Prologue

Through the Eyes of Nightmare

Prologue

New York... Earth... June 1st... 8:00 PM...

Nick, an orphan in New York, has been having a hard time his whole life. When he was four years old, his parents died in a car crash, having him been sent to a local orphanage. His life has been getting worse from then on. When he got into the first grade in school, he had been picked on by bullies, saying that he will never have a loving family.

And one day, as Nick was walking through the streets of New York, heading back to the orphanage, an unmarked black van pulled up in front of him, and a big man grabbed him, and took him into the van, then drove off, far away from their current location.

Months had passed, and Nick was upset to be far away from his home. He has been taken to Shu Swamp Nature Preserve. He was scared, and wanted to get out of there, but the woman in charge would not have it. She made sure that Nick was not going to go home until she gets the diamond that she stole from a museum, and hid it in that swamp in a cave connected to the swamp. But over time, the entrance to the cave grew smaller due to a marshy build up, making the woman unable to go in to get it herself. So, she got Nick to go in and get it after the preserve closes.

Nick had been taken to the cave entrance by the woman, Miss Sheer, who forcefully said, "Alright, Nicholas. You have one hour until the tide of the swamp comes in. Bring me the diamond before then, and I'll think about letting you go."

Nick was worried that he might not be able to go back to the city. But he was shoved in and he looked back. The woman motioned for Nick to go in. He got out the flashlight that was given to him, and lit up the cave. The cave floor was cold and wet for him to get a clear view of where to find the diamond. He looked around for the diamond, but he couldn't find it.

He called out, "Where exactly did you put the diamond?"

"Good question, Nicholas," said Miss Sheer. "It should be below a marker I left there. You should see a pennant flag to Princeton. It should be underneath there in a straight line across from the sides of the cave."

Nick looked around to see the Princeton pennant. He saw it, and looked at the floor. He reached his left hand into the murky water to find the diamond while holding the flashlight with his right hand. He felt something, and called out, "Hey! I think I found it!"

"Can you pull it out?" Miss Sheer asked.

He attempted to pull it out, but it wasn't coming. He called out, "It's stuck!"

"Stuck?!" Miss Sheer asked. "Are you using both hands?!"

Nick then put the end of the flashlight in his mouth, and dug both hands into where he felt the diamond. He then started tugging on it, and then he felt the diamond loosening, and he eventually got it.

He pulled the flashlight out of his mouth and said, "I got it!"

"Great!" said Miss Sheer. "Bring it out here." But then water started coming into the cave. "Oh, no!"

Nick got worried and said, "I thought you said I had an hour!"

"Oh, right," said Miss Sheer. "They said that the moon would come out early, tonight. Hurry!"

Nick held the diamond tight, and rushed towards the exit, trying to get out of the cave. As he reached the way out, he pulled the diamond closer to his chest with his left hand and reached out his right hand, which Miss Sheer grabbed, and pulled him out.

"Are you okay?" Miss Sheer asked, which Nick replied with a nod. "You have the diamond?"

Nick pulled out the diamond, which started glowing brighter. Nick called out, "What's happening?!"

"The diamond is known as the Eye of the Night!" Miss Sheer shouted. "Give it to me!" She reached out to grab, but the diamond let out an explosion of light, pushing Miss Sheer back. She looked back towards Nick, and saw that he was gone. "Nick? Where are you?!"

Then some police cars with sirens came up towards the road near by and stopped. The cops came out of the cars, pointed their guns at Miss Sheers, and one of them shouted, "Freeze! Amelia Veronica Sheer, you are under arrest! Kidnapping, theft, and trespassing on public property!"

"Aw, crud," said Miss Sheer. "That kid got a lucky break." Two cops came down, and put Miss Sheer's arms behind her back, handcuffed her wrists, and was escorted to the back of a police van, with her accomplice in there as well. "They got you, too, huh?"

"Where's the kid?" her accomplice asked.

"I have no idea," said Miss Sheer. "He got the diamond, and under the light of the full moon, it just started glowing, and he just vanished with the diamond."

The two of them looked out the window, looking out at the moon. Both of them had one thing on their mind, what in the world happened to Nick.

Castle of the Two Sisters... Equestria... June 2nd... 6:30 AM...

Nick was coming to. He had no idea what the diamond did in a flash, but he did know one thing. He felt stone pressed up against his cheek. He opened his eyes and looked around. He saw that he was in some old castle. He was confused on why he ended up there. He decided to get up and look around, but he lost balance and fell over.

"OW!" Nick shouted. "How did I..." He was surprised on how different his voice was. It was high pitched, like a little girl's voice. "My voice! How come my..." He was about to pull his hand to his mouth until he saw that his right hand was a black hoof with fancy blue horseshoes. "My hands!" He looked around, trying to find an explanation to where he was and what he was. But first, he looked down at his body and saw that he was some kind of black horse thing.

But, to make matters even more surprising, he saw that what lies in his crotch was not of a male horse, but one of a female. He, or rather she, was not happy of what he was seeing. Not only did he find the stolen diamond, he got transported to some weird castle somewhere completely different, but he ended up in the body of a horse thing in the opposite gender. Then Nick thought of something.

"The diamond! Where's that diamond?!" Nick nearly shouted, looking for the diamond. She then saw that the diamond that sent him/her there was dull and broken right down the middle. "No! No no no no no no! I can't be stuck here like this! I have to get out of here!"

Nick tried moving around like a human would, trying to walk on only her hind legs, but she was really off balanced, trying to stand up like a human. But after the third step, she tripped and fell over.

"Oof!" Nick said as she landed on her stomach. She then looked down at her body and saw the rest of her. She saw that she was wearing horseshoes similar to the ones she was wearing on her forelegs on her hind legs. She saw that her tail was similar to the night sky, even had shimmering light dots. She also had wings on the side of her body. "Wait... I'm... a winged... horse?" She then thought about it and said, "Okay. That's a little cool. Flying is really cool, I guess." She then thought of something. "Wait a minute. What about my face? I need a mirror."

Nick then tried walking away from that spot, trying to find a way to walk like a horse, but not used to her new sense of gravity, had a hard time trying to move around. She looked around to find a room with a mirror, trying to master her new sense of gravity.

She basically found a room with a full body mirror. She walked over towards it and saw her reflection.. She widened in surprise. Her head had on a blue helmet that matched the colors of the horseshoes she was wearing. There was also a hole that had a unicorn horn poking through.

"Wait..." Nick said, getting extremely nervous. "I'm a winged unicorn?!" She then looked at her eyes. Instead of the naturally green eyes Nick normally had, her eyes were now a turquoise blue, and the whites of her eyes were a lighter shade. And her pupils were now dragon like. "What... am I?" She then looked down at her hooves, got a bit angry and said, "Why am I even wearing this stuff? I gotta get this stuff off." She then started taking off the horseshoes on her hooves. She shook them off, which was surprisingly easy. But then came the challenging part. Taking off the helmet. She used her forelegs to grab the sides of the helmet, and tried taking it off. But it kept hooking on her new horn. "Ow ow ow ow ow!" She looked up at her horn and said, "Aw, c'mon!"

Outside the Castle of the Two Sisters... Equestria... June 2nd... 8:00 AM...

Spike was walking around the Everfree Forest, cautious of all of the dangerous creatures and plants that roam the forest. He then found the entrance to the Castle of the Two Sisters, and walked in.

"Sheesh," said Spike. "This place doesn't look so bad. Must be creepy during the night." He looked around to check the place out. As he looked around, he heard something he did not expect to hear. The voice of a filly.

"Ow ow ow ow ow!"

That made Spike stop, and look around. He had no idea where that voice came from, but he then decided to run around the castle, trying to find the filly. He followed the sound of the filly's voice, and stopped when he came across one room. He saw the filly, trying to remove the helmet on her head.

"Ow ow ow ow ow ow!!" the filly said, but finally, she removed the helmet. Unfortunately, the helmet hit Spike's forehead.

"Gah! Ow!" Spike said, rubbing his forehead. But then he looked over at the filly, and was surprised by the filly's appearance. He then screamed, making the filly scream as well. Then the two of them ran in separate directions, Spike running out of the castle, and heading towards Ponyville. The filly, on the other hand, or hoof, was running into a different part of the castle, finding an old bedroom, with a broken down bed with a mattress and a blanket with holes.

She ran towards the bed, jumped on it, grabbed the blanket with her teeth, and covered her body up, trembling under the covers. She was mumbling towards herself, "This isn't real. It's just a lucid dream. This isn't real. It's just a lucid dream. This isn't real! It's just a lucid dream!"

Chapter 1

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Chapter 1

Ponyville... Equestria... June 2nd... 9:00 AM...

Spike was running all the way from the Castle of the Two Sisters to the Golden Oaks Library. He was very shocked to see that the mare that tried to make Equestria bathe in a night eternal had returned. He rushed into the library to see the Mane 6 helping Twilight move in. The six of them looked towards the door to see Spike.

"Well, howdy, Spike," Applejack said. "Enjoy yer walk?"

Twilight noticed that Spike was sweating a lot and asked, "Spike? Is something wrong?"

"Twilight, remember when you said not to go into the Everfree Forest by myself?" Spike asked.

"You went into the forest all by yourself?!" Twilight asked in a mix of fear and anger. "I told you to not go into the Everfree Forest!"

"I was going to check out that castle in the forest," Spike explained, "but when I got there, I heard a filly's voice."

"Wait, what?" Rainbow Dash asked. "A filly is in the Castle of the Two Sisters?"

"Was she okay?" Fluttershy asked.

"That's what I went to find out," Spike said, "but when I got to the room that the filly's voice was coming from, I got the biggest surprise. Nightmare Moon is back!"

"WHAT?!" the Mane 6 shouted.

Twilight used her magic and brought Spike to her face and said, "Tell me, Spike. Swear to Celestia, did you really see Nightmare Moon in the Castle of the Two Sisters?"

"I did! I'd never forget those light blue dragon like eyes!" Spike said.

Twilight placed Spike on her back and said, "C'mon, everypony! We got to get to the Castle of the Two Sisters!"

Then the Mane 6 and Spike headed out of the Golden Oaks Library, and headed towards the forest. As they entered, Fluttershy wondered about the filly. She asked, "You don't think Nightmare Moon is going to hurt that filly, do you?"

"Ah just hope that that filly don't end up eaten up by Nightmare Moon," Applejack said. "She don't deserve ta be eaten by a wicked mare."

"It's not Nightmare Night, AJ," Pinkie said rushing ahead.

"Pinkie's right," Twilight said. "We gotta find that filly before Nightmare Moon hurts her." They continued running through the Everfree Forest, trying to save the filly before Nightmare Moon could do something bad to her.

Castle of the Two Sisters... Equestria... June 2nd... 9:30 AM...

Nick was still covered up, hiding from that creature that caught her eyes after she took off the helmet. She didn't know how long she hid under those covers, but she didn't want to come out for anything. But one thing came to Nick. She had to use the bathroom, but she didn't know if this castle had any plumbing.

Nick got out of the bed, and headed towards the exit of the castle. She was embarrassed that she had to pee, not just outside, not just as a quadruped, but as a girl as well. She had no idea how to pee in the current form she had now, but she had no choice but to go. Nick had to go behind a bush in case someone came in and saw her.

Nick finished up and headed back inside. But as she went into the doors, she heard some voices.

"There's the castle!"

Nick gasped, and then she rushed back inside, and headed back towards the room where she hid before. She went under the covers. She shivered in fear, hoping that she wouldn't be hurt. She waited for when the owners of the voices to go away. But then, she heard the sound of hoofsteps coming in.

"That must be the filly," a voice that Nick didn't recognize said. "Let's get her out of here before Nightmare Moon finds her."

Nick felt something wrap around the blanket, pulling her up as well.

"Should we at least see if she's okay, first?" came a quiet and calming voice. "Look at her. Even though we can't see her, she must be scared to death."

"You have a point, Fluttershy," the first voice said. "Let's see if she's okay." Nick was placed back down on the bed. She felt something go across her back, it was a hoof rubbing her back. Then the end of the blanket was pulled out.

Nick saw that the ones who was in the room with her. She saw six colorful horses that were bigger than her. Two unicorns, two pegasi, and two normal. And... all of them were shocked to see Nick's appearance.

"Nightmare Moon?!" the six mares shouted.

Nick was surprised and pulled the covers back over her, hiding from the mares. She was shaking even more than usual.

"The filly is Nightmare Moon?!" came the first voice. "Spike, how did you not notice this before?!"

"I didn't get a good look at the size!" said the voice of the dragon, known as Spike. "I only saw the filly's face and just ran out of here! But it's still Nightmare Moon!"

"Ah don't know too much 'bout magic, but how do we even know that this filly is dangerous?"

Nick was trembling, but then she felt the covers being pulled off of her. Nick looked at the six mares with fear in her eyes, backing up towards the wall behind her.

The six mares looked at each other in confusion. The pony known as Twilight walked up towards Nick, and with a concerned tone, she asked, "Are you... alright?"

Nick just shook her head with tears in the corners of her eyes. She answered with, "I... have been having... the worst days of my life..."

"Do you remember what happened before waking up here?" Twilight asked.

Nick nodded, and then replied, "I was a completely different species before waking up like this."

"A completely different species?" asked the rainbow maned pegasus. "Like what? A griffon or dragon?"

"Not exactly," said Nick. "My name's Nick. I was once a human boy."

"A boy?!" asked the six mares.

"A human boy?" Twilight asked in confusion.

"Ain't that the species that Lyra Heartstrings was talkin' 'bout?" asked the mare with the southern accent.

"But, how did you end up... like this?" Twilight asked.

"When I was four, my parents died," Nick said. "I was sent to an orphanage. When I was six, I was bullied in school, just because they thought it was funny and cool. And just last month, I was kidnapped from the orphanage to help a crooked lady recover a stolen diamond." Nick then went wide eyed. "The Diamond!"

"What diamond?" Twilight asked.

"There's this diamond that sent me here. It was some kind of light blue gem, about... this big," Nick said, motioning her hooves to figure out the shape. "But the last time I saw it, it was broken in half."

"I'm on it!" said the rainbow maned pegasus. She then zoomed out of the room. 30 seconds later, she came back with the broken diamond. She held out the diamond, and Twilight took it in her unicorn magic.

"Interesting," said Twilight. "I sense some lunar magic coming from it. But... I'm afraid that it can only be used once. The magic has been depleted."

"I'm... stuck like this?" Nick asked, biting her lip.

"I'm... I'm afraid so," said Twilight. She then sighed. "Let's get you out of this place. But first, introductions. My name is Twilight Sparkle." She then motioned a hoof towards the others. "The baby dragon over there is my assistant, Spike, which you met earlier." Nick looked over at Spike, who replied with a nervous chuckle and a wave.

The orange Earth Pony said, "Ah'm Applejack."

"I'm Rainbow Dash," said the rainbow maned pegasus.

"I'm Pinkie Pie!" replied the pink pony with the cotton candy mane.

"I'm Rarity," replied the white unicorn with the curly purple mane. She then pointed at the yellow pegasus with the light pink and long mane, using her horn. "And this is Fluttershy. She is very shy." Fluttershy covered her face with her long mane.

Twilight then lifted Nick up and off the bed, then she took the blanket and put it back onto the bed, neatly. Twilight then said, "Let's get you out of here. We don't want ponies seeing you in broad daylight."

"What do you mean?" Nick asked.

"Well..." Twilight said, biting her lip and looking away from Nick. She then sighed and said, "Your appearance is kinda..." She tried thinking of the right words to say. "Let's just say, we recently came across a bad pony that looks like your current body, but much older."

"Nightmare Moon," said the others.

"When I first saw Nick, she was wearing the outfit that Nightmare Moon was wearing," Spike said. "Except the chest plate. She didn't have it. Although, she had a hard time getting the helmet off."

"It was caught on this," Nick said, pointing at her horn. "It hurt. Who knew these horns could be so sensitive."

"You'll get used to it, darling," Rarity said. She then looked at Nick's flank. "Looks like it's not just the chest plate that she didn't have. Look at her flanks."

All of the ponies looked at Nick's flanks, including Nick herself. Nick then asked, "What about my... flanks? I'm sorry, I'm just used to hips or thighs."

"That makes sense," said Spike. "Let me guess, humans are bipedal like me, right?" Nick nodded.

"Well, Nick," Twilight said. "Nightmare Moon had her cutie mark, a crescent moon as blue as the white of your eyes over a blotch of purple. It would seem that you are just going to have to find your mark on your own."

"My mark?" Nick asked.

"Your Cutie Mark, darling," Rarity said. "Basically, it's a mark that represents your special talent." She then showed her Cutie Mark of three diamonds. "For example, my Cutie Mark represents my love for fashion."

"My Cutie Mark represents my talent for planning parties and making ponies happy!" Pinkie said, showing off her three balloons. Two blue, one yellow.

"Mah Cutie Mark represents helpin' out at mah family's Apple Farm," Applejack said, showing off her Cutie Mark of three apples.

"M-my Cutie Mark represents my love for animals," Fluttershy said, showing off her Cutie Mark of three pink and blue butterflies.

"My Cutie Mark represents my love for speed and racing!" Rainbow Dash said. Showing off her Cutie Mark of a cloud shooting out a bolt of rainbow lightning. "You saw how fast I zoomed out of here and back. I would've been here sooner, but I didn't know which room the diamond was in at first."

"And my Cutie Mark represents how good at magic I'm at," said Twilight. "Ponies are able to get their Cutie Marks, but it just takes time for them to be discovered. Now, how about we get out of here."

"We better keep Nick out of sight from the other ponies," said Rarity. "Her black coat, her eyes, even the fact that she's an alicorn."

"Although, I thought that Nightmare Moon had a flowing mane just like Princess Celestia," Rainbow said, flicking Nick's mane. "It's not moving in a non-existent breeze."

"She's still young, Rainbow Dash," Twilight said. "It may take time for that to happen. But now, we need to focus on getting Nick through Ponyville, and out of sight from any other pony in Ponyville."

All of them, except for Nick, thought of something. They couldn't come up with anything at the moment. Nick then said, "If I look just like a villain, it might be hard. If only there was a way to make me invisible."

Twilight went wide eyed and said, "That's it!" That made the other ponies and Spike jump. "I've been working on an invisibility spell that will cloak Nick, and we'll just walk straight towards the library, and we won't have to worry about the ponies seeing her. Of course, I'll have to put it on her just as we're about to leave the Everfree Forest."

"That's a good idea," said Spike. "Well, we should get going."

"Good idea," said Applejack. "There are a lot of dangerous critters here, and we don't wanna disturb any of them. Let's go." Then the eight of them headed out of there. Nick had a hard time trying to catch up with the others. Twilight then used her magic to pick her up, and place her on her back. Then they all left.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 2nd... 11:00

It took them a while to get to the Golden Oaks Library without drawing attention. But, at least they made it there. As soon as they got in and closed the door, Spike locked it as he was the last one in. Then he closed the curtains on the windows to make sure nopony looked in. And just as he finished, the invisibility spell surrounding Nick wore off, making her visible.

"Just in time," Twilight said.

Nick looked around to see some boxes. She was confused on that and asked, "Is someone moving in or moving out?"

"Spike and I are moving in," Twilight said. "There's a bedroom upstairs. It's just gonna take us some time to get settled in. Now, we should continue unboxing some stuff. Spike, why don't you get started on preparing lunch?"

No sooner did Twilight say lunch, Nick's stomach growled loudly, then she sat on her haunches and put both her hooves on her stomach. She then said, "Sorry. I haven't eaten anything since lunchtime yesterday."

"Well, I might as well get started on making it," said Spike. "I'll make you a nice big platter for you." Spike then went into the kitchen.

Nick looked around to see the others helping Twilight move in. When they finished, Twilight walked over towards Nick, and the two of them just sat and talked. Nick talked about what she went through, as much as she could remember. Spike came out with a huge bowl of spaghetti. Spike scooped up the spaghetti and put them into bowls for the others to enjoy. Spike made Nick's bowl a double since she didn't have anything to eat.

"Twi," Applejack said after she got her bowl. "Since we don't have to worry about Nick being the next Nightmare Moon, ya think we should tell the princess about this situation?"

"Maybe you're right, Applejack," Twilight said. "But, we'll wait until after lunch. We'll give it time to be written." The others nodded and continued eating. Not used to her new body, Nick had no choice but to eat the spaghetti without any utensils. The others looked at Nick. Rarity was a little disgusted by Nick's behavior, but she then shrugged it off, knowing that Nick hadn't had any food since the day before.

"I guess that if she hasn't eaten for a whole day, she would be hungry," said Rarity. She then dabbed her mouth with a napkin. All of them finished their meal.

"Alright," said Twilight. "It's time to write to the princess. Ready, Spike?"

Spike pulled out a quill and a piece of parchment, and prepared to write. He was about to write what Twilight was about to say.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

Earlier today, as my friends were helping me move into the library, Spike had snuck out to check out the Castle of the Two Sisters. But when he got there, he got a really big surprise. Spike claimed to find a filly in the castle with a near perfect resemblance to the mare your sister became, Nightmare Moon. I know, you're probably thinking that Nightmare Moon is back for revenge, but from what we heard, and her story is too detailed to be a lie, she used to be a completely different species called a human, in the opposite gender. And according to her, she arrived here in the form she has become now was because of some mysterious diamond. Don't engage in any violence. We don't need to cause another panic.

Signed, your faithful student...

Twilight Sparkle."

Spike finished writing, rolled it up, and blew his emerald flames on it.

"Um, Twilight?" Nick asked. "Where's the bathroom? I have to go, and I don't know how to... you know..."

"Oh, right," Twilight said, blushing.

"I'll take her, darling," Rarity said. She then used her magic to pick up Nick, and then the two of them went upstairs to the bathroom. The sound of the door closing came downstairs.

"So, how long will it take for the princess ta respond?" Applejack asked. But then a flash of light appeared in the room, surprising the five mares and Spike. Standing in front of the entrance was Princess Celestia.

"Where is she?!"

Chapter 2

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Chapter 2

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 2nd... 12:45 PM...

"Where is she?!" Princess Celestia said, giving a glare towards the five mares and dragon in the room. The five mares were surprised by the princess's sudden appearance.

"Princess Celestia?!" Twilight asked surprised. "How did you read the entire letter in a small amount of time?!"

"I didn't read much after the two words that my sister had become," Princess Celestia said. "I must deal with the threat before it becomes too dangerous."

Rainbow Dash rushed in front of Princess Celestia, saying, "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a minute! You should've read the whole letter instead of jumping to conclusions!"

"Ah agree, Princess," Applejack added. "Ya shoulda read the whole thing. It explains why the filly ain't a threat. Trust me when Ah say that the filly ain't Nightmare Moon, but just looks like 'er."

Princess Celestia pulled out the letter she received and continued reading. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "A human boy? That is a little..." She continued reading it. Then she widened her eyes and looked back at the group. "Show me this diamond."

Fluttershy flew up to Princess Celestia and held out the broken diamond to show Princess Celestia. Princess Celestia took the broken diamond and inspected it.

"I thought I've seen the last of this centuries ago," Princess Celestia said.

That made the five mares and Spike gasp. Twilight then asked, "You've seen one of these diamonds before?!"

"Twilight, these diamonds were banished from Equestria long before my sister was banished," Princess Celestia explained. "They were designed to transport ponies to the castle my sister and I used to live in using the power of the light of the full moon, but there was a major side effect. It leaves the one who transports them in a monstrous form, and it can only be used once."

"That's why Nick arrived as a filly version of Nightmare Moon!" Twilight said. "Since she was a monstrous form of Princess Luna and tried to leave Equestria in an eternal night."

"Yes," Princess Celestia said. "So, the one who was transported was a creature who goes by the name of Nick, huh?"

"Nick said that his species was called a human," Twilight said. "And she has no idea how to get back."

"There is no way to get her back," said Princess Celestia. "It can only be used once. We had no control of the diamond's magic. The Eye of the Night was way too dangerous. So, we got rid of them all. We thought that they would be destroyed when we sent them off. But it looks like one of them survived."

"Guess that is some troubling news," came the voice of Rarity. The group of ponies looked up the stairs to see Rarity coming down with Nick on her back. As soon as she came down, she levitated Nick off of her back.

Nick looked up at Princess Celestia with wide eyes, seeing how big she was compared to the other mares in the room. Nick then said, "You are really... big..."

The princess just chuckled and replied, "You certainly are a young one, aren't you?" That made Nick nod. "You certainly must have been having an awful life, haven't you?"

Nick sighed and said, "I was hoping to get out of a bad... sit... sitch... well I was hoping to wake up to a better life, but it seems that I woke up in an even worse... you know."

"Only to those who see you," said Princess Celestia. "But, there are a lot of ponies who might see you as Nightmare Moon, and not as who you really are. But, I'm going to have to make an announcement that will let no harm come to you because on who you look like."

"That sounds like a good idea," Twilight said.

"Might... I make a suggestion?" Rarity asked, raising a hoof. "I know that she is used to her name, but it's not exactly a name you find here in Equestria."

Nick looked at Rarity, biting her lip. She then asked, "A new name? What's wrong with the name I have?"

"It is an unusual name for the ponies here," said Pinkie Pie.

"Well, you do seem to have a night-themed appearance," Twilight said. "We need a name for you that is night-themed."

"Good thinking," Princess Celestia said. "Although, I suggest not for her new name to be Luna. Since it is my sister's name."

"How about Sweet Dreams?" Rainbow suggested.

"Oh, no, darling," Rarity said. "I have a little sister named Sweetie Belle. It would be a little confusing for them because they wouldn't know who I'm calling if they're in the same place."

"Good point," Rainbow Dash said, crossing her forelegs.

"How 'bout Night Light?" Applejack suggested.

"That's my father's name," Twilight said. That made Princess Celestia nod towards Applejack.

"Um... How... how about... Moonlight?" Fluttershy suggested, very quietly.

"What was that, Fluttershy?" Twilight asked.

"Um... I was thinking... the name... Moonlight..." Fluttershy suggested.

"Moonlight," Twilight said, putting a hoof to her chin. She then smiled and said, "I like it."

"Sounds good," said Rainbow Dash. "But, does it have to be just Moonlight alone?"

"I'm sure that we'll get her a last name for her in no time," Princess Celestia said. "But, for now, she should stay with one of you until the ponies of Equestria are informed about her."

"But who will get to watch her?" Pinkie asked. "I live at Sugarcube Corner, and I'm not the only pony that lives there."

"I'm sure that my animals would freak out if they see her," Fluttershy said.

"The only way for her to get up to my place is to fly," Rainbow Dash said. "My house is literally in the sky."

"I live in a boutique, and I get a lot of customers," Rarity said.

"Mah family wasn't too fond o' Nightmare Moon," Applejack said. "It'll take time for them ta get ta know 'er."

"So, I guess that just leaves you, my faithful student," Princess Celestia said, looking over at Twilight. "Will you be wanting to take care of her?"

Twilight looked over at Nick/Moonlight. She was a little concerned, but then she sighed and said, "I might as well watch her. She has been through a tough life before. But, maybe with her, I can learn a lot from her, and I can teach her how to use her magic."

"You... you would... take care of me?" Nick asked.

"As long as you do what we say, and go by Moonlight from now on," Twilight said. "I'll make sure that you'll be in good hooves here."

Nick, now going by Moonlight, thought about it. She then gave a hopeful smile, and walked towards Twilight, still trying to get used to walking like a pony. Twilight used her magic to pull her closer and Moonlight got wrapped up in a hug.

"I know you can do this, my faithful student," Princess Celestia said. "I have full faith of you." Twilight looked up at Princess Celestia and nodded. "I will be heading back to Canterlot to make the announcement. Make sure that Moonlight adjusts well here."

"I will, Princess," Twilight said.

Princess Celestia walked out of the library, and took off towards Canterlot. Twilight looked towards Princess Celestia. Then she looked back at Moonlight and said, "Let's get you adjusted to life here. Starting with basic magic training, and walking."

"Magic?" Moonlight asked.

Twilight pointed at her horn and said, "Unicorns and alicorns can generate magic from their horns. Such as a simple levitation spell. We can start with that tomorrow."

"We have a lot to get done, Twi," Rainbow Dash said. "We'll see you soon."

"Sure thing," Twilight said. "I better make sure that Moonlight will adjust. See you all later."

Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy left. Twilight watched as they left the library. She then looked down at Moonlight. Moonlight then said, "I'm not sure I'll be able to get along with the ponies here. Especially by my appearance."

"Don't worry," Twilight said, putting a hoof on Moonlight's shoulder. "You'll be able to fit in with the ponies here in no time."

"Yeah, Moonlight," Spike said. "If I can eventually make it to be accepted by ponies, I'm sure you can. Things like this just take time." He then sighed and said, "And I'm sorry for screaming in your face earlier this morning."

"It's okay," Moonlight said. "You startled me as well. I wasn't expecting a little purple dinosaur to appear in front of me."

"Dinosaur?!" Spike asked. "I'm a baby dragon!" That made Twilight laugh. Spike looked over at Twilight with an angry look. "Twilight! That's not funny!"

"So-Sorry Spike," Twilight said, trying to hold in her laughter, which was failing. "It's just... ha ha ha... It's just that that's not... ha ha... that's not the first time Spike's been called something... ha ha ha... something like that. Ha ha ha!"

"So, where's Moonlight going to sleep?" Spike asked. "We only have two beds in the library."

"We can always do more shopping," Twilight said. "Now, let's get you started on walking like a pony."

Later that night, Twilight and Moonlight were sharing the same bed. Twilight was still adjusting to her new home. She was having trouble sleeping. But that wasn't the only issue.

Twilight felt some shaking in the bed. She looked down and saw Moonlight struggling in her sleep. Moonlight was having a nightmare. Twilight felt bad for Moonlight, so she pulled her in for a hug. She then whispered into Moonlight's ear.

"Shh... shh... It's okay, Moonlight," Twilight whispered into Moonlight's ear. "I'll be here to protect you. You deserve the best, and I'll get you as much as I can to give you the best as I can." Moonlight calmed down in her sleep. She snuggled closer to Twilight, having her head be in the crook of Twilight's neck. Twilight smiled at that, and went back to sleep. This is just the start of a new adventure.

Chapter 3

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Chapter 3

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 3rd... 6:30 AM...

Twilight was waking up from her slumber in her cozy bed. She was about to get out of bed until she felt something wrapped around her barrel. Twilight looked down at her body to see Moonlight under the covers with her. Twilight smiled to see the filly holding onto her barrel, but it was time for her to get up.

Twilight put a hoof on Moonlight's back and quietly said, "Moonlight. Moonlight. It's time to get up."

Moonlight groaned and squirmed a little until she woke up. She looked into Twilight's eyes and smiled. She then said, "Good morning, Twilight."

"Good morning," Twilight said before yawning. "It's time to get up."

Moonlight nodded, then she let go of Twilight's barrel, then she sat up. Moonlight then said, "It feels kinda weird sitting like this. It's like I'm sitting like a dog."

Twilight giggled and said, "You'll get used to it." Twilight then got out of her bed, and then she used her magic to levitate Moonlight off of the bed. She then placed Moonlight onto her back, and then she headed on downstairs.

Twilight went across the main room of the library and walked into the kitchen to see Spike cooking up some pancakes. Spike turned towards the door, saying, "Good morning."

"Morning, Spike," Twilight said. "I see that you're making some breakfast."

"Yep," Spike said. "I thought that you should enjoy something good today. Since we've already moved in."

"Good call," Twilight said. She then levitated Moonlight off of her back and onto a seat at the table. "Alright, Moonlight. I think it's time for you to learn some basic magic. Starting with levitation." Twilight moved a fork towards Moonlight. Moonlight was confused about that. "I want you to focus on the magic within you, and concentrate it through your horn."

"I'm... I'm not sure that I can do it..." Moonlight said, dipping her head.

"I know you can," Twilight said. She then sighed and said, "It's all within you. Feel the magic within you, and concentrate it through your horn."

Moonlight exhaled and closed her eyes. She was concentrating on something flowing within her. She then pushed that magic towards her horn which started glowing in a light blue aura. Moonlight looked up at her horn in amazement."

"Whoa," Moonlight said.

"Don't lose focus," Twilight said. "Now, I want you to concentrate that magic around the fork, and lift it up."

Moonlight looked down at the fork. She then focused some of the magic, looking at the fork. Then, a light blue aura surrounded the fork, which was the same aura surrounding Moonlight's horn. Then the fork started levitating.

"Ah?" Moonlight asked in surprise.

"Keep that focus," Twilight said. "Try moving it the way you usually use a fork, but with your horn."

Moonlight nodded. She then focused on moving the fork like Moonlight did before as a human.

Spike walked up to Moonlight with a plate of pancakes, and placed the small stack in front of Moonlight, saying, "Here ya go. Enjoy."

"Perfect timing, Spike," Twilight said. Then she looked back at Moonlight, saying, "Go ahead and eat. We'll do more magic training later." Spike then put a small stack of pancakes in front of Twilight. Then he went over to his seat with a plate of pancakes for himself. "Now, let's dig in."

The three of them started eating their pancakes. When Moonlight was just about half way done with her pancakes, a tomato hit the window, making the two ponies and dragon looking towards it. But then a bunch of other fruit started hitting the windows and walls, going splat all over it.

Twilight rushed towards the front door, and slammed the door open, seeing a bunch of ponies with angry looks and rotten fruit. Twilight got angry at the ponies and shouted at them.

"HEY! What the heck are all of you doing?!" That made the crowd of ponies stop until one mare came up from the crowd, angry at Twilight for some reason.

"Don't you realize you're harboring a monster?" the mare asked. "Nightmare Moon must be punished for her crimes and imprisoned someplace where she will never escape from."

Twilight sighed and said, "Princess Celestia has inspected the filly's story with a lie detecting spell, and when the filly told her story, she was being one hundred percent truthful with her story. She had a tough life before she ended up here. Moonlight is not Nightmare Moon. She's just looks like her."

"How can you say something like that?!" the mare asked in a snark tone walking up to her. "That is the monster you have in that library is planning something, and she chose to appear in the form of a filly to make certain ponies doubt themselves! We will not be fooled!"

Twilight gave a grumpy look and said, "Look. That filly isn't who you think she is. From what the filly has told us, her story is far too detailed to simply be a trick. And Princess Celestia did some tests on the filly, and no sign of any evil within her. Princess Celestia also took a small sample of the filly's mane to take back to Canterlot for DNA testing. So, she isn't evil. She just looks like Nightmare Moon."

The mare just groaned. The other ponies weren't sure of themselves, and just left the place. Some stayed to clean up the mess they made, and then left. And since the other ponies went their separate ways, the mare who spoke up just walked away, stomping her hooves away from the library in frustration.

Twilight went back inside and headed back towards the kitchen. Spike and Moonlight watched Twilight walk in with concern on their faces. Twilight tried smiling to make the concerned looks fade.

"Were... were those ponies... angry at me?" Moonlight asked.

Twilight grew concerned and said, "Some ponies refuse to know the truth. A lot of ponies don't want to see the inside of those who look like a villain. What matters is what's on the inside." Moonlight smiled that she was getting some positive words about her. "Now, how about we continue eating? I'll teach you the basic spells of a unicorn after breakfast."

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 3rd... 11:30 AM...

Applejack was coming up to the door of the Golden Oaks Library, accompanied by a filly around the same age as Moonlight. It was Apple Bloom, Applejack's little sister.

"But why do Ah have ta meet with that filly?" Apple Bloom complained. "Isn't she supposed ta be that wicked mare that showed up at the Summer Sun Celebration?"

"No, Apple Bloom," Applejack said. "Moonlight just looks like Nightmare Moon. Now, Ah just want ya ta get ta know her. Let's just say that that filly has had a tough life before comin' here." Applejack knocked on the door.

The door opened and revealed Spike standing there. Spike then said, "Oh, hi Applejack. What brings you here?" He then caught sight of Apple Bloom. "Oh, you brought your sister, huh? Apple Bloom, right?"

Applejack nodded and said, "Eeyup. My li'l sis, Apple Bloom. "Ah thought that Moonlight should make some friends 'round her age. And Ah thought that Apple Bloom would be a good start."

