shining armor and princess Cadance?" Spike nodded.

"Yeah. That's them—" at that moment, there was a small flash and a poof that resulted in a flat snowflake shaped crystal floating in the air. Spike smiled while Luke eyed the thing.

"Let me guess. Mail?" Spike nodded. "My aren't we popular tonight." Spike and Luke chuckled as spike plucked the flake out from the air and read what was written on it.

Dear spike,

I am not sure whether your marefriend has let you know yet or not, but Cadance, flurry heart and I, along with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Are planning on visiting you guys at Starfleet Academy. We want to surprise Twily so if you could not tell her we will be there on the week October 31st, we would really appreciate it. If this is a bad time for some reason please let us know as soon as possible. Looking forward to catching up with you.

Sincerely,
Shining Armor

Spike read the letter and chuckled. "Well, so much for Sweetie Belle surprising me." Luke nodded.

"October 31st, thats Halloween, the spookiest day of the year." Spike nodded.

"On Equuis we call it Nightmare Night. Hm, now that I think about it, that's a month away, I need to start thinking about what I want to go as." Luke giggled.

"Yeah, there's a Halloween dance scheduled for that night, and it wouldn't be fun to show up without a costume. But we can worry about that later. Right now, we got a circuit to finish." Spike nodded.

"Ready to lose again?" Luke chuckled.

"Hey, no way are you beating me at my own game. Especially after I disable that Kart so we are on even ground from now on." Spike rolled his eyes.

"Your just mad you're getting crushed by a rookie."

"Oh yeah? Bring it dragon man, because this time, speed demon Luke is done playing around." Luke and spike swiftly went back to their game.

On the other side of the campus, Jessica and twilight reached the perfect stargazing site, known throughout the academy as the lookout. Twilight nodded as she and Jessica set up their telescopes.

"Oh yeah, this is definitely the perfect place to stargaze. Uninterrupted view of the stars, warm weather, perfect stargazing conditions." Jessica chuckled.

"Yeah, you can't get these kind of conditions in New York. No matter what time of year it is. One night, it would be too cold, another night would be too warm, clouds, rain, even adequate conditions were rare. The only way I could get stargaze on a regular basis was by modifying my scopetron 6000 to see past cloud coverage." Twilight gawked at jessica's telescope while effortlessly using her magic to set up her own.

"No way, that thing can see past cloud coverage? How?" Jessica smiled as she reached into her case and pulled out a small card like object.

"It's all thanks to this HUD chip. Standard accessory for all telescopes these days." Twilight eyed the chip.

"HUD, That stands for Heads Up Display Right?" Jessica nodded.

"Correct. What it normally does is display all sorts of data you can see through the eyepiece, Star coordinates, time, date, things like that." Twilight nodded. Prompting Jessica to continue. "This particular chip however, has a bonus feature. In addition to its usual function, it's been upgraded to allow the scopetron's viewfinder to pretend the clouds aren't even there, using advanced communication and positioning technology, it can essentially do its job blindfolded." Twilight took the chip in her magic and examined it.

"Fascinating. How did you do it? Modify this thing I mean?" Jessica giggled softly as she plucked the chip out of the air and proceeded to insert it into her telescope.

"I, had help. At the time I was 4 years old. So I needed help from an adult. Franklin saw right away that I was fascinated in the stars, but couldn't due to New York's inconsistent weather. So, he helped me modified the Scopetron's HUD chip to compensate for that." Twilight smiled.

"Well That was nice of him. Is he a friend of yours? Have I seen him before?" Jessica however wasn't listening as she stared off into space. Inside her mind, it was a nightmare.

"There you go jessi, now you can see the stars without having to look at the dull grey sky."

"Awesome! Thank you daddy, you're the best!"

Jessica watched as her younger self and her father hugged next to her at the time new scopetron 6000. Having just gotten it for her 4th birthday. Jessica looked on, letting a tear fall down her cheek. That's when she heard a voice that she DIDN'T want to hear.

"Well well Well, taking a trip down memory lane now are we?" The scene around Jessica changed into a void and Jessica saw the dark pony creature appear. Jessica clenched her fists.

"Leave me alone. I'm not in the mood to deal with potential demons right now." Nightmare Moon put on a shocked face.

"What? But you don't want to watch what that man from your past turns into?" With that, the scene changed again to a room, Jessica saw herself just over a year older then just a few minutes ago. This time she was stargazing, and just enjoying the view.

"Someday. I'm gonna go up there. I'm gonna go explore the stars like captain archer did." Jessica heard laughing and turned to see her father with an empty bottle of alcohol in his hand.

"Ha! Forget it you little runt. The only way your gonna see the stars is through a telescope. What, with your condition and all." Jessica saw her younger self think for a minute.

"Then I'll join Starfleet. They always send their people into space." Again, her father laughed.

"And why would Starfleet want a pile of trash like you?" Older Jessica turned her back on the scene, tears threatening to come out in full force. While Nightmare Moon laughed.

"Oh, I'm going to enjoy tormenting you with this. For now though, the magical pest beckons." Nightmare Moon and the scene vanished.

"Jessica? Jessica. JESSICA!" Jessica shook her head and turned to face twilight.

"What? Did you say something Twilight?" Twilight eyed Jessica.

"You zoned out for a minute when I asked how you know Franklin." Jessica realized what must've happened and rubbed the back of her neck.

"Oh, sorry about that twilight. I guess mentioning my father again brought up some, less then desirable memories for me." Twilight made an oh face of realization.

"Oh, oh I'm sorry Jessica. I didn't mean to-"

"It's ok twilight. It was years ago and usually it's less painful if I just call him by his first name." Twilight nodded.

"Of course. Let's, how about we get to stargazing. You know, the reason we're here." Jessica nodded.

"Right. Let's see what constellations are out tonight." Jessica and twilight both went to position their scopes upward when something in her viewfinder caught Jessica's eye.

"Ahoy captain what have we here?" Twilight turned to Jessica curiously.

"What Jessica?" Jessica smirked as she confirmed the sight.

"I spy with my little eye. Rainbow Danger Dash, coolest cadet here at Starfleet Academy, in the botanical gardens, cuddling with Fluttershy and a bunch of cute rabbits, whilst in the middle of an evening picnic." Twilight's eyes widened.

"Shut, up! No way is that a thing." Jessica snorted.

"You think I'm joking? Adjust your telescope negative 45 degrees down and right." Twilight positioned her scope like Jessica's and saw that her stargazing partner was right!

"I don't believe it. It IS Rainbow Dash!” Jessica nodded.

“Now What was that she was saying? We’ll never catch her doing anything like this in public?” Twilight chuckled.

“Oh she is so never going to hear the end of this. Think we should beep her right now?” Jessica laughed.

“As much as it would be hilarious to see if we can scare her out of her wits, I think we should let them have their moment.” Twilight nodded.

“Agreed. Now. Lets angle our sights to the stars.” Jessica nodded as they FINALLY set their sights on the stars. It was several minutes before either of them said a word. Then twilight broke the silence. “Hey, Jessica? You ever wish that was you?” Jessica arched an eyebrow at twilight.

“What do you mean twilight?”

“I mean, being down there? Having that moment with your special someone? Having, a special someone at all?” Jessica fell silent as she thought for a moment.

“Well, Yeah. Sometimes I do. But I never seem to find the right girl for me.” Twilight’s ears perked up.

“Wait, you mean you’re—“ Jessica giggled.

“Yes, I’m homosexual. Though you probably already suspected it after that potshot Luke took at me earlier.” Twilight’s eyes widened as she made a realization.

“Wait, he said I was quite the eye catcher, he wasn’t implying...” Jessica chuckled and nodded.

“Yep. He was poking fun at the prospect of us dating.” Twilight blushed like mad in embarrassment.

“I-I fail to see how that is as funny as your making it out to be.” Jessica giggled.

“Because we only JUST met last week. I mean, yeah sure, we live together in the dorm but still, a week isn’t exactly a long time to know someone isn’t it.” Twilight was beginning to giggle.

“No, I suppose not.”

“Yeah, you see, I’ve found that the best way to pursue a relationship is slowly work up to that by being friends with the other. Enjoy each other’s company, and if you find that a relationship is possible, bring it up to said friend.” Twilight nodded.

“That’s actually a good way to go about it.” Jessica smiled.

“I know, right? That way even if the other has no interest whatsoever in a romantic relationship, the possibility of still being friends is still there. Because wouldn’t you rather have them as a friend then not have them at all?” Twilight nodded.

“That makes sense. I know I’d rather have the mare of my dreams as a friend than not at all.” Jessica fell silent.

“You swing that way too huh.” Twilight sighed, but nodded.

“Yeah, I do. I guess I always just, knew I preferred mares to colts.” Jessica nodded.

“Yeah, me too. At first I didn’t understand what it was, but I found myself attracted to girls more then boys. Guess it’s just a part of who we homosexual beings are huh.” Twilight nodded.

“Yeah. Think there’s somepony out there for me Jessica?” Jessica nodded.

“Of course. There’s someone out there for everyone. I know you’ll find someone Twilight. Just like I will. Someday.”

“Someday.” Twilight and Jessica day there in silence, before both letting out giggling.

“Wow. We come here to stargaze, and we end up talking about our sexuality.”

“I know. It isn’t something I was expecting to reveal to someone I’ve only known for a week.”

“Neither was I. Not that I’m particularly ashamed or anything. Just didn’t seem like something you tell your still relatively new friend.”

“I hear ya. Did we even locate a constellation yet?” Jessica shook her head.

“I don’t think so.” Twilight nodded.

“Then let’s get to it.” Jessica nodded.

“Right.” Jessica and twilight both turned back to their telescopes and FINALLY started to look at the stars, from then on, engaging in talk of constellations and even playing name that constellation using pictures from jessica’s phone. However, Jessica had other things on her mind. “So not only do I need to worry about that thing in my mind, and said thing tormenting me about my birth father, but now there’s another thing in there. Why the stars am I seeing twilight in a new light all of a sudden?!” Unbeknownst to Jessica, twilight also had something on her mind.

“Why the hay does Jessica seem more beautiful all of a sudden? And, why is my heart suddenly beating faster?” Twilight shook her head to clear the thought. Deciding to focus on the task at hand. “Seriously though, what the hay is going on?”

To be continued.
> Episode 7: Meanwhile...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were walking along the path to the botanical gardens, where they were set to have an evening picnic surrounded by trees and little critters.

"A picnic on a warm Sunday evening surrounded by nature and cute little critters. Can you think of anything more romantic dashie?" Fluttershy looked over to her marefriend, who was looking tense. Fluttershy leaned in and nuzzled rainbow's neck. "Dashie, what's wrong? Are you nervous?" Rainbow sighed.

"Nothings wrong shy, it's just, are you sure no one will be nearby? I don't want to gain the wrong reputation around here." Fluttershy giggled.

"Oh, is my dashing rainbow worried she'll get teased." Rainbow snapped at her.

"Fluttershy, you know better then anypony else how my time at flight school went. All it takes is one incident and it's back to being called rainbow crash." Fluttershy giggled again.

"Don't you worry about a thing dashie, sapphire the bird, I guess who you'd call my eyes and ears in the gardens when I'm not there, told me that the gardens were deserted tonight." Rainbow chuckled a bit.

"Only you could manage to put an intelligence agent on the inside immediately after meeting them."

"My ability to communicate with animals comes in handy." Rainbow nodded 

"That it does." Rainbow gave Fluttershy a smooch on the cheek. Causing Fluttershy to blush a little.

"You know dashie, I think I like this softer side to you. It's very sweet." Dash rolled her eyes and smiled.

"And it's only for you flutters, only you get to see this side of me." Fluttershy nuzzled Rainbow in the neck. Just as they spotted the picnic spot. Fluttershy smiled.

"Oh look, the little critters got the picnic all set up for us!" Rainbow shook her head.

"That's why we didn't need a picnic basket or blanket. Something tells me sapphire was the coordinator?" Fluttershy nodded. Rainbow sighed. "Aw well, not gonna say no to help. Though I kinda feel bad for making them do it all for us." Fluttershy smiled.

"Oh, they don't mind at all. In fact, sapphire told me how they're always happy to help set the romantic scene in their domain. For a bit of food in return."

"I knew there had to be something in it for them." Fluttershy giggled as she trotted to the picnic blanket.

"Well? Shall we?" Rainbow nodded and trotted after her marefriend, ignoring the distinct feeling that they were being watched.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the academy, T'Nea and Ivan were in one of the many holodecks, with holographic phaser pistols in their hands, this particular program they were running was a forest, and they were currently on the hunt for Sunset and Starlight, who had struck up a challenge for the two of them, use their 'superior' senses to find the ponies no matter what kind of camouflage they donned. While Ivan objected to the ponies being allowed the use of their magic, claiming that it would give an unfair advantage to the ponies. T'Nea was confident, after sunset and Starlight promised to only use appearance based camouflage spells, that she and Ivan could find them despite their use of magic. Though now, she was willing to admit that it wasn't as easy as she thought, once she realized that magic and camouflage could render their prey completely and flawlessly invisible.

"I don't think our eyes are gonna pick up anything Ivan." Ivan nodded.

"I did say their use of magic was unwise." T'Nea chuckled.

"Hey, our eyes might be useless, but we can still use our ears, and noses. Besides, if we didn't allow them the use of their magic, they'd stick out like an andorian in a room full of humans in this forest. Seriously, they're fur coats look like candy." Ivan sighed.

"As usual, your logic proves impeccable, unlike the others of your species." T'Nea took a deep breath, then let it out.

"Yeah, And they also do not hesitate to commit genocide just to prove a point, like I would."

"T'Nea, if I can be honest, I never would've thought a Romulan of all beings would be in a Starfleet cadet's uniform."

"Yeah yeah a Romulan at the academy is still surprising considering current Federation-Romulan relations."

"If I may be allowed to ponder, why?"

"Why did I leave the Empire? My people? Why did I leave my heritage behind?" Ivan nodded. "Ivan, there's a reason I never talk about my life before Starfleet Academy. It's mostly because of my father." Ivan arched an eyebrow.

"Your father?"

"Ever hear of Admiral Obisek?" Ivan's eyes widened.

"Direct descendent of the Rouge Vulcan, the one who led the revolt against surak's teachings, ultimately leading his forces from Vulcan and eventually conquering Romulus." T'Nea nodded.

"Also the man who caused the genocide of salvot III. The exact genocide that revealed the empire for what it truly was to me." Ivan lowered his pistol as he continued staring at T'Nea.

"I am almost afraid to ask what happened afterwards, with this new information available." T'Nea sighed.

"Short version, I voiced my opinions, dad got mad, mom sided with me, he locked us both up in our house, mom and I escaped, hopped on a shuttle, and fled all the way here to earth."

"Perchance, was there torture involved during your apparent imprisonment?" T'Nea froze for a second when Ivan said that, the crack of whips and electric shocks filling her ears for a few seconds, then, slowly. She nodded.

"10 years. That's how long it lasted. For 10 years mom and I suffered, 10 years, mom suffered because of me." Ivan arched an eyebrow.

"You're not saying it's your fault." T'Nea nodded.

"I knew I was gonna be in trouble for voicing my opinions, I never meant for mom to be involved." T'Nea had lowered her own phase by that point and had sat down on a tree stump. Her eyes beginning to tear up. "She could've just stood by and let dad on me, she should've, but, she didn't. And because of that she suffered 10 years of torture, from the man who she, until that point, loved with all her heart. And to this day I, I don't know why she chose me over him, especially since she likely had no plans to rebel against the Empire." T'Nea pulled up her knees against her chest and rested her head on them. Ivan sat down next to her and rested a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her.

"T'Nea, you can't blame yourself for what happened, if she's as smart as you. She likely knew she'd be in danger too, but she still chose you. Could it be because she didn't care what harm came to her, that ensuring YOUR safety was her top priority?" T'Nea sighed.

"Maybe? But it just baffles me since, again, she likely never had such thoughts before, what could've happened?" Suddenly, from afar...

"Maybe seeing you have the courage sparked something in her?" T'Nea and Ivan turned to see Starlight and Sunset standing a few meters away from them, and judging by the expression on their faces, they heard everything.

"T'Nea, is that why when we asked if you ever miss your parents, you deflected? Because we inadvertently reminded you of your father?" T'Nea sighed and nodded. Starlight and sunset trotted up and sat down on the stump next to T'Nea and Ivan.

"T'Nea, I never would've guessed anything like that from you. It must've been awful." T'Nea nodded.

"Up until then I never, ever thought that someone seemingly so calm, collected, and loving could do a complete 180 turn for the worst so quickly." T'Nea shivered. "It's scary." Starlight padded T'Nea on the back.

"Well, if what you're saying is true, then he's like, a bajillion miles away from here. I highly doubt he's gonna show his face around here anytime soon." Ivan nodded.

"It would be unwise for a Romulan admiral to travel this far into Federation space. Considering the current political tension." T'Nea nodded.

"You guys are right. Romulus is thousands of lightyears away. To travel the whole distance would take years at least. And that's barring Starfleet interception." Sunset nodded.

"So just let him try to come. He'll just be wasting his time." T'Nea giggled.

"Thanks Guys, I needed that." Starlight nodded.

"Hey, helping friends in need is the Equestrian way, and who are Sunset and I to defer from that?" Sunset nodded.

"Yeah. Also, Starlight, game on!" Starlight nodded and with a puff of smoke, she was gone. Sunset turned to T'Nea and Ivan. "Time out is over. Back to our game." Sunset vanished, Ivan and T'Nea looked at each other, and T'Nea chuckled.

"Come on partner. Let's go wrangle up some magic wielding unicorns." They both nodded and within seconds, their hunt resumed.

Elsewhere on campus, the dorms to be exact, Rarity and pinkie were just hanging out. Rarity was working on a new dress design that she had in mind, and pinkie was busy on the computer their dorm came equipped with. Pinkie was browsing what she was told was the World Wide Web when she came across something. Something that made her squeal with joy.

"Oooh! Rarebear! Look what I found on this vast information pool!" Pinkie swiftly ran over and grabbed Rarity, pulling her away from her sewing kit.

"Pinkie! I am working on a very delicate dress! What is so important that you had to pull me away abruptly?" Pinkie plopped Rarity in front of the screen.

"Look What I found!" Rarity squinted at the screen and read.

"Think you have what it takes to plan a costume bash? We are looking for party planners for the Halloween dance on the 31st of October. If you think you can do it, please contact Harry Leginton in Uniform Requisition for more information." Pinkie practically bouncing off the walls.

"Isn't this awesome? Finally, my first chance to throw a party for all of Starfleet Academy! You know what we need to do!" Rarity looked at her marefriend confused.

"We?"

"Yeah! It'll be more fun if we do it together, come on, I'm sure the readers would like to see us plan it together." Rarity would've arched an eyebrow at that, if she didn't already know how pinkie was. Rarity sighed as she came to a decision.

"You know what? Why not? It'll be a chance for me to talk to Mr. Leginton about earth's fashion. I've been toying with the idea of experimenting with that." Pinkie squealed in delight.

"This is gonna be so awesome! Come on, let's see him now!" Pinkie would've made it to the door, if she wasn't stopped by Rarity's magic.

"Darling, sweetheart, it's 8:00PM, Mr. Leginton is surely off duty now. If you wish, we shall stop by Uniform Requisition tomorrow in between our studies. That sound good?" Pinkie nodded.

"That sounds perfect. This is gonna be so much fun rarebear, I just know—" Pinkie was stopped when she began shaking like a mad pony, and stopped all of a sudden. Causing Rarity to express worry.

"Pinkie, are you alright?"

"Yeah, But I haven't felt that sense since spike and Sweetie Belle fell in love." Rarity's eyes widened as she realized what this meant.

"Love is in the air!" Pinkie nodded.

"I'm not sure, but my senses tell me twilight's one of the people involved." It was rarity's turn to squeal in delight.

"FINALLY! I was beginning to think she'd never lay eyes on a special somepony!" Rarity stopped as her mind began racing. Particularly around the fact that they both knew who Twilight was with at this very moment. "And I think I may know who she may now have lay her eyes on..." Rarity smiled. "Pinkie. You thinking what I'm thinking concerning our favorite lavender Alicorn?" Pinkie smirked.

"You mean helping her win the heart of our first human friend Jessica Cosmos? You bet your sweet flank I am." Rarity giggled.

"Good. Because once twilight inevitably comes to me for advice, she's gonna need all the help she can get." Pinkie nodded.

"Ooh, I can't wait til I get to throw them a party for this." Rarity nodded.

"Oh you will Pinkie. I'm sure of it."

Out in the metropolis of San Francisco, Rara And Applejack were walking looking at a map of the city, with their route back to Starfleet Academy highlighted in blue that they were following back.

"Its amazing how big San Francisco is. It's bigger then any city on Equuis." Applejack nodded.

"Eeyup. Though I reckon that can be counted as a good thing. Since there was no way we could explore all of it in one weekend, gives us something to do while on this crazy planet." Rara nodded.

"Yeah, though with how big it is, we may need to think about asking about jet packs to something so that we can actually it without shuttles, hovercars or transporters." AJ shuddered.

"Yeah, I think I may stick with walking. You know flying's always made my stomach turn inside out." Rara giggled.

"You realized we'll eventually be flying starships, actually live on them after we graduate right?" Applejack chuckled.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Eh, to hay with my stomach turning inside out, the chance to be a pioneer just like my ancestors and Granny Smith is too tempting for me not to take it." Rara nodded.

"And it was too tempting for me to pass up being a pioneer with my favorite cowpony." Applejack blushed a bit.

"Ya know, had you told me last year that I'd be half way across the galaxy on a planet training to be a space pony, I would've laughed. And now here we are, doing just that, and I haven't laughed once at it. Huh." Rara chuckled.

"Having trouble wrapping your simple mind around it huh?" Applejack rolled her eyes.

"Hey, I can understand everything they're teaching us at the academy, and I can comprehend things like transmolecular conversion and plasma injectors. I'm simply saying that this just doesn't seem real. I'm still trying to adjust from the simplicities of the farm to the hi-tech hustle and bustle of earth. Ya don't make that big of an adjustment overnight." Rara giggled.

"No, no you don't. But it helps that our friends are here too." Applejack nodded. 

"I agree. Though even with them here, I don't think I would be able to adjust without you here Rara. Having somepony here to truly understands the change I'm going through helps a ton." Rara smiled as she stared into the green eyes of her marefriend.

"Aww, AJ, that's so sweet." Rara leaned in and pecked Applejack in the lips, when she pulled away, she intertwined her tail with applejack's. “I love you AJ, with all my heart." Applejack blushed.

"I love ya too sugar. More than any apple in the galaxy." Applejack leaned in and pecked Rara on the cheek as they continued to head back to the Academy.

To be continued.
> Episode 8: Discoveries and Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"And it was thus that the Crystal Empire vanishes, not to be seen again for a thousand years." Jessica turned the last page of the second volume of 'Equestrian History: 2000 Years of Magic', and found that it was blank. Earning a silent groan from Jessica. "Ugh! Nothing! Nothing on Nightmare Moon, I learned about Discord, Tirek, even King Sombra. But nothing on the one creature that could cause serious problems." Jessica closed the book and finally settled into her bed for the night. Just as she drifted off to sleep.

Jessica was in the void again, with the creature standing around, chuckling.

"What's wrong cadet? Trouble finding your information?"

"You could be a serious security risk to everything and everyone in the galaxy. And I just can't trust you to be telling the truth about your identity." NM giggled.

"You know you could ask your pest of roommates. They should remember me." Jessica shook her head.

"They'll think I'm crazy." NM laughed.

"Ha! You're crazy either way. Because you think you can stop me." Jessica turned her back on NM.

"Maybe on my own, but once I find out any degree of truth to you're claims. I'm letting my friends know. And I know they'll be able to confirm my claims because the unicorns can do a brain scan spell." NM rolled her eyes.

"Of course they can. I'd be amazed if they couldn't perform even the simplest spell." Jessica groaned.

"You're impossible to tolerate. You know that right." NM laughed.

"I try. Oh how I try to be intolerable." Jessica rolled her eyes.

The next day found Jessica on her way to the library, to return the two volumes she had, and to check out the remaining two. "I swear, if Nightmare Moon is the first thing the pops up in the two remaining volumes I'm petitioning that it be a law that all books have a TOC. Because that would make looking for specific things MUCH easier."

"Like what?" Jessica jumped and screamed as Pinkie came up behind her.

"Gah! Pinkie! Jesus! You almost gave me a heart attack!" Pinkie giggled.

"Sorry. I have that effect on ponies sometimes. Anywho. Whatcha up to?" Jessica's mind raced. She usually made it a point to never lie to her friends, but she also didn't want them to know about her research until she had some hard idea of what she had in her mind.

"I'm, just heading to the library for some reading. Got a big test in astronomy and I need to keep up my grade." Jessica smiled inwardly. That was entirely true that she had a test, but thanks to nonstop study sessions the minute she was informed, she could take the test at anytime and get a perfect score. "There. Now I didn't COMPLETELY lie in what I was doing." Pinkie smiled.

"Cool. That's on my way to my next class. I can walk you to the library." Jessica nodded.

"Eh, I wouldn't mind the company actually."

"Great!" Jessica And pinkie started for the library. After a few minutes, Pinkie spoke up.

"So jessica. Got your eye on anyone lately?" Jessica arched an eyebrow.

"Huh?" 

"Is there anyone you've got your eye on lately?" Jessica tensed up as she realized what pinkie had just asked. Her mind immediately raced back to that night 2 weeks ago, she and twilight had been stargazing, had both revealed which way they swung to each other, and Jessica had started seeing twilight differently. Without knowing what else to do, Jessica sighed.

"Maybe pinkie, I don't know. There is someone, but I'm not clear on how I feel about them."

"Why not?"

"Because this girl I'm not sure about, we only just met a few weeks ago. We're great friends. That part is clear, but lately I've begun to see her in a new light." Pinkie smirked.

"Oh, I think it's clear as air. You are in love!" Jessica froze.

"Pinkie, I don't know about love. Maybe a small crush." Pinkie smiled.

"Well. At any rate, if you aren't sure. Just go to Rarity. She'll make things clear and you'll realize that you love twilight in no time." Ok, now Jessica really froze in shock.

"What, how did you—"

"My pinkie sense. It can sense all kinds of things, and it's specifically tuned where my friends are concerned. And I sensed two weeks ago that love was in the air between you and twilight. My sense is very precise, and had never been wrong before. Oh. Here's the library. Have fun studying Jessica. I'll see about getting you so see Rarity sometime. Bye." Pinkie bounced off, leaving Jessica in utter shock. "Ok, what the stars just happened?" She heard the familiar voice inside her head. And it was snickering.

"Oh, this has nightmare fuel written all over it. Your father, me, and now this? You must like nightmares cadet." Jessica shook her head.

"Shut up! I don't need you to meddle in my life."

"Aw, But it's just so much fun watching you meander around." Jessica groaned.

"Just ignore her Jessica. If all goes well she'll be out of You're mind soon." Jessica heard chuckling again.

"It'll take a lot longer then you think you brat." Jessica just shook her head and proceeded into the library. She stopped when she realized something. She quickly pressed her combadge.

"Pinkie, you there?"

"I'm here Jessica. What's up?"

"If you think Rarity can help it's ok to tell her, but do not tell Twilight about what we just discussed. At least not until I do, if it ever gets to that point."

"Oki doki Loki. Cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye, Twilight will not find out about your 'little crush'."

"Pinkie, this is serious."

"That's why I just Pinkie promised. When it comes to pinkie promises. You do not break one. Because that is the absolute fastest way to lose a friend, and I simply can't lose you as a friend." Jessica smiled.

"Thanks pinkie. Though, just out of curiosity, what would happen if one were to be broken? Other then losing a friend potentially?"

"You don't want to know." Jessica chuckled.

"Alright. Thanks pinks."

"Anytime, just promise I can plan the after-wedding party when you two inevitably get married." Jessica blushed.

"P-Pinkie, we are even together yet." Pinkie laughed.

"I know that silly. I was just pulling your leg. Anyway, I'll keep it a secret and get rarity in on this. Gotta go." With that, the connection was cut, and Jessica sighed in relief that she caught pinkie before she said something damaging.

"Now. Back to the matter at hand, finding out what I got inside my mind."

While pinkie and Jessica were having their little chat, twilight and rarity had run each other in the hallway on their way to their next classes.

"Hey twilight darling. How're you doing on this fine day?"

"I'm doing good Rarity. You?"

"Absolutely marvelous dear. Planning the Halloween dance with pinkie is more fun then I thought it would be." Twilight chuckled.

"With you and pinkie in charge, I'm sure the dance will be a blast." All of a sudden, both their combadges beeped and pinkie's voice came up.

"It will be. Because raripie is the best dance team in the galaxy!" The connection was cut, leaving rarity and twilight to shudder.

"I love her with all my heart, but her antics scare me sometimes."

"Same here." They both shook it off and resumed walking to class.

"So, twilight, you asking anyone to the dance?" Twilight shrugged.

"Eh, I don't know. Maybe?"

"Got your eye on anyone in particular? Like say, your human roommate?" Twilight froze at the mention of Jessica, and unfortunately for her, Rarity noticed and smirked.

"So pinkie was right." Twilight's eyes widened.

"How—"

"Pinkie sense, apparently she can sense when someone is in love." Twilight shook the shock off and felt the heat in her cheeks as she smiled sheepishly.

"R-Rarity, can we t-talk about this s-somewhere else?"

"I'll do you one better." Rarity's horn lit up and a light blue bubble formed around the two of them before going away.

"There, now, no one will hear us. So. What's going on with you and Jessica?" Twilight sighed.

"To be honest. I don't know. This is all new to me."

"Ok, how about we start at the beginning. Tell me what happened when you were stargazing with your beautiful crush." Twilight tensed up a bit, but started explaining what had happened that night.

Jessica put the two volumes back on their shelf and replaced the book scanner back in its holster. "Ok, so far today, Pinkie has somehow pinged on my feelings for twilight, and then I have a fight with a book check out scanner that seemingly doesn't want to mark the books as returned until after 60 tries. And of course this cuts in to valuable research time." Jessica checked her phone for the time, and it told her that she only had 30 minutes before her next class. Jessica groaned. "Thank goodness for a library's ability to loan out books. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to confirm any of NM's claims until NEXT year." Jessica plopped herself in one of the reading chairs and opened 'Equestrian History: 2000 years of magic volume 3', and immediately she saw EXACTLY what she was looking for. "The Era Of Eternal Night: Nightmare Moon's ascent to banishment." Jessica let out a frustrated sigh. "THIS is why Tables of Contents are important. 3 weeks, 3 weeks I've gone through the first 1000 years of Equestrian history, and it turns out what I want to know is right smack in the beginning of the second thousand years of its history." "Nightmare Moon you better hope you aren't evil or anything, because I am at the very end of my patience with you."

"What was that cadet?" Jessica froze as she looked up and saw the librarian.

"Professor Cinch! I, Uh, didn't see you there." Cinch chuckled.

"Obviously. So, what brings you to the library today? What piece of literature has captured your fancy?" Jessica's mind raced. What could she tell the librarian? On one hand the librarian could probably save her who knows how much more reading before she had the full story behind Nightmare Moon, on the other, even mentioning Nightmare Moon was risky if Cinch had heard of her. Reaching a decision, she sighed.

"Oh, just some Equestrian History. Specifically, Nightmare Moon." Cinch arched an eyebrow.

"Nightmare Moon? That evil old hag from a thousand years ago that tried to rid Equuis of the sun?"

"Evil old hag?! I could turn you inside out in an instant peasant!"

Jessica nodded. "I was thinking of going as her for Halloween and I just thought I'd go as far as capturing her demeanor, to a point of course." Cinch nodded.

"So you turn to the history books to ensure you put on a convincing performance." Jessica nodded.

"Exactly. Though it's not set in stone yet. Just wanted to see if I could pull it off." Cinch touched an index finger to her chin as she thought.

"While books are certainly a good research tool, if you want to make sure you do something right, sometimes is better to have a visual representation." Jessica arched an eyebrow.

"Huh?" Cinch smiled as something came to her.

"Follow me." Cinch walked off, Jessica, curiosity getting the better of her, followed close behind. They came to section of the library that held holo versions of a great majority of the written material, for those cadets that preferred that method. Cinch stopped by a drawer and pulled it out. "Now where is it, Equestrian History—ah!" She smiled as she pulled out a small orange tube. "The holo version of EH: 2000 years of Magic volume 3." Jessica reached out an plucked the tube from Cinch's outstretched hand.

"This thing can show me Nightmare Moon?" Cinch nodded.

"Reference books, like history books, never give much in the way of visual details towards certain historical figures. But the holo versions provide the most accurate visual representation possible." Jessica's eyes widened as she realized what Cinch was getting at.

"Professor Cinch, you're a genius! Why didn't I think of this?" Cinch chuckled.

"Between you and me cadet. I think you could pull of Nightmare Moon, Of course, she was a pony, but besides that..." Jessica nodded.

"I'll let the holodeck's presentation of her demeanor be the deciding factor. Thank you professor." Cinch nodded.

"Anytime cadet." Satisfied, Jessica carefully placed the tube in her bag, along with the combined second thousand years of history-ever though she found what she was looking for, she couldn't leave a book series unfinished-and made her way out of the library, headed to her next class.

"So, you are going to see me in all my glory. I can't wait for this trip down memory lane." Jessica groaned.

"Are you even TRYING to hide anything? If you're a villain you are the worst one in the secret department." NM chuckled.

"What have I to hide? To put it to terms your feeble little mind can understand, I am an open book." Jessica rolled her eyes.

"The sooner I get it out of my mind, the better." Jessica continued towards her next class, shutting the creature out for now.

Several hours later, Jessica left her last class of the day, twilight close behind her.

"Well, That was a fun test, how do you think you did Jessica?" Jessica smiled.

"I did alright, I knew all the names of the constellations on the first section, the second section was a little harder because it's near impossible to remember the precise coordinates of all the stars in a constellation, with all those numbers and all, but, I don't think I failed that section. All and all, it was a fairly easy test, how about you?" Twilight giggled.

"I wouldn't have even gotten past the first constellation question without you. If I haven't said it already. Thanks for helping me study Jessica." Jessica nodded.

"Of course Twilight, I'd never leave a friend hanging, especially one I also room with." Twilight chuckled.

"Yeah, I suppose that helps doesn't it." Jessica and twilight chuckled until they came to an intersection, and Jessica turned to go down a corridor, which made twilight arch an eyebrow.

"Hey, Jessica, aren't you coming back to the room?" Jessica turned to face twilight and nodded.

"Yeah, I'll be back, but first there's something I need to do on the holodeck, research for Halloween." Twilight arched an eyebrow.

"You researching a costume?"

"One thing you should know, I put more effort into my costume then the average person." Twilight smiled.

"Cool. Mind if I join?" Jessica's answer was immediate.

"No, uh, I mean, yes I do mind. I just want my costume to be a surprise, and I don't want any rumors going around, you understand right?" Admittedly twilight was confused, but she was also intrigued so she decided to play along.

"Yeah, I get it. If you want to keep people guessing on what you'll go as, that's up to you. Just make sure it's a good costume."

"Best one Ever. I'll see you later then?" Twilight nodded.

"Yeah, we're still on for stargazing tonight right?" Jessica nodded.

"Of course, it's supposed to be cloudy tonight but that's not a problem for my scopetron." Twilight nodded.

"Great. See you later then." 

"See ya." Twilight headed off towards the dorms while Jessica headed off to the holodeck. Sighing to herself. "At last, I'll finally confirm what my visitor has been telling me. With any luck Nightmare Moon is nothing but an Equestrian Fairytale." She heard NM chuckling.

"Prepare to be disappointed." Jessica shook her head.

"I swear, she gets more annoying by the day!"

"Jessica?" Jessica turned her head to see T'Nea walking towards her, with a confused expression on her face. "Who gets more annoying by the day?" Jessica tensed up as her mind raced for the billionth time that day, T'Nea had HEARD her talking about Nightmare Moon, that alone threw out her Halloween story that she had been throwing around all day, and Jessica didn't think her conscience could take lying to another friend. Not seeing any other choice, she sighed in defeat.

"Just, someone I met recently, actually I don't even know if it is a someone." T'Nea arched an eyebrow.

"Jessica? What's going on? Now that I'm thinking about it, you've been a little more distant than usual?" Jessica shakes her head clear.

"Have I? Sorry, it's just that I've had a lot on my mind lately."

"Would that be the Mystery girl who gets more annoying by the day or your feelings for our lavender Alicorn friend?"

"The first one—hang on a second!" Jessica just realized what T'Nea had said. "How do you know about my feelings for twilight?!" T'Nea chuckled.

"Let's just say, I know what to look for in someone crushing on someone. Speaking from personal experience." Jessica smirked.

"Ooh, have a crush ourselves do we?" T'Nea sighed.

"Yeah, I do. Can you not tell Luke? I don't want to pressure him." Jessica smiled.

"Luke is your crush? Aww, that's cute!" T'Nea rolled her eyes.

"Yeah yeah. Anyway, can it stay between us?" Jessica nodded.

"My lips, are sealed, we’ll have that sibling talk later." T’Nea chuckled.

"Good. Now, back to what started this conversation, Who gets more annoying by the day? It certainly can't be twilight, or any of our other friends, can it?" Jessica shook her head.

"It's someone-something else. I was on my way to the holodeck because it might be the only way I can confirm my suspicions about who it is." T'Nea arched an eyebrow.

"Why would a holodeck be the answer?" Jessica started walking.

"Come on. It'll be easier for me to explain after we watch the program." T'Nea, not having anything else to do that day, and as curious as a cat, followed Jessica to the holodeck.

The turbolift opened on twilight's floor and she stepped out, a PADD held in her magic in front of her. "Ok, classes are done, Jessica and I are good for stargazing tonight, all that's left to get done is..." she looked at her list and found that there was a problem, of sorts. She didn't have anything else that needed to be done today. "Huh. Guess I have some free time on my hooves. What to do?"

"Hey twilight!" Twilight lowered her PADD to see Starlight, Sunset, spike and Luke walking towards her.

"Oh, hey guys. How's it going?"

"It's going great."

"We're all just heading down to the mess hall for some dinner, care to join us?" Twilight nodded.

"Sure. I just need to get back up here in time to get my telescope. Jessica and I are stargazing again tonight." Spike nodded.

"Mind if I join you this time? I've been wanting to see Jessica's scopetron in action for a while now." Twilight thought for a moment.

"Hm, hold on, let me beep Jessica and ask her." Twilight tapped her combadge.

"Twilight to Jessica, do you copy?" There was a moment of silence, then Jessica's voice came through.

"Hi, twilight what's up?"

"Do you have any objections to spike joining us for stargazing tonight?"

"Spike? No, no objections here, he is cleared." Spike smiled and twilight nodded.

"Alright, see you tonight?"

"Yeah. I'll see ya." The connection was cut.

“Awesome! Dorm room 321 bonding night!” Twilight and the others chuckled.

In the holodeck, Jessica got off the com with Jessica.

“Thank god it’s only one way communication until the receiver hits the button.” T’Nea nodded.

“Yeah.” T’Nea and Jessica were standing in the wreckage of what was known as the castle of the two sisters, witnessing the battle between celestia and Nightmare Moon. “So, while we got this thing paused, let me see if I have this right. For the past 3 weeks, you’ve been hearing...” T’Nea pointed to Nightmare Moon. “...that, in your mind, and you have been researching Equestrian history to find a match.” Jessica nodded.

“I still don’t know how she got into my mind. But the name sounded familiar to me. I can’t exactly say why it did, but I just had this gut feeling that she wasn’t a good guy. And this...” Jessica gestured to the scene around them. “...proves it.” T’Nea nodded.

“It may prove that you recognize what’s in your mind, but from what I’ve learned of Equestrian History, Nightmare Moon was banished to the moon for a thousand years, returned, then was supposedly defeated for good by twilight and the other elements of harmony. And she hasn’t made a peep since then, until 3 weeks ago. Twilight and her friends may think you’re crazy.” Jessica nodded.

“Exactly! So I need someway of backing up my claims.”

“Oh, you’ll get your proof cadet, on Nightmare Night!” Jessica and T’Nea tensed as they heard NM’s voice. T’Nea looked around nervously.

“Jessica you heard her too right?” Jessica nodded.

“She can project her voice farther then my mind now?!”

“Oh yes. I grow more powerful by the day, but on Nightmare Night, I will gain enough of a power boost that I will be able to project my image beyond your mind. Oh the fear my appearance will generate will be delicious!” Jessica and T’Nea shivered.

“Ok, disembodied voices, officially as creepy as all heck.” T’Nea nodded.

“Maybe that will be the proof you need.”

“No, Nightmare Moon won’t talk when I ask her too, something tells me she’ll make her grand appearance on Nightmare Night/Halloween.” T’Nea sighed

“Then I guess the only thing to do is wait for then.” Jessica nodded.

“And in the meantime, it’s a long shot, but I’m thinking if I look hard enough, I might be able to find a brain scan spell or something. Just in case our Equine friends think it’s a Halloween prank.”

“That’s a good idea. But one of our horn head friends will need to KNOW the spell for it to be any good.”

“Something tells me twilight’s gonna know it.” T’Nea nodded.

“She does seem the mage type. Now, do you have all the evidence you need or do you want to finish this fight?” Jessica giggled.

“We might as well, I found myself wanting popcorn during this whole thing.” T’Nea giggled.

“In that case, computer, resume program, remain in objective mode.” The program resumed and Celestia and Nightmare Moon unfroze. Celestia stood back up.

“Oh dear sister, I am sorry, but you have given me no choice, but to use these!”

To be continued.
> Episode 9: Life Back Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Well I'll be, Jessica and Luke weren't kiddin when they were going on and on about how these fancy virtual reality machines can simulate any environment to a T, this is a perfect copy of the real Ponyville." Applejack, Rara, And Ivan were in the holodeck, more specifically they were standing in the central plaza of Ponyville, hometown of the Equine cadets. Rara nodded in agreement with Applejack. 

"Yeah AJ, they even have the ruts in the road that never get fixed. Makes me wonder if the insides are just as accurate." Ivan nodded. 

"I of course am going off my basic knowledge of holodeck technology, but there is a 99.99% chance of the interiors of this town being just as accurate." AJ began walking off.

"Come on, lets go to Sweet Apple Acres. I haven't seen it since we left 4 weeks ago." Rara giggled.

"Feeling a homesick AJ?" Applejack smiled sheepishly.

"Maybe a little." Rara smiled and wrapped her forelegs around Applejack.

"Aw, my cowpony is homesick!" Applejack arched an eyebrow.

"Uh, Sugar, ya already knew that." Rara giggled.

"I know but you never actually said it until now." Applejack smiled and rolled her eyes.

"Yeah yeah, you got me, I'm homesick. Now can we get going? I'm itching for some applebucking. Even if it's only virtual reality." The trio started on the way to the farm. Ivan looking around as they walked.

"Of all the planets I've seen and been to, Equuis is the only planet that continually piques my interest the more I hear you ponies talk about it." Rara and Applejack chuckled.

"Oh, you have no idea Ivan."

"Equuis, more specifically Equestria, is a magical place, and not only in the literal sense."

"And Ponyville right here? It's been on the forefront of most magical action in recent years. Hey Rara, remember the Everfree Forest incident?" Ivan arched an eyebrow while Rara chuckled.

"Oh, how could I forget? Vines nearly covered the entire town. All thanks to Discord no less."

"Discord? Isn't he the Lord of Chaos on Equuis?" Applejack nodded.

"You'd be right Ivan. In fact, he's been the cause of several of Ponyville's day to day action. Oh the stories AJ and I could tell." Ivan nodded.

"They sound like there was never a dull moment in Ponyville." Applejack and Rara nodded.

"Indeed. You know, I wonder what eveypony's doing back home now?"

Equuis: Ponyville

"I here by call this Cutie Mark Crusader meeting to order! Roll call!"

"Applebloom."

"Sweetie Belle."

"Diamond Tiara."

"Silver Spoon."

"Scootaloo." Scootaloo smiled as the 5 fillies confirmed their attendance in the CMC clubhouse. But she was waiting for one more. "Spike? Spike!" Everyone looked around to find the dragon.

"Where is he?"

"Shouldn't he be—oh, right." There was a collective sigh as they remembered where spike was.

"Man, this bites! How come he gets to go to space and we need to stay here? I mean, if he can attend some academy in the stars, we should be able to do so too!"

"Well, he is closer to the princess than us. I mean, how many times have WE saved Equestria compared to him?" Another collective sigh.

"Well, at least princess cadance and prince shining armor are gonna take us there for the week next week. I miss Rarity and my spikey Wikey." Applebloom, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon all went aww, while Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

"Yeah yeah sweetie, we get it. You miss your coltfriend. You're not the only one. I miss my honorary sister."

"And I miss Applejack and Rara. It's been a little difficult on the workload, but fortunately we got help from Sugar Belle. Also, Big Mac is really stepping up." There was a collective nod of agreement.

"Yeah. Anywho, enough of that, we need to get to why we're here. Costumes for nightmare night!"

"Yeah!"

"Hm, what to go as?"

"Hey Silver, got any ideas?" Silver Spoon brought a hoof to her chin as she thought.

"We'll want to coordinate so we all look like we belong together right?"

"Yeah. And we'll want spike to do that too, I'll go to Moondancer later and get a letter to him." Silver Spoon nodded.

"Ok, then, ooh, how about the power ponies?" Diamond Tiara shook her head.

"That's a good idea, but we don't have a 7th pony to go as that 6th power pony."

"Good point. And I don't think Flurry Heart would go as a power pony." A collective nod.

"Right."

"So what else will go together?"

"Hmmmm." The 5 thought for a moment.

"Oh, I got it!" However, before scootaloo could say anything else, they all heard a siren coming from town. All of them recognized it immediately.

"The Ponyville Monster Attack Alarm!" All ponies got up from sitting.

"Alright crusaders you know the drill, lets get galloping to town hall!"

In the main town of Ponyville, ponies were racing in the direction of town hall as blue mare with a teal mane shouted at them.

"Everypony get to town hall! The great and powerful trrrrixie will handle this!"

"Don't you mean WE'LL handle this Trixie?" Trixie looked over to see a green unicorn charging up for an attack. "After all, remember the last time you tried to face something like a bugbear on your own?"

"Oh be quiet Lyra, you know what Trixie means." Lyra rolled her eyes as she sent a magical blast straight at the bugbear that was attacking the town. The blast collided with it and sent it back, a tiny bit.

"Grah! Why do bugbears need to be so resilient?!" A tan earth pony ran up beside Lyra.

"Because bugbears are built that way Lyra. Let's focus on getting Ponyville into Town Hall. We can group up with Moondancer, Derpy, and Vinyl And coordinate our efforts from there." Lyra nodded, but Trixie shook her head.

"The great and powerful Trixie does not—Bon Bon!" The earth pony named Bob Bon cut Trixie off by grabbing her by the tail and dragging her off, with Lyra close behind.

"Trixie, we don't want you in the hospital AGAIN. Out of me you Vinyl and Moondancer, you're the most powerful unicorn." Bon Bon nodded.

"Exactly. You are our most powerful asset to this team, we can't have you breaking something due to recklessness!" Trixie just groaned.

At Town Hall, Moondancer and Vinyl were ushering ponies in while Derpy was keeping a look out for any stragglers.

"Come on Everypony."

"This way, remember not to come out until we get you." The flow of ponies died down as Derpy landed on the ground.

"That's just about Everypony."

"You sure?"

"WAIT!!" The three mares turned to see the CMC galloping for their lives, with Bon Bon, Trixie And Lyra close behind them, and the bugbear closing in on THEM. Moondancer turned to Vinyl.

"Vinyl, I believe your Portable DJ 3000 would be useful for halting the bugbear's advance." Vinyl smiled as she took out a small box from her saddle.

"Thank celestia for Federation Technology!" Vinyl pressed the box and it began expanding as the CMC rushed past them into Town Hall.

"That's everypony, lets close the door, and get to bugbear butt kicking!" Moondancer slammed the door to Town Hall shut as vinyl's DJ set finished expanding and powering on. Vinyl slammed her headphones in and gave the incoming bugbear a smirk.

"Hey dude! Get ready to shake your tail! Because we're here to have a party tonight!" Vinyl hit the play button and turned the volume up all the way. The resulting sound waves from the speakers sent the bugbear back farther then Lyra's attack. Vinyl and her friends smiled.

"I assume Vinyl using her DJ set was Moondancer's idea?" Moondancer nodded.

"It's a known fact that sound waves that are provided the correct amount of power can act as strong wind currents." Derpy smiled.

"Really? That's fascinating." Trixie rolled her eyes.

"Science later Moonie, Trixie wants this bugbear gone so that she can get back to setting up for her magic show tonight." Bon Bon rolled her eyes, but nodded.

"Yeah. Derpy, you take to the air and keep it busy from that angle. I'll take it from below, everyone else, put those horns to good use and attack it from the distance." All 6 mares nodded in agreement.

"Let's fumigate this town!" Derpy launched into the air towards the bugbear, and found he looked familiar. "Hey. Isn't this the same bugbear that the mane 6 fought against?" Bon Bon took a look and saw that it was the same one.

"Yeah, this is the same bugbear! It seems like it needs another lesson." Derpy nodded as she swooped in and punched the bugbear from behind.

"Well, we're about to give it that lesson." The unicorns of the group gathered from behind the DJ set. Vinyl had an idea.

"Hey, lets combine our magical powers with the sound blast attack this time." Trixie and Lyra nodded.

"Let's try it." Moondancer smiled.

"Bon Bon! Derpy! We're ready to send that bug flying, get out of the way!" Bon Bon And derpy nodded and put some distance between them and the bugbear. The unicorns lit up their horns.

"On 3. 3."

"2."

"1."

"Light it up!" The four unicorns fired as Vinyl made her set up fire again. The strength of 4 unicorns and a sound wave was enough that when it slammed into the bugbear, it sent it flying into the sky, far far away from Ponyville. Derpy watched it disappear and smiled.

"Looks like it's blasting off again." Bon Bon nodded.

"Let's hope is STAYS away this time." The 6 mares gathered around Vinyl's setup. "Great job everypony. Crisis, averted." The mares cheered.

"That was close. We're getting good at this monster fighting deal that the mane 6 went through before being shipped off to that fancy academy in the stars." Moondancer nodded.

"Indeed. Though that is the last time l let my twin sister talk me into anything revolving around her life. Taking over the library in her absence is one thing, fighting monsters? Twilight didn't mention that until literally the day she and her friends left." Vinyl nodded as she opened the Town Hall doors to let everypony out.

"Yeah, monster fighting wasn't what I thought I'd use my music against, but it's awesome nonetheless." Lyra and Trixie nodded.

"Trixie admits that it feels good to help others for a change."

"And we get to battle monsters, you have any idea how long I've wanted to do that with my Bonnie? With the Mane 6 gone I FINALLY get that chance!" Bon Bon blushed.

"If you wanted to fight monsters Lyra, all you had to do was ask and I would've taken you on my missions." Lyra shrugged.

"I figured I wasn't allowed on official missions. After all, I'm not an agent." Bon Bon giggled. 

"Probably for the best, I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you out there. Heck, I feel uneasy letting you into the fray here." Lyra chuckled and wrapped a forelegs around Bon Bon.

"I put my hoof down when my hometown is in danger. If I can help save Ponyville I'll do it. Against your explicit orders if I have to." The 6 chuckled. Moondancer cleared her throat.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I was in the middle of reshelving the library. I have to go finish that." Vinyl nodded.

"Party at my club tonight. After Trixie's show. Everyone up for it?" Everypony nodded.

"Bonnie and I'll be there."

"The great and powerful Trrrrixie shall attend your after party vinyl."

"I might not. Unless I can find a foal sitter for dinky." Vinyl smiled.

"Oh, if you want, dimly can come too. I don't mind keeping it PG for a night." Derpy smiled.

"Really? Wow. Thanks Vinyl." Vinyl nodded, then turned to Moondancer.

"If I'm finished reshelving the library by then, I'll be there." Vinyl smiled.

"Alright! Rock on. See you guys tonight then?" Everypony nodded. "Cool. Anywho, should probably get back to the club. After all, gotta Isolate the PG songs so we don't have a slip up. See y'all later." The 6 said their goodbyes and parted ways, Moondancer made her way back to the library, and contemplated her life since moving to Ponyville and taking over for her sister. The friends she's made, the things she's done, and of course, the monster attacks that make it seem like Ponyville has monster magnetic houses.

"From a hermit to a savior of Ponyville in a month. Now I know what twilight meant when she said moving to Ponyville turned her life upside down, then inside out." Moondancer gazed up at the sky, which was blue because it was day time. That didn't stop her however from looking into space.

"Oh twily, what in Equestria made you think I could do this? What made you want to ask me to move to Ponyville from Canterlot to take over for you when there MUST'VE been other ponies more suited for the task?

"Hey Moondancer." Moondancer jumped a bit when she heard a voice from behind. She turned to see sweetie bell smiling at her.

"Oh, greetings sweetie bell. How are you today?"

"I'm good. Now that that bugbear is back where it belongs, anywhere but here." They both chuckled.

"I suppose that would be cause for a brightened mood. What were you doing before the attack?" Sweetie bell giggled.

"Me and the other crusaders were trying to figure out what to go as for nightmare night. We'd like to coordinate so that we all look like we belong together, but spike isn't here so we need to make sure we come to a decision quickly." Moondancer nodded.

"Speaking of spike, I received a letter from him this morning. Addressed to you predictably." Sweetie's face lit up.

"Ooh, can I come with you to the library than? The crusaders and I actually came up with something for nightmare night while we were all hiding in Town Hall and I'd like to get a letter to spike and see what he thinks." Moondancer nodded.

"Certainly. After which, maybe we could work on the mail spell." Sweetie nodded.

"Yeah. I'd like that, I feel a little guilty having you be the 'middle pony'. Especially since you have your other duties as a librarian and savior of Ponyville." Moondancer smiled.

"Yeah, I'll admit that it is getting a little annoying to basically be the middle pony for everypony at Starfleet academy for their families and whatnot. But, not every family has an unicorn so alas, there needs to be a middle pony." Sweetie nodded.

"Well, once I learn the spell I'll gladly take over the letters from spike that aren't specifically for you, I can be the official Equine Starfleet correspondent for Ponyville, in fact, Cutie Mark Crusader Equine Starfleet Correspondent Service!" Moondancer chuckled.

"I'm sure Derpy would appreciate the help. But you'll need to wait until spike comes back because the final part of the spell is the actual connection between you and spike. Did you think spike was naturally connected to all unicorns?" Sweetie playfully pouted.

"Now how useful would that have been? We could've been able to stay in touch whenever he went with twilight to visit you in Canterlot, or princess cadence and prince shining armor in the crystal empire." Both of them giggled.

"If That were the case, we wouldn't get a word out of spike, so it probably is for the best." They both continued giggling as they continued to the library."

On the other side of town, Applebloom, Big Mac, and Sugar Belle passed under the entry sign of Sweet Apple Acres. With Big Mac carrying Granny Smith, who was out of breath. "I'll tell you youngsters something. These here legs aren't made for galloping anymore. Why, they expired around the time Applejack got her cutie mark. Where's that Apple and her marefriend anyhow? They better not be goofing off when there's work to be gettin done." Applebloom sighed.

"We told ya granny, Applejack and Rara are at Starfleet Academy on Earth. Training to be the defenders of the Federation, or something like that." Big Mac nodded.

"Eeyup." Granny Smith scratched her head.

"Are they now? Oh, right. Guess my noggin is wearing out now too." Sugar Belle chuckled.

"Well, your noggin might be wearing out, but you can still tell stories like a champ Smith, so you still got that going for you." Granny Smith smiled.

"My only grandson chose right when he was shopping for marefriends. My stories can capture anypony's attention. Say, I ever tell you youngsters about the time my pappy made the journey to this here land to plant apples?" The three walking ponies smiled.

"Oh, I love that story granny! Tell it, tell it!"

"Eeyup."

"Never get tired of that story." Granny Smith chuckled.

"Well, I reckon I could tell you. After your chores are good and done." The three smiles immediately went away.

"Aww." Granny Smith rolled her eyes.

"Oh quit your whinin, I still haven't gotten my nap yet thanks to that vermin attacking our home!" That got a chuckle out of three youngsters as they rolled their eyes. Typical Granny Smith.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were walking with scootaloo back to the orphanage where scootaloo lived. “So, scoots, you really think going as pirates would work?” Scootaloo nodded.

“Hey, we’re running out of time, and pirates are generally easy to dress up as. And it’s the best idea we have so far.” Silver Spoon nodded.

“She’s got a point. Besides, I’ve never actually gone as a pirate before. It would be fun. Imagine, spike is the brave captain of the SS CMC, the rest of us his hardy crew. That sounds like fun.” Diamond Tiara thought for a moment.

“Well, being a pirate does sound fun. Alright, I’ll give it a shot.” Scootaloo smiled.

“Argh me hardies, next week, captain spike and his crew of the SS CMC be looking to plunder earth and snack on all the exotic candy treasures that await our stomachs.” All three fillies laughed.

“I can’t wait to try earth candy, as well as see How earth celebrates Nightmare Night, or, as they call it on that planet, Halloween.”

“I still have trouble believing that Nightmare Night and Halloween fall on the same day. It just didn’t seem possible.”

“That’s just how it is I guess. But hey, that just means we won’t feel weird when we put on our Nightmare Night costumes.”

“Yeah. Though it makes me wonder what other Earth and Equine holidays fall on the same day.” The three fillies gave it some serious thought, and came up with nothing.

“Anyone else think of anything? Because I haven’t a sweet clue what other holidays fall on the same day.” Scootaloo and Silver shook their heads. Scootaloo shrugged.

“Eh, I’m sure we can ask twilight and her human roommate. What was her name again?”

“Jessica. And she’s more that. She’s twilight’s crush.” Silver and Diamond giggled while scootaloo rolled her eyes.

“Remind me again why girls get so excited about romance? One pony likes another, what’s the big deal about that?” Silver snorted.

“Scoots, falling in love is a great feeling.”

“And the reason others get so excited is that it’s a chance for two souls to come together. Nothing brings people together like a good love story.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes again.

“If you say so, it’s not as big a deal as you’re making it out to be.” Silver groaned.

“Maybe not from a general romance perspective, but how many ponies have fallen for an alien before now? None. So if nothing else, it’s a big deal because it’s the FIRST pony alien relationship ever, that’ll be big news if it comes to fruition.” Scootaloo considered that for a moment.

“Hm, I guess that makes sense.” Diamond and Silver smiled.

“Next week, you’ll see why romance is a big deal.” Scootaloo chuckled.

“If you say so.” The three fillies continued walking, excited about their week long visit to earth next week.”

To be continued.
> Episode 10: Halloween Special pt 1: Familial Reunions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Ponyville on the planet Equuis, Moondancer has just closed up the library and was reviewing the day's activity log when she heard somepony knocking on the door. She took a quick glance at the clock and arched an eyebrow. "Hm, I wonder who could be calling just after the library closed." Moondancer trotted up to the door and opened it with her magic, and was surprised to see her brother and sister in law with her niece standing at the door. "Shining? Cadance? Flurry Heart? You three aren't supposed to be here for another hour?"

Cadance chuckled. "We didn't want to wait to see one of our favorite sparkling twin siblings."

Cadance and Moondancer started doing their special greeting. "Sunshine sunshine ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" 

They stood back up when finished and chuckled. Cadance wrapped her forelegs around her sister. "How've you been Dancer?"

Moondancer returned the hug in kind. "I've been good. I'm finally getting used to the madness that seems to result from ponyville's chaos magnetic houses."

Shining chuckled at that. "Yeah. From the letters both you and twily have sent, Ponyville is never a dull town."

Moondancer was about to respond, but was instead nearly tackled by Flurry Heart leaping out of her baby carriage and wrapping her tiny legs around Moondancer's legs. Causing Moondancer to chuckle and lift Flurry up with her magic. "Hi Flurry. How's my favorite niece been. Are you excited for your trip?" Flurry Heart just made a bunch of giggly noises and nodded. Moondancer chuckled and turned her attention back to shining. "Back to your comment, no. Never a dull moment. There's always something about once every few days. And I still have no idea if it's discord messing with us or our proximity to the Everfree Forest."

"Oh, I'd say it's about, 50/50. I just can't help it, I'm the lord of chaos!" In front of the family, the lord of chaos himself appeared out of a book and landed on the ground, in pieces. Discord chuckled. "Oh, excuse me while I put myself back together." Discord proceeded to put himself back together using tools that poofed out of nowhere, tools that also went places that forced Moondancer to cover Flurry's eyes.

Cadance groaned. "Discord! At least cover yourself! Flurry's right here!"

Discord screwed his head back on and the tools disappeared. Discord rolled his eyes and smiled. "Oh come on Cady, little Flurry here won't even remember this, no harm done."

Shining shook his head. "That's not the point! It's inappropriate."

Discord rolled his eyes. "Whatever, it's in the past now. Let's move on." Discord disappeared and reappeared outside next to a crystal shuttle that Shining and Cadance used periodically. "So, this thing is big enough for you 4 and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. I wonder how much we can actually put in this thing before it can't fly." 

Shining and Cadance glared at Discord. "Don't even think about it."

Moondancer nodded. "It would be unwise considering if you were to overload the shuttle mid flight, it could come crashing down and then you would be charged for possibly murdering royalty. As for your comment about the four of us, you miscounted, I am not going."

Discord gasped. "What? You are not going to visit your sister who you probably won't have another chance to see for another few months? Moondancer! I thought family meant everything."

Moondancer sighed. "As much as I would like to, I cannot close the library for a week. That would leave Ponyville without a crucial service and that would not be good for my conscious."

Cadance nudged Moondancer in her hip. "Come on Dancer, I'm sure twilight would live to see you again. Ponyville can survive one week without its chief librarian."

Moondancer scrunched up her face in thought. "Hmm, I don't know." Moondancer felt someone tugging on her leg. She looked down and saw Flurry Heart, trying to pull her towards the shuttle and giving her a look that was blatantly obviously screaming 'please come with us Moondancer, I miss you.' Flurry was using the Puppy Dog Eye trick, Moondancer knew it, she wanted to resist it, but the sheer adorableness right then was too much as she sighed. "Alright, I'll come along." Flurry smiled and hugged Moondancer.

Shining giggled. "You were quick to change your mind. Puppy Dog Eyes From Flurry?" 

Moondancer nodded, which elicited a giggle from Cadance. "You and Twilight used that look on me more times than I can count back when I was watching you. And I could never resist. It's near impossible to resist that look. Especially when somepony Flurry's age uses it. How can you refuse a face like that?" 

That got a collective chuckle out of everyone. Until they all heard 5 voices shout out. "Wait!!!" Everypony turned their heads to see the CMC galloping for dear life with a wagon full of bags in tow.

When they reached the library, the CMC caught their breath before Sweetie Bell spoke. "Hello Princess Cadance, Prince Shining Armor."

"Sorry we're late, we weren't expecting you to arrive until much later."

"When we saw your shuttle arrive we loaded the wagon and got here as fast as we could."

"We hope you weren't waiting for long."

Shining and Cadance took a glance at each other, than chuckled as they turned back to the CMC. "It's alright girls. We actually got off work earlier than we thought. We're sorry for causing you to panic."

"And from now on, you can just call us Shining Armor and Cadance."

The CMC let out a relieved sigh and collapsed as the adrenaline they had wore off. "Oh thank Celestia, I was afraid we lost track of time."

Discord chuckled. "I bet you 5 thought you were gonna get left behind."

Scootaloo shot him a frustrated glare. "Of course we thought that! Royalty shouldn't be kept waiting!"

Applebloom arched an eyebrow. "But the only reason they're even here is to pick us up."

Scootaloo turned her attention to Applebloom. "They could've just convinced Moondancer to go and left without us Bloom. And then, they wouldn't offer to bring us along again."

Cadance cleared her throat. "Alright, lets calm down. Everypony's here now. This doesn't need to turn into a fight."

Moondancer nodded. "Indeed. Also, I have been convinced to come. Flurry Heart convinced me using everypony's worst nightmare, Puppy Dog Eyes."

Sweetie's eyes widened and a huge smile crept free on her face. "That means you can connect me to Spike's firemail! You did say I was ready."

Moondancer nodded. "Yes. Our last session provided ample evidence that you were indeed ready for the spell to work."

Sweetie started hopping up and down in excitement. "Yes yes yes yes! Finally! I can't wait to tell spike!" 

Her yes dance got a good chuckle out of everyone. Shining armor was the first to calm down. "He he he, tired of being the middle pony eh Moondancer?" 

Moondancer ceased her chuckling. "I will admit it has been getting a little old, fortunately for me, sweetie here's said that she'll gladly take over that roll."

Sweetie nodded. "Yeah, once spike and I are connected the other crusaders and I can become Starfleet/Ponyville correspondence delivery mares. Oh this is gonna be good."

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah, delivery mares delivering letters from earth to anyone who cares. Yadda yadda yadda. If we're all here and ready, maybe we can get going to earth now? Might as well right?" 

Discord grinned. "Oh yes. Go, be free my little ponies. Oh, and cadance." Discord snapped his fingers and he and cadance popped just a few meters away from everyone else. Discord leaned in and whispered. "While you're on earth, see if you can't get twilight and her human roommate to confess their feelings for each other. It's been ignored long enough."

Cadance glared at discord, but whispered back. "Wait, Twilight is in love with someone, and they love her back?"

Discord nodded. "You should be able to sense it when you get there. Ask the CMC for more details." Discord then raised his voice to dramatic level. "Farewell princess of love! May your trip be eventful and full of spooky fun!" 

Cadance watched discord pop away as she processed what he just told her. 'Twilight is in love with someone, and 5 little fillies found out before me?' Cadance wasn't surprised that Discord seemed to know, and of course spike would know too, and yet twilight neglected to mention this to her sister in law, the Princess Of Love. Cadance's eyes fell on the CMC, who were just boarding the shuttle. 'Alright Cutie Mark Crusaders. Get ready to spill the beans, we have plenty of time to put together this puzzle.' Cadance smiled as she trotted back to the shuttle.

Shining noticed his wife's return and smiled. "So, you want me to fly?"

Cadance nodded. "Yes please. I have some interrogating to do."

Shining arched an eyebrow. "Interrogating?"

Cadance smirked. "Oh, yes."

Moondancer eyes Cadance as she and shining entered the shuttle. "And why would you need to interrogate anypony right now? And for that matter, who?"

Cadance snickered. "Discord just told me something very interesting. Apparently Moondancer, your twin sister is in love with someone, and has neglected to tell us."

Moondancer gasped. "Twilight has a crush?"

Cadance nodded. "And what's even more interesting. A certain group of fillies seem to know about it, but also neglected to tell us." Cadance, Shining, And Moondancer turned to the CMC, who were playing with Flurry. 

Shining headed to the cockpit. "I'm gonna get this shuttle in the air." 

Cadance nodded and returned her attention to the CMC. "Girls."

The CMC turned their attention to Cadance, and noticed that she and Moondancer were slowly walking towards them. Scootaloo arched an eyebrow. "Uh, what's going on guys?"

Moondancer eyed the fillies. "Girls, would you mind explaining to us why you left us in the dark about a certain lavender alicorn's crush on her human roommate? And just how you came to know about said crush?

The fillies tensed up as they took glances at each other. They knew that cadance was the princess of love, and they knew her history with Twilight and Moondancer. This was not going to be a fun journey. Shining chuckled to himself as he called out from the cockpit. "Attention passengers this is your pilot speaking, we are cleared for an on time departure with a flight time of 15 hours. Plenty of time to learn about romance and somepony's love life. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. And for our younger passengers, also enjoy the interrogation." The CMC audibly gulped as the shuttle lifted off and ascended into space, headed straight for earth.

The next day, at Starfleet Academy, twilight, Pinkie, and Rarity were with Harry in Uniform Requisition, talking about the Halloween Dance and costumes. Rarity had dragged twilight there so they could talk about twilight's love problem while pinkie discussed party arrangements with Harry.

Rarity smirked at twilight. "Darling, I really think it would be a great thing for you to ask Jessica to the dance."

Twilight sighed. "But I can't. Because when you ask someone that typically, it means asking them on a date, and if I just ask her out out of the blue, she'll suspect something's up, ask me about it, I'll reveal my feelings, she'll hate me, and spike and I will have to find somewhere else to stay while we're here!" 

Rarity sighed. Twilight was blowing this out of proportion, as usual. "Twilight. You don't know that's gonna happen."

Twilight eyed rarity. "But it COULD! That's the problem. I don't want to lose her completely. I just—" Twilight felt a hoof press against her muzzle, shutting her up.

Rarity spoke calmly. "Twilight, you and Jessica have a lot in common, you both love hanging with your friends, you both like astronomy..."

Pinkie interjected. "You're both massive eggheads!"