"Ah, good thinking," Spike said. "Well, c'mon in." He opened the door more, and Applejack walked in. Apple Bloom tried walking away, out of sight from Applejack, but her tail was bit by Applejack, and was pulled in.

As soon as they came in, they saw Twilight teaching basic magic. And for Twilight, basic magic is...

"And that's how you do some transfiguration magic," Twilight said.

"Um... Twilight?" Moonlight asked. "Isn't this a bit too much for someone my age?"

Twilight looked back down at the book, chuckled nervously and said, "I guess you're right. Sorry, I keep forgetting that you're still learning things. I guess we can wait a bit. You're currently an alicorn, which is more skilled in magic than any other pony in Equestria."

"Darn tootin'," Applejack said, getting the attention of both Twilight and Moonlight.

"Applejack?" Twilight asked. "What brings you here?"

"Ah just thought that Moonlight should meet some ponies 'round 'er age," Applejack said. She then used a foreleg to reveal Apple Bloom. "Y'all remember mah li'l sis, Apple Bloom, right?"

"Oh, of course," Twilight said. "It was because of her that I couldn't say no to your family for something to eat. I'm still trying to lose those 30 pounds."

"Yeah, guess we shoulda respected ya and not over feed ya," Applejack said. "Now, Ah thought that Moonlight should make some friends 'round 'er age, so that's why Ah brought Apple Bloom here."

"That sounds like a good idea, Applejack," Twilight said. "She should make some friends around her age."

"But why do Ah have ta hang out with 'er?" Apple Bloom complained. "Ah was in the middle o' my chores until ya brought me over here."

"Apple Bloom, she needs ta make some friends," Applejack said. "Just hang out with her fer the day. It don't matter what she looks like. What matters is who she is on the inside."

Apple Bloom was unsure of the situation. She looked over at Moonlight, still unsure about her. She then sighed, looked up at her sister and said, "Alright. Ah'll... give it a shot." She then walked over towards Moonlight, still cautious around her. Apple Bloom gave a nervous grin and said, "Hi."

"Hi," Moonlight replied.

"Mah name's Apple Bloom." Apple Bloom held out a hoof for Moonlight to shake.

"I'm... Moonlight," Moonlight said, almost about to say her old name, Nick. "Sorry. It's just... I've been having a tough life."

"A tough life?" Apple Bloom asked, tilting her head. "Whatcha talkin' 'bout?"

Moonlight exhaled and said, "It all started when I was four years old."

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 3rd... 12:45 PM...

Apple Bloom was astonished by Moonlight's story. She never heard a story so tragic from an ex-human. But she knew that throughout what Moonlight went through, she couldn't resist on not wanting to be friends to somepony who needed one. She asked a lot of questions to Moonlight about the things she done back in her old world. They even had lunch during their talk.

"So, ya still have no idea how ya got there?" Apple Bloom asked, receiving a nod from Moonlight. "And ya have no idea why ya look like a filly version of Nightmare Moon?" That got another nod from Moonlight. "Must've been tough. Even for a human ta go through terrible things. Ah still can't believe Ah'm talkin' ta a human. Boy, Ah bet that Lyra Heartstrings'll be mighty jealous."

As soon as that last sentence came out of Apple Bloom's lips, Spike was coming to pick up the dishes by Apple Bloom and Moonlight. Spike then asked, "Did you say Lyra Heartstrings?" Apple Bloom looked towards Spike and nodded. "I was wondering what happened to her. She hasn't been in Canterlot for at least two months."

"Yeah," Apple Bloom said. "Lyra Heartstrings moved here two months ago, livin' with that candy makin' pony, Bon Bon. She makes good sweet drops. They taste amazin'."

"I'll have to see about that," Spike said. He then grabbed the plates and took them into the kitchen.

Apple Bloom looked back at Moonlight and smiled. She then said, "Well, Ah hope that you and Ah will be good friends. 'Specially when school starts. Ya are gonna come ta school, right?"

"I... guess if I am stuck here," Moonlight said. "I might have to get some school supplies."

Twilight and Applejack were watching the two fillies talk. They smiled, then looked back at each other. Applejack then said, "Ah think that things will be good for Moonlight. Some ups and downs, but Ah believe that she'll get along just nicely."

"I think so, too, Applejack," Twilight said. "Although, I might as well get her registered for school. I wonder where the schoolhouse is here in Ponyville."

"Ya actually passed it when comin' ta Sweet Apple Acres the first time," Applejack said. "It's basically on the same path."

Twilight thought about it and said, "Oh, right. Now I remember."

"Cheerilee is a great school teacher," Applejack said. "She'll be able ta help with getting her registered for school. Ah can find 'er and send 'er over here if ya'd like."

"That would be nice, Applejack," Twilight said. "Better do it as soon as possible."

"Actually, Twi," Applejack said, "registration for the next school year don't start til early August. Y'all can go over to the schoolhouse until then ta get Moonlight registered."

"Sounds good," Twilight said. "Thanks for the advice, and for bringing Apple Bloom here. I'm glad that Moonlight's already starting to make friends."

"No problem, Twi," Applejack said. She then looked over at the clock. "Well, Apple Bloom and Ah gotta get goin'. We got a lot o' chores ta get done." Applejack then started heading towards the door and called out, "C'mon, Apple Bloom. Time ta head on home."

"Okay, sis," Apple Bloom said. She then looked back at Moonlight, saying, "See ya some other time."

Moonlight nodded as Apple Bloom followed her big sis out of the library.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 3rd... 10:10 PM...

Twilight felt some shifting in the bed. She looked down at Moonlight, squirming in the bed like the previous night. Once again, Twilight pulled Moonlight in for a hug and whispered into the filly's ear.

"Shh. Shh. It's okay. Everything's going to be okay."

Moonlight then started to calm down while in Twilight's hold. Although, she did mumble something Twilight was not expecting.

"M-Momma?"

Twilight went wide-eyed at that. She then gave a nervous smile, but it soon went away. She looked out the window and looked up at the moon. She then asked one thing before going back to sleep.

"What am I going to do?"

Chapter 4

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Chapter 4

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 4th... 10:00 AM...

Twilight was sitting at the table trying to read the book that was in front of her. But every time she tried to get some reading done, her mind wondered towards Moonlight, who was reading some stories that ponies around her age would read. Twilight still couldn't get the thought of what happened the previous night out of her head.

Moonlight had been squirming in her sleep. She had to calm the little filly down, telling her that it was going to be okay. But when she succeeded on calming her down, Moonlight said one thing in her sleep. Momma. Twilight felt bad for Moonlight. Moonlight was technically an orphan, even before she arrived in Equestria.

Twilight sighed and then decided to go upstairs, but not without telling Moonlight, "I'll be upstairs if you need anything." Moonlight nodded and then Twilight headed upstairs. Twilight went into her room where Spike was reading some comic books he had gotten before the two of them moved into the library. Spike looked over towards Twilight.

"Twilight?" Spike asked. "What's wrong? You look really concerned about something."

"Spike, I'm starting to feel bad for Moonlight," Twilight said, pacing.

"Why?" Spike asked. "Is something wrong?"

"Before Moonlight came here to Equestria, she had a tough life as a human boy named Nick," Twilight explained. "When Nick was four, he lost his parents and was sent to an orphanage. And he was bullied in school. Then there was the kidnapped thing."

"You're right," Spike said, thinking about it. "Poor kid. If only there was something more we could do for him.. er... her. Oh, boy. This is going to get confusing. She's basically trapped as a filly version of Nightmare Moon for the rest of her life."

"Or longer," Twilight said. "She's an alicorn, just like the princesses, Celestia and Luna, and they've lived for over a thousand years."

"Oh, right," Spike said. "Why are you concerned for her? She wasn't originally from this world, but there is no way of changing her back to her original form."

"Moonlight should've been with a family a long time ago," Twilight said. "I just hope that Moonlight will adjust well. She basically can't go back to her original form." She then sighed.

"What are you gonna do?" Spike asked.

"I don't know, Spike," Twilight said. "But Moonlight needs somepony to watch over her. She needs somepony to love her. Take care of her. But nopony besides us will see her for who she is on the inside."

"Twilight, you're not thinking what I think you're thinking, are you?" Spike asked.

Twilight sighed and said, "I'm going to need some time to think about it," Twilight said. "And I might need some help from ponies before I make a decision." She then headed back downstairs to see Moonlight looking out of the window. Twilight smiled at that and decided to walk over to her.

Moonlight saw Twilight coming over to her. She got down from where she was looking out the window, and walked up to Twilight, the two meeting in the middle.

"Feeling trapped in here, aren't you?" Twilight asked.

Moonlight nodded and said, "I am. But, at least it's not with Miss Sheer. She treated me like a slave than a kid."

Twilight pulled Moonlight in for a hug and said, "I promise that will never happen again." Moonlight embraced the hug, wrapping her forelegs around Twilight's chest.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 6th... 5:30 AM...

"Dear Princess Celestia...

For the past few days, things have been going fine with Moonlight. Of course, there are some ponies here in Ponyville that refuse to accept Moonlight as a filly, and they only see her as the mare your sister became. And all things considerate, Moonlight has been a wonderful guest, even if she is still considered an orphan from another world.

I was considering making her a part of my family, but before I make this decision, I'm gonna need to have a talk with my family, seeing what they think before I make this decision. But, I'm afraid that if I bring her to the train station, the ponies on the train might think she's going to attack Canterlot, so I'm going to need some help to get me, Spike and Moonlight to Canterlot.

Sign, your faithful student...

Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight had woken up early and started writing a letter to the princess. She decided to let Moonlight sleep in her bed. Moonlight was having another nightmare as she slept. She said she's been having nightmares ever since she, as Nick, was kidnapped. But every time Twilight calmed Moonlight down as she slept, the filly had stopped having the nightmares. The filly stayed close to Twilight through the remainder of the nights, and Twilight was getting the feeling that Moonlight was starting to see Twilight more than just a caretaker.

Twilight headed downstairs, quietly, so not to wake up Spike or Moonlight, and she took the letter she was writing with her. She headed down to the kitchen, and sat at the kitchen table. Twilight sighed and looked out the window. A few moments later, Spike came into the kitchen, rubbing his right eye with his hand.

"Twilight?" Spike asked, tiredly. He then yawned. "Is something bothering you?"

"Actually, Spike, there is," Twilight said. "How would you feel... if we had added Moonlight... as part of the family?"

Spike looked away, crossed his arms and said, "Well, she hasn't done anything but read and hang out with Applejack's little sister. She hasn't hurt anypony. But, why do you ask?"

"I'm thinking of adopting her," Twilight said. "But, I need a little more support on this before I make this decision."

"Are you sure about that, Twi?" Spike asked.

"Moonlight needs a loving family," Twilight said. "We should be able to give her the family she deserves."

Spike looked away for a bit, thinking about something, and then he asked, "This wouldn't happen to be the fact that she called you 'Momma' in her sleep, does it?"

Twilight nodded and said, "A foal needs a loving mother." She then levitated the letter she had written earlier and gave it to Spike. "Send this letter to the princess. And then later, we'll head on up to Canterlot."

"Sure," Spike said before blowing his emerald flames on the letter, sending it to Princess Celestia. Then he reached for something, even though he wasn't wearing anything. "I'm surprised you want to head to Canterlot so long before the Grand Galloping Gala." Spike held out his ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala.

"I know, Spike," Twilight said. "But things like this are a lot more important than the Grand Galloping Gala."

"Well, we'll just have to..." Spike said, before he held his gut, and then let out a belch, with emerald flames transforming into a scroll, then landing in his claws. "I was going to say wait until we get a response from the princess."

Twilight shook her head and said, "Open it and read it."

Spike unrolled the scroll and read it out loud:

"Dear Twilight...

I'll be sure to make sure that the ponies of Equestria will know about Moonlight for who she is, and how she ended up like my sister's darker side. I am also glad that you want to introduce Moonlight to your family, and get them to know her as well. And I am very proud that you want to take the initiative to take full responsibility of Moonlight. Of course, you would have to let your family know and make sure they will be okay with Moonlight being a part of the family. You have come a long way from the pony you were before I sent you to Ponyville, and I am proud of you for that. And if your family is okay with the decision, feel free to fill out the adoption form. Also, I will send down some royal chariots to come pick up you, Spike and Moonlight up, along with your friends, by 10:00 AM.

Signed, your beloved mentor...

Princess Celestia."

Spike belched again, and another scroll materialized out of his emerald flames. Spike unrolled it and read it.

"Wow," Spike said. "This is the adoption form for the adoption of Moonlight."

"Good, good," Twilight said. "We'll just wait until 8:00, and we'll go get the girls. Maybe bring Apple Bloom as well. Might as well bring Moonlight's first friend with us to make things easier for her."

"Good thinking, Twilight," Spike said. "To make things more comfortable for Moonlight if she had a friend with her."

Twilight nodded, but then something caught her ears from above. Twilight sighed and said, "Moonlight must be having another nightmare. I better go comfort her. We really need to find a way to get her to have peaceful dreams."

"I hope that Moonlight will stop when you make it official and adopt her," Spike said.

Twilight nodded, and headed upstairs. She went back into the bedroom, and headed towards the bed, and saw Moonlight struggling in her sleep.

Twilight went back onto the bed and pulled Moonlight into a hug. Twilight soothed her and said, "Everything's going to be okay, Moonlight. I'll make sure of it." Moonlight snuggled closer to Twilight, and started to calm down. Twilight then started humming a soothing tune to make Moonlight have more of a peaceful dream. Twilight then looked out the window to see the sun beginning to rise. This was going to be an interesting day.

Chapter 5

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Chapter 5

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 6th... 9:50 AM...

Twilight and Moonlight were waiting for the royal chariots to arrive outside the Golden Oaks Library. Moonlight was nervous to be outside. She was afraid that ponies will punish her for things she didn't do. She stuck close to Twilight for protection.

Spike arrived with Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Apple Bloom, and a whole lot of luggage that Rarity insisted on bringing. Spike was having trouble keeping the stuff balanced. He was carrying at least 20 bags.

"I thought I told you to tell the girls to pack light," Twilight said to Spike.

"I did," Spike said, dropping the bags. "Most of this stuff is all Rarity's."

"We all packed one bag, but Rarity insisted on packing a lot of things," Rainbow Dash said, crossing her hooves.

"It took... an hour... and a half... just for her to pack her own version of essentials," Applejack said. "Rarity, ya really should know how ta pack light."

"Oh, dear Applejack," Rarity said. "We are going to Canterlot! A place full of high dignitaries and sophistication. I will not be known as an unsophisticated pony with no style and manners." Apple Bloom was eating an apple at the time, and then she belched out after Rarity finished that last sentence. "Exactly."

Applejack sighed, angrily. Just then, two pegasus-drawn carriages came down with two pegasi in golden armor strapped to them. The pegasus guards saw a lot of bags.

One of the pegasus guards groaned and said, "The Princess said to pick up some guests and escort them to Canterlot, and have them pack light. That... does not seem light."

"Told ya," Applejack said to Rarity, making her grumble.

"Rarity, just pack stuff for a small visit," Twilight said. "We're only going to be gone for two days."

Rarity sighed and said, "Fine." Rarity then started unpacking her bags, and started filling one bag with what the others were bringing. Moonlight didn't bring all that much because she didn't have any things.

As soon as Rarity finished, and put her left over stuff inside the library until they get back, they all got onto the chariots, and Twilight called out, "Alright, boys. We're ready."

The royal pegasus guards nodded, and started running, and took off into the sky, heading towards Canterlot.

Twilight and Spike's Old Home... Canterlot... Equestria... June 6th... 10:30 AM...

The Pegasus Guards dropped off Twilight, her friends, Spike, Moonlight and Apple Bloom at the place Twilight and Spike used to live in before Princess Celestia gave them the assignment in Ponyville. Twilight headed for the door and opened it up.

"And this... is where I used to live," Twilight said, showing the others the place. The other girls were amazed by how big it was.

"This... was your old home?!" Rarity asked. "It's so... big!"

"Yeah, Twi," Rainbow Dash said, looking around. "This place is just about twice as big as the library in Ponyville."

"Could ya really afford a place like this?" Applejack asked.

"Well, I didn't really buy it," Twilight said. "Princess Celestia just gave me this place for my studies."

"Wow," Pinkie said. "I've never seen so many books! It's almost like the library!"

"Wait until you see the library here, or the Canterlot Archives," Twilight said.

Moonlight caught something in her sight, and saw a book under a stool. She lowered herself, reached under the stool, and pulled out the book. She read the cover out loud.

"Perfection: The Impossible Pursuit."

Spike walked over towards it and picked it up. "Huh. I didn't know Twilight had a copy of this book." He then opened it and inside was a library card. He then checked the check in date and said, "Uh oh. Twilight! This book has to go back to the Canterlot library by noon today!"

"WHAT?!" Twilight shouted, teleporting towards Spike. She checked the card and said, "Oh, boy. I got to get this book to the library as quick as possible!"

"You know what, I'll take it there," Spike said. "You go to your parents's house while I take this book to the library. I'll meet up with you at your parents house." Spike then headed out the door, taking the book with him.

Twilight smiled, looked down at Moonlight and said, "Thank you for that. I always return my books to the Canterlot Library. Which was why I was the Best Book Borrower there."

Rainbow Dash scoffed and said, "Like that's a real thing."

"Oh, it is," Twilight said. "They even have a picture to the pony who has the best borrowing of a library book by the check out desk."

Rainbow Dash was wide eyed at that statement, but then she shut it, did a facehoof, and groaned. She then said, "You are such an egghead."

"Whoa," Apple Bloom said. "That's a big hourglass."

Twilight walked up towards Apple Bloom and said, "Yes. Yes it is."

"How much did that thing cost?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Don't know," Twilight said. "It was here when I moved in. Alright, everypony, leave your stuff here, and then we'll get to unpack tonight."

"So, where are we heading?" Pinkie asked excitedly. "The castle?! The Opera House?! Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns?!"

Twilight shook her head, giggling. She then said, "Nope. We're going over to the housing complex where my parents are living. Spike said he'll meet us there. So we should get going."

"But, what if the ponies here see Moonlight and want to do something bad to her?" Fluttershy asked.

"Fluttershy has a point, sugarcube," Applejack said. "We need a way ta keep Moonlight protected from those who want ta hurt 'er."

"Of course," Twilight said. "While on the way here, I thought of that, and I had Spike send a message to the princess just for Moonlight's protection. Somepony who can trust me, somepony who knows where my parents live just as much as I do, and somepony who is really protective, no matter who he can protect."

"Who are you talking about, Twilight?" Rarity asked.

"The captain of the Royal Guard himself," Twilight said, smirking. "Shining Armor."

"You know the captain of the Royal Guard?!" Rarity asked with her eyes sparkling. "How could you possibly know the captain of the Royal Guard?" Then there was a knocking at the door, making the group look towards it.

Twilight smiled, walked towards the door and said, "Believe me. I've known him since I was born." She then opened the door, and standing there was a white unicorn stallion with a mane that was a mix of different types of blue, and was wearing purple guard armor.

"Hey there, Twylie," the stallion said.

"Shining!" Twilight said, hugging the stallion.

"It's barely been a week and you already miss your big brother?" the stallion known as Shining Armor said.

"Big brother?!" the others asked, shocked.

"Now that actually makes sense," Applejack said. "She's known him since she was born, which is a clear sign that she's the younger sister to him."

"Princess Celestia assigned me to this task, and since it involved my sister, I just had to take it," Shining Armor said. He looked down at Moonlight, almost glaring at her. Moonlight stepped back, not knowing what she did wrong. Shining then sighed and said, "But if Twylie trusts Moonlight, there's no reason why I can't find a way to trust her. As long as she doesn't try anything worthy of a certain punishment."

"Shining," Twilight said, bumping Shining's shoulder. "Moonlight isn't Nightmare Moon. She just looks like her just because of a cursed Equestrian artifact found on the world where she came from. It turned a different intelligent species into an age equivalent of Nightmare Moon."

Shining looked back at Moonlight, and then he sighed. He then said, "Alright, Twylie. I'll trust you. Let's get going to Mom and Dad's house." Then he, Twilight, her friends, Moonlight and Apple Bloom headed out of there. Shining looked back at the group and asked, "Where's Spike?"

"He's taking a library book back to the Canterlot Library," Twilight said. "He'll meet us there."

Shining Armor chuckled and said, "Good call, Twylie." They then continued on towards the housing district of the city of Canterlot.

Canterlot Library... Canterlot... Equestria... June 6th... 11:59 AM...

Spike rushed through the doors of the Canterlot Library, heading towards the desk where an old mare was sitting there. She saw Spike coming towards her. Spike jumped up onto the desk, out of breath, trying to speak.

"I'm... here to... return... this... library... book..." He then fell onto his back, holding the book up. The old mare took it in her hoof, adjusted her glasses and read it.

"I take it that Twilight brought this book with her to where she was for the past few days?" the old mare asked.

"Not... exactly... Dusty... Pages..." Spike said, trying to get his breath back. He then inhaled as big as he can, and let out an exhale. "We found the book under a stool back where we were living before we moved to Ponyville."

"Ponyville?" Dusty Pages asked. "Oh, that's where the Summer Sun Celebration was being held this year." She then thought of something. "The Princess said that Twilight Sparkle has found a filly Nightmare Moon and is taking care of her. Is that true?"

"Technically, I found her," Spike said. "Turns out, she's not really Nightmare Moon. She was a completely different species that happened to find a cursed Equestrian artifact that can transport the holder of it to the Castle of the Two Sisters under the light of the full moon. But it was banished from Equestria because it transforms the one using it into a monster that's the exact age that the creature was before the transportation. Guess this time, that monster was Nightmare Moon."

Dusty Pages breathed out in relief and said, "Well, as long as she doesn't do any harm. Well, as long as you're here, I'd like you to give a message to Twilight." She then whispered into Spike's ear as she was telling him.

Twilight's Parents's House... Canterlot... Equestria... June 6th... 12:05 PM...

The group arrived at a house in Canterlot. Twilight walked up towards the door and knocked on the door. Soon, the door opened and standing there was a blue unicorn stallion with a darker blue mane. He was surprised to see who was standing there.

"Twilight?" the stallion asked.

"Hi, Dad," Twilight said smiling. "How have you been doing?"

"Get in here," Twilight's father said, pulling her in for a hug. He then noticed the others. "Ah, these must be the friends I heard about." He then noticed the two fillies. "And the princess explained about... that little black filly. Come on inside, all of you." Then the group walked inside.

"Girls, meet our father, Night Light," Twilight said to her friends, Moonlight and Apple Bloom. She then looked back at her father and said, "Dad, these are my new friends." Twilight's friends nodded in response as Twilight said their names. "We have Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Applejack's little sister, Apple Bloom..." She then pulled Moonlight closer to her. "And this... is Moonlight."

"Well, it's nice to meet you all," Night Light said. He then called out to somepony else. "Velvet, honey! They're here!"

"I'm coming!" came the voice of another mare. A light gray mare with a striped purple and white mane came into the room. She was Twilight and Shining Armor's mother, Twilight Velvet.

Twilight's Parents's House... Canterlot... Equestria... June 6th... 12:45 PM...

Twilight's friends, Apple Bloom and Moonlight were checking around the place. Shining Armor was showing them personally. Although, he was trying his best not to try to attack Moonlight in anyway possible, no matter if it was physical or emotional. Spike eventually arrived there and stayed with Moonlight in case she needed comfort.

Twilight, on the other hoof, was talking with her parents about Moonlight.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Twilight?" Velvet asked.

"She was an orphan before she arrived here in Equestria," Twilight said. "I want to help her as much as she needs it. Wouldn't you do the same thing?"

Velvet and Night Light looked at each other and smiled. Night Light than said, "Alright, Twilight. We're so proud of you wanting to take the initiative. Although... it feels like you're doing things out of order."

"I know," Twilight said. "But, a filly like Moonlight needs a loving family. I'm gonna be the pony who's gonna give it to her." Just then, her stomach growled. Her face turned red in embarrassment.

"Haven't had anything to eat since breakfast?" Night Light asked.

"That's okay, Twilight," Velvet said. "In fact, we were just about to head out to the diner. Why don't you and your friends join us?"

Twilight looked over to her friends, Spike and Moonlight. She then looked back at her parents and nodded. They were going out for lunch.

Chapter 6

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Chapter 6

Restaurant Row... Canterlot... Equestria... June 6th... 1:00 PM...

The Mane 6, Twilight's family, Apple Bloom and Moonlight were walking through a certain part of the city of Canterlot. Rarity was amazed by all of the restaurants there.

"This row of restaurants is astounding!" Rarity said. "Each of them 3 hooves! They must have really good food if it has great ratings!"

Twilight scoffed and said, "Don't get your hopes up, Rarity. I've eaten at all of those restaurants. Believe me when I say that they charge ponies like you're going to eat more than one plate of food, but they give you three freeze-dried blocks of food not even rats would want to eat."

"Oh, Twilight," Rarity said, rolling her eyes. "Don't you think you're exaggerating just a bit?" Just then they got surprised by a bunch of rats came up towards a 3 hoof ranked restaurant, stopped, and headed towards an alley, squeaking all the way from the restaurant to the alley.

"Um... those rats said that they were hungry... not desperate," Fluttershy said. That made Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Apple Bloom and Moonlight laugh. Rarity on the other hoof was surprised that rats agreed with Twilight.

"That's why we're going to a place where they don't care what Zesty Gourmand says how to make things," Velvet said. They headed towards a diner. The group walked into the diner, and everypony that was there stopped what they were doing and looked at the group. No. Not the group. At a certain black, alicorn filly.

Moonlight scooted back so the ponies there wouldn't look at her. A waitress there walked up to them and asked, "Can I... help you?"

"Table for 12," Velvet said.

The waitress looked back down at Moonlight. She then looked back at Velvet and asked, "Are you sure?"

Twilight stepped forward and said, "She is not who you think she is. She just looks like Nightmare Moon. Looks aren't everything. It's who you are on the inside."

"Now that is the Twilight I haven't seen in years," came a voice from behind the group. The group turned around and saw a pink alicorn that Twilight and her family knew all too well.

"Cadance!" Twilight said, walking up to her.

"Twilight, it's so good to see you again," Princess Cadance said. She then looked over at the group that was with Twilight's family. "And these must be your friends from Ponyville." The five mares and Apple Bloom bowed towards Cadance. Cadance chuckled and said, "No need for that. You can consider me a friend as much as Twilight."

"Okay," Applejack said as she was getting up, along with the others.

"Cadance, why don't you join us?" Velvet asked. "We would be honored if you joined us."

"I'd love to," Princess Cadance said. "So, where are we sitting?"

"R-right this way, everypony," the waitress said, nervously. She was still nervous that she was going to serve a filly that has a huge resemblance to Nightmare Moon.

They were eventually escorted to a row of tables big enough for all of them to sit at. They even put in an extra seat for Princess Cadance to sit in. In the sitting order from left to right was Spike, Moonlight, Twilight, Velvet, Night Light, Shining Armor, Cadance at the end of the row of tables, Apple Bloom, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity.

They were all handed menus and they looked at what to order.

Diner... Canterlot... Equestria... June 6th... 1:45 PM...

The group had finished their meals. Even Moonlight, which the waitress was afraid to deliver the plate to her. But, it was good. She couldn't believe how good a hayburger was.

"I never thought a hayburger would be so good," Moonlight said. "Must be my current form's taste buds. My last one can't handle pony food."

"All creatures have a different kind of taste bud," Spike said. "Dragons, for example, can bite through gems like they're rock candy."

Pinkie Pie hummed, licked her lips and said, "Rock candy..."

"Well, I am glad that you all enjoyed the meal," Velvet said. She then got out of her seat, and headed towards Moonlight and said to her, "You are a very good filly. You may not have been born a pony, but I know that you can be happy."

"I'm not too sure," Moonlight said. "N-nopony... wants... me here..."

Twilight pulled Moonlight into a hug and said, "That's not true, Moonlight. You are a good hearted foal who needs love. Not hatred." Twilight looked out the window towards the castle. She smiled and said, "And I know just the pony who can help."

Shining Armor looked over towards Twilight and asked, "You're thinking of having Moonlight talk to Princess Celestia, aren't you?"

"I think it's a good idea, Shining," Princess Cadance said. "I can help with that. Let's get going."

"This food is unacceptable," came the voice of a mare. The mare has a light magentaish gray coat, a pinkish gray mane with light raspberryish gray stripes, wore a white shirt with pockets, black legging, and a dark purple jacket. "I won't allow even one hoof on this diner's rating. Not even a single princess would want to eat here."

The group was looking towards the mare. Moonlight leaned towards Twilight and asked, "Who is that?"

Twilight sighed and said, "Zesty Gourmand. She's a strict food critic with a weird sense of taste. She's so picky. Whenever she comes to inspect a restaurant, she threatens to shut them down unless they make major changes, and give up their individual ways of cooking."

"Wow," Pinkie said. "That is... so... rude." Pinkie Pie furrowed her brows when she said that last word. "Nopony tells somepony how to cook or what to serve. It's like somepony telling Rarity how to make dresses the same style. Or Rainbow Dash how to fly properly."

"She has a point," Rainbow said.

"Yes, yes," Rarity said. "If somepony made me make dresses the same style, I'd have to shut down my own store."

"But Miss Gourmand!" the waitress serving her said. "The cook has prepared the food exactly how you wanted it to be in your order!"

"Well, this isn't how it is supposed to be served," Zesty Gourmand complained. "I'm telling you that this diner won't have what it takes to be able to satisfy any princess."

The waitress looked towards Princess Cadance, smirked, looked back at Zesty Gourmand and said, "Actually, just to let you know, we have an actual princess dining here. In fact, she comes here whenever she wants to get out of the castle for something to eat."

"WHAT?!" Zesty Gourmand shouted. She looked around until her eyes caught Princess Cadance, who was smirking at her. "Why?! Why is she even here?! She's not supposed to be dining in such a low class restaurant."

Princess Cadance walked towards Zesty Gourmand and said, "No, it's the restaurants you ranked three hoofs that are low class. Ponies expect something that can fill their stomachs and enjoy their meals. The restaurants that you made changes to, they aren't that filling. It's their choice on what to serve and how to decorate. Not yours."

Zesty Gourmand growled and said, "Food is an art. Not something to fill their stomachs. The way you ponies make food is unworthy."

That made everypony in the restaurant gasp. The ponies there looked at Zesty Gourmand in shock. Princess Cadance sighed and said, "You're a food critic. If you think that food is an art, than you're the wrong kind of critic." Princess Cadance turned around, and headed back to her table. But then the group started heading out of the diner. Cadance then said, "Remind me to tell Celestia about this." Twilight nodded in response.

Canterlot Castle... Canterlot... Equestria... June 6th 2:00 PM...

The group arrived at the castle to speak with Princess Celestia. The guards saluted Shining Armor since he was their captain.

The group stopped, Shining Armor said to Twilight's friends and Apple Bloom, "The six of you stay right here. Everypony else is allowed to come in with me." Then Twilight, Velvet, Night Light, Spike, Moonlight and Cadance went into the throne room to see Princess Celestia sitting there. She was expecting them.

"Hello, Twilight," Princess Celestia said to her student. "Hello, Sparkle Family. And Moonlight." Twilight and her family bowed, leaving Moonlight and Cadance to stand up correctly.

"Hello, aunt Celestia," Princess Cadance said.

"I see you had a good day, Cadance," Princess Celestia said. Then she looked down at Moonlight. "Hello, Moonlight. Have you been enjoying your days here in Equestria?"

"I've... I've been trying to enjoy it," Moonlight said. "But..." She sighed.

"Is something wrong?" Princess Celestia asked, concerned. She then thought of something. "Do you miss your family?"

Moonlight then started shedding some tears. "I haven't seen my parents in years. They... they died when I was four. I can't even remember what they look like."

Twilight stopped bowing, walked over to Moonlight, and pulled her in for a hug. Twilight shushed her, trying to calm her down. Twilight softly said to Moonlight, "It's okay. It's okay."

Moonlight hugged Twilight. Twilight nuzzled the filly.

"Moonlight, I know you miss your family," Twilight said. "But how about this? You have been through a lot of emotional pain. If it is okay with you, I would like to make you a part of our family."

Moonlight looked up at Twilight in shock and asked, "You... you really want to be my mom?"

"It wouldn't be fair for you to live the rest of your life without a mother," Twilight said. "I want you to have a loving family. If you would have that."

Moonlight looked up at Twilight, shedding tears, and starting to smile. She snuggled a lot more, saying, "Yes. I... I would love to have a family again. Thank you... thank you, Twilight."

Twilight smiled, along with all the other ponies looking at the two. Twilight then used her magic to bring out the adoption form that Princess Celestia sent her. She filled it out, and levitated it to Princess Celestia.

"I shall have this filed immediately," Princess Celestia said. "Now, if there is anything else you need to tell me, let me know."

"Actually, there is one thing, Aunt Celestia," Princess Cadance said. "It's about that food critic, Zesty Gourmand."

From above, using an invisibility spell, Princess Celestia's sister, Princess Luna, was watching the group from above.

"Thou young foal did live a sad life," Princess Luna said, making sure nopony heard her. "Tis sad she had been transformed into a form that we have taken form for the past thousand years. We shall make sure she gets good dreams." She then teleported out of the room.

Chapter 7

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Chapter 7

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 9th... 7:30 AM...

The group had came back from Canterlot the previous day. Moonlight was happy that she was adopted by Twilight. She was spending as much cuddle time as possible. Shining Armor was a bit hesitant that Twilight had adopted a filly that looks a lot like Nightmare Moon, but he got to know her and how she lived her life before coming to Equestria. Since then, he decided to help Moonlight get used to her new family.

After that, Moonlight had stopped having terrible nightmares. She started sleeping more in peace when she slept with Twilight. Twilight wanted to do something special for Moonlight, so she and the family and friends took her to an ice cream shop in Canterlot. Moonlight was so happy that she was getting some ice cream.

After spending a couple of days in Canterlot, the Mane 6, Spike, Apple Bloom and Moonlight made it back to Ponyville. They all went back to their homes. Twilight was happy to have given Moonlight what she really needed. A family. She was happy to give a filly what she needed.

Twilight came down the stairs, leaving Moonlight upstairs to keep sleeping. They arrived back at the Golden Oaks Library late the previous night, letting the two fillies sleep as they were headed back to their homes. As soon as she got downstairs, something hit the door. Twilight opened the door to see a gray pegasus in a mail uniform flying away. But she crashed into a sign on the side of a building.

"Ooh, that's gotta hurt," Twilight said. Then she looked down and saw a newspaper at her hooves. She used her magic to lift it up and took it inside. Twilight headed into the kitchen and started reading it. Twilight was surprised that she and Moonlight were on the front page. It read:

Princess's Student Adopts Filly with a Cursed Form

Twilight Sparkle, the current prized student of Princess Celestia, has adopted the filly that has been cursed with the form of Nightmare Moon, the darker self of Princess Celestia's sister, Princess Luna. Princess Celestia has declared that the pony is not to be harmed, nor cruelly punished, in any way. To those who attack the filly currently known as Moonlight Sparkle shall be punished for the action of harming a foal.

Twilight sighed as she read the article. Hopefully, she won't have to worry about protesting ponies trying to hurt Moonlight again. Twilight then continued reading the paper.

In other news, Zesty Gourmand, Canterlot Food Critic, has been fired for abusing her power and threat to close down restaurants to be exactly what she wanted. Nopony can tell somepony how to run a restaurant or serve food the way one pony wants all food to be served.

"Yes," Twilight said. "Finally, somepony got what she deserved. At least the hayburger in Canterlot can go back to the way it was before."

Twilight's ears then twitched when the sound of Moonlight's voice came up.

"Mommy? Is everything okay?"

Twilight looked towards Moonlight with a smile. Twilight got up, and walked towards Moonlight and said, "Yes, Moonlight. Everything is okay." She then leaned her head down and nuzzled Moonlight. "I think it's time we get you to the doctor's for a physical."

"The doctor's?" Moonlight asked nervously. "You mean... like needles?"

Twilight giggled and said, "It'll be alright. How about this? You go to the doctor's, and after that, we'll go get some ice cream? Does that sound good?"

Moonlight was still nervous about going to the doctor's office, but she thought about the ice cream. Moonlight smiled and said, "I guess I could go for some ice cream."

"That's the spirit," Twilight said, rubbing Moonlight's head. "I'll make sure you are well taken care of." Moonlight smiled. Twilight then got up and said, "Now, c'mon. We got to get some breakfast in your stomach." She then headed for the pantry, and opened it up. She got out stuff for pancakes.

Middle of Ponyville... Equestria... June 9th... 2:30 PM...

Twilight, Spike and Moonlight were walking down the streets of Ponyville, passing ponies that were going about their day. But when they saw Moonlight, they got a strange expression. Twilight looked at all of the ponies and sighed.

"Look, everypony," Twilight said to the ponies. "Moonlight is not Nightmare Moon. She just looks like her. She's had a tough life before she even came here."

"We know," said one of the ponies. "A gem that can transport a creature and transform them into an age equivalent copy of a monster? That's so sad."'

"We're so sorry for how we were treating her the other day," said another pony. "Hopefully, you can forgive us."

Twilight was shocked by that, but recovered and said, "Well, I guess we can forgive you. As long as you convince ponies that still don't believe the truth that it's all good."

"We promise, Twilight," the first mare said. But then the ground started shaking.

"Mom?" Moonlight asked, getting scared. "What's happening?"

"STAMPEDE!!" came the voice of Rainbow Dash from above.

The ponies looked around and saw a stampede of cows running through town. All of the ponies were running, trying to get out of the way of the stampeding cows. Twilight moved ponies out of the way with her magic, trying to keep them from being trampled by the cows.

Applejack and Winona came in, herding the cows away from the town. Everypony was impressed by how much Applejack did with calming them down.

"Wow!" Moonlight said. "That was amazing!"

"It sure was, Moonlight," Twilight said. "Now, it's time for your physical. Better find the doctor's office."

Pinkie zoomed in and pointed towards one road, saying, "Oh, the hospital isn't that far from the library. It's just southwest of Sparkling Lake."

Twilight groaned and facehoofed. Then she grabbed Moonlight with her magic, and teleported out of there.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 11th... 1:30 PM...

Twilight and Moonlight were on the balcony. Twilight was reading some normal books while Moonlight was reading some comic books. Just then, something hit the railing, startling them both. They looked over and saw Rainbow Dash, bent over on the rail.

"Can I help you?" Twilight asked.

"What happened?" Moonlight asked, worried for Rainbow.

"Let's just say, I was trying out a new trick that didn't go so well," Rainbow said. "Not on my part, mostly because I wasn't ready."

"Applejack?" Twilight asked.

"Yep," Rainbow Dash said.

"What has been going on with Applejack?" Moonlight asked. "She looks exhausted."

"Now that you think about it, she does seem a little bit off," Rainbow Dash said, getting off the railing.

"Since her brother, Big Mac, has been injured, Applejack is determined to do the harvesting all by herself," Twilight said. "She hasn't been wanting anypony's help, even though, it's clear that she needs it." Then the three of them started thinking, putting a hoof to their chins.

Moonlight got an idea and said, "What if... we help with the harvesting without Applejack knowing? You know, making it more easier for her."

"Actually, Moonlight, that's not a bad idea," Twilight said. "Rainbow Dash, get Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy."

"But we don't know where to put the apples," Rainbow said.

"But, I know somepony who does," Moonlight said.

Sweet Apple Acres... Ponyville... Equestria... June 12th... 7:30 AM...

Twilight, Moonlight, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Apple Bloom were bucking the apple trees of Sweet Apple Acres. They continued doing it before Applejack could come. Or wake up.

Pinkie Pie wasn't able to join them because of the "baked bads" that Applejack had made with her. A quarter of the town got sick. So, they had to do the job as quick as possible. Moonlight almost knocked down an entire tree if Twilight wasn't able to keep it up. Basically, they left five trees left unbucked, having Applejack ready to do those ones herself.

"That was close," Twilight said as the seven of them were headed for the exit. "Thanks for letting us know where to take the apples, Apple Bloom."

"No prob', Twi," Apple Bloom said. "Ah'll try ta explain why we had ta help Applejack with 'er chores."

"A big job like that can't be done by one pony," Rarity said.

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash agreed. "Not even the Wonderbolts are a one pony show. There are some tricks that have to be done in groups."

"I doubt even Princess Celestia can handle that much pressure of ruling Equestria all by herself," Twilight said. "Now, how about we go get some breakfast?"

"Can we check on Pinkie Pie first and see how she's doing?" Fluttershy asked.

"Good idea," Twilight said. "We might as well see how she's doing."

Sugarcube Corner... Ponyville... Equestria... June 12th... 8:00 AM...

Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Moonlight were at Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie Pie had gotten better overnight. She just had to wait out the bad muffins that she consumed the previous day. Spike came in, eating those same muffins. When Pinkie Pie saw them, her face turned green and she had the urge to throw up. She rushed towards the bathroom so she could spew.

Just then, Applejack slammed the door open, and walked over towards her friends with an angry look.

"Y'all mind tellin' me why ya bucked mah family's trees when Ah said that Ah didn't need help?!" Applejack shouted.

"Applejack," Twilight said, a bit angry. "You actually did need help. You couldn't possibly buck all of those trees by yourself. And it was proven when you were trying to do other activities with the others."

"You launched me up into the sky when I wasn't even ready for my trick yet," Rainbow Dash gave her example.

"You poisoned ponies with those awful muffins," Rarity said. "Including Pinkie Pie."

"You had the baby bunnies run through town, making them eat all of the flowers that the florists worked so hard on," Fluttershy said.

"Isn't it obvious, Applejack?" Twilight asked. "You needed help. You were just too proud to accept it."

Applejack looked at her friends, showing how much they were concerned for her. She then lowered her head and said, "Ah... Ah guess y'all were right. Ah was wantin' ta prove that Ah could handle all o' the chores bah mahself, and be with mah friends, that Ah couldn't focus. Ah'm sorry."'

"It's okay, Applejack," Twilight said. "Next time you're feeling a little overwhelmed, come and find us and ask for help. We'd be happy to help you."

"You got it, Twi," Applejack said.

"And, I believe that would be a good friendship lesson," Twilight said. "Spike, prepare a report."

"Hang on, Twilight," Spike said, grabbing another bad tasting muffin. "Just one more muffin." Then the muffin was grabbed in a light blue aura, along with the bag containing the rest of the muffins, and they were taken out of Spike's claws.

Moonlight took the muffins, put them on the ground in front of her, and jumped on them multiple times. Moonlight sighed and said, "You do realize it was these muffins that made those ponies sick, right?"

"Really?" Spike asked. "How come I wasn't..." Then his stomach growled, hurting him. "Oh... boy. I need to go to the bathroom!" He then rushed towards the bathroom, but it was locked. He banged on the bathroom door. "Pinkie! Open up! Those muffins are making a run back up!"'

The group of ponies looked at each other, and they all started laughing. Guess not even a dragon can't handle the muffins. It just takes time for them to affect him.

Chapter 8

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Chapter 8

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 19th... 1:30 PM...

Moonlight walked into the library after playing with Apple Bloom. She's been having a lot of fun with her. She even got to meet Twist, a friend of Apple Bloom. She was a little hesitant at first, but she got over it and got to know Moonlight as much as Apple Bloom did. But, Apple Bloom had to go back to the farm for her chores, and Twist had been called home for something. So, Moonlight had to go back to the Library. When she went inside, she saw Twilight working on some potions.

"Hey, Mom," Moonlight said.

"Hey, Moonlight," Twilight said. "Right now, I need to focus on this potion." She then started writing something down on a piece of parchment. But when she turned away, the writing disappeared. Twilight was busy pouring a green potion into a blue potion. The blue potion then turned purple. Then Twilight went back to the parchment, but she was surprised that there was no writing on it. Twilight was surprised. She was wondering what was going on until the potion behind her went poof. She then looked over at Moonlight and asked, "Moonlight? Did you..."

Moonlight shook her head and said, "No. The stuff you wrote down just vanished." She then thought about it. "Like... disappearing ink."

"Disappearing ink?!" Twilight asked. "I don't have any..." She was then interrupted by the laughter of two of her friends. She looked outside and saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie laughing. Rainbow Dash was holding up a container of disappearing ink. Twilight smiled at their prank and walked away from the window. "That makes sense."

"That's still a classic, even back on my world," Moonlight said, looking out the window.

"Yeah, it's a classic here as well," Twilight said. "But, I chose not to do anything fun. I didn't even want friends. Until... well..." Twilight was hesitant about telling Moonlight about Nightmare Moon.

"Until Princess Luna came back as Nightmare Moon?" Moonlight asked.

"You... you know about that?" Twilight asked, worried.

"I read the book," Moonlight said. "Although, after I read that book, I had a dream about you and your friends stopping her. Although, that princess that was under Nightmare Moon actually told me about that in my dream. After all, it was just a dream, right?"

"I guess," Twilight said, looking away. "But, now, I gotta retry my experiment."

"Okay, mom," Moonlight said. She then headed upstairs, but was interrupted when Spike came through the door. And he was hiccuping. "Whoa, Spike, are you okay?"

Spike laughed, but still hiccuping, and said, "Oh, I'm (hiccup) alright. I just need (hiccup) some water. Hopefully this (hiccup) will go away soon. (Hiccup)"

Moonlight thought about it and asked, "Was it Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash?"

"Yep," Spike said before letting out one last hiccup. Moonlight then snuck behind Spike without letting him see her. Spike was still hiccuping, but then from behind, Moonlight jumped and roared at Spike, making him run towards the other side of the room. "GAAAAAAAH!!" Spike leaned towards the wall, putting his claw to his chest, and breathing fast. He then recovered and said, "Why did you do that?!"

"From what I heard, one of the things to stop the hiccups is to scare them away," Moonlight said. "How do you feel?"

Spike checked himself. He waited a few moments. Then he smiled and said, "Hey, you're right. Ya scared the hiccups out of me." Just then, Spike belched out some flames, and a bunch of scrolls came out, burying the two of them. The two of them popped their heads out of the pile of scrolls, and a sticky note was attached to Moonlight's horn. Then the two of them looked at each other. Spike grabbed the sticky note, and read it. "'I believe you sent these by mistake.' Well, I gotta send her a note explaining what happened." Spike walked through the pile of scrolls.

Streets of Ponyville... Equestria... June 21st... 11:30 AM...

Moonlight was walking through the streets of Ponyville. Most of the ponies there were looking over at Moonlight, smiled, and just went back to their business. Some of the ponies were still hesitant that she was roaming the streets. And a very few number of ponies still believed that Moonlight was Nightmare Moon. But, they wouldn't be able to take action, or else they'd end up in jail.

Moonlight came around to where Sugarcube Corner was. She was trying to get over what happened with Pinkie Pie the previous day. Pinkie said that Rainbow Dash's old friend, Gilda, was being a grump when Pinkie Pie was trying to hang out with the two of them. Twilight thought that Pinkie Pie was jealous of Gilda, and Spike said that she was green, or rather, pink with envy. Twilight gave Pinkie an idea to improve her attitude. That didn't go so well, and Pinkie left frustrated.

Moonlight then saw Pinkie sitting at a table outside of Sugarcube Corner, drinking a milkshake. Moonlight then started to walk towards Pinkie.

"Hey, Pinkie," Moonlight said. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Not so much," Pinkie said. She sighed and said, "I just want to be alone. Dashie's probably off somewhere with that griffon friend of hers."

"Still not over being jealous?" Moonlight asked.

"No, because I wasn't jealous!" Pinkie nearly shouted, startling Moonlight. Pinkie sighed and said, "Sorry. I just really wanted to hang out with both of them, but she told me to back off."

"Are you sure you're not over... what was that word?" Moonlight asked, putting a hoof to her chin.

"Overreacting?" Pinkie guessed. That made Moonlight nod. Pinkie Pie then sighed and said, "I guess you're right. I just need to get to know Gilda more. But, she doesn't want me to get close."

Just then, there was the sound of wings flapping. Pinkie ducked below the table, while Moonlight looked up. Flying over their heads was Rainbow Dash and her griffon friend, Gilda. Rainbow Dash told Gilda that she had some weather duties she had to attend to, and told Gilda to hang out around town.

When Rainbow left, Gilda looked around, then smirked. She walked over towards a cart, which Applejack's grandmother, Granny Smith, coming towards it. She was smelling the produce in the cart until Gilda's tail came into view of her, scaring her.

Granny Smith screamed and shouted, "A rattler, a rattler! Run for the hills! Everybody forsake yourselves!" Granny Smith ran as fast as she could, which was just as slow as a sloth.

Gilda laughed a little bit, but a pony looking at her was surprised at Gilda's behavior. Then Gilda said, "This stuff ain't fresh, dude." Gilda then walked away.

Pinkie and Moonlight were shocked to see what Gilda just did. Moonlight then said, "That... was... mean!"

"You're right, Moonlight," Pinkie said angrily. "That was clearly too mean to be a prank." Pinkie then shook her head and said, "No, no. I can't misjudge her. Maybe that was a one time thing."

Pinkie and Moonlight looked back over at Gilda. Gilda was passing by the cart which had three ponies surrounding it. She snuck her tail over towards it, grabbed an apple, and ate it.

That made Pinkie Pie gasp and said, "I did misjudge her! She's not only a meanie mean-pants, she's also a thief!" Pinkie Pie held herself back and said, "Nonononono, she might give it back. It's just a joke."

"That's not possible to return an apple that's been eaten, Pinkie," Moonlight said. She then turned her head and saw Fluttershy escorting some ducks, walking backwards.

"All right little ones, this way, this way. Mama duck, you're free and clear."

Before she knew it, she accidentally bumped into Gilda, with the griffon saying, "Hey."

"Please excuse me," Fluttershy said, politely.

"I'm walkin' here," Gilda said, rudely. That made Fluttershy turn her body, making her body face towards Gilda.

"Oh, um, I'm sorry. I-I-I was just trying to..." Fluttershy tried apologizing, but was getting scared of Gilda.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Gilda said, mockingly. She then snapped, "Why don't you just watch where you're going, doofus?"

"B-b-b-but I... I..." Fluttershy tried apologizing, but then Gilda inhaled, and roared at Fluttershy, making all of the ponies shocked. Fluttershy then turned around, crying, and flew off.

Gilda looked around and said, "Ugh, please, all these lame ponies are driving me buggy." She then prepared to fly. "I gotta bail." She then took off.

"That... that griffon is such a jerk," Moonlight said. "How could she do that to Fluttershy?"

"I know, right?!" Pinkie shouted. "She has been nothing but a grump, a thief and a bully! That's the meanest kind of mean meanie-pants there is!" She then puffed her chest out and said, "I can take it, but no one treats Fluttershy like that. No. One." Pinkie then gave off a devious smile and said, "This calls for extreme measures, Pinkie Pie style!"

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 22nd... 9:00 PM...

Twilight and Moonlight arrived back at the library after an interesting day they had. Pinkie Pie had thrown a party for Gilda. She had set up a lot of decorations, a lot of deserts, some party games, and just about every pony in Ponyville showed up. Although, there were also some party gags set up, and Gilda was triggering every one of them.

Gilda thought that Pinkie Pie was responsible for setting up such lame party pranks, and wanted to leave, taking Rainbow Dash with her. But, Rainbow Dash confessed that she was the one that set up those party pranks, and said that it was a coincidence that Gilda was the one who trigger them all. Gilda got upset, left, called all of the ponies, including Rainbow Dash, lame, and then left Ponyville.

After helping cleaning up the party, Twilight and Moonlight had some dinner at a restaurant, and headed straight back to the library.

"I can't believe that that Gilda was such a jerk," Twilight said. "I was really hoping to get some information about the griffons. Now that she showed her true colors, I might as well hold off on trying to find out more about griffons."

"Her attitude was even worse, yesterday," Moonlight said. "Fluttershy was moving some ducks through town, and accidentally bumped into Gilda. Gilda roared at Fluttershy, even though she was apologizing."

"Wow," Twilight said. "Well, let's get you to bed." Both of them yawned and headed upstairs. When they reached the bedroom area, they saw a third bed in the room. Spike was asleep in the room as well. Twilight smiled at the bed.

"A new bed?" Moonlight asked.

"Yes," Twilight said. "It's yours, Moonlight."

"M-mine?" Moonlight asked.

"Yes," Twilight said. Then the two of them walked up to the bed, and both of them got onto it. "Wow, it's so much softer than I was expecting." Moonlight inspected the softness of the bed. She smiled at it, but it then went to a sad frown. Twilight noticed it and asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's... it's so soft," Moonlight said. "Soft as my birth mom's skin." She then started crying.

Twilight pulled Moonlight in, and started rubbing the back of Moonlight, shushing her. "It's okay, Moonlight. It's okay."

"I... I really miss my old family," Moonlight said, putting her cheek on Twilight's chest.

"I know, Moonlight," Twilight said. "I know. It must be tough for you. Missing you mother's touch. Her voice. Her face. It must've been so hard for you to lose those closest to you. But as long as you have ponies, or in case, people close to you, the love of your old family will never leave you, and will gain as much from those willing to want to take care of you."

Moonlight snuggled closer to Twilight. Twilight stayed with her until Moonlight fell asleep. As soon as Moonlight fell asleep, Twilight placed Moonlight under the covers, and kissed Moonlight on the forehead. Twilight then walked towards her own bed, and got into it. Twilight thought about Moonlight as she was laying in her bed. She had a bad life before coming to Equestria, and now she was in the body of a filly Nightmare Moon. Twilight is hoping that things might light up for Moonlight soon.

Chapter 9

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Chapter 9

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 28th... 9:30 AM...

Twilight was trying out some new spells with Moonlight by her side. Moonlight was learning some spells. But she was already at Twilight's level. She was learning things so fast.

"Wow!" Spike said in awe. "You two have been learning a lot of new spells."

"Indeed," Twilight said. "Moonlight might be a filly, but she's also an alicorn. Now, we've done 24 spells."

Spike was listing down all of the spells the two have been doing in their magic. Spike then said, "Alright. Time for one more spell." Moonlight was panting heavily.

Twilight put a hoof on Moonlight's back and asked, "Why don't you rest for a bit? I think you've done enough magic."

"Okay," Moonlight said, walking over to the side.

"Alright, Twilight, time for a growth spell," Spike said. "Come on, Twilight. You can do it!"

"Okay, here goes," Twilight said before lighting up her horn. She then concentrated, and then a black mustache grew out above Spike's lips.

"Ha ha! Ya did it! Growing magic, that's number twenty-five," Spike said as he turned to check off the last box on the list. "Twenty-five different types of tricks and counting. And I think this is the best trick so far." Spike then looked in front of a mirror. Imagining that he was alone with Rarity. "Hello, Rarity. What's that? Aw, it's nothin', just my awesome mustache." He then laughed.

Twilight smiled and said, "Sorry, Romeo. As attractive and enticing as you look, it's just for practice, and it's gotta go." Twilight then used her magic to undo the mustache.

"Wait!" Spike shouted, trying to block the spell from getting rid of his mustache, but it didn't work, and Twilight used her magic to remove Spike's mustache. "Aw, rats!" That made Twilight giggle.

"Wait a minute," Moonlight said. "You said 'Romeo'. As in Romeo and Juliet? That was an old romance book back in my world."

"Really?" Twilight asked. "Huh. Must be some weird coincidence." Twilight then walked over towards Moonlight and said, "Perhaps there are some other links from your world to ours. We'll have to tell the princesses about this. But for right now, how about we get some sun?"

Moonlight nodded, got up and then the three of them headed on outside.

Town Square... Ponyville... Equestria... June 28th... 11:00 AM...

Twilight, Moonlight and Spike were walking through the streets of Ponyville until two unicorn colts ran past the three of them. They were the two colts, Snips and Snails. They said that there was a new unicorn in town, who claims to be the most talented unicorn in all of Equestria. But Spike said that Twilight deserves that title.

They headed over to Town Square where a bunch of ponies were gathered in front of a cart. Twilight, Moonlight and Spike went through the crowd as a mare was making an announcement from the cart, which it unfolded into a performance stage.

"Come one, come all! Come and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

In a puff of smoke, there came a blue unicorn mare with a purple cape and magician's hat with blue and yellow stars and dots.

"Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed by pony eyes!" The mare boasted as a bunch of fireworks came out of the cart. The crowd was standing in awe, but some ponies weren't too happy about what the mare just said.

"My, my, my! What boasting!" Rarity said.

"Come on, nopony's as magical as Twi— Twi— Twi— Oh!" Spike tried to say Twilight's name, but was too caught off by Rarity. He then tried to come up with something to make Rarity think that he looks cool.

"There's nothing wrong with being talented, is there?" Twilight asked, watching the performance.

"Nothin' at all, 'cep'n when someone goes around showin' it off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons," Applejack said.

"Oh, come on," Moonlight said. "I've seen stuff like this before back in my world."

"You have?" Twilight asked. That also got the attention of Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity.

"Yeah," said Moonlight. "On TV."

"T... V?" Rarity asked, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"Right," Moonlight said. "The closest thing you have to a TV is a movie projector. Well, anyway, it's this box thing that shows a bunch of shows and plays made up by many humans and has multiple choices of entertainment. Anyway, there's this show that involves a pair of great stage magicians called Penn and Teller. They know hundreds of magic tricks."

"Oh, tricks," Twilight said. "They don't use real magic, but they give off the illusion to impress the audience."

"Exactly," Moonlight said. "They have a show where a bunch of magicians try to fool Penn and Teller with a trick that they have no idea how the performer did it, and then try to perform with them in a show. But, usually, it's one performer that fools Penn and Teller. It seems that Trixie is just trying to impress the ponies of the show. She's just saying that she's really powerful just to get the crowds attention."

"Oh, I get it," Rainbow Dash said. "She's just trying to get attention. I know the feeling."

"But, is she really all that powerful?" Twilight asked.

"How about we keep quiet and watch the show?" Moonlight asked.

"I heard what you said, little filly," the voice of Trixie came when Moonlight was looking up at Rainbow Dash. Moonlight's eyes dilated when she was being talked to by Trixie. "And I must say, I appreciate that you make some naysayers not say any nays when I'm performing. Although, I was a little taken back when I saw your... appearance."

"My... appearance?" Moonlight asked.

"Yes," Trixie said. "I heard about you, Moonlight. I read the newspapers about you. And I cannot believe that you aren't really the dreaded Nightmare Moon. So, how about I make this a special performance, with you as my volunteer for a performance?"

That made the crowd gasp. Moonlight was taken aback by that, and then she went up to the stage. Twilight was getting worried that Moonlight might get hurt, but she tried to hold back her protective instincts.

"Now, my little volunteer," Trixie said to Moonlight. She then used her magic to pull out a total of 13 cards. "Pick a card, any card." Moonlight used her magic to pick out a single card. "Look at the card, but don't tell anypony what it is."

Moonlight took a look at her card. It was the Jack of clubs. Moonlight then put it back in.

"Alright," Trixie said as a glass box with a small water tower comes out of the back. "Now, I am going to get into this glass box. When I go into this box, the box will be filled with water, and before the water fills up completely, I am going to figure out which card you have chosen." Trixie then got into the tank, and used her magic to lock the box, which the lock was on top of the box. Then water started filling in the tank, making the crowd go out in shock.

"What is she doing?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"She's going to drown!" Rarity shouted.

Trixie smirked, and used her magic to pick up the deck of cards, which was outside the tank, and decided to shuffle the cards. She then said, "Now, it's time to pick out the card you picked." She then decided to pick a random card. Remember, Moonlight picked out the Jack of Clubs. Trixie then pulled out a random card, it being the 5 of Hearts, showing it to Moonlight and the audience. "Is this your card?"

Moonlight looked at the card, got confused and said, "No."

"What?" Trixie asked, slightly surprised. She then started picking out some more cards, trying to find the card that Moonlight picked. She picked out every card, but the Jack of Clubs was not there. But she then tried to unlock the cage, but the cage filled with water.

"Oh, no!" Twilight said. "We need to get her out of there!" Twilight then tried running up on stage, but then a puff of smoke came in, covering the glass box, and when the smoke cleared, Trixie disappeared. "Where'd she go?"

Then a puff of smoke came up from behind Moonlight, and Trixie appeared with a giant playing card, which was the Jack of Clubs. Trixie then asked, "Is this your card?"

Moonlight was surprised by that and said, "Yes! That's my card!"

The crowd then started applauding at Trixie's performance. Trixie then bowed and said, "No trick is impossible for... The Great and Powerful... Trrrixie!"

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... June 28th... 6:00 PM...

Spike was preparing dinner for the three of them. Twilight was looking through many books on stage magic. Twilight was smiling as she was reading it while Moonlight was reading some comic books.

"I can't believe that Trixie did such a really complicated trick," Twilight said. "That trick must've taken her years to perfect."

"Most magicians take years of practice just to perform certain tricks," Moonlight said. "Even Penn and Teller had practice on tricks similar to that. I've seen Penn and Teller do a trick like that on the internet."

"Internet?" Twilight asked. She then smiled, shook her head and said, "Now I believe you're making up words."

"Aren't all words made up?" Moonlight asked.

"Touché," Twilight said, smiling.

That made Spike laugh. But then, the ground started shaking. Moonlight then asked, "What's happening?!"

"I don't know!" Twilight said. Then the three of them headed outside to see what was going on, and they saw a giant, blue, starry bear rampaging through town.

"What is that?!" Moonlight asked, her legs shaking.

"Gah! An Ursa Major!" Spike said.

"I don't think that's an Ursa Major, Spike," Twilight said. Just then, they saw Trixie trying to subdue the beast with a rope. But the rope was tied against two toes of one of the paws.

"C'mon, Trixie!" Snips said. "You beat one of these Ursa Majors before."

"Yeah," Snails said. "You can do it!"

"I can't!" Trixie shouted. "I made up the fact that I beat an Ursa Major! I just wanted more fans for my magic tour!"

"What?!" Snips and Snails shouted.

Twilight looked around to see what she can do. She got an idea and used her magic for a wind spell. Some plants started playing some music, soothing the beast.

"Nice use of number 16, Twilight," Spike said.

Twilight then used her magic, straining herself, and lifted a water tower off of its pedestal, and taking it through a barn, and a bunch of cows were mooing.

"That's new," Spike said.

Twilight then gave the water tower full of milk to the beast, then she lifted the beast, sending it to the cave where it originally came from. Twilight was then exhausted.

"Mom?! Are you okay?" Moonlight asked, worried about her adopted mother.

"I... I'll be fine," Twilight said.

"Wow," Trixie said. "That... was the most fascinated thing I have ever seen in my life. I've seen a lot of things happen, but for you to tame an Ursa Major like that was just... Wow!"

"Yeah," Twilight said, getting her composure back. "But, I have something to tell you all. That wasn't an Ursa Major. It was actually an Ursa Minor."

"That... was an Ursa Minor?" Trixie asked.

"Than what does an Ursa Major look like?" Moonlight asked.

"You don't wanna know," Twilight said. "At least nopony got hurt, physically by the way."

Spike then turned towards Snips and Snails, and shouted, "Why would you two want to endanger the town by bringing an Ursa Minor into town?!"

"We just... wanted to see Trixie vanquish one like she said she did," Snips said.

"We thought that nopony would get hurt," Snails said. Both of them were ashamed of what they've done.

"You can't get whatever you want," Moonlight said. "Sometimes... you have to think about your actions before you do things, and ask yourself, is it the right thing to do?"

"Wow," Twilight said. "That was really wise, Moonlight. Where did you learn that?"

"I overheard one of the caretakers at my orphanage say it to one of the other orphans in my world," Moonlight said.

"You know what?" Trixie asked. "I think I'll head on out and try to perform without making ponies mad at me. I got a lot of things to think about when I'm on tour. Until next time." Trixie then threw down a smoke bomb and she disappeared.

Moonlight turned her head towards her right and saw Trixie loading up her cart. She then smiled and said, "At least she learned about humility."

"Yeah," Twilight said. "Now, let's head on home." Then all of the ponies went back to their homes.

Chapter 10

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Chapter 10

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 1st... 5:30 PM...

Moonlight was looking out the window at the heavy storm that started pouring over the town of Ponyville. Twilight was trying to seal up the windows so the storm wouldn't cause any damage. Although, four days before, Twilight and her friends had to deal with a dragon that was asleep on a nearby mountain, blowing smoke across Equestria. And even though she was afraid at first, Fluttershy was the one who made the dragon leave.

Twilight finished up sealing the windows and walked towards Moonlight.

"Okay. All of the windows are sealed," Twilight said. "Let's hope that nopony is stranded outside in the storm." Twilight then looked out the window. "Looks like it's about to start. Let's get you to the kitchen."

Moonlight then went wide eyed. She then asked, "Is that Applejack and Rarity out there?"

"What?!" Twilight asked, looking out the window. She was shocked to see two of her friends out in the rain. She then opened the door, and called out, "Applejack! Rarity! Applejack! Rarity!"

The two ponies looked towards Twilight.

"Come inside girls, quick."

Applejack and Rarity then ran towards the library. Rarity ran in, but Applejack stopped and thought about something.

"Whoa, nelly. Is inside a tree really the best place to be in a lightning storm?" Applejack asked.

"It is if you have a magical lightning rod protecting your home like I do," Twilight said. "Come on in!"

"Hah! We are most grateful for your invitation," Rarity said.

"Thank ya kindly for yer hospitality," Applejack said, coming in. But Rarity stopped her on the door mat.

"Uh, do be a polite house guest and go wash up please, won't you?" Rarity asked.

Applejack grumbled and said, "If I gotta spend one more second with that fussbudget Rarity today, I can't be held responsible for what I'm gonna do." She then headed outside.

Moonlight was confused by that and asked, "What's Applejack doing?"

"She's washing up, darling," Rarity said. "We wouldn't want to get muddy hoof prints all over your home."

"I... I think I should go up to go to take a bath," Moonlight said. "Why did Spike go up to Canterlot again?"

"Royal business," Twilight replied. "He'll be back as soon as he can."

"Okay," Moonlight said. She then headed upstairs and into the bathroom. Moonlight then turned the faucets of the bathtub, and then got in. At least it was warm enough for her to enjoy. Moonlight then looked down at her body and gave a sad sigh. "Out of everything that I've been through, this body is the weirdest thing I have to go through. My gender, my body, new set of limbs, a horn on my head, even some dragon eyes. This is weirder than the time one of the caretakers of the orphanage woke me up from a nightmare wearing a mud mask and curlers." She then shivered at the thought of it.

20 minutes later, Moonlight got out of the tub, and headed on downstairs. When she looked at Twilight and Rarity, they had mud masks on their faces.

"Hey, Moonlight," Twilight said. "Wanna try a mud mask?"

"You should try it, darling," Rarity said. "It makes your face smooth as silk."

Moonlight stood there in shock, but then she headed back upstairs, went into the bedroom she shared with Twilight and Spike and closed the door.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 1st... 8:00 PM...

Moonlight tried not to go downstairs, doing girly stuff with Twilight, Rarity and Applejack (who she'll know that Applejack would hate). Moonlight had gotten into Spike's secret stash of comic books, which she knew Spike hid them in a secret compartment he had under his bed. Just then, she heard knocking coming from the door.

"Moonlight, we're making s'mores down here," Twilight said.

Moonlight put the comic books away, and headed on towards the door. Moonlight opened the door and said, "I've been wanting to try s'mores. They looked so good from the people who ate them that I watched on TV back my world."

"Still don't know what that means," Twilight said, shaking her head. "Now, c'mon. Let's get you your first s'more."

Moonlight followed Twilight downstairs. Later, Rarity was describing how to make s'mores, the perfect way. Applejack was impatient and scarfed one down. Moonlight was already making her s'more, and ate it. It was a little dark, but she still found it good.

"I see you're enjoying your first s'more," Twilight smiled.

"Her first s'more since bein' here, or first s'more her whole life?" Applejack asked.

"First s'more her whole life," Twilight said. "She said she always wanted to try one." She then looked down at Moonlight. "And how was it?"

"Life changing," Moonlight said, a mouthful.

"Don't talk with your mouth full," Twilight said, smiling. She then grabbed a napkin with her magic, and started dabbing Moonlight's mouth. Twilight then kissed the side of Moonlight's head. She then started making her own s'more. Moonlight then headed on upstairs.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 1st... 11:45 PM...

Moonlight was trying to get some sleep due to Applejack and Rarity's disagreements. She was trying to cover her ears with her pillows, but due to her pony ears having a stronger sense of hearing, the pillows didn't help much. Just then, Twilight's voice came in.

"Enough!"

That made Applejack, Rarity and Moonlight look over towards Twilight. Moonlight was tired and wanted sleep, trying to nod off.

"It says right here that the number one thing you're supposed to do at a slumber party is have fun, and thanks to you two I can't check that off!" Twilight shouted, keeping Moonlight from falling asleep. "And now, Moonlight can't sleep!"

"I... need... sleep..." Moonlight said, trying to fall asleep.

"Ah've been tryin' my darndest to get along," Applejack said.

"No, it is I who have been trying my best," Rarity said. It then went to another argument between the two.

"No, it was me."

"No, it was I."

"Me!"

"I!"

"I hope you're happy, both of you," Twilight said, angrily. "Moonlight can't get sleep, and you've ruined my first slumber party. The makeover, the s'mores, Truth or Dare, the pillow fight... I mean, is there anything else that could possibly go wrong?"

Moonlight gasped and shouted, "Never say that! Because something always does!"

Just then, lightning struck a tree outside, making it swerve from the wind and loosening from where lightning struck it.

"Sorry I asked," Twilight said, cowering under her bed covers.

Just then, the lights went on. Moonlight then covered her face, and tried to cover up the light. Then the sound of something crashing through the window. She looked over and saw that the top of the tree from outside had crashed through the window.

"Ah, c'mon!" Moonlight shouted. "I just want to sleep!"

"Sorry, Moonlight," Applejack said, with her rope in her mouth. And the rope was tied up around the tree.

Moonlight then tried covering her face in her pillows and bed covers. Moonlight tried to overcome the noise and the light, and finally get some sleep. Eventually, she did.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 2nd... 8:30 AM...

Moonlight eventually woke up, but she felt something on her face and pulling her mane. She didn't pay attention to it when the rain was still going outside. She then headed on downstairs to see Twilight, Rarity and Applejack having fun together.

"Morning," Moonlight said.

The three girls then looked up at Moonlight. Twilight and Applejack were surprised at the sight of Moonlight, which Moonlight had no idea what was going on. Rarity smiled at Moonlight's appearance.

Twilight looked over at Rarity and asked, "Rarity, did you put a mud mask and hair curlers on Moonlight last night?"

"Wait, what?!" Moonlight asked, heading straight to the bathroom. She looked in the mirror and saw that she was wearing some hair curlers and a mud mask. "Oh, c'mon! I didn't want this!"

Rarity then walked in, saying, "I just thought you would enjoy a makeover. You really should enjoy this. The mud mask softens your skin, and those curlers will make your mane have beautiful curls."

"You should have asked!" Moonlight said, shaking the hair curlers out of her mane. She then filled up the sink, and dunked her head into it, making the mud mask dissolve and her mane soaked and straight. She then shook it, making her mane go back to how it was before. "I still would have said no. You don't do that without asking."

Rarity sighed and said, "You're right. I should have asked. No wonder my sister was mad when I did that."

Twilight walked into the bathroom. She then walked over towards Moonlight and asked, "Sorry about that, Moonlight. Guess Rarity forgot that you were once a boy. She just needs to let you grow up the way you should."

"Why couldn't I keep my gender when I came here?" Moonlight asked.

Twilight then pulled Moonlight in for a hug and said, "According to Princess Celestia, you were a victim of circumstance. I'm sorry that you lost your original form, but I will do everything to help you adjust."