Rarity shot pinkie a look, then turned back to twilight. "The point is, even if you two aren't going to be marefriend and girlfriend, you two are still going to be best friends. That part will never change."

Twilight sighed. "But once I say something things between us will never be the same again, how can you be so sure Jessica will still want to be my friend?"

Rarity wanted nothing more then to tell Twilight right then and there that Jessica felt the same way, but Pinkie made her pinkie promise not to. Instead, she decided to do the next best thing. "Because in just 4 weeks, you two have formed a bond of friendship I have otherwise only seen with you and Moondancer. Even if the bond here is only a fraction of that bond. Jessica will not break that. No matter what you tell her."

Hardy nodded. "From what I've seen you two became best friends faster than I was expecting. I half-expected Jessica to be a little creeped out that she was sharing a room with a quadruped. But the only thing that fazed her was the fact that she was getting roommates at all. I don't think you have anything to worry about."

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah Twi. You two are super duper best friends for life. So even if she doesn't return your feelings, she'll still want to be your friend. You're getting worried over nothing. If you are gonna worry about anything, worry about what you're going to wear for Nightmare Night."

Rarity nodded. "Oh, yes. That's a must. Pinkie what are you gonna go as?"

Pinkie smiled. "I'm gonna be a lion." Pinkie let out a very very convincing lion roar.

Harry's eyes went wide. "Wow. If I didn't see you move your mouth pinkie, I would've thought a lion actually got in here."

Rarity chuckled. "One thing to note about pinkie, on Nightmare Night, whatever she goes as, she literally becomes. Anywho, what about you Mr. Leginton?"

Harry smiled and crossed his arms. "I'm going as a mad scientist. How about you Rarity?"

Rarity smiled. "I'm going as Mare Do-Well. I found that costume while I was packing and, well, it's been doing nothing but collecting dust since that incident with rainbow dash so I thought I'd give it a use again."

Twilight nodded. "I admit, it'll be nice to see Mare Do-Well again. That was actually kinda fun. As for me, I'm going as Sombra."

Pinkie and Rarity gasped and both shouted in unison. "Sombra?!"

Twilight arched an eyebrow. "Yeah? Is that a problem?"

Pinkie and rarity glanced at each other then back at twilight. "Twilight, why would you want to go as a stallion who ruled the crystal empire with an iron fist"

"And more importantly, aren't you too nice to pull him off?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I'm not gonna copy his personality. I'm just gonna copy his look. It's not like he’s coming back anytime soon anyway. I've looked into it..." twilight lit her horn and summoned a PADD from her saddlebag and brought up an image, turning the PADD around for her friends to see. "I can replicate Sombra's look pretty easily, just a simple illusion spell for the fur coat, eye contacts, those sharp teeth party implant things that you can get, the only thing that's difficult is his regalia."

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah That makes sense. You can't get that in the store."

Rarity nodded. "But, you can recreate it from scratch. Twilight. Leave the regalia to me. Mr. Leginton, do you mind to terribly if I asked for your assistance? Making 6 pieces of armor in just a week when you have classes as well is an extremely difficult task for one pony."

Harry nodded. "Sure thing Rarity. And again, you can just call me Harry. I am not old enough to be called Mr. Leginton."

The entire room let out a chuckle. "My sincerest apologies Harry, its a habit I've developed when calling everyone else Mr, Ms, or Mrs.”

Twilight nodded. "But, Yeah. Thank you for your help Rares, you too Harry." 

Rarity turned back to twilight. "Any time twilight. Now, how are you going to ask Jessica to the dance?"

"Rarity!"

Elsewhere at the Academy around that time, in the shuttlebay, Jessica was leaning against the railing, looking up into the sky, thinking. Alongside the Lookout, she liked the Shuttlebay because it was a place where she could clear her mind relax. And she really needed it now. 'So, my experience so far at Starfleet Academy, September, made new friends, ok, great. October, made new friends, a demon moved in to my mind and has started tormenting me with nightmares, and I fall for a pony who happens to be my roommate along with a dragon. Why do two of those bullet points sound normal?' 

Jessica's brain responded. 'And why shouldn't it sound normal? They are all citizens of the Federation just like you. And besides, you've roomed with aliens before, and you've crushed on an alien or two before.' 

'Yeah, But none of them had wings, magic, or fire breath, and those were just passing crushes, this one is much more.' 

'And again, why should it feel any weirder then those? Have you forgotten who is currently residing inside your mind? If anything, that's the only weird thing going on here right now.' 

'Oh believe me, I know. Ms evil spirit hasn't let me forget. If the nightmares she's given me are any indication.' 

All of a sudden, Jessica heard said evil spirit's voice in her mind. "Someone call?"

Jessica shook her head. "No."

NM just chuckled. "That's right, you never call. And quite frankly, I'm hurt that you never want to initiate any conversation between us."

Jessica smiled. "Good, because I never want to talk to you, and if it hurts you that just gives me more reason not to."

NM huffed. "You're no fun."

Jessica groaned. "And you are annoying as all heck. You better put on a convincing show on Friday. Because if they don't believe me after the fact then you are in trouble."

NM chuckled. "And just what could you do to me?" 

Jessica was about to respond when she heard spike call out to her. "Jessica! Didn't expect to see you here." 

Jessica finished her conversation with NM abruptly. "This conversation's over." Jessica proceeded to block out NM just as spike landed on the railing and sat down on it.

Jessica eyed spike with concern. "Careful, one move forwards or back, you could fall and break something,"

Spike chuckled. "This isn't the first time I've sat on a railing. Besides, you'll catch me right?" 

Jessica nodded. "I'm sure Twilight would yell at me with her "Royal Canterlot Voice" if I didn't stop you from falling." Both of them chuckled at that.

"You'll want to cover your ears for that. Depending on how close she is that could make you go death." They finally stopped chuckling and spike spoke up. "So, what are you doing here Jessica? Waiting for a shuttle?"

Jessica shook her head. "Aside from the Lookout, I like to come here to clear my head. Something about the ambient noise here is soothing for my brain."

Spike chuckled. "I'll bet."

Jessica nodded. "So, why are you here?"

Spike looked up into the sky. "I'm waiting for a shuttle from Equuis. Twilight's brother and sister, as well as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, are visiting for the week."

Jessica smiled. "Family and friends visiting. That'll be fun."

Spike nodded. "I know, I'm so excited to see my marefriend again. As well as the rest of my CMC friends. And some of the only family I've ever known."

Jessica chuckled. "Your marefriend is Sweetie Belle right?"

Spike nodded. "Yep. And I am so excited to see her. I miss getting to kiss her cute muzzle everyday."

Jessica chuckled. "I'll bet she can't wait to do the same." Jessica chuckled for a few seconds, then eased out. What happened next Jessica didn't even think about beforehand. "Hey, spike?"

Spike looked over to his roommate and arched an eyebrow. "What is it Jessica?"

"You've been with Twilight you're whole life, right?"

Spike nodded. "Yeah. she's taken care of me since she was a filly."

Jessica smiled. "So you've watched her grow and develop into the mare she is today?"

Spike nodded.

"Perchance, do you know what twilight looks for in a, significant other?"

Spike smirked knowingly as he answered almost too fast "Hm, well, for the sake of argument, describe yourself in line with what you just asked."

Jessica deadpanned. "That's not what I asked."

"Just do it."

Jessica sighed. "Well, I like hanging out with my friends, I'm always there for them, I'm caring, compassionate, a bookworm..." Spike chuckled at that one. "...and, I don't let anyone put me down. I keep going no matter what happens in my life."

Spike smiled. "There you go."

Jessica arched an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"You just answered your own question."

"What do you mean?"

Spike rubbed his forehead in frustration. "You're everything she looks for in a significant other."

Jessica arched an eyebrow. "She looks for a bookworm?"

Spike chuckled. "She put that in the bonus section. It's not a requirement. But everything she does looks for, you have."

A hopeful smile crept its way onto Jessica's face. "So, you're saying I have a chance with her."

Spike nodded. "Mhm. And we're all rooting for you. If that helps.

Jessica arched an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"To put it simply, the only one who DOESN'T know is twilight. Seriously Jess, she is the most oblivious mare in the history of romance."

Jessica arched an eyebrow. "And you all know how? I knew T'Nea knew because I told her, but the rest of you?" Spike was going to respond, but was interrupted by the sight of a certain shuttle with a crystal shaped space frame descending.

Spike let out the widest smile Jessica had ever seen on him as he took off circling the shuttlebay. "There they are! They're here! They're finally here!" Jessica watched her small, usually mature roommate fly around in circles like a child who just opened up their new favorite toy. 

Jessica chuckled as she tried to get spike's attention. "Spike! You might want to land, because if I remember correctly, Sweetie Belle is a unicorn!" Much to her surprise, spike actually heard her through his own shouts of excitement.

Spike landed on the ground next to Jessica and chuckled nervously. "Heh heh. Sorry about that Jess, just excited is all."

Jessica knelt down and patted spike on the back as they watched the shuttle descend. "I'm sure Sweetie Belle will come galloping out of that shuttle and jump into your arms like a princess reuniting with her knight in shining armor." 

Spike blushed as they watched the shuttle come in for a landing. Jessica stood back up and took a step away from spike, which was actually a pretty good idea because no sooner after Jessica completed the motion, a giant puff of purple smoke erupted out of nowhere between Jessica and spike. The smoke cleared the reveal twilight, with, in Jessica's personal opinion, the goofiest grin she had ever seen from twilight. Jessica could feel her heart beating a mile a minute when she saw just how adorable twilight looked. It nearly caused her to break down and just confess to twilight then and there. But she knew it wasn't the time yet.

So instead, Jessica shook her head clear and asked the logical question. "Twilight?! Where the stars did you come from? And why did you-I'm assuring you did-teleport here rather than use the turbolift?" 

Twilight's smile faded slightly. "Oh, sorry if I almost landed on you Jessica. It's just that I saw the crystal shuttle and immediately got excited because it belongs to my brother and sister-in-law."

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. They're the monarchs of the crystal empire correct?"

Twilight nodded. "And I may have told them about you. So they're itching to meet, and I quote, 'the human twilight of this dimension'."

Jessica burst out laughing. "The human twilight of this dimension? That's the comparison they're going with?"

Twilight chuckled. "Yeah."

Spike, twilight, and Jessica all laughed for a good minute before being interrupted by the arrival of their Equine friends. Starlight was the first to hear their chuckling and smiled. "Hey guys. What's all the chuckling about?"

Jessica stopped chuckling and caught her breath. "Hey guys. Apparently, twi's family compares me to twilight as her human counterpart of this dimension."

Sunset chuckled. "Oh so they remembered that twilight has a counterpart in the Alternate Universe. Now that you mention it Jessica. You do remind me of her."

Everyone laughed while Jessica arched an eyebrow. "Wait, that's what they mean by, of this dimension?"

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. I have a literal counterpart in another dimension. I bet if I took you over there and introduced you to her, you'd hit it off immediately."

Jessica snickered as she nodded. "You know, I bet we would." Jessica joined in the chuckling as they all saw the shuttle open up.

Applejack cleared her throat. "Calm down y'all. Cadance and shining're here." The chuckling died down as they all saw a group of ponies exit the shuttle. Twilight, spike, Applejack, Rarity, and rainbow smiled as they lay eyes on their kin, honorary or otherwise, for the first time since coming to the academy.

Twilight started running towards her brother and sisters whilst the fillies rushed past her to their own kin. "Shiny! Cadance! Moondancer!" 

Cadance and Moondancer saw their sister running towards them and smiled. Once twilight got close enough the trio launched into their special greeting.

"Sunshine sunshine ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" The three stood back up and they and shining armor all shared a group hug.

Twilight's smile couldn't be any wider. "This is so unexpected,  I didn't know you were coming today!"

Shining chuckled. "That was kinda the point little sis, we wrote to spike saying that we were coming so he could put it through whatever visiting obstacles this place has, and asked him to keep it from you."

Spike chimed in from behind twilight. "Yeah, and also so I could make hotel arrangements for you guys and the cutie mark crusaders. Though I didn't account for Moondancer showing up."

Jessica eyes suddenly widened. "Wait a minute spike. This was your pet project wasn't it? The one you needed my help on?" 

Spike nodded sheepishly. "Yeah. Sorry I couldn't tell you. I wanted to minimize the possibility of twilight knowing."

Jessica patted him on the head. "It's cool spike. Now, you said sweetie belle was the white unicorn with pink hair right?" Spike nodded. "Well, I think she's waiting for ya to finish up." Jessica pointed behind spike, who glanced behind him and saw Sweetie Belle acting like she really wanted to just run up and kiss him silly, but was waiting to not be rude.

Spike started slowly walking backwards. "It's nice to see you all again, but if you'll excuse me, I have a few more ponies to say hello to." With That, spike turned around and zipped away to say hello to sweetie belle, by kissing her square on the lips.

Moondancer let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, we're not gonna see them apart again until Monday when he needs to go to class."

Cadance nodded. "He's a dragon in love. Quite frankly, I'm surprised he didn't automatically go to sweetie."

Jessica chuckled. "From the way we were talking just before you arrived, I half expected him to just run up and tackle her to the ground kissing her silly." That got a chuckle out of the sparkles.

Shining nodded towards Jessica. "So, twily, you gonna introduce us to your friend here?"

Twilight's eyes widened. "Oh, right. Shining, cadance, Moondancer, this is my roommate and best friend, Jessica Cosmos. Jessica, this is my twin sister Moondancer-"Jessica and Moondancer shook hands and hooves. "-and our older siblings shining armor, and princess Cadance." 

Jessica curtsied toward shining and cadance. "Your majesties."

Cadance raised a hoof. "Don't. If you are a friend of our sister and spike you are a friend of ours."

Shining nodded. "So it's just Cadance and shining armor to you. Got it?" 

Jessica was surprised, but nodded. "Sure." Right then, before Jessica could even process what was happening, a small cloud of smoke suddenly appeared out nowhere in front of Jessica, close to her face, causing her to jump back a bit. "What the..." before Jessica uttered another word, she saw a little white ball of fur rush towards and clamp itself onto her chest. Jessica's mind caught up and she saw that it was a foal.

Shining and cadance gasped. "Flurry!" Flurry lifted her head to stare up at Jessica, giggling along the way. Flurry was then enveloped in a magenta aura and pulled from Jessica, straight into twilight's hooves.

Twilight nuzzled flurry. "Flurry! You're here too!" Flurry giggled, nodded. Jessica took one look at flurry and immediately fell in love, as you do when you gaze upon an adorable infant for the first time.

"Aww! She's adorable!" Jessica cooed.

Cadance nodded. "Yeah, Flurry Heart is quite the adorable one. Although she can also be a trouble maker at times. We're hoping that she won't cause any trouble here, er, anymore trouble. Sorry about her sudden appearance in front of you Jessica."

Jessica shook her head. "Oh, no, it's fine. Like I told Twilight when I first met her. If we have magic wielding ponies as cadets here, we should be prepared for anything. Like the cutest teleporting nieces of my roommates." Twilight chuckled as Jessica reached in with her finger and used it to tickle flurry right under her chin, earning a giggle from the foal.

Meanwhile, applebloom was hugging Applejack and Rara, her eyes misty. "I missed you two so much! We all do."

Applejack chuckled as she nuzzled Applebloom. "We missed ya too sugarcube."

"How're things on the farm AB?"

Applebloom smiled. "Things are great. I miss you and all, but with you gone I can finally help out more. And sugar belle is a big help. And Big Mac is stepping up too. You two would be proud..." While Applebloom chatted away, scootaloo had ran toward rainbow and Fluttershy, and wrapped her forelegs around both of them. 

"Rainbow, fluttershy, it's so good to see you two!"

Rainbow chuckled. "It's good to see you too squirt. How's life back in Ponyville?"

Scootaloo smiled as she positioned herself to start flapping her wings. "Eh, the usual, the monster attack of the week, school, I can finally fly properly, nopony's adopted me yet but I'm hoping—"

"Hold on a minute scoots." Rainbow interrupted scootaloo, a smile slowly creeping it's way onto her face. "What was that? That third thing?" 

Scootaloo looked at her confused, but then smiled as she began flapping her wings. "Oh yeah. Watch this!" Just like any Pegasus, scootaloo flapped her wings and lifted off with little effort. She hovered above the ground for a second before taking off to fly circles around Rainbow and fluttershy. 

Rainbow watched with her jaw hanging down. Ever since she met scootaloo, she had been working with her to teach her how to fly. Through that, and just general hanging out, the two of them became as close as sisters. So when Rainbow saw that her surrogate sister was finally capable of flying without any help. She nearly lost it with joy.

Rainbow flapped her wings and rose to scootaloo's level. "Scootaloo, you're, you're flying! You're actually flying!" 

Scootaloo nodded excitedly. "I know! I practiced all the routines you taught me every day since you got sent here. And just this week, I finally was able to complete a full lap around sweet Apple acres without touching the ground once!" 

Fluttershy had flown up to their level at that point and she instantly enveloped scootaloo with her wings in a hug. "That's amazing scootaloo! I'm so proud of you." 

Rainbow joined them in a group hug. "Me too scoots, I told you one day you'd fly. And that day finally came. I wish I was there to see it."

Scootaloo chuckled. "Thanks guys. Hey, maybe sometime this week we three can go on a flight, a proper one. I haven't gone for my First Flight yet and I want to share it with you two." 

Rainbow and Fluttershy let go of a scootaloo and looked at each other in disbelief. They both knew that a pegasus's First Flight was a special one, one that all Pegasi remembered to their dying day. There wasn't any like it, and it could never be replicated no matter how hard it was tried. It was the flight that introduced the Pegasi to the sky that they were destined to inherit from the Pegasi before them.

Fluttershy looked back to scootaloo, her eyes tearing up. "Me? You want to share your first flight with me?" The fact that scootaloo wanted to share her First Flight with Rainbow wasn't all that surprising considering they were as close as sisters, but Fluttershy didn't have nearly as close a bond with the orange filly.

Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah. I mean, I will admit that we aren't as close as rainbow and I, but you've always been there for me ever since you and Dash started seeing each other. You're like, a distant cousin who you only see a couple times a year, but I can always write you. It wouldn't be right if I didn't let both ponies as close as I currently have to family share my First Flight with me." 

Tears were freely rolling down Fluttershy's face as she again embraced scootaloo. "Of course scootaloo, I'd be honored."

Rainbow nodded her head. "Count me in too scoots, I can't wait to see you tackle earth's sky."

They all heard whistling coming from the ground. Followed by Applebloom's voice. "Hey scoots, when you're finished showing off your new ability, come down here so the we can do the CMC chant with all 6 members, like it's meant for." Scootaloo slowed her wing beat and descended down onto the floor, and grouped up with the rest of her CMC friends. 

Scootaloo nodded towards spike. "Hey spike."

Spike nodded back. "Sup scoots."

She and spike, along with Applebloom. Diamond Tiara, Sweetie Belle, and Silver Spoon got into a circle and extended their arm and forelegs in a hoofpile. "Crusaders together, CMC forever!" The hoofpile exploded as they all came together in a group hug. All laughing.

"Boy did we miss you spike!"

"Yeah! It just wasn't the same without ya spike."

Spike chuckled. "I missed you guys too. By the way, who came up with us going as pirates?"

Scootaloo held her head proudly. "That be me matey. First mate scootaloo reporting fee duty captain spike!" All 6 of them chuckled, then heard a gasp from afar. Everyone in the shuttlebay turned to the source of the gasp and saw sunset and Starlight, who had wandered over to the sparkles, frantically looking around while a huge puff of pink smoke faded away.

Sunset shouted. "We got a foal on the loose!"

At this, everyone gasped. Flurry Heart was missing!

To be continued.
> Episode 11: Halloween Special pt 2: talking and questions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone in the shuttlebay had a panicked look on their face. Flurry Heart was on the loose in Starfleet Academy, and as big as the place was, there was no telling what could happen in the time it would take to find her.

Cadance looked Jessica's way. "Jessica, are there any areas that cadets can't get into?"

Jessica's mind raced as she called up her mental list of restricted areas. "Teacher's lounges, faculty offices without an appointment, and also the armory without permission."

Twilight nodded. "You and shining better do that detection spell fast, or whatever it is you do to track her down." Cadance and shining nodded as they lit their horns. A few seconds of silence later, their horns dimmed and both let out a frustrated sigh.

"Darn it Flurry, this is why you don't teleport off on a strange planet."

Twilight arched an eyebrow. "That didn't work?"

Cadance shook her head. "For some reason, the detection spell isn't working. It might be interference or something." 

Moondancer was still looking around. "So we need to search this whole place to find her?"

Jessica sighed. "And this place is MASSIVE."

Twilight nodded. "Well we got a big group here. I don't think she can hide for long with all of us searching." 

Sunset nodded. "Yeah. If we pair off, we can cover more ground more quickly."

Twilight nodded. "Then let's do it. Everyone pair off. Spike, you go with the CMC. Moondancer, with me, Jessica, would you mind going with shining and cadance? To make sure they don't get lost too?"

Jessica nodded. "Aye aye twilight, and I'll see if Ivan T'Nea and Luke can help."

Twilight smiled. "Alright everypony, lets find Flurry."

Elsewhere in the Academy, Ivan, Luke, and T'Nea were in the courtyard, deep in the books with homework, and casually talking.

"So, anyone excited for the Halloween Dance this Friday?"

T'Nea nodded. "I definitely am. Ever since my mom and I first arrived here, I've always looked forward to Halloween. This year I'm going as a cheerleader.

Luke smiled. "That's a good choice. I'm gonna go as Darth Vader from the Original Star Wars Trilogy. I'm nearly done with the costume. All I need is to make the little control panel thingy that's on his chest and I'm all good."

Ivan arched any eyebrow. "I fail to see why dressing up and impersonating someone else can be seen as fun."

Luke chuckled. "It's mainly for the little kids. But it can be fun for all ages. Jessica and I certainly have fun with it."

T'Nea nodded. "Speaking of, I wonder what Jessica's going as."

Luke was about to reply when all of a sudden, a puff of smoke appeared out of nowhere, causing the three to involuntarily back away, right onto their backs on the ground off the benches that they were sitting at. They scrambled to their feet just as the smoke cleared, and the sight before them was shocking. In front of them was a tiny light pink foal with wings and a horn.

T'Nea was the first to speak. "I'm not the only one seeing this right?"

Luke nodded. "A quadruped with wings and a horn, Wait a minute, twilight's one of those, what species did she say that was called again?"

Ivan answered. "An Alicorn. And it looks like this one is in its infancy.

The baby Alicorn turned its head to stare at each of the three, a smile on its face. A second later, it broke down giggling. The three cadets stared at it in confusion.

T'Nea looked towards luke. "Hey, Luke, by any chance, do you think your sister has anything on our surprise guest?"

Again, Luke was about to answer, but he was again interrupted by all their combadges beeping, followed by Jessica's voice. "Luke, Ivan, T'Nea, you guys there?"

T'Nea pressed her combadge to answer Jessica. "Yeah, we're all here. What's up Jessica?"

"Twilight's family is visiting, but their foal teleported away."

Luke pressed his combadge to join in the conversation. "Perchance, is the foal an Alicorn with light pink fur?"

"Yeah, how did—she's with you guys!" 

Ivan pressed his combadge. "We are currently in the quad, we were working on homework until your missing foal popped out of nowhere."

They all heard a different voice from their badges. "Is she ok? Did she get hurt?" 

T'Nea took a quick look at the filly, who had taken to levitating a stylus pen to occupy herself, and to her, it didn't look like the filly had any injuries or scratches. "Though I'm really not an expert on Alicorn health, she looks to be unharmed. Right now she's just levitating my stylus pen."

They all heard a collective sigh, followed by Jessica's voice. "Whatever you do, do not let Flurry out of your sight, her parents' method of tracking her doesn't work on earth and she doesn't have a combadge so we can't track her on our tracker apps."

Luke smiled. "Don't worry Jess, we won't let her get away from us."

"Thanks guys. See you in a few."

The connection was cut as the trio in the quad returned their attention to Flurry. Who had put the stylus down and focused her adorable eyes on Luke. 

Luke and his friends sat back down at the table and Luke reached out with a hand. "Hello there Flurry. You certainly know how to make an entrance don'tcha. I'm Luke." Flurry flapped her wings and launched herself into Luke, who caught her with a slight grunt. "Oof, and you can pack a punch."

T'Nea cooed. "Aww, she likes you Luke."

Luke chuckled while Ivan took a closer look at Flurry. "She seems to have more strength then you would think."

Luke chuckled. "Never judge a holonovel by its projection." Flurry let out a soft giggle.

In a corridor inside. Jessica had just got off the comma with her friends. Cadance let out a sigh of relief. "Thank celestia Flurry's Safe. 

Shining eyed Jessica. "She, is safe with your friends right Jessica?"

Jessica nodded as they started walking towards the quad. "They would never do anything to hurt a fly. Luke is my twin brother so I'll trust him with my life any day, and T'Nea and Ivan have both gained that level of trust in the two months we've known each other. Flurry is in good hands." Jessica pressed her badge again. "Jessica to Equine cadets, Flurry Heart's been been found. She's in the quad with Luke, T'Nea and Ivan. Let's all converge there." Jessica cut the connection again.

Shining and cadance sighed in relief. "Now all we have to do is get there before she can teleport off again. Which can happen at any moment."

Cadance nodded, then a thought occurred to her. "Hey Jessica, a minute ago, did you say something about being able to track your pin communication devices?"

Jessica nodded. "Our combadges all give off a signal of some sort regardless if they're transmitting communications or not. So, with a tracker app that all Starfleet Academy cadets are required to have in case of emergency, we can pinpoint where a combadge is at all times, and since it's a rule that said combadges have to be on your person at all times during the day, where the combadge is, the person likely is."

Shining smiled. "That sounds handy. Perchance, do you think Flurry could have one?"

Jessica smiled and nodded. "We can get it, and a synced tracker PADD made as soon as we see a replicator. Then, Flurry will never be able to hide again."

Cadance chuckled. "Except when we're playing hide and seek. Because using the tracker is cheating."

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. Though I'm willing to bet that more often than not only flurry's playing that game."

Shining nodded. "It's her favorite game."

Jessica chuckled as they walked into a hub area, which had quite a few cadets just standing around socializing, Jessica noticed that it was one of the replicator rooms. Jessica smiled at this. "Look at that, there's a replicator right over there. It shouldn't take more then a few minutes so do you guys mind waiting here?"

Shining shook his head. "I don't mind, especially if it means I know where my daughter is at all times this week.

Cadance chuckled. "I'll go with you if you don't mind Jessica. There's actually something I want to talk to you about."

Jessica arched an eyebrow, but nodded all the same. "Sure thing." Jessica and cadance headed over to the wall, where Jessica presses a button. "Combadge tracker, with communication functionality." The computer heard her request and immediately went to work, while cadance shot jessica a questioning look. Jessica shrugged. "Combadges have communication functionality, you never know when that might come in handy." Cadance smiled and nodded. A few seconds of awkward silence before Jessica spoke again. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

Cadance turned her head towards Jessica with a smirk. "A little dragon told me that there was a Halloween Dance this Friday."

Jessica nodded. "Starfleet Academy hosts it, but its open to the general public too. From what I'm told it's always a blast."

Cadance nodded. "I'm sure. You thinking of asking twilight to it?"

Jessica's mind froze as she suddenly realized that spike told Cadance, the PRINCESS OF LOVE, and twilight's sister, about her crush on twilight. Of course she'd ask her about it.

Jessica recovered from her shock enough to form a response. "Spike told you didn't he."

Cadance nodded. "So, how did it happen? How long? And how big of a crush is it?"

Jessica sighed in defeat, making a mental note to pull spike aside and ask him just how many he told in his letters.

Elsewhere, twilight and Moondancer has just got off the coms with Jessica and both let out a sigh of relief. "Thank celestia Flurry ended up in trusted hooves. Can you imagine what would happen if she got somewhere she wasn't supposed to?"

Moondancer nodded. "She could've gotten hurt, or worse." Both twilight and Moondancer shuddered are the thought of something happening to their sweet little niece. Moondancer turned to look down the corridor. "We should head to the quad, sooner rather then later."

Twilight nodded. "Agreed, this way." Moondancer followed twilight as they headed down the hall.

After a moment of silence, Moondancer gave twilight a smirk. "So, care to shed some light on this crush that you've developed on your human roommate?" Twilight tensed up a little, but kept walking alongside Moondancer.

"How did you—"

"Spike told sweetie belle and Cadance and I coaxed her into telling us."

Twilight let out a groan before sighing in defeat. "It's more than a crush Moonie, I can't get her out of my mind. Every time we're together my heart beats faster, every hoofbump or high hoove between us makes me feel ecstatic, she's confident, kind, caring, I can listen to her talk all day long, and her singing voice? The most beautiful thing I've ever heard. And don't even get me started on her personality. I've never felt this way about anypony before."

Moondancer gave Twilight a confused look. "What about that one stallion, Flash Sentry, didn't he catch your eye at one point despite your swinging towards mares?"

Twilight shook her head. "That was a passing crush on the Flash Sentry from the Alternate Universe. It would never have worked."

"But now you think it could work with this one?"

Twilight nodded. "Yes. It could, especially if Jessica returns my feelings."

Moondancer smiled. "Then what's stopping you?"

"The possibility that it could all be for not? I mean, I've thought about any possible way to tell her, from asking her to the dance this Friday and telling her then, to just outright telling her now, but I'm scared that it could all blow up in my face." She heard quiet snickering and looked over to see her dead sister trying not to laugh. "Moondancer!"

Moondancer calmed down enough to talk. "I'm sorry Twily, but are you serious right now?"

Twilight arched an eyebrow. "What?"

"You're seriously telling me that you, the personal student of princess celestia, the element of magic, and the savior of Equestria several times over, are scared?"

Twilight arched an eyebrow again. "Why is that surprising?"

"Because you've seen things that would make a pony cower in fear several times over, hay, you've actually been to Tartarus, and came back alive, you've never shown any fear during those times so why should now be any different?"

"Because this time my happiness is at stake and you know how I prefer to be happy."

Moondancer nodded. "Oh yeah, I still remember that one time you got so angry you turned into a white hot mane on fire pony."

Twilight shuddered. "Let's not bring that up again. I had nightmares for weeks after that incident."

Moondancer chuckled. "Fine. But I think you have nothing to fear here."

"Does she like me back or something?"

Moondancer wanted to tell Twilight the truth, but Sweetie Belle made it clear that it wasn't their place to say that. So she regretfully opted for less truthful answer. "I don't know. But it seems to me like no matter what, she'll still want to be your friend. From what Sweetie Belle and your letters, as few as they are, have said. She's not one to end a friendship over something like this."

Twilight nodded. "She isn't, she told me herself that she's still good friends with everyone she's ever dated."

Moondancer nudged twilight. "So at the very least you'll still have her as a friend."

"Yeah but things between us will never be the same after I confess to her."

Moondancer shrugged. "Maybe things will change, maybe they won't, but one thing is abundantly clear."

Twilight cocked her head to the side in curiosity. "What's that?"

Moondancer smirked. "There's a dance coming up, and you are asking Jessica to it."

"Moon—"

Moondancer interrupted her. "Don't even try to say that you don't want to twilight. I know you, and you want to ask her. I mean, just from the way you've described her just now makes me think you would blast me into the sun if I asked her to the dance before you."

Twilight gasped. "Moondancer! I would never even think about doing such a thing. Just like shining is our BBBFF, and Cadance is our BBSFF, we're BTSFFs for life. Best Twin Sister Friends Forever. Nothing will ever change that."

Moondancer chuckled and wrapped a foreleg around twilight. "Not even you turning into a reclusive hermit bookworm who's only concern is studying."

Twilight chuckled nervously. "Yeah, can we not bring that up either?"

Moondancer nodded. "Only if you promise that as soon as you see her next, you'll ask Jessica to the dance. Seriously Twi, from What Sweetie Belle has told me about Jessica's personality, you have an actual chance with her."

Twilight sighed. "You really think so?"

Moondancer nodded. "I do. Oh, and consider this too. If you don't ask her the next time you see her. Cadance and I will force you to by mentioning to Jessica that you have something to ask her."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright, fine. When we get to the quad, I'll ask her to the dance."

Moondancer smiled. "Trust me twi, you'll feel a lot better once you've made you're feelings known."

"If you say so."

"I say so, because I know you twily."

Back in the quad, T'Nea, Ivan, and Luke were keeping Flurry occupied. Well, Luke and T'Nea were keeping her occupied. Ivan was just staring at them, as if trying to understand what was happening. T'Nea caught sight of Ivan and smirked. "You know Ivan, I think Flurry here would like to see how Vulcans entertain their young."

Ivan shook his head. "Vulcans do not entertain our young, we educate them on suppressing their emotions and teach them how to embrace logic."

Luke chuckled. "Oh come on Ivan, give it a try. There isn't ANYTHING Vulcans do to calm down their young? Because those infants can't have the ability to suppress emotions right from the get-go. That sounds to me like a school course."

Ivan sighed. "Indeed. There is one thing that I enjoyed when I was around Flurry's age. Let's see if Flurry here enjoys it."

Luke nodded and turned his attention to Flurry. "Hey Flurry, look what Ivan can do. Can you look at Ivan?" Flurry turned her cute little head to look at Ivan expectantly. Ivan responded by reaching into his bag and pulling out a tablet like device. Luke, T'Nea, and Flurry were looking at him curiously.

Ivan explained. "This is a holographic image creator PADD. It allows for 3 dimensional drawings to be created and come to life."

"Ooh, that sounds fun."

Ivan nodded. "And I have been told my creations were interesting in and of themselves."

T'Nea smiled. "Then go on. Wow us with some of that Vulcan creativity."

Ivan nodded and went to work.

Meanwhile, having finished the combadge and tracker PADD, Jessica, Shining, and Cadance were on their way to the quad, Jessica just finishing going over how the things work.

"So, anytime you want to call up Flurry's position, as long as she has her new combadge on, just hit this button right here—" Jessica pointed to a little red button on the tracker. "—and the tracker will instantly pick up Flurry. No matter where she is."

Shining nodded. "What's the range on this thing?"

Jessica thought for a second, mentally calling up the general range of a combadge. "As long as she stays within a 60 kilometer radius, the tracker will be able to keep track of her 24/7."

Cadance's eyes widened. "Whoo. That's a long tracking distance."

Jessica chuckled. "Yeah, these things are pretty overpowered. I doubt you'll even need all of that distance but hey, better to be ridiculously safe than sorry right?"

Shining and Cadance chuckled. "I suppose so."

"Yeah, though honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if we did need the full—WHAT IN THE FLAMING HAY IS THAT?!"

Jessica, momentarily confused by Shining's sudden outburst, looked the direction he was pointing, and her eyes widened as she saw a massive holographic dragon in the sky.

"A holographic dragon?!"

Shining and cadance relaxes a little when they heard holographic fly out of Jessica's mouth, but still.

"Where does a hologram like that come from?"

Jessica started looking around for the source of the projection, and saw her friends, most of them, gazing up in Aww of the creation. Jessica then remembered something she read about Vulcans.

"Don't worry guys. It's just my friend Ivan thinking creating a 3D live action dragon with his holoprojecting sketch pad is a way to get Flurry's attention. Suffice to say, it's probably working."

Shining and Cadance eased up a little. "All the same, we should probably get over there fast."

Jessica nodded. "Agreed."

Over to said group, they were all staring at the dragon that Ivan managed to create. Rarity more impressed than others. "My my darling, this is simply DIVINE!"

Rara nodded. "You Ivan, are a true artist."

Ivan nodded. "So I have been told. Though this isn't anything special." 

All eyes stared at Ivan in shock. "This isn't anything special?! Ivan, NONE of us could do anything close to this!"

"Yeah. Don't sell yourself short"

Ivan rolled his eyes. "It really is nothing special. It was really just a way to entertain Flurry here."

T'Nea took a look at the Alicorn foal, and saw that she was entranced by the giant dragon. "You definitely succeeded. She can't stop staring at it."

"You know Ivan, if you wanted to entertain Flurry with your artistic skills, I think you could've chosen that wouldn't terrify her parents at first." Everyone turned to see Jessica and two ponies Luke, T'Nea, and Ivan didn't recognize. Flurry, who had finally torn her eyes away from the dragon, saw the two ponies and immediately took off towards them. Cadance and shining caught her and held on tight.

"Flurry! Thank celestia your ok!"

"Don't teleport off without warning again!"

Flurry nodded her head, while Jessica walked over to her no pony friends, who gave her a smile.

"So, Jessica. Who exactly are those three? We've met the CMC, but who else is visiting?"

Jessica turned her attention to Cadance Shining and Flurry. "Those three are princess Cadance, Prince shining armor, and their daughter Flurry Heart. They and Twilight's twin sister Moondancer are here for the week, and they brought the CMC with them."

Luke's eyes widened. "We just babysat for ROYALTY?!"

T'Nea's Heart started pounding. "Oh I really hope we didn't do anything wrong with her."

"Oh, I've found that they're pretty laid back on the whole royalty thing. If how they acted around me is any indication."

T'Nea eyed Jessica. "So, what, they want to be treated like anyone else or something?"

"Yes, we're just here to visit our sister, nothing more." The four non ponies jumped back when they noticed that shining and Cadance had approached them.

"Would you be Luke, T'Nea and Ivan?"

Luke, T'Nea, and Ivan nodded. Shining smiled. "Thanks for making sure Flurry here stayed safe after she got away from us, I'm sorry she popped out of nowhere on you."

Ivan shook his head. "It was no trouble your majesties."

T'Nea nodded. "We're just glad she didn't hurt herself. It would be a lousy start to a vacation."

Cadance chuckled. "Yeah."

Jessica reached into her pocket and pulled out Flurry's new combadge, instead of the rectangle that was common at the Academy, it was in the shape of the Starfleet delta that was the standard issue badge of the entire organization. 

Jessica held it out for Flurry to see. "Hey Flurry, I got something for ya." Flurry saw the badge and smiled, reaching out to grab it.

Luke saw it and gave Jessica a confused look. "Why did got make Flurry a combadge?"

Cadance answered. "Our usual way of detecting where Flurry is doesn't work on this planet for some reason."

Jessica continued. "So I suggested that Flurry have a combadge that's connected to a tracking PADD. That's why we took longer then you'd think. We had to stop at a replicator."

Spike, who had been listening in on the conversation, nodded. "That's a smart idea. What's the range on it?"

"60 kilometers. Standard."

Starlight's eyes widened. "60 kilometers is STANDARD?!"

Pinkie smiled. "Wow. That's a really long distance. You could run around Ponyville at least a billion times to cover that distance."

That got a chuckle out of everyone as Jessica walked closer to Flurry. Who was still trying to grab the combadge out of her hand. Jessica chuckled as she tried to stick the badge onto Flurry. "Flurry, you have to sit still or I can't put this on you."

Cadance's horn lit up as the combadge in Jessica's hand lifted out of it into the air. "Here, let me do it. She only listens to me in this regard." 

Jessica nodded. "Stick it wherever you want but if she's the least bit interested, I'd put it to the left on her upper chest. Her left."

Cadance nodded as she turned her attention to Flurry, while Jessica felt tugging on her pant leg. She looked down to see spike smiling up at her. "Hey Jessica, come over here and meet the CMC." Rather then wait for Jessica to answer, spike grabbed her hand and pulled her over to where the CMC were talking to Starlight. Spike cleared his throat to get their attention. "Hey guys! This is my roommate Jessica. The one I told you about."

The CMC all smiled up at Jessica.

"Howdy Jessica. It's nice to meet ya. I'm Applebloom."

"The name's scootaloo."

"Sweetie Belle, Spike's marefriend." Spike blushed at that.

"Diamond Tiara."

"And Silver Spoon."

Jessica knelt down and shook hooves with all 5 of them. "It's nice to meet all of you. Welcome to earth."

"Thanks. This is a beautiful planet. Much like Equuis, with a considerable lack of magic."

Jessica chuckled. "Yeah. Humans have never seen real magic until we made first contact with Equuis 20 years ago. And even then, earth's only just now seeing real magic thanks to our Equine cadets."

Sweetie Belle chuckled. "I'll bet. Have there been any incidents yet?"

Jessica chuckled. "Other then Pinkie Pie seemingly breaking the laws of physics on a daily basis and being just the most random person I've ever met? The only incident happened just now with Flurry."

That got a chuckle out of everyone. Knowing Pinkie and her tendencies. After a moment, the chuckling died down and Sweetie Belle looked to Jessica. "So, spike tells me there's a Halloween dance this Friday. That should in be fun right?"

Jessica shrugged. "I've never been to a Halloween Dance hosted by Starfleet Academy before, but with Pinkie and Rarity planning it, it should be a blast." Jessica turned her attention to spike. "Did you ask Sweetie to the dance spike?" 

Spike chuckled. "As soon as I confirmed that she would be able to do so."

Sweetie Belle nodded. "Yeah. He asked me through a letter. But I can get past that since it was literally the only way he could ask me. How about you Jessica? You asking twilight to the dance?"

Jessica inwardly groaned. She and Cadance had a long talk about her feelings for Twilight, ending with Cadance basically insisting that she ask her to the dance. "Cadance and I had a long talk about that on our way here actually. She said she could sense the love I feel for her—"

"So you DO love her. Knew it." Sweetie Belle interjected, which Jessica ignored.

"—and she thinks I should ask her. This could be my best chance to tell her. But I'm afraid she'll reject me."

Diamond Tiara offered Jessica a reassuring smile. "Well, you'll never know unless you try. Plus. Cadance is the Princess of Love on Equuis, so it's probably a very good idea to listen to her advice."

Silver Spoon nodded. "Yeah. And besides, from the way spike was talking about you, cross referenced with how Twilight is, I don't think you need to fear rejection. After all, you two are so alike, I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of the night, you two were together."

Jessica chuckled. "Yeah. That's actually what I'm hoping for." Spike looked behind him and saw Twilight and Moondancer headed straight for them.

Spike turned back and nudged Jessica in the arm, whispering. "Go over there and ask. Come on. The worst she could do is say no."

Jessica took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Alright. Whoo, wish me luck." Jessica got up and turned to head over to where twilight and Moondancer were talking to shining, Twilight fawning over Flurry.

"Aww, look how cute Flurry is with her little combadge."

Moondancer nodded. "It was rather smart of Jessica to come up with using a combadge linked to a tracker to keep tabs on Flurry."

Jessica smiled as she reached the group. "I'm glad you think so. You can't always rely on magic to fix your problems, then again the same can be said for technology too, but it's more reliable than magic in this case."

Twilight smiled as she saw Jessica coming. "Jessica. Hi."

"Hey Twilight. Um, can I, talk to you for a minute? Maybe away from everyone else?"

Twilight slowly nodded. "Um, sure."

Jessica and twilight moved a short distance from the rest of the gang, T'Nea immediately noticing and nudging Luke. "Hey Luke. Look at that."

Luke looked to where T'Nea was pointing and saw that twilight and Jessica had separated from the group. By this point Starlight and rainbow noticed too. 

Rainbow smirked. "Anypony want to place bets on who'll ask who?"

Starlight snickered. "I'm guessing Jessica."

Luke snickered. "If twilight doesn't beat her to it."

Back over to Jessica and twilight, Jessica took a deep breath. "So, twilight, you know the Halloween Dance coming up in a week."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah."

"Would you be—"

"JessicawillyougototheHalloweenDancewithme?"

"—interested in going to—what?!" Jessica froze, trying to process what twilight said.

Twilight collected and repeated herself. "Will you go to the Halloween Dance with me? As friends?" Twilight mentally kicked herself for adding that last part. Why did she have to add that last part?!

Jessica meanwhile was a tiny bit disappointed that twilight wanted to go as friends, but it was better than nothing. Jessica collected herself and smiled. "Um, sure. Yeah sure we can go as friends."

Twilight smiled. "Great. So, it's a...date...then?" 

Jessica nodded. "Um, yeah, yeah it's a, date." Jessica and twilight high hoofed. While Jessica heard NM's voice again.

"Oh, I am so going to have fun ruining this little date of yours."

Jessica inwardly groaned. "I swear to god if you want to give me nightmares, fine, whatever, but that's where you're fun stays until the dance is over."

"We'll see about that you brat."

Jessica blocked NM off as she allowed joy to wash over her. She was looking forward to Friday. To her date with Twilight.

To be continued.
> Episode 12: Halloween Special pt 3: Special Plans
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich."

"Hamburger with a side of fries."

The replicator made the orders and Jessica and Luke reached for their respective lunches. After which they headed for the table that they're remaining friends, T'Nea, Ivan, Starlight, and Sunset, sat. Already eating their lunches, and having a conversation.

"—So Wait. Flurry's High pitched wails were enough to shatter the crystal heart?"

Starlight nodded. "And as a result, the Empire was nearly covered by a magical snow storm, but fortunately, the Princesses, twilight, Sunburst and I were able to fix it with the Crystaling."

Luke arched an eyebrow as he and Jessica sat down. "The Crystaling? What's that?"

Starlight smiled. "Well, basically it's a baptism, with the additional aspect of providing the Crystal Heart with additional power."

Jessica smiled. "Sounds like the Crystaling is important more so than baptisms here on earth."

Sunset giggled. "Unless earth has its own version of an empire that's constantly threatened by freezing to death and the only thing preventing that is a millennia old artifact."

Luke shook his head. "Not from what I've learned. The only magic earth has seen has all happened in the span of the last month.

Jessica chuckled. "Oh yeah. And don't even get me started on Spike's Firemail. Especially after Moondancer connected him and Sweetie Belle yesterday."

FLASHBACK

"Ok Sweetie Belle, spike, you two ready to be connected?" 

Spike and Sweetie Belle nodded eagerly. They, along with twilight, Moondancer, Rarity, and Jessica were all in the lobby of the hotel Cadance, Shining, Moondancer, and Flurry were staying at, along with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Applebloom and Scootaloo, along with Sweetie Belle, had ultimately decided, and were allowed, to room with their sisters throughout the week. Now, spike and Sweetie Belle stood side by side, ready to connect Sweetie Belle to spike's Firemail Network.

"Born ready Moondancer."

"This is so exciting!"

Rarity and twilight chuckled. Spike and Sweetie Belle has practically been begging poor Moondancer to cast the connection spell ever since Moondancer accidentally let it slip and reminded Sweetie Belle of the connection. Initially, Moondancer had told them that she would connect them at the end of the week, but after 5 minutes of begging as they were heading to the hotel, and at the insistence of everyone who's patience had worn out by that point, Moondancer gave in and said she'd connect them when they got to the hotel. But she made it clear that they were to stop asking right then or she wouldn't do it at all. That shut them right up. Now, they stood in front of Moondancer, hers and Sweetie's horns glowing.

FLASHFOWARD

"Let me guess, they put the connection to use right away?"

Jessica nodded. "All, night, long. Nothing but Spike coughing up letters from Sweetie. They just wouldn't stop."

Sunset chuckled. "Yeah. Rarity, pinkie, and twilight did seem a little grumpy this morning."

Starlight nodded in agreement. "Did they eventually stop?"

"Only when twilight and I confiscated the parchment and quill. Seriously, they were acting like they were on separate worlds all over again."

Luke chuckled. "Well, just keep the parchment and quills away from them and you shouldn't have anymore problems."

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Yeah thanks for the tip captain obvious."

T'Nea smiled. "Well, I think it's nice that they now have a direct link of communication. Long distance relationships can be tough I hear."

Ivan nodded. "Indeed. Though subspace communication makes it easier."

Luke nodded. "You got that right Ivan."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Luke then turned to sunset and starlight. "So, what're you two doing the rest of the day?"

Starlight shrugged. "Well, we had thought that we'd be having a magic duel with twilight."

"But that plan went out the window when twilight decided that she'd rather spend the day with her siblings and niece. Not that we don't understand. It's just that that's left us with nothing to do."

Jessica had an idea. "Well, if you guys don't have a plan, how about you come to cosmic Harmony band practice? Get a sneak peak of the entertainment for the dance?"

Sunset and starlight grinned. "Cosmic Harmony is the entertainment?

Luke nodded. "Pinkie and Rarity asked us if we'd be willing to do a few songs for the dance to have a live performance. Suffice to say, we're apparently fast learners."

Sunset giggled. "Well, yeah if you only got a month to come up with more then 'Let the Journey Begin'."

That got the whole table giggling. T'Nea nodded her head. "Yeah. That was mostly my fault. I'll take full blame for us only having that one song for Open Mic Night."

Jessica chuckled. "Well, now we got quite a few songs now that the first impression was made and you aren't worrying about it anymore."

T'Nea chuckled nervously. "Yeah, can we move past that?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah, we'll move past it. And right on to Jessica's problem."

Jessica arched an eyebrow. "Problem? Luke?"

Luke gave Jessica a smirk. "Concerning your little crush?"

Jessica dropped her head onto the table with a very loud groan. "Oh come on! When are you all going to let it go? It's not that big a deal!"

Starlight shook her head. "It's a big deal, because this is the first Equine/human singular dimension love story."

Sunset nodded. "So forgive us for being just a tad excited."

Jessica sighed. "I know. I'm sorry, it's just that I'm nervous about how I'm going to tell Twilight as it is, and everyone wanting to talk about it ISN'T easing my nerves."

T'Nea patted Jessica on the back. "Don't worry Jess. You're gonna be just fine. Especially with what Luke Ivan and I have been working on to help you."

Jessica arched an eyebrow. "What?

Luke smiled as he took out a PADD and handed it to Jessica. "We May have been learning a little song that may or may not be perfect for serenading twilight. Just a thought."

Jessica took the PADD and read it's screen. On the PADD were lyrics for a song that she recognized from a musical drama that she used to watch all the time. And while it was one of her favorite songs from the show, she never thought she would use it for its obvious intent, until now.

Jessica put the PADD down and looked to her three non pony friends. "Luke, Ivan, T'Nea, you three crazy geniuses! This is perfect!"

Ivan nodded. "Yes. When Luke showed T'Nea and I a video which had the song used for its intended purpose, we all agreed that we should be able to replicate the music for it. In the event that you would want to use the song."

Jessica chuckled. "Because I used to sing a lot when at home, and Luke often told me that I could serenade anyone with my voice. Luke, once again, you remind me why you are the best brother I could ask for."

Luke chuckled. "Just call me wingman Luke."

Starlight enveloped the PADD with her magic and she and sunset took a look at what it had on it. After a moment, they smiled. "Wow. Earth can come up with some pretty sweet love songs."

Sunset nodded. "And this one is... Yeah. This is from a TV show I used to watch back in my high school days. Glee."

Jessica smiled. "You watched Glee too Sunset?"

Sunset nodded. "Oh, yeah. It was one of the shows I could relate to. Minus the—actually, no. It's pretty much accurate to my life. Including the spontaneous musical numbers."

The entire table, minus Ivan, chuckled. Ivan, he arched an eyebrow. "Spontaneous musical numbers?"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah, songs that start up for no reason or without warning, most of the time. Twilight and I actually had a pretty interesting conversation on how Equestria seems to have one every week."

Starlight chuckled. "Oh yeah. I remember those. Strange how we haven't had one here yet beyond Open Mic Night."

Sunset nodded. "I'm sure one will pop up at some point. In the meantime, we should watch Glee sometime Jessica."

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. I'm interested in seeing if you recognize any of the characters from when you watched it in the other dimension. Oh, how much did you watch of it?"

"Only right up until the moment Santana proposed to Brittany. Literally I had to stop in the middle of the episode."

"Aw, so you missed—"

"No spoilers! If I can watch it in this dimension no spoilers! Please!"

Jessica chuckled. "Alright. Fine. But we're binge watching season 6 sometime."

"Deal."

Sunset and Jessica fist/hoof bumped. While luke shook his head. "Oh great. Another Glee head."

Jessica playfully jabbed him in the arm. "Oh come on Luke, Glee is the best musical drama there is. Ask anyone who's seen even a single episode."

Luke sighed. "I don't get that though. There are way better shows out there. Need I remind you about Star Wars?"

Jessica chuckled. "Oh, don't get me wrong, Star Wars will always be my #1 franchise. But Glee is a close second."

Luke rolled his eyes. "If you say so.

Jessica chuckled as she took back the PADD that was sitting on the table. "Anywho. This is perfect guys. Thank goodness I'm a quick study, if I only have a week to learn this."

Luke chuckled. "Yeah but you listened to the song countless times in the past so I would be surprised if you couldn't do it."

"Listening and doing are 2 very different things luke, need I remind you of that one time when we were 10 and you tried to—"

"Alright, alright! I get it. No need to go any further."

Jessica stuck her tongue out at Luke, then chuckled. "So, what's everyone going as for Halloween?"

Miles away from Starfleet Academy, the rest of the gang was with their family, and Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, at the Railway Museum. Currently examining the oldest train they had.

"Wow. They actually used horses to pull their trains when railway transportation was first invented?"

Twilight nodded and read off the podium in front of the display. "The first North-American Gravity Road, as it was called back then, was erected in 1764 for military purposes at the Niagara Portage in Lewiston New York. Hey that's Jessica and Luke's hometown."

Spike gasped. "Lewiston? That's neat."

Moondancer nodded. "But what's even more interesting is how they went from horses..." Moondancer gestured to the first steam powered locomotive. "To steam. Like the Friendship and Crystal Express trains back on Equuis."

The group stared in awe of the massive contraption. Spike, the CMC, and Flurry entranced by it. "Wow. It's massive."

Rara chuckled. "Well of course it is. Earth doesn't have the magical properties that Equuis has so the train must've run on other sources. Though how they were able to convert coal to power without magic is a mystery."

Spike noticed a sign on the train and read it. His face lighting up. "Hey! We can go inside this one!" 

The CMC grinned. "I call conductor!" Scootaloo ran off, leaving the others's smiles to fade.

"Hey! No fair! I want to be the conductor!"

"Wait up scoots!" The CMC boarded the train, with Flurry in tow and left the adults outside, who proceeded to chuckle.

Moondancer nudged twilight. "Gotta hand it to you guys. You're pretty lucky to have been chosen to learn all about this strange new world.

Rarity giggled. "You mean worlds, plural. We are cadets in an Academy training to be galactic explorers."

Applejack nodded. "Gotta admit, never thought I'd be half way across the galaxy. But then again, never thought I'd be facing the likes of Nightmare Moon and Tirek either. Fate sure has a sense of humor doesn't it."

Pinkie nodded. "But it's been a blast so far, because I have all my friends here with me."

Twilight nodded. "Well said pinkie. And we managed to make new friends too." At that, everyone let out a giggle, causing twilight to arch and eyebrow. "What? What's so funny?"

Rainbow answered. "Yeah, we've all made good friends here. You've made a very, very good friend here." 

The giggling continued as twilight caught on and let out a groan. "Of for the love of, how many more potshots are you all going to take at my crush on Jessica?"

Rarity answered her. "As many as it takes for you to admit to her your feelings."

Twilight facehoofed. "I asked her to the dance. Don't you think that would be a logical time for that?" 

Moondancer nodded. "Yeah. It is."

Rainbow came up and ruffled twilight's mane. "But you finally find love after all these years and you expect us to not tease our favorite egghead about it?"

Twilight sighed. "Well... alright yeah, I did expect some teasing."

Pinkie bounced up and wrapped her forelegs around the lavender Alicorn. "But you know we're only kidding right? We're happy that you found a special somepony... Er...someone, here. Ooh, I can't wait til Saturday when I get to throw you a dating party."

Twilight smiled a little. "Well, don't plan the party yet Pinkie. After all. She thinks that we're only going to the dance as friends. Twilight sighed at that.

Fluttershy arched an eyebrow. "Yeah, um, why did you add that as friends part? If you don't mind me asking?"

Twilight groaned a little. "I don't know! That part left my mouth before I could stop it! Oh why did I have to say that!" 

Rarity gave twilight a reassuring smile. "Well, there is still hope for you and Jessica yet twilight. Because a night can start out one way, and end in a completely different way."

Cadance nodded. "It's true. Like when shining and I got together."

Shining chuckled nervously. "Yeah. I remember that night."

Moondancer gave shining a smirk. "Wasn't that the night you accidentally spilled punch all over Cadance and then accidentally knocked mistletoe all over her trying to clean it up? The kind she's allergic to?"

Twilight and her friends burst out laughing while shining turned red with embarrassment. "We agreed never to speak of it again Moondancer!"

Cadance ended her little giggling fit and wrapped a wing around Shining. "Aw, but you were so adorable, rushing to find something to clean me up, tripping over a box of mistletoe in the process.

Shining knowingly looked to his wife. "That got you sent to the hospital wing for a week to clean up the allergy!"

Cadance chuckled. "And I got to spend that week with a stallion who felt so terrible about it that he spent that week making sure I was well taken care of. The same stallion whom I caught off guard by saying that I knew he had feelings for me, and the same stallion I would fall for in return and eventually marry. If you ask me shining, that night was probably the best time for me to get caught in a mistletoe avalanche. Because it led me right to you."

Shining sighed. "I guess your right Cady. Still though, that wasn't my proudest moment.

Twilight, having finally calmed down from her laughing fit, nudged her BBBFF. "But if you had to do it again, you would right?"

Shining sighed, then nodded. "Yeah. I would."

Cadance pecked him on the cheek. "And I'll fall in love all over again."

Shining smiled as rarity nudged twilight. "So you see darling? You don't have anything to worry about."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I still need to figure out when and how to tell her. Halloween isn't exactly a night of love Rares."

Pinkie smirked at twilight. "Oh. Leave the when to me and Rarity Twi. You'll know when the time is right."

Rarity nodded. "Trust me darling, when you finally tell her, the only thing separating Nightmare Night and Hearts and Hooves day will be your costumes." Rarity and Pinkie chuckled, twilight giving them a confused look.

'Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

Several hours later, while Cadance, flurry, Shining, Moondancer, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon had gone back to their hotel for the night, the rest of the ponies and spike went back to Starfleet Academy, where they met with Jessica, luke, T'Nea, Ivan, Sunset, and Starlight. By then, the sun had gone down and it was a clear night. So the gang decided to hang out at one of the fire pits in the quad of the Academy and roast some marshmallows that Luke and Starlight were able to teleport to his room to get. Now they all sat around the fire, marshmallows on sticks and the mane 6 filling the absent friends in on their day.

"So then, Spike and the CMC, with Flurry in tow, enter the display to take a closer look."

"And not 5 minutes later, we all hear the loudest horn ever. No warning. Just a horn that suddenly started blasting out of the blue."

They all erupted in laughter as the spike and the three OG CMC smiled sheepishly. "Oh come on!"

"How were we supposed to know what that hanging chain did?"

Rarity wrapped a foreleg around sweetie belle as she ceased her laughing. "Oh sweetie we aren't mad at you."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah. It's just that it came so sudden it scared us half to death."

Rainbow nodded. "For a minute there, I thought that something bad had happened. Fortunately it was just a horn."

Scootaloo chuckled. "Yeah. Still can't believe that string could trigger something that loud."

Applebloom nodded. "It's definitely louder than the horn on the Friendship Express. At least 10 times louder.

Luke chuckled. "Wow. A train horn here is 10 times louder than the train horns on Equuis? How do you ponies hear that through all the ambient noise?"

Twilight shrugged. "Equine ponies must have better hearing than humans I guess." 

Jessica chuckled as she took a bite out of the marshmallow on her stick. "So. I take it the Railway Museum was a win?"

Sweetie Belle nodded. "I had so much fun there! I can't wait to see what else earth has to offer."

Ivan nodded. "On it's own, San Francisco has quite a bit to offer. Multiple museums, theme parks, restaurants, there should be plenty to do whilst the rest of us are in classes."

T'Nea nodded. "Speaking of classes..." she pointed her marshmallow covered stick to Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. "...Aren't you three missing school this week?"

Applebloom nodded. "Yeah. But miss Cheerilee is ok with it."

Scootaloo agreed. "Yeah. In fact, she wants us to do a full project about earth, so that she has something to fill this week's gap with on our report cards."

Applejack smiled. "Well, now that eases my nerves a bit. To be honest bloom, I was a little skeptical about y'all coming for a week."

Applebloom chuckled. "Don't fret AJ. We may not like it, but we know school is important."

Fluttershy nodded. "It is. That way you can learn everything you need to know for the real world."

"And you never know, you might just meet that one pony that captures your heart without even trying." Rara added, looking knowingly towards Applejack, who blushed.

Applejack's eyes then widened in realization. "Hang on a ding dong second. We didn't meet in school though, we met at camp!"

Rara chuckled. "And spent the next 9 years in school being friends, until senior year in high school when we confessed our love."

"And that started the long distance period of our relationship, you going off and becoming a singer. Which, by the way, changed you."

Rara chuckled at the memory. "And Thank celestia I had you to remind me of who I am."

Applebloom nodded. "Yeah! And after that whole affair, you gave up being a singer to be with Applejack."

Rara nodded. "That's right AB. And while it took me a bit to get used to farm work, particularly how tiring it can be. I don't regret it one bit."

T'Nea, Jessica, and Rarity all went "awww" while Luke rolled his eyes and took another bite out of his marshmallow. "Anyhow. Yeah. There's enough to do to last more than a week. Especially on Friday. From what I heard, San Francisco is THE town for trick or treating. And the Halloween Dance is open to all people of all ages. It's gonna be a blast."

Sweetie Belle smiled. "I can't wait. The crew of the SS CMC be ready to plunder this planet of all its delicious treasure!" That got a collective chuckle from everyone.

Spike wrapped an arm around Sweetie Belle. "And what crew would be complete without the cutest first officer in the galaxy?"

Sweetie belle blushed, then pecked spike on the cheek with her lips. "Oh hush you. Once I graduate Starfleet Academy if you are a captain you better at the very least get me into your crew."

Applebloom and Scootaloo nodded. "That goes for us too."

"Cutie Mark Crusader Starfleet Officers!"

That elicited another round of laughter from everyone. Twilight took a bite of her marshmallow in between chuckles. "Well, so good in school, get into the Academy, graduate from here with good grades. And you might just make it there."

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. And in the meantime, please! No more sending letters to spike via Firemail. Not only is it distracting, it's also just the tiny bit gross for anyone who doesn't know what it is." 

Twilight and rarity nodded in agreement. "Seriously. You two were acting like you were millions of miles away again."

"Spells and Spike's Firemail have volume to them you know. And I need my beauty sleep to help maintain my natural beauty."

Sweetie and spike shrank as they looked down. "Sorry about that you guys."

"We were just so excited to finally be able to write directly to each other, I guess we kinda did get carried away."

"We won't do it again."

Twilight, Rarity, and Jessica all smiled. "It's ok you two."

"And hey, once this week is up and Sweetie Belle goes home, you two can paper text all you want."

"As long as spike isn't in class and the rest of us aren't trying to sleep. Because again, your method of written communication isn't very quiet."

Spike and Sweetie Belle nodded. "Aye aye captains."

"Spike and I'll maintain better control over our conversational urges from now on."

Rarity, Jessica, and twilight all nodded. "Good."

Luke reached behind him and picked up his guitar. Which he grabbed along with the marshmallows. "Anyone got any campfire song requests?"

Jessica beamed at him. "Oh, how about that one song dad taught you when we were 11 on that camping trip."

Luke smiled as he got his fingers set on the strings. "You got it!"

Luke started strumming his guitar to a nice little tune as the gang settled in to listen.

To be continued.
> Episode 13: Halloween Special pt 4: All is Revealed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The week flew by at lightning speed, the Starfleet cadets went to classes while Shining, Cadence and Moondancer took the fillies around San Francisco. After class hours saw the two groups together for dinner time and any evening activities that they-mainly Pinkie Pie-could come up with. All the while Jessica and twilight were continually faced with conversation revolving around their crush for the other. To an outside observer with two functioning brain cells, with such a large group of mutual friends, the fact that neither twilight or Jessica found out about the other's feelings by accident was astonishing. Before anyone knew it, Friday was around and the day found Pinkie and Rarity, along with Harry and Luke, who was there to help decorate, under a large tent, setting up tables and chairs.

Harry looked around the tent and arched an eyebrow at the pink earth-pony. "Hey, Pinkie, how come you didn't want to break out the decorations until today?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah pinks, this tent is relatively large and we're just four people. How are we going to get all the decorations done in time?"

Pinkie smiled as she began bouncing up and down. "Oh don't worry, with my Party Decoration Bomb, we can have this place decorated lickity split." Pinkie raced out of the tent and returned a few seconds later with a big melon shaped device in tow.

Harry and Luke did a double take as Harry gained a little more panic in his voice. "Ok, two things cadet. 1, how's a bomb going to help us? And 2, where the frag did you get that thing?"

Rarity chuckled as pinkie ignored Harry and continued to fiddle with the control panel on the device. "It's, best that you don't ask those kinds of questions darlings."

Pinkie nodded as she finished her work. "Yeah. Now, FIRE IN THE HOLE!" Harry and Luke's iris's shrank as they realized what that meant. They turned to run, but it was too late.

Outside the tent, T'Nea was walking through the quad to her next class when she heard a boom in the distance. She looked in the direction of the tent and immediately saw Harry, Luke, Pinkie, and Rarity rush out of the tent, clearly covered in orange, black, and yellow.

T'Nea slapped her hands over her mouth in an attempt to stop her laughter, but that did nothing as she burst out laughing. "O-oh my g-goodness you g-guys, wha-wha-what happened to y-you?"

Luke spat some glitter out of his mouth as he Harry, and Rarity pointed to pinkie. "Pinkie Pie and her Party Decoration Bomb. That's what happened."

"Don't ask. It's Pinkie being Pinkie."

T'Nea nodded as she started looking past the four into the tent. "Well. I guess the Dance is now fully decorated."

Pinkie nodded. "Uh Huh. Now all that's left is to get the food, drinks, the DJ system, and it's party time!"

"Don't forget about..." Rarity took a quick look around before continuing in a hushed voice. "...operation Jessitwi. We still need to set that up."

T'Nea arched an eyebrow. "Operation Jessitwi?"

Rarity nodded. "Our plan to help twilight to confess her feelings for Jessica. We're going to make the scene so romantic that she'll have no choice but to confess."

Luke chuckled. "Well, maybe you should pull your plan while Jessica's singing her song to twilight."

Rarity's eyes widened in realization. "Luke, you're right! You told us how Jessica was going to serenade twilight. We could engage the Romantic scene whilst the song is playing, and when she finishes, twilight will confess that she loves her too, and bada bing bada boom, we have a new couple in our mist!"

Luke and T'Nea chuckled. "You are really confident that it'll work flawlessly aren't you Rarity."

Rarity rolled her eyes. "I will admit to reading perhaps one too many romance novels. But if they love each other then it doesn't matter."

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah! Though in the end it all comes down to their ability to overcome any fear that they have."

Harry nodded. "Well, it is Halloween after all so that could be a thing."

Rarity nodded with a determined smile on her face. "However it May end up playing out, Jessica and twilight will become an item by the time the clock hits midnight tonight. Of that I am certain."

Her companions all chuckled at that as luke got out his phone and checked the time. "Well, it's a good thing my Friday Afternoons are clear, it's gonna take ages to get all cleaned up."

Rarity groaned. "Lucky you. I still have psychology, and I'm a complete mess."

Pinkie wrapped her forelegs around Rarity. "Oh, I'm sorry rarebear, I didn't mean to get you all messy."

Rarity sighed and nuzzled Pinkie. "It's ok dear, I suspected something like this would happen when you put off decorating until today. Now, could you help me dust off so I look somewhat presentable?"

Pinkie nodded and raised her tail towards rarity. "Pinkie Tail Duster, Activate!" Pinkie started racing at superspeed around Rarity, her tail brushing against Rarity and cleaning her up.

Later that day, across San Francisco, Cadance, Shining, Moondancer, and the fillies were all getting ready for the scariest night of the year. The CMC were just about ready as they flipped their pirate hats onto their heads. "Argh mateys, we be a fine lookin crew if I do say so meself."

"That's right shipmen scootaloo. Now, where be our scaly captain? He told his hearty crew to rendezvous with the SS CMC around this time did he not?"

Moondancer and shining chuckled as they finished zipping each other into their costumes. "I'm sure he'll be here any minute. Then you shall set sail and plunder this planet of its delicious candy. And once ensign Flurry is in bed, we shall dance all night to, and I quote that sea devil Luke, 'the best songs on Earth'."

Moondancer nodded. "Yeah, I'd like to see how earth music differs from Equine music."

Sweetie Bell cocked her head to the side as she remembered a conversation she had with spike earlier. "From what spike told me, it's not too different. Though Earth's wider range of instruments means more impressive harmonious sounds and beats. I can't wait."

Applebloom shook her head. "Me neither. So let's finish getting dressed and skedaddle out of here for Trick Or Treating."

Cadance chuckled as she and Flurry exited the bathroom, Flurry wearing a mouse costume, and Cadance looking a lot like Nightmare Moon. She took a good look around and smirked. "So, we have a bunch of pirates, a mouse, Nightmare Moon, and oh, I see the ever so famous salt and pepper combo has made a return."