Moonlight sighed and said, "I have had a hard time back in my world. There were a lot of bullies in my world. The boy bullies would gang up on me, throwing me face first into a trash can. The girl bullies take me into a room, dress me up in a ridiculous girly outfit, and push me out into public. Looking at myself in that mask and those curlers reminded me of those moments I got dressed up by the girl bullies."

"That's horrible," Twilight said.

"I apologize for putting on those curlers and that mud mask," Rarity said. "I... I forgot that you said that you were bullied back in your world."

"Mistakes were bound to happen," Twilight said. "I will make sure that that will never happen to you again." Twilight then nuzzled Moonlight. "Now, let's make you some breakfast." Twilight and Moonlight then headed downstairs. Rarity gave a sad look towards Moonlight.

"She'll... she'll have to get used to living like a girl," Rarity said. "I can't force her, but she will adjust soon." She then headed out of the bathroom.

Chapter 11

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Chapter 11

Sugarcube Corner... Ponyville... Equestria... July 15th... 10:30 AM...

Twilight, Moonlight and Spike were walking down the streets of Ponyville. The three of them were looking around, seeing that it was a beautiful day. Moonlight then looked around town to see that nopony was around.

"Mom? Where is everypony?" Moonlight asked.

Twilight and Spike then looked around, but they didn't see anypony either.

"You're right, Moonlight," Twilight said. "There aren't any ponies out here." She then sighed. "Somepony must be spreading rumors about you being Nightmare Moon, again."

They heard the whispering voice of Pinkie Pie came to their attention.

"Psst! Twilight! Spike! Moonlight!Come here! Come! Here! Hurry! Before she gets you!"

Twilight groaned and the three of them headed into Sugarcube Corner. When they headed in, they were yanked in and the door was slammed shut. When the three of them looked over at Pinkie, they saw that she was with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Apple Bloom.

"Who are you talking about?" Moonlight asked.

"Pinkie's talkin' 'bout her," Applejack said, pointing out the window. The group looked out the window and saw somepony in a cloak.

Twilight, Spike and Moonlight were confused by the figure in the cloak. Then Apple Bloom climbed on Spike's back.

"Did you see her Twilight?" Apple Bloom asked. "Did you see... Zecora?"

"Apple Bloom! I told you never to say that name," Applejack scolded towards Apple Bloom.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Moonlight said. "What is up with you all?"

"That pony is really mysterious," Fluttershy said.

"Sinister," Rainbow Dash said.

"And spoooooky!" Pinkie said.

The group looked outside, and saw that the cloaked figure removed the hood, revealing a striped pony like creature. Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie gasped.

"Will you cut that out?" Twilight asked, angrily.

"Just look at those stripes! So garish!" Rarity said.

"She's a zebra," Twilight and Moonlight said in unison. Then the two of them looked at each other.

"You know what a zebra is?" Twilight asked.

"What's a zebra?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"A zebra, and her stripes aren't a fashion choice Rarity, they're what she was born with," Twilight said. She then looked at Moonlight. "How do you know what zebras are?"

"We have zebras back in my world," Moonlight said. "They're from a completely different continent. They're completely harmless."

"Harmless?!" Applejack asked. "You call creatures like that harmless?!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jrj15xy-Ag

"Wow. Catchy," Twilight said, sarcastically.

"It's a work in progress," Pinkie said. The grown ponies started saying different things when Twilight was trying to find out what was going on. The others were just coming up with crazy conspiracies.

"This is getting ridiculous," Moonlight whispered towards Apple Bloom.

"Ya ain't wrong, Moonlight," Apple Bloom said. She then looked outside and saw Zecora heading out of Ponyville. "How 'bout we go see how Zecora really is?"

Moonlight nodded. Then the two of them headed on out, following Zecora, staying out of sight.

Everfree Forest... Equestria... July 15th... 11:00 AM...

Moonlight and Apple Bloom were following Zecora to the Everfree Forest. As soon as they came to a clearing, Moonlight stopped, held up a hoof straight to stop Apple Bloom.

"Why'd ya stop me?" Apple Bloom asked.

Moonlight was looking at the blue flowers that they were almost about to walk into. Moonlight then pulled the two of them away from the flowers.

"I read about these flowers in a book called "Super Naturals"," Moonlight explained. "They're called Poison Joke. One touch from these, and a small, yet funny, change will happen to you."

"Like what?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I don't know," said Moonlight. "It's different every time." Then the two of them looked up to see Zecora, moving in a pattern, not touching the flowers. "See. She knows what they are. Let's get around this without touching them." Apple Bloom nodded. Then the two of them started going around the flowers, but were stopped when they heard voices.

"Apple Bloom?"

"Moonlight?"

The two of them turned their heads and saw Twilight and her friends coming towards them.

"You two get back here right now!" Applejack said, rushing towards the two fillies.

"Wait, Applejack! Don't...!" Moonlight tried warning them, but she ran right through the flowers. She then picked Apple Bloom up and over her head, and Moonlight on her back.

"Beware! Beware, you pony folk! Those leaves of blue are not a joke!" Zecora warned them, but five of the mares thought it was a threat. Twilight sighed.

"Oh, brother," Twilight said after she sighed.

"Beware! Beware!" Zecora said as she disappeared into the forest.

Apple Bloom and Moonlight got scolded by the mares for going into the forest by themselves. Especially for following Zecora. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity were trying to convince the three of them that Zecora was bad news.

"Wow," Moonlight said. "There was something like this on my world."

"Really?" Apple Bloom asked. "What was it?"

"Something called... racism, I think?" Moonlight thought hard, trying to remember something she saw on TV.

"Racism?" Twilight asked. "What's that?"

"Certain appearances make certain people uncomfortable," Moonlight said. "People on my world don't hire certain people due to certain skin color. And it seems that the others are doing the same to Zecora."

"Wow," said Twilight. "That's... actually a good example. You five mares aren't giving Zecora a chance to explain herself."

"Twilight!" Pinkie said, getting in her face. "She's... an... evil... enchantress. Who does evil dances. And when you look into her eyes, she will put you in trances."

"Stop that, Pinkie!" Twilight snapped. "Did any of you even ask what she does?"

"She probably was cursing us when she was standing right there earlier," Rainbow Dash said. "No way a simple curse is going to bring us down."

"Actually, it's..." Moonlight said before she was lifted into the air by Twilight's magic, and was placed on her back.

"Alright, Moonlight," Twilight said, "I think you had enough excitement for today. We're going back home to the library."

Then they headed on home to their homes.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 16th... 7:00 AM...

Twilight was having some weird dreams throughout the night, but when she woke up, she nuzzled Moonlight awake. Moonlight shrugged while she was waking up. She opened her eyes and smiled at Twilight, but got surprised when she saw Twilight's horn.

"Uh... Mom?" Moonlight asked.

"What is it, Moonlight?" Twilight asked.

"Have you... seen your horn?" Moonlight asked, nervous to ask.

"What? What do you..." Twilight asked before looking in a mirror. What she saw gave her a shock.

Twilight then screamed.

"MY HORN! MY HORN! What's happened to it?!"

The screaming woke Spike up, making him rub his eye. "Could you keep it down, I'm trying to sleep." He then looked at Twilight's horn, and that woke him up all the way. "WHOA!!"

"We have to find a way to get my horn back to normal!" Twilight said. She then rushed downstairs. Moonlight and Spike followed her and saw Twilight trying to use her magic to grab a book, but the book started vibrating and dropping on the floor. "No! I can't use my magic!"

"Mom," Moonlight said, trying to get her attention.

"I can't believe that my friends were right about Zecora," Twilight said, trying to pick up a book with her hoof. "This shouldn't be possible."

"Mom," Moonlight said. "You should really..."

"No no no no no!" Twilight said, throwing a bunch of books. "None of these books have a cure! Ugh! There has to be a real reason for this! An illness? An allergy?!"

Spike opened up the book "Super Naturals". He then said, "A curse!"

"I said a real reason," Twilight said. "Something that points to something real."

"How about this?" Spike said, showing the book to Twilight.

"'Supernaturals'?" Twilight asked, looking at the book. "Spike, the word supernatural refers to things like ghosts and spirits and zombies, which are as make-believe as curses. This book is just a bunch of hooey!"

"Mom?" Moonlight asked. "Is there a space between the title. Because there's a difference between Supernaturals and Super... Natural. With a space in the middle."

Twilight then looked at the book title. She then sighed and said, "I didn't even see the difference. Maybe this book does have a cure for this."

"I already saw ahead and what was the cause of that," Moonlight said. "It wasn't Zecora. It was those blue flowers you and your friends stepped in yesterday."

"WHAT?!" Twilight shouted. But then she was tackled by Pinkie Pie, who's tongue was swollen and covered in blue spots.

"Ah pfurse!" Pinkie said, spitting all over Twilight.

"A purse?" Spike asked. Just then, there was the sound of banging coming from outside. Then Rainbow Dash came flying in, flying uncontrollably.

As she was flying without control, she was saying, "She's... trying to say-ow! Zecora-oh! she slapped us all with a-ow- curse!"

"IT WASN'T ZECORA!" Moonlight shouted, sending out sonic waves. Moonlight then stopped and looked down at her muzzle. Then she quietly asked, "What... just... happened?"

"That... would be... the Royal Canterlot Voice," Twilight said. "Only alicorns can do that."

Then the others came in. Rarity's coat and mane were long and mop like as she said, "I'm afraid I have to agree with Rainbow Dash." She then blew some of her hair out of her sight.

"I hate to say I told ya so, Twilight, but I told ya so!" came Applejack's voice, in a high pitched voice. But when Twilight, Moonlight and Spike looked at Applejack, she was very small, and was standing on Apple Bloom's back. "It's a curse, I tells ya!"

Moonlight sighed, walked over to Apple Bloom and asked, "Couldn't convince them either, could ya?"

"Ya'll have no idea," Apple Bloom said. "Ah've tried talkin' ta Applejack, but she kept on tryin' ta get me ta do what she says."

"Apple Bloom, get me to that table!" Applejack said. Apple Bloom sighed and walked over to the table. Applejack then jumped off of Apple Bloom's back and looked over towards Twilight.

"Okay, we're all affected," said Twilight, before she looked at Fluttershy. "But Fluttershy... seems just fine!"

The group looked towards Fluttershy. They asked Fluttershy to speak, but she refused to speak. But then Applejack yelled at her to speak up. But then, Fluttershy said something in a deep man voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axbU7kzWMqQ

Spike snorted, and then burst out laughing. He then said, "Look at all of you! We got: Hairity, Rainbow Crash, Spitty Pie, Apple Teeny, Flutterguy, and... uh..." Spike then stopped, trying to think of a clever nickname for Twilight. "I got nothin'... Twilight Sparkle. I mean seriously, I can't even work with that." He then walked towards Moonlight and Apple Bloom.

"You seriously can't come up with a clever name for Mom?" Moonlight asked. "Especially with her horn flopping around?"

"Flopping?" Spike asked. Then he started thinking out loud. "Flopping... Flop... Flopple! Twilight Flopple!" He then started laughing. Moonlight and Apple Bloom looked away, shaking their heads.

"This isn't funny, Spike!" Twilight shouted. "We need to find a cure for this..."

"Pfurse!" Pinkie spatted out, spraying in Twilight's face, also cutting her off.

Twilight pushed her back and shouted, "For the last time! IT'S NOT A CURSE!!"

"Mom's actually right!" Moonlight said, getting their attention. She then used her magic to levitate the book "Super Naturals" over towards her.

"Moonlight, I doubt that "Supernaturals" are going to help us," Twilight said. "It's just superstition."

""Super Naturals, Natural Remedies and Cure-alls That are Simply Super"," Moonlight read. "Did you read that part of the title?" Moonlight then levitated the book over to Twilight, who read it.

Twilight's eyes then widened, and then she covered her face and groaned. Twilight then said, "I should have payed more attention to the text." She then sighed. "What do you think is responsible for this?"

Moonlight then opened the book, and looked through the pages of the book and found the right page. She smiled and showed the page towards Twilight.

"Poison Joke," Moonlight said. "A plant similar to poison oak, but the affects are like a joke. You might recognize it. After all, the six of you stepped in it yesterday."

The six mares looked towards the book and saw the flower on that page.

"That's what made us this way?!" Applejack shouted. "How do we know that Zecora wasn't the one who planted them?"

Moonlight then groaned and shouted, "Would you stop blaming everything on Zecora?! You're not giving her a chance. You're all just racist, not willing to give different creatures a chance, even though they're smart as us."

"Listen, Moonlight!" Applejack shouted. "You don't get to..."

"APPLEJACK!" Twilight shouted, interrupting Applejack and getting her attention. "Moonlight is right. You never given Zecora a chance to explain her odd behaviors."

The other ponies, minus Moonlight and Apple Bloom, looked at each other, thought about what Twilight and Moonlight said, and then looked at the ground, ashamed.

"You know, they're right," Rarity said. "We've all been weirded out by her looks and strange behaviors, we didn't see who she was on the inside."

"We were just too afraid to talk to her, thinking she was a wicked mare," Fluttershy said in her deep male voice.

"Well, we should find out where she lives, and ask her if she has a cure for this," Twilight said. Twilight then lifted Rainbow Dash up from the mess she made. She then tied a strap around Rainbow's waist. "You might want to avoid flying until we get back to normal."

"Good call," Rainbow said. Then the nine of them headed out of the library, and to the Everfree Forest.

Zecora's Hut... Everfree Forest... Equestria... July 16th... 9:00 AM...

It took them a while, but they all reached Zecora's hut in the Everfree Forest. It had some tribal masks outside. The group then walked towards the hut, and Moonlight knocked on the door.

"Are you sure she'll be able to help us?" Twilight asked, looking down at Moonlight.

"She was trying to warn you all to avoid the Poison Joke," Moonlight said. "I'm sure she'll be able to help us." The door then opened and saw the group waiting outside.

"My warning must've not gotten to you all," Zecora said. "To the Poison Joke, you all fall."

"Technically, we didn't fall," Twilight said. "Listen, we're all sorry for not getting to know you. Ponies around here were afraid of you because of your appearance."

"My appearance and odd behavior may be strange," Zecora said. "But it is no reason for ponies to be long-range."

"Is it common for zebras to talk in rhyme?" Moonlight asked.

Zecora looked down at Moonlight and smiled, "I am the only one who speaks in rhyme. But it seems that I'm not the only one who's appearance is different this time."

Moonlight bit her lip, knowing what Zecora was talking about. Twilight then said, "She wasn't always like this. She was once a completely different species of the opposite gender. She came here looking like this due to some old Equestrian artifact that can transport some creature from where they are to the castle of the Two Sisters. But something went wrong and..."

"I know what you are talking about, Twilight," said Zecora. "You refer to the cursed diamond, the Eye of the Night."

"You know about that?!" Twilight asked, shocked.

"I've studied all artifacts and things attracted," said Zecora. "But the diamond's curse cannot be extracted." She then looked over at the group and smiled. "For now, let's get you all fixed. We wouldn't want anypony think there's something wrong with the heroes six. Some ingredients I need for a special brew for the Poison Joke to be extracted from you." The group smiled, knowing that Zecora would be able to help them.

Spa... Ponyville... Equestria... July 16th... 1:00 PM...

The Mane 6 were in the Jacuzzi, finally cured of the Poison Joke. Well, at least five of them were. One of the spa ponies was astounded by the mix that Zecora had made.

"Miss Zecora, I would love to get the recipe for this bath," one of the spa ponies, Lotus Blossom, said. "It's simply luxurious!"

Zecora smiled. Standing next to her was Apple Bloom and Moonlight. Apple Bloom then looked around and asked, "Applejack! Hey, where's Applejack?!"

Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked all over the Jacuzzi they were in, hoping that they weren't sitting on Applejack.

"Ah'm right here, little sis," came Applejack's voice. They all looked towards the voice and saw Applejack back in her normal size, with her butt stuck in a small tub. "Ah ain't tiny no more!"

"Oh! I have never felt so lovely in all my life!" Rarity said, relieved that she was back to normal.

"Oh, my gosh!" Pinkie Pie said, and continued ranting, very quickly. "I never realized how horrible it is not to be able to talk. I mean, I love talking so much, and when I couldn't talk anymore, my tongue was all 'ehhhh'! It was the worst! Don't you agree, Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash was annoyed hearing Pinkie's speech, trying to cover her ears.

"Yes," Fluttershy said in her normal voice. Then the group laughed, and are happy that everything was going to be fine for the rest of the day.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 16th... 9:30 PM...

"Alright, Moonlight," Twilight said. "Time for bed." Twilight escorted Moonlight to her bed. Twilight then levitated her into her bed and pulled the covers over her. "I'm actually very proud of you."

"You are?" Moonlight asked.

"You helped the ponies get to know Zecora and see her for who she really is," Twilight said. "Just like when we got the town of Ponyville to see you for who you really are on the inside."

Moonlight smiled, which didn't last long.

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked.

"I was hoping that Zecora would know of a way if I can ever be in my normal body," Moonlight said. She then sighed. "Guess even she couldn't find anything."

"I know," Twilight said, nuzzling the filly's left cheek. "We're just gonna have to be patient. Now, you get some sleep."

"Okay," Moonlight said. She then yawned, and turned to her right. Twilight then looked out the window.

"Moonlight sure is a special foal." Twilight thought. She then sighed. "She deserves something really special. Something that will help her out of her sad phase." She then saw a young stallion walking a dog. She them smiled. "That's it!" She then looked over at Moonlight, smiling. "Nothing helps a sad foal cheer up than a dog. Of course I need to get Fluttershy to help choose a dog that will be good for Moonlight. And I need somepony to keep Moonlight occupied." She then saw the wings on Moonlight. "Well, I guess I could get Rainbow Dash to teach Moonlight how to fly. I'll get things sorted out tomorrow." She then got into bed, and then fell asleep.

Chapter 12

View Online

Chapter 12

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 18th... 8:00 AM...

Twilight, Spike and Moonlight were eating breakfast. Today was the day that Twilight was going to get Moonlight a dog. But for her to do it right, she has to get Moonlight to do some flying lessons with Rainbow Dash. Twilight looked over at Moonlight, who was finishing her pancakes. Just then, there was a knock on the front door. Twilight got up from her seat and headed towards the front door. When she opened it, outside was Rainbow Dash.

"Hey, Twi!" Rainbow said. "Is everything ready?"

"Yep," Twilight said. She then turned towards the kitchen door. "Hey, Moonlight! Can you come to the front door?" Moonlight then came out of the kitchen and walked up to the two mares. "Moonlight, I think we should get you flying. After all, you've been doing so much with your magic and your hooves, I think it's time for you to get some flying."

"Are you sure?" Moonlight asked, a little nervous.

"It'll be fine," Rainbow said, waving a hoof. "After all, you'll be taught how to fly by none other than the best flyer in Equestria." She then laid down for Moonlight to get on. "Now, hop on. I've already set a course for you to start flying training."

Moonlight then looked up at Twilight, a little nervous. Twilight motioned her head, telling Moonlight to go with Rainbow, and then Moonlight sighed. She then got onto Rainbow's back.

"Hang on tight, kid," Rainbow said. "It's gonna be a windy ride." Rainbow then took off into the sky. Twilight was watching as they were going through the sky, Rainbow Dash leaving her signature rainbow trail as she was flying. As the two were out of sight, Spike came up to Twilight, with a backpack on his back.

"Okay," said Spike. "Got everything we need."

Twilight then looked towards a bush and asked, "You ready to go?"

From the bush, Fluttershy peeked her head out, smiled and said, "Yes." She then came out of the bush, and then the three of them headed away from the Golden Oaks Library after Spike locked the door.

Animal Shelter... Canterlot... Equestria... July 18th... 10:00 AM...

Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy walked into the animal shelter in Canterlot. They headed into the area where they kept the dogs, and the three of them were looking at all of them.

"According to Princess Celestia, this place is where the dogs are kept under the best care," Spike said.

"This place has so many dogs," Twilight said. "How are we going to find the right one for Moonlight?"

"There are so many dogs to choose from," Fluttershy said. She walked towards one cage and saw one dog starring at all of them.

Fluttershy smiled and then she looked towards Twilight and asked, "What about this one?"

Twilight and Spike took a look at the dog. Spike then said, "I just hope that this dog is easily trained."

Then one pony in the shelter walked up to them and said, "Oh, he's very well behaved, and is good with foals." Then she got a good look at the two mares. "Say, aren't you two the ones with the Elements of Harmony?"

"Yes we are," Twilight said. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, and this is Fluttershy."

"Oh, I heard of you, Miss Sparkle," said the Shelter Pony. "I heard that you adopted a filly that looks like Nightmare Moon. Is it true that she only looks like her and isn't really her?"

"She's just a foal who needed a good family, and not be treated badly," Twilight said. "She had it worse before she came to Ponyville."

"Well, if she only looks like Nightmare Moon and isn't really her, I hope that nothing bad will happen because of her," said the Shelter Pony. "I'll have this dog out, get you the papers, and collar and a leash for this dog. I'm sure that your little filly is going to love him."

"Yeah," Twilight said. "She deserves something that would be there for her when she's down."

"Yes, dogs are known for that," the Shelter Pony said before walking away. Later, she came back with the paperwork, a leash and a collar for the dog. Since the Shelter Pony was a unicorn, she levitated the papers and a quill for Twilight to sign. Twilight took the quill in her magic and signed the paper work, officially adopting the dog. The Shelter Pony then let the dog out, and the dog ran right towards Twilight, licking her.

"Hey!" Twilight said as the dog licked her cheek. "Easy, boy!" Twilight then petted the dog and smiled. "Well, let's get you to Ponyville so you can meet my foal." Twilight then used her magic to hook the collar and then hooked the leash to it. Then she handed the leash to Spike. "Alright. Let's head on home to Ponyville." Then Twilight, Spike, Fluttershy and the dog headed on out of there.

As soon as they left the animal shelter, Twilight heard a voice very familiar to her.

"Twilight?"

Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy looked towards the left and saw Twilight Velvet walking towards them. She had a smile on her face, seeing Twilight again.

"Mom?" Twilight asked. "What are you doing here in this part of town?"

"I just wanted to get some fresh air," Velvet said. Then she noticed the dog. "Let me guess, getting a dog for Moonlight?"

"Yep," Twilight said. "We haven't named him yet."

"We're thinking of letting Moonlight name the dog," Spike added.

"That's a good idea," Velvet said. "Well, I hope that Moonlight will enjoy this dog." Velvet patted the dog's head. "One of these days, Night Light and I will have to come down to Ponyville to see how she's doing."

"I'm sure that Moonlight would enjoy having a dog," Twilight said. "She deserves one. Even if she wasn't originally from here."

"I'm sure that you're doing the right thing, Twilight," Velvet said. "Be sure to get a lot of stuff for the dog. And make sure he has a lot of loving times." Velvet then rubbed her hoof up and down the dog's neck.

"I will, Mom," Twilight said. "And I'm sure that Moonlight will enjoy this dog as well. We better get to Ponyville. Moonlight will love having a dog to play with."

Velvet nodded and said, "Well, it's been nice seeing you again."

Twilight nodded, and then she, Spike, Fluttershy and the dog headed on to the train station.

Pegasus Flight Training Grounds... Ponyville... Equestria... July 18th... 11:30 AM...

Moonlight was being trained how to fly by Rainbow Dash, starting with gliding. Moonlight was tired, having her wings spread out, her wings too sore to move.

Rainbow Dash flew down and said, "Hey, you did very good for your first try."

"I'm... sore..." Moonlight said. Rainbow Dash then picked her up by her scruff.

"It's alright..." Rainbow Dash said with a mouthful. She then placed Moonlight on her back. "I think we should do some training every two hours every Saturday." Just then, the sound of Moonlight's stomach growled. "And we'll get the training done right before lunch. That way, you'll be getting some food in your stomach."

"Lunch sounds good right now," Moonlight said.

"I'm gonna take you to a Hayburger for some grub," Rainbow said.

"Hay-Burger?" Moonlight asked. "Is that like a hamburger?"

"Hamburger?" Rainbow asked. "Humans are meat eaters?"

"Meat is supposed to be in a human's..." Moonlight was trying to think of a word.

"Diet?" Rainbow asked, guessing the word.

"Yeah," Moonlight said. "That's it."

"Hey, I get it," Rainbow said. "But now, your diet is completely different. You went from omnivorous to herbivorous. You're still gonna have to get used to living here as a pony."

"Especially one that's... a girl," Moonlight said.

"Hey, just because you weren't born a girl doesn't mean you have to grow up like one," Rainbow said. "It's your choice whether to grow up in your own way." Then Rainbow started walking towards town, heading to go get something to eat.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 18th... 1:00 PM...

Moonlight arrived back at the Golden Oaks Library, tired from the training she's been through. Twilight opened the kitchen door and saw Moonlight heading towards the stairs.

"Oh, hey, Moonlight," Twilight said. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Moonlight said. "Just a little sore."

Twilight walked over to Moonlight and nuzzled her. Twilight then said, "You have been having a hard life. So, I thought something like this would cheer you up." Twilight then looked towards the kitchen door. "Spike, bring him out!"

Then the dog that Twilight got ran out of the kitchen, and headed towards Moonlight, licking her face.

"Hey!" Moonlight said, giggling as she was being licked. "St-stop that! That tickles!"

"Moonlight, I got you a dog to get your spirit rising," Twilight said. "We haven't named him yet."

"Why not?" Moonlight asked, looking up at Twilight.

"We decided you should get to name the dog," Twilight said, looking down at Moonlight. "We got him for you."

Moonlight smiled and looked at the dog, face to face. Moonlight then said, "I think I'll name him... Stan."

"Stan?" Twilight asked. Spike came in, also confused on the name.

"Is that a name from your world?" Spike asked.

Moonlight nodded. She then said, "I'm sure that Stan will enjoy his name. Right, boy?" The dog then barked to reply. The dog then licked Moonlight's cheek, making her giggle again.

"That's sweet," Twilight said. "I hope you will enjoy having a friend that can be with you that knows you're a little down."

Moonlight smiled, looking up at Twilight, and said, "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Moonlight," Twilight said. She then kissed Moonlight's forehead. Then Moonlight headed upstairs with Stan following her.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 18th... 7:30 PM...

Twilight, Spike and Moonlight were having dinner in the kitchen, and Stan was watching them eat. Spike grabbed the pepper shaker, but Twilight also grabbed it with her magic. The two of them were fighting for it.

"Spike!" Twilight said.

"I had it first, Twilight!" Spike said, trying to pull away the pepper shaker. But then, the lid of the pepper shaker popped off, spilling the pepper all over Moonlight.

"Ah... Ahhh...." Moonlight was about to sneeze.

"Wait, Moonlight!" Twilight said, reaching out. "Don't sneeze!"

"AAHHHH-CHOOOOO!!!!" Moonlight sneeze, sending out a magical blast from her horn. It ricocheted off the walls

"Look out!" Twilight said, pulling Spike and Moonlight under the kitchen table. Just then, the blast went towards Stan, making him whine.

"Stan!" Moonlight said, looking towards Stan, hoping she didn't hurt the dog. Then the three of them went towards Stan, checking to see if he was okay.

Twilight did a magical scan to see if Stan was okay. She then said, "He's okay. I just hope that nothing bad affected him."

"I didn't even know I could do that," Moonlight said, rubbing her nose with a hoof.

"It's okay, Moonlight," Twilight said. "Whenever a unicorn or an alicorn sneezes really hard, they accidentally shoot out a magical blast, making them do unpredictable things."

"At least Rarity didn't do something like that when Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie pranked her," Moonlight said.

"Well, that was just a small sample of sneezing powder," Twilight said. "Now, why don't you feed Stan?" Moonlight nodded and headed for the dog bowl and dog food. Stan recovered and looked towards Moonlight, panting and wagging his tail in excitement.

"I guess Stan is feeling alright," Spike said.

"That's good," Moonlight said. She filled up the dog bowl with dog food. Moonlight was about to put the bowl down, but the dog was trying to climb her to get the food. "Hey! Down, Stan!"

"Oh, just give me the kibble already!" came a voice, which was coming out of the dog's mouth. Twilight, Moonlight and Spike were surprised that the dog spoke English.

"Did he just... talk?" Twilight asked.

"Wait... you can understand me?" Stan asked, looking towards Twilight.

"He did it again..." Spike said, astonished.

Twilight, Moonlight and Spike were staring at Stan with dumbfound expressions... for the next hour. Stan was laying on the floor, waiting for his food to be put down in front of him. Just then he broke the silence.

"So, are you gonna feed me, or am I just gonna just lay here all night?"

Chapter 13

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Chapter 13

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 19th... 9:30 AM...

Twilight had already told her friends to come over to the Library. Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were confused at what Twilight said to them.

"Are ya sure that the dog ya got is talkin'?" Applejack asked. "Are ya sure ya ain't makin' it up?"

"I'm not making it up, Applejack," Twilight said. "Moonlight sneezed and shot a beam of magic, bouncing off the walls and hitting the dog. Stan, which is what Moonlight named him, can talk." She then looked up the stairs and called out, "Moonlight! Bring Stan down here!"

Then Moonlight and Stan came down the stairs. The mares in the room looked towards the dog. Fluttershy then walked up to the dog.

"I'm not so sure," Fluttershy said. "Dogs don't usually talk like us."

"It's true," Moonlight said. "I was able to make Stan speak."

"Is that right?" Fluttershy asked. She then looked at Stan and said, "Speak, boy."

"What do you want me to say?" Stan asked. That made Fluttershy stand frozen in shock. The other four mares were all jaw dropped. Stan looked up at Fluttershy then asked Moonlight, "Is she gonna be okay?"

Moonlight waved a hoof in front of Fluttershy's face and said, "I don't know..."

Twilight then walked up to Fluttershy and shook her. Fluttershy recovered and shook her head. Twilight then asked, "Are you okay?"

"I... I was just... startled," Fluttershy said. "It's so... unnatural."

Then Pinkie got into Moonlight's face, saying, "Ooh! Ooh! Moonlight! Can you shoot your magic at my pet alligator, Gummy?! I want to hear him talk!"

"You have a pet alligator?" Twilight asked. "That's so dangerous, Pinkie!"

"No it's not!" Pinkie said before pulling something out of her mane. It was a small alligator. "I call him Gummy because he doesn't have any teeth. See." Gummy then tried getting a bite out of Pinkie's hoof, but all he was doing was gumming it. "I still want to have him talk so he and I can have a real conversation."

"...Err, I rather not have my pet cat, Opal, speaking," Rarity said, unsure of that. "Sure, she's a little hard to control, but it might be unsettling for me.

The others were confused on that. Twilight then asked, "Well, Moonlight didn't do that on purpose. It was a sneeze induced spell. Also, why not, Rarity? I thought you said you have troubling controlling her? This way, she could tell you what went wrong."

"That's it, darling," Rarity added. "I have a feeling that I might be hearing things I cannot unhear."

"I agree with Rarity," Fluttershy said. "She's been saying a lot of things you do not want to hear."

Rarity nodded and said, "Thank you for agreeing with me, Fluttershy."

"Well, we're just gonna find a way what spell was the one responsible for Stan talking like us," Twilight said. "Just to see if it is possible for any unicorns."

"Well, if it's okay with you, Twilight," Stan said, "I think it would be better if I keep the fact that I'm a talking dog a secret. Who knows what would happen if I could be revealed that I'm a talking dog."

"Guess he has a point," Spike said. "Ponies might take him away and do experiments on him, trying to figure out how he talks."

"There's the Sugar!" Stan said. The five mares looked at each other in confusion. "Oh, it's a catchphrase I'm working on. I thought of it when Twilight was having trouble finding the sugar bowl."

That made Moonlight giggle at Stan's words. Moonlight than said, "I just hope that Stan will be okay."

"I'm sure he'll be fine," said Twilight.

"Don't worry, Moonlight," Stan said. "I just hope we don't run out of food."

"We have plenty of food, Stan," Spike said. "No way we're gonna run out of food."

"Not if the Parasprites come," Stan said.

"What's a Parasprite?" Moonlight asked.

"I don't know," Twilight said. She then headed to a section of the library and pulled out one book. She turned to one page and saw something that shocked her. "Parasprites! Creatures who are extremely cute, but are a real pest. They eat every kind of food and multiplying in the grossest way possible. Oh, boy."

"We better chase out them pesky varmints and keep 'em out of Ponyville," Applejack said.

"I know a way to keep them from doing what they're gonna do!" Pinkie shouted. "They came to my family's rock farm 10 years ago, and they got distracted by music. So, I need the instruments of a one pony band!" She then rushed out of the library.

"Is she serious?" Moonlight asked.

"Out of everything Pinkie has done, I'm not so sure," Twilight said. "But, we're gonna have to trust her. If music is going to keep those Parasprites out of Ponyville, then we're gonna have to trust Pinkie."

"No, I meant about the Rock Farm," Moonlight said. "Can you really Farm Rocks?"

"Eeyup," Applejack said. "Pinkie showed me a picture of it."

"It'll be a tough road," Twilight said. "But, at least we'll be ready for the Parasprites before Princess Celestia comes. We don't want those things to cause a ruckus."

Field by the Everfree Forest... Ponyville... Equestria... July 20th... 1:15 PM...

Fluttershy was picking out some flowers for the Princess's arrival the next day. She had a squirrel helping her out. The squirrel was holding a dandelion.

"Thank you little squirrel, but remember: these flowers are for Princess Celestia," Fluttershy said. "Only the prettiest ones will do." Just then, something chirped, startling her. "Gah!" She hid behind a bucket of apples. When she peeked her head, she saw a small blue creature. She saw that it was a Parasprite. "A Parasprite!"

Just then, she heard the sound of a dog barking, followed by music. Fluttershy looked over towards the dog barking and music, and she saw Stan, followed by Pinkie Pie playing some music. The Parasprite was enchanted by the music and it followed Pinkie Pie as she was leading it away from Ponyville.

"There's the Sugar!" Stan said. That made Fluttershy giggle.

"Alright, Stan," Fluttershy said. "You head on home. But for a good job..." Fluttershy reached in the basket of apples, and pulled out a box of dog treats.

"Dog treats!" Stan said. Fluttershy then hoofed a dog treat to him. He jumped up and Fluttershy flew it into the air so he could catch it.

Streets of Ponyville... Equestria... July 20th... 12:00 PM...

The entire town of Ponyville was decorated for the arrival of Princess Celestia. The Mane 6, Spike and Moonlight were waiting outside of the town. Just then, they saw the chariot coming down.

"Here she comes, everypony!" Twilight said. The eight of them watched as the chariot landed in front of them. Princess Celestia exited the chariot and came up to the Mane 6, Moonlight and Spike.

"Twilight Sparkle, my prized pupil," Princess Celestia said.

"Hello, princess," Twilight said.

"So lovely to see you again, as well as your friends," Princess Celestia said. She then looked down at Moonlight. "Hello there, Moonlight. Are you enjoying your time in Ponyville?"

"I am..." Moonlight said, before giving a sad smile.

"I know, it must be hard getting used to a new place in an unfamiliar form," Princess Celestia said. "But I know that you'll adjust."

"Not all ponies see me that way," Moonlight said. "Some ponies still want me..." Moonlight got nervous and shuttered.

Princess Celestia leaned her head towards Moonlight and said, "I promise that that will never happen to a sweet, innocent soul like you." She then stood up straight and said, "And I will make it clear to the ponies of Canterlot at the Grand Galloping Gala. Which is why... you'll be attending." Princess Celestia levitated a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala to Moonlight.

Moonlight took the ticket in her magic, unsure whether to accept or decline. "Uhhhh... Do I have to attend?"

"It would make things a whole lot more easier for both of us for you to attend the gala," Princess Celestia said, smiling. "You'll have no worries."

Moonlight sighed.

"But for now, I cannot stick around," Princess Celestia said. "I'm afraid an emergency has come up in Fillydelphia. Apparently there's been some sort of infestation."

"An infestation?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, a swarm of incredibly bothersome creatures has invaded the poor town," Princess Celestia said, getting back into her chariot. "I'm sorry Twilight, to have to put you all through so much trouble."

"It's... alright, Princess," Twilight said. "We understand."

"Before I have to go, would you care to give me your latest report on the magic of friendship in person?" Princess Celestia asked.

"My... report?" Twilight asked.

"Actually, I have," Twilight said, looking towards Pinkie, and coming up behind her was Stan. "I've learned that sometimes the solution to your problems can come from where you least expect it. It's a good idea to stop and listen to your friends' opinions and perspectives... Even when they don't always seem to make sense."

"I'm so proud of you, Twilight Sparkle, and I'm very impressed with your friends as well," Princess Celestia said. "It sounds like you're all learning so much from each other."

"Thank you, princess," Twilight said. Then the chariot got lifted into the sky. Moonlight then looked down at the ticket she got from the Princess, and frowned. Twilight looked at Moonlight and asked, "What's wrong, Moonlight?"

"I'm... I'm not to sure that I want to go," Moonlight said.

That made Twilight's friends look down at Moonlight, all gasping. Rarity then asked, "Well why not, darling? It's a very big honor just to go to the Grand Galloping Gala."

"It's one of the biggest parties in all of Equestria!" Pinkie shouted. "How could you not want to go?!"

"I... don't really want to... you know..." Moonlight said, worried that the others wouldn't understand.

"It would make you feel more girly than before?" Twilight asked. Moonlight replied nodding, and also sighing. Twilight sighed as well and said, "Well, you might not like it, but you should go as well. You can't refuse the Princess's invitation to the Gala. She's expecting you to go there."

Moonlight bit her lip, getting nervous at what she was going to get into.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 20th... 9:30 PM...

Moonlight was laying in her bed with Stan laying next to her. She was looking out the window, which was on the other side of Twilight's bed, with worry. Twilight turned her head towards Moonlight, and opened her eyes, to see Moonlight looking out the window.

"Moonlight?" Twilight asked. "Are you alright?"

Moonlight looked towards Twilight and sighed. She then said, "Not really. I don't really want to dress up and go to this... Gala. It seems... boring and... girly."

Twilight then got out of bed, walked towards Moonlight and said, "I know. You're a little worried that you might lose your mind and start thinking girly things?" Moonlight nodded. "It's okay. You might not enjoy it, but I'm sure that you'll be able to go with it. I'll be by your side all the way."

"Really?" Moonlight asked.

Twilight nuzzled Moonlight and said, "Really. No matter what happens, I'll be there with you." Moonlight smiled. "At the Gala, I'll be with you. As long as you stay with me when I'm gonna talk with the Princess."

"Okay," Moonlight said. She then sighed. "I just won't enjoy wearing a dress."

"I know," Twilight said. "Now, get some sleep. We're gonna have to get ready."

Moonlight yawned and said, "Okay. Good night."

Twilight kissed Moonlight's forehead and said, "Good night, Moonlight." She then headed for her bed and got in. Then, the two of them fell asleep, hoping that the next day will be better for Moonlight. Spike, on the other hand, sat up and shook his head.

Spike sighed and said, "You can't get a good night sleep these days."

Stan woke up too and said, "I know, right?" He then looked at the two girls, then he looked back at Spike. "Wanna try passing the time by playing that game, Ogres and Oubliettes?"

"You heard of that game?" Spike asked, quietly. "Alright. One quiet game." Then the two of them headed out of the room, closing the door quietly.

Chapter 14

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Chapter 14

Carousel Boutique... Ponyville... Equestria... July 22nd... 10:00 AM...

Twilight, Moonlight and Applejack were on their way to Carousel Boutique. Moonlight was still unsure about her wanting to wear a dress and go to a fancy ball. As Nick, she had watched how some fancy parties went on TV, and found them boring. She was invited to one, and she has a feeling that she's gonna be bored all night.

"I'm not so sure about this," Moonlight said, sticking close to Twilight.

"It'll be fine, Moonlight," Twilight said. "I'm just going to ask Rarity to fix up this dress for the Gala. And hopefully, she can get you fitted into a dress that you would like."

"I'm... not too sure about this," Moonlight said.

"Ah ain't too keen about fashion mahself," Applejack said, "but it is for the Grand Galloping Gala. We have ta get some dresses if we're gonna attend the Gala."

Moonlight sighed as they came into Carousel Boutique. They went in and went upstairs into Rarity's room. Applejack knocked. But when there was no reply, the three of them just entered the room.

"Howdy, Rarity!" Applejack said as she walked in. Rarity didn't answer as she was creating a dress.

"Shh... can't you see Rarity is trying to concentrate?" Twilight said to Applejack.

"Does she really have complete concentration on making dresses?" Moonlight asked.

"Eeyup," Applejack said. "It makes her one of the best fashion ponies here. She knows what makes a pony very fashionable. Not everypony has a huge state of fashion as Rarity."

"You got that right, darling," Rarity said, looking back at the two mares and Moonlight. She then turned around and said, "Now, what brings you all here?"

"Oh, so very sorry to trouble you, Rarity, but I need a quick favor," Twilight said. Twilight then reached into her saddlebags and pulled out an old, worn out red dress. "Could you please fix the button for me? It's my dress for the Grand Galloping Gala."

Rarity gasped when she looked at the dress like it was a terrifying monster. She then said, "Oh, no, no, no! You can't wear this... old thing. You need a glamorous new outfit for the Gala and I'll make it for you. No problem at all. It will be my pleasure!"

"Oh, that's really sweet of you to offer, Rarity, but I can't let you do that," Twilight politely protested. "It would be so much work. This dress is fine."

"Twilight Sparkle. I insist on making you a new dress," Rarity demanded.

"But..." Twilight tried to decline, but Rarity interrupted her, waving a hoof.

"Not another word! I won't take no for an answer."

"Well, in that case... thank you for your generosity, Rarity," Twilight said, giving in on Rarity's generosity. "Knowing your handiwork, I'm sure it will be absolutely beautiful."

Rarity then looked over at Applejack and said, "Let me guess, Applejack. You don't want a new gown either."

"Gown?" Applejack asked. "Shoot. Ah was just gonna wear my old work duds."

"You can't possibly be serious, Applejack!" Rarity said like she was offended by Applejack's words. "You absolutely must wear formal attire."

Applejack thought about that. "Hm... nah."

"What if I just spruce up your... duds for you a little bit?" Rarity asked, nervously.

"Um... okay, sure, why not?" Applejack asked, a little nervous. "Since you're up for it and all. Just don't make them too... frou-frou-y."

"Deal!" Rarity said. Then she looked down at Moonlight. "Are you here for a gown as well?"

"I... still don't like the idea," Moonlight said.

"Don't worry, Moonlight," Rarity said. "I shall make you look beautiful." Moonlight bit her lip. Just then, Rarity remembered something. "This wouldn't happen to be because of the mud mask and curlers I put on you that night, is it? I truly am sorry about that."

Moonlight whimpered at that and Twilight walked up to her, saying, "It'll be fine, Moonlight. It'll just be for the Gala."

Moonlight sighed and said, "I was gonna consider wearing a suit for the gala."

"A suit?!" Rarity asked, shocked. "As in a tuxedo?! Oh, no no no. I shan't let a filly wear a tuxedo to the Gala. I insist on making you a gown for the Gala."

"I don't know, Rarity," Moonlight said, nervously. She even had her head looking away from Rarity. "I... I really don't like..."

"Don't worry, Moonlight," Rarity said, pulling Moonlight's head towards her so the two were looking at each other. "I will make you look beautiful for the Gala, and then you'll never have to wear it again."

Moonlight looked over at Twilight, nervous about what Rarity was saying. Twilight shrugged her shoulders, telling Moonlight that it was Moonlight's choice. Moonlight sighed and said, "Alright. But just for the Gala. But nothing else."

Twilight walked up to Moonlight and said, "It's just one time. You won't have to wear that dress again after the Gala."

"Look out below!" came the voice of Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash then crashed through the window. She peeked her head out of the pile of the mess she was in. "Sorry. New trick. Didn't quite work."

Rarity then started thinking. She then gasped and said, "IDEEEEA! I'll make you an outfit for the Gala too, Rainbow Dash."

"Outfit for the what now?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Rarity than ranted about making dresses for all of them for the gala. Including Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.

Carousel Boutique... Ponyville... Equestria... July 23rd... 10:00 AM...

The Mane 6, Moonlight, Spike and Stan were at Carousel Boutique. Stan was looking up at Opal as she was hissing down at him.

"This is why I hate cats," Stan said, angrily towards the others. "They hiss and scratch at us for no reason." Opal then scratched towards Stan, making him duck. "See?"

"I'm so sorry about that, Stan," Rarity said. "Opal isn't that much into dogs as much." She then turned towards the girls, who had their eyes closed, and said, "That's it. Keep them closed. Don't look. Okay, you can look now!"

The Mane 6 and Moonlight opened up their eyes. The girls were aw struck at the dresses. "These are your new outfits. What do you think of your old duds now, Applejack? Pretty swanky, are they not? And Twilight! I made this dress for you and I designed each outfit theme to perfectly reflect each pony's unique personality. Oh, it took me forever to get the colors right on this one, Rainbow Dash, but I did it. Oh, and it turned out beautiful, don't you think? And I know you are going to love yours, Fluttershy. It just sings spring! And Pinkie Pie, look! Pink! Your favorite! Aren't they all amazing?"

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were speechless. They didn't know what to say about the dresses. Moonlight was a little nervous about what her outfit would be.

"Now, Moonlight," Rarity said, walking up to Moonlight. "Here is your outfit for the Gala." Rarity then showed Moonlight her dress. It was a night themed dress. The dress was mainly dark blue with white twinkling dots and purple trimming. There were purple horseshoes with white stars, and a headband with crescent moons at the ends. And the skirt part of the dress was like the front of the dress. Dark blue with twinkling white stars and black trimming at the end. "Now, I would like for you to try it on and I would like to see how it fits you."

"Oh... Okay," Moonlight said like she didn't have a choice. Rarity then put the dress onto Moonlight, making sure that the wings went in through the wing holes. Rarity then had Moonlight's hooves go into the horseshoes. Rarity then made adjustments to Moonlight's mane before she put the headband onto Moonlight's head.

"Alright, Moonlight," Rarity said. "Go ahead and look into the mirror over there." Rarity motioned towards the mirror in the room.

Moonlight walked up to the mirror and looked at herself in the mirror. She was astonished by how she looked. Moonlight gave a faint smile, thinking that she looked... pretty. Just then, she went to a shocked look, and then shook her head.

She sighed and thought to herself, "What was that? Why did I think I looked pretty?" She then cleared her head, exhaled and thought, "I don't know what happened, but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna forget about it. This dress is for the Gala and nothing else."

"Well, what do you think?" Rarity asked. Moonlight looked at Rarity, thinking she was talking to her, but Rarity was really talking to the others.

"Wow," Twilight said. "She looks... majestic."

"I know, right?" Rarity asked. "She's going to look so marvelous at the Grand Galloping Gala. And I'm pretty sure that you're all going to look as marvelous in your own gowns."

"Oh, yeah!" came Stan's voice. "There's the sugar!"

"You like the dress on Moonlight?" Rarity asked, very happily.

"Yeah!" said Stan. "They're so colorful, and I believe that you can be beautiful in your dresses as well."

"Wait, Ah thought dogs were color blind," Applejack said, trying to point out a fact on dogs. "Ya know, see black and white."

"Oh, no," Stan said. "Dogs can see colors, but only limited colors. Something about cones."

"Oh, color cones," Twilight said. "Most creatures have three color cones, which the colors are red, blue and green."

"The color cones of a dog are blue and yellow," Stan said. "Some colors we can't tell. Now, c'mon. I wanna see you all wear those dresses."

Spike walked up to Stan and said, "I agree. Let's see how you all look in them."

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 23rd... 8:30 PM...

Spike and Stan convinced the girls that they didn't have to change anything about the dresses that Rarity made for the others before they tried them on. Rarity convinced Hoity Toity to come to Ponyville to check out a fashion show for the dresses that Rarity made for them. Rarity gave Moonlight a pass on attending it.

Moonlight then looked at herself in the bathroom mirror at her reflection, thinking to herself, "What was wrong with me, earlier? Did I really thought of myself as pretty? How did that happen?"

"Moonlight!" Twilight's voice came from out of the bathroom. "Are you done brushing your teeth?"

"Yes, Mom!" Moonlight said, heading towards the bathroom door. Twilight then nuzzled Moonlight.

"You should get some sleep," Twilight said. "We have a while to get ready for the Gala, and Rarity is keeping them in her boutique to keep ready for the gala."

"Mom?" Moonlight asked. "I'm not sure that I'm going to enjoy the Gala at all."

"It's my first year at the Grand Galloping Gala as well," Twilight said. "Rainbow Dash wants to go to hang out with the Wonderbolts, Applejack wants to share her family sweets with the other guests, Fluttershy wants to see the animals there, Pinkie Pie wants to go party in the biggest party in Equestria, and Rarity is wanting to go there to meet Prince Blueblood."

"Wow," Moonlight said. "That's... a lot of things they want to do." Moonlight sighed and yawned. "Good night, Mom."

Twilight then kissed Moonlight's forehead and said, "Good night, Moonlight." Moonlight then got into her bed and got under the covers. Stan got onto the bed and laid next to her, the two falling asleep.

Chapter 15

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Chapter 15

Moonlight's Dream... July 24th... 6:30 AM...

Moonlight was asleep and was dreaming that she was her former self, Nick. Nick was heading to where he was living in the dream from the park. And as soon as he got home, he headed to the room where he was living. But when he got inside, everything was different. His room was now one of a girl's room. He was confused. Instead of his race car bed with Spider-Man bed sheets, it was an all white bed with pink bed sheets. And instead of his posters of things boys would be interested, they were now posters of things girls would find enjoyable. Where his toy chest that was full of action figures and other things boys his age would enjoy, they were replaced with girly dolls. His blue dresser was now white, and all the clothes in it were girl clothes. His closet had girly dresses instead of some more toys for boys. And standing in front of the closet was a small table with a tea set. Nick was shocked to see so much had changed.

"What... What is this?" Nick asked. He looked around and got a little frustrated. "Where's all the stuff that's usually here?"

"Oh, I got rid of them," came a girl's voice. One where he had been using when he/she was awake. Nick turned around and saw... Moonlight? "They aren't too girly if you ask me. After all, you are a girl now."

"N-no!" Nick said, arguing with the Moonlight standing in front of him. "Just because I look like you when I'm awake doesn't mean I want to become you."

"Oh, don't say that," "Moonlight" said, smirking. "After all, you're already me. Now, I think it's time for you to become who you really are." "Moonlight" then lit up her horn, and then the clothes that Nick was wearing started transforming. Nick's red shirt and blue jeans fused together and changed colors, changing into a human version of the dress that Rarity made for him/her. And the headband for the dress appeared on his head. "There you go."

"N-no!" Nick shouted, trying to get the dress off, but he couldn't.

"Ah ah ah," "Moonlight" said, smiling evilly. "I'm not done yet." "Moonlight" then levitated Nick to the table and was put in one seat. Nick tried to get out of the seat, but something was keeping him there. "Now, it's tea time." "Moonlight" sat in the table across from him. She even had some stuffed animals coming from the toy chest, and placing them in the other seats. And the stuffed animals were alive. "This'll make you start thinking like who you really are, right Mr. Fuzzy?" "Moonlight" looked towards the teddy bear, who nodded and held up his tea cup.

Nick tried getting out of there, but he couldn't. It was like that his butt was stuck to the chair and the chair was nailed to the floor. He then shouted, "Stop it! Stop it! Let me go!"

"Oh, no," "Moonlight" said. "This is who you're supposed to be. I'm just here to teach you on how you're supposed to grow up. Now, it's time to drink your tea." "Moonlight" then filled up the cup that was in front of Nick. The drink was pink in his cup while the other cups were a light brown color. "Now, go on. Drink your tea." Nick refused and crossed his arms. "Oh? You don't want any? C'mon. It's good for you." "Moonlight" then used her magic to move Nick's arm for him, having him pick up the cup of tea.

"N-no!" Nick said, trying to resist as "Moonlight" made him pick up the cup of tea. "St-stop it! Help! Help!" Just then, something licked his left cheek, making him wake up from the dream.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 24th... 7:00 AM...

Moonlight woke up, shocked that she was woken up. She looked to her left to see Stan at the edge of the bed, panting happily that Moonlight was awake.

"Stan?" Moonlight asked. "What are you...?"

"Twilight told me to wake you up for breakfast," Stan said. "Now, c'mon. I got to get some kibble." Stan then got off the bed, and headed downstairs.

Moonlight then looked across the room to look at the mirror on Twilight's dresser, looking at her own reflection.

"What was that all about?" Moonlight thought to herself. "Why did I have a dream like that? It was so... unnatural. I need to clear my head on this." Then her stomach growled. "After I get some breakfast." She then got out of bed and headed downstairs.

Moonlight walked into the kitchen to see Twilight had placed some eggs and hay bacon onto a plate, and put it in Moonlight's spot. Moonlight headed for her spot on the table, and then Twilight kissed Moonlight's forehead, saying, "Good morning, Moonlight."

"Morning, Mom," Moonlight said. She then yawned.

"Just so you know, we're going to be home late," Twilight said. "We have that fashion show for Rarity, and we won't be home until late. Pinkie got Mrs. Cake to come here and watch over you and Stan."

"Okay," Moonlight said, trying to clear her mind.

Twilight was confused by that, and asked, "Are you alright?" She put a hoof on Moonlight's back.

"I'll... I'll be fine," Moonlight said. She then started eating her breakfast.

Twilight sighed and said, "Alright. If you're going to be alright, I'll try not to worry." Twilight then headed over to Stan's dog bowl, and filled it up with dog food. "Here you go, Stan."

As soon as Twilight put it on the floor, Stan just scarfed it down. Twilight shook her head smiling.

Moonlight was eating her breakfast, trying to clear her head from the dream she had woken up from, thanks to Stan. But for some reason, it just couldn't get out. Something in her head is telling her to say something. But she didn't know why. Then the image of her playing with some dolls came in her head, and for some reason, it was making her want one.

"Mom?" Moonlight asked. "Can... can I have... a doll?"

Twilight was confused by that. She looked over at Moonlight and then asked, "Why? Why do you want a doll all of a sudden?"

Moonlight realized what she just asked, shook her head and said, "Never mind. I... I don't know why I asked that."

Twilight walked up to her and asked, "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I... I'm not sure," Moonlight said. She had already finished her breakfast. "Can I be excused?"

"Sure," Twilight said. Moonlight then ran out of the kitchen and headed to the bathroom. She turned on the faucet and threw water onto her face.

"What was wrong with me?!" Moonlight thought in her head. "Why did I ask that? Why did I think of wanting a doll? Where did that even come from?" She then looked at herself in the mirror. She then went wide eyed, seeing that her reflection was dancing like a ballerina. Moonlight then shook her head again, and splashing more water on her face."No! No! I can't think like that!" She then headed on out of the bathroom, and headed downstairs.

Twilight saw Moonlight heading for the front door and asked, "You going out?"

"Yeah," Moonlight said. "Just... need some air."

Twilight nodded and Moonlight headed out of there. Twilight was starting to get curious about Moonlight's behavior. She hopes that Moonlight will be alright.

Streets of Ponyville... Equestria... July 24th... 8:15 AM...

Moonlight was walking through the streets of Ponyville, trying to clear her head. Moonlight looked around and saw that there were a lot of stands for ponies to buy or sell food. Just then, she saw Applejack at an apple stand. She smiled and walked up to her.

"Hey, Applejack," Moonlight said.

Applejack looked towards Moonlight and said, "Well, howdy, Moonlight. What brings ya 'round here?"

"Is... Apple Bloom around?" Moonlight asked.

"Nope," Applejack said. "Sorry sugarcube, but Apple Bloom's sick in bed t'day. She had a cold and won't be better until the next two days."

"Oh... Okay," Moonlight said, sighing afterwards.

"But don't fret too much," Applejack said. "She'll get better soon and the two o' y'all can have fun t'gether."

Moonlight then turned around and started walking to another part of town, with Applejack looking at her all the way. Moonlight was thinking to herself, "Poor Apple Bloom. I was hoping the two of us would play dress up." She then imagined her and Apple Bloom dressing up in ridiculous outfits. Moonlight then went wide eyed and shook her head, again. "What am I thinking?! I shouldn't be thinking that! What is wrong with me?!"

Applejack was confused on that, thinking that something was wrong with Moonlight. She was going to walk over to Moonlight, but somepony walked up to her stand, asking for some apples. Applejack looked back over towards Moonlight and saw that she was running off somewhere.

Park... Ponyville... Equestria... July 24th... 11:30 AM...

Moonlight was sitting on a swing, trying to clear her head. She sighed that she was getting in such a funk, especially when the rest of the Mane 6 were coming in to talk. Walking through the streets after leaving Applejack, she saw a couple of fillies having a pretend tea party. She then stopped to think of what she was doing. It especially helped when Rainbow Dash came swooping in, telling her that she would be training her on how to fly the next day.

When she saw some fillies collecting some flowers to make flower crowns, she thought about joining in and making one herself, but then she shook her head. Fluttershy walked up to her and asked if she was alright. Moonlight said she was alright and walked off. When Moonlight saw some fillies looking at some cute colts in magazines, she thought about joining them, but then she shook her head. And not because Pinkie Pie threw some water balloons at everypony.

Then she headed for the park, which is near Carousel Boutique. As she was passing the boutique, she stopped at thought of getting something to wear, but then she stopped and shook her head once again. Rarity opened the door and saw Moonlight shaking her head. Rarity asked if Moonlight was alright, but all Moonlight just did was run towards the park.

Moonlight was sitting on the swing, trying to clear her head about what she was going through. She didn't have a clue what was going on. Just then, she felt her stomach growl. She then got off the swing, and left the park. As she just left, she heard a voice that she didn't recognize.

"INCOMING!!"

Moonlight looked behind her and saw an orange filly with a purple mane, riding a scooter, about to crash into her. Moonlight jumped out of the way. The filly on the scooter stopped, got off it, and walked towards Moonlight.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!" the orange filly said. The filly was a pegasus filly, with wings smaller than any normal pegasus filly her age. "Whenever I ride my scooter, I always have the need for speed. Know what I mean?"

"I... guess," Moonlight said, getting up.

The pegasus filly got a good look at Moonlight and said, "Hey, I know you! You're that filly that looks like Nightmare Moon. Moonlight, right?"

"You... you heard of me?" Moonlight asked.

"Everypony in Ponyville has," the orange filly said. "Listen when I say, I am not like any of those ponies who believe you are Nightmare Moon. I'm Scootaloo, by the way."

"N-nice to meet you, Scootaloo," Moonlight said. "So, what do you like to do?"

"Meh, none of that girly stuff," Scootaloo said. "I prefer riding my scooter through town than playing dress up or tea parties or whatever girls do. I prefer stuff like buck ball, hockey and even some wrestling. No way I wanna dress up all girly. Unless I have to, like if I'm going to a fancy party. Which if I do go, I'd go for seeing amazing pony celebrities like the Wonderbolts. Maybe even Rainbow Dash, if she goes to the Gala."

Moonlight looks up and to the gods, or Celestia in this case, and thinks, "Thank... you. Finally, there's a filly who isn't into girl stuff."

"Again, I am so sorry," Scootaloo said. She then heard Moonlight's stomach growl. "Boy, sounds like you could get some food in ya. Need a lift?"

"Um... sure," Moonlight said. Scootaloo then took off her helmet, and shook it off, having another helmet drop out of it. Moonlight was confused and asked, "You wear two helmets?"

"My aunts wanted me to bring a second helmet in case I offer somepony a ride," Scootaloo said, putting the helmet on Moonlight's head. She then got back on her scooter and said, "Get on, and hold on tight. And make sure you don't push on my wings. Kinda need them to get moving."

Moonlight then got on and wrapped her forelegs around Scootaloo's barrel. Scootaloo then flapped her wings, the two of them heading away from the park.

"Where do you live?" Scootaloo asked.

"The Library," Moonlight answered.

"Oh, I know where that is!" Scootaloo said. "Hang on, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!" Scootaloo then sped up, rushing past Carousel Boutique, and rushed through the downtown area.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 24th... 11:45 AM...

Moonlight held onto Scootaloo as she went through Ponyville. She eventually stopped right in front of the Golden Oaks Library. Twilight was coming out when she saw Moonlight and Scootaloo coming towards the library, and stopping. Moonlight then got off the scooter.

"Thanks for the ride," Moonlight said.

"No problem," Scootaloo said. "I'll see ya around. Perhaps we should hang out more."

"I'd like that," Moonlight said, smiling.

"Hey, Moonlight," Twilight's voice came to the two fillies's attention. "Who's your new friend?"

"Mom, meet Scootaloo," Moonlight said, introducing her new friend.

"Nice to meet you," Scootaloo said.

"Nice to meet you, as well," Twilight said. She then looked towards Moonlight and said, "C'mon, Moonlight. I got lunch made." She then looked back at Scootaloo and asked, "Would you like to join us?"

"Oh, no thank you," Scootaloo said. "I gotta get home with my two aunts. They're already preparing lunch. See you around, Moonlight." Scootaloo then rushed off on her scooter, heading towards another part of Ponyville.

"Wow," said Twilight. "She seems nice. It was nice of her to offer you a ride."

"Yeah," Moonlight said. Moonlight then walked in, with Twilight following her in.

Moonlight's Dream... July 24th... 9:30 PM...

Moonlight was watched by Mrs. Cake when Twilight and Spike were out with their friends at Carousel Boutique for the fashion show. Stan didn't say a word around Mrs. Cake, since it would reveal his secret. Mrs. Cake made Moonlight dinner, and watched over her until it was Moonlight's bedtime. A little after Moonlight went to sleep, Twilight and Spike came home. But they didn't expect what was going to come later.

As soon as Moonlight's dream came in, she dreamt herself as her human boy version, Nick again. But this time, she was back in the girly version of a bedroom he usually dreamed of, and sitting back in the chair he was sitting in, with the filly he sees everyday since he woke up, sitting across from him, giving him an evil smirk.

"So nice of you to come back," "Moonlight" said to Nick.

Nick tried to stand up, but this time, he was tied to the chair. He looked down and saw that he was tied up, still in that dress that the doppelganger had him dressed in. He then shouted, "Let me go!"

"Sorry, Nick," said "Moonlight". "Or should I say, me. But you really have nerve on trying to prevent us from having real fun. As the filly we are."

"That was you?!" Nick shouted, angrily. "You were making me think of all of doing those things, making me want to do girly things?!"

"It's what you are supposed to do," "Moonlight" said. "You're no longer allowed to do boy things, as long as I am in charge." She then grabbed the pink tea with her hoof, walked over towards Nick, and said, "You are drinking this, and I will finally show you how we're supposed to be."

"No! No no no no no no nooooooo!" Nick shouted, squirming. Just then, his body was shaking, and then he was yanked upward by something.

"Oh, c'mon!" "Moonlight" shouted angrily, just as the room crumbled around her.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 24th... 9:35 PM...

As soon as Twilight and Spike were coming up to the area where they were sleeping, they saw Moonlight squirming in her bed, Stan was laying next to her.

"Oh, no," Twilight said, running up to Moonlight. She then tried to wake up Moonlight. "Moonlight! Wake up! Wake up!"

Just then, Moonlight opened her eyes, gasping. She then started breathing faster, and she looked over at Twilight. She reached over to Twilight, hugged her, and started crying.

"Shh. Shh. It's going to be okay," Twilight said. "Everything's going to be okay."

"N-no," Moonlight said, crying into Twilight's shoulder. "I've... I've had the worst dream."

Twilight put Moonlight back on her bed and asked, "What's wrong?"

"I've been usually having dreams of me back in my original body, doing things boys like to do," Moonlight said, with tears in her eyes. "But last night, when I headed to a house I was living in, the room was different. Like it was for a girl. I was confused, until... well... a pony showed up, and she looked like... well... how I do now."

"What?" Twilight asked. "What else happened?"

"She... she tried forcing me to do girly things," Moonlight said. "Even dressed me up in that gala dress that Rarity made for me. She tried to make me... girly." She sobbed again, leaning onto Twilight's chest.

Twilight was worried for Moonlight. She knew that Moonlight was originally a human boy named Nick. But due to the "Eye of the Night" gem, she ended up in the form she is now. And now, she's losing her mind. She felt bad for Moonlight.

"And... and that's not all," Moonlight said. "She... she started... making me do... girly things... today."

Twilight got confused on that, until she remembered something. She then said, "Was that why you asked for a doll this morning?" Moonlight nodded, still sobbing. "Oh, sweet Celestia. The other girls saw you going to do things you weren't interested in or shaking your head. You're suffering. We can't let you go through with this." She then turned her head towards Spike. "Spike, we need to let the Princess know about this."

Spike saluted, ran over towards a table, grabbed a parchment and a quill, and was about to write. He then said, "Ready when you are, Twilight."

Twilight cleared her throat and said, "'Dear Princess Celestia, it would seem that Moonlight is having trouble with her own mind. According to her, she's somehow getting the urge to do things a filly her age would do, which is making her uneasy because she really wants to continue doing things a colt would do. She's afraid that she'll lose her old personality forever. So, if there's a way for this to stop, and have her do the things she wants to do instead of the girl things, it would really help her a lot. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.' Alright, Spike. Send it."

Spike finished writing it, rolled it up, and blew his emerald flames on it, sending it to Celestia. Just then, the bedroom door slammed open, revealing, not Princess Celestia, but her sister, Princess Luna.

"To what troubles come, thou young filly?!"

"Princess Luna?!" Twilight asked.

"Yes, Twilight Sparkle," Princess Luna said, walking up the steps towards the three in the room. "Our sister was with us whilst the letter was sent to her."

"So, Princess Celestia sent you here?" Twilight asked.

"Our dear sister didn't need to send us," Princess Luna said. "We decided to let Moonlight have nice, calming dreams since she came to Canterlot."

"We?" Twilight asked, confused. But then she asked, "Old time speak?" That made Princess Luna nod. "Okay. We should work on that. Anyway, is there a way to help Moonlight?"

"For some reason, last night, Moonlight's dream was locking us out," Princess Luna said. "It would only work if we were in the same room as Moonlight. Twilight Sparkle, we fear that you must also join us on this expedition into Moonlight's dream. Perhaps, we shall find out what we're dealing with."

"Whoa," Spike said. "So, just you and Twilight are going into Moonlight's dream?"

"It would be better if you stayed out," Princess Luna said. "Tis better to calm Moonlight from the outside if she's squirming. Do not leave her side." Spike nodded, got up onto Moonlight's bed, stood on his knees, and got ready to comfort Moonlight. "Now, tis time we entered the filly's dream." Luna then lit up her horn. Moonlight then felt really tired, fell backwards, her head landing on the pillow. Twilight felt really tired as well, and went to sleep, her head resting on the edge of Moonlight's bed. Princess Luna then used her magic to enter the dream world.

Moonlight's Dream... July 24th... 9:45 PM...

Princess Luna had taken Twilight's self conscious out of her own dream, and the two of them headed into the dream of Moonlight. It was hard for the two to get into the dream, but they eventually did. When they went in, they saw Moonlight's original form, Nick, in a human version of the Gala Dress that Rarity had made. And standing in front of Nick was... "Moonlight".

"What?!" Twilight shouted. "What is going on?!"

"Help!" Nick yelled, trying to squirm out of the ropes. "Get me out of here!"

"What is that?" Twilight asked.

"Tis the original form Moonlight had before waking up here in Equestria," Princess Luna said. "Tis Nicolas. Or for short, Nick."

Twilight walked over towards Nick and asked, "So this was what you looked like before coming to Equestria."

Nick nodded, but "Moonlight" blocked her path, saying, "Stay away! I'm in charge now! He doesn't exist anymore! He's not in charge of the body anymore!"

"You don't get to make that decision!" Twilight shouted at the filly, who was an exact duplicate of what Nick was in the waking world. "Nick, as Moonlight, can make any decision he, or she, wants to make. You can't force him to say or do anything!"

"SHUT UP!!!" the filly shouted, using a really loud voice, pushing Twilight back. Princess Luna came in from behind Twilight, standing her ground, preventing Twilight from leaving the dream. The filly growled and said, "You're ruining everything! You're not supposed to be here!"

"Who are you?" Twilight asked, angrily. "Who are you really? Because you're not really the foal that Nick really is."

The filly smirked and said, "Oh, Twilight Sparkle. You are so... naive. Thinking you can prevent me... from taking on my true form once again." The filly then started getting bigger and older. Then blue armor was levitated towards the growing filly. The filly's voice even started changing. "My days will soon come back. As soon as this form has reached adult age, I shall finally be the queen that Equestria needs! Mwahahahahaha!" The filly grew up and became Nightmare Moon.

"Nightmare Moon!" Twilight and Luna shouted.

"That is correct, you fools!" Nightmare Moon shouted. "And there is nothing you can do to stop me from taking back what's mine!"

"No!" Twilight shouted. "You will never be taking over my foals mind!" She then rushed past Nightmare Moon and hugged Nick as tight as she could. "You're nothing but a monster!" As Twilight was making her speech, Luna noticed that Nightmare Moon's shadow was connected to Nick's shadow.

Princess Luna smirked and said, "Actually, Twilight Sparkle. She's nothing at all. Nightmare Moon is nothing but a shadow. Not a real creature."

"What?!" Twilight asked. She then looked down and saw that Nightmare Moon's and Nick's shadows were connected. Twilight gasped. She then looked at Nick and said, "Nick. You aren't really tied up by her. She's not in charge of you, you're in charge of her."

"I... I am?" Nick asked.

"Yes," Twilight said. "It's up to you to fight her. You're stronger than her."

"I don't think so!" Nightmare Moon shouted. She then stomped towards Twilight and Nick, her horn glowing.

Nick got nervous, but he looked back at Twilight. Twilight kissed his forehead and said, "Human boy or an alicorn filly, I will still love you as if you were my own foal." Twilight smiled at Nick.

Nick smiled. He then thought of something, and then his shadow started turning into a golden color, spreading towards Nightmare Moon. Nightmare Moon stopped in fear, then she tried running for the door, but it was too late. The golden spread started going up her hind legs, going throughout the rest of her body. Just as it reached her face, she gave out one last shout.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!"

Then everything went white. As soon as it cleared up, the three of them were standing in a field, but this time, Nick was back in the body she was used to as she was awake. Moonlight sighed.

Twilight walked up to Moonlight and said, "Like I said, human boy or alicorn filly, I will still love you." Moonlight gave a sad smile, with tears in her eyes. Then the two of them hugged each other, knowing that everything is going to be okay.

"The nightmare is over," Princess Luna said. "From now on, tis your choice on how you spend your life, Moonlight."

"So, she's gone?" Moonlight asked.

"Yes," Princess Luna said. "No more worrying about things thou don't want to do. Live life thou own way." Just then, Princess Luna faded from their sight. The two of them looked at each other.

"So, we got time until we wake up," Twilight said. "What do you want to do?"

Moonlight smirked, and Moonlight transformed back into her original form and Twilight became a human version of herself. Then from around them, they found themselves in an amusement park, Coney Island. Twilight looked around them and was amazed.

"What is this?" Twilight asked.

"Coney Island," Nick said. "I'd thought that the two of us should do something fun from my world. My school teacher took me here one day on Spring Break before I... was kidnapped."

Twilight hugged Nick and said, "It's okay. You don't have to worry about that anymore. Now, how about you and I have some fun here? You totally deserve it."

Nick nodded, then the two of them headed towards the amusement park, Nick especially because he is now finally free of his mental trouble.

Chapter 16

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Chapter 16

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 25th... 7:30 AM...

Twilight was coming to. She found herself in Moonlight's bed, with Moonlight hugging her chest. Twilight looked down at Moonlight and smiled. She then kissed Moonlight's forehead.

"Moonlight... time to get up," Twilight whispered into Moonlight's ear.

Moonlight squirmed and then she opened her eyes. She saw Twilight and smiled. She then said, "Morning, Mom."

"Morning, Moonlight," Twilight said. "C'mon. Let's get some breakfast." The two of them got out of the bed, and headed downstairs.

Twilight and Moonlight headed on downstairs. Spike was already making breakfast for the two of them as they headed for the kitchen table.