They all got a chuckle out of that. "Quite the diverse group we have here."

"Yeah. And hey, shining and I are together for Nightmare Night, might as well bring back the ever so sparkle classic. We would've had twilight here to be the cinnamon or the paprika, but she's going as King Sombra, for some reason."

Cadance chuckled. "So she's told me. Now I'm wishing Flurry and I had coordinated. Darn it we could've been a cat and her cute little kitten."

Shining walked over and nuzzled his wife in the neck. "There's always next year dear."

Cadance nodded. "Yeah. Though I'm not complaining, Flurry is just so adorable as a mouse." All eyes turned to Flurry, who had situated herself in the middle of all of them and squeaked like a mouse, eliciting an Aww from everyone.

"Just look at her, she's just so adorable with her mouse costume it's almost criminal."

Silver Spoon nodded. "That she is DT, that she is."

At that, there was a knock on the door. Cadance went to open it, revealing a tiny pirate standing there with a candy bag. "Argh matey, Hand over your delicious treasure, or face the consequences!"

Cadance chuckled. "Hello to you too spike. About time you got here."

Spike chuckled nervously. "Yeah, Sorry about that, apparently King Sombra and Green Lantern wanted to see how long it would take for them to steal Captain Spike's hat. Suffice to say, it took a while longer than I thought."

Cadance let spike in, and spike immediately went to his CMC friends, who were all smiling at him. "Hey spike! You're finally here."

"Indeed mateys, now, who's ready to plunder this town of all its delicious candy treasure?"

5 fillies and a dragon chuckled as the fillies all nodded and saluted. "The hearty crew of the SS CMC is ready for a new adventure captain spike!"

Spike nodded as shining chuckled and started for the door. "Then let's set sail everypony." The gang smiled as they all followed shining out the door.

Meanwhile, in the mess hall at Starfleet Academy, it was packed with cadets, all there to get an early dinner before the Dance started. At one of the corner tables, the Equine gang were all enjoying their meals when all of a sudden, they heard a very loud roar. Fluttershy the rabbit squeaked and bolted under the table in fear. "What was that?!" Everyone quickly looked around for the source of the roar, only to find their crazy pink friend in a lion costume, next to, much to their surprise, the famous Mare-Do-Well, a 'hero' they created to teach rainbow a lesson on humility.

Rainbow sighed. "False alarm, it's just Pinkie Pie. But who got the Mare-Do-Well costume?"

Mare-Do-Well reached up and lifted her mask  to reveal Rarity. "That would be me darling. Look familiar Rainbow?"

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Yeah it does. Any reason?"

Rarity shrugged. "I unearthed it when I was packing and it's been collecting dust this whole time so I figured I'd give it a new life as a Nightmare Night costume."

Starlight smiled. "Well, it's a pretty well done costume Rares. Your own design?"

"That's correct."

T'Nea nodded. "You definitely rock the Superhero look Rarity."

Rarity's face lit up. "Why thank you darling. I admit it's nice to be back in a costume made to help a friend."

Everyone nodded in agreement. All of a sudden, they all heard a low voiced laugh coming from behind them, they all turned to see somepony that made the Equine jump a little.

"Woah!"

"No way!"

"King Sombra?!"

'Sombra' nodded. "Yes my little ponies, it is I! King Sombra, the rightful ruler of the Crystal Empire! And Equestria itself!"

Rarity, having lowered her mask, knew who it really was, and decided to play along. "Oh yeah Sombra? Just try it, because Mare-Do-Well and the Elements of Harmony are always ready to defend Equestria!" Rarity then lit her horn and seemingly fired a shot at 'Sombra'. But in reality it was just a light beam. 

Twilight, catching on to Rarity's act, really laid it on thick when the beam it her. "Gah! Ugh! Curse you and your magic Mare-Do-Well!" Twilight fell sideways onto the floor, acting like she was dead. For the moment, no one said a word, until rarity and twilight started laughing.

Twilight got up off the ground and canceled the Illusion Spell she was using, catching everyone off guard.

"Twilight?!"

"That was you the whole time?"

Twilight chuckled. "Yep. This is me. King, or rather, QUEEN Sombra, for the night."

Applejack chuckled. "Well, y'all and Rarity sure put up quite the show. I almost believed you."

Rarity nodded. "Ah, yes. Twilight and I are quite the actresses aren't we."

"I would say so, however, your attempts at acting are insignificant, next to the power, of the force." A low, almost robotic voice said. Everyone again turned to find the source, and saw a figure clad in black armor, a black cape, and a menacing mask. 

The figure's appearance sent Fluttershy back down under the table in fear. "Monster! Don't let it eat me dashie!" Upon seeing Fluttershy so scared, the figure immediately took off his mask and revealed himself to be Luke, with a worried expression on his face.

"Oh, sorry 'shy, was that too scary?" Luke asked.

Fluttershy peaked out from under the table and upon seeing that it was indeed just luke, she retook her seat. "Um, yes. It was a little scary Luke."

Luke sighed as he took a seat. "Sorry flutters, I guess I made my Darth Vader costume a little too accurate to the real thing, because if you don't know who it is, it could scare you."

Rara, dressed up as Daring Do, scratched her head. "Who is Darth Vader anyway?"

Luke smiled. "Only one of the most iconic characters in Sci-Fi history. He's a Sith lord who's the main enforcer of the Galactic Empire, a galaxy spanning Empire the ruled a galaxy far far away from this one, a long time ago."

Starlight and Sunset listened to Luke intently. "Ooh, sounds interesting."

"What franchise is he from?"

Before Luke could answer, another voice answered for him. "That would be Star Wars, the greatest franchise ever." Suddenly, a bowl of salad surrounded by a green aura floated onto the table, everyone followed the retracting green beam back to its source, and found Jessica dressed in a green and black suit with white gloves, white boots, a green over the eye mask, and a green ring on her finger. All everyone could do was stare at her as she took her seat, save for twilight and Luke, who had seen her in her costume already.

T'Nea was the first to come out of her shock. "Wow. And here I thought Rarity rocked the superhero look. That Green Lantern suit looks amazing Jessica."

Jessica chuckled. "Thanks."

Luke nodded. "Though I still don't know how you managed to make the ring Jessica."

Jessica held up her hand with the ring on it for everyone to see. "The ring uses Zero Point Energy to entrap an object in a bubble and essentially makes it light as a feather and able to be moved with ease. Of course the real rings can do a whole lot more, but we can only do levitation with nanotechnology right now."

Starlight eyed the ring with interest. "Your telling me that little thing can levitate any object just by shooting a beam at it?"

Jessica nodded. "Yep. This thing is a hi-tech nano-powered motion controlled levitation spell. But it's not limited to objects, it can lift living beings too, it freezes them in time as a side effect while their caught in the beam, but they unfreeze when they are let go."

The Equine all looked at the ring in amazement. "Wow."

"Astonishing."

"Can you tell us more about this Zero Point Energy?"

Jessica chuckled. "I could, but then we'd miss the dance." That got everyone chuckling, until sunset noticed one of their friends missing.

"Hey, anyone know where Ivan is?"

T'Nea smiled. "Ivan's meeting us in the tent, he said he'll play the songs, then leave. Because, and I quote, 'Vulcans do not engage in these kind of events', though by playing a few songs he is engaging in this event so not sure where the logic is there."

Luke and Jessica chuckled. "Yep. That's our Ivan. Vulcan to the core."

"But that doesn't stop him from rocking the drums. Boy can he play."

T'Nea chuckled. "That he can. He's the best that keeps cosmic harmony on track."

Jessica nodded. "That he is. Ooh, this is gonna be so much fun!"

Everyone at the table nodded. "Yeah!" Everyone stretched out one of their arms and forelegs to do a big hand/hoofpile.

The pile exploded as they all went back to their meals and engaged in small talk, but Jessica suddenly heard her least favorite creature speak again. "Oh, it is gonna be so much fun. So much fun ruining this little night in one swift action."

Jessica inwardly groaned. "I swear to god if you do anything within the next few hours, I'll tear you limb from limb."

NM laughed. "Ha! As if you could do anything to me you brat."

"I'm warning you you little demon, bad things happen to those who underestimate humans. ESPECIALLY through insults."

NM let out a chuckle. "Ooh, I'm so scared. You're forgetting that this is MY night. It's called Nightmare Night for a reason. Me, the terror of the night, the one TRUE nightmare. I have endured for a thousand years, and I will not be threatened by a weak pathetic human like you!"

Jessica inwardly facepalmed. "Do you have any idea how cliche that bragging reel was?"

NM groaned. "Give me a break! I've been on the moon for a thousand years and spent the next 3 in the mind of that purple Alicorn idiot before I entered your mind. I've been out of it for a while!"

Jessica froze as she registered what NM said. "She's been hiding in Twilight's mind before she came here?! That's where she came from?! And I'm betting twilight doesn't even know it!" Jessica glanced at Twilight, who was chuckling at something Rarity had mentioned. She recalled seeing firsthand twilight's tendency to blow things out of proportion. "For her sake I hope she NEVER figures that out."

"And what's to stop me from telling her?"

Jessica had had enough of NM at that point and just ignored her, and hoped that NM wouldn't say anything relating to her living arrangements before Jessica's mind. If Twilight knew she brought Nightmare Moon to earth, and had harbored her within her mind for 3 years before that, she'd have the biggest panic attack ever, despite it being unwittingly.

Spike hopped up and pushed the button on the side of a door. The CMC heard a faint ding dong and got their candy bags ready. They were each filled with candy and they had planned this as their last stop before they headed to the Halloween Dance. After a few seconds, the door opened and they saw a blue skinned alien with a bowl of candy in its hand.

Sweetie Belle cleared her throat and began their candy requesting routine. "Ahoy matey. The crew of the SS CMC request your finest delicious treats for our journey through the stars."

The alien smiled, and—deciding to respond by acting like they were indeed in the pirate era—saluted. "Of course sailor, allow me to provide a piece of my delicious treasure to you." He reached into the bowl, knelt down, and proceeded to drop a handful of candy into each of the bags. He chuckled. "I gotta say, this is the best looking group of pirates I've seen tonight. Where did you guys get them?"

Sweetie Belle smiled. "I made them myself. Are they really the best you've seen tonight?"

The man nodded. "Oh yeah. And I tip my hat to you young lady. Though, I can't say I ever seen you 6 in this neighborhood before. What planet are you from?"

Applebloom smiled. "All 6 of us, as well as our chaperones right over there—" Applebloom gestured towards cadance, shining, and Moondancer. "Are from Equuis. Specifically Equestria."

The man snapped his fingers, as if he cracked some code. "Now it makes since. This your first time on earth?"

All 6 of them nodded. "Yep."

"Yes sir."

"Been here all week visiting family at Starfleet Academy."

The man smiled. "Well then, I hope earth was everything you imagined."

All of them nodded. "Oh yeah. It's beautiful."

DT cleared her throat. "Although, if I may ask in return. What planet are you from sir?"

The man chuckled. "I was born right here on earth, but my species is actually Andorian, from the planet Andoria, one of the founding planets of the Federation."

The CMC gasped. "Wow!"

"That's so cool!"

The man chuckled. "Yeah. I suppose. Anyway. That should be enough to satisfy your tummies for your ride home."

The CMC nodded. "Thanks sir."

"Have a Happy Halloween."

The man nodded and stood back up. "You too." The man closed the door as the CMC headed back to their companions.

Sweetie grabbed a piece of candy in her magic and popped it into her mouth. After a few seconds of chewing, she smiled. "Mmm. I'll say this for earth, it's candy is delicious."

The rest of the CMC each popped a piece into their own mouths and spike tossed a few to Shining, Cadance, and Moondancer. After they chewed for a few seconds, they all nodded their heads.

"Yep. I'd even wager that Earth candy is tastier than Equestrian candy. If that's even possible."

Cadance nodded. "It must be if you just said it Moondancer." That got a chuckle out of everyone.

Scootaloo cleated her throat. "Well, it's been fun Trick or Treating, but now we got a dance to get to."

Spike nodded. "Yeah. Come on guys. I wan't to be there when Jessica serenades Twilight."

Cadance nodded. "As do I spike, but it's past Flurry's bedtime so shining and I need to get back to the hotel."

Moondancer shook her head. "Nah, you guys go to the dance. I can handle Flurry for the night."

Shining smiled at Moondancer. "You sure moonie?"

Moondancer nodded. "I doubt you guys get a lot of nights off where she's concerned. And since I rarely go to these kinds of social events-mainly because they just don't happen on Ponyville as often as I had thought-I can take Flurry and tuck her in for the night."

Flurry, as if she was listening this whole time, flapped her wings and flew over to settle on Moondancer's back, and proceeded to yawn. Meaning that she was getting tired. Cadance and Shining both smiled and nodded.

"Alright. Thanks Moondancer."

Moondancer nodded. "Just do me a favor and let me know how it turns out for twilight and Jessica the instant you get back to the hotel, wake me up if you have to."

Shining and Cadance chuckled. "Ok. We'll let you know."

"And we'll record it so we can show you exactly how it went down."

Moondancer smiled. "Thanks." Moondancer turned her head to look at Flurry. "Come on Flurry, lets get you to bed." Flurry nodded and wrapped herself up with her wings, closing her eyes. The sight caused the others to let out a "d'awwwww". Moondancer began walking in the direction of the hotel, and the others in the direction of the Dance.

Spike flapped his wings and started flying ahead of them. "Come on guys, lets party!"

About a half hour after dinner and the CMC's trick or treating session, the dance was in full swing, everywhere you looked there were mummies, scarecrows, witches, skeletons, animals of all kinds, it was a costume extravaganza, and up on the stage, Cosmic Harmony had just finished up its current song. They eased out and the crowd went wild, obviously having enjoyed the song. Twilight, rarity, and pinkie were sat at a table and clapped along with everyone else.

"Yep. I'll say it now. Cosmic Harmony the best band I've ever heard."

Rarity nodded. "I will concede that the Ponytones would lose to Cosmic Harmony in a Battle of the Bands. They're just too good at harmonizing."

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah! I can't stop banging my head to their beats! I almost want them to continue playing. But I want them to enjoy themselves too."

Rarity nodded. "Oh yeah. In fact..." Rarity leaned in towards pinkie and whispered something in her ear. Pinkie's face lit up and she nodded, running off.

Twilight noticed pinkie's departure and eyed Rarity. "Where did Pinkie go?"

Rarity gave her a smile. "Oh, she's just going to make sure the DJ for the rest of the night is here. Nothing to worry about."

Twilight arched an eyebrow. "Would this DJ of yours be part of your supposed time related plan?"

Rarity's answer was immediate, and fast paced. "Don't worry about it Twilight. You just worry about what you're going to say to her. Leave everything else to us."

Twilight was confused as to why Rarity was telling her to only worry about what she was going to say, but seeing that Rarity was the romance expert, twilight just rolled with it for now. "Sure Rares. Whatever you say."

Over to Pinkie, she snuck her way to the lighting control panel. Looking down at the board, she rubbed her hooves together and smiled wickedly. "Operation Jessitwi is ready for action. Time to signal the band." Pinkie tapped her combadge 3 times.

Luke’s combadge beeped three times. Luke recognized it as the signal that he pinkie and Rarity set up. ‘Time for love to bloom. Huh. Halloween could be their anniversary. Eh weirder things have happened.’ Luke cleared his throat and tapped on the mic, gaining the attention of everyone.

“Ahem. We hope you’ve enjoyed the performance so far everyone...” he was met with cheers and clapping, indications of agreement. “...and we have a few more songs before we let the DJ take over. But before that. Someone has something to say to her roommate.” With that, Luke backed up and handed the mic to Jessica.

Jessica took a deep breath and began. “Hey everyone. There’s something that I’ve wanted to say to my Alicorn roommate Twilight Sparkle for a while now, and I think that it would be better if I expressed myself through song.” She turned her head to where she saw twilight sitting, and smiled. “Twilight, this one’s for you.”

Twilight’s eyes widened at this. Jessica had a song for her? Could it... ‘No. she doesn’t, does she?’ However, literally milliseconds before the song started, there was suddenly a maniacal laughter filling the room, though no one had their mouth open. 

Jessica’s eyes widened as she pinpointed the laughter. “No, no no not now please don’t do this!”

Luke eyed Jessica. “Who are you talking to Jess—“ before he could finish his sentence, Jessica started glowing as she suddenly fell to her knees, clutching her head in pain. Lightning started surging through her and striking out everywhere, causing the dancers to take cover, and scream in panic. Jessica meanwhile had begun hovering a few feet off the ground. She sudden opened her glowing blue eyes and on the floor in front of her, a being started phasing in.

“Yes, yes, yes!” The creature continued laughing maniacally as from the entrance, the CMC, Shining, and Cadance entered, seeing the chaos and everyone in terror.

Cadance’s eyes widened. “What the hay is happening?”

Shining shook his head. “I don’t know, wait, is that Jessica up there?!”

Spike caught sight of Jessica and gasped. “What’s happening to her?”

Suddenly, there was a burst of energy that blew Everyone close back, and then the lightning stopped. Everyone who was taking cover slowly peaked out to see a tall pony standing there, smiling wickedly and looking around. For the Equine in the room, they all gasped as they recognized the mare.

“NIGHTMARE MOON!”

Twilight and Rarity looked at each other in shock.

“Nightmare moon?”

“How’s that possible?!”

Nightmare Moon laughed. “Ha ha ha! Greetings peasants! It is I, the terror of darkness, the bringer of eternal night, the one true ruler of Equestria, NIGHTMARE MOON!” Thunder cackled, everyone was too afraid to move, so NM kept talking. “For years, I have been in hiding, plotting, waiting for the right moment to take my revenge against Celestia and the so called Elements of Harmony you now call Starfleet cadets. And now that I have inhabited the mind of THAT BRAT!” NM pointed to towards Jessica, who was still suspended in midair. “I can feed off the fear radiating from the beings of this miserable little planet uninterrupted. Soon, I shall regain my former strength, and finally bring about Eternal Night! This is your one warning. Stay out of my way, and I may spare your lives!” Nightmare Moon resumed laughing maniacally as she faded away, her voice soon following. With her gone, Jessica stopped glowing, her eyes regained their usual color, and she fell back onto the floor. Coming too only seconds after, she lifted her head to be met with everyone staring at her, not in anticipation as had been the case minutes earlier, but instead, it was looks of fear and shock. At that moment. Jessica knew what had happened. With only one course of action coming to her right then, she swiftly got up, off the stage, and ran out of the room, no one stopping her. 

Twilight watched her leave and she could’ve sworn that she saw Jessica’s eyes wet. She felt a tap on her shoulder she turned to see Rarity gesturing for her to go after her. “We’ll handle things here darling, go to her.” Twilight nodded and sprinted out of the room after Jessica. It was then that everyone came out of their state of shock.

Spike just stared at the exit he saw his roommates rush out of. “What, just happened?” 

 Outside minutes later. Twilight was on the path headed to the botanical gardens, where she had caught Jessica running towards. As she walked, what happened at the dance kept replaying in her mind. "Nightmare Moon, here, on earth? How did she even get here? And, how is she still around?' Twilight shook her head to clear her thoughts. 'No. None of that right now. Right now, Jessica needs you. Nightmare Moon can wait til tomorrow.' Twilight suddenly heard a faint whimpering sound that grew louder as she walked. "Jessica?"

In the hub area of the botanical gardens, Jessica sat, knees pressed against her chest, head buried in her arms, and tears falling as she cried. The secret was out, she now knew NM's complete plan, that demon beat her to the punch and revealed herself to everyone, and now her friends were gonna hate her for harboring a villain for so long. When she thought it couldn't get any worse, she heard NM's voice. 

She looked up and saw NM's projection standing over her. "That went well. I could see the fear in everyone's faces. Oh how delicious it was."

"Go away!"

"What? Was it something I said?"

"You don't get to talk after that stunt you pulled. You just couldn't resist could you? You just had to show yourself." 

NM chuckled. "Well I wanted them to know I was around eventually." 

Jessica stood up and exploded. "So you chose the exact moment I was gonna FINALLY confess to twilight how I felt about her. And now you've gone and messed up not just that, but the rest of my life. Way to go Nightmare Moon. Now I know why you're called the terror of the night. Because you are the absolute WORST nightmare I have EVER had!" 

NM chuckled. "Oh? You think you've experienced the worst? I can do so, so much worse then what I've done." 

Jessica snorted angrily. "Compared to losing everything? My friends? my future in Starfleet? My freedom? You've already done the worst you could do."

"Oh jessi, you must—"

"Leave." NM and Jessica turned to see twilight standing on the path into the hub area, illusion spell dropped, horn glowing and a look that sent shivers down Jessica's spine.

'God does she look angry.' 

NM chuckled. "Well well Well, it looks like you've come to confirm this one's 'worst nightmare ever'. I was just preparing her for reject—" 

Twilight sent a beam of magic straight at NM and sent her crashing into a tree, hard. "I, said, LEAVE!" 

NM got up and snarled. "And just why would I listen to you?" Another blast from twilight sent NM back down to the ground.

"Because I don't have the time or patience to deal with you right now, my best friend needs me, and you being here isn't cutting it! So scram before I SEND THIS WORTHLESS CONSTRUCT OF YOURS, HURLING TOWARDS THE SUN!" Twilight shouted that last part with The Royal Canterlot Voice, an ability of an Alicorn that she rarely, but smartly exercised. Jessica had to cover her ears to keep from going death, and Jessica swore that she saw actual murder in the Alicorn's eyes and smoke coming out of her mane.

'Jesus! She's furious! is her mane actually smoking?!' 

NM got up off the ground again. "Grah! Fine! Comfort your little friend. But since I can't do anything to you at the moment, she'll suffer instead!" Nightmare Moon disappeared, leaving a disembodied voice to say.

"Count on it!"

The voice disappeared, leaving Jessica and twilight alone. For a moment, no one said a word, no one made a movement, it seemed like time stopped, and it was making Jessica anxious. Which of course meant that she froze and tensed up the millisecond twilight made a move, she turned to face Jessica. She winced when twilight opened her mouth, expecting a loud and angry voice to yell at her, but what actually came out shocked her.

"Don't worry Jessica. I'm not mad at you." Jessica stared at twilight in disbelief, twilight just did a complete 180 in no time flat.

"You, you're not?!" Jessica managed to squeak out. 

Twilight shook her head. "No. I'm not. But we do need to talk. About more than one thing I imagine." Jessica nodded her head as she slowly sat back down on the edge of the walkway. Twilight sitting down on her haunches next to her.

Jessica took a deep breath as she started talking. "So, what do you want to know?"

"How long has she been here? Why didn't you say anything before now?"

Jessica sighed. "I first heard her the morning if your first day of classes a month ago."

Twilight gasped. "Month?! She's been here for a month and we didn't notice? Why didn't you say anything?"

"You and the other elements of harmony defeated her 3 years ago, and she hasn't made a peep since then. You would've thought I was crazy if I said she was back without anything to back my claims." Twilight was about to counter that, but her words fell short of her mouth. "Yeah. That's what I thought."

Twilight shook her head. "But still, you could've said something. I know a brain scan spell that would've proved your claims."

Jessica sighed. "I know. And now I feel stupid for hiding it from you for a month. Heck, maybe she wouldn't be here anymore if I had just opened my mouth. But I didn't. Because I was worried about stressing you out when you already had enough on your plate. I'm sorry Twilight."

Twilight leaned in and wrapped her forelegs around Jessica. "Its alright Jessica, I forgive you. And I promise that no matter what happens with nightmare moon, nothing will get in the way of our friendship."

For the first time since NM revealed herself, Jessica let out a soft smile as she returned the hug. "Thank you Twilight." They both sat there in each other's embrace for what seemed like hours, but only lasted a few seconds before they pulled apart.

Twilight broke the silence that had swept over them. "Hey Jessica?"

"Yeah?"

"That song, the one you said was for me, can you, sing it now?"

Jessica arched an eyebrow at twilight in confusion. "You find out that I currently have the worst evil Equuis has ever seen inhabiting my mind and you respond by asking me to sing?"

Twilight looked down and smiled sheepishly. "Please? It might cheer you up. You looked like you REALLY wanted to sing this song back there."

Jessica allowed a smile to creep its way onto her face in the tiniest tint of amusement. "It, it loses something when sung without instrumental accomp—" before Jessica could go any farther, her guitar appeared right in front of her with a poof of purple smoke. Jessica noticed that twilight's horn dimmed. Jessica let out one chuckle. "You say I really wanted to sing, are you sure it's not your desire to hear it that's driving this?"

Twilight blushed as she avoided eye contact. "Please?"

Jessica sighed. "Alright. This probably won't yield the result I was hoping for now, but if you really want to hear it. Enjoy." With that, Jessica began strumming her guitar.



The song eased out as Twilight looked at Jessica with a soft expression. "It's true then, what I heard when you yelled. You, have a crush on me."

Jessica nodded, setting her guitar down on the grass. "Yeah. Ever since we first stargazed together, my heart beats fast whenever I'm around you, I think about you every day and night, it's like you are the only thing on my mind at times..." Jessica trailed off. Not knowing what to say next right away, but twilight took the break to ask a question.

"Why didn't you say anything before now?"

Jessica had the answer right away. "Because I was scared of how you'd react. I mean, I knew you wouldn't react to the fact that I fell for a girl because you know which way I swing, but I was scared of what you'd say to the prospect of dating an alien. You never did mention that you were open to an interspecies relationship, and I didn't want that to ruin our friendship. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you entirely, and..." Jessica trailed off as she came to a massive, crushing realization. "...And she fed on that fear and it gave her enough power to do what she did tonight darn it!" Jessica buried her head in her arms as she felt herself on the brink of breaking down again. "I'm an idiot! I am such an idiot for not realizing what I was giving her. How could I have been so stupid!"

Twilight shook her head. "Jessica, you aren't an idiot, and you're not stupid—"

Jessica interrupted her. "I am Twilight! I'm an idiot for not realizing what I was giving Nightmare Moon, and I'm also an idiot for thinking I ever had a chance with you while She was around. What was I thinking? After everything that's happened tonight, now I'm confessing to you? Hoping that for some bizarre reason you'll reciprocate. Who am I kidding. Any chance I may have had died before I even knew I may've had one This is stupid, I'm stupid, I'm sorry for—" Jessica was cut off by a hoof pressed again her lips. Confused, she looked at the mare next to her, and saw a smile slowly creep its way onto her face.

"Please. Don't call the girl I've fallen head over hooves for stupid." Before Jessica could even process what twilight just said, her eyes went as wide as saucers as she felt a soft pair a lips connect with hers. Her mind raced as she realized that twilight sparkle was kissing her! She was actually kissing her! And she hadn't pulled away yet.

'Fallen head over hooves for? She, likes me? she, likes me. She actually likes me!'

"Well duh, it was so obvious I saw it whether I wanted to or not."

NM's voice fell on death ears as Jessica ignored her and finally let her eyes droop closed and let herself lean forward slightly, deepening the kiss and earning a happy moan from twilight.

'If this is a dream you had better stay away from it you demon!'

From twilight's perspective, hearing Jessica basically blame herself for something she ultimately had no control over was like a dagger cutting into her heart, and that cut was only made deeper by Jessica saying that she didn't deserve a chance with her. By that point, twilight knew that at the moment, words alone weren't gonna help Jessica as much as actions would. So twilight, her heart in the driver's seat, opted for the most direct approach, and leaned forward to connect her lips with Jessica's. Twilight immediately felt Jessica hesitate when their lips made contact, but after 2 seconds, twilight felt her deepen the kiss. It was amazing. She was kissing Jessica, and Jessica had reciprocated. Time seemed to stop, both hearts could be heard pounding in their chests, and both twilight and Jessica could feel the warmth building up in each other's cheeks.

They stayed like that for as long as they could, neither of them wanting the moment to end, but alas, end it did with the need for air. Both girls reluctantly pulled away and took in a deep breath. Jessica stared at twilight, still not entirely believing what just happened. "D-Does this, mean you—"

"Yes Jessica. At first I didn’t know what I was feeling since that night we stargazed together, but after talking with Rarity, I came to realize that that feeling was love. And after thinking about it. How could I not fall in love with you? You’re Kind, caring, confident, a fantastic singer, you’re everything I could ever want in a partner. Nightmare Moon can go burn in Tartarus if she thinks I won’t give you, give us, a chance. That is, if you’ll have me." Jessica, after taking a second to process what she had just heard, slowly started smiling. After what Twilight said had registered, particularly that last part, Jessica lunged forward and wrapped her arms around twilight, holding her tight, and with a few tears of joy escaping her eyes.

"Thank you twilight. I was so afraid you’d reject me.”

Twilight chuckled as she returned the hug. "I'm just happy it's not just me. And Nightmare Moon can actually burn in Tartarus if she thinks she can come between us.”

A very short distance from the new couple, NM reappeared and scoffed at them. “See you little brat? Was that really so hard?”

Jessica said nothing as she lifted her GL ring and captured NM in its Zero Point energy. She proceeded to lift NM into the air, and with a burst of energy from the ring, NM was sent flying into the sky. Twilight turned around just in time to see NM disappear into the night sky. “Jessica, I wanted to do that!”

Jessica chuckled. “I’ll let you do it next time.”

NM growled. “You better enjoy yourselves tonight, because I will make this little relationship of yours a living nightmare!”

Jessica rolled her eyes. “Can it Nightmare Moron. Not even you can ruin this moment now.”

Twilight smiled as Jessica chuckled. “Some night it’s been huh.”

Twilight nodded. “Definitely not how I imagined this date going, but it worked out in the end for us didn’t it.”

Jessica smiled and wrapped her arms around twilight. “You bet Twi.” She planted a kiss on twilight’s cheek, earning purr from twilight.

Twilight wrapped her wings around Jessica and snuggled into the embrace. “There’s still one thing I need to ask.”

Jessica arched an eyebrow. “What’s that twilight?”

“Jessica, will you be my special somepony?”

Jessica chuckled as she lifted twilight’s head and connected their lips. After what seemed like hours, but only a few seconds, they pulled apart again. “Yes, yes I will twilight.” Twilight grinned and leaned forward to reconnect their lips in their third kiss. Both girls smiled. They knew the future was uncertain. Questions would be asked, battles with Nightmare Moon would be waged, but at this moment, none of that mattered. Right now, there was them, and they both knew that what they had was something to fight for.

To be continued.
> Episode 14: Reactions and Actions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So let me see if I have this right." Shining armor paced back and forth the room that he, Cadance, Flurry playing with the CMC, Moondancer, the CMC, who were still listening, Spike, Jessica, Twilight, and the rest of the gang were in. Jessica and twilight having just finished telling them that Nightmare Moon was indeed back. Shining armor stopped and pointed a hoof at Jessica. "You've been hearing Nightmare Moon—the worst villain in Equestrian history, who was banished the to moon and then seemingly defeated for good 3 years ago—in your mind for the last month, and you only said something NOW. Did I miss anything?"

Twilight and Jessica shook their heads. "No."

"You're pretty much spot on."

Luke shook his head. "And you're reason, Jessica, is that you didn't want to put anymore stress on the Equine since at the time they were adjusting to starting school on a strange new world. Ok, that I can see where you're coming from. Why didn't you tell ME?! I could've at least started helping you. Whatever happened to us telling each other everything?"

Jessica sighed. "Because I didn't want the Equine to find out by accident and think me crazy without first getting some hard proof. And while I knew a brain scan spell existed, I don't know if anypony here could cast it. I'm sorry luke."

Luke let out a heavy sigh. "Fine. Whatever. whats done is done, the important thing is that it's known. So, what do we do to get Nightmare Moon out of Jessica? There has to be a way to do that right?"

Rainbow nodded. "We just need to get the Elements of Harmony. Blast Jessica with them. And bing bang boom, Nightmare Moron is gone."

Twilight sighed. "If it were that simple rainbow. But are a number of factors that need to be considered here."

Moondancer nodded. "Indeed. Sure, we could blast her with the Elements of Harmony, but there's no way to know what would happen to Jessica as they never were fired upon a human before."

Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. "But they were used against Sunset. And she turned out fine."

Sunset shook her head. "Sure, I looked like a human then, but my species is pony through and through. Jessica is full on human."

Starlight nodded. "Plus, even if Jessica came out fine, we couldn't be sure if Nightmare Moon was really gone. For all we know she could just go into another mind."

"Oh yeah, that I can DEFINITELY do." Nightmare Moon suddenly faded in right in the middle of the room, causing the CMC to shriek and shining to immediately jump in between her and Flurry. NM saw the reactions and chuckled. "Why thank you for the meal just now. The fear was delicious."

Shining growled. "Alright you demon, how are you still around!"

Rainbow dash nodded. "Yeah! We blasted you out of Luna 3 years ago, where've you been hiding all this time?"

Nightmare moon chuckled. "Wouldn't you like to know." 

Rainbow's jaw dropped. Did Nightmare Moon just sass her? Confirming that she did, Rainbow growled and went to tackle the demon, only to phase right through her. Falling to the floor. "What the?!"

Nightmare moon chuckled again. "I'm only a spirit. You can't hurt me."

Twilight charged up her horn. "But I can." She sent one shot at the demon and sent her flying across the room. Nightmare moon hit the back wall hard, not enough to crack the wall, but enough to send a lot of pain through the demon's body.

Nightmare moon got up and growled. "That was uncalled for you brat!"

Twilight shook her head. "And you invading Jessica's mind was uncalled for, yet you still did it." Twilight enveloped nightmare moon in her magic and immobilized her. "Excuse me for a second." Twilight teleported away with Nightmare Moon, leaving everyone else to wait for her.

Jessica groaned. "Get used to her randomly appearing everyone, because there's currently no way to stop her from doing it."

Rara arched an eyebrow. "Twilight doesn't have some sort of spell that can do it."

Jessica shook her head. "I asked her last night and she said she didn't know."

Cadance sighed. "And here I was thinking that you and twilight were going to have a storybook romance. And now you two won't be able to do anything together without being interrupted by her."

Rarity let out a dramatic chuckle. "Don't be so sure about that princess. I have a theory on how we can keep that from happening. If only just for one night."

Twilight popped back in puffy cloud of purple smoke smiling. "Oh did that feel good. Anyway, back to the matter at hand."

Spike and Moondancer arched an eyebrow. "Uh, where did you go?"

"And what did you do with Nightmare Moon's construct?"

Twilight smiled. "I went to the roof of the academy and promptly ejected her construct into space. Until we can get rid of her permanently, or at the very least stop her from appearing randomly anytime she wants, that's how we'll get rid of the construct."

NM growled. "And you will cease that action or you shall face my wrath!"

Jessica groaned. "Don't project your image beyond my mind and we won't have a problem. It's just that simple."

All of a sudden, the door to the room they were in opened and Commandant Forrest stepped in, and judging by the look on his face, he wasn't happy. "Everyone out, now! I need to speak with cadets Sparkle and Cosmos, alone!" Everyone in the room, even the CMC and the non cadet sparkles, knew that there was no arguing with Forrest, so swiftly, they all vacated the room, leaving Forrest with Jessica and twilight. Once the room was empty, Forest crosses his arms. "You two have some explaining to do about what happened last night."

Jessica and twilight looked at each other. This was the conversation that they were not looking forward to.

"Hay burger, extra hay. A hay burger appeared in the hole in the wall and Moondancer enveloped it in her magic, walking over to the table she and her friends, old and new, were sitting at for lunch. As she walked closer to the table, she could hear spike voicing his concerns.

"Ok, so does anypony have any sweet clue or theory on how Nightmare Moon is still around? Because the fact that she is just seems impossible even by Equestria standards."

Starlight shook her head. "The only POSSIBLE explanation to how she even got here is that she hitched a ride, but who knows who's mind she's been hiding out in before Jessica."

Sunset nodded, then got an idea. "We could do a brain scan for residual dark magic. That could tell us who brought that demon here unwittingly."

Applejack shook her head. "It doesn't matter who brought that vermin here. What matters is that we keep an eye on her until we can get rid of her for good."

Pinkie nodded, and started bouncing up and down. "And in the meantime, we still need to throw Jessica and twilight a dating party!"

Everypony chuckled. Of course pinkie would suggest a party right now. Rarity wrapped an a foreleg around her marefriend. "We can have that party after Twilight and Jessica get done with Commandant Forrest.

Silver spoon arched an eyebrow. "That guy who kicked us out of the room back there?"

Rainbow nodded. "He's basically the head honcho around here. He's the guy you typically talk to if you're up to be punished."

Fluttershy squeaked. "Oh, I hope Jessica and Twilight aren't in any trouble. I'd hate for them to be sent home over this."

Back in the room commandant Forrest raised an eyebrow. "So this, Nightmare Moon, as I've heard the demon identified, is bent on destroying the sun and bringing eternal night to the galaxy, and until recently, it was though destroyed. Did I get that right?"

Jessica and twilight nodded. "Yes sir."

"We aren't sure how she's still alive, nor are we sure how she could've gotten here, but now that we know she's still around, we won't rest until Nightmare Moon is gone, for good this time."

Forrest nodded. "And you, Cadet Cosmos, withheld this fact from cadet sparkle and the Equine for a month, because you didn't want to put anymore stress on them then they already had due to this being their first time offworld."

Jessica nodded. "And I also believed they would think I was crazy admittedly."

Forrest reached up and rubbed his forehead, trying to make sense of what the girls had just told him. "Cadet you said that this demon is currently inhabiting your mind and that it is able to project itself in the physical world, right?" Jessica nodded. "Any chance she'll come out and talk?"

"Oh I'm always up for a nice chat with a new face."

Forrest jumped and turned to see a black tall pony in blue armor suddenly appeared behind him. After he got over the initial shock, he shook his head, making sure he wasn't seeing things. "That her?"

Jessica and twilight nodded. "Yep."

"Just say the word and the construct will be on the express train to space, via magical blast."

NM rolled her eyes. "At least now you have to wait for the Commandant to give the word this time you pest." NM focused on Forrest. "Now, you wanted to chat with me."

Forrest nodded and cleared his throat. "I am Commandant William Forrest of the United Federation of Planets. I've heard quite a bit about you Nightmare Moon."

NM smirked. "But of course you have peasant, I was listening in on the conversation just now."

"And I've been made to understand that you've been defeated in the past and presumably destroyed. Which raises a few questions."

"I'd imagine so."

"So start talking. How are you still around, and how did you get to earth?"

NM chuckled. "To be honest Commandant, I am uncertain myself as to how I am still around. As for how I got here though..." NM suddenly disappeared, then reappeared right now to twilight, immediately wrapping a wing around the startled Alicorn. "...Lets just say this one was very instrumental in my arrival. She made a good anchor for my spirit until little miss Cosmos came along."

Twilight froze, processing what NM just said. "Wait, WHAT?!"

Before anyone else said another word, NM disappeared. "All I will say is thank you, Ms Sparkle, for you hospitality and lack of competence where I be concerned." NM's following maniacal laugh faded away. Leaving behind silence, and a horrified Alicorn.

Twilight processed what NM said, and what she implied. "No, no it can't be, I couldn't have brought her here!" Twilight lit her horn and cast a spell on herself.

Twilight looked frantically around her mind, trying to find any residual dark magic that Nightmare Moon would've left. "If she was in my mind for 3 years, the residual magic she would've left would still be here after a month." Her eyes came across a large amount of purple and black energy, a color combo she knew represented dark magic. As soon as she confirmed it, her heart sank. "I brought her here."

Twilight came out of the trance with a clearly horrified look on her face. "I, brought her here." She said in a whisper.

Jessica saw the horrified look on twilight's face and knew what was coming. "Twilight—" without any warning, Twilight popped away in a giant explosion of purple smoke, causing Forrest and Jessica to gag.

"What the karablast just happened, where is she?"

Jessica cleared the rest of the smoke away. "She just teleported away." Jessica called up the tracker app and immediately saw twilight's location. "And she went straight to our dorm. Computer, soundproof dorm 321. And keep it that way until further notice." The computer made bleep sound to signify that it complied Mx

Forrest arched an eyebrow. "You said she was in dorm 321?"

Jessica nodded. "Yes sir, and before you call security—" she quickly said when she saw Forrest go to press his combadge. "—She just learned that she carried a dark entity within her mind for 3 years. For 3 years she was an unwitting host to Nightmare Moon. Something like that would be a crushing revelation for anyone, correct?"

Forrest nodded. "I suppose so."

"Twilight tends to make a bigger deal out of things then others, I saw this firsthand a few weeks ago, and after this, there's only two people in the galaxy who can calm her down. And neither are security officers."

"Your point being cadet?"

"Taking her into custody won't do any good sir, she's probably the best person to figure out a solution to our problem. In fact I'm sure taking her in will make it worse."

"Who's to say that she didn't bring her here intentionally?"

Jessica's mouth nearly dropped. "Sir, do you have the faintest idea of who twilight sparkle is?"

"An Equine cadet at Starfleet Academy."

Jessica nodded. "Also the personal protege of Princess Celestia, the bearer of the Element of Magic, and a savior of Equuis, SEVERAL times over, does that sound like an agent of evil to you?"

Forrest shook his head. "That could just be a cover for her true intentions."

Jessica sighed. "Look, if you want me to bring her to be hooked up to a lie detector, fine, I can do that. But I'm not going to be able to get her to do anything until she calms down. So I'll do just that, and when she calms down, I'll bring her to your office, where you can interrogate her and find for yourself that she didn't have any prior knowledge of Nightmare Moon being here."

Forrest looked at Jessica right in the eye. "You can vouch for her cadet?"

Jessica nodded. "When you room with someone who has similar interests to you, you come to develop a high level of trust rather quickly. Plus, as far as anyone is concerned, Twilight is cadet Spike's legal guardian. I know from personal experience that not all legal guardians are good, but has there been any incidents with Spike since he came here?"

Forrest had to admit that Jessica made a good argument. And she also made a good point that the Equine were their best defense against the demon. Finally, he sighed in defeat. "Alright, fine. I won't set security on her, and I'll work to keep this under wraps, because I also heard something about the demon feeding on fear."

Jessica smiled. "Thank you sir."

Forrest wasn't done. "But, Don't think that I'll forget about this any time soon. I still want you two in my office as soon as possible to discuss possible ways of defeating Nightmare Moon."

Jessica nodded. "Yes sir."

"And if possible, try to make it so Nightmare Moon can't hear us."

Jessica sighed. "I'll talk with twilight but last night she said she didn't know any way to stop her from appearing at random so I doubt there'll be a way to stop her from listening in."

Forrest sighed. "Fine. Go calm her down, then report to my office as soon as possible."

Jessica nodded and left, leaving Forrest to consider everything. "Candy colored talking magical ponies come to Starfleet Academy, and they brought with them a demon bent on covering the galaxy in eternal night. I must be losing my mind."

Jessica exited their turbolift and immediately noticed the large group gathered outside dorm 321. 'They must've just got here.' Jessica walked up to the group. "Hey guys."

The group turned their heads to see Jessica coming toward them. Spike smiled. "Jessica. Thank goodness you're here."

Sweetie nodded. "Twilight locked herself in your guys's dorm and won't let anyone in."

Jessica nodded. "Fortunately I know how to unlock it. Everyone stick around out here. Just in case I need help. I'm gonna talk to her."

Applejack lifted an eyebrow. "What's got her all upside down anyway?"

Jessica sighed. "Nightmare Moon came here via TWILIGHT's mind."

Everyone gasped. T'Nea looked at the door. "Yep, that'll definitely screw someone up."

Jessica nodded. "And to add insult to injury that's where Nightmare Moon's been hiding for the last 3 years."

Everyone's eyes widened in further shock. "And Twilight had no idea?!"

Cadance and Moondancer looked at the door. "How did she go unnoticed this whole time?"

"That's why twilight's lost it this much."

Jessica nodded as she moved to the door. Knowing that she wouldn't be able to hear a response due to the room being soundproof, she just forgoed the chitchat and just punched in a code. A second later, the door slid open with ease, and everyone was met with very loud sobbing.

Nightmare Moon groaned. "Grah. That whining, it's hurting my ears."

"This was your doing! Next time keep your muzzle shut!"

Jessica stepped inside and the door immediately closed behind her. "Twilight?"

Twilight didn't seem to hear her.

"Twilight, it's me, Jessica. Talk to me, please?"

Twilight's ear perked up at Jessica's name and immediately erected a rather large purple bubble around herself, a bubble that Jessica couldn't get through. "N-No, s-stay away."

Jessica's heart sank when she heard that. "Twilight, please, talk to me. I want to help you."

Twilight started mumbling. Jessica was able to pick up bits a pieces, like 'monster, my fault, and a ton of sorries'.

Jessica sighed. "Twilight, this isn't your fault. You didn't know Nightmare Moon was in your mind, please, let me in?"

For the moment, no one said a word, then, the bubble disappeared. Jessica took that as a good sign as she slowly made her way to twilight's bed. Sitting down next to the purple slump of fur and feathers that was her new girlfriend. "Twilight. You had no idea Nightmare Moon was still around, you had no reason to suspect it."

Twilight sniffled. "How?" She said barely whispering.

Jessica didn't quite catch it. "What?"

"How?"

"How what?"

"How can you say that? How can you not think it's my fault. Because of me you've suffered for a month. And will likely suffer many more months because I don't have a clue in Tartarus how to get rid of her! How can you even consider still being my friend, much less my girlfriend, after this?!"

Jessica reaches out and wrapped her arms around twilight, coaxing her closer. Twilight didn't resist as she instinctively snuggled into the embrace. Jessica stroked her mane rhythmically to calm her down. "Because I know that you never meant to hurt me, or anyone Twi. I can't blame you for something that wasn't your fault."

"But it is though. I've done brain scan spells on myself before during the three years since the Elements of Harmony defeated her. But I never even saw it coming."

"She's well versed in dark magic. For all we know the residual dark magic left in you're mind could've just only appeared when she jumped ship into my mind."

NM suddenly appeared right in the room. "That's exactly the case. And it was fun watching you meander around and completely ignore me for three years."

"GET OUT!!!!!" Jessica growled as she reached into her pocket and pulled out the GL ring from her Halloween costume. She slipped it on and captured NM in it's zero point energy. She then went over to the window, opened it up, aimed upward into the sky, and with a burst of energy, sent NM blasting off into space. "AND STAY OUT!!" She slammed the windows shut, huffed, and returned to her position on twilight's bed, with her arms wrapped around the Alicorn. "Sorry about that Twilight."

Twilight sighed. "I should be the one apologizing Jessica. I'm the one who allowed Nightmare Moon into her mind, the one who didn't think she could come back. You said last night you didn't deserve a chance, I'm the one who doesn't deserve it."

That sent a dagger into her heart as Jessica tightened her grip on Twilight. "Twilight, look at me." Twilight lifted her head to stare into Jessica's magnificent blue eyes. "Don't you ever say that you don't deserve a chance with me. Look, I figured out that NM got here via your mind last night before the dance. With plenty of time to call off my plan to serenade you, and what happened?"

Twilight's crying had calmed down to sniffles at this point. "You went through with it anyway, eventually."

Jessica nodded. "I did, because I never once blamed you for NM occupying my mind. And I never will. I've seen the kind of pony you are. Kind, caring, compassionate, smart, and you're always there for your friends when they need you. That's the Twilight Sparkle I know. The twilight that I love with all my heart."

Twilight sighed. "And I love you Jessica, but I just don't get how you aren't angry about any of this."

Jessica chuckled. "Oh don't get me wrong, with everything NM's put me through and almost ruined for me, I'm furious. But none of that anger will ever be directed towards you. It's all directed squarely towards the demon."

Twilight let out a weak chuckle. "So you really aren't angry with me about any of this?"

Jessica smiled and leaned in to kiss twilight on on her forehead. "Never twilight. You're far, far too nice for this to be intentional on your part."

Twilight giggled and leaned forward to wrap her forelegs around Jessica. Sighing in content. "I'm sorry for probably overreacting and thinking you wouldn't want to be with me anymore Jessica. Forgive me?"

Jessica smiled. "You don't need to apologize to me Twilight. It's not your fault you blow things out of proportion. Although, I do think you owe Forrest an apology. After all you did kinda leave the room before he dismissed us."

Twilight's eyes widened. "Oh no, I did! Oh no, oh no no no no. He's going to dismiss me from the academy isn't he!"

Jessica shook her head. "Don't worry Twilight, I've talked him out of taking any action against you. On the basis that we need you if we're going to get rid of the demon."

Twilight giggled. "I admittedly can't argue with that."

Jessica chuckled. "Come on. I told him we'd be in his office as soon as I pulled you back from your panic attack. And there's a big group out in the hall who're worried about you."

Twilight sighed. "Do they know what caused my latest panic attack?"

Jessica nodded. "I told them when I first got back here."

"Are they mad?"

Jessica shook her head. "They know you didn't know. They'll just be happy to see that you're ok."

Twilight sighed. "It's admittedly going to take about longer for me to convince myself that this isn't my fault. I still feel guilty about being so ignorant."

Jessica have her a reassuring smile. "It's ok twilight. I'll be here for you. We all will."

"That's right darling." Jessica and twilight turned their heads to see their friends standing in the doorway, all of them with reassuring smiles on their faces.

"Sugarcube. Nightmare Moon got the drop on all of us. Not just you."

Moondancer nodded. "And what reason would we have had to suspect something was up? You still acted like yourself. She never changed your personality."

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah! You're still our best friend that we love to party with! That meanie demon just used your mind to get in at all my parties when she wasn't invited."

"Wouldn't have wanted to be invited anyway, your parties stink."

Everyone let out a loud groan. "That's going to get annoying real darn quick."

Sunset nodded. "Welcome to my world, population, me and my own demon, Sunrise Shimmer."

Spike's eyes widened. "Don't tell me we have more then one demon trying to take over the world here."

Sunset shook her head. "Unlike NM, Sunrise really can't get anymore powerful. She's stuck in my mind permanently."

Spike let out a sigh. "Thank celestia."

Everyone chuckled. Twilight nudged Jessica. "Come on Jessica, lets go visit Commandant Forrest."

Jessica nodded as she and twilight headed out.

Several hours later, after Commandant Forrest had finished with them, everyone had gathered in the shuttlebay to send the sparkles and the CMC off back to Equuis. The CMC were saying goodbye to their sisters.

"Now take care of yourself you hear AB?"

Applebloom nodded. "I will. I'm gonna miss you two."

"We'll miss ya too Applebloom. Now be good for Big Mac and Granny. We'll see ya around Hearths Warming."

Applebloom nodded while over a little ways, sweetie Belle was saying goodbye to her loved ones. "I'm really gonna miss you Rarity, pinkie."

"We're glad you were able to come this week."

"Sorry last night's party was a bust with that meanie demon appearing."

Sweetie chuckled. "Don't worry, I still had fun. And hey, Jessica and twilight are FINALLY together. I call that a win for everyone."

Spike nodded. "Though now I'm stuck knowingly living with Nightmare Moon. Never thought that would fly out of my mouth."

Sweetie chuckled. "Well, at least she's only a spirit for now. If she does anything. Let me know and I'll make her regret it."

Spike nodded. "Take care Sweetie Belle, I'll see ya on Hearths Warming. Hopefully."

"Make that definitely." Sweetie Belle leaned in and captured Spike's lips with her own. They parted after a few seconds. "I'll write you when we get home safely."

Spike nodded. "I'm sure a lot of ponies here will appreciate that."

Sunset, starlight, Luke, T'Nea, and Ivan were with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. "Thanks for helping us put together our research papers on earth Luke. Miss Cheerilee is sure to love them."

Luke chuckled. "Anytime girls. It was nice to meet some of Spike's friends from Ponyville."

Diamond and Silver nodded. "It was nice to meet you guys too. Earth really is a beautiful planet."

Luke chuckled. "Yeah. It may not be as beautiful as Equuis, but it's home." Luke smiled and reached out to ruffle diamond and silver's manes. "Now, you two take care of yourselves. And pay attention in school."

Diamond and silver chuckled.

Jessica and twilight were over with Moondancer, Cadance, Shining, and Flurry heart, who was flocking Jessica while giggling. "It was nice to meet you Jessica. I can definitely see why Twilight thinks highly of you."

Jessica let out a chuckle as she felt Flurry's wing brush against her side. "It was great to meet you guys too. Hopefully Nightmare Moon didn't ruin your vacation too much."

Cadance chuckled. "I admit I didn't see that demon coming."

Moondancer nodded. "However. That didn't ruin our vacation. Especially when we got to be here for the magic moment where our twily finally found the mare of her dreams, er, girl of her dreams. Oh celestia that's gonna take some getting used to."

Twilight chuckled. "I'm glad you guys were able to come visit. And I'm also glad you guys approve of my relationship with Jessica."

Shining chuckled. "She May have a demon in her head. But I've seen enough this week to know that she's perfect for you."

Moondancer nodded. "However, that doesn't mean that shining and I..." she turned her attention to Jessica, who was cradling Flurry by that point. "...won't blast her into space if she hurts you. Barring demon influence of course."

Jessica, having heard Moondancer, saw her and shining eying her, which made Her stiffen up a bit. "Don't worry guys. Twilight's safe. I'll never hurt her. And I'll keep Nightmare Moon in line too."

Nightmare moon suddenly appeared out of nowhere laughing. "Yeah right, because I'll take orders from you. If anything you should be under my thrall. In fact you will be in—" she was interrupted by Jessica once again capturing her in Zero point energy and launching her into space with a burst of energy. 

Jessica sighed. "I swear, by now she isn’t scary, just extremely annoying. Looks like this GL ring is gonna be seeing a lot more use then I originally thought."

Twilight chuckled as she wrapped a wing around Jessica's waist, pulling her closer to her side. "Seriously Jessica, you have to let me take that thing apart some time. I still can't believe how much power is packed into such a tiny frame."

Jessica chuckled. "Maybe when we have a more permanent solution to NM's appearing act other than just ejecting her into orbit whenever she appears."

Moondancer nodded. "Hm, perhaps there's a spell that can contain the demon and not allowed her to project herself in any way shape or form beyond your mind. I'll look into it when we get back and I'll let you know if I find anything."

Twilight smiled as she hugged her twin sister. "Thanks Moony. You're the best."

Moondancer chuckled as she returned the hug. "Hey, anything to help my sister and her new marefriend, er, girlfriend."

Shining chuckled. Then turned to the rest of the room. "Alright, all visitors on the shuttle. We got a long flight ahead of us."

Cadance looked around, then noticed somepony missing. "Hey, where's scootaloo?"

Everyone looked around to see that scootaloo was in fact missing. Along with rainbow and fluttershy. Applebloom raised an eyebrow. "Now what in tarnation is taking them so long? She told us how they were going on her First Flight and all, but shouldn't they be back by now?"

As if to answer Applebloom, the three Pegasi suddenly came in for a landing, rainbow immediately wrapping scootaloo up in her hooves. "That was amazing scoots! You've really made me proud."

Fluttershy nodded. "I'm so happy you can finally fly on your own scootaloo."

Scootaloo smiled warmly at the two Pegasi. "Thanks guys. And, thanks for believing in me."

Rainbow chuckled as Fluttershy got in on the hug. "Of course. We always knew you could do it."

Scootaloo nodded. "Me too. Because I had the best teacher in the galaxy."

Rainbow nodded. "You darn right you did. Now..." the group hug split. "...head back to Equuis and keep getting faster. I'll be looking for a race when we see each other again."

Scootaloo smiled and gave a determinate nod. "You are so on. I'll give you a race you'll never forget." Scootaloo held out her hoof for a hoof bump.

Rainbow extended her own hoof and bumped it with scootaloo's. "I'll be looking forward to it."

"Hey, scoots! You coming or what?" Scoots looked over to see the CMC already on the shuttle.

Scoots nodded. "Yeah, I'll be right there." She turned back to rainbow and Fluttershy. "Thanks for flying with me today. It was just as I had imagined it would be. I'll miss you two."

Rainbow wrapped a wing around scootaloo. "We'll miss you too. See you around hearths warming."

Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah. See ya." Scootaloo walked over to board the shuttle.

Cadance turned her attention to Flurry, who was still cradled in Jessica's arms. "Ok Flurry, it's time to say goodbye."

Flurry heard this and frowned. Her eyes becoming wet as she snuggled deeper into the cradle. Jessica Saw this and gave Flurry a reassuring smile. "Don't worry Flurry. I have a feeling we'll see each other again. But it's time for you to go now." Jessica set flurry on cadance's back.

Cadance smiled as she wrapped her wings around Flurry to keep her from falling. "She's taken a liking to you already it seems."

Twilight chuckled. "That doesn't surprise me. Flurry can be easygoing when she wants to be."

Moondancer nodded. "Yeah. And the 75% of the time that she doesn't want to be, lets just say thank celestia for the Forbearance spell."

The ponies all chuckled while Jessica arched an eyebrow. "What's a forbearance spell?"

Twilight ceased chuckling and answered. "I'll tell you later Jess."

The chuckling stopped and Moondancer hugged twilight one more time. "Take care Twi. And please, write me more often. I miss getting letters from you."

Twilight chuckled. "Alright. I'll write more often. Take care Moondancer. You guys too shining and Cadance."

Shining and cadance nodded. "We'll see you around hearths warming."

"And Jessica?"

"Yes Cadance?"

“Next time we meet, you think you could sing that song you used to serenade Twilight? I was really hoping we’d get to hear it.”

Jessica chuckled as she nodded. “Yeah. I’ll be sure to have my guitar handy. Have a safe flight you guys.”

Moondancer nodded. “Good luck with Nightmare Moon. And Jessica, please keep my sister sane during this. I know from personal experience that Twilight’s episode earlier isn’t the worst it can get.”

The moondncer, twilight, and Jessica all chuckled. Jessica nodded. “Oh believe me Moondancer, we’ve had a similar episode before today. I’ll make sure Twilight doesn’t lose it.”

Nightmare Moon “Oh but it’s so much fun seeing her lose it. Minus the whining.”

Jessica clenched here fists and groaned in frustration. “I’m more worried about ME losing it from having the demon in my mind.”

Twilight chuckled and reached up and pecked Jessica in the cheek with her lips. “We’ll keep each other sane during this. Deal?”

Jessica nodded. “Deal.” They touched hoof and hand in a bump. 

Shining smiled began moving towards the shuttle. “Take care everyone. And stay safe.”

Everyone, who had gathered closer by then, nodded. “We will.”

“And Don’t worry. We’ll kick Nightmare Moon’s flanks right out of Jessica. Count on it.”

Cadance chuckled as she boarded the shuttle. “I have no doubt that you will.”

Twilight nodded, then remembered something. “Wait! Can you guys keep quiet about Nightmare Moon to the other princesses? And can you also not tell them about me and Jessica? We’d like to be the ones to tell them.”

Shining nodded. “Sure, we’ll keep quiet about all this.”

Moondancer smirked. “But you have three weeks to tell mom and dad before they get here for their visit, and I suggest you tell luna and celestia sooner rather then later, to avoid them firing on Jessica.”

Twilight nodded. “Got it. Thanks. Have a safe trip home.”

Shining cadance and Moondancer nodded as the door to the shuttle closed. The gang watched as it lifted off and zoomed away.

T’Nea let out a sigh of relief. “Phew. Now I can breath again knowing that Jessica’s safe from the wrath of a princess.”

Sunset chuckled. “From cadance’s wrath, Luna and celestia though, twilight when we see them again I’d keep Jessica inside a shield until we know they won’t blast her into oblivion in an effort to destroy Nightmare Moon.”

That sent a shiver down Jessica and twilight’s spines, the image of celestia and Luna obliterating Jessica. Twilight shook her head clear and nodded. “That’s a good idea. But, let’s try to not let it come to that at all and get NM out of Jessica before they ever get a chance to find out.”

Starlight nodded. “So, who’s ready to wage war with Nightmare Moon? Again?”

“WAIT!!!” Pinkie shouted, leaving everyone to look at the pink pony.

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “What is it darling?”

Pinkie started bouncing in place. “We still need to do something.” Before anyone could respond, pinkie started galloping at Pinkie Pie speed around the shuttlebay, nearly making a tornado in the process. After only a few seconds, the wind and the pink blue that was pinkie stopped, and everyone saw that the shuttlebay was decorated with heart balloons. Purple and navy blue streamers, and a banner that read, in bold capital letters, ‘CONGRATULATIONS JESSICA AND TWILIGHT!!!!’ Everyone looked around and slowly, began to chuckle.

Applejack wrapped a hoof around pinkie. “Of course, a party celebrating Jessica and twilight’s relationship. Only you pinkie.”

Ivan lifted an eyebrow. “Now does not seem like the time to throw a party. Not when we have a demon currently in our mist.”

Nightmare moon spoke again. “Plus, the pink one’s parties are still a bore.”

Jessica groaned. “Can it Nightmare Moron, you chose to inhabit friends of pinkie, and now you have to suffer through any party she invites me to.”

Everyone heard Nightmare Moon groan, and chuckled. “Don’t listen to her pinkie. Your parties are amazing. And thanks for this one.”

Pinkie nodded. “No problem. Now, lets get this party started!”

To be continued.
> Episode 15: Spacedock Rendezvous
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Come again Rarity?" It was Thursday, Jessica and Rarity were walking to the mess hall after their latest class for lunch and Rarity had just asked Jessica a bizarre question.

Rarity giggled. "I said when is yours and Twilight's first date?"

Jessica gave Rarity a perplexed look. "Neither of us has asked the other yet? I'm sure you would've been the first to hear about it otherwise."

Rarity let out an expressed gasp. "You and twilight have been marefriend and girlfriend for more than a week. How in Elysium have you two not planned a date yet?"

Jessica sighed. "Because that's basically asking Nightmare Moon to make an appearance and ruin the moment."

They both heard NM chuckle. "Oh I so would. I did say I was gonna make this little relationship of yours a living nightmare."

Jessica gritted her teeth. "I don't know what's worse, the fact that she knows we have no way of stopping her appearing acts or her regular butting into conversations that aren't her business."

"If you're talking about me, it is my business. Why do you think I listen in on all your conversations?"

Jessica groaned. "Grah! I swear, it's like she's TRYING to drive me insane!"

"That is exactly what I'm trying to do."

Rarity rolled her eyes. "If you ask me it's her unwitty remarks. There's nothing that can be done at the moment?"

Jessica shook her head. "Everyone in dorm 321 has been combing through Twilight's magic books that she brought and Moondancer is going through the magic books in her library in Ponyville, and the ONLY thing we've managed to come up with so far is a Forbearance Spell, that failed miserably, even with Sunset, and Starlight assisting twilight in the casting."

Rarity chuckled nervously. "Yeah, Sorry about not being able to help due to lack of knowledge on how to cast the spell darling."

Jessica gave Rarity a reassuring smile. "It's ok Rares. I doubt you would've made the difference anyway, the demon is just too strong to be contained by a spell like that."

Rarity nodded. Then gained a determined look on her face. "However. While we may not be able to use magic to stop her from appearing altogether, I think I have a way we can temporarily free you from her company."

Jessica raised an eyebrow. "You do? What is it?"

Rarity smirked. "I shall impart it to you and twilight when we get to the mess hall for lunch."

In the mess hall, twilight and spike walked up to the replicator. "Hayburger."

"Emerald, small." The replicator materialized the orders and twilight and spike picked them up and headed to the table luke and Pinkie were at. 

Spike turned to Twilight. "I still can't believe that Forbearance Spell yesterday didn't even hamper Moon's appearance ability. I mean, you, Sunset, and Starlight are 3 of the most powerful magic users in Equestria, how did all three of you combined not manage to do it?"

Twilight shook her head. "I don't know spike. She's just too powerful I guess."

Spike sighed. "And here I was hoping we found a way to buy ourselves more time to figure out how to get rid of her for good."

Twilight nodded. "Well at least she isn't much more powerful than a week ago. Her recharge period is gradual it seems."

Spike nodded. "That's good."

Twilight and spike reached the table and sat down with Luke and Pinkie.

Luke noticed his friends' arrival and smiled. "Hey Twilight, Spike. How's it going?"

"Good."

"Ok."

Luke picked up on Twilight's less enthusiastic response, and had a pretty good idea what caused it. "Still bummed about yesterday Eh twilight."

Twilight nodded. "It should've worked. NM should not have been powerful enough to brush off a Forbearance spell cast by three of the most powerful magic users in Equestria. What the hay went wrong!"

Pinkie reached over and patted twilight on the back. "It's ok Twi. That demon is strong. Maybe she gained more power than we thought on Nightmare Night. It isn't your fault."

"We wouldn't even be in this position if I had just paid better attention when I cast all those brain scan spells on myself since the summer sun celebration."

Spike facepalmed. "Please tell me you're not still blaming yourself for this. Twilight. You had no reason to look for her."

Luke nodded. "Yeah twi. You saw her blasted out of Luna with your own eyes. There was no reason to think that wasn't the end of it."

Twilight sighed. "But still, I've performed countless brain scans, and so have doctors. The demon couldn't possibly have hidden the ENTIRE time!"

"And yet I did. Oh it was fun being completely ignored."

They all heard the demon and knew what that meant. Spike groaned. "Barely on the plus side. Her inhabiting Jessica's mind makes it hard for Jessica to sneak up on us."

They all nodded as they saw Jessica and Rarity coming. Spike slid into the next seat away from twilight to make room for Jessica while rarity took a seat next to pinkie.

Jessica sighed. "Yeah, but that's also a bad thing for me because I felt like surprising my marefriend with a kiss on the cheek." Jessica leaned in and gave twilight said kiss on the cheek. Twilight cheeks heated up as a result and she gave a sheepish smile.

"Hey Jessica."

Jessica giggled. "How's it going over here?"

Pinkie smiled. "It's going great. Twilight's still a little bummed about yesterday's failed experiment but otherwise it's going great." 

Jessica turned to twilight and reached out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Oh. It's ok Twilight. Even if yesterday was a bust it wasn't like that was our only shot."

Twilight groaned. "But it was the best shot we had right now at slowing her down. For all we know it only made NM stronger. It's frustrating!"

Jessica saw twilight on the brink of a panic attack and pulled her into a light and comforting embrace. "Twilight, NM's recharge period is gradual. We have time."

"But we may not have enough time, that's the problem."

Luke smiled. "Well, with a little bit of science, magic, and outside the box thinking. I dare say we'll find a way. Commandant Forrest did say we were to try everything we could think of short of endangering Jessica and memory wipes to get Nightmare Moon out."

Spike nodded. "Yeah, and there are so many possibilities."

Twilight snapped. "Well if there are so many possibilities how come I can't think of anything beyond the failed Forbearance Spell!"

Everyone at the table fell silent, spike stared at twilight with a shocked look on her face. Twilight's expression softened after a few seconds, realizing what she just did. Twilight sighed. "I'm sorry Spike. I didn't mean to snap at you."

Rarity sighed. "Darling, you're stressed out about this whole situation."

Twilight nodded. "I just don't know what we're going to do." She said quietly enough that everyone at the table was able to hear.

Rarity's face lit up with a smile. "What you need Twilight, is a break, time to relax and enjoy yourself. And I think I know just the thing."

Luke raised an eyebrow. "What's that Rarity?"

Rarity smirked Jessica and twilight's way. "Our favorite lovebirds going on their first date."

Twilight sat up out of Jessica's embrace and glared at Rarity. "Me and Jessica going on a date? Rarity, do I even need to explain why that's a bad idea right now?"

Rarity giggled. "Oh believe me Twilight, I haven't forgotten Jessica's...I will generously use the term guest. And I believe there might be a way for you two to get a few hours of quality time together without demon interference."

Pinkie raised an eyebrow. "How so Rarity? Nightmare Moon is in Jessica's mind."

Rarity nodded. "Indeed, but, as we all know, NM is only powerful enough to project herself beyond Jessica's mind."

Everyone nodded. Rarity continued. "So, it stands to reason that making a construct requires a lot of strength on her part, right?"

Twilight nodded. "That makes sense. But how exactly does that help us?"

Rarity smiled. "What if, when she projects a construct, she can only communicate through that?"

Luke thought about that before slowly smiling. "Someone could keep her away and Jessica wouldn't need to worry about the demon cutting into a conversation! Rarity that's genius!"

Twilight nodded. "And who knows what else that could mean."

Jessica smiled. "Maybe keeping NM from scaring the daylights out of our classmates. Regularly. Oh that would be a nice change of pace."

"I've only been doing it for a week."

"And how many times have you interrupted my train of thought since you got here? I long for any time I can get WITHOUT you trying to talk to me these days."

NM groaned while pinkie started bouncing up and down in her seat. "Ooh, I better start planning a party for this!"

Everyone chuckled. Of course pinkie would plan a party.

Rarity wrapped a hoof around pinkie's shoulder. "Darling, I love you and your crazy antics, but I don't think you need to throw a party every week. Especially since there's November's Open Mic Night this weekend."

Pinkie went o with her mouth and nodded. "Oh yeah. Forgot about that. Ooh, are the Ponytones going to perform again?"

Rarity nodded. "Yes. I dare say we will."