"Good morning," Spike said to the two.

"Hey, Spike," Twilight said. She then thought of something and asked, "Did Princess Luna put me in Moonlight's bed before she left last night?"

"Yep," Spike said. "She thought it might be better if you two comforted each other throughout the night."

"Well, that was mighty nice of her," Twilight said. Twilight then looked over at Moonlight and said, "Well, you got some flight training with Rainbow Dash, today. How about tonight, we do something, just the two of us?"

"Really?" Moonlight asked. "Like what?"

"Oh, I think we can think of something," Twilight said. "Perhaps something you could enjoy. Hopefully there's something here that might interest you."

"Maybe..." Moonlight said. "What does the town have to do?"

"Oh, that reminds me," Spike said. He then pulled out a notepad and said, "Princess Luna made me make a list of all the things here that ponies are able to do here as humans do there. Even though there are a lot of things there that we can't do here."

"Especially at a certain age?" Twilight asked.

"Especially at a certain age," Spike replied. "And it seems that one thing that the two of you can do is... Bowling."

Twilight and Moonlight looked at each other and Twilight said, "I think we can do that."

"Sure, why not?" Moonlight asked.

"Alright," Twilight said. "We'll head to the bowling alley at 5:30, and then we'll have some dinner at a Hayburger."

Moonlight smiled and said, "Sounds good to me."

"Good," Twilight said, rubbing Moonlight's head. "Now, let's get eating."

Bowling Alley... Ponyville... Equestria... July 25th... 5:35 PM...

Twilight and Moonlight headed over to the bowling alley. As soon as they entered the place, all of the ponies stopped what they were doing, and looked towards the door. One pony was about to throw his ball towards the pins, which was set in a seven-ten split. And yet, the ball hit the 10th pin from the right side of it, and towards the 7th pin. But he wasn't paying attention as he and all the other ponies were keeping their eyes on Moonlight.

Moonlight got nervous, but then Twilight wrapped her foreleg around Moonlight's right side, saying, "It's okay, Moonlight. Let's just get to an open lane." Twilight and Moonlight then went over to where they could pick up a score card. As soon as they picked it up, they headed over towards an open lane.

Twilight and Moonlight then went over to the seats behind the lane they picked, and then Twilight put her saddlebags onto the seats. Twilight and Moonlight then walked over to where the bowling balls were ready to be picked.

"Alright, Moonlight," Twilight said. "Pick out a ball."

Moonlight was confused by the bowling balls. She then asked, "Why do the balls have finger holes when ponies don't have fingers?"

Twilight got confused on that and asked, "Fingers?"

"Like Spike's fingers," Moonlight said. "His claws."

"Oh," Twilight said. She then chuckled. "Guess we should question why ponies made bowling balls with three holes. But that'll come at a later date. Now, choose a ball." Twilight then picked up one ball and said, "This one seems good."

Moonlight then started looking at the bowling balls. Moonlight then saw one ball and reached for it. As soon as she picked it up with her hoof, it was snatched out of her hoof.

"HEY!" Moonlight said, looking up at the pony who grabbed the ball out of her hoof. But the pony who took the ball out of Moonlight's hoof gave her a sour look. Who else could it be than...

"Monsters like you don't deserve to be here," the mare said, scowling at Moonlight. "I don't see why Princess Celestia doesn't just banish you or lock you up somewhere far away from Equestria, where you belong."

She then was about to strike Moonlight until a magenta aura surrounded it. Spoiled Rich looked over to find the unicorn trying to hold her hoof and saw Twilight Sparkle, her horn glowing and her face scrunched up in anger.

"What were you doing to my daughter?!" Twilight nearly shouted. She angrily walked up to Spoiled Rich. "She didn't do anything wrong. So why are you treating my daughter like she did do something wrong?"

"You little tramp!" Spoiled Rich snapped. "You can't be serious! She is Nightmare Moon, and she cannot be trusted! She must be locked up and punished for the crimes she has done, and we must prevent her from doing anything that'll cause the end of Equestria!"

"She's not Nightmare Moon!" Twilight said, getting face to face with Spoiled Rich. "She's just a foal that looks like her, and nothing more! And there's nothing you can do to convince me, or the princesses, that she's a threat!"

"She's a monster!" Spoiled Rich protested.

"She's a foal!" Twilight said. "And I won't let you bad mouth her any longer!"

"I will not let a monster roam the streets, attacking the foals of this town," Spoiled Rich shouted back.

"She won't attack anypony!" Twilight said.

"You don't know that!" Spoiled Rich shouted. "She will be the end of us all!"

"What is going on here?!" came a voice of another mare. The two mares looked towards the voice and saw the mayor of Ponyville, Mayor Mare, walking towards them. "Mrs. Rich, are you threatening Miss Sparkle's daughter?"

"She's a monster!" Spoiled Rich stated. "How can you not see that?!"

"Princess Celestia has declared that Moonlight is not Nightmare Moon," Mayor Mare said. "You can't just shout out mean things about Moonlight. Especially in public."

Spoiled Rich got angry, looked back at Moonlight and said, "You'll get what you truly deserve, Nightmare Moon." She then left, putting the bowling ball down.

Twilight then hugged Moonlight, saying, "It's gonna be okay. How about we skip on eating out and make you something that would make you feel better?"

Moonlight gave a sad smile and nodded. She then picked up the ball, and then the two of them headed over to the alley where they were going to bowl. Even though that Twilight would have to teach Moonlight how to bowl like a pony.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 25th... 6:15 PM...

Twilight and Moonlight decided to come home straight after bowling. Moonlight was still worried about what Spoiled Rich said. Twilight then pulled Moonlight in for a hug.

"It's okay," Twilight said. "I know. It's gonna be a while until everypony accepts you. You're not a monster."

"I know," Moonlight said, sadly. "I just need some comfort food."

"Alright, alright," Twilight said. "Let's head into the kitchen." Twilight and Moonlight then headed into the kitchen and they saw Spike and Stan playing another game of Ogres and Oubliettes.

"And with that roll, I defeated the Squizard and he retreated back to the sea," Spike said.

"Oh, nice!" Stan said. "Another flawless victory!" Then the two of them high fived. Then Stan looked over and said, "Oh, Twilight and Moonlight are home early."

"There was... a little incident at the bowling alley," Twilight said. "Somepony still thinks Moonlight is Nightmare Moon. Moonlight needs some comfort food."

"Alright," Spike said. "I'll go make some. What comforts you, Moonlight?"

"Usually some quesadillas," Moonlight said. That made Twilight shiver. Moonlight looked over at Twilight confused. She then looked back at Spike and asked, "What's up with that?"

"Twilight's afraid of quesadillas," Spike snickered.

"No, I'm not!" Twilight said. She then shuttered and said, "They're just so... cheesy." She then nervously walked out of the kitchen. Spike then headed over to the refrigerator to pull out some things. He pulled out tortillas and three kinds of cheeses. He then started cooking the quesadillas on the stove top.

"So, you gonna be okay?" Spike asked.

"I... I don't know," Moonlight said. "That one mare kept treating me... like a monster."

"Hey, don't worry about it," Spike said. "You might be different than everypony, but it doesn't make you evil. It makes you unique. One of a kind."

"But what about all the other ponies who see me as... her?" Moonlight asked.

Twilight then came back in, walking up to Moonlight and said, "You are your own pony. Even if you were once human. You're a very unique pony. And just because you look like that, it doesn't mean you're a monster." Twilight then kissed Moonlight's forehead. "I don't care what you look like. You're such a kind hearted foal who needs love, not hatred."

Moonlight snuggled closer to Twilight, and said, "Why did that stupid gem make me like this?"

"It was unstable magic from a thousand years ago, Moonlight," Twilight said. "You're just a poor unfortunate soul that got caught under all of this. But, if you haven't come here, you wouldn't have a loving family." Twilight then looked over at Spike and Stan. "Right boys?"

"Yep," Spike said.

"No way I can hate somepony who loves me," Stan said. Stan then walked over towards Moonlight, and licked her face.

"H-Hey! Stan!" Moonlight said, starting to laugh. "Stop it! That tickles!"

"Aw... there's the sugar," Stan said, glad that he was cheering her up.

Spike then put the quesadilla onto a plate, and put it on the table where Moonlight sits. He then said, "There you go. Go ahead and eat."

Moonlight then walked over to the table. She then levitated it towards her mouth, and took a bite. She was astonished by the taste and savored the taste.

"This is so good!" Moonlight said, smiling.

Twilight shuttered towards the quesadilla and said, "So... cheesy." She then shot right out of the kitchen, leaving a cloud of smoke shaped like her. But when the smoke cleared, standing there was Pinkie Pie.

"Hey! How'd I get here?!" Pinkie asked.

Chapter 17

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Chapter 17

Streets of Ponyville... Equestria... July 28th... 1:00 PM...

Twilight, Spike and Moonlight were in the streets of Ponyville. Spike had a rock on his head, a leaf necklace, and a stick in his left hand, holding it like it's a cane. Twilight then used her magic and used transfiguration magic to change the rock into a top hat, the leaf necklace into a tuxedo, and the stick into a cane. But Spike was too distracted by something.

"Eyes over here, Spike!" Twilight said.

"Uh, sorry," Spike said.

Moonlight then looked over towards where Spike was looking and she saw Pinkie Pie, ducking under every cover she could get under. She was also wearing an umbrella hat.

"What is Pinkie doing?" Moonlight asked. Twilight then looked over at Pinkie, and got confused at her antics as well.

"Ugh, never mind her. She's just being Pinkie Pie," Twilight said.

"Super-extra Pinkie Pie today," Spike said, which the stuff he had reverted back to their original form. Spike was trying to keep himself balanced with the rock on his head.

Pinkie looked up into the sky. Then she looked at her tail, which was twitching. She then said, "Twitchy twitcha twitcha twitch." Then Twilight, Moonlight and Spike started walking up to her.

"Pinkie Pie? What in the wide, wide world of Equestria are you up to?" Twilight asked.

"Oh! It's my tail! It's my tail! It's a-twitch a-twitchin'! And you know what that means!" Pinkie said, showing the three of them her twitching tail.

"Actually, Pinkie, I haven't the slightest idea," Twilight said, not sure what Pinkie was talking about.

"The twitchin' means my Pinkie Sense is telling me that stuff's gonna start falling!" Pinkie explained. "You three better duck for cover."

"Oh, Pinkie, it's not gonna rain," Twilight said. "Why, there's barely even a cloud in the..." Just then, a frog just came down, landing on Twilight's muzzle.

The frog croaked and Pinkie said, "He just said "nice catch" in Frog." The frog then croaked again.

"Oh, I'm so, so sorry," Fluttershy's voice came from above. She was flying with a cart full of frogs that was somehow level. "You okay, Twilight Sparkle? I just couldn't stand to see the pond getting so over-populated, what with the frogs all hopping into each other and all, so I decided to fly as many as I can on over to Froggy Bottom Bog."

"Of course you did," Twilight said, a little annoyed.

Fluttershy then had a basket of frogs in her mouth, and she said, "Bye-bye!" She then flew off.

Moonlight then asked, "What was up with that?"

"I have no idea," Twilight said. "Why don't you head on home? I'll bring home a pizza for dinner."

"Okay," Moonlight said. Moonlight then headed off somewhere.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 28th... 1:15 PM...

Moonlight arrived back at the Golden Oaks Library. She was still confused by how quiet it usually is. She was expecting Stan to come towards her and lick her.

"Hello?!" Moonlight called out. "Stan? Are you here?"

Moonlight then started walking all over the library, looking for Stan. She was getting worried and headed back for the front door. But on the door, Moonlight noticed a note. It read:

"Dear Moonlight,

I thought I'd take your dog on a walk around Ponyville. Might even introduce him to my family's dog Winona at the farm. Come by to see how much they get along.

Apple Bloom."

Moonlight smiled and then headed back out, heading over to Sweet Apple Acres.

Sweet Apple Acres... Ponyville... Equestria... July 28th... 2:00 PM...

Stan was playing with Winona, the Apple Family's dog. The two of them were having a good time together. Both of them were being supervised by Apple Bloom.

Granny Smith walked up to Apple Bloom, smiled and said, "I see that Winona has found herself another dog ta play with. Ain't that nice."

"Actually, that dog happens ta be Moonlight's dog," Apple Bloom explained.

"Moonlight?" Granny Smith asked. She then started to think. "Ain't that that filly with the glasses and enjoys making sweets?"

"Nah, that's Twist," Apple Bloom said. "She's... well... the filly that looks like Nightmare Moon."

"WHAT?!" Granny Smith exclaimed. "No, I will not have you hang around that filly!"

"But Granny!" Apple Bloom complained. "Moonlight's not Nightmare Moon! She just looks like her! She was a completely different creature before she came here! Applejack will tell ya the same thing!"

"Apple Bloom, don't go tellin' me lies like that!" Granny Smith scolded Apple Bloom. The filly whimpered under the gaze of her grandmother. "Now, you take that dog back ta her before she comes here and casts a curse on our farm!"

"You think I would do that?" came the voice of Moonlight. The two apples looked towards the entry and saw Moonlight standing there. She was hurt that an old mare thought of her like that. "I would never do that. I'm not a threat to anypony!"

Granny Smith then stomped towards Moonlight and said, "Don'tcha ever come over here again! If Ah ever see you with mah granddaughter ever again, Ah'll..."

"Granny Smith!" came another voice. The three of them looked towards the voice, and there was a furious Applejack. "How could ya say that?! She's not Nightmare Moon!"

"And how would you know that?!" Granny Smith asked, angrily.

"Because Ah was there when Princess Celestia inspected the filly 'erself," Applejack explained. "She ain't a threat ta anypony. There was an ancient gem that would send something ta the Castle of the Two Sisters. But it came with a price. Becomin' an age equivalent of a monster of Equestria."

"You're... not jokin'?" asked Granny Smith. "She's... a victim?"

"She had a crummy life before comin' here," Applejack said. "Her birth parents, dead. Bullied in school, and even foalnapped ta steal a diamond, which was that same gem that sent 'er here."

"That's... that's..." Granny Smith tried saying that it couldn't have been true, but knowing that Applejack wasn't a liar, she knew that she was being totally honest and defensive about Moonlight. Granny Smith then looked over at Moonlight and said, "Ah'm sorry, li'l one. Ah shouldn't let yer looks judge who ya are on the inside."

"It's... okay," Moonlight said. "I... I forgive you."

"Hey, Moonlight!" Apple Bloom said, walking up to her, with Stan and Winona following her. "Sorry 'bout takin' yer dog. Ah just thought that he and Winona would get along."

"It's okay," Moonlight said. "I'm just glad he isn't hurt." Stan then walked over towards Moonlight, and licked her face, making her giggle. "Stan, stop it!"

"Why don't y'all go on inside?" Applejack suggested.

"Nah, I gotta get Stan home," Moonlight said. "I'm supposed to wait for Mom. C'mon, Stan. Let's go home." Then the two of them headed out of there, passing Pinkie Pie.

"Hey, Moonlight. Hey, Stan," Pinkie said as they passed each other. Then Pinkie looked over towards Applejack and said, "Hey, Applejack. Whatcha doin'?"

"Takin' more apples to my new apple cellar," Applejack said. "How 'bout you, Pinkie? Whatchu doin'?"

"Oh, letting Twilight secretly follow me all day without me knowing," Pinkie said, making Twilight peek her head out of a bush, surprising both Moonlight and Stan.

"You mean you knew all along?!" Twilight said, coming up to Pinkie angrily. She had wraps around her forelegs, scratches on her hind legs and head, and her eye was bruised. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Pinkie giggled and said, "Silly, that would've spoiled the secret!"

Twilight groaned angrily and Moonlight and Stan walked up to her. Moonlight then asked, "What happened to you?"

Spike came up to Moonlight, saying, "Let's just say that Twilight was trying to study Pinkie's Pinkie Sense, and she got hurt. A lot."

"Like what?" Moonlight asked.

"Earlier today, Pinkie's nose was itchy, meaning there were angry bees coming," Spike said. "And that was at the schoolhouse down the road."

"Speakin' o' which, it's almost time ta get Moonlight registered fer school," Applejack said.

"Noted," Twilight said.

"Then later, Pinkie did her combo which meant watch out for opening doors," Spike said. He then pointed towards a cellar door. "Twilight fell into that door."

"Don't remind me," Twilight said, angrily.

"Then there was when Pinkie's tail detected stuff falling out of a moving trailer that was above us," Spike said. "A potted plant, an anvil, a bunch of hay bails and a piano."

Moonlight was wide eyed at that and said, "That would've killed someone... er... somepony. Still gotta get used to this way of speaking."

"I agree," Twilight said. "With both of those statements. I'm surprised I'm still alive after that."

Just then, Pinkie started vibrating. Twilight, Spike, Moonlight, Stan and Applejack were looking at the pink mare as she was shaking.

"Oh no! What does that one mean?" Spike asked, worriedly.

"Dunno, never gotten any like it before, but whatever that shudder's about, it's a doozy," Pinkie said. Something you'd never expect to happen is gonna happen!" She then started vibrating again. "And it's gonna happen... at Froggy Bottom Bog!"

Applejack gasped and said, "That's where Fluttershy's headed!"

"Oh no! Is it about her?!" Spike asked, worriedly.

"Uh, I'm not sure," Pinkie replied.

"We better go and make sure she's okay," Applejack suggested.

"Calm down, everypony," Twilight said. "All we know right now is that Pinkie Pie just got a case of the shivers. That's all."

"Mom?" Moonlight asked, getting Twilight's attention. "What if something bad is going to happen to Fluttershy?"

"Well, we're going to go see that everything is alright with her," Twilight said. "You, on the other hoof, are going home with Stan. Stan, make sure she doesn't leave the library."

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... July 28th... 5:00 PM...

Moonlight was getting worried. She was worried that Twilight and Spike didn't get home. She decided to head downstairs to go out and find them. But when she was about to head towards the door, Stan rushed in front of her and started barking.

"Whoa! Stan!" Moonlight said, worried. "I'm just gonna look outside to find Mom."

"Oh, no you don't," Stan said. "Your mom tasked me on keeping you in until she and Spike get home. So that's what I'm gonna do."

"Stan," Moonlight complained. "I just gotta know if Mom is alright."

"Not under my watch!" Stan said. "Nothing's gonna stop me from..." Stan stopped when something caught his attention. And by his attention, I mean sense of smell. "What's that? Is that..." He then sniffed again. "I know that smell anywhere. It's pizza!"

Then the front door opened, and Twilight came in with Spike on her back. And he had boxes of pizza in his claws. Twilight then said, "We're home!"

"You're home!" Moonlight said, running up to Twilight. "I was getting worried for a moment."

"Well, you didn't have to be worried about me, Moonlight," Twilight said. "When me, Spike, Applejack and Pinkie went to Froggy Bottom Bog, we were attacked by a hydra."

"A hydra?" Moonlight asked. "You mean one of those creatures where you cut off one head and more heads pop out of where it's been cut?"

Twilight and Spike had their eyes widened, and then Spike asked, "That's why they have more than one head?"

"I did not know that," Twilight said. "Wait, how do you know about that?"

"It was on a movie I watched back in my world," Moonlight said. "The name of the movie was called Hercules."

"What are those guys doing to your education?" Twilight asked.

"Speaking of which, it's almost time we get Moonlight registered," Spike said.

"Oh, yeah," Twilight said. "Good call. As soon as it's time for registration, we're gonna get Moonlight registered for school."

"Hopefully, I won't get teased with," Moonlight said, thinking about her past experiences at school. "Like this one time at my old school, Kyle O'Rama. He knocked my textbooks out of my hands and stuffed me into the trashcan."

"Why didn't you tell the teacher or principal?" Twilight asked.

"I did," Moonlight said. "It didn't help when the bully happens to be the principal's son. He never gets in trouble at school." She just sat on her haunches and sighed. "I wasn't anything but a pathetic little kid."

Spike got off of Twilight's back as Twilight walked over towards Moonlight, and then she hugged her. Twilight then said, "You're not pathetic. You're anything but pathetic. You don't have to worry about that bully anymore. And if anything goes wrong, you can tell the teacher or me."

Moonlight gave teary eyed smile to Twilight. She then nuzzled Twilight. Then Moonlight's stomach growled.

Twilight giggled and said, "C'mon. Let's get to eating dinner." Then they all headed into the kitchen, so they would eat their dinner.

Chapter 18

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Chapter 18

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... August 1st... 10:00 AM...

Twilight Sparkle was signing some papers with a mulberry coated Earth Pony mare. The mare's cutie mark was of three smiling flowers. Twilight then finished signing the papers.

"And... done," Twilight said. She then turned her head towards the mare. "Thank you for coming over, Cheerilee. I'm so glad that Moonlight will be able to go to school in a couple weeks."

"I'm glad to have a new student to join," Cheerilee replied. She then got a little guilty. "Even though I was a little surprised that my new student is a filly that looks like Nightmare Moon."

"Looks aren't everything," Twilight said. "Princess Celestia has come to inspect the filly herself when Moonlight first arrived here. Moonlight was brought to Equestria due to an unstable teleportation gem. It was originally designed to bring a pony to the Castle of the Two Sisters under the light of the full moon. But... there was a major side effect."

"A side effect?" Cheerilee asked.

"It turns the one who's being transported into an age equivalent of a monster," Twilight said. "After the transportation gem was a failure, the princesses decided to banish them to other worlds, hoping that they would be destroyed on impact. But sadly, one survived."

"That's terrible," Cheerilee said. "So, Moonlight is really a creature from another world?"

"She was also a creature of the opposite gender," Twilight said.

Cheerilee gasped. She then said, "Must've been a big change for the poor dear. Taken away from his home, changes made to him completely, not being able to return to his family."

"It gets worse," Twilight said. "His parents died when he was four years old, he was bullied in school, and not that long before arriving here, he was kidnapped to steal the diamond that sent him here in the first place."

"Oh, dear," Cheerilee said. "So that's why you adopted Moonlight. She needed a loving family."

"Yes," Twilight said. She then looked towards the window. "She had a tough life before. Now, she's just glad she has somepony who loves her."

"She sounds like she needs a loving family," Cheerilee said. "Where is Moonlight anyway?"

"Rainbow Dash is training her on using her wings," Twilight said. "Since she didn't have wings on her old world."

"That makes sense," Cheerilee said. "She does have to get used to her new features."

Park... Ponyville... Equestria... August 1st... 10:30 AM...

Rainbow Dash was finally teaching Moonlight to flap her wings. Moonlight was flapping her wings. Rainbow Dash was flapping her wings as much as Moonlight was. Fluttershy was watching.

"That's it, Moonlight," Rainbow said. "You're actually starting to fly."

"Wow," Moonlight said. "Who knew... flapping... was harder... than gliding?"

"I don't know," Rainbow said. "I was born with these wings."

"Well, I wasn't," Moonlight said. "Or a horn. Or a tail."

"Hey, I get it," Rainbow said. "C'mon. Get some rest. Besides, I'm gonna have to cut training short for today. I gotta get training."

"Training? For what?" Moonlight asked as the two of them landed.

Fluttershy walked up to the two. She looked at Moonlight and said, "Oh, that's right. You weren't here for the last Best Young Flyers competition."

"It's a competition where pegasi across Equestria compete to show off their awesome skills!" Rainbow continued. "And the winner gets to meet the Wonderbolts and gets crowned best flyer by Princess Celestia!"

"Really?" Moonlight asked. "Is there a certain age to enter?"

"Yeah," Rainbow said. "And a professional flyer. You're still a beginner. But, right now, I gotta train for the competition, and train Fluttershy to cheer for me." She then looked towards Fluttershy and asked, "Remember what you learned yesterday?"

"Loss of control," Fluttershy answered.

"Good," Rainbow said, nodding.

"Screaming and hollering," Fluttershy continued.

"Yes, and most importantly?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Passion!" Fluttershy answered.

"Right! So now that you know the elements of a good cheer, let's hear one," Rainbow Dash said to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy inhaled, and then quietly said, "Yay."

Rainbow Dash groaned and said, "You're gonna cheer for me like that? Louder."

"Yay," Fluttershy said again, but it wasn't loud. So, Rainbow tried again.

"Louder!"

"Yay."

"Louder!"

This time, Fluttershy took a long deep breath, and quietly exclaimed, "Yaaay."

Rainbow Dash groaned, face hoofed, and fell on her back.

Fluttershy looked down at Rainbow Dash and asked, "Too loud?"

"Actually, Fluttershy," Moonlight said. "I've heard a lot of cheering back in my world. None of them were as quiet as those times. That was actually quite... tame."

"Which wasn't what we were going for, Flutters!" Rainbow said. She then sighed, and said, "Let's get to try cheering for me while I'm practicing."

Rainbow Dash then flew up to the clouds to start her routine for the competition. She started doing a serpentine through some trees in a straight line. Then she started spinning around some clouds, making them spin. Then she flew up high into the sky.

Moonlight got confused and asked, "What's she doing?"

"Um... I don't know," Fluttershy said. "But I think it's part of her routine."

"Here we go," came Rainbow Dash's voice from above. "Phase three. The sonic rainboom." She then flew up and then coming down with a wind barrier in front of her.

"What's happening?" Moonlight asked, getting worried.

"Just... keep watching," Fluttershy said.

As they were watching, Rainbow Dash continued going down. But then, something made her stop in mid air. She then said, "Uh-oh." She was then flung back by the barrier, heading Northeast.

Moonlight looked over and gasped. She then said, "She's heading towards the library!" Then the two of them started following Rainbow Dash.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... August 1st... 10:20 AM...

Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rarity arrived at the Golden Oaks Library as Cheerilee was leaving. Twilight was walking her out as the three other mares arrived.

"Thanks again for letting Moonlight be apart of your class when school opens up, Cheerilee," Twilight said as she was walking Cheerilee out.

"No, I should be thanking you, Twilight Sparkle," Cheerilee said. "I hope that she is kind hearted as you say she is. And I'll make sure that my students will treat her with as much as any other foal in her class."

"Of course, Cheerilee," Twilight said. Cheerilee then left, passing the three mares. Twilight smiled and said, "Oh, good. You girls made it."

Applejack chuckled and asked, "Glad Ah sent Cheerilee here ta help ya get Moonlight registered?"

Twilight nodded and said, "Yes. Thank you for doing so, Applejack. Now, it's time we get the library reorganized." Then the four of them went back inside. "Okay. Now, the first thing to do is to get all the books off the shelves. Moonlight even gave me an idea. At her old school in her previous world, the school library was organized by different sections. Or, in this case, genres."

"Not a bad idea," Rarity said. "Alright, where should we start?"

Then the sound of Rainbow Dash screaming came to their attention, and Rainbow Dash came through and open window, and crashed into the center of the room. Then all the books on the shelves fell off, burying the pegasus.

"Well, that's one way of getting the books off the shelves," Pinkie said. Then the four of them started digging the books off of Rainbow Dash. She was then pulled out of the pile.

"Are you okay, Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Rainbow said. "Sorry about that, Twi."

"It's okay, Rainbow," Twilight said. "We were already going to reorganize the library."

Then Moonlight and Fluttershy ran into the library. Moonlight then noticed the place and said, "Whoa. Did Rainbow Dash do this, or are you all reorganizing?"

"Both," Twilight replied. "Also, Moonlight, I got you registered into school. You'll be heading to school after the Grand Galloping Gala."

"Well, that's good," Moonlight said.

"But, what are you all doing here?" Twilight asked. "Moonlight, shouldn't you be doing some flight training?"

"Had to cut it short today," Rainbow said. "I had to practice for the Best Young Flyers competition in Cloudsdale, and Fluttershy has to practice cheering for me when I do my performance."

"Oh, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy said. "You know I'll be cheering as loud as everypony there. Yaaay. Go, Rainbow Dash. Woohoo."

"Still heard louder in the city I grew up in," Moonlight said.

"Moonlight's already started flapping her wings," Rainbow said. "But, she still needs practice if she's going to keep flying for at least 10 minutes. But, it's not enough for her to fly all the way to Cloudsdale for this competition. Plus, only pegasi and alicorns are the only ponies that can walk on clouds. Even though I wish you all could be there."

"What's that?" Twilight asked.

"It's where all the greatest Pegasus flyers get together and show off their different flying styles!" Pinkie Pie explained. "Some are fast!" She then made a car noise, going across the library fast. She then started doing a graceful dance, saying, "And some are graceful. Whoa, whoa, whoa!" She fell over, books burying over her.

"Golly. I'd love to see you strut yer stuff in that competition," Applejack said.

"Yeah. I wish you guys could be there," Rainbow Dash agreed. "Fluttershy's a great support, but her cheering isn't exactly inspirational."

Pinkie Pie then came out of the books, saying, "Ooh! I'd love to see you make a sonic rainboom! It's like, the most coolest thing ever! Even though I've never actually seen it, but I mean come on! It's a sonic rainboom! How not cool could it possibly not be?!"

Moonlight looked over at Rainbow and asked, "Was that what you were trying to do before you were launched like a slingshot?"

Rainbow Dash nodded and said, "Yep. I almost had it before ending up here. But I haven't done it since I was around your age, Moonlight. But, hopefully, I'll be able to pull it off at the competition."

"Yeah, but you're gonna do it again, right?" Pinkie Pie asked, eagerly.

"Are... you kidding?" Rainbow asked, nervously. But then she continued talking more confidently. "I'm the greatest flyer to ever come out of Cloudsdale! I could do sonic rainbooms in my sleep."

"Wow. If you pull that off, you'll win the crown for sure!" Twilight said, brightening up.

"The grand prize is an entire day with the Wonderbolts," Rainbow said, getting dreamy eyed. "A whole day of flying with my lifelong heroes... It'll be a dream come true!"

"Yay," Fluttershy said, quietly cheering for Rainbow Dash.

"I'm gonna go rest up," Rainbow Dash said, heading for the window. "Don't wanna over prepare myself, y'know." She then chuckled. Then she looked at Fluttershy. "You, on the other hand, better keep practicing. I need a cheering section to match my spectacular performance." Rainbow Dash then flew out the window.

"She's practiced that move a hundred times, and she's never even come close to doing it," Fluttershy said to the others. "I don't know if I can cheer loud enough to help her." She then flew out the window, following Rainbow Dash.

"Well, guess we're gonna have to start reorganizing," Twilight said.

"Well, we could do that," Rarity said. "Or, you could find a spell that can give us wings so we can go up to Cloudsdale to cheer Rainbow Dash on at the competition."

"What?!" Twilight asked. "Are you serious?"

Moonlight looked at the table and saw a notebook which had all the books listed and what genres they were in. She then said, "Mom, you basically got every book listed and every section they can go in."

Twilight thought about it and said, "Yeah, I guess we can get Spike and Stan to do the reorganizing. I already have the section signs put up. Now, let's see if I can find something."

Pinkie Pie then picked up a random book and read aloud, "A flight spell? One sec. Page twenty-seven."

Applejack got confused and asked, "How'd you do that?"

"It landed on my face when Rainbow Dash knocked me into the bookcase," Pinkie explained.

Twilight flipped through the pages to the page where the flight spell was. She then said, "Here it is! A spell that will allow Earth ponies to fly for three days." She then got a little worried. "Ooh, it looks really difficult... I'm not sure I can do it."

"You've got to try!" Rarity said, proudly.

Twilight thought about it and said, "Okay... But who's gonna volunteer to be the test subject?" She then looked over at Moonlight and said, "Besides you. You already have wings."

Moonlight then looked at her left wing, unfolding it. She then said, "Guess that makes sense."

Twilight then looked over at the others. They were all nervous until Rarity spoke up, saying, "I will! For Rainbow Dash, I will go first."

Twilight looked at the book and memorized the spell. She then said, "Here goes." She then lit up her horn, and blue energy surrounded Rarity. Then for a brief moment, the room went completely dark, and when the lights came on, Twilight was exhausted and Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Moonlight were awestruck. Twilight was exhausted as she said, "I think it worked!"

They were all looking at Rarity, who had beautiful butterfly wings. Moonlight then looked at Twilight and asked, "Mom? Are you alright?"

"I'm... I'm fine, Moonlight," Twilight said. "Just tired. I just... need to... do... the spell... again."

"No way, Mom," Moonlight said. "You're too tired. Isn't there a more simpler spell?" Moonlight then took the book in her magic and read it. She then asked, "There's a cloud walking spell?"

Twilight looked towards Moonlight and asked, "A cloud walking spell? Let... me... see that." Moonlight then turned the book over to show Twilight the spell. Twilight read it and said, "This spell doesn't seem as powerful as the flight spell."

"Ya couldn't have done that first?" Applejack asked.

"But, how are we going to get to Cloudsdale to cheer Dashie on?" Pinkie asked.

Moonlight then looked out the window and saw the hot air balloon landing. She smirked and said, "I think I have an idea."

Outside Cloudeseum Stadium... Cloudsdale... Equestria... August 1st... 11:00 AM...

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy arrived in Cloudsdale. But at first, Rainbow was telling Fluttershy to be more assertive when a certain things comes up. But then some bullies from their foalhood came in and tried to bring down Rainbow's spirit, telling her that she'll never be able to pull off a sonic rainboom because it doesn't exist. Fluttershy tried standing up for Rainbow. The bullies then left, making Rainbow Dash feel bad. But then she and Fluttershy got a huge surprise.

"Rarity! Are you... flying?!" Rainbow Dash asked, seeing Rarity with butterfly wings.

"I most certainly am!" Rarity replied. "Aren't my wings smashing?! Twilight made them for me. I just adore them!" Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were astonished by Rarity's wings. "Why so shocked? We couldn't leave our favorite flyer without a big cheering section!"

"'We'?" Rainbow asked.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash!" came Moonlight's voice. The two pegasi looked over and saw Moonlight running up to them.

"Moonlight?" Rainbow asked. "How'd you get up here? You don't have enough energy to fly all the way here." Moonlight then pointed her right foreleg towards the balloon, which had Twilight, Applejack and Pinkie Pie in it. They then explained that they came up to Cloudsdale, with a cloud walking spell. Then Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy decided to give the five of them a tour of Cloudsdale.

Weather Factory... Cloudsdale... Equestria... August 1st... 12:30 PM...

Rainbow Dash was taking the gang on a tour of the Cloudsdale Weather Factory. Starting with the room where they made the snowflakes. The Mane 6 and Moonlight were wearing special protective gear.

"This is where they make the snowflakes," Rainbow said. "Each one is hoofmade. As you can see, it's a delicate operation."

"Ooh, the snowflakes look even better from up here," Rarity said as was flapping her wings, which were sending the snowflakes flying all over the room. Some pegasus ponies were yelling and grumbling when trying to catch the snowflakes.

"We better move on before Rarity ruins winter and causes a drought," Rainbow said, leading them out of the snowflake room.

Moonlight then said, "This world has way different weather than my world."

"Really?" Rainbow asked. "Who controls the weather in your world?"

"Nobody," Moonlight said. "The weather does it on its own. Same with the sun and the moon."

"Wait, what?!" the Mane 6 asked.

"Wow," Twilight said. "A world where the sun and moon move on their own, along with the weather?"

"Yep," Moonlight said. "Although, are rainbows here any different? According to one of the caretakers at the orphanage, when water or steam goes across sunlight, it makes a rainbow."

"Well, I'm glad you asked that," Rainbow Dash said. "We're about to head there anyway." Then the seven of them went into one room.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8bNXXrnDSo

Rainbow Dash then looked over somewhere to see the bullies that picked on her earlier admiring Rarity's wings. When they saw Rainbow Dash, they made fun of her, again. The bullies then left, and Rarity tried cheering Rainbow up by saying that they were just admiring her butterfly wings. It didn't work. Fluttershy then started to cheer Rainbow up, saying that she'll win by pulling off the sonic rainboom. Rainbow doubted herself, saying that she couldn't do it.

Rainbow then took them into the room where the ponies make the clouds, but the pegasi there were astonished by Rarity's wings. Then one of them suggested that Rarity should sign up for the Best Young Flyers competition. That made Rainbow Dash worry that she wouldn't be able to win the competition at all.

Cloudeseum... Cloudsdale... Equestria... August 1st... 1:30 PM...

Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Moonlight were in line to head into the Cloudeseum to watch the competition. Twilight looked over at the others with a smile.

"Remember," Twilight said. "We're all here to support Rainbow Dash."

"Ah still can't believe that Rarity got talked inta entering the competition," Applejack complained. "She completely forgot about wantin' ta support Rainbow, that her attention was taken by the pegasi here."

"Better her than me," Moonlight said. "Her wings prevented the ponies here from seeing me as... well..." Then some shade was cast over her. Moonlight looked down to see the shade and got confused. "Hey, what's blocking the..." Moonlight then turned to see what was blocking the sunlight, and was surprised, like the other four, to see Princess Celestia and two of her pegasus guards standing behind her.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Applejack said, shocked. Then the four of them quickly bowed.

"Rise, my little ponies," Princess Celestia said. She then looked down at Moonlight and smiled. "I'm surprised to see you here as well, Moonlight." She then looked over at Twilight and asked, "Found a cloud walking spell?" Twilight nodded. "I was wondering why you were all up here. Come to support Rainbow Dash who is competing in this competition?"

"Yes we are, Princess," Twilight said, walking towards her and stopping right next to Moonlight. "But, things have been... complicated."

"Complicated?" Princess Celestia asked.

"Let's just say there were some stallions making fun of Rainbow Dash's wings," Moonlight said.

Princess Celestia sighed and said, "That is clearly a violation of the rules of the competition. No negative comments towards another competitor before or during the competition. It is punished by an instant disqualification, and shall not compete in the competition. What are their names?"

"We didn't get their names," Twilight said. "Although, one of them was light brown with a brown mane, and his Cutie Mark was of three basketballs."

"Another one was dark brown with a gray mane, and his mark was a set of weights," Applejack added.

"And the last one was a grayish blue pony with an almost black mane and his mark was of three footballs," Moonlight said.

Princess Celestia nodded and said, "I shall see to those stallions personally." She then smiled and said, "You all shall accompany me and my guards in the stadium." The four mares and Moonlight nodded, and all of them went inside.

When the competition started, Rainbow Dash was more nervous than ever. She then started swapping her number card with competitors passing by. Rarity didn't compete yet either, saying that she was getting ready. Rainbow Dash then overheard one of the bullies from before.

"What do you mean we're not allowed to compete?!" the bully known as Hoops complained.

"You all made fun of Rainbow Dash, who happens to be one of Equestria's heroes," a judge said. "So, you three won't be competing in the competition." Then the three of them were being pushed out by security pegasi. The bullies then saw Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Crash!" Hoops said. "Help! Tell them they shouldn't be doing this!"

Rainbow Dash then went from worried, to confused, and then went to anger. She then snapped. "My name... is Rainbow... Dash! Get that through your head!" The bullied were then thrown out of the building. Rainbow Dash then sighed. She then said, "I can do this. I can... perform the... Sonic... Rainboom... Oh, I can't do this!" Rainbow Dash then went back to her panic state.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdHTSO4iY_g

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... August 1st... 9:00 PM...

Twilight was walking towards the entrance to the library with Moonlight on her back. Moonlight was really tired. Twilight smiled down at the filly.

"Alright, Moonlight," Twilight said. "It's bedtime for you."

Moonlight then nodded. Then something came to her mind. She then asked, "Mom? What about the books in the library? We left it a mess."

"Oh, I had Spike and Stan handle that," Twilight said. "I left them the notes to handle all the organization we left for them to do when we were gone." Then Twilight opened the door and saw that all of the books there were in their proper place. And in the middle of the room, Spike was leaning on Stan, both of them asleep. And in Spike's claws, there was a book. The book was titled, "Nyx of the Night". Twilight smiled, took the book out of Spike's claws, and then put the book on it's proper place on one of the shelves. Twilight then used her magic to lift Spike and Stan, and took them upstairs. Twilight then put Spike into his basket, and then Moonlight into her bed, with Stan laying next to her. Twilight then turned out the lights, and headed off to bed, sleeping the night away to start the new day.

Chapter 19

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Chapter 19

Carousel Boutique... Ponyville... Equestria... August 15th... 1:00 PM...

This was it. The big night. The night of the Grand Galloping Gala. Things have been quite eventful since the Sonic Rainboom in Canterlot. After that, Rarity asked Spike to help her find gems for dresses to make for Sapphire Shores, the pony of pop. But Rarity was taken by creatures known as the Diamond Dogs so they could use her to find gems. But, she had the Diamond Dogs wrapped around her hoof.

Then there was when Photo Finish was searching for model worthy ponies. Rarity was hoping that she would be picked, but Photo Finish chose Fluttershy instead. Which was a problem for both ponies. Rarity was jealous that Fluttershy was getting all the attention and Fluttershy was overwhelmed by all of the attention. But then, the two of them told each other how they felt, and promised each other to not let something silly like that get in the way of their friendship.

And today, the Mane 6, Spike and Moonlight were at Carousel Boutique, getting ready for the Grand Galloping Gala. Twilight wanted to try out transfiguration magic. She turned an apple into a carriage to get them. She then transfigured four mice into full size horses. But their faces were still mouse like. Which wasn't that helpful when Opal, Rarity's cat, chased them away. So, Rarity got a couple of local stallions to help pull the carriage. The Mane 6 and Moonlight then got into their dresses for the gala. Moonlight still wasn't happy with that dress looking at her reflection.

"I can't believe I'm in this dress again," Moonlight grumbled. Then her mane was taken in a light blue aura, being styled up before the headband was placed on her.

"Oh, don't be like that, Moonlight," Rarity said. "Besides, it's just for tonight. After tonight, you won't have to wear it again. That was the deal."

"I guess," Moonlight said. She then sighed, looked back at her reflection, and said, "Just for tonight." Then the group went outside and gotten into the carriage. The two stallions got hooked up to the carriage, and Spike got into the driver's seat. After the girls all got in, the two stallions started moving, heading towards Canterlot.

Road to Canterlot... Equestria... August 15th... 7:30 PM...

The girls were all sitting in the carriage, talking about what they were going to do when they get to the gala. Not Moonlight. She was looking out the window, looking out at the view. She was giving a bored expression.

Twilight then put her hoof on Moonlight's back, making the filly look back at Twilight. Twilight then asked, "What's wrong, Moonlight? Aren't you excited?"

"Not really," Moonlight said. "In my world, on TV, I've seen fancy parties like that. And it was all so... boring. I once fell asleep watching one."

"I bet I can make it less boring!" Pinkie said, coming up to Moonlight. "I can make it so you won't fall asleep."

"I doubt that," Moonlight said. She sighed. "Just for tonight."

Canterlot Castle... Canterlot... Equestria... August 15th... 7:45 PM...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_rcInt_y8I

As soon as they finished their song, the group split up. Twilight took Moonlight with her, to make sure that nothing bad happens to her. Especially with Princess Celestia being there.

"Just stay with me, Moonlight," Twilight said. "There are a lot of ponies here who don't see ponies for who they really are. So, if you stay with me and Princess Celestia, you won't be judged horribly."

"Okay, Mom," Moonlight said. Then the two of them headed into the Gala. But them walking in caught the attention of one unicorn stallion. The same stallion that Rarity was talking about in her portion of the song. Prince Blueblood. He was not happy to see Moonlight walking into the castle.

"Nightmare Moon, you might have most of Equestria fooled," Prince Blueblood said, angrily, "but not me. I'm gonna give you the proper punishment that you truly deserve." He then headed down to the gala.

Chapter 20

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Chapter 20

Canterlot Castle... Canterlot... Equestria... August 15th... 7:50 PM...

Twilight and Moonlight walked over towards where Princess Celestia was going to be at the Grand Galloping Gala. But what they weren't expecting was a long line.

"Oh, boy," Twilight said. "This might take a while."

Moonlight sighed, then a couple guards walked up to the two of them. One of them said, "Twilight Sparkle. Moonlight. Princess Celestia has requested for the two of you for company." The guard than looked down at Moonlight. "And for your protection."

Twilight and Moonlight looked at each other. Twilight then smiled, and then they walked with the guards to the front of the line, where there stood Princess Celestia.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight said, walking towards the princess with Moonlight by her side.

"Twilight! It is so lovely to see my star student," Princess Celestia said to Twilight. She then looked down at Moonlight. "It is also good to see you, Moonlight." Moonlight smiled.

"Good to see you, too, Princess," Moonlight said.

"Oh, I'm so excited to be here!" Twilight said. "We have so much to catch up on."

"Well, I want you right by my side the entire evening, so we'll have plenty of time together," Princess Celestia said.

"That's just what I was hoping you'd say," Twilight said. Twilight then started talking about all the things they did. Moonlight looked all over the room. She saw Rarity walking up to a handsome, broad, white unicorn stallion. From outside, she could see both Fluttershy, looking at the animals in the gardens, and Applejack selling some Apple Family sweets. She then looked over and saw Rainbow Dash trying to find somepony, and Pinkie Pie trying to find something fun to do.

Moonlight sighed and said, "This... is so... boring." She then felt the urge. She then asked, "Where's the restroom?"

Princess Celestia looked down at Moonlight, then pointed a hoof down the hall, saying, "Down the hall. The fillies room is the third door on the right."

Moonlight nodded, and rushed down the hall. She then breathed out and thought to herself, "Okay. First time in a public girls bathroom. This is something you have to get used to." She then walked in, and saw a bunch of lavender bouquets. The smell of the lavender made Moonlight smile. She then walked into one unoccupied stall, and used her magic to move her tail and the end of a dress so she wouldn't be sitting on it, getting some urine on the dress. She then relieved herself, sighing.

"First time in a public fillies washroom?" a familiar voice came to Moonlight's attention. Moonlight looked towards her right, which was where the voice was coming from.

"Wh-what makes you say that?" Moonlight asked.

"Thou are predictable, young one," the voice replied. "Must've been nervous before entering, Moonlight."

Moonlight's eyes shrank a little and asked, "How... how did you know my name?"

"We've made sure that you had peaceful dreams," the voice replied. "Dreams you could enjoy. But, we've forgotten that one night when thou started having the... wicked dreams of the mare who some ponies see you as."

"What? How did you...?" Moonlight was about to ask, then her eyes went wide. She then looked back to the right and guessed who was in the other stall. "P-princess Luna?"

Just then, four dark blue hooves with silver slippers stepped down onto the floor. Then the toilet in her stall flushed. Moonlight then finished her business, flushed the toilet, and walked out of the stall, at the same time the mare walked out, confirming that it was Princess Luna.

"We were hoping to speak to you tonight," Princess Luna said. "Thou must be cautious tonight. Somepony here is wanting to do harm to thou for the crimes that we have done."

"We? What are you...?" Moonlight was about to ask. She then stopped to think about it and asked, "You were using the royal 'we', weren't you?"

Princess Luna nodded and said, "Tis tradition back from 1000 years ago to talk like this."

"Well..." Moonlight said. "Maybe you should talk like a modern person... er... pony." She then sighed. "Two months, and I'm still not used to the way these ponies talk."

"Perhaps... I should," Princess Luna said, trying to modernize her speech. She then got a thought in her head, then smirked, and said, "You better watch your back, girlfriend. Or else, trouble will be, totes, coming."

Moonlight raised an eyebrow, then asked, "Why are you talking like that? You almost sound like..." She then found out what Princess Luna was doing, then Moonlight face-hoofed. She then groaned and said, "You got that from my memories which were from the TV shows I watched back on Earth."

Princess Luna smirked and said, "Thought it would cheer you up."

Moonlight then started snickering, which then went to a laugh of joy. She then said, "Well, it did." She then stopped laughing and calmed down. She then asked, "So, that thing about trouble coming? For real?"

Princess Luna nodded and said, "Be on your guard. And stick close to your mother."

Moonlight nodded. She then headed for the sink, removed her hooves from the horse shoes, and then washed her hooves. She then wondered out loud, "What's the point of washing our hooves if we walk on them?"

Princess Luna raised an eyebrow to think about that, then replied, "My sister and I have been wondering that for over 1000 years. Still unanswered." Moonlight then nodded, then she headed out of the bathroom, heading back towards where Twilight and Princess Celestia were.

Twilight looked back and saw Moonlight coming towards them. She smiled and said, "Hey, Moonlight. Feel better?"

"Yeah," said Moonlight. "Although, I did have a conversation with Princess Luna."

"My sister was in the restroom with you?" Princess Celestia asked.

"Yeah," Moonlight said. "She gave me a warning. She thought she heard somepony say that somepony is going to get me and punish me for something Princess Luna did as... you know..."

"Nightmare Moon," Princess Celestia said, understanding where Moonlight was getting at. "Do not worry. With guards all over the place, no harm will come to you. But just in case, stay close to us."

Moonlight nodded, getting nervous. She then remembered the way Princess Luna spoke to cheer her up, which made her giggle, covering her mouth with a hoof.

"What's so funny?" Twilight asked, looking down at Moonlight.

"Oh, just something that Princess Luna said to cheer me up," Moonlight said. "It wasn't what she said, but how she said it. She talked like someone from my world."

"My sister was always one to make ponies feel better when they're down," Princess Celestia said. "And yet, she was corrupted and turned into Nightmare Moon. But, I'm glad she's trying to cheer you up."

Moonlight nodded. Then she looked around, looking for ponies who would want to hurt her. When she looked over and saw Rarity with that stallion, she smiled, her worries fading away. But, for a split second, she saw the stallion give a grimace towards her. Moonlight then blinked twice, seeing that the stallion was making Rarity open the door for him. The stallion then walked away, humphing.

"What?" Moonlight whispered.

"What is it, Moonlight?" Twilight asked.

"I saw that Rarity was with a stallion," Moonlight said. "For a second, I thought he gave me a glare. Then I saw him make Rarity open the door for him."

Princess Celestia looked over and saw the stallion that Moonlight was talking about. She then gave a sour look and said, "That is my distant nephew, Prince Blueblood. He believes he gets whatever he wants, and doesn't want to get his hooves dirty unless he's up to something."

Twilight then thought about what Moonlight said about what Princess Luna said. She then asked, "Was he... alright with Moonlight being in Equestria?"

Princess Celestia thought about it and said, "Well, he thought that I was crazy letting Moonlight walk across Equestrian soil. Which makes him..."

"A very possible suspect," Twilight said. "Moonlight, please be careful. Especially around him."

Moonlight nodded. She then got nervous, hoping that nopony attacks her.

Chapter 21

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Chapter 21

Canterlot Castle... Canterlot... Equestria... August 15th... 8:30 PM...

Above the entrance to the castle, there was a construction mare was working on something. She was installing some doors onto a brand new section to the castle.

"Hopefully Princess Luna will be satisfied with her new room," said the construction pony. She then looked down at the Grand Galloping Gala. "Must be some event."

Meanwhile, downstairs, Twilight and Moonlight were standing over by Princess Celestia. Just then, Moonlight's stomach growled.

"Oh, boy," Moonlight said. "I got to get something to eat."

Twilight then levitated a bag of bits towards her. Moonlight took it in her magic, and Twilight said, "Go over to Applejack's stand and get you something. And get me an Apple Pie while you're there." Moonlight nodded, then started walking off. Then Twilight called out, "And watch your back!"

Moonlight then looked around for any pony that could hurt her. She then headed outside to find Applejack's stand. She then rushed towards the stand. Applejack then looked down at her and smiled.

"Howdy, Moonlight," Applejack said. "What brings you 'round here?"

"Just... getting something to eat," Moonlight said, looking around nervously.

Applejack got confused and asked, "Somethin' wrong, sugarcube?"

"It's... well..." Moonlight said. She then looked around, feeling like somepony could attack her at any moment.

"C'mon," Applejack said. "Spit it out. It's almost like yer afraid that somepony is out ta get ya." That made Moonlight clench her teeth. Applejack then went wide eyed and asked, "Somepony's out ta get ya?"

"Yeah, but I don't know who," Moonlight said.

"Don'tcha worry," Applejack said. "Ya don't have ta worry 'bout a thing. As long as we're here, we won't let anythin' happen ta ya. Now, why don't ya get yerself somethin' ta eat."

"Alright," Moonlight said, looking at the sweets. "I guess I'll take an Apple Fritter, and a pie for Mom."

"One apple fritter and one apple pie, comin' right up," Applejack said. "Two bits for the fritter and three for the pie." Moonlight then levitated the bit bag up to Applejack. She shook out the right amount of bits and gave the bit bag to Moonlight. Then she handed Moonlight the sweets. "Don'tcha worry 'bout a thing. There are guards 'round here. Ya'll be fine."

"I really hope so," Moonlight said, before walking off with the sweets and Twilight's bit bag.

Right after Moonlight walked away from Applejack's stand, Rarity and Blueblood walked up to the stand, but not with Blueblood looking over towards Moonlight, hiding his glare from everypony around him.

Moonlight then returned to Twilight and Princess Celestia. Twilight smiled and took the pie and the bit bag with her own magic. She then said, "Thanks, Moonlight." She then kissed Moonlight's forehead. She then took a bite out of the pie, and Moonlight did the same with the fritter.

"This is really good," Moonlight said.

"Yeah," Twilight said. "Some hors d'oeuvres are good, but nothing's better than something that you can really enjoy. Especially something made by one of your friends."

"Sounds like you've been doing fine in Ponyville," Princess Celestia said, smiling.

"Yeah," Twilight said, smiling. "Things have been going good with my friends." Just then, there was the sound of a loud crash coming from somewhere. Twilight, Moonlight and Princess Celestia looked at each other, then ran over to the room where the crash came from. They saw that the room was a complete mess. Rarity was covered in cake, Rainbow Dash got cut on a statue fallen over, and Applejack and Pinkie Pie were a mess. "Well... it can't get even worse."

Moonlight face hoofed and said, "Something bad always happens when someone says that." She then looked around and asked, "Hey. Where's Fluttershy?"

Then the doors leading outside slammed open with a bunch of animals going inside. Fluttershy followed in, a complete mess, and shouted, "You're... going to love me!"

The ponies in the room started screaming and running around. Princess Celestia then leaned her head towards Twilight and said, "Run."

Twilight then whistled to her friends, which all of them started heading out of the room. But as Moonlight turned around, she was yanked back, screaming.

Twilight looked back towards Moonlight who was being pulled back. She called out, "Moonlight!" She then ran back, following Moonlight, the rest of them following them.

They stopped when Moonlight was taken to the stage. But there was a unicorn stallion walking up, his horn glowing, with the same aura surrounding Moonlight. That stallion was Prince Blueblood.

"You... you're responsible for everything bad that's happened tonight!" Prince Blueblood said to Moonlight, angrily. "You must pay for all of your crimes, Nightmare Moon!"

"N-no!" Moonlight said. "I'm not Nightmare Moon!"

Princess Celestia walked through the crowd, angry at what Blueblood was doing. She then said, "Let her go, Blueblood. She didn't do anything wrong."

"You still believe that this filly isn't Nightmare Moon?" Blueblood asked, angrily. "You're clueless, auntie. Am I the only one who sees the evil within her?!"

Moonlight was whimpering when she was being held up like that. Twilight then tried running up to the stage, shouting, "Let her go!"

Prince Blueblood looked down at Twilight and said, "Be quiet, peasant!" Blueblood then shot a spell at Twilight, putting a force field around her. Not only that, but Twilight was feeling... heavier.

"Wha... what's happening?!" Twilight asked, trying to stay standing.

"Twilight!" shouted Twilight's friends.

"Stop it! Stop it! STOP IT!" Moonlight shouted.

"You can't command me, monster!" Blueblood stated towards Moonlight. "You have no real royal status! You're going back to the moon where you belong!"

"ENOUGH!!" boomed another voice.

The booming voice shook the entire castle, which made the construction pony shake on the platform that was hanging from the side of the castle. She shouted in fear, almost falling off the platform. She was then hanging from it.

The crowd looked towards the source and saw... none other than Princess Luna walking towards the stage. "Blueblood, you have no right to treat a foal that way. She is not Nightmare Moon."

"Are you that blind as well?!" Blueblood stated. "Look at her! She's nothing but a monster! That's evidence enough!"

"No, it's not," Princess Luna debated. "She has caused no trouble throughout her time here."

"No trouble?" Blueblood asked. "No trouble?! How is taking over your body, kidnapping your sister, and letting Equestria fall under an eternal night no trouble?!"

"Because... I take full responsibility for the actions I caused as Nightmare Moon," Princess Luna stated. "It was my anger and jealousy that caused me to become Nightmare Moon in the first place. The foal you have in your magic aura is of a young one who had been transported here due to an unstable transportation gem. We had to get rid of them all and hoped all of them were destroyed. It would seem that one survived. And that foal is proof."

"Don't you dare try to take credit for the actions of Nightmare Moon!" Blueblood shouted. "Don't you see? She's already in your heads. Trying to convince you all that she's an innocent filly!"

"She's not the one who's treating a pony like a criminal and keeping the mother of that pony from rescuing her," Princess Celestia stated. "Blueblood, let both of them go!"

"You know this has to be done!" Blueblood stated. "And if you're not going to, I'm going to have to do this myself!" Blueblood then started running out of the castle, taking Moonlight with him.

"MOMMY!!" Moonlight called out.

Twilight heard Moonlight's cry of help. She then started pushing herself upward, then she lit up her horn, teleporting out of the force field. She was panting heavily after teleporting out of the field.

"I can't believe I fell for that stallion," Rarity said, complaining about Blueblood.

"Let's focus on tryin' ta save Moonlight," Applejack said. Then the six mares and the two princesses started chasing Blueblood.

Prince Blueblood then got out of the castle, but his path was blocked by both of the princesses, who landed in front of him. Prince Blueblood stopped, then he turned around, only to get cornered by the Mane 6.

"You are all not thinking clearly!" Prince Blueblood said. "It's because of this monster why you're all not thinking clearly."

"My daughter is not a monster! You are!" Twilight shouted at Blueblood. "Your actions towards her are proof of that!"

"My faithful student is correct, Blueblood," Princess Celestia agreed. "You have done lots of harm towards Moonlight."

"She isn't who she says she is!" Blueblood debated. "And I'm going to do what you're all too soft to..." Just then, the construction mare came down, landing on top of Blueblood. Making him drop Moonlight. Moonlight then ran over towards Twilight and the two hugged.

"Oh, boy," the construction Mare said. "That was close."

"You incompetent mare!" Blueblood shouted. "You just let one of Equestria's most dangerous monsters get away."

The mare looked at Blueblood, glaring. She then asked, "What did you call me?" She then got off of Blueblood and got a good look at him. "Oh, I remember you. You're that Prince who has no concern for anypony but himself, and think he's the most important pony in the world. You've been a real jerk to everypony who's met you, and everypony knows it."

"You don't know what you're talking about!" Blueblood shouted at the construction mare.

"I agree with that mare!" Rarity stated. "I was hoping you were a true gentlecolt tonight. But you have been thinking nothing but yourself. You even spat out sweets made with the best Apples in Equestria."

"I don't believe you," Blueblood stated. "I am the most liked of the royal family." He then saw Moonlight. "Hey!" He then grabbed her with his magic. "You are to be punished for your crimes!"

"You're accusing a little filly of horrible crimes?!" the construction mare exclaimed. "That's it!" She then pulled out one of her tools and whacked Blueblood, knocking him out.

Moonlight then ran back to Twilight, crying into her chest. Twilight then tried shushing Moonlight, making sure that she'll be alright.

Doughnut Shop... Canterlot... Equestria... August 15th... 9:15 PM...

Spike was sitting at the counter of the doughnut shop, drinking hot chocolate and scarfing down some doughnuts, having being ditched by the others.

"Hey, Pony Joe. Another donut," Spike ordered.

"Don't you think you've had enough?" Pony Joe asked.

"Another donut! Extra sprinkles!" Spike demanded. He then gave a sad face, placing his elbow on the counter, and his fist to his cheek. Just then, the bell over the door ringed.

"Twilight Sparkle, ha ha! Long time no see," Pony Joe said, looking at the door. Spike turned around to see the Mane 6 and Moonlight at the door.

Spike then got off his seat, ran towards Twilight and asked, "Hey, how was the Gala? How was your best night ever?"

"Not exactly," Twilight said, looking down at Moonlight. She was still shaking about what happened.

"What's wrong with Moonlight?" Spike asked.

"Let's just say that not everypony in Canterlot has accepted Moonlight for who she is," Twilight said. "Somepony accused Moonlight on being Nightmare Moon and tried giving her a proper punishment himself."

"Yikes," Spike said. "That does sound bad."

"And basically, it didn't go well for the rest of us," Rarity said. "The stallion I was trying to get aquatint with was a total jerk who thinks of nopony but himself, and treated me like a servant. And, he was also the same pony that tried to hurt Moonlight."

"He also trashed mah food," Applejack said. "Even though I made two sales before him. One was Moonlight, and the other one was one o' the Wonderbolts."

"Who asked me to join them for a chat, but they were too busy to even talk to me," Rainbow Dash said.

"I really thought that the Gala would be a great place to party, but it was all too bleak and boring," Pinkie said. "I tried to make things interesting, but it seemed to annoy them."

"And the animals wouldn't even come near me," Fluttershy said. "I just wanted to get to know them."

"Yikes!" Spike said. "That sounds like the worst night ever!"

"It was!" the Mane 6 stated.

"But, right now, Moonlight is upset that she was attacked," Twilight said. "Must've been worse than when she was kidnapped when she was still human."

"Well, she won't have to worry about that anymore," came an elegant voice. The group looked towards the door to see Princess Celestia walking towards them. "For his actions, Blueblood has lost his royal status, and is sentenced for life in the dungeon. No special treatments for him. Especially when it comes to attacking a filly." She then looked towards Moonlight. "You won't have to worry about Blueblood anymore, Moonlight."

"I just don't want to be treated that way ever again," Moonlight said.

"You won't," Princess Celestia said. "I'll make an announcement in the morning. Now, you should all head on home to Ponyville. School will be starting soon for Moonlight."

"Yes," Twilight said. "We're going to have to get some school supplies before she officially starts school. Saddlebags, pencils, notebooks, and some colored pencils. But, I'm sure that we can get all that stuff back in Ponyville. Let's go home."

Then the six mares, Moonlight and Spike headed out of there. Princess Celestia said, "I shall pay the bill for the donuts you have all ordered."

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... August 15th... 11:30 PM...

Twilight, Spike and Moonlight arrived back at the Golden Oaks Library. Moonlight was fast asleep on Twilight's back. Then they all headed up to the bedroom, where Stan was asleep besides Moonlight's bed. Just then, his legs started moving like he was running. Just then, in his sleep, he got up, and started running, only to hit his head into the wall, waking him up.

"Ow," Stan said. Just then, the sound of Twilight and Spike snickering came to his attention. He then sniffed them and asked, "Bad night?"

"You have no idea," Twilight said. She then used her magic to get Moonlight off of her, and then she removed the dress that Moonlight was wearing, and got the headband off of her. She then wiped off any small trace of makeup that Rarity put on Moonlight. Then she put Moonlight into the bed, and then she kissed Moonlight's forehead. "Tomorrow, we're gonna do something that will lift her spirits." Twilight then got out of her dress and removed the make up on her face. She then got into her own bed. Spike was already passed out on his bed. Stan had gotten up onto Moonlight's bed, and then Twilight fell asleep, hoping that the next day will be better for Moonlight.

Chapter 22

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Chapter 22

Schoolhouse... Ponyville... Equestria... August 17th... 8:00 AM...

Twilight walked Moonlight to the Ponyville Schoolhouse. After what Moonlight had went through on the night of the Grand Galloping Gala, Twilight had to make it up to Moonlight. After the two of them got school supplies, Twilight did something that would cheer Moonlight up. She took Moonlight to the video arcade, then the two of them did some fun things in the park. It cheered Moonlight up enough. Then they ended the day by getting pizza.

Today was the day that Moonlight starts school in Equestria. Twilight wanted to make sure that Moonlight would be okay before she leaves her there for the day. They went in and saw Cheerilee writing on the chalkboard.

"Good morning, Cheerilee," Twilight said, smiling.

Cheerilee looked towards Twilight and Moonlight, she then got a heartbroken expression and said, "Twilight. I am so sorry, but I'm afraid that something has come up. I'm afraid that the head of the school board had refused to make Moonlight a student here."

"WHAT?!" Twilight shouted. "How could somepony just do that to a filly?"

"Because this school doesn't accept monsters for students," came the voice of another mare. Twilight, Moonlight and Cheerilee looked towards the voice, and who else would it be.

"You again?!" Twilight shouted.

"Twilight, this is Spoiled Rich," Cheerilee said. "She's the head of the school board. When she saw Moonlight's papers for her to go to school, she just threw them into the garbage."

"Why?!" Twilight snapped towards Spoiled Rich. "Moonlight didn't do anything bad!"

"Yet," Spoiled Rich said. "No way I'm going to let a monster like her do any harm to any students here. As long as I'm the head of the school board, she will not be a member of this classroom."

"Is that so?" came another voice. The four of them looked towards the door to see Princess Celestia standing there.

"Princess Celestia?!" Twilight asked shocked. "What are you doing here?"

"I had a feeling that not everypony in Ponyville is okay with Moonlight being here," Princess Celestia said. "Moonlight Sparkle is going to attend this school."

"WHAT?!" Spoiled Rich argued. "No, I won't let the monstrous pony of Equestria be in a public school. If she thinks coming to school and hurt my daughter, I'll make sure that she gets imprisoned."

"The last time somepony tried to punish Moonlight for crimes she didn't do, or any future crimes she wouldn't do, that pony ended up in the dungeon for life, and loss his credibility," Princess Celestia said.

"So some random pony lost his job and ended up in the dungeon for doing what's right," said Spoiled Rich. "I'm sure that pony will be released by Prince Blueblood." That made Twilight laugh at that statement. Spoiled Rich then looked over at Twilight with an angry look. "What are you laughing at?"

"He's not a prince anymore," Twilight said. "Because that's who Princess Celestia was talking about."

"WHAT?!" Spoiled Rich shouted.

"Now, Moonlight is going to be a student of this school, no exceptions," Princess Celestia said. "If you have a problem about that, too bad. She may be different than all the other ponies, but it doesn't mean she's not like us. So stop treating her so differently."

Spoiled Rich then groaned in frustration. She then walked out of the building. Princess Celestia then levitated the form sheet for Moonlight, approving her as a student of the school.

"Okay," Cheerilee said. "School doesn't start for another half hour. Why don't you go play on the playground until the first bell rings?"

Moonlight nodded. But before she headed outside, Twilight pulled her in for a hug, and nuzzled Moonlight's cheek and said, "You have a good day at school. I'll be back to pick you up."

"Okay," Moonlight said before heading outside.

Princess Celestia smiled and said, "I better get back to Canterlot. I have some important meetings to deal with."

Twilight nodded as Princess Celestia walked out of the building. Twilight followed and Princess Celestia took off into the sky.

Moonlight then looked over at the playground, and headed for the swing set. She got onto it, but fell off, landing on her back.

"Ow..." Moonlight said, laying on her back. She then opened her eyes and saw a set of small white hooves standing in front of her. She then looked up the body and saw a young white unicorn standing there.

"You okay?" the unicorn filly asked.

"Uhh... yeah," Moonlight said. She then rolled over and stood on her hooves. "Haven't really been on a swing like this."

"Oh, you must be Moonlight," the filly said. "My big sister, Rarity, has told me all about you."

"You're... Rarity's sister?" Moonlight asked. She then thought about something. She then remembered something from her first day in Equestria. When she was being renamed for the Equestrian public, she recalled that Rainbow Dash coming up with the name, Sweet Dreams. But Rarity remarked that she had a younger sister named Sweetie Belle. This filly was the filly that Rarity mentioned on her first day in Equestria.

"Rarity said not to judge you by how you look, but who you are on the inside," the filly said. "My name's Sweetie Belle. It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too," Moonlight said. She then tried to get up onto the swings, but her hind legs missed, so her stomach was pressed against the seat. "This is embarrassing."

Sweetie Belle giggled, walked up to the swing, sat on her haunches, and had the flat part of her forehooves against the flat part of Moonlight's forehooves. She then said, "Alright, I'm gonna push you over. Get ready to catch yourself on the ground. One... two... three!"

Sweetie Belle pushed Moonlight over and she got back on the ground.

Sweetie Belle then looked over at Moonlight and asked, "Don't you know how to get on a swing set?"

"I had a lot of trouble getting onto the swing set in the park," Moonlight said. "But, the seat there was bigger than this one." Moonlight patted the seat of the swing.

"Yeah, you have a point," Sweetie Belle said. Then a bunch of other school ponies came to the playground. "Looks like a bunch of other school ponies are coming in."

"Looks like it," Moonlight said. She then felt the urge to go. "Where's the bathroom?" Sweetie Belle then pointed over at the bathrooms on the side of the building. She went into the filly's restroom and headed over to one stall, but it was locked.

"Occupied!" came the raspy voice of a filly.

Moonlight then remembered that voice and asked, "Scootaloo? Is that you?"

The sound of a toilet flushing came in and the stall opened, and out came the orange filly that Moonlight met before. She then smiled and said, "Hey, Moonlight. Nice to see you again. Starting school today?"

"Yeah," Moonlight said. "Although, that mare, Spoiled Rich, tried to keep me out."

"Hey, I get it," Scootaloo said. "You're a filly. And fillies your age should be in school."

"Yeah," Moonlight said. "I just hope that my first day of school here doesn't go on with someone bullying."

"Don't worry," Scootaloo said, smirking. "If somepony's giving you trouble, I'll help out in anyway I can."

Moonlight smiled. She then remembered why she went into the restroom and headed for the toilet, and closed the stall door behind her.

"I'll see you later, Moonlight," Scootaloo said, walking out of the bathroom. Moonlight then relieved herself and sighed. When she got out of the bathroom, the school bell started ringing. She then ran towards the door, seeing a bunch of school foals running in.

As she was about to run in, the door slammed shut on her, and she cried out, "Hey! Let me in!" She then started banging on the door with one of her forehooves. "Miss Cheerilee! Let me in!"

The door then opened up and there stood Cheerilee, smiling down at her. She then said, "I'm so sorry about that, Moonlight. I have no idea who closed the door on you. Come on in so I can introduce you to the class."

Moonlight nodded and walked inside. Most of the fillies and colts inside were surprised at Moonlight coming in. Some were scared, and one certain pink filly was angry that she arrived. Give you one guess on who shut the door on her.

Cheerilee then stood in front of the class with Moonlight standing next to her. She then called out, "Good morning, class."

"Good morning, Miss Cheerilee," the class called out. Well, most of them.

"Alright, class, it may be the first of the new school year, but we have a new student joining us," Cheerilee said. "Her name is Moonlight, and I would like you all to treat her with kindness." Most of the class got nervous when Cheerilee said that. Cheerilee then leaned down towards Moonlight and said, "You go ahead and choose an empty seat."

Moonlight nodded and looked at the class, looking for an empty seat. She then saw one at the back row and walked towards it. As she was about to pass the second row, she tripped on something, yelling as she fell. That made most of the students laugh.

"Who did that?!" Cheerilee asked angrily. She looked over at the two fillies who Moonlight was passing. One being Apple Bloom, and the other one was the pink filly who gave the angry look towards her.

The pink filly then pointed towards Apple Bloom and said, "She did it!"

"What?! No!" Apple Bloom protested. "Ah'd never do that ta Moonlight."

"It was my left leg that got caught on something," Moonlight said.

The class then looked over at the pink filly, and Miss Cheerilee then said, "Diamond Tiara, I am ashamed of you."

"Why does she even have to be here in the first place?!" Diamond Tiara asked angrily, pointing a hoof at Moonlight. "She's a monster! She could attack us at any moment!"

"No I won't!" Moonlight shouted. "You're just like that stallion, Blueblood. He attacked me, tried to punish me for things I didn't do, and you know what happened to him?"

"I'm sure he would've been awarded something good," Diamond Tiara said, smirking.

"Nope," Moonlight said. "He was stripped of his royal title, locked up in the Canterlot Dungeon for life, and was ranked the biggest jerk in Equestria."