"Awesome!"

Spike chuckled. "I'm always up for singing with you guys. Are Cosmic Harmony going to perform too?"

Luke looked up in thought. "Eh. Let's see how the experiment later goes. Because if it works, I have a feeling Jessica and twilight are going to immediately plan a date."

Twilight and Jessica laughed. "You actually think we're that desperate?"

"We've already decided that we'll just take whatever alone time we can get, when it comes, and just not have anything major planned, just a movie night or maybe dinner in the mess hall."

Rarity chuckled. "Well, that's a decent way to go about your relationship in its current state. But you two should not just write off a proper first date like you expect it to go south just because of some demon."

Twilight eyed Rarity. "Except that this particular demon relies on fear for power and she feeds off it by scaring people. Think about this for a second Rarity. If we go into a nice restaurant or something, and NM is able to, she'll definitely appear out of nowhere and scare the ever living daylights out of everyone there."

"Precisely."

Everyone at the table jumped back as they all turned to see Nightmare Moon right there, unexpectedly.

Spike groaned. "Are you ever going to get tired of that?!"

NM chuckled. "As long as I get a meal out of it, never. And speaking of meals. Do I hear a date in the works?"

Twilight shook her head as she lit up her horn. "Not if you can do this whenever you want." Twilight captured NM in her magic and popped away with her.

Luke let out a frustrated sigh. "She doesn't need to do it to appear, so why the heck did she need to pull out the thunder and lightning when she first appeared?"

Jessica rolled her eyes. "To generate fear. But she doesn't seem to realize that the more she appears out of nowhere, the less effective it'll be."

Spike lifted an eyebrow. "Have any instructors given you a hard time about it jessica?"

Jessica chuckled and nodded. "She appears once a day, at random. And it always happens at the worst possible time." Jessica sighed in frustration. "I swear NM is trying to get me dismissed from the academy for constant distributions."

Twilight popped back into her seat next to Jessica, with an annoyed look on her face. "Make sure your schedules are clear later everyone, we're gonna test that theory of Rarity's as soon as we're all done with classes today."

Everyone nodded. "Roger that. We'll get the word out."

"And we'll cross our fingers for it working."

Pinkie jumped up and down. "I'm crossing everything for it to work."

Everyone chuckled.

Later that day, Jessica and twilight left their Astronomy class for the day and headed out to the quad, where the experiment was going to take place. "Oh celestia I hope this works. Imagine what it could mean."

"It could go a long way to solving this problem for good."

Twilight nodded. "Exactly."

"Cadets!" Twilight and Jessica turned around to see Commandant Forrest headed towards them, immediately snapping to attention.

"Commandant Forrest."

"What can we do for you sir?"

"At ease cadets. I just thought you should know that some of the faculty have reported the demon's disruptions in class."

Jessica sighed. "I had a feeling that would happen sooner or later."

Forrest crossed his arms. "And the Vulcan staff are suggesting I at the very least restrict your movements to prevent such disruptions again."

"Figures. Don't worry sir, if this latest experiment fails, I'll follow whatever rules you lay down without issue."

Forrest lifted an eyebrow. "Latest experiment. Are you going to attempt to purge the demon from your mind cadet?"

Twilight shook her head. "No, we still have no clue how we're going to do that without endangering Jessica."

Jessica nodded. "However, our fellow cadet Rarity gave us a theory as to how to limit NM's ability to scare the daylights out of everyone. That's what we're going to test right now."

Forrest smiled. "Well it's better then nothing. Mind if I join you?"

Jessica and twilight shook their heads. "No sir."

"You're more than welcome to join us."

Forrest nodded and the three started again for the quad.

"So, run this by us again?" Luke, Ivan, and T'Nea were on their way to the quad to meet up with the rest of their friends.

Luke nodded. "So, we know how Nightmare Moon is capable of projecting herself beyond Jessica's mind to make a construct."

Ivan nodded. "If her sudden appearances are any indication."

"Well, Rarity had a thought that if we could prevent her from recalling said construct, we just might be able to limit her ability to scare people. Because if she's exerting all her power to hold the construct, then she wouldn't be able to do anything else."

T'Nea smiled. "That would be one giant step towards stopping her for good."

Ivan nodded. "Though there is still the question of how we can keep the threat from recalling her construct."

Luke smiled. "I may have an idea, and it involves a type of energy that's proven effective against our demon friend."

Ivan nodded as they arrived at the quad where the rest of their friends were already waiting. Among them surprisingly was Commandant Forrest.

"Commandant Forrest?"

"To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Commandant Forrest smiled. "I'm here to see whether or not cadet Rarity's theory is correct."

Rarity gave a determined nod. "I am confident in that it will work, however we do need one critical component to go ahead with this."

Jessica nodded. "Right Rarity." Jessica turned her attention to NM. "Oh Nightmare Moon, would you please send out a construct?"

NM growled. "Oh no. I am not going to take part in this little experiment of yours. I know how it's going to end."

Jessica sighed. "Would you rather us go to Luna? Because right now we're trying to avoid having to tell her and I would think that's a good thing for you."

"Ha! Your Alicorn pretender of a girlfriend is too fearful of what would happen to you to risk revealing that I inhabit your mind."

Twilight groaned. "I just might be willing to take that risk. Spike, take a letter."

"Alright alright! Fine!" NM quickly appeared out of nowhere right in front on the group, staring daggers at all of them. "I swear when I have enough power you all will be the first the face my wrath."

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Well until then, enjoy immobilization." Jessica aimed her GL ring at NM and she was immediately immobilized by the zero point energy.

Forrest watched the act and lifted an eyebrow. "Zero Point Energy. Quite the unexpected factor."

Like chuckled. "Trust me Commandant, it was a surprise for all of us when we learned Zero Point Energy had an effect on NM. Though a welcome one."

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. Now, can someone take the ring while I get out of earshot?"

Spike nodded and went to take the ring from Jessica when Forrest spoke up. "Wait a minute. Before we proceed, run it by me again what the theory is here?"

Rarity smiled. "It's rather simple sir. We know that in her current state, Nightmare Moon can only project herself beyond Jessicas mind in the form of a construct OR a disembodied voice."

Twilight nodded. "And based on prior measurements, projecting a construct takes a great deal of strength on her part."

Luke continued from twilight. "And since we know Zero Point Energy can immobilize her, it may be possible to essentially confine Nightmare Moon to quarters, but not Jessica, thereby preventing her from making a peep during the day, and preventing her from scaring anyone and growing stronger."

Forrest smiled and nodded. "Sound theory cadet."

Rarity smiled. "Thank you commandant. Now Jessica, if you would please move out of earshot, we do need to rest if you can hear your, mind tenant, whilst she is projecting her construct."

Jessica nodded and started moving away from the group, with NM watching her go. "You all realize I can still do the Royal Canterlot Voice right?"

Luke shook his head. "Not when we lock you in dorm 321 with soundproofing on. No one will be able to hear you."

NM growled as Twilight's combadge beeped and Jessica's voice came through. "Alright, I'm out of earshot, NM try to use telepathy."

NM shook her head. "I've been doing that since you departed, if you can't hear me in your mind then I can't do it whilst projecting my construct. And no I can only send one construct at a time."

A few eyes turned to Applejack, who's Element of Harmony was Honesty. Applejack looked NM over for any signs of her lying, which she found none. "She's telling the truth. As much as that's surprising."

Forrest lifted an eyebrow. "How can you tell if she is or not?"

Twilight answered him. "You'll never meet some creature as honest as Applejack sir. There's a reason she's the Element of Honesty."

Rara nodded. "So if she says NM is telling the truth, she is. Though..." Rara eyed NM. "...I'm having trouble figuring out WHY she's been so truthful with us so far."

All eyes, even Jessica's, who had returned, cell on NM, who rolled her eyes. "My ultimate triumph is inevitable and nothing you do will change that so what's the harm in being truthful?"

Starlight shook her head. "Can we all agree that NM is the strangest villain we've ever encountered?"

Ivan nodded. "She does seem peculiarly truthful for someone you would expect to have a ton of secrets, from what I've read of Nightmare Moon."

NM rolled her eyes again. "Yeah yeah yeah I'm not a typical villain I get it. Now, if we're done here, you can kindly deactivate this inferno cage so I can recall this construct."

Rarity chuckled. "Oh we still have one more thing to do. And it involves you flying into space darling."

Twilight nodded. "Right, we need to see how far her projection can go before being forced to vanish."

NM growled. "And just how are you going to do that?"

Rainbow trotted up beside Jessica and smirked. "I'm going to track you're ascent while Jessica Luke Ivan and T'Nea all use their phones to track MY position relative to theirs."

T'Nea nodded. "That way, we can have a more concrete answer."

Luke nodded. "So, everyone have their trackers ready?"

The four nonpony cadets all got their phones out and immediately called up their Combadge Tracker apps. "Ready!"

Commandant Forrest did the same as the cadets. "I'll track too. To make sure we don't under or overestimate the range."

Twilight nodded. "Ready Rainbow?"

Rainbow nodded and took off into the air. "Wait a minute!" Rainbow turned to the commandant. "Requesting permission to go over the aerial speed limit if need be sir."

Forrest nodded. "Granted. Just keep an eye on the flying demon."

Rainbow saluted. "Sir yes sir!"

Twilight turned to spike. "Whenever you're ready spike."

Spike nodded as he aimed the GL ring into the sky. "Ready Rainbow?"

"Ready spike."

"Alright, here goes the demon!" With a massive burst of energy, NM was sent flying upward, with rainbow close behind her.

From down below, Fluttershy and Rara watched in amazement. 

"Wow. Look at her go."

"That tiny ring packs enough power to propel that scary demon into the sky fast."

Jessica nodded. "Power supplying technology here ain't what it is on Equuis."

Forrest nodded. "I'd almost call that ring a lethal weapon cadet."

Jessica smiled sheepishly. "Don't worry sir, the full power of this ring will only be used against NM. It'll be destroyed once NM is gone."

Forrest nodded in approval. "Good."

Everyone's combadges beeped and Rainbow's voice came through. "She vanished!"

Everyone immediately locked eyes on the distance Rainbow was at. Luke's eyes widened. "Whoo. 1000 foot range."

Jessica nodded. "I don't know whether I should be impressed or frightened by that."

Pinkie chuckled and began hopping in place. "Who cares? Rarity was right! And last I checked Starfleet Academy less than a thousand feet across. Is that right Commandant?"

Forrest nodded. "Yes, that's correct cadet. Good thinking on this theory cadet rarity. Who knows how much longer it would've taken us to figure this out without you."

Rarity blushed at the compliment and giggled. "Think nothing of it sir. I'm just glad Jessica can now maintain her sanity more realistically with NM being unable to communicate while projecting a construct."

NM growled at Rarity. "And there is no way I am ever sending out a construct ever again! I'll just stick with the disembodied voice!"

Jessica rolled her eyes. "You realize I can end this here and now right?"

"What?"

"Two words, mind erasing."

Much to everyone's surprise, NM appeared again and immediately sent a death glare Jessica's way. "You wouldn't!"

Jessica nodded. "All I have to do is convince everyone necessary that it's the best way, and its lights out for both of us."

"You'd be destroying yourself too!"

"I am well aware of that. But honestly just wiping my mind sounds better then having a demon in my mind who's all kinds of annoying in my head."

"And what of the magic pest? Surely she would object, considering the relationship she has with you."

Twilight nodded. "I may not like the sound of it, but if you force Jessica's hand, I will respect her decision."

Everyone around them nodded. "So will we."

Jessica smiled. "So the only one who loses on that route is you. But if you follow the rules WE lay down, it will remain alongside the Elements of Harmony as a last resort, so, what's it going to be?"

NM glared at Jessica. She had a point and they both knew it, of Jessica consented to the mind wiping, it would end Nightmare Moon instantly. NM growled and disappeared again. "You're an insufferable little brat! I will savor the moment I can finally take my revenge against you!"

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Yeah. Not on your life you demon. And send the construct back out, Commandant Forrest wants to say something. Right sir?"

Forrest nodded. "Right."

At that moment, Rainbow swooped in and landed next to the group, with an excited look on her face. "Did I miss the order? Did I miss the commandant confining Nightmare Moon to quarters during instructional hours?"

Forest arched an eyebrow. "Why would I restrict her confinement to during instructional hours?"

Luke cleared his throat. "Well, sir, is it really fair for Jessica to have to be restricted to campus permanently just because of a demon that invaded her mind without any say?"

Ivan nodded. "He has a good point Commandant. We do not yet know how we can safely remove the demon from Jessica and I imagine that it is going to take a while." 

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah! Jessica didn't ask for NM to inhabit her mind. Why should she suffer any punishment because of NM's actions?"

Forrest crossed his arms and thought on what everyone just said. After a few seconds, he sighed. "You all make good points. Federation law prohibits the restriction of rights granted to a citizen as long as they're not guilty of any crimes. Nightmare Moon, would you come out here please?"

Nothing happened for a few seconds, Jessica crossed her arms. "You remember what we just talked about right?" 

Eventually, NM appeared, frowning. "I stand by the fact that as soon as I am able, you're all going to suffer my wrath for this humiliation."

Forrest groaned. "Well until that day comes, as commandant of Starfleet Academy, I'm confining you to quarters during instructional hours until further notice. Cadet?"

Jessica smiled and raised her GL ring, capturing NM in Zero Point Energy. "Have a nice flight." Jessica aimed up and blasted NM into the sky, rainbow laughed as she watch NM disappear. "Boy was that satisfying to see."

Sunset nodded. "At least now yesterday's failure wasn't in vein."

Starlight nodded. "Yeah. Jessica can now maintain her sanity a little more, and, less important but still a good thing, she and twilight can now have a more normal relationship without her interfering."

Rarity nodded, then her eyes went wide. "Oh! Thanks for reminding me Starlight. I gotta go see Mr. Leginton!"

Applejack lifted an eyebrow. "Fer what Rares?"

Rarity chuckled. "To see if he'll help me make twilight and Jessica new dresses for their first date, obviously!"

Spike rolled his eyes. "You know that wasn't the point of this experiment right?"

Rarity nodded. "I know that spikey, but NM has prevented them from going on a proper date so far and that is simply unacceptable. Jessica, do you mind coming to see me some time soon so Mr. Leginton and I can get your measurements?"

Jessica giggled. "Harry should already have them, but sure Rares."

Rarity nodded, then turned to Twilight. "Twilight—"

"I'll come by for measurements too." Twilight said with an eye roll.

Rarity smiled. "Great! See you two later this evening." With that, Rarity galloped off, leaving the group instantly. 

Forrest watched her go and lifted an eyebrow. "What was all that about?"

Pinkie chuckled. "I'm sure someone else would've developed the theory we just proved, but she's the one to do so likely because she believes it's time Jessica and twilight had their first date."

Luke nodded. "The problem is that with NM inhabiting jessica's mind, pretty much ANYTHING they do together has a risk of turning into a nightmare. While today's success alleviates that risk, it's still there due to the range."

Spike nodded. "But now that we know that NM can only communicate through a construct when she sends one out, as long as someone's there to watch NM, they don't need to worry about NM screwing things up."

Forrest eyed the group. "And what's going to happen to disguise her should this supposed first date be beyond Starfleet Academy? I mean, Nightmare Moon has to be known by more then just Equines and Starfleet, the history of Equestria is a publicly available book."

Twilight was about to say something, then her words fell short. Forrest had a point, they needed to disguise NM if they wanted to go outside the Starfleet Academy perimeter for anything. Clearly another test was in order. "This calls for another experiment."

"Nope. No way. I am not playing dress up."

"You have until twilight and I plan our date to get over it. There's no way your getting out of it."

NM growled while everyone chuckled.

In Uniform Requisition, Harry was busy working on patching up a torn up cadet uniform. "We really need to look into using a material that won't tear so easily. It's not always easy to fix these uniforms." He finished sewing up another hole when his door opened and Rarity dashed in, skidding to a halt, startling Harry. "Whoa! Rarity, what's the rush?"

Rarity caught her breath and looked up to Harry, smiling. "Jessica and Twilight are finally planning their first date."

Harry smiled. "That's nice."

"Which means they'll need new dresses and While I can handle twilight's dress, I unfortunately lack experience with bipedal fashion making."

Harry nodded. "Let me just finish sewing this uniform back up and we can get to work."

Rarity smiled and nodded.

The very next day saw Twilight in Rarity and Pinkie's dorm, Rarity helping twilight get ready for her first date with Jessica.

Pinkie was bouncing on her bed in excitement. "It's finally happening! I can't believe that it's actually finally happening! Our favorite egghead is finally going on her first date!"

Twilight chuckled. "Yes pinkie, we get it, you're happy for me."

Rarity nodded. "Of course we are. We were beginning to think you'd never find the mare of your dreams. And now we know why, because the "mare" of your dreams isn't a mare at all."

Twilight giggled. "Trust me, I was beginning to lose hope too. Remind me the thank celestia for sending us here next time I see her."

Pinkie nodded. "Oki doki Loki."

Rarity chuckled as she finished with twilight's makeup. "Now darling, when you get to Earth Spacedock, leave worrying about NM to Sunset, Starlight, and Spike. Those three can handle the demon in her current state."

Twilight nodded. "I'll try Rarity, but it's hard not to."

Rarity gave Twilight a reassuring smile. "Trust me darling, when the date starts, you'll be so fixated on Jessica that you won't even remember the demon until you see them again."

Twilight nodded. "Hopefully."

Rarity nodded. "Now, time to get you dressed, we need to get you guys to the transporter room soon."

Over in their dorm, Starlight, Sunset, Spike and Luke were waiting for Jessica to come out of the bathroom, and trying to reassure her that it was going to be fine.

"Really, Jessica, you have nothing to worry about. Starlight, Sunset and I have the demon situation under control. We'll make sure she doesn't cause any trouble."

Luke nodded. "And if she does, spike will have the Zero Point Energy ring on claw to stop her, and force her to vanish."

They heard Jessica sigh. "That's not the only thing I'm worried about. This is mine and Twilight's first date, our first proper date. Up til now it's been snuggling or movie nights, tonight..."

"Tonight your relationship finally seems real."

"Yeah. Yeah it does. Me and Twilight are actually dating."

Luke chuckled. "And this is just the first of many dates. I mean, who knows what this young relationship could grow in to."

NM let out a dramatic laugh. "HA! It won't grow into anything once I'm through. When I'm done there will be nothing left to grow."

Everyone rolled their eyes. Starlight facehooved. "How Jessica put up with you for a month before you revealed yourself to us is beyond me. Just send your construct so that we can make sure your illusion will hold." 

"If you put me in some ridiculous look.."

"You'll make me suffer when you're powerful enough blah blah blah. That's nice and all, but we're in a hurry so get out here."

Slowly, NM faded into view in front of them. "It had better be MINOR changes."

Starlight and Sunset smirked and lit their horns and surrounded NM in their magical aura, with a puff of smoke, NM's appearance changed. Her original black fur was replaced with white, her regalia vanished completely, her mane lost its astral effect and turned pink, and she shrank to a filly's height, in short, she was completely unrecognizable. Luke and Spike got one look at the new NM and burst out laughing. Sunset and starlight smiled at their handiwork.

Sunset nodded. "Now that's a MUCH better look for you."

NM growled. "Just get me a mirror or something to see thyself!"

Spike calmed down enough to point behind NM. Confused, NM turned to find that the door to the bathroom had a mirror attached. NM got one look at herself and shrieked in horror. "HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU FORCE ME TO DON THE APPEARANCE OF MY WRETCHED SISTER, AND MAKING ME LOOK LIKE A FILLY TO BOOT!"

Sunset chuckled. "And as a further kick in the flanks, look at the cutie mark we gave you."

NM immediately looked at her flanks and was horrified to see a sun cutie mark instead of her moon cutie mark. NM growled. "You will suffer for SEVERAL eternities for this abomination!"

Starlight chuckled. "Oh everyone else is going to get a kick out of this when we introduce them to Brightshine Shimmer."

NM's eyes widened. "Brightshine Shimmer?!"

Sunset nodded. "Yeah. In case anyone asks, you are mine and Starlight's daughter, and spike is your adopted brother."

NM's eyes twitched in irritation. "So not only have you forced me to don my wretched sister's appearance as a filly, but you are also making me be your daughter. This is my worst nightmare come true."

Luke chuckled. "Oh I really wish I hadn't left my phone in my dorm charging. I would so get a 'family picture'.

NM immediately got up in his face and stared daggers at him. "Fortunately for you I would say! I would personally drag your worthless self to the gates of Tartarus and throw you into its lava pits for such an act!"

They all heard Jessica chuckle. "If she's throwing out threats like that she must really hate her disguise."

NM growled. "Just get your flanks out of there! The sooner we leave the sooner we can get back and the sooner I can ditch this humiliating illusion! And yes, I HATE IT. As well as the ridiculous cover story!"

Jessica chuckled. "Consider it payback." the door swung open and Jessica came out. She had exchanged her regular Starfleet Academy uniform for a navy blue slip on dress that matched her eyes and hair. The dress featured a semi tight fit skirt that ran almost to her knees, the sleeves of the dress ran down her entire arms and stopped at her wrists and to complete the outfit, sparkling black stockings covered her legs and she wore navy blue heels. Her hair, while usually tied back in a pony tail, was free falling and instead, she wore a lavender 6 point star hairpin to hold the hair out of her face. In short, everyone was left speechless.

"Wow."

"You look amazing Jessica."

Even NM was impressed. "You look almost somewhat respectable now."

Jessica rolled her eyes at NM's comment but smiled. "Thanks guys. You think Twilight will like it?"

Spike nodded. "She'll love it!"

Starlight nodded. "Rarity and Harry really knocked it out of the park this time."

Jessica chuckled. "Yeah. They did."

Luke snapped his fingers and bolted for the door. "Don't go anywhere! I'll be right back!" Luke disappeared out the door, leaving spike and the girls behind.

Spike lifted an eyebrow. "What's that about?"

Jessica shrugged. "Beats me. Now. Just one final piece." Jessica reached over to the her desk and picked up her combadge, slapping it onto her left chest with a smile. "There we go. Just in case you guys have a situation."

Her three friends chuckled. "Oh don't worry Jessica. The little demon here is going to be a good little filly for her mothers. Isn't that right Brightshine Shimmer?"

NM rolled her eyes and groaned. "Lets just get this stupid thing over with." NM disappeared. "Beckon for me when you are ready, I will be trying not to throw up at the thought of looking like the child version of my mortal enemy."

Jessica crossed her arms. "Don't go barfing in my mind. I really don't want to have any disgusting thoughts tonight. And if this works tonight, you will be Brightshine Shimmer a LOT more often."

NM groaned as the door beeped, signaling that someone wanted to come in. "Enter." Jessica watched the door open, and froze at the sight of her date. Twilight was wearing a dress dyed a lighter blue then her own. The dress reached over her tail and and actually covered it completely. The shoes matched the dress, and her hair was curled up in a more formal fashion, simply put, Jessica was truly left speechless.

Spike shook his head clear of the shock and smiled. "Wow! Twilight you look gorgeous!"

Starlight and Sunset nodded. "Yeah."

"That's a great look for you."

Twilight blushed at the compliments, the. Turned her attention to her date. "Hey Jessica. Y-you look nice."

Jessica nodded. "Hey, Twilight. You, look great too."

"She's absolutely gorgeous darling! And I could very much say the same for you." Rarity trotted past Twilight into the dorm, beaming like a filly. "Now, Spike, Starlight, Sunset, remember that you are to keep Nightmare Moon away from them and keep her under control the entire date. Got it?"

Starlight, Sunset, and Spike all nodded and saluted. "Aye aye Rarity. NM will not bother them all night. She'll be much too busy with her parents to do so."

Rarity lifted an eyebrow. "Parents?"

Starlight nodded. "She's going to pose as our own daughter and spike will be her adopted brother."

Rarity and twilight smiled. "Oh she must hate that."

"I so do very much."

Jessica nodded. "And the best part is that when we get to Earth Spacedock, we'll be able to get a 'family photo' when she comes out."

"ANYONE does that and you receive the worst nightmare I can throw at you."

Jessica rolled her eyes as everyone chuckled. "We'll get that picture at some point."

Rarity nodded. "Indeed. Now, lets get going shall we?"

"Wait!" Everyone turned to see Luke wall in. He motioned go Twilight and Jessica. "Jessica I can handle the weekly letter to mom and dad tonight. Don't worry about it. But I'm sure they'll appreciate a pic of you two together on your first date."

Jessica nodded. "Yes, I suppose they would." 

Luke smiled. "Twilight do you mind standing next to Jessica? And maybe wrapping a wing around her?" Twilight nodded and moved to stand next to Jessica, extending her left wing to wrap around Jessica's waist. Jessica in turned rested her hand in Twilight's right shoulder.  Luke pointed his phone camera at them and smiled at the shot. "Perfect. Hold it." Luke presses the button and snapped the picture. "Oh that's a picture frame worthy shot right there."

Jessica chuckled. "Send it to my phone will ya Luke?"

Luke nodded as he tapped a few times at his phone. "Just did. Now. You two have a fun, demonless night tonight."

Sunset giggled. "Oh they will. Count on it."

Luke nodded. And made his exit. "G'night girls. I can't wait to hear how it went."

Rarity nodded. "Oh yeah. You two simply must inform us how it went tomorrow."

Twilight chuckled. "I'm sure we will, one way or another."

Everyone chuckled at that. Spike then started for the door. “Well what are we waiting for? We can’t be late can we.” Jessica and the girls shook their heads as the 5 of them made their way out the door.

Only 10 minutes later, the 5 had beamed to Earth Spacedock and found a secluded area to offload NM. After coaxing NM out, Starlight and Sunset lit their horns and in a puff of smoke, NM became Brightshine Shimmer. NM groaned. “I cannot believe I have been reduced to this!”

Jessica chuckled. “It’s your own fault NM. But hey, points for being absolutely adorable.”

NM snapped at her. “I am the terror of darkness, the bringer of eternal night, I AM NOT ADORABLE!” 

Sunset lightly nudged the filly. “Hey now. That’s no way for a filly to talk.”

“BECAUSE I AM NOT A FILLY! I AM A GROWN ALICORN!” 

Twilight chuckled. “Not right now you aren’t. Spike you have the GL ring right?”

Spike nodded and lifted his claw to show the ring. “Right here. Ready to trap NM at a moment’s notice.”

Starlight nodded. “Don’t worry Twi, Jessica. NM, er, I mean Brightshine Shimmer is in good hooves/claws.”

NM groaned at the name. “Tartarus take me now. Because that seems a lot more preferable to this humiliation.”

Sunset chuckled. “Now, we better run along now. We have a big station to explore. Come along spike, Brightshine.”

Spike nodded. “Ok, ‘mom’.”

Jessica took out her phone and handed it to spike. “Here. I disabled the security on my phone so you shouldn’t have any trouble keeping within range of me. Please be careful with it.”

Spike nodded and took the phone. “Don’t worry jess. I won’t let go of it no matter what.”

Jessica nodded as she and twilight watched the ‘family’ wander off.

Twilight giggled. “They actually look like a family don’t they.”

Jessica chuckled. “Yeah. Now. Let’s get to the restaurant.”

Twilight nodded. “Yes. Let’s finally get our first official date started.”

Jessica giggled and leaned in to kiss twilight on the cheek as they headed for the restaurant.

Back on earth, Luke took hold of a microphone device and hit the record button.

“Dear mom and dad,

How’s it going guys? It’s me Luke. Jessica won’t be talking in this one because she is currently on Earth Spacedock for reasons I’ll get to soon. The Academy is going good, sans the demon that is currently haunting Jessica and the rest of us. Though yesterday we found a way to alleviate that a bit. Apparently, when the demon sends out a construct, she can’t do anything else. Go figure. Anywho. Once we figured that out, we knew that it was time for Jessica and Twilight to finally go on their first date. A dinner at Space Coup De’Grace. The finest restaurant on Earth Spacedock. The Demon needs to stay within a certain range for her construct to be useful to her, but fortunately, friends are always willing to help you when you need alone time.”

Luke paused as he turned to see his friends watching a huge screen, on it were two scenes, one depicting Jessica and twilight on their date, the other depicting NM with Sunset Starlight and Spike. Views that only pinkie could make possible somehow. Once they got a look at NM’s disguise, they all burst out laughing. Luke chuckled to himself as he resumed the letter.

“And they’re also always willing to do anything to see how things are going where their friends are concerned. But really, what friendship is without a little mischief? Heh heh. Anywho. Yeah. So things are going good, we’re keeping a close eye on the Demon and are working hard to get her out of Jessica. We can’t wait for your visit in 2 weeks. Say hi to the Chipmunks and Chipettes for us, and also feel free to show them the pic I got earlier of Jessica and Twilight I’ll include with this transmission. Can’t wait to see ya, lots of love from both me and Jessica. Peace out.”

To be continued.
> Episode 16: Where there is Chaos...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Oh come on Celly! Pleeeeaaase?" In Canterlot Castle on Equuis, Princess Celestia was going over some paperwork while Discord, the Spirit of Chaos and Celestia's coltfriend, was begging her to be allowed to travel to earth to visit their friends.

Celestia rolled her eyes. "For the millionth time Discord, absolutely not."

Discord pouted. "But come on, I miss Fluttershy and all them. I just want to pop in and say hello."

Celestia shook her head. "Discord, while I understand that you miss them, as I do as well, I also know you and your tendency to leave chaos wherever you go."

Discord gasped. "Leave chaos everywhere? Mwah? That is simply preposterous!"

Celestia said nothing as she lit her horn and an image of Ponyville being overrun by an army of gummy bears appeared in thin air. The residents fleeing in terror and the Royal Guard trying to stop them.

Celestia glared at Discord. "This was your visit to Ponyville yesterday."

Discord scoffed. "A few little gummy bears never hurt anypony, I was simply trying to give the town a treat."

"My guards are STILL trying to contain all of your treats. Earth is too far away for me to scry you and I do not have the time right now to make a trip to earth so I can keep an eye on you."

"Well are you planning to visit? I would think that you would want to see how your subjects are faring in a strange new land."

Celestia sighed. "Twilight's parents are making a voyage to earth to visit their daughter next week. I believe I can clear my schedule to go with them."

Discord groaned. "Oh come on Celly, why can't I just go now? I promise to be on my best behavior."

Discord snapped his fingers and all of a sudden, Celestia heard a doggy whimper, her eyes widened, then quickly snapped shut. "Oh please do not be doing the puppy pout." Celestia sneaked a peak over to where Discord had been and saw that he had indeed turned into a puppy, and was looking at her with an adorable pouty face. "You are evil, you know that right?"

Discord giggled. "I simply know your weaknesses. So how about it?"

Celestia sighed in defeat. "Alright fine."

Discord turned back into his normal form and enveloped Celestia in a hug. "Thank you Thank you Thank you!" He gave Celestia a big smooch on the lips before letting go of her. "I should be back in a few hours!"

Celestia glared at him. "No more than a few hours, and if I receive a single complaint originating from earth involving your antics—"

Discord cut her off. "I'll resign to sleeping on the couch until hearths warming. Got it."

Celestia groaned. "I was going to say you were going back into STONE until Hearths Warming."

Discord chuckled. "I'd like to see you try to bring yourself to do it."

Celestia groaned as she watched him disappear. Sighing, she summoned a parchment and quill with her magic. "My most faithful student..."

Light years away on earth, Twilight, Spike, Jessica, and Sunset were gathered around a table, with a diagram of the human brain out and Sunset explaining it.

"So, based on what I learned in biology class, cross referenced with what Jessica has described, Nightmare Moon is located..." Sunset pointed to a particular portion of the brain. "...here, in the Cerebrum, more specifically the Cerebral Cortex, where the conscience is controlled."

Jessica nodded. "It's also where memories are stored. Because she has access to that. Fortunately she can't alter them, Because I like my memory intact."

Spike studied the diagram. "So in order to defeat her, we need to focus our efforts around that particular part of the brain."

Twilight nodded, rubbing her chin with a hoof. "Jessica you said that Starfleet Medical had mind erasing equipment, right?"

Jessica nodded. "Thats what I've been told."

"I wonder if we might be able to repurpose it into a device that isolates the demon, and extracts her."

"Hm, maybe."

All of a sudden. Spike sent out green flames and a scroll popped out of his mouth, catching everyone off guard. Jessica shivered. "Even after several weeks I still am a little creeped out by Firemail."

Spike picked up the letter and noticed the seal, his eyes went wide. "It's from princess Celestia!"

Twilight enveloped the scroll and opened it up.

"My most faithful student,

I am writing to inform you that Discord will be visiting you today. If this gets to you before he does, please ensure that he does not cause too much trouble, and report any incidents to me. Also inform your friends, especially those of them who are not of Equuis.

Best wishes for all,

Princess Celestia."

Twilight's iris's shrank to near invisibility as she finished Celestia's message. "Discord, coming here."

Sunset and spike's eyes widened. "What?!"

"Him? Here?"

Jessica lifted an eyebrow. "Discord, why does that name sound familiar?"

Twilight turned to Jessica. "Discord is the Spirit of Chaos on Equuis, he literally can't live without chaos."

Jessica's eyes widened as she snapped her fingers, her memory clicking with the name. "Right! I read about him. Fun fact, Equestrian History: 2000 Years of Magic doesn't have a table of contents. Celestia and Luna defeated him before NM's ascension."

Twilight sat slack jawed and eyes widened at her girlfriend. "You, read Equestrian History? And I didn't notice?!"

Jessica nodded. "This was back before Halloween when I was researching Nightmare Moon. Had I let you see me reading it, you would've been a bit more nosy than I would've liked. Sorry about that twilight."

Twilight shook her head clear to get rid of the shock. "I'm not mad Jessica. Just surprised. How much have you read?"

"So far? Only until NM's first appearance, I plan on reading the rest because I was legitimately drawn into it, and while I checked out the second thousand years, I had to return them to the library when I couldn't take NM's snarky commentary anymore, which happened every single time I tried to read it."

NM scoffed. "I can't be interested what has been happening in Equestria since my banishment?"

Jessica shook her head. "You can be interested in a tumbleweed for all I care. But you can be interested, WITHOUT COMMENTARY!"

"I feel that it adds to the experience to have a discussion."

Jessica's eyes twitched at the unexpected comeback. "You want to have a discussion? Ok. Today, let's discuss how to properly and safely blast an Alicorn demon out of your mind. Come on out and let's talk about that with Twilight, Spike, and Sunset."

"That is not a discussion I want to have."

"Then do us all a favor and—"

"Testing, testing, one two one two." Came a voice interrupting Jessica, along with her seat suddenly hopping up and down. She looked behind her and saw that the chair back suddenly had eyes.

The eyes blinked and Jessica jumped out. "Eek! The chair has eyes!"

The chair waddled backwards a few steps and everyone saw that the seat itself had a mouth too. The chair smiled at them. "Can anyone hear me?"

While spike immediately froze in fear, the girls shrieked as the chair waddled away from the. The chair settled facing them away from a stage setup that was suddenly there. Smoke began filling the room out of nowhere.

The chair smiled. "Sounds like you can. Now then. You know him as the Spirit of Chaos, the reformed villain who loves tea parties, introducing, the one, the only, the master chaos bringer himself, Discord!" The curtains opened and a creature Jessica could only describe as a mishmash of different animals power slid out. The creature stood up and started waving as the sound of applause started coming from nowhere.

The creature began chuckling. "Thank you, Thank you. You're a kind audience. Hello Starfleet Academy!" The chair returned to its original place and the stage setup disappeared, as well as the disembodied applause. The creature eased out the chuckling and turned to the four cadets staring at him. "Well it's certainly been a while. Aren't you all happy to see me again?"

Sunset was the first to come out of her shock. "Discord?! What are you doing here?"

Discord chuckled. "Why, I came to see my friends! Why else would I have traveled across the galaxy to earth? More specifically Starfleet Academy?" Discord's eye caught sight of Jessica, who was still frozen in shock. "And speaking of..." Discord suddenly disappeared and reappeared right in front of Jessica, startling the girl and forcing her to back away a bit. "You must be Jessica Cosmos. The girl who acted as the welcome wagon for the Equine?"

Jessica, slowly coming out of her shock, nodded. "That's...me."

Discord smiled as he grabbed her hand and shook to ferociously. "Great! The name is Discord, it's nice to meetcha!"

Discord let go of Jessica's hand and Jessica shook her head to stop it from spinning. Discord turned his attention to the Equine. "So, hows everything going here? What's the scoop?" He noticed the diagram of the human brain and studied it. "Ooh, is that the Human brain? Interesting."

Twilight enveloped the PADD in her magic and stuffed it into Sunset's bag. "Don't even think about trying anything Discord, I have orders from celestia to inform her of any incidents caused by you."

Sunset nodded. "So don't try anything Discord."

Discord chuckled as he patted Sunset on the head. "Oh don't you worry Sunny. I simply want to say hello to my friends and meet the other 3 welcome wagons to the Equine. Maybe hear just how Jessica and Twilight became an item."

All of a sudden, NM appeared out of nowhere, making discord jump literally a foot out of his skin. NM chuckled. "If you want the true story Cord, I will be very happy to accommodate you. I was there for the entire thing."

Discord reentered his skin and began sputtering. "N-N-Nightmare Moon?!?!?!?!"

NM nodded. "Fresh from a good nap in Jessica's mind. Feel free to cower in fear, it is delicious."

Discord, after shaking his head clear, immediately turned to Twilight and the group. "How is SHE still around?!"

Twilight groaned. "We have no sweet clue how she's still alive. All we know about her past since we defeated her with the Elements of Harmony is that she anchored into my mind and then jumped ship to Jessica."

Spike nodded. "And we were just actually trying to plan a course of action."

Discord grinned as he narrowed his eyes on Jessica. "I got the solution. Just vaporize Jessica."

Everyone not named Discord gasped in shock as Twilight Sunset and Spike immediately put themselves between Jessica and Discord. Twilight and Sunset lit their horns as Sunset glared at Discord. "DISCORD! How could you suggest that?!"

Discord snickered. "Why not? Vaporize Jessica and that should take care of the demon no problem."

Twilight scoffed at him. "Except we'd also be ending an innocent life. Nightmare Moon invaded Jessica's mind without any say from  Jessica and is using her as a shield. But she is only powerful enough to project a construct at the moment so we are not destroying Jessica to destroy Nightmare Moon. END OF STORY!!"

NM chuckled. "You better listen to her Discord, I have seen how those two are concerning each other's safety."

Twilight immediately captured NM in her magic. "Sunset, Spike, make sure Discord doesn't try anything to hurt Jessica!" Sunset and Spike nodded and all of them watched Twilight and NM pop away.

Sunset returned her gaze to Discord. "Discord. I know you want to help get rid of the demon and believe me when I say that we're open to any suggestions, just not any suggestions that endanger Jessica. Your heart is ultimately in the right place, but we can't extinguish an innocent life to destroy an enemy when other nonlethal options are available."

After a moment, Discord sighed. "I guess You're right Sunny. I guess I wasn't expecting a demon be in play here. Aside from me today."

Spike nodded. "That was kinda the point, we're trying to keep this underwraps as much as possible."

Discord nodded. "I can see why." Discord turned to Jessica. "My apologies for suggesting your termination Jessica."

Jessica sighed. "It's ok Discord. I was expecting to be threatened at some point because of the demon, though I honestly wasn't expecting the first threat to be made by the literal god of Chaos."

Discord chuckled. "That's the thing with me, you never know what to expect."

Spike nodded. "Ain't that the truth, Jessica, when you meet Celestia and Luna, stick close to twilight so she can protect you. Because the princesses will likely skip the threats and just get right to shooting at you."

Jessica stiffened a bit when spike said that, but nodded. "Yeah, I'll do that."

A puff of purple smoke appeared and cleared to reveal twilight, and she looked annoyed. "Ok. So now that we've had a near casualty thanks to that annoying little demon. How about we find the rest of our friends, shall we?"

Discord nodded and smiled. "Oh yes, let us go onward to say hi to the others! As well as meet the other 3 welcome wagons!"

Discord slivered away, with Sunset and Spike close behind him, leaving Jessica and twilight.

Twilight shook her head. "Well, that didn't take long did it."

Jessica shook her head. "Nope. The Nightmare appears and not even a minute later vaporization is directed at me. How long do you think it'll take the princesses to start shooting at me?"

Twilight shook her head. "We aren't even going to give them the chance because we are not letting them anywhere near you until we know they won't try and shoot at you."

Jessica nodded. "Sounds like a plan. There's no way I'd be able to last more then a nanosecond against the princesses, even with cover."

Twilight chuckled as she wrapped a wing around Jessica and pulled her closer. "Don't worry. IF they start shooting at you, they'll have to get past me."

"Oh so you're willing to go against the princesses for my safety? I'm touched."

Twilight groaned. "I'm willing to go against the princesses for JESSICA'S safety. Not yours. I'd gladly throw you into the line of fire if I could."

NM growled. Jessica chuckled. "Come on, lets go after them. I for one don't want to miss the reactions of everyone else."

They both chuckled as they headed out after everyone.

Out in the quad, the rest of the gang were watching as rainbow, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie, Starlight, and Rarity were playing a game of buckball. Luke and T'Nea looked on in curiosity. "So in buckball, all 3 subspecies of ponies are required to play the game the way it's meant to be played?"

Rara shrugged. "Eh, I don't know if it's required. But typically, a buckball team would have a unicorn, a Pegasus, and an earth pony. Though I guess the unicorn and the earth pony could be swapped out for non ponies."

"Hm, so if, say, Luke and I wanted to play, we'd be able to?"

Rara nodded. "There May need to be some modifications to the rules, but it's doable."

Luke smiled. "Well it sure looks like fun, Ivan, would you be interested in playing?"

Ivan shrugged. "While Vulcans do not typically engage in recreational activities such as this, I will admit there is something intriguing about this, buckball."

T'Nea smiled. "So how about when Jessica gets here, we try to play."

Luke nodded. "I'm down for it."

Over to the action, the ball, having just been bucked by Applejack, stopped in mid air and began hovering above the ground, confiding everyone.

"Now what in tarnation is going on here?"

"That ball shouldn't still be up there, and it's not surrounded by a magical aura."

"Then what's keeping the ball in the air?"

As if to answer Fluttershy's question, the ball suddenly began bubbling and stretching. After a few seconds, the ball burst and they all saw a familiar face emerge. Discord sent confetti flying out of his hands in celebration. "Ha ha! Greetings my greatest friends! It is I, Discord!" The reaction was everyone jumping back and letting out a scream of fear, causing discord's smile to fade and cross his arms. "Well, that certainly wasn't the reaction I was expecting, I thought you would've been happy to see me."

Fluttershy was the first to shake it off and rushed Discord, wrapping her hooves around the dracconegus. "Oh, we are happy Discord. It's wonderful to see you again."

Rainbow nodded. "But what exactly are you doing here Discord? Come to cause trouble?"

Discord gave a dramatic gasp. "What?! Me? Cause trouble on a world that's never seen the likes of me before? Pft. I only came to visit my closest friends. Is that so wrong?"

"Not the visiting part, but trouble always seems to follow you around." Everyone turned to see Jessica twilight spike and sunset join them. 

Discord rolled his eyes. "Moving on..." discord turned his attention to Ivan, Luke, and T'Nea. "Salutations my new friends, I am Discord, the Lord of Chaos! And you three must be the other three welcome wagons alongside Jessica to the Equine."

The three nodded, slowly and skeptically. "That's us. Luke, Ivan and T'Nea."

"And who exactly are you?"

Applejack chuckled. "He's Discord. All you need to know about him is that he creates chaos and enjoys making trouble."

Discord nodded as all of a sudden, little gummy bears appeared out of nowhere and started singing and dancing. Rara and the three sitting non ponies quickly scrambled to their feet in shock.

Luke and T'Nea's breaths caught in their lungs. "Ok, singing gummy bears, freaky."

"Who the heck is this guy?"

Discord chuckled. "I'm a dracconegus. Made up of several different animals."

Ivan arched an eyebrow. "A Dracconegus? I am uncertain as to if I have ever heard of a creature like that."

Discord chuckled. "I should expect as much, seeing as how I'm the only one Mr. Vulcan."

T'Nea and Rara snickered at Discord's nickname for Ivan, which Ivan crossed his arms at. "I would prefer if you were to address me by my given name Ivan. Not, 'Mr. Vulcan'."

NM suddenly appeared out of nowhere and was laughing. "Aw, but it suits you well you brat. Also, Singing Gummy Bears. Is that the best you can do Discord?"

Discord mockingly chuckled. "Of course not you witch. I can do so much better. In fact, thank you for volunteering as my test subject."

NM stopped laughing. "What?!"

Discord smirked as he snapped his fingers. In a flash of light, NM's mane had poofed up in an afro, her fur poofed out, and her nose gained a red tomato on it. Discord turned to his friends. "Anyone up for random object rally? Where I turn this construct into anything you can imagine? Here, I'll start!" Discord snapped his fingers again and in a flash of light, NM turned into a cow.

Rainbow and starlight saw the act and burst out laughing. "You can affect her construct appearance too?"

"I definitely didn't see that coming!"

Discord chuckled. "I consider this EASY. I can do much better. Any suggestions?"

Not far from the group, another group of cadets were walking along the path.

"So, you guys good for racquetball later?"

"Sure."

"Count me in."

"Definitely."

"Ok so we'll all meet in the mess at—" A flash of light appeared off the corner of her eye and the cadet turned to look, and saw something she never thought she'd get to see. "Oh, my, god!"

The other cadets with her turned to look. "What?"

"What is it?"

The cadet pointed forward. "Do you see that other there?"

The other cadets looked in the direction the original cadet indicated and saw the same thing. One cadet lifted an eyebrow. "Is that, the Equestrian god of Chaos?"

"I think it is."

"What would be be doing here?"

The original cadet started for Discord. "Let's find out."

The group got closer, and as they did, they heard laughing. The cadets noticed fellow cadets in the Equine and the group known as Cosmic Harmony.

Discord snapped his fingers at the latest suggestion and NM turned from a pogostick to a rocket that blasted off. With NM screaming at the out of control nature. The group burst out laughing again. T'Nea, who was next to Discord, nudged in in the rib. "Discord you're awesome. We so needed this. Thanks."

Discord chuckled. "I don't know how long she's been here but I figured you guys needed a good laugh at her, and quite frankly, I just wanted to see what I could do to her."

"Can you turn her into a bunny rabbit?"

Discord chuckled. "Once NM comes down from there. You'd think she'd know how control her flight."

That got everyone laughing when they heard someone call out to them. "Hey! T'Nea, Luke."

Luke and T'Nea turned to see some of their classmates join them. "Chase, Bailey..."

"Riley, maya."

"How're you guys doing?"

Chase smiled. "We're good. We couldn't help but notice that you guys were hanging out with a certain God of Chaos from the planet Equuis here."

Upon hearing his title, Discord faced the newcomers. "Do my ears deceive me or am I known here beyond the Equine?"

Riley and Maya nodded. "We read Equestrian History before. Your name is Discord right?"

Discord smiled as he materialized hands to shake with all four newcomers at once. "That would be correct. Salutations cadets! It's a pleasure to meet more of the cadets my fellow Equine interact with!"

Bailey and chase chuckle. "Yeah it's been interesting having our first pony cadets here."

"Even if a demon hitched a ride with them."

Discord chuckled as he noticed something coming. "Speaking of..." He pointed upward and everyone gathered saw a rocket incoming. The rocket crash landed in front of them and when the smoke cleared, NM had returned to her original form, and she was fuming.

NM growled at the chuckling group. "ENOUGH! I WILL NOT STAND HERE AND BE MADE INTO A TOY FOR YOU ALL TO LAUGH AT! SO YOU HAD BETTER LIFT WHATEVER ENCHANTMENT YOU HAVE ON ME RIGHT NOW SO I CAN RECALL THIS CONSTRUCT AND BEGIN PLANNING JESSICA'S NIGHTMARE TONIGHT!"

Discord, frozen in absolute shock and fear just like everyone else, snapped his fingers and NM disappeared. NM snarled at them. "You have JUST made and enemy out of me Discord! I will enjoy tearing you limb from limb for this day!" 

Chase Bailey Riley and Maya watched her go all lifted eyebrows. "What, warranted that kind of reaction from her?"

Rainbow chuckled. "She's just mad that Discord turned her into an out of control rocket ship and other things in a game of Random Object Rally.

"Random Object Rally?"

Discord nodded. "Yeah! It's where I turn the demon into anything anyone wants." Discord snapped his fingers and NM suddenly reappeared right in front of them.

NM gasped at the sudden reappearance. "What the, what the hat just happened? DISCORD!!!"

Discord smirked as he turned to the four cadets he just met. "It's a great way to get some payback against the demon for haunting this joint. I think it would be fun to play."

The four nodded in agreement. "We have been wanting to pay her back. I'm down for a round." 

"Us too."

Discord chuckled. "Then come on y'all, let's continue our fun!"

NM's irises shrank to near invisibility as she realized what was coming. "Curse you Discord. Curse you to the core."

Several hours later on Equuis, Celestia had finished the last of her paperwork for the day and was walking towards the dining hall for dinner. "Most ponies will never know this, but being a princess is usually never fun and games as the fairy tales make it out to be. Fortunately today is over and I am able to enjoy a good meal and have some cake for dessert. Speaking of which, Discord should be back any minute now." A bright flash of light appeared and revealed Discord.

Discord smiled down at Celestia. "Aha! Greetings my ageless love! I have returned!" 

Fireworks came exploding out of Discord's hands, causing Celestia to chuckle. "Welcome back. How was your visit to earth?"

Discord smiled as he began bouncing off the walls. "It was fantastic! I got to meet our friends' new friends, got to hear just how Jessica and twilight hooked up, and got a special performance of the song Jessica serenaded twilight with. Oh how romantic it was! Twilight clearly made the right choice in girlfriend."

Celestia chuckled. "I am pleased that you enjoyed earth, though I hope that I am not about to receive a letter from twilight with a list of your shenanigans."

Discord chuckled. "I shall tell you right now that while I did use Chaos Magic there, it was only for the fun of everyone involved and nothing bad has happened.”

Celestia sighed. “Well, I shall believe you if the rest of the day goes without a single bad letter from earth—” celestia got cut off by a scroll appearing in front of her. Celestia took the scroll in her magic and unrolled it, immediately seeing that it was from twilight. “If this is a list of your antics Discord...”

“I’m sure it isn’t.” Discord said innocently. 

Celestia turned her eyes upon the paper and read.

“Dear princess Celestia,

As per request I am writing to inform you that Discord was in fact on his best behavior today. Chaos magic has been used, however he did not leave Starfleet Academy or Earth in ruins and used it strictly to show everyone a good time (our definition not his). Our new friends seemed to enjoy him and he is welcome back any time. So long as he continues to show restraint.

Your most faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle.”

Celestia smiled as she rolled the scroll back up and teleported it where she kept all her mail. “It seems as though you were a star on Earth Discord.”

Discord chuckled. “Told you so. This should prove that you can in fact trust me to be outside your scrying range.”

Celestia nodded. “If this is how you continue to act outside my range then yes. I can.”

Discord smiled. “Great! Now let’s get some grub! I’m starving!” Discord slivered towards the dining hall, Celestia close behind him.

To be continued.
> Episode 17: Meet the Parents...And A Vengeful Princess
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Dear Twilight,

We can't wait to see you tomorrow! We're excited to see just how our favorite daughter's been doing. We're also looking forward to meeting Jessica too. From what your siblings said she seems like a great match for you. We're getting on a shuttle to Earth now. See you in 15 hours.

Love,

Mon and dad."


Group chat





Mom: can't wait to see you guys tomorrow! Jack, destiny and everyone are looking forward to meeting your new Equine friends.

Luke: 😂 and by that you mean they're excited to meet Jessica's new girlfriend.

Dad: they're not the only ones. I've been itching to meet the mare who snuck her way right into my daughter's heart.

Jessica: and you almost did at Earth Spacedock 😂. Just missed us didn't you.

Dad: if your group had just stayed there an extra 10 minutes, I would've at least been able to say hello.

Jessica: 😂 well don't worry, this time we won't run off before you get the chance.

Mom: you had better not. Do you know how long I've waited for you to find love?

Luke: yeah. It's about time Jessica.

Jessica: well, rejoice for I have indeed found love. Just make sure the chipmunks don't attack her for bringing the demon here, it wasn't her fault.

Dad: 😂don't worry, we'll look past that.

Jessica: good. We're already going to have an attack problem with Equine royalty when I inevitably encounter them, we don't need to have a problem from animal brothers and sisters too.

Mom: 😂 don't worry. I'll make sure they know not to attack twilight.

Jessica: 👍🏻

Luke: so, what time are you guys going to get here?

Dad: we should be there around noon tomorrow.


End of chat





"So, our parents are supposed to arrive tomorrow." Jessica and twilight were in their dorm, having just confirmed that both set of parents were coming the next day. 

Twilight chuckled and nodded. "Yeah. At least we're getting both meet-the-parents done in one go. The sooner they get to know the real you the better I think."

Jessica chuckled. "Yeah, while my parents know about the demon, and that it can't influence you anymore, I'll have to worry about your parents saying I can't be with you because of the demon being in MY head. Better that they get to know me as the me I am now versus down the road when NM could possibly have more control over me."

Twilight chuckles. "Well, I'll just say this now. I won't let them get between us. If they can't see that your a kind, caring girl with or without a demon, then that's on them, not us."

"Then I just might have to scare them into pulling you out of Starfleet Academy then."

Twilight and Jessica jumped back as they only then just noticed NM sitting right next to Jessica on her bed. Jessica shook her head clear. "Jesus Christ! How can you be so sneaky when you're a giant Alicorn?!"

NM chuckled. "Don't let my size fool you. And I will be certain to make sure my arrival is announced tomorrow."

Jessica and twilight shook their heads. "No way."

"Absolutely not."

NM chuckled. "Oh really? And why's that?"

Jessica aimed her GL ring and captured NM in its Zero Point Energy. "Because I'm already going to need to be careful around the princesses, I am not about to do the same to Twilight's parents when I want to be as open with them as possible tomorrow." Jessica moved over to the window, opened it, and shot NM out of it with a burst of energy. Jessica closed the window and sat back down on her bed facing twilight who was on the chair next to it.

Twilight shook her head. "HOPEFULLY our request for a mind erasing device we can modify is approved soon."

Jessica nodded. "When I talked to my dad the other day, he said that he'd talk to the head of Starfleet Medical and Starfleet Command. Hopefully he'll have good new for us tomorrow."

Twilight sighed. "Hopefully. I'll feel a whole lot better once you're not suffering demon generated nightmares every other night because of me."

Jessica immediately picked up on twilight's slightly depressed tone and sighed. "Twilight—"

"I know Jessica, I know. It's not my fault. I still feel guilty tough."

"Guilty?"

Twilight nodded. "Were you expecting a demon capable of destroying the sun and bringing eternal night to be among your roommates when we were first assigned to your dorm?"

Jessica slowly shook her head. "That never crossed my mind until it literally did."

Twilight nodded. "And you've certainly never asked for it. And yet, you've suffered the brunt of NM's dream based attacks for 2 months because of my ignorance."

Jessica could tell that twilight was on the verge of tears. So, she reached forward and coaxed twilight onto the bed sitting in her lap. Jessica then wrapped her arms around twilight in a gentle embrace. "Twilight, you shouldn't feel guilty over something that you had zero control over."

Twilight sighed. "You shouldn't have had to deal with a demon from my world though, I never wanted you to suffer an ancient evil from my world. I'm sorry Jessica."

Jessica tightened her grip on twilight reassuringly. "Twilight, as much as we may want to, we can't go back and change the past. And not just because it's physically impossible at the moment. All we can do is not let it get to us and look to the future."

Twilight slowly nodded. "I suppose you're right. I still don't like that you have to suffer though."

Jessica smiled. "Well, fortunately for me I have a beautiful Alicorn marefriend who's making it a lot more tolerable just by being here."

Twilight giggled at that. "I'm glad I can do that right at least." They both chuckled for a minute before falling silent.

Jessica got an idea. "Hey Twi?"

"Hm?"

"What would you say to a movie night tonight eh? You think some Star Wars will take your mind off our 3rd roommate?"

Twilight's face lit up. "We're on A New Hope right?"

Jessica nodded, and Twilight smiled. "Can we snuggle up together while we watch?"

Jessica chuckled and nodded. "Whatever you want Twi."

Twilight smiled as Jessica got up to set up the movie.

The next day found Jessica, Twilight, Spike, and Luke in the shuttlebay, waiting for their respective families. And while spike and the twins were handling themselves rather well, Twilight was pacing back and forth with a worried expression on her face. Spike noticed and sighed. "Twilight. At least try to pretend you're not worried."

Twilight stopped and shot spike a look. "I can't stop worrying though spike, my parents will be here any minute, and there's no telling what will happen when—not if, it's definitely when—they find out about the demon."

Jessica sighed and shook her head. Twilight had been worrying about this all day. "Twilight, if you KNOW it's gonna happen, then there's no use worrying about it. All we can do is keep them from vaporizing me, and hope that they'll understand."

Twilight sighed. "I hope they do. I want first impressions to go well."

Luke noticed something in the sky descending and lifted an eyebrow. "Uh, is that your parents' shuttle Twilight?"

Twilight and spike looked up and what they saw made their irises shrink to near invisibility. Twilight started hyperventilating. "Oh no. That's the Equestrian Royal Shuttle. This is bad, this is bad, this is bad!"

Jessica lifted an eyebrow. "Why would it be bad?"

Twilight turned around and shot her girlfriend a look. "That's the shuttle the PRINCESSES use! Meaning one, or BOTH of them are here!"

Jessica let out a quiet gasp as she put together what was about to happen. She turned to Luke. "Luke, hang back. I have a feeling there's gonna be a bit of a firefight down here, soon."

Luke nodded as they watched the shuttle landed and it's doors opened. Three ponies emerged, a grey mare with a mane similar to Twilight's, a blue stallion, and a tall white Alicorn that Jessica and Luke knew HAD to be princess Celestia.

'Ok Jessica. Just stay calm, remember that you aren't the enemy, and trust that your quick reflexes and magically proficient marefriend will get you through this.'

To her credit, Jessica managed to not glance around for anything that she could duck behind instantly should things go south, despite the Princess' imposing stature thought she did glance towards twilight when she felt a few feathers wrap around her hand. She saw twilight shoot her a reassuring smile and nod. Jessica returned the smile and nod in kind. Twilight nodded one more time before turning her attention back to her parents, and walking fast towards them. "Mom, dad. You made it!"

The sparkles smiled as their daughter came up and hugged them. "Of course we did. We've waited too long to visit our little Starfleet Cadet."

Twilight's dad nodded. "And we've waited long enough to meet the human who stole your heart. Speaking of, is that her over there?"

Twilight backed away from the hug and nodded. "Yeah. That's her. Hey Jessica! Come over and meet my parents!"

Jessica walked forward towards the ponies while spike smiled at the sparkles. "Hey velvet, hey Nightlight, how've you been?"

Velvet chuckled. "We've been good spike. How about you? You staying out of trouble?"

Spike chuckled. "Yeah. For the most part."

They heard Jessica chuckled as she joined them. "Yeah. You've had an instance or two where we had to separate you from Luke over there." She gestured back at Luke, who waved.

Twilight chuckled as she turned to her parents. "Mom, dad, this is Jessica Cosmos. Jessica, these are my parents, Twilight Velvet, and Nightlight."

Jessica and the sparkles shook hands and hooves. "A pleasure Mr and Mrs. Sparkle."

Velvet nodded. "It's nice to FINALLY meet the girl who stole our daughter's heart. Thank you for everything you've done for Twilight and Spike."

Nightlight chuckled. "We know it couldn't have been easy for you."

Jessica shrugged. "Eh, it wasn't weirder than meeting any other alien species. They all have their unique abilities. And I'm not one to leave my friends lost. I would've helped them out even if Commandant Forrest hadn't ordered me to."

Velvet smiled. "Well, in any event, thank you."

"Yes. Thank you for helping my little ponies to adjust to life here on Earth." Everyone noticed that Celestia had joined them.

Twilight inwardly gulped before putting on as good a smile as she could. "Princess Celestia. We, didn't realize you were coming. I would've had everypony here to greet—"

Princess celestia cut her off. "There was no need for a formal welcome Twilight. This is purely a social visit to whom I am proud to call my friends." Celestia turned to Jessica. "And you must be Jessica Cosmos. The human girl who extended earth's magic of friendship to Starfleet's first Equine cadets."

Jessica nodded, and tried her hardest to sound like she wasn't nervous as she politely bowed. "Yes. It's a true privilege to make your acquaintance, your majesty."

Celestia smiled. "There is no need to observe proper formalities Jessica. As I said, I am here purely for a social—" Celestia stopped as she suddenly became very, very still.

Twilight noticed this and became very nervous at what Celestia May have just found out. "P-Princess Celestia?"

"There's another pony here, hiding. Somepony I haven't encountered in a long...time." Celestia's eyes shot wide open as unfolded her wings. "NIGHTMARE MOON!" Celestia took off and her horn began to glow.

Twilight noticed who she was looking at and immediately went into action, lighting her own horn. "Everyone get behind me!" Spike took care of the startled sparkles while Jessica and Luke ducked behind twilight. Twilight lit her horn and raised a fortified wall between them and Celestia. Celestia finished charging up and fired a beam right at the wall, the beam collided with the wall and the wall stopped the beam. The beam continued to come.

Twilight grunted at the force. "Gah! Celestia! I can assure you there's an explanation for this! But you have to cease your attack or this will end in more casualties than you're intending!"

The beam didn't stop, and Velvet and Nightlight were terrified that their princess was attacking them. Velvet turned to spike. "Spike, what's going on here? Why is the princess shooting at us?"

Spike shook his head. "Not us. Just Jessica. She's aiming to vaporize Jessica."

Nightlight gasped. "What?! Why?"

Luke responded. "Ever heard of Nightmare Moon?" Velvet and nightlight gave confused nods. Luke continued. "Short version, she's back, and she's hiding out in Jessica's mind."

Velvet and Nightlight both turned to look at Jessica. "Jessica is that true?!"

Before Jessica could answer, twilight beat her to it. "Yes it is, we'll explain everything once Celestia comes to her senses!"

The beam continued to come. And Luke noticed cracks slowly starting to form in the wall. "Twilight!"

Twilight nodded. "I see it Luke, I'm giving it all I got but she's too strong for me! We need to stop her somehow, fast!"

"We'll take care of that!" Two bolts of magic cane flying out of nowhere and collided with celestia's beam, causing an explosion that forced a cease in the beam. Celestia grunted at the sudden feedback. She looked down to see the smoke clearing, revealing Starlight and Sunset between her and the wall, with their horns glowing.

Sunset turned to the group behind the wall. "Everyone ok?"

As if to answer her question, Twilight's magic gave out and she collapsed, right into Jessica's arms. She breathed heavily as she grunted. "Ugh. Remind me to kill Nightmare Moon for this."

Starlight chuckled. "I'm only going to say get in line because of the Alicorn sun goddess that has an even deeper hatred of Nightmare Moon."

Sunset turned to Celestia, who was glaring down at them. "Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer. What is the meaning of this?

Starlight stared right into Celestia's eyes. "We are protecting our friend from a wrongful and premature execution, your highness."

Sunset nodded. "And not just Jessica. You were so blind by your desire for vengeance against Nightmare Moon that you nearly extinguished half a dozen innocent lives."

Celestia scoffed. "Perhaps you are unaware that the one you call Jessica Cosmos is nothing more than an illusion created by Nightmare Moon!"

Sunset shook her head. "Had you let twilight explain like I'm sure she TRIED to do. You would know that that isn't true!"

Spike nodded. "Yeah. Just give us a chance to explain, it'll all make sense. I promise."

Celestia didn't say a word as she continued glaring that the ground. After a moment, velvet spoke up, stepping forward. "I would like an explanation to all of this." She looked up at princess Celestia. "Princess, I admit I do not know Jessica as well as my daughter, but from what my son, who has spent a week around her, says, she doesn't sound like a demon in disguise."

Nightlight nodded as he joined his wife. "I say we give them a chance to explain what's going on your majesty. I mean, if she were Nightmare Moon in disguise, surely she would've tried to attack in retaliation by now."

Celestia looked between the sparkles and the group around Jessica. Nightlight and Velvet had a point, Nightmare Moon would surely have done SOMETHING in retaliation by now. And yet the only ones who retaliated were her most faithful student and two of her friends. Deciding that it would be more advantageous to hear their story, Celestia dimmed her horn and landed on the ground, folding her wings to her sides. "Very well, because the alternative is less desirable given the circumstances, Twilight, if you would please explain why it is that I sense Nightmare Moon here."

Twilight nodded as she and everyone else still not on their hooves and feet got up onto them. “With pleasure. I will start by getting one thing clear. Nightmare Moon is indeed here, on earth, within Jessica. However, she is currently more or less harmless. Only able to communicate via construct, or disembodied voice.”

Celestia nodded. “That is good, at least. Now, start at the beginning Twilight.”

Twilight nodded. “It began three years ago when the elements of harmony defeated her during the Summer Sun Celebration. When she was defeated, her spirit somehow survived the blast, and while I can’t be sure when it happened, the spirit anchored itself in MY mind and hid there.”

Celestia’s, Velvet’s, and Nightlight’s eyes all widened. “She’s been hiding in YOUR mind sweetie?!”

“For three years right under our muzzles?!”

“How am I only now sensing her presence?”

Twilight sighed. “Yes, yes, and I haven’t the slightest idea Princess. Maybe it’s because she is now in a mind not connected to Equine Inner Magic? Anyway. She hid there for three years, taking care to not change me to further be inconspicuous. When I was sent here to earth, she almost immediately found a new mind to call her own, one what she must’ve thought would be easier to control once the time was right, and jumped ship.”

All eyes turned to Jessica, where Nightmare Moon was hidden. Jessica sighed. “I just heard her one night soon after the Equine arrived and I’ve been hearing her ever since.”

Celestia nodded, than turned to twilight. “How is it that you came to learn of Nightmare Moon’s return?”

Twilight sighed, this was the explanation she wasn’t looking forward to. “We all, every Equine on Earth and Starfleet alike, learned of her return during Nightmare Night, where she grew strong enough to send a construct out to communicate with the outside world.“

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “That would have been a moon after I sent you to this planet. If Jessica had been hearing Nightmare Moon from the beginning, why is it that she did not say something sooner?”

Jessica sighed. “Because at the time your majesty, I couldn’t figure out if it was a figment of my imagination or not. The name Nightmare Moon sounded familiar to me, but I couldn’t figure out why. And I didn’t want my at the time new Equine friends to think I was crazy. Considering they defeated her. So I looked for anything that could help me to understand just what I had in my mind. And by the time I figured it out, Nightmare Night came and the demon beat me to the punch and revealed herself.”

“That is right I did, and it was so hilarious to ruin your plan to serenade the magic pest.” Everyone nearly jumped out of their skin as they watched Nightmare Moon appear right in the middle of them, laughing.

Celestia immediately took a defensive posture as she glared at the demon. “NIGHTMARE MOON!”

NM turned and smirked at Celestia. “If it is not my favorite pest of a sister. Guess who is back!”

Celestia growled. “How is it that you are still alive!”

NM chuckled. “Well for once dear sister, I am just as clueless as you are. But that does not matter now does it? I am back, and THIS TIME, I shall destroy the sun and bring eternal night to the galaxy! And there is truly NOTHING you can do about it! I have taken refuge in the mind of the one the magic pest loves with all her heart and so far that has worked out in my favor.” NM disappeared in the blink of an eye. “And I shall take immense satisfaction in watching you restrain yourself in order to protect an innocent life. And also. Thank you for the meal you have given me today. It was a truly delicious buffet of fear!” NM’s following laughter dissipated, leaving Celestia and the Sparkles frozen in shock. Everyone else watched them carefully, trying to anticipate what they were going to do.

Sunset eyed Celestia. “Princess?”

They all saw Celestia’s horn begin to glow, starlight, Sunset and Twilight immediately got into a defensive position as their own horns began to glow.

Twilight eyed the princess. “Celestia, I know you want to destroy Nightmare Moon, but it’s not worth it to sacrifice an innocent life to do so when that innocent life hasn’t done anything but extend Earth’s magic of friendship to us. Ask anyone here and they’ll tell you that Jessica Cosmos doesn’t have an evil fiber in her body.”

Celestia didn’t move for a good minute, then closed her eyes and scrunched up her face, as if in pain. After a few seconds, her horn dimmed and her wings returned to her sides. “You are right Twilight. It is neither right or fair to extinguish an innocent life to destroy a demon when the innocent life was only caught in the crossfire, and based on what I have heard of Jessica from sources that have encountered her, along with what has been said here today, she is not Nightmare Moon’s puppet, but rather her unfortunate host.”

The three ponies dimmed their own horns and all the cadets let out a sigh of relief. “Oh thank the maker you’ve come to your senses. I was afraid we were going to have to call for reinforcements to help force you to listen.”

Celestia let out a nervous chuckle. “Indeed.” She turned her attention to Jessica. “Jessica Cosmos?”

Jessica, still a little nervous, cautiously approached Celestia. “Yes your majesty?”

Celestia sighed. “I want to apologize for my behavior today. I let my emotions get the better of me and you did not deserve the result. I do hope we can put this behind us and become friends.”

Jessica smiled as she finally relaxed. “I understand where you were coming from Princess. If I were in your shoes, I might’ve acted the same way.”

“I may have overreacted when I sensed Nightmare Moon within you. I let my deep resentment cloud my judgement and drive my actions. You did not deserve that, and I am sorry.”

Jessica nodded. “Well, fortunately we have good friends who are there to keep us on track.” Jessica looked back to her friends.

Celestia nodded. “Indeed we do. So, we are agreed to be friends?” Celestia held out her hoof for a handshake.

Jessica smiled and nodded and she took it and they shook hands. “Yeah. We’re friends.”

Twilight noticed that Jessica and Celestia were shaking hands, that meaning only one thing, and unable to resist anymore, she bolted towards Jessica.

Jessica suddenly felt something furry practically crash into her and she saw a pair of forelegs and wings wrap around her, followed by the obviously happy and relieved voice of her girlfriend. “Oh jessica, I’m so so happy that you’re finally safe from Celestia’s wrath. I was afraid I was gonna lose you forever! I love you so so much!” Before Jessica could even process what was happening, twilight spun her around and quickly began planting kisses all over her, causing everyone around them to chuckle, giggle, and snicker.

Jessica managed to pull away from Twilight after a few seconds, chuckling in the process. “Ok, ok. Your happy I’m not dead. Me too Twilight. But at least keep some of the restraint you must’ve had? Your parents are watching, and the princess.”

Nightlight and Velvet approached them, easing out of their laughter in the process. “You were that worried eh Twily?”

Twilight released Jessica from the hug and smiled sheepishly. “Can you really blame me? My girlfriend nearly died today.”

Velvet chuckled. “I suppose we can’t. We probably would’ve been just as worried.”

Nightlight nodded. “Speaking of your girlfriend. Jessica, is your love for our daughter genuine?”

Jessica nodded without hesitation. “I promise. My love for twilight is all me. I can confidently say being of sound mind and body that I love your daughter with all my heart and will never do anything to hurt her. And by extension, I will do everything in my power to keep Nightmare Moon from doing anything.”

Velvet and Nightlight stared at Jessica for a minute before smiling. “Remember that. Because, barring demon influence, if we hear that you do hurt our baby, there will be no where in the universe you can hide that we won’t find you.”

“And I’m sure Moondancer and Shining Armor will be looking for you as well.”

Twilight’s smile grew even wider as she practically crashed into her parents in a group hug. “This day just keeps getting better!”

Jessica chuckled and nodded. “Now all we need is for you meeting my immediate family to go well and we can consider today to be a complete success.”

They all heard Luke shout. “Heads up sis! Bandwagon incoming.”

Jessica looked up and saw a shuttle coming in that she recognized as her family’s shuttle. “And speak of the devil, that’s them now.” Everyone looked up to see the shuttle landing.

Jessica couldn’t help but smile. So far today She had avoided being vaporized by Princess Celestia, Twilight’s parents didn’t hold the crazy lunatic in her head against her, and her parents seemed like they were looking forward to meeting Twilight. As long as her adopted chipmunk siblings only throttled Nightmare Moon, which Jessica was looking forward to seeing, than she could consider this to be one of the few days that she would happily relive during NM’s time in her mind.

To be continued.
> Episode 18: Meet The Parents...and Six Ticked off Animals
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow and Fluttershy were flying in the sky above the Academy, enjoying a nice Saturday flight together. Fluttershy closed her eyes and sighed in content. "This is nice. Isn't this wonderful Dashie?"

Rainbow blushed at Fluttershy's nickname for her, but nodded all the same. "Yeah, it is actually, for once I don't have the burning desire to just take off at Sonic Rainboom speed."

Fluttershy let out a dramatic gasp. "What's this? Rainbow Danger Dash admitting that flying under a hundred miles per hour isn't lame? What is this madness?"

Rainbow chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Only for you Flutters. But all the same, it's nice to just slow down and enjoy flying."

Fluttershy nodded. "It is. Especially on a day like today. The sun is shining, not a cloud in the sky..." Fluttershy causally looked down and immediately saw their friends with Princess Celestia. "...our friends are enjoying the day with princess Celestia. It really is a perfect day."

Rainbow nodded. "You betcha 'shy—WHAT?!" Rainbow's eyes widened and she looked down and indeed saw their friends with princess Celestia. "Princess Celestia is here?! When did she get here?!"

Fluttershy shrugged. "I'm not sure."

Rainbow immediately picked up on Fluttershy's attitude that was still dreamy. Rainbow nudged her. "Fluttershy, PRINCESS CELESTIA is here!"

Fluttershy's eyes went wide as reality hit her. "Oh my, we should go down there and say hello."

Rainbow nodded. "And also make sure Jessica's still alive! Remember? Nightmare Moon?"

Fluttershy's eyes widened even further as she remembered what was going on. "Oh dear! I hope Jessica'a ok."

Rainbow wasted no time as she and Fluttershy started their descent. She tapped her combadge to page Twilight. "Twilight! Is Jessica alright? Fluttershy and I just saw Celestia. Does she know about the demon?"

A few seconds passed in silence, before a voice came through the badge. "We already talked to her Rainbow. The princess and I are on good terms, after she got enough of her desire for vengeance out of her system to act rationally."

Rainbow and Fluttershy sighed in relief that their human friend was ok. "Phew. Thank Elysium you're alright Jessica."

"When we saw the princess we feared the worst."

They heard Twilight chuckle through the badge. "You guys didn't think I'd be able to hold out against Celestia?"

Rainbow chuckled nervously. "Well, I mean, she is at least a thousand years older. I'm sure she's more well versed in magic than you Twi."

Fluttershy nodded. "But we didn't panic too much of course. We knew you'd at least try to hold out. We know you're very powerful twilight."

Twilight chuckled. "Well, don't worry guys. Celestia and Jessica buried the hatchet as they say here. We're good."

Rainbow nodded. "Great. Sorry to bother you, but we just wanted to make sure we didn't lose a friend."

They heard Jessica reply. "Thanks for the concern. But don't worry. Celestia and I are good. And now we only have Luna to worry about."

Rainbow and Fluttershy giggled. "Well, we can cross that bridge when we get to it. Anywho, we'll let you get back to what you were doing, your parents are here right Jessica?"

"And Twilight's parents."

Fluttershy nodded. "Then don't let us keep you any longer. I'm sure you guys are having a good time."

Rainbow nodded. "We'll talk to ya later. Till then, glad you're not dead." The connection was cut just as Rainbow and Fluttershy landed. "We sure dodged a bullet there didn't we."

Fluttershy nodded. "We did. Now let's go over and say hello to the princess." Rainbow nodded as they both bolted towards where their friends and the princess were.

Meanwhile, in the mess hall, Jessica and twilight got off the combadge with rainbow and Fluttershy just as the replicator was finished replicating the large amount of lunches that they had ordered for their families. "Ok, now only T'Nea and Ivan have no clue what nearly happened in the shuttlebay earlier."

Twilight nodded as they each grabbed a palate and started walking back to their table. "They said they were going into town to do some holiday shopping right?"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. So we likely won't hear from them express their gladness for my safety until they meet Celestia later."

Twilight nodded as they reached the table, and heard Velvet talking. "So, Jack. You and the other chipmunks are natural born talking chipmunks that are also the adopted siblings of Jessica and Luke?"

The chipmunk named jack nodded. "That's right we are. But we can do a whole lot more than talk. Hey Luke. Drop us a beat!"

Luke nodded and began beatboxing. The chipmunks started singing after a few beats.

🎶We're the chipmunks and Chipettes and we're here to sing

And mesmerize the crowd with our stylings!

Jack and Destiny are the leads

Their duet style voices carry the team!

Brian and molly are the brains

They keep the team on time with the beat!

With Justin and Tasha at the heart

Put it all together and what have you got!

We're chipmunks

And Chipettes

And we love to sing!

We're the chipmunks

And the Chipettes

Boom!🎶

Luke beatboxed the last note and the song ended, with a round of applause from the entire table.

Spike smiled. "Wow. And here I thought earth animals couldn't sing as well as animals on Equuis, turns out I was dead wrong."

Nightlight nodded. "That was amazing you guys."

Molly chuckled and smiled. "Thanks Mr. Sparkle. We try."

Mrs. Cosmos nodded. "They really do. They practice that little performance constantly. In the event they meet someone who's never heard of them before."

Destiny nodded. "Which is a rare occurrence these days since we're kinda interstellar famous across the Federation, doing concerts every other week."

Twilight smiled. "Have you guys ever played Equuis before?"

Molly nodded. "No. Never. But we'd so like to."

Justin chuckled. "We've heard that Equuis is a wonderful planet. And that everyone on the planet is so friendly."

Velvet nodded. "That is not an overstatement. I think Equuis was rated last year as one of the most peaceful planets in the Federation. Is that right Nightlight?"

Nightlight nodded. "I believe so. I remember reading something about it in the good news section of the paper."

"Well isn't that just lovely. Too bad it'll soon be dominated by eternal night!" Everyone jumped back as they all turned to see Nightmare Moon appeared out of nowhere right in front of them.

Jessica, after getting over it, groaned. "I swear to god you are gonna drive us crazy. Because keeping track of you is a full time job."

NM chuckled. "What's the matter Jessi? Don't like the fact that you have a demon in your mind?"

Jessica gritted her teeth. "Do not call me that."

NM chuckled. "Whatever you say you brat."

Tasha lifted an eyebrow. "Jessica, is this Nightmare Moon? The Equestrian demon that's been haunting you for 2 months?"

Jessica nodded. "That's her.

The chipmunks heard this and smiled, much to the confusion of luke. "Uh, why are you guys smiling?"

Destiny chuckled as the chipmunks started slowly walking towards the demon. "Because Luke, we've been meaning to have a little chat with the demon haunting our favorite twins."

Jack nodded. "And let her know that it's not an OK thing to do."

NM chuckled. "Yeah. Like six tiny little rats are supposed to—" That was as far as NM got before the chipmunks launched themselves from the table right at her. All six growling and attacking the giant Alicorn.

The rest of the table looked on and couldn't help but laugh as they heard things like "what gave you the right to invade her mind?!" And "if you think you can do that and get away with it you have another thing coming!"

Spike calmed down enough to talk. "Man, they're vicious aren't they."

Admiral Cosmos chuckled. "Yeah. They can sing and generally get along and are friendly with everyone."

Mrs. Cosmos continued. "But you do not mess with them or anyone they call family. They turn into ferocious savages in no time flat."

Velvet and Nightlight chuckled as they glanced at the chipmunks going wild on NM. "Just be glad they don't turn into fire monsters When they get mad. We had to get rid of anything made of wood when we first found out that angry Twilight turns into a fire monster."

Twilight felt her cheeks heat up as she shrank in her seat. "Dad!"

Jessica giggled. "Is that the smoke that I saw coming out of your mane Halloween Night? You were close to turning into a fire monster?"

Twilight nodded. "You were upset at the time, and Nightmare Moon was the cause, I was already boiling inside because of Nightmare Moon's appearance, but when I got to the gardens, seeing her standing over you, I just snapped. Suffice to say, I hate seeing you upset."

Jessica was about to respond when they all heard NM screeching. "Grah! You little brats do NOT know who you are messing with. But I assure you, when I take possession of your precious sister I will make you suffer for the rest of your miserable lives for this day! Count on it!"

The disembodied voice vanished while growling as the group saw the chipmunks hop back on the table. Smiling.

"Oh that felt good."

"I've been waiting to give that demon a good beating for messing with our sister and brother."

Luke chuckled. "Oh believe me guys. I've been wanting to teach that witch a lesson to but she's only a spirit so—hold on." Luke did a double take of where the demon had been, and then back at the chipmunks. "Did you six just jump onto the demon and NOT crash down to the floor?"

Jack nodded. "Yeah?"

Luke's eyes widened. "That means NM's construct is more powerful. And in a more physical state."

Jessica's and Twilight's eyes widened as they realized what that meant. "She said she got a meal earlier...oh no."

"She just grew in power."

They all heard NM laughing. "Took you long enough to figure it out. We may have almost died today, but in doing so, I was provided an excellent meal, to make up for the last few weeks of BARELY getting anything."

The laughing dissipated as the table was all left at a loss for words. Finally, someone spoke. "That can't be good."

Spike shook his head. "No it isn't. The more powerful she grows, the less time we have until she can REALLY do some damage."

Jessica nodded, turning to Admiral Cosmos. "Right. That reminds me. Dad, did you talk to Starfleet about our request?"

Admiral Cosmos nodded. "About getting a Mind Alterer. I did, and they'll see what they can do. Though to be honest Jessica, I'm not sure playing with a mind erasing device is very safe."

Jessica sighed. "Well, for now it's the best option we have."

Admiral Cosmos lifted an eyebrow. "From what I know of Equuis history, more specifically Equestrian, aren't there also six magical gemstones that were proven effective against the demon?"

Twilight nodded. "Those would be the Elements of Harmony sir. And while they would most certainly be effective again, maybe more so because NM is no longer connected to an Equine's inner magic, in order for it to work, we would need to aim them directly at Jessica. And they have NEVER been used against a genuine human before."

Justin lifted an eyebrow. "That shouldn't be a problem, should it?"

Twilight sighed. "Unfortunately we do not yet know enough about the Elements of Harmony to guess how they could affect Jessica. They could scramble her brain, alter her physiology, or Celestia forbid, maybe even vaporize her completely."

Everyone at the table gasped when twilight suggested vaporization. Twilight continued. "So at the moment, defaulting to using the Elements of Harmony is too risky, unless Celestia says otherwise. I'll have to ask her about it."

Admiral Cosmos, after thinking about it for a moment, sighed. "Alright. You know more about this demon business than I do so I'll trust you two on this."

Mrs. Cosmos nodded. "Just do is a favor and please be careful Jessica."

Jessica nodded. "We will mom."

Velvet and Nightlight nodded as they turned to Twilight and Spike. "That goes for you two too."

"We don't want to get a letter from anyone saying someone's mind was wiped on accident. Got it?"

Spike and Twilight nodded. "Loud and clear guys."

"We'll be as careful as we can be." 

Both sets of parents and Luke and the chipmunks smiled at their favorite lovebirds' assurances, knowing that they meant it.

Brian then focused on twilight. "So Twilight. Jessica says that you are quite the scholar. Tell me, what do you typically study?"

Twilight smiled. "Lots of stuff. Magic, physics, astronomy, Pinkie Pie, the Alternate Dimension..."

Molly lifted an eyebrow. "Pinkie Pie? You mean your friend? Why do you study her?"

Twilight chuckled. "Because, well, you'll see when you meet her, but let's just say that Pinkie Pie and the laws of physics almost never agree with each other."

Brian and Molly's jaws nearly dropped. "Don't agree with each other?"

"How so?"

While Jessica watched as her two brainiac siblings talked to Twilight about their pink friend, she chuckled to herself. 'Oh you poor poor souls, Pinkie Pie's antics will fry your brains if you think about it too hard.'

Several hours later, T'Nea and Ivan had returned to the Academy and were walking through the quad, having just dropped off the results of their shopping day in their dorms. T'Nea smiled at Ivan. "Thanks again for going into town with me today Ivan, it's a lot more fun when you go holiday shopping with your friends."

Ivan nodded. "That was a logical idea you had T'Nea, get our shopping done before the holiday rush next week. Why did I not think of it?"

T'Nea chuckled. "Because Vulcans usually don't think ahead when it comes to showing how much you care about someone." T'Nea and Ivan suddenly heard high-pitched singing coming from up ahead, T'Nea listened, and lifted an eyebrow. “Ivan do you hear that?”

Ivan nodded. “It sounds like high pitched singing?”

“High pitched singing, what could—Wait a minute. Ivan didn’t Jessica say that her immediate family was coming? Her parents and her 6 adopted chipmunk siblings?”

Ivan nodded. “I would guess that that would be the chipmunks singing.”

T’Nea smiled. “Come on, let’s go over and say hi.” Ivan nodded as he and T’Nea followed the singing, and music.

Over to the source of the racket, Jessica strummed the last note on her guitar and Luke banged the last more out of the drum as the song the chipmunks sang came to an end, and was met with applause, cheering, and whistling coming from the audience, their friends, parents, and the Sparkles and Celestia.

Fluttershy smiled. “Wow! That was simply amazing! I always wondered what talking to alien animals would be like. And now I’ve met six adorable little chipmunks that can talk and sing and dance. I must be in Elysium!”

Rara chuckled and nodded. “I’ll have to go with ‘Shy on this one. You six have have some killer talent. I bet you attract a large crowd.”

Jack and destiny nodded. “Full house nearly every time.”

“Especially on planets that love to party.”

Pinkie began bouncing in excitement. “We should’ve had you come play the Halloween Dance. You guys would’ve been a hit!”

Brian chuckled. “We probably would’ve.”

Molly shook her head. “But if we played the Dance, then Jessica wouldn’t have gotten a chance to serenade Twilight.”

Tasha nodded. “Oh yeah! That’s right. Jessica did serenade twilight.” Tasha turned to Jessica. “Jessica can you sing the song you used to serenade Twilight now? We’d love to hear it!”

Mr. and Mrs. sparkle nodded. “Yeah. I wouldn’t mind hearing it.”

Celestia nodded. “I am intrigued as to what exactly serenaded my most faithful student.”

Jessica chuckled. She could see the everyone and everypony wanted to hear the song whether they already did or not. She took particular note of the sparkle in Twilight’s eyes that she got whenever the song was brought up. Jessica smiled. “Well, I guess I could. But as most everyone here will know, the song reaches its full potential when played by a full band. And we’re missing two people that know how to play it.”

“You are talking about us correct?” Everyone turned to see T’Nea and Ivan turn the corner into the hub of the Botanical Gardens.

T’Nea chuckled. “Now that’s just rude. Ivan and I go out shopping and we come back to find you guys jamming out with your chipmunk brothers and sisters? I thought we agreed you wouldn’t do that without us!”

Luke chuckled. “Sorry guys. We were outvoted by pretty much everyone here. And even Princess Celestia over there voice her desire to hear us play so we kinda had to.”

T’Nea’s eyes widened. “Wait, Princess Celestia? As in THE Princess Celestia?” She and Ivan turned their heads and only then just noticed the giant white Alicorn. T’Nea’s eyes widened. The Alicorn was so much bigger than cadence. “Oh boy. She is a lot bigger than I was thinking.”

Celestia looked at the two newcomers and smiled, standing up to her full height. “You are T’Nea and Ivan? The two other members of Cosmic Harmony?”

T’Nea and Ivan nodded as they both gave a respectful bow. “Yes, your majesty.”

“It is an honor to finally make your acquaintance.”

Celestia nodded. “Please, just Princess Celestia will do. This is purely a social visit to my subjects.”

Sunset snickered. “Except for when she tried to vaporize Jessica because of Nightmare Moon. That was strictly business.”

T’Nea’s eyes widened. “She tried to VAPORIZE Jessica?!”

Jessica nodded. “Celestia and NM have a, less than desirable relationship. One that nearly caused my death earlier.”

Luke nodded. “Fortunately we have magically powerful friends who’re quick on their hooves.”

Sunset nodded. “We saw the shuttle earlier and knew that you would need a hand against the princess. 

Starlight chuckled. “And it looked like we got their just in time.”

Twilight nodded. “Yeah. Thanks for that guys. We owe ya one.”

Sunset nodded. “Don’t mention it.”

Pinkie started bouncing up and down excitedly. “Yeah yeah we’re all happy Celestia came to her senses and Jessica’s still alive. That’s all well and good, be right back.” With That, Pinkie took off at Mach pinkie pie speed to who knew where.

Justin, after watching her go, suddenly went wide eyed as he realized something. “Hang on a second! Jessica nearly died today?!”

Applejack nodded. “Yep, she did.”

The chipmunks’ eyes all went wide as one thing left their mouths. “Why?!”

Rarity sighed. “Well, Without boring you with the details, a very long time ago, Celestia’s sister, Princess Luna, made some poor choices. Those choices eventually led her to becoming Nightmare Moon. The resulting battle between Nightmare Moon and Celestia ended with Celestia vanishing her sister to the moon. Skip ahead a thousand years and Nightmare Moon escaped. But fortunately, the Elements of Harmony, possibly the most powerful artifacts in Equine history, were able to blast Nightmare Moon straight out of Luna. Unfortunately her spirit survived and you can guess the rest.”

Jessica nodded. “So that’s why I almost died today. Because Celestia wanted to make sure Nightmare Moon never hurt anyone ever again.”

The chipmunks looked at each other, then to Princess Celestia. Before anyone could do anything though, Admiral Cosmos cleared his throat. “Ahem. Ok I think that’s enough talking about the past for today. How about we all just move on and focus on the now... doesn’t that sound like a good idea chipmunks?”

The chipmunks stared into Celestia’s eyes before sighing. “Fine.”

“Alright.”

“We already got our fight out of our system anyway.” 

Jessica inwardly sighed in relief that her brothers and sisters weren’t going to throttle royalty. Right then, pinkie pie skidded to a halt right in front of them and was smiling. “T’Nea, Luke, here are your instruments, Ivan you get on the drums, now let’s hear that song!” Pinkie handed T’Nea and Luke their instruments and say herself back down in her rightful place next to Rarity, the chipmunks also sat themselves in front of everyone while Cosmic Harmony, deciding not to question pinkie, got set.

Jessica chuckled. “Ok then, I guess we’re all set to go.” An idea then flashed into Jessica’s mind. She turned to Twilight. “Hey Twilight. Wanna make it a duet?”

Twilight’s eyes widened with shock, then, smile claimed her face as she trotted up next to Jessica. “Yes. I’d love to.”

Jessica nodded. Then turned to Ivan. “Ivan, if you would?”

Ivan nodded than began tapping out a tempo, after a few beats, Jessica began strumming her guitar and the song began.

To be continued.
> Episode 19: It’s a Pony Kind of Christmas: pt 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and Spike were in the shuttlebay, waiting for the arrival of the Crystal Shuttle. Twilight couldn't stop smiling. "It's happening, it's finally, FINALLY happening!"

Spike lifted an eyebrow. "What's finally happening?"

"Jessica's first trip to Equestria! Duh. I can't wait to show her around Ponyville, Canterlot, share a donut with her at Donut Joe's, it's gonna be amazing!"

Spike chuckled. Twilight had been waiting for this since Jessica was invited to spend hearth's warming with the sparkles. "I'm sure she'll love it. But really Twi, you need to relax. We aren't even leaving yet. We're leaving later. Shining and Cadance are only coming early because we let slip that there was a holiday party happening in the quad today."

That got Twilight to calm down as her ears folded down and she chuckled in embarrassment. "Oh, right. Forgot about that."

Spike snickered. "Fortunately you have a faithful dragon assistant to keep your hooves on the ground when Jessica can't."

Twilight smiled and nodded. "You bet I do." 

Spike smiled as he noticed something in the air. His smile grew as he pointed up at the incoming shuttle. "There she blows captain! Crystal Shuttle inbound!"

Twilight looked up and saw the Crystal Shuttle descending. She smiled. "Good."

They watched the shuttle land and it's hatch open to let out Cadance and Shining. Twilight smiled and practically galloped towards them. "Shiny! Cadance!"

Cadance saw Twilight galloping towards them and smiled. "Twily!" Twilight stopped in front of them and she and Cadance launched into the ladybug song.

"Sunshine sunshine ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake."

Twilight and Cadance got back on their hooves and shining and Cadance hugged Twilight. "Hey Twily, how are you doing?"

Twilight pulled back and smiled. "I'm doing great. Midterms went well for everyone and NM is behaving."

Spike chuckled. "Yeah. Reluctantly I might add."

Cadance chuckled. "Yeah. That. How's Jessica doing?"

Twilight smiled. "For a girl that has an active demon in her mind, she's faring a lot better than I would."

Spike chuckled. "Yeah. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't last 1 week before mentally breaking down."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah laugh it up. You can't go one day without sending a letter to Sweetie Belle, it's almost an addiction."

Spike sighed. "Well I'm sorry I miss my marefriend and only have letters as a means of communication these days."

Twilight chuckled. "It's alright spike. You and Sweetie Belle have gotten better at restricting your letter conversations. Even if you still use 30 parchments each time."

That sent all four of them chuckling. Cadance nodded. "I can only imagine what he's been putting you and Jessica through."

Twilight chuckled. "Thank Celestia we're able to convert the letters into digital form, our dorm would be full of scrolls in a week."

Spike nodded. "Instead, all the letters Sweetie's sent to me are in a single PADD ready to be called up at a moment's notice."

Shining smiled. "How convenient. We still keep all our letters in parchment."

Cadance nodded. "We might need to consider storing them in PADDs from now on."

All of a sudden, the four of them heard trumpets start blasting. Indicating the start of a song. Twilight's eyes widened. "That must be Cosmic Harmony!" The four of them ran to the railing and looked down into the quad.

Down in the quad, trumpets were going off and Cosmic Harmony were jamming out. With Starlight and Sunset backing Jessica up on vocals.



The song eased out as the crowd went wild with applause and cheering, and a few whistles.

In the back of the crowd, Commandant Forrest and Harry clapped in a mature manner. Hardy smiled. "It truly does warm my heart to see everyone come together this time of year."

Forrest nodded. "Even in these difficult times."

They both heard a groan as the little filly next to them rolled her eyes. "Difficult? If anypony has it difficult it is me! Do you know how humiliating it is to be seen like this?!"

Forrest looked down to see NM in her Brightshine Shimmer disguise and smirked. "Than maybe you should've taken the hint and ceased to exist three years ago."

They suddenly heard a scream and turned to see a pink fluff of fur stop in front of them and envelop NM in her magic. The pink Alicorn, which they registered as princess Cadance, smiled. "Awww, who is this little cutie?"

Upon hearing the word cutie, NM growled and yelled in the Royal Canterlot Voice. "I AM THE TERROR OF DARKNESS! THE BRINGER OF ETERNAL NIGHT!! I AM NOT A CUTIE!! NOW RELEASE ME YOU INSUFFERABLE NIECE TO MY INSUFFERABLY NAIVE SISTER!!!!!" 

Everyone in close proximity had to cover their ears to keep from going death as the force of the yell forced cadance to dim her horn, dropping NM to the ground. NM then turned her head to her tail and glared angrily at the bow attached to it before trying to get at it with her teeth.

While the equivalent of a dog chasing it's tail was happening, the ringing in Harry's ears finally stopped and he shook his head. "God. Her yelling can make anyone death if they listen to it for too long."

Cadance nodded. "Thats Nightmare Moon? Last I checked she was tall, black, and scary."

"That's her disguise." Everyone saw twilight. Shining, and Spike join them. Twilight smiled at the crazy filly. "That's her disguise for when we go outside the academy and don't want her to interfere with anything. Brightshine Shimmer."

NM heard that name and stopped, turning her angry glare on Twilight. "You will remove this infernal contraption from my tail at once!"

Spike shook his head. "Nope, not until we are well underway to Equuis."

NM growled at spike as shining chuckled. "Let me guess, illusion spell?"

Twilight nodded. "Yep, an illusion spell, combined with Zero Point Energy technology embedded in the bow she's now wearing, offers an effective way to keep her from scaring anyone. After all, who could possibwy be scawed of this wittle face." Twilight then noticed that Harry was there, and Commandant Forrest. "Oh, sorry Commandant, Mr. Leginton, I didn't see you there. Shining, Cadance, this is Commandant Forrest, Commandant of Starfleet Academy, and Harry Leginton, the academy tailor, Forrest, Harry, this is Princess Cadance and Shining Armor."

Cadance and Shining smiled and gave a nod to Forrest and Harry. "It's nice to meet you two."

Forrest and Harry bowed in return. "The honor is ours princess. I'm sorry I wasn't aware of your visit today."

Cadance chuckled. "Don't worry Commandant, this isn't a business trip. We are here solely to bring the Equine back home for the holidays. We weren't expecting, or wanting, a formal welcome."

Shining nodded. "It is the holiday season after all."

NM growled and flapped her wings, getting up in everyone's faces. "I do not care if it is First Contact day for the wretched Federation! Someone remove this device from my tail NOW!!!"

They heard chuckling and they all saw Jessica come out of the crowd towards them. "Once we're on the shuttle we'll let you disappear. Though really you should be grateful we let you come to this party at all."

NM growled. "I only agreed to this to get out of that small space you call a dorm! I did NOT sign up for being stuck out here!"

Jessica chuckled. "Well, consider this our assurance that you don't try anything. Because the last time I played in a band with you in my mind, you scared the crap out of everyone and I nearly lost my chance with Twilight. Never making that mistake again, now that we can prevent it."

NM growled and flapped off angrily, Twilight shook her head as she stormed off. "Doesn't she know not to shout, pout, or cry because Santa Hooves is coming to town?"

Jessica chuckled. "She's just mad we put her in that adorable look. She absolutely hates it."

Harry giggled. "I think it kinda suits her."

Forrest nodded. "And there hasn't been any incidents since Brightshine's been here."

Cadance nodded and smiled. "That's good. When my auntie Celestia returned from her visit with the dream team here. She had mentioned to me about NM being in a disguise, with a smile on her muzzle, and if she can smile thinking about NM, than whatever you did to her had to be good. And I am not disappointed.” Cadance chuckled 

Shining nodded and nudged Twilight. “Nice thinking on her disguise twily.”

Twilight chuckled. “I sadly can’t take credit for her disguise. Though Jessica and I WILL take credit for for how she can’t recall her construct.”

Jessica nodded. “That’s right. And let me tell you that that bow was one of the BEST ideas we’ve ever had regarding Nightmare Moon. If that was her real look, and if she wasn’t heck bent on destroying the sun and making my life miserable, I’d would actually believe that she was Sunset’s and Starlight’s daughter.”

Cadance beamed when she heard that. “Is that the cover story you guys have been going with for her in the disguise?”

“Yep, that’s right on the money princess.” Sunset and Starlight joined them.

Starlight smiled and nodded. “And as much as I know it’s only a disguise and cover story, it kinda makes me want to have a foal with you for real Sunset.” Starlight pecked Sunset on the cheek, causing Sunset to blush.

Sunset giggled. “Yeah, maybe someday.”

While no one else seemed to pick up on Sunset’s slightly more nervous reply, Cadance picked it up right away. And took note that it spawned when starlight mentioned a foal. Cadance’s mind was racing as sunset cleared her throat. “Hey, I’m gonna go get some punch. Anyone want any?”

While most decided against having punch, Cadance and Twilight nodded. Sunset smiled. “Alright, I’ll bring some back for you two.”

Cadance cleared her throat. “I’ll go with you if you don’t mind Sunset.”

Sunset, while confused, nodded. “Go right ahead.” Sunset Cadance made their way to the punch table while all of a sudden, they heard what was unmistakably NM’s RCV. 

Jessica groaned. “Darn it. I should see what that’s all about.”

Shining and Twilight nodded. “We’ll go with you.”

“And I was captain of the royal guard, I know how to get people to listen to me.”

Jessica nodded as the three of them headed towards the shouting.

At the punch table. Sunset got 3 cups and began pouring punch into them with Cadance beside her. Sunset lifted an eyebrow. “Was there something on your mind that you wanted to talk about princess?”

Cadance smirked. I’m more interested in what’s on YOUR mind. You got a little nervous when Starlight mentioned wanting a foal of your own.”

Sunset froze stock still as her mind raced. ‘Sunset you idiot! You can’t hide your feelings from the freaking princess of love!!’ Sunset sighed, seeing no way out of this. “I was. But not for the reason you might think. I’m confident in my ability to be a mother.”

Cadance lifted an eyebrow. “Oh? Than what got you all nervous?”

Sunset looked around, making sure Starlight wasn’t anywhere near them, than leaned in to whisper in Cadance’s ear. “Because I’m aiming to PROPOSE to her on hearths warming.”

Cadance smiled and had to suppress a squeal. “Thats great! I knew you two would make it to this point.”

Sunset sighed. “To be honest, I didn’t think we would. But somehow, our relationship endured. I just hope she’ll say yes.”

Cadance smiled. “I know she will. If she wants a foal with you than it’s likely that she’s thinking about marriage too.”

Sunset nodded, than snickered. “I just hope she doesn’t plan on proposing too, that would make it really awkward.”

Cadance laughed. “I think it should only solidify the fact that you both want to be each other’s forever.”

Sunset nodded. “I guess. I just want things to go right.”

Cadance chuckled. “Well, you’ll have quite a few romantic chances. Just in the Yule Ball alone.”

Sunset chuckled. “Yeah. I guess I will.”

Cadance chuckled as she caught sight of Jessica, Twilight, and Shining berating NM for picking a fight as far as she could tell. “Speaking of the Yule Ball. Has Twilight asked Jessica to it yet?”

Sunset lifted an eyebrow. “The Yule Ball? She might have. Though I haven’t heard Rarity lording over them about dresses so my guess is a no.”

Cadance frowned. “She’s spent every ball alone thus far and now she has someone to take and she hasn’t said anything to her yet?”

Sunset shook her head. “Not to my knowledge, but, there is a way to find out...” Sunset levitated a full cup of punch towards Cadance. “I think it’s time Twilight has her drink.”

Cadance smiled and nodded.

Over by Twilight and company. “NM, just because your mad that doesn’t give you the right to pick a fight with the first cadet that looks at you. Of course they’re gonna look at you.”

Jessica nodded. “Yeah. And how could they not in your current look you’re so adorable.”

NM growled. “I AM NOT ADORABLE!!”

Shining groaned. “Brightshine, right now, you are a little filly and little fillies are supposed to be adorable.”

NM growled. “Call me that again and I will pulverize you, slowly and painfully!”

Jessica smirked. “And just how will you do that? You can’t do anything when you send out a construct at the moment.”

NM gritted her teeth. “Maybe not YET! But I grow stronger every day! Now remove this bow, IMMEDIATELY!!!”

Jessica groaned. “Ok you know what? Fine! If it’ll stop your annoying complaints fine! I’ll remove it. Just don’t try anything. Because I still got that lantern ring that I can use to blast you into space if you misbehave.” Jessica knelt down to remove the recall cancellation Bow from NM’s tail as Cadance trotted up to them.

Cadance levitated a cup of punch to Twilight. “Here’s that punch you wanted Twilight.”

Twilight took the cup in her own magic and smiled. “Thanks Cadance.”

Cadance nodded. “So, Twilight, have you asked Jessica to the Yule Ball yet?”

Upon hearing her name, Jessica looked up to the standing ponies. “What’s the Yule Ball?”

Twilight smiled. “The Yule Ball is THE social event of the holiday season. Basically a fancy Hearths Warmug party for everyoony.”

Cadance nodded. “And it is open to the general public.”

Jessica smiled. “Hm, sounds like a lot of fun.”

Twilight nodded. “It is, and, Jessica, I was wondering if you would like to be my date to the Yule Ball.”

Jessica smiled as she stood up. “Of course Twi, I’d be honored.” She leaned in and wrapped her arms around Twilight in a hug. 

NM tried to recall her construct, but couldn’t, because Jessica hadn’t finished taking the bow off. NM looked up and growled. “Excuse me! You were doing something?!”

Shining rolled his eyes. “Impatient much you demon? Let them have a moment.”

Cadance nodded. “Yeah. The Yule Ball is an important event. Oh, shining, remind me to make sure both of them know how to do that dance.”

Shining nodded. “Twily could just teach Jessica. She should know it.”

Cadance nodded. “Good point.”

A couple hours after the party the gang was all gathered in the shuttlebay, along with all the other cadets going away for the holidays. While the Equine were loading the Crystal Shuttle, Jessica was taking care of last minute business with her brother and T’Nea and Ivan. “See you guys in the new year T’Nea, Ivan.”

Ivan nodded. “I do hope you find your holiday on Equuis to be enjoyable Jessica.”

T’Nea smiled. “Let us no how it went.”

Jessica nodded. “I will. If I don’t die tomorrow I’ll send word.”

Luke chuckled. “You better. It’s a 15 hour flight so I’ll call in 18 hours if we don’t hear from you first.”

Jessica chuckled. “And in the meantime, don’t go hacking into my travel bag to find out what I gotcha, I’ll handle putting them under the tree when I get home.”

Luke chuckled and nodded, extending his fist for a fistbump. “Have fun Jessica. And please, for the love of god, stay close to Twilight until Luna can be trusted around you without supervision.”

Jessica nodded as she bumped her fist with his. “I’m pretty sure Twilight will make sure of that. And thanks for taking everything I don’t need for Equuis back home Luke.”

Luke nodded. “It only makes sense.”

They both heard Twilight shouting to Jessica. “Hey Jessica, we’re ready to go!”

Jessica smiled. “Be right there!” She turned back to Luke. “Don’t have too much fun without me.”

“Don’t die on us.” They both chuckled and went in for a quick hug. Jessica than started for the Crystal Shuttle. “You’ll pick Twilight Spike and me up the day after Hearths Warming day right?”

Luke nodded. “That’s in four days right?”

Twilight nodded. “Yeah.”

Luke nodded. “Then yes, I’ll be there. You’ll let me know where to land right?”

Jessica nodded and waved. “Call when you’re on your way and we’ll tell you the landing zone.”

Luke nodded and waved back. “I will. Take care Jessica. Make sure she doesn’t die Twilight!”

Twilight chuckled. “Don’t worry. Luna will have to get past me to get to Jessica.”

Luke nodded. “I’ll hold you to that, me and everyone else in the Cosmos family.”

Twilight chuckled. “Take care Luke.”

At that moment, NM appeared and started pushing Twilight and Jessica into the shuttle. “Ok you’re done with goodbyes let us go and get this over with.”

With that, the Crystal Shuttle hatch closed and the Luke Ivan and T’Nea watched the shuttle lift off and disappear above the clouds. Luke clapped just hands together, turning to Ivan and T’Nea. “Alright. I got the keys to my family’s bandwagon, anyone need a lift?”

To be continued.
> Episode 20: It’s a Pony Kind of Christmas: pt 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Equuis, in Canterlot on a nice winter Sunday. Nightlight and Velvet were in their living room, playing with their granddaughter Flurry Heart. Nightlight lit his horn and made a quill sneak behind Flurry to gently poke her left shoulder, Flurry turned to the left and saw nothing there. Confused, she turned to the right and saw the quill. Once her eyes lay on the quill, Velvet said in a squeaky voice. "Boo!" Nightlight then proceeded to use the quill to tickle Flurry right where it was most ticklish, causing Flurry to laugh.

Velvet watched her granddaughter laugh and smiled warmly. "Glad to see we can still use that trick."

Nightlight nodded. "Hopefully we'll be able to use it for a lot longer."

Velvet giggled. "Well if things with Twilight and Jessica work out well enough, we might have a grandfoal or two from them soon enough."

Nightlight nodded. "Indeed. So, when is your sister coming?"

"She and Thunderhoof with their son will be here in a few hours, your brother?"

"Few hours with Sunny Crisp and their daughter."

Velvet smiled. "Good. That means we'll have time to break the news to them about our Twily's girlfriend's...issue."

Nightlight nodded. "Poor kid, she's dealing with something she never asked for and there's nothing we can do about it."

Velvet nodded. "Yeah."

All of a sudden, they both heard a beep coming from Flurry's combadge, followed by their daughter's voice. "House Sparkle this is Crystal One, come in House Sparkle."

Nightlight chuckled as he responded. "House Sparkle here. If we're hearing your voice that means you're close. From what we understand of these combadge things."

"You're right. We are about five minutes away."

Velvet smiled. "Good. Jessica's with you guys right?"

They heard Jessica's voice respond. "Right here guys."

Nightlight smiled. "Jessica. We're glad you were able to come spend Hearths warming with us."

"Thanks for inviting me. From what I heard Hearths Warming with the Sparkles is never boring."

Velvet chuckled. "That's a fact. And you'll see why soon enough."

"Looking forward to it."

Nightlight nodded. "Just be ready for a lot of magic flying around. You'll be staying in a house with seven Unicorns. Three Alicorns, an Earth Pony, and a Pegasus."

"Thanks for the heads up. But I knew what I was signing up for when I decided to act on my feelings for Twilight. Don't worry about me."

"Jessica, you are about to face a very powerful Alicorn princess who has an even bigger grudge against the demon in your head than Celestia." Velvet deadpanned. "Of course we're worried about your safety dear!"

They heard Jessica chuckle. "I appreciate the concern—"

Twilight cut her off. "But Jessica has all the protection she needs. We'll be fine. Anywho we're coming up on the castle so we'll see you soon. Crystal One out."

The connection was cut as Velvet and Nightlight lifted an eyebrow at each other, while Flurry enveloped the badge in her magic and levitated it in front of her, examining it.

"Did she just hang up on us?"

"Did you just hang up on your folks Twi?" Applejack asked when the connection was cut.

Twilight nodded. "I'm already nervous enough as it is about what's about to happen and I really don't need them reminding me that there could very well be a tragedy in the very, VERY near future."

Jessica reached out and wrapped her arms around Twilight in a comforting hug. "It'll be ok Twilight. Remember that we also have princess Celestia on our side. I'm certain that she'll step in if Princess Luna tries anything."

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah. And if she isn't around. The rest of us aren't afraid to throw a few punches. Right guys?"

The gang all voiced their agreement, leaving Twilight dumbfounded. "You are all suggesting attacking Princess Luna?!"

Rara shook her head. "No. We're suggesting putting ourselves between her and Jessica. If she wants to destroy Jessica to destroy Nightmare Moon, she's going to have to blast through us."

Everyone in the shuttle voiced their agreement. Jessica stared at them with a smile creeping on her face. There sat ten Equestrians who were willing to go up against one of their monarchs for a girl they had only met 4 months ago. Though that became clear when Princess Celestia came to visit the Academy, she still had trouble believing it. She was about to say something when all of a sudden, NM appeared. "I did not realize that all of you would be willing to go against the Princesses for my safety."

Twilight shot NM a very angry glare as she lit her horn. "We, are willing to go against them for JESSICA'S safety!"

Cadance nodded as her own horn lit up. "And the fact that you are using an innocent being as a shield, a being who has NEVER heard of you until 4 months ago...somepony open the hatch!"

Fluttershy, who was nearest to the hatch, pressed the button and the hatch opened. Cadance and Twilight both captured NM in their magical auras. "Now everyone get clear, this one's going flying."

Everyone stepped out of the way as Cadance and Twilight both blasted NM out the hatch, sending her into the sky. Fluttershy closed the hatch as soon as NM was clear and everypony stared at the door, then back at the two alicorns. 

Twilight shook her head. "Ugh. I swear, if we don't find a way to get rid of her soon, I'm gonna lose it."

Cadance nodded. "How can you even tolerate her?"

Jessica chuckled. "Well, it helps that we've now found a way to limit her ability to be a nuisance. Now we can actually focus on getting rid of her for good."

Spike nodded. "And if I remember correctly, Prince Celestia has been searching for some kind of containment spell that could further inhibit her ability."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. So hopefully she's found a way."

Jessica nodded. "Because it could mean our sanity."

Celestia was walking the corridors of the castle, headed towards the landing bay, where Crystal One was set to set down in. She heard hoofsteps coming up behind her and looked to see her sister Luna trot up next to her.

Luna smiled. "Is Crystal One here yet?"

Celestia shook her head. "Not yet. But it should be here soon. The look on your face suggests that you are excited."

Luna blushed with embarrassment. "I might be a tad excited to see the Elements of Harmony and Friends again. As well as to meet their first Human friend. From what you have told me, she seems like an exceptional young lady."

Celestia chuckled. "You should've seen Twilight throughout my visit. She was afraid that I would vaporize Jessica."

Luna arched an eyebrow. "Vaporize her? What does thou mean by that?"

Celestia's eyes widened as she realized what she just said. Celestia sighed. "Luna, there is something else about her that you should know."

Luna eyed Celestia. "If you are not smiling anymore dear sister then this is something I will not like is it."

Celestia nodded. "You see, Jessica has—"

Luna's eyes widened as she spread her wings and lit her horn, sensing a presence that she did not think she would sense ever again. "NIGHTMARE MOON!!!"

Luna took off towards the landing bay, with Celestia galloping at full speed after her. "Luna! Wait! Allow me to explain!"

In the landing bay, Crystal One has just landed and it's hatch opened. Allowing its passengers to disembark. Sunset stepped down the ramp and took in a deep breath and let it out, smiling. "Ah. Anypony else smell that? It's the smell of home."

Applejack nodded. "Sure is good to be home. Even if it's just for a while."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. I'm so excited—"

"NIGHTMARE MOON!!!" Everypony heard roaring through the bay, twilight looked to the door and realized what was coming.

Twilight sighed. "So much for that. Sunset, Starlight, Shields up! Everyone else behind us!"

Sunset, Starlight, and Twilight all lit their horns and assumed defense postures as everyone else got behind them. The three ponies raised a shield wall just as they saw princess Luna burst through the doors and immediately fire of beam of magic that collided with the wall. Twilight and her friends grunted at the force of the impact, but held firm.

Luna continued to fire the beam as she screamed in the Royal Canterlot Voice. "I DO NOT KNOW HOW THOU ARE STILL ALIVE, BUT REST ASSURED THAT I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO HARM ANYPONY EVER AGAIN NIGHTMARE MOON!!!"

Sunset gritted her teeth. "Well that didn't take long."

Starlight nodded. "I don't think this one will be as easy as Celestia."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. We better come up with something quick!"

"LUNA! CEASE THIS ATTACK THIS INSTANT! YOU ARE ENDANGERING TWELVE INNOCENT LIVES IN YOUR RAGE!!" Celestia came charging through the door and shot a bolt of magic straight at Luna's beam. The bolt collided with the beam and immediately canceled it, much to Luna's disbelief. She watched as Celestia positioned herself between Luna and the wall, horn glowing and staring at Luna.

Luna stared at her sister in shock. "Tia, What is the meaning of this! Do you not sense the demon present?!"

Celestia nodded. "I do actually, I have known about Nightmare Moon for the past few weeks now."

Luna gasped at this revelation. "And you did not think to TELL ME?!"

Celestia shook her head. "Had you not flown off on a rampage, I would have explained it to you. Fortunately Twilight, Sunset, and Starlight were prepared for this."

Twilight nodded as she Sunset and Starlight dropped the shield. "I can assure you Princess Luna, everything you have been told about Jessica Cosmos is true. She is only the unfortunate host to Nightmare Moon's spirit."

Luna growled. "Unfortunate is not the same as unwilling."

Before anyone could make another sound, Fluttershy gasped and flapped her wings to bring her muzzle to muzzle with Luna. Giving her an angry glare. "Are you accusing Jessica of conspiring with Nightmare Moon based solely on the fact that you sense the demon within her?! Are you really that stupid?!"

Everyone gasped at Fluttershy, surprised that the usually shy and timid pony directed the word stupid to a princess. Fluttershy continued, ignoring the gasps. "For your information, Princess Luna. Jessica has been nothing but kind, caring, and welcoming to us since we arrived on her homeworld. She's helped us adapt to life on Earth and has gladly taken twilight and Spike into her home without issue. She's only the unfortunate victim in this. Nightmare Moon forcibly invaded her mind after hiding out in Twilight's mind for three years. After having anchored to her after we blasted her out of YOU. She never asked for NM to occupy her mind and she certainly didn't ask to be SHOT AT because of it. So Don't you dare accuse her of conspiring with evil based solely on what you can sense! If you had actually tried TALKING to her instead of just outright shooting at her, then you'd see that she actually is everything you've probably been told. And not NM in disguise!" Fluttershy turned around and flapped back to where she was next to Rainbow, muttering in the process. "I knew this wasn't going to go well. We should've just went straight to Ponyville."

Everyone stared at Fluttershy. Eyes widened and mouths agape at what had just transpired. Fluttershy, the shy and timid pony, just told off a princess of Equestria!

Cadance, being the first to recover from her shock, cleared her throat. "Ahem, I, uh, guess that sums it all up."

Rainbow shook her head clear, and stared at her marefriend. "Flutters, what the hay was that?!"

Fluttershy smiled sheepishly. "I, just hate when ponies judge others without meeting them proper."

Rainbow's eyes nearly twitched. "Yeah. But dude, you just told off a princess of Equestria!"

Fluttershy's irises suddenly shrank as she realized just what she did. "Oh, oh...OH MY GOSH I DID! I'm so sorry your majesty!" Fluttershy quickly took flight and zipped away, tears quickly flowing down her cheeks.

Rainbow watched her go and sighed. "Flutters!" She turned to the others. "I'll go after her. It's nice to see you again your majesties, and sorry about Fluttershy." Rainbow zipped off after Fluttershy.

Celestia came out of her own shock, and slowly approached the still shocked Luna. "Lulu, rest assured that we are trying everything we can to destroy Nightmare Moon, but we cannot sacrifice another life to do so."

Luna looked to her sister, then to Jessica, who was still crouched own behind twilight, then back to Celestia. "You trust her?"

Celestia nodded. "There is substantial evidence that Jessica has qualities equal to five elements of harmony. If Twilight trusts her enough to be courted by her, if all of them—" She gestured to the Equine cadets. "—are willing to go against us in her defense, then I believe that we can trust her. Besides, if she WERE Nightmare Moon in disguise, do you not think that she would try to go as far away from here as possible?"

Luna froze as she came to one conclusion instantly, it would make no sense for Nightmare Moon to come here where she would surely be destroyed, not without some sort of protection. Slowly, Luna realized that Nightmare Moon did. In the form of the mind of a girl from another world. 'Grah! Consarn it Luna! You let your anger cloud your judgement again. And this time it almost resulted in tragedy.'

After a moment, Luna sighed. "You are correct sister, the demon would indeed not come to this planet unless she knew she would be safe from our wrath. Which is unfortunately the case now."

Rarity nodded. "Believe me your majesty, none of us are happy with this situation. NM is using our friendship and morals against us. It is simply distasteful.

Spike nodded. "But rest assured that we are fighting her at every opportunity. We've already found a way to limit her power, and we think we have an idea as to how to get rid of her for good."

Luna arched an eyebrow. “Have you not considered the Elements of Harmony?”

Celestia shook her head. “The effects they would have on Jessica are currently unknown, and it was the consensus that they would serve as a last resort.”

Luna nodded. “I see.” Luna turned her attention to Jessica. “You, Jessica Cosmos. May I have a word with you? Alone?”

Twilight immediately shifted further in front of Jessica when she heard alone and Celestia eyed Luna. “Luna—”

Luna sighed. “Do not worry, I am not going to try anything. I only want to hear the girl’s perspective on all of this. If it shall make you feel better we will only be out of earshot, but not out of sight.”

Celestia looked to Twilight, who took a long look at Luna, before turning her head to nod at Jessica. Who nodded back and turned to Luna. “Uh, sure. We can talk in private your majesty.”

Luna nodded and she and Jessica put some distance between them and the others. Twilight turned to celestia. “Please tell me you found some sort of containment spell that can hinder Nightmare Moon. Our current solution will only work for so long.”

Celestia nodded. “I did find spell, and it does indeed require some sort of pendent to work.“

Twilight smiled. “Fortunately I got just the thing.”

Celestia nodded. “The book is in my study. Once Luna and Jessica finish their conversation we can go there. The more casters that cast the spell, the more powerful it is.”

Twilight nodded. “So your gonna want me Sunset Starlight Cadance, Shining and Luna to assist you. Got it.”

Over to Luna and Jessica. Luna was the first to break the silence. “My sister has told me a lot about you Jessica Cosmos. You were the first person to welcome them to earth.”

Jessica nodded. “Yes your majesty. I was the welcome wagon, essentially.”

Luna continued. “How much do you know about Nightmare Moon?”

“She’s a thousand year old evil demigoddess who wants to destroy the sun and bring Eternal Night to the universe.”

Luna nodded. “And she was the product of my jealousy towards my sister, more specifically how ponies preferred her sun to my night.”

Jessica nodded. “Yeah. Twilight and I talked about that.”

Luna nodded. “After my banishment and afternoon the Elements of Harmony cleansed me of Nightmare Moon, it took a few years for me to forgive myself for what happened, longer than it took everypony else to do so. Eventually I did, and up until today I had believed that to be the end of it.”

Jessica nodded. “I’m pretty sure everyone believed that to be the end of it.”

Luna nodded. “And now I have nearly destroyed another life to destroy the evil that consumed me so long ago. The Element of Kindness was right. I should not have acted based solely on what I sensed. You did not deserve that kind of welcome. I am sorry Jessica.”

Jessica sighed. “Don’t worry about it princess. I knew what would happen if I came here with Nightmare Moon on my mind. But I’m not about to let fear run my life. Otherwise I wouldn’t have signed up with Starfleet. So, for the sake of the ease of nerves of everyone over there watching us nervously. What do you say we bury the hatchet and stat anew.”

Luna stared at Jessica with shock, Jessica didn’t blame her?! Without even realizing it, a smile slowly captured her muzzle as she nodded. “I believe that would be best.”

They both suddenly heard laughing. “Ha! Take that my ever so lovely Luna. Now you will not be able to do anything. Just like our pathetic older sister!”

The laughing dissipated, leaving Jessica to roll her eyes and Luna become worried. “Jessica. If I may, could I peer into your mind to see just how much influence the demon has over you?”

Jessica nodded. “Go right ahead. Maybe while you’re in there, you could tell that demon that she just used her one freebie and that she isn’t allowed to make a peep the rest of the holidays.”

Luna nodded and lit her horn, touching it to Jessica’s forehead.

Luna appeared within Jessica’s mind right next to Jessica. She turned her head to see the very thing she was looking for, Nightmare Moon, and she was bigger than the last time she saw her. Luna frowned. “Her influence is greater than I had imagined.”

Jessica turned to see Luna standing next to her and nodded. “She grows more powerful as she feeds on fear. My guess is that today’s meal was good.”

NM laughed. “Ha! I should thank you Luna, you provided an excellent meal just now. Now I am that much closer to total domination of this brat.”

Jessica gritted her teeth. “You stay away from my motor functions you demon!”

NM chuckled. “We shall see.”

Luna dimmed her horn and lifted it off Jessica, sighing in the process. “She is far less powerful than I thought she would be, but at the same time, her growth rate is faster than I would have imagined.”

Jessica nodded. “Yeah, if she’s talking about taking over my body then she must think that will happen soon.”

Luna nodded. “My sister has been in her study going through books since her return from earth. Perhaps she has found a way to delay that outcome.”

Jessica nodded. “She did say that she would search for a containment spell of some sort last we saw her.”

Luna nodded. “Then let us go and find out. So. We are agreed to start over and not be enemies?”

Jessica smiled and nodded. “Yes. I would very much like that.”

Jessica and Luna nodded in agreement and walked back over to the group, Twilight immediately enveloping Jessica in an almost clingy embrace and Luna looking around. “The demon’s influence over Jessica is increasing at an undesirable rate. Celestia, have you found a way to delay the demon?”

Celestia nodded. “I have. If everypony will follow me.”

To be continued.
> Episode 21: It’s a Pony Kind of Christmas: pt 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash looked around in the clouds above Canterlot, trying to find her shy, and absolutely terrified marefriend. "Fluttershy! Fluttershy come on. It's not as bad as you think." She continued to look around, wondering how Fluttershy got away from her in the first place. 'Man, when that mare wants to she can really fly.' She passed a cloud and heard a faint whimpering coming from it. "Fluttershy." Rainbow zipped to the whimpering and found Fluttershy lying on the cloud, with her head in her forelegs and obviously crying her heart out. Rainbow landed on the cloud and walked closer to her crying friend. "Fluttershy. Please, don't cry. It's not as bad as you think."

Fluttershy lifted her head up and immediately turned to face Rainbow. "Not as bad as I think?! Dashie, I snapped at a PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA! I yelled at her, told her off, and completely overstepped my boundaries! Not the mention that I called her stupid to her face! She deserves a lot more respect than that! No matter what she might have done!"

Rainbow crouched down and wrapped a wing around Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, you were defending your friend. There's nothing wrong with that."

"Except now Luna's going to pull me out of Starfleet Academy, banish me from Equestria, and lock me in the dungeon of wherever she banishes me to. This is the end for me dashie! I'm a goner! Oh why did I do that?!"

Rainbow shook her head. "Flutters, none of that is going to happen."

Fluttershy continued to cry as she suddenly reached forward and captured Rainbow in a gentle embrace. "I shouldn't have snapped like that. I should've just kept my muzzle shut!"

Rainbow shook her head. "On the contrary Fluttershy. You told Luna EXACTLY what she needed to hear. She can't just go around judging people before she even talks to them. Even if she's in panic."

"S-She still doesn't deserve to be snapped at. That was wrong on so many levels."

Rainbow nodded. "Ok maybe you did go a little over the top, but still, that was really brave and awesome of you. You definitely surprised everyone."

Fluttershy's sobbing softened to a heavy whimpering by then. "B-But now because of it I'm going to be sent to prison."

Rainbow shook her head. "Don't count on it 'Shy, both Celestia and Luna know why you did it and that what you said was what Luna needed to hear. I'm sure all you have to do is apologize and you'll be fine."

Fluttershy sniffled a little. "You really think so?"

Rainbow smiled and leaned forward to give fluttershy a good kiss on the lips. "I know so. Now. Come on. I'd like to see you and the princess put this behind you sooner rather than later."

Fluttershy nodded. "Ok, but, will you stay with me through it dashie?"

Rainbow nodded without hesitation. "Of course." Rainbow and Fluttershy gave each other a quick nod before flapping their wings and heading back to the castle.

Back at the castle, the doors to Celestia's study were pushed open with Celestia's magic as she led the group inside. Luna and Jessica discussing Luna's night magic. "So you have the power to manipulate a nightmare into a dream?"

Luna nodded. "That is correct. My duties include watching over all life on Equuis whilst in the dream realm. That includes turning nightmares into dreams if necessary."

Jessica arched an eyebrow. "Surely you aren't able to be there every single time. What if the individual has a recurring nightmare that just won't stop?"

Luna answered without hesitation. "I often try to encourage those who have recurring nightmares to face whatever is causing the nightmare. Because in those cases only they can truly end their suffering. Though you do not have that luxury do you."

Jessica chuckled. "I suppose I don't if the thing causing my nightmares lately doesn't need a reason to make them."

NM chuckled. "I do have a reason. Because it is fun making you suffer after everything you put me through. ESPECIALLY that insufferable Brightshine Shimmer charade!"

Luna arched an eyebrow. "What charade is she referring to?"

Pretty much everyone started chuckling. Sunset answered Luna. "Just the disguise we force her into whenever we go beyond Starfleet Academy. And the cover story to match..."

Starlight finished Sunset's sentence. "...is her being mine and Sunset's daughter. Jessica, show her the photo."

Jessica nodded and pulled out her phone. "You'll get a kick out of this your majesty. This cutie pie arose when we needed to disguise her so she won't cut in to mine and Twilight's first date." She called up the picture and held the phone out for Luna to see. "Meet Brightshine Shimmer. AKA, Nightmare Moon's polar opposite."

Luna took a long look at the photo on the screen, before slowly chuckling, that chuckling slowly turning into full blown laughter. "Aw, she really is a cutie pie like that. Who came up with Brightshine Shimmer anyway?"

Sunset and Starlight raised their hooves. "We did."

"It was honestly just the first thing that popped into my mind when trying to come up with a name for her disguise. But boy oh boy does it fit her."

Luna nodded in agreement. "Indeed it does. Are you going with that disguise during the Yule Ball?" 

Twilight shook her head. "Nope. No need anymore."

Celestia nodded. "Because Nightmare Moon is about to lose the ability to project herself beyond Jessica's mind. Inhibiting her ability to generate fear for herself."

NM suddenly appeared out of nowhere and eyed Celestia. "What are you talking about? You cannot stop me from appearing to scare people."

Celestia lit her horn and captured NM in her magic. "Want a bet. All we need is something to cast the spell on. Twilight?"

Twilight nodded and opened her saddlebag. Taking out a small wrapped package from it. She floated the package over to Jessica with a smile. "Here Jessica. An early Hearth's Warming gift from me to you."

Jessica took the box out of the air, but looked at Twilight with confusion. "Twilight, I thought we agreed—"

Twilight nodded. "I know, and we're still doing that, There's still something for you to open on Hearth's Warming. This is just a little something that I would love for you to open now. Please?"

Deciding that it was better to just do what twilight wanted rather than make a big scene, Jessica undid the bow tie that secured the lid to the box. Once the ribbon gave way, she opened the box and what she saw inside absolutely shocked her. "Twilight, this is..." Inside was the Starfleet delta, with J+T inside a heart etched in the middle. The delta was surrounded by five points, arranged in a way that made it obvious there was supposed to be a sixth point that was being covered by the delta. All attached to a silver chain long enough that it had to be a necklace. Beautiful couldn't even begin to describe the charm, but it was the best word Jessica could come up with until her brain could more accurately describe the piece of art in her hand. "...Twilight, this is beautiful. where did you get this?"

Twilight smiled. "Celestia sent me a letter last week explaining that any containment spell would require an anchor to work off of, I said as much to Rarity when we were talking and she suggested the anchor be something special."

Rarity nodded. "I told her that you'd appreciate it more if it was something that was supposed to mean so much more than just an anchor for some old containment spell."

Twilight continued. "So with some help from Rarity, and a replicator, I designed this necklace to be a symbol of the love that we share. Had you been a pony your cutie mark would've been incorporated, but as you don't have one, I decided that the starfleet delta would represent you because I've been told that the Cosmos had a long history of serving Starfleet. Do you, do you like it?"

Like it? Jessica loved it, craftsmanship was spot on. The delta and the star worked surprisingly well together, it was the most beautiful necklace Jessica had ever seen. "I love it Twi. This is the best gift I've ever received." Jessica pulled twilight into a gentle embrace, and pecked her girlfriend's cheek with her lips.

NM scoffed. "Pfffft. You call that a gift? It is just a worthless piece of metal dangling from your neck."

Jessica and Twilight parted from the embrace and Jessica glared at NM. "Shows how much you know. You're too busy plotting and scheming to see that it's the thought that counts. Not the object."

NM rolled her eyes again. "I still fail to see the usefulness of a necklace."

Twilight smirked. "Oh yeah? Then how about we show you. Princess Celestia?"

Celestia nodded and levitated a book off the shelf with her magic, while keeping NM trapped. "Jessica. If you would please place the necklace on the table, in the middle, and use your Zero Point Energy ring to take possession of Nightmare Moon. We shall get started."

Jessica nodded and carefully removed the necklace from the box and gently placed it in the middle of the sole table in the room. She then took a few steps back and promptly slipped on her GL ring. Aiming it at NM, she fired and captured NM in Zero Point Energy. She smiled towards Celestia. "If you'd like your majesty, I can send her flying into space immediately."

Much to her surprise, as well as the surprise of everyone there, Celestia shook her head. "That will not be necessary. Now..." Celestia stopped at a page and with a quick flash of her horn, made copies of the page and floated them over to all the horned ponies. "...Luna, Twilight, Cadance, Shining, Sunset, Starlight, Rarity. The way this containment spell works is that it grows in power as the number of casters increases. With Nightmare Moon growing more powerful as she feeds on more fear, I fear that we will need as powerful a containment spell as we can cast."

Rarity smiled. "Say no more your majesty. I admit that my magical abilities are far below that of my friends. But if I can do anything at all to assist in Nightmare Moon's defeat, than you can count on me putting everything I have into this spell."

The other horned ponies voiced their agreement. NM rolled her eyes. "No matter how powerful the spell is I will overcome it. Everything wavers with time."

Jessica chuckled. "Then I guess we'll still be seeing Brightshine Shimmer now will we? Because that's exactly what will happen if this isn't enough, and that's a gigantic if. From what I've been told anyway."

NM growled as the horned ponies gathered around the table. All of them putting their copy of the spell down And giving Celestia the nod that they were ready. Celestia smiled. "Alright everypony. Concentrate on the containment spell, and direct it at the necklace." The eight horned ponies nodded as they all lit their horns. The others watched in awe.

Applejack tilted her head. "Anypony else curious on what's gonna happen if something goes wrong?"

Pinkie arched an eyebrow at Applejack. "Wrong? Nothing's gonna go wrong silly. Those ponies are the best magic users I know."

NM scoffed. "If I was not encased in this infernal contraption I would ensure that it would go wrong."

Jessica chuckled. "Well now all you can do is sit back and watch."

At that moment, the doors opened and Rainbow and Fluttershy walked in. "Hey everypony, we're ba—woah. What's going on here?"

Rather than answer Rainbow, everyone watched as eight beams of magic shot towards the necklace and collided with it. Eliciting a bright light that made everyone shield their eyes.the bright light lasted for a few seconds before dissipating. The eight spell casters' horns dimmed as the spell supposedly finished. Everyone directed their attention to the necklace, and for all intents and purposes, nothing happened.

NM groaned. "Well that was underwhelming."

Celestia rolled her eyes. "It will not do anything until it touches that which contains an evil spirit."

Twilight nodded as she carefully lifted the necklace with her magic and turned to Jessica. "May I?"

Jessica nodded and twilight took the ends of the necklace and wrapped the chain around Jessica's neck, eliciting a soft giggle from Jessica when Twilight's magic touched her in that sensitive area. Twilight snapped the ends together and let go of the necklace, letting it hang from Jessica's neck. Almost immediately, the charm began to glow. Without warning, the charm shot a beam directly at Nightmare Moon's construct, seemingly disintegrating it. The beams, both the Zero Point energetic and the magic beam, retracted as the glow from the charm dissipated.

Everypony was silent, not sure what was coming. Finally, Rara said something. "Did it work?"

After a moment, Jessica nodded, smiling. "Nightmare Moon is not happy about this and is trying to deafen us with her Royal Canterlot Voice. Anyone hearing anything?"

Everypony shook their heads. Shining smiled. "That means it worked."

Rainbow arched an eyebrow. "What worked?"

Everyone turned and only just then noticed Fluttershy and Rainbow had joined them in the study."

Spike smiled. "Rainbow, Fluttershy. You're back."

"Are you alright darling?" Rarity asked Fluttershy, worried about the canary Pegasus after her little episode.

Fluttershy answered. "I'm fine Rarity." She turned her attention to Luna. "Your majesty?" Fluttershy walked over to the night princess and bowed respectfully. "Please forgive me for my outburst earlier. It was wrong of me and you did not deserve it. I am sorry."

Luna stared down at Fluttershy for a moment, everyone else watching. Finally, Luna spoke. "You are forgiven Fluttershy. In truth, I should be thanking you for forcing me to see reason. Your loyalty to your friends is commendable."

Fluttershy smiled and stood back up. "Thank you your majesty."

Luna nodded as she gestured towards Jessica. "As for Rainbow Dash's question, Nightmare Moon is now trapped within Jessica's mind. Unable to project herself beyond it."

Rainbow smiled. "That's good. What's the anchor? Because didn't you say Twilight that a containment spell needs an anchor?"

Twilight nodded. "That's correct. And the anchor is the necklace that's around Jessica's neck right now."

Rainbow and Fluttershy zeroed in on the necklace Jessica was wearing and Fluttershy smiled in awe of it. "Aww! It's beautiful. Where did you get it Jessica?"

Jessica smiled and wrapped an arm around Twilight. "The best marefriend in the galaxy gave it to me as an early Hearths Warming gift." Jessica capped that off with a kiss on Twilight's cheek.

Twilight giggled. "Yes. Sure we probably could've cast the spell on any old piece of wearable jewelry. But I figured why not add insult to injury on NM's part by making the anchor a symbol of the love that Jessica and I share."

Rarity nodded. "And might I say that that necklace looks absolutely divine on you Jessica. All of its elements just work so well together. Even the gold and lavender."

Jessica chuckled. "Thanks Rarity."

Rarity nodded. "And once that necklace is paired with the dress I've made for you for the Yule Ball, you are going to be the pinnacle of beauty!"

Everyone couldn't help but chuckle at Rarity's claim, it was no secret that Rarity had been designing and making dresses for everypony in preparation for the Yule Ball, as she had finally informed them when they were en route to Equuis, and had done fittings for all of them on the way.

Everyone was still chuckling when Jessica's phone went off. Almost immediately, the chuckling stopped as Luna, being the only one left who hadn't heard what a cellphone was, looked around to find the source of the noise. "Pray tell, where is that...ringing sound coming from?"

Jessica answered as she pulled out her phone. "That's just my cellphone your majesty. It's a device capable of long range communication between two or more people. And by the looks of it..." Jessica glanced at the screen and saw that the contact was Luke. "...yeah. My brother Luke is calling. Probably to make sure I'm still alive. Anypony mind if I step out for a moment?"