"Yeah, right," Diamond Tiara scoffed.

"Actually," Miss Cheerilee said, walking back to her desk in front of the class. She then pulled out a newspaper and brought it back to Diamond Tiara's desk. It showed on the front page that Blueblood was behind bars. "He was. In this article called 'Biggest Jerk of Equestria Locked Up for Life!' And as you can see, it's the former Prince, Blueblood."

"Why would they punish somepony for doing the right thing?!" Diamond Tiara asked, angrily.

"Because it wasn't," Cheerilee said. "There was a law that no pony was to punish Moonlight for crimes she did not commit, Blueblood broke it, and now he's paying the price." She then looked back at Moonlight and said, "Go take your seat."

Moonlight nodded, and headed for the desk she was heading to. She then sat at her desk and looked towards the blackboard. She was hoping to pay attention to Miss Cheerilee's teachings.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... August 17th... 2:55 PM...

Moonlight arrived back at the Golden Oaks Library. Spike was there dusting the books and the shelves, standing on Stan's back. Stan looked over towards the door.

"You're home!" Stan said, running towards Moonlight, making Spike jump and hang onto the shelf.

"Hey! Stan!" Spike complained. "Get me down!" Moonlight then lit up her horn, and grabbed a hold of Spike and set him down on the ground. "Oh, thanks, Moonlight." He then noticed that Moonlight had a sad look. "What's wrong, Moonlight?"

"I had a crummy first day of school," Moonlight said. "A pink filly named Diamond Tiara tripped me, called me a monster, she even called me, Apple Bloom and Twist pathetic just because we don't have... uh... what were those things called? The pictures on a pony's flanks?"

"Oh, Cutie Marks," Spike said. "They're a mark that represents a pony's special talent. The pony who has it usually knows what it means." Spike then walked over towards a ladder and climbed up it, then he reached for a book, came down, and showed it to Moonlight. "The Cutie Mark appears when they figure out or find their special talent. They have a magic of their own."

Moonlight thought about it and looked at her own flanks, seeing no mark there. She then sighed and asked, "Does having a Cutie Mark make you better than anypony else?"

"No," Spike said. "It doesn't make you better. Depends on the personality of the pony they are." Spike then put his claws on Moonlight's shoulder. "You know that everypony has different personalities. Besides. You're not a bad pony. You're just... misunderstood."

"The way I've been treated by that filly... it was worse than the bullies at my old school," Moonlight said.

"Don't worry about it," Spike said. "I'm sure that things will get better."

"I hope you're right, Spike," Moonlight said. Stan then started licking Moonlight's left cheek, making her laugh. "H-hey! Stan! That tickles!"

Stan stopped looking and said, "I'm sure that things will get better for you."

"I hope you're right, Stan," Moonlight said. She then headed for the door. "I'm gonna go for a walk."

"Alright, Moonlight," Spike said. "I'll make sure Twilight knows where you've gone. Just be back by dinner time."

Moonlight nodded and headed out the door.

Carousel Boutique... Ponyville... Equestria... August 17th... 4:00 PM...

Moonlight walked through town, hoping to clear her mind of all the troubles she went through that day. At some moment, Rarity saw her and insisted she talk about it, back at her boutique. Rarity offered Moonlight some tea, but Moonlight refused politely, and said that she doesn't drink tea.

Moonlight then told Rarity everything that happened on her first day of school. Rarity then thought of something to cheer Moonlight up.

"You shouldn't let the words of one filly bring you down," Rarity said. "I know for one thing, you are who you choose to be. You don't have to be what other ponies want you to be." Rarity then walked over to Moonlight, rubbed the filly's head, and said, "You're a good foal. Nopony should hate you for the wrong reasons."

"She's right," came another voice. The two of them looked over to where the voice came from and there stood Sweetie Belle. "Some ponies just don't want to hear the truth on certain occasions."

"Thank you, Sweetie Belle," Rarity said. "Now, why don't you go on home and tell Twilight about today? She'll be worrying about you if you keep this from her."

Moonlight nodded and headed out, heading home to talk with Twilight. That is, if Twilight was home.

Chapter 23

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Chapter 23

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... August 20th... 9:00 PM...

Moonlight and Apple Bloom were picked on at Diamond Tiara's cute-ceañera. Moonlight being called a freak and her and Apple Bloom being called Blank Flanks. But then the teasing stopped when two more fillies came to the aid of Moonlight and Apple Bloom. It was the pegasus filly that Moonlight met when she was losing her mind, Scootaloo, and the filly that Moonlight met at the playground on her first day of the new school, Sweetie Belle. Then the four of them made a club of their own to find their special talents, calling themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

It had been a couple days since then, and Twilight was reading Moonlight a bedtime story. The name of the story was one of Twilight's favorite stories when she was a filly, 'Nyx of the Night'.

"'And with that final buck, the wolves were driven from the town,'" Twilight read as Moonlight was getting comfortable. "'And the ponies rejoiced. They had once again been saved by the only mare among them brave enough to stay out at night, the village's own black-coated guardian: Nyx of the Night. The end.'" Twilight then looked down at Moonlight, who smiled up at Twilight.

"That was a good story, Mom," Moonlight said.

"It was actually my favorite story when I was around your age," Twilight said. She then kissed Moonlight's forehead.

"Mom?" Moonlight asked. "Sweetie Belle is hosting a sleepover at Rarity's, tomorrow. I'm not sure if it's okay if I should..."

"Hey, I think you should have fun with your friends," Twilight said. "Plus, I'm actually going to be getting some more of my favorite tea from Zecora tomorrow, so I think it'll be fine."

"I just hope I don't lose my mind," Moonlight said. "You know, just like that one day."

"You're a lot more stronger than that, Moonlight," Twilight said. "Plus, Princess Luna is making sure that that won't happen. You'll be fine."

"Okay," Moonlight said before yawning. She then fell asleep.

"Good night, Moonlight," Twilight said before going to her own bed. She then closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Carousel Boutique... Ponyville... Equestria... August 21st... 4:00 PM...

The next day, Moonlight got ready for her first sleepover in Equestria. But, it's going to be a lot different due to the fact that it's an all girls sleepover, and since she used to be a human boy, it's gonna be really awkward for her. Scootaloo came riding in on her scooter with a wheelbarrow attached to it, and Apple Bloom riding inside.

Moonlight got in, and then was handed another helmet. Then Scootaloo buzzed her wings, and headed over to Carousel Boutique. When they arrived there, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo rushed into the room where Sweetie Belle, which happens to be Rarity's bedroom. Which Fluttershy was also in.

"Hi, Fluttershy! Hi, Rarity!" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo said, rushing in, heading towards Sweetie Belle. Moonlight slowly walked in, nervous about this sleepover.

"Hello, uh, girls..." Rarity said to the fillies.

"Hey, Sweetie Belle!" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo said when they reached Sweetie Belle.

"Scootaloo! Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Belle said excitedly. She then looked over at Moonlight and stated, "Hey, Moonlight!"

"Hey, Sweetie Belle," Moonlight said, not as excited as the other two.

"You ready for tonight?" Scootaloo asked.

"Yup! Cutie mark planning session is a go!" Sweetie Belle stated.

"Tonight is the night we each try to find our own special talent," Apple Bloom said.

"Even if it takes us all night!" Scootaloo stated.

"Ah'm ready! You ready?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Very ready!" Scootaloo replied.

"Cutie Mark Crusader sleepover at Rarity's! Yay!" the three fillies shouted. Moonlight got nervous.

"And... look what I made us!" Sweetie Belle said before bringing out a red cape with a logo on it. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were astonished by the capes.

Moonlight then took a look under the cape and asked, "Is that a golden fabric?"

"Golden what?!" Rarity asked, shocked. She then used her magic to lift the cape and saw the fabric on the inside of the cape. She then gasped and said, "Sweetie Belle! What have you done? That was the last of the gold silk! Oh, now I'll have to make more! Oh, I hope I can make more. I'm gonna have to work all night! Which means..." She then looked at all four fillies. "Sorry, girls, I'm afraid the Crusaders sleepover is cancelled."

"What?!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"I just won't have any time to watch you if I want to get these robes delivered on time," Rarity said.

"But..." Sweetie Belle tried to protest.

"No buts this time," Rarity said. "I'm sorry, Sweetie Belle. It's just the way it has to be."

"Awwww..." the three crusaders said, lowering their heads.

"I, uh, I suppose I could take them for the night," Fluttershy suggested, which made the Crusaders smile at her.

Rarity looked over at Fluttershy and said, "I couldn't ask you to do that." That made the Crusaders frown.

"Oh, it's no problem at all," Fluttershy said. Which made them go back to happy faces.

"Have you met my sister and her friends?" Rarity asked. "A problem is all it would be." Then the Crusaders went back to sad faces. They kept switching emotions when the two mares kept insisting.

"Did I have a problem with Opal?" Fluttershy asked, giving an example. "You've seen how well I handle small creatures!"

"I suppose that's true... and I do have a lot of work to do..." Rarity said, nervously.

"Come on, it'll be fun," Fluttershy insisted.

"I assure you, they're quite a handful," Rarity said, trying to convince Fluttershy not to do it.

"These sweet little angels?" Fluttershy asked. The two of them looked at Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, who gave wide smiles and halos appeared over their heads. That made Moonlight confused.

"Well... all right," Rarity said, giving up.

"Cutie Mark Crusader sleepover at Fluttershy's cottage! Yay!" Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo shouted. Then the three of them went out of the room, rushing past Moonlight.

"So cute," Fluttershy said with a smile. Then she remembered. "W-wait for me!" She then chased after the three fillies, grabbing Moonlight on the way.

Fluttershy's Cottage... Ponyville... Equestria... August 21st... 8:45 PM...

Moonlight and the other Crusaders were laying in Fluttershy's bed. Fluttershy just went down when the four fillies closed their eyes. After she left, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo opened a single eye each to see if Fluttershy wasn't in the room. Then the three of them got up, making Moonlight open her eyes.

"Okay, so what kind of crusading do we do next?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"There's not much we can do from this room... unless we become Cutie Mark Crusader cottage cleaners," Apple Bloom said, looking around Fluttershy's bedroom.

"N-no, thanks," Sweetie Belle said.

"Well, we have to think of somethin'," Apple Bloom said, walking around the room. "We can't just waste this opportunity to find out what our special talents are." She then looked out the window and noticed some chicken tracks heading out of a part of Fluttershy's yard. "Hey, girls! Look! Some of the chickens may have escaped!"

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Moonlight looked out the window. Sweetie Belle then said, "Into the forest!"

"Cutie Mark Crusaders chicken rescuers are go!" Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo shouting in a whispering tone. Then they headed towards the door. Moonlight then got in front of them.

"No!" Moonlight shouted in a whispered tone.

"Moonlight!" Scootaloo quietly shouted. "What are you doing?!"

"We agreed to stay here for the night," Moonlight said. "Nothing too dangerous. Especially what Mom said."

"Oh, c'mon, Moonlight," Scootaloo shouted in a whispering tone. "This might be our chance of getting our Cutie Marks! We gotta go get that chicken."

"I'm not going out there," Moonlight whispered. "It's too dangerous. Even for someone our age."

"It's okay, Moonlight," Apple Bloom whispered. "Ya don't have ta come with us if ya don't want." Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo quietly went downstairs, Apple Bloom following.

Moonlight looked around, hoping that she wouldn't get in trouble. But then that emotion went away when she had to use the bathroom. Moonlight then opened the bathroom door and headed towards the toilet.

"Girls!" Fluttershy's voice came from outside the bathroom door.

"Fl-Fluttershy?!" Moonlight asked, nervously.

Fluttershy slammed open the bathroom door and said, "Moonlight!"

"Whoa! Little privacy!" Moonlight said, covering her private area.

"Sorry!" Fluttershy said, closing the door. Then she asked from behind the door, "Where are the other girls?"

"They saw some chicken foot prints coming from your yard and heading into the forest!" Moonlight said. "They thought it was a good idea... to..."

"The Everfree Forest?!" Fluttershy asked, shocked. "We gotta go in there and get them!"

Moonlight then finished and flushed the toilet. She then washed her hooves. She then thought of something as she headed out of the bathroom and said, "One day, we really gotta find out why we wash our hooves if we're gonna walk on them?"

Fluttershy thought about that and nodded. She then put Moonlight on her back and headed out of the cottage. She then said, "Those girls have really done it this time! They've really bitten off more than they can chew! Oh, just like me! I never should have offered to watch them." She then took a deep breath, and walked in, with Moonlight on her back.

Everfree Forest... Equestria... August 21st... 9:30 PM...

Fluttershy, with Moonlight on her back, walked through the Everfree Forest, looking for Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Moonlight was getting scared, but not as scared as Fluttershy. But then they noticed something.

"Mom?" Moonlight asked, looking towards what was in front of them.

"Oh, Twilight, it is you," Fluttershy said, walking up to it. "Thank goodness you're here. I need your help. The girls are out here somewhere, and I'm afraid that they're..." When they walked up to it, it was confirmed that it was Twilight. Too bad that Twilight was turned to stone. That made both Moonlight and Fluttershy gasp. "Oh! What's happened to you?"

"Mom?!" Moonlight said, jumping off of Fluttershy's back, running towards her stoned adoptive mother. "Mom! Mommy!" She tried to hug Twilight, but the statue fell on it's side. "What... what happened to her?"

"If Twilight was turned to stone, it must mean..." Fluttershy started explaining, but then she got worried. "Oh no, the girls!" She then looked back towards Moonlight. "Moonlight, you stay here. I'll be back."

"But, what if something's out here?" Moonlight asked.

"If you hear something that almost sounds like a chicken, close your eyes," Fluttershy said. "It's a cockatrice. It's what turns a living creature into stone just by looking into their gaze. If it's something else..." She then thought about it. She then asked, "Twilight has taught you how to make a barrier around yourself, didn't she?" Moonlight nodded. "Alright. You surround a barrier around you and Twilight until I get back with the girls."

Moonlight nodded, and then Fluttershy ran off, searching for the other Crusaders.

Everfree Forest... Equestria... August 21st... 9:35 PM...

Moonlight waited for Fluttershy to come back while laying near Twilight's stone body. She had tears in the corners of her eyes. But then, she heard something. The sounds of her friends screaming.

Moonlight looked towards the noise and saw Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo running towards her, and they tackled her.

"Girls!" Moonlight said, recovering. "What are..." She then saw the expressions on their faces. But they weren't looking at Moonlight, they were looking at Twilight's stone body. They then screamed and started running around that area, then Fluttershy ran towards them.

"Girls, please. Girls— now listen to me, girls, I— please!" Fluttershy said, trying to calm the girls.

Just then, the sound of something squawking came to their attention, and a cockatrice came towards them.

"Girls! Behind me, now!" Fluttershy commanded, and the four fillies got behind Fluttershy. They were all scared. When Fluttershy looked back at the cockatrice, angry, and using the stare. "You should be ashamed of yourself. I have a mind to find your mother and tell her what you've been up to, young man." The cockatrice got scared, but then he tried using it's glare to turn her to stone, but it was working slowly. "Now you go over there, and turn Elizabeak and my friend Twilight back to normal, and don't ever let me catch you doing this again. Do you understand me?" The cockatrice got scared, and walked away, turning everything it turned to stone back to normal. Fluttershy looked towards the four fillies and asked, "Are you girls all right? I was so worried!"

"Yeah, fine!" Scootaloo said.

"Thanks to that stare of yours," Sweetie Belle said.

"You're like the queen of stares," said Scootaloo. "You're the..."

"Stare Master!" Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo shouted.

"We're sorry we snuck out of the house and into the forest," Sweetie Belle apologized.

"Yeah. We'll listen to you from now on," Apple Bloom added. "Even if Moonlight isn't okay with it."

"You kidding me?" Moonlight asked. "This place is as creepy as the Shu Swamp Nature Preserve at night. Miss Sheers hid that diamond that transported me here and made me this way." She motioned her hoof to make the others look at her body.

"We promise to listen," Scootaloo said.

"Oh, you do, do you?" Fluttershy playfully asked. "Well, you better, or I'll give you... the Stare!" She then used a fake stare towards the four fillies, making them giggle, with Fluttershy joining in.

"What... what happened?" came the voice of Twilight. The five of them looked towards Twilight, seeing her recover.

"Mom!" Moonlight said, running up to Twilight. She hugged Twilight tightly. "I almost thought you were gone."

"What? Gone? What do you...?" Twilight asked, confused of Moonlight's words.

Fluttershy walked up to Twilight and said, "You were turned to stone by a cockatrice."

"A cockatrice?!" Twilight asked, shocked. "Well, that explains why I'm a bit woozy." She then fainted.

Moonlight got worried, and then she looked back up at Fluttershy and asked, "Is that a side effect of being purified by a cockatrice's glare?"

"It'll pass," Fluttershy said. "I'll... carry her on my back and she'll be back to her normal self in the morning." She then looked at Moonlight and asked, "You mind levitating her onto my back?"

Fluttershy's Cottage... Ponyville... Equestria... August 22nd... 8:30 AM...

Twilight was having tea with Fluttershy, writing down a report to the princess. Moonlight stayed with her throughout the night to make sure she'll be alright.

"Well, I'll take Moonlight back home," Twilight said. "I'm sure that things will be alright from now on."

Rarity and Fluttershy nodded, and then Twilight and Moonlight walked away from the cottage.

Twilight looked down at Moonlight and said, "I'm sorry that I worried you last night, Moonlight. But being turned to stone by a cockatrice was not on my list of things to do yesterday."

"I know," Moonlight said. "It's just... after you were turned to stone, I almost thought you were... you know."

Twilight nodded and said, "I understand. It would've been a lot tougher for you. Since you already lost your birth parents. But, you're not going to lose me that easily. Now, how about we do some mother/daughter activities today? Just you and me?"

"Okay," Moonlight said, hugging her. Twilight smiled and hugged her back.

"TWILIGHT!"

The two of them were shocked to see Spike, who was riding on Stan's back, heading towards them.

"Spike? Stan?" Twilight asked.

"We were worried!" Spike said. "You didn't come home last night!"

"I was going to run out to follow your scent," Stan said, "but I missed all my naps during the day time yesterday."

"It's okay," Twilight said to the two of them. "I'll explain on the way home." Then the four of them headed on home. "It all started when I was on my way to Zecora's. When all of a sudden, Fluttershy was..."

Chapter 24

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Chapter 24

Castle Grounds... Canterlot... Equestria... August 31st... 11:00 AM...

The Ponyville Schoolhouse was going on a class field trip to Canterlot. Miss Cheerilee was teaching the class about the sculptures in the garden they were going through. As the class was passing through, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo weren't getting along that day. Moonlight was getting a little worried from her friends behavior. But it wasn't like this a few days before that, when they found out that it was Rainbow Dash's first Sonic Rainboom that made her and the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony got their Cutie Marks.

They all reached a certain statue of a creature made of different animal parts. Cheerilee then asked what that statue represented, the Crusaders saying different things. Such as confusion, evil and chaos. Which were all correct in a way, which all meant Discord. The creature was a draconequus. A being with the head of a pony, and a body of many other creatures.

Moonlight then noticed something coming from the chest of the statue, squinting her eyes towards the statue's chest. Just then, she was bumped down to the ground, something falling out of her saddlebags. Moonlight looked towards whoever pushed her, and saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, walking away from her with the class, both fillies giving a look that they felt more superior to her.

Moonlight then got up, and followed the rest of the class. As soon as she got to the front of the class, Cheerilee stopped and said, "Before we continue, we were told that it's going to be a hot day. So everypony put on some sunscreen."

All the school foals stopped, reached into their saddlebags, and got out their sunscreen. But Moonlight, she couldn't find it anywhere in her saddlebags.

"Where is it?" Moonlight asked. She then thought of something. "It must've fell out when Diamond Tiara pushed me over."

"Diamond Tiara!" Cheerilee said angrily towards the pink filly. "Is that true? Did you push over Moonlight?"

"She should've been watching the class moving on," Diamond Tiara scoffed. "I didn't even push her that hard."

Moonlight groaned and said, "I'll be right back." She then rushed back down the path, and saw her bottle of sunscreen. She smiled and grabbed it with her magic. She then used her magic to apply the sunscreen. Although, she couldn't see the spots where she didn't put sunscreen. Even though she tried to look. Then something took the sunscreen from her magic.

"Let me help you with that."

Moonlight then stopped, got confused, and then she felt something applying the sunscreen on the places she couldn't see or reach. Just then, her saddlebags opened, and the bottle of sunscreen was put back in.

"Um... thank... you...?" Moonlight thanked what helped her, before she got a shocking experience.

"Boo." It was a creature of different animal parts.

Moonlight screamed, and tried running away, but her hooves didn't take her anywhere because her tail was grabbed by the creature.

"Oh, Moonie, I thought you'd be a lot more respectable than that," the creature said, starting to circle Moonlight. "I thought that the two of us... could have some fun. Causing Chaos across the land. How would you like that?"

Just then, the creature was blasted away from there, letting go of Moonlight. Moonlight looked towards where the blast came from and saw somepony she was glad to see.

"Keep away from my niece!" Shining Armor stated.

"Uncle Shining!" Moonlight said, running up to him. Shining grabbed Moonlight, and he put her on his back, running towards the rest of the class before the creature recovered.

"So the Discord statue wasn't just a statue, but a prison," Shining Armor said. "I'll lead your class away from here." As soon as he said that, he noticed them heading down the path. He ran right pass them, stopped in front of them and said, "Sorry to disappoint you all, but something has come up and all of you have to leave back to Ponyville."

"Oh, really?" Cheerilee asked.

"Yes, everypony back to the train station, quickly," Shining Armor said.

Cheerilee then noticed Moonlight on Shining Armor's back and asked, "Is that one of my students?"

"It would seem that the draconequus statue wasn't really a statue, but a prison," Shining Armor said. "And Moonlight here has gotten a bit traumatized. I'll take her home personally to her mom, Twilight Sparkle."

"How do you know she's Twilight Sparkle's daughter?" Cheerilee asked.

Shining Armor smiled and said, "Twilight Sparkle is my younger sister." That made the class shocked to see that Moonlight not only was she on the back of the captain of the royal guard, but that the captain was her uncle. "Now, get going!" The class then started running away from that area. Shining Armor then ran towards the castle with Moonlight still on his back.

Castle... Canterlot... Equestria... August 31st... 11:10 AM...

Shining Armor ran into the castle's throne room, Moonlight still on his back. He stopped and looked up towards Princess Celestia, who was stunned to see both Shining Armor and Moonlight coming in.

"Shining Armor," Princess Celestia said. "Might I ask why you've barged in here? And with your niece?"

"Princess Celestia," Shining Armor said, bowing. "There's a slight problem. It would seem that the statue representing Discord... has been broken, and the creature inside it is loose."

That made Princess Celestia gasp and say, "Get Moonlight back to Ponyville, and alert your sister about this. Tell her and her friends to meet me up here in Canterlot."

"Yes, your highness," Shining Armor said. "I'll get a chariot that can fit six ponies for Twilight and her friends to fit in."

Princess Celestia nodded, and then Shining Armor and Moonlight headed out of the throne room. As soon as he left, he looked back at Moonlight.

"Everything's going to be okay, Moonlight," Shining Armor said. "I'm gonna get you back home and protect you."

"I didn't think something like that was possible," Moonlight said.

"I know," Shining Armor said. "Now, let's get you home."

Sweet Apple Acres... Ponyville... Equestria... August 31st... 12:00 PM...

The Mane 6 and Spike were at Sweet Apple Acres to undo all the craziness going on. Twilight tried using a spell to undo all of the chaos happening, but it failed. She then came up with a plan B. She had Rainbow Dash round up all the pink cotton candy clouds that were raining chocolate milk, then Applejack used her lasso to pull the clouds down to the ground, and all the animals with long legs went over to the cloud, eating it.

"You see, Spike?" Twilight asked. "You should never give up. There's nothing we can't overcome if we all work together."

Just then, they saw a chariot coming down. It landed right by the group, and out came Shining Armor and Moonlight. All of them were surprised to see both of them exiting the chariot.

"Shining Armor?" Twilight asked. "What are you doing here?"

"There's some trouble going on," Shining Armor said before looking around. "I see that it's happening here as well."

"So, why are you here?" Twilight asked. "And why did you bring Moonlight back from her field trip?"

"Basically, the one causing this was a statue in a part of Canterlot where her school was having their field trip," Shining Armor said. "Princess Celestia expects you all to be in Canterlot. I'll stay here to protect Moonlight. Spike, just in case we need to get in contact with the princess, we're going to need you to stay as well."

Spike saluted and said, "You got it, Shining." Then the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony got into the chariot.

"Alright, stallions," Shining Armor said. "Get these six mares to the castle." The Royal Guard nodded, and then they started flapping their wings, taking the six mares to Canterlot. "Alright, Moonlight. Let's get you home."

Moonlight and Spike nodded, and then both of them got on Shining Armor's back. Then Shining Armor started running towards town.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... August 31st... 12:30 PM...

Shining Armor brought Spike and Moonlight back to the Golden Oaks Library, moving through all the chaos. As soon as they went in, Shining Armor lit up his horn, and then a barrier surrounded the place.

"What are you doing?" Moonlight asked.

"I put up a barrier that shields the place from Discord's Chaos Magic," Shining Armor said. "Now, we all have to stay here until this chaos all blows over."

Moonlight then looked over at the books and asked, "What defeated that thing in the first place?"

"According to Princess Celestia, she and Luna had defeated him using the Elements of Harmony," Shining Armor said.

Moonlight looked at the bookshelves and saw a book that said, "The Elements of Harmony: The Reference Guide." She walked over towards it and pulled it out.

"Maybe there's something in here that can help defeat that thing," Moonlight said. She then opened it up, and she saw five necklaces and a crown, all with gems on them. "What the heck?!"

Shining Armor and Spike looked over Moonlight's shoulders and gasped as well.

"The Elements of Harmony?!" Spike asked, shocked. "But, I thought they were locked away in Canterlot!"

"Discord must've moved them here, and tricking Twilight and her friends," Shining Armor said. "Spike, get a message to the Princess, immediately."

Spike saluted, and then he took out a quill and parchment. He then started writing down what happened. As soon as he finished writing, he blew his emerald flames on it, sending it to Princess Celestia. Just then, there was a huge pounding coming from outside. The three of them headed out the door, Moonlight bringing the Elements of Harmony, and all three of them seeing Discord pounding the barrier with a door basher.

"Not! Fair!" Discord shouted. "I was going to have some fun with messing with those six mares and their personalities, and you're messing with it!"

"You think it's fun to mess with the lives of other ponies for no reason?" Shining Armor asked, angrily. "I'm making sure that you're going back where you belong!"

Discord gave Shining Armor an angry look, and then he saw Moonlight. He smirked and said, "Hello, there, Moonie."

Moonlight got scared and stepped back, hiding behind Shining Armor.

"Oh, what have we here?" Discord asked, looking up and down Moonlight's body from outside the barrier. "It would seem that we have a victim from the curse of the Eye of the Night."

"How would you know about those diamonds?!" Spike asked, angrily, hugging Moonlight.

"Who do you think was the one who put that curse on those diamonds in the first place?" Discord asked, smirking.

Moonlight's eyes narrowed. Then from the corners of her eyes, tears started streaming. She then got angry, and stomped towards Discord.

"IT WAS YOU?!" Moonlight shouted, using the Royal Canterlot Voice. "YOU MADE ME THIS WAY?! WHY?!"

Discord had some sound cancelling headphones over his ears, but they weren't helping much. He then removed them and said, "I just like to cause chaos whenever I want to. Oh, those poor saps never saw it coming." He then put the headphones back on.

"IT'S NOT FUNNY FOR THOSE WHO WERE USING THOSE DIAMONDS!!" Moonlight continued shouting. She then got out of the barrier, walking towards Discord. "YOU'RE THE REASON I ENDED UP THIS WAY!!"

"Moonlight! No!" Spike shouted, running towards the filly.

"Get back in the barrier!" Shining Armor said.

It was too late. Moonlight was then floating up in the air, like she was in a zero gravity field. Discord then went face to face with Moonlight, smirking.

"Oh, my little pony," Discord said, giving Moonlight an evil glare. "It would seem that you need an attitude adjustment. I will make sure that you're going to appreciate what I've done." Just then, circles of colors came from Discord's pupils, then repeating from Moonlight's. She was being hypnotized.

"NO!!" Spike and Shining Armor shouted, running out of the barrier. When they were about to grab Moonlight, they were both trapped in two separate cages.

"Hey!" Spike shouted. He then kicked the cage, hurting his foot. "Ow!! Let us out!" He then started pounding on the cage, trying to get out.

"Sorry, you two," said Discord, smirking. "This is my way of ruling Equestria through Chaos, and there's nothing you can do to stop me."

"Moonlight!" Spike and Shining Armor shouted, trying to get Moonlight to snap out of it.

Moonlight's Subconscious... August 31st... Time: Unknown...

Moonlight woke up. She looked around and saw that she was in a world full of complete chaos. Moonlight then tried to move, but her limbs were stuck. She looked at her right foreleg, and saw that it was shackled and chained up. Along with her other hooves, her wings, and even her tail. Moonlight then tried to pull them free, but when she tried, the chains stretched like rubber bands and snapped back.

"What?!" Moonlight asked. She then looked around, looking for somepony to help her. "Help! Somepony! Help!"

"Nick..." came a faint voice.

Moonlight stopped struggling, looking around. Just then, her scenery changed to New York City, and the chains wrapped around her vanished. She looked around, searching for the voice.

"Nick..." the voice repeated.

"M-Mommy?" Moonlight asked, looking around. She saw that she was in Central Park. She then started running, trying to find the source of the voice.

"Nick..." When the voice came again, Moonlight stopped, and turned her head towards the voice. There, she saw two silhouettes. Silhouettes of two humans she hadn't seen in a long time. She then started running towards them, but another voice came in.

"You're seriously going to fall for that?" Moonlight stopped and looked around.

"Who... who's there?" Moonlight asked, getting nervous.

Moonlight then heard hoofsteps, coming from behind her. Moonlight turned around and saw a cloaked figure coming towards her. The figure was around her size, and Moonlight was getting nervous.

"Don't be afraid, Nick," the figure said. "I'm not here to hurt you. I can't hurt you even if I wanted to."

"Who are you?" Moonlight asked.

"All I can say is... a friend," the figure said, removing the cloak, showing what she looks like.

Moonlight was astonished by the figure's appearance. She looked almost exactly like her current body. Moonlight then stepped back, getting away from the figure.

"Who... who are you?" Moonlight asked.

"Ever since you had the mental trouble that day, Princess Luna decided to come up with a way to make sure you wouldn't be corrupted again," the filly said. "I am your subconscious guardian. You may call me Nyx."

"Nyx?" Moonlight asked. "Like the story, Nyx of the Night?"

The figure known as Nyx nodded. She then said, "And right now, you're about to be corrupted by the Lord of Chaos." She then pointed at the two figures. "Those two aren't your birth parents. They're a mental illusion created by Discord to make you do what he wants. He wants you to keep the Elements of Harmony away from your adoptive mother and her friends."

"Wh-what?" Moonlight asked.

"Don't give in to Discord's chaos," Nyx said. "The best thing for you to do is to let your parents go. No matter what, they will always be apart of your heart. It's time to say goodbye to them."

Moonlight then looked over at the silhouettes. She had tears in her eyes as she watched the silhouette of her birth mother waving her arms for her to come towards her. Moonlight then started crying.

With a silent voice, Moonlight said to the silhouettes, "Good... goodbye, Mommy... goodbye, daddy..." She then turned away from them, following Nyx away from the silhouettes.

Golden Oaks Library... Ponyville... Equestria... August 31st... 12:35 PM...

Shining Armor and Spike were trying to bust out of their cages as fast as possible to save Moonlight. Discord then let go of Moonlight, dropping her to the ground.

"MOONLIGHT!!" Shining Armor and Spike shouted. Just then, the cages around them vanished. They then ran towards Moonlight, trying to see if she was okay.

"I wouldn't get your hopes up," Discord said. "She's now what I want her to be. She'll be leaving Ponyville, and taking the Elements of Harmony with her."

"No... I'm... not..."

Those three words did not come from any of the three males there. The three of them looked towards Moonlight. She turned towards Discord, giving him an angry glare.

"I'm not what you want me to be," Moonlight said. "I'm not going to be what you want me to be. You might have made me what I am today, but I will not be what you want me to be!"

Discord gasped at what came out of Moonlight's mouth. He then asked, "How is this possible? Nopony can resist my chaotic corruption."

"Maybe because she's not like any other pony!"

The group looked over and saw the Mane 6 running towards them. Moonlight smiled, and tossed the Elements of Harmony towards the Mane 6. Twilight caught the Elements of Harmony in her own magic, and put them on her friends and her own head. Then the six of them activated their Elements and created a Rainbow Laser, heading towards Discord.

"No. NO!!!" Discord shouted as his body was being turned to stone. Then his statue fell over, and everything in Ponyville went back to normal.

After the Mane 6 returned to the ground, they walked over to Moonlight, Spike and Shining Armor. Twilight then pulled Moonlight in for a hug, saying, "Thanks for letting us know. I couldn't ask anypony else to be my child."

Moonlight smiled as she was hugging Twilight, but the smile faded when she remembered something that Discord said.

Shining Armor walked up to Twilight and said, "Twylie, there's something you have to know."

Castle... Canterlot... Equestria... September 1st... 12:00 PM...

The next day, the Mane 6 reported what happened about Discord, and what he had done over 1000 years ago. Princess Celestia was very surprised at the news.

"So, it was Discord who was responsible for making the Eye of the Night having a monstrous transformation enchantment," Princess Celestia repeated. "I should have known. Only he would have done something so cruel just for fun."

"So, even though Moonlight was unintentionally brought here, I wouldn't ask her for any other foal to call my own," Twilight said, looking down at Moonlight. "She's my foal, and I'm not going to let anything else change my mind."

Moonlight smiled up at Twilight, and hugged her. Princess Celestia smiled and said, "I couldn't be any more prouder of you, Twilight. You have become a whole lot more social than when you were around her age."

"I guess I couldn't ask for anything else," Twilight said. She then turned around. "Alright, girls, and Spike. Let's head on back to Ponyville."

The Mane 6, Spike and Moonlight headed for the door. But as she was walking, she heard a voice she heard.

"You did good, Moonlight."

Moonlight's eyes narrowed and saw Nyx walking right beside her. At first, she was about to ask her something, but then she looked around to see the Mane 6 and Spike continuing their walking through the castle.

"Don't worry about them," Nyx said, smiling. "Nopony can see or hear me but you. I'm going to be a part of you, to protect you from corruptions." Moonlight was about to speak out loud, but Nyx spoke again. "Don't talk out loud. Just think, and I'll respond."

"Am I going to have to tell Mom about this?" Moonlight thought.

"The choice is up to you," Nyx said. "I'll be waiting to talk to you if you want me to." She then faded from her view. Moonlight then smiled, and sped up to Twilight, walking with her until they reach the Train Station, ready to head home.

THE END?

Author's Notes:

It was Discord who made the ones who enchanted the Eye of the Night to transform the users into an age equivalent monster. But, if it wasn't for him, Moonlight wouldn't be there. Things will be a lot more different from then on.

I will let you all know if I will make a sequel to this story. Thank you all for reading my story. And thank you for so many likes.

I have to say, having Moonlight being with us has been a lot of fun. Especially with my friends and family.

Eeyup. Ah've never thought Ah'd warm up ta the li'l filly. She really is a good filly.

Call me whenever her birthday comes up!

Really? When exactly is Moonlight's Birthday? Or are you going to make the day we met her her birthday?

Of course not, Rainbow Dash. I'm going to ask Moonlight when her birthday is. Like I'd give her an entirely different birthday.

I must agree with Twilight, Rainbow. Moonlight's age didn't change. So, it would make sense that she would have the same birthday.

Yes. I agree with the others. Yippee.

Hey, hey, don't get all excited. We'll have to see if I can come up with a sequel to this story. Don't you assume I'm gonna start on it asap.

Sorry!