Celestia shook her head. "Not at all, go on ahead and let your brother know that you are indeed alive."

Jessica nodded and swiftly exited the study. When the door closed. Cadance turned her head to Twilight. "So, Twily, are you and Jessica ready for the Alicorn Winter Waltz?"

Twilight's irises shrank as she remembered what the Yule Ball meant she and Jessica would have to do. "Horseapples."

Just outside the door of the study, Jessica presses the accept button and held the phone to her ear. "Hello?"

Almost immediately, the sound of several voices blasted through, causing Jessica to pulled the phone away from her ear to keep it from going deaf. She pushed the phone back on her ear. "Ok. Ok. OK! Everybody cork it! One at a time please!"

It was a few seconds, but the chatter eventually died down to nothing and Jessica heard her brother. "Jessica. Is that really you?"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah it's me. Good news, I still alive."

She heard a collective sigh of relief, and started hearing several voices taking turns talking.

"Oh thank god Jessica."

"We were all so worried about you."

"Luke, the chipmunks and your parents all told us all about that demon last night, and that you were walking right up to a princess who despised said demon."

"Do you have any idea how terrified we were that you wouldn't make it?"

Jessica shook her head and rolled her eyes. 'At least they got the fear out of their systems before NM got within range of them, that wouldn't have been good.' Jessica smiled. "Well, you guys don't have to worry anymore, I'm still alive, I am on good terms with everyone who could kill me, and the demon is now well under control."

Another collective sigh. "That's good. You had us all worried sick Jessica."

Jessica sighed. "Well blame the demon. Which, by the way, will no longer pose a threat with her appearing acts. She has been contained within my mind and will only be able to feed off my fear from now on, which there will be a significant lack of compared to what she usually feeds off of."

"Good. It's about time that demon was restrained."

"Yeah. Anywho, we're so glad you're ok Jessica."

"We didn't interrupt anything important did we?"

Jessica chuckled. "If you had I wouldn't have answered."

At that moment, she heard a voice which she definitely didn't recognize personally, but recognized as high class. "Ahem." Jessica took a glance and saw a nicely dressed stallion standing in front of her, and frowning.

Jessica returned to her phone to wrap up. "I have to go, I'll call you later." Jessica pressed the end button and pocketed her phone. Turning to the stallion. "Hello there sir—"

The stallion scoffed. "Pfft, I am not a sir, I am Prince Blueblood, nephew to her royal highness princess Celestia and her royal highness princess Luna. I have an urgent matter to discuss with Princess Protege Twilight Sparkle and I have been told that she is in my Auntie's study. Step aside so I may enter you ruffian."

Jessica, while slightly offended by being called a ruffian, nodded, and gave a respectful bow. "Of course Prince Blueblood." Jessica took a few steps to the side. "And might I say that it's an honor to make your acquaintance."

Blueblood smirked. "I am sure. I however do not associate with common riffraff like yourself, so why don't you scurry along back to whatever backwater planet you came from." With that, Blueblood trotted forward and entered the study. 

Once the door closed, Jessica raised an eyebrow. "Ok. So far first impressions today are going, not great."

Jessica heard chuckling from behind. She turned around to see an orange stallion clad in gold armor snickering. The stallion turned his head and smiled at her. "Don't mind him. He's just a snobby jerk. Thinks everyone is beneath him."

Jessica nodded and crossed her arms. "Yeah he did seem like that kind of pony when Twilight was talking about him."

The stallion chuckled. "You are much better off just ignoring him. I'm Flash by the way, Flash Sentry."

Jessica nodded. "Jessica Cosmos." Flash and Jessica shook hand and hoof.

Flash smiled. "The one who Discord's been raving about since he got back from Earth. It's nice to finally meet you. You've certainly been quite the buzz around here."

Jessica arched an eyebrow. "Have I?"

Flash nodded. "First interspecies relationships involving ponies tend to be big news around here.  I believe that it's mostly been contained within the castle though so don't worry." 

Jessica smiled. "That's good, I think. Does Blueblood know about it?"

Flash chuckled. "Celestia no. He has no clue. Which is why he's probably getting shot down by Twilight right now."

In the study, everyone had seen Blueblood enter. "Ahem. Excuse the interruption your majesties. But there is an urgent matter that I must discuss with Twilight Sparkle sooner rather than later."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Ugh. What do you want Blueblood? We're kinda busy here."

Blueblood smiled. "This will be but a moment. Twilight. It is good to have you back on world."

Twilight smiled warily, imagining where this was going. "I'm sure it is."

Blueblood nodded. "And just in time for the Yule Ball as well. Which I am looking forward to attending with you as always."

Twilight and just about everyone wanted to laugh, but couldn't. Twilight smirked and shook her head. "Sorry Blueblood. This time I'm taking a different date to the Yule Ball, and it's one who's more my type."

Not getting the hint. Blueblood chuckled. "Oh Twilight, jesting as always."

Twilight shook her head. "Nope, not a joke, I actually have a date that I asked, and is not going with me just to boost his own status with anypony who cares."

Blueblood's smile wavered. "Hm. Well, whoever this pony is must be special in some way, perhaps I could meet with him."

Twilight snickered. "SHE, is standing right outside the door to this study so you've already met her, and she's not a pony at all." Twilight walked past Blueblood to the door, opening it just enough for her head to pop through. "Jessica. Could you—" she caught Jessica talking to Flash, normally and seemingly happily. She smiled, taking a few seconds to be proud of Jessica for already making friends with more Equine without her help, or NM messing it up. She pulled herself back to reality. "Am I interrupting anything?"

Flash and Jessica stopped stalking and turned their heads to see Twilight standing there. Flash shook his head. "Nothing at all Twilight. Jessica and I were just talking. I can definitely see why you like her twilight."

Twilight smiled. "I'm glad my girl's made one new Equine friend outside my family that didn't try to kill her first. Sorry to cut this conversation short, but someone wants to meet her so Jessica, could you come back in here please?"

Jessica nodded and smirked. "Sure. I'd love to meet whoever JUST walked past us and exchanged a few words with me." She winked. Causing Flash and Twilight chuckle. Jessica nodded towards Flash. "It was nice to meet you Flash Sentry."

Flash nodded. "It was nice to meet you too Jessica. Take care. And good luck with Blueblood in there."

Jessica giggled. "Thanks." Jessica proceeded to pull back the door and reenter the Study.

Once they were both inside. Twilight shot a smirk at Blueblood and began speaking proudly. "Prince Blueblood. Meet Jessica Cosmos. My date to the Yule Ball, and my girlfriend."

Upon hearing the word girlfriend, Blueblood frowned. "Surely you are jesting Twilight. Surely this, ruffian, cannot be your suitor."

Twilight nodded. "I'm not, she can, and she is."

Blueblood turned his head to his aunts. "Auntie Celestia, Auntie Luna, surely this is a joke. Twilight surely is not serious."

Celestia and Luna shook their heads. "Twilight is not jesting my nephew. Jessica is indeed Twilight's significant other."

"And will be accompanying her to the Yule Ball tomorrow night."

Blueblood was stammering by this point, not believing what he was hearing. "B-But aunties, this is wrong. Twilight cannot be with this, common riffraff from some backwater world. she is unworthy to court an Alicorn."

Celestia sighed. Of course Blueblood would be against Jessica and Twilight being together. "Blueblood. If Twilight wishes to be with an offworlder, who is from a planet that is anything BUT backwater, I shall not stand in the way of love."

Luna nodded. "Neither will I. So if I were you Blueblood, I would search for another date before tomorrow night."

Still not backing down, Blueblood decided to bring up something in the very near future. "Does this ruffian even know the Alicorn Winter Waltz? If she is accompanying Twilight to the Yule Ball tomorrow she will have to dance with her."

Jessica was about to ask what the Alicorn Winter Waltz was, but Twilight gave her a look that said 'I'll explain later' and Celestia answered Blueblood. "I am confident that Twilight and Discord will be able to teach her in time for the Ball."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. So you can forget it Blueblood. I'm done being just a tool for your personal gain."

Blueblood's eye twitched, he was going to say something, but the look everypony around him was giving deterred him from doing so, so instead. He huffed. "You know what? Fine. Like I want to be with a homosexual freak anyway." Blueblood walked to the door, as he was about to exit, he turned and gave Jessica a death glare. "I do not know what Twilight sees in you, but know that you are not worthy of somepony of her status and you will never be you ruffian offworlder." With that, Blueblood stormed out the door.

After a few seconds of silence. Celestia sighed. "I apologize for that Jessica. Blueblood has been against the idea of Equuis joining the Federation and I am afraid that Twilight choosing you over him has made it worse."

Jessica shook her head. "It's alright your majesty. Twilight warned me to keep a low profile around him."

Cadance chuckled. "Yeah. Probably because you'd get a lot of flak from him for stealing his favorite flirtation target."

Everyone chuckled while Twilight huffed. "Hmph. Please, he only flirts with me because of my status as an Alicorn. At least now I have a legitimate reason to shoot him down."

Cadance smiled. "Yeah. But that's not all, now we'll finally get to see a fully legitimate smile tomorrow when you and Jessica are out there performing the Alicorn Winter Waltz with us."

While everypony nodded their agreement, Twilight tensed up as Jessica lifted an eyebrow. "The Alicorn Winter Waltz? What's that?"

Twilight chuckled nervously. "Oh, nothing too too important, just... atraditionalYuleBalldanceroutinethatsbeenaroundforthousandsofyears."

Jessica, barely catching any of that fast talk, glared at Twilight with her arms crossed, sensing a bombshell coming. "Twilight. Is there something you'd like to tell me?"

Twilight sighed. “Let’s wall and talk, I told my parents we’d be there soon.”

To be continued.
> Episode 22: It’s a Pony Kind of Christmas: pt 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nightlight heard a knock on the door. He put down the newspaper he was reading and got up off the couch, shouting into the kitchen in the process. "Honey! Someone's at the door!"

Velvet shouted back from the kitchen. "It's either family or somepony else."

Nightlight nodded as he reached the door, lit his horn, and opened it to reveal Moondancer, with a smile on her face. "Hi dad."

Nightlight's face lit up. "Moondancer!" Moondancer and Nightlight hugged. "It's good to see you moony."

Moondancer giggled. "Good to see you too. Is mom here?"

Nightlight nodded. "In the kitchen, cooking dinner."

Moondancer lifted an eyebrow as she walked in, the door closing behind her. "This early?"

Nightlight chuckled. "We have fifth-teen mouths to feed this year. That's a lot of dinner to make."

Moondancer chuckled. "Yes, I suppose that is a lot. So, what's for dinner tonight? Anything good?"

Velvet. Who had stepped out of the kitchen and joined them, answered Moondancer. "Pasta, soup, noodles, rice, salad. Quite the selection."

Moondancer smiled. "Sounds yummy."

Velvet nodded. "Hopefully everyone, including Jessica, will think so too."

Moondancer chuckled. "I'm sure they will. So. Anyone else here or is it just me right now?"

Nightlight nodded. "Last we heard Jessica Twilight and spike should be here within the hour, assuming Jessica survived meeting Princess Luna, and your aunts and uncles should be here in a few minutes."

Moondancer nodded. "Good." Moondancer caught sight of Flurry and smiled. "And there's my favorite niece!"

Flurry turned her head and saw her aunt Moondancer. Instantly smiling, she flapped her little wings and practically slammed into Moondancer. Wrapping her wings around her aunt in a hug.

Moondancer recoiled from the force and chuckled. "It's good to see you too." She noticed that Flurry was wearing the combadge Jessica gave her around Halloween. "And I see you're wearing your little combadge."

Flurry nodded and giggled. Nuzzling into Moondancer. Nightlight chuckled. "She's had that thing on all day everyday, from what we're told."

Velvet nodded. "She likes to pretend that she's a Starfleet cadet just like her aunt."

Moondancer chuckled. "Oh so we can expect to see her walking around saluting everyone and pretending to com people?"

Nightlight chuckled. "Thank celestia we found the thing's off switch, now that other combadges are within range we don't want them to accidentally pick up baby noises."

Moondancer chuckled. "No we do not. Especially since for all we know there could be other combadges currently within range."

Velvet nodded. "Yeah. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if there were more Starfleet personnel at the Yule Ball. Either for security or diplomacy."

Moondancer smiled. "Oh yeah. I can't wait for that. Particularly finally seeing a 100% genuine smile from Twilight doing the Alicorn Winter Waltz. Hm. I wonder if she's told Jessica about that yet."

"So, mind filling your date to the Yule Ball in on this Alicorn Winter Waltz?" After bidding farewell for now to Luna and Celestia, the gang was walking through Canterlot, headed to the train station so the ones not related to the sparkles or dating one of them could catch the train to Ponyville.

Twilight shrank a little under her girlfriend's slightly annoyed questioning glare, sighing. "The Alicorn Winter Waltz is a Dance from an era before Equestria itself. The Alicorn Age. It's said that the ancient Alicorn civilization performed it in pairs once a year to celebrate the year that had passed and open the new year in good fortune."

Jessica nodded. "So it's like an ancient ritual."

Rarity nodded. "Indeed darling. One that has been performed at every Yule Ball since its conception. Traditionally it's performed by the Alicorns of Equestria and their partner, usually their suitor."

Jessica nodded. "And if they don't have a suitor, than they ask somepony to fill in that role. And Blueblood said he was looking forward to attend the ball with Twilight..." Jessica gave Twilight a questioning look.

Twilight sighed. "I'd rather not talk about how I ended up dancing with Blueblood, but suffice to say, he kinda forced it."

Jessica gave an understanding nod. "And now you can get rid of him because you have me. Ok. When were you going to tell me exactly?"

Sunset chuckled. "Yeah Twilight. When were you going to tell the love of your life what she had to do as your date to the Yule Ball?"

Twilight shot Sunset a look. "I actually forgot about the Yule Ball entirely. The only reason I even remembered to ask was because of Cadance."

Everyone chuckled. Applejack nodded towards Twilight. "Don'tcha worry Twilight. Your not the only one who forgot about things thanks to a certain night demon that we all know and loathe."

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah Twi. Besides. It's not like the Alicorn Winter Waltz is a particularly hard routine to learn. You learned it in a day."

Cadance nodded. "Yeah. You don't have anything to worry about Jessica. Twilight and I will get you dancing like a pro in no time."

Jessica smiled, albeit nervously. "I hope so. I wouldn't want to cause a galactic incident with a misstep while doing this important tradition."

Twilight nodded. "Don't worry. I know you can do it." Twilight sighed. "I'm sorry for dropping this on you at the last minute. It honestly did slip my mind."

Jessica smiled and sighed wrapping an arm around Twilight. "It's alright Twilight. I would've appreciated a little more of a warning, but if both you and Cadance are saying that I can learn this in a day. Eh. Who am I to turn down a chance to dance with my girlfriend during the holidays?"

Everyone chuckled. Rara nodded. "It really is easy to learn Jessica. I was Luna's dance partner one year, she was able to teach me the entire routine in no time flat, and it's not something you forget."

Jessica chuckled. "If you say so Rara."

Spike chuckled. "I can't wait for tomorrow."

NM chuckled as well in Jessica's mind. "Oh it is going to be fun watching you humiliate yourself doing the Alicorn Winter Waltz."

Jessica groaned. "Oh so I'm not getting any help from you. Oh the horror. Not."

NM growled. "For your information you brat, no pony or being can do that Waltz better than me!"

Jessica was about to roll her eyes, but than smirked. "Oh yeah? I would say prove it but you haven't the strength to do so."

NM growled. "I do not need to posses you to do that!"

Jessica chuckled. "Well still, don't do it. I'd prefer to see the Alicorn Winter Waltz from Twilight over you."

NM growled as Jessica ended the connection.

From the outside, Twilight was trying to get Jessica to respond. "Jessica? Jessica."

Jessica shook her head as she finally heard Twilight. "What? You say something Twilight?"

Twilight shook her head. "No. But Starlight did. Talking to the Nightmare?"

Jessica chuckled. "Yeah." She turned to Starlight. "Sorry Starlight. What did you say?"

Starlight chuckled. "I was just wondering if the demon's said anything since we trapped her in your mind. Although the spaced out look on your face suggests yes."

Jessica chuckled. "Yeah. She was just bragging how she could do the Alicorn Winter Waltz better than anyone else or whatever."

Rainbow chuckled. "Pfft. Yeah. Not on her life. I bet that once Twilight and Cadance get you dancing, YOU'LL be doing it better than she ever could."

Jessica smiled, and than frowned as she realized something. "Hang on a sec, how am I even supposed to learn a dance that was designed by quadrupeds a millennia ago? A time where they probably had no idea bipedal creatures existed? Wouldn't I need four legs or something?"

Shining snickered. "Not since Celestia created a version of the dance that a bipedal like Discord can participate in."

Cadance caught on and started chuckling too. "Yeah. I remember that. Oh goodness I've never seen my auntie so flustered before."

Spike raised an eyebrow. "Surely it couldn't have been THAT difficult to adapt it for bipedals?"

Cadance chuckled. "Oh have I got a story to tell you all."

Everyone listened intently as Cadance recounted the tale of how celestia came up with the bipedal adaptation of the Alicorn Winter Waltz.

Meanwhile, at the Sparkle household, Nightlight, Velvet, and Moondancer had just finished recounting Nightmare Moon's return to the rest of their family, and the girl who the demon was hiding in currently. Moondancer was wrapping up her bit. "So don't worry. Nightmare Moon won't be able to hurt anypony. Especially now that she's actually trapped inside Jessica's mind with no way of communicating with the outside world."

The six looked at each other with a mix of worry, concern, and uncertainty. After a moment, one of the adults spoke up. "So, Nightmare moon is back, and for the next few days, is going to be in this house."

Nightlight nodded. "Yep."

Another of the adults nodded. "And Twilight is knowingly bringing her host, Jessica Cosmos, here as her girlfriend."

Velvet nodded. "At our invitation, yes."

The third adult lifted an eyebrow. "Do you two not see the problem here? NIGHTMARE MOON IS COMING HERE!!"

Nightlight shook his head and sighed. "Believe me. We wish that weren't the case."

Velvet nodded. "But unfortunately. Wherever Jessica goes, Nightmare Moon goes."

"Then why did you invite that demon to spend hearth's warming with us?!" The last adult interjected. "She could kill us all within ten seconds!"

Moondancer shook her head. "As we JUST explained. Nightmare Moon is in no position to cause any real damage currently. She is trapped within the mind of Jessica, her UNWILLING HOST."

The first adult frowned. "How can you be so sure it isn't an act?"

Velvet shook her head. "Because A, Twilight and spike have been sharing a dorm with her for three months and so far nothing bad has happened to them..."

Nightlight nodded. "And B, Princess Celestia herself confirmed that Jessica and Nightmare Moon are two separate entities. The host the very incarnation of friendship compared to the spirit."

Moondancer nodded. "Look. All we're asking is that you give her a chance. Twilight's super excited that Jessica's going to be spending Hearth's Warming with us and I'm sure she's expecting that we'll all welcome Jessica with open forelegs. Do you really want burst Twilight's bubble? Jessica really is a nice girl once you get to know her."

For a few moments, nopony said word. The six extended family members not sure how to take the news. Then, one of the kids spoke. "Ok. So, I understood everything you three said. And I'm not sure about everypony else but here's what I think. I'm pretty certain that nopony here is crazy about Nightmare Moon being back, let alone anywhere near us. Am I right?" The filly looked around, seeing everypony nod. She smiled. "Moondancer you spent a week with Jessica right?"

Moondancer nodded. "That's right Sparkler."

Sparkler nodded. "And Nightlight, Velvet, you two spent a weekend with her alongside the princess, correct?"

Nightlight and Velvet nodded. Sparkler continued. "And you three are all saying that we can trust Jessica despite the demon in her head, and Celestia can back that up."

Moondancer nodded. Sparkler smiled. "Well. If Celestia is allowing her anywhere near Equuis, she obviously believes the demon is under control. So if the princess can trust her..." she turned to her parents, cousin, and aunt and uncle. "...I don't see why we can't at least try to do the same. I mean, think about it guys. If Jessica and Nightmare Moon were one person, don't you think Celestia would've picked up on that and handled it accordingly? Via a giant magical alpha strike?"

The other kid nodded. "Yeah. And yet. Instead of an alpha strike, the response is a containment spell to hinder the demon's power. Celestia wouldn't do that unless Jessica was the victim. Would she."

The adults pondered that for a moment before one of them spoke up. "You have a point Kick. Our fair princess does indeed value innocent lives."

Sparkler nodded. "So don't you think that would include Jessica if she's knowingly setting hoof on this planet with the demon still inside her?"

One of the adults nodded. "Yes. I suppose it would."

Kick smiled. "Also, I've always wanted to meet an alien. So I don't know about you guys but I'm giving her a chance."

Sparkler smiled as she wrapped a hoof around Kick. "As am I."

Nightlight, Velvet, and Moondancer all smiled. Happy and relieved that the kids were willing to play nice with Jessica.

The four adults looked at each other, then to their kids, and then to the three that initiated this conversation, the three smiled hopefully at them. Finally, they all came to the same decision. "Eh, What the hay. If the princess trusts Jessica. That's good enough for me."

"I didn't spend hours on a holiday sweater for Jessica for nothing. I just hope it fits her."

Velvet chuckled. "You asked me to ask their friend Rarity for Jessica's measurements last week Sunny Crisp. I'm sure it'll fit her."

Nightlight turned to the only ponies who haven't said anything yet. "Nightshade, Honey Pear?"

They sighed, then smiled. "If our niece trusts her. Than we can trust her too."

"I do have one question though."

Velvet raised an eyebrow. "What's that Nightshade?"

"Are we going to be able to feed her? Because if I remember correctly humans have a drastically different diet than equines."

Velvet chuckled. "Not so much on the vegetarian front. Twilight sent me a list of foods that were found on both Equuis and Earth so with there's a good chance that we won't poison Jessica."

That got a chuckle out of everypony. Moondancer nodded. "Yeah. That would really stink would it. She dies not because of the demon in her mind, but because of eating the wrong food." Everyone was still chuckling when they heard the front door opening.

The chuckling died down when they heard Shining shout. "Hey everypony! Guess who!"

Sparkler and Kick smiled as they dashed to the front door. " Shiny, Cady!"

"Twilight! Spike!" Kick flapped his wings and jumped into Twilight, wrapping his hooves around her while sparkler jumped onto shining.

Twilight chuckled as she caught her cousin. "Hey there Kick. You've grown since the last time I saw you."

Shining chuckled as he hugged Sparkler. "You too sparky."

Sparkler chuckled. "Yeah. We missed you guys."

Twilight chuckled. "We missed you too, it's so good to see you."

Kick and Sparkler let go of their cousins and turned to Spike. "Hey Spike."

"How's it going?"

Spike smiled as he enveloped Sparkler and Kick in a hug. "It's going good. How about you two? Staying out of trouble?"

Sparkler chuckled. "I have. Can't speak for Kicker here."

Kick chuckled. "I've been staying out of trouble. Kinda have to or it's coal from Santa Hooves." Sparkler and Kick then turned their attention to Jessica. "So. Twilight. You gonna introduce us to your special friend here?"

Twilight chuckled. "Sparkler, Kick, this is Jessica Cosmos. Jessica, meet my cousins, Sparkler Amethyst and Thunder Kicker."

Jessica knelt down and shook hand and hoof with Sparkler and Kicker. Sparkler smiled. "It's great to finally meet you Jessica. You can just call me Sparkler"

Kicker nodded. "And my friends call me Kicker. Kick within the family."

Jessica smiled. "Well it's nice to meet you Sparkler and Kicker. You two are the adorable pair aren't you."

Sparkler chuckled. "I like her already."

Kicker nodded. "She's definitely a keeper Twi."

That got all of them chuckling. They all heard a new voice coming from behind them. "I agree Kick. 100%." Everyone turned to see Nightlight smiling at the group.

Twilight smiled and trotted up to her her dad. "Dad."

Nightlight smiled and returned the hug. "It's good to see you Twilight."

"Good to see you too dad."

Spike hopped up and wrapped his arms around nightlight from behind. "Sup Nightlight."

Nightlight chuckled. "What's up spike. How're you?"

"Great."

Nighlight chuckled. "That's good." He turned his attention to Jessica. "So. You survived meeting Princess Luna." He said in a neutral tone.

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. I did. Albeit with a little help from Twilight."

Twilight cleared her throat. "Ahem. A little?"

Jessica smiled and rolled her eyes. "Ok, a lot of help."

Twilight shot her a satisfied smiled and mouthed. 'Better.'

Nightlight chuckled. "Ah I'm just kidding. I knew you'd make it with Twilight watching your back. Now don't be a stranger and give this old stallion a hug."

Jessica complied and the two embraced each other. Jessica gave him a somewhat serious quizzical look. "Didn't know we were on hugging terms after only one meeting."

They heard Velvet chuckle. "Why wouldn't you be Jessica? The way Twilight talks about you your family already. And speaking of, there's still a few more ponies that would like to meet you so how about you all bring it to the living room eh?"

The crowd in the foyer nodded to each other then followed Nightlight to the living room. There, they saw Velvet with two unicorns, an Earth Pony, and a Pegasus. The four's eyes immediately were drawn to the human, only for a split second before turning their eyes to their niece. "Ah. Twilight. Spike. It's good to see you two."

Twilight smiled and trotted up to the four. "It's so good to see you guys. We missed you so much aunt Honey Pear, uncle Nightshade, aunt Sunny Crisp, Uncle Thuderhoof."

Twilight and spike, as well as shining and cadance, gave everyone in the living room a hug. Nightshade chuckled. "We missed you too Twily. We're glad that big fancy Starfleet Academy let you come home for the holidays."

Spike nodded. "Me too. As much as I love Earth, Equuis will always be my home."

Thunderhoof smiled. "Good. Never forget where you came from son." Thunderhoof chuckled until he lay eyes on Jessica, as did the other three ponies who hadn't met her yet.

Honey Pear was the first to speak. "You must be Jessica Cosmos, yes? The human girl who Twilight speaks highly of?"

Jessica nodded. "Yes. I am."

Twilight smiled. "Jessica, these are my uncles Nightshade and Thunderhoof, and my aunts Honey Pear and Sunny Crisp. Nightshade and Sunny crisp are on my dad's side of the family with Sparkler as their foal, Thunderhoof and Honey Pear are on my mom's side with Kicker as their foal.

Jessica nodded. "It's nice to meet you. All of you."

Sunny Crisp nodded. "We've heard a quite a bit about you dear, that your kind, caring, and a good friend. We've also been told something else..."

Honey Pear nodded. "Is it true? That you have, ahem, her, on your mind?"

Jessica sighed, and slowly nodded. "Yes. I have Nightmare Moon's spirit within my mind. Rest assured though that she will not be causing any trouble for anyone for a good long while."

Twilight nodded. "She's contained within Jessica's mind and can't project herself beyond it. Celestia herself helped to make sure of that."

Thunderhoof nodded. "Indeed, we were told as much. And if Princess Celestia herself trusts you despite the threat..." He trailed off, looking Jessica straight in the eye for a good minute before smiling. "Then that's good enough for me." Thunderhoof reached forward with his wing, grabbed Jessica's hand, and shook it wildly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Jessica. You've certainly caused quite the stir around here."

Sparkler and Kicker both smiled and nodded. "Yeah Jessica!"

"We've never met an alien before. Much less a human."

"We have so many questions!"

Twilight watched with a warm smile as her uncles, aunts, and cousins crowded around Jessica and welcoming her, and let out a sigh of relief.

Moondancer noticed her sister's seemingly peaceful state. She smiled. "Finally at peace with Jessica being here eh Twilight?"

Twilight nodded. "Now that Jessica's safe from the princesses, and accepted by our extended family despite her currently harboring a demon, I can finally relax and enjoy the next several days. This is going to be the best Hearths Warming ever."

Miles away, in the quiet town of Ponyville, Sweetie Belle was waiting at Ponyville Train Station for the Friendship Express with Applebloom and Scootaloo, who were all waiting for their siblings to arrive.

Sweetie looked along the railway to see if she could see the train, but found nothing but train tracks. She groaned in frustration. "Oh com on. Where the hay is that train? It should be here by now."

Applebloom gave Sweetie Belle a reassuring smile. "It'll be here soon Sweetie. It's not gonna her here for another two minutes."

Scootaloo groaned. "I'm with Sweetie Belle on this one. That train had better get here early. It's freezing out here. Who's idea was it to wait at the train station for the train anyway?"

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle both turned to their friend. "Yours." They borg deadpanned.

Scootaloo folded back her ears and chuckled nervously. "Oh, right. Ahem. Well, in my defense, I didn't think it would be this cold."

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle chuckled. "It's fine scoots."

"We're bundled up real good so we can stay out here for a little while longer."

“Just as long as the train gets here on time.”

As if on cue to Sweetie Belle’s statement, they all heard a train horn blasting in the distance. They all turned to see the Friendship Express coming up to the station.

Sweetie Belle smiled. “They’re here! They’re here they’re here they’re here!”

Applebloom chuckled. “You know Spike ain’t gonna be with them right?”

Sweetie Belle nodded. “What? I can’t be excited to see my sister and her marefriend?”

Scootaloo shook her head. “You could at least tone it down a peg. You’re being over dramatic.”

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. “I’m surprised you aren’t jumping for joy to see your surrogate sister. I seem to recall her challenging you to a race.”

Scootaloo nodded. “Yeah. But I’m a mature filly who knows how to keep her emotions in check.”

Sweetie Belle just stuck her tongue out at scootaloo as the train slowed down to a halt right next to the platform. It’s doors opened and a stream of ponies started walking out into Ponyville. The three fillies looked around for their sisters and their friends. As the stream of ponies slowly thinned, the three fillies slowly started frowning, not seeing their friends. “Hm. Maybe they missed the train?”

“Rainbow Dash! I told you I do not require your assistance!”

“Rarity, you are blocking the way, ponies behind us are getting mad, you didn’t need to bring home EVERYTHING!!”

“Well excuse me for being prepared for the worst!”

The three fillies giggled at the outbursts. Of course Rarity would overpack. The three fillies got up off their flanks and ran to greet their friends, who had FINALLY emerged from the train.

“Applejack, Rara!”

“Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy!”

“Rarity! Pinkie Pie!”

The three leapt at the mares. Who managed to see them in time and catch them.

Rarity chuckled. “Sweetie Belle. What are you doing out here?”

Applejack nodded. “Yeah sugarcube, it’s freezing out here.”

Scootaloo chuckled. “We wanted to greet you at the station.”

Applejack nodded. “And make sure you got to Sugarcube Corner where Cheese Sandwich has everypony on for a massive welcome back party.”

Hearing this, Pinkie gasped dramatically. “Cheese planned a party for me on my turf?! Without me?!”

She took off in a full gallop, darting straight for Sugarcube Corner. “Cheese Sandwich you had better not have used the Party Cave!!”

The gang watched her go and chuckled. Sweetie Belle turned to her sister. “Welcome back Rarity. I missed you so much.”

Applebloom and Scootaloo also voiced their delight to have their siblings back home. Rainbow nodded as she hugged Scootaloo. “We missed you too. It’s good to be home.” Rainbow let go of Scootaloo and smiled. “So, how much faster have you gotten since I last saw ya squirt?”

Scootaloo instantly flared her wings and flapped them. “Faster than you I’ll bet. I remember that Starfleet Academy has an aerial speed limit. Did that leave some rust?”

Rainbow laughed while flapping her own wings. “You want to do this now?”

Scootaloo nodded and gave Rainbow a determinate look. “Bring it.”

Rainbow nodded. “Get ready to be left in the dust squirt.”

They both took off in the direction of Sugarcube Corner. The rest of the gang watched and chuckled. “Well come on y’all. Let’s make sure they actually get to where they’re supposed to go.”

Everypony nodded and started walking off the platform and into Ponyville, their home.

To be continued.
> Episode 23: It’s a Pony Kind of Christmas: pt 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was night time as the citizens of Equestria began to turn in for the night. In Canterlot Castle, the princesses, as well as Sunset and Starlight, were walking towards their chambers for the night. Sunset looked up and smiled at Celestia. "Thanks again for letting us stay here over the holidays Princess Celestia."

Celestia nodded. "You will always be welcome here Sunset. You and anypony you call a friend. I kept your old room well maintained for this reason."

Sunset smiled. "Really? Wow. Thanks."

Celestia nodded. "Of course. I look forward to having you here over the next few days. I would like to hear more of how this universe's Earth compares to the Alternate Universe's earth."

Sunset nodded. "Sure thing. A lot of it is similar, but at the same time, the level of advanced technology is, it's not even close. This Universe's earth is centuries ahead."

Celestia chuckled. "Well, I cannot wait to hear about it. For now though, I bid you and Starlight a good night's rest. You look like you need it."

Starlight and sunset chuckled. "Yeah. I guess we are a little exhausted."

"But when you're defending a friend from a rage filled princess of the night, it kinda takes a lot out of you."

That got all three of them chuckling. After a few seconds, they came up to a cross hallway. Celestia turned to walk down one of them. "Anyway, let me know if there is anything either of you need."

Starlight nodded. "We will. Thanks again your majesty."

While Celestia headed off to her chambers, Sunset and Starlight turned a corner and headed off to Sunset's old room. Starlight sighed. "Whoo. What a day it's been."

Sunset nodded. "Yeah. I'm about ready to collapse in exhaustion. That brief magical outburst took more out of me than I thought."

Starlight chuckled. "At least we don't have to... actually should we be worried about Blueblood?"

Sunset chuckled. "Nah. Twilight can handle him. His magical prowess is laughable for a stallion his age."

"What if he tries to do something to Jessica?"

"Then he better hope he can outrun Twilight. He's already in hot water with Twilight from earlier So I'd imagine she's not gonna take kindly to his antics one bit."

That got both of them chuckling. "Can you imagine it?" Sunset cleared her throat and did her best to imitate Blueblood. "Oh. So you're really going to dance with that bipedal ruffian? I do hope that your reputation can survive such an inevitable disaster."

Starlight chuckled and put on her best Twilight voice. "For your information Blueblood, she's a much better dancer than you'll ever be, because she's actually looking forward to it." 

Their chuckling turned into full blown laughter. They laughed for a few moments before being interrupted by a newcomer. "Pray tell, what is all this racket about Sunset Shimmer? Starlight Glimmer?"

Sunset and Starlight turned to see Princess Luna standing there, with a confused look on her face. They both instantly shut up. "Oh, Princess Luna. We, didn't realize you were there."

Luna nodded. "That is apparent. If my nephew Blueblood was here, he would be going on about how he can have you two thrown in the dungeon." Luna smiled. "Fortunately for you, I am not him. And personally, I do agree with you. Blueblood would do well to remember that he is no match for Twilight Sparkle. As such he should not try anything against her, or Jessica."

Starlight nodded. "Speaking of Jessica. Princes Luna. That containment spell we cast earlier, I trust what Celestia said that it grows in power the more casters..."

Sunset continued. "But we're worried that it won't last as long as we think."

Luna sighed. "I am uncertain as to how long our enchantment will hold. Because Jessica is lacking proficiency in the art of magic, the necklace is our best defense against the demon until a more permanent solution presents itself."

Starlight had a thought. "Wait, what if we cast a dream sharing spell? It worked with the Tantabus, surely it would work now?"

Luna shook her head. "The tantabus was one thing. But at least it did not have the same magical abilities I do. Nightmare Moon would just cancel the spell, at the very least."

Starlight deflated. "Well it was worth a shot."

Luna giggled. "Your idea is not without merit Starlight Glimmer. It is just that Nightmare Moon is not to be underestimated. 

Sunset nodded. "Well we'll think of something. Always have. Always will."

Luna nodded. "Indeed. In the meantime though, it is late, and I would imagine that you have an eventful day planned tomorrow."

Sunset nodded. "Yeah. A hop skip and a portal jump into the Alternate Dimension to catch up with the gang there will be eventful alright, if Pinkie's involved." They all chuckled.

Luna nodded. "In which case, I bid you two goodnight, and pleasant dreams."

Starlight and Sunset nodded. "Goodnight Princess."

"You have a good night too."

Luna nodded. "Let us hope so, but with a certain bringer of eternal night back from the dead, there is no telling what I will find tonight in the dream realm."

"Will you even be able to see into Jessica's dream?"

Luna shook her head. "We shall find out soon."

Soon, after returning to her chambers. Luna lit her horn and a glowing portal materialized. The portal that would take her to the dream realm. 'Now for the moment of truth.' she entered the portal and disappeared into the light.

Luna appeared surrounded by glowing orbs of light. Each orb representing a dream from a pony. Luna looked around, until she saw a particular orb glowing pulsing red, the indication of a nightmare. Luna noted that she sensed no influence of Nightmare Moon within this one. "No demon influence, but this nightmare is still high on the intensity scale, and it is coming from Twilight Sparkle. I should see what is up, and perhaps she could be useful in preventing Nightmare Moon from torturing young Jessica Cosmos tonight." Luna nodded, deciding that she would employ the help of Twilight if and when Nightmare Moon struck. She swiftly flew up to Twilight's orb and touched it with her horn. The orb expanded into a door of light. When the door was done growing, Luna entered.

Twilight was flapping her wings harder than ever, frantically flying well past the aerial speed limit around Starfleet Academy in an effort to find her girlfriend. "Jessica! Jessica are you here? Jessica if you can hear me tell me where you are!" She was looking frantically over anywhere she could see. Finally, she saw Jessica on a rooftop of the academy, struggling to get up. "Jessica!" Twilight dove down and landed on the rooftop. Once all four hooves touches the roof, she took off in a full gallop towards Jessica. "Jessica!"

Jessica looked up and saw twilight galloping towards her. "Twilight—ngh!" Jessica clutched her side in pain and collapsed on the rooftop.

Twilight skidded to a halt next to Jessica and dropped down on her haunches, with worry clearly visible in her face. "Jessica! Are you Ok?"

Jessica nodded. "I'm alive. That's more than I've been allowing myself hope for all night."

Twilight spread her wings and wrapped them around Jessica protectively. "Don't worry Jess, we'll get you to Starfleet medical, everything will be alright."

"THINK AGAIN!!!" All of a sudden, a dark aura surrounded Jessica and ripped her out of Twilight's grasp, and right into the bone crushing grasp of Nightmare Moon, in her original Equine form. Nightmare Moon wrapped her legs around Jessica, trapping her in her bone crushing grip, causing Jeeeica to scream in pain. Nightmare Moon laughed. "You will PAY for ruining my plans!"

Twilight gasped in horror. "Let her go you demon! It's over! You've lost!"

NM laughed. "Have I? You may have prevented me from destroying the sun, but I can still make you PAY for that!" NM tightened her grip on Jessica, soliciting another painful scream from the girl. "I wonder how broken a human body can become after a drop from this height."

Twilight gasped. "Please, I'm begging you, don't do this! She won't survive the fall!"

NM smiled. "That is the idea! You have taken everything from me, TWICE! Now I take everything from you." NM began to loosen her grip on Jessica.

"Jessica!" Twilight immediately took off in an effort to catch Jessica, but she felt her tail get pulled back, preventing her from moving. "No, JESSICA!!" 

"Do not fear Twilight Sparkle. This is not reality." All of a sudden, Nightmare Moon and Jessica disappeared, and the scene around Twilight changed from the rooftop of Starfleet Academy to a green field with a cloudless sky and a bright sun. Twilight looked around to see Luna appear in her dream. Twilight calmed down from the adrenaline. "This was all a dream?" Twilight shivered. "It felt so real."

Luna nodded. "Indeed. Nightmares can sometimes seem like reality. Have you been having these nightmares often?"

Twilight slowly nodded. "I've been having them more frequently lately, usually I can just brush it off. But this was the first time she...she..." Twilight did not want to finish her sentence.

Luna reached out and wrapped her forelegs around the smaller Alicorn, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "It is alright Twilight. Nightmare Moon is still a long ways away from the capability to do something like that. And she shall never get the chance."

Twilight sighed. "I hope you're right Luna." Twilight and Luna fell into silence for a moment, before Twilight realized something. "Luna, shouldn't you be keeping an eye on Jessica rather than me?"

Luna nodded. "Nightmare Moon has so far not caused any nightmares for our human friend tonight. So I am still uncertain as to whether or not I can..." Luna trailed off as something within her kicked in, a sense that something was occurring, and she knew what that meant. "Speak of the devil..."

Twilight lifted an eyebrow. "Princess Luna?"

Luna lit her horn and a doorway revealed itself. "Nightmare Moon is making her move. Come along Twilight."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "You want me to come with you?"

Luna nodded. "I believe that a more familiar presence would be beneficial in helping our human friend with her situation."

Twilight smiled and nodded. "Lead the way your majesty."

Meanwhile, in Jessica's nightmare, she was backed into a corner by a man, one with an angry look on his face. Jessica was crying and pleading from behind the pillow she was trying to use to protect herself. "No, please! Just leave me alone!"

The man snarled. "Leave you alone? You really expect me to let this slide!" He swung his fist and struck Jessica in the gut, soliciting a grunt in pain from the little girl. "First you disgrace this family by falling for a gay pointy horse, but you also have the tenacity to run off to that retched Starfleet Academy against my wishes!"  He took another swing at Jessica, who managed to block some of the impact with her pillow. "Let me explain a few things to you you little runt! Firstly, you will never be a Starfleet officer. They'll never accept a piece of trash like you. Secondly, love is NOT a same sex situation. It only happens between a boy and a girl. And it CERTAINLY doesn't happen between a human and a horse!"

Jessica blocked another swing from the man. "Y-you're wrong! She's so much more than just a horse. I love her with all my heart, and I KNOW she loves me!" She managed to choke out in between sobs.

The man swung at her again and nailed her in the stomach. "So that little defective heart of yours thinks she loves you? Then why isn't she here to save you? Huh?"

Just outside the room, Luna and Twilight exited the door of light and looked around, taking in their surroundings. "It would appear Nightmare Moon has set her latest production in a house."

Twilight nodded. "A house Jessica may have been in before."

At that moment. Both Luna and Twilight heard a single word in a high pitched scream. "TWILIGHT!" Twilight wasted no time in tracking the source of the scream and turned the corner to stop in horror to see a beefy man beating up a child, this child having midnight blue hair, and midnight blue eyes, the exact eyes of her girlfriend. 

Twilight lit her horn. "Get away from her!" She took one shot at the man and in an instant, he disappeared in a cloud of atoms. 

The sudden bang caused by the attack spooked Jessica as she curled up behind the pillow in fear. She didn't dare peak out for fear of what would happen. Almost immediately, she heard a voice that she always longed to hear. "Jessica?" 

Hesitantly, Jessica slowly peaked out from behind her pillow shield and saw what looked to be Twilight, the one she loved the most. "T-Tw-Twilight?" She squeaked out shakily, afraid to believe it was really her.

Twilight nodded. "It's ok Jessica. He's gone. You're safe now."

That was all the assurance Jessica needed. She dropped the pillow and dashed forward straight into Twilight, clinging to her like her life depended on it, and crying her eyes out. Twilight held her close, wrapping both wings around Jessica protectively. "Shh, it's ok." She soothed Jessica. "Just let it out, everything will be fine."

"Oh you have got to be KIDDING me!" Jessica and Twilight froze as the scene around them vanished and was replaced with a void, with the very demon responsible for this standing there, with an annoyed look on her face. "I was watching that thank you very much! Why did you have to ruin that brats' father Franklins' fun? And by extension my fun? How about you mind your own business!"

Jessica pressed herself into Twilight as much as she could in fear of the menacingly tall pony glaring at them. "Don't let it hurt me!" She cried.

Twilight nodded as she turned to the demon. "Mind my own business? Your the one tormenting her with her own memories. If anypony should mind their own business it's YOU!" 

NM growled. "How did you even get in here! You cannot dream walk!"

Jessica heard a third voice shout at the demon. "But I can." Jessica watched as the demon suddenly got blasted back by a pony equal in size to the demon. This one was more chambray than black, and her mane was more wavy then firry. She looked like a kinder version of the demon that had been tormenting her not ten minutes ago.

Luna glared at Nightmare Moon as the demon got up. "Did you really think I would sit idly by while you tormented a being within my range? It is about time Jessica Cosmos had a few good nights sleep."

NM growled. "Luna. Of course you would interfere."

Luna nodded. "For as long as Jessica Cosmos is within my reach I shall protect her from your advances. So if I were you, I would not even try."

NM chuckled. "You realize that this will only be for a few days. You will not be able to protect her once we leave Equuis."

"Come what May. But know this you demon. Your stay here is not indefinite. No matter what you do, mo matter who you possess, there will always be something standing in your way. Be it myself and my sister, the Elements of Harmony, or the whole of the United Federation of Planets. You will always encounter resistance. Face it, you will never succeed."

NM chuckled. "We shall see you pest." NM continued chuckling as she faded. "We shall see."

Back over to Twilight and Jessica, twilight had managed to calm Jessica down from her panic attack, though Jessica still tensed up when the second pony turned to look directly at her, but the look was softer than the demon's. The second pony walked over and laid down on her haunches to be more in line with Jessica's level. "Are you alright Jessica?"

Jessica didn't meet the pony's eyes, but nodded from her feathery barrier that Twilight had her in. Luna smiled, and then frowned. "It would appear the demon cast an age regression spell on you. I can reverse it. If you will allow me." Luna lit her horn.

Jessica shrunk into Twilight's grasp when Luna lit her horn, still a little scared. Twilight leaned down and nuzzled the top of her head. "It's ok Jessica. She's not gonna hurt you."

Jessica looked up into Twilight's eyes. "Promise?" She squeaked out.

Luna nodded. "I promise little one. No harm will come to you." She gave Jessica a reassuring smile.

Jessica looked up to Twilight one more time, twilight gave her a reassuring nod. Jessica nodded in return. Twilight turned to Luna and nodded, signaling that Jessica was ready. Luna nodded and touched her horn to Jessica's forehead. Jessica felt the magic encompass her and she started to grow in size. In a few seconds, Jessica had grown back into the adult she had been before the demon regressed her. She opened her eyes to see Luna and Twilight smiling at her.

Jessica returned the smile. "Twilight? Princess Luna? You're really here."

Twilight chuckled and nodded. "Of course we are."

Luna nodded. "As I have told you in the waking world, I have the ability to dream walk and enter the dreams of any being within my sight, as well as share dreams. And I am relieved that that includes the dreams of humans. Does that demon subject you to such horrible nightmares every night?"

Jessica nodded. "Lately I've been able to brush it off, but tonight..." Jessica shivered in Twilight's embrace, which she was still in. "She never regressed me to my childhood years before. That was new."

Twilight squeezed Jessica gently. "It's alright Jessica. She'll leave you alone so long as she remembers that who can come to your rescue."

Jessica nodded. "Thank you Princess Luna."

Luna nodded. "'Tis nothing Jessica Cosmos. No one should fear going to sleep. To be honest. I am amazed that you are able to get to sleep at all."

Jessica chuckled. "It's not healthy to just not sleep. And there's the rare occasion where that psychotic old hag won't show up and give me a nightmare, so that's why I can get to sleep."

Luna smiled. "That is good."  She stood up to her full height and started walking off. "I apologize for saving the day and running, but I must get back to my duties."

Jessica nodded. "I understand. Thanks again Princess."

Luna nodded and turned her attention to Twilight as a door of light appeared. "I can only keep the doorway open for a moment or two Twilight. It is time to say goodbye for tonight."

Twilight nodded. "I'll be along in a minute."

Luna nodded and proceeded through the door. Twilight and Jessica then turned to look at each other. Twilight sighed. "I knew that the nightmares the demon was giving you had to be bad, but I never imagined they'd be what I just saw. Was that really Franklin?"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. That's what I meant when I said talking about him brought back some less than desirable memories. And unfortunately for me I've been forced into more than one father nightmare thanks to that demon."

Twilight wrapped her forelegs around Jessica in a gentle hug. "I'm so sorry Jessica." She whispered, a few tears escaping her eyes.

Jessica patted twilight on the back. "It's ok Twilight, it's not your fault. And thankfully all he is now is just a memory." Jessica noticed the door starting to slowly fade away. She let go of Twilight and gently pushed out of her grasp. "You better get going, the portal's beginning to close."

Twilight looked at the portal and noticed that it was indeed fading away. She sighed. "You gonna be ok?"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. I will. See you in a few hours in the waking world."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. See you." She leaned in and kissed Jessica on her cheek before turning and walking away. Jessica watched her as she disappeared into the portal.

On the other side, Twilight found Luna waiting for her. Luna smiled. "She will be ok. The demon will not attack again while we are able to enter her dreams."

Twilight nodded as she looked at Jessica's orb. Guilt washing over her. "It's not fair. She doesn't deserve any of this."

Luna nodded. "Yes. It is always a sad sight to see a father treating their child so poorly, and to see that child having to relive those moments involuntarily is heart wrenching."

Twilight nodded. "If only there was a way to extend your reach."

Luna sighed. "Alas, I am just not strong enough to extend my reach all the way to earth."

Twilight nodded, and then realized something. "Maybe you aren't strong enough, But that doesn't mean she isn't out of reach of somepony else."

Luna lifted an eyebrow. "What are you implying?"

Twilight slowly gained a smile on her face. "How hard is dream magic to learn?"

"Depends?"

"Like, just dream walking from one dream to another, and then changing said dream, nothing else."

Luna slowly caught on to what Twilight was thinking. "It would be easy enough to learn on short notice."

Twilight smiled. "Can you teach me?"

Luna shook her head. "I am afraid there is not enough time for me to teach you personally, however there are several books on the subject that a pony like you could use to conceivably teach herself."

Twilight grinned. "Great! If I could learn how to dream walk, than Jessica wouldn't have to suffer through anymore nightmares. She deserves that much from me for giving her the demon in the first place."

Luna chuckled. "One thing I will tell you is that dream magic can be rather unpredictable for a beginner. You could end up scrying something that Jessica would not want you to see. I would suggest you talk to her about this before you commit yourself to learning something that would ultimately only serve you one purpose."

Twilight nodded. "I'll talk to her first thing tomorrow." Twilight smiled as she followed Luna back to her own dream, the thought of her finally being able to do something more to help Jessica while they worked to defeat NM was enough to keep her happy for the rest of the night.

To be continued.
> Episode 24: It’s a Pony Kind of Christmas: pt 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia yawned as she walked through the corridors of Canterlot castle, on her way to raise the sun for the day. As she turned the corner, a sudden flash of light appeared in front of her, and was replaced by a mischievous draconnequs.

Discord laughed. "Why good morning my dear princess! And happy Hearths Warming Eve! You are looking as lovely as ever!"

Celestia giggled and smiled at him. "Morning Discord. Happy Hearths Warming Eve to your too. I trust you slept well?"

Discord nodded. "I slept fabulously! Ready to start today with a bang!" As he said bang, fireworks exploded out of his claws. Once the fireworks finished, he slivered around so that his snake-like body surrounded Celestia. "So, what's on the docket today? Other than the Yule Ball which I am looking forward to attending with you."

Celestia smiled. "I have Yule Ball preparations all day, and I have a special assignment for you."

Discord smiled. "You have a special assignment for me? Oh joy! I shall not fail you Celly! So, what is it?"

"Do you remember Jessica Cosmos?"

Discord smiled. "How can I forget the human woman who stole the heart of your most faithful student?! She is everything I should think would make Twilight happy. Plus she appreciates a good prank every once and a while. She doesn't still have that thing in her head?"

Celestia sighed and nodded. "Unfortunately she is still playing host to NM."

Discord visibly deflated. "Oh, boo. How did that demon even survive getting blasted by the Elements of Harmony anyway?"

Celestia shook her head. "It would seem not even she knows."

Discord arched an eyebrow. "Now that doesn't make sense, even by my standards."

Celestia nodded. "Believe me, I know."

Discord shook his head. "So, this special assignment. Does it involve Jessica?"

Celestia nodded. "She will Twilight's date to the Yule Ball, meaning she shall be Twilight's dance partner."

Discord smiled. "Ah. You want me to help get her up to speed on the AWW."

Celestia nodded. "As the only other bipedal creature who knows the Waltz, I believe that you would be the most helpful in this endeavor."

Discord nodded as he sprang up into the air in excitement. "Aha! Never fear my dear! Master Waltzer Discord is on the case! Does this mean that we shall at last get to see a genuine smile from Twilight?"

Celestia chuckled and nodded. "It is sure to be a wonderful night. So long as you can get Jessica up to speed."

Discord nodded and saluted. "She'll be an expert Waltzer by the time of the Yule Ball or my name isn't Discord!" With that, Discord popped away. Celestia giggled. "And that takes care of Discord for the day. Hopefully he doesn't make a mess of things." Celestia continued walking towards the balcony. Intent on stopping by her sister's chambers to make sure she was awake.

Luna was already wide awake, combing through the several bookcases in her chambers. "Now, where did I place "Dream Walking for Beginners"? Twilight will certainly need that one. Also, should I retrieve The Dream Walking Safety Guide? Does that seem a little redundant?"

"If it is a safety guide dear sister, than I believe that it would be prudent that Twilight have access to that one. Safety is important you know." Luna turned and looked down to see Celestia smiling up at her. "Good morning Lulu, might I ask why you are collecting books on Dream Magic? And what my most faithful student is up to?" Celestia gestured to books that Luna had already retrieved and placed on her desk.

Luna smiled and landed in front of Celestia. "The demon struck Jessica Cosmos hard last night. She attacked Jessica using her more painful memories. Fortunately I was able to enter her dreams so Twilight and I entered to assist the poor child."

Celestia sighed. "How is Jessica holding up?"

Luna sighed. "She is, as they say, a trooper. The demon has been attacking her for months now and she has YET to show any signs of mental degradation. I am impressed by her endurance and resilience."

Celestia nodded. "From what I've been told, humanity is quite durable and stubborn. That does not explain Twilight's latest project though."

Luna nodded. "Once we left, she asked me if I would teach her how to walk between dreams on her own, as well as change dreams. She feels that it would help Jessica significantly if she were able to enter her dreams and stop whatever nightmare NM has cooked up."

Celestia couldn't help but chuckle. Of course Twilight would immediately think of something like that. "That sounds like something Twilight would do."

Luna nodded. "That is for sure. Although I would also say that it may be her guilt that pushed her to make the request. She feels as though it is her fault that Jessica is in this predicament."

"Because Nightmare Moon got to Jessica through Twilight."

Luna nodded. "And she would not have gotten to Twilight if it weren't for me." She folded her ears back and looked down at the floor. 

Celestia sighed and reached out to pull Luna into a comforting embrace. "Luna, this is not your fault—"

Luna pushes back against Celestia and groaned. "Oh spare me your comfort Tia, you and I both know Nightmare Moon spawned from MY choices. Because I let my jealousy of you get the better of me. And now my actions are going to have consequences for an entirely different planet. A planet that has never before been touched by this kind of threat. How can you say that IS NOT my fault? Huh Tia? How!"

Celestia sighed. "I won't deny that you made some questionable choices, but that was in the past, you are not that pony anymore."

Luna sighed. "Yes, because the old me, AKA Nightmare Moon, is now threatening a new planet, and this time she is within the mind of someone who does not want her in there."

"Well...yes. But fortunately she needs time to regain her strength, and that is our greatest advantage."

Luna sighed. "Let us hope we are able to use it. We should also hope that Twilight might be able to buy us even more time if she can teach herself Dream magic."

Celestia nodded. "If anypony can do it, she can. When she puts her mind to something nothing will stop her until it happens."

Luna nodded. "That is fortunate for Jessica. While I am not a medical professional, if Nightmare Moon keeps the level of ruthlessness as last night, I am not sure how much longer her sanity can hold out."

Celestia sighed. "Harmony help her."

Luna nodded. "Indeed. Now, as much as I would like to continue this discussion, we must lower the moon and raise the sun for the day. Come along Tia." Luna trotted past Celestia and out the door, with Celestia following after a moment.

"Harmony help us all."

In the suburban area of Canterlot, the door to the uppermost balcony of the Sparkle house swung open and Twilight stepped out, followed by a barely awake Jessica. The cool air hit the human girl and she shivered a bit, shaking away the drowsiness. "Twilight?" She asked. "What are we doing out here? In the dead of night in the middle of winter?" Fortunately Twilight apparently had the mindset to retrieve Jessica's coat for her so she wasn't too cold, though she still didn't know why Twilight had woken her up.

Twilight smiled as she led her girlfriend outside. "You'll see. You'll like it, I promise."

Jessica giggled. "I believe you on that one. Though can you at least tell me WHERE it is you're taking us?"

"The roof." Twilight said enthusiastically.

"The roof?" Jeeeica gave Twilight a skeptical look. "Ok. Follow up question, why the roof?"

Twilight chuckled. "Because it's the best seat in the house, I mean, figuratively of course, since we're outside and not inside." Twilight have a nervous chuckle.

Jessica giggled. "Alright. I'll trust you on this Twilight. How am I supposed to get up there though? Because I neither have wings or the ability to teleport, or levitate in any way."

Twilight giggled. "No, but I do, and I can get us both up there so long as I have a good grip on you, or vise versa."

Jessica smiled. "Really? Huh. Cool."

Twilight nodded as she proceeded to wrap both wings and her forelegs around Jessica. "Now, we'll teleport at the count of three ok?"

Jessica nodded. "Any tips for first teleports?"

"Hold your breath and close your eyes. That's a tip for all teleports. Not just the first one."

Jessica nodded. "Alright. I'm ready."

Twilight smiled and lit her horn. "Three. Two. One!"

Jessica took a deep breath and closed her eyes tightly. Not even a second later, she felt the world shift beneath her and her stomach churn. Good thing she hadn't eaten anything since dinner last night. After a split second, everything stopped. Though Jessica refused to open her eyes, until a soft pair of lips pressed against her own. She opened her eyes to see Twilight pull away smiling at her. She smiled back, until she felt her stomach knot itself. She let out a grunt and clutched her stomach.

Twilight frowned. "Jessica. Are you ok?"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah...just, give it a second." She forced a hug gulp. Forcing down whatever was trying to get out through her mouth. After a moment, her stomach returned to normal and she let out a relieved sigh. "That's gonna take some getting used to."

Twilight gave Jessica a worried look. "You alright Jessica?"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. Just never teleported anywhere without my atoms being manipulated in any way. Good thing I didn't eat breakfast yet."

Twilight smiled. "Good. I was worried I accidentally did something."

Jessica chuckled. "So. You got me up, led me outside, and teleported the both of us to the roof of your house in the dead of night in the middle of winter. For what purpose though I wonder." She scooted closer to Twilight and gave her a sly smirk. "What great mystery is about to be uncovered at this hour?"

Twilight laughed. "Oh quiet you. My internal clock says it'll happen any moment now. Than you can go back to sleep."

Jessica giggled. "I wasn't complaining. Now that I'm awake that crazy lunatic can't magically regress me to scare my socks off."

Twilight's smile faltered a bit as she nodded. "We'll...we'll talk about that. But first, look into the sky Jessica."

Jessica looked into the sky and almost immediately, she saw a sight she NEVER thought she'd see. The moon descending at extremely fast speeds, and the sun rising above the horizon in equal fashion. Jessica knew it was princesses Celestia and Luna that was causing it with their magic. But it was still a breathtaking sight to behold, especially when the sun and the moon passed each other. Unlike earth, where pink would splash with yellow BEFORE the sun came into view, the changing colors as the sun and moon passed each other was almost like dancing. Jessica was almost entranced by the display. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold. All too soon, the moon disappeared behind the horizon and the sun settled in the sky. Warmth engulfed Jessica and Twilight and they could hear the sound of multiple alarm clocks going off. 

Jessica turned to find Twilight giving her a questioning look. Jessica smiled. "Wow. That was truly something."

Twilight nodded. "I know right? It's even better during the Summer Sun Celebration. Because you actually get to SEE Celestia and Luna doing it. It truly is a magnificent sight."

Jessica nodded and wrapped her arms around Twilight. "Thanks got showing me this Twilight, it was beautiful."

Twilight nodded and wrapped a wing around Jessica. "You are so very welcome Jessica." They both fell into silence, enjoying each other's company before Twilight broke the silence. "Hey Jessica?"

"Hm?"

"There's another reason why I brought you up here. It's, about last night."

Jessica arched an eyebrow. "What about last night?"

"There's something I wanted to talk to you about, well, more a question I wanted to ask. And it's one of those things where it's better to have privacy. And up here and right now is the most privacy we're going to get."

Jessica day up from her comfortable position leaning against Twilight and turned to look her straight in the eye. "Alright. What's on your mind?"

Twilight sighed. "Jessica, last night. I saw first hoof what Nightmare Moon's been subjecting you to for the last three months. And I can't help but feel guilty because you've only suffered through all that because of me."

Jessica sighed and shook her head. "Twilight, how many times are we going to have this convers—"

Twilight cut her off. "I know it's not my fault. I know she used me without my knowledge, Jessica, that doesn't erase the fact that it still happened. Three months ago I passed along a demon to you, and since than that demon has subjected you to regular nightmares that are worse than I could've imagined, if last night was any indication."

Jessica sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I'll be the first to admit that it's getting worse. Especially if she can now regress me."

Twilight nodded. "I'm really worried about what could happen to your mental health if we don't stop her soon. I may not be an expert on human psychology, but I know enough to know that it's bad to have regular nightmares for prolonged periods of time."

Jessica nodded after a moments thought. "You got a point. Though until we find a way to get rid of NM for good there isn't much we can do about it."

Twilight shook her head. "Actually, there is a way I can mitigate the effects."

Jessica lifted an eyebrow. "There is?"

Twilight nodded. "After Luna and I left your dream last night, I asked her if there was a way for me to learn Dream Magic, which is what made it possible for me and Luna to come and stop the nightmare."

Jessica nodded, her brain working on overdrive to piece together what Twilight was getting at. "Yeah Luna told me about it. Twilight, you're not saying..."

Twilight smiled. "While Luna can't teach me herself. She does have several books on the subject that I can use to teach myself. Meaning I can conceivably enter your dreams on my own without Luna's help."

Jessica's eyes widened. "You mean..."

Twilight nodded. "Even though we're gonna be leaving Equuis in a few days and probably not gonna be back for a good while, I could still keep you safe from NM's advances and protect you from the nightmares she cooks up. You deserve that much from me for my part in your suffering in the first place."

Jessica's smile faltered a bit, but held strong as she wrapped an arm around Twilight. "Twilight. I would be lying if I said I didn't want you to be my knight in shining armor every time Nightmare Moon gave me a nightmare. Last night was the first time I actually felt safe from the terror. But at the same time, I don't want you to feel obligated to commit to this. You are not to blame for nightmare moon's actions. I have said this before and I will continue to say it until you believe it. We will find a way to stop Nightmare moon." Jessica took Twilight's hoof in her hand. "Together."

Twilight nodded. "I know. It isn't just because my guilt that I want to do this Jessi. I also want to be there for you more than what I've been able to do. This is a way I can help you through this. That is, if you want."

Jessica pulled twilight in for a tight, gentle hug. "Twilight. This is the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me. Thank you."

Twilight smiled. "So, I can go ahead and request the required learning material from Luna?"

Jessica nodded. "Yes."

Twilight grinned, and then remembered something. "Oh. One more thing. Since I'm gonna be new to this. There's a chance I could accidentally see something in your mind that you don't want me to see."

Jessica chuckled. "Eh, I got nothing to hide from you." Jessica pulled Twilight back into a hug, and chuckled. "You know what makes me like this idea even more Twi?"

Twilight lifted an eyebrow. "What?"

"The fact that NM is currently throwing a temper tantrum over it."

Twilight laughed. "Is she really?"

Jessica nodded. "Mhm. Probably because she thought she'd be free to give me nightmares again once we were out of Luna's reach."

Both girls chuckled. After a minute of nonstop chuckling, Jessica calmed down and realized something. “Twilight, did you just call me Jessi a few minutes ago?”

Twilight stopped laughing and realized that yes, she did call Jessica Jessi earlier. Her ears flattened and she frowned. “Oh, I did. Oh no Jessica I’m so sorry, I know you don’t like being called—Mmmhp!” Twilight never got to finish her sentence as Jessica kissed her square on the lips.

Jessica pulled away as quickly as she struck, smiling at Twilight. “Twilight, I don’t like being called that because it’s what Franklin used to call me. And it doesn’t help that lately it’s been used in a mocking tone by a lunatic with the power to destroy the sun. That being said, it’s, kinda nice to hear it as an endearment again from someone who loves me. And, I could learn to like it again if you want to keep using that nickname.”

Twilight smiled. “Ok. Phew. Thank you, Jessi.” That got them both giggling.

The girls were still giggling when they heard spike calling out to them. "Twilight, Jessica? Where are you!"

Twilight calmed down. "We're on the roof spike!"

A minute later, Spike flew up to the roof. Giving his two friends a questioning look. "Why're you two on the roof?"

Jessica smiled. "Twilight took me up here so I could see the princesses raise the sun and lower the moon. It was a beautiful sight."

Spike chuckled. "Yeah. Magic makes everything better. Now. Discord just woke up the whole house declaring that the Waltz Master was here. I'm guessing it's for you two."

"Celestia sent discord to help me learn the Waltz?"

Twilight nodded. "It makes sense, he's the only other bipedal who knows the Waltz."

Spike nodded. "Yeah yeah he's the only one who can help Jessica learn the Waltz for tonight. That's great and all but can you keep it down? I'd very much like to sleep in for once."

Twilight chuckled. "Go on back to bed Spike, we'll make sure not to be too loud."

Spike nodded and flapped his wings to go back inside. Twilight turned to Jessica. "You wanna try teleporting again?"

Jessica thought for a minute before nodding.  "I'm ready for the brief stomach ache this time. Go ahead and go for it." Jessica closed her eyes and held her breath.

Twilight smiled, lit her horn, wrapped her forelegs and wings around Jessica, and popped them both back inside.

To be continued.
> Episode 25: It’s a Pony Kind of Christmas: pt 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Ugh! Rarity, my dress fits fine! Stop fiddling with it like I grew 10 feet overnight!" Sweetie Belle shouted. It was morning in Ponyville and no sooner had Sweetie woken up then Rarity started ushering her to the fitting area to do a final fitting on her Yule Ball dress.

Rarity chuckled. "This will be but one more moment darling."

Sweetie gave her sister a glare. "You've been saying that for the last HALF HOUR!"

Rarity shrugged. "Can't rush perfection, and you know I shan't have your dress looking less than perfect for tonight."

Sweetie rolled her eyes. She was happy to have Rarity back from Earth for holiday break, she really was, but she could've done without her fussing over her like she was still a foal. "Well hurry it up will ya? The next train for Canterlot is gonna be here soon and I am not missing out on Spikey Wikey time."

Rarity giggled. "Spike isn't going anywhere. You don't need to rush off to him as soon as possible."

"Rarity, think, he is going back to earth with Twilight and Jessica the day after tomorrow. That doesn't even give us forty-eight hours to spend together. And I haven't seen him since Nightmare Night. So of course I'm gonna try to spend as much time with him as possible."

Rarity sighed. "I still can't believe mom and dad are letting you go to Canterlot on your own. Do you even know how to get to the Sparkle household?"

Sweetie shook her head. "Nope, but Spike will be at the train station waiting for me, and we'll go from there."

Rarity lifted an eyebrow. "You mean to say that you two don't even have a plan?"

Sweetie chuckled. "Don't worry Rarity. We're gonna spend the day at the Sparkle house. It's not like we're gonna run around the CAPITOL OF EQUESTRIA aimlessly or something, let alone unsupervised."

Rarity sighed. "There's no way I'm talking you out of it is there."

Sweetie shook her head. "Not a chance. They already said yes, and you can't override them."

Rarity sighed. "Fine. Just do me a favor and have somepony there help you get your hair sorted out. I shan't have you looking like a mess for the Ball and I shan't have time to fix it."

Sweetie chuckled. "Whatever you say Rares."

Elsewhere, in the Sweet Shop known as Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie and her party planning counterpart, Cheese Sandwich, along with the Cakes, were hard at work making the refreshments for tonight's Yule Ball. Cheese turned to Pinkie. "Is the oven batch done yet?"

Pinkie shook her head but smiled. "Just ten more seconds. And that'll make 20 batches ready to roll."

Mr. and Mrs. Cake nodded and smiled. "Thank Celestia. We're actually nearly finished with the Princesses' order."

"All thanks to the best cupcake maker in the business."

Pinkie laughed. "It's nothing really. It's actually easy to make twenty batches in under an hour as long as you use the right amount of batter." A ding on the oven alerted the pink baker to the completion of its latest job. Pinkie beamed. "Oh! Batch number twenty is done!"

Cheese nodded and picked up the tube of frosting. Pinkie took out the batch of freshly baked cupcakes and blew on them with incredible force to cool them down. She then tossed the tray in front of Cheese, who proceeded to frost the cupcakes. Pinkie bounced up next to him. "And that's the last of the baking!" She announced happily.

Mrs. Cake sighed in relief. "Oh. Thank you Pinkie Pie. How we managed without you for three months I don't know."

Cheese arched an eyebrow. "What about me? Were the sweets I made not good or something?"

Mr. Cake shook his head. "Oh, don't get us wrong Cheese. We appreciate your help."

Mrs. Cake nodded. "But Pinkie adds a little something that always seems to make the treats even sweeter then normal. Why do you think we're the most popular confectionary store in town?"

Cheese chuckled. "I'm not upset. I know my efforts will never be as good as pinkie's. I'm just happy to help."

Pinkie laughed and hugged Cheese. "And we're happy you COULD help. I was all worried and stuff when Celestia sent me to Earth that no pony would be here to help the Cakes with the shop and the twins and throw Ponyville it's parties and I was worried things would fall apart while I was gone and Ponyville would be all sad but then you walked into town one day and offered to help and I was all happy again! Thanks Cheese!"

Cheese chuckled. "No problem Pinks, when you told me you were going off world. I knew Ponyville needed a party planner to fill in for their favorite pink smile generator."

"And we couldn't thank you enough for that Cheese. Ponyville surely would've fallen into the sad ages without its resident smile generator, or one of her party planning contacts." The Cakes, Pinkie, and Cheese turned their attention to the front counter to see BonBon and Lyra had entered the shop.

Pinkie smiled. "Bonny! Lyra!" She rushed the pair and hugged both of them tightly. "It's so good to see you!"

Bonbon chuckled. "Happy to see you too pinkie."

Lyra gasped for air. "But, gah, too tight!"

Pinkie released them and gave an apologetic smile. "Sorry."

Bonny shook her head and smiled. "It's all good Pinks, I kinda missed your hugs to be honest."

Lyra nodded. "Yeah. For some reason, NOT having your bones crushed every time a party pony hugs you around here seems weird."

Cheese chuckled. "I just don't have Pinkie's strength I guess."

Pinkie chuckled. "So, what brings you here girls?"

Lyra smiled. "We were hoping to get a couple milkshakes..."

Bonbon nodded as she looked around at all the trays of cupcakes around the shop. "But it looks like we came at a bad time."

Mr. Cake shook his head. "No. Not at all."

Mrs. Cake nodded. "We actually just finished up an order from Celestia for twenty batches of cupcakes for the Yule Ball. Have a seat anywhere, we'll have your milkshakes ready in a jiffy."

Bonbon and Lyra nodded. "Thanks. The usual if you please."

Mr and Mrs Cake nodded while Pinkie beamed at them. "So I didn't get much of a chance to talk yesterday because of the party and everypony welcoming us back. How're you guys doing?"

Lyra chuckled. "We're doing good. Fighting a monster every other week isn't all it's cracked up to be."

Bonbon nodded. "But that's what we get for living near the Everfree Forest."

That got all three of them chuckling. "Yeah. how about you Pinkie? How's it going out there at Starfleet Academy? You learning how other species like to party?"

Pinkie chuckled and nodded. "Turns out some partying aspects are universal. Most of all on Earth. Did you know that humans party near exactly like we do? It's so awesome!"

Lyra chuckled. "I bet your a big hit there."

Pinkie nodded. "Jessica says my parties are the best she's ever seen. Hay, she's even made them better with her band Cosmic Harmony." Pinkie began bouncing in place. "Ooh. I can't wait for you guys to meet her day after tomorrow, everypony's gonna like her, she'll make a ton of new friends, and everyone will be happy!"

"You mean Jessica Cosmos? Twilight's girlfriend?"

Pinkie nodded. "Uh-huh. Ooh! If your coming to the Yule Ball tonight I can introduce you to her there! You'll like her."

Lyra and Bonbon nodded. "Maybe."

Pinkie stopped bouncing in place. Picking up on the pair's less enthusiastic mood. "You don't sound like you're excited to make a new friend."

Lyra shook her head. "No, we are. We're always excited to make a new friend. It's just..."

Bonbon nodded. "It's just that we've heard something about her that we're a little nervous about. Thanks Mrs. Cake." She added when mrs Cake brought them their shakes. Mrs cake nodded and left them be.

Pinkie arched an eyebrow. "Huh? What about her would make you nervous? You guys should've heard nothing but good things about Jessica?"

Lyra nodded. "And for the most part it's been just that."

Bonbon nodded. "However, the CMC let something slip that they probably shouldn't have."

Pinkie's eyes widened. 'No, no the CMC didn't...' "What did they let slip?"

Lyra looked around, then leaned in to whisper. "Is it true that she's currently playing host to the spirit of NIGHTMARE MOON?"

Pinkie gasped, her fears having just been confirmed. "Who else knows about this?"

"The entire town. When somepony lets slip something gossipy, it tends to not stay confined to just a few ponies around here."

Pinkie nodded, nervously. "Is there a chance I have to cancel Jessica's Welcome-To-Ponyville party?"

Lyra and Bonbon chuckled. "It's ok Pinkie. You're forgetting that this is Ponyville, the friendliest, most accepting, most chaos magnetic town on Equuis. We're all willing to give Jessica a chance no matter what."

"Just tell us if it's true or not. So that we have some kind of warning this time."

Pinkie chuckled then sighed. "Yes. It's true. Nightmare Moon is back. BUT!! Cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye, Nightmare Moon is currently no threat to anyone. Thanks to a containment spell powered by eight magic users, most of which are the most powerful on Equuis."

Lyra and Bonbon smiled. "Thank goodness."

"I feel so much better about this now."

Pinkie smiled and began bouncing again. "Great! I'm glad. Now, if you'll excuse me. I need to talk to Mayer Mare, and possibly get a town meeting set up to let everyone know that NM is not a threat currently." With that, pinkie raced out of the store, leaving the Cakes, Cheese, and Lyra and Bonbon in the dust.

Cheese smiled. "Good thing she doesn't have to cancel that party."

Mrs. Cake nodded. "I've been looking forward to meeting Jessica. She sounds like a sweetheart."

Bonbon chuckled. "She must be if Twilight Sparkle is dating her."

Outside the store, high up in the clouds, a trio of Pegasi were having a nice leisurely flight through the Equestrian sky. One of them was doing air trick after air trick as if she hadn't done them in a long time. After the last trick, Rainbow increased her speed to the point where within seconds, a Sonic Rainboom exploded out. Rainbow smiled as she saw the rainbow trail she was leaving behind. "Aww yeah!!! Guess who's back Equestria!" She circled around and zoomed back to the cloud that Fluttershy and Scootaloo had landed on. She did a loop the loop to lose speed and landed on the cloud next to them. "Aww man does it feel good to not have to worry about speed limits anymore!"

Fluttershy chuckled. "Only for like, a week. We go back for the second semester after New Year."

Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah. It also feels good to fly with you two again. I've missed you around here."

Rainbow chuckled. "What's this? Scootaloo being all mushy?"

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "And we're all supposed to pretend that being marefriends with the Element of Kindness hasn't softened you up at all? We all know for a fact that you don't make fun of anything mushy NEARLY as much as you used too."

Rainbow chuckled. "You asked for it!" She pounced on Scootaloo and tickled her. Eliciting loud bouts of laughter from all three Pegasi which continued for a solid few minutes until the trio was interrupted by a loud scream.

"RAINBOW DASH! FLUTTERSHY!" The trio watched as Pinkie's head popped up from under the cloud, with a seriously worried expression on her face. "We have a situation you guys! Meeting at Sweet Apple Acres! Now!! Oh, Scootaloo, good. The CMC are invited to this meeting too. Actually it's because of you five that we're having this meeting. Get to SAA as fast as possible!" Pinkie dropped back down to the ground, leaving the Pegasi trio confused, and terrified.

Fluttershy arched an eyebrow. "What just happened? Why did Pinkie call a meeting at Sweet Apple Acres?"

Rainbow shook her head. "I have no sweet clue. Scoots? Do you have any idea what she's talking about? She did say this meeting was because of you and the CMC?"

Scootaloo shook her head. "I have no clue. Honest."

Rainbow nodded and spread her wings. "Well there's only one way to find out."

At Sweet Apple Acres. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had just past the gate, with confused looks on their faces. "Now why would Pinkie want us to meet her at SAA immediately? And why did she have a panicky look on her face?"

Silver shrugged. "I don't know, but something about that face is making me nervous."

Diamond nodded. "Yeah. Hopefully it's nothing serious."

"Hopefully."

The two saw their friends and the Mane Team gathering outside the SAA barn. All with confused looks.

Applejack eyed pinkie. "Now what in tarnation could possibly be so dire that you had to call this meet'n Pinkie?"

Sweetie Belle nodded. "Yeah. I'm gonna be late for my train to Canterlot if I don't get there within the next 10 minutes."

Pinkie chuckled. "This will be quick Sweetie." She noticed Diamond and Silver join them and smiled. "Great! Everypony's here!"

Rara nodded. "Now what's got you all worked up Pinks?"

Applebloom nodded. "Yeah. All you said was that it was urgent and stuff."

Pinkie nodded. "And it is! CMC! Fall in Front and Center!" The CMC quickly got in a line on instinct, right in front of Pinkie. Who nodded. "To put it simply, all of Ponyville KNOWS about Nightmare Moon being back! And worse, in Jessica's mind."

Everyone's eyes widened and they all gasped. "THEY WHAT?!"

Pinkie nodded and eyed the CMC. "And the leak originated with the CMC." 

The five fillies gasped. "What?!"

"We didn't say anything!"

"We know when to keep our mouths shut!"

Everyone eyed the group. "Sweetie Belle! Obviously you must've said SOMETHING for this to get out!" 

Sweetie shook her head. "I didn't say anything! I think I would remember saying anything about Nightmare Moon!"

Applejack looked at Applebloom. "Applebloom?"

Applebloom shook her head. "Don't ask me!"

Rainbow eyed Scootaloo. "Scoots?"

Scootaloo shook her head. "You kidding? Dash, I would never say anything you didn't want getting out!" The next few minutes we're just arguing and denial.

After a bit of that, Pinkie sighed and pulled out a megaphone from her mane, help it up to her mouth, and shouted. "EVERYPONY QUIET!!!!" Everypony shut up, all snapping their heads to look at Pinkie, who smiled and dropped the megaphone. "Now. Girls, nopony is gonna get in trouble. Bonbon told me that even though the town is nervous, they're still willing to give Jessica a chance when she comes the day after tomorrow, so its all ok. All we're asking is how this happened. Right adults?"

Every adult nodded their head in agreement. Applebloom rubbed the back of her neck. "I honestly do not know how this could've happened."

Scootaloo nodded. "We all took extra care to avoid that topic." She turned to Silver. "Didn't we Silvy?"

Much to everyone's confusion, the second Scootaloo called Silver Spoon, Silvy, Silver gasped. "Oh ponyfeathers!"

Everypony turned her way and lifted eyebrows. "What is it Silver Spoon?"

Silver groaned. "I just realized how everypony knows about this. And it's precisely because we weren't paying attention."

Diamond stared at Silver in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Remember when you and Applebloom and me and Scootaloo all went on that double date last week? And the conversation turned to how we got with our respective marefriends?"

Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Diamond all gasped, then groaned. "Dang nab it!"

"How did we not think of that!"

Sweetie lifted an eyebrow. "You four didn't talk about Jessica'a confession to Twilight? The one where a certain demon is VERY much a part of?"

The four offered nervous chuckles. "Uh. Oopsie?"

Sweetie Belle and everypony facehoofed. Applejack shook her head. "How did Jessica's confession even relate to yours?"

Silver sighed. "We just wanted to see how our confessions stacked up to Jessica on the romantic level, just for fun."

Sweetie Belle shook her head. "How could you be that careless?! If I remember correctly last week you four went to a café, and ponies have REALLY good hearing!"

The four sighed. "We're Sorry." They said in unison.

Rara sighed. "Well, no going back now. What's done is done."

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah, and as I said, it didn't hurt Jessica's trip to Ponyville too much. So long as everypony doesn't feel scared around her. I gotta get a meeting set up for tomorrow. Make sure everypony knows that they can't give off any fear lest Nightmare Moon grows stronger."

Sweetie Belle nodded. "Good. And while you're doing that, if we're done here I got a train to catch."

Pinkie nodded. "Go on ahead Sweetie. We are done." Pinkie's eyes suddenly widened. "WAIT!!!" Pinkie rushed in front of Sweetie Belle. "Do NOT mention a word of this to Anypony in Canterlot. Ponyville is one thing, but you all know the backlash Twilight received from the nobles when she became an Alicorn." Everypony nodded. "So those meanies would jump at the chance to discredit her. Especially since it can be interpreted that she's dating an evil ghost. So not, a, word! Got it?"

Sweetie nodded. Pinkie smiled. "Great! See you tonight!"

Meanwhile, miles away in Canterlot, Sunset and Starlight were getting ready to hop through the portal to visit their friends in the Alternate Universe. Sunset dropped her saddlebags onto her back, smiling. "My goodness is it gonna be great to see the Rainbooms again, I haven't seen them since the week before we left for this Universe's earth."

Starlight chuckled as she readied her own saddlebag. "But you write to them every other day in that journal of yours so it's not like there's a lot of catching up to do."

Sunset smiled. "Nope, but, some things can't be communicated through journal. Plus. Do you KNOW how long it's been since I've played a guitar? Hopefully the rust hasn't caught up to me yet."

Starlight chuckled. "Well, I'm looking forward to hearing you play again. I always loved the way you shredded on that guitar."

Sunset chuckled. "Oh don't worry Glimmy, I'm sure we'll play a song or two before the day's out."

Starlight nodded. "Can't wait."

They both secured the saddlebags for their barrels. Sunset then levitated the journal in front of her. "Alright. All set. Time to let the gang know we're on our—" before Sunset could finish her sentence, a message faded onto the page she was going to write a message on. Sunset chuckled. "Looks like they beat us to the punch." She started reading the message.

Dear Sunset and Starlight,

I'm sorry but you can't come through the portal today. It's not safe right now.

Sci-Twi."

Sunset lifted an eyebrow. "It's not safe?"

Starlight frowned. "What does that mean?"

Sunset flipped the page and wrote.

"Dear Sci-Twi,

What do you mean? What's going on over there? Everyone is fine I hope.

Sunset Shimmer."

The message faded away. "Whatever's going on over there, it can't be good if they're saying we can't cross over." After a second, a new message faded into view.

"Dear Sunset,

To put it simply, a dangerous illness has broken out here and it can be fatal. Fortunately there are no cases in or around Canterlot City so far so we are all fine, but the state has issued a stay-at-home order in order to slow the spread of the illness. And if you come through the portal, catch the illness, and hop back, you'd be putting your world at risk. For your own safety and the safety of your world you HAVE to stay on your side of the portal.

Sci-Twi."

Sunset and Starlight gasped. "A fatal illness?"

"How are we just hearing about this now?! I write to them every other day this couldn't have broken out over night."

Sunset began writing on the next page.

"Dear Sci-Twi,

A fatal illness? How bad is it looking over there? Are you sure you girls are fine? When did this outbreak start? Is it curable?"

Sunset Shimmer."

The message faded away to the Alternate Universe. A minute later, a response faded in.

"Dear Sunset,

Bad enough that the state issued a stay-at-home order. No one is sure when this outbreak started but it's been going on for at least a week or two. We're confident that it's curable but thus far attempts have been unsuccessful. The girls and I are all fine, we're staying home as ordered. I'm really sorry we didn't tell you sooner Sunny, we didn't want to worry you.

Sci-Twi."

Sunset flipped the page and wrote back.

"Dear Sci-Twi,

While I would've appreciated a little more warning, I'm just glad you guys are ok, and thank celestia we can still communicate through the journals. Thank you for the heads up. We hope you guys find a cure for this illness and hopefully we can plan another meetup sometime soon. Have a very happy holidays guys.

Sunset Shimmer.

P.S. PLEASE don't keep us out of the loop anymore. Especially when it leaves us without a plan for the day. :)"

Sunset finished the message and it faded away. Sunset sighed. "Well there goes our plan for today."

Starlight nodded. "Now what do we do? We have like, ten hours before the Yule Ball."

Sunset thought for a minute. "Well, we could have a lazy day and catch up on Star Wars. We have still have half of Rebels to watch, Clone Wars season seven released a new episode and we haven't even gotten to The Mandalorian yet."

Starlight chuckled. "It's Star Trek over in the Alternate Universe and here it's Star Wars. What is it with us and Sci-Fi?"

Sunset shook her head. "I don't know, but really, who's complaining? They're the two greatest franchises in the multiverse. Now. Let's get our Force on."

An hour later, Spike stood on the platform of Canterlot Station, waiting for the train from Ponyville. He checked the clock on the station building, it was still one minute til the train was supposed to arrive. He let out a groan. "Oh come on, why can't the train ever be early?"

Moondancer, who had volunteered to come along to fill the adult supervision role, chuckled. "You're very excited to see Sweetie Belle aren't you."

Spike nodded. "Of course I am! Plus, it's Hearths Warming, the season of love they say."

Moondancer chuckled. "Yeah there is that. You and Sweetie Belle looking forward to the Yule Ball tonight?"

Spike chuckled. "Who isn't? Sweetie's told me that news spread beyond Ponyville rather quickly about the great Twilight Sparkle's new girlfriend. They should be quite popular tonight."

Moondancer couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah. And hopefully at least half of that attention WON'T be backed by ulterior motives other then true friendship."

That got both of them chuckling at the inevitable fact that Twilight would be approached and hit on by multiple nobles that night.

Spike calmed down. "Yeah. I'm so glad that Twilight can finally tell them once and for all to bark up somepony else's tree."

Moondancer nodded as they heard the horn of a train from the distance. They looked to the source and saw the Friendship Express coming in. Spike smiled. "Finally!"

The train came to a stop next to the platform and ponies started pouring out. Spike and Moondancer glanced among the traffic, trying to find Sweetie. Spike turned his head to look near the far end of the train, only to be met with a pair of lips crashing into his. His eyes went as wide as saucers before drifting closed, leaning into the kiss. The pair stayed like that for several seconds before Sweetie Belle pulled back, a huge smile on her face. “Man oh man did I miss getting to do that.”

Spike snapped out of his Sweetie induced reverie and immediately wrapped his arms around his marefriend. “Can’t say I was expecting that kind of hello.”

Sweetie chuckled. “I felt it’d be more memorable. I missed you so much.”

Spike nodded. “I missed you too. You have no idea.”

“I dare say I do.”

The two parted from the hug. Sweetie turned to Moondancer. “Hi Moondancer.”

Moondancer smiled. “Hey Sweetie Belle. Looking forward to tonight?”

Sweetie nodded. “Heck yeah. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve shared a dance with my Spikey Wikey? We didn’t get the chance back in October because SOMEPONY absolutely KILLED the mood.”

Spike nodded. “That won’t be a problem anymore thanks to a containment spell anchored to a necklace that Twilight gave to Jessica.”

Sweetie arched an eyebrow. “As a hearths warming gift? Did she change her mind on that other thing?”

Spike shook her head. “Nope. That thing’s still under the Hearths Warming tree, waiting for Jessica to unwrap it.”

Moondancer lifted an eyebrow as they headed out. “What did Twilight get Jessica beyond that necklace Spike?”

Spike chuckled. “You’ll have to find out.”

Moondancer rolled her eyes and chuckled. “Knowing Twilight I’m sure she settled for something she knew Jessica could and would use frequently.”

To be continued.
> Episode 26: It’s a Pony Kind of Christmas: pt 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Celestia was in her chambers, getting ready for the Yule Ball when she heard a pop behind her, followed by a familiar voice. "Whoo! That was harder then I thought. Jessica got most of the routine down but the aerial portion was the hardest part."

Celestia chuckled. "Because Jessica is incapable of flight. Leaving Twilight to have to assist her."

Discord nodded. "Precisely! Twilight didn't want to accidentally knock Jessica into something and Jessica took a bit to learn how to balance in the air. Fortunately Twilight's brother was there to help and give her advice. I believe you'll find her to be a most capable Alicorn Winter Waltzer tonight Celly."

Celestia nodded. "I look forward to seeing her out on the dance floor."

Discord nodded. "Oh yes. And I am looking forward to seeing Twilight genuinely smiling instead of the horribly forced smiles I've seen her put on when she had to dance with that snobby jerk Blueblood, er, no offense."

Celestia giggled. "I will admit that he has been a bit eccentric in recent years. And the way he's treated our federation friends leaves a lot to be desired."

Discord nodded. "Pft, so why don't you do anything? Send him to Earth for a year or two, force him to live amongst the "common riffraff" he thinks he's above, and show him that Equuis is better as a part of the Federation."

Celestia sighed. "Because he'd just get on the next transport home."

Discord nodded, then smiled. "Well then. He better stay away from Twilight and Jessica tonight because if I catch him insulting them in anyway, let's just say I think he'd look real good in a banana suit."

That got both Celestia and Discord chuckling, Celestia more so because she knew knew Discord would make good on that.

Around the same time, in the famous Canterlot Boutique, the Mane 9 and company were getting ready for the big night. Spike looked in the mirror and straightened his bow tie. Smiling to himself. "Looking good." He reached to one of the nearby chairs and picked up his combadge, slapping it on his left of the suit. "And ready." He turned to Rarity, who was just finishing her make up. "Hey Rarity, how do I look?"

Rarity turned to take a glance at Spike. Smiling at him in his suit. "Magnificent. Like a prince to his princess. Though, you have your combadge on?"

Spike nodded. "Yeah. I feel like we should have them on. Just in case."

Rarity chuckled. "Oh come on Spike. The only threat to our lives is currently trapped within Jessica's mind and has no way of getting out anytime soon. I think we're fine darling."

Spike shook his head. "Still, what if something happens and we need to hear each other through a lot of commotion? Twilight didn't you say that Jessica had her worst nightmare yet last night? When that demon regressed her?"

Twilight nodded. "Yeah..."

"And the demon feeds off fear, which she must've gotten off Jessica last night, isn't ANYPONY at least a bit concerned that she can regress Jessica now? What she might be able to do SOON?"

Everyone in the room chuckled. Including Jessica, who had been listening in from a changing room. "That's actually not a bad idea Spike. At the very least I should wear mine. Dad told me there's a ship in orbit. Some Federation ambassadors will be there. So if things get sour they could beam me up."

Twilight lifted an eyebrow. "Are you doubting the containment spell we cast yesterday?"

"Of course not Twi. I have every confidence that it'll do its job. But you really can't blame a girl for preparing for the worst can you?"

Twilight shook her head. "No. I suppose we can't."

"Don't worry. I'm confident that tonight will go off without a hitch." Twilight watched as the door swung open and her date stepped out in her Yule Ball outfit.

Twilight's, Spike's and Rarity's eyes widened, and they struggled to get any words out. Jessica's Yule Ball outfit was a slip on long sleeve dark lavender dress with heels to match. The skirt reached to just above her knees and was loosely flowing and slightly splayed out to allow for a more steady balance, her legs were covered with black stockings, both the dress and stockings had been sequined to resemble the starry night sky. Her hair was held up in a bun by the same 6-point lavender star hairpin Rarity gave her just a little while ago. Completing a sight that left everyone speechless.

Twilight was the first to regain her composure, and smiled warmly at Jessica. "Wow. You look amazing Jessi!"

Rarity and Spike nodded. "You're rocking that dress Jess."

"I knew it would look fabulous on you darling. I've really outdone myself this time. If I am allowed a bit of pride."

Jessica chuckled. "Yeah, Thanks guys. And thank you Rarity. I love it."

Rarity nodded. "You are so very welcome Jessica. You are now the prince to Twilight's Princess Protege. The beacon of sophistication. And the premise from which Twilight shall tell all else who may try to to woo her to look elsewhere."

Twilight and Jessica chuckled at the last one. Jessica nodded. "You are all too kind Rarity. Speaking of, Twilight how many times am I gonna have to watch some noble trying to woo you tonight?"

Twilight chuckled. "I'm sure at least three or four. Don't worry though, I won't let them get once sentence off before I tell them I'm taken. And with any luck word will spread around and this will be the only year you'll have to keep your mouth shut."

Jessica chuckled. "Good because you deserve better then some self absorbed noble who's only out for himself."

Spike nodded. "Ain't that the truth. Every event that happened at the castle since she reached adult hood, nobles would approach her to try and gain her favor. And every single time she had to at least indulge them with a dance."

Rarity nodded. "And ever since we started attending said events with her. We could all tell that it was infuriating her."

Twilight nodded. "And it wasn't even because I was gay, I kinda kept that part to myself. It infuriated me because I knew none of them really harbored any romantic feelings for me. They just wanted to use my title for their own gain."

Jessica noticed Twilight's downward looking eyes starting to glisten. She walked up, knelt down to look at Twilight right in the eye, took a hoof in her hand and gave her a loving smile. "Hey. It's ok Twi. You don't have to worry about that ever again. I didn't fall in love with you for your title and that will never be a reason, I promise."

Twilight let out a sigh before reaching up to dry her eyes. She smiled at Jessica. "Thanks Jess, I  needed to hear that."

Jessica smiled and brought twilight in for a hug. Right then, the rest of their friends entered the room. Rarity took a look at all of them and smiled. "My my. I dare say I HAVE outdone myself this time! You all look absolutely amazing in those dresses!"

Pinkie smiled and ran up to hug Rarity. "Well of course we look amazing! You designed them Rarebear."

Rara chuckled. "Yeah. I got admit Rarity, you designed and made almost a dozen dresses, one of them being for a bipedal, in time for the Yule Ball, on top of classes at the academy. I bow to your innate ability to multitask."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Oh don't give her ego a chance to grow. She'll never let us here the end of it."

Rarity rolled her eyes. "Oh you're one to talk Rainbow Dash, it seems being with Fluttershy hasn't done anything to change that thick head of yours!"

While Rainbow and Rarity launched into an argument, Sweetie Belle wandered over to Spike, who was left speechless. Sweetie saw his expression and chuckled. "The look on your face says you like what you see."

Spike shook his head to regain himself and chuckled. "You look good in a dress what can I say?"

Sweetie chuckled. "And you look good in suit. I particularly like the color. Matches your Starfleet uniform. And your badge compliments it well."

Spike smiled, and turned to Rarity. "See Rarity? I told you Sweetie would like it."

Rarity chuckled. "How is it that I'm her sister yet you seem to know her better then me?"

Sweetie chuckled. "Because he doesn't lord over me and want to force every detail out of me like you. As much as I love you as a sister Rarity, you are WAY too nosy."

That got a chuckle out of everyone, mainly because of how true that was. Rarity just rolled her eyes, summoned a camera with her magic, and gestured towards the wall. "Just get in front of the photoshoot wall. It's time for a pre Yule Ball photo session!" Everyone chuckled, knowing full well that they'd be there for ages.

In orbit of Equuis, a federation starship was parked above the planet, it was there delivering Federation ambassadors to the planet to attend the Yule Ball. Walking along it's corridors, a middle-aged man in a Starfleet dress uniform walked alongside his first officer. Giving her some last minute reminders. "Number One, you have the ship until I return."

Number One nodded. "Of course sir."

"Any trouble arises you know where to reach me."

"Yes sir."

"And above all, don't overwork yourself, I don't want to come back and find you asleep in the Captain's chair again."

Number One blushed slightly in embarrassment. "No sir. I won't overwork myself this time."

The captain nodded. "Good. I'll hold you to that." They stepped through a doorway into the transporter room, where the ambassadors were already waiting.

One of them saw the captain and smiled. "Ah. Captain Pike. Good. We can now depart for the Yule Ball."

Pike nodded. "Yes, it should be quite a night. And of course the Alicorn Winter Waltz should be a spectacle as always."

The ambassadors nodded as they walked onto the pad. Pike turned to Number One. "You have the ship Number One."

Number One nodded. "Yes sir." Pike started for the transporter pad and got into position.

Number One turned to the transporter chief. "Do they have clearance?"

The chief nodded. "Yes ma'am, we have received clearance from Canterlot Castle for our away team to beam down.

Pike nodded. "Then by all means Chief."

Number One turned back to Pike. "Have fun Captain."

Pike nodded as the chief initiated the transport and the away team dematerialized.

Once they were gone, the chief turned to Number One. "So, want to head down to the mess to grab some dinner and finish our chess match?"

Number One smiled and nodded. "I believe the the First Army is outnumbering the Transporter Army."

The chief chuckled as they headed out the door. "In the end it all comes down to who can strike their opponent's king first. And all that takes is one piece."

Number One smirked. "But the rest of the army is what that one piece needs to get through. And there is no way you're getting through my defenses Jon."

Jon chuckled. "We'll see Alicia, we'll see."

Down on Equuis, the away team rematerialized in a plaza near the castle, and right away they noticed ponies on their way to the castle. Pike turned to the ambassadors. "Remember, if you intend on leaving the Yule Ball for whatever reason, be sure to alert either me, or the Enterprise."

The ambassadors nodded. "Of course Captain."

Pike nodded. "And whatever you do, don't drink so much that you can't think straight, the Federation has a reputation to maintain."

The ambassadors chuckled. "Don't worry captain, we'll make sure to stay out of trouble."

Pike nodded and gestured towards the castle. "Shall we?"

At the castle, while Twilight had to stay at the entrance to greet the guests along with the princesses, her friends had wandered over to the buffet table, where Jessica noticed that were was a lot more meat then she would've imagined. "I thought you guys were all vegetarians?" She commented.

Rarity chuckled. "All Equestrians are, but if you'll look around, there are also guests from a few other nations. And worlds for that matter. So we have the more, vicious foods, for those who are meat eaters."

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah." She suddenly ran off and came back a few seconds later with a tray full of cupcakes. "And we have cupcakes to keep your energy up." She took a cupcake in her hooves and offered it to Jessica. "Try one Jessica. This one's fresh from Sugarcube Corner made without the use of a replicator. Come on, try it." 

Jessica took the cupcake from Pinkie, gave it a quick look down, then took a bite out of it. Suffice to say, it was the tastiest cupcake Jessica had ever eaten. "Wow. This is amazing."

Starlight nodded as she took a cupcake from the tray. "Pinkie's cupcakes are top of the line. She's the best confectionary baker in Ponyville for a reason."

Pinkie nodded. "Uh Huh! Oh I can't wait for you to show up in Ponyville Jessica. I'm gonna be busy tomorrow getting your welcome party together. I gotta make sure everypony's there to meet you. Ooh I'm so excited I can't take it!"

Everyone chuckled. "Oh calm down there Pinkie. Ponyville ain't going nowhere, no need to explode right now. Remember we're at a fancy party."

"I have to agree with Pinkie. I can't wait to see how Jessica reacts to Ponyville." All of a sudden, Discord sprang up out of the punch bowl and landed right in front of the group. "My my. Aren't you all just the adorable little group."

Rara rolled her eyes as they all concluded that the punch was no longer drinkable. "Discord did you have to come out of the punch?"

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah. I was gonna drink some of that."

Discord chuckled. "Oh I wouldn't. It was spiked."

Sunset let out a groan. "Oh for the love of—who keeps doing that?!"

Jessica lifted an eyebrow. "This happened before?"

Spike nodded. "Someone always spikes the punch, and we can't for the life of us figure out who."

Discord nodded. "I even posed as a security camera once to try and catch the culprit, but the punch seems to always be spiked before it's put out."

Sweetie rolled her eyes. "We have poor quality control then, or poor security."

Discord shook his head. "Moving on." He disappeared and reappeared right next to Jessica. Looking her over. "I see Rarity didn't cut any corners in making you look like a princess my dear."

Jessica giggled. "She's good at her job, that's for sure. Be careful though, I don't think twilight would like it if you were flirting with me."

Discord chuckled. "I can't compliment my friend on how fabulous she looks?"

Rarity giggled. "It was the WAY you said it Discord. Tone can sometimes be the deciding factor in the world of flirting. And that tone was definitely flirting."

Discord chuckled. "Ok so maybe it was just a teensy bit of flirting. I meant nothing by it. I simply think she looks gorgeous and fits right in as among the suitors of the alicorns, along with myself and Shining Armor."

Jessica smiled. "Thanks Discord.

Discord nodded. "Anytime. And now, I best be off. Celly will meet me on the dance floor soon and who am I to make her wait!" With that, Discord popped away. 

Sunset turned to Jessica. "Speaking of dancing. Ready for the Alicorn Winter Waltz Jessica?"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. The aerial portion of it was a bit trickier then the rest of the routine but we got there in the end."

Applejack smiled. "Good. Lookin' forward to seeing you and Twilight shake your tails out there."

Rarity nodded. "And FINALLY seeing her wear a genuine smile whilst dancing with a partner. Ooh it's going to be glorious!"

Jessica chuckled. "Sounds like I got a lot of expectations to meet, if I have to make Twilight smile."

Fluttershy giggled. "Oh, I'm sure just dancing with you will accomplish that."

"Sure, she would be smiling at the moment, but I doubt she will be after the Alicorn Winter Waltz which will inevitably end in a disaster." The gang turned to see prince Blueblood, who was putting some salad onto his plate. He gave Jessica a dirty look. "It would be wise if Twilight Sparkle danced with me tonight so that it would not be a disaster."

Sunset rolled her eyes. "You seem pretty confident that it will end in a disaster. Do we need to go alert the guards that you're planning something? Or planted something Blueblood?"

Blueblood scoffed. "Why, I would NEVER intentionally disrupt the Alicorn Winter Waltz! Besides, I would not need to."

Spike and Sweetie Belle were gritting their teeth. Spike clenched his fists. "How can you be so confident it will end in a disaster? You haven't even seen her dance at all yet."

Sweetie Belle nodded. "Yeah. And for your information Bluebutt. She spent most of today learning the Waltz just so she can give Twilight a good time at this event, so think what you want, you'll be eating your words when they hit the dance floor!"

Spike nodded. "Yeah. You tell'em Sweetie." He and Sweetie high-hoofed. 

Blueblood was fuming. He was being told off by a little dragon and a filly! "How DARE you! I am Prince Blueblood, nephew of princess Celestia and princess Luna. Lead chair of the Day Court! I can have you two thrown into the dungeon for this! Why I oughta—"

"Excuse me! Is there a problem here?" Everyone turned to see Flash Sentry had come over, presumably to see what all the ruckus was about.

Blueblood frowned for a split second, and then smiled. "Ah, Captain Sentry. Good." He pointed star Spike and Sweetie Belle. "Please escort these two out of the Castle, they are being disruptive and have been disrespectful."

Flash Sentry smirked. "Really? Because from what I heard they were just defending their friend while YOU, Prince Blueblood, were being disrespectful towards her. So if anything I should escort you out."

Blueblood's mouth nearly dropped. "Now hold on a minute Captain, I HAVE to be at this event."

Flash shook his head. "Not according to Princess Celestia, I have orders to ensure that you be on your best behavior tonight. Meaning I can most certainly escort you out for threatening a filly and her little dragon date." He shot a quick wink to Sweetie Belle and Spike. "But I'll let you off with a warning. Princess Celestia is not having any of you're shenanigans tonight so how about you just walk away and find a dance partner that isn't an Alicorn."

Blueblood saw the stern look Flash was giving him, as well as the looks he was getting all all around. Seeing no other option, he collected his food and stomped off. Flash smiled, then turned to the group. "Looks like I got here just in time."

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. Thanks captain Sentry."

Flash chuckled. "My friends call me Flash Jessica. And I would think our meeting yesterday ended in a new friendship."

Jessica chuckled. "Ok then, Flash it is."

Flash smiled. "Remember that."

Sweetie Belle smiled at Flash. "Do you actually have orders to foalsit ol'Bluebutt?"

That got everyone chuckling. Flash nodded. "Yeah. Every year Celestia gets at least a few complaints about him, and she's tired of it."

Spike nodded. "Doesn't surprise me."

Rainbow nodded. "Good timing on getting here too Flash, another minute and I would've roundhouse kicked him into next week."

Flash chuckled. "As much as he deserves it, that would be a crime punishable by a year in jail."

While Flash and the gang were talking, Twilight greeted another pony that walked through the door. He nodded and continued on. Twilight sighed. "Somehow this seems easier then usual."

Cadance chuckled. "Because you know you won't have to dance with any of them probably."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. Finally. I can spend that time with someone who actually loves ME. Not just my title."

Luna chuckled. "Have you and Jessica Cosmos shared a dance before tonight Twilight?"

Twilight shook her head. "No. Nothing like slow dancing."

Cadance beamed. "Then the Alicorn Winter Waltz will be extra special for you two."

Shining chuckled. "Your first relationship, your first dance, Seeing you smile for the first time doing the Winter Waltz for the first time. This is a year of firsts for you huh."

Twilight chuckled. "Yeah. I guess so."

"Aunty Celestia!" The group turned to see Blueblood coming towards them, with an annoyed expression on his face. Blueblood stopped in front of them and eyed Celestia. "Did you really give Captain Flash Sentry the task of foalsitting me tonight?"

Twilight, Cadance, Shining, and Luna all had to force down an outburst of laughter as Celestia nodded. "That is correct Blueblood. Albeit that is putting it rather simply."

Blueblood glared at her. "I am a grown stallion and lead chair of the Day Court. What would i need a foalsitter for?"

Celestia matched his glare. "Because you have a history of generating complaints which I have to answer. Mainly from non-Equestrians, and I shall stand for it no more. You are not better then any of them, and it is time you stopped acting as such."

Blueblood was stuttering. "Bu-bu-but aunty."

Celestia shook her head. "That is my decision and I will not be swayed in changing it."

Blueblood, seeing that it was a lost cause, decided to just suck it up. "As you wish your majesty." He walked off.

Twilight watched him walk off and almost felt bad for him, but knew that he had it coming. She turned to Celestia. "I can't believe you actually told Flash to foalsit Blueblood."

Celestia sighed. "Unfortunately all my other attempts at making him a better pony have failed."

Cadance chuckled. "Serves him right. He's acted like everyone's beneath him for far too long for my liking."

Celestia nodded. "Indeed." The group turned to see that the steady stream of guests had finally started to die down. Celestia turned to Twilight. "We can handle the rest Twilight. You can go find Jessica."

Twilight smiled and nodded. "Thanks Princess. See you out on the dance floor." With that, Twilight walked off to find Jessica. 

Cadance watched her go and chuckled. "I've never seen her this happy at one of these events."

Luna nodded. "You of all ponies should know that love can do that to ponies."

Cadance giggled. "Yeah. It does."

Twilight looked around for Jessica and the gang. Finding them at the buffet table, she smiled and practically dashed over to them. She also noticed the Flash was with them.

When she was close enough, she alerted them to her arrival. "I heard you were on foalsitting duty for Prince Blueblood Flash."

Everyone turned to see Twilight approaching. Flash smiled. "Yeah. Celestia's tired of getting complaints about him, and asked me to ensure that that didn't happen this year."

Twilight chuckled. "About time. He acts all high and mighty towards everyone he encounters, it's time somepony taught him otherwise."

Flash nodded. "Speaking of, I should probably go find him. Enjoy the evening guys. Looking forward to seeing you out on the dance floor Jessica, Twilight." He gave them all a nod and departed.

Pinkie picked a cupcake off robe tray and jammed it into Twilight's hoof. "So. Twilight, how was greeting the guests. No one tried to woo you I hope."

Twilight chuckled. "Eh, one or two nobles tried to get me to share a dance with them. Unfortunately, I'm saving a dance for a very special someone. And I don't mean the Alicorn Winter Waltz." She capped that off with a kiss placed upon Jessica's cheek

Jessica chuckled. "I'm starting to suspect that you're saving that dance for me."

Twilight chuckled and nodded. "And every other dance from here on out. I'll share a dance with no one else other then you."

Rainbow chuckled. "Oh great. It's gonna get mushy over here." She turned to Fluttershy. "Hey flutters, wanna go for a walk out in the gardens?"

Fluttershy readily nodded. "Yes! Let's go now!"

Rainbow chuckled and turned to their friends. "Catch you all later." She and Fluttershy turned to walk away. Pair by pair the rest of the gang found reasons to take their leave, eventually leaving only Jessica, Twilight, Spike and Sweetie Belle.

Twilight turned to Jessica. "So, Jessica, the big moment's coming up. You sure your ready?"

Jessica smiled. "I'll be out on the dance floor with six ponies and a dracconegus performing an ancient dance routine conceptualized by ancient ponies that had wings and horns. I'm as ready as I'll ever be in this fairy tale land."

Spike chuckled. "You'll be fine. You and Twilight rehearsed this all day."

Sweetie Belle nodded. "Yeah Jessica. Don't listen to anyone telling you it's gonna be a disaster. cough bluebutt cough. Just relax, follow Twilight's lead, and everything will be fine."

"That is sound advice coming from a filly." They turned to see smartly dressed stallion approaching them.

Twilight recognized the pony, yet another noble who tried to gain her favor. "Sir Fancypants,"

Fancypants nodded. "Princess Protege Twilight Sparkle." He turned to look at Jessica, and much to everyone's surprise, he smiled. "And you must be Jessica Cosmos, the Starfleet Cadet who will be joining Lady Sparkle our on the dance floor as her partner."

Jessica nodded. "Yes. It's a privilege to make your acquaintance."

Fancypants nodded. "The privilege is mine. I look forward to performing the Alicorn Winter Waltz alongside you as Princess Luna's partner."

Twilight had to consciously keep her jaw from dropping. Here was a noble, who in the past had approached her more then once, not only NOT doing so here, but also appeared pleased to meet Jessica?! "You're actually looking forward to it?!"

Fancypants chuckled. "I understand that is hard to believe, considering our history. But unlike some nobles I know when to accept defeat. My dance partner was gracious enough to inform me that Lady Sparkle's affections are towards Lady Cosmos. So, like any gentlepony, I will look for love elsewhere and wish you and Jessica the best."

Twilight and Jessica looked at each other, then back at Fancypants, after a second they smiled. "Wow. Thanks Fancypants."

"That means a lot."

Fancypants nodded. "Just know that you shall not have any competition from me Jessica Cosmos." He gave her a little respectful bow before trotting off.

Spike watched him go, then smiled. "Wow. Fancypants actually acknowledged that you're taken Twilight.

Twilight nodded. "I was not expecting that from ANY nobles tonight. Jessica remind me to thank Luna when I see her."

Jessica nodded. "Sure thing Twilight."

Twilight nodded, then felt a spark on her horn. A signal from Celestia that they were ready for the Waltz. She turned to Jessica. "It's time Jessica."

Jessica lifted an eyebrow. "Time for us to perform the Waltz?"

Twilight nodded. "Yeah."

Jessica nodded as Sweetie and Spike beamed. "Good luck out there you two."

"Break a leg."

Jessica chuckled. "Hopefully we DON'T break any legs out there. That wouldn't sit well."

Spike chuckled. "No it wouldn't, now, Jessica, can I see your phone?"

Jessica lifted an eyebrow. "What for?"

"Luke asked me to take a video of you and Twilight dancing for the first time."

Jessica chuckled and nodded. "Ok then." She got out her phone, unlocked it, activated its camera function, and handed it to spike. "Make sure you don't miss a single minute."

Sweetie Belle chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he stays focused."

"And in case he doesn't, I'll get it all on video too." They all turned to see another human in what they all recognized as a Starfleet dress Uniform.

Jessica further recognized him and smiled. "Captain Pike."

Pike smiled. "We're at a party Jessica. No need for formalities or protocol. Now don't be a stranger and give an old friend a hug."

Jessica chuckled and proceeded to hug Pike. "I wasn't expecting you to be here. Mission?."

Pike nodded. "Federation ambassador caretaker to put it simply. What about you? Here with your new Equine friends."

Jessica nodded as they separated. "Yeah. Thought the main reason is because I'm Twilight's date." She turned to Twilight, Spike and Sweetie Belle. "Pike, meet Twilight Sparkle, Spike, my roommates at Starfleet Academy, and Spike's date, Sweetie Belle. Everypony, this is Christopher Pike. Captain of the USS Enterprise.

Pike shook hands with Twilight Spike and Sweetie Belle. "It's nice to meet you captain Pike."

Pike nodded. "Likewise cadets. And Sweetie Belle."

Sweetie Belle smiled. "Are you really a Starfleet Captain?"

Pike nodded. "That's right. Captain of the USS Enterprise since 2250

Sweetie beetle beamed. "Wow. And how is it that you know Jessica?"

Pike smiled. "I'm friends with her father, Admiral Cosmos. In fact I used to serve with him on the Enterprise before he was promoted to captain his own ship."

Jessica nodded. "And my aunt serves as first officer of the Enterprise."

Twilight smiled. "Cool."

At That moment, Discord popped in, with a hurried look on his face. "Jessica. Twilight, I hate to cut into any conversation you two might be having but we're ready to start the Waltz so if you could hurry onto the dance floor that would be great." Before anyone could make a sound, he popped away.

Pike shook his head to clear it. "I'm not the only one who saw that right?"

Jessica shook her head. "That's Discord. Equuis's god of chaos."

"We're not even gonna try to explain him because it would be impossible."

Pike shook his head. "No need, I've met him before."

Jessica lifted an eyebrow. "You have?"

Pike nodded. "Let's just say he played a trick on me and leave it at that."

Jessica nodded, knowing it was better not to ask. Sweetie gestured towards the dance floor. "You and Jessica better get to the dance floor Twilight. Unless you want to make everypony wait for their favorite part of the Yule Ball."

Twilight nodded. "Right. Come on Jessica."

Jessica nodded as she followed Twilight. They heard Pike semi shout out from behind. "Break a leg you guys. But not literally."

Spike chuckled. "Come on, lets get a good watching/recording spot."

In the middle of the room, Discord popped back in sight of Celestia and the others performing the Alicorn Winter Waltz. "They should be here any second now."

Fancypants nodded. "I shall inform Rosy Quill to start clearing the dance floor." With a quick flash of his horn, Fancypants sent the signal to Rosy Quill, just as Twilight and Jessica joined them.

Shining raised an eyebrow. "What kept you two?"

Jessica answered. "We were just talking to an old friend of my dad's."

Twilight nodded. "Captain Pike."

Celestia smiled. "Captain Pike. So the rumors are true. Enterprise is in orbit."

Twilight's and Jessica's  jaws dropped. "You know Pike?"

Celestia nodded. "We met at last year's Yule Ball. he is a good man."

Jessica nodded. "That he is."

At that moment, they heard a mare's voice across the entire ballroom. "May I have everypony's attention please, the Alicorn Winter Waltz is about to commence. For those of you who do not know. The Alicorn Winter Waltz is an ancient Alicorn tradition that has, and will be performed every year at the Yule Ball. This year, while Princesses Celestia and Cadance will dance with Discord and Prince Shining Armor respectively as in past years. Joining Princess Luna on the dance floor this year is the esteemed Sir Fancypants, and joining Princess Protégé Twilight Sparkle is a human from the capitol of the United Federation of Planet, Jessica..." There was a pause before the mare spoke again. "Er, I apologize, there doesn't seem to be a familial name on here." While that got snickers out everyone, a few were more audible bouts of laughter, probably from Jessica's and Twilight's friends.

It even got a snicker out of Nightmare Moon. "Ha ha ha! Oh that is hilarious."

Jessica inwardly rolled her eyes. "Joke's on you you witch. I am not offended in any way shape or form by this innocent mistake."

The mare continued after a second. "I apologize Jessica. This will not happen again. Now. Without further ado, the Royal—what? Oh, really?" That generated a round of confusion for everypony as the mare continued. "This just in, I have been told that Jessica's familial name is Cosmos. Jessica Cosmos is who will be dancing with Twilight Sparkle tonight." That got a chuckle out of everypony. The mare continued after a minute. "Without further ado, fillies and gentle cults, the Royal elite of Equestria is proud to present to you, the Alicorn Winter Waltz."

The room dimmed as spotlights illumainated other four pairs, who all distanced themselves into position. Jessica took a deep breath. 'Ok Jessica. You can do this. You can do this.'

Twilight gave Jessica a reassuring smile and whispered. "You got this Jessi. Just remember that you go to Shining while the Alicorns ascend into the air, and leave the rest to me."

Jessica nodded. "Right. I trust you Twi." She whispered back as the music started and they began Waltzing.



In the crowd, the gang was watching their friends waltz. Rara smiled. "They're killing it out there."

Rarity nodded. "I know. And they're dresses synergize so well with each other. I truly have outdone myself."

Pike glanced towards Rarity. "Those outfits were your doing Rarity?"

Rarity nodded. "Fashion is my forte Captain. Especially making dresses complement each other."

Pike nodded. "Well I can't argue with that. Hey Spike, any point where they separate?"

Spike nodded. "Just briefly when the Alicorns ascend into the air. I'll get the ground you get the air?"

Pike nodded. "Exactly what I was thinking."

As if on cue, the coming separation came when the Alicorns launched into the air and Jessica began dancing with Shining, who smiled at her. "Looks like today's practice is really paying off Jessica."

Jessica giggled. "Couldn't have done it without you guys. Heck, I've never even heard of this until Twilight came along."

Sunset and Starlight continued to watch with their horns lit, just like every other uniorn. Starlight smiled. "You know Sunny, I love you just the way you are, but seeing this, I kinda wish you were made into an Alicorn like you wanted."

Sunset chuckled. "Consider this, if Celestia HAD made me an Alicorn, we may not have met. I'd choose you over wings every...single...time...what's going on out there?" She and Starlight, along with everyone else, noticed Jessica start to glow

From the air, Twilight also noticed Jessica glowing. 'Jessica glowing? The heck is happening?' As if to answer her, and everyone else asking, they saw midnight blue wings spread out from Jessica's back, her ears transform into pony ears, and her hair grow and work into a ponytail.

Sunset's jaw dropped, not completely believing what just happened. 'Did Jessica just pony up?! How?!' "Sweet Celestia, she ponied up."

Rarity lifted an eyebrow. "Sunset?"

Sunset shook her head, remembering that not everyone knew what she was talking about. "Back in the Alternate Universe, the girls and I were able to harness the magic of our geodes to give ourselves pony features, we dubbed it ponying up. But as far as we could tell it only happened in that universe."

Rainbow giggled. "Are you so sure about that?"

Sunset rolled her eyes. "Well this never happened before."

Twilight, as well as the rest of the alicorns, descended to their waiting partner, ready for the grand finale. At the final drop of the music, everyone went flying and circling the dance floor. Twilight noticed that Jessica's new wings were flapping, actually keeping her afloat without her assistance. 'And they're fully functional? What the heck is going on here?' Of course Twilight had questions, but at the same time, she wasn't complaining. The pony features only added to Jessica's beauty. She looked like a literal angel, her angel.

As the music eased out, the four couples descended and touched down on the floor. Their landing was met with thunderous applause from all sides. The eight waltzers bowed while Jessica let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. 'I can't believe it, I actually just did it.' Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes. "Whoop dee doo. You managed to not mess up an ancient Alicorn tradition. Good for you."

Twilight couldn't stop smiling as she turned to look at Jessica, who was still ponied up. 'Sweet Celestia, and Jessica hasn't noticed yet?' "Wow. So that's what you look like ponied up."

Jessica arched an eyebrow. "What?"

Twilight giggled. "You didn't notice? You have wings, and pony ears." Jessica looked behind her, and sure enough, she saw Midnight blue wings spread open from her back, and her hair a lot longer then she remembered, in a ponytail no less instead of the bun it had been in a a few minutes ago.

Jessica gasped as she reached up and behind her to touch one of her new wings, immediately feeling the contact as if they were always there. She then reached up and felt around her head, eventually finding that her normal ears were replaced with pointier ears higher up on her head. "Woah. How did this happen?"

Luna answered. "It must have been the ancient Winter Magic of the Alicorn Winter Waltz that has triggered your transformation."

Cadance smiled. "You mean it's real after all?"

Fancypants nodded and smiled. "A fitting appearance for a lady such as yourself."

Twilight, as well as everyone else in the group, nodded. "Yeah Jess, you look majestic."

Jessica blushed. "Thanks guys. Though, this is temporary, right?"

Nightmare Moon laughed "It WON'T be when I am through! You are mine now you brat!!!"

Before Celestia could answer, Jessica felt a throbbing pain in her forehead. She clutched it as she fell to her knees. "Agh!"

Jessica's wings started transforming and growing darker in color, much to everyone's surprise. Twilight knelt down to try and get through to Jessica, who's skin was starting to loose its color. "Jessica? Are you ok? What's happening?"

The voice that answered her was NOT Jessica's, but instead, it was the voice of Nightmare Moon. "Fools!" She suddenly stood up, and released a giant shockwave that knocked Twilight, the Princesses, shining, Discord, and Fancypants away. Nightmare Moon began flapping her wings and ascended into the air, while lightning was striking out from her everywhere.

In the crowd, Spike and the gang gasped. "Oh no! No no no no this can't be happening! We cast a containment spell that should've prevented this!"

Captain Pike turned his head to Spike. "You know something about this cadet?!"

Rara nodded. "Long story sir. But right now we have other things to worry about."

Back up to the demon, Nightmare Moon examined Jessica's body, which had lost all color and the wings had become full bat wings. She smiled. "Mwahahahaha! What a hearths warming gift. My ultimate triumph. Me likey." She looked down and with a swing of her arm, sent a wave of magic down on the crowd. The blast missed, but the crowd panicked and started screaming and galloping to the door. Nightmare Moon chuckled. "Ah ah ah." With a flick of her wrist, all the exits and windows suddenly closed. Trapping the crowd in. Nightmare Moon laughed. "Hello My little Ponies. It is I, the terror of dreams, the shadow of darkness, the bringer of eternal night, NIGHTMARE MOON!!!!!" Thunder struck, terrifying the crowd even more. Nightmare Moon chuckled. "You all thought me destroyed, gone, never to be heard from again. Well I have news for you. I have returned. And now, I shall finish what I began so long ago, and shroud the galaxy in Eternal Night!"

Twilight, having recovered from the shockwave, immediately flapped her wings and gunned it for Nightmare Moon. "No!!!" She growled.

Nightmare saw the incoming pony and smirked. Extending her arm, Twilight suddenly found herself stopped, and surrounded with a dark, painful aura. Nightmare moon chuckled as she brought twilight into her grip by the neck. "You little FOAL!! You will not stand in my way a second time." 

Twilight tried to break free from Nightmare Moon's grasp, but nightmare moon had an iron grip on her. "Gah. Let Jessica go you demon! Ack!"

Nightmare moon chuckled. "Your friend is WEAK! She does not have the power to oppose me, none of you do!" She threw Twilight back down to the ground, sending her crashing into the princesses.

That was the last straw for the gang. "Twilight!"

Rainbow growled. "That's it!" She flapped her wings and took off at lightning speed towards Nightmare Moon. "Let our friend go you demon!" She growled.

Nightmare moon simply waved her arm and slapped Rainbow away with a magic blast. "You shall all suffer my wrath!"

Pinkie and Applejack shook their heads as Rara, Rarity, sunset, and Starlight ran off to help the princesses while Fluttershy took off towards the fallen rainbow. Pinkie got out her party cannon while Applejack grabbed her lasso. "Not today you batty rodent!" Applejack swung her lasso up towards Nightmare Moon, who was caught in it. 

Pinkie lit her cannon and aimed at Nightmare moon. "Take this you party pooper!" The cannon fired and cake struck Nightmare Moon. The force of the impact forcing her down a peg.

Nightmare moon growled and sent a bolt of lightning straight at the pair, blowing the cannon sky high and shocking both ponies. Applejack dropped the lasso and nightmare Moon wiggled free. "Did you not see the lightning I was summoning earlier?"

Sunset and Starlight watched their friends get shocked and growled. "She is so gonna pay for that."

"Agreed." They both lit their horns. "Hey Nightmare Moron!" They both shot bolts of magic at Nightmare Moon. Who flew out of the way and sent magical bolts back at them.

Spike watched as all of this was happening, and focused on Nightmare Moon in Jessica's body. "There has to be SOMETHING that can subdue her!"

Captain Pike was watching the fight. And suddenly remembered what was on his waist. He reached to his belt and unclipped his phaser pistol. "Fingers crossed stunning Jessica ends all this."

Spike eyed the captain. "Your gonna stun Jessica sir?"

Pike nodded and made sure the phaser was set to maximum stun. "At the very least it should end this madness." Pike raised his pistol and aimed it right at Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare moon sent a wave of magic down at the group of her opponents that had gathered in one place by that point. "Your efforts to interfere with my plans are FUTILE!!! This time I will prevail over the mighty Elements of Harmony. And the night will last forev—" That was as far as Nightmare moon got before everyone heard the sound of a phaser firing. The phaser bolt struck the demon in the back and almost immediately, she started falling.

Twilight saw this and took off to catch Jessica. Successfully doing so in the nick of time. Twilight eased Jessica down to the floor. "Jessica? Are you ok? Come on, say something."

Pike and Spike joined them and Pike knelt down on the other side of Jessica. "Physically, she should be fine cadet. I only used the stun setting on my phaser." Twilight sighed in relief, but Pike wasn't done. "Now, explain to me why I just had to shoot my friend's daughter in the back."

Before Twilight could open her mouth, Luna answered for her as she and Celestia joined the group. "There will be time for that later. Right now. I must go in and ensure that the demon has lost control of Jessica." Luna lit her horn and touched it to Jessica's forehead. While she was working, Celestia stole a glance behind her, to find that ponies were fleeing out the door they finally managed to get open. Celestia sighed. 'This is going to be a mess tomorrow.' She knew that the papers would have a field day with this incident, and she would be visited by rioting nobles. She turned her head back to the unconscious Jessica, guilt washing over her. 'Another affected by Nightmare Moon because of my ignorance a thousand years ago. Jessica I am so sorry.'

Luna dimmed her horn and lifted her head back up, sighing in relief. "She will awaken as Jessica Cosmos, the ancient Winter Magic has completely vanished, and is no longer usable by the demon." As she said that, Jessica's wings shriveled up and disappeared, her ears returned to their normal state, her skin returned to her usual pinkish color, and her hair shrank to it's original length though now disheveled. Twilight sighed in relief.

Pike nodded. "I'm gonna assume that's a good thing your majesty. Now what?"

Celestia answered. "Now, we should allow her to rest. Twilight, you should take her back to your parents' house. I will be around tomorrow to check on you two."

Twilight nodded, tightened her grip on Jessica, and teleported them away.

Pike got back up on his feet as the gang gathered around them. Sweetie Belle looked to Princess Luna. "Is Jessica going to be ok your majesty?"

Luna nodded. "The demon has lost control, she should awaken as herself."

Pike nodded. "What was that? I saw her get wings and pony ears earlier, but I doubt those had anything to do with whatever that thing was."

Celestia shook her head. "I am certain her pony features were a direct result of the ancient magic surrounding the Alicorn Winter Waltz. Magic that we believed lost to time."

Luna nodded. "Until now."

Applejack lifted an eyebrow. "What about Nightmare Moon?"

Sunset nodded. "Yeah. Shouldn't the containment spell have prevented this? For that matter how was she able to do this?"

Celestia shook her head. "I do not know. I will need to go back and consult the book I located the containment spell in. See when it was conceived." She turned to Pike. "Captain Pike, does the Enterprise have any urgent business to attend to tomorrow?"

Pike shook his head. "We were heading back to earth for the holidays your majesty. You want us to stick around?"

Celestia nodded. "I will consult with Jessica and Twilight tomorrow, but I believe it would be best if Jessica had a way home ready."

Pike nodded. "Of course your majesty. Enterprise will remain in orbit tomorrow."

Celestia nodded. "Much appreciated Captain."

Pike nodded. "Now, if you will all excuse me. I now have an admiral to clue in on all this." With that, Pike made his exit.

Spike watched him go, and sighed. "Heads are really gonna roll after this."

To be continued.
> Episode 27: It's a Pony Kind of Christmas: pt 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Aww. But mom! I wanna stay up until Twilight Spike and Jessica get back!"

"Yeah! So we can here how it went!"

Sunny Crisp chuckled as she tucked Sparkler, Flurry, and Kicker into bed. "Well you can suck all the details out of them tomorrow. Right now however, you three need to get to sleep. Unless you don't want Santa Hooves to stop by."

Kicker and Sparkler panicked. "No, we do!"

"We'll go to sleep!"

Thunderhoof chuckled. "You better. G'night Kick." He leaned down to nuzzle his son. Who nuzzled back. 

Sunny Crisp leaned into kiss both her daughter and Flurry on the horn. "Sweet dreams you three." With that, Sunny Crisp and Thunderhoof backed out of the bedroom and into the hall. Sunny Crisp smiled. "I do wonder how the Yule Ball went."

Thunderhoof chuckled. "Remember when you me Nightshade and Honey Pear would be the life of that event."

Sunny Crisp chuckled. "Yeah. And maybe we can do that again when Sparkler and Kick are old enough."

"Yeah."

They passed Twilight's bedroom on their way down stairs, only to hear a quiet bang coming from it. Sunny Crisp doubled back to the door in curiosity. She lifted an eyebrow. "What could that be?" She opened the door, and to her surprise, she found Twilight tucking an unconscious Jessica into her bed. "Twilight?!" She whispered. "Twilight what are you doing?"

Thunderhoof peeked in and saw the same thing. "Twilight?! Why did you teleport back here? And what happened to Jessica?"

Twilight turned saw her aunt and uncle giving her perplexed looks. She turned back to make sure Jessica was comfortable, then turned to walk out of the room. She gently closed the door and took a deep breath. "Let's go downstairs, something bad just happened and I don't want to wake up jessica." She motioned for them to go down stairs.

Downstairs, Velvet, Nightlight, Nightshade and Honey Pear were sitting around reading or drinking tea. Nightlight looked up from his newspaper to find Sunny Crisp, Thunderhoof, and Twilight enter the room? "Twilight?!" His exclamation caused the other three ponies to look up and see that Twilight was with Thunderhoof and Sunny Crisp.

Velvet got up and walked over to Twilight. "Twilight? What are you doing home so early? I didn't hear you come through the front door."

Twilight shook her head. "No. Because I teleported both me and Jessica straight to my room."

Nightshade lifted an eyebrow when he saw that Twilight had a distraught look on her face. "Did something happen?"

Twilight nodded. "Nightmare Moon struck, hard."

Everyone gasped. "Nightmare Moon?"

"But how? You said she wouldn't be able to do anything as long as Jessica had that beautiful necklace on."

Twilight sighed in frustration. "Well apparently we didn't account for the fact that the Alicorn Winter Waltz would provide Nightmare Moon with a magic boost that could help her possess Jessica!" Her eyes widened as she realized she nearly shouted at her family. She sighed and shook her head. "I'm sorry. That came out of nowhere."

Velvet leaned in and wrapped her forelegs around her daughter. "It's ok Twilight."

Nightlight nodded. "Is everyone ok? No one got hurt?"

Twilight nodded. "Everyone's alive, but not without a few bumps or bruises. And Jessica will be back in control of herself when she wakes up."

Honey Pear smiled. "That's good at least. But, what happened?"

"And what did the Alicorn Winter Winter Waltz have to do with it?"

Twilight took a deep breath. "It turned sour almost immediately after the Waltz ended." She began to recount the events that immediately followed the Alicorn Winter Waltz.

Meanwhile, Captain Pike materialized in the transporter room of the Enterprise to find his first officer waiting for him. Pike nodded. "Number One. I wasn't expecting you to greet me."

Number One nodded. "We monitored a massive build up of energy at Canterlot Castle and you weren't answering your com."

Pike lifted an eyebrow as he stepped off the transporter pad. "I never received any transmissions."

Number One raised an eyebrow. "None?"

Pike nodded. "It must've been interference."

"From the energy build up?"

Pike nodded. "And I know exactly what that build up was." Pike gestured for the two of them to take a walk.

Number One nodded and turned to exit the room, with Pike walking side by side. "You aren't hurt are you sir?"

Pike shook his head. "I'm fine Number One. Just a little shaken."

Number One nodded. "So what happened at the Yule Ball? What could've caused that massive build up?"

"How much do you know of Equestrian History?"

"A fair bit?"

Pike nodded. "Nightmare Moon, sound familiar?"

Number One's eyes widened. "The worst evil Equestria's ever seen. Terror of Dreams, Shadow of Darkness—"

Pike interrupted her. "Yeah. That's the one. She made an appearance tonight."

Number One raised an eyebrow. "But the Elements of Harmony defeated her years ago?"

Pine shrugged. "Apparently not because she took possession of one of our Starfleet Cadets and went all psycho."

Number One gasped. "She took possession of one of our cadets?!"

Pike nodded. "Yeah. And now Admiral Cosmos is gonna go bonkers when I tell him I had to shoot his daughter in the back with the maximum stun setting on my phaser."

Number One did a double take as her eyes widened. "Jessica was the one possessed?! And you shot her? You actually SHOT at her?"

Pike nodded. "Unfortunately yes. On both accounts."

Number One glared at Pike. "You actually shot my niece in the back!"

"I used the stun setting!"

"And that's supposed to make it any less wrong?!"

"It was either that or watch her suffer. And by the look of it Time was running out for everyone."

"There weren't a thousand unicorns around that could, oh I don't know, cast some sort of spell?!"

"Believe when I say that effort was made. But that demon repelled everything."

"Except a phaser shot apparently."

Pike shrugged. "Lucky on our end."

Number One shook her head. "Where is she."

Pike sighed. "Jessica's currently at the house she's staying at with her girlfriend and her family. Presumably."

Number One lifted an eyebrow. "You mean you don't know for sure?!"

Pike nodded. "Don't worry, she was wearing her combadge. Meaning we can have a lock on her in two seconds flat."

Number One immediately tapped her combadge. "Bridge, this is Number One. Pinpoint the location of Starfleet Cadet Jessica Cosmos. Now!"

After a few seconds, her combadge sounded with a reply. "Starfleet Cadet Jessica Cosmos, location, 453 Harmony Street, Canterlot. Equestria."

Number One nodded. "Thanks bridger." She turned her attention to Pike. "I'm beaming down there in the morning."

Pike shook his head. "Absolutely not."

Number One glared at Pike. "Excuse me?"

"You are not beaming down there in the morning."

Number One gritted her teeth. "Yes I am."

Pike shook his head. "Not in your current state. Your too angry, and I am not risking you rushing down there and escalating this situation into a galactic incident because you lost your temper."

"Of course I'm angry! My niece is down there possibly on the verge of PTSD from being possessed and you expect me to just drop it!"

Pike shook his head. "That is not what I'm saying at all!"

Number One lifted an eyebrow. "Really? Because you're saying I can't beam down there to use my counseling expertise to help her."

Pike shook his head. "I don't have any problem with you helping her. Believe me when I say I am not stopping you from helping her."

"Them let me beam down there!"

"Not when you're at risk of causing a galactic incident!"

"It's THEIR demon that possessed OUR cadet!"

"ALICIA!!" Pike shouted as he gave Alicia a stern look, which she returned. They had a staring match for a few seconds before Pike spoke again. "Alicia. I understand you want to help her. I want to help her too. We'll talk about the phaser thing later. Right now. I need you to think. Right now, the situation appears to be isolated. And things are stable at the moment."

Alicia cocked her head. "Stable?! You think this can't cause PTSD for Jessica?!"

Pike continued. "I never said that. I mean from an external standpoint. No one was hurt, and Jessica is sound asleep, completely at peace. Now, do you really think she wants to wake up to you charging down there and throwing accusations around and making things worse?"

Alicia thought for a moment before coming to the realization that Pike was right. Seeing Alicia start to come to her senses. Pike relaxed and continued. "I am not trying to stop you from helping her, being there for her. But we also need to approach this delicate situation tactfully and logically."

Pike was right, and Alicia knew it. The Federation couldn't afford to risk a galactic incident on top of this demon business. Alicia realized that she let her familial instincts get the better of her. She sighed. "Grah. Darn it That was stupid."

Pike sighed. "Trust me. Jessica is safe. At least for the time being."

Alicia nodded. "I'm sorry for losing my temper sir. I'm just so worried about her."

Pike nodded. "I know you are. It's not easy watching your loved ones go through something like this."

Alicia nodded. "Especially when you know you can help them."

Pike nodded. "Look, Enterprise is sticking around tomorrow in the event that Jessica needs an early ride home. So at the very least we'll get her up here to check in with you."

Alicia smiled a little. "I'd appreciate that sir."

Pike nodded, smiled, and gestured down the corridor. "Come on, I need to clue Admiral Cosmos in on this and I think you'll want to hear this."

Alicia nodded. "Of course sir." Pike and Alicia proceeded down the corridor.

Soon. On Earth, Admiral Cosmos was in his home office, getting some work done when he received a memo. "Incoming transmission from USS Enterprise. Priority one."

Admiral Cosmos lifted an eyebrow. Priority one? He pressed his computer screen and it flickered on to show Pike sitting at his desk with Number One, Admiral Cosmos' baby sister, behind him. "Captain Pike, Number One. This is a surprise. How goes your mission to Equuis?"

Pike answered. "It went, well, for the most part."

Admiral Cosmos lifted an eyebrow. This wasn't going to be good. "Ok, and what went wrong?"

Pike sighed. "Sir, Cadet Jessica Cosmos had been possessed by a demon known as Nightmare Moon, and wrecked havoc at the event."

Admiral Cosmos's eyes widened as he gasped. "She what?! How? That demon should've been contained, Jessica said so yesterday."

Alicia gasped. "You knew about this Steve?!"

Steve sighed and nodded. "Yes. I know about Nightmare Moon. And she didn't just come out of nowhere, she's been in Jessica's mind since the start of October."

Pike and Alicia gasped. "Since October?!"

"When I saw her earlier she didn't look like she had a demon in her mind."

Steve nodded. "Yeah. Nightmare Moon hasn't changed her in any noticeable way. Pike, was she wearing a necklace? Starfleet delta, five lavender points, J+T? Jessica sent a pic of the thing yesterday."

Pike nodded. "She was wearing a necklace fitting that description."

Steve rubbed his chin in confusion. "So how is it that that demon was able to control Jessica when she shouldn't have been able to outwardly project herself."

Pike shrugged. "I don't know. You'll have to ask her tomorrow when she wakes up."

Steve lifted an eyebrow. "She's asleep?"

Pike nodded. "Unfortunately the only way to stop the demon was to use the stun setting on my phaser."

Steve's breath caught in his throat. Pike actually shot at Jessica. "Are you sure you used the stun setting Pike."

Pike nodded. "I made absolutely sure it was set to stun before pointing the thing at her."

Steve sighed and rubbed his face with his hand. "Is she onboard Enterprise?"

Alicia shook her head. "No, Twilight Sparkle took her back to her parents' house at the request of Princess Celestia."

"Right. Jessica said she was gonna spend hearths warming with her girlfriend and her family. Your sure she's ok."

Pike nodded. "Yes Steve. She's alive."

Steve sighed. "Thank you for reporting this in. And thank you Pike for saving her."

Pike nodded. "Like I was going to do anything else."

Steve nodded. "Keep me updated on the situation. You've been asked to stick around right?"

Pike nodded. "Yeah."

Steve nodded. "Alright, keep me updated. Cosmos out." With that, the screen went black and left Steve sitting at his desk. After a minute, he hastily reached for his phone and quickly called up his contact list.

Back on Equuis, Rarity, Pinkie, Spike, and Sweetie Belle were headed towards the Sparkle household. Spike and Sweetie Belle were looking at the image of Jessica ponied up. Sweetie sighed. "Look at her. So beautiful, so majestic, she looks like Twilight's literal angel!"

Spike nodded. "Yeah. And then that monster had to hijack it. Thank Celestia Pike and I stopped recording before the hijacking."

Rarity nodded. "Indeed, she looked so perfect. That demon has to go. Before she ruins anything else for Jessica."

Pinkie nodded. "Agreed. That meanie's gone too far this time."

They all nodded in agreement. Right then, Jessica'a phone went off. Spike checked the screen and saw that it was admiral Cosmos. "It's Jessica's dad." He accepted the call and held the phone to his ear. "Hello?"

"Jessica? Is that you? What happened?"

Spike shook his head. "Not Jessica sir, it's Spike."

"Spike?! What are you doing with Jessica's phone? Why doesn't she have it?"

"Because she gave it to me so I can get hers and Twilight's first dance on video. And then everything went south."

"I heard. Is Jessica alright?"

Spike nodded. "She's fine, if she were dead, Princess Luna would've said something when she confirmed that Nightmare Moon lost control."

"Ok, what about everyone else?"

Spike nodded. "Everyone's fine. Only a few bruises."

"Where are you now?"

"Headed back to the Sparkle house. Jessica and Twilight are already there."

"So I've been told. If Jessica's awake when you see her next, you hand her this phone and tell her to call. Me, her mom, or Luke, doesn't matter, Got it? And if not then the minute you see her awake."

Spike nodded. "Yes sir. I'll make sure she does."

"Thank you spike. You have a good night alright?"

Spike nodded. "You too. And down worry. Jessica's safe."

Steve sighed. "Make sure she is. G'night Spike."

"G'night sir." The connection was cut. Spine sighed. "Well, news travels fast."

Rarity nodded. "No doubt captain Pike informed him of the situation."

Everyone nodded. Pinkie sighed. "Poor Jessica. She just cannot catch a break."

All of a sudden, Jessica's phone rang again. This time, Spike saw that it was Luke calling. Spike chuckled. "Looks like this number's gonna be popular tonight, I just wish it was under better circumstances." He accepted the call. "Hey Luke."

Several hours had gone by. By then the calls stopped coming, Spike had volunteered to sleep on the couch downstairs to avoid waking Jessica on accident, and thus far everything had been calm. However, Jessica was finally starting to come too from being stunned, tossing and turning as the Yule Ball replayed in her mind.

"Ha Ha Ha! That's it My Little Ponies, cower one fear from the might of the bringer of Eternal Night!"

"No, no don't do this."

"Gah! Let Jessica go you demon! Ack!"

"No. Twilight."

Nightmare Moon sent lightning straight at Applejack and Pinkie Pie, shocking both of them and wiggling free of the lasso.

"No. Stop. Leave them alone."

Nightmare Moon sent blast after blast straight at the downed ponies, laughing. "Face it you peasants! Nothing will stand in my way this time!!"

"No, no, NOOO!!!!" Jessica jolted awake and bolted upright. Breathing heavily, she looked around in the dark. She took in her surroundings, or rather, what she could feel. She looked down and saw that she was in a bed. 'A bed? Where am I? How long have I been out?'

She continued to look around in the dark, looking for something that could tell her where she was, until a soft voice called out to her. "Jessica?" Normally that wouldn't scare her so much, but Jessica actually fell off the bed when she jumped at the voice. 

She grunted as she hit the floor and quickly looked around to locate the source of the voice. "W-w-who's there."

A few seconds past before a magenta light washed over the darkness, illuminating the room into what Jessica recognized as Twilight's room. A few more seconds passed before Jessica saw a lavender hoof appear, followed by the head of Twilight. "T-T-Twilight?" She squeaked out.

Twilight gave her a soft look and nodded. "Yes. It's me Jessica. It's ok." She turned the corner of her bed to approach Jessica, but stopped when she noticed Jessica trying to back away, backing right up against the wall.

Jessica shook her head. "No, s-s-stay back. P-please."

Twilight could see that Jessica was shaking, and was trying to stay away from her. She slowly closed the distance. "Jessi, calm down. It's gonna be ok."

Jessica shook her head. "No. S-she took over. I-I nearly...y-you almost..." Jessica couldn't finish her sentence. Too scared to say it.

Twilight took another step, trying to calm her girlfriend down. "Jessi, I'm ok. No one got hurt. Relax. You don't need to be afraid." She stopped right next to Jessica and laid down on her haunches to be more level with the cowering girl. "It'll all be ok. I promise."

Jessica shook her head and blinked. As if coming her her senses, somewhat. "T-Twilight?" She squeaked out.

Twilight nodded and slowly enveloped Jessica with her wings. Coaxing the girl to lean into her shoulder. Right at that moment, tears began pouring out of Jessica's eyes as she finally cried. She continued to cry as Twilight held her. Trying to sooth her. "Shh. It's ok Jessi. It's gonna be ok. I'm here." In truth, Twilight felt like crying herself. This was the girl that she had come to love with all her heart, the girl that despite having a demon haunting her, always greeted the day with a positive attitude, and had so far held on to her sanity when others might've cracked under the constant attacks. And here she was, the walls she had built up over the last few months broken down in one swift action, leaving her feeling vulnerable and terrified, pathetic. It absolutely infuriated Twilight to know that she was indirectly responsible for this. For Jessica's suffering. 'You poor thing. I am so sorry Jessica.'

It took a little bit, but eventually, Jessica's sobs slowed and her tears began to dry up. Twilight smiled a little, grateful that Jessica was calming down. "Feeling better now?" She asked hopefully.

Jessica nodded as she sat up a little. "Yeah. A little."

Twilight smiled. "Good."

Jessica nodded, then sighed. "Twilight, I'm so sorry. I couldn't stop her."

Twilight shook her head. "It's not your fault Jessi, there was no way you could've stopped her."

Jessica sighed. "Now everyone knows she's back."

Twilight nodded. "Well, everyone that was at the Yule Ball..."

"The media will handle the rest."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. Nothing we can do about that."

Jessica reached up and wiped a stray tear from her eyes as she sniffled. "Twilight. Will we ever find a way to stop her?"

Twilight nodded. "Absolutely. We found a way to contain her, now we can focus on stopping her for good."

Jessica nodded. "I'm scared Twi. I'm so scared of what she will be able to do if we don't stop her."

Twilight leaned in and nuzzled Jessica on the cheek. "I won't rest until she's gone Jessica. Nopony can predict everything, nor prepare for everything. There's a way we can catch her off guard, and we'll find it. No matter what it takes."

Jessica smiled for the first time since she woke up and nodded as she wrapped her arms around Twilight. "I believe you Twi."

Twilight equally smiled as she and Jessica say there in each other's embrace. After a few minutes, Twilight broke the silence. "Hey, for what it's worth, I still had fun at the Yule Ball. The Alicorn Winter Waltz was especially magical."

Jessica giggled. "Well I'm glad I was able to give you a good time before it spiraled out of control."

Twilight nodded. "The best. My favorite part was during the Waltz when you ponied up." She lit her horn and called Jessica's phone to them. which Spike had dropped off before heading downstairs for the night. "In addition to the video, Spike also was able to grab a few pics. See?" They began going through the photos that had been taken that day. Neither really eager to go to sleep even though Jessica's phone read 4:30 in the morning.

To be continued.
> Episode 28: It's a Pony Kind of Christmas: pt 10
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia's sun rose to shine over Canterlot to another beautiful winter morning. On this particular morning, the sound of little fillies and colts acted as the alarm clocks as they awoke to the prospect of having been visited by Santa Hooves. In the Sparkle House, two fillies, a colt, and a baby dragon sounded the alarm.

"It's Hearths Warming Day!"

"Presents!"

"Everypony get up!"

They banged on the doors, waking almost everyone up. They all rushed downstairs as the adults slowly woke and congregated in the hall. Shining, Cadance, and Moondancer exited their shared room and passed Twilight's door. Stopping to make sure Twilight and Jessica were up, shining knocked on the door. "Twily, Jessica. Hearths Warming Call!" No response came. 

Cadance stopped next to him and tried to get a response. "Twily? Everything ok in there?" Still no response. Cadance sighed and turned to shining. "You go down and get Flurry all situated. I'll handle these two." Shining nodded and proceeded down stairs, Cadance proceeded to push the door open, and she found Twilight's bed and Jessica's sleeping bag empty. Cadance lifted an eyebrow. 'Empty sleeping bag and bed. Either they aren't here, or...' Cadance gave a little smirk as she entered the room and looked on the OTHER side of the bed. She stopped when she saw Twilight and Jessica fast asleep wrapped up in each other. Cadance smiled. 'Aww. Aren't you two simply adorable.' As much as she didn't want to wake them and just let them sleep, she knew they'd be awake in the next few minutes one way or another. So she stepped closer and leaned down and started nuzzling Twilight. "Twilight." She whispered in her ear. "It's time to wake up. You don't want to miss opening presents."

Twilight started stirring as her eyes slowly fluttered open. "Mmm. Too early."

Cadance chuckled. "Blame Kicker, Sparkler and that dragon of yours." She turned to Jessica and started nuzzling her awake, right in the sweet spot. 

Jessica started giggling awake. "Twilight. Stop. You know that tickles."

Cadance chuckled. "Actually, I had no idea. now I do."

Jessica recognized Cadance's voice and her eyes shot open. "Cadance!" She realized that her arms were still around Twilight. She quickly untangled her self and scooted away a few inches. "Uh, we didn't do anything!"

Twilight nodded quickly. "Yeah. Just, just snuggling."

Cadance chuckled. "Don't worry, I can guess what happened for you two to end up like this. Anyway, time for presents, and Jessica?"

"Yes Cadance?" Jessica asked.

Cadance smiled as she turned to leave. "I'd change into something more comfortable. Maybe some PJs?" With that, Cadance left the room.

Jessica realized what that meant and looked down, she saw that she was still in her Yule Ball dress. Jessica sighed. "God Rarity's gonna kill me if this dress is ruined."

Twilight giggled. "Don't worry. She'll more likely be mad at her than you." Both girls got to their feet. Twilight gestured towards the door. "I'll meet you down there. I'd hurry if I were you. Sparkler and Kicker do not like waiting."

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. See ya down there." With that, Twilight left the room, Jessica went for her duffel bag and reached in to get her pajamas. All of a sudden, her phone started ringing. She looked back to where she had apparently left it on the floor. She went to pick it up. She looked at the screen to see that it was her mom calling. She reached into her duffel bag and retrieved one of her earbuds. She put it in her ear and tapped it to accept the call. "Hey mom."

"Jessica? Jessica is that you?"

Jessica nodded as she started changing. "Yeah. It's me."

She heard her mother sigh in relief. "Thank god. Your dad told me the demon possessed you last night. Are you alright? A-are you hurt?"

Jessica shook her head. "I'm fine mom."

A few seconds passed before Jessica heard her dad through the line. "Jessica, it's you're dad."

"Hey dad. You heard about last night?"

"Pike clued me in. What happened? I thought you said the demon wouldn't be able to do anything as long as you had that necklace?"

Jessica shrugged. "I thought so too. I'll have to ask Princess Celestia if she has any idea how this could've happened."

She heard her father sigh. "Are you sure your alright? Nothing's broken?"

Jessica nodded. "I'm fine dad. Really."

"Jessica, you have a demon running around in your head that possessed you last night. You're not fine. I can hear it in your voice."

Jessica sighed. "I guess your right."

Jessica heard her father sigh. "Jessica, I think it might be a good idea for you to get out of there as soon as possible. Get away from the magical planet that the demon is from."

Jessica nodded. "That sounds like a good idea."

"Enterprise is still in orbit so they can be your ride home. And if for what ever reason you're staying, I still want you to beam up there so you can talk to aunt Alicia. I think it would be good for you."

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. I'll make sure to do that."

"And in the meantime, get that containment spell strengthened. I have a gut feeling you're gonna need it."

"I'm not sure if that's even possible but I'll see."

"Alright. We're glad your safe Jessica. You have no idea how worried we are about you."

Jessica nodded. "I know. I'm hoping we'll be able to get rid of this thing in my head soon."

"Hopefully. Alright. Well, call us later when you decided what you're doing. Alright?"

Jesica nodded. "I will. And I'll also beam up to Enterprise some time today."

"I'd do it sooner rather then later, I could tell Alicia really wanted to rush to you and you know how she can get."

Jessica chuckled. "Let me guess. Pike's preventing her from beaming to the surface."

"Yep."

Jessica chuckled. "Then I'll be sure to beam up—" she was interrupted by banging on the door. Followed by the voices of Kicker and Sparkler.

"Jessica, what's taking so long?"

"Get down here. We're all waiting on you. And there's a big one under the tree with your name on it!"

Jessica chuckled as she called out. "Be down in a minute!" She turned her attention back to her parents. "I better go. Twilight's cousins are getting impatient. I'll be sure the beam up to Enterprise at the first opportunity."

"Alright. Try to have a good day Jessica. And please keep us updated. Everyone's worried about you."

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. I'm told my phone practically blew up with calls last night. Both missed and calls that Spike answered."

"News travels fast. Especially when the captain who was at the incident is a dutiful family friend."

Jessica nodded. "I suppose I owe a thank you to Pike."

"Yeah. Anyway, have a good day Jessica, love you."

"Love you too guys. See you soon. Bye" Jessica touched her earbud to cut the connection. She sighed. 'Curse you Nightmare Moron, you've really done it this time.'

Nightmare Moon chuckled. "And it was a welcome surprise. Ooh it was like an all you can eat buffet of fear."

Jessica groaned as she made her way to the door. "I bet you got a kick out of my panic attack last night."

NM nodded. "A good kick out of it. A good snack after that buffet."

Jessica shook her head. "Shut up. The only reason you were able to do that is because of the Alicorn Winter Waltz, not doing that again until you're gone."

NM chuckled. "Oh, then you are never doing it again? Because face it you brat, you are never getting me out of my head."

Jessica rolled her eyes. "We'll see about that you witch." On that comment, Jessica blocked NM and proceeded out the door.

In Canterlot Castle, Celestia was once again going through books, borderline frantically looking for anything that could shed a little light on the magic surrounding the Alicorn Winter Waltz, which in turn could shed some light on how Nightmare Moon was able to harness said magic to possess Jessica despite the containment spell. 'There has to be something Luna and I preserved that could explain what happened last night.' Celestia had sent Discord to check the library at the Castle of Two Sisters for any leads. She reached the end of another book and sighed. Nothing. "At this rate We will not have any before Jessica leaves. And I am sure She would like at least some kind of explanation beforehand."

"Yes. I'm sure she would." Celestia looked down to see Flash Sentry looking up at her.

Celestia landed in front of him. "Captain Sentry. I believe I had said that I was not to be disturbed at the moment."

Flash sighed. "I apologize your majesty. But the nobles are in the throne room, and they won't leave until they see you. And they are not happy."

Celestia sighed. It happened. "Inform them I will be there momentarily."

Flash nodded. "Of course your majesty." He turned to leave, but then stopped, and turned back to his princess. "Your majesty. I admit I haven't a clue on Tartarus what's going on with Jessica, but I do believe she and Nightmare Moon are NOT one and the same, if her being allowed anywhere on this planet is any indication."

Celestia smiled a little. "Jessica Cosmos would be happy to hear that. Dismissed Captain."

Flash gave a respectful bow and left. Leaving Celestia to prepare herself for a whole lot of angry nobles.

In the throne room, Rosy Quill had been the Royal Sisters' most trusted assistant for several years, and she had dealt with a lot of angry visitors in her time, but a whole room full of angry nobles in response to the Yule Ball Disaster might actually take the cake. Rosy Quill tried to get a word over the angry shouting. "Everypony calm down! I'm sure Captain Sentry will be here any minute." At that moment, she saw Flash, and frowned when she didn't see the princess with him. She rushed over to him and gave him a frantic look. "I thought you were getting the princess!" She whispered.

Flash nodded and cleared his throat. "Her majesty will be here momentarily!" He called out.

That statement only sent the room into further uproar. "We demand an explanation for what happened!"

"And more importantly, what she plans to do about that ruffian from Earth!"

"I say she be executed!"

Rosy shook her head. "It's like they're a pack of predators and Ms. Cosmos is their prey."

Flash nodded. "Mistaken prey, because she's only the victim."

Rosy nodded. "Celestia clued me in on the situation last night. Thank Elysium they don't know where Ms. Cosmos is. The poor girl."

Flash nodded. "Maybe you can clue me in after we deal with these idiots? I'm only aware that she's a victim."

Rosy nodded. "Of course."

At that moment, a bang came from the throne. Everyone turned to see Princess Celestia sitting all high and mighty on her throne.

The nobles smiled and gave a respectful bow. Celestia nodded. "Everypony take a deep breath. And then calmly explain why you are here instead of with your families on this day."

One of the nobles stepped forward and spoke. "Your majesty. We are here because we demand to know what you plan to do about Jessica Cosmos. Who last night revealed her true identity as Nightmare Moon."

"We demand that that ruffian be executed for her crimes against the crown!"

"Along with that treacherous Twilight Sparkle, who is obviously working with the threat!"

Rosy and Flash's jaws dropped. They also wanted Twilight executed?! Rosy cleared her throat. "Ahem! Excuse me but I doubt Princess Protégé Twilight Sparkle would ever work with or for the likes of Nightmare Moon. Especially since she helped to defeat said threat some time ago!"

The nobles turned to Rosy and gave her a stern look. "Perhaps you are unaware that they are romantically involved with each other!"

"As such they MUST be working together!"

"That is how Nightmare Moon was able to sneak into the castle last night—" The noble turned and pointed at Celestia. "—That is how she was able to slip right under your muzzle you majesty."

Celestia had had enough. While she was expecting execution to be targeted towards Jessica, these ponies crossed the line when they suggested the same fate for her most faithful student. She cleared her throat. "That is enough!" The room became quiet as a library. Celestia continued. "Rest assured that Nightmare Moon will be brought to justice for what she has done. But I shall not order the death penalty on Twilight Sparkle until there is evidence against her that warrants such a fate."

Blueblood raised an eyebrow. "Evidence?! She helped Nightmare Moon get into the castle by disguising her as her "date" Jessica Cosmos! That should be evidence enough!"

Celestia shook her head. "You are sorely mistaken dear nephew. There are many things going on that you do not understand." She turned her attention to the rest of the nobles. "All of you are clearly wanting a full explanation on what is going on. Why Nightmare Moon has been allowed anywhere on this planet without consequence. I assure you that I will divulge the details of the situation in due time. Until such a time comes. I feel inclined to inform you that Jessica Cosmos is under the protection of the crown. And to act against her is to act against me and my sister. Is that clear?" The nobles all slowly nodded. Celestia nodded back. "Then I hereby dismiss this impromptu court session. Happy Hearths Warming."

With that, the nobles all filed out of the room. Flash watched them go and saw a few looks of annoyance and even a few scheming looks. Once the room cleared out. He turned to Celestia. "Your majesty. They aren't going to let this go."

Celestia sighed. "I know. And I have a feeling they won't wait for me to release a formal statement."

Flash nodded. "Your majesty. Permission to patrol Harmony street today. And break up any riots that may arise?"

Celestia nodded. "Granted. Good luck Captain." Flash saluted and ran off to his assignment. Leaving Rosy Quill to sigh.

Rosy turned to the princess. "Is there anything else you wish for me to do your majesty?"

Celestia shook her head. "That will be all Rosy Quill. Take the rest of the day off. You have earned it."

Rosy smiled. "Thank you your majesty." She bowed and left the room. Leaving Celestia to her thoughts. 'We have to get Jessica offworld before she gets hurt.' She got off her throne and ran off the find Luna.

Back at the Sparkle house. Flurry Heart lit her horn and practically vaporized the wrapping paper off one of her presents. Seeing that it was a box with a lid, she lifted the lid and peered inside. She lit her horn again and everyone saw a toy starship seemingly launch out of the box and assumed a hovering position. Flurry smiled and giggled, which made the ship star flying in circles around her. Everyone watched the scene and chuckled.

Cadance turned to Jessica and Twilight, who had been the ones who gave it to her. "A toy starship. Good thinking."

Twilight smiled. "It was Jessica's idea. You guys are always saying how Flurry never takes off her combadge."

Jessica nodded. "So I figured, why not give her a ship to command? That particular model is the NX-01. Earth's first warp 5 capable vessel. But there's more." Jessica turned her attention to Flurry. "Hey Flurry." She stood up as Flurry turned her cute little head to look at Jessica. Jessica gestured to the toy ship. "There's a button on the top of the ship. Right in the middle. Go on and press it." Flurry brought the ship closer to her to peer at its top. She reached out with her hoof to the middle. She turned back to Jessica and gave her a questioning look. Jessica nodded. "Yeah. Right there."

Flurry pushed down on the spot and the ship reacted immediately. Everyone watched as two small holes opened and two bulbs filled the holes, and two stick popped out of the bulbs facing the front of the ship. As that was happening, there was a voice coming from the ship. "Battle stations, arm phase cannons. Full power."

Flurry smiled and pressed the button again, this time laser pointer type beams lit up from the two sticks.

Sparkler and Kicker saw this and smiled. "Wow. That thing is so cool!"

"What did you say it was again Jessica?"

Jessica chuckled. "A toy model of the NX-01, the first earth ship capable of Warp 5." She sat back down in her spot next to Twilight. "The real ship had weapons called phase cannons that were more powerful then any other weapon, short of a torpedo, during the era. This one's just got laser pointers to make this thing safe for kids, but also accurate."

Flurry smiled and started flying the ship around the room, magically pressing the button again and again as if attacking everything in sight.

Moondancer chuckled. "And now everything's in danger of being a wall for flurry to accidentally crash that thing in to."

Cadance nodded. "Yeah." She lit her horn and a light blue aura replaced the golden aura that was Flurry's magic, effectively taking the toy out of her grip. "Which means this is more of an outdoor toy flurry or at least a space bigger like the cavernous hallways of a castle."

Flurry giggled and flapped her wings to practically crash into Jessica, hugging the girl with her wings.

Shining chuckled as he examined. "I say that thing will get a lot of use. How durable is it?"

Jessica answered. "Extremely durable, it was made with little kids in mind. Or in this case..." she ruffled Flurry's mane, earning a giggle from the foal. "Foals."

That got everyone chuckling. Sparkler charged under the tree and grabbed the largest present with her magic. She turned to Twilight. "Hey Twilight, can Jessica open this one now? It looks like it's gonna be good."

Twilight chuckled. "I'd like for her to open that one last."

Jessica chuckled. "It must a good one if it's one of those going-out-with-a-bang kind of things."

Twilight chuckled. "You'll just have to see."

Nightshade chuckled and summoned a different gift from the tree. He guided the gift to Jessica. "In that case, this one is from all of us to you Jessica."

Sunny Crisp nodded. "Just a little something to get you into the holiday spirit."

Jessica nodded and plucked the package out of air. She tore open the wrapping paper and lifted up its contents. A sweater adorned with Hearths Warming decoration. Jessica smiled. "A Hearths Warming sweater. Oddly enough I knew this was coming eventually."

Twilight Velvet chuckled. "And I'm sure your family has a sweater all lined up for our Twily and Spike too."

Sunny Crisp nodded and motioned for Jessica to try it on. "Go on, try it on. I've never sewed together anything for a human before, so it might be a weird fit."

Jessica chuckled. "I can tell a lot of thought went into this sweater. And I can't say no to the centerpiece." Indeed, the centerpiece of the sweater was the Starfleet delta over Twilight's Cutie Mark. A symbol that she recognized was quickly becoming the symbol of their relationship. She slipped the sweater over her head and down her body. She fished by sliding her arms through the sleeves, and she found that the sweater actually fit pretty well. She smiled. "It actually fits just fine."

Sunny Crisp smiled. "Really? Oh thank Celestia. I was worried that even with your measurements I wouldn't be able to get it just right."

Jessica was gonna ask how Sunny Crisp got her measurements. But quickly deduced that it was all thanks to Spike and his Firemail. Instead, she just smiled. "Well, I love it. Thank you. All of you."

Velvet nodded. "Of course dear."

Spike chuckled. "Hey Twi, think it's time for everypony to get their gifts from Earth?"

Twilight nodded. "Oh, yes." She lit her horn and summoned 5 similarly sized boxes out from under the tree. She floated one to each pair of couples, and Moondancer. "You can all open them at the same time. It's the same thing."

Everyone nodded and started tearing off the wrapping paper. They all found unmarked boxes. Shining lifted an eyebrow at Twilight. "This isn't some kind of trap is it Twily?"

Twilight chuckled and shook her head. "Not a trap. The boxes are just unmarked because what's inside them, Spike Jessica and I actually made ourselves."

Everypony lifted the lids off the boxes and peered inside. To find some kind of machine inside. Nightshade eyed Twilight. "What are they?"

Twilight turned to Jessica. "Jessica? Care to explain?"

Jessica nodded. "They're interstellar communication stations. They allow for instant real-time communication across vast distances."

Honey Pear smiled. "Like from Equuis to Earth!"

Twilight nodded. "Yep. They're capable of both audio only calls or video calls."

Nightlight smiled. "So we don't need to use letters anymore."

Jessica shrugged. "Well, not exactly. Right now  These units are hardwired to transmit to either the computer set up in our dorm on earth, or my phone for when we aren't in our dorm, or each other."

"So we'd need to have Jessica's phone available to us if the latter is the case."

Nightshade nodded. "Ok. Can these things be hardwired to more devices?"

Spike nodded. "Of course. So when Twilight and I get phones, we'll be able to hardwire these things to them."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. And Cadance, Moondancer, we made your units match the decor of your homes. Just a small detail Rarity suggested."

Moondancer chuckled. "Well, at least now we can talk more easily. Hey Jessica. Did you happen to get phones for Twilight and Spike for, what is it on earth? Christmas?"

That got everyone laughing. Jessica shrugged. "I'm not telling. You'll just have to wait and see if you get a call in the next few days."

Twilight giggled. "And yes. Spike and I promise to call everyone if we do get phones."

Everyone nodded. "We look forward to it thanks guys."

Kicker nodded. "Ok that just leaves one present left. The big mystery From Twilight To Jessica gift."

Sparkler nodded. "Yeah! Come on let's see what it is!"

Twilight chuckled. "I'm not sure who's more excited. Jessica or you two."

Thunderhoof chuckled. "They're kids. It's in their nature."

Twilight nodded and summoned the big present from behind the tree. She carefully guided it to Jessica. "Here you go Jessica. I hope you like it."

Jessica giggled. "I'm sure I will. I don't suppose I can get you to give me a hint?"

Twilight shook her head. "Nope."

Jessica nodded. "Ok then." Jessica propped the gift of her knees and started tearing away at the paper. She eventually got rid of enough of it that she could see some writing on it. She smiled when she saw that it was from Fender. Fender was a guitar manufacturer that her current guitar came from. She turned Twilight. "A new guitar huh?"

Twilight smiled sheepishly. "Keep going. There's more."

Jessica continued to tear the wrapping paper until it was completely off the box. She took a look at the front and saw the model was a SoundBlaster, one of the newer models that had the ability to put out different guitar types. "A SoundBlaster guitar? This is getting interesting."

Twilight nodded. "There's even more. Look in the box."

Jessica set the box down on the floor and carefully lifted the lid of the box. Her eyes widening as she saw exactly WHAT was in the box. "Twilight. You didn't." She lifted the guitar up out of the box for everyone to see. And it wasn't like anything they had seen before. Instead of the body being in the shape of an eight like a normal guitar, it was shaped like like the tail of a peacock. Though not nearly as pretty. It also had a little bit protruding off the bottom. Jessica tore her eyes off the guitar and back on to Twilight. "You actually got Fender to make a custom Millennium Falcon SoundBlaster for me?"

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. I was thinking about what I could get you for Hearths Warming—before Celestia told me about the anchor thing for the containment spell—and I noticed that your current guitar was looking a little worn out. And I also know how much you loved Star Wars so I put in an order and they were able to make it and get it here in time for Hearths Warming. Do you like it?"

Jessica smiled. "Like it? I love it!" She reached over and wrapped her arms around Twilight, while also planting a kiss on her cheek. "Thank you Twilight. This is amazing!"

Twilight smiled and returned the hug and kiss on the cheek. "Happy Hearths Warming Jessica."

Jessica smiled. "You too Twilight."

Sparkler smiled at the scene. "Oh yeah. She's definitely a keeper Twilight. Hey Jessica. Now that you have a guitar. Let's hear some of that famous Jessica Cosmos guitar skills Spike droned on and on about."

Kicker nodded. "Yeah Jessica! Play something."

Jessica looked around and saw everypony looking at her attentively. She chuckled after a second. "Well, I suppose I need to try out my new guitar. Any requests?"

Honey Pear answered. "Maybe a holiday song from your homeworld? I've always wanted to hear how other species' holiday carols differ from our own."

Jessica smiled and glanced down at her new guitar to locate the switcher and switched the setting to electric. "Alright. In that case, here's a tune that might get your heads banging. It's called "My Favorite Time of Year". Before she could strum the first note, she saw a guitar pick float up to her. She giggled when she noticed that it was shaped like the Falcon. She turned to Twilight, whose aura was surrounding the tool. "A Millennium Falcon guitar pick. You really had to go there."

Twilight smiled sheepishly and blushed. "I saw that at the music shop in the San Fransisco Mall and it was just too perfect NOT to get it."

Jessica plucked them took out of the air as she pecked Twilight in the lips in a quick kiss. "You are just too adorable sometimes. Now. Let's rock this house." With that, she began strumming the strings on her new guitar.

In Canterlot Castle, Celestia and Luna walked side by side to a balcony, where they would take flight to the Sparkle house. Luna lifted an eyebrow when Celestia mentioned the nobles wanted Twilight executed alongside Jessica. "The nobles want Twilight Sparkle executed as well? Do they not remember that it is she who helped defeat Nightmare Moon a few years ago?"

Celestia shook her head. "They seem convinced that Twilight has fallen in love with Nightmare Moon, and is thus working with, or for her."

"Did anything else occur other then this morning's impromptu court session?"

Celestia shook her head. "That is all. They demanded I sentence the pair to death."

Luna eyed Celestia. "Surely you will not consider such an act."

Celestia gasped. "Luna! Of course I won't! Neither of them deserve execution due to a demon that they can barely control."

Luna nodded. "And that control comes from exactly two factors. The containment spell which we cast the other day, and Nightmare Moon's diminished power."

Celestia nodded. "Both of which may not be factors for long. Given the reaction last night."

Luna nodded. "Did you find anything that could explain why the containment spell did not prevent what happened last night?"

Celestia sighed. "Unfortunately no. The book where I found the containment spell stated that it should work to contain anything, but didn't specify whether that meant possession, since the demon doesn't actually leave the containment zone."

"In that instance, the containment spell you used is utterly useless." At that moment, Discord popped in front of the sisters with a book and reading glasses. He cleared his throat and read from the open book. "It has since been agreed upon that there is only one type of containment spell that can prevent a demon from possessing a host." He looked up from the book. "However I was not able to find that particular spell in the castle of Two Sisters. It might be in the Crystal Empire library, but definitely not in the castle."

Celestia eyed Discord. "Did you make sure to check every book Discord?"

Discord nodded. "Of course I did Celly! I was extremely thorough and if there was a spell I would've brought it straight here. Alas I could not find one."

Luna sighed. "We better let Jessica and Twilight know when we get to the Sparkle house."

Celestia nodded. "Twilight will not be happy."

Discord nodded. "Speaking of Twilight." He snapped his fingers and he transformed into a pony news reporter. "In breaking news, a riot is arising on Harmony Street. The rioters appear to be a pack of angry nobles. We got Discord on the scene."

The scene changed to show discord at the scene of the news.

"Thank you Discord, as you can see, it's madness behind me. Last night's Yule Ball, which made headlines due to an terrible incident, has sparked unrest in the Canterlot Elite. Many are calling for the execution of one Jessica Cosmos. Confirmed by sources to be connected to the formerly deceased villain Nightmare Moon. They are also calling for Princess Protégé Twilight Sparkle's execution for seemingly collaborating with the enemy. Captain Sentry, along with the Mane 9, are on the scene attempting to break up the riot. Back to you at the castle Discord."

"Thank you Discord."

A snap of the fingers turned everything back to normal. Celestia sighed. "Knew it."

Luna shook her head. "We better get down there."

Celestia nodded. "You go on ahead. You too Discord. I have a call to make."

In orbit, Pike, Alicia, and the entire bridge crew of the Enterprise was watching the view screen, which showed the gathering crowd on Harmony Street, rioting over Nightmare Moon being back. Alicia sighed and shook her head. "I swear to god that demon is gonna cause a war if she isn't stopped."

Pike nodded. "I agree Number One. It's madness down there."

From the Science Station at the back of the bridge, the science officer lifted an eyebrow as he watched the scene. "I remain at a loss Captain. Is the knowledge that Jessica Cosmos and Nightmare Moon are two separate entities restricted?"

Pike shook his head. "No Mr. Spock. I imagine not. But the knowledge that Nightmare Moon is back at all is, or, at least we're trying to keep it classified. That demon isn't making it easy."

"Would it not make sense to inform them of Jessica's victimization to attempt to quell their fears?"

Across the bridge from Spock, another officer chuckled and nodded. "Yeah Spock it would make sense to tell them. But there are two kinds of beings in this universe. Those that listen, and those that don't. And those ponies, the rioters?" He pointed towards the view screen. "Those ponies fall into the latter category. They're too scared to listen to reason. Otherwise they'd understand that no sane being would ever want a demonic lunatic possessing them. It also doesn't help that they're a bunch of snobby rich ponies that think they rule the world."

Alicia nodded. "So true Conley. So true."

They continued to watch the riot unfold. They heard things like insults, chants, and denouncing the crown. The one thing that caught their attention though, was the mention of execution. And at that comment, they also noticed the crowd start moving towards the Sparkle house.

Alicia watched the scene and started getting nervous. "Execution. I don't like the sound of that."

Pike nodded. "Neither do I Number One."

Spock nodded. "Captain, seeing as how Jessica cannot realistically fend even a single unicorn off, I believe it is in her best interests that we beam her up here where the rioters cannot reach her."

Alicia smiled, turns to Spock, and nodded. "I agree Mr. Spock. Captain we should beam Jessica up here."

Pike nodded. "I agree. Conley, contact Jessica, tell her to prepare for transport."

Conley nodded and was about to open a lone to Jessica, but instead received an incoming call, from the Castle. "Sir, we got a call coming in from Canterlot Castle."

Pike nodded. "Put it through."

Conley put the call on the main viewer and Princess Celestia appeared on the viewer. "Captain Pike."

"Princess Celestia. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I wish I was on a pleasure call but this is anything but."

Pike nodded. "This wouldn't happen to be related to the current riot going on on Harmony Street."

Celestia nodded. "I am afraid so. I am confident that I can regain control of the situation here, but I fear that as long as Jessica remains on world that will not be possible."

Pike nodded. "Understood, we were just about to beam Jessica up here."

Celestia nodded. "My sister and I are on our way to ensure that Jessica is alright after last night. Then you can take her, Twilight Sparkle, and Spike with you."

Pike nodded. "Understood. We will wait for Jessica's signal."

Celestia nodded and the connection was cut. Pike sighed. "Mr. Spock, ensure that our transporters are not being affected by inhibitor technology. I don't want any surprises."

Spock nodded. "Aye captain."

Alicia turned to Pike. "Sir, if we can't beam them up..."

Pike nodded. "Prep a shuttle."

Alicia nodded and stood up from her seat to walk off the bridge.

On the surface, the Canterlot Police Department had arrived and took over with Flash in breaking up the riot, leaving the Mane 9 to check on their friends that were the targets of the rioters. Now they all sat in the Sparkle's kitchen, both family and friends, and were chowing down on some apple pies that Pinkie had somehow managed to fit in her saddlebags. Rarity took a bite and continued talking. "So, Twilight, that thing you told me about, the one that shan't be named..." she pointed at the SoundBlaster that was leaning against the couch. "...it was a new guitar for Jessica?"

Twilight nodded. "Yep. Custom made too. As you can see."

Sunset chuckled. "Yeah. I didn't even think it was possible to make a Millennium Falcon guitar. But it works. How does it play Jessica?"

Jessica smiled. "It plays great. Even better then my current guitar."

Kicker nodded. "I agree. Jessica's an absolute UNIT on that thing. I've never heard music played like that before."

Spike chuckled as he bit into his piece of pie. "Because you've never heard Earth music before. You should see what she can do with her bandmates in Cosmic Harmony."

Sparkler nodded. "That's right. You did say she was in a band."

Pinkie nodded. "The best! They harmonize so well it's almost like magic!"

Sunset giggled. "Well, music can be magical. I should know." That got the entire house laughing.

Starlight nodded. "Speaking music brings magical, your Pony Up last night? You were majestic with those wings."

Sunset nodded. "Yeah Jess, how was ponying up? Before the. Ahem, incident?"

Jessica sighed, but smiled. "Well, it was a surprise to be sure. But I'm not going to complain about having wings and pony ears. It was actually kind of nice, for the thirty seconds I had them under my control."

Rainbow groaned. "Ugh! That demon just has to ruin everything doesn't she!"

"I agree Rainbow Dash, Nightmare Moon is, as ponies say, a party pooper." Everyone in the kitchen turned to see Princess Luna standing there. Nearly everypony scrambled to their feet and gave a respectful bow to Luna. Luna raised her hoof to stop them. "Please, no need for formalities. I come not as a princess, but as a friend. And I am not the only one."

At that moment, Discord popped in. "Aha! Salutations my friends! And happy Hearths Warming!" He snapped his fingers and all of a sudden, a tricorder appeared in front of Jessica, floating without assistance no less. It floated in front of her for a few seconds before flying over to Discord. 

Jessica raised an eyebrow and gestured to the tricorder. "Did that thing just scan me?"

Discord nodded. "Yep. More specifically it scanned your necklace." He glanced down at the tricorder and after a second, smiled. "And the containment spell is still functioning at 100% capacity. Thank Celly."

Spike chuckled. "That's good. I was worried that demon cracked it."

Jessica nodded. "I was sure she cracked it, if what happened last night was anything to go by."

Luna sighed. "Last night was an oversight on mine and my sister's part Jessica. We did not anticipate the Ancient Winter Magic surrounding the Alicorn Winter Waltz igniting, and we certainly did not anticipate Nightmare Moon being able to harness it. You should not have had to have such a traumatizing experience."

Jessica sighed. "Well, can't say I wasn't expecting it either. But there is a silver lining to this."

Twilight lifted an eyebrow. "Jessica, the nobles are rioting, you and I have execution threats hanging over our heads, and Nightmare Moon is STILL in your head causing this whole mess. What positive can possibly come from this?"

Jessica smiled. "Now we know not to try the Alicorn Winter Waltz again. Lest we want Nightmare moon to go on another rampage."

Twilight stared at Jessica for several seconds, until she gave out a single chuckle. "Huh. That never occurred to me."

Sunny Crisp chuckled. "Because you were too busy worrying about Jessica dear."

Velvet nodded. "Yeah. You were so worried that you basically rushed back to your room after you told us what happened. And I'm willing to bet that you didn't get ANY sleep last night."

Jessica snickered Twilight blushed furiously. "Ahem. I did sleep, just, not before Jessica came too."

Jessica smiled and wrapped an arm around Twilight. "Twilight, were you already awake when I woke up?"

Twilight could only nod in her embarrassment. Everyone snickered as Jessica gave Twilight a warm smile. "Aww. It's sweet that you care."

Twilight sighed and nodded. "Of course I do. What kind of marefriend would I be if I wasn't there for you during these troubling times?"

Jessica wrapped her other arm around Twilight and squeezed her gently in a loving embrace. "Thank you Twilight. You really have been my knight in shining armor through all this." She planted her lips on Twilights in a passionate kiss, which Twilight gladly returned.

They were only reminded that they weren't alone when a voice reached their ears. "Ahem. I did not miss anything did I?"

Twilight and Jessica separated at lightning speed and turned to see princess Celestia had joined the gathering. "Princess Celestia!"

"Ahem. We uh, we didn't see you there."

Celestia giggled. "Obviously. How are you doing Jessica? Are you faring ok after...the incident?"

Jessica nodded. "Yes Princess. I am doing ok. I did wake up in a panic attack last night. Thankfully twilight was there though to pull me back to my senses."

Celestia nodded. "That is good."

Spike looked at Celestia. "Princess Celestia? How did Nightmare Moon manage to possess Jessica? Shouldn't the containment spell have prevented that?"

Celestia sighed. "It would seem that the current containment spell has no affect in that regard Spike. It only prevents escape."

Twilight's mouth dropped. "We cast the WRONG containment spell?!"

Luna nodded. "Without realizing it until it was too late, yes."

That got a groan out of most ponies. Spike facepalmed. And Sweetie lifted an eyebrow. "Is there a right spell?"

Discord shrugged. "If one exists we haven't found it yet.

Jessica rubbed her temple, sighing. "Well, at least the demon won't be able to get away with it twice, so it really doesn't matter at the moment."

Twilight nodded. "Still, it would be good to have the right one. So that we can buy ourselves as much time as possible."

Luna nodded. "I agree." She turned to Cadance. "Cadance, do you know of any containment spells in the Crystal Empire's library?"

Cadance shook her head. "I don't usually look for that kind of thing, but I imagine SOMETHING could be there."

Moondancer smiled. "If there is, then we'll find it. I can leave one of the Ponyville Girls in charge of the library while I go with you to the Crystal Empire to look for the spell."

Right at that moment, everyone heard a very loud bang and turned just in time to see Flash Sentry fly into the house and hit the floor, obviously having been attacked. He heaved in heavy breaths as he shook his head. "Sweet celestia some of those nobles can actually fight." He turned his head to see twilight rushing over and helping him up.

Celestia gave him a surprised look. "Captain Sentry? What happened?"

Flash looked up to see Celestia staring at him. "Your majesties, it's getting worse out there. The nobles are in an uproar. And they're demanding Jessica and Twilight be handed over to them."

Shining Armor snorted. "They aren't getting Twily."

Rainbow nodded. "And they certainly aren't getting Jessica."

The others nodded in agreement. Celestia nodded. "I am certain Luna and I can quell this uproar. But just to be safe, Jessica, I believe it is best if Enterprise returns you to earth."

Pinkie gasped. "You mean she has to leave?! But we were gonna show her around Ponyville tomorrow! The ponies there are willing to accept her for who she really is!"

Jessica sighed and turned to Pinkie. "Unfortunately I'll have to agree with Celestia Pinks. As much as I would like to visit Ponyville, as long as I'm on this planet those nobles out there will continue to riot. The only way to maintain peace is for me to leave."

Sunset shook her head. "I always said those nobles were nothing but a bunch of self centered idiots who think they know what's best for Equestria. And now they're driving an innocent person off a planet she should be welcome on."

Luna nodded. "It is sad, but true."

Flash cleared his throat. "Excuse me your majesties but there is still the problem of the angry mob of nobles outside."

Celestia nodded. "I will go quell them." She turned to look at Jessica. "Jessica. I am sorry that your first Hearths Warming has to be cut short."

Jessica nodded. "It's alright princess. I understand, you need to keep the peace. That just won't happen while me and Nightmare Moon are here."

Discord huffed. "Stupid nobles."

Celestia nodded and proceeded ourside, calling back to Jessica. "Get whatever you have together. I shall quell this nonsense."

Outside the house, it was madness. Blueblood's horn dimmed as he smiled as his handiwork. "That ought to teach that guard not to contradict me."

The nobles continued to riot, loudly demanding Nightmare Moon and Twilight. After a few minutes, they all saw a flash of light, dimming to form into Princess Celestia, a very angry princess Celestia.

Celestia cleared her throat loudly, and then shouted in the Royal Canterlot Voice. "PRAY TELL, WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK YOU ARE DOING?!"

Blueblood saw his aunty and smiled. "Aunty Celestia. Good. You have come to finish Nightmare Moon—"

Celestia cut him off. "I TOLD ALL OF YOU THAT I WOULD HANDLE THIS SITUATION ACCORDINGLY, AND YOU DECIDE TO IGNORE ME AND TAKE MATTERS INTO YOUR OWN HOOVES!!"

One of the nobles glared at Celestia. "Your majesty—"

"SILENCE! I INFORMED ALL OF YOU THAT JESSICA COSMOS IS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE CROWN, AND TO ACT AGAINST HER IS TO ACT AGAINST ME, DID I NOT?"

Blueblood nodded nervously. "Well, yes but—"

Celestia cut him off again. "NO BUTS! I TOLD ALL OF YOU THAT NIGHTMARE MOON WOULD FACE JUSTICE FOR THE CRIMES SHE HAS COMMITTED, AND I SHALL MAKE SURE OF IT, BUT I WILL NOT TOLERATE THE LOSS OF INNOCENT LIFE IN TBE PROCESS!!"

A noble lifted an eyebrow. "We weren't after any innocent ponies? We're only after Nightmare Moon and the treacherous Twilight Spark—"

"TWILIGHT SPARKLE HAS NOT BETRAYED US! SHE HAS DEFEATED NIGHTMARE MOON IN THE PAST, AND SHE IS WORKING WITH HER FRIENDS TO DO SO HERE! THE PROBLEM IS THAT NIGHTMARE MOON HAS HIDDEN HERSELF IN TBE MIND OF JESSICA COSMOS, WHO HAS DONE NO WRONG!!"

Blueblood's eye twitched. "You actually believe that lie—"

"THAT IS ENOUGH!! A FORMAL STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY TBE END OF THE WEEK EXPLAINING THE SITUATION. AFTER WHICH YOY CAN COME TO ME WITH YOUR CONCERNS. BUT KNOW THIS, JESSICA SHALL BE LEAVING EQUUIS TODAY TODAY TO RETURN HOME, AND I HAD BETTER NOT RECEIVE NEWS THAT ONE YOU SENT FOR HERS OR TWILIGHT SPARKLE'S EXECUTION. OR ELSE YOU WILL HAVE TO ANSWER TO ME! AM I UNDERSTOOD?!"

All the nobles, suddenly too scared to say anything, could only nod. Celestia smiled. "NOW, DISPERSE!" In the blink of an eye, all the nobles were gone. 

Celestia smiled as Luna came up next to her. "Did you need to use the RCV on them?"

Celestia sighed. "They did not listen earlier, so I had to pull out the big guns, so to speak."

Luna nodded. "Hopefully this will be the last time they act out."

Celestia nodded. "Hopefully."

Not even ten minutes later, bags packed, everypony was in front of the Sparkle house to see Jessica, Twilight, and Spike off. Sweetie Belle and Spike were giving each other one last goodbye hug. "I'm gonna miss you."

Spike chuckled. "Well, now that we have a link to each other through the ICS, we can see each other a lot more often."

Sweetie chuckled. "Call you sometime soon."

"It'll have to be when Jessica's around for the next few days. I'll shoot you a letter when we get back to Starfleet Academy when we can try that ICS."

Sweetie nodded. "Looking forward to it." She and Spike locked lips.

Meanwhile, Pinkie was crying her eyes out while hugging Jessica. "It's not fair! Why should you miss out on all the fun just because a demon forced herself into you?"

Jessica sighed as she comforted the poor party mare. "Hey, don't cry pinks, Ponyville won't go anywhere, the second we get her out you can show me around Ponyville."

Rarity nodded and she coaxed Pinkie off Jessica. "Pinkie darling, you know it's for the best, however unfair it is."

Pinkie slowly nodded and changed to cry on against her marefriend's shoulder. 

Moondancer wrapped her arms around her twin sister. "Now you have even less of a reason to not let me know how you're doing every once and a while."

Twilight chuckled. "I'll be sure your ICS gets a lot of use. Take care of yourself Moondancer."

Moondancer nodded. "You too. I don't want to have to learn that Nightmare Moon won."

Twilight chuckled as she and Moondancer bumped hooves. Luna came up to them. "Safe travels Twilight Sparkle. A lot of people are counting on you to end the war against Nightmare Moon once and for all."

Twilight nodded as she looked at Jessica, who was being tackled by Kicker, Sparkler, and Flurry. "Yeah. I just hope we can do so before we lose Jessica."

Luna nodded and lit her horn, levitating the saddlebags she was carrying off her back out for Twilight. "I have gathered every book you will need to teach yourself Dream magic. I trust that you shall not abuse this knowledge?"

Twilight nodded as she took the saddlebags in her own magic. "Don't worry Luna. I promise that this knowledge will only be used in Jessica's defense. A defense she'll need now more then ever."

Luna nodded. "Then I wish you luck in your endeavor."

Twilight nodded. "Thank you princess Luna."

Over by Jessica, she had finally gotten up off the ground after being tackled by two fillies and a colt. All four of them chuckling. "You gotta come back again Jessica!"

"Yeah! Not only do you shred on that guitar like a boss. You're also just an awesome girl hang out with! You gotta come back!"

Jessica chuckled. "Hmm. I don't know." She watched as Sparkler's and Kicker's smiled faded quickly before chuckling. "Yeah. I'll definitely be back. Just need to get a certain demon out first."

Sparkler nodded, and directed her attention to Jessica's head. "You hear that you demon? You better get out of Jessica before she forces you out!"

That got everyone who heard that chuckling. Kicker held out a hoof. "In all seriousness. It was a blast meeting you. Be sure to stop by Cloudsdale next time."

Sparkler nodded. "And Manehatten."

Jessica nodded as she bumped hoof and fist with Kicker and Sparkler. "I'll be sure to visit manehatten, cloudsdale might be a bit tricky but I'll talk to Twilight."

Kicker chuckled. "Eh, cloudwalking spell should solve the problem."

Jessica nodded as she stood up again, just in time to be pulled into a hug by Twilight's parents. "It was nice having you here for Hearths Warming Jessica."

"You've been a wonderful guest."

Jessica smiled. "Thank you got having me. It's been an honor to learn about Equuis and it's culture. I'm sorry today wasn't quite as cheerful as usual."

Sunny Crisp chuckled when she and Twilight's other aunt and uncles each gave Jessica a hug. "Please, it's not your fault. If anything it was those self centered idiots that overreacted and tried to kill you."

Nightshade nodded. "Yeah. Boy I never heard Celestia shout like that before."

Jessica chuckled. "Yeah. The RCV is loud isn't it." They all chuckled. Jessica nodded then walked to Twilight and Spike to beam out.

Twilight noticed her girlfriend coming and smiled. "Ready to go Jessi?"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah."

Spike nodded. "Then lets do it."

Jessica nodded and tapped her combadge. "Enterprise, this is Cadet Cosmos. Three standing by to beam up." With that, Jessica, Twilight, and Spike phased away.

Cadance watched them go and sighed. "Godspeed Jessica. May harmony be with you."

To be continued.
> Episode 29: It's a Terran Kind of Hearths Warming: pt 11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mrs. Cosmos paced back and forth around the spaceport terminal in Earth Spacedock. Her husband Steve watched and sighed, knowing full well what was on her mind. "Margaret, honey, Enterprise isn't gonna get here any faster if you pace back and forth. Try to relax?"

Margaret sighed. "Sorry Steve, I'm just so worried about her. You could hear it in her voice this morning, she's traumatized by this, like all those years ago."

Steve nodded. "Thank whatever higher power placed Alicia right in Jessica's vicinity early on in this period of her life. Hopefully now it won't be as bad as last time."

Margaret nodded. "Hopefully. That sister of yours is a miracle worker, did you know that?"

Steve chuckled. "I'm gonna pin that on her counseling abilities. Still a little jealous though that she was somehow able to form a bond with Jessica, and Luke, before me."

Margaret chuckled. "She had issues trusting you at first, remember? Both her and Luke?"

Steve nodded. "Yeah. I remember, and I don't blame them after Franklin. Doesn't quite quell the jealousy though."

Margaret chuckled. "Well you got your chance to bond with them when you introduced those two to Star Wars and Marvel. I'm still not sure if that was good or bad. Considering I heard NOTHING but may the Force be with you, and avengers assemble for a long time."

Steve laughed. "Hey, I'm only half responsible for that. And you can't deny that it lead to some incredible family vacations."

Margaret sighed and nodded. "No, I can't. Galaxy's Edge was especially memorable."

Steve nodded as a voice sounded over intercom. "Attention, USS Enterprise now docked with Earth Spacedock."

Margaret smiled. "Finally!"

Below them, there was a robot with two legs, a cylindrical body, and a cone shaped head. This robot was beeping like crazy and spinning around. Apparently excited about something.

Steve chuckled at the robot's excitement and knelt down to its level. "Now. J-35. Remember the deal. We bring you with us to greet Jessica. And you don't attack Twilight or Spike. I have a feeling Jessica's patience is razor thin and is not in the mood to deal with hostilities towards her Equine friends on top of that demon in her head. You promise to behave?"

J-35 beeped in reply. Steve nodded and patted J-35 on the head. "Good droid." Steve noticed a group of people coming out of the gate. He smiled. "Now, how about you greet them first." He gestured behind J-35, who turned its dome to see exactly who it wanted to see.

Jessica, Alicia, Pike, Spike, and Twilight stepped out of the gate. Pike turned to his companions. "And this is where we part ways for now. See you in a week Number One?"

Alicia nodded. "Yes sir."

Pike nodded. "In that case, I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year." With that, Pike walked off. 

Alicia nodded. "Alright. Let's find your parents Jessica. They said they'd be here to pick us up."

Jessica nodded and started looking around for her parents, only to spot a cylindrical robot on two legs racing towards them. She smiled when she recognized what, or WHO, it was. "J-35!" She knelt down to her knees just in time for J-35 to reach them and start beeping wildly. Jessica chuckled. "It's good to see you too. How have you been? What have you been up to?"

Spike did a double take and shook his head, not entirely believing what he was seeing. "Am I going crazy or is that an actual astromech droid from Star Wars."

Alicia nodded and knelt down to his level. Whispering in his ear. "It is Spike. Its been Jessica's droid friend since she was ten, when her family went to Galaxy's Edge."

Twilight, who was able to hear the conversation, arched an eyebrow. "You mean that Star Wars theme park in Florida?"

Alicia nodded. "Yeah. They have a droid shop where you can make your own droid. That's where Jessica made J-35."

Twilight nodded and cleared her throat. "Hey Jessica. You gonna introduce us to your little friend here?"

Jessica, momentarily distracted, remembered that she wasn't alone. She chuckled and turned to Twilight and Spike. "Right sorry guys. Twilight, Spike, this is J35-ICA. J-35 for short. J-35, this is Twilight Sparkle and Spike."

Twilight and Spike smiled as they held out a hoof and a claw for J-35. "Hello J-35."

"It's nice to meet you."

J-35 extended an arm from its body and shook it with Spike and Twilight, beeping in the process. Twilight and Spike, drew blanks on what that meant. Jessica saw their perplexed looks and chuckled. "She says it's nice to meet you guys too." She turned to J-35. "They can't understand droidspeak yet J-35. You're gonna need a translator with you when talking to them."

J-35 beeped in reply. Jessica leaned in to whisper in her audio receptor. "J-35, be nice."

J-35 saw the stern look that Jessica was giving her, it told her that Jessica was serious. After a minute of processing. She beeped at Jessica, who mouthed. "Thank you." She stood back up, before she was ambushed from behind when she felt two arms wrap around her in an almost bone crushing hug. 

Mere seconds later, she heard her mom's voice. "Jessica! Thank god you're ok!"

Jessica chuckled as she managed to wiggle around to face her mom, which wasn't easy. "Good to see you too mom, but, could you loosen your grip? Your squeezing just a tad too tight gah!"

Margaret immediately loosened her grip on Jessica. "Sorry Jessica. I was just so worried about you."

Jessica nodded. "I know."

Steve joined them and smiled at Jessica. "Jessica. Welcome back." He took Margarets place and squeezed Jessica in a light hug.

Jessica nodded. "Happy to be back. Even if a little early."

Spike chuckled. "Blame the demon Jessica. Blame the demon."

J-35 beeped out a response to Spike, one that made Jessica, Steve and Alicia wince. Alicia gestured away from the group. "J-35 can I talk to you for a minute?" She and J-35 went off a ways from the group.

Spike lifted an eyebrow. "What did J-35 say?"

Jessica shook her head. "You're better off not knowing."

Over to J-35 and Alicia, Alicia knelt down to J-35's level. "J-35, you are SO incredibly lucky they can't understand you. That was uncalled for on so many levels."

J-35 beeped in response. Alicia sighed. "Yes. I know that the demon came from their world and they brought her here. Believe me I would very much like to strangle them for putting Jessica through so much suffering too, but I have a feeling that Jessica would just as quickly strangle US in return."

J-35 beeped an answer to that. Alicia sighed. "Shock, strangle, if we so much as hit them, we'll have a very angry Jessica on our tails. And I have a feeling there's no where we'll be able to hide. Now. That's path A. Path B, we DON'T hold a grudge against the magical flying ponies and fire breathing dragons, we get along with them, and Jessica gets her wish of her friends having a wonderful first Christmas. Which path do you prefer? Jessica's happiness? Or her wrath?"

J-35 swiveled her head to look at Jessica, who was busy showing her parents a new guitar she must've gotten as a gift on Equuis. After a moment's processing, she swiveled her head back to Alicia and beeped. Alicia smiled. "Good. Now, lets go over and take a look at that Millennium Falcon SoundBlaster Twilight gave Jessica for their version of Christmas." At that, J-35 swiveled around and practically raced back over to the group, letting out excited beeps and hoops.

Some time later, on earth, Luke and his chipmunk siblings hid behind a barrier made of snow, one of three hiding Cosmos family members. Jack peeked out from behind to see nothing of interest. He chuckled. "Hehehe. Ooh Jessica's in for a surprise when she gets here."

Destiny nodded. "And Twilight and Spike."

Luke nodded. "They don't even know they're walking right into a trap."

Brian lifted an eyebrow. "Has it not occurred to anyone that they have a FIRE breathing dragon? And an all powerful pony that can erect forcefields at the drop of a hat?"

Tasha chuckled. "That's why we're ambushing them. Thankfully mom dad and Alicia STE making sure they don't clue in on this.."

Luke nodded and giggled. "They'll be completely caught off guard."

Jack nodded. "And with more than 20 of us firing on them, we're BOUND to get a few shots off before twilight's reflexes kick in."

Molly nodded. "Or Spike's fire breath. Which BTW, they will use against us once they figure out what's going on."

Luke rolled his eyes. "Well that's what makes a snowball fight. Hey 1ok, how's the snowball production?"

A ball shaped droid beeped and booped in reply. Luke smiled. "Good. They have no idea what's coming."

At that moment, everyone heard a computerized voice from the intercom wired into the house. "Attention, Bandwagon approaching." 

Luke smiled. "Go time." He pulled out a walkie talkie and pressed the talk button. "Everyone hear that? Get ready to introduce the Equine to the Annual Cosmic Snowball Fight. On my signal, unleash the avalanche."

Out in the open, the Bandwagon landed on the front landing pad. The hatch opened and its occupants stepped out. Twilight and Spike gawked at the modest house. "Wow. This is the Cosmopolis?"

Jessica nodded. "Yep."

Steve nodded. "Also known as, the place with perhaps the ONLY two true droids in existence."

Spike lifted an eyebrow. "You mean J-35 isn't the only one?"

Jessica nodded. "You'll meet him in a minute, 1o-K1. Luke's Galaxy's Edge droid."

J-35 let out a series of beeps. Jessica chuckled. "Also apparently the more troublesome of the two. Now why does that sound familiar? Mom?" There was no response, Jessica lifted an eyebrow and turned around, only to find that her parents and Alicia had vanished. "Mom? Dad? Alicia?"

Twilight and Spike turns around and saw that only J-35 was with them. Spike lifted an eyebrow. "Weren't they just here?"

Jessica nodded. "Only a second ago." She turned back to the front of the house and just then noticed the snow barriers in front of it. "What are those?"

Luke snickered and held his walkie talkie to his mouth. "Everyone on my mark. 3."

Jessica studied the barriers.

"2."

Jessica realized what was happening and her eyes widened. "Twilight erect a forcefield!"

Twilight lifted an eyebrow. "What? Why?"

"1."

"JUST DO IT!" Jessica shouted.

"MARK!" Twilight erected a forcefield around herself, Jessica, Spike, and J-35 just as the snowballs started coming.

Spike saw the barrage of snowballs and raised an eyebrow. "Snowballs? What the heck is going on?"

J-35 let out a series of beeps. Twilight lifted an eyebrow. "What J-35?"

Jessica answered quickly. "My entire family just ganged up on us in a surprise snowball fight! We're completely exposed out here!"

Spike looked around and noticed the Bandwagon wasn't too far. "Then let's get back to the Bamdwagon!"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. Let's do that. Go!" They managed to rush behind the Bandwagon and use it for cover. Twilight lowered the shield and all of them let out a relieved breath.

Jessica peaked out from behind the shuttle to see the snowballs stopped. Jessica let out a groan. "Sure, just ambush us with snowballs. Because why just let us settle in before having some winter fun." She slapped her combadge to call her brother. "Luke! It's Jessica!"

They heard Luke's voice come through. "Oh hey sis. How was Hearths Warming?" He asked in an innocent tone.

Jessica got right to the point. "Ambushing us with snowballs? Seriously?!"

They heard Luke laugh. "What? Are you telling me you forgot about the Annual Cosmic Snowball Fight?"

Jessica facepalmed. "Well excuse the DEMON occupying my thoughts, both figuratively and literally. But beside that, I thought we were originally planning the snowball fight for Christmas Day!"

Luke giggled. "Well, it was, but then again, you were gonna be here the day after tomorrow originally."

Jessica sighed. "And we were deliberately left out of the loop."

"So, what to do I wonder."

"How about a truce until we settle in and get through introductions?"

They heard Luke laugh. "You mean you're giving up that quickly sis?"

Jessica let out a gasp. After a second, she smirked. "Oh, that's how you want to play it, you are SO gonna regret it." Without another word, she cut the connection.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Jessica, what the hay is going on?"

Jessica giggled. "Short version, ever year the Cosmos have a big snowball fight. This year it was gonna be Christmas Day, but apparently they decided to change it to now."

Spike raised an eyebrow. "Why would they do that?"

Jessica snickered. "Because they wanted to ambush us. apparently."

J-35 let out a series of beeps. Jessica held a finger out to her. "Don't try to say you didn't know about this J-35. You KNEW what was happening."

J-35 let out another series of beeps. Jessica sighed. "It's ok J-35. Thankfully this always turns out to be fun."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah, Snowball fights are pretty fun, but how are we going to win this one?"

Jessica giggled. "How big of a snowball can you make Twilight?"

Some distance away, behind one of the barriers, Steve, Margaret, and Alicia had joined Luke, the Chipmunks, and 1O-K1. Tasha giggled. "They raised a shield more quickly than I thought."

Alicia nodded. "Anyone else feel a little guilty though? About tricking them like that?"

Jack chuckled. "Not since Jessica told us through combadge we'll regret it. I wonder what that means?"

Brian nodded. "Think we should fire another barrage?"

Luke nodded and was about to give the order, when all of a sudden, the barrier that they were hiding behind exploded, showering them with snow. Luke shook the snow off his face and looked forward, to see Jessica Spike and J-35 starting to fire snowballs at them, with J-35 acting as a snow cannon. Luke laughed. "That's more like it! Return fire!"

Pretty soon, snowballs started flying in all directions, Spike saw several snowballs flying towards their fort, he took a deep breath and let out a big burst of fire, melting all the incoming snowballs.

Jessica smiled as she threw another snowball at the enemy. "Good work Spike."

Spike chuckled. "How long do we have to keep this up again?"

"We have the keep them focused on us until twilight's ready time unleash her avalanche."

At that moment, Twilight's voice came through Jessica's combadge. "Artillery to forward defense, avalanche is ready."

Jessica smiled. "Then by all means captain Smartypants, give them the good news."

From behind the Bandwagon, Twilight blushed at the nickname Jessica gave her, and internally cursed Moondancer for bringing up her favorite doll she named Smartypants, one of the many bits of embarrassing ammunition her family gave Jessica during the two days they were on Equuis. She shook her head and brightened up her horn to increase the strength of the levitation spell around a trio of gigantic snowballs.

Luke threw another snowball at Jessicas' teams' fort. A few seconds later, he noticed that it got a whole lot darker all of a sudden. He, as well as everyone else, looked up, and gasped when they saw three giant snowballs floating above them. Luke gulped. "Oh, that's what she meant by making us regret it." He called out to his family. "SCATTER!" Everyone abandoned their forte and rushed out from under the snowballs, which dropped and impacted with the ground.

Jessica, Spike, and J-35 took cover behind their fort and watched as the snowballs impacted with the ground and splattered all over the place. When everything settled, they peaked out from behind the fort and saw the enemy all covered with snow. Jessica and Spike burst out laughing as they high fived each other. "Did that actually just work?"

Jessica nodded. "Yeah it did." She looked up to see Twilight perched on top of the shuttle. She called out to her. "Nice shots Twilight!"

Twilight smiled and fluttered down to her teammates. "Thanks Jessica. That was a good plan."

J-35 let out a series of beeps. Jessica chuckled. "You were a nice shot too J-35. As always."

"Ok, I'll say it. You did indeed make us regret ambushing you." The four snowball fight victors turned to see their opponents all getting up from the snow, all laughing. Luke and the Chipmunks had walked up to them.

Luke nodded. "I did not see those three giant snowballs coming. I was expecting a volley of dozens of normal sized snowballs at most."

Jessica chuckled. "And thus NOT catch you by surprise then? Now where's the fun in that?"

All six Chipmunks hopped up and latched on to Jessica in a group hug. "Welcome home Jessica!"

"How was your Hearths Warming? For real this time." 

Jessica smiled. "Aside from the whole she-demon thing, it was actually pretty good. Lovely carols, good food, and of course the Alicorn Winter Waltz was a amazing experience."

J-35 let out a series of beeps. Jessica sighed. "I am choosing to NOT associate the AWW with my brief time as a she-demon J-35. Because for all intents and purposes, I did enjoy the experience, ponying up was particularly pleasant, and I refuse to let the demonic magic wielding batty lunatic in my head take that away from me."

Twilight smiled and reached up to kiss Jessica on the cheek. "That's the spirit Jessica. Don't let that demon ruin things for you."

Luke nodded. "Keep up that positive attitude Jess." He and Jessica fistbumped.

At that moment, they heard whistling coming from afar, followed by a male voice. "The Jessica. You guys are done catching up over there how's about you say hello to the rest of yer family, and maybe introduce the pretty gal and handsome drake while yer at it."

Jessica chuckled and turned to Twilight and Spike. "Come on you two, time to meet my family."

To be continued.